ã€ŠRebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chiefã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Driven to the Grave

    <h4>Chapter 1: Driven to the Grave</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the hot summer holidays of July, the tarred roads exuded a pungent smell ofcquer under the scorching heat of the sun, as if they were melting.

    The air above the ground shimmered as hot air evaporated under the heat.

    On an extremely sunny day like this, the street was very quiet. Even the traffic flow was low. Everyone was in cooler ces to avoid the heat.

    Wearing a washed-out white shirt and pair of a dull suit pants, a woman dashed towards the Second People¡¯s Hospital.

    Her hair was stered to her sweaty face and her cheeks had an unusual flush. Obviously, she was badly scorched by the heat.

    Her white shirt was wet due to sweating and she felt ufortable. But Qiao Nan had no time to worry about all that. She held tightly to her bag, where 100,000 yuan could be found.

    She had sold all her valuables and painstakingly raised this sum of money. Her elder sister¡¯s surgery cost 200,000 yuan. She would have to find a way to raise the remaining 100,000 yuan.

    Headed straight to the ward, as Qiao Nan¡¯s hands touched the doorknob, she overheard the conversation between the mother-daughter pair in the room.

    ¡°Mom, it was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault. If not for her, Da Jun would not have divorced me.¡± This was the voice of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan¡¯s sister.

    ¡°Stop crying, I¡¯ve already disciplined Qiao Nan,¡± said Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, as she held her elder daughter¡¯s head, as her heart ached.

    Qiao Nan, who was standing outside the room, was shocked. Hadn¡¯t her sister had an affair which resulted in Chen Jun divorcing her? But what did this have to do with her?

    At the thought of Chen Jun, Qiao Nan felt a tinge of sadness.

    Chen Jun was Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend. However, Qiao Zijin became pregnant with his child. Ding Jiayi chastised Qiao Nan for this. She said that Qiao Nan had malicious intent and was a small brute with no conscience as she not only snatched her own sister¡¯s boyfriend, but also forced her to abort the foetus.

    Eventually, Qiao Nan had to give up the rtionship with Chen Jun and allowed them to be together.

    ¡°Mom, Da Jun divorced me. My child is also not by my side and I have contracted this kind of illness. What should I do? Mom, I do not wish to die. I have not fulfilled my filial piety as a daughter to you. I really do not wish to die.¡±

    In the ward, Qiao Zijin hugged Ding Jiayi and cried. She was still so young and had a bright future ahead of her. Qiao Zijin really did not wish to die.

    Ding Jiayi was extremely touched when she heard her elder daughter¡¯s intent to be filial to her despite being seriously ill.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s back and said, ¡°No. Mom will not let anything happen to you. Owing to Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, Mom has already raised the expenses for you. When we have 200,000 yuan, you will recover soon.¡±

    Shortly after Qiao Zijin divorced Chen Jun, she had kidney failure and needed an immediate kidney transnt.

    However, Qiao Zijin was in the wrong in this marriage as she had an extra-marital affair. Hence, she left the marriage without any maintenance or maritalpensation. Now that she had contracted this illness, she had no means to pay for her medical bills.

    Although Qiao Nan had been used to her mother¡¯s favoritism, she could not help but feel hurt by this conversation.

    She was already 40 years old. After she broke up with Chen Jun, she never had another rtionship. It was not that she was not willing to, it was because her mother would not let her.

    Over the years, she had given most of her ie to her mother. Her mother used the money that she had earned and bought a 150 square-meter suite for her elder sister. She had to stay in a 90 square-meter rented apartment.

    She paid all her parents¡¯ household bills. Everytime her sister visited her parent¡¯s home, her sister brought something but also took away more when she left.

    At this age, she was still not married and had been teased by others as being left on the shelves. Qiao Nan knew that her mother would not let her get married as she wanted her to continue giving her household allowances.

    But this was her own mother. Every time she nned to attend a match-making session, her mother would make a fuss and threaten tomit suicide. Qiao Nan had no choice.

    All these efforts seemed to be in vain when she heard her mother calling her a wretched girl. Especially after she heard that Qiao Zijin was pushing the entire me of her extra-marital affair and divorce to her, she held on tightly to the money in her hand. Suddenly, she did not feel like giving the money to Qiao Zijin.

    Before Qiao Nan left, she heard thest conversation which left her in utter despair.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not so easy. What if I cannot find apatible kidney even after Qiao Nan has raised the money? The doctor said that as long my next-of-kin could donate a kidney to me, the match would be better and my body would not face rejection so easily.¡±

    In the arms of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin said pitifully, ¡°If I could have a loved one¡¯s kidney, most likely I would be able to reduce my medical treatment expenses.¡±

    ¡°It would not be so easy to find, some people died before the opportunity came!¡±

    Qiao Zijin knew very well that money alone was not enough to solve her problem and allow her to continue to live on. She had to find other alternatives.

    ¡°Would you like me to go for the blood test?¡± Ding Jiayi asked with some hesitation.

    Qiao Zijin shook her head again and again. Her mother was already old and her kidney was definitely not as good and healthy. Since she would be having a transnt, she might as well get a good one. ¡°Mom, you gave birth to and raised me, I can¡¯t bear to let you go under the knives. Same for Dad as well.¡±

    ¡°That...¡± Ding Jiayi thought for a moment, and her eyes lit up. ¡°When the wretched girles, I¡¯ll get her to do the blood test. She is your biological sister. I am sure it will be suitable!¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. But Qiao Nan may not agree. After all, this is a kidney.¡± Qiao Zijin had a scheming look in her eyes.

    For the sake of survival and as a precautionary measure, she would never let Qiao Nan reject this.

    ¡°Miss Qiao, you came to see your sister. Why won¡¯t you go in?¡± Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi heard the nurse¡¯s voice at the door during the conversation.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed greatly. ¡°Mom... was our earlier conversation overhead by Qiao Nan, that wretched girl?¡±

    Without a word, Ding Jiayi got up and ran out. She saw Qiao Nan¡¯s back and shouted her name loudly.

    Qiao Nan heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s shouts. She refused to turn back or stop. Tears were rolling down uncontrobly. She was heartbroken.

    For the sake of her mother and sister, she did not even have a home of her own. However, they not only schemed for her money, but also wanted her kidney.

    Ding Jiayi might not have fully understood Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, but Qiao Nan did. The more she did, the more she hated. She felt that even if she had owed the Qiao family, she had sacrificed enough!

    Perhaps maternal love was indeed ¡°noble¡±. Seeing that the younger daughter had run away, Ding Jiayi was afraid that the elder daughter¡¯s illness would not be cured. Ding Jiayi¡¯s steps quickened, caught up with Qiao Nan and fiercely grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hair.

    ¡°You wretched girl! You obviously don¡¯t have a conscience. You know that your sister is having such a serious illness, and you still want to leave her in the lurch. Come here...¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s head hurt and just as she tried to tell her mom that this was dangerous on the street, a car came towards her.

    There was a deafening crash. Qiao Nan was in so much pain that she could not speak. She forced herself to open her eyes as she wanted to see how her mother was.

    Having released her hand when she saw the iing car, Ding Jiayi was really scared. Seeing her younger daughter lying in a pool of blood, she ran over and said, ¡°Qiao Nan, you... if you were dead, it might be a good thing too. At least you can help your sister. Zijin would have both kidney and money!¡±

    If her younger daughter was killed, the person who hit her mustpensate them.

    When she heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, Qiao Nan gave Ding Jiayi a deadly stare. Before the ambnce arrived, she would have been driven to the grave by her!

 Chapter 2 - Fever

    <h4>Chapter 2: Fever</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was so hot. Qiao Nan felt like she was on fire, as if her entire body was burning to ashes.

    After a long struggle, Qiao Nan finally opened her eyes. She did not see a white ward, but an old and familiar room.

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan is sick, is it alright that we leave her alone?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Your sister is very tough and used to a hard life. Such a minor illness will not take her life. Moreover, she will be starting school the day after. It is a good thing that she is sick, so that she can¡¯t enroll for school.¡±

    Concerned about matters rted to her elder daughter, Ding Jiayi figured that if her younger daughter missed the opportunity to enrol for school due to the illness, she could then cajole the wretched girl to give up her studies and find a job to earn ie.

    ¡°Mom, this watermelon is so sweet. Take a bite too.¡± Satisfied with what she had heard, Qiao Zijin smiled and fed Ding Jiayi a mouthful of watermelon.

    When she heard the dialogue between the mother-daughter pair, Qiao Nan, who had a high fever, finally knew where she was.

    Time had turned back to 25 years ago and she was back at the house of the Qiao family. The then 15-year-old Qiao Nan had a high fever and missed the school¡¯s enrolment deadline. It was the year that she was cajoled by her mother to quit school and find a job to support Qiao Zijin.

    That year, the night before Qiao Nan¡¯s fever, it was raining cats and dogs. Because it was autumn, the weather was particrly cold.

    Qiao Nan remembered that she had covered herself with a nket before she went to sleep that night. However, when she was awake and already feeling sick, the entire nket was found at the end of the bed.

    While Qiao Nan vaguely recalled that, when the rain was at its heaviest in the middle of the night, someone seemed to have entered her room.

    Eventually, Qiao Nan was not covered by the nket. Even the window by the bedside was wide open.

    If this was not the case, Qiao Nan would not have gotten a cold and fever.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan always believed that someone hade to her room. As for the window that was closed before she slept and opened subsequently, she assumed that it was an illusion ¨C that she was too sick and confused.

    But this time, Qiao Nan did not think that was the case.

    ¡°Last night¡±, someone must have been to her room. Not only had the person removed her nket, but they had also intentionally opened the window. The motive was to cause her to fall sick so that she would miss the school enrolment deadline!

    Just when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were spending happy time together, there was a loud bang that stunned both of them.

    ¡°Nan, Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, who was happily holding and eating half the watermelon, turned stiff. She felt extremely awkward as she held the spoon, and was undecided on whether to continue to hold or put it down.

    Seeing the half of the watermelon in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand, Qiao Nanughed to herself.

    Qiao Zijin was spoilt by their mother. Since a young age, she was overbearing and selfish. Qiao Zijin had a habit when eating watermelon. She like to hold half the watermelon and eat it with a spoon all by herself.

    But it was in the 1980s now. Their financial situation was not as good. So every time Ding Jiayi bought watermelons, she would tell Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin that she had only bought half the fruit.

    But Qiao Nan saw it with her own eyes that Qiao Zijin was holding half the watermelon and eating it.

    Qiao Zijin was allowed to eat half a watermelon. When it came to Qiao Nan, she would be lucky if she could have a ¡°strand¡± of watermelon to eat!

    ¡°You wretched girl, why did you kick the door. Who do you want to scare?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face, that disyed no sign of guilt, turned ck. She pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s nose and started scolding.

    Qiao Nan was hanging on despite her sickness, ¡°I have a fever. Where is the fever medicine?¡±

    ¡°What fever medicine? You¡¯ve already finished it. There isn¡¯t any left.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes had a tinge of guilt as she said that.

    Ignoring Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan went to look for the medicine. In her previous life, she did not take any medicine and her fever worsened. She was not sent to the hospital in time and almost had meningitis.

    Because of this, her family incurred extra medical expenses. This made her believed her mother¡¯s words that she had depleted the family funds to cure her illness. That was the reason that she quit school and worked to support Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°You wretched girl, what are you looking for?!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s action had angered Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi grabbed and pulled back Qiao Nan¡¯s hair with her left hand, while she pped Qiao Nan¡¯s face with her right hand.

    The sound of the p was cold and deafening.

    With the p in her face, Qiao Nan¡¯s ears were buzzing. Her face did not hurt but her nose was sore and painful. Her nose started bleeding uncontrobly, like an open faucet, staining the cor of her shirt.

    ¡°If you are sick, go and lie down. Stop being a devil!¡± Ding Jiayi gathered that Qiao Nan would not be physically strong enough. She wanted to drag Qiao Nan back into the room and let Qiao Nan continue to sleep. No matter what, she would not let Qiao Nan have her medicine.

    If the wretched girl recovered, she would definitely enrol in school and waste their money.

    Ding Jiayi intended to let Qiao Nan continue to be sick until a month after schoolmenced.

    Want to have your medicine? Wishful thinking!

    At this time, Qiao Nan saw through Ding Jiayi¡¯s n. She would not be willing to concede. She banged her head against Ding Jiayi¡¯s body.

    This move did not hurt but was too unexpected. Ding Jiayi was stunned and withdrew the hand that she used to pull Qiao Nan¡¯s hair. Qiao Nan took the opportunity to run out of the house.

    ¡°The wretched girl!¡± Ding Jiayi, who was a few steps behind, stomped her feet and shouted, ¡°If you have the guts, don¡¯t evere back!¡±

    This was the first time that Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Nan rebelling. She was stunned. ¡°Mom, what happened to Nan Nan? Didn¡¯t she used to obey you on everything?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about her.¡± Ding Jiayi patted her elder daughter¡¯s hand and did not seem affected. ¡°Despite having a fever, she ran out and refused to rest at home. She is intentionally looking for death.¡±

    Qiao Nan, whose head was burning, only wanted to run, but she had no idea what to do after that.

    Qiao Nan bumped into someone. The nose that had not stopped bleeding felt more sore and her tears started to roll.

    ¡°Be careful.¡± It was a man with a deep and low voice. Compared to the hot June season, the voice that came to Qiao Nan¡¯s ears was cool. Qiao Nan¡¯s waist seemed to have fallen onto an arm that was as sturdy as steel.

    As Qiao Nan regained her footing, she came to her senses only after shaking her head three times. When she looked up, he saw a pair of cool eyes that looked as sharp as a de.

    ¡°You have a fever?¡± the man frowned when he came into contact with Qiao Nan¡¯s body. When he saw the blood on the Qiao Nan¡¯s cor, his sharp lips turned straight. ¡°Follow me,¡± he said.

    Qiao Nan followed the man, feeling confused. It was only after she was seated on a soft sofa that she regained her senses.

    ¡°Fever medicine.¡± The man¡¯s cold voice came, as he handed her the medicine in one hand and held a cup in the other.

    Given her situation, Qiao Nan had no time to be shy about this. She took the medicine from the man¡¯s hand and swallowed it. She then looked up at the man carefully.

    The man was very handsome ¨C a chiseled face, thick eyebrows that exuded a sense of justice, straight and upright nose, charming but forbidding eyes. His lips were pursed, like he was unhappy. Qiao Nan could not help feeling a little nervous.

 Chapter 3 - Enlightenment

    <h4>Chapter 3: Enlightenment</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan called out to confirm the man¡¯s identity.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied coldly.

    Upon confirming that she had not recognized the wrong person, Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. Same as Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng belonged to the group of children who stayed in the same quad. He was different to everyone else.

    He had done well since he was a child. Not only had he studied well, he also had a good physique and joined the army early. Unlike others who simply gave up their studies to join the army, Zhai Sheng continued to study and juggled both. He had not only participated in various fitness regimes in the camp, but he had also attained a Higher Diploma.

    Because Zhai Sheng had both qualifications and experience, he progressed very quickly in his career based on his own ability without relying on his family, until he had attained the highest position. Even Qiao Nan¡¯s mother was often proud to have lived in the same quad as Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Thank you, Brother Zhai.¡± After recognizing the prominent man in front of her, Qiao Nan realized that her nose had stopped bleeding and her hands were clean. However, her clothes were still red with stains in the chest area.

    The person who had helped Qiao Nan to stop the nosebleed was, of course, Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°No worries. You just took the medicine and you need to rest. Sleep for a while.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded coldly and started reading the document, written fully in English, that was in his hand.

    When Zhai Sheng said that, Qiao Nan felt drowsy. Upon closing her eyes, her body copsed and she fell asleep in seconds.

    Zhai Sheng looked up while reading and saw that Qiao Nan had fallen asleep. He took the thin nket and covered her. While one was sleeping, the other was reading a book. There was a harmonious atmosphere as they were together.

    This sleep took up the entire afternoon for Qiao Nan. When she woke up, the drug had taken its effect and also caused her to break out in a sweat. When she opened her eyes, Qiao Nan obviously felt morefortable.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s movement, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes lifted and looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    ¡°Thank... thank you, brother Zhai.¡± Gazing at Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, which exuded an aura of power, Qiao Nan felt stressed and stuttered as she spoke.

    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± Zhai Sheng asked. From memory, Uncle Qiao¡¯s younger daughter did not stutter.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Qiao Nan said with some guilt. She was thinking that there were few children in the quad who were not afraid of this face of Zhai Sheng.

    She clearly recalled that when Zhai Sheng was about 10 years old, his face was small, fair and tender. In other words he should turn into a fair and handsome boy 20 to 30 yearster.

    However, since Zhai Sheng had joined the army, his fair face had tanned significantly with exposure to the sun, and it looked more scary than when he was a child.

    ¡°It¡¯ste now.¡± Zhai Sheng did not expose Qiao Nan¡¯s lie.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was white. Her two small hands were nervously clenched into fists on both sides. ¡°Well, then I am going home,¡± she said.

    Seeing the pitiful expression on that small face of Qiao Nan, he was reminded of the kitten that he saw when he was out on a field mission during a rainy day in autumn. His heart softened and said ¡°If you face any troubles, you cane to me.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng with surprise. ¡°Sure. Thank you, Brother Zhai.¡±

    Thereafter, Qiao Nan was embarrassed to stay in Zhai Sheng¡¯s house any longer. She had to return to her home.

    Not long after Qiao Nan left, Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder sister Zhai Hua returned home. Zhai Hua sat on the sofa and was about to ask Zhai Sheng why he hade back, when she saw blood on the sofa and was shocked. ¡°Zhai Sheng, are you hurt? What happened?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°The blood was left by the younger daughter of the Qiao family.¡±

    ¡°Wait, no, why do you have blood on your clothes too?!¡± Seeing the blood on both Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest and sofa, Zhai Hua eyes shed sharply. ¡°Zhai Sheng, tell me honestly, did you bring a girl home? Were you so eager that you couldn¡¯t wait until you were in the bedroom?¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s wooden expression changed.

    As he looked at the excited Zhai Hua, he sneered and said, ¡°If mom and dad knew that you were reading this type of book, what do you think would happen?¡±

    ¡°Oh, today¡¯s weather is really hot. I did not see and don¡¯t know anything, my brother. I am going to take a shower.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s face turned pale. She dared to be rude in front of her brother. But in front of her parents, she was as obedient as a rabbit.

    As Zhai Hua was going to take a shower and Zhai Sheng softened his raised eyebrows to continue with his book, Zhai Hua¡¯s face blocked his view. ¡°No matter what, we are siblings. Are you really not going to tell me which girl you ruined? Our family does not tolerate a rogue like this. If the girles knocking at our door, your reputation will be ruined. It would be hard for you to continue working in the army. Since you slept with her, why don¡¯t you marry her?¡±

    In the face of Zhai Hua¡¯s untrue usation, Zhai Sheng said only one word. ¡°Scram.¡±

    Thereafter, he went back to his room without a care about Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction. He changed the clothes that had been stained with Qiao Nan¡¯s blood to avoid causing further misunderstanding.

    Qiao Nan was heading towards her house with a heavy heart.

    After the fever subsided, Qiao Nan¡¯s head was more sober. She recollected the memories of that entire year.

    Qiao Nan was born into a respected family.

    It was just that her grandparents did not survive through the 1970s. After their death, her father joined the army with the help of her grandfather¡¯s good friend, and married Ding Jiayi.

    The older generation were usually patriarchal, especially Ding Jiayi. When she gave birth to her first child ¨C Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi consoled herself that she would bear a son next.

    When Ding Jiayi was preparing to have a second child, a national nning policy wasunched.

    In order to have a son, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were expelled from the party and lost their cradle-to-grave jobs. They were pregnant with a second child but it was their younger daughter ¨C Qiao Nan.

    This year would be Qiao Nan¡¯s third year at the high school. Qiao Zijin had taken the middle school examination and would be enrolled in high school soon.

    Qiao Nan attended school earlier in the morning. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan had always performed well and was consistently ranked top in school. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin¡¯s results in school were not good. Qiao Zijin was dissatisfied about this.

    In the previous life, Ding Jiayi lied to Qiao Nan. She said the family¡¯s money was depleted because she was sick. Even the money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school enrolment was borrowed.

    But a few yearster, Qiao Nan found out that their savings had not been used for her medical expenses. It was her mother who had taken it to use for bribery for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake.

    Since her fever had subsided a lot, Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. At least in this life, her mother could no longer hold her to ransom with her illness.

    In this life, regardless of the situation, she would not quit her studies and work to support Qiao Zijin. She would lead a life of her own!

    When Qiao Nan reached home, Qiao Dongliang was pushing his bicycle home as he was off-duty during this time.

 Chapter 4 - Favoritism

    <h4>Chapter 4: Favoritism</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad,¡± Qiao Nan chased up a few steps, and called.

    Qiao Dongliang was distracted for a moment. When he looked back, he saw his younger daughter. Due to her cold and fever, her younger daughter looked downhearted and lifeless. The blood on her cor made Qiao Dongliang jump. ¡°How did you get this?¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could reply, Qiao Dongliang said.¡±Let¡¯s go home first and wash up. We will talkter.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Dongliang carried Qiao Nan on his bicycle and rode home.

    ¡°Dongliang, you are back. Oh, Nan Nan, what happened?¡± In the small quad of Qiao¡¯s home, a 40 to 50-year-old woman was holding a basket of eggs in her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw Qiao Nan. ¡°Have you been bullied? Why are you covered in blood?¡±

    ¡°Aunt Li.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and feet were wobbly as she jumped and alighted from the bicycle. Fortunately, her father held on to her and she did not fall.

    Ding Jiayi, who was taking out the money for the eggs, saw this scene and her expression turned ck. ¡°Aunt Li, this is the money for the eggs, please take it.¡±

    Aunt Li took the money, counted it, and said, ¡°Good, your family¡¯s Nan Nan is pretty but unfortunately a little skinny. You have to give her some supplements.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang touched Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead and found that the fever condition was better than in the morning (before he left for work), but the forehead was still a little hot. He was not pleased when he looked at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Nan Nan is still sick, why did you let her go out?!¡±

    Aunt Li had not left. Faced with the usation by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was embarrassed. ¡°What do you mean by this? It¡¯s the wretched girl. She was mischievous and insisted on going out. How could I control this ¡°lord¡±?!¡±

    When Qiao Nan heard this, she cried, ¡°Dad, I had a high fever and was in a daze. But Mom and Sister did not care, they were sitting outside and eating watermelon. I got up myself and wanted to take some fever medicine but Mom said there was none left. I wanted to look for it but Mom refused to let me. She pulled my hair and gave me a p. All the blood from my nose-bleeding was caused by the p.¡±

    Aunt Li¡¯s expression was shocked as she looked at Ding Jiayi in disbelief. She was not sure whether to stay or leave.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Nan Nan, have you taken any medicine?¡±

    ¡°Of course she has!¡± Ding Jiayi raised her voice.

    Qiao Nan, without looking at Ding Jiayi, shook her head with certainty. ¡°No, I have been lying in bed, nobody cares about me. I haven¡¯t taken any medicine or drunk any water.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was anxious that his younger daughter had not even taken medicine. He wanted to quickly take her to the hospital. ¡°Nan Nan, do you have any strength to take the bicycle? I will take you to the hospital.¡±

    In the morning, when Qiao Dongliang saw that his usually diligent younger daughter had not gotten up, he went to her room and found that she had a fever.

    But his wife said that she would take care of her, so Qiao Dongliang was not too worried. He did not expect to hear this from his daughter when he was back.

    Ding Jiayi reached out and grabbed the front of the bicycle. ¡°Which hospital are you going to? Don¡¯t spend money!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t make much money, but I still have money for my daughter to see a doctor.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was stunned.¡±Old Qiao, I don¡¯t mean that.¡±

    She did not look down on Qiao Dongliang or resent that he did not earn much money. It was because she was not willing to spend money on the wretched girl. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin would need a big sum of money for her studies.

    Soon, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude softened, but she still refused to let Qiao Dongliang send Qiao Nan to the hospital.

    ¡°I mean, I really gave her the medicine. She was in such a daze that she couldn¡¯t remember it. It may be that the medicine has not taken effect. She will be fine after a while. You don¡¯t need to go to the hospital to spend money unnecessarily.¡±

    ¡°Dongliang, I am leaving,¡± Aunt Li finally said. She quickly said goodbye. But before she left, she said, ¡°Dongliang, both are your daughters and there should not be favoritism. Nan Nan is a grown up. You do not hit a person¡¯s face. Furthermore, Nan Nan was sick; how could Jiayi do this to Nan Nan?¡±

    At the thought of the blood from the nosebleed on Qiao Nan¡¯s cor, Aunt Li looked at Ding Jiayi with disapproval. Ding Jiayi was mad and wanted to tell Aunt Li to scram.

    ¡°Aunt Li, you can rest assured. This will not happen.¡± Qiao Dongliang shot a look of me to Ding Jiayi before sending Aunt Li away courteously.

    Qiao Dongliang took his daughter back to the room and sat down, gave her a basin of hot water for her to wash up and change her dirty clothes.

    When Qiao Zijin, who was hiding in the house, heard and saw the situation, she gave Qiao Dongliang a sensible smile. She then helped Qiao Dongliang to take care of Qiao Nan.

    Seeing that the elder daughter was so sensible, the anger of Qiao Dongliang was lessened greatly.

    When Qiao Nan was changing her clothes, Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi and said, ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s fever has notpletely subsided. Where is the medicine? Give her another round.¡±

    Qiao Nan had just finished changing her clothes. Without a word, she stared straight at Ding Jiayi and wanted to find out what she would say.

    Ding Jiayi was so angry that she looked at Qiao Nan and felt that he had given birth to a white-eyed wolf. When she saw her parents quarreling, not only did she not help, but she also wished that Qiao Dongliang would give her a scolding. ¡°We have finished it. There is no more medicine left.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had not forgotten what she had said to Qiao Nan at noon. The words must tally with that in the afternoon.

    ¡°Has all of it been consumed?¡± Qiao Dongliang raised his eyebrows and said in a disbelieving tone,¡±I clearly remember that there was still half of the medicine left. You said it was gone?¡±

    When she heard Ding Jiayi say this, Qiao Nan was very sure that she had not had any. Where had the other half gone? The reason why her fever was better was due to the goodwill of Zhai Sheng.

    However, she looked for the medicine and could not find it.

    Qiao Nan pursed her beautiful little mouth, blinked her bright eyes, and suddenly thought of a possibility. She headed towards the kitchen of the house.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Qiao Zijin felt that Qiao Nan was behaving oddly and wanted to stop her.

    When Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Nan going to the kitchen, she was at a loss. She felt that something was amiss and quickly pulled Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Nan Nan, you are sick now, you need to rest in bed and take medicine. No, there is no medicine left. Let¡¯s wait for dad to buy you some. After you take it, you will be fine tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Nan firmly halted her steps and stared at Qiao Zijin with her deep and dark eyes. Her look made Qiao Zijin felt guilty, to the extent that Qiao Zijin¡¯s hairs stood up.

    Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude towards Qiao Zijin, her parents could not help but frown.

    Without waiting for Ding Jiayi to open her mouth to discipline her, Qiao Nan pushed away Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand and ran into the kitchen. She then dumped all the trash in the dustbin on the floor.

    Qiao Zijin screamed. Impossible. Qiao Nan could not have known.

    At the thought of something, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. She wanted to hold Qiao Nan back.

 Chapter 5 - Nutrition

    <h4>Chapter 5: Nutrition</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, before Ding Jiayi could reach Qiao Nan and order her to go away, Qiao Nan had found what she was looking for.

    When Qiao Nan saw the fever medicine that was retrieved from the dustbin, she could not help it and her tears started rolling again.

    Her mother was too heartless. There was apparently fever medicine in the house but she would rather throw it away than to let her have it. She would rather her be sick than enroll in school.

    Qiao Dongliang, who has been following behind, also saw the medicine in the dustbin. He recognized it as the fever medicine that he had seen in the morning. ¡°You told me that was none left? What is this?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi, whose lie was exposed, blushed with embarrassment and then simply shouted, ¡°The medicine has expired. I can¡¯t possibly give my own daughter expired medicine. What if she gets ill because of this!¡±

    Qiao Nan firmly wiped away the tears on her face. ¡°Mom, you just said you had already given me medicine? So, did I take the medicine or has it expired?¡±

    Qiao Nan then realized that her illness and quitting of school was a ploy right from the start!¡±

    Ding Jiayi held her neck straight. ¡°Expired. If it has not expired, why do you still have a fever after taking the medicine? I am your biological mother. Would I harm you by giving you expired medicine?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was exasperated but also wanted tough at his wife¡¯s ridiculous words. ¡°I know that this medicine has expired and there is no use taking it. But you just told me not to send Nan Nan to the hospital. You said Nan Nan would get well soon and we don¡¯t need to spend the money unnecessarily.¡±

    Having said something that contradicted herself, did his wife¡¯s pride hurt?

    ¡°Dad, the medicine did not expire.¡± Qiao Nan took the medicine and ran to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°You see, it did not expire!¡±

    The expiration date of the medicine was printed on the back of its stic packaging. The date clearly stated that there were a few more months to expiry.

    This time, Qiao Dongliang was furious. ¡°Ding Jiayi, what were you thinking!¡±

    Obviously, there was medicine for their daughter, and she imed that it had expired!

    ¡°You also said that you are Nan Nan¡¯s own mother. Does a mother behave in this manner? You would rather throw the medicine away than to give it to our daughter. And you said it has expired? Let me ask you again. Have you given the medicine to Nan Nan today!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was in the army. He thus exuded a sense of influence. He looked extremely scary when his face was as fierce as a tiger.

    Ding Jiayi trembled. Her face was stunned and she could not answer for a long time.

    Qiao Zijin quickly stepped before Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, it was my fault, it was all my fault. I must have seen it wrongly. I told mom that the medicine had expired. Mom had given Nan Nan the medicine. It was only thereafter that she realized that it had expired. She then threw it away. I¡¯m the one to be med, not mom. ¡±

    With the elder daughter¡¯s support and cover for Ding Jiayi, she seemed to regather her strength. ¡°She is my daughter. How could I not feel concerned? It¡¯s just a fever. She will recover after a good sweat. I don¡¯t know why you have to kick up such a big fuss and shout at me so furiously. Both old and young ones have no conscience.¡±

    ¡°You.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not good at words. Although he felt that something was amiss, he could not refute Ding Jiayi. ¡°Nan Nan, let¡¯s go. I will take you to the hospital.¡±

    Qiao Nan ran to Qiao Dongliang and said. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Mom?¡± said Qiao Zijin, clutching and shaking Ding Jiayi¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Dad is going to the hospital with Qiao Nan. I don¡¯t know how much it will cost. The money is needed for other things and can¡¯t be wasted.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who hade back to her senses, rushed forward to the front of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bicycle and held the handle to prevent him from leaving.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bicycle swayed. Fortunately, he managed to stabilize himself by cing his foot on the ground. If not, he would had fallen down. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a fever? I said, she will be well after a good sweat. Take a look at the situation now. Don¡¯t go to the hospital!¡± Ding Jiayi insisted. ¡°A trip to the hospital. Don¡¯t you need money?¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned gently on the back of Qiao Dongliang and said softly,¡±Dad.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was red with fury. ¡°Ding Jiayi, did you do it deliberately? You said that you are concerned for your daughter. Nan Nan has a fever and you said she will be well after a good sweat. I can¡¯t believe you said that. Thest time... I won¡¯t talk to you now. Hurry, leave me alone, or don¡¯t me me for being rude!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang remembered thest time his elder daughter had a cold. She only had a couple of coughs and his wife had been so anxious.

    If not for the fear of upsetting Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang would have mentioned this matter to chastise his wife.

    Qiao Dongliang was so angry that he grabbed his wife¡¯s hand, flung it away, then pedaled his bicycle towards the hospital.

    ¡°Enemy, every one of them is an enemy.¡± Ding Jiayi almost slipped and fell. At the thought of her husband who was angry with her due to her younger daughter, Ding Jiayi was furious. ¡°I knew that this day woulde. I really shouldn¡¯t have given birth to her!¡±

    If she didn¡¯t have this daughter, she and her husband would still have their cradle-to-grave jobs.

    When Qiao Nan was born, the couple lost their stable jobs, and as a result, they had to live in this quad with no dignity. This daughter was out to ruin their lives!

    ¡°Mom, go home.¡± People had made jokes upon seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s scolding at the door. Qiao Zijin quickly held Ding Jiayi and brought her back to the house. ¡± Nan Nan¡¯s fever will definitely subside. What is going to happen?¡±

    If Qiao Nan was to continue her studies, what about her tuition fees?

    ¡°Rest assured. Your dad¡¯s words are not final. As long as I can convince the wretched girl to decide not to study, your dad will have no way to stop this.¡± Ding Jiayi signed heavily, patted the elder daughter¡¯s hand as she consoled her.

    Having lived with the man for many years, Ding Jiayi understood her husband well.

    Therefore, the most important thing for her now was to find a way to deal with the wretched girl and make her quit school voluntarily.

    ¡°Mom, you are so good to me, I will count on you. When I am sessful, I will definitely be filial and treat you well.¡± Qiao Zijin hugged Ding Jiayi¡¯s arms and smiled.

    Ding Jiayiughed too. ¡°Of course, you are my daughter, if you are not sessful, who will be. It does not matter that I do not have a son. I still have a good daughter!¡±¡±

    When she heard the word ¡°son¡±, Qiao Zijin was very unhappy and pouted. Her mother would still have preferred a son.

    At that time, in order to give birth to Qiao Nan, her parents were willing to give up their cradle-to-grave jobs.

    She clearly remembered that, during that time, her pregnant mother was always holding her tummy and talking to her ¡°son¡±. All the delicious food at home was not given to Qiao Zijin. It went to her mother¡¯s tummy for the sake of her younger ¡°brother¡±.

    In the end, she gave birth to a girl!

    If this had not happened, she would be the offspring of government officials. Their situation would not be the same.

    ¡°Doctor, how is my younger daughter?¡± Elsewhere, after Qiao Dongliang took Qiao Nan to the hospital, he was very concerned about her condition.

    The doctor put away his stethoscope. He saw that Qiao Dongliang appeared strong and in the peak of health. He then looked at the youngdy. With a strange look in his eyes, he said, ¡°There is still fever. The effect of the medicine is slower. It is faster if we put her on a drip.¡±

 Chapter 6 - Deficiency

    <h4>Chapter 6: Deficiency</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Then we will use the drip!¡± Qiao Dongliang said without hesitation. He noticed that the doctor was looking strange. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, does my daughter have other problems?¡±

    The doctor thought for a while and asked, ¡°How¡¯s your family doing?¡±

    ¡°Still alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned and his face was full of anxiety. ¡°Has my daughter contracted a serious illness that will incur high medical costs? It does not matter. If my daughter is sick, I must cure her regardless of how much money it takes. Doctor, please don¡¯t give up!¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was seated to one side, was also stunned. During her previous life, she suffered a lot and had many minor ailments but not major ones.

    The doctor¡¯s frown softened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your daughter is not sick, it¡¯s just that... ¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± This doctor¡¯s speech was apanied with heavy breathing. It made people anxious.

    ¡°Your daughter does not have any major illness. She is just a little malnourished, and had been in hunger. If this continues, her heath will eventually suffer.¡±

    The doctor¡¯s words made Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face blush red. It was not as if they were in the 1960s and 1970s, when they were dealing with famine.

    His younger daughter was actually malnourished.

    As it was not convenient for the male doctor to pose certain questions, they shouted for a female doctor toe in.

    After the female doctor came, she was direct in asking the questions. ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°15.¡±

    ¡°Have you started menstruating yet? Have you taken a biology ss, and know that the youngdies menstruate once a month?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not respond, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was red with embarrassment. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    Qiao Nan looked dazed and she shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    In fact, Qiao Nan was clearly aware that, to date, she had not had her first period.

    As per the doctor¡¯s ount, she was malnourished. She often went hungry as she was growing up, and frequently had cramps when she was sleeping at night. Because of this, her menstruation only started when she was 18 years old.

    Qiao Zijin was two years older than her but had already had her first period three years ago. Qiao Nan had helped her wash the stained pants. In other words, Qiao Zijin started menstruating when she was 14 years old.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know his younger daughter¡¯s condition, although he knew about his elder daughter¡¯s condition due to his wife as she often mentioned matters regarding Qiao Zijin.

    Each time Qiao Zijin was having her period, his wife would wait on Qiao Zijin with hot water bottles and brown sugar soup.

    Qiao Dongliang calcted that when the eldest daughter ¡°grew up,¡± she was one year younger than the younger daughter now.

    Uponparing, Qiao Dongliang was a little nervous. ¡°Is this toote for my daughter?¡±

    The female doctor said in an orderly manner, ¡°Not really, typically a young girl¡¯s first period will ur between the ages of 12 and 16. But your daughter is too skinny, she hasn¡¯t been getting enough to eat!¡±

    If this continued, her period may note even when she has reached 16 years old.

    Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded by the questions. Food, of course food was given. He could not possibly have given his younger daughter one less mouthful of food.

    However, both doctors said that the younger daughter was malnourished which dyed her puberty. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was full of shame.

    Although his family did not often feast on delicacies, there were always protein dishes on the table from time to time. Qiao Dongliang was puzzled as to how his younger daughter had be malnourished.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know how she had be malnourished, but Qiao Nan knew in her heart how it had came about.

    Since she was a child, her mother did not allow her to have her fill ¨C she was only 50 to 70 percent full for each meal.

    She also had to attend school, which unfortunately was during the same time as her puberty.

    Qiao Nan clearly remembered that her tummy often started to rumble like thunder when the second lesson began in ss.

    In the previous life, one of the reasons that she was cajoled by her mother to quit school and work is that she figured with money, she would at least be able to feed herself with proper meals.

    Oblivious to the awkward situation of the father and daughter, the female doctor said responsibly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to supplement too much, however, you must at least prepare some protein dishes. The child is at the stage of puberty, no proteins, does your family favor boys more?¡±

    ¡°No, I have two daughters!¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head. There were no grounds for such favoritism. Both daughters should be equally well.

    At this moment, a very loud rumble came from Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy.

    As soon as she heard this, the female doctor knew that the child had been hungry for a long time. ¡°Did you eat today?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s little face drooped, she looked listless.

    The female doctor was angry. ¡°What kind of parents are you? The child is sick and you did not give her food?¡±

    Qiao Nan was weak, her voice was as soft as that of a mosquito. ¡°Doctor, don¡¯t me my dad, my dad goes to work and he doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Your dad doesn¡¯t know. How about your mom? Or your mum doesn¡¯t care?¡±

    When asked about her mother, Qiao Nan started to act dumb.

    At this juncture, Qiao Dongliang understood all that was happening. Qiao Dongliang had never felt this ashamed in his entire life, he wished that he could dig a hole in the ground and disappear into it.

    Putting aside the matter of the medicine, the younger daughter was not even given a meal?

    This...

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed his face. ¡°Doctor, my child still has a fever, could you administer the drip while I get some food for her?¡±

    ¡°Something light. She has been hungry for a long time and should not eat too much at once.¡± The doctor gave the prescription and stopped talking.

    Qiao Nan, whose head was still dizzy, was held and brought for the drip. Not long after, she smelt the aroma of porridge.

    Qiao Dongliang was full of sweat. ¡°This bowl was borrowed from the hotel next door. Eat, I will return the bowlter.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After Qiao Nan responded, she started eating the porridge in small mouthfuls.

    Seeing the younger daughter eating the porridge quietly, and thinking of what the doctor said, Qiao Dongliang did not feel good at all. ¡°Nan Nan, is it because of your poor appetite?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was drinking porridge, was stunned for a while. ¡°My appetite is very good, but mom won¡¯t let me have more, saying that there isn¡¯t much rice in the house, and that it¡¯s better for girls to be thinner.¡±

    Her father could not seem to believe that her mother would starve her to the extent of causing malnourishment, and therefore tried to find an excuse for the mother.

    ¡°I love to eat.¡± Qiao Nan continued with a simr answer. ¡°But Mom said you have to eat more as you work every day, it¡¯s hard, and my sister also has to eat more as she needs to study and work her brains out. Mom too as she worked hard for the family.¡±

    As for her, she made no contribution to the family and was considered an unimportant person leeching on the family, and was thus not fit to touch the better dishes.

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and could not believe that his wife had said that to the younger daughter. ¡°When I¡¯m at home, each time there were protein dishes, I saw your mom giving you some.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not say a word. She finished drinking the bowl of porridge, then said. ¡°Mom has said, even if she gave me the food I should be too ashamed to eat it. So she each time she passed me the food with her chopsticks, she would hint at me to go to the kitchen to put back the meat.¡±

 Chapter 7 - Drumsticks

    <h4>Chapter 7: Drumsticks</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Therefore, every time, the meat that her dad saw in her bowl just went through her bowl once and returned to where it came from.

    After that, Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang did the same thing, that is, they rubbed their eyes to wipe away the wetness at the corner of their eyes.

    ¡°Dad, am I yours and mom¡¯s biological daughter?¡± After wiping the corner of her eyes, Qiao Nan could not help but ask. If she was adopted, she would feel better; after all, it was natural that the adopted child may be treated differently from the biological one.

    Just as she said this, Qiao Nan did not really need an answer.

    She still recalled that before she traveled back in time, Qiao Zijin told her mother clearly that herpatibility level of her internal organs would be better.

    Therefore, she must be the biological child of her parents, and she and Qiao Zijin were real sisters. Qiao Zijin would not make such a joke.

    Since she was their biological child, why was her mother so heartless to her?

    ¡°Don¡¯t think otherwise, your mom was just confused.¡± Qiao Dongliang was forcing a smile that looked uglier than a cry.

    If Nan Nan had been three years old, she might have believed him. But she was already in junior high school. Even Qiao Dongliang did not believe his own words!

    For the first time, he knew that the kind of life his younger daughter had been living this at home. Even now, whenever he thought of the conversation with the doctors and the look in their eyes, Qiao Dongliang felt so ashamed that he could not lift his head.

    Qiao Dongliang looked up at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, in future, when at home, just eat whatever you want. I will tell Mom when we are back.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Dad, what if Mom doesn¡¯t let me study anymore?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°Your mother will not... in this age, education is important and your grades are so good, why would your mom not let you study?¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang did not have any idea of what was happening at home, or of the motives of Mom and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan sighed. No wonder she had been so miserable in her previous life.

    Her dad only took care of matters outside the household. All the other matters at home were left to her mother to manage. Of course, her mother would have a say in this.

    ¡°Dad, I want to study, I want to go to college!¡±

    ¡°Well, study, as long as your results are fine. I am still young, I will ensure that you go to college.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes lit up, he looked very pleased.

    To him, it was a good thing that his own daughter had ambition.

    Qiao Dongliang always knew that no matter how many good words his wife put in, and the younger daughter obviously had less years of education than the elder one, Qiao Nan¡¯s exam results were always better no matter which way hepared.

    The elder daughter¡¯s exam results were inconsistent and average. The younger daughter was different. She was always top in her ss, and even in the entire school.

    After they were done with the drip, Qiao Dongliang had spent almost 20 yuan. He then took the medicine and rode the bicycle home with his younger daughter.

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan alighted from the bicycle, Ding Jiayi, who knew that they were back, immediately rushed out, tugged at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°How much did it cost?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was long, and the tone was not too good. ¡°Does it matter how much was spent? The important thing is that Nan Nan¡¯s sickness can be cured! It doesn¡¯t matter that the fever medicine had expired, the hospital has plenty of them. Look, with just a bottle of drip, Nan Nan¡¯s fever subsided.¡±

    Although Qiao Dongliang did not care much about the domestic affairs, he was not a fool.

    His wife was all about the money. It was clear that she was reluctant to spend money on their younger daughter.

    The more the wife behaved this way, the more Qiao Dongliang wanted to spend money for the younger daughter. How could they save the money needed for seeking medical treatment?!

    Qiao Dongliang thoughts were stirred as he recalled the questions that Qiao Nan asked while they were at the hospital. His wife had even wanted to scrimp on expenses for the daughter¡¯s treatment. It would be worse when it came to her college fees.

    True enough, when she heard Qiao Dongliang words, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale and she deeply regretted her actions.

    A trip to the hospital and the drip, Ding Jiayi pinched her fingers and counted. It would have cost at least 10 yuan. These two wastrels.

    If she knew this would happen, she would not have thrown away the fever medicine. She might as well have saved money by letting the wretched girl take it. That girl did not know how to earn money, yet she had a talent for spending!

    ¡°I already said that there is no need to visit the hospital. The fever medicine did not expire right, you can just let her continue to take it.¡±

    Having said that, Ding Jiayi could not bear to hit the man. She directly lifted her hand towards Qiao Nan, who was standing by the side, and gave her a few hard ps on the back, causing a harsh sound.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were furious. He threw the bicycle away and pulled the younger daughter behind him. ¡°What are you doing!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was shocked. She quickly stood up and said, ¡°Mom, Nan Nan is still sick. Nan Nan, I will help you back to the room to rest.¡±

    Money was already spent. There was no recourse even if her mother continued to make a fuss. Her dad could not possibly ask the hospital for the money back.

    Furthermore, the amount that Qiao Nan spent today, she would be able to pay them back 10 or 100 times when she went to work. Her mother¡¯s anxiousness was uncalled for.

    Qiao Nan gave Ding Jiayi a nce, and allowed Qiao Zijin to help her back to the room to rest. She knew that, in her whole life, it was scarce for her to receive Qiao Zijin¡¯s help. She was always the one who assisted Qiao Zijin.

    The heat had subsided. After the turmoil today, Qiao Nan was really exhausted. Furthermore, she had only had half a meal. She fell straight into a slumber.

    Qiao Nan did not care about the things that followed. She went back to her room and fell asleep shortly after she covered herself with a nket. In her blurry state, she seemed to have heard the sound of her parents quarreling.

    In the moment of deep sleep, Qiao Nan secretly recited in her heart. Go ahead, fight. Go ahead, fight.

    In her previous life, in order to let her parents get along with each other, she helped to persuade them each time her parents quarreled . As a result, she had to sacrifice herself all the time in exchange for peace in the family.

    In this life, she would never make the same mistake again!

    The next day, Qiao Nan got up and was in good spirits. After the fever subsided, she did not even have a cough or runny nose. Her whole body was alive and kicking.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you awake?¡±

    ¡°Awake.¡±

    ¡°May Ie in?¡±

    ¡°Come in if you wish to.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not say whether she would allow or not allow Qiao Zijine in. She let Qiao Zijin make her own decision.

    Qiao Zijin, who was standing at the door, was stunned. Qiao Nan was acting strange since yesterday and was not her usual self.

    Qiao Zijin pushed the door, and of course, she came in. ¡°Nan Nan, I have been tolerating this in my heart. Can I talk to you?¡±

    There was no expression on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. ¡°Speak if you feel like it, or don¡¯t if you feel otherwise.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was stopped by this attitude of Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong with you, are you angry with me?¡±

    In the past, Qiao Nan had not talked to her in this manner. Usually, Qiao Nan would be concerned about her troubles and then helped her to resolve them.

    Although she was older than Qiao Nan, the fact is, Qiao Nan took care of Qiao Zijin more in their daily lives.

    Qiao Zijin disliked her sister but she was used to Qiao Nan being nice to her. When faced with Qiao Nan¡¯s indifferent attitude towards her, she was not able to adapt immediately.

    Qiao Nanughed and looked at Qiao Zi. ¡°Why do you think I am angry with you?¡±

 Chapter 8 - Cry Hard

    <h4>Chapter 8: Cry Hard</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Sister, what have you done wrong, that I should be angry with you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was stunned and her face turned red. She could not respond to Qiao Nan.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s reaction, Qiao Nan sneered. It seemed that Qiao Zijin was aware that she had done Qiao Nan much wrong, and this made Qiao Nan angry!

    At a loss for what to say, Qiao Zijin steered away from this topic. Her face was down and her eyes tearful. ¡°Yesterday, Dad quarreled with Mom. It was fierce, and Mom cried. My heart aches. If there is a way to make them stop fighting, I am willing to do it regardless of what it takes.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked down and she pursed her mouth. She did not say a word.

    Qiao Zijin stole a nce at Qiao Nan and tried again. ¡°Actually, I know a little about what happened. Since our parents lost their cradle-to-grave jobs, Mom takes care of the family funds while dad brings in the money. But dad¡¯s ie is so miserly and barely enough for the whole family¡¯s expenses. Moreover, both of us are studying. Sigh, our family do not have enough money, and our parents are definitely troubled by this.¡±

    Qiao Nan remained silent and did not speak.

    Qiao Zijin pursed her lips unhappily. ¡°Nan Nan, how about this. I will quit school and find a job? If one of us is working, the burden on our parents will be lessened, then they won¡¯t quarrel. As long as our parents are fine, no matter what sacrifice I make, it will be worth it. Nan Nan, I believe that you think so too, right?

    Qiao Nan smirked, her smile full of sarcasm. ¡°Sister, it¡¯s great that you think that way. Since a young age, I have never objected to what you say. This time, I will definitely support you too. Yourtest school results are average and not so good, it would be difficult for you to pick a school. My results are better than yours, and I will definitely continue to do better than you in the future. You can rest assured that I will study hard and find a good job in future to repay your sacrifice today. Sister, these years, Mom really didn¡¯t pamper you for nothing. You are willing to sacrifice so much for her. ¡±

    Qiao Nan did not take the bait, Qiao Zijin was mad and almost driven to her grave. After she heard these words from Qiao Nan, she rolled her eyes with fury.

    Qiao Zijin has been narrow-minded since she was a child and liked topete in everything. In particr, she was not willing to lose to her sister, Qiao Nan.

    Unfortunately, besides gaining the favor of Ding Jiayi, she was notparable to Qiao Nan in any other way. Particrly, after they attended school, the results of the two were oftenpared.

    For many years, Qiao Zijin had not once performed better than Qiao Nan in her studies.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier words about their academic performance were like a needle pierced straight into Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart.

    Ding Jiayi, who had been eavesdropping behind the door, could not help but rush in. She pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s nose and started scolding her.

    ¡°You are a brat with no conscience. For the sake of me and this family, your sister would rather quit school than to see your dad arguing with me. And you? Aren¡¯t you ashamed to let your sister quit school and sacrifice so much for this family? I have given birth to you for nothing, all these years spent raising you were in vain.¡±

    For a moment, Qiao Nan was stunned. She then looked at Qiao Zijin.

    She had long known that Qiao Zijin was ying her tactics. What she did not expect was that her mother actually hiding behind the door and eavesdropping!

    Ignoring Qiao Nan¡¯s astonishment, Ding Jiayi continued and said, ¡°Let me tell you. If you still regard me as your mom, tell your dad tonight that you are stupid, that you have no ability, and you don¡¯t wish to attend school. You want to go out to work. Did you hear me?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had already stood up and walked to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side, without saying a word.

    ¡°Wretched girl! I have said so much. Whether you heard it or not, make some noise. You are a jinx, you have neither heart or ears!¡±.

    Ding Jiayi rushed forward in a step and gripped Qiao Nan¡¯s hair, shouting in Qiao Nan¡¯s ears.

    In the previous life, Ding Jiayi scolded Qiao Nan a lot but did not hit her much.

    In this life, yesterday¡¯s event was like the activation of a switch in Ding Jiayi¡¯s body. As long as she was not satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction, she would hit Qiao Nan with her hands.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s ears hurt badly and her eyes were red. She grabbed Ding Jiayi¡¯s other hand and bit her hard.

    Ding Jiayi screamed and let go of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair. Without a word, Qiao Nan rushed out of the house.

    Her father was not there. Qiao Nan dared not stay in this home. In this life, Qiao Nan refused to quit school and her mother hated her till death.

    ¡°You are a wretched girl!¡± Qiao Nan, who ran outside the house, faintly heard her mother¡¯s curse. She had the wind at her back and she ran as fast as she could ¨C like a rabbit.

    Qiao Zijin, whom she bumped into while leaving, frowned. She seemed to have seen blood on Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes again. Was she wrong?

    Today, her mother had not pped Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan could not possibly have a nosebleed again.

    Qiao Nan, who was running with her head down, was halted by someone¡¯s shoulders. Her whole body almost fell backwards.

    She fell in a posterior position and just as she thought that her bum would hit the floor, her waist felt an arm that was tough, familiar yet strange, that exuded irresistible warmth, help her up.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurt again?¡±

    Zhai Sheng saw that Qiao Nan¡¯s neck, which was as fair and slender as a white swan, was covered in patches of blood again. There seemed to be wrath in his tone.

    Qiao Nan reached out and wanted to touch her ears. A while ago, when she was gripped by her mother, she felt pain but the pain had worsened now.

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±.

    Zhai Sheng took a look and asked Qiao Nan to turn sideways. True enough, he saw a gash on Qiao Nan¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Who did this? Is there a child abuser in the quad?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face dimmed. ¡°My mom.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyebrows moved. He heard that Aunt Ding favoured the elder daughter and did not treat the younger daughter well. But this was worse. This was abuse. ¡°Why did she do that?¡±

    ¡°My mother asked me to quit school and find a job, but I refused to.¡± As Qiao Nan opened her mouth, her tears started to roll.

    When she was at home, she could still hold her tears. Somehow, before Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could not help but cry. Perhaps Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was too calm. As her sense of security increased, the more wronged she felt.

    ¡°Alright, wipe your tears away. I will take you to your dad.¡± Zhai Sheng reached out and wanted to wipe away the tears on Qiao Nan¡¯s face, but stopped before he could do so.

    Zhai Sheng took Qiao Nan to the entrance of the factory where Qiao Dongliang worked. ¡°The tears that you were holding back just now, please let it all outter. You don¡¯t have to say anything. Just cry hard. Whatever is the matter, your dad will ask your mom when he goes back. Understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded obediently.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan had understood his words, Zhai Sheng told the factory¡¯s security guard that he was looking for Qiao Dongliang. After a while, Qiao Dongliang came out.

    Following what Zhai Sheng had taught her, Qiao Nan began to cry as soon as she saw Qiao Dongliang.

    Having umted the grievances for two lifetimes, how bad could Qiao Nan¡¯s crying get?

 Chapter 9 - Guilty Conscience

    <h4>Chapter 9: Guilty Conscience</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The younger daughter¡¯s fever had just subsided yesterday. Today, the sight of the neck full of blood was stinging to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. ¡°What happened to you, Nan Nan? Don¡¯t cry, tell Dad, what is this blood?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not speak. She cried so hard. Her crying made Qiao Dongliang felt extremely bad.

    The security guards at the door were already staring at them. The blood on the neck of Qiao Nan had not only gained the attention of Qiao Dongliang but also the others.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, it¡¯s better that you take Qiao Nan to the hospital to treat the wound.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded him that even though the wound was not bleeding now, it had to be treated.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded many times. ¡°Yes, Nan Nan, don¡¯t cry. Dad will take you to the hospital. You...¡±

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang remembered the young man that came. When he saw his daughter¡¯s misery earlier, he simply forgot about the man.

    There was no doubt that the young man must have brought Nan Nan here.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to thank him but he was stunned when he saw his face.

    Zhai Sheng, of course. Qiao Dongliang knew who he was.

    What made Qiao Dongliang particrly stunned was the reputation of the Zhai family. Even if everyone lived in the same quad, Qiao Dongliang never once thought that his family would have anything to do with the Zhai¡¯s. ¡°Zhai, Zhai Sheng, thank you for bringing Nan Nan here.¡±

    Obviously, Zhai Sheng was his junior but Qiao Dongliang was not used to calling him by his name.

    ¡°No worries.¡± Zhai Sheng did not have much reaction. ¡°Uncle Qiao, I¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    Uncle Qiao would deal with everything else properly.

    As soon as he left, Qiao Dongliang went straight to apply for half a day leave from the factory and took Qiao Nan to the hospital.

    News about the blood on Qiao Nan¡¯s neck quickly spread in the factory, so Qiao Dongliang¡¯s team leader also knew that his daughter had been bullied and was bleeding. He graciously agreed to let Qiao Dongliang take the time off.

    However, no-one would expect that the person who hurt Qiao Nan was none other than Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife ¨C Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Why are you here again?¡± The doctor could still recognize the patient who came yesterday.

    Most importantly, the case of malnutrition despite having the means to visit the hospital was very rare, so the father and daughter pair left a deep impression with the doctor. ¡°What is this?!¡±

    As soon as he saw the blood of Qiao Nan¡¯s neck, the doctor frowned and held Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder to let Qiao Nan turn to her side.

    When he touched her ear, Qiao Nan shouted in pain.

    ¡°It takes a great deal of strength to be able to slit open the ears. You guys are really...¡±

    Having taken a clearer look at the wound in the ear, the doctor¡¯s eyes were full of me and disapproval. Yesterday was fever and malnutrition. Today was a bleeding wound.

    The doctor¡¯s suspicion now was not whether the family favors male over female, but whether this daughter was their biological one.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her eyes. ¡°Doctor, don¡¯t me my dad, my dad doesn¡¯t know anything.¡±

    ¡°... Youngdy, don¡¯t practise filial piety foolishly, your dad doesn¡¯t know, what about your mother? To allow the child to be bullied to this extent, don¡¯t tell me the mother is already dead?¡±

    The doctor noticed that, since yesterday, each time he mentioned her mother, thisdy would not speak. What was happening?

    Qiao Dongliang was so furious that both his hands were clenched into fists. If the younger daughter was not bullied by the children in the quad, then there was only one person who could have done this to her ¨C his wife!

    The nurse was quick to attend to her. First, she helped Qiao Nan clean the blood on her neck, then dealt with the wound by applying a red colored medicine and bandaging the wound.

    Nevertheless, when the nurse was bandaging, Qiao Dongliang specifically asked the nurse to cover Qiao Nan¡¯s entire ear so that it would look more serious.

    The nurse looked at Qiao Dongliang strangely but acted ording to his wish. In her heart, she felt bad about wasting the bandages.

    After leaving the hospital, Qiao Nan awkwardly touched her ear which had be so heavy. She tilted her head and looked at Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang peered at his younger daughter who looked so clean, her ck and bright eyes prettier than shining ck pearls. His heart softened. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be afraid. Dad will protect you.¡±

    Rubbed on the head by Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan felt a little awkward.

    In her life, her rtionship with her father was not good at all. Her dad didn¡¯t even want to look at her.

    In the previous life, she did not have a good rtionship with her father. Her father was not even willing to take one more nce at her.

    Qiao Nan knew every well that her father¡¯s attitude towards her was not his fault. She only had herself to me.

    Every time her mother made her suffer because of Qiao Zijin, her father always disapproved and dissuaded.

    But at that time, she was totally brainwashed and she thought that as long as she cared for the family, and her parents did not quarrel, it would be worth her sacrifice.

    Every time her dad helped her, she stood on her mother¡¯s side and beg for mercy. This resulted in him losing face and feeling heartbroken. Over time, her dad was not willing to bother about her anymore.

    Saddened by the misfortune but angered by theck of resistance. This quote portrayed her father¡¯s feelings exactly.

    Qiao Nan stood over and leaned close to Qiao Dongliang. In this life, she would not let her dad be disappointed and sad anymore. She must first stand on her own two feet!

    When Qiao Nan ran out of the house and disappeared for half a day, Ding Jiayi was initially indifferent. She expected Qiao Nan to have nowhere to go, and would then obediently return home.

    She would then ask Qiao Nan to ede to her wants again. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would still refuse to agree, unless Qiao Nan did not want toe back to this home forever.

    But an hour and two have passed and the sun was setting. It was almost time for Qiao Dongliang to be off-work, Ding Jiayi still did not see any signs of Qiao Nan. She began to feel uneasy.

    ¡°This wretched girl, she was too spoilt. This wild girl, half the day is gone and she is still not back. I¡¯ll see how to deal with her when she is back!¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you think something will happen?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was one of doubt. Since yesterday, Qiao Nan had been acting strangely.

    She kept having this feeling that Qiao Nan was not the same as before. Though it was just a fever, her feverish head seemed to have been enlightened. It was not so easy to lie to and cajole her anymore.

    ¡°What could happen? After shees back, I will give her a good discipline!¡± When the elder daughter softened, Ding Jiayi sat up straight, disying her protective behavior towards Qiao Zijin.

    Soon, came the voice of Qiao Dongliang. Both mother and daughter¡¯s face could not help but change, and they rushed outside.

    But when the two of them saw that Qiao Nan actually came back by riding on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bicycle, their faces, in particr Ding Jiayi¡¯s, turned ck instantly.

    Ding Jiayi rushed forward a few steps and tried to pull Qiao Nan down from the bicycle. At this time, when Qiao Nan turned sideways and revealed her fully bandaged ears ¨C now white, fat and without a single sight of flesh, she felt guilty all of a sudden.

    Ding Jiayi remembered that before Qiao Nan ran out, she had grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s ears. At that point, Qiao Nan looked like she was in a lot of pain and had even retorted by biting her. Could it be that, with that grip, she had broken Qian Nan¡¯s ears in her anger?¡±

    She, she did not think she had used that much strength.

    Qiao Zijin was also shocked. She grabbed Ding Jiayi, ¡°Mom, when Nan Nan ran out, I saw blood on her clothes.¡±

 Chapter 10 - Drastic Measures

    <h4>Chapter 10: Drastic Measures</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Mom had hurt Qiao Nan. Dad must be angry.

    If Mom quarreled with Dad again because of Qiao Nan, would Dad still forgive Mom?

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s injury, Ding Jiayi quietened instantly.

    On the contrary, when Qiao Dongliang red, the murderous look in his eyes simply scared Ding Jiayi and her face became as white as a sheet.

    Qiao Dongliang was considered an old good guy. He does not lose his temper easily. But when the person who does not lose his temper had a slightest tinge of anger, it was even more frightening.

    Therefore, when Qiao Dongliang disyed the first sign of anger, Ding Jiayi hid her arrogance and forced herself to go along.

    Qiao Dongliang parked the bicycle and did not argue with Ding Jiayi in the quad ¡°Youe with me to the room, I have something to tell you.¡±

    Having said that, he headed towards Ding Jiayi and his bedroom. Ding Jiayi held her breath and followed behind him.

    Qiao Zijin was so scared that she ran to Qiao Nan, pulling Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Nan Nan, Dad¡¯s expression is not quite right, what¡¯s wrong with him? Do you think he will quarrel with Mom? Should we go and mitigate?¡±

    Qiao Nan pulled away Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand. ¡°You may go and mitigate if you wish to. I can¡¯t help to do so. I¡¯m afraid of getting bashed.¡±

    The moment before she died, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart had already been broken by Ding Jiayi ¨C her own mother. She was driven to her grave by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words.

    The time of rebirth in this life was also too coincidental; it was when she found out that her fever was deliberately engineered. The worse thing was that her mother would rather discard the fever medicine than to let her have it. Was she really Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter?!

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t you want to see Dad and Mom get along well?¡± Qiao Zijin started talking and tried to cajole Nan Nan like she had in the past. ¡°If a few blows and a little suffering could let Dad and Mom mend their differences, I am definitely willing to do it.¡±

    When she heard these words from Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan was on fire.

    In the previous life, under Qiao Zijin¡¯s constant use of this type of heart stirring tactics and brainwashing, Qiao Nan had be obedient and withdrawn.

    Qiao Zijin was all beautiful talk and no action. Qiao Nan was always the one left alone to carry out the silly tasks!

    Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Sister, since you said so, then quickly go to the room and persuade them. Mom loves you so much, even if you are beaten, it¡¯s for the sake of Mom. Hurry, after you are beaten, Dad and Mom will mend their differences.¡±

    Anyway, the one who got physical would not be Dad; only Mom would use physical ways to vent her emotions.

    In the face of her most precious elder daughter, Mom would definitely not do it.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin was in a daze and there was no movement, Qiao Nan even nudged Qiao Zijin. ¡°Sister, hurry up and go. If it¡¯s toote, Dad and Mom will start quarreling.

    Before Qiao Zijin could say word, her body gave a honest reaction. She twisted. How could she be willing to enter the couple¡¯s room?

    Qiao Zijin smiled embarrassedly. ¡°Dad and Mom are in the heat of an argument now. If I go in at this juncture, it will be definitely be awkward for them. I, I will wait until they have finished quarreling before persuading them.¡± With that, she ran straight back to her own room.

    Qiao Nan sneered, she had long known about Qiao Zijin¡¯s self-centered personality. Only her mother would treat Qiao Zijin like a treasure.

    She did not know what Qiao Dongliang told Ding Jiayi. Since that faithful day, Ding Jiayi never lifted a finger to Qiao Nan. But whenever she cast her eyes on Qiao Nan, it was very unfriendly, as if she was looking at her enemy.

    Moreover, from this day onwards, Ding Jiayi began to ignore Qiao Nan. It was as if Qiao Nan did not belong to the family.

    Qiao Nan smiled. She understood this tactic ¨C it is called psychological abuse.

    In her previous life, whenever she did not satisfy her mother¡¯s desires, her mother would either make a huge fuss or use this tactic.

    At that time, she also deserved it. She was unhappy as she often felt that her mother was ignoring her. So she would keep all the suffering to herself and think of ways to please her mother.

    In this life, with her mother ignoring her, she would also have one less person to scold her. Even better!

    Sitting in her own room, Qiao Nan was thinking about how she could live this lifetime to the fullest. She must definitely continue her studies but she could not recollect much of the knowledge gained during the days in junior high school.

    Although at this time, those who went to vocational secondary school were more promising than those in the high school, Qiao Nan knew best that, in future, the college students would be in demand as they valued the diploma in higher education.

    Qiao Nan rummaged through her entire room. She did not find a single piece of homework, not to mention the junior high school textbooks. In this way, how was she going to revise the studies for junior high school to advance to high school?

    Qiao Nan thought about it and went straight to look for Qiao Zijin. ¡°Sister, why have my secondary one and two textbooks gone missing?¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was eating a milk popsicle, said coldly. ¡°They¡¯re your books. How would I know where they are?¡±

    Qiao Nan stared at Qiao Zijin¡¯s milk popsicle a few times. ¡°Then are your books still around? Can you lend me your secondary three textbook?¡±

    Qiao Zijin still thought that Qiao Nan was greedy and eying her popsicle. Pettily, she bit her popsicle and finished it in two or three mouthfuls. Her teeth were so frozen in pain that her words became incoherent. ¡°I havepleted my exams so Mom sold my books. It¡¯s good to get some money back too.¡±

    Of course, during that time, Mom had also conveniently sold Qiao Nan¡¯s secondary one and two textbooks.

    Mom was not prepared to let Qiao Nan continue her studies, so there was no point in keeping the secondary one and two textbooks.

    Even if Qiao Zijin was not explicit about it. Qiao Nan, who had crossed paths with Ding Jiayi for the second time in her life, knew her mother¡¯s character best. ¡°Did Mom sell my textbooks too?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned stiff. She did not know if she was frozen by the ice or stunned by Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction. ¡°How would I know? Anyway, my textbooks are gone.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and sneered. She did not believe that Qiao Zijin did not know anything about this matter.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was leaving, Qiao Zijin quickly stopped her. ¡°Because of you, our parents have already quarreled twice in three days. Can you stop ruining their rtionship?¡±

    ¡°Move away!¡± Qiao Nan rudely pushed Qiao Zijin away and returned to her room.

    There was still a half a week before school starts. Not only must she learn the knowledge of secondary three, she must also pick up secondary one and two.

    Without the textbooks, it would certainly not work. If she could not rely on others, she would have to rely on herself.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s room was very small. It was so tiny that it could only fit one bed. But Qiao Nan dug a hole in her room.

    The houses in the 1980s and 1990s were not like the 21st century. All of them were built on cementednd. Qiao Nan¡¯s house was paved with neither cement nor bricks; it was paved with mud.

    Usually, Ding Jiayi would never give Qiao Nan any money. The red packet that was given to her during Lunar New Year, she would always retrieve it behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back.

    For the sake of putting up an act in front of Qiao Dongliang, a person like Ding Jiayi could even pretend to give Qiao Nan some meat with her chopsticks and asked Qiao Nan to put it back. How would she be willing to give Qiao Nan any money?

    Ding Jiayi would not, but Dongliang would asionally gave a little. Qiao Nan would save up everything as she could not bear to use it. It came in handy at this time.

 Chapter 11 - Hate Them All

    <h4>Chapter 11: Hate Them All</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The times now were unlike the times before Qiao Nan¡¯s rebirth where people usually paid with hundred yuan big bills. Looking at the stash of money in her hands, the smallest denomination was only one cent, and even thergest denomination was only one yuan.

    Qiao Nan counted the bills, it actually added up to a little more than ten yuan.

    In thete 80s to early 90s, the value of money was much higher, this ten yuan was worth so much more than one hundred yuan in the 21st century.

    In her previous life, she had used this ten yuan to buy a pair of ck leather western style shoes for Qiao Zijin, matched with a dress.

    Qiao Zijin wore this outfit that she spent ten yuan on to the new high school.

    In this life, she would not spend a single cent on Qiao Zijin anymore!

    Qiao Nan went out with that rge amount of money¡±; Qiao Zijin could not stop her no matter what she did.

    By the time Ding Jiayi reached home, Qiao Nan had already been away for more than an hour. Ding Jiayi wiped her hands and asked, ¡°Where is Qiao Nan?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had a look of worry on her face. ¡°Mom, Nan Nan was looking for her secondary one and two textbooks today.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was lost for words.

    ¡°Nan Nan seemed to have guessed that you sold her textbooks. When she left just now, I wanted to stop her but I couldn¡¯t. Mom, do you think Nan Nan would go to look for Dad?¡±

    This was very nerve racking for Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan used to hate it when Dad and Mom quarreled because of her. But now why would she go to Dad for the most trivial things and cause them to get into an argument?

    ¡°I must have owed her in my previous life, and I had to pay the debts in this life!¡± Ding Jiayi took off the apron that she just put on and threw it on the floor out of spite. ¡°In order to have her, your Dad and I lost our cradle-to-grave jobs. Your Dad used to be apanymander in the army and was about to be promoted to battalionmander, But all because of her, your Dad has nothing now! She ruined your Dad¡¯s career, and now she still wants to ruin your life?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi really regretted having a second child.

    If she had not had a second child, Old Qiao would definitely be a battalionmander by now, and she would be the wife of a battalionmander. As for her government job, although it was just simple chores, it was leisurely work.

    Though without the second child, their family would not be the eye of envy of others, at least she would be able to hold her head up high in the quad.

    The Qiao couple¡¯s future waspletely ruined because of the second child. It was not wrong of her to say that she owed her younger daughter in her previous life!

    She spent all those years bringing up the younger daughter, yet she was of no help at all. All she could do was to splurge and create troubles, causing a strain to her rtionship with Old Qiao.

    What sins had shemitted to give birth to such a daughter?!

    Qiao Zijin listened while Ding Jiayi raked up the old stories. It was a surprise that she kept quiet all along.

    Actually deep down inside, Qiao Zijin hated Qiao Nan as much as Ding Jiayi. However, unlike Ding Jiayi, while she hated Qiao Nan for taking away her chance to be the daughter of a battalionmander, she also hated her parents Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    Why did they need a second child? Why did they need a boy? Weren¡¯t they happy with her?

    If Qiao Nan had been a boy, her mother would definitely do everything for him, including spending all the money, not to mention losing her cradle-to-grave job.

    When the time came, instead of Qiao Nan, the elder daughter would be the one to bear the wrath of her mother¡¯s anger.

    Qiao Zijin knew that there was nothing wrong with the birth of Qiao Nan; the problemy with the fact that Qiao Nan was a daughter. She was not the son that her parents were willing to sacrifice their cradle-to-grave jobs for.

    Lost in thought, Qiao Zijin dug at a scar on her palm.

    She was two years old then and her mother was pregnant. All she wanted was to hug her mother¡¯s leg. But her mother pushed her off to a side, for fear that she would knock into her protruding stomach. She fell and hurt her hand then.

    More than ten years had passed, the wound had healed but it left a scar forever.

    Qiao Nan was totally unaware of what happened while she was away from home. She knew little of theplicated feelings that Qiao Zijin had.

    She took the money and went to a thrift shop.

    ¡°Youngdy, do you have scrap to sell?¡± The uncle at the thrift shop wore an old blue cotton hat. His face and hands looked clean and his clothes did not seem to be dirty.

    Qiao Nan shook her head, ¡°Uncle, I am not here to sell things, instead I would like to buy some stuff.¡±

    The uncle found it weird, ¡°Why would youe to my ce to buy stuff? What do you intend to buy?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a nce and said, ¡°Uncle, do you have textbooks here, I would like to take a look at secondary three books.¡±

    The uncle blinked a few times but did not probe, ¡°If you don¡¯t find it dirty, just go ahead and look for the books you want. We can decide on the price based on whatever you find.¡±

    ¡°Alright, thank you, uncle.¡±

    The slight smell and messiness of the thrift shop did not bother Qiao Nan at all, she started to search conscientiously.

    Every year there would be a batch of junior high school graduates. And just like Ding Jiayi, there were quite a lot of people who would sell the textbooks.

    So it only took Qiao Nan a while to find the junior high school textbooks.

    Qiao Nan must have been lucky. Not only did she find the textbooks she wanted, the notes were neat and tidy, with detailed solutions to the problems.

    At one nce, Qiao Nan could tell which books belonged to the same owner of the textbooks she found. She took out all the books with the simr handwritings, including some exercise books.

    After some picking and choosing, aside from the main subjects, Qiao Nan also managed to find a few workbooks from the same owner.

    Judging from the paper quality, Qiao Nan surmised that the workbooks were not cheap and seemed to be foreign goods.

    ¡°Oh, you have managed to pick a pile of books?¡± The uncle walked over and saw the big pile of books stacked nicely besides Qiao Nan. He knew that these must be the books Qiao Nan wanted.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face was wet with sweat, she casually wiped it off with the back of her hand, leaving a few streaks of dirt on her fair and pretty small face.

    At the sight of the delicate pretty youngdy with a dirty looking face, the uncleughed, ¡°That¡¯s quite a few books, will you be able to carry them back?¡±

    The uncle¡¯s question made Qiao Nan stumped for words. The books she picked were pretty heavy. She could made a few trips to bring them back, but where could she keep them at home?

    If her mother saw the books, she would definitely throw the books away as soon as she bought the books home.

    Furthermore there was no point telling her father. He had to work and could not stay at home everyday. Once he leave for work, her mother would not let her keep the books.

    Qiao Nan had painstakingly found the books she wanted, this was a chance she did not want to miss. What she could do now was to ask the uncle for help.

    ¡°Uncle, I am buying these books. Could you put them aside for me, I will just be away for a short while? If you are worried, I can pay first?¡±

    The uncle waved his hands, ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯ll keep the books for you.¡±

    Aside from this youngdy who came to the thrift shop to buy books, everyone came with the intention to sell things.

    ¡°Thank you, uncle.¡± Qiao Nan smiled gratefully at the uncle and took off at a run.

    Over at Zhai¡¯s house, Zhai Hua who just woke up was brushing her teeth with a cup in her hands. She saw a youngdy pacing outside the doorway, contemting to go inside the house or not.

    Zhai Hua spitted out the toothpaste foam and rinsed her mouth. She did not know who exactly this youngdy was.

 Chapter 12 - Inside Story

    <h4>Chapter 12: Inside Story</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Face dripping with water, Zhai Hua went to the study room and asked Zhai Sheng who was reading. ¡°There¡¯s a youngdy outside, go and take a look and see if you know her, I don¡¯t think you do?¡±

    Her younger brother¡¯s hobbies were not inclined towards either gender. To think thatst time, she thought that something rare had happened, that her brother had finally been enlightened.

    Zhai Sheng closed the book and walked towards the door.

    Zhai Hua was stunned ¨C the youngdy was really here for her brother?

    Zhai Hua would not miss out on the fun; she craned her neck and peered outside through the window.

    Zhai Sheng who knew Zhai Hua very well, closed the door sharply right after he went out. Zhai Hua could not even catch a glimpse of what was happening outside, stomping her foot in frustration.

    The youngdy that Zhai Hua mentioned was really Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng looked her up and down; thankfully, except for the dirty-looking face, the youngdy did not have any injuries or bloodstains. ¡°Is anything the matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave him a silly smile. Besides Zhai Sheng, there was no-one that she could ask a favor of. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you have some space that I could put some stuff, but I would need toe over asionally to use them?¡±

    ¡°What stuff do you want to keep?¡±

    ¡°Books.¡±

    Zhai Sheng puckered his thin lips, ¡°Is your Mom giving you trouble again?¡±

    He remembered that Qiao Nan mentioned yesterday that her mother did not intend to let her continue her studies. ¡°She wanted to sell your books?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°I have forgotten some of the knowledge learned from secondary one and two. Middle school examinations will being in one year¡¯s time. I would like to sit for college entrance examinations and get into a college.¡±

    ¡°Sure,e with me.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded. After all, he had given his word to Qiao Nan a few days ago that she coulde to him for help if she faced any problems.

    Staring at Zhai Sheng¡¯s broad, dependable back, Qiao Nan felt slightly at ease. Luckily Brother Zhai was willing to offer his help.

    Brother Zhai appeared indifferent and aloof, but in fact he was a very kind-hearted person.

    Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan to the backyard. There was a small hut by itself which was used to store groceries. But the hut had been emptied of groceries the past year and had been vacant since then.

    Zhai Sheng handed two keys to Qiao Nan. ¡°This is the key to the hut, while the other one is the key to the back door of my house. Don¡¯t lose them.¡±

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes at Zhai Sheng, dumbfounded by his words. She knew that Brother Zhai was a good person, but this was too kind of him. How could he just give away the keys to the back door of his house so easily?

    Was... Was this appropriate?

    ¡°Have youmitted it to memory?¡± Zhai Sheng asked coldly.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head quickly. ¡°But is this appropriate?¡±

    ¡°Good, just bring the books over.¡± Zhai Sheng did not answer Qiao Nan¡¯s question, but wanted her to bring the books as soon as possible.

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± At the thought of the books, Qiao Nan dashed out in full speed as if she had the legs of a rabbit.

    Once Qiao Nan left, Zhai Sheng went back inside the house and took a new light bulb for the storeroom. The light bulb in the storeroom has not been working since half a year ago, but since it was no longer used to store grocery, no-one had bothered to change it.

    After changing the light bulb, Zhai Sheng took his desk and chair from the study room and put it in the storeroom.

    ¡°Oh, why did you shift them here?¡± Zhai Hua was bursting with curiosity when she saw Zhai Sheng moved the desk and chair to the storeroom. ¡°What exactly is happening here? Why are the desk and chair here? Hey, you even changed the light bulb?¡±

    Zhai Hua pulled the string. The storeroom which used to be dim and dark lit up brilliantly in an instant.

    ¡°This ce is not for me. I lent it to Uncle Qiao¡¯s younger daughter.¡± Zhai Sheng notified Zhai Hua in advance for fear that it might cause a misunderstanding when Qiao Nan returned with her books.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao¡¯s younger daughter, do you mean Xiao Qiao?!¡± Zhai Hua said, ¡°The youngdy just now is Xiao Qiao? She looked quite pretty.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao?¡± Zhai Sheng appeared clueless.

    ¡°In ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯ there were the Two Qiaos of Jiangdong, for us, it is the Two Qiaos of the quad.¡± Zhai Hua might not have know the people from Qiao family, but she definitely knew about the jokes going around the quad. ¡°My brother, among the Two Qiaos of the quad, who is prettier, Da Qiao or Xiao Qiao?¡±

    Zhai Sheng shot a cold stare at Zhai Hua. She froze over and gave an awkward smile. ¡°I was just joking, just joking!¡±

    Little brat, he really could not take a joke.

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan puffed hard from the run, bringing some books from the thrift shop. She saw a charming big sister, though she seemed unctuous. ¡°Zhai... is this your big sister?¡±

    Qiao Nan never thought that she would run into another member from the Zhai family so quickly. She became tongue tied all of a sudden and addressed her in a funny way.

    Zhai Hua had to bite her tongue. This was not the first time someone called her elder sister. But it was definitely the first time she had been called big sister. ¡°You could address me as Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°There were only this many books?¡± Zhai Sheng took the books from Qiao Nan and put them aside.

    ¡°There are still more to go, I have to go for a few more rounds.¡±

    ¡°You go, I will be here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, alright.¡± Qiao Nan was still ted about resolving her two big problems. So when Zhai Sheng asked her to go ahead to bring the books, she ran out happily and did not bother to stay to chat with Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua blinked and was dumbfounded that she was treated as if she was non-existent. She had never imagined that there would be a day where she would be disregarded to such extent.

    Compared to her ice-cold brother, most people would be more than willing to be with her.

    Zhai Hua touched her nose oddly and looked through Qiao Nan¡¯s books. She saw the handwriting on the books and her face hardened. She now looked somewhat simr to Zhai Sheng¡¯s usual expression, particrly her eyes, which seemed sharp as razors. ¡°Zhai Sheng, what¡¯s all this about? Xiao Qiao was acquaintances with Peng Yu?¡±

    Peng family did not get along well with Zhai family. Was there something suspicious about Qiao Nan?

    Peng Yu was two years younger than Zhai Sheng, but he was as prominent as Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng was an all rounder, while Peng Yu has been hailed as genius military counselor in the army, known for his foresight and vicious nature.

    If Xiao Qiao was sent by Peng family to get close to Zhai Sheng, she would stop at nothing to deal with her!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Qiao Nan had nothing to do with the Peng family.¡± Zhai Sheng said calmly and matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Gone was the Zhai Hua who was all smiles everyday. She now appeared very stern and serious. ¡°Zhai Sheng, although it was a rare urrence that you have finally grown up and I am d that you have taken a fancy todies, you do not put the Zhai family reputation at stake. I would not allow you to put our family at risk. Given Peng Yu¡¯s character, if Xiao Qiao has nothing to do with Peng family, he would rather throw them away than give it to Xiao Qiao!¡±

    Zhai Sheng curled his lips, ¡°These books were thrown away by Peng Yu.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Zhai Hua arched her eyebrows, a look of disbelief on her face.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice the smelling from Qiao Nan?¡± Even though the smell was faint, he could still tell.

    ¡°Smell?¡± Zhai Hua asked uncertainly.

 Chapter 13 - â€˜Studiousâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 13: ¡®Studious¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It was only early autumn now, the weather was very hot, everyone was drenched in sweat and smelled terribly. I just praised you for finally understanding the way of things and now you¡¯re all muddle-headed again. How could you tell a youngdy that she smelled right to her face?¡±

    Zhai Sheng curled one side of his lips in a sarcastic manner. ¡°How did you even manage to get into the army back then? Just because you were all brawn and no brains and could serve as cannon fodder?¡±

    Zhai Hua almost vomited blood. This blood brother of hers really had a sharp tongue!

    ¡°Qiao Nan must have bought these books from the thrift shop.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had really sharp eyes. Just from the smell of her and her dirty little face, he could tell where Qiao Nan had been beforeing to Zhai¡¯s house.

    Zhai Hua arched her eyebrows.

    When Qiao Nan returned with another stack of books, Zhai Hua paid more attention to her instead of her gender.

    What she saw was exactly what Zhai Sheng said. With that Zhai Hua finally rxed and asked, ¡°Why did you go to the thrift shop to get old books?¡±

    And among all the books, you picked Peng Yu¡¯s books.

    Qiao Nan smiled awkwardly. She could tell Brother Zhai of her family situation, but for no reasons, she just could not bring it herself to reveal it to Brother Zhai¡¯s elder sister.

    ¡°This is the study desk?¡± This time round Qiao Nan noticed that the storeroom¡¯s light bulb was working, and it was refurbished with a sturdy-looking study desk.

    The study desk was sparkling clean and smooth. One could tell that it had been used regrly.

    ¡°That belonged to my sister. She seldom stays at home, leaving it with her would only gather more dust.¡± Zhai Sheng mentioned.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Sister Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan thanked Zhai Hua from the bottom of her heart. Not only did she has a ce to keep her books, but she also had a study desk.

    This storeroom was much betterpared to Qiao Nan¡¯s learning environment at her house.

    Qiao Nan rubbed at her eyes quietly. Heavens seemed to be quite nice to her. She was given a chance to have a new lease of life and was lucky enough to run into two kind hearted souls.

    Zhai Hua arched her eyebrows and puckered her lips into an ¡°O¡± shape. She threw a meaningful nce at Zhai Sheng. What was wrong with Xiao Qiao, was she touched to tears?

    ¡°Have you brought all the books back?¡± Zhai Sheng did not respond to Zhai Hua¡¯s look. Instead he flipped through the books that Qiao Nan brought back and realized that they were in series, from secondary one to secondary three.

    ¡°Yes, I have brought everything back.¡± Qiao Nan said as she felt the pinch. She had painstakingly saved up the money for fifteen years and now she had to spend more than three yuan on these books.

    Qiao Nan wondered how much her mother had sold her books for? Did it even amount to three yuan?

    ¡°Alright, I will leave this ce to you.¡± Zhai Sheng dragged Zhai Hua who did not seem to be leaving alongside with him, leaving no room for argument.

    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± Zhai Hua beat Zhai Sheng on the back of his hand and said sullenly, ¡°You are so nice to that youngdy, offering her your study desk, and let me take the credit for it. I am your blood sister, why aren¡¯t you so nice to me?

    ¡°By the way, what happened to Xiao Qiao, why did she need to buy books from the thrift shop?¡±

    ¡°What did you think was the reason?¡± Zhai Sheng looked askance at her; why would she ask when she already knew the answer?

    Zhai Hua pulled at the corners of her mouth, ¡°Young brat, is that how you treat your sister?¡±

    Zhai Sheng rolled his eyes at Zhai Hua, not responding to her.

    With such an unreliable sister who enjoyed setting him up, if not for his careful nature, he might have been totally screwed up long ago.

    Zhai Hua nced at Qiao Nan who was already studying in the storeroom. She then caught up to Zhai Sheng and stopped makingments regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s matter.

    With no-one around to bother her, Qiao Nan pored over the books.

    Qiao Nan had forgotten a lot of the Mathematics knowledge points. But she had studied them before, so with some reading up of the lessons, she still managed to grasp the concepts fairly fast.

    As for Chinese,prehension was pretty easy, but for those that required memorizing, she would have to do it from scratch.

    In the blink of an eye, a day had passed. Qiao Dongliang had came back home from work. The first person that he called out for was his younger daughter.

    Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed like Qiao Nan had not run off to look for Old Qiao. That wretched girl still had some conscience.

    ¡°There is no need to shout anymore, Qiao Nan went out to y, she is not at home.¡± Ding Jiayi told Qiao Dongliang head on as he came in. ¡°She is undoubtedly a youngdy, but she craved fun and excitement more so than a young man, spending her time outside every single day. With such behavior, I reckoned that she would not survive secondary three. Did she really think that she could ace her three years of school with her petty tricks?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had a sip of water, wiped his sweaty face with a wet cloth and looked at Ding Jiayi, ¡°I have made my stand, if Nan Nan would like to continue her studies, I will provide for her no matter what.¡±

    ¡°All you say is you will provide, doesn¡¯t that require money?¡± Ding Jiayi was furious.

    ¡°Spend money? Can I not afford the money? My sry is not sufficient to pay for Nan Nan¡¯s education fees? Qiao Dongliang was boiling with anger. He would provide for the daughter that he had.

    Ding Jiayi flushed with anger, ¡°Do you even understand our situation here? Qiao Zijin is in high school now, the expenses are much higher than before, and there¡¯s our household expenses as well, everything needs money! If Qiao Nan were to work, the household would have an extra ie and incur less expenses, wouldn¡¯t that be good?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang pondered and said, ¡°Even if Zijin wanted to enroll in high school and our expenses be higher, at most I could use my monthly pay to cover for all these and not set aside any money for savings. If there¡¯s any unforeseen circumstances, we still have some savings, what¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang remembered that they have roughly more than five thousand yuan of savings, not much, but it should be enough for emergency use.

    Ding Jiayi turned green with guilt upon hearing Qiao Dongliang mention the savings.

    Qiao Dongliang did not notice Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression; he was lost in thought, pondering whether he shoulde up with ways to earn more. He would never know that the five thousand plus yuan of hard earned savings that he spent years sloughing his guts out for, had in fact been used by Ding Jiayi as bribery to get their elder daughter to enroll in high school.

    The reason why Ding Jiayi wanted desperately for Qiao Nan to work, was not only because she did not want to provide for Qiao Nan; another reason was that they did not have any savings at all.

    A wrinkled purse, a flustered Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi stomped her feet in nervousness. Once riled up, there was nothing one could do to hold Old Qiao back.

    Good thing was that Old Qiao said that as long as that wretched girl agreed to quit school, he would not force her. So she would have to work on that wretched girl.

    Ding Jiayi thought for a moment, it was an easy feat to stop Qiao Nan from going to school. But what was most difficult would be getting Qiao Nan to quit school of her own ord.

    She had no idea what the wretched girl had been into these two days. Though useless she used to be obedient, nowadays she even refused to listen to her and Zijin.

    ¡°How about Zijin?¡± The younger daughter was not at home, the elder daughter was nowhere to be seen as well.

    Ding Jiayi raised her chin happily, ¡°Zijin said that she wanted to enter into the college. She did not do well for the middle school examination and wants to revise the knowledge points. Hopefully after she has enrolled in high school, she can catch up on her studies.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Dongliang was pleased that his daughter was studious and would like to strive for excellence. ¡°Make lots of good food for her, and don¡¯t think of bullying Qiao Nan behind my back!¡±

 Chapter 14 - Continue Her Studies

    <h4>Chapter 14: Continue Her Studies</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang was full of anger.

    His wife passed the younger daughter food with chopsticks, but would ask her to put back the meat. Qiao Dongliang just could not understand why would his wife do such a thing.

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth, not rebutting what Qiao Dongliang said.

    Ding Jiayi still remembered that day when they had a quarrel; Qiao Dongliang had closed the door and stared at her as if he wanted to swallow her up.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s anger remained. Ding Jiayi did not dare do anything to upset him.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Qiao Dongliang must have returned when she reached home.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled, ¡°Nan Nan is back, where did you go to y? It¡¯s still hot now. You have just recovered from an illness, you must be careful not to go in the sun, do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan turned and looked towards Ding Jiayi. It was no doubt her mother who spoke ill of her in front of her father, saying that she has been out for fun.

    Ding Jiayi caught Qiao Nan¡¯s eye and red at her, warning her to behave herself.

    Ding Jiayi stood behind Qiao Dongliang, so he did not see the warning look that she gave their younger daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan¡¯s head, her fever has subsided by now and said, ¡°Nan Nan, though your results and foundation are better than your sister, school reopens the day after tomorrow. If you have time, it would be good for you to stay at home to revise just like your sister.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled, ¡°Dad, Mum sold off all our junior high school textbooks. I would like to do some revision, but there¡¯s nothing for me to revise from. Middle school examinations will cover secondary one and secondary two content, now I am worried and don¡¯t know what to do. Besides, elder sister also does not have her textbooks. I wonder what is she reading in her room?¡±

    ¡°Sold?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. He could not believe it and turned to look at his wife. ¡°Where have you put Nan Nan¡¯s secondary one and secondary two textbooks? Nan Nan takes proper care of her books. Nan Nan mistakenly thinks you have sold them. Hurry up, take out the books now!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang refused to believe that his wife would be so ruthless. He did not want to see the rtionship between his wife and younger daughter turn sour.

    The elder daughter had just had middle school examinations. His wife kept the textbooks, and insisted that the younger daughter who just started secondary two to revise secondary one and secondary two knowledge points with the elder daughter.

    But when it was the younger daughter¡¯s turn to sit for the exams, his wife had sold the books. What was this?!

    Ding Jiayi turned red. If not for Old Qiao, she would have beaten that younger daughter of hers who was bent on going against her.

    ¡°What are you waiting for, return Nan Nan¡¯s books to her now!¡±

    ¡°Return her books, what¡¯s there to return? I was the one who paid her school fees! Is there any mortar and brick in the house that belong to Qiao Nan?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang drew a deep breath, ¡°You paid her school fees, but did you earn that money? Stop all this nonsense, where are the books?¡±

    ¡°Very well, I stayed at home and worked my guts out for you, keeping busy all day long. Now you are telling me all this money is yours and I have no say at all! Old Qiao, how could you say this, where¡¯s your conscience? What about all the efforts I put into this family, aren¡¯t they considered contributions at all?¡±

    Ding Jiayi burst into tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to change the topic. Where are Nan Nan¡¯s books?¡±

    Startled by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bellow, Ding Jiayi stopped crying. She could not help but snarl, ¡°Everything is gone, there is nothing left. Since Zijin has graduated, there was no point in keeping the books. So I sold them off. But I sold her books by mistake as well.¡±

    ¡°By mistake?¡± Qiao Dongliang was amused by how Ding Jiayi was lying through her teeth. ¡°Did it really slip your mind, or was it all part of your n to stop Nan Nan from continuing her studies?¡±

    Anyone could tell from these incidents whether his wife had done so intentionally or not. If Qiao Dongliang could not make out the truth, those years in the army were all for nothing.

    No wonder his wife had refused to give Nan Nan medicine for her fever, and had even thrown the medicine away.

    Old Ding must have nned for Nan Nan to be so sick that she could not enroll for school!

    Old Ding must have harbored this thought of not letting Nan Nan enrol in school for ages. She definitely had not thought of it on the spur of the moment.

    To think that when Nan Nan first told him that Old Ding wanted her to quit school, he thought that Nan Nan had misunderstood Old Ding. So after all, it was his daughter who had seen through Old Ding¡¯s mind.

    Now that everything was out in the open, Ding Jiayi no longer bothered to exin. But she refused to admit that she was in the wrong, ¡°Didn¡¯t she always score well? Don¡¯t tell me she could not do well in her middle school examination just because she did not have secondary one and secondary two textbooks?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you hear that, your Mom has agreed to let you continue with secondary three.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled coldly. He stroked Qiao Nan on the head and picked on Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, ¡°Don¡¯t worry Nan Nan, even if your Mom does not allow, I am the breadwinner of the family. I will earn the money to let you continue with your studies.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom!¡± Qiao Nan said at the top of her voice.

    No matter what, she had finally gotten the opportunity to continue her studies. She would not need to quit school anymore.

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi had turned green, Qiao Nan just couldn¡¯t help but shout out in joy with a wicked thought in mind, ¡°Dad, Mom has sold all the books, so what is sister reading in her room?¡±

    What was Qiao Zijin so fascinated with? Her father and mother just had a big quarrel, yet she as a good daughter did not turn up at all?

    Qiao Dongliang looked towards Ding Jiayi, who stiffened and said, ¡°Zijin told me she wanted to read some books, how would I know what is she reading?¡±

    Ding Jiayi never doubted her beloved elder daughter¡¯s words.

    ¡°Mom, you have always been ranting about money,ining that there was not enough to spend. You bought high school books for sister in advance, wasn¡¯t that a waste of money?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head.

    She had spent all the savings in order to get Zijin into a good high school. How would she have money to buy high school books?

    They were stunned by Ding Jiayi¡¯s denial.

    Flustered, Ding Jiayi walked to Qiao Zijin¡¯s room. She knocked at the door lightly and said, ¡°Zijin, Mom ising in.¡±

    Upon knocking the door, Ding Jiayi opened the door without waiting for Qiao Zijin¡¯s reply.

    Ding Jiayi stepped into Qiao Zijin¡¯s room and saw that her elder daughter¡¯s face was covered in tears, her eyes clouded with sadness.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Her elder daughter must have felt sorry for her Mom who was caught up in a quarrel with Old Qiao.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart melted. Her elder daughter was such a dear, she had to give extra love to her. She must think of ways to pave the path for her daughter¡¯s future.

    ¡°Ha...¡± Qiao Nan who followed right behind snorted andughed when she saw the book that Qiao Zijin was holding in her hands. ¡°Sister, so you are reading a novel. Seems like you are so engrossed in your novel, it must have been tiring for you.¡±

    The novel that Qiao Zijin was reading was none other than Mou Nainai¡¯s novels. Mou Nainai has been known to write novels regarding affairs in a marriage for quite a long period of time.

    Qiao Dongliang overheard them and knitted his eyebrows, ¡°You are reading novels, not revising? What is this novel about?¡±

 Chapter 15 - Fumble the Ball

    <h4>Chapter 15: Fumble the Ball</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    By the time Qiao Dongliang snatched the novel from Qiao Zijin, only then did she realize that someone had entered her room.

    Qiao Zijin flushed with embarrassment and said to Ding Jiayi, ¡°Mom, why did you enter my room without knocking!¡±

    ¡°What kind of nonsense novel are you reading!¡± Qiao Zijin had stopped at a page where there was some saucy material. Qiao Dongliang took a few nces and was exasperated. ¡°Did you coop yourself up in your room to read this kind of novel?¡±

    Giving Qiao Zijin no time to react, Qiao Dongliang spread his two hands and tore up the novel. ¡°You refuse to let Nan Nan study, and yet you have spare money to buy this for Zijin. Old Ding, let me ask you, do we have money or not?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang saw that the novel was not cheap, and there was the elder daughter¡¯s name on the book. It was undoubtedly hers.

    ¡°I... I...¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. Old Qiao wanted his daughters to be well-educated and to have a promising future, so as to make up for his regret of being discharged from the army. This was the first time that she had seen Old Qiao tear up their daughter¡¯s books.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± Ding Jiayi hurried to exin. ¡°I didn¡¯t give Zijin money and I never knew that she bought books recently.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that she had been treated unjustly. She had saved and scrimped at home and kept tight control on the meat and fish dishes at home in order to save some money to pull strings for Zijin.

    She would never give Zijin extra money to buy these kind of novels.

    Ding Jiayi had no idea what the novel was about. But judging from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reaction, when he only took a nce and tore it into pieces, intuition told her that there was nothing great about the book.

    Out of curiosity, Qiao Nan picked up the book on the floor, and flipped to thest page.

    She has been sisters with Qiao Zijin for two lives. She knew all the small habits that Qiao Zijin had.

    As expected, when Qiao Nan flipped to thest page, she saw some dates written on it. It dated back to more than half a year ago, around New Yearst year.

    Looking at the pages, there weren¡¯t brand new. It meant that Qiao Zijin bought it more than half a year ago, and she had finished reading some time ago.

    Qiao Nan calcted the dates, and realized that it had been during the most crucial part of the year where Qiao Zijin was sitting for her middle school examination. Qiao Zijin had spare money, yet she did not spend it on revision books, but wasted it on this kind of novel. No wonder Qiao Zijin had not been doing well in her exams, and that she only barely managed to make it to high school.

    Qiao Dongliang used to serve in the army, he was more insightful than others.

    Just one nce at Qiao Nan¡¯s flipping actions and he knew what was going on. There was no need for Qiao Nan to say a word.

    Qiao Zijin was sitting for her crucial middle school examination at that time, and yet she had the time to read novels. Thinking back on her results, Qiao Dongliang felt extremely disappointed.

    Ever since he had been discharged from the army, he had pinned his hopes on his two daughters, hoping that they would have good prospects, and that was why he let them enrol in school.

    He thought she was not as gifted but had tried her best, thus with the adequate results that she had, he had not scolded her at all for two whole months.

    But now Qiao Dongliang knew the truth. Qiao Zijin did not put any effort into her studies at all.

    ¡°No wonder your results are less than satisfactory; this is where you have channeled your attention to.¡± Qiao Dongliang was puzzled, at such a young age, how did Qiao Zijin know about these romance novels?

    Thinking back on the near seventeen years that he had spent bringing up his elder daughter, she had never shed a tear for her Dad. Yet she had cried her guts out for that book. Qiao Dongliang felt awful.

    But he could not take it out on his daughter, so he ranted at Ding Jiayi. ¡°She was preparing for her middle school examination and yet she was reading this sort of immoral book. How could she possibly get good results?! Zijin¡¯s heart was not set on studying and you forced her to study. On the other hand, Nan Nan had been performing well all along, yet you wanted her to quit school. What do you mean by that?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang grabbed the book from Qiao Nan and threw it into Ding Jiayi¡¯s face.

    Her face was not hurt, but her pride did. However Ding Jiayi could not rebut a word now. ¡°Zijin, why did you...¡±

    Why did she have to fumble the ball at such a juncture?

    Ding Jiayi never imagined that her elder daughter would be reading novels instead of revising in such a crucial half-year period.

    On the other hand, even though Qiao Nan wanted to study at home, Ding Jiayi would always order her around, asking her to run errands and to clean up the house.

    Qiao Zijin still had a buzzing sound in her ears. She was totally baffled, scared out of her wits.

    Whenever Qiao Zijin was reading, no-one in the house would disturb her.

    In particr today, she made it a point to tell Ding Jiayi that she was going to study. As always, Ding Jiayi would not let anyone disturb her or go into her room.

    Because there was Ding Jiayi around, Qiao Zijin read her novel without a care.

    The story had reached a climax, Qiao Zijin was totally absorbed in the plot, sobbing terribly for the couple who were forced to stay apart by the wife of the male lead. Yet all of a sudden there were three people in her room.

    As for the revision that Qiao Zijin was saying, the content of this book had no rtion whatsoever to her junior high studies.

    ¡°No, no, Dad, you... you are mistaken, this book... I, I only read it after exams were over, not, not before that...¡±

    Qiao Zijin stuttered and could not utter a proper sentence. But everyone could tell that she was trying to make excuses for herself.

    Ding Jiayi came to her senses and went to Qiao Zijin¡¯s rescue. ¡°Old Qiao, you heard it, though Zijin bought the book way before exams, she only read it recently. How she fared in middle school examination had nothing to do with this book. Zijin was so sensible, she would not do things like that.¡±

    ¡°Never read before, does this look like a new book?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I never read it, but I lent it to my ssmate!¡±

    ¡°Who did you lend it to?¡±

    ¡°I have lent it to Wang Hua from the next ss.¡± But Wang Hua has moved house four months ago. She did not even sit the middle school examination. Her Dad would not be able to find her.

    ¡°The one who moved, sister, since when are you on such close terms with the ssmates from the next ss?¡± Qiao Nanughed. Qiao Zijin might be able to convince their mother, but definitely not Dad.

    This was obviously Qiao Zijin¡¯s intention. Wang Hua had moved house and Dad had no way of verifying with her.

    ¡°You shut up!¡± Ding Jiayi shouted at Qiao Nan. ¡°At this juncture,you are still adding fuel to the fire, Qiao Nan, what ill intentions are you harboring, if you do not know how to speak, just keep your mouth shut!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was startled by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s darkened face.

    ¡°Dad, I have to enroll for school the day after tomorrow. Where are my school fees?¡± Qiao Nan tried changing the topic, the date for enrollment was just a few days away, would she be able to get her school fees? ¡°Dad, I have used up all my pens and exercise books.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang let out a deep breath, ¡°Give twenty yuan to Nan Nan.¡±

 Chapter 16 - Shot in the Foot

    <h4>Chapter 16: Shot in the Foot</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°20... 20 yuan. We don¡¯t have so much.¡± Ding Jiayi felt the pinch, 20 yuan ¨C that was a month of the family expenses. ¡°Anyway, Zijin has a lot of pens and notebooks, can¡¯t she use them?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was both amused and angered by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. ¡°While Zijin has a poor learning attitude, she can have everything new. Nan Nan¡¯s results are so good and she can only use the leftovers from Zijin? Let me repeat. Give Nan Nan 20 yuan!¡±

    ¡°If we give her 20 yuan, what are we going to eat and drink for this month?!¡± Ding Jiayi was not happy to provide the money.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin whispered to Ding Jiayi, trying to dissuade her.

    She finally felt it. Recently, Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior was so bizarre that it was causing her bad luck.

    With her father¡¯s current attitude, her mother would never be able to override him no matter how determined she was. Qiao Nan would undoubtedly continue with her studies.

    Since this was the case, Qiao Zijin thought that her mother might as well agree to this immediately. This might even improve her father¡¯s impression of Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi pushed away Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Zijin, I know you don¡¯t want me to argue with your dad, but please leave this matter alone.¡±

    Though he heard from Ding Jiayi that she did not have money on hand, Qiao Dongliang did not feel like questioning her on where his sry for the month went to. ¡°If it¡¯s not enough, you can go to the bank to withdraw 100 yuan. That should do.¡±

    Nan Nan started school, so did Zijin.

    As Zijin continued her studies, she certainly needed money. Old Ding could not possibly let her suffer. She would not give even one cent, not to mention 100 yuan.

    At the mention of savings, all three women of the Qiao family became exceptionally quiet.

    Qiao Nan need not say anything. The huge mess that her mother made would be found out sooner orter.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had a look of guilt all over them. They dared not speak.

    ¡°Why are you standing there. Give me the chequebook. I will go to the bank with you tomorrow to withdraw 100 yuan.¡± Qiao Dongliang stretched out his hands to Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi was scared stiff. Her face turned slightly pale and she stuttered when she spoke. ¡°No. Didn¡¯t you want 20 yuan? I will give it to you. We don¡¯t have to go to the bank.¡±

    To ensure that Qiao Dongliang dismissed the thought of the passbook, Ding Jiayi immediately took out 20 yuan from her pocket and threw it on the ground.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was stiff. She took deep breaths. She remained silent.

    She must continue with her studies. At this time, it was not easy to get her mother to give any money out. She must cherish this opportunity.

    Qiao Nan continued tofort herself with such thoughts, but as an adult with dignity, her eyes were all red, and her hands reluctantly moved to pick up the money.

    Qiao Dongliang pursed his lips. ¡°Old Ding, although it is not the time to to fight now, I don¡¯t think you want me to lift my hand against you!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was at the top of her anger, she not only had to give the money, but also had to wait on the wretched girl, Qiao Nan, as if she was their ancestor. Why should she?!

    Before Qiao Dongliang could re up again, Qiao Zijin stood up without a word, bent down and picked up the money. She blew and patted it dry before handing it to Qiao Nan personally. ¡°Nan Nan, please don¡¯t misunderstand. Mom definitely loves you, but she hasn¡¯t been resting well recently, and has a poor temper.¡±

    Unlike the past, Qiao Nan was not so easy to sweet-talk. If Mom continued with this attitude, whatever she said to Qiao Nan would not no longer have any effect.

    Qiao Nan held on tightly to the money but did not speak.

    ¡°Nan Nan, let¡¯s go, Dad will get some egg noodles for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang shot a look of disdain at Ding Jiayi. Despite being years older, she was not as sensible as her daughter.

    Qiao Zijin was sloppy in her studies, Qiao Dongliang was of course angry and disappointed but he still loved his own daughter. Seeing that Qiao Zijin was more gracious and sensible than Ding Jiayi, his gaze quickly softened.

    Standing by the side and watching, Qiao Nan sighed. They belonged to one family. The mistakes that Mom made were mostly ¡°petty¡± ones; regardless of how angry Dad was, he would at most argue a little. It would definitely not be that serious.

    To put it bluntly, her father was easy to appease.

    As she was fully aware of this, after the rebirth, Qiao Nan only focused on protecting her own interests. She did not kick up a big fuss or sow discord between the couple.

    ¡°Dad, can you give me two eggs?¡± Qiao Nan perked herself up and smiled at Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Well, as long as Nan Nan likes it, not to mention two, three is also not a problem.¡± Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan to the kitchen and rolled up his sleeves to prepare noodles for her.

    Hand-made noodles are delicious, chewy and not sticky, topped with some shallots and two golden eggs, they were especially fragrant.

    Having the freshly-made noodles, Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. The reason why her father personally went to the kitchen to prepare noodles were two-fold. First, to make up it to her and second, he hoped that she would forget what happened today and not take this matter to heart with her mother.

    She did not expect her mother to be fair, nor did she expect her father to be firm in taking her mother in hand.

    The only thing she hoped and strived for in this life was that she would study well, find a good job to support herself, have her own home and quietly live through her days.

    As for her mother and Qiao Zijin, they could try to torture her as much as they would like to, but she would not participate with their ploys. She would earn her own keep and guard it jealously.

    This dinner, the Qiao family had a particrly quiet meal.

    Qiao Dongliang had only prepared the portions of Qiao Nan and himself, and Ding Jiayi had to prepare for Qiao Zijin and herself.

    This was the first time that the Qiao family was divided into two tables. Except for Qiao Nan, the rest of the three parties felt strange and confused.

    After eating the noodles, Qiao Nan washed her own cutlery, turned and returned to her bedroom and started reading.

    When Ding Jiayi saw that Qiao Nan had only cleaned up after herself, she was so furious that she shouted at her.

    Qiao Zijin quickly stopped Ding Jiayi and hinted at her by shaking her head. She silently mouthed two words ¨C ¡°The passbook¡±.

    These two words were Ding Jiayi¡¯s Achilles heel. Before this, Ding Jiayi was like a balloon that was ready to blow up anytime. Now, she seemed to be one that was out of gas and withering badly.

    ¡°Mom, let me wash up.¡± Qiao Zijin endured the greasiness and difort while she immersed her hands into the water.

    Ding Jiayi took the dishes out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°No, Mom will wash. My daughter does not need to do these rough chores. You just have to go back to your bedroom to rest... Zijin, the situation at home, Mom did not hide from you. Don¡¯t make your dad angry again and create trouble for Mom. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Mom, you can rest assured, it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Qiao Zijin also began to regret letting her mother sell all of the textbooks. With none left, she could not even put up a pretence.

    What Qiao Nan did not know was that Ding Jiayi had only intended to sell her books, and not those of Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin finally graduated from junior high school. She hated the sight of those textbooks and was eager to get rid of them.

    She even told Ding Jiayi ¨C if she did not sell her textbooks, and Qiao Nan¡¯s books were gone, what if she asked to borrow from her?

 Chapter 17 - Guerilla Warfare

    <h4>Chapter 17: Gueri Warfare</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Right from the start, Qiao Zijin¡¯s intention was to leave Qiao Nan with no alternatives. She never expected that the oue was that she would dig her own grave.

    After Qiao Zijin came out from the kitchen, for a moment, she did not know what she could do.

    After some thoughts, Qiao Zijin prepared a cup of tea for Qiao Dongliang and then apologized to him in an honest and sincere manner. As for when the book was purchased, whether she read it before or after the middle school exams, she did not say a word.

    Qiao Zijin was quite street smart, especially when it came to appeasing her parents.

    Knowing the temperament of Qiao Dongliang, it was better to admit to the mistakes immediately than to argue and lie.

    True enough, with this, Qiao Dongliang was forgiving and softly persuaded Qiao Zijin not to make the same mistake again in future, to do well in her studies. The behavior was unlike that of Ding Jiayi, who kept shouting at Qiao Nan to quit school.

    After appeasing Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin was certain that her younger sister Qiao Zijin had changed in these few days.

    Qiao Zijin constantly reflected on herself ¨C could she have identally let slip her intentions before Qiao Nan and resulted in Qiao Nan¡¯s current attitude towards her?

    Having sessfully maintained the father-daughter rtionship, Qiao Zijin decided to try again to mend the sister-to-sister rtionship. ¡°Nan Nan, can Ie in?¡±

    Qiao Zijin waited for a while but did not hear the voice of Qiao Nan. After some thought, Qiao Zijin simply pushed open the door and entered.

    In fact, before today, Qiao Zijin would enter Qiao Nan¡¯s room as and when she wanted to. There was never a need to knock on the door.

    In the entire Qiao family, the family members only had the habit of knocking on Qiao Zijin¡¯s door before entering. ¡°Nan Nan, what are you reading?¡±

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s back was facing Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin could see that Qiao Nan was flipping the pages of a book but she could not see what book it was.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up, revealing her excitement. All the textbooks had been sold by Mom. How could Qiao Nan have any decent books left to read?

    Qiao Zijin shouted straight at the top of her lungs.

    Her voice alerted Ding Jiayi who was behind the stove and Qiao Dongliang who was resting in the room.

    When she heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s hoarse voice, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck and hid her books immediately. ¡°What are you doing in my room?!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, what did you hide? Is there a secret between the two of us? Can I see? Nan Nan, I am the living example. Don¡¯t pick up the wrong things from others and read those indecent books. If Dad knew, he would be so sad and angry. It is enough that I have made this mistake. I just promised Dad that it will not happen again. Nan Nan, be obedient, hand over the book, I will help you to ask for Dad and Mom¡¯s forgiveness. You must also promise them that you will never make such a mistake in the future. If you are too afraid, I can help you to cover it up, but you must not keep this book.¡±

    As Qiao Zijin spoke, she pounced towards Qiao Nan and wanted to grab the book was hidden in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms, so that she would have theplete set of evidence.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Qiao Nan could not stop sneering.

    With the voice of Qiao Zijin as loud as an opera singer, Dad and Mom could not have missed it unless they were deaf. And Qiao Zijin was still trying to sweet-talk her by offering to cover up the matter!

    It was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for Qiao Zijin, who had just done something wrong, to catch her red-handed. Qiao Zijin could not wait to let the whole world know.

    ¡°What is happening?!¡± Ding Jiayi rushed over with the spat still in her hand.

    After she heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words and also saw Qiao Dongliang who rushed over at the same time, Ding Jiayi began to bombard the father without any reservation. ¡°See for yourself, this girl is so wild at heart, not to mention that she is always outside. I don¡¯t even see her studying hard at home. Hiding to read novels? Zijin hadpleted her middle school exams, but her, this is the critical year that she will be advancing to secondary three. With her attitude, aren¡¯t you pouring money down the drain if you allow her to study?!¡±

    No, she must have a good talk with Old Qiao. To let such a person continue her studies would be a waste of the family¡¯s money.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a fix. ¡°You dare to scold Nan Nan, you have sold her secondary one and two textbooks, what can Nan Nan be reading?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten this. ¡°I was still wracking my brain, Nan Nan also needed to take the mid-term school exams. How is she going to revise her studies for this year?¡±

    Just when Qiao Dongliang was thinking hard of ways to help the younger daughter borrow a set of the secondary one and two textbooks, she had also picked up the bad habit of reading novels. Qiao Dongliang felt so exhausted at heart.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you see, both Dad and Mom are angry, why don¡¯t you take the novel out?¡± Qiao Zijin was quite happy and smug.

    At this moment, she was unable to hide her emotions from Qiao Nan.

    With more than a lifetime of experience, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were venomously sharper than before. She saw straight through Qiao Zijin at one nce. Qiao Zijin was gloating. ¡°I¡¯m not giving it to you, or Mom either!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and said with his greatest patience to Qiao Nan, ¡°Nan Nan, if you really wish to study hard, please give the book to me.¡±

    Since he had forgiven one, he would have to forgive the other.

    He could not possibly be generous to his elder daughter and petty to the younger one. Qiao Dongliang was could not bring himself to do that.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. She handed the book to Qiao Dongliang.

    If her book was with Qiao Zijin or her mother, she would not be able to keep it, even if it was a decent book.

    ¡°This is... ¡± When Qiao Dongliang saw that the younger daughter had handed to him a secondary one math textbook, he was stunned. ¡°Isn¡¯t your book ¨C ?¡±

    Was it sold by Lao Ding?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was red. ¡°A summer vacation had passed. Maybe I really was a little crazy. I seemed to have forgotten what was taught in secondary one and two, so I wanted read more and pick up the knowledge again before the school starts.¡±

    After all, she had not been studying for years. If she suddenly had to pick up her previous knowledge, Qiao Nan definitely needed some time.

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of other things. She was only afraid that if she flunked the mid-term exams, she would have let down Qiao Dongliang. Her wish to study would also be dashed.

    After all, her mother would constantly try to influence her father. Her academic results were the only reason and source of motivation for her dad to continue supporting her.

    ¡°Oh, good, good!¡± Qiao Dongliang felt at ease instantly. ¡°But your book?¡±

    ¡°Yes, where did the booke from?!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was as fierce as a tiger. She still wished that the wretched girl would fail her exams since she did not have the secondary one and two textbooks for revision.

    Old Qiao now insisted that the wretched girl should continue to study. But if she graduated from junior high school, and did not do well, should she find a job instead?

    The country currently only advocated a nine-yearpulsory education, it was not necessary to go to high school. The tuition fees were expensive!

    For her elder daughter, Ding Jiayi was willing to pay. However, at the thought of spending so much money on the younger daughter, Ding Jiayi felt the pinch.

    ¡°I bought it from the waste recycling station.¡± Qiao Nan answered with dignity.

    ¡°Bought, where did your moneye from?!¡± Why didn¡¯t she know that the wretched girl had hidden some money?!

 Chapter 18 - Valued

    <h4>Chapter 18: Valued</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, how can you spend money so indiscriminately?¡± Qiao Zijin was not happy, she knew that the money that Qiao Nan had on hand was not much, and that she had saved it up over the years.

    She was actually thinking of asking Qiao Nan to spend the money on her, so that she could attend high school in a proud fashion.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s happy face turned dark. ¡°How is this a waste of money, the money is well spent!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knew that buying books from the waste recycling station were much cheaper than purchasing new ones directly from the school. Not only the money was not wasted, but it was also worth it!

    ¡°Let me ask you, where did your moneye from?¡± Ding Jiayi tugged at Qiao Nan. ¡°How much did you spend on buying the book? How much do you have left? Take it out.¡±

    Wretched girl, she even dared to hide money.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan behind him. Ding Jiayi did not dare toe forward to touch Qiao Nan. ¡°The money was from me.¡±

    However, he had not given much. It seemed that Nan Nan had never spent that money. After so many years of savings, they were finally put to a good use at this crucial moment!

    ¡°Nan Nan, is the money enough, did you buy just one book? If that¡¯s not enough, don¡¯t be afraid, tell me. I will buy for you!¡±

    It was obvious to Qiao Dongliang that the younger daughter would never be able to receive a single cent from his wife. No matter how small the amount was, any money that the younger daughter had would be confiscated by his wife.

    Fortunately, his wife did not know about this stash. Otherwise, the younger daughter ?would not have conceived the idea of buying books from the waste recycling station.

    Moreover, the elder daughter had spent all the money that he had given her and even bought those novels.

    With this, Qiao Dongliang began to pay more attention to the younger daughter who had been quiet all this time.

    Both daughters should be loved, but five fingers were not of the same length. In Qiao Dongliang¡¯s impression, besides performing better in her studies, Qiao Nan did not have any other positive qualities.

    But today or recently, Qiao Dongliang found out that, besides not as being as affectionate as the elder daughter, the younger daughter actually had many merits. Not only did she have the tendency to do the right thing, but she was also very intelligent.

    If Old Ding was not the mother of the younger daughter, she might not be able to bully her.

    True enough, having heard what Qiao Nan said next, Qiao Dongliang became very certain of this.

    ¡°No, I found the secondary one and two textbooks.¡±

    ¡°Where are they?¡± Ding Jiayi asked loudly.

    When she found all those books, she would not leave any for Qiao Nan. At the very least, she would ask the school to extend an additional year for Qiao Nan toplete herpulsory education. Not more than that!

    ¡°They are not at home anyway.¡± Qiao Nan snorted. ¡°Which book would you like to see? I will bring it back.¡±

    When she brought the book home, Dad was already home. If Dad was around, Mom would not dare to grab her book, nor would she dare to tear it.

    When she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s answer, Ding Jiayi was furious. On the contrary, Qiao Dongliangughed. He touched the younger daughter¡¯s head. ¡°This is quite good.¡±

    The younger daughter had also learnt guerri warfare with the old Ding. She had inherited the qualities of the old Qiao family.

    If Qiao Nan had been a son, the old Qiao family would have a sessor. This was a living soldier with great potential!

    Qiao Dongliang took a nce at Ding Jiayi who had the cheek to be angry. ¡°Old Ding, remember what I said? Nan Nan is good, we have to nurture her.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words made Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s faces change simultaneously. Not only were they unable make Qiao Nan quit school and work, but now they had to nurture her. How were they going to do that?!

    If they nurtured Qiao Nan, what about Qiao Zijin?

    Qiao Dongliang was the sole breadwinner, and all the savings in the family had been wiped out by Ding Jiayi.

    One earns and four spent, Out of the four, two were big spenders, Ding Jiayi thought. She was at the top of her anger and ulcers formed all around her mouth that night.

    Ding Jiayi, who was bitter in her heart, could not bring herself to tell Qiao Dongliang about this. She could only worry about this herself.

    The next morning when Qiao Dongliang saw Ding Jiayi had a mouth of ulcers, he only thought that his wife was heaty, but the two daughters knew in their hearts why Ding Jiayi were like this.

    Qiao Nan could not even protect herself, not to mention that she had always been the one being sacrificed. No matter how anxious Ding Jiayi was, at this time, Qiao Nan was not willing or able to help.

    So, one day before the start of school, Qiao Nan continued to go to the Zhai family to revise. In order to avoid Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan did not even go home for lunch at noon, she spent five cents and bought a loaf of bread to tide over her hunger.

    She waited until the evening when Qiao Dongliang got off work before she went home again.

    After revising for two days, Qiao Nan became more aware of her current standard. After some consideration, Qiao Nan felt that it was necessary to talk to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°Is there something? Come in.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang pointed to the stool in the room, Qiao Nan sat on it. ¡°Dad, this is the situation, I have to let you know. Mom¡¯s attitude, as you know, during this summer vacation... Dad, this time after school starts, my results may not be as good as before, or may even be a little worse. Dad, can you not take into ount the mid-term exam results, and wait for my performance at end of the term?¡±

    Qiao Nan was really worried that with only half a semester of time, she might not be able to catch up, and then if her mother kicked up a fuss, her dad would relent and make her quit school.

    Qiao Dongliang thought about it: <i>¡®Yes, but Nan Nan, you have to remember that since you have made a promise, I can disregard the mid-term exam, but you have to give me a satisfactory answer in the final term. Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to exin it to your mother either.¡¯</i>

    In teaching a child, having flexibility is important.

    You can¡¯t pull the reigns too tightly, neither can you let it loose too much.

    The fiasco of Qiao Zijin¡¯s middle school examination made Qiao Dongliang reflected for a long time. He felt that the couple had been too assured with their elder daughter and toox in monitoring her studies. As a result, Qiao Zijin became who she was.

    He did want to make a second mistake twice, this time, on his younger daughter.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan did not know ??Qiao Dongliang¡¯s thoughts, but she ced these words of Qiao Dongliang in her heart with great importance.

    In any case, she won more than half a year¡¯s time for herself.

    ¡°Dad, then I shall go and revise.¡± Having given the opportunity that she fought hard for, Qiao Nan cherished it immensely and immediately went back to the room to read.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin stayed with Ding Jiayi at the stove, her eyes full of worries.

    ¡°Phew... ¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom will find a way. The wretched girl will start school tomorrow, so don¡¯t bother about it this year. But after you go to high school, you have to save more money. Also, that savings of Qiao Nan, you didn¡¯t know?¡±

    When she heard that she had to tighten her belt, Qiao Zijin was unhappy. ¡°Daddy only gave me and Nan Nan a few cents. I thought that Qiao Nan also spent it all. I didn¡¯t know that she saved them up.¡±

    ¡°In future, keep a tight watch for me and don¡¯t let her have any money on hand. Look at this matter. If she doesn¡¯t have money, she can¡¯t buy books and when she fails her middle school exams, she will have to work. It will at most be dyed for a year.¡±

 Chapter 19 - Body Search

    <h4>Chapter 19: Body Search</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now...

    Ding Jiayi had to admit that, inparison to the elder daughter, the younger daughter¡¯s academic performance was better.

    The elder daughter could continue with her studies even though she flunked the middle school exams. If the younger daughter performed better in the exams, she would not able to convince Old Qiao on this. However, if the younger daughter performed worse, she would have the opportunity to convince Old Qiao to change his mind.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t mention this anymore.¡±

    Talking about money, Qiao Zijin was more dismayed than Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin had long been aware of Qiao Nan¡¯s money, before Ding Jiayi¡¯s knowledge.

    Qiao Zijin was a spendthrift who spent all that her parents gave. She also knew that Qiao Nan did not spend a single cent and gradually saved up.

    The reason that Qiao Zijin did not tell Ding Jiayi about the money was that if her mother knew, her mother would simply confiscate Qiao Nan¡¯s money and not let Qiao Zijin spend it. Qiao Zijin was reluctant to part with that money.

    Qiao Zijin thought that it was easy to sweet-talk Qiao Nan.

    As long as she wasted some breath and sweet-talked Qiao Nan, the savings would eventually have been spent on her.

    Qiao Zijin treated Qiao Nan as a living bank.

    Now, the money was not being spent on her and was giving Qiao Nan the opportunity to continue her studies.

    If she had known that this would be the case, she would not have allowed Qiao Nan to keep the money until this day. A few days ago, she would have cajoled Qiao Nan into buying new clothes for her.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin had a feeling that if it had been a few days ago, she was certain that she could get the money out of Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. But now, it was difficult.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t mention the money, how about your learning attitude? Zijin, whatever happened in the past, Mom will not talk about it anymore. But after you go to high school, you need to buck up.¡± Ding Jiayi thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s academic results and could not help but start to frown.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Zijin said, her heart on fire. She also wanted to study hard and be like Qiao Nan, who was always in the top three in the cohort, so that her parents would be proud of her wherever they went. She would also be proud of herself.

    But...

    ¡°Qiao Nan is revising. You did not do well for your junior high school, you can ask her to teach you.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes lit up as she hatched this idea. In fact, she had used the same method before.

    Qiao Nan was in secondary one and Qiao Zijin secondary two. When Qiao Zijin could not remember what was taught in secondary one when she was solving secondary two mathematical problems, Ding Jiayi would ask Qiao Zijin to check with Qiao Nan.

    However, to outsiders, Ding Jiayi would always tell them that the elder daughter guided the younger one, and thus the younger one¡¯s academic performance was good, that it was the sacrifice of the elder daughter to fulfill the younger daughter¡¯s wishes.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up. Yes, why had she not thought of this? If she kept pestering Qiao Nan, wouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan have less time for revision?

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡± This time, Qiao Zijin did not knock on the door and went straight into Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    ¡°Are you thinking of grabbing my book again?¡± Qiao Nan did not even raise her head, as she was tackling a mathematical question.

    For Qiao Nan, to revise mathematics, you must master all the example questions in the book. The notes in the book that she had picked were moreprehensive, and the solutions to the problem were clearer, which allowed Qiao Nan to do more with less.

    ¡°No, I am here to ask you questions.¡± When she peeked and saw that Qiao Nan was reading the subject that she had the most problem with ¨C maths, Qiao Zijin spoke with more confidence.

    Qiao Nan moved and closed the book. The corners of her mouth curled and she looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Did youe of your own ord, or did Mom ask you to?¡±

    In two lifetimes, since when did Qiao Zijin like to study?

    ¡°Of course I came of my own ord.¡± Qiao Zijin helped herself to a ce in the room and sat down. ¡°Nan Nan, teach me how to do this question.¡±

    Qiao Zijin arbitrarily turned to a page and pointed to a question.

    Qiao Nan grabbed the book back, and then took out a workbook and copied the question that Qiao Zijin pointed to.

    When she saw Qiao Nan doing this, Qiao Zijinughed.

    Just shortly after Qiao Zijinughed, she heard the sound of Qiao Nan tearing the nk piece of paper which noted the question. ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± When Qiao Dongliang heard the younger daughter¡¯s voice, he immediately came over.

    When Qiao Nan called, Qiao Dongliang came over without any hesitation. Qiao Zijin snorted unhappily.

    ¡°Dad, Sister said that she did not know how to do this secondary one question. I need to revise. Dad, can you teach Sister.¡± Then, Qiao Nan simply handed that paper with the problem to Qiao Dongliang.

    She was now unwilling to waste any feeling or money on Qiao Zijin, not to mention time and energy, which were more more precious than money.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look at it.¡± Qiao Dongliang took the math problem over. At a look, he did know how to solve this.

    Qiao Dongliang was not highly educated. As both daughters went to school, Qiao Dongliang would asionally pick up and read his daughter¡¯s books, thinking that they could make improvements together.

    It was rare that the daughter did not know something that he did. Qiao Dongliang was feeling motivated. ¡°Zijin, you bring your book and pen to the study room, I will teach you.¡±

    Without waiting for Qiao Zijin to decline, Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Zijin and left.

    Seeing the unwilling Qiao Zijin being taken away, Qiao Nanughed and opened the book to continue with her revision.

    Rested well for a night, the next day, with the 20 yuan from Ding Jiayi in her pocket, Qiao Nan reported to school.

    After paying the tuition fees she was left with three yuan. With this three yuan, Qiao Nan simply spent it all on school supplies.

    She was used to using things that were leftover by Qiao Zijin. All of a sudden, she had new things that belonged solely to her. Qiao Nan was in disbelief.

    With a handful of new books, Qiao Nan thought about it, and she did not take all the new books home. Instead, she ced everything at the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    She would rather trouble herself a bit more by waking up earlier to go to the Zhai¡¯s house to retrieve her books than to leave it at home. If she did not pay attention, her mother would scrap all her books.

    ¡°Where are the books?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan had only brought one book home, Ding Jiayi¡¯s pulled a long face. ¡°Who are you guarding them from?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s clear eyes stared straight at Ding Jiayi and said in a semi-loud voice, ¡°The books are too heavy, I can¡¯t bring them back, I¡¯ve left them in the school.¡±

    ¡°How about the money?¡± Sick of mentioning the books, Ding Jiayi thought of the money. ¡°I remembered that your tuition fees are 17 yuan. Give me the three yuan left over.¡±

    Three yuan could provide a few meals of meat.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I have spent all the money, Dad promised to let me buy me a pen and notebook.¡±

    ¡°You are a wastrel!¡± Ding Jiayi was furious. ¡°It is impossible to spend all three yuan! How much did you spend? Hurry, take your things and return them to the store to get a refund. Your sister has a lot of leftovers, aren¡¯t they all good to use?¡±

    Not waiting for Qiao Nan to answer, Ding Jiayi simply started searching Qiao Nan¡¯s body and vowed to take all the money from her.

 Chapter 20 - Taking It Out On Others

    <h4>Chapter 20: Taking It Out On Others</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi was not ashamed of what she was doing, but that did not mean Qiao Nan could tolerate her actions.

    Her mother had not changed at all in two whole lifetimes.

    In her previous life when she was already working, her mother went to her workce to find out her monthly sry. As soon as she received her pay, the first thing her mother would do was to search through all her pockets, making sure that she did not have any money left on her.

    Not waiting for Qiao Nan to suffer from humiliation, Qiao Dongliang who had just returned from work witnessed the entire scene.

    Qiao Dongliang put away his bicycle and shouted, ¡°What are you doing!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan to his side. Seeing that her arm has been pinched to a bright red, he was all the more angry. ¡°What are you up to this time?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was scared stiff, she pursed her mouth and did not say a word.

    ¡°What, have you lost your tongue?!¡± Qiao Dongliang bellowed. He used to think that his wife showed favoritism and favored the elder daughter. But now from the looks of it, it was not just simple favoritism. Old Ding seemed to dislike Nan Nan!

    Nan Nan was already a fifteen-year-old youngdy, yet she was treated like a thief, being forced to go through a body check. Wouldn¡¯t Nan Nan be hurting inside?

    ¡°Dad, Mom wanted me to hand over the extra three yuan left from today¡¯s school fees. I said I have used them to buy exercise books. But she insisted that I returned the books and get the money back. Mom said I could use the hand-me-downs from sister.¡± Since Ding Jiayi kept quiet, Qiao Nan went on to exin to her father.

    Ding Jiayi did not feel that she had gone overboard. But when she faced Qiao Dongliang, she felt ashamed and could not bring herself to say what she had done.

    Qiao Dongliang was enraged. ¡°Since Zijin¡¯s leftover stationery is still in good condition, she could continue to use it in high school. Why must you insist that she leave it for Nan Nan?

    All along the younger daughter had been using her sister¡¯s hand-me-downs, her pencil was only a palm size long.

    On the other hand, for every new school year, the elder daughter would have an array of new stationery, from pencil and eraser to exercise books. Qiao Dongliang was beginning to feel very upset about this.

    If Old Ding wanted Nan Nan to be thrifty and frugal, increasing ie while decreasing expenditure, Qiao Dongliang would definitely agree and be supportive of her.

    But Qiao Dongliang realized that Ding Jiayi did not manage to increase ie and she only requested her younger daughter to be frugal. What was more, she spent whatever was saved on the elder daughter. How would one say that this was being thrifty and frugal?!

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t pay attention to your Mom, let¡¯s go inside.¡± Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan along with him into the house, not paying attention to the unreasonable wife who showed favoritism.

    On one hand he persuaded Nan Nan not to harbor grudges, but on the other hand, his wife did not rein in her unreasonable nature. No matter how forgiving Nan Nan was, his wife should know her limits.

    This would not do. He must have a good talk with Old Ding tonight.

    Back in the house, Qiao Nan had a drink and said, ¡°Dad, you must be tired after a day¡¯s work. I am alright, I am off to do some studying.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked closely at Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes, she really did not seem to mind whatever had happened just now. He felt really bad for her. ¡°Nan Nan, your... your Mom, that¡¯s her nature, she gets muddle-headed as she grows older, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang hoped that Nan Nan would not me her mother, however when he saw how unaffected she was, he felt really gloomy and depressed.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan responded and carried her books into the house, all her thoughts on her studies.

    Seeing the younger daughter left quietly, returning to her room to study, Qiao Dongliang did not feel good at all.

    During dinnertime, Ding Jiayi fried a total of two eggs. Qiao Dongliang gave half of the eggs to Qiao Nan, making Ding Jiayi turn green with anger.

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang put down his chopsticks, without a word, Ding Jiayi put half of the remaining fried eggs into the elder daughter¡¯s bowl and divided the leftover fried eggs with Qiao Dongliang.

    At night, Qiao Dongliang tossed and turned on the bed, finding it difficult to fall asleep. He could not forget the overly calm expression that he saw in Nan Nan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ding Jiayi could not fall asleep either with his tossing and turning.

    ¡°Old Ding, what do you think of Nan Nan? Zijin is your daughter, and Nan Nan isn¡¯t? Aren¡¯t you worried that your behavior will hurt Nan Nan?

    ¡°It would be good if she wasn¡¯t my daughter. You would be a battalionmander by now, and I would still have a job!¡± Ding Jiayi, who was worried about finances, lost her temper on hearing what he said.

    If she and Old Qiao still had a job, the savings at home would not be depleted after they were used to pull strings for Zijin, and she would not be so worried now.

    A depressed Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°We can¡¯t me this on Nan Nan. It was our decision to have a second child. We gave up everything willingly, and yet you have shifted the me onto Nan Nan?¡±

    At the thought of hisrades from the same batch, every one of them valiant and heroic; and looking back on himself¡ªan ordinary sry man¡ªQiao Dongliang felt suffocated as well.

    But Old Ding wanted to have a second child, and he really wanted a son. They discussed and came to an agreement.

    What they never thought was that after quitting their jobs and having a second child, what awaited them was not the son that they had dearly hoped for, but yet another daughter.

    But after all, it was their own child. Yes, they gave up everything for this child and Qiao Dongliang could not deny that he felt disappointed, heartbroken and even dejected.

    But life had to go on, and they had another child to bring up. Qiao Dongliang recovered quickly from his disappointment.

    Nowadays men and women were equal in society. Women could hold up half the sky. If he put effort into bringing up his daughters, who would say that they were not as good as sons?

    Qiao Dongliang hade to terms with it, but not Ding Jiayi.

    She still dreamed of being the wife of the battalionmander, with a chauffeur to fetch her around. She also wanted a government job, a simple job with ample pay.

    And all her dreams hade to an end when the younger daughter was born!

    Ding Jiayi felt as if she had fallen from heaven to hell. Whenever she looked at Qiao Nan, she could feel bitterness and resentment in her heart.

    ¡°Who else to me but her? This family was totally ruined by her. She has dragged down everyone with her. Shouldn¡¯t she sacrifice and make atonements?¡±

    Seeing the agitated Ding Jiayi sat up in bed, Qiao Dongliang lowered his voice and pulled at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Quiet down, do you want to wake the kids up? Just look at what you said just now, is that something one would say, why can¡¯t you tell right from wrong? I never knew that you bear such thoughts ever since Nan Nan was born. No wonder you treat Nan Nan in such a manner.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang finally found out that his wife harbored such thoughts towards their younger daughter.

    ¡°Old Ding, let me tell you, you can¡¯t me Nan Nan for what has happened. Your way of thinking is dangerous. If you don¡¯t reflect on yourself and do some serious soul-searching, one day you will lose your daughter, Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. I gave birth to her and brought her up. No matter how good or bad I treated her, she is my daughter in this life. She owes me and has to repay her debts!¡± She had married well and was the envy of everyone, but the birth of Qiao Nan had destroyed her whole life!

 Chapter 21 - Quarrel

    <h4>Chapter 21: Quarrel</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Owes you and has to repay?¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled coldly. ¡°Who was the one who suggested having a second child, trying for a son?¡±

    Back then, it was Old Ding who said that it would be too lonely to just have Zijin in the family and that they should have a second child. Even though it was against national nning policy, Old Ding said that having a second child was more important than work or career prospects.

    Qiao Dongliang admitted that he was undoubtedly a traditional Chinese man who felt the need for a son to carry on his family name. But he also knew that such things could not be forced.

    Upon listening to his wife¡¯s suggestion, he was tempted or rather muddle-headed enough to give up his work and future, all to try for a son.

    Qiao Dongliang did not have any regrets having this daughter, Qiao Nan. What he regretted was giving up everything for having a son.

    If not, his wife would not put all the me of quitting their jobs and not giving birth to a son on Nan Nan.

    ¡°Old Ding, I kept quiet but that doesn¡¯t mean I was unaware. You should know what it was like at Ding family and how you grew up at that family. So now you want Nan Nan to go through all the hardships you faced? Is it Nan Nan who owes you or you who owes Nan Nan?¡±

    Ding Jiayi grew up in a family that was extremely patriarchal. Back then it was the old friend of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s father, a veteran cadre who introduced Ding Jiayi to Qiao Dongliang. The veteran cadre was hoping that they would lead a better life.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s parents had passed away and he did not have any rtives.

    For people like him, it was very difficult to get married.

    It just so happened that Qiao Dongliang was only a toon leader then, slightly better than an average soldier, but did not have good prospects. So it was difficult to find someone of matching status. People from lower rank would not do, while people from higher rank would not take a fancy to him.

    And so it was difficult to find a wife.

    As for Ding Jiayi, she came from an average family, but she had three younger brothers.

    Her parents wanted to hold a grand wedding for their three sons and they would each have their own house; and so there was not enough money to get by.

    So her parents decided to set their sights on their daughter, Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi brought up her three brothers single handedly. In spite of this she was like the servant in the Ding family. She had to do all the chores but there was never enough for her to eat and she still got frequent scoldings from her parents.

    But Ding Jiayi was not stupid, she made use of the chance to read her brother¡¯s books while looking after him.

    At times, she could even coach her brother in his studies.

    And so with the on and off studying, Ding Jiayi finally managed to grasp the elementary school sybus through self study. She managed to learn most of the Chinese characters.

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s time, her standard was considered very high.

    When Ding Jiayi grew up, her parents had no intention of keeping her at home. They wanted her to work and earn money to support the family.

    Their idea was to find a ¡°good family¡± for her, get a good bride price and marry her off.

    At that time, Ding¡¯s parents had already sourced a family and even decided on a bride price. Even though they were marrying off their daughter, everyone could tell that they were in fact selling off their daughter.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s future husband was not only short, he was already in his forties, even older than her father.

    But the problem was, after the cultural revolution, he was considered a good catch. He knew how to have fun, served as a vanguard, and was a man of certain authority.

    Ding¡¯s father had in fact found a son-inw who served the government.

    He was old and ugly-looking, but what was worse was his foul temper. No-one had any idea what had happened to his previous wife who had passed away.

    Knowing that she was to be married to a man like him, Ding Jiayi almost wanted to die.

    News spread and the veteran cadre knew about this. His old friend was framed by others. As a result, his son who served in the army had no good prospects. Furthermore he did not have any rtives and had difficulties in finding a wife.

    He surmised that thisdy was decent looking and well-educated, except for the fact that her family was not really dependable. The two of them would make a good match.

    The veteran cadre did not want to throw two unknown people together. He informed Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi of the other¡¯s situation and let them decide for themselves.

    Ding Jiayi said yes immediately when she learned of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation.

    At that time, being a soldier was the best upation.

    No elders at home? That was fine. When she married into the family, she would be the mistress of the house, with no parents-inw to order her around and she would not need to take care of them.

    It was fine that he did not have any siblings. As long as he worked hard, it would be better.

    While Ding Jiayi agreed in an instant, Qiao Dongliang had some doubts. However he epted in the end and so they ended up getting married.

    Because of Qiao Dongliang, the veteran cadre helped Ding Jiayi to secure a pretty decent job. She not only got married but also led a much better life.

    At that time, Ding Jiayi felt that marrying Qiao Dongliang was the wisest decision she had made in her life.

    Ding Jiayi came from a very patriarchal family. Since a young age she had to bring up her three brothers and handle everything by herself.

    Ever since having her elder daughter, Ding Jiayi came out of her disappointment quickly and doted on her daughter. She wanted her to have everything that she had missed out on when she was young.

    When Qiao Nan was born, though she was also a daughter, things were totally different.

    ¡°Back then you said that we should sacrifice our jobs to have a second child. You begged me to have a second child. For that, I left my favorite army. Old Ding, I made a lot more sacrifices than you to have this child. Nan Nan wasn¡¯t a boy but a girl. But can we me her for that? You couldn¡¯t bear me a son, and you still dare to me our daughter?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang got all riled up as he spoke and raised his voice.

    After having their elder daughter, Qiao Dongliang sorted out his thoughts and consoled himself that daughters and sons were all the same. Furthermore, he really loved the army life. He enjoyed being a soldier. His father always said that he was born to be a soldier.

    For the sake of continuing working in the army, Qiao Dongliang decided to concentrate on nurturing his elder daughter.

    But when he finally stopped thinking of having a son, Ding Jiayi became bent on having one.

    ¡°Now you are ming me?!¡± Ding Jiayi seemed like a porcupine who stuck out all its spines. ¡°Who was the one who said that sons and daughters are the same, and that he would not me me for not carrying on the family line, having no offspring. Old Qiao, you are so bizarre in your thinking!¡±

    Ding Jiayi hated it the most when someone said she could not bear a son. She gave birth to two daughters consecutively and ended up losing both of their jobs.

    For this, her mother once came from faraway with her grandson, mocking Ding Jiayi for being so heartless, saying that Heaven had punished her and now she could not bear a son.

 Chapter 22 - Exams

    <h4>Chapter 22: Exams</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I am backward in my thinking! Why did you not set an example for me? In short, if you uses the Ding¡¯s family old rules and thinking on Nan Nan, I will not let you off!¡±

    With that, Qiao Dongliang got up from bed, took his pillow and nket and went to sleep in the study room. He did not wish to share a bed with Ding Jiayi any more.

    He did not care how the Ding family treated people, but he would not allow his daughter to be treated like that!

    ¡°You... you, where are you going?¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. Old Qiao refused to share a bed with her just because of that wretched girl?

    On the next day, Qiao Dongliang was just his usual self; but Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were puffy red and swollen. She had obviously been crying.

    Qiao Nan started school at an earlier time than Qiao Zijin. She went out early in the morning, taking the deep-fried dough sticks that Qiao Dongliang bought along with her. She carried her bag and drank her soybean milk, making a stop at Zhai¡¯s house to get her books before heading off to school.

    Looking at the unfamiliar faces of her ssmates whom she could not recall, Qiao Nan started to feel anxious. She could not even remember where she sat in the ssroom.

    She finally found her ssroom by checking the ss tes outside. She stood dumbfounded at the doorway.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why are you standing by the door, go in now.¡± Her ss teacher, Teacher Chen saw Qiao Nan and smiled brightly.

    Qiao Nan always ranked top three in her level and ranked first in her ss. Every teacher loved a good student like her.

    With Teacher Chen¡¯s prompting, Qiao Nan braced herself and went into the ssroom.

    Qiao Nan could no longer remember her ssmates, but she still remembered Teacher Chen.

    In this country, everyone had to go through nine years ofpulsory education. In her previous life, Teacher Chen paid a lot of visits to her house when she stopped going to secondary three.

    Every time Teacher Chen visited their house, her father would urge her to go back to school, but her mother would kick up a fuss. She was frustrated by all this and ended up doing a lot of stupid stuff, breaking Teacher Chen¡¯s heart.

    Looking at her junior high ss teacher, Teacher Chen, she felt a twinge of guilt.

    Upon entering the ssroom, Qiao Nan had no idea where she used to sit. At this moment, Teacher Chen said, ¡°Qiao Nan, you had better sit in your usual ce.¡±

    Teacher Chen pointed towards the second row of the second group, at the seat to the right.

    That seat was the nearest to the ckboard and the teacher.

    This was undoubtedly the seat that teachers reserved for good students.

    Qiao Nan let out a breath and with her bag behind her, walked towards the seat that Teacher Chen said. She put away her bag at the desk.

    When she was finally settled down, the rest of the ssmates also streamed in gradually. Teacher Chen assigned seats to everyone but the good seat besides Qiao Nan still remained vacant.

    ¡°The summer break was over. Let¡¯s have a test. Everyone put away your books, do not leave anything unnecessary on the table. Hurry up.¡±

    At Teacher Chen¡¯s words, everyone started toin.

    There was a saying that goes: Examinations were a teacher¡¯s weapon while grades were a student¡¯s lifeline.

    Qiao Nan turned as white as a sheet upon hearing Teacher Chen¡¯s words.

    Nobody knew the worry, dread and guilt a top student like her was feeling at this moment.

    She had only spent a few days revising the junior high sybus and she had to sit a test now. There was no way that she could get a good result and match up to her usual standard.

    Qiao Nan started to break out in a cold sweat.

    Teacher Chen was a Mathematics teacher, so he must be testing them on their Maths.

    She took a few deep breaths, gripped her pen and started writing.

    Qiao Nan had a systematic way of tackling the test. In order not to run out of time, she started answering the questions one by one. If she was stuck for five minutes, she would skip and move on.

    When she finished answering the questions she knew and had checked through once, she then went back to the questions that she skipped.

    It was a good thing that she could answer most of the questions. But in the past, she could start solving the problems as soon as she gets the papers without stopping for a moment to think.

    Now, she had to think through the solutions and she was not as good as before in her mental and manual calctions.

    After finishing the paper, Qiao Nan was drenched in sweat, with her clothes stered to her back.

    Qiao Nan only had time to check through once before the rm went off. Teacher Chen then started to collect the papers.

    When ss was over, Qiao Nan headed for the washroom to wash her face.

    The Maths test was finally over, but there must be other tests for the rest of the main subjects.

    On the first day of school, Qiao Nan was kept busy taking tests for the three main subjects Mathematics, Chinese and English. Her head was spinning from the tests.

    Qiao Nan did not feel well after the tests; she barely made it back home.

    ¡°Oh, you are back so early today?¡± Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Nan and pulled a long face, her eyes full of mockery. ¡°Your Dad is not back yet!¡±

    Didn¡¯t the wretched girl alwayse back at the same time as Old Qiao?

    Pierced by Ding Jiayi¡¯s mocking voice, Qiao Nan came back to her senses. She felt the heavy weight of her books on her back. Without a word, she ran inside the house like a rabbit, sped past Ding Jiayi and went into her room, sliding the bolt in ce.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin saw that Ding Jiayi was about to follow after and stopped her. ¡°Dad is still furious. We can¡¯t help that Nan Nan is not sensible. But you definitely do not want to keep on quarreling with Dad.¡±

    Father was the sole breadwinner in the house. If mother fell out with father and he refused to give his pay to her, what was going to happen to her?

    ¡°Since Nan Nan is not going to work to lighten Dad and your load this year, Mom, you should stop quarreling with Dad and making yourself unhappy.¡±

    ¡°You are right. Your Dad and I have been together for so many years, we have never had such a fierce quarrel before. It¡¯s not worth it to fall out with your Dad for this wretched girl.¡± Ding Jiayi calmed down and said, ¡°You mentioned that secondary three sybus is much more difficult, and not as easy as before, right? Let¡¯s wait and see her results this year. She had made a promise with your Dad. If she fails to score well, she would have to work no matter what!¡±

    She finally managed to calm Ding Jiayi down. Actually Qiao Zijin did not tell Ding Jiayi that secondary three sybus might be difficult for her; but she had no idea if it was easy or difficult for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but pray that just like her and the other female ssmates in ss, Qiao Nan would find the secondary three sybus difficult, and in particrly would fail terribly at Maths and Chemistry.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s Dad.¡± Qiao Dongliang reached home one hourter and went to look for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door to let Qiao Dongliang in.

    Qiao Dongliang knitted his eyebrows, ¡°Nan Nan, your room is this small?¡±

 Chapter 23 - Change of Room

    <h4>Chapter 23: Change of Room</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang was a traditional man. He had never stepped inside his daughters¡¯ room before.

    Last time round was the first time he had stepped into his elder daughter¡¯s room; and today was the first time he went into the younger daughter¡¯s room.

    Because of this, Qiao Dongliang was shocked when he saw that Nan Nan¡¯s room was only a third the size of Zijin¡¯s room. In fact, his study room was twice as big as hers.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan did not answer but stared at Qiao Dongliang, wondering what was the matter.

    ¡°Nan Nan, wait a minute.¡± The younger daughter might be used to it and have no grievances but Qiao Dongliang could not bear it.

    Without a word, Qiao Dongliang went into the study room, packed everything and put it in the living room.

    He then dismantled Qiao Nan¡¯s bed and brought it piece by piece to the study room.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what are you doing now?¡± Ding Jiayi heard noises and came out from the kitchen. She saw Qiao Dongliang bringing in Qiao Nan¡¯s bed into the study room.

    Qiao Dongliang did not bother to look at Ding Jiayi, he said curtly, ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s room is way too small, I am going to switch the study room with her bedroom.¡±

    ¡°That will not do. That room is not big enough for a big man like you. You would be so cramped there. She is so petite, she doesn¡¯t need such a big room.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted to stop Qiao Dongliang. Though she disliked the younger daughter, she treated her husband fairly well. She couldn¡¯t bear to see a 1.8 meter tall man like him, cramped up to read in the room that was as small as a sparrow¡¯s nest.

    ¡°Since a big man like me might be ufortable, then let¡¯s have Zijin switched rooms with Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang was amused and angered.

    Old Ding was not showing favoritism, she was treating Nan Nan like an outsider.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Qiao Nan is the youngest in the house. Why can¡¯t she stay in a small room?¡±

    ¡°A day has 24 hours, I only use the room for a few hours. But Nan Nan has to sleep in the room. She has stayed there for so many years, so why can¡¯t I?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang just could not get through to Ding Jiayi. He harbored no hopes of Ding Jiayiing to her senses and offering to help him. He moved the bed into the study room and assembled it.

    Qiao Dongliang took out all his books. But the desk and chair had no ce to go. ¡°Nan Nan, I will leave them for you, I will think of ways to get some wood and make another set for myself.¡±

    Compared to the elder daughter¡¯s room that was well-furnished, the younger daughter¡¯s room was not only small, it was also without a desk and chair.

    All these years the two daughters had been doing their studying in their rooms, Qiao Dongliang could not imagine how the younger daughter had made it through those times.

    All along Ding Jiayi had kept it from him and Qiao Nan was too quiet, never uttering a word ofint.

    The squeaky wheel gets the grease, the saying was very true.

    Qiao Dongliang was an inattentive father and furthermore Qiao Nan never onceined. So he had no idea that the elder daughter and younger daughter were treated so differently. If any, he thought it was only a slight difference in the treatment.

    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and epted her father¡¯s suggestions.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I will get you a lockter. You are a youngdy now, this room will be under your care.¡± Qiao Dongliang thought for a moment, and decided to get the lock and install it for her the next day.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned red and she felt warm inside. Her voice was choked up with tears, ¡±Okay.¡±

    She was such a letdown in her previous life, her mother disliked her, and her father gave up on her.

    In fact, her father was a good father. She did not know how to cherish him; she had let down the few people who really cared for her once and again.

    ¡°Dad, I had tests today.¡± Qiao Nan once gave up in despair, but now she realized that she had family love. Qiao Dongliang was a good father to Qiao Nan. She could not help but start crying. ¡°I... I fear that I did not do well for my tests, Dad, will you be disappointed in me?¡± And give up on me just as in the previous life?

    Qiao Dongliang waspletely at a loss seeing the younger daughter in tears. He wanted to wipe away the tears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, I have given you my promise that you have half a year¡¯s time. Even if you did not do well this time, you can strive for better results next time. I believe that you will definitely be able to catch up.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang spoke with confidence. He truly believed that the younger daughter would be able to catch up on her studies.

    When the elder daughter flunked her middle school exams, she never even cried once for her results.

    ¡°Nan Nan, no hurry. There¡¯s still half a year to go. Don¡¯t stress yourself out.¡± Qiao Dongliang thought for a moment and added. He knew that some of the kids at the quad have always been doing well, but because they were too stressed, when it was time for the final exams, they failed to perform and fumbled the ball.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Embarrassed, Qiao Nan wiped the tears off her face. She was no longer a fifteen-year-old kid; mentally, she was already thirty now, yet she was still crying her guts out in front of her father.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin went to the kitchen looking for Ding Jiayi. She heard Ding Jiayi ranting to herself. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Nan Nan is already in tears.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was startled. ¡°What¡¯s there to cry about? I should be the one crying. Now Old Qiao treats me just like the step mother of that wretched girl. The whole world now revolves around her, what¡¯s there for her to cry about?¡±

    ¡°I seemed to hear Nan Nan said that she did not do well in her tests today.¡± Qiao Zijin smirked. If Qiao Nan did not do well, did it mean that it would not take one year¡¯s time; that within half a year, she would quit school and work?

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Ding Jiayi did not believe her. ¡°She was burning with fever when she had her exams in the final year of elementary school, yet she came in fifth ce in the school. She couldn¡¯t possibly have screwed it up.¡±

    When the subject was about the younger daughter¡¯s results, Ding Jiayi had no doubts at all. She trusted that she would do well for her exams.

    It was another story if those were sybi that Qiao Nan had never learned. If not, she would never flunk her exams.

    Qiao Zijin was upset. Whenever she sat for exams, her mother would asked about her results anxiously. ¡°It was definitely true. Nan Nan said it herself. She was shocked to tears. Mom, maybe she was down with fever a few days ago and it burnt her brain.¡±

    She clearly remembered that right before Qiao Nan kicked up a fuss, she went into Qiao Nan¡¯s room that morning and felt her forehead, it was burning hot.

    ¡°Burnt her brains? Yes, but she burnt her conscience not her brains. But, did she really said that she flunked it?

    ¡°Flunked it.¡±

    Ding Jiayi thought for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t be too happy. Your Dad promised to give her half a year¡¯s time. We would have to see if she is able to catch up on her studies by then. Maybe she has been using gimmicks all along. She might have memorized all the content in the textbooks. That¡¯s why now that I sold all the textbooks, she could not study for one whole summer break, and has finally shown her true colors.

    Ding Jiayi has been through this before, so she could tell at once.

 Chapter 24 - Setbacks

    <h4>Chapter 24: Setbacks</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zijin, look at Qiao Nan, no matter how bad she is, she is very hardworking in her studies. You are as intelligent as me, if you put in more effort and time, you would definitely be better than Qiao Nan. I would do anything for you. You must strive and work hard so that I can stand up straight in front of your Dad!¡±

    She has devoted everything into nurturing the elder daughter. She must be sessful to prove that she was right all along.

    ¡°I understand, Mom. Don¡¯t worry, I will study hard. When I enter high school I will catch up on my my studies and I will definitely make you proud.¡± Qiao Zijin felt a twinge of guilt at using up all the savings at home.

    ¡°Alright, school starts tomorrow. Remember to do more reading. Worstes to worst, just memorize all the textbooks. If Qiao Nan can do it, so can you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was brimming with confidence. It seemed that she could already see the day whereby the elder daughter enrolled into college.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled happily. But she became depressed when she was back in her room.

    It did not matter whether Ding Jiayi was unhappy or not, the study room ended up being Qiao Nan¡¯s new room, and Qiao Nan¡¯s old room now became Qiao Dongliang¡¯s study room.

    Though Ding Jiayi bickered with Qiao Dongliang about this, seeing that he had made up his mind, that night she straightened and tidied up the new study room.

    The next day Qiao Dongliang was home earlier than usual. As soon as he reached home, he headed for Qiao Nan¡¯s room, took a look inside and installed a lock outside her room. Ding Jiayi was boiling with anger.

    What was this lock for? To guard against who?

    It was definitely not to keep out thieves, it must be to guard against her!

    Qiao Nan, who was at school, had no idea of this at all. Back in the ssroom, people were discussing her unusual performance in the recent exams.

    Teacher Chen had intended to have a talk with Qiao Nan. But when he saw how dejected she looked, he could not bear to say another word. ¡°Qiao Nan, though you did not do well this time, you have a strong foundation, and your performance was still pretty good in the ss. It¡¯s just that you did not maintain your usual standard. If you meet with any problems in your studies, feel free toe to me, understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan had never scored below 90 points for her Maths exams, a full score was the usual case.

    This time she scored 85 points; to others it was a pretty good result, but to Qiao Nan it was an unprecedented low score.

    In this round of pre-testing, there were more than 240 students from secondary three. Qiao Nan used to be among the top ten, but now she was ranked at around 70th to 80th ce.

    If it had not been for Teacher Chen who noticed Qiao Nan¡¯s results and insisted on finding out the ranking for individual subjects, Qiao Nan would know her exact ranking among the cohort.

    Teacher Chen pondered for a while and walked up to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, how did you spend your summer break? Did you do some revision?¡±

    In the past, Teacher Chen never had to worry about Qiao Nan¡¯s studies, but this time he was shocked by Qiao Nan¡¯s results.

    Qiao Nan did not know if she should be sad or relieved. The best result in her ss was a score of 92 points and her result of 85 points was actually considered above average.

    Picking up what she used to study in school was really not an easy task. Qiao Nan could feel despair sinking in.

    ¡°All my textbooks are gone.¡±

    ¡°Gone?¡± Teacher Chen looked at Qiao Nan in surprise. ¡°Where have they gone?¡±

    ¡°My Mom sold them.¡±

    After the rebirth, Qiao Nan had sorted out her thoughts. She would no longer hide the deeds her mother has done. No, she did not wanted to gain sympathy, it was just that she felt it necessary for people concerned to understand her situation and to give her a helping hand when needed.

    She really needed her teacher¡¯s help to give her some coaching in order for her to work on her results and to catch up to her usual standard.

    Teacher Chen was rendered speechless. They would be doing revision in the second half of secondary three. There wouldn¡¯t be any new knowledge points. The middle school exams would cover arge portion of secondary one and two sybus.

    What kind of parents would sell all the textbooks when they knew that their child would be taking the exams soon? Was it intentional?

    Thinking of what he overheard recently Teacher Chen asked, ¡°Qiao Nan, I heard that your sister enrolled in the The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was a good high school in the area, but it was not easy to enroll in.

    ¡°Yes, today is the enrollment, she will be starting school officially.¡± Qiao Nan was stunned for a moment. The saying was right, good news went unnoticed while bad news travels fast.

    The act of using money to buy results might not be news ten yearster, but it was very rare now. Furthermore, her mother used that money to pull strings instead of buying results.

    If father knew that mother went to look for that grandpa all because of Qiao Zijin, he would surely explode in anger.

    Teacher Chen¡¯s countenance fell.

    If one would say that Qiao Nan could enroll in the The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, he would have no doubt about it; but Qiao Zijin? He did not believe it. Besides, it was hard fact that Qiao Zijin has always been an average student, there was no way that she could make it to that high school.

    Teacher Chen did not wish to specte about how Qiao Zijin manage to enroll in that high school, let alone make wild conjectures about Qiao Nan¡¯s mother purpose in selling her textbooks.

    Teacher Chen was puzzled when Qiao Nan had only scored 85 points in the exams. But now he understood and felt sorry for her instead. ¡°It¡¯s alright if your textbooks are gone. I wille up with a solution. Your foundation is good, there¡¯s still a year to go, you can definitely catch up. You know the way to my house. Whenever you have any questions, feel free toe looking for me. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, teacher.¡± Qiao Nan no longer felt dispirited. She plucked up her courage and said, ¡°Regarding my textbooks, I have already settled the problem.¡±

    ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°I went to the thrift shop to buy a set of textbooks. I have been reading up. I will definitely trouble you for areas that I am unclear of.¡±

    Teacher Chen smiled. ¡°No troubles at all. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t give yourself too much stress. You must learn to strike a bnce between work and rest, understand?¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will.¡±

    Maths results were out, next would be Chinese and English.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s grade for Chinese was about the same as her Maths. She scored a few marks above eighty. It was an average grade. For those questions that required memorizing, she scored zero marks for them.

    Those students who did not know the inside story were all shocked when they found out that Qiao Nan had not fared well for two subjects in a row. Some were gloating while some were specting that something must have gone wrong with her, either she had be stupid or she had gone astray.

    The top student that they all looked up to had fallen from grace in just one summer break¡¯s time?Top student to cker in two months¡¯ time?

    The Chinese subject was taught by a pretty and gentle female teacher. Teacher Lee was exasperated when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s results. She did not get a good sleepst night, her mind was preupied with how she was going to knock some sense into Qiao Nan. She did not want her to feel that since her results has always been good, there was no need to put in hard work. She had thoroughly disappointed her with her results.

 Chapter 25 - Mixed Emotions

    <h4>Chapter 25: Mixed Emotions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Teacher Lee looked through Qiao Nan¡¯s papers again and again. It pained her to see her scores. But Qiao Nan answered brilliantly for every subjective question. In particrly for her essay, she scored flying colors.

    As a Chinese teacher, it had been a long time since Teacher Lee saw such a well-written essay.

    Aside from her neat handwriting, her essay was fair and reasonable; thenguage used though simple had deep meaning; it was logical and well structured. All in all, she could not find any fault with it.

    Such a brilliant essay deserved full marks. However the teachers from the Chinese team had multiple discussions and decided that Qiao Nan¡¯s use of words was too simple and deducted one mark for that.

    What did one mean by back to basics?

    This was back to basics!

    Actually Teacher Lee did not agree to the deduction and wanted to have a discussion with the Chinese team.

    But she was infuriated when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s answers for theponents in front.

    Memorizationponent ounted for a total of 10 marks. Qiao Nan did not get a single mark!

    As for the other four marks, it was all pure memory work.

    In other words, if Qiao Nan had studied what was taught in ss while Teacher Lee tried to fight for that extra one mark, this average Chinese test paper would then score full marks!

    It wasmon to have a full score for elementary Chinese paper. But for junior high level, in particrly secondary three, it was rare to see full marks for Chinese papers.

    This could actually be the highest results among the cohort, a once in a blue moon full marks. But Qiao Nan wasted it all and ended up with 85 points, ced somewhere in the middle. How could Teacher Lee not be angry?

    Teacher Lee felt that it was a pity for Qiao Nan to score this kind of result.

    Because of this Teacher Lee did not sleep at allst night. She pondered over what she should say to Qiao Nan, in order for her to understand and reflect on her mistakes.

    Teacher Lee was even angrier when she realized that Qiao Nan also had not done well in Maths, the subject that she was always good at.

    But now Teacher Lee no longer thought that way.

    Teacher Chen knew that Teacher Lee would be upset by Qiao Nan¡¯s results. When he learned of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation at home, he went back to the office and informed Teacher Lee about Qiao Nan¡¯splicated situation.

    After learning of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Teacher Lee could only sigh in exasperation. No matter how hardworking the child was, if their parents were unreasonable, what could a child do?

    For those areas that require memorizing, no matter how hard Qiao Nan tried tomit the knowledge to her memory, if her parents had sold her textbooks, there was no way that she could revise.

    Teacher Lee looked at Qiao Nan with mixed emotions. The other students in the ss were bewildered. Qiao Nan had not done well in her exams. Why didn¡¯t Teacher Lee reprimand her? Why did she stare at Qiao Nan but with no words of displeasure?

    Come on, Qiao Nan deserved a serious scolding!

    After the long summer break of fun, most of the students did not do well in the exams, they were bound to be spanked by their parents.

    But they would at least beforted by seeing Qiao Nan being reprimanded by the teachers.

    A lot of the students were looking forward to seeing Teacher Lee rant at Qiao Nan. However after a while Teacher Lee said, ¡°All of you should learn from... Qiao Nan, look at how well written her essay is. Then take a look at your own essay, is that even an essay? After a long break, all of your essays are rubbish.¡±

    Teacher Lee bombarded the students for not doing well. ¡°Qiao Nan, write a copy of your essay and paste it on the ckboard at the back of the ssroom. Of course, everyone should just learn from the way she wrote her essay. Qiao Nan, do you know that your results were a real pity? It should have been... forget it, it was painfully agonizing to talk about it. Study hard in the future, you shouldn¡¯t lose these 10 points.¡±

    Qiao Nan flushed red with shame at Teacher Lee¡¯s criticism and praise.

    In particrly when Teacher Lee gazed at her, she felt a twinge of guilt, as if she had done something wrong to Teacher Lee.

    At this, Qiao Nan thought what a cruel mockery this exam was.

    After the lesson was over, Qiao Nan felt a shadow behind her, she turned and saw a girl ring at her. She seemed to be unhappy. ¡°Qiao Nan, hurry up and make a copy of your essay. I wanted to see just how brilliant it is.¡±

    Qiao Nan had not much impression on this ssmate. Qiao Nan was also not interested in making copies of her essay.

    Without a word, Qiao Nan took out her essay from her exam paper, and pasted it on the ckboard at the back of the ssroom, ¡°Look at it yourself.¡±

    After which she went on to study her Maths exams paper, paying attention to the problems.

    ¡°You.¡± Zhao Yu was enraged at Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude. ¡°Well there¡¯s nothing to be proud of. You only did well for your essay and scored an average score of 85 points. That¡¯s not the highest!¡±

    There was no way to hide the fact that Qiao Nan did not do as well for this exam and was told off by Teacher Lee.

    She heard Zhao Yu grunting to herself and turned back to look at her. What exactly was wrong with this youngdy?

    But she turned her attention back to the Maths exam paper after one nce.

    Zhao Yu grew angrier by the moment, seeing how Qiao Nan appeared to be unaffected, and could not be bothered to bicker with her.

    With a look of disbelief, Zhao Yu snorted and went to look at Qiao Nan¡¯s essay. She had intended to pick on every small error that she could find. But after a long time reading the essay, Zhao Yu had to admit, the essay was very well written.

    So what, she might have lose out to her this time, but there was always the next time and the time after that!

    Zhao Yu clenched her fists and returned to her seat to read her essay book.

    Soon after, the ss had an English lesson. Unlike Teacher Chen and Teacher Lee, Teacher Yu was the only teacher who was all smiles on the way into the ssroom. ¡°After a summer break, a lot of students havegged behind in their studies. Of course, there are some who have improved. Do you all know what¡¯s the highest English score for the secondary three cohort and who is that student?¡±

    ¡°How many points?¡±

    ¡°98?¡±

    ¡°Bet it was not more than 99.¡±

    There was an essayponent for junior high English. Just like a Chinese essay, it would be difficult to score full marks.

    ¡°It is definitely not Qiao Nan.¡± Zhao Yu snickered and whispered softly.

    Zhao Yu also sat in the second row, very close to Qiao Nan. So Qiao Nan overheard what she said.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. She must have messed with this youngdy in the past. Today was the second time she had picked on her.

    ¡°Nobody has the answer? Well, I also didn¡¯t think that there would be a full marks this time! And the mostmendable part is that this full marks score came from our ss, Secondary Three ss One. Qiao Nan,e and get your paper.¡±

    Every teacher usually went by one of the three styles to hand out the exam papers ¨C firstly, from highest to lowest; secondly, from lowest to highest; andstly, randomly.

    As for today, Teacher Yu did not seem to be handing out ording to the second or third scenario. If so, Qiao Nan was the one who scored full marks?

    A lot of the students who were hoping that Qiao Nan would flunk her third subject, so as to have an excuse to rebut their parents back at home, were distraught when the teacher called out Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

 Chapter 26 - Hows Your Result

    <h4>Chapter 26: How¡¯s Your Result</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It could have been such a good excuse. Look at Qiao Nan from their ss who always ranked among the top three, she flunked her exams this time. So should it not be eptable that they did not do well?

    But Qiao Nan deprived them the chance of using this excuse with her full marks English test paper.

    ¡°Liar, she must have copied the answers!¡± Zhao Yu shouted, with a look of disbelief, ¡°There has never been a student who gets full marks in secondary three!¡±

    Teacher Yu knitted the eyebrows, what was this?!

    ¡°Who does she copy from, you? The student besides Zhao Yu blinked her eyes at her and asked curiously.

    The ssroom resounded withughter.

    Teacher Yu had said that among the two hundred students, Qiao Nan was the only who had full marks.

    If she had copied her answers, who could she have copied from?

    Zhao Yu flushed red in an instant. She knew that she was too agitated and had blurted out something silly.

    Qiao Nan was the only student in the level who had the highest English results. There was no way she could copy from other sses let alone her ss. Qiao Nan had the highest score; it was other students who would copy from her; if she was to copy from others, then she would not be able to get her full marks.

    Qiao Nan walked calmly to the tform to get her test papers. Among all the subjects, she was most confident in her English.

    In order to earn more money to satisfy her mother and to let Qiao Zijin lead a good life, she would always take up part time jobs.

    But after all she was a human not a machine. As time goes by her body could not take it anymore.

    Then she found out that there was this job of English-Chinese trantion where she could work from home. It paid well and the work was not tough. Qiao Nan worked hard to learn English and attained a level six certificate. She then started to take on tranting jobs.

    Up till the point where Qiao Nan was knocked down by a car and driven to her grave by Ding Jiayi, there were still a few trantion documents at her rented apartment.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I could tell that you did not waste your time in this summer break at all. The grammar was fabulous and way beyond your level!¡± Teacher Yu looked at Qiao Nan smilingly, andmented on a line in her essay.

    Teacher Yu had never taught them this grammar. It was not in the sybus of junior high school either. It would be only be covered in high school.

    A junior high student could use the grammar taught only at high school in her English essay. If this did not warrant full marks, what would?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face stiffened, she paused for a moment before saying, ¡°This... This summer break I met a foreign friend. He taught me all these.¡±

    ¡°Well done.¡± Teacher Yu was extremely pleased. ¡°As I have said, if you want to muster English, you have to work up your courage. Do not be afraid to speak. This would be a good training to help you to speak thenguage well. Qiao Nan is a very good example. If you all have the chance, you can do so as well. Foreigners are usually more enthusiastic and friendly. This is an excellent learning opportunity.¡±

    Because of an exam, Teacher Tan and in particrly Teacher Lee were dismayed. Teacher Yu was the only one who was all smiles to the extent that Teacher Yu seemed to be walking on air.

    Qiao Nan used toe in the the top five ces if not top three ces among the whole level. But this time round, she did not even ranked among the first ten ces.

    Thanks to her English results, Qiao Nan¡¯s overall ranking for the three subjects did not fall very far behind. She was ced 49th in the level and around 10th ce in her ss.

    Qiao Nan let out a sigh of relief after knowing her results.

    There was no doubt that her results would suffer, but it was not as bad as she imagined.

    Qiao Nan knew that she was lucky this time. Asides from Chinese, she had picked up Mathematics not long ago.

    She happened to have just finished revising on the knowledge points tested during the exams.

    Otherwise, not to mention 80 points, she might have failed her exams or scored only 40 points.

    It was the same for all the six sses, they were all discussing the exam results on the first day.

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s essay was pasted on the ckboard at the back of the ssroom, most of her ssmates took a look and had to say that it was truly well written.

    But what was weird was that the students from the remaining five sses all crowded around to look at Qiao Nan¡¯s essay.

    Her ssmates was proud yet unhappy. ¡°You aren¡¯t from the same ss, why do you all keeping to our ss? Get out, get out.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s essay was considered a study resource for ss One. Students from other sses should not be allowed to share the information.

    Students at this age were mostly sensitive and thin-skinned. They followed their Chinese teachers¡¯ words and plucked up their courage to go to the other ss to look at the essay. But they all went back red with embarrassment when they were told off by Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates.

    This soon reached the ears of the six Chinese teachers.

    The teachers from the other sses went to speak with Teacher Chen and Teacher Lee, remarking that it was too overbearing of the students. After all they were schoolmates, and everyone should learn from each other.

    Teacher Lee was still grouchy over the deduction of that one mark. She refused to give in, with a slight lift of her chin she said, ¡°Oh, what¡¯s there to look at, after all it¡¯s one mark short of full marks. Qiao Nan¡¯s standard is good enough for our ss. For other sses, they should learn from the better students.

    At her words, all the teachers from the Chinese team knew that Teacher Lee has not gotten over that one mark, so they gave an awkward smile and left.

    But for the Chinese teachers who read Qiao Nan¡¯s essay, they all knew that the results this time did not mean everything.

    Judging from her exam papers, if Qiao Nan was to memorize all the ssroom knowledge, she would definitely emerge as the dark horse of the Chinese subject, and her results would no doubt be astounding.

    In that case, no matter how mischievous orzy Qiao Nan was, Teacher Lee knew that she only had to get her to copy the knowledge points that had to be memorized for one whole semester, if not one whole year, and there was surely no way that she would score zero for the memoryponent in her middle school exams.

    Besides, Qiao Nan had always been a good student. It¡¯s just that she did not perform up to standard this time.

    Teacher Lee finally sent off her colleagues. Wearing an excited expression on he face, she said proudly, ¡°Qiao Nan the little girl, she kept on fumbling the ball. Next time I must make sure to supervise her so that she do notmit the same mistakes again. No, I shall make her report to the office everyday and to memorize a lesson a day.¡±

    As a colleague, Teacher Chen could not tell if Teacher Lee said it out of anger or was in fact proud of her student.

    Teacher Lee had found a way to help Qiao Nan, but Teacher Chen was still very troubled.

    Teacher Lee only had to get Qiao Nan to memorize by hard and she could catch up sooner orter. But what about her Mathematics?

    Qiao Nan did not mention and he was unclear as well. Which part of the lessons was Qiao Nan unfamiliar with?

    While Teacher Chen and Teacher Lee were trying to think of ways to help Qiao Nan, the English teacher, Teacher Yu was the only one who was sipping tea leisurely, saying that it tasted especially good today!

    A day passed by quickly. After getting her results for the three subjects, Qiao Nan went home and realized that everyone had reached home, including Qiao Zijin.

    As soon as she stepped into the house, Qiao Zijin wasted no time to ask her, ¡°Nan Nan, I heard your results were out, how did you fare?¡±

 Chapter 27 - Set Ground Rules

    <h4>Chapter 27: Set Ground Rules</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was stunned momentarily, she curled her lips and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t do very well.¡±

    As expected!

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi heard this and their eyes sparkled. Ding Jiayi jumped in to bombard Qiao Nan. ¡°Look at this, Old Qiao, you insisted on letting her continue with her studies. Alright, we let her study, but look at what kind of results she got. She has let you down and wasted all your hard earned money. Never mind about the school fees that has been paid. After this half year, why not let her quit school and work. She is not good in studying and does not have any good prospects, she might as well start work early and earn more money. For all you know, we might be able to lead a better life.¡±

    Ding Jiayi seemed like she was nning for Qiao Nan, but among their family of four, aside from Qiao Dongliang, the three of them all knew that if Qiao Nan were to quit school and work, all her pay would be taken away by Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang let out a deep breath, ¡°What are you shouting for? Nan Nan did not do well this time, and whose fault is this?¡±

    Fortunately Qiao Nan had given Qiao Dongliang a heads up, so aside from a slight disappointment at the start, he was able to ept it readily.

    ¡°Who is to me, definitely not me!¡± Ding Jiayi red up, she was not the one who went to school.

    Qiao Dongliang said bluntly, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault! Who sold off Nan Nan¡¯s books? You sold her books, even if she wanted to study, there was nothing for her to read! Nan Nan won¡¯t even keep her books at home and you still refuse to repent. If news gets out, won¡¯t you find it a disgrace?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang never once asked Qiao Nan about the books, he was doing it for Ding Jiayi, to preserve her dignity.

    A daughter had to guard against her mother. If people knew of this, Ding Jiayi would be so disgraced.

    He tried to maintain her pride time and again, but Ding Jiayi did not know her limits. She looked so high and mighty as if she was about to take flight!

    ¡°Nan Nan, ignore your Mom. It¡¯s alright, don¡¯t you still have a semester to go?¡± After lecturing Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang went on to encourage Qiao Nan, ¡°Let me have a look at the three test papers. Is there anything that you do not know, we can pick it up bit by bit, You can also ask your teacher, take it easy.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and took out her test papers.

    The Maths papers was on the top of the stack. Qiao Dongliang let out a breath of relief when he saw that Qiao Nan had scored 85 points for it.

    When he heard from Nan Nan that she hadgged behind, he was worried that she might have fared badly. But 85 points was not considered a low grade.

    Qiao Nan had 85 points for both Maths and Chinese.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes brightened when he saw that Qiao Nan had scored 100 points for her English test. The sparkle in his eyes was so much brighter than that of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin when they learned that Qiao Nan had scored badly for her exams. ¡°One... one hundred? Nan Nan, is the English exam difficult, how many students scored one hundred points?¡±

    ¡°I am the only one in school who scored full marks. The student in the second ce had 93 points.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang moved his mouth, faced flushed with pride, after a while he only managed to say a word ¨C good. He patted Qiao Nan and consoled her, ¡°Actually, actually this is already pretty good.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s good about it, how did you rank this time?¡± Ding Jiayi did not notice that the elder daughter had turned pale. She carried on to rebut Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    ¡°49th.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi heard that Qiao Nan ranked 49th ce, she jumped in tion. ¡°Old Qiao, did you hear that? You spent all that money on her school fees, and this is how she repays you? 49th? In the past, she never even ranked below ninth ce¡ªwhich was already a bad grade ¨C let alone 49th ce. Look at her wild nature, and yet you still let her continue with her studies, isn¡¯t that a waste of money?¡±

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and smiled.

    ¡°Laugh, you still have the nerve tough.¡± Ding Jiayi was enraged. To think that she could stillugh after the scoldings, she must be a dimwit.

    ¡°Mom, can you preserve some dignity for sister. Can¡¯t you see that she is on the verge of tears?¡± Qiao Nan said coldly.

    She ranked 49th ce; but her worst results were in fact Qiao Zijin¡¯s best results in secondary three.

    ¡°Did you hear what Nan Nan said? Zijin, don¡¯t worry, I will treat everyone equally. I supported Nan Nan to continue her studies, and that is the same for you. You just have to work harder in high school and buck up.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned cold.

    The younger daughter¡¯s worst results was the best results of the elder daughter. When the elder daughter made improvementsst time, he even thought of having a celebration.

    If one were to judge the right to schooling based on results, the elder daughter would be the first to be disqualified.

    ¡°Old Ding, I suddenly find that what you said is very true. If one has the aptitude, then she should study, if not there is no point in forcing them. After all, not everyone has the talent for studying. Zijin, don¡¯t be stressed out, if you feel it¡¯s alright, you can continue with your studies; if you feel that you are not cut out for studying, it¡¯s okay, you can start work earlier. Your Mom is right, one won¡¯t make it big by studying. In that case, it might be good to pick up a skill and start earning money, you can also lead a good life in future.¡±

    Ding Jiayi ced importance on results purely to go out against Qiao Nan; but Qiao Dongliang meant it with all his heart.

    ¡°Old Ding, there¡¯s no taking back of your words. Let¡¯s set some ground rules to prevent future arguments. You have always been supportive of Zijin in her studies and you also enrolled her in high school. Let¡¯s do this, if Nan Nan fails to do well in her exams, and the results are worse than the lowest results of Zijin¡¯s, then we will consider whether she should continue or not. Otherwise, if you bring up this topic again, my attitude towards you would not be this pleasant.¡±

    Qiao Zijin paled at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, while Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression turned sullen.

    No matter how angry and unwilling Ding Jiayi was at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, and forparing her beloved elder daughter with the younger daughter, she could note up with words to rebut him.

    Because they had to be fair!

    In fact, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s suggestion was not fair from the start.

    Why must Qiao Zijin¡¯s worst results be used as a benchmark to decide if Qiao Nan had the right to study?

    That was because Ding Jiayi favored Qiao Zijin, and Qiao Dongliang had to at least maintain her dignity.

    Qiao Dongliang was being considerate, but Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin did not give him any credit for it.

    The two of them had waited for ages before Qiao Nan finally flunked her exams this time. There might not be a next time.

    Besides, Qiao Dongliang said that the condition was that Qiao Nan must perform even worse than the lowest grade of Qiao Zijin. At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin felt hopeless.

    They both knew, no matter how badly Qiao Nan did for her exams, there was no way that she could have performed even worse than the lowest grade of Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi paused for a moment. Since the younger daughter did much better than the elder daughter, why was she so sure that the elder daughter had better prospects than the younger daughter, and insisted that the younger daughter quit school?

    ¡°Old Ding, did you hear what I said just now?¡± Qiao Dongliang repeated when there was no response from Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 28 - Class Committee

    <h4>Chapter 28: ss Committee</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I heard them.¡± Ding Jiayi was about to continue her sentence, but she saw Qiao Zijin, pulling a long face and heading back to her room without a word.

    A look at Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression and she knew that she must be angry. ¡°Zijin...¡±

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi both left. Qiao Nan made a funny face at her father, ¡°Dad, you talked about sister¡¯s results just now, she must be upset.¡±

    So her mother was on her way to console her.

    ¡°Your sister...¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed and shook his head in frustration. ¡°I finally realized that your sister might be sensible but that temper of hers... she has been spoiled by your Mom.¡±

    Nan Nan was just back from school, yet the elder daughter rushed up to ask her about her exams.

    Qiao Dongliang thought of what happened just now and felt dismayed. When the younger daughter said that she flunked her exams, the elder daughter curled her lip and sneered.

    Why would the elder daughter find joy in Nan Nan flunking her exams? Did she have the same perception as Old Ding? Did she hope that Nan Nan would quit school?

    ¡°Nan Nan, how is your rtionship with Zijin recently?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Could she say that they had never been close? It was only a one-sided rtionship where Qiao Zijin cajoled and lied to her? She was the only one who was nice to her sister?

    ¡°As usual.¡± Qiao Nan gave an objective answer of their rtionship. But Qiao Dongliang failed to read between the lines.

    ¡°Nan Nan, your sister... you are much more sensible than your sister. I am not telling you to give in to her, but if she gets stubborn, don¡¯t be mad at her or take it to heart.¡±

    Unlike Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang was fair and just. It is usually the elder siblings who give in to the younger siblings. He could not bring it to himself to tell Qiao Nan to give in to Qiao Zijin.

    The two sisters were not too far apart in age, so it was normal to have small arguments.

    But they were one family, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s only hope was that despite all the quarrels, they would not take it to heart. After the quarrels, they should make up and not bear grudges.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded in agreement. Qiao Dongliang did not make excessive demands of her.

    ¡°Alright, you should go back to revise. You havegged behind this time, you must work hard.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Qiao Nan barely made it past the exams on her first day of school. For the rest of the school year, she diligently went to school everyday, and set more reading targets for herself.

    Teacher Chen and Teacher Lee also gave her additional assignments to work on.

    Luckily Qiao Nan was not in actual fact a fifteen-year-old kid, if not she would not be able to handle the increasing workload.

    Even though they might understand that what the teachers did was all for the good of the student, but they might not be able to ept it after all.

    The two teachers were also worried that the huge workload would result in a bacsh.

    But Qiao Nan had a very positive attitude and was serious in her work. She always did a great job on the additional assignments. The two teachers were pleased and always gave her special treatment.

    It was the second week after school reopened. This Monday it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to be on duty. She had to stay back after lessons and could only go back at ater time.

    Qiao Nan let the other students go after they cleaned up the ssroom.

    She checked the ssroom, making sure that the windows were locked. With that she closed the door, took her bag and left.

    She had finished reading a volume of books within a week¡¯s time. She decided to stop over at Zhai¡¯s house in exchange for more books to revise. And so she did not take the main road home, instead she took the side road to the back door of Zhai¡¯s house.

    ¡°Beat him to death!¡±

    ¡°In future he won¡¯t dare to mess with us again.¡±

    ¡°You disgusting piece of filth, try getting up and shouting at us again.¡±

    As soon as she turn into the side road, Qiao Nan heard quarreling sounds. It sounded like someone was in a fight.

    Qiao Nan was scared stiff. She did not want to meddle in others¡¯ affairs and was about to turn and walk away.

    Zhu Baoguo took blows from all directions. While he was in a daze, he heard footstepsing towards him, though light and almost inaudible, he could hear them clearly.

    His body was numb with pain, at the brink of losing consciousness. Zhu Baoguo desperately hoped that someone would save him. But the light footsteps drifted further and further away.

    Holding his breath, a disappointed Zhu Baoguo closed his eyes, and was about to give in to his pain, letting out his breath. There was no-one in this world who cared for him.

    ¡°Hurry up, right here.¡± Soon after the fading footsteps appeared again. It seemed like there were two other people.

    The footsteps were fast and hurried.

    ¡°What are you all doing? Stop now.¡±

    ¡°Crap, someone is here.¡±

    ¡°F**k, they have guns!¡±

    ¡°Run!¡±

    The group of people who were punching Zhu Baoguo looked up, and saw a youngdy running towards them with two police officers. They paled and ran off hurriedly without Zhu Baoguo.

    They only knew how to throw fists. But the two people who ran towards them had guns. A bullet could take a life.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he the son of Zhu family? It¡¯s not good, his injuries are very serious, we have to take him to the hospital as quickly as possible.¡±

    ¡°Okay, you take him to the hospital, I will go back to inform them. We need to have someone around.¡±

    This was thest conversation Zhu Baoguo heard before losing consciousness.

    After making sure that Zhu Baoguo was safe, Qiao Nan patted herself on the chest and finally rxed, letting out a sigh of relief.

    The kids nowadays were so vicious. Every blow was so ruthless. She could not even tell what the injured person looked like as his face was all covered in blood.

    Zhu Baoguo, the name seemed familiar.

    Qiao Nan wasted a lot of time here and there. She quickly exchanged a new set of books and sped home.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are slightlyte today.¡± Qiao Dongliang saw the younger daughter and asked her out of concern.

    ¡°Oh, I am on duty today. I am thest to leave. From now on, I guess I will be slightlyte every Monday.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had started school. Unlike Qiao Nan who walked to school, Qiao Zijin who studied in high school had to live on campus. She came back home at most once a week.

    Now Qiao Nan was the only child at home.

    ¡°It¡¯s already secondary three. Your ss should have selected their ssmittee. What did you get assigned to this time? Ding Jiayi asked coldly, with a mocking tone in her voice.

    The younger daughter has always been quiet. She did not know how to please people. At home, she would not even speak up to 24 sentences in 24 hours. Unlike the elder daughter who was a smooth talker and well-liked by everyone, she was guarded and reserved. People like her might be unpopr and found it difficult to adapt when they entered society.

    ¡°I heard Zijin was the literarymittee member at school.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed, ¡°Mom, the high school curriculum is even more demanding than junior high school. Sister has been selected as amittee member? Does she not intend to study?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang paused for a moment. At first he thought that it would be good to be selected as themittee member, but at the mention of results, he has some hesitation. ¡°Nan Nan, if given the opportunity it would be a wonderful training, but it¡¯s okay if you aren¡¯t selected, studies are more important.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was more sincere, hoping to give the younger daughter some encouragement.

    ¡°What¡¯s so good about her, it¡¯s obvious that she was not selected.¡±

    ¡°Who said that I am not the ssmittee member?¡±

 Chapter 29 - Take In Hand One Each

    <h4>Chapter 29: Take In Hand One Each</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was pleased, Qiao Zijin was just a Literature and Art Committee Member, and her mother was so proud and ttered.

    Qiao Nan suspected that Qiao Zijin managed tond the role because of the money from her mother.

    In high school, Literature and Art was not popr, the fewer activities they had in school the better. Literature and Art had the most arduous but thankless jobs, unless Qiao Zijin was interested in a career path in this field.

    Otherwise, whenever there were school activities, the Literature and Art Committee members worked the hardest, could she still study?

    Qiao Zijin did not have good grades, by putting Literature and Art under her charge, was she being valued or mocked? It did not cross her mother¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what role did you take on?¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled, to him, being a schoolmittee member was a good matter.

    ¡°Vice ss Monitor in ss. Dad, I¡¯ve always been the Vice ss Monitor. Every semester, I bring home the certificate of award to me for being one of the top three model students and outstanding ssmittee member.¡±

    ¡°Vice ss Monitor?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised. He did not know that his younger daughter had been the Vice ss Monitor for years. ¡°Where¡¯s the certificate of award? I don¡¯t think I have seen it at home before.¡±

    Top three model students and outstanding ssmittee member, these awards were worth being proud of!

    Each year, when Qiao Dongliang saw other children instead of his own receiving an award, he would console himself that it did not matter. As long the elder daughter was obedient and sensible and the younger daughter was good in her studies ¨C these mattered the most.

    It only urred to Qiao Dongliang today that his child had actually received awards before, and these were the best awards. Top three model student, that was not an award that could be given to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

    ¡°It¡¯s just Vice ss Monitor, not ss Monitor. What is so great about this.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was awkward.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you quite pleased that Zijin became a Literature and Artmittee member? Don¡¯t tell me that Vice ss Monitor is worse than Literature and Artmittee member.¡± Qiao Dongliang was speechless. What was Old Ding¡¯s logic?

    If this continued, even if the elder daughter¡¯s feet stank, Old Ding would think that it was fragrant.

    ¡°Nan Nan, four semesters have passed. Two certificate of awards for each semester, you should have received at least eight, take them out and show me!¡±

    His child was an award-winner!

    In future, when his colleagues from the same department asked, he finally had something else that he was proud of to talk about besides his younger daughter¡¯s academic results.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they just a few pieces of lousy paper, there¡¯s nothing to see. It¡¯s already sote, are we still eating?¡± Ding Jiayi interrupted Qiao Dongliang and quickly served the food.

    As Qiao Zijin was not at home, Ding Jiayi initially did not want to buy any meat. After all, the family funds were low.

    But Qiao Dongliang requested, so Ding Jiayi had no choice but to prepare meat for today¡¯s dinner.

    To shut Qiao Nan up, Ding Jiayi filled Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl with meat using her chopsticks: ¡°Hurry up and eat, then go back to your room to revise your homework. Don¡¯t waste the money that was used to let you go to school.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shed with sarcasm, she did not argue with her mother and proceeded to eat her meat.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The then Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Old Ding, Nan Nan¡¯s awards, where have they gone?¡±

    Ding Jiayi pped the chopsticks on the table. ¡°Aren¡¯t they just a few pieces of paper? How should I know where they are? They do not belong to me. It¡¯s paper, not gold. Isn¡¯t it normal for them to be rotten?¡±

    ¡°Rotten?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face changed. ¡°Even if it¡¯s paper, there is no reason that it would be rotten after two years. Tell me honestly, where did Nan Nan¡¯s awards go?¡±

    Nan Nan had clearly received many awards but he did not get to see or hear about them once. Of course, this was all his wife¡¯s doing.

    Qiao Dongliang pressed on and refused to stop, Ding Jiayi wanted very much to throw a fit but could not lose her temper when she saw Qiao Dongliang pulling a long face. She reluctantly said: ¡°I used it to start the fire while I was cooking.¡±

    Yes, Qiao Nan¡¯s awards were always burnt and used to start the fire by Ding Jiayi shortly after she brought them home.

    Therefore, it was impossible for Qiao Dongliang, who was always thest to reach home after his work, to see the awards that Qiao Nan had won.

    ¡°Start the fire?¡± Qiao Dongliang raised his voice. ¡°Why don¡¯t you burn yourself? Aren¡¯t there any ignition straws at home? You have to use Nan Nan¡¯s awards to start the fire? Do you want to go out and ask others, which parent will use the awards received by his child to start a fire, you¡¯re really proud.¡±

    ¡°What is there to be proud of? Isn¡¯t it just a piece of paper, can keeping it make it produce gold ory eggs?!¡± Ding Jia was angry. She even used all the money at home, not to mention that few pieces of paper.

    Those few pieces of paper, keeping them would only take up space, burning them would at least put them to some use.

    ¡°Fine, you¡¯re good, you can. Satisfied?¡± Qiao Dongliang would not bother to talk to Ding Jiayi anymore. His wife could not hide the younger daughter¡¯s academic results as he would ask about them.

    As for these awards, they were all burnt by his wife. Nan Nan said that she had won the awards but that now they were just all words and no evidence.

    Fine, it seemed that for many years, his wife had hidden a lot of matters from him.

    ¡°Zijin became a Literature and Art Committee Member and you were so pleased. You insisted to wait till the weekend to prepare food for her. Nan Nan is Vice ss Monitor and that is not good enough, even her certificate of awards are just waste paper. Okay, you dote on Zijin, I dote on Nan Nan. Each of us will take care of one, no-one is being left out.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by this?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was red with fury. ¡°Zijin is not your daughter, are you so biased?¡±

    ¡°Then Nan Nan is not your daughter? You only have Zijin in your heart. Both are my daughters, I will not treat one worse than the other. With you, I am not worried that Zijin will suffer and be wronged. With me around, I will not let Nan Nan continue to live like she did before.¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang was determined to stand on the side of his younger daughter.

    He really had not known that the younger daughter was so outstanding.

    At the thought of the younger daughter¡¯s words earlier, and her results, Qiao Dongliang immediately figured out why the younger daughter was the Vice ss Monitor instead of the ss Monitor.

    It was not that the younger daughter was not qualified to be the ss Monitor. It was because the teacher was afraid of tiring out the younger daughter with too many matters. Hence, she arranged for her to take on the deputy role.

    The teacher in the school had spared such a thought for his younger daughter. This went to show how highly they valued her. This also proved that the younger daughter was a person with a bright future and had gained the favor of her teachers.

    The child who was well-liked by the teacher in the school was neglected to this extent by her own mother. Qiao Dongliang did not know what to say except to sneer.

    To think that half a month ago, his wife was still moring for the younger daughter to quit school and find a job. Qiao Dongliang broke out in a cold sweat.

    Fortunately Nan Nan insisted on studying and he also supported it. Otherwise, they would have held back Nan Nan¡¯s future with their own hands.

    ¡°Nan Nan, from today onwards, you don¡¯t need to tell your mother what happens in school, your mother is busy and doesn¡¯t have the time. You tell Dad, Dad will help you think over the matters.¡±

    A man should take care of external matters while his wife take care of domestic affairs ¨C this did not work for his family.

    Fortunately he found out about the situation, otherwise he really could not imagined how much longer his younger daughter¡¯s future would be held back by his wife.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan chewed the meat in her mouth hard. Today, the meat seemed to be extraordinary fragrant, extraordinarily delicious.

 Chapter 30 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 30: Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Okay, okay, you are happy and pleased to see Dad quarrel with me because of you, are you dying for me to be in bad luck?¡± Ding Jiayi gave an angry stare and threw her chopsticks towards Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was no longer the Qiao Nan in the previous life ¨C who always turned the other cheek.

    When she saw that something was not right with Ding Jiayi¡¯s emotions, Qiao Nan immediately averted her gaze.

    Qiao Nan swiftly gobbled up all the food in her bowl, and mumbled to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve finished my food, I¡¯m going back to my room to do homework.¡±

    Clearly she had not provoked her mother, but thetter was fiercer than her.

    Qiao Nan knew very well that there was no point in fighting with her mother. She would not only lose the argument, but also cause an ugly sight, and her father would not be pleased about it.

    Having to go through another lifetime, Qiao Nan found the way of life that would make it work.

    The reason why Qiao Zijin could please her mother, and let her father think of her as a good daughter, was because she knew how to put up a ¡°sensible¡± front before her father.

    Being sensible was not difficult. She, too, knew how.

    The more her mother did, the more wrong her father knew Qiao Nan endured. There was no need to defend herself, she just needed to walk away silently and, certainly, her dad¡¯s heart would ache for her.

    After being taken advantage of by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin for a lifetime, Qiao Nan knew that, even if they were one family and the closest-of-kin, she needed to y some mind games. Well, they were the ones who had started it.

    An eye for an eye.

    She did not wish to live like the way she did in her previous life ¨C no dignity and pride. No sense of self-worth.

    Upon reflection, Qiao Nan knew that the greatest mistake that she made in her previous life was to have done and said too much in the family.

    On the contrary, when she did and said nothing, she sensed that silence was better than words.

    Seeing that the daughter was already used to Ding Jiayi¡¯s bias and picking, and Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes did not have any warmth in them though she was smiling, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached and his tone became more serious. ¡°Who are you throwing the chopsticks at? Pick up the chopsticks.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not picking them up. Why is Qiao Nan doing her homework now? She saw the chopsticks drop to the floor and she did not even pick them up?¡± If Ding Jiayi bent down and picked up the chopsticks, she would feel humiliated, so of course she was unwilling to and thus ordered Qiao Nan to do it.

    ¡°Not picking them up?¡± Qiao Dongliangughed and simply walked over to pick them up himself.

    When Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Dongliang doing that, she thought he had relented and today¡¯s matter woulde to a close. Just when she wanted to heave a sigh of relief, she was shocked and frightened by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s next move.

    It was just a pair of chopsticks, but Qiao Dongliang broke them into half with his hands and threw them on the table. ¡°Since you don¡¯t want this pair of chopsticks, there is no point in keeping them. Wash the dishes up, I am sleeping in the study room tonight.¡±

    ¡°You... ¡± Ding Jiayi was shaking, and finally said regretfully, ¡°It¡¯s just anger, why take it out on the chopsticks. Now, we need to spend money on chopsticks again.¡±

    As the family savings were low, Ding Jiayi was trying to cut the expenses by half, racking her brains on ways to gradually save money.

    Not to mention the recent expenses, the 5000 yuan savings that was umted by the couple for over a decade, it was an impossible target by saving just one or two cents per day, even for 20 years.

    However, if any major event ured at home, such as when illness struck, she definitely had to cough up this sum of money.

    Regarding the 5000 yuan, Ding Jiayi was still terrified at the sight of the passbook. She often had nightmares, fearful that Qiao Dongliang would find out about this.

    Unless Qiao Nan quit school and worked. If not, she would not be able to make up for the lost savings by herself.

    ¡°Each of them are fiercer and tougher than me, all are my lord!¡± The furious yet helpless Ding Jiayi pped her thigh, she was full of humiliation, and wiped her tears.

    But after she calmed down and finally regained her strength, a table full of stuff was awaiting her to clean up.

    In the past, she was always the one who prepared the meals, and Qiao Nan washed the dishes.

    However, since Qiao Nan¡¯s fever that holiday, she no longer took on any housework of her own ord.

    Both daughters were at home. In front of Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi could not just request for one of the daughters, Qiao Nan, to help out.

    While washing the dishes, Ding Jiayi sighed, life in the past was good, she had the final say in everything at home. Qiao Nan was also obedient, she took up almost half the load of the housework.

    Whenever she argued with Old Qiao, whatever the matter was, Qiao Nan would always take the me on her own ord.

    It was bizarre. It was just a fever, and Qiao Nan became a changed person.

    If she had not given birth to Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi almost suspected that Qiao Nan was swapped by someone, and this was the fake one.

    Qiao Nan, who was doing her homework, could not care less about what happened at home, and she totally forgot about what she had done tonight.

    She had forgotten. But it did not mean that others had also done so.

    The next day, Qiao Nan attended school as usual, but upon reaching the school, she noticed that many schoolmates, some of whom she did not know, were looking at her strangely.

    Qiao Nan frowned but did not take this to heart.

    When she arrived at the ssroom, Qiao Nan saw that the seat beside her was empty, she did not think much of it. She put down her school bag and started revising.

    At this time, Zhao Yu, who was seated nearby, casted her a look of disdain and snorted. ¡°What is there to pretend, who are you trying to fool, shameless.¡±

    After hearing this, Qiao Nan pulled a long face, she was as fierce as a tiger when she red at Zhao Yu. She told herself that this was just a spoilt brat, and one that was rebellious and going through puberty. She would not take matters to heart with her.

    It had been half a month since school re-opened, of course, Qiao Nan knew why Zhao Yu did not see eye to eye with her and why her words always sounded like sour grapes.

    It was because Zhao Yu was the ss¡¯s Chinese Representative.

    In the past, Zhao Yu¡¯s grades in Chinese were not the best in ss, but her essay writing certainly was.

    However, this trend was broken by Qiao Nan in the first model exam after school started. Zhao Yu thus started to dislike Qiao Nan.

    Recently, Zhao Yu was extremely motivated to read essay writing books, and sweared that she would score better than Qiao Nan in the next Chinese test.

    Qiao Nan was silent. Zhao Yu, who thought that she was feeling guilty because she did something wrong, wascent, ¡°Why are you stilling to school? Don¡¯t tell me you think that we don¡¯t know the shameless thing that you¡¯ve done. Though you are thick-skinned enough to do it, I am embarrassed to say it. Such a person is not fit to sit with us in the same ssroom and be our school mate.¡±

    Zhao Yu¡¯s words were neither too loud nor soft, but it was audible to the rest of the ssroom.

    At the thought of the news that they heard this morning, everyone was silent. They way they looked at Qiao Nam was really awkward.

    ¡°I already thought it was strange, it was already secondary three and she could get full marks for the exam. No wonder, she had sent someone to steal the English paper and checked the answers. This way, who in the ss can¡¯t get 100 marks?¡±

    Qiao Nan mmed her books down, hard on the table.

    She did not even wish to tolerate her mother and Qiao Zijin, why would she tolerate an outsider?

 Chapter 31 - Trust

    <h4>Chapter 31: Trust</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhao Yu was a spoilt brat but she was only 15 years old ¨C still just a child!

    ¡°Zhao Yu, your earlier words caused a dent to my reputation. Let me warn you, please stop your behavior of infringing on my personal rights. If not, I can sue you for nder. You are not of legal age, but you are already 16 this year. The country¡¯sw is that anyone 16 years or above can be legally charged. Are you prepared to be sued by me?

    ¡°Me, what crime have Imitted?¡±

    Zhao Yu was stupefied, she had merely stated a few facts, at most they were just gossip about Qiao Nan. What did that have to do withmitting a crime?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel ashamed that you don¡¯t even know that you¡¯vemitted a crime? Don¡¯t tell me that you think you don¡¯t need to be responsible for what you said?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°If you have nothing better to do, please read more books on politics. We are already in secondary three, there¡¯s a lot ofw information in those books. Moreover, you are a high school student, don¡¯t act like a moron aboutw.¡±

    Threatened by Qiao Nan, Zhao Yu was really scared, she started to flip the pages of this year¡¯s newly issued politics textbook.

    True enough, there was a lot ofw-rted knowledge in the textbook.

    Although there was no mention of nder in the book, she thought about the look of of conviction on Qiao Nan¡¯s face when she had said those words, and did not dare to gossip about Qiao Nan anymore.

    The rest of the ssmates had ears for themselves. They clearly heard Qiao Nan and Zhao Yu¡¯s argument.

    Initially, when everyone heard that Qiao Nan scored full marks because she cheated, they felt that it was unfair. Why should someone who cheated on the exam receive the best grade for an individual subject?

    But everyone did not have that deep an enmity with Qiao Nan.

    Besides, this was ultimately a rumour which had just started today, not everyone believed this.

    Not long after, a girl came over and sat beside Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know why Zhao Yu said that about you just now?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Previously, Zhao Yu just sounded like sour grapes.

    ¡°Someone has been spreading that you are close to a group of hooligans, those hooligans were bad and did not have clean hands and feet, they climbed into the school to steal things before. So someone said that your english grades were so good because the hooligans helped you to steal the test papers prior to the exam, that is why you scored full marks.¡±

    Since when was she close to hooligans?

    ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous that people believe in such baseless rumors.¡± Qiao Nan was shaking her head. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about the rest, if I had the means to get the test papers, why did i score 85 marks for Chinese and Maths? Put aside maths, the marks deducted for my Chinese test were those that required memorizing.¡±

    Upon hearing what Qiao Nan said, her ssmates felt that she had a point.

    True, since she was stealing, why would they steal for one subject and not all?

    That Chinese paper of Qiao Nan, which Teacher Li was so angry about, all of the 14 marks were content that required memorizing.

    In the whole ss, except for Qiao Nan who scored zero out of 14 marks, even the slower ones could get around seven or eight marks.

    The first thing that needed to be done after receiving the test paper was to find the answer and memorized them.

    Based on her results, it was illogical that she had cheated.

    ¡°True, I did not believe.¡± That girl¡¯s face turned slightly red after hearing Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan replied with onlyughter. Was the girl being nice by clearing her doubts or trying to gather more information? As an adult, she was not oblivious.

    If she really did not believe the rumor, why was she embarrassed?

    Qiao Nanughed. The other party seemed to know that she did not get what she expected and felt self-conscious, so she quickly returned to her own seat.

    When peace resumed, Qiao Nan could not help thinking, who was the one who could not see eye to eye with her, who went around spreading such ridiculous rumors?

    Hooligans.

    Thinking about what happened throughout her aggregated two lifetimes, Qiao Nan recalled one matter. This happened recently ¨C it was yesterday.

    Yesterday, she saw a group of people surrounding, beating up and scolding a person. She directly found the policeman and saved the person. Was it because of this?

    While reading her book, Zhao Yu, whose mind was floating elsewhere, stole a nce at Qiao Nan. Actually the mastermind of the rumors about Qiao Nan was not anyone else ¨C it was none other than Zhao Yu.

    However, Zhao Yu¡¯s initial version of the rumor was not the same.

    Yesterday, Zhao Yu looked for Teacher Li to request Teacher Li¡¯s guidance on her essay. Hence, Zhao Yu left schoolte, slightlyter than Qiao Nan.

    The two of them headed home in the same direction ¨C they had to pass the same main road.

    As she felt awkward, Zhao Yu would rather slowly follow behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back than to catch up with Qiao Nan to go home together.

    Upon reaching the quad, Qiao Nan changed her direction as she wanted to go to the residence of the Zhai family.

    Zhao Yu, who followed behind, saw that something was amiss. Qiao Nan should not be heading home in that direction. Where was she going?

    Out of curiosity, Zhao Yu decided to tail her after much consideration.

    When Zhao Yu caught up with Qiao Nan, it was at the time when Qiao Nan brought the police to save the person.

    Zhao Yu did not see anything else, she only saw Qiao Nan running towards that group of hooligans.

    The hooligans had sticks in their hands and blood on their bodies. At the sight, Zhao Yu was scared out of her wits. Carrying her schoolbag, she ran all the way home. When Zhao Yu reached home, her heart was still pounding loudly.

    When the neighbors¡¯ children came to look for her to study together, Zhao Yu could not help but mention this matter, and told them she wondered when Qiao Nan had gone astray ¨C she was even in such a good rtionship with the punks?

    When the neighbors¡¯ children confirmed the identity of the few hooligans, they unintentionally revealed one matter. ¡°It was those people who came to our school during the summer vacation to steal things. If Qiao Nan is close to them, she will certainly be able to top the ss every year.¡±

    Rumors are always spread the wrong way. The most recent version that was spread to the school was that Qiao Nan had always scored well in her exams because she relied on this group of hooligans to help her steal the test papers.

    Qiao Nan was a good student, that eye-catching name made it impossible for people in the school to not know her.

    When there suddenly a scandal rted to a model student, the speed of the news spreading was faster than that of the light.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Teacher Chen requested that you go to his office.¡± The ss¡¯s Maths Representative said after he returned from Teacher¡¯s Chen¡¯s office, where he sent the homework to.

    Zhao Yuughed. ¡°Still not admitting, even Teacher Chen summoned her for a talk, perhaps her parents will be called next.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmate for several years, I don¡¯t believe she is such a person.¡± The student who was seated at the same desk as Zhao Yu started to be argue with her again.

    ¡°Zhou Lei, what is your problem, why are you always putting in good words for Qiao Nan, what benefit did you receive from Qiao Nan?¡±

    Zhou Lei was the ss¡¯s Sports Representative. Lean and energetic, he was certainly good at sports, especially basketball. His three-point shots were amazing.

    10 yearster, this was a full-grown little basketball prince who would make the youngdies¡¯ hearts throb.

 Chapter 32 - Is She the Biological Child?

    <h4>Chapter 32: Is She the Biological Child?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Most of the junior high school students would begin to develop feelings for the opposite gender. Zhou Lei was good looking, good in sports and above-average in studies. Zhao Yu was proud to be deskmates with such an outstanding boy.

    But when Zhou Lei went against her to speak up for Qiao Nan, Zhao Yu¡¯s mood was not good.

    Zhou Lei looked at Zhou Yu with some disdain. ¡°I should be asking you this question. Qiao Nan did not offend you, why do you dislike her? Are you happy to gossip about Qiao Nan? Will you gain anything because of this? I really don¡¯t know what you girls are thinking. If you think Qiao Nan¡¯s Language grades are better than yours, then score better than her next time. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s ugly to gossip?¡±

    ¡°Zhou Lei, you, you side with Qiao Nan so much, do you like Qiao Nan?¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned red with anger.

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Zhou Lei rolled his eyes at Zhao Yu, and was not willing to talk to Zhao Yu anymore.

    Qiao Nan did not know that, after she left, Zhao Yu and Zhou Lei, the pair of desk mates, had argued with each other because of her. She gained all the teacher¡¯s attention once she stepped into the office.

    ¡°Teacher Chen.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re here, stand slightly nearer.¡± There was a stool next to Teacher Chen. It was for Qiao Nan to sit on.

    Qiao Nan sat down. After thinking, she had the feeling that, most likely, Teach Chen had called her in because of the matter that was mentioned by Zhao Yu minutes ago.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, have any delinquent teenagers been pestering youtely, asking you for money?¡±

    After hearing Teacher Chen¡¯s words, Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief and felt much better. This was because she knew that Teacher Chen question implied that he trusted her.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. Thereafter, she told Teacher Chen what happened yesterday. ¡°I don¡¯t know those people.¡±

    ¡°It was so serious?¡± Teacher Chen was shocked. ¡°Then the man who was beaten up. Do you know him?¡±

    ¡°No, the man who was beaten, his face was swollen and covered in blood. I don¡¯t know who he is either.¡±

    At the thought of the pitiful look of the beaten man, Qiao Nan shivered.

    ¡°Gee...¡± When the other teachers in the office heard this, they were shocked too. These hooligans were too merciless.

    If not for Qiao Nan who had sought the help of adults, the man could have lost his life.

    Teacher Chen was slightly undecided. He was not sure whether tomend Qiao Nan for her bravery in helping others in need, or reprimand her for her boldness and disregard for her own safety.

    A group of punks were fighting and a youngdy, who had no means of defending herself, dared to run there to interfere in themotion. She had too much bravery.

    ¡°Teacher Chen, Qiao Nan did the right thing for this matter. She was smart and not impulsive ¨C didn¡¯t she look for someone to help?¡± On the other hand, the rest of the teachers in the office was impressed by the way Qiao Nan handled the situation. She not only protected herself, but also saved someone. There was nothing wrong with it.

    If Qiao Nan had ran up on her own to to shout at them, then she deserved to be criticized.

    Teacher Chen snorted, she would dote on her own students. ¡°What happened to the man?¡±

    ¡°The policeman brought him to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°True, you can go, you don¡¯t need to worry about the rumors in the school, I will help you to find a way out.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± With Teacher Chen¡¯s absolute trust in her, now, Qiao Nan did not care about the rumors at all. It did not matter what others said.

    When the secondary three students saw Qiao Naning back from Teacher Chen¡¯s office, she did not hide. Instead, she looked bright and cheery, and had a gentle smile on her face.

    Judging by this, Qiao Nan did not seem to have received a scolding from Teacher Chen.

    For today¡¯s maths lesson, Teacher Chen solemnly and carefully used the first minute of the lesson to address the matter regarding Qiao Nan. ¡°All of you are junior high school students, you have the ability to differentiate right from wrong. I hope that you will not be fooled by a few rumors. We are a team. We should be united. I trust my students and you should trust your ssmates too. As to the rumors spread by other sses, I will think of a way to resolve thister. But I do not wish to see our ss having problems and having an internal conflict. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Although Teacher did not specify Qiao Nan¡¯s name, everyone knew what matter she was referring to.

    Teacher Chen had made her stand. The whole ss had dispelled their suspicions of Qiao Nan.

    In the school, it was a very serious offense to steal the exam papers. The rumors about Qiao Nan were passed on for a day and the school did not take any action. On the contrary, it was a quiet week.

    Within a short five and a half day¡¯s time, the rumors about Qiao Nan had almost died down in the school.

    It was quiet at school, but not at home.

    Somehow, Qiao Zijin, who was in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, got to know about this rumor. Qiao Zijin reached hometer than Qiao Nan. Upon reaching home, she started to scold Qiao Nan from the bottom of her heart as soon as she put down her school bag. ¡°Nan Nan, even if you wish to study that much, you shouldn¡¯t do this sort of thing. If you exin nicely to Dad and Mom, can they disallow? Dad and Mom do not expect us to be very sessful, but we need to be down-to-earth, and do the right things. The cunning tricks you yed, in exchange for the grades, are only short-lived. Can theyst forever? You can do that for now, but when you reached the middle school exam, do you think you can still use this scrupulous way. For middle school exams, can you still do this?!¡±

    When she was scolded by Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan took a step back. Her face was cold. With disdain, she lifted her hands towards her face and wiped it once.

    Qiao Zijin had sprayed her saliva all over Qiao Nan¡¯s face!

    Wasn¡¯t that dirty?!

    ¡°Zijin, what happened?¡± At the sight of the elder daughter being furious, Ding Jiayi quickly asked.

    ¡°Dad and Mom, you don¡¯t know the matter about Qiao Nan, she made all of us lose face. My grades are not excellent but they are not that bad either. I think a person should be honest and know their own ability. A man must be true to himself! But Qiao Nan? In order to produce good grades, she actually befriended those people of dodgy background in the society, and let them steal the exam papers for her. My heart sinks at the thought of this!¡±

    Thinking that Qiao Nan had relied on this method to score better than her over the years, Qiao Zijin was in a rage.

    She really thought that Qiao Nan was smarter than her but actually, she had resorted to such tricks.

    ¡°Nan Nan, exin yourself. Because of you, Mom and Dad argued many times. You hardly anger Mom, but because of you, Mom was angered a few times this month. You are the child of Mom and Dad, they raised you, do you still have a conscience?¡±

    ¡°What, is there such a matter?¡± Ding Jiayi immediately believed the words of the elder daughter. ¡°You little brute!¡±

    Having said that, Ding Jiayi raised her hand towards Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    Qiao Nan bent her head down, as agile as a monkey, she ran towards Qiao Dongliang and hid behind his back. ¡°The two of you are good, one is my real mother, and the other my real sister, you believe whatever the others said. You didn¡¯t even ask me, or allow me to exin? Dad, are they really my next-of-kin?¡±

 Chapter 33 - Broken Relationships

    <h4>Chapter 33: Broken Rtionships</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For a moment, Qiao Nan could not take it anymore, she asked this question from the bottom of her heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try anything funny!¡± Qiao Dongliang shouted at Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to stop. He was also shocked to hear Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, but Nan Nan¡¯s performance had always been consistent. He had never heard Zijin mentioned such matters, hence, those must be false rumors spread by others. ¡°Nan Nan, have you heard of it?¡±

    Even the elder daughter heard it, it could not possibly be quiet at the younger daughter¡¯s school.

    ¡°Yes, because of this, Teacher Chen specifically asked to see me in the office on Tuesday. But unlike Mom and Sister, when Teacher Chen heard about this, he asked me if any delinquent teenagers have been pestering and ckmailing me.

    In other words, outsiders did not even believe that Qiao Nan would do such a dishonest thing. But Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin heard merely the slightest ruffle in the wind and said it as though it was real.

    Was that the expected behavior of your next-of-kin?

    ¡°Teacher Chen did not suspect you at all?¡± Qiao Dongliang blinked. After all, when he first heard this, even he, the real dad, had a second of doubt.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Teacher Chen even told the ss straight, told my ssmates to stop spreading such untrue rumors.¡±

    ¡°So what exactly is going on here?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve been wronged till death regarding this matter. Except for this summer vacation where I could not revise at home, in the past, there wasn¡¯t once that I have not obediently stayed home and finished all the housework chores. Don¡¯t talk about being in contact with those hooligans, I don¡¯t even have time to read books, how I wish that there are 48 hours in a day!¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words startled the others. Whether Qiao Nan was busy in the past, Ding Jiayi knew best.

    When summer vacation came, Qiao Nan had little opportunity to go out.

    As Qiao Nan said, Ding Jiayi simply pushed all the household chores to Qiao Nan whenever Qiao Nan had the time. At most, Ding Jiayi prepared the meals.

    Every time Qiao Nan had some spare time and wanted to read books, Ding Jiayi would definitely find an excuse to make Qiao Nan work.

    So, 24 hours, besides sleeping for eight to nine hours in the bedroom, Qiao Nan was within Ding Jiayi¡¯s sight for the rest of the time. Qiao Nan simply did not have any chance to get to know those delinquent teens.

    Once again, Qiao Dongliang shocked by another truth. So, during summer vacation, when the younger daughter had spare time, she did all the household chores?

    Though it was not easy for Qiao Zijin to find fault with Qiao Nan, she would not give up. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that this matter sprang out of nowhere?¡±

    She did not believe it. If Qiao Nan had not done such a thing, then why would people spread the news with every detail vividly described?

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you say?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. It made sense that no-one would be so free to make up a story without any facts, but he too believed that the younger daughter would not do such a thing.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, you have to exin this matter properly to us. If not, you don¡¯t need to study anymore, in case you go astray,¡± Ding Jiayi added as she regained her senses.

    Regardless of the truth of the matter, this was a good chance.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I think you better listen to me, don¡¯t let Qiao Nan study anymore. Her character has gone astray with studies. We might as well let her work and let others watch over her, then she will not be able to mix with those bad guys anymore. The children of our Qiao family may not be the best in their studies but they cannot have a bad moral character.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you mean that, regardless of the truth of this matter, you won¡¯t let me go to school to prevent me from going astray, and let me go to work. Mom, I am puzzled, Dad¡¯s ie is not considered little, it¡¯s enough to pay for both Sister¡¯s and my education. Why do you have to insist that I work, as if our family does not have enough to meet our needs?!¡±

    Qiao Nan initially did not want to expose that Ding Jiayi had spent all the family savings because of Qiao Zijin.

    But Ding Jiayi kept using her education as a threat, Qiao Nan could not help it and had to reveal Ding Jiayi¡¯s secret.

    It was time to let her father know the special situation at home, rather than foolishly allowing her mother to cover up the whole matter.

    ¡°Dad, how much savings do we have? Mom can¡¯t wait for me to sacrifice my future, quit school and work. Dad, if there is really difficulty at home and you can¡¯t afford our tuition fees, even if Sister¡¯s grades are not as good as mine, I will abide by Mom¡¯s wishes. It is also a form of repayment to her for bringing me up. I will go to work.¡±

    Atst, Qiao Nan was forced to agree to quit school and work. But when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin was furious.

    What did she mean by even if her grades were not better than Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was also willing to sacrifice herself?

    This meant that it was a waste of money to let her study!

    ¡°Do you not understand my words?¡± Qiao Dongliang was also angry now. The younger daughter¡¯s grades were obviously much better than the elder daughter, on what basis must she discontinue her studies? ¡°You really think that joining the workforce early is a good thing? Fine, since Nan Nan is not studying despite her good grades, then there is no need for Zijin to study either. Both will go to work and earn money for you. Since taking up a job now is so promising, how can you forget Zijin? If you want to favor Nan Nan, you have to see if i agree to it.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was really furious. Ding had not figured out the bottom of the matter, yet she hade back to talk nonsense and create a scene. The neighbors could almost hear them now.

    If not for Zijin¡¯s nonsense, why would Old Ding dig up the old matters?!

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin was frightened.

    ¡°Why are you shouting? Characteres before studies. If Qiao Nan was as obedient as Zijin, would I need to be so concerned? Zijin does not mix with badpany and go astray, so I don¡¯t need to worry about her, so she doesn¡¯t need to go to work. Don¡¯t you know it varies from person to person?¡± Ding Jiayi sided much with Qiao Zijin.

    Clearly it was unreasonable, yet she said it as though she had some point.

    ¡°Dad, actually when school started, Teacher Chen asked me about something.¡± Qiao Nan clenched her fists.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen asked me. Sister¡¯s grades were obviously poor, so how did she get into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    ¡°The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, isn¡¯t it the Ping Cheng High School?

    Both daughters¡¯ matters were taken care of by Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang had only begun to interfere recently.

    He vaguely remembered that the elder daughter¡¯s grades were not good, it did not meet the admission score for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but could get into Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°When did Zijin switch school, howe I did not know, and why?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was as fierce as a tiger as he sensed something amiss. Was The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China a ce that you could get in as you wished?

    ¡°Old Ding, hand me the passbook, I want to see.¡± As he recalled that Ding Jiayi shed a strange look when they argued because of the passbook thest time, he suddenly understood.

    ¡°See, See... What is there to see the passbook for?¡± Ding Jiayi was so scared that she stuttered, and her tone was faint.

 Chapter 34 - You Must Be Nan Nan

    <h4>Chapter 34: You Must Be Nan Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You aren¡¯t going to fetch it, right?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not want to waste time with Ding Jiayi. He always handed all the money to Ding Jiayi. She was not the type to squander the family fortune. And so their savings had grown bit by bit.

    Qiao Dongliang entrusted everything under Ding Jiayi¡¯s charge, but that did not mean he was unaware of what was happening.

    He searched for the key, and went to the room to open the drawer. He took out the entire drawer and saw the passbook lying deep inside.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what are you doing?¡± Ding Jiayi had a guilty look on her face. She feared that Qiao Dongliang would find out that there was nothing left in the passbook. At that thought she lunged at him, in a bid to take the passbook from him.

    Standing at 1.8 meters tall, if Qiao Dongliang did not give in, there was no way Ding Jiayi could have snatched it from him.

    Qiao Dongliang opened the passbook and had a look at the contents. Boiling with anger he bellowed, ¡°Where¡¯s all the money?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s roar could be heard from outside. Qiao Zijin turned a shade whiter, she was scared stiff.

    She was done for this time, there was no way to keep it under wraps anymore.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you mean by this? That¡¯s our Mom, how could you do this to her!¡± Qiao Zijin pointed at Qiao Nan and started scolding her.

    If it had not been for Qiao Nan, father and mother would never quarrel. Father had always listened to mother.

    If father was to know that the money was spent on her, how would he think of her?

    ¡°That¡¯s right, she is my Mom. She spent all the savings on you so as to enroll you in a good high school, but she wanted me to quit school and start working. That¡¯s really what a Mom would do!¡± Qiao Nanughed sarcastically.

    ¡°How did you know... you did it on purpose!¡± Qiao Nan had set this up to bring her mother and her down.

    ¡°The best way to hide a misdeed is not tomit it. The teachers at our school all knew your standard. Besides, they are all in the education sector. What do you think went through their mind when they heard that you went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    Qiao Zijin stomped her foot, the teachers at junior high school were such bbermouths.

    This was their family matter, it had nothing to do with others, why did they have to mention it in front of Qiao Nan?

    No wonder no amount of cajoling could get Qiao Nan to quit school and start working. Qiao Nan had known all along that her mother had spent such a huge sum of money on her.

    ¡°Dong Liang, are you at home? Just then, an elder¡¯s voice could be hearding from outside Qiao¡¯s house.

    Qiao Nan paused, ¡± Grandpa Lee?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s countenance fell. This prominent elder rarely epted their invitation to visit, why would hee at such an inopportune time today?

    Qiao Zijin was not worried that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi would disregard the situation and quarrel in front of Grandpa Lee. It was that her mother had sought Grandpa Lee¡¯s help to pull strings for Qiao Zijin to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Her mother was lost for words when her father found out that she had spent all the savings.

    If her father was to know that mother asked Grandpa Lee for help, he would be mad with anger!

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s father passed away at an early age. It was Elder Lee who brought him up. If not for Elder Lee who supported and guided Qiao Dongliang because of his friendship with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s father, it would have been even more difficult for him.

    In order to have a second child, Qiao Dongliang gave up on the path that Elder Lee paved for him. He could have had a bright future. He had also let histe father down.

    Ever since then, Qiao Dongliang had felt too ashamed to face Elder Lee.

    Given his situation now, he could only lead a simple life. There was no way that he could repay the debt of gratitude that he owed Elder Lee.

    Whenever Qiao Dongliang thought of Elder Lee, he felt ashamed of himself. Yet Ding Jiayi asked Elder Lee to help her to pull strings on the ount that herte father-inw once entrusted to his son under his care.

    Once Qiao Dongliang knew of this, Ding Jiayi would be in deep trouble. She would not be able to hold her head up high in front of him.

    Qiao Nan decided to set aside her quarrel with Ding Jiayi for now. Since her father had known about the passbook, he would definitely not allow Qiao Nan to quit school.

    Qiao Nan ran into their room and said, ¡°Dad, let¡¯s stop quarreling, Grandpa Lee is here.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Lee?¡± Qiao Dongliang tensed demeanor slightly rxed. In front of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi always looked as if someone had ruffled her feathers. But right now, she seemed to be like a quail who was scared stiff, cowering in fear.

    It was Ding Jiayi¡¯s who had squandered their savings.

    Just like Qiao Zijin, when Ding Jiayi heard that Elder Lee was here, she was so frightened that she could not wait to find a hiding ce.

    ¡°I will settle scores with youter on!¡± Qiao Dongliang was so mad that he did not bother minding his words in front of their younger daughter.

    To think that Ding Jiayi had kept quiet about it after spending such a huge sum of money. He only found out about it after about a month.

    How daring was this woman?!

    Qiao Dongliang patted the younger daughter on her head and without another look at Ding Jiayi, he led her out to wee Elder Lee.

    After seeing the passbook, Qiao Dongliang finally realized why his wife insisted that the younger daughter quit school and start working. Poor results? Led astray by the bad guys? All these were lies!

    She had spent all the savings on the elder daughter, yet she wanted the younger daughter to work in order to cover the loss. His wife was too biased towards his elder daughter.

    Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Dongliang walked out of the room, but she did not dare to walk up to him. She quickly went into the room to take a look at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s really Grandpa Lee who is here. What shall we do? If Dad knows about that matter, he would surely beat me, and made me quit The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°No, he won¡¯t.¡± Ding Jiayi was just as scared but she was reluctant to admit. ¡°I know Elder Lee¡¯s character. Elder Lee knows how Old Qiao¡¯s temper is, and that I hide the fact that I have been to see him from Old Qiao. He won¡¯t speak of a word about this to your Dad and affect our rtionship.¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang discharged from the army in order to have a second child, though Elder Lee was disappointed, he had never scolded Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi was fearless as she was confident that Elder Lee would not want to affect the couple¡¯s rtionship because of such a small matter.

    And judging from Elder Lee¡¯s temper, if he has no inclination to help, he would reject her up front. But he would not mention this to Qiao Dongliang, regardless of whether it was a sess or failure, lest the couple ended up in a quarrel.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, what brings you here? Qiao Dongliang was very agitated when he saw Elder Lee.

    He was ashamed to face Elder Lee, but he also missed him dearly.

    ¡°Grandpa Lee.¡± Qiao Nan who was right besides Qiao Dongliang addressed Elder Lee as well.

    ¡°Grandpa Lee, have some tea.¡± Qiao Zijin was more assured by her mother¡¯s words. Without another word, she came out with a cup of tea in her hand, hoping to perform well in front of Elder Lee.

    Elder Lee knew that Qiao Dongliang had two daughters, and they were not too far apart in age. Elder Lee paused for a moment when he saw the two pretty youngdies. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you are really fortunate to have two daughters.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a vague smile. He used to think that way as well, but now he was not too sure.

    ¡°Grandpa Lee, please have some tea. Dad has always wanted to visit you, but felt sorry towards you. We never thought that Grandpa Lee would visit us. Dad, you are the junior, you should take the first step.¡± Qiao Zijin knew of the situation between the two of them, and was clever with her words, painting a nice picture.

    Elder Lee looked at Qiao Zijin with satisfaction. ¡°You are Nan Nan?¡±

 Chapter 35 - Boastful Dad

    <h4>Chapter 35: Boastful Dad</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin finally had the opportunity to meet Elder Lee, and he was all smiles when he saw her. She was so proud that she was well liked by everyone. She was about to say ¡°Yes¡± but her words were choked up in her throat.

    Why would Elder Lee mention Qiao Nan as soon as he started to speak?

    Qiao Nan was always bad with her words, she was not likable like her. Why would Elder Lee have mistaken her as Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were stifled in her throat and she ended up letting out a faint sound. Elder Lee took it that she had acknowledged his questions.

    When he saw that this was the child that he was looking for, he became all the more amiable. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you have raised a good daughter. She really looked like the daughter of a soldier, full of righteousness.¡±

    ¡°But Xiao Qiao, you should pay more attention to your children¡¯ health. Nan Nan, are you still in shock from the incidentst time? Have you fall ill, and hence your voice sounds weird?¡±

    Qiao¡¯s family were speechless.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s ¡°oh¡± was a slip of tongue. She tried to hold it in, but ended up going out of pitch. She was not admitting to having fallen sick.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, you have the wrong person. This is my elder daughter Qiao Zijin, this is my younger daughter Qiao Nan. Nan Nan, you must have not met Uncle Lee before,e and meet your Grandpa Lee.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang might not know why Elder Lee was here today, but he had the utmost respect for him.

    ¡°Grandpa Lee.¡± Qiao Nan addressed him politely.

    Qiao Nan was also puzzled as to why Elder Lee woulde to visit and to call her name upfront.

    Of course, Qiao Nan was not angry at him for calling the wrong person. In fact she was happy. Qiao Zijin had made a fool of herself this time.

    ¡°Oh, you are Nan Nan, you are really pretty. Xiao Qiao, you have brought up a good daughter. Nan Nan might be quiet, but she is hardworking. Like us, she has the same down-to-earth attribute and mannerism of a soldier.¡±

    Elder Lee knew that he had got the wrong person. He gave a smile, not paying much attention to it.

    Ever since Qiao Dongliang was discharged from the army, he had never been to Elder Lee¡¯s house. Elder Lee knew that this matter had been weighing on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind. As for Elder Lee, he was also disappointed in Qiao Dongliang. As a result, they had gradually lost touch.

    Elder Lee had once carried Qiao Zijin when she was young. But he had never seen Qiao Nan since she was born.

    The two sisters looked alike, it was no wonder that Elder Lee could not tell them apart.

    Qiao Nan could not help but smile at Elder Lee¡¯spliments. She found them familiar. Had he not said simr words when he mistook Qiao Zijin for Qiao Nan?

    This was the first time that Qiao Nan had seen Elder Lee. He seemed to be a funny person to her.

    Qiao Dongliang was used to Elder Lee¡¯s style. He smiled and said, ¡°Uncle Lee, this younger daughter of mine is really a good daughter. She has always been good in her studies. Not only is she the Vice ss Monitor in ss, every year she is awarded the top three model students and outstanding ssmittee member. It¡¯s just that my wife is too careless to have burnt her certificates by mistake.¡±

    At the mention of Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang turned into a boastful parent, pride was evident in his voice.

    Ever since he discharged from the army, Qiao Dongliang dared not face Elder Lee. His biggest wish was that Elder Lee was still healthy, that his two daughters would be sessful and have good prospects.

    In that way, he could bring his daughters to Elder Lee and tell him proudly, ¡°Elder Lee, I did not make the wrong choice back then, I did not let your efforts down.¡±

    He was not sessful, but he had nurtured daughters who were even more sessful than him!

    ¡°Elder Lee, I am sure you don¡¯t know. Nan Nan is in the third year of junior high school. She did not do well for her Chinese and Mathematics exams at the first day of school. Her Chinese teacher was very angry as she scored close to full marks for her essay but lost some marks in theponent that required memorizing. She could have scored 99 points, but had 85 points instead. But luckily Nan Nan scored full marks for her English. She was the only one who scored full marks in her school.¡±

    After finding out that Qiao Nan was not only the Vice ss Monitor, but she also received awards for her good performance every year, Qiao Dongliang reflected on himself and began to pay more attention to her studies.

    This Wednesday Qiao Dongliang applied for an hour off from his workce. He went to Qiao Nan¡¯s school and spoke with the teachers who taught the main subjects, asking about her studies.

    If he did not ask, he would not have known. After the session, he could not help but feel proud of his daughter.

    Every teacher who taught the younger daughter were full of praise for her.

    Even though it angered and pained Teacher Lee to talk about the younger daughter¡¯s Chinese results, he could tell that it was because Teacher Lee wanted Qiao Nan to do well.

    Qiao Dongliang could tell from the criticisms and praises that Teacher Lee meant that if only Qiao Nan had done her revision, she would have scored at least 99 points for her Chinese exam this time.

    99 points, and that was for Chinese. Qiao Dongliang never imagined that this result would be attainable.

    At least for the elder daughter, it was considered a good result to score 89 points for her junior high Chinese exams.

    Qiao Dongliang was burning with embarrassment at the teacher¡¯s underlying meaning. But he could not me the younger daughter for telling the teacher that her mother sold the textbooks.

    After all, what his wife did had really affected the younger daughter¡¯s results. But one should not wash dirty linen in public. It was a total mess!

    Qiao Nan has the worst results this time. But it was the best that she could do. It made Qiao Dongliang hold his head up high in front of Elder Lee.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Elder Lee was somewhat surprised. He knew Qiao Dongliang well. He would not lie.

    Elder Lee already had grandchildren and they were still in school. So he was aware that in junior high school, it was difficult to get 99 points or even 100 points for exams. 95 points would already be seen as an excellent score.

    As expected she was the industrious type. Elder Lee looked at Qiao Nan with affection, as if she was his granddaughter.

    Elder Lee was getting on in years. His only wish was that his grandchildren would study hard and be sessful.

    So naturally, he had an affection for hardworking children like Qiao Nan. Besides, it was due to Qiao Nan¡¯s good upbringing and character that he had visited Qiao¡¯s house today.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, do you know why I visited your house today?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang paused for a moment and said, ¡°Is anything the matter, Uncle Lee?¡±

    ¡°I came on behalf of Zhu family to thank you and your family.¡±

    ¡°Zhu family, Uncle Zhu¡¯s family?¡± Qiao Dongliang was not close to Zhu family. Zhu family were inws with Uncle Lee. The son of Zhu family married Uncle Lee¡¯s daughter.

    Zhu family and Lee family all stayed at the quad. They were well-matched in terms of social status. Zhu family was fairly well-to-do.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s your Uncle Zhu¡¯s family.¡± Uncle Lee became agitated. He took a few moments to calm down before he continued, ¡°You must have heard about what happened to my daughter.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee, it has been years. You must take care of yourself.¡±

 Chapter 36 - Saved A Life

    <h4>Chapter 36: Saved A Life</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the mention of Uncle Lee¡¯s daughter, Qiao Dongliang did not know how he could console him.

    Uncle Lee had three sons and a daughter. He doted very much on the only daughter.

    Uncle Lee wanted his daughter to find someone she loved and lead a happy life. He had no thoughts of establishing connections through her marriage.

    But Lee Shu was lucky. It was by coincidence that she fell in love with the son of the Zhu family. Their rtionship was going smoothly and they tied the knot in around a year¡¯s time and she was pregnant in less than three months¡¯ time.

    But what was heartbreaking was that Lee Shu did not live to see the child. When she went into thebor, everything went smoothly. She had the baby through natural delivery.

    But no-one would have expected that after giving birth, she would have a hemorrhage.

    Lee Shu¡¯s blood type was quitemon, but it just so happened that the blood bank ran out of that particr blood type on that day.

    Her mother stayed behind to take care of the daughter. But her blood type did not match and so she could not donate her blood to her.

    When Elder Lee and his three sons arrived, they were not in time to donate their blood to Lee Shu.

    And so, only a few hours after she brought the baby into this world, Lee Shu did not even get to take a glimpse of her child and she had passed away.

    Lee Shu¡¯s death came as a blow to Lee family and Zhu family. Elder Lee even forbade everyone to speak of his pitiful daughter in front of him.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Elder Lee let out a long sigh. ¡°I am old, I am no longer as clear minded as before. Now I always make mistakes and do silly things.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but blush in embarrassment when he heard Elder Lee¡¯s words. He was not as old as Elder Lee. Yet he had done quite a lot of stupid things, in particr, matters regarding his younger daughter. Forget it, he did not want to talk about them, he would only be more frustrated about it.

    ¡°Xiao Shu was gone. No matter how heartbroken we are, Xiao Shu will nevere back. Xiao Shu left us with the only son Bao Guo. She risked her life to have him. If he is gone, I... I wouldn¡¯t be able to face Xiao Shu when I died.¡±

    Elder Lee¡¯s eyes turned red.

    ¡°Has anything happened to Baoguo?¡± Qiao Dongliang realized something was wrong. ¡°I remembered Baoguo is a year older than Nan Nan. He should be in secondary three now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he is in secondary three now. He is in the same school as Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°He is ssmates with Nan Nan. They are all in the same ss.¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised. He never thought that the maternal grandchild of Uncle Lee would be in the same ss as his younger daughter. ¡°Nan Nan, has something happened to your ssmate?¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, my ssmate?¡± Qiao Nan was confused. Half a month had passed since school reopened. But she had no idea she had a ssmate by the name of Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips and did not know what to say. ¡°Among all my ssmates, there isn¡¯t someone by the name of Zhu Baoguo. But I haven¡¯t seen my desk mate since school reopened.¡±

    She connected the dots and realized that her desk mate was the maternal grandchild of Elder Lee.

    But what did this have to do with her. Beforeing to their house, Elder Lee had no idea how she had fared in her exams. There was no way that he was here to ask that she coached his grandson in his studies.

    ¡°It¡¯s fate. It¡¯s all fate.¡±

    Elder Lee was shocked as well. He never thought that his grandson would be ¡°rted¡± to Qiao Nan in so many ways. ¡°Nan Nan, on behalf of Lee family and Zhu family, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving our Baoguo.¡±

    The situation was different for Lee family, Elder Lee had three sons and two grandchildren.

    But Zhu family only had one son, Zhu Chengqi. After Lee Shu passed away, Zhu Chengqi never remarried. He left his family and stayed in the army all day long.

    Zhu Baoguo was the only grandson of the Zhu family.

    If anything happened to Zhu Baoguo, unless Zhu Chengqi was willing to remarry, there would be no-one to continue Zhu¡¯s family line.

    If something happened to Zhu Baoguo, Zhu family would be devastated!

    ¡°Save his life?¡± Ding Jiayi was confused.

    It was rare that Elder Lee visited them, and Zhu family was involved as well. Ding Jiayi was dying to have connections with these two prominent families, but she had never had the chance.

    Why would these two families have connections to their family? Why would Elder Leee all the way to Qiao¡¯s house to thank them?

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you want to tell them what happened or should I tell them? But I guess it¡¯s better that you tell them, I might not have all the details.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee, I will do it.¡± Qiao Nan was still confused. After pausing to think for a few moments, she asked, ¡°Is Zhu Baoguo the person who was beaten up this Monday?¡±

    After all, in her two lifetimes he was the only person that she had saved.

    ¡°You are really a good child.¡± Elder Lee beamed and nodded.

    Elder Lee was not surprised that Qiao Nan did not know Zhu Baoguo. His only grandson had been dwindling his days away. He knew that his grandson never went to school.

    Whenever he was reminded of how outstanding his daughter was, and yet her son was such a good-for-nothing, he would feel sorry for his daughter and did not wish to see his grandson.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you mean you have saved someone¡¯s life before?¡± Qiao Dongliang was shocked.

    ¡°Dad, do you remember what happened just now?¡± Qiao Nan shot a nce at Qiao Zijin, hinting at the incident minutes ago where Qiao Zijin tried to smear her reputation.

    ¡°It has something to do with this?¡± Qiao Dongliang understood at once.

    ¡°I usually stick to my daily routine, there¡¯s no way to be in touch with those people. It was on this Monday after I was done with my ss duty, I saw a person surrounded by a bunch of gangsters and they were throwing punches at him. He fell t on the ground from the beating. I went looking for the police. The police arrived and the gangsters ran off. The police then took the injured person to the hospital.¡±

    Since then, she never meddled with these fights anymore.

    But she never thought that she had unwittingly saved someone so close to her.

    ¡°Why, is there something else?¡± Elder Lee noticed that something was amiss from Qiao Nan¡¯s tone and asked her to exin further.

    ¡°Nothing much, it¡¯s just a small misunderstanding.¡± With that, Qiao Dongliang red at Qiao Zijin secretly.

    The truth was finally out. Nan Nan had no contact with those gangsters and was not led astray by them. In fact, Nan Nan had saved Zhu family¡¯s son ¨C Elder Lee¡¯s biological maternal grandson!

    ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± Elder Lee did not probe further at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. Since if there was anything wrong, he would be able to to find out himself. ¡°Xiao Qiao, all thanks to your Nan Nan, if not, I have no idea what would happened to my grandson.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee, please do not stand on ceremony with us.¡± Qiao Dongliang who was unaware of the real situation thought that Elder Lee was being too polite. His younger daughter merely asked for help from others.

    They were all a bunch of teenagers. It wasmon to be engaged in small fights.

    ¡°No, they were my heartfelt words. Do you know why I only waited till today to visit when it was on Monday that Nan Nan saved Baoguo?¡± Elder Lee¡¯s eyes turned teary at the mention of the danger his grandson faced. ¡°Those people were really ruthless. Two of Baoguo¡¯s rib bones were broken. One rib bone almost pierced his lung. If not for Nan Nan, Baoguo might be beaten to death by them. Fortunately he was sent to the hospital in time, otherwise he might die or be invalid.¡±

    Everyone was stunned when they heard of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s condition. Those people were too ruthless!

 Chapter 37 - Self-Recommendation

    <h4>Chapter 37: Self-Rmendation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As Elder Lee spoke of his grandson¡¯s condition, she found everything to be so familiar. Two of the rib bones were broken, one rib bone almost pierced the lung.

    So in her previous lifetime, that person who was from the same quad, who became invalid from all those beatings, and died from the extreme pain as no-one went to his help, was actually Zhu Baoguo?

    In her previous lifetime, Qiao Nan had already quit school and started working at this time. it was only when she came back then that she heard from others that someone from the quad was beaten to death.

    Even though the injured person was still alive, knowing that they had gotten themselves into trouble, those gangsters just ran off without him.

    A day has gone by the time he was discovered. His corpse had turned cold, and there was no chance of saving him.

    Because of this, Ding Jiayi started sending Qiao Zijin to school from then onwards.

    Qiao Nan had just reached home for barely a day before Ding Jiayi took all her pay and sent her off to work again. She did not even have time to ask about this matter in detail.

    So after her rebirth, in this lifetime Qiao Nan had no memory of this incident. She did not know that the person who had died in her previous lifetime was actually Elder Lee¡¯s maternal grandson.

    ¡°Baoguo sustained serious injuries and had just passed the critical stage. He had woken up but is still in recovery. He is still young, he should be able to regain his health by taking more tonics and healthy food.¡±

    In the beginning, Zhu family and Lee family were devastated and worried when they knew of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s injuries.

    They did not have the time and the mood to find out who saved Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life.

    It was only yesterday that Zhu Baoguo woke up and was able to speak. The two families felt slightly at ease. It was then did they remembered that they should thank the person who saved his life.

    Zhu family and Lee family found the two police officers who sent Zhu Baoguo to the hospital. They had wanted to thank them for saving Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life.

    But like the soldiers, the police officers were honest and upright. They told the two families that it was a youngdy from the quad who found Zhu Baoguo and asked them for their help to save Zhu Baoguo.

    So the person that the two families had to be grateful for was in fact this youngdy.

    Zhu family and Lee family asked around and finally found out that the person who saved Zhu Baoguo was none other than Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter.

    Elder Lee felt mostforted at this news.

    Elder Lee had always felt sorry regarding Qiao Dongliang¡¯s discharge from the army. Nobody would have known that it was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s younger daughter who ended up saving his only grandson.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t me Uncle Lee for taking such a long time to visit. Your daughter Nan Nan has saved Baoguo, Lee family and Zhu family owed your family a big favor,¡± Elder Lee said earnestly.

    Back then he helped and guided Qiao Dongliang purely on ount of his friendship with his father. But it was different now. Qiao Nan saved Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life. He owed Qiao¡¯s family a huge debt of gratitude.

    From now on, Qiao Dongliang no longer owed Lee family anything. Rather, as Elder Lee said, it was Lee family and Zhu family who owed Qiao family.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, we are one big family. If it wasn¡¯t for you I wouldn¡¯t be what I am today. Nan Nan just did what she had to do. Regardless of whether its Baoguo or not, when faced with such situation, Nan Nan would not turn a blind eye to it. Uncle Lee, you do not have to worry about it.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang stood straight and looked at Qiao Nan with pride and joy.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Elder Lee smiled. Xiao Qiao was never a person to request that someone return the favors. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you have taught your daughter well. It was all worth it!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang discharged from the army due to Qiao Nan. Elder Lee could not get over it for a long time. But he understood now and was fully supportive of his decisions.

    If Qiao Dongliang did not have a second child and had still served in the army, no matter how sessful he was, there would have been no-one to save his grandson.

    Elder Lee was just like everyone, hoping for the best for his family. He would naturally prefer the current situation now.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, I find it all worthwhile as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang said firmly.

    Qiao Zijin was all flustered. Elder Lee was all praises for Qiao Nan, and from the way he looked at Qiao Nan, it was as if she was his real granddaughter.

    Qiao Nan merely asked for help. It was not her who took Zhu Baoguo to the hospital. She did not deserve such credit.

    Qiao Zijin kept her thoughts to herself. She dared not speak of it in front of everyone else. With a look of worry on her face, Qiao Zijin asked, ¡°Grandpa Lee, how is Brother Baoguo now?¡±

    ¡°We think it would be better for him to rest in the hospital for another half a month. He needs at least three months for the injuries to the bones and tendons to recover. Right now my biggest worry is Baoguo¡¯s studies.¡± Elder Lee was worried but at the same time angry at his grandson.

    After the near death experience, Elder Lee knew that he had to face up to his pain inside and to take the matter of Zhu Baoguo seriously.

    But Zhu Baoguo did not put his effort into studying. He did not do well in the first two years of junior high school.

    If he had not yed truant and messed with those gangsters, he would not have suffered such injuries.

    By the time he was discharged from the hospital, a quarter of the four-month long semester would have passed. He could not just watch on helplessly while his grandson wasted his time away in junior high school, be content with a junior high certificate and joined society, uneducated and without a proper degree.

    When his daughter was still around, she was very intelligent and quick to pick up new knowledge. She always did very well in her studies.

    Why would such an outstanding daughter give birth to a grandson who was such a good for nothing?

    At the thought of that, Elder Lee gathered that it must be due to Zhu family. After all, Lee family had good genes.

    Qiao Zijin had a bright idea and said, ¡°Grandpa Lee, I just graduated from junior high school. Why don¡¯t I coach Baoguo in his studies during my free time?¡±

    Lee family and Zhu family were prominent and established families. If she was on friendly terms with Zhu Baoguo, Lee family and Zhu family would help her along, there was no need for her to worry about her future.

    It would only take them a mere lift of the finger to arrange a good job for her. She did not need to have good results in order to have a bright future. This was only meant for people who came from poor background and who had no connections with the prominent people.

    If she had the connections, even if she was illiterate, she would still have a good job.

    ¡°I am of simr age to Baoguo, we would definitely get along.¡±

    Qiao Nan stared at Qiao Zijin incredulously. Where did her confidencee from? Wasn¡¯t she worried that she might be doing Baoguo more harm than good?

    Ding Jiayi found nothing wrong with Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. She thought it was a good idea. ¡°Uncle Lee, our daughter Zijin is very patient and good with children. Baoguo would love it to have an elder sister to take care of him. After all Zijin is in high school now, she would find it easy to teach junior high sybus.¡±

    Elder Lee looked at Ding Jiayi and smiled at Qiao Dongliang, Xiao Qiao, this is a good idea, but it¡¯s just that I thought Nan Nan is in the same ss as Baoguo. Furthermore they are deskmates. Can we ask Nan Nan to help Baoguo instead?¡±

 Chapter 38 - Find a Job

    <h4>Chapter 38: Find a Job</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Elder Lee might not be able to tell Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan apart, after all, he had not watched them grow up.

    But he still could tell the difference from the names.

    He remembered two months ago Ding Jiayi asked him for a favor. It seemed to concern Qiao Zijin. Elder Lee shook his head while smiling. It was not difficult for Lee family and Zhu family to find someone to coach Baoguo in his studies. They had no problem at all hiring an aplished teacher for him.

    But it was just that Baoguo was very stubborn. Even if there were good teachers to teach him, he might not be willing to learn.

    Since Qiao Nan was desk mates with Baoguo, she could check on him and look after him while they were in school. Besides, how could Qiao Zijin¡¯s results beparable to Qiao Nan¡¯s results?

    No matter what, Qiao Nan was the best candidate.

    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s not a problem at all.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted his thigh and agreed readily. ¡°It just so happens that Nan Nan has been revising her secondary one and two knowledge. She would have no trouble coaching Baoguo. The two of them can even supervise each other and help each other along the way.¡±

    It was such a rare opportunity for Qiao Dongliang. Not only could he mend his rtionship with Elder Lee, he could also repay his debt of gratitude.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Xiao Qiao, if any problem arises in the future, you can stille to me for help. If it is beyond my limits, Zhu family will also try toe up with a way to help.¡± Elder Lee patted Qiao Dongliang on his shoulders.

    Actually, the Zhu family should be the ones to visit Qiao family.

    There were two reasons why Elder Lee came instead. Firstly, Elder Lee was acquaintances with Qiao family. Besides, Elder Lee was the one who guided Qiao Dongliang.

    Secondly, the Zhu family was still in shock. They had been keeping vigil by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s side. Hence they would have to trouble Elder Lee to make the trip.

    Qiao Dongliang had a puzzled look on his face. What did Uncle Lee mean when he said that he could still go to Elder Lee if he ran into troubles? He had never asked for his help in the past.

    Qiao Dongliang was not the ungrateful sort. He was thankful for Elder Lee¡¯s guidance and mentoring. He did not dream of asking favors from him. He always obeyed Elder Lee¡¯s words. He could not possibly have asked him for help.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste, I better head back.¡± Looking at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s puzzled look, Elder had an ¡°as expected¡± look on his face.

    Just as he expected, Xiao Qiao was so honest, there was no way that he could have asked him to do such a thing.

    Qiao Dongliang did not understand. But Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin knew it instantly.

    Ding Jiayi remembered that Qiao Dongliang had just blown his top over the passbook. If he was to know that not only had she spent all the savings on the elder daughter, she had also sought Elder Lee¡¯s help to get Qiao Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, he would be furious. Ding Jiayi shivered in fright at the thought of that.

    Fortunately Elder Lee did not mention anything about helping Qiao Zijin to enrol in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Ding Jiayi finally breathed a sigh of relief when he indicated that he was leaving.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, let me take you out.¡± Qiao Dongliang stood up and walked Elder Lee to the door before returning to the house. ¡°Ding, what did Uncle Lee mean when he said that we could still ask him for help in future?¡±

    Ding Jiayi raised her voice. ¡°What... What other meaning other than the literal meaning? Uncle... Uncle Lee has forgiven us. He wants both of our families to keep in touch. We can also seek his help in the future. Nan Nan has saved his only grandson, he would definitely be thankful towards us.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliang arched his eyebrows in suspicion. He still found it weird.

    ¡°If not, what could be the case?¡± Not wanting Qiao Dongliang to probe further, Ding Jiayi quickly changed the topic. ¡°Old Qiao, is Qiao Nan really going to coach Zhu Baoguo? She is still in junior high school. You saw her results this time round. All her teachers said that she needs to work on her basic knowledge. If she was to tutor Zhu Baoguo, will she still have time for revision? Even if it was to repay Uncle Lee, you shouldn¡¯t ask her to give up on her revision just to help Uncle Lee¡¯s grandson.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes brightened at her mother¡¯s words.

    ¡°What do you want then?¡± Qiao Dongliang dropped his voice, anger in his eyes.

    Ding Jiayi was way too happy to notice that. ¡°I think the suggestion just now was pretty good. Zijin can do the coaching!¡±

    It was such a good opportunity. How could she wasted such a chance on Qiao Nan? Zijin would naturally be the best choice!

    If Zijin was on close terms with Zhu Baoguo and he acknowledged her as his sister, Zijin did not need to worry about her future anymore!

    As expected, her beloved daughter haddy luck smiling on her!

    ¡°Nan Nan scored full marks for her English and she was not capable of teaching Zhu Baoguo. Yet Zijin who paid money to get into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China could teach Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Dongliang snorted. He did not mean to look down on his elder daughter. Ding Jiayi had let her imagination run wild. ¡°You heard Uncle Lee¡¯s words just now, even if Zijin is willing to teach, Uncle Lee would not allow it. That¡¯s it, stop messing around. You should consider Zijin¡¯s feelings as well.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was reminded of Elder Lee¡¯s immediate rejection of Qiao Zijin¡¯s suggestion just now. He shook his head and said, ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t follow after your Mom.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang thought to himself, if he was his elder daughter, upon hearing what Uncle Lee said, he would be so ashamed of himself.

    He had to admit, Qiao Zijin truly followed after him.

    When Uncle Lee said that he would like Qiao Nan to coach his grandson instead, he saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turn red with embarrassment.

    But the benefits that came with tutoring Zhu Baoguo were too good to be missed. Even if she had been rejected once by Uncle Lee, Qiao Zijin still hoped that she would be able to take on this tutoring work, and Qiao Nan would not stand to gain at all.

    On ount of the fact that she saved Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life, the Lee family and Zhu family would definitely help Qiao Nan if she needed help in future.

    They were siblings, this time she should give up the chance for her. Qiao Nan should not be the one to have the upper hand at all times.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it was such a serious matter. You should have told us earlier and we would not have had the misunderstanding. If you had told us earlier, I would not have believed the rumors.¡± Qiao Zijin said cynically.

    Qiao Nanughed.

    Let Qiao Zijin know everything beforehand?

    If she told her beforehand, Qiao Zijin might have pretended to be her and taken all the credit.

    Besides, as she had said, she did not know the identity of the person she saved.

    ¡°Dad, now that we no longer have any savings, why not?¡± Qiao Nan walked up to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side and asked worriedly.

    Qiao Nan did not want to create trouble. But Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin kept on messing with her. In this lifetime Qiao Nan was no longer the good-tempered girl that she used to be.

    ¡°No need!¡± Qiao Dongliang grew mad at the mention of that. ¡°If there isn¡¯t enough money at home, it would not be your turn to earn money. Old Ding, our two daughters are in school now. They rarely spend time at home. From tomorrow onwards, you should look for a job. Regardless of how much you earn, you should make a monthly contribution as well.¡±

    ¡°You... You are asking me to work at such an age?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned.

    ¡°Such an age? How old are you? I am much older than you and I am still working. Unless you are able to cover the loss, you have to find a job.¡±

 Chapter 39 - Dare Not Want It

    <h4>Chapter 39: Dare Not Want It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With these words, Qiao Dongliang went straight back to his room without bothering about Ding Jiayi¡¯s reaction.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes welled up, tearing, she shouted at Qiao Nan, ¡°This is all your fault, are you satisfied now? You¡¯re a jinx, there¡¯s no peace at home everyday because of you, did I somehow earn this in my previous life?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had insisted to see the passbook and found out about the matter because of Qiao Nan¡¯s words. At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi vented all her frustration on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, this time you are really too much, this is our biological Mom, how can you harm her like that?¡± Qiao Zijin was still jealous that Qiao Nan had the opportunity to get close to Zhu Baoguo and did her utmost to malign Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I am not sure if she is my biological mother, but I am certain that she is yours. Your grades are bad, she spent all the savings at home to let you continue your studies. My grades are never bad, yet she insisted that I quit school and work. Who is the one being owed to in the previous life, who is the one paying the debts?¡±

    Qiao Nan could not tolerate this any further. She questioned Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Even if she really owed Ding Jiayi, she had repaid her enough in her previous life. She was eventually driven to the grave by her own mother ¨C she had even given her life to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Mom, you often say that I¡¯m not good. Let me ask you, Sister is older than me, I do all the household chores at home, what does Sister do? After all, I am the servant waiting on others while Sister is the rich family¡¯s daughter, so you picked me up from the roads, right? Though I didn¡¯t say a word, it doesn¡¯t mean that I do not know. You are biased towards Sister and spent all the money on her, yet you wanted to cajole me to work so that I can help you to mend this hole. Mom, in doing this, don¡¯t you feel guilty?¡±

    ¡°You... ¡± Ding Jiayi was filled with guilt. ¡°You, what nonsense are you talking about? I, I asked you to work, it¡¯s really for your own good. Even if you do well in your studies, you may not be sessful or be able to earn money in future.¡±

    ¡°Doing well in school may not give you a sessful future, so we might as well join the workforce earlier. Mom, then with Sister¡¯s average grades that are neither here nor there, aren¡¯t you afraid that she will not be able to earn any money in future. Moreover, you dumped such a huge sum of money just to allow her to continue with these useless studies. Mom, I¡¯m fifteen, not five, do you think I believe what you said?¡±

    Qiao Nan was furious yet amused by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. Ding Jiayi actually said them ¨C she was treating her like a three-year-old kid.

    ¡°Believe? Do I care if you believe me?¡± With Qiao Nan¡¯s repeated pressurizing, Ding Jiayi was in a rage and simply spoke from her heart, ¡°Let me tell you, you owe our family. If not for you, your Dad would still be in the army, holding the position of a Battalion Commander. I didn¡¯t even mention myself; before I gave birth to you, I had a cradle-to-grave job. All these ¨C aren¡¯t they all your fault? Without you, would our Qiao family have turned out like this? This is all because of you ¨C a jinx. It is because of you that I am unable to lift my head up before others. Tell me, you caused so much harm, you¡¯re useless and only know how to waste the family¡¯s money. If I don¡¯t favor your Sister, then should I favor a jinx like you?¡±

    Qiao Nan was antagonized and sheughed. ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound so nice. Did I beg you to give birth to a second child? Did you willingly give up all that you mentioned earlier for the sake of me ¨C your daughter? It is for your son. You can only me your disappointing womb. After you gave up everything that you were proud of, in the end, you still gave birth to a money-losing daughter. Right?¡±

    Ding Jiayi not only often called Qiao Nan wretched girl, but also money-losing daughter.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know anything. When you pestered Dad to have a second child and persuaded him to leave the army, you said you were willing to do so for the sake of your son. You gave up everything for a son but finally gave birth to me ¨C can you me me for this? I can¡¯t neither choose my gender nor my Mom ¨C it¡¯s the same reasoning!¡±

    If there was a choice, she would not wish to be Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter, especially the younger daughter.

    ¡°You... How can you say that?¡± Ding Jiayi raised her hand and pped Qiao Nan hard, until blood was dripping from the corner of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth.

    Ding Jiayi was always thinking how good things would have been if only she had not given birth to Qiao Nan.

    However, when she heard that the daughter whom she disliked also felt the same way, Ding Jiayi was furious and humiliated.

    ¡°Old Ding, are you mad?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was feeling sullen in the bedroom, heard the argument between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan getting worse, and he came out of the room. The first thing that he saw was Ding Jiayi pping Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan to his side. ¡°Didn¡¯t you give birth to Qiao Nan, how can you beat your own daughter like that?¡±

    ¡°Did you not hear what she said earlier, she said I do not treat her as my daughter, does she treat me as her Mom? She doesn¡¯t want me to be her Mom!¡± Ding Jiayi yelled, her neck straight.

    ¡°You have to reflect on your behavior first. Nan Nan was not wrong in what she just said. Me leaving the army and your resignation ¨C can we me her for that? me yourself, me me! But Nan Nan, what you just said was also too much. No matter what, she is your mother. How can you say such things to hurt your Mom? Your Mom has a strong temper, her words are as sharp as a knife, but she actually loves and dotes on you.¡±

    After Qiao Dongliang disciplined Ding Jiayi, he also reprimanded Qiao Nan. Both were biological mother and daughter but they argued as if they were enemies.

    ¡°Dotes on me, Dad, is there a mother that will dote on me so much?¡± Qiao Nanughed. Earlier, her Dad was angry, but he still harbored hopes of harmony and prosperity in the family.

    In this lifetime, she knew how to fight for herself and was not willing to give in. But her dad always wanted to to be the good guy, and y the middleman to the situation.

    However, between her and her mother, there was an inseparable knot in their hearts. It was no longer possible for them to get along with each other for a single day in this entire lifetime.

    ¡°Dad, I had a fever before school started, do you know what I heard when I was lying on the bed in the bedroom? I heard Mom telling Sister that I have a wretched life, cheap and tough, I won¡¯t die with a fever. As long as I was dyed in enrolling for school, they would cajole me into finding a job. Dad, you should know by now why Mom insisted that I find a job. If I work and earn money, will Mom allow me to save a cent? It is not enough to dump all the family savings on my sister, she still wants me to work and support my sister¡¯s studies? Both are her daughters, why, is this how she dotes on me?¡±

    Qiao Nan cried as shemented. Her crying was more miserable than Ding Jiayi. ¡°That day, my fever was so bad that I could not even get up. But my mother was so good, she bought a watermelon, Sister was hugging half of the watermelon and eating it with a spoon, all by herself. Sure, my mother really doted on me! I was sick and lying in bed, she threw away the medicine and refused to let me take it. I was so thirsty that I could not talk but there was no-one at home that would gave me a single mouthful of water. Dad, can you tell me why Mom dotes on me so much. Such a doting Mom, who dares to want, who has the life to do so?¡±

 Chapter 40 - Did You Do It

    <h4>Chapter 40: Did You Do It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Initially, although Ding Jiayi was not right, Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s words about hoping that she was not Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter were too harsh and heartless.

    However, after hearing what Qiao Nan said, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lips were as though they sealed with glue. He could not open his mouth to defend Ding Jiayi.

    The matter regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s fever happened not more than two months ago.

    Qiao Dongliang could still remember how Qiao Nan retrieved the fever medicine, that had not expired, from the waste bin.

    That day, his wife insisted that she had given the younger daughter the fever medicine. But thereafter, she said the medicine was gone, expired and thrown away.

    Did his wife really give the younger daughter the fever medicine?

    Did they really finish the fever medicine?

    Or had the fever medicine expired?

    No, not at all.

    The more his wife tried to cover up, the matter regarding the passbook ¨C the wife insisted that the younger daughter quit school to work. Was she really doing this for the sake of the younger daughter or did she have an ulterior motive, would Qiao Dongliang not know?

    The more Qiao Nan said, the more awkward Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face looked. He breathed and snorted heavily.

    ¡°Dad, there is one matter that I have been keeping from you. I thought that was my hallucination, I too hoped that I was too sick to remember it correctly. The night that I was having fever, wasn¡¯t it raining heavily? I remembered that I had clearly closed the windows to prevent the rain froming into the room, I clearly recalled that I was covered with my nket when I slept. In the middle of the night, I vaguely felt that someone entered my room and walked to the windows. When I awoke in the morning, I had a fever, half the nket was not only at the end of the bed, but also on the floor. Even the windows were opened. Dad, Mom really dotes on me!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was shaken and his whole body shivered. He looked at his younger daughter with disbelief. ¡°Nan Nan, you, is what you said all true?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were red, and her face was even redder. She was angered by Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re a heartless thing, when did I enter your room and open your windows?¡±

    Apparently after she woke up that day, Zijin told her that Qiao Nan¡¯s condition did not seem right ¨C her face was flushed and she looked ufortable. She only knew that Qiao Nan was having a fever after she entered Qiao Nan¡¯s room and touched her forehead.

    ¡°You, how can you malign me, I, I, I am your real mother!¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, we lived in the same room, you think about it. Did I wake up in the middle of the night that day?¡± Ding Jiayi was afraid that Qiao Dongliang would believe Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡°lies¡±. She quickly asked Qiao Dongliang to search his memory.

    This had happened almost two months ago. Qiao Dongliang could not remember so clearly.

    Qiao Dongliang was in the army and a light sleeper. Usually, when Ding Jiayi woke at night to use the restroom or do other things, Qiao Dongliang would certainly be aware. But this happened too long ago, so Qiao Dongliang did not have much recollection.

    As Qiao Dongliang looked like he was wracking his brains to recollect this, Ding Jiayi nearly fainted with anger. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, I didn¡¯t do it. Your health is poor but you think that I opened the windows at night. That room of yours, am I happy to go in? Furthermore, I have to wake up in the middle of the night to do so? If I had really nned for this, I would not have left only half a tablet of fever medicine at home ¨C to let you find it?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s inappropriate words made everyone embarrassed and speechless. Qiao Dongliang did not know how to react.

    The wife¡¯s words had indirectly admitted that she had intentionally discarded the medicine, and the purpose was to let the younger daughter recover slowly so that she would miss the enrollment deadline.

    Regardless of whether the window was opened by his wife, the plot of quitting school and working was certainly her wife¡¯s doing.

    She had spent all the family savings for the elder daughter, yet she wanted the younger one to make up for this wrongdoing.

    Facing this, Qiao Dongliang was too ashamed to tell Qiao Nan that Ding Jiayi, her mother, could not possibly not love her.

    As for what Qiao Nan had said, this type of maternal love ¨C who dares to want it?

    ¡°Mom, Mom, forget it. Didn¡¯t Nan Nan say, she probably remembered wrongly. Perhaps Nan Nan was already feverish at that time and mistook her dreams for real. No matter what, Nan Nan was sick at that time. You you, you try to put yourself in her shoes.¡± Qiao Zijin, who saw the anger of Ding Jiayi rising, held on to Ding Jiayi and did not want her to continue arguing with Qiao Nan.

    When Qiao Zijin said this, Qiao Nan opened her eyes and stared at Qiao Zijin.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin appeared to be sincere in persuading Ding Jiayi to stop making trouble ¨C was that not strange?

    Qiao Zijin was never kind to her.

    After being pushed to the edge by Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin guiltily turned sideways and hid behind Ding Jiayi.

    After which Qiao Zijin realized that the action would betray her. Lifting her waist, she stood out with a stiff face. ¡°Nan Nan, why are you looking at me like this?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Qiao Nanughed, them she took a long breath.

    Till now, she had actually thought too lightly of Qiao Zijin.

    In the previous life, after Qiao Zijinmitted adultery, she med her divorce entirely on Qiao Nan. When she knew she had uremia and needed a kidney, she wanted Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    Such a heartless woman, she had actually revealed her fox¡¯s tail at this time.

    That night, it was true that someone had entered her room. Not only had the person opened her windows, but they had also pulled away her nket.

    However, that someone was not Ding Jiayi, it was Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Dad, I can only say that I am certain that someone came into my room that night. If all of you think that I am dreaming, then continue to do so. Anyway, I didn¡¯t even have water to drink when I was feverish. My mother and sister were happily eating watermelon. They even treated fever medicine as expired ones by discarding them, insisting that I had eaten them. With this, you said my Mom loves me, it¡¯s not surprising that I have that kind of dreams.¡±

    Qiao Nan let out a huge sigh, she was badly shaken.

    Having said this, Qiao Nan did not wish to say anything else. She returned silently to her bedroom.

    The weekend that students always looked forward to had just begun, but Qiao Nan felt that she could not live through it.

    Was she really a child of the Qiao family?

    How she wished she could choose not to be!

    Qiao Nan words were more formidable than 100 ps, it stunned the rest of the three people on the spot simultaneously and set them thinking.

    ¡°Fight, fight, fight. Argue from day till night. Are you happy now, Nan Nan has be like that, is your heart at ease? I told Nan Nan that you love her, when I think of it now, I feel my face flushed with embarrassment. You have wasted all our family savings and tarnished the rtionship with Nan Nan, are you satisfied now? I have said, from now onwards, you take care of Zijin¡¯s matters and I¡¯ll take care of Nan Nan¡¯s. If you dare to treat Nan Nan like this again, always shouting and threatening her to find a job to tidy up your mess, let me tell you, we won¡¯t have a life anymore!¡±

    After numerous shocks and provocations, Qiao Dongliang could not smile even when he looked at Qiao Zijin who had been quite obedient and sensible all this while.

    He knew. Was the elder daughter not the source of all these matters?

    ¡°Zijin, let me ask you. Was it yours and Mom¡¯s idea to study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not expect that she would leave such a big loophole. That night, before she opened the windows, she had clearly called Nan Nan a few times and even pushed Nan Nan¡¯s shoulders to ensure that Nan Nan was sleeping like a log. She then daringly opened the windows and removed the nket from Qiao Nan¡¯s body.

    She had not expected that Qiao Nan was actually pretending to be asleep.

    ¡°I...¡± Suddenly being questioned by Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin was scared out of her wits. She stuttered for a long while and did not manage to respond to the question.

    ¡°Why are you shouting, didn¡¯t you just say, I will take care of Zijin¡¯s matters and you will take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s. This matter, you don¡¯t need to ask anymore.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was serious. ¡°But I don¡¯t want you to misunderstand Zijin. This matter was decided by me.¡±

    But the elder daughter mentioned it first.

    The elder daughter said that if she could get into a better high school, it would be easier to be admitted to a good university.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Dongliangughed. But thisugh gave Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s goose pimples. ¡°Except for the school fees which we can negotiate, from now onwards, you take care of Zijin¡¯s living expenses alone. Anyway, the savings in the family have all been spent, whether you want to find a job, that¡¯s up to you. You spent 5000 yuan because of Zijin, both are my daughters, it¡¯s not fair to let Nan Nan suffer because of this. So, my money, other than giving it to Nan Nan for living expenses, I will be saving it for her too.¡±

    After he finished, Qiao Dongliang went back to his room again. He shut the door loudly with a m.

    Ding Jiayi sadly pped her thighs. ¡°It hase to this, how is she going to live?¡±

    If Old Qiao really was not going to care for Zijin anymore, if Ding Jiayi was going to find a job, how was Zijin going to survive?

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang was serious this time. Even if he still cared about Qiao Zijin, he would not treat Qiao Zijin the same as before.

    The elder daughter was raised by her, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin would not be able to endure this type of life. For the sake of her elder daughter, she must find a job.

    Ding Jiayi did not expect that after fighting for a few months, finally, not only did Qiao Nan not quit school, but also Ding Jiayi, who had been a housewife for 15 years, had to return to society and take a nine to five job. There would not be a moment of leisure.

    The Qiao family had such a bad fight, all four family members were in terrible moods.

    Ding Jiayi was washing the dishes at the same time and crying. She was not in the mood to eat, but Qiao Dongliang had to go to work tomorrow, so regardless of whether Qiao Dongliang would eat, she had to prepare the food.

    ¡°I really owe it to that pair of father and daughter in my previous life.¡±

    The two of them argued with her till they were red in the face and treated her like enemy, but she still had to wait on and feed the two of them. She must have sinned a lot.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll help you.¡± Qiao Zijin, who never did housework, for the first time, did not pay lip service. She rolled up her sleeves and started helping. ¡°Mom, is Dad really going to care only about Nan Nan, and not bother about me anymore?¡± Having said that, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were red.

    She was clearly supposed to be her parent¡¯s favorite child.

    When she saw that her elder daughter hade, Ding Jiayi sniffed and wiped the corner of her eyes with her sleeves. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about this matter. But Zijin, regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s fever, did you do it?

 Chapter 41 - Refuse To Admit

    <h4>Chapter 41: Refuse To Admit</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin, who was washing the dishes, paused for a while. Thereafter, her facial expression was awkward. ¡°No, Nan Nan¡¯s fever had nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡°But Qiao Nan said?¡± Ding Jiayi heard what Qiao Nan said. She had definitely not done this, nor had Old Qiao . There were only four people in the house, so it must have been the elder daughter.

    ¡°Is what Nan Nan said certainly true? Mom, don¡¯t forget that Nan Nan¡¯s fever was so bad that day. She was sick and confused and mistook her dreams for reality. Nan Nan is paranoid, you mustn¡¯t be like her.¡±

    Qiao Zijin swiped her hands. ¡°Mom, think about it, Dad just found out that we spent all the family savings so that I could study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If he also knew about Grandpa Li, he would be even more furious. We should try our best not to let Dad get angry again. Just now, Dad did not mention Nan Nan¡¯s dream. You should not take it to heart, nor should you mention it to Dad anymore. There is no such thing, Nan Nan was talking about her dream, don¡¯t blindly believe and get involved. You think there aren¡¯t enough matters to provoke Dad?¡±

    Only God knows that when Qiao Nan mentioned what happened on that rainy night, immediately, Qiao Zijin was so frightened that her heart was in her throat.

    Fortunately, her father did not continue to pursue this matter. If not, she might let the cat out of the bag.

    Qiao Zijin was afraid of Qiao Dongliang, but not Ding Jiayi.

    After Qiao Zijin¡¯s coaxing, Ding Jiayi was no longer bothered about whether Qiao Nan¡¯s words were true.

    There were enough troubles at home now, there would be no end if they pursued this matter again.

    Qiao Dongliang heard Ding Jiayi shouting for dinner time. Initially, he was not willing toe out of the room. He was furious with Ding Jiayi.

    But when he recalled that the doctor said the younger daughter was malnourished, Qiao Dongliang called Qiao Nan out. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re at your puberty age, don¡¯t be at odds with your body, the two of us ¨C let¡¯s go and have our meal.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Dad.¡±

    Qiao Nan immediately agreed. Although she was at odds with someone, no matter what, she should not be at odds with herself.

    The family of four were seated together. Qiao Dongliang did not cast a single look at his wife or elder daughter. He was only focused on filling Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl with the good dishes, and repeatedly told her, ¡°Nan Nan, eat more, you must eat your fill, you¡¯re too skinny.¡±

    ¡°I know, Dad. You work so hard, eat more too, don¡¯t shortchange yourself.¡±

    Qiao Nan also helped herself and filled Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bowl with all the meat and vegetables.

    In the past, the same te of meat could feed the family for two or three meals. Now, it was like one meal as Qiao Nan tried her best to eat as much as she could.

    The whole family scrimped and saved, in the end, the money were all spent on Qiao Zijin. What a waste.

    When she saw that the Dongpo meat, which she had specially prepared to celebrate her elder daughter¡¯s return, was almost finished by the father and younger daughter ¨C there were only three pieces left, Ding Jiayi felt the pinch. ¡°Zijin, you eat too. You studied hard, and should eat more good stuff.¡±

    As she said that, Ding Jiayi ced one piece of meat into Qiao Zijin¡¯s bowl, added another, then ced thest piece in her own bowl.

    When she looked at the two pieces of meat in her bowl, Qiao Zijin moved her mouth. She felt very unhappy.

    It was such a big te of meat. In the past, most of it would be for her. But today, it benefited Qiao Nan.

    The matter that was argued about today, most of it had to do with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin did not want to eat the meat.

    Unexpectedly, her Dad was true to his word about not bothering about her anymore. He cared more about Qiao Nan and gave all the meat to her. If not for her Mom who gave her two pieces of the meat, this time, she might not even have any.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Nan Nan. You studied hard. Have better food when you are in school. Don¡¯t shortchange yourself.¡± Qiao Dongliang took out five yuan from his pocket and passed to Qiao Nan. ¡°Take this money and spend. Although we should not be extravagant, wasteful, or yearn for things that do not belong to us, but we also should not be harsh to or shortchange ourselves, understand?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I know.¡± Qiao Nan helped herself to the money and put it away in her pocket.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were like a duet, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was red, Qiao Zijin was so embarrassed that she almost buried her face in the bowl.

    After returning to his room, Qiao Dongliang thought about it. It was true that his wife was very concerned about the elder daughter but the wife was not familiar with the situation at the school.

    If the elder daughter had not mentioned anything before his wife, his wife would not possibly have had the idea of admitting her into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Most importantly, with his wife¡¯s character, it was not possible that she had instantly made the decision to spend the family savings to let the elder daughter switch school.

    If the wife was so decisive, she could entirely depend on her own ability, leave the Ding family and seek a life of her own.

    Although the wife had a strong temper. If not for the matter that the Ding family wanted to sell her out, she would have remained in the Ding family and continued to be a ve to them.

    At the thought of it, Qiao Dongliang understood. He assessed that his elder daughter had taken great efforts in this.

    He did not me the elder daughter for thinking of her own future.

    He could not ept that they had not discussed the matter with him, the head of the family, first. Instead, they had done it without consulting him, and he had to wait until Nan Nan mentioned it before finding out.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to let Qiao Nan quit school to work but Qiao Zijin did not try to dissuade her mother. Moreover, the root of the matter was because Qiao Zijin had spent the family savings for her studies. At this thought, Qiao Dongliang felt a little uneasy.

    For the first time, he discovered that, for the sake of her own future, the elder daughter was scheming towards her family members.

    After cing the pieces of the puzzle together, now, Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin and felt extremely awkward and uneasy.

    His earlier words were entirely for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to hear.

    Qiao Zijin understood the meaning in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, she clenched her chopsticks. With her head down, she finished the bowl of rice. ¡°Dad, can I talk to you?¡±

    Coincidentally, Qiao Dongliang also finished his food at this time.

    Qiao Dongliang put down his bowl. He was still angry and actually did not feel like talking to Qiao Zijin, but, in the end, he said, ¡°Follow me to the study room.¡±

    As soon as father and daughter left, Qiao Nan immediately put down her bowl of rice and returned to her room.

    From today onwards, she would not do any household chores if Qiao Zijin was not doing them too.

    When she saw that all three of them were each more arrogant than the others, Ding Jiayi endured and dared not breathe a word. She could only clean up quietly.

    After she returned to the room, Qiao Nan stared at a book for a long time. Unfortunately, she did not register a single word in her mind.

    After while, Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths and told herself to stay calm.

    As of now, her mother and Qiao Zijin had onlymitted ¡°petty crimes¡±. Qiao Zijin was a smart person. She knew that she could not offend Dad as he was the sole breadwinner in the family. She could not continue to disappoint him.

    Whatever it was, even if her father was appeased by Qiao Zijin, she no longer needed to be nervous and afraid.

 Chapter 42 - Self Reflection

    <h4>Chapter 42: Self Reflection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With so many things that had happened, Qiao Zijin could no longer enjoy the unique status that she had once held at home.

    Qiao Nan did not expect much. She just hoped that she could continue with her studies.

    As for Qiao Zijin, as long as she did not provoke her, she would not bother about Qiao Nan.

    Of course, if her mother and Qiao Zijin still tried to bully her like before, then she would definitely retaliate against them as she had done today.

    After she sorted out her thoughts, Qiao Nan was finally able to read her books.

    In the study room, father and daughter sat facing each other. Once seated, Qiao Zijin¡¯s head dropped as tears rolled down her face pitifully.

    Qiao Zijin cried so badly, Qiao Dongliang gave a long sigh. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t cry. Tell me, what are you crying about?¡±

    When she heard Qiao Dongliang open his mouth to speak, Qiao Zijin felt momentarily relieved. She wiped her tears and said, ¡°Dad, I know I was wrong, I was jealous that Nan Nan¡¯s grades were better than mine. Dad, today¡¯s matter, it was not intentional. In fact, in fact I was so anxious today because of the matter regarding the passbook. I know Mom is good to me, she spent all the family savings to let me study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I also want to study hard but there are no more books at home, and you discovered those indecent books. Dad, I¡¯m anxious. I¡¯m scared. I am afraid that the family paid so much for me to study but I can¡¯t repay you with anything. The more nervous I am, the more I can¡¯t study well. But Nan Nan... no matter how bad she does, her grades are better than mine. And Nan Nan is the Vice ss Monitor. She receives awards every year. I have nothing.¡±

    Qiao Zijin sounded so helpless, like a trapped animal, groaning in pain.

    Although Qiao Zijin was not quite coherent, Qiao Dongliang understood her words.

    Basically, Qiao Zijin knew that she had spent too much money for her high school studies, yet her grades were poor during the summer period.

    Inparison to her own sister at home, the elder daughter was worried that she would make additional mistakes and cause her parents to dislike her.

    ¡°Dad, I really didn¡¯t mean it and I don¡¯t want to be like this. Nan Nan is my real sister, I am the elder sister, It¡¯s only right that I treat her well and take care of her. How can I be inferior because my grades are worse than her. I thought that if I went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China where the teachers are better, my grades would improve and I could be as good as Nan Nan. At that time, Dad, you would have two outstanding daughters, and you would be proud to visit Grandpa Li. Dad, I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Zijin crying so miserably, Qiao Dongliang could not help but soften. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t cry anymore, your eyes will be swollen if you continue.¡±

    ¡°Dad, forgive me this time, I won¡¯t dare to do this again. In fact, for today¡¯s matter, I admit that I was trying to let you know that Nan Nan is also an ordinary person, and like me, she will make mistakes. It is also because Nan Nan is my sister, and I am anxious about her. I don¡¯t want to see Nan Nan mix around with people whom she should not be mixing with and go astray. Dad, you have to believe me, on this point, I have good intentions for Nan Nan and don¡¯t mean to harm her. My only fault is that I was too anxious to jump to conclusions from insignificant evidence. I also did not give Nan Nan a chance to exin before I concluded that she was wrong. Dad, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely not do this this anymore.¡±

    Qiao Zijin admitted her mistake with a good attitude. She even reflected on what she had done wrong. What could Qiao Dongliang say to her?

    Qiao Dongliang gave a sigh. ¡°Zijin, let me ask you, Nan Nan talked about another matter today, what do you think?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s gently clenched the fists ced on her knee. Thereafter, her face was innocent and stunned. ¡°Dad, which matter are you referring to?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s fever.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Nan Nan¡¯s fever has nothing to do with me. I trust that Mom did not do it either!¡± Qiao Zijin denied on the spot immediately.

    Even if this was before her mother, she would not admit to this matter.

    ¡°Do you mean that Nan Nan is lying?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who lied, what I know is that I didn¡¯t do it. Nan Nan and I are biological sisters, I may talk about Nan Nan, but I would never do this kind of thing.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sighed another time. He also did not believe that the elder daughter would do such a thing.

    Qiao Dongliang could remember his younger daughter¡¯s expression and words vividly. It was difficult for him to console himself that the younger daughter¡¯s matter was only her delusion and not what had really happened.

    ¡°Zijin, I¡¯ll say this again. Whatever happened in the past, I can not pursue or ask anymore. However, I don¡¯t want a simr thing to happen a second time. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s fingernails had already created many dents on her hands.

    Upon hearing this from Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin knew that her father did not fully believe what she had just said.

    ¡°Dad, I know. You watch my behavior in future.¡± Qiao Zijin forced a smile and replied briefly, ¡°Dad, then I shall return to my room to do my homework.¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    While Qiao Zijin was returning to her room, she passed by Qiao Nan¡¯s room. Before she open the door of her room, her eyes red fiercely for a few seconds towards the entrance of Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Qiao Zijin locked the door of her room. Thereafter, she pulled out a notebook and repeatedly wrote a sentence with her pen ¡°Qiao Nan the bitch, go and die!¡±

    Qiao Zijin only felt a little better after she filled arge page of the notebook.

    Qiao Zijin tore out this page, lit a match and burnt it to ashes. Thereafter, she then took out her homework to continue with it.

    ¡°Old, Old Qiao.¡± During night time, Ding Jiayi quietly went in to the bedroom, she stuttered as she called Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked coldly.

    ¡°Old Qiao, Zijin will be going to school the day after.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face stiffened. Having spent half her lifetime with Qiao Dongliang, this was the first time that she felt so awkward to ask him for money. ¡°Even if Zijin¡¯s matters will be solely taken care of by me alone, I also need time to find a job, right? But what about Zijin¡¯s meal expenses?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi coldly. He took out six yuan from his pocket and passed to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Take it.¡±

    When she saw six yuan, Ding Jiayi pursed her lips. ¡°Only six yuan?¡±

    Clearly Old Qiao had given Qiao Nan five yuan. Five yuan for Qiao Nan for that week, but only six yuan for Zijin for two weeks?

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan was a a junior high school student, and Zijin was in senior high school!

    ¡°In the past, you only gave Zijin money. Nan Nan did not get a cent from you. Has Nan Nan said anything? Because of you, Nan Nan can only use and wear the leftovers from Zijin. Did Nan Nan say anything? Six yuan is not much but it¡¯s definitely enough for Zijin to have her meals. If you want to give Zijin more money, then find a job soon. With ie, I will not interfere in how you manage Zijin.¡±

    Simrly, Ding Jiayi should not interfere in any matter regarding Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang would manage everything.

 Chapter 43 - Qiao Zijin Wants To Borrow Money

    <h4>Chapter 43: Qiao Zijin Wants To Borrow Money</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang said that because he had made up his mind.

    His wife¡¯s favoritism had not happened over one or two days, and it was very serious. If his wife continued to take care of both of them, the younger daughter would certainly be destroyed at the hands of his wife.

    The reasons why Qiao Dongliang dared to hand Qiao Zijin over to Ding Jiayi were twofold. First, Ding Jiayi had always been biased towards Qiao Zijin. As such, Qiao Zijin would not be neglected if Ding Jiayi took care of her.

    Qiao Dongliang was not concerned about Qiao Zijin being rebellious. After all, children would go through this stage during their puberty.

    By nature, the elder daughter was still a good child and he need not worry that much.

    Qiao Dongliang had put his words so bluntly, Ding Jiayi could not rebuke. She took the six yuan, and after consideration, she took out and added another two yuan from her own pocket, then passed the money to the elder daughter.

    ¡°Mom, shouldn¡¯t it be 10 yuan?¡± Qiao Zijin was a little unhappy when she saw the money. Compared to the previous time, the amount was small.

    Ding Jiayi smiled. ¡°Have you forgotten what your Dad said? Since I have not found a job yet, this family still depends on your Dad. You think eight yuan is little. Your Dad only gave me six and I added two yuan for you.¡±

    In the past, Ding Jiayi was also considered a responsible woman. However, she had been a full-time housewife for 15 years.

    All of a sudden, she had to return to society to work. Ding Jiayi felt awkward and unhappy.

    It was because of her elder daughter that she ended up in such a predicament.

    Qiao Zijin could see that Ding Jiayi was burning with anger inside. She quickly smiled. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know my grades. If I still do not work hard, how can I do better than Nan Nan? There¡¯s a lot of study materials for sale but they are not cheap. Given the situation at home, I don¡¯t mean to ask you for more money. I could gradually save up some of my meal expenses then buy them on my own. It¡¯s just that, all of a sudden, I was short of two yuan. My n was disrupted and I probably have to buy the study materialster. Mom, don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    ¡°Is it really for buying study materials?¡± Ding Jiayi questioned suspiciously.

    The earlier matter regarding the novel had left a phobia on Ding Jiayi.

    If her daughter wanted to buy study materials, Ding Jiayi would use all means to squeeze out the money for her elder daughter.

    But not for buying those novels that were bad and time-wasting.

    Theck of family savings had now became the fear of Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s for buying study materials.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded her head hard. ¡°But don¡¯t be anxious, Mom. I can save up a little gradually. But the living expenses cannot be reduced anymore, if not, I don¡¯t think I will have enough to eat, neither will I eat well.¡±

    Those who attended The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were either high achievers or from rich families.

    There were also quite a number who entered the school in the same way as Qiao Zijin. Most of them did not meet the entry criteria. Hence, the school simply arranged them to be in the same ss, so that they do not affect the learning progress of the rest of the students.

    If not, if her friends were having good food such as protein dishes, Qiao Zijin could not possibly have vegetarian meals.

    Also, after attending the school, Qiao Zijin realized that there were many rich folk in this world. Her two weeks¡¯ living allowance was not even the one day¡¯s expenditure of the well-to-do students.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips pursed tightly, her eyes full of reluctance and jealousy.

    If Qiao Nan went to work, she could also lead such a life. It was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault as she insisted on continuing her studies. She did not have any sisterly love for her, neither did she spare much thought for her.

    She should think of the past ¨C that year when her mother was pregnant with Qiao Nan, she had to take so much suffering and humiliation.

    Qiao Nan owed her and it was only right for her to quit school and support her!

    ¡°As long as you are sensible, Mom is happy. Don¡¯t worry, Mom will find a job as soon as possible. When Mom has a job, you will definitely be given 10 yuan. But Zijin, you still have to save a little, some of your school supplies can still be used, don¡¯t dump it all on Qiao Nan like you did before. The family¡¯s savings are gone, and Mom has to find a way to save some money. Otherwise, we won¡¯t have money to seek medical treatment if any of us fall sick in future.¡±

    Now that there was famine in the family, there was a limit to how much Ding Jiayi could dote on Qiao Zijin now.

    ¡°I know, Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin bit her lips and replied with a forced smile.

    After Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Zijin threw a tantrum and started hitting her own bed.

    National Day would be in half a month¡¯s time. Her ss had thought of having a performance. She had to dance but she was short of a costume now.

    Qiao Zijin was the lead dancer and she could not be dressed like everyone else. She had her eye on a dance dress which was selling for 10 yuan.

    Qiao Zijin had really been saving money recently. However, it was not for the revision materials, it was for the dress for the National Day performance.

    Unless, when Qiao Zijin went to school this time, she missed her meals for two weeks to save up the 10 yuan. If not, she would either have to give up the performance or the lead dancer role.

    After some consideration, Qiao Zijin stood up and went to knock on the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Nan Nan, are you in, can Ie in?¡±

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan put away her books properly. ¡°Come in.¡±

    After Qiao Zijin pushed opened the door and went in. She did not look good.

    In the entire Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi¡¯s bedroom was of course the biggest. Qiao Nan¡¯s room was originally Qiao Dongliang¡¯s study room. It was slightly bigger than Qiao Zijin¡¯s room, and the lighting in this room was particrly good.

    Initially, Qiao Zijin wanted to stay in this room but Ding Jiayi would not allow it.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s initial arrangement was, of course, to let the couple have the biggest room. This room with good lighting was for the son, and Qiao Zijin¡¯s current bedroom was supposed to be the study room.

    Of course, the room where Qiao Nan lived before was not arranged by Ding Jiayi for Qiao Zijin.

    Just because Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Nan and not a son, Qiao Zijin now had the third-ss room, and Qiao Nan the fourth-ss room.

    But who would expect that, at the year that Qiao Nan was 15 years old, although she was obviously not the son, she now lived in the room that Ding Jiayi had once prepared for the son.

    Qiao Zijin revealed this matter. ¡°Nan Nan, do you know, Mom originally prepared this room for her son. She would not allow me to do so when I wanted to stay here.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Qiao Nan was not affected.

    Qiao Zijin was stunned. Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction was too cold. Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan feel as indignant as her and be dissatisfied with her Mom¡¯s biased behavior?

    ¡°Any matter?¡±

    ¡°There is something.¡± Qiao Zijin recalled her motive. ¡°Nan Nan, I would like to ask you for a favor. I remembered that you have some money. Can you lend it to me? I will return it to you in future?¡±

    Qiao Nan twisted her eyebrows. ¡°Borrow money? I don¡¯t have any!¡±

 Chapter 44 - Your Plot, My Strategy

    <h4>Chapter 44: Your Plot, My Strategy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There was saying that talking about money hurts rtionships, and talking about rtionships hurt money.

    What sort of feelings would she have for Qiao Zijin? In this life, for any money that belonged to her, she would not give a single cent to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Why not, if you don¡¯t have money, how did you buy the old books? Nan Nan, we are biological sisters, you would rather let the money rot in your hands than to lend it to me, are you so heartless?¡± Upon thinking, Qiao Zijin softened her tone. ¡°Nan Nan, I need it urgently this time, really! I am only borrowing from you. I will definitely return it to you.¡±

    ¡°I have said, I don¡¯t have money. I have spent all my money.¡± Qiao Nan insisted that she had no money. ¡°Also, what do you need the money for, why are you so hard up? If you need it for a decent purpose, our parents will not shortchange you.¡±

    Towards the end of the conversation, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shed a look of sarcasm.

    Qiao Zijin was the family¡¯s elder daughter. From a young age, she was obedient and well-behaved. She also had a sweet tongue.

    Qiao Nan knew that her Dad had always thought highly of Qiao Zijin. As they did not have a son, her Dad had even toyed the idea of taking in a son-inw that would bear the Qiao family¡¯s surname for Qiao Zijin in future.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin snatched Chen Jun from her. Given Chen Jun¡¯s family background, it was impossible for him to be a taken in as a son-inw.

    Qiao Zijin was even pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child. Her mother kicked up a big fuss. Her father had no choice but to allow Chen Jun to marry Qiao Zijin.

    Because of that, her father had once shifted this thought to Qiao Nan.

    Her mother would not be willing to give all of what the Qiao family had to her. If she had to give it away, she would rather leave it for Qiao Zijin¡¯s children.

    Knowing her father¡¯s thoughts, Ding Jiayi had been watching Qiao Nan and forbidding her to talk about boyfriend and marriage.

    Simr to now, Qiao Zijin clearly did so many wrong things and schemed against her umpteen times. But her father still forgave Qiao Zijin. The family¡¯s treatment to Qiao Zijin would not change much.

    Qiao Nan sighed. Forget it, she did not want to think of this. Anyway, she just wanted to continue with her studies and protect her own interests.

    As for the other matters, she would let her mother and Qiao Zijin be.

    ¡°Why are you like this, obviously I came to you because it¡¯s not convenient to ask Dad and Mom. If I could ask them, would I still need to borrow from you?¡± All this while, Qiao Nan had eded to all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s requests. Qiao Zijin had asked her to lend the money but Qiao Nan was as tight-lipped as the shell of a m ¨C she would not open her mouth. Qiao Zijin¡¯s anger rose again.

    Qiao Nanughed coldly. ¡°You can say whatever you like. Two words ¨C No Money.¡±

    Having said that, she continued to read her book and do her homework. She could not be bothered with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t give me the money, don¡¯t expect to lead a good life!¡± Qiao Zijin rudely snatched the book from Qiao Nan¡¯s hands.

    Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin coldly. ¡°Do you want me to call Dad in?¡±

    ¡°Call if you are capable of it!¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale the moment that she saw Qiao Nan calling for her father. Yet, she continued to sit in Qiao Nan¡¯s room, seemingly self-assured.

    ¡°Why?¡± When the younger daughter called, Qiao Dongliang looked quite happy when he came over. But he was surprised when he saw that the elder daughter was also present.

    ¡°Dad, nothing much. Nan Nan is still angry with me. I wanted to apologize to Nan Nan but she is not pleased that I disturbed her while she is reading.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s was a smooth talker and she made it sounded like it was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault.

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang was going to reprimand the younger daughter for being so petty. They could not possibly continue their disagreements with each other. But Qiao Dongliang quickly held back.

    ¡°Dad, I can only say that I did not!¡± Qiao Nan was also angered by Qiao Zijin¡¯s shameless behavior.

    Qiao Zijin was only 17 years old and she knew how to tell lies without blinking an eye.

    No wonder. Before her death in her previous life, Qiao Zijinmitted adultery and Chen Jun divorced her without giving any maritalpensation. But, in the end, she could me all this on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be angry anymore. Actually I am truly concerned about you. I apologize to you, can you forgive me please?¡± Qiao Zijin yed the act as she spoke.

    Qiao Nan lifted her chin, both amused and angry. ¡°Sure, Sister. Isn¡¯t this just a misunderstanding, real sisters do not have enmity overnight. I forgive you. Come, to show that I have really forgiven you, let us have a hug!¡±

    Qiao Nan came from the 21st century. There was nothing that she had not seen.

    In the 1990s, Generation Z were more introverted and would never say words such as ¡°I love you¡±. Neither would they disy any physical affection for each other.

    Without waiting for Qiao Zijin to respond, Qiao Nan opened her arms and gave Qiao Zijin a passionate hug. ¡°Sister, I have really forgiven you. We are on such good terms.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was totally stunned by this sudden action by Qiao Nan. She stood there feeling stiff and did not know what to do.

    Without waiting for Qiao Zijin to react, Qiao Nan had already let go of her hands and returned to her ce.

    Look who was more thick-skinned and better in acting!

    Seeing that the two daughters have reconciled, especially that the younger daughter used such an affectionate way to prove it, Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Zijin is more like an elder sister now. Nan Nan is also good, not petty, I am not worried now seeing that the two of you have reconciled.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going to do my homework. Why don¡¯t Sister and you leave the room?¡± The y was over, it was time to go.

    ¡°Right, you study hard.¡± Nothing was more important than the child¡¯s studies. Qiao Dongliang looked at Zijin. ¡°Zijin, we will leave. Nan Nan needs to do her homework.¡±

    Qiao Zijin ground her teeth, to hell with it.

    In the past, Qiao Nan was obedient and in spoken. When did she be as slippery as an eel, such that she could not even catch her?

    ¡°Dad, I have homework too. Can I do it together with Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Zijin took a breath. Anyway, there was no way that she would be getting any money from Qiao Nan today. She might as well disturb Nan Nan these two days.

    Qiao Zijin was not only shameless, but also wanted to y rogue. Fine, since she wanted to kick up a fuss, so be it!

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s rare that the three of us, father and daughters, are together. Dad, why don¡¯t you also take a book to sit here and read, I will do homework with Sister. In case we have any questions, we can also discuss with you. Dad, do you think this works?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    All the while, Qiao Dongliang was not close to his daughters. He wished to be a responsible and steady father who quietly supported his children with a lot of fatherly love.

    It was rare that the three, father and daughters, could enjoy family time together. Qiao Dongliang did not have any reason to decline. He took a book from the study room and came back to have a seat.

    Qiao Zijin clenched her fists and secretly red at Qiao Nan.

    If Dad was with them, she would not have any opportunity to ask Qiao Nan for money.

    Qiao Zijin had a plot, Qiao Nan also had her strategy.

    As a reborn ¡°old woman¡± who was already more than 30 years old, she would have wasted her life if she could not even win the struggle with a 17 year-old girl.

    Although being reborn would not give a person more intelligence, it would give the person more life experience and knowledge, especially improvements in the way and attitude that they dealt with problems.

 Chapter 45 - Plotted Against Again

    <h4>Chapter 45: Plotted Against Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since the words were already said, even though Qiao Zijin was unhappy, she could only do her homework obediently.

    With the matter of money unresolved, Qiao Zijin, who already did not have an enthusiastic learning attitude, could not concentrate on her homework. After dawdling for a long time, she had only finished a page while Qiao Nan had almostpleted hers.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was reading a book and silently observing, quietly furrowed his brow.

    True enough, the elder daughter was probably not cut out for studies.

    Nan Nan was very focused onpleting her homework, she was effective and not distracted at all. But Zijinpletely could not do so.

    Fortunately, Zijin was the elder daughter. When she was older, he could take in a son-inw that would bear the bride¡¯s family name and move into his house. Under his wife and his watch, Zijin would not be bullied even if her grades were not good.

    Qiao Dongliang nced at Qiao Nan again and his eyes shone brightly.

    Nan Nan was very outstanding and would be promising in future.

    Qiao Dongliang was aware that whoever was willing to be take the Qiao family¡¯s surname might have lesser qualities, but he could also be an honest and down-to-earth chap.

    If Qiao Nan found an outstanding man, this man would also certainly not allow his child to take the Qiao surname.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliang felt that this was quite a good arrangement. Then he continued to read his book.

    Such a heartwarming atmosphere continued until around nine that evening. Qiao Nan hadpleted her homework as nned. She closed her books and stretched.

    ¡°It¡¯s quitete now, both of you should turn in early.¡± Once Qiao Nan made a slight movement, Qiao Dongliang started to perk up.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief, she stretched, washed up and went to sleep.

    Just when Qiao Nan thought that she had been released from this predicament, she saw Qiao Zijin wearing her pyjamas and standing at the entrance of her bedroom. She was hugging a pillow with her hands.

    Qiao Nan frowned ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±

    ¡°Tonight, I am sleeping with you.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled. Anyway, she had two days. She did not believe that she could not find a a way to get the money from Qiao Nan.

    Earlier, she told Qiao Nan that she was borrowing from her. If Qiao Nan had obligingly lent to her, she might really pay back the money when she had it.

    But after she kicked up such a fuss, Qiao Zijin made up her mind that she would never return the money to Qiao Nan once she received it. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s fault for not agreeing at the beginning.

    ¡°I remembered that you do not like to sleep with anyone.¡± At the very least, Qiao Zijin never slept with her before.

    ¡°You are my biological sister, how could you be considered as others. Nan Nan, you see, it¡¯ste, let¡¯s sleep.¡± Qiao Zijin, affectionately pulled Qiao Nan¡¯s hands to return to the room.

    After they went in the room, Qiao Nan yawned. She knew that Qiao Zijin was set on hounding her until she get the money.

    Go ahead and hound. Who would be afraid?

    ¡°Are we sleeping or not?¡±

    ¡°Sleeping.¡± Qiao Zijin ced her pillow beside that of Qiao Nan, covered herself with a nket and proceeded to sleep.

    However, once Qiao Nan lied down and closed her eyes, Qiao Zijin started talking again. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m a little restless, can we lie down and chat with each other?¡±

    ¡°Sure, what do you want to chat about?¡±

    ¡°That Zhu Baoguo ¨C is he really your deskmate?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know who my deskmate was, but now I think it is him.¡± Anyway, she could not recall who her deskmates were in secondary one and two.

    ¡°How did you know that Zhu Baoguo would encounter danger, and it was so coincidental that you happen to be at the scene?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shed with doubt; that was the part that she could not understand the most.

    The ce that Zhu Baoguo was attacked was definitely not a ce that most people would pass by. If not, he would not have suffered such a serious injury and needed to wait for Qiao Nan to call for help.

    Qiao Nan had her small secret and this was found out by Qiao Zijin long ago.

    Till today, her mother and her had not been able to find where Qiao Nan hid her books.

    Qiao Zijin already noticed that, in the recent month when Qiao Nan was studying at home, she had been reading the content of the four volumes of the past two years.

    So, it was true when Qiao Nan said she had forgotten most of what she had learnt in the past two years.

    If she could think of a way to get rid of this set of textbooks, Qiao Nan would not be able to revise. With the loss of four volumes¡¯ contents, she do not believe that Qiao Nan would do better than her in the exams.

    When the time came, Qiao Nan had no choice but to work.

    At the faint thought of this, Qiao Zijin was full of energy.

    ¡°It was a coincidence that I passed by that road.¡± Qiao Nan turned her head and saw Qiao Zijin with her eyes lit up. She wondered what ideas Qiao Zijin was hatching again.

    ¡°Happened to pass by, which path was so coincidental?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°The quad had only a few paths. Which path can it be? Think yourself.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, Dad has allowed you to continue your studies. Mom could not have a say in this, you can keep those books at home now. Furthermore, Mom did not do it intentionallyst time, she was careless and sold your books together with mine. This kind of mistake, she will not repeat for a second time. If you put them somewhere else, it¡¯s kind of troublesome to retrieve it as and when you need it.¡±

    ¡°Not troublesome.¡±

    ¡°Are you still angry with Mom, she gave birth to and raised us. How hard it was. Nan Nan you can¡¯t be so petty, especially when you keep losing temper with Mom. That year, in order to give birth to you, Mom suffered a lot. You have never met the Ding family. I have seen them before, because Mom gave birth to you, you don¡¯t know how the Ding familyughed and made Mom so angry. She cried. Our grandmotherughed at Mom and said she had sinned in her previous life, that she did not do good in this life, so she could not bear a son and made the Qiao family lose the family line. For this matter, after Mom gave birth to you, she did not even have a proper confinement. Nan Nan, you have to be sensible and do more for Mom. She suffered so much for you.¡±

    ¡°Not angry.¡± There was nothing to be angry about since she had already been driven to the grave by her Mom once.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Don¡¯t be angry. In future, listen more to Mom at home. Just listen to whatever Mom tells you and don¡¯t be stubborn. Mom will be finding a job soon and it will be hard for her. The household chores at home, do as much as you can and lessen Mom¡¯s worries. A family that gets along with one another, that¡¯s the best. Right?¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. Her mother was going to work to support Qiao Zijin, and to support Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies.

    There was no reason that Qiao Zijin should enjoy all the benefit, while she had to take on the responsibility of all the household chores. Wishful thinking!

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you asleep?¡± Qiao Zijin did not hear Nan Nan¡¯s response. She smiled. ¡°You¡¯re like a child. Cover yourself properly with the nket. Don¡¯t kick. If you catch a cold this time, don¡¯t me it on others again.¡±

    Qiao Zijin thought that Qiao Nan was asleep. Qiao Nan allowed Qiao Zijin to misunderstand, so that she could really sleep.

    Qiao Nan, who was really falling asleep, did not know that she had fallen for Qiao Zijin¡¯s ploy.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were awkwardly pressing their ears to the door of the room.

 Chapter 46 - No One Sleeps

    <h4>Chapter 46: No One Sleeps</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When they no longer hear a sound in the room, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi stopped eavesdropping.

    Two adults, who had abined age of almost 100, had to resort to such a way to eavesdrop on their daughters¡¯ conversation. Both of their faces were a little flustered.

    However, at the thought of the elder daughter¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi was extremely proud. ¡°See, I told you before that Zijin is an obedient and sensible child. She is so good at heart. Today¡¯s matter about Qiao Nan, she was certainly too anxious but her intentions were good. She doesn¡¯t want her own sister to go astray.¡±

    ¡°She is the elder daughter in the family and should have such a heart and realization.¡± There was a look of satisfaction in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words earlier had reflected her feelings towards her parents and concern and also expressed her concern and warning for her sister.

    As an elder sister, she should discipline the younger one.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was brainwashed by Ding Jiayi, did not realize that although Qiao Zijin was the elder daughter, she just knew how to talk and assign everything to Qiao Nan to do.

    The elder daughter should not only pay lip service. Why could she not prove it with her actions too?

    To put it bluntly, she was all talk and no action.

    ¡°Okay, we should sleep.¡± As he heard that the daughters were asleep, Qiao Dongliang patted Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders and they returned to the room together.

    When both were lying on the same bed, Ding Jiayi suddenly asked. ¡°Old Qiao, I did not bear you a son. Do you really not mind?¡±

    The words from Ding Jiayi¡¯s mother in the past had be an issue that weighed heavily on her heart.

    But what Qiao Zijin did not know was the magnitude of the impact of Ding Jiayi¡¯s mother words on her.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s motherughed at Ding Jiayi and said that she could not bear a son as she did not do good. She would be a source of trouble to the family that she was married to. A few months after giving birth to Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi decided to stop breastfeeding and was prepared to bear a third child for Qiao Dongliang.

    At the most, they would pay a fine. No matter what, she wanted a son to prove that she was a fortunate person and not one who did not do good.

    Qiao Dongliang objected and said that after they raised up the daughters, they could take in a son-inw that bore the Qiao family name, and who would move into the Qiao family after marriage. It would be the same and there was no need to have a son.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I have said before. Let¡¯s take in a son-inw for Zijin. Don¡¯t think about this matter anymore.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. His wife was unfortunate to havee from such a family.

    ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s so good to have married you in my life.¡± Ding Jiayi leaned on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders and said emotionally.

    Qiao Dongliang did not say anything. He slept as he ced one of his arms around Ding Jiayi.

    To Ding Jiayi, this action was moreforting than a thousand words.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s room, when Qiao Zijin confirmed that she heard the footsteps leaving, she revealed a smug smile on her face.

    When Qiao Zijin was washing up, Qiao Zijin had already told Ding Jiayi that she was sleeping in with Qiao Nan. Thereafter, she told Ding Jiayi that she was afraid that Qiao Nan would be furious, drive her out or quarrel with her. It would be bad if they ended up in a fight.

    Ding Jiayi was afraid that Qiao Zijin would be at a disadvantage, so she dragged Qiao Dongliang from the bed and insisted on finding out about the situation of the two daughters.

    Thereafter, when Qiao Zijin closed the room of the door, she saw a beam of light emanating from the bottom the door of the Qiao couple¡¯s bedroom. She was thus certain that her mother would drag her father to eavesdrop on them.

    Qiao Zijin, who was lying sidewards and looking at Qiao Nan sleeping,ughed. ¡°Qiao Nan, Oh Qiao Nan, you¡¯re still too green to fight with me!¡±

    Upon thinking, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned white and she gave Qiao Nan a hard push. ¡°Why are you sleeping. I have not fallen asleep. Wake up and chat with me.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was in already in a daze, was soon awakened by this push of Qiao Zijin. Frowning and sleepy-eyed, she sounded fatigued. ¡°What do you want to chat about?¡± Hadn¡¯t their conversation already ended?

    ¡°Anything. I can¡¯t sleep anyway.¡± Qiao Zijin said shamelessly.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and did not say a word.

    When Qiao Nan was falling asleep again, she was again jolted awake by Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan, who was in the fit of an anger, unhappily shot a look at Qiao Zijin and realized that Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was full of gloating.

    Seeing that, Qiao Nan wanted to scold her. Sick, and seriously sick!

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you want to sleep? Do you know why I can¡¯t sleep? Sigh, I¡¯ve been really short of moneytely and I have to buy something. Dad and Mom spent so much money on me and I was too embarrassed to ask them for it. Nan Nan, can you help me? As long as my troubles are resolved, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to sleep and then I won¡¯t disturb you.¡±

    Once she got hold of the money, of course, she would not continue to stay in Qiao Nan¡¯s room. She would definitely return to her own room to sleep.

    ¡°If my troubles are not resolved, I feel frustrated. I can¡¯t sleep when I feel the frustration. Nan Nan, what do you say?¡±

    If Qiao Nan was a man, she might have crumbled under the spell of Qiao Zijin¡¯s questions, but she was a woman who did not have any good feeling towards Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin had made herself clear and Qiao Nan fully understood what she wanted.

    From the moment that she was reborn, Qiao Nan had told herself that in this life ¨C she would not let Qiao Zijin take a single cent away from her again.

    As for her mother, she would still fulfill her duty as a daughter, but damn, she would rather buy her mother things than give her money. Thetter would only benefit Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin wishfully wanted to get some money from her. There was no way!

    ¡°I don¡¯t have money. I can¡¯t help you.¡± Qiao Nan rejected her tly.

    Since Qiao Zijin would not let her sleep, she might as well not sleep. She could silently recite in her mind what she had revised today.

    Not knowing that Qiao Nan was reciting the knowledge in her mind, when Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Nan closing her eyes, she counted the time and started to nudge Qiao Nan again.

    ¡°What?¡± This time, Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was very clear. There was no sign of fatigue.

    Qiao Zijin put her hands back resentfully and ground her teeth. ¡°Nothing. I just can¡¯t sleep. You have to keep mepany. If not, I feel so lonely.¡±

    ¡°Okay, keeping youpany.¡± After Qiao Zijin finished revising her maths knowledge, she also recited in her mind a section of the secondary one¡¯s sybus that required memorization. She almost fell asleep but was nudged by Qiao Zijin again.

    This time, Qiao Nan simply opened her mouth and said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t sleep. Still keeping youpany.¡±

    ¡°Oh... ¡± Qiao Zijin replied briefly as she was feeling down. Most importantly, this word of Qiao Zijin was faint and she seemed to have some difficulty saying it.

    After Qiao Nan finished memorizing thest page of the sybus, she heard that Qiao Zijin, who was beside her, was already snoring.

    Qiao Nan gave a long yawn and finally went to sleep with ease.

    The next day, when Qiao Zijin woke up, it was already daytime and Qiao Nan was nowhere to be seen.

    Qiao Zijin gave a stare and jumped up from the bed anxiously. ¡°Mom, where is Nan Nan?¡±

 Chapter 47 - Grades Are the Achilles Heel

    <h4>Chapter 47: Grades Are the Achilles Heel</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi, who was drying theundry, heard the elder daughter¡¯s voice and rushed to Qiao Nan¡¯s room. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Mom, where is Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s already 10 o¡¯clock. Qiao Nan woke up at half past six. She washed her clothes and left. I don¡¯t know where she went.¡±

    A family of four but Qiao Nan only washed her own clothes. Of course, Ding Jiayi had to wash the rest of the clothes for the remaining three.

    In the past, when Qiao Nan helped her everyday, Ding Jiayi did not feel that she was helping her much. Moreover, she felt that Qiao Nan was expected to help.

    When Qiao Nan stopped helping with the household chores, Ding Jiayi found herself busy all day long. There was never a moment of rest.

    Just the household matters alone, she wished that she was a superhuman with three heads and six arms. Ding Jiayi was skeptical ¨C if she went out to find a job today, who would do all the housework?

    ¡°Right, Zijin, you should wake up and wash up. I need to go out to look for a job. There are some household chores ¨C why don¡¯t you help out?¡±

    Ding Jiayi really had no choice. She had to find a job. If not, she would not have money for the elder daughter.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Zijin woke up quickly, her face of full displeasure. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how to do these things, wait for Qiao Nane back and let her do it.¡±

    Last night, she clearly intended to pester Qiao Nan continuously. Unless Qiao Nan gave her the money, she was not prepared to let Qiao Nan sleep.

    But, in the end, she fell asleep herself and Qiao Nan woke up earlier than her. She was so mad!

    It was almost 11 o¡¯clock when Qiao Zijin finished her breakfast. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan will definitely be backter. I don¡¯t believe she will note home for lunch.¡±

    ¡°This is already not the first time.¡± Ding Jiayi no longer harbored any hopes for the younger daughter.

    During thest few days of the summer vacation, every morning after Qiao Nan finished her breakfast, she would leave the house and onlye back in the evening, when Qiao Dongliang was off work.

    That wretched girl was emboldened as she had Old Qiao¡¯s money in her pocket.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang gave money to Qiao Nan directly, Ding Jiayi wondered how much her husband would give Qiao Nan each time. At the thought of this money, she could not help feeling the pinch.

    ¡°Alright, today, you¡¯re going to be alone at home. I will be out looking for a job. Zijin, it is rare that you are alone at home. Even if you are really reluctant to do the housework, at the very least, please read up more. For your sake, I did everything. But if you still can¡¯t catch up on your academic performance... ¡±

    Previously, Ding Jiayi bit the bullet and was willing to take out all the family savings for Qiao Zijin to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China because Qiao Zijin said that the school¡¯s teachers were more qualified. Hence, she would definitely be able to do well and catch up on her studies.

    To allow Qiao Zijin to study in a famous high school was not the only reason why Ding Jiayi parted with so much money.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. She smiled thereafter. ¡°Mom, I know, I¡¯ll definitely not let you down. The teachers in our school are so good and I can understand all their lessons. I¡¯ll definitely be serious in my studies. Mom, go and find a job. Since I¡¯m home, I will do whatever chores I can. I will leave those that I can¡¯t finish and read my books thereafter?¡±

    Studying was the Achilles¡¯ Heel of Qiao Zijin. In the recent months, Qiao Zijin had put all of her thoughts to the row dance. How could she remember what the teachers had taught in the past month?

    There were more exams in high school than the experimental high school. She also recalled that when she went to school, the teacher mentioned about an important uing exam. At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin felt guilty.

    At other times, Qiao Zijin would always have ways to appease Ding Jiayi. But when it came to exams, Qiao Zijin¡¯s words would not be more convincing than her grades ¨C which would stare directly at Ding Jiayi¡¯s face.

    Qiao Zijin saw Ding Jiayi out personally. When Ding Jiayi was further away from the house, Qiao Zijin then pulled a long face. ¡°Damn Qiao Nan, she thwarts my ns since she was a child. If only...¡±

    If only her parents had not given birth to another daughter ¨C Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan, this sister, did not exist, how good would that be?

    If her parents only had her as the daughter, regardless of how bad her grades were, they parents would definitely do their utmost to nurture her. There would not be a need for her to let the grades speak for themselves.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe I can¡¯t find Qiao Nan¡¯s money.¡± Qiao Zijin snorted and rushed into Qiao Nan¡¯s room angrily. She searched the entire room once, until she was sweaty and panting.

    ¡°Horrible horrible!¡± After much sweat, Qiao Zijin, who could not find a single cent, wanted to wreck Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Qiao Zijin sat on the bed and let out a breath, thinking of what to do about her future.

    During that rainy night, Qiao Zijin was really the one who had removed the nket from Qiao Nan¡¯s body. She had also opened the windows.

    Qiao Zijin had everything nned out. Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were so much better than hers. If Qiao Nan wanted to study in a good school, the family would have to spend even more money. Her father¡¯s ie alone would not be sufficient for this. Moreover, her father¡¯s ie also had to provide for Qiao Nan¡¯s living expenses.

    If Qiao Nan went to work, the family would have fewer expenses and more ie.

    As such, if there were two people working in the family, she would be able to continue her studies regardless of the situation.

    Most importantly, Qiao Zijin had long schemed about this ¨C once Qiao Nan quit school, her grades in the school would no longer matter.

    Qiao Nan had already quit school. If her family discontinued her studies because of her poor grades, they would never be able to lift up their heads in the quad.

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin wanted to be the only one. She had to be the only one.

    Qiao Zijin had it all nned. However, there was arge gap between the ideal and reality.

    Qiao Nan would not co-operate and stubbornly contended against her. In addition, with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s support, Qiao Zijin¡¯s n was a fiasco without any sess.

    If not for this, she would not look so awkward and guilty when Ding Jiayi asked her about her grades.

    The more she thought about it, the more anxious Qiao Zijin felt. She started rubbing her hands on her thigh.

    It would be too difficult to improve her grades. The teachers in the school were good but the students were better. She was not in the same league of those who entered the school with their own abilities.

    Also, as she had not built a good foundation in her studies while she was in junior high school, it would not help even if the teachers taught well in the senior high school.

    If she did not do well for this month¡¯s test again, her parents might really discontinue her studies.

    Senior high school was not junior high school ¨C it was not considered as part of the nine years ofpulsory education.

    Qiao Zijin had ants in her pants and she was spinning with anxiety.

    She had not resolved the matter regarding the dance dress yet. Because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, she now had another problem (her studies) to worry about.

    She could not understand why senior high school had to be different from junior high school. There were four important examinations in senior high school instead of two.

    Nevertheless, if there were no Parent-Teacher conferences after each month¡¯s examination, she could probably find a way to keep this from her family.

 Chapter 48 - Wont Back Down Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 48: Won¡¯t Back Down Anymore</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    By the time Qiao Nan came back home, she saw Qiao Zijin sitting in a daze at her bed and her room was in a total mess. It was obvious that someone had gone through her room.

    Qiao Nan twisted her lips andughed. There was no need for her to ask anything. She knew what Qiao Zijin was up to.

    Without a word, Qiao Nan tidied up the room that Qiao Zijin made a mess of and read her books quietly.

    Qiao Nan was moving about tidying her room but Qiao Zijin had yet toe back to her senses. It was only until Qiao Nan finished revising two pages of her book did Qiao Zijin snorted in shock, ¡°When did youe back, why didn¡¯t you make a sound, don¡¯t you know how frightening it is to be scared by another person?!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was startled by Qiao Nan who had popped up right in front of her. Her reaction was much bigger than Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes and said, ¡°I have already tidied my room, when do you think I returned?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Zijin smiled awkwardly. ¡°I dropped something. But I couldn¡¯t find it. So I searched through your room. I finally found it in the end. Sorry, Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I have tidied the room.¡± Qiao Nan said pointedly. They all know she was looking for money.

    ¡°Zijin, I am back.¡± Ding Jiayi sounded tired.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes brightened and dashed out of Qiao Nan¡¯s room to wee her. ¡°Mom, have you found a job today?¡±

    ¡°Found it.¡± Ding Jiayi dusted off the dirt on her clothes tiredly.

    Ding Jiayi has been a housewife for years and yet she had to look for a job now. She almost could not bring herself to say that she was on the hunt for jobs.

    Ding Jiayi had always been very sociable. But when it came to job searching, it was as if her lips were glued together. She just could not bring herself to ask.

    Given her situation, even if she managed to find a job, it would not be an easy job.

    After a half day¡¯s work, Ding Jiayi finally realized that it was not easy to make a living. Back then, she was so fortunate.

    ¡°Zijin, why haven¡¯t you tidied up the house?¡± Ding Jiayi was unhappy when she went into the house and saw that it was still messy.

    Ding Jiayi had finished washing the clothes before she went out. But the dirty dishes from lunchtime had not been washed. She hoped that the elder daughter could help with the washing and to sweep the floor as well. These were simple household chores the elder daughter should be able to handle.

    But she never would have imagined that when she came back, the house would still look as messy as when she left in the afternoon.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin knew that she was in trouble. She was in Qiao Nan¡¯s room, pondering over her exams and her dance costume. She had forgotten all about the household chores.

    ¡°Mom, but I have tidied Nan Nan¡¯s room. Go and take a look if you don¡¯t believe me?¡±

    Qiao Nan came out from her room to get a drink and overheard Qiao Zijin¡¯s audacious lie.

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips, did not say a word and poured a drink for herself.

    Ding Jiayi was tired to death after working for half a day. The look of apathy on her younger daughter¡¯s face made her boil with anger. ¡°What kind of attitude is this?!¡±

    Despite being yelled at, Qiao Nan did not bother to argue. She said nonchntly, ¡°Mom, you are back. Mom, you must be tired. I am going back to my room to study.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to study? You are all grown up, yet you needed your sister to help you tidy up your room? You are so useless!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this now?¡± Qiao Dongliang had just stepped into the house and overheard his wife scolding the younger daughter.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t even know to be more understanding of her parents who are working and she only know how to enjoy herself. Is that what the books taught you? If that¡¯s true, what¡¯s there to study? If not, what have you learnt all these years?¡± Ding Jiayi lifted her chin andmented. She wanted Qiao Dongliang to know of the situation at home.

    Qiao Dongliang had been used to the house being neat and tidy. He could not help but knit his eyebrows when he realized the house was a little messy. ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone tidy up?¡±

    ¡°I went out to work.¡±

    ¡°I was out studying.¡±

    ¡°I...¡±

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan gave their reasons for not tidying up. But Qiao Zijin was stumped for words.

    ¡°I... I tidied up Nan Nan¡¯s room.¡±

    ¡°You took the whole day to do that?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked incredulously. ¡°Besides, Nan Nan always tidies her own room.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan woke up earlier than me, she didn¡¯t tidy the room as I was still sleeping. Dad, I have never done such chores before, hence I am slower. You... You, please don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Anyway it¡¯s not very dirty. Everyone help to clean up the house.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed.

    ¡°I... I will wash the dishes!¡± Qiao Zijin immediately volunteered for the easier chore while stealing nces furtively at Qiao Nan.

    Her only excuse was that she had tidied Qiao Nan¡¯s room. But in fact, Qiao Nan tidied the room herself. Only the both of them knew about this.

    Qiao Zijin noticed that Qiao Nan was not a pushover like before. She was worried that she might expose her lies in front of their parents.

    But Qiao Zijin observed Qiao Nan for a while. She did not make anyment. Instead, she took the broom and started cleaning up.

    ¡°Phew.¡± Qiao Zijin breathed a sigh of relief. Qiao Nan did have a temper now aspared to before. But deep down inside, she was still a pushover like before. This was good news to her.

    Qiao Nanughed dryly when she saw the look of relief on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. She did not want to argue with Qiao Zijin regarding the room not because she had given in to her, but that Qiao Zijin still had no idea of her importance to her parents.

    Cleaning the room was just a small matter. If she was to fight for the credit with Qiao Zijin, her Dad might acknowledge it, but he would not be happy at all.

    Qiao Zijin was at home the whole day, yet she had not done any household chores. Even though this might make their parents realize howzy Qiao Zijin was, it was not something to be proud of. After all, they were the ones who had brought up thiszy daughter.

    In fact, her Dad would think that Qiao Nan was too petty-minded. Even if Qiao Nan was the one who did the chores, she should help her out and let Qiao Zijin take the credit.

    After all they were a family, one should not haggle over every ounce. It was okay to be at a slight disadvantage once in a while.

    Her father asked the question not because he wanted to make things difficult for Qiao Zijin, in fact he wanted to see her making progress.

    The eldest daughter, it was such a superior position.

    Her father might have given up on her in her previous lifetime as she herself did not fight, but the other reason was that her sacrifice was for the good of Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise, if her father stood firm, there was no way that her mother would not listen. Back then, she was more submissive. If her mother had not insisted, she would not have quit school and start working.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Nan sneered. Because of her, her mother lost her job and her father was discharged from the army. In the end, she turned out to be a girl. Actually deep down inside, her father harbored some bitterness towards her.

    In her previous lifetime, she was always the one to be sacrificed. All the sacrifices she made were for the good of Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 49 - Wonâ€™t Be Nice To You

    <h4>Chapter 49: Won¡¯t Be Nice To You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In this lifetime, regarding important matters she would not give in anymore. Even if it was against her father, she would also not budge an inch.

    Qiao Nan told herself this was thest time that she satisfied Qiao Zijin.

    Unlike Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan was nimble and quick in her chores. While Qiao Zijin was still doing the dishes, she was done with sweeping the floor and she had even thrown the dirt away.

    ¡°Forget it, you better stop washing.¡± Ding Jiayi who was washing the vegetables saw that Qiao Zijin had not done the dishes properly. The bowls were still dirty. She had a splitting headache. She might have to wash the dishes all over again. ¡°Qiao Zijin, you make a change with me. You wash the vegetables, I will do the dishes.¡±

    Looking at the dirty vegetables, Qiao Zijin had a look of displeasure on her face. But she still changed with Ding Jiayi.

    But while washing the vegetables, she came into contact with something hairy and soft. She took a nce and shrieked. ¡°Mom, Mom, there¡¯s a worm, there¡¯s a worm!¡±

    At Qiao¡¯s house, Qiao Zijin had not seen cockroaches, let alone worms.

    Whenever there were cockroaches at home, Qiao Zijin would hide somewhere and the remaining three of them would get rid of the cockroaches.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for vegetables to have worms?¡± Ding Jiayi was having a headache. Although she had only worked for half a day, she was not used to working. She felt tired to the bone.

    She could not even take a rest at home and on top of that Zijin was not being helpful at all. She could not understand why Zijin was kicking up such a big fuss over a tiny worm.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Dongliang peered in to check. ¡°What is the worm that you are talking about?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang saw on the vegetables crawled a worm and understood what was themotion all about.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a worm, if you are scared, you just have to pick it with the chopsticks.¡± Qiao Dongliang picked up the worm and threw it away deftly. ¡°Don¡¯t be so flustered and kick up a big fuss. You have to learn from Nan Nan. When she was about seven or eight years old, she was already helping out with the household chores. Old Ding, Zijin is a bigdy now. You can¡¯t just teach Nan Nan but neglect Zijin. Didn¡¯t you say that Zijin knew how to do all these chores?¡±

    Back then whenever Qiao Nan helped out with the household chores, Qiao Dongliang would ask why the elder daughter was not helping.

    Qiao Dongliang was a traditional man. He felt that every female should learn to cook.

    Ding Jiayi would always say that Qiao Zijin knew how to do all the chores. Qiao Dongliang did not give it much thought. But now, after seeing how the elder daughter was scared stiff by a worm, Qiao Dongliang began to doubt her words.

    ¡°I... I am just a little scared of worms.¡± Qiao Zijin knew Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper. She would not admit that she had never done any household chores before.

    She was worried that If she admitted that she had never done any household chores, Qiao Dongliang might want her to help out whenever she was at home.

    She did not want to be like Qiao Nan, treated like a servant and made to do so many chores.

    ¡°Hurry up, Zijin, Nan Nan has already done all her chores and has started her school work. Tonight you shall sleep alone, have a good rest, you still have to go to school tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Nan woke up early in the morning, about the same time as Qiao Dongliang. But by the time Qiao Dongliang left for work, Qiao Zijin was still sleeping.

    Qiao Nan told Qiao Dongliang thatst night Qiao Zijin had been chatting with her for the whole night. She might not have slept well, hence she slept in today.

    Forget about yesterday. Qiao Zijin had to go to school tomorrow. Qiao Dongliang would not allow her to sleep thatte anymore.

    If Qiao Zijin was to develop the habit of sleepingte at night, she would not have enough sleep at night, but had to wake up early in the morning. How would she be able to study well?

    Qiao Zijin who was washing the vegetables almost plucked out the core of the vegetables.

    It must be Qiao Nan¡¯s doing!

    If not judging from her father¡¯s character, he would be more than happy to see the two sisters spend time together. He would not have had any objections at all.

    ¡°Alright, Dad.¡± Qiao Zijin had wasted a night on Qiao Nan and yet she still could not get hold of her money. Exams would being in two weeks¡¯ time and National Day would be just round the corner. Qiao Zijin eyes reddened. She was all tensed up and filled with anxiety.

    Why were things not going smoothly?

    Now Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Nan was a miser, she would not lend her any money at all. Qiao Nan would not budge no matter what she did. Qiao Zijin finally gave up on getting money from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are so heartless. We are biological sisters. Since a young age, we yed together and I have always protected you. Now when I need your help, you refused to help me. I have seen through you. I shouldn¡¯t have treated you so nicely. From now onwards, I won¡¯t be good to you anymore.¡± Qiao Zijin snorted.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You can be nicer to yourself. I will also treat myself well.¡± Qiao Nan smiled, a genuine smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too happy about it, we shall wait and see.¡± She believed that one day Qiao Nan woulde begging to her.

    When the time came, she would let Qiao Nan have a taste of her own medicine.

    Qiao Nan paid no attention to Qiao Zijin¡¯s provocation. She went back to her room and revised the day¡¯s lessons.

    On the next day, by the time Qiao Zijin woke up, Qiao Nan was already gone. Qiao Zijin left for school before Qiao Nan was back.

    Qiao Zijin got on the bus and was still fuming mad at Qiao Nan. Was she guarding against her as if she was a thief? She had no idea where Qiao Nan had hidden the money. It was nowhere to be found.

    She had toe up with another way to get her dance costume.

    The atmosphere in the her ss was odd when Qiao Nan went to school on Monday.

    Zhu Baoguo had been under observation in the hospital for a week. He did not have other serious injuries and could go back home to rest. He had hurt his rib bones and would need plenty of rest. Even if he was discharged from hospital, it would be best to stay in bed to rest in the first month.

    As for the school, he applied for as much sick leave as possible so as to have a full recovery.

    Lots of people crowded around when Zhu Baoguo went back home on Sunday.

    It was only then that the people from the quad found out that Zhu Baoguo had been beaten up by a group of thugs on the side road on Monday. It was all thanks to the younger daughter of the Qiao family who chanced upon him and asked for help that he was saved in the nick of time. Otherwise, he might not be alive.

    Everyone had a big shock when they heard the news. The hooligans nowadays were so ruthless, they had almost taken a life?

    The residents of the quad and the surrounding areas all knew about this.

    Everyone had children. Moreover, after the national nning policy wasunched, for the families who only had one child, be it son or daughter, they all treated their child as their precious jewel.

    If something simr happened to their child, it would really harm everyone in the family.

    Therefore, every family was very uptight when they heard of the news.

 Chapter 50 - Warning

    <h4>Chapter 50: Warning</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The rumor was very clear. Zhu Baoguo was beaten by a bunch of hooligans, and if not for the younger daughter of Qiao family, he would have died.

    For others, they would think that the younger daughter of the Qiao family was really kind hearted, and was brave enough to help Zhu Baoguo. But for some people, this rumor was bad news.

    Zhao Yu had cooped herself up in her room since Sunday. She did not wish to go out, and she had enough of her mother¡¯s nagging.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, did you hear that? In the future, do note home by yourself, walk home with your ssmates. Also, if you chance upon such incidents, don¡¯t try to be meddlesome and stay away. That youngdy must count her lucky stars, if the hooligans went after her as well, the two of them might have died there.¡±

    Her mother kept nagging, she was frightened out of her wits.

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s enough. I understand.¡± Zhao Yu rolled her eyes. Not everyone would chance upon incidents like this.

    So it seemed that Qiao Nan ran into the small road to save Zhu Baoguo?

    It urred to Zhao Yu that Qiao Nan was not alone at that time, there were two adults with her.

    But how would she know that Zhu Baoguo was beaten up by hooligans and that Qiao Nan had gone to seek help to save Zhu Baoguo.

    If she had known earlier, she would not have let Qiao Nan take all the credit. The person that Qiao Nan saved was none other than Zhu Baoguo!

    Zhao Yu had not grown up in the quad, but her house was not too far away.

    As a result, she knew that the children of the quad were the envy of others.

    Among all the male students in ss, the person that Zhao Yu wanted to get close to was Zhu Baoguo. Although his results was not as good as her desk mate Zhou Lei, Zhu Baoguo was actually much more good looking than Zhou Lei.

    Zhao Yu might still be young, but she knew that it did not matter that Zhou Lei¡¯s results were way better than Zhu Baoguo¡¯s.

    Because in terms of future prospects, no matter how smart or hardworking Zhou Lei was, he would never be able topare to the good prospects that Zhu Baoguo had.

    Zhou Lei could be a good boyfriend, but Zhu Baoguo was good husband material.

    But in the two years of junior high school, Zhu Baoguo never went to the school. Even if Zhao Yu who was mature for her age had wanted to create a favorable position to get closer to him, to be in his good books and if possible be his childhood sweetheart, there was no way for her dreams to materialize as he never went to school.

    Zhao Yu would never have thought that she would miss the one and only opportunity.

    If she had followed Qiao Nan on that day and discovered Zhu Baoguo at the same time as Qiao Nan, she would not have walked off. Instead she would have joined Qiao Nan to save him.

    If so, she would be Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life savior.

    Even if she could not have any sort of rtionship with Zhu Baoguo, now that the Zhu family owed the Zhao family a debt of gratitude, her parents would be able to ask them for help if they met with any difficulties in their jobs.

    Such a good opportunity had just slipped away from her fingers. Zhao Yu who had motives towards Zhu Baoguo found it such a pity. As for Qiao Nan, her hatred for her grew even deeper now.

    To Zhao Yu, if not for Qiao Nan, she would be the one who saved Zhu Baoguo. Qiao Nan had taken the credit for it. But it should be hers in the first ce.

    The news that Zhu Baoguo was injured spread rapidly, so did the fact that it was the younger daughter of Qiao family who had saved his life.

    When Qiao Nan arrived at school, many students knew that the rumor was not true. Qiao Nan did not hang out with those hooligans.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, everyone now know that it was a misunderstanding. Congrattions, you have been cleared of all suspicion.¡± Zhao Yu shot a smile at Qiao Nan.

    Zhao Yu¡¯s words made Qiao Nan felt ufortable and displeased. What did she mean by cleared of all suspicion? She was innocent all along, that rumor was fictitious. There was no eyewitness or material witness. How could she bebeled as a suspect?

    ¡°Zhao Yu, regardless of the reasons behind your dislike for me, the feeling is mutual. Just stay away from me in the future, and mind your own business. If you use the cynical tone with me in future again, I won¡¯t be so polite anymore.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhao Yu and told her in a very stern expression.

    Zhao Yu was a spoiled brat. Qiao Nan was the same age as her. There was no reason that she had to give in to her once and again.

    ¡°Moreover, If I wanted to check, I would be able to find out who started that rumor. Zhao Yu, do you understand my words? I am sure the teachers do not like students who start rumors and create troubles, especially one who does not pay attention to her studies butes up with ways to frame her ssmates. Zhao Yu, do you agree with me?¡±

    ¡°What... What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean? You have to figure it out by yourself. But I won¡¯t allow this kind of incident to happen again. If there¡¯s a next time, I will make sure to get to the bottom of the matter. I have to let Teacher Chen know of the ck sheep in our ss, who created troubles and affected our rtionship.¡±

    Qiao Nan had purely made a guess when she said those words.

    When the rumors started to spread, Zhao Yu was the only one who seemed to be very happy, and she coulde up with vivid and realistic ounts.

    Besides, whenever she brought up her suspicions, Zhao Yu would have a guilty look on her face.

    What Qiao Nan said just now was just to bluff her. But Zhao Yu turned red with fear.

    ¡°Y-you are talking rubbish. I-I don¡¯t understand.¡± Zhao Yu was so scared that she started to stutter. She took out her essay book and buried her head behind the book. ¡°I won¡¯t waste time on you, I am going to read my book, don¡¯t disturb me.¡±

    It was Zhao Yu who came looking for Qiao Nan, yet now she said that Qiao Nan was disturbing her from reading her book.

    Zhao Yu was in the wrong yet she put the me on Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan could not be bothered with her. After all, she had brought the main point across just now.

    ¡°Ha, made a fool of yourself?¡± Zhou Lei sneered, his smile was full of sarcasm. When bad rumors about Qiao Nan started going aroundst week, Zhao Yu was the only one in ss who carried on spreading the tales around.

    Secondary three (1) ss used to be the best ss in school. This incident almost affected the reputation of the ss.

    Zhou Lei had no liking towards people like Zhao Yu, who were not united and did not work as a group.

    Today was Monday. There would be a g-raising ceremony.

    Previously Teacher Chen was still agonizing over ways to clear up the rumor regarding Qiao Nan. After Zhu Baoguo¡¯s incident came to light, Teacher Chen was no longer worried.

    Teacher Chen had discussed with the school¡¯s management. They have decided that during the g-raising ceremony today, Qiao Nan would make a speech for acting heroically in a just cause.

    Teacher Chen had already prepared the speech and had passed it to Qiao Nan. She only had to read it ordingly.

    Qiao Nan stood onto the stage, all the students and teachers fixed their gazes on her. She faced them with confidence and ease. She had no stage fright at all. She read the speech that Teacher Chen prepared in a calm and steady voice.

 Chapter 51 - Da Qiao Made â€˜Tremendousâ€™ Improvements

    <h4>Chapter 51: Da Qiao Made ¡®Tremendous¡¯ Improvements</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qian Nan became well known all around the school within a short period of time. There was no one who did not know her.

    Even when she went to the canteen to have lunch, a male student from secondary two stopped in front of her, said ¡°sorry¡±, and ran off with a red face. Qiao Nan found it ridiculous.

    Zhao Yu was fuming with anger. Wherever Qiao Nan went, everyone knew her name. It was as if she was a superstar at school.

    There was nothing to be smug about. Her results had deteriorated so badly and yet she had the time to be concerned about other matters.

    As a student, what was important was one¡¯s results. Just like the mock examsst time, she would continue to surpass Qiao Nan in the mid-term exams which would being in a month¡¯s time.

    The reasons why all the teachers were nice to Qiao Nan was only because she had good results.

    As long as she continued to do better than Qiao Nan, the teachers would surely favor her and dislike Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, hurry up, if not no dishes will be left.¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s good friend pulled her ahead. ¡°Why are you standing here in a daze, what¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. Mid-term exams will being in a month¡¯s time. I have to do well for the exams.¡±

    ¡°You have always been doing well, ranking in the top five in ss. If Qiao Nan makes a blunder like before and you work harder, you might be in the top three.¡± The words of encouragement and concern from her friend did notfort her at all. In fact, she was offended by them.

    ¡°Hmph, Qiao Nan did not do wellst time. I don¡¯t believe that it was just a blunder. That wasgging behind. If not, how could one make such a big blunder? It¡¯s easy tog behind, but it would not be that easy to catch up. Let¡¯s wait and see, I will definitely do better than Qiao Nan!¡±

    Without waiting for her friend¡¯s response, Zhao Yu walked off in anger.

    Her friend paused momentarily and grunted, ¡°What have I done to anger her? She must be sick. I am tired of coaxing her, I won¡¯t do it anymore!¡±

    Qiao Nan who was absorbed in her studies had no idea what was happening. But Zhao Yu was determined to fight it out with her.

    Even if she did know it, she would not give it much thought.

    As long as Zhao Yu kept her distance and stopped bbering, she did not care if she saw her as a target and used all sorts of methods to study.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Nan finally managed to secure her chance to study and was making progress ording to the designated routine. But things were different for Qiao Zijin.

    After pooling all her money and borrowing from her friends, she had barely managed to gather enough money for her costume.

    She had settled the issue of the dress costume. But she had no idea what to do with her monthly exams.

    When she came back home after two weeks, gone was the troubled countenance. Instead she was all smiles, a joyful expression on her face.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, you are back.¡± Ding Jiayi who just came back from work was tired to the bone. But she beamed in joy when she saw her beloved elder daughter. ¡°Are you drained from all the studying these two weeks?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Qiao Zijin lifted her chin and said proudly, ¡°Mom, we had school examsst week. It¡¯s called monthly exam. Just like the mid-term exams, it¡¯s very important.¡±

    ¡°Is that so, how were your results?¡± This was the first time the elder daughter talked about her results of her own ord. All her tiredness seemed to have vanished, Ding Jiayi was in high spirits now.

    ¡°Mom, I was ranked in the eighth ce in ss. It¡¯s the eighth ce. I would be able to do better in my exams next time.¡±

    ¡°The eighth ce, such a good result?!¡± Ding Jiayi had the intuition that there would be good news today. But she did not know that it would be such a wonderful piece of news.

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was a good high school. People who enrolled in to the school were all very smart and good in their results.

    Her daughter coulde in eighth ce in such a good school among all the outstanding students. This was really a tremendous improvement.

    As expected, she had spent the money well. Zijin¡¯s results improved by leaps after enrolling in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. The teachers at the school must have adopted excellent teaching methods!

    Ding Jiayi did not realize that the fact that Zijin could spend money to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the school might have other students, who like Zijin, did not do well in their exams but had the money to enroll themselves into the school.

    Hence, the eighth ce that Qiao Zijin had might not be the eighth ce among the good students.

    Naturally, Qiao Zijin would not provide these details to Ding Jiayi. She only had to say that she was ranked eighth ce.

    ¡°Zijin.¡± Ding Jiayi pulled her elder daughter to the kitchen, took five yuan from her pocket and gave it to her daughter. ¡°You have worked hard, take this money and buy some good food to treat yourself. Don¡¯t shortchange yourself. Later you can get some more money from your Dad, understand?¡±

    ¡°Alright, Mom. You are so good to me. When I am sessful, I will definitely be filial and treat you well!¡± Qiao Zijin was ted at the five yuan in her hands.

    When Qiao Dongliang was back from his work, Qiao Zijin told him the good news that she came in eighth ce in her exams. As expected, Qiao Dongliang was all smiles and he gave seven yuan to Qiao Zijin.

    Both Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi rewarded Qiao Zijin with money. The money added up to twelve yuan.

    She remembered that Qiao Nan had only taken ten yuan from Qiao Dongliangst time. She could not help but smile that she had two more yuan than Qiao Nan.

    She had said all along, she was the most important person in the family. Qiao Nan could not match up to her.

    When her father had forgiven her, he would definitely treat her a million times better than Qiao Nan. After all, it had always been this way.

    ¡°Zijin, have more of the food.¡± During dinnertime, Ding Jiayi could finally favored Qiao Zijin openly. She put almost all of the meat and fish dishes in Qiao Zijin¡¯s bowl, not leaving a single piece for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Old Qiao, did you see? Everything that I have done was for the good of Zijin and the family. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was such a good school. Their teachers are very capable. It was not a bluff. Of course, most importantly, Zijin is very smart. She had never ranked eighth in the past. Moreover the students at the school are very outstanding and brilliant. It was not easy for Zijin to rank eighth in ss. Look, Zijin has grown thinner, she must be tired from the studying and revision. Old Qiao, I won¡¯t admit it if you insist that I am biased towards Zijin. Aspared togging behind in the studies, Zi JIn has made such a big improvement, this is what we call a good and positive learning attitude.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was full of praise for Qiao Zijin. But she did not forget to pour cold water on Qiao Nan.

    Even if she knew that there was no way that she could have made Qiao Nan quit school and start working, it would be good to pressurize her and make her suffer.

    Most importantly, she had to make Old Qiao understand that Zijin was the smart daughter in the family. She was the only one who had good future prospects.

    Even if she spent all the money at home, as long as Zijin made improvements in her studies, it would be all worthwhile. She was not self-assertive, everything that she did was for the family.

 Chapter 52 - A Biased Agreement

    <h4>Chapter 52: A Biased Agreement</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What you said was...¡± Qiao Dongliang found it amusing and angry at the same time. But if spending all the money would ensure that the elder daughter would catch up on her studies, Qiao Dongliang would naturally be happy.

    No amount of money could buy a child¡¯s future. The money spent might be all worthwhile.

    ¡°Zijin is good. Nan Nan is not bad as well. Both of my daughters are good. Zijin, bear this in mind, continue to keep up the good work, don¡¯t be overly proud of your results.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not like Ding Jiayi, who praised Qiao Zijin without forgetting to put down Qiao Nan.

    But when he heard that Qiao Zijin had made such a tremendous improvement, he was grinning from ear to ear.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I will put in more effort to maintain my results and to strive for better grades.¡± She was overwhelmed to have the recognition of both her father and mother for doing well in her studies.

    The atmosphere was really good, to the extent that she almost forgot the truth behind her eighth ce in the ss. She was ced eighth in her ss, but ranked poorly in her overall ranking in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Qiao Zijin straightened her back, a look of confidence on her face. As expected, as long as she set her sights on it, there wasn¡¯t anything in this world that she would not have.

    It was alright if Qiao Nan refused to help her. She bought her dance costume and the performance was a sess. She also came in eighth in her exams.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. There¡¯s still room for improvement for Zijin. As for Qiao Nan, it¡¯s not that I as her Mom wanted to put her down. It does not matter if she did well in junior high school. She had to do well in her middle school exams to be able to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Anyway, she should be clear about the situation at home. If she wanted to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she would have to rely on herself. We cannot possibly spend all our savings for her again. I have no objections that she wanted to continue her studies. But we cannot afford to have external debts. When she enrols in high school, she would have to be responsible for her own studies.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had no qualms about insulting Qiao Nan. She felt that it was of no use for Qiao Nan to do well in junior high school. It was more important to be able to do well in high school.

    Everyone in the family knew that she had spent all the savings to enroll the elder daughter to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Ding Jiayi was worried that if Qiao Nan did not do well in a year¡¯s time, and she barely missed the cut off point for enrollment, out of fairness, her husband might resort to borrowing money from outside in order to enroll Qiao Nan into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Other people might not do it, but there was a possibility that Qiao Dongliang would.

    It did not make sense that they could do so for Qiao Zijin, yet they would have to shortchange Qiao Nan and deprive her of the chance.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to give a forewarning to Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a moment. He really could note up with a good solution for this problem.

    Although Ding Jiayi had started to work, he harbored no hopes that she would earn lots of money. Her pay might be able to cover part of the daily expenses of the two daughters. But he would still have to provide for their school fees.

    In the past, he had never dreamed that the elder daughter would do well in her exams. Now that she had made improvements, if she could maintain the standard, she would be able to make it into college.

    The school fees for junior high school and high school were not as expensive. It was easy to provide for his daughters. But if the two of them made it into college, they might not have enough money to support them.

    What if Nan Nan did not do well for middle school exams and barely missed the cut off point to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?

    They had depleted all their savings to enroll Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If Nan Nan wanted to enroll in that high school, should he agree or not? If he disagree, would Nan Nan me him for being biased?

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to treat his two daughters equally, but there wasn¡¯t much money at home.

    Though Qiao Dongliang did not pour cold water on Qiao Nan, he agreed with what Ding Jiayi said.

    As they advanced in their studies, it would get more and more difficult. It was simple feat for Qiao Nan to have good results in junior high school since the sybus was rtively easy. But it would be amazing if one continued to do well in high school.

    The elder daughter had good prospects, he had to provide for her school fees. But what about the younger daughter?

    Qiao Dongliang was stumped for words because of the problems with money. He remained silent for a long while.

    The atmosphere stilled because of Ding Jiayi¡¯sments. Qiao Nan finished her rice in silence, put down her bowl and said calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. I know my limitations and abilities. I wouldn¡¯t aim for something unachievable. I wanted to study. I give you my promise, when it¡¯s time for middle school exams, I would enroll in whichever school that my results can take me. I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. Regarding sister¡¯s enrollment in the high school, I won¡¯t take it to heart and won¡¯t say that you are biased towards her. I am content as long as I can continue to study.¡±

    She had mentioned this long ago, her father was biased as well, it was just that he was not as biased as her mother. Moreover, Qiao Zijin¡¯s results seemed pretty good this time.

    But she remembered that in her previous lifetime Qiao Zijin always did badly in her exams. With that she smirked and shot a meaningful nce at Qiao Zijin.

    In her previous lifetime, apart from fooling around and being good atworking, Qiao Zijin was not someone who was good at her studies.

    Only Qiao Zijin knew the actual value behind her results (the eighth ce in the ss) this time.

    ¡°By the way, sister, it has been a month since school reopened. I still didn¡¯t know which ss you are at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°High school year one (8).¡±

    ¡°The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China has a total of eight sses, is that right? You are in High school year one (8)?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there are eight sses in total. What does it matter? We are divided into the sses randomly.¡± Qiao Zijin had no idea why Qiao Nan had so many questions but could not help but exin in detail, not knowing that her exnation in fact revealed what she was hiding.

    ¡°Randomly?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and smiled. She was not as gullible as her parents.

    Everyone who knew about the background of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would know that there was a special ss in the high school. It was to take in people like Qiao Zijin.

    To put it bluntly, no one in Qiao Zijin¡¯s ss was studious. It was not surprising that she came in eighth in her ss.

    ¡°Nan Nan, aren¡¯t you going to do some revision? Time is precious, you better start your revision now.¡±

    In the past, Qiao Zijin hated it when Qiao Nan did her studying and would find ways to disturb her. But not today.

    It had been years since Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had graduated from school. They would think that it was considered good to havee in eighth in ss. But Qiao Zijin looked guilty in front of Qiao Nan.

    She was worried that if Qiao Nan was to probe, the image of the good daughter and good student that she portrayed would shatter to pieces.

    ¡°What about the bowl?¡± Qiao Nan smirked. At least Qiao Zijin knew her own limits and stopped bragging about it. If she continued to boast about it, the cat might just slip out of the bag.

    After another two and a half years Qiao Zijin would need to sit for college entrance exams. She could not imagine the expression on her parents¡¯ faces, when they, who had always thought that their daughter was the top student in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, discovered that she had done badly in her exams.

    ¡°I¡ªI will wash the bowl. Nan Nan, hurry along to do your schoolwork.¡± In order to shut her up, Qiao Zijin volunteered to help with the chores that Qiao Nan was supposed to do.

    ¡°You do not need to do the washing, I will wash them. You can go to do your schoolwork as well.¡± Ding Jiayi was still on cloud nine at the elder daughter¡¯s improvement. It would be good if she could devote all her time in her studies and target to do well for her next exams and do her proud.

 Chapter 53 - You Are Xiao Qiao

    <h4>Chapter 53: You Are Xiao Qiao</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you said those words yourself just now, a person must keep their word, if you do not do well and yet wish to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, please don¡¯t bring up Zijin¡¯s matter again.¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I will keep my promise.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, you heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words. So, don¡¯t work so hard and cause your health to suffer because of money. Zijin¡¯s grades have improved, in future, she will study in College and our expenses will increase. Health is the source of revolution and wealth. Don¡¯t be rushed when ites to earning money.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was worried that, in order to support the two daughters¡¯ studies and to prevent Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation from happening to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang would take up side jobs to save more money.

    From Ding Jiayi¡¯s perspective, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attempts to save were futile.

    All their savings over the years were gone, and she was the one who had asked Uncle Lee to pull the strings to enable Zijin to enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    If Old Qiao started to take up side jobs now, regardless of the number of jobs, would he be able to save up the ten years¡¯ savings in just one year?

    Impossible!

    The elder daughter was Ding Jiayi¡¯s biological daughter, Ding Jiayi doted on her.

    Qiao Dongliang was Ding Jiayi¡¯s man, Ding Jiayi also loved him and was afraid that he would work too hard and tire himself out.

    To Ding Jiayi, only Qiao Nan, who was always suspicious and guarded, was like an outsider in this family.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you really thought about it carefully?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not know whether to be happy or guilty about his younger daughter¡¯s sensible character.

    He had always said that he would treat both daughters the same ¨C equally well.

    The family had spent 5000 yuan for Zijin to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, why would the younger daughter be an exception?

    But if there was a need to bear another 5000 yuan, Qiao Dongliang knew that he was not capable of affording it. He would not be able toe up with the 5000 yuan within such a short span of time even if he sacrificed his life.

    The more Qiao Dongliang thought about it, the moreplicated and confused he felt. He could not stand and face his younger daughter with pride.

    ¡°Yes, I have thought about it. You will look at the results of my middle school examination. I have said that the results will determine which school I go to, I will not regret it.¡± In this life, it was good to be able to continue her studies. As for other matters, she dared not expect too much, she further dared not expect her parents to give her the same treatment as Qiao Zijin.

    It did not matter if her parents were biased towards Qiao Zijin. She would favor and love herself more.

    Qiao Nan, who had her own n in mind, clearly knew that there was an issue with Qiao Zijin¡¯s ranking in the eighth ce. But she did not mention it in front of Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    If she raised this up, her mother would certainly assumed that she had intentionally woven this lie as she was unhappy and jealous of Qiao Zijin. Her father would also believe this.

    This type of difficult and thankless matter, she would never do it again in this life.

    It was still the same saying, Qiao Zijin could create a din as she wished as long as she did not cause trouble before her, she and Qiao Zijin would not interfere with each other. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll go and do my homework.¡±

    To help Qiao Nan strengthen her knowledge and foundation for the past two years, her teachers were very conscientious in retrieving the past years¡¯ examination papers, selecting questions and coting them into test papers for Qiao Nan toplete.

    So, the test papers and homework on Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were twice as much as that of her ssmates.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who felt guilty towards Qiao Nan, nodded. After Qiao Nan left, Qiao Dongliang said to Ding Jiayi, ¡°You also said it just now. I will take care of Nan Nan¡¯s matters, you don¡¯t need to worry about them. In future, if Zijin performs well and you want to praise her, I will not object. But if you use Nan Nan as a raft to stay afloat again, I will not be happy about it. Both are your daughters, even if Nan Nan is only in junior high school now and the curriculum is not as difficult as Zijin, it doesn¡¯t mean that her good grades do not matter. What was said today, I don¡¯t wish to hear it a second time.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who felt guilty, simply gave Ding Jiayi a scolding to lessen the negative feelings in his heart.

    He thought that he was helping Qiao Nan to seek justice, but he did not know that the more he said this, the more Ding Jiayi hated Qiao Nan and could not see eye to eye with her.

    ¡°I know. All of you are masters, leaving your dishes on the table after dinner. After a long day of work, I still have to do all the housework. Fine.¡± Ding Jiayi felt this was unfair.

    But no matter what, Qiao Nan was finally willing to agree.

    ¡°Mom, I help you to bring them over?¡± Qiao Zijin stood up and wanted to help Ding Jiayi serve the rice.

    Ding Jiayi pushed Qiao Zijin away. ¡°No, quickly, go and do your homework.¡±

    Having said that, Ding Jiayi gave a purposeful nce towards the entrance of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom, hinting to Qiao Zijin that she should not be overturned by Qiao Nan again.

    Qiao Nan was so conscientious. Qiao Zijin had to be even more so.

    ¡°Mom, then I shall go and do my homework.¡± Qiao Zijin did not really want to do the household chores. The bowls were oily. She did not mind when she was eating with them. But when it came to washing, Qiao Zijin disliked the oily feel in her hands.

    ¡°Go.¡±

    After both children had returned to their rooms to do homework and Ding Jiayi was also busy with the housework, Qiao Dongliang, who suddenly had nothing to do, felt a little confused. He did not know if what he had done earlier was right.

    Such a biased approach, did Nan Nan really ept it wholeheartedly without any feelings of unhappiness?

    Qiao Dongliang stood up and walked to the entrance of Qiao Nan¡¯s room. He raised his hands and wanted to knock on Qiao Nan¡¯s door but did not do so after a long time.

    This was because Qiao Dongliang did not know what to say to Qiao Nan. Should he say that he treated her and Qiao Zijin equally well and was not biased?

    These words, Qiao Dongliang did not have the guts to say.

    After a long time, Qiao Dongliang gave up and gave a sigh. He returned to his own room.

    Qiao Nan, who was holding a pen but did not write a single word, heard the sigh and footsteps. She also gave a sigh.

    Clearly both were biological sisters but they were treated as though one was not. It was not that she did not feel sad or wronged.

    It was just that she had been too used to the suffering and hurt. Her heart was already numb.

    If you lean against a hill, it will copse. If you lean against a person, he will run away. Relying on yourself is the most reliable option in this world.

    At this thought, Qiao Nan perked up and did her test papers. At the very least, she was not abandoned by all the people in the world. The teachers were very good to her and had high hopes for her.

    Qiao Nan hoped that she could deliver good grades, to the best of her ability, during the middle school examinations.

    It might be because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s good grades that the Qiao family was very peaceful this weekend. Ding Jiayi was in a good mood so she did not find find fault with Qiao Nan. Anyway, Qiao Nan had already promised that she would not use more of the family¡¯s money.

    Compared with having to let Qiao Nan work to make money, Ding Jiayi now had only one thought in mind, that is, she hoped that Qiao Nan would use less of the family¡¯s money. This was good enough.

    Monday came. When Qiao Nan carried her school bag to school, not long after she sat down, the long empty seat beside her was suddenly upied by a handicapped person.

    ¡°Hey, you are the Qiao¡¯s family¡¯s Xiao Qiao, are you the one who saved me that day?¡± The person next to her asked impatiently with a draggy tone.

 Chapter 54 - I Will Protect You In Future

    <h4>Chapter 54: I Will Protect You In Future</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Xiao Qiao?¡± Hearing the name, Qiao Nan was shocked for a moment.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, our quad has a pair of Qiao, your sister is Da Qiao, and you are Xiao Qiao.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s right hand was in a cast and he looked like he did not have a care in the world. He said in a flippant tone, ¡°Not bad looking. It¡¯s not wrong to call you Xiao Qiao. I have not seen any pretty girls in the Eastern Han Dynasty, but I guessed this Xiao Qiao is passable as one.¡±

    Hearing that Zhu Baoguo sounded like a hooligan, Qiao Nan pursed the corners of her mouth while sizing up her deskmate.

    When she looked at Zhu Baoguo, he was opening his eyes uneasily and unable to look her straight in the eye. Most importantly, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ears actually turned red. Qiao Nan finally understood. The reason that Zhu Baoguo had been saying all this was because he wanted to apologize to her?

    ¡°If you are really grateful to me, don¡¯t need to talk so much nonsense. Actually, saying the two words ¡°Thank You¡± is more than enough.¡±

    ¡°You said I was talking nonsense earlier?¡± Zhu Baoguo stared at her. He wasmending her for her good looks just now.

    In the past, numerousdies yearned for his praise and he could not even be bothered to nce at them more. Today, his praise had been shunned.

    ¡°Yes, nonsense.¡± Qiao Nan nodded without giving any face. ¡°Now is the time for early revision, I need to read my books. Whether you are reading or not, I don¡¯t care and can¡¯t control but I hope that you won¡¯t disturb my reading.¡±

    Based on her experience in the previous life, Qiao Nan do not wish to get involved with a person like Zhu Baoguo.

    In those days when she was having a rtionship with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin found out about his family background. Each time she had a date with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin wanted to tag along. When she did not feel like going, Qiao Zijin even took the initiative to help her arrange the date. Of course, Qiao Zijin would be there as well.

    In the end, Chen Jun was probably wavered by Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin tried to create trouble for her before the date so that she could not turn up, and then she would attend the date on her behalf.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Zijin was still young now, she had not reached that stage with Zhu Baoguo.

    But with Qiao Zijin¡¯s stubborn character, she was afraid that the same situation as with Chen Jun would happen again.

    It was Qiao Zijin¡¯s own issue that she could not pull Zhu Baoguo on her side. Anyway, Qiao Nan would never agree to act as the bridge for her.

    Having thought clearly about this, Qiao Nan wanted to stay away from Zhu Baoguo.

    Furthermore, in her opinion, Zhu Baoguo was always absent from ss, she was not close to him anyway. Who would have thought that he would attend ss today? It was an uncertainty as to whether he would continue toe to ss.

    For the first time in his life, Zhu Baoguo was shunned badly by a girl, he could only wrinkled his eyebrows and watch as he saw this thin and fair prettydy ignoring him and taking out a book to read.

    Zhu Baoguo was very unhappy. He snatched the book from Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and blocked Qiao Nan¡¯s view with his face. ¡°Is the book better looking than me?¡±

    Looking at the face in front of her which had been magnified many times, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°If I look at your face, my future will be bleak. But if I read the books, I can work hard for my own future.¡±

    ¡°What nonsense, I am only asking you, is my face better looking than the book?¡± Zhu Baoguo frowned. He did not really like Qiao Nan¡¯sments.

    ¡°The book is better looking.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡±

    ¡°Shameless.¡± Zhao Yu, who was seated beside them, saw this and was at the top of her anger.

    Having known Zhu Baoguo for so long, she had never seen him so close to any girls. What was the meaning of this. Did Zhu Baoguo like Qiao Nan and wanted to pursue her to be his girlfriend?

    ¡°Have you heard it, she said you are shameless. So, can I trouble you to keep quiet?¡± Qiao Nan looked indifferent as she shifted Zhao Yu¡¯s target of hostility to Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± Zhu Baoguo mmed the table and created a bigmotion in the ssroom. His pair of round eyes opened widely and stared like the eyes of a tiger, scaring everyone. ¡°Who are you scolding?!¡±

    Zhao Yu shivered and stuttered. ¡°I I I, I didn¡¯t scold you.¡±

    ¡°Then who are you scolding!¡±

    ¡°I I, I was scolding her for being shameless!¡± Zhao Yu pointed her fingers at Qiao Nan clumsily.

    Zhao Yu thought that Zhu Baoguo would be happy to hear that she was scolding Qiao Nan as Qiao Nan had angered him with her earlier words.

    However, this time, Zhao Yu had guessed wrongly. Zhu Baoguo sneered. ¡°What are you, are you fit to scold her, why is she shameless?¡±

    ¡°Zhao Yu, are you still going to say that Qiao Nan was in the badpany of the hooligans, and had indecent rtionships with them?¡± Zhou Lei stared at Zhao Yu as if she was crazy. He did not think that Qiao Nan was shameless.

    ¡°You, all of you are helping her and bullying me! Zhou Lei, how many times have this been? Do you like Qiao Nan, that¡¯s why you have been helping her to chide me? If you are capable, tell Teacher Chen to allow me to change seats with Qiao Nan. Then you can sit together with your loved one Qiao Nan!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Zhou Lei gave a stare, like a leopard that was furious. Zhao Yu was again frightened. ¡°Zhao Yu, do you want a beating? The previous rumors about Qiao Nan ¨C do you think no one knows how they came about? You¡¯re just jealous that she scored better than you in the exams and purposely weaved such lies to hurt Qiao Nan. And when we know to differentiate right from wrong, it means to you that we are biased towards and like Qiao Nan. Zhao Yu, do you have a problem with your brain? Do you believe that I will tell Teacher Chen? You keep thinking about this everyday and did not concentrate on your studies, no wonder you can¡¯t score better than Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°You, you¡¯re talking nonsense. ¡± Of course Zhao Yu would not admit that the rumors started from her, especially in front of Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Do you dare to tell Teacher Chen, Zhou Lei? You¡¯re still into this game when you¡¯re already out of kindergarten, aren¡¯t you childish?¡±

    ¡°As long as this is an effective way, I don¡¯t care if it is childish. Zhao Yu, if you continue to provoke me, don¡¯t me me for being nasty.¡±

    The usually bright and cheerful Zhou Lei was in such a huge temper that he scolded Zhao Yu straight without any hesitation.

    16, 17 years old was a sensitive age. When he heard that Zhao Yu said he liked Qiao Nan in front of so many people in ss, Zhou Lei really wanted to beat Zhao Yu up.

    ¡°But you said something right. This seat should indeed be changed. If I continue to sit at the same table as you, I am unlucky.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, what is going on, why is there another hooligan? Xiao Qiao, is anyone bullying you. Tell brother, brother will support you.¡± Zhu Baoguo changed his stand and called himself Qiao Nan¡¯s brother, as if he looked upon Qiao Nan as his sister.

    ¡°I am warning all of you. Qiao Nan is my sister. If anyone dares make trouble for Qiao Nan again, that means you¡¯re not happy with me. Be careful on the roads then, make sure that you have someone apanying you.¡±

    When Zhu Baoguo said this, he deliberately started at Zhao Yu a few times. At one nce, he knew that there is nothing good about this woman.

 Chapter 55 - To Be Supervised or Not

    <h4>Chapter 55: To Be Supervised or Not</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s self-study time now, everyone should remain silent. Even if you do not wish to study, please do not disturb others.¡± When she saw Zhu Baoguo, who was standing up with one of his legs on top of the chair, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Put your leg down.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m helping you!¡± Zhu Baoguo was not pleased, he felt so unappreciated. ¡°Did you really save me that day?¡±

    The situation that day was so dangerous. That group of people who beat him up werepletely furious and out of hand, whoever dared to meddle would have to be beaten up as well.

    Zhu Baoguo could not imagine how such a skinny and petitedy would be so courageous to care about the situation that day. She had even found someone to help out.

    Particrly, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude today was really cold and unfriendly towards others. She was even more aloof than him.

    ¡°The person I saved that day was covered in blood, I¡¯m not sure if that was you.¡± Qiao Nan did not dispute. If not for someone who told her that Zhu Baoguo was the one being beaten up, she would not have known who it was.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s you. Thank you.¡± After confirming that Qiao Nan was the one who saved him, Zhu Baoguo said a word of thanks awkwardly.

    ¡°Alright. Sit down, I want to read.¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was very cold to him, Zhu Baoguo felt that he was asking for it, he wanted to disturb Qiao Nan a little and trigger her temper. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do this question, why don¡¯t you teach me?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo closed his eyes and pick up a book. He casually pointed to a question for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Sorry, I am learning too. If you do not understand, you can ask the teacher.¡±

    ¡°I am injured. I¡¯m asking you because I don¡¯t want to walk.¡± Zhu Baoguo shoved the book in front of Qiao Nan and insisted Qiao Nan guide him.

    Zhu Baoguo did not like to study. He was also unwilling to attend school. However, after this incident, the Zhu family was no longer as lenient and indulging towards Zhu Baoguo. Zhu Chengqi told Zhu Baoguo straight that if he continued to y truant in school and create trouble, he would rather kill Zhu Baoguo himself than to let others do it.

    Zhu Chengqi gave Zhu Baoguo two options. First, to attend school abidingly.

    As for his school results, Zhu Chengqi did not harbor any high hopes towards his son.

    Second, he would break Zhu Baoguo¡¯s pair of legs, if he did not behave properly and get himself into trouble. He might as well let him stay at home and take care of him for the rest of his life.

    The Lee Family had also changed their attitude towards Zhu Baoguo. Of course, they insisted that Zhu Baoguo had to return to school to continue with his studies. There would not be any other option.

    Elder Lee even gave his son-inw, Zhu Chengqi, a bad scolding. Zhu Baoguo was the only son left by his daughter to Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Baoguo had gone astray under the care and teachings of Zhu Chengqi. Would Zhu Chengqi still be able to face his deceased daughter?

    With pressure from the elders of the two families and Zhu Chengqi¡¯s intimidation, Zhu Baoguo dared not y truant anymore. He could onlye to school and sit around.

    If Zhu Baoguo, who was no longer used to schooling, did not find himself any fun, he could onlyze around in his current seat.

    As such, Qiao Nan became the innocent sacrificialmb targeted by Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nan ignored him as she could hear that Zhu Baoguo was not really keen to learn. She continued to read her own books.

    She was not even afraid of Qiao Zijin, why would she be afraid of Zhu Baoguo?

    Who would know that Zhu Baoguo was really too bored. Qiao Nan ignored him, so he patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder and nudged her. He even purposely made loud noises by opening his pencil box and moving his chair around.

    The whole ssroom was full of the creaking and raucous sounds created by Zhu Baoguo. It was so noisy that everyone could not read their books but no one dared to chide Zhu Baoguo.

    Only Qiao Nan was not distracted and concentrated on reading her book. The rest could not do so.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and red coldly at Zhu Baoguo with her shiny eyes. ¡°Do you have hemorrhoids on your butt, so you have to keep moving?¡±

    ¡°Pshh... ¡±

    Many students in the ss heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words, they quickly covered their mouths with their hands to preventughing out loud.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned red instantly, like a monkey¡¯s butt. ¡°Who did you say has hemorrhoids, there¡¯s nothing wrong with my butt!¡±

    ¡°Since there is nothing wrong with your butt, then sit properly. If you have so much excess energy that you need to vent out, then go and run a few rounds in the field.¡±

    ¡°You, you?¡± Zhu Baoguo was so angry. ¡°Are you a girl, you keep mentioning the word ¡°butt¡± in front of a male. Aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡±

    ¡°You see, I already told you she is shameless!¡± Zhao Yu smiled and added to the conversation.

    ¡°Damn your mother, what has this got to do with you?¡± Zhu Baoguo simply scolded Zhao Yu. It was up to him what he wanted to say. But who was this woman who dare to talk bad about Qiao Nan?

    ¡°You deserved it.¡± Zhou Lei sneered. Zhu Baoguo had a nasty temper. Zhou Lei did not hit girls but it did not mean that Zhu Baoguo would not do so.

    Qiao Nan had the guts to be so stubborn with Zhu Baoguo. If the other girls dared to be so bullish before him, they were asking to be beaten. Zhao Yu was foolish and asking for it. Her enthusiasm was met with cold shoulders.

    When Zhu Baoguo scolded Zhao Yu, he mmed the table and kicked the chair, disying a strong and bad aura, as though a hooligan was making his grand entrance to the school.

    Many were troubled by his behavior. The ss originally had a conducive atmosphere for studies. But when Zhu Baoguo came, the learning atmosphere waspletely destroyed. It would be better if he had note.

    Zhu Baoguo was not stupid. Also, as his mother was already not around since he was young, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s feelings were more sensitive than others.

    Initially, he threw a tantrum as he did not see eye to eye with Zhao Yu. But after he created a scene, the whole ss disliked and shunned him. Zhu Baoguo was burning with anger inside, his eyes slightly red as if he was an annoyed bull. He straightened his neck and was preparing to leave the ssroom.

    It did not matter if they disliked him. He did not like these ssmates anyway. What was the big deal?

    Seeing that Zhu Baoguo had the intention to leave, most of them were relieved.

    Zhu Baoguo had just reached the podium, when Qiao Nan, who had been quite silent all this while, suddenly mmed her book hard on the table with a loud m. ¡°It¡¯s so early in the morning. Why are you creating a din? Come back!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo, who was leaving with big steps, was stunned by Qiao Nan¡¯s m. He stood at the podium and looked at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°It¡¯s the morning revision time now. If anyone dares to make noise, get out and stand as a punishment.¡±

    That m by Qiao Nan, the rest of the ss, not to mention Zhu Baoguo, was shocked. Astonished, everyone bowed their heads to carry on with their own stuff. No one dared to ce their attention on Zhu Baoguo again.

    ¡°Why are you standing there, do you want to sit next to the teacher during the lesson? If you are willing to, I can help you apply for permission from Teacher Chen! Qiao Nan started at Zhu Baoguo whilst raising her chin and pointed towards the seat beside her to signal to Zhu Baoguo to make a choice.

    ¡°Why!¡± After Zhu Baoguo regained his senses, he argued with Qiao Nan again. ¡°Why should I listen to you?¡±

    He did not even listen to his father all the time. Why would he listen to a youngdy who was smaller in build and physically weaker than him? That would be so spineless of him.

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiao Nanughed. Herugh gave Zhu Baoguo goose pimples. ¡°Fine. Since you like that ce, you can sit there in future. Let me help you shift the table. Rest assured, you will know why I said that after Teacher Chen arrives.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo did not know the situation as he did note to the school to study.

    However, the rest of the students in the ss knew clearly that although Qiao Nan was the Vice ss Monitor and not the ss Monitor, Qiao Nan¡¯s words were often better heard. Who asked her to be the teacher¡¯s pet?

    Most importantly, although Qiao Nan had the power and ability, she was not arrogant. Typically, she did not bother about the matters in ss, neither would she abuse her powers to undermine others. She would only do whatever she needed to do.

    As such, it did not matter if Qiao Nan did not say a word. But once she said something, the students in the ss were more willing to listen.

    Zhu Baoguo was the only rash fellow who dared to argue with Qiao Nan.

    When Zhu Baoguo saw that Qiao Nan was serious in shifting his table to the side of the podium, he was so scared that he hurriedly ran over to hold his table. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to arrange my seat. I sit wherever I like.¡±

    ¡°Then are you still going to make noise?¡±

    ¡°Since when did I do that!¡±

    ¡°Then sit properly if you are not making noise. Stop making a fuss. If you are not willing to read then just sit and doze. You should know how to doze right. In short, don¡¯t cause disturbance to others. Do you understand?¡±

    Zhu Baoguoy on his own table and gave a quiet snort. He indeed sat down and did not make strange noises to disturb others, like he did before.

    Zhu Baoguo was willing to cooperate, the rest of the students in the ss had no issues then. The morning self-study time was finally over, but they did not know whether it would be the same tomorrow.

    When the school bell rang, Zhu Baoguo, who was lying on the table, bored and in a daze, came to his senses and thought of why he should listen to Qiao Nan.

    Even if Qiao Nan ced his seat elsewhere, he did not wish to study. How would that impact him?

    Just when Zhu Baoguo just wanted to throw a fit, a few pieces of white paper with questions written on it appeared before him. ¡°Complete these questions.¡±

    ¡°Why should I?¡±

    ¡°Do you really want to know?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhu Baoguo, half amused. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that Elder Lee did not tell you about it. When you are in the school, I am in charge of you.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want to teach me earlier right?¡±

    ¡°You said it yourself. That was earlier. Do it for me now.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not want to change her mind. She did not want to meddle in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s affairs but Zhu Baoguo was really too stubborn. If she did not arrange something for him, he would always make trouble. At that time, Qiao Nan¡¯s studies would also be affected?

    Preciously when Elder Lee requested Qiao Nan to supervise Zhu Baoguo in his studies, Qiao Dongliang simply agreed in the face of Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Nan were topletely leave her hands out of this matter, with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper, he would not abidingly stay in the school. If he left the school he would certainly get into trouble again. Qiao Nan would not be able to exin to Qiao Dongliang and Elder Lee then.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. Her father had really found her a very good job. She had not be a mother, yet, she had to teach and raise a son. How unfortunate!

 Chapter 56 - Brother Zhai Is Back

    <h4>Chapter 56: Brother Zhai Is Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Regarding Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation, the Zhu family had already mentioned it to Teacher Chen. So, when Teacher Chen entered the ssroom, he was not surprised to see Zhu Baoguo. He even said a few words to the students about this.

    Zhu Baoguo had not fully recovered from his injuries. The students in the ss should take care of him more.

    Besides this, although Zhu Baoguo came to school, he would not participate in any lesson that required physical activities.

    Teacher Chen observed Zhu Baoguo for a lesson. He realized that Zhu Baoguo was seated in his own chair, writing and keeping quiet, he did not disturb others or Qiao Nan. Teacher Chen then felt much better.

    It was lunchtime. Qiao Nan stood up straight, looked at Zhu Baoguo and asked, ¡°Are you settling your own meal or do you need someone to help?¡±

    ¡°No need, someone will bring me my food. You can go by yourself.¡± With Qiao Nan¡¯s concern, Zhu Baoguo felt at ease.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Having received this response, Qiao Nan did not dawdle and simply left.

    When she reached the entrance of the ssroom, Qiao Nan saw a male stranger walking towards the ssroom.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. This seemed to be the person who was delivering the food to Zhu Baoguo.

    After ascertaining that Zhu Baoguo would not die of hunger, Qiao Nanpletely put down her worries and went to eat on her own.

    ¡°Boss.¡± After Hou Shan entered the ssroom, he said jokingly while taking a nce at the direction where Qiao Nan left. ¡°Boss, you actually attended ss obediently, is the sun is rising in the west? That girl is so beautiful, is she my sister-inw?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. She is my sister. She was the one who saved me.¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled grimly for a while. ¡°She¡¯s called Qiao Nan. Help me check if there is anyone plotting against her. How could I allow anyone to bully my sister?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was a very sensitive person. Even if Zhao Yu and Zhou Lei did not say much, Zhu Baoguo also guessed a little.

    He was still injured and it was not convenient from him to investigate, but he had some followers in the school. He could send his follower to handle such small matters.

    ¡°So she is Qiao Nan. Boss, you don¡¯t need to investigate this, I already know.¡± Hou Shan simply told Zhu Baoguo all of what happened recently in the school.

    ¡°My sister is so obedient, it¡¯s impossible that she would mix with those people. My sister¡¯s grades are so good and they said she cheated, who made those rumors, I¡¯ll kill them!¡± Zhu Baoguo revealed a fierce look. After all, if Qiao Nan was dragged into this, it was because of him.

    Zhu Baoguo understood immediately that rumors were certainly rted to the matter of Qiao Nan saving him.

    After all, before Qiao Nan saved him, he already know that the quad had Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, but he did not hear anyone talk bad about Xiao Qiao before.

    If Qiao Nan had contact with those people, the only time would be when she saved him.

    ¡°Boss, don¡¯t be anxious, this matter has already been cleared. Before the g-raising ceremony, sister-inw... Boss, what do I call her?¡± Hou Shan felt awkward. If he could not call sister-inw, what could he address her as? ¡°Do I call her as sister?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my sister, what has this got to do with you?!¡± Zhu Baoguo of course declined. ¡°You can call her Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Boss. You really dragged Qiao Nan into this. That day, when Qiao Nan saved you, someone with a loud mouth saw it and weaved tales that Qiao Nan was friends with the hooligans. Moreover, they said that Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were always good because the hooligans helped her to steal the test papers. You don¡¯t know how miserable Qiao Nan was at that time, many in the school looked down on her.¡±

    Qiao Nan was the top student in the school. When people in the school knew that she was a fraud, many took the chance to add salt to the wound.

    Hou Shan recalled that he also secretlyughed at Qiao Nan at that time.

    No matter how outstanding she was, all the good grades were the credit of others who ¡°stole¡± for her. This was worse than a student like him, who scored as much as he deserved.

    Of course, Hou Shan did not dare to say all this to Zhu Baoguo, as he was afraid of being bashed by Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°I¡¯ll assign you a mission ¨C help to investigate who was the one who started this.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes were full of hate. The person had the gall of a leopard to dare to do this to his sister.

    ¡°Boss, don¡¯t worry. I assure you that I will help you to settle this properly.¡± Hou Shan patted himself on the chest. Previously he was not concerned about this matter, if he wanted to investigate, it would be easy.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my food? I¡¯m starving.¡±

    ¡°Here.¡± The brother¡¯s follower, a guy who was always by Hou Shan¡¯s side, brought Zhu Baoguo¡¯s food over. Zhu Baoguo finished up his meal neatly and in the span of a few minutes.

    When Qiao Nan was back, Zhu Baoguo was already resting his head on the table and napping.

    Seeing Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan was more relieved.

    In the afternoon, after school, Zhu Baoguo was taken home by the Zhu family.

    When the Zhu family saw Zhu Baoguoing out from the school, they heaved a sigh of relief, and sent Zhu Baoguo home as fast as they could.

    Without Zhu Baoguo¡¯s disturbance, Qiao Nan felt more rxed. As usual, she went to the Zhai family¡¯s storeroom to change her books.

    When Qiao Nan just reached, she found the storeroom unlocked. She opened the door and saw a person sitting inside.

    ¡°Zhai, Brother Zhai?¡± She had not seen Brother Zhai for more than a month. Qiao Nan was used to being like a little mouse in the Zhai family,ing and leaving quietly, when she suddenly ran into a person today, she was feeling a little guilty.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng put down the books in his hands. ¡°Do youe here often?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had given his desk to Qiao Nan. So, when he came back this time, he did not have a desk and he came to the storeroom.

    To Zhai Sheng, it did not matter where he read, as long as the environment was conducive.

    What surprised Zhai Sheng was that the storeroom was not only tidy but also very clean. He could see that someone had been cleaning this ce often.

    The Zhai family did note to the storeroom. The only person that would tidy this ce up was Qiao Nan.

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng was used to settling everything in a slow and orderly manner, he could not stand messiness and disorder.

    Qiao Nan was only a girl in her teenage years and the ce belonged to the Zhai family. Qiao Nan made the effort to tidy up the ce so nicely, Zhai Sheng did not expect this.

    Zhai Sheng nodded his head with satisfaction.

    ¡°From Monday to Friday when I need to attend school, I wille here to change the books. But I¡¯ll be here every weekend.¡± Standing before Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was as honest as a student with her disciplinary master ¨C her little feet close together, little hands ced properly, body stiff, a pair of eyes that that looked down at her toes and did not dare to look elsewhere. In particr, she did not dare to look Zhai Sheng straight in the eyes.

    Each time she stood before Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan felt very stressed.

    Since she knew about Zhai Sheng¡¯s sess in future, she certainly saw him in a different light.

 Chapter 57 - Qiao Nan Is A Crazy Fan

    <h4>Chapter 57: Qiao Nan Is A Crazy Fan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Most of all, even though Zhai Sheng was not yet the Chief, that intimidating aura that he exuded made Qiao Nan felt that she was a soldier under his charge.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was seated in an tense manner, Zhai Sheng tried to rx, was he too serious such that he was scaring Uncle Qiao¡¯s younger daughter? ¡°I remember that your name is Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Er.... Yes.¡± Qiao Nan was stunned for a while, then nodded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. Sit down.¡± When he saw the youngdy looking extremely pitiful, simr to when he met her in the summer vacation, Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone softened.

    Of course, this softened demeanor was solely Zhai Sheng¡¯s assumption. To Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice sounded more aloof and frightening.

    ¡°How are your gradesing along recently?¡±

    ¡°Not not, not th-that good.¡± Qiao Nan stammered and nearly bit her tongue when she spoke.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was flustered. She turned away and patted her face gently. She felt calmer thereafter and continued to face Zhai Sheng. ¡°As I did not revise for one summer vacation, I have forgotten some of the knowledge. I I, I have been trying to catch up recently.¡±

    ¡°Taken your exams?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What have you been tested on, how many marks did you score?¡±

    ¡°Chinese, Maths and English. Scored 85 marks for Chinese and Mathematics, and full marks for English.¡±

    Qiao Nan realized that she had said the wrong things. Her and Brother Zhai¡¯s rtionship was not akin to supervisor and subordinate. They were simr to that of parent and child!

    Zhai Sheng was only older than Qiao Nan by four years, but in terms of aura even Qiao Nan, who had been through two lifetimes, did not feel worthy before Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°These grades, do you have the test papers, let me take a look.¡±

    ¡°The papers were already returned to the teacher, I don¡¯t have it.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head several times. She felt nervous to let Zhai Sheng see the papers.

    Even when Qiao Dongliang asked about her grades, she did not have this feeling. Before Zhai Sheng, she did not know why she felt so uptight and formal that she did not know where to ce her limbs.

    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± Zhai Sheng realised that his several attempts to put down his airs andmunicate with Qiao Nan peacefully had failed.

    Before him, Qiao Nan was like a rabbit who met a tiger. She was so scared that her limbs were wobbly and shivering with no strength to escape.

    Zhai Sheng could not help asking himself, was he really so scary?

    ¡°Not not not... ¡± Qiao Nan wanted to say ¡°not scary¡±, but when she stammered ¡°not¡± ten times, she changed her mind and said ¡°A little.¡±

    ¡°Just a little?¡± Zhai Sheng did not believe.

    ¡°More, a little more?¡± Qiao Nan showed her fingers, indicating that it was more than a little.

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips. His sharp falcon-like eyes revealed a hint of a faint smile. It should be more than a little, otherwise who would dare to y tricks in front of him.

    ¡°If I am home, you can look for me if you have any questions.¡±

    ¡°No thanks.¡± Qiao Nan declined tly. Zhai Sheng was not an ordinary man, his time was so precious, how could his time be wasted on her?

    ¡°You don¡¯t trust me?¡±

    ¡°No, Brother Zhai. You misunderstood me. I mean, if I seek your help, I am wasting your time as you have more important things to worry about.¡± When she said this, Qiao Nan was quite coherent. ¡°All my teachers have assigned me homework. If I have any questions, it is sufficient for me to ask them. Brother Zhai, you are destined for greater things in life.¡±

    In the previous lifetime, the Tian Dynasty was able to achieve peace and prosperity, with a wealthy nation and strong people, and Brother Zhai yed a crucial role in this.

    Brother Zhai was an army genius and had a gifted brain. He was an extraordinary man.

    She remembered that once, there were strange activities at the border of the Tian Dynasty, the local and the bandits colluded and killed the people of the Tian Dynasty. They also framed the people for the crime of smuggling drugs.

    This matter was very serious and affected a lot of people.

    The exact situation, process and extent of danger ¨C Qiao Nan heard about it but she also knew that if the matter was not dealt with properly, there would be countless deaths in the Tian Dynasty. The national interests would suffer greatly.

    But she also knew that his matter would eventually be fully resolved, with losses recovered, and it was all due to Brother Zhai.

    To Qiao Nan, Brother Zhai was a great character and a superhero in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart.

    Since ancient times, the peace and stability of the country depended on a soldier like Zhai Sheng.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan did not pursue any idols, she only loved military uniforms and admired the army guys. Zhai Sheng was the leader of the army. He had a few identities that Qiao Nan liked. Hence, Qiao Nan could not help feeling nervous when she saw him.

    In the lifetime that Qiao Nan was reborn to, the youngsters were already crazy over idols, they would be so excited when they saw them.

    So, Qiao Nan felt that although she stammered before Zhai Sheng, and she could not make much sense of her words, she was considered well in control.

    If these words came from others, Brother Zhai might not believe it.

    However, when Zhai Sheng saw that Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shone with so much admiration and passion when she said these ttering words, he smiled again.

    At this sight of Qiao Nan, he could not help but suspect if he had really done something great to be able to receive such apliment from Qiao Nan.

    In particr, Qiao Nan looked at him with such passionate and burning eyes, Zhai Sheng was not used to it.

    ¡°It¡¯ste now, you should return home.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan as he nced outside and realized that the sun was setting soon.

    ¡°Oh yes!¡± Qiao Nan pped her head. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am going home.¡± Qiao Nan changed one of her books and ran as fast as a rabbit towards the house of the Qiao family.

    Seeing Qiao Nan, the stiff face of Zhai Sheng seemingly became gentle, the corners of his mouth was slightly curved upwards with a sign of smile, like the beautiful and short moment of the winter¡¯s first snow.

    Once Qiao Nan left, the storeroom resumed its quietness. There was asional sounds of Zhai Sheng flipping his books.

    ¡°Dad.¡± When Qiao Nan reached home, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already off work.

    Ding Jiayi snorted and went to prepare dinner. Qiao Dongliang asked with concern. ¡°Why are you homete today?¡±

    ¡°To save someone again.¡± Ding Jiayi said sarcastically.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°No, I went to the ce where I kept the books to change them. So, I took the longer route and came backte.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words was akin to giving Ding Jiayi a tight p in the face.

    Qiao Nan was not a policewoman, how could she save someone everyday. However, the reason why Qiao Nan came home was because she routed to another path to change her books, and Ding Jiayi was the cause of this.

    Thus, when Qiao Nan was homete, there was only Ding Jiayi, who had done her duty as a mother so well, to me.

 Chapter 58 - Elder Lee Came To Visit

    <h4>Chapter 58: Elder Lee Came To Visit</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the past, Qiao Nan was very submissive, and would do whatever chores that Ding Jiayi asked her to do. Even so, Ding Jiayi still disliked her. Now that Qiao Nan had learned to rebut her words, Ding Jiayi disliked her even more.

    Qiao Dongliang saw how the younger daughter rebutted her mother. Ding Jiayi was flushed red and at a loss for words. Qiao Dongliang frowned and said, ¡°Nan Nan.¡±

    As the saying goes, ¡°Parents always have their good reasons¡±, no matter what, Old Ding was Nan Nan¡¯s mother, Nan Nan should not speak to her in that way.

    To others, the younger daughter¡¯s words might not mean anything. But Qiao Dongliang could tell that she was digging at her mother.

    Qiao Nan curled her lips and mocked herself. She knew things would turn out like this.

    But it was okay. Like she said, she would pamper herself. Though her father did not favor her, she would not ask for more as long as he was not as biased as Mom and only doted on Qiao Zijin, depriving her of the chance to study.

    ¡°Dad, I will return my school bag to the room.¡±

    Without much expression on her face, Qiao Nan returned to her room, never once ncing at her parents. Qiao Dongliang felt uneasy at her attitude.

    Waiting for Qiao Nan to close door, Qiao Dongliang chided at Ding Jiayi, ¡°Nan Nan is not someone who is disobedient and insensible. You knew that she is a good child yet you have to pick on her? Look at her attitude now, if you continue with your cold remarks, she may not treat you as her mother in future.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could feel that Qiao Nan had turned cold and aloof towards Ding Jiayi.

    In the past, Qiao Nan would never disobey Ding Jiayi¡¯s orders. At times, whenever she was free, she would take the initiative to do the household chores. Back then, Ding Jiayi did not have to work and was still a full time housewife.

    Even if Qiao Nan was not very affectionate and did not always call her Mom, from the way Qiao Nan looked at Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang could sense the longing affection that Qiao Nan had for her mother.

    But he could no longer see the longing affection in her eyes now.

    The younger daughter¡¯s expression had turned cold and detached. Qiao Dongliang could not help but be worried.

    ¡°I gave birth to her. Regardless of whether she treated me as her mother or not, I am still her mother. Even when she is a adult, she still has to obey me.¡± Ding Jiayi had nothing to fear.

    She did not wish to listen to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lectures anymore. She went off to prepare dinner.

    Ding Jiayi walked into the kitchen. It did not ur to her that she was also brought up by her mother.

    But when her mother wanted to sell her off, she also did not obey her and married Qiao Dongliang instead.

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Since his wife refused to listen, Qiao Dongliang went to look for his daughter, hoping to talk some sense into her.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan was writing. ¡°Dad, I am doing my homework. Is anything the matter?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was embarrassed when he saw that Qiao Nan was really doing her homework. ¡°Nothing, carry on with your homework. There¡¯s nothing more important than your studies. You carry on with your work, I won¡¯t disturb you.¡±

    With that, Qiao Dongliang closed the door and left without saying anything.

    After he left, Qiao Nan sighed in exasperation.

    As expected, her father liked to see that his daughters were studying. She knew the reason why her father came looking for her, but she did not want to listen.

    As children, she shouldn¡¯t argue with her parents. But the saying ¡°Parents always have their good reasons¡± was not applicable to her mother.

    In her previous lifetime she had already paid all the debts and given in to all her demands and requests. In this lifetime, she would notpromise anymore.

    After that, Qiao Nan tried to avoid Qiao Dongliang at all costs.

    Qiao Dongliang could not disturb her as she wanted to study. On the second day, everyone in the family went off to work and to school. Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t have the time to have a word with Qiao Nan for a few consecutive days.

    This day Qiao Dongliang was back from work. He had just entered the quad when he was led away by Elder Lee¡¯s men.

    Since Qiao Nan was born, this was the second time that Qiao Dongliang saw Elder Lee. He was very happy to see him, ¡°Uncle Lee, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang pondered for a few moments and asked, ¡°Is it rted to Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you should know that my grandson is not good in his studies. So I would like for Nan Nan to tutor him. Is this weekend okay?¡± Elder Lee smiled and nodded his head.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a moment. ¡°Uncle Lee, it¡¯s not that I do not want to help. Nan Nan¡¯s results havegged behind recently. Will she be a hindrance to Baoguo? Uncle Lee, actually it might be better if you hire a professional tutor for Baoguo.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was worried that Baoguo¡¯s results might deteriorate with his daughter¡¯s coaching. If that happened, he would not be able to answer to Uncle Lee.

    It never crossed his mind that Qiao Nan¡¯s results might be affected if she tutored Zhu Baoguo. Right now his main concern was how he could mend his rtionship with Elder Lee and to repay his debts of gratitude towards him.

    ¡°No need, I think Nan Nan is a good choice.¡± Elder Lee shook his head, rejecting Qiao Dongliang¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, during school hours, Nan Nan could take Baoguo in hand, this...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No matter what, I would like to thank Nan Nan for this. Nan Nan is the perfect candidate.¡± Elder Lee understood Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concerns. Heughed, ¡°You might not know, Baoguo is very stubborn. If he dislikes someone, he would refuse to listen to that person.¡±

    His grandson had in fact sent away several private tutors. At the mention of this, Elder Lee had a splitting headache.

    ¡°After going back to school, I find that Baoguo is much more obedient. He would stay in school everyday. I heard that it¡¯s Nan Nan who keeps an eye on him. I think Nan Nan would be able to keep him in check. As for Baoguo, he is already in secondary three. I do not harbor any hopes that his results would improve.¡±

    His grandson has missed a lot of the sses. Not to mention Qiao Nan, his teachers might not even be able to help him to improve his results.

    ¡°So you would like Nan Nan to keep an eye on him?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Baoguo has not fully recovered from his injuries. But he is so full of energy that he can¡¯t keep still. Nobody can control him.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was shocked. He had heard of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper; to put it bluntly, he was a bully. When they were still young, all the children in the quad were fearful of Zhu Baoguo. They tried to keep themselves out of his way.

    Nan Nan might be of the same age as Zhu Baoguo, but they never yed together when they were small. Would Zhu Baoguo obey her?

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it might work. Nan Nan is a quiet girl.¡± Qiao Dongliang thought about it and agreed.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, have you heard of this saying ¡°To govern the country (and bring peace to all), one should first be able to govern one¡¯s family¡±? Recently I have heard quite a lot of rumors about your family. Xiao Qiao, what are your views?¡± After settling Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matters, Uncle Lee touched upon his main topic.

    ¡°My... My family is doing well.¡± Qiao Dongliang blushed. Why would Uncle Lee ask this question? Did Nan Nan spout nonsense to Baoguo?

    One should not wash dirty linen in public. Nan Nan had gone way overboard this time!

    ¡°Good? It¡¯s good that your wife sold Nan Nan¡¯s books and wanted her to quit school?¡±

 Chapter 59 - Harsh Criticisms

    <h4>Chapter 59: Harsh Criticisms</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, your pay is pretty high. Why would Nan Nan need to work? Nan Nan¡¯s results are good, yet you wanted her to discontinue the nine years ofpulsory education and to start work, is everything alright at home? Did your wife spend all the savings at home when she came to ask me for help to enroll the elder daughter into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Xiao Qiao, I always taught you to be pragmatic. As the saying goes, ¡°There are three hundred and sixty five trades, and every trade has its master¡±. If she is not good at studying, she can consider other options. Is it appropriate to spend all the hard earned money on the elder daughter and to sacrifice the future of another daughter? It¡¯s useless to reach for what is beyond one¡¯s grasp, instead one should be earnest and down-to-earth. One should act ording to one¡¯s ability. Teenagers nowadays are flippant and not down-to-earth. Xiao Qiao, why would you have this shoring as well? Don¡¯t forget, you were a soldier!¡±

    After listening to Uncle Lee¡¯s wise and earnest words, Qiao Dongliang was lost for words.

    He could understand every single word that Elder Lee said. But when they formed into sentences, they seemed foreign to him.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, it was through your help that Zijin was able to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± Qiao Dongliang paused for a moment before he asked.

    ¡°Xiao Ding came looking for me. She would like me to make a phone call. She was the one who made the other arrangements. Xiao Qiao, you should know my temper, I would never do these things. Even if it was for my son or my daughter. You grew up with them, have I helped them out in simr ways? Xiao Qiao, do you know how disappointed I was in you at that time?¡±

    Uncle Lee sighed.

    When Ding Jiayi came looking for Elder Lee to help out with Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters, Elder Lee was not very willing to help. He had always disliked these dealings.

    Even for his biological son and daughter, he wanted them to carve out a path by themselves. Yet he had to resort to getting in through the back door for someone else¡¯s daughter. Elder Lee really wanted to turn Ding Jiayi down.

    ¡°Elder Lee, I had no idea.¡± Qiao Dongliang rubbed his face. Old Ding did such a thing behind his back and resorted to these methods to enroll Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°I knew you were unaware. If you were aware, you would have stopped Xiao Ding from seeking my help.¡± Uncle Lee nodded. After all he watched Qiao Dongliang grew up, he knew him well.

    When Qiao Dongliang heard this, he felt slightly relieved.

    ¡°But Xiao Qiao, Xiao Ding is your wife. You had no idea what she is doing or what she is up to. Even when your elder daughter really enrolled into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, you did not say anything. This is what disappointed me the most. Xiao Qiao, you are a soldier. Now that you are no longer in the army, is your heart discharged as well?¡±

    ¡°Do you know what was on my mind then? I thought that fortunately you were discharged from the army. Otherwise, if you continued to stay in the army with your mindset, it¡¯s a small matter if you create troubles for yourself, but what if you dragged yourrades down as well? Xiao Qiao, you are the only person who can disappoint me.¡±

    Of course, Uncle Lee agreed to help as he had guessed that it was Ding Jiayi who made the decision to look for him.

    Elder Lee was the one who introduced Ding Jiayi to Qiao Dongliang. If not for Elder Lee, Qiao Dongliang would not have married Ding Jiayi.

    He had to help since it was Ding Jiayi. No matter how unhappy he was, he had to make the phone call.

    But he had told Ding Jiayi there and then, that it was the first and only time that he would do her this favor.

    Qiao Dongliang was furious and upset when he knew that Elder Lee was disappointed with him. He had thought that it was his wife who had created the trouble and it was his younger daughter who told Elder Lee of the situation at home, and that he ended up being so embarrassed all because of them.

    But after hearing Elder Lee¡¯s words, he realized that he was the real problem. Elder Lee was disappointed by his behavior, it had nothing to do with his family.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, tell me honestly, regarding what I said just now, did you think that it was Nan Nan who told Baoguo and Baoguo ryed it to me?¡±

    At Elder Lee¡¯s questioning, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned grave and was red with embarrassment. He was speechless.

    ¡°Look at you, you do not have the attributes of a soldier. You did not look into it or probe and yet you jump to conclusions and dere Nan Nan guilty. When you were in the army, what did the officer teach you? They say Xiao Ding is biased. To me, you are biased as well. I did hear some stories from Baoguo. But for the rest, it had already spread around in the quad. Xiao Qiao, should you do some reflections?¡±

    Since some time ago, the people from the quad came to know that Ding Jiayi sold Nan Nan¡¯s books and because of that she almost could not continue with her studies.

    Everyone also knew about the fact that Ding Jiayi wanted the younger daughter to quit school and to start working.

    Lots of the people from the quad saw Qiao Naning back with a stacks of old books from the thrift shop.

    After seeing it with their eyes, the people from the quad all believed what they heard regarding Qiao family.

    In other words, everyone knew what had happened at the Qiao family these past two or three months. It was a textbook example of what not to do.

    ¡°Spread?¡± Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded. It was no wonder that the people from the quad gave him weird stares whenever he went work.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I am really disappointed in you.¡± Uncle Lee could not hide his exasperation towards Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Where is your heart? Why are you muddle-headed like a block of wood?¡±

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. You should go back. Bao Guo told me that Nan Nan is very quiet at school, her character is just like what you said. This weekend send Nan Nan to my house. You do not have to worry about her meals.¡±

    With that, Elder Lee waved his hands motioning for Qiao Dongliang to leave.

    He was annoyed and vexed. He did not want to see Qiao Dongliang anymore.

    Actually when he visited Qiao¡¯s house to thank Qiao Nan, he had noticed the weird atmosphere then.

    When Zhu Baoguo told him of the bad rumors circting around the school regarding Qiao Nan, he had sent people to investigate.

    He was shocked at the results. Lots of things had happened at Qiao family recently, and all were scandals.

    Before school reopened, Qiao Nan was beaten by Ding Jiayi and dashed out of the house with blood dripping from her nose. After she was sent to the hospital by Qiao Dongliang, the doctor diagnosed that she was malnourished. Elder Lee was speechless when he heard about this.

    The country was prosperous and the economy was doing well. There wasn¡¯t even famine here, why would Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter be malnourished? This was really...

    Elder Lee clearly remembered that when he saw the two sisters that day, Qiao Zijin was polite, well dressed and good with words. She was someone who was good atworking.

    One look at her and one could tell that she was doted by her parents. On the other hand, Qiao Nan had been standing behind her, not uttering a single word. If he did not mention, Qiao Nan would be like a shadow, going unnoticed by everyone. It pained Elder Lee to see this.

    Two daughters, yet one had a plump face and looked radiant, while the other one looked pale and yellowish, silent and reticent.

 Chapter 60 - Learn If You Want To

    <h4>Chapter 60: Learn If You Want To</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    They were both their biological daughters, and Qiao Dongliang was the one who wanted to have Nan Nan. Elder Lee could not understand why Qiao Dongliang would let such things happen at his house.

    Elder Lee looked weary and tired. Qiao Dongliang did not say a word, stood up and turned to leave.

    Qiao Dongliang had known Elder Lee for years. Even if it was when he left the army to have a second child, Elder Lee might be disappointed in him, but he had never said such harsh words to him.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back.¡± When Qiao Dongliang reached home, Qiao Nan was already at home.

    Qiao Nan paused and called ¡°Father¡±.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed at the younger daughter¡¯s cold attitude. It seemed like Nan Nan med both Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi for what happened.

    ¡°Are you going to read your books?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan had no idea what Qiao Dongliang wanted to talk to her about. As usual, she refused tomunicate with him. No matter what, she would notpromise regarding matters concerning her mother.

    ¡°Then go ahead to study.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    The conversation between the father and daughter ended with simple replies.

    During dinnertime, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°Nan Nan, make a trip to Lee¡¯s house tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Lee¡¯s house? Qiao Nan blinked in confusion. ¡°Elder Lee¡¯s house?¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t call him ¡®Elder Lee¡¯, call him ¡®Grandpa¡¯.¡± Qiao Dongliang reprimanded Qiao Nan. ¡°Tomorrow Zhu Baoguo will go to Lee¡¯s house. You will help him with his revision. Remember, put in some efforts and teach him well. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and replied coldly.

    Ding Jiayi was not too happy at this news. But when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s response, she thought about it and curled her lips into a smile. This time, she did not give her objections.

    Qiao Dongliang had already promised Elder Lee. Qiao Nan had no other choice. On the weekend, she took her books and went to Lee¡¯s house. Zhu Baoguo arrived earlier than her.

    ¡°Oh, you have arrived.¡± Zhu Baoguo propped his two legs on the table, leaned back on the chair, twitched his lips and held his pen with his upper lips and nose. He did not look like he was here to study. In fact, he looked like he was on vacation.

    Seeing this, Qiao Nan frowned and said coldly, ¡°You have two choices, one, you can¡¯t go out, you will do whatever you want while I read my books; second, put down your legs, you will do what I say.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s legs crumbled under him, he almost fell off from his chair.

    He never thought that Qiao Nan would be so firm. This was Lee¡¯s house, but it seemed more like Qiao¡¯s house.

    Since Qiao Nan was here, shouldn¡¯t she talk to him nicely and patiently and only start teaching when he had epted her?

    Why did Qiao Nan sound as if she did not care if he wanted to learn or not? If he did not want to study, she was not going to coax him into learning? She would allow him to do whatever he wanted?

    Grandpa asked Qiao Nan to coach him. Could Qiao Nan say all this?

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Zhu Baoguo was dumbfounded.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Qiao Nan sat at one side and took out her revision notes. Without another look at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s legs that was propped on the table, she started to read her books.

    ¡°But my Grandpa asked you to teach me.¡± Was Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude that of a tutor?

    ¡°The teachers were there to teach students. But if you refuse to learn, can they do anything about it? I couldn¡¯t possibly be better than a teacher.¡± To Qiao Nan who once lost the chance to study, she was very displeased with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s learning attitude. He did not understand how fortunate he was.

    It was up to Zhu Baoguo whether he wanted to study or not. If he was willing to learn, she would put in efforts to teach.

    If Zhu Baoguo was unwilling to study, she would just treat it as another ce for her to study.

    Lee¡¯s house was big and spacious and there was no-one to disturb her. If not for the good study environment, she would not have wasted her time on someone who did not want to study.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t going to persuade me to study at all? Aren¡¯t you worried that given your bad attitude, I¡ªI might walk off in anger?¡± Zhu Baoguo stood up, preparing to leave.

    Zhu Baoguo turned and looked at Qiao Nan while he was on his way out. He was waiting for Qiao Nan toe after him.

    But he had already reached the door, and he realized that Qiao Nan was still at the table. In fact she seemed to have finished a few problem sums.

    Zhu Baoguo felt really foolish. Qiao Nan did not pay attention to him at all. She made use of the time to study. He only took a few steps towards the door, but she had already finished a few questions.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Zhu Baoguo walked angrily to Qiao Nan¡¯s side. When Qiao Nan paid no attention to him, he snatched her books in anger.

    Qiao Nan squinted at Zhu Baoguo, ¡°I have lots of workbooks. It¡¯s alright if you snatched one of my workbooks. I can change to another workbook. But don¡¯t you find yourself to be very childish?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by this attitude of yours? Do you not want to teach me? Are you looking down on me because I did not have a mother since a young age?¡± This time, Zhu Baoguo was really furious.

    He really treated Qiao Nan as his sister. But she had always been cold towards him. Did she think that he was beyond hope and it would be a waste of time to teach him?

    ¡°Look down? I do not have the right to do that.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just that I knew it better than anyone else. If you are willing to learn, you would be able to take in what I said. But if you do not want to learn, you would turn a deaf ear to what I said and my studies would be affected as well. It¡¯s not worth it. Do you want to learn or not?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not use any flowerynguage, and her words might not carry a deep meaning, but what she said was the in, simple truth.

    Qiao Nan was so calm and indifferent. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s outburst of temper did not affect her at all.

    ¡°You would teach me if I wanted to learn? Zhu Baoguo asked in some annoyance.

    ¡°Yes, if you want to learn, I will teach you; If you don¡¯t want to learn, I won¡¯t bother you.¡±

    ¡°How do you intend to teach me? I don¡¯t even know what my standard is.¡±

    ¡°Finish this first. I will decide on how to teach you after that.¡± Qiao Nan handed a sheet of paper to Zhu Baoguo. It was a test paper to determine his standards.

    Zhu Baoguo was appeased when he saw the handwritten test paper. ¡°So you came prepared.¡± Qiao Nan actually cared about him.

    Qiao Nan remained silent about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s demanding character. She was fine as long as he kept quiet.

    Zhu Baoguo took the handwritten test paper and started working on it while Qiao Nan was busy doing her problems. The room was in total silence, it was a good learning environment.

    Elder Zhu could not help but worry about his grandson. He decided to take a look.

    He was not worried that his grandson might bully the youngdy. He was anxious that he might not be willing to study, and that he might head off to have fun after throwing a tantrum at the youngdy. It would be disastrous if he injured himself again.

    What he saw came as a surprise to him. When he walked into Lee¡¯s house, his grandson sat quietly at a side, with a pen in hand, writing diligently.

 Chapter 61 - Sensitive

    <h4>Chapter 61: Sensitive</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Has hell frozen over?

    Elder Zhu told the people around him not to make a sound and went to look for Elder Lee.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Elder Lee snorted when he saw Elder Zhu. His daughter was so smart, his grandson should be smart as well. Yet he was pampered to such an extent by the Zhu family. It was all the fault of this old man.

    But the Lee family had not bothered to care about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s affairs, hence he had no right to chide Elder Zhu.

    ¡°Why bother with watering the nts? Are you really going to let that youngdy teach Baoguo? What can a youngdy be capable of? The Zhu family is capable of hiring a teacher. Let me tell you beforehand, if Baoguo¡¯s results is not good even with the tutoring, do not put the me on the Zhu family.¡±

    Even if Elder Lee kept quiet about it, Elder Zhu knew what was on his inw¡¯s mind.

    They had brought up their grandson by themselves. For people like Elder Zhu who was conventional in his thinking, they would naturally dote and pamper their grandson.

    Discipline, Elder Zhu wanted to discipline him but he had no idea how to discipline. On top of that, his grandson had lost his mother at a young age and his father was not by his side to take care of him. It was already very painful for him to be all alone by himself. So Elder Lee could not help but pamper Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Like you said, the Zhu family was capable of hiring a teacher. Didn¡¯t you hire a teacher for Zhu Baoguo before? And what were the results? Look now, Nan Nan might be a youngdy, but you have to see Baoguo¡¯s attitude towards her.¡±

    Elder Lee smirked.

    The Zhu family had hired several teachers for his grandson, male and female.

    But when the teachers knew of the identity of his grandson, they dared not offend him. Moreover his grandson was very mischievous. The female teachers all ended up in tears of exasperation, while the male teachers were too frustrated that they quit.

    For some matters, one could not judge a person¡¯s capabilities by his age or qualifications. One had to judge them based on the person itself.

    ¡°Do you mean that my grandson has been subdued by that youngdy?¡± Elder Zhu was unhappy. His grandson had been a bully at home. But he was intimidated by this little girl, what did this mean?

    ¡°Baoguo was willing to be subdued, and Qiao Nan was willing to subdue him as well.¡± Elder Lee had learned of what happened between Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan just now.

    Elder Lee was slightly annoyed by Qiao Nan¡¯s cold attitude. But he could understand, since he knew of her situation at home.

    In particr when his grandson asked ¡°Are you looking down on me because I do not have a mother since a young age?¡± Elder Lee knew that this was hurtful for both his grandson and Qiao Nan.

    Looking at Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper, having a mother and being without a mother did not make a difference.

    And though his daughter had passed away at a young age, his grandson still loved and missed his mother. But Nan Nan had no feelings left for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°This youngdy was so pitiful?¡± After hearing about Qiao family¡¯s affairs, Elder Zhu was shocked. ¡°What does Qiao Dongliang mean by that? He had a daughter but he did not bring her up well, and he did not say a word when his wife bullied her?¡±

    ¡°He is a traditional man, favoring sons more than daughters. It totally clouded his judgment.¡± Elder Leeughed coldly. He had seen through Qiao Dongliang, but he did not spell it out on that day.

    The reason why Qiao Dongliang did not put in efforts on Qiao Nan was simple ¨C Qiao Nan was a daughter, not a son.

    If Qiao Nan was a son, even if Ding Jiayi favored daughters over sons, Qiao Dongliang would know of it if Ding Jiayi did not treat Qiao Nan well.

    ¡°Baoguo is such a troublemaker and yet you get him a young teacher. Is that suitable?¡± Elder Zhu was troubled over this.

    His grandson was very stubborn and had a bad temper, he could not get along well with anyone.

    Judging from the family that the youngdy came from, she must not be someone who was warm hearted.

    Would a young teacher like her be able to teach his grandson?

    ¡°I only wanted Nan Nan to coach him in his studies. She is not responsible for his character building. That is Zhu Chengqi¡¯s responsibility.¡± Elder Lee gave him an angry stare. He was full ofints at the mention of his son-inw, Zhu Chengqi.

    His daughter was no longer around, Zhu Chengqi should bear the full responsibility of teaching and guiding his grandson. Yet look at what Zhu Chengqi had done!

    It was a fact that his daughter had passed away, but Zhu Chengqi was always not at home, his grandson had been leading his life with the absence of his father.

    It was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s fault that his grandson was so disobedient and keep getting into trouble.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s not talk about this.¡± Elder Zhu waved his hands, he did not wish to talk about his son.

    Both of them were d that his son and daughter-inw had deep affections for each other.

    But who would have known that after the daughter-inw died, his son would neglect his biological son and failed to take him in hand. Elder Zhu was boiling with anger at the mention of his son.

    When Zhu Baoguo was sent to the the hospital for emergency treatment, Elder Zhu ordered Zhu Chengqi toe back from the army. As soon as he arrived, Elder Zhu gave him a few punches out of anger and exasperation.

    Elder Zhu might be old, but he was once a soldier. His fists were still very powerful, it would be painful to be on the receiving end of his punches.

    ¡°Baoguo has very high self-esteem, he would definitely not ept someone who was warm hearted andpassionate. Instead, Baoguo would listen to Nan Nan who was indifferent and cold. Facts speak louder than words, I think this arrangement would work. I did not expect Baoguo to catch up on his studies, I only hope that he would rein in his temper and stop being so irritable and he would not be bullied by those hooligans. If Baoguo is not good in his studies, I will send him to the army when he graduates from high school.¡±

    Elder Lee had his grandson¡¯s future all nned out.

    ¡°Alright.¡± It was rare to see that his grandson settle down to study. No matter who the tutor was, what was important was that the grandson would listen to her.

    ¡°You should make your way back. Baoguo will stay over at my house tonight.¡±

    ¡°What, how could Baoguo not go home!¡± Impossible.

    ¡°What do you mean by not go home? Lee¡¯s house is also Baoguo¡¯s home!¡± Elder Lee fumed in anger. ¡°Baoguo is my biological maternal grandson, why can¡¯t he stay over for a night in my house?¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask Baoguo to stay over in the past? Why did you begin to care for him now?¡± Elder Zhu would not budge regarding his grandson.

    Zhu Chengqi was Elder Zhu¡¯s only son, and Zhu Baoguo was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son.

    The saying is very true, ¡°The first grandson and thest son are the lifeline of the olddy.¡±

    The first grandson, and the only grandson were the lifeline of the grandpa as well.

    Zhu Baoguo, who had finally settled down to work on the test paper turned green when he heard the loud quarrel between his two grandparents. He looked at Qiao Nan in embarrassment and unease.

    Qiao Nan remained calm andposed. ¡°Why are you looking at me? Do your test papers, don¡¯t waste your time. We are in secondary three now, there isn¡¯t much time left for revision, so we have to be efficient.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo twitched his lips and finally managed to settle down.

    Before the incident, Elder Zhu and his wife were the only people who cared about Zhu Baoguo. but they had no idea how to discipline and care for him. As for the Lee family, they never asked about him at all.

    Come to think of it, Zhu Baoguo seldom went to Lee¡¯s house. He knew that they believed that he had caused his mother¡¯s death.

    Up till now, even if the Lee family had a change in attitude, Zhu Baoguo still found it weird and ufortable to be around his grandpa, Elder Lee.

 Chapter 62 - Small Chat During Dinnertime

    <h4>Chapter 62: Small Chat During Dinnertime</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo felt more at ease when he saw that Qiao Nan did not have any reaction to what she just overheard.

    Ever since Qiao Dongliang agreed to this private job on behalf of Qiao Nan, during the weekdays Qiao Nan had to keep an eye on Zhu Baoguo in school, during the weekend she had to keep him in check at the Lee house.

    The Zhu family and Lee family did not harbor high hopes on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results. Their only wish was that he would mellow his temperament.

    During the past half month where Qiao Nan tutored him, both of the families never asked about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s performance.

    This weekend Qiao Zijin was back at home. She realized that Qiao Nan had gone out early on the Saturday morning. She frowned and asked her mother, ¡°Mom, where has Qiao Nan gone?¡±

    Where exactly did she read her books?

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan seems like a mouse nowadays. She seemed to have lots of mouse holes to go to. She spent the whole of the weekend outside instead of staying at home, you are just letting her be? Where did she keep her books? I don¡¯t suppose outsiders will keep her books for her without any charges?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Ding Jiayi prepared breakfast and ced them on the table. ¡°You better go brush up, have your breakfast and start studying. You must perform better than Qiao Nan. I am going off to work. As for other matters, we will talkter when I am back from work.¡±

    Ding Jiayi went off to work, not waiting for Qiao Zijin¡¯s response.

    ¡°Hmph, everyone seems really busy.¡± There was no one but her at home. The house felt so empty. Qiao Zijin felt ufortable.

    In the past, when it was the weekend, her father would be working while Qiao Nan would do the household chores. As for her, she would have a leisure chat with her mother. But now she was left all alone at home.

    Since she was free and she was not going to study if she stayed at home, why not she go out to look for Qiao Nan? She might discover her secret hiding ce.

    But she had a change of mind when she opened the door and was about to go out. Not to mention the quad, the total area of Ping Cheng was quite significant, where was she going to find Qiao Nan?

    After some thoughts, Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes and took out the romantic novel that she borrowed from the library out of her bag.

    Qiao Dongliang had decreased the allowance that he gave Qiao Zijin. Even if Ding Jiayi was working now and would give some money to her, Qiao Zijin still owed some external debts for the dance costume that she boughtst time. She had to save up money to return the debts.

    Hence she has decided if she wanted to read novels, she would not buy them, instead she would borrow them from the library. Not only could she save the money, she could also return the novel after she had finished reading them. In that case, no one would find out that she had been secretly reading these novels.

    Sheid down on her bed and read her favorite novel. A thought came to her mind. It was good to be at home by herself.

    If Qiao Nan was around, she mighte into her room and discovered that she was reading a novel andin to their parents.

    ¡°Nan Nan, now that I onlye home once a fortnight, we don¡¯t have the time to have a proper chat. Where have you been all day long?¡± During dinnertime in front of everyone, Qiao Zijin asked Qiao Nan this question. ¡°Even if you are to stay out for the whole day, you shoulde back for lunch.¡±

    In the beginning when there was only Qiao Zijin at home, she was d that she could have the house to herself and no one would be around to disturb her while she was reading her novels.

    But Qiao Zijin turned unhappy whenever it was lunchtime.

    Ding Jiayi was not at home, and Qiao Nan had went out, there was no one around to prepare lunch for her.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was clueless when it came to household chores. She was already scared out of wits by the worms in the vegetables, there was no way that she could cook for herself.

    Ding Jiayi who was in a rush did not think of that and had rushed off to work.

    Qiao Zijin searched through her parents¡¯ room, she found a fifty cent coin and used it to buy instant noodles. That was how she settled her lunch.

    It was only when Qiao Zijin mentioned lunch that Ding Jiayi remembered that the elder daughter did not know how to cook.

    But it was inappropriate to ask what the elder daughter had for lunch in front of Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Nan looked up from her bowl and curled her lips mockingly. This weekend was not the first weekend that she had been away. It had already been more than a month since she did note home on the weekend.

    Qiao Zijin only cared about her as her mother was off to work and there was no one around to prepare her lunch.

    ¡°Zijin, you don¡¯t have to worry about Nan Nan. She is at the Lee house. She¡¯s fine.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked embarrassed at the mention of this.

    Elder Lee specifically ordered that Qiao Nan have her meals at the Lee house. Qiao Dongliang knew that Elder Lee must have heard that she was malnourished.

    At the thought of that, Qiao Dongliang shot cold stares at Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang was furious when he knew that Ding Jiayi sought Elder Lee¡¯s help to enroll Qiao Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. But he did not pick a quarrel with Ding Jiayi. There was no use in quarreling, Qiao Zijin already went to that high school to study and she had made tremendous improvements.

    No matter how he kicked up a fuss, there would be no use. Qiao Dongliang could only keep quiet about this and pretended that he didn¡¯t know anything.

    ¡°Why would Nan Nan go to Grandpa Lee¡¯s house?¡± Qiao Zijin was stunned.

    ¡°To help Baoguo with his studies.¡±

    ¡°What, Nan Nan is helping Baoguo with his studies?¡± Qiao Zijin shrieked. Her voice was jarring and noisy, sounding like a duck that has been grabbed by its throat. ¡°Dad, you must be crazy. Nan Nan is already in junior high, she has to sit middle school exams next year. Her results havegged behind and there was not enough time to study. Now she still has to tutor Zhu Baoguo, how is she going to sit for her middle school exams?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s hand paused in the middle of eating. She nced at Qiao Zijin, her eyes twinkled in surprise.

    But in the next instant she was back to normal.

    Indeed, there were risks involved for her to tutor Zhu Baoguo.

    But what Qiao Zijin said was definitely not out of concern. She must be worried that if Qiao Nan grew closer to Zhu Baoguo, she would have the support of the Lee family and the Zhu family. Her future would be assured and Qiao Zijin could no longer be able to order her around like a ve. This was what Qiao Zijin was anxious about.

    They were siblings and had been sisters for two lifetimes, Qiao Nan knew what was on Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind.

    If not for the connections with the Zhu family and the Lee family, Qiao Zijin would not have volunteered to tutor Zhu Baoguo when Elder Lee visited Qiao¡¯s housest time.

    It was just that more than half a month had passed. Qiao Zijin thought that nothing had been finalized. She never thought that it had been agreed upon and Qiao Nan had already started to tutor Zhu Baoguo.

    Ding Jiayi who sat beside her gave Qiao Zijin a kick. ¡°Qiao Nan and your Dad knew what to do. There¡¯s no need for you to be concerned.¡±

    This child must be stupid. It would be Qiao Nan¡¯s problem if she did not do well in her exams.

    Since Qiao Nan had already given her promise, if she did not do well in her exams, she would never ask her parents to fork out five thousand yuan to enroll her into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    If she really did badly, she would not be shameless enough to continue with high school or college. It was an excellent idea for her to tutor Zhu Baoguo.

    Why would Zijin be so foolish?

    ¡°Nan Nan, can you cope with it?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned as well. This had never crossed his mind.

    But now that he knew about it, Qiao Dongliang was merely paying lip service. He did not seemed to be expecting a negative answer.

 Chapter 63 - The Biased Father

    <h4>Chapter 63: The Biased Father</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan replied coldly. ¡°I am full, I will go back to my room.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, there¡¯s no one to disturb you at home. Study hard, Dad believe that you can cope well.¡± Qiao Dongliang now knew that tutoring Zhu Baoguo might affect Qiao Nan¡¯s studies.

    At the Lee house, Qiao Nan could not concentrate on her studies. But back at her house, she could pay full attention to her revision.

    Qiao Dongliang had told Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin not to disturb Qiao Nan when she was at home. He also forbade Ding Jiayi from asking Qiao Nan to help out with household chores. He wanted her to have all the time to study.

    This was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s way ofpensating Qiao Nan.

    Since Qiao Nan could not help out, Qiao Zijin would have to do her share. It seemed like she also had some questions for her mother. ¡°Mom, why did you stop me just now?¡±

    ¡°You are usually very bright, why would you do such a foolish thing now?¡± Ding Jiayi bent down and peeped outside, checking to see if Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan had returned to their rooms. She then lowered her voice and said, ¡°Zhu Baoguo is known for his bad temper, everyone in the quad who hung out with him before was bullied by him. With people like Zhu Baoguo around, Qiao Nan will not be able to concentrate on her studies. He would not obey her as well. Qiao Nan has given her promise, if she does not do well in her middle school exams, it would be your Dad¡¯s fault. Your Dad cannot possibly me us for this. As long as she does badly in her exams, I will be able toe up with ways to make her quit school to work. By that time, the three of us will work to provide for your college fees. You can go to the best college in the Celestial Empire.¡±

    ¡°You could say that.¡± Qiao Zijin pursued her lips in annoyance, with a hint of doubt in her voice. ¡°But Mom, Grandpa Lee is a good man, he took care of Dad just because he wasrades with Grandpa. If Qiao Nan¡¯s studies fall behind after tutoring Zhu Baoguo, the Lee family and Zhu family would definitely do something about it. In any case, if Qiao Nan really did badly for her exams and wanted to work, it only take one word from Grandpa Lee to get her a good job.¡±

    No matter how hardworking and studious one was, it was uselesspared to a word from a influential person. That was why Qiao Zijin did not put efforts in her studies. She felt that it was a waste of time to study.

    ¡°That would be wonderful.¡± Ding Jiayi was beaming with excitement. ¡°If Qiao Nannded a good job, she would definitely be paid well. You can concentrate on your studies. I heard that lots of people who had good results went overseas to study. Though the expenses would be higher, if Qiao Nan has a high paying job, she would be able to provide for you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi painted a beautiful picture in her mind. This was the first time that she felt that it was a good idea for Qiao Dongliang to take on the private job on behalf of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijinughed bitterly, go overseas to study?

    With her current results, not to mention studying overseas, she would have to do well for the next two and a half years so as to get into a good college.

    ¡°Mom, Dad always ced a lot of importance on Qiao Nan and my studies. Why would he make such a decision?¡± Qiao Zijin could not understand Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°Others might not understand your Dad, but I have been living with him for years, I know him inside out. Your Dad is indebted to Uncle Lee. He wanted to repay the debt of gratitude that he owed Uncle Lee. But he was discharged from the army when Qiao Nan was born. This has always been a knot in his heart. Now that he finally had a chance to mend his rtionship with Uncle Lee and to repay his debts, your Dad was willing to sacrifice Qiao Nan¡¯s time for revision to help Uncle Lee. If taking the exams for someone else was allowed, he would even ask Qiao Nan to give up on her middle school exams and take the exams for Zhu Baoguo.¡±

    Her mother¡¯s words gave her a scare. Qiao Zijin asked in shock, ¡°My¡ªmy¡ªmy¡ªDad will actually do this. If it¡¯s me, will he treat me in the same way?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ding Jiayi said with confidence.

    ¡°Why?¡± Even if she might be an exception, Qiao Zijin had no confidence at all.

    When she heard her mother¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin was worried that what if there was a day that she had to be sacrificed in order to return Elder Lee¡¯s favor, her father would treat her in the way that he treated Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Do you think that it¡¯s only your Mom who favored sons? Your Dad favored sons as well, If not, we couldn¡¯t possibly have a second child. Though he kept silent about it, he wasn¡¯t that pleased after I gave birth to you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi sighed. After giving birth to the elder daughter, she had been through disappointment and frustration. But she and her husband had stable jobs, the three of them would still be able to lead a happy life.

    But in about two months after Qiao Zijin was born, Qiao Dongliang started to spend all his time in the army,ing with all sorts of excuses not to go home.

    If Qiao Dongliang was to stay in the army and worked hard, aiming for promotion, Ding Jiayi would not have anything toin about.

    But during that period hemitted several mistakes.

    He was thought to be the most likely candidate to be promoted to battalionmander, but after hemitted the mistakes, his promotion was dyed for several years.

    On top of that, Ding Jiayi was antagonized by her mother for not being able to bear sons. She then decided to give up everything to have a second child, hoping that they would have a son.

    As expected, after she brought up this suggestion, it didn¡¯t take very long or much persuasion for Qiao Dongliang to agree to leaving the army to have a second child.

    Qiao Zijin was boiling in anger at the mention of the topic of having sons. But Ding Jiayi¡¯s words that followed after appeased her anger.

    ¡°After giving birth to Qiao Nan, your Dad was so disappointed that he was not in the mood to work. I told him we could always treat you as a son and give you all the support and guidance that we would give to a son. We could take in a son-inw to bear the bride¡¯s family name. In that case, there would be no difference between a son and a daughter. That¡¯s the reason why you get to wear new clothes every year while Qiao Nan could only wear your hand-me-down and use those that you discarded. Your Dad never said anything about it or take the initiative to buy anything for her. That¡¯s because Qiao Nan would eventually get married and leave the family, but you would be staying with us. But I didn¡¯t know that your Dad would give her some money here and there, and that she would seize the opportunity to save up the money.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had no idea that there was more to it behind her differential treatment at home.

    If her mother told her father that Qiao Nan should stay with the family and they would take in a son-inw for her, would she and Qiao Nan be treated in a vastly different manner now?

    Luckily she was the child that her mother doted on and Qiao Nan was not.

    Qiao Zijin hugged Ding Jiayi¡¯s arm and said affectionately, ¡°Mom, you are so good to me.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you are the only one that I dote on. Don¡¯t disappoint me, keep up the good work. When it¡¯s New Year time, do well in your exams and make me proud.¡± Ding Jiayi was delighted at her beloved daughter¡¯s affectionate gestures.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I will work hard.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled, if her father saw her to be as important as a son, even if her results are not satisfactory, her father would not ask her to give up on her studies. This piece of news was akin to granting her amnesty.

    To think that back then she feared that with her poor results and theck of money at home, she might be the one who had to quit school and work. Hence she opened the windows in Qiao Nan¡¯s room in the middle of the night, hoping that Qiao Nan woulde down with sickness, and she would be the only one at home who was still studying.

 Chapter 64 - You Had An Express Delivery

    <h4>Chapter 64: You Had An Express Delivery</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After she had cleared all her doubts, Qiao Zijin was at ease now. She swung her barely wet hands and was about to leave.

    Qiao Zijin turned around and saw Qiao Nan standing by the kitchen doorway with a cup in her hand. She was staring directly at her. Qiao Zijin shrieked in rm, her heart in her throat. ¡°Nan... Nan Nan, wh-why are you here?¡±

    Had Nan Nan overheard the conversation that she had with Ding Jiayi? How much of the conversation did she overhear?

    Ding Jiayi was also shocked at the sudden appearance of Qiao Nan, not to mention Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi might be capable of ruthless and shameless acts, but she could not bring herself to say it or admit it in front of Qiao Nan, especially when she had been caught unawares by her.

    ¡°I want to pour myself a drink.¡± Qiao Nan waved at the cup in her hands and shot an aloof look at Qiao Zijin, ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled awkwardly. This was not her concern at all. ¡°Nan Nan, let me pour you a drink?¡±

    Qiao Zijin just found out the truth from Ding Jiayi behind her father¡¯s attitude towards she and Qiao Nan. She had a guilty conscience when she saw Qiao Nan and felt sorry for her.

    ¡°No need, I am okay.¡± Qiao Nan was not the least bit happy at Qiao Zijin¡¯s efforts to please her. In fact she had goosebumps all over her.

    Her experience from the two lifetimes told her that whenever Qiao Zijin treated her with a slightly better attitude, there must be something that she wanted from her.

    She would rather be treated with arrogance and coldness, than to face Qiao Zijin¡¯s smiling countenance.

    After Qiao Nan poured herself a drink and left the kitchen, Qiao Zijin asked Ding Jiayi, ¡°Mom, do you think Qiao Nan overheard our conversation or not?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think she has overheard our conversation. She would not have had this kind of reaction.¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief as well.

    ¡°Luckily she didn¡¯t.¡± Qiao Zijin patted her chest, she had the shock of her life at seeing Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi might have nothing to fear regarding Qiao Nan, but it was not the same for Qiao Zijin. She was not ready to lose this younger sister totally.

    ¡°Alright, you should go and do your schoolwork. I will finish up the chores. Even if that wretched girl did overhear our conversation, it was nothing but the truth. Besides it was all your father¡¯s doing. It has nothing to do with us. Good girl, go back to your room.¡± Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on the shoulder. She was no longer preupied with Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude.

    Ding Jiayi had never been affected by Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Zijin returned to her room in high spirits. Even if her results were not as good as Qiao Nan¡¯s, she was the most important person in the house. There was no way that Qiao Nan couldpete with her.

    It turned out that her father was also biased towards her. Thoughpared to her mother, he might be slightly fairer.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin felt cool and refreshed, as if she had a ss of spring water in the hot summer.

    While Qiao Zijin rolled around in happiness on her bed, Qiao Nan as usual was poring over her books, studying conscientiously.

    The weekend flew past, Qiao Zijin went back to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, while Qiao Nan stuck to her usual routine ¨C going to school, the Zhai¡¯s house and Qiao¡¯s house.

    This day, someone from the reception office informed Qiao Nan that someone had left her a parcel, notifying her to collect it.

    Qiao Nan was confused. Someone sent her a parcel? Who would that be?

    That was impossible.

    Had the staff at the reception office made a mistake? There was only one Qiao Nan in the whole school, but could there be homonyms?

    Qiao Nan went to the reception office and raised her doubts. But the staff said that the person who made the delivery had gave her name and even stated the ss that she was in.

    Unless there were two persons by the name of Qiao Nan in Secondary three (1) ss, this delivery was meant for Qiao Nan.

    After hearing what the staff from the reception office said, Qiao Nan could only take the parcel with her. When she returned to the ssroom, many of the ssmates stole nces at her, staring at her while she walked in.

    The end of the 20th century was unlike the 21st century where parcel delivery was verymon. It was very rare that someone sent a parcel and left it at the reception office.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Zhao Yu snorted in annoyance. There was nothing to be smug about, it was just a delivery. If she wanted a parcel, she could also ask her mother to send her one.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Her desk mate Zhu Baoguo craned his neck like a swan, with his eyes fixed on Qiao Nan. He was dying to get his hand on the parcel and to see for himself what was inside.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Unlike people her age who were impatient and fretful, Qiao Nan was calm andposed. She took her time to open the parcel.

    The parcel was squarish and heavy. Qiao Nan surmised that it might have been books.

    As expected, when she opened the parcel, there were books inside. In fact, there were revision books.

    There were revision books for the sciences subjects.

    Qiao Nan flipped the books open. There were simple exnations and concepts inside the revision books. These books were hard to find in the times now. Most people would not be able to buy them.

    To Qiao Nan, these books came at an opportune time. She was thrilled to have these books.

    Qiao Nan had been worrying about her weak foundation in sciences subjects. Despite revising and grasping some of the simple arithmetic concepts, she would be confused whenever she applied all of the arithmetic concepts simultaneously. It was undoubtedly a timely help to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was not worried about those questions that required the application of a single concept. Her biggest worry was thoseplicated questions that required her to apply multiple concepts.

    In the Celestial Empire, the exams ced a big focus on doing huge amounts of exercises and problem sums. To Qiao Nan, it would definitely be useful to do lots of practises and exercises.

    ¡°Oh, we do not have these books here. There are very popr in the national capital as well, but there aren¡¯t many in stock. Which of your friends is so nice to send you this as a gift?¡± Zhu Baoguo could tell at one nce that the books were not easily avable.

    Of course, people like him could get their hands on anything they wanted.

    Zhu Baoguo had a cousin who once unted this volume of books to him. His intention was to make him jealous. But Zhu Baoguo was unaffected, he did not even bother to take a nce at the books.

    ¡°It was this popr?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. She was unfamiliar with the consumer market here.

    But who would have sent her these books, could it be...

    Impossible.

    A person came to her mind. But Qiao Nan shook her head, intuition told her that it could not be him. But if it was not him, Qiao Nan could not think of another person who would do this for her.

    It was impossible that the rtives of Qiao¡¯s family would buy these books. Her father had no rtives, as for the rtives from her mother¡¯s side, it was all the more impossible for them to buy these books.

    All her blood rtions would not buy it for her. If her closest kin would not put in these efforts, who in the world would be so nice to her?

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Zhu Baoguo prodded her shoulder, ¡°You really have no idea who bought you these books?¡±

 Chapter 65 - Shared My Mother With You

    <h4>Chapter 65: Shared My Mother With You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No idea.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head honestly.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, on the ount that we are ssmates, I must remind you, these books seem to be very costly. The reception office might have the wrong person. You had better handle the books with care and do not make any scribblings. If not, you might not be able to pay for the books.¡± Zhao Yu gloated at the thought. There was no way that someone would give Qiao Nan these books as a present.

    ¡°It¡¯s only worth a few yuan, why can¡¯t my sister afford it?¡± Zhu Baoguo red at her in anger.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you may be rich, but that¡¯s your business. Qiao Nan did not have the money. Qiao Nan, you are not thinking of using Zhu Baoguo¡¯s money to pay for the books?¡±

    The more protective Zhu Baoguo was of Qiao Nan, the more frustrated Zhao Yu was.

    Zhao Yu was aware that Zhu Baoguo and Zhu family had lots of money. She could tell from the fact that someone drove him to school every morning.

    In this school, there were not many students who had a chauffeur to take them to school. Zhu Baoguo came from an established family.

    ¡°You do not have to worry about that.¡± Qiao Nan kept the books. Zhao Yu¡¯s words might be hurtful but they made sense. Even if the staff at the reception office made it very clear that the sender had specified that the parcel was for her, it would not hurt to be careful.

    Besides, there was no need to make notes on the books. She had lots of rough paper. Her teachers were very generous with rough paper.

    Zhu Baoguo found it incredulous that Qiao Nan could maintain herposure despite Zhao Yu¡¯s hurtful words. ¡°She was trying to mess with you, yet you are not angry?¡±

    ¡°That would be a waste of energy and time.¡±

    ¡°Why does she always say that of you? Are you very poor?¡±

    Qiao Nan who was reading the books paused for a second, ¡°I have always been poor.¡±

    In her previous lifetime, in the eight years of school before she quit and started to work, she had never once used a new eraser or a new pen. All of her stationery was that which Qiao Zijin had no use of.

    As time passed, her ssmates eventually noticed that.

    In her previous lifetime, part of the reason why Qiao Nan quit school and submitted to Ding Jiayi¡¯s wishes was also due to that.

    Unlike Zhao Yu who wouldugh and tease her to her face, in her previous life, most people would talk behind her back. Qiao Nan had overheard their conversations for a few times.

    As a child growing up in that kind of environment, this gossiping and badmouthing would hurt one¡¯s feelings, not to mention the fact that children at this age were very sensitive.

    At that time Qiao Nan was only a child, she could not take all the gossiping and grew to be very quiet in ss. Other than her teachers, no one liked her.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Nan was still used to being alone, she did not intend to make friends. But at the very least she would no longer feel ashamed when people made hurtful remarks just like what Zhao Yu had said to her just now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have the money.¡± Zhu Baoguo patted his chest out of loyalty. He had nothing except loads of money.

    ¡°Silly.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. No wonder he was beaten up by hooligans. What a bad mouth he had. He was not good with words and was not likable at all.

    ¡°You are the silly one. Lots of people are queuing up to have my money. But it all depends on my mood. I am offering it to you, yet you reject me?¡± When Zhu Baoguo was not at school, he would always have a bunch of sidekicks with him.

    ¡°You areparing me with them? Why didn¡¯t these peoplee to your help when you were beaten to a pulp?¡± Qiao Nanughed.

    Zhu Baoguo was just like a deted balloon, he was stumped for words. ¡°I wanted to be nice to you.¡±

    Cupping her chin in her hands, Qiao Nan looked askance at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Your Mom passed away at an early age, I have a Mom, shall I share my Mom with you?¡±

    If her mother had a son like Zhu Baoguo, she would be thrilled. She would definitely treat him well as if he was her biological son.

    ¡°You are courting death!¡± Zhu Baoguo smashed his fists on the table, his eyes red in anger. ¡°Mother¡± was a taboo for Zhu Baoguo. Whoever said it would be in for trouble.

    ¡°Look, isn¡¯t it the same?¡± Other people might be afraid of Zhu Baoguo, but Qiao Nan was not. ¡°I may be poor now, but I will earn lots of money in the future. I do not need your money.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Zhu Baoguo could not stay angry but he was also displeased with her words. Looking at Qiao Nan, he could not wait to bite at something to ease his frustration.

    Zhu Baoguo jumped around in frustration, as if he had ticks on him. Qiao Nan looked at him and sighed, ¡°This character of mine, I do not know how to get along well with others and would offend others unknowingly. I have a sharp tongue and my words might hurt others.¡±

    Qiao Nan could sense that Zhu Baoguo was sincere and genuine about making friends with her.

    It was rare that someone treated her with kindness, she could not bear to shut him out.

    But this was her personality. There were some habits that she just could not change.

    To put it bluntly, both of them were problematic kids, it would be difficult to get along with each other.

    ¡°I am a man, I wouldn¡¯t argue with you.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes spewed fire. But Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation doused his anger. It was as if ice water was being poured over the zing fire.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows in surprise when she saw that Zhu Baoguo had calmed down and was no longer angry with her.

    Zhu Baoguo was known for his bad temper. Most people would not be able to ept her exnation, yet Zhu Baoguo epted it. He was a good kid after all.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at, didn¡¯t you say that you would rather look at the books than at me? Look at your books!¡± Zhu Baoguo blushed in embarrassment. He covered Qiao Nan¡¯s face with the books, avoiding her eyes.

    Qiao Nanughed. It seemed like Zhu Baoguo would make a worthy friend.

    ¡°What¡¯s there tough about? To show off your white teeth?¡± Zhu Baoguo had rxed and was no longer angry.

    Zhu Baoguo knew that those ¡°brothers¡± that followed him around in the past were only after his money, they were not sincere in making friends with him. They hung around him for his money, but would be the first to run off when he was in trouble.

    But Qiao Nan was different. She had saved his life and ever since knowing him, despite his prominent family background, she had never sucked up to him or asked him for favors. Even if he wanted to treat her differently, she also refused vehemently.

    Zhu Baoguo was not stupid, he could tell if one was sincere or not.

    If one could have a sincere and loyal friend, no one would like to mix with fair-weather friends. But it was just that Zhu Baoguo had never had the chance in the past.

    Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes reddened, she was full of anger and jealousy when she saw how unaffected Zhu Baoguo was by Qiao Nan¡¯s blunt words, and that they seemed to be closer than before.

    She remembered there was once when someone mentioned about Zhu Baoguo¡¯ste mother in front of him, and Zhu Baoguo gave that person a furious kick.

 Chapter 66 - Did Well or Did Badly

    <h4>Chapter 66: Did Well or Did Badly</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If not for the bystanders who stopped him, judging from his ferocious look, Zhu Baoguo might have beaten that person to death.

    When other people mentioned Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother, he would beat them up, so how could Qiao Nan escape his wrath when she spoke of his mother? This was unfair.

    Zhao Yu who was thinking about this did not realize that there was no fairness in these things. There was no valid reason behind her enmity towards Qiao Nan as well.

    No matter how bitter Zhao Yu felt, Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo had been getting along well with each other.

    Time flew past. Qiao Nan had just started to make changes to her sorrowful life that she had in the previous lifetime. But in a blink, half of the semester had passed.

    Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were both preparing for their mid-term exams.

    Qiao Nan was better preparedpared to thest time. In fact, she was looking forward to the mid-term exams. She wanted to know how her revision was going.

    Even if the exams might not be an urate indication of how she did for her revision, at the very least she would have a rough gauge of her standard.

    Aspared to Qiao Nan who was full of anticipation, Zhu Baoguo did not have confidence in the exams. ¡°If I did not do well, would you... Would you look down on me?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for you not to do well?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. She had only tutored Zhu Baoguo for about a month, unless he cheated in the exams, if not it was impossible for him to do well.

    ¡°Right, forget that I said it.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s words might seemed like she was looking down on Zhu Baoguo, but what she said was the truth.

    They had known each other for more than a month. Zhu Baoguo had been used to her way of speaking. She would not beat about the bush and she would always hurt others inadvertently with her blunt truths.

    School ended earlier as the students were having exams. Qiao Nan did not feel like going home, so she went to the Lee house with Zhu Baoguo to do revision.

    Elder Lee knew that ording to the school schedule, his grandson was in the midst of his mid-term exams.

    He thought of asking about his exams.

    Elder Lee had neglected his grandson for years. Now that he wanted to mend their rtionship, he realized that he had no idea how tomunicate with him.

    Besides, his grandson never used to put his mind into studying. He should not harbor any hopes of him doing well for his exams.

    Especially when he saw that as soon as his grandson and Qiao Nan reached Lee house, he did not y around, instead he took out his books and started reading.

    Upon seeing that, Elder Lee told himself, it was within his expectation if his grandson had done badly for his exams. But even so, he was still happy with his change of attitude.

    By the time Qiao Nan reached home, everyone was home. Despite a day of work, Ding Jiayi was not tired, she hung around Qiao Zijin, asking about her results for the mid-term exams.

    Ding Jiayi had a job now and she got to know more people. Moreover she had two daughters, thus she naturally knew that her daughters would be having mid-term exams around this time of the year.

    ¡°Nan Nan is back.¡± Qiao Dongliang was full of smiles, his tone full of affection.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows when she saw the attitude of her parents. It seemed that Qiao Zijin had done pretty well in her mid-term exams.

    It would be a festive mood in the Qiao family whenever Qiao Zijin did well in her exams. But when Qiao Nan had good results, she would only get a ¡°Good¡± from Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Nan Nan, your sister had her mid-term exams. How about you?¡± Unlike the cold and indifferent attitude of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang was concerned about Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I had my exams, I just finished them today.¡± Qiao Nan put down her bag and poured herself a cup of water.

    In Elder Lee¡¯s house, their nanny would always serve her tea, but she was used to drinking in water.

    ¡°How do you think you did for your exams?¡±

    ¡°No idea, I have to see the results to know.¡± Qiao Nan felt good about her exams, she felt more confidentpared to herst exams.

    But it seemed that Qiao Zijin had done well in her exams, hence Qiao Nan did not bother to say too much, lest she dampen her parents¡¯ high spirits.

    When Qiao Zijin was in the limelight, it would not be good for Qiao Nan to steal her limelight, if not her mother would not let her off.

    Qiao Zijin was happy at Qiao Nan¡¯s words, she lifted her chin and said, ¡°Nan Nan did you flunk your exams likest time? You should have an idea of how you do for the exams. But it¡¯s okay, do not be too anxious. I can catch up on my grades, so can you. Besides your results have always been good.¡±

    ¡°You really flunked your exams?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s countenance wobbled, could it be that Nan Nan¡¯s results were affected as she had to tutor Baoguo?

    If so, should she continue to tutor Baoguo?

    At the next moment, Qiao Dongliang put his heart to rest. If Qiao Nan did not do well in her exams, he would not need to say another word, and the Lee family would get another tutor for Zhu Baoguo. After all, if Qiao Nan¡¯s results were as bad as Zhu Baoguo, she could not help him.

    By that time, when the younger daughter no longer needed to tutor Zhu Baoguo, she would have more time for revision and would be able to catch up.

    ¡°I am not too sure. It¡¯s more or less that way.¡± Qiao Nan did not cherish much hope for Qiao Dongliang. She gave a faint smile and did not say much as usual.

    ¡°In terms of studies, as one advances to another level, it gets more and more difficult, but this should be the case. As the saying goes, ¡®A man at five may be a fool at fifteen¡¯, Zijin is so smart and hardworking.¡± Ding Jiayi felt proud and ted, she could finally hold her head high.

    Five thousand yuan was nothing. No matter how much it was worth, it was iparable to the future and prospects of the elder daughter.

    The teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were really capable, better than the others.

    When Ding Jiayi was at work, she would always chat with her colleagues about Qiao Zijin who studied at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Everyone in Ping Cheng knew about The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Anyone who managed to enroll into the high school must have been very intelligent and had good future prospects.

    When her colleagues heard that Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter was studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, they were full of praise for Qiao Zijin, saying that she must be very smart and that she would be sessful in the future. Ding Jiayi could be assured that she could lead a good life.

    Ding Jiayi found it inappropriate to tell them that her daughter did not do very well for her middle school exams and that she spent some money to enroll her into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    If not she would love to tell them that the teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were really capable. After studying at the high school, Qiao Zijin who was once an average student had improved tremendously and was the top student now.

    Ding Jiayi had absolute trust in Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. It never crossed her mind that if the teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were capable of creating miracles, making a silk purse out of a sow¡¯s ear, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would be full of top students, no one would have bad results.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious, since Zijin managed to catch up on her results, Nan Nan can do it as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi in disapproval.

    ¡°How could it be the same? How can the teachers at the other schools beparable to the teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± In this life, Qiao Nan could never have the chance of studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Therefore there was no way that she could catch up on her studies.

    ¡°That¡¯s simple. Since Zijin can study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, why can¡¯t Nan Nan?¡±

 Chapter 67 - Results Are Coming Out

    <h4>Chapter 67: Results Are Coming Out</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s results used to be better than Zijin, it would be good if she could go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she would be able to catch up on her studies.¡±

    Qiao Dongliangughed coldly.

    ¡°No, she had already said that if her results are not satisfactory she wouldn¡¯t go to that high school. We do not have so much money at home!¡± Ding Jiayi turned green with anger. She did not wish to see that Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin had the same treatment.

    ¡°I have said before, you will take care of Zijin while I am in charge of Nan Nan. I wouldn¡¯t take the money from our house. If she really did badly, I will think of other ways.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi with a forced smile on his face. ¡°If I do not have the abilities, there would be someone who has the abilities.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I am hungry, shall we make dinner?¡± Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were about to break into a fight and the topic made Qiao Zijin ufortable. She cut in and tried to stop them.

    Her mother had spent all the money at home. If her father wanted to send Qiao Nan to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, he would have to seek Grandpa Lee¡¯s help to fork out a sum of money.

    Her father would definitely have to borrow that money.

    Anything borrowed had to be returned.

    If their family had external debts and had not enough to feed all of them, given her character, her mother would definitely tighten the purse strings and cut down on her allowances so as to save the money to repay the debts.

    All said, the money that was supposed to be spent on her would then be used for Qiao Nan¡¯s enrollment.

    Most importantly, when Qiao Dongliang mentioned that he might look for external help, Qiao Zijin was worried that he might seek Elder Lee¡¯s help. He might spill the truth about the secret to her enrollment.

    Her mother had gathered that the Qiao family and Lee family had not been in contact with each other for ages.

    Since they had not been keeping in touch, Grandpa Lee would help them on the ount that it was thest request that the Qiao family had of him.

    By then, she would have settled the enrollment problem and her father would not find out the truth. This would be kept a secret forever.

    But now that Qiao family and Lee family were in contact with each other, if Grandpa Lee was to tell her father about the truth, Qiao Zijin could not imagine the thunderstorms that would be stirred up in her family.

    After pulling Ding Jiayi to the kitchen, Qiao Zijin said, ¡°Mom, stop picking on Nan Nan in front of Dad. We are the ones who would suffer in the end.¡± In particr her!

    ¡°As long as Qiao Nan has agreed to it, it doesn¡¯t matter how Dad thinks about it. But if you continue with your ways and agitate Dad, he might borrow money from Grandpa Lee to get Qiao Nan into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. By then, not only would we have a lot of external debts, Grandpa Lee might mention my enrollment to Dad. What do you think his reaction will be?¡±

    Even if there was no way for Qiao Nan to quit school and work, her mother should try to cut down on Qiao Nan¡¯s expenses, lest her father spent too much of his hard-earned money on her.

    Her mother had always been quarreling with her father. Because of all these quarrels, her father had given the money that was meant for her to Qiao Nan instead!

    ¡°If he could seek Uncle Lee¡¯s help for Qiao Nan, he would not dare to raise his voice at me if he finds out that I have been to Grandpa Lee regarding your enrollment. Aren¡¯t they the same?¡± Ding Jiayi refused to admit defeat, but her tone calmed down. ¡°Forget it, I will not pick on that wretched girl on your ount. It would be a waste of my time and energy to pick on her.¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s good that you can straighten out your thoughts.¡± Qiao Zijin was relieved that Ding Jiayi was willing to listen to her.

    Qiao Zijin noticed that whenever her parents quarreled, Qiao Nan would be the one who benefited from it, while she was the one on the losing end.

    During dinnertime, Ding Jiayi had a change of attitude, she no longer picked on Qiao Nan. Instead she concentrated on praising Qiao Zijin, saying that she would definitely be able to get into a first tier university and study at the capital.

    When Qiao Zijin found a job, settled down and have a family at the capital, she and Qiao Dongliang would stay with Qiao Zijin at the capital, leading a life of leisure andfort.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s countenance did not changed when he heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, in fact his silence seemed to say that he agreed with her.

    Qiao Nan buried her face andughed at her parents¡¯ reaction.

    In the previous life, Qiao Zijin was married to Chen Jun, she stayed in a small vi and had a limousine. But even so, she did not give a single cent to her parents, in fact, they had to give her money instead.

    In this life, it sounded amusing and hrious to say that Qiao Zijin would take care of her parents and let them live infort.

    It reminded her of a popr saying yearster: Fantasy is always good, but the reality is always cruel.

    Qiao Nan who was well aware of Qiao Zijin¡¯s selfishness, could not help but hand it to her when she looked to be in high spirits at her mother¡¯s words.

    The Qiao Zijin in this life would not have agreed to her mother¡¯s words as well. When her mother said that Qiao Zijin would have to bear the responsibility of taking care of her parents, she could still talk animatedly without batting an eyelid and nodded in agreement to her mother¡¯s words. Qiao Nan smirked, it was no wonder that she was totally defeated by Qiao Zijin in the previous life.

    Even in this life, she could never match up to the glib-tongued Qiao Zijin.

    On Sunday, Ding Jiayi sent off Qiao Zijin in high spirits, with hopes that she would bring back good news with her. The next day morning, Qiao Dongliang thought for a while and said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Don¡¯t be too worried or give yourself too much stress. It¡¯s okay if you did not do well. It¡¯s only half of a semester. Besides, there¡¯s still half a year to go. We can take things slowly. Even if you really did badly, as long as you wanted to study, I will definitely support you.¡±

    As for whether he would fork out the money for Qiao Nan to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China like Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang dared not make a promise right now.

    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan gave Qiao Dongliang a rxed smile, took her bag and left before him.

    ¡°Hmph, she is really shameless. She could still smile when she did badly in her exams.¡± Ding Jiayi had a look of disdain on her face as she watched Qiao Nan left the house.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Qiao Dongliang snarled and chided Ding Jiayi. ¡°Have you forgotten what I said previously? You have no say over Nan Nan¡¯s affairs. Since you don¡¯t wish to take care of her, then you have to relinquish all your authority over her. Not a word from you ever.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Ding Jiayi muttered grumpily. ¡°I am going off to work, remember to close all the doors and windows before leaving.¡±

    She did not have the time and effort to pick on Qiao Nan.

    Rather than wasting time on Qiao Nan, she would rather think of ways to work hard and to earn more money so as to send Zijin to the university and for overseas studies.

    ¡°You are here?¡± Zhu Baoguo reached school earlier than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You are so early?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes flickered in surprise. ¡°Has hell frozen over?¡±

    Ever sinceing back to school, though Zhu Baoguo did not y truant or arrivete, he was never this early before.

    ¡°I woke up early today, is there anything wrong?¡± Zhu Baoguo turned his face sideways, avoiding Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Whenever she looked into his eyes, he had the feeling that he could hide nothing from her. It was so strange, after all she was just a youngdy.

 Chapter 68 - Got Back On Track

    <h4>Chapter 68: Got Back On Track</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No problem at all.¡± Qiao Nan knew when to draw the line. She knew that if she was to continue, Zhu Baoguo might turn hostile.

    The first lesson in the morning was the form teacher, Teacher Chen¡¯s lessons, Mathematics. Teacher Chen walked into the ssroom in high spirits.

    Most of the students breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Teacher Chen¡¯s expression. It seemed like they did not do too badly in the exams.

    It was the mid-term exams after all, the second most important exams in a semester. Very few students could be indifferent towards their results, especially when they were in a good ss.

    ¡°For this mid-term exams, the ss¡¯s results were satisfactory. I am very pleased that some of the students have made improvements.¡± Teacher Chen cast a nce in the direction of Qiao Nan.

    Those students who noticed Teacher Chen¡¯s expression make noises at their seats. It seemed that Teacher Chen was in high spirits as Qiao Nan had done well. The teacher was so good to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°But everyone must bear this in mind, one must be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. We must continue to work hard and make improvements. I will hand out the papers now. Qiao Nan.¡±

    Teacher Chen did not announce the results, but Qiao Nan¡¯s paper was ced on the top of the stack. It was obvious that Teacher Chen had taken a look at the papers before arriving at the ssroom.

    A lot of the students craned their necks trying to get a glimpse of Qiao Nan¡¯s results. But she folded the papers in half as soon as she received it and returned to her seat.

    Everyone could only see the ticks on the questions, with no indication of any deduction in marks.

    ¡°100 points?¡± Zhu Baoguo arched his eyebrows. His desk mate was so extraordinary, her results were truly outstanding.

    ¡°It would be good if its 100 points.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°98 points.¡±

    Qiao Nan had a rough gauge of her marks before receiving her papers.

    She was confident about the new knowledge learned in this semester. But thest question in the ¡°fill in the nks¡± section of the Maths paper was much moreplicated and difficult. Even though she did not leave it nk, she had no confidence in getting it correct.

    As expected, she saw a cross on that question, and two marks being deducted.

    ¡°That¡¯s a very good result.¡± Zhu Baoguo said in surprise. ¡°Did you think that it would be that easy to score 90 points and above and that it was thatmon to score 95 points and above just like in the elementary school?¡±

    He clicked his tongue. For him, it would be marvelous if he could score 89 points, not to mention 98 points.

    Though Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo were whispering to each other, a lot of the students had overheard their conversation. They were all surprised at Qiao Nan¡¯s grade of 98 points.

    No wonder Teacher Chen said that Qiao Nan had made tremendous improvements. She was only a few marks short of a perfect score. It was not easy to get this result.

    She was the top student after all. It was only not long ago that she fell below her standard. Yet she had got back on track in such a short period of time.

    By the time everyone got their papers, Teacher Chen said, ¡°The highest score in our ss for Mathematics was 98 points. But the highest score in the level was 99.5 points. That student left out a period in the answer. We must put in extra efforts and to take this as a learning example, not tomit the same mistake. This deduction of half a point is a pity, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    A sheer pity.

    If not for the period, it could have been a perfect score. There was nothing that was more unjust than this.

    ¡°Alright let¡¯s analyze the papers now.¡± Teacher Chen went through the papers quickly, highlighting the parts where most of the students did not answer correctly. Of course, the question in ¡°fill in the nks¡± section with a hundred percent failure rate was the main highlight of the discussion.

    ¡°Alright, the lesson is over.¡±

    Qiao Nan waited for Teacher Chen to leave the ssroom before stretching her hand towards Zhu Baoguo, ¡°Don¡¯t hide it anymore, let me take a look at your paper.¡±

    ¡°No, why should I give my paper to you?¡± Zhu Baoguo stiffened, he wished that he could tear up his papers right in front of Qiao Nan.

    Aspared to Qiao Nan¡¯s paper which had such pretty results, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s paper was just like the scene of a traffic ident, it was a horrible sight to see.

    ¡°Would I not know where¡¯s your standard? Do you think I would have other thoughts after looking at your papers?¡± Qiao Nan sighed. If she was to judge someone based on results, she would not have wasted her time on Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Elder Lee only wanted me to keep an eye on you, he did not want me to make sure that you do well for your exams. I wanted to look at your papers as I treated you as my friend. If you do not wish for me to look at your paper, I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead and have a look.¡± Zhu Baoguo was appeased by Qiao Nan¡¯s words. He rxed his tight lips and handed the papers to Qiao Nan reluctantly.

    Qiao Nan was as calm as the dead sea when she looked at her papers, But when she looked at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s papers, she widened her eyes and had a look of surprise on her face.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face reddened in anger. ¡°You, you hand it back to me!¡± Didn¡¯t she say that she would not judge someone based on results. What does Xiao Qiao mean by her expression? Were his results way below her expectations?

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, I have realized that you are very bright.¡± Qiao Nan praised him while looking through his papers.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are you praising Zhu Baoguo or mocking him?¡± Zhao Yu smirked. Everyone knew where Zhu Baoguo¡¯s standard was, it would have been difficult for someone like him who never turn up for school to pass the exams. How could Zhu Baoguo be associated with being bright?

    If Qiao Nan wanted to suck up to Zhu Baoguo, she should not have gone to such extremes.

    Zhu Baoguo red in anger, ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Qiao Nan might not be the type who would mock him, but it would be impossible to praise him.

    Nobody would praise him for having such a bad result. He could not bring himself to say his own grades.

    ¡°Take a look at it yourself.¡± Qiao Nan ced the papers in front of Zhu Baoguo. ¡°You haven¡¯t been to school for a long time. I went through the new knowledge that was taught in this semester with you. This few questions, and this question, and the other few questions. You have got the answers correctly for most of the questions that tested on the topics that I covered with you. As for those that you answered wrongly, they were all those that I did not go through with you. Zhu Baoguo, you are really quite brilliant. I only went through them once with you, yet you can take in all the information and concepts.¡±

    Qiao Nan meant it with her sincerest heart when she praised Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo definitely had the knack for Science subjects.

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s detailed exnation, Zhu Baoguo knew that Qiao Nan meant it from the bottom of her heart when she praised him.

    Zhu Baoguo was used to being scolded. As it was the first time someone had praised him, he blushed in embarrassment and felt awkward. ¡°That, that, as long as I put my heart into it, there¡¯s nothing that I wouldn¡¯t excel in. Of course, you have done a good job teaching me.¡±

    Compared to the teachers that his grandpa hired for him previously, other than their temper, they were also not good in teaching. He could not take in what they said at all.

    ¡°Keep up the good work, you would surpass me and make huge improvements in the future.¡± Qiao Nan could feel the pressure.

 Chapter 69 - â€˜Thrilledâ€™ to â€˜Deathâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 69: ¡®Thrilled¡¯ to ¡®Death¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had been through rebirth, herprehension skills and receptive abilities should be stronger than her peers.

    More importantly, she had a goal in mind, hence she would put in efforts to work towards her goals. It was normal for her to improve gradually.

    But it was different for Zhu Baoguo. He was not the least bit interested, he was dragged into studying by Qiao Nan.

    He did not put in much effort yet he made tremendous improvements. Compared to her, Zhu Baoguo had the talent for studying.

    ¡°Come, exin to me how to solve this problem.¡± Zhu Baoguo lifted his chin, proud of Qiao Nan¡¯s surprised expression.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s bring out your Mathematics book first. Let¡¯s go through some knowledge points before we talk about the solutions.¡±

    The second lesson was Chinese. Aspared to the joyous expression on Teacher Chen¡¯s face, Teacher Lee only looked slightly better thanst time. ¡°Hand out the papers, have a look and do some reflection.¡±

    Obviously Teacher Lee¡¯s words was directed at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Teacher Lee, I will give out the papers.¡± Zhao Yu smiled. She scored lower than Qiao Nan for Maths, but judging from Teacher Lee¡¯s expression, she definitely scored better than Qiao Nan!

    She was all thrilled to hand out the papers. She still remembered that previously Qiao Nan scored 85 points while she scored 89 points.

    ¡°Alright, take them.¡± Teacher Lee passed the papers to Zhao Yu.

    Zhao Yu knew which group the students belonged to. She only had to hand the papers to the person sitting in the first row and they would pass down the papers. She was quite efficient in handing down the papers.

    While handing out the papers, Zhao Yu saw her results¡ª88 points, it was not too bad, though her resultst time was higher by one mark.

    She finally reached Qiao Nan¡¯s papers. As soon as she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s name on the papers, her eyes searched for the results. Her smile froze on her face. 92 marks?!

    Zhao Yu was stunned, she stopped handing out the papers and started to flip through Qiao Nan¡¯s paper. She couldn¡¯t believe that Qiao Nan would score above 90 marks for her Chinese in such a short period of time. The teachers must have made a mistake.

    She saw that Qiao Nan¡¯s essay had the same score as before, only one mark was deducted from the essay. On the other hand, five marks was deducted from Zhao Yu¡¯s essay. Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s essay, she felt as if she was being pped on the face.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, this is Qiao Nan¡¯s paper. Aren¡¯t you going to give them out? The student who sat in front of Nan Nan saw that Zhao Yu stood frozen on the spot with Qiao Nan¡¯s papers and made no move to hand them out. The student said out of impatience, ¡°No matter how you stare at it, Qiao Nan scored 92 points for her Chinese, it couldn¡¯t be wrong.¡±

    The student¡¯s usation made a defeated Zhao Yu flush in embarrassment.

    She clenched her fist and tried to contain the tears swimming in her eyes. She handed out the rest of the papers in silence and returned to her seat.

    She did not hear a single word of what Teacher Lee said thereafter.

    When the school bells rang, Zhao Yu sat bent motionless over her desk.

    When it was time for lessons, her desk mate Zhou Lei noticed that Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes looked red and puffy, as if she had just cried.

    Zhou Lei twitched his lips. What was there to cry about? She must be sick.

    Like thest time, the results for the three subjects were out.

    Aspared tost time, Qiao Nan¡¯s total score for the three subjects had increased by 20 points. Her ranking in the level had jumped to the top ten, and she was ranked among the top three in her ss. She had gotten back on track, to her usual standard.

    ¡°You are really awesome.¡± Zhu Baoguo was all excited at Qiao Nan¡¯s results. No wonder his grandpa would get him a peer to coach him. He never imagined that Xiao Qiao would do so well for her exams.

    ¡°It was average.¡± Qiao Nan was not really happy. She could have these results as it was only junior high exams.

    If the exams were on thebined knowledge points of the three years of junior high school, she had no idea how she would fare.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s focus was on thebined exams, not on the exams right now.

    The results for themon tests did not matter. What was more important was the final results for the middle school exams.

    ¡°You are too modest.¡± Zhu Baoguo patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder. ¡°Your father and your mother will be thrilled to death when they know of your results.¡±

    If he could have the same results just once, his grandpa and grandma would be extremely happy.

    Zhu Baoguo grew frustrated at the thought of his cousins. They would always bragged about their results in front of him, teasing him for being a cker.

    At first, Zhu Baoguo detested top students like Qiao Nan.

    But during that time, he heard that Qiao Nan¡¯s results was dropping, moreover she was his life savior, hence he agreed to having her as his tutor.

    If Qiao Nan had been a top student all along, Zhu Baoguo might have just thanked her for saving his life, and rejected the idea of taking tutoring lessons from her.

    ¡°Thrilled to death?¡± Qiao Nan was amused at this. Her father would be thrilled, as for her mother it would mean death to her. If she put the two expressions together, it would be ¡°thrilled¡± to ¡°death¡±.

    Zhu Baoguo had no idea what Qiao Nan was smiling about. He thought that she was just happy.

    That night when she reached home, Qiao Dongliang asked about her results. Ding Jiayi pricked her ears and listened carefully.

    When Qiao Nan told them of her results, Qiao Dongliang was thrilled, while Ding Jiayi pulled down her face and gave Qiao Nan a disdainful stare.

    But Ding Jiayi had been warned by Qiao Dongliang umpteen times. This time she did not bad mouth Qiao Nan. She snorted disdainfully and went to prepare dinner.

    Zijin would be back two weekster. She would definitely do better than Qiao Nan.

    It was of no use to do well in junior high, what was important was to do well in high school.

    Doing well in junior high would only get you into a good high school. But doing well in high school could make sure you enter a good college. Upon entering a good college, one could be ensured of a high paying job.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have done well this time. How about Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Dongliang was concerned about Zhu Baoguo after he was done asking about Qiao Nan.

    ¡°He is pretty smart. He gave the correct answers for all the questions that I taught him.¡±

    ¡°How much did he score?¡±

    ¡°He did not pass.¡±

    ¡°This will not do.¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Nan Nan, since you are tutoring Baoguo, you must make sure you do a good job and help him to improve his results. It¡¯s not good enough that you do well, you must make sure that Baoguo had good results as well. You should know Grandpa Lee took great care of me in the past. You have to repay the debts on my behalf. You have to make sure that Baoguo does well in his exams as well, do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursued her lips, looked at Qiao Dongliang for a while and replied coldly, ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, I know that you might find it difficult. But I have my own difficulties as well. You can spend the weekend tutoring Baoguo. You do not need to help out at home. During the weekdays you can make use of your time to study. You must juggle your time between both and ce the same importance on these two tasks.¡±

 Chapter 70 - Better Treatment

    <h4>Chapter 70: Better Treatment</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Her father quoted the words of the great leader just to get her to tutor Zhu Baoguo. Qiao Nan twitched her lips and forced a smile on her face. ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Good, you must make sure to study hard. Dad will not disturb you. Leave all the chores to your Mom.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder happily. He then instructed Ding Jiayi not to disturb Qiao Nan when she was studying at home.

    Ding Jiayi was displeased at his words. ¡°I had a long day at work, I am tired to the bones. There are so many chores to do, why can¡¯t she help me out? Old Qiao, don¡¯t you think you have gone way overboard?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it. Wasn¡¯t it the same for other people?¡± Qiao Dongliangughed in anger. In his department there were a lot of his female colleagues who had to work and take care of their children.

    ¡°They have inws to help them to take care of the children. I had two daughters, nobody was around to help me.¡± Can other people bepared with her?

    ¡°But you are not working at that time. You basically just stayed at home to look after the children, and I helped to bring up Nan Nan as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang might have kept his silence, but that did not mean that he was unaware or had forgotten about it.

    If not for the fact that Ding Jiayiined that milk powder was too expensive, she would not have bothered to breastfeed Qiao Nan.

    After feeding her for less than half a year, sheined that it was too toilsome on her and had stopped feeding her.

    Luckily the families nearby reared goats. The goats had just given birth and had milk for its offspring. The families felt that Qiao Nan was very pitiful, and they boiled the goats¡¯ milk and gave it to her.

    At times Ding Jiayi found it too troublesome, it was Qiao Dongliang who prepared the milk for Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi did not really do her part in bringing up the child.

    Even if Qiao Nan had closed her door, she could still hear the quarreling sounds of her parents.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and continued to do her work.

    In the past she had to help out with household chores and had no time to study.

    Now that she had to tutor Zhu Baoguo, at the very least she had the weekdays to revise. She stood to gain from this arrangement.

    Ever since the rebirth, she had learned to set her thinking straight. In this lifetime, she had the chance to study. There was no need topare herself to Qiao Zijin, she only had to make sure that she led a better life than herself in the previous life.

    Given that she had five days worth of study time at home and she would no longer need to do housework, aspared to the previous life, this current life was already so much better.

    In the previous life, she had to work during the day and help out with household chores at night. On the contrary, her mother stayed at home the whole day long. Apart from preparing meals, the rest of the housework was done by Qiao Nan. Sometimes Qiao Nan even had to wash the clothes for the whole family.

    In this life, besides washing her own clothes, Qiao Nan did not need to do other chores. She had more time for her studies.

    With that, Qiao Nan felt better.

    Her weakness was Chinese. Besides Chinese, she also had no confidence in Chemistry as well.

    But the books that she received previously basically covered almost all of the subjects and topics that Qiao Nan was not good at.

    Who would have such a clear understanding of her studies, to have given her the exercise books on the topics and subjects that she was weak in?

    In the beginning, Qiao Nan had doubts about the intended recipient of these books. But after looking at the contents, she was sure that these were for her. If not, it would not be such a coincidence.

    Maintain your strengths while working on your weaknesses.

    To get the results, every subject must be tackled.

    Ding Jiayi had to obey Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. There was no way that she could make Qiao Nan share the burden of the housework.

    This weekend, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Qiao Zijin was home.

    ¡°Zijin, aren¡¯t you supposed to be back next week? Why are you back this week?¡± Ding Jiayi poured her a ss of water and asked her.

    ¡°Our school is having a sports meet, that¡¯s why I am back. Mom, how did Qiao Nan do in her exams this time? The results should already be out.¡± Zijin did not forget about Qiao Nan¡¯s exams.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. What she said that day was purely to hoodwink us. She had gotten back on track with her exams this time. She was among the top ten in the level and the top three in her ss.¡± Ding Jiayi looked defeated at the mention of this.

    Qiao Nan made such a tremendous improvement. Her results rose and fell just like a rocket.

    ¡°How about you? Your results are out as well. How did you do this time?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes sparkled. She was more interested in the elder daughter¡¯s results.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Zijin, how were your mid-term exams?¡± Qiao Dongliang who just came back overheard their conversation and asked in concern.

    ¡°Simr to what I had before, not as much improvement as Qiao Nan.¡± Qiao Zijin was not quite pleased.

    ¡°That¡¯s iparable. The students at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China are the cream of the crop, can all of the students at Qiao Nan¡¯s school enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? The ranking is iparable.¡± Ding Jiayi praised Qiao Zijin. ¡°It¡¯s alright, you just have to maintain your standard.¡±

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was the key high school in Ping Cheng. A significant percentage of their students could make it into the first tier key university.

    If Zijin could maintain her standard and stay in the top eight ces in her ss, she should be able to get into the first tier university, if not, a second tier university would be just as good.

    As for Qiao Nan¡¯s school, one still could not say for sure how many of the students would make it to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, not to mention getting into a first tier or second tier university.

    ¡°Still the eighth ce in ss? Well, it is more than enough.¡± Qiao Dongliang sounded slightly disappointed. He thought that the elder daughter would improve in her ranking, he did not expect that she would still be ranked eighth in ss. ¡°How was your ranking among your level?¡±

    Qiao Nan told them her ranking in both the ss and the level. Naturally Qiao Dongliang would like to know how Qiao Zijin did in detail as well.

    ¡°In our high school, we only have the ranking within the ss, we do not ranked the students ording to the level. This is not the final year exams.¡± Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes and thought of an idea.

    It was the truth that she ranked the eighth ce in ss. But she was way behind Qiao Nan in terms of her ranking in the level.

    Qiao Zijin had originally nned to tell her parents of her ranking in the level. But when she heard that Qiao Nan ranked in the top ten, she decided to keep silent about her ranking.

    If she was to tell them, her poor results would be a stark contrast to Qiao Nan¡¯s good results.

    Qiao Nan had just entered the house, sheughed to herself when she overheard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    In junior high school, the students would always be ranked ording to the level, so it was amusing that The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China did not rank students ording to the level.

    But seeing that her parents had believed Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Qiao Nan made no otherments.

    ¡°Dad, I will bathe first.¡± Qiao Nan put down her stuff in her room, took her clothes and went to bathe.

    Both Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan had sports meets in their schools.

    Unlike Qiao Zijin who only cheered from the sides, Qiao Nan took part in the actual sports events.

    She knew that there would be questions rted to sports and micrputer experiments in the middle school exams, so her participation would be an added bonus in the exams.

 Chapter 71 - Essay Competition

    <h4>Chapter 71: Essay Competition</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled widely at Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin, who was not too pleased, pouted when she saw how Qiao Dongliang smiled affectionately at Qiao Nan.

    She knew that the reason behind her father¡¯s change in attitude towards Qiao Nan was that she gave Zhu Baoguo tuition and in a way, helped her father to repay the debt of gratitude towards Grandpa Lee.

    She could do it as well.

    ¡°Dad, I have no more pens left, I will get one from Nan Nan¡¯s room.¡±

    Ever since the decrease in her monthly allowance and the money that she spent on her dance costume, Qiao Zijin was more careful in her spending, she could no longer stock up on pens or buy new stationery.

    If there was not a real need, she would not buy new stuff.

    Now that she had no more pens, she would just ¡°borrow¡± a few pens from Qiao Nan. But there was no way that she was going to return them.

    Qiao Zijin opened Qiao Nan¡¯s bag and made it a point to empty the contents.

    Qiao Nan had a total of three pens. Their designs were shabby and they all looked the same. It was not the type of pens that she used to buy. Qiao Zijin grunted and grabbed one of the new pens.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiao Zijin chanced upon one of Qiao Nan¡¯s books. There were millions of words on it. Qiao Zijin took a closer look at one of the pages. At one nce she realized that it was an essay. Qiao Zijin had never seen or heard this essay before.

    Qiao Zijin might not be good at writing essays, but she could tell if it was well written or not.

    Qiao Zijin thought for a while and twitched her lips. She not only took one of Qiao Nan¡¯s pens, she also tore off the page with the essay.

    In order not to be discovered by Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin tore off the empty page connecting to the essay page as well. She made sure to tear it off nicely so that Qiao Nan would not realize it in an instant. With that, she took the two items and left Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    By the time Qiao Nan returned to her room from her bath, she saw that her bag was being opened and the contents were scattered all over the room.

    Qiao Zijin was the only one in the house who was capable of this.

    If it was her mother, she would rather throw the bag away than wasting her efforts to search through it.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you sister came into your room just now to get a pen from you.¡± Qiao Dongliang came at the moment to notify Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but frown when he saw the contents of the bag being scattered all around. ¡°Your sister is so insensible. It was just a pen, did she have to make such a mess? Nan Nan, you would have to tidy upter.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan could not think of anything to say.

    Her father knew that it was wrong of Qiao Zijin to do this, yet he could only make such a remark. What made Qiao Nan speechless was that he could say this to her, but he would not utter a word to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan knew that Qiao Dongliang was only paying lip service. He did not really mean it. So she gave her response absentmindedly.

    In the previous life, after Qiao Zijinmitted adultery and left the marriage without any maintenance or maritalpensation, she med her divorce with Chen Jun entirely on Qiao Nan. Besides her mother who pampered her, her father was also responsible for this temperament of hers.

    Qiao Nan could only tidy up the mess that Qiao Zijin made and put them in the study room.

    During dinnertime, Qiao Nan did not notice that Qiao Zijin kept stealing furtive nces at her. It was only when Qiao Zijin was sure that Qiao Nan did not think anything was amiss, that she settled down to eat.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Teacher Lee wanted to see you in the office.¡± On Monday at school, Zhao Yu passed the message to Qiao Nan in disgruntlement.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Even though Zhao Yu was merely rying message for Teacher Lee, Qiao Nan was still polite to Zhao Yu. Qiao Nan did what she had to do.

    Zhao Yu sat down in her chair, puffing in anger. Her good friend leaned in and asked, ¡°Why would Teacher Lee ask Qiao Nan to go to the office?¡± Everything except to reprimand her.

    Even if Teacher Lee was not satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s results, Qiao Nan scored 92 points for her mid-term exams. Teacher Lee might be dissatisfied, but it was only because the teacher had high expectations of Qiao Nan.

    Not everyone would be able to score 90 points and above for Chinese in junior high school.

    ¡°Teacher Lee said that there is a essaypetition in the province and would like Qiao Nan to participate.¡±

    ¡°What about you, you are the representative of the Chinese subject.¡± It made no sense that Qiao Nan could participate while Zhao Yu could not.

    ¡°Of course I would participate.¡± Zhao Yu arched her eyebrows. ¡°This is only the preliminary round, the school will hold a selection to cut down to five participants. I am one of the five participants.¡±

    ¡°I thought the students can just participate in the essaypetition directly?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, this is the province essaypetition after all.¡± But there were five slots, her essays were pretty well written. It could not be wrong, she was definitely one of the five participants.

    ¡°You must work hard, we have lost out to Qiao Nan in terms of results, we must squash her in the essaypetition no matter what. Zhao Yu, you can do it!¡±

    ¡°I have to, let¡¯s wait and see.¡± Her friend was egging her on and Zhao Yu was so boastful and arrogant. Zhou Lei could not help butugh at them.

    Like Zhao Yu said, Teacher Lee asked to see Qiao Nan with regards to the essaypetition.

    Teacher Lee and all the teachers in the Chinese team knew that given Qiao Nan¡¯s standard, if she did not participate in the essaypetition, there was no one else who would be qualified enough to participate.

    ¡°Teacher Lee, can I not participate in thepetition? You should know my results, I have a lot of knowledge points to revise, it would take up too much of my time to participate in thepetition.¡±

    One had to go through one round of selection in school and then proceeded to take part in the provincepetition, all these rounds would take up too much time.

    Even when she tutored Zhu Baoguo during the weekend, Qiao Nan spent most of the time doing her own revision.

    Qiao Nan did not want to waste more of her time.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I would rmend you to take part in thepetition. If you manage to get a prize, it would add points to your middle school exams.¡± Teacher Lee knew that Qiao Nan was most concerned about the exams and used that to persuade Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was so concerned about not wasting her time so that she could revise, it was all for the sake of doing well in the middle school exams.

    She believed that Qiao Nan would take up the offer if she knew that it would add points to the exams.

    ¡°But I would have to go through one round of selection in school.¡± Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°After selecting the five students, we would still need to go for essay training?¡±

    ¡°This... let¡¯s do it this way, I will try to make special arrangements for you. You do not need to sit for the preliminary rounds and you do not need to go for essay training as well. You will skip all these and just participate in the provincepetition. What do you think?¡± Teacher Lee adjusted the spectacles and said in a steadfast tone.

    Teacher Lee was confident that these arrangements were feasible.

    There was no need for Qiao Nan to go for the preliminary rounds. She could just use any two essays of her recent Chinese exams to participate, she would definitely be able to secure one of the five slots.

    To put it bluntly, Teacher Lee knew that it had been decided that Qiao Nan would be one of the five participants.

    Even if she agreed to Qiao Nan¡¯s request of not participating in thepetition, the other teachers in the Chinese team would not agree to it.

 Chapter 72 - Praise to Fail

    <h4>Chapter 72: ¡°Praise to Fail¡±</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Hearing Teacher Lee¡¯s words, Qiao Nan wanted to cheer. ¡°Since Teacher Lee made this arrangement, I will definitely listen to Teacher Lee.¡±

    ¡°You and your sweet tongue, alright, go back. Although you don¡¯t have to participate in the training, you should also make some preparations.¡± Teacher Lee was pleased by Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Teacher Lee, don¡¯t worry, I will definitely be well prepared.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was back, Zhao Yu nced at her a few times.

    As the Chinese Representative, Zhao Yu had seen Qiao Nan¡¯s essay more than once, so she was aware of the standard of Qiao Nan¡¯s essays.

    If Qiao Nan also took part in this essaypetition, it would be difficult for her to win, not to mention to be one of the five participants.

    At the school¡¯s preliminary round of selection, Zhao Yu was relieved that she did not see Qiao Nan. It turned out that Qiao Nan had declined to participate in the essay writingpetition this time. That would be great!

    Zhao Yu¡¯s essay writing skills were of some standard. Indeed, she managed to grab one out of the five ces for thepetition.

    During training, Zhao Yu realized that there were only four attendees although there were a total of five participants.

    For the sake of doing well during the essay writingpetition, Zhao did not inquire further. She was motivated and focused onpeting with herself, so that she could produce good essays and win a prize.

    ¡°Is this woman sick?¡± Every time Zhao Yu passed by Qiao Nan, she looked like an arrogant rooster who could not wait to lift its tail to the sky. Zhu Baoguo was angered by this. ¡°What does she mean by this?¡±

    ¡°What can she mean, she is happy that she can participate in the essay writingpetition.¡± Qiao Nan did not have a care, she would do whatever she needed to do.

    Qiao Nan had long heard the words spread by those who were on close terms with Zhao Yu.

    They were saying that it was useless that Qiao Nan had good grades as she could not even participate in the essay writingpetition. In the critical times, the ss still had to depend on Zhao Yu to do them proud for the Chinese Language.

    ¡°What about you, you¡¯re not participating?¡± Zhu Baoguo was not pleased with Zhao Yu¡¯s attitude. It was just an essay writingpetition. ¡°If you wish to participate, I can help you think of a way. I can ensure that the five ces are changed to six.¡±

    ¡°No need, I have a ce. I am also participating.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head.

    ¡°You too? Howe I don¡¯t know, I didn¡¯t see you attending the training?¡± Zhu Baoguo raised his eyebrows. His sister was so capable and did not even need his help.

    ¡°Teacher Lee specially granted me an exception for this, but please don¡¯t tell anyone about this.¡± Qiao Nan also knew that this matter was confidential.

    Although this matter was decided by Teacher Lee and had nothing to do with her, it was not good for others to know about it.

    ¡°Cow.¡± Zhu Baoguo also lifted his chin, why was Zhao Yu was acting like a bird? After all, his sister took one of the five ces without even the need to take the preliminary test or attend the training.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head, she believed that Zhu Baoguo would not say this to others, there was no point in doing so.

    Zhu Baoguo would not say, but there were a number of ssmates around them. Although the voices of the two of them were not very loud, someone vaguely heard that Qiao Nan would also be participating in this essaypetition.

    One spread to two, two to three, before the lesson ended, Zhao Yu already knew about this matter. ¡°Impossible, Qiao Nan is lying. During the day of the preliminary round of selection, she did not evene. Moreover, she was also not qualified to attend the daily training session, how could she be one of the participants?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Qiao Nan, she dared to say this to save face.¡± After hearing the insider information from Zhao Yu, who confirmed that Qiao Nan did not join these activities, most people held the mood of watching a show to jeer at Qiao Nan.

    So what if Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were good, she loved to brag and was not a model student with good moral character. There was nothing to be proud of.

    ¡°No hurry, let¡¯s wait till the day to see how she falls on her own face. This lie would not continue for long, we will see how she brag. The more she brags now, the more her face would be hurt on the day of thepetition.¡± Zhao Yu was extremely happy that she could participate, while Qiao Nan weaved these nonsensical stories as she could not do so.

    Not long after, she would like to see how Qiao Nan would lose her face, how merciless!

    So, Qiao Nan was also capable of such doing such things.

    After the Zhao Yu knew about this matter, she became very tolerant. Contrary to usual, she stopped talking bad about Qiao Nan, and would even praise Qiao Nan asionally in front of others.

    Upon Zhao Yu¡¯s publicity, besides the ss One of Secondary Three, the whole of Secondary Three knew about this matter. Many were spreading this rumor furiously.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, Qiao Nan¡¯s rumors were so wide-spread, will Teacher help her to rify, we won¡¯t be able to watch the fun then.¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s ssmate was a little anxious, she was watching the buzz with fun and hoping that there would be more toe.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry, even if Teacher Lee rified, Qiao Nan would also lose her face. Now, the whole secondary three students already knew that Qiao Nan would participate in the essay writingpetition. If Teacher Lee rify now, won¡¯t Qiao Nan also lose her face? Anyway, this time, Qiao Nan will not get away with it. What goes aroundes around.¡± Zhou Yu was overjoyed as she said this.

    ¡°True.¡± The ssmateughed and returned to her own seat, while waiting for Teacher Lee to expose Qiao Nan¡¯s lies.

    But to everyone¡¯s surprise, Teacher Lee did not say a word about this matter at all during the whole lesson.

    Until the bell rang, upon leaving the ssroom, most were astonished. Teacher Lee was not going to take a hand in this matter?

    ¡°I must rify, I did not breathe a word to anyone about that matter.¡± Once the ss was over, Zhu Baoguo was the first to rify to Qiao Nan.

    He was not a busybody, it was enough that he knew about this matter, and there was no need to publicize this to the whole world. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will surely help you find out who was the one who spread the story. I will teach him a lesson!¡±

    ¡°No need, I did not suspect you.¡± Qiao Nan said nonchntly while she ignored the ssmates who were watching the fun.

    ¡°You and me are not the only ones in the ss. There is a saying ¡°The walls have ears¡±. Let the rumors pass, there is no need to investigate.¡±

    ¡°Really not investigating?¡± Did Xiao Qiao need to be so forgiving, if it were him, he would ensure that the person who treated him this way was dead.

    ¡°Fine, there¡¯s still one more lesson. Get ready to go home after that.¡± Qiao Nan packed her books and put away all the books that she needed into her school bag.

    Half a semester passed, Qiao Nan felt more at ease as she had made a lot of progress in catching up with her knowledge.

    Coupled with the recent receipt of an revision book, Qiao Nan felt that her current learning journey was as smooth as a God-sent gift.

    Who was so brilliant to have known her situation and bought her such a good book?

 Chapter 73 - Double Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 73: Double Happiness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even if she had the money to pick it up in the bookstore, she might not be able to choose a book that suited her so well.

    When Qiao Nan reached home, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already around. Qiao Nan put away her school bag. She saw that Ding Jiayi had a look of excitement on her face, both eyes were as bright as the daylight ¨C did she pick up some money from the streets?

    ¡°Zijin is so capable. A prominent school lives up to its name. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is excellent. I feel that I have made the best decision in my life by admitting her into the school.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not bad. Have you gotten someone to bring the money over to Zijin?¡± Qiao Dongliang was all smiles too, with a expression full of glory.¡±Zijin is not at home, today, you should prepare a good meal too, we can celebrate.¡±

    The elder daughter was so capable, Qiao Dongliang was really pleased.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Ding Jiayi agreed without any hesitation.¡±Good food today all thanks to Zijin.¡±

    While saying that, Ding Jiayi shifted her nce to Qiao Nan, if not for the sake of celebrating for Zijin, she also did not wish to prepare a good meal when Zijin was away and benefit the wretched girl.

    ¡°Nan Nan is back.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was in a good mood, saw everything positively. ¡°Nan Nan, Zijin got a ce to participate in the provincial city essay writingpetition. Your sister has really improved.¡±

    ¡°Provincial city essay writingpetition?¡± Having heard this, Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. Such a coincidence?

    But, with Qiao Zijin¡¯s essay, was she qualified to join thepetition?

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan, when you study in the senior high school, like Zijin, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the Provincial city essay writingpetition.¡± At the thought that the younger daughter¡¯s grades were better, Qiao Dongliang believed that she would certainly have the chance to do so in future.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you don¡¯t need to give Qiao Nan so much pressure, can any Tom, Dick and Harry take part in the provincial citypositionpetition? Zijin asked someone to passed the message that the whole school only sent 10 people. One out of 10, there are so many students in the school, and all these are good students. Zijin has done us proud!¡± Ding Jiayi became more excited as she continued. ¡°You used to control Zijin. Zijin told me that, putting the storyline aside, the writing in the novels that she read previously is good. Reading more will help greatly in essay writing. You see, Zijin did not waste money or read the books without giving any thoughts. She had a reason for reading those books.¡±

    While drinking her water, Qiao Nan casually asked, ¡°Dad, when is Sister going to thepetition?¡±

    ¡°Your sister will not be back next week, she has to stay in the school for training because the essay writingpetition is on the weekend of the week after next.¡±

    ¡°Oh, same for me too.¡±

    ¡°Same?¡± Qiao Dongliang blinked his eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, you are also joining thepetition?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What yes, Zijin is participating in the provincial city essaypetition, how can it be the same?¡± Ding Jiayi casted an unhappy look at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I am also joining thepetition, and at the same timing as Sister, that¡¯s why I said it¡¯s a coincidence.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words should be good news for the family, but at that moment, the smiles on the faces of Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were frozen for a while.

    Qiao Dongliang was happy, but at this moment he had further thoughts.

    Qiao Zijin was able to participate in thepetition and would not being home next week. She specially asked someone to sent a message to request money from the Qiao couple to buy an essay writing book to read.

    When the child has progressed in her learning, performed well, and wanted to buy a decent and proper essay writing book, there was no reason for the parent to reject this request.

    So, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi hade up with 10 yuan and asked the messenger to pass it to Qiao Zijin.

    Therees the problem. Both daughters would be joining thepetition. He had given the elder daughter 10 yuan to purchase learning materials, it would be unfair not to give the same to his younger daughter?

    Qiao Dongliang, who always like to advocate ¡°Fairness, Justice, and Transparency¡±, was hesitating as he thought about the amount of money in his pocket.

    There was famine in the family, and without savings, Qiao Dongliang did not feel assured and had been finding ways to save up a little here and there.

    The 10 yuan earlier was already an extra expense. If he had to give away another 10 yuan, that would be really hard.

    If he did not give, Qiao Dongliang felt bad about being biased, but if he give, that would be too much expenditure. Qiao Dongliang was feeling the pinch.

    Ding Jiayi quickly pulled Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Nan was not at home, and was not aware that they had given 10 yuan to Qiao Zijin. ¡°That¡¯s a good thing, I am going to prepare dinner, you may return to your room quickly to read your books.¡±

    For the first time, Ding Jiayi was so willing to watch Qiao Nan go to her room without helping in any household chores and read her own books.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan replied with a word and went to her room, while carrying her schoolbag.

    Before the couple could breathe a sigh of relief, at the moment where Qiao Nan opened the door of her room, she turned her head and asked. ¡°Sister will be joining thepetition, did you all give her money to buy the learning materials?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s smiling face turned stiff at that instant.

    Qiao Dongliang was full of embarrassment. He already said, he could not let his child suffer no matter how poor he was or how hard he had to work. Qiao Dongliang bit his tongue and reached into the pocket of his trousers. ¡°Yes, I just asked someone to bring 10 yuan for your sister. Qiao Nan,e, take this 10 yuan. If you need any learning materials, go and buy. It is rare to have this opportunity, we have to cherish this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted to open her mouth to shout when she heard that they were also giving 10 yuan to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang red at Ding Jiayi. ¡°If you are not willing to, sure, I will make a trip to Zijin¡¯s schoolter and retrieve that 10 yuan?¡±

    ¡°Is it the same, Zijin is in senior high school and the materials are expensive. 10 yuan is fine. But she is only in junior high school, and joining differentpetitions, not together. Can¡¯t you just give her a few yuan?¡± Ding Jiayi was making a lot of noise.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just give one or two cents?¡± Qiao Dongliang rolled her eyes at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Equal treatment, if Zijin gets 10 yuan, of course Qiao Nan should also get 10 yuan. This matter is decided. Nan Nan, take the money!¡±

    Looking at the 10 yuan that was forced into her hands, Qiao Nan initially felt bad but she felt more at ease now.

    At least her father tried his best to be fair to both Qiao Zijin and her.

    ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t need it. Sister bought so many essay writing books. If I really need it, I will read hers. But next week when we are at thepetition outside, 10 yuan is not necessary, but you still need to give me two yuan. I can¡¯t possibly let the teachers treat me to the meals.¡± After returning Qiao Dongliang 10 yuan, Qiao Nan separately asked for the money.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words made Qiao Dongliang felt quite bad. The elder daughter had so many revision materials. In his impression, the younger daughter had never bought any.

    Fairness, the family had never been fair.

    But he had no choice. Zijin would be taking in a son-inw in future. The child of Zijin would bear the surname of Qiao. If he could treat Nan Nan better, he would try his best to do so. ¡°Fine, here¡¯s three yuan. Keep it.¡±

 Chapter 74 - All The Pens Were Broken

    <h4>Chapter 74: All The Pens Were Broken</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    From ten yuan to three yuan, although Ding Jiayi still felt the pinch, there was a seven yuan savings. Ding Jiayi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and went to prepare the meal.

    Looking at Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her mouth with sarcasm.

    If she had taken the 10 yuan earlier, probably the good news of Qiao Zijin¡¯s participation in the essay writingpetition could not save her mother¡¯s loss of appetite.

    The thought that spending some money on herself would make her mother lose her appetite and suffer insomnia, she had nothing to say.

    In the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed.

    On the early morning of Saturday, Zhao Yu was prepared to go to school to wait for the teacher, when the school¡¯s rented car came, she picked a seat and sat.

    ¡°Hey, why are there only four of us today, didn¡¯t our school select five students?¡± Everyone was quite early, before long, Zhao Yu saw the three students who attended training with her.

    ¡°Not sure.¡± The other ssmate was also puzzled.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, you¡¯re from ss One?¡± The ssmate seated behind Zhao Yu had a sneer on her face. ¡°Do you really not know or are you pretending not to know?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by this?¡± She did not provoke her?

    ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s essay is so good, she scored nearly full marks in the two exams. Who do you think this fifth person will be? Qiao Nan¡¯s participation was already decided by the school long ago. As Qiao Nan¡¯s case was an exception, some people are not happy, but regardless, whoever that has seen Qiao Nan¡¯s essay would be convinced of her ability.¡±

    She was more sensitive than Zhao Yu. Clearly there had been five but only four came for the training. She had already asked the teacher about it.

    In the end, that was what the teacher told her. She was not convinced and happy initially. But after the Chinese Teacher showed her Qiao Nan¡¯s essay, she had nothing to say.

    Although she epted this, she did not feel too good either.

    When she heard Zhao Yu saying this now, the ssmate was even more unhappy.

    ¡°What, Qiao Nan¡¯s participation had long been decided by the school?¡± Zhao Yu gave a stare. No wonder Qiao Nan was really one out of the five. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t she join the training?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Lee.¡± At this time, Qiao Nan¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the car. ¡°I hope I¡¯m notte?¡±

    ¡°No, the timing is just right, hurry and get on the bus.¡± Teacher Lee smilingly let Qiao Nan board the bus. ¡°Do you have motion sickness, if you do, it¡¯s best to take the seat in front.¡±

    These were students who would bepeting, they had to be in their best form.

    ¡°Teacher Lee, I do not have motion sickness, I can sit anywhere.¡±

    After boarding the car, Qiao Nan sat down once she saw an empty seat. It did not matter where the seat was.

    When Zhao Yu saw Qiao Nan passing by in front of her, her face was white. What about the pping of own face, lies and bragging? Why did Qiao Nan reallye, it¡¯s so unfair!

    The four of them were selected from the school, and went through half a month of training. On what grounds was Qiao Nan qualified topete when she did not even attend anything, was that fair to other students?

    She had these thoughts in her mind. But before the teacher, Zhao Yu ultimately did not dare to raise her doubts, she could only endure this and sit quietly in her seat.

    When it it was about one and a half hours into the journey, Qiao Nan already finished her nap.

    Amongst the five students in the car, only Qiao Nan had the mood to sleep. The rest of the four were either constantly revising their essays that had been marked andmented on by the teachers, or reading essay writing books.

    During the period of training, the teacher gave them many model essay questions to work on. First, it¡¯s a practice. Second, they were in luck if they guessed the question.

    The four students held the hope that the teacher had guessed correctly, and were doing their utmost to memorize their own essays.

    However, when they turned and saw Qiao Nan sleeping soundly, with her head wobbling from side to side, they gritted their teeth. This Qiao Nan was really too much!

    ¡°All of you should rx too, don¡¯t be too nervous.¡± When the teachers saw the situation, they allughed. Qiao Nan was clearly a youngdy but was so rxed, she could still sleep so soundly at this time.

    But those who sat on a moving car before knew that it was boring to be in the car. It was not conducive to read something and sleeping was the best way to pass time.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Teacher Lee,¡± The four students replied weakly. Who could rx at such a time? If they could attain a good score for this essay writingpetition, they would be given merit points for the middle school examinations.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, wake up. We have arrived.¡±

    Upon reaching the location of thepetition, it was Teacher Lee who woke Qiao Nan up.

    ¡°We have arrived?¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her eyes. She had put on a little weight recently. She looked so pretty, her tiny face was as rosy as an apple.

    ¡°Yes, we are here.¡± Teacher Lee¡¯s eyes were gentle, as if she were looking at her own child. ¡°Drink some water and sober up, don¡¯t be sleepy and muddle-headed during thepetition.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will wash my face when I go to the restroomter.¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head and left the car, but she left behind her school bag.

    After Qiao Nan finished washing up, the teacher was already leading the students to the exam hall.

    ¡°Teacher Lee, I need to go back to the car, I left my school bag there and the pens are inside the bag.¡± Qiao Nan told Teacher Lee and hurriedly took her school bag from the car.

    Zhao Yu, who was standing behind Teacher Lee, saw this and she smiled slyly.

    ¡°Fine, quickly enter the exam hall.¡± The teachers swiftly settled the students in their respective seats. When thepetition starts, the bell rang and all thepeting students began to lower their heads and review the question.

    When she saw the question, Qiao Nan had a little surprise. She had previously written an essay that was appropriate for the subject. This time, she could ck a little.

    She had only written that essay once, and it still needed a little touch up. This was her second time writing it, with some touching up, there should not be any major issue.

    After thinking through, Qiao Nan took out her pen and prepared to write. She finished her first word but she could only see the strokes of her writing, without any ink.

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. This was a new pen, how could it be?

    Qiao Nan, who refused to believe in fate, tried to rub the tip of the pen with paper, just in case the tip was covered with wax. But after a long time, she still could not write a single word.

    Qiao Nan shook the pen vigorously but to no avail.

    Qiao Nan quickly took another pen. She brought a total of three pens, but strangely, all three pens that used to be easy to write with could not produce a single word now!

    Zhao Yu, who was seated behind Qiao Nan, was secretly watching Qiao Nan. When she saw Qiao Nan spent a long time messing with the pen and did not manage to write anything, her smile broadened.

    This time, she wanted to see how Qiao Nan couldpete with her!

 Chapter 75 - Clash of the Garments

    <h4>Chapter 75: sh of the Garments</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and then raised her hand.

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± The invigtor walked to Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Teacher, I brought three pens, they are all broken and I can¡¯t write with them. Can I borrow a pen?¡±

    ¡°Well... ¡°said the teacher awkwardly. ¡°I only have a red pen. Does anyone have a spare pen to lend?¡±

    Faced with the invigtor¡¯s question, the exam hall was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was busy writing their essay and nobody answered. Some students even secretly hid their spare pens in case the invigtor asked.

    Seated in the same exam hall but only a few would be winners, everybody was apetitor, who would lend their spare pen?

    At least in this exam hall, nobody was willing to.

    ¡°Well... ¡± said the invigtor, faced with this situation, the invigtor was at a loss of what to do. He had to invigte and could not leave, if the other students were not willing to lend, he could not force them to lend either.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath, pursed her lips and said, ¡°Teacher, if there is no other way, could you lend me your red pen?¡±

    ¡°That will not do, this essay¡¯s rules state clearly that it must be written in blue or ck ink, red ink will not do,¡± replied the teacher sympathetically. The teacher pitied Qiao Nan for being so unlucky, she could not participate in thepetition she did not have a pen.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes started to well up. She had not thought of participating earlier but now that she was here at thepetition, she was faced the possibility of giving up because she did not have a usable pen. Qiao Nan was very unhappy and unwilling.

    Most importantly, she had prepared three pens, there was a new one and the rest were her usual pens.

    The pens were clearly still workingst night yet it was broken today. If somebody had told her it was a coincidence, she would never believe it. Somebody must have plotted against her!

    ¡°Teacher Zhou, what is the matter?¡± A voice came from the few people standing outside the ssroom.

    ¡°Principal.¡± Teacher Zhou spotted an old man and hurriedly walked over. Teacher Zhou exined, ¡°That student¡¯s pens are all broken and other students do not have spare pens to lend. At this rate, she will not be able to participate.¡±

    The old principal paused before continuing, ¡°Oh my, the children these days. Whilst academic results are important, moral education should also not be neglected.¡±

    ¡°Use mine.¡± Zhai Sheng said rather nonchntly before taking out a pen. Zhai Sheng had his eyes fixed on Qiao Nan and he noticed her sweating profusely due to the anxiety.

    Today, Zhai Sheng hade to the school on behalf of his father and unexpectedly met Qiao Nan.

    Even more surprisingly to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan seemed to be very unlucky. In the few times that he has met Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was always in trouble.

    However, Zhai Sheng looked at the students in the exam hall and his eyes were filled with disapproval.

    ¡°I thank you on behalf of that student.¡± The Invigtor replied with a relief. He had really felt pity for Qiao Nan.

    Looking at the attention given to Qiao Nan by other teachers earlier, the invigtor deduced that she must be a good student and her essay writing skills should be up to par too.

    ¡°Do not mention it.¡±

    ¡°Here is the pen you wanted, use it quickly without further dy.¡± The invigtor handed Zhai Sheng¡¯s pen over to Qiao Nan. The invigtor gently reminded Qiao Nan, ¡°This is a fountain pen, pay extra care when you write. Wait for the ink to dry or else it will smudge when you put your hand over it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Teacher!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. The pen was loaned to you from him. When you finished, remember to return it to him.¡± The invigtor pointed to Zhai Sheng. This pen was quite heavy and had a good feel, it must be pretty expensive.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng?¡± Qiao Nan had spotted Zhai Sheng. ¡°Okay, teacher, noted.¡±

    ¡°Alright, make full use of your time, the other students have already written a lot.¡± said the invigtor.

    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Qiao Nan. She was alreadyte by more than 10 minutes.

    Fortunately, she had a draft in her mind, otherwise given the situation, she would not be able to continue writing.

    Qiao Nan actually preferred writing with a fountain pen and coupled with the fact that Zhai Sheng¡¯s pen was of a high quality, it allowed Qiao Nan to write swiftly in tandem with the ink flowing smoothly out from the nib of the pen. It was even faster than if Qiao Nan had used a ballpoint pen.

    In no time at all, Qiao Nan had caught up with the progress of the other students.

    Due to the pen incident, the invigtor paid extra attention to Qiao Nan and stood by Qiao Nan for a moment.

    The invigtor saw that Qiao Nan had written so much in such a short period of time, his eyes lit up as he was taken aback. When he further read the contents, coupled with the elegant writing of the fountain pen, he was genuinely surprised.

    Before the bell rang, Qiao Nan had already finished with her essay.

    When it was time to exit the exam hall, some of the students had not finished and were making a scene.

    Qiao Nan walked out rxedly and wanted to find Zhai Sheng to return the pen.

    Qiao Nan had only taken a few steps when Teacher Lee came up and asked, ¡°Qiao Nan, how do you think you fared in thepetition?¡±

    Qiao Nan replied, ¡°Simr to the usual.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Teacher Lee said with a sigh of relief. If Qiao Nan was able to perform normally, she should at least be able to receive a third prize minimally.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you doing here?¡± A voice rang out from behind Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I came to participate in the provincialpositionpetition.¡± Qiao Nan turned around to face Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°You, you also came to participate?¡± Qiao Zijin stammered, somewhat shocked. She had never heard that Qiao Nan was participating.

    ¡°Hi Zijin, it¡¯s you. You also came here to participate?¡± Teacher Lee asked. Teacher Lee was somewhat shocked, Teacher Lee knew the standard of Qiao Zijin¡¯s essay. How was Qiao Zijin able to participate? Wasn¡¯t the school afraid of wasting a nomination slot?

    There were merit points for winning a junior high school essaypetition, and of course the same for a high schoolpetition.

    As such, the high schoolpetition¡¯s nomination slots would be more keenly contested.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words had coincided with Teacher Lee¡¯s. Qiao Nan smiled and replied, ¡°I had heard from Father and Mother that you were participating but I did not expect us to be in the same school participating.¡±

    Qiao Zijin forced out a smile and said, ¡°Such is fate. Nan Nan, how did you fare?¡±

    ¡°Not too bad,¡± said Qiao Nan, who raised her eyebrows whilst noticing Qiao Zijin¡¯s increasing difort. She deduced in her mind that Qiao Zijin had not performed well in thepetition, otherwise why was her face so pale?

    ¡°Alright, it is gettingte, we should get going.¡± Teacher Lee said whilst patting Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. Teacher Lee did not speak much to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan followed Teacher Lee, nodded to Qiao Zijin and then simply left.

    Once Qiao Nan had left, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned downcast and quickly went to find her ssmates. Qiao Zijin asked, ¡°I heard that for thispetition, junior school students are also here, do you know what their essay question was?¡±

    ¡°I think it was the same as ours.¡± The ssmate replied before adding, ¡°The teachers are toozy, setting the same question for junior school and high school. They did not even make the effort to think up another question.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, did you manage to finish your essay?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s Chinese teacher walked happily towards Qiao Zijin. The teacher added, ¡°I read your previous essay, that would have been suitable and you need not think up a new essay. Did you use that essay for submission?¡±

    Even the Chinese teacher was surprised by Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s normal performance was average but she did demonstrate a ir for writing when it came to essays.

    Otherwise, how would Qiao Zijin be able to participate based on her academic results?

    ¡°It was submitted,¡± Qiao Zijin replied dryly without a hint of happiness.

    Only heaven knows that when Qiao Zijin saw the essay question, she was so happy that she wanted to let out a scream. The heavens were on her side!

    She had not expected her luck to be so good. She had used Qiao Nan¡¯s essay for submission earlier and won the nomination slot for thepetition. Even more unexpectedly, Qiao Nan¡¯s essay was also suitable for the exam question.

    She could fully make use of one essay from Qiao Nan!

    However, once Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Nan, the good mood dissipated.

    Qiao Nan must be here to participate in the essaypetition. Both junior school and high school questions were the same, surely Qiao Nan did not write the same essay?

    Impossible, she should not have.

    Qiao Nan had written this casually, surely she would not be able to regurgitate and she would write a new piece?

    The more Qiao Zijin thought about it, the more guilty she felt. Her mind was hurting from all the thinking. She prayed silently that her essay and Qiao Nan¡¯s essay did not coincide.

    Qiao Nan was very good at essay writing, she could easily write a new piece. Surely, she would not be sozy to regurgitate an old piece?

    After thepetition, Qiao Zijin could finally go home. However, on the way home, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind kept going through the various scenarios, it was very torturous.

    ¡°Zijin, you are back. How was thepetition? Are you confident?¡± Ding Jiayi asked excitedly, warmly weing Qiao Zijin home.

    ¡°Mom, where is Nan Nan?¡± asked Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°She is reading in her room,¡± replied Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Mom, I have to find Nan Nan first. Talk to youter,¡± Qiao Zijin replied. Once Qiao Zijin heard that Qiao Nan was back, she threw her schoolbag to Ding Jiayi and went to Qiao Nan¡¯s room. Qiao Zijin said, ¡°Nan Nan, I have something to talk to you about.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Qiao Nan said. She threw away the three broken pens into the dustbin.

    When Qiao Nan came back and inspected the pens, she found that the pens had signs of being thrown which led to them being broken.

    Anyone who uses ballpoint pens knows that once you smash the pens onto the floor, the pens will be broken easily and you cannot write with them anymore. The pens were obviously smashed onto the floor by somebody.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag was on the school bus all this while, the person who did it was surely not from another school and the teacher would not do it either. Could it have been one of the other four people who joined her in thepetition today?

    Such bad behavior at such a young age.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what was your essay question today?¡± Qiao Zijin asked. If the question was different, then there was nothing for her to worry about.

    ¡°Teacher Lee told me that the question for junior school and high school is the same¡± Qiao Nan replied pointedly.

    It was really the same...

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face froze. ¡°Nan Nan, what did you write for thepetition then?¡±

 Chapter 76 - Who Is the Copycat?

    <h4>Chapter 76: Who Is the Copycat?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. ¡°Sister, why are you suddenly so concerned about my studies?¡±

    ¡°I am your sister, is it wrong to be concerned about you?¡± Qiao Zijin smiled embarrassedly. ¡°Tell me honestly, what did you write for today¡¯s essay?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t write much. If you really care about me, I can tell you. I feel that I did quite well, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. Sister, you need to work hard too.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. The more Qiao Zijin asked, the more Qiao Nan refused to answer.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to worry about it.¡± Qiao Zijin said unappreciatively. ¡°I just wanted to know what you wrote. You can just tell me directly. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

    ¡°Then, Sister, why don¡¯t you tell me what you wrote today? We were given the same question. Shall we discuss?¡±

    Qiao Zijin said a sentence, and Qiao Nan said another. After haggling for a long time, Qiao Zijin did not gather anything useful. Instead, she nearly let the cat out of the bag.

    Qiao Zijin did not know what to say. ¡°You are really too much. Just be straight to the point and answer me. Why are you talking crap?¡±

    ¡°When I asked you, you didn¡¯t reply either.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, did you do this on purpose?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart was in a flurry.

    ¡°Do what on purpose?¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows and asked Qiao Zijin to make herself clear.

    ¡°No, nothing. Forget it if you don¡¯t want to say.¡± Qiao Zijin could not continue with the conversation any longer. She could not possibly tell Qiao Nan that she had stolen one of her essays and giarized it for today¡¯spetition, then asked Qiao Nan if she had written something else or regurgitated that old piece of work.

    With nothing in return after trying for a long time, Qiao Zijin was burning with anger inside, yet she could not vent it at Qiao Nan. She could only stamp her feet and left with a pale face.

    Qiao Zijin had just left Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom when Ding Jiayi came looking for Qiao Nan in a fearsome manner. ¡°Did you bully your sister just now?¡±

    ¡°How could I bully Sister? During today¡¯s essaypetition, I bumped into her. Coincidentally, we were at the same ce. Furthermore, the test question for both junior and senior high school were the same, so Sister came and asked me how I fared. It¡¯s that simple.¡± Qiao Nan was happy. She bullied Qiao Zijin?

    She would be lucky if Qiao Zijin bullied her less.

    ¡°It¡¯s really so simple?¡± She clearly saw Qiao Zijin looking unhappy when she came out of Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s that simple. Mom, you can ask Sister if you do not believe what I said. You will surely believe whatever Sister said? If I bullied her, would she not let you know?¡± It would not be Qiao Zijin if she did notin.

    ¡°That better be. If not, I¡¯ll not let you off.¡± Ding Jiayi was so protective of Qiao Zijin, like a cow shielding her calf, she scolded Qiao Nan even before anything happened.

    Although Ding Jiayi got a reply from Qiao Nan, she still felt ufortable. As such, she specially looked for Qiao Zijin to find out more.

    Qiao Zijin did not look good when she nced at Ding Jiayi. ¡°That¡¯s what it is, Mom. I just finished thepetition and feel really tired, I would like to take a break.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Mom will not disturb you. Rest well. I¡¯ll call you after preparing the meal.¡± Seeing that the elder daughter seemed troubled, Ding Jiayi dared not disturb, so she quietly left Qiao Zijin¡¯s room, closing the bedroom door along the way.

    Alone in the room, Qiao Nan took out her essay book and opened it.

    Qiao Nan touched the page that was missing, her eyes revealing that she was deep in thought.

    Yesterday, she suddenly found that she was missing a page in this essay book, as if the page had been torn off.

    To prevent from being discovered, the person had torn away the other side of that page as well.

    Qiao Nan was not sure who had torn the page. Until today, all her pens were broken, Qiao Nan could not help suspecting that this was the doing of one of her ssmates.

    After all, during the times when she was in school, her schoolbag was not by her side at all times. There would be opportunity for someone to tear the book.

    However, a while ago, Qiao Nan had finally confirmed the person who tore the page of her essay book.

    It was not someone else, it was Qiao Zijin.

    During today¡¯spetition, Qiao Nan had a great shock when she saw the question. For a while, she hesitated and wondered if the person who tore her book would simply copy her work.

    This idea shed briefly in Qiao Nan¡¯s head, but she decided to use it eventually as she did not see any reason not to, and it was her own essay.

    As for the person who would copy her essay, she was too daring!

    After putting the essay book away, Qiao Nan sneered. Qiao Zijin always thought that she could continue to bully Qiao Nan. Now, starting from this essay book, Qiao Nan would show Qiao Zijin that this was not so.

    During mealtime, Ding Jiayi dared not ask a word. On the contrary, Qiao Dongliang asked his two daughters how they fared in today¡¯s essay writing.

    Qiao Nanughed nonchntly, ¡°As usual.¡±

    ¡°How about Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Not, not sure.¡± Qiao Zijin nearly choked on her rice.

    Initially, in such a situation, Qiao Zijin wanted to proudly proim that she had done very well. However, Qiao Zijin was no longer in the mood now. ¡°Not very sure, it will depend on the Teacher¡¯s views.¡±

    ¡°No anxiety, it is extremely good that you can join thepetition this time. It will be great if you receive a prize. If you did not, take it as a learning experience.¡± Qiao Zijin did not sound confident. Hence, Qiao Dongliang dared not harbor high hopes.

    Inparison to the past where the elder daughter did not have any involvement with such activities, he had obviously seen significant improvements.

    ¡°Both of you have worked hard, eat more.¡± Qiao Dongliang lovingly filled the two daughters¡¯ bowls with lots of protein dishes.

    Ding Jiayi opened her mouth but did not say a word. She then quickly filled Zijin¡¯s bowls with a few more servings of vegetables with her chopsticks.

    While Qiao Zijin felt extremely uneasy, the teacher reading the test essays was in a good mood. The teacher of the high school¡¯snguage team held an essay in his hand: ¡°This essay is really good, you all have a look too.¡±

    ¡°Oh, let me take a look. Yes, it¡¯s really quite good.¡±

    ¡°So good?¡± After reading it once, all the teachers in the Chinese Language team gave a score to the essay based on their criteria. As expected, the final score was good.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this?¡± Set one for the first ce, two for the second ce, and three for the third ce. After picking out six essays, the teacher submitted the list of winners and the respective essays.

    After the high school department had finalized this, the junior high school team had almost done so too.

    During thest review, something was wrong.

    ¡°Why, you see, this essay is for the first ce in junior high school, and this is for the second ce in senior high school. The simrity of the two is more than 90 percent, but...¡± When the two essays were ced together topare, someone immediately saw the problem.

 Chapter 77 - Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 77: Confrontation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But what? ¡°The team leader reviewed the two essays. True enough, the contents of the two were indeed almost exactly the same, with only some differences in some of the rhetorical writing.

    As for what the other teacher was referring to when he said ¡°But... ¡°, the leader also noticed.

    The second ce essay for the senior high school was not as good as that of the first ce of the junior high school. The essay for the junior high school disyed a better style in writing, and sinct phrasing of words.

    The two essays were identical. There must be a problem here.

    However, the essay from the senior high school was not better than that from the junior high school, why was this the case?

    Perhaps the two students did not write these essays, and instead giarized them from someone. The difference was that the quality of the essay of the junior high school student was better.

    The leader removed his spectacles. ¡°Find out immediately the identity of the students who wrote these two essays, and the schools that they are from, then ask their teachers toe. This type of matter has to be dealt with, we must rify this!¡±

    Teacher Lee, who was resting at home during the weekend, received a call from the school¡¯s management asking her to go to the provincial city.

    ¡°Vice Principal, what is happening?¡± After Teacher Lee prepared the items that were requested by the Vice Principal, when she rushed to the provincial city, she discovered that the Vice Principal had alsoe.

    ¡°I heard from the management that Qiao Nan¡¯s essay had a sh of ¡°garments¡± with someone else¡¯s essay. The high school had another essay that is almost identical. The simrity is as high as ny percent. What do you think is the issue?¡± The Vice Principal was anxious and sweating profusely. If Qiao Nan had copied the work of others, the school¡¯s reputation would be adversely affected. ¡°How is Qiao Nan as a student? Is there a problem with her essay?¡±

    The Vice Principal knew that one of the five students who participated in thepetition was jointly decided by the school¡¯snguage team. And this student belonged to Teacher Lee¡¯s ss.

    Thus, the Vice Principal had every reason to suspect that Qiao Nan was that student.

    Teacher Lee and Vice Principal arrived. The subject teacher and the leader of Qiao Zijin¡¯s school had also arrived.

    Both parties knew the situation but as education professionals, they were civilized people ¨C they greeted one another reluctantly before entering the office.

    ¡°Both sides¡¯ teachers are here. Take a look at these.¡± The two essays were ced side by side on the table. Teacher Lee and Qiao Zijin¡¯snguage teacher bowed their heads and reviewed them.

    Upon the sight of the familiar essay, Qiao Zijin¡¯snguage teacher said immediately, ¡°Leader, this essay was indeed written by my student ¨C Qiao Zijin.¡±

    ¡°What, this essay belonged to Qiao Zijin?¡± Teacher Lee was surprised.

    ¡°Why, this teacher knows both the students?¡± The leader looked at Teacher Lee. ¡°Oh yes, it seems that the two students who wrote the essays bear the same surname ¨C Qiao?¡±

    ¡°In response to the leader¡¯s question, Qiao Zijin was also from my school. She is the biological sister of my student, Qiao Nan. Both are born from the same parents.¡±

    ¡°Biological sisters?¡± The leader was stunned. ¡°Then did the younger sister copied her elder sister?¡±

    However, the younger sister¡¯s essay was obviously better than that of the elder sister.

    The leader read in detail, that younger sister¡¯s essay could also clinch the top ce in the senior high school category.

    It was ced second now because the elder sister¡¯s essay was not as good.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Teacher Lee said with certainty. ¡°Qiao Nan would never copy Zijin¡¯s essay.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher¡¯s expression changed. If the younger sister did not copy, then it meant that her student had copied her younger sister?

    ¡°Leader, I have proof that this essay is undoubtedly written by my student Qiao Zijin.¡± As she said that, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher took out an essay book. ¡°Leader, see, this was written by Qiao Zijin in the school half a month ago. At that time, I was impressed by the essay and rmended her to join thepetition. Coincidentally, this essay was appropriate for the subject of the essay for thispetition.¡±

    Qiao Zijin wrote this half a month ago, the school had the records.

    ¡°Then, this teacher, what do you have to say?¡± He saw that Qiao Zijin¡¯s essay, that was written half a month ago, was indeed identical to that essay, just short of a few words and adjectives.

    ¡°Leader, to tell you the truth, I have not seen this essay from Qiao Nan before.¡±

    Hearing Teacher Lee¡¯s remark, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher smiledcently.

    Seeing the expression of the teacher, Teacher Lee smiled. ¡°However, I still believe in my student. ¡°Leader, I have proof too. My proof are two test papers, one is our first semester¡¯s model exam paper, and the other is the mid-term exam paper administered half a month ago. Leader, you may take a look at the essays written by Qiao Nan before.¡±

    She dared to say that if these two essays were taken to participate in thepetition, and were appropriate for the question, they would definitely also be winning essays.

    The leader took a look at the two test papers. First, the words written on the paper were neat and tidy, and pleasing to the eyes. He also acknowledged the scores given to the essays, but when he read the contents, his eyes lit up. ¡°This essay, it is well written.¡±

    After reading one essay, the Leader picked up and read the second one. ¡°This one is also very good. Both essays¡¯ standards are not bad and simr to the one who clinched the prizes. All the three essays are rather good. Have you thought of submitting the drafts for this student?¡±

    ¡°Also, how old is this student?¡± It was not easy for a junior high school student topose an essay of such a high standard. The student is a literacy talent.

    ¡°In response to your question, Leader, Qiao Nan is 15 years old. She is younger than her sister by two years, but studied early for a year.¡± Teacher Lee introduced proudly.

    ¡°I see.¡± The leader was again surprised regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s writing and also her young age. ¡°Did you bring the essays written by Qiao Zijin in usual days?¡±

    After reading Qiao Nan¡¯s essays, the leader did not conclude immediately.

    ¡°Yes, I did... ¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher¡¯s expression turned awkward. An essay that could gain the liking of the leader was definitely not bad.

    On the contrary, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher knew, although Qiao Zijin did not write many essays, the only piece that was brilliant would be the piece that was used to participate in thispetition.

    Initially, she thought Qiao Zijin was suddenly enlightened, and her words flowed smoothly with her feelings, to create this wonderful masterpiece.

    However, at this juncture, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher was in doubt.

    ¡°Let me take a look.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher reluctantly passed to the Leader the two other essays written by Qiao Zijin.

    The leader only nced at it a couple of times before he passed Qiao Nan¡¯s two essays to Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher. ¡°You can take a look at these two pieces.¡±

    A student¡¯s essay, she might have improved or even progressed rapidly. However, it was impossible for certain situations to ur.

 Chapter 78 - The Joy of Some, The Sorrow Of Others

    <h4>Chapter 78: The Joy of Some, The Sorrow Of Others</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After the student had made some progress, the essays that she write would typically stay at a certain standard.

    The three essays written by Qiao Nan had proved this point.

    On the contrary, the standard of the essays written by Qiao Zijin¡¯s during the monthly and mid-term exams, especially thetter which was written recently, was too different from the winning essay. They were not that bad, but definitely notparable.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher quietly finished reading the twonguage papers of Qiao Nan, then she turned pale.

    Both are Chinese teachers. After seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s essays, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher understood everything.

    The standard of Qiao Nan¡¯s essays were consistent.

    Having seen the two essays by Qiao Zijin, it was without a doubt that Qiao Nan was the one who wrote the winning piece.

    People would believe that Qiao Nan wrote the essay, whereas for Qiao Zijin, logically, no one would believe that Qiao Nan copied the work of Qiao Zijin.

    Furthermore, both were biological sisters who lived under the same roof.

    As long as Qiao Zijin had the intention, it would be easy for her to obtain the essay that was written by her sister. There was definitely this possibility.

    Afterparing, it was obvious who was the copycat.

    ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡± Seeing the attitude of Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher, the leader need not say more.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s our fault for selecting such a student. Leader, our sincere apologies.¡± The teacher from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China quickly apologized to the Leader, Teacher Lee and the rest. After all, the student in the wrong came from the school.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was outstanding. Otherwise, she could be easily disadvantaged in such situations, where others would misunderstood her as the copycat instead of Qiao Zijin.

    After all, who would believe that the senior high school¡¯s elder sister would copy the essay of her junior high school¡¯s younger sister?

    Had it not been that thebinedpetition of the junior and senior high school on this asion, Qiao Zijin would have received the award even if she had copied Qiao Nan¡¯s essay.

    ¡°Since the misunderstanding has been rified, the matter has been decided. Teachers from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, do you have any other views?¡± Now that the matter was clear, Qiao Nan would continue to clinch first ce, but Qiao Zijin¡¯s second ce was gone.

    Clearly Qiao Zijin had copied her sister. It would not be fair to other students if she won a prize.

    ¡°Noments.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher¡¯s face was red with embarrassment. She wished that she could dig a hole and bury herself in it.

    In addition to copying the work of others, her student even had a sh of ¡°garments¡± during apetition, and was caught red-handed. This time, the face of the school was entirely lost.

    At this juncture, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher was particrly disgusted with her.

    If not for Qiao Zijin, today¡¯s matter would not have happened.

    The school¡¯s reputation had always been very good. If the Principal knew about this, she would definitely be criticized and she could forget about receiving her year-end bonus. The reputation of the school and her future had been destroyed by the hands of this one student ¨C Qiao Zijin!

    Teacher Lee smiled gently. What could the teachers from the other school say, they were not stupid.

    What was so great about The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Their students were of such inferior standard ¨C the high school student had to copy the works of the student from their junior high school.

    As a teacher in the junior high school, would Teacher Lee not know about Qiao Zijin¡¯s academic performance?

    To say that Qiao Nan would copy Qiao Zijin¡¯s work would be really out of this world. It would be a joke if Qiao Nan, who was a top student, needed to copy Qiao Zijin¡¯s essay. Who did not know that Qiao Zijin entered the school because of money, it was a myth that all the students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were outstanding.

    At the thought of Qiao Zijin losing the prize and Qiao Nan clinching the top ce, Teacher Lee¡¯s face was full of pride and glory.

    The year end bonus of Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher was in tatters, but that of Teacher Lee would probably be better than before.

    Looking at Teacher Lee who was happy and proud, unlike the miserly state that she was in, Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher was so furious that she wanted to vomit blood.

    Most of the students in her ss joined the school with the help of money, but she did not expect Qiao Zijin would be so unreliable!

    Regarding this matter, Qiao Nan had no knowledge. On Sunday morning, Qiao Nan took some time to make a trip to the Zhai family, then she went to the Lee family to give tuition to Zhu Baoguo.

    As usual, when Qiao Nan entered the quiet ce of the Zhai family, she felt a little down.

    After thepetition, she did not manage to find Brother Zhai. Thereafter, she was led away by Teacher Lee, when she wanted to return to the quad so that she could return the pen to Brother Zhai, he had already returned to Pingcheng instead of the Zhai family residence.

    Just when Qiao Nan was hesitating on whether to simply leave the fountain pen in the storeroom, she saw a few new books on the table.

    Qiao Nan went over to take a look and discovered that the books were simr to to those that she received at the delivery room.

    Qiao Nan opened the books and they looked extremely new. Most likely, they had just been bought.

    Did the Zhai family have any children that were studying in high school now? Did Brother Zhai specially buy these for her, so the books that she received previously at the delivery room were indeed from Brother Zhai?

    In the face of the revision books with neither name nor note, Qiao Nan was in much hesitation.

    These books would be of great help to her, but Brother Zhai did not leave any notes. If he really wanted to give them to her, should she ept them?

    Or, simr to the previous books, she would carry them with her but would not write anything in it. If it was a misunderstanding, she could take it that she borrowed from Brother Zhai.

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s new books again. Say, who was the one who gave them to you?¡± When he saw Qiao Nan carrying the new books to the Lee family, Zhu Baoguo ran to Qiao Nan¡¯s side to see, as if he was a monkey.

    Qiao Nan was never stingy with Zhu Baoguo. As long as Zhu Baoguo did not write or draw on the books, she had never decline to lend any of them to him. It was the same this time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a busybody, I can lend them to you if you wish to read them. Don¡¯t forget the old rules.¡± Sitting down, Qiao Nan was focused as she opened her school bag to proceed with the revision n today.

    Zhu Baoguo mouth twisted; in his entire life, he had not treated the books with such an attitude before. The books in his hands were not books, they were clearly akin to the ancestors that he prayed to three times a day.

    Although he had these thoughts, Zhu Baoguo dared not provoke Qiao Nan, so he abided by Qiao Nan¡¯s rules when reading.

    Zhu Baoguo was better at Science than Humanities and Arts subjects. Since both the Zhu family and Lee family hadid down the conditions, Qiao Nan might as well focus on revising the Science knowledge for Zhu Baoguo, and strive to improve his grades in this area.

    ¡°These are the test questions that I drafted for you yesterday. Complete these two papers.¡±

 Chapter 79 - Invitation By The School

    <h4>Chapter 79: Invitation By The School</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    During almost every weekend, Qiao Nan woulde up with a Science test paper that was catered to Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Already used to the revision method of Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo consciously took out his pen and started to work on the questions. Elder Lee, who came downstairs with the excuse of getting some water to drink, saw this and felt veryforted and relieved.

    After the mid-term exam, when he saw the few test papers that Zhu Baoguo had failed, one could imagined Elder Lee¡¯s huge disappointment.

    Clearly he had known that his grandson had never learned well. He also told himself more than once that, by letting his grandson learn from Qiao Nan, he just wanted to tame his temper and prevent him from getting into trouble.

    However, at this juncture, Elder Lee was inevitably hopeful.

    But dreams are often beautiful and reality cruel. The grandson¡¯s flunking of the tests was undoubtedly a p in the faces of both the Zhu and the Lee family.

    For this reason, Elder Lee picked a time to speak to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think of Baoguo¡¯s progress, can he catch up?¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee, Zhu Baoguo is actually quite intelligent. It is not difficult for him to catch up. Judging that at the beginning of next year, most of his results will be improved.¡± Qiao Nan replied with certainty.

    Elder Lee smiled bitterly. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re still a child. Don¡¯t talk to me so diplomatically like an adult. You also don¡¯t need tofort me. Tell me the truth. I have heard about Baoguo¡¯s mid-term exam results, he did not pass any subjects.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee, I am notforting you. You don¡¯t know Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation. That¡¯s why you only looked at his marks. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mid-term exam grades may be a failure in your eyes but they are no different from scoring full marks in my opinion.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo did not go to school in junior high school. As primary school is not difficult, Zhu Baoguo picked them up very quickly. But picking up the knowledge of junior high school is certainly not as easy. That test paper of Zhu Baoguo, he got every question that I had taught before correct. For those that have not been taught, it is not realistic to expect him to answer them correctly or score well in the test.¡± Qiao Nan felt that she was in a difficult position. ¡°Grandpa Lee, you may not quite understand, putting aside junior high school, even in primary school, the loss of any knowledge will result in difficulty in catching up, these students are easily given up by teachers. Zhu Baoguo is learning very swiftly now, his IQ is certainly not low.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa Lee, did you criticize Zhu Baoguo because of the mid-term exam? If so, then you have wronged Zhu Baoguo.¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± Elder Lee was stunned as he listened. He did not expect that a failed test paper could give so much insight.

    That means that although his grandson failed the exams, he had not done badly; in fact, he had done well. ¡°Nan Nan, is what you are saying true, Baoguo is really so smart that you would give him full marks for these few tests?¡±

    Elder Lee was someone open-minded. He initially did not understand, but after listening to Qiao Nan, he understood.

    ¡°A full 100 marks. If Zhu Baoguo continued to study seriously from the beginning, his grades will not be bad, and he will be well-liked by the teachers as he could grasp concepts at his fingertips. You know my situation, Grandpa Lee, but I never had the feeling that Zhu Baoguo was wasting my time, Zhu Baoguo can learn things without much effort. Basically, he understood whatever I have taught him just once, and answered the questions correctly.¡±

    Anyway, she had never been a teacher, but after teaching Zhu Baoguo, she had never been in a bad mood.

    Which teacher would not like a student that understood at the first attempt?

    Elder Lee, who just picked up the responsibility of a grandfather, was grinning from ear to ear, when he heard Qiao Nan¡¯s praise on Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Is Baoguo really so good?¡±

    To put it bluntly, it was the Zhu family who did not know how to bring up the kids. See how good Baoguo is now after being taken in hand by the Lee family.

    ¡°Good.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Actually Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper is a bit stubborn and he is very sensitive. Grandpa Lee should understand the reason more than me. People like Zhu Bao, you have to use the soft approach and coax him, don¡¯t always question, criticize or look at him with disappointment. This is not fair and will make let Zhu Baoguo feel rebellious. Grandpa Lee, if you have the time, go and buy some books on Teen psychology. I think it hasn¡¯t been easy for Zhu Baoguo.¡±

    Elder Lee smiled. ¡°You¡¯re a mature little one, you talk with with logic as though you know more than me. What book? Teen psychology, fine, next time I¡¯ll send someone to buy some for me to read. Baoguo did not have it easy, but you have a more difficult life than Baoguo.¡±

    Through his grandson, Elder Lee already knew that the rescue of his grandson had caused so much trouble for Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, the teachers trusted Qiao Nan. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would be criticized instead ofmended that day in the school.

    ¡°No, I feel that I am living quite well now. My Dad recently... Grandpa Lee, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan could feel that his father had been tightening his reign over her mother. Her mother no longer assigned household chores to her to cause her to have less time to study. Most importantly, she also stopped addressing her as the wretched girl, at least before her.

    In this world, her father was the only person that could suppress her mother, and Elder Lee was the one who made her father realize it.

    ¡°Nan Nan, probably the best thing that I have done for Baoguo, is to have found him a little teacher like you. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, don¡¯t hesitate toe to Grandpa, understand?¡± Elder Lee, who knew that Ding Jiayi had the notion of wanting Qiao Nan to quit school and work, was afraid that the saga had not ended.

    ¡°Thank you Grandpa Lee. But for the sake of Zhu Baoguo, the things that we talked about today, Grandpa Lee can also let the Zhu family know. You must not only dote on him, but also assure him.¡± Their conversation ended with this advice of Qiao Nan.

    Elder Lee went back and thought carefully about Qiao Nan¡¯s words. .The more he thought about it, the more he felt that there was a point.

    Everyone goes through the stage of being young and foolish, Elder Lee thought how he felt at the time when he was still young, and he really understood the meaning of Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    True enough, the Zhu and Lee family co-operated with one another. Even if they were unable to change their attitude towards Zhu Baoguo, they could not deny that under this atmosphere, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper had toned down. Unlike the past, he would no longer jump and get angry at the slightest issue.

    Elder Lee drank his freshly brewed tea and went upstairs at a leisurely pace, avoiding creating any disturbance for the two that were learning.

    When Qiao Nan finished her tuition with Zhu Baoguo and went home, she did not see Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan was not surprised. However, even Ding Jiayi was not home. ¡°Dad, did Mom send Sister to school?¡±

    ¡°No, the school rang and asked your Mom to make a trip to the school.¡±

 Chapter 80 - Too Lazy

    <h4>Chapter 80: Too Lazy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom and Sister went to the school? What is the matter, is there a Parent-Teacher Conference?¡± It was strange to hold a Parent-Teacher Conference at this time of the year. She thought that it would be usually be held after the mid-term examination.

    ¡°Not sure, there¡¯s probably some matter.¡± When he said this, Qiao Dongliang looked happy.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows; given the expression of her father, perhaps Qiao Zijin had done a good thing.

    ¡°They say it¡¯s regarding Zijin¡¯s participation in the essaypetition. It¡¯s probably a good matter.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Qiao Nan, your sister has made great improvements recently. If possible, Dad will definitely try to get you into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China as well. Thereafter, Dad will wait for the day when both of you be sessful.¡±

    So what if he did not have a son, the daughters he raised were more sessful than the sons of others. That was better than anything else.

    ¡°Essaypetition?¡± Hearing these two words, Qiao Nan smiled with deep thoughts.

    If the school invited the parent because Qiao Zijin scored well in the mid-term exam, then undoubtedly, she would be praised during the meeting.

    However, if it was pertaining to the essaypetition, unless she guessed it wrong, it was definitely not a good thing that her mother had been invited to the school.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s good performance worked like a miracle pill for her mother ¨C it was more nutritious than the supplement that her mother took.

    Her mother must have fought for the right to make the trip to the school without her father. ¡°Did Mom say she will go by herself? Dad, you¡¯re not going?¡± If her father was going, it would be interesting.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, there will be other opportunities in future.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head as if he could not help it but his mood was not sour.

    When the school called and requested Qiao Zijin¡¯s parents to make the trip, Qiao Dongliang initially wanted to send Qiao Zijin to the school and also to find out why they made the request.

    But Ding Jiayi said it first, she chided Qiao Dongliang straight, ¡°Old Qiao, we agreed before that I will solely take care of Zijin¡¯s matters, and you will handle Qiao Nan¡¯s matters. Zijin performed well, I will be the one making this trip. If you want to go, wait for Qiao Nan¡¯s turn.¡±

    Since Ding Jiayi already said so, Qiao Dongliang had nothing else to say.

    The elder daughter had done well and this was the first trip to the school to receive somemendation. He regretted that he was unable to be there.

    Fortunately, the younger daughter¡¯s performance had always been good. The chances of the younger daughter being praised would be higher than that that of the elder daughter. With this thought, Qiao Dongliang did not feel so bad anymore. ¡°Is there a Parent-Teacher Conference for your school?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen said that there would be one after the final term exams.¡±

    ¡°Good, I will attend your Parent-Teacher Conference.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan wasughing secretly. She already knew that it was her mother who grabbed the chance to make the trip to Qiao Zijin¡¯s school. She hoped that her mother could still smile when she was on the way back.

    Ding Jiayi sent Qiao Zijin to the school early, so it was not particrlyte when she came home. However, when she was back, her face was all ck. ¡°Qiao Nan, tell me, why are you sozy?¡±

    ¡°Who did you say iszy?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Did you forget what I told you!¡± Without a reason, why was Nan Nan being scolded again?

    ¡°After the trip to the school, why are you furious, what did the teacher tell you?¡± Logically, Old DIng should be happy if the elder daughter had beenmended. But the attitude as as if she had consumed a ton of gunpowder outside and was waiting to explode at home.

    ¡°What did the teacher say?¡± Ding Jiayiughed in a strange and sinister manner, she then reached out her hands and tried to pinch Qiao Nan¡¯s arms.

    Seeing the situation, Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan behind him without saying a word. ¡°Tell me what you have to say, what exactly did the the teacher tell you, did Zijin make a mistake?¡±

    If the purpose of the trip today was tomend Zijin, Old Ding would not have this attitude.

    ¡°Made a mistake? Zijin is so obedient, how could she make mistakes. She is the one who harmed Zijin.¡± Ding Jiayi became spiteful when she did not manage to hit Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re still defending her, you don¡¯t know that she caused harm to Zijin! She caused Zijin to receive a warning in school. Zijin lost all of her face. Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan, tell me why you are so cruel and malicious to hurt your sister this way. You, you, you are really driving me to my grave! Old Qiao, you still want to defend this heartless thing!¡±

    ¡°What nonsense.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck. He was confused by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. ¡°When you stepped into the house, you said Nan Nan waszy. And now, you said she harmed Zijin. What has Nan Nan¡¯sziness got to do with harming Zijin? You also scolded Nan Nan for being heartless, how are all these rted!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you know what is going on?¡± His wife was not talking sense, Qiao Dongliang could only ask Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan knew what was happening but she could not breathe a word. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Then tell me, tell me properly, what exactly happened? Didn¡¯t you say that Zijin was doing well in the school recently and was ranked eighth in her studies in ss. She even participated in the essay writingpetition. Why was she issued with a warning? This, will this affect Zijin¡¯s future?¡± Qiao Dongliang could not help feeling nervous. Being given a warning was not a small matter.

    ¡°Ask her!¡± Ding Jiayi pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s nose while ring at her.

    ¡°Mom, what did I do?¡±

    ¡°Yes, what did Nan Nan do? If you tell me Nan Nan would harm Zijin, I won¡¯t believe it.¡± Moreover, even if Nan Nan would really cause harm to Zijin, one was in junior high and the other in senior high. It was impossible for Nan Nan to cause harm to Zijin. This was utter nonsense.

    ¡°During thepetition, she wrote a piece of essay that was exactly the same as that of Zijin!¡±

    ¡°Exactly the same?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. ¡°Nan Nan, did you copy your sister?¡±

    Two identical essays appeared in thepetition. Qiao Dongliang understood the oue immediately.

    If Nan Nan had copied Zijin, then Nan Nan should be the one being warned and not Zijin. Zijin was warned, hence, she was the one who made the mistake and that was the reason for the Parent-Teacher Conference. It meant that Zijin copied Nan Nan!

    Having understood this, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was really ck. ¡°Zijin copied Nan Nan¡¯s essay and you are scolding Nan Nan?¡± Coming to the end of the conversation, Qiao Dongliang felt ridiculous.

    ¡°If she¡¯s notzy who is? It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t know how to write. If she had written a new piece during thepetition, then there would not be any issue. I heard that Zijin¡¯s essay nearly clinched the second ce!¡± Second ce, such an excellent ranking. If Zijin clinched it, she would also receive merit points for the middle school examination!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think your words are too ridiculous?¡± Qiao Dongliang was furious and stunned by the shameless words of Ding Jiayi. Were Old Ding¡¯s words eptable?

    If these words got out, they would be aughing stock.

 Chapter 81 - Do You Think That Way Too

    <h4>Chapter 81: Do You Think That Way Too</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zijin copied from Nan Nan, do you think Zijin is right? If Zijin is capable, why didn¡¯t she write it herself, why does she have to copy? Nan Nan was beingbeled aszy for using her own essay, what about Zijin who copied Nan Nan¡¯s essay?¡± Qiao Dongliang was confused, he couldn¡¯t think.

    The elder daughter copied the younger daughter¡¯s essay and almost copied her way to a prize.

    When he heard that, Qiao Dongliang had no idea if he should be d or angry.

    He was happy that the younger daughter¡¯s essay was good enough to get a prize in high school. There was no way that the same essay would not get a prize in the junior high schoolpetition.

    But he was furious as the elder daughter used such underhanded methods to copy the younger daughter¡¯s essay and was issued a warning for it.

    As a sister, she resorted to copying from her younger sister. If he was not trying to keep his temper in check, he wanted to ask the elder daughter, why would she be so shameless?

    But his wife gave the younger daughter a lecture as soon as she reached home. Qiao Dongliang felt so outraged for the younger daughter.

    The elder daughter was caught copying from the younger daughter, but the younger daughter was being med instead, what right does the elder daughter have to copy from her sister?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Zijin bought a stack of essay books so as to ¡®learn¡¯, what do we mean by learn, isn¡¯t it simr to copying? Besides, this is our essay, if not for Qiao Nan, nobody would know that it wasn¡¯t Zijin¡¯s idea. She has to be med for it.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was totally brainwashed by Qiao Zijin who bawled her eyes out at school just now. She believed that ¡°All articles were created by copying¡±.

    Besides, there were no outsider involved, how could it be considered copying? Zijin merely borrowed it.

    If Qiao Nan did not write this essay but wrote another essay, everything would be alright.

    ¡°Who told you all this? You are so downright shameless. Old Ding, are you really this shameless?¡± Qiao Dongliangshed out at her, ¡°This is not our property, this is Nan Nan¡¯s essay, her own essay! Can Zijin take and use Nan Nan¡¯s property as and when she wish? Who said this?! Nan Nan¡¯s works belonged to her alone, you can¡¯t say that it belonged to the family.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Zijin her biological sister? Zijin treated her so well, shouldn¡¯t she help her as well?¡± Ding Jiayi refused to back down, ¡°We are one family, why do we have to be so calctive? Ha!¡±

    ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s the case, does it mean that Nan Nan can use Zijin¡¯s things and has it all for herself?¡± Qiao Dongliang was boiling with anger at Ding Jiayi¡¯s arrogant and unreasonable behavior. He almost felt like giving a p to her face.

    ¡°Zijin took credit for Nan Nan¡¯s essay. No matter how we look at it, it¡¯s Zijin¡¯s fault. How can you say that Zijin is being good to Nan Nan? That¡¯s just crap!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang stretched out his hands to pull at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Since you insist that Nan Nan is at fault, that she shouldn¡¯t bezy and she should write another essay, go outside with me now. I dare you to repeat what you said to me and Nan Nan just now to the people at the quad. If you dare to do that, Nan Nan and I will admit that it¡¯s our fault. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ding Jiayi paled in fright, she pped at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, refusing to step out of the house.

    Ding Jiayi felt that it was alright of her to make unreasonable requests to Qiao Nan, and that Qiao Nan was obligated to do ording to her wishes.

    But she felt ashamed to repeat what she said to others.

    Ding Jiayi dared not tell the others that instead of the person who wrote the essay, the one who copied the essay had the right to use the essay. She dared not tell them such shameless things.

    ¡°So you also realized that what you said just now was shameless and you dared not let others know. But why would you treat Nan Nan in this way? You only dare to take it out on the family and to bully Nan Nan? How unlucky Nan Nan must be to have a Mom like you? Do you know that what you said just now will affect the rtionship of the two sisters? If they fall out with each other and turn their back against each other, you will have to bear the full responsibility! As you said, Zijin is Nan Nan¡¯s biological sister, if she runs into any troubles in the future, she has no one to seek help except Nan Nan. Yet you want to create troubles!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words was to serve as a reminder to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi did not get it, but Qiao Nan understood.

    Qiao Dongliang had two meanings to his words.

    First, Ding Jiayi¡¯s ramblings was all her own doings, it had nothing to do with Qiao Zijin. He wanted Qiao Nan not to have any misunderstandings and not to affect the rtionship between the sisters.

    Secondly, Qiao Dongliang understood that even if the elder daughter has been making improvements, her results was still far behind the younger daughter¡¯s results.

    In the society now, those who could study would have a brighter future.

    The younger daughter might have better future prospects aspared to the elder daughter.

    If the elder daughter ran into any troubles, she could only seek help from the younger daughter.

    If Ding Jiayi continued with her ways to spoil their rtionship, the younger daughter might not be willing to help the elder daughter when she was in trouble?

    His wife would only hinder the elder daughter.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips dropped, she could no longer feel the surge of warmth when Qiao Dongliang jumped in to defend her just now.

    That surge of warmth was not enough for her to feelforted and warm, instead his words were just like pouring a bucket of cold water over her.

    Her mother wanted her to be the source of ie for Qiao Zijin. She would do anything that was beneficial for Qiao Zijin, even if it meant taking everything away from Qiao Nan.

    As for her father, he wanted Qiao Nan to be Qiao Zijin¡¯s nanny, to take care of her no matter what.

    ¡°How am I creating trouble?¡± Ding Jiayi refused to admit. ¡°Zijin was the victim here, you decide what to do!¡±

    Old Qiao wanted to take in a son-inw for Zijin. She did not believe that he would not be anxious that she was being issued a warning.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Zijin¡¯s teacher had told Ding Jiayi outright that it was only possible that Qiao Zijin copied the essay from Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi might have dragged Qiao Nan to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and forced her to admit in front of the teacher that she had copied from Qiao Zijin.

    Not only did Ding Jiayi refused to admit her mistake, she acted justified and confident. Qiao Dongliang had a splitting headache, Old Ding was so muddleheaded. ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    He could only work on the younger daughter since his wife refused to listen to reasons.

    The squeaky wheel gets the grease, Qiao Nan had always been obedient and sensible. Hence Qiao Dongliang was used to the fact that she should give in and suffer in silence, and try to be more understanding towards Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Your Mom has a bad temper, she was muddleheaded to have said those words. Do not take it to heart. She is a good person, it¡¯s just that she cared too much for your sister.¡±

    ¡°Dad, did you also think that I should let sister copy my essay?¡±

 Chapter 82 - Would Not Compromise

    <h4>Chapter 82: Would Not Compromise</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Qiao Dongliang denied adamantly. He was not as muddleheaded as Old Ding. ¡°But Nan Nan, you must understand, if there¡¯s peace at home everything will prosper! You should know your Mom¡¯s temper, you can¡¯t possibly ask her to apologize to you?¡±

    They were one family, they could not possibly stay at loggerheads with each other forever?

    ¡°Even if Mom is wrong, I would still need to obey, listen to her and please her?¡± Her father did not seem happy when she did that in her previous life.

    ¡°I am not asking you to obey your Mom... ¡± Qiao Dongliang had a terrible headache. If Nan Nan was to obey Old Ding in whatever she asked, the house might be even more chaotic.

    ¡°What does Dad want me to do? When Mom reprimanded me for beingzy and that I should have let sister copy my essay, I did not even say a word. Dad, am I not submissive enough? Which areas should I improve on? You can tell me and I will change.¡± Qiao Nan spoke in an exceptionally calm voice, in aposed manner that was beyond people her age.

    The more Qiao Nan appeared to be calm andposed, the more Qiao Dongliang felt guilty.

    Qiao Dongliang used to think that as children, they were obligated to obey their parents. Since Old Ding was muddleheaded, Qiao Nan would just have to suffer in silence.

    It might sound irresponsible, but it was Nan Nan¡¯s fault to have such a mother.

    But when he looked into Qiao Nan¡¯s dark eyes, her calm and still expression halted him in his tracks. It was as if his mouth had been glued. No words came out of his mouth.

    If Qiao Nan threw tantrums and cried in anguish, Qiao Dongliang could chide her for being disobedient and insensible. But Qiao Nan stayed silent all the while, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know what to say.

    He tried multiple times to persuade Qiao Nan, but he could not make any sound.

    Given Ding Jiayi¡¯s personality, there was no way that Qiao Dongliang could persuade Qiao Nan. He had reached a dead end.

    If Qiao Nan was to give in to Ding Jiayi, there would not be any chance that she could continue with her studies. She would be responsible for writing essays for Qiao Zijin to copy.

    But this was against Qiao Dongliang¡¯s world views. In that case, how could he tell his daughter to obey his wife? And what exactly should she do to obey her?

    Qiao Dongliang had no answers to his own questions, he was lost in thoughts.

    After a while, an upset Qiao Dongliang said in disgruntlement, ¡°All of you have such a bad temper.¡±

    With that he returned to his room.

    His wife would not listen to him, and his daughter had her own views, she would no longer listen to her parents.

    He could no longer take his wife and daughter in hand.

    Qiao Nan could hear the censure from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, she twitched her lips in self mockery. No matter what, she would no longer give in to her mother and Qiao Zijin. That was impossible!

    If her parents knew that she had done the essay incident on purpose, she wondered how her parents would react.

    But Qiao Nan was not foolish. She would not admit it out of her own ord and invite trouble for herself.

    She returned to her room right after Qiao Dongliang left.

    But in a while Ding Jiayi came storming in.

    Without a word, Ding Jiayi searched through Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag, throwing all the contents onto the bed, searching through them book by book.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing?¡± Was her mother so furious about Qiao Zijin¡¯s incident that she wanted to tear up her textbooks.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Qiao Nan knew that there was no way that she could stop her Mom, she could only shout for his help.

    But Qiao Dongliang was still angry over the incident just now. Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s call for him, he stayed in his room and did not utter a word.

    ¡°Let me ask you, where¡¯s your essay book?¡± After searching through all the books, Ding Jiayi could not find the essay book that Qiao Zijin mentioned. She demanded it from Qiao Nan, ¡°Give your essay book to me. From now on, you are not allowed to use any of the essays in your essay book, do you understand? If there¡¯s a next time, I will not let you off. Hurry up, hand me your essay book!¡±

    Qiao Nan smirked at Ding Jiayi. ¡°I don¡¯t have it!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t have it? I don¡¯t believe you. Give it to me now. If not don¡¯t me me for being unruly!¡±

    ¡°Even so I do not have it with me!¡± Qiao Nan ran out of the room. ¡°Dad, Mom wanted to tear up my books!¡±

    ¡°You wretched girl...¡±

    ¡°What, Old Ding!!!¡± Qiao Dongliang bellowed and rushed out. ¡°Old Ding, I didn¡¯t re up recently but that doesn¡¯t mean that I am good tempered!¡±

    ¡°When did I say that I want to tear up her books? I merely wanted her to give me her essay book and not to use them in future.¡± Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan furiously. This wretched girl lied to frame her.

    ¡°Dad, do you think I should hand them over?¡± Qiao Nan was not afraid of Ding Jiayi, she turned and asked Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to give, don¡¯t give them to her. There are otherponents besides essays in the college entrance exams. Even if Qiao Zijin could copy Qiao Nan¡¯s essay, there is no way that Qiao Nan could sit for the other exams on her behalf? You are so foolish.¡± Qiao Dongliang chided Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. It would be good if Zijin can do better for her essay. When you are in high school, every mark matters. I will do whatever I can to help Zijin. Besides it would not kill her to help her biological sister. Why is she so stingy? That¡¯s the only way that she can be of use at home.¡± Ding Jiayi refused to listen to reason.

    ¡°Come out with me.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang could not talk reason into Ding Jiayi, he could not be bothered to talk sense into her anymore. He stepped into Qiao Nan¡¯s room and dragged Ding Jiayi out with him. ¡°Nan Nan, keep an eye on your books in the future, if the worstes to worst, don¡¯t bring them home.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had no other choice. There was no way that his wife would change her ways until she had gotten what she wanted.

    Qiao Dongliang had a sudden thought, it might be a good idea for Qiao Nan to put all her books elsewhere.

    Nan Nan could no longer take things lightly. His wife was beyond reasons, she would go ahead to take Nan Nan¡¯s stuff without any reasons.

    Before this Qiao Dongliang was still angry at Qiao Nan. But after looking at Ding Jiayi¡¯s unruly behavior just now, all his anger had dissipated.

    Nan Nan was in unlucky to have such a mother like Old Ding.

    ¡°Oh, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved that Qiao Dongliang seemed to have cooled down.

    Even though her father might be fickle minded at times, but Qiao Nan knew that he was the only one in the family who would defend her. If she enraged and offended him, Qiao Nan would have an even more difficult time at home.

    Qiao Dongliang dragged Ding Jiayi away after Qiao Nan¡¯s affirmative answer.

 Chapter 83 - Use Another Method To Persuade

    <h4>Chapter 83: Use Another Method To Persuade</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Ding Jiayi left the room.

    Elder Lee knew that she had an essaypetition today and asked her to leave the essay book with him. Qiao Nan had no idea why he would want the essay book, but she did not bother to find out.

    No matter what, Elder Lee was not like her mother, who would give her essay to someone else to copy and forbid the original writer from using it.

    Her mother was getting way out of hand. No wonder when she was knocked down by the car in her previous life, her mother was happy enough to cry, saying that Qiao Zijin finally had the money and the kidney to cure her illness.

    After being dragged to her room by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi ranted at him. ¡°Old Qiao, are you foolish? Instead of giving money to Zijin to buy essay books, we should just let her look at Qiao Nan¡¯s essay.¡±

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t do. Those were Nan Nan¡¯s essays. They belonged to her. Zijin cannot use them. If others find out about this, Zijin may find it a disgrace. You must consider Zijin¡¯s future. Is she still going in to take in a husband?¡± Qiao Dongliang said in exasperation.

    ¡°We can keep it to ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so you do realize that what you are doing is wrong and you do not want others to know about it?¡± Qiao Dongliang mocked her. ¡°Do you think that we can keep such things under wraps? We have to count our blessings that things didn¡¯t blow up.¡±

    Zijin had already been issued a warning in school. Of the students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, at least everyone at her ss would have known about it.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s head hurt at the thought of that. ¡°Look at what happened. Now that Qiao Zijin has been issued a warning, do you think she wanted to stay in that ss? Will she be looked down upon by others?¡±

    It was so disgraceful to cheat with one¡¯s own sister¡¯s essay. Qiao Dongliang blushed in embarrassment at the thought of that.

    ¡°No, they won¡¯t.¡± Ding Jiayi was lost for words. She stuttered, ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s only... besides, the essay is Qiao Nan¡¯s, it¡¯s our family affair, what has it got to do with outsiders? They have no right to look down on Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Keep your words to yourself. You should know that Zijin only had a chance to enter thepetition because of Nan Nan¡¯s essay. If Zijin did not participate, another student would have the chance to take part. Apart from the other students, how do you think Zijin¡¯s teacher will view her after this incident? Will the teacher be displeased with her? Zijin has been issued with a warning. Her teacher might have been been disciplined for this as well.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that Zijin could have offended her teacher because of this incident? It, it cannot be so serious, right?¡± Ding Jiayi was shocked. She did not really care about the reactions of other students, instead she was worried that Zijin¡¯s teacher might be displeased with her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what kind of school The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is? Even if you kept saying that it¡¯s okay, but that fact that Zijin cheated in thepetitions would remain a record in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Not to mention the teachers, what do you think the principal will think?¡±

    ¡°What, what should we do?¡± At home, Ding Jiayi might have insisted that it was normal to copy from one¡¯s sister. But it was a different matter outside.

    ¡°I have no idea. This is aplicated matter. Why would Zijin be so foolish. As for you, did you even use your brains to think? To think that you wanted to snatch Nan Nan¡¯s essay books. Do you think that Zijin¡¯s reputation in not in tatters yet? Do you want her teachers to dislike her further? Now her teachers are well aware of her standard, if she used Nan Nan¡¯s essay again, do you think they would not find out?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had given up on making Ding Jiayi understand that what she did would affect the sisters¡¯ rtionship. Instead he tried to make her see the impact of the incident on Zijin. It was only in this way that she would take in his words.

    ¡°It, it would turn out this way?¡± As expected, when Qiao Dongliang pointed out the ramifications of this incident and how it might affect Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was willing to listen to every single word that he said. ¡°Then, then what should we do? I thought it would be useful to Zijin if I gave her Qiao Nan¡¯s essay book.¡±

    That wretched girl, as expected, she was of no use to Zijin at all, not even her essay book could help her.

    ¡°You do not need to meddle in this matter. I am not trying to help Nan Nan. Instead what you should worry about is whether what you do would be doing harm to Zijin.¡±

    ¡°You yourself know if you are doing this for Zijin or for Qiao Nan. But as for Zijin, I would have to think about it, if her teacher is displeased with her, what should we do about it?¡± Ding Jiayi knew that what she could do next was to help Zijin make up for her mistake.

    An absurd weekend passed by for the Qiao family. On the next Monday at school, Zhao Yu had just sat down when the other ssmates crowded around her and said, ¡°Regarding thepetitionst weekend, do you know what happened to Qiao Nan?¡±

    Zhao Yu pulled her face. They were obviously rubbing someone¡¯s nose in it.

    She was boiling with anger when she was reminded of how she passed all the rounds, went for half a month of training, and yet it has been decided that Qiao Nan would be one of the participants. ¡°Alright, stop probing. Qiao Nan was one of the five participants who took part in the essaypetition.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± All the students who were hoping to see some fun were dejected.

    ¡°Stop talking about this. I am so frustrated. I am going to read my books.¡± Zhao Yu ced her books vertically in front of her and buried her face in them.

    She had thought that since she had broken Qiao Nan¡¯s pens, she had no pens to write her essay and she would have to give up on thepetition.

    Who would have known that some busybody would lend her a pen. Hopefully she did not do well in her essay this time.

    At the thought of this, Zhao Yu shot Qiao Nan a guilty look. All her pens were broken, would she be suspicious?

    But nobody was there when she broke her pens. Even if Qiao Nan suspected her, she could do nothing about it.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your essay book, take it back.¡± Zhu Baoguo gave Qiao Nan the essay book that she left with Elder Lee.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved when she finally had her essay book back.

    Luckily she did not bring her essay book home, if not with her mother¡¯s temper, she would have given it to Qiao Zijin.

    In this life, the money that she earned belonged to her, and it was the same for the essay that she wrote as well. She would never let Qiao Zijin copy another word from her!

    Because of this, Qiao Nan¡¯s words of gratitude sounded even more sincere and agitated than before.

    ¡°Are you running a fever?¡± Zhu Baoguo who was used to her cold attitude was shaken up by the tone in her voice. ¡°Have you taken the wrong medicine?¡±

    ¡°Go away.¡± Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at Zhu Baoguo. Heughed at her instead, ¡°That¡¯s better.¡±

    Qiao Nan twinged the corners of her mouth. She did not know that Zhu Baoguo was like that.

 Chapter 84 - Tell the Teachers

    <h4>Chapter 84: Tell the Teachers</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Before we begin lessons, I have a piece of news to share with all of you.¡± During self study sessions, Teacher Chen stood on the stage in a good mood. ¡°We selected five students from the school to represent the school in the essaypetition. I am very proud to announce that among the five of them, two of the students were awarded prizes. One of them came in the third ce while the other student came in the first ce. The student who came in third is from another ss. But the student who came in first ce is in our ss!¡±

    Teacher Chen and Teacher Lee were exhrated. They were very proud to have their student toe in first in the essaypetition.

    Of course, if it was a Mathematicspetition, Teacher Chen would be even happier.

    ¡°The first ce?! Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Zhao Yu is the only one from our ss that participated in the essaypetition. It must be her.¡±

    ¡°Crap, Zhao Yu is so brilliant. Being awarded the first ce in the essaypetition, this is much more difficult thaning in the first ce in Chinese in school. One really can¡¯t tell that she is so intelligent.¡±

    The students were full of murmuring. Most of them guessed that it must have been Zhao Yu, while Zhu Baoguo lifted his chin and kept his silence as if he knew something.

    ¡°The student who came in the first ce in the essaypetition is Qiao Nan!¡± Teacher Chen announced in excitement. ¡°Qiao Nan did very well for her essays, why didn¡¯t anyone guess that it was her?¡±

    The ssroom was in total silence at Teacher Chen¡¯s words. Most of them were in shock.

    Although there were many rumors that Qiao Nan participated in the essaypetition, she did not take part in the preliminary rounds organized by the school nor did she go for the essay training session that was specially organized for thispetition. Hence even if there were rumors that Qiao Nan was among the five students who participated, everyone treated it as a joke and wanted to see how Qiao Nan would make a fool of herself.

    But now the only person toe in first ce was Qiao Nan?

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Qiao Nan did very well in the two Chinese exams this semester. Teacher Lee even pasted them on the ckboard. I have taken a look. They were really well written, even better than the essay books that I bought.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Qiao Nan deserved the first ce. Zhao Yu was not good enough.¡±

    After hearing Teacher Chen¡¯s announcement, a lot of the students corrected themselves. Previously they looked at Zhao Yu enviously, but now they only had contempt for her.

    Zhao Yu paled and bit her lip. She hung her head and sniffed.

    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s give a round of apuse for Qiao Nan. She has made us all proud this time.¡± Teacher Chen started to p, and the students followed thereafter.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you have to get ready to receive the prize from the principal after the morning exercise.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen, I understand.¡±

    After Teacher Chen has left, Zhao Yu red at Qiao Nan with bloodshot eyes, ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too smug.¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Zhu Baoguo pulled at his sleeves and gave Zhao Yu a fierce stare.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Qiao Nan stopped Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Don¡¯t be too smug? I am going tough smugly, I am going tough smugly!¡±

    When she was participating in the essaypetition, someone must have broken her pens on purpose. She did not want to pinpoint Zhao Yu, but she was being too obvious.

    Zhao Yu had told Qiao Nan not to be too smug, yet Qiao Nan sang ugh smugly¡± at her. Zhao Yu longed to throw her books at Qiao Nan and to scratch at her face. She wanted to see if Qiao Nan would still be able tough smugly after that.

    But before Zhao Yu could do anything, Zhu Baoguo had already pulled Qiao Nan aside. He lifted his chin and looked askance at Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu gritted her teeth and lowered her hand.

    ¡°Zhao Yu, I brought three pens to the essaypetition, but they were all broken and could not be used. Do you know who did that?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and looked at Zhao Yu.

    Eyes flickering around, Zhao Yu could not hide her emotions. She dared not look at Qiao Nan in the eyes. ¡°Your, your pens were broken, it¡¯s none of my business. What do you mean by do I know who did it. Your pens were broken. There¡¯s no one to me.¡±

    ¡°How could three pens be broken in one go?¡± Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°Could all the pens have ganged up together?¡±

    ¡°This, this is a coincidence. Why would you ask me, I have no idea at all. You, you are really getting on my nerves. I am done talking to you!¡± Zhao Yu could feel her heart thumping, she was stuttering and her face was flushed red.

    At this time the school bell rang. It was time for morning exercise.

    While the ss monitor lined up the students, Qiao Nan stared coldly at Zhao Yu.

    If Zhao Yu really broke her pens, this was no longer a simple matter of throwing tantrums or ying pranks on other students.

    If Zhao Yu a junior high school student coulde up with the n of breaking her pens to prevent her from writing her essay, nobody would know if she would do more terrible things next time.

    ¡°You just wait and see!¡± Qiao Nan had gone to line up, but Zhu Baoguo who purposely trailed behind said in a vicious tone when he passed by Zhao Yu. ¡°Qiao Nan may not take it to heart, but that doesn¡¯t mean I will let this matter rest. Did you break Qiao Nan¡¯s pens?¡±

    ¡°No, no, I am innocent. Qiao Nan framed me!¡± Zhao Yu might not be scared of Qiao Nan, but she feared Zhu Baoguo. She was scared of his family status and his gangster attitude.

    At hismand, not to mention outside the school, a lot of the students in the school would be willing to be his hatchet men.

    By that time Zhu Baoguo would escape unscathed while she was being bullied.

    ¡°Would I believe you?¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled coldly and walked off to line up.

    Zhao Yu was angered and scared at the same time by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s attitude. She stomped her feet in frustration.

    What should she do now? She thought that no-one would know about the pens and Qiao Nan would suffer in silence.

    After all, no-one could tell for sure how the pens were broken. She had no idea that Qiao Nan would have guessed that the pens have been broken.

    So what if the pens were broken, Qiao Nan still managed to borrow a pen and came in first ce in the essaypetition. What more did she want!

    During morning exercise, Zhao Yu looked on in anger and frustration when Qiao Nan was called up to the stage by the principal. She received the certificate and prize from the principal and was the center of attention of the whole school.

    The thunderous sounds of apuse was painful to Zhao Yu¡¯s ears. It hurt even more inside her heart.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Qiao Nan?¡± After morning exercise Zhao Yu was anxious when she didn¡¯t see Qiao Nan.

    ¡°She seems to have gone to look for Teacher Chen. Zhao Yu, Qiao Nan was in the limelight today. She came in first. I wonder how many marks would be added on to her middle school exams.¡± The students remarked bitterly.

    ¡°What, she went to look for Teacher Chen? Qiao Nan has gone way overboard!¡± How could Qiao Nan tell the teacher, it was just pure spection on her part!

 Chapter 85 - Exposed Her Own Deed

    <h4>Chapter 85: Exposed Her Own Deed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Hey, Zhao Yu, where are you going?¡± In a sh, Zhao Yu ran out and a ssmate was trying to pull her back. ¡°Is Zhao Yu mad because Qiao Nan clinched the top ce?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen.¡± Zhao Yu ran to Teacher Chen¡¯s office. True enough, Qiao Nan was also there. Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes welled up instantly in front of Teacher Chen.

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± Teacher Chen was shocked that she was crying without an apparent reason. ¡°What is wrong,e in¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen, Qiao Nan is maligning me.¡± Zhao Yu wiped away her tears as she sobbed quietly, looking so pitiful.

    Qiao Nan shot a nce at Zhao Yu coldly, without saying a word.

    Obviously, youngsters do have the tendency to lose their cool.

    ¡°Qiao Nan maligned you?¡± Teacher Chen looked at Zhao Yu strangely. ¡°How did Qiao Nan malign you, and about what?¡±

    Zhao Yu did not decipher the meaning of Teacher Chen¡¯s question. She was absolutely certain that Qiao Nan hadined against her. To Zhao Yu, Teacher Chen was interrogating and not questioning her as Teacher Chen had always believed in whatever Qiao Nan said.

    After all, Teacher Chen had always liked Qiao Nan and treated her exceptionally well.

    Teacher Chen even gave Qiao Nan a ce for the essaypetition behind closed doors. It was impossible that Teacher Chen would not believe Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Teacher Chen, I was wronged. Those pens were not broken by me. Qiao Nan cannot malign others and me it on me just because her pens were broken.¡± Unless Qiao Nan had evidence, otherwise, she would never admit to it. Zhao Yu cried in front of Teacher Chen.

    ¡°I know I have a bad temper and Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t like me. But we are ssmates, even if she disliked me, she shouldn¡¯t bully me like that... Teacher Chen, trust me, I, I really did not do it.¡±

    At the sight of Zhao Yu who was crying miserably, Qiao Nan did not know what happened but she suddenly saw a hint of Qiao Zijin in Zhao Yu.

    In the previous life, when Qiao Zijin was broke, she cried to her mother in this manner too.

    When Qiao Zijin was pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child, she also sat by the side and sobbed quietly while she watched her mother hit and scold Qiao Nan to force Qiao Nan to give up the rtionship.

    At the time when she was just reborn to this life, her ears were hurt by her mother and Brother Zhai also taught her to use a simr crying tactic on her father. Crying was so handy.

    ¡°The pens were broken, all broken?¡± When Teacher heard this, he felt that something was not right. Although his mood had been dampened by Zhao Yu¡¯s tears, he remained calm and manage to grasp the point made by Zhao Yu. ¡°Qiao Nan, what exactly is happening?¡±

    ¡°During the essaypetition, I brought three pens. One is the usual pen that I used, the other two were brand new. However, strangely, none of the pens worked during thepetition. Fortunately, someone lent me a pen. Otherwise, most likely I would not have been able to participate in thepetition,¡± Qiao Nan told Teacher Chen honestly.

    ¡°Borrow a pen, who lent you the pen?¡± Teacher Chen was rmed. If Qiao Nan did not manage to borrow a pen, they would have a close brush with the first ce, and would have let slip the championship that was already in their hands.

    ¡°It was a big brother from my neighborhood. He happened to pass by and lent me a fountain pen. Zhao Yu was in the same exam hall as me, when the invigtor was helping me to borrow a pen, Zhao Yu did not say anything. Zhao Yu also only brought one pen, I can understand this. Zhao Yu, I did not me you.¡± Qiao Nan smiled at Zhao Yu amicably.

    Teacher Chen was not the only one present in the office, and every teacher brought their brains to work.

    Which student would bring only one pen to participate in thepetition or exam. In other words, when Qiao Nan¡¯s pen was broken, Zhao Yu was not willing to lend one to her. This was a fact.

    Also, the three working pens that were prepared by Qiao Nan were all broken at the same time.

    This was strange.

    They thought of Zhao Yu running to the office, crying that she was maligned and emphasizing that she did not do this.

    At that moment, the teachers in the office had a feeling that Zhao Yu had exposed her own deed.

    Zhao Yu did not know the teachers¡¯ thoughts. After she heard the conversation between Teacher Chen and Qiao Nan, she was dumbfounded.

    Hadn¡¯t Qiao Nane to the office toin about her to Teacher Chen?

    Then, whatever she said just now, was it not...

    Teacher Chen¡¯s face was gloomy. Obviously he was not in a good mood.

    Teacher Chen¡¯s chest heaved up and down and he looked at Zhao Yu a few times. ¡°Zhao Yu, no-one is maligning you. You may return to the ssroom.¡±

    Teacher Chen¡¯s words were like a double-edged sword. Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment.

    ¡°Teacher, Teacher Chen.¡±

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Chen¡¯s attitude was firm. Furthermore, there were many teachers in the office. Zhao Yu was still young and not thick-skinned enough. When she heard Teacher Chen, she cried more miserably than before and tears rolled from her eyes uncontrobly as she turned and left.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why didn¡¯t you tell the teachers? Does Teacher Lee know?¡± Teacher Chen let out a frustrated sigh. He looked at Qiao Nan sullenly. Qiao Nan was good in everything but she was too kind and easily bullied by others.

    As the form teacher, he knew that Zhao Yu had been making things difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°When the car arrived, I went to the restroom to wash my face and left my bag in the car. When I came out, everyone was preparing to enter the exam hall. I discovered that all my pens were broken only when I was attempting the question in the hall.¡±

    After thepetition ended, the teachers sent the students home without any ado.

    Qiao Nan did not have any chance to mention this matter to Teacher Lee.

    Furthermore, it was difficult for Qiao Nan to say it. She could not possibly tell Teacher Lee that all the three pens that she brought were broken and she suspected that someone had intentionally broken them.

    Teacher Chen guessed Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Fine, I understand. You have to pay more attention in future. The kids nowadays... really, they are not as simple as the kids during my generation. They are still so young.¡±

    Teacher Chen did not continue further. Anyway, everyone knew what was going on at heart.

    ¡°Teacher Chen, then I will go back.¡±

    As she left Teacher Chen¡¯s office and passed by the corner, Qiao Nan was held back by Zhao Yu whose eyes were as red as a rabbit due to the crying.

    Zhao Yu was crying as she choked on her words. ¡°Qiao, Qiao Nan you, did you set me up today?¡±

    If Qiao Nan did not look for Teacher Chen in such a hurry, she would not have misunderstood that Qiao Nan was making aint about her. After all, Qiao Nan just told Zhu Baoguo about this.

    ¡°Guess yourself.¡±

    Zhao Yu was stunned. At this juncture, what was there to guess? ¡°Qiao Nan, you did it intentionally. You wanted to malign me. Teacher Chen already favored you so much, why do you still have to smear my reputation?¡±

    ¡°Then tell me. How did I set you up? What did I do intentionally, what did I malign you about? If you can narrate the the full story to me from beginning till end, I will pay you respects and apologize to you. Not one thing less.¡±

 Chapter 86 - Who Did It On Purpose

    <h4>Chapter 86: Who Did It On Purpose</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Having heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhao Yu was so furious that she nearly vomited blood. Was Qiao Nan purposely being unreasonable, would Qiao Nan not know what she was referring to?

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan purposely look for Teacher Chen to cause her to misunderstand that aint would be filed, and then made her lose face in front of Teacher Chen and many teachers in the office?

    ¡°My ssmate Zhao Yu, why are you silent? We should clear up this matter, how did I set you up, what did I malign you about?¡± Qiao Nan crossed her arms and look coldly at Zhao Yu, while she asked Zhao Yu to exin.

    ¡°You know what I mean!¡± Zhao Yu was so angry that she forgot about crying. She only managed to say one sentence, ¡°You still dare to instigate Zhu Baoguo to bash me up, Qiao Nan, how can you be so bad!¡±

    ¡°First, I don¡¯t understand. Second, I didn¡¯t ask Zhu Baoguo to hit you. You¡¯re maligning me.¡± Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Zhao Yu, don¡¯t say the wrong things next time, I did not malign you.¡±

    Leaving these words behind, Qiao Nan walked pass Zhao Yu and returned directly to the ssroom.

    This time, both Qiao Nan and Zhao Yu knew that Qiao Nan did it in purpose when she went to Teacher Chen¡¯s office.

    Qiao Nan did not talk bad about Zhao Yu in front of Teacher Chen, but she already guessed that Zhao Yu would lose her cool and expose her own deed.

    If what Zhao Yu said in the office earlier had exposed her own deed, then what Qiao Nan said to Zhao Yu now had the same effect.

    The only difference was, Zhao Yu was foolish, she also denied her involvement, whereas Qiao Nan was openly mocking Zhao Yu for trying to be smart.

    Yes, Qiao Nan did it on purpose. What could Zhao Yu do to her?

    Qiao Nan left. Zhao Yu remained rooted to the spot with a face full of menace. The students who came out of the ssroom to make their way to the toilet had a bad fright when they saw Zhao Yu¡¯s menacing look. They nearly turned back. ¡°Aren¡¯t you Zhao Yu from ss One, why are you standing here, like being punished, you¡¯re scaring others.¡±

    The other party was a male student, he was utterly shocked by Zhao Yu¡¯s expression.

    Zhao Yu was quite good looking and talented. Many in the school knew who she was.

    15, 16 years old were the age where romantic thoughts starts to blossom. It was not umon for a few male students to have a crush on a girl like Zhao Yu, and the student in front of her was one of them.

    However, when he saw Zhao Yu¡¯s expression, all the positive feelings that the student had for Zhao Yu vanished into thin air in a second.

    The seemingly gentle and crisp looking girl had turned into such a state. It was insane.

    Zhao Yu had not been treated in this manner by boys before. At this juncture, her expression turned even uglier, scaring the male student who ran away without further thoughts. It was as if a dog was chasing him.

    ¡°I¡¯m so mad, everyone is opposing me.¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face was pale with anger, but to prevent others from seeing this dysfunctional side of her again, she could only revert to her normal self before returning to the ssroom.

    At the thought that she made such a big blunder all because of Qiao Nan, Zhao Yu lifted her eyes and wanted to re at Qiao Nan.

    Without waiting for Zhao Yu¡¯s re, Zhu Baoguo raised his eyebrows and cast an unfriendly look at Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu was so scared that she bowed her head and returned to her seat quietly.

    ¡°See, a kind person is liable to be bullied, a tamed horse is often ridden,¡± Zhu Baoguo snorted and boasted to Qiao Nan. ¡°I know this kind of person well, they bully the weak and fear the strong. She only picks the soft persimmons to pinch. You¡¯re too good-tempered. If it were me, I would bash her till she was toothless!¡±

    ¡°I have a good temper?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. She was not good tempered, she had been stabbed in the back numerous times and as a result, she was now used to ying simr tricks.

    She did not take revenge on Zhao Yu openly, but she also did not let her off easily.

    Zhao Yu wanted to be a model student, an obedient teacher¡¯s pet.

    What Zhao Yu said in Teacher Chen¡¯s office today ¨C not only Teacher Chen, Teacher Lee would definitely know about it soon.

    If any of the teachers had a loud mouth, Zhao Yu¡¯s reputation among the teachers in junior high school would be tarnished.

    However, Zhao Yu was already in Secondary Three and the semester was ending soon.

    Otherwise, there would really be a good show to watch.

    At these thoughts, Qiao Nan really did not think that she was a pushover with a weak character.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not good, then who is.¡± Zhu Baoguo rolled his eyes. ¡°Xiao Qiao, let me tell you, you can¡¯t be like this, when you enter the society next time, you are designated to be bullied badly by others. People like Zhao Yu has to be dealt with, till she is fearful so that she dare not give you troubles in future.¡±

    ¡°I agree with what you said.¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head.

    She ignored Zhao Yu previously, but in the end, Zhao Yu broke all her pens before thepetition.

    So the ignoring tactic did not work on Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu was singing a one-man show and was getting more enthusiastic as she went along.

    Thinking, Qiao Nan took a nce at Zhu Baoguo, the reason that Zhao Yu created so much trouble was probably somewhat rted to Zhu Baoguo.

    The matter regarding the essaypetition, as per Qiao Nan¡¯s prediction, after Teacher Chen told Teacher Lee, one of the teachers disseminated this widely and Zhao Yu became infamous amongst the teachers.

    Nevertheless, as everyone were Teachers and the other party was just a student who, most importantly, did not belong to their ss, they passed around the story but did not magnify the matter.

    Furthermore, Zhao Yu denied that she ever did this and there was no evidence. What could they say?

    But this was enough to make Zhao Yu embarrassed and uneasy. Moreover, after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s threats, Zhao Yu was fearful everyday and dared not go home alone. She had to pull along a few friends to apany her before she feel safe to go home.

    Seeing Zhao Yu, Zhu Baoguo snorted with disdain.

    The winter in Ping Cheng was especially cold, everyone was already in their thick and padded winter attire, as the north wind blew, the weather was unbearable. During this time, the students who were holding part-time jobs took the hardest hit.

    ¡°The weather is so cold.¡± Qiao Dongliang put away his bicycle while he rubbed his hands and stomped his feet. ¡°Nan Nan, is your school having the final year examination soon?¡±

    ¡°We are taking the exam next week.¡± Qiao Nan poured Qiao Dongliang a cup of hot tea to warm him up.

    As Qiao Dongliang held the cup of warm tea in his hands, he suddenly felt revived. His frown rxed. ¡°So soon, how¡¯s your preparations going along?¡±

    ¡°Still fine.¡± During the past six months, Qiao Nan had caught up with what she had missed.

    In theing final year examination, they would mainly be tested on what the teachers had taught them during this semester. Hence, Qiao Nan was more confident.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then how about Baoguo, can he do well?¡± After asking about Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang immediately asked about Zhu Baoguo.

 Chapter 87 - New Clothes

    <h4>Chapter 87: New Clothes</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Not sure, it¡¯ll depend on his specific performance.¡± Qiao Nan did not inte hopes although she Zhu Baoguo had been conscientious in his studies during half of this semester.

    However, there are a few cases in this world. Those who did not do well usually but performed in the exams, those who did well usually but failed to perform in the exams, or those who have consistent results during the normal days and exam.

    Qiao Nan was not sure what category Zhu Baoguo belonged to.

    ¡°No issue. Before the exams, you can give him another push and help him to guess the questions. At the very least, let him pass his exams.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not expect too much. Zhu Baoguo failed thest round of exams, he hope that Zhu Baoguo would pass on this asion.

    ¡°That should not be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Not a problem, you¡¯re so certain. That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Dongliang was delighted. If Baoguo could pass the exams, he would have progressed significantly in his studies.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you wish to buy anything during the Lunar New Year? Tell Dad. Dad will buy for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang was rarely generous.

    ¡°Dad, can I have a set of new clothes of my own?¡± This year, she did not wish to wear the used clothes of Qiao Zijin again.

    During this time of the year, Qiao Zijin would always pass her unwanted clothes to Qiao Zijin. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan felt sorry for herself.

    ¡°Good!¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised for a while, then he agreed. ¡°After you finished your exams, during your vacation, Dad will take you shopping. You can choose what you like, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Yes what yes, don¡¯t buy. There¡¯s so many clothes at home. Don¡¯t waste money unnecessarily.¡± Ding Jiayi was a spoilsport when she opened her mouth. ¡°Your sister has so many clothes, all good, if you really want, I¡¯ll take a few out to let you choose two.¡±

    Having said that, Ding Jiayi felt the pinch. Thereafter, she would have to think carefully about which were the clothes that Zijin disliked wearing over the recent years.

    If she gave those that Zijin liked to Qiao Nan, Zijin would most likely throw a fit.

    ¡°I¡¯m buying and not using your money. Nan Nan¡¯s matters, you don¡¯t need to bother.¡± Although he knew what Ding Jiayi was thinking, Qiao Dongliang found it embarrassing to scold Ding Jiayi in front of Qiao Nan.

    The elder daughter had new clothes to wear every year, the younger daughter could only pick up the unwanted clothes of the elder one. At the thought of what Elder Lee told him before, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was burning a little with embarrassment.

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t waste money like that.¡± Ding was unhappy. ¡°Zijin is studying in high school now, the students in her school are either smart or has good family background. If you¡¯re buying one more set of clothes for Zijin, I can understand. It¡¯s not that Qiao Nan does not have any clothes to wear, why care about this when we are so poor?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that Zijin should wear new clothes, whereas when Nan Nan does so, she is asking for too much?¡± Qiao Dongliang was angered. ¡°I have said, I will take care of Nan Nan¡¯s matters, you stand aside. You don¡¯t allow me to buy. Nan Nan, let¡¯s go, Dad will take you to buy now. We pick two sets instead of one. You can wear them interchangeably during the Lunar New Year. As for dinner, Dad will take you to the restaurant!¡±

    ¡°Okay, I listen to Dad.¡± Qiao Nan stood near Qiao Dongliang. She intentionally picked a ce that was further away from Ding Jiayi.

    After being hit by Ding Jiayi numerous times, Qiao Nan was ustomed to this type of situations. He mother would definitely be the first to bash her during such times.

    True enough, when she heard that Qiao Nan was such a spendthrift and refused to listen to advice, Ding Jiayi raised her hand and wanted to hit Qiao Nan a few times, but she could not as Qiao Nan avoided her too well.

    ¡°Nan Nan, let¡¯s go, Dad happens to have money in the pocket today.¡± Moving away from Ding Jiayi and avoiding her ugly expression, Qiao Dongliang left immediately as he pulled Qiao Nan along to buy her new clothes.

    Qiao Nan was not sure if this was because Qiao Dongliang was delighted as she assured Qiao Dongliang that Zhu Baoguo would pass theing examination. He really led Qiao Nan shopping and bought her two full sets of new clothing, from head and toe.

    At the sight of so many new clothes, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was nk as blinked her big eyes. She dared not believe what she saw.

    She thought that her father¡¯s earlier words were said deliberately to anger her mother, never did she think that he would really buy her two sets of clothing.

    ¡°Why, too happy?¡± Qiao Nan looked like she was in awe. This made Qiao Dongliang felt happy yet sour. Ultimately, Qiao Nan had been shortchanged so much.

    Even if he would be taking in a son-inw for Zijin, Nan Nan was still his daughter. How could he not dote on her.

    ¡°Yes, I finally have new clothes to wear. I don¡¯t have to wear those unwanted by Sister anymore.¡±

    This simplement of Qiao Nan was apanied with sadness.

    She not only had no chance to wear new clothes, but also had no chance to wear those that Qiao Zijin liked.

    She could only wear those clothes that Qiao Zijin was sick of and unwilling to wear. Those were akin to a pile of rubbish at home.

    ¡°There will be new clothes next time. In future, Dad will buy you at least one set of new clothes every season.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt very bad.

    Qiao Dongliang came from the era of poverty and hard life. At that time, the people could not even fill their stomach, not to mention wear good clothes.

    So, to Qiao Dongliang, he always felt that although the younger daughter was not treated as well as the elder daughter, but she was also clothed and fed, not left hungry or in cold. Hence, he did not feel that he was shortchanging her.

    However, at this very moment, Qiao Dongliang could no longer maintain this stance.

    He had made this daughter suffer too much.

    ¡°Nan Nan, all these years, did Dad make you suffer a lot?¡±

    ¡°Dad, if I coax you and said no, would you believe me?¡± Having foolishly lived a lifetime, this time, Qiao Nan was not willing to deny and allow herself to continue to suffer.

    Two lifetimes, she suffered, she suffered so much.

    ¡°Dad, like Sister, I¡¯m also your daughter.¡±

    Both are born to the same parents, but why was she treated so differently from Qiao Zijin? She did not expect equal treatment, but it should not be the way it was now.

    ¡°Yes, both are my daughters,¡± Qiao Dongliang said. He did not feel good. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the restaurant.¡±

    Both father and daughter ended up eating and drinking to their hearts¡¯ content before going home.

    Meanwhile, Ding Jiayi was at home facing the cold and quiet house alone. She could only hear her own breathing. She felt so depressed and was close to tears. ¡°The two of you are so good, do you still take me seriously, do you still treat me like family? Don¡¯t tell me both of you are biological father and daughter, and I¡¯m not your real Mom? Those things that I did, aren¡¯t they for the sake of the family?¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Naning back with bags of new stuff, Ding Jiayi felt the sting in her heart. ¡°This, this, how much did you all spend, how much did you buy?¡± From the look of it, it did not look like only one set of clothing and been bought.

    ¡°Nan Nan, take them back to your room and put them away properly. Right, remember to cut away thebels.¡± Knowing his wife¡¯s character, Qiao Dongliang advised Qiao Nan.

    Actually, Qiao Nan intended to do this even if Qiao Dongliang did not remind her.

    If her mother went to return all the new clothes, she would have none to wear. Also, the money from the refund would go in to her mother¡¯s pocket, benefiting Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 88 - To Give An Ultimatum

    <h4>Chapter 88: To Give An Ultimatum</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan took a pair of scissors and removed thebels to remove the means for Ding Jiayi to make a refund. She then happily held the clothes in front of herself and even ran to Qiao Dongliang and asked, ¡°Dad, do I look good in it?¡±

    ¡°Nice,¡± Qiao Dongliang said as heughed. ¡°If you like it, you can wear one set to school tomorrow and leave the other for the Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll listen to Dad.¡± Although Qiao Nan was not a real 15-year-old, she could not help feeling as happy as a kid as she held the new clothes. Her small face was all red and rosy.

    The more happy Qiao Nan was, the more jealous Ding Jiayi felt. Her eyes were extremely fierce.

    ¡°You actually bought two set of new clothing for Qiao Nan. Then you must buy for Zijin too, buy three for her!¡± Ding Jiayi made a request.

    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Dongliang rejected tly. ¡°We agreed before that you will take care of Zijin¡¯s matters and I will take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s matters. If you wish to buy three sets of clothing for Zijin, sure, I will not stop you. You pay for them yourself.¡±

    After the depletion of the family savings, Qiao Dongliang had a phobia. He must guard his own money.

    His wife was too daring. She had spent all the family savings without telling him a thing.

    He was the head of the family but he only knew about it one to two months after the savings were gone.

    If she dared to do it once, she would dare to do it again.

    Their family was already not wealthy and definitely could not afford to spend in this manner.

    Qiao Dongliang was a little machismo, if not for Ding Jiayi¡¯s spendthrift ways, he would not want to let Ding Jiayi work outside. It would be good enough if she stayed at home and managed the domestic affairs properly.

    Qiao Dongliang did not interfere in how Ding Jiayi managed her earnings at all, but he must guard his own money.

    Qiao Dongliang also did not interfere in how Ding Jiayi want to dote on Qiao Zijin. He would not bother about whatever Ding Jiayi spent her money on.

    However, if Ding Jiayi would like to have his money, Qiao Dongliang was not willing.

    ¡°Then can you do the same, Zijin is studying in high school and needs to spend a lot more than Qiao Nan. You earn more than me, don¡¯t talk about three sets of clothing, I wanted to buy her ten, you don¡¯t have money?¡± Ding Jiayi was unhappy.

    Since Old Qiao found out that she spent all the family savings, although she was also working, Old Qiao had not given her a cent since.

    Used to managing the household finances, understandably, Ding Jiayi did not feel good when Qiao Dongliang suddenly stopped giving her money.

    Since she could not get any money, she was hoping that Qiao Dongliang would spend on Qiao Zijin in case he squandered it all on Qiao Nan. But Qiao Dongliang refused. Ding Jiayi was so furious that she wanted to quarrel with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°That I don¡¯t care, anyway we have agreed before. I know how much you earn. Save a little every month and it would not be difficult for you to pay for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. You manage your own money and take care of Zijin¡¯s matters. You decide for yourself.¡± Qiao Dongliang was very shrewd and had it all nned.

    The younger daughter never had any new clothes but the elder daughter never stopped having them.

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang realized one thing ¨C his elder daughter was too extravagant.

    Previously, Old Ding said that new clothes couldst for nine years and that was the norm for all families, so she was not buying any for Qiao Nan. However, her actions were contrary to her words when it came to Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang had done an estimation for Ding Jiayi. Her earnings are not more than his but they were sufficient for Qiao Zijin¡¯s living expenses and a set of new clothes per season. With proper savings and management, it would not be a problem to support Zijin till shepleted the high school education.

    Ding Jiayi thought she could have the cake and eat it but Qiao Dongliang had done his calctions.

    ¡°That, how can that be the same?¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded with anger. Why should Zijin and Qiao Nan be treated equally, was Qiao Nan fit to receive the same treatment?

    ¡°How is it different?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°You tell me, what exactly is the difference?¡±

    ¡°You, you, Old Qiao, why are you so unreasonable?¡± Ding Jiayi did not know what to say.

    ¡°Righteousness will see you through all difficulties whereas without it, your progress will be hampered from the very start. Why am I unreasonable, you tell me, who is the one being unreasonable?¡± Qiao Dongliang was also light headed, clearly Old Ding was the unreasonable one but she med it on others. How could she do that?

    Because of this matter, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi nearly quarreled.

    Qiao Nan did not say a word and simply went back to her bedroom. She held the principle of not getting involved and not watching, while she carried on quietly with her own matters.

    ¡°You still treat her so well. She saw both of us quarreling but she just left without a care. She¡¯s a heartless thing, you still bought her so many new clothes!¡± Ding Jiayi pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s room and yelled at the top of her voice.

    Ding Jiayi deliberately shouted these words for Qiao Nan¡¯s ears.

    She hoped that Qiao Nan coulde out to mitigate and expel the anger between Qiao Dongliang and her.

    There was only silence from Qiao Nan¡¯s room as Ding Jiayi¡¯s words fell on deaf ears.

    ¡°There is nothing wrong with Nan Nan. The two of us are quarreling, she¡¯s just a kid and should not interfere. Are you hoping that she will help you or are you willing to see her help me to deal with you?¡± Qiao Dongliang was both amused and angry.

    To Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan was undoubtedly doing the right thing by returning to her bedroom.

    If Qiao Nan helped him, she would be unfilial to Old Ding. If she helped Old Ding to persuade him, then she was not differentiating what was right from wrong.

    A child would not be able to interfere in the matters rting to adults. He felt that Nan Nan¡¯s way of handling the matter was appropriate.

    ¡°Yes yes yes. To you, whatever Nan Nan does is always right and whatever I do is always wrong. You no longer care about Zijin, you only have Nan Nan in your eyes. Don¡¯t forget, Zijin is the one who will remain in the family in future. What¡¯s the use of treating Nan Nan so well?!¡± Ding Jiayi said with much anger and anxiety. ¡°Why can¡¯t you get this clear?¡±

    Qiao Nan would eventually be married to another family, Zijin was the one who would stay in this family forever.

    Giving Qiao Nan more would only benefit others. By doing all these, Old Qiao was favoring an outsider instead of someone of his own?

    ¡°Utter nonsense.¡± Qiao Dongliang gasped. ¡°Save your breath. Nan Nan is also my daughter. Why can¡¯t I be good to her? You don¡¯t need to quarrel with me too, anyway, I will not give you money. You better save more, when the school reopens next year, don¡¯t tell me you are unable to pay for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. I can tell you with certainty now, if that really happens, you have to think of a way out yourself, I will not fork out a single cent.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was afraid that Ding Jiayi would not take his words seriously, that she would say one thing and do another by spending all her money on Qiao Zijin during the Lunar New Year, and then expect Qiao Dongliang to pay Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. He might as well give Ding Jiayi a warning in advance.

    ¡°You, by doing this, if Zijin knows about this, she will be so hurt. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want Zijin to continue with her studies?¡±

 Chapter 89 - Negotiate To Swap

    <h4>Chapter 89: Negotiate To Swap</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. When had Old Qiao be so heartless and indifferent towards Zijin?

    ¡°Zijin still has you, as long as you are able to take care proper care of the finances, I believe Zijin can definitely continue in her studies. Furthermore, the school will not make the student drop out immediately when the school fees are not paid. You can just think of a way to resolve this. But knowing Zijin, she is usually concerned about her face, she will not have any mood to study if the school fees are owing. Heed my advice, manage your money properly and don¡¯t let Zijin be in a difficult position. What happened during the essaypetition has already left the teachers with a bad impression of her. Having said this, you should think about what you need to do.¡±

    In the past, he had really indulged Old Ding too much and allowed her to spoil Zijin.

    Although he would be taking in a son-inw for Zijin and Nan Nan would be married to another family, both were his own daughters. There was no reason that Zijin could have a few sets of new clothes in a year while Nan Nan could not get any.

    Uncle Lee was right. He was too muddle-headed in the past.

    If he continued to let Old Ding manage the household, the family would be in a mess.

    Qiao Dongliang had made up his mind to suppress Ding Jiayi¡¯s bad temper. Even though the five fingers on one hand are of different length, and favoritism is inevitable in parent-child rtionship, Old Ding was too extreme in her treatment towards Nan Nan.

    Leaving Ding Jiayi behind, Qiao Dongliang washed up and went to bed. He did not bother about Ding Jiayi.

    This time, Ding Jiayi was really furious and heartbroken. She sat in the living room alone, slouching, and wiping away the tears at the corner of her eyes from time to time, crying silently.

    For some time, only the sounds of Ding Jiayi¡¯s sobbing and breathing could be heard intermittently from the living room.

    Ding Jiayi sat alone until she was cold and numb, then she slowly got up and went to the bedroom without even washing her face.

    Looking at the bump covered by the nket on the bed, Ding Jiayi sniffed, took off her clothes and got into bed silently.

    Although the person lying next to her had a high body temperature and she should feel the warmth, Ding Jiayi felt so bitterly disappointed that she was chilled to the bone.

    She was married to this man for more than decade. For the sake of him, she managed the household affairs and was busy all the time, didn¡¯t she do all these for the family and this man?

    Ding Jiayi sobbed a few times and gave a long sigh before she closed her eyes and slept.

    One semester had passed in the blink of an eye, Qiao Nan finished her exams earlier than Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin¡¯s exam ended two dayster and also reached homete, she finally had a good night¡¯s sleep.

    ¡°Mom, we finished our exams. Today¡¯s weather is good, shall we go shopping for new clothes?¡± On the next day, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind was all on shopping for new clothes when she woke up. ¡°Mom, the newly arrived clothes for the Lunar New Year are so beautiful. My ssmates are all so well-dressed and they have so many clothes, Mom... ¡±

    Qiao Zijin stretched her tone and spoke like a spoiled child.

    In fact, Qiao Zijin already knew what she wanted to buy, she had her eyes on four sets of clothes that she liked very much.

    Qiao Zijin was not confident that her mother would buy all four sets of clothing, but she was sure that she could get at least three sets if she tried hard enough.

    ¡°How many sets did you have your eyes on?¡± Of course, Ding Jiayi understood Qiao Zijin well, she knew what Qiao Zijin was thinking when Qiao Zijin behaved this way.

    ¡°Not a lot, just, just four sets.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was asking for the number of pieces, but Qiao Zijin signaled that she was keen on four sets of clothing.

    Ding Jiayi gasped. When they had savings at home previously, she also did not have the habit of buying four sets of new clothes for Zijin at once. ¡°Zijin, I need to let you know a situation, you then consider for yourself how many new clothes to buy this year.¡±

    Because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi waspelled to do some calctions on how much money she had on hand.

    Ding Jiayi doted on Qiao Zijin very much. Whenever Qiao Zijin made a request, she would always ede to them if they were within her means to provide.

    As such, during the past four months, Ding Jiayi did not save a lot. If she hoped to pay off Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees for the next semester, she would have to work longer and she dared not even take a break from work early to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

    Hence, Ding Jiayi could not afford to buy any new clothes for Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words stunned Qiao Zijin. ¡°No money, you can ask from Dad.¡± Her father, not her mother, earned the most in the family. ¡°You pay for my clothes and then ask Dad for my tuition fees.¡±

    In this way, we could have the best of both worlds.

    ¡°Your dad already said. I will take care of your matters and he will not interfere. If I am not able to cough up your tuition fees, he will not help and I have to think of a way to settle it myself.¡±

    ¡°Dad really said that? Impossible! You told mest time that he wanted to take in a son-inw for me.¡± As such, how could her father be so heartless and really not care about her.

    If she knew that this would be the case, she would rather swap with Qiao Nan to let her father manage her affairs while her mother managed that of Qiao Nan.

    Yes, why hadn¡¯t she thought of that earlier?

    If she was taken care of by her dad, she need not worry about having no money to spend. If Qiao Nan was managed by her mother, her mother would spend all the money on her anyway.

    ¡°I heard this from the horse¡¯s mouth. I don¡¯t know what drugs Qiao Nan gave your dad, your Dad only has one daughter in his heart now. If I am unable to pay your tuition fees, he asked me to let it be in arrears, while I think of ways to pay gradually.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want!¡± Before Ding Jiayi could finish her words, Qiao Zijin rejected this notion. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I would not be able to face anyone in school. I am already in the bad books of my Chinese Teacher. If this really happens, I, I might as well quit my studies!¡±

    ¡°How can you quit school! If you quit, how are you going to find a good job in future? To put it bluntly, you will have let Qiao Nan have her wish if you quit your studies, because all the money in the family will then be used to support her education. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year period and there are many odd jobs avable, I will work for a few more days. It should not be a problem to settle your school fees. But your clothes for Lunar New Year... I probably cannot afford any.¡±

    Qiao Zijin frowned instantly. ¡°Can¡¯t we talk about this further? I don¡¯t want four sets now, can I have two instead?¡± This was one set less than what she had expected. Qiao Zijin was extremely unhappy.

    ¡°Two sets?¡± Ding Jiayi smiled bitterly. ¡°Most likely not even one set, unless you really want to owe the school one semester of tuition fees.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want, if you can¡¯t pay the tuition fees, I will rather not study!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned stiff and said firmly, ¡°What about Qiao Nan¡¯s tuition fees?!¡±

    ¡°There would not be a problem for Qiao Nan¡¯s tuition fees. Your Dad had already prepared it.¡±

    ¡°Mom, this won¡¯t do. We still need to buy the clothes, not two, but at least one set for the Lunar New Year? Regarding the tuition fees, how much are you short of? Can we borrow from Dad? If my Dad won¡¯t lend, then borrow from Qiao Nan, let her pay the tuition feeste.¡±

 Chapter 90 - Build Good Relations

    <h4>Chapter 90: Build Good Rtions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin did not want to disgrace herself, she had no intention of beingte in her school fees payment. But when it was about Qiao Nan, she thought it was all right and proper to do that.

    ¡°Qiao Nan that wretched girl has be so stubborn now, she is no longer as submissive as she used to be. I could bring myself to say this, yet Qiao Nan was not willing to obey?¡± Ding Jiayi was not silly either, she used to dislike this daughter, of course, she still had no likings for her now.

    But inparison, Qiao Nan was considered to be a very obedient daughter.

    If she ordered her to head east, she would not dare to head west; if she ordered her to walk, she would not dare to run.

    But now, one sentence from Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Nan would rebut her with ten sentences. Even if Qiao Nan kept her silence and did not retort, she would not obey her words either.

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan has changed, she was not like this in the past. Why does she have a change in temperament ever since her feverst time?¡± Qiao Zijin frowned and grunted.

    ¡°Now that you mention it, it really seems like it.¡± Ding Jiayi puckered her lips, ¡°Did she discover something?¡±

    With that, Ding Jiayi cast a meaningful nce at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin stomped her feet in anger. ¡°Mom, are you referring to the time when Qiao Nan mentioned that someone opened her windows in the middle of the night. I have already told you that it has nothing to do with me!¡±

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s okay. But since that time, Qiao Nan became weird. Is she by any chance possessed? Her temperament is different now, it was unlike who she used to be.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded. In the past, whenever their parents quarreled, Qiao Nan was so foolish that she would believe Qiao Zijin¡¯s instigations and tried to be the middleman when they were in fierce arguments. She would try ways to maintain her mother¡¯s dignity even if it meant disregarding her own interests.

    But recently...

    Qiao Nan did not try to be affectionate to Ding Jiayi in this half year, in fact she was keeping her distance from her. Qiao Zijin found her sister¡¯s behavior to be very weird.

    ¡°Mom, what do you think is wrong with Qiao Nan, she has changed into a different person. If she was still like who she was used to be previously, everything would be fine for us.¡± Qiao Zijin had absolute confidence in the Qiao Nan who used to be at her beck and call.

    Back then, Qiao Zijin had never thought highly of Qiao Nan, but in retrospect, she missed the times back then.

    ¡°How would I know what¡¯s wrong with her? That wretched girl won¡¯t listen to me anymore. If you mess with her, she would just go to look for her father. I don¡¯t know what to say, your father is biased towards her now.¡± Ding Jiayi could not bring herself to tell Qiao Zijin that she had quarreled with Qiao Dongliang for this and she had cried through the whole night, not being able to sleep at all.

    ¡°Then what should we do?¡± Qiao Zijin grunted. Why did they have to have two children when they could not even bring up a single child well? ¡°I did not ask for much, I only wanted a new set of clothes. Is that too much to ask for?!¡±

    Ever since Qiao Nan was born, every new year she would have new clothes. Why did this year has to be an exception?

    ¡°Mom, I am not going to be like Qiao Nan who didn¡¯t even have a piece of new clothing for new year. This year I am not going to pass down my clothes to Qiao Nan.¡± She had no idea if she would be able to get her new clothes, if she did not have new clothes for new year, she would not hand down her old clothes to Qiao Nan either. Qiao Nan would have to suffer with her.

    ¡°She has no use of your new clothes anymore. Your father already went with her to buy two sets of new clothes!¡± Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth.

    Ding Jiayi was boiling with anger. She had forgotten to be mindful of Qiao Zijin¡¯s feelings.

    Qiao Zijin turned pale and her eyes reddened. She might not have any new clothes this year, but yet Qiao Nan could have two sets of new clothes! Tears almost spilled from her eyes. ¡°Why should she have two new sets of clothes while I don¡¯t have any at all?¡±

    This year why did it seem like she and Qiao Nan had reversed their fates? She was being treated unfairly while Qiao Nan was being treated like a princess?

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me about this, it¡¯s your father who bought Qiao Nan her new clothes.¡± Ding Jiayi had a splitting headache. ¡°Alright, Zijin, every year you have quite a lot of new clothes, you bought a few sets this year as well. As for this winter, just give it a miss.¡±

    They could not possibly not hand in Zijin¡¯s school fees for next year just because they wanted to buy new clothes for her?

    There was no way she could do this, let alone Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin could not take it lying down after she was sent away by Ding Jiayi.

    She gritted her teeth and knocked on Qiao Nan¡¯s door. She had lifted her hand in mid air when she remembered that Qiao Nan was not at home.

    Even when she had finished her exams, Qiao Nan still went to the Lee family residence to tutor Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Mom, I am going over to the Lee family residence. Qiao Nan has been intruding on Grandpa Lee for such a long time, as her sister I should thank Grandpa Lee on her behalf.¡± She also wanted Grandpa Lee to remember that aside from Qiao Nan, her father still had another daughter, and that was her.

    ¡°Fine, do you remember the way there?¡± Ding Jiayi was more than happy that Qiao Zijin wanted to build good rtions with the Lee family.

    ¡°I remember the way, how could I have forgotten the way to Grandpa Lee¡¯s house.¡± She did not have any excuses in the past, but now she could use Qiao Nan as an excuse to be closer to the Lee family.

    The Lee family and the Qiao family all stayed in the same quad, yet the Lee family residence seemed so majestic and grand. Qiao Zijin casted an admiring nce at the Lee family residence. It would be wonderful if she could stay there.

    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± The Lee family residence was not a ce that Qiao Zijin coulde and go as she pleased, she was stopped by the soldiers at the front door.

    ¡°I am Qiao Zijin, I am here to look for Grandpa Lee.¡± Qiao Zijin stered a sweet smile on her face, and the soldier at the door immediately rxed his demeanor.

    ¡°Please wait here.¡± The soldier could not let her in at once, he would have to notify the owner first.

    ¡°I am Qiao Nan¡¯s sister.¡± Qiao Zijin stiffened. She did not know that it would be such a hassle to enter the Lee family residence. When she used to pass by the house in the past, she would take a few nces, now then she realized that they have a lot of rules and regtions.

    At the mention of Qiao Nan, the soldier quickly ushered her in. ¡°Well, okay, pleasee in with me.¡±

    The soldier knew Qiao Nan. When she first came to Lee house, Elder Lee made it a point that all the soldiers must learn to recognize her and instructed them that whenever she came visiting, they should let her in directly.

    The soldier thought, since Qiao Nan was so close to Chief Lee, Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister must be on close terms with the Lee family as well.

    ¡°Qiao Nan would drop by every weekend, why haven¡¯t I seen you before?¡± The soldier looked at Qiao Zijin with curiosity.

    Qiao Zijin gave a forced smile. She never thought that she was allowed entry to Lee family residence all because of Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan is in junior high school now, she has much more free time than me. I stay at the school, I could only go home once or twice a month. So I seldom visit the Lee house.¡±

    ¡°Seldom?¡± The soldier repeated her words, expressing his doubts. Could it be that before he was stationed here, this sister used toe by often?

 Chapter 91 - You Can Ask Me Too

    <h4>Chapter 91: You Can Ask Me Too</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since he was on duty here, he only saw Qiao Nan, but he had never seen Qiao Zijin before.

    But ording to what Qiao Zijin said, the soldier was sure that the sisters had a close rtionship with the Lee family.

    And so, in a few words Qiao Zijin had managed to gain the trust of the soldier and like Qiao Nan, she could enter the Lee family residence easily. Qiao Zijin might be young, but she knew how to live by her wits.

    ¡°Then hurry along.¡± The soldier stepped to one side to let Qiao Zijin in.

    Qiao Zijin lifted her chin, feeling pleased at the soldier¡¯s attitude towards her. Once she stepped into this door today, her status would no longer be the same as before.

    ¡°Oh, I just felt that this sister looked weird, she was unlike Qiao Nan.¡± The other soldier frowned in annoyance.

    Whenever Qiao Nan came to the Lee family residence, even though she was very quiet, she would gave them a smile with a slight nod of her head.

    But the sister walked in with her chin lifted high up?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Why do you keep picking on the youngdy? There¡¯s nothing wrong with her. Aren¡¯t all the youngdies like that? Maybe she had good results in school and that¡¯s why she looked proud.¡± The soldier knew that Qiao Nan was good in her studies, she was among the top in her school. She even came in first ce in the provincial essaypetition.

    With such an outstanding sister, the elder sister must be very brilliant as well.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I am here to see you.¡± As soon as she stepped into the front door, she was dumbstruck by the furnishings of the Lee family residence. It was ten times that of Qiao family. The hall was very spacious and brightly lit, there was the majestic genuine leather sofa, a big color television as well as other furniture.

    All these were very new to Qiao Zijin and was something that she desperately yearned for.

    It would be wonderful if her future house was like this.

    But if she was to depend on the Qiao family, there was no way that she could dream of leading such a life.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, who is she?¡± Zhu Baoguo had never seen Qiao Zijin before. He liked her attitude, since she she was so affectionate to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°My elder sister...¡± Qiao Nan puckered her lips. What was Qiao Zijin doing here?

    ¡°Nan Nan, this is Baoguo?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Zhu Baoguo in surprise. Qiao Zijin heard that he was a bully, she always thought that he must be quite ugly looking, or if not, fierce looking, definitely someone not to be trifled with.

    But when she saw him today, she realized that he was quite good looking.

    He was just a junior high student, but he was taller than some of the boys in her ss.

    Zhu Baoguo used to spend his days ying under the sun, and as such hisplexion was dark. But after staying indoors to recuperate from his injuries for about half a semester, he became much fairer. With his fiery eyes and looks, he would be considered as a hunk.

    At her high school, Qiao Zijin already had some admirers who were pursuing her. She could not help but blush when she saw Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s Da Qiao, then in the future we will... ¡± Zhu Baoguo was about to say in the future ¡°we will be one family¡±, but he stopped in mid-sentence.

    Qiao Nan was right about something, Zhu Baoguo was quite smart.

    Zhu Baoguo thought for a while. He had been spending time with Qiao Nan for half a semester, and she had never brought up this sister of hers, be it praises orints.

    Zhu Baoguo had also heard about the rumors regarding the Qiao family. One minute he was smiling at Qiao Zijin, the next minute his countenance changed. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was all smiles when he saw her, but he had a change of attitude all of a sudden. Qiao Nan must have spoken ill of her in front of Zhu Baoguo!

    Qiao Zijin shot Qiao Nan an angry stare and said, ¡°I am here to see Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°You could look at Xiao Qiao when she is back at home, why did youe to Lee house?¡± Zhu Baoguo had seen all types of people. In particr when he was messing around outside school, there were always a bunch of people who followed him around, Qiao Zijin had the same expression in her eyes as them.

    ¡°Nan Nan has been imposing on Lee family for such a long time, she must have caused Lee family quite a lot of troubles. As her elder sister, I should express my gratitude and my new year greetings to Grandpa Lee in advance. Where is Grandpa Lee?¡± Qiao Zijin looked around, she did note looking for Zhu Baoguo, her target was Grandpa Lee.

    No matter how the Zhu family and Lee family pampered Zhu Baoguo, he still had to obey Grandpa Lee¡¯s words to study and do what he disliked.

    Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo were ssmates and desk mates. She must have spoken ill of her in front of Zhu Baoguo.

    But Grandpa Lee was different. Even if Qiao Nan badmouthed her, Grandpa Lee might not believe her. Maybe she should build rtions with Grandpa first.

    ¡°It seemed like you were here to suck up to my grandpa.¡± Zhu Baoguo gave a cold smile at Qiao Zijin for overrating her own abilities. ¡°I have no idea where Grandpa Lee is. But let me warn you, this is Lee house, this is not Qiao house, you had better not wander around, it would not be nice if other people misunderstood your intentions here.¡±

    Elder Lee was in the study room but Zhu Baoguo refused to tell her. He disliked Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude. ¡°Xiao Qiao, how do we solve this question?¡±

    ¡°The knowledge point to this question could be found at the example question on page 38 of the first volume of Secondary Two textbook. Look through the example question once before you ask me.¡± Qiao Nan took a nce at the question and could tell where the knowledge point of this question was. She then continued with her revision.

    Zhu Baoguo gasped in astonishment. Xiao Qiao knew the Mathematics lessons like the back of her hand.

    Zhu Baoguo was in awed by Qiao Nan¡¯s consciousness. She was really dedicated to her studies.

    Zhu Baoguo did not go after Qiao Nan for the solution. After hearing her reply, he took out Secondary two Mathematics textbooks and started to flip through them. He searched for the page that Qiao Nan mentioned and finally found the example question of the knowledge point.

    This was after all a foundation question. Zhu Baoguo studied it and knew how to tackle the question that he had trouble with.

    Zhu Baoguo went on to the next question after finishing with the current question.

    Qiao Zijin dared not wandered around at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s stern warning. She sat down quietly by the side, watching the two of them while they did their revision.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but grit her teeth in frustration when she saw that Zhu Baoguo always did as what Qiao Nan said. He was not the unruly and bad tempered boy that he was known as.

    If she had known that Zhu Baoguo was so easy to deal with, she would have snatched the task of tutoring Zhu Baoguo for herself.

    Zhu Baoguo was not good in his studies. With her standard, it was more than enough to tutor him. Who was the one who spread the rumor and made it sound like he was an evil monster?

    If Zhu Baoguo would listen to her words, it would be easy to tutor him. After all, Lee family and Zhu family did not have high expectation of Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Baoguo, Nan Nan hasgged behind in her studies recently. I am in high school now, and I am studying in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, if you have any questions you can ask me too.¡±

 Chapter 92 - What Did She Mean

    <h4>Chapter 92: What Did She Mean</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± Zhu Baoguo raised his head and looked at Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I am a student at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡± Qiao Zijin said proudly. This high school was the best high school in Ping Cheng, Zhu Baoguo would finally know where her standard was.

    No matter how good Qiao Nan¡¯s results were, she has yet to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. On the contrary, she was already a student at the high school.

    Qiao Nan twitched the corner of her lips when she saw the look of arrogance on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. She would really have to hand it to her to be so obnoxious.

    ¡°I heard that someone came looking for my Grandpa this year, asking for his help to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. There¡¯s only a few people who would seek my Grandpa¡¯s help regarding this matter, could that person be you?¡± Zhu Baoguo was overjoyed, he could not keep his sharp tongue in check.

    Qiao Zijin who was proud as a rooster flushed red at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words.

    She sang her own praises in order to make a good impression in front of Zhu Baoguo, but she had gone a little overboard. She made it sound as if she was just like the other students who entered The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China based on their results.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words reminded Qiao Zijin of how she managed to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    But why would Zhu Baoguo know that she enroll into the high school by pulling strings. It must be Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Who are you ring at?¡± Qiao Zijin might be fierce, but she was no match for Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo stared angrily at her. A youngdy like Qiao Zijin could never be his match.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart shuddered, her voice grew weak. ¡°I, I didn¡¯t re at you.¡± She was just frustrated that Qiao Nan spoke ill of her in front of Zhu Baoguo and tarnished her reputation.

    ¡°Are you allowed to re at Xiao Qiao?¡± Zhu Baoguoughed in anger.

    When Zhu Baoguo saw Qiao Zijin, he could not help but be reminded of his ssmate Zhao Yu.

    Zhu Baoguo had wanted to settle scores with Zhao Yu, but she was smart, she had anticipated that. She would always be in thepany of other students when she went to school or left school, she even dragged a few girls with her when she went to the washroom.

    Besides Zhao Yu had kept a check on her temper recently. Hence Zhu Baoguo had notid a finger on her yet.

    Right now Qiao Zijin resembled Zhao Yu.

    Zhu Baoguo was puzzled. When he was with Qiao Nan, though she was quiet by nature, when she was angry she would be as fierce as a tigress. Why would other people see her as a pushover and bully her?

    ¡°Qiao Nan is my sister, why can¡¯t I re at her?!¡± Qiao Zijin was infuriated. In the past, no one told her off for ring at Qiao Nan.

    She not only red at Qiao Nan, when they were at home she even ordered her around and Qiao Nan could not say no.

    ¡°Nobody say that you can re at Xiao Qiao as you wish just because she is your younger sister. This is the Lee family residence, you dare to mess with me?¡± Zhu Baoguoughed in anger. No one dared to vent their frustration on him.

    ¡°Let me tell you, I do not have qualms about hitting women. When I see women who deserve a whacking, I would not be lenient!¡± Zhu Baoguo waved his fists around, he had a ferocious look in his eyes.

    ¡°You... ¡± Qiao Zijin paled, and she started to have regrets.

    She had wanted to be on close terms with Zhu Baoguo, why did she end up having a quarrel with him? Qiao Nan has to me for all of these. It was her fault, she was such a jinx!

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t be an eyesore here. Judging from your reaction just now, you must be the person who sought my Grandpa¡¯s help. If not for his influences, would you still be able to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? You still have the cheek to brag about it. You have no real substance at all.¡±

    No wonder Grandpa asked Xiao Qiao to tutor him instead of this woman right in front of him.

    Even though they were biological sisters, Da Qiao could not bepared to Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°How could you be so sure that it was me and not others?¡± Qiao Zijin refused to admit that she was the person that Zhu Baoguo was referring to.

    ¡°Why not let me ask Grandpa, were you the one who asked him to pull strings for you in order to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± Zhu Baoguoughed in mockery. If he really wanted to investigate, he could easily find out the truth. It was useless to deny.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Zijin was so mad that she was rendered speechless. ¡°Forget it, since both of you are here to study and I could not be of any help at all, I will go back. Nan Nan, let¡¯s have a very good talkter at home!¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. She did not manage to pull any strings, instead she was boiling mad at Zhu Baoguo.

    It seemed like the rumors were true, Zhu Baoguo had a lousy temper.

    The boys in her ss would never treat her in this way.

    With that Qiao Zijin turned to leave.

    ¡°Oh, is she really your biological sister?¡± Zhu Baoguo frowned and looked at Qiao Nan with a look of disbelief. ¡°Did she mean that she would settle scores with youter at home? I was the one who was fierce to her, why would she settle scores with you? What did she mean by that?¡±

    ¡°She had the impression that you disliked her as I spoke ill of her in front of you. In that case, she would naturally be after me.¡± Qiao Nan said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried or angry?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no use to worry. If I am angry it would only bring harm to my body. My sister and Zhao Yu belong to the same type of people. If you don¡¯t pay attention to them, they would still be able to kick up a fuss; if you responded to them, they would create a big uproar. No matter what, she did not have the final say over what¡¯s right or wrong.¡±

    Qiao Nan sensed that Zhu Baoguo was still not over the topic of Qiao Zijin, she raised her eyebrows and said, ¡°You must be sick of doing the sums and so you started this conversation on purpose? Have you finished all the questions?¡±

    Next year would be thest semester of Secondary Three. There was not much time left before middle school exams. Zhu Baoguo was really good at finding excuses to bezy.

    Zhu Baoguo twitched the corners of his lips. Why was Xiao Qiao so smart, she was not only good in her studies, she could also see through a person¡¯s mind.

    But this puzzled him even more. He could not understand why Zhao Yu and Da Qiao picked on someone like Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Still not concentrating on your studies?¡± Qiao Nan cast a disdainful look at Zhu Baoguo.

    In her previous life, she had seen lots of spoilt brat like Zhu Baoguo.

    She might not have been to the university, but her English was good, she had attained a level six certificate.

    Other than taking on some trantion work at home, she would also give English tuition to students. Hence she could easily tell what¡¯s on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mind.

    If Qiao Nan could not see through Zhu Baoguo, she had no right to be a tutor.

    Zhu Baoguo could find no ways to retort Qiao Nan. He reined in his bad temper and sat down at his seat, took his pen and continued with his questions.

    Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips when she saw that Zhu Baoguo sat back down to study. Although he might be a spoilt brat,pared to the children in the 21st century, Zhu Baoguo was already very obedient.

    By the time Qiao Nan left Lee family residence and went back to Qiao family residence, other than Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi pulled long faces at her.

 Chapter 93 - Tactless

    <h4>Chapter 93: Tactless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan walked into the house calmly and addressed her parents and sister. ¡°Dad, Mom, Sister, I am back.¡± She then put her books on the table and poured herself a cup of water.

    ¡°Sister? You still remembered that Qiao Zijin is your sister! Why didn¡¯t you think of this when you defamed your sister in front of outsiders?¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Nan in mockery and gave Qiao Dongliang a nting nce. Old Qiao must have realized now that Qiao Nan did not have a conscience at all.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned, he did not believe that Nan Nan would be like this.

    Qiao Nan was not the least bit surprised that Qiao Zijin would use her. She took a careful look at Qiao Dongliang, she could not sense any reproval from his demeanor. She rxed slightly. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s put aside whether I defamed sister or not, to put it in the least way, what did I defame sister about?¡±

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were rendered speechless by Qiao Nan¡¯s forceful words. Qiao Dongliang was stunned as well.

    There was a flicker of doubt in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. When Qiao Zijin came crying to them and said that she had been wronged, he thought that if it was the truth, Nan Nan was in the wrong. But judging from Nan Nan¡¯s character, she did not seem like she would do such things.

    Now that he thought about it carefully, when did the younger daughter defame the elder daughter?

    Qiao Dongliang was deep in his thoughts trying to figure out this problem, while Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin turned red with anger, as if they had been insulted.

    ¡°Nan Nan, tell me honestly, did you, did you talk about your sister to Baoguo?¡± Qiao Dongliang pondered for a long time and picked his words carefully, mindful to remain objective.

    ¡°No, Zhu Baoguo did not know my sister. When he saw her, he even asked me who she was.¡±

    ¡°You are a liar, if you have never mentioned about me to Zhu Baoguo, why would he hate me to the core? You must have ckened my name in front of Zhu Baoguo. You still don¡¯t want to admit that you defamed me?¡± Qiao Zijin jumped up in anger, pointing her finger at Qiao Nan¡¯s nose and shouted at her.

    ¡°Sister, you are not the Chinese currency renminbi, why must everyone in the world like you? As for those who don¡¯t like you, does it mean that I have spoken ill of you in front of every single one of them? Do you mean that you are way more popr than the dor notes? For some people, money means nothing to them.¡± Qiao Nan replied coldly.

    In the 21st century, Grandpa Mao had always been the most popr figure.

    ¡°Impossible, if you did not speak ill of me, why would Zhu Baoguo hate me?¡± Qiao Zijin felt so ashamed when she was reminded of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words. He said that she had no real substance at all, she managed to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China all because of Elder Lee¡¯s connections.

    ¡°Sister, this is so unjust. How would I know why does Zhu Baoguo dislike you? Maybe you just don¡¯t hit if off with him, how could you me me for that?¡±

    ¡°Mom, look at this, Qiao Nan refused to admit that she badmouthed me in front of Zhu Baoguo. There¡¯s no way to get the truth out of her. Qiao Nan is so shameless.¡± Qiao Zijin was at a loss for words.

    But Qiao Nan still had lots to say. ¡°Dad, do you know what happened? Sister went to Lee family residence. She saw that the both of us were studying. So she walked up to Zhu Baoguo and told him that she is a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and that she can tutor him. Zhu Baoguo then asked her if she was the person who sought Grandpa Lee¡¯s help to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°Why would he think that it was me?¡± Qiao Zijin refused to admit defeat. She did not believe that Qiao Nan did not badmouth her in front of Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Because you mentioned that you are a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Why would you ruffle Zhu Baoguo¡¯s feathers? If you don¡¯t believe me you can ask Dad. Dad, how¡¯s Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper? She told him upfront that she could tutor him. That is tantamount to telling Zhu Baoguo with all smiles that you can lend him money when you obviously know that he is short of money. It is no wonder that he is infuriated.¡±

    Junior high school students were at a sensitive age. Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were obviously telling Zhu Baoguo that since his results were not good, she could help him with his studies.

    ¡°Zijin, did you really say that?¡± Qiao Dongliang stiffened. Even if Zijin had been scolded by Zhu Baoguo, she had no one to me but herself.

    Qiao Dongliang knew the nasty temper of Zhu Baoguo.

    When Zhu Baoguo was younger, if someone was to mention the word ¡°Mother¡± in front of him, he would go all out to beat that person to a pulp.

    Inparison, Zhu Baoguo had been fairly courteous to his elder daughter.

    For all he knew, Zhu Baoguo was lenient to Zijin on ount of Qiao Nan who was his ssmate.

    In fact, the elder daughter escaped from a beating all because of the younger daughter, yet she lodgedints of her sister to her parents. Qiao Dongliang did not know what to say.

    ¡°I, I was trying to be helpful.¡± Qiao Zijin could not help but stutter. She did not know that her words might enrage Zhu Baoguo.

    Now that Qiao Zijin thought about it, what she said really deserved a whacking.

    ¡°Even if you want to be helpful you shouldn¡¯t be so tactless.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed.

    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s get back to the previous topic. My sister said that I defamed her, let¡¯s talk about whether I defamed her or not. First, I must make it clear that I never mention a single word about my sister in front of Zhu Baoguo. Other than our studies, Zhu Baoguo and I never talked about other topics at the Lee family residence. Now let¡¯s assume that I really said those words. Dad, think about it, which of those words are defamation, and which of them are the truth? When we talk about defamation, it means that they were all lies, but we all know how my sister enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If my sister was unhappy about it, at most she could scold me for washing dirty linen in public. Besides, it¡¯s perfectly normal if Zhu Baoguo knew that Mom sought Grandpa Lee¡¯s help.¡±

    ¡°What rubbish are you talking about? Your, your sister¡¯s enrollment has nothing to do with Uncle Lee.¡± Ding Jiayi flushed, panic in her eyes. ¡°Your, your sister went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China as we forked out money for her. It has got nothing to do with Uncle Lee. If you keep on talking nonsense, I might just sew up your mouth!¡±

    Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Dongliang a panicked look. She was worried that he would take Qiao Nan¡¯s words for real. He might just blow his top and forbid Qiao Zijin to continue with her studies in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Qiao Dongliang shot Ding Jiayi a cold nce, ¡°Alright, why should you be angry with Nan Nan, I am very clear who¡¯s right and who¡¯s wrong!¡±

    If Zhu Baoguo used this to put Zijin down, it was no wonder that she was so angry.

    ¡°Sister, did you say these to Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin.

    As expected, she had guessed it correctly. Her father already knew the story behind her sister¡¯s enrolment to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    After all they wanted to take in a husband for the elder daughter, unlike what her mother thought, her father would not make Zijin transfer out of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China for the sake of his face.

    If her father highly valued Elder Lee above everything, she would not havee to this world at all.

    Qiao Zijin had an important ce in her father¡¯s heart, way more than Qiao Zijin or her mother could have imagined.

 Chapter 94 - Asked for It

    <h4>Chapter 94: Asked for It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Sister, which of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words were exaggeration? Which of the words were lies? When did I defame you?¡±

    ¡°Old, Old Qiao.¡± Ding Jiayi still didn¡¯t get it. She stared at Qiao Dongliang with a look of guilt. ¡°You, you don¡¯t listen to Qiao Nan¡¯s nonsense, Zijin went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China... ¡±

    ¡°Stop it, no one is to mention this again.¡± Qiao Dongliang pulled a long face, they had no idea who he was angry at.

    It was Elder Lee who told Qiao Dongliang about his daughter¡¯s enrollment. Hence there was the possibility that Elder Lee could have mentioned this to Zhu Baoguo as well.

    Besides, before Elder Lee told him the news, he also had no inkling either. Old Ding and Zijin would never let Nan Nan know about this matter, then how did shee to know about it? Zhu Baoguo must have told her.

    He had to me himself for being muddleheaded. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was such a prestigious school, one might not be able to enroll in the school despite forking out money, one still had to have connections.

    ¡°Zijin, you must study hard, if not I would be so embarrassed.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed, because of Qiao Nan he finally could hold his head high in front of Uncle Lee, but his elder daughter had to create this trouble.

    But luckily the elder daughter¡¯s results had improved after studying in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    As long as Zijin did well for her studies, Uncle Lee would eventually forget about how she enrolled in the high school.

    Qiao Zijin paled and nodded her head reluctantly.

    What did this have to do with her results? She was not Qiao Nan.

    Initially she had wanted her parents to uphold justice for her, but in the end Qiao Nan remained unscathed. Qiao Zijin who was in low spirits pursed her lips and said, ¡°Dad, Mom, it¡¯ste, I will return to my room to read.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, wait. Apologize to Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Why?!¡± Qiao Zijin widened her eyes in disbelief.

    Why should she apologize to Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan had bullied and defamed her today. She was thinking to make her kowtow and admit her mistakes.

    ¡°What do you think is the reason?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not exin, he wanted Qiao Zijin to reflect on her own mistakes. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that your actions and behavior just now were too much, shouldn¡¯t you apologize to Nan Nan? Who was the one who framed and badmouthed people? Zijin, you are ambiguous with your words. You meant to mislead us into having the wrong impressions. And yet you ask me why? Is that how a elder sister should behave? Did the teachers in school teach you to behave in this way?¡±

    ¡°What are you so angry for? It was just a misunderstanding. We are one family, we shouldn¡¯t be so calcting and acting like outsiders.¡± Ding Jiayi jumped in to defend Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Calcting? Acting like outsiders? Then what about the big spectacle that you created just now, as if you wanted to send punitive forces against someone. Isn¡¯t that calcting, isn¡¯t that treating Nan Nan like outsiders?¡± Qiao Dongliang shot Ding Jiayi an absurd look and turned to face Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, you are more educated than your Mom and you are so intelligent, you wouldn¡¯t be like your Mom who can¡¯t tell right from wrong, right? Should you then make this apology?¡±

    She could not have new clothes and now her father wanted her to apologize. Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes reddened, she was on the brink of tears. ¡°Dad, I was too angry that¡¯s why I... Nan Nan, don¡¯t take it to heart. I meant no harm, it¡¯s just that Zhu Baoguo dissented me and I, I was anxious. I, I did not do anything bad, Nan Nan, I am sorry.¡±

    Qiao Zijin then returned to her room with red eyes.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you are too much.¡± Ding Jiayi stomped her feet and pointed at Qiao Nan, ¡°It was all because of you. Will you grow more meat just because your sister apologized to you? You, you are so heartless towards your sister!¡±

    Qiao Nan who has just been through an unexpected ordealughed. She might not grow more meat just because Qiao Zijin apologized to her, but she was happy inside.

    ¡°Alright, why are you always picking on Nan Nan? Is this the differential treatment between family and outsiders? If you continue to pamper Qiao Zijin, can she survive in the outside world with the way she treats others? Instead of persuading her to change her attitude, you sided with her while she bullied Qiao Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang chided Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You! Was it me who pampered Qiao Zijin or you who pampered Qiao Nan? Forget it, now you only have eyes for one daughter. It would be useless to talk to you. You can look after Qiao Nan, I will dote on Zijin, she still has her mother who will protect her.¡± Ding Jiayi could not take it lying down, she said her piece and went off tofort Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°What a headache, the child acts this way, the adult also acts this way.¡± From the looks of it, Zijin learned her bad ways from Old Ding.

    ¡°Dad, I will go back to my room.¡± Qiao Nan had her dinner at Lee family residence beforeing back. She decided to have a bath before turning in. After all, it was chilly in the winter.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a faint sigh. Nobody understood his good intentions.

    Nobody understood?

    Some did not wish to know, while some pretended not to know. Qiao Nan belonged to thetter.

    Her father was trying to inculcate the correct values in Qiao Zijin. He noticed her character ws and wanted to correct them.

    Qiao Zijin was not willing to learn and her mother did not feel the need for her to change anything.

    But since it had nothing to do with her, it did not matter if she understood her father¡¯s intentions or not.

    Ding Jiayi felt sorry that Qiao Zijin had suffered such grievances today and she could not seek justice for her. She could only watch helplessly while Zijin apologized to Qiao Nan. So in the end, Ding Jiayi agreed to buying a set of new clothes for Qiao Zijin and Qiao Zijin was finally appeased with that.

    Qiao Zijin was all smiles when she received her new clothes. She was so thrilled that she could not contain her smiles.

    But on the other hand Ding Jiayi had to take on private handiwork at home so as to buy Zijin her new clothes. She spent a lot of the days bent over the dim lights, working on the handiwork till midnight before going to sleep.

    There was once when Qiao Nan woke up in the middle of the night to have a cup of tea, and she saw a tired Ding Jiayi rubbing at her eyes till they turned red.

    ¡°You sure are enjoying your good night¡¯s sleep, didn¡¯t you see that I am still busy with work. Now that you are on holiday, you should help me out.¡± Ding Jiayi boiled with anger when she saw Qiao Nan walked past with sleepy eyes and flushed face. ¡°From tomorrow onwards, you have to help out!¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will let Dad know. From tomorrow onwards, I won¡¯t go to the Lee family residence to tutor Zhu Baoguo.¡± Qiao Nan did not say no, instead she agreed.

    Ding Jiayi turned red with anger. ¡°Are you stupid?!¡±

    If Old Qiao discovered that Qiao Nan could not go to Lee family residence as she had to help Ding Jiayi with her private jobs, he would tear her apart.

    ¡°You do not have to be at Lee family residence for 24 hours a day. You coulde home earlier after tutoring Zhu Baoguo and helped me out. Wear your clothes and start working now. Finish them quickly, I have to prepare for new year.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan rejected her coldly. ¡°I am going back to sleep.¡± With that, she walked off.

 Chapter 95 - Have A Good Year Ahead

    <h4>Chapter 95: Have A Good Year Ahead</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In order to coax Qiao Zijin, her mother overstretched her own ability to buy Qiao Zijin new clothes, which led to theck of funds for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. Why should she tidy up the mess for them. No way!

    ¡°You dare!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was red with anger. ¡°Are you still my daughter, am I still your Mom, I work day and night, you don¡¯t even give me any concern and help me to lessen my burden?¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t treat me a fool because I am an honest person. You did all this because you wanted to buy Sister clothes, it¡¯s not because of me. For the sake of sister, you work so hard, and then pulled me along to work overnight while Sister continues with her beauty sleep. You are willing but I am not.¡± Qiao Nan might as well be frank about it.

    ¡°Your sister must be tired after studying, why do you always drag her in?¡± She would not let Zijin do this type of chores.

    ¡°I¡¯m also tired after attending school.¡±

    ¡°How hard can it be for you, you¡¯re in junior high but your sister is in senior high school!¡±

    ¡°Fine, I can¡¯t talk sense into you, anyway I¡¯m not doing it, you can do whatever you like.¡± Qiao Nan turned her back from Ding Jiayi and returned to her bedroom.

    If she knew what would happen, she would not have woken up. She would rather hang on and continued to sleep.

    Her mother was probably too exhausted recently, she added too much salt when cooking. If not, she would not have felt so thirsty and woke up in the middle of the night.

    As she prepared to return to her bedroom, Qiao Nan saw the shadow of Ding Jiayi raising her hand, she said coldly without looking back.

    ¡°Mom, I advised you not to touch me, if you hit me, I will definitely call Dad out. If Dad knows that you are staying upte to work so that you can buy sister new clothes, and Sister still sleeps so early everyday, what will he think of Sister?¡±

    True enough, after Qiao Nan said this, Ding Jiayi put down her hand unwillingly. ¡°You just don¡¯t want to let your sister have a good life!¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s that you don¡¯t want me to do well. If I take over this chore, will you still continue, you will definitely go to bed. Mom, don¡¯t always pick on the honest people, you treat Sister like a treasure and disliked me. It¡¯s okay. I will cherish myself.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was happy and delighted to wear new clothes, while she had to lose her sleep to help Qiao Zijin with her tuition fees next year.

    In this lifetime, she would never do such a foolish thing again.

    After she finished with her words, Qiao Nan decisively went back to her room and shut her door. She closed her eyes and slept within five minutes.

    Ding Jiayi, who had a stomach full of anger, did five wrongly. The rule is that broken items had to bepensated for. As such, she had to pay for the five broken items before receiving her ie. Ding Jiayi was nearly driven crazy this night.

    Eventually she could not take it anymore, it was already one o¡¯clock, Ding Jiayi put down her chores and returned to the bedroom to sleep.

    The next day, Ding Jiayi had two obvious dark circles under under her eyes, like those of a panda.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi this way, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan kept silent unanimously.

    On the contrary, Qiao Zijin was two-faced. On the surface, she thanked Ding Jiayi for working hard. But when Ding Jiayi was working at home, Qiao Zijin did not even attempt to help Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin do not feel for Ding Jiayi, neither did she help Ding Jiayi to lessen her burden, what could Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan say?

    It can be said that the punishment is appropriately given by one and willingly epted by the other, they are truly a perfect mother-daughter match.

    Qiao Nan was able to let it go but Qiao Dongliang could not.

    Through this matter, Qiao Dongliang realized that Qiao Zijin only knew how to pay lip service to her parents, but in terms of action...

    Qiao Dongliang was able to discover the shorings of Qiao Zijin after some observation. In the past, Ding Jiayi had been putting in good words for Qiao Zijin, he really thought that Qiao Zijin was a very obedient and sensible daughter. The only thing was that she was not very good in her studies.

    But after the recent spate of events, Qiao Dongliang knew that, in reality, things were probably different from what he heard.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang insisted not to put his hands in this matter.

    Despite knowing that money was insufficient, the elder daughter insisted on buying new clothes. Furthermore, the wife indulged in the wrong behavior.

    So, his wife needed to experience some suffering herself to understand this point.

    Otherwise, in future, his wife would definitely forsake therger picture in order to satisfy the elder daughter.

    From the matter regarding the set of new clothes this year, Qiao Dongliang had a premonition.

    Whatever the elder daughter wants, Ding Jiayi would certainly find a way to satisfy her, regardless of how difficult it could be. She would try to do it even if it was beyond her ability.

    This was certainly wrong.

    If he continued to help his wife, the poor habit would not be changed.

    One did not wish to interfere, the other could not interfere. Both father and daughter maintained this stance, so Ding Jiayi could only grit her teeth and finish up all the work on hand.

    Having worked so hard, Ding Jiayi fully regretted doing something beyond her ability just to appease Qiao Zijin. She was not angry with Qiao Zijin for not being understanding, but she med Qiao Nan for not helping her. With Qiao Nan¡¯s ability, she could handle all this manual work by herself.

    Qiao Nan could not read her mother¡¯s mind but she guessed a little. Anyway, it had always been this way in the previous life. In this life, Qiao Nan was already numb.

    In her previous life, she was deeply harmed under such thinking of Ding Jiayi. In this life, it was good that she was no longer bothered by her mother, and would not carry out such thankless chores.

    Anyway, regardless of whether she did them or not, she was always the bad guy. She would be stupid to do it.

    Seeing the nonchnt attitude of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was full of hate to the core but she could not make Qiao Nan budge.

    She finally understood now that Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was as hard as a stone, she not only always bullied her sister, but also disregard her as a mother. She did not care even if she died of fatigue.

    True enough, she should not have given birth to this daughter. If she had any matter, she would not expect any help from this daughter.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re an angel. You¡¯re going to heaven for this final term exam.¡± The day that the ss received their report card, Zhu Baoguo ran over to Qiao Nan to congratte her as soon as she stepped into the ssroom. ¡°With this, you can have a good year.¡±

    ¡°Not really, in our family, grades are not everything.¡± Qiao Nan was the representative of all things. ¡°Did I fare okay?¡±

    ¡°What okay, you can¡¯t do better than that!¡± Zhu Baoguo stared. The top student in the school was actually his deskmate. He would be so proud to let others know this.

    ¡°How about you?¡± Qiao Nan was roughly aware of her own grades, but she was more concerned about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results.

    Zhu Baoguo suddenlyughed. ¡°I received almost around 80 marks for the few Science subjects that I took.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Just a few more marks and it would be excellent.¡± Qiao Nan gave Zhu Baoguo a thumbs up. It was only half a semester¡¯s time, Zhu Baoguo had a brain better than most.

    ¡°No no, all thanks to your help. If not for you, how can I achieve such grades?¡± The moment he knew his grades, Zhu Baoguo was shocked. Even the Zhu family doubted it.

 Chapter 96 - Appreciation

    <h4>Chapter 96: Appreciation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Zhu family asked Teacher Chen directly, were the grades announced by Teacher Chen just now really that of Zhu Baoguo, and not Niu Baoguo or other Baoguo. Please don¡¯t let it be another person with the same first andst name. They would then be overjoyed for nothing.

    They were not young anymore and could not take such jokes, especially now that the Lunar New Year was arriving.

    If they showed off the progress of their child to others, and discovered that this was in fact a misunderstanding, that would be so embarrassing.

    It was until Teacher Chen¡¯s repeated assurance that the grades he announced earlier belonged to Zhu Baoguo, and there was only one Zhu Baoguo in the school, that they knew that this was definitely not a mistake.

    Until this very moment, the Zhu family then dared to believe that Zhu Baoguo achieved the groundbreaking results.

    Because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s academic performance, the Zhu family was so ted that they nearly set off fireworks to celebrate.

    Initially, with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s poor grades in the mid-term examinations as a reference, both the Zhu family and Lee family only had one wish ¨C that was for Zhu Baoguo to pass his examination. This would already be considered an improvement.

    Unexpectedly, Zhu Baoguo not only passed his exams, but also passed with flying colors. He nearly received the excellent grade, there was a triple leap in his progress!

    Elder Zhu was so happy that he rubbed Zhu Baoguo¡¯s head. ¡°The blood of the Zhu family really runs in you, you inherited the intelligence of our old Zhu family. As long as you are willing to learn, that is nothing too difficult for you.¡±

    Elder Lee simply rolled his eyes when he heard that. What did Zhu Baoguo¡¯s achievement have to do with the Zhu family? That was the credit of his Lee family, their genes are good. Without the Lee family, there would not be such a smart Baoguo.

    The madly ted Zhu Baoguo said after a while, ¡°Grandpa, regarding this, you are the person that I should thank the most. Fortunately you found Xiao Qiao to be my little teacher. Otherwise, I reckon that there will not be such a day.¡±

    Although it was only one final examination, the atmosphere in both the Lee family and Zhu family was akin to the festive seasons such as Lunar New Year, lively and high.

    Seeing that so many family members are concerned for him, Zhu Baoguo felt the warmth in his heart, he thought of what Qiao Nan said to him previously. He then thanked Elder Lee emotionally.

    The two elders were stunned. Elder Lee smiled, ¡°The words you just said, did Nan Nan teach you to say them?¡±

    He did not expect his obstinate grandson would say something so sensible and heart-warming all of a sudden.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned red. He did not expect to be exposed by Elder Lee so soon. ¡°Grandpa, can you don¡¯t talk as though I am always so insensible?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re sensible now.¡± Elder Lee nodded his head happily, then nced at Elder Zhu proudly. ¡°Under the influence of Qiao Nan, you really have be more and more sensible. Grandpa is very happy. As long as you can be good, Grandpa is willing to do anything for you.¡±

    Facing the boasting by Elder Lee, Elder Zhu rolled his eyes but he did not refute Elder Lee again.

    After all, when Elder Lee wanted to find his grandson a teacher of his grandson¡¯s age, he was full of objection and doubt.

    As it was, the fact speaks louder than words. He never thought that a fair, crisp looking and quiet youngdy, who would seemingly be bullied by his grandson, was able to teach his grandson so well.

    Till this moment, Elder Zhu was still in a state of disbelief. ¡°Old Lee, when are you going to invite that child over and let our two families treat her to a meal?¡±

    Such a youngdy, she not only saved their grandson, but also transformed him. What she did was really hard toe by.

    ¡°If this youngdy meet with any problems at home, she cane to both of our families in future. If your Lee family cannot help, our Zhu family can step in.¡±

    ¡°I know what to do about this.¡± Thinking of the situation in the Qiao family, Elder Lee replied briefly without giving a straight answer.

    Dirty linen should not be aired in public. This was a private matter of the Qiao family, it was not convenient for Elder Lee to help Qiao Nan spread to the whole world her mis-encounters in the family.

    Elder Lee did not feel for Ding Jiayi, but his heart softened for his nephew, Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Grandpa, please don¡¯t do anything hasty. I will think of how to thank Xiao Qiao myself. I have my own thoughts, you don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not pleased. He was the one that received help, and should be the one to say thank you too.

    Hence, as soon as he arrived in school today, Zhu Baoguo told Qiao Nan her grades immediately when he saw her. He also said thank you to her in a very sincere manner.

    ¡°Alright. If you really want to thank me. Wait for half a yearter.¡±

    ¡°Do you have so much confidence in me?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan in disbelief.

    Half a yearter, that would be the middle school examination. What Xiao Qiao meant was to look at his academic performance for that?

    Although he scored good grades for the final examination, Zhu Baoguo dared not pin too high hopes on himself. He might not be able to sustain the good grades or achieve better grades.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that I have confidence in you. I have confidence in myself. Haven¡¯t you heard this saying before, in this world, there are no students that don¡¯t know how to learn, there are only teachers who don¡¯t know how to teach?¡±

    ¡°I really have not heard of it!¡±

    Qiao Nan was stunned. Alright. It seemed like she said these words too soon.

    ¡°But you are right. There are only teachers who don¡¯t know how to teach in this world. There aren¡¯t any students that don¡¯t know how to learn. I agree.¡± Zhu Baoguo lifted his chest. His grades were poor in the past as he had not met a good teacher, one that truly knew how to teach. He was really not responsible for it

    ¡°Fine, it¡¯s enough that you know this saying, don¡¯t... ¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t spread, I understand.¡± Zhu Baoguo nodded his head firmly. ¡°Xiao Qiao, no matter what, thank you so much. Thank you for sharing your materials with me. Don¡¯t worry, I have a gift for you in theing year, I promise that it will be something that you like.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan agreed readily.

    She did not really want this gift of Zhu Baoguo, but she was more than happy to know that her efforts had been appreciated.

    Most importantly, based on Qiao Nan¡¯s understanding of Zhu Baoguo, he would probably give her something affordable as a first gift. If she decline, Zhu Baoguo would definitely get something more expensive. The pens that were broken by Zhao Yu previously, the very next day, Zhu Baoguo gave Qiao Nan an imported pen which was obviously not cheap.

    When Qiao Nan declined, the stubborn Zhu Baoguo nearly stuffed the imported pen into Qiao Nan¡¯s stationery box.

    ¡°Damn, Qiao Nan¡¯s grades are defying the heavens!¡±

    ¡°No, why don¡¯t Qiao Nan go to heaven. Was she a different person from the beginning of the term?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get a beating this year again when I go home.¡±

    When the results were announced based on the rankings and posted on the bulletin board, many people casted their look on Qiao Nan when they saw the name list.

    In this semester, Qiao Nan was the center of attraction in the entire school.

 Chapter 97 - The Murder Weapon On Earth

    <h4>Chapter 97: The Murder Weapon On Earth</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Not to mention the rumors that were spread previously, she had saved the life of Zhu Baoguo, clinched the championship for the essaypetition, and today, she had be the top student in her grade. She left the second ce far behind, with a difference of 16 marks between the top and second ce.

    There was only a difference of half a mark between second and third ce.

    Damn, what type of score ratio was this. Qiao Nan was too scary, was she still a human being on the earth?

    Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo would have a good year ahead. However, for some others, they did not look forward to the Lunar New Year as much as before.

    These were the people who did not score very well. Typically, they could still manage fine, but the exam papers were too difficult this time and many students were not able to perform to their expectations.

    Butpared to Qiao Nan¡¯s grades, these people found it hard to voice their thoughts.

    Besides Qiao Nan, what was happening to Zhu Baoguo? He was a student who usually ranked one of thest. Now, he had advanced by 100 ces and almost reached the level of the outstanding students.

    Could someone please tell them, what could be done under the sun to make such a poor student be a good one within a short span of time, in half a semester¡¯s time?

    They also hoped to be like that!

    ¡°Listen to me, Qiao Nan has been giving Zhu Baoguo tuition. Do you think Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results have something to do with Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°How is that possible? Many teachers tried to teach Zhu Baoguo but did not seed. Is Qiao Nan better than the teachers in the school? I don¡¯t believe this.¡±

    The speaker made an unintentional remark, but the listener took it to heart.

    A group of students standing nearby heard the conversation, they secretly made ns.

    What if what was said was true? As they belonged to the same ss as Qiao Nan, could they make use of their position to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s advice?

    They did not expect to be like Zhu Baoguo whose grades shot up with the speed of a rocket. But at the very least, they could improve.

    At this moment, the most dazzling but also the most quiet student, Qiao Nan, was surrounded by many people. It was noisy around her. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you help me take a look at this question? We were tested on this but I haven¡¯t figured out the solution.¡±

    ¡°Let me see,¡± Qiao Nan took the question and quietly wrote down the clear andplete solution to the problem on a piece of paper. Her handwriting was exceptionally neat and beautiful, just like her face.

    Looking at the words of Qiao Nan and then glimpsing her face. Many werementing why a person like Qiao Nan, who drew the envy and jealousy of others, existed in this world. These writings could be used for thebeling of altars.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± The ssmate was slightly disappointed that he did not receive a personal exnation from Qiao Nan.

    But well, it was not umon for Qiao Nan, a girl that was pretty and smart, to be a little arrogant and cold.

    It was only when the student took back the question, that he realized what Qiao Nan wrote had another meaning in it.

    She had marked the page number where the information could be found in the textbooks.

    With this, those who asked the questions were not stupid, they could do some research, and eventually understand the solution.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, thank you. ¡± They did not expect that Qiao Nan, who usually seemed arrogant and aloof, was actually quite easy to get along with. She was really willing to answer his question, no wonder Teacher Chen liked Qiao Nan so much.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I too have a question that I don¡¯t know the solution. Can you teach me too?¡± With the first example, the rest of the students who held the same thought were more daring toe up to Qiao Nan.

    Within minutes, those unsociable ssmates who once avoided Zhu Baoguo and disliked Qiao Nan were surrounding Qiao Nan in a imprable crowd.

    When these people finally left, Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°If all of them were like me, with faster progression in their learning, whoever you taught today will be your enemy tomorrow topete with you for the top ce in the school. Why are you so generous? You see if these people are willing to answer you if you ask them questions.¡±

    ¡°If they can take away my first ce just because I answer the few questions that they have, then I am a product of imitation. Don¡¯t you think it was good to see Zhao Yu¡¯s expression just now?¡±

    ¡°Ha ha ha, this is true!¡± At the mention of Zhao Yu, Zhu Baoguo felt better.

    In the past, Zhao Yu had always been the popr one. She also enjoyed the attention. But now the person being surrounded by many was the one she hated most ¨C Qiao Nan. From the beginning till the end of this year, Zhao Yu was absolutely unhappy.

    ¡°Alright. Next, I will distribute your report card. Keep it properly. Please also give this letter, addressed to your parents, to your parents. I have told you in the beginning of the school term that after the final examination, we will be holding a Parent-Teacher Conference. I hope that all your parents can attend. Next, I will give out the school¡¯s three model student awards, ss¡¯s three model student awards and the outstanding ssmittee member award.¡±

    Teacher Chen gave out everything in lightning speed.

    This time, Teacher Chen was very happy. He had a belly full of words, but these words were not meant for Qiao Nan, they were for her parents.

    Qiao Nan was not only intelligent, but also very diligent and conscientious in her studies. Her learning attitude was very enthusiastic and positive.

    Qiao Nan not only improved herself, but also helped Zhu Baoguo to be better. Which student in the world could give the teachers fewer worries than Qiao Nan?

    The few awards were given out quickly, even Zhu Baoguo received a Good Progress Award. Only Zhao Yu, who held quite an important role of Language Representative, did not receive any award.

    Seeing that she did not even get the outstanding ssmittee member award, Zhao Yu nearly stood up to question Teacher Chen. She was clearly very outstanding and had received awards every year. Why was she not given any for this semester?

    But when she thought of the stupid things that she said when she was in the teacher¡¯s office previously, she very reluctantly shut her mouth and chose to be silent.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± Holding the School¡¯s Top Three Model Student Award, Qiao Nan did not go home immediately, instead, she went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    What happened to the previous certificate awards was in the past, but from now onwards, she did not want her mother to treat all her future awards like waste papers and burn them.

    Who knows, when Qiao Nan opened the door, she was frightened by a tall figure in the room.

    ¡°Be careful.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was going to fall, Zhai Sheng reached out and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s arms.

    But he did not expect that Qiao Nan was still so light after half a year. With some strength, Zhai Sheng identally pulled Qiao Nan directly into his arms.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s little nose unavoidably hit the chest of Zhai Sheng. It was so painful that tears welled up in her eyes. Prince Charming was indeed Prince Charming, his chest muscles were so firm and developed, this was the real ¡°murder¡± weapon on earth.

 Chapter 98 - Reward

    <h4>Chapter 98: Reward</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Seeing that the youngdy in his arms was in tears, Zhai Sheng roughly understood what happened. He reached out and tried to help Qiao Nan rub her nose.

    With the rub, Qiao Na¡¯s pain intensified and she felt like she was being tortured.

    To prevent Zhai Sheng from torturing her again, Qiao Nan was exceptionally courageous, she grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands to stop him from moving.

    When Zhai Sheng sensed that the hands that grabbed him were so soft and seemingly boneless, he felt his heart fluttering a little. What did this feeling mean? Zhai Sheng, who knew nothing about romance, did not really understand.

    Zhai Sheng, who did not like things to get beyond his control, suppressed the strange feeling he had and calmly retracted his hands. ¡°When you came, what were you holding in your hands?¡±

    ¡°Certificate of Award,¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up, she not only showed Zhai Sheng her awards, but also took out her report card, as if she was presenting him with some treasure. ¡°Brother Zhai, see, these are my grades for the final examination. Oh yes, Brother Zhai, I was at the essaypetition when you lent me your pen, and I clinched the first ce. I heard that I will be awarded some merit points for my middle school examination because of this. But I don¡¯t know how many points.¡±

    ¡°Not bad.¡± Zhai Sheng looked through Qiao Nan¡¯s items one by one, his eyes shed with satisfaction and approval.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, here¡¯s your pen.¡± Qiao Nan had originally ced the pen in the storeroom and intended to let Brother Zhai take it himself when he was back.

    But a few days after she ced the pen, she saw that it was still there, untouched. She had previously heard from Zhu Baoguo that the pen was quite expensive. Although this was the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she was still afraid to lose the pen. Hence, she took it back and kept it with her.

    To Zhai Sheng, this pen had a significant meaning, he had always intended to take it back.

    However, he was in such a hurry that day. After Zhai Sheng lent Qiao Nan the pen, he left the school immediately, before returning to the Zhai family to change his clothes and then quickly made his way to the army.

    The good thing was that both of them stayed in the same quad, and Qiao Nan usually stored away her books in the Zhai family¡¯s residence. So Zhai Sheng was never worried that he would lose the pen.

    However, when Zhai Sheng held the pen that Qiao Nan had been treating like a rare gem, he could feel the slight warmth of Qiao Nan¡¯s body temperature and a tinge of her fragrance, his body reacted before his brain could. He tucked the pen back into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, and said, ¡°Treat this as a reward for your good grades in the exam.¡±

    When he realized what he had done and said, he was surprised but had no regrets.

    It was not until many yearster, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan used this pen to sign their marriage vows agreement, that he marveled at his wisdom and decisiveness on that very faithful day. With a little pen, he managed to capture the heart of such an outstanding girl to be part of his family.

    Otherwise, this sweet, young thing would not have fallen into prey into the arms of a big bad wolf like himself, and had little wolves thereafter.

    ¡°Give it to me? Don¡¯t,¡± Qiao Nan declined. ¡°All this while, Brother Zhai had helped me so much, I don¡¯t have the ability now, otherwise I should be the one giving you something, I feel embarrassed to ept your gift.¡± She was not so thick-skinned.

    There was no reason for Zhai Sheng to retrieve a gift that was already given. ¡°Take it, when you have the ability, then talk about what you will give me, but on the premise that it would not result in a corruption crime.¡±

    ¡°No, of course not.¡± Under that intimidating look of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan became inept at withstanding any pressure, she was totally under the spell of Zhai Sheng. There was absolutely no signs of the tigress demeanor that she usually disyed before Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry, I know that you are a military officer and there are tight rules to follow, I will definitely not put you in a difficult position. If I do that, aren¡¯t I repaying your kindness with ingratitude?¡±

    ¡°I will not reject an elder¡¯s request then. I shall keep this pen. Thanks Brother Zhai.¡±

    She knew that Zhai Sheng would not take back the pen. Also, putting aside the mary value of the pen, Qiao Nan really liked the pen.

    At most, as per what Brother Zhai said, she would repay his kindness as much as possible when she had the ability in future.

    But at the thought of the Zhai family¡¯s status and Zhai Sheng¡¯s future sess, Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth twinged. She could not think there would be such a day where Brother Zhai needed her help.

    Zhai Sheng frowned, was this word used appropriately?

    Qiao Nan called him Brother Zhai, when had he be an elder?

    If not for the award that he saw just now, he would really suspect how Qiao Nan clinched the first ce in the essaypetition.

    ¡°Fine, it¡¯ste. You should go home.¡±

    Qiao Nan was shocked. Everything seemed fine just a while ago, why did Brother Zhai¡¯s face turned ck all of a sudden. ¡°Brother Zhai, can I put my award here, if I bring it back, most likely I will not have any left.¡±

    Before Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had nothing to hide. Anyway, at the time when she was reborn, Zhai Sheng had seen the few most embarrassing times of her life.

    ¡°Leave it here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Brother Zhai, then I¡¯m going back. See you Brother Zhai. Oh, yes, it¡¯s almost Lunar New Year, I wish you a Happy New Year. Brother Zhai, I¡¯m really leaving now.¡± Qiao Nan sounded like a machine gun. Before Brother Zhai could say a word, she finished her long string of words and ran away immediately thereafter.

    Watching the back of Qiao Nan, who was racing off at the speed of a rabbit, Zhai Sheng could not help shaking his head. ¡°True enough, she is scared of me.¡± This was the same as the soldiers under his supervision. Qiao Nan was too timid, no wonder she was always bullied in the Qiao family.

    However, this was the matter of the Qiao family. In the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng could help Qiao Nan in whatever way he wanted. He could help her prepare a study room, find revision materials and give her a pen. But outside of the Zhai family, especially in the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng would not be able to interfere.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back, how did you fare in the final examination?¡± Qiao Dongliang had more confidence in the younger daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang went marketing early in the morning, he was prepared to celebrate. ¡°Also Baoguo, how did he fare, how many marks did he get, did he pass?¡±

    ¡°Dad, like I said before, Zhu Baoguo is very intelligent, he not only passed this round of exam but also got 80 marks. If he work harder next year, he may score 85 marks to achieve an excellent grade.

    This time, when Qiao Nan saw that Qiao Dongliang was seemingly more concerned about Zhu Baoguo, and more interested in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation than hers, she did not feel sad. Instead, she felt quite happy.

    Even if her father did not care about her, or perhaps he was more concerned about others, it did not matter. Wasn¡¯t Brother Zhai quite good to her?

    In any case, God did not abandon her. God had given her so many opportunities, and even sent her an angel-like Prince Charming like Brother Zhai, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was filled with contentment all of a sudden.

    ¡°Really!¡± Qiao Dongliang said as he was pleasantly surprised.

 Chapter 99 - Number One In The Grade

    <h4>Chapter 99: Number One In The Grade</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Baoguo really did so well? Don¡¯t tell me that Teacher misreported or got the grades mixed up?¡±

    He was still thinking that it would be a good improvement if Zhu Baoguo managed to pass his exams.

    ¡°When the Zhu family called Teacher Chen about this, they also asked many simr questions. Dad, you don¡¯t need to doubt. These are really Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results. This year, Grandpa Lee invited our family to his house for Lunar New Year. If you bump into Zhu Baoguo there, Dad, please keep your earlier words to yourself, it¡¯s too hurtful.¡±

    When the Zhu family dared not believe that Zhu Baoguo did so well, Zhu Baoguo could barely ept it.

    However, the same could not be said for a simr reaction from an outsider. Zhu Baoguo might perceive that the other party looked down on him.

    With that fiery temper of Zhu Baoguo, even if her father was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s elder, Zhu Baoguo would not be able to control his temper.

    Others would not dare to do it but not Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t worry, is Dad someone who is so bad-mannered?¡± Qiao Dongliang put away this thought. Qiao Nan reminded him well, the question he asked earlier, wasn¡¯t he doubting Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ability and suspecting that Zhu Baoguo cheated in the exams? That will definitely not do.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be happy about. Zhu Baoguo is very smart and he relied on his own efforts,¡± Ding Jiayi interrupted as she could not bear to see Qiao Dongliang, after hearing Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades, continuously praising Qiao Nan like she was a divine being. ¡°Zhu Baoguo did so well, don¡¯t think that your father would be happy that you pulled up Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades but deteriorated your own. How many marks did you get, what is your ranking in the ss and grade, I don¡¯t even wish to ask you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was just a child who had limited energy and ability.

    She needed to learn and progress herself and also assisted Zhu Baoguo to revise.

    Qiao Nan was just an ordinary person, to make Zhu Baoguo progressed so much, she must have put all her mind and heart on helping Zhu Baoguo. As such, how would she still be able to manage her own studies?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s questions were full of gloating as if she was waiting to watch the show. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed.

    Did Nan Nan really spend all her efforts and time on Zhu Baoguo and neglected her own learning?

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry, Dad has been saving money. Dad had thought about it, both of you are my daughters, Dad will treat both of you equally. If you did not do well in your middle school examination, Dad will definitely raise a sum of money to admit you into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Looking at your sister¡¯s recent situation, this money is certainly worth spending.¡±

    Out of guilt, Qiao Dongliang could onlypensate Qiao Nan in such ways.

    Because of Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reluctance on this matter previously had be full of promises today. Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale when she heard this.

    Such arge sum of money, could it be saved so easily, how many years of hard work did it take them previously to save this up?

    You must know, the reason for saving this sum of money was to find an opportunity to build a house.

    After all, when the two daughters have grown up, especially if they would be taking in a son-inw for the elder daughter, there would be not be enough rooms for everyone and the grandchildren.

    If Qiao Dongliang really wanted to pull strings with money and send Qiao Nan to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, undoubtedly, it was not sufficient to rely on his savings alone. He would have to borrow from someone.

    At that time, no matter how Ding Jiayi doted on Qiao Zijin, she could no longer dote on her without thinking by satisfying all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s financial wants. She needed to first pay up this piece of debt.

    To work for the sake of Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was very willing.

    Previously, for the sake of buying Qiao Zijin new clothes, Ding Jiayi stayed upte everyday until midnight, she did not evenin. But if this situation was for Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi¡¯s stance was obviously a no. ¡°Old Qiao, are you mad, for the sake of Qiao Nan, you want to drag our whole family down. Are we still going to live? To allow her to enter the school, don¡¯t tell me you want our whole family of four to have porridge and pickles for every meal. We can¡¯t even have a proper meal?!¡±

    ¡°My stand remains. If there is really a need to borrow money, I will do it. I will pay it back in future. You just need to focus on taking a hand in Zijin¡¯s matters, you don¡¯t need to interfere in the affairs on my side.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew the consequences but he still gritted his teeth and told Qiao Nan with certainty that he would ensure that she studied in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and receive the same treatment as Zijin.

    When Qiao Nan heard that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi quarreled directly in a furious manner because of this, she helplessly twinged the corners of her mouth. She cast a nce at Qiao Zijin¡¯s door, and said, ¡°Dad, I did fine this round. I came out top in my ss, as well as in the grade.¡±

    As to how many marks the second and third cesgged behind her, Qiao Nan did not even bother to mention.

    At that moment, both pairs of eyes were full of exmation, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were full of joy, he wanted to rejoice and announce to the whole word.

    But Ding Jiayi¡¯s were more of resentment and depression.

    She could not understand, within a short time span of one semester, how did Qiao Nan improve by such leaps and bounds.

    During thest mid-term examination, Qiao Nan had already regained her previous level of standard, but the results of this exam had simply exceeded her usual standard, it was so much better than before!

    With this kind of result, there was no need to pull strings to admit her into Qiao Zijin¡¯s school. She was obviously a student that was a perfect match for the school.

    Ding Jiayi was not willing to spend money to let Qiao Nan enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Nevertheless, Ding Jiayi was also reluctant to not spend a cent for Qiao Nan to enter the school.

    It was a status symbol to be a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she could not ept that Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were of the same standard. Qiao Zijin went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Qiao Nan should attend another school that was not better.

    ¡°I say you¡¯re such a mean girl, your Dad doesn¡¯t believe me. Now I can see for myself, you¡¯re a dead girl who sides with outsiders. In the past, you refused to help your sister with her studies and as a result, she did not do well. Because of that, we spent all the savings in the family. If you had helped your sister like you did for Zhu Baoguo, couldn¡¯t we have saved up all those money? The money was not spent by your sister, it was you who wasted it!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was flustered and exasperated, she immediately linked Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matter to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Lunar New Year and you had to create some problem to disturb our peace? I, I¡¯ll kill a jinx like you.¡± Ding Jiayi raised her hands and wanted to pinch Qiao Nan¡¯s ears.

    Somehow, Qiao Zijin¡¯s recent words suddenly appeared in Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind, ¡°Mom, if Qiao Nan¡¯s fever earlier had damaged her brain and made her a fool, how good will that be, then both Dad and you would not have so much conflict because of Qiao Nan. When she bes a fool, she will surely obey you and not have so many thoughts of her own.¡±

    Unknowingly, Ding Jiayi was like a demon, with only those words in her mind, she seemed suddenly possessed.

 Chapter 100 - Gone Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 100: Gone Crazy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If she was to p Qiao Nan¡¯s head a few more times, would she turn stupid?

    She gave birth to Qiao Nan, she would not want her dead. But it would not do that she kept on hindering Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Nan really got into an ident, she believed that Zijin would definitely take good care of her.

    Qiao Nan would no longer need to work. She would not need to lift a finger and there would be people waiting on her. She would give anything for this kind of life. As her mother, she did not shortchange Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan noticed that her mother looked at her with a dark greenish flicker in her eyes. It was simr to the look in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes in the previous life, when she heard from Qiao Zijin that if people were of blood rtions, thepatibility level of their internal organs would be better, and there would be lower chances of rejection. Qiao Nan stiffened at the sight of that.

    But this was clearly unlike what happened in the previous life. Qiao Dongliang noticed that Ding Jiayi lifted her hands and was about to p on Qiao Nan¡¯s head. Without a word, he pulled Qiao Nan behind him and pped back at Ding Jiayi¡¯s raised hands. ¡°It¡¯s the Lunar New Year, I have no wish to quarrel with you. What you said just now, are you crazy? What do Zijin¡¯s poor results have to do with Nan Nan? Is she studying on behalf of Nan Nan, and hence Nan Nan must take responsibility for her results? Are you kidding me?¡±

    ¡°Dad, who did you say has poor results? My results are not poor.¡± Qiao Zijin who came back with her results slip overheard this and was displeased.

    ¡°Zijin, you are back?¡± Ding Jiayi calmed down and ran towards Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi who hade back to her senses were shocked at the thought that crossed her mind just now. Why would she have such terrifying and horrible thoughts?

    Everyone in the quad knew whether Qiao Nan was a simpleton or not. Besides if she and Old Qiao had a simpleton daughter; Zijin had a simpleton sister, it would be bad for their reputation?

    Besides, people would definitely be suspicious if Qiao Nan suddenly turned into a simpleton. She had no intention of wasting the rest of her life away for Qiao Nan. On top of that, it was impossible for Qiao Zijin to bear the heavy burden of looking after Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin hade to her rescue at the right time.

    Ding Jiayi knew that if Qiao Dongliang was to know what she had on her mind just now, Old Qiao would definitely file for a divorce, there would be no chance of them staying as a couple.

    ¡°Zijin, how are your results?¡±

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Qiao Zijin frowned, slightly displeased. ¡°I did fairly well. Dad, who was bbering nonsense to you, saying that I did badly?¡±

    ¡°We were talking about your results in the past.¡± Qiao Dongliang was embarrassed. He never put the elder daughter down when she did badly for her exams in the past, today was the first time that hemented on her results, and yet he was caught by her. ¡°Your Mom was talking nonsense just now, she med your bad performance in the middle school exams on your sister. She said that all the money that we spent on you after the middle school exams was your sister¡¯s fault. Zijin, you have been in school for so many years, be our judge, is your mother¡¯s words justifiable?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was boiling with anger at the mention of this.

    ¡°What has this got to do with Nan Nan? I am one level higher than Nan Nan, if she could tutor me in my studies, then she must be a genius.¡± Qiao Zijin said cynically.

    If other people were to know that her younger sister who was one level lower than her had to coach her in her school exercises, it would be a disgrace for her.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t re up without getting the facts right. It was my problem that I did not do well for middle school exams. If other people overheard your words and had the impression that I did not do well in the exams as Nan Nan did not teach me well, Mom, how would you feel if you were me?¡±

    Qiao Zijin gave Ding Jiayi a frustrated stare. These days not only did her mother not help her in any way, in fact, she was a hindrance to her.

    Qiao Zijin felt terrible. She had boasted to everyone about buying new clothes. But when she went to school today, she had to tell everyone that due to her family circumstances, she could only buy one new set of clothes.

    Every female student in her ss had two, three sets of new clothes for Lunar New Year, why was it that she had to be the oddball who could only have one set of new clothes?

    ¡°Mom, I have something to discuss with you.¡± Qiao Zijin dragged her mother to her room. ¡°I only have one set of new clothes in my ss, this is so embarrassing, I will be looked down upon by everyone. Mom, everyone has parents, why can¡¯t you and Dad earn more? I am not asking to lead a better life than my ssmates, all I want at the very least is to be on par with them. Though I can¡¯t choose my parents, it¡¯s my fortune to have you as my parents. But Mom, you have to think in my shoes, I have grown up now, I have a sense of pride, I don¡¯t want to be theughing stock or to be looked down upon by others.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt extremely bad at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. ¡°But your Mom isn¡¯t capable enough, I can¡¯t make lots of money.¡±

    In the past, she did not even need to go to work.

    She got herself a job and even took on handiwork back home in order to finance her elder daughter through school.

    Ding Jiayi felt that she had made up for the years where she stayed at home after having two babies with the huge workload that she had taken on recently.

    She felt sorry for herself at the thought that she had lost seven, eight kilograms in just two, three months¡¯ time.

    ¡°My Dad, it¡¯s all his fault. What does he mean by this? Does he not want to take in a husband for me? Does he not want my children to take his surname? Why didn¡¯t he give me better treatment? Instead he spent all the money on Qiao Nan. She had to be married to someone else eventually, is my Dad muddleheaded?¡±

    Why would anyone spend their money on others?

    Her father was in fact, spending money on someone else¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Nonsense, how could you say that of your Dad, wasn¡¯t he good to you?¡± Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Zijin a smack with just the right amount of force. ¡°Your Dad is nice to Qiao Nan as she helped to tutor Zhu Baoguo and in a way helped your Dad to repay the debts of gratitude towards Uncle Lee. Do you know, Qiao Nan that wretched girl has a few tricks up her sleeves, Zhu Baoguo scored 80 points for his exams this time. Not only is your Dad happy, I suppose the Lee family and the Zhu family must be on cloud nine. That wretched girl is lucky.¡±

    In the future, if Qiao Nan had a favor to ask of the Zhu family and the Lee family, they would definitely help her.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. She had to cheat to barely score around 80 points, yet with Qiao Nan¡¯s coaching, Zhu Baoguo easily scored 80 points.

    Qiao Zijin finally understood what her parents were quarreling about just now and why her mother would med it on Qiao Nan for her bad performance in the middle school exams. Qiao Nan was an eyesore. She did not help her biological sister, yet she was so earnest in helping an outsider. She must be sick!

    ¡°Mom, this might be a good thing for us.¡± On second thoughts, Qiao Zijin had other ns.

 Chapter 101 - Not Gullible Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 101: Not Gullible Anymore</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Mom, you may not understand the workings of this society. Though the times now are unlike the times then, there are some simrities after all. Mom, think about it, do you still remember how you got your job?¡±

    ¡°With Grandpa Lee¡¯s help.¡± Because of Elder Lee, Ding Jiayi was willing to marry Qiao Dongliang who was without any rtives.

    She knew that Qiao Dongliang was close to Elder Lee. If he continued to maintain the rtionship, with Elder Lee¡¯s help, they would be able to lead a good life.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I heard that it¡¯s useless to be good in one¡¯s studies, one needs to have connections. I have thought it through, if I really get into a college, it would cost a bomb. Mom, I can¡¯t bear to see you working your guts out. Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. With the money that you earned, spend and use it on stuff that you need.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt nervous at her words. ¡°Zijin, what do you mean by this? You, you intend to quit school?¡±

    ¡°No, Mom. Don¡¯t be anxious, hear me out first. I am still going to study, be it high school or college. But we are going to have a change in ns. I n to stop my studies in the second half semester of year three. Of course, I won¡¯t be sitting for college entrance exams either. I will look for a job and start to earn money. I intend to enroll in an evening school and to get my certificates. Mom, don¡¯t worry, I promise to do you proud.¡±

    Qiao Zijin pulled at her mother¡¯s hands, sounding sincere and heartfelt.

    ¡°Why?¡± Ding Jiayi disagreed. ¡°Those schools are not as good as Tsinghua University or Peking University. If it¡¯s about money, don¡¯t worry, your Dad¡¯s bark is worse than his bite. Besides, our agreement is only for the three years in high school. If you really get into Peking University or Tsinghua University, even if he has to sell everything in the house, he would definitely finance you through university.¡±

    ¡°Mom, it has nothing to do with this.¡± It was rare that Qiao Zijin could exin to Ding Jiayi patiently. ¡°I really can¡¯t bear to see Dad and you to work so hard. It pains me to see that you are working through the night. Besides, as I have said, society is different now. Even if your results are very good, you might not find a good job after you graduated. Initially I am worried that my n may not work out well, but now that we have the support of the Lee family and the Zhu family, I would have no trouble finding a job.¡±

    Zhu family and Lee family were established and prominent, they would definitely get a decent job for her.

    With a decent job, it would be much more valuable than having good results.

    ¡°This...¡± Ding Jiayi hesitated for a while. Ding Jiayi had been through this, the future that Qiao Zijin painted, it was definitely much easier and much faster.

    After all, the main objective of studying was to get a good job, and to earn lots of money.

    ¡°But Zijin, are you sure you are not hiding anything from me? By the time you stop going to high school Qiao Nan would be in her second year of high school. If both of you are to study in the college at the time, even if your Dad had exceptional abilities, he wouldn¡¯t be able to make the money to finance both of you through college. In that case, by that time...¡± One of the two sisters would be able to continue their studies.

    With this situation, Ding Jiayi was quite sure that she would be able to make Qiao Nan quit school and work.

    But if Qiao Zijin wanted to work, Qiao family would not be in such a fix. Wouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan that wretched girl stand to gain from it?

    ¡°Mom, after all, Qiao Nan is my sister. Even though she treats me badly, I shouldn¡¯t do this to her. It doesn¡¯t matter to me, if she wants to study then just let her be. Anyway I am not losing out either.¡± She had to depend on Qiao Nan to get a good job.

    Hopefully the Lee family and the Zhu family would help Zijin on ount that Qiao Nan helped Zhu Baoguo to improve on his results.

    Even though Qiao Zijin only spent half a year in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she did not waste her time there.

    To put it bluntly, all of her ssmates either came from rich families or families with influential background. Otherwise, who would buy two, three sets of new clothes for their children to wear during Lunar New Year. It was already good enough to have one set of new clothes.

    These people never had to worry about their future, they went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China all because of its reputation.

    Moreover, Qiao Zijin always told her parents that her results were good and she had made improvements, but she had a guilty conscience. She had cheated to get these results.

    If she managed to cheat her way through college entrance exams, she would have to enter the college. But she didn¡¯t have the capabilities to study in a college!

    She would rathere up with ways to get herself out of the predicament, than making a fool of herself in two and a half years¡¯ time.

    Qiao Zijin might be young, but she was able to know what was best for her and what she could do to benefit the most out of it.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. She had no conscience, but you are still so considerate towards her. Don¡¯t be so silly in the future. You looked upon her as your sister but she never treated you as her elder sister. But your words make sense, I will think about it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, take your time to consider, Mom. This is just my two cents¡¯ worth. You are more experienced than me, you would be able to make a well considered decision. Whatever you say, I would definitely follow your wishes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl.¡±

    What a pair of loving mother and daughter in the room. On the other hand, the atmosphere outside was stiff. ¡°Nan Nan, just now your Mom... ¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t put in good words for Mom. After this Lunar New Year I will be sixteen years old, not six years old. I am no longer a gullible kid. I know very well if Mom is good to me or not. I am also very clear if she is just muddleheaded or biased.¡±

    When she thought of the horrifying memories of herst dying moments in the previous life, Qiao Nan could not help but say such harsh words, exposing the beautiful lies that Qiao Dongliang weaved.

    ¡°Dad, I will return to my room to rest.¡± With that, Qiao Nan left.

    Qiao Dongliang was left all by himself in the living room. He stomped his feet in frustration, resisting the urge to punch Ding Jiayi.

    Today it was all Old Ding¡¯s fault!

    ¡°Why would you be free to drop by?¡± The next day Zhai Sheng who was reading in the storeroom saw Qiao Nan and paused momentarily. ¡°Aren¡¯t your family in the midst of preparations for Lunar New Year?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I am just a kid, and the youngest in the family, I shouldn¡¯t be doing the preparations.¡± In the past, she would be helping with most of the work, Qiao Zijin was the darling daughter, while her father was the master of the house. They would be idling around waiting for food to be served.

    She had worked hard the whole day, yet during reunion dinner her mother would take all the credit to herself, andined that the three of them only knew how to wait around for food.

    This Lunar New Year, she would no longer be called Qiao Nan if she was to help out with any of the chores. ¡°But Brother Zhai, why are you here?¡± Or rather, why was he here again, she remembered that Brother Zhai had a study room?

    Why would Brother Zhai not stay at his study room and keeping to the storeroom. Maybe the geomancy at the storeroom was good, one could study well there? Could this be the reason why she was very efficient in her studies recently?

 Chapter 102 - Thigh to Thigh

    <h4>Chapter 102: Thigh to Thigh</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng turned serious, sped his hands and ced them on his knees. He asked Qiao Nan in a serious manner, ¡°Is there anything strange with me reading in my own house?¡±

    ¡°No, absolutely no!¡± Qiao Nan stiffened her spine and stood straight like a soldier at attention, shaking her head continuously. She who was not a member of Zhai family could be allowed entrance to the storeroom, Brother Zhai had the right to be there.

    But, was there something strange?

    Qiao Nan was in awe of Zhai Sheng. Gone was the calm and alert Qiao Nan, instead she could not think properly and was slow in reacting.

    ¡°Since there isn¡¯t any problem,e over here to read.¡± Zhai Sheng slightly pushed at the chair beside him and motioned for Qiao Nan to take a seat.

    Under Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze, Qiao Nan was a bundle of nerves. Her body stiffened and she walked awkwardly over to the chair.

    When Qiao Nan finally came to her senses and realized that she had made a fool of herself in front of Prince Charming, her face blushed red as an apple.

    Qiao Nan stole a quick nce at Zhai Sheng. She heaved a sigh of relief when she noticed that he had gone back to reading his books. She quickly regained herposure and sat down at the speed of light, lest she make a fool of herself again.

    But she had only sat down for a while before she realized that there were more awkward moments toe.

    Her chair and Zhai Sheng¡¯s chair were ced side by side. Though it was winter now and Qiao Nan was bundled up in clothes, she could sense Zhai Sheng right beside her and felt the warmth radiating from his thigh. She felt uneasy.

    Qiao Nan stole a nce at Brother Zhai. He looked cold and aloof yet his body temperature was so high. His wife would not have to worry that the warm water bag was not warm enough for the winter, he himself was a natural human warm water bag.

    That aside, Qiao Nan still felt ufortable.

    In her previous life, even though Qiao Nan was no longer young, till the day she died she was still a maiden. She did not have much experience in getting along with the opposite gender, let alone being so close to them.

    Even with her first love Chen Jun, they only held hands. But Qiao Nan felt embarrassed to be seen holding hands by others, so in the end she shook off his hands.

    The warmth radiating from Zhai Sheng gave Qiao Nan the false impression that they were sitting thigh to thigh. She felt ufortable, and awkward, and could not wait to get out of the room.

    ¡°If you want to read then sit properly, do you have needles on your bottom? Stop fidgeting.¡± Zhai Sheng said in a slightly cold and stern tone. Qiao Nan paled at his words, she straightened her back and flipped open a book. With the pen in hand, she started to do her sums, not daring to move half an inch.

    She put her concentration into her studies and eventually forgot about the awkwardness.

    As a result she did not catch the glint in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, nor the upward lift of the corners of his mouth. Zhai Sheng nced at Qiao Nan¡¯s knees that had touched his. He could not help but feelfortable in this position, hence he did not move his feet but remained in that position.

    When Qiao Nan went back to Qiao family residence, Zhai Sheng also left the storeroom. He took his book and went back to the main building of his house, pouring himself a cup of tea.

    Zhai Hua who just came out of her bath dripping wet saw her brother and said, ¡°I have turned into a mud man in this current mission. I couldn¡¯t imagine the clumps of mud that I just scraped off myself.¡±

    It was just a bath, but Zhai Hua felt as if she was alive again.

    ¡°As a soldier, if you are not mentally prepared and readied, you had better tell Dad that you want to discharge from the army.¡±

    ¡°Come on, I am not discharging from the army. it was just a simple remark, can¡¯t Iin for a bit?¡± Zhai Sheng rolled his eyes. Children of the Zhai family were born to lead a soldier¡¯s life, though she was ady, the love for army life was in her blood, she could never change her personality in this life. ¡°By the way Zhai Sheng, where have you been just now? You weren¡¯t at home when I came back?¡±

    She was still wondering where Zhai Sheng was since he came home earlier than her. He was not someone who liked to spend his time outside.

    ¡°Nothing much, I was doing some reading in a quiet ce.¡±

    ¡°A quiet ce? Is there a noisy ce in our house?¡± Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°You have emptied out your study room and moved everything to the storeroom, where else can you go to do some reading? Besides, I have already said that I am seldom at home, if you are willing, you can use my study room. ¡± Zhai Hua gave Zhai Sheng a generous pat on the shoulder. ¡°No matter what, I am your elder sister.¡±

    Zhai Sheng shot Zhai Hua a cold stare. ¡°You can keep your study room to yourself, I don¡¯t want to spot things that I should not see in your study room. I would be in a difficult position in front of Mom and Dad. You do not have to worry about me, I know what to do.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what do you mean? Where have you been doing your reading? Care to tell me?¡± Zhai Hua raised her voice at Zhai Sheng who was leaving. ¡°I have been to your study room, you are not there. You young brat!¡±

    Zhai Hua was infuriated. Despite all her prying, Zhai Sheng refused to tell her.

    Zhai Hua felt that Zhai Sheng had a big part to y for her bad temper as well as her impatient and tomboyish personality. If not for a spoilt brat brother like Zhai Sheng, she would not have turned out like this.

    Back at his room, Zhai Sheng took off his clothes, getting ready for a hot bath.

    He could not give an answer to Zhai Hua¡¯s questions as he was clueless as well. Without him realizing, he had taken his book and sat down in the storeroom. This was not the first time that he had done this.

    Since Zhai Sheng liked going to the storeroom, he did not bother to find out the reason. He just followed his heart.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Today was Qiao Dongliang¡¯sst day of work in the year. When he reached home he noticed that Qiao Nan seemed to be limping on her way back home. ¡°Have you sprained your leg? Is it serious? Let me take a look. I will boil some hot water for you. Don¡¯t worry about the hot water, have a soak, after which I will rub your feet with some medicine. I promise you will be able to run in no time.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knelt down, thinking to take off Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes to take a closer look at her feet. But Qiao Nan shifted to one side.

    Qiao Nan was not used to be in such close proximity to Zhai Sheng. She felt uneasy to be this close to her biological father as well. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry, it may be that I was too engrossed in doing my sums that I remained in the same position without moving my legs. It¡¯s only numbness in the leg. I will be fine when the numbness subsides.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words wasced with truths and lies. She did not forget to move her legs, in fact, she was frightened out of her wits, she was so nervous that she stayed in that same position all along.

 Chapter 103 - Embarrassed

    <h4>Chapter 103: Embarrassed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    By the time Qiao Nan realized what was happening, her legs were numb.

    Qiao Nan dared not let Zhai Sheng know that her legs were numb. She pretended to be calm and walked out of his house. By the time she reached the front door, her legs gave way and she could only lean on to the wall, the numbness and ache spreading through her body.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s feet were still numb with pain on her way back home.

    ¡°Nan Nan, though studies are important, you must take care of yourself as well. It would not be good to sit for long periods of time. You should stand up and move about after sitting down for half an hour. Don¡¯t do this next time, understand?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I will not do it again.¡±

    This time round it was Brother Zhai who pulled the chair for her. She was overwhelmed by the special favor and without thinking she just sat down on the chair.

    Next time round, she would pull the chair to a morefortable position before sitting down. In that case, there would be no such problems any more.

    ¡°Alright, remember your words. No, it won¡¯t do. From tomorrow onwards, After waking up run twops around the quad before doing your reading. You would faint easily during the exams if you are not strong enough.¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted Qiao Nan to prepare herself for the middle school exams that woulde in a few months¡¯ time.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I will take note of all these. I would never allow myself to make such mistakes.¡± Qiao Nan smiled at the genuine concern that her father rarely disyed.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Ding Jiayi was annoyed at the show of affection between Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan at the doorstep. Such a moving scene between a loving father and a filial daughter.

    ¡°Mom, let them be.¡± Qiao Zijin had her sights set on securing a good job on ount of the rtionship Qiao Nan had with the Lee family and the Zhu family. She had kept a check on her temper recently. Not only did she not create troubles for Qiao Nan, she even persuaded Ding Jiayi to rein in on her temper, and to stop picking on Qiao Nan.

    At Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, no matter how annoyed Ding Jiayi was, she could only curb her temper and went to prepare for reunion dinner.

    At the dining table, Qiao Dongliang kept on giving meat and fish dishes to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan have more of this, you must take care of yourself. Always bear this in mind, good health is a prerequisite for work.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang still remembered what the doctor said when he took Qiao Nan to the hospital half a year ago.

    In the past half year, Qiao Dongliang tried very hard to build up her immune system and to give her more nutritious food. There was once when he asked an aunt to buy aying hen who was bred in the countryside and prepared chicken stew for Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan had all the chicken by herself, apart from Qiao Zijin who had two of the drumsticks, Qiao Nan drank all the soup and ate all the meat. Ding Jiayi was not allowed any either.

    So in half a year¡¯s time, Qiao Nan was no longer skinny and thin as before, she was now a youngdy with delicate curves and full features.

    But Qiao Nan would be sixteen years old after the Lunar New Year, she had yet to have her first period.

    Qiao Dongliang was worried that her malnourished condition led to her stunted growth.

    As a father, Qiao Dongliang could only show his concern for Qiao Nan, he could not possibly ask her about her first period. But from his observation of her daily life, he was sure that till now Qiao Nan had yet to ask for sanitary products from Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang was all the more worried at Qiao Nan¡¯s dyed growth. As a result he ended up like Ding Jiayi, he would now give most of the meat and fish dishes to Qiao Nan, not stopping before he was assured that she had her share.

    Qiao Nanughed and dug into the heaps of meat on her bowl.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin stiffened. Ding Jiayi could not contain her anger anymore and was just about to explode when Qiao Zijin stopped her. ¡°Dad is right, Nan Nan is too skinny. Nan Nan, we shouldn¡¯t be affected by others and believe that a skinny person would look nice. Good health is most important. You should eat more and be healthy. In that case, Dad would not be worried over you.¡±

    Qiao Nan had wondered why Qiao Zijin and her mother kept their silence at her father¡¯s actions. But Qiao Zijin¡¯s words had given her away.

    In the past she was very skinny, but everyone knew the reason behind it, whether she starved herself to look pretty or whether it was her mother who controlled what she ate.

    Qiao Nan was still thinking to herself that ording to her experience in the previous life, whenever her mother and Qiao Zijin stopped picking on her, they must be cooking up something and she had to be wary of them.

    But now that Qiao Zijin spoke ill of her, she felt relieved.

    Qiao Zijin had no idea of what was going through Qiao Nan¡¯s mind. She was just used to badmouthing Qiao Nan and she did not know that her words would have such an effect.

    Since ancient times, it was difficult to be on one¡¯s guard at all times.

    If Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin wanted to plot against Qiao Nan, even if she was very careful, there was no way that she could prevent it.

    Today Qiao Nan was studying at Zhai family residence. All of a sudden she felt a sharp pain in her stomach and frowned deeply.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng who was usually there reading his book with Qiao Nan noticed her difort immediately.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I have a stomach ache, can I use the toilet?¡± Maybe she ate the wrong food and had an upset stomach? But this pain did not seem like an upset stomach.

    ¡°Go ahead, do you know the way?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Upon the owner¡¯s approval, Qiao Nan stood up immediately and rushed towards the toilet at Zhai family residence.

    If she really had an upset stomach and had to use the toilet, there was a high chance that she would be farting as well.

    Qiao Nan wanted to die when the thought that she might fart in front of the future Chief and her Prince Charming crossed her mind.

    In order to prevent such embarrassing and humiliating things from happening, Qiao Nan looked as if she was about to do a hundred meter dash to the toilet, to end things quickly.

    ¡°Hold on.¡± Qiao Nan might be fast, but Zhai Sheng was faster than her. He pulled her hand and stopped her with a strange look on his face. ¡°You, you go to the toilet first, I will bring you some stuff.¡±

    Qiao Nan who tried her best to hold it in was puzzled. She stared foolishly at Zhai Sheng who left the storeroom before her.

    By the time she sat on the toilet bowl and spotted the red spots on her pants, she flushed red in embarrassment, her face scalding hot as the boiling kettle. ¡°Brother, Brother Zhai, could he have seen it?¡± Brother Zhai was a soldier, he had good eyesight. He must have seen it!

    But Brother Zhai was a man, he probably, possibly, likely did not know what it meant.

    Qiao Nan tried means and ways to console herself. But all those thoughts disappeared when she saw the stuff that Zhai Sheng passed into her toilet cubicle!

 Chapter 104 - Not Puppy Love

    <h4>Chapter 104: Not Puppy Love</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face blushed to a bright red. It was so red that blood could almost be seen dripping down from it. Among the pack of stuff that Zhai Sheng passed to her from under the door, she saw that in it was clean underwear and a very old, wingless sanitary napkin.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth while she put them on. She had changed her undergarments, but what about her pants...

    Zhai Sheng had waited for a long time by the time Qiao Nan came out with a flushed face.

    Zhai Sheng did not say anything when he saw Qiao Nan. He took his own jacket and tied it around her waist. ¡°Today you... better go back home earlier to rest, have lots of warm water, don¡¯t, oh, don¡¯t drink cold water.¡±

    Qiao Nan hung her head through all these. She could almost felt steaming out from her ears. While Zhai Sheng spoke, she hung her head lower, she was so embarrassed that she could not even utter a word.

    ¡°Well, well, Brother Zhai, I, I will head back home first.¡± Even if Brother Zhai was to object, Qiao Nan was too embarrassed to stay at Zhai family residence. She sprinted off like a rabbit and left his house.

    Qiao Nan was so regretful that she could not wait to give herself a punch back at home.

    She had dirtied her pants; they were soaked through, and the chair that she sat on today...

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back so early today?¡± Qiao Dongliang who was out pouring away dirty water, took a look at the younger daughter who stood dazed and rooted outside their house. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go in? It¡¯s winter now, it¡¯s so chilly standing there, the northwesterly wind is very cold and harsh. Hold on, what is this piece of clothing that you are wearing?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was anxious when he realized that the jacket that Qiao Nan had around her seemed to belong to a man, ¡°Nan Nan, you didn¡¯t go out for revision today? Did you meet someone else?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a day off to go to Qiao Nan¡¯s school for the Parents-Teacher conference.

    Qiao Dongliang was bursting with pride because of this Parent-Teacher conference. A lot of the parents asked him how he taught Nan Nan so well and what she learned at home.

    But it was also at this Parent-Teacher conference that Qiao Dongliang came to know that teenagers nowadays were actually into rtionships. They had puppy love rtionships at such a crucial time where they were still studying.

    Qiao Dongliang used to think that this had nothing to do with his family. But when he saw the jacket on Qiao Nan, he started to feel anxious. Nan Nan¡¯s studies could never be affected by some young brat outside.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t misunderstand. It¡¯s, it¡¯s just that I have dirtied my pants, so someone lent me their jacket to cover it.¡± Qiao Nan lowered her head and realized that the jacket that she had around her waist was Zhai Sheng¡¯s, she was so embarrassed that she was rendered speechless.

    The undergarment that Brother Zhai handed to her was definitely for women. Brother Zhai had a elder sister, so it must have been hers. Naturally the sanitary napkin must be hers as well.

    But since Brother Zhai had given her Sister Zhai¡¯s undergarments and sanitary napkin, why would he give her his jacket to put around her waist?

    Qiao Nan who had never been in rtionships never would have known that an unenlightened Zhai Sheng was already acting territorial towards her.

    ¡°Your pants are dirty? How did you dirty them, let me take a look.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan anxiously. She was so awkward that she wanted to escape right then. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t, don¡¯t look, I, I could have grown up!¡±

    She had her period.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiao Dongliang paused momentarily, he did not know how to react.

    Seeing that her father was stunned, Qiao Nan quickly dashed into the house and to her room. She took out the dirty undergarment, took off her soiled pants and changed into a clean pair of pants.

    After changing into the clean clothes, she ran to look for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, give me some money, I have to buy that.¡± There were three women and one man in Qiao family, and her mother and Qiao Zijin would have use of it every month.

    But they would never let her have them. Besides she did not care to use theirs, and to tolerate their temper.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Qiao Dongliang grew awkward as well. ¡°Nan Nan, do, do you know how to use it? if you have any questions, you can ask your Mom. If you don¡¯t wish to ask her, you can ask your sister. Is your stomach, stomach painful?¡± Qiao Dongliang took out some money and passed it to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang was still worried about Qiao Nan¡¯s first period a few days ago, and now he got what he wished for, it happened so quickly...

    No matter what, Qiao Dongliang finally breathed a sigh of relief. Nan Nan¡¯s development was not affected by Old Ding. He did not ask for much, he only hoped that his two daughters would be safe and healthy.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry, I know. When it first happened to sister, I was the one waiting on her. I know roughly what it is all about. Luckily unlike sister, I don¡¯t have the stomach cramps.¡± Qiao Nan smiled, took the money and went out to buy sanitary napkins.

    Qiao Nan could not help butugh at the thought that Qiao Zijin would have the cramps whenever she had her period.

    Qiao Zijin would always crave cold food during summer. She would spend all the money that their father gave them on popsicles. She would have two, three popsicles a day but would ask her mother for money to buy more popsicles.

    Whenever Qiao Zijin got to eat popsicles and she did not have any, Qiao Zijin would made it a point to savor her popsicles in front of Qiao Nan.

    Looking at the way she devoured the popsicles, it was no wonder that she would have the cramps when she had her period.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan was thankful that Ding Jiayi was so stingy and harsh with her. She never got to eat a single popsicle in her childhood. Even if it was wintertime, she would use the warm water from the well for washing, unlike the water from the river which was ice cold.

    As a result, she took better care of herself than Qiao Zijin in terms of feminine care.

    Their first periods had a stark contrast.

    When Qiao Zijin had her first period, she would be crouching in pain and groaning in agony and it was the same for her monthly period. As for Qiao Nan, apart from the initial pain, she felt better now, she could no longer feel the cramps.

    Qiao Dongliang finally set his mind at rest when he saw how lively and unaffected Qiao Nan was. ¡°Tell me if you feel any difort, do not put up a strong front. Also, leave your soiled clothes alone, I will get your Mom to wash them, you should stay away from water these few days.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will do as Dad says.¡± Qiao Nan had nned to wash her own clothes, but she agreed instantly at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    It was rare that she had such privileges, it would be foolish of her to say no. She might not be in pain, but she felt lethargic and heavy in her legs, as if she could not walk. ¡°Dad, I willy down on the bed and do some reading. I do not have cramps but my legs feel heavy.¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    Even if Qiao Nan did not say anything, Qiao Dongliang would want her to rest.

    Qiao Dongliang did not see Elder Lee during the Parent-Teacher Conference today. Instead he saw Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grandpa, Elder Zhu and they sat side by side.

 Chapter 105 - Itâ€™s Payback Time

    <h4>Chapter 105: It¡¯s Payback Time</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Many did not even know who Elder Zhu was, let alone his identity. Many treated him like an ordinary elderly man who attended the Parent-Teacher Conference for his grandson. Qiao Dongliang was the only one feeling extremely nervous to see him.

    Furthermore, the children of the two families were deskmates. Qiao Dongliang could only sit next to Elder Zhu and was unable to change his seat. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands were sweating.

    He still recalled that, at that time, when Elder Zhu spoke to him smilingly, asking him if he was Qiao Nan¡¯s father, and praising how extraordinary and outstanding Qiao Nan was. Till today, Qiao Dongliang still felt overwhelmed with pride and unsettled at heart.

    ¡°What, let me wash her pants, did she lose her hand or break her leg, that she had to lie in bed like a handicapped? I¡¯m not waking up, let her wash herself!¡± Ding Jiayi raised her voice and rejected tly after being told.

    Ding Jiayi could not even remember thest time she had washed clothes for Qiao Nan.

    Once Qiao Nan was at the age that she could properly do theundry, Ding Jiayi had often dumped the whole family¡¯s clothes to Qiao Nan to wash.

    ¡°Nan Nan has grown up, her body is very weak now. You are her mother, why can¡¯t you help her wash. Also, don¡¯t forget it¡¯s Lunar New Year now. Don¡¯t say such things to provoke my anger.¡± Qiao Dongliang tugged at Ding Jiayi to hurry her.

    ¡°You too know that it¡¯s the Lunar New Year period, and you have to ask me to wash those things for her, aren¡¯t you afraid that I will be unlucky for the year and cannot earn a single cent?¡± Ding Jiayi was reluctant as soon as she heard that she needed to wash those dirty clothes.

    ¡°Are you really not washing?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned stiff. He did not know what to do with this wife.

    He was initially in a good mood but why did Old Ding have to anger him?

    ¡°Not washing!¡±

    ¡°Fine. Zijin!¡± Qiao Dongliang raised his voice and called Qiao Zijin directly.

    Qiao Zijin, who was in the bedroom, jumped at the sound. Before she could ask Qiao Dongliang the reason for calling her, she heard Ding Jiayi saying, ¡°Old Qiao, what do you mean by this, why are you calling for Zijin? Zijin is not Qiao Nan¡¯s servant, Qiao Nan can wash her own dirty clothes, why should someone else help her. You still call for Zijin, is Zijin someone who is suited for this type of chore?¡±

    She could not even bear to let Zijin wash her own clothes, not to mention those of Qiao Nan. That would be out of the question.

    ¡°Why do I remember that, every time Zijin dirtied her clothes because of those days, regardless of winter or summer, Qiao Nan helped her wash all of them?¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled coldly, he had not aged that much and still had a good memory.

    ¡°How¡¯s that the same?!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference? If you are not able to exin it well, Old Ding, don¡¯t me me for not giving you face this Lunar New Year, you¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t want it. All these years, I never lose my temper, do you really think that I¡¯m a man without any?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang also admitted that, because he did not have a son, he did not feel motivated in life and was not interested in his job. He was also not really involved in his daughters¡¯ affairs, so sometimes, he just did not bother to lose his temper.

    However, as both Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin had improved in their studies, Qiao Dongliang suddenly found the source of motivation and joy in his life. If Ding Jiayi dared to oppose and provoked him, Qiao Dongliang definitely dared to deal with Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You... ¡± Ding Jiayi thought of the initial years when she was first married to Qiao Dongliang, he really dealt with her a little, although it was not much, it was enough to make her fear Qiao Dongliang. ¡°At that time, wasn¡¯t Zijin sick?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is also not feeling well now. I remember Zijin is not having her period now. In other families, it is always the elder one giving in to the younger one. But in our family, it¡¯s actually the other way round. Zijin is the elder sister, shouldn¡¯t she set a good example for Nan Nan? Not only she did not set a good example, but also she was usually taken care of by Nan Nan. That¡¯s also eptable!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had put in both good and ugly words, if Ding Jiayi still refused, she¡¯ll see if Qiao Dongliang would be able to let this matter off easily.

    Qiao Zijin, who understood the matter, was nervous now. Why did she have to repay Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was the one who owed her. She did not want to wash Qiao Nan¡¯s pants, it¡¯s so dirty!

    ¡°Zijin, Zijin,e out!¡± Not looking at Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang shouted towards Zijin¡¯s bedroom door.

    Qiao Zijin was so anxious that she was circling the room. She did not want to go out, but yet could not find an excuse to reject. She was so anxious that she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it so that her father could not find her.

    You, why are you shouting. I, I will wash for Qiao Nan. Will this do?¡± Ding Jiayi was also furious, she did not expect that Qiao Dongliang would be so serious this time, and he went on and on.

    Ding Jiayi was reluctant to wash for Qiao Nan but she was more reluctant to let her precious daughter wash the dirty clothes for Qiao Nan. She thus had to do it herself. ¡°She¡¯s such azy bone, even worms are growing on her. Such a small matter, and she had to seek help. Azy girl like her. No one will dare to marry her. You can continue to dote on her, can you look after her for the rest of her life?¡±

    Even she could not change the fact that she had to wash Qiao Nan¡¯s pants, she felt unjustified and wanted to chide Qiao Nan with her stinging words.

    ¡°So you think that this is beingzy?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not waste his breath on Ding Jiayi. ¡°Nan Nan, remember, next time if your sister is not feeling well, you don¡¯t need to help in any of her matters, let your sister or mother settle on their own.¡±

    ¡°Okay, got it!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s muffled voice could be hearding from the bedroom immediately.

    Obviously, Qiao Nan had heard the entire conversation between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You, you all. Both father and daughter are bent on bullying me right? Qiao Dongliang, can I still carry on with such a life?¡± Ding Jiayi was burning with anger, she raised her hands and wanted to dump Qiao Nan¡¯s pants on the floor.

    ¡°You dare to throw!¡± Qiao Dongliang red at her. ¡°It will be more dirty if you throw it on the floor, and you still have to wash it. You have to re-wash it if it¡¯s not clean. If you don¡¯t wash, or did not wash it thoroughly, fine, you ask Zijin toe out.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was fully aware of Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper, there was no use reasoning with Ding Jiayi. Being unreasonable was also ineffective. But at the mention of Qiao Zijin, it was as if he had grabbed her Achilles heel, his wife would conform to his demand every time without any exception.

    ¡°Fine, fine, I will wash the clothes for your daughter. Will this do?¡± Ding Jiayi was burning with anger as she said this. Thereafter, she stomped her feet on the ground. Looking at the back of Ding Jiayi who was leaving, Qiao Dongliang could feel smoke rising from her head. ¡°I am the only Head of the Family, I don¡¯t believe that I can¡¯t manage you.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Dongliang was in such a good mood that he started humming songs, and then went to his study room to read.

    Nan Nan was so determined to do well. Today, he was even unexpectedly requested to speak on stage on behalf of the parents. He was uncertain if he had done well and whether he had disgraced Nan Nan. What if this happened again, what should he do?

    He must be prepared in advance for such situations.

 Chapter 106 - Distribution of Red Packet

    <h4>Chapter 106: Distribution of Red Packet</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The next day, Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan frowning again when she came. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to rest properly at home yesterday, why did youe again?¡±

    ¡°I, I, I¡¯m alright now.¡± Qiao Nan tiptoed on the ground as she took frequent peeps at her chair through the corner of her eyes.

    Yesterday, her pants were in a mess, this chair...

    When she peeped at the chair, it seemed to be very clean. Qiao Nan secretly let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. I am alright. Perhaps it was because I took better care of my health this year. Brother Zhai, you¡¯re so caring. Sister Zhai is very fortunate.¡±

    Brother Zhai knew so much, it must be because he took care of his own sister.

    In the past, she heard from someone that a brother with a younger sister is the most gentle brother in the world, and a sister with a younger brother is definitely the most bad-tempered sister in the world.

    Sister Zhai had a younger brother like Brother Zhai who was so warm and caring, it was really a blessing for her.

    Zhai Sheng pursed the corners of his lips, then pulled out the chair beside him. ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything else on, then sit here and read your books, don¡¯t waste time.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s little face was rosy, Zhai Sheng could see for himself if she was really alright or pretending to be fine.

    After confirming that Qiao Nan was fine, of course, Zhai Sheng would not insist on making her leave.

    Qiao Nan, who was just swearing that she was alright, felt her legs wobble at the sight of that chair.

    The reason why she came to the Zhai family so early this morning was not to read books. She was so worried that she had stained the chair in the storeroom. That would have been embarrassing. So, she came early today and was prepared to clean the chair secretly if she had dirtied it.

    When her embarrassment faded after a few days, she would thene to the Zhai family again to read.

    Never did she expect that Brother Zhai was here so early.

    ¡°Why are you standing there in a daze, sit down.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan looking silly and not moving, Zhai Sheng frowned and chided her a little.

    ¡°Oh!¡± With Zhai Sheng¡¯s summon, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was in a blurry state as she took a seat beside Zhai Sheng. She sat in the same posture as she did yesterday.

    Seeing that the two chairs were ced so close to each other, there was a sh of confusion in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

    If not for the fact that she knew that Brother Zhai was a decent and ethical man, if it were others, she would definitely say that the other party was deliberately taking advantage of her or ying dirty tricks. A boy and girl, from the age of seven, should not be seated together. There was no need for the two chairs to be ced so closely together.

    However, the person in front of Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng, so she dispelled any such thoughts.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve today, let me say something.¡± In a blink, the year ising to an end. Tonight, the Qiao family had prepared a feast for dinner and Qiao Dongliang looked especially radiant. ¡°Our family... ¡±

    At the thought of money, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed, ¡°Although we do not have much money left, as long as our family of four are healthy, and illness and disaster do not strike, these are the things that cannot be exchanged with wealth. So I wish everyone better health in theing year, and wish Zijin and Nan Nan better grades in your studies!¡±

    Now, besides Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin¡¯s academic performance also became more consistent. She was often ranked seventh or eighth in the ss.

    Of course, it would be the best if Qiao Zijin¡¯s grades could improve further, otherwise, as long as she continued to maintain them, Qiao Dongliang was also very satisfied.

    Although he did not have a son, but his two daughters were so capable and were a hundred times stronger than the son of many other families. This made Qiao Dongliang feel very contented. ¡°Zijin, Nan Nan, here¡¯s a red packet for you, keep it and spend them slowly.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took out two red packets from his pocket, and gave his daughter one each.

    ¡°Thank you Dad!¡± Receiving the red packet, Qiao Zijin smiled instantly.

    ¡°Thank you Dad.¡± Qiao Nan did not decline. She held the red packet tightly, all the learning materials that she had now were all from Brother Zhai.

    If not, with the family condition of the Qiao family, she would not be able to buy even one book even if she scrimped and saved everyday.

    ¡°Mom, how about you?¡± Qiao Zijin received a red packet but was not satisfied. She looked directly at Ding Jiayi smilingly. ¡°Mom, I fared so well in this exam. You didn¡¯t give me any reward.¡±

    ¡°Who said there isn¡¯t a reward.¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin, half amused and angry. ¡°Where did the new clothes that you are wearinge from? That was bought for you with your Mom¡¯s hard earned money after staying up for a few nights to do manual jobs.¡±

    When she said this, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone was filled with pride.

    ¡°Mom... these are two separate matters, I want a red packet during Lunar New Year.¡± Qiao Zijin reached out her hands before Ding Jiayi and insisted on a red packet.

    ¡°Fine, will Mom not give you any?¡± Having teased her elder daughter enough, Ding Jiayi took out a red packet that was simr to that of Qiao Dongliang and passed it to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Don¡¯t waste it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Mom, you¡¯re so good!¡± After receiving the red packets, Qiao Zijin smiled. Putting together the money from the two red packets, she should be able to buy the bracelet that she had her eyes on while shopping for clothes previously...

    She only had one set of new clothes. Hence, she must definitely buy something else to grace any asion.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin was so happy, but Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned gloomy. Qiao Nan continued to have her meal without any expression on her face.

    Throughout the whole dinner, Ding Jiayi behaved as though she had Qiao Zijin as the only daughter, as if Qiao Zijin was her daughter while Qiao Nan was not.

    Qiao Nan was used to this, but Qiao Dongliang was not.

    Qiao Dongliang took a few deep breaths, put down his chopsticks and returned to his bedroom without a word.

    ¡°Hey, what are you doing, we have not finished our reunion dinner.¡± At this juncture, Ding Jiayi was stunned as she had not reacted to the situation, she did not know why Qiao Dongliang was acting crazy again.

    After Qiao Dongliang made a trip to the bedroom, he soon came out and had another red packet in his hand. ¡°Nan Nan, take this, both you and your sister will have two red packets, no one should have less.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi had not gone overboard, Qiao Dongliang was still willing to tell a white lie on behalf of Ding Jiayi, and said that Ding Jiayi had left Qiao Nan¡¯s red packet in the bedroom.

    However, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tant behavior already showed that she did not have a care, Qiao Dongliang could not even be bothered to cover up for her.

    Just as his younger daughter had said, she was no longer a three-year-old kid, she understood many things. Thisyer of shroud was only useful in deceiving himself.

    ¡°Thank you Dad.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her little mouth and smiled. She took the red packet from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands as fast as she could.

    Ding Jiayi had just raised her hand to snatch the red packet from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands but she was not as fast as Qiao Nan, so she could only watched helplessly as the second red packet fell into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Old Qiao, didn¡¯t you say that we don¡¯t have a lot of money, why did you give her two red packets? Qiao Nan, pass me the red packet, Mom will save it up for you. No, you¡¯re still young, you don¡¯t know how to manage your money.¡±

 Chapter 107 - Hijacked

    <h4>Chapter 107: Hijacked</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The money for these two red packets, pass to Mom to keep for you. When you are older, Mom will return them to you.¡±

    Having said that, ignoring Qiao Nan¡¯s response, Ding Jiayi started searching Qiao Nan¡¯s body for the red packets.

    ¡°No need, I will manage them myself.¡± Qiao Nan was like a slippery loach that managed to escape from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands with one twist of her body.

    If she passed the money to her Mom, she could forget about seeing them again in her entire life. Furthermore, she had some use for this money.

    ¡°Dad, I have finished my dinner. I¡¯ll go back to my bedroom first!¡± With the mood in the family, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to watch the Lunar New Year evening show together with Qiao Zijin and her mother.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not say anything else. He initially hoped that his family of four could sit together and watch a television show harmoniously. However, his hopes of improving their rtionships were dashed with Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior just now.

    He would rather forget it.

    If Nan Nan continued to sit with Old Ding, with Old Ding¡¯s personality, he would be thankful if the rift between both mother and daughter did not widen, not to mention to get along harmoniously.

    As such, while other families had a bustling Lunar New Year Eve, the Qiao family only had one person, Ding Jiayi, watching the television program. Even Qiao Zijin also went back to her room, saying that she wanted to read some ¡°books¡±.

    Seeing that she was the only one in the spacious living room, Ding Jiayi was totally oblivious to what was yed on the television screen that evening.

    As she had stayed overnight for a few days, the tired Ding Jiayi could no longer hold her fatigue, so she yawned and listlessly returned to her room.

    However, Ding Jiayi saw that there were two nkets on the big bed, Qiao Dongliang upied one side of the bed and covered himself with one nket, the other side that was empty was obviously hers. Somehow, Ding Jiayi felt bitterly cold.

    The couple had been married for almost two decades, except during that argument where the two slept in separate rooms, they had always been sharing the same nket.

    What did Old Qiao mean by this?

    Ding Jiayi kept feeling that even the blowing and howling wind outside was not as cold as those in her house.

    After some time, Ding Jiayi could not even be bothered to wash her feet. She removed her shoes and wriggled into the nket to sleep. She even deliberatelyy down with her back facing Qiao Dongliang.

    Was it all because she was not good to Qiao Nan? She would continue to treat Qiao Nan this way. Why should she treat Qiao Nan otherwise?

    Didn¡¯t she work hard most of her life for the sake of this family, for the sake of Old Qiao. Old Qiao treated her like that just because of Qiao Nan, he was really a heartless man.

    Zijin was so outstanding, just like her when she was young. The day woulde where she would let everyone know that she was the one that was right about things.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart was churning with anger. The more her temper rose, the more she wanted to be at odds with Qiao Dongliang.

    So, during Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, it was extremely quiet in the Qiao family. On the first day of Lunar New Year, there was no one at home.

    Qiao Dongliang took Qiao Nan directly to Elder Lee to wish him Happy New Year. As to where Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi went, Qiao Dongliang did not know and did not want to know. ¡°Uncle Lee, Happy New Year.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Xiao Qiao and Nan Nan. Quickly take a seat, Ah Chun, bring two cups of hot tea here. Nan Nan, Happy New Year, this is the red packet from Grandpa Lee. I wish you well in your studies in theing year, may your grades never stop improving, and may you have a smooth life in future.¡± Elder Lee took out the red packet that he had prepared and stuffed it firmly into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, he was not prepared for any rejection.

    The Qiao family had spent all their savings on Qiao Zijin. This, Elder Lee was aware.

    Elder Lee also knew what Ding Jiayi was like.

    Nan Nan was a big girl. It was too much if she did not have any money on hand.

    He heard from Zhu Baoguo that Qiao Nan¡¯s secondary textbooks were bought from the waste recycling station as Ding Jiayi sold all her books previously, Elder Lee did not know what to say about that woman Ding Jiayi.

    Elder Lee regretted a little. If he had known that Ding Jiayi was such a woman, he would not have paired her up with Qiao Dongliang in the past. He found Ding Jiayi pitiful at that time.

    But when he saw Qiao Nan, he knew that Qiao Nan would not exist if Qiao Dongliang did not marry Ding Jiayi. He could not imagined what would have happened to his own grandson. Elder Lee was in a dilemma.

    He felt that he really had be old. The more he thought, he more confused he felt. It was as though his brain was missing a nerve.

    ¡°Thank you Elder Lee.¡± Qiao Nan did not decline and took the red packet.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was naturally unrestrained and not fazed by attention, Elder Lee nodded his head in satisfaction. A ck henys a white egg. Although Ding Jiayi was not a good person, the daughter that she gave birth to ¨C Qiao Nan, was a rare gem. ¡°I have something to talk to your dad about. You can have fun on your own.¡±

    Although he did not think that Qiao Nan was those who like to have a lot of fun, it was not so appropriate to have her by their side. Hence, Elder Lee simply freed Qiao Nan and let her make her own arrangements.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll go out for a walk then.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. Be careful.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded.

    Qiao Nan did not know what Elder Lee would be talking to her father about. Just when she left the Lee family¡¯s residence and was a few steps away, she was suddenly hijacked by a group of people.

    ¡°You are Qiao Nan?¡± The leader of the group was a boy who was quite decent looking and had a clean hair cut. He looked like he was of the same age as Qiao Nan. Although the boy was smiling, Qiao Nan pursed her lips with disdain ¨C the boy had a strange look in his eyes.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to care about who I am. You are probably Qiao Nan.¡± Wang Yangughed. His fair and clear-skinned face should exude a sunny feel, but Qiao Nan sensed a sinister aura that made her feel ufortable. ¡°Qiao Nan, I don¡¯t have the habit of not hitting girls. I¡¯ll teach you a lesson today. If you don¡¯t want to be beaten, don¡¯t be a busybody in the affairs that do not need your interference. Keep away from those that you should not keep in contact with. If it happens again, ha ha ha... ¡±

    Wang Yangughed coldly. The way he looked at Qiao Nan was cold, as if he was a venomous snake lying in a dark corner. This caused Qiao Nan to have goose pimples.

    The confused Qiao Nan nervously clenched her fists. Obviously, the other party was not going to give her a clear exnation and tell her who she should be avoiding.

    Most critically, the other party seemed to have made up his mind to beat her up on the first day of Lunar New Year.

    ¡°Go.¡± Wang Yang was not prepared to dirty his hands, as such, he would not be afraid even if Qiao Nan reported aint after the beating.

    ¡°Youngdy, don¡¯t me us for being rude.¡± The guy beside Wang Yang was like a hooligan, he was younger but obviously did not belong to the school. He looked like he had been out in society.

    When these people saw Qiao Nan¡¯s tiny face that was particrly pretty, especially the pair of ck and bright eyes that were like ck gemstones, they suddenlyughed.

    A corner of Wang Yang¡¯s mouth curled up. ¡°Just a little will do. I don¡¯t care about the rest, you can do whatever you like.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± They were paid to work for Wang Yang. With Wang Yang¡¯s consensus, what else do they have to be afraid of.

 Chapter 108 - As Long As You Are Simple

    <h4>Chapter 108: As Long As You Are Simple</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The fact is, when they were out, they relied on Wang Yang to back them up.

    Qiao Nan ground her teeth, backing off secretly, primed herself in the direction of Lee family¡¯s home and was ready to shout for help.

    Wang Yang was not old but still difficult to deal with, he deduced that Qiao Nan was quite far from the Lee family¡¯s ce, it would thus not so easy to ask Lee family for help. That was why Wang Yang dared to confront Qiao Nan.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s defiant poise, Wang Yang gave a scornful smile. He wished to see how Qiao Nan could escape.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Just as the group was about to catch hold of Qiao Nan, a cold and clear voice rang out. This startled the arrogant Wang Yang, who considered himself a world above the rest, and froze him like a bolt of ice.

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. She made a small dash towards Zhai Sheng and then hid behind Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan continued, ¡°Brother Zhai, they want to beat me!¡±

    ¡°Beat you?¡± Zhai Sheng knitted his brows and looked towards Wang Yang, ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s face stiffened and asked cautiously, ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know Qiao Nan?¡± In Wang Yang¡¯s mind, he was hoping that it would not be such a coincidence.

    In the quad, Wang Yang was not afraid of anybody, not even his cousin who was bossy. If anybody offended Wang Yang, he could still find somebody to beat him or her up until they were unrecognizable by their parents.

    But there are exceptions to everything. To Wang Yang, Zhai Sheng was such an exception.

    In the quad, everybody knows that Zhu Baoguo is the bully ¨C bad tempered and loves to bully people. However, nobody knows that Wang Yang¡¯s temper was even worse than Zhu Baoguo. It was due to the fact that Zhu Baoguo was frank whilst Wang Yang was more discreet and did things behind people¡¯s back.

    In addition, Wang Yang was pleasant looking, so there was nock of people that treated him well. In this way, Wang became even more emboldened.

    Wang Yang was the same age as Qiao Nan. In his sixteen years, Wang Yang only ever lost out to one person and that was Zhai Sheng. It was also a very bad loss and therefore resulted in him fearing Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Wang Yang, do you still remember what I said?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice rang out, ignoring Wang¡¯s earlier question. He stared coldly at Wang Yang.

    In the face of Zhai Sheng¡¯s icy and piercing eyes, Wang Yang¡¯s face turned pale.

    Yes, the feeling wasing back. Everybody in the quad took care of Wang Yang, only Zhai Sheng did not take a liking to him and would teach him a lesson.

    Wang Yang felt that in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, he was no better than a mouse scurrying in dark corners and munching rubbish. Wang Yang hated this feeling.

    ¡°Brother Wang?¡± The gangsters asked, sensing some anxiety in Wang Yang. ¡°Should we deal with this guy as well?¡±

    They clearly outnumbered Zhai Sheng as Zhai Sheng was alone. In addition, Zhai Sheng had to protect the feeble pretty girl. The odds definitely favored Wang Yang¡¯s group.

    ¡°Deal with them together?¡± Wang Yang took a deep breath. ¡°If only you all had the ability to do so. You all should hurry and leave unless you intend to have your meals in jail.¡±

    Who could afford to offend the Zhai Family!

    Once the gangsters heard that they might be provoking someone who could jail them, their expressions changed. Without the need for Wang Yang¡¯s prompting, they ran off as fast they could and nearly left Wang Yang behind.

    ¡°Phew... ¡± Looking at the group that had been chased off by Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, who was the little boy that you were talking to? He was really nasty. He purposely found someone to hijack me. How did I offend him, he even warned me not to get close to people whom I should not get close to.

    ¡°I heard you have been giving tuition to Zhu Baoguo and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades had improved significantly?¡± Brother Zhai asked.

    ¡°Yes, he is Grandpa Lee¡¯s grandson and my Dad is grateful to Grandpa Lee. I am doing this as a favor for my Dad, I had no choice.¡±

    After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyebrows rxed slightly and asked, ¡°You are not doing this out of your own will?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry and replied, ¡°I am about to have my middle school examination. How stupid would I have to be to ept this assignment. Fortunately, Zhu Baoguo is fairly intelligent and able to understand more of what I teach. I only taught him once and he wouldplete the revision questions by himself. Hold on, why are you bringing up Zhu Baoguo, how is that person rted to Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°His name is Wang Yang, he is Zhu Baoguo¡¯s younger cousin.¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo¡¯s younger cousin?!¡± Qiao Nan made a realization. ¡°I have heard that he does not get along with his younger cousin. Is it because Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades have improved and that is why he came to make trouble for me?¡±

    What did this mean, Wang Yang cannot bear to see Zhu Baoguo do well, why?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was full of ambiguity. Zhai Sheng continued, ¡°Zhu Chengqi is Elder Zhu¡¯s only son and Zhu Baoguo is Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son. If Zhu Baoguo was useless, it would greatly increase Wang Yang¡¯s chances of inheriting the Zhu business.

    Qiao Nan waspletely taken aback. ¡°He, he is only sixteen years old!¡±

    ¡°Ignorance is bliss,¡± Zhai Sheng replied with a smile that was beautiful as the winter¡¯s first sun.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, are youplimenting or demeaning me?¡± Qiao Nan felt that Brother Zhai¡¯s words did not sound right. She continued, ¡°However, this incident did remind me, the next time I meet Zhu Baoguo, I have to tell Zhu Baoguo. Don¡¯t believe it when Zhu Baoguo appeared quite fierce, he is actually very simple and direct.

    If Zhu Baoguo knew that Wang Yang took an issue with him, given Zhu Baoguo¡¯s character, why didn¡¯t she hear him bring this up?

    ¡°Ah,¡± Zhai Sheng smiled but did not object to what Qiao Nan said. ¡°You can be simple yourself but don¡¯t think others are as simple as you. Silly girl, be careful so that you do not get taken advantage of.¡±

    Whilst Zhu Baoguo had not mentioned to Qiao Nan, it did not mean that he knew nothing about Wang Yang.

    Nheless, these were the Zhu Family issues, Zhai Sheng could not intervene, nor did he have the spare time to intervene.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Technically, she was mentally older than Zhai Sheng and Zhai Sheng might even have to address her as Aunt Qiao. She continued, ¡°Brother Zhai, do not belittle me, my Mom and Sister are no longer able to bully me.¡±

    ¡°As long as you know what you are doing. If you ever meet with any trouble, feel free to look for me,¡± Zhai Sheng said assuringly.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, if I really meet with any trouble, where do I look for you?¡± Qiao Nan asked, her heart filled with joy. Brother Zhai spent a lot more time in the army camp than in the quad.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s dad was still in the military, she would have a lot of opportunities to go to the army camp. However, since her dad left the military, she had no more opportunities.

    Zhai Sheng thought hard and took out a notepad and pen from his pocket. He wrote a telephone number down and passed to Qiao Nan, saying, ¡°If you meet with any trouble and I am not at home, you can call this number.¡±

    ¡°That, that is not too good,¡± Qiao Nan shook her head, afraid to ept the telephone number. ¡°I don¡¯t think I would have any major trouble that will require your assistance.¡±

    Whatever ¡°major¡± issue that Qiao Nan or the Qiao family might face, it would certainly be minorpared to the issues Brother Zhai had to take care of. Those were the real ¡°major¡± issues.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± said Zhai Sheng. Although it was the first day of Lunar New Year, Zhai Sheng still had to report back to camp and would not be at the quad soon. Zhai Sheng continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, if you meet with trouble you can pick up the phone and call. If you do not meet with any trouble, then you can ignore the phone number¡¯s existence.¡±

 Chapter 109 - Backing

    <h4>Chapter 109: Backing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Looking at the slip of paper in her hand, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Then thank you Brother Zhai,¡± After saying that, Qiao Nan put away the slip of paper with extreme care.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m leaving,¡± Having said this, Zhai Sheng left the quad and was picked up by a car just after he stepped out of the entrance.

    ¡°Brother Wang, since that man has left, do we continue to deal with that little babe?¡± Wang Yang and the group, who had seemingly left, were in fact hiding at a corner and watching Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Wang Yang looked pale. If his eyes were not ying tricks on him, that man with surname Zhai took a nce towards his direction before he boarded the car.

    His parents and grandparents had told him this before ¨C amongst the many children in the quad, he could offend anyone except for Zhai Sheng.

    He did not yearn for anyone¡¯s liking, but it would be an achievement if Zhai Sheng could see him as his younger brother.

    When he was younger, Wang Yang tried, but Zhai Sheng saw through him immediately. No matter how obedient and sensible he portrayed himself to be in front of Zhai Sheng, thetter had never spoken a good word to him.

    After a long time, Wang Yang understood. It was not possible for him to be in Zhai Sheng¡¯s good books.

    Although he could not gain Zhai Sheng¡¯s liking, at the very least, he could not let Zhai Sheng increase his dislike towards him. As such, Wang Yang usually avoided Zhai Sheng.

    The reason Wang Yang hid in this ce was to find out about the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    If Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were just hi and bye friends, he would not let Qiao Nan off if she continued to help Zhu Baoguo to change for the better and wreck his n.

    However, the situation was different now. That harsh look of warning that Zhai Sheng cast at him before leaving was telling. Wang Yang was not stupid and he understood.

    In other words, if Wang Yang dared to make any trouble for Qiao Nan, it would mean that he was going against Zhai Sheng. So, he had to take this into careful consideration when he acted.

    Qiao Nan had Zhai Sheng¡¯s backing, Wang Yang dared not create trouble for her anymore.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Wang Yang¡¯s face was red with anger. It had cost him a bomb to hire these people for today.

    In the end, he did not aplish anything despite spending so much. He was feeling the pinch.

    This would not do. When he was back, he needed to think of a way to prevent Zhu Baoguo from changing for the better. All that belonged to the Zhu family must be his eventually.

    Since he could noty his hands on Qiao Nan, then he would continue to deal with Zhu Baoguo.

    He grew up with Zhu Baoguo and was very clear of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temperament. He did not believe that he could not cajole Zhu Baoguo just like he had done before.

    At the thought that Elder Zhu thought so highly of Zhu Baoguo, there was a sh of fury in Wang Yang¡¯s eyes. ¡°Still not leaving, there¡¯s no money for you if you stay here!¡±

    ¡°Leaving. Of course we will obey Brother Wang.¡± As soon as the leader of the hooligans heard that he would be receiving the money now, his eyes lit up. He was not in a hurry to leave.

    He was pursuing the matter and unwilling to give up on Qiao Nan because of the money in Wang Yang¡¯s pocket. It was not really because of Qiao Nan¡¯s beauty.

    ¡°Thanks Brother Wang.¡± After sessfully receiving the money, the hooligan leader smiled. ¡°Brother Wang, if you need anything in future, please feel free to contact the few of us, we will always make ourselves avable for you. We rely on you to look out for us going forward.¡±

    ¡°After you take the money, please hide for the next few days, don¡¯t get caught. Do you still remember what you did not long ago?¡± Wang Yang said with a gloomy face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Brother Wang. We remember.¡± The hooligan leader¡¯s expression changed and became solemn.

    The matter mentioned by Wang Yang was none other than thest incident where Zhu Baoguo was nearly beaten till death.

    At that time, Wang Yang only gave the hooligans a sum of money and instructed them to make Zhu Baoguo a handicap.

    After theypleted the task, he would then think of a way to pay them arge sum of money, and let them leave Ping Cheng to make a living in other ces.

    He did not expect that Zhu Baoguo, being too stubborn and bad tempered, said things that nearly drove the hooligans mad. While beating him, the hooligans had already forgotten Wang Yang¡¯s instructions, they were so furious that they wanted to kill Zhu Baoguo.

    After the police chased them away, the hooligans were in cold sweat and totally regretted what they had done.

    They were well aware of what the Zhu family was like.

    They dared toy their hands on Zhu Baoguo only because Wang Yang was the grandson of the Zhu family.

    Unless the Zhu family was willing to disown Wang Yang and send him to jail, otherwise, there should not be a major issue if they just followed Wang Yang¡¯s instructions. If not, they could simply sell Wang Yang out. He was the mastermind anyway.

    However, they did not have the guts to kill someone.

    Wang Yang was the maternal grandson of the Zhu family. If Zhu Baoguo was dead, even if Wang Yang was the paternal and not maternal grandson, there was no reason for the Zhu family to side with him when he did not even care about the death of his cousin. Furthermore, Zhu Baoguo was the only paternal grandson of the Zhu family.

    Hence, when Qiao Nan called the police during the incident, she not only saved the life of Zhu Baoguo, but also that of the hooligans. To the hooligans, she appeared at the right time.

    ¡°Brother, we didn¡¯t expect that this youngdy was the one who saved Zhu Baoguost time, she¡¯s quite pretty,¡± said one the theds beside the hooligan leader after he got the money.

    The hooligan leader Zhao Shan smiled as he counted the money in his wallet. ¡°She¡¯s really not bad looking.¡±

    ¡°Brother, whenever you take a liking to any youngdy, don¡¯t mention about touching a strand of hair, you will not give up if you did not touch people¡¯s bosoms. You seemed to have lost your touch today?¡± One of the brothersughed and expressed that Zhao Shan was out of form today.

    ¡°What the hell do you know. If not for this youngdy, Zhu Baoguo would have been killed by us. Even Wang Yang cannot save us then. Today, take it that we are repaying her for saving us.¡± Zhao San snorted. He believed that even thieves had their code of conduct.

    ¡°Brother you are so loyal to your friends, we made the right choice to be under your wing.¡± After hearing what Zhao San said, the group of hooligans felt more at ease. ¡°Brother, where do we go next?¡±

    ¡°Where? Let¡¯s have a good feast, go!¡±

    On a separate note, hearing from Zhai Sheng that Wang Yang was such a character, Qiao Nan could not help getting worried for Zhu Baoguo.

    Most importantly, Zhao Shan recognised Qiao Nan. When she saw Zhao Shan, she also had a sense of familiarity.

    Linking to what Zhai Sheng said earlier, Qiao Nan could not help thinking for the worse.

    In the previous life, Zhu Baoguo was beaten to death. It could have been Wang Yang¡¯s doing. This, this was too merciless!

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan was only upied with earning money. She did not know Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation. She only knew that after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, all the hooligans that were involved in this matter went to jail and were shot as they were given death sentences.

    As to what happened to the Zhu family subsequently, Qiao Nan had no impression.

    If Wang Yang was plotting against Zhu Baoguo because of Zhu family¡¯s assets, she would be driven to her grave if she found out that Wang Yang really got his wish after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

 Chapter 110 - Who Will Be Subdued

    <h4>Chapter 110: Who Will Be Subdued</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Why?¡± When Qiao Dongliang finished chatting with Elder Lee and came out, he found Qiao Nan looking a little unwell.

    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m probably not feeling well due to the wind.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She did not reveal the matter regarding Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang to Qiao Dongliang. Certain things could not be said.

    ¡°I see, when we are back, I will make some ginger soup for you. Don¡¯t be afraid of the spiciness. You¡¯ll be better after drinking it.¡±

    ¡°Okay, dad, let¡¯s go back. I think Mom and Sister are probably home.¡±

    At the mention of his spouse and elder daughter, Qiao Dongliang could not sustain his earlier good mood. ¡°Let¡¯s not bother about them, Nan Nan, the money that Elder Lee gave you just now, you need to take take care of it properly. If you really don¡¯t have a proper ce to put them, keep them at the ce where you store your books. Don¡¯t ever leave it at home. Your Mom and your Sister... ¡±

    It was the Lunar New Year and Qiao Dongliang did not want to curse anyone or say anything unlucky. Otherwise, he would have said that his wife and elder daughter were sick in the mind.

    They clearly knew that the family was poor. Yet, they went out to have fun everyday.

    He did not believe that Old Ding would not spend any money when she was out with Zijin everyday.

    During the Lunar New Year period, Ding Jiayi did not work and had no ie. Yet, they spent money everyday. Qiao Dongliang no longer wanted to care about the matters pertaining to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    He had made up his mind,that, if there was not enough money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, he would not interfere in it. If Old Ding wanted to spoil Zijin, he would not care too.

    If he indulged Old Ding, he would be indulging both Old Ding and Qiao Zijin!

    Qiao Nan was unaware that Qiao Dongliang, under the influence of Elder Lee, was so determined to wash his hands of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. At this moment, her mind was upied with matters pertaining to Zhu Baoguo.

    To prevent Zhu Baoguo from changing for the better, Wang Yang found a group of people to make trouble for her. This was despite that she only had a slight positive influence on Zhu Baoguo.

    She could infer that Wang Yang would not allow Zhu Baoguo to have any normal friends or those who could positively influence Zhu Baoguo.

    No wonder Zhu Baoguo¡¯s reputation was so bad in the quad. Everyone said he was a bad juvenile. Probably Wang Yang was the cause of all this.

    When school re-opened, she had to find out from Zhu Baoguo about the situation in the Zhu family and why Wang Yang picked on him.

    When Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan returned home, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were not back yet.

    Seeing this situation, Qiao Dongliang did not say a word. Anyway, the first and second day of Lunar New Year just passed and there was a lot of leftover food. Qiao Dongliang asked Qiao Nan what food she liked so that they could heat them up to eat. Father and daughter decided to wash up and sleep after finishing their dinner.

    As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang totally did not bother about them.

    When mother and daughter finished happily watching a movie and reached home, they saw that the whole house was in darkness.

    ¡°Mom, do you think Dad will be angry?¡± Qiao Zijin was having so much fun that day, but when she saw that the house was in darkness, she could not help tugging Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand and asked worriedly.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? He¡¯s angry, then what about me? I¡¯m going to give him the cold shoulder and make him understand who is the one who will apany him and stay by his side for the rest of his life. If he is capable, he can go ahead and lead a life with just one daughter,¡± Ding Jiayi said with anger.

    Usually, she waited on Old Qiao with his food and clothing. She was the one who took care of all his daily needs.

    Old Qiao depended on her for his daily needs, but he actually refused to use sleep in the same nket as her because of Qiao Nan ¨C that wretched girl.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± After hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin felt a little more assured. But when she felt theck of warmth in the house, she was unhappy. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m feeling chilly. Even if we do not bathe, we need to wash our face and feet too. Otherwise, I will be too cold to fall asleep.¡±

    ¡°There will be hot water.¡± Ding Jiayi also felt chilly as they just came back from outside.

    Ding Jiayi went to take the hot water pot to wash her face and feet together with Qiao Zijin. However, all the pots in the house were empty.

    ¡°This Old Qiao, without me waiting on him, there isn¡¯t even any hot water at home?¡± Ding Jiayi was angry yet smug.

    See, man cannot do without a woman. Without her, the house did not even have any hot water.

    Just a few more days and Old Qiao would be so sloppy. She did not believe that he would not relent.

    How a couple gets along ¨C either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind prevails over the east wind. One will subdue the other. She needed to tame this bad temper of Old Qiao.

    ¡°What, no hot water. Mom, I¡¯m thirsty and cold. How?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood hit the rock bottom. ¡°I don¡¯t care, if I¡¯m unable to wash my face or feet, I can¡¯t sleep. Mom, I¡¯m going back to my room. After you boil the water, let me know.¡±

    Having said that, without waiting for Ding Jiayi¡¯s response, Qiao Zijin stomped her feet as she went back to her room.

    Ding Jiayi smiled and shook her head. Boiling water was a mundane task, how could she let Zijin help on this?

    After a whole day of fun, it was almost midnight when they reached home. Ding Jiayi was alone in the kitchen boiling water. After the hot water was ready, she brought it to Qiao Zijin¡¯s room and waited on her. After Qiao Zijin washed up, wasfortable and in bed, Ding Jiayi then had the time to take care of herself.

    After she warmed her feet, Ding Jiayi felt more rxed.

    Looking at Qiao Dongliang who was sleeping soundly in bed, Ding Jiayi snorted. Based on the situation today, Qiao Dongliang definitely could not sustain this for more than a few days.

    When Old Qiao softened and relented, she would then have a say in how much he gives Qiao Nan in future.

    Qiao Nan should consider herself lucky to be able to continue with her studies. She would not give a single cent more to her.

    With this thought, Ding Jiayi happily fell asleep.

    Never did Ding Jiayi know that, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s parents passed away early and he had no rtives at home, if he did not know how to do all this mundane housework, how did he survive before he married Ding Jiayi?

    It was not that Qiao Dongliang did not boil hot water. He only boiled it for Qiao Nan and himself.

    If Ding Jiayi knew the truth, it was uncertain if she could stillugh or have the mood to sleep so peacefully.

    As both Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi each had their own thoughts and ns, the Qiao family went through the Lunar New Year in a strange way. In the blink of an eye, it was time for Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan to return to school.

    ¡°Nan Nan, keep the money properly,¡± Qiao Dongliang passed Qiao Nan her tuition fees two days in advance of the payment date. He trusted Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s day three of the Lunar New Year. This is your final year. If you need any revision materials, go ahead and buy them. You can ask me if it¡¯s not enough. Understand?¡±

    Looking at the sum of money that was obviously more than the tuition fees, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Dad, I know.¡±

    ¡°As I said before, these money... ¡±

    ¡°I will definitely not keep them at home.¡± Previously, her mother was not able to find the little change that she had. But recently she had more money on hand. Hence, even if her father did not remind her, she would not feel at ease keeping the money at home too.

    To her knowledge, her mother and Qiao Zijin were so money-faced that their eyes would shine at the sight of money.

 Chapter 111 - One of a Kind

    <h4>Chapter 111: One of a Kind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    While Qiao Dongliang was talking to Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was beside Ding Jiayi and they were leaning on each other¡¯s heads. Qiao Zijin said, ¡°Mom, school will re-open in three days, where are my tuition fees?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression turned dark, she could not answer Qiao Zijin at that instance.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s been so long, Dad has not softened his attitude towards you?¡± Qiao Zijin knitted her brows and asked doubtfully. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you talking to Dad recently, Dad has not admitted his mistake and apologized to you? Then what about my tuition fees?¡±

    At the beginning of the year, as she was at loggerheads with Qiao Dongliang and did not want to lose her face before Qiao Zijin, she spent almost half the money that was meant to be used frugally as living expenses.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin not only bought the bracelet that she liked, but also a set of new clothes.

    They went out everyday, watching some movies and eating at restaurants. All these required spending.

    As one could imagine, Ding Jiayi did not have much money left in her pocket.

    Not to mention Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees for this semester, she could not even afford one month of living expenses for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Seeing her mother¡¯s expression, Qiao Zijin was in trepidation. ¡°Mom, Dad has not pleaded mercy to you? But school is reopening soon, what will happen to my school fees? Although I may not go to College but I need to graduate from high school!¡±

    If she could not graduate from high school, she would not be able to face anyone.

    ¡°You, you don¡¯t be anxious, I will settle this matter for you. I will ensure that you have money for schooling.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale andforted Qiao Zijin again and again.

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t care, no matter what, you have to find a way to raise my tuition fees. I am going to school one day earlier before it reopens so that I can sun my nket in the hostel. So, Mom, by the day after tomorrow, you must pass me the tuition fees and living expenses.¡±

    Qiao Zijin directly gave Ding Jiayi an ultimatum. She did not care if her words would cause Ding Jiayi to feel troubled. Neither did she care if it was possible for Ding Jiayi to raise the money. Having finished her words, Qiao Zijin walked away like a queen.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s pale face twisted slightly, she rubbed her face with her palms that were rough. ¡°Money money money, how am I going to find the money in such a short time.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi looked up, Qiao Dongliang was justing out of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes shone, she quietly followed Qiao Dongliang and returned to the couple¡¯s room.

    After returning to the bedroom, Ding Jiayi sat beside Qiao Dongliang without saying a word, then she stared straight at Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang knitted his brow. He moved away and changed his position. Ding Jiayi kept quiet and followed and stuck to Qiao Dongliang wherever he moved to.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Qiao Dongliang was annoyed. He wanted to raise his voice but he controlled himself eventually.

    ¡°School is starting soon. It¡¯s time to pay Zijin¡¯s tuition fees.¡±

    ¡°Then you can pass the money to Zijin.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. He already found Old Ding¡¯s current behavior odd. For the past few days, they were having a cold war and Old Ding was giving him the cold shoulder, but she pestered him today. True enough, when she opened her mouth, it was for the sake of money again!

    ¡°I don¡¯t have money!¡± Ding Jiayi was anxious. If she had money, she would have already given it to Zijin. She could not wait to give all that she had to Zijin.

    However, she was a mother who was not capable. She could not earn big bucks and could only let Zijin suffer with her.

    ¡°Who can you me for not having money? I did not take a single cent of your sry.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°This matter, you have to resolve it yourself. Do I need to remind you about what you did during the beginning of the year? You don¡¯t have money. No, you are rich!¡±

    ¡°I spent it all.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t look for me after you spent all your money. Zijin¡¯s tuition fees and living expense, you have to find a way to settle them yourself. I have already told you this a long time ago, not just today. No money, who can you me!¡± Having said that, Qiao Dongliang steered away from Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi took a deep breath. She was keeping quiet again. Just like what she did a while ago, she stuck closely to Qiao Dongliang, and then stared straight at him till he felt uneasy all over. She wanted Qiao Dongliang to relent and take out his money.

    Qiao Dongliang tolerated again and again, his expression was worse than Ding Jiayi.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang simply took out a book to read.

    When it was almost eight o¡¯clock, Qiao Dongliang boiled some hot water, washed his face and feet and removed his shoes and clothing before he took himself to bed. Ding Jiayi could watch him for as long as she liked. Anyway, he would not know anything after he fall asleep.

    Who knew, Qiao Dongliang was really too naive.

    Qiao Dongliang was lying down. Before he even warm his nket and was dozing off, Ding Jiayi, who was lying beside him, reached out her hand and gave him a hard push. Qiao Dongliang was awakened suddenly. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t pay Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. Is she still continuing her studies?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s up to you all, don¡¯t ask me!¡±

    ¡°If this matter is not resolved, I can¡¯t sleep. If I can¡¯t sleep, I need someone to chat with me, you need to apany me. Old Qiao, can you help me think of a way. Zijin will be going back to school the day after tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi said with persistence. She even purposely reached out to push Qiao Dongliang one more time. ¡°Don¡¯t sleep, please.¡±

    ¡°What the hell do you want?¡± After being awakened by Ding Jiayi a few times, Qiao Dongliang was furious.

    Fortunately Qiao Nan was sleeping. If Qiao Nan saw what was happening, she would sigh and agree that Qiao Zijin was definitely Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. Both mother and daughter¡¯s pestering skills and behavior were one of a kind.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to do anything.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang narrowed his eyes and gave Ding Jiayi a sinister look. ¡°You.... you are really.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang really wanted to scold Ding Jiayi. They had agreed long before that they will take in hand one daughter each. But now, after Ding Jiayi had spent all her money at the beginning of the year, she wanted him to tidy up the mess. Wishful thinking!¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes shed withcency. She said before that she did not believe she could not subdue Old Qiao.

    Before Ding Jiayi could smile, Qiao Dongliang suddenly got up from the bed with a stomach full of fury. Ding Jiayi panicked and also sat up. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°What am I doing?¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped what he was doing and looked at Ding Jiayi with sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m letting you have the ce.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Dongliang rolled up his nket and pillow, and then left for the study room with them.

    The study room was small. It was good and cozy for one person.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, Ding Jiayi was so scared that she got up from the bed. She hurriedly put on a coat and chased out.

    When she caught up with Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Dongliang was already inside the study room. He also conveniently locked the door.

    After confirming that Ding Jiayi could note in, Qiao Dongliang wrapped himself with a nket and leaned against the study table. He buried his head into the nket so that he would not be disturbed by Ding Jiayi again.

 Chapter 112 - Determined Not To Interfere

    <h4>Chapter 112: Determined Not To Interfere</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi knocked on the door for a long time but she could not get Qiao Dongliang to open it for her. Instead, she woke Qiao Zijin who was sleeping. ¡°Mom, what are you doing in the middle of the night. You¡¯re not letting people sleep!¡±

    As there were not enough tuition fees and living expenses, her mood was already bad enough. Her mother had to make so much noise in the wee hours of the night. What did she mean by that?

    ¡°Zijin, go and sleep. I, I have to talk to your dad. You better sleep soon. If not, Mom will knock softly and you can cover your head.¡± Ding Jiayi was tiring out herself in the middle of the night. Wasn¡¯t it all for the sake of Qiao Zijin?

    Although she saw that Qiao Zijin was not understanding was furious with her, the bad-tempered Ding Jiayi was not her usual self. Despite Qiao Zijin¡¯sint, she was not angry. She still coaxed Qiao Zijin nicely and assured her that she would lower her volume. What an attitude.

    ¡°Fine, then lower your volume,¡± Qiao Zijin replied sullenly and continued to sleep with her head in the covers.

    As to why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang had to talk to each other outside of their bedroom, Qiao Zijin was not concerned at all.

    Qiao Zijin was not concerned, Ding Jiayi did not mind. She stayed outside the study room and continued to knock on the door stubbornly.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body was covered with a thickyer of nket but Ding Jiayi only had her coat on.

    Within a few minutes, Ding Jiayi could no longer endure the cold weather. She turned pale and her teeth chattered.

    Ding Jiayi had no choice but to return to her bedroom. She wore a thickeryer of clothing and continued to squat outside the door of the study room, knocking at the door from time to time.

    On the morning of the second day, Qiao Dongliang opened the door of the study room. He was prepared to wash up, have breakfast and go to work. He discovered that Ding Jiayi, who was wearing a thickyer of clothing, had been squatting and leaning against the door and she slept through the night.

    When Qiao Dongliang opened the door, Ding Jiayi, who was leaning against it, fell straight into the room.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused.

    No matter what, they had been a couple for decades. Facing this sight of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang certainly did not feel good.

    However, when he thought of how Ding Jiayi led Qiao Zijin to squander away all the money, he forced himself to be hard-hearted and decided not to interfere in this matter.

    They were not a wealthy and prosperous family. All the family savings were gone. If they do not reduce expenses, how were they going to survive?

    It was not easy. He waited so long and his two daughters were bing sessful soon, he must think of a way to allow both of them to continue with their studies.

    Whatever it takes, he must correct Old Ding¡¯s corrupted thoughts!

    Otherwise, with Old Ding¡¯s foolishness, at least one of the two daughters¡¯ futures would be negatively affected.

    Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth. He did not bother about Ding Jiayi, neither did he call her. As per his usual routine, he washed up, had his breakfast and went straight to work.

    ¡°Mom, why are you sleeping here?¡± Qiao Zijin, who woke up only at eight o¡¯clock, was all dressed up and ready to leave the house when she saw Ding Jiayi lying on the floor and sleeping at the entrance of the study room.

    ¡°Aiyoh.¡± Ding Jiayi screamed pitifully when she was awakened. With that sleeping posture overnight, Ding Jiayi¡¯s entire body felt numb and stiff. ¡°Where is your Dad?¡±

    ¡°Dad? It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock. Dad must have gone to work.¡±

    ¡°What, already eight o¡¯clock!¡± Ding Jiayi gave a scream. ¡°I¡¯m done for. I¡¯ll bete. They will deduct money from my sry.¡±

    Having said that, she hurriedly wore her shoes and ran out, without bothering about Qiao Zijin.

    Fortunately, she had already dressed up for workst night and could leave the house after putting on her shoes. Otherwise, she would bete by two hours.

    ¡°Mom, my, my breakfast?¡± Even Qiao Zijin, whose tummy was rumbling with hunger, could not stop Ding Jiayi from leaving. ¡°Qiao Nan! Qiao Nan!¡±

    Qiao Zijin looked for Qiao Nan as she wanted Qiao Nan to prepare breakfast. However, when she walked over to Qiao Nan¡¯s room, the door was shut tightly. She had long left home.

    Facing this situation, Qiao Zijin was in a terrible mood. She could not tolerate any more. She lifted her feet gave a few hard kicks to the door. ¡°It¡¯s just a bedroom. It was locked so tightly everyday, as if it was hiding tens of thousands of dors and afraid of attracting thieves. Who is she guarding, so shameless!¡±

    Her father must have passed the tuition fees to Qiao Nan, whereas Qiao Zijin did not know where her tuition fees were.

    It was all her mother¡¯s fault. If she was under the her father¡¯s charge, she would have new clothes. She also would not need to worry about the tuition fees.

    It was a pity that her father would definitely not allow her to swap with Qiao Nan now. Her mother said her father loved her more and would be taking in a son-inw for her. However, her father obviously sided with Qiao Nan more. If this was the case, then her father should not expect her to be filial to him in future.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan, who was reading books at the Zhai residence, did not know the thoughts of Qiao Zijin. She also did not know that her existence had been discovered by the Zhai family.

    Father Zhai knitted his brows and looked towards the direction of the storeroom. ¡°Why is there an outsider in our house?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t need to bother about this.¡± Zhai Hua was munching an apple as she stretched herself. She was tired out during the Lunar New Year. ¡°That youngdy was let in by my younger brother. Zhai Sheng has already given her the key to our back door.¡±

    ¡°What is going on?¡± Father Zhai frowned and did not look happy. ¡°Zhai Sheng is not someone so irresponsible.¡± Was it right to give their house keys to any Tom, Dick and Harry?

    ¡°No issue, this youngdy is fine. She has been borrowing our ce to read books for half a year.¡± Something would already have happened if there was a problem with her. ¡°That youngdy behaves with propriety. Besides the storeroom, she has never even stepped into our front yard.¡±

    It was also because Qiao Nan knew her boundaries, Zhai Hua did not interfere in this.

    Otherwise, if Qiao Nan had disyed any sign of inappropriate behavior, even if she had caused any detriments to the Zhai family, or if Zhai Sheng brought her home, Zhai Hua would have chased her out at the first sign of trouble. Thereafter, Zhai Hua would take back the key.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. You know Zhai Sheng¡¯s temperament. He has a good judgment of character.¡±

    ¡°Borrow the ce to read books?¡± After listening to his elder daughter, Father Zhai¡¯s expression was more rxed.

    The current situation seemed stable, but there were many who were watching them closely and lusting for the opportunity to pull them down.

    ¡°This youngdy is quite unlucky, she has an unreliable mother at home. The mother sold all her textbooks and wanted her to quit school. As a result, the youngdy went to the waste recycling station and bought many pre-loved textbooks.. Dad, do you know, she is quite lucky in one matter. She picked up Peng Yu¡¯s book at the waste recycling station.¡± Zhai Hua did not hide anything. She told Father Zhai the truth about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    ¡°She is quite determined and self-driven. No problem, just let her be.¡± There was no need for Father Zhai to be unhappy over the youngdy. ¡°But this kind of matter. I will only allow it to happen once. There should not be a second time.¡±

    ¡°Dad, this, you can be assured. Does Zhai Sheng seem like a busybody. This is an exception.¡± Although she did not know how the exception came about.

 Chapter 113 - Relented Again

    <h4>Chapter 113: Relented Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this point, Zhai Hua, who was convincing Father Zhai, never expected that to Zhai Sheng, the appearance of this exception would lead to many other ¡°exceptions¡±.

    Ding Jiayi had caught a cold after leaning and sleeping on the study room door for an entire night. Fortunately, she did not have a fever but the runny nose and sneezing were non stop.

    ¡°Mom, drink some hot tea.¡± Hearing the sound of Ding Jiayi blowing her nose, Qiao Zijin smirked and knitted her brow. She reluctantly poured a cup of hot beverage for Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi was feeling so sick that tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Zijin, stay away from me in case I pass the cold virus to you.¡±

    Although she was drinking the hot tea, Ding Jiayi did not feel any better.

    ¡°Mom, have you taken your medicine?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°I will bring you the medicine.¡± Qiao Zijin went and searched for a long time. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s only the fever medicine leftover by Qiao Nan when she had feverst time. The cold medicine ran out. Mom, you give me money, I¡¯ll go and buy for you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi gave a long sigh. ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s just a cold. I will drink more waterter and get well soon.¡±

    Of course, she did not buy the medicine as she was unwilling to part with the money.

    Otherwise, she could have bought and taken a few tablets of the medicine on her way back from work.

    At this juncture, Ding Jiayi truly felt a little regretful over mindlessly spending so much money during the Lunar New Year period.

    Ding Jiayi could not predict Qiao Dongliang¡¯s stand now. Also, the money in her pocket could barely afford Qiao Zijin¡¯s one month of living expenses. There was no way that she could cough up the tuition fees.

    Having been married to Qiao Dongliang for so many years, this was the first time that Ding Jiayi felt so desperately poor.

    ¡°Mom? Is Dad reluctant to pay my tuition fees?¡±

    ¡°Your Dad, I don¡¯t wish to say anything. Why do you think I caught a cold? Your Dad is too heartless and stubborn.¡± She was married to Old Qiao for so many years, yet he could bear to let her lean against the door and slept through the night. He did not even cover her with a piece of outerwear. Where was Old Qiao¡¯s conscience?¡±

    ¡°Then what should we do now. School is starting the day after tomorrow. I have to go to school tomorrow!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were red and she was close to tears. ¡°Without the tuition fees, I will not study anymore. It is so humiliating to owe the tuition fees. I can¡¯t do this!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. Mom is sick but it¡¯s bearable. But when you cry, my heart goes out to you. Don¡¯t be anxious, Mom has an idea.¡± Ding Jiayi pinched her nose, stomp her feet and rushed into her bedroom.

    Following that, Ding Jiayi turned the bedroom upside down.

    Qiao Nan that wretched girl hid the money well, but she did not believe that Old Qiao would do the same.

    Clearly both are Old Qiao¡¯s daughters, there was no reason that only that wretched girl could use Old Qiao¡¯s money?

    If Old Qiao was unwilling to hand over his money, then she would take herself!

    ¡°Mom, let me help you.¡± Qiao Zijin hesitated for a while at the entrance. But at the thought that she had to go to school tomorrow, she daringly entered her parent¡¯s bedroom and helped Ding Jiayi on the search.

    Ding Jiayi thought for a while and said, ¡°If your Dad discovers thister, just push all the me on me. Say that I am the only one who searched the room. You tried to stop me but could not.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I know.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re off work?¡± Outside the Qiao residence, Qiao Nan, who was on the way back from the Zhai residence, coincidentally met Qiao Dongliang who wasing back after work.

    ¡°Nan Nan, where have you been revising your studies all this while? Is that ce convenient?¡± Qiao Dongliang saw his daughter carrying the books and only realized the problem at this point.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be inconvenient. It¡¯s quite good.¡± If Brother Zhai did not help her, then it would be very inconvenient. After all, she was not only storing books but also money. If she had put them away at any public ce or any Tom, Dick or Harry¡¯s ce, how could she not worry?

    Most probably she would have sleepless nights from worrying about the tuition fees.

    ¡°Fine, then let¡¯s go home.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not think of where Qiao Nan had hid her books and money. But judging from how assured Qiao Nan looked, Qiao Dongliang was not worried anymore.

    While at work today, he behaved like a wandering soul. He could not concentrate and made a few blunders when working.

    One year had passed, undoubtedly, his wife did not have any money left on hand. But the elder daughter was going to school soon. Was he really going to let his elder daughter owe the tuition fees?

    He knew that his elder daughter was afraid of losing face. Qiao Dongliang was in a dilemma. What if the elder daughter refused to attend school. Then they would have wasted the 5000 yuan spent earlier. Moreover, the elder daughter¡¯s grades had improved and were good now.

    After putting in so much efforts and facing the prospect of giving up halfway, Qiao Dongliang was in a dilemma. ¡°Nan Nan, your sister is starting school soon, you know your Mom¡¯s character. Do you think... ¡±

    At a loss of what to do, he was not sure why, but Qiao Dongliang suddenly asked Qiao Nan for her opinion.

    When she heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was silent for a while. She actually felt very disappointed.

    Her father was relenting and thinking of paying Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees.

    However, her father had already made his point harshly to her mother, and even quarreled so badly with her yesterday, he needed an excuse so that he would not lose face. Hence, he asked Qiao Nan about it.

    To let Qiao Dongliang give the money to Qiao Zijin was contrary to what Qiao Nan thought.

    In her previous life, the family was adamant about her quitting school and there was no room for negotiation. In this life, despite spending all the family savings, Qiao Zijin happily enjoyed herself for one year. Now, Qiao Zijin had to let her father to clean up the mess when she did not have enough money to pay the tuition fees.

    Although her father kept saying that he would like to teach her mother and Qiao Zijin a lesson, at the critical juncture, he would always soften his stance. No wonder her mother and Qiao Zijin were fearless.

    However, if she rejected him outright, Qiao Nan was afraid that this would affect her image before Qiao Dongliang. If she met with any problems in future and her father did not help her, she would have no status in the Qiao family. Her well-being was at stake.

    Qiao Dongliang was the only backing that Qiao Nan had to allow her to continue staying in the Qiao family instead of living independently outside.

    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t we do this. Both of us know Mom and Sister too well. My sister has a bad temperament and can¡¯t endure hardship, but you can¡¯t let her spend all the money at home then quit school because of her pride. That will be equivalent to dumping the 5000 yuan into the sea. However, what my Mom and Sister did during the Lunar New Year was definitely uneptable. If they continue to spend like this, don¡¯t mention about saving money, they will probably owe money. After you go back, have a good talk with Mom and Sister. If they are willing to admit their wrong and change for the better, then you can consider giving the money to my Sister?¡±

    Without a choice, Qiao Nan could only portray a more neutral stand.

    Qiao Nan was only hoping that with, given her mother and Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, they might re up further without constraint. This would provoke her father and then they could forget about receiving the money.

    These were just thoughts. However, what would happen eventually was beyond her control.

    So, on the way back home, Qiao Nan did not look too good. She looked gloomy.

 Chapter 114 - Done Themselves In

    <h4>Chapter 114: Done Themselves In</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When the daughter and father reached home, Qiao Nan would never expect that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would give such awesome performances.

    Maybe they were too involved in their search, but Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin never heard the soundsing from Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan who had reached home.

    Qiao Dongliang heard what Qiao Nan said just now and felt that it made sense. He wanted to have a talk with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. But who would have known that the moment he arrived at home, he would find them looking high and low through his room. They had almost torn down the whole house, ransacking the room.

    They were all drenched in sweat, what were they searching for?

    Of course it must be money!

    Qiao Dongliang drew in a breath, his face turned bright red in anger. He stumbled and almost fell.

    Qiao Nan hurried forward and supported him with her hands. She widened her eyes in disbelief when she saw how the room was turned upside down as if there was a burr. ¡°Mom, what are you and sister doing, should Dad and I give you a hand?¡±

    Her mother and Qiao Zijin were searching for father¡¯s money?

    Ridiculous!

    Ding Jiayi jumped in surprise. She turned and saw Qiao Dongliang staring intently at her, she could feel her heart thumping loudly. ¡°You, you are back.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Dad.¡± Qiao Zijin was in shock as well, her hands caught in mid air, she did not know what to do with them.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear Nan Nan¡¯s question, what are you two looking for, should we give you a hand?¡± Qiao Dongliang snarled.

    ¡°No, no need, it was nothing important, it¡¯s alright if we cannot find it.¡± Ding Jiayi dared not say outright that she was looking for the money that Qiao Dongliang stashed away.

    There were things that one could help with but could not say.

    ¡°You really do not need our help?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hesitation and kindness just now vanished as soon as he saw how the mother and daughter went through his room. ¡°Nan Nan,e and help me.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She really wanted to praise Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    It was such an opportune time for them to go through the room. She did not have to do anything and her mother and Qiao Zijin had done themselves in.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what are you doing?¡± Ding Jiayi turned a shade whiter when she saw that Qiao Dongliang was going through his clothes.

    ¡°What am I doing? Nothing, I am giving up the room to you, you can do your search in whichever ways that you like in the future.¡± Last night Qiao Dongliang merely stayed for a night, now he had a change of mind, if he was to sleep on the same bed as his wife, he would be so furious that he would not be able to sleep at all.

    Qiao Dongliang took some clothes and moved to the study room.

    The study room might not be small, but there wasn¡¯t much space after cing a desk.

    Qiao Dongliang took out the desk and ced it in the living room. He made a small bed in the room and put his clothes and belongings into the study room.

    Luckily there were nkets at home and Qiao Nan was used to doing chores, the father and daughter had the nket spread out in no time.

    Qiao Dongliang sat down on the bed, he looked around the small cramped space and remembered that Qiao Nan had stayed in this room for fifteen years.

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Dongliang swallowed the words that were already at his mouth. It didn¡¯t matter if Nan Nan used to find this room too cramped or not, it was good enough that she got to sleep in a more spacious room now.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I can¡¯t do anything about your sister¡¯s matter. You should ignore them as well. If your Mom pretend to be very pitiful in front of you, just take it that you didn¡¯t hear anything. We could never lend your sister your school fees. Your Mom and sister are capable, you do not need to help them, do you get it?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes sparkled, ¡°I have got it.¡±

    ¡°Go back to your room, lest your room... I am tired, I want to rest for a while.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart was tired.

    ¡°Dad, I won¡¯t disturb you.¡± Qiao Nan backed out of the small room and closed the door.

    As soon as she came out of the room she was stopped by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Qiao Nan, what did father speak to you about? Is he angry?¡±

    ¡°We are asking you a question, are you mute?¡± Ding Jiayi blushed nervously at the mention of what happened just now.

    Qiao Nan who was given no chance to speak at all was being scolded by Ding Jiayi. ¡°Dad did not say anything to me, as for whether he is angry or not, can¡¯t you tell?¡±

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that, can¡¯t you tell us upfront if your Dad is angry or not?¡± Ding Jiayi lifted her hands and wanted to give Qiao Nan a knock on the head. But she was stopped by Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I have something to discuss with you.¡± With that, Qiao Zijin pulled Qiao Nan into Qiao Nan¡¯s room, ¡°Nan Nan, I have a favor to ask of you.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what favor I am asking, yet you rejected me. Are you my sister? Don¡¯t worry, you will definitely be able to help me with this. Has Dad given you your school fees? Can you lend me your school fees first? When Mom receives her pay I will return you your school fees, what do you think? Nan Nan, good Nan Nan, please do me this favor. I am the only elder sister that you have.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help you. You don¡¯t wish to owe school fees, neither do I.¡± Qiao Nan rejected her upfront.

    ¡°Nan Nan, good Nan Nan, I beg you to please help me. Since a young age till now, you have been so good to me, please just help me onest time?¡±

    When she was going through the room just now, Qiao Zijin knew that it was impossible for her father to fork out another sum of money for her school fees.

    There wasn¡¯t much money at home and it was controlled by her father. She could only work on the money that Qiao Nan had.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no room for discussion.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you can hand in your school fees at ater time.¡±

    ¡°These words are for you as well. If it¡¯s alright for me, then it¡¯s alright for you as well. Why would you borrow the money from me? If it¡¯s not alright with you, you would feel shameful, then it¡¯s the same for me. No one wants to be disgraced.¡±

    Qiao Nan was firm in her attitude, leaving no room for discussion. This made Qiao Zijin boil with anger. ¡°Nan Nan, when, when did you be so heartless, with total disregard for our sisterhood. You don¡¯t care a bit for me at all. I am your only sister!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to emphasis that you are my only sister, you are my elder sister, I am your younger sister. Since a young age, you have never been nice to me.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, if you continue to behave in this way I am going to be furious. In the future I won¡¯t defend you against Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin was simply outrageous, she had a favor to ask, yet she still lost her temper at Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and looked Qiao Zijin in the eyes.

    ¡°You, you don¡¯t regret it!¡± Qiao Zijin pushed at Qiao Nan with all her might.

    Luckily there was a bed behind Qiao Nan, if not she would have fallen to the ground.

    But even with the bed, Qiao Nan still had a bad fall.

 Chapter 115 - Gift

    <h4>Chapter 115: Gift</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin ran off angrily. With that, Qiao Nanughed to herself, a cold glint in her eyes. She knew things would turn out like this.

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year.¡± On the day for enrollment, Qiao Nan handed in her school fees and arranged for the boys in her ss to carry the books and distributed them to the students.

    It used to be the ss Monitor¡¯s responsibility. But the ss Monitor seemed to have caught a cold and did note today, The ss Monitor even arranged for someone to help to hand in the school fees. As a Vice ss Monitor, Qiao Nan would then have to help out.

    ¡°After receiving your books, flip them open and check through. If there¡¯s any problems pleasee over to me to make a note and exchange your books.¡±

    The students seldom need to exchange their books, but to be on the safe side, Qiao Nan still instructed them to check.

    ¡°Hmph, bullying people by unting one¡¯s powerful connections.¡± Zhao Yu was furious when she saw how Qiao Nan directed people around on the podium.

    Zhou Lei had gotten used to Zhao Yu who would act up once in a while. ¡°During Lunar New Year this year, you must have eaten the aged vinegar.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zhao Yu paused momentarily, she was slow to react.

    ¡°Sour.¡± Zhou Lei wrinkled his nose in disdain. ¡°But don¡¯t let the sourness drift towards me. I don¡¯t like sour stuff.¡± With that, Zhou Lei paid attention to Zhao Yu no more, he focused on helping Qiao Nan to distribute the exercise books.

    ¡°You are the one who is sour.¡± Zhao Yu finally understood. If she still did not get the drift, how could she be the Chinese representative?

    ¡°For you.¡± Zhu Baoguo ced a nicely wrapped box on Qiao Nan¡¯s table. A flower was tied on top of the box.

    ¡°For me?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. ¡°Where have you been during the Lunar New Year, I didn¡¯t see you in the quad.¡±

    ¡°I am not at the quad, I went overseas on holiday. Did you see the shoes that I am wearing now, they are the trendiest sports shoes overseas. They were pretty expensive as well.¡± Zhu Baoguo lifted his leg to unt off his new shoes, letting Qiao Nan to have a close look.

    ¡°That¡¯s really trendy of you to spend the Lunar New Year overseas.¡± For the older generations, not to mention in the 21st century, most families would choose to spend the Lunar New Year having reunion dinner at home.

    It was only the end of the 20th century now, the Zhu family was very open minded.

    ¡°This is my gift for you from overseas, open it and take a look to see if you like it. You can¡¯t get it here.¡± Zhu Baoguo pushed the gift towards Qiao Nan. ¡°I spent half a day choosing a gift for you. If your house has a phone, I could just make a call and ask your preferences, I can buy whatever that you preferred. Oh, it¡¯s such a headache to pick a gift.¡±

    It was supposed to be words of concern, but Zhu Baoguo made people feel uneasy with the way he put it across.

    Qiao Nan who was used to the way people behaved in the 21st century, unwrapped the box that Zhu Baoguo gave her without hesitation.

    While Qiao Nan was unwrapping the box, everyone in the ss was waiting to see what was inside the box.

    Why was Qiao Nan so lucky this year? First there was someone who gave her the revision notes, and now Zhu Baoguo gave her a present, and they heard that it was bought from overseas. What could be inside the box?

    Qiao Nan was quick and familiar in unwrapping the box.

    When she finally unwrapped the box and saw what was inside the box, she gave a small shout of surprise. ¡°Walkman?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more.¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled. ¡°I heard that your English is pretty good, but while I was overseas I overheard a lot of the people who said that the Chinese students are only good in written English, they do not ce focus on conversational English. You can listen to the native speakers and practise your conversational English, you would definitely be able to speak good English in the future.¡±

    Other than the walkman, Zhu Baoguo also picked quite a lot of English cassettes for Qiao Nan. It seemed toe in a set and must have cost a bomb.

    Looking at the gift, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°I really need this, I won¡¯t refuse your good intentions, Zhu Baoguo, thank you.¡±

    It was rare that Qiao Nan would be full of gratitude towards him. Zhu Baoguo shuddered and rubbed his elbows. ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t ever do that. I am used to your cynicism, I can¡¯t take it when you are nice to me.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo might have expressed his dislike, but his lips curled upwards to show that he was in fact very pleased.

    ¡°Scram, are your eyes okay? Do you have red eyes?¡± Zhou Lei who was finished with distributing the books had just sat down and saw Zhao Yu whose eyes turned red and scary. They were not red from crying, but ringly red. Zhou Lei had such a bad fright that he almost jumped up. ¡°I heard from my Dad that eyes infections are contagious. Zhao Yu, maybe you should consider applying for leave to go back home and have your Mom to take you to the doctor. It¡¯s only enrollment today and there aren¡¯t many sses. Don¡¯t frighten other students.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your eyes who are infected.¡± Zhao Yu closed her dry eyes and tried to contain her jealousy.

    Qiao Nan was just ackey, no wonder she was so nice to Zhu Baoguo. Even though he was such a lousy student, she still mixed with him. So it turned out that she was sucking up to him, hoping to gain something out of it.

    Zhu Baoguo must be blind as well, she was such a gooddy, yet he befriended Qiao Nan instead of her.

    Just you wait and see, Zhu Baoguo would definitely stand to lose if he kept on mixing with Qiao Nan. By then, Zhu Baoguo would finally realize who the good person was.

    Zhu Baoguo had given her such expensive gifts. Qiao Nan dared not keep the books at home, let alone these walkman and cassettes. She would be a fool to bring them home.

    Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face. She was finally done with keeping the newly distributed textbooks for the new year and the walkman and cassettes that Zhu Baoguo gave her at Zhai family residence.

    To her, Qiao family residence did not seem like a house. It was in fact a den of thieves, a bandit¡¯s nest. If she put her things at the Qiao family residence, there would be the possibility of them being snatched away.

    Bearing this in mind, whenever Qiao Nan had anything of a considerable value, she would bring them a little by little to Zhai family residence.

    Because of this, there would be a day in the future where Qiao Nan would be a member of the Zhai family. By then, she had no need to move her things at all.

    When Qiao Nan reached home, she put down her school bag and went to look for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Where¡¯s Mom? Did anything happen?¡±

    Today she had to go to school for enrollment, while Qiao Zijin went back to school yesterday.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned.

    ¡°What about my sister¡¯s school fees?¡± Where did her mother get the money to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees in two days¡¯ time?

    Judging from Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, if she did not have the money, she would not go to school.

    ¡°No idea, they probably borrowed the money.¡± Qiao Dongliang was furious when he saw the mother and the daughter went through his room to search for money the day before yesterday. Even if he did notment them, one could tell that he was boiling over with rage from the fact that he moved from the bigger room to the small study room and slept by himself.

    ¡°Where did Mom borrow the money from?¡± As soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, Qiao Nan regretted her words, she should not shoot off her mouth.

    As long as it wasn¡¯t her father¡¯s money. it didn¡¯t matter where her mother borrowed it from.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about it.¡± Qiao Dongliang said in anger. ¡°Your Mom is way too unreliable, Nan Nan, you must remember to just ignore her.¡±

 Chapter 116 - Middle School Exams

    <h4>Chapter 116: Middle School Exams</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I feared that if they carried on like this, your sister would learn all the wrong ways. Your mom is getting more and more daring. Forget it, I should not have told you all this. You would be sitting for your middle school exams this year. Do your best.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. From then on, she put all her concentration on her studies, ignoring Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    For some unknown reasons, this amazing pair of mother and daughter had not been bothering Qiao Nan for a long while. Qiao Zijin also did not ask Qiao Nan to help her on ount of their ¡®sisterhood¡¯.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, there is one more month to go before middle school exams. Are you nervous?¡± Zhu Baoguo did not study in the past. Now that he put in more efforts to study, he never thought that time would fly past, and middle school exams would being in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Not nervous. What is there to be nervous for?¡± Qiao Nan looked at the scattered test papers on her desk calmly. There would be a small test once every three days and an exam every five days. On top of that, they also had to do numerous practice papers.

    In this situation, what was there to be nervous about. ¡°Why? Are you scared?¡±

    ¡°I am not scared, I am just guilty.¡± It was rare that Zhu Baoguo was so honest. ¡°The students who sit for the middle school exams have nine years of solid foundation. I, I only studied hard for less than a year.¡±

    ¡°Having no confidence in yourself is normal in your case. But you must trust me,¡± Qiao Nan said in a mocking and encouraging tone as she patted Zhu Baoguo on the shoulder.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Zhu Baoguo rolled his eyes. ¡°There is no one else like you who would praise themselves in such manner.¡±

    ¡°There is. Here is one standing right in front of you.¡± Qiao Nan grinned at him, showing off her sparkling white teeth.

    Zhu Baoguo was speechless. He twitched one corner of his mouth. On second thought, he always lost when he bickered with Xiao Qiao. He would rather spend the time to do a few more questions than being mocked by Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°Everyone, do not be nervous. Middle school exams are in fact simr to the exams that we used to have. You must prepare your stationery. It is okay to bring more pens with you in case they run out of ink and could not be used. Furthermore, a few of the students from our ss might be arranged to be in the same ssroom. You have been ssmates for three years. You should be friendly and helpful toward each other. If any of them has unusable pens and you have an extra with you, don¡¯t be stingy. There would be students from other sses in the ssroom as well. It would be aughing stock if people from the same ss refuse to lend their pens, whereas people from the other sses are willing to lend them their pens. Do you understand?¡±

    Everyone was baffled by Teacher Chen¡¯s words. But Zhao Yu who blushed to a bright red knew clearly what Teacher Chen was referring to.

    A lot of the students were whispering to themselves that they had been ssmates for three years after all. If it was only a pen, no one would be so stingy to the point they would refuse to lend a pen. This would never happen to ss One.

    The more they discussed it, the redder Zhao Yu¡¯s face became.

    Other students might not have noticed Zhao Yu¡¯s expression, but Zhou Lei could see it clearly.

    Zhou Lei looked at Zhao Yu in suspicions. Zhao Yu gritted her teeth and shot him a re. ¡°Don¡¯t make any wild guesses. I have nothing to do with what Teacher Chen said!¡±

    ¡°Did I say that it has anything to do with you?¡± Zhou Lei smiled. Did she just expose her own deed?

    ¡°Anyway, just bear in mind that you had better not shoot your mouth off. If I hear of anything, I would settle scores with you.¡±

    ¡°Zhao Yu, do you really think that I am scared of you? If you have the capabilities, juste at me. Show me what you are capable of. I am a man. I will not shoot my mouth off like you girls. Initially, I had no intention to say anything. Now that you have given me a warning, I would be letting you down if I did not say anything. I will be waiting for you to settle scores with me!¡±

    Zhou Lei was agitated by Zhao Yu.

    Zhou Lei had long wanted a change of seats. But Teacher Chen did not see the need to as they would be graduating soon. Besides, Teacher Chen believed that Zhou Lei had decent self-control, hoping that he would bear with it for the time being.

    Zhou Lei was a man after all. Since Teacher Chen had already said so, he would have to agree. He thought that it would be fine as long as he did not interact with Zhao Yu.

    It would have been alright if Zhao Yu had not threatened to deal with him. Now that she made the threats, Zhou Lei was not going to give in. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see!¡±

    Zhao Yu was in a panic. ¡°No, I... I was just joking with you, don¡¯t treat it seriously.¡± If this was to spread in the school, she would not be able to hold her head high.

    Zhao Yu had already felt that the teachers looked at her strangely this semester.

    Although she was still the Chinese representative in ss, Teacher Lee would rather get other students to do the tasks than asking for her help.

    Even a simple task like handing out the test papers was done by other students. Zhao Yu did not feel good about it. In fact, she felt uneasy.

    ¡°There is no point crying over spilled milk. It is toote for regrets!¡± Once angered, Zhou Lei was not to be trifled with as well.

    ¡°Alright, these are the points to take note of. Have a good rest today and be ready for middle school exams.¡± Zhao Yu and Zhou Lei did not make much of amotion, hence Teacher Chen did not say anything.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, here is a special exam weapon for you.¡± While everyone was packing their bags, Zhu Baoguo was the only one who was busy taking things out from his bag. ¡°Bring this back with you, I guarantee that you would feel refreshed and energized after drinking it.¡±

    ¡°Coffee?¡±

    ¡°You knew about it?¡± Zhu Baoguo was amazed. ¡°Take it and drink it. If you are tired, it can work wonders for you.¡±

    Looking at the coffee, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, middle school exams is just around the corner. If you trust me, be careful with what you eat after going back to the Zhu family, especially if the food is given by other people. Though there is no way to reject those single servings food, do not eat them. You can throw them awayter when no one is looking. No matter what, just bear this in mind and stay alert.¡±

    Qiao Nan had intended to tell Zhu Baoguo about Wang Yang earlier but it slipped her mind and she could not find the right time to bring it up until now.

    If what Brother Zhai said was true, Wang Yang could not bear to see Zhu Baoguo did well for his middle school exams.

    If so, Wang Yang would be up to no good tonight.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, have you heard of something?¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s countenance changed.

    ¡°No matter what, I would not do you harm. You had better be careful.¡± There was no need for her to hear it from someone else. She had the first-hand experience and was almost beaten to a pulp because of Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, thank you. Don¡¯t worry, I understand.¡± Zhu Baoguo knew it all along that his cousin did not get along well him.

    But his cousin would always address him politely in front of everyone. Zhu Baoguo felt uneasy and displeased, but there was no way to reject him.

    If he pulled a stern face at him, his grandpa would lecture him that as an elder brother, he should give in to the younger brother. Grandpa also reminded that his cousin was well-behaved and obedient so he should bring him along whenever he went out.

    Since a young age till now, Zhu Baoguo could not remember the million times he had been taken advantage of by his cousin.

    But they were only small pranks; it did not matter much. Hence, Zhu Baoguo did not take it to heart.

 Chapter 117 - Reached in Time

    <h4>Chapter 117: Reached in Time</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, if Wang Yang dared to make troubles for him during middle school exams, do not me him for being unruly.

    He was merely his cousin. Even if it was his biological brother creating troubles for him, he would still bash him to a pulp!

    ¡°Alright, it is good that you know what you are doing.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and did not mention it anymore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just worry about me. I heard that things are not going so well at your house either. Even though it might not escte to that extent, you have to be careful. Don¡¯t oversleep or bete. Once you arete, you would be forbidden to sit for the exams.¡± Zhu Baoguo reminded her out of concern.

    ¡°You do not need to remind me about this, I know the rules very well.¡± Qiao Nan feltforted by his concerned words but a cold sparkle shed in her eyes.

    Wang Yang and Zhu Baoguo were merely cousins, hence he had no qualms about targeting Zhu Baoguo. But her family was definitely one of a kind.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have a good rest today. You have been doing your revisions conscientiously, there¡¯s no need to revise tonight. Just have a good night¡¯s sleep.¡± Qiao Dongliang was especially anxious for the middle school exams this time. As soon as Qiao Nan reached home, he poured her a cup of tea personally.

    It was rare for her to have this treatment. Qiao Nan was overwhelmed by the special favor. ¡°I understand, Dad.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound like she is the only one sitting for middle school exams, whereas everyone else is not qualified to sit for the exams.¡± The more Qiao Dongliang valued Qiao Nan, the more annoyed and frustrated Ding Jiayi was.

    When Qiao Zijin had her middle school exams, she was the one who took care of her meals and waited on her. Old Qiao did not even pour her a cup of water, neither did he ask about how she was doing.

    ¡°Ignore your Mom.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder.

    ¡°It is okay, I am used to it.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Dongliang was frustrated and did not know what to say about Qiao Nan¡¯s matter-of-factly attitude. ¡°Have a good rest tonight.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan took a bath and got ready for bed after dinner.

    It was amazing what one could do when they were driven up the wall. Ding Jiayi decided to set herself against Qiao Dongliang. He had reminded Qiao Nan not to revise tonight but to have a good rest for the exams that would start tomorrow instead. Therefore, Ding Jiayi purposely created a din in the middle of the night to make it impossible for Qiao Nan to rest well.

    Qiao Nan was awakened by the loud sounds from the room next to her.

    After ascertaining that the sounds came from Ding Jiayi¡¯s room, Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips as she contemted if she should stuff some cotton in her ears and go back to sleep. Just then, she heard the sounds of someone opening the door.

    It seemed like Qiao Nan was not the only one who was awakened by the din that Ding Jiayi created, Qiao Dongliang was awake as well.

    Nobody knew what happened thereafter, but Ding Jiayi finally quietened down.

    By the time Qiao Nan woke up the next day, she saw Qiao Dongliang walked out of Ding Jiayi¡¯s room. Ding Jiayi¡¯splexion was not as pale as the past few days. On the contrary, herplexion had a tinge of red.

    Most importantly, Ding Jiayi, who always pulled a face when she saw Qiao Nan, did not give thetter the cold shoulder today. She simply gazed at Qiao Dongliang with tenderness. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you bring your belongings back?¡±

    What did Old Qiao do yesterday? Did they make up?

    ¡°We will talk about itter,¡± Qiao Dongliang said curtly. Qiao Dongliang seemed to be embarrassed in front of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang felt uneasy, especially when he looked into Qiao Nan¡¯s bright and sparkling dark eyes which seemed to be able to see through one¡¯s mind.

    Qiao Dongliang reassured himself that Qiao Nan was still young; she could not have understood the affairs of the adults.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have some breakfast. Dad will send you to school before going to work.¡± This way, Nan Nan could save some time on transport and would have more time to go through her notes at school as she rested.

    ¡°Why the need to send her to school? Last night... aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Dongliang a gentle pat on his shoulder. She turned to Qiao Nan, ¡°Is there any problem going to school by yourself?¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Without another word, she took her bag and went to school after she had her breakfast.

    ¡°Where is Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Nan had reached school, but she didn¡¯t see Zhu Baoguo anywhere. She asked around in the ss. ¡°Has anyone of you seen Zhu Baoguo? Did hee to school today?¡±

    ¡°No sight of him.¡±

    ¡°No idea.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he went to the washroom?¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at the clock hanging on the wall. There was half an hour left before the exams; there was still some time.

    Nevertheless, by the time it was twenty minutes to the exams, Zhu Baoguo still could not be seen anywhere. Qiao Nan could not help but frown. If she had known this would happen, she would have stopped over at Zhu family¡¯s residence to take a look.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and ran in the direction of the office to look for Teacher Chen. ¡°Teacher Chen, Zhu Baoguo is not here yet. There are only twenty minutes left until the exams. Can you lend me your bicycle? I want to go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence to have a look.¡±

    If Qiao Nan walked to the Zhu family¡¯s residence and walked back to school, she would not make it in time. She could only ask her teacher to lend her the bicycle.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo is not here yet?¡± Teacher Chen was rmed. Zhu family ced a lot of focus on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s studies. Today¡¯s the first day of middle school exams, it¡¯s impossible that the Zhu family would be sote in sending Zhu Baoguo to school. ¡°Lend you the bicycle? No. Tell you what¡ªyou will stay in the school, I will make the trip.¡±

    It would be worse if Zhu Baoguo missed the exams and Qiao Nan, the top student, was dyed as well.

    ¡°Then I would have to trouble Teacher Chen.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    Teacher Chen informed Teacher Lee to arrange for the students of ss One to enter the exam hall, after which Teacher Chen got on the bicycle and went to the Zhu family¡¯s residence with lightning speed.

    In general, for middle school exams, one would need to enter the exam hall ten minutes before the start of the exam.

    As Qiao Nan was worried about Zhu Baoguo, she stood outside the entrance waiting for him while the rest of the students went into the hall.

    ¡°This student here, you can go into the exam hall!¡± The invigtor arched their eyebrows and shouted at Qiao Nan.

    The invigtor was from another school, hence they were stricter with the students.

    When they saw students like Qiao Nan who dawdled and refused to enter the exam hall as if they were up to no good particrly, the invigtors would be harsh on them.

    ¡°Yes, teacher.¡± Qiao Nan frowned and walked very slowly toward the teacher.

    At the turn of her head, Qiao Nan saw Teacher Chen and Zhu Baoguo arriving in the nick of time. She finally breathed a sigh of relief and felt morefortable as she walked into the exam hall.

    ¡°?¡± The invigtor found it strange that minutes ago Qiao Nan was still dawdling outside the exam hall. Now she looked as if she could not wait to go in. The invigtor frowned in confusion.

    ¡°Alright, I will give out the exam papers now. Everyone be silent. It would be considered as cheating otherwise.¡±

    At the invigtor¡¯s order, the ssroom turned silent; no one dared to make a single sound. One could only hear the ¡°swoosh swoosh¡± rustling sounds of the exam papers being handed down.

    The first subject on the first day of the exams was one that Qiao Nan was good in; it was an exam on modal particles. After half a year of revision, she knew the knowledge inside out. There was no way that she would score zero marks for this segment.

 Chapter 118 - Settle Scores

    <h4>Chapter 118: Settle Scores</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This is bad. I... I did not finish my essay.¡±

    ¡°The ssical Chineseprehension this year is so difficult. I just scribbled the answers.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up. I am having a headache from the exams.¡±

    When it was time to hand in the papers, all the students who were in the same exam hall as Qiao Nan groaned. The Chinese exam today was difficult. All the students looked awful.

    While everyone was busy tallying their answers, Qiao Nan stood out from the rest. She kept her stationery and walked toward the exit of the hall.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo!¡± She ran in the direction of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s exam hall and saw the ghastly look on Zhu Baoguo. His clothes were all wrinkled up. Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°What happened this morning?¡±

    It was such a close shave. There were only five minutes left. If Zhu Baoguo waste by even a few seconds, he would be barred from entering the exam hall.

    ¡°Wait for me. Let me go to the washroom to have a wash.¡± Zhu Baoguo looked awful. He ran to the gents and sshed his face with cold water, his cor wet from the wash.

    Zhu Baoguo walked out of the gents, his face dripping wet. ¡°I owed you for a second time. I have to thank you for what happened today. Qiao Nan, you have helped me time and again; I am indebted to you. There is no way I can repay you.¡± Zhu Baoguo mocked at himself, a look of dejection on his face.

    ¡°You did not do well?¡±

    ¡°How is that possible!¡± Zhu Baoguo puffed out his chest. ¡°Just like what you said, I may not believe in myself, but I should have trust in you, my young tutor. I am not sure how well I fared in this Chinese exam, but at least I would not do too badly.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s it. Middle school exams are your topmost priority now. As for other matters, leave them aside first. Have you heard of a saying that goes ¡®Revenge is a dish best served cold¡¯?¡± Qiao Nan did not probe. It was by no coincidence that Zhu Baoguo looked so disheveled and was almostte for the exams.

    ¡°You are right. I will focus on the exams first. As for the rest, I will deal with itter when I have the time. Let¡¯s go, there are exams in the afternoon. Let me treat you to a meal. We will have some meat for lunch!¡± Zhu Baoguo wiped off the water droplets on his face and head with his sleeves and went for a meal with Qiao Nan.

    ording to the schedule, there were two exams a day. Whenever Qiao Nan came back home from the exams, Qiao Dongliang would not ask about her performance. He would always remind her to have more rest instead. Since the exams for the rted subjects were over, there was no point in thinking about it. One should have a good rest in order to work hard for theing exams.

    During the three days when Qiao Nan had her exams, Qiao Dongliang shared a room with Ding Jiayi.

    By the time she finished the three days of exams, Qiao Dongliang went back to the small study room to sleep again.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao.¡± Zhu Baoguo came over to Qiao family¡¯s residence to look for Qiao Nan. He ran into Qiao Dongliang who was about to go to work.

    ¡°Baoguo, why are you here? Is it to look for Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhu Baoguo nodded. ¡°Is Xiao Qiao at home?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Dongliang turned and shouted, ¡°Nan Nan, Baoguo is looking for you.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan, who was used to spending her free time at Zhai family¡¯s residence, did not know what to do with her free time now that the middle school exams were over. ¡°Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, since exams are over, you should take a break and have some fun with Baoguo.¡± Qiao Dongliang took out five yuan from his pocket and handed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°You do not have toe back for lunch in the afternoon. It is tiring to prepare lunch by yourself.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, are you going off to work? Goodbye, Uncle Qiao.¡± Zhu Baoguo grinned at Qiao Dongliang. He was so earnest and sincere when he addressed Qiao Dongliang. With his good looks, everyone would have the impression that Zhu Baoguo was a well-behaved child. No one could tell that he used to be a bully.

    ¡°Yes, I am going off to work.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled in response and rode his bicycle to work.

    ¡°Baoguo is here.¡± Ding Jiayi heard some sounds and came out. ¡°Baoguo,e in and have a seat. Have you had breakfast? Nan Nan, you are so insensible! You should learn from your sister. You should also invite the guest into the house; it is so rude to keep him standing as if he is being punished to stand.¡±

    ¡°No need. Xiao Qiao, Uncle Qiao has agreed to let you go out with me. Let¡¯s go.¡± Unlike how he addressed Qiao Dongliang just now, Zhu Baoguo could not be bothered to address Ding Jiayi as ¡®Aunt¡¯. He just went off with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, I am off.¡± Zhu Baoguo could disregard Ding Jiayi, but Qiao Nan could not.

    After addressing Ding Jiayi with a poker face, Qiao Nan followed after Zhu Baoguo and left the house. ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Zhu family¡¯s residence.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa Zhu.¡± When Qiao Nan reached the Zhu family¡¯s residence, she noticed that everyone was at home, including Wang Yang whom she had met once before.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is here.¡± Elder Zhu had a forced smile on his face when he saw Qiao Nan. He turned to give Zhu Baoguo a reproving look. What was it that they could not settle within the family and had to bring an outsider to watch them make a fool of themselves?

    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhu Qin pulled a face. She was way more displeased than Elder Zhu. ¡°What does Baoguo mean by this? He has no mother since a young age, and my brother always spends his days in the army. Even though I am his aunt, I practically brought him up from young. When I had Yang Yang, Baoguo was not in good health. Regardless, I fed Baoguo first and neglected Yang Yang. But now Bao Guo was not thankful for all the years that I spent bringing him up and malign our Yang Yang. How could he do this?¡± Most importantly, Baoguo dared to bring an outsider here!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so agitated. We are one family. We just have to clear up the misunderstanding. No one would spread this rumor outside and hurt Yang Yang, right, Qiao Nan?¡± Elder Zhu looked at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan twitched the corner of her lips. No wonder Zhu Baoguo used to have such a nasty temper. He must have inherited it from the Zhu family. Grandpa Lee was more amiable after all. ¡°That is right. It would be good to clear up the misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°Have a seat, Xiao Qiao.¡± Zhu Baoguo did not care that Elder Zhu and Zhu Qin were displeased. He found afortable seat for Qiao Nan. ¡°We have to make it clear. We definitely have to make it clear. You have to give me an exnation. Why is it that I slept like a log on the first day of middle school exams? There were so many people at the Zhu family¡¯s residence, why didn¡¯t anyone wake me up?¡±

    He used to have bad results. Not to mention missing the exams for one or two subjects, even if he sat for all the six subjects, he might not be able to make it into high school.

    If he did not sit for one or two subjects and was able to get into high school, it must have been due to the Zhu family¡¯s background.

    ¡°Did I not say just now Yang Yang mistook someone else for you that day? Yang Yang already apologized to you, what more do you want? Do you intend to harp on his one small mistake and smear his reputation? Yang Yang is your cousin, is it right of you to bully him? Do not think that just because Yang Yang is good-tempered, thus you can bully him.¡±

    Zhu Qin was really displeased. She had always treated this nephew of hers very well as if he was her own.

 Chapter 119 - Rebellious Little Devil

    <h4>Chapter 119: Rebellious Little Devil</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios

    <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now it seemed like she had raised an ingrate?

    Even though she did not ask Baoguo to treat Yang Yang as his biological brother, he should not malign her son either, should he?

    ¡°Brother, it was my fault. I thought the person whom I saw at the door was you and I never would have imagined there would be no one at home.¡± Wang Yang looked at Zhu Baoguo with ¡®self-reproach¡¯. He looked pitiful with his fairplexion, a pair of bright dark eyes and a clear voice. Zhu Qin felt sorry for him and shoved him behind her to protect him from Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Look, this is a misunderstanding. It was not intentional.¡± With that, Zhu Qin sighed. ¡°But Yang Yang, you owe Brother Baoguo an apology. Did you know that because you mistook someone else as Baoguo, and if not for the teacher who specially made a trip to Zhu family¡¯s residence, your brother would have missed the exams for one to two subjects?¡±

    Her nephew had finally bucked up and made an effort in his studies. If he missed his exams because he overslept and had no one to wake him up¡ªhence could not make it into high school as a result¡ªZhu Qin would find it too ridiculous and a sheer pity.

    ¡°Yes, we have to thank Qiao Nan for this.¡± Elder Zhu looked at Qiao Nan with grateful eyes. ¡°If Qiao Nan had not noticed Baoguo had yet to reach school and notified the teacher, Baoguo might not have been able to make it for his middle school exams.¡±

    ¡°Alright, enough of all the gratitude. I will express my gratitude to Xiao Qiao myself. Now, let¡¯s sort this out first. Why was there no one in our house that day? Even if Wang Yang mistook someone for me, when did I ever sleep like a log and could not wake up at all? If not for Teacher Chen, who kept shouting at us, found out from the neighbor that I was still at home and knocked on our front door till I woke up, I might have just slept the whole day. It was as if I was the reincarnation of the god of sleep! Do you think that I am as gullible as a three-year-old kid?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo could not wait to break Wang Yang¡¯s neck at the thought of what happened that day.

    Due to Xiao Qiao¡¯s reminder, he had been very careful that day. He did not even drink a sip of the water that Wang Yang poured for him. He never imagined that he would still fall prey to his tricks.

    Zhu Baoguo was sure that Wang Yang had something to do with him sleeping like a log!

    Everyone in the Zhu family was quiet at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s doubts.

    Zhu Baoguo was not a sleepy head; he was always full of energy.

    Given this situation, no matter how tired Zhu Baoguo had been, it would have been impossible for him to sleep like a log and miss his middle school exams because no one woke him up.

    Zhu Baoguo was neither sick nor tired. But why would he sleep like a log?

    ¡°Tell me, give me a good exnation!¡± Zhu Baoguo pulled a face and shouted brashly, ¡°Auntie, I will not deny that you took care of me when I was young. However, between a son and a nephew, we all know who you favor so there is no need to spell it out. Yes, I do not have a mom, but I did not ask for it. Did I even have a choice? If I had a mom, would I need you to take care of me? My mom would take better care of me than you. I might be young, but I know what is going on. These years my dad has given uncle a lot of help. My dad helped him because you are his younger sister; it was on ount that you were siblings. It is true that you took care of me when I was young, but why was it considered an act of kindness? Auntie, this is not how one does things.¡±

    ¡°Baoguo.¡± Elder Zhu was dumbfounded. The grandson who used to be rebellious had truly grown up. What he said was reasonable and fair.

    His words might be curt, yet it made sense.

    But his words put his daughter on the spot.

    ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t me me for my temper and don¡¯t keep saying that I malign Wang Yang. If we could not clear up what happened that day, I am onto him. Why would he tell everyone that I had left for school early in the morning? It¡¯s alright if he mistook someone for me, but it so happened that I slept like a log on that day. Why would there be so many coincidences? Out of everyone, he was the only one who mistook someone else for me. I looked for him as I have doubts, and this is considered as malign? If all of you insist, fine, take it that I malign him. If my dad is here, I would still say all these. If all of you still think that I am maligning Wang Yang, that is simple, tell me what exactly happened on that day. Don¡¯t try to cook up some excuses to deceive me. I have a nasty temper. If you dare to fool me, don¡¯t me me for blowing things up!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was truly the bully in the quad. He even acted brazenly toward his elders.

    His words did not seem to be words from a junior. He was practically a little devil.

    Zhu family sunk into silence at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s domineering attitude.

    No one in the Zhu family believed it was Wang Yang¡¯s doing that had caused Zhu Baoguo to barely make it in time for his middle school exams. Wang Yang was so well-behaved; he would never do such ridiculous and useless things.

    But no one was able to give a reason as to why would Zhu Baoguo sleep like a log on that day. Why would Wang Yang, who had good eyesight, mistook someone for Zhu Baoguo on that particr morning and told everyone in the Zhu family that Zhu Baoguo had gone to school early in the morning for his middle school exams?

    It could all be a coincidence, but nobody had a solid proof.

    Zhu Baoguo was the victim. It was reasonable for him to demand an exnation.

    Things hade to a dead end. There seemed to be no solution to it.

    Elder Zhu had a bad headache. He could not say that his grandson was wrong. After all, he almost missed his middle school exams; he was the victim. Sadly, with this attitude of his, no one would see him as the victim.

    Besides, he could not bring himself to question Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang might have mistaken someone else for him. However, if Elder Zhu was to question him, with Wang Yang¡¯s sensitive personality, he might think that they believed Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words and thought that he did it on purpose.

    ¡°Grandpa, Mom, it was my fault. Brother Baoguo, can you ept my apology? What do you want me to do? I will do it ording to your wishes.¡± Wang Yang gritted his teeth and controlled himself as not to direct his ominous gaze at Qiao Nan.

    This wretched woman had spoiled his ns time and again. Last time she helped him with his studies, and now she noticed Zhu Baoguo¡¯s absence in school and notified the teacher toe looking for Zhu Baoguo.

    If not for her, Zhu Baoguo would have still been asleep when the first exam was over!

    If not for her rtionship with Zhai Sheng, he would have dealt with her and made her leave the quad!

    ¡°Apologize?¡± Zhu Baoguo crossed his arms around his chest and smirked. ¡°Do you think a simple apology will do when you plotted against me to make mete for my exams? What is the use of an apology? Why don¡¯t I do the same to you when it¡¯s your middle school exams next year? I will apologize to you afterward, and we will take it as if nothing has happened.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was someone who requited like for like.

    He was not joking or making a threat when he said those words. In fact, he sounded very serious. Zhu Qin and Wang Yang paled at his words.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Zhu Qin had no other choice but to seek help from Elder Zhu. ¡°Yang Yang has such good results. He would definitely do well for his middle school exams. You cannot...¡± allow Baoguo to ruin Yang Yang.

 Chapter 120 - Whatâ€™s the Situation?

    <h4>Chapter 120: What¡¯s the Situation?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Everyone in the Zhu family believed that Zhu Baoguo would make good on his words. Who would not be worried or fearful? Wang Yang stiffened as well, for fear that Zhu Baoguo would do the same to him.

    ¡°Elder Zhu, it is actually quite easy for the Zhu family to sort things out,¡± Qiao Nan who sat quietly spoke up.

    Elder Zhu, who was exasperated by Zhu Baoguo, looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°What is it that you want to say? It has been a few days, can we still find out what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Besides, it was an ident. What was there to investigate?

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, just tell them what solution you have.¡± Zhu Baoguo red at Elder Zhu. Qiao Nan was his guest. Elder Zhu should keep a check on his attitude.

    Minutes ago, he was thinking to thank Qiao Nan, but now he looked at her with such an attitude?

    ¡°...¡± Elder Zhu pulled the corner of his lips helplessly. He softened his gaze toward Qiao Nan. His attitude just now was not suitable.

    No matter what, it was Qiao Nan who helped Zhu Baoguo improve his results.

    If not for Qiao Nan, his grandson would have missed the middle school exams. All those rtives of his could not match up to an outsider who went to such great lengths to help him.

    ¡°All of you think it was purely a coincidence that Zhu Baoguo overslept, while Zhu Baoguo felt that someone plotted against him. Science is so advanced now. All we have to do is to do some tests to find out the truth.¡± Qiao Nan gave her two cents¡¯ worth after she was given the right to makements.

    ¡°You wanted the Zhu family to make use of public resources for private purposes?¡± Zhu Qin disagreed. ¡°People from the Zhu family would never do this.¡±

    ¡°That is simple. You can pay to do it or send it somewhere where you need to pay to do the tests.¡±

    Wang Yangughed in disdain. He had thought that Qiao Nan would be able toe up with a clever n. He only fed Zhu Baoguo some sleeping pills on the night before the first exam.

    Three whole days had passed since. Moreover, he only used small, but sufficient, doses to make Zhu Baoguo sleep like a log. He would not die from it. Hence, the body must have already metabolized it. He was not silly.

    She was too naive to think that he would be scared and thrown into confusion, giving himself away by her feeble threats.

    She was a woman after all, useless and stupid.

    ¡°So many days have passed. Will there be any results from the tests?¡± Elder Zhu was slightly calmer now. It would be good to do a test. Zhu Baoguo could put his heart to rest and Yang Yang could be cleared of suspicions.

    Elder Zhu was annoyed at the stalemate just now where he could neither reassure Zhu Baoguo nor could he give an exnation to anyone.

    ¡°So it is this method.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes sparkled and he pped on his thigh. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you wanted me to collect my urine that day because of this?¡±

    It was the first day of middle school exams. Even though Qiao Nan told Zhu Baoguo to focus on the exams and settle scores when exams were over, she had also reminded him to gather some evidence, lest he ended up being told off for making troubles out of nothing.

    ¡°Collect... collect urine?¡± Wang Yang was stunned. He did not see thising.

    ¡°There was not only urine but also blood.¡± Zhu Baoguoughed at Wang Yang¡¯s reaction. ¡°Didn¡¯t all of you want to prove his innocence? Let¡¯s send it for tests. We will then be able to determine who the good guy is and vice versa.¡±

    ¡°Is it urate?¡± Zhu Qin paused momentarily. It would be good if it would clear her son of suspicions. But what if it was inurate?

    ¡°Auntie, we must believe in science.¡± Qiao Nanughed. ¡°It might not work for other cases, but it would work for this.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do the test!¡± Qiao Nan was a good student. In Elder Zhu¡¯s eyes, the wordsing from a good student must be right. ¡°Baoguo, do you have everything with you? That¡¯s good. Let¡¯s go to the hospital now.¡±

    There would be no peace at home as long as this matter was unresolved.

    He could not possibly do nothing while Baoguo suspected and disliked Yang Yang, and would deal with him when he sat for middle school exams next year.

    ¡°Baoguo, if the tests show that it¡¯s a misunderstanding, what would you do?¡± Elder Zhu looked at Zhu Baoguo, asking for his promise.

    ¡°If he is innocent, I will apologize to him in whatever ways you want.¡± Zhu Baoguo understood Elder Zhu¡¯s meaning. ¡°But if I did not malign him, Grandpa, should you not make a promise as well?¡±

    ¡°That is impossible.¡± Of course, Elder Zhu would never believe that Wang Yang was the culprit.

    ¡°We have not even done the tests, but you already had your answer. What is there to test for! If the results show that someone drugged me, would all of you me it on the hospital, saying that the machine is faulty, or that the culprit is someone else? If so, why is there the need to go to the hospital? You are just making a fool of me!¡±

    They only wanted to prove that Wang Yang was innocent, not to prove that he was guilty. Such disgusting behavior.

    Enraged, Zhu Baoguo widened his eyes like an annoyed bull. He gave a backward kick at the table in front of him, causing squeaking and screeching sounds.

    Elder Zhu was helpless. He did not know what to do with an angered Zhu Baoguo. Even his aunt, Zhu Qin, dared not say a word to calm him down. She could only watch on while Zhu Baoguo boiled with anger to the extent that fire could almost be seen spewing from his head, creating a rampage at home.

    ¡°What is wrong?¡± A clear and cool voice, peaceful and calm as the mountain spring, was heard. It was as if ice water was poured over the raging fire. Zhu Baoguo who was huffing and puffing with anger quietened down in an instant.

    Though Zhu Baoguo sat down, he was still very agitated. He looked at Qiao Nan and asked indignantly, ¡°Do we just let the matter rest? Should I, your father, suffer in silence?!¡±

    ¡°Whose father are you?¡± Qiao Nan looked coldly at Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo gulped. He was almost at a loss for words. ¡°Looking at the situation now, are you going to find fault with this?¡±

    ¡°Did I say we should let the matter rest? Why is your temper still so nasty? It is not a surprise that you are bullied by the younger siblings. Who can you me it on but yourself?¡± Qiao Nan gave Zhu Baoguo a look of disdain and pushed the cup of tea towards him. Without a word, Zhu Baoguo downed the drink.

    It was amazing. Zhu Baoguo seemed to have calmed down slightly after the drink.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Elder Zhu, his daughter, and Wang Yang were dumbfounded at the way Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo interacted with each other, especially Elder Zhu who almost rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Was the young man who was so well-behaved the same person as his grandson who had a nasty temper?

    Not long ago, the ¡®lion cub¡¯ was still boiling with anger as if he was all ready to tear apart the prey to vent to his anger, yet it only took some appeasing for Zhu Baoguo to calm down. How was this possible!

    Not to mention Elder Zhu, no one in the Zhu family had this capability.

    What Elder Zhu found most amazing was that Qiao Nan treated Zhu Baoguo coldly all the while; she did not use the soft approach on him.

    In the past, if one was to use that attitude with Zhu Baoguo, that person would have been beaten to a pulp by him. What was so special about Qiao Nan? Why would his grandson listen to the youngdy¡¯s words?

 Chapter 121 - Unwilling

    <h4>Chapter 121: Unwilling</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo used to have a nasty temper. Even if he was telling the truth, as long as no one believed him, he would go out of control and lose his temper. Wang Yang could easily win any argument with such a bad-tempered Zhu Baoguo.

    But today was different. Zhu Baoguo calmed down easily with a word or a nce from Qiao Nan.

    Wang Yang felt uneasy. The situation was not favorable to him.

    Wang Yang looked guilty when he heard that Zhu Baoguo had kept his urine from that day.

    ¡°Tell me, what to do now?¡± Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan after he had calmed down slightly.

    ¡°Call your dad,¡± Qiao Nan said.

    Naturally, Elder Zhu was closer to his grandson, Zhu Baoguo, aspared to his maternal grandson, Wang Yang. Regardless, Wang Yang had been very well-behaved and looked frail and thin as if he would be bullied by others. From this point of view, Elder Zhu would certainly be protective of and biased towards Wang Yang.

    It was a tough call for Elder Zhu. Due to Zhu Baoguo bad behavior records, not many people would believe him and stand on his side.

    ¡°It is useless. My dad always felt Wang Yang was much well-behaved than me, he would not help me.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s expression darkened. He did not tell Qiao Nan that in fact, his father disliked him.

    ¡°We do not need his help. Your dad is a soldier. He is more cool-headed than anyone else here. Call your dad, and we will go to the hospital to do the tests. When the result is out, your dad will understand at the very least.¡± In the Zhu family, Zhu Chengqi was the one in charge, not Elder Zhu.

    Hence, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s attitude and views on this matter were what truly mattered to Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°No!¡± Wang Yang stood up abruptly. ¡°Never.¡±

    Initially, Zhu Baoguo still had doubts about Qiao Nan¡¯s solution, but when Wang Yang denied the n, Zhu Baoguo knew that this would work. Without any dy, he pped on the table and said, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s settle it this way. I will call my Dad now.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Wang Yang wanted to bite back his tongue. He regretted it when he first disagreed to Qiao Nan¡¯s idea.

    He had been too agitated and anxious and could not stop himself from objecting to Qiao Nan¡¯s idea. He shouted another ¡®No¡¯ to her idea.

    While Zhu Baoguo was gloating over Wang Yang¡¯s outburst, Elder Zhu and Zhu Qin looked surprised. Wang Yang paled in anger and turned to re at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Zhu Baoguo saw Wang Yang¡¯s ferocious stare. With a ¡®whoosh¡¯, he stood up to give Wang Yang a push. ¡°What is wrong? Are you unwilling to go with the n? Are you scared? It¡¯s toote! I would punch you if you dare to re at Xiao Qiao!¡±

    ¡°Stop it.¡± Elder Zhu pulled at Wang Yang. Wang Yang turned green in anger instantly.

    It was always like this!

    Why was it that whenever Zhu Baoguo got into a quarrel with him¡ªeven though it was Zhu Baoguo who initiated the fight¡ªhis Grandpa would always pull him aside to stop the quarrel?!

    Wang Yang, who had been through these, knew it all too well that in these situations, whoever was pulled to a side would be rendered defenseless, not having a chance to retaliate.

    ¡°Make the call now. If they were to continue with the quarrel, would I still dare to visit my parent¡¯s house? Can Yang Yang still stay here?¡± Zhu Qin was annoyed as well. ¡°Is no one going to make the call? Should I do it?¡±

    Zhu Qin picked up the phone and dialed the number that she knew by heart. ¡°Hello, is that you, Brother? I have something to tell you...¡±

    Wang Yang was speechless when Zhu Qin made the phone call. That was his mother, his biological mother!

    But he dared not do anything now. If he hung up his mother¡¯s phone, it would be tantamount to confessing without being pressed, admitting that someone indeed plotted against Zhu Baoguo that day so that he would oversleep, and that the mastermind was him.

    Still, even if he did not stop his mother, his smart uncle would be able to make the connections when traces of sleeping pills were detected in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s urine.

    Wang Yang¡¯s visage was green and purple with fear. His expression changed swiftly like a chameleon. Qiao Nan could not help but feel awful for him.

    Whether they were going to investigate or not, it was hopeless for Wang Yang nheless. There was no way he could escape unscathed.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, next...¡± Elder Zhu was not muddleheaded. He noticed Wang Yang¡¯s countenance had changed and his attitude was different from before. He seemed to have understood what was going on.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Did he mean to shoo her off?

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Can you handle what is going to happen next?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo blushed. He treated Xiao Qiao as his younger sister and had mentioned that he would help her out if she met with any problems. But now it seemed like Xiao Qiao was the one who rendered her help. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle the rest.¡±

    Xiao Qiao had helped him make all the necessary arrangements. As long as his father came back, it should work out as nned.

    After getting an affirmative response, Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°Elder Zhu, excuse me for imposing on you.¡± With that, Qiao Nan left.

    ¡°...¡± Elder Zhu did not know whether he should cry orugh. He just noticed Qiao Nan always addressed his rtive by marriage as Grandpa Lee, whereas she addressed him as Elder Zhu.

    He was not pleased that Qiao Nan, an outsider, was here to meddle with their family¡¯s affair. Honestly speaking, Qiao Nan was not willing either.

    A few days back, Elder Zhu had just said that he would find a chance to thank Qiao Nan for helping Zhu Baoguo with his results and his conduct. With such an incident at home, he did not thank her but had offended her instead.

    All in all, Qiao Nan had nothing to do with their family dispute. She only came to help Zhu Baoguo.

    As an outsider, she went to great lengths to help his grandson. On the contrary, as his family, what did they do for him?

    At the thought of Wang Yang who was embroiled in this dispute, Elder Zhu¡¯s headache acted up again. Wang Yang had always been obedient and well-behaved so why would things turn out like this?

    After Qiao Nan left the Zhu family¡¯s residence, she went straight to Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan could spend hours poring over the books and cassettes that Zhu Baoguo gave her. Even after the exams, she decided to keep to her habit of doing revision daily. Otherwise, she might be toozy to pick up this habit again in the future.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are back?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised when she saw Zhai Sheng. She had not seen him for almost half a year.

    ¡°Yes. Have you finished your middle school exams?¡± Zhai Sheng grew to be even more reticent in less than half a year. The aura he exuded had changed as well.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng did not know how to conceal his abilities. He used to exude a strong and domineering aura like that of an unsheathed sword; now he knew to hide his light under a bushel, simr to an unsheathed sword that lulled the enemy¡¯s vignce.

    Although his sense of presence was no longer so domineering, Qiao Nan still felt stressful even when he was at a considerable far distance from her.

    Qiao Nan scolded herself for using such a bad analogy. She was not writing ssical Chinese now. She shouldpare Brother Zhai to a gun instead of a sword.

    ¡°How did you do on your middle school exams?¡± Zhai Sheng noticed Qiao Nan¡¯splexion was rosier than before. It seemed like this youngdy had led a good life in the past half year during his absence.

 Chapter 122 - Not the Same School

    <h4>Chapter 122: Not the Same School</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng appeared to be dejected when he thought of that.

    ¡°It was quite good. I guess the results will being out in a few days.¡± This time, Qiao Nan walked automatically out of habit to the seat beside Zhai Sheng and sat down. There was no need for Zhai Sheng to motion her over.

    ¡°You seem to be pretty confident. Where did you get these books?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at the foreignnguage books on the desk.

    ¡°My deskmate gave it to me.¡± Zhai Sheng held an English book which Zhu Baoguo gave her in his hands. ¡°Since I am free this summer break, it would be good to do some reading. When I go to high school, I would still need to take English as a subject after all.¡±

    ¡°Do you like English?¡±

    ¡°It is okay.¡± In her previous life, she managed to earn a fair amount of extra ie with her proficiency in English. It could be out of habit that she had the love and will to do well for English.

    ¡°You can read those books as well.¡± Zhai Sheng had flipped through the foreignnguage books that Qiao Nan had. It was covered with detailed notes. It looked like she put in a lot of efforts in them.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s English proficiency level was way higher than the standard of a junior high school student. In fact, she had the talent in foreignnguages.

    Therefore, Zhai Sheng picked some books from his study room that were suitable for Qiao Nan and brought them over today.

    ¡°These books... Are they for me?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. She took the books in excitement and started to look through them. She realized that these books were suitable for her standard.

    Qiao Nan had already read through most of the books Zhu Baoguo gave her and was fussing over what she was going to do for the rest of the summer break.

    ¡°Thank you, Brother Zhai!¡±

    ¡°Use them well.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement, shining brightly like the stars in the night. Zhai Sheng turned awkwardly to avoid eye contact with her.

    With that, Qiao Nan started to pore over the books.

    Whenever Qiao Nan was into her books, she would be so focused to the point of being oblivious to her surroundings. She forgot all about Zhai Sheng who was beside her and failed to notice his asional nces.

    By the time Qiao Nan went back home, Zhai Sheng still did not ask the burning question he had had with him all this while.

    ¡°Maybe she has thrown it away.¡±

    He remembered that he gave Qiao Nan a slip of paper half a year ago but never received a single phone call from her in the past half year.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, Sister.¡± The three of them were already back by the time Qiao Nan reached home.

    ¡°Your sister just had her exams. She finally had her school break; the two of you could have a good chat.¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a good mood today because his two daughters had finished their exams, and they were all back at home.

    ¡°Nan Nan, this is an expensive book. Where did you get it from?¡± Qiao Zijin had sharp eyes. She did not hear what the conversation was about, but she spotted the book in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands.

    Without getting her consent, Qiao Zijin grabbed the book to read. ¡°Published overseas... Where did you get the money to buy such books?!¡±

    ¡°Return it to me!¡± Qiao Nan pulled a long face and snatched her book back like a young leopard cub who would not take no for an answer. ¡°You can put your heart to rest. Dad did not give me so much money, and I did not buy this book. Someone lent it to me. If you tear the book, we could not afford topensate for the loss!¡±

    Qiao Nan went straight to her room afterward.

    ¡°Dad, look at Nan Nan¡¯s attitude!¡± Qiao Zijin stomped her feet. If she could bring the book to school next semester, she would be the envy of all other students. Qiao Nan was too stingy. She did not want the book for herself; she only wanted to borrow it. There was no need to be so tensed up.

    ¡°Is that book really very expensive?¡± Qiao Dongliang was more worried about the book.

    ¡°If I am not wrong, it is priced in US dors, not Chinese currency renminbi. It must be very expensive.¡±

    ¡°So expensive?¡± Ding Jiayi was shocked. ¡°Old Qiao, you had better tell Qiao Nan to return the book. She should know that we do not have the money topensate for the loss so how could she have the guts to bring the book home? Something must be wrong with her. For a book to cost that much, is it made of gold?¡±

    ¡°What do you know? Isn¡¯t it natural for books to be expensive?¡± Qiao Dongliang was shocked at the price as well. Though he was conscious about the price, he did not ask Qiao Nan to return the book. ¡°Nan Nan must have needed it for her studies. Since a young age till now, Nan Nan had been very careful with her things. She knows what she is doing so you do not have to worry about the book.¡±

    He was curious where Nan Nan borrowed such an expensive book from.

    Qiao Zijin was annoyed at the fact that Qiao Dongliang would always side with Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, did Qiao Nan say how she did for her middle school exams? Can she go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    ¡°I am not too sure.¡± Ding Jiayi twitched the corner of her lips. ¡°It seems like she did not flunk her exams. If not, she would not behave this way. She acted her usual ways; it shows that she performed well.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin was displeased. ¡°Mom, are you really going to allow her to advance to high school? Didn¡¯t you say¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Ding Jiayi covered Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t speak of a word to anyone, especially your dad, about what I saidst time. It was just a joke. I gave birth to Qiao Nan. Why would I do that? Besides, she has given her word. If her results are good, she would go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China; if her results are not as good, we would not spend a single cent on her for such a purpose.¡±

    Previously, she had said that she would think of ways to make sure Qiao Nan could not sit for the middle school exams. But she had been too angry then and only said those words out of anger.

    After that Ding Jiayi had reconciled with Qiao Dongliang and her temper gone, she also could not remember her words said in a moment of anger.

    If Qiao Zijin had not brought it up today, Ding Jiayi would have forgotten all about it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be in the same school as her!¡± Qiao Zijin was upset. ¡°You know about the incident with the essay. If Qiao Nan studies in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, how am I going to continue my studies there? How would my teachers view me?¡±

    Not everyone in the school knew that she copied Qiao Nan¡¯s essay, but there had been rumors going around about her.

    If both of them were in the same school, what would other students think of her?

    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Mom. You have toe up with a way to help me. No matter what, Qiao Nan cannot go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I cannot be disgraced.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we will decide when Qiao Nan¡¯s results are out.¡± Ding Jiayi had a headache. ¡°Zijin, do you not think that you have made things tooplicated at times? It is good if Qiao Nan can get into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China based on her own abilities. After all, it is the best high school in Ping Cheng.¡±

    She would be so proud to let everyone know that both of her daughters were students at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Everyone would think that she did a good job as their mother.

    ¡°Mom, are you not helping me?!¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will think of ways.¡± Ding Jiayi was helpless when Qiao Zijin used this tactic on her.

 Chapter 123 - As Long As You Know What You Are Doing

    <h4>Chapter 123: As Long As You Know What You Are Doing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, I know you are the best.¡± After getting a favorable answer, Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°I have a date with my ssmate to buy a dress. Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin drawled her words pleadingly. At the sound of this, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart crumbled.

    Ding Jiayi gave a long sigh. ¡°Zijin, you know that because of your tuition fees, Mom already... Try to save as much as you can whenever possible. It is not like you do not have any clothes to wear. I am not forbidding you to buy, but at least refrain from buying too much.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. I assure you it is just this once. After I buy this dress, I won¡¯t ask you for money again during the whole summer vacation. Actually, I have discussed with my ssmate. During the vacation, I will be taking up a job together with her. In the future, if I really want to buy something, I won¡¯t have to ask you for money anymore.¡±

    ¡°Taking up a job? That will be so tiring for you. If there is really a need to work and earn money, let Qiao Nan do it instead. Don¡¯t get too tanned under the sun. You won¡¯t look good then.¡± Ding Jiayi immediately objected.

    ¡°Mom, it won¡¯t tire me out. This job is not difficult, I can manage. You have to trust me.¡± Qiao Zijin tugged at Ding Jiayi¡¯s arms. ¡°Mom, I will definitely use my first sry to buy you a gift. When the timees, don¡¯t dislike it if it is just a small gift.¡±

    ¡°Why would I? As long as you know what you are doing...¡± Ding Jiayi was smiling so lovingly as though she had eaten sweets.

    Qiao Nan, who came out to get water, heard the idiotic conversation between the mother and daughter pair. She did not know what to say andughed. ¡°Sister, are you going to work?¡±

    Although she did not know how her mother managed to cough out that sum of money at the beginning of the year for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, she was certain that it did note from her mother¡¯s earnings or savings. She probably borrowed from others.

    Didn¡¯t she need to return the money that she owed?

    Could Qiao Zijin really work? Couldn¡¯t she just save some money and ask for less tuition fee from her mother?

    The fact was that Qiao Zijin wanted to spend the money on her own self. Buying a gift for her mother was mere sweet talks. However, her mother thought the sun shone out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s arse; that was what made Qiao Nan speechless.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you looking down on me? Nan Nan, it¡¯s not that I want to chide you. It is not easy for Dad to earn money. Your vacation starts earlier than mine and the duration is so long. You should find a job as well to reduce Dad¡¯s burden. We are not grown-ups, but we should know how to be filial,¡± Qiao Zijin lifted her chin and chided Qiao Nan in her face.

    ¡°Listen, listen! Do you see how sensible your sister is? You are the heartless one who only knows how to spend money in the family!¡± Ding Jiayi echoed.

    ¡°I remember Sister spent all the family savingsst year. During the two months of vacation, she, too, did not step out of the house to work.¡± In this life, Qiao Nan would not be cajoled into finding a job just because of a few sarcasticments. If she heeded their words, her hard-earned money would eventually benefit Qiao Zijin in her material pursuits of new clothing and shoes.

    That being said, Qiao Nan returned to her room after she got her water, not bothering about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s reactions.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I need to discuss a matter with you.¡± At night, Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Dongliang to sit on the bed as she talked.

    ¡°Speak.¡±

    ¡°After Qiao Nanpletes her examination, which school do you n to admit her to?¡±

    ¡°If Nan Nan is eligible, it certainly will be The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China,¡± Qiao Dongliang said as a matter of fact.

    ¡°This will not do!¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°This is not appropriate. If Qiao Nan goes to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, then what will happen to Zijin?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not understand what Ding Jiayi meant at that instant. ¡°Nan Nan is Nan Nan, Zijin is Zijin. Both are not mutually exclusive. What do you mean by what will happen to Zijin if Nan Nan is admitted to the school?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s regarding the essaypetition. If Qiao Nan goes to Zijin¡¯s school, how will the teachers view both of them? Zijin said the matter has not been spread to others in the school. If Qiao Nan attends the same school and others ask her about it, will Qiao Nan be able to refrain from talking about it? If this matter is made known to everyone, is Zijin still going to continue her studies? Yes, Zijin is in the wrong, but shouldn¡¯t a second chance be given to people whomitted mistakes? Is it good to keep harping on this matter? Old Qiao, don¡¯t keep thinking for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake solely because her grades are better than Zijin¡¯s. You should also spare a thought for Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Then, do you mean we should sacrifice Nan Nan because of Zijin?¡± The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was an excellent school. If both his daughters studied there, that would be such a good thing. Why couldn¡¯t they admit Nan Nan to the school?

    ¡°No, we are not sacrificing Qiao Nan because of Zijin. For me, it is because of the 5,000 yuan. I know you me me for spending all the money without discussing with you first, and for seeking Uncle Lee¡¯s help. But Zijin is our daughter. Helping her also means we are helping ourselves. After we dumped in the 5,000 yuan, Zijin¡¯s grades have been improving. She has been progressing and is going to be sessful soon. If Zijin bes distracted because of this matter and cannot concentrate on her studies, won¡¯t our 5,000 yuan go down the drain then? Furthermore, Qiao Nan is intelligent and able to pick things up well. Let me ask you, will Qiao Nan only receive good grades if she attends The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Qiao Nan is not Zijin. Zijin¡¯s foundation in studies is weaker than Qiao Nan¡¯s and will not learn well without the help of good teachers. What about Qiao Nan? Old Qiao, youck confidence in Qiao Nan. She relies on herself, not the teachers. There won¡¯t be much impact on her if she does not attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi in disbelief and shock. ¡°After all, you know that Qiao Nan is smart and good in her studies. Zijin cannot bepared to her at all. I thought that in your eyes, Zijin is the only child that is smart in the entire world, whereas the rest are all idiots.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Listening to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words made Ding Jiayi feel like pinching her own mouth.

    Why was she talking nonsense as if she was obsessed?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale and Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°It is okay. You probably did not realize that you were speaking from your heart. See, you actually know that Qiao Nan¡¯s grades are much better than Zijin¡¯s. From the bottom of your heart, you feel that with Nan Nan¡¯s capability, she will not suffer in her grades even if she does not attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If you know Nan Nan is smart and promising in the future, why don¡¯t you treat her a little better? It is our blessing to have Nan Nan as our daughter, but why did you have to make so much noise? Do you really want Nan Nan to sever ties with you?¡±

    ¡°She dares disown me?! I gave birth to her!¡± Ding Jiayi said stubbornly. ¡°Fine, we¡¯re not discussing this. What are your thoughts regarding what I said just now? Is it alright? Give me a direct answer.¡±

    She really did not want Qiao Nan to study together with Zijin; it would affect thetter¡¯s studies.

    As for the praises regarding Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi also did not understand why she said all that as if it was a matter of fact.

    ¡°You have to let me think about it. I also have to ask Nan Nan for her opinion.¡± Qiao Dongliang was deep in thoughts and did not want to decide right away.

 Chapter 124 - A Heartwarming Little Jacket

    <h4>Chapter 124: A Heartwarming Little Jacket</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Fine, you are the head of the family. You will have the final word.¡± Ding Jiayi smiled. She knew that for Qiao Dongliang to say this, his heart must have wavered.

    Even if Qiao Nan was unwilling, Qiao Dongliang would definitely try to convince her to agree to it.

    Knowing that Qiao Dongliang would certainly be able to persuade Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was happy to save her breath. Regardless of what being said, let Old Qiao be the bad guy in front of Qiao Nan. This would also prevent the situation where Qiao Nan that wretched girl severed their ties and disowned her as a mother.

    It was not easy to have raised this wretched girl up. After a few years, she would havepleted her studies and found a job.

    If the wretched girl did not take her as a mother, then how could she fling Qiao Nan¡¯s money into her hands in the future?

    After investing so much over the years, she had to take back the money she spent raising this daughter up.

    Feeling contented and satisfied, Ding Jiayi lied down and slept. However, Qiao Dongliang tossed and turned as heid on the bed, unable to fall asleep. There were bursts of panic in his heart and he felt very uneasy.

    If he had to do this, Qiao Dongliang would keep feeling sorry and unjustified for Qiao Nan. However, if he did otherwise, he might be wasting the previous savings he dumped in exchange for a good learning environment for Qiao Zijin. No matter what, that was the hard-earned money that he had saved up over a decade.

    Due to this matter, Qiao Dongliang had a sleepless night. He tossed and turned till dawn.

    Contrary to Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi slept particrly well that night. She woke up with a rosy face the next day.

    When Qiao Zijin woke up, she nced at Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi smiled at Qiao Zijin to hint that the matter had been resolved.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face brightened immediately. ¡°Mom, I need to meet my ssmate so that I will not waste the opportunity. It should be decided by today which type of job I will be taking up.¡±

    ¡°Alright, please be careful.¡± Ding Jiayi nodded her head and took out two yuan from her pocket. ¡°Don¡¯t go hungry.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you are so good to me!¡± Holding the two yuan, Qiao Zijin happily kissed Ding Jiayi hard on the face.

    ¡°Really... How old you are now, yet still so mushy. Alright, hurry up and go. Don¡¯t let your ssmate wait for you.¡± Having received a kiss from Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was happy beyond words as if she had just consumed an extremely nutritious soup.

    ¡°Mom, I am leaving first.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who just woke up and came out from her room, saw the mushy scene. Sheughed at the thought that Qiao Zijin had already taken two yuan from her mother prior to earning a single cent from her so-called vacation job.

    Still the same saying. If her mother was willing, no one can stop her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, your dad has something to tell you. In our family, your dad doted on you the most, so you should also dote on him and don¡¯t let him be in a difficult position.¡± When she saw Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi did not feel embarrassed despite having given Qiao Zijin, but not Qiao Nan, some money. She looked calm and even spoke to Qiao Nan in a reprimanding tone.

    ¡°What is happening to my sister again?¡±

    ¡°What about your sister? It¡¯s your dad!¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± Qiao Nan sneered. Whenever her father or mother came looking for her, it was always pertaining to Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters.

    When Qiao Nan saw Qiao Dongliang who just got out of bed, she had a shock. ¡°Dad, did you not sleep yesterday?¡± He had dark circles under his eyes like a panda.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I... I have something to discuss with you.¡± Qiao Dongliang took a long and deep breath. He opened his mouth a few times, and only with great efforts could he finally muster up the courage to speak to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I know, Mom told me. Dad, tell me frankly, what does my sister want?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. ¡°Nan Nan, you also know the matter about the essaypetitionst time. Your sister left a bad impression on the teachers in her school. If you also attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, then your sister¡¯s situation in school would be...¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s nce stilled. Her eyes, which were like ck pearls, looked at Qiao Dongliang gloomily. ¡°Dad, let me first ask a question. Is my sister wrong in this matter, or am I the one in the wrong?¡±

    ¡°Of course it was your sister!¡± There was nothing to doubt about it.

    ¡°Do you mean that although it was my sister whomitted a mistake, you want me, her younger sister, to settle this mess for her? Dad, in other families, the elder sister always gives in to the younger one. When the elder sister gets into trouble, does the younger sister have to tidy up the mess for her? Are these among the things that I should¡ªno, must do? Do I owe my sister?¡±

    ¡°No, of course not!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s words colored Qiao Dongliang red with embarrassment. He was nearly unable to lift up his head. ¡°Nan Nan, Dad was muddle-headed. You are totally right in this matter. On the contrary, your sister owes you. Even if any problems ur, your sister should tolerate and ept them; there is no reason for you to give way to her. Just take it that Dad did not talk to you about this. Dad did not sleep wellst night and was talking nonsense.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious. What I said earlier was not meant to embarrass you. I just hope that you will understand. Despite us being sisters, I am not expected to do anything for her sake. I wish my sister could be like an ordinary one and takes better care of me, her younger sister. I hope this won¡¯t happen again in the future. Even if my sister has some thoughts, don¡¯t blindly kick up a fuss like my mother at the very least. It does not only allow my sister to continue with her nonsense but also dragged me into it.¡±

    After making firm her stand and cing herself at the highest point of justice and morality, Qiao Nan switched the tone of her conversation. ¡°However, Sister always thinks of all these to make things difficult for you all. Since Dad has asked me about it today, it will not be good if I do not agree. I will study at Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    Ping Cheng High School was the same as Qiao Nan¡¯s current school. The school also provided high school education besides junior high education.

    Actually, Ping Cheng High School is also quite famous, just not as famous as The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°Don¡¯t. Why should you lower your standards to enter Ping Cheng High School when you have the ability to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Dad has thought clearly about this. Your sister is bad-tempered and thinks too much, don¡¯t bother about her.¡± After thinking through, Qiao Dongliang did not agree to this matter anymore.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her mouth. If she did not agree to this, there would be no peace at home. ¡°Dad, do you know what the most important reason for me to choose Ping Cheng High School is?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Actually, before the exams, Teacher Chen granted me an opportunity to be admitted directly to Ping Cheng High School without the need to sit for the exams. I declined. If I am eligible to go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China but choose to go to Ping Cheng High School instead, as long as my ranking is not too bad, Ping Cheng High School will waive my tuition and misceneous fees. As such, our family does not need to fork out a single cent for my high school education. If I do well, I will probably receive schrships too.¡±

    Although Qiao Dongliang was a grown-up man, he was close to tears after hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Qiao Dongliang had been really anxious about the family situation. To put it blindly, with no savings at home, he even dared not fall sick, not to mention applying for sick leave.

    Because of money, Qiao Dongliang was so worried that he grew a lot more white hair.

    Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin did not seem to feel anything for him. Their spending habits even worsened by the day.

 Chapter 125 - Should They Be Swapped

    <h4>Chapter 125: Should They Be Swapped</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang could not control Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. He had to save as much money as he could on his own.

    Except for family expenses, Qiao Dongliang, as a grown-up man, had managed to reduce his expense to five yuan a month. He did not even dare to buy protein dishes for his lunch. He only ate vegetarian dishes and simply ordered one dish for every meal.

    As the head of the family, Qiao Dongliang was very worried, yet he was embarrassed to tell the threedies at home.

    Qiao Dongliang always thought that the person who cared for him the most in the family was his wife, Ding Jiayi. No one knew it was actually his younger daughter, who was usually the quietest and did not talk much, who cared the most.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you... Is it because you know Dad is very worried about money that you decided to go to Ping Cheng High School?¡± Qiao Dongliang pinched his nose and sounded stuffy.

    ¡°Yes, if both my sister and I are going to college, I know that both Mom and you can¡¯t afford it.¡± Qiao Nan replied without showing much emotion. ¡°I know I am different from my sister. Dad and Mom favored my sister since young. I know what Mom meant when she previously insisted that I find a job. It was not easy for Dad to support me in continuing my studies. Although I cannot earn money now, I can help lessen a bit of your burden at the very least.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, isn¡¯t Dad quite useless? I wanted daughters but was not capable of raising them.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone was full of bitterness. So the younger daughter knew all along but did not say a word. Instead, she silently endured everything. ¡°Nan Nan, are you suffering?¡±

    ¡°Initially, I was. I do not understand why Sister and I are treated so differently though we are both your daughters. But after a long time, I do not feel anything anymore.¡±

    The more indifferent Qiao Nan was, the more Qiao Dongliang med himself. The child had suffered for so long that she was already numb to it. She did not have much affection left for her parents.

    No wonder neither did Qiao Nan say a thing nor persuade them to stop each time he quarreled with Old Ding in the recent year.

    ¡°Dad, leave for your work. You do not ever need to worry about this again. You still have two years to save up for my sister¡¯s college fees. As for mine, let¡¯s talk again in the future.¡± At the thought of the Qiao family¡¯s financial situation, Qiao Nan¡¯s head was also in great pain.

    Actually, she could really find a vacation job with her current situation, and she would definitely be able to earn more than Qiao Zijin.

    However, she did not want it to be a habit for her family. They would think she knew how to earn money and could settle everything on her own. If that was not enough, they might even ask her for money when they met with any financial problems.

    She had already had enough of being her mother and Qiao Zijin¡¯s mobile ATM in her previous life.

    ¡°Okay, it is finally the summer vacation period. You should rest more too. Don¡¯t always read books, it¡¯s not good for your eyes.¡± Qiao Dongliang perked himself up. Nan Nan had spared considerable thoughts for him. If he did not get his act together, he did not deserve to be called ¡®Dad¡¯ by Nan Nan.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you are in quite a good mood today.¡± When Qiao Dongliang arrived at the factory, his colleagues greeted him with smiles. ¡°How is it? Has the problem been resolved?¡±

    ¡°Is it so obvious?¡± Qiao Dongliang touched his chin.

    ¡°Yes, but you should also know how sharp your brother¡¯s eyes are. Have you settled the issue regarding the money for your daughters¡¯ studies?¡± The colleague was well aware of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation. He knew that Qiao Dongliang had two daughters; both were studying and were only one grade apart from each other.

    Education would cost more as it progresses toward itspletion.

    ¡°My younger daughter¡¯s grades are good and could most probably attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If she is eligible, has a good ranking but chose to attend Ping Cheng High School instead, the tuition fees will be waived and she will also receive a schrship.¡±

    ¡°Really? Your younger daughter is so capable!¡± The colleague was surprised. ¡°She will rather study in Ping Cheng High School than The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Old Qiao, you are so blessed. No wonder the elderly always say that daughters are like a little jacket. If only that lousy son of mine is more diligent and make me re up less for his grades, I will consider him filial. At this age, having a son is no better than a daughter.¡±

    ¡°My family¡¯s Nan Nan is quite sensible.¡±

    ¡°But Old Qiao, isn¡¯t your elder daughter from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China as well? Why didn¡¯t she do the same previously? If she also did that and entered Ping Cheng High School, then your two daughters¡¯ high school education would be free of charge. When they are in college, money will flow out like running water; there will be more expenses than earnings. One should save as much as possible during the high school days.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed. ¡°My elder daughter is not as considerate as my younger one.¡±

    Rather than helping him save money, Zijin spent all the money in the family instead. Only then did she have the opportunity to study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Nan Nan had the opportunity to enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but she would rather attend Ping Cheng High School in order to save money. Zijin did not meet the mark, yet insisted on entering the school.

    Comparing the two daughters, Qiao Dongliang became a little apprehensive.

    Raising children was akin to preparation for old age. As he did not have a son, he wanted to take in a son-inw for Zijin so that she could remain in the family. However, with that character of hers, could he rely on her in his old age?

    Looking at the current situation, Nan Nan was obviously more filial than Zijin.

    ¡°I see. But it is already good enough. Both your daughters are cut out for studies. For you to have one that is so sensible is also a blessing. Having raised such a daughter is much less worrying than having a son.¡± Patting Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders, the colleague went back to his work.

    His colleague¡¯s words pulled the strings in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart and triggered a thought. He secretly assessed this possibility.

    If he really had to pick a daughter to remain by his side, he would certainly pick a better one¡ªone that was more capable than a son.

    When they were young, Zijin seemed bubblier than Qiao Nan. She also had a sweet tongue and was active in interacting with others.

    But looking at the current situation, although Nan Nan was often silent, she was very clear-minded and able to assess what was right and wrong.

    Qiao Nan did not know that the n she had decided long ago would change Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind. To save the tuition and misceneous fees, she really did not want to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Most importantly, she wanted to stay further away from Qiao Zijin to avoid being plotted against and bullied by her again.

    Never did she expect that Qiao Zijin also had the same thoughts. She unknowingly granted a huge favor to Qiao Nan and allowed Qiao Nan to mercilessly gain a strong foothold in Qiao Dongliang¡¯ heart, establishing the image of a model daughter with three important virtues: good in studies, life attitude and health.

    At this point, Qiao Dongliang only had one thought in his mind. If he wanted to raise a daughter, he would prefer to have one like his younger daughter.

    Qiao Nan, who was still at home, was stunned as she stared at the empty house.

    It was really rare that Qiao Zijin left the house earlier than her since the vacation started.

    There was no one at home. Did she still need to revise at the Zhai¡¯s residence?

    ¡°Is anyone at home?¡± Before Qiao Nan could decide on whether she was going to the Zhai¡¯s residence, she heard a stranger¡¯s voiceing from the door.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s sense of alert heightened. She did not dare to just open the door for anyone.

    Qiao Nan walked to the side of the window and looked out. She saw a big, tall blurry figure and was puzzled. Who was this?

    When Qiao Nan vaguely saw the man¡¯s facial features, which she found slightly familiar, she realized who the person was. ¡°It is him. Why did hee?¡±

 Chapter 126 - Negotiation

    <h4>Chapter 126: Negotiation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After confirming that the visitor was not entirely a stranger, Qiao Nan opened the door. ¡°You are...¡± Looking at the man before her, Qiao Nan paused for a moment ¡°Officer Zhu?¡±

    ¡°If you do not mind, you can call me Uncle Zhu.¡± Zhu Chengqi was subtly sizing up Qiao Nan with a few nces. ¡°Can we go in and talk?¡±

    Zhu Chengqi just came back from the army, and he had not changed out of his military attire. Wearing the cold and crisp military uniform, Zhu Chengqi exuded a feeling of aloofness that kept people away.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Qiao Nan could not bring herself to call him ¡®Uncle¡¯. ¡°Do you have any matter for today¡¯s visit?¡±

    ¡°It is regarding Baoguo. I already know about it. First, as a father, I would like to thank you for the positive influence on Baoguo. As for what happened during his middle school examination, I have rified the matter.¡± Since Zhu Chengqi¡¯s sitting posture was very prim and proper, people around him also felt obliged to sit upright in a serious manner.

    ¡°You have rified the matter?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have,¡± Zhu Chengqi said. He seemed to be deep in thoughts as he nced at Qiao Nan. He did not expect that the most cool-headed person in this matter was not his son, sister or father; it was someone who did not belong to the Zhu family¡ªa ssmate of his son.

    ¡°Good that it has been rified.¡± Qiao Nan nodded with relief. ¡°There is one matter which was not convenient for me to speak about in the residence of the Zhu family at that time. However, I feel that, as Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father, you should know about this.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Around the beginning of this year, Wang Yang once led a group of people to round up on me. As for the reason, I believe you should know by now without the need for me to exin. Wang Yang harbored a sense of enmity toward Zhu Baoguo. Regarding the incident where Zhu Baoguo was so badly beaten, not finding out the truth of the matter indicates that you failed to fulfill your responsibility as Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father.¡±

    Elder Zhu was quite good to Wang Yang, his maternal grandson. Zhu Qin would definitely side with her own son.

    Qiao Nan knew that if she revealed the matter about Wang Yang rounding her up at that time, Zhu Baoguo would be furious to the point of losing his sanity and make a fuss about it. That would cause the situation to go out of control and be unfavorable to Zhu Baoguo. There was no advantage in doing that.

    Zhu Baoguo was like a little calf. As long as he saw something red, his eyes would burn with anger, and he would lose his mind easily.

    Wang Yang drugged Zhu Baoguo and nearly caused him to miss the middle school examination. However, neither Elder Zhu nor Zhu Qin believed it. If she were to reveal that Wang Yang was the mastermind behind the previous incident where Zhu Baoguo was nearly killed by the hooligans, would Elder Zhu and Zhu Qin believe her?

    Zhu Chengqi was shocked. He did not expect the matter Qiao Nan was referring to was actually this. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I do not have the need to lie,¡± Qiao Nan replied very calmly.

    ¡°Alright, I know.¡± Zhu Chengqi looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°No matter what, you have been a great help to Zhu family this time. Is there anything you want?¡± ( Boxno vel. co m )

    The matter about Wang Yang aside, Qiao Nan had been indispensable in helping Zhu Baoguo with his middle school examination. The Zhu family did not have the habit of owing others a favor.

    After hearing what Zhu Chengqi said, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed.

    Zhu Chengqi said directly, ¡°You do not need to feel burdened by this. Everyone has their own ways of doing things. Even if you ept my gratitude, you can still continue to be friends to Baoguo. I will not stop you, and I also do not have the intention of looking down on you.¡±

    ¡°You think too much.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. The difort she felt earlier eased immediately.

    Since ancient times, people are particr about whether a married couplees from equal family background and social status. Sometimes, the same goes for befriending someone.

    The situation of the Qiao family could not bepared to that of the Zhu family¡¯s. Because of Zhu Baoguo, the Zhu family owed her a big favor, and this favor had to be repaid. Rather than waiting for the Qiao family to ask for the sky, Zhu Chengqi would rather take the initiative to return the favor they owed first.

    Qiao Nan stood up quietly and returned to her own bedroom. She took out a set of English books, tapes, and sound recorder. ¡°These are the gifts from Zhu Baoguo. The Zhu family does not owe me anything. Zhu Baoguo and I also have an innocent rtionship.¡±

    ¡°So these things bought by Baoguo previously were for you.¡± Zhu Chengqi was clearly aware that the things in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were not things the Qiao family could afford.

    Looking at those things, Zhu Chengqi nodded. ¡°Alright, then this will do. As the father of Zhu Baoguo, I still want to say a word of thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao!¡± Just when Zhu Chengqi and Qiao Nan¡¯s conversation wasing to an end, the voice of Zhu Baoguo could be heard from outside. ¡°Xiao Qiao!¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows and let Zhu Baoguo in.

    ¡°I heard that my dad came to look for you. What did he tell you? No, no matter what he told you, don¡¯t take it to heart. My dad doesn¡¯t even like me, his own son; of course he won¡¯t like my friends too. So, whatever he tells you are untrue. He is him, I am me. Don¡¯t mistake his words for my attitude.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi, who was walking out, knitted his brows. ¡°One should always stand and sit in proper manners. What did I normally teach you?¡±

    ¡°Have you ever taught me? Don¡¯t put up a fatherly front every time you appear. I don¡¯t buy your tactics!¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes became still and his tone was defiant.

    ¡°If both of you want to quarrel and bond with each other, go back to the Zhu family. This is the Qiao family.¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her mouth. They looked as if they were about to quarrel at the entrance of her house.

    ¡°Who is bonding with him!¡±

    ¡°Sorry to disturb.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo gave Zhu Chengqi a stare. ¡°There are 365 days in a year. For how many days are you at home? You only see me a few times a year. Let me tell you. Don¡¯t interfere in Xiao Qiao¡¯s and my matters. My auntie is crazy. Do you want to follow in her steps? Xiao Qiao is my sister; we are not in the messy rtionship she mentioned. She did not even admit to her son¡¯s wrongdoing and still acted innocent. Damn, yours truly¡ªyour father, was the one being harmed. She still had the cheek to say Wang Yang was wronged!¡±

    ¡°Whose father are you?¡±

    ¡°Whose father are you?¡±

    At this juncture, Zhu Chengqi and Qiao Nan had the same expression as they shouted at Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo gave Zhu Chengqi a defiant stare. Nevertheless, because Qiao Nan also said the same thing, Zhu Baoguo did not reply with uglier words in the end.

    ¡°I seemed to have heard something else just now. Should Officer Zhu give me an exnation on this?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned stiff. She looked at Zhu Chengqi without any reservation. She could not choose her next-of-kin and was unable to escape the constant bullying from her mother and Qiao Zijin. However, the same saying still applied. She would not allow anyone outside the family to bully her easily regardless.

    ¡°It was just a false guess. You do not need to take it to heart.¡± Zhu Chengqi was not flustered.

    ¡°Rumors¡ªit is all a matter of perspective. But you must know. If you say a false thing a thousand times, someone will believe it. If the rumors affect me negatively, who will be responsible? Officer Zhu, don¡¯t you think you made it sound too simple?¡± Qiao Nan became solemn. ¡°I do not wish to get into trouble. Officer Zhu, are you forcing me to state my stand?¡±

 Chapter 127 - Reversed

    <h4>Chapter 127: Reversed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Chengqi was stunned for a while.

    He was very happy that his son had a good teacher and friend like Qiao Nan. He did not intend to object to their rtionship. Unexpectedly, the other party had a temperament of avoiding trouble and wanted to retreat instead.

    ¡°What do you mean? You don¡¯t act like a father yourself, yet you don¡¯t let me make friends with others?¡± Zhu Baoguo inferred from what he heard that Qiao Nan intended to break off friendship with him. He was so anxious that he wanted to bang Zhu Chengqi a few times.

    ¡°Then, who do you want?¡±

    ¡°Can what I want be done?¡± She knew how to y Tai Chi as well.

    Zhu Chengqi raised his eyebrows with interest. Compared to the youngdy before him, his own son seemed like a fool. ¡°Alright, if there are any unfavorable rumors of you from the quad, I will personally bring the members of the Zhu family to exin to you. Is this fine with you?¡±

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s position in the army was not low. The reason Wang Yang plotted against Zhu Baoguo was also because Zhu Baoguo had a formidable father.

    Most people in the quad had to bow and nod when they saw Zhu Chengqi. Whoever dared to make him initiate a visit to their doorstep would always pay a visit to him instead. Whether they could see Zhu Chengqi during the visit would also depend on their luck.

    ¡°This is fine,¡± Qiao Nan replied in a serious manner.

    Given Zhu Chengqi¡¯s status in the quad, who dared to not believe what he said.

    ¡°Are you relieved now?¡± Zhu Chengqi looked at Zhu Baoguo and asked.

    As long as it was a good friend, he would not stop his son from mixing with them. Obviously, Qiao Nan fell into this category.

    However, Zhu Chengqi had taken the issue regarding his nephew to heart. He did not expect that his nephew, who was seemingly sensible and obedient, actually had these ill intentions.

    Judging by this, the grandson did not inherit the qualities of the Zhu family at all. He inherited the Wang family¡¯s temperament.

    Many years ago, he disagreed when Zhu Qin wanted to marry Wang Qinglin.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Zhu Baoguo snorted in disapproval. What was there to be satisfied with? If not for the fact that everyone believed Wang Yang but not him, thisedy would not havee about. Subsequently, Xiao Qiao would not be angry with him. At the end of the day, it happened all because of his family.

    Given Zhu Baoguo¡¯s character, Zhu Chengqi had to hint Qiao Nan with his eyes. Qiao Nan nodded her head to express that she would not reveal that matter to Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo had been vignt enough toward Wang Yang because of the incident during the middle school examination.

    Unless Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang abstained from interacting with each other for the rest of their lives, or Wang Yang no longer visited the Zhu¡¯s residence, it was really inappropriate for Zhu Baoguo to know about this matter.

    ¡°Baoguo, can you go back with me now?¡± Zhu Chengqi felt more assured gradually that his son was learning together with Qiao Nan. No wonder people often say youngdies are much more mature than boys.

    Clearly, this youngdy was younger than Baoguo by a year, yet her manners and thoughts were simr to that of an adult. It was really rare.

    At Zhu Chengqi¡¯s position and level, he had seen a lot of people.

    Not to mention having such a conversation with a child, Zhu Chengqi had encountered many grown-ups who could not even understand what others were talking about. A hint notwithstanding, they might not even get it if the matter was exined in an outright manner.

    Therefore, Zhu Chengqi normally found it most annoying to interact with others.

    For today¡¯s visit to the Qiao family, Zhu Chengqi had put in great efforts and preparation. The reason was that the other party was not only his son¡¯s friend but also someone who had helped his son many times.

    In the end, the interaction process was unexpectedly smooth.

    The father and son were walking on the road, one at each side. They were at least about one meter apart, ignoring each other and silently walking on their own.

    Soon after, Zhu Chengqi spoke, ¡°This little ssmate of yours is quite interesting. You should learn more from her. She definitely has the ability to be your teacher. Your grandpa has a good judgment of character.¡±

    Naturally, Zhu Chengqi knew his father-inw was the one who found his son this little teacher, Qiao Nan. Unexpectedly, his father-inw found a really suitable teacher for his son.

    ¡°That is indeed true. Xiao Qiao is very good, and she is so smart. She clinched the first ce in the provincial essay writingpetition during thest semester. Xiao Qiao¡¯s English is excellent. I think she can fulfill the role of a diplomat or something in the future.¡± At the mention of Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes lit up and had a lot more to say to Zhu Chengqi. ¡°You will see. We can probably check the grades tomorrow. Xiao Qiao will definitely do well for this middle school examination. Don¡¯t always say that Wang Yang is good in his studies. Compared to Xiao Qiao, those grades of Wang Yang are nothing.¡±

    His son¡¯s words were not graceful, nor did it have the decency and seriousness of a soldier.

    However, Zhu Chengqi was never close with this son of his. Although his family tried hard to create bonding time for just the two of them, he and Zhu Baoguo would always sit at both ends of the sofa each. There would be space for at least two or three people to sit between them.

    Surrounding the father and son was silence and nothing else.

    Zhu Baoguo was deliberately not talking to him to show his displeasure. Zhu Chengqi had so much to say but did not know how to begin.

    It was rare that his son had so much to tell him. As such, Zhu Chengqi did not bother to correct Zhu Baoguo on his minor poor manner of speech.

    At the thought of how his son¡¯s earlier word ¡®your father¡¯ had provoked Qiao Nan¡¯s displeasure, and the way that son of his shut up in return, Zhu Chengqi knew that it was certainly not because of him. In the past, his son would always sing the opposite tune of him for anything Zhu Chengqi objected to. Thus, the reason his son was willing to shut up today was undoubtedly because of the youngdy.

    Upon these thoughts, Zhu Chengqi suddenly felt that even if what Wang Yang said was true¡ªthat his son really had a romantic rtionship with the youngdy¡ªthere was nothing bad about it. They would be considered childhood sweethearts, just like his wife and him.

    Putting aside other matters, it was a fact that the youngdy could tame his son.

    ¡°Hey, are you really listening to what I said?¡± Zhu Baoguo spoke like a never-ending stream for a long time but did not get any reaction from Zhu Chengqi. This seemed to have stirred up a nest of hos and made Zhu Baoguo unhappy. ¡°You were the one who asked me about Xiao Qiao, but you were in a daze afterward. Don¡¯t listen if you don¡¯t want to. I will not force you to. You all are really too much. Why didn¡¯t anyone in the family give me such a sensible and good sister like Xiao Qiao? As a result, I had to find a sister from outside the family. That¡¯s where you all did not fulfill your responsibility!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Chengqi sighed and was stunned by the fact that his son had not been enlightened. He only wanted a sister, not a girlfriend. What could he say? ¡°Alright, it is time to go home. Grandpa is still waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°Why wait for me? Does he still want to scold me or say that I wronged Wang Yang? Wang Yang is so merciless and full of bad intentions. He actually thought of boiling the sleeping pills and soaking the fruits in the dissolved solution. Damn, such a person is most suitable for the role of a spy or traitor during war times!¡± As he said that, Zhu Baoguo acted as if he had a whip in his hand and pretended to whip someone.

    ¡°Alright, do not bring up this matter again when we are back.¡± The slight curve at the stiff corners of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes revealed his amusement. That youngdy was so calm and steady, but his son behaved like a child. The picture of the two of them together obviously did not seem like that of an elder brother and younger sister; their roles should be reversed.

 Chapter 128 - No Eggs Can Remain Unbroken When the Nest Is Upset

    <h4>Chapter 128: No Eggs Can Remain Unbroken When the Nest Is Upset</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What Zhu Chengqi did not know was that, to Qiao Nan, looking after Zhu Baoguo was akin to looking after a son.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t bring it up. I am the least bit interested to hang out with Wang Yang. It was Wang Yang who always stuck to me at home, addressing me as his brother. He even lodged aint to Grandpa, saying that I ignored him. What a cunning, deceitful, and vicious mean boy!¡± A childish Zhu Baoguo used all the negative expressions he could think of to describe Wang Yang, wanting Zhu Chengqi to understand that Wang Yang was a bad person.

    Zhu Chengqi pressed his lips, creating a thin line. ¡°You should really learn from Qiao Nan; in particr, learn Chinese from her. I believe she would definitelye in the first ce for her essay.¡±

    Qiao Nan could let him know of Wang Yang¡¯s character and behavior in one sentence, yet his son had to use all the expressions he could think of to describe Wang Yang. Zhu Chengqi found it amusing.

    Their standards were worlds apart.

    ¡°Do you know which high school Qiao Nan is going to?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao has told me long ago. It is Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China better?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao said that if she studies at Ping Cheng High School with her results, she could be exempted from paying tuition and incidental fees. Xiao Qiao¡¯s family is not well-to-do, and her mother is a fool. She spent all the money they had to ask Grandpa to arrange for her sister to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If she did not have the ability, she should not insist to study there. She must be a fool. But the biggest fool is Xiao Qiao. Her sister could spend all the savings they had at home, so why does she have to save up for the family by studying at Ping Cheng High School and getting a schrship? She is too nice and too filial. This is what we call unquestioning filial piety!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was pleased and proud of himself that he could use the expressions urately. Time spent with Xiao Qiao was not wasted; his Chinese had improved tremendously.

    ¡°Unquestioning filial piety?¡± Zhu Chengqi gave a meaningful smile. ¡°Baoguo, after learning Chinese for such a long time, do you know the meaning of ¡®no eggs can remain unbroken when the nest is upset¡¯?¡± ( Boxno vel. co m )

    The youngdy was not foolish. On the contrary, she was very smart.

    Qiao Dongliang was the sole breadwinner of the Qiao family. If anything happened to him, not to mention Qiao Nan, both sisters would not be able to continue with their studies.

    Qiao Nan made it easier for Qiao Dongliang to ensure she would have the opportunity to study.

    If this youngdy was fit, she would make a good soldier in the army. She was very quick-witted.

    It might seem like she was at a disadvantage, but in fact, even if she did not gain any advantage, she had protected her own interests at the very least.

    Under such dire situation, Qiao Nan was able to protect her interests to the very best. She was not to be underestimated.

    Qiao Nan went to great lengths to make sure she could continue with her studies, yet his own son had brawns but no brains. Zhu Chengqi did not know what to say.

    By right, with such a grindstone like Wang Yang at the Zhu family, he should see some improvements in Baoguo, but reality proved him wrong.

    ¡°Alright, we have arrived.¡± Zhu Chengqi patted his son¡¯s shoulder. Zhu Chengqi pulled Zhu Baoguo into the Zhu family¡¯s residence. By the time they reached home, Wang Yang and Zhu Qin were nowhere to be seen.

    Not to mention Wang Yang, even Zhu Qin was too ashamed to stay at Zhu family¡¯s residence. She was too disgraced to face her nephew, Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo overslept on the day of middle school exams because he ate fruits that had doses of sleeping pills in it.

    To think that Wang Yang came up with the idea of soaking the fruits in sleeping draught and had Zhu Baoguo eat the fruits... There was no way that one could say Wang Yang did it unintentionally.

    Even if Wang Yang was to argue that he did it because he was worried Zhu Baoguo would be too nervous to sleep¡ªand if he told Zhu Baoguo the truth, he would not eat them¡ªone could tell that the doses were too high from the fact that Zhu Baoguo fell into a deep sleep.

    These were sleeping pills. If anything went wrong, life would be at stake.

    More importantly, like what Zhu Baoguo had said, such a coincidence as there was no one but Wang Yang at Zhu family¡¯s residence that day¡ªtelling everyone he saw Zhu Baoguo went off to school early in the morning¡ªwas almost improbable.

    Even if he had a good reason, one could not help but be suspicious of him. Besides, not only was his reason not good enough, it was full of loopholes.

    ¡°Baoguo, you are back?¡± Wang Yang and Zhu Qin left straight away. Elder Zhu who had nowhere to go to was awkward. He did not know what to say when his beloved grandson came home.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zhu Baoguo responded dully.

    ¡°You and your dad have met the younger daughter of the Qiao family, have you not?¡± Elder Zhu smiled bitterly. It seemed like Baoguo had some grudges toward him, but Wang Yang...

    Elder Zhu had a bad headache. He did not know whether he should believe that Wang Yang¡¯s mistake wasmitted out of good intentions, or that he really harbored evil intentions toward his cousin.

    ¡°We have seen her. The youngdy is pretty smart. It would be good for Baoguo to hang out with her often. He would be able to learn from her and will not be easily plotted against in the future. But Dad, regarding Wang Qinglin, there is no need to consider further. We would go by the book. His promotion would be dependent on his abilities.¡± Zhu Chengqi sat down and poured tea for Elder Zhu and himself. This was going for peaceful measures before using force.

    Elder Zhu had always pampered his daughter, Zhu Qin.

    Otherwise, Elder Zhu would not have been so generous to Wang Yang.

    Zhu Chengqi would always look out for his brother-inw, Wang Qinglin, on ount of his younger sister, Zhu Qin.

    He spent most of his time in the army; he seldom stayed at home. In the army, he would look after Wang Qinglin. Contrariwise, Wang Qinglin¡¯s son had the impudence to bully his son at Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes darkened when he thought of what Qiao Nan told him today.

    ¡°Chengqi, it is normal for youngsters to quarrel. You should not...¡± Elder Zhu hurriedly put in a good word for his son-inw when he heard that his promotion might be affected.

    Elder Zhu had retired long ago, and he had handed everything over to his only son, Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Chengqi was the master in the house, not Elder Zhu. When all was said and done, Elder Zhu was still Zhu Chengqi¡¯s father. Thus, Zhu Chengqi could not disregard his father¡¯s words.

    ¡°Dad, tell this to Baoguo. If you can do that, I will help with Wang Qinglin¡¯s promotion.¡± Zhu Chengqi was not angered by his father¡¯s words. He maintained his calm andposure as if Elder Zhu did not side with Wang Qinglin.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Elder Zhu wanted to talk to Zhu Baoguo, persuading him to help his uncle.

    However, when he saw how angry Zhu Baoguo was, he could not bring himself to say a word. After all, he was still closer to his grandson aspared to his maternal grandson.

    In the past, Elder Zhu would always dote on Zhu Baoguo. He would always go ording to his wishes. It had be a habit. He had made an exception because of Wang Yang¡¯s incident today. If he was to say anything more, it would be too much to ask of Elder Zhu.

    Elder Zhu sighed, giving in to Zhu Chengqi. He would not object to how Zhu Chengqi handled Wang Qinglin¡¯s promotion.

    ¡°Dad, Zhu Qin was a married woman. She is a part of the Wang family now.¡±

 Chapter 129 - Top Female Scorer

    <h4>Chapter 129: Top Female Scorer</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°ording to the old practices, she is no longer Zhu Qin but Wang Zhuqin. Dad, do you get my meaning?¡± There was some truth to the saying ¡®A daughter married is like water spilled¡¯.

    His sister, Zhu Qin, was now biased toward the Wang family.

    Although she always visited the Zhu family, it was not to maintain her ties with them but to get Zhu Chengqi to help Wang Qinglin.

    ¡°Alright, do as you see fit since you are the one who makes the decisions in this house.¡± Despite being angry, Elder Zhu had no other choices. ¡°I am tired. I will have a rest on the bed. No one is to disturb me.¡±

    Elder Zhu walked off angrily. Zhu Baoguo scooted near to Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Dad, is Grandpa angry with us?¡±

    Zhu Chengqi nced at the proximity between his son and him. They had never been so close to each other before. He said nonchntly, ¡°Are you afraid that your grandpa would be angry with you?¡±

    ¡°What is there to be scared of? I am still angry with him. He praised Wang Yang in front of me, saying he was well-behaved and I should learn from him. What is there to learn? He was simply a bad guy who is full of wicked ideas. I have never liked him since I was little. I hope I will never see him at our house again!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was pleased with what Zhu Chengqi said just now.

    ¡°It is impossible for him not to visit our house.¡± There was no way they could sever ties with the Wang family. Zhu Chengqi looked at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Know your limits. After being plotted against by Wang Yang this time, you should learn how to be smart. Look at the way Qiao Nan deals with things. You are older than her, yet you have to learn from a youngdy like her. You should keep your wits about you.¡±

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Zhu Baoguo snorted and walked off to his room.

    Back at his room, Zhu Baoguo jumped around happily.

    Seventeen years... It had been seventeen years. Not counting the years when Wang Yang was born and was still very young. Since Wang Yang was three years old, he had been pulling all sorts of pranks on him. Today, Wang Yang finally suffered a setback and was knocked down brutally. Thinking about it made him happy.

    Apart from Qiao Nan, no one in the Qiao family knew about what had happened at the Zhu family.

    The next morning, Qiao Dongliang had just woken up and was brushing his teeth when he heard exploding sounds of firecrackersing from outside the house. He frowned at the loud sounds. ¡°Who sets off the firecrackers early in the morning? Are they asking for a beating?¡±

    ¡°Who created such a din in the morning?¡± Ding Jiayi yawned as she came out, putting on her jacket. She did not have the time tob her hair; it looked very messy.

    ¡°No idea, there is no wedding or any other happy asion in the quad.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head, feeling perplexed. ¡°It is gettingte. We must hurry to wash up and go to work.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had a look of doubt in his eyes when he nced at Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang still could not figure out how his wife managed toe up with the money to pay for the elder daughter¡¯s school fees for this semester.

    It had been very peaceful and quiet for the past half a year and that made him uneasy.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao.¡± Elder Lee¡¯s voice could be heard from the door.

    ¡°Uncle Lee?¡± Qiao Dongliang was shocked. He quickly rinsed off the toothpaste foam in his mouth, wiped his mouth with the towel, and hurried to open the door. ¡°Uncle Lee, why would you visit us so early in the morning?¡±

    ¡°Set off the firecrackers.¡± As soon as Qiao Dongliang opened the door, Zhu Baoguo, who was by Elder Lee¡¯s side, shouted for the surrounding people to set off the firecrackers.

    Deafening sounds of the firecrackers could be heard all over the quad. Everyone knew it was the Qiao family who set off the firecrackers. What could the happy asion at Qiao family residence be?

    A lot of neighbors crowded around in no time.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, what... what is the meaning of this?¡± Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded. He did not understand Uncle Lee¡¯s intention.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, Xiao Qiao did fabulously in the middle school exams. She is the top scorer in Ping Cheng!¡± Zhu Baoguo gave a thumbs-up. He looked so excited and proud as if he was the top scorer.

    ¡°What? Our Nan Nan came in at which ce?¡± Qiao Dongliang paused momentarily. The sounds of the firecrackers were too deafening, obscuring Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words. He had a buzzing sound in his ear and was starting to hear things.

    Qiao Dongliang knew Nan Nan had pretty good results, but he thought that was only within Ping Cheng Junior High School. There were a lot of other junior high schools in the whole of Ping Cheng. She could not possibly do so well.

    ¡°Uncle, I guess I am not fully awake. Did Baoguo just say that our Nan Nan came in first in the middle school exams and is the top scorer in the city?¡± Qiao Dongliang blinked his eyes in confusion.

    ¡°You have heard it correctly. The results were outst night, so we specially came over to congratte you. Nan Nan is so smart. She did well for her middle school exams and made the quad proud.¡± Elder Lee smiled. He could understand that Qiao Dongliang must have found the unexpected piece of happy news to be too surreal.

    The elders toiled hard for their whole life, and their only wish was for their juniors to be sessful.

    ¡°What? Did the younger daughter of the Qiao familye in first in the middle school exams?¡±

    ¡°Cannot be, it¡¯s the middle school exams. There are so many students in Ping Cheng; it is not even easy toe in first in the ss.¡±

    ¡°Did she rank first in Ping Cheng or the whole province?¡±

    ¡°I have said long ago that the younger daughter of the Qiao family is very smart. I can tell that she is very quick-witted from a single look. I heard from my child she had very good results in her school. She even took first ce in the whole province for essaypetition.¡±

    ¡°What kind of food did the younger daughter of the Qiao family consume to have grown up to be so smart?¡±

    Comparisons were odious.

    If their own child coulde in first ce in ss, not to mention first in the whole province, they would be so overjoyed that they would wake up from sleep with a smile.

    All of a sudden, everyone in the quad was discussing how brilliant, well-behaved and nice Qiao Nan was. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin turned green in anger at their words.

    ¡°Uncle, our Nan Nan really ranked first!¡± Everyone was saying Qiao Nan came in the first ce. The news finally sunk in. Qiao Dongliang asked the question again out of happiness and surprise.

    ¡°It is true. Nan Nan¡¯s school must have received the notice as well. I suppose Ping Cheng Junior High School will hang the banner today. By then, everyone in this area would know that Nan Nan is the top scorer in the middle school exams.¡± Elder Lee smiled and nodded. It might have been a good decision for Xiao Qiao to give up on the army and had a second child. ¡°Xiao Qiao, it seemed like your decision back then was right. It is good that you had Nan Nan; she is such a good daughter.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are up.¡± Elder Lee looked at Qiao Nan with affection. ¡°Nan Nan, congrattions. You came in first in the middle school exams; you are the top female scorer.¡±

    ¡°The results are out?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows in surprise. ¡°That is so fast. First ce? Are you sure?¡± Even though she felt she did well, she did not think she woulde in the first ce and be the top scorer.

    ¡°Definitely. You are not only the first ce but also more than 220 points ahead of others. Nan Nan, your results are fabulous.¡± Elder Lee was all praises for Qiao Nan¡¯s good results.

    She had full marks for Mathematics and English. Her Chinese only had a deduction of two marks.

    Elder Lee¡¯s heart jumped a beat at the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s results. How did she do it?

    Apart from Elder Lee, the teachers who read the exam papers all had mixed emotions when they saw Qiao Nan¡¯s papers and her marks.

 Chapter 130 - Love-Hate Emotions

    <h4>Chapter 130: Love-Hate Emotions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was such a pity that the student with such good results was not their student!

    No, there must be some mistakes. It was not elementary exams, so how could it be so easy to score full marks for a few subjects. They must have overlooked or missed out on some parts.

    Following this train of thought, several teachers who were in charge of marking the papers went over all of Qiao Nan¡¯s papers several times. They checked every single detail carefully. They were so detailed that they were just a step away from using magnifying sses and microscopes.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s results had been under the strictest examination and marking of many teachers.

    Mathematics was more straightforward; there wasn¡¯t much to check. The punctuation Qiao Nan used was just right, not too many and not too little.

    As for Chinese, all of the Humanities and Arts teachers were exasperated when they saw her papers.

    Looking at the exam paper which had two marks deducted, they wished it had received a full marks score instead.

    Qiao Nan scored full marks for her essay, which was a very rare result. They had nowhere to deduct marks from. Sadly, she made a single mistake in the section which tested students on their memory. Those senior teachers could not help but feel frustrated at the mistake. They had nowhere to release the pent-up frustration and almost choked from the anger.

    The teachers who were in charge of marking the papers were happy, yet angry at Qiao Nan¡¯s results. They were happy because she had such good results. It was such a pity she was not their student. The teachers were also angry and exasperated, finding it frustrating that she lost precious marks in areas that she could have managed through sheer memorization.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you are so amazing.¡± After setting off the firecrackers, Zhu Baoguo patted away the dust on his hands. ¡°You must be the only one who shines the brightest in our school this year. You have such good results; the school will definitely reward you.¡±

    With Xiao Qiao¡¯s results, she might be able to get her schrship if she was to study at Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Thank you... Thank you, everyone.¡± Qiao Dongliang finally believed what he heard after receiving congrattions and well-wishes from people in the quad and the neighborhood. He felt as if he was stepping on clouds, all soft and fluffy. He had the impression he was floating and still had note to grips with what just happened. ¡°Uncle Lee,e in for a cup of tea. I was so happy that I forgot to invite you in.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang finally realized how impolite he was for letting his guests stood at the door for such a long while.

    ¡°This is a piece of good news. I can understand, I can understand.¡± Elder Lee smiled and walked into the Qiao family¡¯s residence. As for the neighbors in the quad who gathered around just now, some had dispersed, whereas some stayed to discuss Qiao Nan the top scorer.

    ¡°Uncle Lee, I must thank you for bringing me this piece of good news early in the morning.¡± Qiao Dongliang brewed a pot of hot tea for Elder Lee.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say so.¡± Uncle Lee drank the tea and cast Qiao Nan a meaningful nce. ¡°Come to think of it, I should thank Nan Nan. Xiao Qiao, you have raised a good daughter. When you left the army for Nan Nan, I could not understand you. But now I want to tell you that you had made an excellent decision back then. It was worth all the sacrifices to have a daughter like Nan Nan. She is such a brilliant and filial child. Xiao Qiao, there is nothing you could ask for more. You will have good days ahead.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Uncle Lee is right. I have Nan Nan. I would be able to lead a good life in the future.¡± Qiao Dongliang was lost in happiness.

    It was only a year ago when Nan Nan started secondary three and had done badly for her first exams. How did Nan Nan manage to be the top scorer in only a year¡¯s time?

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I heard Nan Nan wants to study in Ping Cheng High School instead of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°... Yes.¡± Initially, Qiao Dongliang was quite relieved by the younger daughter¡¯s decision. He would have a breather while he worked hard for the next two years to earn money for the elder daughter¡¯s college fees.

    But Qiao Dongliang could not smile in front of Elder Lee now.

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was definitely better than Ping Cheng High School. Nan Nan was so brilliant. If he agreed to let Nan Nan study at Ping Cheng High School so that he could save some money, would it affect her studies?

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that expression, I am not criticizing you. Nan Nan is very sensible. She must have her reasons for making this decision. What I want to say is that for the next three years, I would still need Nan Nan to keep an eye on our Baoguo.¡± Elder Lee gave a benevolent smile and looked at Qiao Nan who stood by Baoguo¡¯s side.

    ¡°Uncle, how did Baoguo do for his exams?¡± Qiao Dongliang pped at himself, realizing he had forgotten to ask about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results.

    ¡°Thanks to Nan Nan, our Baoguo did fairly well. He should be able to study at Ping Cheng High School with Nan Nan.¡±

    Ping Cheng High School might not be as good as The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and the cutoff point was lower, but not everyone can enroll in Ping Cheng High School as well.

    From Elder Lee¡¯s words, one could tell that Zhu Baoguo had done pretty well this time. At the very least, he managed to get into Ping Cheng High School based on his abilities, not with the help of the Zhu family or the Lee family.

    Just this alone was enough for the Zhu family and the Lee family to be proud of.

    Aspared to the Zhu Baoguo in the past who would always create troubles, he was now considered very well-behaved.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s results were way better than a lot of the students who had always done well in their exams. The Zhu family felt proud and ted because of his results.

    Elder Lee could stand with his chin up in front of Elder Zhu.

    Baoguo was a well-behaved child. It was just that there was no one to supervise him. He took Baoguo under his care for a year, and he had made such tremendous improvements. This showed the Zhu family did not know how to raise a kid well!

    ¡°Really?! Congrattions to you as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang was so thrilled that he made irrelevant remarks.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, did you hear that? We would still be deskmate in the future.¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled smugly.

    ¡°It¡¯s ssmates, not deskmates.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°How can you be so sure we would be deskmate in Ping Cheng High School? Besides, don¡¯t mix up the names.¡±

    Elder Lee called her father ¡®Xiao Qiao¡¯. If Zhu Baoguo also addressed her as ¡®Xiao Qiao¡¯, wouldn¡¯t it sound awkward?

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Zhu Baoguoughed but did not exin. No matter what, he would not change his way of addressing her. If there was anyone who had to change, it would be his grandpa.

    ¡°Dad, are you still going to work?¡± Qiao Nan nced at Qiao Dongliang, reminding him that it was gettingte.

    ¡°Right, right. I... I still need to go to work.¡± Qiao Dongliang remembered he had not finished brushing his teeth. ¡°Old Ding, Zijin, both of you must have been so happy and forgot the time. If we don¡¯t get going, we will bete. Uncle Lee...¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I just wanted to let you all know of the good news. Those who need to work should hurry along.¡±

    After patting Qiao Dongliang on the shoulder, Elder Lee left with Zhu Baoguo.

    After receiving Elder Lee¡¯s recognition, Qiao Dongliang was excited and full of energy as if he had chicken blood. ¡°Nan Nan, since you have decided, then you will study at Ping Cheng High School. You must work hard. Dad will think of ways to finance you through college!¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan replied lightly.

 Chapter 131 - Sister-in-Law

    <h4>Chapter 131: Sister-in-Law</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Elder Lee must have heard about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation from Zhu Baoguo, hence he specially went to the Qiao family¡¯s residence today.

    With Elder Lee¡¯s words just now, unless she decided to quit school on her own ord, even if her father had to work his guts out, he would have to let her continue with her studies regardless of what excuses her mother came up with.

    At least there was one thing Qiao Nan was sure of.

    ( Boxno vel. co m ) Even if she had a conflict with Qiao Zijin one day and either of them had to quit school, she would not be the one who would be forced to quit school.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was too happy that he was inplete bewilderment. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were so furious that they were in shock, particrly Qiao Zijin who had turned green from anger.

    After the merry-making today, everyone now knew that Qiao Dongliang had a capable daughter who came in first in the middle school exams, and her name was Qiao Nan. Nobody remembered Qiao Zijin, the elder daughter of the Qiao family.

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t feel well, so I won¡¯t be going to work today!¡± Nobody knew if her father would use her hard-earned money on Qiao Nan in the future.

    She changed her mind in an instant and no longer wanted to quit her studies to work.

    If she did not study, all the savings would be used on Qiao Nan. She could not take it lying down. Since her father wanted her to stay with the family and would take in a husband for her, everything in the Qiao family belonged to her and had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. She had no right to use her money!

    Why should she work while Qiao Nan spent the money they earned? ¡°Mom, I find it boring to work, so I don¡¯t want to work anymore. Should I just resign today?¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Ding Jiayi agreed without much thought. ¡°I have said long ago that you are still young, and the most important thing is to study hard. It is too tiring to work.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face darkened. ¡°How could you pamper your child to this extent? One should not give up halfway. Zijin, since you have started to work, why would you want to stop working now? Zijin, ording to your nominal age, you are already eighteen years old this year and could already apply for your identity card. Why are you still so unreliable? Nan Nan is younger than you by two years. Don¡¯t you find it shameful for me to tell you to learn from her? Regarding what happened at the beginning of this year, although I kept quiet, it doesn¡¯t mean what your mom and you did were right. I just couldn¡¯t be bothered to lecture both of you. I have no idea where your mom got your school fees from. Did she tell you? Why would you waste all her efforts? You have been working for the past two months, and the pay could at least help cover half of the school fees. You could help lighten your mom¡¯s load in this way, but why don¡¯t you think in behalf of your mom?

    ¡°Don¡¯t reprimand Zijin. She cares a lot about me. She said that when she receives her pay, she will get me a gift. We have an agreement. I will be in charge of Zijin, and you are in charge of Nan Nan. You have no right to lecture her or take her matters into your hand. I will take care of Zijin. She is very good to me. Everything that I have done is of my own ord. I am more than willing to work my guts out for her. From the way you lectured Zijin, I don¡¯t think Qiao Nan is any better!¡± Ding Jiayi was displeased; she defended Zijin and sided with her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Nan Nan? She can enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but she decided to go to Ping Cheng High School to lighten my load. She even managed to get a schrship. Isn¡¯t that good enough? At the very least, she did not squander all the money we had at home!¡± Qiao Dongliangughed coldly. ¡°Fine. Since you are willing, I won¡¯t say anything and won¡¯t meddle anymore. I only have one question for you. Where did you get Zijin¡¯s school fees from at the start of the year?¡±

    ¡°Why do you have to care where I get it from? I did not steal, rob, or go against thew. You just have to look after your Qiao Nan.¡± A sh of panic could be seen in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes. She did not give a direct answer to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s question. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s not early. I have to work to earn money for Zijin¡¯s school fees for this semester. Will this do? Zijin, if you don¡¯t feel well, you should take a break today. You do not have to worry about working. You are still a student. The most important thing is to study hard. Don¡¯t listen to what your dad said. If you don¡¯t feel like going, just resign. No matter what, Mom will find a way to obtain your school fees. I won¡¯t let you owe school fees.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will listen to Mom.¡± With Ding Jiayi¡¯s backing, Qiao Zijin really decided not to go. She turned and headed to her room to sleep in.

    ¡°Obtain?¡± Qiao Nan puzzled over Ding Jiayi¡¯s choice of words. She could not help but feel uneasy at this word.

    It was simr to the uneasy feeling she had when her mother spent all the money they had at home and asked Elder Lee to pull strings for her.

    Qiao Nan narrowed her eyes. ¡°Mom, where did you ¡®obtain¡¯ sister¡¯s school fees for this semester?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to care!¡± Ding Jiayi did not even tell Qiao Dongliang when he asked her, so how could she possibly tell Qiao Nan. She wrung the water off the towel, wiped her face slovenly, and left without eating her breakfast.

    ¡°Dad, I can¡¯t help but worry at the way Mom puts it. My sister is in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. The school fee is higher than other high schools. Where could Mom obtain the school fees from?¡± Qiao Nan walked to stand by Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang pushed out his bicycle; he was in a hurry to get to work. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your mom is a grown-up. It would be alright. Nan Nan, I am going off to work. You stay at home.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not know that Qiao Nan knew Ding Jiayi better than him. Never would he have imagined that the issue with Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees would cause an upheaval at home. When the problem finally arose, the Qiao family was going through the most difficult times and was faced with the biggest challenge. It was one disaster after another for the Qiao family, and it almost became thest straw that broke the camel¡¯s back.

    Over at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Zhai Sheng¡¯s father was rubbing his forehead. He could not sleep a winkst night, and he was woken up early in the morning by the din outside. ¡°Which house created such a ruckus?¡±

    ¡°Who else could it be if not the youngdy who alwayses to our house to study?¡± Zhai Hua bit on an apple, her eyes staring at the newspapers.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°The youngdy came in first in the middle school exams; the Lee family celebrated her good results. I heard that the good-for-nothing grandson of the Zhu family had changed for the better under her influence and done well in the exams.¡± Even though Zhai Hua rarely went out when she was in the quad, nothing in the quad could escape her eyes.

    ¡°Are you referring to the maternal grandson from the Lee family, Zhu Baoguo, who always engages in fights?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s father had some impression of Zhu Baoguo. ¡°No wonder it is bustling with noise and excitement. It¡¯s just that they celebrated it too early. If they are in high school and have such results, then it would be worth the celebrations.¡± But no one can deny the fact that the youngdy had done pretty well.

    It seemed like the youngdy who always dropped by their house to use the storeroom was serious about studying; she was not scheming or up to no good. ¡°Where is Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°Where else could he be? Dad, Zhai Sheng is already twenty-one years old, yet he stays in the army all day long. When could he get a sister-inw for me? Dad, don¡¯t you want to have a grandchild?¡± Her brother had grown up in the army, but there was no woman in the army.

    Recently, Zhai Hua heard that man and man could... Anyway, she was anxious. Her brother must not be led astray!

    But Zhai Hua could only keep her thoughts to herself. To the men in the Zhai family, the army was a solemn and sacred ce.

 Chapter 132 - Scholarship

    <h4>Chapter 132: Schrship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°He is only twenty-one years old, still young.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s father said, not lifting his head. He might have said it casually now, but four yearster when Zhai Sheng was twenty-five years old and still without a girlfriend, he was not as calm as now.

    On the other hand, the results Elder Lee had gotten were very much urate.

    When Qiao Nan went to the school to get her results slip, she saw a bright red banner at the school gate. It read ¡°Congrattions to our student, Qiao Nan, foring in the first ce in the province for middle school exams!¡±

    ¡°Teacher Lee,¡± Qiao Nan greeted politely when she saw her Chinese teacher.

    Teacher Lee looked at her beloved pupil, her visage turning red and green simr to those blended colors on a palette. Qiao Nan was perplexed. ¡°Teacher Lee, do you feel unwell today? Would you like to go back to rest?¡±

    Since middle school exams were over, teachers of the secondary three sses had basically finished their sses and could take a break. It would be fine even if Teacher Lee did not go to school.

    ¡°My body is perfectly fine. It is my heart that feels ufortable,¡± Teacher Lee said angrily. ¡°Do you know where the two marks were deducted from?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan twitched her lips. ¡°I could roughly guess.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Teacher Lee was exasperated. ¡°Forget it, forget it. Aspared tost semester when you scored zero marks, having two marks deducted this time around could be considered a good improvement. You did not embarrass me.¡± Teacher Lee stered a bitter smile on her face.

    Apart from Teacher Lee¡¯s Chinese subject, Qiao Nan scored full marks for the remaining subjects.

    If it was other students, there would be nothing wrong about the scores. However, it was unusual in Qiao Nan¡¯s case.

    Qiao Nan had the perfect score for her essay, but she lost two marks in the memorizationponent. The loss of these two marks was just like slicing off Teacher Lee¡¯s flesh. Teacher Lee could neither be proud nor angry at Qiao Nan.

    Still, Teacher Lee felt slightlyforted by the look of envy in other teachers¡¯ eyes.

    The top scorer in the province was her own student. All secondary three teachers¡¯ pay would be doubled. During the Lunar New Year, they would also receive more bonus than usual.

    Certainly, the teachers were not really after the increment and bonus. As a teacher, it was rare for them to have studentsing in first in the whole province for the middle school exams.

    This was sheer luck!

    One could imagine how delighted the teachers of secondary three ss one must be to see Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Hurry along.¡± Teacher Lee patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder and walked into the ssroom with her.

    Teacher Chen who was already in the ssroom was beaming. ¡°I believed all of you must have seen the banner at the school gate when you reached the school. First, let¡¯s give a round of apuse to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan not only made the secondary three ss one proud but also became the pride of Ping Cheng Junior High School. Let¡¯s give her a round of apuse!¡±

    The ssroom resonated with thunderous sounds of apuse.

    She was the top scorer in the province. If others knew they were once ssmates with her, everyone would be so envious of them.

    Every student in the ss pped loudly, with the exception of Zhao Yu who pped half-heartedly.

    ¡°Alright. Everyone should have a look at your results andpare it to the cutoff point for high schoolsst year. All of you should carefully consider which school you would like to enroll in. When you go back home, you can discuss with your parents before filling in the application form.¡± Teacher Chen asked the students to pass down the required documents.

    When the students received their results, it was the joy of some and the sorrow of others. Some students did fairly well, whereas other students did not do well.

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e with me to the office.¡± After distributing the documents, Teacher Chen asked Qiao Nan to go to the office. ¡°Have you thought it through? Did you discuss with your parents?¡±

    ¡°We had a discussion and my dad agreed to it.¡± Qiao Nan filled in her desired high school in front of Teacher Chen.

    Teacher Chen was relieved that he seeded in persuading Qiao Nan to study at Ping Cheng High School.

    The principal of Ping Cheng High School had specially asked Teacher Chen to make sure that Qiao Nan would study in Ping Cheng High School by all means. She could bring up any requests; the school would try to ede to her requests as long as it was within their means.

    After getting the instructions from the management, Teacher Chen also did his best to help Qiao Nan fight for more favorable terms.

    After all, since the chat with Qiao Nanst time, Teacher Chen knew that the Qiao family¡¯s financial situation was not very good, and it would be very stressful for the parents to finance two children through school.

    Teacher Chen did not wish to see Qiao Nan, who had great potential to do well, to quit school because of the financial situation at home. It would be such a pity.

    After knowing about Qiao Nan¡¯s problems, Teacher Chen tried to fight for the best terms for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you came in first in the province this time. The school is proud of you. This is a reward from our school. It is not much, only one hundred yuan. But since you decided to go to Ping Cheng High School, they have a reward for you too; it is two hundred yuan.¡±

    Teacher Chen took out two envelopes and passed them to Qiao Nan. The two envelopes contained the reward that Ping Cheng Junior High School and Ping Cheng High School had for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°As for what you mentioned earlier, I have notified the management. As long as you study at Ping Cheng High School, you would be exempted from paying three years of tuition and incidental fees. Nevertheless, you would have to settle your own meals since the school would not cover for them. In addition, if you maintain your standard when you go to high school, the school will grant you a schrship every semester. But then you would no longer have one hundred or two hundred yuan of reward. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Teacher Chen. I understand. This arrangement is pretty good.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. Actually, she was really pleased with the arrangement. It was only 1993 now. It was unlike the 21st century where a hundred yuan would be used up in no time.

    This three hundred yuan was enough to cover her school fees for one to two years. Besides, the school had exempted her from paying tuition and incidental fees. She could save up the three hundred yuan and the money from her schrship for her college fees.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I am proud of you!¡± Teacher Chen was slightly agitated. If Qiao Nan was not a female student, Teacher Chen would have given her a hug.

    Even though Teacher Chen treated Qiao Nan like his own daughter, she was, after all, a youngdy now. It would be inappropriate to do that.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. It was all because Teacher Chen and the other teachers had taught me well.¡±

    ¡°You are usually quiet in ss, but you are good at pleasing people. Alright, go back home. Remember to keep the money properly. Don¡¯t lose it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your help, Teacher Chen.¡± Qiao Nan bowed to Teacher Chen, expressing her heartfelt gratitude. Afterward, she took the three hundred yuan that the school rewarded her and left.

    ¡°Well, is our top scorer of the quad back? Nan Nan, do you have time during the summer break? Can you tutor our Juan Er so that she cane in the first ce in middle school exams as well?¡±

    One of the aunties from the quad saw Qiao Nan on her way back from school. She had the envious look in her eyes, and she sounded jealous when she spoke to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan smiled lightly, shook her head, and walked towards her house.

 Chapter 133 - Blessing and Misfortune Go Hand in Hand

    <h4>Chapter 133: Blessing and Misfortune Go Hand in Hand</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Pey, what is there to becent about? It¡¯s just clinching the top ce in the middle school examination. You shoulde in first again in your high school examination and attend the best universities in our country¡ªTsinghua University and Peking University,¡± the auntie who was rejected spoke harshly.

    Although she sounded like sour grapes, she really hoped that Qiao Nan could tutor her grandson. It had to be free of charge and on a voluntary basis.

    Qiao Nan did not seem to mind the auntie¡¯s reaction. Having finalized the matters pertaining to high school admission, Qiao Nan was ted. She was waiting for Qiao Dongliang toe home so that she could break the good news to him.

    Never did she know that the saying ¡®Blessing and misfortunees in turn¡¯ woulde true.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s good mood onlysted for less than half a day before she heard the bad news.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, is your mom not at home?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s colleague ran to the Qiao¡¯s residence in a fluster. He did not manage to find Ding Jiayi and only saw Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan at home.

    Since Qiao Dongliang mentioned in his department today about his younger daughtering in first in the middle school examination, the colleague unconsciously called out Qiao Nan¡¯s name first when he spoke.

    ¡°My mom is working. What is the matter?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°Are you looking for my mom for anything urgent? Should I bring you to my mom¡¯s working ce?¡±

    ¡°Something happened your dad!¡±

    ¡°My dad?¡±

    ¡°What happened to my dad?¡± Qiao Zijin jumped at the news.

    ¡°When your dad was delivering something, he was hit by someone¡¯s car. He¡¯s in the hospital now.¡±

    ¡°!¡± Both Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were scared stiff. Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes became wet and drops of tears rolled down her face. ¡°Then... then, is my dad alright? He... he didn¡¯t die right, did he?¡±

    ¡°Shush, what nonsense are you talking about?!¡± Qiao Nan gave Qiao Zijin a stare. ¡°Is my dad¡¯s injury serious? Is it because he needs surgery, so my mom must be present to sign the papers? I will bring you to look for my mom now.¡± As she thought about it, Qiao Nan secretly brought along the 300 yuan she received today in case of emergencies.

    ¡°Yes, he really needs surgery. Your mom must be present to sign the papers.¡± The colleague did not expect Qiao Nan to react so quickly given her young age, and she knew so much. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin, who was older than her by two years, was scared to tears and did not know anything else.

    Qiao Nan found Ding Jiayi with lightning speed. Then, the three of them, mother and daughters, rushed to the hospital.

    ¡°Are you all the patient¡¯s rtives?¡± Seeing that Ding Jiayi and the rest was finally here, the doctor came up to them and said in a displeased tone. ¡°Do you know that every second you dy will reduce the survival rate of the injured?!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Doctor. We are terribly sorry. How is my dad now?¡± Qiao Nan apologized again and again.

    ¡°Your dad¡¯s condition is not too good. His waist was injured. We are giving him checkups to find out the specific situation. We can determine the treatment n afterward. However, your dad¡¯s injury is too serious. He definitely needs surgery, so there is a need for his family members to be around. Additionally, you will need to prepare the money.¡±

    ¡°This... How much money is required?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice trembled. She was scared out of her wits.

    When Qiao Nan brought someone to inform her earlier that Qiao Dongliang had been knocked down by a car, Ding Jiayi was already so scared that she nearly lost her soul.

    Hearing that Qiao Dongliang was so seriously injured now, Ding Jiayi was totally at a loss.

    ¡°Mom, how... Will anything happen to Dad? If he needs surgery, our family¡ªdo we still have money?¡± Qiao Zijin was crying pitifully, her eyes all red.

    Ding Jiayi also started wiping her tears. ¡°How could we have any money?¡±

    ¡°Mom, this really won¡¯t do. Use my tuition fees for Dad¡¯s treatment first.¡± Qiao Zijin sniffed.

    Ding Jiayi did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Your tuition fees don¡¯t amount to much. Your dad¡¯s surgery expenses on the other hand... If I knew this would happen, I would not have...¡± No one knew this would happen to Old Qiao.

    ¡°Uncle, you said that my dad was knocked down by a car. Where is the driver?¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and told herself not to panic. If she panicked at this juncture, there would be no hope for her dad who was on the sick bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. The driver left his car and ran off once he saw someone was knocked down!¡± Old Qiao was too unlucky. Her daughter just came in first at the middle school examination. While she needed a lot of money for her subsequent education, Old Qiao had to meet with this incident. What would happen to his family in the future?

    ¡°...¡± When she heard about this oue, Qiao Nan nearly failed to hang on and almost fainted.

    The driver actually left the car and ran off. That would mean she could not even find the perpetrator to seekpensation for her father.

    ¡°Your family...¡± Seeing the mother and daughters trio looked stupefied, the colleague knitted his brows. ¡°Why are you in a daze? Is money more important than life? Old Qiao has been working for so long; you should have some savings. Quickly withdraw the money to pay for the medical expenses first. As long as he is still around, the money can be earned back.¡±

    Hearing the colleague¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi covered her face, crouching on the floor. She started crying loudly.

    ¡°Mom, what should we do?¡± Qiao Zijin also regretted. Now that her father was seriously injured, the family did not even have the money to treat him.

    If she knew this would happen, she... she would not have studied at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    No one would have thought that her father would meet with such an ident.

    ¡°What do you mean? Do you still want to continue with the treatment?¡± The doctor¡¯s patience was running out.

    As a doctor, he had seen a lot of such situations. However, the hospital also required money for its operations. Doctors like him also needed to survive. Without money, there was nothing to talk about. Otherwise, the hospital would not be able to continue operating.

    ¡°Yes, we have money.¡± Qiao Nan took out the schrship. ¡°I will pay for my dad first. If it is not enough, we willpensate for itter. Doctor, you must save my dad!¡±

    Seeing the considerable amount of money in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Ding Jiayi stood up, rushed over, and gave her a p. ¡°You¡¯re a white-eyed wolf! Your dad was so good to you, but you actually hid all the money and refused to take them out. Do you want to watch your dad die?!¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw, what are you doing?¡± The colleague tried to shield Qiao Nan from the blow but he was a step toote. That p fell right on Qiao Nan¡¯s face, half of it swelling immediately. Ding Jiayi had obviously used much of her strength.

    The colleague was angered by this situation. ¡°Qiao Nan did not wish for Old Qiao to meet with such an incident. Furthermore, is Qiao Nan the only one who is concerned about Old Qiao who is in the hospital for treatment? What other savings does your family have? Quickly take them out!¡±

    Although the colleague was curious why Qiao Nan, who was just a child, had so much money, he was unhappy that Ding Jiayi was behaving like a block of wood. Qiao Dongliang was already so seriously injured, but Ding Jiayi could not do anything properly except for crying and hitting others.

    ¡°Uncle, you do not need to ask my mom anymore. She has used up all the savings in my family for my sister¡¯s education. I got this money from the teacher just now; it is my schrship. I will pay for my dad first and we will talkter.¡± After saying this coldly, Qiao Nan took back the schrship from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands and handed it over.

 Chapter 134 - Aggravating Situations

    <h4>Chapter 134: Aggravating Situations</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Although the tuition fees for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China are expensive, it is not ridiculously expensive, is it?¡± The colleague looked at Ding Jiayi in disbelief. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you all bought Qiao Zijin a ce at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    All the family savings were spent for the sake of one daughter. There was not a single cent left. Was Qiao Zijin the only one in the Qiao family?

    In his opinion, this type of situation was too ridiculous.

    He found it hard to ept the fact that something so serious had happened to Qiao Dongliang, but the only person who could provide the money was actually Qiao Nan, who was just a child. Qiao Nan took out the schrship she earned with her capability. It was unttering, and she also had to endure Ding Jiayi¡¯s p on top of that.

    At that moment, the colleague felt that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s family was strange and abnormal.

    In short, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s spouse was not reliable in aplishing any major tasks when situations called for it. She could not bepared to her child, Qiao Nan. No wonder Qiao Nan could attain the top ce during the middle school examination.

    Just as Qiao Nan handed over the three hundred yuan, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s medical results were out. ¡°The patient¡¯s hip suffers aminuted fracture. Most critically, his spleen is ruptured and needs surgery urgently. Have your family members prepared the money?¡±

    ¡°How... how much money?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s legs were wobbly. She was under the false assumption that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s condition was very good. She was now so scared that her face turned pale, and she could barely stand. The colleague had to hold her by the side.

    ¡°Pay a thousand yuan first. You could pay the restter if it is not enough.¡±

    ¡°One... One thousand?¡± Ding Jiayi was further stupefied by the amount.

    Given the family¡¯s situation, not to mention a thousand yuan, she could not even take out a hundred yuan now.

    ¡°What should we do? Is Old Qiao going to die for sure?¡± Old Qiao, how could you leave the three of us mother and daughters?! Ding Jiayi squatted on the ground and patted her thighs as she began to cry.

    ¡°...¡± The colleague was speechless. ¡°Sister-inw, don¡¯t be anxious. As mentioned, no matter how much more money your family has, you should take them all out now and pay as much as you can. This won¡¯t do. I will think of a way. I will return to the factory and see if we can raise some money. The priority is to save Old Qiao¡¯s life!¡±

    Till now, Ding Jiayi had not even taken out a single cent. The colleague was also puzzled.

    ¡°Dad?¡± At this time, Qiao Dongliang was pushed out and arrangements were being made for him to enter the operating theater. Qiao Nan saw him and hurriedly walked over.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s clothes were a little torn, but what caught Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes most were the numerous droplets of blood on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body.

    Qiao Dongliang could still force his eyes open, looking confused and lifeless. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry, the doctor will definitely be able to cure you.¡±

    ¡°Sister-inw, Old Qiao, this is?¡± The saying ¡®When it rains, it pours¡¯ was right. Suddenly, a group of people walked over. Ding Jiayi was so scared that she was shivering all over. ¡°Sister-inw, when you borrowed money from me at the beginning of the year, you clearly said that you will return it after two months. You see, it has been six months since then.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Although the amount borrowed is not huge, we still need to survive, don¡¯t we? If not for the sake of Old Qiao, we... What happened to Old Qiao, though?¡± The few people who came seemed to be of simr age as Qiao Dongliang. Their posture was prim and proper, and their eyes exuded an aura of ferocity and justice.

    ¡°All of you imed that you were Old Qiao¡¯s good buddies. Don¡¯t you see the state Old Qiao is in now? I don¡¯t even have the money to save his life; where can I get the money to return to you?¡± Ding Jiayi cried continuously. She sounded so miserable as if the whole world was bullying her. As she was standing in the corridor of the hospital, her action was extremely ring and attracted a lot of attention.

    The group of people was furious when they heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, and their face turned pale.

    Their families were not well-off as well. However, since they were good buddies with Qiao Dongliang, they were willing to part with whatever money avable and lent it to Ding Jiayi, the wife of their good buddy.

    She could not refuse to return what she borrowed!

    There was clearly an agreement to return the money after two months, considering Qiao Dongliang only had temporary financial problems.

    The old and young in their family could not go hungry after all. They had no choice but toe looking for the sister-inw to ask for the money. Why did this be a fault of theirs?

    ¡°To all uncles, I am very sorry. I am my dad¡¯s younger daughter. My dad has been hit by a car and needs to undergo surgery immediately. Could you let the doctor push my dad into the operating theater first? As for the money that my mom borrowed from you, can you tell me what happened in detail?¡± Qiao Nan was having a headache. She hated her mother, Ding Jiayi, even more than before.

    Her mother clearly had so many things she could do. Why did she only do the wrong things instead of the good ones?

    Borrowing money... Her mother actually borrowed money. Additionally, she seemed to have loaned it from her father¡¯s formerrades!

    Qiao Nan was aware that although Qiao Dongliang missed his formerrades, he was unwilling to stay in contact with them since he left the army. He had a knot in his heart as he was no longer an army officer but these people still were.

    Most importantly, Qiao Dongliang did not want them to know how poor his life was after leaving the army. This concerned his pride as a man.

    Now, Ding Jiayi not only looked for them but also seemed to have asked them to lend her money. Qiao Nan did not know what to say anymore.

    Typically, it was not appropriate to tell these matters to a child. However, Ding Jiayi was unreasonable and refused to pay them back. The few uncles had no choice but to roughly tell Qiao Nan what happened.

    After listening to them, Qiao Nan immediately understood what happened.

    She had felt strange that her mother could gather the money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees within such a short time span of two days. Qiao Zijin was studying in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and the tuition fees for one semester was not cheap. Hence, her mother borrowed money from others.

    Furthermore, when Qiao Nan calcted, the money Ding Jiayi borrowed was much more than Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees!

    ¡°Your name is Nan Nan, right? Nan Nan, it is not that we are heartless. We also did not know that Old Qiao would meet an incident. Your family is facing such a situation. Reasonably, we should not demand money at this inopportune time, but we also have kids. We need to pay their school fees, feed the elderly at home, and send them to the hospital if they are unwell!¡±

    ¡°I know... I know all that. The problem indeed lies with my family. We will definitely return the owed money to you. Can... can you give me a few more days? There are still two months before the school reopens. If any of your family needs money urgently, please let me know. When I have money, I will return it to you first. Will that do?¡±

    At the end of her speech, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were red. ¡°Who has a pen and paper? I will note down the debts first. What my mom owed must be returned to you in full, not one cent less.¡±

    Tears rolled down Qiao Nan¡¯s fair and smooth face. She looked much more pitiful than Ding Jiayi who cried miserably and loudly earlier.

    Qiao Nan was only crying quietly. Her voice was a little hoarse, but neither did shein nor lose her temper. She tried her best to ask these formerrades of Qiao Dongliang in a polite manner. Seeing her like this was really heart-wrenching.

    The fewrades could not bear the sight of it. After all, Qiao Nan was just a kid.

 Chapter 135 - Futile Attempts in Seeking Help

    <h4>Chapter 135: Futile Attempts in Seeking Help</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Moreover, Qiao Nan was more reasonable than her mother. As one¡¯s elders, what else could they do but listen to the girl¡¯s plea? ¡°Alright, Nan Nan, the few of us really do not want to make things difficult for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan bowed and apologized to the few military personnel in a serious manner. ¡°Sorry to have caused you so much trouble. Really sorry.¡±

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s appeasement, these people left despite still feeling indignant.

    After they left, Ding Jiayi jumped with anxiety. ¡°Wretched girl! As it is, we don¡¯t even have money for your dad¡¯s surgery, and you still want to pay them back. Do you want to let your dad die?!¡±

    Ignoring Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan walked toward the doctor solemnly. ¡°Doctor, you must save my dad. The surgery must proceed. We have already paid a portion of the medical fees. It¡¯s true. This is the receipt from my payment just now. Please help operate my dad immediately. We will definitely pay all the remaining feester.¡±

    The doctor saw that there was indeed a receipt of three hundred yuan in Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Doctor, my dad certainly needs a blood transfusion for his surgery. Can my sister and I donate some of our blood for my dad to use first?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that is fine.¡± The doctor was momentarily stunned. He did not expect that the students nowadays knew so much.

    ¡°Sister, go with me to draw the blood.¡± Qiao Nan pulled Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands as she left.

    Qiao Zijin was frightened out of her wits. At this juncture, she could only abidingly follow Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I go as well?¡± Ding Jiayi heard that if they donated blood, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s medical expenses would probably lower a little. Regardless, she could not just sit here, waiting and doing nothing.

    ¡°Both of our blood types are probably the same as Dad¡¯s. We also need to do a blood test before drawing blood. Mom, yours is different.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. If Qiao Zijin¡¯s and her blood types were not suitable, that would be a problem.

    ¡°No problem, draw my blood. If it cannot be used for your dad¡¯s sake, we could just sell it directly. We need to gather as much money as possible now.¡± Ding Jiayi followed Qiao Nan to draw blood together.

    When the nurse saw Ding Jiayi, she was surprised. ¡°You are here again. It has been quite a while since youst came. You should be able to sell your blood again.¡±

    ¡°Mom, did youe here before?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. ¡°When was that?¡±

    ¡°No... there¡¯s no such thing. Nurse, quickly draw our blood.¡± Ding Jiayi switched the topic, rolled up her sleeves in a familiar manner, and extended her arms to the nurse.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do a blood test first. Did you eat anything on the way here?¡± The nurse went by the book and asked the necessary questions. Upon confirming that all three of them were eligible to donate blood, she first did the blood test on Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. ¡°Alright, both of your blood types are the same as your dad¡¯s. How much blood do we draw?¡±

    ¡°How much should we draw? Draw more!¡± Ding Jiayi was the first to express her opinion. ¡°Nurse, please draw three hundred from my elder daughter and five hundred from my younger one. Your dad usually feeds you so well and so much, now is the time for you to repay him. Your sister¡¯s health has not been good since young; drawing three hundred from her is not a small amount.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Hearing this, the nurse knitted her brows. ¡°Stand up here to measure your weight.¡±

    Without saying a word, Qiao Nan stood up on the scale to measure her weight.

    Upon seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s weight, the nurse immediately said, ¡°With her height and weightbination, she could barely draw three hundred at once. You mentioned five hundred, didn¡¯t you? Are you her biological mother?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. She was pped in the face and could only say embarrassingly, ¡°Then... then, make it three hundred.¡±

    Upon the decision, the nurse proceeded to draw blood from the mother and daughters trio.

    Qiao Nan actively moved the part of the hand used for drawing the blood, hoping to speed up the process.

    After drawing three hundred of blood, Qiao Nan pulled down her sleeves. ¡°Sister, stay back and see if anything else is needed here. Mom, go home immediately and take whatever cash is avable at home.¡±

    ¡°How much could there be?¡± Ding Jiayi was deep in thoughts as she frowned.

    ¡°No matter if it is a lot or not, you must bring all the money here!¡± This was not the first time Qiao Nan heard about this from Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth. Qiao Nan was sick of hearing it. ¡°As for the rest of the money, I will see if I can borrow some back.¡±

    With this sentence, Qiao Nan left the hospital with lightning speed and headed to the quad.

    ¡°Mom, what should we do?¡± Qiao Zijin held the arm from where the blood was drawn and looked at Ding Jiayi worriedly.

    ¡°She said she is going to borrow. She should be able to borrow some. Zijin, you stay here just in case anything crops up. I will go home first to bring whatever amount of money avable. Regardless of how little it is, it is still better than nothing.¡± In the end, both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin followed Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions and went on separate ways.

    When Qiao Nan returned to the quad, the first ce she went to was the Lee family¡¯s residence.

    When the guard saw Qiao Nan, he smiled. ¡°Why are you here today? I heard you came in first in the middle school examination. Congrattions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan managed to force a smile. ¡°Is Grandpa Lee at home?¡±

    ¡°Elder Lee? Nope. He is out.¡±

    ¡°When will he be back?¡±

    ¡°Probably in a few days¡¯ time. Why?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and then gave a long sigh. ¡°Nothing. Sorry for disturbing you.¡±

    Water from afar quenches not fire. Elder Lee was away. This meant that she would not be able to borrow any money here.

    There was no hope in borrowing from the Lee family. Qiao Nan ran over to the Zhu family¡¯s residence to look for Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nan knew the Zhu family¡¯s situation was good. Elder Zhu doted on Zhu Baoguo and money was the only thing that can satisfy Baoguo. Therefore, Zhu Baoguo had a lot of spare money on hand. Otherwise, he could not have bought Qiao Nan such an expensive present during hisst overseas holiday trip.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan did not care whether it was appropriate. Nothing was more important than her father¡¯s life.

    ¡°Why is it you again?¡± Wang Yang saw Qiao Nan at the entrance of the Zhu family¡¯s residence. His eyes turned solemn and he looked gloomy.

    ¡°I did note here to look for you. I am looking for Baoguo.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips.

    ¡°Let me ask you, did you tell my uncle anything?¡± Wang Yang blocked Qiao Nan¡¯s way and spoke in an unfriendly tone. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you can do anything you like because you have Zhai Sheng¡¯s backing. To survive in the quad, you¡¯d better open your eyes wide and see for yourself whom you can afford to offend and whom you can¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Then, is Brother Zhai someone you can afford to offend in the quad?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Where is Zhu Baoguo?¡± The Zhu family¡¯s residence also seemed very quiet, and Qiao Nan felt very uneasy.

    Wang Yang sneered. ¡°Why are you looking for Zhu Baoguo? Zhu Baoguo fared well in his exams and volunteered to be brought out to have fun.¡±

    ¡°Then, do you have any way to contact Zhu Baoguo?!¡± Other than Elder Lee, Zhu Baoguo was the only person Qiao Nan could think of. If Zhu Baoguo was not around, Qiao Nan really did not know whom she should borrow such a huge sum of money from!

    Wang Yang initially wanted to say no, but he suddenly had an idea when he saw Qiao Nan looking so anxious. ¡°Do you want to look for Zhu Baoguo? Should I help you contact him?¡±

 Chapter 136 - Hoping for Mayâ€“December Romance

    <h4>Chapter 136: Hoping for May¨CDecember Romance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Can you help me now¡ªWait, are you really so kind?¡± Wang Yang was not the type who would be kind to anyone.

    ¡°Believing it or not is up to you. Do you really want me to help you contact him?¡± Wang Yang snorted.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. ¡°When can you give me a reply?¡±

    ¡°You can wait. Even if I manage to contact Zhu Baoguo now, it would probably take some time for Zhu Baoguo to get back to you. You can go home and wait.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan clenched her fists. ¡°Are you ying a prank on me?¡±

    ¡°Again, believing it or not is up to you.¡± With this, Wang Yang simply left.

    When he was further away, Wang Yang turned his head back and gave Qiao Nan a nce. ¡°Pey, what are you? Just take your time and wait! You won¡¯t die of anxiety!¡±

    Wang Yang was deliberately making fun of Qiao Nan. He saw that Qiao Nan was very anxious and purposely said that to dy her. Even if he could not do anything to Qiao Nan, it was good enough to make her feel disgusted. Well, Qiao Nan was the one who disgusted him first.

    Wang Yang was happy, but Qiao Nan felt like she nearly lost all her hopes.

    After Wang Yang left, she had the feeling that Wang Yang would not help her contact Zhu Baoguo. Even if she chased over to ask him for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s contact, Wang Yang would definitely not reveal it to her.

    There was no one else in the Lee family¡¯s residence now, and Zhu Baoguo was also not at home. Besides, the Qiao family¡¯s situation was tantamount to having severed ties with their rtives. Since it was such a huge sum of money, who else could she request to borrow from? She could not possibly just let it be and leave her father to die.

    For a moment, Qiao Nan panicked. Tears pooled in her eyes as she cried very miserably.

    At this time, Zhai Sheng, who was resting in the army camp¡¯s office after training a batch of new recruits, heard the phone rang before he could take a sip of warm water.

    Zhai Sheng drank his water as he picked up the phone. His voice sounded deep and resonant. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    There was no sound from the other end of the phone, and Zhai Sheng could hear a deeply suppressed breathing. When he heard a sob, Zhai Sheng tested and asked, ¡°Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai...¡± Right after she called Brother Zhai, Qiao Nan broke down emotionally.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry first. What happened?¡± Zhai Sheng put down his cup and sat up properly.

    ¡°My... my dad was hit by a car.¡± Qiao Nan was crying till she could hardly talk, causing her speech to be intermittent. Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was good at listening and understood her.

    ¡°Your dad was hit by a car and is in the hospital now?¡± Knowing that Qiao Nan was definitely very emotional now, Zhai Sheng spoke for Qiao Nan. After he received a snuffled affirmative reply, he continued to ask, ¡°Do you need a lot of money?¡±

    It seemed that all of the Qiao family¡¯s money had been spent on the elder daughter so that she could attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Uncle Qiao was hit by a car and the surgery fees alone would be a major expense.

    ¡°Yes...¡± Qiao Nan bit her lips and did not want to cry. When she heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice, she was not sure of the reason, but her tears could not stop falling¡ªshe simply could not stop crying.

    ¡°Which hospital?¡±

    After Qiao Nan gave the name of the hospital, Zhai Sheng resumed, ¡°Go to the hospital and wait first.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had been crying nonstop, had not regained her senses even after Zhai Sheng hanged up. Only after she heard the beeping sounding from the other side did Qiao Nan proceed to hang up and passed 0.50 yuan to the phone owner.

    ¡°How¡¯s it? Did you borrow any money? How much did you borrow?¡± When Qiao Nan reached the hospital, Ding Jiayi grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder and asked.

    ¡°Sister-inw!¡± The colleague who was there earlier saw the situation and his expression changed. ¡°Qiao Nan is just a child! Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be anxious. Uncle went back to the factory to raise money just now. I have raised and paid two hundred yuan for you. There will be other ways. If there is not, we can ask the factory owner to lend us money and make a loan agreement or something.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle.¡± Qiao Nan gave a dry smile. ¡°Uncle, please keep a watch here. I am leaving for a while.¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a terrible mood. She was unwilling to see Ding Jiayi, this mother of hers, at this point in time.

    Such a thing had happened in the family. Ding Jiayi¡ªthe mother¡ªonly knew to expect Qiao Nan¡ªthe younger daughter¡ªto borrow the money needed for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surgery expenses. Ding Jiayi was probably the only mother who would do that in the whole world.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t be too worried.¡± The colleague seemed understanding. Earlier, he felt odd that Qiao Nan was particrly calm. When he saw Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were obviously red and swollen from crying, he sighed.

    Qiao Nan was not only good at her studies but also good in concealing her emotions. When she was worried and scared, she would rather hide and cry alone than do in front of others.

    At the entrance of the hospital, Qiao Nan stood for quite a while until she saw a green military jeep arriving. Her eyes lit up and she went over.

    However, the person who alighted from the jeep was not Zhai Sheng, but a stranger in military attire.

    The soldier was stunned for a moment when she saw the youngdy with tearful eyes. He went up to her and asked, ¡°Are you Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Officer Zhai sent me here. Take this envelope and keep it well.¡± The soldier took out a thick envelope and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Officer Zhai just received a mission, so he is unable toe. He asked you not to worry. If you have any other urgent matters, you can look for me if you can¡¯t find Officer Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan bowed to the soldier. Qiao Nan could not remember how many bows she had made today, including those for embarrassment and gratitude. Other than this action, she did not know what else she could do.

    ¡°No, no need.¡± The soldier was in a fluster. There were so many burly men in the army camp that it was rare to be able to see a gentledy. The soldier was feeling shy. He did not expect the beautiful youngdy to be so polite. He received a bow just by helping Officer Zhai send her something.

    The soldier¡¯s face was red with embarrassment. ¡°You... do you need my help for anything else?¡±

    ¡°There is no need. Sorry to have made you run this special trip. Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan held on tightly to the envelope in her hands because in it was the money for saving Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life.

    ¡°If there is nothing else, then... then, I shall leave.¡± The more polite Qiao Nan was, the more awkward the soldier felt. After he boarded the green jeep and was driving halfway, he pped his head angrily. ¡°So stupid! How could I forget to ask for her name when it was such a good opportunity?¡±

    He oftenined about having no chance toe into contact with members of the opposite gender in the army camp. It was rare for him to meet with such a beautifuldy today, but he actually became dumb when he really did.

    She was very beautiful but she looked a little young.

    The soldier whose heart was moved was in a dilemma. He never thought about the rtionship between his Officer Zhai¡ªwho was as cold-blooded as Yama, the King of Hell¡ªand this youngdy.

    When the soldier saw Qiao Nan again many yearster, he felt sore whenever he had to call her ¡®sister-inw¡¯ courteously. His own officer was shameless enough to be in a May¨CDecember romantic rtionship!

 Chapter 137 - Pay Us Back

    <h4>Chapter 137: Pay Us Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After Qiao Nan took the money, she followed the doctor¡¯s earlier instructions and paid a thousand yuan. She initially wanted to keep the remaining sum of money with her. However, at the thought of her mother¡¯s character, she gritted her teeth and decided to look for the group of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s formerrades who came earlier.

    These people really seemed to be in need of money. They did not leave Ping Cheng as they had not gotten back their money. Instead, they paid for two nights of amodation at one of the hotels in Ping Cheng.

    Fortunately, they were all old buddies and knew one another well. They also stayed under the same roof when they were in the army.

    Hence, the few grown-up men only rented one room to share in order to save money.

    When Qiao Nan found them with the address they had given to her earlier, she felt a little sad too.

    She used to think that her mother was only unreasonable to her family members. Now, it seemed that she treated others simrly. She could only bully honest people!

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. My mom had caused you much trouble.¡± Qiao Nan took out the money and returned it to each and every one of them ording to the list of debts Ding Jiayi owed them.

    At that juncture, tears welled up in the eyes of the few men when they received the money. They felt a little hesitant and guilty. ¡°How is Old Qiao doing now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. But I believe my dad will be fine.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head forthrightly. When she received the money from Brother Zhai, she dared not look for her mother at all.

    Given the family¡¯s current situation, even if her father was fine, her mother would think of all means to grab hold of whatever money avable as a precautionary measure.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t...¡± Someone gritted his teeth and wanted to give the money he just received back to Qiao Nan.

    They were having difficulties, but it was worse for Old Qiao.

    At the thought of Qiao Dongliang, who was lying on the hospital bed and just being pushed into the operating theater, the fewrades did not feel good.

    Therades were most concerned about how Old Qiao¡¯s younger daughter managed toe up with such arge sum of money within such a short time. The sister-inw obviously said the family had no money, and they definitely needed a lot of money for Old Qiao¡¯s surgery.

    ¡°There is no need. I have already paid my dad¡¯s surgery fees. I know uncles are on very good terms with my dad. If you are not in need of money, you will note and ask us to pay you back. It¡¯s only right to return what we owe. Don¡¯t worry. Although I am very young, my dad was a soldier. The money came from decent sources. There is no problem.¡±

    ¡°Aye...¡± One of the uncles gave a faint sigh. ¡°Since you said this, we will keep the money.¡±

    ¡°Younger daughter, how is sister-inw?¡± When one of therades recalled the unreasonable behavior of Ding Jiayi earlier, he felt extremely bad.

    In the past¡ªwhen Old Qiao was still in contact with them¡ªtheir first impression, when they met Ding Jiayi, was that she was a quiet, educated and civilized person. They were so envious that Old Qiao could marry such a good wife.

    Just how many years had it been since then? Sister-inw had changed from an educated, cultured and quietdy to be someone no different from an uncivilized vige woman.

    Even the younger daughter knew that they came to ask for the money since they had no other means. How could sister-inw be so unreasonable?

    Although sister-inw had lived to this age, she was not as understanding as her younger daughter. She had really wasted her life.

    ¡°Uncle, I am really sorry. I apologize to you on behalf of my mom. She was most probably too nervous and lost her senses because my dad suddenly met with such an ident.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath as she tried to find an excuse for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Younger daughter, we won¡¯t say too much.¡± They were not idiots. Whether Ding Jiayi¡¯s earlier behavior was due to being cornered or a disy of her true self, everyone was able to tell.

    Nevertheless, they pitied Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi was the biological mother of Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had to put in a few good words for her mother and could not possibly join them in scolding her own mother.

    ¡°Uncle must be in a hurry. I will not stay for too long.¡± Knowing that these people were really in need of money, Qiao Nan did not want them to waste money on amodation expense.

    If they canceled the room now, the rent for the second night of amodation onward could at least be refunded.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s considerate nature was hard toe by; these people also did not need to put up a false front. True enough, they canceled the room and took back the money for the next two nights. With the money in hand, they transferred it home as soon as possible.

    After settling this matter, Qiao Nan rushed back to the hospital immediately. ¡°How... how¡¯s my dad¡¯s surgery?¡±

    ¡°Where have you been? You¡¯re sote!¡± Ding Jiayi was like a furious lioness. The hair on her body stood up and she could not wait to rush up to Qiao Nan and p her face despite it was already swollen on one side.

    ¡°Sister-inw!¡± The colleague had widened his horizons today. He never thought that Old Qiao would have such an unreasonable wife.

    Was the younger daughter picked up from the streets, or did Old Qiao give birth to her with another woman? Why was she treating Qiao Nan with such an attitude?

    Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan the top student in the middle school examination? She also ranked first in the whole province!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re still a child. Your dad¡¯s surgery fees could not be rushed. We will just cough up as much as we can now.¡± The colleague had not forgotten that Qiao Nan had left earlier to gather money for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surgery expenses.

    At the thought of this, the colleague was totally speechless.

    As an adult, Ding Jiayi could not even cough up a thousand yuan for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surgery. How much capability did Qiao Nan, who was only a child, have?

    For the sake of Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan had been so busy. She was such a filial child, but Ding Jiayi seemed to blind to all these. Besides being blind, was she also heartless?

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle. I have paid my dad¡¯s surgery fees.¡± Qiao Nan nced at Ding Jiayi coldly, and then looked at the colleague with much gratitude.

    ¡°Paid? Is it already paid for? That¡¯s a thousand yuan!¡± The colleague was shocked. Qiao Nan really managed to get a thousand yuan. That¡¯s impossible!

    ¡°That¡¯s great! There is hope for Dad!¡± When Qiao Zijin heard that, she happily revealed a smile. Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned solemn at the sight of this.

    Even an outsider expressed their worries when they heard she managed to get a thousand yuan all of a sudden. Only her mother and Qiao Zijin were happilyughing.

    The colleague was utterly disappointed with this hopeless sister-inw. So, he pulled Qiao Nan to one side. ¡°The one thousand yuan... Where did you get it from? Is it alright? Your dad is already injured; he can¡¯t afford to take any more blows. Money is lifeless, people are alive. There will always be solutions to a problem. Your mom is out of line, but you also should not take on this burden alone and do anything foolish.¡±

    A thousand yuan... It would not be easy to borrow this amount even if he tried to do so himself.

    ¡°Uncle, rest assured. The money came from decent sources. I borrowed from someone.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s heart warmed a little, and her expression was more rxed.

    ¡°Whom did you borrow it from? Is the source reliable? Some money can be borrowed, some money shouldn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, all of my family belongings are in the hands of my mom. Do you think I will be able to borrow the money that shouldn¡¯t be borrowed?¡± Even if she borrowed from loan sharks, they would also request for coteral.

 Chapter 138 - Shameless Schemes

    <h4>Chapter 138: Shameless Schemes</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, she was still a kid; she could not enter that kind of ces even if she wanted to.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good.¡± After making sure that Qiao Nan did not do anything foolish, the colleague sighed, not knowing what else to do.

    What a mess the Qiao family was.

    Their mother and elder sister did not behave like they were supposed to be, whereas the youngest in the family had to worry for the adults. What had the worlde to?

    ¡°They are out!¡± The door to the operating theatre opened right then.

    ¡°Doctor, how is our Old Qiao?¡± Ding Jiayi rushed up to the doctor with red, puffy eyes.

    ¡°Is my dad alright?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the surgery was a sess. However, the patient had been knocked down by a car, and some symptoms would not appear right away. In the next twenty-four hours, you have to monitor the patient¡¯s conditions closely. If there is any situation, you must notify the doctor immediately.¡± The doctor heaved a sigh of relief. They were tired from the surgery as well.

    ¡°Thank you, Doctor. Thank you very much.¡± Ding Jiayi cried with joy. She finally said something reasonable. ¡°Old Qiao, nothing must happen to you. In the future, don¡¯t give us such a scare anymore.¡± Ding Jiayi stood by his bed and pushed him into the ward with the nurses.

    Qiao Dongliang was no longer in a critical condition. Ding Jiayi finally came to her senses and started to express gratitude to the people who helped her today. ¡°Old Qiao got into an ident. Thank you very much for helping us today. If not for all of you and the people at the factory, a mere woman like me would not know what to do.¡±

    The colleague twitched his lips. ¡°Sister-inw, I did not do much. It is Old Qiao who is lucky enough to have such a good daughter. She saved his life. Even if I am around, it¡¯s difficult to say what will happen to Old Qiao without her.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt embarrassed at the colleague¡¯s words. Qiao Zijin also turned green at his words.

    They knew that the daughter whom they praised for saving Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life was Qiao Nan.

    As Qiao Dongliang¡¯s elder daughter, there was nothing she could help with. On top of that, she was embarrassed by the colleagues¡¯ words. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face stiffened in an instant.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin lightly to calm her down. She stered a fake smile on her face and said, ¡°Qiao Nan, you must be tired running around to get the money for your dad¡¯s surgery. Why don¡¯t you go back to have a rest? Your sister will look after your dad for the next twenty-four hours. You can take turns with your sister after you are rested. Now that this happened to your dad, we do not have any money at home. I have to work to earn as much as possible. After all, when your dad is discharged, there would still be a lot of expenses.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, your mom is right. You must be tired from running around all day. You should go back to have a rest ande back tomorrow.¡± The colleague rxed his demeanor. Ding Jiayi finally said something sensible.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan was tired to the bones at the moment. She could easily fall asleep if she closed her eyes.

    Qiao Nan did not make life difficult for herself. She went back home and fell asleep right away.

    After Qiao Nan left, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s colleague did not stay behind. He went back to the factory and updated the other colleagues about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s conditions.

    Qiao Zijin who had to stay behind was displeased. ¡°Mom, Dad got into an ident, and I am tensed up the whole day as well. I didn¡¯t even get to have my meals and have lost some weight now.¡± Why was it that Qiao Nan could rest while she had to stay behind to do manual work?

    ¡°You know nothing!¡± Ding Jiayi lightly tapped on Qiao Zijin¡¯s forehead. ¡°Didn¡¯t youin to me that your dad only has eyes for Qiao Nan and doesn¡¯t care about you, the elder daughter? Now is the chance to put up a good show. Think about it. Since your dad has gotten into an ident, he must be frightened as well. If the first person he sees when he wakes up is you, and you are the only one who keeps vigil by his bedside, what do you think your dad would think? By then, your dad will realize who, between the two daughters, is filial and really cares for him.¡±

    Qiao Nan had already settled the biggest problem. Qiao Zijin only had to keep vigil by his bedside and Qiao Dongliang would have a good impression of her. Ding Jiayi had arranged an easy task that came with great benefit for Qiao Zijin.

    Nobody would have known that given the situation just now, Ding Jiayi¡¯s sudden show of care and concern for Qiao Nan was actually part of her devious schemes.

    ¡°Mom, you are so clever!¡± Qiao Zijin was unschooled in the ways of the world, and Ding Jiayi knew better than her. But she understood immediately what her mother meant. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry, you should go ahead to work. I will look after Dad. Nothing will go wrong. I promise when Dad wakes up, the first person that he sees will be me. It has to be me.¡±

    ¡°I have absolute faith in you. Remember the doctor¡¯s words and keep vigil by your dad¡¯s side. If any situation arises, call for the nurses and doctors immediately. There should be some money left from the money that Qiao Nan gave the hospital.¡± In other words, they no longer had to worry about Old Qiao¡¯s hospital fees.

    ¡°Mom, where did Qiao Nan get so much money from? Do we still have money at home? Or did Dad entrust her with the money?¡± Qiao Zijin frowned.

    Since a young age till now, she had never had a hundred yuan before, let alone a thousand yuan.

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°Your dad has kept a tight rein on the money ever since we spent all the money to send you to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. He wouldn¡¯t let me keep the money, let alone entrusting it to Qiao Nan. Besides, I know very well how much your dad earned. If he could save up one thousand yuan in a year¡¯s time apart from the expenses at home, then our savings would have been more than five thousand yuan.¡±

    Since they had confirmed that Qiao Nan did not get the money from the family, Ding Jiayi was not the least bit interested in where she managed to get such a huge sum of money.

    ¡°Qiao Nan borrowed one thousand yuan. How do we repay them in the future?¡±

    ¡°How do we repay them? Whoever borrowed it will have to repay the money. You do not have to bother.¡± Ding Jiayi touched Qiao Zijin¡¯s head. ¡°You just have to look after your dad. I have to go to work.¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled to herself while she saw Ding Jiayi left the hospital. ¡°That¡¯s right. Whoever borrowed it will have to repay the money. I am going to see how Qiao Nan wille up with the money to study at high school.¡±

    One thousand yuan was such a huge sum of money. She did not believe that Qiao Nan¡¯s debtors would allow her to take her time to repay the money.

    Her mom borrowed less than a hundred yuan for her school fees from her father¡¯srades. Today, they all crowded around her mother to ask for their money. Now that Qiao Nan borrowed one thousand yuan, her debtors must be anxious to get back the money. Qiao Zijin was in for a good show.

    Qiao Nan who fell asleep at Qiao family residence had no idea of the devious schemes that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had been plotting.

    When she finally woke up, the sun had already set.

    She was drenched in sweat and smelled terrible. She had no choice but to use some water from the well to wipe herself, had a change of clothes, and left for the hospital.

 Chapter 139 - Zhai Sheng Arrived in Time

    <h4>Chapter 139: Zhai Sheng Arrived in Time</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    By the time Qiao Nan tidied up the house, boiled a pot of in porridge and brought it with her to the hospital, it was already night time.

    Qiao Nan stepped into the ward and saw Qiao Zijin bent over Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bedside in a deep sleep. She did not see Ding Jiayi in the ward.

    Qiao Nan put down the porridge and walked to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bedside. She had yet to say a word before she was startled by a figure suddenly appearing behind her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, it is me.¡± Zhai Sheng put one hand around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist while the other covered her mouth lest she let out a sound out of shock and woke others up.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan put her heart at rest when she heard the familiar sound of Brother Zhai. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that you have something on?¡±

    ¡°I havepleted the mission,¡± Zhai Sheng said calmly. ¡°How is Uncle Qiao now?¡±

    ¡°The doctor said he has to be under observation for twenty-four hours.¡±

    ¡°Just the two of you?¡± Zhai Sheng frowned when he noticed that other than the two teenagers, there were no adults around to take care of the injured Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Nan pulled the corner of her lips. ¡°My mom might have been held up by some matters. But Brother Zhai, you finally have some time off from the army, why don¡¯t you go back home to rest? I have to thank you for helping me today. If not for you, my dad would not be able to go for the surgery.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very grateful for Zhai Sheng¡¯s help and sending someone to give her the money in time.

    Zhai Sheng practically helped save her father¡¯s life.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao does not look too good.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes darkened. He let go of Qiao Nan and walked to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bedside. ¡°Call for the nurses and doctors now.¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a panic. She did not have the time to look at her father. She quickly dashed out to call for help.

    The doctor and nurses came right away. The doctor checked on Qiao Dongliang and eximed. ¡°Why is the patient¡¯s blood pressure so high? Didn¡¯t I instruct the family members to look after the patient and that they should notify us immediately if anything happens to the patient? Hurry, send him to the operating room!¡±

    When the doctor and nurses were about to push Qiao Dongliang out of the ward, Qiao Zijin fell off the bed and woke up. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°What happened? Didn¡¯t Mom ask you to look after Dad? Why didn¡¯t you know that something is wrong with Dad? And you even fell asleep!¡± Qiao Nan stared at Qiao Zijin coldly, exasperated at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Dad?!¡± Qiao Zijin was wide awake when she heard there was something wrong with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Where is Dad?¡±

    ¡°He was just being pushed into the operating room.¡± Qiao Nan was angry and frustrated at Qiao Zijin.

    Because of her mother¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin and her, Qiao Nan did not wish to think about those pointless problems they had. However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior today just tipped her over the edge. She felt indignant and wronged. She did not understand why she would have to bear all these sufferings!

    In terms of results, she had better results than Qiao Zijin since a young age; in terms of abilities, she had been helping her mother with the household chores since young. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin had been leading a pampered life simr to that of a youngdy¡¯s from an influential family in ancient times.

    As for her, she had been helping her mother with the housework, cared for her mother, and wanted to share her burden.

    She was better than Qiao Zijin in every aspect, yet her mother only liked Qiao Zijin and was biased toward her. Why was her fate worse than someone whom they had taken in from the streets?!

    What was so good about Qiao Zijin that her mother only had eyes for Qiao Zijin and disregarded her totally?! Her mother even gave all the simple, good and easy tasks to Qiao Zijin!

    Ding Jiayi sent Qiao Nan home to rest while Qiao Zijin stayed at the hospital to take care of their father. Qiao Zijin only knew of the reason behind her mother¡¯s actions after Ding Jiayi told her about it. On the contrary, Qiao Nan had already known why her mother would make such arrangements.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Nan had been tired to the bones and could not be bothered to argue with Ding Jiayi, she would not have been so submissive to her.

    Her father was her biological father after all. No matter how she disliked her mother and Qiao Zijin, she could not change the fact that they were rted by blood. It was just her luck to have such a mother. What choice did she have?!

    Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang was still in critical condition this time, yet Qiao Zijin behaved so irresponsibly and fell asleep. She did not notice his condition and notify the doctor right away. Qiao Nan was enraged by her behavior. ¡°Let me tell you, if anything happens to Dad, I will never let you off!¡±

    ¡°Why would you be angry at me? It was unintentional. You must be having a good time going back to sleep. I was being treated as freebor here. I wouldn¡¯t want anything to happen to Dad as well, I... I...¡± Qiao Zijin was angry and scared. Her father was fine minutes ago. She only took a short nap. Why would he be unwell all of a sudden?

    Right then, Qiao Zijin¡¯s stomach gave a loud and abrupt grumble.

    Qiao Zijin blushed. ¡°I am hungry. Do you have anything to eat?¡±

    ¡°You still have the mood to eat?¡± Qiao Nanughed mockingly. She took the porridge she brought and pushed it toward Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, since you rushed all the way here, you must not have eaten anything. Don¡¯t stand on ceremony with me. It is just in porridge. Please make do with it and have some.¡±

    Qiao Nan had prepared the porridge for Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin.

    But now that all these happened, Qiao Nan would rather throw it away than give it to Qiao Zijin. As her father just went into the operating room, he would not be able to take in any food for a while.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Zijin was starved. She was angry at Qiao Nan and had almost wanted to reach out to snatch the porridge. It was then did she realize that there was another person in the ward, a stranger.

    Qiao Zijin lifted her head and looked at Zhai Sheng. Though he had a cold expression on his face, he was very good-looking. Qiao Zijin looked at the chiseled face and blushed.

    The man standing in front of her was very tall. Qiao Zijin thought to herself that she could only reach up to his shoulder.

    Most importantly, Zhai Sheng had an aura of righteousness about him, making people felt safe around him. This quality made women felt a sense of security and wanted to depend on him.

    Seeing the besotted look on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng pulled a long face, carrying the same expression on their faces.

    Zhai Sheng kept his silence. Still, he was being very cooperative and opened the vacuum sk, gulping down the porridge in it.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng was really hungry.

    After receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call, he had wanted to bring her the money himself. But at that time, he had a mission toplete. He had to instruct his subordinate to pass the money to Qiao Nan.

    He knew Qiao Nan¡¯s mother was not dependable. Thus, hepleted his mission as soon as possible and rushed off to the hospital in Ping Cheng where Qiao Dongliang stayed in. He did not even have the time to have a sip of water.

    If this happened to other people, they would have been exhausted. But Zhai Sheng was a soldier; he had an iron will. He did not disy any hint of difort, and no one could tell that he had not had any meals or water for the whole day. On top of that, he had justpleted an intensive mission.

    When Zhai Sheng found out what kind of person Qiao Zijin was, he also did not wish for Qiao Nan to waste her efforts on Qiao Zijin, so he dly finished all the porridge.

    Besides, Qiao Nan might be young, but the porridge was very tasty. She would make a good wife when she grew up.

 Chapter 140 - Itch

    <h4>Chapter 140: Itch</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, there... there is someone here. Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner? How are you? I am Nan Nan¡¯s elder sister.¡± Qiao Zijin blushed and introduced herself to Zhai Sheng, waiting for him to make a self-introduction.

    ¡°Are you crazy!?¡± Qiao Nan looked upward and sighed. She turned and ran toward the operating room.

    Qiao Zijin was beyond hope. She would be angered to death if she stayed in the same room with her.

    Once Qiao Nan left, Zhai Sheng also turned to walk out. Although he did not run, people would have to run to catch up with him due to his long legs and wide steps. It was the case for Qiao Zijin.

    Zhai Sheng was only a step behind Qiao Nan. He stood by her side and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Uncle Qiao would be alright.¡±

    ¡°Yes, definitely. Nothing will happen to my dad.¡± Qiao Nan stared at the operating room, praying fervently inside her heart.

    Zhai Sheng stood silently beside Qiao Nan, giving her moral support. Qiao Zijin, who ran out, was furious when she saw the scene in front of her. She gritted her teeth. How dare Qiao Nan berated her for being crazy just now!

    Their father was in a critical condition, fighting for his life in the operating room, yet Qiao Nan had the mood to fool around with men. Who exactly was this man, though? How did Qiao Nan know him? Why had she never seen him before?

    ¡°Nan Nan, where is Mom?¡±

    ¡°Not even you have an idea, so how could I?¡± Qiao Nan did not bother to look at Qiao Zijin. She had no time to care about them, be it Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin.

    There was a saying that goes ¡®A bad thing never dies¡¯. Even if her mother did not turn up, nothing would have happened to her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words were very harsh. Qiao Zijin had no idea how to continue the conversation. There was a tension around them, trapping Qiao Zijin¡¯s words in her throat.

    Consequently, the three of them stood at the entrance to the operating room in silence. The dead silence was scary and stifling. Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin could not help but shuddered.

    It was summer, but Qiao Nan felt the chills up her spine as if being assailed by piercing cold winds. She was so cold that she had goosebumps all over her body. Qiao Zijin felt the same way as well.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s teeth were about to chatter from the cold. Just when she decided to wrap her arms around herself, she felt something heavy on her shoulder and warmth seeping through her in the next instant. She had another piece of clothing on her.

    ¡°?¡± Qiao Nan looked at the piece of clothing and looked toward Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°It might stink with perspiration. Bear with it for a while.¡± Zhai Sheng who was always calm andposed looked somewhat embarrassed. He was worried that Qiao Nan might find his clothes, which was stunk with perspiration, unbearable. He had been drenched in sweat from training new soldiers today and also had a mission toplete afterward. His shirt was drenched for the whole day.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan was shivering from the cold minutes ago, but warmth surrounded her now. This piece of clothing not only warmed her body, but she was also touched by his gestures.

    Qiao Nan had tried umpteen times to console herself that despite having a biased and unreasonable mother, there were still many people around her who were reasonable. Her mother did not care for her, so why should she be affected by her mother¡¯s attitude toward her?

    Zhai Sheng grew more uneasy at Qiao Nan¡¯s heartfelt gratitude. Was the clothing really that smelly?

    Zhai Sheng had been used to the smell of perspiration, so he could not tell whether there was any smell.

    Zhai Sheng might not have spent a lot of time together with Qiao Nan, but she always smelled very clean. He found it very soothing.

    The smell of perspiration on his clothes might leave a smell on Qiao Nan who smelled nice and clean. At the thought of that, Zhai Sheng could not help feeling an indescribable itchy sensation all over his body and in his heart. It seemed like he could feel the itchy sensation all the way to his bones.

    When Zhai Sheng was on a mission, he could stay still for an hour without blinking. Contrariwise, he could not bear this itchy sensation and wanted to scratch it away. However, he could not identify where exactly to scratch.

    Zhai Sheng leaned closer to Qiao Nan unknowingly.

    It was only when Zhai Sheng breathed in the clean, crispy smell¡ªlike the warm and gentle spring breezeing from Qiao Nan did the itchy sensation subsided.

    Zhai Sheng could take in the clean smell of Qiao Nan, and she could also feel the warmth radiating from him due to their close proximity.

    Qiao Nan began to feel ufortable. She wanted to take a few steps back, but she was worried it might be too obvious and caused Zhai Sheng to misunderstand that she disliked him.

    Qiao Nan, who remained in the same position for an hour, felt numb. By then, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s second surgery had finally ended.

    The slightly awkward and ambiguous atmosphere was gone in an instant. Qiao Nan hurried forward. ¡°Doctor, how is my dad?¡±

    ¡°Luckily, he was sent for surgery in time. Otherwise, it would be very dangerous for him. Let me repeat myself. The family members must take extra care to stay vignt and look after the patient for twenty-four hours. This can never happen again.¡± The doctor was angered by their negligence.

    It was initially the patient¡¯s family who was careless. If the patient passed away because of this, the doctors were the ones who would bear the brunt of it.

    ¡°I am sorry, it was our fault. Thank you very much for saving my dad, Doctor. Thank you, thank you very much.¡± Qiao Nan kept on thanking the doctors.

    Zhai Sheng frowned and stood behind Qiao Nan. The doctor, who was about to continue with his lecture, stiffened and paused momentarily. ¡°All of you had better take extra care of the patient.¡±

    ¡°Doctor, it was not this youngdy who looked after the patient.¡± The nurse had sharp eyes. She could tell that Qiao Nan was not the one who stayed behind to look after the patient. In fact, the one who looked after the patient was the youngdy who stood at the corner and dared not join them.

    The doctor¡¯splexion turned green when he realized he had scolded the wrong person. ¡°Where is your parent?¡± Why did the parent leave the children to take care of the patient?

    Qiao Zijin was still in shock due to the doctor¡¯s lecture. After all, it was her fault for not being vignt. When the doctor asked about Ding Jiayi, she dared not go forward to answer.

    ¡°My... my mom might be busy. My dad had to undergo surgery, and the surgical fee is not a small sum.¡± Qiao Nan could not be bothered to exin in details for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°...¡± The doctor twitched the corner of his lips. He had nothing to say to that.

    This patient was knocked down by a car and was in a serious condition. Yet, there was no adult with him. What was wrong with this family? Apart from the patient¡¯s wife, was there no other adult?

    ¡°Alright, you must be careful this time. The patient would only be out of critical condition after twenty-four hours. After that, his condition would stabilize.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Doctor. We will take note of it.¡± Qiao Nan apanied Qiao Dongliang back to the ward. She finally heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you very much for all that you have done today. It is already nine now, why don¡¯t you go back to have a rest?¡±

    Judging from the not-very-pungent smell of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan knew that he came looking for her as soon as he was free. It was likely he did not have time to go back home at all.

    ¡°Can you cope by yourself?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan with a questioning look in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. When I am on missions, it is normal to go without sleep for two to three days.¡±

 Chapter 141 - Wept Out Her Grief

    <h4>Chapter 141: Wept Out Her Grief</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan had yet to reply while Qiao Zijin gave him a look of disdain. She was standing there all the while. Why would this man ask Qiao Nan if she could cope by herself? What did he mean by that? Was she not considered a person as well?

    This man was good-looking. It was a pity that he was ¡®blind¡¯.

    ¡°It is fine. You should go back to have a good rest. I can cope.¡± Fortunately, she had a good sleep at home. It should not be a problem to stay vigil through the night.

    As for the reason why Ding Jiayi had not shown up at all, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to care.

    Unlike the prone Qiao Dongliang who was still on the bed, Ding Jiayi was healthy; she could take care of herself.

    ¡°Alright, I wille by tomorrow.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded. It was not easy for him to have some time off from the army. He could not possibly not go back home. Besides, this is the hospital. It would not be appropriate for him to stay there when he was drenched in sweat.

    After Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Zijin leaned close to Qiao Nan. ¡°Who is he?¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with you.¡±

    ¡°Of course it has something to do with me. Both of you are acquaintances. Now that I have met him today, I can¡¯t possibly address him as ¡®Hey¡¯ when I bump into him next time. After all, he has helped us today, so we should thank him at the very least.¡± Qiao Zijin was indignant. She used to be more likable aspared to Qiao Nan. Even the boys would prefer to hang out with her.

    However, this man only had eyes for Qiao Nan. He practically treated her as if she was invisible.

    ¡°You can use whatever form of address you prefer.¡± Qiao Nan widened the distance between her and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Dad has not woken up yet. Can you shut your mouth and don¡¯t disturb Dad? Besides, aren¡¯t you hungry? You can go back home and fix yourself a meal. I do not have the time to wait on you.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Zijin turned green with anger. ¡°Fine, it¡¯s no big deal! I will leave!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was tired, starved and sleepy. After getting the fright of her life just now, she felt even more exhausted.

    Since Qiao Nan was around, Qiao Zijin did not find it a problem to leave. She went back home and left Qiao Nan to look after Qiao Dongliang by herself.

    Once Qiao Zijin was gone, Qiao Nan could finally rx. She asked the nurse to look after Qiao Dongliang while she bought a basin, a towel, and other rted stuff.

    Qiao Nan noticed that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lips were chapped. She used the cotton swabs to dab on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lips with warm water over and over again. Afterward, she wiped his hands and face clean with a cloth.

    ¡°You are quite good at taking care of your dad. Do you have any experience in taking care of patients?¡± The nurse was surprised when she saw how Qiao Nan took care of her father. Did children nowadays know so much about caring for patients?

    ¡°I read it from books.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She had plenty of experience.

    In the previous life, her parents were quite healthy, but Qiao Zijin had uremia at a young age.

    Qiao Zijin had always been bad-tempered. When she was diagnosed with uremia, she behaved as if she was the empress dowager. Qiao Nan had to wait on her and take care of her daily needs.

    Qiao Nan gained the experience through taking care of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Dad, when I went to school today, I was rewarded three hundred yuan for doing well in the exams. Dad, it has been confirmed that for the next three years in high school, I would be exempted from paying tuition and incidental fees. I only have to pay for my meals. Dad, you must get well soon. Judging from Mom¡¯s temper, after today¡¯s incident, if you did not recover before school starts, she will definitely forbid me to continue with my studies. Dad...¡±

    Qiao Nan started to cry.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang was biased, Qiao Nan knew that whether she could continue with her studies all depended on Qiao Dongliang.

    If anything happened to her father, her mother would have the final say in the family.

    Qiao Nan was reminded of the terrifying life she led in the previous life. It was just like a horrifying nightmare. Her tears tumbled down her cheek, falling onto the back of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hand.

    While Qiao Nan bent her head and sobbed her guts out, she did not notice the slight twitch of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s index finger.

    By the time she lifted her head, there was no more movement in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fingers.

    Qiao Nan stayed at the hospital throughout the night, looking after Qiao Dongliang. She dared not sleep at all. Her eyes were all red the next day from staying up all night.

    While Qiao Nan was in the hospital keeping vigil over Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin was having a good time at home. After eating whatever food avable at home, she had a bath and went to sleep. As to why Ding Jiayi was not home yet, she did not give it much thought.

    The next morning, Qiao Zijin heard sounds and jumped up from the bed. Did a robber sneak into the house?

    ¡°Qiao Nan!¡± Ding Jiayi shouted in displeasure. ¡°Stop sleeping like a log. Hurry up and pour me a drink. Prepare today¡¯s breakfast too. I will bathe and have breakfast before going to the hospital to visit your dad. Your sister has been keeping vigil by his bedside throughout the night. It must be very tiring for her, yet you are enjoying yourself here.¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s me. Qiao Nan is at the hospital.¡± Qiao Zijin yawned and came out of her room.

    ¡°Why is it you? I wanted you to stay at the hospital and wait for your dad to wake up so that you will be the first person he sees. Why are you back at home! Are you a fool?!¡± Ding Jiayi was exasperated at Qiao Zijin. She pped her on the shoulder. ¡°You should not find it troublesome. If you want your dad to favor you once again, you have to put in some efforts. This cannot do!¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s painful.¡± Qiao Zijin grabbed at her shoulder in displeasure. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We still do not know if Dad will wake up today.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s wrong with your dad?!¡± Ding Jiayi stiffened at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    ¡°Dad... Dad¡¯s condition was not very good, and he went into the operating room again. Hence, I suppose he will not wake up so soon. We should be able to make it in time if we go to the hospital now.¡± Qiao Zijin dared not say that she dozed off as she was too tired, and it almostnded her father in serious trouble.

    ¡°Then, what are you waiting for?! Let¡¯s hurry up to clean and wash and go to the hospital. Do you want your dad to treat Qiao Nan as his precious darling?!¡± Ding Jiayi did not borate further. She did not bother to use hot water. Instead, she used the water from the well to bathe and changed into her clothes at lightning speed. She then prepared some food and went to the hospital with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, why did youe back in the morning?¡± Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but ask on the way to the hospital.

    ¡°Why else could it be? Wasn¡¯t it because your dad got into an ident and I had to leave work earlier? My boss was unhappy with me and wanted me to make up for the time.¡± Ding Jiayi was indignant. ¡°Qiao Nan was too much. I didn¡¯t go back, yet she also didn¡¯t look for me. If she was to look for me and said that your father¡¯s condition was not that good, my boss would not have made me work throughout the night.¡±

    While Ding Jiayi was doing the night shift, she had beenining that Qiao Nan had no conscience at all and that she did not care about her mother.

    ¡°Mom, did you really expect Qiao Nan to look for you? If not for the fact that Dad is unwell, she would have ignored you.¡±

 Chapter 142 - Time Reveals a Personâ€™s Heart

    <h4>Chapter 142: Time Reveals a Person¡¯s Heart</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin was such a tattletale. She added fuel to the mes and ¡®ratted on¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t mention this anymore. It makes my blood boils. Let¡¯s hurry to the hospital. We would not want Qiao Nan to be the only one by your dad¡¯s side when he wakes upter. If that really happens, your dad will definitely side with Qiao Nan and will only have eyes for her. If thates to pass, you can forget about being in his good graces in the future.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Mom. Let¡¯s run there.¡± They dared not take any form of transport to the hospital as there was no money at home. They could only go there on foot.

    By the time they ran all the way to the hospital, it was eight in the morning.

    The first question Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Nan when she reached the hospital was, ¡°Has your dad woken up?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Phew, that¡¯s not bad.¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Old Qiao had not woken up, Zijin still had a chance.

    ¡°Not bad?¡± Qiao Nan asked in disbelief. ¡°Mom, what is good with Dad¡¯s condition now?!¡±

    ¡°When did I say it¡¯s good? I said it¡¯s still early. The doctor said he must be under observation for twenty-four hours, so it¡¯s still early.¡± Ding Jiayi denied having said ¡®not bad¡¯. ¡°Alright, you have looked after your dad through the night. Your sister and I will take over from here. You can go back to rest.¡±

    ¡°Why would you ask me to take a rest again? Are both of you very sure that you can do a good job and look after my dad?! You had better not fall asleep and fail to inform the doctor when my dad shows signs of rpsing!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ding Jiayi paused momentarily and looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, what happened? Why did your dad go into the operating room again?¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt a twinge of embarrassment and gave Qiao Nan a slight push. ¡°I was too tired yesterday. I am well rested today, so there will not be any errors. Besides, Mom will be here with me. You do not have to worry. You had better worry about yourself.¡± They still did not know where Qiao Nan borrowed the money from. Anyway, their mother had said that whoever borrowed the money would have to return it themselves.

    To think that Qiao Nan still wanted to continue with her studies... Dream on!

    Not waiting for Qiao Nan to reject, Qiao Zijin gave Qiao Nan a hard push and closed the door shut as soon as Qiao Nan left the ward. ¡°Qiao Nan, have a good rest at home, Mom and I will look after Dad. There will be no problem.¡±

    Qiao Zijin leaned against the door, preventing Qiao Nan from opening the door and entering the room. She talked to her from the other side of the door.

    After staying up the whole night, Qiao Nan was no match for Qiao Zijin.

    After being pushed out of the room and having the door closed on her, Qiao Nan really wanted to give Qiao Zijin a good thrashing. If Qiao Zijin was not her biological sister, she wished she could chop Qiao Zijin with a kitchen knife.

    But this was the hospital. Qiao Nan did not want to create a din lest she disturbed other patients.

    Qiao Zijin did not care about disgracing herself, Qiao Nan did. She would not behave brazenly at the hospital. She could only leave and go back home to rest.

    Qiao Zijin smiled when she heard Qiao Nan walked away. Qiao Nan was no match for her.

    ¡°Has she left?¡± Ding Jiayi, who was watching by the side, did not try to stop Qiao Zijin. In fact, she looked favorably on it.

    ¡°Left for home. I am her sister, and she had stayed up through the night. I have her best interests at heart, and I wanted her to go back to have a good rest. She should thank me for that. Why shouldn¡¯t she leave?¡± Qiao Zijin snorted proudly. ¡°I am a good sister.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you can knock it off in front of me. Hurry up, you should rub at your eyes and make it red. You should have seen how Qiao Nan looked just now. Look at you. If you tell your dad that you stayed up all night, he will not believe you. Don¡¯t forget that your dad was once a scout in the army.¡± Ding Jiayi remembered that her husband used to be a scout in the army.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Oh, why are there a basin and a towel here? It¡¯s perfect. I can get some hot water, soaked the towel with it, and ced it on my eyes.¡± Qiao Zijin took the towel and basin and went to get the hot water.

    Ding Jiayi sat down, feeling slightly weary. She looked at Qiao Dongliang and sighed. ¡°Old Qiao, you must get well soon. The Qiao family cannot do without you. Zijin cannot do without you. You said that you want to take in a husband for Zijin. We would still need to buy a house in the future. All of us are depending on you.¡±

    She had to work to realize that earning money was not an easy task.

    Yesterday, her boss found out she skipped work and made her worked all night long. Ding Jiayi had to admit that she was advanced in years and could no longer do manual work. Besides, the job was too tiresome. She missed the days when she was still a housewife.

    After the incident yesterday, Qiao Zijin took great care in looking after Qiao Dongliang. Ding Jiayi made use of the free time and took a nap by the side of the bed.

    When it was noontime, Qiao Zijin finally had a rest and poured a drink for herself. She noticed that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyelids were twitching. ¡°Dad... Dad, are you awake?¡±

    ¡°What? Is Old Qiao awake?¡± Ding Jiayi, who was asleep, heard her words and woke up immediately. ¡°Old Qiao?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who had slept for a whole day, fluttered his eyelids and opened his eyes slowly. He opened his mouth and said in a dry, hoarse voice, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, you have finally woken up!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s worries and fears dissipated the moment Qiao Dongliang opened his eyes and made a sound. ¡°Old Qiao, you gave us such a big fright this time. If anything happens to you, how are Zijin and I going to survive?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang tried to move his lips with difficulty, his throat was very dry.

    Qiao Zijin noticed that Qiao Dongliang looked like he wanted to lick at his lips and asked, ¡°Dad, are you thirsty? Let me pour you a drink.¡±

    By the time she poured the drink, she realized Qiao Dongliang was injured and could not move. He was lying t on the bed. She had no idea how to feed him the water. ¡°Mom, Dad wants to have a drink. How... how am I supposed to do it?¡±

    ¡°Do it slowly.¡± Ding Jiayi was clueless as well. She had no experience in taking care of patients. She could only hold Qiao Dongliang¡¯s head steady to help Qiao Zijin with the feeding.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang ended up not having any water at all. All the water dripped out and his cor was wet from the water. Qiao Zijin could not help but feel embarrassed.

    ¡°Dad, I... I am sorry.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be anxious. It¡¯s alright. Your dad will not take it to heart.¡± Ding Jiayi saved her from further embarrassment. ¡°Old Qiao, you must not have known that after you were hit by the car, Zijin was worried sick. Look at her eyes, she stayed with you and cried throughout the night. She did not even sleep a wink. It is as the saying goes: ¡®As distance tests a horse¡¯s strength, time reveals a person¡¯s heart¡¯. You should realize by now which daughter is filial to you. As for Qiao Nan, forget about her. I don¡¯t want to talk about her anymore. No matter how heartless she is, I gave birth to her after all. But Zijin is so pitiful and has tired herself out.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I am fine. I am not tired at all. He is my biological dad, so it is my duty to take care of him and wait on him,¡± Qiao Zijin rushed to answer. ¡°Dad, Nan Nan is still young. She cannot stay up through the night. As her elder sister, I should do more.¡±

 Chapter 143 - Do You Have the Final Say?

    <h4>Chapter 143: Do You Have the Final Say?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang did not respond to her words, Qiao Zijin shot a nce at Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi hinted at Qiao Zijin to carry on, and so she did. ¡°Nan Nan is still young. She cannot stay up through the night. It¡¯s normal for her to rest more. Actually, I do not find it tiring at all. My biological dad is injured, and I am so anxious that I could not even sleep. I am d that I could stay behind to take care of you. Dad, Nan Nan cares for you as well. When you went for the surgery, Nan Nan and I donated some blood to you.¡±

    ¡°Alright, your dad has just woken up and is tired. Let him rest more. When he recovers, both of you will have lots of chances to chat.¡± Ding Jiayi interrupted with a smile on her face. ¡°Old Qiao, would you like to sleep for a while?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang made some movements as if he was sighing. He closed his eyes without casting another nce at Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin walked to stand by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s with Dad?¡± What did this attitude of his mean?

    ¡°Shush, don¡¯t disturb your dad. He needs to rest. Whatever it is you want to say, say it outside.¡± After covering Qiao Dongliang with a nket lest he caught a cold, Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Zijin out of the ward. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. Your dad suffered such serious injuries, and he underwent two surgeries. He is very weak now and didn¡¯t mean anything by that. He is just too weak to say anything, so you should not worry. After this incident, your dad will realize who is more filial to him between Qiao Nan and you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°But Mom, Qiao Nan borrowed such a huge sum of money. Even though you said that whoever borrowed the money would have to repay it, can she even repay them? If the debtors make a fuss in the future, will Dad learn that Qiao Nan was the one who borrowed the money for his surgery?¡±

    ¡°I have already thought of this. Even if someone is toe to our house and demand payment for the loan, we will tell your dad that Qiao Nan borrowed the money for other purposes¡ªthat it has nothing to do with your dad. I believe Qiao Nan did not mention your dad when she went to borrow the money. Alright, I will handle this. Now that your dad has woken up, you should make use of these few days to look after him. After all, he is still the one with the final say at home.¡±

    After working to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees for a year and borrowing it from Qiao Dongliang¡¯srades to pay for the school fees for the second semester, Ding Jiayi realized that it was too tiring to finance a child through school.

    It would be so much easier if they only had one child going to school.

    ¡°Qiao Nan wants to continue with her studies. I am worried that she might not be willing.¡±

    ¡°She has no say in this matter at all. You are not going to continue with your studies after the third year, and she has no right to study as well. If your dad has any objections, I would say that we should be fair to all.¡± Old Qiao had always said that one must be fair. If Zijin quit school, why should they waste money to send Qiao Nan to school?

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded.

    Her sister Qiao Nan had good results. If Qiao Zijin stopped her studies after she graduated from high school while Qiao Nan still performed well in high school, Qiao Zijin, as her sister, would be disgraced. Everyone would say that Qiao Nan was very bright, and no one would remember Qiao Zijin.

    It would be all the better if both she and Qiao Nan stopped their studies together.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s on your mind?¡± Qiao Zijin found it strange that Ding Jiayi kept her silence.

    ¡°I am wondering where Qiao Nan borrowed such a huge sum of money from. Do you know how much remaining money does Qiao Nan have? I would not allow her to squander away the money that could save your dad¡¯s life. She is just a child. It would not be good to keep so much money with her. She wouldn¡¯t use it anyway.¡± Given Old Qiao¡¯s condition, it would take a few months before he could go back to work.

    Everything at home would need money.

    Most importantly, Old Qiao was injured. She had to think of ways to make some tonics for Old Qiao.

    With her meager sry, she could not even provide for Zijin, let alone for a family of four.

    If Qiao Nan still had some money with her, then it would be a different story if she could get her hands on the money.

    Since Qiao Nan also had a part in piling up the expenses at home, it was only right for her to pool the money into the house fund.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°That¡¯s true. But it is still the same story, Mom. Qiao Nan is very smart now. I tried ways and means to get the money from Qiao Nan to no avail. I feel that Qiao Nan would be way more stingy than before. Just look at what happened this time. She did not hand the money for Dad¡¯s surgery to you and paid the money to the hospital by herself instead. Qiao Nan did not n to let you keep the money at all.¡±

    ¡°That wretched girl!¡± Ding Jiayi boiled with anger at the mention of the surgery fees. ¡°If not for your dad¡¯s colleagues who sided with her, I would have dealt with her. We are in such a dire situation now, yet she gave empty promises that she would return them the money. Where would we have the money? This won¡¯t do. I have to get the money from her lest she squanders it away. You stay here and look after your dad. I will make a trip home.¡±

    Why did she forget to do a body search on Qiao Nan just now?!

    If Qiao Nan had the money on her, there was no way she could hide it from her during the body search.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I will not fall asleep this time.¡± Qiao Zijin felt energized after a good night sleep yesterday. She would notmit yesterday¡¯s mistake again.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Ding Jiayi entrusted the task of looking after Qiao Dongliang to Qiao Zijin. Afterward, she dashed back home to deal with Qiao Nan.

    Back at home, Ding Jiayi grabbed the door handle to Qiao Nan¡¯s room and tried to turn the handle. She realized there was no way that she could open the door. ¡°You wretched girl, you have the audacity to lock the door? Open it right now!¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was woken up by Ding Jiayi, had only slept for less than two hours. With a sullen expression on her face, she spoke to her mother from the other side of the door, not making any move to open the door. ¡°Mom, what is the matter?¡±

    ¡°What else but...¡± Ding Jiayi was about tounch into a tirade, but she remembered that Qiao Nan had the money with her. She calmed down and said, ¡°Your dad is injured and could not work. We have a lot of expenses at home. You are still young; it is not convenient for you to keep the money with you. Besides, you have no idea what the expenses are. Qiao Nan, listen to me and give me the money. I will buy some tonics to nurture your dad.¡±

    ¡°Mom, to tell you the truth, I have used all the money I borrowed to pay for Dad¡¯s medical fees and to repay the money we owed Dad¡¯srades.¡±

    ¡°What? You... We are in such a dire situation here, why would you repay the money we owed? Do you want your dad to die?!¡± Ding Jiayi was so angry that she almost vomited blood. She had borrowed a total of four to five hundred yuan.

    ¡°If I wanted Dad dead, would I still borrow the money? Mom, you could note up with the money as well! Mom, don¡¯t try to have any designs on me. Rather than questioning me about the money you borrowed from Dad¡¯srades, you should worry about how you are going to exin to Dad when he recovers from his injuries!¡± Qiao Nan smiled coldly. It seemed like she did the right thing when she locked her door as soon as she reached home. It was not groundless worries at all.

 Chapter 144 - Little Warm Jacket

    <h4>Chapter 144: Little Warm Jacket</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi, who was outside the locked room, turned green with anger. ¡°How dare you think of telling your Dad about this! Do you want to infuriate him and aggravate his condition? Do you want to watch him die?!¡±

    ¡°I did not borrow the money from Dad¡¯srades. Even if Dad dies from anger, I am not at fault. You are the one to be med. You know how his temper is, yet you still went ahead to borrow the money. Do you think that we do not need to return the borrowed money and that Dad will never find out? My sister¡¯s school fees are much less than the amount you borrowed. Mom, search your conscience. You have it all nned out. You knew that Dad and you are a couple after all. If you really could not repay the money, he would still repay the money in your stead, albeit unwillingly. In that case, what Dad earns will eventually be used on sister. Sister would stand to gain in the end!¡±

    Qiao Nan knew more than anyone about what was going on in Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind.

    Qiao Dongliang was mindful of maintaining his image in front of hisrades. If they were to demand the repayment of the money, Qiao Dongliang would never dy the payment. Regardless of his initial ns, he would repay all of the debts as long as he had the money with him.

    As husband and wife, Ding Jiayi was really too scheming to have had such designs on her husband.

    But Ding Jiayi was unconscious of her own behavior. She had no idea that it was so hurtful to the other party.

    ¡°Are... are you opening the door or not?!¡± Ding Jiayi was enraged that Qiao Nan knew what she had in mind.

    ¡°No. Since you have the time to quarrel with me, Dad must have woken up. Come tomorrow when Dad is feeling better. Mom, you will have to bear the consequences for what you have done!¡±

    ¡°You are not allowed to tell your dad about the debts!¡± Ding Jiayi was anxious. ¡°Did you hear that?!¡±

    Since all the debts had been repaid, she had better keep her mouth shut lest Old Qiao became furious when he learned about it.

    ¡°I heard you, but no!¡±

    ¡°You dare disobey me? Do you still treat me as your mom?!¡±

    ¡°It is all up to you to say if we are mother and daughter. As for the debts, there is no room for discussion!¡±

    She had to be firm to deal with people like her mother.

    She did not care how her father wanted to dote on her mother; she was not going to budge in this life.

    Even if she could not do anything to her mother regarding the debts, it would be good to give her a scare. Her mother would at least not mess with her for the next few days.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was panting with anger. She red at the closely shut door. There was nothing she could do about Qiao Nan.

    If it was up to her, she wished she could get a knife from the kitchen to hack off her door so that Qiao Nan could not lock her door in the future.

    But on second thought, Ding Jiayi could not bear to do it. She would need to spend a bomb to fix the door.

    ¡°Fine, you have guts. You are the best in this house!¡± Ding Jiayi kicked at the door indignantly. ¡°I am warning you, if anything happens to your dad when he learns of the debts¡ªeven if I need tomit murder¡ªI would make sure you die and buried alongside your dad!¡±

    ¡°Ahh...¡± Qiao Nanughed coldly. Her dad was hit by a car and did not have any other illness. Her dad was not like her, he would not be angered to death.

    Ding Jiayi ranted andshed out at Qiao Nan, but thetter refused to respond to her. In the end, she could only give up and walked away, panting in anger.

    On the second day, the atmosphere was awkward in the hospital. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin ignored Qiao Nan, while Qiao Nan also did not bother to spare them another nce. She gave all her attention to taking care of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, I made this chicken porridge. Now that you have yet to recover, you could only have something light. Oily food is not good for you.¡±

    ¡°Chicken?¡± Qiao Dongliang said hoarsely. ¡°Don¡¯t... don¡¯t waste the money. I will recover gradually.¡±

    ¡°It is alright. We can still afford the chicken.¡± Qiao Nan fed Qiao Dongliang the porridge. In fact, Qiao Nan did not buy the chicken. Zhai Sheng brought it to the Qiao family¡¯s residence early in the morning.

    The chicken was already ughtered and skinned.

    Given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s health condition, oily food was unsuitable for him. It was good to have the chicken skinned.

    Qiao Nan thought about it and made shredded chicken porridge for Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°It is delicious.¡± The porridge tasted soft and smelled nice. Every grain of rice was soft and melted as soon as it touched the tongue. The taste was perfect, neither too salty nor tasteless. It whetted Qiao Dongliang¡¯s appetite. ¡°Nan Nan, you have good culinary skills.¡±

    At the very least, the porridge tasted better than what Old Ding used to make for him.

    ¡°If Dad likes it, you should have another half a bowl. It is not good to have too much food at one go. I will make more for Dad in the future.¡± Qiao Nan stopped giving Qiao Dongliang the porridge after he finished one and a half bowl of porridge. Regardless of whether he would like some more or not, she stopped giving it to him.

    Qiao Dongliang was an adult. He knew Qiao Nan had his best interests at heart. He would not be greedy and did not ask for more.

    The pair of father and daughter had a good time feeding and eating the porridge. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin who stood by the side seemed to be out of ce.

    ¡°Brother, you are so fortunate. Your daughter takes such good care of you; she is even better than your wife.¡± Today, there was another patient in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ward. He was surprised when he saw this scene.

    The wife was usually the one who took care of the husband when they were sick.

    This brother had raised such a good daughter. His younger daughter did most of the chores, and unexpectedly, it was his wife and elder daughter who stood by the side watching.

    The patient lifted the corner of his lips. He did not understand what was going on with this family.

    ¡°Yes, I am blessed.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°We all say that daughters are like little warm jackets. It is very true. I am able to survive this car ident all because of this daughter of mine. I have to thank her for saving my life. She could match up to ten sons!¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you want some water?¡± Qiao Zijin turned green with anger. She quickly poured a cup of warm water and brought it to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°The temperature is just right. You just had your porridge, so you should be thirsty.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang blinked a few times and looked at Qiao Zijin without any expression. He uttered a sound and allowed Qiao Zijin to feed him the water.

    Why should he make the younger daughter wait on him and let the elder daughter rest?!

    After drinking the water, Qiao Zijin was even more ufortable. She felt awkward and uneasy. She just could not find the right standing position.

    Qiao Zijin frowned and returned to stand by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. ¡°Mom, I feel that Dad is acting strangely. After waking up today, he never looked at me in the eye. Didn¡¯t you say that as long as I stayed by his side and was the first person he saw when he woke up, he would be good to me and would no longer be biased toward Qiao Nan? Why do I feel that Dad sides Qiao Nan even more than before?¡±

    Since her dad woke up till now, he only mentioned Qiao Nan. His words just now also sounded as if Qiao Nan was the only good daughter he had. She treated him in the same way as well. Was she not good enough to him?

    ¡°It cannot be...¡± Ding Jiayi hesitated. But in fact, Ding Jiayi also felt the same way as Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 145 - Change of Attitude

    <h4>Chapter 145: Change of Attitude</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi had been telling herself that Qiao Dongliang had just woken up and was not as vigorous as before. He was still weak, so it was normal to ignore them. This was how a patient would behave. It might just be her misconception after all.

    But since Ding Jiayi was not the only one who noted the strange atmosphere, but also Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi started to feel uneasy.

    ¡°Your dad is sick, and his wounds must hurt badly. He does not have the strength to speak. Don¡¯t think too much.¡± Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on her head. She seemed to be consoling Qiao Zijin as well as herself.

    The three of them would have to go back in the evening, and someone would have to stay behind to take care of Qiao Dongliang.

    Without waiting for Ding Jiayi to say anything, Qiao Dongliang spoke up. ¡°Nan Nan, you should go back tonight. Zijin should stay behind to take care of me.¡±

    ¡°It is not really appropriate, is it?¡± Ding Jiayi frowned. She had wanted Qiao Nan to stay behind. After all, Zijin was the first person Old Qiao saw when he woke up. She should no longer need to tire herself out any more than this. ¡°Zijin stayed up all night to take care of you. It will be Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to look after you tonight. The day after tomorrow¡ªtomorrow night¡ªwe will have Zijin take care of you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s initial n was only for Qiao Zijin to wait on Qiao Dongliang till he woke up.

    After he woke up, Qiao Nan would have to take care of him.

    Unexpectedly, Qiao Dongliang came up with this request all of a sudden, catching Ding Jiayi unaware.

    Ding Jiayi used to be the one who was in charge of such ¡®small matters¡¯ in the family. Qiao Dongliang never gave hisments and would not bring up any request on his own ord. Why would he do that today?

    Could it be that since Zijin was the first person Old Qiao saw when he woke up, he then developed an attachment to her and came to value her more than before?

    Ding Jiayi paused momentarily. She did not know how to react to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s requests.

    ¡°Well... well, I will stay behind tonight.¡± Without waiting for Ding Jiayi to say anything, Qiao Zijin spoke up first.

    ¡°Zijin, are you up to it? You didn¡¯t sleep well yesterday.¡± Ding Jiayi spoke anxiously.

    ¡°I...¡± Actually, Zijin felt tired and sleepy. Most importantly, it was summer now, and she had looked after Qiao Dongliang for a long day. She was sticky from her perspiration, feeling ufortable. She really wanted to go back to have a bath.

    However, her father had already said his piece. If she did not stay, how would the other patients in the ward think of her?

    Qiao Nan was filial; she was a good daughter as well!

    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t I stay behind?¡± Qiao Nan never harbored any hopes on Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin might be unwilling to stay behind, but she was all the more willing to do that. ¡°Dad, how about I stay behind instead?¡±

    Her father¡¯s condition the day before was not really stable, and Qiao Zijin had stayed up all night to take care of her father. The one who stayed behind today to look after her father would no longer need to keep vigil all night. One could still have a nap.

    ¡°No need. You should go back,¡± Qiao Dongliang said firmly. ¡°Zijin, are you staying or not?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was stunned momentarily. She quickly agreed. ¡°Yes, I would definitely stay behind. But Dad, how about I go back home first to have a change of clothes ande backter to take Qiao Nan¡¯s turn?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded in agreement.

    Ding Jiayi heaved a sigh of relief. Qiao Zijin could hurry back and have a short rest at home before returning to the hospital.

    After Qiao Zijin left, Ding Jiayi sat down by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bedside. ¡°Old Qiao, what¡¯s wrong with you today? Did you know that you gave Zijin a fright just now? You...¡± Ding Jiayi hesitated, not knowing how to describe Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°What did I do just now?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked a question in return.

    ¡°Nothing... It¡¯s nothing.¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head immediately. Old Qiao was a patient and should not be agitated. But Qiao Nan that wretched girl stood to gain! Qiao Zijin would have to do all the hard work.

    While Qiao Dongliang was talking to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan peeled an apple for Qiao Dongliang. She even cut the apples into small pieces, making it easier for him to eat.

    Actually, besides Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan also noticed that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior was strange.

    Even though her father refused to let her stay behind and rejected her curtly, she did not sense any loathe in his tone.

    But why would her father behave in this way? She had no idea as well.

    By the time Qiao Zijin returned to the hospital, three hours had already passed.

    Even though it was summer, the sky already looked dark at eight.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ding Jiayi asked out of concern. Ding Jiayi started to have regrets as soon as the sun set. She should have apanied the elder daughter home. It was no longer as safe as it used to be. What should she do if Zijin had any mishaps or was bullied by someone on the way?

    ¡°I am fine. What could have happened to me?¡± Qiao Zijin said in a displeased tone.

    As soon as she reached home, she had a bath, had some food, and went to sleep for two good hours.

    Regardless, she was drenched in sweat on her way to the hospital, and her clothes were stered to her back. She had bathed in vain. Naturally, she was in a bad mood.

    ¡°Shall I stay behind with you tonight?¡± Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Zijin a towel to wipe off her perspiration, waiting on her.

    Unlike how Ding Jiayi took care of Qiao Dongliang, she was so ardent and eager to wait on Qiao Zijin as if she was waiting on her elders.

    ¡°No need. You have to work tomorrow.¡± Qiao Zijin rejected her mother¡¯s suggestion. If her mother did not work, she would not be paid, and she would have no money to pay for her school fees when school reopened.

    Even though she nned to find a good job with the help of the Zhu family after graduating from high school, she still wanted to graduate from high school. ¡°If you stay behind to apany me, you would be too tired to work the next day. Mom, go back home with Qiao Nan. I can cope with it by myself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi broke into a smile at the elder daughter¡¯s concerned words. ¡°Alright, you look after your dad. I will go back home first.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you should go back home too.¡± Unlike her concerned words toward Qiao Zijin just now, Ding Jiayi left by herself, not bothering to wait for Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang frowned and urged Qiao Nan to go back home. ¡°Be careful on your way home. Walk on the big road. Do not take the side road.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Dad. I will go now.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and turned to leave.

    As soon as Qiao Nan came out from the hospital, she was stopped by Ding Jiayi. ¡°Let me ask you. Did you tell your dad anything without us knowing?¡±

    ¡°Dad is sick. Don¡¯t worry. I did not say anything to him.¡± Qiao Nan shrugged away Ding Jiayi¡¯s arms and did not trail after her. She made her way back home by herself instead.

 Chapter 146 - No Oneâ€™ at Home

    <h4>Chapter 146: ¡®No One¡¯ at Home</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Impossible! If you did not say something to your dad, why would he behave strangely today and give us strange looks?¡± Ding Jiayi pulled at Qiao Nan, refusing to let her go.

    They were outside the hospital on the road and Ding Jiayi was pulling at her. For no reasons, Qiao Nan was reminded of the ident she had in her previous life and was enveloped by fear. Her countenance changed. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s enough. What is wrong with Dad that you have to keeping at me?! Besides, if you have anything to say, you can do so at home! Must you say your piece on the road?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was stunned by Qiao Nan¡¯s fierce and harsh attitude.

    While Ding Jiayi was stunned, Qiao Nan pped her hands away, turned, and ran off, trying her best to widen her distance between them.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Nan ran off and was about to give chase, but she was startled by the loud honking sounds of the cars.

    Seeing the cars sped by right in front of her, Ding Jiayi turned pale and patted her chest a few times. Qiao Nan was right. Next time, they should not stand on the road to talk.

    Old Qiao ended up in the hospital because he was hit by a car.

    When Ding Jiayi reached home, she went to the kitchen and lifted the lid of the pot, wanting to get some food for herself. But no food could be found in the kitchen. There wasn¡¯t even a bowl of leftover rice. ¡°Qiao Nan, didn¡¯t you make the shredded chicken porridge? Where¡¯s the porridge?¡±

    Old Qiao only had a few bowls of the porridge. Surely there would be some leftovers.

    ¡°Dad finished them all,¡± Qiao Nan said coldly.

    ¡°Impossible! You cooked the entire chicken, so how could there be only two bowls of porridge? Who are you trying to deceive?! Given your sister¡¯s appetite, she could not have finished everything. Where did you keep the porridge?¡± Ding Jiayi had nned for Qiao Zijin to go home first, so she could heat up the porridge Qiao Nan made.

    She might not like Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan had good culinary skills.

    She intended for Qiao Zijin toe home first to have a few bowls of the shredded chicken porridge before returning to the hospital to look after Qiao Dongliang.

    By the time she came back, she could finish the rest of the porridge.

    Ding Jiayi craved for the porridge since Qiao Dongliang was all praises for the porridge just now.

    ¡°An entire chicken?¡± Qiao Nan had a mock smile on her face. ¡°What is the situation of our family? Where would I have the money to buy an entire chicken? Just as I have said in the hospital, there is nothing left. I have given all the porridge to Dad!¡±

    ¡°Are you serious? Is there really nothing left?¡± Ding Jiayi widened her eyes. ¡°What did your sister eat for dinner when she came back home just now?¡±

    ¡°How would I know? Since my sister is healthy, she should be able to make some food for herself. If you want to know what my sister had just now, you should ask her.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was speechless. ¡°Your sister knows to care for my well-being, but why can¡¯t you be the same? I am your mom. I went through so much suffering to give birth to you. Now that I am home, do you intend to deny me a warm meal?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was waiting for Qiao Nan to prepare food for her.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± Qiao Nan thought for a while and ran out. She came back in less than half an hour, buying four big buns and a box of green pepper with potato shreds. ¡°Help yourself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was so starved that she did not bother to argue with Qiao Nan. She grabbed the buns, picked up some potato shreds, and dug in.

    Ever since she started working, Ding Jiayi¡¯s appetite had be bigger. Initially, she had wanted to have three buns, but Qiao Nan ate very fast as well and had two of the four buns.

    After the meal, Ding Jiayi cleaned herself and went to sleep.

    Ding Jiayi woke up the next day morning and prepared to go to work. Before leaving the house, she ordered Qiao Nan, ¡°Before going to the hospital to take over your sister¡¯s shift, wash your sister¡¯s and my clothes.¡±

    Ding Jiayi left for work afterward.

    Qiao Nan gave a big yawn, washed her own clothes and pretended not to see Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes.

    As soon as she finished hanging out the clothes to dry, she heard some sounds at the door. Qiao Nan ran out, ¡°Is that Brother Zhai?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was here today again, and he had with him half a chicken and some vegetables. Qiao Nan opened the door and invited him in.

    ¡°I have brought mushrooms as well. You can put them into the porridge. After handing the chicken and mushrooms to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng sat downfortably as if he was in his own house.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan walked straight to the kitchen with the chicken. She boiled the chicken until it gave off a nice fragrant, then she shredded the chicken and put them into the porridge.

    As there were mushrooms today, the shredded chicken porridge tasted better than yesterday.

    She left the porridge to boil over low heat, wiped her hands, and sat down opposite of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, is the porridge fulfilling enough? Even though the dishes they sold outside might not be as tasty, you are not picky with your food. It is much simpler to buy some dishes from outside. I came backte yesterday, and that¡¯s what I had for dinner.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhai Sheng lied without batting an eyelid.

    ¡°Is there no one at home?¡± Qiao Nan tilted her head and looked at Zhai Sheng with a puzzled expression.

    Qiao Nan was unwilling to ept anything Zhai Sheng gave her. After all, she had owed him a huge sum of money.

    However, Zhai Sheng bought half a skinned chicken yesterday morning and came over to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, asking whether Qiao Nan knew how to cook.

    When he came back from the army this time, no one was at home to prepare meals for him. Therefore, he wanted to know if Qiao Nan could make some porridge for him. He was craving for some porridge.

    Qiao Nan had no other talents except good culinary skills. She agreed readily and made chicken porridge with half a chicken. Apart from the porridge, Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng to bring home with him, Zhai Sheng made Qiao Nan have a big bowl of the porridge and asked her to bring the remaining porridge to Qiao Dongliang in a thermos sk.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng lied again without batting an eyelid. Zhai Hua was at home, but Zhai Sheng conveniently treated his biological sister, Zhai Hua, as non-existent and lied to Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua might be at home, but she did not know how to cook. Hence, it did not matter whether she was at home.

    ¡°The porridge is ready, Brother Zhai. Do you want to bring them back?¡±

    ¡°No need. I am hungry and will have a bowl of porridge here before bringing them back.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± This time, Qiao Nan prepared two bowls of porridge without waiting for Zhai Sheng¡¯s orders, one for Zhai Sheng and one for herself.

    She did not prepare a bowl of porridge for herself yesterday. In the end, Zhai Sheng looked at her without any expression and said, ¡°Do you want to stare at me while I eat?¡±

    Qiao Nan found it to be awkward too, so she had a bowl of porridge with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan felt very satisfied and contented after finishing the bowl of shredded chicken porridge. As expected, it was wonderful and fortunate to be well-fed. ¡°Brother Zhai, I have put the porridge into the pot. It is all thanks to you that my dad and I get to savor such good food again.¡±

    ¡°No worries. I might have to trouble you with my meals these few days. We should help each other.¡± Zhai Sheng took the pot of porridge with him as if it was as light as a cotton ball.

 Chapter 147 - Parents Always Have Good Intentions

    <h4>Chapter 147: Parents Always Have Good Intentions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Looking at Zhai Sheng who was leaving with the porridge, Qiao Nan kept feeling something was not right. However, Zhai Sheng looked so calm andposed that Qiao Nan did not feel that he was lying.

    ¡°Gee, I forgot to tell Brother Zhai again. On the other hand, it is also uncertain whether the method is workable.¡± At the thought of her owing Zhai Sheng 1,500 yuan, Qiao Nan¡¯s pretty and fresh-looking face revealed uneasiness all over.

    After a sigh, Qiao Nan scooped the remaining chicken porridge from Zhai Sheng into a thermal food container, leaving not a single drop for Qiao Zijin. Thereafter, she left for the hospital.

    At the smell of the extremely fragrant chicken porridge, Qiao Zijin, who was so hungry, swallowed her saliva a few times. ¡°Nan Nan, is there any porridge left at home?¡±

    She did not believe Qiao Nan only cooked her father¡¯s portion and that there was no extra portion.

    Strangely, when she was home yesterday¡ªnot to mention shredded chicken porridge¡ªshe did not even see a single chicken feather.

    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Nan replied to Qiao Zijin as she fed Qiao Dongliang the porridge. ¡°Dad¡¯s health is weaker. I did not cook much. The portion is just enough for him. If you want to eat, you can cook by yourself when you are back.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips. Qiao Nan seemed to be implying that she was only concerned about food and not her father. ¡°How do I cook this?¡± Shredded chicken porridge... She was uncertain whether she would be able to make a pot of porridge.

    ( B oxnovel.c om ) ¡°Zijin, go home and rest. Nan Nan will take care of me during the day. You cane and take over Nan Nan at night.¡± After Qiao Dongliang finished the porridge and drank some water, he seemed to be in much better spirits.

    ¡°It¡¯s me again tonight?!¡± Qiao Zijin stomped her feet. ¡°Dad, I have looked after you for two nights in a row. Why don¡¯t we have Nan Nan stay over for tonight?¡±

    To Qiao Zijin, who had never missed a night of sleep, staying awake overnight was an extremely painful affair.

    Furthermore, whenever Qiao Zijin was able to grab a rare opportunity to nap, she would always be awakened by other people¡¯s movement in the ward. Qiao Dongliang was not the only patient in the ward. As such, Qiao Zijin did not even manage to have a full hour of uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. Tomorrow... I will be here again tomorrow night.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was a little afraid of Qiao Dongliang now. If this was how her father expressed his love and care for her, she would rather let Qiao Nan have this love and care. It was too much of a torture.

    Her mother¡¯s idea did not work at all. Her father¡¯s reaction was not what she wanted!

    ¡°Are you not willing to?¡± Qiao Dongliang turned his head and looked at Qiao Zijin with his dark, deep eyes. ¡°If you are not willing to, let Nan Nan stay behind, then.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to.¡± Qiao Zijin was bitter and was close to tears.

    When did her father be so unreasonable? She was tired but could not even rest for a night.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re willing to. You must be tired since you stayed overnight yesterday. Go home and have a good sleep. Come again tonight.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded his head.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and asked as she opened her dry mouth, ¡°Dad, then what do I eat when I go back?¡±

    Qiao Nan would definitely not leave any food for her. What about her breakfast, lunch, and dinner¡ªthe three meals? What would she eat when she reached home?

    ¡°Nan Nan, what is avable at home?¡±

    ¡°Rice. As for vegetables, I think there is one cabbage left.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Zijin. When you are back, cook some rice and fry the vegetables. When your mom returns at night, ask her to buy some food for you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Hearing this oue, Qiao Zijin did not even have the energy tough. ¡°Dad, then I will be leaving first.¡±

    ¡°Okay, be careful on the roads.¡±

    When Qiao Zijin was present, it was not appropriate for Qiao Nan to say certain things. Hence, after Qiao Zijin left, Qiao Nan said, ¡°Dad, I can swap with her tonight.¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling sorry for your sister?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s stiff expression turned into a smile.

    ¡°...¡± Could she ask her father to pretend as if she had not said those words?

    Feeling sorry for Qiao Zijin? It was more like she was concerned about her own father.

    ( B oxnovel.c om ) The result of putting her father under Qiao Zijin¡¯s care was that he had to undergo a second surgery. Fortunately, Brother Zhai was around at that time and was sharp enough to realize that her father¡¯s condition was not right. Otherwise, she did not know what would have happened.

    ¡°Your sister has been spoiled by your mom. If I still do not think of a way to change her character, she will be like your mom,¡± Qiao Dongliang said with deep thoughts. ¡°I can¡¯t possibly let her cause harm to the whole family, could I?¡±

    ¡°?¡± Feeling puzzled, Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows.

    ¡°For the sake of two sets of new clothing, Zijin let your mom worked overnight for a month. Your sister was not concerned about your mom at all, and neither did she help your mom with the work. Of course, your mom deserved it. But your sister¡¯s attitude is not right. Your sister has a sweet tongue but a bitter heart. She can bluff people for a while but not for the rest of her life.¡± The character of Qiao Zijin, his elder daughter, had gone astray.

    ¡°Oh...¡± After a long time, Qiao Nan then responded without expressing much feeling.

    She was still puzzled by the change in her father who suddenly seemed like he wanted to torture Qiao Zijin. It was simr to how her mother tortured her. In the end, after a long day of hassle, her father did it for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake.

    That¡¯s right. Her mother was totally heartless to her. But her father could not do that to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Looking at the situation, Sister looked like she was about to cry. Dad, whether my words sound good or not, please remember what I say. My sister... What you did may cause her to resent you.¡± Qiao Zijin would not care if her father was doing it for her sake. She only wanted practical benefits.

    ¡°She won¡¯t. Your sister is still young. When she is older, she will understand. No matter what, I¡¯m still her dad. I can only me myself for not interfering when your mom spoiled her in the past, which resulted in her going astray. Even if she resents me, it will be temporary. Take it that I owe it to her.¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a long sigh.

    How could Qiao Dongliang not know that his elder daughter was unhappy?

    However, the daughter had to marry eventually. Zijin was already so heartless to her own family. Both Old Ding and he would not do anything to her as they were her biological parents. But would others treat her in the same way?

    Qiao Dongliang was concerned that if Qiao Zijin continued with her ways, her marriage with her future husband would definitely suffer, and it would be huge suffering at that.

    Children are debts owed by their parents. What could Qiao Dongliang do?

    ¡°Nan Nan, it is really hard for you in this matter. You are younger than your sister, but our family still had to rely on you for support when things happened.¡± After talking about the elder daughter¡¯s matter, Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Dad¡¯s life was saved by you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who had her head down, did not say anything. Somehow, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concern and persistence toward Qiao Zijin made her feel a little uneasy.

    Nevertheless, although Qiao Nan could not forgive Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude, she could understand it.

    Unlike her, her father did not experience those pain and sufferings that she did. He certainly did not lose his hopes for Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 148 - Brain Damaged by Accident

    <h4>Chapter 148: Brain Damaged by ident</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Forget it. She could not say much about this too. Her father could interfere as he wished. She would have nothing to do with it. She could only do so much for her father.

    Qiao Zijin was her father¡¯s daughter, and he could not stop caring for her. She could ignore her mother, but her father was still her father, and she could not stop caring for him too. It was, in fact, the same reasoning.

    With these thoughts in mind, Qiao Nan felt a little better.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry. Dad will return the money you borrowed.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you...¡± Qiao Nan lifted her head and looked at Qiao Dongliang with hesitation. ¡°Mom... What did she tell you?¡± How could it be? Given her mother¡¯s character, she would never admit to her wrongdoing. It was impossible that she would let the cat out of the bag on her own ord

    ¡°Your mom?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°That old habit of your mother would probably stay with her for life.

    He was hit by a car but had not fully lost his senses. On the day of the surgery, Qiao Dongliang was able to catch a little of what was happening.

    Furthermore, when Qiao Zijin left for a while yesterday, the colleague who was present on the day of the surgery came to visit. The colleague did not hide any details and simply rted to Qiao Dongliang the full string of events that happened on that day. Thus, Qiao Dongliang had an idea of the situation.

    Judging from the situation, the colleague also guessed that Ding Jiayi was someone who was full of deceit.

    If he did not voice this out, Old Qiao would be the one in the family who was kept in the dark.

    After confirming that what he heard that day was true, that it was neither his imagination nor dream, Qiao Dongliang did not sleep at allst night.

    At the thought of Ding Jiayi borrowing money from hisrades behind his back, he could not wait to beat a tooth off Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth, leaving her speechless for the rest of her life.

    This woman was getting more daring! She was really ill-disciplined and out of control!

    ¡°Dad, how do you feel?¡± Looking at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turning ck and his neck bing red with rage, Qiao Nan was shocked. ¡°Dad, do you feel unwell? Should we call the doctor? Please don¡¯t bite the bullet!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang regained his senses and managed to suppress the rage in his heart. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just angered by your mom. Nan Nan, how much money do we owe others for my sickness this time? Whom did you borrow from?¡±

    Even his surgery fees were borrowed by his younger daughter. He heard from his colleague that Old Ding only knew how to sit on the ground, crying andmenting that she was penniless. Qiao Dongliang could not help feeling utterly disappointed.

    His family did not have money, but did they not have anything else?

    If he were in her shoes¡ªif Old Ding encountered a simr ident¡ªhe would definitely be willing to sacrifice everything, including selling his house, to cough out the medical fees at the fastest possible speed.

    ¡°I borrowed 1,500 yuan from Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Zhai? That guy fromst time?¡± After Qiao Dongliang realized who ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ was, he was stunned. The status of the Zhai family was above the Lee family. Qiao Dongliang always felt that his family was unworthy to have any connections or rtions with the Zhai family.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°How did you know Zhai Sheng? Why would he lend you such arge sum of money? Nan Nan, we can¡¯t do things that put others in a difficult position.¡± Qiao Dongliang regretted immediately after he said that. ¡°Forget it. You are not wrong in this matter. 1,500 yuan, right? When Dad recovers, I will think of a way to repay the money.¡±

    If not for his sake, Nan Nan would not have done this.

    ¡°Did you write an IOU for him?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡± But Brother Zhai would not ept.

    When Brother Zhai was back, the first thing Qiao Nan did was to write and pass him an IOU. However, he tore it on the spot.

    Zhai Sheng had said, ¡°The monk can run away, but the temple won¡¯t run with him.¡± He was not afraid that Qiao Nan would not repay the debt. To put it bluntly, even if Qiao Nan was not able to pay him back, he would still have his means to ensure she paid back the money if he wanted to.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s power and status, it was natural for Qiao Nan to believe him. If she dared to default on the loan, the Zhai family could just use a little of their means to make hernd in jail for a few years because of the 1,500 yuan.

    In the face of absolute power and authority, what was the use of a small piece of IOU?

    Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng¡¯s words made sense. Furthermore, she never intended to default on the loan. It was fine to scrap the IOU, then.

    After Qiao Dongliangmunicated with Qiao Nan, the father and daughter pair seemed to have more to talk about now than before.

    Meanwhile, in the Qiao family, Ding Jiayi was finally home after work and she found Qiao Zijin crying on the floor. ¡°Mom, is Dad¡¯s brains damaged by the ident? He kept asking me to stay overnight to take care of him, whereas Qiao Nan coulde home and sleep. On what basis could he do that? I¡¯m also a human being. I¡¯m tired too. Both Qiao Nan and I are his daughters. At most, I can take turns with Qiao Nan to stay overnight on alternate days. Why am I always the one who has to stay overnight? Now, my day and night routines are overturned. If this bes a habit, what should I do when I go back to school?¡±

    After staying up for two nights, Qiao Zijin was haggard and felt that it was hard on her.

    Initially, when Qiao Dongliang¡¯s condition was more critical, Qiao Zijin was nervous and did not feel that much.

    But now, although Qiao Dongliang¡¯s injury was still serious, his spirits and energy were improving day by day. Qiao Zijin could no longer tolerate the hard work of staying overnight.

    ¡°Mom, look, these are the clothes that I¡¯ve changed into for the past two days. Qiao Nan is sozy. She has not washed the clothes for me for two days. It¡¯s been hard for me to take care of Dad overnight. When I came back, don¡¯t mention food, I didn¡¯t even have a mouthful of water to drink. I had to cook for myself, and there was only rice and cabbage left. Mom, do you still dote on me?¡±

    With so many things happening, Qiao Zijin felt that she had suffered a lot.

    At this moment, Qiao Zijin had a d¨¦j¨¤ vu that she was back to when she was just a three-year-old. At that time, her mother just became pregnant with Qiao Nan. As her mother thought that she was pregnant with a son, Qiao Zijin¡¯s status in the family plummeted. She had nary a chance to enjoy all the good food, drink and toys in the family. Moreover, her mother kept brainwashing her to take good care of her younger brother in the future and not let him get bullied by others.

    No, she did not want to return to that time!

    Most people had a vague memory of what happened when they were a three-year-old. However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s memory of that year¡¯s events was particrly clear.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. When you cry, Mom¡¯s heart goes out to you.¡± Ding Jiayi quickly helped Qiao Zijin wipe away her tears. ¡°Qiao Nan is disobedient and refuses to listen. Mom will discipline her for you in the future. No issue, it¡¯s just two sets of clothes. Mom will wash them for youter. By the way, have you taken your meal?¡±

    ¡°I have eaten but did not eat well. I¡¯m also not full.¡± This was the first time Qiao Zijin cooked rice at home, and it was not cooked well. As for the highly difficult task of frying the vegetables... Qiao Zijin really could not aplish it.

    Qiao Zijin cried as she ate the rice and vegetables she cooked.

    ¡°Mom will buy you a big chicken drumstickter to give you more nutrition. There¡¯s cooked food avable for sale outside.¡± After hearing what Qiao Zijin said, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart went out to Qiao Zijin even more.

    ¡°Mom, your prediction is not urate. I was clearly the first person whom Dad saw when he woke up, but I keep feeling that he treats Qiao Nan better than he does me. I wanted to let Qiao Nan stay overnight to look after Dad today, but he disagreed.¡±

 Chapter 149 - A Belly of Evil Fury

    <h4>Chapter 149: A Belly of Evil Fury</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I will talk to your dad about this.¡± Patting Qiao Zijin¡¯s back, Ding Jiayi made huge efforts before she could calm Qiao Zijin down. ¡°This time, your dad was probably knocked out of his senses. How can he be so biased? Qiao Nan is her daughter, but that doesn¡¯t mean you are not. Don¡¯t worry, Mom¡¯s here. Mom will not let anyone bully you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m definitely unable to keep vigil tonight no matter what. I might as well skip my trip to the hospital. Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to refuse Dad when he requests in front of others. It will seem as though Qiao Nan is the only one who is filial to Dad. I can¡¯t lose my face in this way. Mom, why don¡¯t we do this? You go to the hospitalter and tell Dad that I have fallen sick, that I¡¯m suddenly unwell and can¡¯t go to the hospital. I¡¯m not going tonight. Tomorrow¡ªno, I¡¯ll go the day after tomorrow!¡±

    She had been keeping vigil by her father¡¯s bedside for two nights. It should be Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to do so now. It was only fair that each of them stayed overnight for two days so that neither would take advantage of the other.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Hence, when Ding Jiayi told Qiao Dongliang that Qiao Zijin was not feeling well, Qiao Zijin was holding the lunch box bought by Ding Jiayi and munching on the big chicken drumstick.

    ¡°Zijin is not feeling well. Is she sick?¡± There was a sh of sarcasm in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes as he asked again.

    ¡°Yes, Zijin is so filial. She kept vigil by your bedside for two nights, and her body totally can¡¯t take it anymore. Let Qiao Nan stay overnight by your side today and allow Zijin to rest for a few days.¡± Ding Jiayi sounded as if she had the final say. After she finished her words, Ding Jiayi turned her head toward Qiao Nan and said, ¡°You¡¯re already a grown-up. Don¡¯t be such azy worm. When you are back home, wash all of your sister¡¯s clothes! It¡¯s been piled up there for two days! Don¡¯t you find it a shame to ignore it?!¡±

    When Ding Jiayi said this, the patient beside Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°When I hear these words, somehow I feel that your elder daughter is made of tofu, whereas your younger daughter is made of steel.¡±

    One stayed overnight for two days and needed a few days of rest, whereas the other stayed overnight for a few days but it did not matter. Oh dear, there was indeed a problem with this family¡¯s situation, judging from what his wife had told him.

    This ward mate was also someone with a shrewd tongue. Ignoring Ding Jiayi¡¯s feelings, he simply asked, ¡°Big brother, did you have a second marriage? Was it the first or the second wife who gave birth to the younger daughter? Wrong, my words are confusing. Your younger daughter has to wash your elder daughter¡¯s clothes, doesn¡¯t she? If she doesn¡¯t do it, she¡¯s azy worm. If the elder daughter doesn¡¯t wash them, it¡¯s because she is unwell. Big brother, what kind of your situation is your family in?¡±

    The ward mate felt that the Qiao family¡¯s situation was like a full-scale drama. It was too ridiculous.

    It was also because Ding Jiayi was used to being unreasonable to Qiao Nan that she blurted out those words without giving any thoughts about how inappropriate they were.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°I¡¯m her biological mother!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I really can¡¯t tell. My eyes are bad. My eyes are bad, indeed.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang subjected to the saying that dirty linen should not be aired in public, but Ding Jiayi¡¯s tyrannical character was simply an embarrassment in front of others. Qiao Dongliang could not stop her even if he wanted to. His face was flustered with shame. ¡°Since Zijin is unwell, let her rest then. She does not need toe for the next few days. But Nan Nan¡¯s health is not any better than Zijin¡¯s. In this case, when Zijin is resting these few days, you will keep vigil by my bedside. Nan Nan, go back and take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°No, I still have to work!¡± Ding Jiayi screamed in shock.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t, let Zijine.¡± Pick one out of the two options. There was no room for negotiation!

    Regarding whether Qiao Zijin was really unwell, Qiao Dongliang clearly knew the truth.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to spoil her?

    Fine!

    In that case, Ding Jiayi would stay overnight. No matter how hard it was, Ding Jiayi had to endure this. He needed to let Ding Jiayi know that she had to pay the price for spoiling her daughter.

    Qiao Nan only took it as Qiao Dongliang worrying about Qiao Zijin and wanting to pull Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, which had strayed, back to the right path.

    In fact, Qiao Dongliang had been bearing an enormous fury in his heart ever since the car ident. He was unhappy that there was no opportunity for an outburst.

    However, he could not say this in front of his younger daughter. It was because of this fury in his heart that he was so persistent and blunt in handling these matters.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what¡¯s wrong with you? You seem to be possessed. How can you be so unreasonable?¡± Ding Jiayi was extremely crossed. No wonder Qiao Zijinmented to her that Old Qiao¡¯s brain was seemingly damaged by the car ident. Old Qiao did not use to have such a temper.

    ¡°Alright, there is no need to have any reason. You are the ancestor. In short, make your choice. It is either you or Zijin tonight. Nan Nan, it iste. Go home when the sun is still up.¡± If Old Ding could not bear to let Zijin undergo hardship, then he would insist on not tiring out their younger daughter.

    At the critical juncture, his life was saved by the younger daughter. If Old Ding dared to bully Nan Nan in front of him again, she must also seek his permission first!

    It was a rare asion to see her father being so insistent. Qiao Nan was quite shocked.

    Qiao Nan was no longer the goody-two-shoes she used to be. Of course, she was willing to listen to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, Mom, I shall go back first then.¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Nan already did not care what the reason behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior was. Even if her father did it for the sake of Qiao Zijin and her mother, there was only one word that could describe her feelings when she saw her mother and Qiao Zijin being constantly forced to concede: cool!

    True enough, the only person in the family who could subdue her mother and Qiao Zijin was her father.

    ¡°You!¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan leaving, Ding Jiayi wanted to use violence to physically restrain Qiao Nan so that she would initiate to stay behind and keep Qiao Dongliangpany.

    At the sight of this, Qiao Dongliang smashed Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands with his pillow without saying a word. Anyway, the dirty linen had already been aired in public. There was no difference to let others see one or two more ugly scenes. He did, not, care!

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, let me warn you. Nan Nan bears the surname of Qiao and belongs to my Qiao family. Don¡¯t you dare hurt her again!¡± At the thought of what happened a year ago¡ªQiao Nan was malnourished and her ears had a big gash from Ding Jiayi¡¯s wring¡ªQiao Dongliang simply lifted a cup. ¡°The next thing I throw will not be just a pillow. Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t have a way with you now that I¡¯m lying in bed and can¡¯t get up.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who used to be in the army, did not have many talents but was very good at throwing and aiming.

    In the presence of outsiders, Qiao Dongliang had already made himself clear. Ding Jiayi also did not want to lose face. She was so embarrassed that she could not lift her head and could only watch helplessly as Qiao Nan left with style.

    After Qiao Nan left, Ding Jiayi then said spitefully, ¡°Old Qiao, what you did was really...¡±

    ¡°Was really what? There¡¯s still time. I¡¯ll give you one more chance. Go home and ask Zijin toe. Otherwise, you will stay here.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was cold, fully disying the attitude that there was no room for negotiation.

    Ding Jiayi was silenced by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. She could not say a word.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi sat down. She did not look at Qiao Dongliang. She was silent but also did not leave. Obviously, she would not let Qiao Zijine.

    Qiao Dongliang sneered as he lied in bed and rested with his eyes closed.

    Ding Jiayi was correct in one matter. Qiao Dongliang was not possessed by evil. His belly was just full of the fury of hell!

 Chapter 150 - Brother Zhai was Angry

    <h4>Chapter 150: Brother Zhai was Angry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang had a belly of fire with no outlet to vent. For the time being, he could only be like an invalid who lied in bed without moving. Yet, Ding Jiayi was foolish enough to bump herself against the opening of the gunfire. If Qiao Dongliang did not spit at Ding Jiayi, who else could he spit at?

    Qiao Dongliang was silent. Ding Jiayi was unhappy as well. The couple simply remained silent and ignored each other.

    In the Qiao¡¯s residence, Qiao Zijin was a little surprised when she saw that the person who came back was Qiao Nan.

    However, when Qiao Nan was back, she did not ask Qiao Zijin to go to the hospital to keep vigil. Qiao Zijin simply kept quiet. She did not even ask why Ding Jiayi was not back. ¡°Nan Nan, it is already sote, go cook something. Help me wash the clothes too. I¡¯m so tired.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was back, Qiao Zijin felt that Qiao Nan should do all the household chores and she could finally rest.

    ( B oxnovel.c om ) ¡°I¡¯m indeed hungry.¡± Qiao Nan did not expect Qiao Zijin to cook a meal for her. To put it badly, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, even if Qiao Zijin cooked for her, she would not dare to eat them as she was afraid that Qiao Zijin might poison her.

    Qiao Nan cooked rice, then cut the cabbage and fried a te of it. After bringing them to the table, she began to have her meal.

    Qiao Zijin knitted her brows with disdain but did not say much. ¡°Nan Nan, where is my rice?¡±

    ¡°In the kitchen. Take it yourself.¡± Qiao Nan said without lifting her head.

    Swiftly, Qiao Nan finished her meal. She washed her cutleries, cleaned herself up, and went to bed. She did not converse with Qiao Zijin throughout the entire process.

    Qiao Zijin was extremely bothered by this attitude of Qiao Nan.

    After painstakingly finishing her meal, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts as she looked at the clothes changed by Qiao Nan. She took the dirty clothes she had just changed out of and threw them together with that of Qiao Nan.

    She did not believe that after she did this, Qiao Nan would still pick out her clothes one by one and asked her to wash them herself.

    After further consideration, Qiao Zijin simply poured some well water onto both of their clothes to wet them thoroughly.

    After she did this, Qiao Zijin then returned to her bedroom. She turned on her fan and fell asleep after much difficulty.

    ¡°Zijin.¡± Early in the morning, Ding Jiayi was back from the hospital. She was so busy that she directly shouted for Qiao Zijin.

    ( B oxnovel.c om ) ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back.¡± Qiao Zijin was full of energy after a good night¡¯s sleep. ¡°Mom, are you going to work?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Hurry, go make some food for me,¡± Ding Jiayi said as she changed her clothes.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Zijin recalled that there were still some leftover rice and vegetables cooked by Qiao Nan yesterday. She helped Ding Jiayi scoop a bowl of cold rice, poured some hot water into it before bringing it to the table.

    Ding Jiayi was so hungry and anxious that she simply lifted the bowl of rice porridge and drank it without a care in the world. She did not even stop to take a breath. ¡°Zijin, there is no one by your dad¡¯s side now. Hurry and go.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had a burst of panic. ¡°How about tonight, then? I can¡¯t possibly keep watch during the day and continue to do so at night, can I?¡± She was most afraid of keeping vigil overnight now.

    ¡°...¡± Looking at Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude, Ding Jiayi also felt depressed. ¡°Alright, I will keep your dadpany tonight. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I will apany Dad during the day, and you will take care of him at night. Then, what does Qiao Nan do?¡±

    ¡°Your dad... Forget it, I don¡¯t wish to say it again. I¡¯m full of anger at the mention of it.¡± Ding Jiayi changed her shoes and left for work hurriedly. She did not have time to tell Qiao Zijin anything more.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi leaving, Qiao Zijin stomped her feet unhappily. Her father¡¯s brains were really damaged by the car ident. His temper had also be very entric. He was not good to her and did not even listen to her mother¡¯s words anymore.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± Seeing Qiao Naning out of the bedroom, Qiao Zijin said unhappily, ¡°You¡¯re happy now. Dad only dotes on you and doesn¡¯t dote on me anymore. I will be going to the hospital to take care of Dadter. Mom will do so at night, so you really have no worries.¡±

    ¡°Dad only dotes on me?¡± Qiao Nan was both amused and angry. ¡°We all know in our heart whether Dad really dotes on me alone. If I am the only one Dad really dotes on, then I will certainly be very happy!¡±

    Her mother behaved as though Qiao Zijin was her only daughter, yet she did not allow her to hope for her father to do so¡ªto treat her as his only daughter.

    ¡°Wishful thinking! I¡¯m Dad¡¯s elder daughter. It is impossible for him not to dote on me!¡± True enough, after hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin would not concede defeat and quickly retorted. ¡°I won¡¯t talk to you anymore. I¡¯m going to the hospital. Dad must be yearning to see me. That¡¯s why he asked me to take care of him. Fine, you can stay at home and rest.¡±

    After deliberately leaving such a sarcastic remark, Qiao Zijin left for the hospital to take care of Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Sick in the mind!¡± Qiao Nan intended to wash the clothes when she saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes intertwining with hers.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was expressionless. Without a word, she gave another disgusted look before picking out Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes one by one and threw them into the face basin.

    After separating Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes from hers, Qiao Nan started to wash them. After washing, she wanted to hang them up to dry.

    As she was holding her pure white little *** and hanging it up, she heard footsteps by her side.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s held her personal white little ***, she saw Zhai Sheng, whose straight face exuded a sense of uprightness. ¡°Brother Zhai? Why did youe?¡±

    ¡°Erm...¡± Zhai Sheng looked away uneasily. However, he could not help giving a few more stares at the little white cloth in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°I saw that the main door was not closed, so I came in. You go ahead and finish drying theundry first. I will go inside and sit for a while.¡±

    Before Zhai Sheng coulde to his senses, he was already in the living room and had found himself a ce to sit.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s head hung downward. Then, he extended his right hand and murmured to himself, ¡°Very small.¡± It seemed to be smaller than his palm.

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± After drying the clothes, Qiao Nan walked in calmly.

    Compared to his uneasiness and weird imagination, Qiao Nan¡¯s calm manner was unexpected by Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng secretly knitted his brows. ¡°Next time, be careful when you are home alone. Lock the main door properly. In addition, it¡¯s best not to dry such a private and personal item in front of the members of the opposite gender in the future.¡±

    ¡°My sister just left for the hospital. Most likely, she did not close the door properly on purpose to spite me.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. Who would have done this except for Qiao Zijin? She was really childish.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan did not seem to get the main point, Zhai Sheng reminded her again, ¡°Qiao Nan, have you gotten your ID card? You are considered an adult now, and you must be responsible for your own actions. It would not be appropriate to show outsiders certain private and personal items so easily.¡±

    He said this at the thought of Qiao Nan being so unreserved in front of others and seemingly did not mind letting other men see those white little *** of hers. Moreover, the reaction and thoughts of those men when they saw these private items of Qiao Nan were also an issue.

 Chapter 151 - Brother Zhai was Different

    <h4>Chapter 151: Brother Zhai was Different</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For some unknown reasons, Zhai Sheng¡¯s anger rose. Hence, his tone to Qiao Nan was unprecedentedly serious and formal. Qiao Nan was so scared that she could not help sitting up in a prim and proper manner.

    ¡°You must know that the people in the current society are veryplicated. You are a youngdy and must be alert of your own safety. After attending biological ss, you should know that men have an invasive nature toward women. You have also seen the usual news on the television. You can¡¯t always perceive the world and outsiders in your own lenses, especially those men.¡±

    ¡°Bro-Brother Zhai, don¡¯t you think you made it sound too serious? Are you talking about those rape cases on the news? No, impossible. That would not happen to me.¡± Qiao Nan was embarrassed for a while. Although Zhai Sheng was concerned out of his good intentions, she kept feeling that Zhai Sheng had gone overboard in his description.

    This world was a little messy. There were a lot of messy cases.

    She was not bad-looking and do have some admirers.

    But in her previous life, she was almost forty years old. She could only say that she was still a virgin before she was driven to the grave by her mother!

    ¡°Do you think that it is impossible?!¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s fury turned into a ze at the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯sissez-faire attitude.

    Without saying a word, Zhai Sheng sat beside Qiao Nan and wrapped his two arms, which were as strong and sturdy as steel, around Qiao Nan¡¯s little waist. He circled Qiao Nan into his arms and made his hug seemed like a little cage that was small, yet big enough to imprison Qiao Nan so that she could not escape.

    ¡°Tell me, if I were to do anything to you now, will you have the strength to resist?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± After being hugged by Zhai Sheng in this way, Qiao Nan was stunned. Her head was in a daze. She felt that the thing called ¡®sanity¡¯ had flown out of her body. She said in a silly manner, ¡°Brother Zhai, you won¡¯t.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was both amused and angry. ¡°Why not?¡± He was also a man!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are a soldier!¡± Would soldiers alsomit a crime?

    ¡°Who told you that there is an absolutely good guy in this world?¡± Zhai Sheng suddenly realized that Qiao Nan really liked soldiers a lot. She was nearly blinded by her trust and worship toward soldiers. In regard to this, Zhai Sheng felt a faint sense of joy but also some pressure.

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng always knew that he definitely would not have much time to apany his wife and children if he was married in the future.

    Even if something happened at home, he might not be able to return and needed to rely on his wife alone to bear the situation. Even when his child was sick, unlike other families, there would not be a father to shuttle the child around.

    Although Zhai Sheng was still young, he often heard his subordinates discussing such matters.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng had heard more than once that some women could not tolerate such loneliness. As a result, they did many things that embarrassed themselves and others.

    Given this situation, it became difficult for the army personnel to find marriage. Many women declined even before meeting up as soon as they heard that the other party was from the army.

    In view of this, Qiao Nan would not decline the idea of being the spouse of a soldier at the very least. But in other words, Qiao Nan also did not have any resistance toward soldiers, did she?

    ¡°But Brother Zhai is different!¡± Qiao Nan said with certainty.

    From Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective, if a man was holding pornographic reading material, then he must be having dirty thoughts.

    However, if the man was Zhai Sheng, reading pornographic materials aside, even if he were watching pornographic films, Qiao Nan would first assume that Zhai Sheng was hunting down those sex crimes!

    This was the psychology of an obsessed female fan.

    It was a pity that Zhai Sheng did not really understand this currently. When he knew, it was...

    Zhai Sheng could only express that it was a very ¡®satisfying¡¯ thing to be able to marry a crazy fan.

    At this juncture, Zhai Sheng could not experience such a fortunate feeling. He was both amused and angered by the absolute trust Qiao Nan had on him without any apparent reason. ¡°No matter what, you are going to listen to what I said!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Brother Zhai was her benefactor and creditor. He was also the future chief. Of course, she must listen to Brother Zhai¡¯s words!

    After receiving the answer he wanted, Zhai Sheng loosened his arms around Qiao Nan and ced Qiao Nan on the seat beside him. ¡°Then, do you remember what I told you just now?¡±

    ¡°Remember.¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head to show her obedience. ¡°It is really an ident today!¡±

    In the aggregate of her two lifetimes, not to mention other male strangers, even Chen Jun, who was her boyfriend, had never seen her drying her lingerie before.

    ¡°It is best that this type of ident does not ur twice.¡± Especially in front of other men.

    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed that Brother Zhai was not angry anymore. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you hungry? What do you want to eat today?¡±

    ¡°The ingredients are there. You can take a look and cook ordingly.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes turned to nce at the ingredients he ced on the floor earlier.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Qiao Nan stood up without a word and carried the ingredients brought by Zhai Sheng to the kitchen.

    After Qiao Nan entered the kitchen, Zhai Sheng knitted his brows and kept thinking that his reaction today was a little odd, particrly the inexplicable anger he disyed toward Qiao Nan. In actual fact, this was indeed an ident, and Qiao Nan did not do it on purpose.

    Qiao Nan was oblivious to Zhai Sheng¡¯s dilemma. She was whole-heartedly focused on the ingredients for cooking. The fish Zhai Sheng brought today was quite fresh. It was as if it had just been killed before he came.

    After some consideration, Qiao Nan stewed a fish soup.

    Qiao Nan was aware that Zhai Sheng wanted to help her nourish her father by bringing over the ingredients every day. Otherwise, it would not be so coincidental that the ingredients he brought each time were just right for the purpose.

    Given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s current condition, he would be able to take in some dry food after consuming another one or two days of liquid food.

    Having understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s good intentions, Qiao Nan was not wishy-washy about it.

    The Qiao family was already riddled with problems. Even though she had borrowed money from Brother Zhai, he would not pressure her for payments. However, her father¡¯s medical expenses were running out, and she could not possibly borrow from Brother Zhai again, could she?

    She did well in the middle school examination, and her tuition and misceneous fees were waived. However, she still needed to pay the money for her meals.

    As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s problem, she would leave it to Ding Jiayi to worry.

    Qiao Nan was in a fix over the necessary expenditure for her schooling. Qiao Dongliang definitely needed a period of rest after he was discharged from the hospital.

    Therefore, for the next two months or so, the Qiao family¡¯s finance would be in deficit. There would only be expenses and no ie.

    At the thought of this problem, Qiao Nan gave a huge sigh while she was stewing the fish soup. Given her current situation, it was too difficult for her to make money. She had to take care of her father. Even if she were to work during the two months of vacation, it was probably not enough to pay for a few days¡¯ worth of medication for her father.

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng walked in.¡±Why did you sigh when things are fine? Right, I have something to tell you.¡±

 Chapter 152 - Something Was Happening

    <h4>Chapter 152: Something Was Happening</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was shocked by Zhai Sheng¡¯s sudden appearance. On the contrary, Zhai Sheng behaved as if he was entering his own kitchen. He immersed the used bowl into the water and finished washing it in a couple of swift actions. Thereafter, he helped Qiao Nan ce the bowl away properly. ¡°Brother Zhai, what is the matter? Tell me. I¡¯m listening.¡±

    ¡°I have an uncle who is old and his eyesight is not good. Nevertheless, he has some original documents on hand that need to be tranted. Can you help? Of course, we will not let you work for nothing in return.¡±

    ¡°There is no need to pay me.¡± Hearing that it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtive, Qiao Nan immediately rejected any sort of mary benefit. ¡°It is just a favor. If I have the capability, then it should not be an issue. However... Brother Zhai, you know that I am still young and will be attending senior high school. Is your uncle willing to let me handle such an important task?¡±

    There were probably very few people in this world that would task a sixteen-year-old girl with trantion work. Furthermore, she was not an overseas Chinese, and neither did she grow up in America or other western countries.

    ¡°You do not need to be nervous. This uncle of mine already intended to find someone to help him. If you are not the one, there will be others. The money will be given to someone eventually, so you do not need to decline. Take it if you deserve it.¡± At the smell of the fragrant fish soup, Zhai Sheng felt thirsty and a little hungry despite having just finished a bowl of soup earlier.

    Admittedly, although Qiao Nan was very young, her cooking skills were quite good.

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. She was really in need of money. After consideration, she nodded her head. ¡°That is fine. Of course, if my tranted work is not good, most likely Brother Zhai will also lose face. If that happens, I will not ept any money.¡±

    Regardless of thenguage, there was no better way than practicing to be more familiar with it.

    For the past year since Qiao Nan ¡®came back¡¯, the English knowledge that she often used was of the junior high school standard. She was worried that her initial standard might have regressed over the past year.

    ¡°There is no such good thing as being paid for not doing the job properly. You think too much.¡± Zhai Sheng nced at Qiao Nan expressionlessly. If that was the case, he might as well give the money directly to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°That is good.¡± Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. She was really quite concerned about whether this was Zhai Sheng¡¯s excuse to ¡®gift¡¯ her money.

    ¡°I will be sending the documents over tomorrow. There is something that you must pay attention to. As these documents have been sitting there for too long, you will have toplete it as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Is it so urgent?¡± Qiao Nan was a little shock. ¡°Sure, my dad has my mom and sister to take care of him. I have quite a lot of time.¡±

    Since the other party was in such a hurry, then wouldn¡¯t she not only be able to help the uncle but also do Brother Zhai a favor at the same time by quickly finishing up the trantion?

    At the thought of this, Qiao Nan was motivated. ¡°Brother Zhai, why don¡¯t you send over the documents today? The fish soup is almost done. I will send it over to my dad and should be back by one o¡¯clock. Anyway, I have nothing to do now. It is better to have it earlier by half a day. Isn¡¯t your uncle anxious about it?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zhai Sheng agreed after thinking for a while.

    When Zhai Sheng brought home the pot of fish soup, Zhai Hua, who rarely rested at home, closed her eyes and extended her neck as she got up to follow the fragrance. Her sense of smell was as acute as that of a dog¡¯s.

    ¡°Brush your teeth. Otherwise, you won¡¯t get to drink!¡± At the sight of Zhai Hua¡¯s sloppy look, Zhai Sheng pursed his lips. Qiao Nan was still the best. She looked so clean and fresh at all times. Sometimes, when he looked at Zhai Hua¡¯s behaving like this, Zhai Sheng could not figure out whether he had an elder sister or an elder brother.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Zhai Hua gave a snort and cleaned herself up with lightning speed. She then scooped a bowl of fish soup and sat on the sofa to drink it. ¡°This soup is so tasty. It is fragrant and light. Most importantly, there is no fishy smell. Zhai Sheng, you have yet to tell me which nearby hotel in the quad has hired this veteran chef. The culinary skills are superb.¡±

    Zhai Hua was not yet sick of the shredded chicken porridge she had for the past two days. Today, Zhai Hua was mesmerized by the fresh fish soup.

    After downing two bowls of fish soup, Zhai Huafortably leaned on the sofa and said, ¡°It would have been better if this veteran chef was hired a few years earlier. Then, I didn¡¯t need to cook for you when the two of us were at home. We could do takeaway. It is so convenient.¡±

    Zhai Hua had never thought of herself as a woman. In the army, she was more motivated than any other men.

    However, every time she was home, Zhai Hua could not discard her obligation as Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder sister. She had to roll up her sleeves and cook soup for Zhai Sheng.

    It was not easy being an elder sister.

    It could be said that Zhai Hua¡¯s culinary skills and experience were umted all because of this younger brother.

    ¡°Certainly, it would be much better if it was a few years earlier.¡± It was rare that Zhai Sheng was singing the same tune as Zhai Hua.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zhai Hua mmed the table and jumped like a tigress. ¡°Do you disdain me and my culinary skills? Don¡¯t forget that I was the one who kind of raised you up!¡±

    Mother Zhai had a very good rtionship with Father Zhai. She was very dependent on Father Zhai.

    Due to the job nature of Father Zhai, he was not able to stay at home for long periods. Mother Zhai would always follow Father Zhai wherever he went. The Zhai¡¯s residence would then be left with the two children: Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng.

    Since Zhai Hua was the elder sister, she naturally had to take better care of Zhai Sheng. Hence, it was not exaggerated to say that Zhai Sheng was brought up by Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Hua a nce. ¡°It has been hard on my tummy to be tortured for so many years.¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s face was red with embarrassment as she kicked toward Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng turned his body away at the speed of lightning; his movements were as agile as a leopard. Zhai Hua did not even manage to brush the cor of his shirt.

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng¡¯s physical agility had improved, Zhai Hua snorted unhappily. When they were still a child, she was still able to suppress Zhai Sheng with physical force. Now, she could no longer do so. This wretched child had progressed too quickly!

    Knowing that she was no match for Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua stopped kicking a fuss. Each time the sister and brother exchanged fighting moves, it was always only for a brief moment. ¡°When are you going back to the camp?¡±

    ¡°Another few more days.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s slight smile disappeared and his expression became stiff.

    ¡°Hey, it is rare.¡± Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows. ¡°Zhai Sheng, tell me honestly. Is there something happening?¡±

    ¡°What is happening?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb in front of me. Count with your fingers. Why do I feel that the number of days you have beening back and staying at home for the past one year is more than the total number of days you have been back for the past five years?¡±

    ¡°Is that true?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Zhai Hua sat beside Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why is it? Do you have something you want to chat with me about?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    No matter how she interrogated, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression remainedposed and nonchnt, making Zhai Hua feel very helpless. ¡°I heard that you brought Uncle Lim¡¯s documents back home. You hardly have a chance to rest, so why do you want to get involved in this? You know the situation of the Lim family. There are a lot of people watching them.¡±

 Chapter 153 - Iâ€™m Going Back with You

    <h4>Chapter 153: I¡¯m Going Back with You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Our Zhai family is not short of this little sum of money. Don¡¯t take up such a job in the future. If you have the time, you might as well have more rest.¡±

    Zhai Hua was very clear that as soldiers, they epted missions. The soldiers who were carrying out the mission were not acting like humans, but machines. It was very normal for them to be out in the cold with hunger and sleepless nights.

    Therefore, whenever there was time, Zhai Hua would try her best to rx and have a good rest to replenish her physical strength and energy once she reached home.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing.¡±

    ¡°It is good that you know what you are doing. I have something on today and have to be out for a while.¡± Having that said, Zhai Hua drank another bowl of fish soup. Thereafter, she returned to the bedroom to change her clothes and prepare to leave the house.

    ¡°Zhai Hua,¡± Zhai Sheng called her before she could leave.

    There was a sh in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. She looked at Zhai Sheng and teased him, ¡°What is it? Do you want me to say goodbye to you?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua, you have been going out quite often recently, and you have many new clothes. When did you learn how to wear a dress?¡± Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes and asked in a serious tone as he looked at Zhai Hua¡¯s dress which was longer than her knees.

    ¡°The fact remains that I am a girl. What is so strange about wearing a dress, then?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s face was red. ¡°There is no time. I can¡¯t be bothered to spar verbally with you. I¡¯m leaving!¡±

    Zhai Hua ignored Zhai Sheng¡¯ reaction and left the Zhai¡¯s residence at the fastest speed.

    Zhai Sheng, this wretched child, was too sensitive!

    ¡°Dad, drink the soup.¡± On the other hand, in the hospital, Qiao Nan poured out the fish soup and fed Qiao Dongliang in small mouthfuls.

    The moment Qiao Nan poured out the fish soup, the seducing fragrance instantly took over the smell of the disinfectant in the entire ward.

    The ward mate praised, ¡°Big Brother, the culinary skills of your family¡¯s younger daughter is really good. The smell of this fish soup mesmerizes everyone.¡± He had never smelled such a fragrant fish soup in his entire life.

    Shouldn¡¯t fish soup be nd, almost tasteless, or too fishy?

    ¡°Do you also want a bowl?¡± Qiao Dongliangughed proudly. ¡°The food made by my family¡¯s Nan Nan is really delicious.¡±

    ¡°No need. This was made specially by your younger daughter to nourish your body.¡± The ward mate smilingly declined. He would be embarrassed to drink Qiao Dongliang¡¯s soup.

    As they stayed in the same ward, the ward mate often heard Ding Jiayi mentioned about money, so he knew the Qiao family¡¯s situation was not good. It must have been difficult for the youngdy to find the means to get these ingredients for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s nourishment.

    ¡°Uncle, drink a bowl too.¡± There was a lot of fish soup today. Qiao Nan scooped a bowl and served it to the ward mate beside Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Uncle, try my culinary work. You are most probably the one who usually chats with my dad to relieve his boredom.¡±

    The hospitals in the 1990s were unlike those in the 21st century where each ward came with television to relieve the patient¡¯s boredom.

    The ward mate became a glutton when he smelled the fragrance of the fish soup. Since Qiao Nan had already ced the bowl of soup before him, he would not refuse. ¡°Then, I shall be thick-skinned and drink a bowl of your soup. Your dad and I keep each otherpany and relieve our boredom. Without your dad, I will be so bored. Yummy! This soup is really tasty and fragrant!¡±

    The ward mate drank a mouthful and his eyes lit up. ¡°Youngdy, where did you learn your cooking skills from? Even the taste of the food made by the master chef from the hotel near my house is not better than yours!¡± The ward mate simply gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. ¡°Big buddy, you are so fortunate. This is so tasty. You are so blessed to be able to have this at home. You are much luckier than those who eat at restaurants every day.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who hardly ate out, assumed that his ward mate purposely said this to please Qiao Nan, so he smiled without saying a word.

    He did not know how Nan Nan¡¯s culinary skills were inparison to the chefs outside, but it was a fact that what Nan Nan cooked was delicious.

    Qiao Zijin¡ªwho was sitting by the side, stretching her neck and watching¡ªswallowed her saliva and was contemting how she could open her mouth to get a bowl of fish soup to drink.

    She did not understand why Qiao Nan and her father were willing to pour a bowl of fish soup for a stranger instead of giving it to her. She was the one who was their family member.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you drink a bowl yourself?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt much better after downing a bowl of fish soup.

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Dad, you should drink more.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, do we still have a lot of fish soup? If there is leftover after Dad drinks them, let me drink so that you can save the hassle of bringing them back,¡± Qiao Zijin expressed that she would like to have the soup instead if Qiao Nan refused.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The other three people in the ward simultaneously went silent. Qiao Nan¡¯s pinkish lips were pursed into a straight line. She sighed and said, ¡°Thanks Sister for your concern. But you do not need to worry. There will not be any excess for me to bring home.¡±

    What she brought over was just enough to fill three bowls.

    She felt that fish soup was basically all liquid and did not have any fulfilling ingredients. She was worried that her father would be too full with liquids and miss a proper meal, so she only brought a quantity equivalent to three bowls.

    She had just given a bowl to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ward mate. This meant there were only two bowls left. With Qiao Dongliang¡¯s current condition, he would not have a problem finishing them. Furthermore, the bowl in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands was the second one that Qiao Dongliang was drinking. There was no more soup left.

    Both Qiao Dongliang and the uncle beside him were patients. It was appropriate for them to drink the fish soup.

    However, Qiao Zijin was a healthy youngdy, yet she wanted to have a share of the fish soup meant for the patients. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan also felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s action was so inappropriate that she could not tolerate it.

    Qiao Nan did not say anything else, but Qiao Dongliang felt a little embarrassed. The pride the younger daughter had earned for him was seemingly destroyed and discarded thoroughly with those words from his elder daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ward mate was a little embarrassed too. No matter what, it did not seem right to finish drinking the half a bowl fish soup that was left, neither did it seem right not to finish it.

    After Qiao Dongliang¡¯s elder daughter spoke, he kept having the feeling that he was depriving the child of another family of food.

    ¡°Dad, I have something on today and need to go home earlier. I wille and see you again tomorrow.¡± Qiao Nan packed away the bowl and thermal food container, hurriedly preparing to go home.

    ¡°Sure, quickly go home if you have something on. Don¡¯t worry about things at my end.¡± This dispelled the embarrassing atmosphere, and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression became more at ease.

    ¡°Dad, there is nothing much for me to do here as well. Why don¡¯t I follow Nan Nan back home? Half the day is almost over. Mom should be off work soon toe and keep youpany.¡± Qiao Zijin stood up quickly.

    After apanying her father in the hospital for half a day, Qiao Zijin was nearly bored to death. At least, Qiao Dongliang had a ward mate to chat with him, and both of them chatted so enthusiastically. They were so familiar with each other now as if they had been good friends for donkey¡¯s years. However, Qiao Zijin was totally uninterested in the content of their conversation. She could only stay idle as she sat by the side.

    Particrly, when both of them were enthusiastically chatting in front of her about how good Qiao Nan was, she felt really bad. It was as if she fared lousily as a person.

    Clearly, Qiao Nan had been resting and having fun at home while she was having it hard by keeping her fatherpany. Why did all the credit go to Qiao Nan as if Qiao Nan was the only good daughter around? Was it because she had prepared a few meals for her father?

 Chapter 154 - Good Seedling

    <h4>Chapter 154: Good Seedling</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin could not be bothered to listen to the praises that Qiao Dongliang and the ward mate had for Qiao Nan. Although she was sitting by the side, it was as if she was transparent. Qiao Zijin was really very bored sitting there.

    Qiao Zijin was also not interested in reading a decent book. She had been studying nine out of the twelve months in a year. The school holidays were hard toe by, and she refused to read such books.

    However, if Qiao Zijin read other types of books, she was afraid Qiao Dongliang would chide her. Hence, Qiao Zijin could only sit there, idling for the past few days.

    Even when Qiao Dongliang needed to go to the restroom urgently, Qiao Zijin was of no help. It was either the ward mate or the ward mate¡¯s family who helped Qiao Dongliang there.

    Qiao Zijin felt that she would rot if she continued sitting there in this way.

    Qiao Zijin was only considering the problem from her perspective, so she did not realize that she sounded very abrupt and unfilial when she said this.

    Qiao Dongliang was hit by a car and operated twice on the surgery table. He was literally fighting between life and death.

    Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s injury had not fully recovered. His wound might bleed if he moved too vigorously.

    If not for the asional help of the ward mate or the ward mate¡¯s family member, it was quite difficult to take good care of Qiao Dongliang given the family¡¯s current situation.

    Under such conditions, it was necessary for Qiao Zijin to stay around to attend to any emergency situations. If anything happened and there was no next-of-kin by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side despite him having spouse and children, was it not eptable?

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck and no longer knew what to say to Qiao Zijin.

    His elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, was not only having a sweet tongue and bitter heart for Old Ding but also for him.

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang was thinking who else Qiao Zijin cared about in the family of four beside herself. Her character seemed overly self-centered and cold-blooded.

    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t we do this? Mom will keep vigil at night. Sister and I will take turns during the day.¡± Her father might be willing to teach, but it also depended on whether Qiao Zijin was willing to learn. If they took turns each day, Qiao Zijin should have noints, right?

    Qiao Nan knew that Qiao Zijin was targeting her with her earlier words.

    ¡°Then, who should stay today?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression was more rxed and her tone was better.

    ¡°I will, but I need to go home to take something first. I will be back soon. Before Ie back, Sister, you have to remain in the hospital to take care of Dad,¡± said Qiao Nan as she thought about the job that Zhai Sheng was going to pass to her.

    ¡°Sure.¡± It was rare for Qiao Zijin to be so big-hearted.

    ¡°Dad, I will go back first, then.¡± Having that said, Qiao Nan brought along the thermal food container and went back to the Qiao residence as soon as possible.

    Seeing Qiao Nan in a fluster, sweating profusely while catching her breath, Zhai Sheng, who was waiting at the entrance of the Qiao¡¯s residence, knitted his brows. ¡°No need to be in a rush. You could walk slowly.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, did I make you wait for a long time?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mention that he had waited for Qiao Nan for almost half an hour.

    ¡°Brother Zhai,e in first.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door and soaked the thermal food container in the water. ¡°Have you brought over the documents?¡±

    ¡°They are all here.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Brother Zhai. I still need to make a trip to the hospital. I am really sorry to have troubled you toe.¡± Qiao Nan took a look at the documents and locked the bulk of it in her bedroom, bringing only some with her. She also brought the English dictionary along just in case.

    ¡°Are you going to the hospital to take care of Uncle Qiao?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am taking turns with my sister to take care of my dad during the day.¡± Qiao Nan nodded as she carried the documents and left the house with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, I will be leaving for the hospital first. I will bring these documents to the Zhai¡¯s residence when I finish tranting them.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng did not manage to speak much to Qiao Nan. She ran off with the documents in her arms.

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯re here. Then, I will go back ande again tomorrow.¡± When Qiao Nan reached the ward, Qiao Zijin immediately stood up and left. She only said a quick bye to Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are warm and sweaty. Go to the restroom to wash and wipe your face with a towel first.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart went out to his younger daughter when he saw that she had been rushing everywhere.

    Why didn¡¯t he discover that Nan Nan was so much more filial than Zijin in the past? She was so obedient and sensible. Indeed, those whoin the loudest get the most attention.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan put down the documents carefully. She took the towel and ran to the female restroom to wipe away the sweat on her face and body.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what did you bring over?¡± After Qiao Nan came back, she started to stare at a pile of papers and seemed to be writing something with the pen in her hand. This was unlike the Qiao Dongliang who kept his silence when Qiao Zijin was around. He was now extremely concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    ¡°It¡¯s some original documents. Brother Zhai asked me to help with them,¡± Qiao Nan said as she tranted the documents.

    True enough, Qiao Nan was unable to recall some words that she had not been using for a long time. She only managed to rify them after a careful search of her memories.

    Having done so much trantion work, Qiao Nan had, in fact, long understood that it was much simpler to trante Chinese words into English.

    For Chinese to English trantion, although there might be asional errors in the grammar or sentence structure, the contents could still be understood and would not deviate much from the original. On the contrary, English to Chinese trantion was more difficult. A wrong sentence structure would result in a vastly different meaning.

    Therefore, when Qiao Nan epted trantion jobs, initially, she would only take on Chinese to English trantion. It was only until she was more familiar and confident would she dare to take on the English to Chinese ones.

    Unfortunately, the assignment she epted was a highly difficult one that required trantion from English to Chinese. Qiao Nan could not help feeling nervous about it.

    ¡°My goodness, there are so many small tadpoles-like characters. Is this a foreignnguage?¡± Curious, the ward mate stretched his neck to nce over. His eyesight was good and actually spotted some of the contents.

    Looking at the words on the papers, it was a pity that the words knew him, but he did not know them.

    ¡°I say, buddy, isn¡¯t your younger daughter too awesome? She can even understand the tadpole-likenguage. Didn¡¯t you mention that she is just about to enter high school? I reckon even the college students may not understand those tadpole-like words.¡± The ward mate was amazed. What talent! It was no wonder Qiao Dongliang had been telling him that his younger daughter¡¯s grades were good, and she was the schr of the provincial middle school examination. At one nce, he knew that she was someone with substance!

    ¡°I... I am not quite sure either.¡± Not only the ward mate, but Qiao Dongliang was also shocked when he saw the bunch of tadpole-like words which made his eyes sore. ¡°Maybe... maybe the content is actually not that difficult?¡±

    ¡°Alright buddy, don¡¯t be modest. Your younger daughter is obviously not an ordinary person. She will make it big in the future. You will be able to enjoy life one day.¡±

    Inparison to the elder daughter who would rather sit there, idling and dozing off, the younger daughter was diligent to the bones and so enthusiastic in learning.

    ¡°There is only half the day left, and your younger daughter is still keen to learn. She is very clear-minded. Given her attitude, she will be able to truly learn, unlike most children. If they are forced to study, they may receive a borderline diploma in the end but with aissez-faire learning attitude.¡±

 Chapter 155 - This Is a Bomb

    <h4>Chapter 155: This Is a Bomb</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The ward mate¡¯s words stunned Qiao Dongliang, leaving him in deep thoughts.

    After some time, Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan and asked, ¡°Nan Nan, do you really understand what is written in these documents?¡±

    ¡°Most of it.¡± Qiao Nan, who was totally engrossed in the trantion work, did not even lift her head. She was reading the documents meticulously and thoroughly. When she had the gist of it, she made a few drafts, organized the sentence structures in her mind, and then penned down the tranted contents in Chinese.

    As Qiao Nan was very conscientious, both Qiao Dongliang and the ward mate suddenly stopped chatting. They quietly maintained the silence. All of a sudden, those in the entire ward could only hear the sounds of Qiao Nan flipping the papers and scribbling down words as the tip of her pen touched the surface of the papers.

    After two hours, Qiao Nan had written a page full of words.

    Both Qiao Dongliang and the ward mate had been staring at Qiao Nan all this while. Strangely, they did not feel bored at all.

    As they watched Qiao Nan transformed the tadpole-likenguage which was alien to them into the Chinesenguage that they were familiar with, both old men were very amazed, especially the ward mate whose eyes were full of awe and novelty.

    When Qiao Nan stopped writing, Qiao Dongliang asked with a dumbfounded look, ¡°Nan Nan, are you helping someone trante a foreignnguage into Chinese?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her neck. She was too focused earlier and having maintained the same posture for two hours, her body was very stiff now.

    Qiao Nan immediately stood up to twist her neck, shake her hands, kick her legs and turned around in circles.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan was very particr about making this a habit. As such, she was quite healthy and did not suffer from upational illnesses.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you really know how to do this?¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed, feeling something amiss. ¡°Nan Nan, do you know the Zhai family¡¯s situation? Our family may owe the Zhai family money, but you are still a child. Don¡¯t be anxious about it. Dad will pay them back. It is not that Dad does not believe in you, but this is just too difficult. At the very least, we should not do them a disservice, should we?¡±

    To Qiao Dongliang and the ward mate, trantion was a job that was beyond them.

    In his lifetime, Qiao Dongliang did not expect there would be someone in his family who could trante.

    As said by his ward mate, this job was not for everyone. Even college students might not be able to do it, not to mention a high school student.

    Qiao Dongliang was very worried. Given the status of the Zhai family, the items required by them would probably be of great importance. What if his younger daughter failed to do a good job and caused trouble?

    At the thought of what she had just tranted, Qiao Nan was also a little hesitant. Speaking of these contents, Brother Zhai was really confident in her!

    Qiao Nan pulled the corners of her mouth and said with some hesitance, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. Brother Zhai is very good in English. After my trantion, Brother Zhai will definitely review it first and decide whether the trantion is passable. There shouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem.¡±

    ¡°That is good, then.¡± Qiao Dongliang heaved a sigh of relief. Qiao Nan managed to assure him.

    Qiao Dongliang was not worried now, but Qiao Nan was. She was especially worried about the documents that she brought here, as well as the tranted content.

    This was not an ordinary trantion job. Damn, she took up a time bomb.

    Fortunately, she was not someone prominent. Otherwise, with such documents on hand, she would have been targeted umpteen times by others.

    Brother Zhai was challenging the limits of her heart!!

    If not for fear of causing Qiao Dongliang and the ward mate suspicious, Qiao Nan would have quickly tucked the documents into her arms and hid the two copies of English and Chinese contents.

    Although Qiao Nan had gone through two lifetimes, she was not so courageous. She was just an ordinary citizen and had never been involved in any major or strategic situations. She felt a little ashamed.

    The more she thought of it, the more Qiao Nan felt uneasy. She could not wait to go home immediately and return everything to Zhai Sheng.

    She could help with some things, but not everything. Was this an ordinary trantion work?

    As mentioned by her dad, what if she screwed up the matter due to a wrong trantion? If that happened, she would not only do Brother Zhai a disservice but also ruin the Zhai family¡¯s reputation. Even worse, she might be a sinner of the country. Damn!

    ¡°Why are you here? Where¡¯s your sister?¡± Ding Jiayi, who rushed to the hospital from work, said when she saw Qiao Nan instead of Qiao Zijin. Her tone was not good.

    Yesterday, Qiao Dongliang had clearly told Ding Jiayi toe to the hospital early to change shift with Qiao Zijin if she wanted Qiao Zijin to go home earlier to rest.

    Ding Jiayi was afraid that it would be too hard and boring for Qiao Zijin to take care of Qiao Dongliang. Hence, she rushed to the hospital directly from work so that she could take over the shift from Qiao Zijin.

    With nary a word, Qiao Nan quietly put away all the documents so that her mother could not see any of it. ¡°Sister and I will take turns every day to take care of Dad.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Ding Jiayi nodded her head satisfactorily. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, then I shall go home to take a bath and have dinner. I¡¯lleter to take over from you.¡±

    Now that Qiao Nan was the one taking care of Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was no longer so anxious. She wanted to go home to wash up and take a nap to replenish her energy. Thereafter, she woulde and take over from Qiao Nan around nine or ten o¡¯clock.

    ¡°Since you are already here, don¡¯t go home. Nan Nan, you should go back.¡± Qiao Dongliang saw through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind instantly. He shouted directly at Ding Jiayi to stop her.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang had always turned a blind eye to such situations. Now, no way!

    ¡°What are you doing? I¡¯ve been at work all day and I¡¯m sweaty all over. My clothes stink. Don¡¯t you mind if I take care of you like that?¡±

    ¡°I do not mind,¡± Qiao Dongliang replied, looking stiff. ¡°Nan Nan, go back. It is rare that your mom is off work early. You should go back early too. Don¡¯t wait until the sky is dark. It will be unsafe then.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Dad, then I shall go back first.¡± Qiao Nan was so anxious as if her butt has caught fire. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words released Qiao Nan from the ordeal.

    Qiao Nan silently held all the documents tightly in her arms, bid goodbye to all the adults in the ward, and ran off with a speed rivaling that of a rabbit.

    ¡°You... you¡¯re really...¡± What could Ding Jiayi say when Qiao Nan had already left? She was also worried that if she left, Qiao Dongliang would be angry and request for Qiao Zijin to stay overnight again.

    Qiao Nan, who left the hospital, did not bother about how bad Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood was. She was only consumed by her own anxiety.

    Upon reaching the quad, Qiao Nan ran straight to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan had been keeping with her the keys of the Zhai¡¯s residence¡¯s back door. It was thus easy for her to enter the residence. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you in?¡± For the first time, Qiao Nan entered the main residence of the Zhai family instead of the storeroom. She went to the house and shouted, ¡°Brother Zhai, I am Qiao Nan. I am looking for you urgently. It is very important!¡±

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± Qiao Nan suddenly heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice from behind her. She had a fright and turned around quickly.

    When Qiao Nan looked up, her head was dizzy. She flushed and felt some warm liquid dripping uncontrobly from her nose.

 Chapter 156 - The Male Charisma That Caused Irrationality

    <h4>Chapter 156: The Male Charisma That Caused Irrationality</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng was wearing a pair of high waist camouged shorts and a white cotton singlet top. His singlet was wet and slightly stered to his body. It was most probably due to the sweating from his exercises. This made Zhai Sheng¡¯s well-defined eight-pack abs extremely pronounced, giving Qiao Nan a clear view of his abdomen.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s current attire basically showed all of his legs that were below his waist.

    Even the long-legged Korean ¡®oppas¡¯ from the 21st century were not as eye-catching as Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan already knew that Zhai Sheng was tall, but she did not expect that his legs were so long and he was that tall...

    In particr, when she saw Zhai Sheng with his two arms exposed and the sweat flowing down his neck, she felt her nose warming up. She quickly lifted her head, muttering ¡®Amitabha¡¯ and other simr charms in her heart to clear her mind.

    The Zhai Sheng at this moment was obviously a mobile masculine-hormone-dispensing machine. He was too tempting.

    Qiao Nan never felt like a lecherous girl before. In her previous life, she was someone with a pure heart and few desires up till her death. Qiao Nan never had a day where she yearned for a man, and neither did she think of sexual-rted services.

    However, when she saw Zhai Sheng today, she felt the impulse to jump on him. When she looked at the sweat flowing down Zhai Sheng¡¯s neck, she even had the desire to lick them dry.

    The realization hit Qiao Nan hard with a bang, her face beet red.

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± There were beads of sweat at the tips of Zhai Sheng¡¯s hair. Zhai Sheng was used to the training in the army. Hence, he had never ckened off even when he was home. ¡°Come in with me to the house first.¡±

    Zhai Sheng wanted to go closer to Qiao Nan, but when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes avoiding him and seemingly afraid of looking at him, he hesitated.

    Did the smell of sweat on his body make Qiao Nan feel repulsive?

    In the army, everyone stinks. Who didn¡¯t sweat a few times a day? The smell of the sweat was so strong and repulsive. Zhai Sheng was already used to this. However, Qiao Nan was not a soldier in the army. Moreover, she was just a youngdy and probably not used to this smell.

    ¡°Wait for me for a moment. I will go and take a shower.¡± Zhai Sheng, who had been used to such sloppiness, was always meticulous before Qiao Nan. He misunderstood the reason why Qiao Nan dared not look at him. Once Zhai Sheng entered the house, he went to his bedroom and took a bath within five minutes. He changed into clean ones beforeing out.

    This time, Zhai Sheng was not wearing the white cotton singlet which revealed his arms and abs, but a long-sleeved shirt which covered him up well.

    At the sight of Zhai Sheng all tightly wrapped up, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were full of regret.

    If she had known that Brother Zhai would be changing into this, she should have taken a few more nces earlier. What a loss!

    In the past, Qiao Nan did not understand why men were so interested in those magazines which pictured women in revealing attires. They tended to carry and read them all day long, asionally letting out lewd sounds. Now, Qiao Nan understood them a little.

    Who would have thought that the day woulde when she would actually like to ¡®look¡¯ at a man!

    ¡°Cough...¡± When she realized that her thoughts were straying to the point of being censored to those below eighteen years of age, Qiao Nan¡¯s face became as red as an apple. She was too embarrassed to look at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you pass the wrong documents to me? Are these not things that I am not supposed to see?¡±

    Qiao Nan had her head bowed. She only dared to look at the tip of Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoes and not anywhere else. She was fearful that her thoughts would go astray when she saw other things and became a lecherous woman.

    She was never like that in the past!

    ¡°You have already tranted a part of it?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s muscr arms reached out. He ced the original document and its trantion together. As he read them, there were frequent shes of surprise in his eyes.

    During the past year, he did not have many opportunities to interact with Qiao Nan. He knew Qiao Nan¡¯s English was not bad, but she was only a student who was entering high school. Qiao Nan¡¯s standard of English had far exceeded his expectations.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s initial thoughts were that the Qiao family was in need of money, and Qiao Nan¡¯s mother was a capricious character. Given the situation, Qiao Nan certainly did not have sufficient money to continue with her studies.

    He could not simply give her money, so he found Qiao Nan a rxing way to earn money lest Qiao Nan refused.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s trantion did not meet the mark, he would definitely guide her along to help her correct and edit her work.

    However, after he saw the tranted work, Zhai Sheng realized that he would be of no use now.

    ¡°It is quite well tranted. Qiao Nan, your standard of English seems to be better than the average college students. Do you have anything to tell me?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, as ck and deep as a gem with glistening waves of light, narrowed. His long and slender body leaned backward slightly. Both his arms were crossed as if he was azy leopard concealing the shrewdness in his eyes.

    If the prey loosened their guard because of this rxed posture of Zhai Sheng, there would be an outburst of strength and lethality from Zhai Sheng¡¯s powerful and strong muscles. Zhai Sheng would pounce and break the neck of his prey with one bite.

    Qiao Nan shivered, her face turning pale. She was scared. ¡°Brother Zhai, can I not tell? Anyway, I have not done anything bad, neither have I harmed anyone.¡±

    She was too careless. What type of character was Brother Zhai? If he could not discover this little w, how could he have be one of the country¡¯s premier characters in the previous life?

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to tell me? Well, you can choose not to.¡± Having realized that he had scared the youngdy, Zhai Sheng rxed a little and put away the tactic he used on his enemy. He softened his tone. ¡°But you must know, Qiao Nan. I may not ask you today, but it doesn¡¯t mean someone else will not suspect anything when they discover it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry, I understand. If these documents were not given by Brother Zhai, I would not have tranted them. Usually, when I am in school, I would at most use some advance vocabry asionally but not much. I have never done anything bad!¡±

    Qiao Nan quickly assured Zhai Sheng that she was very careful and alert before others. She dared not give herself away too much lest someone became suspicious of her.

    Being reborn¡ªthat was such an incredulous thing. If anyone knew about it, she would definitely be captured, sent to theb, and dissected like a white mouse.

    She was so blessed and lucky to have a second life. Qiao Nan could only cherish her life a hundred¡ªno, a thousand times more than her previous life.

    To her, only Zhai Sheng was unique. In front of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would unconsciously be her real self without any reservation.

    How could Zhai Sheng not understand the meaning of Qiao Nan¡¯s words?

    Somehow, Zhai Sheng, who usually did not like listening to glib words, had a sweet feeling in his heart after listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s words. It was a very pleasant feeling.

    That being said, he was the only one who had a unique existence in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart, was he not?

    The corners of Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth curled upward slightly into a little smile. ¡°It is good that you know what you are doing.¡±

 Chapter 157 - The Boiling Frog

    <h4>Chapter 157: The Boiling Frog</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You do not have to be too modest this time. Just trante as you would do for any trantions. If anythinges up, I would take responsibility for it. Of course, if youe across any parts that you do not understand, feel free to ask me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai¡¯s English standard is much better than mine. It would be all the better with your help.¡± Qiao Nan smiled but shook her head in the next instant. ¡°That¡¯s not right. Brother Zhai, that¡¯s not what I am here for today. I am not here to ask you questions. Brother Zhai, it is inappropriate for me to see such important documents!¡±

    This was state secrets. Oh my, she was just a youngdy and had no rights to see these documents!!

    ¡°As I have said, you do not need to be so anxious. Since you can tell that these documents are important, you just have to do it your usual ways and don¡¯t mention it to others. Nothing would go wrong.¡± Zhai Sheng was calm andposed, unlike Qiao Nan who was anxious and nervous.

    Zhai Sheng knew right from the start what the contents of these documents were.

    Since he entrusted this task to Qiao Nan, he had the utmost confidence in her.

    He believed Qiao Nan knew what she was doing, what she could do, and what she could not do. He did not need to remind her or make any requests since she would do a good job.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t put it that way. I am under a lot of stress. I am timid by nature, so I would not reveal it to anyone. However, I am worried something might happen at home, and I will not be able to keep an eye on the documents. I might not be worthy of your trust.¡± Qiao Nan was proud and happy that her Prince Charming would entrust her with such an important task and had unwavering trust in her, but Qiao Nan was worried that she might not be able to live up to his expectations. Brother Zhai had such high hopes in her.

    She was just a simple and ordinary sixteen-year-old youngdy.

    Zhai Sheng lifted his cup, had a drink, and said in an unhurried voice, ¡°It is fine if you really cannot do it. You can return the documents to me. Even though I am quite busy these days, I can burn the midnight oil for a few days and trante the documents. Since I am home today, maybe you can go back home to take the documents and give them back to me. I will wait for you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan turned pale with a look of self-reproach on her face. ¡°Brother Zhai, you are so busy... As soldiers, you have a difficult job, so you should have a good rest whenever you are at home. It is not good for you to burn the midnight oil. If not... never mind, I will trante them.¡±

    She had taken up this task in order to help Brother Zhai. If Brother Zhai was to take back the documents and do the trantion himself, wouldn¡¯t she be creating more troubles for him?

    ¡°It is okay. You do not need to force yourself to take up this task.¡± Zhai Sheng said in a righteous voice. ¡°As a soldier, one must have the resilience and determination. Otherwise, how can one be a soldier? You should not feel burdened to help me. To me, staying up for a few nights is nothing.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no, I am not forcing myself, and I am not burdened to help you. Brother Zhai, didn¡¯t you mention that I am doing a good job with the trantion? I want to practice more since it is such a good opportunity. Besides, I have Brother Zhai right here with me. You are my teacher. I can ask you directly whenever there is any part I do not understand. I believe my English will improve in no time.¡± Qiao Nan snatched the documents from Zhai Sheng.

    Initially, the reason why she returned the documents was that the documents contained important information. Secondly, Qiao Nan found it strenuous to trante the documents. She did not want to end up like what her father said¡ªthat she did not manage to do a good job and made a mess out of everything.

    Since a young age, Ding Jiayi had always looked down on her. She would always tell Qiao Nan that she was stupid and incapable, unable to do a job well. Everything would turn into a mess in her hands.

    Qiao Nan might not believe her mother¡¯s words that she was such a lousy person. Although she was not as lousy as what her mother said, she might not bepetent enough to trante the documents.

    Even though she was not the scum of society, she was not the country¡¯s elite as well. She was merely a student who just entered high school!

    At the thought of the contents, Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows, feeling helpless. ¡°Brother Zhai, I can still handle this portion, but I have read through the rest, and they are too difficult. I suppose you won¡¯t be having an easy time resting at home these few days. I hope I won¡¯t be a bother to you. I will definitelye over frequently to ask you questions regarding the documents.¡±

    ¡°It is fine, you can ask me any questions.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled secretly. When dealing with Qiao Nan, it was right of him to retreat in order to advance.

    Because of this trantion, Zhai Sheng got to spend about ten more days with Qiao Nan.

    Before she realized his true intentions behind this arrangement, Qiao Nan was already like a frog that was being boiled by Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are so smart!¡± These few days, Qiao Nan was all praises for Brother Zhai who answered all the problems she met whilst doing the trantion. The words she used most often were exmations such as ¡®Ah¡¯, ¡®Oh¡¯, and ¡®Emm¡¯. ¡°Brother Zhai, people like you are so inconsiderate. There is no way that other people could earn a living.¡±

    Brother Zhai could earn a living with his good looks, yet he insisted to do it based on his own capabilities.

    Other people might be all brawn no brains or all brains no brawn, but Brother Zhai had the brains and the brawn. It was too depressing for them.

    As someone who had been through rebirth, she could not stand equal to Brother Zhai at all.

    Qiao Nan thought to herself in dejection. With an all-rounder like Brother Zhai, he should be the one who aroused people¡¯s suspicions. She could not even match up to him, so why would he discover that there was something strange about her?

    ¡°I won¡¯t be fooled by your ttery. Work hard in your trantion.¡± Zhai Sheng rxed his eyebrows. For those who knew Zhai Sheng well, they could tell that he was in a good mood now.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan, who was slow to react and never had any doubts in Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, took his words for real. She had thought that he really meant for her to work hard on her trantion.

    Since Qiao Nan had spent too much time on the task, and it was close topletion, she decided to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence with Zhai Sheng to finish the trantion. After working on it for the whole day, she finally finished all the trantion. ¡°Brother Zhai, it is all done. Do you want to check it again?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Sheng shook his head. He was by Nan Nan¡¯s side when she did the trantion. He saw how she tranted them sentence by sentence. There would not be any problem. ¡°You have worked hard these past few days. You should go back to rest. After I hand in these documents, the money will be paid ordingly.¡±

    These few days, Qiao Nan had been shuffling between the hospital visits to look after Qiao Dongliang and staying at the Zhai family¡¯s residence to work on the trantion with Zhai Sheng by her side.

    Seeing that she had to shuffle between these two ces, Zhai Sheng could not help but feel worried at the sight of Qiao Nan who looked frail and weak. He was worried that her frail body could not take the toil. ¡°You have been eating well these days, but why is it that you are still so thin and skinny?¡± Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s frail and thin-looking arms.

    As expected, there was not much flesh on her arms. Still, it was soft and smooth, unlike his arms.

    It was summer now. Qiao Nan was wearing a short-sleeved top.

    As usual, Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands were warm, scalding even, when he touched her arms. It was so hot that the part he touched was almost numb.

    Qiao Nan blushed and stuttered, ¡°I-I was born like this. N-no matter how much I eat, I still look the same. Brother Zhai, you do not understand. This is an era where thin women are considered beautiful.¡±

 Chapter 158 - Have You Made up Your Mind

    <h4>Chapter 158: Have You Made up Your Mind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Most women want to be like me, but they couldn¡¯t!¡± Take Qiao Zijin for example, she dared not eat too much so as to maintain her figure.

    ¡°It is not healthy to be too skinny. Good health is the most important. You should eat more.¡± Zhai Sheng disagreed with her. ¡°With your physique, you could not even donate blood to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s countenance changed. Zhai Sheng was right.

    When she went to the hospital a year ago, they said she was malnourished. The hospital would definitely not allow someone like her to donate blood.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I will leave those documents with you.¡± Qiao Nan had been feeling uneasy these few days. Luckily, she had finished the trantion and handed the documents to Zhai Sheng. She could finally heave a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Oh, you have worked hard. You should go back to rest.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded and handed a bag full of things to Qiao Nan. ¡°As the saying goes, you can get your nourishment through what you eat. You have been racking your brains these few days, so you should have some nuts. They are good for you and the brain.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips. Was Brother Zhai digging at her or concerned for her? It should be out of concern.

    Qiao Nan carried the big bag of things home. She opened it up and realized that Zhai Sheng had given her a lot of food and nuts. There were walnuts, pecans, and even macadamia nuts that were considered as very rare in the 90s.

    With nary a word, Qiao Nan hid all the nuts in her room and took out the walnuts. She crushed the outer shells one by one, took out the walnuts inside, and grounded them into powder. Afterward, she put it into the porridge she was preparing for Qiao Dongliang.

    Over the time, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin hade to realize that Qiao Nan was being very ¡®stingy¡¯. Whenever she whipped up something delicious, only Qiao Dongliang got to eat them.

    No matter whether it was Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin, neither could get a morsel of food from Qiao Nan.

    It was then that Ding Jiayi realized that it had been a long time since she had the food Qiao Nan prepared.

    ¡°Dad, have some of the porridge. There are walnuts inside.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it smells nice.¡± Qiao Dongliang had stayed in the hospital for close to half a month. Other than looking frail at the beginning, he seemed to have a betterplexion under the care of Qiao Nan. If not for the fact that he was in the hospital and bandaged, Qiao Dongliang would not look like a patient at all.

    A few days ago, colleagues from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s factory came to visit him, particrly the colleague who was with them when he had the ident and was sent to the hospital. He was surprised by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s speedy recovery.

    Qiao Dongliang would always tell his visitors that his speedy recovery was all thanks to his younger daughter. They doubted his words, thinking that it was all exaggeration. It must have been Ding Jiayi who took great care of him. The younger daughter could never have done it so well.

    But this colleague of his believed his words. Aspared to Qiao Nan, the sister-inw did not behave like an adult at all.

    ¡°Uncle, have a bowl of porridge too.¡± Qiao Nan scooped a bowl of porridge for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ward mate.

    ¡°Thank you, I will not stand on ceremony with you.¡± The ward mate smiled and took the bowl of porridge from Qiao Nan. He had yet to drink it, but he became hungry with only a sniff of the fragrant porridge!

    Whenever Qiao Dongliang had to go to the toilet and Ding Jiayi was not around, the ward mate and his family would help take care of Qiao Dongliang. After all, it was inappropriate for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s two daughters to help out.

    Seeing how happy the uncle was with the porridge she prepared, Qiao Nan made it a point to bring more of the porridge and would always give a bowl to the uncle. It was a way of repaying his kindness.

    The ward mate had a mouthful of the porridge and gave Qiao Dongliang a thumbs-up secretly. The porridge tasted really good. This brother had the gourmet¡¯s luck.

    ¡°Youngdy, it must have been tough on you. He is already a grown-up, yet he still behaves like a child, greedy for food.¡± The ward mate¡¯s wife could do nothing about her husband and looked at Qiao Nan apologetically, ¡°I must thank you. Not only does your dad recover well, but this uncle also gets to have good food thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°You should not stand on ceremony, Auntie. All of you helped to take care of my dad. I should be the one saying thank you to the both of you,¡± Qiao Nan spoke politely and courteously.

    ¡°Such a well-behaved youngdy.¡± The ward mate¡¯s wife was surprised at Qiao Nan¡¯s polite manner.

    She had seen Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife for quite a few times. She always had a sullen face as if someone owed her a thousand yuan, the type who would never mingle or greet others.

    She had seen people who were not as quick-witted, but this was the first time she saw someone as daft and dense as Ding Jiayi.

    As a mother, Ding Jiayi was not as dependable as the younger daughter. Her husband was injured, yet the younger daughter had to take care of everything and cooked all sorts of good food for Qiao Dongliang.

    What was the mother doing in the Qiao family?

    If not for the youngdy who was very likable, she would not want her husband to be on such friendly terms with Qiao Dongliang. They had helped to take care of Qiao Dongliang, yet Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife did not bother to thank them. Even if she was not after any gratitude, one should not behave in this way either.

    The ward mate¡¯s wife was boiling in anger at the thought of Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you should head back home first. Your mom should be here anytime.¡±

    ¡°No need, I will wait for Mom toe before leaving.¡± Previously, she was busy with the trantions and had no time to take care of her father. Now that she had finished the trantions, she could not possibly ask someone else to take care of her father. They did not owe her anything.

    ¡°It is alright, Nan Nan. You are a youngdy after all. It is safer to go back earlier. You do not have to worry about your dad. Uncle and Aunt will help out.¡± With a smile on her face, the ward mate¡¯s wife urged Qiao Nan to go back home earlier.

    Of course, if it was Qiao Zijin, they would not treat her this way.

    Qiao Zijin had simr temperament as Ding Jiayi. They were also simr in their looks.

    ¡°Go back home.¡± Qiao Dongliang waved his hands. It had been half a month. He no longer needed people to look after him like before.

    Qiao Dongliang surmised that after a few more days in the hospital, he could discharge from the hospital and rest at home. In that way, he could save as much as he could.

    Besides, he already asked the doctor-in-charge about his conditions. Given his recovery progress and conditions, he could rest and recover at home.

    Qiao Dongliang was proud, yet guilty when he was reminded that he owed it to the younger daughter for having a speedy recovery.

    Whenever the younger daughter was bullied and wronged in the past, as her father, he could not do anything for her. But now that he was injured and had to stay in the hospital, he owed it to Nan Nan for saving his life.

    He felt sorry toward this child.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had said so, Qiao Nan decided to go back home.

    As soon as Qiao Nan left, the ward mate¡¯s eyes sparkled, and he asked Qiao Dongliang anxiously. ¡°Brother, what do you think of the matter that I brought up to youst time? Have you made a decision? I really like Nan Nan. You can put your heart at rest. If you agree to it, I will treat Nan Nan like my own daughter. If you do not believe me, you can ask my wife. You could ask her whether she likes Nan Nan. We really enjoyed herpany these few days.¡±

 Chapter 159 - Letâ€™s Be In-Laws

    <h4>Chapter 159: Let¡¯s Be In-Laws</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Of course I like her. Why would I dislike such a well-behaved and obedient child like Nan Nan? I really like her. My husband might be too anxious. But I feel that this matter is feasible.¡± The ward mate¡¯s wife was in total agreement with what her husband said. She looked at Qiao Dongliang eagerly, hoping that he would agree.

    Seeing the look of eagerness and anticipation on their faces, Qiao Dongliang did not know what to do.

    If other people were to overhear their conversation, those who did not know what happened might think that he was going to sell his daughter.

    ¡°Brother Zhou, this is not feasible.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°I have no say in this matter. During these few days, you must have known about our situation at home. My wife is very unreasonable. As her father, I could not protect Nan Nan. She had to endure a lot of hardships and suffer a lot of grievances. This concerns Nan Nan¡¯s whole life. Besides, she is still young and we are not in the olden times where elders have the say in their children¡¯s marriages. I do not ask for much. I just hope that Nan Nan will find someone who loves and cherishes her. Of course, Nan Nan will have to love that person as well.¡±

    With that, Qiao Dongliang shook his head, not knowing whether he should cry orugh.

    He did not know what to do with the Zhou Bing couple.

    This ward mate of Qiao Dongliang was called Zhou Bing. Unlike Qiao Dongliang who had two daughters, he had three sons!

    Zhou Bing¡¯s youngest son was called Zhou Jun. He was a soldier, twenty-three years old this year. He was older than Qiao Nan by seven years.

    Though the Zhou Bing couple liked sons, they were mischievous and naughty. They had been hoping to have a daughter.

    But they had three children, and all were sons.

    By then, the countryunched a national nning policy, and so they gave up on trying for a daughter.

    Zhou Bing¡¯s eldest son and second son had been married. They already had children and were old enough to address the Zhou Bing couple as ¡®grandpa¡¯ and ¡®grandma¡¯. However, the youngest son was still single. The Zhou Bing couple was worried sick about their son and was thinking to find a wife for their youngest son.

    Their youngest son was a soldier, so the Zhou Bing couple could hardly get to see their son. If he settled down and got a wife, it might be hard on the daughter-inw as she would not get to see him often. She would have a harder time than their two daughters-inw. The Zhou Bing couple was quite apologetic toward their future daughter-inw.

    Most importantly, it was not easy to be the wife of a soldier. It was not easy to find one who was willing as well.

    Their vige once had a scandal. The son in one of the families went out for business for around three months. Yet, the daughter-inw was two months pregnant!

    The Zhou Bing couple heard of the scandal and could not help but worry for their son. If their future daughter-inw was fickle and was not willing to stay with their son for her whole life, wouldn¡¯t it be a disgrace to their son?

    They were both worried and anxious about their youngest son¡¯s marriage. On one hand, they were worried that their situation would make it difficult for thedy. On the other hand, they were troubled that thedy might not have a good personality and would disgrace their son. If so, how was he going to work in the army?

    Zhou Bing ended up in the hospital because of his son¡¯s marriage as well.

    They arranged a blind date for their son. Though the matchmaker was all praises for thedy, Zhou Bing was worried, so he wanted to find out more about thedy¡¯s personality and whether she was suitable to be the wife of a soldier.

    If she was suitable, it would be good for everyone; if she was unsuitable, it would not be good to force each other together lest things ended up badly for both of them.

    Never would they have known that there was something wrong with thedy. She was not the well-behaved girl the matchmaker had said. In fact, she was in a rtionship while she was still studying and was expelled from the school as a result.

    But thedy seemed to have learned her mistakes. Ever since then, she had made a change for the better. She was just like what the matchmaker described, good and well-behaved. Apart from going to work, she would stay at home and was no longer wild and rude like she used to be.

    Still, after knowing what happened, Zhou Bing dared not take in thedy as their daughter-inw.

    Because of the fact that thedy¡¯s family was in a hurry to marry her off, and that Zhou Jun was a good catch, they kicked up a fuss with Zhou Bing when they learned that the Zhou family objected to the marriage,ining that they were on the losing end. They said that both of the families had already agreed for their children to marry each other, but the Zhou family broke their promise and backed out of the marriage. This was an insult to their daughter!

    It wouldn¡¯t do! They had to marry each other!

    In the end, both families got into a fierce quarrel. Thedy¡¯s family even raised their hands on the Zhou family. During the tussle, Zhou Bing was pushed onto the pavement. He fell to his knees and hurt himself badly. He fractured his knees and was sent to the hospital.

    Everyone from the Zhou family was mere peasant, but Zhou Jun had made a mark for himself in the army. Though he was only twenty-three years old, he was already thepanymander.

    People in the rural might not be knowledgeable, but they knew that apanymander was someone who worked for the government. The highest rank government official whom they had seen was only a mere vige chief!

    In the eyes of the vigers, Zhou Jun was like a golden phoenix that soared out of the vige!

    It was because of this that thedy¡¯s family insisted on the marriage. But now that Zhou Bing was injured, they were very frightful. They were worried that they mightnd in jail and had to fork out a big sum for Zhou Bing¡¯s medical fees. Thus, they said that though their daughter suffered the humiliation of being rejected, Zhou Bing was injured as well, so they would call it quits.

    Zhou Bing was relieved that they could finally be rid of such a troublesome family. Although he was injured, he could not be bothered to argue with thedy¡¯s family. He could only me himself for being unlucky. Once bitten, twice shy, he had learned his lessons.

    However, the Zhou Bing couple never thought that it would be a blessing in disguise¡ªthat they would find a suitable daughter-inw candidate during his hospital stay.

    In the past, the Zhou Bing couple might not be able to tell whether ady was good or not, but as there were two daughters in the Qiao family, they could easily tell by makingparisons.

    When it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s turn to look after Qiao Dongliang, she would always look around, her attention elsewhere. Most importantly, she could not settle down and give her father full attention. She would chat with the doctors, particrly young male doctors.

    The Zhou Bing couple would always frown at her behavior.

    On the contrary, despite being more beautiful than Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan would always stay in the ward whenever it was her turn to look after Qiao Dongliang.

    She would be the first person to notice and attend to his needs. If Qiao Dongliang was thirsty, she would pour a cup of warm water for him. If he wanted to use the restroom, Qiao Nan would ask them for help.

    Qiao Nan never initiated a conversation with the male doctors. Contrariwise, it was the male doctors who made some small talks with Qiao Nan.

    But Qiao Nan would always stay in the ward and only talked about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s condition with the doctors. If the male doctors did not take the initiative to ask, she would keep her silence.

    Even if the male doctors struck a conversation with her, Qiao Nan would only talk about her father¡¯s conditions, and she would not appear to be overly eager or earnest.

    Qiao Zijin would always look around, finding opportunities to speak with the male doctors, whereas Qiao Nan was calm and focused on taking care of her father. Qiao Zijin could not even take care of herself, whereas Qiao Nan was better than her mother in looking after her father. It was all thanks to Qiao Nan that Qiao Dongliang made such a speedy recovery.

    Qiao Zijin paled inparison to Qiao Nan. Thetter stood out more in all aspects.

 Chapter 160 - Daughter Is Better Than Son

    <h4>Chapter 160: Daughter Is Better Than Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Steady, generous, self-respect, self-regard and good at taking care of others.

    Where else could they find such a good daughter-inw?

    The Zhou Bing couple was worried that if they did not grab hold of the chance now, they might not find such a gooddy in the future. Hence, they were so anxious in arranging the marriage between their son and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°Brother, do you have any issue with the fact that my son is a soldier? My son is quite capable. Although he is only twenty-three years old, he is already apanymander. He is the youngestpanymander in the army. I understand that it might not be easy being the wife of a soldier, but from what I heard from my son, the wife is now allowed to go with the army. My wife and I are still young. If need be, we have two daughters-inw who can take care of us.¡±

    If Nan Nan was their daughter-inw, she would just need to follow wherever Zhou Jun went. She would not need to stay in the vige to wait on both of them.

    ¡°Brother Zhou, you are mistaken. I used to serve in the army as well and have nothing against soldiers. However, Nan Nan is still young.¡± Nan Nan was only 16 years old. She had just started high school. ¡°Both of you must have known that Nan Nan is very studious and her results are excellent. She just started high school this year. Given her intelligence, she would be able to study in the college in the future. It would take another eight years before she graduated from college.¡±

    When Nan Nan graduated from college, she would be twenty-four years old. However, Zhou Bing¡¯s son, Zhou Jun, would be thirty-one years old by then.

    ¡°There is no hurry. They can be engaged first. It is good that Nan Nan is very studious. Their children will be very bright as well and would definitely be college graduates!¡± Zhou Bing¡¯s wife had sparkles in her eyes. She had grown to like her young daughter-inw more and more.

    It was alright that she was young. Zhou Jun was not in a hurry to marry as well. He could wait for a few more years.

    Even though Qiao Nan might be the youngest in the Qiao family, she was the most sensible person among all of them. Qiao Nan¡¯s mother could not even match up to her daughter. It was unreliable to judge someone based on their ages. Her mother could not evenpare to her daughter at all.

    Qiao Dongliang was helpless and did not know what else to say to the Zhou Bing couple who was very enthusiastic about the marriage. ¡°Brother Zhou, it really cannot work. Your son and my daughter do not know each other. What if they do not fancy each other? Wouldn¡¯t I be breeding chaos by agreeing to the marriage? As for what will happen in the future, let¡¯s just leave it to the future. If both of them are destined to be together, I would not object.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang never thought that people would request Qiao Nan to be their daughter-inw when she was only sixteen years old.

    If not for the fact that he got along well with them during his hospital stay, and that they were on such close terms that he already greeted them as ¡®Brother¡¯ and ¡®Sister-inw¡¯, Qiao Dongliang would have reprimanded them.

    Nan Nan was only sixteen years old. She was still a child. How could they make such a request!

    At the same time, Qiao Dongliang felt proud as well. Nan Nan was too outstanding. The way she handled matters was so mature and sensible that she did not seem like girls of her age. But this was exactly what made the Zhou Bing couple disregarded the fact that she was young.

    If not for Nan Nan who was so outstanding, there was no need for Zhou Bing¡¯s son who was already thepanymander at twenty-three years old to be engaged to Nan Nan in a hurry.

    But he did not care whether their son was apanymander or not.

    Just as he had said, it was not that important for his future son-inw to be very sessful. What was important was that he must love, cherish and treasure Nan Nan.

    In the Qiao family, Nan Nan might have to suffer and toil for over twenty years, but after she was married, her husband would cherish and love her for the rest of her life.

    ¡°Alright, we have an agreement. If Nan Nan takes a liking to my son, you cannot go back on your words.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang had made it so clear, there was nothing Zhou Bing could say. If he was to insist, it might make the situation awkward for them both.

    Besides, Zhou Bing knew that he might have been very enthusiastic about getting a wife for his son, but his son might feel otherwise.

    When he said earlier that he was going to get a wife for his son, he objected to it and was the least interested in it. Therefore, his son did not know that thedy and her family had kicked up such a fuss over the marriage.

    Zhou Bing thought for a while and sighed. It was too bad that such a gooddy was not their daughter-inw.

    To put it bluntly, since Nan Nan was still young, it was the Zhou family who stood to gain from it. If they were to marry each other, Zhou Jun would be considered as a cradle robber.

    Zhou Bing¡¯s wife patted Zhou Bing¡¯s hands a few times. She blinked at him, hinting to him not to be so anxious. After all, there was still the chance that Qiao Nan would be their daughter-inw.

    Zhou Bing frowned. It was impossible.

    Nan Nan was such a good catch. She would have a lot of admirers in the future. What they could do now was to make the first move.

    Zhou Bing¡¯s wife gave a meaningful smile. Zhou Jun was her son, how would she not know the kind ofdies that her son preferred?

    Every man would fall in love with Nan Nan the first time he set his sights on her. Even if it was not love at first sight, he would adore and love her as well. No one would dislike Nan Nan. Eventually, they would grow to have feelings for each other.

    Qiao Dongliang did not seem like someone who would go back on his words. As long as their son would cherish and love Nan Nan, Qiao Dongliang would not have any objections to their marriage. By then, Nan Nan would still have to be their daughter-inw.

    Zhou Bing had no idea what was going through his wife¡¯s mind. There was nothing he could do since she intended to keep him in suspense.

    Three dayster, Zhou Bing finally realized what his wife meant by her words then.

    ¡°Dad, how are your injuries?¡± Zhou Jun learned of the news that Zhou Bing was injured, and that he had been staying in the hospital for half a month. ¡°Dad, Mom and you have gone too far this time!¡± Zhou Jun was worried and angry at his father at the same time.

    He had already told them that he was still young. It was not suitable to settle down and get a wife.

    He wanted to work on his career and get his promotion. If he was to marry now, he could no longer focus on his work in the army.

    Many of Zhou Jun¡¯s armyrades used to be very ambitious and career-minded. However, after they were married, though they still wanted to serve the country and work hard for the promotion, they could not do so because of their wives.

    While some of them could not help it as they had no other choices, some simply asked for it!

    Zhou Jun had a bad headache at the thought of these sisters-inw.

    But Zhou Jun never thought that his dad would do this as well andnded himself in the hospital.

    ¡°Young brat, you never show up for the whole year, and this is what you say to your dad when you are here?¡± Zhou Bing pulled a long face. He was unhappy.

    Sons were really different from daughters. Whenever Nan Nan was here, she would ask about her father¡¯s condition and whether he was in pain, showing concern for him. She also prepared nutritious food and soup for him.

    But his son only knew to admonish him as soon as he arrived. Had their roles been reversed? Who exactly was the father and who was the son?

    Most importantly, he did all these for his son, Zhou Jun.

    As expected, sons were not as good as daughters.

    Zhou Bing had been frustrated these few days. Zhou Jun¡¯s harsh attitude only worsened his mood. There was so much difference between how a son treated their parents and how a daughter treated their parents. No wonder Qiao Dongliang refused to agree to the marriage. If it was him, he would not agree to marry off his daughter as well.

    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Qiao Nan who came into the ward right then was shocked when she saw Zhou Jun.

 Chapter 161 - Fate

    <h4>Chapter 161: Fate</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. A few days ago, Brother Zhou had insisted on getting Nan Nan as his daughter-inw. Today, Nan Nan seemed as if she knew Brother Zhou¡¯s son. Could it be that...

    ¡°I had to thank you for what happenedst time.¡± Nan Nan smiled in embarrassment. She did not know the name of the man who stood in front of her. She only knew that he was a soldier.

    ¡°It¡¯s... it¡¯s you?¡± Zhou Jun blushed. His attitude changed from being aggressive to being cautious. He felt so uneasy and conscious of himself. ¡°Oh, I remembered. Someone in your family is sick, and he stays in this hospital as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and put down her bag. She poured a bowl of terrapin soup that she prepared for today and brought it to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°My dad was injured and had to stay in the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Un-Uncle, how are you doing?¡± After knowing who Qiao Dongliang was, Zhou Jun gave a ny-degree bow to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was injured and his mobility was restricted. Otherwise, he would have been startled and jumped up at Zhou Jun¡¯s behavior. ¡°Nan Nan, do you know Zhou Jun, the son of Brother Zhou?¡± He wanted Qiao Nan to exin to him what was going on.

    ¡°So you are his son.¡± Qiao Nan was surprised. The world was very small.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you should address Brother Zhou as ¡®uncle¡¯.¡± Qiao Dongliang corrected Nan Nan. In the beginning, they were not as close to each other, hence it was alright to be less strict in the form of address. Now, it was inappropriate to be so casual in the form of address.

    ¡°Uncle Zhou.¡±

    ¡°Oh, good girl.¡± It would be all the better if Qiao Nan addressed him as ¡®father¡¯. ¡°Jun-er, are you acquainted with Nan Nan?¡± Zhou Bing had a devilish sparkle in his eyes. His wife was right about this.

    Zhou Bing cast a look of admiration at his wife. His wife lifted her chin proudly. Zhou Jun was her son. She knew what kind of girls her son liked.

    ¡°Jun-er, how did you get to know Nan Nan? Didn¡¯t you spend all your time in the army?¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s mother was perplexed and found it strange. It was impossible for her son to get to know such a gooddy like Nan Nan.

    He stayed in the army all this while and he seldom came home. Nan Nan was still a student. The only ce she frequented would be the school.

    No matter how she thought about it, she could not figure out how they came to know each other.

    ¡°Emm... Brother Zhou helped me greatly in the past.¡± Qiao Nan pondered for a while before replying. She found it embarrassing to say that Zhou Jun came to pass her the money at Zhai Sheng¡¯s orders.

    ¡°No, no, it was not me who helped her. I only passed her things on behalf of someone else.¡± Zhou Jun blushed. He only went on errands for Zhai Sheng and did not help the youngdy.

    ¡°But I still troubled you to make the trip.¡±

    ¡°What is going on, Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang was clueless.

    Nan Nan said that Zhou Jun had helped her, while Zhou Jun denied helping her. Both of them did not seem to be lying.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan pondered for a while and leaned toward Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ear. ¡°When you were sent to the hospital on that day, Brother Zhai had something on, so he asked Brother Zhou to pass me the money on his behalf.¡±

    ¡°I see... Then, I would have to thank him for his help.¡± Qiao Dongliang finally understood what was going on.

    The Zhai family was an established and prominent family. Though Zhai Sheng was quite young, he had served in the army for years. He had achieved many military exploits and rose through the ranks without the help of his family.

    Even though Zhou Jun was older than Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng ranked higher in the army than Zhou Jun.

    ¡°It is fate... It is all fate.¡± Although Zhou Bing did not really understand what was going on, to him, his son and Qiao Nan were destined to get to know each other. There might be a chance that she would be their daughter-inw.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhou Jun felt embarrassed and angry. He quickly poured his father a cup of tea. ¡°Dad, you must be thirsty after such a long chat. Have some water.¡±

    Zhou Bing took the cup of tea and red at his son. His son was so disappointing. He did all this for the sake of his son!

    ¡°Emm...¡± Qiao Nan blinked. The atmosphere seemed to be awkward. In particr, Zhou Jun¡¯s parents seemed to be casting meaningful looks at her. ¡°Dad, what is going on?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hands a few times, assuring her that nothing was wrong.

    Even though Zhou Jun passed the money to Nan Nan on behalf of Zhai Sheng, it was just a simple task. There was nothing much to it.

    Nan Nan was still young, she still did not understand what a rtionship was about. It was too early to discuss marriage.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang said so, Qiao Nan did not give it much thought. ¡°Dad, have the soup while it is still hot. Otherwise, it will be too fishy when it turns cold.¡±

    After pouring a bowl of soup for Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan poured another bowl of soup for Zhou Bing as usual. ¡°Uncle Zhou, terrapin soup is good for the body.¡±

    ¡°Terrapin soup is very nutritious. We don¡¯t get to drink this type of soup nowadays.¡± Zhou Bing¡¯s eyes sparkled. He did not seem like a patient during his stay in the hospital. In fact, it seemed like he was enjoying life. ¡°Delicious! Nan Nan, you have good culinary skills. Jun-er, do you want to have a taste?¡±

    Zhou Bing passed the bowl of soup to Zhou Jun reluctantly.

    As the saying goes, the quickest way to a man¡¯s heart is through his stomach.

    With such good culinary skills, Nan Nan would be a good wife in the future.

    ¡°Dad, you can have it. I am in good health.¡± Zhou Jun did not know how to react to this situation. He was strong and healthy while his father was injured. How could he have the bowl of soup that was intended for his father?

    Zhou Jun might find it ridiculous, but his mother was ted. She would go to all the troubles to get Nan Nan as her daughter-inw.

    ¡°It¡¯s so crowded today.¡± Ding Jiayi had worked overtime for a few days to make up for her absence. After having a good rest in the morning, she came to the hospital with Qiao Zijin.

    To her surprise, she saw an unfamiliar young man at the hospital.

    ¡°Hi, Auntie!¡± Zhou Jun stood up at attention and greeted Ding Jiayi enthusiastically.

    Ding Jiayi was all smiles at Zhou Jun¡¯s polite greetings. However, Zhou Jun¡¯s mother gave a strong tug at her son¡¯s hand. Jun-er was such a fool. Despite being a soldier, he was so poor in judging people and assessing the situation! He had ttered the wrong person!

    Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were supposed to go back home whenever Ding Jiayi was at the hospital, but judging from Ding Jiayi¡¯s unreliable nature and Qiao Nan¡¯s cold attitude toward her, Zhou Jun¡¯s mother could tell that Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi were not close to each other.

    Zhou Jun¡¯s mother used to think that ¡®Parents always have their good reasons¡¯. Ding Jiayi might be impolite and unreasonable, but she was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother after all. Qiao Nan was so nice to her father, so how could she be so cold toward her mother?

    Then, she learned from her husband that Ding Jiayi was unreasonable and biased.

 Chapter 162 - Embarrassed to Look at the Dimwit

    <h4>Chapter 162: Embarrassed to Look at the Dimwit</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Particrly, when Zhou Jun¡¯s mother heard that during Qiao Dongliang¡¯s first night in the hospital, Ding Jiayi indiscriminately pped Qiao Nan until thetter bled, she understood that Qiao Nan was a very sensible youngdy. She also understood why Qiao Nan never had any smile on her face whenever she saw her own mother.

    Her man had an ident, yet Ding Jiayi could only sit on the ground and wailed that she was penniless as she pped her thighs. In the end, the money was coughed out by the younger daughter.

    Indeed, if Qiao Nan had not been such an excellent child, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s temperament, she dared not be inws with such a family!

    ¡°Brother Zhou, your son is in the army.¡± Ding Jiayi smiled brightly at this moment, and her tone was unprecedentedly good. Her smile gave Zhou Bing and his wife goosebumps. They were murmuring in their hearts, ¡°Is Ding Jiayi possessed today?¡±

    During normal times, she did not even bother to greet them. Her face was always ck as if they owed her money. Why was she so sweet-tongued all of a sudden today?

    ¡°Yes, he is in the army.¡± Zhou Bing felt extremely uneasy as he unwillingly spoke to Ding Jiayi. He also hinted to his wife with a look in his eyes so that she would deal with Ding Jiayi directly.

    ¡°Judging from the look, he seems to be apanymander. How old is the child?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were very sharp. At a nce, she knew the designation of Zhou Jun in the army without even asking.

    It was also because Zhou Jun came in a hurry today. Once he received the news that his father was hospitalized, he rushed here immediately without changing his army uniform.

    Ding Jiayi used to be the wife of a military officer as well. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang once held the position of apanymander. Therefore, when she saw Zhou Jun¡¯s dressing, Ding Jiayi knew his rank immediately.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Because of Zhou Jun¡¯s appearance, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude toward the Zhou Bing couple changed drastically. Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck. They were furious and utterly speechless.

    They had been sharing the same pot of rice for years. Would Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan not know what Ding Jiayi was trying to do?

    Qiao Nan was given birth by Ding Jiayi. However, from top to bottom and inside and out, there was only one thing that she had inmon with Ding Jiayi: her fondness for military personnel or soldiers.

    Otherwise, Ding Jiayi would not have readily agreed to marry Qiao Dongliang who did not have any next-of-kin.

    The biggest regret in Ding Jiayi¡¯s life was that she insisted on having a second child when Qiao Dongliang was about to be promoted to battalionmander. Qiao Dongliang was forced to retire from the army, and she did not be the wife of a battalionmander eventually.

    One must know that there was a sixty percent chance of being promoted frompanymander to deputy battalionmander, meaning that there would be more than fifty percent chance that Zhou Jun would climb to the position of deputy battalionmander. Thereafter, the probability to move from deputy to battalion officer would be about fifty percent.

    Nevertheless, Zhou Jun was already thepanymander at the very least!

    As long as he performed well, there should not be much difficulty for him to rise to the position of deputy battalionmander. Afterward, there was still a fifty percent chance for him to be promoted to the battalionmander role!

    ¡°Zijin, why are you standing there in a daze? Serve them a cup of tea.¡± At the thought of the battalionmander position, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes lit up and pulled Qiao Zijin closer smilingly. ¡°Zhou Jun, you have not seen my elder daughter. She is called Qiao Zijin and she is still studying in high school. She is attending The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    When these words came out of Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth, Qiao Zijin aside, the other five people who were present could not help having the same reaction. In the imaginary speech bubbles above their heads were a row of ck lines; and in their hearts, countless ellipsis.

    Qiao Nan was used to the shamelessness of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Armed with the experience from her previous life, she was well-trained to tolerate this.

    Qiao Dongliang might be a grown-up man, but his face still turned reddish ck in color. He was so embarrassed that he wished he could tug the nket covering his body and bury his head in it. It was so embarrassing! The thing that Qiao Dongliang could not understand was why Ding Jiayi¡¯s hearing was so good today. She already knew the name of Zhou Jun.

    The Zhou family felt extremely awkward. Ding Jiayi was too obvious in making her stand. It was impossible that the Zhou family of three would fail to understand her intentions.

    Qiao Zijin was red with embarrassment. She was also feeling a little not used to it. However, she still obeyed Ding Jiayi¡¯s words and served some hot water to Zhou Jun. ¡°Brother Zhou, here is the hospital. Both our fathers are patients and should not drink tea in consideration of their current health, so please make do a little.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi satisfactorily smiled at Qiao Zijin¡¯s thoughtful and sensible words. On the other hand, the Zhou Bing couple grimaced, making it obvious that they had nothing good to say about Qiao Zijin. So merciless!

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Zhou Jun quickly nodded. ¡°Just put it on the table.¡± The cup was too small. What if he identally touched thedy¡¯s hand when he reached out for it?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao Dongliang is quite blessed. Both daughters are very filial. One brews soup while the other is so thoughtful.¡± Zhou Jun secretly nced at Qiao Nan. He intended to get close to Qiao Dongliang, so he decided to sing praises of his two daughters. His sequence of praise implied who he was mainly impressed with.

    ¡°Ha, haha...¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled dryly.

    Zhou Jun¡¯s mother could not help standing up. She pulled Zhou Jun to the seat that she had been sitting on earlier. ¡°You just arrived. It must have been quite tiring for you. Mom is not sitting anymore, so you can have the seat.¡± Silly son! He was usually quite quick-witted when he was in the army. The proudest thing for the Zhou Bing couple was that Zhou Jun became apanymander at such a young age. Why did he keep making blunders today!

    Afraid that her son would say the wrong things again, Zhou Jun¡¯s mother took a deep breath and forced a smile before she said, ¡°Qiao Zijin¡¯s memory is quite good. She remembers what Nan Nan once said before. No wonder she can study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    These were words from someone caring and knew how to take care of patients. How could it be from the pampered Qiao Zijin? These words were from Nan Nan!

    At that time, Qiao Zijin was so bored in the hospital while she was taking care of Qiao Dongliang. She was unhappy that she only had in water to drink every day. As such, she wanted to buy some ready-made beverages, saying that the drinks could be used to serve Qiao Dongliang¡¯s visitors.

    Qiao Nan immediately expressed her opinion. Firstly, given the Qiao family¡¯s situation, why would they have any unknown visitor? These people would always leave soon after visiting her father and putting down the things they brought. They would not sit around.

    Secondly, it was not necessary to buy these things as they were not suitable for a patient¡¯s consumption.

    That being said, who did not know the real reason for Qiao Zijin¡¯s request? It was to satisfy her personal desire.

    When Zhou Jun, who initially wanted to refuse the seat, heard what his mother said, he was stunned and looked at Qiao Nan in a silly manner. His brain was in a fix and he did not even turn his head.

    At the sight of the dim-witted behavior disyed by their son, the Zhou Bing couple was too embarrassed to look at him. Zhou Jun¡¯s mother hoped that she could p the back of her son¡¯s head to tell him to be wittier.

    ¡°Yes, my family¡¯s Zijin does not have many other positive qualities but this cleverness of hers resembles me most.¡± Hearing Zhou Jun¡¯s mother¡¯s rare praise for Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was pleased. She did not realize that Zhou Jun¡¯s mother was just trying to remind her own son.

 Chapter 163 - Differential Treatment

    <h4>Chapter 163: Differential Treatment</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Facing the situation where Ding Jiayi only selectively listened to what she wanted to hear without understanding the meaning in others¡¯ words, Qiao Dongliang wondered for the first time why he previously felt that Ding Jiayi was quite good as a potential wife. ¡°Sorry about the embarrassing behavior.¡±

    ¡°No, no.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± The Zhou Bing couple replied at the same time.

    The corners of Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth became stiff. What did that mean?

    At the sight of the decent-looking Zhou Jun, Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts were back to him again. ¡°Zijin, the weather is so hot. There are not many suitable things to buy. Why don¡¯t you go and buy some fruits such as watermelon or something?¡±

    Ding Jiayi took out some money from her pocket and tucked it in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Remember to ask the boss to pick a good one.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Zijin was quite happy to take the money. However, at the thought of the big and heavy watermelon which she had to carry back by herself, she felt that it was too hard on her. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t we let Nan Nane with me? The watermelon is too heavy. I can¡¯t carry it. Nan Nan is quite strong. If she apanies me, she can help carry the watermelon.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words made the Zhou family of three had the same expression. This expression was exactly the same as when they just heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s earlier words.

    Zhou Jun inconspicuously knitted his brows. None of them were blind. The elder sister obviously looked stronger than her younger sister. In what way did the younger sister seem to have more strength than the older one?

    Although in the recent year, Qiao Nan ate much better than before, she was born to be slim. Regardless of how much she ate, her body still looked slender.

    The difference was that Qiao Zijin resembled Ding Jiayi, and she would be fat if she ate too much. Hence, she had to control her diet.

    Inparison to Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was not considered fat but she was as round as a pearl.

    ¡°Silly child! What a remark to make! I know that you are very close to Nan Nan and wanted Nan Nan to go along with you, but Nan Nan is your younger sister. It¡¯s not possible for her to have more strength than you.¡± Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were inappropriate. Most importantly, with this, she could say the words that followed, ¡°Zhou Jun, why don¡¯t we do this? Can you apany Zijin to buy the watermelon?¡±

    When it came to carrying the watermelon, there was no one more suitable than Zhou Jun for the task.

    Zhou Jun¡¯s mother¡¯s face turned ck. She immediately pulled Zhou Jun¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Jun-er, you must have rushed here when you heard that your dad is in hospital. Look at all your sweat. You must be tired. Take a good rest.¡±

    Zhou Jun blinked his eyes and replied smilingly, ¡°I am really quite tired. Before I came to see my dad, I was in the midst of a mission and just returned to the camp. So I camete.¡±

    Zhou Jun was not lying. He was indeed carrying out a mission before he rushed to the hospital.

    Nevertheless, this little amount of exercise was nothing to him.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale and she gritted her teeth angrily. What did the Zhou mother and son mean? It was just a small matter to apany her to buy a watermelon. They would not lose anything by helping her carry the watermelon. Moreover, when she brought it back, the Zhou family would also eat it. During this period of time, the Zhou family also drank a lot of stuff from the Qiao family!

    Qiao Zijin, who was used to being admired by the guys in the school, was not pleased. She, in fact, did not like Zhou Jun much. It was all her mother¡¯s doing.

    It was obvious that Zhou Jun was unwilling. Qiao Zijin could not pretend that she did not understand.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s pouted her lips and returned the money to her mother. ¡°Mom, I identally twisted my ankle on the way here. Let Nan Nan help you buy the watermelon.¡± She was not going to be as foolish as Qiao Nan. The food that Qiao Nan painstakingly prepared always went into someone else¡¯s mouth and stomach.

    ¡°Zijin.¡± Ding Jiayi was angry but she was even more embarrassed.

    She did not mind Zhou Jun being older in age and was willing to let Qiao Zijin interact more with him. But what kind of attitude was the Zhou family disying? They looked down on Qiao Zijin instead!

    However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude was indeed inappropriate. Ding Jiayi did not want Qiao Zijin to embarrass herself in front of the Zhou family who already looked down on her.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll go and buy it.¡± Qiao Nan stood up. Without a word, she took the money from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands.

    Qiao Nan was expressing that her eyes would turn blind soon from the various scenes acted by her mother and Qiao Zijin if she continued to stay in the ward.

    ¡°I will go with you!¡±

    The moment Qiao Nan took the money from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, Zhou Jun stood up forcefully from his chair, causing his own mother to jump in surprise.

    Zhou Jun¡¯s mother¡¯s face seemed to be trembling because of the words ¡®I will apany you¡¯ from Zhou Jun earlier. It was so sudden and loud, just like what he did during a march in the army. The shout was loud and deafening. ¡°That¡¯s... That¡¯s good too since it¡¯ste and thus unsafe for Nan Nan to go shopping alone. You have to protect Nan Nan properly. Don¡¯t let anyone bully her.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I assure you that I will aplish the mission!¡± Zhou Jun was so excited that he gave his mother a bow directly.

    ¡°Silly boy.¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s mother did not know whether tough or cry. She had guessed that Jun-er would definitely like Nan Nan, but she did not expect that he would have such a big reaction and be so enthusiastic. There was no sign of his previous attitudes such as ¡®I am still young¡¯ or ¡®I don¡¯t wish to get married now¡¯.

    With Zhou Jun¡¯s attitude, the Zhou Bing couple was extremely pleased. Most probably, this young daughter-inw would be theirs and have no escape route!

    ¡°!¡± The Zhou Bing couple was happy. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale with anger on the spot.

    What apanying her to buy watermelon?! One said her son was tired, the other said he just came back afterpleting a mission. Why was it that when Qiao Nan said she was getting the watermelon, Zhou Jun appeared as if he had been injected with chicken blood and did not seem tired anymore?

    Qiao Zijin was most displeased with the Zhou Bing couple¡¯s attitude. In front of others, Qiao Zijin was always the one who was most well-liked and often received praises from the elder ones.

    But before the Zhou family, she was unable to bring out any of these merits. She did not know which nerve was wrong with the Zhou Bing couple¡¯s brains that they actually preferred Qiao Nan to her. How blind!

    ¡°Sure, you can go ahead.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face became solemn and her tone was colder. ¡°Zijin, youe with me to get some hot water. Your dad still needs to take his medicer.¡±

    Silently following behind Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin started toin when she was out of the ward. ¡°Mom, what did you mean by that?! If not for you, I would not have embarrassed myself. I was even disliked by others. Qiao Nan is climbing all over my head and stepping several times on me. Mom, did you do it on purpose?!¡±

    ¡°Your words pained Mom¡¯s heart. Why would Mom help Qiao Nan instead of you?¡± Ding Jiayi said angrily but did not take issue with Qiao Zijin.

    She knew that the Zhou Bing couple¡¯s attitude had affected Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin only said that to her without reservation because she was too furious. ¡°Mom¡¯s initial thoughts are that since Zhou Jun is already apanymander, he will most probably rise to the role of a battalionmander before he reaches forty years old if he works for another seven or eight years. When the timees, you will be the wife of a battalionmander.¡±

 Chapter 164 - Murderous Aura

    <h4>Chapter 164: Murderous Aura</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Having said so much, isn¡¯t he just a stinking soldier?¡± Qiao Zijin did not care. ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry a military officer. He will be in the camp all year round and have no time for me. To put it bluntly, do you want me to be like you, Mom? After giving birth to a baby, I will have to raise the baby alone? The Zhou family is obviously rural people. I¡¯ve been doing well as a city dweller. Why should I be married to the countryside and be a vige girl? Mom, what exactly are you thinking? What¡¯s so great about apanymander? I don¡¯t even care if he¡¯s a battalionmander. Mom, didn¡¯t you say that Dad would have be a battalionmander if you did not give birth to Qiao Nan? But look at the situation now! Dad had to depend on his daughter to borrow the money for his hospital expenses. What kind of sess is this? Don¡¯t even talk about raising a child! He¡¯s so poor that he can¡¯t even afford to feed himself!¡±

    In the future, if she were to find a partner, not only the other party must have a good social status, but also, most importantly, must be from an extremely wealthy family. Otherwise, she would rather not marry.

    She already had a hard time in the Qiao family. After marriage, she certainly did not wish to continue living in the same way.

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°You¡¯re still a child. What about having or not having children? Aren¡¯t you afraid of letting others hear you? Besides, your dad will always be your dad. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re too much to talk about your dad like that? Why isn¡¯t your dad capable? Didn¡¯t he raise Qiao Nan and you till this age? Wasn¡¯t your dad the one who forked out all the money for both your studies? Zijin, you¡¯re not allowed to say all these again. You¡¯re letting your dad down by saying these.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t say it. I don¡¯t want to bother saying it.¡± Qiao Zijin was unconvinced. ¡°My father is good to me because Qiao Nan is not a son. If Qiao Nan was a son, there would be no ce for me in this family. Since Dad wants to have a child, then he must raise the child. Raising me and letting me attend school is all expected of him!¡±

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi was about to give her a scolding again, Qiao Zijin simply said, ¡°Fine, Mom, don¡¯t talk about it anymore. I¡¯m troubled to death by this. Anyway, I will only say these words to you. I won¡¯t say it again. Will this do?¡±

    What was the worlding to? She did not even have the right to express her true opinion. It¡¯s so annoying!

    ¡°Alright, quickly get some hot water. Regarding what you¡¯ve said earlier, I¡¯ll take it that you¡¯ve not matured and don¡¯t know the hardships Dad and Mom face. When you are older and be a mother, you¡¯ll realize what you¡¯ve said today is too heartless.¡± Ding Jiayi reprimanded Qiao Zijin with a few sentences before pulling her to leave.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao...¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s face was filled with awkwardness. The hands he was using to hold Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands seemed to be stuck. He could not move.

    With the current situation, they could not move forward. It was even worse to leave.

    In the end, Zhou Jun persisted and asked, ¡°Uncle Qiao, do you still want to go to the restroom?¡±

    While Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were getting water with a vacuum sk, Qiao Dongliang felt the urgency to use the restroom after drinking the soup brought over by Qiao Nan earlier, and Zhou Jun took notice of this.

    Hence, Zhou Jun directly volunteered to bring Qiao Dongliang to the restroom before he apanied Qiao Nan to shop for the watermelon. Unexpectedly, the two of them heard that conversation between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin at one of the corners of the hospital.

    ¡°Go.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression softened a little. He then sighed.

    Now, he knew that his elder daughter was not only sweet-tongued and had a bitter heart but also totally heartless. If he was not going to the restroom, was he going to die by holding his pee?

    At the thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s assessment of him earlier, Qiao Dongliang felt so sad that his heart was constantly overturning. It was as if he had swallowed a piping hot dumpling which he had not managed to bite, and the dumpling was stuck in his heart. It was so hot that Qiao Dongliang wanted to cry. He was unable to vomit it out, and neither could he swallow it. It continued to be stuck in the same position in his heart. He felt so ufortable and was choking in a panic.

    When he heard Qiao Dongliang said that he was still going to the restroom, Zhou Jun did not dy further. After helping Qiao Dongliang to the restroom, he then helped him back to the ward and let Qiao Dongliang lie on his bed.

    ¡°Qi-Qiao... Qiao Nan, can we go and buy the watermelon now?¡± While facing Qiao Dongliang, Zhou Jun was quite normal. But as soon as he looked at Qiao Nan, Zhou Jun¡¯s tongue became entangled.

    ¡°Sure, sorry to trouble Brother Zhou.¡± At a nce, Qiao Nan saw that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression did not seem too good after he came back. She did not reject Zhou Jun and went out with him to look for a fruit-selling shop.

    While picking watermelons, Qiao Nan asked, ¡°Brother Zhou, did you encounter anything on the way when you helped my dad out? Why do I feel that my dad seemed unhappy?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Zhou Jun hesitated for a while. Still, he told Qiao Nan exactly what happened.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Brother Zhou, I am really sorry.¡± Qiao Zijin talked bad about two people at the same time. She looked down on her father and Zhou Jun. Unfortunately, she was caught red-handed by the two of them. Did this mean that Qiao Zijin deserved it? That when a man brings it upon himself, there is no hope of escape?

    ¡°No worries. She was not wrong in saying that. It is true that my family is from the vige.¡± Zhou Jun had a positive mindset. Although he was looked down upon by Qiao Zijin, he was not angered and had a stable temperament. ¡°However, when Uncle Qiao heard it, he seemed to be quite sad. He was already injured. You have to show him more concern these few days.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Brother Zhou.¡±

    ¡°No issue. This watermelon is heavy. Let me carry it.¡± Zhou Jun picked up the watermelon in one hand as if he was picking up a bottle of mineral water. He did not seem to have used much effort.

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Nan and Zhou Jun did not walk for long before they heard someone calling them.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Regiment... Regimentmander?¡±

    At the sight of the person who called Qiao Nan, both Qiao Nan and Zhou Jun were stunned.

    Qiao Nan immediately smiled happily. ¡°Brother Zhai, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I have something to tell you.¡± Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. ¡°Zhou Jun, why are you here?¡± Furthermore, he was with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Reporting, Regiment Commander, my dad is injured and in the hospital now. I am here to visit my dad!¡± Zhou Jun was older than Zhai Sheng, but he was more serious and restrained in front of Zhai Sheng than when he was before Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s such a coincidence. Uncle Zhou and my dad stay in the same ward.¡± Qiao Nan nodded in affirmation.

    ¡°Zhou Jun, I have something to talk to Nan Nan about. You go back to the hospital first. Thereafter, tell Uncle Qiao that Nan Nan has gone home.¡± Zhai Sheng took arge step with his long leg, silently moving forward. He secretly created a path to separate the current distance between Qiao Nan and Zhou Jun, feeling that the two were too close. This naturally made the two of them move in opposite directions and back away a little so that Zhai Sheng could walk over.

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Zhou Jun was already aware that Qiao Nan and the regimentmander seemed to know each other. When he first met Qiao Nan, he was helping the regimentmander send something to Qiao Nan.

    But, what was the rtionship between Qiao Nan and the regimentmander?

    He kept having the feeling that the regimentmander looked strange today. Compared to when he first joined the army as a new recruit and was training under him, he was much fiercer now. His whole body exuded sinister murderous aura, looking as if he was ready to kill someone.

    Well... Maybe he had got it wrong. The regimentmander was a famous smiling Yama, the King of Hell, in the army.

 Chapter 165 - Whatâ€™s the Difference?

    <h4>Chapter 165: What¡¯s the Difference?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the army, Zhai Sheng usually was not the smiley boss. Whenever he showed some expression, especially when he smiled, someone would be very unlucky. Hence, he was given such a nickname by the soldiers under his supervision.

    However, his expression today seemingly revealed his anger tantly. This was the first time that Zhou Jun had seen this after being under Zhai Sheng¡¯s wing for so many years. Hence, Zhou Jun immediately doubted his eyes.

    ¡°Zhou Jun?¡± As he had not received a reply from Zhou Jun after some time, Zhai Sheng knitted his eyebrows slightly, his eyes looking stern.

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander!¡± Zhou Jun put his feet together, stood up straight, ced his hand beside his ear, and saluted Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Alright, take the watermelon and go back first.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander!¡± Zhou Jun reacted ording to Zhai Sheng¡¯s everymand.

    He consecutively made two 180-degree turns with his hands by the side of his waist and ended in a ready-to-run posture. Thereafter, he started to run toward the hospital. Qiao Nan was stunned at the sight of this.

    Zhou Jun left so quickly after being led around by the nose by Brother Zhai.

    Wait, why did she use the idiom ¡®lead by the nose¡¯?

    ¡°Brother Zhou, why are you looking for me?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head, trying to shake away the word, which was not so nice, from her mind. Brother Zhai was so upright and noble. How could he possibly make a fool of Brother Zhou? Moreover, there was no reason for Brother Zhai to do that. She must be deluding herself.

    ¡°Do you know Zhou Jun very well?¡± Zhai Sheng did not reply to Qiao Nan. He questioned her instead.

    ¡°No. We only met twice.¡±

    ¡°Twice?¡± Wasn¡¯t that considered a lot too?!

    ¡°Yes. Didn¡¯t Brother Zhai send Brother Zhou to pass me the moneyst time? Including that time, it was a total of two times.¡± Qiao Nan stretched out two of her fingers and showed the word ¡®two¡¯. Her sign really resembled the word.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s gestures, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face, which looked like it was shrouded in a gloomy cloud earlier, was suddenly bright and clear. His pursed lips were more rxed and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly into a smile.

    But shortly afterward, Zhai Sheng managed to hold himself back and continued to pose a serious demeanor. ¡°Was Zhou Jun the person who sent you the moneyst time?¡±

    At that time, Zhai Sheng was very anxious when he received Qiao Nan¡¯s call. Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s crying at the other end, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart burned like a fire, and he wished he could immediately gallop over, fast as a horse, to Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    Zhai Sheng did not expect that he would, unfortunately, receive a mission assigned by the top at that juncture.

    In the face of national interest, even if Zhai Sheng was unwilling, he had to cast all of his personal matters aside. Thus, he could only find someone to send the money to Qiao Nan on his behalf.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng was too anxious. He could not remember who he sent to pass Qiao Nan the money.

    Today, he finally realized that Zhou Jun was the one he called out to that day. Coincidentally, Zhou Jun¡¯s father was also sick and staying with Qiao Dongliang in the same ward. The two fathers became ward mates.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Brother Zhai the one who asked Brother Zhou to send me the money?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. Why was Brother Zhai asking her this question?

    ¡°Brother Zhou? You obviously know him quite well.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression changed again. He looked cold.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan had a huge question mark above her head. What had she said wrongly again? Why did Brother Zhai seem mad?

    ¡°Brother Zhou is older than me... He is older by seven years, so I call him ¡®brother¡¯. Is there a problem?¡± Why was Brother Zhai unhappy?

    ¡°Do you call me ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ because I am older than you by five years?¡± To Zhai Sheng, this exnation was very poor. It made his mood gloomy again.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s small mouth was nearly sewn shut by Zhai Sheng¡¯s question. ¡°Brother Zhai is Brother Zhai. Brother Zhou is Brother Zhou. It is not the same. Brother Zhou helped my dad by sending the money overst time. If the money did not reach me in time, my dad would not be able to have the surgery. Out of courtesy, I should also thank Brother Zhou. Given the age gap between Brother Zhou and me, is it not natural to call him ¡®brother¡¯?¡±

    This... wasn¡¯t this human nature andmon in practice? If she did not call Zhou Jun ¡®Brother Zhou¡¯, then should she simply call him ¡®Handsome Zhou¡¯ instead?

    ¡°What about me, then?¡± Was it because he helped Qiao Nan so much that thetter¡¯s attitude toward him was so good? Was everything because of gratitude?

    The more he thought about it, the darker Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was. It resembled ck clouds that could rain anytime. It was so dark and gloomy that it made people fearful.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Brother Zhai, why do you keepparing Zhou Jun with yourself? Can that bepared? Brother Zhou is older than me. Am I supposed to call him by his name, ¡®Zhou Jun¡¯?¡±

    ¡°So, is your greeting to Zhou Jun out of courtesy?¡± Zhai Sheng felt slightly better.

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Qiao Nan frowned and questioned him instead.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Zhai Sheng suddenly said this. There were many types of ¡®brother¡¯ in this world. Among them was ¡®brother¡¯ in a romantic sense. Which type of ¡®brother¡¯ was he in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart?

    Just when this question arose in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, he was stunned. Why would he have this type of query?

    Being locked in ce by Zhai Sheng¡¯s pair of eyes, which was as ck and shiny as a gem, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart nearly stopped. She could not help feeling nervous, and both her legs were so stiff that they could not move. Her face was red and her eyes twinkled. She seemed to be shifty while trying to meet Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... What¡¯s with you today? Why do you keep asking these strange questions? I am confused by your questions. What do you really want to know?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s restrained his eyes. Indeed, what was he trying to find out by asking these questions?

    ¡°Be prepared tomorrow. I will bring you to see someone.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth opened even wider. Was she on this topic with Brother Zhai just now? ¡°Brother Zhai, is this why you looked for me?¡± So he was not making a fool of Brother Zhou?

    ¡°But, Brother Zhai, you... When did you start calling me ¡®Nan Nan¡¯?¡± At the thought of Zhai Sheng calling her ¡®Nan Nan¡¯ in front of Zhou Jun just now, Qiao Nan¡¯s face reddened a shade deeper.

    During the past year where she interacted with Zhai Sheng, thetter had never addressed her so intimately before.

    ¡°From today onward, can¡¯t I?¡± Zhai Sheng stepped forward and walked in the direction of the quad. Nevertheless, he did not walk too fast so that Qiao Nan could catch up with him.

    ¡°No, not really.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Brother Zhai, who will I be seeing tomorrow?¡± In this world, no one except her father would call her Nan Nan. Qiao Zijin would also address her as such whenever Qiao Zijin needed her help or money.

    All of a sudden, there was one more person who addressed her as ¡®Nan Nan¡¯. Qiao Nan felt a little strange.

    ¡°You will know when you see the person tomorrow.¡± Zhai Sheng was afraid that Qiao Nan would be nervous, so he added one more sentence, ¡°Actually, all you need to do is to be your usual self.¡±

    ¡°Oh... Brother Zhai, did you purposelye looking for me in regard to this matter?¡± For Brother Zhai to make a trip personally, just who was the person she was meeting tomorrow? ¡°Brother Zhai, are you carrying some fruits?¡±

 Chapter 166 - Donâ€™t Waste Your Breath, Just Fight

    <h4>Chapter 166: Don¡¯t Waste Your Breath, Just Fight</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Halfway through the conversation, Qiao Nan discovered that the usually cool and suave Zhai Sheng was a little different today. She saw the future chief carrying two heavy bags of fruits in his hands.

    ¡°...¡± There was a sh of embarrassment on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. After clearing his throat, he said, ¡°My sister is back. This is for her.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua is back, then Brother Zhai will have someone to keep youpany at home. Sister Zhai Hua will be able to cook for you too.¡± Qiao Nan was quite happy. She was thinking that being home alone was too quiet and lonely.

    ¡°She does not know how to.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°You do not wish to cook for me anymore. Do you find me a nuisance?¡±

    ¡°No no no, that¡¯s certainly not what I meant. Sister Zhai Hua not being able to cook is no issue. Brother Zhai Sheng, continue to bring over the ingredients, I will do it. After all, my family is the one taking advantage of Brother Zhai.¡± Brother Zhai would bring over good stuff each time, such as the wild terrapin today.

    During this time, terrapin was not a popr food. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan knew that it was good stuff.

    In fact, Qiao Nan realized that the food brought over by Zhai Sheng each time was particrly suitable for nourishing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body. It helped him recover well.

    Hence, Qiao Nan also suspected that Zhai Sheng was intentionally helping her.

    ¡°I am d you know.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shed. He did not want to let the Qiao family take advantage of him. He only wanted one person¡ªQiao Nan¡ªto take advantage of him.

    After returning to the quad, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan went on separate ways. One went back to the Zhai¡¯s residence and the other the Qiao¡¯s residence.

    Zhai Sheng had just reached home and ced the two bags of fruits on the floor. Zhai Hua, who happened to be at home, saw this and shouted with surprise. ¡°Zhai Sheng, is your brain immersed in water? Didn¡¯t you mention that you¡¯re bringing the fruits to visit a patient? Why did you leave with two hands full of fruits and return with them?¡±

    Was her brother training physically?

    Nonsense!

    Zhai Hua always touched the soft spot, poking her nose into matters that she should not be interfering.

    In front of his sister, Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng was not so good-tempered and patient. ¡°After thinking about it, it is better to leave it at home and let you have them.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re finally doting on your sister. Wait, what do you mean?¡± Zhai Hua was stunned. ¡°You said that you bought these for a patient, but now you¡¯re leaving them here for me to eat. Are you implying that I¡¯m sick?! What sickness do I have?¡±

    Having that said, Zhai Hua jumped and patted her chest. ¡°Your sister¡¯s body is awesome!¡±

    Zhai Sheng sneered with a ¡®Ha, ha¡¯. ¡°Given this one action of yours, don¡¯t you think that you are sick? Remember, although you are a man at heart, you are physically a woman after all.¡± Which woman would p her own chest before a man?

    At the thought of Zhai Hua¡¯s frequent ¡®idiotic¡¯ behavior, Zhai Sheng was deeply concerned for his future brother-inw.

    Zhai Hua was not embarrassed to pat her own chest, but not many people would be so thick-skinned to watch her doing that.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng!¡± Zhai Hua exploded with anger immediately. She swiped a kick toward him directly. ¡°What younger brother, it¡¯s indeed the most annoying creature in the world!¡±

    Damn, why didn¡¯t her parents give her a nice-smelling, gentle, sensible, and obedient younger sister?

    When Zhai Sheng was born, he was so fair and chubby. His whole body was soft and he was quite adorable. But he was not as adorable anymore when he grew up. He¡¯s getting more and more evil!

    ¡°What sister, it¡¯s indeed the most useless existence in the world.¡±

    Both Zhai Sheng and his sister would start fighting once they argued. The fierce-some way they fought made them look more like brothers.

    Sigh, every brother with a younger sister is as gentle as an angel, and every sister who has a younger brother is always as grumpy as the demon.

    ¡°You really know how to ck. You could even go home when buying a watermelon.¡± On the other hand, not long after Qiao Nan reached home, as she was still thinking about what Zhai Sheng said, Qiao Zijin came back.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°Nan Nan, congrattions to you. It seems that the Zhou Bing couple has taken quite a liking to you. I heard that Zhou Jun is their youngest son. They¡¯re targeting you and hoping that you¡¯ll be their little daughter-inw. You¡¯re so young and already all set to marry. You don¡¯t need to worry about being left on the shelves!¡±

    At the thought of the obvious differential treatment disyed by the Zhou Bing couple, Qiao Zijin was extremely bright at this moment and actually understood what was happening.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, you¡¯d better not annoy me now.¡± Qiao Nan did not take Qiao Zijin¡¯s words to heart. Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s demeanor today was already very embarrassing.

    At the sight of a mother like Ding Jiayi and a sister like Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan felt that the Zhou family¡¯s brains were a little dented. Otherwise, why would they want to be inws with such a family?

    Furthermore, Zhou Jun was already twenty-three years old, and she was only sixteen.

    After she graduated from college, Zhou Jun would be about thirty years old. It was impossible between Zhou Jun and her.

    ¡°Yo, it seems like someone has given you the guts. You¡¯re so arrogant now and didn¡¯t even greet your sister. In the past, the elderly did not take a liking to you. Now, they like you instead of me. Aren¡¯t you¡¯re happy andcent? Ah yes, Zhou Jun is, no matter what, apanymander. If you marry Zhou Jun, you¡¯ll be the wife of apanymander at the very least. I¡¯ll really have to congratte you.¡±

    That Zhou Jun was a stinking soldier. He would be in the army all the time.

    If Qiao Nan became Zhou Jun¡¯s wife, she could only remain in the countryside all day long and look after the Zhou Bing couple, the father and mother-inw. Moreover, Zhou Jun would not be able to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side throughout the year.

    Just at the thought of this, Qiao Zijin felt that Qiao Nan, who would lead this kind of life, would be very miserable.

    It was only a wife of thepanymander that she could not be bothered to care about. Take it that she gave in to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°Qiao Zijin, you are still going on about this? It is not interesting to quarrel. Tell me, will you choose to shut up or have a fight with me?!¡±

    ¡°You dare to hit me?¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan clenching her fists, Qiao Zijin was both angry and anxious. She lifted her chin, refusing to concede defeat. ¡°You dare! If you dare to touch a strand of my hair, Mom will not let you off!¡±

    ¡°Mom will not let me off, but I still have Dad to protect me. If Mom dares to touch me, you will see if Mom will not let me off or Dad will not let Mom off. In that case, do you mean that you wish to pick a fight? Qiao Zijin, as a person, you need to have some self-awareness. I may not be pleasing to your eyes, but you also prick my eyes. I have been worrying about not having a chance to beat you!¡±

    For two lifetimes, Qiao Zijin had always been so self-centered.

    Qiao Zijin was her sister and closest next-of-kin. She could not kill Qiao Zijin for revenge. Murder is illegal in this society. She would be jailed or shot to death.

    However, Qiao Zijin was always in her sight and provoking her, pissing Qiao Nan off.

    Killing her was out of the question. Scolding would only be a waste of energy and breath. She only wished that she could have a physical fight with Qiao Zijin and let her know what pain feels like!

    Qiao Nan was just rolling up her sleeves when Qiao Zijin backed away continuously in fear. She ran toward her bedroom and shut the door tightly. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m older than you, but you have no regards and respect for your seniors. If not for the sake that you are my sister, see how I¡¯ll deal with you!¡±

 Chapter 167 - A Bad-Tempered Old Master

    <h4>Chapter 167: A Bad-Tempered Old Master</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nanughed coldly at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words and returned to her room.

    Qiao Zijin had not recovered from the shockst night. Qiao Nan¡¯s attitudest night gave her a big scare. Qiao Zijin had thought that Qiao Nan would give her a beating when there was no one around. Hence, she went to the hospital to visit Qiao Dongliang early in the morning. With Qiao Zijin gone, Qiao Nan had the chance to calm herself down.

    Qiao Nan did not forget what Zhai Sheng said yesterday. She picked a bright-colored shirt, ironed it, and put it on. She was about to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to look for Zhai Sheng.

    But when she opened the door, to her surprise, Zhai Sheng¡¯s car was already waiting outside her house.

    Qiao Nan could not help but feel as if she did something wrong. She nced around, making sure that there was no one around, and walked toward the car. She got in the car at lightning speed. ¡°Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Qiao Nan had just sat down and buckled her seat belt before Zhai Sheng stepped on the elerator and drove out of the quad.

    The people from the quad caught sight of Zhai Sheng leaving in his car and exchangedments with each other. ¡°Why is Zhai Sheng still at the quad? I seemed to have seen the younger daughter of the Qiao family in the car as well. Have I seen wrongly? Why would the younger daughter of the Qiao family be acquainted with the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, where are you bringing me to? Who do you want me to meet?¡± Silence permeated the air in the car. Qiao Nan felt ufortable and tried to break the silence.

    ¡°You will know when we arrive.¡± Zhai Sheng did not bother to exin and concentrated on getting to the destination.

    Since Zhai Sheng was doing the driving, Qiao Nan had no idea where she was going and did not take note of the directions.

    ¡°It is so crowded.¡± After a while, Zhai Sheng stopped the car suddenly. Qiao Nan saw that the road in front of them was full of cars.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng had anticipated that it would be packed with cars, but he never imagined that it would be so packed early in the morning.

    Zhai Sheng changed to the reverse gear. Since the front gate was packed with traffic, he would have to enter the Lin family¡¯s residence from the back gate.

    Only a few people knew about the back gate of the Lin family¡¯s residence. In other words, only those who were on close terms with the Lin family would know about its existence.

    The Lin family must have been used to these situations. Hence, their back gate was bigger than the front gate that one might even mistake it for the front gate.

    ¡°It is me.¡± Upon reaching the gate, Zhai Sheng rolled down the windows and notified his arrival.

    ¡°So it is you. I will open the gate right now.¡± The guards saw that it was Zhai Sheng and opened the gate without another word. ¡°Today is more crowded than yesterday. It has been hard on you to enter by the back gate all the time.¡±

    ¡°Is Uncle Lin around?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That is good. Can you help me park my car?¡± Zhai Sheng opened the door and got off the car.

    Qiao Nan knew that they had reached their destination. She unfastened the seat belt and was about toe out of the car, but Zhai Sheng nced at her before getting off the car. Qiao Nan did not know what he meant by that, so she stayed in her seat.

    Zhai Sheng came to her side and opened the door for her. She blushed and was helped out of the car by Zhai Sheng.

    After she got off the car, Zhai Sheng led her inside. He passed the car and its keys to the guards.

    The ce where Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan to had modernized architectures, adopting the European style. The architecture was in white and yellow. It looked bright and refreshing. Even though there was novish pool-like fountain in the garden, Qiao Nan was captivated by the exquisite water feature. It was made up of threeyers of white porcin limestone urns. Water cascaded from the urns into a pond. In it were koi fish which glittered under the sunlight.

    It was summer now, and the flowers in the garden were in full bloom. One felt rxed and joyful as they took in the refreshing scent of the flowers.

    Qiao Nan could not help but be in awe of the contemporary design of the building. Its design would never be outdated for years toe. It was not only magnificent but also ssic and exquisite.

    The owner of the house must be very rich.

    Qiao Nan worked hard all her life but could only afford a thirty square meters rented house. To her, it was good enough if she could own a house, let alone a beautiful and expensive small vi.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan paid for the house Qiao Zijin stayed in. Thus, if Qiao Nan wanted to own a house, it should not be too difficult. If she worked hard enough, she might be able to buy a house for herself.

    Zhai Sheng stopped in his tracks, remembering that Elder Lin had a bad temper. He said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Can you stay here and wait for me? I will be back soon.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Qiao Nan remained on the same spot while waiting for Zhai Sheng.

    She enjoyed admiring the flowers in the garden.

    While she was captivated by the flowers, she did not realize that an elderly was scrutinizing her, looking displeased.

    The elderly came out and stood in front of Qiao Nan, asking her in an angry tone. ¡°How did you get into the house?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan paused momentarily. She had no idea why the elderly appeared to be very unhappy. ¡°I did note in by myself. Someone brought me in.¡±

    Lin Yuankang¡¯s expression darkened at Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation.

    She was stating the obvious. If no one ¡®brought¡¯ her in, there was no way she could enter the Lin family¡¯s residence!

    ¡°I never know that the teenagers nowadays have so many tricks up their sleeves.¡± Lin Yuankang said in anger. It seemed like he had to change the guards. They had the audacity to let such people inside his house.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips. She had no idea why this elderly wouldsh out at her, but she was innocent. ¡°Grandpa, have you mistaken me for someone else?¡± This was her first time here. She did not know anyone in the house and could not possibly have done something wrong or anger the elderly.

    ¡°Do you have no idea who I am?¡± Lin Yuankang arched his eyebrows, contempt apparent in his eyes.

    ¡°This is my first time here.¡±

    ¡°First time? It is your first time indeed!¡± This youngdy did not get her facts right, yet she had the audacity toe to the Lin family¡¯s residence, wanting to get in through the back gate. ¡°It seems like you have nothing to do now. Can you do me a favor?¡±

    ¡°But I am waiting for someone.¡± It would not be good if Brother Zhai came back and could not find her.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Lin Yuankangughed coldly. ¡°Forget it. I will do it myself.¡± Since thisdy was being ¡®brought¡¯ to the Lin family¡¯s residence, she must have some connections. She was too arrogant to help an ¡®old man¡¯ like him.

    Lin Yuankang snorted. He turned and brought out the ¡®new favorite¡¯ he acquired recently, wanting to transnt the nt to a suitable spot.

    Qiao Nan who stood on the same spot was undecided on whether to help him or not. It was such arge pot of flowers, and the flower pot itself was heavy, let alone the total weight of the soil and the flowers. Did this old master wish to sprain his back?

 Chapter 168 - Unreliable

    <h4>Chapter 168: Unreliable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Actually, it was someone else¡¯s duty to move and transnt the flowers, but Lin Yuankang was in a bad mood and wished to be alone. Hence, he decided to take a look at his ¡®new favorite¡¯.

    Lin Yuankang who tried to put up a strong front regretted it as soon as he tried lifting up the pot of flowers.

    It was too heavy that he could not lift it at all.

    Just when he was about to give up and asked someone else for help, the flower pot became light in an instant. It was lifted off the ground easily.

    ¡°Oh, Grandpa, do not let go. If you let go now, I can¡¯t handle the weight of the flower pot by myself. By then, we would have our toes crushed.¡± Qiao Nan felt a shift in the weight and shouted out in surprise. Was this old master reliable or not? Could he handle the weight?

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Lin Yuankang snorted awkwardly when he saw that it was Qiao Nan who helped him. He still gave her the cold shoulder even though she helped him with the flower pot.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan had a good temper that was not usually found in sixteen-year-old kids.

    Otherwise, who would be willing to help a stranger and be given the cold treatment? No one would want to help an ¡®old man¡¯ like Lin Yuankang and to be scolded by him.

    Since Qiao Nan had a good temper, she did not pay any heed to Lin Yuankang¡¯s nasty temper. After helping him move three pots of flowers, she stopped and made no move to help him.

    ¡°Hehehe, what¡¯s wrong? Are you dropping your pretenses? Have you heard of the saying ¡®Carry something through to the end¡¯? All of you youngsters nowadays do not have determination and perseverance, and like to give up halfway, implicating others and oneself.¡± There were only two pots of flowers left to move, yet she gave up right then. As expected, she was pretending to help him just now.

    Qiao Nan was drenched in sweat, and her clothes were stered to her body. After helping the elderly move the flower pots under the hot summer sun, she was being scolded by him again. She could not help but feel slightly angered. ¡°Grandpa, are you sure you still want to move the flower pots? Are you sure you will be able to get up from the bed tomorrow? Are you sure that you have been exercising often? I would advise you to prepare a bottle of medicated wine. Do not have a cold shower just because it is summer now. You¡¯d better take a hot shower and rub the medicated wine on your waist, elbows and the muscles on your legs. Give them a good rub. Otherwise, I guarantee that you would need to rest on the bed for one full day before you can get up.¡±

    ¡°Stop looking down on me!¡± After Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, Lin Yuankang realized that he had mistaken Qiao Nan. He blushed but he was unwilling to admit that he was in the wrong. ¡°How can you be so sure that I don¡¯t exercise often? I might be thin, but I am still very healthy!¡± Most elderly refused to admit that they were old. Lin Yuankang was one of them.

    ¡°Shall I address you as ¡®old master¡¯? Look at yourself. You are as fair as a youngdy. Why don¡¯t wepare our arms? Do you think you are bold enough to repeat what you said just now?¡± Qiao Nan reached out her hands in front of Lin Yuankang.

    Although Qiao Nan had fair skin, she was not easily tanned.

    However, Qiao Nan¡¯splexion had indeed darkened slightly from shuffling between the hospital and Qiao family¡¯s residence during the day.

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan used to help out with household chores at home. Her arms might not be thick, but the ¡®old man¡¯, Lin Yuankang, had arms as thin as hers.

    Despite their gender and age differences, Lin Yuankang¡¯s arms were thin and frail. It did not look like he had been through difficult times. He did not seem to have gone through training or have physical strength either.

    ¡°Old master, it is useless to lie about this.¡±

    If she was to continue to help move the flower pots, he would definitely hurt his waist.

    Facts speak louder than words. An adult like Lin Yuankang was rendered speechless by Qiao Nan who was just a child.

    Besides, as a man, and an old man, Lin Yuankang felt humiliated that his arms were as thin as the youngdy.

    After he calmed down, Lin Yuankang was not as confrontational when he looked at Qiao Nan, but he was still prejudiced against her. ¡°Fine, since you helped me move three pots of flowers and are drenched in sweat, you cane with me inside the house to clean yourself.¡±

    Qiao Nan no longer felt dry and refreshed like when she first arrived. She looked terrible and wet just like a small white flower that was soaked in morning dews.

    Her face was flushed red and her bangs were stered to her forehead.

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes were wet and they clung to her body.

    ¡°No, I am waiting for someone. If I leave with you, he might not be able to find me.¡± Qiao Nan felt very ufortable. She longed to wash her face and had a drink. But this was not the Zhai family¡¯s residence or the quad. She dared not wander off lest she angered the owner of the house and disgraced Brother Zhai.

    If Brother Zhai could not find her when he was back, he would be very anxious. ¡°Old master, you do not have to worry about me. I am alright. You should heed what I said just now and rub some medicated wine. Otherwise, you would be aching all over.¡±

    Lin Yuankang frowned. Qiao Nan looked as if she was sincere about helping him, yet she refused to follow him into the house. ¡°Do you really have no idea who I am?¡±

    He thought that the youngdy pretended not to know him. After all, he had seen a lot of such situations in the past. Thus, he made her move the flower pots, teaching her a lesson for trying to get in through the back door and not working hard.

    Albeit looking frail, the youngdy was quite strong. She had helped him move the pots of flowers.

    ¡°Old master, this is really my first time here.¡± Qiao Nan was exasperated. This old master must have a persecutionplex.

    ¡°Then, why are you here?¡± She wanted to get in through the back door, yet she did not get the facts right. How audacious and daring she was!

    ¡°My friend brought me here. I have no idea why he brought me here as well.¡± Brother Zhai did not tell her his reasons for bringing her here.

    ¡°Who is the one who brought you here?¡± Lin Yuankang pulled a sullen face. This youngdy was being brought here without knowing anything. What was she here for? Was she here to get in through the back door?

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, the young brat from the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°Old master, do you know Brother Zhai as well? My words are so redundant.¡± Even though Brother Zhai was not the chief yet, he was the most promising star in the army. Besides, with his family background, most people would know of him.

    ¡°Did Zhai Sheng really bring you here?¡± Lin Yuankang was surprised. Whenever Zhai Sheng came to his house, he would alwayse by himself. Besides, Zhai Sheng was not someone who would get in through the back door.

    ¡°Fine, if it is really Zhai Sheng who brought you here, you can follow me into the house. If Zhai Sheng wants to look for you, he will be able to find you.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am sure. Youngdy, do I look like someone who is unreliable?¡± If he was not sure in his own territory, then who else would be sure?

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Qiao Nan could onlyugh it off. Lin Yuankang could not help but be frustrated at her response.

 Chapter 169 - Being Treated as a Young Nanny

    <h4>Chapter 169: Being Treated as a Young Nanny</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There was no need for words right now. Qiao Nan could onlyugh it off. It was better than telling Lin Yuankang that he was an unreliable person. He would feel so embarrassed and disgraced.

    Lin Yuankang¡¯s expression changed. He felt frustrated. Why would he disgrace himself in front of a youngdy?

    ¡°Are you following me or not?!¡± Lin Yuankang did not want to look like a loser in front of the youngdy. He straightened his back and walked into the house without waiting for Qiao Nan.

    Initially, Qiao Nan did not intend to follow such an unreliable old master into the house. But she remembered that Zhai Sheng had reminded her to look smart. It would be very disrespectful if she went to meet the person that Zhai Sheng wanted her to meet in sweaty clothes.

    She could only follow Lin Yuankang into the house.

    The house looked beautiful on the outside and magnificent on the inside. The floors were covered with ceramic parquet tiles, its patterns lovely and exquisite. The chandeliers which were mounted on the ceilings were beautiful. They sparkled and glittered like snowkes and ice crystals.

    ¡°Take it. Don¡¯t worry, the towel is new. The restroom is over there. Do you know how to use it? Should I get someone to show you?¡± Lin Yuankang¡¯s house was furnished with umon furniture and facilities. Qiao Nan seemed countrified and uncouth. He asked her lest she did not know how to use them.

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    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan gave him a disdainful look. Was he looking down on her?

    She came from the 21st century. Whatever new gadgets the old master used, she knew how to use them as well. For those that the old master did not know of, she could handle them with ease as well. ¡°Thank you for your concern. I just need some exploring. It would not be a big problem.¡±

    Qiao Nan followed Lin Yuankang and found the way to the restroom easily.

    After locking the restroom and checking that the doors and windows were closed, Qiao Nan opened the tap, rinsed the towel with water for a while before using the wet towel to wipe off her perspiration.

    She could wipe the perspiration off her, but there was nothing she could do about her shirt which was drenched in sweat. It would take some time for it to dry.

    It was so embarrassing. If she knew she would run into such a strange old master, she would prepare another set of clothes. At the very least, she would bring another shirt with her.

    After wiping off the perspiration, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to tug at her shirt, hoping it would dry faster.

    ¡°Little girl, are you done?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan had been in the restroom for such a long time, Lin Yuankang knocked on the door to check on her.

    ¡°Almost done.¡± Qiao Nan shouted back. She checked herself in the mirror. Her shirt was still wet. Her shoulders drooped in surrender. ¡°I am done.¡±

    When Qiao Nan came out of the restroom, Lin Yuankang took a look at her and felt awkward.

    There were neither children of Qiao Nan¡¯s age in the Lin family, nor was there any youngdy who was about the same size as Qiao Nan. Lin Yuankang noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s shirt was still wet, but there were no clothes of her size to change into. Lin Yuankang felt awkward that he could do nothing about it.

    ¡°We do not have any youngdy your age here. It is not suitable for you to change into men¡¯s clothes as well. I owe you one for this.¡±

    ¡°It is not a big problem. You do not have to trouble yourself.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hands. She helped the elderly out of her own ord. She could not possibly let him owe her a favor because of that.

    ¡°Youngdy, you should think twice before rejecting. You should always leave a way out for yourself. Do you think it¡¯s that easy for me to owe someone a favor?¡± Lin Yuankang snorted. This favor coulde in handy in the future.

    ¡°There is really no need for that.¡± Qiao Nan curled her lips and insisted with a smile. ¡°Old master, where¡¯s Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Lin Yuankang was exasperated that he was looked down upon by this little girl. If he sported a beard, it would point up out of anger. Qiao Nan was such an unlikable youngdy. She did not know how to please others or the elderly to make them happy. She was such a blockhead!

    Qiao Nan had just rxed and was about to sit down when someone stood in front of her and asked, ¡°Do you know where the restroom is?¡±

    It was ady¡¯s voice. She seemed to be pretty young, but she sounded haughty and arrogant.

    Qiao Nan was clueless. Why was it that she kept bumping into people who were full of themselves? ¡°Over there.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiu Chenxi nodded, took ten yuan from her handbag, and threw it at Qiao Nan. She then walked toward the restroom in her heels.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Qiao Nan who caught the ten yuan looked at the money and curled her lips. ¡°Just what kind of ce did Brother Zhai bring me to?¡±

    Everyone she met today seemed to be abnormal.

    Qiao Nan wondered what to do with the ten yuan. She bent her knees and was about to sit down when thedy from before came back. ¡°Are you skiving? You are not supposed to sit down here!¡±

    ¡°Miss <sup>1</sup> , you dropped the money just now.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips and smiled sweetly. She returned the ten yuan to Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°No need, this is the tip I gave you for showing me the directions. But let me give you a piece of advice. You came to the Lin family¡¯s residence to work. Though they are good-tempered, you should not skive. You should do what you are supposed to do. If people in the Lin family caught you skiving, you might lose your job.¡±

    The servant the Lin family hired was so audacious that she dared to skive around in broad daylight.

    After hearing what Qiu Chenxi said, Qiao Nan felt that she was right to address her as ¡®Miss¡¯. She was not being insidious at all.

    After all, she was being treated as a young nanny and helper hired by the family.

    ¡°¡®Miss¡¯, I think you have misunderstood. I am not here to work.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to be Elder Lin¡¯sst pupil? Just you?!¡± Qiu Chenxi widened her eyes and covered her mouth to stifle herughter.

    If everyone who came to seek Elder Lin¡¯s help was like the countrified child right here, she would not need to get her father to think of ways to make connections.

    It seemed like Elder Lin hated people who pulled strings. But if one did not do so, the chance of being sessful was very low.

    Qiao Nan did not understand what Qiu Chenxi meant, but thetter continued with her tirade regardless. ¡°How old are you? Are you still in school? How¡¯re your results in school? How did you do for your English exams? Rather, did you pass your English exams? No, I shouldn¡¯t have asked that. From the looks of it, I believe you know the twenty-six alphabets, but as for the others...¡±

    The vocabry for English just went on and on. It was torture to memorize them. Besides, grammar was so difficult and was a headache to everyone.

    Qiu Chenxi had taken painstaking efforts to learn her English. She knew how difficult this foreignnguage was. Particrly, it was not easy to attain the level that met Elder Lin¡¯s expectations and for him to be willing to take her in as his pupil.

    Qiu Chenxi put in a lot of hard work in order to master her English. She worked so hard to the extent that she muttered alphabets like ¡®A, B, C, D¡¯ in her sleep for a long time. She had almost gone crazy then.

    Qiao Nan realized that she had been undermined once again.

 Chapter 170 - Public Display of Affection

    <h4>Chapter 170: Public Disy of Affection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I am young. I am only sixteen years old this year and just started high school. I did fairly well in my English ss at school and had full marks for middle school exams.¡± Qiao Nan gave the answers to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s questions.

    ¡°I see. You just started high school.¡± Qiu Chenxi gave a scornful smile. She was more at ease now. ¡°But you scored one hundred for your middle school English exams. You are considered to be very good among your peers. But when you get into society, it is nothing much to be proud of. Little sister, let me give you a word of advice. It is important to gain apetitive advantage against others.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed again. To put it bluntly, what ¡®Miss¡¯ meant was that she knew better than Qiao Nan about the rules of the society!

    ¡°You should not waste your time on doing such hopeless things. Since you are still young, you should go back to school and put more efforts into your studies.¡± Qiu Chenxi reminded Qiao Nan ¡®kindly¡¯ to go back home, and that she should not waste her time.

    Qiao Nan stared at Qiu Chenxi as she continued with her lecture. When she heard footstepsing her way, she turned and smiled. ¡°Brother¡ª¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s surprised voice drowned Qiao Nan¡¯s voice. She hurried over to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you speciallye because you know that I aming to the Lin family¡¯s residence?¡± Qiu Chenxi blushed. She never thought that she would run into Brother Zhai at the Lin family¡¯s residence!

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    Qiao Nan lifted her face and looked at the ceiling which was white as snow. The ceiling looked clean and beautiful.

    Zhai Sheng was walking toward Qiao Nan when he was stopped in his tracks by Qiu Chenxi. He dodged to one side, frowned, and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi who was all smiles stiffened. She could not hide her embarrassment.

    Qiao Nan who was staring at the ceiling did not pay any attention to them. She fixed her gaze on the ceiling.

    ¡°What are you looking at? Come here.¡± Zhai Sheng could not be bothered with Qiu Chenxi who looked upset. He looked toward Qiao Nan who was staring at the ceiling.

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan had no other choices but to walk in Zhai Sheng¡¯s direction since he had called her name.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know her?¡± Qiu Chenxi schooled her expression. ¡°The little sister is very adorable. She showed me the directions just now. Brother Zhai, where did you get such a pretty little sister? You should tell me so that I can get one for myself as well.¡±

    ¡°This is Grandpa Lin.¡± Zhai Sheng did not bother to look at Qiu Chenxi. He brought Qiao Nan to see Lin Yuankang instead.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan blinked in surprise. She did not understand why Zhai Sheng brought her to see ¡®Grandpa Lin¡¯. But most importantly, the ¡®Grandpa Lin¡¯ Brother Zhai wanted her to visit was none other than the unreliable old master she met just now.

    Lin Yuankang lifted his chin. ¡°Little girl, what I said just now still counts. You can ask for a favor.¡± He did not like to owe people favors. As long as they did not make any unreasonable requests, he would always fulfill their wishes.

    ¡°Grandpa Lin.¡± Qiao Nan stood beside Zhai Sheng and addressed him as ¡®Grandpa Lin¡¯ as instructed by Zhai Sheng. As for the favor that Lin Yuankang mentioned, she said that it was too windy today, and she did not hear anything just now.

    Or rather, she did not understand what he meant.

    Qiao Nan blinked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, why did you bring me here today?¡±

    Though the unreliable old master insisted that he owed her a favor and that she could make any requests¡ªand the ¡®Miss¡¯ looked as if she wanted to get in through the back door¡ªQiao Nan knew that one should cut their coat ording to their cloth. She wanted to go back to where she came from.

    Could she say that she was clueless all along?

    Qiao Nan blinked her bright eyes at Zhai Sheng. Her long, curly, and luscious eyshes swept over her eyes. Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan and felt the unidentifiable itch again.

    He tried to ignore it, but the itch intensified by the second. He controlled himself not to reach for Qiao Nan¡¯s face and rubbed her head instead. ¡°Be good.¡±

    It was just two simple words. Even though Zhai Sheng said it calmly and briskly, Lin Yuankang and Qiu Chenxi who were bystanders could sense the tenderness and gentleness in his voice.

    Zhai Sheng exerted too much force in his hands, and Qiao Nan could not withstand it. Her body nted, and she had to grab hold of the corner of his shirt to steady herself. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am not a kitten or a puppy. Stop rubbing, I cannot stand properly!¡±

    She had known Brother Zhai for a long time. He never had the habit of rubbing people¡¯s head. She had never seen any cats or dogs whenever she went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence as well.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Lin Yuankang gave a slight cough, reminding Zhai Sheng that they were not alone. It was better not to publicly disy his affection for Qiao Nan.

    He used to think that Zhai Sheng tended to give the cold shoulder todies and preferred to spend all his time in the army, was it not so?

    Lin Yuankang felt pleasantly sweet at this scene. On the other hand, Qiu Chenxi was in extreme grief.

    ¡°Little sister, I still do not know your name despite chatting for such a long time just now.¡± When did Brother Zhai get to know this woman?

    Wait.

    Qiu Chenxi looked at Qiao Nan. She was still young and had yet to develop her curves. Qiu Chenxi felt slightly at ease. Although the woman who stood in front of her was not short, she was still a child. It was impossible for Brother Zhai to fancy her.

    Could she be the daughter of Brother Zhai¡¯s rtives?

    Lin Yuankang and Qiu Chenxi were curious about Qiao Nan¡¯s identity. They stared at Qiao Nan, waiting for her answer.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She was not used to being the center of attention. Zhai Sheng shifted to stand in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Elder Lin, let¡¯s have a seat while we talk.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had spoken up. Lin Yuankang might be older than him, but he did not have any objections. Nevertheless, things gotplicated when they sat down.

    Zhai Sheng led Qiao Nan to sit on a two-seater sofa. Qiu Chenxi who wanted to sit beside Zhai Sheng had no ce to sit.

    Qiu Chenxi remembered her objective today. She turned and walked toward Lin Yuankang, finding a ce beside Lin Yuankang and sat down.

    Lin Yuankang smiled. He was old after all and no longer as attractive as the young man, Zhai Sheng. But thedy from the Qiu family did not seem to be as good as what he heard.

    ¡°Grandpa Lin, here are the assignments Ipleted in these few days. Would you take a look for me?¡± Qiu Chenxi quickly took out her ¡®homework¡¯, hoping to prove to Lin Yuankang that she was capable.

    Lin Yuankang did not look at the stack of papers he took from Qiu Chenxi. Instead, he passed it over to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not wish to take the stack of papers, but Zhai Sheng took it from Lin Yuankang and gave it to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Youngdy, I am old, and my eyesight is getting worse. I have presbyopia, but I cannot find my spectacles. Can you take a look for me first?¡± It would be very interesting if this youngdy was the one who tranted the documents Zhai Sheng took from himst time.

 Chapter 171 - Obviously Unreliable

    <h4>Chapter 171: Obviously Unreliable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned slightly stiff, but she quickly reverted to her normal self, revealing a natural and gentle smile. ¡°I heard that... your English is quite good at school. If there¡¯s anything you¡¯re not sure of, you may seek my advice. Of course, feel free to point out my mistakes too.¡±

    ¡°Youngdy, did you hear that? Don¡¯t hold back. Speak your mind.¡± Lin Yuankang nodded and passed a pen to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows and looked at Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng nodded in return. Qiao Nan then took the pen from Lin Yuankang and started writing quietly.

    About fifteen minutester, Qiao Nan had reviewed the first page of the document Qiu Chenxi submitted to Lin Yuankang and wrote a number ofments. Thereafter, she passed the document back to Lin Yuankang. ¡°Too many, I can¡¯t finish reading them.¡±

    Reviewing the first page only should suffice.

    ¡°Oh, have you finished reading a page of it?¡± Lin Yuankang shrank his neck and hid his chin. He was unable to properly see the numerous words written on the paper.

    Lin Yuankang did not say a word. As his pair of eyes stared at the document edited by Qiao Nan, he simply opened the second drawer to the right of his table with his right hand to retrieve a spectacles case. His action was swift and precise, as if there was another pair of eyes on his hands. He took out the pair of reading sses from its case and put it on.

    Qiu Chenxi was stunned. Didn¡¯t Grandpa Lin say he could not find the pair of reading sses?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan twisted her lips. She already said that this old man was not reliable at all.

    ¡°Not bad.¡± This time, Lin Yuankang personally saw Qiao Nan edit the document, and the document was brought over by Qiu Chenxi. There was no way she could have cheated.

    Lin Yuankang was very satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s performance. ¡°Youngdy, take a look too.¡±

    After he read the document, Lin Yuankang returned them to Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face scrunched up. There seemed to be a thinyer of frost on it. She looked extremely cold.

    She did not believe the English standard of a new high school student would be better than that of a gifted college student from a foreignnguage school.

    However, when Qiu Chenxi saw the additional sentences and grammar on that piece of paper, she was totally stunned.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s first reaction neither arose from reading the contents written by Qiao Nan nor whether they were right or wrong. She was shocked by Qiao Nan¡¯s excellent handwriting.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s English handwriting was not the fancy style that was typically beautiful and smooth. It was the formal and upright style like those on printouts.

    Qiu Chenxi was very surprised.

    The content in this document waspleted alone by Qiu Chenxi using theputer. Hence, it was printed, not handwritten.

    But Qiao Nan¡¯s handwriting was almost no different from those on the printouts. The main difference was that Qiao Nan used a pen with a thicker tip. Hence, her fonts had a thicker line than that of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s.

    In addition, she was only a high school student. Even a college student might not have such handwriting. The words were so beautiful!

    Qiu Chenxi tightened her hold on the document, nearly crushing it.

    She took a deep breath. She could not allow herself to panic or lose her cool. She had to calm down. What was the use of having such beautiful handwriting?

    Although it was not so prevalent in China now, the Information Technology field would definitely be popr and be widely used once developed.

    When that time came, who would write with their hands? Everything would be typed with a machine, and there was no room to showcase beautiful handwriting. In the end, these fanciful handwritten words would be obsolete, unrealistic, and superficial. It would be more important to rely on capability and knowledge!

    However, when she saw the standards of the vocabry and grammar marked by Qiao Nan were beyond that of hers, the hands Qiu Chenxi used to grab the document could not help trembling.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s English was really good amongst people of her age. She had put in a lot of hard work and effort.

    Therefore, she was able to tell whether Qiao Nan¡¯s edits were right or wrong.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s edits were correct, it meant what Qiu Chenxi wrote previously was wrong.

    The most embarrassing thing for Qiu Chenxi was that Qiao Nan pointed out six mistakes on that one page alone. She was not thick-skinned enough to admit that she could not understand one of the edits Qiao Nan wrote!

    ¡°Youngdy from the Qiu family, what do you think of my little disciple¡¯s edits? Are they okay?¡± Lin Yuankang removed his sses. It was strange that the littled from the Zhai family was enlightened all of a sudden. He also knew how to use the back door now. After all, he really helped him find a little disciple with very good qualities.

    Zhai Sheng did something good via the back door route. However, he was not sure whether it was for the sake of his little disciple or himself. Regardless, it was a happy ending for everyone.

    Hearing Lin Yuankang¡¯s words, Qiu Chenxi could not hide the change in her expression.

    Qiu Chenxi was prepared to visit the Lin¡¯s residence today. She even brought her documents.

    Many heard that Lin Yuankang would soon retire from the political scene. Given his experience and ability, and the numerous disciples under his wing, many had designs on him.

    Otherwise, there would not be so many people crowding at the entrance of the Lin¡¯s residence. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s visit also had simr purposes. She hoped to take this opportunity to request Lin Yuankang to ept her as his youngest disciple.

    Besides Lin Yuankang¡¯s knowledge and ability, thework and connections he had umted was something yearned over by many politicians.

    If Qiu Chenxi could be Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple, it would be of great help to the Qiu family¡¯s business. Most importantly, she could raise her own status and reputation.

    However, these were all one-sided and wishful thinking of the outsiders. In fact, Lin Yuankang did not let out any news that he would take in a disciple in his golden years.

    Nevertheless, everyone was unwilling to give up. They sent their sons and daughters to the Lin¡¯s residence, hoping that Lin Yuankang would meet them. If Lin Yuankang happened to take a liking to them, then their child and family could attain great sess.

    Initially, Lin Yuankang had maintained the same stance toward these people¡¯s harassment during the period: ¡°Sorry. I am old and want to rest. I am not epting any disciple.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had been wracking her brains on how to move Lin Yuankang¡¯s heart, trying to use her strength and ability to win his favor. Unexpectedly, she met someone who obstructed and thwarted her good n. Lin Yuankang even took in that person on the spot and directly addressed her as his little disciple!

    Once she heard the two words ¡®little disciple¡¯, Qiu Chenxi knew that her hopes were lost.

    ¡°Then, I must really congratte Grandpa Lin for epting such an intelligent disciple this time.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words were beautiful, but the smile on her face was a little distorted and scary. She did not look happy for Lin Yuankang at all.

    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s all thanks to everyone¡¯s blessings. True enough, when one is old, they will be too bored to rest and do nothing. It is the right time to ept a disciple.¡±

 Chapter 172 - Both Ability and Status Are Important

    <h4>Chapter 172: Both Ability and Status Are Important</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Lin Yuankang was nonchnt, chatting andughing despite noticing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s distorted expression.

    ¡°Grandpa Lin, it¡¯ste today. I¡¯ll go home first. I¡¯ll visit you again another day.¡± Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. If Lin Yuankang was unwilling to ept her as his disciple, she would not shamelessly press on either. Lin Yuankang was formidable, but he was not the only one in China. It was not that difficult for her to find a master!

    ¡°Alright,e and have fun again.¡± Lin Yuankang did not miss the unjustified feeling, anger, and humiliation in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes. Nevertheless, he still kindly waved goodbye to Qiu Chenxi and let her leave at a leisurely pace.

    ¡°Goodbye, Grandpa Lin, Brother Zhai. When you have time, you cane to my house to y. Can I look for you when I visit my brother?¡± There was no longer any hope about Lin Yuankang¡¯s matter, but Qiu Chenxi did not forget Zhai Sheng¡¯s existence.

    Zhai Sheng knitted her brows. ¡°The army is not a ce that allows people to enter and leave as they wish. I dislike being disturbed by strangers.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Previously, Zhai Sheng asked Qiu Chenxi who she was, but now he said he did not wish to be disturbed by strangers. These two things made her feel extremely embarrassed. She was not the thick-skinned type. With these piercing and sarcastic words from Zhai Sheng, her face turned red. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she nearly cried on the spot.

    Qiu Chenxi bit her lips while she endured and fought back her tears. ¡°Grandpa Lin, I¡¯m going back.¡± Thereafter, Qiu Chenxi turned away and left as fast as she could.

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, you bullied another youngdy to tears again.¡± Lin Yuankang said, as if he was watching a show.

    ¡°Again?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes widened. Did that mean Brother Zhai had ever bullied someone else to tears before?

    ¡°Back to the topic, what is this matter about taking in a disciple?¡± When did she be the disciple of this unreliable old man? Why wasn¡¯t she aware?

    ¡°Old Lin, Nan Nan is still young.¡± Without answering Qiao Nan¡¯s question, Zhai Sheng behaved as if he was Qiao Nan¡¯s parent and discussed with Lin Yuankang.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Lin Yuankang nodded his head. Judging by the reaction of the youngdy from the Qiu family, his disciple would face much hostility if news of him epting a young disciple spread.

    Lin Yuankang was willing to take in Qiao Nan as his disciple not because he wanted to give Zhai Sheng face. It was because Qiao Nan was a rare talent.

    Since it was a disciple that Lin Yuankang epted ording to his wish, he would pay great attention to these matters even without Zhai Sheng¡¯s reminder. ¡°Nan Nan, you have been a great help to master earlier. This is your remuneration. Take it.¡±

    Having said that, Lin Yuankang was like a sly old fox as heughed again and looked at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan here today mainly for two purposes. Firstly, it was to let Lin Yuankang take in Qiao Nan as her disciple. Secondly, the document Qiao Nan trantedst time belonged to Lin Yuankang. He had to give the remuneration since the job had been aplished. Hence, Zhai Sheng was helping Qiao Nan to get the payment.

    Qiao Nan was so anxious that she wanted to scratch her head. She had not thought of acknowledging a master, and she did not know what kind of master she would be having. In a state of confusion, she suddenly had one.

    Now that the old man had be her master, then the help she had rendered to him was expected of her. It seemed inappropriate for her to take the money.

    Zhai Sheng was seemingly oblivious to theplex feelings Qiao Nan was experiencing. He tucked the envelope with the money in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Thank you, Master.¡±

    ¡°?¡± Qiao Nan trembled. ¡°Thank you, Master?¡± Was Brother Zhai teaching her what to say?

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. We will all be one family in the future,¡± Lin Yuankang said smilingly. The corners of his eyes curved up, a sense of cunningness apparent. He looked like a deep and scheming old fox.

    ¡°Elder Lin, it iste. I will send Nan Nan back.¡± He had fulfilled all the purposes of his visit today. Zhai Sheng did not intend to stay any longer in the Lin¡¯s residence.

    Lin Yuankang smacked his lips regretfully. Aye, he could not watch the show starring his little disciple and Zhai Sheng anymore. ¡°That is right. Nan Nan is still young, and it is not appropriate for her to go home sote in case the ¡®baddies¡¯ kidnap her. Zhai Sheng, you must ensure that you send my little disciple home ¡®safely¡¯. If there is a strand of hair missing from my little disciple, I will look for you at the Zhai¡¯s residence to settle the scores.¡±

    Lin Yuankang immediately switched his role and gave Zhai Sheng an implicit warning: This little disciple of his is really young! Don¡¯t be so immoral as to open your wolf¡¯s mouth so soon!

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡± Zhai Sheng stretched his long legs and stood up.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan behaved as if she was the little wife, following step by step behind Zhai Sheng, then giving a bow to Lin Yuankang. ¡°Goodbye, Master?¡±

    Till this moment, Qiao Nan could notprehend the fact that she now had a master. Speaking of this, what kind of master was he? What would she be taught?

    Qiao Nan, who had a head full of question marks, relied solely on her total trust in Zhai Sheng. Although her heart was so confused, she persisted and endured without asking too much.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan treading in small steps behind Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Sheng slowing down his long steps to wait for Qiao Nan, Lin Yuankang shook his head. This little disciple of him was so worrying.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was not a bad guy. Otherwise, the naive little disciple might be helping the person who sold her count the proceeds.

    But at the thought of the way Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan, and thetter¡¯s absolute trust in Zhai Sheng, Lin Yuankang clutched his head in pain. It seemed that the meek and tender little disciple he had just taken in would be carried away by the ¡®wolf¡¯ soon. Wrong... In the first ce, the little disciple was carried here by the ¡®wolf¡¯.

    Gosh!

    ¡°Nan Nan, wait for me here. I am going to get the car.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Before Qiao Nan could ask Zhai Sheng who Lin Yuankang was, Zhai Sheng had steered away from the topic.

    Qiao Nan, who had nothing to do, could only stay put on the spot and wait for Zhai Sheng to drive his car over.

    However, Zhai Sheng, whom she was waiting for, did note. Instead, she saw Qiu Chenxi who was supposed to have left the Lin¡¯s residence. ¡°Do you feel verycent and happy now?¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could say a word, Qiu Chenxi pressed on, ¡°What is your rtionship with Brother Zhai? You are not part of the Zhai family.¡±

    ¡°My surname is not Zhai.¡± Of course, she was not from the Zhai family. ¡°Do you like Brother Zhai?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red again, but she still lifted her chin and admitted in her stride, ¡°Yes, I like Brother Zhai. I have always liked him since I was a child. I want to be his bride. Brother Zhai is very outstanding, so I must be outstanding too. Only then will I bepatible with him. In this world, the person who ispatible with Brother Zhai not only must be from a good family background but also capable. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°So, ording to you, what exactly is more important in order to bepatible with Brother Zhai? Is it the person¡¯s ability more important, or are you trying to emphasize that their family background is more critical?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shed. Her words targeted what Qiu Chenxi was trying to drive at.

    Qiu Chenxi pursed her lips. She did not expect this youngdy to be so sensitive and actually understood what she was trying to say. ¡°I can only say that both aspects are as important. Neither triumphs over the other!¡±

 Chapter 173 - Mature Lady and Silly Girl

    <h4>Chapter 173: Mature Lady and Silly Girl</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I see.¡± In contrast to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s aggressiveness, Qiao Nan¡¯s innocent face had a pure smile as she said in her usual sharp speaking style, ¡°May I ask if I am considered as someone with the capability?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiu Chenxi wanted to deny Qiao Nan¡¯s ability. However, when she thought about how Qiao Nan, a high school student, pointed out a huge number of mistakes in her, a gifted student in foreignnguages, writing, Qiu Chenxi could not bring herself to say something against her conscience.

    She had no qualms talking bad about Qiao Nan, but saying such unintelligent words would be a p in her own face.

    ¡°Judging by your reaction, I am extremely happy that you have acknowledged my ability.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Who wanted to acknowledge her!

    Qiu Chenxi did not say a word as Qiao Nan continued, ¡°I have be the little disciple of Grandpa Lin. May I ask you another question? Since that is the case, am I considered someone of status now?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale. She badly wished to give Qiao Nan, whose current smile was as bright as the sun, a p across the face. Shameless!

    She was supposed to be the little disciple of Old Lin. This woman was so young yet unscrupulous and scheming. She actually used Old Lin¡¯s name to suppress her.

    Qiao Nan was now the closed-door disciple of Lin Yuankang. Of course, she would be considered someone of status. In fact, the high-level reputation and status were beyond her expectations.

    Qiu Chenxi initially intended to use the status of being Lin Yuankang¡¯s closed-door disciple to cast ayer of gold on herself. She did not expect that Qiao Nan would thwart her n.

    Qiu Chenxi hated Qiao Nan for upsetting her n and snatching away the opportunity that was supposedly hers. When she heard Qiao Nan use the status of being Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple to refute her earlier words about status and ability, Qiu Chenxi was no longer able to tolerate the anger burning inside her. She raised her hand and waved toward Qiao Nan¡¯s face with all her might.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was staring. Her mother was unreasonable and liked to use physical violence on others. Never did she expect that the person before her who was seemingly high and mighty and sophisticated would subject to such method as well.

    Qiao Nan was not prepared for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s atrocious temper. When she was being humiliated by Qiu Chenxi earlier, she did not scold Qiu Chenxi at all. Yet, Qiu Chenxi was so bad-tempered that she wanted to hit her.

    As the p was about tond on Qiao Nan¡¯s face, a loud popping sound reverberated. It was deafening and abrupt in the beautiful and fragrant garden.

    Before Qiu Chenxi couldnd her hand on Qiao Nan¡¯s face, another hand which was big and strong blocked the p for Qiao Nan. Most importantly, the direction of the hit was reversed strongly, as if she was pping herself back.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s strength was certainly notparable to that of Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng¡¯s backhand p was so strong that it did not only push away her hands but also uprooted her directly from the ground. She lost her footing and nearly fell.

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiu Chenxi was shocked and angry. Moreover, the hand that was pped by Zhai Sheng became painfully numb.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was ck and looked at Qiu Chenxi with hostility. ¡°What are you doing? What are you trying to do again?!¡±

    ¡°I... I¡¯m not thinking of doing anything...¡± Qiu Chenxi was in a panic and said something very silly. ¡°I saw some dirt on this little girl¡¯s shoulder and was trying to help her pat it away.¡±

    She regretted having said that when she saw the cold and distrustful look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. She wanted to bite her tongue off. ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t wish to say this. After all, this little girl is still young and insensible. Nevertheless, I feel that it¡¯s better to let you know lest your kindness be misunderstood and create troubles for yourself. This little girl likes you!¡±

    Brother Zhai hated girls who took the initiative to pester him. Since a young age, she could remember the countless asions where many young girls confessed their love to Brother Zhai but left in anger and tears due to his response.

    There would be no exception this time.

    ¡°I wanted to persuade her that since she¡¯s still young, the most important task on hand is to study well so that she can repay the country and contribute to the society in the future and be filial to her parents. But I don¡¯t know the youngsters¡¯ thoughts nowadays. At such a young age, they are already thinking of love and romance. She said she likes you and wants to stick to you. She even warned me to stay further away from you. She said she will not let any other woman snatch you away... Brother Zhai, I... I was muddle-headed and in the fit of my anger. Nevertheless, I have good intentions at heart. It¡¯s for her own good!¡±

    After Qiu Chenxi finished, five words instantly appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart: What the hell was this!

    Wasn¡¯t Qiu Chenxi a gifted student from the foreignnguage school? Surely she was not a gifted student from the acting or scriptwriting course, was she?

    When did she say all these? Why didn¡¯t she have any recollection?

    Qiu Chenxi was waiting to see Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction. Unexpectedly, Zhai Sheng was looking at Qiao Nan as if there was ayer of mist over him. He looked as if he was enlightened, yet unsure. Because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, he came to understand the fuzzy feelings he had for Qiao Nan. It was as if theyer of mist waspletely dispersed.

    Love. These feelings were due to love. He loved Qiao Nan!

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng finally knew why he could not help but want to get close to and sit beside Qiao Nan, and slow down his steps so that Qiao Nan could keep up with him. He even had a tingling feeling in his heart each time he met Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng was enlightened instantly. He thought about some dirty jokes he heard in the army and the recent feelings and reactions he had toward Qiao Nan.

    Naturally, when a man sees a woman he likes, it was true that he could not help getting close to and even taking advantage of her.

    At the thought of this, there was a sh of striking radiance in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes that he never had before when he turned his head to look at Qiao Nan.

    It was a pity that the amazing sh of light disappeared before both women present could notice it.

    Zhai Sheng put away his thoughts and looked toward Qiu Chenxi calmly. ¡°Even if that is the case, it is a problem between Nan Nan and me. It has got nothing to do with you. I do not need your interference. Nan Nan, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiu Chenxi could not believe her eyes when she saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction. Was Brother Zhai not angry? It was different from the past. He did not look at the youngdy irksomely and then move as far away as he could from her. Why did Brother Zhai still allow the youngdy to ride in his car?

    Didn¡¯t they say that he would not let any outsiders except members of the Zhai family into his car?!

    Zhai Sheng did not take a further look at Qiu Chenxi. He walked to the side of the car, opened the door, and helped Qiao Nan into the car.

    When Qiao Nan was seated, Zhai Sheng closed the car door and got into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Fasten your seatbelt.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan was so shrewd in front of Qiu Chenxi, showing maturity and calmness beyond her age. Yet, before Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan reverted to a sixteen-year-old kid in general, obeying Zhai Sheng¡¯s every word and asionally showing the clumsy and silly side of her.

 Chapter 174 - You Will Definitely Like It

    <h4>Chapter 174: You Will Definitely Like It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With one word from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would behave like an obedient baby. With onemand from him, Qiao Nan would react ordingly. The maturedy¡¯s demeanor and style she exposed to Qiu Chenxi was totally absent.

    Zhai Sheng heard a part of the twodies¡¯ earlier conversation.

    Facing the change in Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng did not feel annoyed. On the contrary, his feelings for Qiao Nan seemed to have deepened.

    The more you cared about something, the more mess you might create. When facing Qiu Chenxi, Nan Nan was intimidating and subdued her. Before him, she always appeared so silly. He felt that it was most likely because he had an important position in Nan Nan¡¯s heart, and that she truly cared about him.

    Upon discovering this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood seemed to have suddenly grown a pair of wings and soared high.

    Once she was seated properly, Qiao Nan regained her senses and exined, ¡°Brother Zhai, what Qiu Chenxi said earlier was untrue. I did not say those things. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t misunderstand. Those words were made up by Qiu Chenxi!¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who was gently smiling and was in an extremely good mood, suddenly turned gloomy, and the smile left his face. He stepped on the brakes and parked the car by the roadside, his dark eyes turned toward Qiao Nan. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. She replied with caution, ¡°Those words you heard earlier... They were all made up by Qiu Chenxi. We did not talk about that at all.¡±

    Brother Zhai seemed to be unhappy now.

    But, why?!

    Zhai Sheng did not speak. He just stared at Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was initially able to look straight at Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, but as she felt Zhai Sheng¡¯s anger seemingly rising, she could not tolerate further. She sat up straight. ¡°Brother Zhai, we... are we not going back?¡±

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips. With his right hand, he pressed somewhere near his seatbelt. With a ¡®ka¡¯ sound, the seatbelt was loosened.

    Qiao Nan shrank her neck. What did Brother Zhai want to do?

    When Qiao Nan could not endure the nervousness any further, Zhai Sheng reached out with his hand and ced it on Qiao Nan¡¯s head. The hair under this palm was so soft and silky, giving a wonderful feeling upon touch. Zhai Sheng reacted ording to his wish and wanted to subdue Qiao Nan, so he rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s head a few times, causing Qiao Nan to sway and lose focus.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, what are you doing!¡± Qiao Nanmented angrily. Who was the one who kept reminding her to keep up her image?

    ¡°Silly girl, it is fine if you do not know now. You will know eventually.¡± Even if you did not like me now, you definitely would in the future. That¡¯s enough for me!

    Before Qiao Nan could regain her focus, the car had already started making its move steadily.

    Qiao Nan was totally confused. From Zhai Sheng¡¯s side view, he seemed to have a faint smile, as if his mood had recovered and was not angry anymore. This time, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to feel depressed.

    There was a saying that a woman¡¯s heart was like a needle in the sea. But why did it seem that a man¡¯s heart was moreplicated than that of a woman?

    The moment she got off the car, Qiao Nan could not help asking, ¡°Brother Zhai, who exactly is the old man you brought me to see today?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family background seemed to be quite good. An old master that even someone from such a well-to-do family wanted to get associated with, albeit unreliable, must have something else.

    ¡°He is your master.¡± Having said this, Zhai Sheng added after some consideration, ¡°I may need to return to the army and will not be back for a short period. If there is any matter, call me.¡±

    Talking about phone calls, Zhai Sheng smiled again.

    Zhai Sheng had given the telephone number to Qiao Nan one year ago. In the past, he never liked receiving phone calls. However, during the past one year, he had been wishing for a call from Qiao Nan.

    He used to not understand why he would be like this. Now, he no longer had any doubts regarding this matter.

    He had initially thought that Qiao Nan had thrown away the phone number. Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan had been keeping it with her all along. There was nothing than this that Zhai Sheng was happier about.

    ¡°I am leaving. Go home earlier and put away the money well. Don¡¯t let anyone else find it.¡± After a few words of concern, Zhai Sheng closed the car door and drove straight to the army.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng should have returned to the army three days ago. But in order to let Lin Yuankang take in Qiao Nan as his disciple, he made some special arrangements to dy his return to the army by three days.

    Therefore, once today¡¯s matter was settled, Zhai Sheng did not even have any spare time to return home. He must leave for the army immediately.

    Looking at Qiao Nan, who was getting smaller as she walked further, from his rearview mirror, Zhai Sheng smiled. It was a pity that he had already returned to the entrance of the quad. Otherwise, he could rub Nan Nan¡¯s head again before he left.

    As she did not manage to receive a specific answer from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan gave a little sigh and said unconvincingly, ¡°If you are not telling me, then I shall find out by myself.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, where did you go? I have been waiting for you for half a day today!¡± Someone gave Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder a strong p before she could turn around.

    Qiao Nan was shocked. ¡°Zhu Baoguo? You... you came back from overseas?¡±

    ¡°How did you know that I went traveling? Were you looking for me?¡± Zhu Baoguo was pleasantly surprised. He thought Xiao Qiao would not look for him if he did not look for her. ¡°Look, this is the gift I brought back for you this time. See if you like it!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo acted as if he was presenting a treasure and took out the present he was going to give to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan took the gift. ¡°Did you see Wang Yang when you came back? Did he tell you anything?¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang? Of course I saw him.¡± At the mention of Wang Yang, Zhu Baoguo was unhappy. ¡°I bet you don¡¯t know. We came back yesterday, and it was already past nine when we reached home. Once we arrived home, my auntie brought Wang Yang back immediately. Wang Yang called and followed Grandpa around. In the end, my auntie followed Grandpa to his study room. She must be asking for my grandpa¡¯s help because of my uncle. Wishful thinking!¡± Wang Yang just harmed him, and he nearly missed the middle school examination because of Wang Yang. This matter would not be forgotten so easily.

    ¡°True enough.¡± Qiao Nan smiled sarcastically. Fortunately, she did not pine any hopes on Wang Yang from the beginning. It was lucky that she had Brother Zhai. Otherwise, her father...

    ¡°Why did you ask me about Wang Yang once I came back? Did he bully you?¡± Zhu Baoguo gave a stare and waved his fists, his aura strong. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If he really bullied you, I will take revenge for you. I have not been wasting my time in the army. My fists are certainly stronger than that of Wang Yang!¡±

    It was for the sake of dealing with Wang Yang that Zhu Baoguo was willing to follow Zhu Chengqi to the army. He was treated like a new recruit as he underwent vigorous training.

    He had said that he would deal with Wang Yang as if he was a small chicken if he dared to do anything to him again!

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I have received the gift. Go home. My dad will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. I have to tidy up and clean up his room.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao is in the hospital? What happened?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. He had a small ident. He is recovering well now.¡± Since the matter had already passed, Qiao Nan did not want to bring it up again.

    ¡°Is he really alright? Since Uncle Qiao is sick, he will have a lot of medical expenses, right?¡±

 Chapter 175 - His Grandson is Amazing

    <h4>Chapter 175: His Grandson is Amazing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it has been resolved.¡± Qiao Nan consoled Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Traveling overseas seems fun, but it¡¯s also quite tiring. Since you¡¯re back, you should rest more.¡±

    The matter had already been settled. Her father would be discharged today. Qiao Nan did not want to bring up what happened before if possible.

    ¡°Has it really been settled already?¡± He found it hard to believe.

    ¡°Really.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°You also know that my English is not too bad. A friend of mine helped me find a trantion job, allowing me to earn some money. Don¡¯t worry. If I really have any problem, I will certainly seek your help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Who exactly is that friend? Can you introduce them to me?¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, he had to leave for something. He is probably not in Ping Cheng now, and I do not know when he will being back.¡± Qiao Nan lifted the item in her hand. ¡°Alright, I have already received your gift, but first things first. I did not go overseas for the holiday and do not have any gift for you.¡±

    ¡°Are you looking down on me? Who wants your present! I¡¯m going back.¡± Zhu Baoguo felt that exchanging gifts in such a way was too polite.

    Qiao Dongliang was suddenly ill. Although the financial situation of the Qiao family was still passable, they most possibly did not have much money to spare.

    If he epted Xiao Qiao¡¯s gift, he would be adding a burden to the Qiao family, including Xiao Qiao.

    Although Qiao Nan made it sound simple and easy, Zhu Baoguo caught on to the difficulties faced by the Qiao family. If they did not have any difficulty, would they let the younger daughter work during the summer vacation?

    That would not do. He came in such a hurry and did not know the situation of the Qiao family at all.

    When he got back home, he must get someone to find out what happened to the Qiao family recently and why Uncle Qiao was admitted to the hospital.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Elder Zhu saw his grandson sweating profusely. ¡°I have already told you not to be so anxious. You insisted on passing the gift today. Baoguo, is that ssmate of yours more important than Grandpa in your heart?¡±

    His grandson was so good to an outsider and had been missing them so much. Elder Zhu did not feel good about this.

    He had doted on his grandson for more than a decade but never received a gift from him before. On the other hand, the youngdy from the Qiao family always received a gift from his grandson whenever he came back from his overseas holiday trip.

    ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t fool around with me. I just saw Xiao Qiao and heard that Uncle Qiao will be discharged from the hospital today. Grandpa, do you know why Uncle Qiao was admitted to the hospital?¡± In fact, it would be best for him to check with his maternal grandpa about this matter. However, his maternal grandpa also went on the same overseas trip.

    ¡°Someone from the Qiao family was hospitalized? Same as you, I was only back yesterday. How could I know when you knew nothing of it?¡± Elder Zhu felt ridiculous.¡±Baoguo, don¡¯t you think you are too concerned about the Qiao family?¡± Now, his grandson was not only concerned about the youngdy from the Qiao family but also the rest of the family?

    ¡°I can¡¯t bring myself to disregard this. When everybody did not believe me, Xiao Qiao was the only one who believed in me. When all my family members were plotting against me, Xiao Qiao, an outsider, was the only one who helped and did not give up on me. If I don¡¯t care about Xiao Qiao, should I continue to care about Wang Yang, then?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was wearing a smile, but there was a sh of chilliness in his eyes.

    ¡°Grandpa, tell me. An outsider treats me so well, but why can¡¯t my own cousin treat me the same?¡±

    When Zhu Baoguo brought up the matter about Wang Yang, Elder Zhu was unable to reason with him.

    At the thought of his daughter looking for himst night, begging him to put in a few good words for his son-inw in front of his son in order to resolve a matter for his son-inw, Elder Zhu felt very embarrassed in his heart.

    In the previous matter, his maternal grandson was definitely in the wrong regardless of whether he did it on purpose.

    He was already in the wrong if he did it unintentionally. If it was intentional, Elder Zhu did not even dare to think about it.

    ¡°Baoguo, there is no overnight hatred between family members. Yang Yang has already changed as he knew that he was in the wrong. Since you are the elder cousin, don¡¯t take this to heart.¡± Elder Zhu had no choice but to be the peacemaker.

    ¡°Grandpa, what kind of deep hatred was there between Wang Yang and me that he had to use every opportunity he had to plot harm against me with such sinister tricks? He must have put in a lot of effort to think of such means. Grandpa, how much time do you think he spent plotting about this? It¡¯s nice to be the younger one because the elder one is the forgiving one. Too bad my mom is no longer around. Otherwise, I must definitely ask her why she had to give birth to me in a hurry. If she gave birth to me two or three yearster, then how good that would be.¡±

    After knowing Qiao Nan so for long, the one thing Zhu Baoguo learned well from Qiao Nan was to question back instead of refuting the matter.

    Elder Zhu¡¯s face swelled and turned reddish ck. His grandson made him speechless. After some time, Elder Zhu could not hold back further. He asked, ¡°Baoguo, do you hate Yang Yang now and decided not to treat him as a family member anymore?¡±

    In his lifetime, he only had one maternal and one paternal grandson.

    He was initially thinking that if his grandson had a good rtionship with Yang Yang, they can support and help each other. That was because his daughter-inw passed away at a young age, and it was not possible for his grandson to have other siblings.

    However, looking at the current situation, Elder Zhu knew that it would be difficult.

    ¡°Grandpa, I know what you are thinking. Rtives will always be rtives. But there are different degrees of rtionship between them. What my dad said made sense. My auntie is married and now bears the surname of Wang. She is no longer on the side of the Zhu family. If even my auntie is behaving this way, then how about Wang Yang who grew up in the Wang family since he was a child? Grandpa, are you really sure you know what Wang Yang has been thinking of?¡±

    ¡°Baoguo, who told you all these?¡± Elder Zhu let out a breath of cold air.

    In the past, his grandson was always out of line and muddle-headed. Now that his grandson was behaving in a serious manner, why did he feel strange?

    Most importantly, Elder Zhu was shocked by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words. He was unwilling to believe that his daughter had changed. He was even more reluctant to think that his maternal grandson would bear ill intentions toward the Zhu family.

    ¡°Grandpa, my dad taught me that one only learns from one¡¯s mistakes. If I could not even do that, then I deserve to be harmed till death by others.¡±

    At the sight of Elder Zhu¡¯s expression getting more awkward, Zhu Baoguo gave a sigh and smiled. He personally poured a cup of tea, brought it before Elder Zhu, and served it to him. ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t need to think so much, Grandpa. This family has my dad now and me in the future. As long as the Wang family does not go overboard, they are still our rtives. Should they need help, our Zhu family will definitely do our part.¡±

    Although they would help, Zhu family was Zhu family, and Wang family was Wang family. It should be clear that the two families were different and should not be confused as the same.

    Elder Zhu smiled bitterly. ¡°Baoguo, you are no longer a silly littled. You have be so smart instead.¡±

    Elder Zhu was a politician. How could he not decipher the meaning behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words?

    In the past, Elder Zhu always felt that his grandson had an impulsive personality, was rude and impetuous¡ªthat he was only interested in picking fights, not studying. Since it was unlikely for him to have a promising future in this lifetime, it might be best to send him to the army when he was young and train him up.

 Chapter 176 - Qiao Dongliang Stood Up for Her

    <h4>Chapter 176: Qiao Dongliang Stood Up for Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Elder Zhu was worried that after bing a soldier, Zhu Baoguo might end up as cannon fodder in the future.

    But judging from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s performance today, Elder Zhu was sure that his grandson would not end up as cannon fodder as long as he was taught well. He would be a good politician instead!

    ¡°Thank you for thepliment, Grandpa. Both Grandpa and Maternal Grandpa had put in so much effort to groom me. I would be letting both of you down if I do not make any improvement.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not used to sitting next to Elder Zhu, but he remembered what Qiao Nan once taught him. Zhu Baoguo extended his hand awkwardly and ced it on Elder Zhu¡¯s shoulders as if they were buddies. ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t worry. I am sensible now.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Elder Zhu was not very ustomed to his grandson¡¯s affectionate gesture. It was usually his maternal grandson who would be affectionate to him. But he was very happy. In fact, he was delighted that his grandson was being close to him.

    Elder Zhu quivered, taking a sip of the tea that Zhu Baoguo poured for him. He softened his tone. ¡°Well, you have made improvements. There is nothing better than this. You are right. Your father is in charge of the Zhu family now. When you are able to manage the Zhu family in the future, it will be the day I can finally rest assured.¡±

    When Wang Yang came in, he saw the grandpa and grandson sitting side by side, having an animated conversation. Wang Yang¡¯s face stiffened. Still, he had to ster a smile on his face.

    In the past, Wang Yang was the only one who used to sit beside Elder Zhu. Now that there was Zhu Baoguo, Wang Yang felt that there was no ce for him.

    ¡°Yang Yang is here.¡± Elder Zhu was all smiles when he saw his maternal grandsoning his way. But Wang Yang could clearly feel that his grandfather was not as happy as he used to be when seeing him.

    Wang Yang was angry. Elder Zhu no longer cared about his maternal grandson because he had a grandson by his side. Was that how it was now?

    Sure enough, his father was right. The people from the Zhu family were heartless. They did not care about family ties!

    ¡°Grandpa, Brother Baoguo.¡± No matter how angry Wang Yang felt, he had a bright smile on his face. On his refreshed face was a smile as bright as sunshine. Zhu Baoguo sized up Wang Yang. He had to admit that Qiao Nan was right. Wang Yang was very good at pretending. Everyone liked the bright and sunny person that Wang Yang pretended to be.

    ¡°Yang Yang,e and have a sit.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Seeing that Elder Zhu motioned him to sit on another sofa, Wang Yang felt gloomy. ¡°It is so rare for Brother Baoguo to be here and have some time to chat with Grandpa.¡±

    In the past, whenever Zhu Baoguo was free, he would mix with the badpany outside.

    ¡°I suddenly realized that I have a lot to chat with Grandpa. This is how we develop rtionships with others. Anyway, since I am free, I must spend more time to chat with Grandpa.¡± Initially, when Zhu Baoguo sat next to Elder Zhu, he could not help but felt ufortable.

    Now that he noticed that Wang Yang seemed to value sitting next to Elder Zhu, Zhu Baoguo feltfortable in his seat.

    No wonder Wang Yang liked to snatch his things in the past. The feeling of having someone else¡¯s stuff for oneself was really cool!

    Zhu Baoguo ced one hand on the back of the sofa, leaning against it and sitting with his legs crossed, one foot poised in the air. To Wang Yang, Zhu Baoguo¡¯szy stance suggested provocation.

    ¡°Well, it is rare that the three of us can get together. Let¡¯s have a good chat.¡±

    If there was any misunderstanding, one should clear them up.

    Now that Baoguo and Yang Yang were on bad terms with each other, it might be good to spend some time with each other.

    He always believed that his grandson and his maternal grandson were well-behaved children.

    Baoguo used to be naughty and wild, but he could change for the better. Therefore, there was no way that Yang Yang, who used to be well-behaved, would turn naughty and no longer mend his ways.

    Qiao Nan did not know that under her guidance for the past one year, Zhu Baoguo was now crafty and clever, someone Wang Yang was not able to handle.

    Zhu Baoguo had learned to be sharp and would be able to deal with Wang Yang. Unfortunately, no matter how sharp-witted Qiao Nan was, there was no way she could deal with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Zhu Baoguo returned to the Zhu residence, and of course, Qiao Nan went back to Qiao residence.

    Coincidentally, the family of four met at the door.

    Ding Jiayi, who was filled with pent-up anger by the Zhu family¡¯s words, pulled a long face, whereas Qiao Zijin kept her silence on the way back.

    When Qiao Nan was in the hospital looking after her father, the attitude of the Zhou couple was very good. From time to time, they would talk about Zhou Jun who had returned to the army.

    However, when Qiao Nan was not around, and it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s turn to take care of Qiao Dongliang, the Zhou couple never took the initiative to talk about their son, Zhou Jun. They simply did not chat with Qiao Zijin and only talked with Qiao Dongliang.

    When there was aparison, one¡¯s feelings would be hurt.

    Ding Jiayi was boiling with anger when she saw how her favorite elder daughter was wronged and humiliated in front of the Zhou family. She could not vent her anger on them, but she could take it out on Qiao Nan who was the apple of their eyes.

    ¡°I have already told you that your dad wille home from the hospital today and that you must clean the house. Where have you been loitering around that you onlye back now!¡± Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan, her voice rising, sounding as fierce as a tigress.

    Qiao Dongliang, who needed someone to support him on his way back, had a stern expression on his face. ¡°Stop yelling! Isn¡¯t it disgraceful? I suppose no one cleaned the house during the time I was in the hospital. How could Nan Nan finish such an arduous task by herself? You could havee by yourself to fetch me when I was discharged from the hospital and left Zijin at home so that they could clean up together. That way, both of them would take a shorter time to finish the cleaning!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just easy chores that one can finish easily! Since she stays at home every day, what is she good at if she cannot do such an easy task?!¡± Ding Jiayi refused to admit that cleaning the house was a very tiring chore and insisted that Qiao Nan was useless.

    ¡°Is it?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Since you have said so, fine. Nan Nan, Zijin, help me to the room to rest. Both of you do not have to bother yourselves with the household chores. Since children are capable of such simple tasks, it must be an easy feat for your mom who is an adult. Just leave it to your mom.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang lifted his hand and his daughters supported him into the room.

    The moment he woke up in the hospital, he had said to himself that in the future if Old Ding would dare to bully Nan Nan in front of him, he would not let her off!

    Even if he was injured and could not do anything to Old Ding, he would not allow Old Ding to bully Nan Nan like how she did in the past.

    ¡°I work for the whole day! I am tired!¡± Ding Jiayi kicked up a fuss immediately.

    Qiao Dongliang had not been home, so he was clueless about the situation at home. On the contrary, Ding Jiayi went home almost every day and knew that their house was very dirty at the moment aspared to how it used to be before.

    In the past, all the chores were done by Qiao Nan. As a mother, Ding Jiayi only helped out here and there. As for Qiao Zijin, she did not even lend a helping hand.

    Now that Qiao Nan refused to do the household chores, the Qiao residence was no longer as clean as it used to be in the past. It would be very tiring to clean up the house!

 Chapter 177 - Donâ€™t You Feel Shameful

    <h4>Chapter 177: Don¡¯t You Feel Shameful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi would only leave the worst job to Qiao Nan.

    This time, Qiao Dongliang threw the task of cleaning up back to her. Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded, perplexed. Recently, Old Qiao had been very meddlesome with the affairs at home. She used to have the final say for things at home.

    Thinking of the situation at home, Ding Jiayi had a terrible headache, her heart trembled. If she was to clean up by herself, there was no chance that she would able to sleep tonight.

    It was impossible to make Qiao Nan do all the work at home anymore. In this house, Ding Jiayi, who had lost her sovereignty, was like a frosted eggnt. She felt weak and listless.

    When Ding Jiayi stepped into the house and saw that her two daughters had helped Qiao Dongliang back to the room where Qiao Nan used to sleep in, she turned angry. ¡°How foolish the both of you are! That room is so small, and your dad is recovering from his injuries. Why did you both bring him into that room?!¡±

    She and Old Qiao did not intend to divorce, so there was no need to stay in separate rooms. Zijin was as foolish as Qiao Nan to have done such a thing.

    Qiao Zijin was angry at being scolded by Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, what are you yelling at? I did not want to help Dad into there as well. It was Dad who insisted to sleep in that room!¡± It had nothing to do with her. Her mother had no right to yell at her. If she dared, she should yell at her father.

    For every grievance, someone is responsible. For every debt, there is a debtor!

    As a mother, there was nothing wrong with lecturing her daughter, yet the elder daughtershed back at her. Ding Jiayi would not take it lying down.

    But Qiao Zijin was her favorite daughter after all. She was the one who made her proud. Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan and released her pent-up frustration at her. ¡°Are you stupid? Why do you bring your dad into that room? Do you wish for your dad to move about at home and aggravate his injuries? Do you have that much money to splurge?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was very disappointed by Ding Jiayi¡¯s reaction.

    The elder daughter had told the wife clearly that he asked for this room. It had nothing to do with the two daughters. At the very least, one could say that the two daughters were very obedient to him.

    If the wife was angry, shouldn¡¯t she direct her anger at him?

    Parents always have their good reasons. Old Ding was biased toward Zijin and always sided with her, but Nan Nan never once yelled or disrespected Old Ding.

    Old Ding pampered and doted on Zijin. She had wished to give her all the valuables in the house. Even though Zijin treated her disrespectfully, Old Ding did not reprimand her. Instead, she vented her anger on Nan Nan. Why was she so unreasonable?

    Qiao Dongliang was not only disappointed with Ding Jiayi but also disappointed with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin had been spoiled by his wife and developed bad character traits all because of Ding Jiayi.

    Nevertheless, his wife was oblivious to it and still indulged her elder daughter until now. Whenever he wanted to correct her, Old Ding would stop him and remind him that Zijin had a hard life and was very sensible.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled sarcastically. Zijin might be wrong tosh out at her mother, but Old Ding asked for it herself!

    ¡°Have loads of money? Even if you do not have any money, you are still very capable, aren¡¯t you? You can just borrow it from others, so what are you afraid of?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were red when he was reminded of what happened when he was sent to the hospital. ¡°Zijin, Nan Nan, both of you should go out. I have something to discuss with your mom.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Ding Jiayi panicked. Did Old Qiao know about what happened that day?

    Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan. It must be that wretched girl who told Old Qiao about what happened that day. If she knew this would have happened, she should not have given birth to her.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to me everything on Nan Nan. You were shouting that day, and I was woken up by you. Everyone in the hospital would have known about it. There is no need for Nan Nan to tell me about what happened. I already heard it from someone else.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Both of you be good and leave us alone for now.¡±

    ¡°Both of you cannot leave!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was pale. She quickly grabbed at both of her daughters, stopping them from leaving. They were her shields. ¡°I... We are one family, and there should be no secrets between us all. They have the rights to listen to what you want to say.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang would be furious when he found out that she borrowed money from hisrades.

    Regardless, she would not mind being disgraced. She ced Zijin¡¯s future above everything. At most, she would be reprimanded by Old Qiao and it would pass eventually.

    Ding Jiayi had never imagined that after spending all the money they had at home, Qiao Dongliang would be hit by a car, and that he would require major surgery at the hospital. What was worse was that it was a hit-and-run ident.

    Things were totally different under such circumstances.

    Whenever it crossed her mind that if Qiao Nan had not managed to borrow the money at that time, Qiao Dongliang could not have undergone the surgery and might have died, Ding Jiayi would break out in cold sweat and had nightmares for several nights. She would dream that she was a widow and had to raise two daughters by herself.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ding Jiayi was so afraid that her legs were shaking from fear. She had no likings for Qiao Nan, yet she grabbed onto Qiao Nan now. Qiao Dongliang let out a long sigh. ¡°Old Ding, I regret it. I really regret it.¡±

    ¡°Okay, all of you leave the room. Old Ding, you should do what you are supposed to do. Remember to clean the house. Otherwise, I will settle scores with you.¡± It was inconvenient for Qiao Dongliang to bring up certain stuff in front of the two children, especially in front of Qiao Nan. He did not want to hurt her.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang was a careless father. Now, Qiao Dongliang could not ignore her feelings anymore.

    Since Ding Jiayi refused to face reality, Qiao Dongliang would just let her be. However, even though he did not say it out loud, it did not mean that it did not exist.

    ¡°It will be too tiring for me to clean up the house alone. I have to work tomorrow. Can Nan Nan help me with the cleaning?¡± Ding Jiayi was scared out of her wits. She gave in and agreed to clean the house. But at the very least, Nan Nan should help her out. Otherwise, she could not finish it by herself.

    ¡°You¡¯re too tired to clean up? Didn¡¯t you say that it¡¯s easy? Ding Jiayi, as a mother, you should make your words count in front of your daughters! Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself?!¡± Qiao Dongliang thought that Old Ding would not say another word and would finish the chores by herself.

    It seemed that he thought too highly of Old Ding.

    ¡°Zijin, help me with the chores.¡± Ding Jiayipromised once again and asked her beloved elder daughter for help.

    Old Qiao stood firm and left no room for discussion. It must be his ns to make Zijin help her.

    ¡°Zijin can help you, but Nan Nan cannot.¡±

    ¡°Why!!!¡± Ding Jiayi screamed. Even if she had made a mistake, though she did not admit it verbally, she had acted submissive and apologetic.

    She gave in to Old Qiao once and again. He should not go too far. ¡°Didn¡¯t you always say that we should treat the two daughters equally?¡±

 Chapter 178 - So Rare That She Was Well-Behaved

    <h4>Chapter 178: So Rare That She Was Well-Behaved</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You said we have to treat them both equally¡ªthat we can¡¯t be biased toward either of them and ill-treated the other. But what do you mean today?! Are you targeting me, or are you against Zijin?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes widened, casting Ding Jiayi an incredulous nce. Was her mother trying to sow discord between Qiao Zijin and father?

    Qiao Nan wanted to ask her mother what she meant by saying such words.

    ¡°Fine, since you want to be fair, let me tell you why I refuse to let Nan Nan help you with the chores. I will let you know what fairness is.¡± Qiao Dongliang gasped a few breaths. ¡°Look at my room. Isn¡¯t it clean aspared to other ces in the house? Look at my bed and feel my quilt. Obviously, the quilt cover was washed and dried! Are you telling me you and Zijin did all these? Are you telling me you both cleaned this room up?¡±

    After hearing what Qiao Dongliang said, Ding Jiayi was all the more furious.

    There were so many rooms in the house, yet Qiao Nan only cleaned up that particr room. Had she been hoping or nning for her to quarrel with Old Qiao and prepared the room for Old Qiao in advance just in case?

    If this room was dirty, messy, wet, and dark¡ªgiven Old Qiao¡¯s physical condition¡ªit would not be suitable for him to stay in the room even if he was willing.

    Though the couple would quarrel, they would always resolve their differences. As long as the couple shared the same bed and the same nket, they would patch up after the quarrel.

    No matter what kind of serious mistakes shemitted, Old Qiao would forgive her after a few days.

    For Qiao Nan to do this, was she hoping for them not to patch up?

    It must be under Qiao Nan¡¯s influences that Old Qiao was no longer as understanding and objective as he used to be.

    ¡°Mom... mom...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was getting redder, like a kettle with boiling water. Her non-stopints were like the sound of boiling water. Qiao Zijin hurried to stop Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, Dad is right. This room must have been cleaned by Nan Nan. Nan Nan is still young. As her elder sister, I should do more. Since Nan Nan can do it, I could as well. Both of us are your children. Mom, let¡¯s clean up together. Dad, you should have a good rest. Mom and I will clean up the house.¡±

    With that, Qiao Zijin dragged Ding Jiayi away.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was angry and discouraged. ¡°Are you capable of helping me with the cleaning? Forget it. You don¡¯t know how to do all these. Don¡¯t create troubles for me.¡± She had spoiled this daughter of hers. She did not know how to do household chores, just like the mistress of the house.

    She hoped Zijin would not end up like her, whose husband was penniless and had a nasty temper, but be blessed with a better husband.

    ¡°Zijin, you must bear this in mind. If you wish to lead a pampered life and do not wish to work at all, you must keep your eyes sharp when you choose your husband. You must know who to choose and who not to choose. Now that I married your dad, I guess I will not be able to enjoy life. I prepared his meals and washed his clothes, but in the end, he treats me badly because of an unfilial daughter I gave birth to. This man is really... It¡¯s such a waste of my life. Zijin, I have to count on you to be sessful and make me proud.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were red and her voice was hoarse.

    ¡°Your dad is a good-for-nothing. He mes me for splurging while in fact, I spent the money for your future. Why is this considered splurging? Why doesn¡¯t he admit that he is useless¡ªthat he cannot make enough money such that there is no savings at home? If we had the money, did I even need to borrow it from others? I am not asking for troubles. If it was not for you, I wouldn¡¯t have embarrassed myself to borrow money from those people. Zijin, you must bear in mind that nothing goes well for a destitute couple.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you can rest assured, I understand. In the future, I will definitely find a man who is rich and good to me. If Dad does not treat you well, I will provide for you. You can stay with me!¡± Qiao Zijin was agitated as well. She grabbed hold of Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Since Dad is biased toward Qiao Nan, we will just leave him be. In the future, I will not provide for him and will only provide for you. I refuse to take in a husband and stay with the family. If he wants to have a grandson, he can take in a husband for Qiao Nan. If my future husband is capable and sessful, he will not want to have his children take our surname. I will definitely find someone who is different from Dad!¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt wronged and full of resentment when she was reminded of the fact that she could not enjoy good food and nice clothes like others. She also did not have any spare money to spend.

    People used to say that if one learned mathematics and sciences, one would fear nothing.

    But right now, it was better to have a good father rather than learning mathematics and sciences.

    Not only did her father lose out to other people¡¯s fathers but also did not dote on her. She hated her father. Why was he biased toward Qiao Nan?

    If her father encountered difficulties in the future, she would not help him out. By then, her father would realize that between his two daughters, she was the more sessful one.

    ¡°Fine, you are my good daughter. Now that your dad wants to sleep in that small room, not only is he staying in a separate room from me but has also cut his ties with me. Zijin, I give up my rtionship with your dad because of you. You are the only one I have now. You must make me proud. I will have to depend on you for the rest of my life.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was not really stupid. She might appear to be foolish, but there was always a shrewd side to her.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude in the hospital had already aroused Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s suspicions. What he said today affirmed the fact that Old Qiao was really angry with her this time. He would not forgive her easily.

    For the past year, Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Dongliang had gone from bad to worst. Among 365 days a year, the couple spent less than half the time sharing the same bed.

    As a woman, Ding Jiayi knew something was not right.

    When Qiao Dongliang came back from the hospital today, he chose to stay in the small room instead of the spacious room. Ding Jiayi knew it was unlikely for Qiao Dongliang to move back to the spacious room.

    She had never liked or wanted Qiao Nan, the younger daughter. Now that her husband had cut off ties with her, she only had her elder daughter left with her.

    Ding Jiayi only had Qiao Zijin with her. Hence, she must make sure that Qiao Zijin would stand on her side. That was why she sowed discord between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang just now.

    In addition, Ding Jiayi cried in front of Qiao Zijin so that both of them could empathize with each other. As expected, they had grown closer to each other. Qiao Zijin had eyes only for her mother, Ding Jiayi.

    It was shocking how terrible one could be when they only thought of their own interests.

    After ming Qiao Dongliang for everything, Qiao Zijin wiped the tears off Ding Jiayi¡¯s face. ¡°Mom, do you know why I agreed to clean the house?¡±

    ¡°I thought you wanted to help me appease your dad, was it not?¡±

 Chapter 179 - Your Mom and I Go Our Separateâ€¦

    <h4>Chapter 179: Your Mom and I Go Our Separate...</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi did not like Qiao Zijin¡¯s method of helping her out. It was not an easy task to clean up the house. It would take them half a day to do a simple clean up. If they intended to do a thorough cleaning, they would really have to go without sleep.

    ¡°No, Mom, listen to me.¡± Qiao Zijin pulled Ding Jiayi to one side. ¡°Mom, when you stopped me and Qiao Nan from leaving just now, I identally bumped into Qiao Nan. I noticed that she seemed to be hiding something in her clothes. It felt like a packet of money. I think there is arge amount of money.¡±

    The stack felt long and rectangr. Besides money, Qiao Zijin could not think of any other possibility.

    ¡°No, where did she get the money from!¡± She and Old Qiao had no money. It was impossible that a child like Qiao Nan would have money with her.

    ¡°Did she borrow it?¡±

    ¡°Where in the world did such kind-hearted people exist? We still do not know where Qiao Nan borrowed therge sum of money previously. Your dad¡¯s hospital stay cost around one thousand and five hundred yuan. On top of that, she repaid the money on our behalf. All of these amounted to a huge sum of money. She has yet to return the money she borrowedst time, so who lent her the money this time?¡± If it was so easy to borrow the money, she would not have to seek help from so many families before finally borrowing a few hundred yuan.

    When Old Qiao was in trouble, those people acted like debt collectors, demanding their money back.

    ¡°How will I know where Qiao Nan got the money from? But I felt there was a lot of money in Qiao Nan¡¯s pocket. Mom, what do you say about doing something with this money?¡±

    ¡°What you mean is... Are you sure? No, no. Given your dad¡¯s temper, we must keep a low profile these few days.¡± Ding Jiayi wanted the money, but she was fearful of Qiao Dongliang.

    This money was Qiao Nan¡¯s. If she wanted Qiao Nan to hand them over, that wretched girl would definitely refuse. Ding Jiayi could not be bothered to argue with her.

    In this life, Qiao Nan had made sure her mother understood that she would not be submissive or give in to her. It had only been less than a year, and Ding Jiayi had be ustomed to her firm attitude and persistence, realizing that Qiao Nan would not budge easily.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be so foolish. We are a family. Everyone has a share in everything at home. Even if it is money, it doesn¡¯t solely belong to Nan Nan. Does it mean we cannot do anything to Nan Nan if she refuses to hand over the money¡ªthat everything belonging to Nan Nan has nothing to do with Mom, the family, and me? There is no such thing in this world. Aren¡¯t we still considered as one family?¡±

    To put it simply, whatever Qiao Nan had, belonged to them; whatever belonged to them were theirs as well!

    ¡°But she will refuse to hand it over, so there is nothing we can do!¡± Ding Jiayi said helplessly.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. ¡°When you needed the five thousand yuan for me to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, we somehow managed to get the money even though Dad disagreed. How did you do it?¡±

    Who said we must get the consent of the rest of the family when we wanted their money?

    Everyone was one family. Everything was shared between one another. In other words, she and her mother merely took their own things. There was nothing wrong with it.

    No one would need to inform the others when they took their own things. Wouldn¡¯t that be a joke?

    ¡°Zijin, do you mean to... steal?¡± ording to what Qiao Zijin said, Ding Jiayi could only think of this word.

    ¡°What do you mean by stealing? We are one family. Isn¡¯t Nan Nan your daughter and my sister? Whatever belongs to Nan Nan is ours as well, so what do you mean by stealing? Do you mean that you stole the five thousand yuan from Dad for my school fees?¡±

    ¡°No, your dad¡¯s money is mine. I have the right to spend it!¡±

    ¡°That is right. Nan Nan is still young. Whatever belongs to Nan Nan is ours. Nan Nan cannot keep them with her. There is nothing wrong for you to keep them for her for the time being.¡± Qiao Zijin was d that Ding Jiayi finally understood what she said.

    ¡°That wretched girl is very smart. It is not easy to get the money from her.¡±

    ¡°Hey, Mom, the reason why we could not find the money and books that Nan Nan hid is that she didn¡¯t bring them home at all. We don¡¯t know where she put it. However, it¡¯s different this time. Nan Nan has the money with her. Even if she really wants to hide it, at the very least, she needs to keep the money in our house tonight. Since we are cleaning up the house, it will be easy to find the money.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°It makes sense! Zijin, you are young and smart, unlike me, muddleheaded. Why didn¡¯t I think of that? Okay, it¡¯s settled.¡±

    Ding Jiayi finally understood why Qiao Zijin was so eager to clean the house when Qiao Dongliang asked her to do it.

    ¡°Mom, we are not in a hurry. Dad wanted us to clean the house, but he didn¡¯t say that it must be done today. We can do it at our own pace lest Qiao Nan hides it too well and we can¡¯t find it right away.¡± At the mention of money, Qiao Zijin became smart instantly. She was not this smart in her studies.

    If Qiao Zijin put in efforts and make use of her intelligence that she disyed whening up with the n to get Qiao Nan¡¯s money, she would do well for her exams.

    ¡°Well, we must be careful. Don¡¯t give yourself away in front of Qiao Nan, that wretched girl.¡± Zijin would start school in about half a month¡¯s time and would be able to get her tuition fees just in time.

    Initially, she had been worried about paying for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees. If she could get hold of Qiao Nan¡¯s money, together with her pay, she should be able to cover for her tuition fees.

    If there was any remaining money, she could get new clothes for Zijin to wear to school.

    Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯s biological mother after all. They were thinking about the same thing.

    Qiao Zijin was very sure that since Qiao Nan had managed to borrow more than one thousand yuanst time, she must have a significant sum of money with her this time. The money should be enough for Zijin to spend.

    Qiao Nan did not know that Qiao Zijin had discovered that she had money with her. Ding Jiayi had merely pulled at her while Qiao Zijin knocked identally into her.

    ¡°Dad, you must be tired from the journey back. Lie down on the bed and have a rest.¡± As soon as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin left the room, Qiao Nan helped Qiao Dongliang take off his shoes and helped him to the bed. ¡°I have asked the doctor. Given your condition, it is best to lie down and rest for about ten days. Afterward, you can get out of the bed and move about, but you should keep it short.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are more meticulous than your mom.¡± Qiao Dongliang was disheartened. When Ding Jiayi picked Qiao Dongliang up from the hospital, she only knew how to ask Nan Nan about the medical fees, and whether the hospital owed them any money or miscalcted the bills. She did not bother to ask what she should look out for when taking care of Qiao Dongliang.

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang really felt that in the eyes of Ding Jiayi, money was more important than her husband.

    ¡°Nan Nan, if your mom and I go our separate...¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped in the middle of his sentence. He was afraid that he would scare Qiao Nan. He was also unsure whether he was making a mountain out of a molehill and being petty.

 Chapter 180 - Do as You Wish

    <h4>Chapter 180: Do as You Wish</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As the saying goes, husband and wife might be living in the same forest, but when faced with adversity, they would fly away in different directions.

    He was in a car ident, and the man who hit him ran off. He was taken to the hospital and was in urgent need of arge sum of money for surgery. Although Old Ding did not abandon him at that time, what was the difference between Old Ding¡¯s behavior and abandoning him? He felt bitterly disappointed either way.

    They had no money, and he was sent to the operating room. Yet, his wife did nothing but sat down on the ground and cried, sobbing that they had no money. Qiao Dongliang was chilled and bitterly disappointed.

    What was the difference between Ding Jiayi¡¯s actions and leaving him behind right away?

    No, there was a slight difference.

    If Ding Jiayi had left with Zijin, Ding Jiayi would not have known what happened to him. Though Ding Jiayi stayed in the hospital and did nothing but cried and ranted, she could watch him as he died at the very least.

    Thinking of the years they spent together, even though Ding Jiayi did not give birth to a son and had two daughters, he had never shortchanged her. He gave all the money he earned to her.

    Did Ding Jiayi do the right thing?

    During the past half month he stayed in the hospital, he saw that Zhou Bing¡¯s wife was very considerate toward her husband. Inparison, whenever Ding Jiayi came to the hospital to take care of him, she would pull a long face. She would look at him with resentment, ming him for not making enough money, and that he was biased toward Nan Nan and did not treat Zijin well enough.

    Qiao Dongliang was tired.

    Given how his wife treated him, it was meaningless to stay as a couple.

    When he saw how the other couple treated each other, and hepared it to himself, he was seized with an impulse to divorce his wife.

    But Qiao Dongliang was a traditional man. He would not bring himself to divorce his wife unless she went over the limits.

    Besides, Qiao Dongliang was worried that both of his daughters, especially the younger daughter, might not understand his reasons for divorcing his wife and would want them to stay together as a couple.

    At Qiao Dongliang¡¯s factory, he would asionally hear the news of some couples who were on bad terms with each other and wanted a divorce. However, their children would refuse or even skive off school, objecting to their parents¡¯ divorce.

    The only worry Qiao Dongliang had was that Qiao Nan might be hurt. He did not want Qiao Nan, who was such a good child, to suffer.

    Hence, he stopped his words midway.

    ¡°Dad, no matter what is going through your mind, as long as you are happy, I will support you.¡± After thinking about it, Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang fixedly.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you know what you are talking about? Or rather, do you really understand what I am talking about?¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and said with certainty.

    Although she had no feelings for her mother, she was her mother after all. She could not disregard their blood rtions. After all, she had given birth to her and raised her up.

    After the rebirth, besides having the conviction that she mustplete her studies, Qiao Nan had never intervened in the affairs between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    In the previous life, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi would quarrel often, but it was especiallymon in every household for the couple to quarrel over basic daily necessities. Up till the day she died from a car ident, her father might have some quarrels with her mother, but he had never thought of divorcing her mother.

    Qiao Nan would not encourage her parents to divorce just because she disliked Ding Jiayi. She would never do such things.

    However, it was a different matter if Qiao Dongliang had such an idea himself. Qiao Nan was not a sixteen-year-old child. She did not harbor any love and feelings for Ding Jiayi. Though Ding Jiayi was her biological mother, she could not stand it that she was biased to her elder daughter.

    In the event that their parents filed for a divorce, what should she do if her father remarried and she had a stepmother?

    If it was Qiao Nan from the past life, she would rather be bullied by her mother than to see her parents divorced.

    But in this life, Qiao Nan had matured.

    If her father had no wish to divorce her mother, she would not speak a word about it or lead her father into thinking that way. But if her father had such a thought, she would definitely support her father to do so.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you...¡± Qiao Dongliang had a bitter smile on his face. Nan Nan might have kept her silence, but she remembered by heart the deeds Old Ding did.

    Among the many other children Qiao Dongliang had seen, Qiao Nan was the only person to remain calm and supportive when she learned that her parents had divorce in mind.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t think too much. The reason why I agree to it is not what you imagine it to be. Dad, you should know better how life is with Mom, be it good or bad, bitter or sweet. My sister and I cannot make the judgment. If you feel that you are leading a good life, I will not say a word. But Dad, now that you are considering divorce, I hope you can lead a happier life. At the very least, I do not want to hold you back from making the right decision for yourself. Dad, I do not want to suffer as well. I don¡¯t want you to hold on to this family because of me.¡±

    Qiao Nan had heard that parents stayed in the marriage for the sake of their children.

    In her previous life, whenever her mother came up with this excuse, she would have to give in to her unreasonable requests in order to stop her parents from ending their marriage.

    If Qiao Dongliang wanted a divorce, Qiao Nan would not object to it. If Qiao Dongliang wanted to stay as a family with Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan would not express her disapproval as well.

    Qiao Nan did not want to bear the responsibility or to be the reason for her parents to stay together as a couple.

    She was not worried that her parents would suffer. Instead, she was genuinely worried that she would suffer any grievances.

    There was no need for it!

    ¡°Dad, you need to think it through whether you want a divorce. No matter what your decision is, you do not have to take me into consideration.¡± In order not to affect Qiao Dongliang¡¯s decision, Qiao Nan did not say what was on her mind: ¡®For me, it would be better if you have a divorce.¡¯

    ¡°Nan Nan, you really suffered a lot of grievances. For you to have such a mother, it is ...¡± The calmer Qiao Nan appeared and the way she washed her hands off their affairs, the more Qiao Dongliang could tell that she was disappointed and disheartened with Ding Jiayi.

    Since Nan Nan could stay calm and clear-headed when he mentioned about divorcing Ding Jiayi, it suggested that she did not have any feelings for Old Ding.

    Sins. They hadmitted sins.

    ¡°I owed Mom in the previous life, and I am here to repay the debts. But I have already repaid all the debts.¡± Her mother gave her a life, and she had repaid her by living her life for her and dying in the end.

    In the previous life, she had been knocked down by a car. Her body organs must be suitable for transnt. Her mother and Qiao Zijin must have gotten the kidney that they had longed for.

    In ancient times, there was a legend where Nezha carved up his own flesh and dismembered his bones to return to his parents, in repayment for the debt of his birth.

    She had given her life back to her mother and returned the kidney to Qiao Zijin. It was more than enough. She had repaid her debts.

    ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t me the situation at all. We can determine our own fates. Mom may have a nasty temper and bad character traits, but as long as I work hard and don¡¯t give in to her, I will be able to lead a good life.¡±

 Chapter 181 - A Life of Her Own

    <h4>Chapter 181: A Life of Her Own</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad, if I can, I am sure you can do it too. It is only a matter of whether you will be happier being together with Mom or by yourself. Dad, Sis and I can¡¯t always live on behalf of Mom and you, and the same goes for both Mom and you. We have grown up. Just like birds, one day, we will fly out of this nest and have another home of our own. Life is short. In the premise of being responsible, you definitely have a choice to choose a way of life that you are morefortable with.¡±

    She was neither willing to restrict her parents nor was she willing to be restricted by them.

    In this lifetime, she wanted to live for herself, and her father should also make the same choice.

    ¡°I will think about it. Let me think about it carefully.¡± The calmer and objective Qiao Nan was in her words, carrying no personal emotions, the more confused Qiao Dongliang felt. All of a sudden, he could not figure out clearly what he wanted to do.

    ¡°Dad, you can¡¯t rush your decision in this matter. It is simr to getting married. You have to think about it properly.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    When Qiao Dongliang talked about divorce, Qiao Nan would not express her enthusiasm and support. Now that Qiao Dongliang had wavered, Qiao Nan also would not express any disappointment.

    After all, it was also because she had resolved the matter regarding her father¡¯s surgery in the hospital that day too easily.

    She was someone who had died once. Only such a person understood what utter despair was.

    Her father harbored the idea of divorce because he was too furious with her mother¡¯s recent behavior and doings.

    The more Qiao Dongliang behaved in this way, the more Qiao Nan felt assured with the words she just said.

    ¡°Dad, rest more, I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± Without bothering further about whether Qiao Dongliang wanted to divorce Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan was now more concerned about the money she had on hand.

    It was most probably because she was used to keeping all her important stuff in the Zhai¡¯s residence. As there was a lot of money in her pocket, Qiao Nan felt extremely insecure. She felt that she must put the money away in the Zhai¡¯s residence before she could feel at ease.

    However, it was already sote. It would be difficult for her to exin if she went out at this hour.

    It would be troublesome too if she continued bringing it wherever she went. She would also have to waste her breath exining if she was discovered.

    ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang forced a smile. ¡°During this vacation, it has been hard on you because of Dad. Now that Dad is back, you don¡¯t need to be so busy anymore. Read more if you want to, but pay attention to having a bnce between study and leisure. Many children of the workers in my factory already have myopia.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± Qiao Nan returned to her own bedroom after acknowledging Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concern for her.

    When she left Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room, Qiao Nan actually saw Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin cleaning up the house. Her eyes shed with surprise. Her mother and Qiao Zijin were usually not such down-to-earth chaps. Could it be that her father¡¯s decision to sleep alone in a separate room had scared her mother to the point that she had to restrain herself for two days?

    She had no choice, being Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter for two lifetimes. Qiao Nan kept feeling that today¡¯s Ding Jiayi was a little odd.

    Even if Ding Jiayi was scared because of Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi would pretend to be obedient and honest in front of Qiao Dongliang at most. She would then vent all her frustration on Qiao Nan.

    It was strange today. Although Qiao Nan left Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room after a long while, Ding Jiayi did not frown at her or show any contempt. She also did not rush up to her to find out what Qiao Dongliang had said to her.

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows. It might be the calm before the storm. This was the perfect saying to describe a person like her mother.

    The more silent her mother was, the more possible it was for her mother to do something drastic. She had better be more careful.

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan went back to her room!¡± Once Qiao Nan closed the doors, the eyes of Qiao Zijin, who was tidying up the room, lit up. ¡°She is definitely going to hide the money. If she hides it at home, we¡¯ll definitely find it!¡±

    ¡°Shush, be quiet. If she hears us, then don¡¯t even think about it.¡± There was a little excitement in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes.

    Ding Jiayi had the same thoughts as Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Nan hid things outside the house, she would have no means to find them.

    But if the money was at home, Qiao Nan could forget about touching a single cent.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll be starting school in half a month¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know how much money Qiao Nan has on hand, with my sry and the money, it should be enough for you to pay the tuition fees.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I have already said that Qiao Nan definitely has a lot of money. When I knocked into her, I could feel the money in her pocket.¡± In addition to paying her tuition fees, there would certainly be a lot left.

    ¡°Alright, do you think Mom will shortchange you if there¡¯s so much money? Whatever you wish to buy, as long as Mom has the money, I will let you buy them. Will that do?¡± Anyway, the money was from Qiao Nan. Old Qiao¡¯s recent temper was so entric, and he was so biased to Qiao Nan. Nothing he did was fair to Zijin.

    She might as well spend all the money on Zijin unreservedly so that Zijin would not be shortchanged lest only Qiao Nan benefit.

    Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Nan would get Qiao Dongliang to force her to return the money after Qiao Nan discovered it.

    Regardless, she would not and did not want to return the money to Qiao Nan. Hence, the best way was to spend them all.

    In short, Ding Jiayi just wanted to y rogue.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll certainly find a better husband in the future. He must be rich and of certain status. When I¡¯m married, I will bring you over to my house and we¡¯ll stay together.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s earlier words were exactly what Qiao Zijin wanted to hear.

    Qiao Zijin did not care about the source of Ding Jiayi¡¯s money as long as Ding Jiayi was willing to spend it generously on her.

    She did not have many requirements for her future husband. He just had to be good to her and willing to let her spend money. He also should not be controlling or restricting her.

    Ding Jiayi was smiling from ear to ear. ¡°You... you¡¯re still studying. Why are you talking about marriage? If you really think that Mom is good to you, put more effort into your studies when you¡¯re still studying.¡±

    If not for fear of Qiao Zijin being unhappy and ring up, Ding Jiayi would have used Qiao Nan as an example to educate Qiao Zijin.

    Speaking of Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s learning attitude, Qiao Nan was the bird flying in the sky, whereas Qiao Zijin was the worm crawling on the ground.

    Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes hurt when she saw Qiao Nan progressing every day. She dared not say anything despite being angry about Qiao Zijin¡¯sziness. Even when she asionally tried to persuade Qiao Zijin to change, she dared not be too serious in her tone because Qiao Zijin did not like to listen to such thing.

    ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t my grades quite good now?¡± Qiao Zijin was unconvinced. Why did her mother keep asking her to study? What was the use of studying?

    She dared to bet that she would marry a better man, and into a better family than Qiao Nan would. When Qiao Nan could not go on with her life, she still had toe and look for her help.

    However, Qiao Nan was going against her all the time and did not treat her as the elder sister. When she had a good life in the future, Qiao Nan could forget about getting any benefit from her!

    ¡°Very good. Since your grades are so good, why don¡¯t you study in college?¡±

 Chapter 182 - You Are Hiding Something from Us

    <h4>Chapter 182: You Are Hiding Something from Us</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zijin, if you wish to marry a good man, you still have to study in college. Otherwise, if everyone is a college graduate while you¡¯re just a high school graduate, do you think you...¡± The kids nowadays were all highly educated. It was not the issue of learning to be sessful or finding a good job. If the other children were all college graduates while Zijin was only a high school graduate, then it would not be nice to hear that from others.

    Speaking of the truth, which wealthy and powerful family would be willing to have a daughter-inw with a low academic qualification?

    ¡°I need to think about this again.¡± With Ding Jiayi¡¯s advice, Qiao Zijin¡¯s stand did waver.

    To put it bluntly, there was no other reason to study except to ¡®package¡¯ her own self nicely so that she could keep up her pretense in the future.

    Qiao Nan, who was in the bedroom, did not know what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were chatting about. When she came out from the room, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had tidied up most of the house. It was much cleaner than before.

    ¡°Mealtime.¡± It had been almost a month since the family of fourst sat together for a meal. Ding Jiayi felt that a lifetime seemed to have passed, and she was feeling nostalgic.

    At the sight of one te of green vegetables and one te of scrambled eggs, Qiao Zijin did not have much appetite. ¡°Mom, Dad has not recovered. Didn¡¯t you say that you will cook something good for Dad to nourish his health? We don¡¯t need a feast, but there should at least be some protein dish.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow... I¡¯ll buy them tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin and hinted at her to stop talking nonsense. It would be best for her to keep quiet.

    During the past month, Ding Jiayi had lost ten pounds straight. The fats she had umted over a decade were seemingly lost during this one-month period. Apparently, it had been really hard on Ding Jiayi.

    Although she had had it hard during this period, the money in Ding Jiayi¡¯s pocket never increased.

    When Qiao Dongliang was in the hospital, almost all the food needed for his nourishment was provided by Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi would asionally cook for Qiao Zijin. Hence, it was not the same for Qiao Zijin. In half the vacation period, Qiao Zijin actually put on three to four pounds of weight.

    Now that the family of four was having a meal together again, Qiao Nan would no longer prepare additional dishes. Hence, the meal expenses for the family of four would have to be borne directly by Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi could still manage asional meals for Qiao Zijin while she settled her own meals modestly.

    However, now that there were two more mouths to feed, Ding Jiayi could not handle it.

    If Ding Jiayi was not careful in managing her money, there was no way to live on.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Zijin felt more assured at the thought of the money in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Nan Nan, eat more.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not notice the eye contact between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. He simply ced some eggs into Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl with his chopsticks. ¡°Nan Nan, you have be skinny.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan lifted her head and looked at Qiao Dongliang. She noticed the embarrassment in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes as he tried to gain her favor.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. At the sight of this, she knew that her father must have cooled down and did not want to divorce her mother anymore.

    It is human nature. When one is agitated, and the more people advise them to do something, the more they tend to do it. On the contrary, the more others advise them against it, they will hesitate to do so.

    Qiao Nan was a little disappointed, but she did not regret what she said to her father previously. She was contented as long as her father led a good life. When she entered high school, she would be staying at the hostel, and the time she spent at home would probably not exceed three months once she entered college.

    Such an arrangement would be quite good.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang was back home and recovering, the three women in the Qiao family could finally rx and have a good sleep.

    The next morning, Qiao Nan woke up a littleter than usual.

    After Qiao Nan washed her face and brushed her teeth, she wanted to go to the Zhai¡¯s residence to put away the money. However, Qiao Zijin rushed over with a face full of panic. ¡°Nan Nan, hurry. Help me bring Dad back.¡±

    ¡°What happened? Where is Dad?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned when she found out that Qiao Dongliang was really not at home.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor say that Dad should exercise moderately when he is back since it will benefit his health? Today¡¯s weather is quite good and the morning air is fresh, so I brought Dad for a stroll. I didn¡¯t think that I¡¯ll lose my grip on Dad, causing him to fall. You know that I don¡¯t have much strength. I can¡¯t help Dad up on my own. Quicklye with me.¡±

    Qiao Nan was both angry and amused. It was rare that Qiao Zijin would show concern for her father. Unfortunately, she was making matters worse with her try to do something good. ¡°What¡¯s with the hurry? Dad had a car ident and suffered serious injury. Even if he needs moderate exercise, there¡¯s no need to do it today. You are really... Forget it. Where¡¯s Dad? Hurry and help him back. Is he alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure too. I was also afraid that his wounds will be affected, so I dare not move him. I came to ask for your help directly.¡±

    ¡°Alright, lead the way.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Oh, right, where¡¯s Mom?¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was walking in front of Qiao Nan, tripped and nearly fell when she heard that. ¡°What time is it now? Where else can Mom be except at work?!¡±

    ¡°So early?¡±

    ¡°Early? Don¡¯t you know that because of Dad¡¯s matter, Mom¡¯s boss requested her to work overtime to make up for the lost hours? If Mom doesn¡¯t go, her sry will be deducted. Hurry, Dad¡¯s still waiting for us!¡±

    Then, Qiao Zijin simply started running without giving Qiao Nan any time to react.

    ¡°Hey...¡± Qiao Nan was caught off guard and could only follow suit. Otherwise, she would not be able to catch up with Qiao Zijin and would lose Qiao Dongliang¡¯s whereabouts. ¡°I say, why are you in such a hurry?¡±

    ¡°Dad is alone by himself. Of course it¡¯s normal for me to be nervous!¡± Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°Why are you saying so many things that do not make sense today? Help me if you want to. If not, forget it.¡±

    ¡°Look who¡¯s the one talking too much.¡± The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth curled as she caught up. ¡°Dad!¡± Shortly after, Qiao Nan saw Qiao Dongliang resting by the side of the road.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re here.¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang smiled.

    When Qiao Zijin saw that Qiao Dongliang was still waiting at the same ce, she heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re tired. Since we¡¯re already out and the morning air is fresh, why don¡¯t you stay outside longer? Nan Nan, keep Dadpany. I saw someone selling buns over there. I¡¯ll buy a few. We might as well eat to our fill before we go back.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt the pinch from her own words. She was nearly broke.

    ¡°Did the sun rise from the west?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt surprised and found it strange.

    Zijin was someone who could not save any money. If she did not spend every single cent she had on hand, she would have a sleepless night.

    Unless Zijin was yearning to buy something that cost five yuan but only had one yuan, she would not wait until she managed to save five yuan, immediately spending it all. She was like a mouse that would not leave any food overnight.

    Notwithstanding that Qiao Zijin was normally unable to save any money, the fact that Qiao Zijin was willing to buy buns for Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan out of her own pocket alone was rare. It hardly ever urred.

    ¡°Sister, are you hiding something from us?¡±

 Chapter 183 - Not Worth It

    <h4>Chapter 183: Not Worth It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan believed there is no free meal in the world. Although Qiao Zijin was her biological sister, the things she gave were more like traps than freebies.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they just a few buns? Dad, Nan Nan and you were exaggerating.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were elusive. She nearly let the cat out of the bag.

    In actual fact, treating Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan to buns was a trick that Qiao Zijin had to y in the absence of better solutions.

    ording to the original n, Qiao Zijin was to bring Qiao Dongliang to a further ce before she got Qiao Nan toe over. That way, she could buy more time for Ding Jiayi to prevent the matter from being exposed too early.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s act to bring Qiao Dongliang out for a stroll was part of the n, but Qiao Dongliang¡¯s injury was real.

    Hence, they did not walk that far before Qiao Dongliang started to feel overwhelmed and was unable to move further.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to help Qiao Dongliang up, but she did not have the strength to do so. Therefore, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to watch on helplessly as Qiao Dongliang sat down and refused to move further.

    ¡°Sure, then Nan Nan and I will wait for your buns.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. As a father, he was always willing to believe that his elder daughter was not rotten to the bones¡ªthat she was just spoiled by her parents.

    A child will grow up and they will be sensible as they mature.

    At the sight of Qiao Zijin running off to buy the buns, Qiao Dongliang felt consoled as he smiled. ¡°Your sister seems to be more sensible now.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. Wrong. Something was very wrong. She would rather believe that Qiao Zijin was trying to poison her and thus took the initiative to buy her buns, than believe that Qiao Zijin knew how to be reciprocal to others.

    ¡°Dad, Sister said you had a fall. Where were you hurt? Is it painful? Are your wounds alright?¡± Remembering the reason she came for, Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang from head to toe and realized that he looked clean and fine. There was no sign of him having fallen down.

    ¡°Fell? I didn¡¯t fall down.¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. ¡°Did Zijin tell you that I fell down?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sister said you had a fall and she could not help you back by herself, so she requested for my help.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t fall down.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not understand. Clearly, he did not have a fall, yet why did Zijin tell Nan Nan otherwise and lie about it?

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°Could it be that your sister was afraid that you would be angry, so she... Was she trying to create an opportunity for the three of us to spend time together? That¡¯s right, as long as your mother, that trouble stirrer, is around, the three of us can¡¯t even have a good conversation. Actually, when Zijin is not with your mother, she is like a changed person. She¡¯s more normal, not so spoiled and insensible.¡±

    ¡°It looks like your sister is quite sincere to be able to think of this method. That¡¯s good. Let the three of us have a good talk today. We will be able to clear any misunderstanding after talking.¡± His wife was unreliable, but Qiao Dongliang hoped that his two daughters would provide each other help and support, and be more united than the siblings in other families.

    Qiao Nan managed to hide and suppress the sarcasm beneath her eyes. ¡°Have a talk? Dad, I am the only one chatting with you now. Sister is not even around.¡± Qiao Zijin had nothing to say to her.

    Nevertheless, she believed that Qiao Zijin had a lot to say to her father to curry favor with him.

    Her father was the biggest source of ie in the family. If Qiao Zijin could gain her father¡¯s favor and make him give her money like their mother, then Qiao Zijin would have seeded in her motive.

    Hence, she would never be the one Qiao Zijin would fawn on.

    ¡°Your sister will be around when she is backter. Nan Nan, don¡¯t vent your frustration toward your mom on your sister. For your sister to be like that, your mom and I are the ones who should bear the greatest responsibility. She¡¯s still young and insensible. When she grows up, she will know that it has not been easy for Dad and Mom. She will be a better person.¡±

    ¡°...¡± At that instance, Qiao Nan was so angry that she felt pain in her liver.

    She had been so busy for the past month, serving her father soup and water every day. In return, her father¡¯s attitude toward her turned better aspared to how it was in her previous life. He finally began to value her.

    But Qiao Zijin?

    Clearly, because of what happened at the hospital a week ago, she saw the obvious disappointment and coldness in her father¡¯s eyes when he looked at Qiao Zijin. Only a few days had passed and her father had seemingly forgotten his scars and pain. Qiao Zijin had won her dad over just with one bun? Qiao Zijin had be a good kid again?

    At the thought of the efforts she had put in, Qiao Nan felt it was unfair.

    In the end, whose feelings were more precious to her dad?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned pale. She thought for a long time and consoled herself that she did everything in line with her conscience.

    In this household, besides her mother, her father was also very good to Qiao Zijin. It was not that she only knew this in this lifetime. She should have been used to this long ago.

    She was the one who painted a picture that was too rosy. She always felt that her father would one day understand and find out the true colors of her mother and Qiao Zijin¡ªthat he would then spare more thoughts for himself and give up on the hopes and fantasy he had for the two of them.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan discovered that, in fact, the one who had been harboring unrealistic hopes was her, not her father.

    Forget it, whatever would happen, would happen. She could not be bothered about it.

    She maintained her stance that her father would have to choose his own life. If he was willing to get along with her mother, then so be it. If he felt that Qiao Zijin was a good child, then he could continue to do so.

    Whatever would happen to this family in the future, she would not be bothered. It was not up to her to interfere anyway.

    In her previous life, she died so tragically because she was too amodating to her mother and Qiao Zijin. She could not determine what would happen to her father in this lifetime. She drew a lesson from her painful experience. If her father suffered badly because of Qiao Zijin, she would at most lend a helping hand.

    None of the preventive measures would work on her father!

    ¡°Dad, Sister has been away for so long. The ce that sells bun is not that far. Why isn¡¯t she back yet?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows, thinking. She felt that something was amiss.

    Regardless of whether Qiao Zijin had truly be sensible, she took too long to buy a bun. Did she run to Beijing to buy?

    ¡°Yes, it has been so long, why hasn¡¯t she returned?¡± After Qiao Nan said that, Qiao Dongliang also felt that Qiao Zijin was taking too long. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and find your sister? Could she have met with any mishap?¡± That was unlikely, though. It was broad daylight and everyone living in and near the quad knew one another.

    ¡°Dad, you just came home from the hospital. Why did you suddenly feel like going out for a walk to rehabilitate?¡± The difort in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart intensified as she stared at Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t. Your sister suggested it.¡± Qiao Dongliang revealed a fatherly smile. ¡°Really, I¡¯m not the one. Your sister has truly be more sensible and obedient. She said that morning air is the best and wanted to bring me out to breathe in the fresh air. Actually, I wanted to wait a few more days before getting out of bed. But it was rare for your sister to be so sensible, and I don¡¯t want to be a wet nket. Besides, she¡¯s right. The morning fresh air is indeed good. My mood became better after taking a walk.¡±

    ¡°Oh no!¡±

 Chapter 184 - Stood in the Way Home

    <h4>Chapter 184: Stood in the Way Home</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When she heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was in shock and trepidation.

    She had been Qiao Zijin¡¯s sister for two lifetimes. Who could possibly be in Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart? Qiao Zijin did not care about anyone but herself. Her father had juste back from the hospital yesterday and should rest for a few days before considering rehabilitation.

    But Qiao Zijin was suddenly so concerned about her father. Furthermore, her father clearly did not fall down. Why did Qiao Zijin tell her that her father fell down and then asked her for help?

    ¡°Why?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan¡¯s expression had changed, Qiao Dongliang held on to Qiao Nan. ¡°Is there any urgent matter so early in the morning? Don¡¯t me your sister. I am tired out from the walking, so your sister asked you toe along to help me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang misunderstood that Qiao Nan did not look happy because Qiao Zijin had disrupted her learning schedule today, angering her in the process. Hence, he tried to exin to her on Qiao Zijin¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°Dad, I have something on and have to go home first. Sit here for a while. I wille back for youter.¡± Qiao Nan could not determine what the issue was, but she knew that Qiao Zijin certainly had an ulterior motive for having done so many things.

    Qiao Zijin spent so much effort and made use of her father to deceive her to leave the house. Obviously, she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s target today.

    What did she have currently that made Qiao Zijin feel worthy of going to such great lengths?

    Qiao Nan thought about it carefully. Other than that sum of money that Zhai Sheng gave her yesterday, there was no other possibility.

    However, how did Qiao Zijin know that she had money?

    Qiao Nan did not have time to think so much. She stood up and ran home.

    At this juncture, Qiao Zijin, who seemed to have disappeared to the point of no return, ran out and stood in Qiao Nan¡¯s way. ¡°Nan Nan, where are you going? I can¡¯t help Dad up on my own. Let¡¯s bring Dad back together. Anyway, it¡¯s still early today. Since it¡¯s the vacation period, don¡¯t always coop up at home to read books. It¡¯s bad for the eyes. Let¡¯s take a walk.¡±

    No, she must stop Qiao Nan from going back now. What if her mother had not found the money?

    ¡°Where are the buns that you¡¯ve bought?¡± Qiao Nan saw that Qiao Zijin was empty-handed. She was certain that there was a problem with Qiao Zijin. ¡°Qiao Zijin, you are really ¡®good¡¯!¡±

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Qiao Zijin was so scared that her face turned pale. When Qiao Nan was about to leave, Qiao Zijin pulled her back with all her might without care. ¡°No, you can¡¯t leave! I won¡¯t let you leave!¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that I¡¯m a pushover?!¡± Qiao Nan was red with anger. She did not hesitate to mercilessly bite Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand that was grabbing onto her.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Qiao Zijin shouted in pain loudly, quickly withdrawing her hand.

    It was summer now and Qiao Zijin was wearing a short-sleeved top. Qiao Nan¡¯s bite directly bit into her flesh. The teeth marks on Qiao Zijin¡¯s arms were deep and obvious.

    If Qiao Zijin had withdrawn her arms a littleter, she would have bled.

    ¡°What are you doing?! What are the both of you doing?!¡± Qiao Dongliang was stupefied. Everything was fine earlier. In the blink of an eye, his two daughters started fighting with each other.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to stop them, but his injuries had not recovered and he felt extremely breathless after taking a few steps. He was thus unable to separate the two of them.

    Qiao Nan red at Qiao Zijin. Without saying a further word to Qiao Dongliang, she took off and ran toward home.

    In an outburst of energy, Qiao Nan ran home at her fastest speed and returned to her bedroom.

    True enough, once she reached home, Qiao Nan saw that her room had been turned upside down and was in a big mess. The ce where she had hidden the money was empty, not a single cent could be found.

    Looking at the situation, Qiao Nan sat on the bed and wiped her tears. After a couple of wipes, she could not tolerate it any further and suddenly burst into tears.

    The current scene made Qiao Nan recall the countless consecutive nights in her previous life where she swallowed her tears.

    She worked so hard every day, painstakingly, because she wished to have a home of her own. But no matter how much she earned, her mother would always clean out the money in her pocket, not even leaving her the steel shovel.

    Qiao Zijin squandered away her earnings. When she was having steak, Qiao Nan was living on instant noodles for a month.

    Qiao Zijin was married to Chen Jun and stayed in a vi, yet she took her hard-earned money to buy a house as her dowry.

    Why was her mother so merciless to her? Why wasn¡¯t she picked up from the streets? She would rather be an orphan without parents than to be a daughter of such a mother!

    ¡°What exactly is happening?¡± On the other end, when Qiao Dongliang saw Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed, then ran back home, he was very anxious. Nan Nan was such a sensible child. What could have forced her to have that kind of expression? ¡°Zijin, tell me, why did you stop Nan Nan from going back?¡±

    ¡°Dad, why are you still siding with her?! Look, she bit me!¡± Qiao Zijin felt unjustified. Till this age, she had never been bullied by Qiao Nan. Even her parents could not bear to touch a strand of her hair. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s entirely your fault for spoiling Qiao Nan. She nearly made me bleed with her bite!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you. Why did you stop Nan Nan just now and refuse to let her go home!¡± Qiao Dongliang was angry. Nan Nan was too much to have bitten Zijin, but he also saw what happened clearly. Zijin was the one who pulled Nan Nan back and refused to let her leave. Nan Nan was so anxious that she had no choice but to bite Zijin.

    Although this was the case, Qiao Dongliang had no idea why the two sisters were kicking up a fuss in front of him.

    ¡°I... Didn¡¯t I mention that it¡¯s rare for the three of us to spend time together? The morning air is good and we can take a walk together.¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips and continued to use the same excuse to fool Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Good, very good!¡± Qiao Zijin was shaking with anger. He had just put in some good words for Zijin in front of Nan Nan, and Zijin was already lying with her eyes opened. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you will be buying buns for Nan Nan and me? You were away for so long, so where are your buns?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t manage to buy them. Business was good today, and all the buns were sold out.¡± Qiao Zijin said without thinking.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. His eyes nced toward Qiao Zijin¡¯s skirt.

    He could see that the rim of Qiao Zijin¡¯s skirt, especially the area at the back, was all wet.

    It was already autumn. There was always some dews and mist in the morning. The rim of Qiao Zijin¡¯s skirt was wet. There was only one reason for that: Qiao Zijin had hidden in the grass and squatted there for a long time!

    Qiao Zijin did not buy the buns at all. For a long time, Qiao Zijin was clearly hiding, squatting behind the grass and bushes while keeping an eye on Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back.¡± Something must have happened at home. He had to go back and find out.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t. The weather is so good. We... we can continue to take a stroll...¡± Qiao Zijin was not sure whether Ding Jiayi had found the money. If Qiao Nan was the only one that went back, Qiao Zijin believed that Ding Jiayi would definitely be able to take the money before Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 185 - Report to the Police

    <strong>Chapter 185: Report to the Police</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Hence, it was no use even if Qiao Nan went back home. That sum of money would not slip away.

    However, it would be different if her father went home. Once her father was back, she would definitely not be able to get the money if her mother had not taken it by then.

    ¡°I¡¯m not taking a stroll anymore! Help me back!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back. Go back yourself if you want to. I... I still want to continue strolling!¡± Qiao Zijin was ying rogue and refused to help Qiao Dongliang up.

    Qiao Dongliang was so furious that he turned pale. He initially believed that Zijin was really concerned about him today¡ªthat she was not truly that heartless and still had her parents in mind. Looking at the current situation, it was only wishful thinking on his part.

    Piecing the puzzle together with the questions from Qiao Nan earlier, Qiao Nan took a deep breath. His eyes were gloomy as he asked coldly, ¡°You specially brought me out today for a walk because you wanted to trick Nan Nan into leaving the house, didn¡¯t you? What are your mom and you trying to do?¡±

    Had a fall? The elder daughter must have used his ¡®fall¡¯ as a lie to trick Nan Nan out!

    All the concern expressed by his elder daughter today was all fake. On the contrary, she even made use of the younger daughter¡¯s care and concern for him to trick thetter into leaving the house. He did not know what his wife and the elder daughter were up to. At these thoughts, Qiao Dongliang was so furious that his heart was about to explode.

    When Qiao Dongliang recalled how he helped Qiao Zijin put in good words in front of Qiao Nan and the expression on Qiao Nan¡¯s face, Qiao Dongliang was so furious that he wanted to give Qiao Zijin a p. ¡°You¡¯re not going back, right? I don¡¯t need you to help me. I will walk back myself! Even if I need to crawl, I can crawl back on my own!¡±

    The earlier question posed by Qiao Dongliang made Qiao Zijin dumbfounded.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was so insistent on going home, Qiao Zijin was so scared that she did not know what to do. Shepletely could not cope with the current situation.

    Qiao Dongliang stuck to his words. Not waiting for Qiao Zijin to help him up, he walked toward his house step by step and tried his best to rush home as fast as he could.

    Qiao Zijin was fearful that Qiao Dongliang would be home too early and thwart Ding Jiayi¡¯s ¡®good n¡¯. Hence, she only dared to timidly follow behind Qiao Dongliang. Although she could see that Qiao Dongliang was walking with difficulty and sweating profusely, she refused to catch up with Qiao Dongliang and offer him any help.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what happened to you?¡± When he reached home, Qiao Dongliang heard Qiao Nan¡¯s cries.

    Qiao Nan was sixteen years old this year. Qiao Dongliang heard Qiao Nan¡¯s cried the most when she was a one-year-old baby who knew nothing besides drinking milk. Since Qiao Nan was three years old, Qiao Dongliang had never heard her cry again.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart could not help twinging with pain. What kind of matter would force Nan Nan to this extent and make her cry so miserably?

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t cry. Dad is back. Tell Dad what happened. Who bullied you?¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang entered Qiao Nan¡¯s room, he saw her room being turned upside down as if there had been a burry.

    On the contrary to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concern, Qiao Zijin felt assured and smiled when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s cries. That meant that her mother managed to take the money!

    Qiao Nan, who was wiping her tears, looked up and saw the conspicuous smile on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. She jumped up in anger and rushed straight to Qiao Zijin. She wanted to hit her. ¡°You¡¯re happy! You¡¯recent now!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She had just been bitten earlier. Without thinking, Qiao Zijin raised both her hands up to protect her own face. Even so, Qiao Nan¡¯s ps crackled down on her, hitting her on both arms. Qiao Zijin was in so much pain that she breathlessly grimaced in agony.

    ¡°Dad, Dad! Look at Qiao Nan. She¡¯s turning crazy!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be angry. Tell Dad, what is going on exactly?¡± Qiao Dongliang who sat down to rest gave Qiao Zijin a stare. ¡°You have to let Dad figure out what happened.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was yelling loudly as Qiao Nan was hitting her. Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were red when she stopped but her breathing was still irregr. ¡°Dad, I want to report to the police.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was saying this, both her fists were clenched and her teeth gave out a creaking sound.

    ¡°Report to the police?¡±

    ¡°Report to the police?¡±

    Both Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin were shocked by her words, especially Qiao Zijin. ¡°You¡¯re mad. Why are you reporting to the police when nothing happened? You¡¯llnd in jail if you call the police without an apparent reason. You¡¯ll have to stay there for a few days!¡± In the end, Qiao Zijin simply used the jail to frighten Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan sneered. Did they think that she was a three-year-old kid who was easy to bluff?

    Qiao Nan meditated and exhaled three long breaths to calm herself down. Then, she poured Qiao Dongliang and herself a cup of water each. After drinking the water, she said in a hoarse voice. ¡°Dad, I want to report to the police. Something has been stolen from our house. My money had been stolen.¡±

    She had said it before. She did not want to be an idiot in this lifetime.

    How doting her mother was on Qiao Zijin was her parents¡¯ business. She did not care and would not interfere. She would not bring away a speck of dust from his family. All belonged to Qiao Zijin, and she was fine with it.

    However, whatever she earned from her own hard work, efforts, and sweat, her mother could forget about taking any single cent to subsidize Qiao Zijin!

    In this lifetime, her money was not only difficult to get, but would also burn those who stole it!!!

    ¡°Your money has been stolen? How much has been stolen?!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was straight and he became serious. There had actually been a burry in his house?!

    ¡°What do you mean by your money has been stolen? Qiao Nan, are you talking in your dreams in broad daylight? You¡¯re a student. Where did your moneye from? Dad and Mom have no money, so how can you have any?!¡± Qiao Zijin had thought about it thoroughlyst night. It was impossible for Qiao Nan to have borrowed from someone. Qiao Nan would not have the ability to borrow so much money again and again.

    Qiao Nan clearly had a sum of money but refused to tell the family about it. She even secretly hid the money. Perhaps this sum of money did note from legitimate sources. Either that, or Qiao Nan was building up her personal savings behind the family¡¯s back.

    Whether it was the former or thetter reasoning, Qiao Nan should feel guilty about it.

    When that time came, her mother would take the money away anyway. If Qiao Nan did not have a good reason in the first ce, she could only keep her grievances to herself. Even if the money was lost, Qiao Nan could not say anything since she was secretly hiding it to avoid letting others find out about it.

    Hence, Qiao Zijin had never expected Qiao Nan to tell Qiao Dongliang outright that she had lost the money and wanted to call the police.

    As soon she heard the four words ¡®report to the police¡¯, Qiao Zijin was scared terribly.

    ¡°Dad, do you still remember about that day¡ªthe day when you were still hospitalized, and I took some documents to the hospital, working on it for a long time?¡± Qiao Nan refused to waste her breath on Qiao Zijin. She was speaking directly to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded to acknowledge that there was indeed such a matter.

    ¡°The money that was stolen was the remuneration for that job. Our family owed a lot of money. This, you are aware of, Dad. I originally intended to save up this sum of money. After paying for my school expenses, the remaining would be saved up. When we have enough money, we will eventually need to return the money borrowed for your hospitalization and surgical expenses. Now the money is lost. Dad, tell me, should we report to the police?¡±

 Chapter 186 - Honest Confession

    <h4>Chapter 186: Honest Confession</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes went still. She did not expect that Qiao Nan had earned the money from working. Most importantly, the money was not from illegitimate sources, and Qiao Dongliang knew about it all along.

    Qiao Dongliang closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He then looked at Qiao Zijin gloomily. ¡°Was that why you¡¯re suddenly so concerned about me today and brought me out for rehabilitation?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that, Dad...¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, go ahead and report to the police.¡± Before Qiao Zijin could finish her words, Qiao Dongliang said coldly.

    ¡°Dad, Nan Nan is crazy. Have you gone crazy as well? Can we report to the police for such casual matters? And... and we didn¡¯t lose much money.¡± No, she must not let Qiao Nan report to the police.

    ¡°The amount of money that had been stolen is not small It should meet the minimum sum required for filing a police report. Dad, I am going to file it now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t... Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, don¡¯t! Don¡¯t report to the police! Nan Nan, don¡¯t report to the police!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She opened her arms, like a mother hen, leaning on the frame of the door and blocking the exit firmly. ¡°Nan Nan, you can¡¯t go to the police. You really can¡¯t. The money is not stolen. It¡¯s Mom. Mom took it. Nan Nan, you¡¯re still young. It¡¯s not safe for you to keep so much money by your side. Mom is helping you keep them. We are one family. You definitely can¡¯t report to the police!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was only eighteen years old, ultimately lost her cool. Once she heard that they would be reporting to the police, she confessed without the need for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s interrogation.

    ¡°Zijin, you must have made a mistake. In this world, there is no mother who will take her daughter¡¯s money. There must have been a burry in our house. It¡¯s not your mom who took it. Nan Nan, report this to the police.¡± Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth. If he did not teach Ding Jiayi a lesson this time, this woman would really be unruly and out of control.

    This was unexpected. He did not discipline Ding Jiayi in front of his two daughters yesterday, nor did he take issue with her regarding the money she had borrowed from his formerrades before he was hospitalized. As such, he felt that Ding Jiayi would at least be well-behaved and restrained herself for a couple of days.

    However, within a short time span of one night, Ding Jiayi was so shameless that she had to steal her daughter¡¯s money. She even coborated with Zijin to ¡®kidnap¡¯ him to bluff Nan Nan.

    There were only four people in the family. Although he was not aware initially, he had also been made use of. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin actually coborated to steal Qiao Nan¡¯s money. At these thoughts, Qiao Dongliang could feel Qiao Nan¡¯s pain and grievances.

    ¡°You can¡¯t report to the police, Dad. It¡¯s true. I assure you that Nan Nan¡¯s money was definitely taken by Mom. It¡¯s not the burr. There is no burry.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Your mother went to work early this morning. Before Nan Nan came, you were keeping mepany outside and not at home. How did you know that the money had been taken by your mom and not the burr? Zijin, don¡¯t fuss about this. If we report to the police early, the police can help us find Nan Nan¡¯s money back as soon as possible.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was cold and insisted to make a police report.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin cried with anxiety. She was sure that her mother, and no one else, had taken the money. But how could she make her father and Qiao Nan believe her?

    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t block my way. If there¡¯s any dy, the money that I wanted to return to others would be all gone. At the very least, the money that was borrowed covered Dad¡¯s surgery and hospitalization expenses. I can¡¯t be so thick-skinned as to keep the money I earned for myself and not return it to others. This kind of shameless thing, I can¡¯t do it!¡±

    It should not be her responsibility alone to return the loan!

    Her mother even wanted to steal the money meant for repaying Brother Zhai. Why was her mother¡¯s character now more unbearable and worse than her previous life?

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you want Mom to go to jail? Dad, I was really in the wrong. I-I... Mom took that sum of money. This morning, I brought you for a stroll. Then, I told Nan Nan that you had a fall and asked her toe with me to help bring you back. Once Nan Nan left the house, Mom went to Nan Nan¡¯s bedroom. Mom didn¡¯t go to work.¡± The panicky Qiao Zijin exined the whole matter.

    ¡°You pair of mother and daughter are really...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart nearly stopped. There was darkness before his eyes as he nearly fainted.

    ¡°That was Nan Nan¡¯s hard-earned money. Both of you, being her mother and sister, spent so much effort to steal her money. Do you have to be so shameless?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was brimming with hate. He hated Ding Jiayi for teaching Qiao Zijin inappropriately, causing her to be like this.

    The money was borrowed by Nan Nan to save his life. This sum of money should be paid back by the parents, not Nan Nan, who was just a child!

    Nan Nan¡¯s tuition fees and misceneous expenses were already all waived, but she was still trying to find ways to return the money. Her purpose was to lessen the burden of her parents so that they would not be so stressed.

    On the surface, Nan Nan was not good to Ding Jiayi and disliked her, but among all the things that Nan Nan did, which one did not benefit their family or her parents?

    In other families, parents always worry about their children for the sake of thetter¡¯s well-being. It was exactly the opposite in their family. Why did Ding Jiayi always have to make them worry?

    At this juncture, Qiao Dongliang suddenly felt that he not only owed Ding Jiayi, but also Qiao Zijin, in his previous life. Otherwise, why did he have to be tortured so badly in this life?

    Nan Nan did not receive any care in this family at all. Yet, she had to look out for this family all the time.

    What a sin!

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t... don¡¯t be like that. You¡¯re scaring me.¡± Qiao Zijin was in tears and her eyes were red. Her speech was intermittent, swallowing hard as she spoke.

    She did not expect that the n did not proceed smoothly. Her mother sessfully took the money, but Qiao Nan, the trouble maker, discovered it soon after.

    Her mother was right. Qiao Nan was a trouble stirrer. As long as Qiao Nan was around, there would be no peace in the family.

    She did not understand. Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan part of this family? Why did she have to be so merciless, creating trouble every day and causing her parents to quarrel, to the extent that they could not carry on with their daily lives?!

    Qiao Nan was burying her face in her hands and asked sulkily, ¡°Dad, did Mom really give birth to me? Did you all not bring home the wrong baby?¡±

    It was not possible for her to be picked up from the streets. Her parents wanted a second child, a son to be exact. Even if they wanted to adopt a child, they would not adopt a daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang was able to feel the utter despair and the slight hope in Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Qiao Nan was hoping that Ding Jiayi was not her biological mother. In that case, it would be easier for her to ept the situation she was facing.

    If she was her biological mother, then why was there such a mother in this world?

    ¡°Nan Nan, what are you talking about? If Mom didn¡¯t give birth to you, would Dad and Mom raise you up till this age? Your words are too heartless!¡± Qiao Zijin scolded Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang yelled at Qiao Zijin, but he could not bring himself to reply to Qiao Nan¡¯s question.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi, who did not know what happened at home, was in a good mood since she had taken the money sessfully.

    When she left the Qiao residence, Ding Jiayi found a secluded ce and started counting the money.

 Chapter 187 - Someone We Know Committed the Crime

    <h4>Chapter 187: Someone We Know Committed the Crime</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°There¡¯s three hundred yuan!¡± When Ding Jiayi did a count of the ten-yuan stack in the envelope and realized that there was three hundred yuan, her eyes lit up. She was both happy and angry as she said, ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s age is so young but she dares to hide away the money. She¡¯s really ill-disciplined and beyond my control. If Old Qiao doesn¡¯t always side with Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll be able to teach her a lesson based on what she did with this sum of money. Qiao Nan is still a child but has a knack for hiding things in private. She doesn¡¯t treat me as her family member at all, hiding things so treacherously!¡±

    She did not expect that this wretched girl had her means. Earlier, she managed to borrow money for Old Qiao¡¯s medical expenses. Now, she brought home another three hundred yuan.

    This would not do. She had to think of a way to get Qiao Nan to bring more money back. In that case, she did not have to worry anymore even if Qiao Zijin went to college.

    She had already mentioned before that it was needless for that wretched girl to continue with her studies. It would be better if she stepped out into society to find a job and earn some money. This would lessen the burden for the family. However, Old Qiao would not listen to it.

    If Qiao Nan wished to continue with her studies, then it¡¯s fine. There was still one-third of the vacation period left.

    As long as Qiao Nan managed to earn five hundred yuan during the remaining period of her vacation and gradually pay off the loan for Old Qiao¡¯s earlier medical expenses by herself, she would allow her to continue with her studies.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan could forget about going to school. Qiao Nan, this wretched girl, was useless. She only knew how to consume!

    ¡°With this three hundred yuan, I don¡¯t need to worry about Zijin¡¯s tuition fees anymore. I heard that all of Zijin¡¯s ssmates have good family backgrounds. This won¡¯t do. I must quickly buy two sets of clothes for Zijin in case she doesn¡¯t have any new clothes to wear to school. She¡¯ll lose face in front of her ssmates.¡±

    Having said that, Ding Jiayi happily went to buy new clothes for Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi had deferred her annual leave previously. It was a rare asion that she could get off work two hours earlier today.

    Ding Jiayi was carrying the new clothes she specially bought for Qiao Zijin and humming a small tune as she walked home leisurely.

    Just as she was reaching the entrance of her house, Ding Jiayi halted her steps. She restrained her happy expression andbined the two bags of new clothing into one.

    After doing all these, Ding Jiayi then felt assured to go home. ¡°Hm?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was shocked to find a crowd at the doorstep. There were even police vehicles parking by the side. Ding Jiayi jumped. ¡°What happened... What happened to us? Did something happen to Old Qiao?¡±

    Could it be that Old Qiao had another ident just after he was discharged and had to be sent to the hospital again?

    Or could it be...

    ¡°Is it because they managed to find the driver whose car hit Old Qiao that day?!¡± As long as the culprit could be found, they should be able to receive a huge sum ofpensation!

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, you¡¯re finally back. I wonder which of your family member offended the deities this year for one thing to happen after another. A burr broke into your house and stole five hundred yuan!¡± The neighbor quickly told the ¡®clueless¡¯ Ding Jiayi, who had just returned from work, about what happened.

    ¡°Five hundred yuan was stolen? Impossible!¡± Even if she searched the whole house and overturned the beds, she would not find five hundred yuan.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. I¡¯m not lying to you. If there was no burry in your house, then why did the policee? Aiyo, quickly go home. Ask your Old Qiao if you want to find out more.¡± The neighbor gave Ding Jiayi a push and asked her to go home quickly to discuss with Old Qiao.

    During the end of the 20th century, five hundred yuan was not a small sum of money. If any household lost this amount of money, they would surely feel the pinch and lose their appetite for a few months.

    Ding Jiayi was in a state of confusion. She felt very uneasy but she squeezed herself into the crowd and went inside. ¡°Old Qiao, what happened? Why are there so many police officers in our house? The neighbor told me that there was a burry in our house and that we lost five hundred yuan. When did we have five hundred yuan?¡±

    All the money at home had long been spent.

    If there were five hundred yuan, wouldn¡¯t she have used it to pay for Old Qiao¡¯s medical expenses earlier?

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi coldly. Thereafter, he nced at the bag in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands. ¡°We don¡¯t have any money, but Nan Nan has. Some time ago, Nan Nan found a job and earned five hundred yuan. It was stolen this morning, so we had to report to the police directly. The police said that we can file a report with five hundred yuan.¡±

    ¡°F-Five hundred?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart and soul were shivering. She was shocked by the figure she heard from Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Are... are you mistaken?¡±

    Five hundred yuan! Where did the five hundred yuane from? She had counted a few times. There were only three hundred yuan.

    Wrong. She was the one who took Qiao Nan¡¯s money. When did it be a burry? Even the police came. Could they file a case?

    ¡°Where¡¯s Zijin?!¡± As an ordinary citizen, although she was the wife of a former military officer, Ding Jiayi¡¯s legs shivered and wobbled when she saw the policemen.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin came out from her bedroom quietly and ran toward Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi quickly pulled Qiao Zijin to one side and asked her, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why did they report to the police?!¡±

    As she said that, Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Zijin a hard push, reproaching Zijin for being so muddle-headed. Others might not know, but would Qiao Zijin not know where Qiao Nan¡¯s money went to? Moreover, this matter was initiated by Qiao Zijin.

    She took the money. Why did they report to the police? Who would the police catch? Her?!

    Qiao Zijin face was sulky as she cried. ¡°Qiao Nan said she wanted to report to the police and Dad agreed. I could not stop them. Qiao Nan immediately discovered that the money was lost once she reached home. She simply told Dad...¡±

    There was no need for Qiao Zijin to continue. Ding Jiayi could guess what happened thereafter.

    ¡°You! Why didn¡¯t you stop them?¡± Ding Jiayi was so anxious. The police were already here. How were they going to resolve this matter? If the police found out that she was the one who took the money, then would she be imprisoned?

    Qiao Zijin was annoyed as well. ¡°Dad wanted to report to the police. Could I possibly stop him? Mom, if you¡¯re around, would you be able to stop him?¡±

    She had already told her father the truth, but her father insisted on filing a police report. What else could she have done!

    Till now, Qiao Zijin could not understand why her father insisted on reporting this to the police when he clearly knew that her mother was the one who took Qiao Nan¡¯s money.

    ¡°Then... then, what do we do now? Will the police find out?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was red and swollen. She felt extremely nervous.

    The thing she feared most happened. As Ding Jiayi was worrying about the police¡¯s findings, they already had the preliminary results of the investigation. ¡°We¡¯ve finished investigating. Only your younger daughter¡¯s bedroom was turned upside down. Your doors and windows have no traces of being pried open. Most importantly, the thief only searched your younger daughter¡¯s room. This shows that the thief who came to your house knew that your daughter had a sum of money, and that the money was kept in her room.¡±

 Chapter 188 - Will Be Imprisoned

    <h4>Chapter 188: Will Be Imprisoned</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Based on this situation, the thief that came to your house is most likely someone you¡¯re familiar with. Most critically, they should be someone in possession of your house keys. Otherwise, he would not be able to enter your house so easily without being discovered. Obviously, this is a criminal casemitted by someone you know well.¡±

    The police officers were taking down notes. ¡°So, you can think carefully about people around you who may be a suspect. If you¡¯re able to provide us with many leads, we¡¯ll definitely try our best to help you retrieve the money as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Policeman, what will happen to the thief if they¡¯re caught? Is five hundred yuan considered a lot to steal?¡± Ding Jiayi, who had a guilty conscience, was so nervous that her palms were starting to sweat.

    Clearly, she only took her own daughter¡¯s money. How did she be a thief? Even the police were summoned!

    ¡°...¡± When the police officers heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, they had a strange feeling. The female owner of this house seemed to be implying the stolen five hundred yuan was not a huge amount and was hoping that the thief would steal more. Was she trying to help the thief get away with it?

    ¡°Stealing five hundred yuan will not constitute as a criminal offense. At most, there will be ten-day detention with both warning and fine imposed. But your family¡¯s situation is a little different as it¡¯s considered a break-in burry. This is more serious. If convicted, the culprit will be imprisoned for up to three years.¡±

    Just as the police officer finished his words, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. Her legs wobbled and she dropped to the floor, squatting down on her butt.

    I-Imprisoned for three years?!

    At the thought of the three years¡¯ imprisonment term, Ding Jiayi, who had never been so humiliated in her life, stood up and shouted, ¡°Argh!¡± She then pounced on Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re a jinx! Are you trying to do me in?! I¡¯m your biological mother! You crawled out from my womb! You¡¯re doing me in! You really want me dead! You¡¯re a little brute, a wretched girl.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?! Domestic violence in front of the police?! Do you know that the country has been discussing the ¡®Law on the Protection of Minors¡¯ for a few years? You¡¯re hitting your child in front of the police. Do you wish to go to jail? What kind of parent is this?!¡± The police officer was confused.

    Money had been stolen from the house. The mother was not anxious and wanted to hit the younger daughter instead. What logic was that?

    Asw officers serving the citizens, of course they would not tolerate the urrence of any domestic violence before their eyes. The police officer simply moved in front of Qiao Nan to hold back Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi, who was gesturing in a threatening manner, toned down as soon as she saw the police.

    ¡°Mr. Policeman, I¡¯m not filing this case. We didn¡¯t lose any money. Nothing¡¯s lost!¡± Ding Jiayi shrank her neck in fear, remembering the critical thing she had to do.

    The police report must not be filed and had to be withdrawn. She did not wish to be jailed and she could not allow Zijin to have a former jailbird as a mother.

    Ding Jiayi was subconsciously aware that if she was jailed and had a criminal record, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, she might not even acknowledge Ding Jiayi as her mother in the future. Ding Jiayi could then forget about Qiao Zijin keeping her by the side and being filial to her.

    ¡°It¡¯s lost!¡± Just as Qiao Nan was about to speak, Qiao Dongliang was a step quicker as he said in a loud and clear voice. ¡°Mr. Policeman, don¡¯t listen to her. She just came back from work and don¡¯t know a thing. We lost our money. Five hundred yuan is lost!¡±

    Qiao Nan shut her mouth and looked at Qiao Dongliang perplexedly.

    In fact, she did not understand what her father was trying to do.

    Qiao Zijin had clearly exined and said that her mother was the one who took away her three hundred yuan earnings.

    Qiao Nan thought that, given her father¡¯s character, he would definitely not alert the police. At best, he would wait for her mother toe back after squandering all the money and settle the scores with her. She had expected it to be great cry and little wool.

    Nevertheless, if Qiao Dongliang really did that, Qiao Nan would make known that she would no longer care about the matter and leave it to Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to gradually earn and pay the debts. However, she could not bring herself to do that as she personally borrowed the money from Zhai Sheng.

    What made Qiao Nan surprised was that although Qiao Zijin had exined the situation and Qiao Dongliang had also calmed down for some time, he still insisted on making the police report.

    Since the police report had already been made, Qiao Nan was prepared to take the plunge.

    If she did not think of a way to teach her mother a lesson and instill fear in her today, her mother would definitely take every single cent away from her pocket in the future.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan was resolute to kick up a big fuss today. But before she could do so, Qiao Dongliang had said everything on her behalf, leaving her no chance to do so.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed and quietly pulled Qiao Nan behind him. He hinted at Qiao Nan to keep quiet as he told the whole story. ¡°Mr. Policeman, I just had a car ident. My medical expenses were borrowed by my daughter. That¡¯s why I¡¯m still alive and standing here today. The driver who hit me escaped. The money stolen today was earned by my daughter during her vacation to help me repay the loan for the medical fees. It¡¯s been hard on my younger daughter. That¡¯s her hard-earned money. It¡¯s also because the adults in our family are useless, forcing the child to be so sensible at a young age. It¡¯s been really hard on her. Therefore, you must help us.¡±

    Hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, both police officers were moved. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we will!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice was neither loud nor soft, but it was loud enough for the neighbors who were crowding at the main entrance of the Qiao family to hear.

    ¡°It¡¯s been so hard on Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I heard about it too. Old Qiao¡¯s surgery fees were borrowed by Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan not only did the quad proud by doing well in her studies but also very filial. Old Qiao is so blessed.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of it, the most detestable person is the thief. Nan Nan is such a capable and determined child. She did so well in her studies and all her tuition and misceneous fees have been waived. She has helped her family save a huge sum of money. Yet, the thief had to steal the money needed to repay the debts. Why don¡¯t the thief go and die!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We have to be careful too lest the thief steals from us.¡±

    The more sensible and caring Qiao Nan was, the more detestable and hateful the thief seemed to be.

    Shortly after, all the neighbors were cursing and scolding the thief, saying that they deserved to die. Ding Jiayi was shivering all over with anger when she heard these.

    ¡°Mom, what should we do now?¡± While Ding Jiayi was so furious that she was nearly driven to her grave, Qiao Zijin was scared out of her wits. The situation was getting worse and all the neighbors were cursing and swearing.

    If she had known that this would happen, she would have nned more carefully so that Qiao Nan would bepelled to suffer in silence.

    She should not have been so anxious. She had allowed Qiao Nan to see through her n, causing matters to escte. It was so embarrassing.

    Right now, Qiao Zijin¡¯s head was hanging as if there was a big stone pressing at the back of her neck. She could not lift her head. She was worried that the police would find out that her mother stole the money. If that happened, what should she do? Would her mother be imprisoned for three years?

    Didn¡¯t they say that stealing five hundred yuan would not constitute as a criminal offense? Why did she have to go to jail?

 Chapter 189 - Truly a Pea-Brain

    <h4>Chapter 189: Truly a Pea-Brain</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As things had turned out this way, Ding Jiayi was at a total loss. ¡°Mr. Policeman, can youe over for a bit? I have something to tell you.¡± At the thought of the neighbors crowding the entrance and the words that she was going to tell the police officers, Ding Jiayi¡¯s aged face turned red and could not lift her head in front of the police officers.

    ¡°Speak your mind.¡± The police officer who advocated justice did not like Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior and asked her to be open about her thoughts.

    ¡°I wanted to say that we did not lose any money. This is a misunderstanding. My younger daughter did not lose her money. I... I was the one who took it. It¡¯s true. I¡¯m really sorry to have caused you inconvenience. My child is the one who¡¯s insensible and ignorant. I¡¯ll get her to apologize to you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was clearly the one in the wrong, but she insisted on using Qiao Nan as her shield at this point and shoved all responsibility to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What? You took it? Is it true?¡± The police officer looked at Ding Jiayi suspiciously. ¡°I¡¯m telling you. If you lie to us, that constitutes as giving false statements and you¡¯ll be liable legally. Don¡¯t tell me you know who the thief is and you¡¯re purposely saying that to find a scapegoat for him?¡±

    ¡°Why would I? It¡¯s true. That sum of money is really with me. It¡¯s not lost.¡±

    ¡°You took your daughter¡¯s money without telling her or your husband. You just took it like that yourself?¡± At the thought that no one in the whole family knew where the money went to, the police officers felt strange.

    ¡°My daughter is still young. I¡¯m afraid that she will squander the money away if she keeps it with her. So, I... I just wanted to help her safe keep the money for time being. I didn¡¯t know that this child is such a money-grubber and would cause you so much trouble. Sorry, sorry. I didn¡¯t teach my child well. Mr. Policeman, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely educate my children properlyter.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense. Didn¡¯t you all mention that the money earned by your younger daughter was meant for paying off the debt? Why would she squander it away?¡± The police officer knitted his brows. ¡°This friend,e over. Can your family of four rify this? Did you really lose the money?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not lost, definitely not lost. It¡¯s all with me.¡± Ding Jiayi snapped and emphasized continuously that the money was with her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe her words too. Every family has its hardships...¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°My wife is not reliable. Otherwise, my hospitalization and surgery fees would not have been borrowed by my younger daughterst time. We even need my younger daughter¡¯s help to pay it off now. Please investigate this thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°O-Old Qiao, what are you trying to do? Do you really want me to go to jail? The money is with me. When was it stolen? If you don¡¯t believe it, I¡¯ll show you!¡± Ding Jiayi jumped with anxiety, her eyes red.

    She did not understand why everyone doubted her although she was clearly telling the truth today. Why didn¡¯t anyone believe her?

    No one believes those who tell the truth in this world anymore!

    Ding Jiayi did not care. She took out all the money in her pocket. Some of it was in stacks of ten yuan, but there was also a lot of change. ¡°See, I¡¯m not lying. The money is here.¡±

    ¡°How much money is this?¡± The policeman expressed some doubt. Although he did not work in the bank, it did not look like there were five hundred yuan in that pool of money.

    ¡°...¡± At the mention of the amount of money left, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face immediately swelled and turned dark red. She was so embarrassed that she did not know what to say.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi sounded like a mosquito as she said sulkily, ¡°Two hundred and fifty yuan...¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The police officer could not hear Ding Jiayi as she had spoken too softly.

    ¡°There... there¡¯re still two hundred and fifty yuan...¡± When she heard the police officer questioning her, Ding Jiayi was frightened and her reply was much louder this time.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    After hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, everyone present in the house went silent, especially the two police officers who resisted rolling their eyes at Ding Jiayi.

    No wonder that man had been saying that his wife was unreliable. She was indeed unreliable. They had felt strange that the medical expenses for the man¡¯s ident were borrowed by the younger daughter. Where was the man¡¯s wife at that time?

    The money was borrowed by the younger daughter and now the younger daughter wanted to earn money to repay the debt. This family was too much. Every matter had to depend on the youngdy. What had the parents been doing?

    Didn¡¯t they say that this youngdy had just enrolled in senior high school?

    She was just a child!

    ¡°Five hundred yuan. Why is it only half left after you took it? Half the day has not even passed yet.¡± The police officer shouted and looked at Ding Jiayi in a serious manner. ¡°You said that your child is young and did not know how to guard the money. My friend, did you feel guilty when you said that? This money was earned by your younger daughter to repay a debt, but you... you spent it just like that?¡±

    The police officer¡¯s mind was filled with the two words ¡®spent it¡¯. The younger daughter¡¯s earnings meant for repaying debt were all spent by the mother. Spent it, spent it...

    ¡°No no no, it¡¯s not five hundred yuan. It¡¯s three hundred yuan. The sum of the money in her envelope was only three hundred yuan, not five hundred yuan. I spent fifty yuan, not two hundred and fifty yuan!¡± Ding Jiayi was about to cry. She counted umpteen times and was certain that there was only three hundred yuan. Where did the five hundred yuane from? Unless...

    ¡°Tell me, did you spend the other two hundred yuan then me it on me?!¡± Yes, why didn¡¯t she realize that she had clearly taken only three hundred yuan, but the police mentioned that five hundred yuan was lost? The numbers did not tally!

    That wretched girl not only hid money from her but also spent half of it boldly. If the police were not around, Ding Jiayi would have greeted Qiao Nan¡¯s face with a p long ago.

    ¡°Talk nicely. You dare to behave like that in front of the police!¡± Now, the police officer was really furious.

    The child was so sensible to help the family lessen the burden. This was a blessing for the parents. But this person took all the blessings for granted. This was really unreasonable.

    The youngdy could not spend the money that she earned, yet the mother used the excuse of safekeeping to take her money without asking and even spent it. Spent it!!!

    Was there any reasoning in this?!

    ¡°Your younger daughter has her rights too. Her parents can help her safe keep but not use her money. I believe your younger daughter has reached sixteen years old. Even if a 16-year-old child does not pass her money to the parents for safekeeping, that¡¯s legal in the eyes of thew. Your action of taking without permission, to put it bluntly, was no different from stealing. You still med your younger daughter for being insensible. I think you¡¯re the one that¡¯s the most insensible one in your whole family. You spent your daughter¡¯s money that was meant for repaying the debts. Tell me, what were you thinking? Two hundred and fifty yuan? I think you¡¯re really a pea-brain!!¡±

    ¡°Tell me, how do you intend to settle this situation now?¡± The other police officer was impatient. He was most annoyed whenever he came into contact with confusing housewives.

 Chapter 190 - Could No Longer Tolerate

    <h4>Chapter 190: Could No Longer Tolerate</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°File the case. At the very least, I hope that there will be a criminal record for today¡¯s matter,¡± Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth and said firmly.

    He insisted on filing a police case and said on his own ord that there were five hundred yuan instead of three hundred yuan to teach Ding Jiayi a lesson.

    Ding Jiayi was not fearful of him and dared to do anything for the sake of Zijin now. He did not feel much for himself but it would be hard on Nan Nan who had to endure endless suffering.

    Qiao Dongliang had considered that although Ding Jiayi was not a good mother, she was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother after all. From the outsiders¡¯ point of view, although Ding Jiayi was not that perfect, as a daughter, Qiao Nan could not go overboard in doing certain things too. It would be wrong of her even if Qiao Nan did them for the sake of protecting herself.

    China is a country that advocates filial piety first. In many people¡¯s thinking, the traditional value of ¡®foolish filial piety¡¯ still exists.

    These things must be carried out by Qiao Dongliang in order not to let Qiao Nan suffer and damage her reputation.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were of equivalent seniority and he was the head of the family. If Qiao Dongliang was the one who fronted these things, Qiao Nan would not be implicated at all. Everyone would likely point their fingers at Ding Jiayi.

    Even if Ding Jiayi had ten thousand reasons, today¡¯s matter couldn¡¯t be allowed to pass just like that!

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± The police officer asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by sure? No, you can¡¯t give me a criminal record!¡± Ding Jiayi dashed to the police officer, wanting to grab the book from his hands. ¡°What happened today is simply a private matter of our family. It¡¯s not up to the police officers to interfere. You all can¡¯t give me criminal record!¡±

    Ding Jiayi would not allow such a shameful matter to ur.

    Somehow, Ding Jiayi felt that if she had a criminal record due to today¡¯s matter, it would be difficult for her to do anything to Qiao Nan in the future. She would definitely be subjected to others¡¯ control.

    The police officer¡¯s eyes turned still. ¡°You¡¯re overboard. Are you trying to attack the police?¡±

    The police officer¡¯s initial thought was to convince Qiao Dongliang not to file the case and resolve the internal conflict amongst themselves. He felt that dirty linen should not be aired in public.

    But when Ding Jiayi pounced on them all of a sudden, the police officers were furious. She treated them as if they were her daughters, as if they had to listen to her when she told them not to file the case. She even dared to grab the books from them! Did she still regard them as the people¡¯sw officers?

    ¡°Mom, Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin was so embarrassed that she wanted to cover her face so that the police officer would not remember her.

    However, Qiao Zijin ultimately could not tolerate Ding Jiayi¡¯s idiotic behavior and held thetter back. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re mad. Sorry, Mr. Policeman. My... my mother did not rest enough recently. She¡¯s thus not in a clear state of mind. Please don¡¯t take issue with her. Misunderstanding, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, we understand that you have to go by the books if need be. Do whatever you deem fit. We will abide ordingly.¡±

    Well, leaving a criminal record was better thannding in jail.

    Attacking the police?

    If her mother was really convicted of this crime, she would definitelynd in jail for a few days!

    She could not afford to lose her face like that.

    ¡°It must have been tough on you all to have such a family member.¡± The police officer¡¯s face was sullen as he wrote the report as quickly as he could. ¡°Alright, please sign.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a nce at the contents and signed his name without a word after he got the gist of it.

    It was Ding Jiayi¡¯s turn to sign thereafter. However, Ding Jiayi wanted to refute when she saw the contents in the report which stated that she had ¡®stolen¡¯ five hundred yuan from her daughter, spent two hundred and fifty yuan, leaving two hundred and fifty yuan. Clearly, she only took three hundred yuan and spent fifty yuan!

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin shouted in a deep voice. ¡°Mom, can you stop creating a din? Haven¡¯t you been embarrassed enough? Most likely, everyone in the quad will hear about today¡¯s matter. You... you think for a bit! How am I going to face everyone in the future? If you continue to kick a fuss, will it look good on you?!¡±

    Qiao Zijin could not wait for the police to immediately leave the Qiao¡¯s residence so that she could shut the house¡¯s main entrance tightly and iste herself from the sounds of the neighbors¡¯ gossip.

    After being shouted at by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi could only grit her teeth and signed her name humiliatingly.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Then, we¡¯ll be leaving.¡± After obtaining the signatures, the police officers put away the report and left in no time.

    ¡°Left? They just left like that?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that Ding Jiayi would be the one who took the money. What kind of person is she?¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, she spent all the money she took from Nan Nan in the split of a second. Nan Nan, this child, is such a poor thing.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, I saw Ding Jiayi carrying a bag of clothes when she came back. Most probably, the money was spent on buying clothes. Guess who she bought them for?¡±

    ¡°Who else could she have bought them for? All of us stay in the same quad, but have you ever seen Nan Nan wearing new clothes? Ding Jiayi was really ¡®good¡¯. She took Nan Nan¡¯s hard-earned money for repaying debts to buy clothes for Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin would be happy to have such a mother but Nan Nan would suffer. There¡¯s no reason to be biased in this way.¡±

    ¡°Shut the door. Shut the door! Quickly, shut the door!¡± Each and every word of those gossips transmitted clearly into Qiao Zijin¡¯s ears.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale as she covered her ears and shrieked. She did not want to hear those words ever again!

    Why was it that Qiao Nan could gain everyone¡¯s sympathy like a pitiful little rabbit but she had to be mocked at because of her rtionship with her mother?

    She did not think that Qiao Nan was pitiful. In fact, Qiao Nan was detestable and hateful!

    Her mother was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother, and she was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. Because of mere five hundred yuan, Qiao Nan had to damage both her mother¡¯s and her reputation. As a result, they could not hold their heads high above others. Why did Qiao Nan have such a malicious heart?!

    The more Qiao Zijin thought about it, the more humiliated she felt. She then looked at Qiao Dongliang with a face full of tears. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re too heartless. I¡¯ve already told you that Mom took the money. We all belong to the same family. Why did you have to report to the police and make things so embarrassing? Dad, how am I going to face everyone in the future? Now, everyone in the quad thinks that my mother and I are the bad guys! Even if you¡¯re doing this to protect Qiao Nan, you can¡¯t sacrifice me for her sake. This is unfair! Dad, do you still treat me as your daughter?!¡±

    ¡°What? Old Qiao, you already knew about it before this and you¡¯re the one who wanted to report to the police? Old Qiao, you¡¯re really...¡± Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth and shrieked, rushing toward Qiao Dongliang.

    So, she was so embarrassed today and Zijin was angry all because of Old Qiao.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi who was rushing toward him, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes turned cold. He raised his hands and pped Ding Jiayi. The sound was extremely deafening and harsh to the ears.

    The side of Ding Jiayi¡¯s face which was hit immediately went numb with pain.

    Ding Jiayi held that painful side of her face and looked at Qiao Dongliang in disbelief. ¡°O-Old Qiao, you... you dare to hit me? I¡¯ve been married to you for neen years. You actually hit me today?!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the habit of hitting a woman, but you made me feelpelled to do so!¡±

 Chapter 191 - Regain Economic Authority

    <h4>Chapter 191: Regain Economic Authority</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang gave Ding Jiayi an icy stare. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about what you have done in the past. Let¡¯s just talk about this past year. Have you forgotten about the ridiculous and unbearable things that you have done? Ding Jiayi, what is it that you want? You did everything I dislike and hate. Do you still want to stay as a couple?! Yesterday, you changed the topic and refused to hear what I wanted to say. I gave in and didn¡¯t continue with the topic, but you went overboard. Today, you acted as if nothing happened and had the audacity to gang up with Zijin to steal the money that Nan Nan earned. Ding Jiayi, aren¡¯t you shameful of yourself?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was so furious that he gave Ding Jiayi a p on the face. ¡°You should have said earlier that you don¡¯t wish to stay together. We can go our separate ways.¡±

    Zijin had been spoiled by Ding Jiayi. He could not watch Ding Jiayi do more harm to Nan Nan and do nothing about it.

    ¡°You... what do you mean by this? You have no conscience. When you had no rtives back then, and no one was willing to marry you, I did not look down on you and chose to marry you. You have not made your mark, yet you want to divorce me. Do you have another woman outside? Are you looking down on me?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was shocked. She never thought that Qiao Dongliang would talk about going their separate ways and divorcing her.

    The reason why Ding Jiayi knew no limits was that she was sure that Qiao Dongliang would never divorce her.

    Qiao Dongliang had no rtives. In the eyes of others, he was not a good catch.

    Once Qiao Dongliang divorced her, he would not be able to get another wife.

    Because of this, Ding Jiayi paid no heed to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s warnings or anger. Even though she was in the wrong, she could hold her head high in front of Qiao Dongliang. She only agreed to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s requests to appease him for the time being. She did not really mean it deep inside her heart.

    But today, Qiao Dongliang brought up divorce. Ding Jiayi was shocked and scared.

    Ding Jiayi looked like an unreasonable shrew right now. Qiao Dongliang was reminded of the time when heid on the hospital bed, waiting to go into the operating room for his surgery. Ding Jiayi had kicked up a fuss at the hospital and refused to repay the money she owed Qiao Dongliang¡¯srades. At the thought of all these, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned sullen, resembling the dark clouds on stormy days. It was as if bolts of lightning would strike anytime soon.

    ¡°Do you still want a thrashing?!¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang was not in the mood to consider the fact that his two daughters were still there. Even if things got ugly between him and Ding Jiayi in the presence of the two children, it would not change anything.

    ¡°How could you not know whether I have a woman outside? I gave every single cent I earned to you. Which woman would be willing to stick with a penniless man like me? If there is such a woman, she must be really unfortunate. Ding Jiayi, where¡¯s your conscience? Is that something you should say? I worked my guts out and gave my entire sry to you. Yet, you spent everything behind my back, leaving us without any money that I almost died in the hospital. Ding Jiayi, is your heart made of stone? How dare you be angry and be fierce at me?!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is unlucky to have such a mom who is out of the line like you. But Nan Nan is sensible. She worked to earn money for my medical expenses. What have you been doing as her mother and as my wife? Ding Jiayi, you are so heartless to spend your daughter¡¯s hard-earned money! Did you really think that you do not need to repay the money you borrowed? Do you think that if you y some shameful tricks and act pitiful, then there is no need for you to repay the money? Are you in stupid?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was too angry to speak. Ding Jiayi was unreasonable, ignorant, and brainless.

    Could it be that after staying at home for so many years, Ding Jiayi became foolish?

    Otherwise, why would she have such ridiculous ideas?

    Qiao Dongliang scolded Ding Jiayi right in front of his daughters. Qiao Zijin who stood by the side dared not utter a word. Qiao Nan¡¯s only reaction was a pregnant silence.

    She kept silent for a long while before letting out a long sigh. She did not know how much her mother had suffered back at her grandma¡¯s home when her mother was still young.

    What she knew was that ever since her mother married her father, she had been spoiled by her father.

    Her mother knew that one must repay the money that one borrowed. But she had the mentality that she did not need to repay the debts since her father could earn the money when he had recovered from his injuries. Thus, he would be responsible for repaying the debts. Basically, her mother thought that these things had nothing to do with her.

    Therefore, when her debtors demanded that she repaid her debts, her mother never once looked at the issue from their point of view. She never considered the fact that they might be in need of money as well. She was only capable of procrastinating.

    Ding Jiayi had nned to put it off until Qiao Dongliang had recovered and was able to work to repay the debts.

    She did not care whether her debtors would create a din because of the money that she owed them.

    To put it bluntly, her mother was downright selfish.

    Besides Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang, she did not care about anyone else.

    To Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin and herself were people of the same circle. She did not care about those outside the circle.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang had no idea what was going through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind. When he saw Ding Jiayi in tears, he was even more furious. ¡°Why are you so shameless and spent Nan Nan¡¯s money? I... forget it. It¡¯s useless to talk with you since you are heartless and brainless. It is just like ying the lute to a cow. Hand over all of your pay to me right now!¡±

    One side of Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was swollen. ¡°What do you want to do with it?¡±

    ¡°Give me all the money!¡± Qiao Dongliang banged his palm on the table, rattling the small change Ding Jiayi left on it.

    Ding Jiayi sniffed and had no other choice but to return to her room. She took out all the wages she had earned in the past six months and dared not keep any for herself.

    Qiao Dongliang took the money Ding Jiayi had with her without another word. He counted them and took out fifty yuan. He ced it together with the two hundred and fifty yuan that was on the table. ¡°Nan Nan, this is the three hundred yuan that you earned. Take it and keep them in a safe ce. Don¡¯t keep it at home. There is a huge and sneaky ¡®mouse¡¯ here, so it¡¯s not safe.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded briskly. She kept the three hundred yuan in her pocket without another a word. Tomorrow morning, she would put the money at the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    Ding Jiayi pulled a wrinkled face when she saw how Qiao Nan reached for the money and kept it inside her pocket. She looked distressed and heartbroken as if a slice of her flesh was cleaved from her. Just one look at her face, one could feel the pain and devastation that she felt.

    ¡°Old Qiao, this won¡¯t do. There isn¡¯t enough for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees.¡±

 Chapter 192 - Do You Look Down on Me

    <h4>Chapter 192: Do You Look Down on Me</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi refused to give up. ¡°We spent a huge amount of money on your hospital stay. We will not be able to repay all the debts within a short time. The priority is to save them for our household expenses. Zijin¡¯s study is important as well. Can... can we use the money to pay for her tuition fees first? I promise that I will repay the money in the future!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang snorted, not taking her words seriously. ¡°Zijin,e over here.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was ashen. She hunched her shoulders and dragged her feet, walking toward her father. ¡°Dad?¡±

    ¡°Zijin, you yed a part in what happened today. Tell me, who is in the wrong?¡±

    ¡°Dad...¡± Qiao Zijin found it difficult to look at Qiao Dongliang. She put the me onto Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, Mom is our elder. Do you want your mom to apologize to you and admit her mistakes?¡±

    Qiao Nan snorted. ¡°Sister, do you mean that it is indeed wrong of Mom for stealing my money and she should apologize to me, but since she is our elder, we should just disregard her mistakes? Mom, did you hear that? My sister thinks that you are the only one who is at fault today!¡±

    She knew what Qiao Zijin was up to. She wanted to push all the me to her mother.

    Qiao Zijin was dumbstruck. She never put it that way.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi certainly would not believe in Qiao Nan¡¯s words, and she could hear Qiao Zijin¡¯s words clearly. Qiao Zijin was trying to push the me to Qiao Nan. ¡°Old Qiao, you can me me, lecture me, or even hit me, as long as you are appeased and feel good. But there¡¯s only half a month before Zijin starts school. Can you give us the tuition fees first? I will do anything ording to your wishes, how about it?¡±

    After Qiao Dongliang pped her and mentioned that he was going to divorce her, Ding Jiayi no longer dared to act rashly. She dared not show her anger now.

    Ding Jiayi had severed her ties with her rtives. Though Qiao Zijin painted a beautiful picture, saying that she would take care of her mother, after all, Qiao Zijin was still a student. Ding Jiayi could not rely on Qiao Zijin to take care of her. Qiao Dongliang was the pir of the family. There was no one else for her to rely on.

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Dongliang refused adamantly.

    ¡°Why not? Do you want Zijin to stop her studies? You finance Qiao Nan through her studies but you refuse to do so for Zijin. Isn¡¯t that being biased? What right do you have to say that I am biased?¡± Ding Jiayi was full of hatred. It was Old Qiao who said that he wanted Qiao Zijin to stay with the family and to take in a husband for her.

    Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, would be married off sooner orter.

    No matter how good Qiao Nan was in her studies, she was of no use to the Qiao family. She would only benefit others.

    Why did Old Qiao not understand that the money spent on Qiao Nan was as good as wasted? Why did he insist on being so nice to Qiao Nan?

    On the contrary, Zijin would stay with the family. They would have someone to depend on if Zijin was sessful.

    ¡°You can rest assured. I will treat them fairly. You pay for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, but I don¡¯t give Nan Nan any money for her tuition fees. I only give her money for her meals. That said, Nan Nan receives less money than Zijin. How am I biased?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi in mockery.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t the same. Qiao Nan does not have to pay for her tuition fees!¡± But Zijin had to pay for hers.

    ¡°If Zijin has the ability, she does not need to pay her tuition fees as well. Is it Nan Nan¡¯s fault that she has good academic performance and that the school exempted her from paying tuition and misceneous fees?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Zijin. ¡°Zijin, tell me, who is biased? Is it your mom or me? Is it because you have not studied hard enough, or is it Nan Nan¡¯s fault for being good in her studies?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was stiff and her eyes stung. Did her father look down on her, feeling that Qiao Nan was better and smarter than her?

    It was her mother who was at fault. They should sort it out among themselves. Why did they have to vent their frustrations on her andpare her with Qiao Nan?!

    ¡°Dad, do you think that my grades are lousy?¡± Qiao Zijin broke out in tears and looked at Qiao Dongliang with a pair of sorrowful eyes.

    Qiao Dongliang turned his face away, gritted his teeth, steeled his heart, and said, ¡°Compared with Nan Nan, you did not do as well. Zijin, you are the elder daughter of the family, you should be more sensible than Nan Nan. Nan Nan gave up the chance to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and chose Ping Cheng High School instead. You should know why she did that. Nan Nan is so sensible and has made so many sacrifices for this family. Zijin, ask yourself, what have you done for this family, and what has this family done for you? Zijin, you have not taken up the responsibility as the elder daughter of the Qiao family.¡±

    In the past, whenever Qiao Nan did well for her exams and Qiao Zijin did badly for hers, Qiao Zijin always put on a sorrowful and inferior look in front of Qiao Dongliang. He would thenfort Qiao Zijin, saying that the results were not the most important thing. What was important was that she had done her best.

    But today, Qiao Dongliang acted out of the blue. Contrary to Qiao Zijin¡¯s expectations, he did not console her. Instead, his words put Qiao Zijin in an awkward position.

    Qiao Zijin cried out in tears at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s truthful words.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin in tears, Qiao Dongliang was heartbroken, but he knew that this time he could not be soft-hearted again. He could not be the same as before. ¡°Fine, Ding Jiayi, listen to me. If you want to stay as a family, I will be in charge of money and expenses in and outside the house. You are dishonest and have a tendency to squander money. I can¡¯t let you ruin this family and the two children. If you disagree, let¡¯s have a divorce since we cannot stay together anymore. Qiao Zijin will stay with you and Nan Nan will stay with me.¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin was so scared that she stopped crying. She quickly stood beside Ding Jiayi, shaking her head at her. She did not want them to go their separate ways.

    She had so many ssmates, but no one had parents who were divorced. She did not want to embarrass herself. She did not want to be the oddball among her ssmates.

    Most importantly, if her parents ended up divorcing, and she stayed with her mother, there was no way that her mother could raise her up with her low pay. She had to stay with her father in order to lead a stable life.

    Ding Jiayi heard the word ¡®divorce¡¯ and was devastated. ¡°Old Qiao, do you really want to divorce me?¡±

    ¡°You still have a choice now. Decide for yourself whether you want us to divorce.¡± If Qiao Dongliang did not steel his heart and do something about Ding Jiayi and her crooked mentality, it would bepletely over for all of them.

    ¡°No. No, I don¡¯t want to... I will give you all the money.¡± Ding Jiayi blew her nose in embarrassment. Her eyes were red and swollen.

    If she had a divorce at her age and her family, particrly her mother, found out, she would be gloating over her divorce.

    Like Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi could not live without Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Since you have said those words, don¡¯t me me for being unruly and ruthless if you fail to keep your promise.¡±

    ¡°I will bear that in mind. I do not want a divorce!¡±

 Chapter 193 - Discovering What Was Wrong With Qiao Zijin

    <h4>Chapter 193: Discovering What Was Wrong With Qiao Zijin</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi wiped her tears dry, her voice hoarse.

    She really did not expect that taking the three hundred yuan with her gained her nothing but big trouble in the end. Moreover, she was disgraced thoroughly.

    ¡°You must also bear in mind that Nan Nan is the daughter of the Qiao family. She bears my surname Qiao, whereas your surname is Ding. If you dare to do anything to Nan Nan or hit her, Nan Nan may not be able to retaliate as you are her elder, but I will give you a taste of your own medicine and make you suffer worse than what you do to her.¡±

    Whenever Ding Jiayi was angry, she would use force on Qiao Nan. Today, she did the same thing right in front of the police. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was stern. He had to set the rules straight.

    ¡°Did you hear me?!¡±

    ¡°I heard you...¡± Ding Jiayi answered weakly. She knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words were not empty threats or jokes. He was serious.

    ¡°Since you heard it, you should clean up Nan Nan¡¯s room right now. Since you messed it up, you must put it back to how it used to be. If you do not put every single thing back in order, you will not get to have dinner tonight!¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Ding Jiayi, who was trembling in fear, dared not say ¡®no¡¯. She dared not go against whatever Qiao Dongliang said. If he wanted her to head east, she would not dare to head west.

    ¡°Dad, it was my fault. Since I already knew about it, I should have persuaded Mom. I should not have created troubles with her. It¡¯s just that Nan Nan is young, and she cannot safeguard the money. In fact, I am worried that she will develop a bad habit of splurging because she has so much money with her...¡±

    When Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Zijin had a pitiful and sorrowful look on her face. She softened her tone and sounded as if she was really sorry and remorseful, exining and making excuses for her behavior.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s better for you to not say anything now. The more you say, the more ufortable I am. Zijin, in my heart, you have always been a well-behaved child. I hope you will not ruin the good impression I have of you.¡±

    If Zijin genuinely cared about Nan Nan and was worried that she would develop the bad habit of splurging money, there were other ways to show she cared. She did not need to make use of him to get Nan Nan out of the house and coborate with Ding Jiayi to steal Nan Nan¡¯s money.

    In less than a day, Ding Jiayi had spent a sixth of the three hundred yuan that Nan Nan had. It did not need a genius to figure out that Ding Jiayi must have used the money to buy things for Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang refused to believe that his elder daughter came up with such a n just for the three hundred yuan¡ªthat she coborated with Ding Jiayi to orchestrate a full-scale drama in front of him. He did not want to believe that the elder daughter was a person who would betray her family for money, disregarding the feelings of her father and her sister.

    However, he could not convince himself that the elder daughter was innocent¡ªthat Ding Jiayi was the mastermind.

    Qiao Dongliang felt thoroughly disappointed at Qiao Zijin. Otherwise, he would not have said those words that put Qiao Zijin in an awkward situation. He would not havepared Qiao Zijin¡¯s results with Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin had thought of how she was going to insist on her innocence, but her words were trapped in her mouth after what Qiao Dongliang said. She curled the corner of her lips reluctantly. ¡°Dad, Mom has done an injustice to Nan Nan. I will help Mom clean up Nan Nan¡¯s room. Nan Nan, you... you must not be angry with me. I did not do it on purpose.¡±

    With that, Qiao Zijin went to Qiao Nan¡¯s room to clean up without another look at Qiao Nan. This was her way of showing that she had yielded to her.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She had to hand it to Qiao Zijin.

    Half an hour ago, Qiao Zijin hated her father for blowing up the matter and embarrassing her.

    However, in the blink of an eye, Qiao Zijin was like a different person as soon as her mother left the room. Not only did she yield to her father but also sounded apologetic for her mistakes. She acted like she was very sorry toward them both.

    Qiao Zijin was only eighteen years old now!

    It was no wonder that in the previous life, both her mother and father loved and favored Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin seemed to exhibit schizophrenia in front of her parents, disying two opposite personalities.

    To put it simply, when Ding Jiayi was around, Qiao Zijin would act as if she sided with Ding Jiayi and vowed to help her. However, when Ding Jiayi was absent, Qiao Zijin became a good child who knew the ways of the world, having upright and correct worldviews and humbly epting all criticisms.

    The two opposite personalities that Qiao Zijin disyed when she was with her mother and father seemed to suggest that she had been influenced by Ding Jiayi and thus had corrupt worldviews and bad behaviors.

    Qiao Nan frowned. In the previous life, she always felt that Qiao Zijin was spoiled by her mother. But in this life, Qiao Nan suddenly thought otherwise.

    Indeed, her mother doted on Qiao Zijin. In fact, her mother would listen to what Qiao Zijin said most of the time instead of the other way round.

    The best proof was in the previous life, the moment she inadvertently overheard the conversation between her mother and Qiao Zijin. If it was not for Qiao Zijin¡¯s suggestion, her mother would not have thought of using Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney to save Qiao Zijin.

    They insisted that Qiao Nan donated her kidney to Qiao Zijin regardless of whether she was willing or not. Come to think of it, Qiao Zijin had been the one who nted the thought in her mother.

    If Qiao Zijin had not mentioned it, given her mother¡¯s education level, she would not have known that one could donate kidneys for free as long as it was between rtives. The matching level was also higher than that of nonrtives.

    Qiao Nan was reminded of another case from when she just ¡®returned¡¯ a year ago.

    Her mother tended to do things in a straightforward manner. She was not one toe up with a careful and well-thought-out n. Take for example the case of wanting her to work and quit her studies. Her mother did not devise a n to make her quit her studies. Instead, she sold her junior high school books without any further thought. In doing so, one could seize upon the chinks in her armor easily.

    Besides, her mother did not like her, so she prohibited her from having meat and fish dishes at home.

    Though her mother pretended to be otherwise in front of her father, her mother did not hide her dislike for her. She sided with Qiao Zijin outright and never intended to hide her favoritism toward Qiao Zijin.

    Even when her mother wanted her to quit school, her mother had told her clearly that she had to work.

    On that rainy night when someone came into her room while she was asleep, that person not only took away the nket she used to protect herself from the cold but also opened the window next to her to make her catch a cold and develop a fever. This did not seem to be what her mother would do.

    On the contrary, in the previous life, Qiao Zijin had called Chen Jun as her brother-inw in front of Qiao Nan, but in a short period of three months, Qiao Zijin told her that she was two months pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child and wanted her mother to stand up for her.

    Did she and her father have the wrong idea all this while?

    ¡°Nan Nan, what are you thinking about? Why are you looking at your sister in such a way?¡± Qiao Dongliang quickly discovered that Qiao Nan was lost in her thoughts. He could tell that Qiao Nan had a strange look in her eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, your sister, she...¡±

 Chapter 194 - Brainwashed

    <h4>Chapter 194: Brainwashed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to say anything else, I can tell what you want to say. Dad, to tell you the truth, I am different from you. You are my sister¡¯s biological father, so you are willing to believe that your child is good-natured. Even if she may have some bad character traits, it is not a big problem. Actually, at the hospital that day, Brother Zhou had told me the conversation between Sister and Mom. As long as she treats you well, you will be lenient toward her and me her behavior on Mom who has spoiled her, assuring yourself that she will learn the right way. The Buddha said that it is fate that two individuals be husband and wife, and the children are born to collect debts from their parents. If there¡¯s no fate, they will not be husband and wife; if there¡¯s no debt, they will not be parents and children. However, no one said that the elder sister is born to collect debts from the younger sister. Dad, I know very clearly in my heart what kind of person my sister is.¡±

    Qiao Nan would not believe that a woman like Qiao Zijin who snatched her sister¡¯s boyfriend would have good character traits.

    Coupled with the clues that she noticed in this life, Qiao Nan felt that her sibling was not a simple person.

    The reason why she did not understand it before was that her mother would always be the one who took the lead, and Qiao Zijin did not need to do anything. She only had to give instructions to her mother and her mother would follow suit.

    How could such a person be good-natured?

    She was not good-natured at all!

    One could not say for sure whether Qiao Zijin was spoiled by her mother, or that her mother listened to what Qiao Zijin said.

    Faced with such aplicated person like Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan would definitely die for the second time if she let her guard down.

    ¡°I know how my sister has treated me all these years. The rtionship between parents and children is different from the rtionship between siblings. Dad, I never ask you to do anything for me, but there are some things that I hope you won¡¯t persuade me to do as well because it¡¯s useless. I am a straightforward person. I can¡¯t keep secrets or put on a show. But we are siblings, after all. We will always be rtives, but our rtionship will be no more than that.¡± Qiao Nan did not wish for Qiao Dongliang to put in a good word for Qiao Zijin. She told him upfront that no matter what he said, it was useless.

    Though she would not fall out with Qiao Zijin, she would not be on good terms with her. There would never be a day where she would be close with her.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are still young, so you don¡¯t understand. You should have seen it. When I was sent to the hospital, a young child like you would not need to take matters into your hand if I had a brother. I do not have any rtives, while your mom¡¯s rtives are unreliable. If your mom and I are no longer around, you and your sister will be the only ones left. If you encounter any difficulties, you only have your sister to help you. Nan Nan, you have to understand that one person alone cannot save the situation.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sighed, the elder daughter¡¯s personality was indeed cold and self-centered, the typical honey-mouthed and stone-hearted person.

    When he was reminded of how Qiao Zijin thought of him, Qiao Dongliang was angry, feeling wronged and furious.

    But just like what Qiao Nan said, children are the debts owed by the parents in the previous life. Today, Qiao Zijin showed a little bit of concern for Qiao Dongliang, and his heart melted. He was willing to believe that Qiao Zijin was a good child.

    ¡°It is better to maintain your rtionship with your sister from an early age rather than begging for her help when you are at your wit¡¯s end. Nan Nan, Dad has suffered in this life. I do not want you to suffer as well.¡± When one had no rtives with them, especially when they encountered difficulties, one would be thrown into istion, helplessness, and depression. It was sheer torture.

    Qiao Nan looked up and nced at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, does it mean that both you and Mom feel that my sister will be better than me?¡±

    Why was it that Qiao Nan would be the one who encountered difficulties and had to beg Qiao Zijin for help? Why wasn¡¯t it the other way round¡ªthat Qiao Zijin might not do well in life and need her support instead?

    At least in the previous life, she never asked Qiao Zijin for a single cent no matter how hard it was.

    ¡°Dad, all of you say that now is the age of knowledge¡ªthat well-educated people will be sessful. Dad, is my performance worse than my sister? How can my life be worse than hers? Even if we do not talk about results, I am down-to-earth and can persevere. Although I may not be wealthy, I am able-bodied. I can support myself!¡±

    Did her father look down on her?

    ¡°The rich lead their rich life, while the poor lead their poor life. I am thrifty and frugal. I know to increase ie as we decrease our expenditure. I also have ns for my life. In case of any problems, I can also find a way to solve them. Dad, don¡¯t me me for being so blunt. When you were waiting for surgery at the hospital, why was my sister incapable of gathering the money needed for it?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Dongliang had wanted to persuade Qiao Nan, but he was rendered speechless by Qiao Nan.

    That was true. If Zijin was really capable, what had she done when the family encountered difficulties?

    Qiao Dongliang looked back and thought carefully. From his hospitalization to discharge, Qiao Nan was the one who managed everything, be it at home or outside. Even an adult like Ding Jiayi could only run errands for Qiao Nan and followed her directions, not to mention Qiao Zijin who did not help with anything.

    With this in mind, Qiao Zijin could notpare to Qiao Nan. Even Ding Jiayi could not match up to her as well.

    Obviously, even if Qiao Nan was not rich in the future, she would be able to lead a good and simple life.

    Nan Nan was capable, but why did he have the impression that Zijin instead of Nan Nan would be the one with the most promising future between the two daughters?

    What was the reason?

    Qiao Dongliang thought hard for a long time, but he could note up with an answer to Qiao Nan¡¯s question. With a perplexed look on his face, he asked Qiao Nan, ¡°Why do I always think that Zijin will have a brighter future than you? What¡¯s the reason?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang thought hard and finally realized what was wrong.

    It was because of Ding Jiayi.

    The words that Qiao Dongliang just said to Qiao Nan were what Ding Jiayi had been instilling in Qiao Dongliang for more than ten years. To put it bluntly, Qiao Dongliang waspletely brainwashed by Ding Jiayi.

    You¡¯re reading on B oxnovel.c om Thanks!

    Ding Jiayi had always said that being bright at an early age did not necessarily bring sess upon growing up.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s current grades might be fantastic, but that was only for her elementary school and junior high school results. Things would get difficult when she started high school. Youngdies were not as smart as the boys. Qiao Nan¡¯s performance might be good now, but she would fall behind in the future.

    Ding Jiayi had said that Qiao Nan was blockheaded and did not know how to interact with people. Nowadays in society, if one did not know to mix well with people, they would be at a disadvantage. It was useless if one only knew to work hard. They would be bullied, having no chance to be sessful. They were destined to be bullied for their whole life.

    Ding Jiayi also said that not only was Qiao Nan not good with her words and not as smart, she was also not as pretty as Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 195 - You Were a Good Father

    <h4>Chapter 195: You Were a Good Father</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As a girl, Qiao Nan might be able to find a rich husband and lead a good life in the future if she was pretty.

    However, Qiao Nan was not as pretty as Qiao Zijin. In the future, it would be good enough if she could find someone who would be true to her. Given her looks, it would be impossible for her to find a man who was rich enough to provide her with a good life.

    It was amazing what a spouse could do. Ding Jiayi had brainwashed Qiao Dongliang for eighteen years. Qiao Dongliang no longer used his own judgment to decide whether Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were correct or wrong.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang calmed down, he could finally make his own judgments.

    Being bright at an early age did not necessarily bring sess upon growing up. If that was the case, Zijin would not have any big achievements when she grew up.

    Impossible...

    Yes, Nan Nan might not be as good with words as Zijin, but Nan Nan was the industrious type. What was the use of being good with words? People could tell whether one was capable or not from their performance.

    Speaking of looks...

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s face closely, and his heart became more and more depressed.

    Qiao Dongliang used to be a soldier. As he was always out under the sun, his skinplexion was very dark. Naturally, Ding Jiayi looked fairer inparison. Ding Jiayi often said that Qiao Zijin looked like her, having skin as fair as her. Apparently, Qiao Zijin had the sameplexion as Ding Jiayi.

    However, although Qiao Dongliang might have a darkplexion, the parts of the body that were not exposed to the sun were fair, a tone lighter than Ding Jiayi¡¯s.

    In terms of skinplexion, Qiao Nan was like Qiao Dongliang, fairer than Qiao Zijin.

    As the saying goes ¡®A fairplexion is good enough to cover one¡¯s faults¡¯. Qiao Nan had an advantage over Qiao Zijin. Besides, Qiao Zijin had facial features like that of Ding Jiayi: a rather square face. Meanwhile, Qiao Nan looked like Qiao Dongliang. She had a defined chin, the most popr face shape in the 21st century.

    Others might need to do stic surgery, but Qiao Nan was born with it.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, while round and fleshy, was slightly square. On the other hand, her body shape was exactly the preference of the elders at the end of the 20th century. ording to the elders, women with this type of body shape would have children easily.

    But Qiao Dongliang was a man. He knew that aspared to how elders judged and decided who the best daughter-inw was, men judged women based on different sets of standards.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know which face shape was popr in the 21st century, but he knew that people with pretty-looking faces could make others happy regardless of what the popr face shape was at that time.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was a typical example. Her face was the size of the palm. She had a defined chin, dewy jet-ck eyes, a little cherry-shaped mouth, and a noble nose.

    The more Qiao Dongliang looked at his own daughter, the more he felt that not only did she have extraordinary features but also beautiful. Her looks could rival those of superstars on TV.

    Given all these attributes, Nan Nan had the good looks and the brains. She was nothing like what Ding Jiayi had said¡ªthat she would not have a promising future and would be worse than Zijin.

    How did Ding Jiayie to this conclusion? The strangest thing was how did he believe in this kind of nonsense for eighteen years? Why did he not realize his mistakes earlier?

    In terms of Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities, Qiao Dongliang had the firsthand experience. Qiao Nan was more reliable than Qiao Zijin in all aspects.

    If what Ding Jiayi said was true¡ªthat Qiao Nan would not do as well as Qiao Zijin in the future, and she might have to rely on Qiao Zijin to aid her financially¡ªthen why did Zhou Jun and his family not take a fancy to Qiao Zijin and insisted on telling Qiao Dongliang that Nan Nan was better when Ding Jiayi had wanted to introduce Qiao Zijin to Zhou Jun?

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was in a daze, Qiao Nan was worried that he might have been angered by her words and could not ept what she said.

    ¡°Nothing, I feel that I have been too muddleheaded in the past.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. He had been misled by Ding Jiayi.

    Both of them were obviously his biological daughters, yet it took him such a long time to finally tell the differences between his daughters.

    ¡°Nan Nan, since you know what you are doing, I will not persuade you anymore. Zijin and you have a mind of your own. Both of you shall lead your own life in the future. Your mother and I cannot and are unable to intervene.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head.

    ¡°Dad, are you angry?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled reluctantly. ¡°I just feel that I am too muddleheaded. Your sister was right to say that about me to your mom.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t take my sister¡¯s words to heart. To me, you are definitely a good father. There are four people in our family. All this time, Dad has been the sole breadwinner. Our family has to depend on Dad to provide for us. Dad is also able to finance both of us through school, so how can Dad be useless? Before I was born, Dad used to be a soldier. A soldier is the most useful and wonderful person in the world. Dad, I am proud of you!¡±

    The conversation between Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had made Qiao Dongliang lost confidence in himself. After hearing what the younger daughter said, he felt slightly at ease and was no longer in low spirits. ¡°Nan Nan, are you telling the truth? Do you really think that I am a good father?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I have the best dad in the world!¡±

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s sincere eyes, Qiao Dongliang was touched, but he felt bittersweet at the same time.

    Qiao Dongliang had a guilty conscience. For the past eighteen years, he gave all his love and attention to the elder daughter, Qiao Zijin. He owed Qiao Nan an awful lot.

    He doted and protected the elder daughter wholeheartedly, but sheined that he was useless and ipetent behind his back.

    On the contrary, he did not give much love to his younger daughter, yet she told him steadfastly that he made her proud and that he was the best father in the world.

    Qiao Dongliang had mixed emotions.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you think that I am biased¡ªthat I side with your sister and did not treat you as well as I treat her?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked tentatively.

    Nan Nan might see him as a good father, but did his foolish behavior in the past ruin their rtionship?

    ¡°Yes, you are very biased.¡± Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Dad, I am not asking that you acknowledge what I have done. When you are in the hospital, what have I done and what has my sister done for you? Today, just because my sister supported you while you took a stroll, you were delighted that she was being filial to you. Dad, it¡¯s no wonder Mom said that since I am not good with words, I will not be sessful in the future. Is it true that all that I have done for you cannot bepared to the honeyed words sister said?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was stiff and his eyes shed with remorse. ¡°No, there will be no such thing in the future.¡±

    Although he had discharged from the army, how could he have forgotten about the army life? He had been corrupted by life and Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I know that I am biased, but am I still a good father in your heart?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Compared with her mother, her father was definitely a good father. No matter how biased he was, he still knew his limits.

 Chapter 196 - Have a Discussion

    <h4>Chapter 196: Have a Discussion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Good.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s nervous mood rxed in an instant. ¡°Nan Nan, you can rest assured. From today onward, Dad will really be a good father.¡±

    Today, after being pped in the face by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi finally stopped resorting to any tricks. She and Qiao Zijin cleaned up the room for Qiao Nan and went to cook right away. ¡°Old Qiao, dinner is ready, shall we eat?¡±

    As soon as he saw Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned cold. Turning his face to look at Qiao Nan, he kept his voice low and said with an affectionate tone in his voice, ¡°Nan Nan,e over for dinner.¡±

    Seeing the expression on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin turned hostile in an instant.

    Ding Jiayi was furious, while Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression was somber.

    She could not help but feel that she did not only fail to spend the three hundred yuan, but her father also ended up to be on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. He seemed to dote on her even more! What exactly went wrong and caused Dad¡¯s drastic change of attitude toward Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Old Qiao, what about Zijin¡¯s tuition fees?¡± Sitting down, Ding Jiayi mustered the courage to ask Qiao Dongliang about Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees.

    ¡°Mom, there is still half a month before school starts. I will try to look for a job and earn as much as I can.¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. ¡°Nan Nan, you spent all of the summer vacation taking care of Dad, yet you managed to earn three hundred yuan, much higher than Dad¡¯s sry. Nan Nan, can you rmend me to such a good job? If I can earn more, I can pay for my tuition fees and Dad¡¯s medical expenses as well. Nan Nan, have you ever mentioned who did you borrow the money from to pay for Dad¡¯s medical expenses?¡±

    She was curious. Aside from Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan did not have any other friend. Who did she borrow therge sum of money that was close to two thousand yuan from? Also, how did she manage to earn three hundred yuan within a short summer vacation?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯d better not do anything shameless and disgraceful!¡± Ding Jiayi widened her eyes and started shooting her mouth off again.

    ¡°Are you looking for another p in the face?¡± Qiao Dongliang had no wish to hit women, especially in front of the two daughters. But Ding Jiayi was really asking for it. She could not bear to see Qiao Nan do well. Qiao Dongliang was so angry that he almost picked up the chopsticks and threw them directly at Ding Jiayi¡¯s face.

    ¡°No, no! I... I am concerned about Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan is young and insensible. You won¡¯t want Qiao Nan to do disgraceful and shameless acts in order to make money. As her mother, I am teaching her the ways. I don¡¯t want her to go the wrong way. I heard that nowadays, young girls can make money by...¡±

    Ding Jiayi lowered her voice. She made excuses for herself, refusing to admit that she was wrong. She also spared no efforts to defame Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, dig in, stop talking!¡± Qiao Zijin was scared at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s darkened expression.

    As for Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, not to mention Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin also thought that what her mother said was not something she should say in front of the children. Did her mother mean that Qiao Nan ¡®sold¡¯ herself for money?

    Qiao Dongliang cast a cold nce at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Ding Jiayi, you are getting from bad to worst. Be careful with your words in the future. My temper is not as good as before.¡±

    Knowing that she had said the wrong words and only made matters worse by exining, Ding Jiayi stuffed some food into her mouth and kept eating lest she provoked Qiao Dongliang again.

    Whenever she talked about Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi just had the tendency to defame her.

    In addition, Ding Jiayi had been working for a while. She knew more people and heard more gossips. When women were in groups, they were bound to gossip. Ding Jiayi could not help but associate the gossips she heard with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have some vegetables.¡± After scolding Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang gave Qiao Nan some vegetables, like a father taking care of his daughter.

    ¡°Dad, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan had her dinner, unaffected by her mother¡¯s words. Qiao Zijin was perplexed. Did Qiao Nan not understand what her mother meant?

    ¡°Nan Nan, you haven¡¯t answered my question. I want to lighten our parents¡¯ burden as well. If you have a good way of earning money, let me know as well. We are one family. You will not refuse to help me, right?¡± Qiao Nan was not foolish. How could she possibly do the kind of things her mother said?

    Qiao Nan definitely had some connections and was acquainted with some influential people. Hence, shended herself a simple and high-paying job.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it is for the good of everyone that I want to work and use the shortest time to make the most money. Dad can¡¯t work for the time being and Mom doesn¡¯t earn much. If you and I don¡¯t work hard, when can we pay off Dad¡¯s medical expenses? I am the elder sister. I can¡¯t be so selfish. I can¡¯t make you bear the responsibility of earning the money by yourself, can I? He is my dad and he is Mom¡¯s husband. Since you know of a good way to earn money, you must share with all of us.¡±

    Qiao Nan finished her dinner in the speed of light.

    She was worried that if she was to listen to more of what Qiao Zijin was going to say, she would have indigestion and lose her appetite.

    Did Qiao Zijin finally remember that Qiao Dongliang was her father as well? Then, what had she been doing all along?

    Her only motive was to know where Qiao Nan earned her money.

    It was rare that Qiao Zijin coulde up with a convincing argument and make some sense in what she said. However, she had wicked and evil motives.

    In the previous life, Qiao Zijin put up a pretense that she was concerned about Qiao Nan to get Qiao Nan to tell her about Chen Jun¡¯s family situation. In the end, Chen Jun was as what Qiao Nan said. He could be a good husband, but he ended up as Qiao Zijin¡¯s husband instead of Qiao Nan¡¯s husband.

    ¡°You want to take on the job that I am doing? Okay.¡± Qiao Nan took out a piece of paper in English and ced it in front of Qiao Zijin. ¡°If you can trante this document from English to Chinese, I will share the job with you when there is another opportunity. Of course, if you have the ability, you can be fully responsible for it, and you can have all the money.¡±

    As soon as Qiao Zijin saw the piece of document that was in English, she nked out and could not understand a word. ¡°Was that how you earned the three hundred yuan?¡±

    Among the many subjects that she had to study, she hated science the most, followed by English. It was too difficult to memorize all the grammar and vocabry.

    Qiao Zijin never did well for her English. It was good enough that she could score an average grade for her English. It was sheer torture to have her do English to Chinese trantion.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to make money, but she was incapable of doing that.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you lying? This document is in English. I can¡¯t do it, but can you do it?¡±

    ¡°There is someone who teaches me.¡± Brother Zhai would teach her whenever she stumbled upon areas that she did not understand.

    ¡°Someone taught you?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Nan Nan, I will not ask that you tell me who teaches you. But can we discuss this job of yours?¡± She thought of an easy way to make money from this job!

 Chapter 197 - Split in Half

    <h4>Chapter 197: Split in Half</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since she had finished dinner, Qiao Nan crossed her arms and looked at Qiao Zijin with a look of indifference in her eyes. ¡°What kind of discussion?¡±

    ¡°I remember Dad said that your English is very good. If you don¡¯t have the ability to do it, it will be very difficult even if someone teaches you. Why don¡¯t we do it this way? I will do the trantion. You can help check through and edit those that are tranted wrongly or parts that I have trouble tranting. We will split the money in half. What do you think?¡±

    Ding Jiayi twitched her mouth as if she wanted to say something. She was very dissatisfied with what Qiao Zijin said.

    Since the document was tranted by Zijin, and Qiao Nan only helped make some changes, Zijin should have all of the pay. Why did Qiao Nan have the cheek to take half of the money?

    But today Ding Jiayi had been ¡®disciplined¡¯ by Qiao Dongliang. When she was reminded that Qiao Dongliang had said that he wanted a divorce, Ding Jiayi kept a check on herself and did not say another word.

    Qiao Nan knew what was going through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind, but she paid no attention to her. What mattered to her was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reaction. She turned to look at him.

    Qiao Nan saw that Qiao Dongliang looked calm and did not seem to have any thoughts about this matter. She breathed a sigh of relief. Did it mean that whatever she had said to her father previously was useful, and that he would not side with Zijin anymore?

    If it was in the past, her father would have agreed on her behalf and asked her to help and get along with Qiao Zijin.

    After all, Qiao Zijin wanted to ¡®improve¡¯ and ¡®make progress¡¯.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Qiao Nan smilingly. Her tone was soft and gentle like the spring rain. It wasforting, but to Qiao Nan, she could feel the chill hidden in the spring rain.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan drank some water. ¡°It¡¯s not that I look down on you, it¡¯s just that you are not able to do it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin hated English to the core. The reason why Qiao Nan took out the document was that she wanted Qiao Zijin to back out of a difficult situation. She never knew that Qiao Zijin would be so shameless.

    If she was really only sixteen years old, she might not understand Qiao Zijin¡¯s schemes. But she was almost ¡®forty-six years old¡¯, so how could she not see through the traps that Qiao Zijin set?

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I do it? Nan Nan, you can¡¯t look down on people!¡± Qiao Zijin was not convinced. It was not that she was incapable. It was that Qiao Nan refused to help her. She did not want her to earn the money. Qiao Nan did not want her father to know that Qiao Zijin was capable and was as good as Qiao Nan!

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Nan could not stand that Qiao Zijin was better and more capable than her!

    Qiao Nan kept her cool. She passed a pen to Qiao Zijin calmly. ¡°Since you say that you can do it, try to trante the documents right now.¡±

    Qiao Zijin grounded her teeth. Was Qiao Nan doing this on purpose?

    ¡°Give me a minute. Let me get an English dictionary.¡± She did not believe that she was not as good as Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay, the whole family is waiting for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang drank his tea. He wanted to know whether Qiao Zijin had really be sensible and learned the right way.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t worry, we have the time. Take your time to trante. Since it¡¯s not an exam, there is no time limit.¡± Ding Jiayi dared not scold Qiao Nan, so she could only encourage and cheer for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, I know.¡± Qiao Zijin sighed. Her mother was right. This was not an exam, and there was no time limit. She could do it slowly. No matter what, she had to do her best now so that she could share half of Qiao Nan¡¯s earnings rightfully.

    Qiao Zijin had never been so serious and concentrated on a task before. She flipped the dictionary and wrote down what she found.

    Qiao Zijin sat still working on the trantion for an entire hour. Her eyes were either staring at the dictionary or the documents. She repeated the same actions for an entire hour.

    ¡°Sister, it is eight o¡¯clock now. Okay, you don¡¯t have to trante everything. You can stop tranting. Let me take a look.¡± Qiao Nan yawned and took the documents from Qiao Zijin calmly.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Qiao Zijin turned green, watching helplessly as Qiao Nan took the document back. She did not even have the chance to grab it from her.

    Qiao Zijin might have worked at it for an entire hour and wrote down a lot of words, but she did not trante much.

    Qiao Nan took out a red pen quietly and started to edit the trantion that Qiao Zijin tried hard to finish.

    Qiao Nan crossed out a short sentence and wrote the correct trantion by the side. Then, she drew arge cross on a long paragraph and did not bother to provide the correct trantion.

    In the end, Qiao Nan had no choice but to draw circles on the documents.

    Qiao Zijin took more than an hour to trante, while Qiao Nan used less than three minutes to read through. ¡°Sister, take a look for yourself. Aside from those that I marked in circles, the rest are wrong. There isn¡¯t a single sentence that was tranted urately. Tell me, are you able to do this job? You say that you will trante, I will help you correct the mistakes, and we will split the money? Sister, are you sure that after you are done with your trantion, I only need to make minor changes? Or do I have to redo it again?¡±

    Though Qiao Zijin was very serious and careful, she did not get a single sentence correct. How could she take up the trantion work?

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan knew that in order to secure the trantion job in front of the whole family, Qiao Zijin gave her full attention to tranting and worked at it for more than an hour. But when Qiao Zijinnded the job, her attitude would bepletely different.

    By that time, Qiao Zijin might not even look through the dictionary. She would just grab any book and copy some sentences from the book before handing the trantion back to her.

    Qiao Zijin never intended to work to earn money. What she had in mind was a way for her to get the money without working!

    In the end, the trantion would be done by Qiao Nan alone, and yet she had to give half of the money to Qiao Zijin!

    Ding Jiayi did not believe in Qiao Nan¡¯s words. She took the documents and saw that it was full of crosses. Only a few areas were circled. ¡°Are you sure that you have not made a mistake? Your sister did not even get a single sentence correct?¡±

    How was it possible? Zijin was one level higher than Qiao Nan. It was impossible that Qiao Nan could trante while she could not. Furthermore, she had done badly for her trantions. ¡°Qiao Nan, you can tell your sister the correct trantions, and she will write them down. This way, the job is done by both of you. Qiao Nan, yours is a simpler job since you only need to tell Qiao Zijin the trantions. The money can be split between both of you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you think that one just needs to talk to do a trantion? The most important thing is to use one¡¯s brains. I do not need Sister¡¯s help to write these words down. I can do it myself.¡± Qiao Nan refused immediately.

    ¡°You... why are you so stubborn? You do not consider your sister¡¯s feelings. You should help your sister. In the future, your sister will also help you when you need help.¡±

 Chapter 198 - Clothes Were Stolen

    <h4>Chapter 198: Clothes Were Stolen</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi was furious, but she dared not speak up. She could only suppress her frustration and speak nicely to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang put down the cup, his expression serious. ¡°Zijin, do you think what your mother said is appropriate?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips and was extremely reluctant to answer this question.

    ¡°Since you don¡¯t say anything, it means that you agree that it is not appropriate as well. Okay, then we shall not have any more discussion about this.¡± Qiao Dongliang stood up with difficulty. ¡°Nan Nan, help me back to the room. All of you can go to bed earlier.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan helped Qiao Dongliang stand and supported him back to the room.

    When Qiao Dongliang sat down on the bed, he sighed. ¡°Nan Nan, Dad has lived all these years for nothing. It seems that you are a better person than Dad. Your attitude toward your sister is better than that of Dad. In the future, you will do as you deem fit. I believe you can handle it well.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Dad, you can rest assured. I know what to do.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± Qiao Nan had juste out of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room, and she was blocked by Qiao Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan, I didn¡¯t give it my best shot today. Can you give me another chance?¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned on the doorframe. She knew that Qiao Zijin would not give up so easily. At the mention of money, Qiao Zijin¡¯s obstinacy was unrivaled. ¡°You really want to take up this job and give it another try?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± No matter what, she had to get the job first. Afterward, she woulde up with ways to get the money without working.

    Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Alright, but let me tell you beforehand. It is impossible for me to edit and make changes to your trantion. I will tell the boss about our family¡¯s situation. I will give you part of my workload. You will be paid based on how much you trante. Of course, I do not have the final say as to whether your trantion is up to standard. The boss will have the final say. After all, the boss is the one who pays us, not me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned green. If she did ording to what Qiao Nan said, given her standard, she could not get a single cent at all. The most important thing was that if she really wanted to do this, she had to work on the trantion conscientiously.

    As soon as she thought of how she worked on the trantion for more than an hour and still could note up with a decent trantion, Zijin lost all interest in the job.

    ¡°Forget it. It is too much trouble. If you really say this to your boss, your boss may misunderstand you. If you lose your job as a result, it will be my fault. Okay, you can continue with the trantion. As for my tuition fees, I will find another way.¡±

    Since she did not get what she wanted, Qiao Zijin could not be bothered to waste her time on Qiao Nan. She walked away without another word.

    As soon as Qiao Zijin returned to the room, Ding Jiayi, who had been waiting for her, stepped forward and asked, ¡°How is it? Did Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, agree to it?¡±

    ¡°Fat chance. Qiao Nan is as sneaky as a thief. She seems to know what I want to do and is thus on her guards.¡± If not for the fact that Qiao Nan asked her to trante the document on the spot in front of the whole family, and she made a fool of herself, she would be able to make sure that Qiao Nan gave her half of the sry.

    Ding Jiayi shot disdainful looks. ¡°I have already said that Qiao Nan has no conscience. If I knew that she would be so heartless, I should have thrown her away when I gave birth to her. Raising her was a waste of money. That wretched girl is so ruthless. We are one family, yet she does not want to lend you a helping hand. Zijin, you have to bear this in mind. When you be sessful in the future, you must not help her if shees to you for help.¡±

    ¡°I will definitely not help her. Since she doesn¡¯t treat me as her biological elder sister, why should I treat her as my biological younger sister?¡± Qiao Zijin was frustrated. Till now, she still could not understand how Qiao Nan knew what was on her mind. How did she know that she intended to use that method to take advantage of Qiao Nan?

    ¡°But Mom, what about my tuition fees?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no other way. Even if you go out to find a job now, you can¡¯t find a job within half a month. Let¡¯s do it this way. I will take some handiwork back to do. You will do them during the day, and when I am back from work at night, I will do it with you.¡± Ding Jiayi could only think of this method.

    ¡°Do we really need to do handiwork? It¡¯s tiring and we can¡¯t make much money from that. Mom, is there any other work?¡± Qiao Zijin did not want to stay through the night and work on the handmade products every single day.

    Ding Jiayi let out a long sigh. ¡°I will definitely rmend you to jobs that are easy and pay well if there is any. Forget it. Bear with it for the time being. When you grow up, get yourself a good husband and you will have a good life. In this life, I am stuck with your dad. Unless you marry someone rich, I will have to endure my miserable life.¡±

    With that, Ding Jiayi touched the left side of her face which was swollen and felt a throbbing pain.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s gettingte. You should boil an egg and rub it on your face to reduce the swelling. After that, you should hurry to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Oh, have an early rest as well. I will bring the materials back tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi was still hurt from the harsh words Qiao Dongliang said today, but she feltforted by her elder daughter¡¯s concerned words.

    There were not many eggs left in the Qiao¡¯s family, and each was precious.

    After rubbing the freshly boiled egg on her face, Ding Jiayi ced it back into the bowl of warm water, saving it for Qiao Zijin tomorrow.

    The evening next day, Ding Jiayi took a bunch of handiwork materials home. ¡°Zijin, you have to do it well. If the material is spoiled, we have topensate.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Qiao Zijin pulled a long face, displeased.

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t pull a long face. Now that we don¡¯t have any skill, it is not easy to make a living. If we are like Qiao Nan who is good in English, we can stay at home all day and earn three hundred yuan easily.¡± Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on the shoulder. ¡°Be good and do the handiwork. I have something for you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that I have spent fifty yuan of Qiao Nan¡¯s money?¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was in high spirits yesterday, bought two dresses for Qiao Zijin. She panicked when she came home to see the police at her house. On top of that, after a big fight with Qiao Dongliang and being pped by him, Ding Jiayi had forgotten all about the dresses that she bought for Qiao Zijin.

    It was only when she was at work today, sitting in the factory, did Ding Jiayi remember that she had bought the dresses. She could use them to make Qiao Zijin happy.

    ¡°New clothes!¡± Sure enough, as soon as Qiao Zijin heard that there were new clothes, she broke into a smile immediately.

    ¡°Give me a minute, I will bring it over.¡± As long as Qiao Zijin was happy, Ding Jiayi was happy as well. She rushed to get the stic bag in which she kept the clothes. ¡°Hey, I remembered that I put the clothes here yesterday. Where are the clothes?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°Mom, are you sure you put the new clothes here? Maybe it was too messy yesterday and someone took the new clothes you bought for me?¡±

    Qiao Zijin acted like a thief, so she treated everyone as thieves as well and made harshments.

 Chapter 199 - My Turn to Call the Police

    <h4>Chapter 199: My Turn to Call the Police</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No, there are no such people in our quad.¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°Look carefully again. It may be somewhere here.¡±

    ¡°Well, hurry and look for it.¡± These two new clothes were supposed to motivate Qiao Zijin to work hard for the next few days.

    However, despite having searched high and low in the house and covered in dust, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin could not find the bags in which they put the clothes that were bought yesterday. ¡°No, no, it cannot be. Did someone take it away?¡± Ding Jiayi could not help but wonder since she still could not find the new clothes after searching for a long time.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi was furious that she had to surrender the rights to family funds and had to fork out fifty yuan from her sry to make it up to Qiao Nan. But at the thought that she had spent fifty yuan in advance to buy new clothes for Qiao Zijin, she felt slightlyforted.

    As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, she woulde up with ways to get the money.

    That said, they could settle the problem of the tuition fees somehow, and Qiao Zijin could have two pieces of new clothes for her new school term. Everything was going smoothly for the start of a new semester. But now that the new clothes could not be found, everything became imperfect.

    Who would be so daring as to steal things from the Qiao¡¯s residence? Did they have no regard to the police?!

    Ding Jiayi was so angry that she wanted to call the police. Just then, Qiao Nan came back home.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi did not pay attention to Qiao Nan. The sight of Qiao Nan irritated her eyes. Therefore, she turned away after one nce. But in the next instant, her gaze returned to Qiao Nan again. ¡°Where did you get the new dress you are wearing from? I bought it for your sister! You... you take it off right now! Where is the other piece?!¡±

    The new dress Qiao Nan wore today was exactly the same as the one that Ding Jiayi bought for Qiao Zijin, the one that she could not find anywhere at home.

    ¡°A thief cries ¡®thief¡¯. Yesterday, you called the police. It is my turn to call the police today. You are so young, yet you picked up bad habits, bing a thief and stealing your sister¡¯s belongings. Now that your dad is not at home, I will make sure you pay for your mistakes!¡±

    ¡°Who said that I am not at home?¡± Qiao Dongliang came back just in time. He had a stern look on his face. His eyes narrowed, looking at Ding Jiayi¡¯s raised hand.

    Ding Jiayi trembled at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s piercing icy stare. Ding Jiayi lowered her hand instantly. ¡°Old Qiao, you cannot me me for what happened today. You really have to lecture Qiao Nan. She stole the dresses I bought for Zijin. You are a soldier, so you should know the saying ¡®he who steals a pin will steal an ox¡¯. You always praise Qiao Nan for being well-behaved, but she is not well-behaved at all. She has learned to be a thief!¡±

    ¡°Mom, what are you talking about? Nan Nan did not do it on purpose. She must have thought that the clothes are beautiful and wanted to try them on. I don¡¯t me Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Zijin sneered in her heart. Qiao Nan also hankered after her clothes, yet she acted as if she was above material pursuits. Today, she had given herself away. ¡°Nan Nan, please return the dress to me if you are done wearing it. There is another new piece of dress. Do return it to me as well.¡±

    Now that Qiao Nan was caught stealing her clothes, she did not believe her father would still think that Qiao Nan was a good daughter and side with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Ding Jiayi, you stole three hundred yuan from Nan Nan, but you insisted that you merely took it from her. Why is Nan Nanbeled as a thief just because she wears a new dress? Nan Nan did not take the dress. I give it to Nan Nan, and it has nothing to do with Nan Nan.¡±

    Of course, he knew that these two pieces of new clothes must have been bought by Ding Jiayi for Qiao Zijin. They were bought with the money that Qiao Nan earned!

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words made Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin dumbfounded, especially Qiao Zijin whose face turned green and couldn¡¯t speak at all.

    In the Qiao family, Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings were Qiao Zijin¡¯s, while Qiao Zijin¡¯s belongings were hers only. Whoever had the same surname as her, their belongings were all hers. It had always been this way. Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings were thus naturally hers. No matter what happened, Qiao Nan could never im ownership for Qiao Zijin¡¯s belongings.

    But this time, the new clothes that Qiao Zijin took great lengths to get ended up being Qiao Nan¡¯s. Qiao Zijin was so angry that she almost fainted.

    Ding Jiayi grew agitated as well. ¡°Old Qiao, I bought them for Zijin! Why did you give it to Qiao Nan?!¡±

    ¡°Because it was paid using Nan Nan¡¯s money.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that may be the case at the beginning, but then you took my money and gave it to her to make up for what I took from her. In that case, it could be considered that I bought Zijin the clothes with my own money. What right do you have to give Qiao Nan the clothes I bought for Zijin?!¡± Ding Jiayi was the one who had this kind of unreasonable and arrogant behavior, but why did Old Qiao act like this today?

    ¡°You may have earned the money but are they yours? Don¡¯t forget that I am in charge of our family¡¯s household funds now. Since I say that this dress is Nan Nan¡¯s, it belongs to Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, why are you so unreasonable?¡±

    ¡°Unreasonable? I learned it from you. When you spent five thousand yuan that I earned so that Zijin could study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, did Iment to you about it? If you intend to argue with me about whom the money and clothes should belong to, fine. As long as you return the five thousand yuan I earned, I will buy you dresses that are identical to those you bought. If you are unable to do that, keep quiet then!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had seen the two new dresses yesterday and boiled with anger for the whole night.

    He barely survived the ident, and his family owed a lot of debts.

    As the mistress of this family, Ding Jiayi did note up with ways to make more money and reduce her expenses so as to clear their debts as soon as possible. Instead, she had the audacity to steal from her younger daughter and squander away the money on new dresses. At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliang had a terrible heartache.

    When he woke up this morning, he gave the clothes to Qiao Nan to wear.

    It was already so tensed up at home, yet Ding Jiayi had the time and mood to spend money to dress up Qiao Zijin. Qiao Dongliang could do the same.

    Nan Nan was young and pretty. She was at the age to dress up. Whatever Zijin had, Nan Nan should have as well.

    With this thought in mind, Qiao Dongliang decided not to return the dresses and not to ask for a refund. He removed thebel and gave the dresses to Qiao Nan instead.

    ¡°Dad, the fabric of this dress is of good quality. It is veryfortable.¡± Qiao Nan acted just like a child, unting the dress and telling her father how good the dress was.

    In this era where ten yuan was sufficient to cover one week of expenses for a family of four, her mother was willing to spend fifty yuan to buy two pieces of clothing for Qiao Zijin. The quality of the dresses that were bought using a family¡¯s half-month living expenses had to be good andfortable.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that it isfortable. If you like it, I will buy them for you next time. You can pick them by yourself.¡± Qiao Dongliang used to be cold and stern when Ding Jiayi was around. However, in front of Qiao Nan, he was smiling from ear to ear, his tone gentle and soothing.

    Qiao Nan shook her head out of genuine concern for the family¡¯s situation. ¡°No, these two pieces of dresses are more than enough. I can wear them for two years.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang paused momentarily and then smiled. ¡°Nan Nan is right. Given our situation now, we should not be so wasteful. You will have to go to college in the future, and we need to pay off the debts. We have many other expenses.¡±

 Chapter 200 - Self-Reflection

    <h4>Chapter 200: Self-Reflection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nan Nan was obviously more sensible than Zijin. Whenever Zijin received new clothes, she would think of the type of new clothes to buy next. On the other hand, Nan Nan always spared a thought for the family.

    To think that he used to consider Zijin more filial than Nan Nan, he wondered if any of the nerves in his brain had gone hay-wired back then.

    Qiao Dongliang was fatherly and Qiao Na was filial. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned ck at the sight of this. It was as if the caring and sensible Qiao Nan was the only good daughter in the world, whereas she was the bad one. She felt that she had underestimated Qiao Nan all this while. Qiao Nan was better than her at currying favor and being goody-two-shoes.

    She did not believe that Qiao Nan did it for the sake of the family when she refused to buy any more new clothes. If Qiao Nan did not bother, then why must she yield the two new dresses to her!

    No matter how angry Qiao Zijin felt, she could only endure it at this moment.

    In her bad mood, Qiao Zijin used too much strength and damaged some of the handiwork materials. Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached at the sight of it. ¡°Zijin, be more careful. Don¡¯t use too much strength. We have to pay for damaged materials.¡±

    The ten handiworks made by Zijin were not even enough to pay for one set of materials.

    If Zijin continued to damage the items, she would be doing this work for nothing.

    ¡°!¡± Qiao Zijin red as she stomached the anger. She wished that she could immediately throw away all the handiwork materials in her hands and stop working at once. However, at the thought of school reopening in no time, she dared not throw a fit. Although she was unhappy, she could only continue with the work abidingly.

    It was only when Qiao Zijin made an effort toplete the handiwork did she realize how hard it had been on her motherst year when thetter worked until one or two o¡¯clock in the wee hours every day to save up her tuition fees.

    Four hourster, around ten o¡¯clock at night, Qiao Zijin finallypleted a few pieces of handiwork. Her waist felt so stiff that she could hardly straighten it, and her eyes were so dry that they were tearing.

    Qiao Zijin, who had been pampered for eighteen years, could not endure the hard work. It was only half a day and she could barely tolerate it. ¡°Mom, when I am older and step into society, I must find ways and means to earn a lot of money. Even if I can¡¯t, I¡¯ll find a husband that¡¯s able to do so!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed. ¡°Furthermore, you don¡¯t intend to study in college, right? Look at Qiao Nan. Her studies are good. Although she¡¯s only a student, she¡¯s able to earn money so easily now. When you graduate from high school, you¡¯ll be considered lucky if you can find a stable job. Earning big bucks will be difficult.¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°Since it¡¯s not good to be a high school graduate, I¡¯ll be a college graduate, then. Mom, I have decided. I will continue with my studies. You¡¯re right. Isn¡¯t Dad so good to Qiao Nan because her grades are better than mine? I don¡¯t believe I can¡¯t surpass Qiao Nan in her studies if I study hard!¡±

    In the past, she did not put any effort into her studies as she felt that the purpose of education was just to ¡®package¡¯ herself.

    Nevertheless, if knowledge could change her future, there was no reason that she should not work hard for her own future.

    ¡°...¡± Seeing that Qiao Zijin was full of confidence, Ding Jiayi said after some thoughts, ¡°Zijin, actually, you¡¯re better than Qiao Zijin in many other ways. Learning requires a lot of efforts, so don¡¯t be too hard on yourself.¡±

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean?¡± Qiao Zijin, who was already burning with anger, almost exploded when she heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words.

    Was her mother saying that she was making things difficult for herself by studying hard andpeting with Qiao Nan¡¯s grades?

    Did her mother also feel that Qiao Nan was smarter than her, and her grades would definitely not surpass that of Qiao Nan?

    After hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s angry response, Ding Jiayi felt unappreciated. She did not want Zijin to work so hard and achieve nothing in return. ¡°Forget it, do as you wish. Mom is d that you¡¯re willing to study hard. In Mom¡¯s heart, you¡¯re always the best child in the world.¡±

    ¡°Wait and see. I will prove to all of you that I¡¯m not worse than Qiao Nan. I¡¯m more outstanding than her!¡±

    That night, Qiao Zijin continued working until midnight before stopping and going to bed.

    The next morning, it was already eight o¡¯clock when she woke up. ¡°Dad, Mom has gone to work. Is Nan Nan also not at home?¡± At this moment, there were only Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin at home.

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan went out to read books.¡± Qiao Dongliang replied and continued to work on his ounts.

    Qiao Dongliang was quite good in Mathematics. He asionally helped the factory¡¯s ountant when thetter was overwhelmed during the busy periods of ount-closing.

    This month was the ount-closing period for the first half of the year. Although the ountant was not overwhelmed with work this time, he fell sick. Shortly after Qiao Dongliang was discharged from the hospital, the ountant was admitted.

    When the factory manager knew about the situation, he simply asked his man to send the ounts to the Qiao family¡¯s residence for Qiao Dongliang to work on. He considered this as an extra job and would pay Qiao Dongliang additional ie.

    Qiao Dongliang was a grown-up man and could not possibly stay at home all day. If he did so, there would only be expenses and no ie. Thus, he had no reason to decline this opportunity and started working as soon as he received it.

    After Qiao Zijin brushed her teeth and washed her face, she scooped a bowl of porridge, sat down, and drank it. As she looked down, there was a gleam of cunningness in her eyes. She pretended to ask casually, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s almost been a year. Do you know where Nan Nan has been reading her books?¡±

    ¡°Not sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not even look up.

    ¡°Oh.¡± So, Qiao Nan even kept it from her father. She did not tell him where she had been studying all this while. Did she also keep all her books and money there?

    Qiao Zijin knew that after such a din happened, Qiao Nan would guard against her mother and her even more.

    For almost a year, she did not know how Qiao Nan managed to do it. She did not bring home more than two books. She must have also put away the three hundred yuan in the same ce. If she could find out where this ce was...

    She was curious as to what kind of ce would let Qiao Nan feel so assured of keeping all her important items there.

    Qiao Zijin fell silent. Qiao Dongliang then lifted his head and looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Putting aside the days that we¡¯re studying, I just feel that Nan Nan and I don¡¯t have much time to bond with each other since she¡¯s not at home most of the days even though it¡¯s the vacation. I know I have a bad temper and can be annoying at times. I wish to change too, really. But I never had a chance to have a good heart-to-heart talk with Nan Nan. Sometimes, even if I want to change, I don¡¯t know where to start. Dad, can you help me?¡±

    Wouldn¡¯t her father be d to see her rtionship with Qiao Nan improve¡ªthat the two sisters would be close to each other?

    She felt that her father should be quite happy to hear that.

    Unexpectedly, Qiao Dongliang did not appear too enthusiastic. He pursed his lips. ¡°This is a matter between the two of you. I can¡¯t interfere. If you really feel that you have not done well in certain areas, you should reflect on yourself. In fact, you don¡¯t need to ask Nan Nan.¡±

 Chapter 201 - Bent on Stealing

    <h4>Chapter 201: Bent on Stealing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you have really changed, Nan Nan¡¯s heart will also soften. She¡¯ll get along fine with you.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang stated his stand. Since he had promised Nan Nan not to interfere in the matters between Qiao Zijin and her, he would stick to his promise.

    Qiao Zijin was putting up a pretense. She did not expect that Qiao Dongliang took her words for real, as if she had truly done something wrong and had to think of ways to plead forgiveness from Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin was so furious that she choked on her own saliva.

    Qiao Zijin grinned widely. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re right. As long as I¡¯m sincere in changing for the better, Nan Nan will get along well with me.¡±

    Since her father was reluctant to tell her where Qiao Nan had been studying at, she would have to rely on herself to find out.

    She did not believe the curse that she would never win against Qiao Nan!

    When she finds the ce, she would not only take away all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money but also burn all her books at once. When that time came, she wanted to see who else Qiao Nan could seek help from!

    After gobbling down a bowl of porridge, Qiao Zijin continued to do the handiwork without any expression.

    One was busy with the ounts, and the other was quietly working on the handicrafts. It was rare that Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang seemed to be getting along quite harmoniously.

    When Qiao Nan came back from the Zhai¡¯s residence, she saw the ¡®harmonious¡¯ atmosphere. ¡°Dad, Sister, I¡¯m back.¡± Qiao Nan ced her books down and poured a cup of water for herself.

    When Zhai Sheng was not at home, Qiao Nan could not go around in the Zhai¡¯s residence as she pleased. Therefore, Qiao Nan brought takeaway food every time she went over. For the whole day, she only had a jug of water and was now dying of thirst.

    Just as Qiao Nan put her books down, Qiao Zijin peeped at Qiao Dongliang and confirmed that Qiao Nan would not walk back so soon. She then quickly stood up to look at the book that Qiao Nan brought home.

    When Qiao Zijin saw that Qiao Nan actually brought home the second year¡¯s textbook for high school, which was what Qiao Zijin was going to study when the school reopened, she pulled an extremely long face.

    Qiao Nan was so showy, already reading the second year¡¯s textbooks now. She did not believe that Qiao Nan was able to rely on her own ability to finish self-studying the entire curriculum for the first year of high school. She must be putting up a pretense to show how hardworking and intelligent she was. Liar!

    Only her father would be tricked by Qiao Nan and think that the sun shines out of Qiao Nan¡¯s arse.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back. I¡¯ll bring you a cup of water. Drink it.¡± Once Ding Jiayi entered the house, she was warmly weed by Qiao Zijin.

    After drinking the cup of water, Ding Jiayi, who was sweating profusely, felt much cooler andfortable, as if she had eaten a Popsicle. ¡°Zijin, Mom will do the handiwork together with you. Don¡¯t work too hard.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m doing this for the sake of my tuition fees, after all. Instead, it¡¯s been tough on Mom for my sake.¡± Qiao Zijin started to massage Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Take a seat. I will give you a massage. We¡¯ll put the handiwork aside for now.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, Zijin has a pair of capable hands. I feel sofortable!¡± Ding Jiayi purposely raised her voice to let Qiao Dongliang hear what she was saying.

    No matter how good Qiao Nan was, would she treat Old Qiao that well? She had already said that Zijin was the more filial one between the two daughters.

    Facing Ding Jiayi¡¯s childish behavior, Qiao Dongliang did not even bat an eyelid. He continued with the work in his hands. He was not joking when he said he had to earn money to support Qiao Nan for her college studies. It was never all talk and no action.

    Qiao Dongliang had made up his mind to raise a college student. He was thus insistent on regaining his authority as the head of the family to prevent Ding Jiayi from squandering away all the money in the family.

    ¡°Mom, I have something to discuss with you.¡± When Ding Jiayi was changing her clothes after showering, Qiao Zijin came into her room.

    ¡°Why are you so secretive?¡± Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Zijin to have a seat. ¡°Tell me directly if there¡¯s anything. Is there any need to discuss?¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s been a year. Aren¡¯t you curious where Nan Nan has been hiding her books and money?¡±

    ¡°...¡± When she heard Qiao Zijin mention money, Ding Jiayi knitted her brows and quickly shut the door tightly. ¡°Zijin, are you still thinking about that sum of money? Forget about it. You¡¯ve seen what happened yesterday. Your dad called the police here to help Qiao Nan. I was nearly jailed. He even lied to the police that we lost five hundred yuan!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was not that stupid. Of course, she was sure that Qiao Nan only had three hundred yuan, and she took all of it. There was no five hundred yuan.

    Qiao Dongliang told the police that he lost five hundred yuan to scare and trick her into admitting that she took the three hundred yuan.

    Yesterday, after she saw the police officers and was pped by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was extremely fearful now, but Qiao Zijin was not. She woke up in cold sweat when she dreamed that she was handcuffed and was on the way to prison.

    ¡°Zijin, forget it. We¡¯ll not be able to enjoy that three hundred yuan even if we take it. Your dad is all set on favoring Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t worry. If your school fees are not enough, at most, Mom will sleep less for the next two weeks to help you cough up the money. If it doesn¡¯t work, Mom will do what has been done before¡ªborrowing from others.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to return the money after you have borrowed them?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was stiff. She was unhappy that Qiao Nan had so much money while she didn¡¯t. It seemed that she was doing worse than Qiao Nan. She¡¯s not pleased about it!

    ¡°Whatever money you borrowed needs to be returned. But if you take Qiao Nan¡¯s money, you don¡¯t need to do so.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Didn¡¯t I return the envelope of three hundred yuan to her yesterday?¡± Ding Jiayi smiled bitterly. ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why do you keep yearning for Qiao Nan¡¯s three hundred yuan?¡± Initially, she thought Zijin suggested this as she was afraid of not having enough money for her tuition fees.

    At this juncture, Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Zijin probably just did not want Qiao Nan to have any money in her hands.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be any ident like before if we¡¯re sessful this time.¡± Qiao Zijin averted Ding Jiayi¡¯s question and did not answer. ¡°Previously, I asked you to take the three hundred yuan when you had the chance at home because I was afraid that we would not be able to find the money once Qiao Nan hid it outside. We neglected the fact that Dad and Qiao Nan would definitely guess who took the money if the money was lost at home. Now, the situation is different. Qiao Nan has hidden the money outside. If the money is lost again, could they still me it on the two of us?¡±

    So, in fact, it would be easier to steal the money if it was hidden outside.

    ¡°But...¡± Ding Jiayi felt that this made sense. ¡°But both of us do not know where Qiao Nan hid the money.¡± Ding Jiayi was puzzled. Both Qiao Dongliang and she had already severed all the ties with their rtives. Where could Qiao Nan have hidden so many books and so much money?

    After thinking for a long time, Ding Jiayi could not think of any possible ces.

    ¡°In the past, we didn¡¯t try to find out as we were too soft-hearted on Qiao Nan. If we really want to know, how can Qiao Nan hide it from us?¡±

 Chapter 202 - You Are Not Afraid, I Am

    <h4>Chapter 202: You Are Not Afraid, I Am</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was keeping the ce from them so well. She believed Qiao Nan hid good stuff in that ce.

    ¡°Zijin, what exactly are you trying to do?¡± The puzzled Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°What¡¯s the use of knowing where the ce is? Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, has been so bizarre since the beginning ofst year. I think we should not stir up anything again. Every time we did something, not only did we not manage to do her in but also got ourselves into trouble instead.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was not afraid, but Ding Jiayi was.

    She had been married to Qiao Dongliang for so many years. Although they quarreled at times, it was nothing like what happened a few days ago. They argued till tears, and Qiao Dongliang even gave her a p directly.

    Inparison to the husbands of other families who hit their spouse when they were in a bad mood, Qiao Dongliang was considered a good husband.

    If Ding Jiayi had not cornered Qiao Dongliang on this asion, Qiao Dongliang would never have lifted a finger on her.

    Because of this, Ding Jiayi was frightened.

    The man who never hit a woman started to do so all of a sudden. Ding Jiayi could not forget how she felt at that instance.

    ¡°If the two of us continue to work hard for two more weeks and take on more handiwork every day, we¡¯ll be able toe up with your tuition fees. Don¡¯t stir up any more trouble. Zijin, be obedient and listen to Mom. Mom will not lie to you.¡± Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s head. She really did not want to plot against Qiao Nan anymore.

    Anyway, the mother-daughter pair could settle it themselves. Why would they need to drag Qiao Nan in andplicate such a simple matter? What was the rationale? Weren¡¯t they courting trouble by doing that?

    After saying that, Ding Jiayi left to prepare dinner without waiting for Qiao Zijin¡¯s response.

    Qiao Zijin snorted as Ding Jiayi left. She was so furious that she stomped her feet ceaselessly. Her mother used to support her in whatever she said. What was wrong with her mother today?

    After all, Qiao Zijin was not the one being pped. Hence, Qiao Zijin had no idea how much influence Qiao Dongliang¡¯s p had on Ding Jiayi.

    However, Qiao Zijin was not someone who would give up so easily. She did not have much confidence in other matters, but cajoling Ding Jiayi was the only thing she knew how to do best. If she did not seed today, she would try again tomorrow. She did not believe that she could not find an opportunity to make her mother agree to this.

    ording to Qiao Zijin¡¯s sixth sense, if Ding Jiayi discovered the ce where Qiao Nan had been hiding the books and money, Ding Jiayi would definitely stir up some trouble.

    Most importantly, to Qiao Zijin, there would not be another ce safer than home to put away the money. Qiao Nan found another ce. Hence, to Qiao Nan, this must be a ce safer than home, a ce she felt very assured with.

    The corners of Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth curled into a smile. Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan, do not let me get a handle of you. Otherwise, I would certainly not let you off!

    Being held back by Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to painstakingly work for another two weeks despite feeling unjustified. Both her hands were full of calluses from the handiwork. She was in so much pain that she could not sleep well at night.

    Even so, the money that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi earned was just enough to pay for her tuition fees.

    Now, with the exception of Qiao Nan, the whole family¡¯s earnings were with Qiao Dongliang. Both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s earnings were managed tightly by thetter. Ding Jiayi only had the two yuan given to her by Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi could use these two yuan but had to exin clearly what she spent them on. If she used it appropriately, Qiao Dongliang would give her another two yuan. If she did not spend it wisely, Qiao Dongliang would let Ding Jiayi go hungry and not bother about whether she had enough to spend.

    With this attitude of Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi no longer dared to subsidize Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi was controlled tightly by Qiao Dongliang. Hence, Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation was not any better.

    After Qiao Dongliang found out about the price of the food in Qiao Zijin¡¯s school, he counted the amount of money required for Qiao Zijin¡¯s two weeks of meals. In addition to this amount of money, he gave one more yuan as a buffer to Qiao Zijin.

    At that time, one pencil only cost two or three cents, and ballpoint pen cost five cents.

    Hence, this one yuan was enough for Qiao Zijin to buy two pens to use interchangeably.

    As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s meals, three meals per day, Qiao Dongliang only provided enough for one meal with protein dish.

    Regarding this, Qiao Zijin was dissatisfied. Even if she could not have meat for every meal, at the very least, she should have it for two of the meals per day. One meal with meat per day was too little.

    Qiao Dongliang simply told Qiao Zijin directly that if she felt that it was fine for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi not to have a single piece of meat for an entire week, then he would be able to provide Qiao Zijin with meat for every meal.

    Qiao Dongliang already made himself clear. Unless Qiao Zijin wanted Qiao Dongliang to feel that she was an unfilial daughter, she had no choice but to pretend to agree.

    Hence, Qiao Zijin did not have any extra pocket money. The money for her meals was also reduced by one-third.

    Looking at the miserly amount of money in her hands, Qiao Zijin nearly cried. If her ssmates knew about her situation, how would they view her in the future? They would definitely say that she was in dire straits.

    Qiao Dongliang had set the ground rules in a resolute and sweeping manner, and Ding Jiayi obeyed them without any hesitation. Qiao Zijin was unconvinced but had to follow suit.

    In the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed. Qiao Dongliang was still working from home with odd jobs from the factory. Ding Jiayi continued to go to work and Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin had resumed their schooling days.

    ¡°I¡¯m finally in high school.¡± Looking at Ping Cheng High School, Zhao Yu had great ambitions at heart, and she was overwhelmed with emotions.

    After Zhao Yu ¡®flunked¡¯ the middle school examination, she did not step out of the house for most of the vacation period, shutting herself in the bedroom. The Zhao family nearly made a police report to request the police officer to forcefully pull Zhao Yu out of her room.

    In the end, the Zhao family said something that managed to enlighten Zhao Yu. She opened the bedroom door and walked out herself. She picked herself up and decided to start over again.

    At the sight of the high school that was much bigger than the secondary school, Zhao Yu was full of aspirations. This was the Ping Cheng High School, not her junior high school. Hence, there was no Qiao Nan.

    Previously, she had been stifled so badly by Qiao Nan that she nearly broke down. The more anxious she was, the more mistakes she did.

    As long as she adopted a normal attitude, given her ability, she would be able to regain her initial learning attitude and be one of the top-notched students in Ping Cheng High School. When the high school examination came, she would definitely be able to perform well and be a college student at a renowned university.

    That¡¯s right. Without Qiao Nan, her life would be beautiful, her future bright.

    As for Qiao Nan, she would forget about this person from this semester onward.

    ¡°Excuse me, you are blocking the way.¡± As Zhao Yu was immersed in the bright hopes for the future, a familiar and annoying voice rang behind her. Zhao Yu¡¯s entire body turned stiff. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s such a coincidence...¡±

 Chapter 203 - Damned Fate

    <h4>Chapter 203: Damned Fate</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Hey, who¡¯s this? Besides standing in the middle of the main entrance and blocking the way, are you also hard of hearing?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who is hard of hearing!¡± After confirming that she had not mistaken what she heard, Zhao Yu turned in anger. ¡°Zhou Lei, why are you studying at Ping Cheng High School? Shouldn¡¯t you be going to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    She clearly remembered that Zhou Lei did well during the middle school examination, and his grades could get him into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°That¡¯s for me to choose. I think Ping Cheng High School is quite good. What has this got to do with you?¡± Zhou Lei was also angered. ¡°But, you. Isn¡¯t your family very rich? Didn¡¯t you ask your family to fork out money to let you attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    He had been deskmate and ssmate with Zhao Yu for three years.

    He had thought that he would no longer be Zhao Yu¡¯s ssmate in high school and would be freed from the torture. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yu also came to Ping Cheng High School. What was she thinking of?

    ¡°...¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned pale, and she wanted to scold Zhou Lei.

    ording to Zhao Yu¡¯s original n, it would be the best scenario if she could attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China with her own ability. Regardless, she had also discussed with her family that she would still attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the best high school in Ping Cheng, even if they needed to spend money to get her in.

    If not for the fact that The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China did not provide junior high studies, Zhao Yu would not havepleted her junior high school education at Ping Cheng High School.

    However, at the thought of Qiao Nan studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she was not willing to study there even if the school was willing to subsidize her, not to mention spending money to get in. Besides, she would not attend it even if it was the best high school in the country, let alone that it was only the best in Ping Cheng.

    She did not want to see Qiao Nan ever again. She had to be stifled by her for three years if she did that!

    In other words, Zhao Yu was afraid of Qiao Nan. To avoid Qiao Nan, she would rather settle for the second best and attend Ping Cheng High School. She was even willing to give up on attending her dream school: The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    You don¡¯t hit a person in his face, and neither do you expose a person¡¯s shorings when you scold them.

    Zhou Lei¡¯s words directly offended Zhao Yu.

    If Zhao Yu was not ady, and Zhou Lei not a man, Zhao Yu really wished that she could fight it out with him.

    Since the junior high school days, Zhou Lei had never been a gentleman. He had been annoying and hateful. She cursed that Zhou Lei would not be able to find a girlfriend or marry a wife in the future!

    ¡°Scram!¡± A seemingly big shot character appeared behind them. His domineering shout made Zhao Yu and Zhou Lei gave way by moving respectively to the two sides of the entrance in a subconscious manner.

    It was only when this person passed by before their eyes that both of them realized this was another old acquaintance: Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo?¡± Zhou Lei looked at him in surprise. ¡°Did I see wrong?¡±

    Zhao Yu hesitated. She had assumed that Zhu Baoguo would be studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China due to his close rtionship with Qiao Nan. In addition, given the Zhu family¡¯s status, it was appropriate for him to attend the school. Unexpectedly, he actually came to Ping Cheng High School.

    At that instance, Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes lit up. Perhaps she would have an opportunity now!

    In the past, Zhu Baoguo hated her because Qiao Nan had been talking bad about her to Zhu Baoguo. Without Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo would not be so blind as to not discover her merits. In time, he might even take a liking to her.

    In that case, she would be able to fulfill her previous wish in high school!

    ¡°Stupid.¡± At the sight of the foolish smile on Zhao Yu¡¯s face, Zhou Lei sneered. ¡°Zhao Yu, Zhu Baoguo is so close to Qiao Nan. Since Zhu Baoguo is here, do you think Qiao Nan will be attending Ping Cheng High School as well?¡± If that happened, ha ha ha, Zhao Yu¡¯s expression would be very interesting.

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned pale as she retorted immediately. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s grades are so good. She¡¯s the top student of the middle school examination and in the whole province. It¡¯s not possible for her toe to Ping Cheng High School instead of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Don¡¯t tell me such a baseless joke.¡±

    Coincidentally, Qiao Nan, who quietly reached the school¡¯s entrance, heard thest part of the conversation between the two of her former ssmates.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Should she greet them now to give Zhao Yu a ¡®surprise¡¯?

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Nan coughed. She really had no choice. Zhou Lei and Zhao Yu were standing side by side at the main entrance. Unless Qiao Nan was willing to lean sideways, she would not be able to enter the school. ¡°Can you please give way so that I can go and pay my tuition fees?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Both Zhao Yu and Zhou Lei had a great shock. When the two of them turned and saw Qiao Nan, who looked so innocent, Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned ck while Zhou Lei patted his thigh andughed out in tears. ¡°Qiao Nan, since you¡¯re here, does it mean that we still have the fate to be ssmates for another three years?¡±

    Aiyo, speaking of the devil, Qiao Nan granted his wish too well!

    ¡°Yes, I came to register for school today. If you¡¯re not transferring to another school, we¡¯ll be schoolmates for another three years.¡± Qiao Nan smiled and replied. She had quite a good impression of Zhou Lei.

    ¡°Ha ha ha, of course I¡¯ll not change the school. I think Ping Cheng High School is quite good. But I don¡¯t know if someone else will transfer to another school. Nevertheless, I wish to express that it¡¯s best for someone to change her mind.¡± Zhou Lei made an inference to something while responding to Qiao Nan.

    Zhao Yu was unwilling to be ssmate with Qiao Nan. Both Qiao Nan and Zhou Lei were able to decipher this from her words.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s register and pay the tuition fees together.¡± Zhou Lei patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and strode forward inrge steps. Hepletely ignored Zhao Yu whom he met first.

    Qiao Nan nodded to Zhao Yu, who was dumbstruck and frozen to the point of showing no reaction. This was considered as her greeting to Zhao Yu. She then caught up with Zhou Lei so that they could pay the tuition fees together.

    Before they did so, they went to the notice board to look at the ss they had been allocated to.

    ¡°I¡¯m in ss one.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in ss three.¡± When he saw that he was in a different ss from Qiao Nan, Zhou Lei felt a little relieved.

    When facing Qiao Nan, while he did not have Zhao Yu¡¯s jealousy, there was some awkwardness.

    As per what Zhao Yu mentioned, Zhou Lei could actually study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China based on his grades. However, Zhou Lei had his own considerations for choosing Ping Cheng High School over the best school.

    On one hand, Zhou Lei¡¯s situation was simr to Qiao Nan. It was because of money. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was the best school in Ping Cheng High School not only because of academic performance but also the learning facilities and the quality of the teachers.

    High school studies did not constitute as the nine-yearpulsory education. Hence, the tuition fees would increase by a great amount. Given the prominence of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, its tuition fees were much higher than other high schools¡¯.

    Most importantly, Zhou Lei¡¯s grades were borderline cut-off admission point for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    As such, Zhou Lei felt that it was quite embarrassing to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. There were a lot of ¡®sponsor¡¯ students in the school. Inparison, Zhou Lei was definitely one of the better students.

    However, there were also quite a number of students who were epted due to their own ability.

 Chapter 204 - The Arrogant â€˜Puppy Loveâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 204: The Arrogant ¡®Puppy Love¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhou Lei¡¯s grades paled inparison to these students.

    As the saying goes, it¡¯s better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion. Hence, Zhou Lei opted for Ping Cheng High School. Now that he was schoolmates with Qiao Nan again, and if they belonged to the same ss, he would feel stressed as he would again be ¡®crushed¡¯ and ¡®stimted¡¯ every day by Qiao Nan¡¯s grades.

    Hence, it was great that they were in the same school but not in the same ss. As he knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®perverted¡¯ academic performance, he felt more relieved that they were not going to be ssmates again.

    ¡°Uh...¡± Qiao Nan screened through the list to see who would be in her ss. She did not know whether tough or cry when she saw one of the names.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhou Lei walked beside Qiao Nan curiously. He was also stunned when he saw the name list of the students in her ss and burst intoughter. He wasughing so hard that some of the passerby, and even the students in the ssroom, came out to find out what was happening. ¡°Aye, I made the right choice bying to Ping Cheng High School. I¡¯ll be missing the fun if I don¡¯te today. It¡¯s damn funny.¡±

    Zhao Yu, who came up behind them with a gloomy face, heard Zhou Lei and already guessed what the matter was. Her tears welled up. She nearly threw her school bag to make a stand that she didn¡¯t want to continue with her studies anymore!

    The high schools were of different standards. Simrly, there was also a difference between the sses within the same school.

    ss one of Ping Cheng High School was also called the top ss. As the name implied, everyone knew what that meant.

    Zhao Yu¡¯s family was wealthy and willing to spend money to send her to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Thus, although Zhao Yu opted for the second choice and attended Ping Cheng High School, she would be in the best ss.

    Fortunately, Zhao Yu¡¯s grades were not too bad. Hence, the Zhao family managed to get Zhao Yu into ss one with minimal effort.

    When Zhao Yu saw Qiao Nan today, she had a premonition. Upon hearing Zhou Lei¡¯sughter, Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes were red. She was staring like a rabbit and shivering all over with anger.

    Undoubtedly, she was also in ss one. Since Qiao Nan was willing to study at Ping Cheng High School, there was no reason that she would not be allocated to ss one.

    Zhao Yu realized that all her efforts were in vain. She had done so much to avoid Qiao Nan, but unexpectedly, not only did she not get away from Qiao Nan but also ended up in the same ss as her. Facing this reality, Zhao Yu wanted to kneel down and question God what hideous things had shemitted in her previous life such that she had to be tortured again by Qiao Nan for another three years.

    Clearly, the semester had not begun, but Zhao Yu already predicted that she would be living a life in purgatory, a life full of suffering that she did not wish to live anymore.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go quickly. When I look at Zhao Yu, why do I feel that she was full of desperation and darkness?¡± Zhou Lei rubbed both his arms. He could not help pitying Zhao Yu as his heart secretly ¡®cried¡¯ for her.

    Toward Qiao Nan, both Zhao Yu and he had some simrities in their thinking.

    Hence, Zhou Lei could understand exactly how crumbled Zhao Yu felt at this point in time. However, it was just too bad for Zhao Yu. Furthermore, he did not consider Zhao Yu as his friend. Therefore, he could only pray that she would not be tortured too badly by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll go ahead to register and pay the tuition fees.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it together.¡± In the first semester, everyone would go to the administration office to pay tuition fees. Qiao Nan was also going to the same ce as Zhou Lei.

    Zhao Yu was left alone in peace. Qiao Nan and Zhou Lei paid their tuition fees first and then found their respective ssrooms ording to the signboards.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re here.¡± Qiao Nan heard Zhu Baoguo¡¯s booming voice before she could step into the ssroom.

    Because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s shout, more than twenty ssmates in the ssroom turned their eyes to Qiao Nan at the same time. They were either full of curiosity, jealousy, or vignce.

    Besides an ¡®idiot¡¯ like Zhu Baoguo, which student in the top ss did not have any trait ofpetitiveness?

    The top schr of the middle school examination in the province¡ªQiao Nan. Who had not heard of this name before?

    In fact, some heard that the Ping Cheng TV Station had wanted to interview Qiao Nan but was turned down by Qiao Nan and the school.

    In fact, this would be a good opportunity to gain publicity for the school. In normal times, the school would try their best to facilitate this. But strangely, Qiao Nan¡¯s junior high school did not do so and Ping Cheng High School acquiesced quietly.

    Many had the feeling that the school seemed to have taken into consideration Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings and gave up such a great opportunity to make a big ssh in the news.

    The more the school valued Qiao Nan, the more the other outstanding students who entered this school felt that way.

    They finally saw the legendary Qiao Nan today. How could these students not have any reaction?

    When the guys saw Qiao Nan, they felt more rxed. But when thedies saw her, they could not help but look at her harshly.

    ¡°What are you looking at? Do you want to be beaten up?¡± Zhu Baoguo was very sensitive to these nces. His two eyes widened like a tiger baring its fangs, full of deterrence. ¡°I¡¯m warning everyone in this ss. Don¡¯t provoke anyone without first finding out who that person is. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being unruly with my fists. If you¡¯re really clueless, go and find out who I, Zhu Baoguo, am. In Ping Cheng, I can easily make you go home lying down simply by moving my finger!¡±

    After Zhao Yu, Zhu Baoguo did not dare to underestimate his ssmates. Although they were a bunch of kids, they were better than one another when it came to scheming. The Wang Yang in his family was the best example.

    Sensing that the situation was not right, Zhu Baoguo simply threatened them outright.

    Because of Zhu Baoguo, the whole ssroom was silent. Most of them were sheltered and docile kids. Of course, they were frightened by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s behavior. At the same time, they formed a psychological barrier, a ¡®thick wall¡¯, against Qiao Nan, forbidding her from entering their territories.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. It was a good thing that she only wanted to concentrate well on her studies and was not in the mood to make friends.

    Otherwise, with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s stirring, she would definitely be isted in the ss. She might even be bullied.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, sit here.¡± Following simr arrangements as in the past, Zhu Baoguo upied two seats for Qiao Nan and himself. Hence, he asked Qiao Nan toe over and sit down.

    Qiao Nan did not decline Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ¡®good intention¡¯. She sat beside Zhu Baoguo, who was a member of the opposite gender, in an unrestrained manner. This was different from the usual way the other men and women interacted with one another.

    The extraordinary and close rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo attracted the curiosity and contempt of many people. At this time, there was already a concept called ¡®Puppy Love¡¯.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the two of them?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she just a middle school examination schr? This attitude is too arrogant.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be anxious. See how pleased they can get when the teacheres.¡±

    When the form teacher, Liu Neng, came, there was instant silence in the ssroom. Most people looked as if they were waiting to watch a good show.

 Chapter 205 - The Odd One Out in Class

    <h4>Chapter 205: The Odd One Out in ss</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Liu Neng nced throughout the whole ssroom before setting his eyes on Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo. ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Teacher.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then you must be Zhu Baoguo?¡± Liu Neng looked at the male student next to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Who else but him dared to sit beside Xiao Qiao? Believe it or not, he would chop away the person¡¯s limb!

    ¡°Fine, then the two of you can remain seated. The rest of you, queue up outside the ssroom. As I shout out your name,e in one by one. I will arrange your seating.¡± Liu Neng was holding a name list. He started to give orders as he stood at the podium on the tform.

    The other students below the tform exchanged looks with one another. Wasn¡¯t the form teacher concerned about the tant romantic rtionship between this student called Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo? Didn¡¯t they say that Ping Cheng High School was very particr about puppy love matters and would not allow such rtionships to ur?

    What did they mean by that now?

    The situation that was not allowed even in the normal sses had urred in the top ss. However, the form teacher did not say a word about or react to it, as if it was business as usual. This...

    Regardless of whether the students knew the reason, none of them was willing to offend the form teacher on the first day of school. Hence, everyone stood up abidingly and queued up outside the ssroom. It was only when the form teacher read their name that they entered the ssroom and followed the form teacher¡¯s directions to find their respective seats.

    Liu Neng was a very experienced form teacher. Within a short time span of five minutes, Liu Neng had seated all the students ording to their heights. ¡°Alright, from today onward, this will be your seat. Don¡¯t sit in the wrong ce. Next, I will talk about the ssmittee arrangements. Those whose names are called, please remember your role and quickly take charge of the tasks within your responsibility. I believe that since all of you are outstanding students, you have the ability to perform your tasks effectively. Don¡¯t forget that we¡¯re all in the same ss. We should set an example for the entire cohort, understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Teacher Liu.¡±

    ¡°Very good...¡± Thereafter, Liu Neng read a name and announced their respective role. He finished the announcement in a clear voice and at his fastest speed. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s basically the arrangements. Can all the ssmittee members please take charge and make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible? Now, can the ss monitor bring some ssmates with you to collect the books? Hurry up.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Teacher Liu.¡± The new ss monitor blushed for a while. He did not expect Teacher Liu to have such a driven and swift personality. He just got to know that he was the ss monitor of ss one. He had yet to be familiar with this new identity but had already been allocated the tasks. ¡°Could some male students in the ss pleasee with me to collect the books?¡±

    ss monitor took a look at the male students in the ss. He dared to call anyone except for Zhu Baoguo.

    After he called out the names, they went to collect the books. Thereafter, the Labormittee member gathered a group of students to clean and tidy up the ssroom, whereas the Literature and Artmittee member managed the announcement on the notice board.

    They were obviously ¡®good¡¯ students from various schools. After Liu Neng assigned the tasks, all the students coborated and carried out the tasks effectively. Within five minutes, the ssroom was clean and in order.

    Of course, everyone was busy except for two people, namely Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo.

    Almost all of the ssmittee members dared not assign any tasks to Zhu Baoguo or Qiao Nan.

    One summer vacation had passed. The murderous aura in Zhu Baoguo seemed to have increased by a fair bit. Others might be unaware, but Zhao Yu was able to feel the change in him. In the past, Zhu Baoguo was also fierce and able to instill fear in others. However, the Zhu Baoguo at that time was like a sheathed axe, heavy with a shiny de but was scary only because of its look and weight.

    After all, an axe could kill when it smashes.

    But the current Zhu Baoguo was more like a sharpened axe, its shimmering de unsheathed. An axe like this was not only heavy but also sharp. It was much more powerful than before.

    It seemed that whoever offended Zhu Baoguo would definitely be bruised andcerated until they bleed profusely.

    Such a Zhu Baoguo was definitely scary. This increased Zhao Yu¡¯s dislike for Qiao Nan.

    There¡¯s a saying that goes ¡®Nice guys finishst and women favor bad guys¡¯.

    In fact, a man like Zhu Baoguo who had a sense of aggressiveness would be able to win over a girl¡¯s heart more easily. It was somewhat every girl¡¯s dream to be the wife of a ¡®big brother¡¯.

    ¡°Why do we need to do all these while the two of them don¡¯t?¡± Everyone dared not assign tasks to Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo. Zhao Yu, who became an ¡®ordinary¡¯ student after entering ss one, refused to continue with her task. ¡°ssmittee members, what do you all mean? Why are some people cking while we have to do so much? If you don¡¯t give me a proper exnation, I won¡¯t continue anymore!¡±

    Why was it that Qiao Nan could sit and read her booksfortably while she had to wipe the tables and windows?

    ¡°Because I¡¯ve already assigned enough people for the task. If you have any objections, you can choose not to do it, but I will report this matter to the form teacher. Decide for yourself.¡± The Labormittee member was not someone to be trifled with. She had always hated girls with a temper like Zhao Yu.

    ¡°Go ahead and report me. Since there¡¯re already enough people, it won¡¯t make a difference even if I¡¯m not doing it, will it?¡± Zhao Yu, who was in a bad mood, argued with the Labormittee member. She threw the rag on the table and really returned to her seat. Thereafter, she took out her own book to read.

    In the face of this situation, the Labormittee member sneered. She was the one who made arrangements for the duty roster. The name of this student was Zhao Yu. She had it noted in her mind!

    ¡°Alright, now you can refer to this notice and familiarize yourself with your dormitory.¡± When Liu Neng was back, there were two notices regarding the dormitory arrangements on the ckboard, one for female and the other male.

    There were a total of eight beds in each dormitory, but not every bed was upied.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, there were six other upants besides herself. One of them was He Yun, the Labormittee member who just had an argument with Zhao Yu.

    Seeing that Zhao Yu did not have the same dormitory as her, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. She was not afraid of Zhao Yu, but her character was really troublesome.

    During thest essaypetition, Zhao Yu dared to break her pens. Qiao Nan was not certain if there would be a second urrence. Zhao Yu might dare to do other things to her again.

    Qiao Nan felt that it was really troublesome to deal with this kind of youngdies. Dealing with Zhao Yu was not any better than dealing with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, if anyone dares to bully you, tell me. I¡¯ll settle it for you.¡± Zhu Baoguo was anxious, as if he was protecting his calf. As they surveyed the dormitory, he became uptight and spoke as if nobody was kind and everyone was malicious, and Qiao Nan seemed to be one that was most easily bullied in the whole world.

 Chapter 206 - Putting Aside Prejudices

    <h4>Chapter 206: Putting Aside Prejudices</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Hey!¡± He Yun snorted. What did they mean by that? They did not find joy in bullying others!

    ¡°Okay, stop it.¡± Qiao Nan clutched her head in exasperation. What Zhu Baoguo said could easily enrage others.

    Zhu Baoguo tried to help Qiao Nan, but others had been enraged by what he said and directed their anger toward Qiao Nan. On their way to the dormitory, no one walked with Qiao Nan. They kept a distance from her, and nobody spoke to Qiao Nan.

    If any other girl encountered such matter, she might feel wronged and inferior. She might not have an easy life for the next three years, and her studies might be affected as well. Qiao Nan had to rejoice once again that she was not, in actual fact, a sixteen-year-old child. After all, she was more sensitive than the average person at this age.

    After arriving at the dormitory, Qiao Nan located her bed and cab. She put her clothes inside and locked it with a small lock.

    The beds in the dormitory of Ping Cheng High School were all issued in a unified manner. The cost was already included in the tuition fees paid by the students.

    Qiao Nan was a special enrollment student. She was exempted from tuition and misceneous fees and also did not need to pay for the nket in the dormitory. Therefore, Qiao Nan and Zhou Lei were just going through the formalities when they did their enrollment just now.

    Looking at the nket that was exactly the same as the others, Qiao Nan took out her needles and thread and embroidered the words ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ and ¡®High School Year One ss One¡¯ on her nket.

    This way, even if she hanged out the nket to air under the sun in the future, Qiao Nan could easily identify her nket.

    The other five girls in the dormitory were stunned.

    Why did they not think of making a marking on their nkets? After all, everyone¡¯s nket and its cover had the same pattern. If all of them were to hang their nkets out to air, they could easily mix up the nkets.

    No one had thought of this in advance, hence they did note prepared like Qiao Nan.

    Today was the first day of school. It would be good to air the nkets under the sun. Though the school had arranged a big area for the students to air their nkets, the students did not dare to air their nkets lest they could not identify their nkets. But if they did not air them, they would not be able to use them at night. They were in a dilemma.

    Qiao Nan did not pay attention to the five girls who shared the dormitory with her. After making a marking on her nket, she brought her nket out to air.

    Even if the school had arranged a big area for them to air their nkets, if all of the students were to air their nkets at the same time, it would still be very cramped. Thus, it would be good to upy a good spot first.

    After bringing her nket out to air, Qiao Nan wiped her bed and the surrounding areas. Compared to the way her ssmates cleaned up the ssroom just now, she was much more nimble and dexterous.

    He Yun watched Qiao Nan as she worked and did most of the work. She gritted her teeth and walked to Qiao Nan¡¯s side. ¡°Qiao... Qiao Nan, can I borrow your needles and threads? I... I want to make a marking too so that my nket will not be confused with someone else¡¯s nket.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan replied faintly and handed the needles and threads to He Yun. ¡°You can pick the color by yourself.¡±

    ¡°No, no, this color will do.¡± He Yun from high school year one ss one. She was the only person by the name He Yun. It was impossible to have any confusion.

    More importantly, He Yun usually did not do needlework at home. She might not be able to change the threads. She did not want to embarrass herself in front of others.

    He Yun noticed that Qiao Nan did it with ease when she embroidered her name on the nket just now. And the most important thing was that the embroidered words were quite beautiful. He Yun had thought that it was an easy task. But when she worked on the embroidery herself, she then realized that it was not easy at all!

    He Yun¡¯s embroidery was twisted and crooked like her handwritings from back when she was still in kindergarten, the moment when she had just learned to write. He Yun had the impulse to cover herself in shame.

    She knew that Qiao Nan was the top schr in middle school examination and that she was smarter than the average person. But she did not know that not only was she smart but also well-versed in other areas as well. Her embroidery was so beautiful. It was as if she was a youngdy of an influential family from ancient times.

    She was such an all-rounder that others paled inparison.

    Thinking of the words that Qiao Nan embroidered and looking back at the words she embroidered, He Yun did not have the courage to air her nket.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, can you lend us the needles and threads too?¡± Seeing that He Yun had taken the first step of borrowing the needles and threads from Qiao Nan, several other students in the dormitory also asked Qiao Nan to lend them the needles in a friendly tone.

    ¡°Sure. When He Yun is done with her embroidery, all of you can take turns to use them.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s calm attitude made these students breathed a sigh of relief.

    Minutes ago, all of them gave Qiao Nan the cold shoulder, but now they had to ask a favor of Qiao Nan. They could not help but feel awkward and embarrassed.

    ¡°I am done.¡± He Yun handed over the needles and threads, picked up her nket, and rushed out at the fastest speed, lest others noticed her face which was dusted in red due to embarrassment.

    When the other four students took their turns to embroider their names, they also felt as embarrassed and awkward as He Yun.

    But they finally made a marking like Qiao Nan and went to air their nkets.

    However, they were smart students after all. Nobody tried to embroider anything too fancy orplicated. They just used the simplest method and embroidered their names stroke by stroke onto the nkets.

    It did not matter whether it was ugly or not. What was important was that they were able to recognize their own nkets and would not confuse it with the nkets of other students. Besides, it was the fastest method of embroidering!

    By the time all of the nkets in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory were brought out to air, there had not been much space left at the area meant for airing of nkets.

    ¡°Is it time to eat?¡± Tang Mengran, who was appointed the head of their dormitory by the form teacher, approached He Yun and asked, ¡°Shall we?¡±

    They had just borrowed needles and threads from Qiao Nan. It would not be right of them to ignore her now, would it?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s time to go to the canteen for dinner. Do you want to go with us?¡± He Yun mustered her courage to ask Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan put down her book. If her ssmates alienated her, she would not try to join in. But if her ssmates were willing to ept her, she would not be unsociable.

    The five students rxed at Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude. They were not as nervous as before.

    He Yun could not help but say this to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, your temper is actually very good.¡± Even if Qiao Nan was the top schr in the middle school examination, and the first ce in the school, she was a nice person and easy to get along with since her temper is good. They had initially thought that top students like her would be arrogant and aloof.

    Qiao Nan could not help butugh. ¡°In fact, I have always been very easy to get along with.¡± At most, she was not easy to be close with others.

    ¡°The main reason is that your deskmate is very fierce and scary. Qiao Nan, are you on close terms with your deskmate? Are the two of you...?¡± The Lifemittee member was curious and interested to learn about the gossip she heard. ¡°You and your deskmate seem to get along very well. Are both of you in that kind of rtionship?¡±

    ¡°That kind of rtionship? What kind of rtionship?¡±

 Chapter 207 - Harmonious Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 207: Harmonious Rtionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was stunned. She could not understand what kind of rtionship the Lifemittee member, Tao Zhenqin, meant. It was only when Qiao Nan saw the ambiguous smile on Tao Zhenqin¡¯s face did she understand what she meant. ¡°All of you have read too much into it. Zhu Baoguo treats me like a younger sister.¡±

    Of course, she treated Zhu Baoguo like a son...

    ¡°Younger sister? Are you both rted?¡± Tang Mengran, head of their dormitory, blinked. ¡°Both of you do not look alike. Is he a rtive from your mother¡¯s side or your father¡¯s side?¡±

    ¡°No, let me put it this way. My grandpa and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s maternal grandpa have a good rtionship. After my grandpa passed away, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grandpa takes great care of my dad and my family. In fact, the rtionship between our families dated back to our grandfathers¡¯ generation.¡± Both of them were not rted, but if she did not give an exnation to these curious young people, news of her ¡®puppy love¡¯ with Zhu Baoguo might spread throughout Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Oh, both of your families have such good rtionships.¡± Sure enough, when Qiao Nan mentioned that the rtionship between the two families dated back to their grandfather¡¯s generation and they were old family friends, the people in the dormitory no longer had the ambiguous look when they talked about Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°We have thought that... It¡¯s a misunderstanding. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be angry with us.¡± As good students who were able to study at Ping Cheng High School based on their performance, they were disdainful of students whose academic performance were not as good or those who had messy rtionships.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I am d that the misunderstanding has been cleared up.¡± Qiao Nan, who had a good temper, shook her head. After entering the canteen, she took the meal ticket and went to get her meal.

    It was not umon for people from the same dormitory to sit together and have their meals.

    The six youngdies sat together and had their dinner. Even if it was mealtime, there would always be people who could not help but start a conversation. ¡°Qiao Nan, can I ask you a question?¡± The person who said this was Zheng Lingling, the Leaguemittee member and the secretary of the ss.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°I heard that you are the top schr in the middle school examination. Why did you not go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± If The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China epted students based on their score, Qiao Nan should be the first student to be epted and followed by others. Nobody expected that Qiao Nan would study at Ping Cheng High School.

    When Zheng Lingling saw Qiao Nan¡¯s name in high school year one ss one, she had thought that this Qiao Nan had the same name as the Qiao Nan who was the top schr in the middle school examination.

    ¡°The tuition fee in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is more expensive. My family has more than one child. I have an elder sister who is already studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Besides, my junior high school is Ping Cheng Junior High School as well.¡± There was no way she could hide the fact that she was exempted from paying her tuition and misceneous fees. Hence, she decided to tell them upfront about her family¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Well...¡± Zheng Lingling was startled. She did not expect that Qiao Nan would be so frank. She was lost for words.

    The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant. The six youngdies stopped chatting. They finished their meals at the fastest speed and went back to the ssroom to participate in the evening self-study.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, did anyone bully you?¡± When Qiao Nan sat down, Zhu Baoguo came up to her and asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything is good.¡± Qiao Nan took out her book and started reading. In fact, as long as Zhu Baoguo was absent, she could get along very well with her ssmates.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that nobody bullies you.¡± Zhu Baoguo nodded then whispered, ¡°If you are immersed in your books all day long, you will turn into a nerd soon. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s so good about these books.¡±

    ¡°Some of you boys,e with me to get the clothes.¡± The ss monitor stood on the podium and called out two groups of boys.

    ¡°Get the clothes? School uniforms?¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t mention school uniforms, they are so ugly. People who wear them look heavier by ten kilograms. Why must we wear uniforms in high school?¡±

    ¡°It may not be school uniforms. It could be camouged suits for military training.¡±

    ¡°Camouged clothing? You are right. There is military training in high school!!¡±

    ¡°What do you think our instructors will look like? Will they be fierce?¡± The most important thing was whether the instructor would be a hunk.

    The girls were chatting non-stop. They were like a bunch of sparrows who chirped on the utility pole. Zhu Baoguo had a headache from their chattering. He hated it when the girls chattered throughout the day. Were they not tired at all?

    They might not be tired, but he could not stand the noise!

    But there was a girl who was quiet and calm unlike them.

    Zhu Baoguo sneaked a peek at Qiao Nan and noticed that she had started working on the questions. Zhu Baoguo was bored. He rested his head on the table. What was so charming about the books that Xiao Qiao was so fascinated by them?

    Thinking of what Elder Zhu said to him this morning, Zhu Baoguo let out a long sigh.

    He had known long ago that he was in the same ss as Qiao Nan. Hence, he had intended to go to school with Qiao Nan, but was stopped by Elder Zhu.

    Elder Zhu told Zhu Baoguo that if he did not want to bring harm to Qiao Nan and did not want others to badmouth Qiao Nan, it would be better to keep a distance from Qiao Nan in the quad. If there was gossip going around the quad about Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan, it would not be good for Qiao Nan as a girl.

    Because of this, Zhu Baoguo reached school earlier today than Qiao Nan and did not go to school with her.

    Zhu Baoguo treated Qiao Nan like his younger sister. He wanted to protect Qiao Nan and be good to her. He did not understand why there were so many gossip-mongers in the world. Did they have nothing better to do than gossiping about others?

    If not for the fact that Xiao Qiao had forbidden him to fight, he would have told his grandpa that he would knock off their teeth if anyone dared to badmouth Xiao Qiao.

    If he knocked off every single one of their tooth, they would not be able to gossip about others anymore.

    It did not bother Zhu Baoguo that he was the subject of gossip, but he could not stand other people badmouthing Qiao Nan. He knew that he could not stop people from gossiping and that there was no way that he could hit everyone who badmouthed Qiao Nan.

    It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. He was not like those youngdies who needed to go to school and leave school with a group of friends. He did not need for Xiao Qiao to walk with him.

    ¡°Do the problem sums and stop daydreaming. Have you done the assignments I gave you for your summer vacation?¡± Qiao Nan picked a few questions from the new textbook for this current semester and passed it to Zhu Baoguo. ¡°If you cannot get these questions right, you will get it from me.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo curled the corner of his lips. It was enough that Xiao Qiao was a nerd. Did she want to turn him into a nerd as well?

    Looking at the familiar notes and content on the notebook, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s tone was full ofints. However, he looked rxed and had a sparkle in his eyes. In fact, he was not in a bad mood despite hisints. ¡°Rest assured. I am very clever. As long as I put my mind to it, these questions are nothing to me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, stop bragging and do your problem sums.¡± Qiao Nan would not be taken in by Zhu Baoguo. If Zhu Baoguo did not answer correctly for those questions that Qiao Nan felt he should be able to, she would not be lenient with him. In fact, she would be stricter than Elder Lee and Elder Zhu.

 Chapter 208 - Good Influence

    <strong>Chapter 208: Good Influence</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    At home, Zhu Baoguo was a bully, but when he was with Qiao Nan, he was well-behaved and honest. He was willing to ept punishments for his mistakes. He was also willing to be pushed around by Qiao Nan.

    So, when ites to disciplining Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan was the best candidate in the eyes of both the Zhu family and the Lee family.

    After receiving a warning from Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo dared not y around. He took out a pen and started to do the problem sums.

    The ssroom initially had been noisy with people chattering about military training. It was as noisy as the market. But it had quiet down as the students noticed that Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo were doing their problem sums.

    Many of the students stared dazedly at Qiao Nan. Did she have to be so conscientious on the first day of school? Inparison, they seemed to be cking, not doing any studies.

    ¡°Stop showing off. She must be worried that other people do not know that she is the top schr in the middle school examination. She likes to put up pretenses.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan had influenced the atmosphere of the entire ss, Zhao Yu felt annoyed.

    Zhao Yu was a member of the ssmittee in the past. Back then, she was in charge of a morning self-study group. The ssmates did not cooperate when they were studying. Once, Zhao Yu tried her best to discipline the ss but to no avail. Her voice was hoarse from trying to get the ss to keep quiet and do their work.

    But today, though Qiao Nan did not try to discipline the ss and was concentrated on doing her studies, the rest of the students became quiet under her influence, causing Zhao Yu to be annoyed and frustrated.

    Initially, everyone had been ostracizing Qiao Nan. Despite all these, she could still have such a big influence on the ss. Zhao Yu grounded her teeth. Sure enough, Qiao Nan was her nemesis. As long as there was Qiao Nan, she would not be able to have a peaceful school life!

    It was really annoying!

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try doing what Qiao Nan is doing?¡± Fang Fang, the Disciplinarymittee member who was also Qiao Nan¡¯s roommate, frowned and said coldly, ¡°Your behavior is just sour grapes. Qiao Nan is quite special. Is there any problem with her attitude or the fact that she is the top schr in middle school examination?¡±

    When talking to Zhao Yu, Fang Fang gently reminded herself that she must work hard.

    The curriculum in high school was much more difficult than that of junior high school. Although she was admitted to Ping Cheng High School, it was not like she was admitted to a first tier key university. She could never rx. When it came to studies, it was akin to sailing against the currents. If one did not improve, one would fall behind. She should learn from Qiao Nan and put in more efforts into her studies so as not to waste the three years in high school.

    Fang Fang, who had settled down, took out the textbooks that were given out today and looked through them.

    When she was in junior high school, she would prepare for her lessons before ss. But after one summer vacation, she was not used to doing that anymore.

    Even before the ss monitor and the boys hade back with the camouged suits, everyone in ss one was as quiet as if they were having lessons. Despite having no teacher around to supervise them, every student took out their books and looked through them. It was a good learning atmosphere.

    Liu Neng smiled at this scene. It was great that Qiao Nan could study at Ping Cheng High School. A good learning example was much more effective than ten strict teachers who disciplined the students with whips.

    Qiao Nan did Ping Cheng Junior High School proud in the middle school examination. Three years from now, it should be Ping Cheng High School¡¯s turn to be in the limelight, lest The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China became too arrogant and had the false impression that they were the best in Ping Cheng.

    When the ss monitor came back with the boys and saw that the ssroom was quiet and everyone was studying with their heads down, the ss monitor took a step back in shock. ¡°Did I go into the wrong ssroom? Is this a year two or year three ss?¡±

    On the way back, the ss monitor noticed that except for the ssrooms of year two and year three, which were very quiet, the other first-year ssrooms were all very noisy.

    When the ss monitor saw that everyone was busy studying, he thought that he had gone into the ssroom of year two.

    ¡°Alright, since the clothes have been brought over, juste on in.¡± Liu Neng, who was standing on the podium, did not interrupt the students who were studying.

    ¡°Teacher Liu!¡± Upon seeing Liu Neng, the ss monitor was sure that this was the right ssroom. ¡°Come in and put the clothes on the podium first. Let the students collect their clothing ording to their height.¡±

    There was some bustling when the boys brought the camouged suits back with them. But it was not as noisy as before.

    The ss monitor realized that now that the ssroom was very quiet, he did not need to shout over the top of his lungs when he gave his instructions to the students. ¡°There are three sets of clothes in total, one set is for military training, and the other two sets are school uniforms. When your name is called,e up to collect your clothes. Then, check if there is any problem with the size or the clothes. If there is, please hand them to me and put a note with your ss, name, and matriction number on it.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo, whose name was being called, went to the podium in an unhurried manner. He refused to go after collecting his three sets of clothes. ¡°Okay, let me have the three sets of clothes that belonged to Qiao Nan. I will pass it to her.¡±

    The ss monitor was taken aback when Zhu Baoguo narrowed his eyes at him. He quickly picked three sets of female clothes ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s height and handed them to Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo snorted with satisfaction and returned to his seat with a mountain of clothes in his arms. He sat down and said, ¡°Xiao Qiao, these three sets of uniforms are yours.¡±

    ¡°Put it down. Look at the questions that you have done.¡± Qiao Nan had a stern expression on her face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that it would only require a little effort of you to finish these questions and to get all of them correct? But out of the ten questions, two of them are wrong and one is left empty!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo blinked and quickly took back the questions from Qiao Nan. ¡°Two of the questions are wrong? Xiao Qiao, what¡¯s the hurry? I am still halfway through the questions, and I have yet to check through them. This is considered a sneak attack!¡±

    Qiao Nan put down the red pen and checked through her three sets of uniforms. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that this is not an exam. There aren¡¯t so many rules. You cannot take your time to do them. Don¡¯t find an excuse for yourself. It¡¯s a fact that you did not get all of the questions right. I won¡¯t ept your excuses!¡±

    Sure enough, the pants of the military training suit were too long and the waistline was too loose.

    It would be impossible to wear this military training suit tomorrow.

    ¡°You should know what you should do with this kind of results. I don¡¯t want to supervise you like a teacher. You must have self-discipline. If you do not improve next time, you should know what the consequences are.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo turned a nk eye. Xiao Qiao was too strict.

    If Xiao Qiao was riled up, she would be stricter than the teacher!

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Zhu Baoguo did not respond to Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Qiao Nan, who was removing the sewn stitches from her uniforms, raised her tone in a questioning manner.

    ¡°I understand. I will take note of it and do much better next time.¡± Zhu Baoguo replied obediently. He dared not y around with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay.¡± After getting a satisfactory answer, Qiao Nan acted in her usual ways.

    They behaved as if they were teacher and student.

    Liu Neng witnessed what happened between Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo, a smile on his face.

 Chapter 209 - You Are Too Annoying

    <h4>Chapter 209: You Are Too Annoying</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo were the most special students in his ss. One was admitted to his ss based on her excellent results, while the other went through the back door to be admitted to his ss. Initially, Liu Neng had been worried when Zhu Baoguo insisted on going to the same ss as Qiao Nan.

    Liu Neng had seen a lot of problems between boys and girls. Besides, the students in their ss would be changed over time. The school would organize monthly and mid-term exams, and reshuffled the students ording to their credits.

    Liu Neng had seen many cases where the young boys and girls did not put their efforts in their studies but were more interested in their rtionships. They might have been admitted to ss one in year one, but they could no longer stay in ss one when they advanced to year two.

    Initially, Liu Neng was worried that Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo would be in a simr situation. Now, he no longer had such concern.

    No wonder the Zhu family put in a lot of efforts to ensure that Zhu Baoguo was in the same ss as Qiao Nan and had insisted for Zhu Baoguo to be seated with Qiao Nan in the ss. At first, he could not understand their intentions. After all, it was a crucial time for them to concentrate on their studies, and it would be too much for parents to go this far to support their children¡¯s rtionships. But now he knew that it was not the case.

    Time passed by very quickly. In a blink, it had turned dark. When Qiao Nan went back to the dormitory, she took back four sets of uniforms with her, including Zhu Baoguo¡¯s military training uniform.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you doing?¡± Tang Mengran noticed that Qiao Nan was doing her needlework. She looked at her, perplexed. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to read your books?¡±

    ¡°I am altering the military training uniforms. The pants of the military training suits are too long and wide that one will easily step on the pants. The waistband is too loose as well. If one does not use a belt, I am afraid that the pants will drop off.¡± Qiao Nan sewed the pants while talking to Tang Mengran.

    ¡°What? This is news to me.¡± He Yun jumped to her feet and quickly tried on her military training uniform.

    As expected, the legs of the pants were too wide. If one jumped about, the pants might drop off. And the pants were particrly long and wide. It was so long that it reached and covered her shoes.

    ¡°Oh, my! My uniform has the same problem. What should I do? If my pants drop off tomorrow, it will be so shameful!¡± All of the girls in the dormitory were anxious and worried.

    Qiao Nan had finished sewing her uniform and proceeded to alter Zhu Baoguo¡¯s pants. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have needles and threads with me. All of you can do some minor alterations to ensure that it will not drop off.¡±

    ¡°How do we go about it?!¡± Tao Zhenqin was in frenzy. She did not know how to do needlework.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you must have a way. Teach us!¡± Fang Fang sat down next to Qiao Nan, wanting Qiao Nan to help her. ¡°Qiao Nan, we have to rely on you for tomorrow. Our sess and failure are all in your hands.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips and said, ¡°Is it that serious?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    The five girls in the dormitory said in unison.

    ¡°Alright, I will teach all of you.¡± Qiao Nan had no other choices but to agree. ¡°Since the waistband is stic, the other ways of sewing are not suitable. It will be useless if the threades loose. The best way will be to shift the buttonhole inward ording to one¡¯s waistline, so one will need to do some scissoring. As for the legs of the pants, you can roll them up and sew some stitches to secure them. It is an easy feat and will be done in a jiffy.¡±

    Qiao Nan finished altering Zhu Baoguo¡¯s pants while exining to the five girls. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done. You can use the needles and threads.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t go. You have to guide us along. We cannot remember all the steps.¡± Zheng Lingling pulled at Qiao Nan, refusing to let her go.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s very simple. Anyway, I just want to pass the pants back to Zhu Baoguo. It¡¯ste, there¡¯s nowhere for me to go besides the dormitory. You could inform the other girls in our ss about the problems with the pants. After all, all of us are ssmittee members.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan brought the pants to Zhu Baoguo. ¡°You must try it onter when you get back to your room. If it is not fitting, I will alter it for you.¡±

    ¡°No, it is definitely fitting.¡± Zhu Baoguo took the pants and put them against himself to see if it was fitting. He was very satisfied with the pants. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you have nimble hands and have no trouble with needlework at all. I suppose you are the only girl who can do needlework in your dormitory. No, I should say that you are the only one who can do this in the whole ss. You are amazing!¡±

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Qiao Nan smiled dryly. ¡°I am going back, then.¡± She did not ask for it, but if she did not have these skills, how could she survive her years at home?

    Qiao Zijin would always have new clothes every year, every quarter and every month. But she could only have her hand-me-downs.

    Even if Qiao Zijin was plumper than her, or that the clothes were old and most of them were not suitable, Qiao Nan still had to wear them.

    Even if she did not have any new clothes to wear, Qiao Nan would ensure that her clothes were neat and fitting. Over time, Qiao Nan became adept at needlework. Qiao Nan could tell at first nce that the military training uniforms were too big and not fitting.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are back. That¡¯s great. Please teach me what to do and where I should cut it. If I make any mistake, this pair of pants will be ruined.¡± As soon as Qiao Nan returned to the dormitory, she was dragged away by the people in the dormitory.

    ¡°You must put it on so that I can alter it ording to your waistline.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zheng Lingling put on her pants obediently. Anyway, there were all girls. Zheng Lingling had nothing to be shy about.

    ¡°Is this tight?¡± Qiao Nan made some folds at the waist and asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan picked up the small scissors and cut a hole at that area. She then fixed the button at that location. ¡°Zheng Lingling, try moving about.¡±

    Zheng Lingling took a few steps carefully. She then jumped around, squatted, and twisted about. ¡°Okay, it¡¯s just nice! Qiao Nan, you are so brilliant, thank you!¡±

    ¡°Me too. Qiao Nan, you have to help me out as well.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡±

    ¡°There is no hurry. We can do so one by one!¡±

    Zheng Lingling spent ages on the pants but did not make any progress, whereas Qiao Nan altered it within a few minutes. The other four girls were thrilled at that and wanted Qiao Nan to help them with the altering as well.

    Zheng Lingling, who had altered the waistline, proceeded to alter the legs of her pants. ¡°Qiao Nan, have you heard about it? When we brought out the nkets to air today, many students from the other sses were confused about their nkets and could not find theirs. In the end, some students lost their nkets. Fortunately, you taught us to make a marking. Otherwise, I have no idea what would have happened.¡± Zheng Lingling was gloating and rejoicing over what happened today.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s too unfortunate for them.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you a top schr in the middle school examination? Shouldn¡¯t you be a nerd? Why are you more adept in other life skills than us? Compared to you, we are not equipped with the skills to take care of ourselves. You are too annoying. But since you are willing to help and share, there is no way that I can stay annoyed at you.¡± Tang Mengran blushed in embarrassment and said shyly.

 Chapter 210 - Handsome Instructor

    <h4>Chapter 210: Handsome Instructor</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan cut a hole on Tang Mengran¡¯s pants to ce the button. She then stared at Tang Mengran. ¡°Was that a tongue twister?¡± Tang Mengran had said that she was annoying, but she went on to say that she could not stay annoyed at her?

    So, was she annoying or not?

    Tao Zhenqin wore the altered pants and felt that it was very fitting. ¡°Qiao Nan, I have informed the other female ssmates in the ss and ask people to pass the words to the boys. I suppose they will find a solution.¡± But certainly not one as good as theirs.

    Qiao Nan nodded. It was good that everyone knew about it. As for how they solved the problem, Qiao Nan was not interested to know. ¡°I will take a bath first. I will go to sleep after bathing. There is military training tomorrow. It must be very tiring.¡±

    ¡°So early?¡± Zheng Lingling felt excited as it was the first day of school and everyone was new to one another. ¡°No more reading for the day?¡±

    ¡°No, I am exhausted, and I do not read in the dormitory.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She preferred to study in the ssroom and did not have the habit of reading books in the dormitory.

    Qiao Nan took her clothes and went directly to the toilet to take a shower. After showering, she opened the door and washed her clothes. She brought them out to dry, after which sheid on the bed. In less than five minutes, her breathing evened and was fast asleep even though the lights in the dormitory were still on.

    ¡°Is she really asleep?¡± Tao Zhenqin looked stunned. ¡°Do all of you think that Qiao Nan is a living treasure in every aspect?¡±

    ¡°Definitely!¡± He Yun nodded affirmatively. ¡°It is gettingte. Qiao Nan is right. The military training tomorrow must be very strenuous. Let¡¯s have an early sleep.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡± They lost all excitement in an instant, especially when they saw Qiao Nan sleeping soundly. Tang Mengran, who felt energized previously, was sleepy at once and yawned. ¡°Why do I feel that Qiao Nan has a luby effect as well?¡±

    ¡°I think so too.¡± After taking a shower, they felt clean and refreshed. With the electric fan humming in the background, all of them gradually slipped into dreand. After a while, Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory was the quietest among all other dormitories as its residents were the first to fall asleep.

    On the next day, all of the students wore camouged uniforms to the field for their military training.

    Qiao Nan was fully prepared, and so were the girls in her dormitory. The rest of the students from other dormitories were smart as well. They came up with all sorts of ways to alter their uniforms to make them fitting.

    Liu Neng noticed that some of the students used clothespins to clip the legs of the pants. The clothespins swayed as the students moved about. It seemed as if there were two braids on the pants. Liu Neng almost lost hisposure and broke out inughter.

    It was too hrious!

    Liu Neng coughed. ¡°This is your instructor. His surname is Zhou. You can call him Instructor Zhou.¡±

    A soldier in a green military uniform stood by the side of Liu Neng, a middle-aged man. His posture was particrly tall and straight, especially his pair of bright, jet-ck eyes. It was very striking that everyone was drawn to his pair of radiant and sparkling eyes instead of his tannedplexion.

    ¡°He was so handsome.¡±

    ¡°He must be very young.¡±

    ¡°Our ss is blessed.¡± The girls were bursting with excitement, exhrated at the sight of the handsome instructor. They were very fortunate to have him as their instructor.

    Qiao Nan felt perplexed at everyone¡¯s enthusiasm. Yesterday, when Zheng Lingling and the rest of them asked her about her rtionship with Zhu Baoguo, there was a little disdain in their tone, as if they were sounding her out. Yet, they appeared to be infatuated when they saw the instructor today. Was that alright?

    ¡°Good morning, my surname is Zhou. From today onward, I will be your instructor.¡± Instructor Zhou saluted the students of ss one in a serious and formal manner. When he saw Qiao Nan, his eyes lit up.

    ¡°?¡± Qiao Nan who did not have a close look at the instructor heard his voice and found it familiar as if she had heard it before.

    Qiao Nan looked up and took a closer look. She almost choked. Instructor Zhou was the son of Zhou Bing who stayed in the same hospital ward as Qiao Dongliang half a month ago. She had called him Brother Zhou back then.

    They were acquaintances!

    ¡°The instructor is looking in this direction, smiling! His teeth are brilliantly white, and his smile is so beautiful. Who is he smiling at?¡±

    When Zhou Jun saw Qiao Nan, he curled the corner of his lips. Although he did not break out in a big smile, his tanned face made his teeth appear to be particrly white. This slight smile of his did not go unnoticed by the female students who watched his every move!

    When he heard the spection, Zhou Jun quickly recovered and maintained a stern face. ¡°Quiet. The first thing you must learn in military training is to maintain silence. In the army, you must maintain absolute discipline. Without the approval of the instructor, you are not supposed to make anyments or actions. Understand?!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The group of students respondedzily, not in unison.

    Zhou Jun frowned. His jet-ck eyes which caught all of the students¡¯ attention now gave off a ferocious look. The students of ss one did not dare to fool around. ¡°Did you hear what I said?!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± This time, the students from ss one answered very neatly in unison.

    As soon as Zhou Jun put on a stern expression, the students in ss one did not dare to y around. ¡°Okay, now we shall start the military training. If there are any questions during the training, one must ask for approval to speak or act. Understand?!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    The Indian summer in September was still very scary. The sun was scorching hot on the body. Fortunately, the camouged uniform had long pants and long sleeves. Although one would not suffer sunburn, it was particrly stuffy and hot.

    It had only been more than an hour and many of the students were drenched in perspiration, their shirts stered to their back.

    Zhou Jun looked at Qiao Nan from time to time to check whether she was fine. When he noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s cheeks had turned red, her hair wet and stered to her face¡ªthat she was drenched in perspiration to the point of having difficulty keeping her eyes opened, Zhou Jun said, ¡°Let¡¯s have a ten-minute break.¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± Qiao Nan let out a long breath. Even though they had just finished training, her legs feeling so tired as if they were lead, she did not dare to sit down. Instead, she walked a few steps before leaning against a tree and sipped at her water, hydrating herself.

    ¡°Very good, some students are very experienced. When you are tired after exercises, don¡¯t sit down right away. You may also feel very thirsty, but you must not gulp down your water. It is better to take small sips.¡± There was a hint of praise in Zhou Jun¡¯s eyes. This was the first time he taught students, but he had trained a lot of new recruits.

    The new recruits who just entered the army were mostly fools who did not havemon sense. They had to teach and guide them along the way.

 Chapter 211 - Who Are You Looking At?

    <h4>Chapter 211: Who Are You Looking At?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was very smart. She even knew all these.

    Right, Uncle Qiao was a soldier when he was young. No wonder Qiao Nan had so much experience.

    At the thought that his parents were so enthusiastic to pair Qiao Nan up with him, Zhou Jun felt his heart fluttering sweetly.

    Apart from being much younger than him, Qiao Nan was perfectlypatible with him.

    When he remembered that he was the one who volunteered for the task to provide the students with military training, Zhou Jun¡¯s face almost turned red. Fortunately, he was quite tanned. His skin color, coupled with the bright sunlight, would be able to conceal his embarrassment from most people.

    Because of Qiao Dongliang, Zhou Jun managed to find out Qiao Nan¡¯s age and school. Of course, Zhou Jun¡¯s mother also put in a great effort.

    Hence, when Zhou Jun heard that the army would arrange someone to provide military training for the students of Ping Cheng High School this year, he volunteered to create a small opportunity for himself.

    The one who¡¯s the closest would have the opportunity to gain favor and benefit from it. His future wife was very important!

    If not for Zhou Jun¡¯s intention toe, the mundane mission of training the students would not have required apanymander to do that in person. It would mostly be done by the year two or three new recruits in the army.

    In fact, Zhou Jun had already aroused the curiosities of a few junior recruits who had joined the army for just two to three years. They were very curious as to why Zhou Jun wanted to take on such a mundane mission. The toon leader was not even willing toe, not to mention apanymander like Zhou Jun.

    Perhaps Commander Zhou had another mission and came to the school military training session on pretense? Was there a treasure hidden in this high school?

    The more they think along these lines, the more they paid attention to Zhou Jun. While they were conducting military training for the other sses, they secretly observed the situation of ss one. They were conveniently doing so as all the students were using the samepound for the training.

    When they heard Zhou Jun, who was normally reserved and serious as if he had inherited the teachings of Regiment Commander Zhai Sheng, was praising someone continuously, a few of the officers¡¯ jaws dropped. They nearly forgot their nextmand. The devilishpanymander who made new recruits suffer till they cried each year without fail was actually praising someone.

    To prevent embarrassing themselves in front of the students, a few of the training instructors quickly said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s also take a ten-minute break!¡±

    The word ¡®also¡¯ made them let the cat out of the bag.

    Fortunately, Zhou Jun did not notice it. Moreover, these high school students did not understand what the word ¡®also¡¯ implied. Otherwise, it would be a terribly embarrassing joke.

    A few of the training instructors were exchanging looks with one another: Tell me, who was Commander Zhou praising?

    In the end, the few instructors felt like giving up. In short, there were so many students in ss one, so how would they know who Commander Zhou was praising?

    Did the ss one¡¯s boys have so much potential that Commander Zhou intended to poach some of them to the army?

    The few instructors did not expect that Commander Zhou, who was normally impartial and stern, had indeed discovered a good seedling. Nevertheless, it was not soldier material but a potential wife-to-be!

    Of course, whatever they did not expect happened muchter.

    After drinking lots of water, Qiao Nan felt morefortable. She then sat down to slowly regain her energy.

    The training was nothing to Zhu Baoguo who had experienced this in the army more than once. He walked over to Qiao Nan in a leisurely manner. ¡°Xiao Qiao, do you know this instructor? Why do I feel that he keeps staring at you?¡±

    ¡°Staring at me? Not possible.¡± Qiao Nan refuted. She did not feel that Brother Zhou was watching her. ¡°Brother Zhou was obviously looking at all the students, and he had to nce at me too while doing so. He did not just look at me alone.¡±

    ¡°No, he has been looking at you.¡± That instructor with the surname Zhou had a different look in his eyes each time he nced at Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°You think too much.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hands in dismissal. ¡°Nevertheless, I do know him. When my dad was hospitalized, Instructor Zhou¡¯s father stayed in the same ward as my dad. We¡¯re not strangers. That might be the reason why he looked at me differently.¡±

    ¡°Is it that simple?¡± No, he didn¡¯t think so.

    Zhu Baoguo did not know about a woman¡¯s sixth sense, but a man also had his own feelings. He felt that the way Zhou Jun looked at Qiao Nan was different and strange. But he could not pinpoint what was wrong. He only knew that he disliked Zhou Jun¡¯s attention on Qiao Nan very much.

    ¡°Howplicated can it be?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Besides, do you realize that the rest of the instructors have been staring at you? Why? Do you know them?¡±

    It was just a short break and Qiao Nan had discovered that the instructors of the other sses had been staring at Zhu Baoguo who was seated beside her.

    With everyone staring simultaneously, although Qiao Nan realized that these instructors were actually staring at Zhu Baoguo and not her, she felt uneasy to be seated beside Zhu Baoguo. She wished to move further aside to hide from the attention.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Not much impression.¡± Zhu Baoguon said without a care. ¡°My dad brought me to the army a few times but I don¡¯t remember anyone whom I have trained with before. It¡¯s possible that one of them has seen me before. So what? All of them want to get close to me so that they can take the back door route.¡±

    When he said this, Zhu Baoguo sounded very disdainful.

    Zhu Chengqi held a senior role in the army and Zhu Baoguo was his only son.

    Besides Wang Yang and Qiao Nan, who was an exception, everyone started to curry favor with Zhu Baoguo as soon as they knew that he was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son. They yearned for Zhu Baoguo to put in some good words for them in front of Zhu Chengqi.

    Because of this, the more Zhu Baoguo looked down on them.

    ¡°Young boy, you really think too much.¡± Qiao Nanughed heartedly. ¡°Those few instructors were indeed looking passionately at you as if you¡¯re a big piece of fatty meat. However, the way they looked at you was decent. It didn¡¯t seem like they had any mean thoughts. They probably want to poach you as they think that you have good potential and are good soldier material.¡±

    ¡°What kind of lousy description was that? Furthermore, you came in top for the essaypetition. Which part of my figure looks like a fat piece of meat? I¡¯m so muscr. Touch me here if you don¡¯t believe it!¡± Zhu Baoguo was anxious. As a man, being described as a piece of fat meat was a form of humiliation. Clearly, he had six-pack abs!

    ¡°Scram!¡± Qiao Nan felt like giving Zhu Baoguo a p. Even if she treated Zhu Baoguo as her son, no mother would touch her son¡¯s body for no reason. It was so inappropriate. Moreover, Zhu Baoguo was not her son.

    ¡°10 minutes is up. Gather now!¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s eyes were burning with a little anger. Qiao Nan had a close rtionship with a boy in her school? Then, the two of them... Could they be in puppy love?

    At the thought of his own age, and that Zhu Baoguo was of the same age as Qiao Nan and also her ssmate, Zhou Jun felt like he had overturned a few condiment containers. All feelings of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and other mixed feelings arose in his heart.

 Chapter 212 - Not Behaving Like a Woman

    <h4>Chapter 212: Not Behaving Like a Woman</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At Zhou Jun¡¯s order, the ss one students who were earlier dispersed andzing around became like a flock of ducks in shock. Fluttering their wings, they resumed their positions at lightning speed.

    Aye, Instructor Zhou was handsome but very fierce.

    In the subsequent training sessions, Zhou Jun was much stricter than before. As such, the students from ss one were full ofints.

    One of the weaker girls fainted as she was unable to endure the training. Two of the ssmates brought her to the medical center in the school.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a ten-minute break.¡± It was not umon for students to faint from heatstroke during such military training sessions. Nevertheless, Zhou Jun took a softer approach and allowed the students to rest for a while.

    ¡°Instructor Zhou¡¯s eyes are very sharp, or perhaps it¡¯s luck. That boy really has good potential. His physique is excellent andparable to the new recruits who have been in the army for one year¡±.

    ¡°Yes, if we can make him join the army, he¡¯ll definitely do well.¡±

    The other two instructors sat together to exchange information while the students were taking a break.

    They were initially curious who Zhou Jun had been praising. It happened that Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan were sitting together. When they noticed that Zhou Jun had been looking in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction, they took for granted that he was looking at Zhu Baoguo, not Qiao Nan.

    With the observations that followed, they realized that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s physical strength was indeed very good. His postures were also right and met the benchmarks. He was especially very fast when he was climbing an obstacle. His speed was even better than that of the new recruits who had been in the army for a couple of years.

    Such a good seedling, how would it not attract the attention of others?

    ¡°We¡¯ll be teaching archery tomorrow. How do you think that student will perform?¡±

    ¡°That, I don¡¯t know, but I think he won¡¯t fare badly.¡±

    ¡°What do you say? Should we poach this seedling before Commander Zhou makes his move?¡±

    ¡°You wish topete with Commander Zhou for him? You have the guts. Go ahead if you wish. I won¡¯t join in on the ¡®fun¡¯.¡± The other instructor shook his head continuously. If they angered Commander Zhou, he would torture them to death. He didn¡¯t have such guts and couldn¡¯t handle such a dangerous thing.

    ¡°Zhu... Zhu Baoguo, you¡¯re good.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s outstanding performance was not only noticed by the instructors but also the other boys in the ss. They were in awe with him. Inparison, they felt like lethargic dogs who wished that they could hide under the shade and stick out their tongues like a wolfhound to dissipate the heat in their body. Besides sweating a little, Zhu Baoguo did not seem to mind the rigor of the training today.

    Clearly, everyone was of the same gender and age, but the difference in fitness level was just too great.

    ¡°This is nothing. My dad has given me simr training before. Hence, I¡¯m used to it.¡± It was rare for Zhu Baoguo to be so modest. In actual fact, Zhu Chengqi had given Zhu Baoguo much harsher training than this.

    In the beginning, Zhu Baoguo looked worse than them.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, is your dad also in the army?¡±

    ¡°You can say that.¡±

    Zhao Yu, who was sitting by the side, heard the conversation and lifted her chin proudly. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father did not hold a mere junior military officer role. She heard that the position of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father in the army was extremely senior.

    These instructors who were seemingly powerful now could only bow to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father when they saw him.

    However, she had to keep this secret tightly.

    Nobody in the ss knew about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s family history yet. She already had one rival in romance, namely Qiao Nan. If the other girls in the school came to know about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s family background, she would have no chance to get close to him.

    At the thought of this, Zhao Yu looked at Qiao Nan hesitantly. Qiao Nan was so smart and should be aware of this as well. Hence, Qiao Nan would also most probably not tell anyone about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s family as that would increase the number of her rivals in romance.

    Sensing that someone seemed to be watching her, Qiao Nan looked around and caught Zhao Yu red-handed.

    Zhao Yu gave Qiao Nan a look of warning and snorted before she turned her head away. She was very rude.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She wanted to curse.

    Zhao Yu was obviously the one peeping at her, what did she mean by being so snobbish?

    ¡°Instructor Zhou, do you want to have some water?¡± At this juncture, a few daring girls went looking for Zhou Jun with bottled water in their hands. ¡°The weather is so hot. Instructor Zhou, you have sweated so much that you must be thirsty.¡±

    ¡°No thanks. I brought my own water.¡± Zhou Jun tly declined the hospitality of these high school girls. He then took out a green water bottle and drank a mouthful of water.

    ¡°Instructor Zhou, don¡¯t be so serious. It¡¯s just a bottle of water.¡± The girls were emotionally blown. It was only a bottle of water, not any other things. Why did Instructor Zhou reject her and embarrass her?

    ¡°No need, thank you.¡± Zhou Jun narrowed his eyes and straightened his eyebrows slightly. Although the pitch of his voice did not change much, the tone and attitude changed a fair bit. His whole body exuded a feeling of aloofness that kept people away such that they dared not go overboard with him.

    ¡°This ssmate, what¡¯s your name? What is your matriction number?¡± Liu Neng, who had beening to check on his ss from time to time, pursed his lips. This type of situation happened at almost every military training session. The kids nowadays were not as simple as those from his generation.

    ¡°Teacher Liu.¡± The girl was so scared that her face turned white. She did not expect to be caught red-handed by the form teacher. ¡°Teacher Liu, I¡¯m only offering a bottle of water to Instructor Zhou. It¡¯s that simple.¡±

    ¡°Since Instructor Zhou does not need it, you should go back.¡± If it was not that simple, he would have to find the student and have a ¡®heart-to-heart¡¯ talk with her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Instructor Zhou is so aloof.¡± Tang Mengran walked to Qiao Nan¡¯s side and patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s such a pity. Otherwise...¡±

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Tang Mengran in amusement. ¡°Yesterday, how did you question me? When you saw Instructor Zhou today, all of you acted like bees hovering around a flower. Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart too much. Don¡¯t you know that humans have the bad habit of being strict to others and lenient to themselves? Furthermore, when facing Instructor Zhou who is so good looking and suave, don¡¯t you feel anything for him?¡± Wasn¡¯t she a woman?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think soldiers are the most upright people who have the greatest sense of justice in the world?¡± In other words, why would she have any fanciful imagination about him?

    ¡°...¡± Tang Mengran was dumbstruck. She did not know how to respond to Qiao Nan.

    She realized that while they were viewing Instructor Zhou from the perspective of a woman, Qiao Nan was looking at him from an entirely different angle. Ah yes, it was the way a student felt about her teacher.

 Chapter 213 - Canvassing

    <h4>Chapter 213: Canvassing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It did not matter how naughty the young student was. Even if he did not listen to his parents, he would definitely be obedient with the use of the two words ¡®Teacher says¡¯.

    All of a sudden, the innocent way Qiao Nan looked at Instructor Zhou made Tang Mengran felt somewhat ashamed of herself. Was Qiao Nan too insensitive or were they too perverted?

    On the first day of school, the extraordinarily close rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo made many assumed that Qiao Nan was the type of girl who did not cherish herself.

    However, within a short time span of one day, many girls had a lustful look on their faces at the sight of Zhou Jun. On the contrary, Qiao Nan, who was supposed to have ¡®matured early¡¯, maintained a pure heart. Her gaze at Zhou Jun was innocent, nary of strayed thoughts.

    This stark difference was noticed by Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory mates.

    ¡°It¡¯s been so tiring today. I initially thought that military training would be fun. I didn¡¯t know that it¡¯s so tough. This was worse than studying for the middle school examination. How long would this trainingst?¡± For the entire day, Tao Zhenqin felt that she almost copsed, smelly, and sweaty.

    She had never felt so ¡®smelly¡¯ in her life.

    The most intolerable thing was that the one set of clothes she wore for the entire day was wet, dry, wet, and then dry again.

    ¡°Don¡¯tin anymore. It¡¯s just the first day of the training. It shouldst at least two weeks. There¡¯ll be more to suffer.¡± Qiao Nan also felt tired, but it was not as exaggerated as what Tao Zhenqin said. Nevertheless, Brother Zhou was really different from when they were at the hospital.

    At that time, Brother Zhou was as approachable as the boy-next-door. However, facing Instructor Zhou today, Qiao Nan dared not even approach and greet him. She was afraid that Zhou Jun would treat her simrly to those girls who offered him water¡ªthat he would snap at her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me about it. I no longer dare to think about what¡¯s going to happen in the next few days. How am I going to survive this?¡± Tao Zhenqin nearly kneeled down. ¡°If I knew that military training would be so tough, maybe I should have applied for sick leave when the school re-opened and came back after the training ends...¡±

    He Yun rubbed her pair of numb and painful legs. ¡°A pity it¡¯s toote for that now. You have to see if Teacher Liu will approve it if you apply for sick leave now.¡±

    ¡°Zheng Lingling,e over for a while.¡± When the military training session ended, it was time for everyone to have their meals in the canteen. While Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory mates were queuing up for food, Zheng Lingling was summoned by Xu Tingting, the vice ss monitor.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Just tell me directly.¡± Zheng Lingling knitted her brows. She was very unhappy with the way Xu Tingting called her over.

    Xu Tingting might be the vice ss monitor, but she was the secretary.

    ¡°Vice ss monitor.¡± At this juncture, Zhao Yu silently tugged at Xu Tingting¡¯s clothes to sow discord between Xu Tingting and Zheng Lingling.

    Xu Tingting pursed her lips unhappily. ¡°Zheng Lingling, I have something to tell you. Can youe over? I¡¯ll trouble you just for a while. As for your meal, since you have so many dormitory mates, can you get one of them to help you buy it?¡±

    Zheng Lingling was not very happy, but she sought Tang Mengran¡¯s help to buy her food before walking to Xu Tingting. ¡°What do you want to talk to me about?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you all on bad terms with Qiao Nan? Why did it change all of a sudden? People like Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you all afraid of attracting gossip if you are so close to her?¡±

    ¡°Are you sick?¡± Zheng Lingling looked at Xu Tingting ridiculously. ¡°Since when have we been on bad terms with Qiao Nan? Why will others gossip about us if we are close to Qiao Nan? Qiao Nan¡¯s so nice. And what does this have to do with you? Why are you so concerned about it? If you have so much time to bother about the matters in our dormitory, why don¡¯t you think of how to pass that bottle of mineral water to Instructor Zhou? Today, you left an impression on Teacher Liu. Tell me, if Teacher Liu recalls that you¡¯re our vice ss monitor, how do you think he¡¯ll react?¡±

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned ck as Zheng Lingling¡¯s words touched her soft spot. ¡°I¡¯m just giving you my well-intended advice so that all of you don¡¯t get too close to Qiao Nan. Why do you have to sound so sarcastic? Let me tell you, Qiao Nan is not a simple girl. She¡¯s not only good in her studies but also good at seducing guys. I heard that Qiao Nan seduced a few guys in her ss while she was in junior high school. She was clearly in the wrong but all those guys in the ss stood up for her and bullied the other girls. Beware that you will end up in the same state as one of those girls.¡±

    Xu Tingting was tall, about 1.66 meters. She also had a good figure that was much more voluptuous than that of Qiao Nan. Moreover, she had fair skin and did well in her studies too. Hence, even if her facial features were not outstanding, she was very popr while she was studying in junior high school.

    As soon as she heard that Qiao Nan was more prominent and popr than her in junior high school, Xu Tingting was unhappy.

    ¡°Who did you hear that from?!¡± She sensed that someone seemed to be stirring up trouble.

    ¡°Why do you care who I heard it from? Anyway, this is absolutely credible. I advise you to be more careful and don¡¯t be too close with Qiao Nan. Otherwise, when the timees, it¡¯ll be toote for you to realize that you have been backstabbed by Qiao Nan.¡± Xu Tingtingughed. ¡°I am being kind to remind you all since we belong to the same ss.¡±

    One must know, as the vice ss monitor, she was extremely popr.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bluff me like I¡¯m a three-year-old kid.¡± Zheng Linglingughed. ¡°We have two vice ss monitors in the ss. You are one of them, and the other is Qiao Nan. There¡¯s only one vice ss monitor in other sses. In other words, between the two vice ss monitors in our ss, there¡¯s a possibility that either Qiao Nan or you will be eliminated. Xu Tingting, don¡¯t canvass in this way. It¡¯s a bad habit to think that other people are idiots. Beware of losing more than you will gain.¡±

    Leaving these words, Zheng Lingling simply went back to join Qiao Nan¡¯s group.

    ¡°You...¡± Xu Tingting turned pale and stomped her feet in anger. ¡°When Qiao Nan snatches away someone you like in future, you will regret it!¡±

    ¡°Vice ss monitor, how¡¯s it? Did you seed?¡± Zhao Yu walked over to ask Xu Tingting.

    ¡°What sess! Qiao Nan and Zheng Lingling are staying in the same dormitory and they are all very united.¡± Xu Tingting stared at Zhao Yu. ¡°It¡¯s all because of your lousy idea. You suggested that I think of ways to sow discord between Qiao Nan and her dormitory mates so that I can canvass more votes for myself. Now, not only did I not garner any support but also getughed at by Zheng Lingling instead. Stay away from me. I¡¯m really annoyed at the sight of you now!¡±

    Zhao Yu, who had never been scolded so harshly by a ssmate before, turned red. She felt so embarrassed that she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.

    Just as Zhao Yu was prepared to leave, she turned and saw a person who made her face turned even redder. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Instructor Zhou?¡± Why did Instructor Zhoue to the canteen? Didn¡¯t they say that instructors would be having lunch in the smaller canteen where the teachers had their meals?

    Looking at Zhou Jun striding his long legs and walking straight toward her, Zhao Yu was pleasantly surprised and dumbfounded.

 Chapter 214 - They Know Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 214: They Know Each Other</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhao Yu¡¯s feet moved slightly apart, her two hands clutching the cor of her shirt. She was so embarrassed that she was at a loss of what to do. She rehearsed in her heart how to appear more natural when she greeted Instructor Zhouter.

    Before Zhao Yu was done with her thoughts, someone bumped into her. She lost her footing and nearly fell down, stumbling backward by a couple of steps.

    When Zhao Yu looked up, the person who bumped onto her was none other than Xu Tingting, her dormitory mate, the vice ss monitor.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face was even redder. Her two eyes were staring straight at Zhou Jun, waiting for him to walk to her. How could Instructor Zhou not take a liking to her? It must be because there were too many people present previously, and given his role as an instructor, he felt too embarrassed to ept her mineral water. He must be looking for her now to exin himself.

    ¡°Instructor Zhou, I know that you did not do it on purpose...¡± When Instructor Zhou was only about three steps away from her, Xu Tingting could not endure any further. She stepped forward and wanted to tell Zhou Jun that she did not mind what happened during the day and that he did not need to take it to heart too.

    At this juncture, Xu Tingting did not expect Zhou Jun to walk straight past her.

    ¡°Ha ha.¡± Zhao Yu, who earlier stumbled to the other side, pursed her lips andughed secretly. She then quickly stood up.

    To her surprise, Instructor Zhou did not have eyes for Xu Tingting during the day and noticed her instead. If that was the case, she would be more prominent than Xu Tingting who was the vice ss monitor.

    It was only when Zhao Yu met with a simr fate as Xu Tingting that she suddenly became as stiff as a wood block.

    ¡°Crap.¡± He Yun, who saw everything happened,ughed so hard that she nearly spit out the rice in her mouth. ¡°There¡¯re so many people with wishful thinking in this world. Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu are the best examples.¡±

    This was the first day Instructor Zhou conducted the training. Most probably, he had not even remembered who they were and their names. What made Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu so proud to think that Instructor Zhou appeared in the canteen for their sake?

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I also had the delusion that Instructor Zhou was walking toward me. Are all the soldiers nowadays as good looking as Instructor Zhou? It¡¯s so easy to cause a misunderstanding.¡± Tang Mengran held her face with both hands. How great that would be if Instructor Zhou wasing to their table.

    ¡°My child, don¡¯t think too much. You¡¯d better have more food!¡± Fang Fang rolled her eyes at Tang Mengran and fed herself a mouthful of rice. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re eating so quickly. Do you intend to go back earlier to read your books?¡±

    Fang Fang noticed that Qiao Nan never wasted her time while she was in the ssroom. She would be focused, conscientiously reading her books. When she was out of the ssroom, such as when she was in the dormitory, she would not read books but take a good rest instead.

    Fang Fang thought about it and felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s learning habits were very effective.

    ¡°Yes, I have notpleted a few of the questions I read earlier.¡± Qiao Nan ate another mouthful of rice.

    ¡°Oh no, Instructor Zhou has not changed his direction. I¡¯m going to be like Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu. I¡¯m going to misunderstand, misunderstand, misunderstand!¡± Tang Mengran simply covered her eyes with her hands to ¡®see no evil¡¯ so that her thoughts would not go astray.

    ¡°I¡¯m also going to misunderstand,¡± Zheng Lingling was stunned and could not help saying this.

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯re not the only one.¡± Tao Zhenqin nearly dropped the chopsticks in her hands. Instructor Zhou, please change your direction. Otherwise, could you stop staring at our table?

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s not real, it¡¯s a beautiful misunderstanding. Since it¡¯s a misunderstanding, it will be rified sooner orter.¡± He Yun patted her chest and told herself to be calm.

    ¡°Damn, how to be calm! Shall we eat at another table?!¡± He Yun mmed the table. Clearly, the distance was so short, but why was it so unbearable? Was changing table the only way to end this suffering?

    ¡°Yes, alright!¡± Tao Zhenqin and Zheng Lingling agreed. Tang Mengran nodded her head furiously. Only Qiao Nan and Fang Fang were focused on having their meals, finishing their food.

    When Zhou Jun stopped by the table, He Yun, Tao Zhenqin, and the rest of the few were simply stupefied. Instructor Zhou really came to their table!

    Zheng Lingling, who was the one who held the most senior ¡®official role¡¯ in the dormitory, stood up stiffly. ¡°Instructor Zhou, do you have any tasks that require our arrangements? Please say. I¡¯ll inform my ssmatester.¡±

    Zhou Jun¡¯s expression rxed and then waved his hands to signal that that¡¯s not the case. ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. I¡¯m here to look for Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Pfft...¡± Fang Fang, who had just stuffed a mouthful of rice into her mouth, simply spat out all of it. ¡°Cough, cough, cough...¡±

    ¡°Drink some soup!¡± At the sight of Fang Fang choking till her face turned crimson, Qiao Nan was so frightened that she quickly gave Fang Fang her soup. Without saying a word, Fang Fang gulped down the half mouthful of rice left without thinking.

    Damn, did it need to be so scary?

    I nearly lost my life!

    ¡°Thanks so much, Qiao Nan.¡± Fang Fang smiled dly after she regained her normal breathing. She thought that she almost died when she choked on that half mouthful of rice.

    ¡°Zhou... Instructor Zhou, is there any matter?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhou Jun.

    ¡°I wanted to ask how Uncle Qiao is doing recently.¡± Zhou Jun smiled. He came for a reason.

    Earlier, Zhou Jun was jealous of Zhu Baoguo. But while he was having his meal, he reflected on this and felt that he was being silly.

    Qiao Nan was just sixteen years old, only a high school student. Uncle Qiao had clearly said that Qiao Nan was still young. Romantic rtionships could wait until she attended college, and marriage should be considered after she graduated from her studies. He was much older than that young boy who might like a girl today and another tomorrow. He did not need to think too much about it.

    He was different from that boy. If he already had set his mind on Qiao Nan, he would wait for Qiao Nan regardless of how long it would take.

    Moreover, he believed Qiao Nan was a smart girl who knew how to make the best choice.

    That boy was just a young and tender kid. As apanymander, why should he be afraid of him?

    ¡°Thank you, Instructor Zhou, for your concern. My dad¡¯s recovering well. He now takes a thirty-minute walk every day. Most likely, he¡¯ll be able to return to work in one month¡¯s time. How about Uncle Zhou?¡± Out of courtesy, Qiao Nan asked about Zhou Bing¡¯s condition.

    ¡°My dad¡¯s doing quite well. His condition was much better than Uncle Qiao. Uncle Qiao¡¯s injuries were more serious. In fact, there¡¯s no rush for him to return to work so soon. It¡¯s better to stay at home and have more rest.¡± However, he did hear that both Uncle Qiao¡¯s daughters were studying. Qiao Nan was smart and had all her tuition fees waived, but his elder daughter¡¯s tuition fees were very costly.

    Zhou Jun did not have any reason to give Qiao Nan money now. Otherwise, he would simply express that he would pay for Qiao Nan¡¯s education until she attended college. There was no need to worry about Qiao Nan¡¯s education fees!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re still young. Don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. If you meet with any troubles in the future, you can look for me... or look for my family for help. My parents like you very much.¡±

 Chapter 215 - This Sounds Very Familiar

    <h4>Chapter 215: This Sounds Very Familiar</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Pfft...¡± This time, Fang Fang could not help but spit out her soup. Somehow, she felt that these words were too familiar. She had an elder sister who was married, and her brother-inw seemed to have said the same things when he was wooing her sister!

    ¡°Fang Fang!¡± He Yun wanted to hide her face. It was too embarrassing.

    ¡°So sorry, I choked. I can¡¯t help it.¡± Fang Fang put her bowl down. She decided not to ce any more food into her mouth before Instructor Zhou left. It was too terrible.

    ¡°Thanks, Instructor Zhou, but my family¡¯s current situation is fine.¡± Qiao Nan shook her heads and smilingly declined Zhou Jun¡¯s offer to help. Indeed, she did not need others¡¯ help at this point in time.

    She could rely on her trantion work to earn money. Even when she went to college in the future, she should be able to settle her own tuition fees. She no longer needed to burden her family.

    ¡°This is my home address. When you have spare time, write to my mom. She often talks about you.¡± Zhou Jun took out the slip of paper he had prepared and passed it to Qiao Nan. With his mother as an excuse, Zhou Jun shamelessly and openly achieved the purpose of his trip today.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan put away the address of the Zhou¡¯s residence properly. She felt strange though. Did Auntie Zhou know how to write?

    On the other hand, when Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu, who had not left, saw this, they were perplexed beyond words. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that Qiao Nan knows Instructor Zhou and that they have such a close rtionship. What is Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Instructor Zhou?!¡±

    ¡°How would I know?!¡± Zhao Yu replied angrily. ¡°I¡¯m not Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. It¡¯s impossible that I know everything about Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps they are rtives?¡± If that was the case, if Qiao Nan found out that she tried to sow discord between Qiao Nan and Zheng Lingling¡¯s group, she would surely talk bad about her to Instructor Zhou. No wonder Instructor Zhou adopted such a negative attitude toward her.

    ¡°Unlikely. Why can¡¯t I recall that Qiao Nan has such a rtive?¡± Zhao Yu was sullen. If Instructor Zhou was Qiao Nan¡¯s rtive, that meant she could not offend Qiao Nan in the next two weeks.

    If she provoked Qiao Nan, Instructor Zhou might torture her on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf!

    Why wasn¡¯t Instructor Zhou a rtive of hers?

    If he was her rtive, she would then be able to curry favor with Xu Tingting. She would be so impressive and powerful in the ss. Yet, why did all these benefits go to Qiao Nan? All the good things in the world had been taken up by Qiao Nan. It was so unfair!

    ¡°Instructor Zhou is gone.¡± Xu Tingting grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. After ¡®sending¡¯ Instructor Zhou off with her eyes, she dashed to Qiao Nan and upied the seat beside her. ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯re both vice ss monitors in ss one. We¡¯ll definitely have many opportunities to interact with each other in the future. Shall we get to know each other better so that we can serve the ss better?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan took back her hands from Xu Tingting¡¯s arms. ¡°Although we¡¯re both vice ss monitors, the reality is that we¡¯ll be quite idle. Moreover, Xu Tingting, you¡¯re so capable. You can take on more tasks. I¡¯ve finished my meal and will be going back to the ssroom to study.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Nan simply left without giving Xu Tingting any face.

    Fang Fang stood up. ¡°Qiao Nan, wait for me. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    ¡°Aye, I¡¯ve also had my fill. Qiao Nan is so conscientious. I want to attend a good university. I¡¯ll go and study as well.¡± He Yun stood up too. She had not only eaten her fill but also watched the ¡®show¡¯ ended.

    Qiao Nan had really done their dormitory proud. Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan knew Instructor Zhou and their rtionship was quite good.

    It was possible that Instructor Zhou gave training to ss one because of Qiao Nan. Amongst the instructors, Instructor Zhou was the most handsome one. The whole cohort was aware that their ss had a handsome instructor for their training this year.

    Oh, what to do. She¡¯s in such a great mood.

    ¡°Let studying be our pride. Let Qiao Nan do us proud. Study, study!¡± Tang Mengran stood up in satisfaction. She hade into close ¡®contact¡¯ with Instructor Zhou. Contented, contended.

    ¡°Tao Zhenqin, let¡¯s go together. We¡¯re from the same dormitory. We take actions together and stay united!¡± Xu Tingting said as if she was implying something. She did not forget what Xu Tingting told her about Qiao Nan earlier. But in the blink of an eye, Xu Tingting was holding Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, behaving intimately with her as if she was Qiao Nan¡¯s real sister. Shameless.

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Tao Zhenqin caught up with them.

    ¡°You...¡± Xu Tingting chased up and held on to Zheng Lingling. ¡°Let me ask you. Did you talk bad about me to Qiao Nan?¡± Otherwise, why was Qiao Nan so cold to her earlier?

    ¡°When I saw you being so two-faced, I really wanted to tell Qiao Nan about you. It¡¯s a pity that I did not do so. Nevertheless, looking at the situation, I don¡¯t need to do that anymore. She truly deserves to be the top scorer in the middle school examination. Both EQ and IQ are high. A cut above the rest. Fabulous!¡±

    It was truly a blessing to have a clear-minded individual like Qiao Nan in the dormitory.

    After angering Xu Tingting, Zheng Lingling¡¯s mood was lifted tremendously. She was more motivated than ever when she studied.

    For the entire evening self-study time, whenever the ss one students had time to spare, they were annoyed at the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Instructor Zhou. But as Zhu Baoguo was sitting next to Qiao Nan, no one had the bravery to find out more from Qiao Nan about her rtionship with Instructor Zhou.

    Zhu Baoguo, who was sitting next to Qiao Nan, was feeling a little sore. ¡°Why don¡¯t I know about your rtionship with Instructor Zhou?¡± He already mentioned earlier today that Instructor Zhou had been staring at Xiao Qiao but Xiao Qiao would not admit it!

    ¡°Of course you don¡¯t know. You were traveling overseas at that time. I knew him at my dad¡¯s ward in the hospital. His father was my dad¡¯s ward mate. Besides, remember that you¡¯re a guy. Don¡¯t be a busybody like a girl.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡± So it was during that time. No wonder he did not know.

    Instructor Zhou¡¯s father stayed in the same ward as Qiao Nan¡¯s father. Qiao Nan was only the daughter of his father¡¯s ward mate. In that case, wasn¡¯t Instructor Zhou¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan a little overboard?

    ¡°Howplicated can it be?¡± Qiao Nan put her book down. ¡°Have you finished pre-reading the lesson? Don¡¯t forget what I said. If your uracy rate is less than 85%... You understand what I mean.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words were like a deadly p on Zhu Baoguo. At the thought of his uracy rate on the questions yesterday, Zhu Baoguo quickly took his books and studied. He dared not say a word more in case Qiao Nan became angry again and punished him further.

    At the sight of Zhu Baoguo piping down, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief.

    In fact, she had always known that there would be military training in high school. However, she did not expect that she would meet someone she knew¡ªZhou Jun.

    At the thought of the looks on Tang Mengran¡¯s as well as a few of her other dormitory mates¡¯ faces, Qiao Nan sighed again. She would most likely be interrogated again when she returned to her dormitory.

    Qiao Nan thought that Zhou Jun¡¯s appearance was already the greatest surprise. It also caused her a lot of inconveniences. Never did she expect that a bigger shock and ¡®surprise¡¯ awaited her on the very next day.

 Chapter 216 - Punished to Run!

    <h4>Chapter 216: Punished to Run!</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Initially, the people from the dormitory were burning with curiosity about what happened in the canteen and wanted to question Qiao Nan about it.

    It was a pity that their n could not keep up with the changes. They underwent arge amount of military training on the first day. Zheng Lingling and the rest of them had never been through such physical training before and were tired to the bones. By the time they returned to the dormitory, had a bath, washed their clothes, and hung them out to dry, they were exhausted andid prone, listless on their beds.

    In less than three minutes, sounds of snoring and heavy breathing could be heard in the dormitory.

    Not to mention gossiping, the six girls in the dormitory who lived together for the first time did not even have the time to chat and went to sleep directly.

    The next day, if not for Qiao Nan who woke them up, the other five youngdies in the dormitory would still be in their dreams.

    ¡°Oh, my arm is so sore. I can¡¯t lift them at all.¡±

    ¡°My waist is aching badly.¡±

    ¡°My legs have grown muscr.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry up. We must gather after breakfast. If we arete, we will be punished to run a fewps.¡± Qiao Nan put on the camouged uniform she had washed and dried the night before and hurried out.

    Thankfully, the weather was hot now. It only took a night for the uniforms to dry. Otherwise, Qiao Nan did not know what to wear for military training today. After all, the school only gave them a set of uniform each.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? Don¡¯t you know Instructor Zhou very well? You must tell the instructor to be lenient to us.¡± Tao Zhenqin yawned. Their dormitory had special treatment.

    ¡°Are you sure it will work?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°I may have known Instructor Zhou, but like what you have seen yesterday, we are not as close as you think. Besides, there are so many ssmates in our ss. Unless Instructor Zhou does not want his job anymore, he will not be partial to anyone. Hurry, I will not wait for all of you.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, wait for me!¡± Fang Fang wore her clothes and ran out after Qiao Nan.

    Fang Fang was tired to the bones yesterday. If not for Qiao Nan who woke them up, she would be still in bed now. Though Fang Fang was not fully awake yet, the one thing she knew was that it would do no harm to follow after Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are so heartless. You dare to abandon us.¡± Tang Mengran shouted and hurried to catch up with them.

    When the six girls in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory rushed to the field, about two third of the students from ss one had reached the field. The remaining one-third of the students had yet to arrive.

    It took another ten minutes for everyone to gather in the field.

    ¡°Those who arete,e forward right now!¡± Zhou Jun pulled a long face and looked stern.

    ¡°...¡±

    The students who werete paled and walked out reluctantly.

    ¡°Are you sure there are seven people only?¡± Zhou Jun turned sullen. Nowadays, not only were the studentszy and ill-disciplined but also liked to tell lies and dared not own up to their mistakes. ¡°I will give all of you another chance. All theterse forward now!¡±

    After Zhou Jun shouted, three of the students came forward.

    This time, Zhou Jun¡¯s face turned a shade darker.

    ¡°Xu Tingting?¡± Zhao Yu looked at Xu Tingting with an uneasy look. They arrivedte. Should they go forward as well?

    Xu Tingting gave Zhao Yu a disdainful look, lest Zhao Yu gave themselves away.

    There were so many people who arrivedte. The instructor could never remember all of them. Besides, judging from the expression of Instructor Zhou, he obviously wanted to punish them for arrivingte. They would definitely be punished if they own up to it right now.

    If Zhao Yu wanted to be punished, she could go ahead. Don¡¯t drag her down as well. She would not be so stupid as to own up by herself.

    Seeing that Xu Tingting refused to go out, Zhao Yu thought for a while and lowered her head like what Xu Tingting did. She kept silent and did not go forward.

    ¡°That¡¯s all? This is thest chance for all of you. Since you are not willing toe forward, I will have to call your names. You, you, and you two, a total of fourteen people arete. The first seven people who owned up to beingte have to run around the field for threeps, whereas the people who owned up in the second time have to run fiveps. The people whose names I called have to run tenps! Now, run!¡±

    Zhou Jun was a soldier and apanymander. It was a waste of his talents to train high school students.

    If he could not handle high school students, how could he handle the new recruits and defend the country?

    It was an easy feat for Zhou Jun to remember the fourteen students who werete. Even if Zhou Jun closed his eyes, he could point out the fourteenters. The four of them from Xu Tingting¡¯s dormitory werete, yet dared to challenge his authority and pretended that they were notte.

    When the first seven students who came out heard Zhou Jun¡¯s orders, their faces turned red and regretted it. If they had known the punishment was so severe, they would not own up. The field was very big. Ap was about one kilometer. If they had to run threeps, that would be three kilometers!!

    However, when they heard the second batch of students who owned up had to run fiveps, the seven of them felt better and started running.

    When the ten students heard that the four students who were called out by Zhou Jun had to run tenps, though the ten of them were being punished, they were still happy.

    It would be better to finish theps as soon as possible. After all, it was just threeps (fiveps), it was definitely better than running tenps!

    With this in mind, the students who were punished to run threeps and fiveps ran willingly without hesitation.

    Contrariwise, thest four students who were called out by the instructor were reluctant to run. Xu Tingting noticed that Instructor Zhou seemed to be in a bad mood. She raised her hand to make a report. ¡°Report, Instructor Zhou, I have something to say.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Instructor Zhou, we did note forward because Zhao Yu told us not to do so. Zhao Yu said that the four of us are from the same dormitory and since there¡¯re so many of us, Instructor Zhou could not possibly remember us all¡ªthat as long as we stayed still, nothing would happen to us. Instructor Zhou, we know that we are in the wrong. Could you give us a chance? Tenps are too much.¡±

    She would die after running tenps.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Instructor Zhou, could you reduce the number ofps we have to run?¡± The other two people in Xu Tingting¡¯s dormitory nodded and pushed all the me to Zhao Yu.

    Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned green in anger. ¡°Xu Tingting, you are a rogue. You¡¯re the one who said those words. How could you push the me onto me? If it¡¯s not for you who took your time in the dormitory to apply your skin care products and made us wait for you, would I bete? How could you say this? You are too shameless!¡±

    Zhao Yu had never been so mad and so wronged in her life.

    When she was in Ping Cheng Junior High School, she got along well with her ssmates. She had a good rtionship with her female ssmates as well. They would never nder her. In fact, many of them treated her like a princess.

 Chapter 217 - New Instructor

    <h4>Chapter 217: New Instructor</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhao Yu never imagined that she woulde across people like Xu Tingting in her high school. ¡°Instructor, I am innocent. I wanted toe forward but Xu Tingting stopped me. Xu Tingting said that there¡¯re so many of us that you would not remember all of us. It had nothing to do with me.¡±

    She did not expect that Xu Tingting and the other students would be such insidious people. To think that she treated Xu Tingting as her friend...

    ¡°I don¡¯t care who instigated the rest. No matter what, all of you werete and refused to admit to it. All of you have to run tenps. If you try to stall for time, I will increase the number ofps to fifteen!¡± Zhou Jun did not need to know whether it was Xu Tingting or Zhao Yu who was telling the truth.

    ¡°Yes, Instructor Zhou.¡± Zhao Yu sniffed. Xu Tingting had two students to testify for her, while it was only her words against the three of them. Therefore, Zhao Yu knew that it was fortunate that Instructor Zhou did not listen to what Xu Tingting and the two of them said¡ªthat it was Zhao Yu who asked them to keep silent. It was considered good enough that he did not increase the number ofps that she had to run. No matter what, she had to finish the tenps. It was better than having to run fifteenps.

    Initially, Xu Tingting wanted to try her luck again at reducing the number ofps. But seeing that Zhao Yu had already started running, and the other two did not dare to bargain with the instructor and had also started running, leaving her alone by herself, she had to ept the punishment and started running as well.

    ¡°Wow, Instructor Zhou is really strict. Luckily, I am notte.¡± He Yun, who was tired from standing, saw that Xu Tingting and the rest of them were being punished to run tenps and felt that inparison to running under the hot sun, standing was considered to be a blessing.

    It was a torture to run tenps on a hot day!

    ¡°We have to thank Qiao Nan for this.¡± Zheng Lingling was relieved that they were not the ones who were being punished.

    Looking at Zhou Jun who had a stern face right now, Zheng Lingling and the others gave up on trying to get Zhou Jun to be lenient toward them.

    ¡°You will survive if you follow the rules. Don¡¯t ask for trouble.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Xu Tingting and the other three students would take some time to finish their tenps. Zhou Jun did not make all of them wait for the four of them. He continued with their military training.

    As for the students who joined them after running three or fiveps, they had to go through the same military training as well.

    This meant that after everyone had finished their military training, Xu Tingting and the rest who had finished their tenps had toplete their military training for today as well.

    ¡°I am starving. I can finish an entire cow. Later, I am going to ask the aunt to give me more food!¡± After the military training in the morning was over, the students from ss one were starving. All of them rushed into the canteen.

    Fortunately, the people in the canteen had the experience. On the second day of military training, the cooked rice they prepared was two or three times that of yesterday.

    Tang Mengran sat down and stuffed two spoons of rice into her mouth with no regard to her image.

    ¡°Today is only the second day. I can¡¯t imagine how we are going to survive the next ten days. Why do I feel that military training is more terrible than middle school examination?¡± Tao Zhenqin was aching all over.

    ¡°Stop talking and have more rice. We do not have much time for lunch. After lunch, have a quick nap lest we feel tired in the afternoon.¡± He Yun filled her mouth with food.

    ¡°We must hurry to eat...¡±

    Fang Fang looked up and noticed that while Lingling and the rest were talking, Qiao Nan had almost finished her meal. She silently thought to herself that sure enough, Qiao Nan was the most efficient among them all.

    ¡°Hey, have you heard of it? I heard that a new instructor will being to our school. This instructor is young, and most importantly, he is very handsome. But all the year one sses have their respective instructors. Which ss will this new instructor be allocated to?¡±

    ¡°Really? Is he better-looking than Instructor Zhou?¡±

    ¡°Definitely, he is gorgeous!¡±

    ¡°It will be wonderful if he is really that handsome. Still, which ss will he teach? Maybe our instructor has something on and has to leave? But that can¡¯t be...¡±

    ¡°Regardless, since high school year one ss one has such a handsome instructor, we must have one as well. All I ask for is that our instructor needs to leave for another assignment and we will have a handsome instructor as well. In that case, no matter how strenuous military training is, we will beforted and happy since we have a handsome soldier with us.¡±

    ¡°Will there be a new instructor?¡± Tao Zhenqin blinked curiously when she overheard the discussion at the neighboring table. ¡°The army has already allocated the instructors beforehand. It is unlikely that these instructors will have any other assignment during this period of time. Unless they are finished with the training, there will not be a recement otherwise.¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with us. I am going back to the dormitory.¡± After having her fill, Qiao Nan wanted to go back to the dormitory to have a good nap. If not, she might not have the energy to cope with the afternoon military training.

    ¡°I have eaten my fill too.¡± Fang Fang ced the lunch box aside.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡± The six youngdies finished their lunch at about the same time. As soon as Qiao Nan said that she wanted to go back, Zheng Lingling and the remaining four students picked up their speed and caught up with Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you curious at all?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ording to what I heard, the new instructor is even more handsome than Instructor Zhou. Since you are acquaintances with Instructor Zhou, don¡¯t you feel angry for him? Maybe those people are exaggerating?¡±

    ¡°For me, one who wears a military uniform is the most handsome person in the world. There is no need to make aparison among those who wear the military uniform.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shone brightly at the mention of military uniforms.

    He Yun rolled her eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan, in your eyes, is it the military uniforms that are smart or the person in military uniforms that are handsome?¡±

    ¡°I heard that the army raises military dogs, and they wear military uniforms as well. Qiao Nan, are you going to say that the military dogs are the most handsome dogs in the world?¡±

    ¡°Handsome!¡± Qiao Nan nodded without hesitation. Perhaps she inherited the love for the military uniforms from her father.

    ¡°Alright.¡± He Yun had nothing more to say. To Qiao Nan, men in military uniforms were the most handsome people in the world, while women wearing military uniforms were the most beautiful people in the world. What mattered most was the military uniforms they wore. It had nothing to do with their looks. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you want to be a female soldier in the future?¡±

    Qiao Nan had a sad look in her eyes. ¡°I am not that fortunate. My physical stamina is not up to standard. Alright, let¡¯s not talk about this. I am sleepy, I will sleep first.¡±

    ¡°I am sleeping too.¡± They had no time for chit-chatting. They still had military training in the afternoon!

    Seconds ago, everyone was chatting, but secondster, it wasplete silence in the dormitory. The only sound that could be heard was the light breathing sounds of the six youngdies.

    After the lesson in the morning, no one dared to bete for the afternoon military training.

    By the time Qiao Nan found her position and stood still, she saw Zhao Yu running toward her. ¡°Qiao Nan, I have something to tell you.¡±

 Chapter 218 - Sharing a Dormitory with You

    <h4>Chapter 218: Sharing a Dormitory with You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Go ahead and say whatever you want, but don¡¯t pull at me. Instructor Zhou ising.¡± Qiao Nan pulled her hand back. ¡°What do you have to say? I am listening.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, there are two vacancies in your dormitory. I want to move in with you. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°You want to change dormitory and move to my dormitory?¡± Qiao Nan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did I hear it wrong or was it you who made a mistake?¡± Qiao Nan nced around and saw that Xu Tingting was ring at Zhao Yu. She thought of what happened in the morning and finally understood what was going on. ¡°If you want to change dormitory, you have to talk to Teacher Liu. I can¡¯t make the decision, so it is useless to talk to me.¡±

    ¡°Do you agree with it? If you agree, you can apany me to talk to Teacher Liu and he will surely agree.¡± Qiao Nan was the top schr of middle school examination, and she was the first in the ss. If Qiao Nan was to ask that of Teacher Liu, he would surely agree.

    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhao Yu unbelievably. ¡°If you were me, would you agree? Regardless, why should I go with you? It¡¯s you who want a change in the dormitory, not me. It has nothing to do with me. Zhao Yu, are you certain you¡¯re wide awake from your nap?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you have any sympathy for your ssmates? Compared with others, we studied in the same junior high school. We used to be ssmates.¡±

    ¡°If you cherished me as your ssmate, you would not have broken my pens during the essaypetition. I supposed you have broken your brain as well.¡± Qiao Nan tugged the corner of her mouth and made a move to go back. She had no intention to talk to Zhao Yu anymore. It was a waste of her time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so loud!¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face was ashen. ¡°It had nothing to do with me that your pens broke during the essaypetition. For this matter alone, I suffered a lot of misunderstanding and disdain in Ping Cheng Junior High School. Come to think of it, you still owe me for that. If you have no evidence, how can you nder me? If you admit that you are in the wrong, apany me to talk to Teacher Liu and ask him to transfer me to your dormitory. Then, I will forget about what you have done in the past.¡±

    Zhao Yu had realized thatpared with Xu Tingting, Qiao Nan was a pushover.

    For the case of the broken pens, she received a warning from Zhu Baoguo at most. After she stopped provoking Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo did not retaliate against her anymore.

    On the contrary, after school reopened, she sincerely treated Xu Tingting as a good friend. She never knew that Xu Tingting, her good friend, would backstab her. Now, Xu Tingting had ganged up with the other girls in the dormitory to ignore her and said that if she had admitted that it was her fault in the morning, at least, the other three people would not have needed to run so manyps.

    They had said that she did not care for her ssmates, had no responsibility, and did not stand in unity with the people in the dormitory.

    Zhao Yu wanted to vomit at the thought of Xu Tingting¡¯s words. Hence, she poured all her grievances to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you think what Xu Tingting did is too much? It is obvious that she is in the wrong, yet she said I don¡¯t care for my ssmates¡ªthat I do not stand in unity with them. She is too shameless!¡±

    Zhao Yu was fuming with anger, but Qiao Nan could not be bothered with her.

    It was no wonder that Zhao Yu wanted to be friends with Xu Tingting in the first ce. They were, after all, birds of a feather.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, we have been ssmates for three years. This time, you must help me. I promise you that as long as you help me, I will not take it to heart regarding what you have done previously and be good friends with you. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± To Qiao Nan, Zhao Yu was sputtering nonsense. ¡°You can continue to bear a grudge for the past incidents. I don¡¯t need you as a good friend. I am afraid that after making friends with you, I will not have any working pens to use.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan no longer bothered about Zhao Yu and went back to her position in the queue.

    ¡°What did Zhao Yu say to you? I noticed that Xu Tingting was ring at the both of you.¡± He Yun, who was next to Qiao Nan, asked curiously.

    ¡°She had some conflicts with Xu Tingting, so she wanted toe to our dormitory. She wanted me to talk to Teacher Liu.¡±

    ¡°Why should you?¡±

    ¡°I refused.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± He Yun sighed with relief, the six of them got along very well. It would be awkward to have another person staying in the same dormitory. ¡°Qiao Nan, a gentle reminder for you. Initially, we had some misunderstanding with you, all because of Xu Tingting. I suppose Zhao Yu might be the reason why Xu Tingting hates you to the core. After all, there are two vice ss monitors in our ss. When we start formal lessons, both of you may have conflicts with each other.¡±

    Xu Tingting did not know Qiao Nan well. Even though both she and Qiao Nan were vice ss monitors, Xu Tingting¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan was strange. But if Zhao Yu had been spinning tales, what He Yun said made sense, then.

    Anyway, after witnessing the scene in the morning, He Yun felt that it was just a dogfight between Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu.

    ¡°I have been ssmates with Zhao Yu for the past three years in junior high school, but our rtionship is not very good.¡± Regardless of whether Zhao Yu had said bad things about her, there was no way she could be friends with Zhao Yu.

    ¡°Hey, who is the handsome man over there? I have never seen him before.¡± He Yun felt relieved at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. In the next minute, she saw a handsome man striding toward high school year one ss one. This man also wore a military uniform. Only then did He Yun understand the true meaning of Qiao Nan¡¯s words when she said that men looked the most handsome when they were in their military uniforms.

    Though the man in military uniform was still a distance away from them, no one could ignore his existence.

    Under the September zing sun, the aura exuding from the man seemed to be more dazzling than the sun that people could not help but focus on him. Nobody could tear their gazes away from him.

    He stood tall and upright like a por tree. He also seemed like a varnished gun, silent and low profile, but was solid and had an imposing manner, posing a silent threat to all.

    He Yun felt as if a basin of ice water had been poured on her. She could not help but shudder in the sun, goosebumps all over her.

    It was not only He Yun. Everyone felt almost the same.

    Fang Fang adjusted the sses on the bridge of her nose and turned to look at Qiao Nan silently. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you, by any chance, know this instructor as well?¡± It was best to check with her lest she was surprisedter.

    ¡°Are you kidding? My dad has already retired. How can I know so many...¡± Qiao Nan, who did not pay much attention, denied Fang Fang¡¯s questions intuitively. Although there were many ¡®adorable people¡¯, the few that she knew of, Zhou Jun aside, was Brother Zhai.

    But given Brother Zhai¡¯s position, he would not be here in the school. It was already a surprise to see Zhou Jun, who was apanymander, in their school.

 Chapter 219 - The New Instructor Was Angry

    <h4>Chapter 219: The New Instructor Was Angry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Brother Zhai was toe to their school... Qiao Nan could not imagine such a scene.

    Even if America stopped waging war, the drug traffickers gave up their illegal trades, and the small ind nation focused on their audiovisual film business, Brother Zhai would still be needed at the front line! He had no time toe to school.

    However, when Qiao Nan took a closer look at the man whom He Yun described as the handsome guy and had a cramp in her mouth.

    It was indeed Brother Zhai!

    Could it be that they had achieved world peace¡ªthat America was no longer being world police? Was that why Brother Zhai could leave his army duties ande to their high school?

    ¡°Sure enough...¡± Fang Fang pushed the sses on her nose like Detective Conan. Qiao Nan was acquaintance with this man as well.

    It seemed like Qiao Nan was acquaintances with all the handsome men in their military uniforms!

    It was thew of the universe!!!

    Fang Fang¡¯s eyes shed sharply. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan said that men in military uniform were the most handsome men in the world. The men in uniform whom Qiao Nan was acquaintance with were indeed handsome men. These people looked handsome without their military uniforms as well.

    ¡°My surname is Zhai. Instructor Zhou has an assignment and was recalled by the army. In the following days, I will be your instructor.¡± Zhai Sheng stood still in front of the students. His gaze swept casually across the students until itnded on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Instructor Zhai!¡± The girls in ss one were undoubtedly exhrated at the arrival of Zhai Sheng.

    After sending off Instructor Zhou, there came an even more handsome instructor who was more eye-catching than the male superstars on television. They were in luck.

    Was appearance one of the factors for national conscription? Did all the handsome guys in the country join the army as soldiers?

    ¡°I have been updated about what will be covered in your military training. Next, I will teach you how to stack the nket. This girl over here, can you bring your nket up here?¡± Zhai Sheng shifted his gaze and he ¡®just happened¡¯ to focus on Qiao Nan.

    Xu Tingting was hoping that she would be selected. She said with a red face and besotted eyes, ¡°Instructor Zhai, I am foolish and slow, can I bring my nket so that you can give me a demonstration and I can see more clearly?¡±

    If her nket was folded by the Instructor Zhai, she would not wash it for a year!

    ¡°It seems like Instructor Zhou has not been strict with all of you. That girl over there, fifty push-ups. Now.¡± Zhai Sheng did not knit his eyebrows. He slightly narrowed his eyes and exuded a frightening aura. If this student was a new recruit in his army, he would have been taken out of the army.

    ¡°Fifty? Instructor Zhai, I can¡¯t do that many push-ups.¡± Xu Tingting, who failed at her attempt to be close to the instructor, stiffened. ¡°Instructor Zhou has been very strict with us for the past two days. I had run tenps in the morning. I am too tired and have no strength in me. Could I do fewer push-ups?¡± Xu Tingting blinked at Zhai Sheng, pretending to be pitiful.

    ¡°What the hell is this? What does Xu Tingting mean by this?¡± Zheng Lingling¡¯s eyes widened, her face turning red. She could not wait to give Xu Tingting a few kicks!

    Back then, when Zhu Baoguo sat down with Qiao Nan carelessly, she had thought that Zhu Baoguo was in a rtionship with Qiao Nan and that he was too daring and tant to do that at school. Butpared with Xu Tingting¡¯s behavior today, it paled inparison. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior did not hold a candle to that of Xu Tingting.

    Xu Tingting made her realize that there was a different world out there!

    ¡°Sixty.¡±

    ¡°Instructor Zhai, I don¡¯t tell lies. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask around. We had a very tedious training.¡±

    ¡°Seventy.¡±

    ¡°Seventy? If I do seventy push-ups, my arms will be fractured.¡±

    Zheng Lingling felt that Xu Tingting¡¯s behavior was very ridiculous.

    Tang Mengran sneered. ¡°Xu Tingting may end up doing a hundred push-ups. She must have love sports.¡±

    ¡°Eighty.¡±

    ¡°Eight...¡± Xu Tingting had not imagined that the more she asked for mercy, the more severely she would be punished, and the number of push-ups had been increased from fifty to eighty. Why was it that the men from the army were different from other men? It was not like this when she was in junior high school.

    She had heard from other people that after many years of being in the army isted from women, men became so desperate that even a female pig appeared to be attractive.

    But the two instructors who were in charge of her ss were odd. How could they be so harsh to her?

    Xu Tingting could not understand what went wrong. But she could not afford to bargain further as the number of push-ups she had to do had increased from fifty to eighty. She started to do her push-ups right away.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s stamina was not good. After running tenps in the morning, Xu Tingting was exhausted. Not to mention eighty, she stopped at twenty push-ups and could not continue anymore. She plopped down on the ground, tired and exhausted.

    ¡°Send her to the medical center to rest.¡±Zhai Sheng could tell whether Xu Tingting was really drained or putting up a pretense.

    After dealing with Xu Tingting, Zhai Sheng continued the topic from before. ¡°Bring the nket up here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Instructor Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s body slightly stiffened. She brought her nket to Zhai Sheng, her eyes full of doubts. Brother Zhai, why were you here?

    Zhai Sheng did not look at Qiao Nan at all. He behaved as if he did not know her. He took the nket from her and ced it on the ground where a mat had already beenid. ¡°Look carefully, this is how one folds a nket.¡± Zhai Sheng used his fingers to mark out lines on the nket. His fingers were like a metal ruler, leaving deep marks on Qiao Nan¡¯s nket.

    Zhai Sheng exined while demonstrating at the same time. He used his fingers to mark parallel lines on the nket and fold the nket ording to the parallel lines.

    In a minute¡¯s time, Zhai Sheng had folded Qiao Nan¡¯s nket into the shape of tofu.

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± After folding the nket, Zhai Sheng stood to a side and asked Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan could only nod her head. ¡°Instructor Zhai, I understand now.¡± Why did she have the feeling that Brother Zhai was angry?

    The more expressionless and reticent he was, the more Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng was angry. This was a woman¡¯s intuition. But Qiao Nan had no idea what he was angry about.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan looked confused and perplexed, Zhai Sheng felt a slight pain inside.

    If he had not found out that Zhou Jun, that brat, had volunteered to be the instructor for the high school students, Zhou Jun would have been the one who held and folded the nket Qiao Nan had slept with!

    At the thought that Zhou Jun might be folding the nket that Qiao Nan used, Zhai Sheng felt ufortable.

    But it did not matter anymore. He had already sent Zhou Jun back!

    ¡°Since you understand how to do it, show me how to fold the nket.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Instructor Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan had no idea why and who Zhai Sheng was angry at. She unfolded the nket that Zhai Sheng had folded and folded it ording to the steps he taught her just now.

    Qiao Nan took a very short time to fold the nket. It was folded nicely and neatly.

 Chapter 220 - Embracedâ€™ by the New Instructor

    <h4>Chapter 220: ¡®Embraced¡¯ by the New Instructor</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In fact, Qiao Nan did not need Zhai Sheng to teach her the method of stacking nket into the shape of tofu. Back when Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were at a tender age, Qiao Dongliang had already taught his two daughters how to fold nkets in the army style.

    Qiao Zijin did not master it, but Qiao Nan had always been folding her nket into the shape of tofu. This task was a piece of cake to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Wow, so fast.¡± Zheng Lingling blinked her eyes. ¡°Is it that easy?¡± She marveled at how fast Qiao Nan folded the soft nket into a square shape.

    ¡°Very good. Next, all of you can go back and try it yourself. After half an hour, we will go to the dormitory to check one by one.¡±

    The requirement of this nket-folding military training was that each dormitory had to bring along a nket so that the instructor could give a demonstration.

    For Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, she was the one who brought her nket; for Xu Tingting¡¯s dormitory, Xu Tingting was the representative. As for the other dormitories, they had brought their nkets as well, but the instructor only demonstrated once using Qiao Nan¡¯s nket.

    The representatives from the other dormitories who brought their nkets were dumbfounded. Was the lesson over?

    In the end, these representatives had to bring their nkets back without doing any demonstration.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are blessed with good fortune that your nket was folded by the instructor. I guess you won¡¯t be washing your nket for a year?¡± After returning to the dormitory, Tang Mengran looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s nket as if she wanted it for herself. If she knew that the instructor would fold their nkets, she would not have beenzy and would have taken her nket and let the instructor used it for demonstration.

    ¡°Of course I have to wash it.¡± Qiao Nan did not understand.

    ¡°That¡¯s the nket the instructor has held and touched. It must have retained the body temperature and smell of the instructor. Qiao Nan, you are so lucky! Since the instructor has touched the nket, do you feel as if you are being embraced by the instructor when you lie on the bed and cover yourself with the nket?¡± Tang Mengran treated the nket as if it was a sacred object and made disgustingments.

    ¡°Head of the dormitory, have you been reading too many novels that even your imagination runs wild?¡± Qiao Nan, who did not feel that there was anything wrong about the nket, could not help but be uneasy and ufortable after hearing what Tang Mengran said.

    When Qiao Nan slept, she did not have the habit of wearing manyyers of clothes.

    If she only wore a dress to sleep, her arms and legs would be exposed. Then, the exposed parts woulde into contact with the nket that Brother Zhai had touched, and...

    All of a sudden, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red.

    ¡°Tang Mengran!¡± This time, Qiao Nan was furious. ¡°How can you have such filthy thoughts? You must know that the soldiers are upright, bright, and are heroes who defend our country. How can you look at them in such a way? This is being disrespectful to the soldiers!¡±

    How could Tang Mengran describe the soldiers as filthy? Brother Zhai would never be such a person.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what you said is an exaggeration.¡± He Yun sat down and poured herself a cup of tea. ¡°ording to your statement, a man is no longer a man when he bes a soldier, is that it? Will he not marry and have kids?¡±

    Of course, Tang Mengran¡¯s description was indeed way overboard.

    ¡°This, this is not the same...¡± Qiao Nan was lost for words. The soldiers were men as well, just like her father who married and had a wife and children. They could...

    ¡°Okay, Instructor Zhai has said that he wille to inspect in half an hour¡¯s time. If you don¡¯t fold your nkets now, you may not be in time and may be punished. I think Instructor Zhai is stricter than Instructor Zhou. It seems like the more handsome one is, the more ruthless one is.¡± Zheng Lingling unfolded her nket that she folded haphazardly in the morning and tried to recall and use the method that Instructor Zhai taught them.

    ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t be like Xu Tingting who left a bad impression on the instructor. We must not act like infatuated fools. We must let the instructor know that we have intelligence and talents!¡± Tang Mengran patted her head. She did not want to make a fool of herself like Xu Tingting in front of Instructor Zhai.

    ¡°Do all of you find Xu Tingting¡¯s behavior funny and shameful? Qiao Nan is right. How could such an upright person like Instructor Zhai be charmed by what Xu Tingting did? And she still....¡± Tang Mengran felt hrious at the thought of Xu Tingting.

    Tang Mengran and Xu Tingting came from the same junior high school, but they were not from the same ss.

    As a result, Tang Mengran had heard of some of Xu Tingting¡¯s antics.

    Tang Mengran was exhrated when Xu Tingting was punished by the two instructors.

    ¡°Cough...¡± Zheng Lingling tried to fold her nket for a good twenty minutes, but it was nothing like the square tofu. Instead, it looked like a soft and messy lump. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you help me?¡± Qiao Nan and Instructor Zhai folded them with ease, why was it that when it came to her, she had difficulties doing it?

    ¡°Okay.¡± When Qiao Nan heard Zheng Lingling¡¯s cry for help, she quickly went over to help her, lest she continued to think about her nket. Whenever Qiao Nan looked at her nket, she could not help but feel ufortable. If not for the time constraint and that Zhai Sheng would be inspectingter, she would wash her nket right away.

    Brother Zhai was such a good person. How could Tang Mengran say that of him?

    ¡°Look carefully, this is how you fold it.¡± Qiao Nan did not have much hand strength aspared to Zhai Sheng. But with a few more tries, she could see the marks on the nket.

    By the time Qiao Nan finished folding Zheng Lingling¡¯s nket, although it was not as small as the square tofu that Zhai Sheng had folded her nket into, hers looked simr with sharp edges and was square in shape as well.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are amazing. Is there anything that you cannot do?¡± Zheng Lingling widened her eyes in amazement. The nket that was soft in her hands was shaped into a square shape in the hands of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Oh my god, I didn¡¯t know that folding nket will be such a difficult task.¡± After Fang Fang finished folding her nket, she sat down on the bed, gasping for air.

    Fang Fang was drenched with sweat after folding the nket for twenty minutes. ¡°Qiao Nan is right. This nket must be washed because it has been dirtied with my perspiration. It will turn moldy if I do not wash it.¡±

    ¡°Are all of you done with folding the nkets?¡± Tang Mengran, who was joking around, felt anxious. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have to help me. My nket cannot stand by itself. As soon as I let go, it will copse!¡±

    He Yun¡¯s and Tao Zhenqin¡¯s nkets could make the mark, but Tang Mengran¡¯s and Zheng Lingling¡¯s nkets would definitely fail.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Qiao Nan had no choice but to help Tang Mengran fold it again. ¡°Look carefully. What I am worried about is that when Instructor Zhai is here for inspection, he may ask us to fold it on the spot.¡±

 Chapter 221 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Pettiness

    <h4>Chapter 221: Zhai Sheng¡¯s Pettiness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you don¡¯t remember this properly and give yourself away in front of Instructor Zhai, then you will really end up like Xu Tingting.¡±

    Upon hearing what Qiao Nan said, Tang Mengran and Zheng Lingling opened their eyes widely, fearful that they would miss a step and embarrass themselves in front of Instructor Zhaiter.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, thank you so much. If not for you, I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± At the sight of her now-properly-folded nket, Tang Mengran gave out a huge sigh of relief.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her mouth, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ve also touched all parts of your nket from inside out and outside in. So, when you cover yourself with the nket while sleepingter, will you also have the feeling that I¡¯m lying beside you, hugging you?¡±

    ¡°Eew...¡± Tang Mengran shivered and could not picture that scene in her mind. ¡°Qiao Nan, stop it. I admit that I¡¯m wrong... Will that do?¡±

    If Qiao Nan hugged her to sleep every day, could she still fall asleep!

    At this juncture, Fang Fang was sitting on her own bed. Her eyes shimmered as she suddenly asked, ¡°The new Instructor Zhai who came today called Qiao Nan¡¯s name. Qiao Nan, if Instructor Zhou did not leave, who do you think he would call? Whose nket would he fold?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s Qiao Nan.¡± Tang Mengran answered with certainty as she drank her water.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you think Instructor Zhou was thinking? And why did Instructor Zhai also call your name?¡± What Tang Mengran described earlier was a woman¡¯s perspective toward a man. Then, what about the way a man saw a woman? Wouldn¡¯t it certainly be the same?

    Based on her observation, sometimes, a man¡¯s thoughts were even more obscene than that of a woman.

    Zheng Lingling was stunned. ¡°Fang Fang, what are you trying to say?¡± Why did she feel that Fang Fang seemed to be implying something?

    ¡°Fang Fang, are you saying that both Instructor Zhou and Instructor Zhai... Is that possible?¡± Today was the first time Instructor Zhai met Qiao Nan. Love at first sight? Were you writing a novel?

    ¡°Sister, they look upon me as their younger sister!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face bloomed in red. First, it was Tang Mengran. Now, it was Fang Fang. Did they have a grudge against her?

    ¡°Both see you as their younger sister. Wait, let me think.¡± Tao Zhenqin narrowed her eyes and stroked her chin. ¡°You know Instructor Zhou, so he sees you as his younger sister. Instructor Zhou also looks upon you as his sister. In that case, both of you already know each other? Damn, Qiao Nan, you know the two of them? Don¡¯t tell me that these two instructors came to our ss all because of you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible that they came for me. I didn¡¯t do anything.¡± Qiao Nan was so depressed that she felt like knocking her head against the wall. The rtions being described were getting messier as the conversation continued. ¡°Instructor Zhai is my neighbor.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your childhood sweetheart!¡± Oh my god, what a shocking insider news!

    ¡°It¡¯s not childhood sweethearts. Although we stay rtively close to each other, I did note into contact with Instructor Zhai previously. We only started to interact with each other about a year ago.¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her face, trying to make her expression more natural. ¡°The instructors that came to our school should have been arranged by the army. Instructor Zhai and Instructor Zhou did not have a choice. Anyway, enough said. When Instructor Zhai patrols the roomster, don¡¯t talk nonsense. Otherwise, the consequences will be most undesirable!¡±

    He Yun smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t take this to heart. Don¡¯t get angry. We¡¯re just joking. Of course we know it¡¯s impossible. We will not spread this type of private gossip around. If we do that in front of Instructor Zhai, aren¡¯t we courting death?¡±

    Fang Fang pushed up the spectacles on the bridge of her nose. Was that really impossible?

    ¡°The instructor ising!¡± Tao Zhenqin signaled for them to quiet down. The six youngdies who were earlier slumped all over the bed immediately stood up in a humble and respectful manner with both hands at their side, the midline of their thighs.

    Zhai Sheng walked into Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory without any expression. This was really the female dormitory after all. It was clean and tidy unlike the ones in the army that were always permeated with the smell of sweat.

    When he confirmed that Qiao Nan seemed to have put on a little more weight from thest time he saw her, his expression looked more at ease.

    Zhai Sheng was a guy. He knew exactly what Zhou Jun was thinking of.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s nket that was folded by him, the cold and sharp look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes also softened.

    Even if it was only a form of indirect intimate contact, he would not allow another man to do it.

    Of course, he had to fold the nket of his wife-to-be. He would never let other guys touch any of it.

    Toward his own territory, Zhai Sheng had a strong sense of territorial ownership.

    In stark contrast with Zhai Sheng who had a strong sense of territorial ownership, Zhou Jun, who had been thrown back into the army by Zhai Sheng toplete a difficult mission, felt extremely depressed at this moment. Zhai Sheng would be his brother-inw if he married Qiao Nan in the future.

    However, his future brother-inw was making things difficult for him and affecting his n to woo his wife-to-be. How could he resolve this?

    After Zhai Sheng had done a round of inspection, he said, ¡°Pass.¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± The few youngdies could not help breathing a sigh of relief when they heard that.

    ¡°Next dormitory.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s inspections were quick. He was not particrly strict too.

    It was fortunate that, in order to leave a good impression on Zhai Sheng, the girls had put in considerable effort in folding the nkets properly. It might not meet all of the criteria, but they were of an eptable standard.

    With this, Zhai Sheng easilypleted the mission of the nket-folding training.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng only touched the nket of one person, Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    While most of the people were happy to have passed the inspection by Zhai Sheng, only two of them noticed this. One was Fang Fang, and the other was Zhu Baoguo.

    As a result, during the whole military training period, Zhu Baoguo did not look very happy. Instructor Zhou had left but Instructor Zhai, who was more formidable and threatening, came. Although they were threatening, Zhu Baoguo did not know exactly what kind of threat these two instructors posed to him even after he thought for a long time.

    He was not at opposing ends with these two instructors, and neither was there any conflict of interest. Why did he have such thoughts, then?

    Regardless, it was fortunate that the military training would onlyst two weeks.

    After two weeks, be it Instructor Zhou or Instructor Zhai, both would be gone. Thereafter, Xiao Qiao would probably not see these two people again. It was different for him. He was Xiao Qiao¡¯s deskmate, and the two of them would be studying together for three years. If he was lucky, they might also attend the same university!

    ¡°The military training finally ended. Otherwise, I¡¯m going to die. I can go home tomorrow. When I¡¯m home, I must eat something good to supplement my health. I¡¯ve grown thinner!¡± He Yun pinched her tiny arms as her heart ached for the few pounds of meat that was lost.

    ¡°It was tough but also fortunate.¡± Tang Mengran buried her face in the nket. ¡°At the thought of not being able to see the suave Instructor Zhai from tomorrow onward... Oh, I can¡¯t bear to let it go!¡±

 Chapter 222 - Fallen into the Garbage Dump

    <h4>Chapter 222: Fallen into the Garbage Dump</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Right, aren¡¯t you all curious why Instructor Zhai left in such a hurry?¡± Zheng Lingling asked with a face full of question marks. ¡°All the other sses are holding farewell gatherings for their respective instructors. Our ss is the only exception. It¡¯s just one night¡ªno, just one hour, but Instructor Zhai was unable to spare us the time. He had to leave immediately after the training session ended. Why is this happening? Why didn¡¯t the other instructors do that?¡±

    ¡°The instructors from other sses are not as good looking as ours too.¡± Tang Mengran replied as a matter of fact.

    Zheng Lingling¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Can you please don¡¯t be like Xu Tingting, always acting like you¡¯re love-struck? Is there a connection between good-looking and being tied up? If Instructor Zhai was really that busy, why must hee and be our instructor? There¡¯re a lot of people in the army. They could just send someone else here, couldn¡¯t they? Was there a need to send Instructor Zhou here when he¡¯s busy? He¡¯s sent back eventually and Instructor Zhai came in his stead anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why do you care about this? Regardless, we¡¯re the ones who benefited. If they sent another instructor who¡¯s not so busy, they¡¯re certainly not going to be as good-looking as the two instructors we had. Aiyah, we¡¯re only high school students. These deep andplicated problems are not meant for us. Alright. While they¡¯re having farewell parties, we¡¯ll take the chance to recharge ourselves. I really wish tomorrow wille soon so that I can go home.¡± Tang Mengran kicked her legs. There¡¯s nothing better than going home now.

    Everyone was already tired out. The military training had finally ended. They felt more rxed and were dozing off. When Tang Mengran, the little muddle-head, interrupted Zheng Lingling, everyone¡¯s thoughts deviated toward that of Tang Mengran. They fell asleep soon after.

    Fang Fang was the only one who was still thinking about what Zheng Lingling said the second before she fell asleep. Zheng Lingling¡¯s words made sense. But why...

    ¡°Bye, see you on the weekend.¡±

    ¡°Please.¡±

    After two weeks of military training, almost everyone became tanned and lost some weight.

    ording to her usual routine, Qiao Nan put the books that she wanted to bring home for the week in her schoolbag. When she reached the quad, she went to the residence of the Zhai family instead of heading home directly. She would ce the items in the Zhai¡¯s residence and then go there again to revise the next day, lest Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin disturbed her.

    However, this evening seemed to be particrly quiet. It was like the calm before a storm, sinister and mysterious.

    Just as she reached the quad, Qiao Nan felt strange, as if someone was hiding at a dark ce, watching her.

    Qiao Nan halted her steps and turned to look around. There was no one else on the empty path. Was she wrong and being paranoid?

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, is that you? Hurry ande out. If I catch you, don¡¯t me me for adding more to your homework!¡± Qiao Nan raised her voice. Initially, Zhu Baoguo was supposed to go home together with her. However, he was not in a good mood. He looked quite unhappy and left first.

    Qiao Nan was not a ¡®real¡¯ child. Hence, she certainly would not take such matters to heart.

    However, at this moment, she suddenly felt that someone seemed to be tailing her. The first person Qiao Nan could think of was Zhu Baoguo.

    Every time Qiao Nan threatened Zhu Baoguo with more homework, it always worked. This time, however, Qiao Nan did not sense any slightest movement from her surrounding after saying that. ¡°Am I really being paranoid?¡± Qiao Nan scratched her head. Could it be that she had been tortured by the few dormitory mates till she had a mental breakdown?

    Tang Mengran imagined things every day, and Fang Fang was like Sherlock Holmes, watching her and Brother Zhai¡¯s every move. It nearly caused her to believe that Brother Zhai had a thing for her.

    Great, she was almost suffering from paranoia now. She actually felt that someone was tailing her.

    She had neither money nor beauty. Anyone following her would be wasting their time.

    Shaking her head vigorously, Qiao Nan dispelled all these messy thoughts from her mind. She had been badly influenced.

    With such thoughts in mind, Qiao Nan¡¯s steps quickened.

    What Qiao Nan did not know was that just as she left, someone ran out from the corner of the back alley. ¡°Eh, where¡¯s the wretched girl? Where did she go in the blink of an eye? Where is she hiding?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was looking everywhere for Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts, but Qiao Nan was nowhere to be seen.

    Facing this situation, Ding Jiayi was furious.

    Ding Jiayi eventually failed to resist Qiao Zijin¡¯s cajoling and decided to tail Qiao Nan so that she could find out where her ¡®headquarter¡¯ was.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi discussed this at length. They knew that Qiao Nan was very careful and meticulous. Furthermore, Qiao Nan had long been guarding against them. Hence, they would certainly not seed in finding the Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®headquarter¡¯ if they simply tailed her.

    Qiao Zijin thought for a long time and finally found a way.

    In the past, they always tailed Qiao Nan from home and lost her every time. Qiao Nan was most guarded when she was at home. Therefore, when Qiao Nan was not at home, that would be the time she would let her guard down.

    As such, Qiao Zijin¡¯s idea was to ambush Qiao Nan on her way home from school and tail her thereafter.

    Qiao Zijin guessed that the ¡®headquarter¡¯ Qiao Nan used to keep the books would not be too far away from home. As long as they started to tail Qiao Nan from the second part of her journey, Ding Jiayi would definitely be able to find something.

    True enough, Ding Jiayi discovered an irregrity.

    Qiao Nan had clearly reached the quad, but she did not go home and took another path instead.

    It was only at this juncture that Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Nan had been doing things right under her nose. Qiao Nan had been going around in circles but did not leave quad!

    ¡°This wretched girl, who did she learn all these from? She¡¯s so cunning. Did she find out just now?¡± Ding Jiayi was stuck at where she was, and she was getting anxious. Just as she followed Qiao Nan to the quad, Qiao Nan halted her steps and turned to look. Ding Jiayi was so scared that she panicked and fell into a small valley, straight into a rubbish dump.

    The time Qiao Nan waited before she made a move again was the time Ding Jiayi was forced to squat in the smelly garbage dump.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi was stinking from the smell. It was so smelly that even a beggar would despise her.

    Just when Ding Jiayi thought that she had failed in her mission again and had to do it again, Qiao Nan appeared!

    Ding Jiayi had no choice but to squat in the garbage dump again. This time, she stared at Qiao Nan without blinking. She only dared toe out after confirming where Qiao Nan was headed to.

    ¡°So smelly!¡± Ding Jiayi turned pale as she nearly fainted from the garbage smell. She then looked carefully at the yards around her. ¡°That wretched girl must have entered one of these yards. Hmm, this is...¡±

    Ding Jiayi carefully observed and suddenly realized that this was near the ce where Qiao Nan saved the life of Zhu Baoguo.

 Chapter 223 - The Teachings of Father Qiao

    <h4>Chapter 223: The Teachings of Father Qiao</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was only at this moment that Ding Jiayi finally knew why Qiao Nan was so lucky to have saved Zhu Baoguo. After all, Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®headquarter¡¯ was in this area!

    After she remembered the few families who stayed in the area, Ding Jiayi was then willing to give up and head home.

    ¡°What happened to you? Did you fall into thetrine pit?¡± Qiao Dongliang could not stand the smell on Ding Jiayi when she got home.

    In the past, although Ding Jiayi was not a clean freak, she was still quite particr about hygiene. Hence, Qiao Dongliang never expected that he would one day see Ding Jiayi in such a sloppy and unbearable state. The smell on Ding Jiayi nearly made Qiao Dongliang vomit.

    Ding Jiayi was full of embarrassment. ¡°Am I really that smelly? While I was walking, I identally tripped and fell into the garbage dump. Let me clean myself up first.¡± In fact, Ding Jiayi could not stand the smell on her body too.

    On the way back, Ding Jiayi was selective in her route and only dared to take the path after confirming that it was isted. She was afraid of bumping into someone she knew and letting them see her in such a dire state.

    ¡°Hurry and go.¡± Qiao Dongliang knitted his brows. He did not even ask Ding Jiayi how her leg was, whether it hurt or if she needed to apply any medication oil.

    Ever since the police report was lodged, the rtionship between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi drifted further apart. Since then, Qiao Dongliang had not gone into Ding Jiayi¡¯s bedroom, and neither had he shown any concern for Ding Jiayi. Their rtionship was worse than that between neighbors.

    When Qiao Dongliang saw the neighbors, he would have a smile on his face as he greeted them courteously. But when it came to Ding Jiayi, he had nothing much to talk to her about. Just as what happened, he was extremely cold when he spoke to her.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan came out from her bedroom. ¡°I think I heard Moming back.¡±

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s back.¡± At the mention of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice was indifferent. It was as if his heart was still. Nevertheless, his eyes shimmered with fatherly love when he looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, has it been tough on you during the two weeks¡¯ military training? Do you feel tired? I think you look skinnier now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s nothing once we are used to it. It was certainly notparable to Dad¡¯s training when you were in the army.¡± Qiao Nan sat beside Qiao Dongliang smilingly. ¡°Dad, do you know who our Instructor was?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Qiao Dongliang was patiently chatting with Qiao Nan. He was very concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation at school.

    ¡°Zhou Jun. Brother Zhou!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he apanymander?¡± Qiao Dongliang knitted his brows. The army would not send apanymander to provide military training for high school students. Zhou Jun, that child, must have made use of his authority to request for it. In that case, was Zhou Jun there for the sake of Nan Nan?

    ¡°Yes, so he only gave us training for one day before he was summoned back to the army. He must be really busy as apanymander.¡± However, after thepanymander left, a regimentmander came... Wasn¡¯t regimentmander busier thanpanymander?

    ¡°Summoned back?¡± That was impossible.

    Zhou Jun must have made the necessary arrangements before he became Qiao Nan¡¯s instructor at her school. Why was he summoned back to the army during the training?

    ¡°Do you know why he went back to the army?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°After Zhou Jun left, did another instructor rece him? Was that instructor good? Was he fierce?¡± Since Nan Nan was the reason that Zhou Jun went to the school, he would definitely take better care of Nan Nan during the training. However, the instructor that came thereafter might not do so.

    After all, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached for his younger daughter who had to suffer during the military training.

    ¡°Brother Zhou left, but Brother Zhai came.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes turned stiff. ¡°Zhai... Why do I feel more confused now after listening to your words?¡±

    Had he been retired from the army for too long? The situation in the army had changed greatly. They did not even go by the books now, did they?

    ¡°I was confused too. All the other sses held farewell parties for their respective instructors yesterday but my ss didn¡¯t. Immediately after the military training ended, Brother Zhai left for the army in a hurry.¡± Brother Zhai was so busy in the army. In fact, they could have arranged for someone else toe.

    ¡°Maybe... maybe something urgent cropped up in the army.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not say this from his heart. He felt strange. Something was amiss.

    Zhou Jun must havee for Nan Nan. He had his mind set on Nan Nan. What about Zhai Sheng?

    Given the status of Zhai Sheng¡¯s family, and that he was the most promising child in the family, he would not waste his time to provide military training for the students. Even if there was ack of manpower in the army, Zhai Sheng did not have to waste his time to carry out the mundane task. Moreover, based on what Qiao Nan said, Zhai Sheng left in such a hurry after the training.

    Besides, Zhai Sheng conducted training for Nan Nan¡¯s ss, not other sses. This...

    No, he must be over thinking.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back.¡± Qiao Zijin, who stepped into the house at this moment, had a sh of slyness in her eyes. Qiao Nan was back. She wondered if her mother managed to find out where Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®headquarter¡¯ was.

    ¡°Dad, the weather is very hot recently. Nan Nan, did you get heatstroke during the military training?¡±

    Qiao Zijin behaved intimately as she sat beside Qiao Nan. She even reached out her arms to hold Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had goosebumps immediately. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll get you a cup of water.¡±

    When Qiao Nan finished pouring a cup of water for Qiao Dongliang, she sat beside him as she was unwilling to sit with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang pretended having seen nothing. He continued to ask, ¡°Nan Nan, are you happy at school? Do you get along well with your ssmates? Most of the kids nowadays are pampered, yet you¡¯re so down-to-earth. You¡¯ll probably not mutter a word even if you¡¯re bullied. I heard that Baoguo is studying with you. If anyone bullies you, don¡¯t be scared. Look for Baoguo. He¡¯ll help you settle it.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I look for the teachers instead?¡± Qiao Nan blinked her eyes.

    ¡°There¡¯s no use looking for the teacher. It¡¯s more effective to seek Baoguo¡¯s help.¡± Qiao Dongliang blushed. It was not easy to discipline the kids nowadays. The more the adults deterred them, the more they wanted to do it. Therefore, the person would bully Nan Nan more in consequence were Nan Nan to tell the teacher.

    On the contrary, If Nan Nan told Zhu Baoguo, Zhu Baoguo would definitely help Nan Nan teach them a lesson.

    Zhu Baoguo had the backing of the Zhu family. Even if he fought with others and created trouble at school, the school would not do anything to him.

    The kids should settle their own matters. When those people knew how powerful Zhu Baoguo was, they would certainly not dare to bully Nan Nan again.

    Qiao Nan leaned on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arms as she covered her mouth andughed. ¡°Dad, do you think it¡¯s a good idea to teach me this?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad about it. No matter what, you can¡¯t let anyone bully you!¡± Qiao Dongliang said resolutely. Who didn¡¯t dote on their own child? As Nan Nan¡¯s father, he must spare more thoughts for Nan Nan. In fact, if Nan Nan was a son, he would have more things to impart to her.

 Chapter 224 - The Zhai Family Was Targeted

    <h4>Chapter 224: The Zhai Family Was Targeted</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the sight of the affection between the filial Qiao Nan and the fatherly Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin felt that she stood out like a sore thumb and could only act as the backdrop for the two of them. She was hardly able to maintain her smile.

    ¡°Dad, you must have a lot to talk to Nan Nan about. I¡¯ll look for Mom.¡± When she started studying in high school a year ago, her father didn¡¯t seem so concerned about her. He did not ask her if she had been bullied in the school or if she was happy.

    Her father was too biased!

    When Qiao Zijin said she wanted to look for Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan did not have much reaction. They continued to chat normally.

    Qiao Zijin stood up and walked toward Ding Jiayi¡¯s bedroom. On the way, she paused and turned her head, staring at Qiao Dongliang. When she saw Qiao Dongliang chatting happily with Qiao Nan and ignoring her, she gritted her teeth in fury.

    Since her father only regarded Qiao Nan as his daughter, it would be his wishful thinking if he wanted to get a single cent from her in his old age. She would only support her mother, if there was a need to do so, that was.

    In a few years¡¯ time, she wanted to see if she or Qiao Nan could let their ¡®respective¡¯ parent lead a better life!

    Qiao Nan had better not becent too. Soon, she would teach her a lesson!

    It was only when Qiao Zijin entered Ding Jiayi¡¯s bedroom, softly closing the door afterward, that Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan, whose backs had been stiff, rxed a little.

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang having the same reaction as her, Qiao Nan was stunned. She pondered and said, ¡°Dad, you most likely don¡¯t really know Sister¡¯s character. How should I put it? She¡¯s quite petty. In other words, she bears grudges and seeks revenge for the slightest grievance. Regarding your behavior just now, she will definitely take it to heart. In the future...¡±

    In her previous life, her parents only had Qiao Zijin in their hearts, but she did not see Qiao Zijin being especially filial to her father.

    In this life, her father¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin had changed drastically. Hence, she believed that Qiao Zijin would hate her father.

    ¡°What will happen in the future? Will she not be filial to or support me? Raising a child for the sake of supporting me in my old age...¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. He perked up when he looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Even if your sister doesn¡¯t care about me anymore, Nan Nan, will you ignore me too because Dad did not value you that much in the past and allowed you to be bullied by your mother and sister?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Whether it was before or after her rebirth, she had never thought of leaving her parents in the lurch.

    They were the ones who gave her life and allowed her toe to this world. She had to repay them for giving birth to her and raising her up. However, she would not blindly obey her parents like what she did in her previous life; she would not sacrifice herself and her life.

    She would not leave them in the lurch. Nevertheless, she had her own ns as to how she would support them.

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Qiao Dongliang said, consoled. He still had his younger daughter even if the elder daughter did not care about him.

    ¡°Dad, are you not angry about what I told you about Sister? Shouldn¡¯t you help her exin that she¡¯s not that kind of person¡ªthat she is initially good-natured but have been spoiled by Mom?¡±

    After all, she was prepared to be retorted by her father when she gave him such advice.

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s head, smiling bitterly. He did not reply to Qiao Nan.

    These words were often in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind in the past. He had always hoped that his thoughts were real. However, he was aware that this was also his way offorting himself.

    His elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, had not only been spoiled by Ding Jiayi but was also a character he was not able to grasp and understand as a father.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dad will not make you angry because of your sister anymore.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what happened to you?¡± This did not seem like what her father would say. She had thought that her father would not give up on Qiao Zijin until the moment of his death.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that I have to figure out certain things eventually. Let it go, let it go. When you lose, you gain. Many times, you need to give and take. Ultimately, this family does not belong to me alone. Your sister has your mom. Nan Nan, you only have me, your dad.¡± If even he was not willing to stand on Nan Nan¡¯s side, Nan Nan would be too pitiful.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t think so much. We¡¯re going to have our meal soon.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled and stopped discussing it deeply. He did not want Qiao Nan to feel burdened.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    When the conversation between Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang ended, Qiao Zijin had just started her conversation with Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, how¡¯s it going? Did you find out where Qiao Nan hid her things?¡± With today¡¯s ambush, surely Qiao Nan could not have escaped, could she?

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it.¡± At the mention of this, Ding Jiayi could not help recalling the smell of garbage on her. She turned pale and lost her appetite for dinner.

    ¡°Why, you lost her?!¡± Her mother was so useless. She could not even handle such a small matter!

    At the sight of Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turning stiff and being angry, Ding Jiayi quickly added, ¡°Alright, don¡¯t be angry. I probably know where it is.¡±

    Ding Jiayi took out a piece of paper with the names of some families written on it. ¡°I lost Qiao Nan in this area. I guessed she must have hidden her things in one of these ces.¡± As to which family it was, she was not certain.

    ¡°We already found out about this ce today. If we keep a close watch, in two weeks¡¯ time, we¡¯ll definitely know which family it is!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to wait for two weeks!¡± Qiao Zijin narrowed her eyes. ¡°It must be this family!¡±

    ¡°The Zhai family? Impossible! Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, can¡¯t possibly know someone from the Zhai family. She even hid her things there. It¡¯s impossible.¡± Ding Jiayi was agitated. ¡°Zijin, Mom knows that you¡¯re anxious, but you need to make sense. It can¡¯t be this family.¡±

    The status of the Zhai family was higher than that of both the Li family and the Zhu family. They had the highest status in the whole quad. They were like the sun that she had been looking up to, the moon that was high up in the sky.

    How could Qiao Nan, this wretched girl, have any connection with the Zhai family?

    ¡°Mom, the Zhai family?¡± Were they so powerful? Why didn¡¯t she know anything about that!

    ¡°Have you forgotten that we have a chief of the army staying in the quad?!¡± Ding Jiayi showed her thumb. In the past, she only hoped for Qiao Dongliang to be the battalionmander. The position of a chief, not to mention this life, in her next life and even the life after, she felt that it was impossible for Qiao Dongliang to attain that level of seniority.

    ¡°It¡¯s that Zhai family?!¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked, her eyes shing with hesitation.

    Could it be a coincidence? But what if it was really the Zhai family?

    ¡°Mom, you may not know this. On the day Dad had his surgery, and while you were working overtime, a man came looking for Dad at the hospital. I don¡¯t know him, but Qiao Nan does. Qiao Nan called him Brother Zhai.¡± The surname Zhai was very unique. She had only heard it once from Qiao Nan. Thereafter, she had not heard anyone with that surname again.

 Chapter 225 - She Must Have Stolen It

    <h4>Chapter 225: She Must Have Stolen It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that Qiao Nan has been keeping all her items in the residence of the Zhai family?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned. ¡°Qiao Nan, that stupid girl, her mouth seems to have been sealed by a needle. She doesn¡¯t even know how to properly greet others when she sees them. How¡¯s it possible that she got to know someone from the Zhai family? Impossible!¡±

    Even if the highly-regarded Zhai family was approachable, they would only ept a smart and intelligent child such as Qiao Zijin. How could they be on good terms with Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Mom, do you think Dad or Grandpa have any rtion with the Zhai family? Maybe Qiao Nan found out about this and simply went to fawn on them?¡± If that was the case, it would not do. The Qiao family bore the surname Qiao, and so did she. If her grandpa had left this opportunity for them, Qiao Nan should not be the only one who benefited from it.

    ¡°How is that possible? This is the Zhai family, not the Lee family. Even when the Lee family sees the Zhai family, they have to courteously greet the old chief of the army. If your grandpa was so capable and knew such a prominent figure, would your dad lose his army job when we gave birth to Qiao Nan?¡± How she wished she had such a capable and powerful father-inw. Too bad she didn¡¯t!

    ¡°So formidable?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked by Ding Jiayi¡¯s admiration and inferiorityplex toward the Zhai family.

    Could the young man who bears the surname of Zhai, the one she met previously, be rted to the formidable Zhai family?

    If that was indeed the case, then she had missed an opportunity to be Cindere!

    Impossible. Mom was right. Qiao Nan was not eloquent and did not know how to get along with people. She would not be so fortunate as to get to know that kind of family.

    Moreover, she only heard Qiao Nan calling that young man Brother Zhai. She was not even sure which ¡®Zhai¡¯ word it was. It could have been a word that sounded simr.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll keep a close watch on Qiao Nan tomorrow! It¡¯s around this area right?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s definitely around this area. Qiao Nan gets up early. It¡¯s been hard on you at school. Are you sure you can wake up so early? Don¡¯t tire yourself out. If you can¡¯t, let Mom do it.¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t look down on me. If Qiao Nan can wake up early, why can¡¯t I? Don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be any problem this time!¡± Qiao Zijin narrowed her eyes and revealed a scheming smile. This time, her name would not be Qiao Zijin if she could not catch Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mom. Just wait and see.¡±

    This evening, Qiao Zijin stood up as soon as she finished her meal. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been so tiring these few days at school. It¡¯ste. I¡¯ll be going to bed early.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still so early. Are you not going to watch the TV?¡± It¡¯s only slightly past seven o¡¯clock, and Zijin was already going to sleep. Was the sun going to rise from the west tomorrow?

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll sleep early today and wake up earlier tomorrow. I have to put in more effort and study hard too so that I can progress. An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. I must make use of the morning time. Good night, Dad, Mom. Good night, Nan Nan.¡± My ¡®dearest¡¯ sister, see you again tomorrow morning.

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin strangely. ¡°What¡¯s with Zijin today?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that good?¡± Ding Jiayi replied smilingly. ¡°I¡¯ll go and wash the dishes.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan frowned. Did Qiao Zijin take the wrong medicine today?

    Qiao Nan apanied Qiao Dongliang until about eight o¡¯clock before returning to her bedroom.

    At half past six in the morning the next day, Qiao Nan woke up as usual. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, preparing to head to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re awake too?¡± Qiao Dongliang had juste back from his morning exercise. He was delighted to see his younger daughter.

    ¡°Too?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang curiously. ¡°Did Sister wake up earlier than me today?¡± In the Qiao family, the only person her father would use the word ¡®too¡¯ on was Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Yes, I think your sister was going to meet someone at the library. She couldn¡¯t afford to bete, so she woke up earlier than you and left the house ten minutes ago.¡± It seemed that his elder daughter had made some progress and was keen on learning now. However, Qiao Dongliang was not as excited as he used to be.

    ¡°Ten minutes ago? What time does the library open?¡± Qiao Nan was sullen. The earliest opening for public ces was at eight o¡¯clock in the morning.

    ¡°Not sure. Let your sister do as she wishes. Are you going out to study now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Dad. Have you taken your breakfast? Shall I prepare for you?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his hands. ¡°Here¡¯s the fritter I bought for you. Bring it along and eat it.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not need Qiao Nan to prepare his breakfast. On the contrary, he bought breakfast back for her instead.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad. I¡¯ll be leaving first, then.¡±

    Qiao Nan hugged her schoolbag and headed toward the Zhai¡¯s residence with the fritter in her mouth. As soon as Qiao Nan appeared in the small alley, Qiao Zijin, who picked the best spot and had been hiding there since, kept her eyes on Qiao Nan. She would not allow herself to miss anything.

    When Qiao Zijin stopped in front of the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart flipped. Wasn¡¯t this the Zhai family?

    Keys... Qiao Nan actually had the keys to the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence?!

    As Qiao Zijin watched her open the door with the keys before entering the house, she was stupefied. She totally could not understand what was happening before her eyes.

    There was not much interaction between the Zhai family and the Qiao family. They didn¡¯t have any blood rtions as well. Why would Qiao Nan have the keys to the residence of the Zhai family? Moreover, it was the key to the back door.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m back.¡± In the evening, when Qiao Nan reached home, she realized that Qiao Zijin was already back.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve boiled some water for you. Pour some for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan had been very thirsty. She simply gulped down two cups of water. The Zhai residence was the best ce to read, but there was no ce to get water. The bottle of water that Qiao Nan brought with her was finished before noon.

    It was still tolerable during wintertime, but summertime was pure torture.

    Qiao Zijin, who was sitting near the television, was not watching the show at all. She was secretly looking at Qiao Nan. She discovered that Qiao Nan was very thirsty as if she had not had a single drop of water for the entire day. Qiao Zijin paused and thought.

    Qiao Nan had been in the Zhai¡¯s residence for the whole day. Would they be so petty as to not give her any water?

    ¡°Zijin, I¡¯m back.¡± Ding Jiayi, who came back from work, ced the keys on the table and wiped away the sweat on her forehead with her sleeves.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up. She wasted no time to pull Ding Jiayi to the bedroom. ¡°Mom, I have something to tell you!¡± When they were in the room, Qiao Zijin told Ding Jiayi everything she saw in the morning. She also told Ding Jiayi about what she had just observed at home. ¡°Mom, what do you think is happening?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth was so dry that it was almost torn, but she instantly perked up when she heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. ¡°Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, was too daring. She dared to beard the lion in its den. It looks like there¡¯s really a thief in the family!!!¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not sound ashamed. Contrariwise, she seemed to have a sense of excitement.

 Chapter 226 - Not Taking the Rap

    <h4>Chapter 226: Not Taking the Rap</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Thief? Mom, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Think about it. If Qiao Nan was given the key by the Zhai family, why did the Zhai family not give her the key to the front door, but the key to the back door instead? If Qiao Nan enters the Zhai¡¯s residence with the permission of the Zhai family, why can¡¯t Qiao Nan have a drink at their house? I suppose the Zhai family does not know that Qiao Nan has been going to their house. Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, must have found the keys and has been sneaking into their house every day since. If the Zhai family knows about this, do you think they will let us off? This wretched girl, she is determined to create havoc and drag us down with her! If the Zhai family wants to settle scores with us, won¡¯t the four of us be sued by them?¡±

    Initially, Ding Jiayi had been excited that she had seized upon the chinks in Qiao Nan¡¯s armor. But when she thought of how powerful the Zhai family was, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned ashen.

    The people from the Zhai family could easily make life worse than hell for them. Ding Jiayi had to keep this a secret for Qiao Nan. Nobody must find out about her secret ce.

    ¡°Zijin, listen to me. Let¡¯s put a stop to this matter. I will deal with Qiao Nan, but we can never let others know that Qiao Nan stole the key to the Zhai¡¯s residence and has been sneaking into their house every day since. Otherwise, that will be the end of the Qiao family. We will never be able to stay in the quad!¡±

    At first, Qiao Zijin had a big fright. She did not expect that the consequences would be so serious. But then, her eyes blinked brightly. She had thought of a brilliant method. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be afraid. Listen to me, tomorrow you will...¡±

    ¡°Is it feasible? Forget it. We must not take the risk. We can¡¯t afford to offend the Zhai family!¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. She had dared to create a din in front of Old Qiao, but she did not dare to be unruly in front of the Zhai family.

    She was not that daring!

    Her knees might go weak on her when she faced the people from the Zhai family.

    ¡°Mom, you have to do it. I believe you can do it. Mom, think about it again. Ever since Dad reported to the police, what have the neighbors¡¯ impressions of you been? We are so disgraced from that incident. However, if this matter is handled properly, you can rebuild your reputation in the quad, and you will be able to hold your head up high again. You must let everyone in the quad know that Qiao Nan is indeed suspicious. The reason why you took the three hundred yuan from Qiao Nan was for her sake. You were afraid that Qiao Nan would learn the wrong way and act rashly. The people in the entire quad will understand that you are a kind mother to Qiao Nan. Mom, this is a good opportunity!¡±

    Qiao Zijin tried her best to convince Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, I know that the Zhai family will be at home tomorrow. Tomorrow is the best chance. Mom, don¡¯t worry. As long as you follow what I said, rest assured that they will not find faults with us. Even if they are really furious, their target will be Qiao Nan, and they will know that you are a loving mother with good intentions. Mom, you can¡¯t hesitate. If you do not do this now, Qiao Nan¡¯s secrets will be discovered sooner orter. By that time, things will go out of control. The entire Qiao family will be shamed and we will not be able to stay in the quad anymore!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was anxious as well.

    She was really worried that Qiao Nan would drag them down with her.

    She no longer cared if she could tarnish Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation tomorrow. The most important thing was that the Qiao family could not afford to offend the Zhai family.

    The Zhai family was powerful and influential. They were very established in Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Zijin had to make ns for her future. If she wanted to marry well and be sessful, she could not afford to offend the Zhai family. If someone with a good background in Ping Cheng took a liking to her and wanted to marry her, after knowing that the Qiao family had offended the Zhai family in the past, they might be fearful of Zhai family¡¯s power and status and decided against marrying her.

    She could not sacrifice her happiness for her heartless sister, Qiao Nan. She was not worth it at all!

    ¡°Mom! Don¡¯t hesitate anymore. If this is discovered by others, it will not take long before everyone in Ping Cheng knows that we have a thief in our house and that I am the sister of the said thief. Qiao Nan is careless and foolish. She even dared to offend the Zhai family. Mom, I don¡¯t want to be dragged down by Qiao Nan. I don¡¯t want to end up having to leave the quad and Ping Cheng. Mom!!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was flustered and out of her wits at Qiao Zijin¡¯s constant coaxing. In the end, she gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Qiao Nan created troubles for herself. There is no reason for our family to suffer with her. Zijin, rest assured. Mom will never let Qiao Nan ruin you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, although Qiao Nan¡¯s English is good, could she possibly earn three hundred yuan with only a few days of hard work? Mom, do you think that the three hundred yuan Qiao Nan had...¡± It was no wonder that Qiao Nan refused her suggestion when Qiao Zijin said that she wanted to take up the trantion job as well. The money could have been stolen as well. It was not Qiao Nan¡¯s hard-earned money!

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up. I have the same sentiments too. This wretched girl, I can¡¯t wait to take a knife and chop off both her hands. Why must she steal? She is so shameless!¡±

    ¡°Mom, you have to beposed. Do not give yourself away in front of Qiao Nanter. You must not let Dad find out about your n. Dad is biased toward Qiao Nan. He is confounded, unable to distinguish right from wrong, and he would side with her. He may even take the rap for Qiao Nan and me it on us as well. Besides, Qiao Nan is very smart. If she notices anything amiss, she will make arrangements in advance. We may end up being her scapegoats.¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and calmed herself down.

    This time, it was Qiao Nan who did herself in. She had nothing to do with it.

    From tomorrow onward, everyone would only remember that Qiao Zijin, the elder daughter of the Qiao family, had good character and good looks, whereas Qiao Nan would be remembered as the shame and blemish in their family and the quad.

    ¡°She will not dare to do that!¡± Ding Jiayi widened her eyes, baring her teeth.

    ¡°Qiao Nan has not been close with both of us. We don¡¯t know what things she is capable of doing in order to protect herself. There¡¯s the saying that goes ¡®Every man for himself¡¯, isn¡¯t there? Qiao Nan did not think about our interests when she did all these. Anyway, we must be careful, lest Qiao Nan finds out about our n.¡±

    If Qiao Nan noticed anything amiss and destroyed all the evidence, all their efforts would be wasted.

    ¡°You are right. Since she dared to do those sneaky things, it goes to show that she is heartless and no longer treats us as her family or consider our interests. We must be careful.¡±

 Chapter 227 - Sever Ties

    <h4>Chapter 227: Sever Ties</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°We must not let her push all the me to us.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed in exasperation. She must stayposed and calm.

    She must not let Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, pushed the me onto both of them, particrly Zijin!

    ¡°When the truth is out tomorrow, I shall see what your dad has to say. In order to side with that wretched girl, your dad had let me down and he also wanted to... It¡¯s time to give your dad a lesson. We must let him know Qiao Nan¡¯s true colors. Right now, your dad is muddleheaded. He can¡¯t tell who his family is and who the outsider is. He is so foolish!¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Dad believes in Qiao Nan as she is good at coaxing him. Qiao Nan is very smart. She may be quiet and nerdy, but she can easily manipte Dad with her words. When Dad realizes the truth, he will know who is genuinely good to him in this family. By that time, Dad will reunite with you. Mom, don¡¯t be foolish then as you will only push Dad toward Qiao Nan otherwise. I finally realized that though Qiao Nan is a person with few words, she is good at coaxing people. Look at what happened when Dad was hospitalized. Qiao Nan always waited on Dad diligently. She¡¯s doing a ¡®good job¡¯ at putting up pretenses.¡±

    ¡°Mom, we are different from her. We are true to Dad, but because we regard Dad as our closest rtive and care for Dad, we show our most genuine side to him. At times, we will lose our temper at him. On the other hand, Qiao Nan waits on him and says words that make him happy. Naturally, Dad will prefer Qiao Nan since Dad likes people to be nice to him. We can do it as well. Qiao Nan is no match for both of us. Dad has sacrificed a lot for this family. I don¡¯t want to see Dad being cheated by Qiao Nan, for him to make sacrifices for her sake. When the truth is out tomorrow, Dad may find it difficult to part with Qiao Nan and may want to bear the responsibility in her stead.¡±

    When tomorrow came, where Qiao Nan was disgraced and had her reputation tarnished, she would never allow her father to defend or side with Qiao Nan.

    Both her father and mother were hers. Qiao Nan could not fight for their love!

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, will be the death of me. Your dad has a heart of gold. He has the impression that children will be filial to their parents just like how the parents doted on their children. Forget it. I will not bear grudges against your dad. He is confused, I am not. When your dad sees Qiao Nan¡¯s true colors, I will ept him as long as he apologizes to me. In the future, I will never bring up this matter again. But what will happen to Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief and sounded as if she was very forgiving toward Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Zijin pursed her lips. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan brings so much harm to our family, yet you are still concerned about her?¡±

    ¡°I am not concerned about the wretched girl. She has been guing our family for sixteen years. Why will I be concerned about her? I am afraid that after tomorrow, we may not be able to sever all ties with her and she will continue to stay with us, dragging our family down for a lifetime. After her secret is exposed, as long as she still stays in the family, it will be a blemish to us.¡± She was worried that if things were blown up, they might not be able to cut all ties with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom... Do you want to cut your ties with Qiao Nan? ording to thew, it is not feasible.¡± Since thest time when Qiao Dongliang called the police, Qiao Zijin had been reading up on legal knowledge at school, lest she be treated like fools by others. She even tried to find ways to deal with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What should we do, then?¡± Thew was so unreasonable!

    ¡°There is a way. Qiao Nan is already sixteen years old. It is not possible to sever ties with her, but you no longer need to care for Qiao Nan. Since Qiao Nan is already sixteen years old, she can start working. It will not be considered as illegal childbor. In other words, she can work to support herself. You have fulfilled your obligation to support Qiao Nan. Now, it¡¯s her turn to support you.¡± Qiao Zijin had done her homework. She had some knowledge about one¡¯s legal rights.

    ¡°Zijin, when did you studyw?¡±

    ¡°Last time when Dad called the police, Mom was at a disadvantage while Qiao Nan had the upper hand. If I don¡¯t read up, Mom may be bullied by Qiao Nan, the unfilial daughter, again. So I have been spending my time in the library after school to read up on legal knowledge. Mom, I heard that awyer can earn lots of money. I think I will be awyer in the future. I am quite talented in this domain!¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled confidently. Initially, she had only wanted to learn more so that she would not be fooled by Qiao Nan. On top of that, she wanted to find ways to deal with her. However, she ended up finding herself a career, a good career that could earn her lots of money.

    ¡°Very good. My daughter will definitely have a bright future. You will be awyer and earn lots of money. Mom has no other wishes but for you to support me.¡± Ding Jiayi grabbed at Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands and had a big smile on her face.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. When I start to work, the monthly allowance I give you will be twice of Dad¡¯s! He has himself to me for siding with Qiao Nan instead of me. It¡¯s Mom who has good foresight.¡± Qiao Zijin sounded as if she had obtained herw degree and had be a barrister who earned lots of money.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin painted a beautiful picture. When it was time for dinner, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan noticed that both mother and daughter had a bright smile on their faces.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan stared at each other. They were troubled by what happened recently at home, but why were the mother and daughter full of mirth?

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Nan Nan, have more of the food.¡± He and Nan Nan paid no attention to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    As long as both of them did not make too many troubles, he would turn a blind eye toward what they did.

    ¡°Dad, you must eat more too.¡± Qiao Nan had never cared about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s affairs. In one simple sentence, as long as they did not plot against her, she would not care what they were up to.

    Unfortunately, in this family, if her mother and Qiao Zijin stood to gain, it usually meant that Qiao Nan was the one who had to suffer.

    To put it bluntly, her mother and Qiao Zijin were downright unreasonable. Aside from bullying her and taking advantage of her, they were always at their wit¡¯s end when faced with external challenges.

    This was what annoyed Qiao Nan the most.

    If it was not for the fact that Qiao Zijin and her mother had no abilities to survive by themselves in the society and were only good at bullying her, these two women would not be like leeches in the two lifetimes, hanging onto her and refusing to let go.

    ¡°Mom, you should eat more.¡± Qiao Zijin curled the corner of her lips, a cunning look in her eyes. She would not fight with Qiao Nan tonight. Qiao Nan could do whatever she wanted and act however filial she was to her father tonight.

 Chapter 228 - There Must Be Something Strange When Things Were Abnormal

    <h4>Chapter 228: There Must Be Something Strange When Things Were Abnormal</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    From tomorrow onward, she no longer needed to fight. Her father would belong to her alone. Qiao Nan would not get her father¡¯s care and attention anymore!

    ¡°Let¡¯s dig in.¡± Ding Jiayi had the same mentality as Qiao Zijin. Thest one standing was the winner. Qiao Nan might be putting up pretenses, but it would notst long.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you slept?¡± When it was around eight o¡¯clock, Qiao Dongliang knocked on the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door. ¡°Dad, why are you not sleeping?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you think that your mom and Zijin were acting strangely today? After pondering for a long while, I cannot pinpoint what exactly was strange with their behavior. Nan Nan, will youugh at me for being so paranoid?¡± Strange, it was too strange.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head: ¡°I have the same sentiments as well. Ever since a year ago when Mom asked me to drop out of school, which I refused, and Dad was supportive of me, I have rarely seen Mom with a smile on her face. Yet today, Mom seemed to be very happy. In fact, this is her happiest day in the past year. She was smiling all the while. As far as our family¡¯s situation is concerned, what is worthy of Mom¡¯s happiness?¡± When her mother and Zijin were in high spirits, it usually meant that she would be suffering.

    Despite spending half a day pondering, Qiao Nan had no idea what her mother and Qiao Zijin could have been happy about. They did not take any advantage of her either.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it. Your mom and your sister were all smiles today. Your Mom... I can¡¯t be bothered to say. Nan Nan, you must pay more attention. I will keep a lookout for you as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang had not wanted to say this. No daughter should have to guard against one¡¯s mother as if her mother was a thief.

    But if Qiao Dongliang did not remind Qiao Nan, he was worried that she would fall into Ding Jiayi¡¯s traps.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. We are not close at all. I suppose that will not change for a lifetime.¡±

    Since her father had advised her to be on guard against her mother, it seemed that her father had given up on her mother as well.

    She was d that her father did not have the mentality that parents always had good intentions, and for her to practice filial piety foolishly.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s good that you know what you are doing.¡± Touching the soft hair on top of Qiao Nan¡¯s head, Qiao Dongliang smiled and said, ¡°Alright, you should sleep now. I won¡¯t disturb you and go to rest as well.¡±

    ¡°Good night, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Good night.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, do we have to do this?¡± Ding Jiayi, who leaned against the door and was listening to their conversation, looked at Qiao Zijin helplessly.

    ¡°Be quiet, don¡¯t talk. Dad seems to havee out of Qiao Nan¡¯s room. Fortunately, Dad only went in for five minutes. I suppose they did not say much. They have not discovered what we are going to do tomorrow. ¡°Qiao Zijin smiled.

    ¡°Since both of us have not said anything, how can your dad and Qiao Nan know about it? Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. You should go back to your room to sleep. As for tomorrow, I will help you settle it.¡± Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on the shoulder, urging her to go to sleep.

    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t I sleep here tonight? I will share a bed with you here.¡± Qiao Zijin hugged Ding Jiayi¡¯s arm. Both Qiao Nan and her father were very smart.

    What if her father suspected something and decided to share a room with Ding Jiayi? By then, her mother might be coaxed by her father to abandon their ns tomorrow. Worst, she might spill the beans about their ns. If that happened, what should she do?

    She had to sleep with her mother to assure that her mother would not change her mind.

    ¡°No, you should go back to your room.¡± Ding Jiayi usually liked to be close and affectionate with Qiao Zijin, yet she refused adamantly this time. ¡°Be good, go to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Mom, are you waiting for Dad toe back to you? Is that why you won¡¯t let me apany you?¡± Qiao Zijin pulled a long face. Her mother was weak and useless. She might make harshments, but in fact, she felt otherwise. She would give in to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s coaxing easily.

    ¡°This is the adults¡¯ affairs. You are still a child and should not meddle in it. Don¡¯t you wish that I will make up with your dad? The reason why I am at loggerheads with your dad is all because of Qiao Nan!¡± Ding Jiayi hated it. Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, was not her daughter at all. She was, in fact, her creditor in her previous life. In her current life, Qiao Nan was determined to make life difficult for her.

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang was still angry with her and that he would not share a room with her at night. But he might have a change of heart.

    In case Qiao Dongliang wanted to share a room with her, it would be awkward to have the elder daughter sleeping by their side. Besides, it would also be too embarrassing to send her daughter back to her room by then.

    Ding Jiayi was a traditional Chinese woman. She still longed to spend the rest of her life with her husband.

    No matter how much they quarreled, Ding Jiayi had no wish to separate from Qiao Dongliang. She hoped that they would get back together soon.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips, expressing her unhappiness. But she gave a smile and said, ¡°Alright, I will listen to you. I will go back to my room to sleep.¡±

    Since her father deliberately went to chat with Qiao Nan in her room, he must be guarding against her and her mother. Given this situation, her father would not share the room with her mother tonight. As long as her father did not go back to the room to share a bed with her mother, her mother would not be softhearted. She would not tell Qiao Dongliang about their ns.

    After she was sure of this, Qiao Zijin had nothing much to worry about. She returned to her room, covered herself with a thin nket, and went to sleep. She needed to have a good night sleep for the full-scale drama tomorrow!

    On the morning of the weekend, Qiao Zijin unusually woke up very early. Unlike yesterday, Qiao Zijin did not go out but stayed at home to read her books instead. ¡°Good morning, Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Well... good morning.¡± Qiao Nan twitched the corner of her mouth. Had Qiao Zijin taken the wrong medicine or had chicken blood? Qiao Nan thought to herself. What was it that she had missed out on? What was it that she had not thought of?

    ¡°Dad has bought breakfast and has put it on the table. You can help yourself.¡± Hurry up to eat and leave.

    ¡°Oh.¡± The breakfast had been ced on the dining table. Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin with suspicions. It was obvious that Qiao Zijin was acting strangely, but she had no idea what she was up to.

    ¡°Dad, did my sister tell you anything? She was smiling at me early in the morning. I am getting the goosebumps. Where is Mom?¡± Whenever Qiao Zijin was up to no good, she would always leave it to her mother to do the evil deeds while she stayed behind the scene, acting as the military adviser andmander who gave orders and advice to her mother.

    Since Qiao Nan had no idea what was going on with Qiao Zijin, she decided to work on Ding Jiayi instead.

    ¡°Your mom got up very early today. She goes off to work early in the morning. I bought the breakfast and your sister helped mey it out on the table.¡± Qiao Dongliang also felt that Qiao Zijin, the elder daughter, was being abnormal today.

    She had never liked to do housework as it was akin to taking her life. Hence, she would never take the initiative to help out.

    There must be something strange when things were abnormal!

 Chapter 229 - Who Was in A Hurry?

    <h4>Chapter 229: Who Was in A Hurry?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the thought of this sentence, Qiao Dongliang pressed his thin lips into a line, sizing Qiao Zijin up. ¡°Zijin, why are you so diligent today? I remember that you hate to do housework.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve thought too highly of me. You are the one who bought the breakfast. All I did is set the table, nothing more. If you make me wash the dishes, I will definitely not do it. Dad, you know I hate getting my hands wet.¡± Qiao Zijin bit her lips and schooled her expression.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not believe her, and neither did Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi might not have been treated like a queen in the Qiao family, but Qiao Zijin was definitely the princess in the Qiao family. She not only refused to do household chores but alsozed around whenever she had the chance.

    Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper and selfish character, even for a chore as simple as getting a bowl and chopsticks, albeit not tired, she would rather sit and rest, waiting for other people in the family to get the things ready for her. It was impossible for her to help out.

    ¡°I merely helped set the table. Dad, Nan Nan, you¡¯re exaggerating. If I knew that you would react in this way, I would not have helped out at all. In the future, don¡¯t expect me to help out again.¡± Qiao Zijin grunted. ¡°Your reaction seems to say that I never help out with any chores when I am at home. I am the one who set the tableware. Qiao Nan, you can¡¯t use them. Go get yourself a new set of cutlery!¡±

    That miserable wretch! She had already helped set the tableware, yet Qiao Nan was still so suspicious of her.

    Being good to Qiao Nan brought her nothing but humiliation to herself!

    Besides, it was Qiao Nan who owed her. Hence, Qiao Nan should be good to her, not the other way round.

    ¡°Fine, I will take it myself.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She would rather take the time to do the chores by herself than being served by Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan did not dare to use the tableware set by Qiao Zijin, but she enjoyed the hearty breakfast that Qiao Dongliang bought.

    Qiao Zijin, who sat by the side with a book in her hand, could not stand Qiao Nan. What was wrong with Qiao Nan? It was only a simple breakfast, but why did Qiao Nan take her own sweet time to finish them? She made it seem like she was very well-mannered.

    To Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan took a very long time to chew every bite.

    ¡°Sister, why are you staring at me? Are you hungry? Would like to have more of the breakfast? Since there are more than enough, you can help yourself.¡± Qiao Zijin would look at Qiao Nan from time to time, making her very ufortable.

    ¡°I am not staring at you! Besides, if you did not look at me, how would you know I was watching you? Qiao Nan, why were you peeking at me?!¡± Qiao Zijin refused to admit that she was staring at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Enough, it¡¯s still early in the morning.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a headache. ¡°Nan Nan, take your time to eat. Have more of the food. Here¡¯s your water bottle. I have filled it up for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan had the habit of bringing a water bottle with her when she went out to read her books.

    Therefore, Qiao Dongliang would help Qiao Nan cool the water in advance. Since he was free today, he helped Qiao Nan fill the bottle with water so that Qiao Nan could save some time.

    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± After taking the water bottle, Qiao Nan finished thest bite of the deep-fried dough sticks and wiped her mouth.

    As soon as Qiao Nan stood up, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. Worried that Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang might find her suspicious, Qiao Zijin covered her face with her book.

    Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang and lifted her chin. What was wrong with Qiao Zijin today?

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head. He had no idea what was wrong with Qiao Zijin as well. But he paid no attention to her.

    ¡°Dad, I will go out now.¡± Qiao Nan ignored Qiao Zijin. She was only worried that her unusual behavior was directed at her.

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t stay out toote.¡±

    Qiao Nan went out with the bottle that had been filled with water by Qiao Dongliang.

    After Qiao Nan was gone for less than a minute, Qiao Zijin threw her book and ran out after her.

    Qiao Zijin had just run out of the Qiao¡¯s residence when she was stopped by Qiao Nan who walked out from behind the wall. If not for Qiao Nan intercepting her, Qiao Zijin would have run straight to the Zhai¡¯s residence. ¡°Sister, what do you want?¡± Qiao Zijin had not given up yet and now she wanted to stalk her?

    No wonder she felt that Qiao Zijin could not wait for her to go out today. Did Qiao Zijin act in this way because she wanted to know where she hid the book and the money so she could get her hands on the three hundred yuan?

    ¡°I, uh... I did not do anything.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled awkwardly. Fortunately, Qiao Nan appeared early. Otherwise, she would have run straight to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    If this was the case, she would definitely be discovered by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that I am going out today as well? I have told Dad about it. Are you the only one who can go out during the weekend? Am I not allowed to do so as well?¡± Qiao Zijin bluffed and acted as if she did nothing wrong.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan crossed her hands on her chest. ¡°You seem to be in a hurry. You must have an appointment with someone. Are you in a rush? If so, then you can make a move first.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I am really in a hurry. I am worried that you will be in my way. I shall go first, then.¡± Qiao Zijin snorted. She knew that Qiao Nan was going to the Zhai¡¯s residence. She was not afraid to go first.

    Now that she knew where Qiao Nan was heading to, there was no need for Qiao Zijin to follow Qiao Nan. She could make her way to the Zhai¡¯s residence by herself.

    Regardless, Qiao Zijin would be more assured if she could trail after Qiao Nan all the way to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    In order not to arouse Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicions, Qiao Zijin left right then without any slight hesitation. She even ran to make it seem like she was in a hurry.

    The more Qiao Zijin acted in contrast to her usual ways, the more suspicious Qiao Nan was.

    Qiao Zijin also behaved in a simr way when she ganged up with her mother to steal her moneyst time. This time seemed to be no different.

    Back then, her mother went out to work early in the morning, and the way Qiao Zijin acted was unlike her usual self. She helped her father go out for a walk and rehabilitate. She even asked Qiao Nan to help her send their father back home.

    Qiao Nan pondered for a while and changed her direction. Instead of going to the Zhai¡¯s residence straight away, she decided to make a stopover at another ce before going to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, are you mistaken? Nan Nan is a good child. She will never do the things that you said. You should not think too much. It is gettingte. I must go back to wash the clothes.¡± Four middle-aged women gathered around the corner near the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence, having a conversation.

    Three women make a market, not to mention four women.

    Among the four women, one of them was Ding Jiayi. The other three were people from the quad. What was so special about the three of them was that they were gossipmongers. They liked to gossip about the neighborhood.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It has been half an hour. I have to go back.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go yet!¡± Ding Jiayi was so anxious that her face turned red. ¡°All of you should know that Nan Nan is very capable.¡±

 Chapter 230 - The Appearance of â€˜Qiao Nanâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 230: The Appearance of ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s rare to have a capable child in our family. I¡¯m afraid that Nan Nan will go astray. All of you watched Nan Nan grow up. You have to join me in helping Nan Nan this time. If I have been over thinking, that¡¯ll be great. But if it¡¯s true, I...¡±

    ¡°Thebined exam scores of the children in your families can¡¯t bepared to my Nan Nan¡¯s. If Nan Nan bes sessful in the future, she may be able to help your children. Nan Nan calls all of you aunties. You have to help her, please.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi said this, she easily garnered many votes of hate for Qiao Nan.

    In the eyes of a woman, the husband of other people may be better, but her own child will always be the best.

    Even if Qiao Nan was different from the rest and set a good example for their children, who would be happy to hear other parents talk bad about their child in such a way? What did Ding Jiayi mean when she said that thebined scores of their children could not bepared to that of Qiao Nan?

    What¡¯s so great about that!

    Qiao Nan was a girl and would be married off in the future. Their children were all boys!

    They wanted to see if Qiao Nan was really that outstanding or if it was just a pretense! Perhaps she was, in actual fact, a messy and lousy person.

    ¡°Hahaha, what Ding Jiayi said is right. Qiao Nan calls us aunties. If it¡¯s a misunderstanding, we will not take it to heart. However, if this matter is true, we can¡¯t just watch Qiao Nan go astray. One must know that a child who steals a needle will eventually be a grown-up that steals money. We have to start teaching children strictly from a young age. It doesn¡¯t matter if they don¡¯t do well in their studies. Most importantly, they need to be a morally upright person. If my child only has good grades but pilfers or does hical things, I¡¯ll kill her!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Ding Jiayi, if this is true, don¡¯t hesitate to teach Qiao Nan a proper lesson just because she is good in her studies. As her biological mother, you have to discipline her. Let her experience pain and fear now so that she won¡¯t dare to do such disgraceful things again. If you indulge her today, you don¡¯t know what Qiao Nan will be in the future.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s useless to do well in one¡¯s studies only. One needs to know how to be an upright person as well!¡±

    Because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, the three neighbors now changed their minds and wanted Ding Jiayi to teach Qiao Nan a painful lesson.

    It was for the sake of their children. If they were topare their children¡¯s academic performance with Qiao Nan¡¯s, thebined scores of their children were indeed worse than that of Qiao Nan. Nevertheless, character-wise, their children were definitely more outstanding. It would be worth it then!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nan Nan is like a piece of meat from my body. I¡¯m afraid that I will soften my stance and can¡¯t bring myself to discipline her. That¡¯s why I wanted you toe along to stop her from going astray. First, if I¡¯m being paranoid, you have to be my witness to prove that Nan Nan is actually a good child. Second, if Nan Nan has really gone astray, you have to remind me not to be soft on her.¡± Ding Jiayi sneered. These three women were so mean. Their children were not capable, yet they yearned for the same for other people¡¯s children so that they would look better. Shameless.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will definitely remind you!¡±

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯re all neighbors and stay in the same quad. Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    ¡°Most importantly, we¡¯re doing this for Nan Nan¡¯s sake. Nan Nan will be very embarrassed today. But when she changes for the better, she¡¯ll understand why we did it. She¡¯ll know that we have her good intentions at heart.¡±

    Although Ding Jiayi was the one who invited them, upon hearing their words, one had to admit that these three women were too shameless. They had the cheek to say all that.

    On the surface, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was filled with smiles of gratitude. ¡°Of course that¡¯s right. Nan Nan will definitely remember the three of you and will be grateful to you in the future.¡±

    ¡°Uh, Ding Jiayi. Isn¡¯t that your elder daughter, Qiao Zijin? It¡¯s not Nan Nan, though?¡± One of the women who bore the surname Ma, Mrs. Ma, saw the youngdy who appeared in the small alley. As she fixed her eyes on thedy, she saw that this was the elder daughter of the Qiao family, not the younger one. ¡°Ding Jiayi, have you been mistaken? Is Qiao Zijin the one you¡¯re referring to and not Nan Nan?¡±

    Everyone in the quad knew that Ding Jiayi favored the elder daughter. She treated Qiao Zijin like a treasure but treated Nan Nan like a piece of grass.

    It was possible that Ding Jiayi put all the me of the elder daughter¡¯s wrongdoings on the younger one.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be mistaken.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. Why did Zijine over instead of staying at home? It didn¡¯t matter that Zijin came, but where was Qiao Nan, that wretched girl?

    Thereafter, Ding Jiayi did not need to exin further. Qiao Zijin appeared again and even found a ce to hide. At the sight of this, Mrs. Ma and the rest felt ridiculous. ¡°Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin is...¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi sighed. Zijin was too anxious. She had already told her that she would handle the matter, but Zijin just had to be so anxious to see it herself. ¡°Zijin is the elder sister. Naturally, she is concerned about Nan Nan and also takes good care of her. I guess she must have found out about Nan Nan¡¯s situation and was worried, so...¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk. Someone is here.¡±

    It was early in the morning and the back alley was very quiet. Hence, the sound of the approaching footsteps was particrly clear.

    Upon hearing the footsteps, the five women in the alley had their eyes wide open. They were staring at the direction where the sound wasing from, following which the five of them saw a youngdy in a dress and a straw hat.

    The straw hat was oversized and the hat hole was gigantic. The youngdy had her head down. Therefore, they could not see clearly how she looked like. However, her slim and tender figure resembled that of Qiao Nan. Moreover, the dress the youngdy was wearing was the one that Ding Jiayi bought for Qiao Zijin. How could Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin not recognize this dress?

    She had finally appeared!

    Qiao Zijin, who was hiding by the side, knitted her brows. When Qiao Nan left the house today, she did not wear this straw hat.

    Could it be that after she left, Qiao Nan went back home and took the hat as she was afraid of the heat from the sun?

    Looking at the time, Qiao Nan did reach here a littleter than expected. This exnation thus made sense.

    ¡°This is Nan Nan?¡± Mrs. Ma asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Yes, it must be her. I bought this dress for Zi... for Nan Nan. I won¡¯t get it wrong!¡± She would still recognize Qiao Nan even if she was wearing a hat. She gave birth to Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan changed her skin, she would still recognize her, not to mention that she was only wearing a hat at the moment.

    ¡°See for yourself. This wretched... Nan Nan actually walked toward the Zhai¡¯s residence!¡±

 Chapter 231 - Caught Red-Handed

    <h4>Chapter 231: Caught Red-Handed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Very few people in the quad interact with the Zhai family. The same goes for our Qiao family. Why did Nan Nan go to the Zhai¡¯s residence?¡± This time, she was not being cruel. Qiao Nan was the one who courted her own death. Of all the families, why did she steal the house keys of the Zhai family? She had even stolen their money.

    Qiao Nan was not the only person in the family. There were the three of them too.

    She would not let Qiao Nan ruin the rest of the family. Qiao Nan should be responsible for her own wrongdoing. Whether it was death or imprisonment, she had to pay this debt on her own!

    ¡°Nan Nan. This... Is this true?¡± Mrs. Ma was stunned. If Ding Jiayi said that she was Nan Nan, then she must be Nan Nan. Furthermore, she also remembered that Nan Nan had this dress.

    Nan Nan was good in her studies. In addition, whenever Nan Nan saw them, she would greet them politely with a smile. She did not expect that Nan Nan would turn out to be a person who stole and did hical things. Was the saying ¡®you don¡¯t judge a man by his looks¡¯ referring to people like Qiao Nan?

    When the youngdy reached the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence and took out the keys, Ding Jiayi dashed forward in her direction inrge steps before thedy could even open the door. ¡°You wretched girl! Of all things, why did you have to pick up the bad habit of stealing? You even dared to steal other people¡¯s keys. Why do you want to enter the house? To steal things? Don¡¯t you know that burry is illegal? Do you want to go to jail? You¡¯re an embarrassment to all of us. Do you want to destroy the Qiao family? I know that your grades have always been good. You have high standards and yearn for good things in life. But you have to think about the constraints Dad and Mom face. You¡¯ve studied for years. Do you only know how to yearn for things that are beyond your reach?¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin followed suit and rushed forward. When she looked up, her dark almond-shaped eyes were already full of tears. ¡°Nan Nan, why did you do this? If you want anything, you should tell Dad and Mom. If you really want it, even if it¡¯s hard, as they dote on you, they will definitely think of ways to satisfy you. I¡¯m your elder sister. It doesn¡¯t matter if I suffer and give in to you. If you like it, I can give in to you. But why did you do such an embarrassing thing? Of all things, why do you have to be a thief? You¡¯re too disappointing. Why can¡¯t you change this bad habit of yours? Mom is so good to you. She became your scapegoat previously. Nan Nan, do you still have a conscience!¡±

    When she said this, tears were rolling down Qiao Zijin¡¯s face like a downpour. She looked like her heart was aching painfully. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m your sister. I can help you if you have any problems, but I can¡¯t hide this matter for you anymore. Nan Nan, you¡¯re too disappointing!¡±

    ¡°Sigh, Nan Nan, we don¡¯t want to scold you. You¡¯re a high school student. Why do you have to do such a shameless thing? Look at how sad your mom and sister are. They¡¯re so concerned about you. As a person, it¡¯s useless to be good in your studies. A person must be morally upright. You must learn how to be a person before you can do well as a person. It¡¯s too shameless to steal.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Did you take a look at what ce this is? It¡¯s the Zhai¡¯s residence! The consequence of stealing from the Zhai family is worse than stealing from other families. If you steal from others, you may be jailed for one year. If you steal from the Zhai family, you may remain in prison for life. Fortunately, our family¡¯s Ming Ming is not like you. Although his grades are poor, he doesn¡¯t steal from others.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re just a youngdy. I don¡¯t know how to chide you. Hurry, return the keys and tell us clearly what you have stolen. We watched you grow up and will not leave you in the lurch. We¡¯ll then bring you to the Zhai family to pay them back whatever they have lost. At that time, you should kneel before them and admit your mistakes. They will definitely forgive you. As for us, the uncles and aunties in the quad, we will also forgive you and treat you the same as before.¡±

    Those who said these words could not even believe themselves.

    Nan Nan turned out to be a person who stole from others. It was obviously not possible for them to view Qiao Nan the way they did before.

    The Mrs. Ma trio was infamous in the quad for being a chatterbox. They argued nosily and fiercely, voices loud. When the three of them were talking, it was like the radio broadcast in the quad. Everyone could hear them.

    Ding Jiayi had a reason for picking the three of them.

    Hence, when the five women scolded in an overwhelming manner, everyone in the quad rushed over within five minutes. They wanted to find out about the situation as soon as they heard the ruffle.

    Furthermore, the five of them had clearly described the situation. The smartest child with the best academic performance in the quad had stolen something!

    This was shocking big news. It attracted more attention than the time when Qiao Nan was the provincial top scorer in the middle school examination. People were more curious and concerned about this.

    Soon after, people swarmed to the scene. ¡°What happened, what happened? What exactly happened? What did Qiao Nan do?¡±

    ¡°I just heard that Qiao Nan has stolen something from a family. How¡¯s that possible? Qiao Nan looked like an obedient and sensible child.¡±

    ¡°Haha. I¡¯ve said before. What¡¯s the use of doing well in the studies? We don¡¯t have such a bad egg in our quad.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. I don¡¯t believe that Qiao Nan will steal from others. This could be a misunderstanding.¡±

    Amongst those who came to watch the show, some believed what they heard and started to go along with themotion, whereas others who were more cleared-minded were not immediately blinded and bewitched by the rumors.

    Ding Jiayi was extremely nervous. She heard most of what was discussed amongst these people.

    When she heard that so many people believed Qiao Nan and doubted her, she gritted her teeth. With tearful eyes, she patted her thighs and simply sat on the ground. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re a wretched girl. You¡¯re too heartless. Your parents wake up early and sleepte so that we can earn more money for the family. Don¡¯t you know that we do this to support both your sister¡¯s and your college education? Your sister¡¯s grades are not as good as yours. You¡¯re the only hope in our family. Why do you have to do something that let down Dad and Mom? If I knew that you would go astray even after studying for some many years, I would rather throw the money into the drain than let you study.¡±

    ¡°Tell me, what is it that you want that Dad and Mom can¡¯t give you, and you have to resort to such shameful deed? Because of you, all of us including your sister have to suffer. During the vacation, you have two pieces of new clothes. What about your sister? Did she get anything? Steal? Your dad used to be a soldier. His duty was to catch thieves. Now, you have be a thief yourself. If your dad was still a soldier, did you want him to catch you? By doing this, aren¡¯t you piercing a knife directly into Dad¡¯s and Mom¡¯s hearts?¡±

 Chapter 232 - Nothing Was Lost

    <h4>Chapter 232: Nothing Was Lost</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t cry, please. I believe Nan Nan did the wrong thing in a moment of folly. As long as we can guide her properly, she¡¯ll definitely change for the better. Nan Nan is just a child. It¡¯s not possible for her to have three hundred yuan. I didn¡¯t expect Nan Nan to actually... I¡¯m the one who¡¯s at fault. Nan Nan has changed so much but I didn¡¯t notice it. I should have shown more concern for Nan Nan. If I had cared more for Nan Nan, she would not have gone astray and done such a shameful thing. Mom, I¡¯m the one at fault. You can¡¯t me it all on Nan Nan. me me if you want to. I didn¡¯t fulfill my responsibility as the elder sister. Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry. No matter what happens, I¡¯ll be there for you. I¡¯ll go with you to admit your mistake and apologize to the Zhai family. If they¡¯re unwilling to let you off and insist on suing you till you go to jail, I... I¡¯ll go with you!¡±

    ¡°Unexpectedly, the elder daughter of the Qiao family is such a gooddy?¡±

    ¡°I agree. Clearly, the younger daughter is the one at fault, but the elder one is willing to apany her to go to jail. Such an elder sister is hard toe by.¡±

    ¡°That being said, the thief is Qiao Nan. You can¡¯t possibly let Qiao Zijin be jailed as well. Do the regtions in the country allow this?¡±

    ¡°Crap. It¡¯s certainly not allowed. Whoevermitted the deed has to be responsible for it.¡±

    Instantly, Qiao Nan¡¯s image as an outstanding student and obedient girl copsed terribly. It was reced by the beautiful story of Qiao Zijin, an elder sister who continued to give support and care to Qiao Nan, her young sister, despite thetter¡¯s wrongdoings.

    Not long ago, the Qiao family lodged a police report. The scandal about Ding Jiayi, the shameless mother who took Qiao Nan¡¯s money, had transformed into another story: Qiao Nan was, in fact, the one who was light-fingered and stole others¡¯ money. As Ding Jiayi was suspicious, she took the money from Qiao Nan while she tried to investigate the matter. Truly, she had the loving heart of a mother and had good intentions for her child.

    The exasperating thing was that Qiao Nan dared to call the police when the money she had stolen was lost. The pot called the kettle ck. She was tremendously daring. Was Qiao Nan¡¯s heart so wicked that she had be sowless and fearless?

    The most shocking and scary matter to the people in the quad was that Qiao Nan was courting for death by stealing from the Zhai family of all families.

    If the Zhai family insisted that Qiao Nan take responsibility for her action, Qiao Nan would be jailed for life!

    As such, within a short span of ten minutes, Qiao Nan¡¯s previous beautiful and legendary reputation became a pile of smelly dog poop that was despised by everyone. Anyone who saw Qiao Nan could not wait to cover their nose and take another route to avoid her. They were unwilling toe into contact with her at all.

    At the sight of her n going so smoothly, Qiao Zijin, who was squatting on the ground and hugging Ding Jiayi, could not help burying her head in Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders.

    It appeared that Qiao Zijin was too saddened by Qiao Nan¡¯s self-abandoning behavior. She was crying uncontrobly as if she was in so much pain that she had to bury her face in Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders.

    Ding Jiayi was the only one who knew that Qiao Zijin was, in fact,ughing, not crying.

    The n went very smoothly. The entire me of having offended the Zhai family had been pushed to Qiao Nan. Most importantly, the poor reputations of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin for the year were finally gone.

    Qiao Zijin could not helpughing as she felt ted. She had to bury her face in Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders to prevent others from seeing herugh.

    At this juncture, Ding Jiayi could clearly feel that the sound of Qiao Zijin¡¯s breathing was different. Her breathing was due toughter, not a sad cry. Ding Jiayi knew that very well.

    ¡°Aye, why did this happen in our quad? It¡¯s really bad. When the timees, there will be a criminal in our quad.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, Qiao Nan is so bad. Who¡¯s going to tell the Zhai family about this and ask them to check what has been lost?¡±

    ¡°Three hundred yuan. That¡¯s crazy. If the money belongs to others, don¡¯t mention it being three hundred yuan, I don¡¯t even dare to take three cents or thirty cents. If my child dares to take three cents from others, I¡¯ll chop his hands off directly!¡±

    ¡°She took home three hundred yuan. She must have stolen more than that. This is really too...¡±

    ¡°Someone has gone to inform the Zhai family. Qiao Dongliang just had an ident and was hospitalized recently. The family must have spent a lot. With today¡¯s matter, the Qiao family is going to copse because of Qiao Nan. Which family can hold their heads high again with such a child? Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi must have sinned to have given birth to such a daughter!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why is everyone crowding at our back door?¡± Mother Zhai, Miao Jing, knitted her brows when she saw a noisy bunch of people. She did not look happy. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±

    ¡°Madam Zhai, don¡¯t you know? This youngdy is called Qiao Nan. She¡¯s the younger daughter of the Qiao family. We don¡¯t know where she got the keys to your house from, but she has been secretly entering your house to steal things! Madam Zhai, you should quickly inspect your house carefully and find out how much money or valuables have been lost.¡± Mrs. Ma went forward enthusiastically to rify the matter.

    ¡°What? Stealing things?¡± When she heard these words, Miao Jing pulled a long face. She detested thieves. Furthermore, this thief was a youngdy. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible. We didn¡¯t lose anything or money.¡±

    Although the youngdy who stole things was shameless, she could not malign her.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be wrong. Her biological mother and sister said that. Which mother and sister will malign their daughter and sister? Are they still humans? They will be beasts if they do so. So, this matter can¡¯t be wrong. Madam Zhai, you¡¯re always not at home and nobody keeps a watch on your premises. We initially thought that such a thing will not happen as people in the quad have a high sense of self-awareness. Nobody knew that this would ur. Most likely, you have not discovered the things and money that are lost. Why don¡¯t you go in and check?¡± After saying so much, could she be considered as having helped the Zhai family and thus, gained their favor?

    In the future, she could tell her friends that she knew the chief of the army¡¯s wife well¡ªthat she hade into close contact with her.

    Most importantly, she had helped her catch the thief who stole their money!

    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t lose any money.¡± Miao Jing shook her head with certainty. How could she not know whether her house had lost things or money?

    It was because the members of the Zhai family were hardly at home. Miao Jing usually followed her husband to wherever he went. In addition, her two children were always in the army. The Zhai family did not have the habit of keeping their money at home.

    As to whether any items in the house had been stolen, how would Miao Jing, who had been staying there for a few decades, not be able to tell?

    ¡°But...¡± At this juncture, Mrs. Ma did not know what to say. She was speechless.

    Madam Zhai was so certain that no money had been lost, so what else could she say? Could she be clearer than the chief¡¯s wife about the situation in the Zhai family?

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, this is a matter pertaining to the Qiao family. We, outsiders, are definitely in no position to know about this. Speak about it yourself.¡± Mrs. Ma had no choice but to push Ding Jiayi out.

 Chapter 233 - Damn, Whoâ€™s Qiao Nan?

    <h4>Chapter 233: Damn, Who¡¯s Qiao Nan?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi pursed her lips. It was impossible that the Zhai family did not lose any money. Did the chief of the army¡¯s wife get it wrong?

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin secretly tugged at Ding Jiayi¡¯s clothes. It was useless if only the people in the quad believed that Qiao Zijin stole the money. The chief¡¯s wife who was the victim had to believe and confirm it. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would definitely get away with it sooner orter.

    To convict Qiao Nan of a crime, there had to be both physical evidence and witness.

    She had cried so hard that her eyes were sore. She did not want all her hard efforts to be in vain.

    Ding Jiayi took a deep breath and asked Qiao Zijin to stay calm and not panic. ¡°Madam, my younger daughter has stolen from your family. I apologize to you on her behalf. I don¡¯t know exactly what¡¯s happening too but she has the key to your back door and has been going to your house. Our family is not close to your family. Madam, do you know my younger daughter?¡± Toward the end of her speech, Ding Jiayi tried to probe.

    Although she had the feeling that the key in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands was not obtained through legitimate ways, but what if it was?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know her!¡± Miao Jing said with disdain. Many in the quad wished to get close to Miao Jing. However, Miao Jing never subjected to such behavior. It was useless for others to curry favor with her.

    ¡°!¡±

    ¡°!¡±

    Hearing this reply, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were ted. True enough, the Zhai family did not know Qiao Nan. Since they did not know her, she must have stolen the key from them. Otherwise, did she pick it up from the streets? Even if she had done so, she should have returned the back door key to the Zhai family instead of secretly entering their house many times. It did not make sense.

    Most importantly, where did the three hundred yuan in Qiao Nan¡¯s handse from?

    ¡°Madam, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s at fault. I didn¡¯t fulfill the duty of teaching my child properly and as a result, she did such a shameful thing. She has the key to your back door. I... I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯ll definitely ask her to kneel down and kowtow to you for her wrongdoings. I hope that Madam will not take issue with her as she¡¯s still very young. No matter how much she has stolen, we will pay you back. Even if we have to sell everything in the house, we will pay you back the money.¡±

    These words had already been prepared by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Regardless of how unreasonable Ding Jiayi was, she dared not be a rogue in front of the chief of the army¡¯s wife.

    Qiao Zijin had told Ding Jiayi before. Given the Zhai family¡¯s wealth and status, they were notcking any money. Hence, they would not need them to pay them back. But if Ding Jiayi could put the words nicely, she would be able to leave a good impression on the Zhai family members.

    ¡°You, wretched... Qiao Nan, hurry and return the key to the Zhai¡¯s residence!¡± Ding Jiayi pulled ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ strongly and snatched the key from her hands to return to Miao Jing. ¡°Apologies, Madam. We¡¯re really sorry.¡±

    Miao Jing, who had been alerted toe over for this, was still confused. She understood what was happening, but she was certain that she did not lose any money or belonging.

    Miao Jing was skeptical as she took the key and looked at it. Without much emotion, she then returned the key to Ding Jiayi. ¡°This key does not belong to our family. It can¡¯t open our back door.¡±

    She had nearly believed that such a daring youngdy, who became a thief at such a young age, existed in this world. It was a misunderstanding after all.

    ¡°What? This key does not belong to your house? That¡¯s impossible. Madam, did you get it wrong? Can you take a look at it again? This key definitely belongs to you!¡± Ding Jiayi did not believe it as she stuffed the key back into Miao Jing¡¯s hands as if she was more certain of it than Miao Jing.

    ¡°No.¡± Miao Jing was unwilling to waste her time on Ding Jiayi. She returned the key to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. This key does not belong to us. If you don¡¯t believe it, try opening the door with it.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to open it!¡± She was sure that Qiao Nan went to the Zhai¡¯s residence that day. Qiao Nan definitely had the key to the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence. It must be that the chief of the army¡¯s wife did not recognize her own house key as she was not home often.

    Ding Jiayi disbelievingly took the key as she pushed ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ away to open the lock on the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    When she sessfully inserted the key into the keyhole, she smiled. She had said that this key belonged to the Zhai family, but the chief of the army¡¯s wife would not admit it.

    However, when Ding Jiayi tried to turn the key to open the lock, she was stuck. Although the key was inserted into the keyhole, it could not be turned. Everyone had the experience of opening a lock. With this situation, Ding Jiayi immediately knew that, indeed, this was not the key to the back door of the house.

    But, why?

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Ding Jiayi, who turned pale, tried twisting and turning the keys with more strength as she continuously shouted out her disbelief.

    ¡°Mom, did you not have your meal? Is that why you don¡¯t have the strength? Let me open it!¡± Qiao Zijin pushed Ding Jiayi away swiftly and took over the key. ¡°Eh? Why can¡¯t I open it? This is impossible!¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, did you take the wrong key? Where did you hide the key to the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence? Hurry and take it out. If you admit your wrongdoings early and apologize to them, we¡¯ll all forgive you. But if you refuse to admit it, none of us will help you anymore.¡± She was certain that Qiao Nan did not take the correct key out.

    Otherwise, it was impossible that she could not open the door.

    Having said that, in fear of ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ not abiding and refusing to hand over the key, Qiao Zijin simply reached out and searched her body in hopes of finding the real key that ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ was hiding with her.

    Unexpectedly, under the orders of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯, who had been silent all this while despite being scolded and ¡®spat at¡¯ by others, reacted just as Qiao Zijin reached out to search her body.

    ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ unhappily and impatiently reached out her hands to push Qiao Zijin away with all her might. Qiao Zijin was caught off-guard and fell hard onto the ground. The back of her hands was scratched, bleeding.

    ¡°Zijin!¡± Ding Jiayi ran over to Qiao Zijin¡¯s side anxiously. When she saw that Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands were hurt and bleeding, she shouted furiously, ¡°Qiao Nan, you refused to admit that you¡¯ve stolen from others. Now, you even pushed your sister. Do you want to die?!¡±

    ¡°Damn, are you crazy? Really a bunch of mad people. Who is Qiao Nan? You all dare to search my body so casually? Who are you all? You¡¯re really crazy! Go home and take your medicine!¡± The youngdy who was used lifted her head and started scolding. At the sight of her face, she was a stranger to the people in the quad.

    Ding Jiayi, who nearly hit thedy, was stunned. She was startled as she stared at the youngdy before her. ¡°You... you¡¯re not Qiao Nan. Who are you? Where¡¯s Qiao Nan? Where did you hide Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Crap. Of course I¡¯m not Qiao Nan. Why would I know who Qiao Nan is? I want to ask you. Why did you hold onto me, keep calling me Qiao Nan, and give me a scolding? Which family are you from? Which family will allow such crazy people to be released from the mental hospital to cause harm to others in broad daylight? If anything happens, will you be responsible? Who¡¯s going to pay for this?¡±

 Chapter 234 - Where the Hell Did You Go?

    <h4>Chapter 234: Where the Hell Did You Go?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The youngdy¡¯s face turned stiff and she pushed Ding Jiayi with all her might.

    At this moment, no one would me the youngdy for being rude to or throwing her temper at Ding Jiayi, who was her elder. After all, no one in the world would talk nicely to a stranger who had just loudly called them a thief.

    Most importantly, because of Ding Jiayi, many people were crowding around the youngdy, using her of being a thief and saying that she was immoral. They wanted to send her to jail.

    Even an adult with a good temper would not talk nicely and would be driven mad in the face of such an encounter, not to mention a child.

    ¡°You... Who are you? Why are you wearing my sister¡¯s dress? Did my sister find out anything and purposely get you toe and cover up for her?¡± Qiao Zijin quickly held on to Ding Jiayi as her eyes shed with panic.

    No. Obviously, this person was not Qiao Nan. Then, where did Qiao Nan go?

    ¡°Your family is crazy. First, you used me of being a thief. Now, you said that the dress I¡¯m wearing belongs to your sister. Who do you take me for? A beggar? You surrounded and scolded me. What do you mean by this? Are the adults trying to bully a child like me? Do you believe me when I tell you I will report this to the police? Sending me to jail? Your brains are full of crap. I¡¯m the one who should be calling the police!¡± Zhu Yan was so furious that she was snorting like a calf.

    ¡°Moreover, who¡¯s the one who pushed me?!¡± At the thought of being pushed earlier, Zhu Yan¡¯s face turned ck. These women were tremendously daring to dare to push her. Even her parents had never lifted a finger on her since she was young.

    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t push you. It¡¯s her!¡± Seeing that Zhu Yan was so bad-tempered and not a person to be trifled with, Mrs. Ma and the trio simply pushed the me to Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was awkward. ¡°This youngdy, I¡¯m really sorry. I... I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. My younger daughter has a dress that¡¯s exactly the same as yours. Your figure also resembles that of her. I have mistaken you for my younger daughter. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± She did not expect that such a coincidence existed in this world.

    She would not be so stupid as to hit other people¡¯s child. Wouldn¡¯t she be getting herself into trouble?

    ¡°What do you mean by not doing it on purpose? You wanted to discipline your daughter, but you didn¡¯t even verify whether you¡¯re scolding the right person. Will the matter be settled just because you said sorry? If you kill someone in the future and then tell the police ¡®Sorry, I have mistaken him for the wrong person. Hence, I killed the wrong person. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡¯ Do you think the police will let you off and not pursue this? If that¡¯s the case, then does that mean you will get away scot-free after killing someone? You hope that the matter will rest by exining that you mistook me for someone. No way! Which family are you from? I¡¯ll definitely tell my parents about this. This is the first time that I¡¯ve been pushed, scolded, and used of being a thief in my life. Damn, did I steal any money from you?!¡±

    Zhu Yan became angrier as she spoke, ¡°You said that I¡¯m a thief. I say that you¡¯re robbers. You actually dared to snatch my house keys. This won¡¯t do. I¡¯m going to report to the police. If I lose anything in my house, you all must have stolen it!!!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was in a state of shock and panic. She did not understand why things turned out this way. ¡°You... don¡¯t misunderstand us. We really mistook you for someone else. We didn¡¯t snatch your keys. Here, take it back!¡±

    The key in her hands was like a hot potato. Qiao Zijin could not wait to throw it away.

    Hence, she immediately returned it to Zhu Yan. ¡°Sorry, we¡¯re really sorry. We didn¡¯t do it on purpose. We mistook you for someone else. You heard what we said earlier. It¡¯s a fact that we have an insensible sister in our family who seemed to have done something shameful and wrong. We identally mistook you for her as we¡¯re very worried about her. We don¡¯t harbor any malicious intent toward you. Sorry, I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    Qiao Zijin bowed to Zhu Yan umpteen times. Her head was going to be dizzy and she looked like a bootlicker.

    The police had alreadye to the Qiao family once. If Zhu Yan was not willing to relent and insisted to use them of street robbery, Qiao Zijin knew that they would definitely have to make a trip to the police station.

    When that time came, it would be hard to justify themselves even if they wanted to push all the responsibilities to Qiao Nan.

    Regardless of how ¡®concerned¡¯ they were about Qiao Nan, their next-of-kin, there was no reason to point at other people¡¯s nose and scold them before verifying who that person was.

    Basically, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were the ones who should be the most guilty-conscious. They wanted to frame Qiao Nan so badly. As soon as they saw someone who resembled Qiao Nan, they were ted beyond reasoning. With nary a care, they simply nabbed the person and insisted that she was Qiao Nan. They then smeared the person constantly as if they were throwing basins of dirty water onto her.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi did not have a good reason for such behavior.

    Their attitudes did not seem like they cared about Qiao Nan. Rather, it was as if they wanted to convict Qiao Nan of a crime.

    ¡°It¡¯s so early in the morning. Why is there amotion?¡± Behind the noisy crowd came Qiao Nan¡¯s voice. Qiao Nan knitted her brows as she walked curiously into the crowd. ¡°Uncle, what¡¯s happening? Did anything happen?¡±

    Just as that person wanted to tell Qiao Nan what happened, he saw that the person who posed the question was Qiao Nan. The fire of gossip in his heart was instantly extinguished. The person whom they had been talking about was here!

    At the sight of Qiao Nan wearing the same dress as Zhu Yan, he finally understood why Zhu Yan had been mistaken as Qiao Nan.

    The strange thing was that although Zhu Yan was wearing the exact same dress as Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother.

    How could Ding Jiayi not be able to recognize her own daughter just because other people¡¯s child was wearing the same dress? Was this kind of mother eptable?

    ¡°Uh, Mom, why are you here? Didn¡¯t Sister say that you left for work early this morning? Sister, didn¡¯t you tell me that you are meeting your ssmate? What are the two of you doing here?¡± When someone saw that Qiao Nan was here, the imprable crowd made way and created a path for her.

    As soon as the path appeared, Qiao Nan, of course, saw Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, whose faces were flustered and in panic.

    At the embarrassing sight of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned cold. She didn¡¯t feel any pity for them. There was obviously a problem with these two women today. They wanted to harm her again!

    ¡°Where the hell did you go?!¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan, the temper of Ding Jiayi, who was in dire straits, rose. Many people who were present could not help but frown directly at what she said.

    Even Mrs. Ma, who was unwilling to see Qiao Nan perform better than her child in the studies, looked unhappy.

 Chapter 235 - Faking an Accident for Extortion

    <h4>Chapter 235: Faking an ident for Extortion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, why did you say that? There¡¯s nothing wrong with Nan Nan. Why did you have to scold her? Didn¡¯t you suspect her previously? Judging by the current situation, you are just being paranoid. Nan Nan is such a good child. Fortunately, now, everyone knows that this is just a misunderstanding. Otherwise, such a good child like Nan Nan will definitely be wronged by you!¡±

    ¡°Exactly. The first thing you did when you saw her was asking her, ¡®Where the hell did you go¡¯. Ding Jiayi, Nan Nan didn¡¯t do anything to provoke you.¡± On the contrary, Ding Jiayi was the one who created a big mess today.

    The magnitude of the fuss Ding Jiayi had kicked up and the amount of sympathy and acknowledgment she had received earlier was equivalent to the amount of displeasure now. Many were rolling their eyes at her.

    It was early in the morning and everyone was busy. They wasted their time for work to watch a full-scale drama. In the end, it was all a misunderstanding, and Ding Jiayi had mistaken the person for her daughter. Qiao Nan stole things? Was there any evidence?

    Moreover, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother. Yet, she had to cheek to say all these.

    ¡°You... don¡¯t be misled by Qiao Nan. How could this be a misunderstanding?¡± Ding Jiayi was anxious. She had clearly seeded. How had she mistaken who she saw? Moreover, Qiao Nan just came.

    ¡°Nan Nan, tell me honestly. Did you do it on purpose? To purposely make a fool of Mom? Did you already know that Mom suspected you, so you nned all these? Nan Nan, you¡¯re so disappointing. We did this because we¡¯re worried about you. We don¡¯t want you to go astray and beyond redemption. How could you malign and embarrass Mom in return? Where is this youngdy from? Do you know her?¡± Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. She did not believe that such a coincidence existed.

    Since this woman was not part of the Zhai family and was not holding the key to the Zhai¡¯s residence, why did she go to the back door and ¡®pretended¡¯ that she was going to open it?

    If the woman had not carried out this action that caused the misunderstanding, both of them would not have possibly mistaken her for Qiao Nan.

    This was obviously a trap set up by Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan purposely wanted to harm her mother and her. Why was Qiao Nan so heartless? She was her biological sister and Mom was her biological mother! Had Qiao Nan¡¯s conscience been eaten by a dog? How could she bear to frame her next-of-kin in such a manner?

    ¡°Yes, that must be what happened. This youngdy, why can¡¯t you learn to be good? Did you both collude with each other? Qiao Nan, I know you dislike me as your mother. No matter how much you hate me, you shouldn¡¯t join forces with outsiders to frame me! I¡¯m concerned about you. It¡¯s for your own good. How could you repay me like that?!¡±

    After hearing what Qiao Zijin said, Ding Jiayi also reacted ordingly.

    Qiao Nan, this wretched girl, was born to jinx her. She wanted to stage a big y for Qiao Nan, but she did not expect that Qiao Nan had arranged an even bigger one for her!

    ¡°This mother-daughter pair, do you have holes in your brain? Wrong. I should say that this mother-daughter trio joined forces to bully an outsider like me. Yes, I¡¯m not someone from the quad. I¡¯m just making this trip to visit my rtive and you have to create so much trouble. Oh, I know. You¡¯re faking an ident to impensation from me! You¡¯re so shameless. A family of three that faked an ident to get money. An adult bringing two children to use me of being a thief. Now, you say that I¡¯m pretending and acting. I¡¯m going to report to the police. I must do so. Next, you¡¯ll definitely seekpensation from me!¡± Zhu Yan jumped. She had not met people who were so unreasonable. They sounded bold and righteous although they were in the wrong.

    ¡°Youngdy, don¡¯t be anxious. You said you¡¯re here to visit your rtive. What¡¯s your name and who is your rtive?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s temple was throbbing. She wanted to turn away and leave so that she could ignore this ridiculous matter.

    However, she was the wife of the chief of the army and the Zhai family was the model family of the quad. She could not wash her hands off this matter.

    ¡°My surname is Zhu. My name is Zhu Yan. My elder grandpa stays in this quad.¡± Based on what Zhu Yan said, many guessed the family she was rted to.

    ¡°You¡¯re a rtive of the Zhu family. Then, you¡¯re on Qiao Nan¡¯s side!¡± Qiao Zijin was red with anger. At the thought of her apologizing to Zhu Yan like a bootlicker earlier, Qiao Zijin wished that she could turn back the time.

    Zhu Yan¡¯s eyes turned stiff and her temper rose. She lifted her foot and kicked Qiao Zijin¡¯s knee. ¡°Do you know how to speak like a human?! If you don¡¯t, scram!¡±

    ¡°Is your grandpa Zhu Ziming, and your elder grandpa Zhu Zicheng?¡± Miao Jing asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°This is really a misunderstanding. Elder Zhu¡¯s younger brother migrated to Shen Zhen about ten years ago and has note back for many years. This is the first time this child came back to the quad.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s expression softened. Who would be happy if others created such a din at the entrance of their house? Fortunately, this was certainly a misunderstanding.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve never seen this youngdy before.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡±

    ¡°That being said, thisdy¡¯s ent is different from ours.¡±

    A youngdy who came back to visit her rtive after ten years could collude with Qiao Nan to bluff Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi? What nonsense!

    Most critical of all, Ding Jiayi did not recognize Zhu Yan but said with certainty that Zhu Yan was Qiao Nan. She even used Zhu Yan of stealing things from the Zhai family and insisted for Qiao Nan to apologize andpensate the Zhai family. It was too suspicious.

    Everyone remembered that when Miao Jing came out, she had already said more than once that the Zhai family did not lose any money or belonging. Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude that insisted Qiao Nan had stolen something left many pondering deeply.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, don¡¯t create any more troubles. We¡¯re all very busy. Nan Nan is such a good child, yet you went as far as saying that she¡¯s a thief. When the policee, we will know what the truth in your heart is. Are you still not done with your nonsense? Are you trying to take revenge on Nan Nan? Is there a mother like you? Stealing your daughter¡¯s money was not enough, and now you resort to this. I¡¯ve been neighbors with you so many years, but I couldn¡¯t tell that you¡¯re such a person.¡± Mrs. Ma was unhappy.

    After so much fuss, Ding Jiayi was a big swindler!

    Thinking of how she had vowed with conviction to the wife of the chief of the army that Qiao Nan had stolen the Zhai family¡¯s belongings, Mrs. Ma¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment.

    ¡°I mean, why do Ding Jiayi¡¯s earlier words sound strange? If you¡¯re really concerned about Nan Nan and afraid that Nan Nan would go astray, why didn¡¯t you ask Nan Nan quietly and tail her yourself to confirm the fact of the matter? Why did you have to drag us along and request us to help persuade Nan Nan? This is a conflict that could be resolved internally. Why did you have to involve the outsiders? If this matter is spread to others, how will that benefit you? How¡¯s Nan Nan going to face other people?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Ding Jiayi, what were you trying to do exactly by dragging the three of us here?¡±

 Chapter 236 - Truly Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 236: Truly Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Mrs. Ma trio was infamous in the quad for their big mouths. Nevertheless, they were also famous for being shrewd.

    They felt strange about today¡¯s matter. The trio did not need to know the reason why Ding Jiayi did this. They only needed to confirm that there was something odd about Ding Jiayi.

    The three witnesses that she invited had turned against her. Ding Jiayi waspletely embarrassed.

    After hearing the words of the trio, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned sullen instantly. ¡°So, Mom, you said that you¡¯re leaving for work early this morning, but in actual fact, you¡¯reing here to catch a thief. Moreover, the thief you wanted to catch is me. You even brought along three witnesses. Mom, you¡¯re really so loving to me and have my good intentions at heart.¡±

    If she had been caught red-handed by her mother and the trio when she used the key to open and enter the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence, then her reputation in the quad would be thoroughly ruined.

    Possibly, in a few days¡¯ time, the whole Ping Cheng would receive some news that the top scorer in the middle school examination this year was actually a thief!

    Her mother and Qiao Zijin painstakingly plotted this. They really wanted to destroy her!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t nder us. She¡¯s a rtive of the Zhu family. You¡¯re so close to Zhu Baoguo, yet you refuse to admit that you¡¯re here to malign Mom. Qiao Nan, search your conscience before saying those words!¡± If Zhu Yan was not connected with Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan had nothing to do with today¡¯s matter, and thus, Qiao Nan did not harm her mother and her, then she would chop off her head and let Qiao Nan sit on it like a stool. Qiao Nan definitely did it on purpose!

    ¡°Sister, you said that I wronged Mom. Okay, tell me. How did I malign her?¡± Qiao Nan crossed her arms and looked at Qiao Zijin coldly.

    Yes, Zhu Yan¡¯s appearance was arranged by her. So what?

    If Qiao Zijin and her mother did not harbor any ill intentions, they would not have embarrassed themselves.

    ¡°Do you dare to say that Zhu Yan is not someone you staged to make Mom misunderstand you? Nan Nan, you¡¯re already sixteen years old. You can¡¯t continue to be so willful. Mom did so much for your sake. How could you collude with others to harm Mom?!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth stung as she gave an ambiguous exnation.

    ¡°What did I do that made Mom misunderstand?¡±

    ¡°You asked Zhu Yan to wear the same dress as you so that Mom will mistake her for you!¡±

    ¡°Sister, your words are ridiculous and amusing. Which mother recognizes the daughter by the dress and not the face? Any youngdy who wears this dress is Mom¡¯s daughter, then? Mom is so concerned about me. So concerned about me that I want to cry. She¡¯s so concerned about me to the extent that she didn¡¯t even look at my face and only looked at my dress. Sister, do you think that I should be touched?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Zijin was dumbfounded and could not respond.

    It was not easy for them to catch the chink in Qiao Nan¡¯s armor. As victory was within reach, the excited Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were so carried away with it that they rushed to the person standing at the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence without even looking at her face. They were so certain that she was Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I just heard the word ¡®thief¡¯. So, Mom took me as the thief and came to catch me red-handed? You wanted to catch the thief and see what she stole. Mom, did you call out my name even before taking a proper look at the person? Judging by the situation, you seem to wish that I was really the thief. Am I wrong?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was interrogated by Qiao Nan in front of so many people and yet, she was speechless. She was extremely embarrassed, her face turning dark instantly. ¡°Do you dare to say that you did not steal anything?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t!¡± The reply was firm and swift.

    ¡°Then, where did your three hundred yuane from?!¡±

    ¡°As I said before, I took on a job and earned it.¡±

    ¡°Who are you kidding? You¡¯re just a child. What kind of job allowed you to earn three hundred yuan in such a short time? Do you still refuse to admit that you had stolen it?!¡±

    ¡°Then, did any family lose any belonging or money? If I had indeed stolen from someone, where did I steal it from?¡± Qiao Nan was both amused and angry. Her mother¡¯s skills in being shameless had improved again.

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to say the Zhai family, but Miao Jing had said many times that the Zhai family did not lose anything. Ding Jiayi was thus unable to do that. ¡°How will I know which family you had stolen from? I have wanted to ask you. Confess honestly, which family did you steal from? If you don¡¯t give a proper exnation today and admit your mistake with a proper attitude, I don¡¯t believe that I, as your mother, can¡¯t discipline you properly!¡±

    ¡°Having said so much, you only want me to admit that I¡¯m a thief, don¡¯t you? Mom, are you really my biological mother? You¡¯re trying to destroy mepletely!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were red. She was so depressed that she felt like crying. She wanted to throw a temper and hit someone.

    She did not mind that her mother favored Qiao Zijin more and ignored her. It was fine that she ignored her as she felt happier and less troubled that way.

    However, her mother should have more shame and conscience. Her mother could even bring herself to use her of being a thief. Was she crazy?

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s your family affair now. We know that it¡¯s a misunderstanding. Since this is a domestic affair, I hope that you can settle it at home. But I want to say something. This parent, there¡¯s indeed a problem with what you said. As a mother, when you suspected that your child has a behavioral problem, you wanted to find out if she has indeed done something wrong. Nevertheless, you should be more adamant in proving her innocence and believing that she has not done it. There¡¯s something wrong with your attitude.¡± Miao Jing said patiently.

    The mother was muddle-headed and the elder sister was brainless. The younger one was so pitiful but had no choice since she was born into this family.

    This kind of messy family was troublesome. Fortunately, her family did not have any connection with them.

    ¡°No, Madam, listen to me. That¡¯s not the case.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. She could easily deal with everyone¡¯s usations but could not tolerate what Miao Jing just said. ¡°Madam, there¡¯s a problem with this child. She¡¯s just a child but managed to earn three hundred yuan during the two-month vacation period. Who will believe this?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe that I earned it, but you took away my money anyway. Within less than a day, you took the money that I ¡®stole¡¯ and bought two new dresses for my elder sister!¡± Qiao Nan was wearing a sarcastic smile, her eyes full of disbelief. Didn¡¯t her mother think that she was being ridiculous when she said that?

    ¡°That... Didn¡¯t I return the money to you? In the end, the dresses went to you. Aren¡¯t you wearing it now?!¡± Ding Jiayi did not concede defeat.

    ¡°It¡¯s my dad¡¯s decision to return the dresses to me!!¡±

    ¡°Alright. Go away, go away.¡± The more Miao Jing listened, the more her head ached. What kind of people was this? The family situation was so messy. Leave soon, lest they pricked her eyes and worsened her mood.

    She maintained the same stance. Settle your own domestic affairs at home. Don¡¯t linger at her doorstep to air the grievances and fight it out.

    Because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s random harassment and absurd reasoning, Miao Jing had a terrible impression of the Qiao family.

    ¡°Key! There¡¯s still the key!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes, which were tearing with anxiety, suddenly lit up.

 Chapter 237 - Qiao Nan Was in Utter Despair

    <h4>Chapter 237: Qiao Nan Was in Utter Despair</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Yes, the key... There¡¯s still the key! How could I have forgotten?¡± Seeing that things were about to fail, Ding Jiayi patted her thigh and rushed toward Qiao Nan aggressively. ¡°Hand the key over!¡±

    As she had mistaken the person earlier, the key in Zhu Yan¡¯s hands could not open the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence. But now that Qiao Nan had appeared, she should have the key with her. She was certain that the ce Qiao Nan went to was the Zhai¡¯s residence and that she had the key to the house.

    ¡°What are you doing? Are you prepared to fight after maligning someone?¡± Judging that the situation was amiss, Zhu Yan moved forward to shield Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was someone her cousin requested her to protect. If Qiao Nan was bullied before her eyes, she would not be able to face anyone in the future.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business!¡± Qiao Zijin wrapped her arms around Zhu Yan so that she would not obstruct Ding Jiayi from searching Qiao Nan¡¯s body.

    Zhu Yan was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s cousin. With Zhu Baoguo¡¯s temper, coupled with Zhu Yan¡¯s earlier behavior, who would believe that she was a gentle and lovely youngdy?

    Zhu Yan sneered and twisted Qiao Zijin¡¯s arms strongly. She threw Qiao Zijin over the shoulder and mmed her on the floor hard, making Qiao Zijinpletely confused.

    Although Zhu Yan was quick in her action, she was not quicker than Ding Jiayi who wanted to harm Qiao Nan wholeheartedly. Ding Jiayi grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. She wanted to search Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, but she was using so much strength that she could possibly tear Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes.

    The summer clothing was so thin. It had just ayer with a few pockets.

    Ding Jiayi did not need to search. With such strength, she only needed to grab and shake Qiao Nan a few times before she heard a key falling to the ground.

    Ding Jiayi pushed away Qiao Nan swiftly. Her eyes were as bright as the bulb. She picked up the key and said, ¡°See, I told you this wretched girl is dishonest and light-fingered. She stole the key of the Zhai family and kepting to the house. Madam, you have to believe me. You must have lost some money or belonging. I¡¯m her mother. Do I need to tell such lies? I will not benefit from this.¡±

    The bystanders were speechless. They wondered what Ding Jiayi would gain if Qiao Nan was proven a thief. Why was Ding Jiayi so happy when she found a key from Qiao Nan¡¯s body which might prove that Qiao Nan was a thief?

    The key that Ding Jiayi had been talking about had appeared. The people in the quad were confused. Did Qiao Nan steal it or not?

    ¡°Can I take a look?¡± Miao Jing pursed her lips as her mouth formed a straight line.

    ¡°Madam, look at it carefully.¡± Ding Jiayi passed the key to Miao Jing eagerly.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face drooped and she looked gloomy. She was utterly despaired at Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude to destroy her by all means. She felt even more despaired about the presence of this key.

    This key belonged to the Zhai family. Brother Zhai gave it to her personally but he was not around. If she said that Brother Zhai was the one who gave it to her, would anyone believe her? She was only afraid that when Mother Zhai recognized the key, she would be the first person that thetter would not believe.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. No matter how hard she tried, her life was like a coffee table that was full of cups of bitter tea.

    With the fuss today, she was fearful that her reputation as a thief would spread to everyone she knew very soon.

    Her mother had seeded. Qiao Zijin did it again. She sessfully ruined her second life!

    ¡°This key... certainly belongs to our family.¡± Miao Jing confirmed it. Then, she knitted her brows as she looked in disbelief at Qiao Nan, who looked so fair-skinned and obedient. This youngdy was really a thief. Although the mother was a troublemaker, the child did not seem any better.

    Miao Jing¡¯s confirmation was like thunder striking across the ground. It shocked everyone.

    ¡°See, as I¡¯ve said before, this wretched, uh... my younger daughter is dishonest with money. As a mother, I have no choice but to do this. I don¡¯t wish to do this. After everyone knows about this, please keep a close watch on my younger daughter in the future in case shemits further wrongdoings. I also have her best interests at heart!¡± Ding Jiayi tried hard to hold back her smile, but the twinkle of joy in her eyes could not hide the happiness and tion in her heart.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin was also happy, but she disyed a more mature behavior than Ding Jiayi. She not only did notugh but cried out instead, ¡°Nan Nan, you... you¡¯re really disappointing. Mom and I were hoping that we have been thinking too much and that this is not real. You... how could you...¡±

    ¡°Hey, the two of you, don¡¯t go overboard. Why do you keep bullying someone? Are the three of you really from the same family?¡± Zhu Yan, who was not very clear of the situation, did not believe Qiao Nan, but she believed her cousin, Zhu Baoguo.

    Particrly, when she saw that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior and words were extremely hurting, Zhu Yan nearly stood on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. ¡°So what if the key belongs to the Zhai family? Didn¡¯t this auntie mention earlier that the Zhai family did not lose anything? Just because the key is in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, does it mean that she had stolen it? Are you saying that none of you had ever picked things up from the streets before? Does that mean whoever picks something up is considered to have stolen it?¡±

    ¡°This key... Did you pick it up somewhere?¡± Miao Jing heard Zhu Yan¡¯s words and felt that it made sense. But this key...

    ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯ll give you one more chance. Tell us honestly, where did you get this key from? What did you do at the Zhai¡¯s residence?!¡± Ding Jiayi was bold and righteous now. She felt more confident and straightened her posture.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Qiao Nan looked coldly at Ding Jiayi. Maybe she had been wrong. She had long known about her mother¡¯s character and Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality. She should have left the family and lived alone.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s reminder was correct. She was only sixteen years old. Even if she wanted to live alone, it would not be allowed given that she did not have a guardian.

    She had the capability and ability to earn money to support herself. So why should she be burdened by this mother and elder sister all the time?

    Last time. This would really be thest time. She would not let these two women have the chance to harm her again.

    Qiao Nan knew that once she was beingbeled as a thief, she might not be able to attend Ping Cheng High School anymore. None of the schools would be willing to ept a thief as a student. Ping Cheng High School also needed to maintain their reputation.

    Even if she did not study at Ping Cheng High School and transferred to other schools in other cities, with the ck mark against her, her future would also be affected, not to mention the troublesome registration fees and endless expenses.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, congrattions. You have fulfilled your wish. From today onward, you will have a younger sister who was once a thief. You also have a mother who stole her daughter¡¯s money to buy clothes for you. Qiao Zijin, this time, you¡¯ll be proud. You¡¯re going to make a big ssh.¡±

 Chapter 238 - Whose Key Was That?

    <h4>Chapter 238: Whose Key Was That?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as someone in Ping Cheng remembers that Qiao Nan, me, is a thief. There will always be someone who remembers what kind of sister you, Qiao Zijin, are and the kind of mother we have!¡±

    She would like to find out whether Qiao Zijin¡¯s tarnished reputation would still grant thetter her wish to marry into a rich and powerful family like she did in her previous life and lead an easy life as a wealthy man¡¯s wife with everything provided for her!

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She was so scared that she gasped a mouth of cold air. What Qiao Nan was saying was that she would drag her reputation down along with hers so that she would also not have a good life in the future.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s thievery was not a glorious matter. It was very shameful. However, Ding Jiayi, despite suspecting that Qiao Nan had stolen money, stole Qiao Nan¡¯s money and bought new clothes for Qiao Zijin. Was this considered a dog-eat-dog situation?

    Even if Ding Jiayi gave a hundred reasons to justify her actions, no one would believe her.

    Her biological mother¡¯s and sister¡¯s reputations had been damaged. It was only at this moment that Qiao Zijin realized that two out of her four family members were deemed as light-fingered thieves with immoral characters. In the future, if others knew about her family situation, what kind of impression would they have of her?

    Although she had sessfully ruined Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation, at the same time, she seemed to have dragged her own future down!

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale upon realizing the gravity of the matter. At the sight of this, Qiao Nan smiled revengefully. They were bounded together for good or ill. Qiao Zijin was already a high school student, but she actually didn¡¯t understand this. It was ridiculous!

    Great. Although her life was ruined, Qiao Zijin could also forget about leading a good life. They would perish together!

    Qiao Zijin, who finally understood, fully regretted her actions. However, as it was, it would be toote to change her stance.

    Qiao Zijin shivered. She felt as if she was in hell, in desperation and despair.

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s happening? Is the back door of our house so popr?¡± Zhai Hua, who had been watching the ¡®good show¡¯ for some time, slowly sauntered over as she yawned. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re here. Did youe to read books again?¡±

    ¡°?¡± Miao Jing, who had wanted to ask Zhai Hua if she had been sleeping and awakened by the noise, was stunned when she heard Zhai Hua greeting Qiao Nan in such a friendly tone. ¡°Hua Hua, do you know Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Zhai Hua nodded her head, then she walked over to Qiao Nan and held thetter¡¯s arm.

    The members of the Zhai family were mostly tall. Although Zhai Hua was ady, she was about 1.7 meters¡¯ tall. Qiao Nan was only 1.6 meters¡¯ tall. Hence, it was quite funny when the two of them stood together. ¡°Mom, Nan Nan is my sister.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was hugged in the arms of Zhai Hua, turned stiff. Then, she asked hesitatingly, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    How did Sister Zhai Hua know her? Did Brother Zhai mention to her?

    Zhai Hua rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s head. She discovered that Qiao Nan¡¯s hair felt great to the touch as it was silky and soft. It was more wonderful than touching the soft toy from America that someone gave to her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? We¡¯ve not seen each other for more than a month and you don¡¯t recognize this sister anymore? I even passed you the key to my back door to lend you a ce to study. Fortunately, you¡¯re capable. I heard that you are the top scorer in the middle school examination. You didn¡¯t make me lose my face. Lending you a ce was the right choice.¡±

    Zhai Hua was rubbing Qiao Nan¡¯s head so hard that thetter swayed from side to side, her focus lost. Why did Sister Zhai Hua have the same habit as Brother Zhai? Both loved to rub people¡¯s head. They were truly siblings.

    ¡°Hua Hua, did you give Qiao Nan this key? Qiao Nan... Qiao Nan came to our house to study? Why?¡± Miao Jing did not understand. ¡°When did this happen? Why didn¡¯t I know? Why did you ask her to study at our house? Isn¡¯t it more convenient for her to study at her own house?¡±

    ¡°Mom, this situation is quiteplicated. If you really want to know, ask her.¡± Zhai Hua could not be bothered to greet Ding Jiayi. She simply used ¡®her¡¯ to address Ding Jiayi rudely.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°What does this have to do with me?¡± Qiao Nan really did not steal the key and it was given to her by a member of the Zhai family?

    How did this happen?

    Zhai Hua sneered. She was standing by the side earlier. Obviously, she saw and heard everything.

    It was no wonder that the bad-tempered and aloof Zhai Sheng was willing to interfere in this matter. Qiao Nan, this youngdy, was really too pitiful to have such a mother. ¡°I heard that a mother sold all the textbooks of her daughter who was going to sit for the middle school examination. The mother also refused to let the daughter continue with her studies and forced her to find a job instead. The daughter had no choice but to buy a set of secondhand textbooks from the thrift shop. She was afraid that the books would be sold away again. At that time, she was squatting and crying anxiously at that corner over here and I bumped into her. Anyway, we don¡¯t really use our storeroom, so I lent it to her.¡±

    Zhai Hua knew the whole story well.

    Initially, Zhai Hua had thought that Qiao Nan was exaggerating. But when she saw Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior today, Zhai Hua only felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s description had been too lenient on Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°I heard about this matter too.¡±

    When Zhai Hua said that, someone immediately reacted. ¡°At that time, I was still thinking. Since Nan Nan¡¯s grades were so good, how could Old Qiao possibly let her quit school? Thereafter, Nan Nan continued to study and even made it to high school. I thought I had heard it wrong.¡±

    ¡°I heard about it too. At that time, Ding Jiayi tried to find out which factory was recruiting, didn¡¯t she? She clearly said that she wanted her daughter to experience life and take up a vacation job.¡±

    ¡°Vacation job? When she asked about it, the vacation had already ended.¡±

    Truly, a man should never do anything that was beyond his conscience. The past happening from a year ago was now brought up by someone.

    Upon hearing the discussion, Ding Jiayi, who had never felt that she was in the wrong, turned purplish red. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to cover her face. Simrly, Qiao Zijin was so ashamed that she simply hid behind Ding Jiayi¡¯s back to cover her face.

    ¡°Was there such a matter?¡± Her daughter had poked her nose into this and Miao Jing¡¯s attitude became more serious. ¡°You really gave Qiao Nan this key?¡± After all, this happened more than a year ago, so why wasn¡¯t she aware of it at all?

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s real, as real as authentic pearls. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Dad. Nan Nan has been borrowing our ce to study. Both Zhai Sheng and I know about this. Dad even praised Nan Nan when he heard that she was the top scorer of the middle school examination,¡± Zhai Hua said. Except for the fact that she was not the one who gave Qiao Nan the key, the rest of her words were absolutely true.

    ¡°Your Dad knows about this?¡± This time, Miao Jing had nothing to doubt about. If Zhai Hua was lying, she would not bring up her father. She did not have the bravery to do so. If Father Zhai was aware of this matter and even silently approved of it, then Miao Jing, who had always put her husband first, would not object to this.

    However...

    There was a sh of doubt in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes. The key clearly did not belong to Zhai Hua?! It should be Zhai Sheng¡¯s?!

 Chapter 239 - I Will Return the Key

    <h4>Chapter 239: I Will Return the Key</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, the matter has been rified. You can pass the key back to Nan Nan.¡± Zhai Hua looked at Miao Jing pleadingly. This was truly her dearest mother. Nothing could escape her eyes.

    ¡°Since this is the case... You¡¯re Qiao Nan, right? You can continue to keep the key. If there¡¯s a need, you can stille to our house to study.¡± Miao Jing seemingly agreed to pass the key to Qiao Nan, but she gave Zhai Hua a look of warning, hinting that she would have a private talk with herter.

    If Zhai Hua could not give her a satisfactory exnation, she would deal with her ordingly!

    Qiao Nan, who was frozen to the bones as if she was in an ice house, only began to feel some warmth like an autumn tiger when she had the key in her hands again.

    ¡°You... you all... did you all make a mistake?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face looked pale at one moment and red on another. She could not believe that Qiao Nan had such connections with the most powerful family, the Zhai family, in the quad. Furthermore, she was able to obtain a key from the offspring of the Zhai family.

    That was such a great honor!

    In other words, if Qiao Nan encountered any problems in the future, judging by the rtionship, the Zhai family would definitely help her.

    The Zhai family had a chief of the army, which was a very senior government post in China. If her family could be good friends with the Zhai family, there was nothing for her to be worried about or fearful of anymore. She could effortlessly find a rich and powerful man among those who would be queuing to marry her.

    When the time came, she would be the one choosing her partner and not the other way round!

    Wasn¡¯t this the kind of assurance that Qiao Zijin had long been yearning and working hard for?

    However, the Lee family ignored her. The Zhu family was not within her reach. Why was it that Qiao Nan could have the best of everything? It was so unfair!

    Now, it was not only the Lee family and the Zhu family that Qiao Nan had close connections with but also the Zhai family, the most powerful family in the quad.

    Qiao Zijin could clearly imagine how quick the news of the rtionship between Qiao Nan and the Zhai family would be spread in the quad. When the time came, Qiao Nan would be highly regarded, gaining the attention and praise of many without the need for her to do anything!

    ¡°I handed the key to Nan Nan personally. Do you think I will get this wrong? You¡¯re so strange. Aren¡¯t you Nan Nan¡¯s biological sister? You know now that this is a misunderstanding. Nan Nan did not steal the key, and neither did she steal anything else. She has a morally upright character. Instead of being happy for her, you seem very disappointed that she did not do anything wrong!¡±

    Zhai Hua narrowed her eyes and spoke in an unhappy tone.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s just a misunderstanding. It¡¯s good that this matter has been rified. Nan Nan, this child. Why didn¡¯t you exin this earlier?¡± Mrs. Ma walked over to Nan Nan¡¯s side. But at the thought of Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior, she did not continue to question Nan Nan. ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before that Nan Nan is such a good child. How can it be possible for her to do such a shameful thing? It must be a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, we watched Nan Nan grow up. How can we not know her temperament? Don¡¯t be a busybody and spread false rumors. Nan Nan is such a good kid.¡±

    With lightning speed, the three women who spoke the loudest earlier changed their stance. They immediately reprimanded those who joined themotion and emphasized repeatedly that they already knew and said that Nan Nan was a good child. They were full of hindsight.

    Mrs. Ma, particrly, stood beside Qiao Nan and intimately wrapped one of her arms on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder, as if she was protecting Qiao Nan. It was as though she was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother and Ding Jiayi was the outsider who kicked up such a shameful fuss.

    Qiao Nan moved her shoulders to distance herself from Mrs. Ma. She then sighed and passed the key back to Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, help me... It¡¯s best for me to return this key to your family. It¡¯s not appropriate for me to keep it anymore.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zhai Hua understood that Qiao Nan had wanted to seek her help to return this key to Zhai Sheng.

    At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper, Zhai Hua could not wait to throw this hot potato back to Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan wanted to return it, she should do it herself. Otherwise, what if Zhai Sheng took revenge on her because he thought that she had bullied Qiao Nan? She was innocent!

    Qiao Nan sneered and stared straight at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°?¡± Zhai Hua blinked her eyes as she was momentarily puzzled.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t return the key to you today, I will not be the only person who has the key to your house next time.¡± Her mother and Qiao Zijin were willing to do anything unscrupulous to achieve their aims. Beside her, many people in the quad had witnessed their behavior today.

    For the sake of three hundred yuan, her mother and Qiao Zijin painstakingly plotted and tailed her to the Zhai¡¯s residence to malign her for being a thief.

    There was now a humongous cake, the Zhai family, before them. Would they not be tempted by it?

    She was able to take good care of the key without any issue for the past one year because her mother and Qiao Zijin did not know the existence of this key.

    Now that they were aware of it, they would definitely find ways and means to obtain it, just like what they did for the three hundred yuan. Even if they could not get a hold of the original key, they would definitely find a chance to steal it and make a duplicate.

    To prevent this matter from bing more embarrassing such that she would not be able to face Zhai Sheng, the best way to avoid this was to return the key to the Zhai family.

    That stare of Qiao Nan was not a hint. She was being explicit about the reason.

    When Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned crimson, those who were smarter understood what Qiao Nan meant.

    Zhai Hua took the key without further hesitation and said, ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll keep the key.¡± Zhai Sheng should be able to ept this reason without faulting her. However, Qiao Nan, this youngdy, was really pitiful.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing nodded her head. If not for the sake of giving her daughter face, she was definitely reluctant to pass her house key to an outsider. Fortunately, this youngdy knew what to do and took the initiative to return the key.

    They had gotten the key back. Most likely, they would not have anything to do with this youngdy in the future.

    Miao Jing was clear that she would not want to encounter a simr situation in her life again. Moreover, she was not willing to let Zhai Hua be too close to this youngdy. If she provoked the youngdy¡¯s mother, she would be courting trouble for the Zhai family.

    ¡°Auntie Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua, I have returned the key to you. It¡¯s not appropriate to continue keeping my belongings at the Zhai¡¯s residence. I¡¯ll bring them away.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Before Zhai Hua could say a word, Miao Jing replied.

    At this juncture, Miao Jing just hoped that this youngdy could move her belongings away from the Zhai¡¯s residence all at once so that she needed not to make a second trip.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Zhai Hua was having a headache. Her mother now disliked this youngdy. But why?

 Chapter 240 - Extraordinarily Generous

    <h4>Chapter 240: Extraordinarily Generous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Hua Hua, please help.¡± Miao Jing did not wait for Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction. Anyway, she had already decided and would not change her mind. This youngdy was not rted to their family anyway. Did it matter whether she liked or disliked her?

    Zhai Hua tugged the corners of her lips. She then opened the back door and led the way for Qiao Nan.

    When she saw the back door of the Zhai¡¯s residence opened, Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth and moved forward with a smiling face. She behaved as if she hadpletely forgotten what just happened. ¡°Nan Nan, you must have put away many items at the Zhai¡¯s residence. I¡¯ll help you move them.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Qiao Nan blocked Qiao Zijin from entering. ¡°This is the residence of the Zhai family, not the Qiao family. It¡¯s not convenient for you to go in. If you want to help, sure, wait at the doorstep. After I bring out the items, I¡¯ll pass them to you. You can help me carry them home, then. There¡¯s no need for you to go in!¡±

    Qiao Nan was petty now. This was the residence of the Zhai family and not the Qiao family. Although she was not in the position to have the final say, the more Qiao Zijin wished to enter the house, the more she would not allow her to do so.

    ¡°Why does it have to be so troublesome? Can¡¯t we just go in together?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was pale with anger.

    Zhu Yanughed. ¡°So shameless. Qiao Nan has already said that this is not your house. Do you think you can enter it as you wish? Besides, don¡¯tpare yourself to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan has the key to the Zhai¡¯s residence. Can youpare yourself to her?¡±

    Zhu Yan held on to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Qiao Nan, go in and take the books. I¡¯ll keep a watch on her.¡±

    ¡°Alright, sorry for the trouble.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She then entered the Zhai¡¯s residence and began to pack her books.

    Zhai Hua followed her into the storeroom to help. But when she saw that Qiao Nan had so many belongings, she felt that it would be an arduous task to move them all. ¡°There¡¯re too many books. You¡¯ll need to make a few trips. I remember that you have stored many secondary textbooks here. Since you¡¯re already in high school, you won¡¯t need them anymore. It¡¯ll be cumbersome to move them. Leave those books that you don¡¯t need for the time being here and take away only those that you need.¡± It would not be convenient for Qiao Nan to study at their house anymore.

    ¡°You cane again to take the rest of the books when it¡¯s convenient.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Auntie Zhai won¡¯t be happy.¡±

    Qiao Nan had sensed Miao Jing¡¯s dislike for her. This was also one of the reasons Qiao Nan wanted to return the key and move away her belongings.

    ¡°My mom, she... she¡¯s actually very nice. Don¡¯t think too much.¡± Zhai Hua sounded like a stuck cassette and nearly could not continue. ¡°There won¡¯t be an issue. Trust me. Leave these books here and take away those that you need.¡± Otherwise, she really did not know how to exin to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°By the way, there¡¯s something that I need to discuss with you.¡± Zhai Hua said as she moved toward Qiao Nan and began to help her.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, feel free to tell me directly. I have not even thanked you for your help just now. If not for you, most probably, I would never be able to clear my name.¡±

    ¡°What I want to say is that... don¡¯t talk about me in front of Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zhai Hua was the one who helped her. Why couldn¡¯t she do so?

    ¡°Anyway, in short, don¡¯t say anything.¡± If Qiao Nan told him, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s intelligence, he would definitely give her a bashing.

    Qiao Nan did not know that, as soon as Miao Jing was alerted of themotion, Zhai Hua had followed Miao Jing to the scene as she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s name being mentioned. As such, she had seen how Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin bullied Qiao Nan and smeared her name right from the beginning. She only went forward to help Qiao Nan rify the matter at the end.

    Zhai Hua heard about Qiao Nan and thetter¡¯s family situation through Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Sheng heard about it from Qiao Nan.

    It was a rare asion that she coulde into contact with the concerned party. Zhai Hua had to spend more effort to observe whether what she and Zhai Sheng heard was true or if someone deliberately made it up to gain sympathy.

    Of course, the oue of the observation was that Qiao Nan was more pitiful than what Zhai Sheng had described her to be. Her biological mother was worse than a stepmother.

    Nevertheless, Zhai Hua was also guilty because of this.

    If she hade forward to the rescue earlier, Qiao Nan would not have suffered so much. Zhai Hua could remember vividly the look of utter despair on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. When she saw Qiao Nan then, she was not sure why, but she could not help feeling sad. She nearly cried.

    Zhai Hua was able to understand fully how desperate and despaired Qiao Nan felt at that moment.

    At the thought that Zhai Sheng cared so much for Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua felt so guilty that she did not have the face to see Zhai Sheng, her biological younger brother, anymore.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded her head abidingly. ¡°These are the things that I need for now. Sister Zhai Hua, help me carry some. I should be able to finish moving them in one trip. Right, Sister Zhai Hua, Brother Zhai lent this book to me. I¡¯ll ce it here. Remember to help me return it to Brother Zhai.¡± The three hundred yuan that Qiao Nan earned was ced in between the pages of this book.

    As she was unable to return the full 1,800 yuan to Zhai Sheng at one go, Qiao Nan could only pay Zhai Sheng back in small installments.

    ¡°Sure, you can count on me.¡± Zhai Hua patted her chest and then lifted up most of the books. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    There were a few people lingering at the entrance of the Zhai¡¯s residence. They watched Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan came out, carrying a pile of books each.

    Someone was pleased as he said, ¡°Ding Jiayi, when did Nan Nan take things from the Zhai¡¯s residence? Clearly, she sent things to the house.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned red. She was so embarrassed that she did not know what to say. She just wished that she could cover her face and dig a hole to bury herself in. She wanted to save some of her face, but she seemed to have fully disgraced herself with the fuss today.

    Zhai Hua walked inrge strides and stopped in front of Qiao Zijin, who was held on tightly by Zhu Yan. She then passed the books to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Aren¡¯t you helping Qiao Nan move the belongings? These are Nan Nan¡¯s books. Take them.¡±

    ¡°Aiyoh...¡± Qiao Zijin was caught off guard as she was forced to take over the books. She was weighed down by the heavy books and fell backward. The stack of books mmed right onto her. The most terrible thing was that Qiao Zijin was wearing a dress today. Her skirt lifted when she fell back and her thigh was directly exposed.

    A few people who were coincidentally standing at the ¡®right¡¯ positions saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s small ***.

    ¡°Zijin!¡± Ding Jiayi ran over anxiously to hold on to Qiao Zijin¡¯s dress.

    ¡°Hua Hua.¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Hua a stern look. Even if the members of the Qiao family was capricious and had character problems, the Zhai family should not take issue with the Qiao family, and neither should they take sides and do something distasteful.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± Zhai Hua sounded impatient as she frowned.

    Clearly, Qiao Zijin was the one who said she wanted to help. It was only a few books. How heavy could it be? Qiao Zijin had so little strength and simply dropped the books.

    She was not so petty to use such a mean method although she wanted to help Qiao Nan.

    ¡°No, no issue. Yes, I¡¯m the one in the wrong. I didn¡¯t receive the books properly. You can¡¯t me Sister Zhai Hua.¡± After Qiao Zijin was helped up by Ding Jiayi, she put in good words for Zhai Hua in an understanding manner. ¡°Auntie Zhai, please don¡¯t me Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

 Chapter 241 - Moving Out

    <h4>Chapter 241: Moving Out</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua was vastly different, both Zhai Hua and Miao Jing could not help but frown and purse their lips into a thin line.

    Zhu Yan expressed her displeasure upfront and said sarcastically, ¡°Why don¡¯t you just admit that there¡¯s something wrong with your brain? Alright, stop embarrassing yourself and go back home. Remember to cover your face with a cloth when you go out next time. I¡¯m sure you do not want to embarrass yourself further.¡±

    Her sister did not do anything wrong, yet Qiao Zijin cried as if their parents were dead and insisted that Qiao Nan had stolen things.

    Although Zhai Hua was not deliberate, it was her fault for overestimating Qiao Zijin and embarrassing Qiao Zijin in front of everyone. However, not only did Qiao Zijin not me Zhai Hua, but she also spoke up for her in front of Miao Jing.

    There must be something seriously wrong with her to do such foolish things.

    Miao Jing was not Ding Jiayi. She was Zhai Hua¡¯s mother. She would know if her daughter did it on purpose or not. Miao Jing only wanted to preserve some dignity for everyone and did not really mean to me Zhai Hua.

    Qiao Zijin was in no position to intervene on Zhai Hua¡¯s behalf at all.

    Qiao Zijin did not even treat her own sister with such good temper and kind intentions!

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin was particrly good to Zhai Hua on ount of the fact that she was from the Zhai family which was influential in the city.

    ¡°Nan Nan, we will help you move the books.¡± Some of the uncles and aunties in the quad could not tolerate the way Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi tried their best to please Miao Jing. They helped pick up Qiao Nan¡¯s books, dusted off the dirt, and stacked them nicely. They also took the initiative to move them back to the Qiao¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan could not be bothered with Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s shameless and disgraceful ways.

    With the help of the uncles and aunties, Qiao Nan managed to move everything back to the Qiao¡¯s residence in a single trip. ¡°Thank you, uncles and aunties. Do all of you want to have a cup of tea before leaving?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s gettingte, and we have to go to work. Qiao Nan, you are different from your sister. You must study hard and make a mark for yourself.¡± Otherwise, Nan Nan would only be bullied in this family.

    ¡°Thank you, uncle. I understand.¡±

    After sending them off, Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. Her shoulders drooped, feeling tired to the bones.

    She had returned the three hundred yuan to Brother Zhai. She would have to think of ways to make some money in a short period of time. After what happened today, she would not stay with her mother anymore. She could live alone and support herself.

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s with this?¡± Qiao Nan was thinking of ways to break the news to Qiao Dongliang when she came in and realized that there was a bag full of clothes in the living room. ¡°Dad, these are your clothes. Do you intend to move back to Mom¡¯s room?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face dropped. Now, she was even more determined to move out of the house. What somebody did not see could not hurt them.

    ¡°I will help you bring it over.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and reached for the bag.

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°No, I am not moving back to the room I used to stay in. Nan Nan, this bag is for you. You should take your clothes, and most importantly, your books.¡±

    ¡°For me? Dad, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Why would her father give her a bag and ask her to bring her clothes? What did he want to do?

    ¡°Nan Nan, we are moving out.¡± Qiao Dongliang said inly.

    ¡°Moving out? Where are we moving to?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dad has found a ce, and I have called for a tricycle as well. No matter how many books you have, we will have someone help us move them to the new ce.¡±

    ¡°If we move out, what about this house?¡±

    ¡°This house will not go empty. Your mom and sister will stay here.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a reluctant smile on his face as he patted Qiao Nan on the head. In fact, he should have made this decision long ago¡ªthe moment Ding Jiayi stole the money Nan Nan earned and bought clothes for Zijin half a month ago.

    Fortunately, it had only been less than a month since then. It was not toote to move now.

    ¡°Dad, you ...¡± Qiao Nan was surprised. Did this mean that her father wanted to separate with their mother and Qiao Nan would stay with him?!

    ¡°Alright, you should get your clothes.¡±

    ¡°Dad, actually you don¡¯t need to...¡± Since her father did not intend to divorce her mother, it would be meaningless to stay in separate houses.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t move out, then must I let you stay outside by yourself? I am worried about you. I have to take care of you.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. Ding Jiayi created these troubles. He had to help clean up the mess.

    Qiao Nan could not help but sigh again. ¡°Dad, I have grown up. I can live alone. Dad, to tell you the truth, I really want to find a ce for myself. If you move in with me, Mom will definitely find troubles with me.¡±

    Since she could not mess with her mother, the only thing she could do was to hide away from her.

    ¡°Ignore her. The reason why I want to move is not solely because of you. Given your mom¡¯s personality, I can¡¯t live with her anymore. If I continue to live with her, we will only end up quarreling every single day, which is meaningless.¡± Qiao Nan was tired. Qiao Dongliang was exhausted as well.

    He never knew that it was so difficult tomunicate with Ding Jiayi.

    Every time he tried to reason with Ding Jiayi, it was just like ying the lute to a cow. He felt powerless, helpless.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to argue with your mom anymore. Since things have gotten to this stage, moving out is our best option.¡± Qiao Dongliang had this idea of moving out long ago, and he finally made up his mind today. ¡°Nan Nan, the car ising soon. You should hurry up to pack.¡±

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s good that you have thought it through.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang sounded very determined, Qiao Nan did not persuade him any further and hurried to pack her clothes.

    ¡°So fast? Do you only have these few pieces of clothes?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan¡¯s bag was only half full, Qiao Dongliang felt sorry toward her daughter. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will buy more clothes for you in the future.¡±

    Nan Nan would always wear Zijin¡¯s hand-me-downs. She would only have two sets of clothes to wear interchangeably for every season. There were not many clothes for her to bring to the new house.

    Qiao Nan smiled confidently. ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need for that. I have the ability to earn money. I will earn money to not only buy new clothes for myself but also for you!¡± She could work and support herself and her father. She did not need others to provide for her!

    ¡°Old Qiao, I am here.¡± A middle-aged man rode a tricycle and stopped at the door of their small courtyard.

    ¡°Who are you? Why are you looking for Old Qiao?¡± Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin finally came back from the Zhai¡¯s residence with a defeated look on their faces. When Ding Jiayi saw the tricycle in front of their house, Ding Jiayi asked in an unruly manner, ¡°Do you know that your tricycle is blocking our front door? You cannot park them here. Move it to the side now. Believe it or not, I will only need to make a phone call to get someone to tow your car away!¡±

    ¡°Are you sister-inw?¡± The man asked in a mocking tone.

 Chapter 242 - Would Not Change

    <h4>Chapter 242: Would Not Change</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Sure enough, knowing a person by their repute is not as good as meeting them face to face.¡± A guest should be treated with politeness, yet Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude was unweing. The wife that Old Qiao married was more unreasonable than what he heard. She did not know basic courtesy at all.

    ¡°Old Yang, I am sorry for the wait.¡± Qiao Dongliang heard sounds at the door and came out of the house. He gave Ding Jiayi a cold nce and moved his belongings onto Old Yang¡¯s tricycle. ¡°I am sorry for making you run this trip. It¡¯s been hard on you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let me help you.¡± Old Yang came down from the tricycle and went into the Qiao¡¯s residence. ¡°You only have these few pieces of belongings?¡± It seemed that Qiao Dongliang did not have much to move to the new house.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Old Qiao, you can take a rest. I can move them by myself. Where¡¯s Nan Nan?¡±

    Right then, Qiao Nan came out of the room with her bag. ¡°Uncle, how are you?¡±

    ¡°You must be Nan Nan. You are very pretty-looking. Old Qiao, you are blessed with such a good daughter.¡± Old Yang gave Qiao Dongliang a thumbs-up. ¡°Nan Nan, what else do you have? I will give you a hand.¡±

    ¡°These are everything that I have.¡±

    ¡°Okay, leave it to me.¡± Old Yang moved several of their bags at a time. When he lifted Qiao Nan¡¯s bag which contained her clothes, he was a little surprised at how light the bag was. He had thought that as a youngdy, she would have more clothes.

    ¡°Dongliang, you... what are you doing? And you, put down our belongings right now. Let go!¡± Ding Jiayi, who entered the house, panicked and rushed to snatch Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bag from Old Yang.

    ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t those your and Nan Nan¡¯s belongings? Why is a stranger taking your belongings?¡± Qiao Zijin looked stiff. There was not a hint of a smile on her face.

    A thought came to her mind. She ran to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side and held on to her clothes.

    Old Yang was a man, and he was stronger than Ding Jiayi. There was no way that she could snatch the bags away from him.

    Qiao Dongliang pulled at Ding Jiayi while Old Yang brought out their bags and ced them on the tricycle. Seeing that the father and daughter did not have many belongings and his tricycle had more than enough space for their bags, Old Yang could not help but sigh and shake his head. Old Qiao must have had a difficult time living with a woman who wasted their money away.

    ¡°Dongliang, Dongliang, y-you... what are you doing?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes turned red. She was scared out of her wits.

    ¡°Since you can¡¯t stand the sight of Nan Nan, Nan Nan and I will move out of the house. In the future, Zijin and you will stay in this house. Both of you can create havoc for all you want, I will not be bothered.¡± Qiao Dongliang said coldly.

    ¡°No, no, I didn¡¯t say that I cannot stand the sight of the wretched... I didn¡¯t say that I cannot stand the sight of Qiao Nan. I am the one who gave birth to her. Even though I may be fierce to her, I love her dearly deep down inside! Qiao Nan, in all fairness, have I been good to you? Did I provide you with food and clothes?¡± Ding Jiayi grabbed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, simr to how Qiao Zijin pulled at her clothes.

    Qiao Dongliang shrugged off her hands, refusing to be in contact with Ding Jiayi. ¡°Stop it. Don¡¯t force Nan Nan. When you demand that she be fair and tell the truth, you should do the same first. If you loved Nan Nan, would you use her of being a thief who stole from the Zhai¡¯s residence? You also made sure that you brought the three gossipmongers from the quad with you! Ding Jiayi, do you think that we are all fools and you are the only one who is clever? You are downright shameless to say that you love Nan Nan. Did you even do a single thing that is for the good of Nan Nan? Nan Nan, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan, who remained silent, carried her schoolbag and walked outside.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t let you go. Dongliang, you can¡¯t go. If you are gone, what will happen to Zijin and me?¡± Ding Jiayi sobbed, her face covered in tears and snots. She was a terrible sight to behold. ¡°Dongliang, don¡¯t be angry. Don¡¯t leave us. If you have anything that you are upset with, tell me and I will change.¡±

    ¡°Change?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Do you believe you could? Anyway, I don¡¯t believe it.¡±

    After he had called the policest time, though Ding Jiayi said that she had learned her mistakes, she reverted to her old ways in less than a month!

    Thinking of what happened this morning, Qiao Dongliang shut his eyes and thought to himself. Ding Jiayi was hopeless!

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t go.¡± Qiao Zijin was in tears as well. She refused to let go of his hands. ¡°Dad, I am your daughter too. Why do you take Nan Nan with you and leave me here? Dad, are you abandoning me? I am your favorite daughter and you doted on me! I... I have not done anything wrong. Dad, don¡¯t leave me behind. Dad, don¡¯t go. Don¡¯t ignore Mom and me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached at the sight of Qiao Zijin who had burst into tears and turned hoarse from crying. Ever since she was little, Zijin had been leading a pampered life. Everything went well for her. He had never seen her in such despair. As parents, how could Qiao Dongliang not feel the pain?

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang softened his attitude, Qiao Zijin tightened her grip on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arms and cried out loudly. ¡°Dad, Mom and I can¡¯t live without you. Dad, don¡¯t leave. Dad, I won¡¯t let you go!¡±

    Qiao Nan kept her silence. With her schoolbag on her back, she tightened her grip on the straps of the bag and turned to walk out of the Qiao¡¯s residence, leaving the three of them to themselves. ¡°Uncle Yang, could you please move my dad¡¯s belongings down? My dad is not leaving. I will go now. Could you send me to the ce my dad has rented?¡±

    The reason why her father wanted to leave with her could be that he knew that after what happened today, it was unlikely that she would stay in this house again. He would be worried if she was to live alone. Hence, he decided to leave with her.

    As long as she stayed in the ce her father had rented, he could visit her when he was worried about her. In that case, her father would be assured that she was doing well.

    ¡°Your dad is not leaving with you? Nan Nan, are you going alone? Is it appropriate?¡± Old Yang asked in surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can go alone.¡± With her gone, this house might be more harmonious.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you sure to leave your dad¡¯s belongings behind?¡± Old Yang asked uncertainly.

    ¡°Yes.¡± With that, Qiao Nan decided to move the bags by herself. She took Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bag of clothes from the tricycle and put it on the ground. When she left, her mother and Qiao Zijin would definitely move his belongings into the house right away. Her father would not even need to move it by himself.

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°Dongliang, don¡¯t leave!¡±

    All of a sudden, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi shouted from inside the house. Qiao Dongliang walked out of the house steadfastly. ¡°Nan Nan, why did you move my things down? Old Yang, let¡¯s go now.¡±

    ¡°Scram! Both of you get out of my house right now! You are determined to tear our family apart!¡± A screaming Ding Jiayi dashed out of the house frantically. She raised her hand in a bid to hit Qiao Nan and Old Yang.

 Chapter 243 - Give the Both of You a Chance

    <h4>Chapter 243: Give the Both of You a Chance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Both of you are scoundrels who are determined to wreck my family! Let me tell you, no way! This is my house, and these are our belongings. Let go! I won¡¯t let you take away a single piece of clothing from my house!¡± Ding Jiayi dashed toward Qiao Nan and Old Yang as if she was mad. Her frantic behavior was simr to a patient who escaped from a mental hospital.

    Old Yang was an outsider, and he had heard of Ding Jiayi¡¯s bad deeds. Besides feeling surprised at being treated in such a manner, he did not care much.

    However, when Old Yang heard that Ding Jiayi screamed at Qiao Nan and wanted to send her away as well, he could not tolerate her behavior anymore. ¡°Old Qiao, should I send Nan Nan away first?¡±

    ¡°Sure, bring Nan Nan away.¡± Qiao Dongliang grabbed Ding Jiayi with one hand and told Qiao Nan calmly, ¡°Nan Nan, you will go ahead with Uncle Yang to the rented ce first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan found a seat on Old Yang¡¯s tricycle without a hint of expression on her face.

    There was no electric tricycle at the end of the 20th century. One had to pedal the tricycle by themselves. Old Yang pedaled the tricycle and left the quad. He could not help but sigh. Old Qiao had his hands full with such a chaotic situation at home.

    As the old saying went, the husband of a virtuous wife seldom suffered misfortune. Old Qiao would have a lot of troubles in the future.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you can¡¯t do this to me. I have been married to you for almost twenty years. I gave birth to two children and I took care of this family for you. Old Qiao, you can¡¯t be so heartless. Think about it. If I did not marry you twenty years ago, would you be able to get yourself a wife? Would you have two daughters? I may not have any credits, but I had put in hard work. You can¡¯t leave me when I am old and haggard!¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not care about Qiao Nan leaving the house. She was only worried that Qiao Dongliang would leave her. She grabbed at his arm, refusing to let go.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to find a wife?¡± Qiao Dongliang was exasperated. ¡°Ding Jiayi, do you think that you will be able to find a good man if you leave me? Back then, we just made do with each other. We don¡¯t owe each other anything.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what about me?¡± Qiao Zijin pulled at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s other hand. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you want me anymore? I didn¡¯t make any mistakes, Dad. You can¡¯t be so unfair to me. Nan Nan is your daughter. Am I not your daughter, then? Dad, are you that heartless as to leave me behind? Do you really want me to be without a father?¡±

    ¡°Dongliang, I am wrong. I promise you this will not happen again. This is thest time. I will not act rashly anymore. I will definitely lead a down-to-earth life in the future and will not pick on Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan is my daughter. Actually, I really want the best for her. It¡¯s just that I do not want her to go the wrong way. Dongliang, you have to understand. No mother will harm their daughter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Dad. You must not misunderstand Mom. She appears to be cold and aloof, but in fact, Mom is very concerned about Nan Nan. We are one family and must not keep secrets. If Nan Nan had made it clear to Mom in the first ce, Mom would not have been suspicious and ended up doing the wrong things since her intentions were initially good. Dad, you can¡¯t deny that Mom meant well!¡± Qiao Zijin cried her eyes out.

    Qiao Zijin was terrified when she saw that Qiao Dongliang was about to leave with Qiao Nan.

    She had thought that even if her father found out what happened, he would just scold her and give her mother the silent treatment¡ªthat it would not take long for things to pass.

    It had not crossed Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind that Qiao Dongliang would want to leave with Qiao Nan after what happened today.

    ¡°Zijin, let me ask you. Do you really mean what you said?¡± Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Was what happened today Nan Nan¡¯s fault? Zijin, what are your thoughts on this?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned red, and she was lost for words. No matter how she answered this question, she would be in the wrong.

    ¡°Zijin, Nan Nan has always done better than you in terms of studies. Do you know why I listened to your mom and favored you over Nan Nan regardless? That was because I felt that you did better than Nan Nan in terms of human rtions. It is okay to be not as good in your studies. When you enter society, it is more important to have people skills. Do you think that the people in the society will agree with what you said just now?¡±

    ¡°Dad...¡±

    ¡°Zijin, regardless of whether you really did not understand or pretended not to understand and said those words just now, I am really disappointed with you.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. He should have known that Zijin¡¯s problem had something to do with her personality. It was not so much as being spoiled by her mother.

    Was Ding Jiayi the sole mastermind behind what happened today?

    If that was the case, why was Zijin at the scene as well? Why did she rush out early in the morning?

    No matter what, Qiao Dongliang had to admit that both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin knew about the incident that happened this morning. Both of them had wished that Nan Nan had done something wrong. They had nned for it to be known by everyone so that people would forget about the scandal¡ªthe day he reported to the police about the money that was stolen by Ding Jiayi.

    At the thought of Qiao Zijin wanting to harm her own sister, Qiao Dongliang was not only disappointed but also felt a chill in his bones.

    Qiao Zijin could watch by and sleep well while Ding Jiayi worked through the night to earn money for her tuition fees. She couldin to Ding Jiayi behind his back that she was disappointed in him¡ªthat the useless him had two daughters but could not afford to give them a good life.

    Now, Zijin framed Nan Nan yet again for reasons unknown to him. Though the weather was still hot in September, Qiao Dongliang felt cold to the bones. He shivered as if he had broken out in cold sweats from the cold December weather.

    They were a family of four, but Qiao Zijin did not care for anyone else besides herself.

    To Zijin, did her family mean anything to her at all?

    ¡°Dad, that¡¯s not the case. You... you misunderstood me.¡± Qiao Zijin was so anxious that she stuttered. ¡°Dad, listen to me...¡± Qiao Zijin did not know what to say as well.

    Should she say that she framed Qiao Nan on purpose or that after going through so many years of education, she could not tell right from wrong anymore? Should she say that Qiao Nan was in the wrong so that she did not have to bear any responsibility?

    ¡°Dongliang, please don¡¯t do this. If you think that we are in the wrong, we will change. We will definitely change this time.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face had turned red from crying. She really did not want this family to fall apart. She did not want to lose Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, you may be willing to make a promise, but I can¡¯t bring myself to believe you.¡± Qiao Dongliang shrugged off Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands coldly. ¡°You must take good care of Zijin. You do not need to bother yourself with Nan Nan. I will take good care of her. From today onward, the two of you can rest assured that Nan Nan will no longer be a hindrance to the both of you.¡±

    ¡°No, I will really change my ways. I will really change!¡± Ding Jiayi was terrified.

    ¡°Okay, I will give you another chance.¡±

 Chapter 244 - Dependent on Your Performance

    <h4>Chapter 244: Dependent on Your Performance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang made that statement, both Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s faces lit up instantly. They could see a ray of hope.

    ¡°Dongliang, we have been husband and wife for so many years. I know that you won¡¯t be so heartless. You have always favored and pampered Zijin. You will not abandon us.¡± Ding Jiayi quickly wiped the tears on her face. ¡°Dongliang, Nan Nan has been taken away by that person just now. The four of us need to be together to make aplete family. Let¡¯s fetch Nan Nan now.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang decided to leave this house because of Qiao Nan.

    Therefore, as long as Qiao Nan lived alone by herself, Qiao Dongliang would move out to stay with her.

    In order to keep Qiao Dongliang with her, no matter how much she disliked Qiao Nan, she must fetch Qiao Nan home and treat her well in the future. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would move out by herself and Qiao Dongliang would follow suit, leaving her husbandless, and Zijin fatherless.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Dad. Let¡¯s bring Nan Nan back now.¡± Qiao Zijin said while trying to muster a smile.

    Although sheined to her mother that her father was useless and could not provide a good life for his daughters, the moment Qiao Dongliang decided to move out of the house, she realized that Qiao Dongliang was very important to her. At the very least, she could not bear to lose her father at this point in time.

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s bring Nan Nan back. Dongliang, you can rest assured. I will take good care of Nan Nan. I... I will not be willful or self-centered. I will love and take care of Nan Nan. I will not do anything that will upset you in the future.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had tried all means and ways to keep the family together. She would agree to do anything as long as the family could stay together.

    Ding Jiayi consoled herself. After all, Qiao Nan was sixteen years old and was already a high school student.

    Qiao Nan had to stay in the school dormitory and would onlye back once every fortnight. When she attended college, she would probablye back twice a year only.

    Ding Jiayi could endure for a few more years until Qiao Nan graduated from school. Afterward, she would find her a good husband and marry her off. By then, she would no longer need to stay under the same roof as Qiao Nan.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi had thought that with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s firm attitude, she would have to kneel and beg for his forgiveness. Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang might not have a change of heart. But since he had agreed to give them another chance, she would ede to any requests he made, even if it meant she had to fetch Qiao Nan personally.

    ¡°No need for that.¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped Ding Jiayi. ¡°Judging from what you have done today, I don¡¯t understand why you still have the cheek to face Nan Nan. Given your attitude, even though both of you say that you will change, I have doubts about it. ¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi clenched her clothes tightly. She felt helpless and at a loss. ¡°What do you want us to do then?¡±

    No matter what outrageous acts she did, Ding Jiayi had never felt that she was in the wrong. She had no self-awareness.

    Today, Qiao Dongliang was very firm in his attitude, pushing Ding Jiayi to her wit¡¯s end. Ding Jiayi had meant to soften her attitude so that Qiao Dongliang would be soft-hearted on them. However, no matter what she said or did, Qiao Dongliang was not appeased at all.

    Ding Jiayi, who was already in her fifties, felt so helpless and clueless.

    ¡°Nan Nan will note back. She is still young, and I can¡¯t leave her by herself. I have to take care of her.¡±

    ¡°So you still intend to abandon Zijin and me?¡± Ding Jiayi growled. ¡°You said that you would give me another chance! Did you lie to me?!!¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to stop her mother from shouting at her father. Her father was already in anger, yet her mother lost her temper at him. Did she want to drive him away? Was she out of her mind?

    ¡°I meant it when I said that I would give you another chance. You can rest assured that I am different from you. I will keep my promise, but that doesn¡¯t mean I am not leaving. Both of you should reflect on yourself as to how you have been treating Nan Nan. It¡¯s no use to insist that you will change your behavior. Actions speak louder than words. If Zijin and you really change for the better, I wille back with Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°What if we can¡¯t meet your expectations?¡± Ding Jiayi could not help but ask.

    ¡°Mom!!!¡± Qiao Zijin wished that she could stop her mother from shooting off her mouth. Her mother seemed to be telling her father that she had never been in the wrong or let Nan Nan down, and that she would not change in the future.

    Even if her mother really thought this way, she should not have said it out loud.

    Did her mother want Qiao Dongliang to stay with them and bring back Qiao Nan or not?

    Sure enough, Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°If that¡¯s all you could say, then I will have to tell you that Nan Nan and I will never move back in this life. I have already said my piece. It¡¯s up to you as to what will be of our family in the future.¡± With that, Qiao Dongliang shrugged off Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, took the bicycle out of the house, and cycled off.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi could not make Qiao Dongliang stay. Qiao Zijin knew that her father would not listen to her pleas as well.

    Both of them could only watch helplessly as Qiao Dongliang left the house. Right then, Ding Jiayi red up at Zijin. ¡°Zijin, I have told you long ago that the wretched girl is very evil. Whoever is close to her will be unlucky. We may have gotten the three hundred yuan back, but look at the mess we have gotten ourselves into! Now that your dad has moved out with Qiao Nan, what are we going to do? Ever since I married your dad, I have always been devoted to him and intended to be with him till I grow old. Now, I can¡¯t even keep my husband by my side...¡±

    Ding Jiayi cried when she thought of her mother¡¯s curse on her.

    Back when her mother arranged a marriage for Ding Jiayi, her mother took the bride price and spent one-third of the money on her son.

    Even so, Ding Jiayi came up with ways to marry Qiao Dongliang with the help of Elder Lee.

    One could tell that the Ding family was not well-to-do since they spent one-third of the bride price as soon as they received it. Since there was no way that Ding Jiayi could marry the man, her parents had to return the amount of money they had spent.

    In order to return the money, it caused a strain to the already dire situation in the Ding family.

    Her mother who hated Ding Jiayi to the core scolded Ding Jiayi that since she could disregard her parents for Qiao Dongliang, there woulde a day when he would abandon her for his own reasons.

    By that time, the Ding family would not offer her any help!

    It had almost been twenty years. Ding Jiayi had led a happy life holding the purse strings in the Qiao family and ordering Qiao Nan around. She had long forgotten about the curse her mother said. She had lived as if she was the queen of the Qiao family.

 Chapter 245 - Fatherly Love

    <h4>Chapter 245: Fatherly Love</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But after what happened today, her mother¡¯s words had been echoing in her mind like a curse.

    ¡°Mom, you only know to cry andin, but can your tears bring Dad back to us? Mom, search your conscience. You were the one who asked me toe up with ways to help you reconcile with Dad so that he would go back to sharing a room with you. Mom, you were the one who came to me for ideas. How could you me me for what happened today? You followed Qiao Nan and found your way to the Zhai family. You were the one who said that Qiao Nan must have stolen or picked up the key from somewhere. Besides, who was the one who mistook someone else for her own daughter? Everyone in the entire quad must beughing at you for not recognizing your own daughter and lecturing someone else¡¯s daughter instead. Can you me me for all of these? You cannot me me for mistaking someone else for Qiao Nan.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was boiling with anger as well.

    She pretended to be nice in front of Qiao Dongliang, but she dropped all pretenses with Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Mom, I admit that you are good to me. But you treated Nan Nan badly and that angered Dad. Whose fault is it if Dad wants to settle old scores with you? I did not instruct you to treat Nan Nan badly. Dad moved out with Nan Nan due to the series of things you did in the past. Dad wants to settle the old scores with you!¡±

    With that, Qiao Zijin pushed all the me onto Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi cried, feeling angry and embarrassed. ¡°Yes, I treated Qiao Nan badly, but that¡¯s because I wanted to save everything good for you.¡±

    ¡°If so, why is that when you were pregnant with Qiao Nan and had the impression that the baby was a boy, you never spared me any good food?¡± Qiao Zijin asked a burning question that had always been on her mind.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Ding Jiayi frowned, not remembering the incident Qiao Zijin was referring to.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. Both she and Qiao Nan were Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughters. Her mother could not remember how badly she treated Qiao Nan and pushed the responsibility of what happened today to her. Of course, her mother would not remember how she had all the good food when she was pregnant with Qiao Nan and how she neglected Qiao Zijin back then.

    Generally, people would not have a clear memory of what had happened when they were young, especially when they were about three or four years old.

    But Qiao Zijin remembered very clearly what happened when she was a child, particrly the ten months when her mother was pregnant with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Forget it. No matter how much we quarrel, Dad will note back. Dad has said that he will decide based on our performance. If by pushing all the me to me, Dad will change his mind ande back home, I will really have to hand it to you. Otherwise, instead of quarreling with me, it is more practical for you to find a way to let Dad know that you have changed for the better. I am going back to the room!¡±

    Back when she was young, she knew that her mother was not reliable. However, she did not expect that after so many years, her mother, who had doted on her all those years, would remain so unreliable.

    If she had known, she would have found an excuse to leave with her father.

    Qiao Zijin pulled a long face and went back to her room. She opened the door with force, packed her things, and came out with her schoolbag. ¡°Today is the weekend. I am going back to school. Give me some money for my meals!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was stunned. She could taste bitterness in her mouth. ¡°You... you are going back to school?¡±

    Ding Jiayi came back to her senses. Today was the weekend. Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan had to return to school. In other words, after Qiao Zijin left, she would be left alone in the house.

    ¡°I am obeying what you said: I have to study hard and strive to be sessful in the future. After what happened, I can rely on no one but myself.¡± Qiao Zijin curled the corners of her lips and sneered. ¡°Give me some money, Mom. Now that you have driven Dad away, are you bent on starving me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ding Jiayi hurriedly took out the money that she had set aside during this half a month for Qiao Zijin¡¯s meals. She dared not lose her temper at Qiao Zijin anymore. In fact, from the meek and obedient way she behaved, she acted as if she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s grandson. ¡°Use them wisely.¡±

    Looking at the money in the palm of her hand, Qiao Zijin twitched the corner of her lips. ¡°With this miserly sum of money, I will have to starve if I do not use it wisely. All of you are the same.¡± If they were incapable of raising two kids, they should be contented with having one child.

    After getting the money, Qiao Zijin had no wish to stay at home for another second. She walked out of the house and took a bus to school.

    After getting on the bus, Qiao Zijin grabbed the bag in her arms, a gloomy look on her face. No one dared to sit next to her.

    After a while, Qiao Zijin let out a long sigh and took out a book from her bag. This book was Qiao Zijin¡¯s diary. Not only did she keep a record of the things that happened after she grew up, but she also wrote down what she remembered from when she was a child.

    After reading through how Ding Jiayi treated her when she was pregnant with Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned cold. She put the diary back into the bag without any emotion on her face.

    ¡°Nan Nan, all the things are here. What else should I help you with?¡± Old Yang had sent Qiao Nan to the ce where Qiao Dongliang had rented. This ce was situated very close to the high school that Qiao Nan was studying at. It was very convenient for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was particrly happy upon seeing the ce.

    ¡°Your dad took a long time to find a ce that is very near to your school. Your mom is muddleheaded, but your dad is a good father. Nan Nan, don¡¯t be angry with your dad for what your mom did.¡± Old Yang gave a word of advice to Nan Nan.

    ¡°Uncle Yang, he is my dad. I will not do that. Besides, the other party is my mom. I know what to do.¡± Qiao Nan sounded happy when she mentioned Qiao Dongliang, but she was emotionless when she talked about Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Uncle Yang, it is not easy to rent a ce like this. Did my dad manage to find it in one day¡¯s time?¡± Qiao Nan put down her things and asked unbelievably.

    Her father seemed to have made preparations for moving out of their house. Unlike her, she had only made up her mind to move out after what happened in the morning.

    Be it now or in the future, houses in the school districts were highly sought after.

    It was impossible to rent a house in the school district within such short notice.

    ¡°No, your dad has been looking for this house for three months. Your dad started looking for a ce to move in after your middle school examination.¡± Old Yang shook his head. ¡°Your dad has been asking around since ages ago.¡±

 Chapter 246 - The Same Quiet Temperament

    <h4>Chapter 246: The Same Quiet Temperament</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°He knew that many parents rent a ce in the school district in order to save their children¡¯s traveling time, a ce with an atmosphere conducive to education and fewer distractions so that their children could focus on their studies. He thus sought the help of others to search for such a ce. He was afraid that it will be hard to find one in the school district in the next two and a half years¡¯ time, so he simply started to rent the ce when you are still in the first year of high school. Your dad said that it¡¯s better to n ahead although it would cost more. Furthermore, it¡¯s not easy to find a ce somewhere in the school district. Even if he starts the search now, he may not be able to find one.¡±

    ¡°Both of you were in luck too. This room was avable because one of your year two schoolmates suddenly transferred to another school.¡±

    Upon hearing Old Yang¡¯s words, Qiao Nan became silent.

    She had always thought that, regarding her decision to study at Ping Cheng High School, her father would appreciate her for being sensible and considerate toward the parents at most. Never did she expect that she actually had an important ce in her father¡¯s heart. In addition, her father also felt bad that she had to attend Ping Cheng High School.

    At least, her father did not spend so much effort when it came to Qiao Zijin¡¯s high school studies.

    Renting a ce near the school for three years was not cheap. Although it¡¯s the 20th century and the cost of goods was considered affordable, the amount was definitely substantial. With the three years¡¯ worth of rental expenses and some top-up, one might be able to buy a suite at the end of the 21st century.

    Her father always advocated equal treatment between Qiao Zijin and her. Indeed, her father had been trying hard to carry out what he preached instead of paying lip service.

    Qiao Nan initially thought that the matter of spending five thousand yuan for Qiao Zijin to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was over and forgotten. However, at the sight of this rented apartment, she realized that Qiao Dongliang had never forgotten about it.

    ¡°Uncle Yang, don¡¯t worry. I know that Dad is good to me. He¡¯s different from my mom.¡± Qiao Nan gave Old Yang a smile from the bottom of her heart. Her mood was instantly bright now despite the terrible experience in the morning. ¡°Thank you so much for telling me all this, Uncle Yang. My dad has a quiet temperament, an enigma at times. He will not tell me anything even after doing certain things for my sake.¡±

    She obviously resembled her father in this aspect.

    Old Yang scratched his head, embarrassed, and smiled awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯m d that you don¡¯t me me for being a busybody. Nan Nan, you¡¯re a smart child. Nothing escapes your eyes.¡±

    ¡°No matter what, I¡¯m very grateful to you, Uncle Yang.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips and smiled shyly. She had a pure and childlike innocent look befitting a real sixteen-year-old kid. ¡°Really, thank you so much, Uncle Yang. I mean it.¡±

    ¡°Well... no, don¡¯t mention it.¡± Old Yang was puzzled. He heard that children of Nan Nan¡¯s age had the most rebellious and entric character. They would do the reverse of what the adults told them to. However, Nan Nan¡¯s temperament was also entric in a sense. It was weirder, even, for she was way too sensible for someone of her age.

    Old Yang did not understand fully why he received three big and serious thank-yous from Qiao Nan by putting in a few good words for Qiao Dongliang. What was she thanking him for?

    ¡°Uncle Yang, we have just reached the house and have not boiled any water. I¡¯m so sorry that we have no drinking water to serve.¡± After Qiao Nan calmed down, she remembered her duties as a host. She did not have money with her and could not even go out to buy a Popsicle for Uncle Yang.

    ¡®No worries, no worries.¡± Old Yang waved his hands as he did not mind. If Qiao Nan had not mentioned it, Old Yang would have felt a little disappointed indeed. Now, Qiao Nan¡¯s words made him feel much better. It was certainly better than having Popsicle.

    He did not need anything to eat, but at the very least, the other party had to be appreciative.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Old Yang.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was riding on a bicycle, reached soon after.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Qiao Nan happily called out and rushed to him eagerly. ¡°Dad, you have not fully recovered. Why did you ride a bicycle here? This can¡¯t be good for your health, can it?¡±

    Qiao Nan helped him get down from the bicycle affectionately. Qiao Dongliang raised his eyebrows as he was a little puzzled by the behavior. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry. Dad has almost recovered. Most likely, I¡¯ll be able to return to the factory to work next month.¡± After resting for six months, it was finally time for him to return to work.

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to be in a rush. You have only rested for three months, not long enough for a full recovery. It takes a hundred days to recover from nerve and bone injuries. Since your injuries are more serious, you should rest for at least another month.¡± Qiao Nan said as she helped Qiao Dongliang park the bicycle. ¡°Dad, give me half a yuan. I will go and buy a Popsicle for Uncle Yang to relieve the difort from the hot weather. We just arrived at the new house and there¡¯s no drinking water. There is tap water, but I am afraid it is not suitable for him to drink.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Dad bought them.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled happily as he raised the small bag in his hand. ¡°There are three Popsicles, one for Uncle Yang, one for you, and one for me. No one is left out.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Qiao Nan took over the Popsicles happily and ran into the house. ¡°Uncle Yang, my dad bought these. Please choose one.¡±

    Old Yang saw that there were three Popsicles in the bag, but Qiao Nan did not pick hers first despite being the youngest. He was very pleased. ¡°You can pick the vor first. Uncle Yang eats everything.¡±

    ¡°Me too. I¡¯m not picky. Uncle Yang, you choose first.¡± After thinking, Qiao Nan simply picked one with a nice packaging for Uncle Yang as she guessed that he was too shy to take the Popsicle first. ¡°Uncle Yang, take this Popsicle. I¡¯ll take this one and the other one will be for my dad.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Uncle Yang owed this to Nan Nan, then.¡± Old Yang took the Popsicle smilingly. The previous anger caused by Ding Jiayi¡¯s scolding diminished. After all, he already knew about the situation before he made the trip to the Qiao¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Dad, here¡¯s your Popsicle.¡± Just as Qiao Dongliang entered the house, Qiao Nan passed him thest Popsicle. She had already helped him unwrap it. Only when Qiao Dongliang started eating his Popsicle did Qiao Nan unwrap hers and follow suit.

    As Old Yang was having his Popsicle, he showed Qiao Dongliang a thumbs-up sign from an angle out of Qiao Nan¡¯s sight. He was looking at Qiao Nan when he gave the thumbs-up, hinting at something that went without saying.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled proudly. She¡¯s his daughter. Of course, she¡¯s the most wonderful and the best daughter in the world.

    You would only know the truth uponparison. Qiao Dongliang discovered that, except for having a sweet tongue, Qiao Zijin was in no way better than Qiao Nan.

    At the thought that Qiao Zijin did not even greet Old Yang when thetter was helping out in the Qiao¡¯s residence today, Qiao Dongliang could not help but feel like shaking his head and sighing.

    Given Zijin¡¯s character, he could not imagine what would happen to her when she stepped out to society after graduating from high school. If she had a boyfriend and remained impolite when meeting his parents, she would most probably leave a poor impression on them during their first meeting.

    Qiao Nan, who was having her Popsicle, did not know Qiao Dongliang¡¯s thoughts. Otherwise, she would have told Qiao Dongliang with certainty.

    As long as the family background of Qiao Zijin¡¯s boyfriend was good, Qiao Zijin would transform into the most sensible and obedient youngdy in the world. She had her way of gaining the favors of her parents-inw.

    In the past, didn¡¯t Qiao Zijin double-cross her and marry Chen Jun sessfully because of this?

    Chen Jun¡¯s parents already knew that Qiao Nan was his girlfriend. Typically, would parents be able to ept someone who double-crossed her biological sister as their daughter-inw?

 Chapter 247 - Saving the â€˜Damsel in Distressâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 247: Saving the ¡®Damsel in Distress¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This was particrly so for Chen Jun¡¯s parents. If Chen Jun did not like the girl, given the Chen family¡¯s status and reputation, Mother Chen would be reluctant to be inws with the Qiao family. Moreover, Qiao Zijin had double-crossed her biological sister by snatching thetter¡¯s boyfriend. Mother Chen might not agree to the marriage even if Qiao Zijin was already pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child.

    However, strangely, in less than a month¡¯s time before Qiao Zijin¡¯s tummy had even grown bigger, Father Chen agreed to the marriage. Even Mother Chen, who had strong objections initially, nodded her head and acknowledged the marriage-to-be.

    As such, Qiao Zijin was high in both EQ and IQ. The only issue was that she had not met the right person who would make her smarter.

    Or rather, Qiao Zijin was still young and had yet to be enlightened to who she was in her previous life.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯ste. Should you be going to school?¡± Before they finished packing, Qiao Dongliang urged Qiao Nan to leave for school. ¡°You can¡¯t bete for school. It¡¯ll leave a bad impression on the teachers.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t exaggerate. Moreover, this ce is just a short walking distance away from Ping Cheng High School. I¡¯ll leave after we are done with the packing. There¡¯s still time.¡± Qiao Nan was full of enthusiasm and seemed to have boundless energy.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s actions were nimble and quick. Coupled with her hyperactive mood, she was able to carry out the task efficiently.

    Soon after, Qiao Nan finished organizing most of the household items and cing them properly. ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t need much at home today as I will be staying at school. But if you¡¯re going to continue staying here, you will need to get some essential items such as the washbasin and kettle. Don¡¯t miss these out.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Dad knows what to do. These are mundane matters. Don¡¯t worry and go to school.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled as he patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders, took schoolbag, and handed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Go.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m leaving for school, then.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and took over the bag. She left for school, feeling extraordinarily rxed.

    It was only a ten-minute walk to Ping Cheng High School from the rented apartment. Unlike the past, Qiao Nan did not need to take any public transport to get to the school.

    Qiao Nan was in such a good mood that she started humming songs on her way there. At this juncture, she heard someone¡¯s footsteps running anxiously behind her.

    Qiao Nan was not bothered initially. However, the person ran toward her and bumped hard onto her shoulders, causing her to lose her footing and fall forward with both hands on the ground. Qiao Nan¡¯s school bag was flung away from the impact.

    ¡°Tsk...¡± Both of Qiao Nan¡¯s palms stung with pain. The pain made her frown and gasped in cold air.

    Qiao Nan looked up to see who the careless person was. She did not expect that the person who bumped into her not only did not apologize but also picked up her schoolbag from the ground and simply ran off. ¡°Hey, you snatched my schoolbag! Help, there¡¯s a robber! There¡¯s a robber!¡±

    Qiao Nan anxiously got up from the ground and ran after the robber. However, a quicker figure passed by Qiao Nan in a sh as it headed in the robber¡¯s direction.

    ¡°It¡¯s broad daylight, yet you dare to steal and rob! Do you take the policeman in China as ornaments?!¡± That figure caught up with the robber before Qiao Nan. He even managed to kick the robber¡¯s back, resulting in Qiao Nan¡¯s school bag being flung away for the second time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a busybody!¡± The robber halted his steps and shot a deadly stare at the figure. ¡°Lad, let me warn you. If you don¡¯t wish to die, quickly scram. If you¡¯ve watched too much television drama and became a moron, I¡¯ll help your parents teach you a lesson and let you know how to mind your own business!¡±

    ¡°Nuts.¡± The young man was both amused and angry at the robber. ¡°Fine, I¡¯d like to see how you can teach me a lesson.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really not afraid of dying?¡± The robber¡¯s eyes were staring at the young man, giving him a fierce look. He took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed at the young man.

    Qiao Nan drew in a sharp breath. She was so scared that she covered her mouth. The young man was barehanded, but the robber had a weapon. The disparity inpetitive advantage was too great.

    Qiao Nan looked around her and realized that there was not even a piece of stone within sight that she could use to smash the robber¡¯s head. She was so anxious that she nearly cried. ¡°Schoolbag! Yes, I still have the schoolbag!¡±

    Just as the young man was upied with fighting the robber, Qiao Nan bent down and picked up the school bag that was flung onto the ground earlier. She strapped it behind her back threw it hard at the robber.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag was heavily filled with books. Even if the hit did not make the robber faint, it should make him dizzy.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± At the sight of the robber vigorously shaking his head to regain his sense, Qiao Nan shouted.

    The young man was stunned. He did not expect that Qiao Nan was so awesome. Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, he lifted his knee and kicked straight toward the robber¡¯s tummy. The knife in the robber¡¯s hand dropped onto the ground, a clinking sound signaling its fall. Thereafter, the young man elbowed the robber¡¯s back, forcing thetter to kneel down in pain.

    With nary a word, Qiao Nan kicked the knife on the ground as far away as she could.

    The coboration of the two subdued the fearsome robber in a matter of seconds.

    ¡°Ah, softer, softer! God, it hurts!¡± When the young man twisted the robber¡¯s hands to his back, the robber shouted loudly in pain, looking so frightened.

    Hugging her lost-and-found schoolbag, Qiao Nan then forced a smile as she looked up at the young man. ¡°I¡¯m really thankful for...¡±

    When Qiao Nan had a clearer look at the face of the young man who helped her, both her expression and body froze. She clutched on to her schoolbag, nearly turning away to leave.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. My dad taught me to be brave in helping those in need. When we see someone who needs assistance, we¡¯ll definitely not hesitate to lend a helping hand. You don¡¯t need to worry about it.¡± The young man revealed a very friendly smile. ¡°Are you alright? I saw that you had a fall earlier. How¡¯s the injury? Is it serious? Shall I send you to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Qiao Nan declined tly without hesitation. Her tone was firm, seemingly a little harsh.

    Upon realizing that her attitude might seem strange to others, Qiao Nan rxed her stiffened face. ¡°I¡¯m a student from the nearby Ping Cheng High School. My palms are only slightly hurt. I¡¯ll just go to the sick bay in my school and seek my teachers¡¯ help in applying some medication oil. There¡¯s no need to make a trip to the hospital. It¡¯s too troublesome.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The young man smiled. ¡°So you¡¯re a student from Ping Cheng High School. Me too. I graduated from Ping Cheng High School. In that case, you¡¯re my junior. It¡¯ste. You¡¯d better make your way to the school. I¡¯ll deal with this robber. You have to study well. Oh yes, my name is Chen Jun. Perhaps we¡¯ll have the fate to meet each other again. When that timees, don¡¯t refuse to acknowledge me, your senior.¡±

 Chapter 248 - Bandaged Like a Dumpling

    <strong>Chapter 248: Bandaged Like a Dumpling</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Upon hearing the young man¡¯s name, Qiao Nan¡¯s fingers sank deeper into the schoolbag she was clutching.

    That¡¯s right. The helpful young man standing before Qiao Nan was none other than Chen Jun, the scum whom she was on marriage talks with, but betrayed her and made Qiao Zijin pregnant in the previous life.

    At the thought of Chen Jun¡¯s betrayal, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth.

    Before the two of them got together, Chen Jun was the one who made the first move. Qiao Nan knew about Chen Jun¡¯s wealthy family background and felt that their rtionship would not work. The two families were grossly ipatible in terms of social status. She had thus rejected Chen Jun numerous times.

    However, Chen Jun persisted and repeatedly proved to Qiao Nan with his actions that he would not give up¡ªthat he was determined in his love for Qiao Nan. Eventually, Qiao Nan was moved by Chen Jun¡¯s unwavering attitude and finally relented.

    In her previous life, till her death, Qiao Nan had one romantic rtionship and only loved one man. However, in the end, she was utterly hurt and covered in emotional scars when she eventually withdrew from the rtionship.

    Qiao Nan had always known that she remained single until she was forty years old not only because of her mother, who eyed her ie and objected to her marrying, but also Chen Jun. She was fearful of marriage, fearful of meeting a scum like Chen Jun again.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan seemed to be shivering, Chen Jun thought that she was affected by the incident. ¡°Why don¡¯t I send you to the school first?¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Qiao Nan declined as if it was a natural reflex. She then said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. You can send robber to the police station. Thank you for your help today. See you.¡±

    Qiao Nan bowed to Chen Jun sincerely to express her gratitude. After thanking him, without waiting for Chen Jun¡¯s reaction, she grabbed her bag and ran toward Ping Cheng High School at a speed faster than that of the robber. It was as if there was a ghost chasing her.

    ¡°What a strange youngdy.¡± Chen Jun smiled. He found Qiao Nan interesting. He had seen so many youngdies. This was the first time he met with one who did not bother about him.

    He had often been pestered by girls who initiated the first move. As such, Chen Jun felt that Qiao Nan was quite special. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡±

    ¡°Aye, my brother. Softer, please. You asked me to put up an act but you¡¯re too much. Your kick nearly made me vomit yellow bile,¡± the robber shouted. His previously fearsome demeanor changed, and he seemed to know Chen Jun well.

    ¡°Alright, cut your pretense. How could I not know how much strength I used? This is for you. Consider it as the remuneration for your effort.¡± Chen Jun took out a ten yuan note and threw it at the robber.

    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re really my biological brother. If you have simr requests in the future, you can look for me. Brother, I¡¯m leaving.¡± After receiving the money, the ¡®robber¡¯ stopped wailing and left happily instead.

    When Qiao Nan and the ¡®robber¡¯ left, Chen Jun leaned on the wall and took out a stick of cigarette. He ced it in his mouth and lighted it, taking a deep breath and exhaling a ring of white smoke.

    It was only when he had finished smoking the cigarette that he threw the cigarette bud on the ground, stepping on it to extinguish it before leaving.

    Qiao Nan, who had left earlier, did not know about all this. However, in this life, even if she knew, she would not be affected.

    ¡°What happened?¡± When Qiao Nan reached the school, the first thing she did was to report to the sick bay. The teacher on duty was shocked when she saw the pitiful state Qiao Nan was in.

    Qiao Nan, who usually looked prim and clean, was in a messy state. Both her hands were stiff and covered with dirt and blood. Bits of sand could be seen on the tiny cuts and bruises. The teacher¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan. ¡°Did anyone from the school bully you?¡±

    ¡°No, it has nothing to do with the schoolmates. I met a robber near the school. He bumped into me and I fell.¡± When Qiao Nan arrived at the school, she finally awoke from her hatred and fury toward Chen Jun. The nerves in her hands had long since transmitted the feeling of pain to her brain, but she could only feel the unbearable pain now.

    ¡°There¡¯s a robber near the school? So bold andwless.¡± The teacher in the sick bay was stunned. ¡°We¡¯ll have to reflect on this in case other students encounter the same situation. Your hand injury is not serious, but it¡¯s quite cumbersome. I¡¯ll wash and disinfect your wound first. It¡¯ll be quite painful, so please bear with it. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ll be able to write for the next two weeks.¡±

    The teacher held Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, washed them, and removed the sands. She then used iodine to disinfect the wound and bandage the parts that were more seriously injured. ¡°Take extra care these two days. As a precautionary measure, don¡¯t let any water get into your hands as there are cuts on your palms and they¡¯re quite deep.¡±

    ¡°I will, teacher. Thank you. I¡¯ll return to my dormitory first.¡±

    At the sight of her hands being wrapped like a dumpling, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. Chen Jun was her jinx. Nothing good would happen whenever she met him.

    Due to the incident, it was ratherte when Qiao Nan reached the dormitory. The other five dormitory mates had already gone to the ssroom. They only discovered about Qiao Nan¡¯s condition when thetter reached the ssroom.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, what happened to your hand? Was it your mother?!¡± Zhu Baoguo had a fierce and determined look. He clearly heard that Xiao Qiao¡¯s mother created a din but did not hurt her physically. That old woman must have made things difficult for Xiao Qiao when they were at home!

    Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders while she put her schoolbag down. She dared not move too much and both her palms were facing up. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to talk about it. This matter did not have anything to do with my mom. I¡¯m down on my luck. me it on my bad luck.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was having difficulty with her movements, Zhu Baoguo took her schoolbag and put away some of the books into the desk¡¯s book box as per what Qiao Nan usually did. He then ced the remaining books on the table. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I met a robber on my way here. He pushed me, and the rest is history.¡± Qiao Nan looked helpless as she raised her hands that were now bandaged like a dumpling.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you alright?¡± Zheng Lingling came over. ¡°How could there be a robber? Is your money still with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I kept it with me all along. The schoolbag was nearly snatched away. Fortunately, someone helped me, so I only suffered light injuries.¡± Qiao Nan had little to no money at all, so she never had the habit of putting money in the schoolbag. She always carried it with her instead.

    ¡°It¡¯s too scary. Nan Nan, do you want to let Teacher Liu know about this?¡± Tang Mengran covered her face with both hands. She looked frightened.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°There is no need to. The teacher in the sick bay will bring this matter up to the school.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve not heard about anyone who encountered the same situation, have you?¡± He Yun knitted her brows.

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you saying that Xiao Qiao is lying?! Are you asking for a beating?¡±

 Chapter 249 - The Suave Senior Is Here

    <h4>Chapter 249: The Suave Senior Is Here</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo was unhappy. He knitted his eyebrows and fiercely mmed on the table, the ¡®little lord of the Zhu family¡¯ aura exuding from his every pore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get so worked up. I think He Yun was only questioning the robber¡¯s intelligence.¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses. ¡°We¡¯re students. To put it bluntly, although we¡¯re already in high school, who will carry a lot of money with them? Do we look like the kind of people that¡¯s truly wealthy? I¡¯ve heard of cases about holding someone to ransom on the road, but not robbing so tantly such as Nan Nan¡¯s case. Furthermore, the schoolbag was snatched away in this circumstance.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, how did you manage to retrieve your schoolbag?¡± Zhu Baoguo pursed his lips. His expression became more serious.

    Fang Fang¡¯s words were not without reason.

    ¡°A stranger helped me,¡± Qiao Nan said coldly. She was not even willing to mention Chen Jun¡¯s name.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you don¡¯t seem to like the person who helped you?¡± Tao Zhenqin was puzzled as she looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Is it because he¡¯s too ugly?¡±

    ¡°Not ugly.¡± How could Chen Jun be considered ugly? His father was quite handsome and his mother was famous for her beauty. Hence, the couple¡¯s child was not only not ugly but quite good-looking.

    If not for the fact that Chen Jun had money, power, and good looks, would Qiao Zijin resort to all ways and means, and was even willing to be pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child before marrying him?

    The meeting with Chen Jun, an ¡®old friend¡¯, made Qiao Nan a little impetuous.

    Tang Mengran smiled. ¡°He¡¯s not ugly. That means he¡¯s not bad-looking. Nan Nan, in that case, is this considered as a hero saving the beauty? Did he tell you his name?¡±

    Qiao Nan tugged her lips and did not borate much. ¡°I think he did. I can¡¯t really remember. I me it on my bad luck for today¡¯s incident. I don¡¯t wish to think about it anymore. It¡¯ste. You all should return to your seats. Don¡¯t let Teacher Liu see you.¡±

    Just as Qiao Nan finished her words, the rm for the evening self-study time rang. All of Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory mates immediately returned to their respective seats abidingly.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I think Fang Fang¡¯s words made sense. Did you offend anyone recently that they deliberately used this method to teach you a lesson?¡± Fortunately, Xiao Qiao met someone who helped her. Otherwise, he could not imagine what would happen to Xiao Qiao if she lost her schoolbag.

    Zhu Baoguo knew very clearly that Qiao Nan loved to study and valued her books very much.

    Zhu Baoguo had deeper thoughts in regard to this matter than Fang Fang. From Zhu Baoguo¡¯s perspective, stealing Qiao Nan¡¯s books was worse than taking Qiao Nan¡¯s life.

    Clearly, this was someone whom Qiao Nan knew and was familiar with. They deliberately set up this incident to make Qiao Nan feel miserable.

    The first suspect that came to his mind was Zhao Yu, who had a bad track record. Zhu Baoguo eyes shed as he stared directly at Zhao Yu.

    Zhao Yu had, in fact, been observing Qiao Nan quietly. When she heard that Qiao Nan met with a robber and was hurt, she felt overjoyed. However, when Zhu Baoguo stared at her in this manner, she was so scared that she quickly covered her face with her hands.

    The more Zhao Yu behaved in this way, the more Zhu Baoguo had a reason for suspecting her.

    Zhu Baoguo sneered. He had already let Zhao Yu off previously in the matter about the essaypetition. If Zhao Yu did not mend her old ways, then don¡¯t me him for being unruly to her!

    Zhu Baoguo shifted his gaze away from Zhao Yu and looked at Qiao Nan instead. He smiled when he saw Qiao Nan clumsily try to open her pencil box to retrieve a pen to no avail. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯re so handicapped, tell me if you need anything. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    ¡°Crap. The teacher in the sick bay overdid the bandage.¡± Qiao Nan felt depressed. Besides the deeper cuts on the palms, the injuries on the rest of her hands were not that serious. Who would have known that the teacher would put so many bandages on her hands? It was terrible.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. The few girls in your dormitory are quite good in their studies too. You can tell them to help you since it¡¯s not convenient for you to take notes these few days. When your hand injuries recover, simply borrow their notes and copy them.¡± The teacher was smart to bandage Xiao Qiao¡¯s hands in this way. Otherwise, given Xiao Qiao¡¯s diligence, she would definitely move her hands and write despite the injuries. The wound would probably burst open in that case.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°I guess there is no other way.¡±

    True enough, one could not afford to be toocent. One moment, she was overjoyed to have discovered her father¡¯s care and concern for her. Another moment, she met with this incident. The thing that she could not ept most was that she actually met Chen Jun!

    Clearly, she met Chen Jun when she was twenty years old in her previous life. Why was it brought forward by four years in this life? Could it be because of the fact that she did not quit school and studied at Ping Cheng High School?

    Forget it. Since she had already met him, then so be it.

    She already knew Chen Jun¡¯s character. The person who hurt her deeply was the Chen Jun from her previous life. There was no need to seek revenge in this life. However, she would stay away from Chen Jun to avoid the sins that happened in her previous life.

    As a form teacher, Teacher Liu naturally knew of Qiao Nan¡¯s hand injuries in no time. When the school knew about the matter, they ced great importance to it and told the security guards to keep a watchful eye.

    Given the way she was bandaged by the teacher in the sick bay, Qiao Nan did not touch a pen for five whole days.

    To ensure that Qiao Nan¡¯s hands recovered quickly, even the towel for washing her face was wrung by one of her dormitory mates each morning.

    When the school started, Zhao Yu clearly saw that the five dormitory mates of Qiao Nan were united in isting Qiao Nan. However, within a short time span of two weeks, everyone in the dormitory changed and now addressed her intimately as Nan Nan. When Qiao Nan was injured this time, they treated and cared for her as if she was a little princess.

    Inparison, she experienced psychological abuse from her dormitory mates. No one bothered about her when she returned to her dormitory and her things were often thrown away or dirtied. Only Zhao Yu herself knew how much hate and despises she felt.

    ¡°It¡¯s such a big relief.¡± It was Saturday, and Qiao Nan could finally remove all the bandages. She moved both her hands and felt revived. ¡°The five of you, quickly lend me your lesson notes. I have missed five days of notes. I¡¯ll need to copy till my death.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already prepared them. Take your time to copy.¡± Tang Mengran looked like she was gloating.

    To a student, the most miserable thing was to be punished. Qiao Nan was not punished, but this was akin to punishment in a sense. She had to copy five days of notes. It felt miserable at the mere thought of it.

    ¡°Where did all the boys in the ss go today? Have they been too rxed during the free and easy time and thus gone missing?¡± Feeling puzzled, Tao Zhenqin blinked her eyes as she asked.

    ¡°I think one of the seniors who graduated from our school came back. He¡¯s ying basketball in the school, so the boys in the ss went to join in on the fun,¡± Fang Fang said calmly.

    ¡°Senior? How does he look like? Why did his return cause a stir?¡± Tang Mengran was the first to be interested.

    Fang Fang adjusted her sses as usual and simply said, ¡°Whether he¡¯s good-looking or not... Look around the ssroom. Is Xu Tingting still around? As to why his return caused a stir... I heard that his grades were excellent when he was still a student at Ping Cheng High School.¡±

 Chapter 250 - I Changed My Habit

    <h4>Chapter 250: I Changed My Habit</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°He eventually did our school proud and studied at a first-tier university. Don¡¯t you think he¡¯ll cause a stir?¡±

    Tang Mengran mmed the table in fury. ¡°What! Xu Tingting was too quick. She called herself our vice ss monitor. Can¡¯t she be more disciplined like Nan Nan and set a good example for us? This won¡¯t do. I want to take a look at the handsome guy too!¡±

    Having that said, Tang Mengran took off and ran toward the basketball court, leaving the rest of the people stunned.

    ¡°This Tang Mengran...¡± Tao Zhenqin curled the corners of her mouth. She had to ¡®adore¡¯ Tang Mengran. Compared to Xu Tingting, she was only slightly better.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you don¡¯t look good.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not interested in such matters. He observed that Qiao Nan, who looked quite happy earlier, turned pale at this moment. He asked with concern, ¡°Do you feel unwell?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head, thinking that it could not be so coincidental. She was most likely overthinking. ¡°Alright, those who are keen to take a look, please go ahead. There¡¯s no need to keep mepany. I need to copy the notes now.¡±

    ¡°Not going,¡± Fang Fang said decisively. ¡°I¡¯m going to study.¡±

    ¡°That...¡± Tao Zhenqin was a little tempted, but unfortunately, Tang Mengran ran off too quickly and she did not manage to follow suit. She felt a little embarrassed if she left at this point in time.

    He Yun and Zheng Lingling were more decisive. After entering high school, there was so much homework every day. How would they have the spare time to look at seniors? Time to do their homework!

    Those who liked to watch the fun left and those who remained behind quiet down.

    Shortly after, the ssroom of ss one was filled with silence. There was no sound except for the asional flipping of books and writing.

    However, the silence was broken by amotion very soon. ¡°Senior, take a look. This is the ssroom of ss one now. Is it the same as the one you used when you¡¯re still studying here? Senior, which is your previous seat?¡± It would be great if she had the same seat as the senior.

    Xu Tingting was chattering non-stop like a sparrow. It hurt to listen to her.

    Fang Fang knitted her brows and looked out of the ssroom. She saw an extremely good-looking man standing beside Xu Tingting. The rest of the people seemed to be surrounding the man.

    Fang Fang raised her brows in realization. That must be the legendary senior who had too much time to spare.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite a coincidence. When I was still a student here, ss one used the same ssroom as well. It has not changed at all.¡± Chen Jun smiled gentlemanly.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s heart melted at the sight of Chen Jun¡¯s smile. That was because he did not see the impatience and disgust in Chen Jun¡¯s eyes at all. ¡°Can I enter the ssroom to take a look?¡±

    ¡°Of course you can!¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Senior, look. That¡¯s my seat. Where were you seated previously?¡± Xu Tingting lifted her chest in arrogance. In front of the other girls who had the look of envy, she tried to steer Chen Jun toward her seat. ¡°Senior, why don¡¯t you take a seat on my chair first?¡±

    She was fully aware that many other girls were shamelessly trying to get close to Senior Chen because he was good-looking. Nevertheless, Senior Chen had high standards. Any ordinary folks would be overestimating themselves if they thought that they could gain Senior Chen¡¯s favor.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s such a coincidence. I didn¡¯t expect us to meet in less than a week.¡± There was a sh of guilt in Chen Jun¡¯s eyes. He looked pleasantly surprised as he strode toward Qiao Nan with his long legs.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± The few girls who were earlier disappointed that they had to sit by the side and watch as Xu Tingting got close to Chen Jun immediately covered their mouth andughed secretly.

    Xu Tingting wascent and rolled her eyes at them. The current situation was superb. It was much more so since it particrly involved Qiao Nan. It was simply fabulous!

    Qiao Nan, who was looking down and hiding her face, had a headache when she heard Chen Jun. Qiao Nan scratched her forehead and looked at Chen Jun. ¡°You are?¡±

    The bright smile on Chen Jun¡¯s face stiffened. ¡°Last Sunday, in the small alley. Like this.¡± Chen Jun made a kicking action. He did not believe that Qiao Nan had forgotten what happenedst week.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. Thank you so much for your help previously. Sorry, I¡¯ve studied too much and be a moron. Remembering the knowledge in the textbooks aside, my memory is not very good when ites to other matters. Moreover, I¡¯m poor at recognizing faces. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Qiao Nan patted her forehead as if she finally remembered who Chen Jun was. ¡°Oh yes, you told mest time that you graduated from Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    Chen Jun was so wealthy. His father was the policemissioner. Chen Jun did not attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Did hee to Ping Cheng High School to experience life?!

    ¡°Last week?¡± Tang Mengran blinked her eyes. She seemed to have realized something as she looked at Chen Jun with admiration. ¡°Nan Nan met a robberst week on her way to school and was saved by someone. Were you the one who helped her?¡± She had said that it was the case of a hero saving a beauty, but Nan Nan would not admit it.

    ¡°So you¡¯re called Nan Nan?¡± Chen Jun said in a deep tone. Somehow, when Chen Jun said the two words ¡®Nan Nan¡¯, it sounded like a bad premonition.

    Tang Mengran sounded affectionate when she called Nan Nan, but Chen Jun¡¯s ¡®Nan Nan¡¯ was like a spider web, sticky and pestering. It sounded as if he was calling someone he liked. It gave people the goosebumps.

    Xu Tingting, who was ignored, stomped her feet thrice. She could not take it lying down any longer. She pushed away those around Chen Jun and stood beside him. Thereafter, she looked at Qiao Nan and faked a smile. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know Senior Chen?¡±

    Why was Qiao Nan involved in everything? First, it was Instructor Zhou, and now, Senior Chen. Was Qiao Nan the reincarnation of the seductive fox spirit? All the good men in the world knew Qiao Nan and were so good to her!

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qiao Nan, why didn¡¯t you mention it earlier that you know Senior Chen? Someone thought that she knew Senior Chen very well, or rather, knew him best.¡± One of the girls could not help saying this sarcastically.

    ¡°So you¡¯re the one who helped Xiao Qiaost time. Thanks so much.¡± Zhu Baoguo moved forward to shield Qiao Nan and smiled narrowly.

    Chen Jun smiled in return as he looked at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Are you thanking me on behalf of Nan Nan as her ssmate?¡±

    ¡°Senior Chen, you¡¯ve misunderstood. Zhu Baoguo is not thanking you as Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmate. He¡¯s thanking you as Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend. Our whole ss knows about them!¡± Xu Tingting said loudly.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned ck. For the sake of Xiao Qiao, he did not stick to Xiao Qiao during or after school. He was usually together with the boys in the ss. Xu Tingting¡¯s mouth was way beyond rude to have made such false statements. ¡°Xu Tingting, in the past, I didn¡¯t have the habit of hitting a woman. But in the future, I have decided to change my habit when I encounter shameless women.¡±

 Chapter 251 - Spitball

    <h4>Chapter 251: Spitball</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Xu Tingting was shocked. She then hid behind Chen Jun as if she was very weak and needed protection. ¡°Senior Chen, you have to help me. I was just telling the truth.¡±

    ¡°Help you?¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that he is your senior, not your dog. How long and how much can he help you with?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo hated the sight of the man who took the initiative to be close to Qiao Nan.

    Chen Jun frowned. ¡°How could you say something like that?¡± Nobody had scolded Chen Jun in such a manner before.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to me to say what I want. If you are displeased, you can point it out and we can fight it out.¡± Zhu Baoguo stared at Chen Jun. He could tell that Chen Jun was not a wimp. Thetter seemed to have some guts in him.

    However, Chen Jun would be in for a big surprise if he believed that Xiao Qiao would take a fancy to him with his dilettantish efforts.

    ¡°Senior Chen!¡± Xu Tingting stood behind Chen Jun, her hands holding on to Chen Jun¡¯s shirt. ¡°Senior Chen, you must teach him a lesson lest he bes too arrogant.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was right. She could not expect that her senior would always be there to protect her.

    If her senior could teach Zhu Baoguo a lesson before leaving, then Zhu Baoguo might have to listen to her in the future.

    Most importantly, Xu Tingting wanted Chen Jun to stand up for her.

    ¡°Childish.¡± Chen Jun calmed himself down. ¡°I merely came back to Ping Cheng High School to take a look. I have no intention to fight. But the junior over here, you do not seem to have a good temper. Be careful that you will not have many friends and offend a bunch of people in the future instead.¡±

    ¡°I am not afraid!¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled. He was not one to shy away from fights!

    Chen Jun twitched the corners of his lips, narrowed his eyes, and smiled grimly. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should go back. All of you should study hard. I hope to see you again at college.¡± He was not here to fight, but it was indeed a pity that his ns did not go well.

    ¡°...¡± Xu Tingting held on to Chen Jun¡¯s clothes nervously and looked at Zhu Baoguo with fear in her eyes.

    Zhu Baoguo had said that he was going to hit her. How could her senior leave her alone?

    ¡°Hey junior, you can rest assured. What he just said was merely a joke. This is a school, and we are all students. The teachers are not to be trifled with. They will not allow people to fight in school. Chen Jun took a step forward, forcing Xu Tingting to release her grip on his shirt.

    If not for the fact that Xu Tingting and Qiao Nan were in the same ss, he would not have asked Xu Tingting to lead the way.

    Chen Jun had seen a lot of girls like Xu Tingting in his years of studies. He was not the least bit interested in them or in their whining. No matter what moves Xu Tingting made, Chen Jun was already immune to them.

    ¡°Are you really leaving, Senior Chen? If there is a chance in the future, I want to study at the same college as you. If I have a problem, I can seek your help.¡± She was just reminded by the senior that if Zhu Baoguo really dared to mess with her, she couldin to the teacher.

    Zhu Baoguo could never call the shots at school. Every student would be fearful of their teachers.

    Chen Jun gave a polite and distant answer. ¡°All of you have just started high school. The college entrance examination is in two years¡¯ time. Don¡¯t worry. If there is a chance, it is not toote to be acquaintance with each other by then. Alright, I will make a move first. Study hard.¡±

    ¡°Xu Tingting, your senior is leaving. You should send him off. Don¡¯t forget to get his contact info.¡± Zheng Lingling mocked Xu Tingting.

    She could never understand how a besotted girl like Xu Tingting managed to make it to ss one of Ping Cheng High School.

    But it mattered not. The first monthly exam would being in another half a month¡¯s time. If Xu Tingting did not do well, she would be kicked out of ss one.

    In the future, as long as they were not in the same ss, Xu Tingting could act like a besotted fool for all she cared. Otherwise, she would feel embarrassed being ssmates with Xu Tingting.

    Whenever Xu Tingting spotted a capable man, she would behave like an infatuated fool and embarrass herself. Zheng Lingling had no idea why she was so shameless and thick-skinned. As a youngdy, did she not find it embarrassing to take the initiative?

    ¡°Fine, I will say goodbye to him.¡± Xu Tingting lifted her chin and chased after Chen Jun.

    Zheng Lingling was lost for words. She did not mean for Xu Tingting to say goodbye to the senior. Could Xu Tingting not tell that she was mocking her?

    ¡°What is this situation?¡± Tang Mengran covered her face as she could no longer bear to see it. Although she liked handsome guys as well, Xu Tingting¡¯s behavior was simply too much.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I have something to tell you. I think the senior is not a good person.¡± Zhu Baoguo had a stern expression on his face. He could not keep his feelings about Chen Jun to himself and not tell Qiao Nan. ¡°I have a feeling that he has ill intentions toward you. Ignore him in the future.¡±

    Thinking of how Xu Tingting and Tang Mengran were infatuated over Chen Jun, Zhu Baoguo could not help but feel gloomy. He might not have said it, but he knew that he felt inferior to Chen Jun.

    In the eyes of others, Chen Jun was very outstanding. He dressed well and his family was well-to-do. He was good-looking and graduated from a key high school.

    Aspared to the person he was from a year ago, he barely passed his middle school examinations. Sitting for the college entrance examination was a much higher hurdle inparison. Zhu Baoguo felt particrly bitter when he saw how outstanding Chen Jun was. He felt stifled and suffocated. He was angry for losing out to other men in front of Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°Xu Tingting is back. What do all of you think? Did she manage to get the senior¡¯s contact number?¡±

    ¡°How would I know? Let¡¯s just ignore her.¡± He Yun rolled her eyes and went straight back to her seat.

    Xu Tingting did not look good. When she chased after Chen Jun, she could not even see the sight of him, let alone get his contact info. She had chased after him as soon as he left, but why could she not catch up with him?

    Xu Tingting felt a slight bang on her head. She was stunned. Someone had thrown something at her. Fortunately, it was not a heavy object and she did not feel much pain from the blow to her head.

    Xu Tingting was furious. She touched the spot on her head that had been hit and looked around the ss, searching for the culprit. She met Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes inadvertently. ¡°Who...¡±

    Xu Tingting was about to ask who hit her when she saw a spitball next to the legs of her chair.

    The students on duty had just cleaned the ssroom. There should not have been any rubbish around.

 Chapter 252 - From Whom to Whom

    <h4>Chapter 252: From Whom to Whom</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Out of curiosity, Xu Tingting picked up the spitball and spread it out. On it was a line of words written in bold. It seemed to be the handwriting of a man.

    The content was very clear-cut. It was the address of a college. It also indicated the department and the level.

    Could this be the contact address of the senior?

    But who gave this to her?

    Xu Tingting pursed her red lips. It was definitely not given to her by her senior. It did not make sense that she saw the spitball only now. In that case, it must be given to her by someone in the ssroom.

    The handwriting on the spitball had bold and powerful strokes. It was obviously written by a man. It would not be a woman¡¯s handwriting. Xu Tingting felt that it must be written by Chen Jun.

    ¡°...¡± Xu Tingting grounded her teeth and looked at Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan was looking at her books. She did not even nce her way.

    Not getting a response from Qiao Nan, Xu Tingting pressed her lips into a straight line and hid the spitball quietly.

    No matter who gave this spitball to her, since it was given to her, it was now hers!

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, what did you just throw at Xu Tingting?¡± After making sure that Xu Tingting was no longer looking at Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo pulled at Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°Something that Xu Tingting fervently hopes for.¡± Qiao Nan flipped a page of her book.

    ¡°What is it that she fervently hopes for?¡±

    ¡°Why did she chase after Chen Jun just now?¡± Qiao Nan read her book, saw an important point, and made a note on the book.

    ¡°That man¡¯s contact address? Wait a minute, how do you know that his name is Chen Jun?!¡± Zhu Baoguo arched his eyebrows. ¡°Xiao Qiao, let me tell you. You are still young. Your most important task right now is to study hard and to get into a good college in the future so that your mom, who is biased, will realize which of her daughter has a brighter future. You have worked hard for so long and have suffered so much. Is it worth it to give up everything for a man? If you really want to find one, you should find someone who is...¡±

    What Zhu Baoguo wanted to say was that if Qiao Nan wanted to start a romantic rtionship, she must at least find someone who was more outstanding than him.

    Bute to think of it, Chen Jun was more outstanding than him. It was Qiao Nan who tutored him and helped him make it to high school. It was due to the Zhu family and the Lee family that he was able to be in the same ss and be deskmate with Qiao Nan.

    At the thought of this, Zhu Baoguo could not finish his sentence.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, there¡¯s no need for you to be in a hurry since you are still young. There are a lot of eligible and outstanding men in the world.¡± He might not be as outstanding as Chen Jun now, but he would definitely outshine him in the future.

    Xiao Qiao often said that he was very smart. He would start to work hard from now on, and he would definitely be an outstanding man.

    By that time, if anyone dared to pursue Xiao Qiao, they would have to get his approval first. Whoever could not match up would have to scram!

    Zhu Baoguo kept nagging at her like an old woman that Qiao Nan almost wanted to get something to smear his face. ¡°Where do you think I got the paper from? Since I gave it to Xu Tingting, do you still think I am interested in Chen Jun?¡±

    The note was given to her when Chen Jun walked up to her side previously.

    Qiao Nan did not want to take it, but she was worried that she might not be quick enough like Chen Jun. If anyone saw her handing the note back to Chen Jun, there was no way she could exin herself.

    Those who did not know might think that she had given her address to Chen Jun. She did not want to be misunderstood by them.

    ¡°Are you serious? Or are you trying to pacify me because you know I don¡¯t like Chen Jun?¡± Zhu Baoguo did not want to admit that he had benefited from this. He suppressed his smile and spoke with one¡¯s tongue in one¡¯s cheek. ¡°In fact, it is totally up to you. As your big brother, as long as you are happy and really like him, I will not stop you.¡±

    Xiao Qiao wanted to study. Although her mother forced her to work, she did not budge at all.

    Since Xiao Qiao gave Chen Jun¡¯s address to Xu Tingting, it must be either Xiao Qiao really did not like Chen Jun or she considered Zhu Baoguo more important to her than her mother that she was willing to listen to him. Regardless, Zhu Baoguo was happy.

    Qiao Nan had been through so many things in her two lifetimes. She could tell that Zhu Baoguo was happy right now.

    The life in high school was much more hectic than in junior high school. In the blink of an eye, they had finished their military training and school had started for a month. After going through the examinations for several major subjects, many students came out of the exam hall feeling dazed. ¡°Hasn¡¯t school just started? How could it be a month already? We still have to take the monthly exams! I felt giddy from so many exams.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up. I keep feeling that I have not done well. I will be spanked at home!¡±

    ¡°I am still in shock. I must have a good meal tofort myself when I go back home. Honestly, are we having exams or are we being tortured by exams?¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan came out of the exam hall, she could hear students from the same levelining about the exams.

    ¡°Nan Nan, how did you do for the exams?¡± Tang Mengran, who alsocked confidence in her exams, knitted her eyebrows and pursed her lips as she came out of the exam hall.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I have to see the results to know.¡± Qiao Nan took her pencil case and said, ¡°The exams are over. Don¡¯t ponder it. Otherwise, you will be under immense pressure.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but think about it. I heard that the students in ss one may change. If you don¡¯t do well in the monthly exam or other important exams, the school will transfer you to other sses. I don¡¯t want to be transferred out of ss one. It will be a shame. My parents were ted when they knew that I went to ss one at Ping Cheng High School. They bragged and boasted to others about it. My parents will beat the hell out of me if I flunk the exams and got transferred out!¡±

    Tang Mengran turned pale at the thought of such an oue.

    ¡°You should not think too much. Even if the students of ss one are reshuffled, it will not be based on the results of a single exam. Otherwise, the teachers will have a hard time. Besides, even if you did not do well this time, there will definitely be other opportunities. As long as you catch up with the results, it will not be a big problem.¡± Qiao Nan patted Tang Mengran¡¯s shoulder and reassured her.

    ¡°Yes, I still have a chance.¡± Tang Mengran breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Nan Nan, luckily you have been leading us to study. The monthly exam was too easy. Many students did not prepare well for the exams, but we have been following your lead and working hard. I believe that if I did badly, someone would definitely do worse than me!¡±

    Tang Mengran immediately felt much better.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Someone spent all her time chasing after the boys, the two instructors, and the senior. She only has eyes for the boys. Tang Mengran, since she is not worried about her results, what are you afraid of?¡± Zheng Lingling joined their conversation.

 Chapter 253 - I Liked Spicy Food

    <h4>Chapter 253: I Liked Spicy Food</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Tang Mengran smiled bitterly. ¡°Lingling, you are wrong. Even though I don¡¯t want to admit it, Xu Tingting is very smart. I was in the same junior high school as her. When she was in junior high school, she had been like this, always interested in boys who have good results, good looks, and good background. In short, she knows how to live by her wits. But even so, her grades have always been good. Think about it. She was admitted into ss one and was appointed vice ss monitor like Nan Nan. She is pretty capable.¡±

    ¡°How did Xu Tingting do for the middle school examination? How much did she score to get into ss one?¡± He Yun was interested as well. She had the impression that Xu Tingting was just a besotted fool. She did not know about her results.

    ¡°The second ce in the ss.¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses and said, ¡°However, there is a huge gap between her score and Qiao Nan¡¯s score.¡±

    Qiao Nan was the top schr of middle school examination. Her results were way much higher than that of the student who came in second ce in the province. Xu Tingting¡¯s results might be good, but she was still ranked behind the person who came in second ce in the province. As such, there was a wide gap between Qiao Nan¡¯s and Xu Tingting¡¯s scores.

    At the thought of this, Fang Fang only had one thought in her mind¡ªabnormal!

    Obviously, she was referring to Qiao Nan.

    Tao Zhenqin smiled and said nothing. ¡°One really couldn¡¯t tell that she is pretty smart.¡±

    Qiao Nan was taken aback as well. She was focused on her own studies and never bothered to know how her ssmates did in their exams. It never crossed her mind to find out who was in second ce and how their results were aspared to hers in the middle school examination.

    It was only now that Qiao Nan found out that Xu Tingting was quite smart as well. ¡°Okay, all the exams are over. It is time to go home. Be it good or bad, we cannot do anything about it. If we did not do well this time, let¡¯s work harder next time and strive for better results.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you will definitely do well. Thus, you are not worried at all.¡± Tao Zhenqin felt bitter. Some students like Xu Tingting and Qiao Nan were just different from the rest.

    Xu Tingting chased after the boys every day. She did not seem to have any time for her studies, yet she did very well. As for Qiao Nan, the most annoying thing about her was that, she took her studies very seriously in the ss, but once lessons were over, she would be very rxed and would not be seen studying.

    Take the monthly exams for instance. All of them in the dormitory would bring their books back to the dormitory and burn the midnight oil. However, Qiao Nan was the only exception. During the exam period, as soon as she returned to the dormitory, she would sleep right after she bathed.

    While Tao Zhenqin revised for her examste into the night, Qiao Nan would be sleeping soundly next to her. Tao Zhenqin would always feel bitter inside.

    Tao Zhenqin sighed. It was exasperating and pointless topare with others.

    ¡°Qiao Nan works hard every day. It is not surprising that she has good results.¡± Fang Fang made pertinentments about Qiao Nan¡¯s efforts. She noticed that Qiao Nan was an effective and efficient learner. When she was studying, she concentrated wholeheartedly. Whenever she was in the ssroom, she would be fully focused on her studies.

    She was very sure that Qiao Nan spent as much time, if not more than any of them, on her studies.

    The only difference was that, Qiao Nan devoted her full attention to her studies when she was in ss, while the rest of them would lose their focus and be side-tracked. As a result, they had to study during their rest time.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go home. I am going to ask my mom to prepare something delicious for me. It is so tiring and exhausting after the exam. I cannot imagine how we are going to survive the three years in high school!¡± Tang Mengran screamed in agony and pressed her hands to her head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home now. Else, it will be toote,¡± Zheng Lingling said nervously.

    The six of them hurried back to their dormitory, packed their things, and went back home.

    Luckily, this time around, Chen Jun did not wait for Qiao Nan on her way home. As soon as she entered the house, Qiao Nan saw someone whom she was surprised at seeing but had expected to see in her house.

    Ding Jiayi had an unabashed look on her face. She wiped her wet hands on the apron. ¡°Nan Nan, you are back. You must be tired. Put down your bag. I will pour you some tea. Dinner will be ready in a while. You have a hard time studying. You must have good food for nourishment.¡±

    This was the first time Ding Jiayi behaved in this way toward Qiao Nan.

    Her words were familiar. This was what she would always say to Qiao Zijin. For this reason, Ding Jiayi did not find it awkward at all. But this was the first time she cared for Qiao Nan¡¯s well-being.

    Qiao Nan put down her bag and scanned the house silently. She noticed that the house had be neat and tidy. Qiao Nan knew that her mother hade over when she went to school. ¡°Is Sistering today?¡±

    Did it mean that her mother and Qiao Zijin decided not to stay at thefortable house back at the quad but to move in with them in this new house?

    ¡°Your sister knows the directions. She wille here as soon as school is over,¡± Ding Jiayi smiled and said nicely. Her attitude was vastly different from how she used to treat Qiao Nan in the past. She used to find Qiao Nan an eyesore and would always pick on her.

    Qiao Nan pursed her mouth. This small quad was pretty small. In fact, it was not a small quad. Technically speaking, it was a one-story cottage. The dining area was located in the kitchen, and there were only two bedrooms. She could not say anything if her mother wanted to share a room with her father. However, if Qiao Zijin had to share a room with her, she would not ept it. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, it was likely that she would not agree as well.

    ¡°Nan Nan is back.¡± Qiao Dongliang came back on a bicycle.

    ¡°Dad, you went to work? Did I not tell you to rest for another month?¡±

    ¡°I am fine. Look, I feel very good and healthy.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled and ced the bicycle properly. ¡°This is your favorite small yellow croaker. Dad bought it specially for you. It¡¯s a special dish just for you. Ding Jiayi, cook it well. Cook it ording to how Qiao Nan likes it to be. Do you know her preferences?¡±

    ¡°I... I know,¡± Ding Jiayi said reluctantly. She had no idea what the wretched girl¡¯s preference was.

    Anyway, her cooking was quite up to standard. Qiao Nan should not be so picky since she already got to eat her favorite small yellow croaker.

    ¡°Mom, I like to eat spicy food. You should put in more chilies. It would be good to braise the croaker.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi did not know her taste, so she hurried to make herself clear.

    ¡°But your sister doesn¡¯t eat...¡± spicy food.

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°As I have said, cook it ording to Nan Nan¡¯s preference. I like it braised and spicy as well. You should cook it ording to Nan Nan¡¯s wishes and put in more chilies. If you do not know how to cook it, I can do it. Let me change my shoes and wash my hands first.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s taste was simr to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s. They liked spicy food, whereas Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could hardly take in spicy food.

    Qiao Zijin, particrly, due to her constitution, could not take in spicy food. In fact, she was even harder to please than Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 254 - In What Ways Were You Good to Me

    <h4>Chapter 254: In What Ways Were You Good to Me</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin could not have spicy food. If she had them, she would have e on her face and her back.

    In the past, when Ding Jiayi was in charge of the meals, she usually cooked the meals ording to Qiao Zijin¡¯s preference. Qiao Dongliang, who had to have spicy food to go with his rice, had to quit this habit of his. asionally, when he craved for spicy food, he would have them outside.

    The reason why Qiao Dongliang did not say anything was that he thought that Qiao Nan did not like spicy food as well. At least, that was what Ding Jiayi told him.

    But her lies were exposed today.

    ¡°No, I can do it. But there isn¡¯t any chili at home.¡± Ding Jiayi tried to put up thest fight. If she added chili to the small yellow croaker, it was almost impossible for Zijin to eat them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will go buy some.¡± Qiao Dongliang put down his briefcase and cycled off.

    Since Qiao Dongliang was so determined, there was no way that Ding Jiayi could stop him.

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang left, Ding Jiayi pulled a long face and looked at Qiao Nan as if she was her enemy. ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy now?! You should at least take into ount that I gave birth to you. I am your biological mom! Why will you do me harm? You insist on sowing discord between your dad and me. Are you bent on seeing us both go our separate ways? Why are you so evil and heartless? Do you not treat your sister and me as your family? Don¡¯t you care about your dad? How can you leave him alone and go to school? Your dad is nursing his injuries. If you care for him, you should know what to do!¡±

    Qiao Nan ignored Ding Jiayi, poured a cup of water for herself, and sat down. ¡°Mom, you should save all the troubles. No matter what you say, it is useless. You should know clearly whether I truly sowed discord between Dad and you or whether it is you who are bent on picking on me and siding with Sister. Dad can tell as well. Now that Dad and you have ended up this way, I am not at fault. You only have yourself to me.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi had not expected Qiao Nan to say this. She had been close to begging Qiao Nan to stop making things difficult for her, yet Qiao Nan said these words to her.

    She was the one at fault?

    That wretched girl and her nonsense!

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t try to use Dad as an excuse. I didn¡¯t persuade him to go back for his own good. What good is it to Dad for him to go back to you? Dad likes to eat spicy food, but are you willing to cook spicy food for Dad despite knowing Sister cannot eat them? My dad was injured, but were you able to fork out the money for his medical fees? Do you understand what is on Dad¡¯s mind? Are you able to make him happy every day? Can you promise that he will not be unhappy like how he used to be in the past?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too proud of yourself! Is this how you talk to your mom? This is the adults¡¯ affairs. You do not know anything! Couples will asionally quarrel. This is normal!¡± Ding Jiayi refused to admit that she was wrong¡ªthat she was too domineering and had disregarded Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings. ¡°Don¡¯t think too highly of yourself just because you managed to borrow money for your dad¡¯s medical fees! You are his daughter. It¡¯s only right that you take care of him!¡±

    ¡°Yes, that is my duty. But what about my sister¡¯s and your duties to dad? He is your husband, my sister¡¯s dad. Is it my responsibility alone to take care of him while both of you simply watch from the side? If that¡¯s the case, then all the more reasons I should not persuade him to go back. If he goes back with you, he will have to work his guts out and give all his pay to you¡ªwhich, in return, will be spent by you on my sister. If he falls sick, he will have no money to pay for his medical fees. But if he stays with me, that will not happen. Mom, are you really being nice to Dad, or do you just want Dad to work his guts out for the both of you?¡±

    It was unreasonable. She was the only one who cared for Qiao Dongliang, but he had to make sacrifices for both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    In the end, both her mother and Qiao Zijin stood to gain.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned bright red. She raised her hand in a bid to hit Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have the audacity to speak to me in this manner. Your dad must have spoiled you! I am going to teach you a lesson today! Otherwise, you will not know who is in charge here!¡±

    ¡°Mom, I advise you to think twice. If you p me right here, how are you going to answer to Dad when he is back? Believe it or not, if you dare to raise your hand against me, I will tell Dad what happened. From then on, you will not be able to enter this house!¡± Qiao Nan stared coldly at Ding Jiayi, her tone firm and strong.

    Ever since she went through rebirth, her mother had raised her hand against her for more than once. In one instance, she was beaten until her ears were bleeding. It had be a habit of hers!

    ¡°You!¡± Ding Jiayi raised her hand but stopped in mid-air. What Qiao Nan said was true. As early as a few months ago, Qiao Dongliang had warned her that Qiao Nan was his daughter. If she dared to do anything to Qiao Nan, he would let her have a taste of her own medicine!

    Ding Jiayi stomped her foot, covered her face with her hands, and cried loudly. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am so disappointed in you. I am your mom! Everything I do is for your own good. I hope that you will have a bright future. Why can¡¯t you understand my efforts and treat me as an enemy instead? You are still young, so you don¡¯t understand. But you can¡¯t repay kindness with ingratitude and sow discord between your Dad and me. When you be a mother, you will understand that everything I do is for your own good.¡±

    ¡°I never med you for moving out with your dad, but what you said is very hurtful. Nan Nan, you used to be a well-behaved child. What caused the change in you? Is anyone leading you astray? Nan Nan, you must not trust those outsiders. I am your mom. I am the only one in this world who will not do you any harm. Whatever others tell you, they are all lies. They are trying to mislead you and disrupt the harmony in our family. Don¡¯t be fooled by those people.¡±

    Qiao Nan was rendered speechless. She lifted her head and looked upward silently. She then looked at Ding Jiayi and asked her in a mocking tone, ¡°Mom, maybe I am young, and thus don¡¯t understand anything. Can you tell me why you and my sister insisted that I was a thief even though Auntie Zhai had said that all their belongings were intact? Why were you so persistent even though Sister Zhai Hua had said that she was the one who gave me the keys?¡±

 Chapter 255 - An â€˜Unbelievableâ€™ Ding Jiayi

    <h4>Chapter 255: An ¡®Unbelievable¡¯ Ding Jiayi</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You wanted me to admit that I was a thief. You insisted on it. How is that being good to me? Tell me. I am all ears. Mom, if you treated me as your daughter, why did you mistake someone else who was in the same dress as me for your daughter? Mom, do you recognize your daughter from the dress she wears?¡±

    ¡°I was mistaken about you having stolen from the Zhai family. That was why I was upset and I mistook someone else for you.¡± Ding Jiayi lied tantly. ¡°As for... I was afraid that you would do the wrong things. I just wanted you to know that as long as you admitted your mistake, you could still turn over a new leaf. I was worried that the Zhai family would cover up for you since you were still young. We must let you know of your mistakes so that you will notmit them again!¡±

    Ding Jiayi sounded as if she was right, as if she had not maligned Nan Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, this is a very serious matter. Only people who are genuine to you will be strict with you. You can tell who your family is and who the outsider is from this incident. If you do something wrong, outsiders will not stop you and you will sink even further. Contrariwise, your family will do everything they can to help you correct your mistake. It¡¯s not good for the family if others know that someone in the family is a thief. But despite all this, we want to make it known so that you will learn from your mistakes!¡±

    ¡°Mom, you are unbelievable.¡± Qiao Nan pressed her hands against the back of her neck and looked upward, lest she was too angry that her blood pressure shot up.

    Qiao Nan finally understood why she had led such a miserable life in her previous life.

    Both Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were very good at brainwashing others.

    After listening to what her mother said, she almost believed it to be true and started to doubt that she had been wrong¡ªthat in fact, her mother was a good mother who wanted the best for her daughter, but she was being narrow-minded instead and did not understand her mother¡¯s good intentions.

    This was her second life, and yet she was almost fooled by her mother¡¯s words again. Given her foolish personality in the previous lifetime, if she was not fooled by Qiao Zijin, she would definitely be brainwashed by her mother such that she could not tell right from wrong.

    Apart from her mother, nobody could have made such unreasonable behavior sound as if it was justified and for valid reasons. She definitely had the ¡®talent¡¯!

    ¡°What do you mean by that? Are you scolding me?¡± Ding Jiayi did not understand what Qiao Nan meant. She took it that Qiao Nan was scolding her.

    She might not be entirely right, but Qiao Nan had more or less meant that way.

    When she said that Ding Jiayi was ¡®unbelievable¡¯, she had indeed meant it in a sarcastic manner.

    Qiao Nan sat motionless in the chair. ¡°Mom, you are definitely older and wiser than me. I don¡¯t wish to say anything now.¡± Her mother was good with her words. No one was her match.

    They were not having a debate, and she did not care for sophistry. She found it pointless to argue with her mother. Anyway, what was important was that both she and her father knew the truth.

    Qiao Nan always remembered the miserable life she had led in her previous life and how she had died in the end.

    She was angered to death by her mother!

    If this was how her mother loved her, cared for her, and protected her, then she did not need this kind of torturous love. Her mother could give all these love to Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Why have you gone silent? Do you admit that what I said is the truth? If you truly understand, you should know what to do when your dad is back.¡± Ding Jiayi wanted Qiao Nan to repent and be meek and submissive as she used to be in the past. She wanted Qiao Nan to obey her words, not having a mind of her own.

    Of course, Qiao Nan had to report everything that happened to her and everyone she had met with to Ding Jiayi!

    Ding Jiayi was jealous at the thought that Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan had such good rtionship that Zhai Hua was willing to hand over the keys to her back door to Qiao Nan, and allowed Qiao Nan to do her revision in her house for more than a year.

    If she knew that Qiao Nan was acquainted with Zhai Hua, she would have tried to be close to Zhai Hua as well. If she had befriended Zhai Hua, it would mean that Qiao family are friends with Zhai family.

    With such a strong backing from Zhai family, she did not need to be mindful of the Lee family and Zhu family anymore.

    By that time, she would not need to please the Lee family and the Zhu family. It would be the other way round.

    It was a pity that Qiao Nan had wasted such a great opportunity.

    If not for Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi would have given Qiao Nan a beating to make sure that she learned from her mistakes.

    Qiao Nan leaned back on the chair and remained silent.

    ¡°Did you hear what I said?¡± Since Ding Jiayi could not raise her hands against Qiao Nan, she could only give her a push. Qiao Nan sat motionless on the chair, refusing to say a word. Seeing that she could not get a response from Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi pursed her lips and said, ¡°If you remain silent, I will take it that you understand what I said. Remember, you have to keep your promise. Don¡¯t let me down. Otherwise, I won¡¯t help you next time. I will be like those outsiders who indulge your every whim and watch from the side as you make mistakes. I will give up on you as well. Nan Nan, you must not force me to give up on you.¡±

    The market was not far from the house that Qiao Dongliang rented. He was back in ten minutes¡¯ time. Qiao Dongliang came back and asked, ¡°Has the fish been cooked?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Ding Jiayi jumped up from the stool. ¡°I had a chat with Nan Nan just now. I will clean the fish now. Have you bought the chilies?¡± At the sight of the red chilies in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, Ding Jiayi could not help but feel that her throat was on fire, her stomach upset.

    ¡°Nan Nan, your dad is so good to you. He knows that you like spicy food and has bought so many chilies for you. Do you have anything to say to him?¡± Ding Jiayi blinked at Qiao Nan, wanting her to stand on her side.

    Qiao Nan looked to the side,pletely avoiding Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you so listless? Tell me, did anyone bully you when I was away?¡± Qiao Dongliang directed his anger toward Ding Jiayi. They were left alone while Qiao Dongliang went to get chilies. She was the only one who could have bullied Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Old Qiao, I am innocent. I care about Nan Nan and wanted to have a chat with her. I just wanted to know how she¡¯s doing at school recently. Why would I bully Nan Nan? Is that right, Nan Nan?¡±

 Chapter 256 - The Unlikable Spicy Fish

    <h4>Chapter 256: The Unlikable Spicy Fish</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan sat up. ¡°Dad, I am hungry. When can we eat?¡±

    ¡°Soon. Dad will prepare the fish for you.¡± When Qiao Dongliang heard that Qiao Nan was hungry, he could not be bothered with Ding Jiayi. He ran to the kitchen with the freshly bought chilies.

    ¡°Wait, I will do it.¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Nan angrily. From the looks of it, Qiao Nan was determined to have her small yellow croaker with a lot of chilies in them.

    When Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan, thetter had lowered her head and was reading her books.

    Qiao Nan waited until her mother left before putting down the book. For people like her mother, the best way would be to ignore them.

    ¡°Nan Nan, as expected, you are back earlier than I am.¡± Carrying a schoolbag, Qiao Zijin, who came back from school, had to take almost half an hour more than before to reach the ce Qiao Dongliang rented.

    Qiao Zijin was tired to the bones, whereas Qiao Nan had it easy as the ce she stayed in was very near to her school. Qiao Zijin pulled a long face at the sight of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I only arrived slightly earlier than you. It seems that the dismissal time for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is earlier than that of Ping Cheng High School.¡± Qiao Nan lowered her head. By right, the curriculum in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China should be more time-consuming than that of Ping Cheng High School. But inparison, Qiao Zijin would always reach home early during the weekends.

    ¡°Nan Nan, didn¡¯t you have your monthly exam? How was it?¡± Qiao Zijin smiled and avoided Qiao Nan¡¯s question.

    ¡°Yes. I suppose you also had your exam, didn¡¯t you?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°From the looks of it, you seem to have done pretty well.¡±

    Ever since Qiao Zijin studied at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, her grades had indeed improved a lot.

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was indeed the most famous and best school in the area. They had good teachers and had a way with the students. They could transform Qiao Zijin from someone who used to dislike studying in the previous life to a student with good grades.

    Qiao Zijin lifted her chin and said, ¡°It¡¯s more or less the same as before. Nan Nan, you haven¡¯t told me how you did for the exams. I heard a lot of the students who studied at Ping Cheng High School have good results. Furthermore, you are in ss one. You must be under a lot of stress.¡±

    Qiao Nan grinned. ¡°Sister, have you forgotten? I entered Ping Cheng High School as the first ce in the province for the middle school examination. Not to mention Ping Cheng High School, even if I go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, it will be the other students who will feel the pressure. If I remember correctly, the second ce was behind me by more than twenty points.¡±

    ¡°But the sybus in high school is much more difficult than that of junior high school. I heard people say that the difference between boys and girls will be apparent when one reaches the third year in junior high school. If not, one will still be able to tell the difference in the second year of high school. Nan Nan, since you are so smart, do you intend to choose science subjects next year?¡±

    ¡°Science subjects? Sister, do you want to choose science subjects?¡± In most of the cases, there would be more boys than girls in the science sses and more girls than boys in the humanities and arts sses. Many girls found Mathematics and other science subjects too difficult for them when they advanced to the second year. They would, in turn, choose humanities and arts subjects.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I am not as smart as you. I can¡¯t survive in the science sses. I have already decided on humanities and arts, and have filled in the form. Nan Nan, since you are so smart, it is better for you to choose science sses.¡± Qiao Zijin sneered.

    She had asked around. No matter how well one did for the middle school examination, if girls chose the science sses in high school, only one or two among ten would be able to maintain their standard.

    No matter how good they were, most of the girls would definitely fall behind in terms of performance.

    She wanted to know how Qiao Nan would remain the top schr in the middle school examination if her results fell behind in high school. ¡°Nan Nan, there is another year left before you need to make a decision. I remember that you had a perfect score for the science subjects during the middle school examination. It would be a pity if you do not choose science sses. Nan Nan, what do you think?¡±

    Qiao Nan touched the bangs on her forehead. She finally realized what Qiao Zijin was up to.

    It turned out that Qiao Zijin wanted her to choose science sses and watched by when her results fell behind as she could not keep up with the sybus. ¡°There is still one year to go before I need to decide. I can consider itter. But there isn¡¯t much difference whether I choose science or humanities and arts sses. I will decideter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Nan Nan. You have been doing so well, so it doesn¡¯t matter which sses you choose. But there is a lot of memory work to do in the humanities and arts sses. You certainly can¡¯t handle it. Though science subjects are much more challenging, you will do much better when you learn more about it. Since I have been reading up as I need to make the decision, I am sharing the information with you lest you are at a loss when you start your second year.¡± Qiao Zijin held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand affectionately.

    There was no hurry. There was still one year to go.

    In this one year¡¯s time, she would definitely think of ways to persuade Qiao Nan to choose the science sses.

    ¡°Sister, you seem to be very happy. Is there any good news?¡± Qiao Nan pulled her hand back. Chen Jun had not graduated from college, and there had not been any holidays, yet he was not at school, but here, in Ping Cheng. In this life, she had met Chen Jun earlier than she did in the previous life. Maybe it was the same for her sister?

    If Qiao Zijin had met Chen Jun, then it would be a good thing for her.

    By then, Qiao Zijin would put all her attention on getting close to Chen Jun and would not have time for her.

    Qiao Zijin blinked. ¡°Good news? What do you mean?¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes and noticed that she did not have the besotted look of a youngdy who was in a rtionship. It seemed like Qiao Zijin had not met Chen Jun yet.

    Could it be that, like the previous life, she would have to be their matchmaker and pave the way for Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Since Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun were not acquaintances yet, Qiao Nan would not find trouble for herself.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you behaving strangely today?¡± Why would she stop her sentence midway?

    ¡°Dad has bought small yellow croakers today.¡± This time, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to change the topic.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten small yellow croakers for a long time. Nan Nan, you must have more of the small yellow croakerster.¡± Ever since her father was hospitalized, it had been ages since she had a sumptuous meal.

    Her father was so good to Qiao Nan. If she did note to their house today, Qiao Nan would have the small yellow croakers all to herself.

    Qiao Zijin could not hide her anger when she saw the te of small yellow croakers on the table. ¡°Mom, you should know that I can¡¯t eat spicy food. When I eat something spicy, I will have e. Why do you put so many chilies in the small yellow croakers when you know that I can¡¯t eat spicy food? How am I going to eat them?¡±

 Chapter 257 - Donâ€™t Be a Loose Woman

    <h4>Chapter 257: Don¡¯t Be a Loose Woman</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After suffering the wrath of Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was full of grievances. ¡°You don¡¯t like spicy food, but Qiao Nan loves it.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin widened her eyes. The te of small yellow croakers covered with chilies was cooked ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s taste? ¡°I don¡¯t eat spicy food. How am I going to eat this?¡±

    ¡°If you can¡¯t eat spicy food, then don¡¯t eat it.¡± Ding Jiayi sat down and handed Qiao Zijin her bowl of rice. ¡°I can¡¯t eat spicy food, yet I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Ding Jiayi made it clear to Qiao Zijin that she could not eat spicy food as well. The small yellow croakers were covered with chilies. She could not have a single bite as well.

    Qiao Zijin was so angry that she almost broke the chopsticks in her hand. In the past, her mother would consider her preferences when she prepared the meals. Now, in order to please her father, her mother had disregarded her daughter totally.

    Ding Jiayi had rarely treated her in this way.

    ¡°Fine, I will not eat the croakers!¡± Qiao Zijin said in anger. Though she did not have a single piece of the small yellow croakers, her eyes turned red from stifling her tears.

    Seeing the aggrieved look on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, Ding Jiayi felt sorry toward her daughter. ¡°Old Qiao, why don¡¯t we prepare a spicy version and a non-spicy version next time?¡±

    Qiao Zijin snorted. Her mother was such a hypocrite. She was the one who prepared the small yellow croakers. If she had cared for her, she would have prepared two versions of the same dish, spicy and non-spicy.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, you never took our preferences into consideration when you prepared the meals in the past. You never prepared two versions of the same dishes.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a bite of the small yellow croakers. It was very delicious, salty and spicy.

    ¡°I... I thought that both of you did not mind having non-spicy food. We couldn¡¯t help it that Zijin has a weak constitution. She will have e if she has spicy food.¡± Ding Jiayi could not possibly say that she valued Qiao Zijin more so than her husband.

    If she said this, there would be no chance of them reconciling with each other.

    ¡°Dad, this small yellow croaker tasted somewhat different aspared to the rest. It is not spicy enough. It is as if they are from two different pots.¡± Qiao Nan frowned, staring at the small yellow croaker in the soup.

    Whenever Qiao Nan had fish, she liked to dip them into the soup since it would taste better that way. The small yellow croaker right at the bottom would usually be soaked with a lot of the soup. Today, Qiao Nan intentionally took the small yellow croaker ced at the bottom, the one that was soaked with soup. But to her surprise, it did not taste as good as the rest.

    It was weird!

    Qiao Dongliang took a piece and tasted it. ¡°It seems so.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt guilty under the doubtful gazes of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang gave Ding Jiayi a look and said, ¡°Forget it. I will cook it next time.¡±

    Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief and did not dare to say anything more.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan shared the te of small yellow croakers between themselves, finishing everything except for the soup and the bones. Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could only watch by as they enjoyed their dinner.

    Qiao Zijin, who had nothing but vegetables for dinner, was full of grouches. ¡°Mom, what is the sleeping arrangement today?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? You will sleep in your room.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any room here!¡± She had checked. There were two rooms in total. In other words, she had to sleep with Qiao Nan. That thought made Qiao Zijin ufortable. In the past, if there were only two rooms, her parents would share a room and the other room would undoubtedly be hers. As for Qiao Nan, the hoyden, she would have to sleep in a make-shift bed in the hall.

    Now, she had to bring herself to share a room and a bed with Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin just could not take it lying down.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± Ding Jiayi used the fastest speed to clear the dishes, cleaned them, and returned them back to the rack. ¡°Zijin, we must hurry before the sun sets. You should get your schoolbag now.¡± Back in the past, Ding Jiayi sold Qiao Nan¡¯s books away. Hence, she paid special attention to Qiao Zijin¡¯s schoolbag, lest someone did something to her schoolbag and books.

    ¡°What? Why are we going back? I won¡¯t!¡± After learning that she had to make the long way back, Qiao Zijin refused adamantly. ¡°I have been studying for two weeks, and I am very tired. Now that lessons are over and I am back from school, I just want to have a good rest. On my way here today, it took me an hour more than usual. Now you are telling me to make the trip back? Mom, the level of exercise today is way beyond what we have for physical education sses at school.¡± Did her mother intend to exhaust and tire her out?

    ¡°Listen to me. Let¡¯s go back. As you have seen, there are two rooms here. I know that you like to sleep by yourself. Otherwise, you will not be able to sleep. When we arrive home, you get to sleepfortably in your own bed. Isn¡¯t that good? Alright, let¡¯s go back.¡± Ding Jiayi pulled at Qiao Zijin. She seemed to be very insistent on going back home.

    In the future, if Zijin was tired and wanted to stay the night, she could share a room with Qiao Nan if she did not mind. But not today.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin threw her tantrums at her mother. However, her mother refused to listen to her pleas and dragged her out of the house regardless.

    Not to mention Qiao Zijin, even Qiao Nan would not agree to share a room with Qiao Zijin.

    But Qiao Nan found it weird that her mother acted strangely today. Qiao Zijin was already unhappy over dinner. Ding Jiayi, who had always doted on Qiao Zijin, was unusually firm in her attitude. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong with Mom? Isn¡¯t she worried that sister will be angry with her?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was her mother¡¯s only hope. If she annoyed Qiao Zijin, nobody would take care of her for the rest of her life.

    Qiao Dongliang seemed to know what was going on. He sneered. ¡°Your mom has a lot of tricks up her sleeves. You can rest assured that it will not be long before your sister cools down and stops being angry with your mom. In fact, she may be delighted. Let¡¯s not talk about her. Next time, it¡¯s better to cook whatever that I buy from the market myself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was downright shameless.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you know that I studied very hard at school? Why did you pull me out? Anyway, Qiao Nan¡¯s room is not that small. At most, I can sleep on a make-shift bed and do not need to share the bed with Qiao Nan. My feet are sore from walking such a long distance!¡± Qiao Zijin could not stopining as soon as she came out of the rented house. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to reconcile with Dad? If you stay here tonight, you can share a room with Dad. By then, you will be able to make up with him.¡±

    Ding Jiayi blushed. She did not expect that her daughter would discuss this with her. ¡°This is the adults¡¯ affairs. Children must not meddle. Besides, Zijin, you seem to know too much. I heard that many children are mature for their age and start a rtionship at a young age. Did you...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed in an instant. She red at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, you must not do anything shameless. Back in the olden times, if you have any intimate rtionship with other men, you will bebeled as a loose woman.¡±

 Chapter 258 - For the â€˜Interestsâ€™ of Nan Nan

    <h4>Chapter 258: For the ¡®Interests¡¯ of Nan Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Men are very concerned about whether women have many past rtionships. If you arebeled as a loose woman, it will be difficult for you to marry a good husband.¡±

    Anyone who had money and influence would not be willing to ept ¡®second-hand goods¡¯.

    ¡°Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? I am not someone who is licentious with no self-respect,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a red face. Even though she had a lot of admirers at school and many wanted to have a closer rtionship with her, she was not stupid. She would not act so rashly or behave in such a way.

    ¡°Mom, times are different now...¡±

    Qiao Zijin had wanted to exin further but she was interrupted by Ding Jiayi. ¡°No matter what age we are in, girls should have self-respect. Otherwise, nobody will cherish them.¡± Even for people like Old Qiao, he was concerned whether it was her first time on the first night of their marriage.

    She did not believe that men would not have the same concerns twenty years since then.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not the same as it used to be. The school has taught us about rtionships between men and women. It¡¯s normal that I have some knowledge on this subject. It¡¯s good that I know so that I will not be easily fooled or bullied by others. I learned whatever I know from the books. Mom, don¡¯t let your imagination run wild and call me names like what you do to Qiao Nan. If others are to hear what you said just now, I will not be able to hold my head up high.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Ding Jiayi felt assured. ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be angry. Mom is worried about you. Do you know why I insisted to bring you home today? You may feel that I only have eyes for your dad, but you are the only one I am most concerned about. Look at what I have here with me.¡± Ding Jiayi took out a bag. It seemed to contain some soup.

    ¡°It¡¯s still warm. What is this smell? Small yellow croakers?!¡± Qiao Zijin was thrilled.

    ¡°Silly girl. I will never make you suffer. You don¡¯t understand me at all. The weather is very warm now, so the food will turn bad easily if it¡¯s kept till the next day. If we do not hurry home, the small yellow croakers will turn bad. Hurry, you can have them when we get home.¡±

    She could not bear to see that Zijin merely had rice and vegetables for dinner just now.

    Old Qiao was so heartless toward Zijin and her. Since there were so many small yellow croakers, he should have allowed her to cook them in two separate ways so that the four of them could enjoy the food. If that had been the case, she would not have needed to make more food specially for Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s hurry home. The small yellow croakers are still warm.¡± Qiao Zijin felt energized at the thought of the small yellow croakers. She rushed home at the fastest speed.

    Qiao Zijin got her chopsticks ready and was full of anticipation as Ding Jiayi ced the small yellow croakers in a bowl. ¡°There¡¯re only two of them?¡± Qiao Nan had at least three or four of them today.

    ¡°I could only get two of them. Your dad only bought a few of them today. He did not have much to eat and left most of it for Qiao Nan. It¡¯s not that easy to get these two small yellow croakers. If your dad finds out about it, he will not let me into the house next week,¡± Ding Jiayi said sulkily.

    Old Qiao had only bought a few small yellow croakers. It was already good enough that she managed to hide two of them.

    In fact, Ding Jiayi had decided to prepare it separately for Qiao Zijin right from the beginning. She would definitely save some of the small yellow croakers for Qiao Zijin. Initially, she had set aside three small yellow croakers for Qiao Zijin and cooked them without adding any chili.

    But when she saw that there were only a few left for Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi had a guilty conscience. She took the smallest one out of the three and put it back into the dish with chilies.

    This was the one which Qiao Nan had referred to as not as ¡®delicious¡¯ as the rest.

    No one knew that when Qiao Nan said that it did not taste the same as the rest, Ding Jiayi was scared out of her wits.

    Old Qiao had not forgiven her and she had to watch her behavior during this period of time. If something went wrong, her good behavior and efforts for the past half a month would bepletely in vain.

    ¡°Besides, among the small yellow croakers that your dad bought, these two are thergest. I will always save the best for you.¡±

    ¡°I know that Mom is the best. Mom is the best in the world. A child with a mother is treated like a treasure!¡± Qiao Zijin felt satisfied. She had the two biggest croakers. In other words, whatever Qiao Nan had, were her leftovers.

    This was the right way!

    In this house, Qiao Nan could only take whatever she did not want.

    ¡°Okay, you should dig in. I will boil some water for your bath. Have a bath and sleep early. You must be tired after a long day.¡±

    ¡°Well, thank you, Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin ate the small yellow croakers happily, not giving much thought to her mother. Ding Jiayi, who had worked for the whole day and was tired, still had to prepare the bath for her daughter as if she was her nanny. Both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin did not feel that there was a problem. One was enjoying the food with a peace of mind while the other was willing to wait on the daughter like a servant.

    Both were willing parties. It was destined that they were mother and daughter.

    ¡°Mom, we have been divided into the science and the humanities and arts sses. When you have the chance, you must tell Dad to persuade Qiao Nan to study in the sciences sses. Just tell him that ¡®if one learned their mathematics and sciences, one would fear nothing¡¯.¡± Qiao Zijin wore the pajamas that Ding Jiayi made for her and yawned loudly.

    ¡°That¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s business. Why do I need to bother myself with it? Which ss did you choose?¡±

    ¡°I choose the humanities and arts ss.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the science ss better?¡±

    ¡°Mom, think about it. If the science ss was that good, I would not advise Qiao Nan to pick it. Recently, I heard that most of the girls who used to do well willg behind in the science ss. The boys in the ss usually will perform better than them. Mom, one cannot have a smooth sailing life. Otherwise, one will not be able to deal with challenges in life. In my opinion, it¡¯s time that Qiao Nan suffers from some setbacks. This is so that she will know that her standard is not that high.¡±

    It was a pity that this would happen a yearter. She could not see it right at this moment.

    ¡°I see. Okay, I will tell your dad. But he may not listen to what I say. Besides, Qiao Nan has a mind of her own. Will she listen to what your dad says? Your dad may listen to her instead,¡± Ding Jiayi said tartly.

    In the past, when their rtionship was going well, he had never been that good to her either. Yet, he had been so caring toward Qiao Nan. She was his wife. He should be nice to her.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? There¡¯s still a year to go. This time, you truly ¡®care¡¯ for Qiao Nan. Dad has heard of this saying as well, and he will understand. As long as it is for the ¡®interests¡¯ of Qiao Nan, Dad will agree.¡±

 Chapter 259 - On What Grounds

    <h4>Chapter 259: On What Grounds</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Can it really work?¡± Ding Jiayi was eager to try.

    Qiao Zijin said with a smile, ¡°Why not? Mom, you may not know the details since you have not been studying. But in short, you can say that you care for Qiao Nan, and hence you ask around. Nobody will know that girls usuallyg behind in high school¡¯s science ss. I am in a humanities and arts ss, so I will not know. It¡¯s normal that you do not know as well. I have thought it out. Now that Dad is angry with you, you can use this to improve your rtionship with Dad. This will be your goal for this year. You must bring up this topic from time to time. Sooner orter, Dad will realize that you care for Qiao Nan and no longer pick on her.¡±

    Actually, when Qiao Dongliang moved out with Qiao Nan, both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were taken aback.

    However, after a month, Qiao Zijin finally calmed down and sorted out her thoughts.

    Qiao Zijin had thought it through. If she wanted to be favored by both of her parents, she would have to think of a way. Ding Jiayi was not a problem. The problem was with Qiao Dongliang.

    After several failed attempts, Qiao Zijin realized that it was useless to sow discord. She would always be on the losing end. The best way was to make Qiao Nan fall from grace and let her father realize that Qiao Nan was not dependable.

    As long as Qiao Nan did not do well for her studies and disappointed her father, there was no need for her to sow discord. Her father would give up on Qiao Nan naturally, and she would be the one smiling in the end.

    Given the Qiao family¡¯s situation, they only had the ability to finance one child through college, and she would be that child.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. She had a cold and emotionless smile on her face.

    Her mother might be selfish, but her father was not any better either.

    Her father used to be very good to her. But that was because he felt that she had a way with words, and thus would have a bright future. They would be able to depend on her for the rest of their lives. Her father was only good to Qiao Nan because Qiao Nan had good grades. She would then be able to get into a good college, find a good job, and earn a lot of money.

    They could not provide the best for their children, yet all they could think of was how their children could repay them when they grew up. Qiao Zijin twitched her mouth and sneered coldly. Her parents had set a ¡®good¡¯ example for her.

    ¡°Hey, what are you smiling for? Why do you have such a strange smile?¡± Ding Jiayi gave Qiao Zijin a slight push. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should go to sleep. As for the science ss, you can rest assured that I will bear in mind to tell your dad. It¡¯s not appropriate to bring it up now. Your dad is still angry with me. No matter what I say, he will not listen. But anyway, didn¡¯t you say that there is still a year to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s no hurry.¡± Qiao Zijin stretched her arms, getting ready to sleep. ¡°Mom, I will go to sleep. Good night.¡±

    ¡°Good night.¡±

    Now that Qiao Dongliang moved out with Nan Nan, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin kept a check on themselves. During the day, when Qiao Zijin was at home with Qiao Nan, she would read her books and do her homework. She was more serious in her studies.

    In the evening, Ding Jiayi would drop by to clean up and prepare their dinner. After dinner, she would leave with Qiao Zijin.

    When it was the weekend, even though both of their daughters were not at home, Ding Jiayi failed to stay for the night and share a bed with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are here.¡± Since Qiao Nan was the top schr in the middle school examination, everyone in Ping Cheng High School, including the guards, knew her by the name. ¡°Qiao Nan, which rtive of yours is so enthusiastic to send you three letters in a week? If you want to return the mail, you can pass the letters to the reception office. We will help you pass them directly to the postman.¡±

    ¡°Letter?¡± Qiao Nan blinked. ¡°What letter? There are three of them?¡± She did not receive any letter, not even one.

    Did it mean that she had three letters this week, but she did not receive any?

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Did your ssmate pass it to you?¡± The guard was stunned. ¡°I passed it to a girl in your ss. I remember that her name¡¯s Tingting. She dropped by to collect her letters, but she did not have any letters. When she realized that there¡¯re letters for you, she volunteered to pass it to you. Is there any problem? I could help you to check with her.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I can handle it myself for the time being. If need be, I will ask you for help.¡± Qiao Nan frowned. She had a stern expression on her face. She did not return to the dormitory and went straight to the ssroom instead.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you here in the ssroom? When I went to the dormitory just now, Xu Tingting came looking for you. I left a note in the dormitory. Have you seen it?¡± Tao Zhenqin leaned close to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, why do you think Xu Tingting was looking for you? Is it because of the monthly exam two days ago?¡±

    ¡°She was looking for me?¡± It seemed like Xu Tingting had thrown herself in her way. ¡°I have no idea. If that¡¯s the case, since I have something to settle, I will go back to the dormitory and look for Xu Tingting.¡±

    There were only a few people who would write to her. If there was a letter from Brother Zhai, then Xu Tingting could not me her for being unruly to her. No matter how Xu Tingting pulled pranks on her, she must at least know her limits.

    Qiao Nan saw Xu Tingting leaning against the door frame of the dormitory, waiting for her. Xu Tingting said, ¡°Do you want to drop your things at the dormitory while I wait for you here? I have something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°No need. Just say your piece.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate here. Let¡¯s go to another ce.¡± The doorway was full of people. Xu Tingting led Qiao Nan to the back of the dormitory.

    ¡°Okay, there¡¯s no one here. You can tell me what it is that you want to say.¡± Qiao Nan sounded cold and aloof, different from her usual attitude. She looked at Xu Tingting as if she was just a schoolmate, when in actual fact, they have been ssmates for a few months.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare that you are angry at me. In the past, when I deliberately sowed discord between you and the ssmates in your dormitory, you did not get angry at me. I never knew that you have a temper.¡± Xu Tingting had a fake smile on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan, you know what, I hate you.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter that you hate me. I don¡¯t like you either.¡±

    ¡°Wow, how dare you say such things? Aren¡¯t you worried that you will offend me and I may do other things that are even more unreasonable in retaliation?¡± Xu Tingting pulled a long face and had a fierce look. She hated Qiao Nan to the core. From the first time she set her sights on Qiao Nan, she did not have a good impression of her. She wished that she would be kicked out of ss one.

    It turned out that her sixth sense was urate. All the boys she had taken a fancy to chose Qiao Nan and rejected her.

    On what grounds?

 Chapter 260 - It Was Useless to Swear

    <h4>Chapter 260: It Was Useless to Swear</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Xu Tingting, get straight to the point. Do you think that I am the kind of person who dare not fight back when bullied? If you really think so, it seems that Zhao Yu has not told you the full story about me.¡± Qiao Nan was not scared by Xu Tingting. ¡°Xu Tingting, are you going to pit yourself against me, or should I let you know what I am capable of?¡±

    Xu Tingting bit her lip. It seemed that Qiao Nan was not a nerd. Even without Zhu Baoguo to back her up, she was not easy to deal with. ¡°This is for you.¡± Xu Tingting took out a letter and handed it to Qiao Nan unwillingly.

    Qiao Nan crossed her arms around her chest and refused to take the letter from her. ¡°There seems to be more than one.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you will be interested in the other two letters. But this letter... is from Instructor Zhai.¡± Xu Tingting stomped her foot. No wonder Instructor Zhai was immune to her efforts during the military training. He had already known Qiao Nan since way before.

    What a devious person Qiao Nan was. If Qiao Nan had told her about it, she would not have wasted her time and feelings on Instructor Zhai.

    She was interested in all men who were good-looking and had a promising future. There was only one type of men that she was not interested in. It was those who already had someone in mind.

    Xu Tingting was not foolish. From the fact that during the military training Zhai Sheng demonstrated only using Qiao Nan¡¯s nket, she could tell that something was going on.

    When she came to school today and collected the letter from the reception office, it proved that her guess was correct.

    ¡°Do you think I will believe your words?¡± Qiao Nan refused to budge.

    Since the letters were hers, it was up to her to decide what she wanted to do with them. Xu Tingting had no right to make decisions for her. She must let Xu Tingting understand this clearly. This time, Xu Tingting had taken her letters without her knowledge. No one knew what she would do next time.

    This was what she learned from her mother. At times, one had to stand firm.

    ¡°The two letters are here.¡± Xu Tingting handed the letters to Qiao Nan unwillingly. ¡°I have opened the first letter, but I have not touched the other two letters.¡±

    ¡°In other words, you have read the contents of the letter. Xu Tingting, do you know that it¡¯s illegal to read others¡¯ letters? Yet, you still dare to be angry at me?¡± Xu Tingting was too ridiculous. It seemed like aside from the two people in her family, there were lots of unreasonable people around.

    ¡°Do you want to sue me?¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s countenance changed in an instant. After all, she was in the wrong.

    ¡°Are you afraid? There¡¯s no need for me to call the police. I only need to use the elementary school students¡¯ method, which is to tell the teacher. That will be good enough.¡±

    Xu Tingting clutched the letters to herself. ¡°Why are you so sure that the contents of the letter will not do you any harm? If you tell the teacher about it, the teacher may misunderstand that you have something going on with your senior. Are you sure that you really want to do this? By that time, both of us will be in trouble. Are you so stupid to make such a life-and-death struggle?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my business. You have no control over it. I¡¯m willing to sh head-on with you.¡± Back in the previous life, right till the day when a heavily pregnant Qiao Zijin showed up in front of her, Chen Jun still yed the role of a good boyfriend. She had no idea there was a third party in their rtionship. He was even about to be a father!

    She was a fool. She only realized her folly and learned her ways after being deceived by her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Right now, she was a high school student. No matter what kind of mentality Chen Jun had when he wrote to her, it was absolutely impossible for Chen Jun to write anything that would cause misunderstandings.

    Chen Jun was very careful in his previous life so as not to be discovered by Qiao Nan that he had been secretly seeing Qiao Zijin. In this life, even if Chen Jun was just a college student, she believed that Chen Jun would never do anything that would jeopardize his own future.

    ¡°Alright, I have no time to listen to you. If you have a clear conscience and believe that Teacher Liu will punish me but not you, then let¡¯s go. Teacher Liu should be in the office.¡± Qiao Nan turned and made a move to the form teacher¡¯s office.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t go!¡± Xu Tingting was so scared that she quickly pulled at Qiao Nan. ¡°Please don¡¯t let Teacher Liu know. Qiao Nan, I realize my mistakes. Can you ept my apology?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Nan shrugged Xu Tingting¡¯s hand away. ¡°Why do we still need the police if apologies are useful?¡±

    ¡°T-then, what do you want me to do so that you will let me off?¡± Xu Tingting had no other choice. She would do anything as long as Qiao Nan decided not to press the case this time. She was willing to kneel down as well. ¡°I will do whatever you say. Is that okay?!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Nan said in a firm tone. ¡°You took the letters and read them, yet youe asking what you should do to ask for forgiveness? Xu Tingting, you are so ridiculous. Do you think that I am a pushover? Xu Tingting, why do you not admit that you have received a benefit? Both of us know what I am referring to. But I realized I should not have taken the trouble to do that. If you are interested, you will have the means to get hold of Chen Jun¡¯s address. Why should I help you? Xu Tingting, I regret it now.¡±

    ¡°I will return the letters to you. Will it do? I am sorry. I should not have taken your letters. I should not have opened and read your letter. I will not do it again. Please give me another chance. There will not be a next time.¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was indifferent to her pleas, Xu Tingting almost burst out in tears. ¡°I swear that I will not provoke you from now onward. Will this do?¡±

    It was illegal to open and read other people¡¯s letters. This showed that Xu Tingting did not have good moral character.

    Once the teachers in the school knew about this situation, Xu Tingting would not be able to participate in any of the activities in ss, and her position as the vice ss monitor would be stripped off as well.

    Xu Tingting had outstanding performance in her junior high school. Given that high school education was much more important than junior high school, it would be impossible for her to have a bright future if she did not have any achievements in high school.

    Xu Tingting used to think that Qiao Nan was dtory. He Yun and the rest kept saying that she was a nice person. Hence, she had the impression that Qiao Nan was mild-tempered and soft-hearted. Among the three letters, two of them were from the senior and the other one was from Instructor Zhai.

    Since Qiao Nan gave her Chen Jun¡¯s address, it was obvious that she was not interested in him.

    Therefore, Xu Tingting had thought that as long as she made sure that the letter from Zhai Sheng was intact, Qiao Nan would not be angry at her. Even if she was really angry, she would be appeased with an apology and some coaxing.

    She did not know that though He Yun and the rest made Qiao Nan sound as if she was mild-tempered and understanding, Qiao Nan would be so fierce and firm instead, leaving no room for negotiation.

    ¡°I never believe in vows. They are totally useless.¡±

 Chapter 261 - Qiao Nan Is a Big Swindler

    <h4>Chapter 261: Qiao Nan Is a Big Swindler</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was finally willing to take the three letters back from Xu Tingting. ¡°But Xu Tingting, it¡¯s best that you remember this. Today¡¯s matter is not over. If this happens again, I will not give you any more prior warning. Please be mentally prepared for the consequences.¡±

    Having that said, Qiao Nan simply went back to the ssroom without looking at Xu Tingting.

    Looking at the three letters in her hands, except for the letter from Zhai Sheng, she actually wanted very much to tear away the other two letters from Chen Jun.

    After some consideration, Qiao Nan knitted her brows and simply ignored the two letters from Chen Jun. She then opened the letter from Zhai Sheng to read it. The content of the letter was very simple. In short, it said ¡®No puppy love¡¯.

    If Qiao Nan dared to do that, he would definitely ¡®deal¡¯ with her when he came back from the army.

    The serious tone, strict manner, and threatening way that the message was conveyed in the letter stunned Qiao Nan. When she¡¯s with Zhu Baoguo, she felt like she had a son. But in front of Brother Zhai, why did she feel like she had another father?

    In her impression, there were already three people who warned her not to get involved in a romantic rtionship in high school. Coincidentally, these three people were her ¡®son¡¯ and two ¡®fathers¡¯.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Zhu Baoguo sat down, sulking.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Nan folded the letter calmly and ced it back into the envelope. She did not understand. Had she done anything in particr recently to make these three men of different ages so worried about her that they had to ¡®remind¡¯ her out of ¡®good intention¡¯ simultaneously?

    ¡°Is there really nothing? I heard someone wrote to you. Who was it?¡± Zhu Baoguo had the ears of the great monkey sage. He actually knew about this matter just as Qiao Nan got to know about it.

    ¡°Who do you think it was?¡± Qiao Nan flipped her book. ¡°Someone told me that I¡¯m still young and it¡¯s not appropriate to be romantically involved.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Then that must not be Chen Jun. ¡°Who¡¯s so wise as to have observed your behavior and give you such advice? This is a real friend. Xiao Qiao, you can interact more with this friend.¡±

    ¡°Crap.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo and ignored him thereafter. She started to read her books conscientiously.

    ¡°Teacher Liu is here. Oh yes, have you all heard about the results for the monthly exams?¡±

    ¡°Nope. Did you receive any news?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I heard that the top scorer in the cohort is from our ss.¡±

    ¡°That goes without saying. We¡¯re in ss one. If the top scorer of the cohort is not from our ss, do we still deserved to be called ss one? Guess, who came in first in the cohort?¡±

    ¡°That... Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan the top scorer in the middle school examination?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, will she be the top scorer forever just because she clinched the top ce in the middle school examination? It¡¯s hard to say. After all, the curriculum between junior high school and senior high school is very different. The difficulty level is also higher in senior high school.¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s dormitory mate was not pleased. Xu Tingting, who was in the same dormitory as her, was capable. Xu Tingting knew the solutions to all the questions she did not know the answers to.

    Moreover, she asked Xu Tingting and thetter said that she did very well for this examination. There would be a change in the top scorer of this ss.

    Xu Tingting, who was writing a letter to Chen Jun, happened to hear these conversations. She could not help tightening the grip on her pen as her eyes shed with ambitions. Since she attended senior high school, her learning attitude had improved. She lost to Qiao Nan in terms of romance, but she did not believe that she would also lose to her in academic performance.

    Within a short span of one month, there were three outstanding men who appeared consecutively in Qiao Nan¡¯s life. If Qiao Nan was not distracted by this, could she still be considered a woman?

    Regardless of whether Qiao Nan liked them, at the very least, she should feel a little proud. As long as Qiao Nan was distracted, she would be able to grab the opportunity to surpass Qiao Nan. Based on her previous experience, anyone whom she managed to outdo could forget about doing better than her in the future.

    ¡°Alright. Be quiet everyone. The teachers have finished grading the monthly exam papers a couple of days ago. We are very pleased that many of you did not disappoint us. You did very well. However, the teachers don¡¯t wish to give you too much pressure. Hence, on this asion, we will not announce the ranking of the students. Of course, we hope that all of you will continue to work hard. Those who performed well will continue to do so, and those who are slightlygging behind could put in more effort and catch up. We¡¯d also like to give you some prior information. When you go home two weekster, bring a letter back. The school will be organizing a parent-teacher conference for first-year students.¡±

    Teacher Liu was glowing and all smiles, especially when he talked about the results of the monthly exam. His eyes were smiling and constantly forming the shape of a crescent.

    ¡°Can the subject representative pleasee up to give out the exam papers for this subject? Solutions to the problems will be exined. After the lesson ends, please collect the papers back.¡±

    When Teacher Liu finished his words, the subject representative went up and took the stack of exam papers. She then proceeded to distribute them.

    Seeing that Xu Tingting actually scored ny-five marks, as her dormitory date, the subject representative¡¯s eyes lit up. She then winked at Xu Tingting before passing the paper to her.

    As she took over the paper with ny-five marks in bright red, Xu Tingting pursed her lips and gave a reserved smile. While maintaining eye contact with the subject representative, she cast a nce at Qiao Nan and lifted her eyebrows to enquire about thetter¡¯s scores.

    The subject representative shook her head and then showed Xu Tingting a thumbs-up. She was telling Xu Tingting that she did not know Qiao Nan¡¯s scores but Xu Tingting¡¯s score was the highest among the few papers she had given out.

    Moreover, what she gave out earlier were all the papers with more than ny marks. If she had finished distributing the batch and did not see Qiao Nan¡¯s paper, then Qiao Nan definitely did not do better than Xu Tingting.

    Students were students after all. As soon as they received their papers, many could not help turning to others who had received their papers topare their scores. Uponparing, Xu Tingting was the one who scored the highest. Many were shocked.

    This was mathematics. Didn¡¯t they say that boys typically perform better than girls in science subjects? Why was the top scorer in the ss for this subject a youngdy?

    Sensing that many were looking at her with envy and admiration, Xu Tingting straightened her posture. Don¡¯t assume that she was a mere boy-chaser who only focused her efforts on the opposite gender! She had never done poorly in her studies. If she did not perform well academically, how would she be able to find an outstanding partner who waspatible with her?

    When she finished giving out the batch of papers with more than ny marks, the subject representative signaled to Xu Tingting the number ¡®eight¡¯ to inform that the next batch was most likely those with over eighty marks. Besides, she had not seen Qiao Nan¡¯s paper.

    At this moment, Xu Tingting lifted her chin as if she was a proud rooster. She was only missing a high tail.

    She did not expect that the top scorer of the middle school examination, Qiao Nan, was in fact, a swindler. She was too pretentious. She not only did not continue to be in the top ce but also did not score more than ny marks.

 Chapter 262 - Fake Swindler and Real Pervert

    <h4>Chapter 262: Fake Swindler and Real Pervert</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    High school lessons were difficult. However, to maintain the academic performance of the outstanding students, the school would never lower their expectations of the students. Hence, although they were in senior high school, the good students were expected to score not less than ny marks for each subject. For outstanding students, the minimum expected score was ny-five marks.

    If she had known that Qiao Nan was a swindler, she would not have taken Qiao Nan so seriously. She had overestimated Qiao Nan.

    Xu Tingting calmed down and focused on reviewing the question she had answered wrongly. However, the mathematics representative was unable to do so. She was a little surprised that Qiao Nan¡¯s name was not in the batch of papers with more than ny marks. However, she had already given out the batch of papers between eighty and eighty-nine marks and had not seen Qiao Nan¡¯s name either. This was a big surprise!

    She had only two exam papers left for distribution, and there was one paper with a little over seventy marks. The representative was a little dumbfounded.

    As the middle school examination schr, Qiao Nan did attain the first ce. However, she did was not one of the top three. Her name was not even seen in the list of the top ten scorers. Could she have scored top and second in the reverse order of ranking? It was impossible!

    She remembered that Qiao Nan was usually very conscientious when she was in ss. No matter what, she would not have fared that badly.

    It was only when the representative gave away the paper with over seventy marks that she saw the marks on thest paper. She was stunned. Her face turned pale as she pursed her lips and quietly walked to Qiao Nan to pass her the paper.

    ¡°Alright. Next, I¡¯ll talk about the few questions with the highest rate of error based on overall statistics. After I exin, if there¡¯s anything you do not understand, pleasee and look for me individually. For those without any questions, please do self-study.¡± Teacher Liu did not waste time talking nonsense. He immediately directed the ss¡¯ attention to the important matters as soon as all the students received their papers.

    In about ten minutes¡¯ time, he had finished exining the solutions to the few questions with the highest error rate. ¡°Alright, if anyone has questions, pleasee and ask me individually. Everyone, please keep quiet to avoid disturbing the others who are studying.¡±

    Xu Tingting did not see Qiao Nan¡¯s results but she was extremely curious. Hence, she took a piece of paper, crushed it, and threw it at the representative.

    After gaining the representative¡¯s attention, Xu Tingting immediately sought Teacher Liu¡¯s permission to go to the restroom. Teacher Liu waved his hands to approve and also told the other students to do so if they wished to, on the condition that they remained quiet. After he said that, Xu Tingting and the representative got up from their seats simultaneously and went to the restroom ¡®together¡¯.

    At the sight of the eighty marks on her paper, Zhao Yu gritted her teeth and also stood up to go to the restroom ¡®together¡¯.

    Zhu Baoguo rolled his eyes. Why were all the girls except for Xiao Qiao acting strangely? It was just a trip to the restroom. Why was there a need to go together? Could it be that there was a ghost in the restroom and they dared not go alone?

    ¡°Wang Li, when you gave out the papers earlier, didn¡¯t you see Qiao Nan¡¯s grades? How was it? How did she rank in our ss?¡± Xu Tingting could not help asking as soon as she reached the restroom.

    When she saw Zhao Yu came in, Xu Tingting snorted. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°This is the restroom. Why do you think I came?¡± Zhao Yu bit her lip and opened one of the cubicle doors. She forced herself to urinate a little and then straightened her ears to eavesdrop.

    ¡°It¡¯s... not very clear,¡± Wang Li said incoherently.

    ¡°Not clear? What¡¯s there to be unclear of? Her marks will be whatever she had scored! How could it be unclear?!¡± Did Wang Li be retarded from studying too much for the exam the month before?

    Wang Li¡¯s mouth drooped. ¡°You¡¯re the one who asked me about it. I¡¯m not very clear because I don¡¯t know whether I should say 100 or 105 marks. I saw 100+5 marks on her paper. Tell me, then. How many marks is that?¡±

    It should be written as 105 if she scored 105 marks and 100 if she scored 100 marks. What did 100+5 marks mean?

    Wang Li had been a student for many years. She was confused as she had not encountered this type of situation. How many marks did Qiao Nan score exactly?

    ¡°100+5? What did that mean?¡± Xu Tingting was stunned too.

    Zhao Yu sneered. Qiao Nan was undoubtedly Qiao Nan. Her grades were still so annoying even after she came to Ping Cheng High School. She came out of the cubicle and said as she washed her hands, ¡°It was written as 100+5 because the maximum marks one could attain is 100. However, Qiao Nan must have also attempted the additional difficult question and answered it correctly. Thus, 100+5.¡±

    ¡°How did you know?¡± Xu Tingting stared at her.

    Zhao Yu shook the water from her hands and smiled grimly. ¡°How did I know? You seemed to have forgotten. I was ssmates with Qiao Nan in junior high school. Since secondary three, especially from the second semester onward, she never had a different score. Tell me, how can I not know?¡±

    No one knew better than her that Qiao Nan was a big pervert.

    The additional question was prepared for people like Xu Tingting who had five marks deducted from the 100 marks. If she had answered the additional question correctly, she would still be able to score 100 marks.

    However, people like Qiao Nan, who already had 100 marks and yet answered the additional question correctly, would receive the perverted score of 100+5 marks, making others feel nightmarish!

    ¡°Is... is that the case?¡± Wang Li was stunned. Since she attended junior high school, she had hardly seen 100 marks, not to mention 100+5 marks. Who knew that 100+5 was given for such situations?

    ¡°!¡± Xu Tingting was so furious that she hit the tap.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Zhao Yu smiled wryly and gave a scornful look to Xu Tingting. Her eyes were full of sarcasm.

    Xu Tingting was annoyed. She grabbed Zhao Yu and refused to let her leave. ¡°Why did you shoot that look at me just now?¡±

    ¡°Whatever you think the reasons might be.¡± Zhao Yu sent the helve after the hatchet. ¡°You may not know. I can¡¯t do any better than this for my studies. I have been waiting, waiting for the person who can crush Qiao Nan to appear. Initially, I thought that the person will be you, but now I know that I¡¯ve been thinking too much.¡±

    If not for the fact that she still harbored some hopes toward Xu Tingting, she would not have followed them to the smelly restroom.

    Zhao Yu disliked Xu Tingting, but she hated Qiao Nan more. If possible, the best situation was to see the two of them leading unhappy lives. She would feel happy at the sight.

    When the two of them could not be down on their luck simultaneously, she would be very pleased to see one of them outdo the other. Hence, Zhao Yu would feel better when either of them lost their face.

    ¡°Let go of me. I¡¯m going back to the ssroom. We¡¯ve been out for a long time. Teacher Liu ising to get us.¡± Zhao Yu withdrew her hand forcefully and moved forward without even looking at Xu Tingting.

    With the oue of this examination, Zhao Yu could clearly confirm that Xu Tingting was not the person she was looking for. Regardless of interpersonal rtionships or academic performance, Xu Tingting was notparable to Qiao Nan and posed no threat to thetter.

    To think that she had wasted so much time and energy on Xu Tingting since school started...

    ¡°She¡¯s driving me mad.¡± Xu Tingting did not expect Zhao Yu to be so daring and arrogant. It seemed like she had not bullied her enough in the dormitory. She was not fearful at all!

 Chapter 263 - The Broken 2B Pencil

    <h4>Chapter 263: The Broken 2B Pencil</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of her, and even Zhao Yu dared to be unruly to her. She was unable to outdo Qiao Nan now, but it was much easier to deal with Zhao Yu!

    ¡°Tingting, Zhao Yu is right. Let¡¯s go back.¡± Wang Li pulled Xu Tingting. ¡°Besides, if I did not remember wrongly, the five girls from the same dormitory as Qiao Nan did well too. Tang Mengran fared the worst, but she still received eighty-eight marks at the very least.¡± In other words, He Yun, Zheng Lingling, and the rest scored more than ny marks!

    Damn, all the good students were in the same clique?

    At the thought that she had only scored eighty-five marks, Wang Li felt like she had swallowed a piping hot dumpling before biting it. It was as if the dumpling was stuck, unable to be swallowed or vomited. She felt so ufortable. Why was she still holding the role as the mathematics representative? It was so embarrassing!

    ¡°Tingting, when you have time to spare, please help me by giving me some supplementary lessons. My results are too lousy.¡±

    ¡°Help?¡± Xu Tingting swiped her hands and wanted to refuse right away. If she had the extra time and energy, she might as well spend more effort and think about how she could score 100 marks to catch up with Qiao Nan.

    However, as she realized that Wang Li was still of some use to her, she suppressed her anger. ¡°It¡¯s not possible to give you supplementary lessons since I don¡¯t know where your problems lie. Why don¡¯t we do this? Look for me if you encounter any areas that you do not understand and I will guide you, just like in the past. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Wang Li knew that her request was too demanding. Most of the time, one had to rely on oneself to utilize many information and knowledge flexibly after mastering the basics, after all.

    ¡°Everyone, the ss is dismissed. Take a break and do some exercise.¡± Xu Tingting and Wang Li just returned to the ssroom when Teacher Liu announced the break time.

    Upon hearing Teacher Liu¡¯s words, Zheng Lingling and the group surrounded Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan,e and let us see your results that will make us more motivated and driven.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s all thanks to you that I was able to attain eighty-eight marks this time. I¡¯m d my little ass will be fine and don¡¯t need to endure any caning this time,¡± Tang Mengran said. True enough. The students in ss one were all perverts. They were already in senior high school and scoring eighty-eight marks was only considered as average. This was so depressing.

    ¡°I scored ny-three marks.¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses. She was obviously pleased with her results. Fang Fang usually fared the best in humanities and arts. She had been working hard in science so that it would not pull down her humanities and arts¡¯ grades and neglect the subjects she preferred less.

    She did not expect that she had progressed so much for science this semester. She should write an essay: The Importance of Having a Good Dormitory Mate.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, let¡¯s change our seats.¡± He Yun blinked her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. She heard that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades were extremely lousy in the past. He could not even meet the entry criteria to senior high school, not to mention Ping Cheng High School. They could be ssmates today all thanks to Qiao Nan who taught Zhu Baoguo alone. She did not believe it initially, but judging from the current situation, that seemed to be true.

    The average score of mathematics in their ss was the highest in the whole cohort. In addition, the average score of their dormitory was also the highest!

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll allow this?¡± Zhu Baoguo resisted the urge to hit He Yun¡¯s face. What kind of tactic was this? Snatching seat?

    ¡°Damn, crazy pervert!¡± Zheng Lingling was more direct. She simply took Qiao Nan¡¯s paper and could not help cursing when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s grades. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you trying to aggravate us and drive us to our graves? I know that you¡¯ll definitely do well, but you don¡¯t need to go so overboard!!¡±

    ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°How much did she score?!¡±

    Fang Fang and He Yun stretched their necks to look at the grade on the paper. Fang Fang did not see anything else but big red ticks for all the questions at the back of Qiao Nan¡¯s papers. There was not a single cross, not even for the additional questions. She already knew the answer in her heart.

    Zheng Lingling was right in her scolding. Crazy pervert!

    Tao Zhenqin finally saw Qiao Nan¡¯s grade after much effort. She then sighed. ¡°I have a school bully as my dormitory mate. Should I feel happy, happy, or happy?¡±

    Fang Fang adjusted her sses properly. She revealed a scheming smile. ¡°Since there¡¯s a free little teacher, of course we should be happy, happy, and happy!¡± She felt that her base knowledge was much better than Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°How many marks did she score?¡± Upon hearing the noisy discussion, many could not help but squeeze themselves into the group.

    ¡°This is a paper without any cross mark. Tell me what the score is?¡±

    ¡°Full marks?!¡± The little mathematics prince in junior high school expressed his trauma. Didn¡¯t they say that girls would fare badly in such subjects after they entered senior high school?

    ¡°There¡¯s no cross mark. Then, how about the additional question?¡± Another male student in the ss asked. The reason was that he had cross marks in his papers but he answered the additional question correctly. Hence, he received an additional five marks.

    ¡°What do you all mean by no cross mark? Your mathematics is good but don¡¯t return all yournguage knowledge to your teachers.¡± Tang Mengran rolled her eyes. ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t try to fight for yourst breath. The grades of our Nan Nan this time... You will feel beyond utter despair and hopelessness. Please try harder next time.¡±

    Xu Tingting broke the 2B pencil she was holding in her hands. Who said that? This was only the mathematics subject. There were still a few other subjects. She onlygged behind Qiao Nan by five marks. As long as she scored better than Qiao Nan in other subjects, how could she not surpass Qiao Nan!!

    It was a pity that this was the Friday self-study time. Besides Teacher Liu who announced the mathematics results, the other teachers did not attend ss, and thus did not give out the papers.

    Hence, even if Xu Tingting was eager to know the answer, she had to endure the anxiousness and wait for one whole night before she could get the answer.

    ¡°Why is my nket wet?!¡± When she returned to the dormitory, Zhao Yu wanted to spread out her nket. But when she touched it, it was all wet. ¡°Tell me, who did this? Do you believe that I¡¯ll look for the auntie in charge of the dormitory to settle this for me? Don¡¯t think that you¡¯ll be alright after doing this! If you bully me too much, I¡¯m not afraid of kicking up a big fuss. In the future, you can forget about receiving any awards for an outstanding ssmittee member or top three model students. You can forget all about them!!¡±

    She no longer had the opportunity to receive all these awards anyway. If the people in the dormitory offended her badly, they would not have a good life!

    Wang Li¡¯s reaction was the greatest. Besides Xu Tingting who was the vice ss monitor, Wang Li was the mathematics representative and the head of the dormitory. She thus had higher chances to be assessed for the awards.

    After Xu Tingting finished her shower, she took out the clothes that she had washed. She twisted her tiny waist which was slightly revealed and said insincerely, ¡°Zhao Yu, you¡¯re back. Don¡¯t be angry. I just wanted to tell you that I identally wetted your nket. When I was carrying the water, I slipped and identally spilled the water over it. Fortunately, it is September now and the weather is not that cold. It¡¯s not December. It will not be a big issue. I apologize to you.¡±

    ¡°You did it on purpose!¡± Zhao Yu was not a three-year-old child. There was disagreement with Xu Tingting during the evening self-study time and this incident happened on the same night. Xu Tingting said she did not do it intentionally. Zhao Yu cursed that she would see a ghost if she believed in her words.

 Chapter 264 - Her Feet Stink

    <h4>Chapter 264: Her Feet Stink</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zhao Yu, you¡¯re too unreasonable. I¡¯ve already apologized to you. I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± Xu Tingting said hypocritically. ¡°The sunlight is very strong nowadays. It¡¯ll be fine if you take the nket out to dry under the sun tomorrow. Don¡¯t throw a fit for such a small matter. You¡¯re exaggerating. Oh yes, I must remind you out of good intention. You should just remove the cover and wash it instead of drying it under the sun. That water of mine... it¡¯s used to wash my feet.¡±

    ¡°Xu Tingting, I¡¯ll fight it out with you!¡± Zhao Yu, who usually had a bad temper, could no longer tolerate this. Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked like a shrew as she pounced at Xu Tingting and started fighting with her.

    ¡°Stop fighting, stop fighting!¡± Wang Li was frightened at the sight. Fortunately, she was not the one who sshed that basin of water. Otherwise, the person Zhao Yu was hitting now would be her.

    ¡°What should we do? We¡¯re unable to pull Zhao Yu away.¡± The others in the dormitory had no choice. Of course, they sided with Xu Tingting as she was the vice ss monitor and had good academic performance. However, Zhao Yu was like a mad woman today that they could not separate her from Xu Tingting. The two fought so badly that even their faces were scratched. Those in the dormitory were scared out of their wits.

    ¡°Hurry! Find someone. Why are you all still standing there? Look for the auntie in charge of the dormitory!¡± Wang Li shouted as she stomped her feet.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Some went to look for the auntie in charge of the dormitory while others ran to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory to find Zheng Lingling. In fact, it was more appropriate to look for the ss monitor, but the ss monitor was a boy. Hence, it was not suitable for him to be involved.

    ¡°What? Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting are fighting?¡± Zheng Lingling was shocked. Wasn¡¯t Zhao Yu theckey of Xu Tingting? Why were the two of them fighting and creating amotion? ¡°I¡¯ll go and take a look.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you going?¡± He Yun gave Qiao Nan, who was lying on the bed, a push.

    Qiao Nan rolled over and moved away. ¡°I¡¯m a person whom no ssmates like. The student dormitory is only so big, and Zheng Lingling has already gone there. Most likely, people from other dormitories, including those from other sses, are also there to watch the fun. I¡¯ve just finished bathing and don¡¯t wish to perspire again by squeezing with the crowd. It¡¯s not as though this is a game of kids squeezing porkrd.¡±

    This made Tang Mengran, who liked to watch the fun, quietly retracted her legs and leaned on her pillow. Actually, she had already left her bed and was wearing her slippers. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m so tired. Sleep. Sleep.¡±

    Fang Fang secretly gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. She then removed her sses from her nose bridge and lied down on the bed to turn in too. As long as the auntie in charge of the dormitory went over, the fight would end.

    True enough, in ten minutes¡¯ time, Zheng Lingling came back. ¡°Xu Tingting was really ¡®good¡¯. She sshed her foot bath water on Zhao Yu¡¯s nket. No wonder Zhao Yu fought with her. Xu Tingting belittled others too much.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was about to fall asleep, knitted her brows. She was very clear-minded.

    Zhao Yu was not someone who would act so rashly. In the past, when Zhao Yu broke her pens, she secretly did it and was never caught red-handed. Although Qiao Nan suspected her, she had no evidence. In the end, she had to trick Zhao Yu into admitting her wrongdoing in front of the teacher.

    How was it possible that Zhao Yu fought with Xu Tingting tantly?

    ¡°Did I tell you that after Zhao Yu had a conflict with Xu Tingting previously, she looked for me and wanted to stay in our dormitory?¡± In the silence, Qiao Nan said with a voice that¡¯s neither too loud nor soft.

    ¡°Yes, you did. At that time... wait, Qiao Nan, do you mean...?¡± He Yun pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Is Zhao Yu so scheming? We¡¯re all just students.¡±

    Fang Fang habitually adjusted her sses again, but she could not feel anything on her bare nose bridge. ¡°I¡¯m not sure of other matters, but Xu Tingting is the vice ss monitor. She¡¯ll definitely be given a demerit point since she¡¯s involved in a fight and created so much trouble. This will not affect Zhao Yu much, but if Xu Tingting has a ck mark in her student record... Tell me, can she still be our vice ss monitor?¡±

    ¡°Fang Fang, your words are so scary. You¡¯re scaring me. Is it thatplicated? Xu Tingting has a bad temper. She must have bullied Zhao Yu too much and thetter retorted.¡± Tang Mengran covered her ears. She thought that Xu Tingting was bad enough. Given what Qiao Nan and Fang Fang said, Zhao Yu was worse. ¡°Moreover, if Xu Tingting loses her position as the vice ss monitor, Zhao Yu will not be able to assume the role too.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s not think about it. Sleep early.¡± Zheng Lingling had the ugliest expression on her face. Regardless of the truth, a ck sheep like Zhao Yu definitely could not stay in their dormitory. When the school started, Zhao Yu had already sowed discord by talking bad about Nan Nan to her. If she came to their dormitory, she could not imagine what would happen.

    ¡°Lingling, if any situation urs, we will depend on you. You have to be firm in front of Teacher Liu!¡± He Yun added, sounding very worried.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what to do. We definitely can¡¯t let that happen.¡± Zheng Lingling nodded in a serious manner. She then went to bed with an unsettled heart.

    True enough, Teacher Liu got to know about the fight between Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu immediately.

    If not for the fact that the auntie in charge of the dormitory arrived in time, the twodies would have fought more viciously and disfigured each other. Despite arriving in time, the auntie saw that they had already ripped off a lot of hair from each other. They were too merciless.

    They had gone overboard and the auntie dared not hide this matter. She directly reported this to Teacher Liu.

    As such, Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting were called into the office early in the morning. At the sight of the two students, who were well yesterday, looking like crazy women today, Teacher Liu¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Had a fight? You¡¯re too daring. Are you asking for demerit points!¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!¡± Xu Tingting felt wronged and tears welled up in her eyes. She acted pitiful first. ¡°I¡¯ve already exined to Zhao Yu and apologized to her. But I didn¡¯t know that she¡¯d do that. It¡¯s an ident. Nobody wanted it to happen.¡±

    Zhao Yu pursed her lips and sneered. ¡°Teacher Liu, I don¡¯t believe that Xu Tingting didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I¡¯ll also not ept Xu Tingting¡¯s apology. She sshed her foot bath water on my nket. Fortunately, it¡¯s September now. If it¡¯s December or January, what should I do? Xu Tingting purposely reminded me that that¡¯s the water used to wash her feet and asked me to wash it today. I feel that if she¡¯s really sincere in apologizing to me, she should have taken the initiative to help me wash and dry my nket. Xu Tingting¡¯s apologyst night was insincere. She¡¯s just cracking wise.¡±

    Zhao Yu simply used Xu Tingting¡¯s words yesterday to retort thetter and hit her in the face.

    Teacher Liu did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Nevertheless, the two of you should not have fought. Zhao Yu, if you thought that Xu Tingting was insincere and you¡¯re not satisfied with her attitude, you could havee and look for me.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu, you don¡¯t know anything about it. I can¡¯t tolerate this. Xu Tingting¡¯s feet stink. I suspect she has athlete¡¯s foot. The foot bath water was sshed onto my nket. The smell is unbearable.¡±

 Chapter 265 - â€˜Share Weal and Woeâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 265: ¡®Share Weal and Woe¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Unfortunately, there isn¡¯t any extra bed in our dormitory. I¡¯m not afraid of catching a cold without the nket, but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll be smoldered to death!¡± Zhao Yu had a sharp and vicious tongue. The way she put across the matter made Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°If Xu Tingting¡¯s attitude was more sincere when she apologized, I¡¯d definitely not take it to heart. However, I can¡¯t ept her sarcasm.¡±

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face was pale, but Teacher Liu¡¯s face turned red. He did not expect that Zhao Yu woulde up with such a reason. Moreover, Teacher Liu could not ask if Xu Tingting had athlete¡¯s foot or if her feet really stank. After all, Xu Tingting was a youngdy.

    ¡°You¡¯re talking crap. You¡¯re the one with stinking feet!¡± Xu Tingting exploded in anger. She never had athlete¡¯s foot and her feet never stank, and she was very particr about personal hygiene. Zhao Yu was obviously talking nonsense!

    Zhao Yuughed in her heart. Yes, she was driveling. But what could Xu Tingting do to her? If Xu Tingting was determined, she could remove her shoes in the office and let Teacher Liu smell whether her feet stank.

    ¡°Alright, stop arguing. No matter what, it¡¯s wrong to fight. Xu Tingting, as a ssmittee member, you should take the lead and set a good example. Judging by the situation, do you think you have fulfilled your duty as the vice ss monitor? It¡¯s definitely wrong for Zhao Yu to fight with you. However, Zhao Yu¡¯s words are not without a reason. Since today¡¯s weather is good, take the opportunity to wash Zhao Yu¡¯s nket. Zhao Yu, you have to apologize to Xu Tingting. The two of you also have to write a letter of self-reflection as soon as possible. If this happens again, I¡¯ll report this to the school directly and let the school put this on official record!¡±

    Teacher Liu had a great headache. ss one of the school had traditionally beenbeled as the ¡®ss of nerds¡¯.

    There were advantages to this and Teacher Liu did not mind that his students were not as lively. He was most fearful of encountering students such as Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu who were too ¡®lively¡¯.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, I have something else to say.¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned ck after hearing that she was to write a self-reflection. She had a streaky clean record in junior high school. Nevertheless, she expected to be punished. She considered herself lucky that they did not put this on record.

    ¡°You...¡± Xu Tingting was anxious. What was Zhao Yu trying to do? She was not done with the matter yet?

    It was only at this point that Xu Tingting understood that Zhao Yu was being serious and not joking with her.

    The reckless one was afraid of the unreasonable one, and thetter was fearful of those daring ones.

    Zhao Yu was not a ssmittee member, and neither was she holding a junior role such as subject representative or team leader. Hence, Zhao Yu was not afraid of losing any ¡®official designation¡¯. On the contrary, Xu Tingting cared very much about the vice ss monitor position she was holding. Otherwise, she would not be at odds with Qiao Nan.

    However, with Zhao Yu stirring up this matter, Xu Tingting might have to step down from the position.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Speak.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu, although she¡¯s our vice ss monitor, Xu Tingting actually led the ssmates in our dormitory to iste and bully me. Since she¡¯s the vice ss monitor, everyone in the dormitory listened to her and ignored me. Teacher Liu, if this continues, I¡¯ll feel so stressed and may not be able to continue studying here. I¡¯ve had a few sleepless nights in the dormitory. Each time I carried a basin of water in the dormitory, a selected few in the dormitory would always bump into me ¡®coincidentally¡¯, making me spill my water and wet the clothes I¡¯d just changed into. This time, it urred in September. If this happens again in December, it¡¯ll be hard for me to dry my clothes and nket.¡±

    In the past one month, Zhao Yu had endured much bullying. What she said earlier was true.

    Zhao Yu tolerated until today as she intended to blow up the matter all at once and lodge a viciousint against Xu Tingting.

    ¡°Is there such a matter?¡± Teacher Liu was shocked. It had not even been a month since the school started. He did not expect that so much conflict would arise between the students. ¡°Xu Tingting, is this true?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Really? Then, should I call your dormitory mates in for questioning?¡± Teacher Liu¡¯s attitude was even more serious. Teacher Liu would definitely not allow the behavior of ganging up to iste and bully one ssmate.

    ¡°I...¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned crimson. She was in tears and finally fearful.

    ¡°Fine, judging by your reaction, I know what has happened.¡± Teacher Liu¡¯s face stiffened. ¡°Xu Tingting, given your character, you¡¯re not suitable to be the vice ss monitor. Alright, the two of you should go back and write the self-reflection letter.¡± He had thought that Xu Tingting was at most a little spoiled, but it seemed that she was also quite mean.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, it¡¯s not like that...¡± Xu Tingting wanted topete with Qiao Nan for the vice ss monitor role. Now, with Zhao Yu stirring this matter up, she had to pull out of the race and Qiao Nan did not even need to lift a finger.

    ¡°Alright, go back. If the self-reflection letter is not sincere enough, I¡¯ll not let it pass. I¡¯ll also keep a record of the letters.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu, I have a request.¡± Zhao Yu covered her mouth and smiled secretly.

    ¡°What request?¡± Teacher Liu frowned. He did not like the fact that Zhao Yu had so many issues.

    ¡°Teacher, please change my dormitory. Those people have gotten into the habit of bullying me with Xu Tingting. Even if they stop bullying me in the future, they will definitely ignore me.¡±

    ¡°Change your dormitory? But all the dormitory arrangements have already been finalized. Where can you go to?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory. I heard that there are two empty beds in their dormitory. I can move to that dormitory. It won¡¯t be too cumbersome.¡±

    Xu Tingting gritted her teeth. She nearly wanted to spit at Zhao Yu, this scheming bitch. After kicking up such a fuss, Zhao Yu¡¯s ultimate objective was actually to move in to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory. She had been thinking. Was there a need to blow up the matter in the first ce? It even resulted in her losing the vice ss monitor position.

    In the future, she vowed to be irreconcble with both Zhao Yu and Qiao Nan.

    In fact, Xu Tingting really wanted to expose Zhao Yu in front of Teacher Liu. The matter had been blown up because she was just a pawn of Zhao Yu.

    She was now down on her luck, yet Zhao Yu had her wish granted!

    After blinking her eyes a couple of times, Xu Tingting let out a long breath. She sneered. No, she would not expose Zhao Yu.

    Zhao Yu had been bullied by her for one entire month. In this entire month, Zhao Yu did not even murmur a single word, not to mention picking a fight. She was too careless and oblivious to assume that Zhao Yu was a pushover that could be easily bullied. Zhao Yu was clearly a rattlesnake with shimmering fangs that had been ambushing.

    She had already suffered a big loss due to Zhao Yu. It did not make sense to allow Qiao Nan to watch the fun merrily from the side. After all, Qiao Nan was Zhao Yu¡¯s junior high school ssmate. The two of them could ¡®go through thick and thin together¡¯ for all she cared.

 Chapter 266 - Consensus to Disagree

    <h4>Chapter 266: Consensus to Disagree</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Zhao Yu went to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, then she believed it¡¯d be Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to lead an exciting life.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, can we do that?¡± In the ss, Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory was the only one with vacancies. It was most convenient for her to move to that dormitory.

    ¡°I need to confirm this first. You all can go back.¡± Teacher Liu did not agree to the request immediately but neither did he reject it.

    ¡°Thanks, Teacher Liu!¡± Zhao Yu smiled and left the office feeling satisfied.

    Xu Tingting gritted her teeth. She also left the office and caught up with Zhao Yu. ¡°Zhao Yu, we¡¯ll wait and see!¡± This time, Zhao Yu set her up and she became Zhao Yu¡¯s stepping stone. Next time, she would definitely make Zhao Yu suffer.

    When she heard Xu Tingting¡¯s warning, Zhao Yu halted her steps for a while. She then continued to move on.

    Xu Tingting was never keen on getting along well with her. She had been bullying her for the past month. Even if she did not lodge aint against Xu Tingting today, she did not believe that Xu Tingting would stop bullying her.

    As such, she was indifferent to Xu Tingting¡¯s ¡®wait and see¡¯ threats. At the very least, she had dealt with Xu Tingting and taken revenge for herself.

    Xu Tingting reached the ssroom slightly earlier than Zhao Yu. At the sight of her table piling with a few exam papers, Xu Tingting was momentarily stunned. ¡°All the papers have been given out? Who¡¯s the top student in the ss? What¡¯s the score?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore.¡± Wang Li waved her hands to signal to Xu Tingting. It was best if she did not know the answer to the question. Otherwise, Xu Tingting would definitely be so furious that she could forget about sleeping well tonight.

    ¡°...¡± Xu Tingting refused to believe in fate. She took a pen to calcte her aggregate score. At the sight of her result, she was quite satisfied as the average score of her subjects was already ny-three.

    She already knew her result. Next, she had to find a way to find out what Qiao Nan¡¯s score was.

    She did not believe that Qiao Nan would fare as well as she did in mathematics for her other subjects. Attaining 100 marks for mathematics was rare, but the Chinesenguage was more difficult. As long as Qiao Nan dropped the ball in one of the subjects, she would have the opportunity to surpass Qiao Nan in this examination and be the top scorer in the ss.

    As Xu Tingting looked for the chance to find out how Qiao Nan fared in the examination, it was already noontime in the blink of an eye.

    Just as Qiao Nan returned to the ssroom after lunch and was preparing for the next lesson, she was called into the office by Teacher Liu.

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu¡¯s reactions were the greatest among the ssmates when Qiao Nan was requested to go to Teacher Liu¡¯s office.

    ¡°What? Zhao Yu will be moving to our dormitory?¡± Qiao Nan wanted to hold her forehead. What she was most fearful of was happening. She said before that Zhao Yu was not an ordinary seventeen-year-old kid. She was much more scheming than those of the same age.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s regarding this matter. Qiao Nan, what are your thoughts on this?¡± Teacher Liu asked.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, after a month of adjustment, the six of us are finally getting along well and harmoniously. I¡¯m not the only one who stays in the dormitory. If you really wish to know, I think you should also seek the rest of my dormitory mates¡¯ opinions.¡±

    ¡°How about you? What do you think?¡± Teacher Liu was more concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s views. ¡°I heard that Zhao Yu was your ssmate in junior high school. Both of you have always been in the same ss, haven¡¯t you? Your rtionship with each other should be better than that of typical ssmates.¡± After all, both were more familiar with each other.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, even if you ask me, it¡¯s not appropriate for me to tell you certain things. Can I trouble you to make a call to the junior high school to look for Teacher Chen to have a better understanding?¡±

    ¡°Is it so inappropriate?¡± Teacher Liu was slightly stunned.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°After Teacher Liu heard Teacher Chen¡¯s words, you should know my stance toward this matter.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then you may go back. Call the rest of your dormitory mates here.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s result was not only the best in his ss but also the whole school. Moreover, the few youngdies in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory had good learning attitudes. He could not simply transfer Zhao Yu to their dormitory without careful consideration.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu.¡± Qiao Nan bowed and left. She then called the rest of her dormitory mates to Teacher Liu¡¯s office.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why is Teacher Liu looking for us?¡± Tang Mengran asked curiously.

    ¡°You¡¯ll know after you make the trip.¡± Qiao Nan drank some water. She did not wish to remember what Teacher Liu said to her earlier.

    ¡°Is it because of Zhao Yu?¡± Fang Fang was always the most sensitive one. After all, one was called in after another. It was quite obvious.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be, can it?¡± He Yun¡¯s face looked as if she had stepped on dog¡¯s poop.

    ¡°Teacher Liu most likely requested to see us to find out how we feel about this. Nan Nan, what did you say? You didn¡¯t agree, did you?¡± Zheng Lingling was most worried about this. Teacher Liu must have called Nan Nan to his office first because he ced great importance on Nan Nan¡¯s thoughts.

    If Nan Nan had agreed, then this matter would be troublesome.

    ¡°Am I stupid? I¡¯ve never had chemistry with Zhao Yu. She¡¯s my ssmate again in senior high school. Most probably, she regretted not going to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I used to believe that she would attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Her family is wealthy and she mentioned before that she must be a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡± Furthermore, in her previous life, Zhao Yu studied in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°That will do.¡± Zheng Lingling heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°As long as the six of us sing the same tune, I think Teacher Liu will not force us. Let¡¯s go.¡± After confirming that they did not have differing views, Zheng Lingling was no longer worried.

    It was really because Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu had created so much trouble the night before. Zheng Lingling was afraid of troubles. Be it Xu Tingting or Zhao Yu, neither was the type that she could ept.

    After discussion, He Yun, Tao Zhenqin and the group of five conveyed the same stance in front of Teacher Liu. They refused to let Zhao Yu stay in their dormitory.

    Before the five of them reached Teacher Liu¡¯s office, Teacher Liu had already talked to Teacher Chen, Qiao Nan¡¯s form teacher in junior high school. As soon as Teacher Chen heard that Zhao Yu would be in the same dormitory as Qiao Nan, he immediately advised Teacher Liu not to allow that. ¡°The kids nowadays are very different from those of our generation. They are quite scheming. In the beginning, I was not pleased because she did not lend Qiao Nan a pen when Qiao Nan¡¯s pens broke. Qiao Nan was in a difficult situation and they were ssmates. I only knew thereafter that Qiao Nan¡¯s few pens were broken all because of... Teacher Liu, tell me. What¡¯s happening to the kids nowadays? Why are they so scheming?¡±

    Teacher Chen expressed that he had been a teacher for so many years and had taught so many students. Among them, Zhao Yu gave him the worst impression. She totally changed his perspective and understanding of the kids nowadays.

    ¡°As a teacher, we should believe that the students are good-natured and could change for the better even if theymitted wrongdoing. But a student like Qiao Nan is hard toe by. It¡¯s even harder for her to continue with her studies. We wish to give the student a chance, but we shouldn¡¯t gamble it with another student¡¯s studies, should we? We can¡¯t afford this gamble. If Zhao Yu disrupts Qiao Nan¡¯s studies, this will definitely be a loss to Ping Cheng High School.¡±

 Chapter 267 - The Mail to the Army

    <h4>Chapter 267: The Mail to the Army</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Had someone not lent Qiao Nan a pen at that time, she would not have been able to participate in the essay writingpetition. In that case, Ping Cheng Junior High school would have lost the championship for that provincial essay writingpetition back then!

    ¡°Yes, what you have said made sense. I¡¯ll consider it carefully.¡± There was no need for Teacher Chen to persuade him. After hearing Teacher Chen¡¯s words, Teacher Liu hadpletely dispelled the thought of sending Zhao Yu to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory.

    Zhao Yu was already so daring when studying in junior high school. She dared to plot against Qiao Nan in that way during the essaypetition. They were in senior high school now. Wouldn¡¯t it be a walk in the park for Zhao Yu to do something simr to Qiao Nan again?

    Most critically, regarding the fight between Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting, Teacher Liu was able to tell that Zhao Yu had be more daring than before. She did not change for the better despite the lesson learned in junior high school.

    Thinking about it, did Zhao Yu really have no responsibility at all for the conflict between Xu Tingting and her?

    There were a total of eight students in the dormitory and Xu Tingting did not bully anyone else but Zhao Yu.

    What if Qiao Nan¡¯s studies were affected after Zhao Yu was transferred to her dormitory? That would be really...

    ¡°Teacher Liu, we know why you called us here.¡± Zheng Lingling represented the group and came forward. ¡°Teacher Liu, we¡¯ll be forthright about it. All the six of us in the dormitory disagree to this.¡±

    When Zheng Lingling said that, the rest in the group nodded furiously to express how reluctant they were.

    Fang Fang adjusted her sses. ¡°Teacher Liu, we initially did not want to tell you certain things. We¡¯re all ssmates and will be in studying together for three years. However, we really can¡¯t agree to this. Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu have conflicts with each other and Zhao Yu wants to move to our dormitory. That won¡¯t do. In fact, Zhao Yu is greatly responsible for the conflict. Our ss one is the only ss with two vice ss monitors. Because of that, Xu Tingting already disliked Nan Nan. We don¡¯t know what Zhao Yu told Xu Tingting. Regardless, Xu Tingting has not been on good terms with Nan Nan, and she keeps targeting Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We don¡¯t know what happened. All of a sudden, Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting fell out with each other,¡± Tang Mengran added.

    ¡°If Zhao Yu is transferred to our dormitory, it will only worsen the conflict,¡± He Yun said sincerely.

    ¡°We are really grateful to Teacher Liu for taking the students¡¯ opinions seriously. Thank you, Teacher Liu, for giving us the opportunity to express our views. We hope that Teacher Liu can ede to our small request.¡± After making their stand clear, Fang Fang put in a few good words appropriately.

    ¡°Alright. I understand your thoughts. You can go back. I know what to do regarding this matter.¡± If Teacher Liu did not ask, he would not know all these. He was shocked to find out that so many things had happened.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu.¡±

    Upon hearing Teacher Liu¡¯s tone, the fivedies knew that Zhao Yu¡¯s transfer to their dormitory was unlikely to happen.

    The rxed look on the faces of He Yun and the group when they returned to the ssroom made Xu Tingtingughed. Xu Tingting looked at Zhao Yu as if to say that thetter had lost her face for nothing this time. She was punished to write a letter of self-reflection, but her wish failed toe true.

    Zhao Yu was so furious that she simply mmed the ballpoint pen on the table. She nearly cracked the pen¡¯s outer shell. Qiao Nan really did not have any love for her ssmates. Qiao Nan clearly knew that she had been bullied badly by Xu Tingting but refused to help her. Now, she even ganged up with her other five dormitory mates to deal with and discriminate against her.

    Inparison to Xu Tingting, Qiao Nan was not any better!

    Moreover, they had been junior high school ssmates for three years. Qiao Nan was too malicious. Qiao Nan had better not give her a chance to harm her. Otherwise, she would certainly think of a way to deal with her!

    In the face of Xu Tingting¡¯s gloating, Zhao Yu curled up one corner of her lips and sneered. She then daringly wrote a number on her own exercise book: thirty. After she wrote that, she lifted it and showed it to Xu Tingting.

    Although Xu Tingting had done very well for the four subjects this time, her aggregate score was less than Qiao Nan by exactly thirty marks, neither more nor less.

    In other words, Qiao Nan¡¯s result for this examination was simr to how she did for the middle school examination. It was exaggerating. She received full marks for more than one subject.

    Fang Fang saw what Zhao Yu did and her mood turned sour. If Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu wanted to fight it out, they could do so by themselves. Why did they keep using Nan Nan as the raft? This kind of behavior was detestable.

    In the end, Zhao Yu changed her dormitory, but she did not go to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory. She exchanged dormitory with one of their ssmates.

    After learning that Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting had a fight with each other, all the students in ss one understood the reason for the change.

    Teacher Liu had already assigned the tasks. On that day, Xu Tingting made use of noontime to wash and dry Zhao Yu¡¯s nket. The next day, she also handed in the letter of self-reflection in which she wrote her deep regrets to Teacher Liu together with Zhao Yu.

    After sessfully resolving the matter regarding Zhao Yu¡¯s dormitory, Qiao Nan¡¯s school life became beautiful again.

    On the other hand, it was rare for a certain someone to be in a good mood as though the winter snow had melted and the sky was bright and clear just because of the arrival of a letter.

    ¡°Regimentmander, here is a letter for you.¡± The soldier was holding a letter addressed to Zhai Sheng. His eyes were full of curiosity. Having been under regimentmander¡¯s wing for so many years, he had hardly seen him receive any letter. The writing on the envelope was straight, small, and sophisticated. It seemed to be written by ady.

    ¡°Bring it here!¡± Zhai Sheng immediately put down the things on hand and took the letter from the soldier.

    Upon taking the letter, Zhai Sheng did not open it anxiously. Instead, he used his hands to feel the thickness and firmness of it. When he felt the square and firm paper had some sticity, he had a satisfied look on his face.

    ¡°Alright, you may leave.¡±

    The soldier¡¯s feet turned but he continued to face Zhai Sheng. ¡°Regimentmander, who wrote this letter?¡± What¡¯s the content of the letter? From the look on his regimentmander¡¯s face, it seemed to have caused a stir in his heart!

    ¡°It seems like we had less physical training today. You still look quite energetic.¡± Regimentmander Zhai sneered. ¡°Should I extend it?¡±

    ¡°Haha... No, no need. Please take your time to read, Regiment Commander Zhai. I¡¯m going to run some errands.¡± The soldier¡¯s legs turned wobbly and he nearly lost his footing.

    Everyone knew that the soldiers in the regimentmander¡¯s team had the toughest and most tiring training sessions in the army. He was tired out like a dog every single day. If he had to do additional training, he did not think he could survive anymore.

    The soldier not only left but also sensibly closed the door.

    ¡°Xiao Jia, why did you go to the regimentmander¡¯s office just now?¡± When Zhou Jun saw Xiao Jiaing out from Zhai Sheng¡¯s office, he asked. He was previously summoned to return to the camp and within a day, he really received a mission.

    Zhou Jun had just returned to the camp afterpleting his mission. He was then given a few days¡¯ time to allow him to take a break.

    In the past, when Zhou Jun was on leave, he would rather stay in the camp. He would not even go home during the Lunar New Year or any other festive asions. It was rare to be given a few days of leave. This time, Zhou Jun was eager to leave the camp to find that youngdy.

 Chapter 268 - Wish to Marry a Wife

    <h4>Chapter 268: Wish to Marry a Wife</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°One week ago, the regimentmander told me that if anyone mail him a letter, I have to hand it to him directly. More than a week has passed, and I thought that the letter would note. Who knows that it woulde today. Companymander, do you know that the regimentmander treated the letter as if it¡¯s very precious? He won¡¯t even let me see it.¡± Xiao Jia¡¯s busybody character was burning with curiosity. ¡°Companymander, who do you think wrote to the regimentmander? Is it possible that, ahem, the regimentmander¡¯s heart is moved and he has taken a liking to someone?¡±

    ¡°Impossible. Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Zhou Jun was also concerned about Zhai Sheng¡¯s love life, but he would not be a big mouth. ¡°It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t know the regimentmander¡¯s family situation. Most likely, he may not even have a say in who he will marry in the future. Didn¡¯t someone say before that the regimentmander will be getting engaged with Battalion Commander Qiu¡¯s younger sister?¡±

    The regimentmander was born into a good family and he was also very capable. However, many people would not remember the regimentmander¡¯s ability because of his family background. They all said that the regimentmander relied on his family for his achievements today.

    The regimentmander¡¯s career path in the army was definitely smoother than his, but it was not too bad for him either. He was willing to take it a step at a time.

    In his lifetime, he was more fortunate than the regimentmander because he was able to decide whom to marry as his wife. Moreover, his parents liked Nan Nan so much.

    ¡°You¡¯re not making sense. Does the regimentmander seem like the kind of person with a good temper? Companymander, did you watch too many TV dramas? The regimentmander has a tough character. A wife is someone you marry to live with for the rest of your life. If you don¡¯t like her, why do you still want to marry her? It¡¯s not meaningful at all.¡± Xiao Jia shook his head. Anyway, he did not believe that the regimentmander did not have a say in this.

    ¡°By the way,panymander, what¡¯s wrong with you these past couple of days? You¡¯ve been restless and moving around too much, seemingly having a lot under your butt. Companymander, what happened to you?¡±

    ¡°What kind of description was that?¡± Zhou Jun pped Xiao Jia¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m trying to think of ways to marry yourpanymander¡¯s wife-to-be.¡±

    Nan Nan was in senior high school now. He heard that she had to stay in the school dormitory and would not be home every week.

    What if Nan Nan was at school when he looked for her? Wouldn¡¯t he have missed the opportunity then?

    His heart ached at the thought of him finally having an excuse to interact more with Qiao Nan through the military training and deepen their understanding of each other only to lose the opportunity in the end. It was such a pity!

    ¡°So something did happen after all! How does our little sister-inw look like? Is she pretty?¡± Xiao Jia¡¯s eyes lit up. Had spring eventually arrived for the bachelors in his army?!

    ¡°Little sister-inw?¡± At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s age, Zhou Jun revealed a sweet and love-sick smile, one that made Xiao Qiao have goose pimples immediately. ¡°You didn¡¯t address her wrong. This little sister-inw of yours is really young. So, if yourpanymander, yours truly, really wants to marry her, I have to tough it out for a few years.¡±

    ¡°How young is too young? Companymander, how can you bear to do that?¡± Xiao Jia covered his teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s a young student?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m sick in the mind? Your little sister-inw is a student, but she¡¯s already a senior high school student. Her results are excellent!¡± Zhou Jun could not help giving Xiao Jia a punch. He didn¡¯t use too much strength, though.

    ¡°Alright alright alright, how could the sister-inw ourpanymander has taken a liking to not be good?¡± Xiao Jia pleaded for mercy continuously. ¡°If the letter earlier was really written to our regimentmander by a youngdy... Ah, our team will have lots of blossoming romance this year. Companymander, if you have a chance, please bring our little sister-inw here and let us take a look so that we can formally acknowledge her.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, of course I will.¡± Zhou Jun agreed readily.

    Zhou Jun was in a good mood at the mention of Qiao Nan. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng, who was reading the letter in his office, was in a better mood than Zhou Jun.

    Zhai Sheng not only wrote to Qiao Nan to warn her not to be involved in a romantic rtionship at a young age but also requested her to send him a photo of herself.

    Although Qiao Nan did not understand why Zhai Sheng requested for her photo, since she was used to obeying Zhai Sheng, she did as she was told without questioning. She used the money Zhai Sheng gave her to take a half-body photo and mailed it to Zhai Sheng.

    The palm-sized photo was not big. The youngdy in the photo looked like she was being held gently in his hands. She was fair and crisp-looking. Her bright ck eyes looked like shining pearls, smiling in the shape of a crescent. She had tiny cherry-like red lips. Her long ck hair was tied into a ponytail, with a few mischievous strands curling by the side of her ears. This made the beautiful youngdy more feminine anddylike.

    As he touched the face of the youngdy in the photo, Zhai Sheng was like the melting iceke in spring. There were gentle ripples on the calm surface, rendering people with no choice but to sway together with him.

    If anyone saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression at that moment, they would definitely exim in shock for having seen a ghost!

    Zhai Sheng restrained his smile and took out his wallet as he regained his seriousposure. Hepared the size of the wallet with the photo. Thereafter, he carefully trimmed Qiao Nan¡¯s photo to the usual size of a photo from a photo studio. It was neither big nor small. The size was just right for the transparent slot in his wallet. Qiao Nan¡¯s portrait could be seen clearly and was positioned right in the center of the slot.

    The wallet photo of the 20th century was born.

    After confirming repeatedly that there was no issue with the photo, Zhai Sheng then put away his wallet carefully and started reading the letter from Qiao Nan.

    In her letter, Qiao Nan expressed in a serious tone that she was not prepared to be romantically involved in senior high school and neither was she prepared to do so in college. When he read this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression was both pleased and worried.

    He was d that he would not have any rivals in romance for Qiao Nan¡¯s three years in senior high school. He was worried because he had nned to formally ask Qiao Nan to be his girlfriend and fianc¨¦e when she attended college. Subsequently, when Qiao Nan reached legal age, he intended to marry Qiao Nan.

    Before he could think further about this matter, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck when he saw the contents that followed.

    The key that he had given to his wife-to-be had been taken back by his mother?

    Although Qiao Nan wrote in the letter clearly that she was the one who returned the key, Zhai Sheng understood his mother¡¯s character too well. His mother must have shown an unpleasant expression. Qiao Nan had to return the key as she did not want to make his mother unhappy.

    It was not clearly written in the letter as to what exactly happened, but Zhai Sheng, as usual, was able to decipher that Qiao Nan must have suffered in this matter.

    Every time Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin created a fuss, Qiao Nan would suffer the most and be the only one who had to endure the anger.

    After reading the letter, Zhai Sheng put it away properly and immediately made a phone call. ¡°Hello, Zhai Sheng, why do you have the spare time to call me today?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s slurry voice could be heard from the other end of the call.

    ¡°Let me ask you. Did you all take back Nan Nan¡¯s key?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan? Who¡¯s that?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s mind was in a whirlwind. She had not realized who the ¡®Nan Nan¡¯ mentioned by her biological brother was. Did her brother know someone called Nan Nan? ¡°Oh, are you referring to Qiao Nan?¡± At the mention of Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua¡¯s tone sounded guilty.

 Chapter 269 - The Mother and Daughter-In-Law Problem

    <h4>Chapter 269: The Mother and Daughter-In-Law Problem</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you want to give me an exnation or should I investigate and increase your punishment?¡± Zhai Sheng pursed his lips in anger.

    The two of them grew up together. Zhai Hua¡¯s tone was obviously an expression of her guilt!

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. If you wish to know, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Zhai Hua honestly confessed the whole matter. ¡°Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan is very unlucky. Her situation is worse than what you have described. What kind of mother is that? With such a mother, Qiao Nan will really be down on luck for life.¡±

    After Qiao Nan left that day, Zhai Hua was heartbroken at the thought of Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior.

    Those who were sharp and clear-minded had all spoken up to reprimand Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, particrly Ding Jiayi, who was nearly thrown at with rotten eggs. She did not know why Ding Jiayi could still be so thick-skinned. Her face had clearly turned crimson and she should have just left quietly.

    Unexpectedly, Ding Jiayi followed her and questioned how she got to know Qiao Nan. She even said Qiao Nan had given her so much trouble. Ding Jiayi would like to thank her properly and treat her to a meal for helping Qiao Nan so much, saying that she would ask Qiao Nan to invite her.

    Initially, Zhai Hua did not wish to take the key back. But at the sight of Ding Jiayi¡¯s shameless behavior, Zhai Hua had to agree wholeheartedly with Qiao Nan¡¯s decision.

    If she were to say Ding Jiayi did not have a sense of shame, then why had Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned crimson that day? She had thought that Ding Jiayi was so embarrassed that her blood pressure would rise and cause her to faint on the spot. She had never expected Ding Jiayi to be able to endure it.

    If she were to say Ding Jiayi had a sense of shame, then why did Ding Jiayi keep pestering her mother and her? It¡¯s so shameless of her.

    She had only interacted with Ding Jiayi for a short while and already had a stomach full of anger. Zhai Hua truly pitied Qiao Nan for having Ding Jiayi as a mother. Qiao Nan had to tolerate Ding Jiayi for her entire life until Ding Jiayi¡¯s death.

    It¡¯s too miserable!

    ¡°So, when Nan Nan was bullied, you were just standing and watching from the side?¡± Zhai Sheng was such an intelligent person. Although Zhai Hua had skipped those scenarios that were disadvantageous to her, Zhai Sheng was still able to notice them without missing any of it. ¡°Zhai Hua, you¡¯ve be more daring.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. At that time, I didn¡¯t really know Qiao Nan. All this while, I¡¯ve been hearing from you about her situation. I didn¡¯t know what kind of person Qiao Nan is. Dad taught us from a young age not to use only our ears, but also our eyes and heart to experience things. I¡¯ve used my eyes and heart to feel what was happening. After this incident, I decided to stand on your sidepletely. It¡¯s been hard on Qiao Nan. Besides, let me warn you in advance. Mom doesn¡¯t seem to like Qiao Nan. Then, your feelings toward Qiao Nan...¡±

    They were born from the same mother. How could Zhai Hua not feel the change in Zhai Sheng?

    ¡°When she¡¯s legally an adult, I¡¯ll register the marriage and marry her. She¡¯ll be your sister-inw,¡± Zhai Sheng answered without any reservation.

    ¡°Are you serious?!¡± He had already thought of registering the marriage!!!

    ¡°Yes, I am. So, you should know what to do in the future.¡± If Zhai Hua helped Nan Nan, Nan Nan would have a better life in the Zhai family.

    ¡°But...¡± Zhai Hua sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not as though you don¡¯t know what Dad and Mom think. They hope that you¡¯ll be together with Qiu Chenxi. The worse thing is that Qiu Chenxi likes you. She has been finding excuses toe to our house to look for Mom. You should understand what she wants.¡±

    The mother and daughter-inw conflict had traditionally been a major problem. Her mother not only disliked Qiao Nan but also had another suitable daughter-inw candidate in mind.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, if you truly love Qiao Nan, you have to spare more thoughts for her. I¡¯m not going to bring up her mother again. She has to deal with such an extreme mother before she¡¯s married. Don¡¯t let her face a mother-inw who dislikes her after marriage for the rest of her life. Although Mom is different from Ding Jiayi, her psychological abuse is quite formidable.¡± Zhai Hua was thoughtful for both Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s sakes.

    If the mother and daughter-inw problem was not resolved, Zhai Sheng would not have a good life in the future either. Zhai Sheng would lose more than he gain if this affected his future.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already thought about this. I¡¯ll let Nan Nan follow me to the army.¡± In this way, even if her mother did not like Nan Nan, Nan Nan also did not need to face her every day. That would only make them both unhappy.

    ¡°This will do. I¡¯ve worried for nothing.¡± Zhai Hua patted her head. She was really muddle-headed. Why didn¡¯t she think of this? ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve considered everything. Tell me honestly. That n of yours, is it to resolve her problem with Mom or do you wish to keep her by your side so that you can see her every day?¡±

    ¡°Beep, beep, beep...¡±

    Zhai Hua had yet to receive a response from Zhai Sheng, but thetter had already hung up as soon as he found out the information he was looking for.

    ¡°This young brat, don¡¯t ask for my help in the future if you¡¯re capable!¡± Zhai Hua felt that she had been kicked to the curb after outliving her usefulness. She was so angry that she nearly broke the phone.

    After knowing that Qiao Dongliang had moved out of the quad for the sake of Qiao Nan and that Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude had changed for the better, Zhai Sheng felt much better.

    Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door.

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    ¡°Regimentmander, I have some matters to attend to and I wish to leave the camp for three days.¡± Zhou Jun was holding a request report as he stepped into Zhai Sheng¡¯s office.

    ¡°Three days? Where are you going?¡± Looking at Zhou Jun¡¯s report, Zhai Sheng did not sign immediately.

    ¡°Reporting to regimentmander, my parents are not young anymore. My family has been reminding me to settle my marriage. So, I hope to look for my wife-to-be.¡± Zhou Jun could not endure any longer. He wished to look for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was young, pretty, and good in her studies. She was such a gooddy. If he did not watch after her properly, she would definitely be kidnapped by other wildds!

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng signed his big name to approve Zhou Jun¡¯s leave.

    ording to Zhai Sheng¡¯s prediction, Qiao Nan would not be at home this weekend. She would be at school. Furthermore, Qiao Nan did not stay in the quad anymore. Zhou Jun would only meet Ding Jiayi if he looked for her there.

    ¡°Thank you, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s eyes lit up. He was happy that Zhai Sheng had approved his request. He did not know that he would be making a wasted trip and had to deal with someone he hated to deal with.

    As Zhai Sheng had expected, Zhou Jun ran to the house of the Qiao family, but he did not see Qiao Nan. He did not even meet Ding Jiayi. This was because Ding Jiayi was preparing dinner for Qiao Dongliang at the rented apartment.

    Ding Jiayi was trying her luck to dy the time, but Qiao Dongliang would not let her stay overnight. Ding Jiayi had to return home unwillingly. By that time, the sky was already dark and Zhou Jun had already gone home.

    Nevertheless, Zhou Jun found out from the neighbors that something had happened to the Qiao family again, and Qiao Dongliang had moved away with Qiao Nan.

    When he heard about the situation of the Qiao family, Zhou Jun felt extremely awkward and did not know what to do. If he simply looked for them directly, would it leave a bad impression on Qiao Dongliang? After all, dirty linen should not be aired in public. If Nan Nan became angry because of this, he would be making a fool of himself.

 Chapter 270 - Rejected

    <h4>Chapter 270: Rejected</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After much consideration, Zhou Jun was determined to apply for a leave so that he could make his presence known and create an impression in the Qiao family. He did not expect that he would make a wasted trip.

    As such, just as what Zhai Sheng had predicted, Zhou Jun came enthusiastically but left solemnly.

    Qiao Nan, who was having lessons at school, did not know that Zhou Jun made a special trip to the quad to look for her after hepleted his mission. Since Zhao Yu¡¯s n to be transferred to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory failed, the more she could not see eye to eye with Qiao Nan.

    Facing Zhao Yu¡¯s cold and entric behavior, Qiao Nan was not surprised or affected at all. Zhao Yu could behave in whatever way she liked.

    Xu Tingting was obviously more street smart than Zhao Yu. Although her detest for Qiao Nan was not less than Zhao Yu, she was able to smile at Qiao Nan in front of and behind others. Nevertheless, Xu Tingting dared not touch those letters that belonged to Qiao Nan anymore.

    In the first half of the semester, Qiao Nan had consecutively received ten letters from Chen Jun.

    At the sight of that stack of letters, Qiao Nan mmed her table. For two lifetimes, Chen Jun was always so patient when he wooed a girl. Clearly, she had not replied to Chen Jun during the past two months despite having received his letters intermittently. Nevertheless, Chen Jun did not seem to mind at all and had been continuously sending her letters.

    Qiao Nan pulled the corners of her lips. She patted Zhu Baoguo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Where¡¯s the big envelope that I requested you to prepare?¡± It was not easy to find this type of big envelope for putting official documents, but Zhu Baoguo had many of those at home.

    ¡°I thought that you don¡¯t want it anymore.¡± Zhu Baoguo took out a yellow envelope about the size of A4 and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Why do you need such a big envelope?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. To settle some thrash.¡± Qiao Nan ced all the letters from Chen Jun into the envelope. She also included a slip of her handwritten note. Thereafter, she wrote the address, pasted the stamp, and dropped the envelope into the postbox.

    ¡°Chen Jun, you have mail.¡± Within a week, Chen Jun received Qiao Nan¡¯s letter. ¡°Chen Jun, who sent you this letter? The envelope is so big and it is so heavy. There seems to be quite a lot of stuff inside.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Chen Jun smiled nonchntly. When he took the letter and saw the address on the envelope, he smiled. After enduring for two months, Qiao Nan finally relented.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Nan was already the most restrained and sensible girl among the ones he knew. She was hard toe by.

    However, if he revealed his family background to Qiao Nan, he wondered how much longer Qiao Nan could hold on.

    Chen Jun was also famous at school. It was not only those girls in his ss who had a crush on him and wrote him love letters. There were many other girls from different courses who fancied him as well. When Chen Jun received the letter, one of the girls in his ss announced, ¡°Chen Jun, who wrote this letter to you? It¡¯s so big. The recipient is really sincere.¡±

    It would be great if Chen Jun simply tore the love letter he received and threw it into the rubbish bin just like he always did.

    ¡°A little sister in Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°A little sister? Chen Jun, I recall that you¡¯re the only son. Where did your sistere from? Maternal or paternal cousin?¡± The male ssmate was curious too. Manydies surrounded Chen Jun indeed, but it was already the second year in college and he had not seen him on close terms with any girl. Chen Jun himself had never admitted that he had a girlfriend either.

    ¡°Neither of those.¡± Chen Jun was not eager to open the letter in front of so many pairs of eyes. Even if he wanted to read it, he would read it alone. He was reluctant to have so many bystanders.

    As such, the female ssmates¡¯ hopes of Chen Jun immediately destroying the letter were, of course, dashed.

    ¡°Aiyoyo, she¡¯s not your paternal or maternal cousin and you didn¡¯t tear this letter. Chen Jun, did something happen? Confess honestly. Is she your childhood sweetheart?!¡± The male ssmate refused to let go of Chen Jun and demanded an exnation.

    Many girls in the ss were stretching their necks, waiting for Chen Jun to ¡®appoint¡¯ them to be his girlfriend.

    As long as Chen Jun did not have a girlfriend, the girls from his ss and other courses would not give up. As a result, his male ssmates who were looking for love could not find anyone to be their girlfriend.

    ¡°Childhood sweetheart? It¡¯s not wrong to say that either.¡± Qiao Nan is still young. If he dated her at this time, he would be the prince charming appearing before the youngdy at the right time.

    ¡°Oh my, are you serious?¡± The male student was only joking. He didn¡¯t expect that his dream woulde true. Chen Jun was in a rtionship with someone. ¡°We have so many prettydies in the school. There are course belle, school belle, and many others, but you don¡¯t fancy any of them. How does your childhood sweetheart look like? Can we take a look?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of the saying that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder? Alright. Move aside. I¡¯m going back to my dormitory.¡± The ss had ended and Chen Jun did not intend to dillydally in the ssroom. He held the heavy mail from Qiao Nan and returned to his dormitory.

    ¡°Ladies in the ss, please give up. Chen Jun already has a childhood sweetheart and they¡¯re very close to each other. Even if this young sweetheart is not as good-looking as you, Chen Jun has said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. In his eyes, his childhood sweetheart is the prettiest. There¡¯s no hope toward Chen Jun now. We have many singles here in our ss. Please don¡¯t miss out on this opportunity.¡±

    When the news, perceived to be great by the guys in the ss, was announced, a wail of despair resounded in the audience. Undoubtedly, it came from thedies in the ss.

    When Chen Jun returned to his dormitory, no one was around. It was thus convenient for him to open the letter.

    When he opened the big envelope, Chen Jun saw many smaller letters in it. Chen Jun¡¯s face turned ck instantly. He then poured out all the letters from the big envelope.

    Of course, he recognized his own handwriting. At one nce, Chen Jun was able to confirm that Qiao Nan had returned him all the letters he mailed to her previously.

    The sight of the letters looked like they had not been opened before. Chen Jun¡¯s eyes were dark and gloomy, akin to the dark clouds in June, which made people dared not go near him.

    All this while, Chen Jun had been the one rejecting the members of the opposite gender. This was the first time that he was ¡®pped in the face¡¯ by a girl. Furthermore, the other party was a youngdy. This was really a ¡®fresh and new¡¯ experience for Chen Jun.

    Chen Jun curled his lips and sneered. He then quietly stacked the letters that he wrote to Qiao Nan one by one and clipped them. Lastly, he opened the note written by Qiao Nan. It said ¡®I am really sorry. The first letter was opened by Xu Tingting¡¯.

    That simple note from Qiao Nan only conveyed one message: she had never read any of Chen Jun¡¯s letters. In other words, she was not interested in Chen Jun.

    The saddeneddies in Chen Jun¡¯s ss did not seem to know that this ¡®little sweetheart¡¯ of Chen Jun could not be bothered at all with their prince charming.

 Chapter 271 - You Canâ€™t Go

    <h4>Chapter 271: You Can¡¯t Go</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Chen Jun gently flicked the note from Qiao Nan with his fingers. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re still too young and not enlightened. Or perhaps you are ying cat and mouse with me? Regardless, congrattions, Qiao Nan. The game between us is really not over yet.¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun, your call.¡± The teacher in charge of the dormitory shouted from the ground floor.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Chen Jun acknowledged and then locked all the letters in his cupboard before he ran down the stairs. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± The teacher replied smilingly. The teacher was definitely pleased to interact with a student like Chen Jun, who was always polite and performed well in his studies. He also never had any hanky-panky in his dormitory.

    ¡°Hello, yes, I am. Don¡¯t worry. Of course, I have not forgotten that project. I¡¯ve been following up. However, haste makes waste. It¡¯s better to take it a step at a time.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°There is no use to be anxious. I like to carry things out in a steady manner. Furthermore, isn¡¯t there still time? It will do as long as we canplete this project ording to the timeline. Okay, I know. This project will benefit both your family and mine. I ced this as one of my priorities too, so don¡¯t worry about it. Furthermore, I¡¯m not anxious although my family stands to benefit from it much. Why should you be?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Alright. I know. If you really don¡¯t feel assured and are not afraid of ruining it unnecessarily, you can try to look for others to do this. Okay, alright. See you.¡± After rubbing his ears that were aching from the call, Chen Jun covered his mouth and smiled. A child was a child, hardly patient at all.

    Only two months had passed. If it was so easy to settle this matter, that person would not have sought his help.

    The truth of the matter was that this ¡®project¡¯ was moreplicated than he had expected.

    ¡°Chen Jun, you¡¯re only in the second year of college. Are you starting your own business?¡± The teacher in charge of the dormitory was stunned. A good student was undoubtedly a good student. When others were still learning new knowledge, these people already had a head start by enterprising. ¡°Chen Jun, you have to strive hard. Our school relies on students like you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, teacher. I will do my best,¡± Chen Jun replied with a smile. ¡°I may receive more phone calls in the future. I¡¯ll have to trouble teacher to alert me a few more times.¡±

    ¡°Haha, no worries. Nevertheless, I heard that the school is trying to arrange for phones to be installed in every dormitory. You most likely don¡¯t need to run all around soon. You will soon be able to make the phone calls in your own dormitory.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good.¡± Chen Jun nodded. ¡°See you, teacher.¡±

    ¡°See you, see you.¡±

    When he returned to the dormitory, after some consideration, Chen Jun took out the letters that he received today again. He prepared two document envelopes, one for his own letters, and the other, which is more exquisite, for Qiao Nan¡¯s handwritten note.

    After doing all these, Chen Jun then locked the two envelopes properly.

    The other party had already called to hasten him. Even if there was still time, he should not drag it on for more than six months.

    He certainly needed to find a way to deal with this quickly and resolve this matter by next year¡¯s summer vacation. Otherwise, his father¡¯s side would be anxious too.

    Chen Jun¡¯s father had urgent matters to attend to. And so did Qiao Nan¡¯s father.

    ¡°Alright, I have said that I¡¯ll be attending Qiao Nan¡¯s parent-teacher conference this evening. You should go home. I¡¯m locking the door.¡± Seeing that Ding Jiayi was dragging her feet and unwilling to leave as usual when it was time to go home, Qiao Dongliang became impatient.

    In the past few days, Qiao Dongliang did not chase Ding Jiayi away so badly and allowed her to dy for over ten minutes in the house. However, he could not do so today.

    Qiao Dongliang did not wish to bete the first time he attended Qiao Nan¡¯s first parent-teacher conference in the senior high school and leave a bad impression on the teachers. That would negatively affect Qiao Nan¡¯s image in front of the teacher.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s the parent-teacher conference, then I should go together with you. After all, I am Nan Nan¡¯s mother!¡± Ding Jiayi refused to leave. After so long, why was Old Qiao still unwilling to forgive her?

    They were clearly a couple but had to live separately. What was this situation!

    Ding Jiayi had lost more weight again as she had to rush between two ces every day.

    She started to reminisce about the days they stayed in the Qiao¡¯s residence in the quad. Although Qiao Dongliang slept in a different room, they were still living under the same roof at the very least.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do!¡± Qiao Dongliang declined tly. ¡°You can¡¯t go. If you wish to go, you can attend Zijin¡¯s parent-teacher conference. Zijin is already in the second year of senior high school. It¡¯s not possible for her not to have any parent-teacher conference. You just have to take proper care of Zijin¡¯s matters.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you let me attend Nan Nan¡¯s parent-teacher conference?!¡± Ding Jiayi was not pleased. In the past, she was not willing to attend if she was paid to do so. If not for the sake of giving Old Qiao¡¯s face, would she be willing to go today?

    She was already willing to attend. Why couldn¡¯t she do so?

    ¡°Old Qiao, is it... Is it because Nan Nan told you something? Did she not want me to go? Why? Did she think that I¡¯m a mother that will make her lose face? A mother never looks ugly to her child. What did she mean by that? Has she studied for nothing?¡± The more she did not want her to go, the more she wanted to do so.

    ¡°This has nothing to do with Nan Nan. I¡¯m the one who doesn¡¯t want you to go.¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Alright, hurry up and go home. I¡¯m locking the door!¡±

    Following after, he did not care whether Ding Jiayi was willing to leave. He simply pushed and pulled Ding Jiayi out of the rented apartment and locked the door in front of her.

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang walking toward Qiao Nan¡¯s school in a limping manner, Ding Jiayi stomped her feet in fury. In the end, she fell into a murderous rage and followed him.

    She did not believe that Old Qiao could attend Qiao Nan¡¯s parent-teacher conference and she could not do so. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother.

    ¡°Wait, who are you?¡± When Qiao Dongliang reached the school, he was stopped by the security guard at the entrance.

    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m the father of Qiao Nan from the high school first year¡¯s ss one. I¡¯m here to attend the parent-teacher conference,¡± Qiao Dongliang replied awkwardly. At the thought of his limping, Qiao Dongliang unknowingly shrank his shoulders and wanted to hide both his legs.

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s father. Qiao Nan¡¯s results were excellent. Your daughter is very good!¡± Who did not know the top student in the cohort? The security guard became polite instantly. ¡°I have a daughter too. I don¡¯t hope that she is as good as Qiao Nan, but I¡¯ll be happy if she is half as good. That¡¯s the ssroom for ss one. Shall I bring you there?¡±

    ¡°No need. Thank you.¡± The security guard¡¯s affectionate behavior made Qiao Dong feel awkward. ¡°That¡¯s the ssroom, right? I can find my way there.¡±

 Chapter 272 - Other Peopleâ€™s Children

    <h4>Chapter 272: Other People¡¯s Children</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang slowed down and tried his best to walk normally. However, this was very taxing on him.

    After much difficulty, he finally arrived at Qiao Nan¡¯s ssroom but was perspiring furiously. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re here!¡± When Qiao Dongliang reached the entrance of the ssroom, Zhu Baoguo gave Qiao Nan a nudge and Qiao Nan ran up to Qiao Dongliang as soon as she spotted him. ¡°Dad, why are you perspiring so badly? The weather is not that hot.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was very embarrassed as there were already other parents in the ssroom. ¡°You... you don¡¯t need to help me. I can walk on my own.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, Dad. Please don¡¯t be stubborn.¡± It was no wonder that her father was sweating profusely. It was because he felt embarrassed. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t take it to heart. You have been injured and will recover in time.¡±

    ¡°This... I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll make you lose face.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt bothforted and helpless as he said this. All the other parents seemed fine. It didn¡¯t look good that he was the only one limping.

    ¡°Lose face? Dad, you have been thinking too much.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. There was nothing to be ashamed of. ¡°It¡¯s not embarrassing even if you¡¯re really handicapped, not to mention that you¡¯re just injured. Dad, sit down. I¡¯ll get you a cup of water. You should also wipe away your sweat.¡±

    Qiao Nan took out her handkerchief and passed it to Qiao Dongliang. She then took a cup to get water for him.

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s small handkerchief. It was so clean and there were flowers embroidered at the rim. As an old man, Qiao Dongliang was extremely embarrassed to use it. He also could not bear to dirty Nan Nan¡¯s handkerchief.

    ¡°Dad, have some water. Why are you not wiping away your sweat?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Dongliang took the water and drank a mouthful of it. His eyes and throat immediately felt much better. ¡°There isn¡¯t much sweat. It¡¯ll dry up very soon. Keep your handkerchief properly and don¡¯t dirty it.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what are you talking about? There¡¯s no reason not to dirty the handkerchief. If it¡¯s dirty, I¡¯ll just wash it. Quickly wipe away your sweat. Your face has even turned red. Who told you to be stubborn?¡± Qiao Nan stiffened. ¡°Dad, tell me honestly. How long have you been walking with that posture? Are your legs hurting? Don¡¯t injure the legs that are finally recovering again.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no, I definitely didn¡¯t.¡± Qiao Dongliang was the father, but he was afraid of his daughter when she pulled a long face. ¡°Just... just for a while, a short while. I did that after I entered your school. There won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°No...¡± Just as Qiao Dongliang wanted to reply that it did not hurt, Qiao Nan did not look convinced and pursed her lips. ¡°It¡¯s a little painful. I feel much better after sitting down and resting.¡±

    ¡°Wipe your sweat!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang heaved a sigh. He had no choice but to wipe away the sweat on his face with his younger daughter¡¯s clean handkerchief.

    Although it¡¯s already October, the weather was still a little humid. Furthermore, as he had perspired a lot, he did not feelfortable.

    True enough, as soon as Qiao Dongliang finished wiping his face, Qiao Nan¡¯s white and clean handkerchief turned ck.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s old face turned red. He was so embarrassed that he nearly could not bring himself to return the handkerchief to Qiao Nan.

    Without a word, Qiao Nan took the handkerchief from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands and ran to the restroom to wash it with tap water. She then wrung it dry and passed it back to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, wipe again.¡± The handkerchief was so small. How much sweat could it wipe away?

    Whatever happened would happen again. Although Qiao Dongliang was embarrassed, he had already done it once. As such, he endured the uneasiness and wiped his face again. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m really fine this time.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan washed and wrung the handkerchief dry again. She did not insist on another wipe.

    ¡°Daughter, who is that girl? She¡¯s so filial to her father. How was her academic performance in the ss?¡±

    ¡°Dad, what do you mean? Am I not good to you?¡± The girl who was named was not pleased. She felt that she was also filial and helpful to her father.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re very good to me.¡± The parent smiled. He did not argue with his daughter. However, the parent knew in his heart that the girl was different from his daughter. If he did not mutter a word, would his daughter be so thoughtful as to do so many things and be more considerate toward him?

    There was a great difference between initiative and passive.

    Nevertheless, his daughter was not bad too. Although she did not take the initiative, as long as he mentioned it, his daughter would usually obey him. Moreover, her daughter¡¯s results were good and she¡¯s in the top ss of Ping Cheng High School. She was his pride and glory in front of his colleagues.

    ¡°Ah yes, you have not told me yet. How¡¯s the academic performance of this youngdy in the ss?¡±

    The girl blew her cheeks. ¡°She¡¯s the top in our ss as well as the cohort. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a good student. Are you friends with her?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Dongliang stood out too much from the rest.

    The families in China, particrly in thete 20th century, were more restrained in expressing their feelings toward their family members. This applied to both parents and children. Even if they were truly concerned for one another, they would not disy it so tantly.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior was considered extremely rare.

    How should he put it? He would not do that himself. Nevertheless, he was very envious at the sight of it. He very much wished that his own children could express their filial piety to him in this way. He would feel so proud!

    Furthermore, when he heard that the obedient youngdy was the top student of ss one as well as the entire cohort, this... He was getting a little jealous. What to do?

    His child would always be the best. This was so even if her grades were notparable to others¡¯.

    It did not matter if that child did not belong to his own family. But if his child could get closer and be friends with her, that would be great. They could influence each other and his child might be more filial or see some improvement in her results in time toe!

    ¡°Stop talking. Our form teacher, Teacher Liu, is here.¡± That girl was not quite willing to continue with this topic anymore.

    In the past, when she was in junior high school, she was one of the top students in the ss. It had always been others who took the initiative to make friends with her and ask her questions. The situation was reversed now. The girl expressed that she was unable to ept the change.

    ¡°So shy. She¡¯s definitely pretending.¡± Zhao Yu ground her teeth. She did not believe that Qiao Nan was truly so filial to her father. She must have done this to gain the favor of others and stand out from the group. She was too shameless!

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Father Zhao gave his daughter a pat helplessly. Fortunately, he did not allow his wife toe to the parent-teacher conference today. Otherwise, given her character, she would probably develop some animosity toward the Qiao family.

    ¡°Why not? Qiao Nan can fool everyone but not me.¡± Zhao Yu was unconvinced. ¡°Any student who came here from Ping Cheng Junior High School knew that Qiao Nan had never worn any new clothing for the three years she¡¯s in the school. She always wore second-hand clothing from her elder sister. However, Qiao Zijin was different. There were four seasons in a year and she had at least two new sets of clothing for each season. When we knew that Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were biological sisters, we even suspected that Qiao Nan was picked up from the streets.¡±

    Zhao Yu¡¯s voice was neither loud nor soft, but quite a number of people in the ssroom heard her. Even Teacher Liu who just came in heard it too.

 Chapter 273 - The Perfect Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 273: The Perfect Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    All of a sudden, the ssroom was quiet. The sound of everyone¡¯s breathing was seemingly amplified many times.

    Seeing that her words attracted the attention of many, Zhao Yu smiled proudly.

    Since the fiasco of the matter regarding the change of dormitory, Zhao Yu had been trying to find an opportunity to teach Qiao Nan a lesson. She finally found a chance today after enduring for so long. Zhao Yu remembered that during the first two years of junior high school, everyone except for Qiao Nan came to school wearing new clothes during the Lunar New Year period. However, Qiao Nan wore clothes that Qiao Zijin had worn before instead.

    At that time, based on her recollection, Qiao Nan never seemed confident. She was always gloomy and did not like to talk in ss. She also did not interact with anyone. She did not even have any close friends of the same gender.

    Qiao Nan was also very quiet now. However, she got along very well with the five girls in her dormitory and had be more cheerful.

    This was the fourth year that Zhao Yu was ssmates with Qiao Nan. Of course, she was the one most emotionally impacted by Qiao Nan¡¯s change.

    Qiao Nan now looked bright, well-clothed, and seemingly in the limelight. However, she was in fact, very pitiful two years ago. She must let their ssmates know how Qiao Nan was like in the past.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± The silence in the ssroom made everyone uneasy. Qiao Dongliang felt most embarrassed, his face extremely red. He did not know how he should react. After all, Zhao Yu was telling the truth. Even Qiao Dongliang felt that he had owed Qiao Nan too much and was too unfair to her in the past.

    ¡°Dad, have some water.¡± Qiao Nan was indifferent. It was as if she did not hear what Zhao Yu said. ¡°Dad, this is Teacher Liu, our form teacher.¡±

    ¡°Aye.¡± Qiao Dongliang was holding the cup of water as his hands stiffened.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan who was sitting by his side looking unaffected, Qiao Dongliang nearly posed the question that he did not dare to do so for a long time. He wanted to know whether Nan Nan had ever hated him as her father all these years.

    However, as he moved his lips, he felt that it was inappropriate to do so at this moment. Qiao Dongliang was also afraid to receive a certain answer. As such, he did not put forth that question.

    Teacher Liu cleared his throat. He had not expected to hear such gossip during the parent-teacher conference. It was no wonder Teacher Chen told him that it was not easy for Qiao Nan to continue with her studies when he called him thest time.

    Having been a teacher for so many years, he had, of course, seen students who never wore any new clothes to school.

    Typically, those students came from poor families that had financial difficulties. Then, simr to Qiao Nan, they were able to enter the school because of their good results and had their school and misceneous fees waived.

    When he encountered students who were in the same situation as Qiao Nan, those whose parents were biased toward their sibling, he came to learn that the parents and children were definitely not on good terms. Thus, there would be minimal interaction between them.

    However, Qiao Nan seemed close to her father. It was as if she was the one favored by her parents. Teacher Liu encountered this for the first time and felt that it had widened his horizons.

    ¡°First and foremost, I would like to thank all the parents for taking the time to attend the parent-teacher conference. Students, you may leave the ssroom now for your own activities.¡± After Teacher Liu said that, the students stood up and left for the field to carry out other activities.

    After his daughter left, Qiao Dongliang found Zhu Chengqi sitting beside him. Qiao Dongliang felt even more stressed. The earlier stress came from his daughter, and now it was due to Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Zhu Chengqi had observed Qiao Dongliang for a while. He, of course, knew that Qiao Dongliang was once a soldier. Nevertheless, no one was perfect. It did not mean that Qiao Dongliang would not make a mistake if he was a soldier. On the contrary, Qiao Dongliang was in fact, a very muddle-headed person.

    Zhu Chengqi was puzzled as to why Qiao Dongliang could have such an outstanding child like Qiao Nan.

    Contrariwise, Xiao Shu and he were both so outstanding, but why did they have a child who was so foolish and a good-for-nothing?

    Zhu Chengqi clearly remembered. When Lee Shu was pregnant with Zhu Baoguo, putting aside the elders¡¯ wish, both Zhu Chengqi and Lee Shu actually wanted a daughter, an obedient, adorable, and sensible daughter.

    In real life, Qiao Nanpletely matched Zhu Chengqi and Lee Shu¡¯s imagination of their daughter at that time. This was simply the perfect daughter.

    Qiao Nan was not aware of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s thoughts at all. Although she was badly despised by her mother, she was actually the daughter that a prominent figure like Zhu Chengqi wished to have. She also did not know that although she had not been as perfect in her previous life, she had made Zhu Chengqi reminisce the fantasy of Lee Shu and him in the past.

    It was because of this fantasy that brought her a disaster like Chen Jun.

    ¡°H-Hello.¡± Qiao Dongliang dared not ignore Zhu Chengqi since thetter had already greeted him first. However, as it was not appropriate to point out Zhu Chenqi¡¯s identity, he could only say, ¡°Hello, Baoguo¡¯s father.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi felt that the greeting was a novelty.

    Most of the time, people said that his son was Zhu Baoguo. No one had ever greeted him as Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father.

    ¡°Nan Nan is a very outstanding child. She helped our Baoguo so much. Baoguo can continue with his studies and have today¡¯s results all because of Nan Nan. However, I have been really busy. I must really say thank you for some matters. As the father, I should pay a personal visit to your house to show my sincerity. Next time, our families should find a chance to have a meal together.¡±

    ¡°No, no need. Chief¡ªno, I mean, Baoguo¡¯s father. You¡¯re too polite. To put it honestly, you don¡¯t need to thank me or Nan Nan. I¡¯m grateful to Uncle Lee. After my dad is gone, Uncle Lee took good care of me. In fact, I allowed Nan Nan to help Baoguo in his studies to repay Uncle Lee¡¯s kindness.¡± Qiao Dongliang was an honest man. This was unlike Ding Jiayi who wanted to conjure up some connection although there was none to begin with.

    Even if Zhu Chengqi took the initiative to extend an olive branch, Qiao Dongliang not only did not conveniently take it but also moved further away.

    If he was still a soldier, he would definitely not miss such a good opportunity. However, he was no soldier at the moment, but a father.

    Nan Nan did not mind and he should not live in the past too. He had to move forward and focus on the present and the future. He could not make Nan Nan lose face in front of Chief Zhu. If that happened, then he would be no different from Ding Jiayi.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were determined and had no sense of reluctance, Zhu Chengqi felt much better. Qiao Dongliang had some good qualities and was not totally unworthy of a child like Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Now, we¡¯d like to invite the parents to take a look at the academic report given to you. This is the result of our midterm examination for ss one. Initially, the parent-teacher conference should be held after the first monthly examination but this was dyed until today due to some circumstances. The scores are not absolute. I hope that you will not give your child too much pressure when you find out about their academic performance. This will only be counter-productive and widen the problem in their learning.¡±

 Chapter 274 - The Commendation Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 274: The Commendation Ceremony</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°As the form teacher of ss one, I¡¯m very proud of our students because they are truly excellent and outstanding. There¡¯s also a set of data at the bottom of the page in the report. This is a summary of our ss¡¯s results versus that of the other sses¡¯. You may review them as well.¡±

    As Teacher Liu said that, all the parents immediately bowed their heads to look at the academic report. They searched through the report like a scanner so that they could find their child¡¯s name from the list in the report as soon as possible. After they confirmed their child¡¯s name and results, they started looking for the name of the top scorer.

    When the parents consequently discovered that the top scorer was actually the student who had been named earlier, the one suspected to have been picked up from the streets, many of them felt depressed.

    It did not matter whether she was picked up from the streets. They treated their child well wholeheartedly, but their child¡¯s results were only that good. Why was that child¡¯s academic performance so outstanding despite having suffered so many grievances? That cripple was too blessed.

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang looking radiant and happy, Zhu Chengqi smiled. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s grades are truly excellent.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan has always been very sensible. She has never made me worried.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s smile was more rxed. At the mention of Qiao Nan, he was full of pride. ¡°Baoguo¡¯s grades have improved quite a fair bit too.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Nan Nan.¡± His son¡¯s grades definitely looked better. When Zhu Chengqi talked about Zhu Baoguo, his tone was different. He did not sound disappointed like he did in the past.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Baoguo and Nan Nan are ssmates and also desk mates. It¡¯s good to help each other. My Nan Nan is good at everything, but she is too soft and easily bullied by others. That being said, I must thank you. If not for Baoguo, Nan Nan will definitely be bullied at school.¡± Qiao Dongliang was very certain of this.

    ¡°He¡¯s a boy. I guess he is only useful to Nan Nan in this aspect.¡± Zhu Chengqi could not help smiling. Based on what Zhao Yu said earlier, Zhu Chengqi was very sure that his son was of some use to Qiao Nan.

    The kids nowadays were more scheming. If Qiao Nan was not emotionally strong, don¡¯t even mention continuing with the same learning attitude, she would most likely find it hard to lift up her head in front of her ssmates in the future due to Zhao Yu¡¯s revtion.

    Compared to the happy conversation between Zhu Chengqi and Qiao Dongliang, the interactions between other parents were not as harmonious.

    Any parent would be more than willing to let their own child mix around with and learn from the top student in the ss.

    As such, Qiao Dongliang was actually their main target.

    As soon as Teacher Liu¡¯s finished his words, many parents surrounded Qiao Dongliang when they were given free time to interact with one another. ¡°Hello. You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s father, right? My daughter is Zheng Lingling. She stays in the same dormitory as your daughter.¡±

    ¡°My daughter is He Yun. She also stays in the same dormitory as Qiao Nan.¡±

    The few parents of Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory mates came to Qiao Dongliang in an instant. In fact, as soon as Qiao Dongliang appeared, He Yun and the other dormitory mates informed their parents that he was Qiao Nan¡¯s father at once.

    The five parents did not know who Qiao Dongliang was, but they knew Qiao Nan. The five parents were very familiar with Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

    One must know that ording to their daughter, Qiao Nan was someone who was perfect and had no shorings.

    In fact, when they saw the academic report today, the five parents could only admit that this youngdy called Qiao Nan was definitely formidable. At the very least, she was very good in her studies. In addition, their daughters had been telling them that they were greatly influenced by Qiao Nan. It seemed like it was with Qiao Nan¡¯s help that their daughters could have done fairly well in the recent examinations. The five parents felt thankful to Qiao Dongliang at the thought of this.

    ¡°My daughter¡¯s name is Fang Fang. She¡¯s from the same dormitory as well. Qiao Nan takes very good care of our Fang Fang. Big brother, you truly know how to teach your daughter. I¡¯ve never seen Fang Fang admire anyone. Qiao Nan is the first.¡± Fang Fang¡¯s father gave a thumbs-up. His daughter did not talk much and was a little too proud since her results were good.

    Because of that, Father Fang was afraid that his daughter¡¯s life was too smooth sailing and she would not be able to take any setbacks in the future. If she really encountered any problem or difficulty, she might panic beyond her wits.

    Now that his daughter had someone whom she admired, at the very least, she finally understood that no matter how strong she was, there would always be someone stronger. She had be more humble and careful henceforth. Father Fang was very pleased with the change in his daughter.

    ¡°Yes, our Tang Mengran is also fortunate to have Qiao Nan helping her in her revision. Otherwise... my child¡¯s results are inconsistent. The scores are high at some point in time and low at another. It¡¯s like flying a kite. It¡¯s so worrying.¡± Tang Mengran¡¯s mother was very clear of her daughter¡¯s situation.

    The Tang family even thought that although Tang Mengran got into the top ss in Ping Cheng High School, she might be kicked out of it in less than one and a half months.

    They did not expect that her daughter¡¯s results would be quite consistent. At the very least, it was maintained at the slightly below-average score in ss one.

    If the time to adjust the sses came, their daughter would not be affected.

    Who did not know that ss one in Ping Cheng High School was an important ss? When they took the university entrance examination in the future, they would not enroll in anything less than a third-tier university!

    Mother Tang expressed that she was not greedy. She was very satisfied with her daughter¡¯s current results.

    The daughter¡¯s results had be consistent not only due to her own effort but also Qiao Nan¡¯s help. It was a rare opportunity to meet Qiao Nan¡¯s parent and Mother Tang expressed her gratitude to Qiao Dongliang. From that tone and expression of hers, it was obvious that she was speaking from her heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t... please don¡¯t be like that. They are ssmates and also staying in the same dormitory. It¡¯s only right that they help one another. It¡¯s the right thing to do.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s old face turned red again. Previously, he was embarrassed. Now, he was proud and shy.

    He received the thanks, but his daughter was actually the one who did all the work. He did not do anything.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You have taught her well,¡± Mother Tao said. ¡°We can tell that Qiao Nan is very close to you. She¡¯s so outstanding. It must be because you have taught her well. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, could we discuss how you managed to teach Qiao Nan so well? Do you have a secret form?¡±

    Father Zhao gave a sigh and looked at Zhao Yu helplessly. ¡°Xiao Yu, your results were quite good in junior high school. Why did it turn out this way in senior high school? Xiao Yu, when are you going to let me gain some limelight, just like Qiao Dongliang?¡±

    Father Zhao did not stay in the quad, but he knew how to make money, much better than Qiao Dongliang, in fact. Everyone had to call him Boss Zhao. However, Father Zhao had never received the treatment Qiao Dongliang received today.

    He would rather have an experience like Qiao Dongliang than to do so well in his business.

 Chapter 275 - Join the Clique of Good Students

    <h4>Chapter 275: Join the Clique of Good Students</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter how sessful a parent¡¯s career was, they hoped that their children would be promising in the future.

    ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this? Do you believe that I¡¯ll tell Mom what you have just said?¡± Zhao Yu would not concede defeat. In what way was she worse than Qiao Nan? Her father actually envied Qiao Nan¡¯s father. This was not the real Qiao Nan. She was clearly a scheming bitch. She really knew how to act and pretend.

    If she was willing to, she would definitely have be good friends with Qiao Nan long ago.

    However, she was not as insidious as Qiao Nan. She was a forthright person. She could not act or pretend to like or hate someone.

    ¡°Alright, alright, alright. Don¡¯t get angry.¡± Father Zhao patted his daughter. ¡°Where are you going now? It seems that your ssmates have not returned.¡±

    ¡°I came to take something. I need to leave now,¡± Zhao Yu said angrily. If she had not realized that she had missed out one of the books, she would not have seen Qiao Nan¡¯s father being surrounded by so many people. She was most annoyed by what her father said earlier.

    One day, her father would understand that his daughter was much more outstanding than Qiao Nan.

    Her father was the one truly blessed with her as a daughter.

    ¡°Alright, then quickly go ahead. Right, Xiao Yu, I¡¯ve never heard you mention about making any new friends in this half a semester. Since next week is your birthday, do you want to organize a celebration at home and celebrate with your ssmates? Qiao Nan¡¯s house is so near to our family. This year, you should invite Qiao Nan too.¡±

    She was the top scorer in the cohort and once the top of the middle school examination in the province. Father Zhao had the feeling that Qiao Nan might not be Fang Zhong Yong, the child prodigy who lost his talent when he was older, as mentioned by Zhao Yu.

    Most people said that the results between males and females would be different from the third year onward. The difference would be more obvious as they reached senior high school. However, judging from Qiao Nan¡¯s progress in the science subjects, she scored nearly full marks for all of them in this midterm examination.

    At the very least, there was no disadvantage for Xiao Yu to mix around with such a child.

    If she was to make friends, she should certainly find a ¡®good¡¯ friend. Father Zhao would be very pleased if Zhao Yu could be closer to Qiao Nan.

    Father Zhao heard what Mother Tao and the few parents said.

    The few families¡¯ children were in the same dormitory as Qiao Nan, and thetter helped them a lot in their studies. Their children¡¯s academic performance had not only be consistent but also improved.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s good friend was Zhao Yu, thetter¡¯s results would definitely be different when he attended the parent-teacher conference next year.

    At the thought of Zhao Yu, who never failed to be in the top ten in junior high school, but was now in thest ten, Father Zhao felt a little depressed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll invite everyone except her!¡± Zhao Yu snorted. ¡°But I wish to focus on my studies this year. I¡¯m not joining these messy activities anymore. Anyway, it¡¯s always the same when celebrating birthdays. Besides feasting and drinking, what else can there be? Instead of wasting time, I might as well study more and do better in the next examination.¡±

    ¡°Are we really not holding a party for your birthday this year?¡± Father Zhao was shocked. His daughter loved having fun and people. If they did not remember it, their daughter would definitely kick up a big fuss. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yu actually requested not to hold a birthday party or any rted actives this year on her own ord.

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s more real than genuine pearls. Dad, don¡¯t look down on me. I¡¯m actually quite sensible too.¡± Zhao Yu would never tell her father that she had not found any good friends in the ss although half a semester had passed.

    Zhao Yu¡¯s grades were average in the ss. In fact, it was actually below average. Even if the Zhao family was wealthy, not everyone in the ss was keen on favoring her.

    Because of Zhao Yu, Xu Tingting had been stripped off the role of the vice ss monitor.

    Xu Tingting directly told the ss that they had to be careful if they were close to Zhao Yu.

    Zhao Yu already caused her to lose the position of the vice ss monitor. If anyone dared to be close to Zhao Yu, they might be the next victim.

    In a ss, there were more students who did not hold any position than ssmittee members.

    However, because of Xu Tingting¡¯s words, although some of the students were not ssmittee members, they were reluctant to be close to Zhao Yu too. What if Zhao Yu harmed them in other ways?

    In that case, although they did not have an extremely poor rtionship with Zhao Yu, they were not that close to her either.

    Take the ssmates in Zhao Yu¡¯s current dormitory as an example. They did not directly ignore and bully Zhao Yu like thetter¡¯s previous dormitory mates. They would usually greet Zhao Yu and call her along when they attended ss or went for meals.

    However, that was, at best, out of politeness. It did not go beyond that.

    As such, Zhao Yu did not make any good friends at all in the ss.

    If she really organized a birthday party just like what she did in the past and invited a few ssmates, in the end, Zhao Yu would not be in the limelight. She might even lose her face as not many would attend. Even if they came, that didn¡¯t mean they were close to her.

    ¡°With what you said, Dad feels like having taken more nutrients aspared to eating ginseng. Xiao Yu, strive hard. With your learning attitude, Dad believes that you will definitely do well in the next examination.¡± Father Zhao was happy. There was no reason for him not to support his daughter in quieting down and focusing on her studies.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to study in the reading room.¡± Zhao Yu pursed her lips as she was not too pleased actually. However, she could not exin to her father given her current situation.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Father Zhao smiled. He was extremely pleased as he looked at his daughter¡¯s back. Xiao Yu had be more sensible. He believed that as long as she worked hard, people would not treat him any less than they would Qiao Dongliang at the parent-teacher conference next year.

    The parent-teacher conference ended as soon as it began. When it ended, the sky was already dark.

    ¡°Dad, take this with you so that you can see the way when you go home. It¡¯s not convenient for you to walk with your legs. Walk slowly and be careful on the way back.¡± Qiao Nan stuffed a small shlight into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands. She used the small amount of pocket money that she had to buy this.

    ¡°No need. Keep it for yourself.¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to take it. ¡°Look at how round and bright the moon is today. Don¡¯t worry about Dad. Nothing will happen. Nowadays, it¡¯s different from when Dad was still a child. There are many streetlights along the roads. I will walk slowly and won¡¯t fall down.¡±

    ¡°Take it. Although it¡¯s not bright enough, it can still light up the way a little.¡± Qiao Nan forcefully tucked the shlight into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands again.

    ¡°Then, how about you?¡± Nan Nan must have bought the shlight because she had a use for it.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I won¡¯t be needing it in the near future. I will be going home next week. I will be able to bring it back to school then. It¡¯s not a big issue.¡± She bought this shlight specifically for her father. She had no use for it as she normally did not read in the dormitory.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take it.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled helplessly. Nan Nan¡¯s temper was growing. He had to listen to Nan Nan although he was the father.

 Chapter 276 - True Colors

    <h4>Chapter 276: True Colors</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, I am curious. Unlike us, you do not study in the dormitory at night. Why do you need to buy a shlight? You are really good to your dad.¡± Tang Mengran tapped the shoulder of Qiao Nan, her tone full of envy. ¡°Nan Nan, your dad must be very good to you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, there will be no me without my dad.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I mean, what Zhao Yu said in ss just now must be lies, then?¡± Tang Mengran blurted out the question on her mind without taking into consideration Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings. Zheng Lingling was shocked. She did not manage to stop Tang Mengran in time.

    Zheng Lingling gave Tang Mengran a disdainful nce. Why would she touch someone¡¯s soft spot?

    Tang Mengran did not believe what she just heard. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with all of you? Nan Nan and her dad are very close. It is obvious that Zhao Yu was lying.¡± She was not a fool. If Uncle Qiao was not good to Nan Nan, why would Nan Nan be so close to Uncle Qiao?

    She did not believe it.

    Nan Nan had been her roommate for half a semester. It was true that Nan Nan did not have many new clothes, but at the very least, she did not wear hand-me-downs.

    ¡°Alright, we should go back to finish our homework. The teacher has given us a lot of homework. We still have to go back to our dormitoryter,¡± Fang Fang interrupted Tang Mengran¡¯s silly words. If Zhao Yu¡¯s words were not true, Uncle Qiao would not have that kind of reaction.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I still have five exam papers that I haven¡¯t done yet. What to do?¡± Tang Mengran was so anxious that she could not stand still. After entering high school, the workload was so heavy that Tang Mengran could not remember how many practice papers she needed to do every day.

    There were too many practice papers that she could no longer keep them in her desk in the ssroom. She had to bring some of them back with her to the dormitory.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I have three practice papers to finish.¡± He Yun turned and walked into the ssroom first.

    Because of the parent-teacher conference, every student in the ss seemed to be able to get along with one another. Their attitude toward Qiao Nan particrly had also changed.

    To Qiao Nan, it was good that they would be able to have a good and rxed learning atmosphere.

    But after a short while, Qiao Nan and the others felt uneasy and ufortable.

    While Tang Mengran was having her lunch, she looked around the canteen. ¡°Do all of you feel that the students from other sses seem to be casting strange looks at us? They seem to be stealing nces at us.¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t look at them, how would you know that they were watching you?¡± Fang Fang took a sip of her soup: ¡°I don¡¯t find it weird.¡±

    ¡°I looked around since I felt ufortable with their stares. The problem is, every time I looked at them, they would avoid my gaze. It¡¯s okay to be curious. After all, Nan Nan ranked first ce in the whole level. But why would they steal nces at us? I can¡¯t help but feel ufortable.¡± In fact, Tang Mengran felt that those students not only stared at Qiao Nan, but they also appeared as if they were gloating.

    ¡°Actually, I also have this strange feeling,¡± Tao Zhenqin could not help but said. ¡°Shall we ask around?¡±

    Regardless, she felt that those students were not staring at Nan Nan because she ranked first in the whole level. It seemed to be for other reasons.

    ¡°Who will volunteer to ask around?¡± He Yun blinked her eyes. How could they bring themselves to ask?

    Qiao Nan finished her meal and said, ¡°Forget it. All of you don¡¯t have to worry about this. I have a way to figure it out.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± Zheng Lingling looked at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo.¡± No matter where he was, people would be fearful of Zhu Baoguo and listen to him. Even though he was still a first-year, those students in the second and third year dared not go against him. He was like their ¡®big brother¡¯. He was the most suitable candidate for this task.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Fang Fang finished her soup and said satisfactorily, ¡°Zhu Baoguo may not be capable in other areas, but this is an easy feat for him.¡±

    Zheng Lingling thought for a while and nodded. ¡°Alright, you should get Zhu Baoguo to ask around. If there¡¯s anything wrong, you must let us know. We can work together to find a solution.¡±

    ¡°Why will there be any problems?¡± Tang Mengran did not understand and asked. Nan Nan¡¯s academic performance was good, and her ssmates had changed their attitude toward her. Why would there be any problems?

    ¡°Alright, you should hurry to finish your meal.¡± Zheng Lingling really had nothing to say about Tang Mengran¡¯s silly character. No wonder Tang Mengran sounded uneasy whenever she mentioned Xu Tingting in the past. It was not that Xu Tingting was very capable. It was Tang Mengran who was too slow-witted.

    Back in the ssroom, Qiao Nan saw that Zhu Baoguo had returned to his seat. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, can you find out something for me?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zhu Baoguo looked strange.

    ¡°The people from other sses cast me weird nces. Can you find out what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Zhu Baoguo wrapped his arms around his stomach and said reluctantly, ¡°Xiao Qiao, I think it is better for you not to know about this. Anyway, you have moved out of that Qiao¡¯s house and have been staying with your dad. It¡¯s good to not know about those terrible things. The guards in our school are very strict. This will not happen again in the future. After a while, those people will not look at you strangely.¡±

    ¡°The Qiao¡¯s house?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned at the mention of the house she used to stay in. ¡°It seems like this has to do with either Qiao Zijin or my mom. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is simr to our school, and their students have to stay at school during the weekend. Since it¡¯s not Qiao Zijin, then it must be rted to my mom?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo frowned with disapproval. ¡°I have never seen a mother who acted like her. She must be your enemy. Xiao Qiao, you should stop treating her as your mom. Even if she is the elder, even if she gave birth to you, if she is here, I feel like giving her a punch!¡±

    Qiao Nan rested her elbows on the table. She put her hand on her forehead and sighed deeply. ¡°Sure enough, she is the one behind all these troubles. Tell me honestly, what ¡®good deeds¡¯ has she done this time?¡±

    What she did not understand was why her mother would appear for the parent-teacher conference at Ping Cheng High School yesterday. Her mother treated Qiao Zijin as her sole daughter and would only attend thetter¡¯s parent-teacher conference. What did she mean bying to Ping Cheng High School?

    ¡°Do you really want to know?¡± Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°You may be angered to death if you know about it.¡±

    Qiao Nan twitched the corner of her lips and sneered. ¡°Angered to death?¡± She had once been angered to death by her mother. In this life, that would not happen again. ¡°Tell me, what happened? I don¡¯t want to be kept in the dark.¡±

    At Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence, Zhu Baoguo had no other choice but to tell her what happened.

    Most importantly, he hoped that Qiao Nan would be able to see the true colors of Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 277 - Biological Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 277: Biological Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo heard what Zhao Yu said yesterday as well.

    If it had not been for Zhao Yu, Zhu Baoguo would have remained clueless about the miserable life Qiao Nan had led before she was acquainted with Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo, who never had to worry about life, could not believe that it was almost the 21st century, yet there were people who could not afford new clothes and had to wear their sister¡¯s hand-me-downs. If the family was not well-to-do but the sisters were treated equally, though life was tough, they would findfort in each other¡¯spany.

    But Zhu Baoguo knew better than anyone else that the Qiao family¡¯s situation was not that bad.

    If the Qiao family could not make ends meet, they would not use five thousand yuan to make sure that Qiao Zijin enrolled in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Obviously, Qiao Nan was forced to bear all the hardships and sufferings.

    In the past, the two adults in the Qiao family were biased toward Qiao Zijin, but Uncle Qiao had changed for the better. However, Xiao Qiao¡¯s mother was just too terrible.

    Since a young age, Zhu Baoguo would throw tantrums and be aggrieved as he did not have a mother. But whenever he saw Ding Jiayi, he wouldfort himself that even without a mother, he was way much better than Xiao Qiao who had such a mother like Ding Jiayi.

    Compared with Xiao Qiao, he was very fortunate.

    ¡°Please get to the point and don¡¯t look at me with that kind of pitiful expression. I am not a stray kitten or stray puppy. Even without my mom, I have no problem surviving on my own. I do not need others to pity me,¡± Qiao Nan said calmly.

    ¡°Your mom didn¡¯t say it outright, but these are what she wanted to convey basically. Firstly, you dislike your mom. Since she is uneducated, you feared that if she were toe to the school, she would be a disgrace. Hence, your dad was the only one who attended the parent-teacher conference as you forbade your mom toe. Secondly, you are very scheming. You sowed discord between your parents so as to strive for a chance to go to school. You did not take the family¡¯s situation into consideration. On top of that, despite knowing that the family is not doing well, you insisted for your dad to rent a house near the school so that it will be convenient for you to get to school, and thus you can save time on transport.¡±

    Nearing the end, Zhu Baoguo found it so outrageous that he felt like vomiting. ¡°She did not fail to mention that as a mother, she is certainly very happy that you are working hard. She said that she has worked hard all her life for your sake¡ªthat it¡¯s her dream for you to have a bright future. When you graduate and find a job in the future, she will not be your burden. She will still work to support herself. She said that at times, you think too much.¡±

    In other words, Ding Jiayi clearly meant that Qiao Nan was like a leech that made her family spend money on her education. But when she led a good life in the future, she did not intend to take care of her parents.

    Zhu Baoguo had known Xiao Qiao for a while. He was very clear about what kind of person Xiao Qiao was.

    However, for those who did not know Xiao Qiao, they would surely believe that Xiao Qiao was a scum when hearing such remarks.

    Others would feel that Xiao Qiao was already so scheming at this young age. Hence, she deserved to be despised upon. Regardless of Xiao Qiao¡¯s good performance, it would be impossible for her to hold her head up high in school with such a bad reputation.

    Zhu Baoguo was furious at the damage that Ding Jiayi¡¯sints caused to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Your mom said all these as she wallowed in self-pity, repenting on her own mistakes. She made it sound as if she had a lot of grievances, and that she was misunderstood. She was very clever to have used such a method. This is my first time seeing someone like that. Xiao Qiao, are you sure she is your biological mother?¡±

    It was obvious that it was Ding Jiayi who could not stand the sight of Xiao Qiao, treated her badly, and was biased toward Qiao Zijin. Uncle Qiao and Xiao Qiao moved out of the Qiao¡¯s house because Ding Jiayi maligned Xiao Qiao, saying that she was a thief!!!

    Zhu Baoguo remembered clearly that Qiao Nan had rushed to his home on that day to ask him for help.

    After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s first reaction was that it was useless to reason it out with Ding Jiayi. One should use force on her instead. He believed that after taking some blows from him, Ding Jiayi would learn her ways.

    However, Qiao Nan insisted that it was not a good idea. Luckily, Zhu Yan came to the Zhu¡¯s residence at that time, and she wore a dress that was simr to Qiao Nan¡¯s. That was how Qiao Nan came up with the idea to solve the problem.

    Qiao Nan arranged for Zhu Yan to arrive earlier than her, but Zhu Baoguoughed at her idea. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you may be intelligent, but there are times when you are muddle-headed. Your mom doesn¡¯t know Zhu Yan at all, and she looks different from you. You are as fair as snow while Zhu Yan is as dark as a boy. Even someone who is blind can tell the both of you apart.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. Others may not fall for the trick, but my mom...¡±

    Zhu Baoguo did not believe in Qiao Nan¡¯s words, but in order not toplicate matters, Zhu Baoguo listened to her and did not show up despite knowing that Ding Jiayi wanted to create troubles for Qiao Nan.

    When Zhu Yan came back an hourter, she told him that Ding Jiayi mistook her as Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi thought that Zhu Yan, who had her head down, was Qiao Nan. She called her ¡®Nan Nan¡¯ for a while. It was only when Qiao Nan appeared did Ding Jiayi realized that she had the wrong person.

    Zhu Baoguo was dumbfounded when he heard of such a ridiculous thing.

    Ding Jiayi was a sheer ¡®talent¡¯!

    After having an idea of how shameless Ding Jiayi could be, Zhu Baoguo was already ustomed to it when he heard the news this time. He knew straight away that nobody besides Ding Jiayi would say such words.

    ¡°I also hope that she is not my biological mother. If that were so, then it would make sense for her to treat me this way. I can thus understand and ept the differential treatment toward her biological daughter and someone whom she did not give birth to. Unfortunately, she did give birth to me.¡± Qiao Nan smiled grimly.

    She counted with her fingers. It had only been two peaceful months ever since her father moved out with her, yet her mother had already reverted to her old ways.

    ¡°How about your dad? Your dad used to be biased toward your sister. Although he has changed his attitude, will he revert to his old ways in the future?¡± Zhu Baoguo had a terrible headache. ¡°Xiao Qiao, my dad likes you, and my grandpa has a good impression of you as well. Why don¡¯t youe to my house and be my younger sister?¡±

    In that case, he could hang out with Xiao Qiao in the future without having to worry about people gossiping. He could go to school and go back home from school with Xiao Qiao. During the school vacation, he would be able to see Xiao Qiao every single day. He could y to his heart¡¯s content without having to worry about Xiao Qiao being bullied by others or how she was doing.

    ¡°I will not go to your house.¡± Qiao Nan refused. ¡°There is... Wang Yang at your house.¡±

 Chapter 278 - Out of Their Minds

    <h4>Chapter 278: Out of Their Minds</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°As for my dad... well, whatever,¡± Qiao Nan said, feeling listless.

    Right now, her father might care a lot for her, but nobody could tell what would happen in the future.

    ¡°What! Why will Uncle Qiao change his attitude? You are so much better than Qiao Zijin in every way. Why will your mom and Uncle Qiao be so biased toward Qiao Zijin? It¡¯s unfair and unreasonable. They are blind, both in the heart and the eyes!¡± They must be out of their minds!

    ¡°My dad prefers to have a son, but he has two daughters. Qiao Zijin is the elder daughter, and my dad hopes that Qiao Zijin will stay with the family. She will take in a husband in the future, so her children will have the same surname as her. In other words, I will eventually have to marry and leave the family. As the saying goes, ¡®A daughter married is like water spilled¡¯. He will naturally treat us differently. In fact, at times, I will imagine that Qiao Zijin is a son. It¡¯s only then that I will be able to better understand why they do certain things. At least, I will not be so depressed.¡±

    Back then, Ding Jiayi was deprived of a chance to go to school as her mother favored sons and only sent her sons to school. She even wanted to sell Ding Jiayi to gain more money for her sons to set up a family.

    Her mother might have hated her grandmother, but there was no doubt that her mother was the biological daughter of her grandmother. Her mother was simply a replica of her grandmother!

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry about me. My parents may have their ns, but I have nned it out as well. I am not stupid. I know why you¡¯re telling me all these. I really understand, so don¡¯t you worry. I will not be so foolish.¡± It was a fact that her mother gave birth to her and raised her up.

    Her mother had fulfilled her obligation to raise her, and she would certainly provide for her mother and fulfill her responsibilities as well.

    But there would be no way that she would let her mother limit her freedom and take all her hard-earned money to subsidize Qiao Zijin like what she did in the previous life.

    Aside from the monthly allowance that she would give her mother, she would have to consider carefully when her mother asked for a penny more.

    In this life, her mother could no longer make impossible demands of her.

    ¡°Really? I don¡¯t believe you. I heard that lots of people will give in as long as the person who makes the mistakes begs and puts up a pitiful look.¡± To Zhu Baoguo, Xiao Qiao was too kindhearted. She would definitely give in to her mother¡¯s pleas.

    ¡°I won¡¯t. My mom is only after my money. I know her very well. This is the one thing that she treasures the most. I am not so foolish as to fall for her tricks.¡± Of course, she was so stupid in her previous life that she died in the end.

    ¡°I hope you can live up to your words.¡± Zhu Baoguo was pleased and assured by Qiao Nan¡¯s firm attitude. ¡°But what should we do now that things havee to this stage? Your mom may bepletely shameless, but you still have to study in school. How are you going to deal with the rumors going around the school? Have you thought of any solutions?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Nan bent toward the table as if she was sapped of all her energy. ¡°Give me a break first. I have note up with any solutions yet. My mom has always wanted to do me in. She has really dealt me a big blow this time around. Should I congratte her for making the right move?¡±

    Now that things were like this, no matter what Qiao Nan did, she would be at fault.

    Dirty linen should not be aired in public. Besides, the power of gossip could not be underestimated. Regardless of whether those words were true or false, it would not take long before such a juicy gossip spread all over the school.

    On the other hand, even if she was not afraid of telling others about the bad deeds her mother did and exined them clearly, others might not be willing to believe her. There were so many people in Ping Cheng High School. Even if someone believed her, she could not get everyone to believe her regardless of how hard she tried.

    Her mother was very ruthless.

    Zhu Baoguo asked cautiously, ¡°Is there really no solution? Maybe we can think about it again?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. She was tired, and she felt like giving up. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take one step at a time. At most, I will transfer to another school.¡±

    Qiao Nan was particrly afraid of having to deal with all these troubles that Ding Jiayi caused. Instead of being entangled in such a mess, she would rather have a change of environment and have a peace of mind.

    ¡°I will go with you!¡±

    ¡°Why should you? Ping Cheng High School is a good high school.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not her. There was no need for him to transfer. ¡°Besides, things have note to that stage yet, so do not worry.¡±

    ¡°You can rest assured that I will settle this for you.¡± Zhu Baoguo was furious. It was obvious that Ding Jiayi lied, yet many of the students were foolish enough to believe her words.

    Whoever believed in Ding Jiayi¡¯s words and dared to talk nonsense in front of her, he would not let them off.

    ¡°Rein in your temper. I do not want to make matters worse.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing.¡± Zhu Baoguo patted his chest and vowed to help Qiao Nan with her problem.

    Zhu Baoguo was not without any capabilities after all. The students in the school would always give Qiao Nan strange looks and whisper to each other after Qiao Nan walked away.

    However, after Zhu Baoguo volunteered to help her, although they would still give Qiao Nan¡¯s strange looks from time to time, no one dared to question Qiao Nan regarding the rumors, and neither did they dare to say hurtful words. Most of the students steered clear of Qiao Nan¡¯s path as if she was the god of gue.

    Qiao Nan did not ask for much. She was happy enough that no one would disturb her.

    ¡°Before I begin the lessons today, there¡¯s something that I want to tell all of you. There is an old saying that goes, ¡®Rumors stop at the wise¡¯. As students from the same ss, I hope that everyone can unite as one and will not be so susceptible to whatever rumors that are circting outside. You are not only high school students, but also adults who are old enough to be issued with an identity card. You must not believe in the rumors. One should not only listen but also use their eyes and hearts when making judgments. As your form teacher, I sincerely hope that the students in my ss are wise men, not cows who are led by the nose. Alright, let¡¯s look at the textbook.¡±

    One could never underestimate the power of rumor, even the teachers had heard about them.

    Even though Teacher Liu did not specify what he was referring to when he made the speech to the ss, everyone in the ss clearly knew what Teacher Liu was referring to.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, have you told Teacher Liu anything?¡± Zhu Baoguo was a little surprised. It was rare that there would be such a discerning person. Nevertheless, he was a teacher. He was wiser than the students.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I thought Teacher Liu will ask me to go to his office to exin myself regarding the rumors.¡± After all, she had encountered such a situation in junior high school. At that time, she was called to the office to be questioned by Teacher Chen.

    ¡°No matter what, Teacher Liu is a teacher worthy of our respect.¡± Zhu Baoguo gave a thumbs-up. He felt better now and started to pay more attention to Teacher Liu¡¯s lessons.

 Chapter 279 - Would Not Be Tolerated

    <h4>Chapter 279: Would Not Be Tolerated</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Following the herd might be bad, but what was worst was for people like Teacher Liu who yed a decisive role in the ss to inculcate the wrong beliefs to the students. Fortunately, Teacher Liu was not that type of person.

    Apart from those students who were from the same dormitory as Qiao Nan and had been close to Qiao Nan, other students had a change in attitude toward Qiao Nan because of Teacher Liu¡¯s words.

    It was no use to be good in one¡¯s studies only. One should have a good moral character as well.

    Regardless of their own moral character, there would always be moralists in the world who were strict with others and lenient toward themselves.

    Teacher Liu¡¯s words had a very big impact on the students in the ss. All of them, except for Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu, no longer looked at her strangely.

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu sneaked a nce at each other. They added fuel to the mes, colored Qiao Nan as a bad moral character, and managed to tarnish her reputation in ss. They did not expect that because of Teacher Liu¡¯s words, the rumors would be stopped and their previous efforts were all in vain.

    They had finally found a chance to ruin Qiao Nan. It was such a pity that Teacher Liu ruined everything!

    After ss, Teacher Liu walked to stand by Qiao Nan¡¯s table and asked after her before leaving.

    The attitude of the teachers, particrly the form teacher, set an example for the students. Given that he disregarded the rumors, it gradually died down and the students no longer talked about it.

    Zhao Yu banged at the table. Back in junior high school, Qiao Nan had Teacher Chen defend her. Now, Teacher Liu was on her side. She could not understand why everyone would be so good to Qiao Nan.

    If not for the teachers standing on Qiao Nan¡¯s side, she could have easily made things difficult for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was a good student, but so was she. Why were the teachers not good to her?

    ¡°Teacher Liu, you have the best ss in our school. Should I congratte you for the things that happened?¡± A teacher from the same department said sourly, sounding as if he had enjoyed a good show.

    At the start of the school year, the school had a discussion about who would be the form teacher of ss one. Initially, this teacher was very confident that he would be selected. He had heard that the top schr in the middle school examination would study at Ping Cheng High School and would be a student in ss one.

    But in the end, Teacher Liu turned out to be the form teacher of ss one.

    Now that ss one had such a big scandal, this teacher could not help but gloat.

    It was important that the students had good grades, but the school management would not ept students who had bad moral character.

    If the rumors were true, then it would not be long before Qiao Nan would be expelled from Ping Cheng High School. Since the top schr in the middle school examination was not in his ss, it was best that she left the school.

    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Teacher Zhou. Qiao Nan is a student of ss one. I will handle this matter. I will not allow my student to suffer such grievances. As for the school management, I will report to them. Teacher Zhou, please don¡¯t worry.¡± Teacher Liuughed.

    Teacher Liu knew what Teacher Zhou meant by his words.

    It was the school management¡¯s decision as to which teacher would be the form teacher of ss one. He did not have any say in the matter. If Teacher Zhou was displeased, he should not find trouble with him but discuss with the management instead. What a coward!

    ¡°Is that so? Well, then I shall see how you handle this matter.¡± Teacher Zhou smirked. This was already a dead end. The person who badmouthed Qiao Nan was none other than her mother.

    There would never be mothers who maligned their biological daughters. He never imagined that Qiao Nan, who had such good grades, would be so selfish and had a bad moral character. Luckily, he did not have such a bad student in his ss. Otherwise, it would be a disgrace to him.

    The more Teacher Zhou thought about it, the more he felt that the old saying was very urate. Misfortune might really be a blessing in disguise.

    He was relieved that it was Teacher Liu, and not him, who had to handle this mess. He supposed that Qiao Nan¡¯s scandal would leave a blemish on Teacher Liu¡¯s teaching career.

    Ping Cheng High School ced very high importance on the moral character of their students. After receiving the news about the recent scandal, the principal sat down grimly in the office, thinking of ways to solve the problem. As the principal of the school, he certainly could not only listen to one side of the story. He could not simply believe in these rumors and expel Qiao Nan. That would be unfair to Qiao Nan.

    However, he had to make thorough investigations to be at ease. If the rumors were true, how could he allow such a student to study at their school and tarnish the school¡¯s reputation?

    Although the school should provide education for all people without discrimination, it was easier said than done. Schools must choose their students selectively. After all, this was not the nine-yearpulsory education. It was senior high school.

    At that thought, he heard a knock on his door.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Principal, I am Liu Neng.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Teacher Liu. Pleasee in.¡± The principal was slightly rxed once he knew that Teacher Liu was here looking for him. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? By the way, how do you intend to handle the matter regarding Qiao Nan from your ss? ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s achievements, she is definitely a good student. But as you know, our school has always ced great importance on the moral character of the students. We must not wrong the students, but we cannot just let things as it is either. Teacher Liu, do you understand what I mean? As the principal, I am responsible for the school and all of the teachers and students here.¡±

    ¡°Principal, please be assured that I understand what you mean. Actually, I am here for this matter as well.¡± Teacher Liu understood what the principal meant by his diplomatic words.

    If he did not give the principal a satisfactory answer, then it would not take long for the principal to handle it by himself. After rifying everything, he would then decide whether Qiao Nan should stay or not.

    ¡°Principal, I have always felt that words alone are no proof, so I will not try to convince you that Qiao Nan is a good student. Look at all these documents. I believe you can make the judgment by yourself.¡± Teacher Liu had a thick briefcase in his hand. He opened the briefcase and took out the documents inside. ¡°This is the phone number of Qiao Nan¡¯s junior high school ss teacher. If you have any questions, you can call him to find out.¡±

    The principal put on his reading sses and read through the documents carefully. He widened his eyes in disbelief. ¡°Is this true?¡±

    ¡°I will not go into details about the insults directed at Qiao Nan. Let¡¯s talk about her mother¡¯s usation that Qiao Nan is selfish and self-centered, sacrificing her parents¡¯ interests for her own gains. Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, Qiao Zijin, is the student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. This is her score in the middle school examination. There¡¯s no way that there can be a mistake.¡± If the principal wanted to check, he only needed to make a phone call to confirm its authenticity.

 Chapter 280 - The Schoolâ€™s Solution

    <h4>Chapter 280: The School¡¯s Solution</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When the principal saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s results, he made a phone call to check. The answer he received was exactly the same as the transcript in front of him.

    After all, they were high school teachers and would know the admission scores for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. The admission scores for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were much higher than that of the Ping Cheng High School. It was impossible for Qiao Zijin to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China with such results.

    There was only one exnation. The Qiao family must have forked out arge sum of money to enroll Qiao Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    If the Qiao family coulde up with such arge sum of money to send Qiao Zijin to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, it showed that their financial situation was not as bad as what the rumor made it to be. In that case, it would not be seen as splurging for her parents to rent a house near the school for Qiao Nan.

    The principal was certain that the three-year lease of Qiao Nan¡¯s house that was near the school cost less than half the amount of Qiao Zijin¡¯s ¡®sponsorship fee¡¯ to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    In that case, the rumors that Qiao Nan leeched on her parents were not true.

    The environmental evidence was much more credible than the words of others.

    Ding Jiayi never imagined that after she took great efforts to spread the rumors about Qiao Nan in Ping Cheng High School, everything woulde to futile all because of the fact that she spent money to ¡®sponsor¡¯ Qiao Zijin to study at her high school. As soon as it was cleared up, the rumors that had been spreading would die down eventually.

    ¡°As a teacher, it is inappropriate for me toment on the behavior of the parents. Other people might value boys more than girls. As for the Qiao family, they value the elder daughter more than the younger daughter. I was angry after reading through the materials. I could not sleep a wink at night. I can¡¯t believe that there is such a mother in this world who has the heart to do terrible things to her own daughter. If not for the solid proof, no one will believe it. These people are fearless as they think that they can do anything with their status. We almost wronged our own student. Principal, given Qiao Nan¡¯s results, she actually could enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    Teacher Liu took a deep breath. He was furious at what he read from the documents.

    After being a teacher for a long time, one could get to know all sorts of bizarre things and ¡®widen¡¯ one¡¯s horizons in the process. ¡°Qiao Nan chose toe to our school because she studied at Ping Cheng Junior High School. Given her excellent performance in junior high school, she could have been directly admitted to our high school, but she refused to do so. She insisted on taking the middle school examination and has done our school proud bying in the first ce in the province. We have to be fair to such a good student like her. At the very least, we must not let such things happen again or escte.¡±

    ¡°You are right.¡± The principal took off his sses and stopped looking at the information. He could not bear to read on.

    ording to the data, the parents had no wish for Qiao Nan to continue with her studies. They wanted her to quit junior high school and work.

    If not for Qiao Nan who had a mind of her own and insisted onpleting her studies, Ping Cheng High School would not have a top schr in middle school examination like her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s performance had been very stable and excellent. The principal was certain that as long as Qiao Nan could maintain her standard, their school would definitely be able to have a top schr in the college entrance examination in three years¡¯ time.

    As the principal of Ping Cheng High School, how could he allow such an excellent student to leave school!

    Ding Jiayi had always seeded in making life difficult for Qiao Nan. She had gone too overboard that she ended up setting her own spear against her own shield.

    No matter how exaggerated and serious Ding Jiayi made it to be, people could see through her lies easily after some probing and investigations.

    They had the solid proof with them, and nobody would believe Ding Jiayi¡¯s lies.

    ¡°But we have to be very careful when handling this matter. Otherwise, it will have an impact on our school,¡± Teacher Liu said seriously. The whole school had probably known about the rumors now.

    After all, this was Qiao Nan¡¯s family affairs. The school could not possibly publicize the family affairs of the Qiao family. They could not make a speech to clear things up on the g-raising ceremony on Monday either.

    But now that they knew the truth, they could not sit by and do nothing about it.

    Once other people learned about this, the students and the teachers in the school would be affected.

    If outsiders learned of the rumors, the reputation of Ping Cheng High School would bepletely ruined.

    If Qiao Nan really did these things, the principal coulde up with an excuse to expel Qiao Nan and things would die down gradually. But now that he knew that what Ding Jiayi said were all lies, as a principal, he could not do this to his student.

    Therefore, Teacher Liu felt that it was not easy to clear up the rumors.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡± The principal pinched his nose, lost in his thoughts. Ding Jiayi had created such big trouble for Ping Cheng High School andnded them in such a dilemma. He felt bitterness in his mouth at the thought of Ding Jiayi. ¡°There¡¯s a way!¡±

    ¡°What is the solution?¡± Teacher Liu asked nervously. Right now, the principal was the only one who could solve the problem.

    ¡°I remember that Teacher Feng who has retired has a house nearby. He lives abroad with his son and left the house with the school. I remember there isn¡¯t anyone staying at the house, is there?¡±

    ¡°Yes, no one lives there. However, there is some misceneous stuff there.¡± Teacher Liu¡¯s eyes lit up. He more or less knew what the principal was thinking about.

    ¡°You can make a trip in noontime to have a talk with Qiao Nan¡¯s father and tell him what has happened recently. You can hand him the key to Teacher Feng¡¯s small cottage as well. Qiao Nan is a good student. The school has exempted her from paying tuition and misceneous fees. This can be considered as an additional reward for her.¡±

    ¡°Let me thank you on behalf of Qiao Nan. Thank you, principal,¡± Teacher Liu said happily.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just do this. You should go over to Qiao Nan¡¯s house to inform them so that they can make preparations. The house has been vacant for a while. I suppose it will need some cleaning up. I heard that Qiao Nan¡¯s father had a car ident recently and he is still recovering from it. You can bring a few helpers with you to clear up the house as much as possible. In this way, Qiao Nan can devote her full attention to her studies.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, principal!¡± Teacher Liu did not expect that the principal would arrange a ce for Qiao Nan. It was an excellent solution.

    Teacher Liu had his ss in the morning. After his ss, he had time to make the necessary arrangements.

 Chapter 281 - Thanks to You

    <h4>Chapter 281: Thanks to You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Teacher Liu took the key that was left by Teacher Feng. He then followed the home address left by Qiao Nan and went to her house.

    Luckily, Qiao Dongliang listened to Qiao Nan. He worked part-time and was at home today. Otherwise, Teacher Liu would have made a futile trip.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, what brings you here?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised when he saw Teacher Liu. ¡°Is this a home visit?¡± He remembered they just had the parent-teacher conference not too long ago. Was it not too soon for a home visit? ¡°Did something happen to Nan Nan at school?¡±

    ¡°No, she¡¯s fine. Rest assured that it¡¯s not what you think. However, it¡¯s true that I am here regarding Qiao Nan. I am here today to discuss something with you. Is your wife around?¡± Teacher Liu asked cautiously, seeing that the mistress of the house did not seem to be around.

    A woman who would do such terrible things to her own daughter... He could not imagine what she would do to an outsider like him.

    ¡°She... Qiao Nan¡¯s mom has gone to work, and she does not stay here as it is not convenient for her. She stays at where we used to live in.¡± Qiao Dongliang found it awkward to exin their living arrangements.

    ¡°I see.¡± Teacher Liu breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s Dad, this is what happened. When you came to our school for the parent-teacher conference, Qiao Nan¡¯s mom... Recently, there have been many rumors about Qiao Nan circting in the school. High school students face a lot of pressure, and our school does not want them to bear pressure from public opinion. Qiao Nan may be smart and intelligent, but she is only a child. As her elder, we all care for the juniors. In the end, the principal came up with a solution. We understand that it cost you some money to rent this ce. Our school will provide you free lodging. Here is the key. The people from our school have cleaned the small cottage. Both of you can move into the cottage right away. In this way, those rumors will die down by itself. After all, our school is not in the position to rify the rumors or make further exnations.¡±

    ¡°I feel embarrassed to ept the house.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was red. He wanted to reject the keys. He was able-bodied and could support his daughter and himself.

    But Qiao Dongliang knew that he had to ept their kind gestures. He could not refuse just because of his self-esteem. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would remain the center of gossip and be ruined by those rumors.

    They were the root of the problems. If not for Ding Jiayi sneaking to the school behind his back and spouting nonsense, there would not have been any trouble at all.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be embarrassed about. The principal hopes that Qiao Nan can put her full attention on her studies and not be distracted by other meaningless stuff. Qiao Nan is very outstanding. We believe that she will do us proud in three years¡¯ time. Qiao Nan¡¯s dad, you don¡¯t have to feel burdened by our gestures. If you need any help, feel free to tell us. We have someone waiting outside to help you move your belongings.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qiao Dongliang ced his hands on his knees as support and stood up.

    Initially, he moved to this ce for Nan Nan¡¯s sake. As long as it was for the interests of Nan Nan, he did not mind having to move house for the second time.

    ¡°Okay, let us know whatever that you need help with.¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan¡¯s father would agree to their suggestion so readily. Teacher Liu also hoped to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had the experience with moving house, it was a piece of cake to him this time around, and he packed his things in a jiffy. ¡°These are all that I have. I have to trouble you to help me to move them to the new ce.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang asked Teacher Liu and the helpers to help bring the belonging to the new ce first while he had a talk with thendlord.

    He had paid the first three-month rent in advance.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan had stayed in the house for more than two months. The period of their stay had yet to reach three months.

    But in order to be clean-cut, Qiao Dongliang did not ask thendlord to return half the monthly rent to them. After returning the keys, he went directly to the ¡®new house¡¯, limping his way there.

    ¡°I am very sorry to have caused you so much trouble.¡± Qiao Dongliang blushed in embarrassment. He did not know what else he could say.

    He was shamed thoroughly because of his wife, Ding Jiayi. The Qiao ancestors were shamed as well.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You can rest assured that I will tell Qiao Nan that you have moved.¡± Teacher Liu was relieved that he had finally resolved this matter.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu. I have caused you a lot of trouble. By the way, when you go back to school, could you let Qiao Nan know that I have some business to take care of and will have to leave home for two days? I will be back before she returns. Please tell her not to think too much about it.¡±

    ¡°I see. Sure, I will pass the message to Qiao Nan. Then, we will go off now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Qiao Dongliang walked Teacher Liu to the door.

    Qiao Dongliang turned grim when he was left alone in the cottage. The small cottage was much better than the one he rented previously. It was muchrger and there was a garden with beautiful scenery.

    In addition, Teacher Liu and the helpers had helped with the cleaning and the moving of their belongings. Qiao Dongliang did not need to do any cleaning and the new house was sparkling clean. It looked much better than the Qiao¡¯s house in the quad.

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but feel angry at his current situation. If he could, he would thrash it out with Ding Jiayi right away. He wanted to know whether Nan Nan was her biological daughter. Why would she hate Nan Nan to the core? Why was she so bent on destroying Nan Nan?!

    Had it not for Teacher Liu, he would have been kept in the dark, having the false impression that Ding Jiayi had learned from her mistakes and had really changed for the better.

    Ding Jiayi was hopeless!

    He should not have given Ding Jiayi a chance.

    It was time for him to do something. He could not spare Ding Jiayi any longer. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi would only be more and more arrogant and unreasonable!

    After making up his mind, Qiao Dongliang closed the door to the small courtyard silently and returned to the house.

    Qiao Dongliang sat on the bed and finally had the time to sort out his thoughts.

    Ding Jiayi went to the school and spouted nonsense about Nan Nan. But how did the teachers find out about the truth that Nan Nan was maligned ande up with a solution to the problem? As her father, he was thest person to know what happened to Nan Nan at school.

    ¡°Yes, you can rest assured that the matter has been resolved. Everything hase to an end. Well... The principal will not allow this incident to have any negative impact on Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan is a very outstanding student. It is an honor for our school to have her with us. We will do our best to protect students like Qiao Nan and will not let anything happen to her. Well, that¡¯s right. We have to thank you for helping out.¡±

 Chapter 282 - Who Rendered Assistance Secretly

    <h4>Chapter 282: Who Rendered Assistance Secretly</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If not for the information that you sent to me in the nick of time, even if I wanted to help Qiao Nan, the principal might not agree with me. Now that the matter is resolved, Qiao Nan has you to thank for.¡±

    After sessfullypleting the task that the principal had assigned to him, the first thing Teacher Liu did when he returned to school and sat down to catch a breath was to call the person who sent him the information.

    ¡°What! You want to keep this from Qiao Nan? Oh, you are worried that Qiao Nan will be distracted. It will not affect her studies... Oh, alright, I will not say anything. Yes, it¡¯s most important that she focuses on her studies. Okay, I know what to do. Anyway, I have to thank you on behalf of Qiao Nan. As her form teacher, it¡¯s my responsibility to help my student. Alright, goodbye.¡±

    After putting down the phone, Teacher Liu patted his chest for a few times and breathed a sigh of relief.

    He was very cautious when he was on the phone, lest he made a mistake or said something wrong and angered the person on the other side of the phone. This was more stressful than talking to the principal.

    But Teacher Liu could not understand why that person would contact him all of a sudden and send him the information in such an opportune time. The information had been of great help to him.

    Without the information, even if he believed Qiao Nan was innocent, he was not confident that he could prevent Qiao Nan from being expelled.

    If Qiao Nan was no longer his student, it would definitely be a great regret in his teaching career.

    Nevertheless, everything had turned out well.

    Most importantly, not only did he manage to prevent Qiao Nan from being expelled, his influential rtive who never kept in touch actually contacted him because of this incident.

    If Qiao Nan ended up as the college entrance examination top schr in the province, by that time, with the help of his rtive, her future would be very promising. With that thought in mind, Teacher Liu was bursting with enthusiasm!

    ¡°Regimentmander?¡± Zhou Jun knocked on the door and walked into Zhai Sheng¡¯s office. ¡°This is the topographic map for the mission. Regimentmander, who was on the phone?¡± It did not seem to be rted to military affairs.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a rtive in the family.¡± Zhai Sheng took the topographic map and studied it carefully. ¡°Have you looked at this topographic map?¡±

    ¡°I have looked through it. It is a difficult fight.¡± Zhou Jun turned serious at the mention of work. He had forgotten about the call just now. ¡°Regimentmander, this military exercise is very unfavorable to us. Do you think someone wanted to do us in, and thus performed this cheap trick?¡±

    ¡°Even so, are you not confident of winning?¡± Zhai Sheng began to outline the mission n. ¡°In the face of absolute strength and ability, all cheap tricks will be rendered useless like paper tigers. As long as we thoroughly analyze the terrain and study the method of attack, there is no such thing as a losing battle!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± Zhou Jun was full of respect toward Zhai Sheng. He looked at Zhai Sheng and gave him a salute.

    Zhai Sheng was younger than Zhou Jun by more than two years, but Zhou Jun fully respected Zhai Sheng, who was much younger than himself. He genuinely treated him as his superior.

    After he was convinced that Qiao Nan¡¯s matter had been settled and she would no longer be affected by it, Zhai Sheng devoted all his attention to the military exercise. He dared not cken or be off his guards.

    On the other hand, Qiao Nan, who did not know that Zhai Sheng had done so many things for her, heard from Teacher Liu that she had moved again. ¡°What? My dad moved again?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The new ce is about five minutes away from where you used to stay.¡± Teacher Liu handed the new address to Qiao Nan. ¡°The school has arranged this ce for the both of you. Qiao Nan, you must study harder in the future. By the way, your dad wanted me to tell you that he has some business to attend to and will be away for a few days, but he will definitely be back before Friday.¡±

    ¡°Arranged by the school?¡± That was to say that they did not have to pay the rent for the new house? Why would the school be so good to them?

    ¡°Yes. Alright, the school has made arrangements for you. You don¡¯t have to worry anymore. Qiao Nan, now you should know that the school ces a lot of importance on you. You must not let the teachers and the school down.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Teacher Liu, I will be under a lot of pressure. But no matter what, it is my duty as a student to study well. I will not cken. I have to thank the school and Teacher Liu for making such arrangements for me.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know why the school was so good to her and had made such arrangements, but inparison to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan chose to believe in the school.

    ¡°Alright, you can go back now.¡± After passing another set of keys to Qiao Nan, Teacher Liu asked Qiao Nan to go back to the ssroom.

    ¡°Nan Nan, how was it? What did Teacher Liu want with you?¡± Zheng Lingling and the rest of them were very concerned about Qiao Nan. As soon as Qiao Nan came back, the five girls gathered around her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Teacher Liu wanted to tell me that all the misunderstandings have been cleared up. Everything is fine now.¡± It was not convenient for Qiao Nan to spell out everything. Hence, she could only assure them that everything was fine now.

    ¡°Is everything okay now?¡± Fang Fang asked in disbelief. After all, things had gone out of control. Even if Zhu Baoguo intended to curb the rumors, there was no way that the problem could be solved so easily!

    ¡°It¡¯s true that I am fine now. Don¡¯t worry. Very soon, you will know that I¡¯m really okay.¡± The school arranged a free house in the school district for her and her father so that people would not believe in the rumors that she was selfish and leeched on her family.

    Since the school had made up their mind to help Qiao Nan, they would not keep quiet after making the arrangements. They would make an announcement sooner orter.

    In the end, things had turned out well. Initially, Qiao Nan was worried about how the school would handle the matter. It was definitely inappropriate to let others know of the Qiao family¡¯s private affairs. Besides, they might not believe it. On the other hand, it would not be suitable to keep quiet and do nothing about it. At school, they might be able to contain the damage done to her reputation, but they could not control how outsiders think of the school and of her.

    In this way, all the problems would be settled.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan did not seem to be lying to them, He Yun and rest of them were relieved that the problem was settled and returned to their seats.

    Zhu Baoguo pestered Qiao Nan. ¡°Are you sure everything is really okay? Don¡¯t lie to me. How was it resolved?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was not as easily dismissed as the rest. He would not believe Qiao Nan unless she told him everything.

    ¡°What do you think this is?¡± Qiao Nan showed Zhu Baoguo the key to the new house. ¡°This is given by the school. That was how the problem was solved.¡±

    ¡°Why is the school being so generous to you? Is it for real?¡± Zhu Baoguo asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s real.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo slightly rxed. ¡°If it¡¯s really true, then you have made the right decision to choose Ping Cheng High School instead of the top-notched The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

 Chapter 283 - Had a Terrible Time

    <h4>Chapter 283: Had a Terrible Time</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry about me. You should worry about your own results.¡± Qiao Nan kept the key. ¡°You must not tell anyone of this.¡±

    ¡°I am not a fool.¡± Zhu Baoguo crossed one leg over the other. Xiao Qiao did not mention about the house to the girls from the dormitory. It seemed like she was not as close to them as she was to him. At least, Xiao Qiao had a conscience and knew who had her best interests at heart.

    Zhu Baoguo was in a particrly good mood that Qiao Nan let him in on her secret. Not only did he cross his legs but also hum a tune, causing the students in ss one to be bewildered by his good mood.

    Zhu Baoguo was always very protective of Qiao Nan. He took care of her as if she was his child.

    Now that Qiao Nan ran into such a big trouble, why would Zhu Baoguo be so happy about it?

    Zhao Yu knew Zhu Baoguo well. She knew something must be going on. Zhao Yu gritted her teeth, wrote a note, and threw it to Xu Tingting. It said, ¡®Did you receive any news? Is Qiao Nan¡¯s matter resolved?¡¯

    After Xu Tingting read it, she wrote a note in reply. ¡®No, this is a serious matter. I don¡¯t believe Qiao Nan has the ability to resolve it within a few days. The die is cast and the rumors have been spread. We must not let Qiao Nan get away from it.¡¯

    Ever since Ding Jiayi¡¯s incident, the two people who were at loggerheads decided toe to a truce and deal with Qiao Nan together.

    Zhao Yu felt much at ease after receiving Xu Tingting¡¯s reply. She was d that she was not alone in the fight against Qiao Nan.

    After thinking about it, Zhao Yu drew on the note in which the conversation with Xu Tingting was written, tore it, and threw it into the trash bin.

    Zhu Baoguo, who witnessed the scene, sneered. It seemed that both of them did not heed his words. They had better not create any troubles for Xiao Qiao. Otherwise, he would not be lenient toward them!

    In the evening time, the student who was on duty was on the way to empty the trash bin into the big garbage bin when he noticed that Zhu Baoguo and a few of the second and third-year students were waiting beside the big garbage bin. He stood on the spot as if he was a rabbit who saw a tiger. He dared not take another step forward.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Come forward!¡± A tall and tanned second-year student chewed on chewing gum and said in anger, ¡°Are you going to keep us waiting? Do you know we have been stung by mosquitoes as you are way too slow?¡±

    The student¡¯s eyes turned red and he almost burst out in tears. ¡°I... I did not mean it. I am sorry.¡±

    Although the student on duty had no idea what he had done to antagonize the boys, he apologized right away.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know. Hurry up, empty the trash bin onto the ground right now.¡± The second-year student said.

    ¡°Onto the ground?¡± The student looked at the big garbage bin not too far away and hesitated.

    ¡°Do you have any problems with it?¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± The student on duty dumped all the rubbish onto the ground. The second-year student¡¯s face turned ck in an instant. ¡°Are you a fool? You should not stand but squat down. Anyway, I don¡¯t want to waste my time on a fool like you. Search for the shredded papers and take them out.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± The student on duty pointed at himself in disbelief.

    ¡°Of course! Are you telling me to do it instead?¡± The second-year student grew more and more impatient. ¡°Are you doing it or not?!¡±

    ¡°I will do it right now!¡± The student on duty had no choice but to go through the rubbish in search of the shredded papers.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to act dumb and piece the pieces together. Instead of acting on our orders, use your brain to think.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± The student on duty did not dare to disobey his orders. He did whatever he was told to do.

    Luckily, Zhao Yu did not tear the papers into very small pieces. It only took a while to piece all the shredded papers together.

    The student on duty was dumbfounded when he read the contents on the paper. It seemed like Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting had a part to y in the recent rumors about Qiao Nan!

    Given the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo, were Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting courting death?

    ¡°These two women!¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned dark. Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting clearly knew that he would not let anyone harm Xiao Qiao, yet they dared to plot against Xiao Qiao. It seemed he must show them what he was capable of!

    ¡°Big brother, what do we do about this?¡± The second and third-year students could not wait to join in on the fun. They had not expected that the young girls would be so scheming.

    Initially, they were unwilling to follow Zhu Baoguo¡¯s orders to look through the trash bin for the note that the girls had thrown away. They felt that they should not bother themselves about the petty quarrels between the girls. After all, the girls were just having a small argument. It would not be anything more than that.

    But now they realized that they were wrong. Girls could be very ruthless when they decided to plot against someone.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s settle it this Friday.¡± Zhu Baoguo nodded. This time, he would not let Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting off again.

    ¡°After you go back to the ss, you should know what can be said and what cannot be said, right?¡± A third-year student patted the shoulder of the student on duty.

    The student on duty nodded immediately. ¡°I only came here to empty the trash bin. Nothing happened at all.¡± Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting did themselves in. It had nothing to do with him. He did not want to be any part of this.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know your ce.¡± The third-year student smiled. ¡°Okay, clear the rubbish and throw it over there, then you can go. Big Brother, let¡¯s go?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The student on duty had to clear the rubbish by himself. He frowned to himself. If he had known, he would have chosen a spot that was nearer to the rubbish garbage to empty the rubbish. In that case, it would have saved him the trouble to bring the rubbish over to the garbage bin.

    ¡°Feng Zhaoxiang, what are you trying to say? Why do you give me strange looks today? Have I offended you?¡± Xu Tingting was used to the besotted looks the boys cast her. She was not used to the look of dislike in their eyes.

    Feng Zhaoxiang, who was the student on duty that evening, smiled. ¡°Nothing. You didn¡¯t offend me and I didn¡¯t provoke you. Don¡¯t block my way. There is a physical education ss tomorrow. I have to get the keys from the teacher to prepare the equipment in advance so as not to be in a flurry tomorrow,¡± Feng Zhaoxiang, the sports representative, said in an indifferent tone.

    When Xu Tingting had her back to him and they were about two to three meters away from each other, Feng Zhaoxiang stopped and turned to look at her. A woman who liked to cook up trouble was very unlikable.

    Zhu Baoguo would deal with Xu Tingting eventually!

    After having dinner, Qiao Nan went to the evening self-study ss. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi had a terrible time.

 Chapter 284 - Serve You Right That Your Husband Left You

    <h4>Chapter 284: Serve You Right That Your Husband Left You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I don¡¯t believe you. You must have hidden my husband away. Hand him over now. Otherwise, I will not leave. I will sit here at your doorstep. I will report to the police as well. Where did you hide my husband? Don¡¯t think that because he is by himself and unwell, hence you can bully him. Believe it or not, I will make sure you go to jail!¡±

    As usual, Ding Jiayi went to the house that Qiao Dongliang rented to prepare his dinner after getting off work. She would usually have her dinner before going back.

    Ding Jiayi was willing to shuffle between the rented ce and the Qiao¡¯s house because she wanted to please Qiao Dongliang so that he would forgive her. More importantly, Ding Jiayi could save some money. She could have her lunch at the factory and her dinner at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ce.

    In this way, Ding Jiayi could save a lot on her meals every month as she only had to pay for her own breakfast in the morning.

    After a day of hard work, Ding Jiayi was tired and hungry. She longed to go back ¡®home¡¯ for a hearty meal.

    But Ding Jiayi was denied entrance when she reached the rented ce.

    The door was closed tightly and locked. No matter how Ding Jiayi pushed at the door, it would not open. She tried calling for Qiao Dongliang, but there was no response.

    The neighbors who happened to pass by could not stand the noise and told Ding Jiayi that some people came here during the day. They looked as if they were helping Qiao Dongliang move his belongings. They deduced that Qiao Dongliang went somewhere else to stay.

    Ding Jiayi could not believe what she heard.

    It was not easy to rent a house in the school district. Old Qiao had spent so much effort and money on Qiao Nan, that wretched girl. He could not possibly have moved house again. Besides, there was nowhere he could move to.

    She did not disy any inappropriate behavior recently. She did not do anything to that wretched girl in front of Old Qiao. Why would he move house without any apparent reason and keep her in the dark? Why did he not leave any message to let her know where he moved to?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? I have told you that your husband has left and had returned the ce to us. He is your husband, not our family. I have no idea where he moved to. If you insist on creating a fuss, I will have to call the police! It¡¯s veryte now. It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock! We still have to sleep, so please leave now.¡± Thendy was angry beyond words. She did not know that the wife would be so unreasonable.

    She made it sound as if they had done something to Qiao Dongliang for the money! She must be out of her mind.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t go. I won¡¯t leave! If you don¡¯t return my husband to me, I won¡¯t leave! Unless you give me the address to the ce where my husband moved to, I will not leave.¡± Ding Jiayi banged at the door of thendy¡¯s house. She refused to leave.

    If she left, how was she able to find out the whereabouts of her husband and reconcile with him?

    ¡°Why are you so unreasonable?¡± Thendy¡¯s face turned red in anger. She wished to give Ding Jiayi a blow to her head so that thetter coulde to her senses, but that would be going against thew. ¡°Had I known that your family is so troublesome, I would not have rented the house at all!¡±

    ¡°Then, why did you rent it to my husband?¡± Ding Jiayi was angry at thendy. If Old Qiao did not find a ce to rent, he would not move out with that wretched girl and be separated from her.

    ¡°...¡± Thendy did not expect Ding Jiayi to push the me to her. She waspletely speechless. ¡°There¡¯s no way that I can talk sense to people like you. Your husband seems to be well-mannered and polite. You are his wife, yet he did not tell you that he has moved. Isn¡¯t it obvious that the problem lies with you? With a wife like you, it¡¯s no wonder your husband treats you in such a way and refuses to let you know his whereabouts.¡±

    Initially, thendy was furious that her tenant, Qiao Dongliang, had caused such big trouble for her. But right now, she felt sympathetic toward Qiao Dongliang.

    He must have been so unlucky to have married such a wife. No wonder he wanted to hide from his wife.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Ding Jiayi was infuriated by thendy¡¯s words. She screamed and pounced onto thendy like a tigress, itching to get her hands on her face.

    ¡°Go somewhere else to throw your tantrums!¡± At first, the husband of thendy had no wish to intervene in the women¡¯s quarrel, lest Ding Jiayi said that he bullied woman.

    However, he could not do nothing when he saw Ding Jiayi use force on his wife. Without a word, thendlord gave Ding Jiayi a push. ¡°If you are sick, you should go to the hospital to see a doctor. Don¡¯te to our house to create a fuss. We aren¡¯t afraid of you. If you continue with your crazy acts, I will not have any qualms about beating you!¡±

    Then, the husband said to his wife, ¡°Give me five yuan.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Thendy knew what her husband meant. After getting the five yuan, she threw it at Ding Jiayi. ¡°When your husband returned the house, he did not ask me to return the half-month rent that he had already paid for. Now that I have returned you the money, we are quits. If you dare to create a din again, I will call the police!¡±

    ¡°How can both of you gang up to bully me?¡± Ding Jiayi, who was pushed to the ground, was still in shock. The door mmed shut on her. She caught a glimpse of the warm light inside the house before the door was closed. She sat on the ground and burst into tears.

    ¡°Old Qiao, where are you? Do you know that I have been bullied? They refused to tell me your address. They must be up to no good. Old Qiao, pleasee back. I have suffered such grievances.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had a sulky face as she cried, but she made no move to leave. If thendy did not give her a satisfactory answer, she would not budge.

    Anyone would be frustrated at strangers who cried their guts out in front of their house. Moreover, Ding Jiayi spoke as if thendy was in the wrong. In fact, thendy was so angry that she wished she could use a chopper on her.

    Ding Jiayi made it sounded as if thendy had taken a fancy to Qiao Dongliang, and thus refused to tell Ding Jiayi his whereabouts.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Thendy could not help but swear. She opened the door and came out.

    Ding Jiayi curled her lips, revealing a victorious smile. After thendy told her where Qiao Dongliang was, she would insist that if Old Qiao had truly moved, he would surely have left a message for her. Thendlord andndy must have wanted to sow discord between them, so they deliberately kept it from her.

    She was so smart. She would not fall into their traps.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s triumphant smile vanished in an instant. Thendy poured a basin of water on Ding Jiayi. ¡°We just washed the vegetables. Here is the muddy water. We have been very kind to you. If you refuse to leave, I will treat you to a basin of water that I use to wash my feet next time!¡±

 Chapter 285 - I Am Qiao Nanâ€™s Mom

    <h4>Chapter 285: I Am Qiao Nan¡¯s Mom</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thendy then shut the door. ¡°I have never seen such an unreasonable person. There are really all kinds of fish in the sea!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was sshed with dirty water. She was soaked to the bones and she felt sorry for herself. She sobbed her guts out and seemed more aggrieved than Xiang Lin Sao, the typical tragic character in Chinese fiction.

    Ding Jiayi sniffed and wiped the water off her face with her sleeves.

    Old Qiao was really ruthless. Recently, she had been minding her own business. No matter how much she disliked that wretched girl, she still prepared her meals for her. She did not even raise her voice at her.

    She had changed for the better, yet Old Qiao never changed his attitude toward her. Now that Old Qiao had moved, he did not even bother to tell her. Was his heart made of stone?

    Could he not see the efforts she had put in the past few months?

    Even if his heart was made of stone, he should have been moved by her actions.

    Ding Jiayi did not understand why Qiao Dongliang moved again without any apparent reason. Unlikest time, he did not tell her where they moved to.

    Would she lose her husband forever because of this incident?

    Unknowingly, Ding Jiayi ended up at the house that Qiao Dongliang rented previously. Looking at the familiar but distant door, Ding Jiayi burst into tears again. She slumped against the door and sat on the ground crying. ¡°Old Qiao, you are so ruthless. Haven¡¯t I done well enough?¡±

    Did Old Qiao want her to be the servant of that wretched girl?

    In the past few months, she treated that wretched girl with respect as if she were her elders. Both the father and daughter were heartless and ruthless!

    It was autumn now. The weather was dry during the day but windy and unbearably cold at night. Ding Jiayi was wet to the bones. She felt chilly in the windy autumn night.

    Ding Jiayi shivered from the cold. She wrapped her arms around herself and curled up like a shrimp. She leaned against the door, refusing to leave.

    She was worried that if she left, she would never find Qiao Dongliang again and she would lose her husband forever. It seemed to her that as long as she stayed there, Qiao Dongliang would return to her.

    A gust of wind blew over her and she shivered in the cold. Ding Jiayi leaned against the door and fell asleep shortly.

    Ding Jiayi slept through the night. When she woke up the next day, dawn was just breaking.

    Ding Jiayi felt dizzy. She held onto the door and stood up. She smiled bitterly to herself. ¡°I should have known that Old Qiao turned heartless all because of that wretched girl. I am too foolish to camp here over the night.¡±

    Ding Jiayi put her hand to her burning forehead. Ding Jiayi knew that she had a cold and fever from sleeping in the open on a windy night. Moreover, she was wet to the bones from the basin of cold water that was sshed on her.

    She was saddened that nobody noticed that she slept out in the open and sent her to the hospital. Her family was ruthless to her, and the people in this world were no different either.

    Ding Jiayi leaned against the wall, feeling dizzy. She finally made her way back to the Qiao¡¯s house.

    As soon as she reached home, Ding Jiayi was so sick that she took off her clothes hurriedly and plopped down onto the bed. She fell asleep right away, barely covering herself with the nket.

    Ding Jiayi slept for the whole day. She hadpletely forgotten that she had to work.

    When she woke up again, the sky was already dark. She had not eaten anything for the past twenty-four hours and she was so hungry that she had gastric pains. Even though she had slept for the whole day, she was still burning with fever.

    Her body felt hot, and there was no strength in her arms and legs. There was also nobody around to take care of her.

    Ding Jiayi could not help but break down in tears. Her tears kept flowing down her face.

    Ding Jiayi moved her lips and realized that her lips were so dry that they cracked at the slightest movement.

    Ding Jiayi, who had not had a good rest for one whole day, felt like drinking some water. But she could only taste the blood that was on her lips.

    ¡°Why did things turn out this way?¡± Ding Jiayi cried into the nket. She did not understand why she would end up like this. Her husband was not around, and both of her daughters were studying. No one cared whether she was well or not.

    In the past...

    Ding Jiayi suddenly remembered that when she was sick, Qiao Nan would always stay by her side and take great care of her.

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth and dried her tears. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I can¡¯t survive without all of you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi put on her clothes and slowly made her way outside. She started to search for the fever medicine. She was stunned when she saw the fever medicine. It was the same fever medicine that she threw into the trash bin when Qiao Nan fell sickst year.

    This time, Ding Jiayi could not help but sink into despair. Tears flowed down her cheeks uncontrobly.

    Nobody knew how Ding Jiayi went through that night.

    Perhaps when one was sick, they would be particrly vulnerable. Hence, Ding Jiayi cried harder when she looked at the fever medicine.

    But when her fever subsided and she was finally slightly better, her heart hardened just like the hard-shelled animals that had gone through molting during specific seasons and formed a new and harderyer of shell.

    ¡°As I have said, I am the mother of Qiao Nan. She is a student at your school. She is from ss one. Let me in.¡± Three days had passed since then. On Thursday, Ding Jiayi came to the school with a fierce look on her face. Blocked by the guards at the entrance of Ping Cheng High School, she insisted that she was the mother of Qiao Nan and wanted to enter the school.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her in!¡± Upon receiving the call from the guards, the principal was so furious that he hung the phone after giving the instructions to the guard.

    It was not difficult to arrange for Qiao Nan and her father to stay at the house that was left by Teacher Feng. But most importantly, the principal and some of the teachers had spent a lot of efforts to keep the false rumors that Ding Jiayi spread under control.

    The rumors had yet to die downpletely, but the culprit was here again.

    As soon as the principal knew that Ding Jiayi was at the front gate, he wished to send her away and ban her from stepping into the school again.

    The school was not a public ce. Ding Jiayi could note and go as she pleased. It was ridiculous of her to have thought that she could enter freely whenever she felt like it as if the school was her home.

    ¡°Sorry, we cannot verify that you are the mother of the student from ss one.¡±

 Chapter 286 - Call 110

    <h4>Chapter 286: Call 110</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Besides, the students are currently studying in ss. This parent over here, please go back. You won¡¯t want to disturb your daughter while she is studying as well, right? Our school has its own regtions. Except for teachers and students, nobody is allowed to enter and leave the school grounds at will. So please go back. If you have something to say, you can tell your daughter when shees home from school. Today is Thursday. There is no ss tomorrow.¡±

    Since the principal had said so, the guards certainly did not dare to open the gate and let Ding Jiayi enter the school.

    Regarding thest time when Ding Jiayi entered the school, although the principal did not hold anyone responsible for it, he had verbally warned the guards that they should not allow any outsiders into the school.

    Take the parent-teacher conference as an example. Since the child¡¯s father had already arrived, why would the mother sneak in behind the father¡¯s back? Besides, the school only requested for one of the parents to attend the parent-teacher conference.

    Even if the parents cared about their children¡¯s performance and insisted oning, they would usually turn up together. They would not sneak in one after the other.

    Therefore, not only was the principal angry at seeing Ding Jiayi, but the guards were also fearful that this parent would create troubles. They refused to open the door.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to open the door?!¡± Ding Jiayi, who was denied entry to the school, fumed. ¡°This is not my first time here. Don¡¯t try to lie to me. When I was herest time, I told you that I am Qiao Nan¡¯s mother and I was allowed entry. If you refuse to let me enter the school, I will call the police!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing that we can do if you want to report to the police.¡± The guards wanted to know if Ding Jiayi really dared to call the police.

    ¡°You!!¡± Ding Jiayi sneered. ¡°Fine. Since you refuse to open the door and do not allow me to see my daughter, I have other ways!¡± Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth and pulled at her sleeves. Without a care for the passersby who were staring at her, she climbed the iron gate, trying to make her way into the school.

    ¡°Oh my god!¡± One of the guards was dumbfounded and shouted to his colleague. ¡°What are you waiting for? Call the principal right now.¡±

    ¡°I have never seen such a parent before!¡± The principal mmed the table in anger.

    ¡°Principal, what do we do now?¡± The guard at the other end of the phone was troubled. ¡°We advised her not to climb, lest she falls. Even though we have not touched her, she screamed like a banshee, saying that we¡¯re harassing her.¡±

    The guards felt angry that they were maligned.

    By heavens and hells, they did not even touch the parent! How could they possibly harass her?

    Furthermore, at his age, he could tell right from wrong clearly. He would not do something so indecent, unless he was blind. Otherwise, he would not be interested in a shrew like this parent.

    ¡°Call the police!¡± The principal was fuming.

    ¡°Alright, we will report to the police.¡± With the principal¡¯s consent, the guard felt that he was in control of the situation.

    After hanging up, he dialed 110 to call the police. The guards did not say much but told the police that someone was creating a fuss at the school gate, disturbing the students. Most importantly, she damaged the public property and the school gate. Everyone who tried to calm her down was attacked by her. Their clothes were torn during the struggle.

    China ced great importance on education. As soon as the police heard that someone created a fuss at the school gate, they arrived in a police car in less than a quarter of an hour.

    Before the police had time to ask Ding Jiayi for an exnation, she attacked them without any thoughts, disregarding the fact that they were police officers.

    The guard did not malign Ding Jiayi when he reported that she attacked people. It was true that she used force on others.

    It was very dangerous of Ding Jiayi to climb the gate. The guards wanted to help her down, but she hit and screamed at the guards, crying and scratching the guards. Their uniforms had a slight tear during the tussle.

    When the police arrived, Ding Jiayi scratched and screamed at them as well. In particr, one young police officer asked Ding Jiayi politely to tell him what happened exactly.

    But Ding Jiayi reached out toward him and scratched at his face, leaving a streak of blood on the face of the young police officer.

    ¡°Damn, is this person a patient who ran out of the psychiatric hospital? Is it because she didn¡¯t take her medicine?¡±

    ¡°She is not in the right state of mind. She is too aggressive. Handcuff her lest she hurts others.¡± Sensing that the situation was not right, the senior police officer gave the orders and restrained Ding Jiayi with the help of other police officers.

    ¡°Harassment! The teachers at school are harassing the parents!¡± Ding Jiayi, who was beyond reasons, cried for help blindly. The passersby were rmed by her shouts.

    When they heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s cry for help, they had thought that the teachers from the school had harassed the parents. After all, nobody would make a joke about such a thing. But when they took a closer look, they were speechless. The ¡®teachers¡¯ were in police uniforms. Did the parent mean that the police officers had harassed her?

    ¡°Quiet down! We will send you to the hospital now. The doctor will prescribe a medicine for you.¡± The senior police officer was helpless. He could only send such a lunatic to the psychiatric hospital. If he brought her to the police station, she would bring disaster to his fellow police officers.

    ¡°It turned out that she is mentally unsound.¡± The passersby finally realized what was going on.

    ¡°Police?¡± The handcuffs felt cold to the touch. Ding Jiayi finally came to her senses. She realized that she was handcuffed by two police officers and they wanted to bring her to the hospital. ¡°Police officers, I am not sick. I have got the wrong person. I was not referring to you. I was referring to the guards. My daughter studies at this school. She is a student here. I want to see my daughter, but they stopped me from seeing her. It is a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°Police officers, we don¡¯t know this parent.¡± The guards denied right away.

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about! I was here a few days ago for the parent-teacher conference. I have been here before!¡± Ding Jiayi retorted.

    ¡°There were too many people at the parent-teacher conference that day. We can¡¯t remember. Did you sneak your way in? Police officers, as you have seen, this person is way too dangerous. We are not worried about ourselves, but the students are still young and may be frightened by her. What if sheunches an attack at the students and injures the students? Our school will not be able to answer to the parents. Police officers, you have to help us,¡± the guard said without blinking his eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will not let her into the school.¡± The young police officer wiped his face and realized that there was a streak of blood on his face.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you wretched girl! Your mom is here! Come out of your hiding ce now!¡±

 Chapter 287 - Celebrate Too Soon

    <h4>Chapter 287: Celebrate Too Soon</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing that the police sided with the school, Ding Jiayi had no choice but to shout loudly, hoping that Qiao Nan would hear her.

    ¡°...¡± The guard¡¯s expression turned grim. He took an old towel and shut her up with it as if she was a prisoner. ¡°Police officers, I am really sorry. Our school ces great importance on education. The students are having their lessons now. We have no other choice but to do this. What¡¯s more, we want to protect her, lest she turns hoarse from her shouts. Others may not understand the situation and misunderstand that we are doing harm to her.¡±

    ¡°We understand. Alright, we will send her to the hospital,¡± the police officers said nicely.

    ¡°How can you be police officers? Didn¡¯t you hear what I said just now? If my daughter is not studying at this school, how will I know her name?¡± Ding Jiayi spat out the towel in her mouth and fumed in anger.

    The guard was worried. Would the police officer believe her words? How did she easily spit out the towel in her mouth?

    ¡°Qiao Nan is the provincial top schr in middle school examination. She has done Ping Cheng proud. You are not the only one who knows her name. We know her as well. Does that mean we are her father?¡± The police officersughed. Qiao Nan was on the Ping Cheng newspaper. Everyone in Ping Cheng knew that Qiao Nan was the provincial top schr in the middle school examination. How could this woman im that Qiao Nan was her daughter?

    ¡°Damn!¡± Ding Jiayi screamed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. If these two police officers were the father of Qiao Nan, what would be of Ding Jiayi?

    ¡°I have ced it securely!¡± The guard stuffed the towel that Ding Jiayi spat out back into her mouth. He did not stuff it properly on his first try hence she could easily spit it out. This time, he was sure that she would not have the chance to spout nonsense anymore.

    ¡°Good.¡± The police officers led Ding Jiayi into the police car.

    ¡°Have a safe journey.¡± The guards wiped the beads of perspiration on his forehead as he watched Ding Jiayi left with the police officers. They had never encountered such an unreasonable parent in their career. If she were to create more troubles next time, they would definitely resign.

    The principal breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that the police had finally taken Ding Jiayi away.

    Ding Jiayi was a curse to Qiao Nan and to the school.

    ¡°Haha, it is our fortune that Qiao Nan did note to our school.¡± The principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China heard the news and was ted.

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and Ping Cheng High School were among the top high schools in Ping Cheng. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was a private school, whereas thetter was a public school. But when it came to the reputation of the school, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was a notch higher than Ping Cheng High School.

    Therefore, most of the good students would choose to go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Ping Cheng High School was the next best alternative.

    Ping Cheng High School had always wanted to catch up with The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but thetter did not care about the former.

    This year, due to Qiao Nan, the rtionship between the two high schools had be strained.

    In the past, it was rare for students in Ping Cheng toe in the first ce in the middle school examination. Usually, the top schr would be from the province. In general, there was an 80% chance that the student would choose The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and a 20% chance that the student would choose some other high schools but not Ping Cheng High School.

    However, Qiao Nan was an exception. Not only was she the middle school examination top schr from Ping Cheng, but she also chose to study at Ping Cheng High School.

    Because of the previous incident, whereby Qiao Zijin used Qiao Nan¡¯s essay as her own and took part in the essaypetition and the matter was then escted to the Education Bureau, the director of the Education Bureau had a bad impression of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and Qiao Zijin. Hence, it put The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China in an awkward position. On one hand, they hoped that Qiao Nan was their student as she was very outstanding. On the other hand, they harbored resentment toward Qiao Nan as they suffered shame due to the essay incident.

    What made matters worse was that after the results were out, Qiao Nan chose to enroll in Ping Cheng High School instead of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China wanted Qiao Nan to join them, but because of the essay incident, they did not take the initiative to approach Qiao Nan.

    To The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, it was a pity not to have a middle school examination top schr as their student.

    Ever since Qiao Nan¡¯s enrollment in Ping Cheng High School, some of the teachers in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would track Qiao Nan¡¯s results diligently, more so than the teachers of Ping Cheng High School. Whenever there was an important exam in Ping Cheng High School, the teachers would find a way to know Qiao Nan¡¯s performance as soon as the results were out.

    Every time they knew of Qiao Nan¡¯s ranking in Ping Cheng High School and her total score, only those parties concerned would know the mixed feelings they felt deep down.

    As the form teacher of the first year¡¯s ss one in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the teacher was not only concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s results, but also managed to get the test papers of Ping Cheng High School and let his student who ranked first in the level do the test papers.

    The form teacher turned pale at the results.

    The form teacher thought that no one would know that he was secretly monitoring Qiao Nan¡¯s results, but in fact, the principal had learned about it. After finding out the difference in the score between the student who ranked first among the level in their school and Qiao Nan who ranked first among the level in Ping Cheng High School, the principal felt even more gloomy and depressed than the form teacher.

    Every year, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would do well in the college entrance examination. No matter how well the students from Ping Cheng High School did in the exams, they were no match for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    However, things were different this year. The principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China could not help but feel worried given that Qiao Nan had such good grades.

    He had been the principal for a long time. He could tell that Qiao Nan was a good student. As a principal and a teacher, it was one¡¯s greatest regret and chagrin that such a good student did not study in his own school.

    Three years from now, would the college entrance examination top schr be from Ping Cheng High School? Did that mean that The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would have to relinquish the top spot to Ping Cheng High School?

    Definitely not!

    The principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was still upset about this matter, pondering whether he should think of ways to make Qiao Nan transfer to their school when Ding Jiayi stirred up trouble at Ping Cheng High School.

    The form teacher and the principal always had the firsthand information about everything that was rted to Qiao Nan, whether it was good or bad. They were even more concerned about Qiao Nan than some of the teachers in Ping Cheng High School.

    They learned that Ding Jiayi had tarnished the reputation of Qiao Nan and she almost could not study at Ping Cheng High School. She then made a ruckus at Ping Cheng High School and was taken to the police station. Ding Jiayi was the mother of Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan was a student at Ping Cheng High School. Once everyone knew about this, Ping Cheng High School would be in trouble!

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan did not study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Otherwise, they would be the one who had to face all these troubles.

    While the principal from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was still gloating over others misfortune, crossing his legs, and enjoying his tea while humming a song in his office, his phone rang. ¡°Hello, what did you say?! Can you repeat what you said?¡±

 Chapter 288 - Refused to Go to the Police Station

    <h4>Chapter 288: Refused to Go to the Police Station</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The principal spat out the tea in his mouth and asked in disbelief again, ¡°Did you say that the police station just called to inform Qiao Zijin from the second year¡¯s ss eight to go to the police station to bail her mom, Ding Jiayi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, principal. What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? It has nothing to do with the student in our school. The student is still a child. Where are the other family members? Is she the only one who can bail her mom?¡±

    One should not gloat over the misfortune of others. It had only been a while since he was feeling happy over Ding Jiayi¡¯s incident and he was struck with such a heavy blow.

    The students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China had only been to the police station for good reasons. They had never been there for any bad conduct. Be it in the past, now, or in the future, this would never happen.

    ¡°But the police officers said that they cannot reach Qiao Zijin¡¯s father to bail Ding Jiayi out.¡± They only knew that Ding Jiayi had a daughter named Qiao Zijin. The police had nobody else to look for beside her.

    The most troublesome thing for the form teacher of the second year¡¯s ss eight was that to bail someone out, not only did one need to be present, but one also had to sign and pay for the bail. Furthermore, there were a series of procedures to follow. Since Qiao Zijin was only a child, she could not handle all these by herself.

    In other words, if the school did not manage to find Qiao Zijin¡¯s father, Qiao Zijin would have to go to the police station. As her form teacher, she would have to go as well. She might even need to pay for the bail as well.

    At the thought of this, the form teacher had a headache.

    She had never been to the police station, yet she had to go to the police station because of a student whose results were below average. The form teacher could not help but feel that it was her misfortune to have Qiao Zijin as her student.

    The form teacher had barely finished her sentence before she heard a beeping sounding from the other end of the phone.

    The principal was so angry that he hung up the phone.

    Ding Jiayi was just like the God of gue. Whoever was in contact with her would be unlucky.

    It was true that she had a daughter in Ping Cheng High School, but what was upsetting was that she had a daughter in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China as well!

    It was not long ago that the form teacher was gloating that Teacher Liu from Ping Cheng High School had to deal with a troublesome Ding Jiayi. But shortly after, she finally understood that one should not celebrate too soon as things could still go wrong!

    The principal had hung up on her. What should she do next? She could not possibly do nothing. If the police made a second call to the school, it would be a disgrace to them.

    Teacher Cen, the form teacher of second year¡¯s ss eight, had no other choice but to interrupt the lessons and get Qiao Zijin toe with her. ¡°Qiao Zijin, you don¡¯t have to go to your sses today. You need toe with me to a ce.¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled and felt proud as she stood and followed Teacher Cen to the office. She thought that the teacher must have good news for her. ¡°Yes, Teacher Cen.¡± Did the school have any uingpetition and Teacher Cen wanted her to participate in it?

    It would be nice if that was the case. This time, she would not make the same mistakes again.

    She was two years older than Qiao Nan. She believed she could do whatever that Qiao Nan was capable of. In fact, she would work harder and put in more effort than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Your mother is at the police station. They just called for you to bail your mother out. Let¡¯s go.¡± She only had herself to me for being Qiao Zijin¡¯s form teacher. Otherwise, she would not have needed to go to the police station at all.

    Teacher Cen told herself that after the current batch of students graduated, no matter how high the pay was, she would not be the form teacher of ss eight again!

    ¡°P-police station? I... I will not go!¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. She did not ask why Ding Jiayi was taken to the police station. Instead, she made her stand clear that she did not want to go to the police station.

    Teacher Cen smiled bitterly. ¡°I do not want to go either but she is your mom.¡± She was not her mother! She had never been to the police station for her mother¡¯s sake before. If possible, she would rather not go to the police station.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°No, Teacher Cen. I am afraid! I will not go. If I go to the police station, how will others look at me in the future? The students will look down on me.¡± Qiao Zijin shook her head, hoping to hide in one of the corners of the office.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You are not the one who was in the wrong. You are only there to bail your mom.¡± Teacher Cen was getting impatient. She walked over and pulled Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. The day will be gone by the time we bail your mom out. Let¡¯s get this done as soon as possible. When you return, you may still have some time to do your homework.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t go.¡± Qiao Zijin grabbed the desk with her other hand, refusing to go. ¡°Teacher Cen, what happened to my mom? Besides, you should be looking for my dad. He should be the one to settle problems like this. I am just a child. I don¡¯t know anything at all. I will not be of any help.¡±

    Where was her father?

    Where was he now when her mother was taken to the police station?

    ¡°The police station couldn¡¯t reach your dad, so they looked for you instead!¡±

    ¡°I am not the only daughter. The police officers can look for Qiao Nan.¡± Qiao Nan was deemed as more capable than her. Since her mother was in trouble, Qiao Nan should be the one to go to the police station. She refused to go. Never.

    Qiao Nan would have to go to the police station. Even if Qiao Nan refused to go, she would not go as well!

    Teacher Cen sneered. ¡°Your mom was taken to the police station all because of your sister. Alright, there¡¯s no way you can avoid it. Let¡¯s quickly resolve it so that we can be at ease. This concerns the reputation of the school. Qiao Zijin, you have to go!¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡±

    ¡°If the police station calls our school for the second time and finds out that as her daughter, you refuse to bail your mother, what will the others think of you? What will others think of our school?¡± A few days ago, Ding Jiayi tried to smear the reputation of Qiao Nan. Now, Qiao Zijin would be the talk of the town instead, and the school would be affected as well.

    If not for all these, Teacher Cen would rather wash her hands off this matter.

    If the reputation of the school was affected because of Qiao Zijin, as her form teacher, Teacher Cen would have to bear the responsibility.

    ¡°Is it so serious?¡± Qiao Zijin was dumbfounded. She simply refused to go to the police station. Why would this tarnish the reputation of the school?

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get going. I am not willing to go either. I am just unlucky to be your form teacher. You have brought nothing but trouble. Don¡¯t worry. I will apany you to bail your mom. But I hope that your family will not create troubles and implicate the school again in the future! Do you understand?!¡±

    Teacher Cen red at Qiao Zijin. Thetter was too scared to speak and could only nod her head in acknowledgment.

    From the teacher¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin knew that if her family created any trouble again, she would not be able to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China anymore.

 Chapter 289 - Terrible Teammate

    <h4>Chapter 289: Terrible Teammate</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Over at the police station, Ding Jiayi finally realized the seriousness of the matter. Unlike the arrogant attitude she had at Ping Cheng High School, she sat down quietly by the side like a small kitten, keeping to herself and not making any sounds.

    As the police officers had witnessed Ding Jiayi¡¯s crazy antics previously, even though they did not send her to the hospital, they kept a watch on her lest she turned crazy and hurt others.

    ¡°Hello, we are here to bail Ding Jiayi.¡± Teacher Cen took a deep breath and stered a smile on her face, indicating her purpose.

    ¡°Zijin!¡± Hearing her name, Ding Jiayi looked up and saw her beloved daughter, Qiao Zijin. She rushed forward and hugged Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, you are the only one in the family who cares for me. It¡¯s good that you still treat me as your mom. Zijin, do you know that your dad and Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, are so ruthless that¡ª¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin was so embarrassed that she tried to bury her face in Ding Jiayi¡¯s arms. She did not dare to look up for fear that the police officers would remember her face. ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t say anything now. If there¡¯s anything, you can tell me when we are home!!!¡±

    It was so embarrassing. Why must her mother say all those things at the police station?!

    The people in the police station were slightly surprised. This woman who seemed to be mentally unstable was not to be underestimated. Her daughter was very smart. She studied at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the best high school in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan, the top schr in the middle school examination, had the same surname as well. Was she her daughter?

    ...

    She was such a crazy woman, yet she gave birth to two smart daughters. Did she give all her intelligence to her children?

    ¡°Hello, police officers. Qiao Zijin is the daughter of Ding Jiayi. I am the form teacher of Qiao Zijin. I will help with whatever procedures needed.¡± Teacher Cen smiled reluctantly. If possible, she wished to leave this suffocating ce as quickly as possible.

    ¡°Okay, pleasee with me.¡± The police officers did not give Teacher Cen a hard time. They respected her as the teacher of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Teacher Cen grabbed the bag in her hand nervously and followed the police officers to fill in the necessary documents.

    Ding Jiayi held on to Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands helplessly. She had a lot to tell Qiao Zijin. She wanted to tell her all the grievances that she had suffered and that she was sick.

    But whenever Ding Jiayi started to speak, Qiao Zijin would pinch her, hinting for her to keep quiet. Ding Jiayi had no choice but to keep quiet.

    Fortunately, Ding Jiayi did notmit serious offenses. She had damaged the public property and attacked the police officers. As long as they decided to let the matter rest, bailing her out should not be much of a problem. Therefore, Teacher Cen did not need to hire awyer for Ding Jiayi. After filling in the necessary documents ording to the police officers¡¯ instructions, she handed in the bail money and left with Ding Jiayi.

    It was rare that the daughter who was still in her school would be the one who bailed the mother out from the police station.

    ¡°Teacher Cen, I have fallen sick and have yet to recover. There is nobody at home. Can Zijin take two days off from school to take care of me?¡± When they were about to part, Ding Jiayi could not bear to be separated from Qiao Zijin, so she made the request to the teacher.

    ¡°Mom...¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Teacher Cen faked a smile. ¡°Today is Thursday. She will be able to go home tomorrow. There¡¯s no need to ask for two days off. One day will do. Anyway, your daughter will not be able to do much learning at school either.¡±

    After that, Teacher Cen walked off without waiting for their reply.

    ¡°Teacher Cen!¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to catch up with Teacher Cen, but Ding Jiayi held on to her hands. ¡°Mom, what are you doing? How will Teacher Cen think of me now? Can you stop doing all these? You are not helping me but bringing harm to me. Do you know it is very embarrassing for me to go to the police station to bail you? This could have affected the school as well. Do you know that if things like this happen again, the school will most likely expel me?!¡±

    ¡°What have I done? I have told the teacher that I am sick and I need you to take care of me for two days. Is there anything wrong with that?¡± Ding Jiayi began to cry and made a lot of noises. ¡°It was all for your sake that I quarreled with your dad. If not for you, would your dad move out with that wretched girl? If not for you, would he not tell me what his new address is? I lost my husband all because of you. Now that I am sick, I just want you to take care of me for two days. Is it too much to ask of you? Zijin, you said that you will be filial to me in the future, but how is this being filial to me?¡±

    ¡°Okay, we are in the public. There are so many people looking at us. Let¡¯s go back. Don¡¯t you want me to wait on you at home? Let¡¯s go back now.¡± Qiao Zijin was so embarrassed that she tried to cover her face with her sleeves. She pulled Ding Jiayi and hurried home.

    ¡°I¡¯m so tired.¡± Qiao Zijin did not rx a bit upon reaching home. ¡°Mom, what happened to Dad? You said that he moved again? Where did he move to? Dad did not even turn up when you were taken to the police station. Isn¡¯t that too much of him? I am only a child, yet I had to go in his stead?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. When I went looking for your dad two days ago, the house was empty and thendlord told me that your dad has moved. But I have no idea where he moved to. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that your dad has moved, I would not sit through the windy night by the pavement and end up with a cold and a fever. I have not fully recovered yet. Feel my forehead. It¡¯s still burning with fever.¡± Ding Jiayi took Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand and ced it on her forehead.

    ¡°Mom, what have you done to make Dad so angry that he moved again?!¡± Qiao Zijin was so exasperated that she felt like crying. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you would behave yourself for now and keep a low profile? Didn¡¯t you say that you would leave Qiao Nan alone? Don¡¯t push all the me to me and tell me that you did all these for me. I was at school, and I did not tell you to do anything for me. Mom, do you not want your family and your husband anymore? Dad is so furious that he moved, yet you were up to no good again after two months?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was scared out of her wits at the fact that Qiao Dongliang moved with Qiao Nan to a new ce for the second time.

    Last time, when Qiao Dongliang moved out with Qiao Nan, she had thought that Qiao Dongliang would definitely divorce Ding Jiayi in no time. She did not have any friends or ssmates who came from a single parent family. She did not want to be the exception.

    ¡°Mom, I beg of you to behave yourself. Will that do? If Dad really wants to divorce you, you will regret itter. Tell me, what have you done?¡± Qiao Zijin was worried that her father would really divorce her mother. Hence, she had been very well-behaved for the past two months. In the past, she had always been thinking of ways to bring down Qiao Nan. She had never been this proper and dutiful ever since Qiao Nan was born.

    A terrible teammate was worse than a tough rival.

    Qiao Zijin had been behaving herself in front of Qiao Nan, but Ding Jiayi tried to pull tricks on Qiao Nan behind her back and antagonized Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Zijin did not know what to do with this mother of hers.

 Chapter 290 - I Did Not Provoke Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 290: I Did Not Provoke Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi felt terribly wronged. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. I have no idea what¡¯s wrong with your dad. Why would he move without telling me? You can¡¯t me me for this. It must be that wretched girl who bad-mouthed me in front of your dad. I must have owed that wretched girl in my previous life. She is born to collect debts from me!¡±

    For the past two months, she felt that she had been very well-behaved. This time, the problem certainly did not lie with her.

    ¡°Has Nan Nan been back from school? Impossible, if I remember correctly, like me, Nan Nan will only be back this week. Mom, when did Dad move without telling you?¡± Qiao Zijin counted with her fingers. She felt perplexed.

    Ding Jiayi thought hard about it. ¡°No, that wretched girl never took leave toe back.¡±

    ¡°If so, how could Nan Nan badmouth you in front of Dad?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that your dad went to Ping Cheng High School for the parent-teacher conferencest weekend. I tried to please your dad by volunteering to go with him, but he refused!¡±

    ¡°Parent-teacher conference?¡± Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°Then, she might have the chance to talk to Dad. But over the years, Qiao Nan did notin about us to Dad. This time around, something serious must have happened to make Dad move to a new ce. Mom, think again. Did you provoke Dad or Nan Nan during or after the parent-teacher conference?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t provoke her!¡± Ding Jiayi said. ¡°I didn¡¯t even get to see her, so how could I provoke her? Are you helping me or helping her?¡±

    ¡°Are you lying to me? Did you really not provoke Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi said matter-of-factly with not even a slight twinge of guilt in her tone. Qiao Zijin began to have doubts. If her mother really did something, she would keep it from others, but she would not lie to her.

    ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t do anything!¡±

    ¡°Then, it would have to do with Dad and Qiao Nan.¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips. ¡°Let¡¯s forget about what happened previously. This time, it is too much of Dad to move to a new ce without telling us. Mom, we have to think of some ways to find Dad and get him to give us an exnation. I don¡¯t believe that Dad will abandon you and me for Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°No, your dad will not do that. I am his only wife. In the future, that wretched girl and you will have your own family. I will be the only one who will stay by his side until the end. They say that when young couples turn old, they will be each other¡¯spanion. Your dad will not abandon me. It must be that wretched girl who gave your dad this idea. Your dad won¡¯t abandon you and me.¡± She did not believe that the wretched girl would stay by Old Qiao¡¯s side until he grew old, and that she would choose to stay single all her life for her father.

    ¡°You should know that Dad values Qiao Nan very much. He will listen to whatever Qiao Nan says. Why did you still anger her? Right now, even if you do a hundred good things, it will not beparable to Qiao Nan putting in a good word for you. Do you understand? If you want to reconcile with Dad, it¡¯s not enough to please Dad. You have to work on pleasing Qiao Nan as well. I am not asking for much. If you give Qiao Nan a tenth of the attention and care that you give me, Qiao Nan will certainly be happy too.¡±

    As long as it was for their long-term benefit, she did not mind her mother giving some attention to Qiao Nan.

    Anyway, when her mother had reconciled with her father, her mother would revert to the usual ways and give her all the attention again.

    ¡°I have treated her as if she was my ancestor. I didn¡¯t beat her or yell at her. I served her food and waited on her every day. What more could I do?!¡± The fear and worry that gued Ding Jiayi the past few days vanished as soon as Qiao Zijin was by her side. Ding Jiayi calmed down and felt more confident.

    ¡°If you insist, there¡¯s no way that we can continue this conversation. Mom, you have to remember. Dad will only be happy when Qiao Nan is happy. Whether your rtionship with Dad will change is totally dependent on yourself. Something must have happened to make Dad move to a new ce without telling you. You may be able to find him this time, but you can¡¯t guarantee that you will always be able to find out his whereabouts. Most importantly, Qiao Nan is only in the first year. No matter where Dad moved to, it should be within Ping Cheng. But if Qiao Nan enters the college in three years¡¯ time and leaves Ping Cheng, will Dad still stay in Ping Cheng? Will you be able to find him then?¡±

    ¡°Then, we must forbid that wretched girl from studying in a college that is not in Ping Cheng!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even know where Dad is. How are you able to stop Qiao Nan from enrolling in the college of her choice? If Qiao Nan has good results and you refuse to let her continue with her studies, Dad is not going to let you off. Enough of all these foolish words. It¡¯s been a year. Do you think that Qiao Nan is still the youngdy who obeys us? If you thwart her study ns, she will lodge aint to Dad and you will be the one who suffers. After being plotted against by Qiao Nan for so many times, haven¡¯t you learned your ways, Mom?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had a headache. After what happened at the Zhai¡¯s residence, she finally realized that unless she had absolute confidence, she had better not provoke Qiao Nan.

    There was one thing that she regretted the most. Qiao Nan would always keep her silence even when being bullied at home, but she had such good connections outside. She was on friendly terms with the influential Zhai family.

    If she knew that Qiao Nan was acquainted with the daughter of the Zhai family, she would have asked Qiao Nan to introduce her to the Zhai family so that she could be on friendly terms with them.

    Qiao Nan could only manage to be close to the children in the family. If it was her, she would have a way to win the favor of the elders in the Zhai family to the extent that they would treat her as their goddaughter.

    That day, Qiao Nan had left and Qiao Zijin did not realize it in time.

    Though the Zhai family had seen the disgraced and ugliest side of her, she was thick-skinned enough to pester Zhai Hua and Miao Jing, trying to be close to them. However, Zhai Hua and Miao Jing did not pay much attention to them. They merely gave polite and short replies. They did not have the time to have a proper chat before Zhai Hua mentioned that they had something on and shut the door on them.

    Qiao Zijin looked at the tightly shut door and knew that she had missed a golden opportunity.

    Qiao Nan had the approval of Elder Lee, while Elder Zhu was full of praise for her. On top of that, she also knew people from the Zhai family.

    Qiao Zijin could not take it lying down. She was certainly very outstanding. However, she never had the opportunity to get to know those influential people. She was not as lucky as Qiao Nan who had endless chances.

    If she had known that Qiao Nan was so capable, she definitely would have tried to get along with Qiao Nan. With her temper, it would be easy to coax some information from her.

    Be it the Lee family, the Zhu family, or even the Zhai family. If she had connections with any of them, she would not need to worry about her future or getting a good husband.

 Chapter 291 - Did Not Treat Me as a Mother

    <h4>Chapter 291: Did Not Treat Me as a Mother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi did not mutter a word after she was scolded by Qiao Zijin because she could not refute her. However, she would definitely not agree to plead for Qiao Nan¡¯s forgiveness.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯re unwell? How are you?¡± Qiao Zijin had no choice too as Ding Jiayi was unwilling to say anything.

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken the medicine but am still a little feverish. It¡¯s not as serious as a couple of days ago.¡±

    ¡°Since you¡¯re still feverish, lie down on the bed to rest. There¡¯s medicine at home. I¡¯ll boil you some water.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no more medicine.¡±

    ¡°Then, give me the money. I¡¯ll help you buy them.¡±

    ¡°No need. Anyway, the fever temperature is not high. I¡¯ll most probably recover after I cover myself with a nket and sweat it out.¡± Ding Jiayi could not bear to spend money to buy the medicine.

    Qiao Zijin agreed immediately as she was not willing to make the trip too. ¡°Alright, then lie down on the bed and sleep. It¡¯s quitete. I¡¯ll go and buy two lunch boxes with the money that you gave me.¡±

    ¡°It would be better to buy some groceries with the money instead. That willst us two to three meals.¡± Ding Jiayi was not willing to part with the money. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? I¡¯ll give you some money and you go to buy some fresh vegetables back.¡± Ding Jiayi was embarrassed to say that she was not feeling well and it was healthier to have some fresh vegetables.

    ¡°Buying vegetables is not a problem, but who¡¯s going to cook them afterward?¡±

    ¡°You, of course!¡±

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°Mom, you must be kidding. You know that I¡¯m not good at this. Since a young age, I don¡¯t know how to do manual work such as frying vegetables. What if my hands be rough? What if the oil spurts onto my hands and they be blistered like Qiao Nan¡¯s and yours? It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know. My skin is not as good as Qiao Nan. Blisters on her hands will disappear without leaving a scar in less than a month¡¯s time, but it will take me two to three months to recover from a scar. It¡¯s too ugly. I don¡¯t want this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was stunned. ¡°Then, do you expect me to get up and cook for you?¡±

    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re my mother. You should do all this work.¡± Qiao Zijin sounded bold and righteous.

    ¡°But I¡¯m unwell. Can¡¯t I rest for one¡ªno, a mealtime?¡± Ding Jiayi said stubbornly.

    For the past two days, Zijin was still at school and could not take care of her as she was not by her side. Although she had a fever, she had to force herself to get up, take medicine, and have meals. Now that Zijin was back, couldn¡¯t she enjoy a little privilege as a patient?

    At the thought of Qiao Nan taking such good and proper care of Qiao Dongliang when he was hospitalized due to the car ident, Ding Jiayi was full of envy.

    Zijin was spoiled by her. Would she not know how capable she was? She did not need Zijin to serve her the same way as that wretched girl did to Old Qiao. However, she should at least take care of her and make her feel loved, shouldn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Mom, I think you¡¯re confused by the illness. Forget it. I¡¯ll just take the money and simply buy two lunch boxes.¡± Clutching the money in her hands, Qiao Zijin ran off to buy food without even waiting for Ding Jiayi¡¯s reaction.

    Although the lunch boxes were a little more expensive than cooking by themselves, there were both meat and vegetables in them.

    With this little sum of money, they could get a lot of vegetables but definitely no meat. Furthermore, she had to cook. She was not so stupid as to agree to her mother¡¯s brainless request.

    ¡°Zijin... Do all of them want to drive me to my grave?¡± Ding Jiayi could not stop Qiao Zijin from running off to buy the lunch boxes.

    Ding Jiayi hit her chest and went back to her bedroom listlessly. She then dropped herself onto the bed and covered herself with the nket. She thought about how she went looking for Qiao Nan to discuss the matter of Qiao Dongliang moving house despite having not fully recovered but ended up being sent to the police station by the school. She had to endure suffering that she had never experienced before. Ding Jiayi could not help but cry again.

    Ding Jiayi cried to sleep by the time Qiao Zijin was back.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi sleeping peacefully and no sign of waking up anytime soon, Qiao Zijin simply finished her lunch box and left Ding Jiayi¡¯s share on a stool beside her bed.

    When the sleeping time came, Qiao Zijin yawned and went to bed.

    Ding Jiayi was awakened in the middle of the night because of thirst and hunger. She sat up and turned on the lights. When she saw the cold lunch box sitting on the stool by the bedside, tears welled up in her eyes. Both were parents, but when Old Qiao was hospitalized, he was not only served hot meals but also good soup.

    Why was she not given hot food to eat and good soup to drink when she was sick?

    Ding Jiayi took small mouthfuls of the cold rice slowly. She actually tasted a bit of bitterness in the rice that was meant to be sweet.

    When Old Qiao was hospitalized, the wretched girl took such good care of him. Now, it¡¯s her turn to fall sick. The wretched girl did not even treat her like a mother. The wretched girl was still the same. It did not ur to her how tough it was to give birth to her in the past.

    ¡°Alright, I know. Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan only found out on Friday, the day after Ding Jiayi came looking for her at school.

    When she heard from the security guard that Ding Jiayi ended up in the police station, Qiao Nan could not help but sigh. She did not know what to say.

    Her father was overseas and would definitely not bail her mother out. She was just a student and had not even reached eighteen years old. She was penniless and could not afford the bail. Hence, she could not help even if she wanted to.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± The security guard asked with concerned when he saw Qiao Nan leaving.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s her biological mother.¡±

    ¡°She shouldn¡¯t do that although she¡¯s the biological mother. Alright, there shouldn¡¯t be any issue. Didn¡¯t she say thanks? Didn¡¯t you see her forced expression when she said thank you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you didn¡¯t. Hurry up. It¡¯s school dismissal time. Be on your guard.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Qiao Nan was holding the key from Teacher Liu. She found the ce with the address given by Teacher Liu. When she saw the new small quad, she was surprised. This quad was a good ce. It was worth a lot of money even at the end of the 20th century. In the 21st century, within a few years, the quad would fetch a high price.

    The school was too generous to lend them such a good ce to stay.

    This was the first time she knew that there was such benefit for the top student of the school.

    Qiao Dongliang reached shortly after Qiao Nan. When he saw that the door of the quad was opened, he directly called, ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back?¡± Qiao Nan put away her schoolbag. ¡°Dad, where have you been for the past few days? Why did you onlye back now? Is your body taking it well?¡±

    ¡°Look at Dad. Do I look like I¡¯m not well?¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled.

    ¡°Not really. You seem to look much better. Right, Dad, I have something to tell you...¡± Qiao Nan wanted to bring up the matter regarding Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 292 - Not Bailing Out?

    <h4>Chapter 292: Not Bailing Out?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, wait for a while first. Dad just came back and is full of dirt and smelly. Boil some water. Dad will take a shower first. We can talkter.¡± Qiao Dongliang tugged at his clothes ufortably. He had been out for a few days and unable to bathe at all. It nearly stifled him.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang was not someone who bathed diligently. However, ever since he was discharged from hospital, Qiao Nan had been watching him like a hawk to ensure that he managed his personal hygiene.

    He was now used to taking baths regrly. All of a sudden, he had to revert to the time where he did not bathe and wash his hair for a few days. He really could not take it.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Interrupted by Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan did not manage to tell him about Ding Jiayi. She quickly boiled some water for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, you came backte. You most probably have not taken your meal, have you? Since it¡¯s still early, I¡¯ll go and buy some groceries back. But is there still any rice at home?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± He had shifted over all the rice he bought earlier.

    Ding Jiayi ¡®reported¡¯ to him every day to cook for him. She was as diligent as when she had just gotten married to him. Qiao Dongliang knew clearly what Ding Jiayi was thinking.

    Previously, Qiao Dongliang could turn a blind eye and allow Ding Jiayi to earn a meal. However, Qiao Dongliang had already moved house and did not inform Ding Jiayi. He could not possibly leave the rice that he bought there to feed Ding Jiayi to her fill, could he?

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. There was a lot of firewood in the small quad. Qiao Dongliang must have prepared them before he left. It was thus very easy for Qiao Nan if she wanted to start a fire and boil water. The chore took less than ten minutes. ¡°Dad, the water is ready. Help yourself. I¡¯m going out to buy groceries.¡±

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡±

    After receiving a response, Qiao Nan put some money in her pocket and left straight for the market.

    When Qiao Nan was back from the market, Qiao Dongliang had not only finished bathing but also washed his clothes and hung it outside to dry. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back. Rest a while. Dad will cook.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Oh yes, Nan Nan. That matter at your school... Has it been resolved?¡± When Qiao Dongliang took the groceries over from Qiao Nan, he asked Qiao Nan in a hesitating and worrying tone. Ding Jiayi had created so much trouble this time and Nan Nan was affected badly. ¡°Teacher Liu said that there should not be any problem. Your mom did not create any trouble for you again, did she?¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Qiao Nan pped her forehead. ¡°I nearly forgot about this. Mom probably knew that we moved house again but didn¡¯t know where our new ce is. She lost her temper and came looking for me at the school yesterday. The security guard did not let her in and she created a fuss. In the end, she was sent to the police station. Dad, are you going to bail her out from the police station?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, your mom hurt you in such a way, yet you¡¯re still asking me to bail her out?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan and asked.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Dad, you said it yourself. She¡¯s still my mom. I take it that it¡¯s my bad luck and destiny to have such a mother. She has never been to a police station. This time, at the very least, I think she will be taught a lesson.¡±

    She was angry with her mother, hated her even. She could not wait to keep as far a distance from her as much as possible. However, she had never wished for her mother to die soon to put an end to all this.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re truly a kindhearted child.¡± Nan Nan was badly bullied, and Ding Jiayi nearly caused her to quit her studies. She did not take issue with Ding Jiayi and even asked him to bail her out. Nan Nan was really too kind and softhearted. That was the reason why she was always bullied by others.

    ¡°Dad, Mom has been locked up for a day. Aren¡¯t you going to bail her? As for the money...¡± Qiao Nan gave a long sigh again. ¡°Take it that we¡¯re breaking a fortune to avoid the disaster. As long as Mom learns a lesson and behaves properly for some time, that will suffice.¡±

    It was just a night at the police station. Qiao Nan did not expect too much change in Ding Jiayi after this. ¡°Money can always be earned back. I¡¯ll find a part-time job during the winter vacation. I can also save up for my school fees.¡±

    ¡°Every time we finally have some savings, your mom just has to create some trouble. Even if we can earn the money back, it¡¯ll never be enough as it will be spent by your mother!¡±

    ¡°Then?¡±

    ¡°Not going!¡± Suddenly, Qiao Dongliang objected firmly. ¡°ording to what you have said, she did notmit any serious offense. Based on regtions, the police station will release her if no one bails her out after a few days. Learn a lesson? I think she has not been taught enough lessons, or, rather, the lessons did not leave a deep impression on her. That¡¯s why she carries on with her misdeeds. If we can¡¯t teach her a deep lesson, then let outsiders deal with her. That¡¯s a good thing too.¡±

    ¡°Really not going?¡± Qiao Nan pulled her lips and forced a smile. ¡°Dad, Mom is always very unreasonable in front of us, but she¡¯s in fact very timid.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Your mom is a lion at home, but a mouse abroad. Alright, I know what to do about this matter. Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry about this.¡± The kinder Nan Nan was and the more she did not take issue with others, the more he needed to be harsh and help Nan Nan discipline Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips gently rxed. ¡°Alright, then I shall not interfere in this anymore.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Okay, go back to your room and do your homework. Recently, were your studies affected by your mom?¡± If that was the case, he really wanted to murder Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°No.¡± Don¡¯t even mention this asion in particr, objectively, she would never be affected by her mother in both her studies and work in this lifetime.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Right, Ping Cheng High School is a good school. They knew the students¡¯ situation very well. Otherwise, with those words said by your mom, Dad wouldn¡¯t know how to help you too.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked as if he had survived a big disaster.

    These few days, Qiao Dongliang had been thinking. If Ping Cheng High School did not understand the truth and misunderstood Qiao Nan because of what Ding Jiayi said and even wanted to expel Qiao Nan, what could he, as a father, do for his daughter?

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang realized sadly that he could not do anything.

    Due to the rumors ¡®marketed¡¯ by Ding Jiayi, he feared that the people from Ping Cheng High School would not believe him no matter how he exined for Nan Nan and be her witness. They would think that the truth he said were lies that he deliberately conjured up to help Nan Nan.

    At the thought that the truth he said nearly became lies that no one in the world would believe, Qiao Dongliang was aggrieved and fearful.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan was puzzled and replied in a distracted manner.

    Qiao Nan was not very clear about how the matter was resolved. When she knew about it, Teacher Liu just gave her a key and then the principal announced to the entire school that the apartment her father and she were staying at was specially arranged by the school. No rent was collected from them.

 Chapter 293 - Give Me the Money

    <h4>Chapter 293: Give Me the Money</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The school had confirmed that what was prevalently spread earlier were actually false rumors.

    After what happened, Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo were also curious as to how the school and Teacher Liu managed to find the truth before Qiao Nan could exin to them the situation at home. They even went to the extent of providing her with free amodation!

    At that time, when Zhu Baoguo asked Qiao Nan what she intended to do, Qiao Nan did not have any alternative and was even prepared to transfer to another school.

    Unexpectedly, before Qiao Nan could worry about such a difficult issue, before she lost a strand of hair over this, it was resolved. Happiness came too suddenly. Till now, Qiao Nan did not feel that this was real.

    ¡°Nan Nan, is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, I was just thinking of something.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She had requested Zhu Baoguo to help investigate how the matter was resolved when he was back at home.

    ¡°We¡¯re having a meal now. Focus on eating. Learning is important but there should be a bnce too. Have more food.¡± Qiao Dongliang filled Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl with a lot of vegetables.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± After finishing dinner, as Qiao Nan stayed in the unfamiliar quad and covered herself with a familiar nket, she kept feeling that this did not seem real. Was it true that the matter had been so easily resolved?

    In her previous life, she had been down on her luck all the time. After she was reborn, there was a great change in her character. Her self-worth and face value also suddenly escted. As such, even when she encountered a major problem, she was able to avoid it and turn the misfortune into a blessing.

    Qiao Nan fell asleep peacefully. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were so angry that they nearly had a sleepless night.

    ¡°What kind of lousy school is that? Isn¡¯t there a designated dismissal time? Why did they dismiss the first-year students one lesson earlier today?¡± Ding Jiayi continuouslymented. She stomped her feet furiously, causing the death of a few innocent ants that passed by.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯tin anymore. I¡¯ve asked you to go earlier but you refused to listen. In the end, you didn¡¯t get your half month¡¯s sry and was also scolded by that boss of yours. You didn¡¯t even manage to see Qiao Nan. Dad is so good to Qiao Nan. She should know where he has moved to. Dad will not leave Qiao Nan in the lurch.¡± Qiao Zijin had a stomach full of fury too.

    She did not need to go to school today, and thus she had urged her mother to go with her to Ping Cheng High School to wait for Qiao Nan so that they would not miss her.

    However, Ding Jiayi refused to do so.

    As she had been unwell, Ding Jiayi had been absent from work for three days. When she saw that Qiao Zijin was around, she wanted to pull Qiao Zijin along to muster her courage and act pitiful in front of her boss. She hoped that her boss would not take issue with her on this asion. After all, she was sick and could be considered on medical leave. At most, they would deduct three days¡¯ of sry from her.

    However, the boss was unwilling to relent. He fired Ding Jiayi as she did not inform thepany of her absence. He could not afford to hire this kind of employee.

    Because of this matter, Ding Jiayi argued with her boss directly.

    ¡°How would I know that it would turn out this way?¡± Ding Jiayi would not admit her mistake. She timed it urately and was not evente by one minute. The school brought forward the dismissal time. This was not her fault.

    ¡°Why do I feel that people from Ping Cheng High School have a weird look on their face when they see you, Mom? Did you go to Ping Cheng High School before? Do they all know you?¡± Right. Putting aside the fact that they did not manage to see Qiao Nan, was her mother able to exin the reaction of the security guards?

    Ding Jiayi exploded with anger. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to talk about it anymore. I was sent to the police station previously all because of those two people. I will remember them for life even if the two of them turn into a pile of bones!¡±

    ¡°Is it that simple?¡±

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t ask anymore. It¡¯s that simple.¡± Ding Jiayi was very vexed. ¡°We didn¡¯t manage to find Qiao Nan, so how are we going to find your dad?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? The monk can run away, but the temple won¡¯t run with him. Even if we do not know where Dad is, Qiao Nan is still a student at Ping Cheng High School. If we couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan today, you could go to the entrance of Ping Cheng High School to wait for her again in theing weekend. You¡¯ve lost your job anyway. Your priority task now is to find out Dad¡¯s whereabouts. Go earlier and don¡¯t bete. You can¡¯t enter Ping Cheng High School. If you¡¯re unable to stop Qiao Nan before she enters the school, then I don¡¯t have any other way.¡±

    However, if that was the case, the worse thing was that she could not personally ask Qiao Nan the reason why her father red up so badly and tortured her mother all of a sudden. Everything seemed well initially.

    Qiao Zijin firmly believed that her father would not lose his temper without a reason. Her mother must have provoked her father. It was most terrible that her mother had no sense of self-realization. Until now, she had no idea why she had provoked her father.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Zijin, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. Otherwise, I would have no one to discuss with after what happened. Clearly, I had raised two daughters, but when I was sick, you¡¯re the only one by my side. Zijin, Mom is only left with you.¡± Ding Jiayi looked calmer after finding a way.

    ¡°Alright, Mom.¡± She could recite these words as she had heard them umpteen times. It was just to remind her to be more filial when she grew up.

    ¡°Okay, okay, okay, I¡¯ll stop saying it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin put away the homework that she hadpleted. ¡°Mom, give me the money.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I already give you the allowance for the next two weeks?¡± Why were you asking for money again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about the meal allowance.¡±

    ¡°Then, what is it for? What did your school want you to buy again? I heard that there¡¯re supplementary sses in senior high school. Have you also joined them? How much do you need?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that!¡± Qiao Zijin gave a stare. ¡°I won¡¯t join those supplementary sses. It¡¯s a waste of time and money. I¡¯m talking about the fee for bailing you outst time. You were released from the police station yesterday because my form teacher, Teacher Cen, helped you pay the bail first. I need to return the money to my form teacher, don¡¯t I?¡± In fact, she had nearly forgotten about this matter.

    ¡°B-bail out fees?¡± At the mention of money, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face looked distorted. ¡°I... I heard that the fee will be returned, though?¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that we will wait for the police station to return the fee before giving them back to Teacher Cen? Do you mean we should continue to owe her money for the time being? Mom, how could you say that?¡± Qiao Zijin stared at Ding Jiayi. This was the first time she personally experienced Ding Jiayi¡¯s ludicrous behavior and understood how it felt.

    ¡°The teachers in your school are all very rich. It won¡¯t hurt them to have a little less money. Our family¡¯s situation is different. Anyway, it will be returned. Let that teacher of yours wait a while.¡± Ding Jiayi shrank her shoulders and said weakly, ¡°Moreover, I feel that there¡¯s a problem with this. I didn¡¯tmit any heinous crime. Given my situation, shouldn¡¯t I be released after signing something? Why did they need us to pay the bail?¡±

    The police officer should not have locked her up!

    ¡°Mom, one word. Are you giving me the money to pay back Teacher Cen?¡± Qiao Zijin could not be bothered to waste her breath with Ding Jiayi. She reached out her hands and her attitude was firm, as if to say, ¡®It¡¯s best to give it to me. You have to give me the money!¡¯

 Chapter 294 - Brother Zhai, Was it You?

    <h4>Chapter 294: Brother Zhai, Was it You?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan only has Dad in her heart. You also don¡¯t want me to be like Qiao Nan, to look at you in a different light and be closer to Dad instead of you, do you? If not for the sake of giving me face, would Teacher Cen make a personal trip to the police station to bail you out? Isn¡¯t it embarrassing? Mom, are you going to make me lose face in front of Teacher Cen and make her dislike me in the future?¡±

    ¡°Give. Of course, I will give you the money.¡± As soon as Qiao Zijin spoke harshly, Ding Jiayi had no choice but to relent. ¡°But I really don¡¯t have so much money with me. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll give it all to you. I should be able to find a way to survive for the next two weeks. Before I find your dad, I definitely can¡¯t look for a job. I won¡¯t have any ie if I don¡¯t work. Are you going to ask me for meal allowance the next time you¡¯re back?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You have to think of a way yourself. Teacher Cen helped you because she gave me face. You have to protect my image in front of Teacher Cen. If you don¡¯t have any money, then borrow from others like what you did before. We have so many neighbors and Dad has so many old friends. You should be able to find a way to borrow some money.¡± Qiao Zijin looked as if she suddenly recalled something. ¡°Right, try not to borrow from those people that you¡¯ve borrowed from before in case they talk nonsense. You can borrow from them only if you don¡¯t have any other choice. Anyway, we have already paid them back thest time.¡±

    Although they were the ones who borrowed the money, Qiao Zijin¡¯s word ¡®we¡¯ directly neglected the fact that that sum of money was repaid by Qiao Nan alone.

    When Ding Jiayi heard that there was such a solution to this problem, she rubbed Qiao Zijin¡¯s head. ¡°If Mom has a way, I will not let my precious daughter suffer. Alright, it¡¯s Saturday tomorrow anyway. We will have to wait till the day after to look for the wretched girl. I¡¯ll try to borrow some money tomorrow. When the police station returns us the bail, we¡¯ll be able to pay these people back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Mom, I¡¯m hungry. Buy some nice food back. You¡¯ve been sick for the past three to four days. You¡¯ve lost weight and should eat something better and more nutritious.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I go and buy back a pound of meat?¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best. I love to eat lean meat the most. Don¡¯t buy those that are too fatty.¡±

    ¡°Alright, how could I not know your preference? I¡¯ll go and buy them now.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi reached the market and bought Qiao Zijin¡¯s favorite lean meat, she then regained her senses. Didn¡¯t Zijin say to buy something more nutritious for her? Wasn¡¯t her favorite pork belly?

    Ding Jiayi brushed the thought aside as soon as it appeared. As long as Zijin was happy, Ding Jiayi would be happy even if she did not eat any piece of meat. It was more nutritious than having it herself.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going out.¡± The next morning, when Qiao Nan woke up, she went out instead of doing what she usually did: staying at home to revise.

    ¡°Okay, be careful on the road.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not question further. He trusted Qiao Nan.

    With one yuan in her hand, Qiao Nan quickly found a ce that she could make a phone call. ¡°Hi boss, I¡¯d like to make a call.¡±

    ¡°Sure, help yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Lifting up the phone, Qiao Nan dialed a number that she was very familiar with, one that she knew by heart. When she heard the beeping sound at the other end of the call, she somehow felt nervous.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan stuttered as she was too nervous.

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face softened immediately. ¡°Why did you call me today? Do you have something to tell me?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s problem should have been resolved. Did Nan Nan want to talk to him about something else that was bothering her?

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai, was it you?¡± After some time, Qiao Nan suddenly asked this ridiculous and abrupt question.

    Zhai Sheng did not react to this initially but understood thereafter. ¡°What makes you think that I was the one?¡±

    Qiao Nan let out an air of breath. ¡°Then, it¡¯s really you, isn¡¯t it?¡± she said. She could not have been so lucky. Such a major problem had been resolved fully without her taking any action.

    ¡°Did your mome asking for trouble again?¡± Zhai Sheng tightened his hold on the phone. He had clearly informed Teacher Liu. At the very least, they would not let Ding Jiayi go near Nan Nan within the schoolpound.

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Not yet... This meant that Ding Jiayi would be looking for Nan Nan again very soon.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you in the camp? You... How did you know about my matter and help me resolve it?¡± After asking the question, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. The matter was resolved as soon as it urred. It was as if Brother Zhai had been watching over her and thus knew about what was happening to her. He then helped her settle the problem at the fastest speed before the situation turned for the worse.

    ¡°Your form teacher is considered one of my rtives.¡± After many twists and turns, he was still a distant rtive beyond five generations nheless.

    ¡°Teacher Liu is your rtive? But I didn¡¯t hear you mention it during the military training?¡± There was such a coincidence?

    ¡°It¡¯s not something very important.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips curved at the corners and he seemed a little awkward.

    There was no other reason. During the military training, Zhai Sheng himself was not even aware that he had such a distant rtive.

    It was because Teacher Liu was Qiao Nan¡¯s form teacher. After knowing this fact, when Zhai Sheng returned to the camp, he asked someone to help investigate Teacher Liu¡¯s background. He then found out that they could be considered as distant rtives. As such, he directly contacted Teacher Liu in the name of his rtive so that Teacher Liu could tell him more about Qiao Nan.

    To put it bluntly, without knowing it, Teacher Liu became a spy that Zhai Sheng arranged by Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Oh, no wonder...¡± Qiao Nan, who did not know the situation at all, told Zhai Sheng in a silly manner that she had understood the situation. ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you so much for your help in this matter.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°If you really want to thank me, prepare more dishes for me to eat when I¡¯m back. During that period, you have fed your dad quite well. The food that I¡¯ve tasted was not bad.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll prepare a table full of dishes for you! Not a problem at all,¡± Qiao Nan proudly said like an obedient little girl.

    ¡°Okay, feel free to call me in the future regardless of whether you have any issue. Don¡¯t forget what you¡¯ve promised me. Focus on your studies when you are at school.¡± Don¡¯t be fooled by those messy wild men.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re being paranoid. I¡¯ll never be involved in any romantic rtionship so early!¡± After the matter regarding Chen Jun in her previous life, although she wished to have a family of her own and give birth to a child that resembled her, Qiao Nan was also uncertain if she was truly able to muster the courage to ept a man who wouldpletely walk into her life.

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had chatted happily. Inparison, Ding Jiayi¡¯s Saturday was not a happy one.

    ¡°What did you say? Could you repeat? I didn¡¯t hear you clearly,¡± Ding Jiayi said in disbelief.

 Chapter 295 - No One Is Willing to Lend You Money

    <h4>Chapter 295: No One Is Willing to Lend You Money</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Sister-inw, I¡¯ll give you the same answer even if I repeat myself thrice. I don¡¯t have any money to lend you. Sister-inw, it¡¯ste. You should go back,¡± the other party replied without hesitation.

    ¡°You... Old Qiao treated you so well in the past. Now, our family is facing some difficulties. We¡¯re just borrowing, not asking you for money. Why did you give me this kind of reply? Aren¡¯t you afraid that Old Qiao will feel disappointed when he knows this?¡± Ding Jiayi was thick-skinned enough toe and borrow money but did not expect to face a white-eyed wolf.

    ¡°It is precisely because Old Qiao took care of me in the past that I have ¡®no money¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You! What do you mean by this? After all, are you even worthy to be Old Qiao¡¯s friend if you are not willing to lend me money? Don¡¯t you know that Old Qiao is someone who cares about his reputation? If I had a choice, would Ie and borrow money from you? You have no conscience at all.¡± Ding Jiayi was red with anger. This person was nurtured by Old Qiao in the past.

    The other party twitched his lips. ¡°Sister-inw, you may not know. We¡¯re all aware of what happened thest time you came to borrow money.¡±

    At this juncture, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned redder. She was both angry and embarrassed. ¡°All of you are grown-up men. Furthermore, you¡¯re soldiers in the army. Why do you act like women? So big-mouthed and gossipy. Which family doesn¡¯t have cash flow issues at some point in time? Didn¡¯t we already pay back all the money we owed? Why did you have to smear the name of my Qiao family?¡±

    So shameless!

    ¡°Sister-inw, I can¡¯t lend you any money even if I have it.¡± That person was angry too. ¡°Other people may not know how much money we earn as soldiers in the army. But Sister-inw, shouldn¡¯t you know? We don¡¯t have much expense when we¡¯re in the camp, but our whole family is waiting for us to feed them. It¡¯s not easy for us to have money in our pocket. If there¡¯s any, it¡¯s all ¡®squeezed out¡¯ from somewhere. Sister-inw, the money you borrowed previously was repaid by Nan Nan. Sister-inw, you really feel there¡¯s no problem with that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s reputation had spread to the ears of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s formerrades, and so did that of Qiao Nan.

    If not for Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reputation in the army would have been tarnished.

    ¡°She¡¯s just a child. How much money could she have in her pocket? The money was from our family.¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to maintain her pride and refused to admit her mistake.

    ¡°Sister-inw, did you feel guilty when you said that? You don¡¯t know anything, do you? A few days ago, Old Qiao came back to see us for the first time after so many years. He even stayed here for a night. Otherwise, Nan Nan, this child, would be ruined by you.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao was here? How many days ago? When did he leave? Did he...¡± Did he say where he was staying at now?

    ¡°Sister-inw, we know how Old Qiao resolved his problem previously even if you don¡¯t tell us. You¡¯ve cornered Old Qiao to this extent. Sister-inw, you¡¯re truly a talent.¡± The other party sneered. Having that said, he simply went back to the army.

    Simply put, ¡®Wish to borrow money? No way!¡¯

    ¡°You! You¡¯re so heartless for not remembering the past!¡± At the sight of the other party walking back into the camp, she was stuck at the entrance and did not even have a chance to scold him. In the end, Ding Jiayi could only stomp her feet and leave unwillingly.

    This ce did not work. Ding Jiayi had to change her strategy. Ding Jiayi was prepared to repeat her old strategy of borrowing from more people but in a lesser amount aspared to before. If the amount was not huge, these people would definitely not chase her to pay them back.

    Unexpectedly, when Ding Jiayi went to borrow money, she discovered something bizarre. No matter whom she asked from and how confident she was, the oue was always the same: unable to borrow any money.

    The most uneptable thing to Ding Jiayi was that these people met Qiao Dongliang recently.

    ¡°What? You¡¯re unwilling to lend me money too?!¡± In the end, Ding Jiayi had no alternative but to borrow from the neighbors after returning to the quad.

    It could be said that borrowing from the neighbors was Ding Jiayi¡¯sst resort since she really had no other way.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted face, and so did Ding Jiayi. If the familycked money, why wouldn¡¯t Ding Jiayi borrow from the people she was familiar and in close contact with in her daily life first? Instead, she had to look for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s formerrades. In thetter case, Qiao Dongliang, and not her, would be the one embarrassed.

    On the other hand, people in the quad saw one another frequently and chat every day. Hence, if she borrowed money from them, Ding Jiayi felt that she would be deemed inferior.

    After facing countless rejections, Ding Jiayi gave up herst bit of dignity and borrowed from the neighbors. Unexpectedly, the answer that she received was the same!

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, it¡¯s not that we¡¯re not willing to lend you. We can¡¯t lend it to you.¡± The neighbor identally let the cat out of the bag. ¡°Your Old Qiao told us about the situation in your family. If we lend you money and you can¡¯t return them to us, Old Qiao will definitely not help. It¡¯s not easy for each family to earn money. These are all hard-earned money. We lend for urgent matters and not poverty. Ding Jiayi, did anything serious happen to the Qiao family again this time? When Old Qiao was hospitalizedst time, you didn¡¯t ask me to lend you money, did you?¡±

    ¡°What? Old Qiao said that? Old Qiao asked you all not to lend me money? If you lend me money and I can¡¯t return them, he¡¯ll definitely not help me?¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. ¡°Was that really what he said?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. A few days ago, Old Qiao made a trip back to the quad. He went to almost everyone that I know. I think he said the same thing to everyone. So, Ding Jiayi, forget it. You won¡¯t be able to borrow any money from anyone in the quad.¡±

    Who did not know that Qiao Dongliang was the main pir of the Qiao family? He was the one who earned all the money for the family.

    If Qiao Dongliang would not return the money, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s ability, they would definitely be throwing their money down the drain if they were to lend her any.

    Which family¡¯s money was not earned after much difficulty? It was all hard-earned money. Since they clearly knew the oue, they would be an idiot to lend the money. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang had already made himself clear, just in case they were unknowingly ¡®tricked¡¯ by Ding Jiayi.

    Old Qiao aired his dirty linen in public. He was kind enough to do this.

    This was much better than the situation where they lent the money, taking into ount that they were neighbors who should help one another, but could not get it back eventually.

    ¡°Old Qiao really said that?¡± Ding Jiayi refused to believe. She even dug her ears. ¡°Did you hear it wrong or did I get it wrong?¡± She did not believe that Old Qiao would do that to her. He was so heartless.

    Did Old Qiao know that she woulde to borrow money as she had no other alternative? If she could not borrow any, Old Qiao... Did Old Qiao want to drive her to the grave?

    ¡°He really said that. Ding Jiayi, if you don¡¯t believe me, you can also ask the other people in the quad. Ding Jiayi, I didn¡¯t hear anything happening to your family recently. After Old Qiao was discharged, he seems to be doing quite well. Your Qiao family doesn¡¯t seem to be in need of money.¡±

    This was one of the reasons why the neighbors were reluctant to lend her money.

    When Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized, the people in the quad did think of lending him money. They even visited him at the hospital. However, at that time, Qiao Dongliang expressed that he did not need the money.

 Chapter 296 - The Left Eyelid Kept Twitching

    <h4>Chapter 296: The Left Eyelid Kept Twitching</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now that life was slightly peaceful in the Qiao family, why would there be a need to borrow money? Sure enough, Old Qiao was right. Ding Jiayi was used to splurging.

    At the thought of that, the neighbor¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Ding Jiayi, Old Qiao has two daughters. It is not easy to support the family of four. As his wife, you must learn to be thrifty in managing the household, earn more ie, and cut down expenses to lighten Old Qiao¡¯s burden. However, you are only interested in spending his hard-earned money. It¡¯s no wonder that Old Qiao will be like this. Ding Jiayi, I don¡¯t know what to say about you.¡±

    Anyway, this troublesome shrew had nothing to do with him. No matter what, he would not lend any money to Ding Jiayi.

    The neighbor did not care that Ding Jiayi was angry. He closed the door after finishing what he had to say.

    Ding Jiayi was at a total loss. She walked back home and plopped down on the chair.

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s fast. Have you borrowed the money? Give it to me now. I have to give it to Teacher Cen tomorrow.¡± Qiao Zijin was surprised at the sight of Ding Jiayi. It was still early and her mother had already managed to borrow the money. Last time, when she was out borrowing money, she came back muchter than today. ¡°Mom, where¡¯s the money?¡±

    ¡°There isn¡¯t any money.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t any money? How can that be? Did you not borrow any money? That¡¯s impossible. You always told me that when Dad was in the army, he had a good rtionship with hisrades. Didn¡¯t you manage to borrow money previously? Why is it that you couldn¡¯t borrow any this time? I don¡¯t believe it. Mom, did you do it on purpose?¡± Could it be that her mother wanted to stall for time and purposely not borrow the money, hoping that the police will return the bail money to Teacher Cen directly?

    ¡°On purpose? Zijin, what have I done on purpose? As your mom, I have given you everything and I regard you as my precious daughter. I tried to satisfy your every single request. Zijin, why did you say these words? Do you still have any conscience?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had walked the whole day, enduring the sarcasm and cold treatment of others. When she returned home, she was misunderstood by Qiao Zijin, saying that she had done it on purpose. This was more hurtful than the words of rejection she had heard earlier.

    ¡°I... I don¡¯t mean that,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a guilty conscience. ¡°I am anxious. After all, Teacher Cen is my form teacher and I am in her ss. I cannot afford to offend her. If I offend Teacher Cen because of the money, I will have a difficult life at school. Moreover, the money is indeed hers. We have to return it to her.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, even if you are anxious, you can¡¯t make such hurtful remarks. I treat you so much better than that wretched girl. Because of this, your dad is angry at me. You may have advised me to treat that wretched girl better, but I know that if I do that, you will be unhappy with me. Did I not do all these for you?¡± Ding Jiayi vented all her frustrations on Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin was lost for words. Talks were cheap. She did not really mean it when she told her mother to be better to Qiao Nan. She knew all along that Ding Jiayi would not do it as well. However, she had thought that it was because her mother hated Qiao Nan. She never knew that her mother was being considerate of her feelings.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. I am in the wrong. I didn¡¯t mean it. But now that it¡¯s like this... Mom, what shall we do next? I have to answer to Teacher Cen. Previously, when we went to the police station, Teacher Cen was already unhappy with me. If I do not return the bail money to her, I don¡¯t want to go to school anymore.¡±

    Ding Jiayi pulled a sullen face, ¡°I am helpless as well. I spent all the money at home to send you to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I have no idea where your dad is now and I have lost my job. We may not even have any money for our meals next month, let alone returning the bail money to your teacher. I...¡±

    Ding Jiayi could not understand how her initially happy family ended up this way. She was so poor that she might have to go hungry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there must be a way. Mom, think about it again. Who else can we borrow money from? There must be someone who is willing to lend us money.¡± Though Qiao Zijin reassured Ding Jiayi, telling her not to fret, in fact, Qiao Zijin was like a cat on a hot tin roof.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡± Ding Jiayi thought hard but she could not think of anyone who would lend them money. ¡°It¡¯s useless. This time, your dad is really ruthless.¡±

    ¡°What does this have to do with Dad?¡±

    ¡°If not for your dad, would I have such difficulties in borrowing money? Not only did he hide from us that he moved to a new ce, but he also went to the neighbors when I was sick a few days ago and told them that I am not good at managing the household and that I am a spendthrift, reminding them not to lend me any money. Obviously, your dad came to the quad while I was sick, but he didn¡¯t even bother to drop by to check how I was doing. Even if I die in the house, he will not know.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that she had led an ill-fated and miserable life. She fell ill and was down with a fever all because of Qiao Dongliang, yet he was so heartless to her.

    ¡°How could Dad do this?! He will do us in. Didn¡¯t he know that you spent all the money on me? Besides, we did not squander the money but spent it wisely.¡± Qiao Zijin was fuming. So it turned out that her father was the reason why they could not borrow any money.

    ¡°Mom, you must ask around again. I don¡¯t believe that Dad did not need any money to move house. Mom, we must find a way to find Dad. You are his wife. He should be the one who bailed you out when you were taken to the police station. Even though Teacher Cen helped bail you out, he should still pay for the bail money!¡±

    Qiao Zijin decided that Qiao Dongliang had to be responsible for everything that happened.

    ¡°Where can we find your dad? How do we start searching?¡± It was easier said than done.

    ¡°I have a way!¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Dad.¡± On the weekend morning, when Qiao Nan had just woken up, she noticed that Qiao Dongliang already had breakfast ready.

    ¡°Good morning, Nan Nan. Come and have the porridge.¡± Qiao Dongliang finally had some peaceful days without Ding Jiayi around to create troubles.

    Qiao Nan sat down and had the porridge. She noticed that Qiao Dongliang kept rubbing at his eyes. ¡°Dad, what happened? What¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. Today, my left eyelid kept twitching. I felt very ufortable.¡± With that, Qiao Dongliang could not help but rub at his eyes again. Unfortunately, it did not alleviate the situation.

 Chapter 297 - Qiao Zijin Was Sent to the Hospital

    <h4>Chapter 297: Qiao Zijin Was Sent to the Hospital</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The eyelid kept twitching?¡± She had no solution to this minor problem. There was no way that they could go to the hospital for this either.

    ¡°Old Qiao, are you around?¡± Sounds could be heard from outside the house.

    ¡°Old Tan, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiao Dongliang could recognize the voice of Old Tan, his neighbor it the quad. He put down the bowl and chopsticks and went out. ¡°Come in and have some water. Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°I have no time for water.¡± Old Tan shook his head. ¡°Old Qiao, there¡¯s bad news. Your elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, had a fall and it seemed to be quite serious. She has been sent to the hospital. Ding Jiayi said she was worried that Qiao Zijin might suffer from a concussion. She was so scared that she burst into tears. I don¡¯t know the exact situation. We have to wait for the doctor¡¯s diagnosis. The situation did not seem right, so I came to inform you.¡±

    ¡°What? Zijin had a fall? What do you mean by concussion?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It seemed to be quite serious.¡± Old Tan shook his head.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you know what ¡®concussion¡¯ is? Is it very serious?¡± Qiao Dongliang panicked and looked toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had a shock when she heard that Qiao Zijin fell and had a concussion. She spilled the porridge in the bowl. ¡°C-concussion?¡±

    ¡°Yes, concussion.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, what is concussion?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. Among the three people who were present, Qiao Nan was the most educated. He could only ask Qiao Nan for an exnation.

    ¡°There are different severities of concussion. If it is just a mild concussion, there will not be much of a problem, and a short rest will do. But if it is a serious fall...¡± Then, it would be fatal.

    ¡°No, I have to go to the hospital to take a look!¡± Qiao Nan had not finished her sentence, but Qiao Dongliang had already understood her meaning. In other words, if the fall was serious, his elder daughter would be in trouble.

    ¡°Yes, you should hurry to the hospital. Remember to bring along some money. If need be, you must not save on the money.¡± Old Tan sighed. The Qiao family had been down on their luck these few years. Misfortunes befell the family one after another.

    ¡°Right, I will bring some money.¡± Qiao Dongliang took all the money at home, put on his clothes, and was about to leave.

    Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°Dad, shall I go as well?¡±

    ¡°No, you shall stay at home. If your sister¡¯s situation is not serious, I will be back soon. You must not tire yourself out. In case your sister¡¯s condition is serious, you still have to go to school today. Studies are always more important.¡± Qiao Dongliang put on his clothes and headed outside with Old Tan, telling Qiao Nan to stay behind. ¡°Old Tan, is it the same old hospital?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the hospital you went tost time.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned against the door frame with a look of worry as she watched Qiao Dongliang and Old Tan left the house.

    But the next instant, Qiao Nan gaped in shock. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s not right. Mom and Dad are not well-educated. If Dad doesn¡¯t know what a concussion is, how would Mom know about it?¡±

    By the time Qiao Nan realized that the situation was not right, it was already toote.

    Qiao Dongliang was very worried about Qiao Zijin. He pedaled as fast as he could and rushed to the hospital in no time. ¡°Hello, do you have a patient by the name of Qiao Zijin? I am her father. I would like to know how my daughter is right now. What¡¯s her condition? Is she okay? Did she have a concussion? Is it serious?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin?¡± The nurse paused momentarily. There was a strange expression on the face. ¡°There is such a person, but...¡±

    ¡°So how is she doing now?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± The nurse twitched the corners of her lips. She was about to continue when a voice interrupted their conversation.

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°Zijin?¡± Qiao Dongliang turned and saw Qiao Zijin standing right behind him. She smiled at him and looked perfectly fine. ¡°Zijin, are you okay? I heard that you fell down. Where did you hurt yourself? Does your head still hurt? Tell me if you feel ufortable. What did the doctor say?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shed a glimmer of victory. She knew that her father still cared a lot for her. ¡°I might have been too nervous and stressful for my studies. This morning, I fainted and fell. Mom was so worried that she sent me to the hospital. Dad, rest assured. I am in good health, and there isn¡¯t anything wrong with me.¡± Most importantly, she managed to get her father toe out of his ¡®hiding ce¡¯.

    Qiao Zijin grabbed the arm of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, I am back from school this week. Why didn¡¯t youe to see me? Mom said that you have moved. Where did you move to? Why did you ignore me?¡±

    ¡°Are you really okay?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not believe her words. He looked at her intently. ¡°If you don¡¯t feel well, you must let me know. Don¡¯t hide it from me. I heard from Nan Nan that concussion is not to be taken lightly.¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled. It was rare that Qiao Nan¡¯s intelligence would actually aid her in her n to get her father toe looking for her. ¡°I am fine. The doctor said so. It¡¯s just that I am under a lot of stress. I will be fine after some rest. Dad, since I am fine, shall we go home?¡±

    ¡°No, let me get more information from your doctor.¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted to know the details as this concerned his daughter¡¯s life.

    He needed to hear from the doctor himself that Qiao Zijin was fine.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to check? Can¡¯t you see that it is so crowded at the hospital? The doctor is busy with the patients. Anyway, the doctor said that Zijin is fine. Are you hoping for something to happen to her?¡± Ding Jiayi was full of anger at the sight of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Alright, stop wasting the doctor¡¯s time. The doctor needs to check on other patients. Everything is fine, so let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s go home. I have been away for half a month. I miss you, Dad,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a smile. She dragged Qiao Dongliang to the Qiao¡¯s house in the quad.

    By the time Qiao Dongliang returned to the courtyard house, it was alreadyte in the afternoon.

    ¡°Dad, you are back. I will be off to school then.¡± Qiao Nan carried her bag in silence and prepared to go out.

    Qiao Dongliang looked embarrassed. ¡°Nan Nan, aren¡¯t you worried about your sister¡¯s condition?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled reluctantly. ¡°Dad, rather than worrying about my sister, I am more concerned about your wallet.¡±

    ¡°You knew about it?¡± Qiao Dongliang was shocked. He was not as shocked when he realized that Qiao Zijin was fine.

    Qiao Nan smirked. How could she not know? When she realized that her mother could not possibly have known about concussion, she was reminded of how her mother would alwayse up with tricks to get money from her time and time again in the previous life. ¡°Dad, I am going to school. Dad, you know what my mom did previously. The school lent us this ce to live in, so it will not be appropriate for mom toe here. Perhaps, you should consider moving back to the quad.¡±

 Chapter 298 - Met Her â€˜Mother-In-Lawâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 298: Met Her ¡®Mother-In-Law¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was aware that the school reported Ding Jiayi to the police due to the rumors that she spread at school. What Ding Jiayi did not only had an impact on Qiao Nan, but it also almost ruined the reputation of Ping Cheng High School.

    If Ding Jiayi knew about this ce, she would definitelye every day.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. You can rest assured that your mom won¡¯t find out about this ce. Even if she knows about it, I won¡¯t let her in.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will go to school then.¡±

    She had no idea who came up with this n today. Regardless, Qiao Zijin and her mother had seeded once again.

    Qiao Nan went to school while Qiao Dongliang stayed by himself at home. The more he thought about what happened today, the angrier he was. He felt like thrashing the furniture. But he remembered that everything in this house belonged to Qiao Nan¡¯s school and stopped himself in time. ¡°Ding Jiayi, since you plotted against me, I will fight with you till the end!¡±

    With this thought in mind, Qiao Dongliang went to the police station with the household register and the marriage certificate.

    On the other hand, Qiao Nan, who had known that this would happen, did not show much response. She went to school without any expression on her face.

    Qiao Nan silently told herself that she must strive to enter a good university, and she would definitely choose a university that was far from Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Oh my god.¡± A very well-dressed woman in front of Qiao Nan screamed and slipped on a muddy puddle. The expensive suit she wore was stained with mud.

    Qiao Nan gasped and ran forward to check. ¡°Are you okay? A-Auntie Miao?¡±

    Qiao Nan was surprised when she found out that the person who fell was none other than Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother. ¡°Auntie Miao, why are you here? Let me help you up first.¡±

    ¡°No need for that. My clothes are dirty. If you help me up, your clothes will get dirty as well.¡± Miao Jing was in a sorry and miserable state. Even though her face had been stained with muddy water, she still carried that look of indifference on her face. Her tone was cold and aloof, telling Qiao Nan that she did not need her help.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Qiao Nan reached out her hand and pulled Miao Jing up, her hand stained with mud in the process. ¡°Auntie Miao, there is a river terrace over there. Let¡¯s have a seat while I help you wipe off the mud with a handkerchief.¡±

    No matter who slipped and fell, Qiao Nan would render her help, not to mention that this person was Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Miao Jing, who stood up with Qiao Nan¡¯s help, rejected her assistance for the second time. She retracted her hand and said, ¡°I will go home now. I can simply change out of these dirty clothester.¡±

    ¡°How are you going to walk back in those high heels?¡± Qiao Nan looked down toward Miao Jing¡¯s shoes.

    There had been a heavy downpour in Ping Cheng for the past two days. Many of the muddy roads were particrly slippery. It was no wonder that Miao Jing, who wore a pair of fashionable high heels, would slip and fall.

    Because of the fall, the right heel of Miao Jing¡¯s shoes was broken.

    A fleeting look of self-mockery and bitterness could be seen on Miao Jing¡¯s face, but she schooled her expression within seconds that Qiao Nan almost missed it. ¡°Auntie Miao, let me help you to the river terrace. Even if you want to go back home, you can¡¯t go back home like this.¡±

    Droplets of muddy water could be seen dripping from her body. Qiao Nan rarely ran into Auntie Miao, but every time she saw her, she would be dressed nicely and neatly like the noblewomen described in books.

    In fact, with her status, she was worthy of such attire.

    However, it would not be appropriate if the wife of the chief went back home drenched in muddy water with a pair of broken high heels.

    It seemed like Miao Jing had a bad fall just now and might have sprained her ankle. When Qiao Nan helped her walk toward the river terrace, although she did not utter a word of difort, she knitted her eyebrows in pain.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, have a seat first.¡±

    Qiao Nan picked a clean spot and ushered Miao Jing to sit down.

    Usually, given her status, Miao Jing would not be seen sitting by the river terrace, but Qiao Nan had already seen her in a sorry state. There was no need for her to worry about maintaining her image, and so she sat down without a word.

    Miao Jing had a look of indifference on her face as Qiao Nan used her white and clean handkerchief to wipe the mud off Miao Jing¡¯s blouse and skirt. Her handkerchief turned brown with mud.

    There was no way she could clean them thoroughly. She could only wipe away the mud as much as possible.

    Qiao Nan was so tired that her face turned red and her forehead was covered with sweat. ¡°Auntie Miao, that¡¯s all we could do for the clothes. What about your shoes? Do you want me to buy another pair for you?¡±

    Miao Jing sat by the river terrace. She ced her legs together and tilted them to one side, looking like a nobledy. ¡°Last time, I gave you the cold shoulder and I took back the keys from you. Why are you being so good to me? Is it because I am the wife of the chief? Youngdy, one should not be so scheming at your age. If you think that you can benefit from this, then you have got things wrong. My husband is very impartial.¡±

    Miao Jing softened her tone as she felt that, after all, Qiao Nan had helped her this time. ¡°On the ount that you have helped me, as long as it is within my ability and is not too unreasonable, I will fulfill your request. However, there¡¯s no way that my husband will do anything for you.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, there¡¯s no need for that. I help you because you are Br¡ªno, Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s mother. Speaking of which, both of you did me a favor in the first ce.¡± Undeniably, most of the people had something in mind when they tried to be close to the Zhai family. It was the same for her as well. She wanted to repay Brother Zhai¡¯s kindness.

    Brother Zhai was very capable, and he did not need her help in any way. She might not have the chance to repay his kindness in this life.

    But ¡®luck¡¯ was on her side. She ran into Auntie Miao and could render her help to her. This could be considered as repaying Brother Zhai¡¯s kindness as well.

    ¡°Think about it before you refuse. There¡¯s no need for you to put on a strong front. This is my promise to you. It will be very useful to you. If you haven¡¯t thought about it yet, you can look for me after you have decided.¡± Miao Jing lifted her chin and said in an assertive tone, ¡°You have tired yourself out and made yourself to be as dirty as me. I won¡¯t take advantage of you. It ismon for the Zhai family to help others, but I don¡¯t have the habit of owing others.¡±

    Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua were quite easy to get along with as they did not put on airs. Why was it that Auntie Miao was so difficult to get along with? Besides, she just could not understand her words.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She moved to stand in front of Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan without batting an eyelid. ¡°Have you thought of what you want? Oh my! What are you doing?!¡±

    Miao Jing, whoposed herself with dignity, paled and let out an uncharacteristically loud scream. She watched helplessly as Qiao Nan squatted down and took off her shoes!

 Chapter 299 - Who Was That Warrior?

    <h4>Chapter 299: Who Was That Warrior?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan went back to the river terrace with Miao Jing¡¯s shoes in her hands. Miao Jing cried out in a high pitch, ¡°Do you intend to throw my shoes into the river? Fine, I will give you money to get me a pair of shoes, okay?¡± She could not throw the shoes away. It was...

    Qiao Nan nced at Miao Jing. She was sure that Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua were unlike Auntie Miao. Perhaps they took after the chief?

    Qiao Nan broke the left heel of Miao Jing¡¯s shoes with her hands.

    After breaking off the heels of the shoes, Qiao Nan used her handkerchief to wipe them clean and returned them to Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie Miao, actually, I feel that one should not be too hard on oneself. The shoes may look nice, but it is not practical. The most important thing is that shoes must befortable to wear. It¡¯s normal that women like to look pretty, but no matter what, one should find a pair of shoes that are fitting.¡±

    Qiao Nan noticed that Miao Jing¡¯s feet had turned red and were full of blisters from walking in her high heels.

    Luckily, she was not born in ancient times where she might have to bind her feet. She also had to thank her lucky stars that her mother never cared about her in the previous life. She had never cared for fashion, and when she had some money, she would spend them on food. She did not have the extra money to torture herself with high heels.

    Miao Jing stared at the pair of high heels nkly. It used to squeeze and cut her feet while she tiptoed in them. Now, it had turned into an ordinary pair of ts. She was lost for words.

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips. Miao Jing was the wife of the chief after all. She had an air of arrogance about her.

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to bend down and put on the shoes for Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie Miao, it¡¯s gettingte. You must hurry back. If it is too troublesome, you can consider making a phone call to arrange for your family to pick you up. The journey back to the Zhai¡¯s residence is quite long. If you want to walk back, you may only reach by midnight.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean that.¡± Miao Jing hurried to deny. She was not waiting for Qiao Nan to put on the shoes for her. She was lost in her thoughts. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    But Qiao Nan was simply too fast. Without waiting for her to react, Qiao Nan had already put on the shoes for her. ¡°Wait here, I...¡± Miao Jing took out ten yuan from her bag to give it to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Now that you can wear your shoes and I do not need to help you to buy new shoes, I have no need for this money.¡± In this way, Miao Jing would not be able to say that Qiao Nan used the excuse of buying new shoes to hanker after her money.

    ¡°No, what I mean is that your handkerchief is dirty and can¡¯t be used anymore. This is for you to buy a handkerchief.¡± Miao Jing was a little embarrassed.

    Qiao Nan wiped away her beads of perspiration and put the handkerchief away. ¡°I only need to wash the handkerchief and it will be clean. I don¡¯t need to buy a new handkerchief. Besides, if Auntie Miao gives me ten yuan, I can buy tons of handkerchiefs and can even start selling them.¡±

    Her small handkerchief only cost her fifty cents.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I have to go to school, or else I will bete. You can find a ce to make a phone call. There¡¯s also a phone at the guardhouse near our school gate.¡± With that, Qiao Nan turned to rush off to Ping Cheng High School. She did not have time for Miao Jing.

    After Qiao Nan left, Miao Jing took out a small cell phone from her bag.

    Around this time, the cell phone was not as thin and light as those in the 21st century. It was heavy and thick.

    Miao Jing took a deep breath and dialed a number. ¡°I am... yes,e and pick me up. Okay...¡±

    Miao Jing had no problem reaching the Zhai family, but she did not want to do so just now. Nevertheless, it seemed like she had no other choice now. She lowered her head and looked at the high heels that had been turned into ts. They were still as tight and painful as before. She let out a long breath.

    She simply loved this pair of shoes even though they were not fitting.

    ¡°Mom, where have you been? Why are you sote? What¡¯s wrong with you? Have you fallen into a pit?¡± Zhai Hua knew that the chauffeur had gone to pick up Miao Jing. She could not help butugh at the sorry state that Miao Jing was in.

    Miao Jing had alwaysposed herself with dignity and decorum in front of her children. She was even more serious than Zhai Yaohui. But Miao Jing, who followed the rules strictly, ended up in such a sorry state instead. Zhai Hua could not help butugh at her mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that I have fallen into a puddle.¡± Miao Jing was too tired to care about her image. She leaned back on the sofa to rest. ¡°Hua Hua, is it right of you to break intoughter at the terrible sight of your mom? Bring me a pair of slippers. I sprained my foot when I fell down just now.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? Have you seen a doctor?¡± Zhai Hua was anxious. She looked at Miao Jing¡¯s feet and an exaggerated scream followed. ¡°Oh my god! Mom, your shoes! Your shoes!¡±

    Zhai Hua ran over and lifted Miao Jing¡¯s feet to take a closer look at the shoes. ¡°Who broke off the heels of your shoes, Mom? Did you kill the person who did that?¡±

    ¡°Spoiled brat, stop saying stuff like that. Killing is illegal.¡± Miao Jing smacked Zhai Hua¡¯s head lightly. Why was it that her daughter was so different from the daughters of other families?

    ¡°This pair of high heels was given to you by Dad five years ago. You always found it painful to wear and Zhai Sheng and I have advised you time and again to throw it away, but you refused to do so. There was once when the right heel broke, I wanted to throw it away, but you insisted on getting it fixed. Mom, isn¡¯t it just a pair of shoes? If you love it, I will get Dad to give you ten more pairs of shoes.¡± She did not understand. She did not like to wear high heels, but why would her mother be so attached to this pair of high heels?

    If it was because of the fact that her father was the one who bought her the shoes, she could just get her father to give her mother ten more pairs of shoes.

    Her mother forbade Zhai Sheng and her to throw away the shoes. Yet, someone broke the heels of her shoes today! She did not believe that her mother would let that person get away with it.

    Who was the brave warrior? Did her mother make that person suffer for their actions right on the spot?

    Miao Jing let out a long breath. ¡°I won¡¯t throw the shoes away, but I won¡¯t be wearing them either. Get someone to put them in the storeroom.¡±

    ¡°Mom, are you running a fever? You have decided not to wear it but to keep it?¡± Was her mother willing to do that?

    ¡°Are you a repeater for the day? Why do you keep repeating my words? Get me the safflower oil and rub it on my feet!¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Hua an angry look.

    The Empress in the house was angry, so Zhai Hua dared not fool around. She abidingly brought the safflower oil and rubbed it on her feet. Zhai Hua was full of curiosity. What happened to her mother today, and what kind of person did she meet today? She felt that her mother was acting strangely.

    Qiao Nan, who was at school, had just taken out a book to read when she had a loud sneeze.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, the weather has been alternating between hot and cold recently, and the difference in temperature difference is huge. Did you catch a cold?¡± Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan, depressed. ¡°Xiao Qiao, I am sorry. I didn¡¯t manage to find out anything about the matter you told me to investigate. I have no idea how the school resolved your problem either.¡±

    ¡°Oh, there is no need to find out any longer. If we don¡¯t know, then just let it be. The most important thing is that everything has been solved.¡± Qiao Nan smiled in a rxed manner. She rubbed at her nose. ¡°I didn¡¯t catch a cold. It¡¯s just that it is itchy. By the way, what happened to Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting?¡±

 Chapter 300 - Did Not Want Me to Do Well

    <h4>Chapter 300: Did Not Want Me to Do Well</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu had noses and faces that were as swollen as pigs. One look at them and Qiao Nan could tell that the mastermind behind these was none other than Zhu Baoguo. Besides him, nobody would be capable of that.

    Zhu Baoguo cracked his knuckles, giving off loud sounds. ¡°The two of them asked for it.¡±

    Ding Jiayi started the rumor while Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu added fuel to the mes.

    After learning about it, Zhu Baoguo did not do anything to them at school. He waited till today before getting two groups of people to stop them on their way to school.

    As soon as the two groups of people saw Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting, with nary a word, they put sacks over their heads and gave the two of them punches and kicks.

    The people whom Zhu Baoguo gathered were veterans at beating people. They knew how much force to exert.

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu might have slight bruises on their faces, but the injuries were not serious. Those areas that were covered by clothes were hit the worst and they were the most painful of all.

    ¡°Beware that they may lodge aint against you.¡± This was not a baseless usation. It was a fact that Zhu Baoguo sent people to beat them up.

    Zhu Baoguo smiled. ¡°No matter how brave they are, they will not dare to do so. These two women are smart. They will not dare to provoke me or the Zhu family. They will only bully defenseless people like you.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was teased by Zhu Baoguo, propped her head and looked at him. ¡°They knew you would back me up, but they had no qualms about bullying me. If it¡¯s my problem, then it¡¯s your problem as well.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo paled. ¡°Then, I will get people to give them another beating!¡± He did not believe these two women would be so headstrong that they were not fearful of him.

    ¡°Do not go overboard. Otherwise, Teacher Liu will have a talk with you.¡± Qiao Nan could not help butugh at the sight of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s brusque way of dealing with things.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why is it that you are so firm toward Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu, but so softhearted when ites to your mom and Qiao Zijin and let them bully you? Xiao Qiao, where is your temper?¡± Zhu Baoguo said indignantly.

    If not for Ding Jiayi, who had started the rumor in the first ce, Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu would not have the opportunity to create troubles. The main culprit was Ding Jiayi. There was no use in beating the sense out of Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu. As long as Ding Jiayi kept on creating troubles, there would be more of such things in the future.

    Ding Jiayi was the source of the problem. They had to deal with her in order for Xiao Qiao to be able to have a good life in the future.

    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t want to?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°One of them is my mom, and the other is my sister. Do you think I can be so ruthless as to give them a beating or find a way to get rid of them? This is awful society where killing is illegal. You should know what Wang Yang has been up to, and you have fallen for his tricks time and again. Yet, how did you deal with him? Wang Yang still frequents the Zhu¡¯s residence as he likes. To your Grandpa, he ys the role of a good grandson, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    It was very true that those who hurt you deeply were your closest kin.

    Ding Jiayi was her mother. Be it morally or legally, she could not do anything to her.

    Don¡¯t even mention a fight. She could not even raise her voice at her.

    If she was harsh to her mother or used a swear word on her, even though she might be the innocent party, the tables would be turned on her to favor her mother.

    ¡°So we cannot do anything about it?¡± When Qiao Nan used Wang Yang to make an analogy, Zhu Baoguo was lost for words. When Wang Yang made him take sleeping pills right before his middle school examination, he could not do anything to Wang Yang other than losing his temper.

    What Xiao Qiao had said was true. Wang Yang still frequented the Zhu¡¯s residence as usual.

    Regardless of how the Zhu family treated Wang Yang, in the eyes of outsiders, Wang Yang was the Zhu family¡¯s grandson, the cousin of Zhu Baoguo.

    Wang Yang still benefited from being a member of the Zhu family.

    ¡°We can¡¯t beat them or scold them. As for killing them... Forget it. Does it mean that we are destined to be bullied?¡± Zhu Baoguo said in disgruntlement. He was the one who bullied others all along, but now he could not retaliate or take revenge even though he was bullied. This kind of life sucked.

    ¡°Wang Yang hopes that you will be led astray so that you will not have a bright future. That way, he can get everything that is yours. Wang Yang is after material gains. Even if you can¡¯t retaliate against Wang Yang or to make life difficult for him, you won¡¯t let him have it easy. What you can do is to work harder and show him that you are capable. Not only must you take charge and assume responsibility in the Zhu family, but you must also ensure that the Zhu family thrives much better than when in your dad¡¯s hands. For now, Wang Yang has to depend on your dad. Hence, what you must do is to be in charge of the Zhu family so that Wang Yang will have to answer to you in order for him to lead a good life in the future!¡±

    After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s clear and simple analysis, Zhu Baoguo felt motivated and wanted to work harder.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Everything in the Zhu family belongs to me. I must work harder to make the Zhu family more sessful than before. I must gain control and power so that if Wang Yang wants to lead a good life, he must be submissive to me!¡± Zhu Baoguo calmed down. He was not as depressed as before. ¡°Xiao Qiao, what about you? You helped mee up with a solution, but what about you? Your mother and your sister are not easy to deal with.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think I spend so much effort on my studies? The knowledge I gained is mine alone, and no one can take it from me. My mom and my sister are one of a kind. Given the current situation, do you think my sister will be more capable and earn more money than me? In the future, will she be able to lead a better life than me?¡± Based on her abilities, there was no way that Qiao Zijin could buy a house or a car by herself.

    ¡°That is impossible!¡± Zhu Baoguo had no doubts about that. ¡°But even if you earn more money than Qiao Zijin, given your mom¡¯s temper, won¡¯t she take it away from you?¡±

    What he worried the most was that Xiao Qiao¡¯s hard-earned money would be given to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you have to remember this. If I am unwilling, my mom can¡¯t get a penny from me.¡± In her previous life, she had been too foolish to have let her mother do whatever she wanted.

    ¡°Are you sure? What if your mom snatches it from you?¡± Zhu Baoguo asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Snatch? My mom has to stay close to me in order to snatch the money from me.¡± Her mother and Qiao Zijin were her biggest disaster. She could not afford to have any entanglements with them. Since she could not provoke them, she could only hide from them.

    ¡°You want to be a deserter?¡± Zhu Baoguo was displeased. This was not his way of dealing with problems.

    Qiao Nan flipped the book open and said calmly. ¡°My situation is different from yours, so we can¡¯t lump them together. The method that you use is not suitable for me. Both my mom and sister do not want me to do well.¡±

 Chapter 301 - Teach With Own Examples

    <h4>Chapter 301: Teach With Own Examples</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What follows after?¡±

    ¡°What follows after? Nothing else is needed. As long as they know that I lead a better life than them, I do not need to do anything else and they will be so upset that they cannot have a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Actually, Qiao Nan did not understand why there were people like her mother and Qiao Zijin in the world.

    Both of them would be upset to know that she led a good life.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan knew that to deal with these two people, there was no need for her to do anything. She only needed to have a good life and it would be more than enough.

    There was no need to take the initiative to attack, deal with them, or scheme against Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I realize that you are not a pushover. You have a lot of wits about you!¡± Initially, Zhu Baoguo did not understand, but after Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, he fully understood her meaning. ¡°What you are doing is to nurture one¡¯s strength and bide one¡¯s time. You already have a n to deal with your mom and sister, and it is the mostbor-saving method.¡±

    ¡°Did you really think that I am foolish and easy to bully? ¡± Qiao Nan smiled, but there was no hint of emotion in her eyes. ¡°In the future, I must make money to buy my own house and my own car. But to buy these things, I will need the household register. Other than Mom, Dad is the only one who can use it. No matter how unreasonable Mom is, she will give my dad whatever he wants.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao?¡± Zhu Baoguo sensed that Qiao Nan¡¯s smile seemed to beden with bitterness.

    He hoped that Xiao Qiao could be self-reliant and be tougher, lest she be bullied by the two women who were as evil as witches. However, when he saw the tough side of hers, he could not help but feel a twinge of sadness.

    Xiao Qiao used to be a simple and kind youngdy who would not scheme against others, but she was forced to mature by her kin.

    Zhu Baoguo was starting to harbor an immense hatred for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°What about your dad?¡±

    ¡°I am genuinely good to my dad.¡± But at the same time, she also had her ns. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you have to remember that if you are wronged, it is useless to create a fuss. Why do we say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease? If you don¡¯t make a fuss, it goes to show that you are sensible. But you have to let everyone know that you have been wronged. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan was reminded of how Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin conspired to get Qiao Dongliang to the hospital and all the money that he had with him. She seemed unaffected by what happened.

    She had made up her mind long ago that as long as she had the ability to make money, she could be self-sufficient and rely on herself to finish college. She never had the mentality that the money her father earned was hers. Hence, she was not disappointed that Qiao Zijin cheated him of all his money.

    Sure enough, when there was no expectation, there would be no disappointment.

    ¡°Alright, you should worry about yourself. You are the one who is too innocent, yet you use others of being simple-minded.¡± Knowing that Zhu Baoguo was concerned about her, Qiao Nan could not help but make a dab at Zhu Baoguo.

    She was puzzled as well. Did she seem to be so weak and easily bullied?

    She had been trained by her mother and sister to be scheming and crafty. Yet, in the eyes of Zhu Baoguo, she was still as innocent and simple as a piece of nk paper. Did he not know that she was actually retreating in order to advance?

    In the Qiao family, her father was the head of the family, and he was on her side now.

    As long as she had this trump card, when she entered college and buy a house and a car, there was no need for her to deal with her mother. It could save her a lot of trouble.

    By the time her mother received the news, everything would have been settled. No matter how much of a fuss her mother kicked up, there was nothing she could do to her.

    Qiao Nan knew better than anyone else that on that Thursday, her mother came to school to look for her because she could not find Qiao Dongliang. She was so desperate that she came to look for her instead.

    Her mother and Qiao Zijin might be very arrogant and domineering, but they only behaved in such a manner since they knew Qiao Dongliang would not abandon them. This showed the significance Qiao Dongliang had as the head of the family.

    Now that her father left with her, her mother and Qiao Zijin were like headless flies without any sense of direction. They panicked and were out of their wits.

    After moving out with her father, not only did she regain some peace in her life, but most importantly, it was also tantamount to taking drastic measures against her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Therefore, when her mother knew that they had moved but had no idea where they had moved to, it was as if she had gone crazy. She dared to attack the police and was taken to the police station. In normal circumstances, don¡¯t even mention scratching the police, her mother was the kind of person who would take a detour when she saw the police.

    ¡°You are very formidable.¡± Zhu Baoguo had nothing more to say. His worry was in vain as Xiao Qiao had it all nned out. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were unworthy opponents of Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao had these two women under her thumb.

    After all, Uncle Qiao was the head of the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan closed the book and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s no use being formidable. I may have used up all my tricks, but I still can¡¯t beat my mom. Her crazy acts will defeat the experienced master.¡±

    For instance, what happened recently on the parent-teacher conference day was unthinkable to her. She did not expect her mother to upset Qiao Dongliang further. She must have been out of her mind. She almostnded both Qiao Nan and herself in serious trouble.

    It was a life and death struggle. She did not care that she would be in a dire situation. She was determined to create havoc for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was sure that if she had ended up being expelled from Ping Cheng High School, her father might have been angered to death and refused to see her mother for a few years or even for the rest of their lives.

    Zhu Baoguo crossed one leg over the other and said casually, ¡°Initially, I was troubled by Wang Yang¡¯s matter. Whenever he was at the Zhu¡¯s residence, I would be upset. I couldn¡¯t wait to lose my temper at him so that Wang Yang would be disgraced and I could chase him out of the Zhu¡¯s residence. But after hearing about your family¡¯s situation, I realized that I am not in a hurry and not bothered anymore. One should retreat in order to advance. When I go back home next time, I will test and see if it works.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know that she had be the mentor of Zhu Baoguo. She had given him a lesson with her own examples.

    Ever since then, whenever Wang Yang came to the Zhu¡¯s residence, Zhu Baoguo would not lose his temper or utter a single word. He would just leave the Zhu¡¯s residence quietly.

    Initially, Wang Yang thought that Zhu Baoguo was also afraid of him and that he had admitted defeat.

    Wang Yang was so happy that he was carried away by his excitement. Wang Yang stayed for a longer time in the Zhu¡¯s residence, apanying Elder Zhu and saying things to please him.

    Initially, Elder Zhu felt gratified that Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang could finally get along with each other. He had felt that Zhu Baoguo finally behaved like an elder brother and became sensible.

    However, whenever Wang Yang stayed at the Zhu¡¯s residence, Zhu Baoguo would not go home. He would rather idle around outside the house.

 Chapter 302 - Fallen into Her â€˜Trapâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 302: Fallen into Her ¡®Trap¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The longer Wang Yang stayed at the Zhu¡¯s residence, theter Zhu Baoguo would return home.

    Unlike the previous two seasons that were warm and sunny, it waste autumn now. The days became shorter and it would be dark in thete afternoon. Elder Zhu was worried about Zhu Baoguo who stayed out all day.

    In the end, Elder Zhu asked Zhu Baoguo the reason for not staying at home.

    Zhu Baoguo said, ¡°I don¡¯t like Wang Yang. I feel ufortable whenever I see Wang Yang. I will be reminded of what happened during the middle school examination, and that saddened me. I am disappointed that my loved ones will plot against me during such an important juncture. I want to forgive him, but I can¡¯t bring myself to do it. Grandpa, I know you like Wang Yang and you feel happy when you are with him. I want you to be happy. Hence, I can only stay outside and not go home. Grandpa, it¡¯s alright. I am fine as long as you are happy.¡±

    Wang Yang was in junior high school. His house was not far from the Zhu¡¯s residence. Most of the time, Wang Yang would usually drop by the Zhu¡¯s residence first before going home after his lessons.

    Contrary to Wang Yang, Zhu Baoguo was in high school. He had to stay in the dormitory and would only be able toe back home every half a month. Besides, he could only stay for two nights before leaving for school again. As a result, Elder Zhu cherished the time that he had with Zhu Baoguo.

    If Zhu Baoguo created a fuss, Elder Zhu would definitely reprimand him and tell him to act like the elder brother and give in to Wang Yang. But Zhu Baoguo did not make anyints. Instead, he madepromises because of Elder Zhu. Although Elder Zhu wasforted by the fact that his grandson was sensible and considerate, his heart ached for him nevertheless.

    To Elder Zhu who doted on his grandson, he could make do with it if he would still get to see Zhu Baoguo asionally. However, he seldom got to chat with him nowadays. He missed his grandson dearly.

    In the end, in order to be able to spend more time with Zhu Baoguo, Elder Zhu had a talk with Wang Yang. ¡°Yang Yang, I know that you are very filial. You always apany me and chat with me. This makes me very happy. But you should spend time with your paternal grandparents as well. In the future, you can visit me every other weekend so that you will also have time for your paternal grandparents.¡±

    Initially, Wang Yang was happy that Elder Zhu was concerned about him.

    However, his paternal grandparents were close to him. He would rather spend more time with Elder Zhu.

    Wang Yang thought hard about it and realized that Zhu Baoguo would not be around on the weekend that he visited the Zhu¡¯s residence, and Zhu Baoguo would be back home from school during the weekend that he stayed at home.

    Did it mean that he was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s spare wheel? When Zhu Baoguo was around, his grandpa found him to be a nuisance and did not need hispany. It was only when Zhu Baoguo was not around that his Grandpa enjoyed hispany. Was that it?

    Wang Yang, who was proud and arrogant and had always felt superior to Zhu Baoguo, believing that he was the most suitable heir of the Zhu family, was so angry that he had a slight fever that night.

    Zhu Baoguo was over the moon when he knew that Wang Yang had fallen sick. He did not know that being a ¡®coward¡¯ and not shing heads on with Wang Yang would have such unexpected results.

    It was only then that Zhu Baoguo finally understood that although Qiao Nan would always behave as if she could do nothing about Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, she was, in fact, waging a psychological war.

    Whoever had the notion that Qiao Nan seemed like she was easily bullied would fall right into her trap.

    Zhu Baoguo thought that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were the only ones who had fallen into Qiao Nan¡¯s traps. He did not know that he was ¡®tricked¡¯ by her as well.

    If not for Qiao Nan¡¯s advice, he would not have had a change in his learning attitude and given his full attention to his studies. Thus, the Zhu family would not have been able to see the change in him in such a short period of time and realize his importance and value.

    In fact, right at the beginning when Zhu Chengqi had a private chat with Qiao Nan, besides thanking Qiao Nan, he also asked her to help Zhu Baoguo change for the better.

    Zhu Baoguo waspletely fooled. As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, although they seemed to have the upper hand, they themselves were, in fact, the ones who knew that life had changed drastically for them ever since Qiao Dongliang moved away. ¡°Old Qiao, the winter solstice will be here in a few days¡¯ time. Can you give me some money so that I can buy some delicious food to nourish Zijin? Recently, Zijin has been very serious in her studies and has lost a lot of weight. When you see her, you will definitely feel sad.¡±

    Even though Ding Jiayi would still ask Qiao Dongliang for money, her attitude and tone were no longer as arrogant as before.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi would take things for granted, assuming that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s money belonged to her and she had the right to spend them. Now, Ding Jiayi would tread carefully when she asked Qiao Dongliang for money. She would try hard to please him, as she knew that if he was angered, he might not give her any money.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper was not as good as it was two years ago. ¡°How much do you want?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t ask for much. I only want to buy a chicken to make chicken soup for Zijin. What do you think?¡± Ding Jiayi did not dare to ask for more. She feared that she might anger him and she would end up with nothing.

    After losing the job that she used to have, Ding Jiayi could not find a permanent job. She could only settle with temporary odd jobs.

    These odd jobs were tedious and did not pay much. Ding Jiayi did not earn much after working hard for the whole day.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s standard of living was affected as well. She had to make do with lesser money to spend.

    Qiao Dongliang stopped doing whatever he was working on and frowned at Ding Jiayi. After a long while, he said, ¡°You don¡¯t know how to ughter a chicken. I will drop by the Qiao¡¯s house tomorrow and bring you the chicken.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will be waiting for you tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief at sessfully getting the chicken. She smiled reluctantly and went back to the Qiao¡¯s house.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi found out about the new ce that Qiao Dongliang had moved to. He could not keep it from Ding Jiayi.

    However, Ding Jiayi never once stepped into the courtyard house. It was not that she had the self-discipline, but it was Qiao Dongliang who forbade her to do so.

    Ding Jiayi did not know what mistakes she hadmitted, but she knew Qiao Dongliang had been angry with her for the past half a year. Qiao Nan¡¯s school did not seem to like her too as they had always been picking on her.

    Nevertheless, she was more than pleased that they could stay in that house for free. It was good that they could save three years¡¯ worth of rent!

    Ding Jiayi was ted that they could stay at the house without paying rent. It did not ur to her to find out the reason as to why Ping Cheng High School disliked her so much. Instead, she obeyed Qiao Dongliang and did not enter the house. She feared that if she went against Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Ping Cheng High School would take back the house, and Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan would not be able to have free lodging.

    ¡°Dad, has Mom gone back?¡± After Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Nan came out from the house. She did not want to argue with her mother.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped whatever he was doing. ¡°Nan Nan, Dad has ordered two chickens. I will ughter them tomorrow. One is for your sister, and the other one is for you.¡±

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been hard on you.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She did not care about the chicken.

    The next day, a small knock could be heard outside the house not long after Qiao Dongliang left the house.

    ¡°Dad, did you forget anything¡ªit¡¯s you?!¡±

 Chapter 303 - Qiao Nan Was Mad

    <h4>Chapter 303: Qiao Nan Was Mad</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were full of surprise when she realized that it was Brother Zhai. ¡°Brother Zhai, when did youe back? Come in, I will pour you some tea.¡±

    Upon seeing Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan smiled brightly, her sparkling eyes forming an adorable crescent moon shape. She pulled at his sleeves naturally and led him into the house.

    Zhai Sheng looked down and noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s fair hands stood out against his tannedplexion. Her arms were slender and fair. She had delicate and smooth skin.

    A faint smile formed on Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips. He shifted all the bags that he carried from his left hand to his right hand. He grabbed hold of Qiao Nan¡¯s soft and warm hand and walked side by side with her into the house.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, have a seat, I will pour you some water.¡± Qiao Nan was focused on making himfortable that she gave no response to what he did.

    Zhai Sheng let go of her hand reluctantly. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Then, he put the bags in his right hand on the ground. The bags were so heavy that they left several red marks on his rough palm.

    However, in order to hold Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Zhai Sheng did not mind the pain at all.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, have some hot water.¡± After pouring the hot water for Brother Zhai, Qiao Nan realized btedly that Zhai Sheng brought a lot of stuff with him and had left them on the floor. ¡°Brother Zhai, that¡¯s too polite of you. Whenever youe here, you will bring so much stuff with you. It¡¯s winter solstice and the Lunar New Year is around the corner. Don¡¯t tell me that there isn¡¯t anyone at home, so you want me to prepare meals for you?¡±

    In the past, Brother Zhai would not show his concern for her outright. Why did he do so openly now?

    ¡°Have you forgotten that you promised to cook me a table of food? Are you going back on your words?¡± Zhai Sheng felt pleasantly sweet while drinking the hot water poured by his ¡®young wife¡¯.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hand. How could she possibly go back on her words? ¡°Since I am treating you, I should be the one paying for the food. How can I ask you to bring the food?¡±

    Zhai Sheng lifted his right hand and reached out toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes in confusion. She stared at Zhai Sheng¡¯s palm. What did he want her to do?

    Zhai Sheng directed his gaze at Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and then back at Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan raised her hand, not knowing what to do, and faced her palm toward Zhai Sheng¡¯s own. Her hand was clean. There was no dirt on it.

    Zhai Shengughed in exasperation. She was, after all, his ¡®young wife¡¯. She did not know what he meant with his gestures. It proved that Nan Nan did what she promised and maintained a distant rtionship with the boys in her school.

    It was good that Qiao Nan did not know all these. He was the most important man in Nan Nan¡¯s life, and he would guide her step by step along the way.

    ¡°Give me your hand.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan obediently ced her hand onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s palm.

    Zhai Sheng sped her hand and pulled Qiao Nan along with him. ¡°Come over here to have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded obediently. She sat so close to Zhai Sheng that their thighs were touching each other. After a summer break of sitting so close to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had been ustomed to it. She no longer felt strange or awkward. ¡°Brother Zhai, you can tell me directly if you want me to sit down. I am not a child, so there¡¯s no need to hold hands.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took a deep breath and resisted the impulse to pinch Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Instead, he ced his palm on her head and pulled her into his embrace. ¡°You are worse than a young child!¡±

    While in his embrace, Qiao Nan smelled a faint sandalwood smell. It was pleasant and mesmerizing, making Qiao Nan dizzy. She clutched his clothes and asked, ¡°Brother Zhai, did you raise a dog when you were a child?¡±

    Otherwise, why did he have the habit of rubbing her head every time he saw her?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, shall I buy you a dog with a good pedigree when I have money in the future? What type of dog do you like?¡± When she grew up and started working, she did not want to be rubbed on the head by Brother Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s dark eyes glinted, a dangerous look in his eyes. He tightened his vice-like grip around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist while the other hand still rested on her head. He could feel Qiao Nan¡¯s soft silky hair brushing against his fingers lightly. He liked the soft touch of her hair. ¡°Do you mean that when you have money in the future, you will not be this close to me anymore?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, tell me. Are you thinking of having a boyfriend, and hence you are afraid that your boyfriend will be jealous?¡± There was a teasing note in his tone. He stopped brushing her hair, but rested his hand by her ear, lightly touching her soft and tender earlobe. They shared a sweet moment with each other.

    Qiao Nan could not help but shiver, her ears turning red. She quickly covered her ears with her hand. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s itchy!¡±

    Qiao Nan might be slow, but she could feel that she was too close to Zhai Sheng. Their distance had already surpassed that of a close friend. She pushed at Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest, wanting to widen the distance between them. However, she was locked in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tight grip. If he did not allow her, then she would not be able to move an inch.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you haven¡¯t answered my question.¡± Zhai Sheng would not let her go unless he got her reply.

    As a soldier, once he had a target in mind, he would only focus on the bull¡¯s eye and never let his target escape from him.

    Qiao Nan felt a mixture of anger and shyness. She yelled at Zhai Sheng, ¡°There¡¯s no boyfriend. Besides, there¡¯s no man whom I find pleasing to the eye. Brother Zhai, I will keep my promise to you, but you must keep a check on yourself as well. You are different from me. I am still a student, and my top priority is my studies. I shouldn¡¯t have a boyfriend at my age. As for you, you are not young. You should find yourself a girlfriend or even settle down to have a family and kids. Brother Zhai, you are a soldier. You should know to keep a clear distinction between friends and families. You should be mindful of your status and behavior. When you have a girlfriend in the future, she will be mad if she sees us behaving in such a way!¡±

    ¡°Both of us are clear about you treating me as your younger sister, but your girlfriend doesn¡¯t know about it. Anyway, if I am your girlfriend, and I know that you are so close with your younger sister, I will be jealous and angry. I will definitely break up with you. Brother Zhai, if you do this again, I will be mad!¡±

    In fact, Qiao Nan¡¯s words were meant for Zhai Sheng and herself.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I am a blockhead. I like things to be strict and precise. Brother Zhai, you are a soldier. You always obey the rules in the army. You should apply this attitude to your life as well. What you are doing is very dangerous!¡±

 Chapter 304 - Would Not Marry Her

    <h4>Chapter 304: Would Not Marry Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan¡¯s loud yell left a dent on Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart.

    Zhai Sheng loosened his fingers that were at Qiao Nan¡¯s waist, but he did not let go of her. ¡°Nan Nan, I...¡±

    It seemed that Qiao Nan was not totally clueless, but she did not know what was on his mind. If he confessed his feelings for her, would it make things simpler?

    Once Zhai Sheng had decided on a target, he would not change his mind. Sooner orter, he would have to let Qiao Nan know about his feelings. He contemted making known his feelings to Qiao Nan so that while he was in the army, he would not be distracted or worry that Qiao Nan might be interested in other boys at her school.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan, are you around?¡± Zhai Hua came at the right time. She relieved them from the awkward atmosphere.

    Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a hard push and shifted to the side. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was just about to confess when he was interrupted. His face turned ck and he narrowed his eyes at Zhai Hua who came in from the doorway.

    Zhai Hua could tell right away what her brother was up to. She trembled slightly and smiled in embarrassment. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you are too fast. You did not bring everything that Mom told you to bring. I have to run after you to bring you the bags. You are so muddleheaded.¡±

    ¡°Well?¡± Zhai Sheng seemed to be responding to Zhai Hua¡¯s words, but it also seemed like he was asking her a question. Zhai Hua could not help but have goosebumps.

    She did not understand. She was his elder sister, and she was four years older than him. Why was it that she was so fearful of him? Should it not be the other way round?

    ¡°Nan Nan, I haven¡¯t seen you for so long. Do you miss me?¡± Zhai Hua could not stand Zhai Sheng¡¯s cold treatment. She turned to look at Qiao Nan whom she was on friendly terms with.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I miss you dearly. Have a seat.¡± Qiao Nan rxed slightly. She schooled her expression and moved to the side, making space between her and Zhai Sheng so that Zhai Hua could have a seat between them.

    Qiao Nan finally rxed when Zhai Hua sat down between them. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what brings you here? Why didn¡¯t youe with Brother Zhai? It must have been tiring to carry these heavy bags here.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt happy that Qiao Nan cared for her. ¡°Sure enough, having a sister is so much better. A sister naturally will care for you.¡±

    Zhai Hua nted her eyes at Zhai Sheng. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng curled the corners of his lips and sneered,pletely ignoring Zhai Hua.

    ¡°All these are from my mom. Nan Nan, tell me honestly. Did you run into my mom again?¡± She remembered that her mother did not really like Qiao Nan, and she disliked it when Zhai Hua mentioned about thetter. It had not been even half a year¡¯s time since then, but her mother had changed her opinion of Nan Nan even though she had not brought up Nan Nan in front of her mother.

    It was also impossible that Zhai Sheng, who stayed in the army all day long, had mentioned Qiao Nan to her mother. If he really had done that, her mother might have disliked Nan Nan even more.

    ¡°I ran into her recently.¡± She was reminded of the previous time when Miao Jing insisted that she made a request of her so that Miao Jing could repay her kindness. Could it be that it was due to that incident that Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng brought bags of food to her house? It was all under their mother¡¯s orders?

    ¡°I see.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan did not borate further, Zhai Hua supposed that it was not a pleasant encounter. ¡°Nan Nan, Zhai Sheng and I have something on, so we will go back first. We will visit you on another day, alright?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Both of you are very busy.¡± Qiao Nan quickly stood up to walk them to the door.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Hua kicked at Zhai Sheng, who was reluctant to move.

    Zhai Shengughed and shot Zhai Hua a warning look. He stood up slowly and said, ¡°You still owe me a meal. We will eat together next time. I prefer it to be quiet. I don¡¯t like it when there are too many people around.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I will only invite you to the meal!¡± Sure enough, Qiao Nan, who was usually good at dealing with cunning people, was totally clueless when it came to Zhai Sheng. She let her guard down around him and agreed to his request without any hesitation.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Since Zhai Sheng had achieved his purpose, he left the courtyard house with Zhai Hua.

    As soon as the brother and sister got into the car, both of them had a sullen expression on their faces.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Zhai Hua put on an usatory tone. ¡°Qiao Nan is still very young. How could you do that! Besides, you should know the situation at home. Mom and Dad have always wanted you to marry Qiu Chenxi. Do you know how much trouble you will bring Qiao Nan with that behavior of yours?¡±

    ording to Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan was still very young. She might meet many other men in her life and find her real happiness among them.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s character, he would be dead set on Qiao Nan, leaving Qiao Nan with no other choice. As a result, she would not be able to search for her own happiness.

    Zhai Hua was unhappy when she was reminded of the naive and innocent look that Qiao Nan had when she was with Zhai Sheng.

    As a woman, Zhai Hua did not approve of Zhai Sheng¡¯s aggressive and domineering behavior.

    There was another reason why Zhai Hua was so unhappy. Qiu Chenxi had taken a fancy to Zhai Sheng since a young age. When all of them yed around back then, Qiu Chenxi would always y the role of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bride. Moreover, not only did Qiu Chenxi harbor such thoughts, but the Qiu family and the Zhai family had all agreed to this union.

    As such, both families had been creating opportunities for the both of them to cultivate feelings for each other.

    Zhai Sheng was at a suitable age to get married, and Qiu Chenxi would soon be graduating from college. The two families looked as if they were nning for their marriage.

    Zhai Hua dragged her brother out from the Qiao house as the people from the Qiu family would visit their Zhai family with Qiu Chenxi to agree on a date.

    No matter which girl her younger brother liked, Zhai Hua would give them her blessings, but on the premise that after making up his mind, Zhai Sheng must settle this issue with regards to Qiu Chenxi. Otherwise, he would be creating troubles for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t marry Qiu Chenxi,¡± Zhai Sheng said calmly.

    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± ording to her, it was very likely that they would get married. If not, she would not have been full of worry.

    If she had not appeared in the nick of time, Zhai Sheng, the big ck wolf, would have snatched away Nan Nan, the small innocent sheep by now!

    Zhai Hua felt that Qiu Chenxi would be the source of their troubles. No matter what, Zhai Hua would take the side of reason. She would not help her brother. She had to fight for Qiao Nan¡¯s interests.

    ¡°Grandpa will be back today.¡±

    ¡°Wow, I must hand it to you. You have managed to get Grandpa to act as your biggest trump card. No wonder you can say with confidence that the marriage will not work out. Have you already nned it in advance?!¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes lit up. In the Zhai family, her father would only listen to Grandpa¡¯s words.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhai Sheng leaned back on the car seat as Zhai Hua drove the car. ¡°I have said that Nan Nan is the only one I like, the one I will marry. She may be young and does not understand the affairs of the heart, but I will not do anything that I am not supposed to do. I will not let Nan Nan suffer as well.¡±

 Chapter 305 - The Adultsâ€™ Affairs

    <h4>Chapter 305: The Adults¡¯ Affairs</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Since you have already made up your mind, I won¡¯t worry for you.¡± Zhai Hua put her mind on driving. Grandpa did not like the Qiu family. As long as Grandpa was there, it was impossible for Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi to be engaged.

    By the time Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng reached home, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s parents and Qiu Chenxi were getting ready to leave.

    Father Qiu had an awkward smile on his face. ¡°It¡¯s rare that Uncle Zhai is here. We will not disturb you any further. After Uncle Zhai has a good rest, we will visit again.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa Zhai, I have been into Chinese chess recently. Next time, shall we have a game?¡± Qiu Chenxi, who wore a skirt, looked dignified and pretty, exuding the charm of a youngdy. Anyone would find her to be very likable.

    But there were always exceptions, and Grandpa Zhai was one of them.

    Old Master Zhai was a veteran revolutionary who used to serve in the Red Army. He liked traditional things, and his favorite pastimes was to y chess. When he had nothing to do, he would get people to y a game of chess with him.

    However, chess was not popr nowadays. The younger generation, particrly, were not good at chess.

    Qiu Chenxi wanted to hit on what he liked. Once she had the approval of Old Master Zhai, it would be easy for her to be Old Master Zhai¡¯s granddaughter-inw.

    ¡°No need.¡± Old Master Zhai smiled and said, ¡°I have grown old, not as quick as before. I want to train my brain through ying chess lest I get dementia.¡±

    Old Master Zhai was very aplished in ying chess. His level ofpetence was almost that of the national yers.

    Those who had been ying chess regrly were not Old Master Zhai¡¯s opponents, not to mention Qiu Chenxi who only learned to y chess recently. She was no match for Old Master Zhai.

    The older one was, the more one behaved like children.

    Old Master Zhai might be old, but he refused to admit it. He liked to challenge himself. He would spend the whole day ying chess, improving on his skills. He had no wish to waste a few minutes of his time on novices like Qiu Chenxi.

    If he were to y chess with Qiu Chenxi, one could not say for sure whether Qiu Chenxi was the one who spent time with him, or whether Old Master Zhai was the one who entertained her instead.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red. Did Grandpa Zhai mean that it was too boring to y chess with her? That she was not a challenge worthy of him toe up with strategies against her?

    ¡°Chenxi, don¡¯t be mischievous. Although ying chess is Grandpa Zhai¡¯s hobby, he is very good at it. He does not have the time to entertain you. If you are free, you can stay by the side and learn from Grandpa Zhai and Zhai Sheng when they y chess. With your dilettantish skills, you can only serve tea and water for Grandpa Zhai.¡± Qiu Qin was truly a politician. Although his daughter was being ridiculed, he could still be all smiles at Old Master Zhai.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re right. Youth knows no fear. I have made a fool of myself in front of Grandpa Zhai. There is so much to learn about Chinese chess. I will learn and improve my skills so as to be able to y with Grandpa Zhai. Right now, I will stand by the side and watch.¡± Qiu Chenxi curled the corners of her lips and smiled.

    If so, she would get to spend more time with Brother Zhai.

    She believed that as long as she hung around Grandpa Zhai every day, serving him water and food, he would grow to like her eventually.

    ¡°Chenxi,e over when you have time.¡± Miao Jing pursed her lips. Although she had a look of displeasure on her face, she still agreed to let Qiu Chenxie to their house. Nevertheless, she wanted her to know that she could note and go as she pleased.

    Since she was not in any way rted to them, it would not be appropriate for Qiu Chenxi to always spend time at the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I will get going. When I have time, I will definitelye over to apany Grandpa Zhai.¡± Qiu Chenxi did not notice that Miao Jing was displeased. After all, Miao Jing had been very good to her and would like for her and Zhai Sheng to be together. Hence, it never urred to Qiu Chenxi that there would be a day where Miao Jing would be dissatisfied with her.

    Qi Min stood next to her husband and daughter. ¡°Then, we will go first. Next time, we will discuss what we talked about previously.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter,¡± Zhai Yaohui said in reply.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are back!¡± Qiu Chenxi turned when she heard the sound of a car approaching. Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua came back home in the same car.

    Today, at the Zhai¡¯s residence, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s biggest regret was that she did not get to see Zhai Sheng. She did not expect to see him right before she left. Obviously, she was destined to be together with him!

    ¡°Grandpa, Dad, Mom,¡± Zhai Sheng greeted his family before politely acknowledging the guests. ¡°Secretary Qiu, Madam Qiu.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is back.¡± As soon as he saw his beloved grandson, a big smile broke across Old Master Zhai¡¯s wrinkled face. ¡°Come here. Let Grandpa have a good look at you. Recently, did you have a lot of missions in the army? You haven¡¯t visited Grandpa for a long time that I had toe here personally to see you. If you were still young, I would give you a good spanking.¡±

    ¡°We must serve the country wholeheartedly. Grandpa used to teach me one¡¯s loyalty to the family and country and the delicate bnce between them. I have remembered your words by heart.¡± Upon seeing Old Master Zhai, it was as if a spring breeze had swept across the barren winternd. Zhai Sheng¡¯s love for his grandpa could be seen from his eyes. ¡°Grandpa, let¡¯s have a seat inside.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I shall have a good chat with my grandson.¡±

    Old Master Zhai kept nodding. His eyes shone with excitement and said, ¡°Zhai Sheng, I came prepared this time. You will suffer a crushing defeat and beg me for mercy!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, who stood behind, stiffened at Old Master Zhai¡¯s words. They had no idea whether they should smile or be angry.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Her father-inw walked into the house with her son with no regards to the guests. However, Miao Jing could not possibly leave them to stand awkwardly in the doorway.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to send us out. We will make a move first.¡± Fortunately, the chauffeur from the Qiu family had driven the car to the front door. Qiu Qin opened the door for his wife and daughter and they got into the car.

    When the car was driven out of the Zhai¡¯s residence, Qiu Qin said coldly, ¡°Why did Old Master Zhaie back at this time?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± At the mention of Old Master Zhai, Qi Min felt ufortable and her face stiffened.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mom?¡± Qiu Chenxi sensed that Qi Min¡¯s hands were cold. She asked out of concern, ¡°Mom, are you not feeling well? Do you want to go to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°No need...¡±

    ¡°After seeing Old Master Zhai, I suppose your mom will feel ufortable everywhere. Most important of all, her heart will not be at ease,¡± Qiu Qin said bitterly.

    ¡°Old Qiu!¡± Qi Min sounded helpless. ¡°It has been ages ago. Why would you bring up something that happened a long time ago? Aren¡¯t you afraid that your daughter willugh at you?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Is it something I don¡¯t know of?¡± Qiu Chenxi knitted her brows. ¡°Mom, what happened between you and Grandpa Zhai?¡±

    Qi Min shot Qiu Qin a warning look. She then smiled and patted Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hand. ¡°That is the adults¡¯ affairs. You don¡¯t have to know.¡±

 Chapter 306 - Quarrel between Father and Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 306: Quarrel between Father and Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Will it affect my engagement with Brother Zhai?¡± Qiu Chenxi pursed her lips. ¡°I seldom see Grandpa Zhai at the Zhai¡¯s residence, but I have a feeling that Grandpa Zhai seems to dislike me. Why is that so?¡± She had spent so much time and effort to please Grandpa Zhai. Not even her own grandpa had ever been given as much time and concern.

    If not for the fact that Grandpa Zhai was the grandfather of Brother Zhai, and that Brother Zhai was very filial to him, she would not have bothered herself with an old man.

    Qiu Qin smiled meaningfully at her daughter¡¯s question.

    Although Old Master Zhai had retired since a long time ago and relinquished his authority at the Zhai¡¯s residence to Zhai Yaohui, everyone in the Zhai family still held him in high esteem.

    That was to say if Old Master Zhai disliked Chenxi, it would not merely affect the development between Zhai Sheng and Chenxi, but it would have a great impact instead.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Qiu Chenxi asked again when nobody gave her any reply. ¡°Mom, will it have any influence?¡±

    Qiu Qin leaned against the car seat and closed his eyes to rest. ¡°Be it Old Master Zhai¡¯s status in the Zhai family or Zhai Sheng¡¯s respect for Old Master Zhai, his opinion will have a lot of impact on you. Chenxi, Zhai Sheng may be a good catch, but it will not be easy for you to marry him. Now that Old Master Zhai is back, I advise you to set your sights on others so as not to end up making futile efforts.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what are you talking about! Do you believe that I will tell Grandpa what you¡¯ve said just now?!¡± Grandpa Zhai might call the shots in the Zhai family, but her own grandpa was not to be undermined in the Qiu family either.

    In the Qiu family, other than herself, Old Master Qiu was the one who was most enthusiastic about her marrying Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Chenxi, how could you speak to your dad in that way?¡± Qi Min gently pulled her daughter, reminding her to behave appropriately and not to use her grandpa against her father.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean it. It¡¯s Dad who... Dad, I¡¯ve liked Brother Zhai for so many years. In order to be deserving of such an outstanding person like Brother Zhai, I have spent a lot of effort to improve myself. Anyway, I will only marry Brother Zhai! Otherwise, I will never marry in this life!¡± Such an outstanding man belonged to Qiu Chenxi only.

    ¡°Are you getting married or not?¡± Qiu Qin nced at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Chenxi, you are a youngdy. You must have self-respect. You are different from... With your intelligence, you should be able to tell that Zhai Sheng¡¯s attention is not on you. He was not at home when we reached, and when he returned, how was his attitude toward you? Even if you obtain the approval of Old Master Zhai, it is of no use. What you are doing now is putting the cart before the horse.¡±

    Qiu Qin usually did not give anyment about his daughter¡¯s affairs. Today, one look at Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression, as a man, Qiu Qin could tell that Zhai Sheng was not interested in his daughter at all.

    His daughter had lots of admirers. As long as they were willing, many outstanding young men would line up to marry his daughter.

    ¡°Chenxi, does Zhai Sheng not like you?¡± Qi Min was stunned. ¡°I thought...¡± She had thought that her daughter was in the same situation as her back then¡ªthat everything was settled except for the approval of Old Master Zhai.

    ¡°Brother Zhai may not like me, but he doesn¡¯t fancy others as well. You should know what kind of person Brother Zhai is. He doesn¡¯t like anyone. He has his full attention on the army,¡± Qiu Chenxi said stubbornly.

    However, as she was saying this, she was somehow reminded of the youngdy whom Zhai Sheng brought to meet Lin Yuankang, the one who took her spot to be thest pupil of Lin Yuankang.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qi Min asked in disbelief. ¡°Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t like you, but he also doesn¡¯t really care about any other girls either?¡± That would make a lot of difference.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure of it. He doesn¡¯t care for any other women. I think Brother Zhai does not understand the affairs of the heart. But it¡¯s okay. Men should focus on their career. Mom, I¡¯m pretty sure I like Brother Zhai and he is the person I am looking for.¡± Brother Zhai had taken no interest in anyone. After she married him, he would eventually fall in love with her and she would be the only woman whom he loved in his life.

    Just the thought of it made Qiu Chenxi believed that she would be the happiest woman in the world by that time.

    Her daughter had a dreamy and happy smile on her face, but Qi Min was not as optimistic. Back then, Zhai Yaohui was not such a cold person. There was no way that his son would be a blockhead that was slow to understand the affairs of the heart.

    Other people around Zhai Sheng¡¯s age had already been fathers, yet Zhai Sheng still did not understand the affairs of the heart.

    Could it be that he was mature in other respects, hence he was slower in this area?

    Seeing how Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were in a discussion about how to please Old Master Zhai, Qiu Qin decided to close his eyes and shut his ears so that he would have some peace.

    There was no such thing as not understanding love.

    It was just that he had yet to meet a woman he liked.

    Once a man met the right person, even if he was slow in the matters of hearts, he would immediatelye to his senses and know what he should do even without someone to tell him.

    The atmosphere of the Qiu family was not pleasant. The Zhai family was not having a good time as well.

    Zhai Hua had just stopped the car, but the chauffeur had driven it out again.

    ¡°Mom, where are you going?¡± Zhai Hua who just washed her hands but had yet to dry them chased out after her.

    ¡°It is suffocating at home. I will go out and take a walk. I will be back soon.¡± With that, Miao Jing got in the car and closed the door, not casting another nce at her daughter. The chauffeur would drive her to where she wanted to go.

    Zhai Hua grounded her teeth at her mother¡¯s behavior. If she allowed Qiu Chenxi to marry into their family as her sister-inw, she would write her name upside down!

    Zhai Hua shrugged the water off her hands and walked back into the house in exasperation.

    Zhai Yaohui came out of the study room. He saw Zhai Hua and reprimanded her. ¡°Look at you and your behavior. Don¡¯t forget that you are also a youngdy. Look at how other¡ª¡±

    ¡°Look at how Chenxi conducts herself. She is gentle and quiet, soft-spoken and takesdy-like small steps. She is the daughter of a respectable family whereas I am a wild girl, is that right?¡± Zhai Hua was fuming with anger. ¡°Dad, if you like Qiu Chenxi, you should take her in as your goddaughter. Why must you get Zhai Sheng involved as well and insist that he marries Chenxi? Both of our families have not been in contact for two to three years. I thought you have given up on the marriage. No wonder when I brought up the issue of Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship back then, you were not worried that he couldn¡¯t get a wife. From the start, you intended to get him a wife that you like!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by a wife that I like?!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression darkened, his voice turning serious.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡± Everyone might be scared of an angry Zhai Yaohui, but people in the Zhai family were not afraid of him. Zhai Huaughed in frustration. ¡°In our family, who else finds Qiu Chenxi to be a good future daughter-inw besides you?¡±

 Chapter 307 - Shocking Schizophrenia Behavior

    <h4>Chapter 307: Shocking Schizophrenia Behavior</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Your mom¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring up my mom! She has gone out. Dad, you must have noticed that whenever the Qiu familyes to our house, Mom will go outside to hide for a day. Dad, don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t noticed it? In fact, Mom doesn¡¯t like the people from the Qiu family at all, and she doesn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi as well.¡±

    ¡°This... but your mom, she...¡± Zhai Yaohui knitted his eyebrows. Was it like what Zhai Hua had said? That Miao Jing did not like Qiu Chenxi?

    To be honest, Zhai Hua was exasperated by Miao Jing¡¯s attitude.

    As her daughter, Zhai Hua could tell that her mother didn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi at all, and that she disliked everyone in the Qiu family. However, she never objected to the engagement between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi. On the contrary, she was very supportive of it, more so than anyone.

    It had been going on for many years. Zhai Hua did not understand what was on her mother¡¯s mind.

    Since she disliked Qiu Chenxi, why did she agree to the engagement? Why did she torture herself like this?

    ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered to exin to you. When ites to the Qiu family, both of you act strangely.¡± Zhai Hua sighed. It was worrying to have such parents. They were lovey-dovey, but when it came to the Qiu family, tension would arise between the two of them.

    Her mother spent more time with her father than with her children.

    Her mother would always apany her father everywhere he went, but there would be times when her mother would act strangely and stay outside by herself for the whole day. More often than not, it was usually when the Qiu family came to visit them.

    Zhai Hua rubbed her forehead in exasperation. She did not know what to do with suchplicated and contradictory parents.

    Someone knocked on the door.

    Qiao Nan, who was busy tidying at home, heard sounds at the door. She straightened and realized that her back was aching from her work. She wiped her perspiration and thought to herself that today must be a special day. She sure had a lot of visitors. ¡°Excuse me. May I know who it is at the door?¡±

    ¡°I...¡±

    A faint sound could be heard from the other side of the door. It was the voice of a woman. But she could not tell who it was from her voice. Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at the door. The visitor¡¯s reply was not indicative of who she was at all.

    Since it was broad daylight and it might be her neighbors, Qiao Nan went to open the door. ¡°You... Auntie Miao?¡±

    Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°Is it...¡± Could it be that when Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua left just now, they had forgotten to bring their stuff with them and so Auntie Miao made the trip herself?

    Qiao Nan was stopped mid-sentence as Miao Jing strode into the house, not bothering to acknowledge Qiao Nan nor giving Qiao Nan any chance to stop her.

    By the time Qiao Nan came to her senses, Miao Jing had already sat down in the house.

    Qiao Nan was left with no choice. She closed the door and returned to her house. She poured a cup of tea for Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie Miao, what brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Am I not wee?¡± Miao Jing took a sip of the tea and looked around the house. ¡°The environment is quite good. Besides the quad, one can¡¯t find a better courtyard house other than this in Ping Cheng.¡±

    Qiao Nan sat down and there was an uneasy silence. Did Auntie Miaoe all the way just to look at her house?

    ¡°I am lucky that the school is very good to me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are lucky, but you need to be outstanding enough as well. Otherwise, which school will have so many houses to lend to their students? Besides, not even the teachers may have such privileges.¡± Miao Jing made a pertinentment about Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities. Qiao Nan was worthy of using their Zhai¡¯s storeroom for the past one year.

    ¡°Others may be good to you, but it is useless if you are unworthy of it.¡± Qiao Nan gave a humble, but not arrogant, reply.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Others may be good to you, but it is useless if you are unworthy of it.¡± Miao Jing, who kept a straight face, slumped in the chair when she heard what Qiao Nan said. It was as if her life had been sucked out of her. She leaned back against the chair, looking listless. Gone was her dignified and noble aura.

    Qiao Nan was stunned at the transformation of Miao Jing. It was as if she had changed into another person.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so surprised. Before I married Zhai Yaohui, I was a country girl who was uneducated and illiterate.¡± Since she was uneducated, she did not know the rules and propriety either. Back then, she would run around barefoot in the neighborhood like a hoyden.

    ¡°Your generation is really fortunate. You don¡¯t have to go through the days where you have to work on the fields. But you will not have those beautiful memories that we have. Do you know that when it¡¯s spring and it¡¯s time to nt rice seedlings, we will go barefoot onto the soft and sticky mud field? One can feel the fine mud being squeezed through their toes. That feeling is amazing!¡± While Miao Jing reminisced about her childhood memories, she no longer carried the burden of being the wife of the chief. Her eyes shone with excitement instead. She was just like a child who gesticted with her arms and feet, simply enjoying the moment.

    She was vastly different from the Miao Jing Qiao Nan saw for the ¡®first time¡¯ at the quad. Previously, there was an air of indifference and aloofness about her. She was dignified anddy-like, but distant and detached. It was as if they were two separate individuals.

    If not for the fact that Miao Jing was sound and clear-minded, Qiao Nan would have thought that she had schizophrenia.

    Qiao Nan sat by her side and listened to her recounting her childhood memories. Two hours passed in a blink of an eye.

    After talking for a long time, Miao Jing felt thirsty. She drank a big mouthful of the tea that had turned cold and said in slight contempt, ¡°The tea does not taste good.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Auntie Miao, our tea certainly can¡¯tpare with the tea at the Zhai¡¯s residence.¡± What was Auntie Miao¡¯s purpose ining here today?

    Miao Jing turned serious. She straightened her back, tucked down her chin, and leveled her gaze. Then, she stood up gracefully and slowly, taking on a dignified posture that was befitting of the wife of the chief. ¡°Since you do not have good tea at home, you must not puff yourself up at your own cost.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled her lips andughed.

    When did she puff herself up at her own cost? Besides, no one invited Auntie Miao over today. And most importantly, why did shee to her house today?

    The key had already been returned to her. If Auntie Miao wanted to ¡®repay her kindness¡¯, was telling her about her childhood memories be considered as repaying her kindness?

    It was so odd.

    In the end, why was she here today?

    ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t have to walk me to the door. Since you do not have good tea, I will not mind if you serve me water the next time I am here.¡± With that, Miao Jing walked out of the house in her high heels.

    Qiao Nan stared nkly as Miao Jing left the house. She gaped in shock, panic shed in her eyes. Did she mean that she would being over again?

    Furthermore, Miao Jing said that she would not mind if she served her water. It was so exasperating of her to have said that.

 Chapter 308 - Negative Outlook

    <h4>Chapter 308: Negative Outlook</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What was it with today?

    ¡°Nan Nan... oh, why is the door open?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had a ughtered chicken in his hand, pushed the door and realized that it was ajar. ¡°Nan Nan, why didn¡¯t you close the door? Was someone here just now?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you are finally back!¡± Qiao Nan was so scared that she rushed forward and grabbed the arm of Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are so pale? Did you have a fright? Who came just now?¡± Qiao Dongliang sensed that Qiao Nan was acting strangely. He threw the chicken aside and took a closer look at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°No, nothing in particr.¡± Qiao Nan smiled awkwardly. She could not possibly say that she saw Auntie Miao, who had schizophrenia, and had a big fright. However, was there anything wrong with Auntie Miao? Should she tell Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua when she saw them? ¡°Dad, why did you throw the chicken aside? Is that the chicken you bought to prepare tonics for me?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Both you and your sister will have one each. That¡¯s because you gave me a big fright just now.¡± Qiao Dongliang picked up the chicken quickly. ¡°I will wash it and prepare a stew for you. I bought a spring chicken for your sister, but yours is an old hen.¡±

    ¡°Is Mom okay with that?¡± Qiao Nan smiled when she heard the difference. Though they were all chickens, the price of the old hen was much more expensive than the spring chicken.

    ¡°It¡¯s my money. It has nothing to do with her.¡± Qiao Dongliang snorted without care. ¡°Why are there so many things at home?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua came over just now. These are from them.¡±

    ¡°I see. Nan Nan, you are too...¡± Qiao Dongliang was about to nag at Qiao Nan for being so insensible. They owed Zhai Sheng a huge sum of money. Now that he was back from the army, they should be the one who gave Zhai Sheng gifts. How could they possibly ept gifts from Zhai Sheng?

    But on second thought, Zhai Sheng was an adult whereas Nan Nan was still a child. Nan Nan must have found it difficult to reject his kind intentions.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s domineering aura, even if Qiao Dongliang was present at the time, he might not be able to refuse his gifts either. He had no rights to nag at Nan Nan.

    ¡°No wonder the door is left ajar. Still, you are quite close with Zhai Sheng, yet why is it that you seemed to be scared out of your wits? Was it because you rejected his gifts and Zhai Sheng became unhappy?¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. It was unreasonable of them to ept his gifts. But if they did not ept them, Zhai Sheng would be unhappy. It was difficult to please all parties.

    Zhai Sheng had taken the me for his mother unknowingly.

    ¡°Dad, no matter what, Brother Zhai has brought the things here. Let¡¯s prepare the chicken stew.¡± Qiao Nan said a silent apology to Zhai Sheng. Since it was his mother who was to be med, it was not too much to ask of Zhai Sheng, her son, to take the me for her.

    ¡°Okay, since you have good culinary skills, just prepare the stew ording to your preferences.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Qiao Nan began to prepare her chicken stew. On the other hand, Miao Jing had returned home before lunch.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Zhai Hua was shocked at seeing her mother back home for lunch. ¡°Y-you are back?¡± She was back much earlier today. It was so unlike her mother toe back home at such an early time. In the past, she would only be home around nighttime.

    ¡°I am hungry, so I came back home.¡± Miao Jing smiled when she saw her daughter. She looked at everyone in the house, except for one person.

    Zhai Yaohui was treated as if he was transparent. Though he felt bitter, he did not think much about it. He was too careless to notice that something was amiss. ¡°Since you are hungry, sit down and have your lunch.¡±

    Since Old Master Zhai was back, he would take the center seat that faced the south. Zhai Yaohui would take the seat on his left, while Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng would take the seats on the right. Usually, Miao Jing would sit next to Zhai Yaohui, but today, she instructed the nanny to put her rice bowl next to Zhai Sheng, and so she sat down next to her son.

    As soon as Miao Jing sat down, everyone at the dining table was stunned.

    Old Master Zhai blinked andughed. He knew that something was wrong.

    ¡°Why do all of you keep staring at me? You can¡¯t fill your stomach by looking at me. Let¡¯s eat.¡± Miao Jing shot her children an angry look. She could not nag at her father-inw, but she could reprimand her children.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s eat. Today¡¯s meat is very delicious.¡± Zhai Hua smiled. She tried to please her mother by putting some food into her bowl. As long as her mother was happy, nothing else mattered.

    Miao Jing ate the vegetables that Zhai Hua got for her.

    ¡°You see, Mom. Since Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi, and as it is only one-sided and wishful thinking of the two families, why don¡¯t we call it off?¡± Zhai Hua felt that Miao Jing seemed different from usual and thus decided to approach the subject now, hoping to cancel the engagement with Qiu Chenxi there and then.

    ¡°No!¡± Miao Jing turned serious. There was no room for discussion for this matter alone.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do!¡± Old Master Zhai said in a loud voice. He objected to what Miao Jing said. ¡°I won¡¯t agree to this. My grandson cannot marry thedy from the Qiu family. Zhai Sheng has to marry someone he likes!¡±

    Seeing that Old Master Zhai was riled up, Miao Jing softened her tone. ¡°Dad, this time, the party concerned has the surname of Qiu, not Qi. As expected, there¡¯s a difference between the way you treat your grandson and your son. It is no wonder that the elders often say that grandparents dote on their grandchildren.¡±

    ¡°Miao Jing.¡± Zhai Yaohui raised his voice, his expression turning grim.

    When Miao Jing noticed that Zhai Yaohui was unhappy, she was afraid and wanted to pacify him.

    But when she thought of what Qiao Nan¡¯s words, she bit on her lips and refused to say anything.

    Old Master Zhai raised his voice and yelled at his son. ¡°Who are you yelling at? Why would you be angry toward Miao Miao? She is right. But in my opinion, there is no difference whether one is from the Qiu family or from the Qi family. Both of them won¡¯t do. It¡¯s my freedom to dote on my grandson alone. What¡¯s wrong with that? If you are unhappy, you can settle it with me!¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhai Yaohui felt awkward. There was nothing he could do with his father. ¡°This is between Miao Jing and me.¡±

    ¡°I am referring to the issue between you and me!¡±

    The three elders were at each other¡¯s necks. Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng stared speechlessly at each other. From what her mother said inadvertently just now, there was more to this than met the eye.

    After the meal, Zhai Hua pulled Zhai Sheng to the study room. ¡°If you are serious about Nan Nan, Mom will be a big problem to you. You should know what Mom likes about Qiu Chenxi. If you do not deal with this, when you start going out with Nan Nan, both of you will have a difficult time. By that time, it¡¯s either Nan Nan or Mom who will be hurt.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is a good girl. As long as Mom gets to spend more time with her, she will ept her.¡± Zhai Sheng had full confidence in Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What if things go wrong?¡± It was a fact that Qiao Nan was born in such a family. There was nothing they could do about it.

    Her mother preferred Zhai Sheng to be withdies who came from families as established as the Zhai family. At least, not too far off of the established standard.

 Chapter 309 - See the Results

    <h4>Chapter 309: See the Results</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Qiao family could not evenpare with the Zhai family. They were too far apart in terms of financial status and social standing.

    In short, her mother would not even consider Qiao Nan as her future daughter-inw.

    She did not understand. The 21st century wasing, but why would her mother have such a mentality that a marriage must be between two families of equal social status?

    ¡°There will not be any ¡®what if¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so confident?¡± Zhai Hua crossed her arms about her chest. ¡°Anyway, you are the one who likes Nan Nan, not me. When Mom gives both of you a hard time, don¡¯te to me for help. You should know Mom¡¯s character. She will not listen to anyone. I doubt there is anyone in this world whose words Mom will listen to.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua with full confidence. ¡°I have never been worried about Nan Nan. She is very outstanding. Mom may have strict requirements, but Nan Nan does not need my help. She will be able to prove herself to Mom. However, I am indeed a little worried about Mom.¡±

    ¡°You can sense it too?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Zhai Hua rubbed at her itchy fist. If not for the fact that she was no match for Zhai Sheng, she would have given that brat a punch. ¡°Shall we do some investigations?¡±

    ¡°You shall check it out.¡±

    ¡°Why is it me? If I am found out, I will be the one who will be punished!¡± Zhai Hua disagreed.

    ¡°Because you are born three years earlier than me. Because you are my elder sister, and I am your younger brother.¡± Zhai Sheng pulled his lips into a smile. Zhai Hua felt like crying.

    ¡°Your elder sister? It is only at times like this that you are willing to call me your elder sister!¡± Zhai Hua was exasperated. Only when there was trouble would Zhai Sheng then admit that she was his sister!

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If you can¡¯t even do this, then you will really have to cry.¡± Zhai Sheng patted Zhai Hua on her shoulder. ¡°I will leave this matter to you. Do a good job. Don¡¯t shame the army.¡±

    Zhai Hua was furious at the cunning and shameless look on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. In her next life, she wanted a younger sister. She did not want such a troublesome younger brother.

    Time flew past.

    People who cherished their time would make full use of it. But nevertheless, time and tide waited for no one.

    ¡°It¡¯s so cold.¡± Qiao Nan warmed her hands with the heater. Qiao Dongliang pasted the word ¡®Fu¡¯ <sup>1</sup> on the door. ¡°Dad, for the Lunar New Year this year, are we really going to stay here? Are we not going back?¡± For the Chinese, the Lunar New Year was the most important holiday of the year. It was even more important than the Mid-Autumn Festival. All the family members woulde together for a reunion on this asion.

    Qiao Nan did not expect that her mother would create so much trouble and did herself in to the extent that her father would not go home for the Lunar New Year.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go back,¡± Qiao Dongliang said firmly. ¡°If we go back, your mom might not be happy. Everyone should be happy since it is the Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Mom will only be unhappy if she sees me. She will be happy to see you.¡± Qiao Nan smiled.

    ¡°That¡¯s the same. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Nobody will like to see her throw tantrums. Just let her be.¡± Qiao Dongliang pursed his lips. He was unhappy at the mention of Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°What about my sister?¡±

    ¡°Your sister has your mom. I do not have to worry about her.¡± After pasting the word ¡®Fu¡¯, Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. Itforted and pained him at the same time to know that Qiao Nan was just like a butler who cared for everyone in the family but herself. Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°Nan Nan, you should care more about yourself. Your mother dotes on your sister, and your sister... she is very smart. She knows how to n and think for herself. Unlike her, you are simple-minded and kind. Your sister will be able to lead a good life in the future. I am not worried about her. I am worried that you are too honest and will be easily bullied by others.¡±

    Most importantly, outsiders might not be able to bully Nan Nan. It was her own family who bullied her.

    Knowing this, Qiao Dongliang knew that the first thing he had to do now was to protect Qiao Nan, his younger daughter.

    As for his wife and the elder daughter, Qiao Dongliang was certain that without him, given their wits and abilities, they would be able to lead a good life.

    Qiao Nan was silent after listening to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. She did not expect that her approach to retreat in order to advance would be so sessful.

    They were one family, yet they had to be wary of each other. Qiao Nan could not help but feel disheartened. But at the thought of her mother¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s personalities, she told herself that she could not be softhearted.

    Regardless, when dealing with her mother and Qiao Zijin, it was either to tolerate them, to be ruthless, or to get away!

    If she tolerated them, she might have to die for the second time.

    Therefore, she could only be ruthless and get away from them.

    Thinking of this, Qiao Nan had a determined look in her eyes. ¡°Dad, I took on some trantion work and earned some money recently. Dad, you can save it for me. If I keep it with me, I¡¯m afraid that I will lose them like before. Dad, my sister is one level higher than me. Her expenses must be higher than me. It is too tiring on you to provide for both of us. I want to lighten your burden. If sister needs the money for a rightful purpose, I won¡¯t mind that you give it to her. After all, she is the elder daughter and she is the one who will stay with the family even after she gets married. I have thought it through. When I go to college, I can work and study at the same time. I heard that college students can work part-time. There are a lot of part-time jobs near the college. I will definitely go to college and make sure that I study hard and graduate. Dad, don¡¯t be too hard on yourself and tire yourself out. I know that you have been taking on a lot of extra jobs and working tillte into the night.¡±

    Her father had to finance two daughters through college. It was really tough on him.

    ¡°Part-time?¡± This was the first time Qiao Dongliang heard of this kind of arrangement. ¡°Is it safe? Shouldn¡¯t students put all their attention on their studies? If you work while you are studying, will it be distracting and affect your studies?¡± To be honest, it was a burden on Qiao Dongliang to finance both of his daughters through college.

    Especially now that Ding Jiayi had spent all the savings at home, Qiao Dongliang was so anxious that he found it difficult to sleep. He wished that he could work for twenty-four hours a day.

    ¡°It won¡¯t. When I go to college, I will have more free timepared to when I am in junior high school and senior high school. The mode of teaching ispletely different from what we have now. There will be more than a hundred people sitting in a big ssroom... In short, you don¡¯t have to worry, Dad. I have a way. You only have to provide for my sister. Dad, I brought the money back so that you can save it for me. After all, there are still more than two years before I go to college.¡±

    Qiao Nan took all the money she earned from the trantion work that Lin Yuankang assigned her in the past half a year and handed them to Qiao Dongliang.

    Looking at the money in the Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, Qiao Nan swallowed with difficulty. She was betting that she had won over her father over the past two years and that her father would be on her side. Today was the day where she would see the results.

 Chapter 310 - â€˜Surpriseâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 310: ¡®Surprise¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Compared to Qiao Nan, there was another one and a half year, or, rather, one year before Qiao Zijin would enter college.

    Qiao Zijin had not yet decided on which college to study at. Qiao Dongliang did not have the money to pay for the tuition fees for the first semester of college either.

    Qiao Zijin was in need of the money more so than Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan wanted to know whether her father would use her money to pay Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees under such circumstances.

    Looking at the money in his hand, Qiao Dongliang had some misgivings and some hesitation.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and said, ¡°Nan Nan, bring your identity card ande with me to the bank.¡±

    ¡°Why are we going to the bank? Why do we need the identity card?¡± Qiao Nan rxed slightly.

    ¡°Just bring it with you.¡±

    Qiao Nan returned to her room. She took her identity card and went to the bank with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Hello, I want to open an ount for my daughter. I would like to get a passbook and deposit money into the ount.¡±

    ¡°Okay, please give me your identity card and fill out the form.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang picked up the pen to write. He paused for a while and handed the pen to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, your handwriting is nice. You should fill the form by yourself. With this experience, you cane by yourself next time.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan took the pen and filled the form without the need to look at the examples. ¡°Dad, I am done.¡±

    ¡°Put it in.¡±

    The bank was very efficient. In less than a quarter of an hour, Qiao Nan had deposited the money.

    Upon leaving the bank and reaching home, Qiao Dongliang handed the passbook to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, you are an adult now. Hence, you have to learn to manage your own money. This is what you have earned. In the future, deposit all the money you earn into this ount and you can use them when you go to college two yearster. Remember, you should not leave this passbook in anyone¡¯s hands. You have to keep it yourself so that nobody will take it from you. Do you understand? There is one more thing you have to remember. Now that you have grown up, you should have your own privacy. You do not have to tell me or your mom how much money you have earned. You can save the money and use it when needed. Don¡¯t be hard on yourself. You must keep this money well, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I understood.¡± Qiao Nan clutched the passbook tightly in her hands. It grew warm in her hands. She totally understood Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    Looking at the passbook in her hands, Qiao Nan was grateful for having such a father on one hand, while on the other hand, she was saddened by the unconditional love parents had for their children.

    The reason why her father asked her to save the money in her own ount and not to give the passbook to anyone, including himself, was that her father was not confident that he would stand firm when it came to his children. He was afraid that he might be muddleheaded and say hurtful words or do things that would hurt her one day.

    As parents, when one of their daughters was sessful while the other was not doing well, they would naturally hope that the two of them would help each other.

    Her mother would not harbor such thoughts, but her father would.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have to remember. You have grown up, and there are a lot of things that you have to handle by yourself. Don¡¯t ask your mom or me for opinions. I believe you can make the right decisions.¡± Qiao Dongliang had mixed feelings.

    The younger daughter was very capable. Even though she was still studying, she knew to work to save money for her college tuition fees. He was very proud of her.

    On the contrary, the elder daughter would be enrolling in college very soon, but she only knew to spend money. She was not concerned about saving money for her tuition fees at all.

    Qiao Dongliang was worried that as he hoped for his daughters to be sessful, there would be a day where he would spend the money the younger daughter had earned on the elder daughter.

    No, never!

    Knowing that he might not be able to stop himself from doing that, Qiao Dongliang refused to have anything to do with the money. He would rather pretend that he did not know of its existence.

    Qiao Nan sighed and put on a rxed smile. ¡°Dad, you can rest assured. I will remember your words and take care of myself.¡±

    It was good enough that her father would do so much for her. She did not have the right to request her father to stop doting on Qiao Zijin or stop treating thetter as his daughter.

    She had no idea how Qiao Zijin would turn out to be in this life. Would she disappoint her father like what she did in her previous life? Or would she further disappoint him in this life?

    ¡°Dad, we have to go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence tomorrow. Uncle Zhu invites us over for dinner.¡± Qiao Nan put the passbook away. She had finally lifted a load off her mind.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be going.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head. He knew that the Zhu family meant to invite Qiao Nan only, and he was just an extra.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Back when we lived in the quad, the Zhu family¡¯s residence is not too far away from us. But now, it¡¯s a long distance from our house. If we finish dinnerte into the night, I will be afraid toe back by myself.¡± Qiao Nan insisted that Qiao Dongliang went with her.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned and thought about it before he agreed. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go together tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Dad, we have reached the Zhu family¡¯s residence.¡± Last night, it snowed heavily in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang had a difficult time getting to the Zhu family¡¯s residence. Qiao Dongliang rode on a bicycle and slowly made his way to the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    The ground was covered with snow that it was almost impossible to ride a bicycle. Even though the cleaners had shoveled the snow and Qiao Dongliang followed the tracks left by other cyclists, there was a very thinyer of ice on the ground, making it very slippery.

    The journey to the Zhu family¡¯s residence was pretty far. On top of that, they skidded along the way because of the ice. Qiao Dongliang cycled very slowly for fear that Qiao Nan would fall and hurt herself. By the time he reached the destination, his face was red and his hair was wet with perspiration.

    ¡°Dad, are you okay? Dry yourself with this handkerchief.¡± Qiao Nan had not imagined that the journey would be so tiring for her father.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Qiao Dongliang habitually took Qiao Nan¡¯s handkerchief from her and wiped the beads of perspiration off his forehead before returning the semi-wet handkerchief to Qiao Nan. ¡°Go back and wash it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, Qiao Nan and you have finally arrived. Look who we have with us.¡± The person who opened the door for Qiao Dongliang was not the Zhu family¡¯s servant. It was none other than the person that Qiao Nan hated very much: Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang had a bright smile on his clean face. One would easily mistake Wang Yang to be a well-behaved child.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned momentarily. He looked at Qiao Nan doubtfully. Who was this child? Was he from the Zhu family as well?

    ¡°Dad, he is Wang Yang, the son of Auntie Zhu.¡± Qiao Nan used the same form of address as Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Oh, hi.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s demeanor changed. Though Qiao Nan did not go into details, and it was just spection with no real evidence, Qiao Dongliang had heard from her about the things that Wang Yang had done.

    Therefore, once he knew who Wang Yang was, Qiao Dongliang immediatelybeled Wang Yang as a child who was dishonest, scheming, and ill-behaved.

    Wang Yang turned grim at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression. Regardless, he sneered and said, ¡°Uncle Qiao, Qiao Nan, there is a surprise for both of you.¡±

 Chapter 311 - Secret Agreement

    <h4>Chapter 311: Secret Agreement</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao.¡±

    Just as Wang Yang finished his words, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s voices could be heard from behind the main door.

    As Wang Yang opened the door, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan saw the happy and excited look on the faces of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Why are the two of you here?¡± Didn¡¯t Nan Nan say that the Zhu family only invited Nan Nan and him?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, what are you saying? It¡¯s all thanks to Qiao Nan that Brother Baoguo changed so much. The rtionship between the Zhu family and the Qiao family is so good. When we invite you for dinner, of course we¡¯ll invite the whole family. We know that Auntie Ding stays in the quad, so I directly invited Auntie Ding and Sister Qiao Zijin to save you the trouble. Qiao Nan helped us so much. No matter what, I should ¡®thank¡¯ Qiao Nan on behalf of the Zhu family. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think so? I heard that you all have not gotten together as a family for a long time. I¡¯m so good to you, but don¡¯t be too touched. This is my ¡®repayment¡¯ to you. I¡¯ve always been reciprocal in my life. How is it? Are you happy?¡±

    The smile on Wang Yang¡¯s face looked pure, but his words made Qiao Nan lose all her appetite.

    Qiao Dongliang only sensed that Wang Yang¡¯s words were odd, but Qiao Nan had fully understood the meaning behind his words.

    Wang Yang was most reluctant to see Zhu Baoguo changed for the better. Nevertheless, under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, Zhu Baoguo turned better day by day. From the annoying little bully in the quad, Zhu Baoguo had be one of the typical ¡®other people¡¯s child¡¯. The Zhu family could now proudly sh his academic report during Lunar New Year and festive asions.

    Hence, Wang Yang said he was ¡®repaying¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    When Wang Yang said that he valued reciprocity, he was telling Qiao Nan not to interfere in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matters. If she agreed to do so, he would then not poke his nose into the matters of the Qiao family.

    Wang Yang would not bother to spend his effort on small flies like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin in the past.

    However, if Qiao Nan continued to be at odds with him and change Zhu Baoguo for the better, given Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s characters, he could easily make use of them to stand in Qiao Nan¡¯s way.

    In other words, Wang Yang was making a deal with Qiao Nan in front of many others.

    ¡°You¡¯ve put in great effort and care.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. This smile was purer than that of Wang Yang, but the gaze beneath was colder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Wang Yang leaned against the door and looked at Qiao Nan interestingly. ¡°No wonder Elder Uncle and Grandpa always praised you for your intelligence and asked me to learn from you more. You¡¯re truly quite sharp, really different from other girls.¡±

    The girls that he knew only had a head on top of their bodies, but no brains.

    Qiao Nan was certainly smart. However, he had always hated girls who were too smart!

    ¡°I¡¯ve just chatted for a very, very long time with Sister Qiao Zijin. I discovered that Sister Qiao Zijin and I can get along extremely well. We¡¯ve so much to talk about. Sister Qiao Zijin is really very interesting. She always strives for excellence. I quite like her.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang, I also wish to have a younger brother like you. Anyway, we¡¯re all staying in the quad. You can look for me to have fun when you have time.¡± When she heard her name, Qiao Zijin moved forward and made her presence known.

    Qiao Zijin had many failed attempts on Zhu Baoguo. This simply made her doubt her own drive and vigor.

    She did not manage to gain any benefit from Zhu Baoguo. Don¡¯t even mention having a romantic rtionship with him, Zhu Baoguo did not even spare any time to talk nicely to her.

    If the male students at school had not continued to treat her well, Qiao Zijin would have held a mirror every day, doubting herself and suspecting if she had really be ugly.

    It was only until today that Qiao Zijin regained her confidence through Wang Yang.

    The status of the Wang family was not as high as the Zhu family, but these two families were rtives.

    Although they stayed in the quad, Wang Yang was the real resident of the quad while Qiao Nan and she were not. They only upied a small corner of the quad out of the goodwill of the Lee family. However, their status did not rise because of this address.

    Qiao Zijin had been trying to make use of the fact that she stayed in the quad to get herself associated with someone truly of status, but she had unfortunately failed repeatedly. Wang Yang¡¯s appearance finally allowed Qiao Zijin to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

    Qiao Zijin was like an understanding big sister who had known Wang Yang for a long time, as if they were childhood friends. She stood intimately beside Wang Yang. Even both their arms were side by side.

    At the sight of such dangerously close distance, Qiao Nan knitted her brows immediately. Was Qiao Zijin acting dumb? Wasn¡¯t she afraid of being taken advantage and letting others misunderstand when she leaned so close to Wang Yang?

    In her impression, Qiao Zijin was not even that intimate with her father.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy to have another elder sister to look after me. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think so?¡± Wang Yang did not reject Qiao Zijin¡¯s initiative to be close. He even cooperated by standing together with her as if the pair had a rtionship as deep and close as childhood friends. However, he was staring at Qiao Nan with a deep and sinister look in his eyes, shimmering with ghostly green light akin to that of a venomous snake.

    Qiao Nan turned her face and shut her eyes. She then took a deep breath.

    Wang Yang was so scheming that she suspected whether he had the same experience as her¡ªthat both of them were fortunate enough to be given a second life.

    After all,pared to Wang Yang, the ways she used to deal with Qiao Zijin and her mother was as childish as child¡¯s y in the kindergarten. It was not even one-tenth of Wang Yang¡¯s maliciousness.

    Qiao Zijin was full of dishonest thoughts. She was willing to do anything for the sake of having a good life.

    In the previous life, Qiao Zijin double-crossed Qiao Nan and snatched her future brother-inw, Chen Jun, from thetter. In this life, the people she met were more prosperous than those in the previous life, but unfortunately, she was not their cup of tea.

    Without thinking, Qiao Nan was certain that Qiao Zijin yearned more for sess in this life than the previous one. She wished to live the life of the upper social ss.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin together with Wang Yang, the sight reflected the truth of the saying that birds of the same feather flock together.

    Qiao Zijin was scheming, but Wang Yang was worse.

    If the two of them turned against each other, Qiao Nan would write her name the other way round if Qiao Zijin could make Wang Yang suffer.

    Clearly, Wang Yang staged such a full-scale drama today to threaten her not to continue to mix around with Zhu Baoguo. Otherwise, he would definitely make use of Qiao Zijin to deal with her and not let her lead a day of good life!

    Probably, when that day truly came, not only Qiao Zijin but also her mother would be pawns held tightly in Wang Yang¡¯s hands to deal with her.

    Qiao Nan did not need to soften her heart or approach when dealing with Wang Yang. However, when facing Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, she might not soften her heart or stance, but her hands would be ¡®weaker¡¯ undoubtedly.

    Wang Yang urately got a hold of her weakness and used it against her.

    At the sight of the changes in Qiao Nan¡¯s expression, Wang Yang smiled.

    A smart woman was certainly annoying. Nevertheless, it was good that Qiao Nan¡¯s intelligence had some use and merits, just as what happened at this moment.

 Chapter 312 - As Long As You Are Happy

    <h4>Chapter 312: As Long As You Are Happy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When speaking to smart people, one needed not to be too explicit in his words. It would suffice to make his point known.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you think about this matter? If I wish to have another elder sister, will you allow it? After all, the elder sister is yours. If you don¡¯t agree, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely not fight with you or be too close with Sister Qiao Zijin. I¡¯m a good person and very nice to talk to.¡±

    Qiao Nan, your decision if you would.

    Choose an oue that would be good for you, me, and everyone. Or would you rather fight with me for the sake of an unrted person?

    When Qiao Zijin, who was smiling like a flower, heard this, her expression changed greatly and she stared at Qiao Nan with a look of warning. She was hinting to Qiao Nan to watch her words. She no longer hoped for Qiao Nan to have any conscience and help her at an appropriate time. Nevertheless, it would be best if Qiao Nan did not destroy the rare opportunity that she had. Otherwise, she would definitely not let her off!

    ¡°Yang Yang, what are you talking about? Nan Nan is not someone who¡¯s so petty. After all, everyone gets along well and can have fun together, including Baoguo. The more the merrier.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. When the four of you are together, you can look after one another. In the future, your studies will definitely improve by leaps and bounds.¡± Ding Jiayi nervously stood out to put in some good words for Qiao Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan, hurry ande into the house. It¡¯s so cold to stand outside. Come to Mom¡¯s side. Your dad and I have spent much effort on your sister¡¯s and your studies. Your dad apanies you near the school while I take care of your sister. It¡¯s been a long time. Come over and let Mom take a good look at you. Mom misses you so much.¡±

    To Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi¡¯s words carried an unprecedented enthusiasm.

    Ding Jiayi reached out her hands, her eyes full of enthusiasm. Before Qiao Nan could react, she pulled Qiao Nan into her arms tightly in one swift action. Not only that, Ding Jiayi even pouted her lips and gave Qiao Nan a few hard kisses on her hair while making some kissing sounds.

    At that instant, Qiao Dongliang felt so cold that he had goosebumps all over him.

    Qiao Nan, who was hugged and kissed by Ding Jiayi, was so scared that she nearly screamed and ran away.

    It was rare to know how it felt like to be hugged tightly by a mother. However, Qiao Nan not only felt unhappy but also afraid. Her face turned as white as a sheet and there was a sh of horror in her eyes.

    ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re scaring Nan Nan!¡± Qiao Dongliang stepped into the house inrge strides and subdued Ding Jiayi with strength. He finally ¡®saved¡¯ Qiao Nan from Ding Jiayi¡¯s arms. ¡°Nan Nan, are you alright?¡± Nan Nan¡¯s face was pale.

    Although Qiao Dongliang dreamed of the day where Ding Jiayi would treat Qiao Nan like what she just did, he dreaded the day to trulye, not to mention Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang nearly wanted to separate Ding Jiayi away from Qiao Nan by giving her one big p. It was too scary!

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡± She was just frightened.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? I¡¯m Nan Nan¡¯s biological mother. Haven¡¯t I always been treating Nan Nan so well? Nan Nan, is that right?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were full of warning and fawning. She was implying to Qiao Nan to cooperate for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake today and not spoil Qiao Zijin¡¯s n. If she could do so, she promised to treat Qiao Nan extremely well in the future. She would not bully and give Qiao Nan a ck face as she did in the past.

    To put it bluntly, she just hoped that Zijin would have a good life in the future.

    If Zijin could board a ¡®big ship¡¯ like the Wang family, then would there be a need for her to plot against Qiao Nan for such little benefit? That would be too tiring and not worth the reward.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Under the pressure of the trio Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin, and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan smiled. In front of them, her lips curled into an obvious superficial smile, her eyes full of sarcasm. In the end, she said coldly, ¡°As long as you all are happy.¡±

    Having that said, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned toward Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin. She then said with implied meaning in her words, ¡°Congrattions, you have one more ¡®good¡¯ elder sister. Congrattions to you, too, for having a good ¡®younger brother¡¯ now. It¡¯s really a ¡®good¡¯ day with double happiness. Wonderful!¡±

    At this juncture, Wang Yang could not bring himself to smile. ¡°Qiao Nan, have you really thought carefully about it?¡± This was thest chance he was giving Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Both of you want to formally acknowledge each other as sister and brother. It has got nothing to do with me. As long as you¡¯ve thought carefully about it, then...¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s rare that you have fate with each other. I¡¯ll feel ashamed to destroy it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes, this is fate. It¡¯s all fated to be.¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan was cooperative and did not wreck their n. Ding Jiayi quietly heaved a sigh of relief. She hoped that she could take a loudspeaker and directly shout to all the people in the quad.

    The grandson of the Wang family liked Zijin so much that he had acknowledged her as his elder sister. In the future, Zijin would have a god-sister rtionship with the Wang family then.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Mom will look for you tomorrow and prepare some nice food for you. You love to eat spicy food, right? Actually, Mom knows how to cook Si Chuan dishes quite well. I¡¯ll show you some of my skills.¡± With her wish granted, Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Nan with satisfaction and kindness for the first time.

    ¡°Ha, hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan smiled dryly. Her mother¡¯s reaction and words meant that she was extremely ted.

    ¡°Why are all of you standing here? Will you be full with the wind blowing at you? Wait, why did youe? Who let youe today!¡± Zhu Baoguo, who also came back from outside, saw Qiao Nan and the group at the entrance of his house just as he stepped in.

    Zhu Baoguo was quite happy when he saw Qiao Nan. But before he could greet her, Zhu Baoguo saw Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, the mother-daughter pair. Zhu Baoguo pulled a long face instantly. ¡°Who asked you toe? This is the Zhu family, not the Qiao family. Where did youe from? Go back to where you came from!¡±

    Was it not enough to bully Xiao Qiao at the house of the Qiao family? Were they going to bully Xiao Qiao again bying to the house of the Zhu family?

    ¡°Baoguo, what are you doing? All visitors are guests. Don¡¯t kick up a fuss. Aren¡¯t you on good terms with Qiao Nan? By doing this, are you giving Qiao Nan face? Aren¡¯t you afraid that Qiao Nan will be angry? Sillyd!¡± Elder Zhu was speechless. ¡°Quicklye over. I¡¯ve already said that you¡¯re on good terms with Qiao Nan and treat her like your younger sister. But in some areas, you really have to learn from Yang Yang. You are not as thoughtful as Yang Yang.¡±

    Through Wang Yang, Elder Zhu then knew that the Qiao family had lived separately for a long time to take better care of their two daughters. One took care of the elder daughter and the other the younger one.

    He truly pitied the great devotion of the parents.

    Only biological parents would do this for the sake of their children.

    For the sake of studies, a fine family of four was split into two.

    However, it was good that the Qiao family of four could finally reunite and have a reunion dinner today. It was such a good thing.

    ¡°Wang Yang, it must be you again. You¡¯re ¡®good¡¯.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face swelled in red. He nearly reverted to his former approach and spoke to Wang Yang with his punches directly.

    At the thought of his promise with Elder Zhu, he took a few deep breaths. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Grandpa today. Wang Yang, you have to cherish the chance. If you miss the chance today, I don¡¯t know when it wille again.¡±

 Chapter 313 - Argued Directly

    <h4>Chapter 313: Argued Directly</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Grandpa, tell me, should I spend this Lunar New Year and theing winter vacation with you or maternal grandpa? He missed me quite a lot too.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo lifted his chin at his grandfather¡¯s ¡®wavering mind¡¯ and wished to have ¡®the best of both worlds¡¯. It was not that he did not have a choice.

    His paternal grandfather liked his maternal grandson. His maternal grandfather also liked his maternal grandson.

    ¡°What is the fuss? It¡¯s almost Lunar New Year. Your maternal grandpa has a grandson and you have me. Don¡¯t kick up a fuss. Today, just today...¡± Elder Zhu had to sumb to this tactic.

    He only had one paternal grandson, Zhu Baoguo. If Baoguo was snatched away by the Lee family, then he would not have any grandson he could be close to.

    No matter how good the maternal grandson was, he would never be better than the paternal one.

    ¡°Then, how about Wang Yang?¡± Zhu Baoguo stood by his guns and purposely asked the question in front of Wang Yang.

    Elder Zhu had no choice. ¡°What about Yang Yang? Won¡¯t your Grandpa Wang miss Yang Yang? It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Of course, the whole family has to reunite.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Grandpa. We¡¯re one family. Wang Yang and his grandpa are also one family. Obviously, since it¡¯s the Lunar New Year, we¡¯ll have to spend time with our own family.¡± Baoguo was satisfied. He walked over to lock his arms with Elder Zhu. ¡°Grandpa, what nice food did you prepare today? I¡¯m hungry. Xiao Qiao, quicklye in. You won¡¯t be full by taking in the air from the wind.¡±

    As he saw the pale look on Wang Yang¡¯s face from the corners of his eyes, Zhu Baoguo just walked passed him while holding Elder Zhu¡¯s arms in an intimate manner.

    He was his grandfather¡¯s biological paternal grandson, but Wang Yang was only a maternal grandson. Yet, Wang Yang wished to fight with him and snatched from him everything that belonged to the Zhu family. Wishful thinking!

    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s go in. You have not fully recovered. It¡¯s not good to take in too much cold air.¡± Following Zhu Baoguo¡¯s suit, Qiao Nan locked her arms around that of Qiao Dongliang and walked into the house.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were obviously stunned by what happened earlier. Ding Jiayi discreetly gave Qiao Zijin a push. Qiao Zijin immediately reacted and walked to Wang Yang¡¯s side. ¡°Yang Yang, what¡¯s done was done. Let¡¯s also go in and have dinner. Both paternal and maternal grandsons are close. Don¡¯t think too much. Elder Zhu dotes on you so much.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go over and have dinner.¡± Wang Yang smiled as he retracted his gloomy and depressed expression.

    Was it really as close?

    The difference between paternal and maternal grandsons as well as son and nephew was not just a little.

    Zhu Baoguo dared to do that to him just now. He would take what Zhu Baoguo did today to heart!

    When Zhu Chengqi reached home after work, he saw two unfamiliardies. He removed his coat that had some snow on it. ¡°Why are there two more people?¡±

    Elder Zhu smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve never worried about your performance in the army, but judging from today¡¯s matter, in terms of interpersonal rtionships, Baoguo is really your son and your closest kin. Both of you are very careless. Fortunately, Yang Yang reminded me. Otherwise, it would be such a big embarrassment for our Zhu family today.¡±

    Clearly, there were four people in the Qiao family, but the Zhu family only invited two of them. What type of logic was that?

    ¡°Wang Yang?¡± Zhu Chengqi held back the expression in his eyes. His eagle-like sharp eyes nced at Wang Yang nonchntly. Wang Yang was so scared. It was as if he was an herbivore who bumped into a carnivore. His body shrank and his muscles could not help stiffening.

    ¡°Elder Uncle, you¡¯re back.¡± Wang Yang let out a breath and tried his best to make his expression more natural.

    ¡°I¡¯m back. If I¡¯m not back, how could I get to see this?¡±

    As for what to see, of course, it was toe back to watch the show.

    The reality had proven that Wang Yang was the offspring of the Wang family. He was very scheming and also daring. He had investigated the matter that happened clearly. He did not expect that Wang Yang dared to do that.

    ¡°...¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s face turned pale. His head drooped and he did not know what to say.

    Wang Yang dared to plot against Zhu Baoguo and fooled around with Elder Zhu, but he was extremely fearful of Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I heard that you came in top in the cohort again. Congrattions. This is my gift to you. Take a look and see if you like it.¡± Zhu Chengqi did note empty-handed. He actually brought Qiao Nan a gift.

    Qiao Nan was pleasantly surprised by the attention. ¡°Thank you, Uncle Zhu.¡±

    The present from Zhu Chengqi was heavy, stiff, and square in shape. Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°It¡¯s a book. Can I open it to take a look?¡±

    ¡°Since I¡¯ve given it to you, it¡¯s yours.¡± Zhu Chengqi sat down after washing his hands.

    ¡°What? Isn¡¯t this book...¡± When Zhu Baoguo saw Qiao Nan opening the present, his eyes turned stiff and red. He shot a murderous look at Zhu Chenqi. ¡°Dad, you lied to me. You¡¯re too disappointing. How could you do that !!!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Elder Zhu was shocked and he held on to Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Why are you talking to your dad like that? Isn¡¯t it just a book? If you really like it, get your dad to help you buy it. You¡¯re on such good terms with Qiao Nan. Aren¡¯t you afraid that Qiao Nan willugh at your behavior?¡± Fighting for a book with a youngdy... Baoguo¡¯s studies had improved, but his interpersonal skills seemed to have gone backward.

    Judging by the situation, Zhu Baoguo was seemingly unhappy and furious at Zhu Chengqi¡¯s gift to Qiao Nan. He nearly quarreled with Zhu Chengqi.

    Everyone, except for two people, had a look of worry on their faces. These two people, Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin, were suppressing their smiles, their heads drooping immediately at the sight of this.

    When Wang Yang identally saw that Qiao Zijin had the same reaction as him, his lips could not help curling up again as he found it hard to suppress his smile.

    The rtionship between Zhu Baogup and Qiao Nan was so superficial. They would quarrel just because of one book.

    Making Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan fall out with each other was not asplicated as he had thought. A few books would do the trick.

    Qiao Zijin did not think as deeply as Wang Yang. She only knew that although both Qiao Nan and she were daughters of the Qiao family, she did not receive any present while Qiao Nan did. It was as if she was inferior to Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan fell out instantly because of a book.

    If she could make use of this matter, she would not only have Wang Yang as his younger brother but she might also have Zhu Baoguo call her elder sister.

    The brother and sister who had just ¡®reconciled¡¯ with each other had exactly the same thoughts at this moment: Zhu Baoguo should quarrel more harshly and lose his temper directly at Zhu Chenqi. Smashing the table and stool would be a bonus. In short, the uglier and messier the situation was, the better it was!

    ¡°Grandpa, you don¡¯t know. It¡¯s not just a simple book. Dad, I¡¯m angry about this. You¡¯re too much.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face stiffened. He looked like an angry little tiger, staring at Zhu Chengqi. It did not seem like he would simmer down anytime soon. Elder Zhu had just wasted his breath on him.

    The ring Zhu Baoguo totally did not care about what asion it was or who was present at the moment. It nearly made Qiao Dongliang take the book away from Qiao Nan and return it to him.

    However, when he saw the happy look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face as she held the book tightly, he constantly told himself that this was the family affairs of the Zhu family. It was not appropriate for him to interfere. Most probably, his persuasion would be useless.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan, who looked so calm as if nothing had happened, became the odd one out.

 Chapter 314 - Father-and-Son Competition for Affection

    <h4>Chapter 314: Father-and-Son Competition for Affection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang said softly as he nced at Qiao Nan, hinting to her whether she should say anything. After all, Zhu Baoguo usually listened to her.

    It was not only Qiao Dongliang. Even Elder Zhu looked at Qiao Nan with hopeful eyes.

    Zhu Chengqi was aloof and Zhu Baoguo was stubborn. Both were father and son and had the same strong temper.

    In the past, when this father-son pair was at odds with each other, Elder Zhu had no way to stop them.

    Nevertheless, the situation was different now. His grandson and son were seemingly getting along much better than before. The grandson also seemed to have someone he cared for.

    For this, at the time when Elder Zhu was at the end of his rope, the first person he thought of was Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. Let the two of them argue with each other. It¡¯s worse if they do not talk to each other. They will be closer after some bickering. At the same time, Zhu Baoguo could learn from Uncle Zhu about war strategy and plot,¡± Qiao Nan said calmly. Her eyes were fixated on the book. She looked so obsessed. It was as if her eyes were going to jump out of their sockets and glue themselves onto the book.

    This was a limited edition book. To a book lover like Qiao Nan, she was more pleased to receive this than gold, silver, or money.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan spent a lot of effort looking for this book. In the end, she found it. However, it was ridiculously expensive as the book was out-of-print and there was no updated version of it.

    That was the first time that Qiao Nan wanted to buy an expensive item for herself. However, Ding Jiayi took away the money as soon as she had saved them up.

    In this lifetime, although it was difficult to buy this book, it was not as difficult nor was it as expensive as it had been in her previous life.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t talk nonsense. It doesn¡¯t make sense that arguing more will improve rtionships.¡± Qiao Zijin said gently and softly, ¡°Baoguo, don¡¯t do that. You¡¯re being impolite to Uncle Zhu. It¡¯s just a book. If you really like it, then... Nan Nan, give the book to Baoguo. There¡¯s always another chance next time. We¡¯ll think of a way to buy it for you.¡±

    The more Qiao Nan was not sensible, the more she wanted to show her thoughtfulness, generosity, kindness, and sensibleness.

    Qiao Nan was so ineloquent. It was fine that Zhu Baoguo liked Qiao Nan. However, she did not understand why Uncle Zhu was so good to Qiao Nan but had never noticed her even once.

    Qiao Zijin was very certain about one matter. When Zhu Chengqi came back to the house, he not only did not greet her by name but also did not look at her at all.

    ¡°Give this book to Zhu Baoguo? It¡¯s too wasteful. He doesn¡¯t know how to read it either.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head in despise. ¡°Giving this book to him is like leaving bright pearls in the dust and not differentiating between good and bad stuff.¡± If she really gave it to Zhu Baoguo, she would feel the pinch.

    ¡°Certainly.¡± Although Qiao Nan made such a derogatoryment about Zhu Baoguo, Zhu Chengqi was not angry. Instead, he furiously nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Chengqi!¡± At this juncture, Elder Zhu was not pleased. Why did Chengqi say that about Baoguo? What¡¯s wrong with Baoguo? When he shed Baoguo¡¯s academic results now, many of his oldrades praised that he was fortunate that his only grandson would be sessful soon. Clearly, great talent took time to mature.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao and my dad are not wrong. I really can¡¯t understand this book. It¡¯s a waste to give it to me.¡± The party concerned, Zhu Baoguo, was neither angry nor troubled. He frankly agreed to the words of the two.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words stunned Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin, who were waiting to watch the show. Their faces turned pale.

    Elder Zhu was both angry and amused. He felt like punching his grandson a few times. ¡°You said it yourself that you can¡¯t understand that book. Then, why did you get angry when your dad gave the book to Qiao Nan? You looked like you wanted to fight with him. Are you kidding us?¡± He had really thought that his grandson wanted that book but Zhu Chengqi gave it to Qiao Nan instead, leading to him losing his temper.

    ¡°Grandpa, you don¡¯t understand. Xiao Qiao has been yearning for that book for a long time. I¡¯ve known Xiao Qiao for so long. When did Xiao Qiao ever ask me for help? It¡¯s rare, and when she did, it¡¯s for this book. I¡¯ve asked Dad to help look for this book. He¡¯s been telling me that he couldn¡¯t find it. But he found it, didn¡¯t he now? The worse thing is... Dad actually gave this book to Xiao Qiao in his name. Clearly, I was the one who found the book!¡± Toward the end of his speech, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words were incoherent. In short, he was furious with the shameless behavior of his biological father.

    He was clearly robbing him of his merits. Didn¡¯t he see that Xiao Qiao¡¯s eyes were glued on the book as soon as she saw it?

    Xiao Qiao¡¯s gratitude belonged to him. Xiao Qiao¡¯s liking should be his as well.

    ¡°You found it? Did you have anyone help you find the book? Did you have enough money to buy it? You have to know your limits as a person.¡± Having that said, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes turned unknowingly at Wang Yang. This made Wang Yang, who was gloating earlier, quickly buried his face into the bowl of rice. He was full of hatred.

    Damn, he was fooled by Zhu Chengqi and Zhu Baoguo, this moronic pair of father and son.

    In the past, he suspected why an idiot like Zhu Baoguo was the son of a formidable character such as his Elder Uncle, Zhu Chengqi. They could have taken the wrong baby in the hospital. However, at this juncture, Wang Yang no longer suspected this.

    They spent so much effort to give that book to Qiao Nan. The father and son even argued because of this. Were they retarded?

    ¡°What book is so rare? Is it very expensive?¡± Qiao Zijin did not understand much except the value of the book.

    Zhu Baoguo even gave Qiao Nan something as expensive as a Discman. What kind of book in the world could not be afforded by Zhu Baoguo?

    ¡°The price of the book is not important. Most importantly, we have to see who it goes to and how they use it thereafter.¡± Zhu Chengqi did not sound concerned about the price of the book. Regardless of its price, it was a book after all. Of course, Zhu Chengqi would not take to heart this small sum of money.

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Zhu.¡± Qiao Nan, who received a great bargain, did not seem to mind. She was also unwilling to spend time and effort to bother about the scheming against one another and the sparks that flew across the table earlier.

    She could only say that those few people who wished to see her embarrassed had to be disappointed today.

    ¡°So this is the truth of the matter,¡± Elder Zhu said. He was dumbfounded by his son and grandson. After arguing for so long, it was not because his grandson wanted the book. It was because he wanted to give the book to Qiao Nan, but his son had taken the opportunity to...

    Elder Zhu smiled. Why did he have the illusion that his son and grandson were fighting for the affection of Qiao Nan, a youngdy?

    He must have drunk too much tea during the day that he was drunk now.

    Truly, it was not the tea that made him drunk but the individual himself.

    With the misunderstanding cleared, the dinner was considered a harmonious asion.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll get the chauffeur to send you back. As for your dad¡¯s bicycle, leave it at my house first. You can take it back when you have time.¡± After dinner, Zhu Chengqi made arrangements for Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang. When the sun was up, the path was not conducive to travel on, not to mention that it was already dark and the weather had turned cold. The road was slippery.

    When Zhu Chengqi said this, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned ck.

 Chapter 315 - Wrecking the Little Brain

    <h4>Chapter 315: Wrecking the Little Brain</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The night was dark and the wind strong. The road was slippery, not conducive for traveling.

    If Qiao Dongliang insisted to leave with Qiao Nan in the night, it would not only be difficult but also dangerous.

    Ding Jiayi was thinking that if it was not convenient for Qiao Dongliang to bring Qiao Nan back to the rented apartment, they could just go back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad. If the family of four could stay under the same roof, she believed that they could resolve their prior conflict regardless of how big it was.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to take this opportunity to mend the rtionship between Qiao Dongliang and her. However, when Zhu Chengqi offered to give Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan a ride home, all the thoughts and ns that Ding Jiayi had earlier were ruined.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt embarrassed to trouble the Zhu family initially. However, when he saw Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression, he immediately agreed. ¡°Sorry to trouble you.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± There was a rare smile on Zhu Chengqi¡¯s serious face. ¡°I like Nan Nan, this child. In the future, feel free to let Nan Nane to our house to have fun.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Qiao Dongliang replied weakly. He only treated what Zhu Chengqi said as words of politeness. ¡°You don¡¯t need to send us off. Bye.¡±

    ¡°Be careful on the road.¡±

    With the help of the Zhu family¡¯s chauffeur, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan saved much effort and reached home just after a little nap in the car.

    When Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan got into the car, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were still at the house of the Zhu family.

    Ding Jiayi hid the pale look on her face. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°Do you need me to ask someone to send the two of you back?¡±

    ¡°No need for the trouble, Uncle Zhu. My mom and I can go back on our own.¡± Qiao Zijin knew what was good for her. Both were the daughters of the Qiao family and had dinner on the same table. However, Qiao Nan had a gift and she didn¡¯t.

    From this matter alone, Qiao Zijin was certain that Zhu Chengqi treated Qiao Nan and her differently.

    It did not matter that Qiao Nan had someone to send her off. If she were shameless and think that she would receive the same treatment, then that would be too annoying to others.

    In front of a character like Zhu Chengqi, Qiao Zijin was very conscious. When she knew that she would annoy the other party by doing that, she would not do it. ¡°Uncle Zhu, it¡¯ste. I¡¯ll go back with my mom first. Thank you for your warm hospitality today. Next time, I hope that Uncle Zhu will give us face ande to our house for a meal. We don¡¯t have much but there are still simple dishes at home. Bye, Uncle Zhu.¡±

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi had no reaction, Qiao Zijin gave Ding Jiayi a pull. Ding Jiayi then reacted. She moved her stiff mouth and said with a forced and weak smile, ¡°Bye.¡±

    ¡°Wait...¡± Ding Jiayi thought of something before she opened the door of the Zhu family¡¯s house. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? I¡¯ll push Old Qiao¡¯s bicycle back first. Leaving it here will be a trouble for you.¡±

    Once she had pushed the bicycle back, Old Qiao would have to make a trip back home when he wanted to get the bicycle.

    Now, Ding Jiayi dared not think about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s money. Her greatest wish was for Qiao Dongliang to return home soon.

    The problem was when Qiao Dongliang moved for the second time, although Ding Jiayi eventually found out about the new address, Ding Jiayi dared not step into the small quad provided by Ping Cheng High School at all.

    As for Qiao Dongliang, he would definitely not go back to the small quad of the Qiao family if there was not a need.

    Even if he had toe for something, he would not stay for long. He would leave as soon as he settled his matter. Ding Jiayi could not even hold him back.

    At the thought that there were already many rumors of divorce between Qiao Dongliang and her spreading between the familiar neighbors in the quad, Ding Jiayi panicked terribly.

    When she was ady in the past, she could not find someone better than Old Qiao. Now that she was already of this age, she would have nothing left if she really left Old Qiao. So, she would never divorce Old Qiao. She also had to think of a way to mend the rtionship with Old Qiao and let people in the quad know that she, Ding Jiayi, was having a blissful life.

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhu Chengqi saw through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind immediately. ¡°Our house is big. One bicycle will not take up too much space. Furthermore, when the two of you go back, you have to be careful on the road. It¡¯s probably more inconvenient to push the bicycle along. Don¡¯t need to feel embarrassed about this. My Zhu family certainly has a ce to spare for your bicycle.¡±

    ¡°R-really? Then, thank you very much. It¡¯s truly not quite convenient tonight. That model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle of my family¡¯s Old Qiao is heavy. Coupled with the weather, it¡¯ll be tiring to push it. In this case, we¡¯ll forget about it tonight. I¡¯lle over tomorrow for it. It¡¯s decided, then. Zijin, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Without giving Zhu Chengqi a chance to reject, Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Zijin and left the house immediately.

    ¡°Mom, why were you so anxious?¡± Qiao Zijin was a little unhappy. She had not bid farewell to Yang Yang.

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin unhappily. ¡°Don¡¯t you wish that your dad will bring Qiao Nan home earlier? Why did your brains go rusty at this critical juncture? Your dad is now unwilling to step into our house. Many people are waiting to see our family turn into a joke. We only have one model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle and your dad will definitely need it. If we push it back home first, won¡¯t your dad have to look for us? We have to catch every opportunity to be with your dad and work hard at mending our rtionship with him. That way, your dad wille home sooner.¡±

    ¡°Still, you didn¡¯t need to be so anxious. I¡¯ve not even said goodbye to Yang Yang.¡± It was not easy for her to ¡®acknowledge¡¯ a ¡®younger brother¡¯.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s head. ¡°Is an outsider or your dad more important?¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡± However, Wang Yang could give her a beautiful future while her father could not give her anything.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Listen to Mom for today¡¯s matter. It won¡¯t be wrong. That kid called Wang Yang seems to like you very much. Therefore, he definitely won¡¯t refuse to acknowledge you as a sister just because of a goodbye.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Zijin lifted her chin. ¡°Yang Yang has a better sense of judgment than Zhu Baoguo. He knows how to decipher people and also knows who is more outstanding between Qiao Nan and me.¡±

    ¡°A good sense of judgment is useless. Wang Yang¡¯s status is lower than that of Zhu Baoguo. In the Zhu family, Zhu Baoguo is number one. Wang Yang...¡± Zhu Chengqi did not seem to be treating his nephew, Wang Yang, as well as what she heard from the rumors. Zhu Chengqi definitely did not treat Wang Yang like he did his own son.

    When Zhu Chengqi came back today, he did not seem extremely close to Zhu Baoguo, but there were interactions between the father and son. They had quite a lively chat. On the contrary, Zhu Chengqi rarely bothered about Wang Yang.

    It was different from what she heard.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m tired. Let¡¯s go back quickly.¡± There was a sh in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes as she interrupted the topic.

    Wang Yang was not better than Zhu Baoguo now. However, she believed that Wang Yang would not stay the same. One day, he would surpass Zhu Baoguo.

 Chapter 316 - Wolfish Years

    <h4>Chapter 316: Wolfish Years</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Just like she and Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan might seem to have the upper hand, but it would notst long. She would be the one who had thestugh.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back. Wrap your clothes tightly around you. You don¡¯t want to catch a cold.¡± Ding Jiayi put the topic of Wang Yang aside. Anyway, Wang Yang was not her son. It did not matter to her whether he was sessful or not.

    When they finally went back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence at the quad, the first thing Ding Jiayi did was to boil hot water for Qiao Zijin¡¯s foot bath so that she could warm her body.

    While Ding Jiayi was busy boiling the water, Qiao Zijin went back to her room quietly. She took out a book and a pen, and wrote down a few English words on the book.

    If Qiao Nan was there, she would realize that the few words that Qiao Zijin memorized were none other than the title of the book that Zhu Chengqi gave her at the dining table.

    After checking through several times to make sure that she did not spell it wrong, she closed the book and decided to ask around when school reopened next year. She wanted to know what book that was, and why was Qiao Nan so interested in the book that she asked a favor of Uncle Zhu and Zhu Baoguo to find it for her.

    If it was just an ordinary book, it meant that what Qiao Nan did at the dining table today was deliberate, and her purpose was to embarrass her.

    Qiao Zijin only had a few chances to look at the book, but in such a short period of time, she managed to memorize the title of the book correctly. It showed that Qiao Zijin was smart, but she never used her intelligence in the right ces.

    ¡°What are you doing? Come and soak your feet before going to bed. If you want to read, do it tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi could not help but sigh when she thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s transcript that recorded her good results and Qiao Zijin¡¯s transcript that paled inparison.

    Since a young age, Qiao Zijin was smarter than Qiao Nan. Why was it that Qiao Nan would always surpass her in terms of studies?

    When she was pregnant with Zijin, Old Qiao always said that he hoped for a son who was smart and had good academic performance. Besides not being a boy, Qiao Nan matched Old Qiao¡¯s description of a perfect son.

    If only Qiao Zijin¡¯s results were as good as Qiao Nan¡¯s, then it would be good.

    That way, even if she had any conflicts with Old Qiao, Old Qiao would give in to her and treat her well on ount that Qiao Zijin was closer to her mother.

    Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, did not see her as her mother at all. Now that Old Qiao had moved out with Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan might be happy that there was one less person to keep a check on her.

    ¡°Mom, why do you keep sighing?¡± Qiao Zijin pulled a long face. When she was at the Zhu family¡¯s residence, she was not that unhappy aspared to now. ¡°Why did you have that expression and use that tone on me when you brought up the topic of me reading a book?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I just feel that you are too hard on yourself. Don¡¯t tire yourself out. In the past six months, I can tell that you have put in a lot of effort. Look at you, your face is getting smaller. Zijin, as long as you have done your best, you shouldn¡¯t be too hard on yourself.¡±

    Actually, Ding Jiayi felt very depressed. For the past half a year, she could tell that Qiao Zijin had studied very hard. But in the end, her results did not show much improvement.

    Qiao Nan scored so well even though she was never seen studying at home. Why was it that when Qiao Zijin put her efforts into her studies, she still ended up with average results?

    If Qiao Zijin was not as hardworking, then Ding Jiayi couldfort herself that Qiao Zijin was actually smarter than Qiao Nan. It was just that she did not put in any effort. But right now, Ding Jiayi felt frustrated that the daughter she had always doted on was, in fact, not as smart as Qiao Nan, that wretched girl.

    When they were young, Qiao Zijin was clever and bright. She was well-liked by everyone. On the other hand, Qiao Nan was slow and dull. She did not even know to greet people.

    She had always believed that Qiao Nan was foolish and slow. Hence, two years ago, she went into a serious argument with Old Qiao, insisting that Qiao Nan quit school and worked so that she could help finance Qiao Zijin through college. She felt that since Qiao Nan was not good in her studies, she should not waste time or money on it. It would be better for her to work in the factory and start contributing to the family.

    However, it turned out that Ding Jiayi was wrong. In terms of studies, Qiao Nan fared much better than Qiao Zijin.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang was angry with Ding Jiayi, she could no longer use the excuse that what she did was for the family.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Zijin did not believe it.

    ¡°Of course. My little master, now that your feet are warm andfortable, you should go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Mom, get me a hot water bag as well. I am afraid that I will feel coldter.¡± Qiao Zijin was afraid of the cold. Her limbs, in particr, would feel very cold during wintertime.

    ¡°I have prepared it for you. Get under the nket now. I will bring it to you.¡± Ding Jiayi made loud sounds as she walked around with her shoes. She returned to Qiao Zijin¡¯s room with the hot water bag in her hands and stuffed it under Qiao Zijin¡¯s nket.

    Qiao Zijin sighed infort. Sheid snug in her bed, pulled the nket over her body, and fell asleep in no time.

    Compared with Qiao Zijin who fell asleep right away, Ding Jiayi tossed and turned throughout the night. She could not fall asleep as she was thinking of Qiao Dongliang. People said that women in their thirties to forties would have a high libido, and Ding Jiayi was at that age now.

    Ever since Qiao Dongliang quarreled with Ding Jiayi, they no longer shared the same bed.

    After Qiao Dongliang moved out with Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had zero contact with Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang was upied with finding ways to finance both of his daughters through college. He was busy earning more money and had no time for that. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi was unemployed and could only stay at home to do handiwork to earn some money. Ding Jiayi had too much time on her hand that her thoughts wandered.

    It was almost dawn when Ding Jiayi finally fell asleep.

    ¡°Mom, the sun is up. It¡¯s time to get up. I¡¯m hungry.¡± Ding Jiayi had just fallen asleep not too long ago and she was already awakened by Qiao Zijin. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t forget to make a trip to the Zhu family¡¯s residence to get Dad¡¯s bicycle back.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I almost forgot about it. It is already nine o¡¯clock?!¡± Ding Jiayi quickly got up from the bed and hurried to prepare breakfast for Qiao Zijin. After that, she ran with all her might to the Zhu family¡¯s residence for fear that she would bete and Qiao Dongliang would have brought the model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle back home.

    As soon as Ding Jiayi arrived at the Zhu family¡¯s residence, Ding Jiayi gasped and asked. ¡°H-have you seen Old Qiao?¡±

    The people at the Zhu family¡¯s residence smiled and said, ¡°No, it¡¯s still so early in the morning.¡±

 Chapter 317 - Dumb and Dumber

    <h4>Chapter 317: Dumb and Dumber</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Ding Jiayi slightly rxed. ¡°I had to trouble you yesterday. Today, I will bring back Old Qiao¡¯s bicycle.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± The people at the Zhu family¡¯s residence waved their hands.

    ¡°No need? What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°What I mean is that although Qiao Dongliang has not been here today, the bicycle has already been returned to him.¡± The bicycle was no longer at the Zhu family¡¯s residence. Ding Jiayi had nothing to bring back except for the Zhu family¡¯s belongings.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Old Qiao hasn¡¯t been here yet? So why isn¡¯t the bicycle here? Why is it back at Old Qiao¡¯s house?!¡± Ding Jiayi asked anxiously.

    ¡°Baoguo went looking for Qiao Nan early in the morning with his holiday homework. He said that he wanted to exercise, so he rode that bicycle to Qiao Nan¡¯s house.¡±

    The Zhu family had a car and a chauffeur. Why did Zhu Baoguo mess around and im that he wanted to exercise? Why did he ride the bicycle away? Ding Jiayi took a deep breath. ¡°Since Zhu Baoguo rode the bicycle to look for Qiao Nan in the morning, will he ride it back when hees back home?¡±

    If this was the case, there was still a chance.

    At most, she would go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence again in the evening. She might even get to know the people from the Zhu family.

    ¡°Sister Ding, I am being very polite by addressing you as ¡®sister¡¯. There¡¯s no need for Baoguo to ride the bicycle back. Our chauffeur will fetch him back.¡± If Baoguo wanted to ride the bicycle, given the Zhu family¡¯s ability, they could buy him a bicycle that was suited for his height. There was no need for him to ride that model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle.

    Ding Jiayi was green with anger and lost for words.

    Since the Zhu family had a car to fetch Zhu Baoguo, why did they not drive him to Qiao Nan¡¯s house in the morning? Why must he ride the bicycle? Was he going against her?

    Ding Jiayi did not know that her guess was correct.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I¡¯ve got your bicycle back. By the way, your mom seems to be quite stupid, but there are times when she is quite smart. Yesterday, when the both of you had just left, she suggested bringing your dad¡¯s bicycle back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad. Luckily, she was stopped by my dad. Otherwise...¡±

    Zhu Baoguo shot a look at Qiao Dongliang who had his back to them and was busy with chores in the kitchen. He lowered his voice and said, ¡°Otherwise, when your dad enters the Qiao family¡¯s residence, it¡¯s hard to say when he wille out. If one is not careful, there may be a chance that you will have another sibling.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Qiao Nan stiffened and shot a sideways nce at Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo was so audacious as to make such obscenements!

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking with you. Your mom has that strange look in her eyes when she looked at your dad yesterday. Those women who are dying to be my stepmother had the same expressions when they gazed at my dad,¡± Zhu Baoguo said with no hint of embarrassment.

    In this aspect, boys were more mature than girls. Moreover, Zhu Baoguo used to hang out with people outside the school back then. If not for the fact that he was still young, Zhu Baoguo might have already had a lot of experience with women.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring this up in my dad¡¯s face. Besides, if you have a high level of male hormones, don¡¯te to my house and act crazy. Settle it before youe.¡± Zhu Baoguo might have been mature for his age, but Qiao Nan was, in fact, a mature adult. Although she had no experience in these matters, she knew what was going on.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, do you really understand what I am talking about?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Who spewed nonsense in front of you, Xiao Qiao?¡± Zhu Baoguo widened his eyes and rolled up his sleeves. ¡°Is this what boys should say to the girls? He made such obscenements. He¡¯s clearly taking advantage of you!¡±

    How could someone dare to spout nonsense and lead Xiao Qiao astray behind his back! He must be tired of living.

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips. ¡°You are one of them.¡±

    ¡°Who are you talking about? What¡¯s wrong? Baoguo, what are you doing with your sleeves rolled up? Isn¡¯t it cold?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who brought out the breakfast, witnessed the scene between the both of them. After putting down the breakfast, he rolled down the sleeves for Zhu Baoguo. ¡°What are the both of you talking about that you ended up in anger?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, we didn¡¯t say anything. This porridge smells really nice. I am famished.¡± Zhu Baoguo blushed in embarrassment at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. When he saw Qiao Dongliang, Zhu Baoguo somehow felt as if he had done something wrong. His face turned a shade redder.

    ¡°Have more of the porridge and eat to your heart¡¯s content.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. He did not have a son, so when he saw someone else¡¯s son, he could not help but take a few more nces. ¡°Both of you were having a good chat, but why did you start scolding people? Who were you angry at?¡±

    ¡°We were referring to those girls who bullied Xiao Qiao at school. They are downright shameless!¡± Zhu Baoguo yelled.

    ¡°Someone bullied Nan Nan? Nan Nan, why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Qiao Dongliang was anxious, and so he did not notice Zhu Baoguo¡¯s guilty look.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, you don¡¯t have to worry. With me around, nobody dares to bully Qiao Nan. I will certainly deal with them. We were referring to these annoying people just now.¡± After being beaten, Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu did not dare toin. For the subsequent month, they dared not even raise their voices in front of Xiao Qiao.

    Qiao Dongliang breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good. Baoguo, when you are at school, Uncle Qiao will have to ask you to take good care of Nan Nan. You can¡¯t let anyone bully Nan Nan.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Uncle Qiao, rest assured that I will take good care of Xiao Qiao. I will ensure her safety and ce her well-being before my own. I will not let anyone hurt Xiao Qiao. I won¡¯t do anything to harm Xiao Qiao either.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± There was something odd about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words, but Qiao Dongliang could not point out what exactly was inappropriate about what he had just said. ¡°Since you have said so, you must make sure you honor your promise.¡±

    Since he could not pinpoint what exactly was wrong, Qiao Dongliang did not bother to think about it anymore. Anyway, it was good that his daughter was taken care of at school. She would not be bullied by others, then.

    Qiao Nan looked up and rolled her eyes. The two men in front of her were practically dumb and dumber.

    Her father did not realize that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words were what a son-inw would say to the father-inw, and Zhu Baoguo was so muddle-headed that he spouted nonsense. The dumb and dumber did not realize what was wrong in their conversation.

    They were living treasures.

    Qiao Nan found what Zhu Baoguo said to Qiao Dongliang to be very familiar. In fact, this was her second time hearing these words.

    When Qiao Nan brought Chen Jun back home for the first time, Chen Jun had also said the same words to Qiao Dongliang¡ªthat he would take good care of Qiao Nan and treat Qiao Nan as someone more important than himself.

    In this life, Qiao Dongliang had not had the experience of being a father-inw, thus he did not understand and did not find it inappropriate for Zhu Baoguo to say all those words.

 Chapter 318 - In What Capacity Did You Say This

    <h4>Chapter 318: In What Capacity Did You Say This</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As for Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan suspected that Zhu Baoguo had been watching too many television dramas recently. He must have felt that this dialogue was so good that he used it when talking to her father.

    ¡°Today, both of you must work hard to do your homework. Nan Nan, Dad has some errands to run.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Lunar New Year ising, what else do you have to settle?¡± Qiao Nan asked out of concern.

    ¡°It¡¯s just some ounts that I have been working on previously. I am done with the ounts and I need to send it back to them before the Lunar New Year so that they can pay their workers.¡± Qiao Dongliang held a thick stack of papers in his hands. He tied them to the back seat of the bicycle and covered it with a bag so that the papers would not be blown away by the wind.

    ¡°Dad, be careful on the road. Also, stop taking on these jobs. You are not thinking of working overtime through the Lunar New Year, are you?¡± Qiao Nan sighed. Her father had to push himself to the limits in order to earn more money.

    ¡°No, I know what I¡¯m doing. You should do your homework with Baoguo at home.¡± After making sure that the papers were tied securely to the bicycle, Qiao Dongliang pedaled the bicycle and left the small quad.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, I have something to discuss with you.¡± Zhu Baoguo waited until Qiao Dongliang left before broaching the topic. ¡°Actually, it was my father who brought this up. It has nothing to do with me. My dad said that Qiao Zijin and you are only one level apart. If both of you are to go to college, it is absolutely impossible for Uncle Qiao to provide for both of you at the same time. What my dad meant to say was that he will pay for your college fees first, and when you start to work and earn money in the future, you can pay him back if you want. In this way, Uncle Qiao will have an easier time. There will be no need for him to be so hard on himself, and you don¡¯t have to worry anymore.¡±

    The most important thing was that Xiao Qiao and Qiao Zijin could not possibly go to college at the same time. The Qiao family did not have enough money.

    If that happened, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s usual behavior, she would definitely deprive Xiao Qiao of the opportunity to continue her studies so as to provide for Qiao Zijin.

    By that time, nobody knew what Ding Jiayi would do to plot against Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°I have to think about it.¡± Qiao Nan did not dare to agree right away to something that was beneficial to her.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to consider? Why don¡¯t you agree to it? My dad may be working for the government, but he has a lot of money. It will be foolish not to spend them. Do you know that there are a lot of women who are eyeing my dad¡¯s fortune? They think that everyone is a fool and they are the only one who is smart.¡±

    ¡°You are the only person who will say that of your dad. If Uncle Zhu is here, he will definitely give you a beating,¡± Qiao Nan said. ¡°I know Uncle Zhu has my best interests, but he does not really understand the situation in the Qiao family.¡± He did not know her mother well enough.

    ¡°What do you mean? Tell me about it. I will be able to understand, and I will definitely let my dad know.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Anyway, just tell Uncle Zhu what I said just now. He will understand.¡± Her mother was someone who could not lead a peaceful life. She would create a fuss whenever possible, regardless of whether she would bring harm to herself or others.

    After they moved for the second time, the days whereby her mother behaved herself was much longer aspared to the first time they moved.

    Qiao Zijin was already in her second year this year. She would be in the third year in theing year, and in a blink of an eye, she would enter the college. What her mother hoped, for now, was that her father would earn enough money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s college tuition fees. Because of this, her mother behaved herself and did not create any trouble. She was worried that if she did anything wrong, her father might be so angry that he decided not to provide for Qiao Zijin anymore.

    After all, there were two daughters in the family who wanted to study in the college, and her grades were much better than that of Qiao Zijin.

    Therefore, if her father had to make a choice, it was reasonable for him to choose to let her go to college, and in turn, let Qiao Zijin give up her studies. Even if her mother tried all means and ways, she would not be able to change her father¡¯s decision.

    On the other hand, if her mother knew that the Zhu family would provide for her tuition fees in the future, she would revert to her old ways, being fearless and unreasonable. Since the Zhu family already provided for her and her father could afford to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, it did not make sense if her father refused to finance Qiao Zijin through college.

    Therefore, in the Qiao family, it would be good to have tight finances.

    ¡°So troublesome?¡± Zhu Baoguo had a headache.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you at home?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. She went to open the door without telling Zhu Baoguo who was at the door. ¡°Brother Zhai, what brings you here? Where¡¯s Sister Zhai Hua? Didn¡¯t both of youe together?¡± Qiao Nan felt a tinge of disappointment when she did not see Sister Zhai Hua at the door.

    ¡°She has something on, so she can¡¯te today.¡± She did not dare toe either. ¡°Is there a guest at home?¡± Zhai Sheng pursed his lips and looked around. He took the initiative to close the door as if he was the owner. Qiao Nan then walked by his side into the house.

    ¡°Yes, my ssmate, Zhu Baoguo, came to do homework with me.¡± Qiao Nan had always been well-behaved in front of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, Brother Zhai is here. You two should know each other, I guess?¡±

    Zhai Sheng walked into the house and came face-to-face with Zhu Baoguo. The atmosphere was tense between them. It was as if sparks were flying. They seemed to be sizing each other up and guarding what was theirs.

    ¡°I have met him before,¡± Zhai Sheng said politely. To him, Zhu Baoguo was a stupid fool who was difficult to deal with.

    Zhu Baoguo snorted. To him, Zhai Sheng was a hypocrite who was good at putting up pretenses, pretending to be a good person.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows, feeling perplexed. ¡°Why are both of you behaving strangely? It¡¯s as if both of you can¡¯t stand the sight of each other.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°How could that be possible.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled at their denials. ¡°Brother Zhai, have a seat. I will pour you a cup of hot water. Zhu Baoguo, Brother Zhai is very smart. If you have any problem with your homework, you can ask Brother Zhai. There¡¯s no need to wait for me.¡±

    Then, Qiao Nan sneaked into the kitchen, leaving the living room to them.

    As soon as Qiao Nan left, Zhu Baoguo turned sullen, whereas Zhai Sheng had a cool expression on his face, giving Zhu Baoguo an unfriendly nce.

    Zhu Baoguo broke the silence. ¡°I must thank you for taking care of Xiao Qiao.¡± Zhu Baoguo felt ufortable when he was reminded that before Qiao Nan got to know him, she would go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to read her books. He could not help but feel that he had missed an important opportunity.

    ¡°In what capacity are you saying this to me?¡± Zhai Sheng was not angry that Zhu Baoguo had taken the lead, but his sharp question made Zhu Baoguo turn red in frustration. He could not give a reply after a long while.

    Yes, in what capacity did he say that?

    If it was in the capacity as her ssmate, then he had thought too highly of himself. As a ssmate, he had no right to thank Zhai Sheng on behalf of Xiao Qiao. He would be too thick-skinned to have said that.

 Chapter 319 - I Accept This Reason

    <h4>Chapter 319: I ept This Reason</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If it was not in the capacity as a ssmate, then in what capacity could he be when he thanked Zhai Sheng on Xiao Qiao¡¯s behalf? And how could he put some distance between Zhai Sheng and Xiao Qiao?

    Zhu Baoguo, who could not figure out at once, became anxious. He seemed to want to confirm something but could not bring himself to say the words.

    ¡°Well?¡± Since Zhu Baoguo kept his silence, Zhai Sheng asked him again. He seemed as if he had all the time in the world while he waited for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s reply. Zhu Baoguo panicked at his prompting.

    ¡°A-as her brother! Yes, you may not know, but I am actually one year older than Xiao Qiao. Although Xiao Qiao is in the same grade as me, in fact, she is younger than me. I have always treated Xiao Qiao as my sister. I want to protect her. Of course, you are very good to Xiao Qiao. As her brother, naturally, I want to thank you on her behalf.¡± Yes, that was it.

    Long ago, he had said that Xiao Qiao was his younger sister and that he would take good care of Xiao Qiao. He would not let others bully Xiao Qiao.

    He would retaliate against those people who bullied Xiao Qiao. As for the people who helped Xiao Qiao, it was appropriate for him to express his gratitude.

    With this new identity that he assumed, Zhu Baoguo straightened his back. He was no longer as uncertain and guilty as before. He was confident of himself.

    Zhai Sheng gave an uncanny smile. ¡°I will ept your reason and your gratitude.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi was very capable, but his son was not as smart as him. He was already eighteen years old, but he was still like a young bashful boy. Zhu Baoguo did not know to use any strategy or tactics. He merely gave it a try and Zhu Baoguo was forced to leave no way of retreat for himself by saying that he treated Qiao Nan as her younger sister. In this way, he had made it such that there was no way they would have any other developments.

    Zhu Baoguo was too young to know that he had lost something precious with what he said just now. When Zhu Baoguo matured in the future, he would be full of regrets for what he said now.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng felt that he was giving Zhu Baoguo a lesson so that he would learn and grow.

    Zhu Baoguo would have to me it on his father, Zhu Chengqi, for not teaching him well, and that he was too stupid to be plotted against by Wang Yang. At this age, he had not learned his ways and brought this upon himself.

    Zhu Baoguo tensed up. Previously, Zhai Sheng seemed as if he wanted to pick a fight with him, but he softened his tone in the next second. What did he mean by that?

    The Zhai Sheng he knew was definitely not someone who wouldpromise easily. Did he have other ways to deal with him?

    ¡°Both of you seem to have a good chat. What did you talk about?¡± Qiao Nan felt that they should have more than enough time with each other. Hence, she came out with two cups of hot water and handed them to Zhai Sheng and Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Nothing important. It¡¯s just casual talk.¡±

    ¡°Stop busying around and sit down.¡± Unlike Zhu Baoguo who had a guilty conscience, Zhai Sheng behaved as if nothing had happened. But in actual fact, he had nipped the feelings that Zhu Baoguo had for Qiao Nan in the bud.

    Zhai Sheng had received news that the Zhu family asked the Qiao family over for dinner as soon as they extended the invitation.

    At that time, Zhai Hua made a dig at Zhai Sheng. ¡°You have to work harder. Otherwise, Nan Nan may be abducted. I heard that the boy from the Zhu family is only one year older than Nan Nan. Speaking of which, they are much more suitable in terms of age. Moreover, they are junior high school ssmates. They could be considered as childhood sweethearts. They must be very close with each other. If they enter the same college, they will be with each other for ten years. That¡¯s three years of junior high school, three years of high school, and four years of college. By then, won¡¯t Nan Nan take the surname Zhu?¡±

    ¡°Look, since the Zhu family invited the Qiao family to their house for dinner, obviously, the Zhu family does not look down on the Qiao family, and they can ept them. Given this alone, Zhu Baoguo has an advantage over you. Zhai Sheng, your rtionship with Nan Nan may note to fruition. Since Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan always spend their time together, they may grow to like each other. By then, you will be out of the picture.¡±

    Zhai Hua spoke such harsh words to Zhai Sheng as if they were not rted at all. She wanted to know if Zhai Sheng would be antagonized and go straight to the Zhu family¡¯s residence to take Qiao Nan away.

    Unfortunately, Zhai Sheng did not fall for her trap.

    Nobody at the Zhai family could tell that Zhai Sheng was concerned about the fact that Qiao Nan was invited to the Zhu family¡¯s residence for dinner. When Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang were safely sent back to the small quad by the Zhu family, he also did not reveal any displeasure. It was only when he was ying chess with Elder Zhu did he reveal a slight hint of what he was feeling.

    Recalling what Zhai Hua said yesterday, Zhai Sheng stretched out his arm to take the drink that Qiao Nan prepared for him. He took a sip and smiled.

    There was no way that Nan Nan would fancy Zhu Baoguo. It was no use that they were suitable.

    ¡°Nan Nan, the Lunar New Year ising. Have you forgotten about something?¡± After drinking a mouthful of water, Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan of his purpose here today.

    ¡°Yes, I remember, but Elder Lin must be very busy recently. I wanted to gost time, but his house was full of people, so I was scared away.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng was referring to Lin Yuankang who took her in as hisst pupil half a year ago.

    When Qiao Nan first went to the Lin family¡¯s residence, she had seen it for herself the crowd at the residence. However, she did not expect that the situation would be the same when she went there for the second time. In fact, it was much more crowded than before. She did not understand why there would be so many people waiting at the doorway and refusing to leave.

    ¡°It is all because of you that your master has to put up with all these troubles. As long as nobody knows of your identity as hisst pupil, they will not give up and want to try their luck. Your master has suffered a lot for your sake.¡± Zhai Sheng locked his gaze on Qiao Nan, but he sounded very calm.

    ¡°In that case, master will have to endure all the trouble in the future,¡± Qiao Nan said hurriedly. If her identity was exposed, would others be mad at her for taking away the position that they had longed for?

    Zhu Baoguo had no idea what Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were talking about. They talked to each other as if nobody was around. He felt like an outsider to them. He could not help but turn sullen.

    Something was not right with him today. He used to hate the sight of Zhai Sheng, but he never disliked him as much as today. He could not wait for him to get away from Xiao Qiao¡¯s side.

    Zhu Baoguo really wanted to know about the ¡®master¡¯ that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were talking about, but he was too proud to ask them.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you around? I am here to see you.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god! Just what day is this?! Even she hase over for a visit as well?!¡±

 Chapter 320 - I Apologized to You

    <h4>Chapter 320: I Apologized to You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was not the only one who could tell who was at the door. Zhu Baoguo could tell as well. ¡°What is Qiao Zijin doing here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Since Qiao Zijin was here, she had to open the door for her. She was now on winter break. There was nowhere she could be except at home. She could not hide or pretend that she was not at home either. ¡°Sister, why are you... here with Wang Yang?¡±

    Qiao Nan was about to ask why Qiao Zijin was here when she saw Wang Yang with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I came with Yang Yang.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled. She pushed the door open and squeezed in. ¡°Yang Yang,e in quickly. The wind is very strong outside. Be sure not to catch a cold. Treat this as your own house. If you need anything, just tell me.¡±

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows and did not say anything.

    Wang Yang curled the corners of his lips and walked past Qiao Nan. He had a provocative and mockery look in his eyes.

    ¡°What a crowd.¡± When she entered the room, Qiao Zijin noticed that not only Zhu Baoguo was there, but the ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ she met at the hospital was there as well. Her smile became strained at seeing all of them. One of them was a young and promising boy, while the other was an outstanding man. Both were giants among men. Sooner orter, they would have big achievements.

    However, these two excellent young men always mixed with Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. They must be blind. She was so much better and beautiful than Qiao Nan.

    Inparison, why would they choose to be with Qiao Nan but ignore her?

    ¡°Yang Yang, have a seat. I will give you a cup of hot water.¡± Fortunately, although Zhu Baoguo and Zhai Sheng did not know how to appreciate her, there were others who could tell that she was better than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Wang Yang sat down cautiously at one side. He was not as at ease as he was before. He had already received news that Zhu Baoguo came to look for Qiao Nan, but he did not expect that Zhai Sheng would be there as well.

    Wang Yang might be fearless, but he had a guilty conscience with Zhai Sheng around. He did not dare to be as arrogant as he used to be.

    He could scheme against Zhu Baoguo, but there was no way that he could win over Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Nan Nan, where is the teacup?¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to y the host to Wang Yang, but unfortunately, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had never been in this house, so she did not know where Qiao Nan kept her cutlery. ¡°Nan Nan,e over and help me. You are not a guest, so why are you sitting with the guests? Come here.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled but she refused to help Qiao Zijin. ¡°This is not your house. Since you want to y host, do as you like. Why would you ask me where the cutlery are and want me to help you?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, is this how you should behave?¡± Qiao Zijin pulled a long face. How dared Qiao Nan disgrace her in front of these outsiders! ¡°I am your sister!¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are merely my sister.¡± Qiao Zijin could not be thinking that since she was tolerant of their mother, she would treat her sister in the same manner, could she? Where did Qiao Zijin get the idea from?

    Ding Jiayi was her mother, while Qiao Zijin was only her sister. If Qiao Zijin expected the same treatment as their mother, she had been thinking too much.

    ¡°You!¡± Qiao Zijin flushed. ¡°You should look at the situation before you throw a tantrum. You will be eighteen years old in another year. You will be an adult by then. Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing to throw a tantrum in front of the guests?¡±

    ¡°Embarrassing?¡± Qiao Nan chuckled. ¡°Wang Yang has waited a long time for that cup of water. Are you sure you want to continue to bicker with me and make Wang Yang goes without water?¡±

    Qiao Zijin looked at Wang Yang and knew that she could not do anything about Qiao Nan. She had to prepare the drink by herself.

    Initially, Qiao Zijin wanted to make Qiao Nan look bad in front of the three guests. She did not expect that she would be bringing shame to herself and that Qiao Nan would be so domineering.

    Without Ding Jiayi¡¯s help, it was not easy for Qiao Zijin to order Qiao Nan around.

    Qiao Zijin dared not try anything funny after she was taught a lesson by Qiao Nan. ¡°Yang Yang, here¡¯s your tea.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± It seemed that Qiao Zijin was defenseless against Qiao Nan. Wang Yang thought to himself whether he had chosen the wrong person. If Qiao Zijin was only capable of such feats, he was not willing to waste his time and effort on her.

    ¡°I intend to study with Zhu Baoguo. Are both of you here to join us?¡± After the two of them sat down, Qiao Nan lifted her chin, pointed to the homework on the table, and asked bluntly.

    ¡°This is a good idea. Tomorrow, Yang Yang and I will bring our homework with us. How about the four of us do our homework together? Today is too rushed. I have forgotten to bring my homework,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a smile.

    ¡°Since you are not here to study, what are you doing here today?¡± Zhu Baoguo put down his pen and stared at Wang Yang coolly. Wang Yang must be here to make trouble.

    Looking at Zhu Baoguo, Wang Yang put on a smile, ying out the image of a well-behaved boy. ¡°I get along very well with Sister Zijin yesterday and I wanted to know more about her. Brother, it¡¯s been a long time since west sat down and chatted. Since all of us are about the same age, we must have a lot of topics to talk about. If there were any misunderstandings or unhappiness in the past, we should just talk about it and clear up the misunderstandings. Brother, we are one family. Sister Zijin and Qiao Nan are one family as well. Since we are one family, we must not stay angry with each other. Yes, I ended up doing the wrong things even though my intentions were good. You have the right to be angry with me. Brother, I solemnly apologize to you. Please forgive me.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s apology was said so lightly. There was no sincerity in his words at all.

    Regarding what happened to Zhu Baoguo during the middle school examination, anyone who had the wits about them could have guessed that Wang Yang definitely did not have good intentions toward Zhu Baoguo.

    However, since they were rtives and had not severed ties or cut off contact with each other, they allowed sometitude by not spelling everything out lest they might feel awkward.

    Wang Yang made use of this and refused to admit that he harbored evil intentions toward Zhu Baoguo. He tried to understate his actions by saying that he had good intentions.

    ¡°Brother, I was wrong. A mere apology will definitely not be enough. How about I give you something that you desire the most? With this, you should ept my apology. Brother, I know my mistakes. I really didn¡¯t mean it. Brother, as you are magnanimous, you must not be angry with me.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo put down his pen, crossed his arms about his chest, and looked at Wang Yang cautiously. ¡°You want to give me something as an apology? What do you want to give me?¡±

    ¡°Since I want to make an apology, of course I have to give you whatever it is that you most desire.¡±

 Chapter 321 - Let Us Bury the Hatchet

    <h4>Chapter 321: Let Us Bury the Hatchet</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What do I want the most?¡±

    ¡°Brother, don¡¯t you remember? Last year, you requested your dad and grandpa to buy something for you. Even though you tried very hard to persuade them, they did not agree to it. I asked my dad for help. He entrusted the task to someone else and they finally managed to buy it. However, it will take some time to get through the customs. In another half a month¡¯s time, I will deliver the things to you. As the saying goes, ¡®Gift blinds the eye¡¯. After epting my gift, you must not be angry at me. You must not let your dad and grandpa worry about us anymore.¡±

    If whenever Zhu Baoguo was back at the Zhu family¡¯s residence, he would be treated as if he was transparent, then how could he take control of the Zhu family and make sure that it belonged to the Wang family eventually?

    These had happened so many times that Wang Yang could not sit back and not do anything.

    All these years, Wang Yang had always been sessful in framing and ndering Zhu Baoguo. He had been very confident that his n of taking control of the Zhu family would not fail.

    When he was discovered by the Zhu family regarding the previous incident where he drugged Zhu Baoguo, he had proudly thought that with his previous effort, it would not have much impact on his position in the Zhu family.

    However, the aftermath was not as he had expected. The incident had a huge impact on him and he could not help but panic.

    Whenever Zhu Baoguo returned home from school, he would be asked to leave by his grandpa. In other words, he no longer had any foothold in the Zhu family. As long as Zhu Baoguo was around, he must go back to his house.

    Why should he?

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You can¡¯t do anything about my grandpa, so you want to buy me off?¡± Zhu Baoguo looked at Wang Yang contemptuously.

    ¡°How could you say that I am trying to buy you off? Brother, what you said is... Besides, Grandpa has been very good to me. I don¡¯t want him to worry about us. Grandpa is no longer young. If the family stands united and has a harmonious rtionship, he will be happy and will be able to live a long life. Brother, I am sure you would like for Grandpa to stay healthy as well. Therefore, let¡¯s bury the hatchet so that he will not have to worry about us again.¡±

    Wang Yang had a smile on his face, and his attitude was particrly good. He was very tolerant of the arrogant Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°You want to bury the hatchet?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Zhu Baoguoughed happily. ¡°Wang Yang, Wang Yang, I never thought that you¡¯d have this day. I have suffered under your hands and I am not sure how I can deal with you. But Wang Yang, from today onward, you have to prepare yourself as I have seen through you and your acts. After all, you are only capable of this stuff, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Wang Yang tried hard to maintain his smile. ¡°Brother, what do you mean by this? Are you still angry with me and want to keep on quarreling with me?¡±

    He had already backed down. If it were in the past, Zhu Baoguo...

    ¡°Wang Yang, I suggest that you read ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯. Have you heard of a phrase that says, ¡®A schr who has been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes¡¯? I am no longer the ignorant person in the past. I won¡¯t be fooled by you. Do you think that if you act pitiful and apologetic, I will becent and forgive you like what I did in the past? I am not stupid!¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words were dripping with sarcasm. He mmed the table in anger.

    Wang Yang was a wolf, a poisonous snake even. He would not be the stupid farmer who died in its hands.

    ¡°Baoguo, we are one family. How could you say that? I have heard about the incident. Yang Yang was definitely not intentional...¡± Qiao Zijin interrupted.

    ¡°Another word from you and I may whack you! Who are you to reason with me?¡± Zhu Baoguo turned and stared at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Let me warn you. I can¡¯t stand the sight of you, but it¡¯s just that I don¡¯t have the chance to deal with you. If you dare to spout nonsense, I will give you a bashing such that your mom can¡¯t even recognize you! ¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin paled and cowered in fright.

    Qiao Zijin shut her mouth. Zhu Baoguo looked at Wang Yang. ¡°Wang Yang, what you did today goes to show that you are at your wit¡¯s end. Wang Yang, bear in mind that your surname is Wang, while my surname is Zhu. The Zhu family and the Wang family are two different families. Everything in the Zhu family will not be yours.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa has been saying that you have improved a lot. At first, I didn¡¯t really believe him, but now I have to believe his words. I really don¡¯t know about the ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯, though.¡± Wang Yang sneered. In the past, Zhu Baoguo would fall easily for his traps.

    The worst thing was that Zhu Baoguo had Qiao Nan by his side now.

    Originally, Zhu Baoguo was just like a fool, easily manipted. But now that there was Qiao Nan, he had grown smarter.

    Therefore, if he wanted to deal with Zhu Baoguo, he would have to solve the problem of Qiao Nan first.

    Wang Yang cast a sideways nce at Qiao Nan and vowed that he would make her pay for the humiliation that he suffered today.

    The moment Wang Yang caught a glimpse of Qiao Nan with his peripheral vision, he found himself under Zhai Sheng¡¯s piercing and dangerous gaze.

    Zhai Sheng sat upright in the chair as if he was in the middle of a national conference. He did not seem to be in the small quad. It was as if he was at the Great Hall of the People. Even though before him was only a low coffee table with a few cups of water, it seemed as if it was a grand conference table at which important issues were discussed. Most importantly, the ordinary teacups on the table suddenly seemed as if they were priceless cultural relics that the soldiers in the army had risked their lives and spent a lot of effort in getting, taken from the hands of foreign tomb raiders, and would be a great contribution to the Chinese archeology.

    Zhai Sheng had that dignified aura about him that no matter how shabby the environment was, they would seem to be ssy and exquisite with him around.

    Compared with themon furniture and cutlery that instantly seemed as if they were of high value, Wang Yang paled at a slight nce from Zhai Sheng. His eyes flickered and he hunched his back as if he were a rat that came out of its hiding ce in the day but was so scared by the bright daylight that it scurried back into its hiding ce!

    Wang Yang paled inparison to Zhai Sheng, and he could not help but want to hide away.

    Zhai Sheng had some water. He did not say anything or look at Wang Yang again. However, Wang Yang was so ashamed that he lowered his head and wished that he could dig a hole and hide in it.

 Chapter 322 - I Was the Veteran

    <h4>Chapter 322: I Was the Veteran</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If he had known that Zhai Sheng would be here today, he would have nevere.

    ¡°Wang Yang, are you interested in having a chat with me?¡± Zhai Sheng put down the cup of tea and looked at Wang Yang.

    If Zhai Sheng was the embodiment of righteousness, Wang Yang would be the viin with a guilty conscience. Viins were most fearful of righteous soldiers like Zhai Sheng. At the very least, when Wang Yang was with Zhai Sheng, he could not help but feel guilty as if he had been up to no good.

    ¡°No, I am here to look for my brother!¡± Wang Yang immediately rejected when he heard that Zhai Sheng wanted to have a chat with him. ¡°Brother, don¡¯t you like the army very much? Don¡¯t you have anything to ask Brother Zhai? Brother Zhai is very familiar with how it¡¯s like in the army. He knows as much as your dad.¡±

    That was right. Zhu Baoguo had no interest in studying. Initially, Grandpa and his uncle nned to send Zhu Baoguo to the army after he went to high school and was old enough for the army.

    A soldier with no culture, no knowledge, and no education background would not have a promising future in the army. In the end, he would only be treated as someone who had brawns but no brains, and would be treated as cannon fodder.

    Perhaps, if he tackled his problem from this area, he would be able to achieve his goal.

    ¡°Do you think it is appropriate if I ask someone else instead of my father?¡± Zhu Baoguo gave Wang Yang a fake smile.

    His rtionship with his father might be distant and they might not get along well with each other, but it was all in the past. Compared with Zhai Sheng who was an outsider, he was definitely closer to his father. If he had any questions, it would be more convenient for him to ask his father.

    Zhu Baoguo refused to admit that he did not want to ask Zhai Sheng because he had an unexinable feeling of being threatened and this awkwardness when he was around Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡± The three men were engaged in their own conversation. Qiao Zijin tried several times to cut in and join them in their chat but was unsessful. She had nned to make use of this opportunity to get closer to the three of them so that Zhu Baoguo and Zhai Sheng would grow to favor her more than Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was anxious that she had no other way to join in the conversation. She gave Qiao Nan a slight push, hoping that she would help her.

    Qiao Nan moved slightly to the side and gave Qiao Zijin a disdainful look.

    Since Qiao Zijin could not realize that she was no longer the Qiao Nan who would be submissive to her and ede to all her requests, she could not be bothered with Qiao Zijin.

    She knew that if she helped Qiao Zijin strike up a conversation with Brother Zhai and Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Zijin would push her to the side once the three of them mingled well. Qiao Zijin might have a n in mind, but she was not so foolish to be used and deceived by her.

    ¡°Sister, do you and Wang Yang have anything else to say? If not, perhaps you would like to make a move first?¡± Qiao Zijin and Wang Yang had already wasted one hour of their time. If they continued to stay at the house, there was no way that she and Zhu Baoguo could finish their homework.

    ¡°I do. Both of us have to go to school and we don¡¯t have time for each other. Moreover, Dad moved to this ce for you. Look, in the past two months, there weren¡¯t many chances for both of us to see each other and have a good chat. Don¡¯t you miss me? It¡¯s rare that we have a chance to catch up with each other, so we must make use of this chance to clear any misunderstanding. Nan Nan, do you really not miss me at all? Do you know that I miss you dearly? Let¡¯s have a good chat. Should we chat in your room?¡± Qiao Zijin walked forward and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, wanting to take a look at Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Wang Yang grinned. Qiao Zijin had done well. She had not forgotten that beforeing here, he had asked her to separate Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan.

    However, with Zhai Sheng around, even if Qiao Nan was not by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s side, it would not be easy to rile up Zhu Baoguo.

    He would have to find another time when Zhai Sheng was not at the quad to do that.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan turned and slipped out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s grip. Qiao Nan was quick like a loach. Qiao Zijin could not catch hold of her. ¡°I have nothing to hide from the rest, so just go ahead and say whatever you want. I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s inappropriate.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing inappropriate.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean it?¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. No wonder her mother always chided Qiao Nan as a wretched girl. She was really shameless. ¡°You¡¯ve started having the menses for quite some time already. Is it painful? Are the days urate? As a girl, you have to pay more attention to this aspect. Mom told me that if one does not take good care of oneself, it may be difficult for one to have children in the future.¡±

    As soon as Qiao Zijin said these words, everyone, including herself, flushed red in embarrassment.

    Especially herst sentence that mentioned about Qiao Nan getting married and having children.

    But this was what annoyed Qiao Nan the most. What did she mean by not taking good care of herself and that she might not be able to have children? Was she concerned about Qiao Nan or cursing Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and brushed at her bangs. ¡°Thank you for your concern, but I am very healthy. Most importantly, I do not have the problem of dysmenorrhea. Speaking of which, Sister, you really have to pay more attention. I heard that having a cold uterus will result in dysmenorrhea. The cold uterus is considered an illness, and you have to cure it. Otherwise, one can¡¯t give birth to children as well.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Everyone felt awkward at the topic, especially when Qiao Nan brought up the specialized term ¡®cold uterus¡¯. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned bright red as if she were a metallic pot that was about to explode from boiling water.

    The five of them who were present knew what Qiao Nan was referring to.

    Not only the boys but also Qiao Zijin, who was a girl, was reminded of the picture that she saw in the biology book. She knew which female organs Qiao Nan was referring to and how sensitive this topic was.

    Qiao Zijin was so embarrassed that she was about to let off steam.

    As the second youngest person among the five people present, Qiao Nan was proud that her words had such a big impact. She flung her ponytail. How dared Qiao Zijin start this topic. Qiao Zijin had no idea that she was the ¡®veteran¡¯ among the five of them.

    Qiao Zijin was not the only one who knew how to talk about sensitive topics out of nowhere.

    The five of them sat awkwardly in total silence.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng shot a meaningful look at Qiao Nan and broke the silence. ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to know a lot.¡± Since Nan Nan had an interest in this kind of topic, could it be that she liked children very much?

    If this was the case, then he could have a few more kids with Nan Nan in the future.

    However, on second thought, the country¡¯s national nning policy promoted raising healthier and better-educated children. Although they could not have more children, they could make up for it through other means.

 Chapter 323 - Perfect Unison

    <h4>Chapter 323: Perfect Unison</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was a matter of opinion as to who stood to gain in the end.

    Qiao Nan gave a slight cough to cover up for her embarrassment. ¡°As a top student, this is expected of me. I must be well-read in different areas, lest ites up in the college entrance examinations.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of the top student. She had an idea. ¡°Sister, since both you and Wang Yang did not bring your homework, it¡¯s so boring to just sit and chat. Why don¡¯t we ask each other some knowledge-based questions to test one another and umte points? Whoever who can answer will get a point. If no one can answer, the person who asks the question will score a point. All of us will pool our money together to buy a good notebook as a prize for the person who has the highest score.¡±

    Qiao Zijin and Wang Yang were here to create trouble. They wanted to stop her and Zhu Baoguo from studying hard.

    She had ways to deal with their plots.

    Qiao Nan did not believe that she, who was more than forty years old, would not be able to deal with a few spoilt brats who were less than twenty years old.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Zhai Sheng agreed.

    ¡°I have no objections.¡± It was much better than engaging in meaningless conversations with Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°... Alright,¡± Wang Yang replied reluctantly. If they had to y the game, he would have to go easy on them.

    Since everyone else had agreed, Qiao Zijin could not say that she, in fact, was not interested. She certainly could not answer the questions. Even if she managed to answer all the questions, the money that they pooled together could only be used to get a simple notebook. She had no interest in such a prize. If the prize was a bracelet, ne, or earrings, then she would be slightly more interested.

    However, it was one against four. Nobody cared that Qiao Zijin was reluctant to join the game.

    Once the game had been set, what happened next was an interesting sight.

    Zhai Sheng was the oldest among them and had the most extensive knowledge as well. Qiao Zijin, Zhu Baoguo, and Qiao Nan were all high school students. Wang Yang was the only person who was in the third year of junior high school.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had a tacit understanding with each other. They raised questions that were based on high school knowledge points. Even though Qiao Zijin was a level higher than Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan, she was either unable to answer or was too slow to answer the questions that Zhai Sheng asked. Zhu Baoguo took the chance to answer before her.

    Qiao Nan knew the answer to these questions. However, she went easy on Zhu Baoguo, letting him have the chance to answer.

    Qiao Zijin was too slow to answer the questions, whereas Wang Yang did not know the answers to them at all. No matter how smart he was, he was still in junior high school. He did not read up on senior high school knowledge.

    Therefore, Wang Yang could only gape like a fool as Zhu Baoguo answered one question after another, his eyes brimming with confidence.

    Wang Yang¡¯s original intention was to go easy on the rest. Hence, he would always ask questions that even elementary school students would be able to answer. He did not want Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo to enjoy the game.

    But as Zhu Baoguo answered more and more of the questions, and his score went higher and higher as if he was the sole winner, Wang Yang, who did not like to see that Zhu Baoguo was doing good, could not take it lying down. He forgot about his original n and started to ask tough questions one after another which inadvertently let Zhu Baoguo have the chance to learn more.

    ¡°Congrattions, Zhu Baoguo. You have the highest score. We will pool our money and get you a notebook as a reward. Let¡¯s give a round of apuse!¡± Qiao Nan took the lead in getting everyone to apud.

    Zhai Sheng cast a meaningful look at Qiao Nan. He was sure that when he had a child with Nan Nan in the future, she would be a good mother. She knew how to teach them well.

    ¡°Thank you. It is thanks to everyone that I have this score.¡± Zhu Baoguo could not help butugh. He was very pleased and proud of himself at winning the game. He had won, while Wang Yang almost did not score any points. Wang Yang was not as smart as he thought him to be.

    Zhu Baoguo, who was exhrated, forgot that Wang Yang was a junior high school student. As a high school student, there was nothing to be proud of to win over a junior high school student.

    But nobody cared about this.

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng took advantage of the situation and deliberately made it such that nobody would spell out the obvious. Wang Yang thought highly of himself and felt that he would not lose to Zhu Baoguo under all circumstances. With his intelligence, even if he was only a junior high school student, it wasmon to be better than Zhu Baoguo who was in high school.

    Zhu Baoguo, who was over the moon, would not realize that, and Qiao Zijin, who was foolish at times, would not think of it either.

    Wang Yang who felt insulted flushed red in anger and was speechless.

    He was fooled again. He was fooled by Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng took control of the overall situation while Qiao Nan helped him by the side to steer the flow. They made Zhu Baoguo seem as if he was very clever at the expense of him...

    The most annoying thing was that he had fallen for Qiao Nan¡¯s trap and had asked many questions to test Zhu Baoguo.

    Wang Yang had scored a few points, and he was not the one with the lowest score. He had a higher score than Qiao Zijin and Zhai Sheng. In Qiao Zijin¡¯s case, she really could not answer them, whereas Zhai Sheng did not want to be seen as a big bully. As for Wang Yang, the few questions that he had answered were a blow to his confidence.

    He had wanted to go easy on them, but the few points that he scored near the end made him seem like a fool!

    ¡°I am tired. I will go back to rest. All of you can continue to y.¡± Wang Yang was very upset. He was worried that he would not be able to control his temper. He stood up with a sullen face and went straight out.

    ¡°Yang Yang, wait for me. Let¡¯s go together.¡± She came in Yang Yang¡¯s family car. If Yang Yang left without her, did it mean that she would have to walk back home?

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Zhu Baoguo, I will send you back to the quad. Let¡¯s go together.¡± After Wang Yang, the god of gue left, Zhai Sheng stood up, getting to leave as well.

    The smile vanished from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face. He had no intention of leaving and wanted to stay a little longer.

    Zhu Baoguo did not respond to Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, but Qiao Nan had already packed his things for him. ¡°That¡¯s right. You should go back as well. Besides, judging from how it is today, Wang Yang has not given up on dealing with you. He wants to make sure that your performance willg behind. He wants to disrupt our revision ns so that we do not have time to study. In addition to studying at my house, you must make use of the time at the Zhu family¡¯s residence to study. There¡¯s no way that he can keep a watch on you all the time. You must not skive during this winter break and don¡¯t be affected by Wang Yang either. You must make sure to do your revision on the knowledge that the teachers have taught us. Do you understand?¡±

    Wang Yang was so shameless that he had resorted to roguish behavior of pestering Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°But...¡± If that was the case, did it mean that he could note looking for Xiao Qiao to revise and practice the sums during the winter break?

 Chapter 324 - Difficult Situation

    <h4>Chapter 324: Difficult Situation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Sheng stood up, his pants straight without any creases as if it had just been washed and ironed.

    Although Zhai Sheng said it coolly, one could not help but do ording to what he said.

    Zhu Baoguo grounded his teeth. Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin had spoilt his day and taken up all his time. He would have plenty of chances to deal with Wang Yang. As for Qiao Nan, he would make her suffer the moment he got hold of any chink in her armor!

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, then I will go back first. Uncle Qiao is not back yet. Will you be fine at home alone?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a three-year-old child. You should worry about yourself. Without me around, do not be affected by what Wang Yang said and acts like a halfwit. You are older than Wang Yang, so you should be wiser than him. You must not fall for his tricks. Isn¡¯t that shameful? You must not be all brawns and no brains. You must have your wits about you!¡±

    Qiao Nan could not hide her exasperation. She and Brother Zhai were around to help him today.

    If they had not been around, Zhu Baoguo would not have been able to have a sure win against Wang Yang. She had no idea how Wang Yang grew up to be so scheming, whereas Zhu Baoguo was so naive and simple-minded.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you must not look down on me. Wait till you see. Previously, I didn¡¯t know that he would be so vicious. After all, he is my rtive and his mother is my auntie. Hence, I was not wary of him. But now that I am on my guard, he will not have the chance to plot against me. I will not believe in whatever he says! I have already said that in the Zhu family, it¡¯s either me or him. I will not tolerate him. I can definitely think of a way to make sure that Wang family will not be able to take advantage of the Zhu family. If they think that I am a pushover and dare to deal with me, I will make sure that they suffer!¡± Zhu Baoguo said indignantly.

    In fact, back then, when Qiao Nan advised him to be careful, Zhu Baoguo had already nned to deal with the Wang family.

    Wang Yang might be scheming, but he was just a kid. If nobody had taught him to do so, he believed Wang Yang could not have done so many bad things. To put it bluntly, the adults in the Wang family must have yed a part.

    Wang Yang was the pupil that surpassed the master. He was more ruthless than the elders in the Wang family.

    He was reminded of the incident two years ago when he was almost killed by a group of hooligans. Zhu Baoguo, who used to be bubbly, had a grim look on his face.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t just worry about me. Qiao Zijin is much more stupid than Wang Yang, but she is cunning and much more difficult to deal with than Wang Yang. Now that these two people are in cahoots, it will mean more trouble for both of us.¡± At the mention of the two of them, Zhu Baoguo was even more annoyed.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know. Now that they are in cahoots, all the more we must buck up. When we enter a good college, we will be able to leave this ce and be rid of them.¡±

    ¡°Well said! We must study hard and work hard for the college entrance examination so that we can leave this disgusting ce!¡± He really wanted to be rid of Wang Yang, but Wang Yang kept pestering him. It was in annoying for Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°When you¡¯re done, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Sheng was very gracious. He waited till they had given each other their encouragements before grabbing Zhu Baoguo and walking out with him.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, let me go. Don¡¯t think that just because Xiao Qiao calls you big brother, you¡¯ve really be the big brother. You are only two years older than me. I won¡¯t acknowledge you as my big brother.¡± Zhu Baoguo pulled a long face as soon as he left the small quad. He looked at Zhai Sheng, feeling displeased.

    Zhai Sheng was the person that Zhu Baoguo could not stand the most in the quad. When he was a child, every time he did something to disappoint his family, Elder Zhu would bring up Zhai Sheng, saying that if he had a grandson like Zhai Sheng, then he would not have to worry about the future of the Zhu family.

    It was not only Elder Zhu. At times, Zhu Chengqi wouldpare Zhu Baoguo to Zhai Sheng as well.

    As a result, Zhu Baoguo could not stand the sight of Zhai Sheng since childhood. Zhai Sheng knew that Wang Yang had been the person behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s bad reputation. Zhai Sheng never liked such a foolish and troublesome Zhu Baoguo. He was like a youngdy who needed pacifying.

    The two people who found each other to be a nuisance hade face to face with each other. The atmosphere was not pleasant at all.

    ¡°You will be mocking me if you call me your brother.¡± Although Zhai Sheng appeared to be calm andposed, his words almost made Zhu Baoguo explode in anger.

    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Was Zhai Shengughing at him that though he was older than Wang Yang, yet he was always plotted against and tricked by him?

    ¡°Your family chauffeur is here. I will go first.¡± Seeing that the Zhu family¡¯s car had arrived, Zhai Sheng opened the door to his car and got onto the driver seat. He did not really mean to drive Zhu Baoguo home when he brought him out.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Zhu Baoguo turned green in anger as Zhai Sheng drove off in his car. He had the feeling that he was being used by Zhai Sheng, and now that he was of no use, he was being dismissed. Why did Zhai Sheng insist that he went home? What did he mean by that?

    This was too strange.

    ¡°Baoguo, why did you wait outside? Are we going home now?¡± The Zhu family chauffeur was shocked when he saw that Zhu Baoguo had been waiting at the doorway of the small quad. He was worried that he had arrivedte. ¡°Baoguo, you could have waited inside. It¡¯s cold outside, and the snow has not melted yet. It may snow again today. Next time, you should wait in the house.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not cold at all. My dad made me swim in the winter. Alright, I am hungry. Let¡¯s go home and eat.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was too embarrassed to bring up Zhai Sheng to his chauffeur. He could only admit that he was unlucky. He got on the car and returned to the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    After how Wang Yang was humiliated today, Zhu Baoguo finally had a few peaceful days. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life had gotten better, but Qiao Nan was not that lucky. It was almost the Lunar New Year, yet trouble kepting her way.

    ¡°Nan Nan, there is something that I want to discuss with you.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked as if he was in a difficult situation. He did not know how to approach the matter.

    ¡°Is it regarding money?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s heart jumped a beat. Could it be that her father could not help it and told her mother about the money in her ount, and her mother wanted to use the money on Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°No, it has nothing to do with money.¡± Qiao Dongliang waved his hand again and again. He had repeatedly advised Nan Nan not to let anyone know about the money, so how could he possibly tell Ding Jiayi about it? Once Ding Jiayi knew that Nan Nan had the ability to make money and that she had a lot of money with her, it would be big trouble.

    ¡°Then, what is it?¡±

 Chapter 325 - Family â€˜Reunionâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 325: Family ¡®Reunion¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Apart from money, what was it that put her father in such a difficult position?

    ¡°Your mom said that we are one family, and there must be a family reunion during the Lunar New Year. During the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, our family did not have the opportunity to have a meal together. Nan Nan, what do you think?¡± Though Qiao Dongliang was in a difficult position, he wanted to have this reunion dinner as well.

    He had not divorced Ding Jiayi. That said, she was his wife and Qiao Zijin was his daughter. Even if they were divorced, it was not too much to ask that the family came together once a year to have a meal.

    ¡°Dad, so you actually have the same thoughts as well?¡± Qiao Nan twitched the corners of her lips and asked, ¡°Since Dad thinks that way as well, I have no opinion. Do we go to the quad or have it here?¡±

    ¡°We will go to the Qiao family¡¯s residence at the quad.¡± This house was lent to them by Ping Cheng High School. Given what Ding Jiayi had done previously, no matter how thick-skinned or desperate he wanted to have the reunion dinner, Qiao Dongliang would not have the reunion dinner in this ¡®home¡¯.

    ¡°Fine, it¡¯s settled.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and agreed.

    ¡°Nan Nan, will you be unhappy?¡± Qiao Dongliang was shocked that Qiao Nan agreed readily to his suggestion. He thought that Nan Nan would be unhappy and would refuse to have the reunion dinner.

    He had thought of different ways to persuade Nan Nan, but they did note in handy.

    Sure enough, Nan Nan was the most sensible and most obedient child at home. He did not need to worry about her.

    Qiao Nan turned around and said nonchntly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be unhappy about.¡± It was merely a meal.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you are not unhappy. This year, during the Lunar New Year, we will have a sumptuous meal. Nan Nan, you can rest assured that with me around, your mom will not¡ª¡± Qiao Dongliang had a happy smile on his face.

    ¡°Dad, I know.¡± Qiao Nan interrupted his words. Did her father mean that her mother would not create trouble again? Her mother would not be able to stay still for long. Otherwise, she would not have stirred up so much trouble at her school that she almost could not continue with her studies in Ping Cheng High School.

    Without Brother Zhai¡¯s help, she would have been transferred to another school all because of her mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know.¡± As a traditional Chinese, Qiao Dongliang was d that like any other year, he would be able to have a happy family reunion this year as well. He did not notice that although Qiao Nan said that she was not unhappy, she did not say that she was happy either.

    The days building up to the Lunar New Year passed by in a blink. Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were kept busy and in no time, it was the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve.

    ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s already sote today. Why don¡¯t you just stay here?¡± After being together for a few days, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude toward Ding Jiayi was much better, and Ding Jiayi was more affectionate to Qiao Dongliang.

    When she thought of the cold bed at night, and that there was nobody beside her, an agitated Ding Jiayi reached out to grasp Qiao Dongliang, refusing to let go. ¡°Old Qiao...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang also had the same intentions, but in the end, he let go of her hand. ¡°No, Nan Nan is alone at home. I worry about her.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is not a child anymore. After the Lunar New Year, she will be an adult. She can take care of herself. You can feel free to stay behind. At least, you should stay here for another two hours. Zijin has already gone to bed anyway.¡± No matter what, making Qiao Dongliang stay behind was the most important. As for whether she would let him go two hourster, that would be a different matter.

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Dongliang pulled a long face. ¡°Ding Jiayi, if it is you, will you let Zijin stay alone in the house? Ding Jiayi, you are reverting to your old ways again. If you continue to be like this, I will have to reconsider the family reunion dinner this year.¡±

    ¡°What have I done? I have been behaving myself for the past six months. Haven¡¯t I done enough?¡± Ding Jiayi felt that she was wronged.

    If not for the fact Old Qiao had been losing his temper, she would have liked to ask Old Qiao why he moved to a new ce again without leaving any message, causing her to be so distressed.

    ¡°You should know whether you have done enough or not. If it is not for the sake of Zijin, I will note back with Nan Nan this Lunar New Year. Ding Jiayi, I am so disappointed in you.¡± Their rtionship had just gotten better, but it turned sour again because of what Ding Jiayi said.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned cold. He shrugged Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand away and walked off without any hint of hesitation.

    ¡°Did you quarrel with Dad again?¡± Qiao Zijin, who had woken up and was thirsty, poured herself some water. At the sound of people quarreling, she yawned and walked over.

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, who smeared my reputation in front of your dad. If she hasn¡¯t spun tales, your dad will not treat me in this way. I really don¡¯t know what I did wrong in my previous life that I have to pay my debts in this life.¡± Ding Jiayi stomped her feet in frustration. She could feel that Old Qiao treated her very well recently. She had thought she could make Old Qiao stay today.

    ¡°From what I heard from Dad¡¯s tone, something is not quite right. Mom, let me ask you again. Did you give Qiao Nan any trouble this semester?¡± After Qiao Zijin took a sip of water, her throat was not as dry and ufortable.

    ¡°No, no, no! How would I dare to do anything given your dad¡¯s attitude? Your dad has already moved out with Qiao Nan. If I create any more trouble, I am afraid he will divorce me for the sake of that wretched girl. I will not be so stupid and sacrifice my marriage with your dad in order to deal with that wretched girl.¡±

    She did not want this daughter, but it did not mean that she did not want her husband.

    On the contrary, she wanted her husband back with her and grew old with him.

    For the sake of Old Qiao, she would tolerate living with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin wrinkled her eyebrows. She would always get the same answer whenever she asked her mother. She might have to find a chance to ask Qiao Nan or her father to find out the truth.

    ¡°Alright, now that Dad has left, you should sleep as well. If you really want Dad to stay, there is a perfect opportunity on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. By then, Dad can¡¯t use Qiao Nan as an excuse again. But Mom, you must rein in your temper. Don¡¯t spoil the ship for a halfpenny-worth of tar. Even though you don¡¯t like Nan Nan, you must endure it lest you anger Dad. Qiao Nan has a nasty temper. If you do anything wrong, she will not be able to control her temper, and she will pull a long face and leave. Whether you can make Dad stay for the night is totally up to you.¡±

    Even if she wanted to make life difficult for Qiao Nan, she had to know her limits and judge the situation as well, lest she ruined her ns to keep Qiao Dongliang for the night.

 Chapter 326 - Let Us Confront

    <h4>Chapter 326: Let Us Confront</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As long as her father had not brought Qiao Nan home, her mother and she had to continue to hide their tails.

    Qiao Zijin was not afraid of anything else. She was only afraid that, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s character, she might do something shameful and create trouble for Qiao Nan. In the end, Qiao Nan might not even be embarrassed, but her father would leave for the sake of Qiao Nan nevertheless.

    ¡°Why would I?¡± Ding Jiayi replied, sounding a little guilty. ¡°I think tomorrow is a good day. I¡¯ve thought about it. I¡¯ll take the nket and mattress pad from Qiao Nan¡¯s room to wash and dry in the sun. At the same time, we can clean away the dust in the room. That wretched girl is so scheming. I¡¯ve not provoked her, but she¡¯s been talking bad about me in front of your dad. If I do anything in particr, she¡¯ll most likely smear my name in front of your dad. I... I¡¯ll not give her the chance!¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled satisfactorily, but then she knitted her brows. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s good that you can think in this way. However, Mom, don¡¯t tell me what you said earlier are the opposite of your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost twelve. I¡¯m so tired after a long day. Zijin, quickly go to sleep. I¡¯m going to sleep too.¡± Ding Jiayi nearly could not respond to the question.

    Ding Jiayi had already thought about what she had just said before but did not wish to do it at all.

    She was unhappy that Qiao Nan kept asking Old Qiao to move house. If thetter wanted a dry and warm nket, she could prepare it herself. When she harmed her, did she think of her as her biological mother? When she needed her, Qiao Nan treated her like a servant. How could she be willing to serve Qiao Nan? Wishful thinking!

    Ding Jiayi only had such small thoughts and a little brain. She could not create anything spectacr.

    ¡°This is really...¡± At the sight of Ding Jiayi¡¯s evasive attitude, Qiao Zijin was speechless. After all, her mother was really speaking words that were contrary to her thoughts. She wanted to ignore Qiao Nan and let Qiao Nan tidy up her own room when she was back.

    Fortunately, Qiao Zijin poked her nose and asked her mother the question. Otherwise, her mother would have made a mistake again and gave Qiao Nan an excuse to make trouble.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re back with Qiao Nan. Quicklye into the house. I¡¯ll pour the two of you some tea. I¡¯ve just boiled the water.¡± On Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, Qiao Dongliang brought Qiao Nan to the house and arrived at one o¡¯clock in the afternoon. At the sight of Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was overjoyed and greeted him warmly.

    Qiao Nan, who was initially walking beside Qiao Dongliang, was pushed to the side with this action of Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Nan, who was caught off-guard by this action, nearly fell down.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you alright?¡± Qiao Zijin saw this and quickly reached out to hold Qiao Nan. She then lowered her voice, held on to Qiao Nan, and slowed down thetter by a few steps to prevent Qiao Dongliang from seeing what happened. ¡°Nan Nan, I have something to ask you. Can we chat?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to chat with you.¡± Qiao Zijin shook her hands away. Her parents were far and her father would not be able to see what happened earlier. So, there was no need for Qiao Zijin to do that.

    ¡°Nan Nan, listen to me. I¡¯d like to ask you about something serious.¡± Qiao Zijin felt helpless. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re now like a hedgehog. I¡¯m your biological sister. We¡¯re one family. The usual minor arguments and fuss, bickering and fights, which family does not have them? However, can I harm you? Why do you have to guard against me like I¡¯m a thief? I didn¡¯t do anything that let you down, did I?¡±

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t?¡± Qiao Nan halted her steps, her ck eyes turned gloomy as she looked deeply at Qiao Zijin. ¡°During the summer vacation when I was in the second year of junior high school, yes, that rainy night, who was the one who opened my window and caused me to have a fever?¡±

    She was certain that she had closed the window. Her father had never entered her bedroom. Hence, the person who opened her windows and removed her nket was either her mother or Qiao Zijin.

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin was definitely capable of doing such a thing for her own sake.

    If it was not Qiao Zijin, then it was her mother. Her mother would only do this for the sake of Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Zijin had never said anything to her mother and encouraged thetter to do that, Qiao Nan dared to chop her head down and let Qiao Zijin use it as a stool!

    ¡°Why are you still talking about that matter? You have definitely remembered it wrong. Nan Nan, are you suspecting me? Suspecting Mom? What kind of people do you take us for? Mom is your biological mother and I¡¯m your biological sister. We¡¯re all in one family. Have I gone overboard in anything that I¡¯ve done to you? If you don¡¯t believe me, then... let¡¯s confront each other in front of Dad and Mom?¡± This happened two years ago. Qiao Nan did not have any evidence. She would not be afraid even if Qiao Nan brought this matter up.

    The more Qiao Nan talked about this matter, the more she did not feel guilty about it.

    ¡°Nan Nan, let¡¯s go and clear up this matter in front of Dad and Mom now so that you won¡¯t keep feeling paranoid. Don¡¯t tell me that, for the past year, you¡¯ve been angry with Mom because of this misunderstanding? Nan Nan, you... you¡¯re really... I don¡¯t know what to say about you. It¡¯s been two years. How are you so certain that you did not remember it wrong and that it¡¯s not your illusion since you were sick? To dispel your suspicion, let¡¯s go and talk before Mom and Dad. You keep thinking that Mom will side with me, but it¡¯s impossible that Dad will help me, right?¡±

    With the sound of a bang, Qiao Nan pped away Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands that were grabbing her. ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Why not? If we don¡¯t clear this matter up, you¡¯ll certainly distrust me in the future. If you didn¡¯t bring this up, I would never know about your suspicion. But since you¡¯ve mentioned it, I definitely have to rify this matter and clear up my name. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be wronged although I didn¡¯t do it. What an injustice.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan did not want to pursue the matter, Qiao Zijin became more enthusiastic and would not let go of Qiao Nan as she grabbed her hands.

    ¡°You have been wronged?¡± Qiao Nan was both amused and angry. In the past two years, Qiao Zijin did not improve in other things but her skin had be thicker than before. ¡°Sister, I know what you¡¯re thinking of. I only suspected initially. But judging by this attitude of yours, I¡¯m very certain that I did not remember it wrong. That window was not opened by Mom. It was you. If you have a reason and really don¡¯t do anything wrong, you will usually not reason it out with people.¡± Qiao Zijin would only kick up a fuss.

    Now, the fact that Qiao Zijin insisted to clear up this matter fully in such a serious and logical manner could only be because she had a guilty conscience.

    ¡°You¡¯ve wronged me. I¡¯ve already said that I didn¡¯t do it. Nan Nan, how will it benefit you to wrong me like this?¡±

    ¡°Precisely. Since I won¡¯t have any benefit if I wrong you, then why should I waste any effort on this? On the contrary, when I was sick at that time, I nearly missed the school enrollment deadline. Would you benefit from that? Do you dare to tell me?¡± Qiao Nan halted her steps and looked at Qiao Zijin coldly. ¡°Qiao Zijin, this is a house. You¡¯re only a family member in the house. You¡¯re not the judge in the court. You can¡¯t request for proof for all the witnesses¡¯ statements. If I can¡¯t provide any evidence, you can¡¯t say that I¡¯m certainly wrong and you¡¯re right. This tactic doesn¡¯t work on me. Don¡¯t treat me like a fool that I was in the past!¡±

 Chapter 327 - Donâ€™t Talk to Me about Kinship

    <h4>Chapter 327: Don¡¯t Talk to Me about Kinship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You!¡± Qiao Zijin bit her teeth. She was furious beyond words.

    If Qiao Nan was willing to have a confrontation with her, she was confident of convincing Qiao Nan and let Qiao Dongliang understand that it was all a misunderstanding. However, Qiao Nan did not even bother to reason with or have a face-to-face discussion with her. She had condemned Qiao Zijin. As such, no matter how many tricks and ploys Qiao Zijin had in mind, she had no opportunity to unleash them.

    ¡°Go into the house if you¡¯ve nothing to say.¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin coldly. In her previous life, Qiao Zijin kept reasoning with her and shortchanged her for an entire lifetime. In this life, if she ¡®reasoned¡¯ with Qiao Zijin again, then damn, she would be a big moron!

    ¡°Nan Nan, what did you and Zijin talk about? Why did you juste into the house now? Do you feel cold?¡± Just as Qiao Nan stepped into the house which was familiar yet strange to her, Qiao Dongliang tucked a cup of hot tea into her hands.

    Ding Jiayi was smiling and nodding. ¡°The two sisters grew up together from young and have a close rtionship. After being separated for so long, they must have many small secrets to share. Actually, they should be able to talk to each other as they wish. This pair of young sisters have suffered.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not bother about what Ding Jiayi was implying by her words. He asked Qiao Nan to sit down. ¡°What did you talk to your sister about?¡±

    ¡°Since when did I have something to talk to her about? Just now, at the entrance, I slipped and nearly fell down when Mom bumped onto me. That¡¯s why I came inter.¡± After Qiao Nan sat down, she pulled the corners of her lips and gave Qiao Zijin a nce before she described this as a matter-of-fact.

    ¡°You fell?¡± Qiao Dongliang was anxious. While he was looking at Qiao Nan, he gave Ding Jiayi a hard stare.

    ¡°No! I held on to Nan Nan!¡± Qiao Zijin exined nervously.

    ¡°Is that right?¡± No wonder Nan Nan and Zijin took so long toe into the house.

    ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t fall. It¡¯s just that I might have sprained my ankle. The good thing is that it¡¯s not that painful anymore. It¡¯ll be fine after some rest.¡± Qiao Nan ignored the anger and me in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes.

    By saying that, she just wanted to express that no matter what kind of tactics Qiao Zijin used to coax her, it was useless!

    ¡°What kind of mother are you?!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face stiffened as he shouted at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what the asion is today? Do you still wish to have a proper Lunar New Year? If you do this again, I¡¯ll bring Nan Nan back!¡±

    There was no mother who would push the daughter and cause her to have a fall. Moreover, it was the biological mother!

    Ding Jiayi rubbed her hands on her apron uneasily. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I was overjoyed to see you. Old Qiao, have you thought about how long we¡¯ve not seen each other? We¡¯ve never even had a proper conversation with each other. Do you know that many people in the quad areughing at me? They said that although I have a husband, it¡¯s the same as not having any¡ªthat you don¡¯t want me and are going to divorce me soon. Old Qiao, you¡¯ve been angry for long enough. I already know that I¡¯m in the wrong. During the past six months, have I not done well enough? Or do you really want to divorce me and leave me?¡±

    At the end of her speech, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were red and tears rolled down her face uncontrobly.

    ¡°Talk properly. You¡¯re already the mother of two daughters. Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing to cry in front of the children?¡± Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused. ¡°Do you really think that you¡¯ve been performing well in the past six months?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I?¡± She didn¡¯t deal with Qiao Nan anymore, but why was it still not enough?

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll be at odds with myself if I talk to you about this matter.¡± Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°I just wish to have a peaceful year. If you create trouble again, I¡¯ll leave with Nan Nan. If you don¡¯t want the people in the quad to watch a joke, then please be clear about what you should and should not say today. Nan Nan, sit down. Dad will make you a sweet egg soup to sweeten your mouth and fill your stomach.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I prepare sweet egg soup pretty well. The yolk is sweet and delicious.¡± Ding Jiayi quickly took over the task. Since Qiao Dongliang had said his piece, Ding Jiayi wished to have a sessful meal tonight. It would not do if she did not ¡®perform¡¯ well.

    When Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were busy in the kitchen, there were only Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan in the living room.

    Qiao Zijin pulled a long face. ¡°Nan Nan, did you do that on purpose just now? Do you know that what you¡¯ve said just now nearly called off the reunion dinner tonight? Are you happy and proud to see Dad and Mom quarrel and live separately from each other? This proved that you have an important ce in Dad¡¯s heart, more important than both Mom and I. Did you need to be so heartless and make things turn out so badly?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense with me. If Mom and you wish to have a sessful meal today, don¡¯t provoke me. I did it on purpose. Now, I¡¯m happy and proud. Don¡¯t tell me that I should be happy and proud when bullied continuously by Mom and you just like in the past?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re really treating Mom and me like your enemies? We¡¯re your family members!¡± Qiao Zijin was furious beyond words. When did Qiao Nan¡¯s temper be so strong? She would not listen to her at all. Qiao Zijin had put in both good and bad words, but Qiao Nan yielded to neither the carrot nor stick. She was resolute to be at odds with her mother and her.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, don¡¯t mention kinship to me. When you talk to me about kinship, don¡¯t you think that the phrase ¡®family member¡¯ is too scary? You opened the windows and caused me to have a fever. Mom thought of ways and means to make me quit school and work instead. Was I the one who treated you as enemies or was it the other way round? The reason why I spoke so much today is to tell you one thing. Don¡¯t use this kind of tactic with me in the future. It¡¯s too annoying!¡±

    Having that said, Qiao Nan decisively changed her seat. She even sat opposite Qiao Zijin and there was a table separating them.

    Qiao Zijin lifted her head and rolled her eyes a few times. She was furious. She was nearly driven to the grave by Qiao Nan.

    She did not expect that Qiao Nan, this wretched girl, was so daring now. She dared to talk to her in this manner. Did Qiao Nan mean that she would not treat her and her mother as Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister and mother respectively in the future? That she would no longer talk to them about kinship?!

    ¡°Come, eat some sweet egg soup. It¡¯s piping hot.¡± Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were each holding a bowl of the egg soup. In each bowl, there were two white and tender eggs with orange-yellow yolks in the middle.

    Qiao Nan took over the bowl in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands. Without a word, she devoured the eggs in a few mouthfuls.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? Should Dad make another two eggs for you?¡±

    ¡°No need, two is enough. Anyway, we¡¯ll be having dinner soon. If I¡¯m too full, it¡¯ll be hard to have good food in the evening.¡± Her father was the one who paid for the reunion dinner this year. Having a mouthful less would make her feel shortchanged.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Nan was right in saying that. ¡°Ding Jiayi, hurry up. Quickly prepare the reunion dinner.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Go in and bring out the melon seeds first. This way, Nan Nan and Zijin can munch on some melon seeds while they watch the television. They won¡¯t be bored, then,¡± Ding Jiayi said smilingly in a rare gentle tone.

 Chapter 328 - Stabbing Lungs and Piercing Heart

    <h4>Chapter 328: Stabbing Lungs and Piercing Heart</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zijin,e in and help me.¡±

    ¡°Coming.¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. She had been having empty talks with Qiao Nan for half a day and was nearly driven to the grave. Moreover, she was unable to get any response from Qiao Nan on the serious matters that she wanted to inquire about.

    All of a sudden, Qiao Zijin had a premonition that theing year would not be a smooth one for her. There would be a lot of trouble.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you give me quite good advicest time? Why were you so silly and argued with the wretched girl today? Don¡¯t you know that the wretched girl is emboldened now with Old Qiao backing her? It¡¯s Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve today. Don¡¯t provoke your dad and cause this meal to fail.¡± As soon as Qiao Zijin entered, Ding Jiayi immediately reprimanded Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan was the one who did all the household chores in the past while she propped her legs and waited for the meal to be ready. However, the situation was reversed now. Not only did she have to do the chores but also get reprimanded by her mother. At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood worsened. ¡°Mom, didn¡¯t you feel guilty when you said that? Would Imit a mistake that I told you not to? Qiao Nan was the one who deliberately irked me. She said she was determined to be at odds with the two of us. She even said that she treats us as enemies and we can forget about getting along harmoniously in this life. I¡¯m so furious with her. Argued with her? I¡¯ll thank God if she doesn¡¯t quarrel with me!¡±

    ¡°Did she really say that?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice sharpened. That wretched girl really thought that she could turn the sky upside down!

    ¡°Why should I lie to you? Can¡¯t you see how furious I am with her?¡± Qiao Zijin grabbed the melon seeds. She really did not wish to bring them out for Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, in the future, I¡¯m not going to interfere in the matters between Qiao Nan and you. I can¡¯t interfere anyway. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be driven to the grave alive. Qiao Nan has only left the house for half a year, and yet she has be so bold and arrogant. She doesn¡¯t take you and me seriously at all.¡±

    Qiao Nan was truly different from the past. Her wings had hardened. After she flew out of the house, she could no longer catch hold of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan picked this kind of asion to tell her all this. She wanted to make a clean break with her.

    ¡°This wretched girl!¡± Ding Jiayi was furious after hearing what Qiao Zijin said.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s enough to scold Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, in front of me. If you dare to scold her in front of Dad, do you believe that Dad will leave with Qiao Nan immediately? No wonder Qiao Nan became so bold and arrogant and doesn¡¯t take us seriously anymore. She has Dad as her backing. Exactly what spell did Qiao Nan cast on Dad for Dad to side with her so much? If Dad is not around, I¡¯ll let her suffer!¡± She could certainly say that if her father was indifferent to household affairs just like he used to be in the past, she was absolutely confident of torturing Qiao Nan till thetter would shiver at the mention of her name!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, this is your favorite five-spiced melon. Eat more.¡± At Qiao Zijin¡¯s reminder, Ding Jiayi rubbed her angry and distorted face. She put on a fake smile as she walked out and intentionally ced the melon seeds close to Qiao Nan in an approachable manner.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock. The evening Spring Festival show is starting.¡± Qiao Zijin switched on the television excitedly.

    At the start of the 21st century, it was a popr practice to watch the Spring Festival show during the Lunar New Year.

    True enough, as soon as the television was switched on, the Qiao family quiet down as they listened to the familiar melodies. The whole family stared at those familiar faces on the television. The previous disharmony and awkwardness disappeared thoroughly.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were sitting very close to each other. This time, Qiao Dongliang did not refuse. Both of their hands and legs were touching that of each other as they watched the television show. From time to time, their faces that were facing the television leaned close to each other as they exchanged a few words.

    Qiao Zijin was enthusiastically watching thenguage programs, especially the short skits andic dialogues. Whenever she heard something funny, sheughed loudly.

    All of a sudden, there was a stronger atmosphere of Lunar New Year in the Qiao family and everyone was harmonious and happy. It truly seemed like they belonged to the same family.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan looked forward to the Lunar New Year most. This was because the eve of the Lunar New Year was the only day in the whole year that she would not be reprimanded. In addition, she could eat her fill as she wished on that day.

    However, at this juncture, Qiao Nan¡¯s face was stiff and she realized that she could no longerpletely integrate into this family.

    Just like her previous life, her father, mother, and Qiao Zijin were one family. She, alone, was another separate family unit. There were four people in one house. Unfortunately, she was the only one that was out of ce as if she was unrted to the other three.

    When she saw the extremely harmonious atmosphere between the three people despite them not conversing a lot with one another, Qiao Nan not only felt awkward but also extremely ufortable.

    Having a positive and peaceful mindset as she did in the past did not work at this moment.

    At around ten o¡¯clock, Qiao Zijin stretched herself and yawned. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m tired and will be going to bed.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡± Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a while. They had finished the reunion dinner. Should he bring Nan Nan back?

    ¡°Old Qiao,e with me for a while. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year and I¡¯ve weaved a new sweater for you. Would you try it?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were bright and watery as she looked at Qiao Dongliang. She made full use of the opportunity to fawn on him.

    ¡°Alright...¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded and did not reject Ding Jiayi¡¯s good intentions.

    The two youngdies watched the couple went into the room. Qiao Zijin, in particr, kept smiling. ¡°Qiao Nan, how good will it be if the country did not implement family nning? Then, perhaps Dad and Mom could fulfill their previous wish. We could possibly still have a younger brother at our age.¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s stiff face and silentposure, Qiao Zijin felt more pleased. Qiao Nan made her furious today. At the very least, she had regained the victory.

    Ah, at this time, Qiao Zijin was certain that she could still have a good year ahead and went to bed happily. ¡°Your room has not changed at all. Mom has tidied it up for you. You might not treat us as your family members, but Mom and I have been extremely patient and magnanimous with you. Alright, I¡¯m going to bed. You can continue to watch the TV if you wish to. Otherwise, go to sleep.¡±

    There were only Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin living in this house. Although Qiao Zijin never did any household chores, she had to help on this asion. As such, Qiao Zijin, who was not used to doing chores, was feeling the soreness all over her body. She just wished to have a good sleep and recover her energy.

    How good would it be if her father did not move out of the house with Qiao Nan? If he hadn¡¯t, then Qiao Nan would most probably be the one doing the chores today.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, why do I feel that your hands are now much rougher than before, although it¡¯s only been less than six months?¡± Since Qiao Zijin stabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s lungs, Qiao Nan would pierce her heart.

    ¡°What did you say?!¡± True enough, Qiao Zijin, who was feeling extremely sleepy earlier, was jolted by these words of Qiao Nan. Her hair stiffened and she stared as if she were a tigress whose tail had been stepped on and whiskers pulled. She nearly bared her teeth and brandished her paws at Qiao Nan.

    In the past, although Qiao Zijin¡¯s family background was clearly average, her pair of hands that was more slender and beautiful than others was something that she was proudest of.

 Chapter 329 - File a Marriage Report

    <h4>Chapter 329: File a Marriage Report</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the previous life, after Qiao Zijin was married to Chen Jun, she received many praises for the pair of hands that resembled those of a rich man¡¯s daughter. Everyone thought that she was, in fact, born to a wealthy and good family¡ªthat the Chen family married a daughter-inw that waspatible with the family.

    Since Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang moved house, Qiao Zijin could no longer maintain that pair of fair and tender hands. It was a matter of course before it turned coarse.

    Qiao Zijin had already tried to let go and not think too much about it. Who knew that Qiao Nan had to expose her and rub salt on her injury today!

    ¡°You! Forget it. I¡¯m happy today and won¡¯t take issue with you. I¡¯m going to bed.¡± The more she quarreled with Qiao Nan, the more pleased Qiao Nan would be. Anyway, her father would not leave today. She could not be bothered to argue with Qiao Nan and waste her breath.

    Qiao Zijin lifted her chest like a little rooster, returning to her bedroom and shutting the door without any hesitation.

    The loud bang of the door closing made Qiao Nan¡¯s heart increasingly uneasy.

    Her father, mother, and Qiao Zijin were in the room. She was the only one outside. This door did not seem like a door to the bedroom but a door to the heart. It segregated her from the three of them.

    Qiao Nan tugged one corner of her mouth and frowned. In the end, she walked toward the main door and opened it without any hesitation. She left the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

    She had stayed in this house of the Qiao family since she was born. Moreover, she grew up in the quad. However, this ce did not belong to her. She kept feeling suffocated when she was here.

    After leaving the house of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan looked up at the sky. It was dark and starless. She gave a long sigh, her head drooping. She then walked toward her temporary ¡®home¡¯ in a sullen mood.

    The lights were bright in all the houses. Walking along the dark roads, Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze was gloomy. That lonely figure of hers seemed to have been abandoned by the whole world.

    Although there was no one tough and cry with Qiao Nan if she returned to the temporary home, and it would be cold and quiet with only Qiao Nan in it, Qiao Nan felt morefortable being alone than to stay at the house of the Qiao family. In the Qiao¡¯s residence, she would find it hard and depressing to spend the Lunar New Year.

    There was the sound of someone stepping on the snow. This greatly alerted Qiao Nan who had been immersed in her own sorrow. She was so frightened that her hairs stood up.

    ¡°Now you know what fear is?¡± Zhai Sheng walked out from a dark spot. He looked at Qiao Nan angrily as his heart ached. ¡°You¡¯re going home alone sote in the night? Since when did you be so daring? Why did I remember that one and a half years ago, you didn¡¯t even dare to look at me more than once and talked to me with your head bowed?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai?!¡± Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief and shouted with happiness and joy. She quickened her steps and ran over to Zhai Sheng¡¯s side.

    On a supposedly lively night, as she was experiencing the coldness and loneliness of the world, she would inevitably think of her good friends. The first person that she thought of was, in fact, not Zhai Sheng, but Zhu Baoguo, who was her ymate and ssmate.

    However, Qiao Nan knew that it was not appropriate for her to look for Zhu Baoguo at this moment. Everyone was happily having a reunion dinner with their families. As an outsider, she should not join in.

    Nevertheless, to her surprise, the person whose appearance that Qiao Nan dared not wish for was right before her now. This was like a miracle.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote and you¡¯re still out. Why won¡¯t you rest at home? Are your troops on leave this year, so you coulde home for the Lunar New Year?¡± Standing beside Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan transformed from a downhearteddy to a lively and energetic one. Her tiny mouth was so chatty. It was so noisy that Zhai Sheng wanted to use a special way to shut this sweet little mouth up.

    ¡°I know that a fool will definitely not feel good about herself so I can¡¯t rest even when I¡¯m on leave. I¡¯ll send you back.¡± Thoughts were thoughts. Zhai Sheng eventually dared not do something so abrupt to Qiao Nan. As per his usual habit, he rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s head and held her slightly cold hands as he walked.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands felt very hot and warm. That temperature was akin to that of the sun and gradually dissipated the haze that was hovering in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart. It brought her beautiful sunshine. ¡°Brother Zhai, how did you know?¡±

    Prior to today, she always believed that she could endure for just one night.

    Before Qiao Zijin said it, Qiao Nan already knew that it would not be possible for her father and her to go back after the reunion dinner.

    Clearly, she had portrayed herself like a flour dumpling with a good temper. Even Zhu Baoguo thought so. She thought that she could endure it, but she did not expect that although she had just left the house that brought her immense pain for a short period of six months, she could not even tolerate one night of stay there. She could not make herself suffer anymore.

    What Qiao Nan did not understand was why she could not even urately predict her own temper. Yet, why was Zhai Sheng so spot on and was ¡®coincidentally¡¯ waiting for her here? It was as if Zhai Sheng understood her more than herself.

    Zhai Sheng thought for a while. His gaze deepened but his eyes became brighter. This became the only light that Qiao Nan saw in the darkness. ¡°Yes, tell me. Why did I know?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. She was stunned. What did Brother Zhai mean by this word of his? Why did it sound like he was confessing his love for her? Had she be confused from her anger toward her mother and Qiao Zijin that she had such an illusion?

    Qiao Nan looked stupefied and could not react. This made Zhai Sheng smile bitterly. ¡°No wonder, you¡¯re still young.¡±

    Clearly, she was older by a year after today and would be an adult. Why couldn¡¯t she understand his words?

    ¡°No, not young anymore!¡± Qiao Nan would not concede defeat. She was young? She was already an ¡®old auntie¡¯ that was over forty years old!

    ¡°Are you certain that you¡¯re really not young anymore? One must know that there are certain things that only adults can do.¡± Zhai Sheng halted his steps. He looked at Qiao Nan seriously. Once he received a certain answer, he would definitely not let Qiao Nan have any chance to back out.

    Eighteen years old. This was a beautiful age that people looked forward to. This was the age that Zhai Sheng had waited one more year for.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you... are you serious? Or are you kidding me? It¡¯s the Lunar New Year today, not the April Fools¡¯ that people in western countries celebrate. Furthermore, this joke is not funny at all!¡± How could Brother Zhai mean that? She must have been thinking too much and confused by her anger toward Qiao Zijin. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... don¡¯t bother about what I have just said. I was angered beyond my sense. There is no other meaning. Don¡¯tugh at my narcissism.¡±

    ¡°Today¡¯s not the April Fools¡¯ indeed. I¡¯m not teasing you, and I¡¯m not joking with you either. Nan Nan, actually, you understand what I mean, don¡¯t you?¡± Zhai Sheng was a soldier. He preferred to be straightforward. This was not a military training exercise, and neither was it a war with his enemies. Standing before him was a youngdy that he loved most, someone that he wished to marry and spend his life with.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I like you. If you¡¯re willing to ept me, when you reached eighteen years of age, I¡¯ll directly file a marriage report with the top leadership to marry you. After you marry me, you don¡¯t need to have any burden. You can follow me to the army.¡±

    ¡°G-get married?!¡±

 Chapter 330 - Discuss and Resolve the Areas of Incompatibility

    <h4>Chapter 330: Discuss and Resolve the Areas of Ipatibility</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When she heard the two words ¡®getting married¡¯, Qiao Nan was immediately dumbfounded. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... did you meet with any blow recently?

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe that I wish to marry you?¡±

    Of course I didn¡¯t!

    The viin in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was shouting. Brother Zhai was the future chief of the army. His future was bright. He would be more formidable than the Father Zhai now. She clearly remembered that Brother Zhai was married in his previous life to ady that waspatible with his family.

    What did she have? She had nothing.

    If Brother Zhai was not willing to help her and she had to rely on herself, most probably, her life might not be better than her previous life.

    She was not the most beautiful one, and neither was she the smartest. Furthermore, she was not good at human skills and could not grasp a man¡¯s heart. It was hard toe by that Brother Zhai had taken a liking to her. Her character had already erupted. Brother Zhai was now telling her that he not only liked her but also wished to marry her. Qiao Nan felt that Brother Zhai must have taken some blow today to be talking so mindlessly.

    What a person said on impulse could not be trusted. As soon as he had calmed down, Brother Zhai would definitely regret it.

    Hence, if Brother Zhai was not calm enough, she had to be.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, actually, the distance to my home is not too far. It¡¯s the eve of the Lunar New Year today, and it¡¯ste. You should go back and keep your familypany. I can go back on my own. I¡¯m not scared. Really, I¡¯m not scared at all.¡± If she allowed Brother Zhai to continue with his words, she would be as crazy as him no matter how calm she was.

    ¡°Nan Nan!¡± Zhai Sheng shouted in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, but it sounded as serious as shouting ¡®Attention. At ease¡¯ in the army. This made Qiao Nan, who had already started running away, halt her steps. She stood firm on the ground. ¡°Army personnel would never joke on such matters. I hope that you can consider what I said seriously and earnestly and then make an objective and rational decision.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, whose body froze when she heard what Zhai Sheng said, was both angry and amused. She was not a soldier. She did not need to carry out everything in such a stiff and regted manner. The saying that military orders were as invible as a mountain would not work on her.

    Was Brother Zhai confessing his love and proposing marriage or treating her like the new soldiers under his wing?

    ¡°If I seriously and earnestly consider what you have said, will you support me in whatever objective and rational decision that I make?¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She forcefully suppressed the struggle beneath her eyes.

    She could not even keep Chen Jun. It was impossible for her to be together with Brother Zhai.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng hesitated for a while. He then said, ¡°The country and the top leadership have always been concerned about the marriage of ordinary soldiers like us. They hope that we can have aplete family. Only then can we protect the country. However, we also need people to look after us. Nan Nan, this is the trust and test that the party and organization ced on you. Nan Nan, as the country¡¯s citizen, you must have the realization. The party and the country needs you. You should be at the frontline. How can you reject?¡±

    In short, Zhai Sheng being together with Qiao Nan was the arrangement of the country and party. Qiao Nan must ept this. In addition, she had to seriously and conscientiously carry out andplete this ¡®mission¡¯.

    ¡°...¡± An imaginary ck line appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Brother Zhai, do all the soldiers in the army talk like that? Why do I feel that I¡¯m back to the 1960s and 1970s? There¡¯s country, party, and organization?¡±

    This was not an eptable reason for someone from the 21st century that was reborn into this era.

    Damn. The country did not request her to marry Brother Zhai, and neither did the party nor the organization. No one mentioned this to her.

    ¡°Stand still, be quiet. On such a serious topic, put away your cheeky smile, and be more serious.¡± There was a sh of helplessness in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. He was older than Qiao Nan by four years. Nevertheless, since he was a child, Zhai Sheng had always been focused on three areas: home, school, and army.

    He had a lot of dealings with men. However, except for Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng never had the experience of interacting with girls, not to mention confessing his love and proposing for marriage.

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng was most ustomed to portraying his most authentic self in front of Qiao Nan. He was mostfortable being himself and speaking his mind without any reservation.

    If Zhai Sheng were to do something else, such as Chen Jun who staged the ¡®hero saving the beauty¡¯ scenario to create a beautiful encounter, he only knew six out of seven apertures. He waspletely ignorant.

    He liked Qiao Nan and wished to spend a lifetime with her. He wanted to protect Qiao Nan. Therefore, he told Qiao Nan that he would marry her. He was so direct that he was a little dull and clumsy.

    Qiao Nan had a stomachache because of the reunion dinner. Facing the unbelievable love confession and marriage proposal before her, Qiao Nan only felt a headache and her eyes started seeing stars. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ll reply to you in a very serious and earnest manner. We¡¯re not suitable for each other.¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t we?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face stiffened as he looked at Qiao Nan. Hepletely disyed a soldier¡¯s spirit of being fearless of hardship and difficulty and persistence to ovee all problems. ¡°Which aspects are not suitable? You can tell me. We can examine together on whether these ipatible areas are truly present.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still young. After twelve midnight today, I¡¯m, in fact, only seventeen years old. Even if I¡¯m eighteen, it¡¯s not the legal age for marriage. Brother Zhai, you¡¯re a soldier and should lead by example. How could you disregard thew!¡± She had already said that they were not suitable. Even thew, which was the country, party, and organization, that Brother Zhai was referring to, would not allow that.

    ¡°Regarding this situation, it¡¯spletely not a problem. I fully support that you should gain more knowledge when you are of an appropriate age. When you step out into society, you can then contribute to the country. I know you wish to study in college. Even after we file a marriage, we do not need to immediately register and receive the marriage certificate. We can always get engaged first. We can get the certificate after you graduate from high school and are studying in college.¡±

    Of course, if he had already filed the marriage report in the army and it was approved, even without the marriage certificate, Nan Nan and he would be considered as a couple. Furthermore, it would be an army marriage!

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows. Was Brother Zhai ying a game of promise with her?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t know why you suddenly have such thoughts. However, I still wish to advise you not to be too impulsive. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re someone that¡¯s so impulsive. Calm down. No matter what has caused you to say this to me, you will definitely regret it in the future. For the sake of both of us, I can¡¯t agree to this matter. This decision is best suited for us.¡± Brother Zhai was only twenty-two years old. There were many kinds of possibilities and temptations in the future.

    Manydies were better than her in terms of family background. There were also manydies that were prettier than her. Even smarterdies were prevalent. It was too numerous to enumerate.

 Chapter 331 - Zhai Sheng, the Silly Fool

    <h4>Chapter 331: Zhai Sheng, the Silly Fool</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Maybe in a year, or half a year, or even a month, Brother Zhai might meet a person he really liked, and he would realize that his affection for her was that of the care and concern for one¡¯s rtives and younger sister.

    Brother Zhai had helped her so much. If he could find his happiness, she would be more than willing to let go. She hoped that Brother Zhai could be with someone he really liked.

    However, she was human as well. She also had feelings and would be hurt. She could let him go, but she was not sure whether she would be happy when the time came.

    Zhai Sheng had the same expression as Qiao Nan. Both of them were frowning, deep in thought. ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to distrust me very much, and you don¡¯t believe what I said. Did you say we are not suitable because you already have someone you like, and that person isn¡¯t me? Nan Nan, one must be honest and fulfill their promises. You wrote in the letter that you will not start a rtionship while you are still studying. Nan Nan, I am so disappointed in you.¡±

    Qiao Nan hugged her stomach, feeling a slight pain inside. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you joking with me, or are you serious? You told me not to fall in love, not to start a rtionship while I am still young, but you confessed your feelings to me and talked about marriage. If I agree, isn¡¯t that breaking my promise to you? Isn¡¯t that starting a rtionship while I am still young?¡±

    ¡°Firstly, I was talking about rtionships with other people. Secondly, I did not ask that you start a rtionship with me. I wanted to be engaged to you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was rendered speechless by what Zhai Sheng said.

    ¡°Well, we have settled the previous two problems. What else do you find not suitable?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her stomach. ¡°Your mom doesn¡¯t like me! Brother Zhai, you should know my rtionship with your mother. We do not click, and we are just like enemies. I want to find a mother-inw who can treat me like her biological daughter. Brother Zhai, you may not know. Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t like me. In fact, she dislikes me very much. I am not saying that she is biased. Indeed, the Zhai family is too outstanding. It is beyond my reach. I have never thought of bing Cindere. I am afraid that I will end up in the worst state. Brother Zhai, we are too far apart in terms of social status.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, as a young woman and as a student, how can your thinking be so backward and feudal? Everyone is equal. The party and the chairman have said working ss is the most glorious. Twenty years ago, the peasants had a high status in society. As a person living in modern society, how could you differentiate people based on their social ss? Nan Nan, your way of thinking is too backward. You must be with me so that I can make a positive influence on you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was lost for words. She had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you debating with me? You should know I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    She did not differentiate people based on their social ss. It was this world and the society that discriminated people based on their social ss.

    It was a fact that Auntie Miao disliked her. Last time, when she saw that Auntie Miao¡¯s shoes were broken, she wanted to buy a new pair for her. However, Auntie Miao thought she was after her money instead.

    If not for the fact that Auntie Miao was Brother Zhai¡¯s mother, when she encountered such an incident, she would not be so silly as to be humiliated by others.

    ¡°What does that mean? No matter what, you can tell me if you face any problem. We will solve it together.¡± No matter how difficult the problems were, he could resolve them. He believed that he could win over the heart of his wife-to-be.

    ¡°I... I...¡± Qiao Nan ced her hands on her stomach, feeling dizzy. She had not finished her sentence but fainted right into the arms of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Without a word, Zhai Sheng put his arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist and lifted her into his arms, wanting to rush to the hospital at the fastest speed. But when his hand identally touched her bottom, he could feel something sticky. He lowered to check and smiled. It came at the wrong timing.

    When Qiao Nan woke up, she could feel that she was lying in a warm bed, her stomach feeling warm andfortable. But amidst all this, Qiao Nan sensed the persistent pain in her lower abdomen and the ufortable wetness in her lower body. She blushed red in embarrassment.

    Her menses hade!

    Wait! She remembered that she was in a discussion with Brother Zhai about how they were not suitable for each other. Why was she on the bed now?

    ¡°You have woken up. Drink a cup of hot sugar water.¡± Zhai Hua sat by the bed and helped Qiao Nan up.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua in confusion. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, howe you are here?¡± Was it already the morning of the Lunar New Year?

    ¡°It¡¯s two o¡¯clock in the morning.¡±Zhai Hua rolled her eyes and yawned loudly. She had never been awake at this time except when she was in the army performing missions. ¡°If it was not me, then do you expect that Zhai Sheng would help you change and take care of you?¡±

    Zhai Hua was angry at the thought that she was woken up in the middle of the night by a sweaty Zhai Sheng. He stood in the dark, dragging her out of her bed and insisted that she helped him.

    What was the use of having a younger brother? He only knew to anger her and did not know to take care of her. She was a woman as well!

    It was too much!

    ¡°It is already two o¡¯clock?¡± Qiao Nan sat up suddenly and felt that there was a gush in her lower body, making her buried her face in the nket in frustration.

    She felt so embarrassed. Brother Zhai was with her when she had her first menses. This time around, it was Brother Zhai who discovered it as well.

    Given how embarrassed she was in front of Brother Zhai, how could she possibly marry Brother Zhai? She did not have the cheek to face him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is it still painful? Dysmenorrhea is an illness. It must be cured. As a woman, you must pay more attention to your health. Dawn is breaking. I will bring you to a veteran practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He is a good Chinese physician. Whenever my mom and I have any problems, we will look for him.¡± Qiao Nan had to take care of herself. She would have to depend on Qiao Nan to give her nephews and nieces.

    ¡°No need. In fact, I don¡¯t have dysmenorrhea. Today is an exception.¡± Qiao Nan shifted her bottom. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I have to go to the toilet.¡± If she did not go to the toilet, she might soil the sheets.

    ¡°This is no exception. You fainted from the pain. You should have seen Zhai Sheng¡¯s dark and somber expression when he came looking for me. Moreover, it was in the middle of the night. He gave me a big fright!¡± What surprised Zhai Hua the most was that Zhai Sheng, who was usually calm andposed, would behave in such a silly manner.

 Chapter 332 - Zhai Sheng, the Mr. Nice Guy

    <h4>Chapter 332: Zhai Sheng, the Mr. Nice Guy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The small quad that Qiao Nan stayed at was not near to the quad. Zhai Sheng who was in a panic carried Qiao Nan back home and went dashing to the quad, asking Zhai Hua for help.

    If not for Zhai Hua¡¯s reminder, he would like to run back to the small quad with Zhai Hua.

    They were not training in the army! They did not need to run!

    Qiao Nan blushed and rushed to the toilet. Sure enough, the sanitary pad was soaked.

    She flushed in embarrassment at the thought of Zhai Hua helping her to change into new pants and sanitary pad. Not even her mother had ever done such things for her.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it¡¯s hard on you. I am fine now. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. You should go back home. When you go back, please tell Brother Zhai that I am fine. I apologize for worrying him.¡± Qiao Nan felt much better after changing the sanitary pad.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell him. I am still mad at him. You tell him by yourself.¡± Zhai Hua snorted and turned her face to a side in anger.

    ¡°What is it that you want to say?¡± Zhai Sheng came in with a bowl of porridge in his hands. ¡°Nan Nan, since you have woken up, you must be hungry. Have some porridge first. Have you finished the brown sugar water?¡±

    ¡°I am about to finish it.¡± Qiao Nan lowered her head in embarrassment at the sight of Zhai Sheng. She drank the cup of sweet and hot brown sugar water. After finishing the drink, she then realized that something was amiss. ¡°I don¡¯t have brown sugar at home.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had dysmenorrhea, but she did not.

    She started her menses more than a year ago. The dates were urate, and it woulde once a month. Whenever she had her menses, she would not feel painful. Compared with Qiao Zijin, she was very healthy.

    Hence, they did not have brown sugar at her house.

    ¡°Alright, no more questions. Believe me. You won¡¯t want to know how he bought this packet of brown sugar.¡± Zhai Hua seemed to be gloating. She was happy that she was not the only one who was woken up by Zhai Sheng and had her sleep interrupted in the wee hours of Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve.

    She feltforted that she was not the only one who was so unlucky.

    ¡°B-Brother Zhai bought it?¡± Qiao Nan wanted to bite off her tongue. If she had known, she would not have asked about the brown sugar.

    ¡°Alright, have some of the porridge.¡± Zhai Sheng brought the porridge to Qiao Nan. ¡°I have already contacted the Chinese physician. You can have some sleep after having the porridge. I will bring you to the Chinese physician when it¡¯s eight in the morning.¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Qiao Nan lifted her head. ¡°Actually, it is not that serious. I usually don¡¯t find it painful. I don¡¯t know what happened today...¡±

    ¡°We must have a look to be on the safe side. Finish the rest of the porridge and have some sleep,¡± Zhai Sheng said assertively, leaving no room for negotiation.

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows and finished the porridge. When she was getting ready to sleep, it crossed her mind that she had not brushed her teeth today. Was it okay to sleep?

    Women felt especially weak during their first day of menses.

    A few hours ago, Qiao Nan had a big fright. Moreover, she just had her food and she felt morefortable now. Hence, she fell asleep in no time.

    ¡°Okay, Nan Nan is asleep. I will go back now. Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. It is inappropriate for you to stay here. What if our parents ask about you? What Nan Nan said is very true. Mom doesn¡¯t like her, and Dad will not give us an easy time as well. Even Grandpa who can¡¯t be easily persuaded hasn¡¯t seen Nan Nan yet, but you went ahead to tell Nan Nan that you want to be engaged to her! If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Nan Nan has her menses, I have reasons to suspect that she fainted as she was scared out of wits by you.¡±

    Nan Nan was still very young, yet Zhai Sheng told her that he wanted to marry her. Every woman would be scared stiff.

    If anyone dared to tell her this, she would give him a tight p on the face.

    Zhai Hua knew that Zhai Sheng was serious about Qiao Nan, and he really intended to marry her. However, Zhai Hua felt that they could consider marriage in three to four years¡¯ time. Nan Nan was still young. She was like a flower that had yet to bloom. She did not understand the affairs of the heart and she did not even get to know a few more boys either.

    Was Qiao Nan lucky or unlucky to have met such a domineering and overbearing Zhai Sheng?

    ¡°I will leave Mom and Dad to you.¡± Given Nan Nan¡¯s situation, he could not leave. He would not be at ease.

    ¡°What?! Why must I do this?¡± Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Hua a re, telling her to speak softly. She lowered her voice and said, ¡°This is your business. What does it have to do with me?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re my elder sister.¡±

    ¡°Then, let me address you as my elder brother.¡±

    ¡°Sure, go ahead. Remember to help me out when Mom and Dad ask about me,¡± Zhai Sheng said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°I have to hand it to you.¡± Zhai Hua gave him a thumbs-up. ¡°I am so sleepy. I have to go back to sleep. As for Nan Nan, you must know your limits. She is still a child!¡± She almost wanted to tell Zhai Sheng to let Qiao Nan go. She was still so young.

    Previously, when Zhai Hua was pulled to the small quad and saw the blood on Qiao Nan¡¯s pants, she had almost thought that it was Zhai Sheng who did that to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I know what to do.¡± Zhai Sheng shot Zhai Hua a cold stare. Nan Nan was still very young. He cherished her more than anyone.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Zhai Hua was upset. She did not have a good night¡¯s sleep and had done Zhai Sheng such a big favor, yet he gave her such a disdainful look. She could not be bothered to say anything else. She would get herself out of his sight!

    Qiao Nan only woke up when it was morning.

    It was toote when Qiao Nan realized that something did not feel right. She felt with her hands and realized that her pants were stained again.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± As soon as Zhai Sheng heard some movements in the room, he, who had breakfast ready, opened the door and came in. ¡°Why is there blood on your hand, you...¡± Zhai Sheng stopped in mid-sentence. He understood what was going on.

    Qiao Nan could imagine how red her face was.

    Qiao Nan silently pulled the nket and covered half of her face. ¡°Brother Zhai, you haven¡¯t gone back? Brother Zhai, can you go out for a while...¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng stood up and left Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Qiao Nan jumped out of bed as soon as Zhai Sheng closed the door. This was the most special Lunar New Year that she had in her two lifetimes. Why was it that she would be in such an embarrassing situation whenever Brother Zhai was around?

    Qiao Nan flushed red when she saw the stains on the bed sheets. She silently took out her under** and sanitary pad and ran to the toilet to change out of her soiled clothes.

    When Qiao Nan was changing the under**, she noticed that there was a thermos sk in the toilet, and it was filled with hot water.

    Without a doubt, Zhai Sheng prepared this for Qiao Nan and she knew what it was meant for.

 Chapter 333 - Who Did the Washing

    <h4>Chapter 333: Who Did the Washing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and wiped her body with the hot water. After a while, she came out of the toilet feeling refreshed.

    She was dumbfounded when she came out and realized that the bed sheets and the nket on the bed had been changed!!

    Her father was still at the quad. In this house, there was nobody around except for her and Brother Zhai. So, the person who helped her change the bed sheets and the nket must be Brother Zhai. The reason why he changed them must be that he knew that she...

    Qiao Nan covered her face. She looked up, not knowing what to say.

    She seemed to feel a faint ache in her stomach again. She felt that her menses flow was so heavy that she might need to rush to the toilet again.

    She dressed at the fastest speed and dashed out. ¡°Brother Zhai, you...¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to ask Zhai Sheng where the soiled nket and bed sheets were and tell him to leave them by the side.

    However, she was stopped in mid-sentence by the sight of Zhai Sheng wringing the water out of the clean bed sheets...

    ¡°B-Brother Zhai, y-you have washed them?¡± Washed...

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng flung the bed sheets and the nket after wringing out the water. ¡°Now that the sun is out, I will bring them out to dry. It will not freeze. It¡¯s cold outside. You should stay in the house. I will bring out the bed sheets and the nket to dry. If you are hungry, you can have the food first. They are piping hot.¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a daze. She watched Zhai Sheng as he hung them out to dry. She came out of her daze and asked, ¡°Y-yesterday...¡±

    Qiao Nan was like a cat on a hot tin roof. She started to search frantically around the house.

    Brother Zhai had washed the dirty bed sheets and the nket. But what about the under** and pants that she had dirtied?

    If they were washed by Zhai Hua, even though Qiao Nan would be embarrassed as well, Zhai Hua was a woman, after all. Qiao Nan would feel better if that was the case. However, Qiao Nan had a terrible thought in her mind. She was particrly obsessed about finding out where yesterday¡¯s soiled pieces of clothing were.

    She prayed silently in her heart. She would rather see her dirty clothes being thrown into the basin by Zhai Hua. She did not wish to find them being washed and put out to dry.

    Unfortunately, whatever that she was dreading came true.

    Qiao Nan saw that the under** and pants that she wore yesterday was drying in the big toilet. Without a word, Qiao Nan banged her head against the wall.

    Why did her menses have toe in the middle of the night and be seen by Brother Zhai?

    Though it was embarrassing for her if her soiled clothes were washed by Sister Zhai Hua, it was still bearable.

    Qiao Nan was so embarrassed at that possibility that it might be Brother Zhai who washed them.

    ¡°Nan Nan,e and eat your breakfast. After the meal, I will bring you to see the Chinese physician.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s clear voice resounded in the quiet house. His voice was particrly clear such that Qiao Nan could hear his pronunciation and feel his breathing.

    Qiao Nan hung her head as she had her breakfast. After the meal, she said in a sullen voice, ¡°Brother Zhai, I am fine. There is no problem with me and I don¡¯t need to go to the hospital. I swear that this is really my first time.¡± This is the first time that she fainted from the pain.

    ¡°No.¡± After Zhai Sheng had his food, he cleaned up the dishes and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Did Brother Zhai really intend to take her to see the doctor for that reason? Was she the only one who was embarrassed and felt that it was inappropriate?

    ¡°Doctor Zhong, how is Nan Nan?¡± Sitting in a medical hall that smelled of Chinese herbal medicine, Zhai Sheng asked with a look of concern on his face.

    ¡°Her constitution is very good. There is no problem with her. However, she has to continue to maintain her good habits. She should not have cold stuff, especially when she has her menses. It will be good to take a hot bath.¡± Doctor Zhong told Zhai Sheng what to take note of in daily life. ¡°That¡¯s about it. Don¡¯t have Popsicles and ice-cream. They will result in a cold uterus. She does not have this problem, though.¡±

    The doctor was very serious in telling them what to take note of while Zhai Sheng paid full attention to the doctor. Qiao Nan opened her mouth and wanted to interrupt them, telling the doctor that she was the one who was here to see the doctor. He could tell her these privately!

    ¡°Does she need to take any medicine as a supplement? She has a heavy flow. Will it affect her health? If there is no problem, why did she faint?¡± Zhai Sheng was worried about Nan Nan as he knew that monthly menses would be a strain to one¡¯s body. Moreover, Nan Nan seemed to have a heavy flow.

    There was only so much blood in one person, and Nan Nan had such a heavy flow. Would she be anemic? Did she need to have some supplements?

    Qiao Nan felt as if the world had copsed around her. How could Zhai Sheng be having such a serious discussion with the doctor regarding her condition and her heavy flow?

    Could Brother Zhai not adopt such a serious attitude as if he was discussing national affairs when in actual fact the topic that he was discussing with the doctor was her menses?

    As Qiao Nan became agitated, she could feel that she needed to rush to the toilet again.

    ¡°I have taken her pulse. The youngdy used to suffer from malnutrition. However, she is still young and we can give her more nourishment. But because of this, she is not as strong and is slightly feeble. The reason why she fainted must be that she was agitated. As for her flow, it has to do with her mood swings as well.¡±

    That was right. She was agitated!

    Qiao Nan shouted in her mind.

    ¡°All medicine has toxicity to some degree. It will be better for her to take tonics instead. I will give you a few recipes for the tonics. You can prepare them for her.¡± Doctor Zhong pushed his sses and wrote three pages worth of recipes. Qiao Nan could not help but be dumbfounded.

    Today was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Did the doctor not need to spend time with his family? His recipes could rival the thousand-word essay that she wrote.

    ¡°That¡¯s about it.¡± Doctor Zhong kept his pen and gave the written recipe to Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan, who reached out her arm to get the recipe, had her hand suspended in the air.

    Qiao Nan did not understand. She was the party concerned and the recipe was obviously for her, so why did Doctor Zhong discuss with Brother Zhai and hand the recipe to him? It was as if he was her guardian.

    ¡°Thank you, Doctor Zhong.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. This is my duty as a doctor.¡± Doctor Zhong smiled bitterly. ¡°But Zhai Sheng, I have a suggestion for you.¡±

 Chapter 334 - From Today Onward, You Are a Military Wife

    <h4>Chapter 334: From Today Onward, You Are a Military Wife</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you really want to thank me, don¡¯te to me on the first day of the Lunar New Year next time. Can you give me a day off?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± It was not every time that Nan Nan would have her menses and faint on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The probability of that falling on the first day of the Lunar New Year was very low.

    Doctor Zhong was relieved that Zhai Sheng agreed readily.

    In the future, there would be a day when Doctor Zhong, who was a rare romantic, had arranged a whole day of activities to spend a happy golden wedding anniversary with his wife, but had to check on Qiao Nan because thetter fainted. It was then that Doctor Zhongmented that Zhai Sheng found fault with the choice of his words!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you very much for what you did for me today and yesterday.¡± Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths. She sat in Zhai Sheng¡¯s car, feeling a mixture of unease and genuine sincerity. In her two lifetimes, ever since a young age, or, rather, ever since she could remember, nobody had ever cleaned her clothes for her before.

    Even on the day when she was reborn and was ill and had gone to the hospital for the drip, she still had to wash two to three days¡¯ worth of clothes after she recovered.

    Most of the time, she was the one who washed the clothes for the whole family. However, when she was sick, nobody helped her wash the clothes. She could not count on her mother or her sister to wash them, let alone her father. But all of a sudden, a man would wash her soiled clothes for her. Qiao Nan was touched by his gestures, feeling warm inside. It was even warmer than the hot water bag that Zhai Sheng prepared for her to ce it on her tummyst night.

    Zhai Sheng had done everything that her closest kin had never done for her.

    Thinking of what Zhai Sheng said to herst night, and how he treated her, Qiao Nan was touched by his proposition and started to waver.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I don¡¯t want to force you. But please seriously consider what I saidst night. I will be responsible for my words and actions. As long as you are certain about us, then that is enough. As for others, it is not a problem. You are the only one who will pose a problem for us.¡± Though Zhai Sheng did not sleep a wink yesterday, he sat in the driver¡¯s seat, looking very clear-minded and energized. One could not tell that he had stayed up all through the night.

    ¡°Well, I will think about it again!¡± Qiao Nan clenched her fists, mustered her courage, and said what her heart told her to. ¡°At least, I want to give it a try.¡±

    ¡°Very good. Since you have already promised, then you must always remember that you are a military wife. You must be determined and firm. And as a soldier, I will be totally loyal to you. This is my promise to you!¡±

    ¡°Wait...¡± She only said that she would give it a try. She did not say that she wanted to get married. How could she be a military wife all of a sudden? That was too big of a jump!

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you not serious about me?¡± Zhai Sheng arched his eyebrows.

    ¡°Of course I am serious!¡±

    ¡°Since you are serious, and you promised to get along with me, then we should have marriage in mind. Isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Since she agreed to go out with Brother Zhai, she certainly did not intend to break up with him.

    ¡°Chairman Mao said that entering a rtionship without the intention to marry is equivalent to acting like a hooligan. Nan Nan, are you trying to do that to me?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    ¡°Then, that will do.¡± It was set in stone. Zhai Sheng stopped the car at the door of the small quad and helped Qiao Nan out of the car. ¡°I have to make a trip back home. You have a good rest at home. When I am done with my errands, I wille back to check on you.¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Qiao Nan said in a hurry. ¡°My dad will be back soon. Even if both of us are very serious and responsible, I am still young nevertheless. Brother Zhai, can we keep this from the others for the time being? I am still in high school. My dad doesn¡¯t want me to be distracted.¡±

    Zhai Sheng seemed to rush at things. Qiao Nan was taken aback by what he said.

    She clearly said that they would take the time to understand each other and spend time with each other. But ording to Brother Zhai, it seemed as if everything was cast in stone.

    Was it because she did not have much experience in rtionship and thus she did not know that everyone in this era who was in a rtionship at a young age would be like Brother Zhai who was quick and resolute?

    ¡°Do you want to keep it from everyone or do you want to let others know at ater time?¡± Was he that unpresentable?

    ¡°I want to let them know at ater time!¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Brother Zhai, you have said that you are considering marriage and I have also said that I hope to get your parents¡¯ approval. I am still too young to get married. It is better not to tell anyone about us. I want to get the approval of your parents. I can¡¯t change my family, but I can change myself. You may not mind, but the opinion of others will have an impact on us. I want to improve myself so that I can be an excellent match for you. Till then, can we keep it from others first?¡±

    Moreover, she only promised to go out with Brother Zhai.

    Was having a rtionship at a young age a glorious thing? Was it worthy of telling everyone about it? She felt that it was inappropriate to do that.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan seriously. After he was sure that Qiao Nan only wanted to keep it from others for now and was not trying to brush him off, he nodded after a long while. ¡°I respect your decision.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan sighed in relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, I will go back to rest. You... You must know your limits. Even though Sister Zhai Hua will cover up for you, the people in the Zhai family will not be easily fooled.¡±

    Qiao Nan was sure that Zhai Hua knew of Zhai Sheng¡¯s intention toward her.

    It was no wonder that when her mother framed herst time, Sister Zhai Hua helped her and admitted that the key was given by her. It was not that Sister Zhai Hua was good to her. She did that on ount of Brother Zhai.

    That said, Brother Zhai seemed to have harbored feelings for her since a long time ago. Why was it that she had no inkling at all?

    ¡°I know what to do.¡± Zhai Sheng touched Qiao Nan lightly on the head. He watched her as she went back into the house and closed the door. Only then did he drive the car back home. By then, everyone in the Zhai family had gotten up. Zhai Hua was thest one to wake up. Miao Jing had to drag her out of her bed. Zhai Hua¡¯s hair was as messy as a bird¡¯s nest and she still had a sleepy look on her face. She was sitting by the table, eating glutinous rice balls.

    Zhai Yaohui put down the newspaper and was displeased at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Today¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Where have you been driving to so early in the morning? I have not heard of any missions assigned to you by the army. It is rare that all of us can celebrate a family reunion together. Zhai Sheng, you have to put aside whatever it is in your hands.¡±

    Actually, Zhai Yaohui intended to talk to Zhai Sheng about Qiu Chenxi this morning.

    Old Master Zhai preferred the environment in the countryside and would go back sooner orter. When he left, Zhai Yaohui wanted to discuss the marriage of Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi. At the very least, he wanted them to be engaged first.

 Chapter 335 - The Brutish Old Master Zhai

    <h4>Chapter 335: The Brutish Old Master Zhai</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What was done could not be undone. By then, for the sake of Zhai Sheng¡¯s happiness and future, he believed that his father would not create a fuss or make things difficult for the two families.

    Zhai Yaohui had nned to talk to Zhai Sheng, but Zhai Sheng was not at home, so there was nobody for him to discuss with.

    ¡°Who are you lecturing?¡± Old Master Zhai was unhappy and jumped to his grandson¡¯s defense. ¡°Think about when you were young and your mother was still around. How many times did you apany your mom and me during the Lunar New Year and have glutinous rice balls together on the first day of the Lunar New Year?¡±

    Old Master Zhai was an old revolutionary. He would not ask his children to devote all their time to him.

    In fact, when he knew that Zhai Yaohui could not return home as he had to serve the country, it was these special moments that made him especially proud of his son. On the other hand, his wife would always nag at him.

    Therefore, Old Master Zhai could not stand it when Zhai Yaohui reprimanded Zhai Sheng for not staying at home.

    ¡°Dad...¡± Everyone would always obey Zhai Yaohui¡¯s orders when he was in the army. However, he could do nothing about his father. Zhai Yaohui was teaching his son the right way. His father could not always side with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Dad, Zhai Sheng is no longer young. Don¡¯t you hope that he will marry early so that you will have great-grandchildren to y with?¡±

    His father would definitely soften his attitude at the mention of babies.

    ¡°What! Are you cursing me?¡± Old Master Zhai was furious. ¡°Your mom left us at an early age. I promised her that I will live to a hundred years so that I can take a look at the children of Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng. I am strong and healthy. At the very least, I can live for another ten years. I don¡¯t believe that Zhai Sheng will not be married and I will not get to see my great-grandchildren by then. I don¡¯t favor boys over girls. As long as they are Zhai Sheng¡¯s children, I won¡¯t mind if they are boys or girls. Having a great-grandchild may be important, but the daughter of the Qiu family will never do!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiu Chenxi was two years younger than Zhai Sheng, and they both yed together in the quad since childhood. Zhai Sheng did not have the chance to get to know more friends. The only people that he was in contact with were from the army. There was no chance that he would get to know other girls.

    Compared with marrying a stranger, like what people did in ancient times, they at least knew Qiu Chenxi.

    If Qiu Chenxi was unsuitable, he had doubts whether he would ever be a grandpa in his life.

    ¡°Because my grandson doesn¡¯t like her!¡± Old Master Zhai said angrily. ¡°Nobody is more important than my grandson. Since my grandson doesn¡¯t like her, it will not do. Besides, I don¡¯t think that the daughter from the Qiu family has a good personality. She doesn¡¯t deserve my grandson, so I don¡¯t agree to this match. Zhai Sheng, you have to work hard. You have to do me proud and find a good girl for yourself. I will stand on your side. As for you, you are not good at choosing, yet you want to teach Zhai Sheng the wrong ways. If you were to choose back then...¡±

    To Old Master Zhai, his son was outstanding in all aspects except that he could not tell which woman was good to him and which was not.

    Miao Miao was such a good daughter-inw, yet Yaohui kept thinking about the daughter-inw of the Qiu family. He was so shameless!

    If Qiu Chenxi was not that woman¡¯s daughter, he did not believe that Yaohui would be so enthusiastic about bringing Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng together.

    ¡°Grandpa, rest assured. Zhai Sheng is very smart. He knows what kind of wife he wants.¡± Zhai Hua, who knew what was going on, finished thest bite of the glutinous rice balls and joined in the conversation. In fact, Zhai Sheng did not need to search anymore. He already had one in mind.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, tell me. Is there someone you like?¡± Old Master Zhai¡¯s eyes sparkled as soon as he heard that Zhai Sheng had been making progress.

    If his grandson had found a girl that he liked, then they should hold the wedding as soon as possible. By next year, he would be able to y with his great-grandchild. If he was lucky, he might be able to watch as his great-grandchildren grow up and go to school!

    ¡°Grandpa, there¡¯s no hurry. I will definitely bring you along.¡± Zhai Sheng did not change the topic. Instead, he told Old Master Zhai very seriously that he would bring his grandpa to take a look eventually.

    ¡°When will it be...¡± Zhai Yaohui had thought that Zhai Sheng was talking about the future. He did not realize that his son meant that he already had a girl that he liked. ¡°Zhai Sheng, your grandpa may dote on you, but you must not lie to him.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is willing to cajole me, and I am willing to be coaxed by him.¡± Old Master Zhai jumped to Zhai Sheng¡¯s defenses.

    ¡°Dad...¡± Zhai Yaohui had nothing to say.

    Old Master Zhai snorted. ¡°It¡¯s useless. No matter what, I have the final say. Nobody can force my grandson. And don¡¯t use what happened back then to rebut me. If you are half as good as Zhai Sheng in judging people, your mom and I would not have to worry for you back then. If you were not my son, do you think you could marry Miao Miao?¡±

    Miao Miao was a virtuous wife. If Zhai Yaohui was not his own son, he would not have agreed to let such a good girl like Miao Miao to be married to him.

    In fact, Old Master Zhai was the one who brought Zhai Yaohui and Miao Miao together.

    When Old Master Zhai was lecturing Zhai Yaohui, the rest of the family kept silent. Miao Jing, who was brought up several times in the conversation, dared not interrupt either.

    As a daughter-inw, Miao Jing should feel happy that her father-inw was on her side.

    But whenever Old Master Zhai sided with her, although Miao Jing was moved that he defended her, she felt disheartened at Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude as well. After so many years, even if his heart was made of stone, he should have been touched by her actions.

    Unfortunately, he kept thinking of that woman.

    Zhai Yaohui failed to discuss the engagement between Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng. Instead, he was lectured by Old Master Zhai. In the end, Zhai Yaohui could only continue reading his newspapers.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, have some glutinous rice balls. Your mom made it herself. There is minced meat inside.¡± After giving his son a lecture, Old Master Zhai pulled Zhai Sheng to his side and gave him a bowl of glutinous rice balls.

    Zhai Sheng, who was tall and well-built, looked very humble in front of his grandpa who was slightly hunched. The two of them got along very well.

    Zhai Hua gave Zhai Sheng a thumbs-up. Luckily, he asked his grandpa toe back in time. Otherwise, her father and mother might decide to take actions first before reporting. They might have agreed on the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi even before their grandpa visited them.

    Zhai Hua did not really care who her sister-inw would be.

    Qiao Nan was good, but Qiu Chenxi was not too far off as well. Most importantly, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family was worthy of her brother.

    However, in their house, it was not good enough toe from a good background. What mattered most was whether Zhai Sheng liked the girl or not.

    Zhai Sheng ate the glutinous rice balls made by his mother. There was a sparkle of light in his eyes.

 Chapter 336 - Is Your Liking More Important Than That of Ours

    <h4>Chapter 336: Is Your Liking More Important Than That of Ours</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Regarding the matter between Qiu Chenxi and him, if he could settle the internal conflict in his family and put forth a unanimous stand to outsiders, the Qiu family would not be able to create any waves on this.

    ¡°Zhai Hua,e with me to the bedroom. I have something to ask you.¡± After the family finished the sweet dumpling soup in the morning, Miao Jing let the housekeeper clean up the table as she pulled Zhai Hua into the bedroom. ¡°I¡¯ve something to ask you. You have to answer me honestly.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt uneasy as she distanced herself away from her biological mother. ¡°Mom, tell me directly what you have in mind.¡±

    ¡°Does Zhai Sheng have ady that he likes? Zhai Sheng is always in the army and doesn¡¯t have much opportunity to interact with girls. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s a female soldier in the army? Do you know who she is?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not realize anything. Nevertheless, as a mother, how could Miao Jing not be able to tell from the tone of her son?

    In the past, when they brought up the matter regarding Qiu Chenxi and him, he was expressionless, not to mention having any reaction. It was as if he were not the person who would be marrying Qiu Chenxi. However, he reacted today!

    If something was not happening to the son, would Miao Jing, as a mother, believe it?

    ¡°How¡¯s her family situation? If everything is good, why is the family willing to send the daughter to the army to suffer? Is it because her family situation is not too good?¡± If that was truly the case, she really had to think of a way.

    ¡°Mom, what are you talking about?¡± Zhai Hua pulled a long face. ¡°I¡¯m a female soldier too. Is the situation in my family not good enough? Moreover, as long as Zhai Sheng likes her, does the girl¡¯s family situation matter? When you said this, didn¡¯t you feel like you were pping yourself, Mom?¡±

    Zhai Hua did not understand. Her mother¡¯s family background was not good too. She had a lot of poor family members and unfortunately, they were a problematic lot.

    When her mother despised others, why didn¡¯t she think of herself first?

    Sometimes, Zhai Hua could not help thinking that her parent¡¯s rtionship had always been so-so. Her mother was anxious about her father, but her father never seemed to care about her mother. Was it because of this temper of her mother?

    Anyway, Zhai Hua expressed that her mother was good in everything except in this aspect of her character which she could not ept.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s expression changed. She clearly understood what Zhai Hua was implying. ¡°You have to remember that I¡¯m doing this for the sake of Zhai Sheng and you. You¡¯re still too young and don¡¯t know what kind of choices are the best for you. Mom dotes on both of you.¡±

    Zhai Hua directly interrupted Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll listen to whatever you say but not this kind of matter. Forget about the past. If Zhai Sheng really has someone that he likes and doesn¡¯t take a liking to Qiu Chenxi, yet you insist to force Zhai Sheng to be with Qiu Chenxi, then that won¡¯t do! Mom, what if I fall in love with a man whose family background is worse than mine, or even iparable? In the future, are you going to stop me too? Would you rather that I spend my whole life with the family background of the other party than to allow me to find someone that I like to happily spend my life with? Are you looking for a son-inw or power?¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s expression changed greatly. She lifted her hands and nearly pped her daughter¡¯s face. ¡°How could you say that about me? I¡¯m your mother!¡±

    ¡°Precisely. You¡¯re my mom, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m angry. You¡¯re my closest kin. Don¡¯t you wish to see Zhai Sheng and I find our happiness? The other party is someone that we¡¯re going to spend our life with in the future. Mom, do you think it¡¯s more important that you like him, or us?¡± The matter between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan rang a warning bell to Zhai Hua.

    In actual fact, Zhai Hua had already realized this problem a long time ago. It was just that she did not have an opportunity to talk to Miao Jing about this.

    As Zhai Yaohui¡¯s reputation and status were high, he was often not at home. Miao Jing was also anxious about her husband. When Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were young, she often left the two children under the care of the auntie in the house while she apanied Zhai Yaohui to various ces everywhere.

    As a result, Zhai Hua had never had a good chat with Miao Jing.

    ¡°Hua Hua, you... do you also have someone that you like? And this person¡¯s family background is not too good?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face turned pale. She could not care much about her daughter¡¯s attitude when she spoke to her. She anxiously asked, ¡°When did it happen? Why didn¡¯t I know? How long have you known that person?¡±

    ¡°Know?¡± Zhai Hua sneered. ¡°Mom, to put it bluntly, I¡¯m your only daughter. You don¡¯t even know when my first menstrual period came, and neither were you there to keep mepany. You¡¯re always with Dad.¡±

    Zhai Hua let out a sigh and asked herself to calm down. ¡°Even if I wish to tell you, you have to give me a chance to do so. Mom, I don¡¯t wish to mention much about what happened when I was a child. I¡¯m not ming you, but I hope that you can respect the opinions and choices of Zhai Sheng and me.¡±

    ¡°Hua Hua, are you ming me?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s pale lips shivered. She looked as if she had taken a big blow.

    ¡°I med you before. I med you when I was just a child. But I don¡¯t me you anymore.¡± Zhai Hua said very calmly, ¡°There are all kinds of fish in the sea. Inparison, although you¡¯re not always with Zhai Sheng and me, you didn¡¯t treat us too badly. At the very least, you wanted to but you¡¯re unable to take care of us.¡±

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, this pair of brother and sister, grew up with and had been through difficult times with each other. Although the two of them had never stopped bickering, their rtionship was extremely good. The important ce that they had in each other¡¯s heart had exceeded that of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    Zhai Hua was concerned for Zhai Sheng in everything as if she were a little mother.

    Each time Zhai Hua had something that she could not handle, Zhai Sheng was the one who stood up to help Zhai Hua like a little father.

    Miao Jing, this mother, hardly appeared in the lives of the two children. She rarely left an impression. Although she could not take care of the two children, at the very least, she did not harm the children.

    In the past, Zhai Hua could understand her mother rationally but had never forgiven her mother emotionally. However, when she saw Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation, Zhai Hua then felt that her mother was actually considered quite good.

    It was just that Miao Jing¡¯s opposition toward Zhai Sheng had aroused Zhai Hua¡¯s sense of danger and dissatisfaction.

    At the sound of ¡®dong dong¡¯, Miao Jing turned away. ¡°I need to go out to attend to some matters.¡±

    After leaving this sentence hurriedly, Miao Jing headed straight to the entrance of the house and asked the driver to drive out the car. She then got into the car and left.

    Miao Jing ran out of the house abruptly, stunning Old Master Zhai. He then shivered and shouted at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°See the sin that you¡¯vemitted. If you¡¯re not a father now, and if it was twenty years ago, I would definitely hit you with a whip. You¡¯re asking for it!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s thin lips formed a line. His cold and stiff brows moved but he did not refute Old Master Zhai at all.

    ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯ll apany you to the study room to y chess.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression was simr to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. It was equally cold and forbidding. It made people distance themselves. It was just that Zhai Sheng¡¯s anger was mostly directed at Zhai Yaohui, his father.

    ¡°Right. Grandpa feels ufortable when I see your dad. The family is fine, yet he had to do this again and again. I¡¯m so furious.¡±

 Chapter 337 - Qiao Nan, I Have Something to Ask You

    <h4>Chapter 337: Qiao Nan, I Have Something to Ask You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Failing to appreciate the happiness in his life. He was talking about his incapable son.

    On the other hand, while Zhai Sheng had a rather unhappy breakfast, Qiao Nan was delightfully having the breakfast of love prepared for her by Zhai Sheng. She not only felt the warmth in her tummy but also her heart.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    There was the sound of someone banging loudly on the door. Qiao Nan had to get up from her warm and snug bed. ¡°Dad? A-Auntie Miao?¡±

    Qiao Nan thought that her father had finally woke up ande back after realizing that she was not in the house of the Qiao family. However, Qiao Nan never expected that Miao Jing, the spouse of the chief of the army, woulde knocking on her door in the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year.

    It was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Many boot-lickers must be crowding the main entrance of the house of the Zhai family. Their purpose was to wish the chief and his spouse in the Zhai family a happy new year.

    Most probably, the Zhai family was overcrowded. As thedy owner of the Zhai¡¯s residence, why would Auntie Miaoe to her house?

    ¡°Miao... Auntie Miao, you... Why did youe here?¡± At the thought that her son was not at his own home during the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve as he was taking care of her and helping her wash so many things, Qiao Nan had a guilty conscience.

    Did Auntie Miao discover something?

    At the thought of the bad impression that Auntie Miao had of her, Qiao Nan had a headache. So, Auntie Miao picked the first day of the Lunar New Year toe to her house to warn her to stay further away from Brother Zhai?

    ¡°You spoke quite coherentlyst time. You¡¯ve be a stutter after the Lunar New Year?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes were slightly red, and her tone was not too good. The tone was quite strong.

    When she heard Miao Jing¡¯s tone, Qiao Nan felt guiltier. ¡°You... do you want toe in and sit down? If you have something to say, take your time to tell me.¡±

    She had just agreed to try and get along with Brother Zhai. Within a few hours, the matter between her and Brother Zhai had been exposed and they would be forced to break up with each other. This would be a depressing Lunar New Year.

    ¡°Why are you blocking me from entering the house?¡± Having that said, Miao Jing pulled the corners of her lips embarrassingly. She realized that she was venting her anger on Qiao Nan and quickly softened her tone. ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. You don¡¯t look too well. Let¡¯s go into the house quickly.¡±

    ¡®Oh.¡± Qiao Nan shut the door. She followed behind Miao Jing abidingly like a little daughter-inw.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve something to ask you. Reply to me honestly.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s head felt like it had been beaten by a stick. She felt dizzy and her hands could not stop perspiring. ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be eighteen years old after the Lunar New Year. You should already have had your first menstrual period?¡±

    ¡°Ah? Oh, yes, yes.¡± Did Auntie Miaoe to punish her for her crime because Brother Zhai helped her wash the bed sheets and quilt? At the thought of the son that she raised helping another woman wash things, Qiao Nan felt that she would not feel good either if she were in Miao Jing¡¯s shoes.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths and shut her eyes. She looked as if she was waiting for her judgment.

    ¡°You... When it first came, how did it feel?¡± After a while, Miao Jing hesitatingly asked a ridiculous question. ¡°You¡¯re still young and should still remember it.¡±

    ¡°Remember...¡± She remembered nonsense.

    Her first menstrual period?

    To Qiao Nan, the menses that she had two years ago was definitely not the first time. Her first period was an urrence in her previous life.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you remember. Tell me about your situation. Your mom... I don¡¯t think she took good care of you. When it came, were you afraid? Your mom wouldn¡¯t guide you, but what about your sister?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t in time for me to be afraid.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Miao Jing was not satisfied with this reply.

    ¡°When I said it wasn¡¯t in time to be afraid, it¡¯s because I helped wash my sister¡¯s stained clothes when she had her first menstrual period. Therefore, I already knew that ady will bleed when she grows up. When my time came, I¡¯ve already washed the stained clothes for my sister for three years.¡± At the sight of Miao Jing¡¯s expression, Qiao Nan gave her another reply. ¡°However, when my sister had her first menstrual period, I was scared. Women have to bleed. At that time, I was thinking about why that had to be the case. There¡¯s so much blood. Was my sister sick? Would she die? Would I be like that in the future too?¡±

    Because of that, one year after she quit school in her previous life, her menses finally came.

    At that time, she already knew that women would actually not die when their menses came. However, it was undeniable that Qiao Nan would feel panicky without a female senior to apany and guide her along.

    ¡°Your mom didn¡¯t guide you. Don¡¯t you me her?¡±

    ¡°My mom would not bother about me. I already knew about it before that day came. So, I was already prepared. There¡¯s nothing to me her about. It¡¯s good that I knew a little about the situation. Auntie Miao, why are you asking this?¡± Qiao Nan did not really understand. Auntie Miao kept asking her whether she was afraid and whether she med her mother. It did not seem like she came for Brother Zhai¡¯s matter.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you hate your mom?¡±

    ¡°At the very least, I dislike her. We¡¯re not close.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing looked defeated. She covered her face with both hands.

    Her husband¡¯s heart did not belong to her. In the end, she did not even take proper care of her two children. She was such a failure.

    The miserable state of Miao Jing made Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Auntie Miao, did I say something wrong?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything wrong. I was wrong.¡±

    ¡°If you did something wrong, change it then.¡±

    ¡°Change? It¡¯s toote.¡± Hua Hua was already twenty-five years old and a grown-updy. She would not need a mother who did not fulfill her duty to keep herpany anymore.

    ¡°Why is it toote? It¡¯s not like the person is not around anymore. If there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way.¡± So, after Auntie Miao said so much, the problem was actually with Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua?

    ¡°Then, if your mother wants to make it up to you, will you still be able to ept her without any reservation and be close to your mom?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Auntie Miao, are you sure you want to smear yourself and insist topare yourself with my mom? My Mom... Auntie Miao, can you not talk about my mom? Otherwise, I¡¯ll be the one feeling depressed. Auntie Miao, please don¡¯t be silly and use my mom as an example. It¡¯s not suitable. You¡¯ve seen for yourself one of the things that my mom did to me. But in the end, she¡¯s still my mom. When she¡¯s old, I still have to support and take care of her. I¡¯ve to send her to the hospital if she¡¯s sick. Auntie Miao, other than neglecting Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua, did you torture them like what my mom did to me? You¡¯re too depressed. That¡¯s why you keep bringing up my mom.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m much better than your mom.¡± After hearing what Qiao Nan said, Miao Jing finally regained some confidence.

    Miao Jing gained some confidence but Qiao Nan felt depressed. Did she misguide Miao Jing? Why did she feel like punching Miao Jing for her words?

    ¡°Tell me, can I really change if I do so now?¡± Would Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng still be willing to ept her as their mother?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you¡¯re asking the wrong person for this question.¡±

    ¡°Asking the wrong person? Then, who should I ask?¡±

 Chapter 338 - Be Selfish Once for the Sake of Her Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 338: Be Selfish Once for the Sake of Her Happiness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Ask yourself. I¡¯m not you. How will I know how determined you are to change and how long you can persevere? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to change, not me. Auntie Miao, you¡¯re asking me if you can do it. You¡¯re kidding me.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, if you¡¯re married one day, to you, is your husband or children more important?¡±

    Children!

    Qiao Nan was able to reply to that question without even thinking.

    Qiao Nan had just opened her mouth but Miao Jing smiled. ¡°I¡¯m so silly. Why did I ask you this question? You¡¯re still young. You don¡¯t even know when you¡¯re getting married, not to mention children. I¡¯m really muddle-headed to have asked you this question.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips and rolled her eyes hard.

    What did it mean that she did not know when she was getting married? If she was willing to agree, she could get married immediately. Furthermore, she would be married to the son of the woman that was sitting opposite her right now!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s action of rolling her eyes with dissatisfaction amused Miao Jing. ¡°You¡¯re already eighteen years old. You¡¯re a grown-updy, yet you¡¯re still so childish in your manner. Are you usually ostracized by others when you¡¯re at school?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, do you know what is called the ¡®ace student¡¯? As a top student, I¡¯m still quite popr at school.¡± Although she¡¯s not liked by everyone, there¡¯s still quite a number who liked her and treated her well.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you have any guy that you like at school?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s leg slipped and she nearly fell. ¡°Auntie Miao, did youe here today to do a poption survey? The topic has changed too swiftly. Is it appropriate?¡±

    ¡°Do you?¡±

    ¡°I have someone that I like.¡± But he¡¯s not from the school, and he¡¯s your son.

    ¡°What if, I¡¯m saying what if, your dad does not think that the guy suits you and thinks that he knows another guy that¡¯s more suitable for you? For the sake of your happiness, how can your dad bring the boy and you together?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, are you sure you¡¯re asking me and not my dad? Why are you asking me what my dad should do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so dimwitted. You can change your identity and put yourself in your dad¡¯s shoes. Or you can think of it in this way. If you be a mother in the future and encounter such a situation, what will you do?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s brows stiffened and three imaginary vertical lines appeared on her forehead. On her head, the word ¡®awkward¡¯ seemed to have been carved.

    In other words, Auntie Miao, who would possibly be her future mother-inw, was seeking her advice for ways to double-cross herself?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I¡¯m only eighteen years old. I¡¯m still too young to be a mother.¡± After enduring for a long time, Qiao Nan could only say this as she did not feel like coaxing and lying to Miao Jing.

    Anyway, if she had to provide some ideas to let Brother Zhai be together with another woman, she was definitely unable to do that.

    Besides, when Auntie Miao encountered such a problem, shouldn¡¯t she look for friends of the same age to chat and analyze to find a solution? She was just a child, but Auntie Miao treated her like one of her sisterly friends. Was it appropriate to ask her about this?

    When Qiao Nan said that, Miao Jing was stunned too.

    Yes, water must have flooded her brains. It was not appropriate to pose this kind of question to a child.

    Miao Jing could not understand too. When she encountered any problems, she would firste to Qiao Nan and it seemed like she wanted to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. Was she muddle-headed by anger?

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking you casually. You can reply casually too. You¡¯ve borrowed my ce to study for a year. Reply to this question and treat it as repayment to our family.¡± Miao Jing, who felt awkward, turned red. She was as embarrassed as a youngdy.

    ¡°Since you said that... Auntie Miao, are you really so certain that your children will not find happiness if they marry the person that they like?¡± How much did Auntie Miao know? Was she deliberately testing her or did she hope that she would withdraw from the rtionship on her own ord? Was the conversation that they had earlier for the sake of bringing up this topic?

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m absolutely sure. I¡¯ve seen such real cases.¡± She was that living example. She didn¡¯t want Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng to follow in her footsteps. There was too much suffering.

    Qiao Nan ground her teeth. Should she persuade? Should she be selfish?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, the example that you mentioned, how¡¯s their situation now? Is their life worse than mine?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°There you have it. There¡¯s a saying that one man¡¯s meat is another¡¯s poison. It¡¯s the same vice versa. The example that you¡¯ve seen may not be representative of everything. If you don¡¯t try, how will you know that the oue is definitely bad? What if it¡¯s good? No two individuals are the same in this world. Therefore, when facing the same situation, there¡¯ll be a different oue for different people. Auntie Miao, don¡¯t you feel that you¡¯re too presumptuous?¡±

    After being in a long state of dilemma, Qiao Nan decided to help herself and be selfish for once.

    Her mother was biased toward Qiao Zijin, and her father favored the weaker one. No one favored her.

    If she did not favor and dote on herself, who would still love her in this world?

    ¡°This...¡± Miao Jing became more hesitant.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, actually, you don¡¯t need to feel anxious. Everyone is still young. The man that you mentioned may not marry the woman that he likes immediately. There¡¯s still a long time to get to know each other. If they are really suitable for each other, there¡¯s no need to deter them and treat the other party as a bad person. If they¡¯re not suitable, they¡¯ll break up even if you don¡¯t persuade them to do so. You don¡¯t need to do anything.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s anotherdy...¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family background was good. She was good-looking and had many admirers. If not for the fact that Qiu Chenxi liked Zhai Sheng, given her qualities, she would already have a boyfriend.

    What if the reality proved that Zhai Sheng was notpatible with thedy that he liked? Yes, they would break up eventually. But at that juncture, what if Qiu Chenxi already had a boyfriend or was going to get married? Wouldn¡¯t Zhai Sheng lose at both ends?

    When she heard Miao Jing¡¯s worries, Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. ¡°Auntie Miao, how lousy is that guy that he only has twodies to choose from? Is thedy that you mentioned so outstanding? Is she the number one in the world such that it¡¯ll be a loss to all the guys if they don¡¯t marry her? Perhaps it¡¯s a loss to the girl for not waiting for the guy?¡±

    Toward the end of her speech, Qiao Nan¡¯s tongue was nearly entangled.

    Now, she was most curious. Who exactly was that extremely outstanding and beautiful rival in love whom Auntie Miao was so anxious about?

    Given the situation of the Zhai family, most people would take the initiative and find ways to be inws with them. Was there such a gooddy and inw that would make the Zhai family so anxious and afraid to lose?

    Miao Jing patted her legs with strength. ¡°That¡¯s right. Why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡±

    Putting aside that she was the daughter of that woman, there were many otherdies with a simr background as Qiu Chenxi in the quad.

 Chapter 339 - The Karma of Kidnapping Other Peopleâ€™s Son

    <h4>Chapter 339: The Karma of Kidnapping Other People¡¯s Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even if she did not want Zhai Sheng to follow in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and her footsteps and suffer for life, she could also introduce other betterdies to Zhai Sheng.

    Her son was so outstanding. If Qiu Chenxi was anxious to get married, that would be her loss. She dared to bet that if his son was willing to marry, there would be many gooddies who were willing to be married to him. Why was she so anxious?

    Qiu Chenxi was popr. Was her son unpopr?

    Having thought about it clearly, Miao Jingfortably leaned back. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. What food do you have? Quickly take them out.¡±

    Qiao Nan lifted her head and held her neck. She felt more sullen.

    What was this Auntie Miao trying to do? She treated her like a psychologist. After asking her numerous questions, she not only did not remunerate her but also wanted her to serve her food and drinks. Was this the karma of kidnapping Auntie Miao¡¯s son?

    An hour ago, she just nodded in agreement and kidnapped other people¡¯s son. Didn¡¯t this karmae too quickly?

    Qiao Nan silently meditated. She had no choice but to continue waiting on Miao Jing.

    ¡°There¡¯s only white porridge?¡± Miao Jing shriveled her lips and had a look of disdain.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I believe the Zhai family has everything. Why don¡¯t you get the chauffeur to send you back? You can eat anything that you wish then.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. The guest should adhere to the host¡¯s convenience. White porridge it is.¡± Miao Jing took over the white porridge from Qiao Nan and started drinking it. The porridge was slightly nd but extremely thick. After drinking the topyer of the rice soup, her tummy felt extremelyfortable. ¡°It tastes fine.¡±

    ¡°Haha.¡± Of course, it¡¯s fine. This was prepared by Brother Zhai. Auntie Miao did not realize that it was cooked by her own son?

    Qiao Nan did not know that besides Zhai Hua, who had taken Zhai Sheng¡¯s porridge before when she was having a high fever, no one else, including Old Master Zhai, had the fortune to taste his porridge, not to mention Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing did not even know that Zhai Sheng knew how to cook, not to mention tasting the food prepared by her son.

    After disentangling the knot in her heart and filling the stomach that was empty when she left the house in the morning, Miao Jing¡¯s brows rxed and her attitude softened much. ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. I should go back. You look unwell. Rest at home. Don¡¯t neglect your health just because you¡¯re young. Young people don¡¯t know how to cherish themselves.¡±

    Multiple exmation marks floated in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart. She scolded in her heart: What the hell was this.

    Who was the one who dug her out from the bed? Who held on to her and treated her like an understanding sister and grabbed her for a chat?

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s emotions were affected, she felt a hot flush at her lower body.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to send me off. I¡¯ll leave on my own. Go and rest.¡± Miao Jing waved her hands. She did not bring any rainbow. She left without a care, leaving behind Qiao Nan who was red with fury.

    Miao Jing finally left. Qiao Nan waddled like a duck as she mped her legs and walked slowly toward the toilet.

    When she saw that her pad was extremely wet as expected, Qiao Nan felt extreme grief and resentment.

    Yesterday, in the middle of the night, she fainted due to menstrual cramp as Brother Zhai¡¯s words gave her a big fright. Today, she was ¡®bleeding profusely¡¯ after being questioned by Auntie Miao.

    She never knew that her menses would be heavier with the changes in her emotions. It was terrible...

    She kidnapped other people¡¯s son and this was her ¡®karma¡¯. She dared to ask Brother Zhai, who also kidnapped other people¡¯s daughter, whether his life was carefree afterward.

    Qiao Nan yawned. She did not know if she was especially tired because of her heavy menses on this asion. Once Miao Jing left, Qiao Nan closed her eyes and fell onto the bed. As she covered herself with the nket, she felt warm and fell asleep soundly within three minutes.

    ¡°Miao Miao, you¡¯re back?¡± At the sight of Miao Jinging back in less than one and a half hours¡¯ time, Old Master Zhai was extremely surprised. He had thought that Miao Miao would be back only in the afternoon.

    Almost everyone in the Zhai family was used to it. If Miao Jing was in a bad mood, she liked to leave the house for an entire day and would note home unless the sky was dark. However, when the night came, Miao Jing would be like a house swallow. She would definitelye back home and never stayed overnight outside.

    ¡°Miao Miao, do you feel better now?¡± When he saw Miao Jing, who left with a gloomy face and returned with a bright one, Old Master Zhai was even more shocked. Where did Miao Miao go? Her mood had lifted?

    Miao Jing sat down and replied. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all good. Dad, I¡¯ve made you worry.¡±

    ¡°Everyone belongs to the same family. Why are you so polite?¡± Old Master Zhai was embarrassed to say this. Because he gave birth to a son who sinned but he picked Miao Miao, this daughter-inw.

    Ring! Ring! The phone beside Miao Jing rang at this moment. Miao Jing simply picked it up. ¡°Hello. Oh, it¡¯s Qiu Chenxi. Is something the matter? It¡¯s the first day of the Lunar New Year today, so it¡¯s not convenient to go out. Another day? I¡¯ll see you on another day, then. Bye.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    When the members of the Zhai family heard this phone conversation, everyone was shocked.

    Zhai Yaohui identally turned the newspaper in his hands upside down and Zhai Hua blinked her eyes in disbelief. In the past, when Qiu Chenxi asked her mother out to ¡®strengthen¡¯ their rtionships, her mother would always agree. She did not even bother if the date and time were convenient. It was as if Qiu Chenxi was the senior. Today, her mother actually rejected, rejected, rejected!

    Important matters must be mentioned thrice!

    How was that possible!

    ¡°Zhai Sheng,e over!¡± Zhai Hua curled her fingers at Zhai Sheng. Although Zhai Sheng disliked this action, he walked over nevertheless. ¡°Why do I feel that Mom has been behaving very oddly recently? Now, each time she¡¯s out when her mood is sour, she¡¯ll be back within two hours and not the whole day. Moreover, her mood will be better when she¡¯s back. What is happening?¡±

    Most importantly, each time her mother was out, there was a change in her character.

    The pair of high-heeled shoes that her father gave to her mother was not suitable, but her mother not only treated it as a treasure but also wore it and maintained it at every opportunity. When she came back that day, the heels of the shoes were all broken. Her mother did not even mend it. She said she wanted to lock it up. From that day onward, she had not seen that pair of high-heeled shoes.

    Her mother clearly disliked Qiu Chenxi but obsessively treated her as her future daughter-inw. Her mother would not listen to her no matter how she persuaded. She treated Qiu Chenxi so well as if she was praying to her ancestors.

    It was truly ¡®the mystery of leaving the house for a walk¡¯.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, should we follow Mom when she leaves the house for a walk next time?¡±

    ¡°You can be a fool yourself. Don¡¯t include me in your silly acts,¡± Zhai Sheng said with sarcasm.

    ¡°What? Don¡¯t think I really won¡¯t bash you up. Grandpa is here. He will help me.¡± Zhai Hua almost spat blood. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you¡¯re not curious. If the situation is not right, I¡¯m a little worried.¡± She was afraid that the character that influenced her mother so greatly would be problematic and dangerous to the Zhai family.

 Chapter 340 - The Game of Go Between Mother and Son

    <h4>Chapter 340: The Game of Go Between Mother and Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    To the Zhai family, it was certainly a good thing that someone could provide guidance and point Miao Jing in the right direction. However, it would be a major problem if the other party had an ulterior motive.

    ¡°Do you think Mom doesn¡¯t even have this little sense of judgment?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Zhai Hua knitted her brows. When her mother was rational, she was definitely a smart woman. However, when she¡¯s in the blind alley, her intelligence waspletely ¡®offline¡¯.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about?¡± Miao Jing, who just came into the room, happened to hear Zhai Hua¡¯sst sentence. ¡°Your grandpa is still outside and the two of you are hiding in the bedroom to chat. Is this appropriate? Is it good to leave your dad and grandpa outside to be hostile with each other?¡±

    Zhai Hua felt a little guilty. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that Miao Jing seemed to have heard only herst sentence. ¡°I¡¯ll go and keep Grandpapany by ying chess!¡±

    ¡°Are you apanying your grandpa to y chess or is it your grandpa apanying you?¡± Miao Jing immediately smiled. Her father-inw was good at ying chess, but Hua Hua was a ¡®spoiler¡¯. She would retract three moves with each move she made.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one apanying Grandpa.¡± Zhai Hua straightened her neck. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not talking to you anymore. I¡¯m going to look for Grandpa.¡±

    Just as she finished talking bad about her biological mother, thetter appeared.

    Although Miao Jing might not have heard anything, Zhai Hua could not help feeling guilty. She simply ran off and left Zhai Sheng to clean up the mess.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, Mom wants to talk to you about something.¡±

    ¡°Speak.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still young. Mom will not ask you a lot of other questions, and neither do I wish to ask. Mom just wants to tell you that you¡¯re still young and should give thatdy and yourself more opportunities and time to understand each other. Thatdy is definitely younger than you. Do you remember President Mao¡¯s words? Mom certainly trusts that you¡¯re a responsible man who knows how to restrain yourself.¡±

    Miao Jing was not afraid of anything else. She was only afraid that her son and the youngdy would taste the forbidden fruit before she could even find out who that youngdy was. This might cause an unnned premarital pregnancy.

    If that truly happened, given the temperament of the Zhai family, thatdy had to be married into the family.

    The possibility of having a blissful marriage for such an impulsive and hasty union was very low.

    He did not wish to dy her son¡¯s future or let him ruin the youngdy¡¯s life.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll be with her for another two years. After two years, I¡¯ll bring her home for her to meet all of you.¡±

    ¡°Two years? Sure.¡± Miao Jing readily agreed. She thought that she had bought some time and gained two years. She did not know that Qiao Nan was only in the first year of senior high school. Not to mention two years, it would be at least two and a half years before Qiao Nan would bring up the subject of marriage to Zhai Sheng.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng did notpromise. In reality, he had to make concessions.

    Miao Jing¡¯s mood lifted as she thought that she had achieved her objective. She smiled. ¡°Son, we have a pact here. Mom will not stand in the way of your rtionship in these two years. However, you¡¯re a man, a soldier, and also a member of the Zhai family. You have to maintain your performance in the army. Otherwise, even if Mom agrees, your dad and grandpa will not do so. You should understand even if I don¡¯t tell you what is important to the male members of the Zhai family and what do they care about. If your performance in the army is affected because of thatdy, at that time, Mom is not the one who stands in your way, but you¡¯re the one who ruins your own chance. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng was trying to hold back that bright sh of shrewdness beneath his eyes. Her mother used this tactic on him?

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll do that then.¡± Having achieved both her minor and major goals, Miao Jing was in a much brighter mood.

    As the spouse of a soldier, Miao Jing was clearly aware of the hardships that came with it. It was a small issue to endure physical hardship. But most importantly, the wife of a soldier had to endure loneliness. When the country and the citizens needed them, the soldier would have to rush to the front line.

    This type of situation meant that he would possibly not be around when the family member needed him.

    Not every woman would be able to endure the loneliness and solitude of not having her husband by her side every time she needed him.

    Zhai Sheng was only twenty-two years old. Miao Jing estimated that the youngdy in a rtionship with him was about twenty years old.

    She was at a beautiful age and her son had taken a liking to her. This youngdy was definitely not bad-looking.

    How many times could her son meet with thedy in a year? It would not exceed the ten fingers of her hands. If thedy had many pursuers, she did not believe that thedy would always remain true to his son. It was not that she was not confident of her son, but the truth of the matter hurt.

    They were only dating. If thatdy could not endure it, they would break up eventually to avoid everyone suffering. This was because she would only endure more hardships if she truly became the wife of a soldier.

    Miao Jing had endured the hardships for years. Hence, she was clearly aware of the bitterness of it.

    Miao Jing thought that it would be difficult to resolve the problem regarding her son. She did not expect that it would be so easy. Miao Jing felt much more rxed. ¡°Do you know where Qiao Nan stays at now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. I think the body constituent of Qiao Nan, this youngdy, is quite weak. Your grandpa is back. A lot of stuff has been piling up in the house. Pick some suitable ones for Qiao Nanter and send them to her.¡±

    Zhai Sheng raised his brows as his lips curled into a smile. ¡°Mom, how did you know that Qiao Nan is unwell?¡± Nan Nan just had her menses yesterday, so her mother must have seen Nan Nan today. ¡°Mom, did you go to Nan Nan¡¯s ce just now?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is alone at home. Can¡¯t I go there to chat with her and keep herpany?¡± The son was too smart. As a mother, she really worried at times.

    ¡°Fine!¡± A hidden and cunning smile shed across the pursed lips of Zhai Sheng. There was a feeling of a military ruffian within the righteous look on his face. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll send the stuff over to her now?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± The earlier she ate them, the more nutritious it would be. ¡°You should pick some peaches or something. It¡¯s more appropriate, right? Ah, I¡¯m so foolish. I might as well get your sister to pick the stuff. After all, your sister is ady. She¡¯ll be more aware of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.¡± Miao Jing stood up. ¡°Right, I forgot about one more matter. Keep the keys properly. Qiao Nan is indeed a good child. But please don¡¯t give the keys to any Tom, Dick, Harry in the future. Not everyone is as honest and pure as Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Holding the keys, Zhai Sheng was not angry for the first time.

    How could he possibly pass his house keys to outsiders? He would only pass it to his own people.

    ¡°Grandpa, wait, I¡¯m not making this move anymore. I... I¡¯ll take this step. The earlier move is not counted.¡± Just as the mother and son pair came out of the study room, they heard Zhai Hua retracting her move in the chess game.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you making this move now? Alright, alright, I¡¯ll give in to you one more time.¡± Old Master Zhai helplessly ced the chess piece back into the original position and waited for Zhai Hua to make her next move. When Zhai Hua made the next move, Old Master Zhai¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°After ying chess with me for so long, you¡¯ve not improved by a bit. This move is not better than the earlier one.¡±

 Chapter 341 - Emboldened With the Backing of the Daughter-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 341: Emboldened With the Backing of the Daughter-In-Law</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After that, Old Master Zhai made a move to attack and yelled loudly, ¡°Checkmate!¡±

    Zhai Hua was stunned. ¡°How can you checkmate? That¡¯s too fast. No, I shall take the original move. You must not checkmate.¡±

    ¡°No matter what, you won¡¯t win against Grandpa.¡± Zhai Sheng took a nce at the game of chess that Zhai Hua had messed up and shook his head. ¡°Come over and lend me a hand. After that, you can have Grandpa to y another round with you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Zhai Hua, who was in utter defeat, put down the chess pieces and followed by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side.

    Zhai Hua might act like a child when she was with Old Master Zhai, but back in the army, she was a female officer. She was in charge of training female soldiers and was very awe-inspiring in the army.

    However, Zhai Hua noticed that although she might have been very impressive in the army, she looked very pathetic whenever she was at home.

    In fact, she was embarrassed that she lost to her grandpa. Hence, she was quick to agree to render assistance to Zhai Sheng.

    What Zhai Hua did not know was that she had only just walked away when Old Master Zhai breathed a sigh of relief. At his age, he felt tiring to have a game of chess with his granddaughter who was not good at chess.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Zhai Hua followed Zhai Sheng to the ce where the family stored the food. ¡°What? Are you so anxious to send some food to Nan Nan? Let me remind you. You must not let Mom find out. Otherwise, Mom¡¯s impression of Nan Nan will only get worse. If you want to marry Nan Nan, you won¡¯t be able to get Mom¡¯s approval.¡±

    On Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, Zhai Sheng did not stay at home but was with his wife-to-be. He only came back to the house at eight o¡¯clock in the morning of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Day.

    Zhai Sheng was too rampant.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom may be the first person who will no longer pose a problem in our house.¡± Zhai Sheng picked the food that he wanted to give to Qiao Nan while grinning to himself.

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Would her mother like girls like Nan Nan?

    ¡°Mom wants me to give some food to Nan Nan. ording to my guess, after Mom went out today, she went to see Nan Nan and chatted with her.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that the person who influences Mom is, in fact, Nan Nan? Are you serious? It can¡¯t be such a coincidence. Back then when Ding Jiayi framed Nan Nan at our doorway, Mom was annoyed at Nan Nan. It has not been that long, so why would Mom ept Nan Nan who is of such family background? I don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    Had hell frozen over? It was too incredible that her mother would listen to Nan Nan¡¯s advice and be influenced by her.

    ¡°Mom doesn¡¯t know that the girl I like is Nan Nan.¡± Zhai Sheng might be happy but he was aware of the difficulties he faced as well.

    His mother gave him two years. Zhai Sheng was very clear what his mother meant.

    In the past year that he had known Qiao Nan, the actual time that he spent with Qiao Nan had only been around half a month¡¯s time. This was the reason why Zhai Sheng often sent letters to ¡®remind¡¯ Qiao Nan not to start a rtionship when she was too young.

    He was worried that as he was not by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, she would fall for those boys who chased after her.

    Therefore, even though his mother had agreed, in fact, his mother was hoping that their rtionship would not stand the test of time. In the two years¡¯ time, when Nan Nan realized that Zhai Sheng, as a soldier, did not have much time to spend with her, she would be displeased or angry with him. Eventually, she might take the initiative to break up with him. His mother did not need to do anything and she would achieve her aim nheless.

    In the end, her mother had what she wanted and she did not need to y the bad guy. She would have the best of both worlds.

    ¡°Nan Nan is brilliant to be able toe up with such a n. Initially, I was worried that Mom will not like a girl like Nan Nan. Now, it seems that Nan Nan has a way of being close to Mom.¡± Zhai Hua finally felt at ease after figuring out the entire matter. ¡°In that case, Mom locking up the pair of high heels that Dad gave her was also thanks to Nan Nan? Let¡¯s go together. I have to ask Nan Nan how she managed to do that.¡±

    She was her mother¡¯s daughter. However, after years of persuading, her mother could not bear to part with the shoes and treated them as her treasure, refusing to listen to anyone.

    She was curious about how Nan Nan persuaded her mother and resolved the matter.

    ¡°You should stay at home and y chess with Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, how dare you kick someone to the curb after they¡¯ve outlived their usefulness!¡±

    ¡°Did you just realize it now?¡± Zhai Sheng was done with selecting the food that he wanted. He admitted shamelessly that he had kicked her to the curb after she had outlived her usefulness. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s rare that you are at home. You should spend more time with Grandpa. I will be back soon.¡± At this time, Uncle Qiao should have gone back home from the Qiao family¡¯s residence at the quad.

    With Uncle Qiao around, it was inconvenient for him to chat with Nan Nan. He would leave after passing her the food.

    Zhai Hua snorted childishly. After returning to the living room, she asked that her grandpa continued to y chess with her.

    Zhai Sheng had asked some people to move the food into the car.

    Seeing the car key in his hands, Zhai Yaohui frowned in displeasure. ¡°You just came back, why are you running out again? I have to make a call to the army. I don¡¯t believe that there will be so many missions on the first day of the Lunar New Year.¡± Most importantly, if it was to do with the army, Zhai Sheng would not be so rxed.

    Zhai Yaohui was displeased that apart from the work in the army, Zhai Sheng was concerned about other stuff but not the engagement with Qiu Chenxi. He did not care about his marriage at all. Instead, he put his focus on other insignificant things. What was Zhai Sheng thinking about?

    ¡°It has nothing to do with the army. Apart from the army, he has rtives and family members.¡± Miao Jing grounded her teeth. ¡°I asked him to run an errand for me. Is there anything wrong?¡±

    As Zhai Yaohui¡¯s wife, Miao Jing knew very well why he was so angry with Zhai Sheng.

    In the past, Miao Jing had yet to sort out her thoughts. In order to please Zhai Yaohui, she would stand on the same side with Zhai Yaohui and discipline Zhai Sheng. But now that Miao Jing had sorted it out, she was unhappy that Zhai Yaohui lectured her son because of someone else¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°Old Zhai, is it that apart from the army, Zhai Sheng has to put Qiu Chenxi as his first priority? Even before his mother?¡±

    If that was the case, did it mean she no longer has any foothold in the family once Zhai Sheng married Qiu Chenxi and thetter joined the family?

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about in front of the children? I don¡¯t mean that.¡± Zhai Yaohui did not expect that Miao Jing would act out of the blue. Not only did she not take his side, but she also argued with him, making him embarrassed.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you do not mean that. Zhai Sheng, you should get going.¡± An angry Miao Jing crossed her arms around her chest.

    Zhai Hua and Old Master Zhai stared at each other. Since when did her mother be so emboldened in front of her father?

    Old Master Zhai pulled at Zhai Hua. ¡°Recently, your mom...¡±

 Chapter 342 - Retribution for â€˜Abductingâ€™ Someone Elseâ€™s Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 342: Retribution for ¡®Abducting¡¯ Someone Else¡¯s Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Did anyone agitate your mom, or is she unwell? Her temper is not the same as before.¡± Miao Miao was a good daughter-inw, but she always gave in to Zhai Yaohui, resulting in him being too arrogant.

    ¡°If your mom used that temper on your dad long ago, he would not behave like how he is now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. My dad has been pampered by Mom.¡± Zhai Hua nodded in agreement. Her future sister-inw, Nan Nan, was so capable. She had not married into the family, yet she had such an impact on their family.

    She was sure that Nan Nan would bring good luck to the husband. When Zhai Sheng married her, their house would be lively.

    ¡°Do you know what is going on?¡± Miao Miao could not possibly change her temper all of a sudden without apparent reason.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhai Hua darted her eyes. She dared not look at Old Master Zhai.

    However, Old Master Zhai¡¯s gaze had already returned to the chessboard. ¡°You are right. You are a scatterbrain, so you won¡¯t notice even if there is any situation.¡± Old Master Zhai knew that although Zhai Hua was a female, she could be as wild as a monkey, totally out of control.

    Zhai Hua, who was despised upon, rolled her eyes. If it was not for the fact that she had to keep Nan Nan¡¯s identity from everyone, she really wanted to tell her grandpa that she knew everything!

    Now that Zhai Sheng had Miao Jing¡¯s backing, he did not care about his father. He walked out of the house steadfastly.

    Zhai Sheng drove the car and was just about to leave the quad when he saw a disheveled-looking Qiao Dongliang running outside with a coat on.

    Zhai Sheng frowned at the look of panic on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face. ¡°Uncle Qiao, are you going back to look for Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Zhai Sheng. That¡¯s right...¡± Qiao Dongliang looked up. His first reaction was to give an honest answer. ¡°Since you have something on, you can go first. You do not need to wait for me.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not help but me himself at the thought of what happenedst night.

    He was a father, but how could he not know that Nan Nan had left the Qiao family¡¯s residence at the quad!

    ¡°Old Qiao, look at the time. Have some glutinous rice balls before you go. Bring Qiao Nan here.¡± After what happened yesterday night, Ding Jiayi seemed to be in high spirits. She looked radiant and had watery eyes. Her voice was especially sweet as well.

    ¡°I won¡¯t eat!¡± Qiao Dongliang was even angrier at the sight of Ding Jiayi. ¡°As her mom, you had no idea when Nan Nan left the house. If Nan Nan... It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. I don¡¯t wish to say those unlucky words. Ding Jiayi, you...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to say that if anything happened to Qiao Nan, he would definitely not let Ding Jiayi off.

    But as Zhai Sheng was around, he could not bring himself to say that in front of an outsider.

    ¡°That was all because I was too tired yesterday. You should know as well. You didn¡¯t notice any sound either.¡± Ding Jiayi pouted her red and swollen lips, expressing her displeasure.

    The more Ding Jiayi behaved in that manner, the more Qiao Dongliang regretted what he did yesterday. He must be too muddle-headed. The most ridiculous thing was that Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude today was very different from yesterday. Qiao Dongliang felt so absurd that he did not even have the strength to sneer at her.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, where are you going? Can you give me a ride?¡±

    What he wanted to do now was to get back to the small quad as fast as possible and see how Nan Nan was doing. With another look at Ding Jiayi, he would feel like what happened yesterday night was a total nightmare. He did not expect that Ding Jiayi would have such a thought. It was too ridiculous!

    ¡°Sure.¡± Ding Jiayi pulled at Qiao Dongliang, refusing to let go. Zhai Sheng turned sullen at the sight of her. ¡°Uncle Qiao, get in the car.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang shrugged Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands away, opened the door, and sat on the passenger seat without a word.

    ¡°Then, I will go too.¡± Ding Jiayi refused to let Qiao Dongliang go. Moreover, there was a glimmer of greed in her eyes when she saw the army green jeep that Zhai Sheng drove. She had never had the chance to sit in a car like this. It was one of a kind!

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin, who stood by the door, heard the conversation and started to say something.

    ¡°It will not be convenient.¡± Ding Jiayi might be quick-witted but Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands were faster than her. He locked the door immediately so that Ding Jiayi could not open it. ¡°Uncle Qiao, sit tight. I will start the car now.¡±

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go.¡± All that Qiao Dongliang wanted was to go back home and ascertain that Qiao Nan was safe. As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, he did not have the energy to care about them.

    Ding Jiayi coughed uncontrobly at the car exhaust fumes. ¡°That was too much...¡± Why would Zhai Sheng drive by at this time? Otherwise, she would have been able to make Old Qiao stay behind.

    Yesterday, Old Qiao was very nice to her. It showed that during the time that they were apart, she was not the only one who missed Old Qiao. He missed her as well. She knew that as they had been husband and wife for so many years, Old Qiao definitely missed her.

    ¡°Mom, Dad is gone. Let¡¯s go back to the house. It¡¯s very cold outside.¡± Qiao Zijin looked pitifully in the direction of the car. She sighed and went back to the house.

    Ding Jiayi stomped her feet to rid herself of the cold before going back to the house. ¡°When did Qiao Nan leave this morning? That wretched girl is bent on creating trouble. She is displeased now that I am getting along well with Old Qiao and just has to make life difficult for me. I really owed her in my previous life. In this life, I gave birth to her to pay my debts.¡±

    If not for Qiao Nan who left early in the morning, she could still have a reunion breakfast with Old Qiao.

    She believed that with her coaxing, Old Qiao would not be so heartless as to leave her and Qiao Zijin alone. He would definitely bring Qiao Nan back to stay with them.

    ¡°How will I know when she left? I slept very early, but I woke upter than all of you. If Dad didn¡¯t argue with you, I still wouldn¡¯t know that Qiao Nan is not at home.¡± Qiao Zijin yawned. It was so cold outside. She had to hand it to Qiao Nan who left the warmth andfort of her bed early in the morning.

    Ding Jiayi paused momentarily. ¡°Your dad went to that wretched girl¡¯s room to check. The bed felt cold. The room looked the same as yesterday...¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you mean that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t sleep in the housest night?¡± It could not be possible. Did Qiao Nan really leave because of what she said yesterday? ¡°It¡¯s already ten o¡¯clock when we went to bed. It was pitch dark outside. Qiao Nan must have been really daring to leave by herself.¡±

    ¡°If this is not the case, will your dad be so furious early in the morning?¡± The wretched girl really went back in the middle of the night. She was so daring to do that. Is she not afraid that she would run into bad guys?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face sunk. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s no wonder that Dad is so angry. You may have to be mentally prepared. It will be good if Qiao Nan is fine. Otherwise, there is no chance of Dad and you reconciling in this life.¡±

 Chapter 343 - Daughter and Son-In-Law Stood United

    <h4>Chapter 343: Daughter and Son-In-Law Stood United</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Is Qiao Nan crazy? Why would she act in a fit of pique and go back alone in the middle of the night, putting herself at risk?¡±

    ¡°Is it so serious? There aren¡¯t so many bad people around. Nothing will happen to her.¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. She had not thought of this.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°If there aren¡¯t so many bad guys, why do we need so many policemen? That said, there is no need for people like Zhai Sheng then. You watch television and news every day. Don¡¯t you know what it¡¯s like?¡±

    No bad guys?

    There were too many bad guys in this world.

    Qiao Nan was really crazy!

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s not scare ourselves. There may be bad guys around, but Qiao Nan is very lucky. We can only hope that bad fortune will not befall our family.¡± Qiao Zijin rubbed her forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy for something to happen to Qiao Nan. It is as difficult as winning the lottery.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It won¡¯t happen. As they say, whom the gods love dies young, while a bad thing never dies. Nothing will happen to that wretched girl. Since I am already up, I will make breakfast.¡± Even though Old Qiao had gone back, she and Zijin still need to eat. ¡°Zijin, do you want to eat sweet or salty glutinous rice balls?¡±

    ¡°Sweet.¡±

    ¡°Alright, the fillings are ready-made. I will go make glutinous rice balls now.¡± Since Qiao Zijin said nothing would happen, Ding Jiayi put her mind at ease. She was not worried about Qiao Nan at all.

    On the contrary, Qiao Dongliang who was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s car could not seem to sit still. He kept fidgeting as if there were nails on the seat.

    Zhai Sheng could tell from his peripheral vision that Qiao Dongliang was fidgety. He did not know what to say to him.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, thank you.¡± As soon as the car reached their house, Qiao Dongliang opened the door right away and dashed into the house. ¡°Nan Nan? Nan Nan?¡±

    At the entrance of the small quad, Qiao Dongliang saw the wet and frosty bed sheets and nket that were hung out to dry. Qiao Dongliang could tell from the pattern that they belonged to Qiao Nan.

    Since the bed sheets and the nket were washed, it showed that Nan Nan must be at home. The sun was not out yet. The bedding would freeze if brought out to dry. Hence, he deduced that Nan Nan had just washed it not too long ago, which meant that Nan Nan reached home safely yesterday.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed with relief after ascertaining that Nan Nan was alright. ¡°Nan Nan, why did youe back without a word? You gave me a scare.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Knowing that Qiao Nan was safe and sound, Qiao Dongliang lowered his voice and went to Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Qiao Dongliang opened the door gently and saw a small lump on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. Under the nketid Qiao Nan who was fast asleep. Qiao Dongliang finally put his mind at ease.

    Qiao Nan who had been asleep for a long time heard someone calling her. She opened her eyes slowly and called out softly, ¡°Dad, you are back.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, why didn¡¯t you tell me that you went home?¡± Since Qiao Nan had woken up, Qiao Dongliang simply sat on her bedside. ¡°Why did you wash the bed sheets and nket early in the morning? Didn¡¯t you wash them not long ago? Are you feeling unwell?¡± Qiao Dongliang reached out his hands and touched Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. Her temperature was normal.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel very good but I¡¯m alright now.¡± The difort that she felt on the first day of her menses had disappeared. Her legs and back were not as sore as before. ¡°Dad, I will get up now.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Hurry up. I will make breakfast for you.¡±

    After shutting Qiao Nan¡¯s door, Qiao Dongliang turned and almost bumped into Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you have not left? Thank you very much for the ride. You should get going.¡±

    He just kicked Zhai Hua to the curb after she had outlived her usefulness. He did not expect that he would receive the same treatment. ¡°No need to worry. I am here to look for Nan Nan. It was just nice that I could give Uncle Qiao a ride.¡±

    ¡°Look for Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt a pang of jealousy when he heard how Zhai Sheng called Qiao Nan. ¡°Why are you looking for Nan Nan? Is it because of the money that you lent to Nan Nan previously? You can rest assured. I will definitely return the money. Nan Nan said that she has written an IOU. Since Nan Nan borrowed the money for me, and she is still a young student who does not have the ability to earn money, can you draft another IOU? I will return you the money.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang almost forgot that his family still owed Zhai Sheng more than a thousand yuan. Zhai Sheng was their creditor.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shed. He lookedposed, unlike Qiao Dongliang who was nervous. ¡°There¡¯s no need to draft another IOU. What Nan Nan has written is sufficient.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, why are you...¡± Qiao Nan dressed herself and came out. She was shocked to see Zhai Sheng.

    It had not been half an hour since Auntie Miao left and Brother Zhai was here after her. Were they ying hide-and-seek?

    ¡°My mom told me to bring these over.¡± Zhai Sheng pointed to the two big sacks on the ground. ¡°One sack contains Xinjiang jujubes, raisins, and the walnuts. The other sack contains fresh winter jujubes and sesame seeds. You can peel the walnuts and grind them together with the sesame seeds into powder. You must have more of them. It is good for you.¡±

    Sesame walnut powder was good for the brain.

    As for the fresh and dried jujubes, it went without saying that they were for Qiao Nan to nourish the blood.

    ¡°How can we ept your kindness?¡± Before Qiao Nan could say anything, Qiao Dongliang spoke up. ¡°Previously, you lent Nan Nan a big sum of money. Without that money, I wouldn¡¯t be standing here today. If not for our family background, we should have visited your house with gifts. How can we still ept things from your family? This won¡¯t do.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang not only refused but also took the initiative to bring the two big sacks of dried food onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s car.

    However, although Zhai Sheng took no effort in bringing the sacks in, Qiao Dongliang noticed that they were very heavy when he tried to lift the sacks.

    Zhai Sheng took the two sacks from Qiao Dongliang and put them on the ground, lest Qiao Dongliang sprained himself. ¡°Uncle Qiao, you must not stand on ceremony with me. We have a lot of these at home. Chairman Mao said being wasteful is shameful. There are only a few of us at home, and we cannot finish all these. If we keep them at home, it will be spoiled. As for the people in the quad, it is inconvenient to share it with them. Uncle Qiao, you must ept them. You are doing us a favor so that we will not waste so much food.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Dad. The dried food is suitable for me. I have a hard time studying. Walnuts and sesame seeds that are grounded into powder are just nice for me.¡± Qiao Nan stood by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side and spoke up for him.

    The two sacks of dried food meant nothing to the Zhai family. Just like what Brother Zhai said, they would not be able to finish all of them and it would be a waste.

    Furthermore, Brother Zhai was being good to her. Qiao Nan had no wish and no reason to refuse.

 Chapter 344 - Father-In-Law and Son-In-Law Stood United

    <h4>Chapter 344: Father-In-Law and Son-In-Law Stood United</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since Qiao Nan stood on Zhai Sheng¡¯s side, there was nothing that Qiao Dongliang could say.

    Qiao Dongliang twitched the corners of his mouth when he saw how his daughter stood side by side with Zhai Sheng. He tried to school his expression and pulled Qiao Nan to his side. ¡°Nan Nan, since you said that these foods are good for you, we will keep them. Zhai Sheng, thank you for looking out for Nan Nan.¡±

    Zhai Sheng could tell from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone that he was suspicious and wanted to sound him out. He deflected it cleverly. ¡°My mom asked me to bring them here.¡±

    ¡°Your mom?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Zhai Sheng suspiciously. Nan Nan was not acquainted with the wife of the chief of the army. At most, she had seen her once and it was an unpleasant experience. The reason why the wife of the chief of the army still remembered Nan Nan was probably due to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. She could not possibly have a good impression of Nan Nan.

    How would she have Nan Nan in mind and ask Zhai Sheng to bring her dried food? Did Zhai Sheng think that he is a three-year-old child?

    ¡°Auntie Miao is too polite. I merely let her in and had a chat with her.¡± Qiao Nan nted her head and looked at Zhai Sheng with a questioning look in her eyes. Was Zhai Sheng telling the truth? Did Auntie Miao ask him to bring the dried food over and it really had nothing to do with him?

    ¡°Nan Nan, when did you meet the wife of the chief of the army?¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to believe what Zhai Sheng said.

    ¡°About half an hour ago.¡± Qiao Nan recalled.

    Qiao Dongliang widened his eyes. ¡°Have you really seen the wife of the chief of the army today? She came to our house?¡± Was Nan Nan dreaming?

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Auntie Miao asked me a few questions.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated. He pulled Qiao Nan to the side and whispered, ¡°Nan Nan, are you very close with the wife of the chief of the army?¡± He thought that since what happenedst time, apart for Zhai Sheng, everyone in the Zhai family did not have a good impression of them, especially the wife of the chief of the army.

    ¡°Not very close. I have only had three encounters with Auntie Miao, and we have spoken twice only.¡± Qiao Nan gestured with her hands.

    ¡°But, why?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you must not think that since she is the wife of the chief of the army, she must be haughty and arrogant. Back then, Deng Xiaoping and Premier Zhou were very approachable. They were Chairman and Premier, yet they were close to the people. Auntie Miao is the wife of the chief of the army. Why would she be high up in the air? Look at Brother Zhou. He is young and promising, the most outstanding child in our quad. When did he act arrogant and haughty? Didn¡¯t he address you as ¡®uncle¡¯?¡±

    Qiao Nan was trying to sweet-talk Qiao Dongliang.

    If her father was in awe of the Zhai family, then the rtionship between Brother Zhai and her would not work out.

    Qiao Nan did not want her father to lower his head out of inferiority when he met the Zhai family in the future.

    ¡°T-this is true.¡± At the mention of the chairman, Qiao Dongliang was in awe. His eyes were full of worship and admiration.

    As the daughter of Qiao Dongliang, how would she not know who her father looked up to?

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, please express gratitude to your mom when you go back. Our family...¡± Though the gifts that Zhai family gave them were not very expensive, the goodwill was deep. However, Qiao Dongliang had nothing valuable to give to them.

    ¡°My mom likes Nan Nan very much and wants me to take care of Nan Nan. Uncle Qiao must not stand on ceremony with us.¡±

    Qiao Nan shot Zhai Sheng a disdainful look. She was sure that Zhai Sheng was lying.

    Half an hour ago, Auntie Miao came to ask her how to break up Zhai Sheng and the girl that he liked. She did not believe that Auntie Miao would want Brother Zhai to take care of her.

    Zhai Sheng winked at Qiao Nan right in front of Qiao Dongliang. Some things were better left unsaid. Sooner orter, his mother would ept her.

    Previously, Zhai Sheng was still uncertain of Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward their rtionship, but now he was assured.

    From the words that Qiao Nan said to Qiao Dongliang, he could tell that she was paving the way for their future.

    Qiao Nanughed in exasperation. Brother Zhai sounded righteous and just, but he was teasing her right in front of her father. Was it suitable for him to do that? It might smear the reputation of the soldiers!

    Qiao Dongliang did not notice the subtle interactions between the two of them. He smiled and said, ¡°The wife of the chief of the army is really gracious. You are so busy with your work in the army and you seldom have time for your family. If you are free, you must spend more time with them and take a rest as well. You may be young and healthy, but the tough training in the army will be very tiring for the body.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was a man. Even though his daughter and Zhai Sheng tried to hide it, how could he not notice anything?

    Qiao Dongliang was telling Zhai Sheng that if he was free, he should be more concerned about his family. As Nan Nan¡¯s father, Qiao Dongliang would take care of her. Outsiders did not need to care for and take care of her.

    It was said that a daughter was her father¡¯s lover in his previous life. In that case, the son-inw would be the rival.

    Qiao Dongliang was quick to sense that he was faced with his ¡®rival¡¯.

    ¡°Dad, Brother Zhai was the one who sent me backst night.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She knew that she should not sneer at this time, but she felt pleased that her father was protective of her.

    Since she had ¡®abducted¡¯ the son of another family, Auntie Miao always came looking for her.

    Now that Brother Zhai had ¡®abducted¡¯ her, it was understandable that her father behaved in such a manner.

    ¡°That was so rash of you!¡± Qiao Dongliang red at Qiao Nan with a half-anxious look. ¡°How could you do that? If you wanted to go back, why didn¡¯t you tell me? Walking alone in the middle of the night is dangerous! You gave me a big scare!¡±

    At the mention of this, Qiao Dongliang felt like spanking Qiao Nan¡¯s bottom. How could she be so disobedient and give him such a shock on the first day of the Lunar New Year?

    The first thing that came to mind after Qiao Dongliang woke up this morning was to ask if Qiao Nan slept well yesterday.

    However, when he opened the door, there was nobody in the room.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan would always stack the nket in a particr way.

    But the nket on the bed was not folded properly. One look at it and Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan did not use the nket at all. In other words, Qiao Nan did not sleep in the Qiao family¡¯s residence at all!

    Qiao Dongliang who had a big fright early in the morning was wide awake. He put on his clothes and ran outside, checking to see if Qiao Nan had gone home.

    ¡°This is indeed Nan Nan¡¯s fault.¡± Zhai Sheng turned serious and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, you must realize your mistakes. Even if you really want to go back in the middle of the night, you have to find someone to apany you so that others could rest assured.¡±

 Chapter 345 - Disliked the Qiao Familyâ€™s Residence

    <h4>Chapter 345: Disliked the Qiao Family¡¯s Residence</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Even if Uncle Qiao is not convenient to go with you, you can find someone else, or you can look for me. If I didn¡¯te out to run some errands and ran into you, did you intend to go back home by yourself?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression turned grim.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded in agreement. ¡°I am your dad. You should look for me.¡± Qiao Dongliang made known that Qiao Nan must look for him as a top priority.

    Qiao Nan was his daughter. If she had any problems, the first person to look for must be her father. Why should she seek help from outsiders?

    Qiao Dongliang did not realize that Zhai Sheng was interested in Qiao Nan. But as a man, he was very conscious that Qiao Nan was his daughter, and she should not go looking for others. He made this point clear to Zhai Sheng as well.

    Qiao Nan was speechless under the attack of the two men. ¡°Are you sure I should look for either of you?¡±

    Yesterday was the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, and Brother Zhai should have spent the time with his family. How could she, an outsider, ask him to send her home? What would other people think? It would not be good for their future rtionship.

    If she went looking for him, the elders in the Zhai family would have a bad impression of her.

    In this way, she and Brother Zhai did not even have to try because their rtionship would not work out at all.

    As for her father, Qiao Nan was not willing to recall what happenedst night.

    Under that situation, if she went looking for her father, both her parents would me her. Even if her father did not me her, he would be very embarrassed.

    Among both of them who were closest to her, who could she look for to help her?

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Dongliang were lost for words. They knew that Qiao Nan was telling the truth.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it was the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve yesterday, but why didn¡¯t you stay at home with your family? Why would youe out and run into Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang thought about it and noticed that something was not right. Since Nan Nan did not go looking for Zhai Sheng, how did they run into each other?

    Who woulde out in the middle of the night on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve and walk in the cold?

    ¡°We finished the soy sauce, so I came out to buy soy sauce,¡± Zhai Sheng said without batting an eyelid. Qiao Nan almost spat at his words.

    The soy sauce was finished? What a tant lie Brother Zhai came up with.

    Even if the Zhai family had not gotten ready for the Lunar New Year and had finished their soy sauce, there was no need for Brother Zhai to buy it himself. The aunt whom they hired to help with the chores was not on leave.

    ¡°I see. Did you dy your family¡¯s reunion dinner because you sent Nan Nan back?¡± Qiao Nan almost burst out inughter. Her father would actually believe in Zhai Sheng¡¯s excuse. Previously, he was as perceptive as a detective, but he became slow-witted in the next instance.

    Brother Zhai and her father were living treasures.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded as if he was telling nothing but the truth. ¡°I came out early in the night. After sending Nan Nan home, I went home and was just in time.¡±

    ¡°I would have to thank you for your help yesterday night. You have been a great help to us for umpteen times. If not for a brother like you who took care of Nan Nan, she might have been bullied.¡± No matter what, Zhai Sheng helped him send Nan Nan back home safely. He had to thank Zhai Sheng since he failed to fulfill his duties as a father.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, you are too polite. It¡¯s my mom who likes Nan Nan very much. In the future, if my momes looking for Nan Nan, or invites Nan Nan toe to our house, Uncle Qiao, you must not reject her kind intentions due to the gossip of others.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang was at the topic, Zhai Sheng grabbed hold of the opportunity to gain Qiao Dongliang¡¯s approval to go out with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°This...¡± Was Nan Nan so close with the Zhai family that they would have close interaction with each other?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, is there any problem?¡±

    ¡°No, no, sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang shook his head. There was nothing wrong about his request, but he could not help but feel odd. He did not know that Nan Nan was so close with the Zhai family.

    Looking at the two big sacks of dried food on the floor, Qiao Dongliang was all the more perplexed.

    Now that science and technology had advanced and society had changed, although it was possible to have such food during the Lunar New Year, it was not easy to get them. Besides, there were two big sacks of dried food. It must have been quite expensive.

    These coulde easily for the Zhai family, but to the Qiao family, they would not prepare so much dried food for the year.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Uncle Qiao, I have something to do. I will go back first.¡± Zhai Sheng did not intend to stay for long at Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, lest it aroused his mother¡¯s suspicions. Furthermore, now that Qiao Dongliang was back, in order to respect Qiao Nan¡¯s wishes, Zhai Sheng knew his limits. He must not be too aggressive, lest Qiao Dongliang discovered anything about them. It would not be for them as well.

    Zhai Sheng understood that haste made waste.

    ¡°Oh, well, I will walk you to the door.¡± Qiao Dongliang somehow felt relieved that Zhai Sheng was leaving. He walked him to the door and watched as Zhai Sheng got onto his car and drove off. ¡°Nan Nan, why were you in such a hurry to go back? That is your home as well.¡±

    If Nan Nan had not run into Zhai Shengst night and something happened to her, he would not forgive himself in this life.

    ¡°Dad, I felt ufortable staying at that ce.¡± Qiao Nan was unhappy. ¡°I have no sense of belonging in that ce. Dad, there is something that I have to tell you. To you, Qiao Zijin is a good daughter, but to me, she is not a good sister. Mom is not a good mother either. When you go back, Mom and Sister are happy to see you, but they do not wee me. You may not feel it, but I am the party concerned, so I know it very well. I am no longer the same as before. Besides the Qiao family¡¯s residence, I have this ce to go to. Dad, I can¡¯t stay in that ce. Since they don¡¯t wee me, I can always go back to my house.¡±

    She no longer needed to suffer or endure their displeasure.

    She had a ce of her own. This ce had nothing to do with her mother. Her mother needed her consent to enter her territory.

    With such a good haven, there was no way that Qiao Nan would stay in the Qiao family¡¯s residence and suffer in the hands of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°No, no...¡± He knew about Ding Jiayi, but Zijin...

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been getting along well with Zijin? Since a young age, both of you would always hang out together.¡± Qiao Dongliang was confused. ¡°It¡¯s true that your sister will make small mistakes, but that¡¯s because she is spoiled by your mother. You must not let your mom affect your rtionship with Zijin.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I like to be with my sister. It¡¯s Mom who insisted that I watched over my sister so that she would not be bullied by other people. My sister has never been good to me unless she has something to ask of me. Otherwise, she acted very arrogantly toward me. Dad, think about thest time when Mom framed me for stealing the keys to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.¡±

 Chapter 346 - Dad, Sister Was Not As Good As What You Thought

    <strong>Chapter 346: Dad, Sister Was Not As Good As What You Thought</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Was my sister worried for me and hence, like Mom, insisted that I was a thief? Or was it because she couldn¡¯t stand that I was doing well and wanted to gang up with Mom to frame me?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± There was no way that Qiao Dongliang could speak up for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    These two muddle-headed women, one could not recognize her daughter, while the other could not recognize her younger sister.

    They could not even recognize Qiao Nan. It proved that they did not really care for Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang could not defend them at all.

    ¡°Dad, I am not sure what happened in the past. But ording to my sister, I learned that when my mother was pregnant with me and she thought that I was a son, she neglected my sister and did not treat her well. You seemed to ignore my sister as well. Dad, my sister bears grudges for that.¡±

    Qiao Zijin would only sweet-talk her parents. She did not do anything for them.

    In the previous life, Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun and led a pampered life where she did not need to work and spent all her time shopping and enjoying life.

    Though she had a good life, Qiao Zijin did not do anything in particr for her parents or the family. On the contrary, she woulde up with all sorts of excuses to get money from her parents.

    Their parents did not have any money and so her mother exploited her to meet Qiao Zijin¡¯s demands.

    Back then, everyone was full of envy that her parents had nurtured such a capable elder daughter who married well. They thought that the Qiao family could rely on the rtionship with the Chen family to have good days ahead.

    However, only the Qiao family knew that after having the Chen family as inws, their lives had not improved but in fact, other than looking good on the surface, they had not enough money to make ends meet.

    ¡°No, it cannot be.¡± Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded. He wanted to keep Zijin at home and to take in a husband for her. He had been very good to his daughter since she was born. He would always feel sorry toward Nan Nan as he did not give her the same treatment as Qiao Zijin.

    Other than Nan Nan, he had been very good to Ding Jiayi and Zijin.

    ¡°Impossible?¡± Qiao Dongliang had a look of disbelief on his face. He still had not seen through Qiao Zijin. For the sake of her own future, Qiao Nan had to make Qiao Dongliange to his senses. ¡°I don¡¯t know about other matters, but unless what Brother Zhou Jun said were lies, why would my sister look down on you? If she did not harbor grudges against you, then would she say those words about you?¡±

    ¡°That is because...¡± He really did not have the ability to give Zijin a good life. Zijin had high expectations of him and he could not satisfy her needs. That was why sheined about him. Was that not the case?

    ¡°East or west, home is the best. It applies to one¡¯s parents as well. One must not despise those nearest and dearest to us no matter how in and insignificant they are.¡± To put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin despised everything about her parents and her family.

    ¡°Dad, my sister did not despise you because of the harsh reality. She despises you for no apparent reason.¡± In the previous lifetime, Zijin had uremia and had to be hospitalized. Yet, although she had a lot of assets, she asked her parents to fork out money for her to treat her illness.

    Qiao Zijin was like a chimera that would take money from others but refused to take a single cent out.

    If not for her, there was no way that her parents could satisfy Qiao Zijin¡¯s demands. Even if they sold their blood and organs, they would not be able to satisfy Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s impossible. Your sister is being spoiled by your mom. She may be selfish and inconsiderate of others, but she won¡¯t be as bad as what you said. She would not be without a conscience.¡± He did not believe it!

    ¡°If she is not like what I said, why is it that when Mom did the handiworkte into the might in order to earn money for her tuition fees, she did not offer her help at all? Dad, back then, you wanted to give Mom a lesson, so you did not help her. But my sister stood by without doing anything. Why was that?¡± In the past, she had no wish to care about what Qiao Zijin did. After all, they were Qiao Zijin¡¯s parents as well. If they were willing to give everything to Qiao Zijin, she could not do anything about it. She would not say anything as long as they did not bother her.

    But she could not do that anymore.

    If the rtionship between her and Zhai Sheng worked out, she was worried that her mother and Qiao Zijin would pester her and get favors from the Zhai family through her.

    At that time, they would need someone who was clear-minded to control her mother and Qiao Zijin, and that person had to be her father.

    Hence, she had to let her father understood the person that Qiao Zijin was and to see her true colors.

    Selfish? This was not an apt description of Qiao Zijin. She was heartless and cold!

    ¡°Let me think about it, let me think about it.¡± Qiao Dongliang had lost the ability to think properly. It was as if he had been beaten by a group of hooligans and there was a buzzing sound in his head. Actually, Qiao Dongliang still remembered the things that Qiao Zijin had done in the past one year.

    Back then, Ding Jiayi worked on the handiwork through the night in order to earn money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fee.

    Qiao Dongliang might have acted as if he did not care for Ding Jiayi and slept in the small study room, but in fact, he never had a good sleep those few nights. He would wake up at least four to five times in the middle of the night to check on Ding Jiayi and see if she had gone to sleep.

    It was only when Ding Jiayi stopped working, turned off the lights, and went back to sleep, could Qiao Dongliang sleep well.

    Inparison, Qiao Zijin was not affected at all. She slept early and got upte in the morning. It was only in the daytime that she would be willing to help make a few handmade products. Nheless, she was too slow and could only do a few handiwork a day. Most of the work was done by Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that his daughter was indeed selfish, and she was indifferent, not knowing how to care for others.

    But Qiao Dongliang believed that it was because Qiao Zijin had never been a parent, so she did not know the hardships of her parents. There would be a day she realized their effort and would not behave in such a manner anymore.

    This was a growing up process that everyone must go through. As her parent, what he needed to do was to give her the time and opportunity.

    But Qiao Nan was telling Qiao Dongliang that this was not the case. Qiao Zijin knew it but it was just that she could not be bothered and she was unwilling to be good to him and Ding Jiayi.

    There was no way that Qiao Dongliang could ept such a cruel and harsh reality.

    ¡°Dad, think about it yourself. Don¡¯t you find it odd? That night, you and Mom had gone back to sleep, and there were only my sister and I around, but why did I leave?¡± Qiao Nan secretly added more fuel to the mes.

    Qiao Dongliang covered his face with his hands and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 347 - Keep Up Appearances

    <h4>Chapter 347: Keep Up Appearances</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Knowing that she had said enough, Qiao Nan spoke no more. She returned to her room and took out her book to do her revision.

    Qiao Nan stayed in her room for a long time, studying by herself. It was so long that she had thought that even though her father was dealt with such a big blow, he still could not understand and insisted on deceiving himself. But right then, Qiao Dongliang went into Qiao Nan¡¯s study room. He had a grim expression on his face. ¡°Nan Nan, have you known about it all along? Why didn¡¯t you say it before? Why did you wait till today to tell me?¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to be bullied anymore. I used to have some doubts, but I am certain now. Take for example what happened a year ago. If I didn¡¯t study and worked instead, who would stand to gain in our family?¡±

    ¡°That would be your mom...¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you really think that Mom coulde up with all these things? I once told you that I want to enter college, and I can earn the tuition fees with my own effort. Even when I go to college, I can also work while studying to earn my living expenses. In that case, if I study in college, it will not be as much a burden as what you think. It¡¯s just that it will be more tiring on me. Then, why was Mom so insistent, leaving no room for negotiation? Why did she insist that I quit school? Dad, let me ask you. If you know that I can earn most of my tuition and living expenses, will you want me to drop out of school?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Since there was an opportunity for both of his daughters to go to college together, it would be a glorious thing to have two college students in the family. Why should he stop her from doing that? It was having the best of both worlds.

    ¡°Yes, you won¡¯t. In fact, Mom won¡¯t, either.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    ¡°Your mom... Nan Nan, you have such confidence in her? I thought...¡± Nan Nan and Ding Jiayi were at loggerheads with each other. He thought that Nan Nan would not speak up for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that I am not close with Mom, but I will not badmouth her for this reason. Dad, Mom actually likes to keep up appearances. She wants more than you for my sister to study hard and go to a good college in the future. Otherwise, she would not spend five thousand yuan to let my sister go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. She will feel very proud to have two college students at home. She could brag to her family and hold her head high. Dad, you should know best that Mom does not get along well with her family. Mom always feels that my sister is smart and will definitely have a bright future. She wants nothing more than to bask in her sess, and when she visits her mother¡¯s house, she can prove to everyone that her choice was correct. That it was her mother who let her down, but she has chosen a better path for herself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s past weighed heavily on her heart. She had misgivings with her mother.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to prove to her family through all means that she was very blessed and her decision back then was correct.

    It was not that she did not care for her family. It was her family who let her down in the first ce, wanting to sell her off in return for money.

    That was why when Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun in the past, her mother was so happy that she went back to her vige where she used to stay with a lot of wedding candies. She went door to door giving them out, telling everyone that her daughter had married well, and that she was inws with the superintendent of Ping Cheng police station.

    Her mother would do everything she could as long as she could prove to her family that she was better than them.

    ¡°Do you mean that the reason why your mom was so determined and that there was no room for negotiation was due to your sister? She gave her this idea? This couldn¡¯t be. Didn¡¯t you say that you can work while studying? In other words, if you go to college, you will not affect her, and she will be able to study in college as well.¡±

    There was no conflict if both Zijin and Nan Nan went to college. Zijin could not possibly do that.

    Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t forget that Zijin is Mom¡¯s daughter. Both of them like to keep up appearances. Since a young age, both of you would praise my sister, saying that she was better than me. Mom, in particr, would insult me while she praised Zijin. Everyone in the quad was full of praise for my sister as well. However, ever since I went to school, nobody would praise my sister or say that she was more outstanding than me anymore. In the quad, as long as the topic is about one¡¯s performance in school, they will say that I am their role model. Everyone will praise me for my good results, but what about my sister?¡±

    There was a year when Qiao Zijin did badly for her Mathematics. In the end, she had to help her sister to revise.

    ¡°Dad, if I continue to study, even if my sister really has the opportunity to go to college, not only will other peoplepare their children with me, but they will alsopare Zijin with me. Wherever she goes, she will bepared with me. People will tease her, saying that her younger sister has better results than her. Will she feelfortable after hearing all these words?¡±

    Qiao Zijin framed her and prevented her from studying. It was not merely the issue of money.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you think too much? How could your sister be so...¡± vicious.

    Just because Zijin could not stand that Nan Nan was better than her, Zijin would instigate her mother such that thetter would deprive Nan Nan of the opportunity to study even though both of them had the opportunity to go to college?

    This was impossible!

    Was it necessary to ruin the future of her sister just for the sake of keeping up appearances?

    Qiao Dongliang gasped and could not believe what he heard.

    ¡°Dad, I had a fever in the second year of junior high school. Someone opened my window on a rainy night. I recalled that the person who opened the window in my room was my sister, not my mother. I asked my sister about it, but she did not admit it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin orchestrated everything so that she would drop out of school.

    Qiao Nan felt weary at the thought of all these.

    When she was as simple as a piece of white paper, Qiao Zijin was already very cunning and scheming.

    Adults could not even match up to Qiao Zijin¡¯s schemes and wits, let alone her peers.

    Qiao Zijin was her mother¡¯s brain, whereas her mother was Qiao Zijin¡¯s gun.

    Their rtionship was very straightforward.

    Every time, her mother would be the one who started the trouble, and nobody would notice Qiao Zijin who hid behind her mother.

    In fact, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯s scapegoat. Qiao Nan did not know what to say about this.

 Chapter 348 - Draw the Line

    <h4>Chapter 348: Draw the Line</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad, you are different from me. You always feel that my sister will be a good daughter one day. For me, she can never be a good sister. Dad, in the future, you do not have to do anything to improve my rtionship with her.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of anything else. She was only worried that if she was capable enough to break free of her family and be independent, Qiao Zijin, who still had to rely on the family, would suck her dry. If she was not willing, her father would stand on Qiao Zijin¡¯s side and ask that she helped her sister.

    Besides, she had just confirmed her rtionship with Zhai Sheng this morning. She had to be wary.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you and your sister...¡± Did she mean that she would sever ties with her sister?

    ¡°Dad, all I can say is that my sister is too scheming. Yes, she is my sister, but there is no reason that I have to be good to her and help her while she plots against me and do me harm. At the very least, I will be happy for her if she is better than me. As long as she does not bother me, I will definitely not do anything to her.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang clenched his fists and put it on his knees. He did not know what else to say. ¡°But if you are good to your sister, perhaps she coulde to her senses? Nan Nan, your sister may be insensible, but she is the only sister that you have. Are you going to give up on her?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face sank. She was particrly reluctant to answer this question.

    In her previous life, she spent her whole life to be good to her sister. However, not only did her sister note to her senses, but she also went from bad to worse. She was not touched by her actions at all.

    ¡°Dad, is it because I am more sensible than my sister that I have to give in and tolerate her when she makes a mistake, whereas she can continue to be selfish and willful? Yes, she is my only elder sister, but I am her only younger sister as well. Why is it that she can plot against me and I have to give her a helping hand when she needs it? Why? What if my sister neveres to her senses? Does it mean that I have to sacrifice the rest of my life to stay by her side and take care of her?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°No, your sister may be insensible, but she wille to her senses eventually...¡±

    ¡°When will my sistere to her senses? Dad, can you tell me clearly? My sister is insensible now, so she wanted me to drop out of school. In the future, if my boyfriend is more outstanding than my sister¡¯s boyfriend, what will she do? Do I have to break up with my boyfriend for her sake? Do I have to stay single? Or to find a man who is not as good as my sister¡¯s boyfriend to satisfy her desire to surpass me? My sister has a perfect life, but what about me? She has you and Mom to pamper and dote on her, and I will always give in to her. Dad, what will I have in my life then?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Dongliang could not answer.

    ¡°Dad, you and Mom are biased toward my sister and treat her well. It doesn¡¯t matter. I won¡¯t fight with her. Without you and Mom, I will be good to myself. Is there anything wrong with that?¡± Qiao Nan felt bitter inside. She did not ask for much at all.

    ¡°Nan Nan, both of you are still young. Are you sure that you need to go this far? Maybe we can give your sister some time. If by then she does not change, you can wash your hands off her?¡± Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth. He knew that he was being biased and unfair to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Giving her time? Dad, how long shall we give her? My sister is already an adult, and I will be twenty years old in another year¡¯s time. Do we wait till she is in her thirties, or her forties, or fifties even?¡±

    In a person¡¯s life, there were only those few years. Qiao Zijin had been through a quarter of her life, and yet she had to give more time to Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Dad, you are my sister¡¯s father, so you will not give up on her. I can understand that. I am her sister. I don¡¯t want to live with this shadow all my life. There¡¯s no way I can do it as she is not my daughter. Besides, even you can¡¯t guarantee that my sister will change for the better. Dad, I can¡¯t afford to gamble.¡± She was not willing to gamble again. She had bet her whole life in her previous life!

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you intend to draw the line with your sister?¡±

    ¡°My sister does not even want me to stay in the same house with her on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. I have no choice but to draw a line with her,¡± Qiao Nan said helplessly.

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed hard at his face. His daughters were still studying, but he could not help but feel as if they had grown up and were about to leave him behind.

    His daughters had really grown up and had a mind of their own. As their father, he had no idea at all.

    ¡°Alright, this is your own life. You should decide for yourself what path to take in the future. I can¡¯t make the decisions for you. As long as you have a clear conscience, I have nothing to say in regard to what you do.¡±

    He could not ask Nan Nan to help Zijin along for the rest of her life. He had no right to do that. Nan Nan did not have the obligation to help Zijin.

    If Nan Nan was willing, it was her love for Zijin. If Nan Nan was unwilling, it was her right to think for herself.

    Back then, Ding Jiayi cut off all ties with her family in order to marry him and seek the life she wanted. In the past twenty years, Ding Jiayi never once went home. Now, Qiao Dongliang could understand why Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were so decisive when dealing with things, especially when it concerned their families. He could not do that. He would be hesitant to make a decision.

    The three of them were the same.

    As the head of the family, he only existed in name only.

    The three women in the Qiao family had a mind of their own, and there was nothing that he could do.

    His wife would not listen to him, and his elder daughter refused to learn.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that he could not bully Nan Nan since she had the mildest temper in the family. He could not ask Qiao Nan to sacrifice more for the family.

    Unless he had the ability to change Ding Jiayi and Zijin, he would feel ashamed of himself to ask anything more of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, thank you for understanding.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved that Qiao Dongliang respected her decisions.

    Her father was the only person that she cared for in the family.

    ¡°Your gratitude will only make me feel guilty toward you. This is the only thing that I can do for you. Your mom and your sister are getting more and more daring and stubborn. I could not even bear to tell you the deeds that they have done. Nan Nan, I should not have said those foolish words just now. Don¡¯t take it to heart. In the future, just go ording to your wishes. I will not say another word.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders drooped and he waved his hands listlessly, looking to be five years older than his actual age.

 Chapter 349 - You Were Linked By Ties of Fate with the Zhai Family

    <h4>Chapter 349: You Were Linked By Ties of Fate with the Zhai Family</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached at the defeated look on her father¡¯s face. She almost made the same old mistake.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and finally said, ¡°Dad, as long as Mom and Sister do not provoke me, I will still treat my sister as my rtive. If she plots against me and doesn¡¯t treat me as her sister, I won¡¯t treat her as siblings either.¡±

    Given what happened in her previous life, she would have treated Qiao Zijin as her enemy if she was strong-willed!

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t say anything else.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled reluctantly. He knew that Qiao Nan had already given in.

    Qiao Nan was very gracious to be able to say this given that Qiao Zijin was bent on trampling her.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look too well today. Are you ufortable? You haven¡¯t gotten up yet even though it¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock.¡± Qiao Dongliang decided to concentrate on being a good father.

    When Qiao Nan said that Qiao Zijin had Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to pamper and dote on her, but she only had herself, Qiao Dongliang felt as if a knife was stabbed into his heart.

    Nan Nan was his daughter as well. How could he not pay attention and not care for her?

    ¡°Nothing much, that¡¯s...¡± Qiao Nan blushed. She felt especially embarrassed to bring up her menses to her father. ¡°I was not careful and stained the nket.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang understood what she meant. ¡°Did you wash them by yourself?¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded, taking Zhai Sheng¡¯s credit.

    ¡°I heard from your mom that during this period of time, it is best not toe into contact with water, especially cold water. Why were you in such a hurry to wash the bed sheets and the nket? Don¡¯t do that next time. You can put them aside. I will wash them for you.¡± Indeed, he did not show much concern for Nan Nan, but it did not matter. He would show more concern for her from today onward.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. This would be the only time that I washed it.¡± Qiao Nan grinned. If she had a choice, she would rather put the dirty clothes aside and wash them by herself when her menses was over.

    Qiao Nan, who had been washing her clothes for two lifetimes, did not expect that in this lifetime, her father and Zhai Sheng were willing to wash them for her.

    ¡°Alright, I should let you rest. If you are ufortable, you should lie down on the bed. I remember that when your sister has a stomachache, she will need to lie down on the bed for a day.¡± Compared with his elder daughter who was pampered, the younger daughter was not that delicate.

    ¡°I am fine.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and stretched herself. ¡°You must put away the stuff that Brother Zhai brought for us, lest they attracted the rats and wasted.¡± But did Auntie Miao really ask Brother Zhai to bring the dried food over?

    It was true that Auntie Miao had been to their house not long ago.

    All of a sudden, Qiao Nan could not tell whether the dried food was from Zhai Sheng or Miao Jing.

    ¡°Are you very close to the wife of the chief of the army?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked curiously.

    ¡°Not very close. I have only met Auntie Miao on three asions, and she chatted a lot with me on two of the asions.¡± What she did not understand the most was why Auntie Miao would talk to her about these topics.

    ¡°The wife of the chief of the army chatted with you?¡± Qiao Dongliang was curious. What would the wife of the chief of the army chat with Nan Nan about? ¡°I won¡¯t ask what you chatted about. Don¡¯t tell anyone about that as well. However, it was strange that she had something to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°I still find it very odd. I was very sleepy on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and Auntie Miao suddenly turned up at our house, knocking on the door. She gave me a big fright.¡± Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai were mother and son after all. One did not go home and stay with her on Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, while the other one came to her house early in the morning of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Day to ¡®greet¡¯ her.

    Qiao Nan could not help but flush red at the thought that Miao Jing was, in fact, here to ask her how she should break up Zhai Sheng and thedy he liked.

    When the day came for Auntie Miao to realize that she was thedy from the ordinary family who was going out with Brother Zhai, would she kill her?

    ¡°Maybe you are linked by ties of fate with the Zhai family. Zhai Sheng treats you as a younger sister, and the wife of the chief of the army treats you as a daughter.¡± Qiao Dongliang ttered Qiao Nan. ¡°However, you must not let your mom and sister know about this. Maybe... maybe you are right. They are too ambitious and are after material gains. If they know that you have a good rtionship with the Zhai family, they may do something ridiculous.¡± Qiao Dongliang had heard that after Qiao Nan left in angerst time, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin stayed behind, trying to befriend Miao Jing.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin came up with all means and ways in order to befriend Miao Jing. Qiao Dongliang was fearful of them as well.

    He was reminded of thest time when they went to the Zhu family¡¯s residence for a meal. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin got along easily with everyone. It only took a meal¡¯s time before Qiao Zijin and Wang Yang became as close as siblings. At the thought of that, Qiao Dongliang could not help but frown.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you told me that Baoguo¡¯s cousin, Wang Yang, is not a good person, didn¡¯t you? Last time, Baoguo almost couldn¡¯t participate in the middle school examination because of him. Is that right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there is such a thing.¡±

    ¡°Nowadays, your sister always goes out with Wang Yang. Will she stand to lose? I must remind her not to mix with him for the sake of gaining petty advantages. She may stand to lose.¡± Zijin was no match for a scheming kid like Wang Yang.

    ¡°Dad, you can do it yourself.¡± No matter what, she would not meddle with it. Wang Yang wanted to make use of Qiao Zijin to deal with her so that she would give up on Zhu Baoguo. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin wanted to make use of Wang Yang to stand out among others.

    These two were birds of a feather.

    Qiao Dongliang could not me Qiao Nan for her indifferent attitude toward Qiao Zijin.

    Today, Qiao Nan had reminded him of what kind of person Qiao Zijin was, so how could he not understand what Qiao Zijin¡¯s intention was by bing so close to Wang Yang in such a short period of time?

    Back then, when Nan Nan gave lessons to Baoguo, Zijin treated Baoguo in the same attitude as she was treating Wang Yang now.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. There was nothing that he could do about Qiao Zijin. She was the kind of person who would tter whoever could bring her benefits. He was such a failure for not giving her proper guidance. It was no wonder that Nan Nan had that kind of attitude toward Zijin. She had totally given up on her.

    Speak of the devil.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you around?¡± Qiao Zijin raised her voice, pretending to be very close with Nan Nan. ¡°Today¡¯s the first day of the Lunar New Year. We havee to wish you a happy Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°We?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. Who else came with Qiao Zijin?

 Chapter 350 - Who Are You?

    <h4>Chapter 350: Who Are You?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°My sister would not havee with Mom.¡± Her father left the Qiao family¡¯s residence on the Lunar New Year because of her. Her Mom must be angry at her. Besides, since ancient times, it was the custom for juniors to say their greetings to the elders during the Lunar New Year.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look.¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned when he heard that Qiao Zijin did note by herself.

    Qiao Nan opened the door for Qiao Zijin. She pulled a long face when she saw the two boys who stood by her side.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong? Aren¡¯t you going to let us in?¡± Qiao Zijin almost could not maintain her smile when she saw the dark expression on Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and smiled at Qiao Zijin. Her eyes shed mockery. ¡°Dad, my sister is here with her two ¡®friends¡¯ to see you!¡¯¡±

    ¡°Friends? What friends?¡± What kind of friends would not stay at home on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Day or visit their rtives¡¯ houses but tagged along with Zijin to their house? Moreover, Zijin had two of such ¡®friends¡¯!

    Qiao Dongliang felt that something was not right. He went straight out. When he saw that the two ¡®good friends¡¯ of Qiao Zijin were boys, his face turned ck.

    One of them was Wang Yang, whom he just mentioned to Qiao Nan. He knew who he was.

    But the other boy seemed to be older than Qiao Zijin. At least, Qiao Dongliang had never seen him before. Qiao Dongliang looked hostile. ¡°Zijin, when did you make this friend?¡±

    The young man was tall and handsome, and he looked very smart. Qiao Dongliang was on alert.

    Chen Jun smiled politely and bowed to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Uncle Qiao. There is some misunderstanding. I don¡¯t know Qiao Zijin. I met her on the way here. I just realized that she is Nan Nan¡¯s friend. Today, I am here to look for Nan Nan.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang quickly shifted to the side, not epting Chen Jun¡¯s bow. ¡°You are here to look for Nan Nan? Nan Nan, who is this? Introduce him to me.¡±

    This young man obviously came with Zijin, yet he said that he was looking for Nan Nan. He must not be a good person.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Nan Nan. You should make the introductions. How did you know Brother Chen Jun?¡± There was a glimmer in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. The way she looked at him seemed somewhat different. Qiao Zijin might not be very good in her studies, but she, who valued material needs, could tell from Chen Jun¡¯s attire that they were not cheap.

    Qiao Zijin thought about it carefully. Among the people that Qiao Nan knew, apart from Zhu Baoguo, when did she make such a rich friend? Why did she not know anything about it?

    Why would Qiao Nan have such means and ways to get to know such outstanding men?

    ¡°Nan Nan, who is this person?¡± Qiao Dongliang seemed to be very concerned. Brother Chen Jun? Zijin seemed to have a good impression of this man to address him so affectionately.

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Nan looked gloomy and confused. ¡°Who are you? Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The two people who were present stiffened at Qiao Nan¡¯s words, particrly Chen Jun. His handsome face turned green. He was obviously enraged at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Nan Nan, are you kidding?¡±

    ¡°Kidding?¡± Qiao Nan appeared to be even more confused. ¡°I¡¯m not kidding. I really don¡¯t know you. Have we met each other before? Sorry, I don¡¯t have a good memory and I can¡¯t recognize faces. For those whom I am unfamiliar with, I will forget them in no time after meeting them once. If we have met in the past, I can only say that I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan answered without any hesitation, Qiao Dongliang rxed slightly.

    Even if Nan Nan had met this man in the past, she was not close to him.

    This guy acted as if he were familiar with everyone. Nan Nan did not remember him at all, yet he addressed her in such an affectionate manner. That was so frivolous of him. He was not like Zhai Sheng who was upright and righteous. He seemed to be up to no good.

    Wang Yang pursed his lips and cast an angry nce at Chen Jun.

    He had asked Chen Jun to deal with Qiao Nan. But no matter what Chen Jun did, Qiao Nan did not even remember who he was!

    Chen Jun could sense Wang Yang¡¯s angry re. Chen Jun tried to remedy the situation. ¡°Nan Nan, have you forgotten? I graduated from Ping Cheng High School as well. We have seen each other before. We evenmunicated through letters.¡±

    The difference was that though he sent letters to Qiao Nan, she never looked at them. The only letter that Qiao Nan sent him had made it clear that she was not interested.

    ¡°Hi, so it¡¯s you, senior.¡± From the way she addressed him, one could tell that they were not close to each other. She did not even use his surname. ¡°Senior, I am so sorry. Have you received your letter? Xu Tingting was so daring to tear open your letter. Although it was not me who did that, I still have to apologize to you.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t keep on chatting with Brother Chen Jun. Shouldn¡¯t you make an introduction?¡± Zijin interrupted.

    What was the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Chen Jun? How did Qiao Nan get to know Chen Jun? She was not interested in all these questions. However, she was interested to know what kind of person Chen Jun was and what his family background was.

    ¡°He is my senior. He is studying at a first-tier university in Beijing.¡±

    ¡°I see. You are already studying at the university. Nan Nan has just entered high schoolst year. So you have graduated from high school and entered the university when Nan Nan entered Ping Cheng High School?¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. He finally figured out the rtionship between Nan Nan and Chen Jun.

    He was not her senior. He was, at most, an alumnus.

    Qiao Zijin looked at Chen Jun and moved to stand by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. She held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Dad, let the guestse in first. We can chat in the house.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang shot Qiao Zijin a displeased look. Every ce had their distinct customs, and there were a lot of customs to follow even in Ping Cheng. Some families would not go to their rtives¡¯ houses on the first day of the Lunar New Year, while some families would visit them.

    Regardless, the Lunar New Year was an important day. One either stayed at home with their parents or visited their elders to say their greetings.

    This young man had nothing to do with their family. Nan Nan was not close to him as well. It was strange for him to visit their house on Lunar New Year¡¯s Day.

    Qiao Dongliang had wanted to find an excuse to make Chen Jun leave. However, since Qiao Zijin had said so, he could not possibly send him away. He could only let Chen Jun inside the house. ¡°It has slipped my mind. Pleasee in to have a hot drink and keep yourself warm.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Qiao.¡± Chen Jun understood that Qiao Dongliang did not wee him. Nevertheless, Chen Jun smiled politely and pretended that he knew nothing about it. He went into the house as if he really needed water to warm himself.

 Chapter 351 - Wang Yang Asked for Advice

    <h4>Chapter 351: Wang Yang Asked for Advice</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Yang Yang,e in.¡± Although Chen Jun had caught her eyes, Qiao Zijin had not forgotten that she was trying to get into Wang Yang¡¯s good books.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Wang Yang gave Chen Jun a knowing nce and walked into the house with a smile. ¡°This ce is quite good. Uncle Qiao is really good to Qiao Nan. You found such a good ce for her so that she can go to school easily.¡±

    Wang Yang did not expect that he and Qiao Zijin would run into Chen Jun on Lunar New Year¡¯s Day.

    Had he known that Chen Jun wasing, he would have chosen another day to disturb Qiao Nan.

    The reason why Wang Yang came to disturb Qiao Nan on Lunar New Year¡¯s Day was because of Zhu Baoguo.

    In the past, the Wang family would have a meal with the family at home on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Day. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Zhu Qin and Wang Qinglin would bring Wang Yang to her parents¡¯ house to visit. However, there was an exception this year.

    The whole Zhu family, including Elder Zhu who was peers with Elder Lee, had gone to the Lee family¡¯s residence to say their greetings. There was nobody at the Zhu family¡¯s residence except for the helper.

    If Zhu Qin went back to her parents¡¯ home with her husband and son, they would be the butt of a joke.

    Ever since Lee Shu¡¯s death, the Zhu family and the Lee family seldom kept in touch with each other. They did not practice the custom of returning to the parents¡¯ home on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Zhu Qin had been used to going back to the Zhu family¡¯s residence on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and to be weed by everyone in the Zhu family.

    Wang Yang was not the only one who could not ept the sudden change. When Zhu Qin received the news, her eyes turned red in anger.

    Her father had done it on purpose. Did he want her to be disgraced in front of her parents-inw?

    Ever since the appearance of Qiao Nan, the Zhu family and the Lee family had gotten closer to each other.

    Wang Yang was certain that it must be Zhu Baoguo¡¯s idea to visit the Lee family on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It was all because of Qiao Nan that Zhu Baoguo became closer to the Lee family.

    Because of Qiao Nan, he suffered so much humiliation on the first day of the Lunar New Year. He had to make her suffer in return. Hence, he went to the quad to look for Qiao Zijin and then went to the small quad with her to make life difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I am my dad¡¯s daughter. It¡¯s only natural that he is good to me.¡± Qiao Nan smiled sweetly, oblivious to Wang Yang¡¯s oblique usations.

    Wang Yang stiffened at Qiao Nan¡¯s reply.

    His mother was Elder Zhu¡¯s daughter, but Elder Zhu did not treat her well.

    Whenever his father had a favor to ask of the Zhu family, her mother had to beg her father for help. Actually, if his father was doing well, it would be good for her mother. Even if her mother did not ask the Zhu family for help, they should help to pave the way for his father¡¯s career on ount of his mother.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo told me that he¡¯s going to visit Grandpa Lee on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Have you seen Zhu Baoguo? Has he been to the Lee family¡¯s residence?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Wang Yang smilingly.

    Wang Yang red at Qiao Nan. He was shocked at her frankness. Was she trying to provoke him into anger?

    ¡°My cousin has always been insensible. However, ever since he met you, he became very obedient and smart. He knows that since the Lee family is their rtives, they should visit each other during the Lunar New Year. Qiao Nan, I must hand it to you. You are such a good influence on my cousin!¡±

    ¡°You are ttering me. Zhu Baoguo is good-natured. It¡¯s just that some people deliberately led him astray. Nevertheless, it¡¯s easy to lead him in the right way.¡± Qiao Nan brought out five cups of water. ¡°We do not have any good tea at home, so please make do with water.¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo is good-natured, and the credit will have to go to his parents. It has nothing to do with me. Zhu Baoguo is not evil by nature.¡± Unlike Wang Yang who was ill-natured, nobody could make him change for the better.

    ¡°My cousin will be ted to hear this.¡± Was Qiao Nan suggesting that he was evil by nature and could not bepared to Zhu Baoguo?

    Qiao Nan might have the upper hand, but not for long!

    At the thought of this, Wang Yang took a deep breath and looked at Chen Jun again.

    Chen Jun held the transparent ss teacup in his hand. He stared intently at the water inside as if he was looking at a piece of art. He did not have any eye contact with Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang was not furious at Chen Jun¡¯s behavior. In fact, he had acent smile on his face.

    Qiao Nan noticed that Wang Yang kept looking at Chen Jun. He had directed his nce at him for about three times.

    Qiao Nan held the ss teacup in her hand. She could not help but hit the ss with her nails, making an audible sound.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Dongliang reminded Qiao Nan not to be impolite in front of the guests. Even though he did not wee these two young men, as the owner of the house, one could not be rude.

    Qiao Nan halted her movement. ¡°Wang Yang, Zhu Baoguo went to the Lee family¡¯s residence to say his greetings to Grandpa Lee. Did Zhu Chengqi, Uncle Zhu, go as well, or did he stay at home with Elder Zhu?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled helplessly. ¡°Don¡¯t be so impolite. Zhu... He is your elder. How could you address him by his name?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, it doesn¡¯t matter. My uncle likes Qiao Nan very much. Even if Qiao Nan may be impolite, I don¡¯t think he will be angry at her.¡± Wang Yang sneered. Even though he was his nephew while Qiao Nan was only an outsider, his uncle treated Qiao Nan much better than him. He would buy stuff for Qiao Nan, but when Wang Yang wanted anything from him, he would not agree easily.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I have to hand it to you. Why is it that you are so well-liked by the elders? My uncle has high expectations, yet he likes Qiao Nan very much. He even wishes that Qiao Nan can be his daughter. Qiao Nan, teach me one trick or two. People dislike me and they will always bully me.¡± What was so special about Qiao Nan that made her uncle treat her so well such that he forgot about his only nephew?

    ¡°That¡¯s simple. You just have to put yourself in somebody¡¯s shoes. Your uncle is a smart person. Do you think he will be good to you if you use your tricks on him? You plotted against them and they have to guard against you. Is this how one should treat their rtives? Whose responsibility is it? Think about it. Back then, Elder Zhu treated you much better than Zhu Baoguo. With your uncle¡¯s position and capability, you would have better prospects than Zhu Baoguo. Now that it hase to this, youe asking me for advice? It¡¯s toote. Besides, there are things that can¡¯t be taught. After all, this had to do with one¡¯s character.¡±

    Wang Yang sneered. Qiao Nan was good with her words. It was no wonder that Zhu Baoguo, that fool, would listen to her and obey her words like a dog would obey its master.

 Chapter 352 - Do Both of You Know Each Other?

    <h4>Chapter 352: Do Both of You Know Each Other?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, Yang Yang is a guest. How could you say that?¡± Qiao Zijin sensed the tension between Qiao Nan and Wang Yang. She immediately stepped in to stop her.

    If Qiao Nan angered Wang Yang and he left, he would me it on her. It was so unlucky of her to be Qiao Nan¡¯s sister. By then, all her effort would be in vain.

    She had spent so much effort and energy on Wang Yang, but she had yet to gain any benefits.

    ¡°Sister, am I wrong to say that? The onlooker is clearheaded. Senior, what do you think?¡± Qiao Nan turned and directed her question at Chen Jun. She had been indifferent toward Chen Jun. This sudden turn of events caught him off guard.

    Chen Jun who was pulled into the conversation paused momentarily. He came to his senses and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know the exact details, but at least from what I heard, there¡¯s nothing wrong with what Nan Nan said. You... must be Nan Nan¡¯s sister. You should treat her well. I wish that I had a younger sister who is as smart and cute as Nan Nan. I would shower her with care and concern. You must count your blessings.¡±

    Chen Jun showed that he was on Qiao Nan¡¯s side in front of Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes turned red in anger at Chen Jun¡¯s words.

    She had been very unlucky with such a sister who could not help her but would drag her down instead. Why would she be good to her?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were red, while Qiao Nan turned grim at Chen Jun¡¯sments. She was boiling with anger and could not help but ask, ¡°Senior, do you know Wang Yang?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    Both Chen Jun and Wang Yang denied knowing each other.

    After answering in unison, they realized that Qiao Nan¡¯s question was too odd.

    Wang Yang quickly shut up, not uttering a sound, whereas Chen Jun only smiled warmly. ¡°Nan Nan, why did you ask?¡± He did not even talk to Wang Yang, so why would Qiao Nan suspect that he and Wang Yang were old acquaintances?

    Chen Jun was perplexed. Wang Yang could not figure it out as well.

    There was no way that Qiao Nan could have known that he knew Chen Jun.

    He was certain that even Zhu Baoguo was clueless. In this case, why would Qiao Nan ask such a question?

    It should not be!

    Qiao Nan smiled reluctantly. In fact, she had gained the upper hand by digging at Wang Yang but she did not feel victorious. On the contrary, she had a grim expression on her face. ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that ever since the three of you came into my house, I noticed that Senior has zero interaction with Wang Yang. If I remember correctly, thest time when Senior came to our school, even though you did not know the students there, you were very enthusiastic and friendly, giving us an impression that you had a pleasant character and that you were very affable. If both of you did not know each other, why would you two act as if you had conflicts and couldn¡¯t stand the sight of each other? Both of you didn¡¯t even bother to greet each other.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Chen Jun lost his smile. He was feeling happy just now, but his heart sank at her words. ¡°It seems that you have a good impression of me. It¡¯s just that I actually treat everyone differently. Nan Nan, I am on your side.¡±

    ¡°Oh, are you?¡± Qiao Nan was so angry that she was short of breath. Stood on her side?

    Was Chen Jun trying to say that since he knew she and Wang Yang were at loggerheads, he would not even be diplomatic enough to make small talk with Wang Yang and chose to ignore thetter when he saw him?

    If Chen Jun was easily influenced, how could he have such a sessful career path and climbed thedder in the previous life?

    After he divorced Qiao Zijin, and before she died, she heard that in six months¡¯ time, he would be working for the Beijing government.

    Even if the current Chen Jun had not be the Chen Jun she knew in her previous life, someone who was crafty and shrewd, and was in his elements at the government job, she would never believe that Chen Jun would be so aloof to someone whom he met for the first time.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Dongliang noticed that Qiao Nan did not look right. ¡°Are you feeling unwell again?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Wang Yang and Chen Jun dared not do anything that would give themselves away in front of Qiao Nan. However, they could not help but move their legs.

    Had Qiao Nan noticed anything?

    Impossible!

    Both Wang Yang and Chen Jun reviewed what happened ever since they entered the house over and over again, but they could not find any ws that would arouse Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicions.

    Chen Jun could not understand what went wrong today.

    However, given the current situation, Chen Jun knew that he should not stay for long.

    Otherwise, not only did he not leave any good impression, but Qiao Nan might also realize his secrets. In that case, he would have failed at his task and Wang Yang would definitely not help him with what he agreed upon previously. Right now was an important time for his father. As his son, he had to help him. He could not hinder him.

    Otherwise, the illegitimate child that his father had outside would rejoice.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s almost ten o¡¯clock now. I suppose you will have your lunch soon. I won¡¯t impose on you any further. Nan Nan, if we have time, let¡¯s make another appointment.¡± Chen Jun stood up. He wanted to tell Qiao Nan that he intended to ask her out for a meal. However, there were so many people around at the moment that it was impossible for him to do that. He was not so thick-skinned as to join them for a meal. Hence, he could only ask her out next time.

    ¡°I will walk you to the door.¡± Qiao Dongliang stood up.

    Actually, since Chen Jun was here to look for Qiao Nan and he was her senior, Qiao Nan should walk him to the door.

    However, Qiao Dongliang had misgivings about Chen Jun. Unlike Zhai Sheng who was upright and righteous, Chen Jun made people feel ufortable around him. He preferred Zhai Sheng who was outstanding and remarkable. Naturally, he wouldpare Chen Jun to Zhai Sheng, and Chen Jun indeed paled inparison.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, there¡¯s no need to walk me out. You are my elder, and I am a junior. I can go by myself.¡± Chen Jun might be proud, but he dared not do so in front of Qiao Nan. He had to respect Qiao Dongliang so that Qiao Nan would have a good impression of him and grow to like him.

    Chen Jun knew if he wanted Qiao Nan to like him and for her to be his girlfriend, he had to gain her affection, and more importantly, the approval of Qiao Nan¡¯s family, which, in this case, was Qiao Dongliang, the father that Qiao Nan valued the most.

 Chapter 353 - I Was Your â€˜Bridgeâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 353: I Was Your ¡®Bridge¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There was no need for him to care about the other two people in the Qiao family.

    But if Qiao Dongliang did not like him, then Qiao Nan would never be his girlfriend.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not that far away. Come, I will walk you to the door.¡± Chen Jun rejected Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gestures kindly but Qiao Dongliang insisted on walking him to the door. After sending him off, Qiao Dongliang remained standing at the door. When Chen Jun turned to look back, Qiao Dongliang waved at him.

    Qiao Dongliang did not stand at the door because he liked Chen Jun. He only wanted to make sure that Chen Jun had really left.

    Chen Jun left at the right time. It was about time for lunch, and he did not want to impose on the Qiao family. In fact, Wang Yang should make a move as well.

    Even though Qiao Zijin wanted him to stay, Wang Yang still kindly refused. ¡°I just came out for a walk. My parents are waiting for me at home. I did not tell my parents and my grandparents that I will not be home for lunch. Sister Zijin, if you want to invite me for a meal, let¡¯s make an appointment next time.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang is right. It won¡¯t be good to make him stay since he hasn¡¯t informed his family.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded in agreement. ¡°If there¡¯s a chance next time, you cane to my house for a meal. You don¡¯t mind me walking you out, do you?¡±

    After sending Chen Jun off, Qiao Dongliang was in a hurry to send Wang Yang off as well.

    ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you ask Wang Yang to stay for a meal? Last time, we went to the Zhu family¡¯s residence for dinner. It¡¯s too impolite of you.¡± After Wang Yang left, Qiao Zijin expressed her dissatisfaction at her father¡¯s actions. ¡°Dad, why did you not show due respect for my feelings in front of Wang Yang?¡±

    Should her father not help her make Yang Yang stay for a meal? Could he not tell that she valued him as a brother?

    ¡°Show due respect for your feelings? Then, what about me?¡± Qiao Dongliang was furious. He wanted to send Wang Yang away because he was worried that he would be a bad influence on Zijin and that he would harm her.

    Baoguo was a living example. He did not want his daughter to be another Zhu Baoguo.

    He was upset that his good intentions had been misunderstood by Zijin. It was no wonder that Nan Nan decided to ignore Zijin. If this continued, he... he just could not let go. He could not sit and watch as Zijin learned the bad ways from Wang Yang.

    Qiao Zijin sat down angrily and gave orders as if she was the boss. ¡°Dad, I am hungry.¡±

    Anyway, since Yang Yang had already left, he would note back even if she quarreled with her father. Besides, her father would not let him stay either. If she continued to argue with her father, it would affect her rtionship with him and Qiao Nan would stand to gain. She was not stupid.

    ¡°Alright, I will prepare lunch for both of you.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that even though Qiao Zijin did not bring up Wang Yang anymore, she still had not sorted out her thoughts. But it was useless to argue further. Qiao Zijin would not have a change of mind in such a short period of time. He had to take things slowly.

    While Qiao Dongliang cooked for his two daughters, Qiao Zijin went to sit beside Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, Chen Jun...¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun has an impressive background. I heard from one of the girls in our ss that Chen Jun¡¯s father is an official. He works at the police station and has a certain power and influence.¡± Without waiting for Zijin to finish her sentence, Qiao Nan gave a brief introduction of Chen Jun.

    ¡°Really?¡± There was a glimmer in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true or not. Anyway, that¡¯s what the students said. You should know it could be a rumor as well. I am not sure of its uracy, so don¡¯t ask me anymore.¡± Qiao Nan lowered her eyes. She was very clear about how she should put her words across so that Qiao Zijin would believe what she said about Chen Jun¡¯s background.

    Besides, Qiao Zijin might not be smart, but she had the talent of judging one¡¯s family situation from the way one dressed themselves.

    That was the reason why Qiao Zijin asked her time and again to introduce Chen Jun.

    In her previous life, when she brought Chen Jun back home, feeling nervous, she was greeted by an enthusiastic Qiao Zijin. Even when her mother was unhappy and wanted to embarrass her, Qiao Zijin would stand on her side.

    At that time, she was so foolish, thinking that Qiao Zijin finally treated her as her younger sister. She even felt touched by what she did, given that she was the only one who was supportive of her.

    Her thoughts drifted to what happened next. There was only coldness in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

    Qiao Zijin, who was materialistic and looked forward to a luxurious lifestyle, had perfected the ability to look out for men who came from a wealthy background.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. More often than not, these stories that are spread from one mouth to another can¡¯t be true. The students in your school are so gossipy. They should focus on their studies instead of thinking about the family background of guys. They are so shameless. Nan Nan, I only tell you this since you are my sister. You have to study hard and focus on your studies. Don¡¯t be influenced by them. Do you understand?¡± Qiao Zijin softened her voice, speaking to Qiao Nan in a caring and patient manner which was totally unlike her.

    ¡°Sister, you are so ridiculous. No matter whether the rumors are true or not, it is not my business. Why will I bother at all? I don¡¯t care what family background Senior has.¡± Qiao Nan yawned, ¡°Sister, have a seat. I will go to the toilet.¡±

    Qiao Nan stood up and went to the toilet. She stopped at the door and turned to look at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin who was smiling happily to herself had no time to care about Qiao Nan. Her eyes sparkled, thinking of what she could do to get to know Chen Jun and to find out more about him.

    It was a pity that she was only in high school and was studying in Ping Cheng. Chen Jun was already a college student and his school was in Beijing.

    They were too far apart. She did not have the chance to get to Chen Jun and to have more interaction with him. She had to think of a way.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin was so ecstatic and excited, Qiao Nan walked sullenly into the toilet and closed the door. Looking at herself in the mirror, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned red and her tears spilled out of her eyes, rolling down her cheeks.

    She had always thought that Chen Jun was undecided and could not resist Qiao Zijin¡¯s temptation.

    During the time when Chen Jun was with her, even though they were not very intimate with each other and the most intimate move was a simple hug, and never a kiss on the cheek, Chen Jun was really good and considerate to her.

    Even though Qiao Zijin tried means and ways to be pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child and married him to be Mrs. Chen, as far as she knew, Chen Jun did not treat Qiao Zijin as good as how he treated her.

    Chen Jun used to be her boyfriend, but he became her brother-inw. The reason why Qiao Nan was able to let go and moved on so quickly was that she knew that Chen Jun did not treat Qiao Zijin as well as how he treated her.

    Qiao Zijin wanted Chen Jun for herself as he had an influential family and would be beneficial to her. Qiao Zijin thought that after she married Chen Jun, he would be good to her.

 Chapter 354 - Intentional or Unintentional

    <h4>Chapter 354: Intentional or Unintentional</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Qiao Zijin snatched Chen Jun away from her. In the end, after they were married, their rtionship was not as close as what Qiao Zijin thought it would be.

    She heard Qiao Zijinined to her mother more than once about her marriage, and her mother would vent her frustrations on Qiao Nan, reprimanding her for seducing Chen Jun even after he was married to Qiao Zijin. Her mother med her for being the reason that Chen Jun stayed indifferent toward Qiao Zijin.

    Whenever she was scolded by Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan would feel a mixture of sadness and happiness.

    Did it mean that Qiao Nan was the only one that Chen Jun loved? Was it because he could not resist the temptation, hence Qiao Zijin managed toe between them?

    She was d to know that even though Qiao Zijin snatched everything from her, she did not have a happy marriage.

    But right till this moment, Qiao Nan discovered that although she was very miserable and bullied by her mother and Qiao Zijin, the most tragic thing was that she was deceived by Chen Jun from the start till the end!

    ¡°You are here.¡± On the other hand, Chen Jun leaned against the wall of the alley not far away from where Qiao Nan and her father stayed now. In fact, it was the alley where Qiao Nan first met Chen Jun in this lifetime. He spoke coldly with a cigarette in his mouth.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Wang Yang pulled a long face. ¡°Have you ever mentioned me in front of Qiao Nan? I must warn you that Qiao Nan has some wits about her. If you spout nonsense, Qiao Nan may notice something. Besides, if Qiao Nan knows that you and I are close acquaintances, she will never like you because of her dislike for me. If you can¡¯t do what I tell you to do, I won¡¯t be able to help you with your dad¡¯s matter!¡±

    Chen Jun sneered. He threw the cigarette butt onto the ground and stepped on it with his feet.

    There was about half a packet worth of cigarette butts around Chen Jun¡¯s feet. ¡°I am not stupid. Why would I take the initiative to mention you to Qiao Nan? Besides, I didn¡¯t get to talk to Qiao Nan. Even if I am stupid, there¡¯s no chance for me to do that!¡±

    In addition to today, he and Qiao Nan had met three times in total. The only time that theymunicated through letters was when Qiao Nan returned all his letters to him.

    Ever since a young age till now, this was the first time that someone trampled on Chen Jun.

    ¡°Then, why?¡± Wang Yang could not understand. ¡°Why did Qiao Nan ask us if we know each other?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. I should be asking you this question instead!¡± His n was almost destroyed, and he would not be able to win over Qiao Nan.

    Chen Jun could tell from the way Qiao Nan bickered with Wang Yang that she hated him very much and was very wary of him.

    Qiao Nan already had no liking toward him. If Qiao Nan knew that he had connections with Wang Yang, it would be difficult for Qiao Nan to develop any feelings for him.

    ¡°I might have missed something. Can you try to recall if we had done anything in particr that would give ourselves away in Qiao Nan¡¯s house?¡± Chen Jun sighed with frustration. He had thought that Qiao Nan was someone who would be easily cajoled, and that she would fall for him if he put up a show to save the damsel in distress.

    He had thought that Qiao Nan was just another bookworm. But to his surprise, she had the looks, the brains, and high EQ.

    If it was not due to his rtionship with Wang Yang, perhaps his feelings for Qiao Nan would be more genuine.

    Wang Yang frowned, trying to recall what happened just now. Finally, he shook his head helplessly. ¡°I don¡¯t think we made any mistake.¡± If there was any, he would have warned Chen Jun.

    ¡°Alright, then I will go back. Qiao Nan... is a very sensitive person. In the future, it is better for us not to appear in front of her at the same time, lest shees up with such a sentence again and gives us a scare.¡± Chen Jun waited outside in the cold to get this reply from Wang Yang.

    He and Wang Yang were mutually beneficial. If Wang Yang insisted that he had to bear the responsibility for what happened today and used it as an excuse not to help his father, then he would suffer a big loss.

    Chen Jun was more crafty and cunning than Wang Yang. Long before he met Wang Yang at the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s house, he had already thought it through, nning how he should react in front of Qiao Nan.

    Hence, he was sure that he was not the problem. If there was any problem, it had to be Wang Yang.

    Chen Jun spent a long time waiting for him in the alley to make sure that Wang Yang did not push the me to him.

    ¡°I think so too. Maybe Qiao Nan merely posed the question casually and did not mean anything by it. It could be that we have a guilty conscience and hence we think too much. In short, we must not meet up in front of Qiao Nan, and nothing will go wrong.¡± Wang Yang was puzzled as well.

    When Qiao Nan asked him if he knew Chen Jun, he was so scared that he could feel his heart thumping loudly.

    Chen Jun twitched the corners of his lips and said, ¡°You go first. I will leave after ten minutes, lest we are seen by others.¡±

    Did Qiao Nan ask the question casually?

    Chen Jun was not too sure. ording tomon sense, what Wang Yang said might be true. But when he thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction and behavior at that time, Chen Jun felt that something seemed to be wrong.

    If Qiao Nan was a smart woman, her question would not be without a purpose.

    Hopefully, his performance today still made the mark and Qiao Nan would disregard any doubts regarding his rtionship with Wang Yang.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Wang Yang left right away.

    Chen Jun left ten minutes after and went back to the Chen family¡¯s residence.

    Chen Jun did not believe that Qiao Nan would ask the question out of nowhere. There had to be meaning behind it.

    In her previous life, both of them were lovers, and they almost married each other. After being together for so long, Qiao Nan was very clear of Chen Jun¡¯s character and temperament. In fact, she knew it better than Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Jun¡¯s father had a very smooth sailing political career. He was a sessful official. Butpared with Chen Jun¡¯s father, Chen Jun was more like a politician. He was all smiles to everyone. He was tactful, diplomatic, yet shrewd and ruthless. In fact, he got promoted faster than his father.

    Qiao Nan had been to the Chen family¡¯s residence to visit. Due to Chen Jun¡¯s effort, his parents eventually epted her as their future daughter-inw.

    Sometimes, Chen Jun¡¯s father would share with Qiao Nan about how sensible and outstanding Chen Jun was. He told Qiao Nan it was due to Chen Jun that his career was smooth sailing.

    When Chen Jun was very young, he was already a big help to his father.

    It showed that from a young age, Chen Jun was already very diplomatic and tactful.

    People like Chen Jun were good at establishing connections. They were good with interpersonal rtionships and they would use all means to establish a greatwork of connections so as to bring benefit to themselves. They would never offend others or make enemies with people. They would be well-prepared lest they make any mistakes.

 Chapter 355 - Lying to Her Right from the Start

    <h4>Chapter 355: Lying to Her Right from the Start</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Therefore, regardless of Wang Yang¡¯s identity and character, as long as Chen Jun had yet to ascertain whether he would be of any value to him, he would not miss out on the chance to build awork with him.

    Today, Chen Jun had been silent from beginning to end, and he did not even cast a nce at Wang Yang.

    Based on this alone, Qiao Nan was certain that something was not right with Chen Jun. He was not his usual self.

    This proved that there was something going on between Chen Jun and Wang Yang.

    Qiao Nan tried to probe by asking if they knew each other, and both Chen Jun and Wang Yang jumped in to deny.

    Their unison replies showed that there was something going on.

    From what Qiao Nan knew of Chen Jun from the previous life, Chen Jun would definitely give an excuse and said that perhaps he had seen Wang Yang at a certain ce and that it was such a coincidence to run into each other again.

    Qiao Nan had mentioned several times that Wang Yang had a very close rtionship with the Zhu family and that Wang Yang had such an influential figure like Zhu Chengqi as his uncle, and he used to be very good to Wang Yang.

    If it was the Chen Jun whom Qiao Nan knew, he would have tried to strike up a conversation with Wang Yang. He would not fawn on him or tter him, but he would make Wang Yang feel as if he was highly valued and of importance.

    Even though Wang Yang would not warm up to Chen Jun right away and address him as his brother, at the very least, he would not give him the cold shoulder and treat him with indifference. They never had any eye contact when they were at her house.

    Chen Jun was not that type of person, and Wang Yang was not either.

    Chen Jun knew that Wang Yang¡¯s uncle held an influential position, yet he did not bother to chat with him. Qiao Nan was even more certain that there was something going on between the two of them.

    Why would they hide the fact that they know each other and pretend to be strangers in front of her?

    Qiao Nan thought of a very terrible scenario.

    Wang Yang and Chen Jun might be cunning and scheming, but they did not know that Qiao Nan had been through rebirth.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong with you? Are you ufortable? Do you want to lie down and rest? Nan Nan, it¡¯s not that I want to lecture you. After all, Dad is a man. He doesn¡¯t know how to take care of you. Look at you. You have only left our house for half a year, but you have grown thinner. Mom knows how to take care of you more than Dad. After all, you are still young. If there¡¯s anything wrong with you, it will be inconvenient for Dad to take care of you. Even if you want to throw a tantrum, half a year should be enough. Shouldn¡¯t you persuade Dad to bring you back home?¡± Qiao Zijin was ted after she was certain that Chen Jun came from established family background.

    By the time she came to her senses, she noticed that Qiao Nan looked very pale and pitiful.

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan sighed in anger. ¡°In the past six months, at least nobody has yelled at me, and nobody will call me wretched girl for every single day and order me around. Nobody will despise me and put me down. Qiao Zijin, do you think that I have no respect for myself and will stoop so low as to be willing to go back to lead that kind of life? Do you think that the more I am humiliated, the better it is for me?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was embarrassed. ¡°Nan Nan, why did you put it that way? Mom... No matter what, it was for your own good. It was so that you would toughen up. If Mom knows about this, she will be heartbroken.¡± What was wrong with Qiao Nan? Why was she in such a bad mood today?

    ¡°Since Mom likes you so much, why did she not train you for your own good?¡± Qiao Nan ced her hands on her legs and supported herself to stand up.

    It could be due to the fact that she had her menses or that she was agitated by Wang Yang and Chen Jun. The moment Qiao Nan stood up, she felt dizzy as if the world was spinning around her. ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense in front of me. I won¡¯t be fooled. If you want Dad to go back, you can tell him yourself.¡±

    Then, Qiao Nan returned to her room, feeling weak and dizzy. She leaned on her bed to rest for a while.

    Why? What was the reason?

    If her suspicion was right, then she could more or less exin Chen Jun¡¯s appearance in this life.

    Wang Yang always believed that because of her, Zhu Baoguo had made a change for the better, causing him to lose his foothold in the Zhu family. Elder Zhu alienated him because of Zhu Baoguo. As for Zhu Chengqi, he would naturally side with his son rather than with his nephew.

    When she was at school, Zhu Baoguo would be like her father, warning her that she should never fall in love when she was still in school.

    Zhu Baoguo had shown disapproval and dissatisfaction at the appearance of Chen Junst time.

    Could it be that Wang Yang believed that Chen Jun would wreck her rtionship with Zhu Baoguo?

    Since Chen Jun was still in college, she did not see him often at her school. But from the letters that she sent back to Chen Jun, it showed that he was pursuing her and wanted to be in her good books.

    Chen Jun pursued her in order to affect her rtionship with Zhu Baoguo. Without her influence, Zhu Baoguo would revert to his old ways.

    Was this what Wang Yang had in mind?

    She would not be surprised if Chen Jun really knew Wang Yang and he pursued her ording to Wang Yang¡¯s arrangement.

    In her previous lifetime, was Chen Jun truly good to her? Or did her fake his feelings for her?

    Ever since getting to know Chen Jun personally, Qiao Nan always had this question in her mind. Back then, why would Chen Jun, who was eager for quick sess, like her who was without any merits?

    It was illogical!

    She supposed that in this life, Wang Yang was out to wreck her rtionship with Zhu Baoguo. Hence, he wanted Chen Jun to pursue her. But what about the previous life? Wang Yang simply did not have the need to do so. Zhu Baoguo had already died. He was cremated and buried in the Garden Grove.

    Since Zhu Baoguo had died, Wang Yang could achieve his aim and take over the Zhu family.

    As for her, she did not have the love of her parents and she had not graduated from junior high school. She even had quit school to work. She was not educated and she was not knowledgeable. What was Wang Yang after that he would get Chen Jun to go after a girl who had nothing at all?

    If not for Qiao Zijin, Chen Jun might have really married her! Moreover, when Chen Jun married Qiao Zijin, he did not stand to gain at all. Qiao Zijinmitted adultery and Chen Jun was so disgraced that there was a while where he could not hold his head up high. For Chen Jun, he suffered a great loss marrying Qiao Zijin.

    Could it be that in order to aplish whatever Wang Yang wanted him to do, Chen Jun was willing to sacrifice himself to the extent of marrying the other party?

    Everything that happened today made Qiao Nan realized that it was not an ident or coincidence that Chen Jun came into her life in these two lifetimes. It was arranged by Wang Yang.

    What she could not understand was that in her previous life, she was worthless and her father had given up on her, so what could Wang Yang want from her?

    At the thought of Chen Jun¡¯s betrayal and deception in the previous life and his suspicious rtionship with Wang Yang in this life, Qiao Nan paled and her eyes reddened.

 Chapter 356 - Only Worth Four Bags Weighing Half a Kilogram Each

    <h4>Chapter 356: Only Worth Four Bags Weighing Half a Kilogram Each</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    In this life, she wanted to stay away from Chen Jun as far as possible. She did not care if he wanted to marry Qiao Zijin or any other girls.

    But what if in the past, Chen Jun¡¯s intention toward her was not genuine and there was a conspiracy right from the start? Then, she...

    Qiao Nan felt bitter the more she thought about it. Her father had already retired from the army, while Chen Jun¡¯s father was the superintendent at the police station. No, he should still be the deputy superintendent at the moment. Even if she knew that Chen Jun had been lying to her right from the start, there was nothing that she could do to him.

    She could only avoid him as if he was the god of gue.

    ¡°Dad, when did you buy these dried foods? Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Qiao Zijin held a handful of jujubes and a dozen raisins in her hand. ¡°Dad, where did you buy these things? I told Mom to buy them for me, but she has nevere across such high-quality goods. Dad, you are so good to me. You must have known that I love this hence you bought them in bulk. But there¡¯s quite a lot. Dad, I may not be able to bring all of them back.¡± She had no wish to share them with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t you send me back on the bicycle so that we can bring them with us?¡± The dried food would be enough tost her for a long time. She could even share them with her ssmates.

    She had had the dried jujubes and raisins that were sold on the market. However, they did not taste the same.

    Her father must have spent a lot of money on these two sacks of dried food.

    She knew that her father could not possibly abandon her and only treated Qiao Nan well.

    In fact, her father remembered what she liked and bought them home, waiting to give her a surprise.

    ¡°You intend to bring everything with you?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was cooking in the kitchen, came to a sudden halt.

    Qiao Dongliang lowered his eyes. He did not correct Qiao Zijin. In fact, he went along with her. ¡°How do you intend to finish so much dried food by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t underestimate me. These snacks aren¡¯t filling. I can finish them easily. Besides, there¡¯s no need to finish all of them in one go. This represents your love for me, so I have to bring all of them back.¡± If she left it there, Qiao Nan might have her snacks. She might have more of them than her.

    She could not rest assured unless she brought everything back home.

    ¡°What about Nan Nan? She is your younger sister. Aren¡¯t you going to share with her?¡± And what about him? He was her father!

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± Qiao Zijin sounded very reluctant. ¡°Since Nan Nan is my sister, I have to share with her. Why don¡¯t we leave half a kilogram of each of the snacks for Nan Nan? She doesn¡¯t like these snacks anyway. It will be a waste if we leave too much for her.¡±

    If Qiao Dongliang did not mention himself, it would not cross Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind to share with him.

    In fact, it pained Qiao Zijin to leave half a kilogram of each type of snacks for Qiao Nan.

    These dried foods were of good quality. It was much more expensive than those that her mother bought for her before the Lunar New Year. Since there were four different types of snacks, if she had to give half a kilogram of each, it would be two kilograms in total. These cost a lot as well. Qiao Nan had never shared anything or given her anything in the past, yet she had to share with her. She was downright unlucky.

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Dongliang was utterly disappointed at Qiao Zijin who did not think of him at all.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Dad, do you mean it? Nan Nan is my sister. I am happy to share with her. Since you¡¯re so good to me, I shall be good to Nan Nan. You have bought me so many snacks. I will still have more than enough if I give her half a kilogram each for every snack.¡±

    It would be wonderful if she could have everything for herself.

    She would rather take half a kilogram of each snack to share with her ssmates, than giving it to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was gloomy. He searched through the house and found a small weighing scale.

    Qiao Zijin pursed her lips. Had she known that her father would take her words so seriously, she would not have said so.

    Qiao Dongliang took out some bags and filled them with the snacks. He weighed them, making sure that they weighed exactly half a kilogram.

    Even though it pained Qiao Zijin that she had to share with Qiao Nan, she felt slightly at ease when she saw the four small bags of snacks aspared to her two big sacks of snacks.

    ¡°Okay, the meal will be ready in a while. You can bring the snacks with you when you go back.¡± After weighing the four small bags of snacks, Qiao Dongliang straightened his back and tied the two big sacks of snacks. It would be a sheer pity if they turned moldy.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded happily. She was in an extremely good mood. ¡°Dad, Nan Nan said that she felt ufortable. I told her to go back to her room to rest. Nan Nan has always been healthy. Why is it that as soon as the guests left, she started to feel unwell? I have a lot to chat with her, but I do not have the chance to do so.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang brought the dishes over to the dining table. His hands stiffened at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. He shot her a grim look and said, ¡°Is this the case? Do you think that Nan Nan is targeting you and giving you the cold shoulder?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I didn¡¯t say that. That is what you thought.¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. Why was it that both her father and Qiao Nan spoke such harsh words? Could they not put it across nicely?

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you do not think that way. Nan Nan is simple-minded. She will not do such things,¡± Qiao Dongliang ced the dishes on the table and said coldly.

    What did her father mean when he said that Qiao Nan was simple-minded? Did he mean that she was scheming? ¡°Dad, do you want me to get Nan Nan toe out for lunch?¡±

    Yang Yang and Brother Chen Jun had left. It was boring for her to stay here. They did not even have a television set. She wondered how Qiao Nan and her father spent their days at home.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will get her.¡± Nan Nan was fine just now. She might have been agitated by Zijin. He should never leave them alone in the future. Otherwise, Zijin would always bully Nan Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was unhappy at the worried look on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face. She pursed her lips into a straight line. ¡°Fine, I shall not go. I am not her maid, so why should I get her toe out for lunch!¡±

    By the time Qiao Dongliang came out with Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin had already eaten half a bowl of rice. She did not wait for them but started eating on her own. ¡°Dad, Nan Nan, dig in quickly. We must have it while it¡¯s hot. It will not be delicious when it turns cold.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who was busy cooking, did not even have the time for a drink. He took a deep breath and did not say anything. ¡°Nan Nan, you are not feeling well. Sit down. I will bring you the rice.¡±

    Qiao Nan satfortably and pulled at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need for that. You¡¯ve prepared a table of food. You should sit down and have a drink. I am much better now. I will get the rice for you.¡±

 Chapter 357 - Take the Four Bags and Leave

    <h4>Chapter 357: Take the Four Bags and Leave</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Having that said, Qiao Nan brought two bowls of rice for Qiao Dongliang and herself.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled and took the bowl of rice from her. ¡°Nan Nan, sit down and eat. The food will turn cold and it will not be good for the body. Have more of the food. These are your favorite dishes.¡±

    At Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin then realized that these dishes were indeed Qiao Nan¡¯s favorite food.

    Qiao Zijin twitched her mouth. Qiao Nan was so good at keeping up pretenses. She put up a show of being good to her father, implying as if she did not care for her father.

    No matter what Qiao Nan did, it was useless. Whenever anything happened, she would be the first person that her father thought of. Qiao Nan was wasting her time if she thought that she would gain her father¡¯s love by doing all these.

    Qiao Zijin was in a good mood now. She had no wish to argue with Qiao Nan. She finished her bowl of rice and a lot of the dishes by herself.

    After the meal, she brought her bowl and chopsticks to the kitchen to wash. ¡°Dad, I have washed my bowl and chopsticks.¡±

    Even though Qiao Zijin merely washed her own bowl and chopsticks, Qiao Nan gave her an incredulous look. ¡°Sister, did you have chicken blood today?¡± Why would she take the initiative to do housework? Wang Yang and Chen Jun had left, so who did she put up the show for?

    ¡°Everyone knows clearly who is putting up pretenses.¡± When her father was not around, she would call her by her name. When her father was around, she would address her as her elder sister. Qiao Nan was too pretentious.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her mouth and had her rice. She would not argue with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Dad, I have finished eating. Can you send me back?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still early. You can go back by yourself. Nan Nan is not feeling well. I have to take care of her.¡± Qiao Dongliang refused.

    Qiao Zijin took a closer look at Qiao Nan. ¡°Dad, I think Nan Nan is much better now. She does not need anyone to take care of her. Besides, it will not take long for you to send me home ande back.¡±

    ¡°Why do you insist that Dad sends you back? You know the way back and the sun is still up. Are you afraid of losing your way?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin, feeling puzzled. ¡°Sister, you are getting more and more pretentious.¡± Qiao Zijin did not insist that her father fetched her from the quad to their house either.

    ¡°There are so many sacks. I can¡¯t bring them back by myself.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Nan shot Qiao Dongliang a questioning look. ¡°Dad, what did you give to Sister that she can¡¯t bring it back by herself and will need your help?¡±

    ¡°She can bring it by herself.¡± Qiao Dongliang put down the bowl of rice that he had almost finished. He went to the kitchen and came out with four small stic bags. ¡°Take them. You can go back now. They weigh two kilograms in total. It¡¯s not that heavy, so there is no need for me to bring it back for you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was dumbfounded. ¡°Dad, are you mistaken? The four small bags of snacks are for Nan Nan. Those two big sacks...¡± was for her.

    Those snacks were hers. She was being kind by giving two kilograms of the snacks to Qiao Nan. Was Qiao Nan so greedy that she wanted the bigger bags for herself?

    That was not right. Qiao Nan had been resting in the room and never came out at all. She did not know what happened just now.

    ¡°These dried foods were given by Nan Nan¡¯s friend. Since you are Nan Nan¡¯s sister, I acted of my own ord and gave you two kilograms of them. As I said, all these were from someone else. It was their kind intentions to Nan Nan. Nan Nan should have them all for herself. But since you like them, I can only ask Nan Nan to share some of them with you. Besides, your rtionship with Nan Nan is only worth these two kilograms. Take them back with you and have them at home.¡±

    He gave Zijin a chance, but she did not cherish it.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin liked to eat dried food.

    Before Qiao Zijin brought up this topic, Qiao Dongliang had never thought about how he intended to distribute these things for Qiao Nan. He did not have any idea how much of these should he give to Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. He thought that since the wife of the chief of the army told Zhai Sheng to bring the dried food to Qiao Nan, then all these should belong to Qiao Nan alone.

    However, since Qiao Zijin had brought up such a request, as a father, he decided that he could get Qiao Nan to share some of them with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang was still pondering over how much to ask from Qiao Nan when Qiao Zijin distributed it by herself.

    He had asked Qiao Zijin time and again whether she only wanted to give Qiao Nan half a kilogram of each of the snacks. Qiao Zijin had the same answer that she was already being good to her sister by giving her half a kilogram each.

    Since Qiao Zijin had said so, Qiao Dongliang did not bother to say anything else. He weighed half a kilogram of every snack and packed them into four small bags.

    Qiao Zijin had not expected that the four bags of snacks that were meant for Qiao Nan were actually for her.

    ¡°Nan Nan, will you be angry with me for taking half a kilogram of each snack for your sister?¡±

    Qiao Nan almost choked on the rice. ¡°No, I¡¯m not angry. I¡¯m not angry at all.¡±

    Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s overbearing character, she would not have asked for half a kilogram of each of the snacks. The four bags of snacks only added up to two kilograms. It could notpare to the two big sacks of snacks. This was, in fact, dismissing her like someone would a beggar.

    Her father must have been angered and decided to give half a kilogram of each of the snacks to Qiao Zijin. This was as good as not giving anything to her.

    ¡°Y-you didn¡¯t buy these for me?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled and mocked himself. ¡°I am poor and useless. I don¡¯t have much money with me and I do not know any influential people. How would I have the money to get these for the Lunar New Year? Nan Nan¡¯s friend gave them to her to nourish herself. You have to thank Nan Nan for sharing these with you. You must not forget that she is being so nice to you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin turned red in anger and embarrassment after she was ridiculed by Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you tell me that these things are given to Nan Nan by others?!¡± If she had known, she would not have embarrassed herself.

    After finishing the rice, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°I thought you knew what I am capable of and that I couldn¡¯t afford these dried foods. Did I need to spell out something so obvious? You must have had a look at how much these snacks cost at the market.¡±

    These snacks might bemon and could be seen everywhere in the markets. However, those that were sold in the markets were not as high quality as those given by the Zhai family.

    The Zhai family was just and righteous. They would not ept money and expensive gifts. Other people had to be mindful when they prepared gifts for them. If they were to give themmon dried food, they would have to select those of a high quality for which were not readily avable in the markets. The average people would not be able to buy such stuff.

 Chapter 358 - He Who Understood the Times Was a Wise Man

    <h4>Chapter 358: He Who Understood the Times Was a Wise Man</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, your mom is still waiting for you at home. She will be worried if you arete.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt bitter at the words that he said to Qiao Zijin. She was his elder daughter, the daughter that he intended to keep by his side.

    Qiao Dongliang had not expected that there would be a day where he would mock his elder daughter. In fact, what he said just now was what Qiao Zijin had once said.

    ¡°Fine, I will go back!¡± She was not willing to stay a minute longer!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want the snacks?¡± Qiao Zijin turned and was about to leave. Qiao Dongliang sighed and gave her a gentle reminder. ¡°This is yourst chance. If you don¡¯t take them, it will be gone.¡±

    ¡°I...¡±

    Qiao Zijin bit on her lips and stared at the two kilograms of snacks on the table, her face flushed red in anger. Finally, she stomped her feet, grabbed the bags, and dashed out of the small quad.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were lost for words.

    In the end, it was Qiao Nan who came out of her shock first. As the saying goes, ¡®He who understands the times is a wise man¡¯. This was indeed Qiao Zijin¡¯s style of handling things.

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed his temple. Maybe what Nan Nan said was right. He could no longer say that Qiao Zijin was still young and insensible. Her temperament and personality... Was it true that when Ding Jiayi was pregnant with the second child, they had neglected her and hence she bore grudges against him?

    If that was the case, she must have harbored grudges against Ding Jiayi as well.

    Qiao Dongliang, who could not understand, looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, you said that your sister harbors grudges against me because we neglected her. Then, why did she treat your mom... Your mom favors sons more than daughters. She was the one who suggested that we should have a second child.¡±

    ¡°My sister is not genuine to mom,¡± Qiao Nan said coldly. ¡°Back then, Mom used to have the economic authority at home and you respected her opinions. My sister only had to please Mom and she would have the whole family in the palm of her hand. Unless she is capable enough and no longer needs to rely on Mom, she has to maintain a good rtionship with Mom no matter how she really feels about Mom. If she falls out with Mom, nobody in this house will support her and help her get everything that she wants.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang patted his forehead, feeling ufortable all of a sudden. ¡°I... I need to take a rest.¡±

    They were one family. He and Ding Jiayi gave the best to the two daughters, particrly Qiao Zijin, the elder daughter. He had doted on her and pampered her. He had not mistreated her in any way. Why would she harbor grudges against her parents?

    Could this still be considered a family?

    Did Zijin treat them as her parents, or was she bidding for time to take revenge on them?

    ¡°Dad, you should have a rest. I will wash these bowls.¡± She was telling the truth. She would rather her father found out the truth earlier than for him to realize it after he had given Zijin all his money, just like what happened in the previous lifetime.

    Qiao Dongliang who had already stood up took the bowls back from Qiao Nan. ¡°Forget it. I will do the dishes. You should have a rest. I will rest after I am done washing them.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan, who was dealt with a lot of blows today, felt weak and needed to rest.

    The Chinese physician had said that she was particrly sensitive today. As long as she had mood swings, it would affect her menses.

    Given the high menstrual flow today, Qiao Nan was worried that she might go into shock due to loss of blood in the future.

    People would usually feel sleepy after a meal. Moreover, given Qiao Nan¡¯s condition, she fell asleep as soon as sheid down on the bed.

    After washing the bowls, Qiao Dongliang went into Qiao Nan¡¯s room to check on her. She was sleeping very soundly. He sighed at the sight of her. Nan Nan must have felt terrible. Otherwise, she would not have been so weary. However, Nan Nan liked to keep things to herself. She would not tell anyone about her grievances or feelings.

    Nan Nan must have been cornered by Zijin, hence she told him so many things about Zijin.

    This proved that Zijin had gone way overboard. Nan Nan, who usually kept quiet about whatever Zijin had done, must have been so angry that she told him about her wrongdoings.

    Qiao Dongliang felt her forehead to make sure that she was alright. He then went back to his room and let his thoughts drift to what Qiao Nan told him previously.

    Take what happened today as an example. As a father, when he saw Zhai Sheng bring two sacks of food to their house, he had the intention of giving half of them to Zijin. But in fact, he should not do so.

    What was ironic was that it was Qiao Zijin who made him realize his mistakes.

    Qiao Zijin had a very strong sense of ownership toward whatever that was hers. She felt that since Qiao Dongliang bought the dried food for her, she did not have to care about Qiao Nan, who was his daughter, having the right to have the food as well. Instead, she told Qiao Dongliang firmly that since those were hers, she had the right to decide how much she wanted to give Qiao Nan.

    When reversed, it should be the same as well.

    Since the two sacks of dried food belonged to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang did not have the right to decide how much should be given to Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan should have the final say.

    Today, the subject concerned was merely two sacks of dried food. In the future, if Nan Nan made it big and earned a lot of money, while Zijin was struggling with life, he could not possibly insist that Nan Nan gave Zijin a certain amount of money monthly.

    He could not ask Nan Nan to be responsible for Zijin for her entire life.

    Even though they were siblings, whatever belonged to Nan Nan was hers alone. He did not have the right to make any decisions for her.

    The same logic applied to Zijin. If Zijin did better than Nan Nan in the future, he believed she would never help Nan Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but sigh as these thoughts drifted through his mind.

    He seemed to have aged because of his two daughters, particrly his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin.

    He was getting on years. Both of his daughters had a mind of their own. He could no longer make them listen, and he should not meddle too much as well. He should allow them to walk a path of their own.

 Chapter 359 - Rest Assured. Mom Would Help You

    <h4>Chapter 359: Rest Assured. Mom Would Help You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang was depressed. Qiao Zijin was even more depressed. As soon as she returned to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, she threw the dried food onto the table and went straight to her room. She plopped on the bed and cried her guts out.

    ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s wrong with you? Didn¡¯t youe back from your dad¡¯s house? Why did you cry? Did someone bully you on the way back? Tell me, who was it? I will go with your dad to get back at him.¡± In that case, she could make use of this chance to look for Old Qiao. ¡°By the way, nothing happened to that wretched girl, right? I bet she couldn¡¯t stand it that I have reconciled with your dad, so she deliberately went against me.¡±

    She and Old Qiao had been married for so many years. There was no way that that wretched girl could sow discord between them.

    A man could not be without a woman. Old Qiao treated her very well yesterday.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless. Those who bullied me are your daughter and your husband. How are you going to settle scores with them? Can you beat them or yell at them? Can you?!¡± Qiao Zijin cried at the top of her voice.

    ¡°Impossible! Your dad dotes on you. I will believe it if you tell me that that wretched girl bullies you, but your dad will never do that. Zijin, you must not me your dad for what that wretched girl did to you. If your dad knows about it, he will be heartbroken. Your dad treats you very well.¡± Ding Jiayi reminded Qiao Zijin. ¡°Since a young age, didn¡¯t your dad treat you better than he did that wretched girl?¡±

    It was impossible that Old Qiao would gang up with that wretched girl to bully Zijin.

    She would never believe it.

    Qiao Zijin wiped the tears on her face. ¡°I admit Dad treated me better than Qiao Nan back then. But now, my dad treats Qiao Nan much better. Do you know what happened today? Dad humiliated me in front of Qiao Nan. Even if those things were given to Qiao Nan by her friend, Qiao Nan could not possibly finish everything by herself. Since I like to eat them and I am her sister, why couldn¡¯t he give me more of the snacks? I have a good rtionship with her, so I am willing to eat her food. I won¡¯t eat something that a stranger gives to me. There were two big sacks of food, yet Dad humiliated me with two kilograms worth of the snacks. How could I raise my head high in front of Qiao Nan? I was ridiculed right in front of her. Dad has changed!¡±

    In the past, her father would never do that.

    Although it was just some snacks, why was it that everything must belong to Qiao Nan and she could have two kilograms worth of snacks only?

    Qiao Nan was nothing but a money-losing daughter. She had no right to have so much of the good food!

    Her mother had said that everything in this family and all the good stuff was hers alone. Qiao Nan had no right to fight with her!!!

    ¡°What? It¡¯s so messy. Tell me properly. Don¡¯t cry anymore. What exactly happened?¡± Ding Jiayi was confused.

    Qiao Zijin whimpered and told Ding Jiayi what happened.

    After listening to Qiao Zijin¡¯s recount, Ding Jiayi turned green in anger. ¡°Your dad is really muddle-headed. You will be sitting for the college entrance examination soon. You need to have more tonics and supplements. How could he give those things to Qiao Nan? Qiao Nan is too weak. Her body cannot take all the nourishment. Having those supplements will do more harm to her. No, we can¡¯t leave things as it is. I heard that walnuts are good for the brain. It is most suitable for you. No matter what, I must get the walnuts for you. You can keep them and have one or two walnuts a day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless. Dad only has eyes for Qiao Nan. He only left me half a kilogram for each of the snacks. Since a young age, I¡¯ve never been... This is the first time I suffer such a humiliation. And the person who did that was my dad. Mom, I am heartbroken.¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t cry anymore. It pains me to see you crying. Leave this to me. I promise to find a way to get it for you. But it¡¯ste today. I will go to your dad and get them for you tomorrow. As you have said, there are two big sacks of food. Qiao Nan can¡¯t possibly finish them in one day. I assure you that all those snacks will be yours,¡± Ding Jiayi said with full confidence while patting the back of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, are you sure?¡± Qiao Zijin said with tears in her eyes.

    No matter what, she could not take it lying down. She could not stand the smug look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    Even if she might not eat the dried food, she would rather throw them away than give it to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Of course, I have never lied to you before. Don¡¯t cry. You must be hungry. Shall I cook for you?¡±

    ¡°No need. I had my meal at Dad¡¯s ce.¡± Qiao Zijin shook her head. Apart from the bowl of rice, Qiao Zijin had eaten a fair amount of dried food. She was so full that she could not have any more food.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I said your dad treats you well. If he treats you badly, he will make youe back on an empty stomach. Alright, go and wash your face. You don¡¯t look pretty with those red, puffy eyes.¡±

    ¡°Mom, is there any hot water? It¡¯s so cold. I don¡¯t want toe into contact with cold water.¡±

    ¡°How would I possibly let you wash your face with cold water in the winter? I am not stupid. I have boiled some water. Go and have a wash.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Zijin covered her face, particrly her eyes, with the towel that was rinsed with hot water. She took away the towel when the difort in her eyes had lessened.

    Staring at her reflection in the mirror and her red, puffy eyes, Qiao Zijin grounded her teeth. She must not let her father and Qiao Nan stay by themselves anymore. It was only half a year¡¯s time but her father no longer cared about her. He only had eyes for Qiao Nan.

    If this were to continue, even if she had her mother in the palm of her hand, she could no longer make impossible demands of this family.

    In particr, Qiao Nan, that cunning girl!

    As long as Qiao Nan was by her father¡¯s side, no matter what she said to her mother, her mother would not be able to do anything in front of her father.

    She had one more year before she would sit for the college entrance examination. Qiao Nan would sit for the exams one yearter than her.

    By that time, even if she was lucky enough to get into a college, it would not be a good college. On the contrary, Qiao Nan...

    Qiao Zijin had finally managed to put a distance between Qiao Nan and her when they went to different high schools. But when they went to college, Qiao Nan would study at a top college, while she would study at an average college. At the thought of that, Qiao Zijin felt as if she was about to be consumed by mes of anger.

    Was there really no way to let Qiao Nan drop out of school so that she would not be able to finish her studies and could not get into college?

    Yang Yang came from a good family background and his parents worked for the government. Perhaps she could find a chance to bring it up to Yang Yang and he might be able to help her?

    If her guess was correct, Yang Yang also disliked Qiao Nan and wanted to deal with her!

 Chapter 360 - Being Looked Down Upon

    <h4>Chapter 360: Being Looked Down Upon</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, what¡¯s wrong with you today? Why did you give me strange looks? Are you so stingy that you are unwilling to treat me to a meal?¡± On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Zhu Chengqi came with Zhu Baoguo to the small quad to say their greetings, treating them as if they were their rtives.

    Elder Zhu did note with them since Wang Yang and his family would visit the Zhu family¡¯s residence today.

    If everyone in the Zhu family was gone, there was no way that they could answer to Zhu Qin.

    Zhu Baoguo touched his face when he noticed that Qiao Nan was staring at him. ¡°Can it be that after the Lunar New Year, you realize that I¡¯ve be more handsome?¡± Zhu Baoguo ttered himself and struck a narcissistic pose.

    ¡°Stop your nonsense. Let me ask you a question. You have to answer me honestly.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so serious? You can ask me directly.¡±

    ¡°Is Wang Yang acquainted with the Chen family?¡±

    ¡°The Chen family?¡± Zhu Baoguo was puzzled. ¡°Xiao Qiao, there are so many people by the surname Chen in China. Which Chen family are you referring to? The Wang family has high social status, and many people are acquainted with them. It is not strange that one of them has the surname Chen. Xiao Qiao, you seem to be very smart, but at times, you are quite dense.¡±

    It was as good as not asking.

    ¡°Do you remember the senior, Chen Jun, who came to our school recently?¡± She had to admit that she was too anxious and did not make herself clear.

    ¡°Why do you bring up Chen Jun again?¡± Zhu Baoguo frowned and he sounded angry. ¡°Xiao Qiao, I must warn you. That man is not a good person. Don¡¯t be fooled by him. He is so shameless. You never replied to any of his letters, yet he insisted on writing so many letters to you. What is he up to? He is definitely not a good person!¡±

    They were about eighteen, neen years old. Zhu Baoguo was not stupid. He could tell from Chen Jun¡¯s attitude that he wanted to pursue Qiao Nan.

    Hence, Zhu Baoguo became very impatient at the mention of Chen Jun and was reluctant to talk about him. ¡°Xiao Qiao, why did you mention him? Do you regret it and want Wang Yang to introduce you to Chen Jun?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was boiling in anger. He remembered that ever since Xu Tingting, who was from the same ss as him, saw Chen Jun, she rejected all other boys in the school and would address Chen Jun affectionately, saying that she wanted to go to a college in the capital.

    Was Chen Jun that remarkable? He did not care that Xu Tingting behaved in that way.

    But it had been almost half a year, yet Xiao Qiao mentioned him again.

    There was nothing spectacr about that pretty boy except for his looks. Why would Xiao Qiao remember him for such a long time?

    ¡°It¡¯s been a year. Why are you still so foolish? What kind of person Wang Yang is? Since I asked you if Wang Yang knows Chen Jun, what do you think I meant by that? Regret? I don¡¯t regret it at all!¡±

    Qiao Nan was furious.

    Luckily, her menses had finished. Otherwise, given how furious she was at Zhu Baoguo, she might be too agitated and affect her menses again. No matter how many jujubes she had, she would not be able to make up for the blood loss.

    In fact, Qiao Nan had been very kind to Zhu Baoguo. The Zhu family might be the reason why she could never avoid Chen Jun, her unlucky star in her two lifetimes.

    Qiao Nan was enraged that Zhu Baoguo acted out of jealousy without stopping to think clearly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Besides, I didn¡¯t say anything...¡± Zhu Baoguo softened his tone as soon as he sensed that Qiao Nan was angry. He lowered his voice and said humbly, ¡°Xiao Qiao, you should know that I am not as smart as you. I tried my best in order to achieve the results that I had in school. You can tell me directly what it is that you want to know.¡±

    When he was with Xiao Qiao, he would be foolish and not as quick-witted as he usually was. He felt as if Xiao Qiao was talking in riddles. ¡°Xiao Qiao, why did you mention Wang Yang along with Chen Jun? Is there anything wrong with them?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. It has nothing to do with you. There is only one thing that you have to know. Wang Yang hasn¡¯t given up yet. He wants to have everything in the Zhu family. At the very least, you have to work harder. I can¡¯t help you with everything. I am neither your elder sister nor your mother. Do you want me to look after you for the rest of your life? Learn to be wary of others and look out for their plots. I really don¡¯t understand. Wang Yang is a few years younger than you, but why is it that he is so scheming? It¡¯s as if he has all your wits.¡±

    Qiao Nan gave Zhu Baoguo a lecture.

    If her guess was correct, in order to get rid of Zhu Baoguo, Wang Yang wanted to make use of Chen Jun to make her fall for his tricks.

    Since Wang Yang had resorted to using Chen Jun to fool Qiao Nan, it seemed that he had gone all out to deal with Zhu Baoguo.

    Wang Yang could use a honey trap on her, and he would also use it on Zhu Baoguo. It seemed that he would do whatever he could to make Zhu Baoguo fall for his tricks.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you must not look down on people. Wang Yang may be scheming, but I am not foolish. Today, my aunt visited our house with Wang Yang and Wang Qinglin. And so I asked my dad to bring me to your house. Xiao Qiao, you are right. I do not have to be anxious. My dad cherishes me and my grandpa values me more than he does Wang Yang. It¡¯s no wonder that Wang Yang can¡¯t stand the sight of me. I have everything that he yearns for.¡±

    He used to be angry that he was ridiculed for not having a mother since he was little. He did not realize that, in fact, he had a lot more than others.

    What he could not stand was that Wang Yang was jealous of everything that he had and wanted to take it away from him.

    Initially, Zhu Baoguo had taken all those that he had for granted. But when Wang Yang wanted to snatch it from him, it made him realize suddenly that all these were very important to him and he must cherish them. He would never let Wang Yang seed in snatching them away from him.

    A mediocre person would not be the envy of others. People would only fight to get those that were valuable!

    ¡°Since you could say this, I am slightly at ease.¡± What she feared most was that Zhu Baoguo would be so foolish as to fall for Wang Yang¡¯s schemes and was defenseless against him.

    They had just finished talking when Qiao Dongliang and Zhu Chengqi came out with the dishes. ¡°Stop chatting. The food is ready.¡±

    ¡°Dad, are you sure that what you cooked are edible?¡± Zhu Baoguo widened his eyes in exmation when he noticed that it was Zhu Chengqi who prepared the food. His tone was full of disdain. Ever since a young age, he had never eaten the porridge that Zhu Chengqi cooked, let alone the dishes that he cooked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t die.¡± Zhu Chengqi did not care that his son looked down on him. ¡°Nan Nan, you should have more of the food.¡±

    ¡°What! How could you tell Nan Nan to have more of the food that will kill her? You are too evil. Uncle Qiao, if you see my dad next time, don¡¯t open the door for him. He may be a bad influence on Nan Nan.¡± Why was it that his father had no regard to him? People used to say that sons were more worthwhile than daughters.

 Chapter 361 - Let Qiao Nan Be My Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 361: Let Qiao Nan Be My Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But why did his father speak gently to Xiao Qiao and disy such a good attitude during all of his interactions with her? On the other hand, his father was always fierce to him.

    Fortunately, he treated Xiao Qiao like his younger sister. Otherwise, if other people, such as Wang Yang, were his father¡¯s son, they would definitely hate his father in this situation.

    Sigh. It was also his misfortune to be his father¡¯s son. If it were other people, none would be able to tolerate this.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Dongliang was amused. He could feel that Zhu Baoguo was joking. A year ago, Zhu Baoguo did not even bother to greet Zhu Chengqi when they met, but now Zhu Baoguo would make such jokes with Zhu Chengqi. The rtionship between the father and son had seemingly improved much.

    At the thought that all these were thanks to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang felt extremely proud of her.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that Uncle Qiao should keep your dad away from my house. Every time he visits, he brings Nan Nan presents. If this continues, Uncle Qiao is worried that my daughter will be kidnapped by your dad.¡± Having that said, Qiao Dongliang gave a gentle sigh.

    As time passed, Qiao Dongliang realized that the presents given by Zhu Chengqi to Qiao Nan were not only expensive but also hard to find. It was alsomendable that they were things that Qiao Nan needed most.

    Clearly, he was the father of Qiao Nan. However, he relied on other people¡¯s father to settle Qiao Nan¡¯s needs.

    When he thought about it from time to time, the more he felt that he really did not fulfill his responsibilities as a father.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t be afraid. If my dad kidnaps your daughter, you can kidnap my dad¡¯s only son,¡± Zhu Baoguo said flippantly. ¡°I like Uncle Qiao.¡± His father was always aloof and kept to himself. It was tiring to y mind games such as ¡®You Guess, Guess, Guess¡¯ with him.

    Xiao Qiao was the only one that her father couldmunicate with ease. Even when Wang Yang saw his father, he had to keep himself in check around his father.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll formally acknowledge Qiao Nan as my goddaughter. You can then acknowledge Uncle Qiao as your godfather.¡± Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes lit up and agreed readily.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The proud smile and serious tone of Zhu Chengqi stunned the rest of the three people present.

    Zhu Baoguo was dumbfounded as he looked at Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Dad, are you joking or serious about it? See, you¡¯re making everyone surprised.¡±

    If his father really acknowledged Xiao Qiao as his goddaughter, then Xiao Qiao would really be his younger sister?

    Clearly, this was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s wish all along, but when this seemed to be happening, he did not understand why there was a sense of repulsion in his heart. Nevertheless, it was obvious that he did not dislike Qiao Nan.

    He liked Xiao Qiao but was reluctant for her to be his younger sister. What exactly was wrong with him?

    ¡°Serious. Is it not okay? You always told me that Nan Nan is your sister. Now that I¡¯m giving you a chance, you don¡¯t wish to be Nan Nan¡¯s elder brother anymore?¡± Zhu Chengqi¡¯s tone reflected his usualposure. It was so normal that everyone suspected that they had a delusion earlier.

    Nevertheless, when they came into contact with his extraordinary bright and shiny eyes and glowing face, everyone could not help but feel that Zhu Chengqi was not joking. He was serious.

    ¡°Qiao Dongliang, do you wish to consider this? In the past, you were also a soldier. You decided to have a second child and hoped for a son. Now that I¡¯m letting you have a godson, do you want it?¡± Zhu Chengqi looked at Qiao Dongliang and asked daringly without any reservation.

    Qiao Dongliang was extremely embarrassed. ¡°Baoguo is a very good child, but I don¡¯t deserve such glory.¡±

    Yes, he really wished to have a son. However, when someone brought the ¡®son¡¯ before him, he then realized that a son was nothing special.

    He thought of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s past delinquent behavior and poor learning attitude. He was always away from home and his studies were a mess. On top of that, he was good at spending money. His character was as stubborn as an ox and his temper was hot and explosive.

    If he truly had such a son, he definitely could not control him. Furthermore, he was not capable of earning so much money for Zhu Baoguo to squander. Even Zijin did not give him so many worries, not to mention Nan Nan, who always reduced his burden and worries.

    Recently, the more Qiao Dongliang discovered Qiao Zijin¡¯s shorings, the more depressed he was. He already had two sleepless nights.

    Qiao Dongliang was already so tortured with a daughter like Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang pondered Zhu Chengqi¡¯s offer. If Zhu Baoguo truly became his son, would he still be able to live on?

    Fortunately, he only had daughters and Nan Nan had been considerate and caring from a young age. This lessened much of his worries.

    Inparison to a negative example such as Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Dongliang truly felt that he was blessed.

    Son?

    Having a son was not as fortunate as he had expected.

    If it was truly a blessing, would Zhu Chengqi fight with him over Nan Nan and let Zhu Baoguo be his godson?!

    Zhu Chengqi did not seem to mind as he smiled. He then said to Zhu Baoguo. ¡°See? No one wants you even if I give you to them. Given your situation, are you able to find me a daughter-inw and give me a grandchild in the future? Even others will despise you.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what you are talking about? Do you believe that if I curl my fingers now, I can let you have three grandchildren in a year¡¯s time?¡± Zhu Baoguo refused to concede defeat. There were countless women who were willing to sleep with him. Two years ago, there was a woman who stripped naked in front of him but he was not interested.

    Otherwise, his father would not only have a grandchild today, but one who was able to run about and overturn sauce bottles.

    When Zhu Baoguo disyed that previous temper of his, the other three people knitted their brows.

    Zhu Chengqi was a soldier and disliked this type of frivolous and irresponsible attitude most. ¡°Baoguo, how did I teach you usually? This type of words will not highlight your capability but will only let others look down on you.¡±

    ¡°Baoguo, you¡¯re already an adult. Don¡¯t talk nonsense out of impulse. Those words are not nice. No wonder your dad is worried that he won¡¯t have a grandchild in the future. Your dad wants a daughter-inw and not those loose women. A gooddy who¡¯s not casual will not agree to what you said earlier.¡±

    As someone with daughters, Qiao Dongliang felt deeply about this.

    Inparison to the quick-tempered and impetuous Zhu Baoguo, he would rather marry Nan Nan to someone who was older and upright, such as Zhai Sheng, than someone like Zhu Baoguo, who was of the same age as Nan Nan but irresponsible and liked to mess around.

    After being jointly disciplined by the two fathers, Zhu Baoguo withered like a frosted eggnt. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t discipline me. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Give me some face. Am I the type who messes around? It¡¯s all just talk. Dad, Uncle Qiao, I¡¯m extremely decent. I¡¯ve never done any of those messy things before.¡±

 Chapter 362 - Uncle Zhu, Are You Serious?

    <h4>Chapter 362: Uncle Zhu, Are You Serious?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°There are people who seek my favor because of our family status, but I don¡¯t want them. I¡¯m not stupid.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo raised his voice and ensured that everyone present could clearly hear him. When he said that, his pair of eyes constantly nced in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction, observing her reaction.

    He was a decent man. Even if there were women who initiated to bring themselves to him, he did not mess around with them. As of now, he was still a virgin!

    ¡°I¡¯ll consider you smart.¡± Zhu Chengqi snorted. ¡°If you dare to mess around, I¡¯m not sure if your mom will still be willing to acknowledge you as her son.¡± At the thought of the deceased Lee Shu, he recalled that she had mysophobia and was very clear in terms of who she truly loved. Zhu Chengqi did not wish for his son to be an irresponsible man who messed around with others.

    ¡°What kind of nonsense are you talking about? This topic has gone haywire. Were we discussing this earlier?¡± Zhu Baogo turned red with embarrassment.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who brought this up first,¡± Zhu Chenqi said as a matter of fact.

    ¡°Alright, then I shall shut up. Will that do? I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯ll have a taste of your culinary skills, Dad.¡± After ascertaining that Qiao Nan did not look at him in a different light, Zhu Baoguo picked up some dishes with his chopsticks and ced them in his bowl. Given his situation, it was safer to eat more and talk less.

    ¡°Uncle Zhu, I have something to ask you.¡± After the meal, Qiao Nan took out a book. ¡°It¡¯s regarding my studies. Can I seek your guidance privately?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°I want to listen too. It may be of use when I take the high school examination.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi mmed a book on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s there to listen? The English knowledge that Nan Nan asks me is already beyond your level. You may not even understand it when you attend college. Just read what you should be reading.¡±

    After entering the bedroom, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s expression was increasingly serious. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you wish to talk to me about?¡±

    ¡°Regarding Wang Yang.¡±

    ¡°What about him?¡± Zhu Chengqi furrowed his brows. ¡°As far as I know, he didn¡¯t do anything recently. He has been quite abiding.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°If he can be abiding, then he¡¯s not Wang Yang. But Wang Yang has be smarter this time. He didn¡¯t take action himself, and neither did he target Zhu Baoguo directly.¡±

    ¡°He is plotting against you? What did he do to you?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Zhu, this is what I want to tell you today. Last year, a senior with the surname Chen came to my school suddenly. Thereafter, he kept writing to me and his intention of wooing me was quite obvious. Uncle Zhu, how much time will I have and how much effort will I exert to help you take care of Baoguo if I¡¯m in love? Moreover, Zhu Baoguo has poor self-discipline. If that truly happens, what will be of Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes were downcast. If Nan Nan truly fell in love, the situation would not be as simple as what she had described.

    Nan Nan was someone that was very important to Baoguo, someone whom he cared very much for.

    The early passing of Lee Shu resulted in Baoguocking a sense of security since a young age. His character was domineering and possessive. Baoguo detested Wang Yang because thetter portrayed a very obedient image in front of his father and won the liking of many. Baoguo felt that his grandpa and father had been snatched away and thus his temper worsened.

    Aside from his family members, Nan Nan was the only good friend that had an important ce in Baoguo¡¯s heart.

    If Nan Nan fell in love at this time and ignored Baoguo, Baoguo¡¯s situation might turn worse and he might give up on himself.

    Zhu Chengqi took a few deep breaths. ¡°Why did you associate Chen Jun¡¯s appearance directly with Wang Yang? Nan Nan, you¡¯re an outstandingdy. It is actually not strange that someone likes you and wants to woo you.¡±

    ¡°Sixth sense. Chen Jun¡¯s appearance was too coincidental. The way he wooed me was also ridiculous. I only met him twice. Chen Junes from good family background. His father is the deputy policemissioner in the police station. He¡¯s considered a rich kid too. He wrote me numerous letters in the past six months. The only time that I replied to him was when I sent him back all his letters. On the first day of Lunar New Year, he came to our house and even bumped into Wang Yang. Their behaviors were strange, so I casually asked them if they knew each other. At that time, to my amusement, both Wang Yang and Chen Jun replied simultaneously that they didn¡¯t know each other. The whole time that Chen Jun was at my house, he didn¡¯t have any eye contact with Wang Yang, and neither did they speak to each other. Uncle Zhou, although you have been staying in the army all this while, you are definitely capable of observing and judging people. Do you think my deduction is logical?¡±

    ¡°Not logical,¡± Zhu Chengqi said with certainty.

    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing. Uncle Zhu, please take what I¡¯m going to say into consideration. The girls in my ss were quite interested in Chen Jun, so I heard about something. Chen Jun¡¯s father is only the deputy policemissioner now.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that Chen Jun wishes to help his father get promoted?¡± Zhu Chengqi was a smart individual. Qiao Nan had not finished her statement and he already understood what she meant.

    ¡°This is just my guess. What the truth is... Uncle Zhu, you have to rely on yourself to investigate this matter. The son is yours. I¡¯m only Zhu Baoguo¡¯s friend.¡± If Zhu Chengqi was really unable to protect Zhu Baoguo, it was useless no matter how cautious she was.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell Baoguo directly? He¡¯s not young anymore and should learn how to handle these matters. Whenever something happens, you never think of telling Baoguo, but you¡¯ll always discuss it with me. Aren¡¯t you looking down too much on Baoguo?¡± Zhu Chengqi looked at Qiao Nan interestingly. Qiao Nan behaved as if she were the senior who was protecting her junior.

    Unfortunately, that ¡®junior¡¯ who was being protected was his son.

    ¡°Wang Yang is too scheming. Zhu Baoguo is impulsive and not mature enough. To train Zhu Baoguo in life, there has to be a process and he has to go through different stages. Obviously, Zhu Baoguo should not skip any of the stages now.¡± If he shed with Wang Yang, given Zhu Baoguo¡¯s intelligence, he would directly be sted to ashes. ¡°Most importantly, honing Zhu Baoguo is your problem and not mine. I¡¯m just rting the situation to you. As for the arrangements you want to make for Zhu Baoguo and how you want to settle this, it¡¯s up to you. I¡¯m just a child. I don¡¯t have that much endurance and capability.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a child, but you have more endurance and capability than you think.¡± Zhu Chengqi smiled.

    Nan Nan rting the problem to him was equivalent to making the first move in a chess game and setting up the strategy and plot.

    ¡°Uncle Zhu, can I ask you another question?¡± Qiao Nan clenched her fists nervously. Her palms were sweating profusely.

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s following reply might provide an exnation to a question that she had been pondering for the past few days.

    ¡°Ask away.¡±

    ¡°When you said that you want to formally acknowledge me as your goddaughter, were you joking or serious?¡±

    ¡°Serious.¡±

    ¡°!¡± Qiao Nan tightened her fists. Her fingernails, that were not that long, directly carved a crescent moon shape in her palms. ¡°Why? Just because I¡¯m good to Baoguo?¡±

    If that were the case, then her deduction might be wrong.

    Otherwise...

    Wang Yang, Wang Yang. So, the ill fate between us was actually quite deep. It was not just in this lifetime!!!

 Chapter 363 - Itâ€™s a Misfortune to Be Well-Liked Too

    <h4>Chapter 363: It¡¯s a Misfortune to Be Well-Liked Too</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No. When Baoguo¡¯s mother was pregnant with him, she often told me that she only wanted to have one child and she hoped that she would give birth to a daughter. She asked me for my opinion. I told her that I liked daughter too. It¡¯s just that my father would be a little disappointed. Nan Nan, you matched the image of the daughter that Lee Shu and I had in our minds very well.¡±

    Obedient, sensible, abiding, and always striving for excellence.

    The daughter that he had imagined to be had appeared before him. To Zhu Chengqi, Qiao Nan was perfect and did not have any shorings.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet. She forced a smile. ¡°So, that¡¯s the reason?¡±

    So that was the reason!!!

    ¡°Why? Is something the matter?¡± Zhu Chengqi did not understand why Qiao Nan¡¯s expression turned so ugly when she heard his reply.

    ¡°No. Initially, there¡¯s a problem. Nevertheless, the problem has already been resolved now.¡± Qiao Nan let out a long breath. ¡°Uncle Zhu, thank you for giving me a reply.¡± After all, this made her understand what happened before her death in the previous lifetime.

    While Qiao Nan was suspecting that Wang Yang and Chen Jun knew each other, that Chen Jun possibly appeared in this lifetime under Wang Yang¡¯s orders, Qiao Nan had also been thinking for the past four to five days about something else. In her previous life, why did Chen Jun appear before her, woo her, and wish to marry her?

    In her previous lifetime, Zhu Baoguo had already been beaten to death by those hooligans. There was no one who would stand in the way of Wang Yang, so there was no need for Wang Yang to deal with her or use Chen Jun, his trump card. Was Chen Jun together with her because of Wang Yang, like what he did in this life?

    It was only now that Qiao Nan finally cleared all her doubts with what Zhu Chengqi said. There was a sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind and she was suddenly enlightened.

    After hearing Zhu Chengqi¡¯s response, Qiao Nan was very sure that Chen Jun¡¯s appearances in her two lifetimes were arranged by Wang Yang to deal with her.

    When Zhu Baoguo was still alive, Zhu Chengqi had already wished to acknowledge her as his goddaughter. During this period, Zhu Chengqi had been trying his best to find the learning materials that she needed. Although she was not Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter, Qiao Nan dared to say that the effort that Zhu Chengqi spent on her during this period was not any less than that of her biological father!

    When Qiao Dongliang had money, he did not show any concern for Qiao Nan. When he was concerned about Qiao Nan, he did not have any money. At most, he could provide moral support. Moreover, as a father, he asionally wavered and spared a thought for Qiao Zijin. He could notpletely focus on Qiao Nan alone.

    On the contrary, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s consideration for Qiao Nan was much more heartfelt. He often told Zhu Baoguo to protect Qiao Nan well at school and was not allowed to bully Qiao Nan. If Zhu Baoguo did anything wrong, Qiao Nan could disciple Zhu Baoguo directly. No matter what happened, he would be the backing for Qiao Nan.

    Inparison to Qiao Dongliang, Zhu Chengqi was more like her father.

    Hence, Qiao Nan couldpletely imagine the utter despair and decadence that Zhu Chengqi felt when Zhu Baoguo died in the previous lifetime. The only longing that Lee Shu left for Zhu Chengqi was gone.

    At that time, what if Zhu Chengqi still thought that she resembled the daughter that he and Lee Shu had imagined? Once Zhu Chengqi formally acknowledged her as his goddaughter, he would most likely give all the importance and love that he had for Zhu Baoguo to her.

    If that were the case, then even though Wang Yang finally caused Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death after much effort, it would all be in vain. That being said, all of Wang Yang¡¯s effort would benefit her in the end?

    That¡¯s why Wang Yang could not tolerate her existence!

    However, Qiao Nan did not understand why Zhu Chengqi eventually dispelled the intention to acknowledge her as his goddaughter after she agreed to be with Chen Jun. However, she was certain that whatever she guessed was close to the truth.

    ¡°Are you really alright?¡± Zhu Chengqi did not believe her. ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Should we go to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°No need. I¡¯m really fine. Let¡¯s go out. If we don¡¯t, Zhu Baoguo will most likelye to look for us.¡± Qiao Nan took a long deep breath then exhaled it.

    Zhu Chengqi confirmed again that besides looking unwell, there was nothing odd about Qiao Nan. ¡°Alright. Nevertheless, as I¡¯ve said earlier, both you and your dad and you could consider my proposal. Baoguo likes you very much and has been treating you like his younger sister. If you be my goddaughter, Baoguo will definitely be very happy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to defer this matter to my dad. Thank you, Uncle Zhu.¡± Qiao Nan gave a bitter smile. She nearly could not bring herself to say the word ¡®thanks¡¯.

    In her previous lifetime, she did not get married and leave her family, and was eventually bullied to death. It was, in fact, because Chen Jun¡¯s betrayal had a huge impact and influence on her.

    In other words, if Zhu Chengqi had not fancied her to be his daughter, she would never have met a scum like Chen Jun and encountered the mishap.

    ¡°Dad, just how difficult of a question did Nan Nan ask you that both of you are still not out yet after quite some time?¡± True enough, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s noisy voice instantly broke the awkwardness and stiff atmosphere between Qiao Nan and Zhu Chengqi.

    At the sight of Zhu Chengqi and Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang, who had been craning his neck, turned his head and pretended to read the newspapers.

    Qiao Dongliang could sense that Zhu Chengqi was serious. Thus, Qiao Dongliang felt that although his son-inw had not appeared, there was already another man fighting with him for his daughter. How could that do!

    At the thought of how good Zhu Chengqi was to Qiao Nan and how he had failed his fatherly duty all this while, Qiao Dongliang felt extremely guilty. He was truly fearful that this good daughter of his would be kidnapped away by Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°Even if I tell you, will you understand?¡± Zhu Chengqi was not afraid of embarrassing Zhu Baoguo. His words were as venomous as a snake¡¯s poison.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be arrogant. I¡¯m still young. As long as I am willing to, why can¡¯t I understand!¡± Zhu Baoguo felt embarrassed in front of Qiao Nan. His face turned red and his neck swelled as he looked at Zhu Chengqi angrily.

    Was this his biological father? He refused to give him any face each time they were with Nan Nan. He was too much!

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before that I¡¯ll seed one day! If you don¡¯t understand, you¡¯ll just have to wait and see!¡± He would try his best to improve and not let others look down on him even if he was not good enough. Did his father think that he would continue to be bullied? Don¡¯t think that he would give in just because he was his father. No way!

    Zhu Chengqi sat down. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll wait for that day.¡±

    If that day would trulye, then he and Nan Nan would not need to spend so much effort for the sake of this sillyd.

    At the thought of what Qiao Nan did for Zhu Baoguo, Zhu Chengqi suspected once again whether Zhu Baoguo was the elder brother or Qiao Nan the elder sister.

    On this day, Zhu Chengqi and Zhu Baoguo stayed in the Qiao family until quitete.

    At about four o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the small quad, which was initially rather empty, was not only installed with a phone but also a television.

 Chapter 364 - What Is so Good about Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 364: What Is so Good about Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course, all these were paid by Zhu Chengqi. He gave them to Qiao Nan and said that they would make her learning and daily life more convenient.

    While sitting in the car, Zhu Baoguo yawned. ¡°Dad, do you think Auntie and her family would have gone home when we¡¯re back?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Wang Yang and Zhu Qin might want to leave due to anger, but Wang Qinglin would definitely not.

    ¡°It¡¯s too annoying.¡± Zhu Baoguo grimaced. ¡°Can¡¯t they be more self-aware as a person? Aren¡¯t our attitudes obvious enough?¡± If not for the fact that his grandfather was still around, he really did not wish to let the Wang family enter the house of the Zhu family. They were so shameless.

    He could never understand why the Wang family was so thick-skinned and continued to be rtives with them after Wang Yang¡¯s bad deed was exposed. They acted as if the rtionship was as good as before. Their shamelessness was indescribable.

    ¡°Self-awareness?¡± Upon hearing this word, Zhu Chengqi smiled. ¡°Saying that showed that you¡¯re not mature enough. In the face of great benefits, dignity and self-awareness are all as superficial as clouds. Wang Qinglin is a smart man. The Wang family spent so much effort to marry your auntie. Before fully making use of this rtionship, it¡¯s impossible for the word ¡®self-awareness¡¯ to appear in the Wang family.¡±

    The Wang family¡¯s design for the Zhu family was not that simple, and Wang Qinglin did not marry Zhu Qin out of love only. Zhu Chengqi had known about this all along.

    Regardless, he seemed to be unable to avoid such a situation in a family like his.

    As long as the Wang family did not go overboard and his sister, Zhu Chengqi, was truly happy, Zhu Chengqi never felt that it was an issue for the Wang family to take a little advantage of them.

    However, if the interests of the Wang family were to be built by sacrificing his only son, Zhu Chengqi could no longer be as easy-going as he used to be.

    Although Elder Zhu was still around, Zhu Chengqi had not been giving the Wang family any face for over a year.

    The time Zhu Chengqi spent in the Zhu¡¯s residence was already very scarce. In the past, Wang Qinglin could only meet Zhu Chengqi, his elder brother-inw, a few times in a year. However, ever since Wang Yang¡¯s deed of feeding Zhu Baoguo with fruits immersed in sleeping drugs was exposed, Wang Qinglin had not seen Zhu Chengqi for more than one year.

    ¡°Auntie¡¯s surname is also Zhu. Why can¡¯t she understand? If the Zhu family is not good, did she think that the Wang family will treat her well?¡± At the mention of Zhu Qin, Zhu Baoguo felt more depressed.

    Zhu Chengqi closed his eyes. ¡°Your auntie¡¯s surname is Zhu, but his husband and son bear the surname Wang. The Wang family doesn¡¯t have the ability to bring down the Zhu family. Under this premise, your auntie is, of course, biased toward the Wang family.¡±

    True enough, it was almost nine o¡¯clock at night when Zhu Chengqi and his son returned to the house of the Zhu family, but Wang Qinglin¡¯s family of three was still around.

    ¡°Elder brother, you¡¯re back.¡± Wang Qinglin, who had been sitting and waiting for the entire day, did not look unhappy at all. Instead, he disyed a very respectful attitude toward Zhu Chengqi.

    At the sight of Zhu Qin¡¯s ck and unresponsive face, Wang Qinglin gave Zhu Qin a tug. Zhu Qin pushed his hand away and refused to speak. She was angry. When she was still ady in the Zhu family, her brother and father doted on her. Now, all of them did not treat her as part of the Zhu family.

    On the first day of the Lunar New Year, they visited Elder Lee at the house of the Lee family. She could not say anything about it as Elder Lee was her elder brother¡¯s father-inw.

    But what did he mean by his actions today? The Qiao family and the Zhu family had nothing to do with each other. Why did her elder brother ignore her whole family and went out to meet the outsiders? He even stayed out and returned home sote.

    If Qinglin had not insisted, she would have gone home.

    ¡°Uncle, Brother Baoguo.¡± Wang Yang, whose bottom felt numb from sitting all day long, was smiling like a flower at the sight of the two of them. ¡°Brother Baoguo, you¡¯re back sote. You must be feeling cold. Come over, sit down and drink some hot tea to warm up your body.¡±

    Wang Qinglin discreetly nodded. Yang Yang was truly his son. He was unlike Zhu Qin who could not think clearly at times.

    Actually, Wang Qinglin knew that Zhu Qin did not bother to hide anything when she was with the Zhu family. She was unafraid since her surname was Zhu and she belonged to the Zhu family. Nevertheless, he and his son bore the surname Wang and belonged to the Wang family.

    The Zhu family would definitely tolerate Zhu Qin, but not him and his son.

    ¡°Brother, I often hear from Wang Yang that Qiao Nan is a very outstanding child. If there¡¯s a chance, could you let us meet with her too?¡± Wang Qinglin was not embarrassed and even used Qiao Nan as a bridge. ¡°Yang Yang, this child, is obedient, yet naughty at times. I need to find a good example for him and let him know how a truly good child behaves.¡±

    ¡°What good child? No matter how good Qiao Nan is, she¡¯s not rted to our Zhu family in any way. Brother, you have the thoughts to be good to other people¡¯s child, but why don¡¯t you spend more effort on Baoguo and Yang Yang?¡± Zhu Qin was dissatisfied. Her son was his biological nephew.

    She had never seen her brother treated Yang Yang that well, so how could another family¡¯s child snatch away the benefit? It was unfair.

    ¡°Brother, did you be foolish and muddle-headed from staying in the camp for too long? There are two children in your own family that need your concern, yet you¡¯re so good to an outsider. What are you thinking of?¡± Zhu Qin aired out all the grievances that she had umted over the recent period.

    It was rare for men in the army to see women. Had water gone into his brother¡¯s brains that another family¡¯s daughter was like a rare gem to him now?

    After letting Zhu Qin vent her frustration, Zhu Chengqi said calmly, ¡°I only have one son.¡±

    ¡°But Yang Yang is also your biological nephew.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s only my nephew, and his parents dote on him. Even if there¡¯s a need to dote, it won¡¯t be his uncle¡¯s turn to do so.¡± There was a sh in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes. He took a nce at Wang Qinglin and Wang Yang.

    As long as Zhu Qin was present, this pair of father and son would not say more in front of him. In that case, Zhu Qin would be the bad guy, whereas Wang Qinglin and Wang Yang would be the good guys. How could he not understand this two-faced drama? It was just a little disgusting.

    ¡°Pfft...¡± Upon hearing that, Zhu Baoguo was so happy. He nearlyughed out loud and couldn¡¯t help but leak out a weird sound. It was aggravating enough.

    Seeing that Wang Yang¡¯s expression was about to change, Wang Qinglin grabbed Wang Yang¡¯s hands. Wang Qinglin maintained the smile on his face. ¡°What Brother said is right. Yang Yang has his grandpa, grandma, dad, and mom doting on him. Yang Yang, you have so many people who dote on you, so you have to do even better. Your uncle and maternal grandpa have been treating you so well since a young age. You must not let everyone down.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t. Uncle, while I was reading ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯ previously, there¡¯re some parts that I didn¡¯t understand. Can I seek your guidance?¡± Wang Yang managed to suppress his fit of anger.

    Wang Qinglin looked assured as he curled his lips into a smile. He then looked at Zhu Baoguo and waited for him to lose his temper.

    Zhu Baoguo gave a big yawn and then leaned against the sofa. ¡°Wang Yang, you¡¯re so hardworking. You waited until the middle of the night just to seek advice from my dad. It seems like I have to learn from you too.¡±

 Chapter 365 - There Are Improvements Finally

    <h4>Chapter 365: There Are Improvements Finally</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m also quite interested in ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯ recently. Why don¡¯t I join in to listen?¡±

    In the past, Zhu Baoguo was most impatient in learning. As such, Wang Yang would always use learning as an excuse to spend individual time with Zhu Chengqi to improve Zhu Chengqi¡¯s impression of him. Zhu Baoguo despised learning so much and would definitely distance himself away.

    Hence, when Zhu Baoguo said this, Wang Yang and Wang Qinglin¡¯s faces turned pale. They reacted strongly.

    Although Zhu Qin was not quite used to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s curiosity, she still had some conscience. She said, ¡°It¡¯s good to be close. The two of you can learn together. If you have any questions, you can ask them together too. Both of you can also discuss it. You both should have done this long ago.¡±

    How good would that be? If they had any questions, they could discuss, learn, and improve together.

    Regardless of the number of misunderstandings Baoguo and Yang Yang had, after getting along for some time, they would clear up eventually. The brothers¡¯ rtionship would only improve.

    When Zhu Baoguo heard what Zhu Qin said, he looked at Wang Yang and smiled.

    The look in Wang Yang¡¯s eyes was sinister and scary. His mouth simply pursed and formed a straight line.

    Regardless of what question he asked, Zhu Baoguo would definitely poke his nose into it as long as his uncle was around. However, when his uncle was not at home, Zhu Baoguo would not bother about him. Just as in the past, he would definitely force Grandpa to ban him froming to the house of the Zhu family.

    Over these two years, Zhu Baoguo had progressed more than just a little.

    ¡°Fine, the two of you can ask questions together.¡± Zhu Chengqi pretended not to notice the conflict andpetition between Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang. He thus sang a simr tune with Zhu Qin.

    Each time Wang Yang came to look for Zhu Chengqi, he never came unprepared. He really did bring the questions along with him.

    When he heard Wang Yang posed the questions in a decent manner, Zhu Baoguo raised his eyebrows. He finally knew why he lost out to Wang Yang in the past. ¡°So, this is what you wanted to ask. I can exin this to you without the need to trouble my dad. It¡¯s a rare chance. You¡¯ve addressed me as an elder brother for more than a decade. Today, I can finally fulfill my duty as a brother.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo took out his own ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯ book and started exining to Wang Yang. Who would have thought that Zhu Baoguo, who was once the naughtyd who used to y truancy and fail his examinations all the time, would have such an eloquent manner?

    Whoever saw the current Zhu Baoguo would say that he was a child who loved to learn. He was like a little eminent writer who knew a lot. It was truly not exaggerating to say that he was guiding Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang sought Zhu Chengqi¡¯s guidance because he wanted to show his diligence and enthusiasm in seeking answers. It was not to highlight Zhu Baoguo¡¯s progress and knowledge.

    ¡°Do you get it now? Or is there anything that you still don¡¯t understand? You can ask me. I¡¯ll see if I¡¯m able to answer.¡±

    ¡°No, no need.¡± Wang Yang gave a grim smile. When he tugged the corners of his lips, they were so stiff that Wang Yang could hardly control them. ¡°Brother, I often heard from Grandpa that your studies have improved a lot. I didn¡¯t feel it previously, but I¡¯ve sensed it deeply today. Truly formidable!¡±

    Since when did the ignorant and ipetent Zhu Baoguo be interested in these things?!

    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s good.¡± Zhu Baoguo smiledcently. In the past, he felt that ancient Chinese prose werecking in fluency and hard to understand. He almost bit off his own tongue to recognize and recite all those words in the books even once, not to mention understand them.

    ¡°Looking at that happy smile on your face, Brother, you must have been influenced by Qiao Nan. It¡¯s truly good that you have Qiao Nan as your friend. She thought of everything for you.¡± The influence that Qiao Nan had on Zhu Baoguo was apparently great. Zhu Baoguo was now willing to ept the ancient Chinese prose.

    ¡°That... I don¡¯t only mix around with the badpany. I don¡¯t need many good friends, just one will do.¡± Zhu Baoguo didn¡¯t feel any resentment and anger toward Wang Yang¡¯s tone when he mentioned Qiao Nan. Instead, he replied to him proudly. He wasughing at Wang Yang that thetter did not have such a capable friend like Qiao Nan, whereas he did.

    Wang Yang was not as good as he thought to be.

    Zhu Baoguo did not know that if not for his repeated emphasis of Qiao Nan¡¯s existence in front of Wang Yang, it would not have been possible for Qiao Nan to meet the scum, Chen Jun, so early in this lifetime.

    Zhu Baoguo did not realize that Zhu Chengqi was already aware of Chen Jun¡¯s existence.

    When Zhu Baoguo said this, Zhu Chengqi restrained his eyes as he observed Wang Yang discreetly.

    In that instance, Zhu Chengqi caught the curse that shed beneath Wang Yang¡¯s eyes when Wang Yang heard Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

    In that case, Nan Nan¡¯s suspicion of Wang Yang trying to sow discord between Zhu Baoguo and her so that Baoguo would be bad was not unfounded. Wang Yang, this nephew of his, had surprised him and done something shocking again.

    ¡°Uncle, I don¡¯t have any other questions. I shall not disturb Grandpa and you from resting then.¡± After unintentionally allowing Zhu Baoguo to shine brightly in front of Zhu Chengqi, Wang Yang lost the interest to remain in the house of the Zhu family. He wished to go home and calm himself down.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Let me send you off?¡± Zhu Baoguo stood up. He crossed his arms and looked at Wang Yang in a provoking manner.

    ¡°No need!¡± Who needed Zhu Baoguo to send him off! When did Zhu Baoguo not only be interested in ancient prose but also polite in his manner?

    Was Qiao Nan a magician? He even changed Zhu Baoguo¡¯s heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys! Otherwise, why did Zhu Baoguo seem like he was a totally different person? He was nothing like the Zhu Baoguo that he knew in the past. He had changed.

    ¡°Baoguo, that¡¯s right. You¡¯re the elder brother. If Yang Yang is wrong, you should tell Yang Yang. If he doesn¡¯t change, you should tell Auntie. Auntie will definitely teach Yang Yang. The two of you are brothers. Is the rtionship between the two of youparable to outsiders? You must be united and support each other. That way, the Zhu family and the Wang family will have a good rtionship. Understand?¡±

    It was rare for Zhu Baoguo to send them off. Zhu Qin was overjoyed.

    Baoguo¡¯s studies had improved and he was a changed person. He knew how to respect her as his auntie and send people off.

    True enough, children that loved to learn are the best in the world.

    Zhu Baoguo did not reply to Zhu Qin directly. He looked at Wang Yang smilingly and replied, ¡°Auntie, it¡¯s already sote. When you are on the way home, you must ask the chauffeur to drive slowly and not to rush.¡±

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t. The weather is cold. Let¡¯s go back quickly.¡± Zhu Qin nodded happily. Zhu Baoguo sent them off and waited as they boarded the car and left the house of the Zhu family.

    As soon as the car of the Wang family left, a sarcastic smile appeared on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face. ¡°Ah, Wang Yang, I initially thought that you¡¯re very awesome. I didn¡¯t know that you only have so much capability. Oh...¡±

    ¡°Oh? What are you oh-ing about?¡± Zhu Chengqi gave Zhu Baoguo a p on his head. ¡°Sillyd.¡±

    If Nan Nan had not been by Baoguo¡¯s side, he did not know what Baoguo would have be with Wang Yang¡¯s plotting against him.

 Chapter 366 - If You Canâ€™t, Iâ€™ll Get Someone Else to Do It

    <h4>Chapter 366: If You Can¡¯t, I¡¯ll Get Someone Else to Do It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nan Nan was right. Baoguo was not mature enough. His current thinking could not match that of Wang Yang at all. If Baoguo confronted Wang Yang head-on impulsively, this silly son of his would definitely be the one to lose out.

    Judging from this, it seemed like he had to ¡®throw¡¯ Baoguo back to the army and give him some life skills training again. At least, he would need to train Baoguo¡¯s brain to be smarter.

    ¡°Dad, what did you speak to Xiao Qiao about today? Xiao Qiao¡¯s grades are very good. Would she have any questions to ask you? I don¡¯t believe it.¡± Zhu Baoguo rubbed his head that was pped. ¡°Are Xiao Qiao and you keeping something from me?¡±

    ¡°Do you think we will have anything to keep from you and her dad?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like there¡¯s anything.¡±

    ¡°Then, won¡¯t that do? It¡¯s already sote. Quickly wash up and sleep. Don¡¯t always let others urge you.¡± Although Baoguo¡¯s plotting ability was notparable to that of Wang Yang, he had, in fact, improved a lot.

    At the thought of the expression on Wang Yang¡¯s face when he left today, Zhu Chengqi calmly nced at Baoguo and was satisfied with the passable performance of his son, Zhu Baoguo. It was only now that he felt Baoguo had some resemnce to Lee Shu and him.

    It was rare that Zhu Chengqi and Zhu Baoguo could get along so peacefully. On the contrary, the atmosphere between Wang Yang and Wang Qinglin was not that good. ¡°Yang Yang, it¡¯s not that Dad is exerting pressure on you. Dad has told you about the situation of the Wang family long ago. Yang Yang, you have to buck up. Don¡¯t let Zhu Baoguo overtake you. In fact, even if Baoguo can¡¯t win against you, as long as he performs well and improves, you know the choice your maternal grandpa and uncle will make. Yang Yang, we all rely on you for the Wang family¡¯s future.¡±

    Wang Qinglin¡¯s words were still ringing in Wang Yang¡¯s ears. Each time he thought of Wang Qinglin¡¯s words, Wang Yang¡¯s mood would be extremely bad.

    Why wasn¡¯t his surname Zhu? Why was he not the son of his uncle?

    If he had been born earlier, there wouldn¡¯t have been so much trouble. Simr to Zhu Baoguo, he could have idled around and enjoyed the fruits of others¡¯bor. He could have easily had all the Zhu family had without the need to work hard. Truly, not everyone is equal. The world is unfair.

    At the thought of these issues, Wang Yang was so furious that he simply smashed all the cups in his bedroom to the floor.

    After losing a round of his temper, Wang Yang picked up the phone and dialed a number.

    ¡°Hello?¡± From the other side of the phone came Chen Jun¡¯s voice, which sounded gruff. Obviously, Wang Yang¡¯s call had disrupted Chen Jun¡¯s good dream.

    ¡°Ha, you slept so early? Be careful of kidney failure.¡± Wang Yang sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t care how you y with women usually but remember what I asked you to do. You¡¯d better show me your results as soon as possible. My patience is limited. If you don¡¯t have the capability, I don¡¯t mind changing to another person. There are many who wish to work for me. It¡¯s not just you, Chen Jun. Do you understand?¡±

    Chen Jun let go of the woman who was sleeping soundly in his arms. His expression turned serious. ¡°I¡¯m in the midst of working on it. You should have seen it. But this Qiao Nan is definitely different. Compared to other youngdies around her age, she is much more mature.¡±

    Hero saving the beauty, endless sincerity in love, and what not¡ªChen Jun had tried all these means but unfortunately, none of them worked. Now, Chen Jun was only left with hisst move and that was to throw money to win the beauty¡¯s smile. This was Chen Jun¡¯sst resort and one that Chen Jun did not wish to use most. He had this nagging feeling that the tactic that was most tried and tested was unlikely to work on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear any excuses. Whether Qiao Nan is hooked by your trap, that¡¯s your business and it has nothing to do with me. What I want is the oue. I¡¯ve already said that if you can¡¯t do it, I have no qualms about getting someone else to do this. The fact that Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t like you means you¡¯re notpetent enough. I¡¯ll take it as having made a wrong judgment. I¡¯ll give you one more month. If Qiao Nan continues to ignore you during this one month, then don¡¯t me me for being heartless. I can only ask someone else to do this. I don¡¯t have that much time to let you continue to waste them!¡±

    Having that said, Wang Yang simply mmed down the phone without listening to Chen Jun¡¯s exnation.

    At the beeping sound from the other end of the phone, Chen Jun¡¯s expression turned extremely ugly. On this asion, Wang Yang had really got him by the balls. He could not give up this opportunity. If he did, his father would have to wait for a few more years before he could be promoted from the deputy policemissioner to policemissioner.

    ¡°Chen Jun, what¡¯s the matter? It¡¯s already sote and you¡¯re not sleeping. We¡¯ve done it for so long. Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± The woman lying beside Chen Jun was awakened by the noise. At the mention of the ¡®war¡¯ between the two earlier, the woman¡¯s face turned redder. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t wish to sleep? Let me tell you first, I can¡¯t do it anymore. You¡¯re too much. Was it because you wished to maintain a squeaky clean good image that you never did this when you¡¯re still in the school back then?¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s face was cold. He let go of the woman. ¡°I¡¯ll send you back.¡±

    The squeaky clean image that he maintained in the school previously was useless now. Qiao Nan would not care about it. The effort that he had put in all this while was all in vain.

    After he attended college, Chen Jun held the belief that a viin doesn¡¯t harm his next-door neighbors. He never had any romantic rtionships with thedies in the school, and neither did he have the habit of having one-night stands. After he received the mission regarding Qiao Nan, Chen Jun especially paid more attention to this aspect.

    Just like no man would be annoyed that his wife was a virgin, which woman in the world would not like to be the only one for her husband?

    Chen Jun always believed that he could definitely make use of this point to move Qiao Nan and make her ept him.

    However, when he came back this time, Chen Jun realized that everything that he had done could not win Qiao Nan¡¯s heart. During the past six months, he had constantly written to Qiao Nan. He eventually retreated intentionally for the sake of advancing and even visited Qiao Nan on a special day such as the first day of the Lunar New Year.

    Qiao Nan did not care about the good image that he had maintained in the school. She also would not act ording to his wish and visit his school to find out about his situation.

    The mission that was supposedly easy toplete had been a fiasco. That little physical need of Chen Jun alsopletely vanished with this phone call of Wang Yang.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± The woman looked at Chen Jun in disbelief. ¡°Can you repeat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back. Now.¡± Chen Jun got up from the bed and wore his clothes. ¡°Hurry.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Chen Jun had worn his shirt and pants. Of course, Chen Jun was not kidding. He was serious. That woman sneered. ¡°All of you men are truly heartless after sleeping with a woman. I didn¡¯t know that you¡¯re no different, Chen Jun.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to send me. I¡¯ll leave by myself. Don¡¯t look for me again in the future. I don¡¯t wish to see you anymore!¡± The woman dressed up, threw a pillow at Chen Jun, and ran out of the house of the Chen family.

    When she reached the entrance of the house, the woman halted her steps and looked back. Seeing that Chen Jun was really nowhere in sight, she stomped her feet in fury.

 Chapter 367 - The More, The Merrier

    <h4>Chapter 367: The More, The Merrier</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Chen Jun sat on the balcony. After confirming that the woman had left his house, he took out his cigarette and started smoking quietly.

    It was only until there were more than ten cigarette butts on the floor that Chen Jun let out a sigh and returned to the bedroom.

    Wang Yang had made himself clear. If he could not settle the matter regarding Qiao Nan within one month, and Qiao Nan did not reveal any liking for him, then Wang Yang would ask someone else to do this. His father had been in the role of the deputy policemissioner for a long time. After much difficulty, he finally found an opportunity through Wang Yang. So, this time, the matter pertaining to Qiao Nan must not fail.

    Judging from this, he must definitely wreck his brains to deal with Qiao Nan.

    Chen Jun always felt that this matter was not urgent. At the very least, it was not that urgent and he couldpletely take it a step at a time to break the barrier between Qiao Nan and him and grab hold of her tightly in his hands.

    He did not expect that a senior high school student, who was usually an easy target to ¡®kidnap¡¯, would have a psychological wall so tall and thick that hepletely had no means to climb over. It was also not within Chen Jun¡¯s control that Wang Yang was so anxious about this matter. This was totally unexpected.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. Are you going there?¡± Early in the morning, Qiao Zijin¡¯s dissatisfied tone could be hearding from the small courtyard of the Qiao family. ¡°If you¡¯re still not going, those things will go into Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy. Mom, were you just coaxing me back then? All those words were unreal, weren¡¯t they? Were you lying to me?¡±

    One day after another. The first day of the Lunar New Year had passed, yet nothing. The second and third days passed by in the same fashion. Eventually, one week had passed and Qiao Zijin had not seen any of what Ding Jiayi promised to bring back for her.

    On the contrary, the two kilograms of dried food brought back by Qiao Zijin previously had been used up.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that there¡¯s a lot of them? Qiao Nan¡¯s appetite is as small as that of a cat. How could she possibly finish eating all of them in such a short time? Even if I wish to help you by looking for your dad to ask for the things, I need to find a suitable reason. If I simply go over and take them, will your dad give them to me? If your dad was really so easy to convince, you would have brought back all the stuff that day.¡± Ding Jiayi looked like she was in a difficult situation.

    Ding Jiayi agreed to this matter readily, but on hindsight, she realized that it was hard to do it.

    She had not managed to coax her husband back home, and Old Qiao was obviously biased toward Qiao Nan. Besides, the things were with Old Qiao. If Old Qiao was not willing to, whatever she thought would be useless.

    ¡°There¡¯s only one more week before the school reopens. Qiao Nan may not finish them quickly, but what should we do if she brings them to school for her ssmates?¡± Qiao Zijin was judging others by oneself. She felt that Qiao Nan would finish the food off even if there were a lot of them.

    Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°No, that wretched girl is a little heartless, but she should be able to differentiate clearly between her own family and the outsiders. I don¡¯t believe that she will give them to outsiders instead of her own biological sister.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t be sure about that. Qiao Nan may bring them to school for her ssmates to eat for the sake of winning them over. Anyway, it¡¯s already the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. Mom, are you able to do what you¡¯ve promised me? I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡± Qiao Zijin would not ept any exnation. She only wanted one thing, and that was for her mother to quickly bring over all of the dried food. It would be the best if she did not leave anything for Qiao Nan.

    Cornered by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had no alternative but to visit Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ce on the seventh day of Lunar New Year. Even if she really could not bring back all the things, at the very least, she could bring some home to appease Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re going too? Are you sure that you¡¯re not going to stay at home today?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s voice could be hearding from the quad.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m going. I won¡¯t be at home,¡± Miao Jing said coldly.

    Zhai Hua smiled secretly. ¡°But Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family will be visiting today. We could let Zhai Sheng leave, but you¡¯re thedy owner of the house. Is it really good if you¡¯re not around?¡±

    In the past, whenever the Qiu family would visit, her mother would be anxious beyond words, feeling that she had to be present in the house to entertain everyone. Moreover, her mother would dress presentably and doll herself up to look extremely energetic on such a day. Undoubtedly, her mother would wear the pair of unsuitable high heel shoes that was given to her by her father. She would then entertain the Qiu family for the entire day.

    That alertness andbat-ready spirit of hers was akin to meeting the president of the country. It was so exaggerated.

    Today, when Miao Jing said that she would be visiting Qiao Nan at the house of the Qiao family, Zhai Hua was thoroughly surprised.

    ¡°No issue. It will suffice that your father is around. Some people may be happier that I, thedy owner, am not around,¡± Miao Jing said in a fit of anger. In the past, she was silly and refused to concede defeat. However, every time she saw Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min smiling, their eyes meeting, looking as if they were soul mates who could understand each other without uttering many words, Miao Jing felt as if a knife was pierced into her heart and lungs.

    In the past, she had not sorted out her thoughts and made herself suffer. This year, she just wished to have a more peaceful year. Would that do?

    ¡°But Dad is angry. He doesn¡¯t look happy at all.¡± Clearly, Zhai Hua felt the happiest that Miao Jing had sorted out her thoughts. However, she could not bring herself to shut her evil lips at this moment and purposely said these to aggravate Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing reached out her hands and pointed at Zhai Hua¡¯s forehead. ¡°You climbed out of my tummy. Would I not know how many intestines you have? You don¡¯t need to use this tactic to goad me into action. I won¡¯t turn back after I leave. Send me a message when the Qiu family has left. I don¡¯t wish to see the people I dislike in my house.¡±

    Even though she could notpete or fight with Qi Min, she could avoid her, right?

    If Zhai Yaohui was capable, he could leave her for Qi Min. Anyway, whoever wished to suffer in this life could go ahead. She was no longer willing to do so.

    ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t I doing this for your own good?¡± Zhai Hua was also embarrassed that her intentions had been exposed. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll help you into the car.¡±

    ¡°Go, go, go, you stubborn child. Your mom¡¯s age is not that old that I need someone to help me into the car. I¡¯ll go by myself.¡± Having said that, true enough, Miao Jing decisively went into the car with the charisma of a soldier¡¯sdy. Shepletely did not need the help of others.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, look after Mom.¡± After all, Mom still did not know that the ordinarydy whom Zhai Sheng liked was Nan Nan.

    It was rare for her mother and Nan Nan to have chemistry with each other. It would be best for the mother and daughter-inw to spend more time with each other. Their rtionship would then be more harmonious.

    Perhaps in a year or two, when her mother and Nan Nan¡¯s rtionship was stable and her mother knew that Nan Nan was the one that Zhai Sheng was going out with, she might readily approve of their rtionship.

    Judging from the repulsion that Miao Jing had toward the Qiu family, Zhai Hua felt that this situation was likely to ur.

    ¡°I know.¡± One was his wife-to-be and the other was his biological mother. Of course, he would watch after them well.

    ¡°Madam, are all of you going to visit my daughter, Nan Nan? Coincidentally, I am as well. Let¡¯s go together. The more, the merrier.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s ears were so sharp, particrly to the words that she was extremely pleased to hear. The full conversation between the mother, son, and daughter trio was overheard by Ding Jiayi, not a single word less.

 Chapter 368 - Let Us Chat

    <h4>Chapter 368: Let Us Chat</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Without waiting for Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction, Ding Jiayi were as swift as a mouse. All of a sudden, she scuffled out from the darkness and sneaked into the car at lightning speed. She even sat beside Miao Jing. ¡°Madam, your family car is really spacious and nice. I¡¯ve never sat in such a good car in my whole life. It¡¯s all thanks to your family¡¯s good fortune that I can sit in this kind of car. My life is considered worthy now.¡± As she said that, Ding Jiayi touched everywhere as if they were precious. Her pair of eyes was looking left and right without a moment of rest.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The mother and children trio of the Zhai family had a moment of silence, particrly Zhai Hua. She already reached out her hand and wanted to grab hold of Ding Jiayi.

    At the thought that she, as a soldier, could not even stop an ordinary person, Zhai Hua did not know if she should feel depressed for herck of physical agility or ¡®admire¡¯ Ding Jiayi¡¯s shamelessness which had reached an extraordinarily high level.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, quickly get into the car. Hua Hua, are you going? This car is spacious and can sit many people. Do you want to go together? Nan Nan will definitely be happy to see you.¡± Seeing that the Zhai family did not make any move, Ding Jiayi acted as if she was the owner of the car and took the initiative to call Zhai Hua toe along. It was as if the car belonged to her.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua tugged at the corners of her frozen lips. ¡°Auntie Ding, there¡¯s no need. I¡¯m not going. There¡¯ll be visitors at my house and I have to stay behind.¡±

    She had already experienced Ding Jiayi¡¯s ¡®great¡¯ character once. Today was the second time. However, Zhai Hua was full of ¡®admiration¡¯ for Ding Jiayi each time she met her. She did not understand why a person such as Ding Jiayi would exist in this world.

    She further could not understand how Ding Jiayi could be Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother. Qiao Nan did not resemble Ding Jiayi in any way no matter from which direction she looked from.

    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, then sure. You shoulde next time. Nan Nan and I will wait for you.¡± Having been addressed as ¡®Auntie Ding¡¯ out of Zhai Hua¡¯s courtesy, Ding Jiayi¡¯s bones nearly floated.

    The daughter of the chief called her ¡®auntie¡¯. Wouldn¡¯t that make her the sister of the chief¡¯s wife? In the future, did she have to address the chief as brother-inw when she saw him?!

    The day for a twist of luck to grace her life of failure had finallye!

    ¡°Sister, did my family¡¯s Nan Nan give you any trouble? Nan Nan is good at everything. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s too young and immature. She¡¯s also stubborn in her ways. I¡¯m really worried that she will provoke you and spoil our rtionship. Sister, actually, you cane to the small courtyard of our Qiao family when you have the spare time. I can chat with you and keep youpany to relieve your boredom. I have an elder daughter. You should have some impression of her. She¡¯s very pretty and smarter than Nan Nan. My family¡¯s Zijin is not only pretty but also smart. She studies at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If youe to my house, I can also let Zijin keep yourpany and chat with you.¡± After greeting Zhai Hua, Ding Jiayi turned her body and grabbed Miao Jing¡¯s hands as if she had a long-standing sisterly rtionship with Miao Jing.

    When she heard Ding Jiayi affectionately and enthusiastically as well as mncholically address her as ¡®sister¡¯, Miao Jing, who had her fair exposure to major events, had a fright. Her whole body shivered and had goosebumps all over instantly.

    Miao Jing wished to withdraw her hands but didn¡¯t expect that Ding Jiayi would be grabbing on them so strongly.

    Miao Jing¡¯s face turned red. She could not be bothered to give Ding Jiayi any face. She simply said. ¡°That... who are you again? Could you please let go of my hands?¡±

    ¡°Ah... Oh, alright. Sister, I was too nervous. Please don¡¯t mind me.¡± She was sisters with the wife of the chief. She would be so proud if other people knew about this.

    Her parents had been facing the field and the sky for their entire life. The most prominent people they¡¯d met with were the vige chief and the secretary. But she was different. She not only saw the chief but also became sisters with his wife. This was a major event that the vige folks would not expect to encounter in their entire lives.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, my head hurts and I¡¯m a little car sick. Move the stuff on the front seat to the trunk. Or you could move them to the back seat. I¡¯ll sit in the front seat.¡± Qiao Nan was totally different from her mother. Qiao Nan always made her feelfortable. She often forgot that Qiao Nan was actually a child who had not grown up.

    But when she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s mother...

    If Qiao Nan were like her mother, it would be impossible for her to speak a word more to Qiao Nan.

    Sister?

    When did her mother give her such a younger sister? It had been many decades, but why didn¡¯t she hear of it before?

    Ding Jiayi still wished to take the opportunity to bond with Miao Jing during the journey and hoped that Miao Jing would address her as ¡®younger sister¡¯. Thereafter, she would try her best to introduce Qiao Zijin to Miao Jing and let thetter take a liking to Qiao Zijin in hopes of thetter formally acknowledging Qiao Zijin as her goddaughter. Perfect!

    Hence, when she heard that Miao Jing was going to sit in the front seat, Ding Jiayi felt extremely regretful and wished so much for another brain that knew how to treat car sickness. In that case, Miao Jing would not need to sit in the front seat and it would be convenient to chat with her.

    However, Miao Jing was not feeling well. Ding Jiayi dared not hold her back. She even showed her concern constantly. ¡°Sister, then quickly sit in the front seat. Don¡¯t worry about those things and just put them at the back. These are gifts for our family, aren¡¯t they? It¡¯s fine to put them at the back. Even if they are crushed badly, it¡¯s the thought that counts. Sister, you treat me, my family, really well.¡±

    No wonder Qiao Nan had so many good things to eat. So, it was all given by the Zhai family.

    The family of the chief truly lived up to its name. Clearly, it was the same items but the quality was much better than the norm.

    When Zijin grew up in the future, she must definitely let her find a rich husband. Most importantly, he must be powerful and of certain status.

    At that time, she would not need to hitch on the glory of the Zhai family and could take a ride in this type of spacious car. That way, her sister would sit in one car and she the other. The two sisters would be so proud to go out together then!

    The more Ding Jiayi said, the worse Miao Jing¡¯s ¡®car sickness¡¯ was. She nearly vomited. This mother of Qiao Nan was too merciless.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was cold. He looked at Ding Jiayi without much emotion. Unlike Zhai Hua, he did not address Ding Jiayi as ¡®auntie¡¯ from the start. He quietly cleared the items on the front passenger seat to let Miao Jing take the seat.

    After Miao Jing sat well, Zhai Hua did not mind the trouble to pile up the items which could actually be ced in the trunk on the back seat of the car instead. She very much wished to drown Ding Jiayi with these items.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face turned ck. Her mother¡¯s mood was already bad in the first ce because the Qiu family was visiting their house today. Her mother¡¯s expression looked slightly better when they mentioned about looking for Qiao Nan in the small quad. Unexpectedly, they met the shameless Ding Jiayi at this juncture who addressed her mother as her elder sister. Ah, where did Ding Jiayi¡¯s self-confidencee from?

    Was her addressing Ding Jiayi as ¡®auntie¡¯ the cause of this? Thetter really took others¡¯ politeness for granted.

    ¡°Sister, I heard that one won¡¯t feel that sick if they chat more with others when they¡¯re traveling in the car.¡±

 Chapter 369 - Please Shut Up

    <h4>Chapter 369: Please Shut Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Let¡¯s chat. You¡¯ll feel morefortable if we do. Sister, I often see Brother-inw and youing in and out of the quad. You¡¯re away more often than you¡¯re home. Is Brother-inw really that busy? If he¡¯s so busy, why don¡¯t you find someone to help him? If Brother-inw has someone to assist him, he will definitely feel more at ease.¡±

    Perhaps when that time came, Old Qiao would have the opportunity to resume his previous career. She would then have the possibility to be the wife of a high ranking soldier!

    Miao Jing¡¯s face revealed an expression of ridicule. Havinge into contact with all sorts of bad characters, of course Miao Jing understood Ding Jiayi¡¯s true meaning behind those words.

    Ding Jiayi was requesting a stranger in an imposing manner to help pave an opportunity for her husband. Miao Jing held her forehead. This would not do. Her head was getting dizzier.

    She was happy to chat with Qiao Nan. However, when she chatted with Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, just being a passive listener already made her feel terrible.

    She had clearly sat in the front seat to distance herself away from Ding Jiayi, but Ding Jiayi actually refused to sit properly. Instead, she bent forward, almost standing up, and held the back of Miao Jing¡¯s seat. She moved her head closer to Miao Jing and insisted to chat with Miao Jing even in such an ufortable position. Miao Jing could hardly tolerate this behavior.

    Miao Jing leaned on the back of the seat and closed her eyes. Why didn¡¯t Qiao Nan¡¯s mother feel awkward when she did this?

    ¡°My mother is unwell. Can we not talk?¡± Through the rearview mirror, Zhai Sheng said without reservation. Ding Jiayi was clearly seizing the opportunity to make her requests.

    ¡°Oh, alright. Sister, then you rest well. Upon reaching our house, we can have a good chat again once you feel better. There¡¯s no hurry. We¡¯ll have a lot of opportunities and time in the future.¡± Ding Jiayi zipped her mouth thereafter. Rich people were spoiled. They were used to afortable life and had a lot of such illnesses.

    She had never sat in such a good private car before. Car sickness and difort? She felt none of those. She only felt the fast speed of the car and thefortable seat under her that was cushy and springy.

    This would not do. When Zijin was married to a good family, she did not want anything else. She just wanted her son-inw to get her such a good car and a chauffeur. She could then be chauffeured to wherever she wanted to go. That would be so shy!

    At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi finally quiet down and spared the back of Miao Jing¡¯s car seat, sitting properly in her own seat.

    As she could not chat with Miao Jing, Ding Jiayi then ced her thoughts on the gifts that Zhai Sheng was delivering to the small quad. At the sight of these valuable items, of which many she had not seen before, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes revealed a ray of greed.

    There¡¯s so many good stuff. How good would that be if she could bring some of them back for Zijin to supplement her health?

    These items were definitely valuable! If she took them out to sell, she would most probably have Zijin¡¯s school fees for the next few semesters covered.

    The Zhai family obviously lived up its name. They were so generous in their gifts.

    The Zhai family did not have an intimate rtionship with the Qiao family. Did the wife of the chief truly wish to acknowledge her as a sister?

    Zhai Sheng did not miss any of Ding Jiayi¡¯s expressions.

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng finally understood why Qiao Nan was unwilling to stay in the small courtyard of the Qiao family, which she had grown up in ever since she was a child, on the night of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve despite howte and cold that night was. She would rather return to the small quad, which was not really her home, to pass the night of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve.

    It was Qiao Nan¡¯s greatest sorrow in her life to have a mother like Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Sister, we¡¯ve reached.¡± Once they arrived at the small quad, Ding Jiayi first opened her mouth and said loudly before others could react. ¡°Nan Nan,e over and wee your Auntie Miao. Your Auntie Miao is unwell. Quickly pour a cup of hot tea for her. This child really is... You¡¯re already clumsy as is, and you even dawdle now. You¡¯re not smart and don¡¯t resemble your sister at all. Speed up, the visitor has arrived. As a host, you should make preparations earlier.¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you shouting about?¡± At the sound of Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice, Qiao Dongliang immediately shouted at her when he came out of the house before he could figure what Ding Jiayi was talking about. ¡°You... Zhai Sheng? You all are really here. This is...?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had not seen Miao Jing before. Nevertheless, when he saw Miao Jinging here together with Zhai Sheng, and given the situation that Qiao Nan had described to him, Qiao Dongliang could guess who Miao Jing was. ¡°Madam... Madam Zhai?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all family. Do you know how to address people? What madam? Call her ¡®sister¡¯.¡± Ding Jiayi was dissatisfied as Old Qiao¡¯s way of addressing Miao Jing could possibly widen the distance between Miao Jing and them. It was hard for her to acknowledge this sister. How silly of Old Qiao.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned red then crimson, especially when he saw that when Ding Jiayi said the word ¡®sister¡¯, Miao Jing¡¯s face nearly turned ck on the spot.

    The Qiao family did not have any interactions with the Zhai family. If not for Qiao Nan, the Qiao family would be like passersby to the Zhai family.

    Madam Zhai and Zhai Sheng obviously came because of Qiao Nan, yet Ding Jiayi was shameless enough to address the other party as ¡®sister¡¯, as if Madam Zhai and Zhai Sheng came for her. If that had really been the case, they would have gone to the small courtyard of the Qiao family directly.

    ¡°Nan Nan, your Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai are here.¡± Enduring the impulse to hide his face, Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and shouted for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai are here?¡± When she heard that, Qiao Nan was extremely surprised. It was the first few days of the Lunar New Year. Wouldn¡¯t the entrance of the Zhai family¡¯s residence be crowded with people who wanted to wish them a happy New Year, just like that of her master? She thought that it had been an idental urrence on the first day of the Lunar New Year. However, they were here again on the seventh day of the New Year today. Did the Zhai family have so much spare time? She did not believe it.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, Brother Zhai, are you really here?¡± When she saw the two of them, Qiao Nan was stupefied.

    Although she and Zhai Sheng were already together, Qiao Nan never wished for them to be like any other couples. To others, a day away from their loved ones felt like three seasons. Zhai Sheng and she were destined not to have such a ¡®sticky¡¯ situation.

    They had met twice within the first seven days of the Lunar New Year. This was already way beyond Qiao Nan¡¯s expectations.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you saying the obvious?¡± Ding Jiayi disciplined her. True enough, this wretched girl did not know how to speak properly. It sounded like the wretched girl did not wish for her sister and Zhai Sheng toe. ¡°Sister, don¡¯t take any issue with Nan Nan. I¡¯ve already said that this child is not smart enough. Her tongue is not sweet enough. Don¡¯t take it to heart. Let¡¯s go in and chat? I¡¯ve so many things that I wish to tell you about.¡±

    ¡°Sister?¡± A big question mark appeared on each of Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. When were her mother and Auntie Miao on such good terms? When did they be sisters?

    Miao Jing, who had a high tolerance level, gave a stiff smile. ¡°Mr. Qiao, can I talk to Qiao Nan alone? Nan Nan, this child, I really like her. Our family¡¯s Hua Hua is used to being untamed ever since she was little. She¡¯s like a boy and doesn¡¯t seem like a girl at all. Your family¡¯s Nan Nan is good. She¡¯s obedient and sensible. I like to chat with her.¡±

 Chapter 370 - I Donâ€™t Know You Well

    <h4>Chapter 370: I Don¡¯t Know You Well</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Within the Qiao family, she only wanted to chat with Qiao Nan.

    Before Qiao Dongliang could reply, Ding Jiayi interrupted them. ¡°Sister, Nan Nan is still young and doesn¡¯t know anything. What can she chat with you about? Let me keep youpany and chat with you. Old Qiao should also make a trip to our house and get Zijin toe over. We can let Zijin and you, my sister, bond with each other.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was fighting for the opportunity to be the ¡®leader¡¯ at all times. She certainly did not forget about her most beloved daughter.

    ¡°Sister, you¡¯ve not interacted with our family¡¯s Zijin before. As long as you chat with her, you¡¯ll definitely like that child. That elder daughter of mine is pretty and smart. She is really blessed. People nowadays don¡¯t believe in this anymore. When I just gave birth to Zijin, a passing by fortune teller told me that Zijin is someone who will bring good fortune to her family and husband.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe in this too,¡± Miao Jing replied with a weak smile.

    ¡°Sister, you don¡¯t believe it?¡± Ding Jiayi felt extremely disappointed. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t believe it either. It¡¯s just to get some good luck. Old Qiao, what are you waiting for? My sister wants to see Zijin. Let Zijine over and see her elder auntie. It¡¯s the Lunar New Year. Zijin should also wish my sister a happy New Year.¡±

    If the chief¡¯s wife really acknowledged them as a family, she did not need to worry about Zijin¡¯s future anymore.

    With an elder auntie like the chief¡¯s wife, would Zijin still need to do well in her studies? She would be able tond a job in a few seconds!

    ¡°There¡¯s no such need.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s smiling face nearly crumbled. ¡°After all, New Year is just about red packets. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t know your elder daughter well. There¡¯s no need to let the child make so many trips. The reason that I came today is to see Nan Nan. The two of you are husband and wife and hardly meet each other. You should chat. Nan Nan, where¡¯s your room? Bring me there.¡±

    Miao Jing expressed clearly that she did not know Qiao Zijin well and did not wish to meet her.

    In fact, she did not know Ding Jiayi well either. It was just that Ding Jiayi¡¯s skill of seizing the opportunity for her own benefit was really superb.

    Miao Jing had not been blunt and Ding Jiayi¡¯s enthusiasm increased as she spoke. She looked as if Miao Jing were truly her rtive. The affection shown was akin to that of a biological sister. It made others feel extremely ufortable.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, my bedroom is over there.¡± Qiao Nan could not stand the shameless demeanor of Ding Jiayi any longer too. Her mother kept calling Auntie Miao ¡®sister¡¯, but Auntie Miao did not acknowledge it at all. Even so, her mother¡¯s fawning did not cease.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine not to fetch, then. Let¡¯s go to the room together.¡± Ding Jiayi had no choice but to give up on the idea of fetching Qiao Zijin here. However, she did not give up the thought of chatting with Miao Jing.

    ¡°No need. I only wish to chat with Nan Nan. Your surname is Ding, right? Ding Jiayi, can you not disturb Nan Nan and me? I also don¡¯t really like strangers to be too close to me. Thank you.¡± Miao Jing moved back a few steps and pulled Qiao Nan into the bedroom.

    ¡°Sister...¡± Ding Jiayi refused to give up. They might not know each other that well now, but after they chatted for some more, she would definitely be closer to the wife of the chief than that wretched girl.

    Didn¡¯t all the people who were familiar with each other start out by chatting with each other?

    ¡°Enough!¡± Qiao Dongliang held on to Ding Jiayi. ¡°You¡¯re already of such an age. Can you stop being such an embarrassment?¡± The wife of the chief had already made her stand so clearly, yet Ding Jiayi was still so shameless and wanted to tag along.

    If not for Nan Nan, the chief¡¯s wife and Zhai Sheng would not even visit their house. Ding Jiayi still acted as if the greatest credit were hers. Qiao Dongliang really could not tolerate what he had seen.

    ¡°In what way am I an embarrassment?¡± She even knew the wife of the chief and even called her ¡®sister¡¯.

    If the people in the quad knew about this, which one of them would not be envious of her? Who still dared tough at her behind her back and said that she could not even stop a man like Old Qiao from leaving?

    ¡°I¡¯m on good terms with my sister. Why can¡¯t that be?¡±

    ¡°You address the chief¡¯s wife as ¡®sister¡¯, but did she ever acknowledge that?¡± Qiao Dongliang was both amused and angry. ¡°She came for Nan Nan. They truly like Nan Nan and want to interact with her. It has got nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t be so shameless and fling yourself in front of others. Didn¡¯t you see the look of disdain in the eyes of the chief¡¯s wife when she looked at you?¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not have any tinge of self-awareness. What she said was ridiculously amusing.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Qiao Nan was just a little girl. How could she get to know a character like the chief¡¯s wife? What could they chat about when they¡¯re together? Don¡¯t tell her they would chat about learning and studies?

    ¡°You know it in your heart whether it¡¯s nonsense or not. I don¡¯t hope for anything else. As long as you¡¯re my wife, please control your temper for the sake of the Qiao family¡¯s dignity. If you wish to embarrass yourself, you can do so. When the officers of the Civil Affairs Bureau start working, we could collect our divorce certificate, and you can do whatever you like afterward. At that time, you will be embarrassing the Ding family and it doesn¡¯t concern my Qiao family. Propriety, justice, honesty, and sense of shame¡ªDing Jiayi, how much of these values are left of you?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi was both angry and anxious. She did not wish to miss this good opportunity to get to know Miao Jing. Nevertheless, she was afraid that Qiao Dongliang would really divorce her.

    She could not understand how a little girl like Qiao Nan could coax the chief¡¯s wife. There was no reason that she, who had lived a few more decades than Qiao Nan, had no way to make the chief¡¯s wife acknowledge her as a sister.

    If they really became rtives with the Zhai family, then their Qiao family would really be prosperous. They did not need to worry for life.

    All this while, she justcked this opportunity.

    With much difficulty, the opportunity was now right before her eyes. Ding Jiayi was thus not willing to give up.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, I¡¯ll ce the items here.¡± Zhai Sheng quietly became the coolie. He carried the items down from the car. ¡°Nan Nan is too skinny and she¡¯s weak. She needs to supplement her health and improve it gradually. Uncle Qiao had an ident previously. You should also eat well. Please don¡¯t hate to part with or eat them. Otherwise, the ¡®mouse¡¯ will feed on them and the good stuff will then be wasted. These are handpicked by my mom for Nan Nan!¡±

    Zhai Sheng intentionally emphasized Qiao Nan¡¯s name. He did not want Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to use all sorts of reasons to pass what he gave to Qiao Nan to Qiao Zijin instead.

    When he said that, Zhai Sheng did not look at Ding Jiayi at all. That kind of character made people feel extremely annoyed.

    Even Zhai Sheng, who had such great endurance, could hardly control his temper. He nearly red up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely do so.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned red. He could not help thinking about what happened on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Qiao Zijin wished to heartlessly take away all the stuff that Zhai Sheng sent over, leaving nothing for Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, he was not muddle-headed. Otherwise, he, as a senior, would not be able to lift up his head in front of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s not that I, as your auntie, want to discipline you. We all know who exactly did your mom send these over for.¡±

 Chapter 371 - Dismantle the Television and Bring It Home

    <h4>Chapter 371: Dismantle the Television and Bring It Home</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°These things belong to us now. We have the right to decide how to distribute them. You don¡¯t need to interfere too much.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face stiffened. All of what Zhai Sheng said was targeted at Zijin.

    If she were Zhai Sheng¡¯s auntie, then Zijin would be his younger sister. How could Zhai Sheng bully his own family member in this way?

    This would not do. She must not only let her sister interact with Zijin but also Zhai Sheng. Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s current status, if he acknowledged Zijin as his sister, then Zijin really would not have any worries in the future.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s more convenient since you drove here. You¡¯ve said it yourself that your uncle¡¯s bones have not fully recovered. It¡¯s not convenient for him to ride a bicycle during winter time. Why don¡¯t you drive and fetch your sister, Zijin, over? Our whole family can then get together and have a good meal.¡± This ¡®bright¡¯ idea shed in Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind as she sized up Zhai Sheng.

    She was acknowledging kinship with the Zhai family, but they were not real rtives since they were unrted by blood.

    Zhai Sheng was young and already sessful. He was so much better than that stinky soldier called Zhou Jun whom she met previously.

    The Zhou family was vigers, whereas Zhai Sheng¡¯s father was the chief of the army.

    Zhou Jun would, at most, climb to the position of battalionmander or regimentmander. Zhai Sheng was different. Zhai Sheng might possibly assume the role of the chief when Chief Zhai relinquished his role.

    If Zhai Sheng became her son-inw through marriage with Zijin, then would she still need to work so hard? This was the best method of securing a life free of worries!

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re already at this age. Do you have any girlfriend? Let Auntie tell you. Don¡¯t be in a rush to find a wife. Your family¡¯s conditions are excellent and you will definitely find a good one. You¡¯re still young and don¡¯t really know how to judge a woman¡¯s character. Don¡¯t worry. Auntie will definitely put this matter on my mind. I assure you that I¡¯ll help you find a good wife.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned crimson. He was already clenching his fists and wished that he could punch Ding Jiayi till she fainted so that she would not be so embarrassing in front of others.

    Right from the start, Ding Jiayi had always been performing a one-man show. Be it Miao Jing or Zhai Sheng, neither of them acknowledged her. They could not even be bothered to look at her.

    Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi did not have any self-awareness. She did not know how to observe and decipher other people¡¯s thoughts, and she even poked her nose into their affairs.

    When he heard that Ding Jiayi was going to introduce a girlfriend to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang immediately understood what Ding Jiayi was thinking of. He was so annoyed that wanted to punch Ding Jiayi right then and there.

    Zhai Sheng was expressionless, but he said as a matter-of-fact, ¡°Uncle Qiao, when you¡¯re young, your judgment of character was not very good. It¡¯s good that your judgment has been gradually improving.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt embarrassed. He smiled bitterly. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you don¡¯t know my situation in the past. It¡¯s not that Uncle didn¡¯t have a good sense of judgment. It¡¯s because I had no choice at that time.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, as a man, you should know that it¡¯s better to do without than to have something substandard. No matter what, you have Nan Nan, this daughter, because of that.¡± Zhai Sheng tugged the corners of his lips. True enough, life was never perfect.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng,e and help Uncle bring these items to the room.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not even have the energy to smile. ¡®Better to do without than to have something substandard.¡¯ Not everyone was qualified to say these words.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Dongliang take out a pair of keys from his pocket as he opened a room that was locked in the small quad. This room was ventted, facing the sun. It¡¯s also very dry. At first sight, it was a good ce for storing things.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Dongliang cooperated and shifted all the items to this room within five minutes.

    When the two of them left the room, Qiao Dongliang locked the door tightly without any hesitation. As for the key to the door, beside him, only Qiao Nan had one pair in her hands.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s all thanks to you previously. I¡¯m unable to return the money to you yet, but it¡¯s rare for you to pay a visit to my house. Uncle will show off my culinary skills and cook something nice for you today.¡± After putting the key away in the pocket of his shirt, Qiao Dongliang then smiled as he felt more at ease.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Uncle Qiao then. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    Once they were set on this, the old and young men started to get busy in the kitchen. Qiao Nan and Miao Jing continued to stay in the bedroom to chat.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi, thisdy owner, had a lot of spare time instead. It was as if she was an extra person who had nothing to do. She could only sit by one side dryly and turn on the television to watch the shows. She asked in boredom, ¡°Old Qiao, Zijin told me before that there¡¯s no television in this house. When was it installed?¡±

    In a short span of six months, Old Qiao had earned so much money that he was able to afford a television?

    Qiao Dongliang halted his hands that had been washing the vegetables. Watching Zhai Sheng who was busy by his side, he really did not wish to answer this question. ¡°Why do you care? Just watch if you wish to. Otherwise, switch off the television!¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao,e out. I have something to discuss with you.¡± Ding Jiayi noticed that the small quad was not only installed with a 25-inch color television but also a phone.

    If she had not always known Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sry, Ding Jiayi would have suspected whether Qiao Dongliang had saved up some money privately behind her back.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter this time?¡± Afraid that Ding Jiayi would be an embarrassment in front of Zhai Sheng again, Qiao Dongliang could only leave Zhai Sheng alone in the kitchen impolitely and moved Ding Jiayi aside to talk.

    ¡°Old Qiao, did you buy and hit any lottery recently? How much did you win? Don¡¯t hide it from me. We¡¯re a couple. I have a share too!¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? We¡¯re so tight on money now. Do you think it is possible for me to buy lottery and such things?¡± Wasn¡¯t that the same as gambling? Zijin and Nan Nan would be attending college in the blink of an eye. He had been worrying about the tuition fees for the two daughters all this time. How would he have the spare money to buy such stuff?

    ¡°Then, why was this big color television suddenly installed in this house? There¡¯s also a phone! We don¡¯t have any of them in our house!¡± Did he treat her as a blind person? Which of these items did not cost money? And which of these was cheap?

    ¡°What has this got to do with you! Anyway, I didn¡¯t buy any lottery, and neither did I win anything. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going back to the kitchen,¡± Qiao Dongliang said impatiently.

    ¡°There must be something!¡± Ding Jiayi held on to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Qiao, you see. It is the most critical period for Nan Nan¡¯s studies now. Do you wish to spoil Nan Nan by installing the television here? Do you still want Nan Nan to enter college? Why don¡¯t we swap this television with the one in our house in the quad? That one is working too. What do you say? As for the phone, why don¡¯t we move it to our house too? This ce is lent to you by the school and is not our real home. You¡¯ll be leaving after two years. It¡¯ll be troublesome to shift so many things then. It¡¯ll also be such a waste to leave them here.¡±

    ¡°Dismantle the phone and bring them home. It¡¯ll be more convenient if Zijin¡¯s school teacher wishes to contact me in the future. That way, I could understand Zijin¡¯s situation better!¡±

 Chapter 372 - Letâ€™s Divorce

    <strong>Chapter 372: Let¡¯s Divorce</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang squinted at Ding Jiayi. ¡°I remember that Zijin likes to watch the television shows more than Nan Nan. Nan Nan is usually at school. I¡¯m often the one who uses the television. When Nan Nan is back, she will spend more time reading. There¡¯s no difference in having the television here. Nan Nan will behave in the same way regardless. But Zijin is different. She gets distracted easily and her grades cannot bepared to Nan Nan. If you bring this television home, Zijin will be staring at the television screen whenever she¡¯s at home. I can¡¯t harm Nan Nan, and neither can I do that to Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that simple? I¡¯ll supervise Zijin so that she will not watch it. Let me use this television.¡± If their house had such a big television, she would be so proud of it.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°After such a long conversation, it¡¯s still all for your own benefit in the end. Let me tell you, all the things in his house belong to Nan Nan. You can¡¯t even touch a block of wood here, not to mention the television.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi spent so much money to install so many things in this house for Nan Nan, not for him. Zhu Chengqi actually wished to acknowledge Nan Nan as his goddaughter.

    Everything he had earned previously was all given to Zijin. He had already let Nan Nan down.

    Nevertheless, Ding Jiayi still wished to help Zijin fight for Nan Nan¡¯s belongings. As long as he was alive, this would not happen!

    ¡°You!¡± Ding Jiayi was furious. She waspletely unafraid of Qiao Dongliang about money. She did not even care about the ¡®divorce threat¡¯ that Qiao Dongliang just mentioned. ¡°Zijin said that we¡¯re still married and not divorced. Whatever you earned is considered matrimonial estate and I¡¯m entitled to half of it. I have the right to take half of it. Not only will I take the television and the phone, but I¡¯ll also take away half of the things in that room!¡±

    If Old Qiao did not take into ount their rtionship, then she could only talk to him about thew.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was cold. His heart was even colder. ¡°Matrimonial estate? It looks like Zijin has been teaching you quite a lot recently.¡±

    Ding Jiayi swallowed her saliva to embolden herself. ¡°If you¡¯re really not willing to let me take the television and phone away, fine. How much money did you spend on these things? Give me half of the sum. Then, I won¡¯t bother about it anymore.¡±

    Old Qiao¡¯s heart waspletely biased toward that wretched girl. Indeed, that wretched girl¡¯s grades were much better than Zijin¡¯s.

    If Old Qiao could not afford to allow both daughters to continue their studies, would he sacrifice Zijin because of the wretched girl? If that were the case, she had to save up more tuition fees for Zijin before Old Qiao could do that.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°You wish to take half of it and be so calctive with me? It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t. Tomorrow, the officers in the Civil Affairs Bureau will return to work. We¡¯ll divorce first before talking about the matrimonial estate. Will you go? Even if you¡¯re going, this television and phone were not purchased by me. They belong to Nan Nan only. It will not be considered as part of our estate. However, I will cough up half the value of these two items even if I have to sell my blood and give them to you. Will that do?!¡±

    ¡°After divorce, Zijin will follow you and Nan Nan me. The small courtyard and the Qiao residence will all belong to you. I won¡¯t take half of it. Nan Nan will not care about it either. I¡¯m taking care of Nan Nan and will, of course, find ways to raise her. When Zijin attends college, she needs to spend quite a lot of money. But I have to take care of Nan Nan too. In that case, after settling our divorce, I¡¯ll give you a monthly allowance of one hundred yuan until Zijin graduates from college.¡±

    ¡°O-Old Qiao. It¡¯s only the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. You... what do you mean by all these? You... you don¡¯t want me anymore?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned. They were merely talking about the television. She did not understand why Qiao Dongliang would link the topic to divorce.

    All this while, Ding Jiayi had never thought of getting a divorce. She really could not bear to leave Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was still so intimate to her on the eve of the Lunar New Year. It was just seven dayster and this man did not care about her anymore?

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want you anymore. You¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t want me. At the mention of money, your eyes are all red and you¡¯re so calctive with me. Have I made myself clear? If we don¡¯t divorce, we won¡¯t ever get this clear. We can only clear this matter after a divorce. If you don¡¯t wish to live with me anymore, that¡¯s fine. I won¡¯t force you. We¡¯ll go on our separate ways soon. Perhaps you can even find another man seeing that you¡¯re still young. When the timees, you have to rub your eyes and find someone you truly wish to be with. This time, no one is forcing you to get married. You don¡¯t need to pick the wrong person in a hurry anymore.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt extremely sick and tired, especially when he was together with Ding Jiayi. It was much more tiring than working.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t wish to get a divorce. I¡¯m not divorcing.¡±

    ¡°Then, that television and phone, do you still want half of them?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± She could not bear to part with such a huge sum of money, yet she did not wish to divorce. Could she think of a way to get the money first, and then do away with the topic of marriageter?

    ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t be so annoying. You¡¯re just angry that I¡¯m materialistic. You should think about what you are doing. Your heart only has Qiao Nan as your daughter now. Yes, I¡¯m a woman and I¡¯m not capable of earning as much money as you do. If I rely on myself alone, I can¡¯t raise Zijin up at all, and neither can I support her in her studies. The more this is the case, the more I have to n for Zijin so that she will not be shortchanged.¡± Ding Jiayi would not concede defeat. If Old Qiao was not so biased, would she need to worry so much and cause her marriage to suffer?

    ¡°I¡¯m biased toward Nan Nan? I did a lot for Nan Nan? Ding Jiayi, you still have the face to say this. Who did I spend my savings over a decade on? Come on, tell me! Not to mention spending all my savings, I even left the whole Qiao residence to Zijin and you. Am I biased toward Nan Nan or Zijin? Do you have any conscience? Is this house ours? It¡¯s borrowed!¡± Qiao Dongliang was utterly disappointed. His elder daughter was selfish, and his wife, Ding Jiayi, was basically blind and heartless.

    ¡°Every time I think of the things that I have done for Nan Nan, I can¡¯t hold my face up as her father!¡± Qiao Dongliang scratched his face hard and caused many red lines to appear on it.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I can¡¯t even recall the number of times that you¡¯ve brought up divorce. Old Qiao, are you serious?¡± Ding Jiayi ground her teeth. It was only right that Old Qiao was good to Zijin. But every single cent that Old Qiao spent on the wretched girl was a waste. Zijin should be spending that money instead.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± Qiao Dongliang revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry.

    Divorce.

    This word was typically used by the woman, especially for the sake of threatening their husband. However, in their household, the situation was reversed. He was the one who had been threatening Ding Jiayi with this, hoping that Ding Jiayi would change her temperament and restrain herself a little.

    Sorrow. This was Nan Nan¡¯s and his sorrow.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I don¡¯t know if you have other thoughts. If your heart is not with me anymore, I can¡¯t stop you. You want to divorce? Fine. But I have a condition.¡±

 Chapter 373 - Write an IOU for Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 373: Write an IOU for Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Give me half the money you spent on the television and phone first. You¡¯ve agreed that the small courtyard of the Qiao family will be Zijin¡¯s and mine. Give me the money. Tomorrow, wait for me at the Civil Affairs Bureau. We will divorce. Will this do? You¡¯re not stopping me from finding another man? It should be... I should not stop you from finding another woman!¡±

    That set of television was worth a lot of money. Old Qiao wanted to use divorce to threaten her. No way!

    This was the first time that Ding Jiayi agreed to divorce. Qiao Dongliang really did not know if he should feel happy or angry.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°You want money. Sure. Still the same saying. I will give you the money after we are divorced. If we¡¯re not divorced, you won¡¯t get a single cent.¡±

    They had been a couple for so many years. Did she really treat him as a fool?

    ¡°No way, I want to see the money first. Give me the money today and I¡¯ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the money first? What if you don¡¯t appear after taking the money and refuse to get a divorce? What should I do?¡±

    Ding Jiayi bit her teeth. ¡°Do you think I really treasure you so much? Why will I refuse to divorce after taking the money? If you¡¯re worried that I won¡¯t turn up at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow after getting the money, I¡¯m also worried that you won¡¯t give me the money after I¡¯m divorced with you!¡±

    ¡°If you continue to talk in this manner, we can¡¯t continue with this conversation.¡± Qiao Dongliang pursed his lips and refused to talk further with Ding Jiayi. ¡°If we don¡¯t divorce, you won¡¯t have anything. I won¡¯t give you any more money. You have to settle Zijin¡¯s tuition and misceneous fees on your own.¡±

    ¡°You... You told those people not to lend me money. How do you expect me to settle this?!¡±

    ¡°You can do whatever you like. Since you¡¯ve already known about the situation, this means that you¡¯ve obviously made the trips and used my name to borrow money again. Ding Jiayi, let me tell you, whether we¡¯re getting a divorce or not, don¡¯t you ever wish to borrow money in my name again! I will not give it to you even if I get a single cent. Our rtionship is only reduced to talks about money. We really can¡¯t go on with such lives. If you don¡¯t want to divorce, that¡¯s fine too. Anyway, thew dictates that if we are separated for two years, the court will deem that our marriage has ended even if you refuse to divorce by then. We¡¯ve already lived separately for six months. There¡¯s still one year left. Before Nan Nan graduates, we will be able to settle the issue between us.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew thew. He was not ignorant either!

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s lips shivered. She only wanted to use divorce to get money from Old Qiao and would decide on what to doter. This time, it seemed that Old Qiao was determined to divorce her. Why? Why did ite to this?

    ¡°Tell me, how do you wish to proceed with the divorce? Do you want to take half the money tomorrow when we settle the divorce or wait for one year? I¡¯ll be candid here. One and a half yearster, I won¡¯t provide you with a monthly allowance anymore. Zijin will already be eighteen years old. I¡¯ve fulfilled my duty as a father. At that time, even if we go to court, the judge can¡¯t interfere with this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi refused to speak but Qiao Dongliang became increasingly serious.

    Ding Jiayi had squandered all his savings. She even bullied his younger daughter and tarnished his reputation. She made him lose all his dignity in front of his formerrades.

    Aside from being unfaithful, she had done all the bad things that a woman could ever do to a man.

    Qiao Dongliang was sick of it. He could no longer maintain such a rtionship.

    If he forced himself to do so, he might not be able to live for more than a few years.

    ¡°Then, what if you refuse to give me the money after we divorce? What should I do?¡± There was a tremble in Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone. She asked as her face turned as white as a sheet.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. It was the truth that he did not buy the television and phone. At this moment, Qiao Dongliang really could not cough up that huge sum of money to give to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°This is a simple matter to resolve.¡± Zhai Sheng, who wasing out as he wiped his hands, had a sh in his eyes. He said calmly, ¡°Uncle Qiao, you can write her an IOU. I¡¯ll be your guarantor. If Uncle Qiao is unable to give you the money after the divorce, you can simply take this IOU to the Zhai¡¯s residence and ask me for the money.¡±

    ¡°This is our domestic affair. What has it got to do with you!¡± Ding Jiayi was furious beyond her senses. This ¡®nephew¡¯ of hers not only did not lend her a helping hand at this critical juncture but also pushed her into the hole. It was really...

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, what do you think?¡± Zhai Sheng ignored Ding Jiayi. He was looking only at Qiao Dongliang and let Qiao Dongliang make a decision.

    ¡°This could do.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°Now that the issue about the money has been settled, are we still meeting at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow?¡±

    At this juncture, Ding Jiayi was caught in a dilemma.

    Ding Jiayi clenched her fists, perspiring profusely. She was in a fix. She wanted both her husband and money. She could not give up on any of these two. ¡°Fine, write me an IOU now. We¡¯ll divorce at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow. Give me the money. We should get the unpleasantness out of the way as well. Tell me honestly how much this television and phone cost. If the prices are not real, what I¡¯ve said today is void but I¡¯m still taking the money!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang simply looked at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°Uncle Qiao, there should be receipts for the newly purchased television and phone. Can you find them?¡±

    ¡°There should be some receipts. I¡¯ll go and find them. Most probably, they are in the big carton boxes that came with the television. I didn¡¯t look at it carefully earlier.¡±

    ¡°Sure, go look for it. You just need to bring over the stic bag and the papers in the boxes.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Of course, Qiao Dongliang was quick to find the things in his own house. He immediately brought over what Zhai Sheng asked for.

    Zhai Sheng directly took out two receipts from the stic bag. ¡°The costs of the television and the phone are clearly stated on the receipts. Take a look at it yourself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi took over the receipts and looked at the individual prices on these two receipts.

    Compared to the television in the small courtyard of the Qiao family, this set was much better albeit only slightly pricier.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, write the IOU.¡± The prices were right before them. It was much easier to settle the remaining matters.

    ¡°Writing the IOU is not a problem.¡± But he certainly did not have so much money. Did he really have to let Ding Jiayi take this IOU to Zhai Sheng to ask for money after they divorced at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow?

    Just the thought of it made Qiao Dongliang feel ashamed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. A problem that could be resolved with money was not considered a problem. It was easy to settle this sum of money.

    ¡°Then, fine.¡± Seeing the look on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face, Qiao Dongliang felt much more assured. Anyway, he had already borrowed more than a thousand yuan from Zhai Sheng. There was no difference in borrowing another thousand yuan. He would repay him gradually and would clear his debts eventually.

    With nary a word, Qiao Dongliang took out a pen and paper and wrote the IOU as per what he and Ding Jiayi had agreed upon. Finally, he signed his name. ¡°It¡¯s your turn now.¡±

    Ding Jiayi looked at the contents of the IOU. She also signed it after confirming that there was no issue with it.

    After Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi finished signing it, Zhai Sheng also put his sinewy handwriting on the paper.

    ¡°Hold on to this IOU. After we settle the proceedings tomorrow and you¡¯ve taken the money, pass it back to me then.¡±

 Chapter 374 - You Make the Choice Whether to Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 374: You Make the Choice Whether to Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After finalizing the IOU, Qiao Dongliang did not dawdle. He would not withhold what he should give Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands shivered, but she took the ¡®money¡¯ and held on to it tightly.

    ¡°There are guests in my house today. It¡¯s not convenient for you to stay put. If you wish to entertain your guests, that¡¯s fine. Go back to your small courtyard to do so. I¡¯ll definitely not join you.¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a deep sigh of relief as if he had just resolved a huge matter.

    Not to mention Ding Jiayi, even Qiao Dongliang did not understand why they would end up divorcing when everything seemed fine earlier.

    Having been a couple with Ding Jiayi for so many years, Qiao Dongliang might not have to do this to end the marriage as long as Ding Jiayi was willing to change or even restrain herself.

    However, the honest and upright Qiao Dongliang was really unable to tolerate Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior today.

    What Ding Jiayi did today not only embarrassed herself but also Qiao Dongliang. It made Qiao Dongliang unable to lift his head as an individual.

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi still shamelessly wished to address Miao Jing as a ¡®sister¡¯ and drag Miao Jing out of the house with her. However, Miao Jing had followed Qiao Nan to her room earlier and had not stepped out of it since. She did not bother about Ding Jiayi as well. Ding Jiayi was still suffering from having negotiated with Qiao Dongliang about the divorce.

    The emotionally confused Ding Jiayi sniffed. ¡°I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll host my sister. I don¡¯t need you to tell me what to do. I¡¯ll certainly host my sister at my own house!¡± Having that said, Ding Jiayi held on to the IOU and ran out of the small quad.

    ¡°Sigh.¡± Ding Jiayi finally left, but Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mood was not any better. He looked extremely downhearted.

    He was already a middle-aged man and he was divorcing. Most depressingly, his wife was gone, his money was gone, and even his house was gone.

    Qiao Dongliang felt confused and was at a loss as he thought about how he could support his daughter given his situation.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, I¡¯ll send the money to you tomorrow.¡± Zhai Sheng poured a cup of tea for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Uncle Qiao, perhaps this is better for you, Nan Nan, and her. It may be better for your family of four.¡±

    ¡°What is better for our family of four?¡± Qiao Nan, who came out to get a cup of water for Miao Jing, heard thest sentence of the conversation.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m going to divorce your mom,¡± Qiao Dongliang said in an earth-shattering manner.

    At this moment, in the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

    ¡°What? You and Dad are going to divorce? Mom, you¡¯re crazy!¡± Qiao Zijin screamed. She smiled sarcastically. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t joke with me. If you really want to divorce, Dad will not be afraid. We¡¯re the ones who need to worry, yet you used this to threaten Dad? Are your brains flooded? I only asked you to go and take the things, but you¡¯re actually divorcing Dad. Mom, what is wrong with you?¡±

    She did not bring back the things but was going to have a divorce.

    Qiao Zijin was spinning in anxiety. ¡°Mom, if your mind was not in the right state today, you should not have gone there then. You... you! I really don¡¯t know what to say. You¡¯re crazy. You¡¯re really crazy!¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t kick up a fuss anymore. Do you think I feel happy about this? Am I the one being crazy? It¡¯s your Dad. He insisted to divorce me. Did I have a choice?¡± Ding Jiayi was so regretful but the matter had been cast in stone. Unless Old Qiao could not give her the money tomorrow, they would definitely divorce.

    ¡°Mom, you can continue to lie if you wish to. Everything was going well. Why did Dad suddenly mention divorce? Do you think I¡¯ll believe you? Weren¡¯t you just taking some dry goods? How did you provoke Dad?¡± At the end of the conversation, Qiao Zijin was having a headache.

    If she had known that this would happen, she should have thought of a way to resolve it herself. Her mother was doing her a disservice. She had to be even busier now.

    She was only supposed to take a little stuff. Qiao Zijin really did not understand how it resulted in her mother getting a divorce with her father. Her mother was truly a genius!

    ¡°I... Didn¡¯t I do all those things for the good of our family? I just wanted to grab the opportunity to find a path for your dad and me. Who knew that your dad would turn crazy and want to divorce me! How much is his dignity worth for anyway? Are pride and dignity more important than money and our future? Rtives like the Zhai family are not within our reach usually. A rare opportunity like this is hard toe by. If I didn¡¯t go forward to interact with them, I¡¯d be truly crazy then.¡± She did not do anything wrong. Everything that she did was for the sake of this family.

    It was Old Qiao who wanted his pride too much. He not only failed to understand her good intentions, but he also kicked up a fuss.

    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Qiao Zijin asked with a stiff face.

    ¡°It¡¯s like this...¡± Ding Jiayi spoke about the matter regarding Miao Jing. ¡°Tell me, should I give up such a good opportunity? Zijin, tell me. This time, was it not your dad who was overly concerned about his dignity? It¡¯s already fine that he¡¯s so full of pride, but he even wanted to divorce me. It¡¯s so infuriating.¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Qiao Zijin rubbed her own forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not like this was your first time knowing that Dad wants to keep his dignity. He wants to keep his dignity in front of his formerrades, and the more so in front of the Zhai family. The feelings that he has for the soldiers and the army, don¡¯t you know it better than others? Dad was also cornered by you.¡±

    It was, of course, a good opportunity to be associated with the Zhai family.

    However, the pretext was that the Zhai family had to be willing to.

    Qiao Zijin knew all along that she was too close to Wang Yang and was stooping to ttery. The difference was that she was willing to curry favor and Wang Yang was willing to ept it.

    If Wang Yang did not defer to her tactics, she would then retreat in the face of overwhelming odds and leave some dignity for herself. Simr to the Zhai family, a family of high status like the Wang family would not yield to constant pestering. If pestering was of any use, the rtives of the Zhai family would have queued to the other side of the earth. It would never be the turn of the Qiao family.

    ¡°Dad even wrote you an IOU. Are you really going to divorce with Dad tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°What can I do if I don¡¯t? If I don¡¯t, where can I get the money to let you continue your studies? You¡¯re now in senior high school and I already can¡¯t afford it. When you attend college... I don¡¯t even wish to think about it. Your dad said that if he and I divorce, he¡¯ll not only give me a sum of money but also a monthly allowance of a hundred yuan. Judging by this, I still need to find a job.¡± At the mention of finding a job, Ding Jiayi felt so miserable that she wanted to cry.

    Ding Jiayi suffered much when she was working previously. She finally found an excuse to revert to a full-time housewife again.

    After the divorce, Ding Jiayi¡¯s future life would not be easy anymore.

    ¡°You already know this, yet, you still want to divorce?!¡± Given that meager ability of her mother, she could neither earn much money nor suffer hardships. The one hundred yuan monthly allowance from her father was not enough for them to rely on!

    med by the elder daughter, Ding Jiayi, who was in an extremely bad mood, also exploded. ¡°Alright, don¡¯tin anymore. Who did I do all these for? Wasn¡¯t it because of you that your dad and I became like this? Your dad is unhappy that I¡¯m biased toward you and spare all my thoughts for you. That¡¯s why he wanted to divorce me! You¡¯re ming me? Fine, I¡¯ll let you decide on this matter. There¡¯s money if I divorce your dad. There¡¯s no money if I don¡¯t. What do you want me to do? I¡¯ll listen to you. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

 Chapter 375 - Why Didnâ€™t You Tell Me?

    <h4>Chapter 375: Why Didn¡¯t You Tell Me?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You will listen to me? If I refuse to let the two of you get a divorce, then you won¡¯t go to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow?¡± Qiao Zijin felt exasperated too. She could not understand how the situation turned out this way.

    ¡°If you tell me not to go, then I won¡¯t.¡± There was a sh in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes. ¡°But your dad said that I won¡¯t receive a single cent if I don¡¯t turn up. He also said that you are already eighteen years old and are considered an adult. Thus, he has fulfilled his responsibilities as a father. If I don¡¯t go, he won¡¯t give us a single cent in the future.¡±

    ¡°Then, what are your thoughts on this?¡± Qiao Zijin sat down and gave a huge sigh. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re really too much. How did you kick up such a big fuss and force Dad to divorce you?¡±

    ¡°Was it me who kicked up a fuss? Obviously, your dad has been thinking about it for a long time.¡± Ding Jiayi was not pleased. ¡°This is not the first time that your dad mentioned divorce to me.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin bit the back of her thumb again and again.

    It was not that she could not bear to leave her own father. She could not bear to let go of the money that he earned. She obviously had a share in it, but all of it would be spent on Qiao Nan instead.

    ¡°Zijin, where are you going?¡± At the sight of Zijin standing up and walking toward the door, Ding Jiayi was so frightened that she held on to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, Mom did so many things for you. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to find your dad now and leave me in the lurch?¡±

    Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°Follow my dad? What will I gain? Even if I follow him, he will only spend all his money on Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m going out to find someone, but not Dad.¡±

    ¡°Who are you going to look for?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m going to look for someone who can help our family. Mom, don¡¯t worry. I know what to do.¡± Pulling away from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, Qiao Zijin left in a determined manner. She left Ding Jiayi on pins and needles and waiting alone at home.

    On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan prepared breakfast for Qiao Dongliang early in the morning. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious about this matter. Actually, you can be there at ater time. Mom may not be there so early.¡± It was also a question whether her mother would turn up today.

    Her mother would agree to divorce for the sake of a meager gain, but it was doubtful whether Qiao Zijin would agree to it.

    The topic of divorce. After a night of peace, Qiao Nan wondered whether today¡¯s divorce would ur. It was truly questionable.

    Qiao Nan was shocked that it had not been an empty threat. He was really going to divorce her mother.

    ¡°I¡¯ll feel more at ease if this matter is resolved earlier. After going through such long torture with your mom, I¡¯m exhausted. In the future, Dad just wishes to protect you and lead a peaceful life. Nan Nan, when you attend college, can Dad stay with you too? Will you mind?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not the only one who wished to run away from the city that Ding Jiayi was staying in. Even Qiao Dongliang was nearly driven mad by Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Why would I mind? It¡¯s fine as long as Dad doesn¡¯t feel uneasy about it.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Right. After her parents divorced, the small courtyard of the Qiao family would be given to her mother and Qiao Zijin. Her father had nothing else in Ping Cheng. He would only be left with her, his daughter.

    If she left, there would be no point for him to continue staying in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°I¡¯m contented to hear that. Stay at home. Right. If that Chen Junes, just pretend that you¡¯re not at home. Don¡¯t open the door and let him enter the house. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun?¡± Why did her father mention Chen Jun all of a sudden? He only met him once. ¡°Dad, nothing happened. Why did you mention this suddenly?¡±

    ¡°What Zhai Sheng said is right. The moral values of humans are degenerating day by day in this society. You¡¯re a youngdy and should be more cautious. You can¡¯t go wrong with that. Why will anyone visit ady¡¯s house on the first day of the Lunar New Year? I¡¯ve been thinking and I feel that there¡¯s something odd about Chen Jun. He¡¯s entric and doesn¡¯t seem upright.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai? Dad, you told Brother Zhai that Chen Jun visited our house on the first day of the Lunar New Year?¡± When did that happen? Why didn¡¯t she know about it?

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to care about this. Remember what Dad told you, okay?¡± The focus here was not Zhai Sheng. Most importantly, it was to ignore Chen Jun.

    He only met Nan Nan two to three times, yet he dared to visit their house without giving any prior notice. He was too casual.

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t see him. I promise you that I won¡¯t open the door for anyone whoes today unless you¡¯re back. Will that do?¡± Qiao Nan was amused.

    Qiao Dongliang was holding the money that was sent over by Zhai Sheng. He nodded. ¡°Good. I¡¯m leaving. Watch after the house.¡±

    After sending Qiao Dongliang off with her eyes, Qiao Nan acted ording to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s instructions and shut the door of her house tightly. She then went into the house and continued to read.

    Knock, knock, knock...

    Someone was knocking on the door.

    Before Qiao Nan could stand up, she heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    Upon hearing that it was Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan returned to her seat and ignored Zhai Sheng as she held her book.

    Before Qiao Nan could flip a page of the book, a person appeared and blocked the ray of light from shining on her book. All of a sudden, there was darkness before Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes and her body felt light. Someone had carried her.

    When Qiao Nan regained her senses, she was already sitting on a ¡®human sofa¡¯ and not the stool. ¡°Since you¡¯re at home, why did you pretend that you¡¯re not? Why did you ignore me?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. ¡°My dad told me not to open the door for anyone whoes today. He asked me to pretend that I¡¯m not at home because there are too many baddies nowadays!¡±

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s face. ¡°Are you angry?¡±

    Qiao Nan lifted her chin and looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Angry? What am I angry about?¡±

    ¡°Fine, you¡¯re not. Then, I want to tell you that I¡¯m angry.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face looked stiff. He even gave a pat on Qiao Nan¡¯s bottom.

    ¡°Why are you angry? Now you¡¯re ying the me game with me.¡± Qiao Nan was fuming. ¡°Brother Zhai, how could you ask my dad about me behind my back? You should respect me and should not casually spy on my privacy. Brother Zhai, I really didn¡¯t know that you¡¯re this kind of person!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing that you can¡¯t share with others. Why can¡¯t I know about it? Unless you have a guilty conscience?¡± Zhai Sheng also knitted his brows.

    ¡°If you really wish to understand, you can ask me directly!¡±

    ¡°If I ask you, will you tell me about Chen Jun?¡± Zhai Sheng was both amused and angry. ¡°When the timees, you will only treat Chen Jun¡¯s existence as irrelevant and unimportant. You will think that it¡¯s unnecessary to tell me. Is that right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. She only managed to say after much struggle, ¡°Still, you shouldn¡¯t have done that. Moreover, how did you know that I¡¯ll definitely not tell you? If Chen Jun looks for me again, I¡¯ll definitely let you know. Otherwise, what if you misunderstand me?¡±

    Qiao Nan had long thought about it. Most probably, Chen Jun targeted her because of Wang Yang.

    Since she had already told Uncle Zhu about this matter, he should be able to fully resolve it.

    If Chen Jun did not appear before her again, this meant that the matter had been resolved. Not bringing it up to Brother Zhai would not be an issue then, lest Brother Zhai became distracted. He already had plenty of things on his mind to worry about.

 Chapter 376 - Absolute Loyalty

    <h4>Chapter 376: Absolute Loyalty</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon hearing that Qiao Nan was worried that he would misunderstand, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looked more at ease. ¡°At least, you still have some conscience.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been full of conscience!¡± Qiao Nan said with displeasure as she snorted.

    ¡°Why do you have to tell me only when Chen Junes again?¡± Based on what Uncle Qiao said, Chen Jun was definitely up to no good. There was no reason for Nan Nan not to tell him.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°If Chen Junes again, that means Uncle Zhu is unable to resolve this matter. To prevent the situation that you will hear false rumors about Chen Jun and me from others, I¡¯ll definitely let you know first to avoid any unnecessary misunderstanding between us.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quite rational.¡± Again, Zhai Sheng looked happier. ¡°Why did you mention Zhu Chengqi? What has Zhu Chengqi got to do with Chen Jun?¡±

    ¡°The matter is like this...¡± Qiao Nan narrated the situation of the Zhu family to Zhai Sheng. ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing that most likely, Chen Jun is wooing me because of Wang Yang.¡±

    There was a sharp look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re so certain? You seem to understand Chen Jun very well, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s body turned a little stiff. ¡°This has got nothing to do with whether I understand him or not. This is a woman¡¯s sixth sense. If you¡¯re present at that time, you¡¯d definitely feel the weird atmosphere between Chen Jun and Wang Yang. When Chen Jun came to my school previously, he was very eloquent and soon after, both the male and female students addressed him as their senior. There¡¯s no reason for him to be so quiet in front of Wang Yang. I even made clear a few times Wang Yang¡¯s identity and his rtionship with the Zhu family. He didn¡¯t even utter a word to Wang Yang. Do you think that was normal?¡±

    Zhai Shang gently squeezed Qiao Nan¡¯s slender arms so that she would rx.

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng could, of course, tell whether Qiao Nan was telling the truth. Furthermore, the tiny body in his arms that was extremely soft suddenly turned as stiff as a stone.

    If Zhai Sheng did not feel anything, he would be letting down his identity as a soldier. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s quite odd. What do you intend to do?¡±

    Qiao Nan rxed a little. ¡°I don¡¯t have many ns. I¡¯ve already told Uncle Zhu about this. He should be able to settle this properly.¡±

    ¡°What if Zhu Chengqi can¡¯t resolve it?¡±

    ¡°Look for you.¡± These three words jumped out of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth as a matter of course.

    The ferocious aura that Zhai Sheng had been keeping a leash on for an entire night after learning about Chen Jun¡¯s appearancepletely vanished with thefort of these three words from Qiao Nan. ¡°Tell me. Do you think it¡¯s because his father wants to be promoted from the deputymissioner to themissioner?¡±

    ¡°I think so. I¡¯m not too sure as well. I heard this from my ssmates and it may not be urate. But if I guessed it correctly, Chen Jun certainly wishes to help his father climb up the ranks. His family doesn¡¯tck money.¡±

    ¡°How did you know that his family doesn¡¯tck money?¡± When he heard Qiao Nan¡¯s random understanding of the Chen family, Zhai Sheng could not help feeling jealous.

    Qiao Nan raised her voice. ¡°You¡¯re asking this question because you¡¯re not around on the first day of the Lunar New Year. My sister¡¯s eyes are so sharp. She¡¯s a shrew in front of me and a little white rabbit before Chen Jun. I don¡¯t know how to tell from the clothes, but I know how to watch my sister¡¯s expression.¡±

    The corners of Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips curled into a slight smile. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll let you pass for Chen Jun¡¯s matter. Then, how about Zhu Chengqi? He¡¯s very good to your family. There are even color television and phone?¡±

    Qiao Nan had been telling him not to announce their rtionship to others and keep it a secret.

    Otherwise, the first thing that Zhai Sheng would do as Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend would be to install a phone.

    Who knew that he was a few steps behind an old man on the two matters regarding the phone and television.

    ¡°Uncle Zhu wished to acknowledge me as his goddaughter, but I didn¡¯t agree.¡±

    ¡°Acknowledge you as his goddaughter?¡± Zhai Sheng was a little surprised. ¡°You¡¯re sure of it?¡±

    ¡°Is there a need to confirm? Uncle had already made himself clear. What¡¯s the matter? Didn¡¯t you ask my dad about Chen Jun? How could you not ask him about this matter?¡± Qiao Nan turned her head to look at Zhai Sheng. Unexpectedly, Zhai Sheng hugged her so tightly that Qiao Nan could not even turn her head. Hence, she was unable to see Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression.

    Sensing Zhai Sheng¡¯s possessiveness and awkwardness, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red.

    Nevertheless, she came to a realization soon after and asked in surprise, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that after my dad mentioned about Chen Jun, you¡¯re jealous and didn¡¯t find out more from him regarding Uncle Zhu wanting to acknowledge me as his goddaughter?¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not respond. He continued to hug Qiao Nan as his voice came from behind, ¡°Nan Nan, you know my situation. No matter what my identity is, my entire heart is with you. Nevertheless, I also ask that you give me absolute loyalty. Can you do it?¡±

    Zhu Sheng admitted that he had been jealous after knowing about Chen Jun¡¯s appearance in Qiao Nan¡¯s life. He felt so jealous that he did not even ask Qiao Dongliang about the situation with Zhu Chengqi.

    He was a soldier and the time that he could spend with his family was too little. In addition, Nan Nan was very young.

    Before the individual Chen Jun appeared, Zhai Sheng had always been very confident about their rtionship. However, it was only when such a rival appeared that Zhai Sheng felt a little insecure.

    ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Qiao Nan did not move as she sat in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Her tone was also extraordinarily firm. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t think that I¡¯m young and don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯ve always been very serious about this matter ever since I nodded in agreement. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll fulfill my responsibility to you. No, I mean, I¡¯m serious about you!¡±

    Zhai Sheng leaned forward and ced his face on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. The breath that he exhaled out from his nose constantly made Qiao Nan¡¯s soft and tender neck feel itchy. ¡°You said this yourself, Nan Nan. Since you¡¯ve already said this, I won¡¯t give you a chance to regret it no matter what happens in the future. Do you get it? When you reach legal age, we¡¯ll collect our wedding certificate. Army marriage is different from other marriages. We can¡¯t divorce. Do you understand?¡±

    Once Nan Nan was married to him, they would be ¡®entangled¡¯ for life.

    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath, her face slightly pale.

    Marrying Zhai Sheng was a gamble, a gamble on Zhai Sheng¡¯s character. After all, divorce was not allowed in such a marriage. However, if Zhai Sheng had another woman outside in the future, given the status disparity between Zhai Sheng and her, she was not even qualified to request for a divorce unless Zhai Sheng gave his permission.

    Nevertheless, she was willing to take the gamble.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s affirmative answer, Zhai Sheng¡¯s stiff body finally rxed a little. Zhai Sheng was very clear that Qiao Nan was still young. Although she made a promise today, she might change her mind tomorrow. He was somehow acting like the big bullying the small, having the intention to ¡®kidnap¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    However, since he had decided on his target, of course he had to act quickly, mercilessly, and urately!

    ¡°If such happenings ur in the future, I hope that you can take the initiative to report to me directly. Don¡¯t wait for me to ask you. You must adopt an active attitude. Understand?¡±

 Chapter 377 - Climbing Over the Wall to Kidnap Other Peopleâ€™s Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 377: Climbing Over the Wall to Kidnap Other People¡¯s Daughter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan bit her lip, took a deep breath, and stubbornly turned her body toward Zhai Sheng.

    This time, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t stop Qiao Nan and loosened his hands. Qiao Nan sessfully turned and looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Then, how about you? There¡¯s something happening on your side too. What do you have to say about it? It¡¯s already a society that advocates equality between male and female. Don¡¯t tell me you are strict with others but lenient toward yourself?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan neither too tightly nor loosely. ¡°Since it¡¯s my request of you, of course I¡¯ll be able to fulfill it as well.¡±

    ¡°Then, how about Qiu Chenxi?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows unhappily. ¡°Do you have anything to exin to me?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua told you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother about who told me. Just tell me, do you have anything to exin to me?¡± Qiao Nan avoided the question. ¡°I¡¯ll take this opportunity and use Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter to find out exactly what kind of matters and circumstances that I have to let you know, and what kind of matters that actually don¡¯t need me to exin to you clearly about.¡±

    ¡°My dad and mom initially wanted me to be engaged to Qiu Chenxi and to marry her after she graduates from college.¡± Zhai Sheng did not wish to mention Qiu Chenxi. He did not feel anything, not even brother-sisterly love, for Qiu Chenxi. There were no feelings between the two and thus nothing for him to talk about.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned stiff. After all, the chief and his wife already had a suitable daughter-inw candidate in mind.

    The rtionship between Brother Zhai and her was already not that smooth without the existence of this person. Now, they would have a more difficult future given that his parents already had a model daughter-inw in their hearts.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to give me this kind of expression. You¡¯re very smart and have sessfully settled your mother-inw.¡± He nted a kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead, his tone full of joy.

    ¡°Settled? When did that happen? Why don¡¯t I know about it? Your mom doesn¡¯t want you to marry Qiu Chenxi anymore?¡± Auntie Miao¡¯s mind had changed so quickly?

    ¡°Yesterday, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family of three visited the house of the Zhai family.¡±

    ¡°To discuss your marriage?¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan felt more displeased. There was nothing between Chen Jun and her to begin with, but Brother Zhai was already jealous about it and even questioned her in an interrogative manner. Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai were almost getting married and finalizing the banquet seating arrangements. ¡°Wait. That¡¯s not right. Yesterday, Auntie Miao was at my house.¡±

    Since Auntie Miao had already agreed to the marriage between Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai, she should have rushed home given that she was in Ping Cheng. Furthermore, Brother Zhai, the party concerned, was also at her house.

    ¡°So, do you understand my mom¡¯s attitude now?¡±

    The party concerned in the marriage was absent. One of his parents, Miao Jing, was also absent. The engagement between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi had obviously fallen through. Moreover, Old Master Zhai was not even back. Without Miao Jing, even if Old Master Zhai was around, it would not be easy for the Qiu family of three to enter the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel happy about it too soon. Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi now, but it doesn¡¯t mean that she¡¯ll ept me.¡± Qiao Nan dared not be too optimistic. ¡°Auntie Miao was seeking my opinions. She said you have fallen in love with ady with poor family background and asked me what she should do. Auntie Miao¡¯s current impression of me is not bad but if she knows about the two of us... Do you think Auntie Miao will dislike me even more?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will think of a way to resolve this. Now, aside from me, you just need to focus on your studies. I will settle my dad and mom.¡± As long as Qiao was willing to, the rest of the matters were not issues at all.

    ¡°It¡¯s already the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. When are you going back to the army?¡± At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan asked gently.

    ¡°Tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No wonder...¡± It was no wonder that Brother Zhai came again today although he was just here yesterday. No wonder the Qiao family visited the Zhai family yesterday to discuss the marriage between Qiu Chenxi and him. ¡°It¡¯s not possible for me to send you off.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. Before the rtionship between Brother Zhai and her was exposed, she could not send Brother Zhai to the army like what girls usually did for their boyfriends.

    ¡°No problem. It¡¯s the thought that counts.¡± Zhu Baoguo held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s hands tightly. ¡°After I return to the camp, write to me whenever you have spare time. Call me directly if there¡¯s any matter. You can also formally acknowledge Zhu Chengqi as your godfather. You won¡¯t be shortchanged. You will then be siblings with Zhu Baoguo in the future.¡± That way, he would have one less trouble.

    ¡°How will I be shortchanged if I acknowledge Uncle Zhu as my godfather?¡± If one could shortchange her so easily, would Wang Yang try to get close to Zhu Chengqi enthusiastically all this while?

    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on yourself too much. Perhaps, someday, Zhu Chengqi will gain something because you are his goddaughter.¡± Nan Nan would be his wife in the future. She would be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Zhu Chengqi might not necessarily gain nothing by bing Nan Nan¡¯s godfather.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t chat with you anymore. Since you¡¯re returning to the army tomorrow, you should go home and keep your familypany. You will arouse your parents¡¯ suspicions if you keep going out. What if you bump into Auntie Miao when she looks for me?¡± Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a push and tried to make him leave.

    Zhai Sheng let go of Qiao Nan. ¡°Sure, send me off.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll send you off.¡± Qiao Nan did not haggle with Zhai Sheng over such a short distance. She stood up to send him off.

    However, when she reached the entrance, she was stunned at the sight of the tightly shut door. ¡°The door is not open?¡± Then, how did Brother Zhai get in earlier?

    Zhai Sheng bent his waist and rested his hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. He then kissed her left cheek. ¡°Remember to write to me, especially about Chen Jun. If Zhu Chengqi can¡¯t settle it, tell me, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded in a silly manner.

    After receiving a reply and having taken his advantage, the corners of Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips curled into a smile. He turned around and stepped a couple of times on the wall, held on to it, and smoothly flipped over it in the blink of an eye.

    When Zhai Shengnded, there was not much noise. It was only when Qiao Nan heard the sound of the car engine that she knew that Zhai Sheng had really left.

    ¡°...¡± An imaginary row of ck lines appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. Brother Zhai actually climbed over the wall to enter her premise. He truly lived up to the name of a soldier with that agility of his. However, given his identity as a soldier, was it really appropriate for him to climb over the wall of someone¡¯s house and kidnap other people¡¯s daughter?

    Dumbfounded, Qiao Nan stood at the main entrance for three minutes. The main door suddenly opened with a bang. ¡°Nan Nan, why are you standing here? Did you know that I¡¯ming back?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised when he opened the door and stepped in.

    ¡°I just happened toe out to rx, in case I¡¯ve sat and read for too long. It¡¯s not good for my health and eyes. Dad, you¡¯re back so soon?¡± Qiao Nan gave a guiltyugh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck as he waved his hand. ¡°Your mom agreed to divorce but wanted to wait one and a half years for the court to make its judgment.¡± He even woke up early and made a special trip to the small courtyard to fetch Ding Jiayi. True enough, Ding Jiayi yed some tricks on him again.

 Chapter 378 - She Nearly Let the Cat Out Of the Bag

    <h4>Chapter 378: She Nearly Let the Cat Out Of the Bag</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan stared unblinkingly. ¡°Did Mom really say that? To let the judge decide one and a half yearster?¡±

    ¡°Yes, your mom is, again, dragging her feet and refusing to divorce. Does she think that I will soften my stance after one and a half years? This time, she really guessed it wrong.¡± Once he had made up his mind to divorce, he would even be able to wait ten years, not to mention one and a half.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and pondered. This time, she did not know if her mother guessed it wrong, but she knew that her father had definitely guessed it wrong.

    If the unsessful divorce today was due to her mother¡¯s excuse of being unwell or any other matters in order to dy for a period of time before settling this, then her mother¡¯s true intention was not to divorce.

    However, today, her mother said to wait for one and a half years for the judge to decide. This clearly showed that her mother had some thoughts about divorce.

    How did this happen?

    It was impossible that her mother was truly willing to do so. Furthermore, there was Qiao Zijin.

    Her father was the family¡¯s source of ie. Without her father, did Qiao Zijin still wish to continue with her studies? It was impossible that Qiao Zijin would let her parents leave each other. With Qiao Zijin holding her back, her mother should have been convinced not to divorce instead of having thoughts to do so.

    Qiao Dongliang really wished to divorce, and Ding Jiayi had the intention to do so. Even Qiao Zijin could not hold her back.

    The situation that Qiao Nan did not dare to wish for had urred. She was stunned. Happiness came too sudden. It was simply unbelievable.

    ¡°Dad, then are you going to give Mom and Sister living allowance every month? After one week, Sister and I will be returning to school. How about my sister¡¯s tuition fees?¡± The matter between her parents could not be so easily settled with just a word of divorce.

    ¡°Your mom said she doesn¡¯t need me to bother about it.¡± This was something that Qiao Dongliang felt strange about. He had thought that since Ding Jiayi refused to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, she would then take the opportunity to ask him for money first.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t think too much. Let my mom be.¡± Qiao Nan poured Qiao Dongliang a cup of tea.

    Having been mother and daughter for two lifetimes, Qiao Nan really could not decipher the trick that Ding Jiayi was up to this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. She told me that I don¡¯t need to give her money anymore. I feel less worried now. Nan Nan, study well. Dad will earn your tuition fees for college.¡± Qiao Nan forced a smile at Qiao Dongliang. He was serious about divorcing with Ding Jiayi, but he could not bring himself not to care about Qiao Zijin. This was a very difficult decision for Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan did not wish to drown Qiao Dongliang¡¯s enthusiasm at this moment.

    ¡°Right, Nan Nan. Did Zhai Shenge today?¡±

    ¡°No, no. Why did you ask, Dad?¡± Qiao Nan felt guilty and did not tell the truth.

    ¡°No? When I came back, I clearly saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s car. Your mom didn¡¯t go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, so the money that Zhai Sheng lent me is still in my hands. Maybe I¡¯ll return it to him tomorrow?¡± Qiao Dongliang was still unable to repay the money that was borrowed from Zhai Sheng previously and he already felt bad about it.

    He would feel worse if he borrowed more as it would only increase his debt.

    ¡°You saw Brother Zhai¡¯s car? Perhaps he had some other matters to attend to and happened to pass by this area. You might have made a mistake as well. Return the money tomorrow? I¡¯m afraid that can¡¯t be done. Brother Zhai will be going back to the army tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Going back to the army? Why didn¡¯t I know?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked sullen. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear about this. Nan Nan, how did you know?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday! Brother Zhai came to our house yesterday, didn¡¯t he? It was him who told me. He told me... He told me that he¡¯ll be returning to the camp and asked me to write to him if I encounter any problems in the future. He said that if I have any questions in my studies, I can ask him too. Dad, didn¡¯t Brother Zhai tell you?¡± Qiao Nan was stammering as she spoke.

    Qiao Dongliang had a look of realization. ¡°So, it¡¯s like that. Nan Nan, your Brother Zhai is too polite. There are many important matters to look after in the army. Don¡¯t disturb him if you don¡¯t have any problems. As long as your mom doesn¡¯te and create trouble for us, we should not have too much of a problem in the future. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t know when I can return him the money. I don¡¯t feel at ease carrying this debt.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai will go back to the camp but he will be back eventually. Most likely, he will look for us first at that time. You can then return the money to him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°However, when you encounter anything that you don¡¯t understand in your studies, shouldn¡¯t you ask your teacher instead of Zhai Sheng? You don¡¯t have to go to all that trouble since your teachers are closer and within your reach?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nanughed awkwardly. ¡°Most likely... Brother Zhai will most likely be busy. Nevertheless, there are some questions that only Brother Zhai can help me with. The teachers at school may not be able to do so. Dad, you¡¯ve finished your cup of water. I... I¡¯ll go and get you another cup.¡±

    If her father continued to question her, she would let the cat out of the bag.

    On the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan had originally thought of waking up earlier to return to the quad. Although she could not do it outright, she could still send Zhai Sheng off secretly just by being present.

    However, Qiao Nan caught a cold that morning. She was not sure if it was due to the many happenings in recent days.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s runny nose and constant sneezes, Qiao Dongliang refused to let Qiao Nan leave the house regardless of her reason.

    Qiao Nan, who was lying on the bed, sighed regretfully. Brother Zhai was probably disappointed by her absence today...

    There was the sound of someone knocking on the windows, and then came someone¡¯s voice shouting for Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan jumped out of the bed immediately and put on an exterior coat. She then opened the windows. ¡°Brother Zhai, didn¡¯t you return to the camp?¡±

    ¡°You have a cold?¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s face, Zhai Sheng said gently, ¡°Quickly go back to the bed and cover yourself properly with a nket. Don¡¯t let the condition worsen. I¡¯m going to return to the camp. I just wanted to see you before leaving. Alright, I¡¯m leaving. Take good care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± At the very least, she had seen Zhai Sheng. Although it was a brief meeting, Qiao Nan felt much more at ease. Fortunately, her father was out. Otherwise, Brother Zhai would have bumped into him.

    Having fulfilled her wish, Qiao Nan felt morefortable and returned to her bed. In a daze, she nearly fell asleep.

    This time, Qiao Nan had left the windows opened and unlocked. Before Qiao Nan could react, Zhai Sheng bent his waist, did a somersault, andnded in her bedroom.

    After entering Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom, Zhai Sheng was too preupied to look around. He walked to Qiao Nan¡¯s bedside at lightning speed. ¡°I¡¯ve just bought the cold, fever, and cough medicine for you. Put them away properly. Remember to take good care of yourself. Don¡¯t let the medicines run out before I¡¯m back.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had bought all kinds of medicine that Qiao Nan could think of.

    Qiao Nan could even sell such a big bag of medicine.

    Tears welled up in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She then sniffed. ¡°Brother Zhai, quickly return to the army. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

 Chapter 379 - Mrs. Regiment Commander

    <h4>Chapter 379: Mrs. Regiment Commander</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s only a minor cold. I will recover soon. Actually, I don¡¯t catch a cold often. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll certainly be fine. You bought me so much medication. I most likely won¡¯t even be able to finish them by this time next year. Brother Zhai, you... you have to pay attention to your own safety too.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I know.¡± Zhai Sheng had, in fact, ¡®squeezed out¡¯ time in his busy schedule to visit Qiao Nan. He also spent some time to buy medicine for her. ¡°Nan Nan, have a good rest. Remember to take your medicine. I¡¯m leaving and wille and see you again when I¡¯m back the next time.¡±

    Having that said, Zhai Sheng dared not dy any further. He jumped out of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom and shut the windows meticulously. He hopped into his car after he left the small quad and headed immediately for the army.

    Qiao Nan, who was lying on the bed, held on tightly to the nket. She then rubbed her face on the corner of the nket that was pinched by Zhai Sheng before. She put away the medicine from Zhai Sheng properly before falling asleep peacefully.

    Perhaps Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance was more effective than any kind of cold medicine. When Qiao Dongliang returned home from grocery shopping with cold medicine in hand, he found Qiao Nan looking much better. ¡°Nan Nan, wake up and take your medicine. If you¡¯re still sleepy, take your medicine first before continuing to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan sat up and rubbed her eyes. She took the cold medicine with warm water. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m still feeling lethargic.¡±

    ¡°No worries. Continue to sleep.¡± Qiao Dongliang helped Qiao Nan lie down and covered her fully with the nket. He was about to leave when he noticed that the windows in her bedroom were opened.

    Qiao Dongliang halted his steps and wanted to ask Qiao Nan if she had opened the windows.

    However, when Qiao Dongliang turned to look, Qiao Nan had already fallen asleep. Qiao Dongliang shook his head and closed the windows for Qiao Nan. He then left the room and prepared a meal for Qiao Nan to ensure that she had something to eat when she woke up.

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Zhou Jun was the first person that Zhai Sheng saw when he reached the camp.

    Zhai Sheng entered his office, took off his coat, and hung it on the coat hanger. ¡°It¡¯s so early and you¡¯re already looking for me. Is there any matter?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re in such a good mood, Regiment Commander Zhai. Is it because we¡¯re going to have a Mrs. Regiment Commander soon?¡± Zhou Jun asked in a happy tone. Zhou Jun had found someone he liked. He could not wait for all his brothers in the camp to find a marriage partner whom they could get along with. He had the same wish for his senior supervisor, Zhai Sheng, too.

    ¡°If there¡¯s a regimentmander, of course there¡¯ll be a Mrs. Regiment Commander,¡± Zhai Sheng said as if he were implying something. ¡°Talk about serious matters. Why did you look for me?¡±

    ¡°Regimentmander, I¡¯d like to request you to pick a day of leave for me.¡± During the Lunar New Year, Zhou Jun had wanted to visit Nan Nan. Regrettably, something happened at home and he had to spend a total of ten days traveling. After he settled his household matter, Zhou Jun did not have any spare time to visit Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. ¡°Do you think I can approve this request?¡±

    ¡°Just half a day. I¡¯ll be back as soon as possible. Will that do?¡± Zhou Jun, a 1.8-meter tall man, was acting pitiful in front of Zhai Sheng. It would really be pitiful of Zhou Jun if he could not settle the matter regarding his wife-to-be given that his age was already in thete twenties.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng rejected. He had never gained any private benefit under the guise of serving the public, so why would he allow Zhou Jun to do so? ¡°Right, I¡¯m handing you a mission. Investigate this matter.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a mission so soon? What is it?¡± At the mention of a mission, Zhou Jun¡¯s attitude turned serious.

    ¡°Help me investigate this matter.¡± Zhai Sheng passed some information to Zhou Jun.

    ¡°Do we have to be the one to investigate this?¡± Zhou Jun felt odd when he read the materials. ¡°Was this mission delegated from the top?¡± It did not seem to be.

    ¡°Go and investigate.¡± Zhai Sheng did not exin further. They could choose to interfere or ignore this matter, but Zhai Sheng wished to take part in this matter now.

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai. I promise toplete the mission.¡± Zhou Jun was always serious and proper toward work. He wouldplete the mission tasked by Zhai Sheng. After Zhou Jun left to handle the mission delegated by Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng called another person into his office.

    However, the matter that was handed to this person was obviously much easier than that of Zhou Jun. It was only half a day and he had already handed Zhai Sheng the results of his investigation.

    ¡°Alright, you may leave now.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at the contents of the report and sneered. It seemed that Nan Nan¡¯s suspicion was not unfounded. There was truly a problem with Wang Yang. He could not directly deal with Zhu Baoguo or sow discord among the members of the Zhu family. Hence, he targeted Nan Nan.

    Putting down the information on hand, Zhai Sheng simply made a phone call. ¡°Hello. Yes, it¡¯s me. There¡¯s something...¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year.¡±

    Before the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan had started school.

    After the Lunar New Year, many students of Ping Cheng High School seemed to have grown horizontally. But when He Yun saw Qiao Nan, she was so jealous. ¡°Qiao Nan, did you go through the Lunar New Year? Other people grow fatter during the New Year, but why did you lose weight?!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Your face is almost meatless now.¡± Tang Mengran, who gained the most weight, wished so much to take some meat off her body and give them to Qiao Nan. It would only be fair then.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck, sullen. Other people could have a happy Lunar New Year as long as they did well in school, but not her.

    ¡°Why?¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses. ¡°You¡¯re the top student of the cohort. Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t have a good Lunar New Year?¡±

    ¡°My menses came on the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, and I was bleeding profusely. It was gushing non-stop on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year. I was also taken ill by a serious cold. I simply stayed in bed for three days.¡± Qiao Nan licked her fingers and counted. Who would be more unlucky than her during the Lunar New Year?

    ¡°Hahaha. No wonder.¡± Tang Mengran felt more peaceful at heart. Menses was the most annoying thing. Damn, the pain was already torturing, not to mention the continuous bleeding. Moreover, Nan Nan had it on the night of the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve. That was even more torturing. In other words, Nan Nan did not enjoy the Lunar New Year at all.

    ¡°Pitiful child.¡± Tao Zhenqin rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s head and smiled as she gloated.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you arrived earlier than me.¡± A fewckeys were following behind Zhu Baoguo as they strode into the ssroom. ¡°Right, you¡¯ve got a letter from my dad. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s written in there. It¡¯s so secretive. He forbade me from reading it. As if I care.¡± Zhu Baoguo snorted.

    ¡°It¡¯s from Uncle Zhu?¡± Qiao Nan took the letter but did not open it immediately. ¡°Alright, shrink your neck. Since Uncle Zhu won¡¯t let you read it, I¡¯ll definitely not open it in front of you. Most likely, Uncle Zhu found the book that I requested him to. Anyway, you¡¯re not interested in these books.¡± What did Zhu Chengqi want to tell her that Zhu Baoguo could not know?

 Chapter 380 - Zhai Sheng Took Actions

    <h4>Chapter 380: Zhai Sheng Took Actions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Both of your families are really good friends with each other. Qiao Nan, you know Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father?¡± Zheng Lingling asked in surprise. She had thought that Qiao Nan was joking when giving such reasons so that she would not be seen to have a close one-to-one personal rtionship with Zhu Baoguo. Unexpectedly, the two families were really on good terms.

    ¡°It is true all this while.¡± Qiao Nan put away her schoolbag. ¡°Have you all gone to the dormitory yet?¡±

    ¡°We did.¡±

    ¡°He Yun reached the school the earliest today. The sun is strong and she has taken all our nkets to dry in the sun.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, He Yun.¡± Qiao Nan was quite happy that the nket was drying under the sun. The nket in the dormitory had been untouched for one month. If this were not done, there would be a musky smell when they slept with it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± He Yun smiled big-heartedly. ¡°You¡¯ve helped me so much in normal times. It¡¯s rare that I can be of some help. Next time, if I reach the schoolter than all of you, please be more self-aware and help me dry the nkets under the sun.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and take all the nkets downter,¡± Qiao Nan said with a conscience.

    ¡°I know that Nan Nan is the best.¡± He Yun gave a thumbs-up. She really did not wish to return to the dormitory after she finished her meal.

    The school life in Ping Cheng High School was quite dynamic. After the students paid their tuition fees, the ss monitor of respective sses made arrangements to collect and distribute the textbooks. They wouldmence self-study in the evening and start attending lessons the next day.

    Seeing that the sun was not that bright anymore, Qiao Nan tasked the mission of tidying up her desk to Zhu Baoguo and made a trip back to her dormitory. She then took down all the nkets that were drying under the sun.

    After cing them properly, Qiao Nan opened the letter that Zhu Baoguo passed to her.

    As Qiao Nan read its contents, she finally understood why her mother was willing to dy one and a half years before getting a divorce. Even if her father was not willing to give them any money, she and Qiao Zijin would not care. Wang Yang was the mastermind behind this matter.

    With Wang Yang as the backing, of course Qiao Zijin would not bother about her poor father.

    After reading the letter, Qiao Nan tore it without a word and flushed it down the pipe until she was certain that not a single piece of paper was left.

    It was nothing bad that Wang Yang was willing to help her father support Qiao Zijin and her mother. However, was Wang Yang¡¯s family situation that good? Were they so wealthy that they were willing to support other people¡¯s wife and daughter?

    Beside Qiao Nan, Zhu Chengqi, who just received this news, had the same thoughts too. ¡°If the Wang family is so rich, they don¡¯t need to disburse that sum of money requested by the Wang family previously then.¡± He would let Wang Qinglin gradually think of a solution himself. Wang Qinglin wanted to have achievements in his career, yet he was not willing to fork out money. That wouldn¡¯t do.

    ¡°Chief Zhu, that sum of money has already been withheld.¡±

    ¡°Withheld? Who did it?¡± Zhu Chengqi lifted his head in surprise. Not many people dared to withhold the money from Wang Qinglin. After all, those people had to give some face to the Zhu family.

    ¡°It was done by the Zhai family. To be precise, it was done by Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng?¡± Zhu Chengqi put down what he was doing. ¡°Do you know the reason?¡± Wang Qinglin had always been quite smooth and slick in his dealings with people. How did he offend Zhai Sheng? If he did not remember wrong, he had tried to let Wang Yang bond with Zhai Sheng before. However, he did not know why Wang Yang, who was so capable of pretending to be a good kid, failed to gain any benefit from Zhai Sheng.

    At the thought of his son having been ¡®toyed¡¯ by Wang Yang for so many years, whereas Zhai Sheng would always make Wang Yang suffer a setback, Zhu Chengqimented. There was a big difference between his son and other people¡¯s son.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. If the information that I received is not wrong, Zhai Sheng not only withheld Wang Qinglin¡¯s money but also seemed to be investigating the Chen family.¡±

    ¡°The Chen family? That Chen Jun?¡± Was it the Chen Jun that he knew?

    ¡°The Chen family which has a deputy policemissioner in Ping Cheng.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi made a few light knocks on the table with the pen in his hand. ¡°Alright, I understand the situation now. You may leave.¡±

    ¡°Then, how about Wang Qinglin?¡± Did Chief Zhu still want to take action to teach Wang Qinglin a lesson?

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to do so now.¡± Since someone had already taken the action to teach Wang Qinglin a lesson, he did not have to rush into it. Zhu Chengqi just wanted to teach Wang Qinglin a lesson, not to crush him. After all, Wang Qinglin was his brother-inw. His sister, Zhu Qin, was still Wang Qinglin¡¯s wife.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving then, Chief Zhu.¡±

    Wang Qinglin had wanted to rise to the top of his career wholeheartedly. He was in this position today because of Zhu Chengqi, his elder brother-inw. Everyone gave Wang Qinglin some face no matter what he did as they knew that he was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s brother-inw. They would make things convenient for Wang Qinglin if it was within their means.

    With Zhu Chengqi as his elder brother-inw, only Wang Qinglin himself knew how much he had benefited. He was often able to yield twice the results by doing half the work.

    However, the ever sessful him actually ran into some trouble on this asion.

    Wang Qinglin wished to achieve something prominent and sessful while he was young, riding on his rtionship with Zhu Chengqi. The speed at which he climbed the careerdder was definitely not slow.

    Recently, Wang Qinglin was interested in a project as he saw the value in it. As long as he secured it, he would be able to make a great achievement. The biggest problem was the sum of money that was needed for the project. The rest of the problems could easily be settled.

    For the sake of this, Wang Qinglin had been working on it long before the Lunar New Year. Basically, it was almost settled. Once the sum of money was disbursed and approved, he would then be able tomence work.

    However, Wang Qinglin suddenly received a call. ¡°What? The money was not disbursed? There were problems with certain parts of the project during the examining process? Are you sure? Didn¡¯t you tell me before the Lunar New Year that the money would be disbursed within three months?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Impossible. Did anyone make a mistake? Can you help me check on this?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°... It¡¯s like that? Will this matter be easier to settle if I look for my elder brother-inw?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll settle my elder brother-inw¡¯s end. Once I¡¯ve done that, you have to take faster actions. Take it as doing me a favor and disburse the loan. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal next time. Ah, yes, let¡¯s agree on this. I¡¯ll have to trouble you, then.¡± Wang Qinglin hung up in a happy tone. Once the beeping sound was gone, Wang Qinglin¡¯s face was all ck.

    This matter was only missing a nail on the board, yet someone dared to obstruct him at this juncture.

    After pacing for a while in his office, Wang Qinglin simply picked up his phone and made a call home. ¡°Zhu Qin, it¡¯s me. I have something to tell you. Last year, I told you about a project, didn¡¯t I? It was already confirmed, but someone just told me today that someone held back the money. Do you think you should call the house of the Zhu family to inform Dad?¡±

    ¡°Who has the guts to hold back your money?¡± Zhu Qin was astonished. ¡°The matter about this project had initially been settled, yet they had to stir up so much trouble. I¡¯ll tell Dad. Dad will bring this up to brother. Thereafter, brother will certainly pull some strings. Most likely, there won¡¯t be any more problems then.¡±

 Chapter 381 - Punished to Sleep in Study Room

    <h4>Chapter 381: Punished to Sleep in Study Room</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Recently, Yang Yang had been very well-behaved, and he did not get into arguments with Baoguo either. Their rtionship had improved, thus it should not be difficult.

    After speaking with Wang Qinglin on the phone, Zhu Qin made a phone call to Elder Zhu. ¡°Hello, Dad, it¡¯s me. There¡¯s this situation that I have to tell you, please let Brother know as well. I don¡¯t know how these people do their work, but they are paid by the government, yet they do not do their work. If Qinglin is affected by them, I will not let this matter rest.¡±

    Wang Qinglin had been talking about this project for quite some time. He was very ambitious and confident. He believed that after finishing this project, given his political achievements, there would be chances of him getting promoted this year.

    When Zhu Qin married Wang Qinglin, she was actually marrying down.

    At that time, the Wang family was not as well-to-do as the Zhu family. Regardless, Zhu Qin had taken a fancy to Wang Qinglin, and she married him as he was good to her.

    However, Zhu Qin had be ustomed to the fact that whenever Wang Qinglin met with any trouble, she would always go to the Zhu family for help. Zhu Qin did not find anything wrong with that.

    ¡°Is that so? I don¡¯t know much about these things. I will tell your brother about it. He will make the decision.¡± It was rare that his daughter called him, but Elder Zhu was unhappy when he learned that it was regarding his son-inw.

    At the other end of the phone, Zhu Qin smiled. ¡°Dad, are you joking with me? There¡¯s nothing that my brother cannot settle.¡±

    Elder Zhu massaged his forehead. ¡°That is if your brother is willing to. You should know your brother¡¯s temper recently. I can¡¯t do anything about you siding with the Wang family, and I can¡¯t control how your brother behaves as well. Both of you have grown up, and I am old. If there is anything in the future, settle the problem by yourself. Can you let me have a peace of mind and enjoy my retirement?¡±

    Zhu Qin said guiltily, ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong with you? It¡¯s not good for your health to lose your temper.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Qin-er, you only know to ask. Why don¡¯t you think about it yourself? Whenever Wang Qinglin has any trouble, you will call me for help. Why don¡¯t you call your brother directly? Qin-er, do you think that I¡¯ve be muddle-headed and foolish from old age? Do you think that I do not understand what¡¯s going on?¡± Elder Zhu was unhappy at having to y the role of a messenger for his daughter.

    Zhu Qin looked awkward. ¡°Dad, are you in a bad mood today?¡± She had always called her father for help and he had never rejected her. Why was her father so angry today?

    ¡°Fine, I will bring up this matter to your brother. But you must not have too much expectation.¡± Elder Zhu sighed. His children were debts owed in his previous life. ¡°You have grown up, and your husband is your top priority. I can¡¯t say anything about it. Your brother has grown up as well, and I can¡¯t stop him from doing whatever he wants either. This is the current situation. We shall see how it goes.¡±

    Zhu Qin had yet to say a word, and her father had already hung up on her. She could only hear the dial tone from the other side of the phone. ¡°Hey, Dad? Hello?! Did you just hang up on me?¡± As long as her father spoke up, there was no way that her brother would refuse to help.

    Zhu Qin hung up and stared at the phone.

    In the end, did her father agree to it or not? What exactly happened to her father?

    Zhu Qin was perplexed. When Wang Qinglin came back home at night and asked about this matter, Zhu Qin told him what had happened.

    Wang Qinglin took off his clothes and sat down on the bed, deep in his thoughts. ¡°Didn¡¯t your dad ask you to give your brother a call? Why don¡¯t you call him to ask?¡± It seemed that Zhu Chengqi still had the final say. The sum of money had already been reserved for him. Initially, it would not take long for him to get the money, and he would be able to do something big by then.

    But why was his request disapproved now? Could it be that Zhu Chengqi put a stop to it?

    ¡°Sure, but it¡¯s toote now. How about I call my brother tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes, tomorrow will do.¡±

    The Wang family had rested. Over at the other side, Zhai Yaohui, who was rarely at home, gave a call to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Hello, Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Dad? Is anything the matter?¡± Zhai Sheng was looking through some information when he picked up the call from Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°I heard that you are in charge of Wang Qinglin¡¯s matter. Why are you?¡± All along, the Zhai family had nothing to do with the Wang family.

    ¡°Grandpa once taught me that as a soldier, we must do practical things for the country and the people, and we must never resort to deception. Since Wang Qinglin dared to y tricks, there is nothing wrong with me withholding the money. I have been through the ounts, and they are full of problems. I could not possibly watch by while he uses the people¡¯s money and engages in such unrealistic projects. Our country is big and we have a lot of talent. If Wang Qinglin is not up to it, we can give others the chance. We can give this power to others instead. Dad, do you think there is a problem?¡±

    When Zhai Yaohui first heard about this, he had thought that Wang Qinglin had provoked Zhai Sheng. However, Zhai Sheng justified himself with valid reasons. There was no way that he could say anything.

    As Zhai Sheng¡¯s father, how could Zhai Yaohui not be able to tell which of Zhai Sheng¡¯s words were true and which were not?

    All that Zhai Sheng said was to give excuses for this matter.

    Zhai Yaohui took off his reading sses. ¡°Alright, since you don¡¯t wish to say, I won¡¯t force you. But don¡¯t use those excuses to dismiss me. There isn¡¯t a big problem regarding this matter. You just have to know the limits.¡±

    Almost everyone knew that there were problems with Wang Qinglin¡¯s ounts.

    Nowadays, among the people who worked for the people and the country, most would not be truthful in their ounts. The only difference was how they prepared the ounts and whether they knew their limits.

    Wang Qinglin knew his limits. Even if Zhu Chengqi was his rtive, he did not go way overboard. Hence, though there was something wrong with his ounts, nobody really cared. After all, they had to take into ount the Zhu family.

    ¡°Sure. Dad, it¡¯s gettingte. You should sleep.¡± Zhai Sheng was not surprised that Zhai Yaohui would say this.

    Zhai Yaohui hesitated for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s still early...¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who was flipping through some information, halted in his tracks. There was a glint of smiles in his eyes. ¡°Is Mom still angry with you and wanted you to sleep in the study room?¡±

    As soon as Zhai Sheng said this, sounds of someone overturning the teacup could be heard from the other side of the phone. ¡°What are you talking about? I meant I want to read through some notes. Alright, I will hang up now!¡±

    After hanging up, Zhai Yaohui cleared up the overturned teacup clumsily. It waste. He did not want to bother the helpers at home since they must have gone to sleep. He had no wish to wake them up.

    Looking at the overturned teacup, Zhai Yaohui sighed.

    His face turned ck when he looked at the bed that heid out in the study room. Ever since he married Miao Jing, he could not remember thest time that he made his own bed or stacked his own nket. He almost did not know how to stack them.

 Chapter 382 - Someone Confessed to Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 382: Someone Confessed to Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Miao Jing knew his habits and had spent some time in the army. Hence, she would always fold the nket into a square shape resembling that of tofu.

    Looking at the nket that he had folded, Zhai Yaohui found it very displeasing.

    It was folded into a square shape as well, but he just kept finding faults with it.

    Maybe he had been used to the way Miao Jing folded the nket and thus could not stand the sight of the nket that he folded himself.

    Zhai Yaohuiy down on the bed and covered himself with the nket, thinking to himself that women were fickle-minded. Back then, Miao Jing liked Qiu Chenxi a lot and felt that she and Zhai Sheng would make a good match. It was the couple¡¯s unanimous decision to go ahead with the engagement of the two children. He was not the only one who made the decision.

    Who would have thought that Miao Jing would have a sudden change of mind, saying that she was dissatisfied with Qiu Chenxi and objecting strongly to the match?

    He remembered the Qiu family visited them on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year to discuss the marriage of the two children, but Miao Jing left with Zhai Sheng, leaving him with Qiu Qin and his wife. Zhai Yaohui turned gloomy at the awkwardness and exasperation that he felt then.

    He did not me Miao Jing for making the situation to be so awkward, yet she lost her temper at him and he ended up beingughed at by his son today.

    Zhai Yaohui pulled the nket in anger. He felt like going back to the room to tell Miao Jing that the room and the bed were not hers alone. He could sleep wherever he pleased!

    But after thinking for a long time, Zhai Yaohui abandoned that thought and fell asleep in the study room.

    Zhai Yaohui was preupied with his quarrel with Miao Jing. Hence, he did not pay much attention to Zhai Sheng.

    Otherwise, the father should know the son best.

    As long as Zhai Yaohui paid more attention to his son, he would have noticed that things were going on between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. They had only been together for barely a month and would have been discovered by Zhai Yaohui.

    Qiao Nan, who had her full attention on her studies, did not know that Zhai Sheng had done so much for her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you want to go to the library to read books together?¡± A student who looked decent asked Qiao Nan to go to the library together.

    Qiao Nan nted her head and looked at him. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not going.¡±

    When he left, Qiao Nan went back to do her problem sums.

    Tang Mengran sat down in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s seat quietly. ¡°Luckily, Zhu Baoguo was called away by the teacher. Otherwise, the boy might not have been this lucky.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Nan did not understand. ¡°Besides, I am the one who is unlucky.¡± She had been asked by many boys to go to the library with them.

    Qiao Nan did not understand why they must go to the library and not stay in the ssroom to study instead. It was such a waste of time to go to the library.

    If the boys were interested in going to the library, they should ask their own ssmates.

    She did not know any of the boys who asked her to go to the library with them.

    This was what made her perplexed.

    Tang Mengran cupped her face. ¡°For goodness sake, Nan Nan, do you really not understand or are you pretending?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows.

    ¡°Oh my god, do you really think that the boys asked you to go to the library just to read the books?¡± Tang Mengran widened her eyes in disbelief. Who told her that Nan Nan had both high IQ and EQ? Given what she said just now, she seemed to have low emotional intelligence!

    ¡°Not for reading? That... impossible!¡± Qiao Nan btedly realized what the boys¡¯ real intentions were. ¡°The school does not allow us to be in a rtionship. This is Ping Cheng High School!¡± It was the second best to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you so naive? If all the students are so obedient and always listen to what the teachers say, then the world would be much more peaceful!¡±

    ¡°Why do they use going to the library to read books as an excuse?¡± Since the boys were interested in her, why did they beat around the bush? They could not me her for noting to her senses.

    Tang Mengran, who was sitting in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s seat, flipped his books. ¡°That is to escape from the teachers. Even if one wants to go against the rules, one must be clever at it as well. Otherwise, if one is caught by the teachers, the consequences will be unbearable. But if both of you are reading at the library, even if the teachers catch you, they can do nothing about it. They can¡¯t possibly say that students are not allowed to interact with each other.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She did not know that the students at this age would use this tactic to start a rtionship.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have rejected ten boys. What kind of boys do you like then?¡± This was what Tang Mengran was most concerned and most interested about.

    ¡°Ten?¡± Qiao Nan did not have any idea how many boys had asked her to go to the library.

    ¡°There¡¯re definitely ten of them. I took note of them for you. About five of them are from the same level. Their scores are in the top fifty. There were also three second-year students and two third-year students.¡±

    Qiao Nan twitched the corners of her lips when Tang Mengran listed the boys one by one. ¡°The second and third-year students? Are you sure you didn¡¯t make any mistake?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡±

    ¡°So, if they are caught by the teachers, they will simply say that they are tutoring me?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, who knows?¡± Tang Mengran was thrilled that her roommate was the subject of interest among the boys from all levels. Apart from feeling a slight twinge of regret that she was not the one, she felt proud that she shared the same dormitory as Qiao Nan.

    Fang Fang pushed her sses and walked up to Qiao Nan. ¡°Don¡¯t you find them a bother?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    ¡°Then, you muste up with a solution to deal with it once and for all.¡± Fang Fang was annoyed at seeing boys from different sses and levels hanging around their ss. ¡°Otherwise, it will only go on and on.¡±

    ¡°This is true.¡± Zheng Lingling agreed with Fang Fang. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be angry when you hear this. I heard that because you have rejected so many boys from first to third years, some boys are betting to see who will be the first one that can make you ept him.¡± In other words, those who confessed to Nan Nan might not truly like her. They could be doing it for their dignity.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°We are already in high school now. How could they be so ridiculous? But thank you. Now that I know about this, I know what to tell them next time.¡±

    Previously, she did not know that asking her to go to the library to read books was, in fact, a discreet confession.

    If she had known it, she would have rejected them upfront.

    Fortunately, it was not toote to know now. She must make sure that she made herself clear so that it would not happen again, lest it created trouble for all of them.

 Chapter 383 - Powerful Rejection

    <h4>Chapter 383: Powerful Rejection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Just like what Zheng Lingling said, after Qiao Nan rejected the second year student that day, a third-year student came looking for Qiao Nan a few dayster, asking her to ¡®study together¡¯ with him. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am in my third year now. I know more than you. If you have any problems in your studies, we can discuss and find a solution together. It may not be good to work on it alone.¡±

    The third-year student was smart. He knew that Qiao Nan valued ??learning, so he tried to appeal to her through learning.

    In the past, Qiao Nan did not care for these things. Hence, there were a lot of things that she had ignored.

    Ever since Tang Mengran¡¯s reminderst time, Qiao Nan had be much more sensitive.

    Qiao Nan noticed that when the third year student turned up at their ss, many of the people in the ss had their eyes on them. Many students were particrly crowding around the doorway of their ssroom as if they were in for a good show.

    ¡°You are in the third year?¡± Qiao Nan tapped her pen on the desk.

    The third-year student shed a confident smile, showing his white teeth. ¡°That¡¯s right. Like you, I am very interested and confident in my studies. My results have always been good and I have always ranked in the first ten in the level. If we study together, we can have a lot of discussions about the problems that we encounter in our studies.¡±

    Tang Mengran patted Zheng Lingling¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have some impression of this senior. His family is very well-to-do. The watch that he wears costs over a thousand dors. Do you think he will be sessful?¡±

    Zheng Lingling gulped. ¡°He will definitely be disappointed. Can¡¯t you see that Nan Nan does not have any impression of him? He is just like a passerby. He will not seed. What I am curious about is how Nan Nan is going to reject him once and for all.¡±

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and nced at the empty seat next to her that belonged to Zhu Baoguo.

    After Tang Mengran¡¯s reminderst time, Qiao Nan had figured out a pattern.

    These boys who asked her to go to the library to ¡®read books¡¯ would usuallye when Zhu Baoguo was not in the ssroom. ¡°You havee at the right time. I have a mathematics problem that I can¡¯t solve. Can senior take a look at it?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± The student smiled. He was most worried that Qiao Nan would not give him any response. As long as she was willing to talk to him, he had a way to make her agree to go out with him.

    Since the third year student agreed to help, Qiao Nan tore a clean page from her book and wrote said problem on it. She then handed the pen and rough paper to the third year student. ¡°Senior, please help me solve this.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± The third-year student took the paper with confidence.

    He was in the top ten among all the third year students. He had no problem with the third year questions, let alone first year ones. It was child¡¯s y to him!

    ¡°I will have to trouble senior.¡± Qiao Nan leaned toward Zhu Baoguo¡¯s empty seat, leaving enough space for the third year student.

    But the third year student soon lost the self-confidence that he had at the beginning. He was full of doubts and looked troubled. He frowned, deep in thought. He never stopped writing, and the rough paper was now covered with workings and calctions. However, he still could not get the answer.

    When he realized that there was no more space on the paper, he hesitated before asking, ¡°Can you give me another piece of rough paper?¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Qiao Nan generously gave him a stack of rough paper. ¡°Feel free to use them.¡±

    With the stack of rough paper, the third year student had lots of paper to work his calctions on.

    The third-year student leaned against Qiao Nan¡¯s table for a quarter of an hour, writing three pages worth of calctions, but he just could not get the answer. ¡°This question...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t solve it...¡±

    ¡°No, I can solve it. It¡¯s just that this is your ssroom. This is not the environment that I am familiar with. I am not used to it. Why don¡¯t I bring it back with me first? When I solve it, I wille back to show you how to solve it.¡± The third-year student blushed in embarrassment. One could tell that he was just giving excuses.

    Not your own ssroom? Unfamiliar environment? Could not think clearly?

    If this were the case, then the third year student could not possibly sit for the exam or the college entrance examination.

    For the college entrance examination, it wasmon to sit for the exams in different ssrooms. Some students even had to go to other schools.

    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and agreed readily.

    With that, the third-year student left the ssroom without another word.

    Fang Fang pursed her lips. ¡°Nan Nan, what kind of problem is that? I want to give it a try, can I?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t I write the question on the ckboard? Everyone who is interested can try it. We can discuss as well. This is what schools are for.¡±

    After that, Qiao Nan walked up to the ckboard.

    Qiao Nan, who rarely wrote on the ckboard, had a piece of chalk in her hand and started writing. Her handwriting was beautiful and neat. It drew the attention of others.

    ¡°For goodness sake, Nan Nan, your handwriting on the ckboard is so beautiful! I heard many people may have good handwriting, but since they are not used to writing on the ckboard, their words will not look nice on it.¡± He Yun was amazed. Qiao Nan¡¯s handwriting was much more beautiful than the teacher¡¯s. They looked as if they were printed onto the ckboard.

    ¡°You should have been ustomed to it. Nan Nan is an all-rounder. She outshines us all.¡± Tao Zhenqin ground her teeth in a mixture of admiration and anger.

    ¡°Here is the question. Let¡¯s give them a try.¡± He Yun picked up the pen and started to work on it. She wanted to know what kind of question could scare a third-year student away.

    When most of the students in ss one were working on this problem, several students from other sses, and even other levels, copied the question and spread it around.

    It seemed that everyone felt that only those who could solve the problem were qualified to go to the library with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Oh, my god! I give up. My brain cells are dying. This question is too difficult. Nan Nan, do you want us dead bying up with such a question?¡±

    Tang Mengran was the first to give up.

    Tang Mengran knew her standard. Given this kind of difficult question, she would not be able to solve it in ten days or even ten years.

    She did not believe that this kind of question woulde up in the three years of high school.

    Tao Zhenqin was the second to give up, and Fang Fang was thest to give up.

    Regardless of whoever gave up first, everyone in ss one gave up even before the self-study session was over.

    Everyone knew their own standard.

    They could tell whether they could solve the question or not.

    Nobody was able to solve such a difficult question.

 Chapter 384 - Someone Helped Provide for Her

    <h4>Chapter 384: Someone Helped Provide for Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Anyway, since there was no way that they could solve it, it was better to spend time on some other things, rather than wasting time on the question.

    Besides, there were so many people in ss one. It was not that everyone who worked on the question was interested in going to the library with Qiao Nan.

    Just like what Tang Mengran said, trying to solve the question would kill a lot of brain cells!

    Because of this question, Qiao Nan finally managed to have some peaceful days. Nobody came to ask her to go to the library with them.

    The people in the same dormitory gave a big thumbs-up for Qiao Nan¡¯s brilliant n.

    Initially, they were still agonizing over what kind of method should Qiao Nan use so as not to hurt others and bring trouble to themselves.

    She was, after all, a top student. Her way of refusal was so effective and domineering. This was something that ordinary people could not think of.

    ¡°Dad, I am back.¡± Qiao Nan went back home in two weeks¡¯ time. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong?¡± When Qiao Nan returned home, Qiao Dongliang was sitting in a daze at home.

    ¡°You have started school, and your sister has started school as well. It¡¯s been half a month, yet your mom hasn¡¯t looked for me even once.¡± Qiao Dongliang said anxiously, ¡°Your mom and your sister... Nan Nan, do you think I should go back and take a look quietly?¡±

    ¡°Dad, are you worried about sister¡¯s tuition fees and living expenses? There¡¯s no need to worry. My mom and my sister are leading a good life, a much better one than before. They can have whatever they want to eat or buy.¡± Qiao Nan changed out of her pair of shoes and put her schoolbag in her room.

    As it was inconvenient at school, she mailed her letter to Zhai Sheng on her way home.

    Besides mailing the letter, she also had two letters from Zhai Sheng inside her schoolbag.

    Zhai Sheng was a soldier. He was busy with military affairs, yet he could write her two letters in half a month. She felt ashamed that she only had one letter for him.

    ¡°How is that so? Where did your mom and sister get the money? Nan Nan, are you sure that what you heard is correct?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not believe it. Ding Jiayi did not have any cash with her, let alone such a big sum of money. Even though Ding Jiayi was in charge of the money at home, he knew how much money they were left with.

    After they spent the money on sending Zijin to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and for his medical expenses from the car ident, the family really had not much money left.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo was the one who told me this. It should be the truth. Besides, my sister treats Wang Yang as her younger brother. He is a dependable younger brother. Compared with Wang Yang, I am embarrassed to say that I am my sister¡¯s younger sister. Wang Yang has covered my sister¡¯s tuition fees and living expenses.¡± Qiao Nan had two sses of water in her hand, one for herself while the other for Qiao Dongliang.

    With one nce, Qiao Nan knew that her father had spent the whole day agonizing over the problem of Zijin¡¯s tuition and misceneous fees. Not to mention water, he might not even have had a proper meal today.

    Her father could steel his heart and not care about Ding Jiayi, but he could not do so for Qiao Zijin. It was impossible.

    Simr to the previous life, she was almost forty years old and was still not married. Her mother tried means and ways to prevent her from having a boyfriend, let alone getting married. However, even though her father was disappointed and had lost all hope in her, he would still remind her to find a partner and get married soon whenever he saw her.

    Once, her father also hinted that as long as the man had a good moral character, his family background did not matter. More importantly, it would be best if the man stayed far away from them, if possible, out of Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Dongliang took the drink and finished drinking it in one go. He was stunned upon hearing what Qiao Nan said. ¡°Nan Nan, is it true?¡± Wang Yang gave Zijin so much money that it could cover for her tuition and misceneous fees as well as her living expenses?

    How could this be?

    There was nothing in this world that could be obtained without any hard work. There was no free lunch in this world.

    Why would Wang Yang give Zijin so much money? Why would he provide for her expenses?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Zhu Baoguo told me so. I don¡¯t think Zhu Baoguo would lie to me.¡± Qiao Nan said this matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Why would Wang Yang do that?¡± Qiao Dongliang was exasperated. He furrowed his eyebrows in anger.

    ¡°No idea. My sister gets along quite well with Wang Yang. Maybe my sister regards Wang Yang as her younger brother, and Wang Yang also treats my sister as his elder sister.¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to believe it. Unless it was Wang Yang¡¯s father who regarded Zijin as his daughter, it was no use even if Wang Yang treated Zijin as his sister. Wang Yang¡¯s father was the one who earned the money, not Wang Yang. He might be able to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tuition fees for a semester, but it was impossible to finance Zijin all the way through college.

    This was not a small amount. Wang Yang could not possibly have so much money. By that time, the elders of the Wang family woulde to know of this matter.

    This was definitely not that simple.

    ¡°Then, I really don¡¯t know the reason, unless Zhu Baoguo lied to me.¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had finished the water, Qiao Nan stood up and went to the kitchen, giving Qiao Dongliang enough time and space to figure out what was going on between Qiao Zijin and Wang Yang.

    ¡°No, Baoguo won¡¯t lie to Nan Nan. There is no need for him to lie.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not notice that Qiao Nan had left the living room. He was thinking hard about the problem at hand.

    Qiao Dongliang had always known that Wang Yang and Zhu Baoguo did not get along well with each other.

    In that case, it must not be for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s interest that Wang Yang offered help to Qiao Zijin. Nevertheless, in what way would this harm Zhu Baoguo?

    He kept on reciting Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin, Zhu Baoguo, and Qiao Nan over and over again in his mind. Qiao Dongliang seemed to have figure out something, but he could not bring himself to believe it.

    If that were the truth...

    Qiao Dongliang felt as if his heart was being wrenched by someone. It was so painful that he almost cried out.

    Someone dared to make use of his elder daughter to deal with his younger daughter, and the elder daughter seemed to go along with them. There was no way that Qiao Dongliang could make himself ept this painful truth!!

    ¡°Dad, have a bowl of noodles.¡± By the time Qiao Dongliang came back to his senses, a bowl of hot and fragrant noodles with fried egg was ced in front of him. ¡°Ever since I came back, I could hear your stomach rumbling for a couple of times. Have you eaten anything today?¡±

    Qiao Nan had just said this and there was another rumble from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s stomach.

    Qiao Dongliang took the bowl of noodles, looking embarrassed. ¡°I did not do my duty as a father. I did not take good care of you, but you have to take care of me instead.¡± He could not remember whether he had eaten or not today.

    ¡°Dad, hurry to eat the noodles. They will not taste good when they turn soggy.¡± Qiao Nan wrinkled her nose in disgust. She preferred her noodles to be slightly undercooked. Qiao Dongliang had the same preferences as well. However, as Qiao Dongliang had not had any food today, she was worried that the noodles would be difficult to digest. Hence, she cooked it longer than usual.

    Regardless, Qiao Nan would never eat soggy noodles.

 Chapter 385 - A Tough Call

    <h4>Chapter 385: A Tough Call</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang picked up the chopsticks and had yet to take a bite. He looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Dad, whatever it is, we can wait until you finish eating.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed and slurped down the bowl of noodles. ¡°Nan Nan, you have more to say to your sister. How about you ask her why would Wang Yang give her so much money and even provide for her? You must persuade your sister that it¡¯s not good to take money from others.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you are her father. Why don¡¯t you go? Why did you ask that I persuade her? Ever since a young age, we did not have much to talk about. Besides, she will never listen to what I say. Inparison, she will listen to what you say.¡± Qiao Nan was unhappy. She was not willing to be like those spineless people who tried to please everyone.

    Wang Yang gave Qiao Zijin money because he was after Qiao Nan. She was not foolish enough to persuade Qiao Zijin not to be used by Wang Yang. If she did that, she was asking for a beating.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She cleaned up the tableware after Qiao Dongliang had finished eating. She came back and sat down thereafter. ¡°Actually, there is a simple way to make my sister stay far away from Wang Yang. My sister has only one aim in mind. If I quit school and work, all the money that you earn will be used to finance my sister through college. She may be greedy for money, but she does not have any reason to take Wang Yang¡¯s money. If you tell her this, there is no need for any persuasion and she will definitely be happy.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang stiffened. ¡°Is there a way where we can have the best of both worlds?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled in exasperation. ¡°Of course there is a way where we can have the best of both worlds, but you must get my sister¡¯s cooperation. You and Mom never stopped her from studying, but she wanted more. It is not a matter of whether I am willing or not. My sister simply won¡¯t listen to a word that we say. Unless she gets what she wants, it is no use to say anything to her. My sister will not listen, and she will not do it. Dad, you must understand that the problem lies with my sister.¡±

    If Qiao Zijin¡¯s desire could not be satisfied, she would not listen to other people no matter what they told her.

    Such was her temper, and no amount of persuading would do.

    ¡°Dad, do you believe it or not? If I drop out of school, and you only have to provide for my sister alone, there is no need for you to say anything and she will stop hanging out with Wang Yang. More importantly, once I quit school, Wang Yang may not be willing to care about my sister or to spend money on her anymore.¡±

    Wang Yang wanted to stop her from studying with Zhu Baoguo so that she would not be a positive influence on Zhu Baoguo.

    If she quit school, Wang Yang would have nothing to worry anymore. Hence, he would no longer need to waste so much of his time, energy, and money on Qiao Zijin.

    The Wang family might be rich, but they were not so foolish as to provide for someone¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°Nan Nan, for the sake of both of you, can¡¯t you think of a way to persuade your sister?¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to give up. He had only two daughters and he hoped that both of them would do well.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and her voice sank. ¡°No, Dad. Since you can¡¯t do it, let alone for me. If you are worried, you can visit her and try to persuade her. I have no other solution.¡±

    Since Qiao Zijin always mixed with Wang Yang, she might be led astray by him. She had been very kind to Qiao Zijin by not adding salt to the injury now.

    As for other things, her father did not need to think too much about it. She would never agree to it. ¡°Dad, the school has given us a lot of homework. I have to go back to my room to do the homework. As for my sister, if you have any thoughts about it, it¡¯s better to talk to her as soon as possible. If she gets entangled with Wang Yang, it may be toote to put a stop to it.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan returned to her room. She took out a box and ced the letter that Zhai Sheng wrote to her safely inside.

    When Qiao Nan was doing her homework, she could hear the sound of Qiao Dongliang leaving the house.

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily before continuing with her school work.

    She had said that she would not care for Qiao Zijin, but she would never stop her father from showing concern for her.

    The day was still bright. Qiao Nan had finished half of her homework when Qiao Dongliang came back home. Qiao Nan put down the pen and went to the kitchen. ¡°Dad, the rice has been cooked and the dishes have been steamed, ready to be eaten. If you are hungry, you can eat them.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had a defeated look on his face. He rubbed at his face. ¡°Nan Nan, do you have anything to ask me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly, feeling gloomy. ¡°Nan Nan, am I a failure as a father? Zijin won¡¯t listen to a word that I say, and you are not willing to listen to me as well. All of you have grown up and have a mind of your own.¡±

    As a father, he did not seem to have any use anymore.

    When faced with issues and problems, Zijin and Nan Nan did not need his help as they had their own way of thinking.

    ¡°If you really feel that we have grown up, then just let us be, Dad. You can have it easy. Besides, you may not be able to take us in hand. Why do you make life so difficult for yourself?¡± Qiao Nan poured a cup of water for Qiao Dongliang.

    For two lifetimes, her father had not been able to make Qiao Zijin and her listen to him.

    It was impossible in the previous lifetime, and it would be all the more impossible in this lifetime.

    Actually, she and Qiao Zijin were quite simr to each other deep down inside. Once they had made up their mind, they would not listen to their father no matter how he tried to persuade them.

    ¡°I... I merely want the best for our family.¡± Was that too much to ask for?

    ¡°Dad, this does not concern you alone. It¡¯s not good enough that you think that way. The other party has to have simr thinking as you. If everyone is willing to go with your idea, then it will be good. But Dad, if others do not agree with you, what you are doing is an arduous and fruitless task.¡±

    Both she and Qiao Zijin would not give him any credit for his effort.

    Since she had a chance to continue with her studies, why must she go through so much effort to make sure that Qiao Zijin did not go astray?

    She had the chance to continue with her studies not because Qiao Zijin decided to go easy on her or had helped her. In fact, she was the one who sorted her own thoughts and persisted. Qiao Zijin had done nothing to help her.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s quitete. You should eat so that you can wash up and sleep.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t eat.¡± Qiao Dongliang was angry. He did not see anything wrong with his way of thinking. He did not ask Nan Nan to sacrifice herself. He only wanted Nan Nan to persuade Zijin to stop being so muddle-headed. It was not aplicated matter, but Nan Nan refused to listen to him. Zijin and Ding Jiayi disregarded him as well. What was the use of staying in this family?

    Qiao Dongliang, who sulked and pulled a long face, hit the table before returning to his room in anger. He did not have any dinner at all.

    Seeing this, Qiao Nan said nothing.

 Chapter 386 - Did Not Have the Cheek to Do That

    <h4>Chapter 386: Did Not Have the Cheek to Do That</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Qiao Nan finished her meal quietly and put Qiao Dongliang¡¯s share into the pot to keep it warm. ¡°Dad, I have put the food in the pot. You can eat them when you are hungry. It should still be warm.¡±

    After saying this, Qiao Nan washed the dishes and went back to her room to continue with her homework.

    Qiao Nan felt bad that her father refused to eat in a fit of pique.

    But no matter what, Qiao Nan was not willing to give in. She had to stand firm this time.

    In the previous life, Ding Jiayi used this method to force Qiao Nan topromise time and again.

    The difference was that Qiao Dongliang would sulk and refuse to eat whereas Ding Jiayi would create a fuss andin that she had a hard time bringing up Qiao Nan and had a difficult life in this family, yet her younger daughter refused to help, saying that since her daughter treated her in this way, she¡¯d be better off dead. She would carry on and on, not giving her a moment of peace.

    If Ding Jiayi used the tactic of refusing to eat, she would cry as if having gastric pain and screamed that she was breaking out in cold sweats.

    Qiao Nan had seen through all sorts of tricks that Ding Jiayi had used.

    She was immune to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s method whereby he sulked and refused to eat.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan had returned to her room to do her homework. He felt bitter that she did not show any concern for him.

    Qiao Dongliang had not told Qiao Nan that when he went to the Qiao family¡¯s residence today, he did not get to talk to Qiao Zijin. They did not even allow him to enter the house. The door was locked by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, and he could only stand outside the house.

    He did his best to convince and persuade Qiao Zijin, but she did not appreciate his good intentions and ignored him totally.

    Now that he was back at home, aside from preparing a meal for him, Qiao Nan refused to say anything else to him. She was not willing to go with his wishes to persuade Qiao Zijin.

    He felt so angry and helpless that his daughters refused to listen to him.

    For parents, daughters were supposed to be the apple of their eyes. However, his two daughters were not considerate at all. They created a fuss instead, albeit each to a different extent.

    ¡°Morning, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan had done whatever she could do, but there were things that she would notpromise. She had a clear conscience and had a good rest yesterday. She woke up feeling refreshed. ¡°I have cooked some porridge and bought some dishes to go with it. Do you want to eat them, Dad?¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was full of energy and was able to eat and sleep well, Qiao Dongliang felt even more depressed. ¡°Nan Nan, aren¡¯t you worried about your sister at all? She is your biological sister.¡± Qiao Dongliang was perplexed.

    Back then, his parents only had him. He did not have any siblings. Otherwise, when his parents were no longer around, he would not be so helpless that he would need Uncle Lee¡¯s help to be able to marry Ding Jiayi.

    If he had a rtive by his side, at the very least, he would have been able to lead an easier life.

    But right now, Zijin and Nan Nan had each other. Should they not cherish each other?

    ¡°Dad, if you look at it from another perspective, if my sister and I switched ces, what do you think my sister would do? Take for instance what happened recently. Mom suspected that I stole the key to Zhai family¡¯s residence and pilfered from them. I won¡¯t argue about whether what Mom did was right or wrong, but what did my sister do then? Dad, if youpare it to what I did now, I feel that I have done more than enough. Yes, she is my sister. Although I can¡¯t give her unconditional support, at least I did not do what my sister did to me.¡±

    Qiao Nan would not change her mind because of what Qiao Dongliang said. What Qiao Dongliang was doing now was what Ding Jiayi would always do. She had been used to it.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you bear grudges against your sister for what happenedst time? Family members don¡¯t bear grudges against one another.¡± Though Qiao Dongliang could not rebut what Qiao Nan said, he did not know that there were so many misgivings between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan and that Qiao Nan would be so frank about it.

    Qiao Nan tousled her hair. Her father¡¯s old habits were acting up again.

    Qiao Nan pondered for a while before looking at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, as Chinese people, we ce a lot of importance on reciprocating each other kind intention. Do you agree?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Did Nan Nan mean that since Zijin had ¡®misunderstood¡¯ her in the past, hence she wanted to teach Zijin a lesson?

    ¡°Since she is the elder sister, she has to set an example. She has to treat me well first, and only then will I be good to her.¡± Qiao Nan was not in a hurry. She took her time to finish her sentence. ¡°In the past few years, everyone knows whether my sister treats me well or not. As for me, even if I am not the best sister in the world, I am definitely a good younger sister to her. That I can say with confidence. You want me to be sincere to my sister? Sure, I can do it. But first, she must be genuinely good to me. As long as my sister can do it, I can do it as well. Dad, you have to remember that she must be sincere. I don¡¯t want her to put up pretenses.¡±

    ¡°But your sister has a nasty temper. She won¡¯t take the first step. Nan Nan, how about you giving in to your sister? If we do not deal with Wang Yang¡¯s matter well, it may affect your sister¡¯s life.¡±

    ¡°Dad, even if we must not be calctive with our loved ones, why must I give in to her time and again? Why couldn¡¯t she take the first step? Is it because I have a good temper and so I have to be the one to give in?¡± Qiao Nan pulled a long face. ¡°Dad, actually, I didn¡¯t want to tell you this. But I don¡¯t want to be the bad guy, so I have to make it clear. Ever since Zhu Baoguo made improvements in his studies, Wang Yang came looking for me when you were away. He wanted me to stay away from Zhu Baoguo or else he would not let me off. I don¡¯t want to badmouth my sister, but Wang Yang is definitely not a good person.¡±

    ¡°Does it mean that Wang Yang targeted your sister because of you?¡±

    ¡°Dad, if you insist on putting it that way, could I say that Wang Yang was onto me because of Zhu Baoguo? Since that is so, I will tell Uncle Lee and Uncle Zhu tomorrow that because of Zhu Baoguo, Wang Yang has been targeting me and my sister. Should I tell them to be responsible for solving the problem between my sister and Wang Yang? Or should I alienate Zhu Baoguo and cut off any contact with him? In that case, Wang Yang will not target me and he also will not drag my sister down with him. What do you think?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had a bad headache. ¡°Alright, stop it. This cannot be done.¡±

    He did not have the cheek to tell the Zhu family and the Lee family to settle the problem between Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 387 - Problem with Being Cooped Up at Home

    <h4>Chapter 387: Problem with Being Cooped Up at Home</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang knew that he spoke those words in a fit of pique. If he were not Qiao Nan¡¯s father, he would not have said that.

    It was only in front of Qiao Nan that he acted like a willful child, wanting her to be tolerant toward him.

    Wang Yang might be up to no good, but Qiao Zijin was not a fool. She was an adult and should have the ability to think for herself. If not, then she was foolish enough for not being able to tell that she was used by Wang Yang. But Qiao Zijin was obviously aware of the situation, yet she willingly coborated with Wang Yang.

    No matter what happened in the future, she would have to bear full responsibility.

    Since she was willing to do so, nobody was to me for whatever that happened in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang let out a long sigh. ¡°I am such a disappointment. Whenever I am reminded about how much you have suffered in the past, I would tell myself not to let you down. But in fact, I have let you down time and again. Nan Nan, you don¡¯t understand. No matter how angry I am with your sister, she is also my daughter. Both of you are my daughters. It¡¯s a tough call. I cherish both of you.¡±

    ¡°When you grow up, get married, and have your own children, you will understand.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and replied after a short while. ¡°Dad, even if I grow up and have children in the future, I will definitely not let my children grow up to be like my sister. My sister thinks that our family owes her. No matter how much we do for her, she deserves to be treated that way. Dad, my sister¡¯s temperament is different.¡± Qiao Zijin could not bepared with her future children.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to have anything to do with your sister. I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. It¡¯s true that it is not your fault. It is your sister who got to know Wang Yang. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t understand, but I just can¡¯t let go.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know what she could say to her father. No matter what she said, she would be in the wrong. It was better to remain silent.

    ¡°Fortunately, you are very clear-minded. In our family of four, three of us are confused. If you cannot stay clear-minded at all times, then that is the end of our family.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. ¡°For me, I can¡¯t help doing this. When I know that your sister hasnded herself into such a situation, I cannot think properly. Nan Nan, you have to remember that if such things happen again in the future, as long as you think that you are right, you must not listen to me. I am a father. I can¡¯t just think of you. I have to consider for your sister¡¯s well-being as well. You have to think for yourself. Your mom and I are muddle-headed, but you have to stay calm and clear-minded. Otherwise, you will stand to lose.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to be good to Qiao Zijin and help her regardless of whether she was right or wrong. This had been a habit of his. He had been brainwashed by Ding Jiayi for more than ten years. It was not easy for him to change at short notice.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang was unaware of this, but he had improved gradually by being aware of his habit and way of thinking.

    ¡°Dad, you can rest assured that I will do so. It¡¯s not easy to lead a life ording to one¡¯s wishes, but I can assure you that I will try my best to ensure my happiness whilst not hurting others.¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought that they were going to end up in a quarrel because of Qiao Zijin.

    It was a relief that they did not end up in a quarrel.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You should get busy. I just can¡¯t think straight right now. Let me calm down.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled reluctantly. He still needed some time toe to terms with it.

    He had to be able to sort it out by himself so that he could move on and feel at ease.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t coop yourself up at home. I remember that you have quite a lot of friends in the factory and some of them are fairly close with you. Take for instance the uncle who helped us movest time. Since today is the weekend and you are not working, and I suppose Uncle Yang is not working as well, how about you buy a bottle of wine and some food to go with the wine and go over to his house to have a chat with him? You can go out for a walk. It¡¯s not good for you to stay indoors all day long.¡±

    Women would have to go through menopause. As for men, they would also experience simr situations.

    Her father stayed at home every day. Apart from going to work, he was alone by himself.

    He would watch the television, but he was constantly by himself regardless. He might be very bored.

    Qiao Nan realized that she had not been considerate enough. Her father was too lonely and did not have her mother to bicker with. Every half a month, she would only be back from school for two days. For the rest of the time, her father had nobody to talk to.

    Not to mention the problem with her sister, this alone would be too much for her father to handle.

    She had neglected this issue.

    ¡°I-is this okay?¡± Qiao Dongliang was slightly tempted. He also felt that it was too suffocating to be at home every day.

    ¡°Of course. Uncle Yang will definitely wee you. Dad, go along. I am fine.¡± Qiao Nan pulled Qiao Dongliang out of the house. ¡°Dad, you are always busy with work. You should reward yourself and have some fun. After your meal with Uncle Yang, you can walk around with him. Now that spring is here, there are a lot of beautiful scenic spots in Ping Cheng. I heard that there is a vige called Xia Vige in Ping Cheng, where the sunset is particrly beautiful. Though it¡¯s still early, and you may not be able to see the sunset, you can see the peach blossoms. Dad, if you go to the vige, you must remember to pick some for me. We can leave them at home and they canst for a long time.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you can stay at home by yourself? Don¡¯t you need me to apany you?¡±

    ¡°No need. I need a quiet environment to read my books. Dad, if you stay at home, you will be watching television by yourself at most. That is so boring. Go and have a chat with Uncle Yang. Juste back home before dinner.¡±

    Apart from working, her father had nothing to do. Whenever he was free, he would start to worry about Qiao Zijin and her studies. The more he thought about it, the more he felt helpless, and this would not be good for her father.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t disturb you. I will look for Uncle Yang. While I am not at home, you must remember to prepare your own lunch.¡± Qiao Dongliang was slightly tempted. Since Qiao Nan persuaded him to go, he finally agreed to it.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t starve myself. I won¡¯t cook those difficult dishes. It¡¯s easy to cook a bowl of noodles and fry an egg. I won¡¯t let myself suffer.¡±

    ¡°Good, then I will go out now.¡± Qiao Dongliang pushed the bicycle out of the house.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure.

    The phone rang as soon as Qiao Nan returned home. ¡°Hello, how are you?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai? Howe you have the time to give me a call?¡± Qiao Nan was very surprised.

    ¡°Is it convenient to talk now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, my dad just went out to look for his friend.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice turned grim. ¡°Nan Nan, do you remember that you made a promise to me before I returned to the army? It¡¯s been more than half a month, so where¡¯s your letter?¡±

 Chapter 388 - Became Military Wife for No Reason

    <h4>Chapter 388: Became Military Wife for No Reason</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This little girl had no conscience at all.

    ¡°I sent it out yesterday!¡± Qiao Nan stuck out her tongue. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am a high school student now. This is a very crucial time for me. I am very busy with my studies and homework. I don¡¯t even have the time to rest, let alone write you letters. I had to write the letter that I sent to you yesterday in secret.¡± Otherwise, she would be discovered.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zhai Sheng did not believe it. ¡°Did any male students disturb you recently?¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned back and sat down. ¡°Disturbed me? Let me think about it. I¡¯m not too sure about the past, but several people asked me if I wanted to go to the library with them to read books this semester.¡±

    ¡°Are they interested in you?¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Qiao Nan was shocked. She merely told Brother Zhai that people asked her to go to the library. How dide to this conclusion?

    ¡°I am a man, and I am your boyfriend.¡± Sure enough, many people were eying his wife-to-be.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t be anxious. You may know about it, but I was clueless. I really thought that they wanted to go to the library with me. However, I found it a nuisance and refused them. After my ssmates¡¯ reminder, I came up with a brilliant n to solve this problem.¡± It turned out it was obvious what those male students were after. She was the only one who was clueless.

    ¡°Very good. I believe you can handle these things well. Aside from this, do you have anything else to say to me?¡± It was not enough that Nan Nan had solved this problem. It seemed that he had to find another chance to dere his rights.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, how are you doing in the army? Is it very tough?¡±

    Zhai Sheng pulled a long face. ¡°I am in the army. I am well-fed and well-clothed. The hard work is definitely inevitable. Apart from this, what else do you want to tell me?¡±

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows. What else could she say to Brother Zhai? What was it that he wanted to hear?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression turned grim at Qiao Nan¡¯s silence.

    Even though the two of them were on the phone and Qiao Nan could not see Zhai Sheng¡¯s face, but from his breathing sounds on the other end of the phone, Qiao Nan felt that the atmosphere was a bit odd and suffocating. ¡°Brother Zhai, I have a question for you.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was so cold that people would freeze from it.

    ¡°When a man asks a woman what is it that she wants to tell him, how do you think this woman should answer the man¡¯s question?¡±

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips. ¡°What is the rtionship between this man and woman? You haven¡¯t made it clear. People in different rtionships will answer the question differently.¡±

    ¡°They are dating.¡±

    ¡°Are they purely dating? Some couples may be in a rtionship today, but they will break up tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed at her blushing face. ¡°It¡¯s a couple who are dating with the intention of marriage.¡± This answer should be correct, right?

    ¡°Alright.¡± There was a slight change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone. It was like spring had arrived after the harsh winter, and warm was the atmosphere. Apparently, he was pleased with the answer.

    Qiao Nan was speechless. If she told Brother Zhai now that in a few years¡¯ time, there would be a lot of couples who married and divorced each other, would Brother Zhai be so angry at her that he would want to strangle her?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, so how should the woman answer in such a situation?¡±

    ¡°When an engaged couple has been apart for half a month, and the fianc¨¦ asks the fianc¨¦e what is it that she wants to tell him, what do you think the fianc¨¦ wants to hear from her?¡±

    ¡°I miss you?¡± Qiao Nan asked tentatively. However, they were only dating. When did they get engaged to each other? When did she be his fianc¨¦e? Why did she not know about it?

    ¡°You should change your tone. It¡¯s not an interrogative sentence that I want.¡±

    ¡°I miss you!¡±

    ¡°Well, I miss you too.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked upward. It turned out that this was what Brother Zhai wanted to hear.

    Since there was another round of silence on the other end of the phone, Zhai Sheng continued, ¡°What else do you want to tell me?¡±

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows, looking awkward. ¡°When are youing back? I want to meet you?¡±

    Though Qiao Nan used interrogative sentences, the tone was eptable. Zhai Sheng did not ask that she changed her tone. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to bear in mind that you are a military wife. I am a soldier, and my duty is to protect the country. The earliest that I can go back is in May. During the time that I am away, you must prove that you are worthy of my trust. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan secretly scolded at Brother Zhai inside her mind. Was he teasing her?

    They had turned from a dating couple to an engaged couple, and now she was turned from an ordinary high school student to a military wife?

    The jump was too huge!

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded with all her might. ¡°I will definitely be worthy of your trust. But Brother Zhai, I heard that there are female soldiers in your army. In addition to the usual training, weathering the natural elements, and rolling around in the mud, there are also soldiers who specialize in literary or artistic pursuits like dancing, singing, and performing arts. Is that true?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I never participated in these activities.¡± Zhai Sheng did not lie. He admitted very straightforwardly that there were such people in the army.

    ¡°Very good. Brother Zhai, you must prove yourself to be worthy of my trust and choice as well.¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. If she was not mistaken, she did not meet Brother Zhai or fall in love with him in the previous life.

    She only heard that Zhu Baoguo had died from an ident. She never heard that someone like Brother Zhai stayed single all his life.

    When she died, she was almost forty years old. He should be about forty-five years old.

    Therefore, in the previous life, Brother Zhai who did not meet her had already married and might have had children with another woman. Qiao Nan was not sure whether this woman was Qiu Chenxi. But if this person was not Qiu Chenxi, then she might be one of the female soldiers in the army.

    In this life, her appearance in Zhai Sheng¡¯s life might have destroyed his chances with the woman that he married in the previous life. Qiao Nan could not help but feel uneasy, particrly when she knew that Zhai Sheng might have had children with the woman in the previous life.

    Though she and Chen Jun had dated in the previous life, they only held hands at most. But Brother Zhai and the woman had married and had children.

    Qiao Nan knew that she should not be bothered about what happened in the previous life. She could not possibly hope that Zhai Sheng remained single for the rest of his life. Besides, her appearance in this life might have destroyed any chances of Zhai Sheng being together with that woman.

    To put it bluntly, she snatched Zhai Sheng away from the woman whom he married in the previous life.

 Chapter 389 - Discovered by Accident

    <h4>Chapter 389: Discovered by ident</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The more she thought about it, the more upset Qiao Nan was and her voice turned feeble. ¡°Brother Zhai, what if you didn¡¯t know me and didn¡¯t meet me? Would you like Qiu Chenxi or marry one of the female soldiers in the army?¡±

    Brother Zhai led a very simple life. His life was all about the army.

    Therefore, apart from the female soldiers and Qiu Chenxi, Brother Zhai probably would not have any chance to get to know other women. He might not want to waste any time to get to know other women and experience theplicated process of falling in love before getting married.

    Zhai Sheng pondered for a while before saying, ¡°Yes, without you, I might have been married to Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was someone that his parents approved of. They had known each other since they were young. As long as he was willing, he and Qiu Chenxi could be married right away. It was much simpler and easier than marrying another woman. Zhai Sheng knew himself well. He was not willing to waste his time, so choosing Qiu Chenxi was the most time-saving and effortless way.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you have to be so frank about it? Aren¡¯t you afraid that I will be angry and break up with you?¡± Qiao Nan was displeased. She knew that if she did not appear in Brother Zhai¡¯s life, he would have married some other woman.

    Brother Zhai was so sure that he would have married Qiu Chenxi without her. It implied that he liked Qiu Chenxi.

    If that were the case...

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. She could not stand a third party in their rtionship. After what happened with Chen Jun, she would not make the same mistake again.

    She could bear with the fact that she might not be the woman that Brother Zhai loved the most, but she must be the only woman in his life. There must be nobody else.

    Sensing that Qiao Nan was angry, Zhai Sheng felt assured instead. One would only be angry if one cared for and cherished that person. Even though he was the one who confessed his love and kept Nan Nan by his side, it was never a one-sided love. Qiao Nan had the same feelings for him as well. ¡°You won¡¯t be angry with me, and you won¡¯t break up with me either. The reason why I would consider marrying Qiu Chenxi is very simple. It is purely for the sake of convenience. I have known Qiu Chenxi for many years. She and the Qiu family know my temper. I won¡¯t do things to please her or sweet-talk her. The Qiu family can¡¯t use this as an excuse to make things difficult for me. Qiu Chenxi must be aware of this as well. Marrying Qiu Chenxi is simply to answer to my parents. It has nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, is this how it is going to be if you really marry Qiu Chenxi?¡± This was treating marriage casually and carelessly. It was too perfunctory and fake. Brother Zhai was marrying for his parents.

    Who was the one getting married in the end?

    Judging from Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone, Qiao Nan could tell that even if Zhai Sheng really married Qiu Chenxi, it was not because he had feelings for her. It was for the sake of his parents.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. Without you, I would feel that the arrangement was very good and convenient. But luckily, you appeared in my life. It is only when two people have feelings for each other will the marriagest forever.¡± Before he knew what love was, he felt that marrying Qiu Chenxi would be a good option. But now that he understood about love, he knew that it was his greatest fortune to know Nan Nan.

    Marrying the person you loved and marrying someone that you did not love was totally different.

    Back when there was only Qiu Chenxi in his life, he would not think of her or miss her when he was in the army.

    On the contrary, after confirming his rtionship with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would always have Qiao Nan on his mind. He did not find it an annoyance or bother. Instead, whenever he thought about her, he would feel warm inside as if he was recharged.

    There was no better state than this!

    ¡°Nan Nan, you may not know. In fact, my mom doesn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi at all. As for why she always goes along with Dad, I have no idea. But after she chatted with you on a few asions, Qiu Chenxi no longer poses any problem for us. Nan Nan, I must hand it to you. You have won against your rival without doing anything. You have what it takes to be a military wife.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled happily.

    When Nan Nan was slowly making her influence on his mother, they were not in a rtionship yet.

    It was totally by pure coincidence.

    ¡°It just happened by chance.¡± Actually, Qiao Nan still did not understand what was it that she said that brought about the change in Miao Jing.

    ording to Brother Zhai, ever since she helped Miao Jing clean up from her fall in the muddy puddle, Miao Jing had begun to act differently.

    No matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, she remembered Auntie Miao looked as if she was worried that Qiao Nan would try to take advantage of her on that day. If that was the case, which part of her words made Auntie Miao change her attitude toward Qiu Chenxi? She was clueless.

    ¡°By the way, things might be happening on your side recently. No matter what the Wang family¡¯s response is or what attitude Wang Yang has, you don¡¯t have to be bothered.¡± Zhai Sheng changed to a serious topic.

    ¡°The Wang family? Wang Yang? What do they want to do?¡± They were already providing for her mother and her sister. Would they be so free as to create more trouble?

    Zhai Shengughed lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. The Wang family will not make trouble for you. They themselves are in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Who is creating trouble for them? You?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Zhai Sheng acted as if it was nothing to be concerned, but Qiao Nan was worried. ¡°Brother Zhai, will this have any impact on you?¡±

    Thinking about how Qiao Dongliang sided with Qiao Zijin, and how Zhai Sheng sided with her now, Qiao Nan felt a mixture of jealousy and happiness.

    For her father, she and Qiao Zijin were his beloved daughters, but for Brother Zhai, she was the only one that he cared for.

    ¡°You can rest assured that I will not be affected.¡± Zhai Sheng feltforted at Qiao Nan¡¯s concern for him. He rxed, his anger gone. If someone came in at this time, they would be able to tell that Zhai Sheng was talking on the phone with a woman, someone that Zhai Sheng liked and was in a rtionship with.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you must be careful. In fact, you don¡¯t have to do anything about the Wang family. Uncle Zhu will not sit and watch helplessly. Even though they are rtives, the Wang family is after Zhu Baoguo and as he is the only son of Uncle Zhu, Uncle Zhu will not sit by and do nothing.¡± Protecting Zhu Baoguo was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s responsibility.

    ¡°This is none of my concern. I only know that Wang Yang wants to make use of Qiao Zijin to deal with you. I want to make life difficult for the Wang family. This is what I must do as your boyfriend,¡± Zhai Sheng said stubbornly.

    No matter what Zhu Chengqi did, it was to protect his son. But everything he did was to protect Nan Nan.

    Zhai Sheng was in the middle of a conversation with Qiao Nan when someone opened the door to his office. ¡°Zhai Sheng, what are you doing? I have knocked on the door for so long, but you did not answer. Are you very busy?¡± Miao Jing frowned. ¡°Your sister and you are the same. Both of you only have eyes for your work. Are you on the phone with someone?¡±

 Chapter 390 - I Am on the Phone with Nan Nan

    <h4>Chapter 390: I Am on the Phone with Nan Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing the phone in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands, Miao Jing had thought that her son was working and she was disturbing him.

    Before Zhai Sheng was able to answer, there was a rustle on the other end of the phone. It seemed that things had been knocked onto the ground.

    Zhai Sheng was not shocked by the sudden appearance of Miao Jing. In fact, it was Qiao Nan, who was on the other side of the phone, who was in shock. When she heard Miao Jing¡¯s voice, she threw the phone away. By the time she came to her senses and wanted to pick up the phone, she identally bumped into the things on the table, and so it ended up in a mess.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, quick, hang up the phone!¡± Qiao Nan did not know what reaction Auntie Miao would have if she knew that the person whom Zhai Sheng dated was her.

    But Qiao Nan knew that even if Miao Jing did not like Qiu Chenxi as her daughter-inw, she would not ept her for the time being.

    Zhai Sheng did not listen to Qiao Nan. Instead of hanging up the phone, he held it in his hand and looked at Miao Jing as if he was doing serious work. ¡°Is anything the matter, Mom?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I am just here to look for you and Hua Hua. I have nothing to do at home.¡± Miao Jing felt bored. Zhai Yaohui was back at the army and she came with him to apany him. However, he was always full of praises for Qi Min. Miao Jing had no wish to hear all these anymore.

    Therefore, although Miao Jing came to the army with Zhai Yaohui, she could not be bothered with him.

    More importantly, apart from her husband, Zhai Yaohui, her daughter and son were all here in the army. Since she had no wish to apany her husband, she looked for her children instead.

    Zhai Hua was the first person that Miao Jing went to look for. She had not even got a few words across, but Zhai Hua had already been assigned a mission and left for work just like that.

    ¡°Who is on the phone with you? Is it important? If so, I will go out first.¡± Miao Jing knew that the phone call might be confidential.

    Actually, since Miao Jing was the wife of the chief and Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother, it was alright for her to listen in. However, she was never willing to create any trouble for her children, so she would rather excuse herself when he was working.

    ¡°No need. It is Nan Nan who is on the phone.¡± Zhai Sheng shook his head.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± Qiao Nan was so angry that she wanted to cover Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth. As she could not do that, she thought of covering the mouthpiece. But she was in a hurry and did not know whether she should cover the mouthpiece or the receiver.

    ¡°Nan Nan? Why would she look for you?¡± Miao Jing did not go out of the office. Instead, she sat down. ¡°Nan Nan and you... have been in close contact?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was in the army all year round. Apart from the days when he would be at home during his break, she did not remember receiving any calls from him. Miao Jing felt it odd that Qiao Nan would call Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°She is not looking for me. She is looking for you,¡± Zhai Sheng said calmly without batting an eyelid.

    ¡°Looking for me? Why is she looking for me? Why would she call you if she is looking for me?¡± Miao Jing smiled upon hearing that Qiao Nan was concerned for her. Nevertheless, she was puzzled.

    Zhai Sheng held the phone in one hand and said calmly, ¡°Nan Nan could tell that you are not in a good mood and she could not find you at home. So, she asked me about your whereabouts, wanting to know about your situation and to cheer you up.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up, lookingforted. ¡°Give me the phone. I will talk to Nan Nan myself.¡±

    If Qiao Nan wanted to ask about her, there was no need for Qiao Nan to talk to Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan could ask her directly.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± Qiao Nan put the phone aside once again when she heard that Brother Zhai tried to put Miao Jing on the phone. Brother Zhai was adding trouble to the already messy situation!

    Not waiting for Qiao Nan to finish her sentence, Miao Jing¡¯s voice could be heard from the other end of the phone. ¡°Hello, Auntie Miao, how have you been?¡±

    ¡°I am good.¡± Miao Jing gave a candid reply. ¡°How about you? Are you doing well in your studies? I heard that girls will find it difficult to keep up with the studies in high school. Can you keep up with the progress? Actually, if you have any problems with your studies, you can ask Brother Zhai. Of course, it is best to pick a time when he is free, or when he is back at home. Although he is a soldier, he is quite clever and smart.¡±

    Qiao Nan calmed down slightly. ¡°Auntie Miao, thank you for your concern. Right now, I am doing well in my studies. I haven¡¯t encountered any major problems for the time being. I know Brother Zhai is very busy, so I don¡¯t usually call him. He gave me this number two years ago and I have only called him twice since then. It¡¯s the truth...¡±

    Qiao Nan had, in fact, betrayed herself with her own words. But Miao Jing did not notice it. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know that you know what you¡¯re doing. I am sure you will not disturb him.¡±

    Qiao Nan only called Zhai Sheng twice in two years, and one of the phone calls was regarding her.

    Miao Jing felt particrly pleased.

    Zhai Sheng noticed that Miao Jing was having a good chat with Qiao Nan. He stood up quietly and poured her a ss of water, lest she felt thirsty.

    ¡°Yes, well, I won¡¯t go back for the time being. You must study hard. Don¡¯t worry about me. I am fine. I am an adult. I will manage myself and my emotions. You should focus on your studies. Speaking of which, apart from Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s been a while since there is someone who is good at studying in the quad. Nan Nan, you must make us proud.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you can rest assured that I will work hard. Even if it is not for the quad or for others, I have to do my best for myself. Auntie Miao, I want to study at the college in the capital in the future.¡±

    ¡°Study in the capital? Then, you have to work harder. There are a lot of good schools in the capital. Enrolling in these schools will not be that easy. Nheless, after you go to college, you may even have a chance to study overseas as long as your results are good. Nan Nan, you are a girl. All the more reason for you to seize the opportunity, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Auntie Miao. I have this in mind as well.¡± In the two lifetimes, Qiao Nan had been interested in English. She wanted to spend more time and put more effort into her English.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his eyebrows when he heard the topic of studying overseas. Given his position, he could not go overseas under normal circumstances.

    In other words, if Nan Nan really went abroad to study, it would be a long-distance rtionship for both of them. Unless Nan Nan returned from her studies, he would not be able to see her.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Zhai Sheng did not like what he heard. He looked at his mother, reminding her to take note of the time.

 Chapter 391 - When Will Your Mother Come to Her Senses?

    <h4>Chapter 391: When Will Your Mother Come to Her Senses?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, we¡¯ll stop here today. When we have the chance, let¡¯s meet up and chat again.¡± At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s family situation, Miao Jing swiftly hung up the phone to avoid increasing the cost of Qiao Nan¡¯s phone bills.

    After hanging up, Miao Jing said smilingly, ¡°Nan Nan, this youngdy, is truly great beyond words. She¡¯s more concerned about me than the two of you. Zhai Sheng, do you think I should formally acknowledge Nan Nan as my goddaughter?¡±

    In the Zhai family, her only daughter was manlier than a man.

    As for Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing did not expect much from him.

    Now, it was rare for her to meet a youngdy that she liked so much. Miao Jing truly liked Qiao Nan and wanted to formally acknowledge her as her kin.

    ¡°Not necessary.¡± Nan Nan would marry into the Zhai family eventually and be his wife in the future. Hence, there was no need to do this. On the contrary, this would cause many inconveniences.

    ¡°Why?¡± Miao Jing was not pleased. ¡°Are you afraid that your sister will be jealous? Don¡¯t worry about it. Your sister is different from the typicaldies. She won¡¯t be jealous.¡± After formally acknowledging Qiao Nan as her goddaughter, she would have one more person to keep herpany at the quad.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about jealousy. It¡¯s troublesome.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the trouble? It¡¯s simple, not troublesome at all!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not troublesome for you but Nan Nan. Mom, did you forget the situation of Nan Nan¡¯s family?¡±

    At the mention of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Miao Jing hesitated.

    In Miao Jing¡¯s impression of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan was good, and she was truly good. She did not have any impression of Qiao Dongliang. As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Miao Jing would rather not take about her impressions of them.

    Zhai Sheng prepared a cup of tea for Miao Jing. When Miao Jing took a sip from the cup and remained silent, Zhai Sheng continued, ¡°Actually, the formality is not important. Nan Nan cares about you and you like Nan Nan. If you wish to be good to Nan Nan, formally acknowledging her as your goddaughter is not the only way. Didn¡¯t you ask me to send things to Nan Nan on the first day of the Lunar New Year? Both of us even visited her house on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. If we¡¯re really on good terms, there is no need to formally acknowledge her as your kin. That¡¯s not important. It¡¯s the thought that counts.¡±

    At this moment, Miao Jing felt much better. ¡°You¡¯re right. It¡¯s me, the mother, who can¡¯t let go. Nan Nan, this child, is not bad. I¡¯m willing to treat her well and this has got nothing to do with others. I really don¡¯t want to talk about that mother and sister of Nan Nan. Nan Nan doesn¡¯t have a good life. She has such a mother and sister. She will definitely have to suffer more in the future. If I don¡¯t treat her well, Nan Nan, this child, is really too pitiful.¡±

    After sessfully dispelling Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts of formally acknowledging Qiao Nan as her goddaughter, Zhai Sheng curled his lips. ¡°Mom, do you have any other matter?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve some work on hand that has not been settled.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I won¡¯t disturb you then. Focus on your work. Sigh, it¡¯s rare that I visited the army to see the two of you, but the two of you are so busy.¡± After a long day, besides chatting shortly with Nan Nan, she did not manage to talk much with her son and daughter.

    At the thought of this, Miao Jing felt gloomy.

    If she knew that this would be the case, she might as well stay in the quad. She could look for Nan Nan directly to chat if she had any matter.

    However, when she recalled that Qiao Nan was now a student, and was only home for at most three days during the thirty days in a month, Miao Jing felt even more listless.

    Miao Jing¡¯s situation now was a little simr to that of Qiao Dongliang. She did not have anyone to keep herpany or anything to do. Whenever she had spare time, her thoughts would wander.

    Not surprisingly, Miao Jing, who was feeling depressed, had failed to observe one situation: Zhai Sheng was apparently busy, but why did he have the spare time to call Qiao Nan but not chat with his mother?

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan felt so nervous that she paced up and down at home.

    Auntie Miao¡¯s reaction earlier was quite normal. Hence, she most likely had not realized that she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend.

    When the phone rang again, Qiao Nan picked it up immediately. ¡°Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Okay, my mom has left. Don¡¯t worry. She didn¡¯t discover anything. No issue.¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± Qiao Nan let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Why do I feel that I¡¯m working when I¡¯m involved in a romantic rtionship with you? Does it have to be so dangerous and exciting? Brother Zhai, you also know Auntie Miao¡¯s opinions on typical girls. Tell me. If one day Auntie Miao finds out that I¡¯m the one, will Auntie Miao...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Take it a step at a time.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t give Qiao Nan a definite answer just because Miao Jing said that she wished to formally acknowledge Qiao Nan as her goddaughter.

    The fact that Miao Jing thought of this clearly meant that she truly liked Qiao Nan and wished to treat her like her own daughter.

    In normal circumstances, if a mother who had a son felt that a youngdy was very good, her first reaction would certainly not to acknowledge the other party as her goddaughter. Instead, she would think of ways to match her own son with the girl.

    This thought of Miao Jing indirectly revealed that Miao Jing was only willing to ept Qiao Nan as her goddaughter, not as her daughter-inw.

    Hence, if Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship was exposed, Miao Jing would not ept it immediately. She might even object, run away from this, and say things that would hurt Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± When he heard that Brother Zhai did not sound so confident, Qiao Nan hesitated too.

    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone was sullen. He was obviously unhappy.

    Qiao Nan, who was on the other side of the phone, shook her head. ¡°No regrets. But I¡¯m a little scared. What if Auntie Miao won¡¯t ept us regardless of all circumstances? What should we do?¡±

    ¡°This won¡¯t happen.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone was calm. It gave her a strong sense of assurance. ¡°My mom has note to her senses yet. She did not like Qiu Chenxi but tolerated the Qiu family who acted like our rtives for more than a decade. Butst year, didn¡¯t she finally understand after you advised her? My mom likes you. Even if your identity changes one day, she will be willing to ept our rtionship after some time.¡±

    ¡°I hope that day wille to pass.¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could get herself out of the phobia of Ding Jiayi, Miao Jing, an unknown object who could be either a phobia or a sun, had engulfed her.

    Qiao Nan truly suspected that she had poor chemistry with mothers. Be it her biological mother or her potential mother-inw, none of them liked her wholeheartedly.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, go ahead and be busy with your work. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. It¡¯s inconvenient for me at school. Most likely, I can write you a letter once every two weeks. If there¡¯s spare time, we could chat asionally. Is that fine?¡± Qiao Nan negotiated. If she wrote too much, it would not be good if she was discovered.

    ¡°...¡± The good-looking thin lips of Zhai Sheng formed a sulky, straight line.

    Clearly, he was a soldier and should be the busiest between them two. He had time to contact Nan Nan, yet Nan Nan did not have the time to write to him.

    Zhai Sheng wished to be together with Qiao Nan. The greatest worries were that Qiao Nan was still young and he had no time to spare as a soldier.

 Chapter 392 - Zhou Jun Wants to Confess His Love

    <h4>Chapter 392: Zhou Jun Wants to Confess His Love</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As a soldier¡¯s wife, one was destined to be more resilient than other women. She not only had to endure the life where her spouse would always be absent from her side, but she also had to deal with both domestic and external affairs. She might even have to shoulder the responsibilities of caring for the parents from both sides of the marriage.

    Being a solider was not easy. It was also not easy for a woman who married a soldier.

    He was afraid that Qiao Nan was young and unable to withstand such loneliness and hardships. However, from today¡¯s situation, Zhai Sheng was astonished to discover that Qiao Nan was busier and had less time than him.

    Perhaps, when the two of them were married in the future, it was not him who did not have the time to apany Nan Nan. It was highly probable that Nan Nan would not have the time to bother about him.

    The more Zhai Sheng thought about it, the more he felt that this was likely to happen. All of a sudden, he was having a headache.

    The wives of everyone in the army were always displeased that their man was spending too little time with them. Why was it that when it came to him, the situation was reversed?

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, did you just have a phone call with our future Mrs. Regiment Commander?¡± Zhou Jun was holding the results of the investigation as he entered the office smilingly. It was just that the teasing beneath his eyes was too obvious.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve finished the call.¡± Zhou Jun took over from Zhou Jun some information regarding Chen Jun¡¯s family.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, what kind of person is our future Mrs. Regiment Commander? Is her surname Qiu?¡± In the past, the regimentmander did not seem to care much about thatdy by the surname Qiu. The regimentmander had nowe to his senses. He even knew how to coax thedy by giving her a call.

    He nearly believed that this day would never happen.

    ¡°Her surname is not Qiu. She¡¯s still very young. Certain things can¡¯t be rushed,¡± Zhai Sheng replied frankly.

    ¡°She¡¯s still young.¡± Zhou Jun sighed with regrets too. Then, the regimentmander¡¯s situation was simr to his. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, how old is Mrs. Regiment Commander?¡±

    ¡°Still studying.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s also studying.¡± It¡¯s such a coincidence. The regimentmander¡¯s situation was the same as that of his. ¡°Then, have you seen her parents and gained their approval? Have you settled the matter regarding your rtionship?¡±

    The more Zhou Jun asked, the more anxious he felt. This was because he had not resolved all of the problems that he was asking.

    If Zhai Sheng had resolved them, he was prepared to seek advice from Zhai Sheng, this superior of his.

    ¡°My partner loves to learn. Her parents also take her studies seriously. Her parents don¡¯t have any issue with me, but they don¡¯t know about our rtionship. So as to allow her to focus on her studies and avoid causing any worry to her parents, we don¡¯t intend to announce our rtionship at the moment. We¡¯ll exin to her parents when she graduates.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s absolutely right!¡± Zhou Jun reacted strongly and he mmed the table. ¡°Regarding this, there¡¯s really no hurry. She¡¯s still studying now. Regarding the current thoughts and actions that I have, the other party¡¯s parents will definitely not feel assured. They¡¯ll be afraid that she won¡¯t focus on her studies. If I make my stand now, the other party¡¯s parents will most likely reject me. No wonder her father objected when my parents brought it up previously. So, this was the reason.¡±

    Nan Nan¡¯s mother was muddle-headed but not Uncle Qiao. He doted on Nan Nan.

    It was no wonder that Uncle Qiao refused when his parents brought up this matter.

    At the end of the day, the three years in senior high school were critical as they would directly affect students¡¯ enrollment into college. During this period, certainly, no hups were allowed.

    What if Nan Nan could not get into college andplete her studies due to the distractions from their marriage? Wouldn¡¯t that mean he ruined Nan Nan¡¯s future then?

    ¡°But Regiment Commander Zhai, if you don¡¯t make it clear to her parents, aren¡¯t you afraid that she will be snatched away by others?¡± Thedy that the regimentmander liked must be very outstanding. At the very least, she must be better than thedy with the surname Qiu.

    Such ady was not afraid of having no suitors. She would only be fearful of the long queue waiting to woo her.

    ¡°Both of us are very rational. Both of our parents don¡¯t know about it, but we already have chemistry and agreement. Therefore, she will definitely be your Mrs. Regiment Commander. No one will be able to woo her away.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Regiment Commander Zhai. I fully understand now!¡± Zhou Jun gave Zhai Sheng a bow excitedly.

    Her father mentioned that Uncle Qiao said before that unless Nan Nan liked him, the Zhou and the Qiao family could not be inws. In that case, the greatest problem for him now was not Uncle Qiao, but Nan Nan.

    Nan Nan was still young. She had many more years to go beforepleting her studies. What he should do now was not to get engaged with Nan Nan but to confirm their feelings for each other, and let Nan Nan be his girlfriend first. Thereafter, would he still need to worry and be afraid that Nan Nan, his wife-to-be, would run away?

    From Zhou Jun¡¯s perspective, Zhai Sheng was in the exact same situation as him. The method used by Zhai Sheng could bepletely copied by him on Qiao Nan.

    Upon hearing what Zhai Sheng said, Zhou Jun was enlightened and finally knew how to resolve the matter between Qiao Nan and him.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, can I take a day off?¡± After knowing what he should do, Zhou Jun was not willing to waste more time in case someone snatched Qiao Nan away before him.

    Zhou Jun had no idea that Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation was not only the same as his, but they were also referring to the same person. It was just that Zhai Sheng knew about the situation but Zhou Jun didn¡¯t.

    So, there was nothing wrong that Zhai Sheng was Zhou Jun¡¯s superior.

    ¡°You can make an application yourself. We¡¯ll see if themittee approves it.¡± Zhai Sheng did not hold Zhou Jun back this time.

    ¡°Thank you, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± After receiving Zhai Sheng¡¯s confirmation, Zhou Jun happily wrote and submitted his application for a leave of absence as soon as possible.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng¡¯s team had not received many missions. It was not that difficult for Zhou Jun to take the half-day of leave that he applied for. Themittee quickly approved it.

    Once he obtained the approval, Zhou Jun went to look for Qiao Nan as soon as possible.

    Previously, Zhou Jun did not find out clearly and wasted his trip. Today, Zhou Jun only applied for half a day of leave. Of course, he would not repeat the same mistake. He only rushed over after finding out Qiao Nan¡¯s address. ¡°Nan Nan, are you at home?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Qiao Nan, whose heart was still thumping furiously because of Miao Jing, was frightened by Zhou Jun¡¯s hoarse voice before she could calm herself down.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s me!¡±

    At the sound of the other party¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan could sense the excited state the other party was in. ¡°Zhou... Brother Zhou?¡±

    Qiao Nan opened the door. ¡°Brother Zhou, why are you here? Shouldn¡¯t you be in the camp now?¡±

    ¡°I applied for leave.¡±

    It was spring. Clearly, the weather was not that warm. However, Zhou Jun was already perspiring profusely. He seemed to have been running around. It was not convenient for Qiao Nan to ask further. ¡°Brother Zhou,e in and take a seat first. I¡¯ll pour you a cup of tea.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Zhou Jun replied cheerfully as if he was responding to his superior.

    In fact, although Zhou Jun had already prepared his script, his entire brains crashed like aputer when he saw Qiao Nan and hepletely did not know how to get himself started.

 Chapter 393 - I Already Have a Boyfriend

    <h4>Chapter 393: I Already Have a Boyfriend</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Brother Zhou, have some water.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± The cup of water that was served to him was warm, neither too hot nor too cold. It was just right for Zhou Jun to drink it as soon as he took it.

    Sensing Qiao Nan¡¯s meticulous and caring manners, Zhou Jun¡¯s adrenaline rushed. The way he was holding the cup was as if he was holding one with wine. He drank the water all at once. ¡°Nan Nan, I have something to tell you.¡±

    Nan Nan was so meticulous to him. Did that mean Nan Nan also liked him?!

    ¡°Okay... I can tell.¡± Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°Brother Zhou, what do you wish to tell me?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, I like you.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s jaws dropped and she shook her head a few times. ¡°Sorry, Brother Zhou. Recently, I¡¯ve been busy with my studies. My hearing is not so good and can¡¯t hear you that well.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, I like you. Be my girlfriend. After you graduate from senior high school and attend college, we¡¯ll get married!¡± Zhou Jun mustered his courage and finished what he wanted to say all at once.

    Qiao Nan patted her face which was frozen stiff and then looked at Zhou Jun helplessly. ¡°Why do all of you soldiers confess your love in such a way? Don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s a special consultation ss in the army for this? Whatever you all say are the same. There¡¯s only one way to say and do it?¡±

    What Brother Zhou said was exactly the same as what Brother Zhai said!

    ¡°Ah?¡± Zhou Jun was stunned and could not react in time. He also did not realize the deeper meaning in Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Brother Zhou, are you serious?¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°If you¡¯re saying this out of impulse as you¡¯ve been dealt with some blows, I won¡¯t take it to heart. If you¡¯re serious, Brother Zhou... I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t ept your love for me.¡±

    Zhou Jun had note to his senses. After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier words that carried a deeper meaning in them, and subsequently her rejection, Zhou Jun lost his ability to think. ¡°Why? You... you don¡¯t like me? Or is there anything that I¡¯m not good enough which requires me to change? Tell me. I¡¯ll change.¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have anything to do with these. Brother Zhou, I treat you like my elder brother. Most importantly, I have someone that I like. I already have a boyfriend.¡±

    Zhou Jun¡¯s back stiffened and he looked a little sullen. ¡°Nan Nan, you should know. Guys of your age are immature. To them, being in a rtionship is akin to making a meal order. They¡¯re very casual and irresponsible.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhou, you¡¯re worried that my boyfriend will desert me and break up with me?¡± There was a sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Regarding this, you can rest assured, Brother Zhou. He wishes to marry me. First, I¡¯ve not reached the suitable age. Second, I¡¯m still young and wish to focus on learning and studies. Hence, I declined his proposal. I requested to date first before getting married. When I am of legal age, we¡¯ll talk about marriage then. He¡¯s not just toying with me. There won¡¯t be such a day. He¡¯s truly good to me. I¡¯ve agreed to a rtionship with him and am devoted to him wholeheartedly.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡± Zhou Jun was utterly disappointed, feeling that he had not acted swift enough. He didn¡¯t expect that another man was quicker in action and he was, in fact, many steps behind. ¡°You won¡¯t regret it? You¡¯re sure that that man is suitable for you and will be responsible for what he said?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhou, I¡¯m absolutely certain. He will be responsible for what he said. I will also bear all the consequences of my choice. As for whether we¡¯re suitable for each other, it¡¯s hard to predict what will happen in the future. But now, I feel that he¡¯s the most suitable person for me.¡± Qiao Nan did not like to beat about the bush. Since she was already in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, she would definitely not give others ambiguous hopes and find herself a ¡®spare tire¡¯.

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Jun was quiet for a while. He then stood up with great effort. ¡°Nan Nan, I... I only took half a day of leave. My time is up and I should go back to the camp. If there¡¯s any matter, let¡¯s talk about it another time.¡±

    Zhou Jun made his escape. When Zhou Jun was on the way to Qiao Nan¡¯s house, he thought of many possibilities. However, he did not expect that Qiao Nan not only rejected him tly but also had a boyfriend who already proposed to her. The two of them were seriously dating. He stood no chance at all.

    It was rare for Zhou Jun, who was almost thirty years old, to take a liking to a woman. However, the woman already had someone else in her heart. Zhou Jun suffered a tremendous blow.

    Once Zhou Jun left, Qiao Nan felt so gloomy that she held her head tightly. ¡°What¡¯s happening this year? Have I been possessed by evil?¡±

    In her previous life, besides Chen Jun, all the men that she knew were introduced by friends. Everyone had already reached a certain age. All of them wished to find a partner in a simr situation and get married.

    During this lifetime, she had already discovered that Chen Jun was most probably trying to win her heart as he was bribed by Wang Yang.

    In her previous life, although she was almost forty years old, the only serious boyfriend that she had, Chen Jun, had such an unkempt reason for wooing her. In this life, she was only eighteen years old. Ever since Brother Zhai confessed his love and confirmed their rtionship this year, the highly improbable things had happened. The iron tree had not only bloomed but turned into a peach tree full of flowers.

    Qiao Nan could not even recall the countless people who confessed their love to her, whether implicitly or explicitly.

    Was it the trend to form a group to confess their love at the same time in this era?

    Qiao Nan did not know that Zhou Jun¡¯s way of love confession was exactly the same as that of Zhai Sheng because Zhou Jun had been greatly influenced by Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan did not know all these but when Zhou Jun returned to the camp, Zhai Sheng was almost the first to know that Zhou Jun fell out of love from being rejected by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, are you around? Can Ie in?¡±

    While Zhai Sheng was immersed in his satisfaction of Qiao Nan¡¯s efficiency in handling matters, he could hear a youngdy¡¯s voice at the door of his office.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡± Qiu Chenxi smiled brightly, like a blossomed lily that not only gave out a delicate fragrance but was also fresh and dazzling.

    ¡°This is the camp. Please call me Regiment Commander Zhai. Is there any matter?¡± Zhai Sheng waspletely shielded from Qiu Chenxi¡¯s radiance and charms. Hepletely went by the books.

    Qiu Chenxi was not affected. She was used to Zhai Sheng¡¯sck of expression during their interactions. Qiu Chenxi knew that Zhai Sheng treated not only her but everyone and every girl the same way. Inparison, when Zhai Sheng was with her, he was still willing to talk. ¡°Brother... Regiment Commander Zhai, it¡¯s my first day reporting to the army. I¡¯m not very familiar with the situation here. Can you bring me around to help me familiarize myself?¡±

    She was supposed to be engaged with Brother Zhaist year. However, Grandpa Zhai came back unexpectedly at that time.

    Thereafter, there was a rare opportunity to bring up the marriage between Brother Zhai and her during the start of the Lunar New year. She did not expect that Auntie Miao would bring Brother Zhai out.

    At the thought of what happened on the seventh day of the Lunar New year, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s bright eyes could not help but dim.

 Chapter 394 - Rejection

    Chapter 394: Rejection

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    She even suspected if Miao Jing did it on purpose. Why did she pick a day when their family would be visiting the Zhai family to discuss marriage to bring Zhai Sheng out?

    Unfortunately, if the matter was sessful, Miao Jing would be her future mother-inw. Hence, Qiu Chenxi dared not vent out her frustration and anger. If she dared to be disrespectful to Miao Jing, Brother Zhai would most probably be even more reluctant to marry her.

    Zhai Sheng had been avoiding her. There was really no other alternative. Qiu Chenxi could only take the initiative toe to the army.

    ¡°You came here to report?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes sharpened. He did not receive any notification regarding this.

    ¡°Yes, from today onward, I¡¯ll need Regiment Commander Zhai to take care of me. I¡¯m a newbie and don¡¯t know anything. Regiment Commander Zhai, you have to guide me.¡± For the sake of wooing Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi spent so much effort to fight for the learning opportunity toe to the army.

    ¡°Is that the case?¡± Zhai Sheng simply picked up the phone and dialed a number. He then found out about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s situation. ¡°I roughly understand your situation and your reason for being here. You want to know more about the army. That is fine. I will send someone to look for you and help you familiarize yourself. Do you have any other matter? If not, please help me close the door when you leave.¡±

    ¡°Can I seek Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s help to guide me?¡± Qiu Chenxi could not help but ask.

    ¡°It is not convenient, and I could not do that either.¡± Zhai Sheng declined. ¡°There are female soldiers and instructors in the camp. If you need anything else or have any other questions, you may look for the female instructors directly. It seems like you do not have any other matters. You may leave.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, where did Auntie Miao and you go? Brother Zhai, you know my feelings... Do you really hate me so much and don¡¯t want to marry me?¡± Having been rejected by Zhai Sheng many times, Qiu Chenxi could not endure further. She had an ulterior motive foring to the camp: Zhai Sheng.

    When she managed to settle the marriage between Zhai Sheng and her, Qiu Chenxi would immediately think of a way to leave the camp.

    Zhai Sheng sat in a prim and tense manner as he looked at Qiu Chenxi. He looked strict and serious. ¡°No, I do not dislike you.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi smiled when she heard this reply.

    ¡°To be explicit, I do not dislike you, and neither do I like you.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you... What do you mean by this?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s smile disappeared and she froze.

    ¡°What I mean is that I don¡¯t know you that well and don¡¯t have many opinions of you. Inparison, I am more willing to train with my soldiers and brothers than to be with you. Regarding the topic of marriage, I believe my attitude has always been obvious. I have never agreed to the matter between us. It is not possible between us. You can spend your effort and time on someone else.¡±

    ¡°But you didn¡¯t object to it in the past, though? Haven¡¯t you always been keeping mum?¡± Qiu Chenxi was not convinced. ¡°Brother Zhai, can you tell me? What made you be so direct and decisive all of a sudden? Brother Zhai, do you have someone that you like? It¡¯s impossible!¡±

    How could Zhai Sheng have someone that he liked? He was like a block of wood. He did not have the intention and could not be moved. In Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes and mind, there were only the army and the country.

    Was there a difference to a woman when she faced the air or Zhai Sheng?

    In this world, there would not be any woman who could move Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart and even make Zhai Sheng reject the marriage between Zhai Sheng and her. Impossible. Such a woman could not possibly exist in the world.

    ¡°It looks like you are aware of my stand now. You can leave. Also, close the door.¡± Zhai Sheng did not bother about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s questions. Qiu Chenxi could pose them but he did not have the obligation to answer.

    Qiu Chenxi ground her teeth. ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you being too irresponsible with your words? In regard to the matter between the two of us, our parents have already made themselves clear. Now, you¡¯re telling me not to take it seriously just because you said so? I won¡¯t give up! I¡¯m not satisfied with the answer you gave, and neither can I ept it!¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a man that she liked, someone she had waited for more than ten years.

    All of a sudden, Zhai Sheng rejected her tly and so decisively. There must be other reasons.

    If she just gave up like that, her name would not be Qiu Chenxi!

    After leaving Zhai Sheng¡¯s office, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes were red with anger. She then casually grabbed hold of a junior soldier. ¡°Can I ask you whether Chief Zhai and his wife are in the camp? Particrly Madam Zhai.¡±

    The junior soldier whom she caught was initially quite pleased. He had never seen such a young, beautiful, and charismatic woman, especially after he entered the army. There was no chance to do so at all.

    However, upon hearing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, the soldier¡¯s expression changed immediately. After all, it was again another woman who liked their regimentmander and wished to go through Chief Zhai and his wife.

    Regiment Commander Zhai was so outstanding. There were countless women who liked him. What was so special about this woman? ¡°They¡¯re in that building. I¡¯m not sure of their exact location. Look for them yourself.¡±

    ¡°Sigh, you...¡± Seeing that, simr to Zhai Sheng, the junior soldier ignored her and gave her such cold shoulders, Qiu Chenxi stomped her feet in fury. Needless to say, that stinky soldier must have been under Zhai Sheng¡¯s wing. His temper was as bad as Zhai Sheng.

    It was fortunate that the junior soldier pointed Qiu Chenxi to the general direction. Qiu Chenxi simply went looking for Miao Jing.

    Previously, Qiu Chenxi believed that the matter between Zhai Sheng and her was more or less cast in stone. First, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like her but didn¡¯t reject either. Second, both Zhai Sheng and her parents were very supportive of the marriage. Basically, there was not much obstruction between Zhai Sheng and her.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude had changed. However, Miao Jing¡¯s attitude was what Qiu Chenxi was most concerned about, one that she could not get over with.

    Clearly, Miao Jing liked her so much in the past. If Zhai Hua had any negative opinions of her, Miao Jing would even chide Zhai Hua in front of her. They had not seen each other for a short period of time, yet Miao Jing¡¯s attitude not only took an opposite turn, but she also simply brought Zhai Sheng out of the house during the first few days of the Lunar New Year.

    For Zhai Sheng to speak with her in this manner today, he might have been influenced by Miao Jing¡¯s recent attitude.

    Qiu Chenxi did not believe that Zhai Sheng had someone that he liked. However, why did Miao Jing¡¯s attitude toward her changed so greatly? She had to find out the bottom of the matter.

    Qiao Nan, who was still at the small courtyard, did not know that while she had just rejected Zhou Jun, Zhai Sheng had also kicked away an unwanted love. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back? Did you have a good chat with Uncle Yang?¡± It was rare that Qiao Dongliang had a day to rest. He went out with his friend to bond and chat. When he came back, he was in a much-lifted spirit and mood.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s quite good,¡± Qiao Dongliang replied happily. ¡°Your Uncle Yang¡¯s son found a girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then I will have a sister-inw soon? Uncle Yang must be very happy.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Dongliang could not helpughing out loud as he thought of something. Qiao Nan did not know why.

    ¡°Dad, is there any more good news?¡± Qiao Nan felt puzzled. There was something odd about thisugh.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t know. Today, Uncle Yang told me something. It has got something to do with you.¡±

 Chapter 395 - A Daughter That Was Sought After by Many Families

    <h4>Chapter 395: A Daughter That Was Sought After by Many Families</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Something to do with me? What did Uncle Yang tell you?¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows. Why did Uncle Yang and her father talk about her without an apparent reason?

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Dongliangughed as he patted his thigh. ¡°Don¡¯t Uncle Yang have a son? When your Uncle Yang came to our house and helped us move our belongings that day, you left a good impression on him. He only told me today that he even wished for you to be his daughter-inw at that time!¡±

    If there was an outstanding daughter in the family, every household would yearn for their son to ask for her hand in marriage.

    Qiao Dongliang truly understood what this meant with Qiao Nan as his daughter.

    Previously, it was the Zhou family. Now, it was his colleague. As the party that was being ¡®begged at¡¯, Qiao Dongliang only had one word to describe the feeling in his heart: overjoyed.

    ¡°...¡± So, her father was so happy because of this matter.

    Qiao Dongliang drank some water. ¡°But your Uncle Yang gave up very soon after. He wishes to carry a grandchild soon and can¡¯t wait that long. I¡¯ve met that daughter-inw of his. She can¡¯t really bepared to you but she¡¯s indeed above-average.¡±

    Qiao Nan poured another cup of water for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so happy just because of this?¡±

    ¡°Ah...¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a sigh. ¡°Not that I wished to only know it at this age, but now that I think of it, it¡¯s actually much better to give birth to a daughter than a son. Given the situation of our family, if either you or your sister were a son, I wouldn¡¯t know what to use to let him marry a wife. You don¡¯t know how much your Uncle Yang spent for the sake of this daughter-inw.¡±

    He gave birth to two daughters. In the future, others would beg him at his doorsteps. He would not need to do so.

    It was not easy to have a son nowadays. Money was needed for marrying a wife and many other things.

    Qiao Dongliang only had two daughters. Hence, he never tried to understand this aspect of such a matter. However, when he chatted with Uncle Yang today, he found out that having a son was actually a heavy burden to shoulder.

    The youngsters nowadays preferred not to stay together with their parents, wishing to have a home of their own. As parents, they would naturally fork out some money for the couple to buy a house.

    Old Yang was so anxious for his son to marry a daughter-inw because he was afraid that he would need to fork out more money if his son marriedter.

    With Old Yang¡¯s son as aparison, Qiao Dongliang could not help thinking about the time when he married Ding Jiayi.

    During that time, it was truly hard for them to be together. There was no formal ceremony at all. They casually invited a few people to a meal and act as witnesses, and had that considered as their marriage.

    At that time, the custom of the three popr and must-have items for marriage already existed.

    Ding Jiayi fell out with her family. Hence, Qiao Dongliang did not give the Ding family much. He had picked up a wife for free. Of course, Qiao Dongliang did not give any betrothal gift, and neither did Ding Jiayi bring any dowry to the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan sat down and smiled. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t make it sound easy. If you raise a son, you need to spend a lot of money for him to marry a wife in the future. Nevertheless, the burden of raising a daughter is not any less. Don¡¯t forget that you need a dowry for ady to be married. Putting me aside, how much do you think my sister wants before she will agree?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had good foresight. Before the property prices rose, she exploited Qiao Nan through their mother to bring a suite apartment as dowry to the Chen family.

    The Chen family only required Qiao Zijin¡¯s dowry not to be too shabby when Chen Jun married her so that the Chen family would not lose face. As for what Qiao Zijin brought to the Chen family, they did not even bother about it. It had been with Qiao Zijin all along.

    Qiao Zijin not only wanted a house but also savings and television as her dowry.

    Fortunately, when Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun, it was not at the start of the millennial year.

    After the 2000s, China¡¯s economy had developed and everyone¡¯s standard of living had increased greatly. Regardless, not every household had a car with four wheels at that time. It was unlike in the 2010s where every household owned a car; some even had more than two cars.

    Hence, when Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun in the 2000s, the only request that she did not put forth to the Qiao family as dowry was a car with four wheels.

    In short, Qiao Zijin was not so easy to deal with.

    At the mention of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Did your sister mention to you before how much dowry she wants when she gets married?¡±

    At the mention of Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, Qiao Dongliang really could not tell her expectations. But in normal times, Qiao Zijin¡¯s expectations of clothing and food were definitely quite high. To put it bluntly, she was the type of person who knew how to enjoy materialistic things in life and would not shortchange herself.

    ¡°My sister and I are not on such good terms, but I heard her mention to Mom before that she will definitely marry someone who has a good family background. Otherwise, she will rather not marry. My sister is the type who is concerned about face. If she really finds such a family, is it possible that she won¡¯t bring more dowries over, and let the inw family look down on her?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was silent for a while. This time, he did not refute Qiao Nan¡¯s words because he already knew that Qiao Zijin was truly this kind of person.

    What Qiao Nan had described definitely came from Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth.

    In other words, the man that Qiao Zijin was going to find was the total opposite of him.

    Holding the cup in his hands, Qiao Dongliang smiled coldly. ¡°No matter how high your sister¡¯s expectation is, after I¡¯m separated with your mom for two years, we should already be divorced. Your sister belongs to your mom. Even if she raises her expectations, it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with me. All of these will be your mom¡¯s problems.¡±

    At the thought of the words that Old Yang told him today, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart had be more at ease.

    Old Yang was right. If Zijin truly treated him as her father and wished to care about and be filial to him, then it was fine for him to spend more effort and energy on Zijin.

    On the contrary, if Zijin did not need this father at all, why did he need to be so keen on being given cold shoulders by his elder daughter?

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but admit that based on the current situation, he was not a father that Qiao Zijin needed. Most likely, in Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart, the concern that he had for her was unnecessary. She might even feel annoyed with it.

    At the thought of the way Qiao Zijin fawned on Wang Yang during the meal that he had with the Zhu family before the Lunar New Year, Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath.

    He felt that Wang Yang was a big swindler and Zijin would definitely suffer a setback due to Wang Yang. However, in the eyes of Zijin, Wang Yang was most probably the gold mine that she had long been looking for. How could she bear to give this up?

    Even Old Yang knew that one man¡¯s meat was another¡¯s poison. If he still could not understand it, he would have lived his life in vain.

    Upon hearing these words, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°Dad, have you really sorted out your thoughts or did you sort it out just for the time being?¡± Soon after, he would suffer a rpse just as he did in the past and would wholeheartedly be concerned for Qiao Zijin again. He might even make things difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t sort out my thoughtspletely, but I¡¯m not doing so just for the time being. Your sister¡¯s temperament resembles that of your mom.¡±

 Chapter 396 - One Manâ€™s Meat Was Anotherâ€™s Poison

    Chapter 396: One Man¡¯s Meat Was Another¡¯s Poison

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°They¡¯re the extremely stubborn type that is impervious to advice. Before Wang Yang makes her suffer, it will be a waste of my breath to persuade her. When she suffers a setback due to Wang Yang, I may not even be able to make her understand. A person will not learn how to walk properly without first having a fall. Your sister was too sheltered by your mom and me. It¡¯s time to let her learn a lesson. It may not be a good thing if one¡¯s life is too smooth-sailing.¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang brought up Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter again, his tone was much calmer than before. He also seemed calmer. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re right. You¡¯re just your sister¡¯s sibling. You don¡¯t owe her anything. There¡¯s no need to make your life suffer because of her. However, I¡¯m different. I¡¯m her father. Even if the whole world deserts her, ignores her, I can¡¯t do that. Your sister¡¯s current thinking is too ambitious and wild, and I can¡¯t control that. As her father, what I can do is... One day, when your sister fails and everyone leaves her, I will then help her as much as I can.¡±

    ¡°Dad, as long as you¡¯re happy.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She did not wish to argue with Qiao Dongliang.

    She had never suspected the good intention of her father. However, she did not have confidence in Qiao Zijin.

    An eternal life of staying by one¡¯s side was easier said than done. Her father¡¯s heart and mind might not be as determined as he thought himself to be.

    ¡°Dad, Uncle Yang¡¯s son is getting married and they¡¯ll definitely hold a banquet. Should you help them out then?¡± Qiao Nan did not voice out her thoughts. It was enough that she knew it herself. ¡°When we moved housest time, Uncle Yang helped us quite a lot.¡±

    ¡°It goes without saying. Today, your Uncle Yang asked for my help. There¡¯s no reason for me to decline. It¡¯s just that, coincidentally, you won¡¯t be around on the day of the marriage. Otherwise, I can bring you along to the banquet.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was full of regrets.

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You could wish the couple a longsting and blissful marriage on my behalf. Dad, I heard that there are many things to prepare for marriage. This time, it¡¯ll be tough on you. Since they¡¯re getting married, have they decided on the banquet menu, where to buy, and how much to buy? Have all of these been settled?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you know quite a lot,¡± Qiao Dongliang said in astonishment. ¡°There are so manyplicated things. I¡¯m not too sure too. Last time, your mom and I had a very simple banquet. We only had two tables of guests. There wasn¡¯t so much trouble. If Old Yang didn¡¯t mention it to me today, I wouldn¡¯t know that there¡¯s so much involved in preparing a banquet. Nan Nan, how did you know so much? It was as if you have done it before.¡±

    As a father, he did not know more than his daughter. Qiao Dongliang felt that he truly needed to reflect on himself.

    Logically, Nan Nan studied at school every day. She would revise her studies and do her homework when she was home. She would note into contact with more people than him. He only just got to know what Nan Nan already knew. Had he been out of touch with the society?

    There was a sh of guilt in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Herughter also sounded weak. ¡°Dad, did you forget that my results are so good? I¡¯ve read so many books and there are all kinds of contents in them. There¡¯re even mathematics questions for matters such as wedding banquets.¡±

    How could she not know?

    When Qiao Zijin was getting married, she was the one who prepared everything. Her mother only sat on the stool, opened her mouth, and pointed her fingers left and right. Her father tried to help. However, just like now, her father was of no help at all as he had no experience with it.

    Not familiar?

    When Qiao Zijin got married, she gained all the experience.

    At that time, Qiao Nan even suspected whether it was her parents or her who was marrying the daughter off.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang had a look of disbelief on his face. Books were truly the most magical thing in the world. They even taught such matters.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true, Dad. If you need it, I¡¯ll go to the library tomorrow and borrow a book back for you to read.¡± Since Qiao Nan had already told such a lie, she had to stick to it. As per what she said, there were truly books rted to this topic.

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Dongliang simply waved his hands. ¡°It¡¯s Uncle Yang who¡¯s getting a daughter-inw, not me who¡¯s marrying my daughter off. If there¡¯s really such a book, then that¡¯s also good. You help me remember it. When it¡¯s of use on the day I marry my daughters off, you can help me borrow this book then. One monthter, I¡¯ll be helping your Uncle Yang. As long as Uncle Yang knows and I assist by the side, I will be able to learn a lot too.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and smiled. ¡°Sure. Dad, you¡¯ve been perspiring a lot since you came back. I¡¯ll boil some water for you. If you don¡¯t wish to bathe, sponging your body is also good. It will make you feel morefortable.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang agreed readily. He then went into his bedroom to get his clothes.

    After Qiao Nan boiled the water, she moved it to the restroom. She did not have to bother about the remaining matters.

    Both father and daughter had their meal. They then sat together to watch the television for two hours. It was almost nine o¡¯clock when they prepared to go to bed in their respective bedrooms.

    Qiao Nan certainly would not fall asleep as soon as she went into her bedroom. She had to read books for an hour.

    As for Qiao Dongliang, he was running errands the whole day and had to discuss so many things with Old Yang. He did not feel that tired during the day, but he felt particrly so at this moment as hey in bed.

    Before Qiao Dongliang could let his thoughts wander, and before Qiao Zijin¡¯s name appeared in his mind, he fell asleep within seconds. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s problem was due to stress. Now that he was more rxed, he was cheerful and in a better mood. All his ailments seemed to be recovering.

    In theing weekend that Qiao Nan was at home, Qiao Dongliang either went out to attend his old friend¡¯s gathering or looked for neighbors to catch up with them.

    Moreover, Qiao Dongliang actually revived his habit of jogging in the morning after leaving the army for more than ten years. He woke up at five o¡¯clock in the morning and jogged around the small courtyard. It was only until six o¡¯clock, when he was perspiring all over, that he returned home for breakfast.

    There were many things that Qiao Dongliang could do. He even put the issue between Qiao Zijin and Wang Yang out of his mind and did not bring this up to Qiao Nan anymore.

    He said he had sorted out his thoughts and would not interfere unless Qiao Zijin could not get over a setback. When the whole world deserted her, as a father, he would then help Qiao Zijin. Qiao Dongliang truly stuck to his words.

    Once Qiao Dongliang had calmed down, he was able to sort out his thoughts more clearly.

    Even if he showed concern for Qiao Zijin now and fought with his life at stake to save her from falling into the big hole, she would not appreciate his fatherly concern and benevolent intentions. Contrariwise, she might despise him for being a busybody, as if he intended to harm her.

    It was really unnecessary for him to do this kind of arduous and thankless matter.

    If Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi felt that this was good for them, then he would allow the mother and daughter to create a fuss. Unless they suffered a major setback, any invaluable advice would not register with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. They would not listen to any of it.

    As such, after Qiao Dongliang put down his worries, he felt much more rxed.

 Chapter 397 - Is That Person a â€˜Heâ€™ or a â€˜Sheâ€™?

    <h4>Chapter 397: Is That Person a ¡®He¡¯ or a ¡®She¡¯?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang was more rxed. Qiao Nan felt even more so.

    With this, she couldpletely cast aside the matter regarding Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi temporarily and focus wholeheartedly on her studies.

    ¡°Nan Nan, we¡¯ll have to choose from the two courses starting the second year. Have you decided whether to take the humanities or the science course?¡± Tang Mengran was holding the application form and hesitating. She was not sure of which option to select.

    ¡°There are only two choices to choose from. If your mathematics results are outstanding and you¡¯re more interested in science subjects, then pick science. If you prefer other subjects, then pick humanities,¡± Fang Fang said nonchntly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound so easy. My grades for both humanities and science subjects areparable. It¡¯s really difficult to make a choice.¡± Tang Mengran held her face miserably. ¡°You might not know this, but my parents hope that I will choose science. They say a good mastery of mathematics, physics, and chemistry is the key to global sess. I... I have no confidence in myself. My current mathematics grades are just passable, but I heard that mathematics will be more difficult in the second and third years. I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to cope.¡±

    ¡°Then, pick humanities,¡± Zheng Lingling said with certainty. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve thought clearly about it. I¡¯ll choose the humanities course.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± He Yun and Tao Zhenqin did not seem to have any hesitation either. They already knew the answer in their heart. ¡°Tang Mengran, don¡¯t listen to your parents. Given their saying, you also need to excel in mathematics, physics, and chemistry before you can attain sess anywhere in the world. Otherwise, no matter how formidable these subjects are, do they have anything to do with us?¡± Tao Zhenqin felt that Tang Mengran was too easily influenced by her parents. Tang Mengran was the one who was studying, yet she did not seem to know her own situation any better than her parents.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Tang Mengran sighed. ¡°But if I select humanities, will my parents beat me to death?¡±

    Fang Fang shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re too exaggerating. I feel that your parents most probably just told you their views. If you discuss with them properly, they may ept your choice.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think?¡± Tang Mengran sought advice from Nan Nan.

    Nan Nan closed her book. ¡°This matter is easy to resolve. When you go home, simply tell your parents that you¡¯ve had a hard time studying science subjects and that if no one helps you, you totally can¡¯t catch up on your work. Your recent results have improved but it may not be sustainable. Tell them you¡¯re worried that if you select science and no one helps you, your grades will fall and you don¡¯t have any confidence as to which college you¡¯ll get into. If you pick humanities, you will be more confident about it.¡±

    The main point of what Tang Mengran¡¯s parents said was in the second part of their words. The Tang couple only wished for Tang Mengran to have a better future.

    It would be of great help to Tang Mengran when she stepped into society if she mastered mathematics, physics, and chemistry. However, if Tang Mengran did not do well, enrolling into college would be a problem. It would be needless to talk about the future then.

    ¡°My parents know that you have been teaching me mathematics. Why won¡¯t you have the time to teach me?¡± Tang Mengran did not understand.

    ¡°The reason is simple. I¡¯m going to study humanities.¡± She already selected humanities. The mathematics knowledge that she would be learning would be different from that of the science ss. At the very least, the difficulty level was quite apparent. This was also Qiao Nan¡¯s first time to study in senior high school. She could only guess the situation.

    If the knowledge and difficulty level between the humanities and science sses were different, regardless of how formidable she was, as a humanities student, could she still guide a science student on their studies?

    Fang Fang knitted her brows. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you serious? I thought you would...¡± Given Qiao Nan¡¯s ability, she would not have any problems with the science subjects.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m more interested in humanities, so I want to select the humanities course.¡±

    ¡°Woo!¡± He Yun sighed. ¡°For us, we selected humanities because weck confidence in science. An ace student truly lives up to her name. Nan Nan could pick whichever course that she likes. An ace student is obviously determined!¡±

    Zheng Lingling noticed that Fang Fang¡¯s tone was different. ¡°Fang Fang, how about you?¡±

    ¡°I selected science,¡± Fang Fang said.

    As expected...

    ¡°Fang Fang, you actually selected science? You¡¯re the warrior in our dormitory.¡± After resolving this dilemma, Tang Mengran was in a better mood.

    When she went home this time, she would tell her parents as per what Qiao Nan taught her. It would not go wrong.

    Fang Fang ignored Tang Mengran and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, you can actually select science. I feel that if you select science, the ce of the top scorer will not slip from your hands too. Why do you have to select humanities?¡± Didn¡¯t you feel that you would be wasting your talent?

    Qiao Nan leaned toward the bed and smiled. ¡°Can I say that I choose humanities because of interest and not ranking?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. As long as you¡¯ve considered it carefully, then that¡¯s fine. Although I still feel that it¡¯s a waste for you to select humanities.¡± Fang Fang pursed her lips. She sounded as if she expected something better from Qiao Nan.

    Fang Fang¡¯s parents were teachers. She often heard her parents said that the girls¡¯ talent in science subjects was like theirck of a particr nerve aspared to the boys. Most of the time, they could not do better than boys.

    It was rare to meet a girl who had the intelligence, talent, and diligence to outshine the boys. Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan wanted to be a humanities student.

    ¡°Fang Fang, you don¡¯t need to worry about Nan Nan. Whether Nan Nan selects humanities or science, she will be able to do well. Since that¡¯s the case, how will it be a waste?¡± He Yun patted Fang Fang¡¯s shoulders. She felt that Fang Fang was taking it too seriously.

    Fang Fang¡¯s stance was extremely strong this time. ¡°You all don¡¯t know. I feel that given Qiao Nan¡¯s intelligence, she may achieve one of the greatest sesses in one of the scientific areas in the future. She can then contribute greatly to the country, society, and even the whole world.¡±

    ¡°Do you take me as a scientist?¡± Qiao Nan was dumbfounded. ¡°Where did all your confidence in mee from? I admit that I¡¯m quite good at science subjects, but I¡¯ve never said that I¡¯m a science genius. The results that I attained were all due to my effort. The talent disyed by a real genius can be described as ¡®horrifying¡¯. I can¡¯tpare myself with them.¡±

    ¡°Albert Einstein once said that sess is ny-nine percent hard work and one percent genius.¡± Fang Fang¡¯s face was red. She sounded full of indignation, as if she was at loggerheads with someone.

    ¡°Erm...¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°Fang Fang, why are you so agitated suddenly? What is the real reason for you to select science?¡±

    ¡°This is my gamble with someone. He insisted that girls will not outdo boys in science subjects. I want to prove to him that, at the very least, I, Fang Fang, will not be worse than the boys. What¡¯s wrong with girls? Why can¡¯t girls choose to study science? Will they definitely not do well in science? His words are obviously favoring the male over the female and discriminating against women!¡± Fang Fang was so furious that she was clenching her fists tightly. The look on her face showed that she was as angry as she could be.

    He Yun¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Fang Fang, the person that you mentioned... Are they a ¡®he¡¯ or a ¡®she¡¯?¡±

 Chapter 398 - Do You Already Have the Answer?

    <h4>Chapter 398: Do You Already Have the Answer?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Fang Fang felt uneasy and she switched the topic.

    In the past, Fang Fang was not so persistent in taking science subjects. In fact, when she was a child, she was most fearful of mathematics. Thereafter, as she had been greatly affected by this gamble, Fang Fang waspletely at odds with mathematics. She was bent on beating the subject. Even as she was selecting subjects in high school, she would insist on science subjects and not think of anything else.

    First, Fang Fang wanted to prove herself to this person. Second, she had relied on this quote to persist until today. She was full of confidence.

    Fang Fang thought about it this way. Hence, she also wanted to inspire Qiao Nan with this quote so that Qiao Nan would not waste her talent.

    Qiao Nan swept her fringe with her hands. ¡°Fang Fang, there¡¯s something that I don¡¯t know if I should tell you. If I don¡¯t, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll constantly be brainwashed and misrepresent a noble person¡¯s original quote. If I do tell, I¡¯m afraid of affecting you negatively. I¡¯m in a fix.¡±

    Fang Fang was dumbfounded. ¡°What do you want to tell me? Is it so serious?¡± Would she be affected just by a few words? She did not believe it!

    She thought of the many things that that stinky man said to affect her, including what he said about the selection of subjects on this asion. That man persuaded her for a long time and insisted that she select humanities instead of science. She snorted and refused to listen. She would definitely do well!

    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Tang Mengran ran over to Qiao Nan¡¯s side and pulled Qiao Nan¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Tell us. Tell us so that all of us will know.¡±

    ¡°The original quote from the noble person?¡± Zheng Lingling¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Are you referring to what Albert Einstein said? There is nothing wrong with this quote. I¡¯ve seen this since primary school.¡±

    Qiao Nan pulled her hair and said helplessly, ¡°Have you heard about misinterpretation out of context and generalization?¡±

    ¡°Yes, what about it?¡± He Yun¡¯s curiosity was aroused by Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. ¡°If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, actually, the full quote says, ¡®Sess is ny-nine percent hard work and one percent genius. Nevertheless, usually, the one percent genius is more important than the ny-nine percent hard work.¡¯¡±

    Althoughputers were only prevalent after the 2000s and every household had one, the behavior of ¡®screenshot¡¯ already existed from way before.

    She did not know who, in order to encourage students, took a screenshot by directly snapping and posting only half of what Albert Einstein said. It might be done to encourage all the students in the world, but it also bluffed silly kids such as Fang Fang to make them happy.

    ¡°Is... is there really such a matter?¡±

    When they heard that the full version of the noble person¡¯s famous quote that they had firmly believed in for so many years was, in fact, like this, everyone in the dormitory except for Qiao Nan was dumbfounded, not to mention Fang Fang.

    The first half of the quote encouraged people to put in great effort to learn and improve, but the second half was demoralizing. Although only one percent genius was mentioned, it was also talking about congenital talent. Moreover, the famous quote expressed that talent was indeed more important than working hard.

    Fang Fang looked like she had been dealt with a big blow. She lost her usual calmposure as tears welled up in her eyes. She looked as if she was about to cry. Qiao Nan had a fright. ¡°Fang Fang, don¡¯t panic. You should look at this quote from another perspective. If you wish to be a scientist, you must have that one percent talent. Of course, if you just wish to be a science ss student and perform well in your studies, it¡¯s actually enough to rely on that ny-nine percent hard work. The extent of work is different, so the expectations are certainly different.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes! Nan Nan is right. Nan Nan is a very good example. Didn¡¯t Nan Nan say that she¡¯s actually not talented? She seeded because of hard work. That¡¯s why her results are so good. Fang Fang, we don¡¯t need to be sad. Don¡¯t cry.¡± Zheng Lingling hugged Fang Fang¡¯s shoulders and patted her back. Simr to Qiao Nan, she felt that Fang Fang was going to cry.

    He Yun had a face full of heartache. ¡°I feel so gloomy. I¡¯m so furious. I was such a naive and pure child. I can¡¯t believe the school has been bluffing us for so many years. I¡¯m so hurt.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore. I feel disappointed at the mention of this.¡± Tao Zhenqin held her chest. If Nan Nan did not mention it, she would never know the original quote.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who identally revealed the truth of the matter, did not know what to say at the sight of the situation. What she said not only affected Fang Fang but also the rest of the dormitory residents after all.

    ¡°I... I need to calm down alone.¡± Fang Fang, who felt the most hurt, was dumbfounded. She refused to let anyone apany her during that evening¡¯s self-study time. She ran out, found a quiet ce, and was prepared to calm down by herself.

    As per her previous practice, Qiao Nan continued to revise her studies in the ssroom.

    Unexpectedly, the senior that was ¡®rejected¡¯ by Qiao Nanst week with a question came looking for her again. ¡°Hi, Qiao Nan. I hope you still remember your senior from the third year.¡±

    When she heard the voice, Qiao Nan lifted her head and raised her eyes. ¡°Senior, have you solved that problem?¡±

    The male student hesitated for a while. He then said as a matter of fact. ¡°I didn¡¯t solve it.¡± Nevertheless, he already knew the answer.

    Initially, the male student intended to bluff Qiao Nan that the problem was solved by him. But at the thought that Qiao Nan¡¯s results were so good and she was able to give him such a difficult problem, she might do it again.

    He was able to ¡®solve¡¯ it on this asion. However, if he could not do it again, wouldn¡¯t that be too embarrassing?

    The male student was most worried that Qiao Nan would immediately throw him another problem after he had just ¡®resolved¡¯ the current one. He could not possibly leave with Qiao Nan¡¯s question every time and pass the answer to Qiao Nan a weekter, could he?

    Hence, the male student thought of another way. ¡°Then, Qiao Nan, a few days have passed. Have you found the answer?¡±

    If Qiao Nan had not been able to resolve it, then he could discuss and examine it together with Qiao Nan. From no solution to having a solution. Wasn¡¯t that a good excuse?

    Qiao Nan knocked the tip of her pen on the table a few times. Shepletely ignored those in and out of the ssroom who wished to watch the fun. ¡°Senior, judging from the look on your face, you seem to have gained something.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve consulted someone. At the very least, I¡¯ve managed to find the solution. I¡¯ve also understood the whole solution. Do you want to go to the library together to decipher this question?¡±

    ¡°Since senior already has the answer, that¡¯s good enough.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. Immediately after, she tore a paper. ¡°This question is too difficult. It¡¯s not easy to try to solve it. After getting this question, I solved it on the very same day and found its answer. However, as it¡¯s too difficult, I¡¯m not confident of my answer. Since senior has already found the correct answer, do you want to read what I wrote first to see if my final answer is the same as what you have? That way, I¡¯ll know if I¡¯ve done it correctly.¡±

    ¡°Poof... Cough, cough...¡± Tang Mengran, who was having some water, directly choked on it. She was coughing non-stop.

 Chapter 399 - The Ultimate Tactic

    <h4>Chapter 399: The Ultimate Tactic</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Tang Mengran, whose face was quite fair, turned crimson instantly. It looked extremely scary.

    ¡°Slower, slower.¡± Tao Zhenqin was startled by Tang Mengran. She quickly patted Tang Mengran¡¯s back to help her regain normal breathing. ¡°You¡¯re not a three-year-old child. Yet, you can choke while drinking water. Don¡¯t kill yourself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all Nan Nan¡¯s fault!¡± Tang Mengran, who finally managed to breathe normally, said. The crimson color on her face faded gradually. ¡°If not for what Nan Nan said just now, would this happen to me?¡±

    She really took her hat off to Nan Nan. It was definitely impossible to find a second person simr to Nan Nan in the whole world. She was too extreme.

    Last week, she saw Nan Nan posing such a difficult and grueling question to an outstanding third-year science student. She had thought that the question Nan Nan found did not have an answer, and thetter did it on purpose to make things difficult for the senior.

    Who would have known that the answer would appear today? Nevertheless, it was terrible because Nan Nan was just too merciless.

    Obviously, the question that the senior had to consult others to find the answer to had already been attempted correctly by Nan Nan long ago. That was Nan Nan¡¯s most unexpected and ultimate move.

    True enough, as guessed by Tang Mengran, that third-year senior looked baffled when he read Nan Nan¡¯s solution. This was because Qiao Nan¡¯s workings were different from what he had in hand. Of course, the third-year senior was confused.

    The senior did not understand Nan Nan¡¯s workings or train of thoughts. Nevertheless, one thing was apparent. Qiao Nan¡¯s final answer was exactly the same as that of his.

    Hence, Qiao Nan¡¯s answer was correct, and so was her solution.

    At that instant, the third-year senior¡¯s mouth was seemingly glued and he nearly could not open it.

    He wanted to say that what Qiao Nan did was correct. However, he only knew the answer and did not understand how it was derived. Hence, it would be too embarrassing for him to say that.

    The face of the third-year senior turned red. He simply covered his face with the paper in his hand and ran out of Qiao Nan¡¯s ssroom. He left feeling downhearted following the defeat.

    When the third-year senior left, there was a moment of silence in the ssroom of ss one.

    The girls did not know if they should admire Qiao Nan¡¯s evilness and intelligence or be jealous of her poprity. As for the guys, they were thoroughly shocked by her valiant behavior. This also applied to a few of them who had a crush on her and were thinking of when to take action.

    They had harbored hopes that although Qiao Nan had rejected a hundred people, she might have taken a liking to them. No one could predict such matters.

    However, at his juncture, none of them dared to have the same thoughts again.

    Weren¡¯t they making things difficult for themselves if Qiao Nan was their girlfriend?

    When Qiao Nan encountered any problems in her studies, they would not be able to help her. Not to mention learning from each other, they would probably be the one consulting Qiao Nan, and she would the one guiding them. As a guy, their self-esteem would be affected if there were too many such urrences.

    It could thus be said that this tactic of Qiao Nan had not only forced the third-year senior alone to retreat, but also other guys who knew about this incident and liked Qiao Nan. They would distance themselves from Qiao Nan. It was fine to watch from afar. Otherwise, they would hurt themselves.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re too much.¡± Zheng Lingling sat in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s seat. She had to take her hat off to Qiao Nan for having thought of this method. ¡°Nan Nan, given your situation, which kind of guy is worthy of you? Nan Nan, don¡¯t tell me that you advocate non-marriage and wish to emte the foreigners and be a bachelorette?¡±

    Nan Nan was so capable and defiant. It was hard to imagine what kind of man in the world would be worthy of Nan Nan. Even if there was one, it would definitely be difficult to find. It would be akin to digging for gold in the sand.

    Zheng Lingling sighed. ¡°Nan Nan, will you be left on the shelves in the future?¡±

    ¡°No need to worry about me. At the very least, I¡¯ve already found someone who can apany me to the library.¡± Qiao Nan smiled happily.

    ¡°Is it true? Who¡¯s that? Why don¡¯t I know? Confess honestly!¡± Zheng Lingling jumped in shock. So, it was not that Nan Nan was against having a romantic rtionship at a young age, but she had already found someone.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Qiao Nan refused to answer or reveal further information.

    When Qiao Nan said that earlier, her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but at least a few people could hear it.

    Going to the library together was a hint. Qiao Nan was not afraid that others would hear about it or spread the news.

    First, she wished topletely break the phenomenon of people asking her for dates. Second, what she said was the truth.

    ¡°Impossible, are you lying to me? The few of us from the dormitory are always together, either in the ssroom, canteen, or dormitory. We¡¯re never separated from one another. Whom could you revise your studies with in the library? There isn¡¯t such a person, right?¡±

    Zheng Lingling wrecked her brains and could not think of anyone. ¡°Nan Nan, did you do it on purpose...¡± Looking around her, Zheng Lingling lowered her voice. ¡°Did you purposely say that to let people misunderstand and dispel the thoughts of those guys? Not necessary. Nan Nan, whatever you just said will make anyone who wishes to confess their love to you retreat. There¡¯s no need to say that. You... you also know the situation in our ss. There are two flies that have been targeting you. They¡¯re still worried they can¡¯t get a handle on you to deal with you. If they tell the form teacher that you¡¯re involved in a romantic rtionship at a young age, then what should you do?¡±

    Without Zheng Lingling¡¯s boration, Qiao Nan knew who the two flies that she was referring to were. One was Xu Tingting and the other was Zhao Yu.

    ¡°What could theyin to Teacher Liu about me? That I went to the library to revise my studies with my ssmate? Teacher Liu would criticize me because of this?¡± Qiao Nan smiled confidently. ¡°After all, the excuse to revise studies at the library is perfect. Don¡¯t worry. Even if they wish to smear my name andin about me, it won¡¯t be that easy to do so.¡±

    ¡°Then, what you¡¯ve just said is real?¡± Zheng Lingling agreed after some thoughts.

    In order to prevent the teachers from catching a handle on them, all those in a rtionship said that they went to the library to read books. What could Teacher Liu do to Nan Nan even if he knew about it? It would not be easy for Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu to make thisint.

    ¡°You guess?¡± Qiao Nan smiled in a deep and mysterious manner. ¡°Alright, you should go back to your seat. Zhu Baoguo ising back.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go back. We¡¯ll be starting the humanities ss in the second half of the year. Given our results, we may be ssmates again. Most likely, Zhu Baoguo has to give up his seat when that timees,¡± Zheng Lingling said nonchntly.

    Zhu Baoguo seemedpletely enlightened ever since he attended senior high school. Moreover, with Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mathematics results were outstanding. However, the results of his humanities subjects paled inparison.

    Obviously, Zhu Baoguo would definitely opt for the science ss in their second year of studies.

 Chapter 400 - A Child That Was Not Weaned

    <h4>Chapter 400: A Child That Was Not Weaned</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Speak of the devil. Just as Zheng Lingling returned to her seat, Zhu Baoguo came back with a sullen look on his face. ¡°Xiao Qiao, have you really decided to choose humanities ss? Clearly, you¡¯re able to do so well in your science subjects. You achieved full marks for almost all of them. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a pity if you don¡¯t study in the science ss? Did Teacher Liu have a chat with you on this?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°My grades for science subjects are good, but I¡¯ve never fared badly in my humanities subjects either. Hence, Teacher Liu has no issues regarding which course I opt to go to.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo knitted his brows. There was a sh in his eyes. It was apparent that Zhu Baoguo was in a dilemma at this juncture. ¡°Alright, humanities then. So be it.¡±

    ¡°What humanities and so be it? Don¡¯t do anything foolish.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the status of your family. Even if you select the wrong choice ¡®identally¡¯, your family definitely has the ability to rectify that error.¡±

    Was Zhu Baoguo mad? He actually wanted to apany her to the humanities course. It was not as if this was a case of apanying the emperor to study.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you¡¯re not young anymore. You¡¯re even older than me by one year. Can you stop being as childish as a kid? In particr, you¡¯re acting as if you¡¯re a girl that needs people to apany you to the toilet. Why do you have to be in the same ss as me? This time, you choose the humanities course because of me. How about next time? This is your life. You can¡¯t keep following me. Aren¡¯t you afraid of bing aughing stock?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not quite understand Zhu Baoguo¡¯s thoughts. Initially, she certainly led and guided Zhu Baoguo.

    The master teaches the trade, but the apprentice learns the skill with his own effort.

    With Zhu Baoguo¡¯s current ability, he was entirely capable of handling his future.

    Although he was not Wang Yang¡¯s match as of now, he was not easily influenced by others at school. He was now an ordinary student who was able to pick up and fully absorb the knowledge taught by the teachers and put them to good use.

    It was time that she retired as she had aplished what she set out to do.

    She was not Zhu Baoguo¡¯s real mother. Did she need to keep Zhu Baoguopany for his entire life?

    ¡°I...¡± Zhu Baoguo said in a gloomy manner, ¡°You... We¡¯ve been ssmates and deskmates since junior high school. Now that we¡¯re going to be separated from each other in the second year of senior high school, could you bear to let this happen? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a pity?¡± He was extremely unhappy at the thought of having to separate from Xiao Qiao. Why was Xiao Qiao still able tough at this?

    Qiao Nan put down her pen and closed her books. She looked at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°You still refuse to admit that you¡¯re childish. You keep calling me ¡®Xiao Qiao¡¯ and address me as your younger sister. Don¡¯t you think that you¡¯re too dependent on me? We have to study separately. You study whatever you like and are good at. There¡¯s no reason for you to choose the humanities course for my sake. Zhu Baoguo, judging by your current behavior, I¡¯m really concerned for your future wife. As a man, you have to be responsible and decisive. Don¡¯t be more wishy-washy than a youngdy like me. Look, have I ever changed my mind because of anyone?¡±

    Actually, the reason Qiao Nan chose humanities was twofold. First, she was interested in humanities. Second, this was the oue of the discussion with Zhu Chengqi.

    She did not know if it was because she was the first woman that had an important ce in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life. On the surface, Zhu Baoguo seemed very domineering, bad-tempered, and rather decisive. However, in actual fact, he was very reliant on Qiao Nan. It was as if he would only feel assured and be able to think calmly when Qiao Nan was with him.

    To Qiao Nan, it was still the same saying. She was not Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother and could not possibly stay by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s side forever.

    If the situation continued, Zhu Baoguo would find himself in another problem after just solving one. There would be no end to it.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, don¡¯t tell me that when you grow up and have to pick a wife, you will still need me to look out for you or apany you to the matchmaking session and decide on your behalf? Thereafter, do I have to take care of all the wedding banquet arrangements for you and your wife? Are you trying to kill your wife with jealousy or kill me with all the work?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? What wife? That¡¯s not what I mean. I¡¯m just thinking that finding a good friend in school is hard toe by and we know each other so well. We¡¯ll certainly be happy to continue studying in the same ss.¡±

    ¡°Alright, after saying so much, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re like a child that has not weaned or grown up? You¡¯re not mature enough but you should learn to be.¡± She patted Zhu Baoguo¡¯s shoulders. Zhu Baoguo had not been with Zhu Chengqi long enough. Otherwise, why couldn¡¯t she see Zhu Chengqi¡¯s tough side in Zhu Baoguo?

    ¡°Since when I was not weaned?!¡± Zhu Baoguo felt unjustified.

    Qiao Nan tilted her head and looked at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°You still won¡¯t admit it? Think about it. When did Wang Yang do this? Have you seen Wang Yang disregarding his forte and interests to pick something he is weaker in? It¡¯s still fine in our country. You may not know that other countries, such as Korea, have girls¡¯ schools. That means all the students in the school are girls. Actually, even Hong Kong has such schools. If we¡¯re living in Hong Kong and I¡¯m going to study in a girls¡¯ school, are you able to change your gender and apany me to that school?¡±

    If that was the case, Zhu Baoguo should not go to the girls¡¯ school. He should go to Thand instead.

    Zhu Baoguo waved his hands in irritation. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t talk about it anymore. Xiao Qiao, you seem happy. Are you pleased that we¡¯ll be in a different ss?¡±

    Was he the only one who cared and kicked up a fuss due to this matter?

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as happy or not. We¡¯ll still be friends regardless. In this world, there¡¯s no such thing as we won¡¯t be friends if we¡¯re in different sses. If that happens, our friendship isn¡¯t true to begin with. That said, Zhu Baoguo, why are you in a dilemma? We have a long life ahead of us, not to mention the many years of studies that we still have to go through. You can pick the humanities course for my sake this time. What about the next time? Can you do this all the time? Zhu Baoguo, actually, I don¡¯t quite understand your way of thinking.¡±

    ¡°Ah, fine, fine. You always have a lot of reasons. I can¡¯t outsmart you.¡± Upon hearing what Qiao Nan said, Zhu Baoguo also could not really understand what he was so unhappy about.

    He only knew that he was very unhappy because he had to be in a different ss from Xiao Qiao. They would not be deskmates anymore. He was not pleased and not willing to ept this.

    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯ve all the right reasons. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t outtalk me. Don¡¯t always be so childish and kick up a fuss. You¡¯re a grown-up now and should n your future properly.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°I¡¯m so tired and sleepy. I wish to go to bed soon. Fortunately, it¡¯s almost the end of the evening self-study time. You go and think about your own matters.¡±

    Nevertheless, regardless of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s decision, Zhu Chengqi would have the final say.

    Before Zhu Baoguopletely matured, she and Zhu Chengqi really could not afford to ck and worry less for Zhu Baoguo.

 Chapter 401 - Not Allowed to Smile in This Way at Other Women

    <h4>Chapter 401: Not Allowed to Smile in This Way at Other Women</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Two weeks had passed and Qiao Nan was back from school this weekend. Qiao Dongliang took the initiative to ask Qiao Nan which course she chose. ¡°Nan Nan, are you going to choose humanities or science?¡±

    ¡°Humanities.¡±

    ¡°Is it because science is more difficult?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan denied. ¡°My results are about the same for humanities and science subjects, but I¡¯m more interested in humanities. Besides, Teacher Liu had a long chat with me. After learning of my decision, he is very supportive of me.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu? Isn¡¯t that your form teacher? Was he the one I saw during the parent-teacher conferencest year?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Teacher Liu was the form teacher. It was no wonder that her father had an impression of him.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded with relief. ¡°Since Teacher Liu is supportive of you, it should be alright.¡± The teacher definitely knew more than him. What the teacher said must be correct.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange that your sister had good results in the first year, but ever since she advanced to second year and chose the humanities course, her results have been falling behind. I remember she would alwayse in eighth ce in her ss in her first year. Nan Nan, is the humanities course difficult? How could her results drop so drastically?¡± Though it was not easy to maintain one¡¯s standard, Qiao Zijin¡¯s results had dropped too much. ¡°Nan Nan, do you think your sister has chosen the wrong course?¡±

    Qiao Nan was changing her shoes and halted in her tracks at the question. She twitched her lips and said, ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t think my sister has fallen very far behind. To be honest, my impression is that her performance in junior high school was worse than in high school. I was really surprised when I heard that she ced eighth in her ss. Her improvement was tremendous.¡±

    In the two lifetimes, no matter how clever Qiao Zijin was, she was neither interested nor good in her studies.

    It was hard to believe that Qiao Zijin¡¯s results would improve by leaps and bounds when she was in high school.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliang was confused. ¡°So, your sister¡¯s results have actually improved?¡±

    ¡°No idea. Dad, I am hungry. What are we having for dinner tonight?¡±

    ¡°I want to cook stir-fried spicy chicken tonight. The chicken was freshly ughtered today. I will fry them now.¡± Since Qiao Nan mentioned that she was hungry, Qiao Dongliang put Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter aside for now. There was nothing he could do about Qiao Zijin. What he must do now was to take better care of Qiao Nan so that she would not end up like Qiao Zijin.

    Ring!

    Qiao Nan had just sat down when the phone next to her rang.

    ¡°Nan Nan, answer the phone.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice could be heard from the kitchen.

    Despite the long distance, Qiao Dongliang was still able to hear the phone ringing. His sense of hearing was very acute.

    Ever since Zhu Baoguo gave this phone to the Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang did not have much opportunity to use the phone. It was only on rare asions when the phone rang that he could be sure that the phone was still working.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai? What¡¯s wrong? Why are you calling me at this time?¡± Brother Zhai called at an opportune time. ¡°Wait a minute. Brother Zhai, will Auntie Miao turn up suddenly likest time and give me a big shock? Even though she did not suspect anythingst time, she may discover something fishy if we keep this up.¡±

    At the thought of what happenedst time, Qiao Nan had yet to recover from the shock.

    ¡°My mom is busy right now.¡±

    ¡°Busy? What is Auntie Miao busy with?¡± What could she be busy with?

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi came to the army.¡±

    ¡°Why is she in the army?¡± Qiao Nan stomped her foot. Qiu Chenxi could be said to be her love rival. Though Auntie Miao did not like Qiu Chenxi, Chief Zhai seemed to like her very much and regard her as his daughter-inw.

    She had yet to gain the approval of her mother-inw, and her father-inw was already a big obstacle to them.

    If Qiu Chenxi managed to make Auntie Miao have a change of heart, things would be bleak for Brother Zhai and her.

    ¡°She must be after me.¡± Zhai Sheng curled his lips. He could confirm that Nan Nan really liked him. As soon as she heard that Qiu Chenxi was at the camp, she seemed to be very anxious. ¡°But I didn¡¯t care about her. I am the regimentmander whereas she is merely an intern. She has no chance to see me.¡±

    ¡°Really? Won¡¯t your dade up with an excuse so that Qiu Chenxi can work with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but it is up to me whether to ept or not.¡± Nan Nan was spot on. His father liked to take things into his own hands.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯d better watch out. If I find out that you have been in close contact with Qiu Chenxi, that¡¯ll be the end of us.¡± Qiu Chenxi came from a good family background. She was beautiful and had graduated from college. She was also about the same age as Zhai Sheng.

    She had the upper hand only because Brother Zhai liked her, not Qiu Chenxi. Other than that, she had no confidence in winning against her.

    Zhai Sheng could be heardughing from the other side of the phone. His low-pitchedughter sounded like the cello. Qiao Nan could feel his breathing right beside her ear, making her ear particrly ticklish.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t think you can get away with it byughing. You are also not allowed to smile at other people, especially smiling in such a way to other women!¡±

    Brother Zhai was not only good-looking and well-built, but also had a very soothing voice. He was perfect from head to toe.

    If he was in the year after 2010 where the inte was the craze and people could upload their songs or clips onto the web, given Brother Zhai¡¯s mesmerizing voice, he would be the talk of the town and well sought-after among thedies.

    ¡°Now that I am on the phone with you, I should be allowed to smile in this manner.¡± Zhai Sheng switched the phone to another hand. ¡°Nan Nan, you are usually very smart, but why is it that you are so muddle-headed now? I have known Qiu Chenxi for many years. If I wanted to be too close to her, would I need to wait until today?¡±

    In other words, if Zhai Sheng had been willing, he would have taken a fancy to Qiu Chenxi long ago. They might even have gotten engaged and married each other. There would not be Qiao Nan in the picture.

    Since it never happened, then it would never happen now or in the future.

    Zhai Sheng was very clear about what he wanted. In this aspect, he had a very clear target in mind. Hence, it was impossible between him and Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°I will ept your answer.¡± Qiao Nan blushed. Last week, she had just reprimanded Zhu Baoguo for being too childish, but she was not any better in front of Brother Zhai.

    ¡°I call you today because I have something to ask you. You will advance to the second year in the second half of the year. Is it time to choose the course?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have chosen the humanities course.¡±

    ¡°Did your master give you any advice?¡±

    ¡°My master? Don¡¯t mention him. He gave me the death order.¡±

 Chapter 402 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Plan

    <h4>Chapter 402: Zhai Sheng¡¯s n</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the mention of Lin Yuankang, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. Nobody in the family interfered with her selection of either the humanities or science courses. Everyone respected her thoughts and opinions.

    Even for Zhu Baoguo, the most that he did was to change his own aspirations in order to choose the humanities course so as to be in the same ss as her.

    Her master, whom she had known for a year, called her directly on the phone and told her to choose the humanities course.

    ¡°What about Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°I sent him to the science ss,¡± Qiao Nan said helplessly. ¡°Wait a minute. Brother Zhai, you have said so much just to ask me this question?¡±

    Qiao Nan felt much better all of a sudden.

    She was worried that Qiu Chenxi would always spend time with Brother Zhai. However, it was, in fact, the same for Brother Zhai. He was worried that Zhu Baoguo would always stay by her side.

    ¡°You should heed your master¡¯s advice.¡± Zhai Sheng refused to answer her question. Qiu Chenxi would not be a threat to Qiao Nan, but he had to be mindful of Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are still on the phone? Who called you?¡± Qiao Nan was on the phone, chatting happily with Zhai Sheng while Qiao Dongliang, wearing an apron, came out from the kitchen with a te of spicy stir-fried chicken. The fragrant smell made one salivate.

    Qiao Dongliang liked spicy food, and he knew how to prepare spicy food as well, particrly Sichuan cuisine.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin disliked spicy food. Back then, he was married and was busy with work, so everything at home was left in the hands of Ding Jiayi. He had to put aside his favorite food and hobby of cooking.

    Since moving out with Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had picked up his hobby and spent more time cooking.

    ¡°Dad, they smell great.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath, the spicy scent stimting her taste buds. ¡°I am on the phone with Brother Zhai. He knew that I am choosing the course, hence he called to ask which course I have chosen.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng really cares about you,¡± Qiao Dongliang said out of the blue, sounding depressed.

    Even an outsider knew that Nan Nan was choosing her ss and called to ask about her, but there was no news from Ding Jiayi. As for Zijin...

    ¡°Brother Zhai is very good to me,¡± Qiao Nan replied with honesty. She then grabbed a piece of chicken and put it into her mouth.

    ¡°You have yet to wash your hands!¡±

    ¡°Have you washed your hands?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang and Zhai Sheng could be heard yelling at her to wash her hands.

    Qiao Dongliang had been watching her, so he caught Qiao Nan, who was fond of food, eating some of the chicken before washing her hands. But Zhai Sheng was on the other end of the phone. He must have very good hearing and was as sharp as a detective to know what she was doing.

    ¡°Alright, I will wash my hands.¡± In fact, she felt very hungry. She was starving when she asked her father about dinner just now.

    ¡°Nan Nan, pass the phone to Uncle Qiao. I have something to tell him.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan stretched her hand toward her father. ¡°Dad, Brother Zhai has something to tell you.¡± She could take her time washing her hands.

    ¡°Hi, Zhai Sheng, what¡¯s the matter? Well, I¡¯m pretty goodtely. Busy? Not busy. Actually, it¡¯s good that we are busy. That way, we will not have the spare time to think too much or create trouble for people around us.¡±

    Zhai Sheng could tell that Qiao Dongliang seemed to be troubled.

    There were only a few people that Qiao Dongliang was worried about, and among them, Qiao Nan was the only one who stayed with him now.

    Zhai Sheng could tell easily who Qiao Dongliang was referring to.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Everything is alright now. Nan Nan cares a lot for me. I am very good. Yes... You must stay healthy as well. We will have dinner soon. You should go and have dinner as well. Let¡¯s chat next time. Goodbye.¡±

    By the time Qiao Nan came back from washing her hands, Qiao Dongliang had already hung up the phone. ¡°Get the rice. Don¡¯t starve yourself.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at the phone reluctantly and went to get the rice.

    After dinner, Qiao Nan went back to her room silently.

    Qiao Dongliang cast Qiao Nan strange looks. ¡°Nan Nan, why do you turn in so early for the night? It¡¯s only half past eight.¡±

    ¡°Well, the sybus for this semester is much more difficult. I was very tired at school. I got up early and sleptte. I am very sleepy. Now that I am finally home, I have to rest well. Dad, can you see my dark eye circles? I can bepared to pandas now.¡±

    ¡°Well, then you¡¯d better go to sleep. Studies may be important, but your health is also very important. Now that all of you are in high school, the workload should be much heavier. You rarely get the chance to have a break, so you must rest more. Even if you only get to sleep for two more hours, it is still good for your body.¡± Now that Nan Nan mentioned it, she seemed to have lost a lot of weight. Studying had been very tough on her.

    ¡°Dad, I will go to sleep now. Good night.¡±

    ¡°Good night.¡± Qiao Dongliang urged Qiao Nan to go to sleep. He hoped that she would fall asleep as soon as shey on the bed.

    Contrary to what Qiao Dongliang wished for, Qiao Nan tossed and turned for more than half an hour, yet sleep eluded her.

    A dainty girl like Qiu Chenxi actually chased Zhai Sheng all the way to the army. Apparently, she still liked him. She had total confidence in Brother Zhai, but she was not too sure about Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao, especially Chief Zhai. She heard from Sister Zhai Hua that he really liked Qiu Chenxi.

    If there was a day when she married Brother Zhai instead of Qiu Chenxi, would he be their obstacle? Would he find her not pleasing to the eye?

    In the previous life, Chen Jun¡¯s parents did not like her as well. It was Chen Jun who managed to persuade his parents to ept her. Thinking about what happened then, she felt sorry for herself.

    It might not be good to have a smooth-sailing life as one would not have the chance to learn and develop. However, her life was full of twists and turns. It was too tough on her.

    She had no idea how Brother Zhai would deal with Qiu Chenxi.

    With that thought in mind, she slowly drifted off to sleep.

    Qiao Dongliang went into Qiao Nan¡¯s room to check on her at ten o¡¯clock. Qiao Nan, who usually had a good night¡¯s sleep, had kicked the nket to a side.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed and covered Qiao Nan with the nket. The children nowadays might have a better life than them, but it was not easy for them to handle the heavy workload at school.

    Back then, he did not remember seeing Qiao Zijin troubled over her school work. Qiao Dongliang sighed and decided to stop dwelling over it.

    Qiao Nan, who was fast asleep, was clueless. She was worried about what would happen to Zhai Sheng and her in the future. She did not expect that her father would misunderstand and think that she was losing sleep over her studies.

 Chapter 403 - Qiu Chenxi Came to Show Off

    <h4>Chapter 403: Qiu Chenxi Came to Show Off</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This was, in fact, a beautiful misunderstanding.

    Of course, what was even beyond Qiao Nan¡¯s expectation was that she would see someone she least expected to see on the next morning.

    Qiao Nan was really tired and she finally got to rest at home and had a good night¡¯s sleep. When Qiao Nan woke up the next day, it was already eight o¡¯clock. Qiao Dongliang had left a note for Qiao Nan. He went to the Yang family¡¯s residence to help out and the breakfast was ced in the pot. Qiao Nan could have them when she woke up.

    Qiao Nan had not changed her clothes. She was wearing a thin autumn shirt with an outer coat. She did not bother tob her hair and went to brush her teeth.

    After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she heard a knock on the door, and her heart skipped a beat. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Who woulde to their house early in the morning? She did not even have time to eat her breakfast.

    Qiao Nan went to the door and raised her voice. ¡°Who is it?¡± There was no response. Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Maybe they have got the wrong house?¡±

    Qiao Nan was about to turn back when the knocking started again.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    There was no response.

    Qiao Nanughed to herself. She was ¡®lucky¡¯ that someone yed a trick on her early in the morning.

    This time, Qiao Nan no longer asked anything. She turned and went back to the house. Whoever was at the door could knock for all they wanted. She was not in the mood to read today. She wanted to watch television. As soon as the television was switched on and the volume was turned up, she could not care much about the knocking.

    The person outside the door seemed to know that Qiao Nan intended to ignore the knocking and spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Qiao Nan almost tripped on what she heard.

    It was not indicative of one¡¯s identity at all. Nevertheless, there was no way that she would know who the visitor was.

    The other party seemed to realize the ridiculousness of the reply and took a deep breath before saying, ¡°I am Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    Qiao Nan widened her eyes and dug her ears. Qiu Chenxi came to her house?

    Qiao Nan refused to believe it. She opened the door and was given a shock by Qiu Chenxi who was dressed in white from head to toe.

    Even though Qiao Nan only met Qiu Chenxi once, and that was a year ago, she still remembered how she looked. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hair was longer than a year ago, almost reaching her waist. This added an ancient charm to her beautiful face.

    The dress worn by Qiu Chenxi was very westernized. On top of the thick cotton was ayer of yarn, and the pattern was particrly beautiful. Covering her arms were little puff sleeves that were inspired by the western royal style. The hemline used high-quality yarn, and the linings were thick, hence they opened slightly at the bottom, looking very beautiful.

    Qiu Chenxi looked as if she was a noble princess who came out of a fairy tale. Contrariwise, Qiao Nan, who only wore a coat with autumn clothing, looked as if she came out from the dark corners. They looked way too different. Qiao Nan blushed in embarrassment.

    She had acted on impulse. Why did she open the door straight after hearing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s name? She should have changed into something presentable.

    Her clothes might be no match for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s, but she had to wear proper clothes at the very least.

    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± Qiu Chenxi who looked dignified just now turned sullen.

    Qiao Nan had thought that Qiu Chenxi was angry at her for showing up in shabby clothes.

    Not to mention that Qiu Chenxi was still her love rival for the time being, even if she was to wee an ordinary friend into her house, it would be inappropriate to receive them while wearing her current outfit. For her to wee Qiu Chenxi in her current outfit, she must still be half-asleep.

    Qiao Nan was upset at herself, but she did not know that Qiu Chenxi was full of jealousy right now.

    Because Qiao Nan had just woken up, there was a faint blush on her face. She looked especially beautiful in that way. Her dark round eyes seemed to be sparkling and glittering.

    Even women would be mesmerized by Qiao Nan, let alone men.

    Her naturalplexion and looks could not bepared to any amount of cosmetics or expensive outfits.

    Moreover, Qiao Nan had invincible youth. From that alone, Qiu Chenxi could not match up to her.

    Qiu Chenxi could not help but straighten her waist and puff up her chest. She could not lose to Qiao Nan in terms of her figure.

    Qiu Chenxi was taller than Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan had better body proportion than Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi could tell it at one nce from the autumn clothing that Qiao Nan wore.

    Qiao Nan was not as tall as Qiu Chenxi, but her legs were slender and long. From the shape of the autumn pants, Qiu Chenxi was sure that Qiao Nan¡¯s lower legs were longer than her thighs. More importantly, Qiao Nan did not have thick legs or bowed legs.

    Her calf muscle was just nice.

    From the way Qiao Nan dressed, her legs looked long and slender. Qiu Chenxi could not help but re at Qiao Nan.

    The autumn clothes that Qiao Nan wore also drew attention to her figure.

    Qiao Nan had curves in the right ces. She was still young and might develop more curves as she grew older.

    To Qiao Nan, she felt that she looked terrible, especially with her messy hair that looked like a ¡®bird¡¯s nest¡¯.

    But in the eyes of Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan¡¯s hair that was slightly over her shoulders was draped casually over her back. The few strands of hair that were slightly unkempt highlighted her rosy cheeks and made her look even more charming and mesmerizing.

    She was simply a seductive fox spirit!

    ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Qiao Nan stood to the side. After Qiu Chenxi entered the house, Qiao Nan closed the door. ¡°Miss Qiu, please have a seat. I will change into some other clothes ande out.¡±

    ¡°Change into some other clothes?¡± As soon as Qiu Chenxi sat down, she turned hostile. ¡°Given your family situation, do you think you have clothes that canpare with what I wear?¡± Qiu Chenxi hinted that Qiao Nan¡¯s family situation could not bepared with hers.

    ¡°I think Miss Qiu has misunderstood. I am just afraid of catching a cold. Do you want me to talk to you while I am dressed in this manner? Sorry, I am currently in high school. It is a very crucial time for me, so I have to take care of my health. I can¡¯t afford to make any mistakes.¡± Qiao Nan looked ridiculously at Qiu Chenxi.

    She knew that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family background was better than hers.

    The Qiu family was very established. Like Brother Zhai, their grandparents were veteran revolutionaries.

    Although technically speaking, she could be considered as being born into a respected family, she and Zhai Sheng were still worlds apart.

    Qiao Nan was not so foolish as topete with Qiu Chenxi in terms of their outfits.

    Without another word, Qiao Nan returned to her room and changed into her usual dress. She came out from the room and asked Qiu Chenxi, ¡°Do you want to have some water?¡±

    ¡°It is nothing but boiled water. I prefer to have West Lake Longjing tea. I can¡¯t drink those normal teas, let alone in water. I bet you don¡¯t know. Uncle Zhai is especially fond of tea, and he knows a lot about Chinese tea.¡±

 Chapter 404 - Got the Wrong Person?

    <h4>Chapter 404: Got the Wrong Person?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Actually, the reason why I like West Lake Longjing tea is because of Uncle Zhai¡¯s heavy influence. I am sorry. I shouldn¡¯t be telling you all this. You must feel very bored. Uncle Zhai is just like this. When he likes someone, he can have a lot of topics to chat about with that person. Of course, both of them need to havemon hobbies and knowledge to be able to engage in a conversation. There is nothing much for Uncle Zhai to chat about with someone who does not understand Chinese tea and has never had good tea before.¡±

    Qiao Nan smoothed her hair. It seemed like Qiu Chenxi was very hostile to her. She might have heard of something for her to behave in such a manner. ¡°Miss Qiu, what you said sounds really familiar. When Auntie Miao first came to my house, she alsoined that I did not have any good tea to serve her. However, from then onward, she would always drink the water that I poured for her. She is, after all, the wife of the chief. Although she is stern, she is very considerate of others and never makes it difficult for others.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi turned green in anger at the mention of Miao Jing.

    Sure enough, on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Miao Jing indeed brought Zhai Sheng to Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, didn¡¯t she?

    The Zhai family and the Qiao family did not know each other at all, so why would Miao Jing visit them on that day? What did she mean by that? Why the sudden change of attitude?

    Miao Jing used to like her very much and would always call her affectionately. In the blink of an eye, she had a total change of attitude toward her. Until now, Qiu Chenxi still could not understand what caused the change in Miao Jing.

    It was fine if Miao Jing did not like her, but why the sudden interest in Qiao Nan?

    She did not believe that Miao Jing would take a fancy to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°By the way, Miss Qiu, let me give you a gentle reminder. Tea has a natural color and is good to drink asionally. However, if you drink a lot of tea every day... You should know that as Asians, ourplexions are yellow. Too much tea will make our skin ...¡±

    Qiao Nan stared at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face that was white from theyers of powder and sighed, shaking her head.

    She was curious about how Qiu Chenxi would look without makeup.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiu Chen pulled a long face. ¡°Are you implying that my face is dark?¡±

    ¡°Do you think your face is fair enough?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Miss Qiu, it¡¯s early in the weekend morning. Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°Let me ask you. What is your rtionship with Brother Zhai?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s finger knocked on the table and looked at Qiu Chenxi curiously. ¡°In what capacity are you asking this question, and why do you think I will answer you?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not sure what Qiu Chenxi had heard about her and Brother Zhai. As far as the current situation was concerned, it was impossible for Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao to ept her. Besides, she was still in high school. It was not suitable for her to expose her rtionship with Brother Zhai.

    She could not give a direct answer and she could not say no as well. Thus, she could only evade her question.

    ¡°I am Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e!¡± Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. When she first saw this little girl more than a year ago, she felt particrly ufortable. In the end, after spending so much effort, not only had she failed to get Lin Yuankang to be her master, but she was also robbed of the chance by this youngdy who came out of nowhere.

    She did not care that she was not Lin Yuankang¡¯s pupil, but Brother Zhai was hers. No women could fight with her!

    ¡°Fianc¨¦e?¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to drink water, while Qiao Nan liked drinking water. ¡°Is it true? Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai have not mentioned this. When I see them next time, I must ask them. Auntie Miao likes me a lot, but why didn¡¯t she tell me that Brother Zhai is engaged? She should at least offer me some candies. It¡¯s too much.¡±

    Luckily, Brother Zhai had told Qiao Nan about Qiu Chenxi.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan, who was not wide awake early in the morning, might have misunderstood Brother Zhai upon hearing such a piece of news from Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, stop acting in front of me. We may not be engaged yet, but we will soon. Last time, you might be able to have Lin Yuankang as your master but you will not be able to snatch Brother Zhai away from me now. Stop daydreaming. There is no way that the Zhai family will ept someone like you.¡± Qiu Chenxi mmed on the table and stood up angrily.

    Even though she had yet to be engaged to Brother Zhai, and Miao Jing had a change in attitude toward her, Uncle Zhai was very supportive of her. She believed that Brother Zhai would listen to him.

    Therefore, as long as Uncle Zhai was on her side, she would be Brother Zhai¡¯s wife eventually.

    ¡°Are you finished?¡± Qiao Nan appeared to be very calm, more so than when she opened the door for Qiu Chenxi. ¡°If you are done, you can go back.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? You don¡¯t believe me? Do you think I am lying to you? Believe it or not, I will definitely marry Brother Zhai before the end of this year. I will be his wife before he turns twenty-five years old.¡± Qiu Chenxi was getting angry. Did Qiao Nan think that she is bluffing?

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you came to my house to say this to me. As for the future that you have in mind, I don¡¯t care whether it wille true or not, and I don¡¯t need to express any opinion as well. It doesn¡¯t matter to me whether what you said is true or not.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi might have said that she wanted to marry Brother Zhai, but there was no guarantee that it would happen.

    Chief Zhai was not the only one who could make the decision at the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan could not be bothered with what Qiu Chenxi said.

    Since everything was just her one-sided thinking, be it engagement or marriage, Qiao Nan did not have to trouble herself with whatever Qiu Chenxi said.

    Whatever Qiu Chenxi said was useless. Brother Zhai¡¯s words were those that mattered to her.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Nan looked as if nothing happened at all. It made Qiu Chenxi wondered whether she had the wrong person. Qiao Nan might not be the reason why Brother Zhai gave her the cold shoulder.

    In fact, Qiu Chenxi did not know for sure whether Zhai Sheng rejected her due to Qiao Nan. It was purely her intuition. She felt that Zhai Sheng seemed to have a change of attitude toward her and that he seemed to be influenced by someone.

    Besides, since a young age, Zhai Sheng did not mix with girls. But when Qiu Chenxi went to the army and had a long chat with Zhai Yaohui, she heard from him that Zhai Sheng seemed to treat Qiao Nan differently.

    Even though Zhai Sheng did not do much for Qiao Nan, but given his usual style of doing things, it was considered rare that he would do anything for other girls.

 Chapter 405 - Qiao Nan Was Cleared of Suspicion

    <h4>Chapter 405: Qiao Nan Was Cleared of Suspicion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With all these in mind, Qiu Chenxi could not believe that there was nothing going on between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    Qiu Chenxi was in a dilemma.

    Zhai Sheng was so opposed to the engagement of the two of them. There had to be a third party between them. But she was not sure whether the third party was Qiao Nan or not. Apart from hearing some information from Zhai Yaohui, Qiu Chenxi did not have any concrete evidence.

    Qiu Chenxi tried to calm herself down. Then, she sat down again. ¡°You mentioned that you are in high school?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Zhai told me that you are the top student in the middle school examination in Ping Cheng. You are pretty smart. How were your results after you entered high school?¡± Qiu Chenxi said with a smile, ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind me asking. It¡¯s just a casual chat.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. What did Qiu Chenxi mean by asking so much about her results? ¡°Thank you for your concern. After going to high school, I managed to maintain my standard.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that even now that you are in Ping Cheng High School, you still maintain the first ce in the level?¡± It was no wonder that even though Qiao Nan did note from good family background, Uncle Zhai seemed to appreciate Qiao Nan¡¯s hardworking attitude when he mentioned her.

    Uncle Zhai was very appreciative of girls who were of humble birth but strove for self-improvement.

    ¡°For now.¡± Qiao Nan was not exaggerating. She had ranked first among her peers for more than a semester.

    ¡°You are really amazing. I heard that Ping Cheng High School willpare the scores of its own students with those of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s students. You are the top schr in the middle school examinationst year. How was your resultpared with that of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s students?¡±

    Qiao Nan could not help but wonder why Qiu Chenxi asked about such details. What was her intention? ¡°Well, ording to my form teacher, my results were a few marks higher.¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes lit up, and her tone rxed. Previously, she was like a cat whose tail was being stepped upon and all her hairs stood up. Now, she appeared to be very at ease. ¡°I am sorry for disturbing you for such a long time. Since a young age, I am friends with Brother Zhai. We are basically childhood sweethearts. Our families have a tacit understanding, and I have always treated Brother Zhai as my husband. Recently, I have been in a bad mood because of some issues. Hence, I had some misunderstandings about you. Qiao Nan, you are also a woman. You should be able to understand my feelings. I thought that someone was going to snatch Brother Zhai away from me. I was too anxious and made the wrong judgment. I am sorry for wasting so much of your time. If there¡¯s a chance next time, let me treat you to a meal as an apology.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Did this mean that Qiu Chenxi had given up and believed in what she said?

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. There¡¯s no need to treat me to a meal. I do not have the time.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and looked as if she wanted to send her off.

    Now that Qiu Chenxi had already figured out the whole matter, it was time to leave. She could not possibly intend to befriend Qiao Nan and chat with her, could she?

    This time, Qiu Chenxi stood up very cooperatively and smiled politely at Qiao Nan. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Let¡¯s leave it to fate. You already have a hard time with your studies. I will not take up so much of your time. Have a good rest. You are Ping Cheng¡¯s top schr in the middle school examination. Two yearster, you may be Ping Cheng¡¯s top schr in the college entrance examination.¡±

    Without waiting for Qiao Nan to send her off, Qiu Chenxi walked out by herself.

    Qiao Nan closed the door, knitted her eyebrows, and thought about everything that had happened just now. She did not understand what brought about the change in Qiu Chenxi. She was arrogant and hostile when she first came into the house. Why did she have a change in attitude?

    It was as if Qiu Chenxi had ascertained that she had nothing to do with Brother Zhai and that she was not the person who made Brother Zhai change his attitude toward her.

    How did Qiu Chenxi ascertain that?

    Qiao Nan shook her head. She decided not to think about Qiu Chenxi anymore and to focus on her studies. Yesterday, she had wasted the whole night thinking about Brother Zhai. She was not a true genius. If she did not work harder, she would not be able to do well in her studies. It was not easy to rank first among her peers.

    ¡°Chenxi, you are back.¡± Qi Min knew where her daughter went. ¡°Have you rified everything? Does the girl have anything to do with Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiu Chenxi sat down slowly. She felt more at ease at home. The stool in Qiao Nan¡¯s house was dirty and hard. Her bottom hurt from sitting for such a long time. Luckily, it did not stain her skirt.

    ¡°What made you so sure?¡± Qi Min was quite surprised. ¡°You must not be deceived. Since you have made known your identity, even if the girl has something to do with Zhai Sheng, she won¡¯t admit it. After all, the Zhai family will not ept people like her.¡±

    ¡°No, Mom. I am not a three-year-old child. It is not easy for her to fool me. Moreover, I did not make the judgment based on her words. I made the judgment based on other circumstances. I¡¯m sure that she has nothing to do with Zhai Sheng. She¡¯s not the one that I am looking for.¡±

    ¡°What made you so sure?¡± Qi Min was worried. Back then, she had lost to a country girl who could not match up to her in terms of family background and education. Chenxi must not follow in her footsteps.

    Qiu Chenxi leaned against the sofa. ¡°Mom, this woman is quite interesting. I guess she knows that her family background is not good, so she wants to rely on her own effort to make it big.¡±

    ¡°What does this have to do with whether she has any rtionship with Zhai Sheng?¡± She was asking for the reason why Chenxi was so sure, but she did not answer her question.

    Qiu Chenxi sipped the fruit juice and lowered her eyes so that nobody would notice the sadness in her eyes. ¡°There is. Mom, do you remember back when I sat for the college entrance examination and did badly because of Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°Of course I remember!¡± Qi Min said in an upset tone. She knew that the college entrance examination was very important for her daughter.

    Qiu Chenxi was very clever and pretty. Since a young age, she had good grades. On top of that, she came from a good family. Hence, when she was still in high school, she was already assured of a ce in the first-tier university.

    However, in order to prove herself, Qiu Chenxi sat for the college entrance examination and did badly.

    Zhai Sheng was the reason behind her poor performance.

    Zhai Sheng was two years older than Qiu Chenxi. Although the two families had consensus, Zhai Sheng never said anything about their rtionship. There was once when Qiu Chenxi red up upon hearing that some girls in the school were discussing Zhai Sheng, seemingly interested in him. She gave them ashing for discussing Zhai Sheng.

    The two girls were not pushovers either. They retorted and engaged in an argument with her. ¡°What is your rtionship with Zhai Sheng? You have no right to scold us.¡±

 Chapter 406 - Qiu Chenxiâ€™s Assumption

    <h4>Chapter 406: Qiu Chenxi¡¯s Assumption</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is my boyfriend. Am I qualified to say that?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi indicated her rtionship with Zhai Sheng, but the two girls did not believe her words. They asked that since they were in a rtionship, Qiu Chenxi must get Zhai Sheng toe to school and admit their rtionship in front of them. If so, they would not get in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s way in the future.

    Qiu Chenxi promised them and insisted that Zhai Sheng went to her school and admit their rtionship so as to preserve her dignity.

    Zhai Sheng would never agree to such a ridiculous request. When Qiu Chenxi asked Zhai Sheng whether he thought of her as his girlfriend, Zhai Sheng only replied coldly, ¡°Since when have we been in a rtionship?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was dealt with a strong blow. She disgraced herself and could not face the two girls for a while.

    As a result, Qiu Chenxi, who insisted on taking the college entrance examination, did very badly. The college that had already reserved a ce for her had doubts about her and checked on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s previous results.

    The people from the Qiu family had to step in to ask for two months¡¯ grace period. One week before college started, Qiu Chenxi went to the college to sit for a test on the high school sybus. It was only when her results could meet the college¡¯s standard had she been able to study at the first-tier university.

    This not only left a stain on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s life, but the people from the Qiu family also had a bad impression of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°At that time, I was distracted because of Zhai Sheng and couldn¡¯t focus on my studies. My results, especially in the third year of high school, dropped a lot. However, Qiao Nan is quite capable. Last year, she ranked first in the middle school examination. Even after she started high school, she still ranked first among the level. Her results were slightly higher than that of the top student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°You mean to say...¡± This time, Qi Min finally understood what her daughter meant. ¡°Since Qiao Nan¡¯s performance is very good, she can¡¯t possibly be in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°That is for sure,¡± Qiu Chenxi said with confidence. ¡°Zhai Sheng had a change of attitude this year. A year ago, Qiao Nan was sitting for her middle school examination. If she was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, would she be able to focus on the middle school examination and became the top student? Zhai Sheng is often in the army. One can only see him a few times in a year. Qiao Nan is still so young. I heard that Qiao Nan went to school a year earlier than average people. If she was in a rtionship at such a young age, would she be as mature as how I was when I was in high school?¡±

    Back then, she was in her third year of high school, yet she was affected by Zhai Sheng and did badly for her college entrance examination.

    Qiao Nan started school a year earlier than her, and she was only in her first year now.

    She found it hard to believe that Qiao Nan would be able to focus on her studies and maintain her standard if she had a boyfriend like Zhai Sheng whom she could neither see often nor keep in touch with.

    ¡°The high school curriculum is very difficult. Because of the science subjects, many girls do badly when they go to high school. They can only manage to get back on track after choosing the humanities course. Mom, do you think that Qiao Nan could rank first in the level easily?¡±

    It was only after she went to college, and her mother took a long time to persuade her, could she sort her thoughts and understand that apart from herself, Zhai Sheng would not have the chance to get to know another woman.

    Zhai Sheng might be indifferent toward her, but there was no other woman in his life. Inparison, she was in a much more favorable situation.

    ¡°That is true.¡± Qi Min nodded. ¡°Luckily, you listened to me during your four years of college and seldom contacted Zhai Sheng, and thus you could focus on your studies. You finally managed to finish college with flying colors. If you acted like how you were in high school, you would not be able to do well in college.¡±

    Chenxi was so capable, yet she was affected by Zhai Sheng.

    If it was a youngdy like Qiao Nan, she could not possibly have that much discipline.

    ¡°Mom, the most important thing is that when I told Qiao Nan that I am Zhai Sheng¡¯s fiancee, she didn¡¯t have any reaction at all. I couldn¡¯t sense any anger in her. She even asked why Miao Jing didn¡¯t tell her or give her some candies. Mom, if she was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she would not have this reaction when she heard that Zhai Sheng is engaged to another woman. No matter how she tried to cover it up, I would be able to tell. But in actual fact, she did not show any displeasure.¡±

    During Qiu Chenxi¡¯s college years, she took up some psychological courses when she had the time in order to get along well with Zhai Sheng and understand what he was thinking about.

    She tested Qiao Nan during their conversation today.

    It was a pity that she was notpetent enough and missed out the most important parts.

    Qi Min touched the ne on her neck. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything more. Let me think about it.¡±

    When she was young, she had suffered a big loss.

    She should have been Mrs. Zhai, the wife of the chief of the army. It never should have been the country girl¡¯s turn. But in the end, she fell short of sess and lost to someone whom she never thought of as her rival.

    She must not let her daughter follow in her footsteps. She might not be the wife of the chief, but Chenxi had to take this position.

    ¡°We cannot believe what Qiao Nan said. She may not be the first among the level, and her performance may not be higher than that of the top student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. We must investigate this matter to be on the safe side.¡± She could not allow any ¡®ident¡¯ to happen again.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We have to get uncle to help me inquire about Qiao Nan¡¯s results. It should not be difficult, right? It is best if we can have her grades for thest two semesters as well as the ranking lists of both Ping Cheng High School and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡± She was not so stupid. She would not believe in everything Qiao Nan said.

    ¡°Sure, I will definitely get your uncle to find out by today.¡± Qi Min was also anxious to get to the truth of the matter. She was worried that she would not be able to have Zhai Sheng as her son-inw, just like how she lost Zhai Yaohui to another woman. She quickly picked up the phone and dialed her older brother¡¯s phone number. ¡°Hi, big brother, it¡¯s me, Min. I have a favor to ask of you... Well, yes, that¡¯s it. Sure, I will wait for your good news. It will be best if you can give me an answer today. Oh, alright... Goodbye.¡±

    After she hung up the phone, Qi Min patted Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since your uncle has made a promise, we will have an answer soon.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for helping me and supporting me all this time, Mom.¡±

 Chapter 407 - Breaking Up with Me?

    <h4>Chapter 407: Breaking Up with Me?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the thought of her father who was not keen on her marriage with Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi was not very happy. ¡°Mom, Dad is too petty-minded. Back then, he already knew what happened between you and Uncle Zhai, so why would he rake up the past now? Why would he be jealous of something that happened so long ago?¡±

    That was then. What happened now was a different matter.

    Twenty years ago, even though her mother first started going out with Uncle Zhai, her father still chose to bend to his family¡¯s wishes and married her mother in the end so that the Qiu family and the Qi family could cooperate and bring benefits to each other.

    Decades had passed and her mother had given birth to her, but why was her father still angry about it?

    ¡°Your dad has always been like this. If Uncle Zhai didn¡¯t... your dad would not have the chance to marry me. Forget it. Don¡¯t mention what happened then. If your dad hears it, he will be unhappy.¡± Actually, Qi Min and Qiu Qin had a simr family background, but whenpared to Zhai Yaohui, thetter paled inparison.

    It was because Qi Min had no hope of marrying Zhai Yaohui that the Qi family settled for the second best by arranging her marriage with Qiu Qin.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I will work hard to be Mrs. Zhai, the wife of the chief of the army.¡± At the thought of the glorious life that Miao Jing now enjoyed, Qiu Chenxi had an ambitious look in her eyes.

    She wanted to marry Zhai Sheng not only for her own future, but she also wanted to take revenge on Miao Jing for snatching Zhai Yaohui away from her mother.

    Since Miao Jing snatched her mother¡¯s boyfriend, she would marry her son.

    If not for Miao Jing, she should have been the daughter of the chief of the army!

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You must do me proud.¡± Qi Min smiled happily. After she married Qiu Qin, the best thing that Qiu Qin did was giving her a daughter like Chenxi who was clever and smart and understood her.

    Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min waited anxiously for the answer. True enough, her uncle was very efficient. He got back to them with the transcripts of the first-year students from the two schools in three hours¡¯ time.

    They looked at the stacks of transcripts before them. They did not need to search for Qiao Nan¡¯s results. They only needed to look for the top students of the two schools.

    Qiao Nan was telling the truth. She came in the first ce for all subjects. Qiu Chenxi finally felt reassured.

    ¡°Mom, what now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯spare the results.¡±

    The mother and daughterpared the monthly results. They checked diligently to see which student of the two schools had better results.

    They were very cautious, taking extra care not to miss any exams or tests. Even though there were a lot of tests and exams in Ping Cheng High School and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, they painstakingly went through all the results.

    Qiao Nan not only ranked first in Ping Cheng High School for every test and exam, but her score was also higher than that of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s top student.

    Although the score was only a few points apart, it still proved that Qiao Nan was much better than the students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Even if someone else scored slightly higher than Qiao Nan in the college entrance examination in the future, it was undeniable that she had very good results.

    Even when Qiu Chenxi was in her prime, what she did was not as well as what Qiao Nan did for the past two semesters.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is really amazing.¡± After looking through Qiao Nan¡¯s results, Qi Min could not believe it. Most girls would not have such good results after going to high school, yet she could maintain the first ce for two semesters.

    Qiu Chenxi smiled, apparently at ease. ¡°Qiao Nan is so remarkable. So that¡¯s why when Uncle Zhai found out that Zhai Sheng has been helping Qiao Nan, he did not me Zhai Sheng. Instead, whenever he mentions Qiao Nan, he seems to be very appreciative of her hard work.¡±

    Fortunately, such an outstanding Qiao Nan was not her love rival.

    Otherwise, she would have been worried.

    ¡°Mom, although we are certain that Qiao Nan is not the woman who has been in close contact with Zhai Sheng recently, we still don¡¯t know who the woman is. If I can¡¯t figure out her identity and get rid of her, I can¡¯t rest assured. I don¡¯t wish for another ¡®Miao Jing¡¯ to appear out of nowhere.¡± It was a terrible feeling to lose everything you worked hard for at thest minute.

    ¡°No, that won¡¯t happen.¡± Qi Min smiled in a mixture of regret and pride. ¡°Back then, if not for Old Master Zhai hindering us, I would be the one to marry Zhai Yaohui. You are luckier than me. Zhai Yaohui likes you because of me. Hence, you will have fewer obstacles than me. With Zhai Yaohui around, Zhai Sheng¡¯s opinion doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    However, she hoped that Zhai Sheng would be willing and more than happy to marry her daughter.

    In this way, Chenxi would be able to find happiness in her marriage and would not end up like her who married Qiu Qin, despite not liking him, for the sake of the two families.

    ¡°Mom, I am lucky to have you with me.¡± Qiu Chenxi embraced Qi Min. Qiu Chenxi was very clear that what her mother said was the truth.

    Qi Min held Qiu Chenxi and patted her daughter¡¯s shoulder, smiling very brightly. ¡°You are my only daughter. Of course I have to help you. Chenxi, you are my life and dreams. You must seed and take back all the things that I have lost.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mom, I will.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi judged others by herself and felt that since her results were affected by Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan, who was younger than her, must have performed worse if what she suspected had been true.

    Therefore, she put down her vignce against Qiao Nan after realizing that Qiao Nan had been doing very well for her exams. Because of this, she missed the best opportunity to break up Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Hi, is that Brother Zhai?¡± During the weekend before returning to school, Qiao Nan took the initiative to give a call to Zhai Sheng behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back.

    ¡°Your voice is odd. Did you catch a cold again?¡± Zhai Sheng was sharp. He noticed right away that Qiao Nan sounded odd.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi came looking for me yesterday, and I caught a cold after that. Brother Zhai, I still have two years in high school. What should I do?¡± Qiao Nan did not want to be so selfish either. Her grades were good, but she was just an ordinary person. She had worked hard to achieve these results.

    If she had not been through a lifetime and was more experienced than others, she would have crumbled and suffered an emotional breakdown for having such a boyfriend and being visited by Miao Jing and Qiu Chenxi. She would not have been able to concentrate on her studies.

    ¡°Do you want to break up with me?¡± Zhai Sheng lowered his voice, as if a storm wasing.

    ¡°I can¡¯t. If I break up with you, I will not be able to find another person like you,¡± Qiao Nan said miserably. In this lifetime, she was finally lucky enough to meet Zhai Sheng. She must be a fool if she broke up with him.

 Chapter 408 - You Are Indeed My Biological Mother

    <h4>Chapter 408: You Are Indeed My Biological Mother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Zhai Sheng rxed. He could ept anything but a breakup.

    Zhai Sheng had lived for more than twenty years and had been through a quarter of his life. He had finally met a girl that he liked very much. He could not wait for her to grow up immediately so that he could marry her right away.

    If he had to break up with Qiao Nan right now, Zhai Sheng was not sure what kind of terrible things he would do once he lost control.

    In this world, no matter how calm one was, if they were agitated, they would be capable of crazy deeds!

    Zhai Sheng could stay calm in all situations except when Qiao Nan was involved!

    ¡°Do you want me to treat Qiu Chenxi the same as before?¡±

    ¡°If you do that, then we will have to break up.¡± Qiao Nan had no idea how Brother Zhai treated Qiu Chenxi previously, but because of his attitude toward her, Qiu Chenxi had the idea that she would eventually marry Brother Zhai.

    Qiu Chenxi could be a headache at times. She was too confident of herself.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng appeared to be calmer and appeased.

    If Qiao Nan wanted him to treat Qiu Chenxi in the same way as before in order to avoid trouble, he would be really mad at Qiao Nan. ¡°So, what do you intend to do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Qiu Chenxi came to look for me yesterday. I did not say anything out of the blue, and I have no idea how Qiu Chenxi came to the conclusion that I am not the girl that you like before leaving happily. She did note again today. If Qiu Chenxi does not bother me, then it will be for the best. You should know about my situation at home. I wish to grow up as fast as possible and to be rid of both my mother and sister, going somewhere far away from them. So, all the more reason I have to study hard. The next two years are very crucial to me, and I believe you have your own ambitions and goals as well.¡±

    ¡°Continue.¡± Zhai Sheng did not deny her words. He had never liked to rely on his family. He was appointed the regimentmander based on his own effort and hard work. Of course, undeniably, he had more chances than the rest because of his family.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, let¡¯s try not to meet up as often as we used to do for the next two years in order to avoid trouble. We canmunicate through the telephone.¡± She also wanted to take these two years to know whether Zhai Sheng was serious about her and whether he would be able to withstand the test of time.

    ¡°What about letters?¡±

    ¡°I am afraid that people will intercept our letters. Qiu Chenxi has already gone all the way to the army. If we continue sending each other letters, given her courage and means, she may intercept our letters. What if she gets someone to imitate our handwriting and initiate a breakup? That will be terrible.¡± Qiao Nan had been watching a lot of television dramas.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°Alright, we will do ording to what you said.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt that she had gotten these ideas from the television dramas, but in fact, Zhai Sheng knew that it was possible to pretend to be someone else and write a letter to the other party.

    After all, apart from the handwriting expert, nobody knew how to test the authenticity of the handwriting.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you angry? You agree with me?¡± Qiao Nan did not expect that Zhai Sheng would agree with her.

    Zhai Sheng tightened his grip on the phone. ¡°Actually, we barely have the chance to see each other. If we refrain from seeing each other, it is quite unbearable for me. However, this is indeed better for you and me. We have a long road ahead of us, and for the sake of it, we must be farsighted. Nan Nan, I am d that you have such awareness.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think so?¡± Actually, she meant that unless she graduated from high school, it was best not to meet Brother Zhai at all.

    Judging from Brother Zhai¡¯s temper, he did not seem like he would readily agree to not seeing each other for two whole years.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to forget one thing.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± What did she forget?

    ¡°My mom.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao?¡± What about Auntie Miao? Qiao Nan was confused.

    ¡°My mom likes you very much. She even wants you as her goddaughter. So, as long as I am at home and my mom is also at home, we can meet each other without arousing any suspicion.¡± Zhai Sheng never imagined that there would be such a day where his mother who was the most opposed to him seeing another girl, would be his excuse to meet with Qiao Nan without being discovered by others.

    Thinking of this, Zhai Sheng smiled brightly and craftily, unlike his usual demeanor.

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily. ¡°That¡¯s right. How could I forget about Auntie Miao? She enjoys chatting with me.¡±

    ¡°Well, someone ising. Let¡¯s hang up now.¡± With his mother as an excuse, there would definitely be a chance for him to meet with Nan Nan in these two years.

    ¡°Well, goodbye.¡± As soon as she heard that someone had entered Zhai Sheng¡¯s office, Qiao Nan hung up the phone quickly. She was especially worried that it was Qiu Chenxi.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng hung up the phone calmly.

    ¡°You¡¯re on the phone again?¡± Miao Jing entered the office and saw that Zhai Sheng had just ended the call. ¡°Zhai Sheng, why do I feel that you are always on the phone whenever I see you? Is there so much work to do?¡± And every time it had to bemunicated through the phone?

    Miao Jing used to stay in the army in the past and would drop by to see her son once in a while, but she seldom saw her son on the phone.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied faintly. He tried to suppress his smile. ¡°Mom, you are indeed my biological mom!¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Sheng a disdainful look. ¡°Of course I am your biological mom.¡± Miao Jing, who did not quite understand, was perplexed. ¡°Did anyone tell you any nonsense?¡±

    ¡°No. I just feel that at crucial times, you are the most reliable and dependable.¡± Zhai Sheng denied. ¡°By the way, have you seen Zhai Hua? How is she?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. She is a youngdy, after all. Why is it that she has much more missions than you? She is always outside, dealing with guns. I am...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes reddened at the thought of the dangerous missions that Zhai Hua undertook.

    She only had one daughter and one son. If anything happened to either one of them, she would not be able to take it.

    But people from the Zhai family had the love and passion for the army life. She could not do anything to stop them.

 Chapter 409 - Miao Jingâ€™s Reminder

    <h4>Chapter 409: Miao Jing¡¯s Reminder</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Zhai Hua is very quick-witted. She will be fine. It has been so many years. Have you seen anything happen to her before?¡± Zhai Sheng kept silent for a while beforeforting Miao Jing.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s just that nothing serious happened to her. Nevertheless, she is a youngdy. I am worried that nobody will want her with her scars.¡± Over the years, Zhai Hua might have been fine, but she still had her share of injuries and scars. It did not look good on her to have so many scars.

    As her mother, she felt sorry for her daughter.

    ¡°To soldiers, scars are their medals.¡± Zhai Sheng disagreed.

    ¡°What crap are you talking about!¡± Miao Jing could not help but use Qiao Nan¡¯s tone of voice. ¡°If you are so capable, no matter how difficult the mission is, you should not hurt yourself. You are clearly a rookie. Hence, you suffered those injuries. It has nothing to do with glory.¡±

    ¡°Rookie?¡± Zhai Sheng looked up toward Miao Jing. He had never heard Miao Jing used this word, but from her tone, it did not seem to be a good word. ¡°Where did you learn it from?¡±

    In order to beparable to his father, his mother specially learned etiquette. She had stopped using all those swear words and dirty words.

    Those who did not know his mother would have thought that his mother had a good family background.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng heard this from Old Master Zhai. Old Master Zhai was worried because Miao Jing spent all her time on Zhai Yaohui and neglected her children. He always shared with his grandchildren about what happened when Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were young, and that Miao Jing did not have an easy time.

    It was all thanks to Old Master Zhai that Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua never onceined about Miao Jing.

    ¡°What do you mean by that? Stop evading my question.¡± Miao Jing refused to admit that she learned it from others.

    Since Miao Jing refused to admit, Zhai Sheng did not probe further. He could easily guess the answer.

    His mother¡¯s life revolved around his father. Apart from him, she did not have many friends and she did not have many chances to interact with others. Come to think of it, his mother led a life revolving her husband and had no time for herself.

    But Zhai Sheng was ted that Qiao Nan would have such a huge influence on Miao Jing.

    ¡°But you¡¯re right. Zhai Hua and I should be more careful. Mom, is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°I want to talk to you about Qiu Chenxi. I have said that as long as you are unwilling, I won¡¯t force you to be with Qiu Chenxi. But your biggest problem now is not me, but your dad. If you don¡¯t intend to be with Qiu Chenxi, you must do something.¡± Miao Jing was anxious for her son.

    Miao Jing was worried that Zhai Sheng¡¯s engagement with Qiu Chenxi would be finalized without him knowing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dad may be very happy to see us married, but the engagement doesn¡¯t count if I am not present. In the future, there is no way that we can be married if I refuse to sign the papers. If my dad could make that happen without my agreement, I would have to hand it to him.¡±

    No matter how his father intended to take matters into his own hands, his father and Qiu Chenxi could not do anything without his agreement.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡± Miao Jing sighed. ¡°There are some things that I have never told you and your sister. Since it¡¯s for your happiness, I don¡¯t care anymore. Actually, your dad has always liked someone else and she is Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother, Qi Min. They grew up together and have always had a good rtionship. Basically, they are childhood sweethearts. Your dad had been dating Qi Min ever since a young age. However, there was once when your grandpa was injured and was rescued by my father. He stayed at my father¡¯s house for a short while. It was during that period that he grew fond of me and insisted that I became his daughter-inw. He then forced your dad to marry me.¡±

    In other words, without her, Qi Min should be the one who married Zhai Yaohui.

    From the first day of her marriage, Miao Jing felt as if her happiness was stolen from someone else.

    ¡°Though your dad insisted to marry Qi Min, he gave in to your grandpa in the end. I am afraid that you will walk in your father¡¯s footsteps and end up like your dad and me, always having a knot in your heart and feeling unhappy for the rest of your life.¡± If not for the fact that the happiness she had did not belong to her, she would not have led such a cautious life and neglected her children, putting all her attention on Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°My dad is my dad, and I am myself.¡± It turned out that there was such a story between his father and Qi Min. It was no wonder that his father liked Qiu Chenxi so much. She was the daughter of the woman that he once liked. Did his father intend to sell his son out to make up for his regrets in the past?

    ¡°Mom, since Dad and Qi Min have such a past rtionship, why would you ept Qiu Chenxi and be so good to her?¡± Qiu Chenxi was the daughter of his mother¡¯s love rival. Instead of being nice to Qiu Chenxi, his mother should be unhappy with everyone who was rted to Qi Min.

    Miao Jing smiled bitterly. She did not answer Zhai Sheng¡¯s question.

    She had already taken the plunge by sharing her past with Zhai Sheng. If she was to go into details, it would be tantamount to throwing aside her pride and admitting defeat to Qi Min. ¡°Alright, I will stop here. You should make ns for yourself. It¡¯s good that you are certain and confident. I am just worried that you are not prepared, and the final result may not be what you anticipated.¡±

    Despite having deep feelings for each other, Zhai Yaohui still broke up with Qi Min all because of his father. He ended up marrying a stranger like her and lived the rest of his life with her.

    The reason why she agreed to the marriage between Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng was that she felt that, at least, Zhai Sheng had better luck than Zhai Yaohui. He could marry someone he knew.

    Seeing the forlorn look on Miao Jing¡¯s face, Zhai Sheng was lost for words. He did not know what he should say to his mother.

    Miao Jing¡¯s life revolved around Zhai Yaohui and the Zhai family. If Zhai Sheng suggested that his mother leave Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side and go back to the Zhai family residence, faced with an empty house without her husband and children by her side, she might be even lonelier, and her thoughts might run wild.

    It was at this time that Zhai Sheng hoped that Qiao Nan would grow up soon so that they could get married as soon as possible.

    When Qiao Nan gave birth to his child, his mother¡¯s life would not revolve around his father anymore. At least, she could help bring up her grandchildren and direct her attention to them.

    Qiao Nan sneezed and rubbed her red nose. It was ufortable to have a cold and a runny nose.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you eaten the cold medicine? Do you want to go to the sick bay to get some pills?¡± Zheng Lingling touched Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. She felt slightly at ease after she was assured that Qiao Nan did not have a fever.

    ¡°No, I have cold medicine with me. I will have them and have a good sleep today. I should be better tomorrow.¡±

    A girl leaned close to Qiao Nan and whispered, ¡°Qiao Nan, someone is looking for you. He is a handsome guy, but he does not seem to be from our school.¡±

 Chapter 410 - Childhood Sweetheart

    <h4>Chapter 410: Childhood Sweetheart</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°A handsome guy who is not from our school?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows. She did not know a lot of people or handsome guys. Where did hee from? ¡°Did he say who he is?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± The female ssmate was over the moon, looking infatuated. To her, it was a blessing that a handsome guy would talk to her, albeit not really interested in her.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Seeing the infatuated look of her ssmate, Qiao Nan knew there was no way that she could get any answer out of her. Instead, she used a handkerchief to cover her red nose as she walked to the pavement on the side of the ssroom building. ¡°Excuse me, you are...?¡±

    Qiao Nan had not met many men, but they were all top-notch and very outstanding.

    Take Zhu Baoguo for an instance. He was overbearing, but he inherited the good genes from his father, Zhu Chengqi. He might be a high school student, but he was taller than most adults. Chen Jun might have a personality problem, but at least, he looked bright and cultured.

    Zhou Jun was upright and righteous.

    As for Zhai Sheng, he was the cream of the crop.

    Although she had seen a lot of outstanding men, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes still lit up when she saw the man right in front of her.

    The man in front of her seemed to be on the thin side, but Qiao Nan, who came from the 21st century, was very clear about one thing: some men looked thin when dressed, but they were, in fact, well-built. Her intuition told her that this was the case with the man in front of her.

    This man was charming and urbane. He looked very much like the cultured and refined schr in the martial arts novel who was well-versed in martial arts.

    He had a handsome appearance and aforting and pleasing aura. He was that type of men that women would easily fall for.

    However, no matter how he looked, Qiao Nan could not help but frown and said, ¡°I don¡¯t seem to know you.¡± Or rather, she had not seen this man before. ¡°Have you got the wrong person?¡± In China, there were a lot of people with the same name and surname.

    Gao Yan was very surprised as well. To think that the top student whom his childhood sweetheart was full of praise of was, in fact, a pretty and quick-witted girl... She did not look nerdy at all. ¡°Are you Qiao Nan from first year¡¯s ss one?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then, I have got the right person.¡± Gao Yan smiled and said, ¡°You don¡¯t know me, so please allow me to introduce myself. I¡¯m Gao Yan, a second-year student this year. I am a student at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°A second-year student at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± That was the level Qiao Zijin was in. ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°I have known Fang Fang ever since a young age. We grew up together.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Since he was Fang Fang¡¯s friend, Gao Yan should look for Fang Fang. Why did he look for her instead?

    ¡°I am here to thank you.¡± Gao Yan had a wide smile on his face. He was not full of himself, but since a young age, most of the girls he met were interested in him. Some even deliberately engaged him in a conversation, not caring whether he was in a hurry or not.

    Ever since he was sensible enough, he had only known two women that he found pleasing to the eye: his mother and his childhood sweetheart, Fang Fang.

    Qiao Nan could be the third woman. After all, she was the ssmate and roommate that his childhood sweetheart was very concerned about.

    Qiao Nan looked perplexed. ¡°I don¡¯t know you. What are you thanking me for?¡±

    ¡°Because of Fang Fang.¡± Gao Yan smiled bitterly. ¡°Fang Fang often mentioned you, so you must have known that she initially wanted to choose the science course. However, when she was back from school recently, I knew that she has changed her mind to choose the humanities course.¡±

    Qiao Nan still could not understand why Gao Yan woulde all the way to her school to thank her.

    Gao Yan was embarrassed to tell Qiao Nan of the conflict between him and Fang Fang.

    Gao Yan was one year older than Fang Fang, and so he was a level higher than Fang Fang. Since a young age, he had been doing well in school. Fang Fang was equally smart, but she was also very stubborn. Her parents were always full of praise for Gao Yan as if he was the perfect son they had always dreamed of having. Fang Fang would be upset because of that and would give him the cold shoulder at times.

    In fact, their conflict started when Fang Fang was in her fifth year of elementary school.

    Fang Fang might have good results now and was equally good in the science and humanities subjects. However, when she was in elementary school, she did very well in Chinese, but could barely pass mathematics.

    Gao Yan knew Fang Fang well and came up with a radical method to help her. He deliberately egged Fang Fang on so that she would give up on mathematics, saying that since girls could not do as well in mathematics as boys, she would not be able to do well in mathematics regardless of how much effort she put in.

    After being provoked by Gao Yan, Fang Fang locked herself in her room for the whole day. When she left her room the next day, her eyes were red and swollen.

    Fang Fang then constantly encouraged herself with famous quotes and devoted all her attention to mathematics. After half a semester, Fang Fang¡¯s results for mathematics were as good as her Chinese.

    In order to prove it to Gao Yan, Fang Fang had always put more effort and time in mathematics. Even in high school, she had dered that she would choose the science course.

    Gao Yan was helpless upon hearing this.

    Back then, Fang Fang relied on hard work to do well in mathematics. Simrly, when she was in the first year of high school, she had to work very hard to maintain her results.

    Fang Fang had beautiful eyes, but ever since the fifth year in elementary school, she had been spending so much time on reading that she had to wear sses starting her sixth year in elementary school. She was only in her first year of high school, but her myopia was already over four hundred degrees.

    Gao Yan was worried that if Fang Fang was so bent on studying in the science ss, her myopia might exceed five hundred degrees even before she graduated. Worse, she might pass this problem to her next generation.

    Gao Yan was full of regrets. He should not havee up with such a foolish method to help her. His method had backfired on him.

    Students would be divided into two courses in their second year of high school, and they had to make a decision in their first year. In the past six months, Gao Yan had been trying to make Fang Fang change her mind to give up on the science ss, but all his ns failed.

    One¡¯s sesses and failures were both due to the same person.

    In fact, Fang Fang¡¯s firm decision to choose the science course was due to Qiao Nan.

    At that time, whenever Fang Fang mentioned Qiao Nan, Gao Yan would be very angry at Qiao Nan. However, Gao Yan knew that Qiao Nan did nothing wrong at all. It was Fang Fang who was stubborn and obstinate. Nobody was to me.

    Just when Gao Yan was anxious and witless, Fang Fang came home and told him that she would not choose the science course. She said that she had decided on the humanities ss.

    When Gao Yan heard the news, he almost wanted to go to the temple to thank God that Fang Fang finally had a change of mind.

 Chapter 411 - The Wang Family Was in Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 411: The Wang Family Was in Trouble</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, Gao Yan knew that he did not need to thank God. The one he needed to thank was Qiao Nan.

    After listening to it for a long while, Qiao Nan finally understood what had happened. ¡°So it is like this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gao Yan said very seriously.

    ¡°Well, allow me to ask an impolite question. If this is the case, the person who should thank me is Fang Fang. Why would you thank me on her behalf?¡± Gao Yan seemed to have some feelings for Fang Fang.

    ¡°It was my fault that Fang Fang went down a dead end and was bent on choosing the science course. If she chose the wrong ss because of me and ruined her future, I would have to bear the responsibility. Your unintentional words have affected Fang Fang and resulted in her making the correct decision. You have corrected the mistake that I made in the past, thus I have to thank you.¡±

    Gao Yan was one of the top students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. He would not be stumped by Qiao Nan¡¯s question.

    ¡°Is that so? I understand.¡± Qiao Nan shot Gao Yan another nce. ¡°If there is nothing else, I have to go back to the ssroom. I have caught a cold, and I feel cold standing outside.¡± Besides, it was sote. Was there no nighttime self-study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Was it alright for Gao Yan toe all the way to her school to look for her?

    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Gao Yan blushed slightly. He was so d that Fang Fang could change her mind that he did not notice that Qiao Nan had a cold.

    At Qiao Nan¡¯s mention, Gao Yan noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s voice had a nasal-sounding timbre to it. ¡°Sorry for disturbing you. I will get going.¡±

    Gao Yan then deftly stepped onto the perimeter wall of Ping Cheng High School and jumped over to the other side of the wall. Qiao Nan was left gaping in shock.

    Did he have the habit of climbing over the walls?

    Why was it that both Brother Zhai and Gao Yan had the habit of climbing over the walls?

    Wait a minute. Since Gao Yan climbed over the wall to Ping Cheng High School, did it mean that Gao Yan actually skipped sses and climbed over the wall to leave The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?

    When Qiao Nan went back to the ssroom with a stunned look on her face, Zhu Baoguo was already in the ssroom. ¡°Where have you been? I heard a good-looking kid was looking for you. Who is he?¡±

    ¡°Gao Yan.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo had never heard of Gao Yan. Who was he? How dare he tried to talk to Xiao Qiao with him around!

    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. Gao Yan is Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart. He has nothing to do with me. He came looking for me due to Fang Fang.¡± Qiao Nan took a sip of hot water and her itchy throat finally felt slightlyfortable.

    Zhu Baoguo rxed slightly. ¡°So he was not here for you. Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart? I have not heard about such a boy in our school, though?¡±

    ¡°He is not from our school. He is from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    ¡°A student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China came to our school at this time! What a bad boy!¡± Zhu Baoguo used to be mischievous, thus he was aware that Gao Yan must have skipped his sses in order toe at this time. ¡°Since he is Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart, why didn¡¯t he study at Ping Cheng High School?¡±

    Since Gao Yan could climb over the walls of his school toe to another school all for the sake of Fang Fang, and Ping Cheng High School could be considered as a first tier high school as well, why did he not transfer to this school for Fang Fang¡¯s sake?

    Qiao Nan sneaked a peek at Fang Fang. ¡°ording to my guess, these childhood sweethearts are having some conflicts. Gao Yan is a level higher than us. He is in his second year like Qiao Zijin. I guess his initial intention was to wait for Fang Fang to go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. However, even though Fang Fang was admitted to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she chose Ping Cheng High School instead.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s soplicated?¡± Zhu Baoguo, who was less sensitive to these things, found that it veryplicated for him to understand.

    ¡°Alright, since you are clueless, you should not worry about other people¡¯s affairs.¡± Qiao Nan shot Zhu Baoguo a disdainful look. Zhu Baoguo did not need to be concerned about others. He should be concerned about his own affairs.

    ¡°By the way, there is something I forgot to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of Wang Yang. ¡°It seems like my uncle has met some troubles recently. My auntie has beening over to my house and seeking my dad¡¯s help. You should know that people from the Wang family are up to no good, yet they pretend to be good and upright. Without my dad, could Wang Qinglin achieve what he has today? Whenever he has anything to ask of my dad, he will not speak to him directly. My auntie will speak to my grandpa and he will talk to my dad. This time, it is somewhat strange. My auntiees to my house every day for about half a month, but it seems like the trouble remains unresolved. Xiao Qiao, what do you think happened to the Wang family? My auntie has been given cold treatment, yet she does not give up and keepsing to my house. I remember the Wang family likes to keep up appearances.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was very much against the Wang family.

    Whenever the Wang family encountered any problem, they woulde asking for help. Zhu Qin would always be the one who came to ask for help on behalf of the Wang family.

    In the end, when everything was settled, the Wang family would behave as if Zhu Qin was too willful to seek help from the Zhu family and that they could not stop her from causing trouble to the Zhu family. They acted as though they had no problem settling the problem given their capability.

    Zhu Baoguo felt disgusted at the Wang family¡¯s behavior.

    Whatever the Wang family said was putting the Zhu family down.

    They said the Zhu family had doted and pampered on Zhu Qin such that she was too willful and stubborn and that nobody dared to persuade her to rein in her temper.

    It was nonsense!

    He believed that it must have been the Wang family who encouraged his auntie to seek help from her parents.

    Grandpa had said that before his auntie got married, she was very good to Zhu Baoguo. The Wang family obviously had a bad influence on her.

    ording to the Wang family¡¯s usual style, if the Zhu family still refused to help after Zhu Qin came asking for help three times, the Wang family would solve the problem themselves so as to preserve their dignity.

    However, his auntie kepting to the Zhu family to ask for help this time around. Zhu Baoguo was puzzled and surprised.

    ¡°Have you ever asked your grandpa or your dad?¡± Qiao Nan lowered her eyes.

    ¡°Of course I did, but Grandpa refused to say a word. As for my dad, I only get to see him a few times in a year. It will be useless to call him on the phone. I suppose he will not say anything as well.¡± He could not even get his grandpa to say anything, let alone his father.

    Now that Elder Zhu and Zhu Chengqi refused to tell him what happened, Zhu Baoguo was all the more interested to find out what happened.

    Zhu Baoguo could not think of a solution. He could only discuss it with Qiao Nan, hoping that she woulde up with some ideas.

 Chapter 412 - Cozy Up to Someone Powerful

    <h4>Chapter 412: Cozy Up to Someone Powerful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Even if you know what happened to the Wang family, what can you do about it? Are you thinking ofing up with tricks to make matters worse?¡± Zhu Baoguo was asking for trouble. It was already good enough that he could stay sharp and was aware of the traps that Wang Yang had for him. Why would he have the audacity to meddle with the Wang family¡¯s affairs?

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you must not dampen my spirits. It will be good for me to know and learn more. You can¡¯t deprive me of the opportunity to learn and improve!¡± Zhu Baoguo was displeased. He was clueless in the past. Now that he knew, he was learning and making progress!

    Zhu Baoguo was so noisy that Qiao Nan could not concentrate on her book. She put down her book and asked, ¡°Then, what do you want?¡±

    ¡°I want to find out what happened to the Wang family. Since the Wang family asked us to help them, my goal is to mess things up so that the Wang family can no longer take advantage of us and pretend that they are the ones who suffered.¡± Given that the Wang family behaved unlike their usual ways, it proved that what happened this time was very serious and not easy to deal with.

    ¡°As you said, there is only one purpose for the Wang family to keeping to the Zhu family, and that is to ask for help. When you are back at home next week, you can sound your grandpa out. You can say that Zhu Qin is your auntie, and you can¡¯t bear seeing hering over to the Zhu family¡¯s residence every single day, so you want to know whether it is possible to help her this time.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the question too general?¡± He wanted to know the details.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and said, ¡°You shoulde up with ideas by yourself. Don¡¯t forget about Grandpa Lee as well. Zhu Qin is Grandpa Zhu¡¯s daughter. Since one doesn¡¯t wash dirty linen in public and Zhu Qin is your auntie, he may not tell you everything. But Grandpa Lee is different. You are his only grandson. After Wang Yang plotted against you previously, he is very concerned about you. If you ask Grandpa Lee, I¡¯m sure he will tell you everything. You must use your brain and maintain your rtionship with Grandpa Lee. You should not neglect him just because you are not used to being close with him.¡±

    Qiao Nan wished she could give Zhu Baoguo a smack on the head. ¡°Why don¡¯t you learn from Wang Yang and be close with whoever that will bring you benefits? The Zhu family is influential. Hence, Wang Yang stays close to Grandpa Zhu. Think about it. Isn¡¯t Grandpa Lee just as influential? Why don¡¯t you cozy up to him? Grandpa Zhu has to spare a thought for your auntie and subsequently, he will preserve the dignity of the Wang family. But Grandpa Lee won¡¯t. You should make full use of this.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo pped his head. ¡°That¡¯s right! How could I forget about this? When I go back this time around, I will have to stay at the Lee family¡¯s residence over the weekend. I won¡¯t stay at the Zhu family¡¯s residence.¡±

    ¡°In any case, if you want to know about the workings of the adult world, you do not need to ask Grandpa Zhu. You should ask Grandpa Lee instead.¡±

    She heard that Elder Lee was the one who taught and guided her father.

    At that time, when her father was in the army, he had a very good interpersonal rtionship with his colleagues. That was why he almost became a battalionmander at a young age.

    Since Elder Lee put in so much effort on the son of his old friend, he would definitely teach his only grandson everything that he knew.

    ¡°Alright, now that you have sorted out your thoughts, I want to continue with my reading. Don¡¯t disturb me anymore. By the way, after you figure it out, let me know the details.¡± Qiao Nan opened her book, lost in her thoughts. Wang Yang not only worked with Chen Jun to plot against her, but he also dragged her mother and Qiao Zijin into it.

    If the Wang family was down on their luck, her mother and Qiao Zijin would be having a hard time as well.

    The Wang family was busy with solving their own problems.

    She did not believe that Wang Yang, who had the interests of the Wang family as his priority, would have the time and effort to work on her until she stayed away from Zhu Baoguo.

    Wang Yang did not seem like the type of person who did not know how to sort out his priorities.

    Zhu Baoguo did not think much about it. He smiled and agreed. ¡°Alright, no problem. Wait for my good news.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I am back.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s days were fully upied with her schoolwork and studies that the first half of the second semester seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°You are so early today. Are you having midterm exams?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Dad, Brother Yang is married?¡± Looking at the pile of wedding candies on the table, Qiao Nan asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a pity that you missed it. It was really lively. Uncle Yang spent a lot of money to invite his rtives and friends to the wedding dinner. The bride is quite pretty. Brother Yang is blessed.¡± At the mention of the wedding, Qiao Dongliang seemed to be in high spirits as if he was marrying off his children.

    In fact, Qiao Dongliang had really thought about it. When he saw that the Yang family had such a lively and happy wedding, he could not help but think about how it would be like when Qiao Nan got married in the future. ¡°How¡¯s the midterm exam?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about the same as before.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very good.¡± Qiao Dongliang beamed with happiness. He was way more exhrated than he was when he talked about the wedding in the Yang family. ¡°Nan Nan, is there anything that you will like to eat? I will prepare it for you.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I will eat whatever you prepare. The stir-fried spicy chicken was very delicious. Should we settle on that?¡± Qiao Nan did not get to eat stir-fried spicy chicken at the canteen in school. She could only have them at home.

    ¡°Sure. I will buy some fresh chicken tomorrow.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked very energetic,pletely different from his gloomy look from a month ago.

    Qiao Nan sat down, her eyes swirling with thoughts. She looked at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been more than a month. Have you been to see Mom and sister? Did theye looking for you?¡±

    Since the Wang family had encountered some troubles, Wang Yang should not have the time for her mother and Qiao Zijin. Without his support, her mother and Qiao Zijin would definitelye back to Qiao Dongliang for money.

    Qiao Dongliang was slow to react. He smiled and replied, ¡°No. Why did you mention your mom and sister?¡±

    ¡°Nothing in particr. It¡¯s just that I heard from Zhu Baoguo that the Wang family is very busy recently. Wang Yang is in his third year of junior high school. He has to study and worry about his family, so...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was silent. He then smiled in a mixture of mockery and indifference. ¡°Your mom and sister are very capable. If Wang Yang is busy and forgets about them, they can take care of themselves. We don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I will listen to whatever Dad says.¡± It was all for the better that Qiao Dongliang did not wish to pay more attention to Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi.

    However, she had been used to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin creating troubles for her. She could not help but feel odd that they had been quiet and without any news for more than a month. Qiao Nan was not used to it. It was not that she was asking for trouble, but she was worried that they would be up to no good.

    This was like the calm before the storm!

 Chapter 413 - Boyfriend from Nowhere

    <h4>Chapter 413: Boyfriend from Nowhere</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It seemed like the saying ¡®The good neveres true, but the bades true¡¯ was very right.

    Or rather, Qiao Nan had sensed something, thus she mentioned her mother and sister to Qiao Dongliang.

    After making a brief phone call to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan rushed back to school on the weekend afternoon.

    Qiao Nan had yet to arrive at school, but there was already a boy pushing around with the guards at about ten meters away from the school gate. The boy seemed to want to enter Ping Cheng High School but was stopped by the guards.

    ¡°I have already said no. You are not a student from our school, so you can¡¯t enter our school. Today is the weekend. Why aren¡¯t you going back to your school? Why did youe here? Go back.¡± The guards were helpless. Fortunately, there were not many people like him. Otherwise, they would be very busy.

    ¡°I have said that my... my girlfriend is studying at this school. I am here to see her. Please let me in.¡± The boy¡¯s face was flushed. It seemed that he had to muster his courage to say that his girlfriend was in that school.

    Qiao Nan noted that he was here to look for his girlfriend.

    But on second thought, she found it odd. The students in their school would use going to the library as an excuse when they were in a rtionship. They would never dare to address each other as boyfriend or girlfriend.

    ¡°Impossible. Students in our school do not go into a rtionship. We are very strict with our students. What school are you from?¡± The guards were mad. Ping Cheng High School was a good school and was very strict. It was impossible for the students to go into a rtionship and for the party concerned toe looking for them at school.

    ¡°I...¡± The boy stuttered and did not say which school he was from.

    ¡°Hey, look at his pants. Isn¡¯t that the school uniform of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± One of the students who walked into the school noticed the pants that the boy wore and pointed out that the uniform was that of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± The guard looked at the boy in surprise. ¡°Do your teachers allow you to get into a rtionship? If so, do so at your school.¡± One should not mess around with the female students in their school.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not...¡± The boy looked very awkward and embarrassed. He wanted to deny but his pants gave himself away.

    The boy had no other way but toe up with another idea. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? I won¡¯t go into the school. Can you let my girlfriende out to see me? She is very shy. You can tell her that someone is looking for her. In fact, I don¡¯t really want to affect her reputation at school.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± The guards red at the boy. He had already created such a fuss, yet he said he did not want to affect his girlfriend¡¯s reputation at school. He must be bluffing.

    It would only take a day for the teachers and students in their school to know that a female student from their school was in a rtionship with a male student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and that he came to the school to look for her.

    The guard was upset. Since they did not concentrate on their studies but went into a rtionship, they must not be good students. He must report to the principal so that he would do something about it. ¡°Who is your girlfriend? I will let her know.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan.¡± The boy¡¯s eyes lit up. He was especially excited at saying her name.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Several students at the school entrance were stunned upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s name. They stared dazedly at the boy.

    The guards dug their ears to make sure that they did not hear wrongly. ¡°Can you repeat it? What is your girlfriend¡¯s name? Which grade and which ss is she in?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan from the first year¡¯s ss one!¡± The boy said loudly and confidently. How could he not know his girlfriend¡¯s ss and level? They must have wanted to test him.

    Ping Cheng High School¡¯s first year¡¯s ss one was an important ss. He was a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and was verypatible with Qiao Nan.

    With that, the atmosphere grew to be very awkward.

    Qiao Nan was the star student at Ping Cheng High School. Everyone from every level knew her name.

    Everyone, including Qiao Nan herself, was shocked. She felt as if she was struck by lightning and there was a current going through her body, feeling burnt inside out.

    She had a boyfriend, but her boyfriend was Brother Zhai. When did she have another boyfriend from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? It was absurd.

    Qiao Nan stared at the back of the boy. Gao Yan was the only boy from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China that she had seen before. But this boy was shorter than Gao Yan. His voice was unpleasant and he was short in stature.

    In order to figure out where on earth this ¡®boyfriend¡¯ came from, Qiao Nan walked a few steps forward. ¡°This ssmate over here, hello, do we know each other?¡±

    The people nearby widened their eyes when they saw Qiao Nan. They were ready to see a scandal unfolded right in front of them.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Although the boy did not wear sses, it seemed that he had myopia. He squinted his eyes and looked at Qiao Nan. After staring at her for more than a minute, he finally came to his senses and said in surprise, ¡°You are Qiao Nan?!¡±

    ¡°Oh my god! Where did this lunatice from?¡± Students from Ping Cheng High School were ready for a good show.

    Everyone could tell from his tone that he did not know Qiao Nan at all. Otherwise, he would not take so long to recognize Qiao Nan. The two of them did not know each other, yet he imed that Qiao Nan was his girlfriend. He must be crazy.

    Qiao Nan sighed in frustration. She did not know the boy at all. ¡°Since you don¡¯t know me, why did you tell others that I am your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°You are my girlfriend!¡± The boy said with certainty. ¡°I-I have long wanted toe to see you, but the workload in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China is very heavy. Now that the midterm exam is over, I have more time, so I came right away to see you. Qiao Nan, are... are you angry at me?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Was he really a madman that escaped from the hospital?

    Seeing that the boy had clear and rational eyes, Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°I have never seen you, and neither do I know you. Can you tell me why do you im that I am your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°How can you not know me? We have been conversing through letters for three months. I am Sun Lei. Did you not promise to be my girlfriend in the letter?¡±

    As soon as the boy said that, the guards were the first to misunderstand.

    The guards remembered that some time back, there were indeed letters addressed to Qiao Nan about once a week. However, the timing did not seem to match. That happened during the first half semester ofst year.

    ¡°Letter? What letter? I have not written any letter.¡± Qiao Nan was even more perplexed. She did not even write many letters to Brother Zhai. How could she possibly write to other boys? This was

 Chapter 414 - Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 414: Confrontation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Sun Lei?

    Qiao Nan was certain that in her previous life and current life, she did not know this boy by the name Sun Lei from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°O-of course there is.¡± Sun Lei¡¯s face turned bright red. ¡°Are you too shy to admit? L-let¡¯s talk in another ce?¡±

    ¡°There is no need to change to another ce and there¡¯s nothing for me to admit. I really didn¡¯t write any letters to you. I don¡¯t know you at all. I find it ridiculous that you imed that I am your girlfriend. I am in my first year of high school. I don¡¯t intend to go into a rtionship.¡± If they changed to another ce to talk, she might be unable to clear her name.

    ¡°You... you are talking nonsense. How could you y with my feelings? I am serious about you. I have thought it through. After we finish the college entrance examination, I want to marry you. I am so serious about you. How could you tell lies?¡± Qiao Nan was full of grievances, and Sun Lei felt he had been wronged, his eyes turning red.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Zhu Baoguo happened toe at this time.

    When he heard the boy said that he was Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend and that he wanted to marry Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo felt a ball of anger building inside him and without another word, he threw a fist at Sun Lei¡¯s face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fight! Hey, I said don¡¯t fight!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo gave Sun Lei a vicious punch.

    Sun Lei was a student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and Zhu Baoguo was a student from Ping Cheng High School. It was not appropriate for two students to fight, especially if it was about an affair.

    The guards hurried forward to pull them apart. One stood in front of Sun Lei, while the other pulled at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Calm down! Things have not been rified yet. Hurry up and call the principal!¡±

    Upon receiving the call, the principal immediately ordered the people concerned to go to his office.

    But when the principal saw Qiao Nan, he was worried and, at the same time, angry. ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s you again...¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that? Did Xiao Qiao create all these troubles? She is helpless as well. She is too unlucky that others like to provoke her!¡± Zhu Baoguo, who started the fight, was angry that Xiao Qiao was innocent and yet she was dragged into the incident. It was this madman who came looking for her! Xiao Qiao did not know him at all!

    ¡°Tell me what is going on.¡± The principal looked at Zhu Baoguo helplessly. It was undeniable that Zhu Baoguo was telling the truth.

    ¡°Candies go first?¡± Qiao Nan asked calmly. She did not look at Zhu Baoguo. Instead, she looked at Sun Lei.

    Sun Lei was unwilling to let her go first. He was afraid that Qiao Nan would badmouth him in front of the principal and tell lies. He had finally understood that he was fooled by Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was a good student, and so was he. He was a student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    He was not afraid of danger and came looking for Qiao Nan as he loved and yearned for her. They had agreed to meet at her school, but Qiao Nan refused to acknowledge him. She might have good results, but she did not have a good moral character.

    However, Qiao Nan appeared to be very calm. Sun Lei had no choice but to agree with her request.

    When Sun Lei realized, he was angry at his foolish act.

    Sun Leiforted himself that it did not matter that Qiao Nan went first. No matter what lies Qiao Nan spun, he would expose her right in front of the principal of Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Principal, this boy, Sun Lei, came to our school today and said that he is looking for his girlfriend. He imed that I am his girlfriend and that wemunicated through letters for three months. But strangely, when he saw me, it took him more than a minute to recognize that I am Qiao Nan. The guards and several other seniors who were at the entrance can testify. Sun Lei, is that what happened?¡±

    The principal rxed slightly. It seemed that it had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°It¡¯s normal that I don¡¯t know you. We are pen pals. I have only seen photos of you when you were younger, but I still managed to recognize you in the end.¡± Seeing that the principal nodded at Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Sun Lei was angry. The principal was biased. It was unfair!

    ¡°Principal, all I said is true. Qiao Nan wrote to me, and in the letters, she promised to be my girlfriend. I keep each of the letters. I can show them to you. I could recognize Qiao Nan because she has sent her photos with the letters.¡±

    Sun Lei sounded very sure and detailed. The principal began to have doubts. He was not sure if he should continue to investigate. If it turned out that...

    ¡°You said you have the letters with you? That would be great. We can take a look at the letters. But let me ask you. You are a student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, while I am a student from Ping Cheng High School. How do you know me?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She feared that it was all empty talk, especially since Sun Lei seemed to be very sure of himself. ¡°I have never been to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and it seems like you have never been to Ping Cheng High School as well.¡±

    As long as there was evidence, she could prove that she was innocent.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to shirk responsibility! Not only do I have physical evidence, but I also have a witness!¡± Sun Lei said angrily. He had taken a punch from Zhu Baoguo just now and it was burning in pain. ¡°You have not been to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and this is my first time at Ping Cheng High School, but your elder sister is in the same school as me. Your sister introduced us to each other. She said that you regretted choosing Ping Cheng High School and wanted to know people from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. She thought that I am a good choice and so she introduced you to me. We both started to be pen pals then.¡±

    When Sun Lei said that Qiao Nan regretted choosing Ping Cheng High School, the principal¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°Hehehehe...¡± Qiao Nan had a fake smile on her face. Initially, she was exasperated at the mess that she was in, but she finally knew what happened when Sun Lei mentioned Qiao Zijin. ¡°Principal, there wasn¡¯t such a thing. I honestly don¡¯t know Sun Lei, and I never said all those things to my sister. The teachers and principal at Ping Cheng High School are very good to me and my grades have always been better than those of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s students. I can¡¯t figure out why I would regret my choice. Sun Lei, say no more. Didn¡¯t you say that you have the letters with you? Principal, can you call my form teacher over and get my assignments as well? We can do aparison.¡±

    It was a waste of time and effort to do any more exnation.

    Qiao Zijin might be able to spin tales easily, but she did not believe that she could imitate her handwriting.

    The principal frowned. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you sure?¡± Once the matter was blown up, they would not be able to cover it up. Qiao Nan could not back out anymore.

 Chapter 415 - Get Everyone Here

    <h4>Chapter 415: Get Everyone Here</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The principal also wanted to find out the truth. The school had spent a lot of effort on their students. He did not wish for them to turn out to be such a disgrace.

    The principal picked up the phone and dialed Teacher Liu¡¯s cell phone directly. The midterm exam was just over and Teacher Liu was on the night shift, disciplining the students. He came to the office with the documents as soon as he received the phone call.

    In fact, after what happened at the school, some of the students had already reported the incident to Teacher Liu.

    ¡°Principal, here is Qiao Nan¡¯s homework for the few main subjects. You can take a look. Principal, I absolutely don¡¯t believe that the students in my ss would do such things. I hope the principal can look into this matter and give her fair treatment. It is not easy for her toe in the first ce in the level. We must do our best to protect students like her. I heard that the boy is from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡±

    Teacher Liu cast Sun Lei an unpleasant look. Qiao Nan could not have taken a fancy to such a short boy like him.

    The principal paused and pondered Teacher Liu¡¯s words.

    Qiao Nan was the top student among her peers in Ping Cheng High School. Within one and a half semesters, she had always scored better than the top student in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Now, this boy from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China came out of nowhere to create trouble. Could it be that it was The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s n to remove their mostpetitive opponent?

    If that was the case, the principal at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was too much.

    ¡°Wait a minute. We cannot just let things off easily. Since you¡¯re from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, I will call your principal and get both your principal and form teacher here. We have to get to the bottom of this matter!¡±

    The people from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were bent on bullying them. If as the principal of Ping Cheng High School, he did not do anything about it, the other party would think that they were pushovers.

    To make things clear, they would have to get everyone concerned toe together to rify things.

    He was worried that even if they managed to prove Qiao Nan¡¯s innocence, the people from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China insisted would say that they bullied a second-year student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China at their school. Ping Cheng High School would definitely not be the scapegoat for this.

    Teacher Liu nodded. ¡°Principal, this is a good idea.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, is there?¡± Sun Lei was scared out of his wits. He only came to look for his girlfriend and spend some time with her to discuss their future ns. Why did he end up having to see the principal?

    Sun Lei was not afraid of seeing the principal of Ping Cheng High School. After all, he was a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and his school was better than Ping Cheng High School.

    No matter how strict the principal from Ping Cheng High School was, he could not discipline him.

    However, Sun Lei was worried that his school¡¯s principal might be here.

    His performance was only average, and his school did not allow students to start a rtionship when they were still in school. If things were blown up, he would be issued a warning by his school. ¡°It may be a misunderstanding. I might have got the wrong person. The Qiao Nan I am referring to could be from some other school.¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense. Just now, you insisted that your girlfriend is Qiao Nan and that she is from first year¡¯s ss one. Why is she from another school now? Are you asking for a beating?¡± Zhu Baoguo yelled at Sun Lei. ¡°Principal, this brat said it was Qiao Zijin who introduced Xiao Qiao to him. In order to avoid trouble, maybe you should get the principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China to bring Qiao Zijin with him. If Qiao Zijin does note with him and we need to verify with herter, the principal may make use of the time he goes back to bring Qiao Zijin toe up with an excuse to shirk responsibility.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± The principal agreed with Zhu Baoguo. He did not think of this.

    Qiao Zijin was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister who was studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, wasn¡¯t she?

    The principal could not help but frown at the mention of Qiao Zijin.

    Last time, when Ding Jiayi came to the school to create a fuss, he had already known about Qiao Zijin. Regardless of whether this was the truth, as Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, how could she introduce a boyfriend to Qiao Nan at this time? She must have harbored ill intentions.

    ¡°Fine, go ahead. Do you really think I am afraid of you? I merely want to give you a way out. Yes, we should get Qiao Zijin toe here. By then, you will know what kind of person Qiao Nan is!¡± Sun Lei was enraged.

    He was deceived for such a long time, and his feelings were being toyed with. He also suffered a blow from Zhu Baoguo today.

    He could not wait to expose Qiao Nan¡¯s true colors. Since she did not appreciate his good intention to keep things between themselves, he might as well blow things up. After all, he would not be on the losing end.

    ¡°You are a piece of crap!¡± Zhu Baoguo red at Sun Lei and was about to kick him.

    Teacher Liu¡¯s demeanor changed and he quickly pulled Zhu Baoguo back. ¡°That¡¯s too much.¡± It was fine if he gave Sun Lei a few blows, but things might be ugly if he really kicked Sun Lei.

    The principal stared at Sun Lei coldly. He not only called the principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and asked that he brought Qiao Zijin and Sun Lei¡¯s form teacher with him, but he also notified Qiao Zijin¡¯s form teacher to ask Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother toe to Ping Cheng High School.

    The principal knew that Qiao Nan had a phone at home, so he phoned Qiao Dongliang to inform him toe to the school as well.

    The principals made several phone calls to notify different people toe to their school. Qiao Dongliang, who stayed near Ping Cheng High School, was the first to arrive. ¡°Principal, what¡¯s the matter? Nan Nan?¡± Did Nan Nan fail terribly in her midterm exams, so the principal wanted to talk to the parents?

    ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s father, don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s wait until everyone arrives,¡± the principal took a deep breath and said calmly.

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan shook her head, telling him not to worry.

    After a quarter of an hour, the principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the form teacher of Sun Lei, Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin arrived.

    The principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China pulled a long face. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at the four people who came in. She narrowed her eyes and looked at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin looked like a chicken that had fallen into the water during winter time. The feathers were stered to its body and it shrunk, seemingly smaller than its actual size and looking particrly pitiful. Qiao Zijin had a pleading look in her eyes, hoping that Qiao Nan would help her through this ordeal.

    Qiao Nan sneered. She had nothing more to say to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin had tried time and again to create trouble for her. Even though she failed every time, she never gave up.

    She did not understand. It had been almost two years. Why Qiao Zijin could not learn from her mistakes? Why could they not mind their own business and not interfere with her life?

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Zijin is not a student at your school.¡±

 Chapter 416 - The Issue of Puppy Love Can Be Discussed

    <h4>Chapter 416: The Issue of Puppy Love Can Be Discussed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zijin is already in her second year of senior high school. It¡¯s the critical period of her studies. Why did you ask her toe?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone was full of resentment. It was as if the principal of Ping Cheng High School was holding back Qiao Zijin from her studies and future.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother, trust me. If it¡¯s not necessary, I¡¯m not willing to ask you toe to Ping Cheng High School as well.¡± The principal was both amused and angry.

    In the Qiao family, besides Qiao Nan and her father, her sister and mother were quite abnormal.

    ¡°Since everyone is here, let me first tell everyone what happened.¡± The principal knitted his brows and told everyone the whole story. ¡°Sun Lei insisted that Qiao Nan is in a romantic rtionship with him and said that Qiao Nan refused to admit it. However, Qiao Nan said she doesn¡¯t even know Sun Lei and today was the first time she met him. After all, this matter concerns the students from both schools. Hence, I feel that there¡¯s a need to have a face-to-face meeting to investigate this matter clearly.¡±

    ¡°Is there such a matter?¡± The expression of the principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was very ugly. The school forbade puppy love. Students would receive a demerit record if they were discovered to be in such a rtionship.

    He did not expect that, despite being in the second year, someone dared to go against a regtion that the school strongly advocated.

    ¡°This matter is between Qiao Nan and this guy. Why did you ask Zijin toe?¡± Ding Jiayi did not understand. They could settle the scores on their own. Why did they have to waste Zijin¡¯s precious study time?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. We¡¯ll exin the matter one by one.¡± The principal of Ping Cheng High School cast an even colder look at Ding Jiayi. It was no wonder she could say such ugly words thest time she came. In the eyes of this parent, Qiao Zijin was the precious biological daughter. It was as if Qiao Nan was picked up from the streets and was not part of the family.

    ¡°You¡¯re Sun Lei, right? You said that you¡¯ve been keeping the letters from Qiao Nan, didn¡¯t you? Did you bring them? Can you take them out?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± True enough, Sun Lei took out a number of letters from his schoolbag. Anyway, his own principal was present. He did not believe that the principal of Ping Cheng High School would tear all the letters from Qiao Nan in front of everyone to destroy the evidence.

    ¡°Principal Wei, this is Qiao Nan¡¯s homework.¡± Teacher Liu also ced Qiao Nan¡¯s homework on Principal Meng¡¯s office table so that both principals could see them clearly.

    When Qiao Nan¡¯s homework was ced on the table, Qiao Dongliang was the first to reach out and look at them.

    As if the matter had nothing to do with her, the snobbish Ding Jiayi turned her head without care. She looked as if she did not wish to be associated with Qiao Nan¡¯s scandals.

    Qiao Zijin was the only one who had a strange look on her face, shivering with fear.

    Qiao Zijin mustered her courage and walked a few steps toward Qiao Nan. She then lightly tugged at Qiao Nan¡¯s sleeves, looking at her with a pair of pleading and pitiful eyes as if to say, ¡®Help me. Just this once. We¡¯re biological sisters, aren¡¯t we? Don¡¯t watch me die.¡¯

    She could not allow the matter to continue to stir up. She must think of a way to make Qiao Nan admit and take responsibility for everything.

    If the fuss continued, Sun Lei was also not someone to be trifled with.

    This time, she really would not be able to continue with her studies at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China if the truth came to light.

    She swore to heaven that if Qiao Nan was willing to help her tide through this asion, she would definitely treat Qiao Nan as her next-of-kin and be extremely good to her. She would not talk bad about Qiao Nan in front of her mother again or plot against Qiao Nan anymore.

    At this juncture, Qiao Zijin realized that the only people who would forgive her again and again regardless of the situation were these few next-of-kin of hers.

    She did not wish to be given a written warning or be expelled from the school. If Qiao Nan admitted that she was dating Sun Lei and was the one who wrote all these letters, then she would be able to safely pass this hurdle.

    In this way, no matter how unhappy Sun Lei was, he would only vent all his frustration on Qiao Nan and would only scold Qiao Nan.

    When that time came, she just had to give Sun Lei a few words offort and fawn on him a little. This matter would thene to a closure.

    Qiao Nan and Sun Lei were not schoolmates. Qiao Nan would not be able to hear Sun Lei scolding her. Hence, Sun Lei¡¯s words would have no impact on her at all. It was different for her. She and Sun Lei were not only schoolmates but also ssmates.

    Therefore, all of Sun Lei¡¯s resentment and anger must be targeted at Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were so good anyway. Even if she was truly involved in a romantic rtionship, Ping Cheng High School would not give up such a good student. Besides a few words of scolding, Qiao Nan would not lose anything else.

    In actual fact, it was not that difficult for Qiao Nan to help her and be the scapegoat.

    They were biological sisters, right? Qiao Nan would definitely help her on this asion, right?

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Before Qiao Zijin could receive a definite answer from Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo jumped in immediately and gave an extremely hard p on Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand that was gripping the back of Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Let go of Xiao Qiao! Don¡¯t hold on to her right at this moment as if you are pleading her! What do you mean by this?!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan,e here.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was sullen. Puppy love! What a serious matter!

    In the face of major issues regarding right and wrong, Qiao Dongliang was not willing to give up on Qiao Zijin umpteen times, so why would he give up on Qiao Nan now?

    Before Qiao Nan could react, Qiao Dongliang was already acting like a cow shielding his calf, pulling Qiao Nan to his side. ¡°Nan Nan, stand beside me.¡± Having that said, Qiao Dongliang even swapped ces with Qiao Nan and used himself as a barrier between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin.

    As biological sisters of the same family, Nan Nan could help Zijin in all matters.

    Zijin did not differentiate between the good and the bad. She was always together with Wang Yang. Nan Nan certainly should warn Zijin about Wang Yang¡¯s character, and Zijin should not be too close with him. If Zijinmitted any wrongdoing, Nan Nan not only had to testify against her. As a family, the more she should not give up on Zijin, her sister. Before Zijin changed for the better, she should lend her a helping hand when Zijin encountered difficulties.

    But this did not mean that Nan Nan should step forward to be Zijin¡¯s scapegoat when Zijinmitted wrongdoing and dared not bear the responsibility for her own actions.

    This was not helping Zijin but indulging and covering up for her!

    In the end, Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand not only held on to nothing but was also hit by Zhu Baguo. Ding Jiayi was full of heartache as she quickly held Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand and blew on it.

    Tears welled up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. She then quietly leaned on Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulders and said, ¡°Mom, help me...¡±

    Ding Jiayi was stunned. She looked at Qiao Zijin with shock and disbelief. Did today¡¯s matter really have something to do with Qiao Zijin?

    Qiao Zijin tugged at Ding Jiayi¡¯s sleeves. She then shook her head to express that they could not let this matter continue to spiral out of control. Someone had to take the plunge and bear the responsibility. Otherwise, she would be in deep trouble.

    Ding Jiayi was at a loss but she understood what Qiao Zijin meant. She cleared her throat. ¡°I... I heard you and I understand. Isn¡¯t it just two kids having a rtionship? These two kids are not really that young anymore anyway. This matter can be discussed.¡±

 Chapter 417 - Wishful Thinking!

    <h4>Chapter 417: Wishful Thinking!</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°On the pretext that they can continue to perform well in their studies, let them date. I have no objections.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi said this, both Principal Wei and Principal Meng rolled their eyes at her simultaneously.

    Damn, she¡¯s sick!

    ¡°Nan Nan, both principals are busy people. They have to spend so much time and effort for that small matter of yours. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed? Don¡¯t you me yourself? Step forward and bear the consequences since this is your responsibility. Don¡¯t drag everyone down to suffer with you. You¡¯re Mom¡¯s daughter and Mom only has Zijin and you as daughters. No matter what mistakes you havemitted, Mom¡¯s heart will always be with you and you¡¯ll always be my good daughter. It¡¯s normal for humans to make mistakes. It¡¯s fine as long as you change. Mom is not angry and won¡¯t take issue with you. So, if you have anything to say, be good and quickly make yourself clear.¡±

    Ding Jiayi half pleaded and threatened Qiao Nan to take responsibility for the entire matter.

    Although this would leave a ck mark on Qiao Nan¡¯s life, it was fine. She would continue to treat Qiao Nan as her daughter and would not disown her because of this.

    In regard to this, Qiao Nan did not need to feel burdened at all. She just had to bear the responsibility and there would be no more issue. At the very least, this would not affect their family.

    Qiao Dongliang stared coldly at Ding Jiayi. He then grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand strongly.

    Qiao Nan looked down and saw the green veins on the back of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, nearly exploding.

    ¡°Both principals, is there a difference in the handwriting?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked in a deep voice.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Principal Meng did not say a word, but Principal Wei did. ¡°There are some differences between the two handwritings. However, it¡¯s easy for people who can write well to make their handwriting look uglier. On the other hand, it¡¯s hard for people who can¡¯t write well to make their handwriting look good.¡± Principal Wei was, of course, helping his own student.

    Teacher Liu tugged at his face, which was frozen stiff, and smiled. ¡°Principal Wei, don¡¯t need to worry about this. Can you let me make a call?¡±

    ¡°Please do.¡± Principal Meng nced at Teacher Liu and let thetter used the phone in his office to make the call.

    Teacher Liu picked up the phone and dialed a number.

    Although Qiao Nan had not dialed this number many times, she had memorized it by heart. She gave a stare and looked at Teacher Liu in disbelief. She then heard Teacher Liu say, ¡°Is this Zhai Sheng? I¡¯m Uncle Liu. This is what happened. You know quite a number of professionals. Can you help us find an expert who can verify handwriting? A student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China brought a few letters and insisted that one of our students is dating him, but the girl refused to admit to the rtionship. Principal Wei feels that it¡¯s easy for someone who can write well to make the handwriting look uglier. Therefore, we need your help. Sure, fine, fine. You... you can lend us a hand, can¡¯t you?¡±

    Even if Principal Wei wanted to have his way, Teacher Liu was not afraid of him. He had his ¡®backing¡¯.

    Other people might not have a solution to those rogue words of Principal Wei, but he did.

    Zhai Sheng had said before that he should look for him for any troubles or problems pertaining to Qiao Nan.

    With a huge backing such as Zhai Sheng, Teacher Liu was very confident of protecting Qiao Nan and not let any harm reach her.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng? Is it that Zhai Sheng?¡± At this moment, it was Principal Wei¡¯s turn to change his expression.

    ¡°Yes, my family and the Zhai family are a little bit rted. Principal Wei, you don¡¯t believe the student¡¯s exnation. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t believe in people from the army too?¡± Teacher Liu lifted his head and chest. He terribly wished that he had a long and big tail on his bottom so that he could sweep toward Principal Wei.

    Since he knew who Zhai Sheng was, the matter would be easier to resolve.

    Principal Wei pulled a long face. ¡°Sun Lei,e here and see for yourself.¡±

    Upon hearing Principal Wei¡¯s words, Sun Lei, who had turned as quiet as a quail, went forward. He was full of fear of misgivings. Of course, Sun Lei recognized those letters. He hugged the letters to sleep every day in the past. However, he was extremely unfamiliar with the handwriting on the other workbook. ¡°This is Qiao Nan¡¯s handwriting? This can¡¯t be. Qiao Zijin clearly told me that she and her sister have simr handwriting. The words on this workbook are obviously printed!¡±

    ¡°Oh, the two sisters¡¯ handwritings are simr?¡± Principal Meng smiled. He looked at Principal Wei.

    Didn¡¯t thisment of Sun Lei tell it all?

    Principal Wei¡¯s face turned ck. He ground his teeth and asked Sun Lei. ¡°What is wrong? What do you mean that the two sisters¡¯ handwritings are simr?¡± It was not written by the same person. Even the handwritings of twins would be different, not to mention biological sisters.

    ¡°I was ssmates with Qiao Zijin in my first year of senior high school. So, I know Qiao Zijin. Thereafter, Qiao Zijin introduced her sister, Qiao Nan, to me and we became a couple through letters. I felt odd at that time as to why the handwriting of the two of them was so alike. Qiao Nan¡¯s words were, at most, more untidy than that of Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin told me she had a close rtionship with Qiao Nan. Thus, Qiao Nan liked to imitate her. As such, her handwriting resembled that of hers. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s results were good. She ced great importance on her studies and didn¡¯t have much spare time. Qiao Nan had to make time to write to him. Therefore, her handwriting was not as tidy as that of Qiao Zijin.¡±

    Principal Meng had the answer in his heart. At this juncture, he waspletely sure that his student had nothing to do with today¡¯s matter at all.

    Although Zhu Baoguo was a little impulsive for hitting Sun Lei, Sun Lei deserved it.

    ¡°You said before that Qiao Zijin was the one who introduced you to Qiao Nan. You¡¯ve only seen Qiao Nan¡¯s photo and it¡¯s the first time that you met Qiao Nan in real life today. Then, the letters that you wrote to Qiao Nan and those that Qiao Nan wrote to you... How did you deliver and receive them?¡± Principal Meng¡¯s voice sounded normal and he spoke in an orderly manner.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin became our goose.¡±

    Sun Lei¡¯s actions made the few teachers present curl the corners of their lips. Goose? What a poetic and artistic description.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows and met Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Really? This is odd, though? I¡¯ve clearly not seen my sister for more than two months.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re biological sisters from the same family. Whenever there¡¯s a school break, don¡¯t we see each other? When did we not see each other for two months?¡± Qiao Zijin panicked and tears nearly rolled down her eyes. Help her once, just this once. Once. Couldn¡¯t you?

    Qiao Nan turned away without a word, her stance obvious. No way!

    It was precisely because she was a family member of Qiao Zijin that she had suffered so much.

    Qiao Zijin plotted against her and framed her again and again. If Qiao Zijin was not her family, she would not have kept defending herself all this while and would have actively attacked and thrashed Qiao Zijin to the point that Qiao Zijin would not be able to lift herself up for her entire life.

    It was because she was her family!!!

    The reality was so depressing and detestable.

    Because of the blood ties, the best that she could do was to endure and not actively harm Qiao Zijin and destroy Qiao Zijin¡¯s life. However, as for any other matters... You wished, Qiao Zijin!!

 Chapter 418 - Qiao Zijin Is Guilty-Conscious

    <h4>Chapter 418: Qiao Zijin Is Guilty-Conscious</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This ssmate, you may not know the situation, but my wife and I have been living separately. We¡¯re prepared to file for divorce in two years¡¯ time. Qiao Zijin will follow my wife and Nan Nan will follow me. Hence, our family has not seen one another for more than two months.¡±

    They did not even meet during these two months. How could Zijin help Sun Lei and Nan Nan pass letters?

    ¡°Ah?!¡± Sun Lei was stupefied. He initially came to look for his girlfriend to prove his innocence and show that he had not been lying. He did not expect that the domestic affairs of the Qiao family would be brought up in this conversation. ¡°You... what you¡¯ve said... Is it true?¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    ¡°Divorce is good!¡± Zhu Baoguo could not help but give a loud p.

    As long as Uncle Qiao divorced this woman, Xiao Qiao would then be able to leave the clutches of this mother-daughter pair and start her life afresh.

    Pey! What a lousy sister. She was truly not a good thing.

    He was already furious and annoyed by Wang Yang¡¯s deeds, and thetter was just his cousin. Qiao Zijin was Xiao Qiao¡¯s biological sister. Qiao Zijin did so many things that let down and harmed Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao¡¯s predicament was a hundred times worse than this.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what nonsense are you talking about? Can¡¯t you look at the current situation?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was swollen in red. She nearly fainted in anger. ¡°Zijin is your daughter. Before saying all these, you should spare a thought for Zijin!¡±

    Qiao Nan would not suffer much even if she took the me.

    Ping Cheng High School was willing to make amodation arrangements for that wretched girl. They would certainly not do anything to her because of today¡¯s matter.

    It was different for Zijin. She already had a difficult situation at school. She really could not afford to let more negative things happen. As a father, did Old Qiao really have to ruin Zijin for the sake of the wretched girl?

    As long as the wretched girl took the me, both Zijin and she would be fine.

    In this way, it would be good for everyone. There¡¯s nothing bad about this arrangement!

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, right? Sun Lei has been saying that you¡¯re the one who introduced him to Qiao Nan. Do you have anything to say about this?¡± Principal Meng could not be bothered to look at Ding Jiayi. This parent¡¯s mind was quite abnormal. Anyway, today was not his first time experiencing it.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin opened her mouth but could not even manage aplete sentence.

    ¡°What is the meaning of ¡®I¡¯? Did you do this or not?¡± Principal Meng asked.

    ¡°Principal, what do you mean by this? Just because Qiao Nan is a student of your school, so you¡¯re siding with her? Since Zijin is not a student at your school, you don¡¯t have the right to interfere.¡± Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Zijin behind her as she tried to protect her.

    Qiao Zijin hid ordingly as she wanted to avoid answering this question.

    ¡°Fine. Principal Meng doesn¡¯t have the right to ask, but I guess I do?¡± Principal Wei¡¯s expression looked extremely ugly. He had also reached the peak of his tolerance level. ¡°Qiao Zijin, did you do this?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was in so much pain and dilemma. She wrung the clothes behind Ding Jiayi¡¯s waist, nearly tearing it. ¡°I... I did it. I didn¡¯t think much. I... I initially just wanted to let my sister have one more friend. It¡¯s a good thing that everyone can learn from each other and improve. I don¡¯t know how the two of them became pen pals, and a couple thereafter. Whatever happenedter was not of my concern. I just introduced them to each other as friends!¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that? Whatever developedter was caused by themselves. It had nothing to do with Zijin.¡± Ding Jiayi quickly helped to add on.

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows. She narrowed her eyes to assess Qiao Zijin. Normally, Qiao Zijin would deny this. Instead, Qiao Zijin admitted to it. This was abnormal.

    No, there was a problem!

    Qiao Nan thought about it and pointed a finger at Sun Lei. ¡°Sun Lei, my sister intended to introduce her sister to you as a pen pal. I¡¯m younger than my sister by two years. Compared to you, I¡¯m younger by more than two years. My sister trusted you so much, yet you kidnapped her sister to be your girlfriend and got her involved in puppy love at such a critical juncture. You really let my sister down.¡±

    Sun Lei was older. If this matter truly happened, then Sun Lei certainly had to bear a huge part of the responsibility.

    If Sun Lei was the one who initiated a romantic rtionship, then he was certainly the one in the wrong.

    Even if Qiao Nan initiated it, as someone older than Qiao Nan, Sun Lei should be more mature and serious in handling such matters. Sun Lei should discourage Qiao Nan in an instant, then simply stopped being pen pals and ceased all contact.

    Suddenly, Sun Lei was greatly reprimanded by Qiao Nan in front of the two principals and his own form teacher. His face turned crimson. In a state of agitation and panic, he spoke his mind. ¡°I let your sister down? How did I do that? Both of you sisters are not good people and are full of bad ideas. If not for the fact that your sister... Anyway, it¡¯s your sister who promised to introduce a potential girlfriend to me. She even said that your grades were good and that you¡¯re pretty. She said she introduced you to me with absolute sincerity. What pen pals? Your sister clearly introduced you to me as a girlfriend. What pen-pals!¡±

    The saying of pen-pals earlier was just to give everyone some face.

    When Qiao Dongliang heard this, he clenched his fists in anger. The veins on his neck and hand were protruding as well.

    Principal Wei let out a long breath. He regretted it. Two years ago, he should not have epted Qiao Zijin into his school for the sake of that meager sponsorship fee. She was not a student. She was simply big trouble!

    ¡°Teacher Liu, right? We don¡¯t need to verify the handwriting anymore. Indeed, our students are the ones in the wrong in this matter. The responsibility is on my side and has nothing to do with you all. Qiao Nan ssmate, I¡¯m very sorry to have caused you such wrong and suffering. Our school will handle this from here on. I think it¡¯s best that I bring the students back.¡±

    Principal Wei was worried that the school would be utterly disgraced by these two students if they continued with the conversation.

    Qiao Nan was a good student. How could she be involved in an early romantic rtionship? Furthermore, would she find someone from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? If she had the intention, she would now be the top student at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and not Ping Cheng High School. Her biological sister introduced a boyfriend to her younger sister who was in her first year of senior high school. If words got out, he nearly dared not admit that he was the principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China anymore.

    Where did such a wonderful ¡®sister¡¯e from? His school!

    His students in the first year could not outperform Qiao Nan all this time. He was already very upset about it and this matter just had to happen today. The way Principal Wei looked at Qiao Zijin and Sun Lei was extremely unfriendly.

    Sun Lei¡¯s form teacher was simply going along with the flow. However, his mood was also extremely bad at this moment.

    Sun Lei was not blind. How could he miss the obvious and ugly expressions on Principal Wei¡¯s and his form teacher¡¯s faces? He was so frightened that he spoke whatever came to his mind.

 Chapter 419 - A Noob Ally All the Way

    <h4>Chapter 419: A Noob Ally All the Way</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I... I have been wronged. I really don¡¯t know... They¡¯re all Qiao Zijin¡¯s doing! She lied to me! She has been lying to me!¡± Sun Lei kept harping that he had been wronged and that all the bad things were done by Qiao Zijin and had nothing to do with him. After all, he, too, had been bluffed by Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, I helped you so much, but are you even worthy of my help?! You¡¯d better tell the truth to the principal and the teacher quickly and rify this matter. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me.¡± Sun Lei gave Qiao Zijin a malicious and deadly stare.

    If Qiao Zijin was not able to help him tide over this, he would be unruly to her and reveal all the bad things that she had done.

    ¡°I... No, please don¡¯t...¡± Qiao Zijin stammered, tears rolling down her face uncontrobly. She was scared out of her wits. ¡°Yes, I did all these. Actually, it was not Sun Lei. It... it was also not Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°This had nothing to do with Xiao Qiao? Why did you have to introduce him to Xiao Qiao and not anyone else? What were your intentions? You¡¯re just trying to harm Xiao Qiao!¡± Zhu Baoguo was driven mad. There was no sincerity in her apology at all. Crying! Would crying help?!

    Sun Lei was angered by what Zhu Baoguo said.

    Did Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan have any conflict? Could this be why he was introduced to Qiao Nan? For the sake of getting Qiao Nan into trouble?

    He truly wished to have a girlfriend. Qiao Zijin dared to y tricks on him although he had gotten a handle of her. She treated him like a pawn. He would deal with Qiao Zijin when he was back in school!

    Upon the scolding from Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Zijin cried even harder.

    Ding Jiayi was full of heartache for Qiao Zijin. She keptforting her. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you have any conscience? Your sister said all this to protect you. You are letting your sister be the scapegoat and bear the consequences for the things that you have done. How did the teachers in your school teach you to be a person? Has your conscience been eaten by a dog?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Qiao Nan could not help butugh. Herughter sounded so cold and helpless.

    Ding Jiayi scolded her badly. In the end, wasn¡¯t she just trying to make her step forward and take the me for Qiao Zijin?

    Initially, she had wanted to let the matter rest.

    But her mother had to protect Qiao Zijin so anxiously. Qiao Zijin had such a ¡®fabulous helper¡¯. How could she let the matter rest before making it more exciting?

    She would not initiate any trouble or take any action against Qiao Zijin, but she did not say that she would not bring up old scores and reveal all the ¡®good things¡¯ that Qiao Zijin did. Qiao Nan then gave Zhu Baoguo, this ¡®noob teammate¡¯, a kick.

    Zhu Baoguo had clearly voiced out Qiao Zijin¡¯s ill intention a while ago, but he stopped at the most critical juncture. Was he stupid?

    Zhu Baoguo, who was kicked, did not quite understand Qiao Nan¡¯s action. He looked at Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan then nced toward Sun Lei.

    Zhu Baoguo was initially a clueless fool. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He nearly could not react in time. ¡°This is not right. Qiao Zijin, I think you not only wanted to harm Xiao Qiao but also this person called Sun Lei? Xiao Qiao is such a good kid. How could she be involved in a romantic rtionship at an early age? Moreover, she did not even know the existence of Sun Lei! Because of your ¡®introduction¡¯, Sun Lei really seemed to take Xiao Qiao as his girlfriend. Did you already foresee that Sun Lei would not be able to stop himself froming to look for Xiao Qiao in person one day? When that time came, this puppy love scandal would then be spread and Xiao Qiao would be given a warning. Most likely, this fool, Sun Lei, will be in trouble as well? You are ssmates after all. Sun Lei, did you offend Qiao Zijin before?¡±

    Sun Lei gave a stare. There were two words ¡®written¡¯ on his face: confused and cornered!

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. Absolutely not. Sun Lei, don¡¯t listen to Zhu Baoguo talking nonsense. He¡¯s on a very good term with my sister. He said this to sow discord between us to help my sister. Please don¡¯t be foolish. Don¡¯t believe him.¡±

    If that matter was revealed, that would be the end of Sun Lei and her. Sun Lei would not be so silly to perish together with her, right?

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. We can talk about it further after going back.¡± Principal Wei was having a bad headache. Could there also be other issues aside from this ¡®puppy love¡¯?

    ¡°Principal Wei, why are you so anxious? I also wish to know. As Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister, why did Qiao Zijin have the intention to harm Qiao Nan?¡± It was really like mother, like daughter. Of course, Qiao Nan was the exception.

    In the past, he had felt that Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior was beyondprehension. Judging by Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior today, it was exactly the same as what Ding Jiayi did previously.

    Since today¡¯s matter had nothing to do with Qiao Nan, Principal Meng was very interested to know the conflict between Qiao Zijin and Sun Lei.

    As a veteran teaching professional and a form teacher, Teacher Liu was able to sense the problems between students with some guessing.

    Seeing that the situation seemed a little odd, Teacher Liu suddenly interrupted and asked, ¡°Principal Wei, the student from your school kicked up a fuss at our school. Putting aside the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan, this matter should be between both our schools. It was an ugly sight at the entrance of the school today. Qiao Nan suffered much wrong too. Did Principal Wei think that just a word of apology is enough to settle this matter? I wish to know how your school will handle Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Sun Lei¡¯s situation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The matter has snowballed. Most likely, before the day ends, this matter will be spread to the ears of everyone in the school, just like what happened previously. It will also have a great emotional impact on Qiao Nan. If others know about this, what will people think of your school? Principal Wei, don¡¯t spoil the school¡¯s culture and reputation just because of a few individuals.¡± Principal Meng fully agreed with what Teacher Liu said. Before the situation was rified, he nearly misunderstood that Sun Lei was purposely sent by Principal Wei to distract Qiao Nan so that she could not continue to perform well in her studies.

    ¡°First, your student¡¯s mother came and kicked up a fuss at our school. Today, your student came and created a fuss. In the context of the school, they are your students and student¡¯s parent. Principal Wei, it¡¯s best that you consider this carefully.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by a student this time and her mother thest time? Are you referring to me?¡± Seeing that so many adults targeted and bullied her child, and none was willing to be magnanimous and let Qiao Zijin off, Ding Jiayi was both furious and anxious. She was at a loss of what to do.

    Upon hearing Principal Meng¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi was like a firecracker that was lit up. She exploded.

    ¡°If not?¡± Principal Mengughed with ridicule. He could not understand why Ding Jiayi was shameless enough to ask this question.

    ¡°What about me? What about me?! Tell me. What about me?! All of you are trying to malign me after maligning my daughter?¡± Ding Jiayi would not concede defeat. ¡°Don¡¯t think that just because all of you are principals and teachers, you can gang up and bully a mother and daughter like us!¡±

 Chapter 420 - She Cheated

    <h4>Chapter 420: She Cheated</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This parent, the untrue rumors that you spread in the school previously not only hurt Qiao Nan but also affected the reputation of Ping Cheng High School. If not for the sake of giving Qiao Nan¡¯s face, my school would definitely pursue the matter with you. You¡¯re an adult. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know how to be responsible for your own words and actions?¡±

    Why?

    What Ding Jiayi did previously had damaged the reputation of Ping Cheng High School seriously. Even if they did not sue her for defamation, at the very least, they should give her a warning.

    ¡°I can tell you clearly now. It is really very hard for our school to wee a parent like you.¡±

    ¡°Mom?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s tears stopped. When did her mothere to Ping Cheng High School? Why didn¡¯t she know about it?

    Ding Jiayi had a look of awkwardness on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to them talking nonsense. They are just trying to shift the me. It¡¯s nonsense. There¡¯s no such thing at all.¡±

    ¡°Ah-hem.¡± Principal Meng sneered. ¡°Now, I have some understanding why The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China has a student like Qiao Zijin. It is really like mother, like daughter. She has inherited all her mother¡¯s genes. There is nothing we could do about it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was a fast-talker. Most probably, she had learned it from Ding Jiayi.

    The mother-daughter pair was of the same kind.

    Principal Meng suddenly felt pointless to continue with the conversation, particrly with a parent such as Ding Jiayi. ¡°Principal Wei, whether your school decides to punish or record a demerit, that¡¯s your school¡¯s business. Please bring your student and her parent away.¡±

    Initially, Principal Meng wanted to watch the fun. However, because of Ding Jiayi, Principal Meng would rather give up such a rare opportunity and hoped that Principal Wei would bring her away as soon as possible.

    ¡°No, I... I don¡¯t want to be punished. I can¡¯t receive a demerit record!¡± Sun Lei¡¯s face was as white as a sheet. If he received a demerit record, he would not be able to make it to a good college in the future. He might even need to bring this tainted record with him when he stepped out into society. He might not be able to find a good job.

    Sun Lei ground his teeth. ¡°Principal, I wish to confess something. Can you be lenient in my punishment for this matter? Principal, I already know that this is a misunderstanding. However, I have been wronged. I was also misled by Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan is a victim, and so am I. Principal, can you give me one more chance?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t say it!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She could not wait to cover Sun Lei¡¯s mouth. Sun Lei wanted to die on his own but he just had to drag her along!

    ¡°What exactly is the matter?¡± Principal Wei felt annoyed. ¡°Hurry up and speak.¡±

    ¡°Principal, don¡¯t believe Sun Lei. He¡¯s making things up as he doesn¡¯t want to be given a demerit record. W-whatever he said is not true!¡± Qiao Zijin could not help shouting out.

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s true or not, we will judge for ourselves. Sun Lei, what other matter is there?¡± Principal Wei let out a long breath of air. Forget it. His face had already been lost thoroughly anyway. What else was there to hide?

    ¡°Principal...¡±

    Qiao Zijin interrupted just as Sun Lei wanted to speak. ¡°Sun Lei, don¡¯t go overboard. You have to search your own conscience when you say something. We¡¯re ssmates after all. Why do you have to hurt me like this? Who taught you to do so? If you talk nonsense again, I... I... Do you wish to corner me to my death?¡± Qiao Zijin stomped her feet in fury, her tears rolling down uncontrobly.

    The unlucky one in this matter should be Qiao Nan. Why did she be the unfortunate one in the end?

    ¡°Teach me about what? I¡¯m not talking nonsense. Whatever I¡¯ve said is the truth. It¡¯s not that I want to harm you. Qiao Zijin, clearly, you¡¯re the one who wanted to harm me! You said it yourself that we¡¯re once ssmates after all, yet you hurt me in this way. You! Why are you so heartless?!¡±

    The more Sun Lei reflected on what Zhu Baoguo said earlier, the more he felt that it made sense.

    Qiao Zijin purposely used this matter to frame him. If he continued to withhold his words and be bullied by Qiao Zijin, then he would be the real fool.

    ¡°Principal, in the first year of our studies, Qiao Zijin often came in eighth in the ss. Actually, she did not achieve the results through her own effort. She got it through cheating!¡±

    ¡°Cheating?¡± Principal Wei¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Is what you said true? You can¡¯t talk nonsense about this kind of things!¡±

    Since the establishment of the school, there had never been a scandal about cheating in the school for more than a decade.

    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Sun Lei said with absolute certainty. ¡°Principal, I have evidence to prove that what I¡¯ve said is true. All of Qiao Zijin¡¯s academic results in her first year were achieved through cheating.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense! I didn¡¯t! I didn¡¯t!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale and red intermittently. Although she was hiding behind Ding Jiayi, her pair of eyes was emitting a glowing green light. She was constantly ring at Sun Lei like a snake.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Zhu Baoguo sneered in a cold manner. ¡°Do you think everyone is like you? To have so much spare energy to malign people casually?¡±

    Cheating. This matter was something new.

    He also heard that Qiao Zijin¡¯s results were average when she was in junior high school. Hence, some sponsorship fee was required if she wanted to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. They had to depend on his grandpa to help with this matter. After Qiao Zijin entered the school, her studies improved tremendously.

    Because of Qiao Zijin as an example, her school¡¯s name had been spread in the quad for a long time. Many parents felt that it was fine to spend money, no matter how much, as long as their children had the opportunity to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    The teaching quality at that school was truly excellent after all.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Both Principal Meng and Teacher Liu were stunned. The word ¡®cheating¡¯ was very sensitive, capable of affecting a school¡¯s reputation.

    Ping Cheng High School was a good high school. Students had to achieve a certain minimum score to enter the school sessfully.

    Hence, all the students who came to study at the school had done fairly well in their junior high school years. At the very least, up until now, the teachers at Ping Cheng High School had never caught any of their students cheating. Unexpectedly, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, which was more outstanding and formidable than Ping Cheng High School, encountered this situation, yet none of the teachers discovered it.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She had really guessed it right. With Qiao Zijin¡¯s capability, it was impossible for her to rank eighth in the ss. This was despite the fact that the ss she was in was the most ¡®special¡¯ ss in the school.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t do this. My grades were real. I didn¡¯t cheat. Sun Lei maligned me. Sun Lei, that¡¯s enough. You¡¯re the one who wished to find a girlfriend. Yes... I only introduced the two of you. You said my sister is pretty after looking at her photo and that you¡¯re very interested to be friends with her. Now that my sister has rejected you, you should not take revenge on me even if you¡¯re angry. This is a matter between the two of you. I¡¯m innocent!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was still trying to turn things around, doing her utmost to save the situation. She must reverse the situation.

    She definitely would not admit that she had cheated!

 Chapter 421 - Left with His Face Covered

    <h4>Chapter 421: Left with His Face Covered</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo knitted his eyebrows and raised his fists. ¡°Let me warn you. Don¡¯t force me to use my fists. The school taught the students well! They only know to shirk responsibility? Is Xiao Qiao to me for your cheating in the exams? Don¡¯t be too cocky!¡±

    What Zhu Baoguo said was, in fact, directed at Principal Wei. After all, Qiao Zijin was from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Principal Wei flushed red in anger. ¡°Sun Lei, do you have any evidence? The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China will never tolerate students who have no self-respect or the will to improve, and who resort to deceit and are full of lies. As long as you tell us the truth, we will take it into consideration when deciding your punishment.¡±

    Principal Wei straightened his back. He would not be looked down upon by others.

    Even if The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China had a bad student like Qiao Zijin, it did not mean that the school was not good in disciplining students. As the principal, he could tell right from wrong.

    Sun Lei¡¯s eyes lit up. This was what he was waiting for. ¡°Yes, I have the proof.¡± Sun Lei took out the sses case from his schoolbag. He opened it and took away the sticyer inside the case.

    After the stic was peeled off, there was a piece of folded paper at the bottom of the case.

    Sun Lei took the paper out of the spectacles case and handed it over to Principal Wei. ¡°Principal, look at this. This is the evidence. Back then, I was in the same ss as Qiao Zijin. In the beginning, I don¡¯t know that Qiao Zijin cheated toe in eighth ce in the ss. It was during one of the exams when someone threw something at my feet and I picked it up out of curiosity had I realized that it was the answer for the exam that I was sitting for right then.¡±

    Since they were in the same examination hall and had the same paper, Sun Lei only needed to make aparison to know what the content on the paper was.

    Besides, since they were in the examination hall, it was obvious what the paper was for.

    Sun Lei was shocked when he first saw the paper. He was afraid that he would be discovered by the teacher. Hence, he quickly hid the paper.

    Sun Lei observed the teacher for a long time and was sure that the teacher did not notice that he had the paper. After making sure that nobody was looking, he took a look at the paper.

    What was written on the paper was simr to what Sun Lei had written on his exam paper, but there were a few differences.

    Sun Lei made a mental note and hid the paper well. He continued with the exam and pretended as if nothing had happened.

    When the exam was over and they had a short break in between, Sun Lei paid special attention to the students in the same examination hall as him. He was sure that the owner of the paper must have behaved out of the norm, looking uneasy and fidgety.

    Qiao Zijin was anxious that the paper was missing She kept staring at the examination hall.

    When they reentered the examination hall on the same day, Qiao Zijin deliberately lowered her head and looked carefully at the ces near her seat, trying to look for the paper.

    Most people would not have noticed anything strange about Qiao Zijin, but Sun Lei who had the paper with him could tell right away that Qiao Zijin was acting suspiciously.

    ¡°Even if you found this piece of paper in the examination hall, what does it have to do with Zijin? Is her name written on the paper? Didn¡¯t you mention that there are handwriting experts? You should do a test to determine whether the handwriting on the paper belongs to Zijin.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi looked at the handwriting on the paper, she was certain that they were not written by Qiao Zijin.

    Since it was not written by Zijin, how could this paper prove that Zijin cheated in the past exams?

    It was just an exam. It was not that difficult.

    The wretched girl coulde in the first ce in the level time and again. Given Zijin¡¯s intelligence, it would not be that difficult toe in eighth ce in the ss. There was no need for her to cheat.

    Zijin was so smart. She definitely did not need to cheat. She did not believe what Sun Lei said.

    Sun Lei was not surprised that Ding Jiayi would side with Qiao Zijin. ¡°The handwriting on the paper does not belong to Qiao Zijin, but it can¡¯t prove that this paper has nothing to do with her and that she didn¡¯t cheat. Whenever we have important exams, the teacher will keep the papers for future reference. I still remember which exam and for which semester it was when I found the paper. It¡¯s not possible for everyone to have the same results and answers. If you want to know whether I¡¯m telling the truth, after going back, the teachers canpare Qiao Zijin¡¯s exam papers with the content of this paper and we will know whether Qiao Zijin copied the answers or not.¡±

    Sun Lei smiled grimly. ¡°What is true cannot be false, and what is false cannot be true. Do you think that I am easily bullied? Do you think that I will not revolt?¡±

    He had underestimated Qiao Zijin. She must havee up with this n to plot against him and get him expelled from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China as he had seized upon the chinks in her armor and she refused to be threatened by him.

    She was too vicious!

    ¡°Besides that, I have done my investigations. I may know the person who copied the answer and gave it to Qiao Zijin. The two daughters in the Qiao family are pretty, and Qiao Zijin is quite popr in school. As far as I know, there are several second-year boys from other sses who like Qiao Zijin but dare not pursue her because of the school rules, so they try to please Qiao Zijin secretly.¡±

    He started a rtionship while he was in school and had to be issued a warning.

    Qiao Zijin was not in any way better than him.

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin used the honey trap to get the answers from the boys. She was a miserable wretch!

    Principal Wei could feel his temples pulsating. He wished to give Sun Lei a p to make him shut up and he hoped that he could send Qiao Zijin out of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°What a good show.¡± Principal Meng appeared to be very calm.

    Regardless of what the truth was, it had nothing to do with Ping Cheng High School. It was The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China that was creating trouble. It was an unexpected misfortune to Qiao Nan. What happened today had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. She was in unlucky to have Qiao Zijin as her sister.

    ¡°Principal Wei, it¡¯s gettingte. The students in our school ce great importance in their studies. They should be in the ssroom doing their revision. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I have been imposing on you for such a long time. What happened today is The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China¡¯s sole responsibility. I apologize for stirring up so much trouble for you today. We have a lot of students in our school and there arepses in our selection of students and there is a ck sheep in every flock. Sorry about the embarrassing behavior. We will get going now.¡±

    Principal Wei had been totally disgraced. He could not wait to leave right away with his face covered. He did not wish to stay to be humiliated further.

 Chapter 422 - Dad Believes in You

    <h4>Chapter 422: Dad Believes in You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Sun Lei¡¯s form teacher kept quiet all the while, but he knew that the principal would reprimand him for what happened today.

    But at the thought that Qiao Zijin¡¯s form teacher would have a tougher time than him, he felt slightly at ease. He did not need to take the full me for this incident. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± The form teacher gave Sun Lei a disdainful look. He only knew how to cook up troubles. He was still so young, yet he was only interested in getting a girlfriend. Why did he not put his attention on his studies to score a good result?

    He could tell that the principal was enraged. Though Sun Lei would not be able to escape unscathed, Qiao Zijin and her form teacher would have to bear the full brunt of his anger.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right...¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. Though she believed in Qiao Zijin, she could tell that everyone had believed that Qiao Zijin cheated during the exams. Everyone believed in Sun Lei¡¯s words. ¡°Old Qiao, Zijin is being framed and there¡¯s nothing that she can do to clear her name. You must put in a good word for her. Zijin didn¡¯t cheat. She is being framed! It is obvious that Sun Lei didn¡¯t manage to make Qiao Nan like him, so he mes it on Zijin. He is telling lies. Can¡¯t the principals and teachers tell that he is lying?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am innocent. I didn¡¯t cheat.¡± Qiao Zijin refused to admit that she was in the wrong.

    Zhu Baoguo shook his head. ¡°Sun Lei has already said that we only need topare the exam papers to know whether you have cheated or not. If the answer on your exam paper does not tally with the answer on the paper, then you didn¡¯t cheat. But if they match, do you still have the cheek to say that you are innocent? Since you came in eighth ce in the ss, there must be quite a number of mistakes. It is normal to have the same correct answers, but it will be strange to have the same answers that are wrong. By then, nobody will believe that you didn¡¯t cheat.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, is it true that you didn¡¯t cheat?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

    Qiao Zijin dashed to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side and pulled his clothes, seeking his protection. ¡°Dad, I am being wronged. I really did not cheat in the exams. Sun Lei couldn¡¯t make Qiao Nan like him, thus he mes it on me. I am innocent. Dad, you must believe me. You must help me.¡±

    ¡°You refuse to be convinced until you¡¯re faced with grim reality.¡± Sun Lei snorted disdainfully.

    If Qiao Zijin did not cheat, why would she be scared stiff and take the initiative to introduce her sister to him as a girlfriend when he told Qiao Zijin about the paper that he had with him?

    In fact, when Sun Lei seized the chinks in Qiao Zijin¡¯s armor, he had actually wanted Qiao Zijin as his girlfriend.

    And the boy who copied the answers for Qiao Zijin had the same goal in mind as well. They would not help her for no apparent reason.

    Since Qiao Zijin had the intention to tantalize the boy, she would never agree to be Sun Lei¡¯s girlfriend.

    If she agreed to Sun Lei¡¯s suggestion, the boy who helped her would be angry with her.

    Since Sun Lei insisted that Qiao Zijin be his girlfriend, she had no choice but to suggest Qiao Nan as an alternative.

    She had thought that Qiao Nan was not ugly. In fact, in the eyes of the average people, Qiao Nan was pretty. Furthermore, she was in Ping Cheng High School, a good school. She had good grades and was beautiful. A girl like her should be very popr.

    Therefore, Qiao Zijin told Sun Lei that she would introduce her sister to him.

    When Sun Lei saw the photo of Qiao Nan that Qiao Zijin showed him and heard about her grades in school, he was very satisfied with Qiao Nan and agreed to go ahead with Qiao Zijin¡¯s suggestion.

    At that time, Qiao Zijin did not have the intention to scheme against Qiao Nan. She merely wanted to stall for time.

    Qiao Zijin never expected that Sun Lei would be so difficult and that he was bent on having a girlfriend. He was already in his second year and his homework had been piling up, yet he was concerned about this matter and rushed Qiao Zijin to settle it as soon as possible.

    Qiao Zijin did not dare to arrange for Sun Lei to meet Qiao Nan. Hence, she came up with the idea for Qiao Nan and Sun Lei to be pen pals so as to pacify him.

    All the letters that Sun Lei received were not sent or written by Qiao Nan. They were, in fact, written by Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin had loads of homework and assignments every day, yet she had to pretend to be Qiao Nan and write letters to Sun Lei, acting like his girlfriend. It was a torturous task for Qiao Zijin.

    As a result, the handwriting on the letters to Sun Lei was often messier than her usual handwriting.

    What made Qiao Zijin exasperated was that Sun Lei was not contented withmunicating through letters. He was foolish enough to go to Ping Cheng High School and tell everyone that Qiao Nan was his girlfriend.

    Qiao Zijin boiled with anger at the thought of this.

    If not for Sun Lei who messed things up, nobody would find out about this and she would not be issued a warning.

    She really doubted how Sun Lei managed to be enrolled into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Why would he do things that harmed others without benefiting himself? Was he too bent on having a girlfriend that he had lost all reasons?

    Everything that happened was beyond Qiao Zijin¡¯s expectation. She did not expect that things would turn out to be like this. She had thought that she just had to suffer for a year before college entrance examination was over and they would leave The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Thereafter, she could be rid of Sun Lei, the troublemaker.

    Everyone was studying in high school. They did not even have enough time for their studies. Why would he have the time to start a rtionship?

    Qiao Zijin might have it nned out, but she never expected that Sun Lei was so bent on having a girlfriend that he was beyond reasons.

    Sun Lei was stubborn, but Qiao Nan was even more stubborn. She refused to help her at all. Qiao Zijin felt as if she was going to bawl her eyes out.

    Why was she so unlucky to have dealings with such people? Her ssmate was not good to her and she did not have a good sister.

    If one of them had some conscience, she would not end up like this.

    What was wrong with this society? People were so indifferent and cold. They were family! How could Qiao Nan stand by and watch while she suffered? She was too vicious and cold-hearted!

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea what was going through Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind. He took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t cheat?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin was so certain, Qiao Dongliang rxed slightly. ¡°Zijin, you are my daughter. I will always believe in you. Since you said no, I will believe you this time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dad!¡± Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi smiled at the same time. At the crucial time, it was Qiao Dongliang who stood by their side and sheltered them from the evils of the world.

    Qiao Dongliang pursed his lips and revealed a very reluctant smile. ¡°Zijin, since you are innocent, you don¡¯t have to be afraid. I will apany you.¡±

 Chapter 423 - A Slap Each

    <h4>Chapter 423: A p Each</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Apany me?¡± What did her father mean?

    ¡°Yes, I will apany you. Since you have not cheated, nobody can wrong you. Let¡¯s go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and take out your exam paper to make aparison so as to prove your innocence. Otherwise, we can never have an answer. Zijin, since you are innocent, you don¡¯t have to worry. Besides, your mom and I will go with you. It¡¯s alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Zijin with trembling hands.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin had driven Qiao Dongliang to a corner, Qiao Nan turned and did not wish to see this scene.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t go!¡± Qiao Zijin shrugged Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands away. ¡°Even if the answers on my exam paper are the same as the content on the paper, it does not mean anything. It is possible to have the same answers. It can be a coincidence. This does not prove that I have cheated!¡±

    ¡°No matter how beautiful it sounds, it doesn¡¯t change anything.¡± It was rare that Zhu Baoguo was able to make such a thoughtfulment. ¡°If you are innocent, your response would be, ¡®Go ahead topare. I have never cheated, and the answer will never be the same.¡¯¡±

    Compared to Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin was not as good in telling lies.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Principal Wei had no wish to stay at Ping Cheng High School any longer. He was too embarrassed.

    It was not up to Qiao Zijin to decide whether she wanted to check or not.

    As soon as he got to the bottom of this matter, Qiao Zijin would have to leave The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China!

    Cheating, starting a rtionship while in school, having such a mother like Ding Jiayi. It was in unlucky for the school to have a student like Qiao Zijin.

    Principal Wei took the lead to leave, and Sun Lei¡¯s form teacher followed thereafter. Sun Lei took his schoolbag and red at Qiao Zijin before leaving. Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were the only two who were left behind.

    Qiao Zijin grabbed Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand anxiously. ¡°Mom, what should I do now? Sun Lei wronged me and the principal believed his words. What should I do now? What should I do?!¡±

    Qiao Zijin cried and stomped her feet. She remembered the expression on the principal¡¯s face. She was scared stiff that she dared not leave with him, but as a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she had to go back. Once she went back to school, she would have to face up to what happened today.

    Thinking of all this, Qiao Zijin harbored the thought of dying so that she did not have to deal with any of it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll be alright.¡± Ding Jiayi was out of her wits as well. She could not think of any solution. ¡°Old Qiao, what do you think? We can¡¯t watch helplessly while Zijin is being wronged. Qiao Nan is to me for everything. She is your sister! Why can¡¯t you help her at the critical moment? It won¡¯t hurt you at all. When everything is over, we can exin to your teacher and principal. As I said, you have no conscience at all!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was bitterly disappointed that Zijin was the wretched girl¡¯s sister.

    How could the wretched girl be so cold-hearted and refused to help Zijin? How could there be such a person like her?

    For this alone, there was no way that she could be nice to that wretched girl.

    Since the wretched girl could look on indifferently, not helping her sister, that wretched girl would not care for her in the future as well.

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Qiao Dongliang closed his eyes in disappointment. Qiao Zijin had let him down. Ding Jiayi was not much better either. It was because of Ding Jiayi that Qiao Zijin could not change for the better. ¡°Is that what you are supposed to say? Forget it. I suppose there¡¯s no way that I can make you understand in this life.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you must study hard. Principal, teacher, you have seen what happened today. Nan Nan is really innocent. She was implicated by others. I hope what happened today will not affect her studies. I am sorry.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang gave a deep bow to Principal Meng and Teacher Liu. Since what happenedst time, this was the second time he bowed to them.

    The school did not owe them anything, yet they had created troubles twice for the school. He owed the principal and the teacher an apology.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to...¡± Principal Meng sighed. He did not know what to say. It just so happened that Qiao Dongliang had such foolish and troublesome wife and elder daughter. He supposed Qiao Nan inherited all the good genes in the Qiao family. Apart from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang seemed to be the only one in the Qiao family who was sane.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Both of you should go back. Qiao Nan, you and Zhu Baoguo should go back to the ssroom to revise and finish your assignments. I suppose several ss representatives are waiting for you. As for Zhai Sheng, I will give him a call to tell him about the situation and that we do not need the handwriting expert anymore.¡± Teacher Liu was enraged by what happened today.

    Luckily, his own students were not at fault today. The students from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were the ones who stirred up the trouble. Otherwise, he might be so mad that he would end up in the hospital.

    ¡°Principal, Teacher Liu, we will go back first.¡± Qiao Nan looked at Teacher Liu in doubts. She opened her mouth to say something.

    But given the situation now, it did not seem suitable to ask about Zhai Sheng. She could only leave with Zhu Baoguo.

    Since Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo had left, Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin must leave the office as well. Principal Meng could no longer stand the sight of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what do we do now? Zijin is so scared that she dares not go back to school, but she has to go back and continue her studies. There is still one more year before she will graduate.¡± Ding Jiayi could not help but ask as soon as they were at the gate of Ping Cheng High School. ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll think of a solution. I just don¡¯t understand. It is only a small matter. Why must the teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and Ping Cheng High School kick up such a big fuss and made it known to the principals of the two schools? Are they foolish?¡±

    The fewer the people who knew about this incident, it would be easier for her to settle the problem. She might be able to cover up everything by spending some money and buying them some gifts.

    But the principals of both schools knew about what happened. At the thought of the amount of money that she spent to send Qiao Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China two years ago, she was worried that she might need to spend even more money to cover up for this incident today.

    Qiao Dongliang, who stood in the dark and thus had his expression hidden from Ding Jiayi, stopped in his tracks. He turned and gave a tight p each to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    The mother and daughter earned a p to their faces.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were in a daze. Ding Jiayi raised her voice. ¡°How dare you hit me? You¡¯re so useless! You could do nothing when Qiao Zijin is in trouble and yet you had the audacity to hit me! You are so useless! You shouldn¡¯t have married nor had daughters!!¡±

 Chapter 424 - French Windows That Were Larger Than Doors

    <h4>Chapter 424: French Windows That Were Larger Than Doors</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Y-you have ruined our lives!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had never been pped by Qiao Dongliang, covered the left side of her face that was pped. She pursed her lips and cried silently.

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t ruined your lives. At least, you still have the rest of your life to find a man who will be able to improve your life.¡± Qiao Dongliang continued in a low and sullen voice. ¡°We have been separated for more than half a year. In another year or so, we can get divorced. By that time, you can find a father that Zijin wants and a man that is up to your standards. Both of you are one worse than the other. Both of you are full of lies. I can¡¯t tell which are the truths and which are lies. Since both of you are so capable, you can think of a way by yourself. In the future, don¡¯te to me for help.¡±

    At the thought of how Qiao Zijin refused to admit her mistake despite the many times that he asked her, Qiao Dongliang was devastated. He felt as if he had fallen into the icy river in December. He felt cold to the bone.

    Not only had the elder daughter looked down on him, but she was also not truthful to him.

    To err is human. It was alright to make mistakes as long as one was willing to change.

    As long as Zijin was truthful to him and told him the truth, even if he had to kneel down and beg, he would find ways to get Zijin¡¯s principal to give her another chance and not to expel her because of what happened today.

    It was indeed wrong for students to cheat, but he had never heard of students being expelled as a result of that.

    To put it bluntly, the reasons why things became out of control was that everything happened all at once and that the principal from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was disgraced in front of the principal from Ping Cheng High School.

    As long as the principal and teacher were persuaded by reason and moved by emotion, what happened today would not end up like this and there would be a chance to turn around the situation.

    However, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had not thought of this, and even if Qiao Dongliang knew this, he was too disheartened to do anything more.

    It was only until today that Qiao Dongliang realized it was wrong of them to spend all their savings to send Qiao Zijin to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. She did not cherish the chance to study. Instead, she learned to cheat and scheme against her sister.

    Maybe it would be a better option for the elder daughter to leave The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China to study at another school.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need for you to crack wise. You don¡¯t need me anymore since you have Qiao Nan who is good in her studies. You pretended to be nice to me in the past. Alright, so you don¡¯t want me anymore, and only want Qiao Nan? It¡¯s fine with me! I don¡¯t want you anymore. Dad, let¡¯s wait and see! One day, I will prove to you that I am better than Qiao Nan and you will regret your decisions!¡±

    Qiao Zijin yelled and ran off.

    She never expected her father to add salt to the injury during her most difficult times.

    She hated Qiao Nan, her father, and her mother.

    It turned out that her mother had made a fuss at Ping Cheng High School and had left a bad impression on the principal. However, her mother refused to admit it and lied to her when she asked her about it.

    Because of this, she had been in an unfavorable position ever since she stepped into Ping Cheng High School.

    Qiao Nan was better in the studies than her, thus her father sided with Qiao Nan.

    People said that parents¡¯ love was the greatest love in the world. It was all lies. Her parents were not truly good to her. They only thought about themselves. She had no need for this kind of parents!

    ¡°Zijin, Zijin, wait for me!¡± Ding Jiayi intended to lose her temper at Qiao Zijin to make Qiao Dongliang feel sorry for his daughter and promise to solve the problem for her. She was at a loss when Qiao Zijin ran off by herself, and could only chase after her right away.

    It was already eight o¡¯clock at night and the sky was dark. Ding Jiayi was worried about Zijin¡¯s safety. She could not let her go off by herself in the middle of the night.

    She could not care about Qiao Dongliang and ran off after Qiao Zijin.

    After Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Dongliang stood at the same spot for about half an hour. As time passed, he could not help but squat down and cry.

    This time, he was really disheartened and had given up on Qiao Zijin. All this while, everyone in the family was clear about who he sided with and pampered on more.

    Just like what Old Yang said, Zijin was an ingrate. He did not want to use such harsh words on his elder daughter, but whatever she did and said left him in utter despair.

    He did not understand why the elder daughter would be like this.

    Luckily, it waste at night and there was nobody on the street. Otherwise, it would look bad on him to cry on the street.

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea how long he had been crying. By the time he stopped crying, his legs were numb. He wiped the tears on his face. In his life, the one time that he cried was when his parents passed away. He did not expect that the next time he cried would be in such a situation. It was too ironic.

    Qiao Dongliang went back home and sat dazedly on the bed for a long time until two o¡¯clock in the middle of the night.

    It was deep in the night and the air was still. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sigh of sorrow could be heard in the night.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body felt cold to the touch. He took off his shoes and plopped down on the bed, covering himself with the nket and going to sleep.

    It was already the next day noontime when he came back to his senses.

    Qiao Nan who was at school had no time to worry about Qiao Dongliang. The next morning, she found an excuse and went to Teacher Liu¡¯s office. ¡°Teacher Liu, I have something to ask you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Teacher Liu looked at Qiao Nan patiently.

    ¡°Last time, when my mother created a fuss at the school and the matter was resolved quickly, did Brother Zhai have anything to do with it?¡± Qiao Nan asked carefully and tentatively.

    ¡°It turns out that you do know Zhai Sheng and is quite close to him.¡± Teacher Liu smiled and said, ¡°Our family is rted to his family. He was the one who offered helpst time. It was thanks to him for sending someone with the information about your family that the principal believed you and resolved the matter. Otherwise, the principal might have believed your mother¡¯s words and mistaken you for an ill-natured child. Qiao Nan, the most important thing right now is to study hard and put other things aside. Your father is someone who listens to reason. He will handle your family¡¯s affairs well. Everything will be alright.¡±

    Zhai Sheng would be there to help her when she was in serious trouble, and Qiao Dongliang would be able to help her with the family¡¯s affairs.

    God might have closed a door, but it opened two more windows for her.

    At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s identity, Teacher Liu curled the corners of his lips. If one viewed Zhai Sheng as a ¡®window¡¯, then he must be those French windows that were so much bigger than the door!

 Chapter 425 - Phoned Someone for Help

    <h4>Chapter 425: Phoned Someone for Help</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. It turned out that as early asst year, even before they went into a rtionship, Brother Zhai had already done so many things for her and she was clueless.

    ¡°Go back and study hard. You must not let those people who are good to you down.¡± Teacher Liu had high hopes for Qiao Nan. He had taught many students over the years and Qiao Nan was one of the few female students who managed to maintain her standard even after she entered high school.

    Teacher Liu was a mathematics teacher and Qiao Nan was good in mathematics.

    In fact, Teacher Liu hoped that Qiao Nan would choose the science course. In that case, he would be able to continue to teach her.

    However, Qiao Nan performed just as well in her humanities subjects. As such, she would also do well in the humanities course.

    In the end, Teacher Liu had to forsake such a good student like Qiao Nan. After all, she preferred humanities and so he agreed for her to choose ording to her preferences.

    Otherwise, most teachers would not let go of such a good student like Qiao Nan.

    In two years¡¯ time, his ss might be able to produce a top student in the college entrance examination. It was a pity that she chose another ss in her second year. Most teachers would find this situation unbearable.

    ¡°Goodbye, Teacher Liu.¡± Qiao Nan left Teacher Liu¡¯s office, but she did not return to the ssroom right away. Instead, she went straight to the telephone booth to make a phone call to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Nan knew best about what was going through Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind regarding Qiao Zijin¡¯s incident.

    Yesterday, Qiao Zijin lied to Qiao Dongliang in front of so many people. He must be devastated.

    Qiao Nan could do nothing but console andfort him.

    It was during this time that Qiao Nan was especially thankful to Zhu Chengqi for giving them a phone to be used at home. If not for him, she would not be able to phone her father to check on how he was doing.

    The phone rang a couple of times, but nobody picked up the phone.

    Qiao Nan frowned. Could her father have been out to work?

    After what Qiao Zijin did, her father must be very upset. How could he have woken up early in the morning to go to work?

    Just when she was about to try calling again, the school bell rang.

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to take out the telephone card and returned to her ssroom.

    It was only until noon that Qiao Nan had the chance to make use of the noon break to call Qiao Dongliang.

    After ringing for a couple of times, the call was finally connected. ¡°Hello, Dad, how are you? I guess you... didn¡¯t go to work today?¡±

    Her father would usually have his lunch at the factory. Since he picked up her phone call, he must have stayed at home today.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t go. I took a day off today.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice sounded hoarse, like a broken drum.

    ¡°Dad, did you catch a cold?¡±

    ¡°I guess so.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen a doctor?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just need some rest.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice sounded weak. He did not want to do anything right now.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Dad, there is a lot of cold medicine in the drawer in my room. You should take the medicine.¡±

    ¡°No need. I felt much better when I got up today.¡± Qiao Dongliang had no wish to take medicine. More importantly, there was no hot water at home. He did not boil any water at all.

    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t I take a leave of absence this afternoon to check on you? Our house is very near to the school. It will only take an hour¡¯s time to travel to and fro. I can take a half-day leave and I will be able to make it back to school for the self-study session in the evening.¡± As expected, her father had fallen sick because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s incident.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. There is cold medicine at home. There is no need to have those in your room. I will take the medicine.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. With his younger daughter around, there was no way that he could bezy.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang had cold medicine with a cup of water that had not been boiled.

    He did not hang up the phone while he had the medicine. He spoke into the receiver, ¡°I have taken the medicine. Can you rest assured now?¡±

    ¡°Alright. Dad, have a good rest these two days. Don¡¯t forget to apply for sick leave with the factory.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will.¡± Qiao Dongliang curled his lips, forming a smile. He had been in low spirits until just now.

    One of his daughters despised him andined that he was useless. However, there was another daughter who cared for him. He was not left with nothing after all.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, is Uncle Qiao alright?¡± Zhu Baoguo asked as soon as Qiao Nan sat down beside him. ¡°Was Uncle Qiao affected by what happened yesterday?¡± Zhu Baoguo could not understand. Qiao Zijin was so ill-natured, yet why would Qiao Dongliang be so concerned with her affairs and ask for trouble for himself?

    Xiao Qiao was so much better.

    Children were valued for their quality, not their number. Uncle Qiao should be contented with Xiao Qiao. Qiao Zijin was ill-natured. He should not bother about her. He could not understand why Uncle Qiao would trouble himself with her problems.

    ¡°Of course. My dad¡¯s bark is worse than his bite. He still cares a lot for Qiao Zijin. Yesterday, my dad asked Qiao Zijin several times whether she was guilty, but she denied it. My dad must be heartbroken that his daughter lied to him. Forget it. You won¡¯t understand how my dad feels. When you be a father, you will understand his feelings.¡±

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± Zhu Baoguo felt unfair.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°I have never been a mother, how would I understand?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo blushed. ¡°When we grow up and be parents, we will understand what it¡¯s like sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better not to understand,¡± Qiao Nan said unhappily. To understand her father¡¯s feelings, one must have children like Qiao Zijin who was good for nothing, yet yearned for things that were beyond one¡¯s reach, whereas oneself was not capable and could not do much for the children. ¡°Alright, enough of this. Even though mid-term exams have just finished, we still have a lot of homework today. We must continue to work hard.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not like Qiao Dongliang. Afterst night, Qiao Nanpletely ignored Qiao Zijin and did not bother herself with her.

    It would have to depend on her luck as to whether she could remain unscathed from yesterday¡¯s incident.

    But after such things happened, it was difficult for Qiao Zijin to escape punishment.

    On the night after Qiao Zijin was pped by Qiao Dongliang, the former lost her temper and ran back to the Qiao family residence at the quad.

    What Sun Lei said was a great blow to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang had made it clear that he would not be able to help her. She did not have any hopes for Ding Jiayi to help her. The only person she could think of was Wang Yang.

    Qiao Zijin tried calling Wang Yang using public telephone multiple times, but nobody picked up the phone. Even though the call was connected several times, it was the auntie that the Wang family hired who answered the phone. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s you again. I have already told you that Wang Yang is at school now and he will only be back on the next weekend.¡±

 Chapter 426 - The Schoolâ€™s Decision

    <h4>Chapter 426: The School¡¯s Decision</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t call again. The phone keeps ringing and it¡¯s very noisy. Besides, can¡¯t you see what time it is now? Do you wish to wake everyone in our house up?¡±

    Toward the end of the conversation, upon receiving a hint from Wang Yang, the auntie simply pulled off the telephone¡¯s wire.

    In that case, even if Qiao Zijin was determined to call the Wang family, she would not be able to do so.

    ¡°Hello? Hello?¡± When she heard a beeping sound, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She shouted into the phone that was hung up. ¡°You¡¯re just a nanny that the Wang family spent money to hire! Are you fit to be so snobbish in front of me? Wang Yang calls me his elder sister! When I have the ability in the future, I will definitely fire you from the Wang family!¡±

    Qiao Zijin refused to give up and continued to dial the same number. She used all her strength each time she dialed as if she was trying to break the buttons. ¡°Hello? Hello? Why can¡¯t it go through now?¡±

    The sound between a phone call that was not picked up and a line that was cut off was different. Of course, Qiao Zijin realized it and she nearly smashed the public phone upon the realization.

    ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s already sote. Let¡¯s go back. It¡¯s almost ten o¡¯clock. The Wang family must have gone to sleep. Didn¡¯t the nanny in the Wang family say that Wang Yang has gone to the school? Why don¡¯t we look for Wang Yang at his school tomorrow? But then again, will Wang Yang help you in this matter?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had been apanying Qiao Zijin all this while when she was making the phone calls.

    The money Qiao Zijin used to make the calls were all from Ding Jiayi¡¯s pocket.

    ¡°Is Wang Yang¡¯s school one that I can enter as I wish?¡± Qiao Zijin was so frustrated that she mmed and hung up the phone. ¡°Mom, tell me honestly. Before this happened, did you go to Ping Cheng High School? What did you do there?!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do much. At most, I spoke some truth.¡± Ding Jiayi felt a little guilty.

    This topic had been raised up several times this evening. Although Ding Jiayi still failed to realize how her previous words had offended the principal of Ping Cheng High School, Ding Jiayi dared not bring this matter up when Qiao Zijin asked about it.

    ¡°Mom, do you know that you¡¯ll cause me trouble by doing that?¡± Qiao Zijin cried uncontrobly. ¡°The principal of my school has always been at odds with that Principal Meng, particrly because of Qiao Nan. You don¡¯t know that my form teacher has been giving me cold looks. In every examination, Qiao Nan scored better than the students in our first-year cohort. The principal and teachers in my school were certain that Qiao Nan did note to my school because of me. I... I¡¯ve been so wronged!¡±

    ¡°This time, our Principal Wei was so embarrassed in front of Principal Meng. Won¡¯t he detest me even more? Mom, do you wish to see me die? You actually created such huge trouble at Ping Cheng High School. If you didn¡¯t do that, would Principal Meng catch the chance to step on Principal Wei? Because of what you did, Principal Meng grabbed this chance to sneer at us all! When Principal Wei is angry, he will put all the responsibility and me on me. You! Tell me what I should do!¡±

    ¡°Is... is it really so serious?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned. ¡°I... I really did not say much. Whatever I said was the truth. If not for Qiao Nan, would your dad be separated from me? Given our family¡¯s situation, it¡¯s not possible to support two college students. Qiao Nan insisted to continue her studies. Wasn¡¯t she tiring us to death? Zijin, tell me. Which of my words were untrue? Which parts of it were false?¡±

    At the very most, when she said all those on that day, she had exaggerated a notch. Nevertheless, this would not change the fact of the matter.

    ¡°Mom, tell me honestly. Was it during that period that Dad moved out for the second time all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Your dad was too petty. I only voiced out some gossip in Ping Cheng High School. He brought Qiao Nan and moved house without informing me. I even caught a cold because of this. If your dad did not do all these and broke my heart, why would I agree to divorce with him in two years?¡±

    In Old Qiao¡¯s heart, there was only the wretched girl now. He had already forgotten his wife long ago.

    She married a husband that did not dote on her at all. There was no happiness even if they were to continue with such a marriage.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re truly my good mother!¡± Qiao Zijin continuously stomped her feet hard. ¡°I¡¯ve asked you a few times before and you wouldn¡¯t tell me. If I had known about this matter earlier, I certainly would not have let this evening¡¯s matter escte!¡±

    After giving Ding Jiayi a scolding, Qiao Zijin then ran home and locked herself in her bedroom. She refused to let Ding Jiayi enter her room.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. What wrong did Mom do? Tell me. Won¡¯t it do if Mom changes? Mom really doesn¡¯t know what Mom did wrong.¡± Ping Cheng High School mocked her. Qiao Dongliang moved house heartlessly. Now, Qiao Zijin also wanted to me her.

    Ding Jiayi, who was at a loss of what to do, grabbed her hair and squatted down, looking extremely miserable. Even if Ping Cheng High School¡¯s principal wished to protect his student, he could not do it in that way. She did not even have the right to voice out her opinions?

    Qiao Zijin cried for an entire night in her bedroom. Ding Jiayi was so scared that she dared not leave Qiao Zijin. She squatted by the door of Qiao Zijin¡¯s bedroom for the whole night.

    The next morning, the small retail stall with a public phone in the quad shouted at the small courtyard of the Qiao family¡¯s house. ¡°Is Ding Jiayi at home? Your daughter¡¯s school called. Quicklye and pick up the phone.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi heard of it, she had a big fright.

    Ding Jiayi, who just woke up, waspletely confused. She had forgotten that she had squatted for the entire night. She wanted to go and receive the phone call but her legs were already numb beyond her control. Ding Jiayi, who was not prepared, fell onto the floor with a loud bang. Her teeth even bit onto her bottom lip when she fell. There was blood all over her mouth and she looked terrible.

    Ding Jiayi was in so much pain that tears started rolling down from her eyes. ¡°Zijin, quicklye and help me up.¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had a shock at the same time, jumped at the sight of blood on Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth. ¡°Mom, what happened to you?¡±

    However, at the thought of the phone call from the school, Qiao Zijin withdrew the hand that she reached out to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, stand up yourself and wash your wound with water. I¡¯m going to take the call.¡± Having that said, Qiao Zijin put on a jacket and ran out with nary a care about Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition. ¡°Thank you, Auntie.¡±

 Chapter 427 - Perish Together

    <h4>Chapter 427: Perish Together</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon receiving the phone, Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. Her hoarse voice said softly, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Is this Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother, Ding Jiayi?¡±

    At the sound of a stranger, Qiao Zijin felt a little guilty as she mumbled, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Hi, good day. I am the dean of students of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. There¡¯s a situation in the school that we need to reflect and report to you. Qiao Zijin has been studying at our school for three and a half semesters. However, her performance is very poor and she also likes to resort to deception. We have investigated and found that Qiao Zijin had really cheated in her examinations while she was studying here. She had flouted the school¡¯s regtions. Secondly, we had lessons yesterday, but Qiao Zijin skipped her ss without a valid reason. She did not return to the school for the entire night. This had also seriously flouted the school¡¯s rules and disciplinary policy. We¡¯ve not had such a bad student like Qiao Zijin, who refused to change after several teachings, in more than ten years. ordingly, our school would like to formally notify you that Qiao Zijin, this student, has been expelled from our school. I hope that you, as her parents, can quicklye to our school to settle some administrative matters. Please take away all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s personal belongings as well. Thank you for your cooperation.¡±

    Without waiting for a response from the student¡¯s parent, the dean of students hung the phone up swiftly.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes turned still. The school really expelled her. After settling the administrative matters of leaving the school, she would not be a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China anymore?

    ¡°Hey?¡± The auntie from the small retail stall looked at Qiao Zijin strangely. She ced her ears close to the phone and heard the beeping sound. ¡°Zijin, your teacher has already hung up. Oh, right, wasn¡¯t your school looking for your mom? Why did you pick up the phone instead? You also didn¡¯t go to school yesterday. Why are you still at home? Did your school call to urge you to go to school?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth and tongue were so stiff that she did not know how to talk anymore. She went home looking stiff and frozen.

    Ding Jiayi, who was cleaning her wound that was still bleeding, looked pale. ¡°Zijin, why did your school call?¡±

    ¡°Ruined. I¡¯mpletely ruined by you now. Are you satisfied now? Are you happy!¡± Qiao Zijin vented her frustration at Ding Jiayi. ¡°The school just called to ask me to leave the school. They said that I¡¯m no longer a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Now, even graduating from senior high school is an issue to me, not to mention going to college!¡±

    If the people in the quad knew about her situation, would she still be able to step out of her house in the future? She would definitely be aughingstock in the whole quad!

    From today onward, the people in the quad wouldbel her. She would not be able to win against Qiao Nan in her entire life!

    ¡°How did that happen?¡± Ding Jiayi waspletely stupefied. Perhaps she was scared out of her wits, causing the blood cirction in her body to slow down and her wound to stop bleeding. ¡°How could they expel you so casually like that? Is there really no room for negotiation? You must know that you went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China because of Elder Lee¡¯s help.¡±

    Didn¡¯t the school take Elder Lee into consideration when they expelled Zijin?

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the school had already consulted Elder Lee before expelling me. Both of us know how much Elder Zhu likes Qiao Nan. Zhu Baoguo was pulled out of dire straits by Qiao Nan. For the sake of Qiao Nan, Elder Lee will not allow me to continue to be a student in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡± Qiao Zijin sneered.

    This world was so unfair. When Qiao Nan was in her mother¡¯s tummy, her parents doted very much on Qiao Nan and neglected her. They left all the good things, be it food, clothing, or toys, to Qiao Nan.

    Now, everyone that she wanted to be associated with was so good to Qiao Nan. All of them humiliated her for the sake of Qiao Nan.

    How could she not hate Qiao Nan? How could not use all ways and means to step on Qiao Nan for her own progress?

    However, at this juncture, Qiao Zijin, who was all alone and had lost all help avable, was faced with a miserable situation, being unable to continue with her studies. Besides crying, Qiao Zijin did not know what else she could do. ¡°Mom, I feel so desperate and hopeless. I will definitely be aughingstock in the quad. I¡¯ve been expelled. How am I going to face others in the future? I couldn¡¯t even graduate from senior high school. How could I find a man with a good family background to be my husband? Who would take a liking to me? Mom, I don¡¯t wish to live anymore. I might as well die. It is too painful to live.¡±

    She had worked so hard and put in so much effort. Why couldn¡¯t she achieve anything that she wanted? On the contrary, Qiao Nan could easily achieve everything.

    Was her existence in this world a mere predestined heavenly will, forcing her to apany Qiao Nan so as she could realize how unfortunate she was?

    ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re scaring Mom. No, there won¡¯t be any problem. You will definitely be able to continue with your studies. You¡¯ll not only graduate from senior high school but also college. Mom... Mom will find a way for you.¡± As she said that, Ding Jiayi also cried.

    What would be the next steps given the current situation?

    ¡°Zijin, why don¡¯t we turn back and beg your dad? He knows a lot of people. It will be easier for him to seek help. If not... How about I go and beg the wretched girl? I can kneel down to her, as long as she will let you off.¡± Ding Jiayi ground her teeth. Zijin became so miserable all because of that wretched girl.

    As long as that wretched girl was willing to let Zijin off and give her a chance, it was fine for her to go on her knees.

    ¡°Right, Mom. Go and beg Qiao Nan. Go and kneel down before Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t go into Ping Cheng High School. Just kneel down at the entrance of Ping Cheng High School. Don¡¯t wipe away the blood on your mouth. Let it continue to drip. As you kneel down at the entrance, you just need to cry and beg Qiao Nan. You also have to kowtow! You definitely have to kowtow. It¡¯ll be best if you hurt your head when kowtowing!¡±

    Qiao Zijin had a vicious and crazy look in her eyes.

    If she could not continue with her studies, Qiao Nan could forget about being an outstanding student too!

    Although Ping Cheng High School could not bear to expel Qiao Nan, the biological mother had to kneel down, kowtow, cry, and beg her.

    She did not believe Qiao Nan could still continue to study at Ping Cheng High School afterward!

    She would like to see whether Ping Cheng High School was willing to sacrifice the reputation of the school in exchange for an individual, Qiao Nan!

    She could not be a student of a prominent school, and neither should Qiao Nan.

    Deprived of education?

    Fine. Then, everyone would be deprived of education. Qiao Nan could forget about having all the good things for herself or basking in glory as she watched her, the elder sister, cry miserably!

    ¡°Zijin, didn¡¯t you say that it¡¯s wrong for Mom to do that? That I¡¯ll be creating trouble for you? It¡¯s broad daylight...¡± She had to kneel down, cry, and kowtow. As a normal person with virtues, Ding Jiayi could not ept such a situation even just thinking about it. ¡°Will this help you in any way? Will the school take you in as their student again and not dismiss you after Mom does all these?¡±

 Chapter 428 - All of Them Have Gone Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 428: All of Them Have Gone Crazy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If that was the case, then perhaps, she could consider changing the behavior a little and carry it out.

    ¡°Not possible. No matter who we beg now, the school will not take me in as their student anymore. Mom, you really dote on me, right? You will certainly help me, right? You definitely can¡¯t bear to look at me suffer in pain, right?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes looked bewildered and deranged. She was certainly not in the correct state of mind. She was like a mad woman.

    ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s wrong with you? Don¡¯t frighten Mom.¡± What was the point of doing all these if it could not make the school ept Zijin as a student again?

    ¡°Hahaha! Qiao Nan harmed me. She has always wanted to harm me. I can¡¯t let her lead a good life. We¡¯ll all perish together. She made me lose my education. I must let her be in the same plight as me! Everyone will stop studying, then. Qiao Nan is so heartless to me... So heartless!! I¡¯m her biological sister, but she did this to me nheless! Is she still a human? Since she¡¯s heartless, I must be more heartless than her! Hahaha!!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had suffered a great blow, was already incoherent in her speech.

    At this moment, the world was hopeless and dark to Qiao Zijin.

    In the realm of darkness, she only thought of one matter, and that was to drag whoever she could hold onto to sink with her in this bottomless abyss.

    ¡°Zijin, do we have to do this? Is there a point in doing this?¡± Ding Jiayi hugged Qiao Zijin tightly. She was in a panic and confused state. However, she could not agree with what Qiao Zijin said.

    ¡°Mom, you won¡¯t help me? I¡¯m in so much pain. I¡¯m so miserable. You said you love me, yet you refuse to help me?! I don¡¯t wish to live anymore. Dad doesn¡¯t love me, and neither do you. All of you are biased toward Qiao Nan! Since that¡¯s the case, why did you give birth to me in the past? I¡¯ll go and die. When I¡¯m dead, you¡¯ll have Qiao Nan as your only daughter. You all can then be good to Qiao Nan wholeheartedly. In this way, you all will be satisfied, won¡¯t you?! You all will be happy, won¡¯t you?!¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were staring straight, looking determined and vicious.

    Qiao Zijin did not seem to be all talk and no action. She pushed Ding Jiayi away and then knocked her head against the wall. The sound of banging made the ears hurt.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t... don¡¯t frighten Mom... Fine, as long as you¡¯re happy, Mom will do whatever you ask me to. How could Mom not love you? How would I not want you? Those words of yours pierced my heart...¡± Ding Jiayi cried uncontrobly.

    She did not understand why the situation turned out this way after just one short night. Now, Zijin even threatened to end her life. Clearly, all was fine before yesterday.

    Upon hearing what Ding Jiayi said, Qiao Zijin stopped her self-torturing behavior immediately.

    It was just that her forehead, which was considered quite fair, was already swollen and bruised the moment she stopped. ¡°Mom, you can¡¯t back out on what you have promised me. Go now. Go immediately. You also have to change your clothes. You have to wear shabbily and mess up your hair. Make yourself look as miserable as you can. Hurry, hurry and go.¡±

    ¡°Fine, Mom will do that now.¡± Ding Jiayi was really frightened out of her wits by Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin finally stopped knocking her head against the wall, and Ding Jiayi dared not refuse to listen to Qiao Zijin¡¯s bidding. She turned and went to her bedroom to change.

    Yesterday, Ding Jiayi was invited to the school via a phone call by the teacher in Qiao Zijin¡¯s school. To give Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, Ding Jiayi dressed her best.

    For the sake of Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi searched high and low and took out the oldest and most shabby clothes that were tucked under her luggage.

    When she heard Ding Jiayi searching high and low in her room, Qiao Zijin, who had been behaving like a mad demon and sitting on the floor in a foolish manner, had a sh of cold and sinister light in her eyes.

    Qiao Nan was the one who forced her to do this.

    If she really could not continue to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and other schools would not ept her, it would be hard for her to have any sess in this society without any educational qualifications.

    In the time toe, no matter how much her mother liked her and hated Qiao Nan, her mother would eventually give up on her. Her mother would be gradually bewitched by Qiao Nan who graduated from a prominent school and was full of glory.

    Even if her parents were failures, and she did not care much about them, but all things or humans that belonged to her... She would not let Qiao Nan benefit even if she did not want them! She would rather throw them away!

    She could no longer continue with her studies. When Qiao Nan was in the same plight as her and could only take manual jobs to earn money with low education, she did not believe that her parents would still favor Qiao Nan.

    At the very least, she would be on the same runway as Qiao Nan. She could still turn the tides and surpass Qiao Nan.

    She could only quit school and stay at home whereas Qiao Nan could study at a prominent senior high school and even a reputable college. Qiao Nan wished to leave her behind and surpass her so much?

    Dream on!

    Qiao Nan could forget about having such a day!

    ording to Qiao Zijin¡¯s request, Ding Jiayi spent half an hours¡¯ time and really dressed herself as a female beggar.

    Ding Jiayi tugged at her clothes in an uneasy manner. ¡°Zijin, do you think this looks fine?¡±

    Qiao Zijin lifted her head and looked at Ding Jiayi coldly. ¡°It should be fine. Mom, remember what I told you just now. You must do it. You must think of a way to let Qiao Nan be like me and can¡¯t continue with her studies. Mom, if you can¡¯t do it, I will die. I will really die for you to see!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t, Zijin, don¡¯t scare Mom. Isn¡¯t it just quitting studies? It¡¯s no big deal. Don¡¯t worry. Mom will do what you told me to. Mom never wanted Qiao Nan to continue with her studies ever since two years ago. To Mom, you¡¯re the most important. Zijin, you must live on well.¡±

    If the principal of Ping Cheng High School also covered up for Qiao Nan like he did previously, then... then she would directly beg Qiao Nan! If Qiao Nan refused, she would threaten to die before Qiao Nan. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would let Qiao Zijin and her die before her no matter how cold-blooded she was.

    If the lives of her two next-of-kin were in her hands and Qiao Nan still refused to give up her studies, Qiao Nan would definitely be drowned by other¡¯s gossip when she stepped out of home henceforth.

    ¡°Mom, I only have you now. I¡¯m really left with you. You can¡¯t lie to me. You have to help me.¡± Hugging Ding Jiayi tightly, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face that was leaning onto Ding Jiayi¡¯s shoulder looked sinister and gloomy.

    ¡°Sure, who will help you if Mom doesn¡¯t? There¡¯s no other person in this world that Mom wants to help. You... just wait. Mom will definitely do it.¡±

    ¡°Mom, take this along.¡± Qiao Zijin ground her teeth. Either she did not do it or did it all the way. She wanted Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation to be worse than that of hers.

    Having that said, Qiao Zijin passed a small and sharp knife that was used for sharpening pencils to Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin had been grabbing this in her hands all this while. ¡°If Qiao Nan refuses, you know what to do. You just have to sh your hands with this a couple of times casually. You don¡¯t need to use too much strength. The people in Ping Cheng High School will not dare to hold you back. Qiao Nan will also be scared of you.¡±

 Chapter 429 - Zhai Sheng Took Action

    <h4>Chapter 429: Zhai Sheng Took Action</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi shivered badly. Did they have to go to this extent?

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi still did not take the small knife, Qiao Zijin stubbornly forced it into her hands. ¡°Mom, do you remember what I said?¡±

    ¡°R-Remember.¡± Ding Jiayi broke out in a cold sweat. She did not know if this cold sweat was for her own sake or Qiao Nan¡¯s, who was at school.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had suffered a great blow, had been in a deep slumber the whole morning. He even caught a cold. Besides going to school, Qiao Nan ced all her attention on caring for Qiao Dongliang.

    It never came to the father and daughter¡¯s minds that Qiao Zijin, who was dismissed by the school, would be crazy enough to want to drag Qiao Nan to the grave with her.

    ¡°Zijin, are you at home? It¡¯s your family¡¯s phone call again.¡±

    The voice of the auntie from the small retail stall shocked the mother-daughter pair. Ding Jiayi was so frightened that she dropped the small knife which Qiao Zijin forced into her hands. Qiao Zijin picked it up and forced it into Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands again. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not suitable for you to go out now. I¡¯ll go and answer it. Don¡¯t be anxious. We will discuss in detail again about what you need to do after you reach Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    It was either she did not do this at all or if she did, she had to do it sessfully. She had to make Qiao Nan end up in the same plight as her: to be expelled from school!

    ¡°Okay, sure. Then, you go and answer it.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands that were holding the knife shivered badly. At the sight of the back of Qiao Zijin, who was leaving, not knowing why, Ding Jiayi could sense a gush of coldness in her heart. Ding Jiayi quickly used her left hand to grab on her right one, which was shivering, to calm it down.

    Didn¡¯t Zijin say that she just needed to pretend? She was not reallymitting suicide. There was no need to fear.

    ¡°Zijin, what a busy day today. However, the person who called is a guy. Don¡¯t tell auntie that you¡¯re in love. You¡¯re already in the second year of senior high school. It¡¯s important to focus on your studies. Don¡¯t be like other youngdies who start dating at a young age instead of focusing on their studies,¡± the auntie from the small retail stall said affectionately. She sounded a little like a busybody but concerned nheless.

    Qiao Zijin forced a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t be involved in any romantic rtionship at a young age. I don¡¯t have a boyfriend either. You said that the person who called me is a guy. Did he say who he is? I don¡¯t even know who is calling me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s the case. Then, the two of you, go ahead.¡± The auntie sat down. She did not look at Qiao Zijin, but her ears stood up as she really wanted to know the contents of the conversation.

    ¡°Hello, who are you?¡± Qiao Zijin turned her body and lowered her voice.

    ¡°You are Qiao Zijin?¡± True enough, the voice of a man came from the other end of the phone. The other party had a nice voice. For a moment, Qiao Zijin felt slightly better. However, the voice was unfamiliar.

    Most importantly, the voice might be nice, but there was a hint of coldness in it. This made Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood, which just turned slightly better, worsened immediately.

    ¡°You called me despite not knowing who I am? I don¡¯t know you. Did you call the wrong number? I¡¯m hanging up!¡±

    ¡°It seems that you¡¯re really Qiao Zijin. You¡¯re already in dire straits, yet you still want to deal with Nan Nan and drag her down with you?¡± Listening to Qiao Zijin¡¯s short-tempered voice, the other party seemed to have guessed what was on Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind instantly, as if he had the ability to read minds.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Who are you? What nonsense are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Impossible. How did this man know? Even her mother had been taken in by her just now. Her mother really thought that she had gone crazy and wanted to die. That was why she agreed to go and harm Nan Nan in her panic.

    Regardless of how bad the situation was, Qiao Zijin was only clear of one matter, and that was to make Qiao Nan suffer the same plight as her, especially when her mother was still devoted to her.

    Although her mother said that she only loved and doted on her, once Qiao Nan managed to outdo her, within two years, her mother would also go to Qiao Nan just like her father. They would then only acknowledge Qiao Nan as their daughter.

    ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to tell me who you are, I¡¯m not interested to know either. I don¡¯t wish to waste my breath on you.¡± Who exactly was this man? Why was he so scary? He actually could read her mind.

    Impossible! It was impossible!

    ¡°You have already been dismissed from your school. Do you still wish to continue with your senior high school studies and go to college in the future?¡± The other party snorted without care. Hepletely saw through Qiao Zijin¡¯s guilt and fear. This woman clearly refused to bend until she was faced with the grim reality. If it was not against thew to kill someone, there was no need for such a person to live on.

    ¡°You... Who exactly are you?!¡± Qiao Zijin started to tremble. She could not even control her teeth from chattering. A chattering sound could be heard from her mouth.

    Zhai Sheng, who was making this call in the army, mmed the table impatiently. ¡°Let me ask you. Do you want or not want to?¡±

    Teacher Liu suddenly gave Zhai Sheng a call yesterday. Although he subsequently told Zhai Sheng not to be bothered with it anymore, how could Zhai Sheng feel at ease?

    During the two years, Zhai Sheng certainly knew that Qiao Zijin was someone who refused to give up before achieving her aims.

    Furthermore, Qiao Zijin most probably did not intend to plot against Nan Nan on this asion, but coincidentally, all the matters were exposed together and Qiao Zijin was the only one that was affected badly. How could Zhai Sheng believe that Qiao Zijin would let this matter rest?

    This morning, Zhai Sheng made a phone call to inquire about the decision made by The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    The school had a shock when they heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s call. They thought that Qiao Zijin was rted to Zhai Sheng and that they could not expel such a troublesome student.

    Only heaven knew. For this matter, Principal Wei was so furious that he had a sleepless night. He could not wait for morning to arrive. The next day, Principal Wei made a call to Elder Lee first thing in the morning even before having his breakfast.

    Qiao Zijin was introduced by Elder Lee into the school. If he really had to dismiss her, Principal Wei had to inform Elder Lee. It would be a problem if Elder Lee refused.

    Principal Wei did not expect that once he mentioned the situation to Elder Lee, thetter expressed immediately that he would definitely respect Principal Wei¡¯s and the school¡¯s decision.

    Once Elder Lee gave his blessings, Principal Wei immediately took action and asked the teacher in school to dismiss Qiao Zijin instantly!

    He had just settled Elder Lee and now came Zhai Sheng. When Principal Wei picked up Zhai Sheng¡¯s call, his heart crumbled.

    When he was certain that Zhai Sheng did not have the intention to help Qiao Zijin and was only trying to understand the situation, he realized that Zhai Sheng actually wanted to help Qiao Nan and not Qiao Zijin.

    At the thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, Zhai Sheng made the phone call as he did not feel at ease.

    Once Zhai Sheng heard Qiao Zijin, he was certain that his worries were not unfounded. Qiao Zijin was as annoying as a cockroach that he could not get rid of!

 Chapter 430 - Banned from Ping Cheng before High School Graduation

    <h4>Chapter 430: Banned from Ping Cheng before High School Graduation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Whether I wish to do so or not, what has it got to do with you?¡± Who exactly was this person? How did he know so much about her and even called her at this juncture? It was so coincidental.

    ¡°If you wish to, I can arrange a school for you. However, given your current situation, you will not be able to choose which high school it is. If you don¡¯t wish to, then...¡± Although Zhai Sheng did not wish for thetter to happen, he needed to consider about it.

    Qiao Zijin was so scared that she turned pale. ¡°You... Can you really help me find a school and allow me to continue with my studies? I know I can¡¯t choose but I will certainly not attend schools that are too lousy and messy.¡±

    Qiao Zijin understood herself well. She knew shecked self-control and discipline.

    If she attended a lousy school and went astray due to the influence of badpany, then she would only waste this opportunity.

    At the very least, with the transfer of school this time, she needed to have a quiet and conducive environment for studying.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed. ¡°But I have a request too. Before you graduate from high school, you must not return to Ping Cheng and neither can you look for your next-of-kin in Ping Cheng. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°You did all these to help Qiao Nan?¡± Qiao Zijin could not help but daringly voice out her guess.

    She was not allowed toe back to Ping Cheng to look for her rtives. That meant she could not meet her father or Qiao Nan.

    The voice of the man at the other end of the phone sounded very young. If her father knew such a capable friend, would she still be expelled from the school? Since he knew about her situation, he must have contacted her school.

    This man was neither her rtives nor friends, but he must be very capable. Otherwise, the teachers in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would not air their dirty linen in public and tell this man about her.

    Hence, there was only one reason why this man would make such arrangements, and that was to help Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You don¡¯t wish to coborate anymore?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice turned cold. He was not pleased that Qiao Zijin did not know her limitations.

    Qiao Zijin did not have a choice now.

    ¡°I agree!¡± Qiao Zijin was afraid that the man would change his mind and take back the only straw that she could clutch on now. She said anxiously, ¡°I agree. As long as you can let me continue with my studies in senior high school and take the college entrance exams, I agree to your terms. At the very least, I will not return to Ping Cheng before I graduate from senior high school. I will also not look for anyone in Ping Cheng including my family members. However, how will I know whether what you¡¯ve said is true and that you¡¯re not just trying to buy time?¡±

    Qiao Zijin grabbed the phone tightly, as if she was holding on to herst hope.

    ¡°Someone wille and fetch you all tomorrow to settle all the administrative matters and send you to the high school that you¡¯ll be studying at. I¡¯ve arranged amodation near the high school for you and even paid three months¡¯ rent. As for the subsequent tuition fees and rental expenses, you have to settle them yourself. Remember. Once you try anything funny, then the school will immediately strike your name off the school roll. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood...¡±

    When the beeping sound came from the other end of the phone, Qiao Zijin still had not regained her senses.

    She was already facing an impasse, yet another straw appeared for her to clutch on. Did this mean even heaven pitied her and gave her another path of life?

    ¡°Zijin, the person from the other end has hung up. What happened to you? You¡¯ve been acting silly today. Have you been studying too much?¡± The elder daughter of the Qiao family did not always do well in her studies, whereas the younger daughter¡¯s results had never been poor. Even if thetter did not like to talk, she had never seen her looking so silly and distracted.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Thank you.¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and hung up. She then returned home at her fastest speed.

    ¡°Zijin, do I really have to do this?¡± After Qiao Zijin finished her phone call, Ding Jiayi¡¯s pale face did not seem to have returned to its normal state.

    Although Ding Jiayi went to Ping Cheng High School and created a fuss before, not many people were present back then, and she also did not need to kneel and kowtow. Today, she even had to hurt herself. Ding Jiayi had never done such things.

    All this while, although Ding Jiayi was very unreasonable, it was always other people who suffered. She had never done anything that harmed herself.

    When she heard what Qiao Zijin said, how could Ding Jiayi not feel afraid?

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and smiled at Ding Jiayi.

    In the past, when she saw Qiao Zijin smiling, Ding Jiayi would happily follow suit and smile. However, today, Ding Jiayi did not feel happy. On the contrary, she shivered in fear as she was afraid of what scary words woulde out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth again.

    ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t need to do so anymore. Let¡¯s forget it. My heart will ache if you have to hurt yourself in order to create trouble for Qiao Nan. There¡¯s no such need. Mom, you don¡¯t need to go to Ping Cheng High School anymore. It¡¯s because I received a call from the school, telling me I¡¯m expelled, that I... I was too confused and affected. I was very saddened by it. But I¡¯m alright now. I¡¯ve already calmed down. Mom, please don¡¯t be angry with me. Everything¡¯s fine. There¡¯s no issue now.¡±

    ¡°Is it really fine? You don¡¯t want me to go anymore?¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin in a cautious and uneasy manner.

    Qiao Zijin smiled sweetly. ¡°Of course it¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Ding Jiayi heaved a sigh of huge relief. She could finally rx that frozen mind of hers. ¡°Then, Zijin, what should we do in the future? You can¡¯t continue to study in senior high school. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to look for a job?¡±

    The corners of Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth turned stiff. ¡°No, I won¡¯t work. I¡¯m still young and at a good age for studying. Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already thought of a way to resolve this problem. A friend wille to pick us up tomorrow and transfer me to another school. Mom, don¡¯t worry. I will not give up no matter what difficulty I face. I will move forward. I will persist until I am sessful one day.¡±

    ¡°Your friend? Wang Yang!¡± Wang Yang was willing to pick up Zijin¡¯s call and make arrangements for her?

    Qiao Zijin forced a smile. ¡°It has nothing to do with Wang Yang. Mom, do you think I have studied for nothing all this while? Besides Wang Yang, I also have other friends. Wang Yang, this brother, is entirely unreliable in this matter. It¡¯s someone else and you don¡¯t know who they are. This matter has been blown up. Most likely, the other high schools in Ping Cheng will not ept me as well. I am most concerned they will cut short my studies even if I attend other schools once these principals get together and happen to talk about me. In that case, Mom, I can only leave Ping Cheng and go to another high school to study. Mom, you will always keep mepany, right?¡±

 Chapter 431 - Asking for Too Much

    <h4>Chapter 431: Asking for Too Much</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The man who made the call obviously said ¡®you all¡¯, so her mother was definitely included.

    ¡°Of course, I will apany you. Who else can I apany other than you? You can¡¯t continue to study in Ping Cheng, but that¡¯s no issue. As long as you can continue your studies, nothing else is more important. Mom will be worried if you go on your own. Even if it¡¯s for studies, Mom is concerned as well.¡± Ding Jiayi smiled, knowing that Zijin was able to continue with her studies now. Hence, she no longer needed to create a fuss at Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Zijin, Mom knows that I¡¯m not wrong about you. You¡¯ll definitely be sessful in the future. When did you get to know such a capable friend at school? Why didn¡¯t you mention them before? Since your friend is so capable, why don¡¯t they find a way to let you continue studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? It¡¯s, of course, good to continue studying, but none of the schools are better than your current one. Furthermore, you have to transfer to another school in this case.¡±

    It would be the best oue if they could continue to stay in Ping Cheng and study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Asking for too much. This phrase was used to describe people like Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi, who regained her senses, had forgotten what Qiao Zijin had just forced her to do.

    Qiao Zijin smiled grimly. ¡°Mom, you really dared to wish for the sky. Even if my friend is capable, there¡¯s also a difference in capabilities. It¡¯s good enough that they can help us arrange aparable school and amodation. Yet, you still want them to help us remain in the same school?¡±

    ¡°That... They¡¯re truly capable if they could do that. But they could only arrange another school for you. Is that considered capable? It¡¯s not truly capable. They¡¯re only a little capable.¡± Ding Jiayi showed the tip of her small thumb, her tone full of mocking. Qiao Zijin ground her teeth angrily when she heard this.

    Her mother was good at boasting and spanking other¡¯s buttocks. Talking about this skill, no one was most likelyparable to her mother.

    However, when it came to ability, she was the one who thought of ideas and nned everything. At the very most, her mother would only obey her.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin did not feel that there was anything wrong when she heard Ding Jiayi talking in this manner to Qiao Nan.

    However, when Ding Jiayi used that same manner and thoughts on Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin was furious. Even the expression on her face when she looked at Ding Jiayi changed. But Ding Jiayi was too silly to notice this.

    ¡°Just one word. Are we leaving or not?!¡± Qiao Zijin had already shamelessly taken all the credit for this. Clearly, the person who made all the arrangements was Qiao Nan¡¯s friend, but she had packaged it as her friend.

    Clearly, that person did all these for the sake of Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin simply reced Qiao Nan with herself. She said it as though she had such a friend that truly meant well and spared great thoughts for her.

    ¡°Go, go, go. When do we leave?¡± Seeing Qiao Zijin red up, Ding Jiayi immediately restrained herself. Ding Jiayi was naturally able to tell from the look on Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°We¡¯ll leave tomorrow. Therefore, you have to pack quickly. I don¡¯t want us to still be packing when the person whom my friend sentes to pick us up, and thus make them wait.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we? The person hired by your friend is definitely of a lower status than them. Most likely, it¡¯s their chauffeur or someone who works for them. Since they¡¯re taking other people¡¯s sry, they, of course, have to do their jobs. What¡¯s wrong with waiting for us for a while? If he is diligent, he may even take the initiative to help us pack without us requesting for it, not to mention to wait for a while.¡±

    If that was the case, she could then ck a little.

    ¡°Mom, if you continue to be like this, I¡¯m going to be angry. He takes sry from others, but we¡¯re not the one giving him the sry. They¡¯re my friend, not my biological parents. If your attitude is too much and provokes my friend, causing them to refuse to help me then, you can be prepared to kneel down at the entrance of Ping Cheng High School!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t say... I won¡¯t say anymore. I¡¯ll go and pack now.¡± After being scolded by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi, who really deserved a beating earlier, did not dare to breathe a further word. She obediently and abidingly returned to her bedroom to pack and prepare everything. ¡°Zijin, are we really going to leave tomorrow? Did your friend tell you which high school you will be studying at? We¡¯re leaving. Should we leave a message for your dad?¡±

    ¡®No!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone was full of resentment. ¡°Anyway, Dad only acknowledges Qiao Nan. He¡¯s not concerned about my life or death. Why do we need to tell him? That friend of mine... I¡¯ve already said that they¡¯re my friend. They¡¯re willing to help me arrange a school. They¡¯ll definitely help and not harm me. Why are you asking so many questions? If you just wait until tomorrow, won¡¯t you know everything then?!¡±

    Ask, ask, ask, and ask! She wanted to ask too! But that man did not tell her anything. Did she have a choice?

    Qiao Nan was so fortunate. Everyone she knew was true to her.

    But it was strange. In Qiao Nan¡¯s circle of friends, who had the capability and ways to arrange a school for her and leave Ping Cheng?

    At the thought that she would not be able to return to Ping Cheng for over a year at the very least, Qiao Zijin felt very unwilling and unhappy.

    When she and her mother were not around during this period, Qiao Nan should feel very happy. She only hoped that Qiao Nan would not be too happy and simply forget about the existence of her mother and her. After all, she would still be back one day!

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s not leave a message then. In the future, you will be the decision-maker in this family. If you refuse to, we¡¯ll not do it then.¡± Ding Jiayi had decided. Zijin would not lie to her. It was also quite good that she could leave Ping Cheng. In case the matter at Zijin¡¯s school spread to others, she and Zijin would be embarrassed and be aughingstock in the quad.

    All the arrangements had been made. Hence, Ding Jiayi did not need to bring Qiao Zijin to school to settle the administrative matters for being dismissed. Even if Qiao Zijin did not help, Ding Jiayi managed to pack everything that was needed within half a day.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi did not wish to bring many things. At the very most, she only brought the clothing needed for the four seasons for both Qiao Zijin and her.

    ¡°Mom, why are there so little things?¡± Qiao Zijin was very dissatisfied when she saw only two small bags of items.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s and her father¡¯s belongings were already considered very little. When they moved away previously, their luggage was twice as much as that of today. Did her mother miss anything?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that your friend has already rented a ce for us to stay? I think things such as bed, nket, cutlery, and utensils must have been prepared. I won¡¯t bring so many things with me, in case I don¡¯t use them.¡± If there was a new set of furniture as well, then it was actually quite good that Zijin transferred school.

    She did not have to bring anything when she went there. On the contrary, when they came back, she would take everything the mother-daughter pair had used before.

    Zijin¡¯s friend did not have that much capability but could also be considered capable.

 Chapter 432 - They Had Really Moved Out

    <h4>Chapter 432: They Had Really Moved Out</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This kind of person did notck any money. They would definitely not keep the nkets and bowls used by others before.

    Since everyone was friends, it was not good to be wasteful. When that time came, she would definitely bring back everything and not let them go to waste.

    ¡°...¡± After knowing Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts, the more Qiao Zijin understood Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings during normal times. However, Qiao Nan deserved all the unfair treatment, but she did not.

    Without a word, Qiao Zijin went to Ding Jiayi¡¯s bedroom and carried the nket and mattress covers out. She threw them to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Fold and pack them.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Her n had been foiled. Ding Jiayi was not pleased. ¡°Zijin, that¡¯s your friend, not your husband. Why are you trying to help them save so much money? You don¡¯t know how to enjoy life. Will used nkets be better than new ones? Even if your friend may really be your husband in the future, you should also remember that you must not save money for a man. Spend whichever way you like. Don¡¯t indulge a man. I¡¯m the best example, having indulged your dad. If you don¡¯t spend a man¡¯s money, you¡¯re shortchanging yourself.¡±

    ¡°We can talk about all these in the future. That¡¯s just a friend and can only help me once. Mom, if you do this again, I¡¯m going to re up.¡± Qiao Zijin was having a bad headache. Her mother was of no help at all after so many things happened. Instead, she was adding on to her woes.

    It was no wonder that Qiao Nan and her father happily moved away one year ago. Being further away from her mother was really less trouble.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared mine. What about you?¡± Ding Jiayi had no choice. Her elder daughter¡¯s words were orders. How could she not abide?

    ¡°Your friend can¡¯t possibly have prepared only your share, right?¡± And nothing for her? If that was the case, could they still deny that they were wooing Zijin?

    Qiao Zijin was so annoyed. Her mother would not change no matter what she said. ¡°Tomorrow, my friend will be bringing me to school to settle the administrative matters for leaving school. I will definitely take away my belongings in school. I bought a nket at school when I started studying there. Of course, I have to bring those things away since I¡¯m not studying there anymore.¡±

    It was not that she did not need to bring her stuff. There was already one set in the school. It was thus not necessary to prepare another.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Ding Jiayi responded abidingly. This time, she really dared not say anything more.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were also afraid of onlookers in the quad questioning them when they saw them moving house. It was not convenient for them to answer. Hence, as agreed, both mother and daughter woke up early the next day. Qiao Zijin waited at the entrance of the quad early in the morning.

    When she saw a minivan that was quite newing, her sixth sense told her that this was the one. ¡°Qiao Zijin?¡± the chauffeur asked.

    ¡°Yes, my house is inside. There are quite a lot of things. You may have to wait a while.¡± Qiao Zijin dared to re up in front of Ding Jiayi but dared not try anything in front of this person.

    ¡°Sure, hurry up.¡± The chauffeur¡¯s attitude was indifferent. After giving a reply, he would rather stare at the streets and daze. He was not willing to say another word to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin ground her teeth, lowered her head, and abidingly left. She then helped Ding Jiayi shift their belongings and moved all of them out at the fastest speed. ¡°We can leave now.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. The administrative matters at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China have almost been settled. You just need to provide your signature when you¡¯re there. As for your belongings at school, your teachers have helped you pack them. Of course, if you¡¯re concerned, you can run through the items when you arriveter to check if there is anything missing.¡±

    The chauffeur told Qiao Zijin the situation as he drove.

    Qiao Zijin acknowledged softly with an ¡®okay¡¯. She could not help getting angry as she clenched her hands on her knees into fists.

    Her school was really realistic. They could not wait to sweep her out of the door and had even packed her things. Were they afraid that she would dawdle in school?

    It was just a senior high school. She did not believe that students from other schools would not be sessful in this world. After leaving The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she could also advance in life. She would enter a good college and find a good job.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands andforted her.

    That day, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi left Ping Cheng quietly and went to another town called Ling Cheng to live in.

    ¡°What? My wife moved out with Zijin? Are you sure?¡± After two nights, Qiao Dongliang finally regained his energy and senses. He received a phone call from a neighbor in his quad, telling him that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin brought their belongings and left in a car early in the morning. They also locked the entrance of the small courtyard from the outside. It was obvious that they would definitely note back within a short period.

    The neighbor sensed that something was amiss and gave Qiao Dongliang a call just in case. ¡°Oh, okay. I know. Thank you.¡±

    After hanging up the neighbor¡¯s call, Qiao Dongliang quickly searched for the phone number of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and rang them. ¡°Hello, good day. I¡¯m Qiao Zijin¡¯s father. Today, did my daughter... What? My daughter has left the school? Why did she leave? I¡¯m awfully sorry to have disturbed you. Goodbye.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang hung up the phone call, his heart thumping nonstop.

    Zijin was expelled from the school due to cheating.

    Zijin was not able to continue with her studies anymore. Then... Then, where did Ding Jiayi bring Zijin to? Where could they go?

    Qiao Dongliang, who was as anxious as a headless fly, was spinning around.

    ¡°Right, call Nan Nan!¡± At this juncture, Qiao Dongliang only had one next-of-kin, Qiao Nan, to discuss this with.

    After Qiao Nan finished her second lesson, she was called to the office by the form teacher who received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call. ¡°Hello, Dad, you called me at this hour. What happened?¡± When she was having lessons, her father would typically not call her.

    ¡°The neighbor said that your mom left with your sister early this morning. They even brought a lot of luggage with them. Nan Nan, tell me, where can your mom and sister possibly go? I just called The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. The teacher said that your sister has been expelled.¡±

    ¡°Are you certain?¡±

    ¡°Certain!¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be like this. You go back to the small courtyard first to see the situation. If the door is locked, get a locksmith. I¡¯ll call others to find out more. I¡¯ll let you know if there¡¯s an oue.¡±

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do that.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who now had some directions on what to do, sounded calmer. He hung up and rode his bicycle to the small courtyard of the Qiao family¡¯s house at his fastest speed.

    Seeing the main entrance tightly shut and the small courtyard without any human presence, tears welled up in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. He listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion and found a locksmith to open the door.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, can you allow me to make a phone call?¡±

 Chapter 433 - The Stress of Being a Soldierâ€™s Wife

    <h4>Chapter 433: The Stress of Being a Soldier¡¯s Wife</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, you can make a phone call here. I need to go and get something.¡± A sudden thought seemed to have urred in Teacher Liu¡¯s mind. He even let Qiao Nan have the office. Fortunately, the teachers who were in the same office as Teacher Liu were coincidentally not around. Otherwise, it would not be appropriate to do so.

    When Teacher Liu left, Qiao Nan dialed a number that she had learned by heart.

    Before it could even ring once, someone had already picked up the phone. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s me. My dad just called me. My mom brought my sister and moved away.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°You know?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why would my sister agree to move out without an apparent reason?¡± Yes, putting her mother¡¯s thoughts aside, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, it would be impossible for her to move out in such a swift manner.

    When Qiao Zijin was doing well, she was never generous. She had never thought of giving in to other people.

    Now that Qiao Zijin was not doing well and even lost the identity as a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, something she was proudest of in her previous life, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Zijin think of ways and means to drag her down to perish together with her? That would be the normal thing she would do.

    ¡°I found a senior high school for your sister in a nearby town. The quality of that school is certainly not better than Ping Cheng High School and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, so she has to depend on herself to study. Nevertheless, the good thing about the school is its culture of simplicity and honesty. Your sister should be thankful.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really the one who arranged it? Brother Zhai, please don¡¯t purposely tell me this tofort me.¡± Qiao Nan was a little doubtful.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged someone to send your mother and Qiao Zijin away early this morning. With this departure, at the very least, she will note back to Ping Cheng High School to harass you and Uncle Qiao before she graduates from senior high school. When she graduates, you¡¯ll be in your third year of studies. I¡¯ll send someone to watch her then.¡± Zhai Sheng was also aware that what he did could at most provide Qiao Nan with one more year of peace.

    As long as Qiao Zijin was alive, she would always think of ways and find the opportunity toe back and create troubles for Qiao Nan.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin was that kind of detestable character who onlymitted petty bad deeds. Taking advantage of her rtionship as Qiao Nan¡¯s next-of-kin, she resorted to every means to humiliate and harm Qiao Nan. However, outside of that, Qiao Zijin had never done anything illegal, not even petty crimes such as pilferage, not to mention major crimes that were heinous and traitorous.

    Qiao Nan let out a breath of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was too dishonest. Each time she quieted down, it seemed like the calm before the storm, just like what happened this time. It was ridiculous that she had a six months¡¯ pen pal cum three months¡±boyfriend¡¯ all of a sudden. She had a shock of her life.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you.¡±

    ¡°This is what I should do. But, Nan Nan, you have to understand. In this way, you¡¯ll at most have slightly more than one year of peace. You know Qiao Zijin¡¯s character better than anyone. Academic results-wise, it¡¯s not possible for her to get into a good college. If she can¡¯t, she¡¯ll make sure that you don¡¯t as well.¡±

    ¡°No issue. It¡¯s good enough to have one year of peace.¡± If such situations involving Qiao Zijin urred again, she was fearful that she might not be able to focus on her studies regardless of how strong she was at heart.

    She almost could not handle the current situation, not to mention her third year of studies.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Wang Yang and Chen Jun did not look for me recently. Is it because of you?¡± Brother Zhai was the one who settled Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter by transferring her to another school. Then, where did Wang Yang go to?

    Ever since he appeared on the second day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Jun seemed to have retreated in the face of difficulties and never appeared again. All these matters felt very odd.

    ¡°In regard to this matter, your godfather and I settled it together. Qiao Zijin and your mother left. Wang Yang and Chen Jun will also not harass you in the near future. Nan Nan, focus on your studies and fight for the chance to go to a good college earlier.¡±

    ¡°Why is there such a hurry?¡± Even if she wanted to focus on her studies and get into a good college, why did it have to be ¡®earlier¡¯?

    ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared the marriage report. It¡¯s been in the drawer for two months. Nan Nan, tell me, when can I hand it up?¡±

    This was the promise between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Unless Qiao Nan was admitted to college, they would not talk about their marriage.

    ¡°Based on preliminary estimation, it will be at least two years.¡± Qiao Nan blushed. So, it was because of this. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t be anxious. Don¡¯t forget that we¡¯ve not settled the problems pertaining to Auntie Miao and the chief.¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead.

    Miao Jing, this future mother-inw, was really not easy to manage.

    In the recent few months, although she did not meet Auntie Miao face-to-face, she had talked to her through the phone. During each phone call, she would bring up Brother Zhai.

    At the mention of Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao had only one topic, and that was guessing which family¡¯s daughter he had his eyes on and was dating. Auntie Miao requested her to think of a way and suggest an idea to make Brother Zhai and saiddy break up earlier.

    Each time Miao Jing talked about this, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry.

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan felt extremely guilty every time.

    This was because she couldpletely sense that Miao Jing told her all these because she trusted her very much.

    What if, one day, Miao Jing found out she was actually the girl that Miao Jing made every attempt to find? Qiao Nan really could not imagine how her rtionship with Miao Jing would turn out.

    Hence, each time Qiao Nan picked up Miao Jing¡¯s call, she felt tremendously stressed.

    She kept having the feeling that she was lying.

    Zhai Sheng, who was at the other end of the phone, was silent for a moment. ¡°Nan Nan, if you really want to marry me and be a soldier¡¯s wife, the pressure you will face in the future will definitely be worse than this.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Upon hearing what Zhai Sheng said, Qiao Nan really did not know how to reply to him.

    Ring! Ring! Ring!

    At this moment, the school bell rang and broke the silence between the two. ¡°Brother Zhai, the lesson is starting. Let¡¯s talk again next time.¡±

    ¡°Okay, focus on your studies.¡±

    It only came to Qiao Nan¡¯s mind as she was entering the ssroom that she should give her father a call and told him about her mother and Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation.

    Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang called her first during the noon self-study time.

    ¡°That was what happened. Dad, don¡¯t me Brother Zhai for doing this. He did this for our sake. Besides, I can tell that sister was very satisfied with this arrangement.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Given her situation, most likely, she¡¯ll not be able to find any school to continue her studies in Ping Cheng. Having a chance to study is better than nothing.¡± Putting other things aside, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, if she was not able to continue with her studies and yet remain in Ping Cheng, Nan Nan could forget about studying as well. ¡°This matter... Help me thank Zhai Sheng.¡±

    After all, it was thanks to Zhai Sheng¡¯s that Zijin could have a chance to continue her studies.

    Zijin already had such a huge w in her character. If she also lost the opportunity to study and learn, he really could not imagine what would be of Zijin in the future.

 Chapter 434 - Hinting about the Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 434: Hinting about the Rtionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m d that you¡¯re not angry with Brother Zhai.¡± Brother Zhai did not even inform us before he sent Qiao Zijin and her mother away. Her father had been worrying for the whole morning.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a while. ¡°Nan Nan, why do I feel that Zhai Sheng seems very concerned about our family¡¯s matters? He helped your sister arrange the school. I don¡¯t think he did it for your sister, did he?¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not know Zijin at all. Hence, they were not close to each other. So, it was not possible that Zhai Sheng would spend so much effort to do this for the elder daughter.

    In terms of closeness, his rtionship with Zhai Sheng was not better than Nan Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s status and his busy state of affairs, he still took the time and effort to pay attention to the matter of the Qiao family. Qiao Dongliang felt that his concern was more than that of a normal friend.

    ¡°Dad, Brother Zhai has said that my sister will note back to Ping Cheng for more than one year, at least until she graduates from senior high school. Brother Zhai did this to give me a more conducive learning environment and to prevent one problem after another.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She did not exin to her father explicitly but started to give hints. ¡°Dad, will you be angry with Brother Zhai and me because of this?

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. Nan Nan¡¯s words felt so strange. Could it be the reason that he was thinking of?

    Impossible. Zhai Sheng was older than Nan Nan by six years. Nan Nan would only graduate from college in six years¡¯ time. Could Zhai Sheng wait that long for Nan Nan?

    Right, Nan Nan was still young. Very young.

    Be it age or status, it was not possible between the two of them. He must have been overthinking.

    He must have been influenced by Sun Lei¡¯s words earlier. Now, he associated whatever he heard with puppy love. ¡°Zhai Sheng¡¯s arrangement is quite good. Your sister... The more she studies, the more her character degrades. She actually started to cheat when she first went to senior high school. After the change in environment, she may start afresh and take her studies seriously. With Zhai Sheng¡¯s arrangement, not only you won¡¯t be harassed by your sister and mother but also your sister can quiet down and focus on her studies. Alright, I¡¯m not worried now that I know of your mom and sister¡¯s whereabouts. Zhai Sheng is so good to you. Nan Nan, you have to focus all your time and effort on your studies and don¡¯t get distracted by other matters. In the future, attend a good college to repay your Brother Zhai. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan replied. Did her father really not get it? Or did he intentionally avoid it?

    It was also due to Miao Jing that Qiao Nan mustered the courage to hint Qiao Dongliang today.

    Upon hearing what Qiao Dongliang said, that little courage of Qiao Nan was like the air in a deted balloon, disappearing into thin air.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t tell me your mom and sister created troubles again?¡± At the sight of the downhearted Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo knitted his brows. ¡°Grandpa clearly told us that he had checked with The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Your sister was willing to leave the school. After creating such a huge fuss, they still have not learned their lesson?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan leaned on the table. ¡°You¡¯re saying this because you don¡¯t understand Qiao Zijin. It¡¯s a small issue that she¡¯s no longer a student of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but it¡¯s a big issue if she can¡¯t continue with her studies. Fortunately, she left with my mother to another ce to study. Otherwise, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, my mom will really continue to create a fuss.¡±

    It could be said that it was fortunate that Brother Zhai had made prior arrangements. Otherwise, she would be caught off guard by her mother and Qiao Zijin again.

    ¡°Is she so horrible and difficult to get away from?¡± Damn, Qiao Zijin was already dismissed by the school, yet she refused to be more obedient. What kind of person was that? ¡°Xiao Qiao, did you know that the Wang family¡¯s project has been stubbed? Wang Yang is more abiding and obedient recently. He has been pretending to be good and trying to curry favor with me every day.¡±

    ¡°Since the Wang family¡¯s project has been stubbed, Wang Yang can¡¯t be bothered about my sister¡¯s situation now?¡± Qiao Nan had a sudden realization. So, this was the good oue of the coboration between Brother Zhai and Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? A few days ago, when we talked about it, Wang Yang purposely put up a pretense in front of me. He said he¡¯s so busy recently and that he didn¡¯t know how to differentiate between the good and the bad people in the past. He also said that he¡¯s already in secondary three and just wished to focus and do well in his studies, wanting to be like me and attend Ping Cheng High School. Spat!¡±

    ¡°No wonder...¡± Wang Yang brought trouble to himself and could hardly fend for himself now. Hence, although something so serious happened to Qiao Zijin, Wang Yang dared not do anything to help. He could only shrink back and hide in his own turtle shell.

    The Wang family¡¯s project had been shed. This should be a warning given by Zhu Chengqi and Brother Zhai to the Wang family and Wang Yang.

    If the Wang family dared to go overboard in order to achieve their aims, particrly just like what they did in the past, Zhu Chengqi would definitely sh all the wants of the Wang family.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know. I heard from my maternal grandpa that my dad did quite a lot recently. For more than a decade, the Wang family rode on the name of the Zhu family and climbed as high and fast in their careers as they could. My dad recently used the fastest speed and nearly revert them back to the original state. Now, not only Wang Yang is afraid of my dad but also that uncle-inw of mine. Only my auntie is oblivious to the situation. She has beenining to my paternal grandpa that my dad is too heartless, that he doesn¡¯t help his own brother-inw or the Wang family at all.¡±

    After being with and chatting with Elder Lee for some time, Zhu Baoguo had learned some of these matters and tactics.

    His grandpa told him that by riding on the glory of the Zhu family, the Wang family had progressed too quickly. They becamecent and even more ambitious. In addition, the Zhu Baoguo two years ago was so hopeless and disappointing, further fueling the ambitions of the Wang family.

    Zhu Baoguo finally understood. Two years ago, he was beaten by that group of hooligans and Wang Yang purposely drugged his fruits. Wang Yang did all these to achieve those motives.

    He initially thought that Wang Yang dealt against him as he purely disliked him and could not see eye to eye with him.

    He had been envious that Wang Yang had a father and a mother. Subsequently, Wang Yang was also jealous of his birth status and the high status of the Zhu family.

    ¡°No wonder...¡± The Wang family could hardly fend for themselves. How could they have the time and effort to arrange for Chen Jun¡¯s father to be promoted from the deputymissioner tomissioner? Of course, Chen Jun would note and harass her again.

    To Qiao Nan, all the people that she hated in her two lifetimes, Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi, and Chen Jun, would not harass her again for the time being. Even the troublesome Wang Yang who ¡®just¡¯ appeared in this lifetime would not create trouble for her again. All of a sudden, Qiao Nan felt that the sky was so bright. Even the air was fresher.

    Time passed in the blink of an eye, especially when there was no one to harass her. One month after Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin left, it was May Day.

    Before Qiao Nan could leave the entrance of Ping Cheng High School, she was thinking about the arrangements during the May Day holiday. After all, her master requested her to make a trip to the house of the Lin family. It seemed like he had many assignments for her.

    At the sound of a screech, a four-wheeled car openly stopped at the entrance of the school, and right beside Qiao Nan. This resulted in a crowd of onlookers.

 Chapter 435 - Never Be a Soldierâ€™s Wife

    <h4>Chapter 435: Never Be a Soldier¡¯s Wife</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the sight of the shiny and majestic-looking four-wheeled car, the students of Ping Cheng High School were quite attracted. Many stopped in their tracks and took a few more nces at the car.

    Tang Mengran¡¯s small mouth simply formed the shape of an ¡®O¡¯. ¡°What do you all think? This car...¡±

    ¡°Should be here to fetch Nan Nan,¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses and said calmly.

    Tang Mengran touched her chin. ¡°Isn¡¯t Nan Nan¡¯s family quite ordinary and her family situation not very good? That¡¯s why she receives sponsorship every year and her school and misceneous expenses are all waived?¡±

    A four-wheeled car came to fetch her. Her family¡¯s situation was much better than that of Nan Nan, but she had never enjoyed the privilege of being chauffeured by a four-wheeled car.

    ¡°The car is meant to fetch her, but that doesn¡¯t mean it belongs to her family. At most, she¡¯s just lucky to know someone rich.¡± Xu Tingting snorted. Simrly, a sh of jealousy appeared in her eyes. Qiao Nan was good. She made it sound as if she was a saint, but in actual fact, she was bitchier than a bitch. She already had her eye on the big fish. No wonder she had never fought with her for the small fish and fry.

    Clearly, Qiao Nan was not any better than her in terms of moral character.

    Zheng Lingling knitted her brows. ¡°You can take a meal indiscriminately, but some words can¡¯t be said irresponsibly. You have been taught so many lessons, yet you didn¡¯t manage to be more sensible. If Nan Nan hears what you said earlier, what do you think will happen?¡±

    ¡°You! I don¡¯t think you are all that free toin against me? Don¡¯t be too stubborn. You¡¯re good to Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan may not be true to you. You¡¯ll never know. She may stab you behind your back at some point in time.¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s expression changed. She was scared stiff by Zheng Lingling¡¯s words.

    Till date, Xu Tingting had not forgotten how the beating she gotst year felt.

    She was not afraid of offending Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan fought with her, both were girls. She would not suffer and might even be able to teach Qiao Nan a lesson mercilessly.

    However, it was different if Zhu Baoguo was involved.

    Zhu Baoguo was a jinx. If Zhu Baoguo wanted to beat her, she would be held onto by Zhu Baoguo¡¯sckeys and be whacked by them mercilessly before she could even retaliate.

    ¡°It¡¯s a woman. The passenger in the car is a woman and she¡¯s quite old.¡± Tang Mengran¡¯s eyes were sharp. When the door opened, she saw Miao Jing sitting in the car. ¡°Did you see that? When that woman saw Nan Nan, her eyes were very warm and affectionate. Is she Nan Nan¡¯s rtive? Auntie or something?¡±

    If she was not a rtive, then why would that wealthy woman look at Nan Nan that way?

    ¡°Have you seen that? If you talk like a scum again, don¡¯t me me for telling on you. Zhu Baoguo has a lot of spies in Ping Cheng High School. Most likely, before we say anything, whatever you said just now has already reached Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ears. Hope you¡¯ll take more care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Zheng Lingling, you!¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned pale. She stomped her feet in fury and left school in a hurry to get away from Zhu Baoguo. Who would have known that Qiao Nan did not do things by the book? An old woman actually came to fetch her. She¡¯s sick.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you¡¯re back?¡±

    ¡°Yes,e in.¡± Miao Jing patted on the seat beside her. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the May Day holiday? I¡¯ve toe back and take a look. Although I¡¯ve married your Uncle Zhai for so many years, I¡¯ve not been in the house much. It¡¯s quite a joke when I think of it.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips but she still bent and got into the car. ¡°Auntie Miao, you came back alone this time? Uncle Zhai didn¡¯te back?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s voice turned slightly cold. ¡°Your Uncle Zhai met a very important old friend. Both of them are enjoying each other¡¯spany. I won¡¯t disturb them. It¡¯s very sickening and tiring whenever I think of this.¡±

    ¡°That friend of Uncle Zhai is a woman?¡± Qiao Nan tested as she observed Miao Jing¡¯s expression.

    Miao Jing reached out her finger and pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re just a youngdy, but you know so much. You¡¯re too smart for your own good. In the future, when those men who want to woo you understand you better, they¡¯ll all run away with fright. But that¡¯s good too. If a girl is smart, she¡¯ll be stronger and not easily cheated and bullied by men.¡± Using herself as an example, she felt inferior her entire life. Even though her children were already of marriageable age, she never felt truly confident.

    Clearly, Zhai Yaohui was her husband and man. He was the father of her children.

    However, when Qi Min appeared, she, the wife, had to give up her seat and leave.

    Miao Jing mocked andughed at herself. She endured the pain in her heart and only felt that there was no point in this kind of life.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you home first.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie Miao.¡± Would the chief have some problems in romantic rtionships? A woman that could make Auntie Miao give way... What kind of woman was that?

    When Miao Jing sent Qiao Nan home, Qiao Dongliang was not back yet.

    Obviously, Miao Jing came looking for Qiao Nan this time for the same reason, and that was to treat Qiao Nan as the hole in the tree. So, when she saw that Qiao Dongliang was not at home, she did not leave immediately. Instead, she started chatting with Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, listen to Auntie Miao once. When you find a husband in the future, never find someone whose family status is much better than yours. Also, don¡¯t find a soldier. Understand?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt guilty-conscious. Was Auntie Miao purposely trying to persuade her to break up with Brother Zhai? Did she already know about the matter between Brother Zhai and her?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, why did you say that? Uncle Zhai is a soldier, and so is Brother Zhai. Given what you said, Brother Zhai won¡¯t be able to find a wife in the future?¡± Qiao Nan endured a tummy full of guilt. Unless Auntie Miao spoke to her explicitly, she could only act dumb all the way.

    Miao Jing gave a sigh and smiled bitterly. ¡°The status and power of the Zhai family can easily bewitch people. So, you don¡¯t need to worry about your Brother Zhai. I just don¡¯t want you to endure so many hardships. You don¡¯t know that one can¡¯t divorce after marrying a soldier. There¡¯ll definitely be arguments when two people get together, but some conflicts can¡¯t be just described as such. Clearly, they are not suitable but have to be tied and live together. It¡¯s simply too much suffering for these two people. Even if I understand now and wish to let go, it doesn¡¯t seem possible now.¡±

    Didn¡¯t Zhai Yaohui love Qi Min and regret not marrying Qi Min for his entire life?

    Fine. She could give way and divorce with Zhai Yaohui. Zhai Yaohui could marry Qi Min then?

    When that time came, Qi Min would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s stepmother, and Qiu Chenxi his sister. She wanted to see how Zhai Yaohui could shamelessly force Zhai Sheng to marry Qiu Chenxi then.

    Instead of letting Zhai Sheng marry Qiu Chenxi to make up for the regret in his younger days, why wouldn¡¯t he simply marry Qi Min himself? Wouldn¡¯t that be a more direct way?

 Chapter 436 - Difficulty of Divorce in Army Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 436: Difficulty of Divorce in Army Marriage</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In that way, Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min would be happy. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng could also choose the partner he would like to spend the rest of his life with.

    As for her, she would benefit too. At the very least, she would be liberated.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, what¡¯s wrong with you? Don¡¯t scare me.¡± She had initially thought that Auntie Miao told her all that due to the rtionship between Brother Zhai and her. However, after listening properly, it seemed that Auntie Miao was referring to her own situation.

    What did Chief Zhai do? Could it be that Chief Zhai did something wrong that let Auntie Miao down?

    Although he was holding the position of a chief, that role might not be as secure as it was perceived to be. As a soldier, if he had done something morally wrong or uneptable, it was not impossible for Chief Zhai to be removed from the role.

    Furthermore, Brother Zhai was not a pushover. How would he allow Chief Zhai to bully Auntie Miao in that way?

    ¡°I¡¯m not scaring you. I¡¯m just feeling unhappy and wish to find someone to chat with.¡± Miao Jing leaned on the chair and said listlessly, ¡°Nan Nan, when a woman finds a husband, it¡¯s akin to a second reincarnation, especially for marriages to soldiers. If you can¡¯t find a good one or happen to judge one¡¯s character wrongly, then this metaphor is really correct. Unless you die, if not...¡±

    Hence, she had to watch helplessly as Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min carried on because they could not have a clean break with each other?

    Clearly, Zhai Yaohui, and not her, was the one at fault in this matter.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, pardon me for saying something inappropriate. It¡¯s certainly illegal to divorce in an army marriage. Nevertheless, it¡¯s not entirely impossible. As long as the soldier agrees, with some effort, it should be possible.¡± Qiao Nan really had a great shock. Auntie Miao even brought up the topic of divorce.

    What happened must have been a grave matter, causing Auntie Miao to mention this.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you have an extra room in your house? There¡¯s only me in my house. If I go back, I¡¯ll be facing the empty house alone. I don¡¯t feel good. I feel really bad. I don¡¯t wish to go back,¡± Miao Jing said willfully.

    ¡°Nan Nan, there¡¯s a guest? It¡¯s Madam Zhai!¡± Qiao Dongliang came home from work. He was shocked when he saw Miao Jing. He seemed oblivious that his appearance had interrupted the conversation between Miao Jing and Qiao Nan.

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang, Miao Jing forced a smile. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t take my words for real. I¡¯m just joking. The house of the Zhai family is so big. There¡¯s no reason that I can¡¯t sleep in one of the rooms and have to stay at your house overnight to disturb your family instead.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I need to discuss something with you.¡± Without a word, Qiao Nan stood up and pulled Qiao Dongliang to one side.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiao Dongliang nced at Miao Jing from the corners of his eyes. ¡°Why do I feel that Madam Zhai is weird today? Is she unhappy that I came back at the wrong time?¡± Having that said, Qiao Dongliang did not know what else to say.

    Did he even have to pick a time to return to his own house?

    ¡°Auntie Miao¡¯s mood is really not that good. There¡¯s only Auntie Miao in the house of the Zhai family. Dad, why don¡¯t we do this? You return to the small courtyard of the Qiao family today. Tonight, I¡¯ll sleep in your room and give up my room to Auntie Miao. Do you think this works?¡±

    Given Auntie Miao¡¯s situation, she did not feel assured to let Auntie Miao go back alone.

    If that really could not work, then she would follow Auntie Miao to the house of the Zhai family and keep herpany.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang agreed readily. ¡°I¡¯ll prepare dinner for the two of you before I return to the small courtyard.¡±

    Madam Zhai wanted to stay overnight at his house. Even if Qiao Nan did not suggest this, Qiao Dongliang would not remain in the house as well. Besides feeling uneasy, it would be inappropriate to do so. What if there were gossip and rumors?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I¡¯ve spoken to my dad. Coincidentally, he has something on today and will be going back to the quad and stay in the small courtyard. Why don¡¯t we do this? Today, I¡¯ll sleep in my dad¡¯s room and you sleep in mine. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°Can this be done?¡± Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan in surprise. She did not intend to reject the offer.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± After thinking, Miao Jing followed her heart and nodded.

    After Qiao Dongliang prepared dinner for Qiao Nan and Miao Jing, he packed some food for himself before riding his bicycle and heading to the small courtyard. This was to prevent an awkward situation between Miao Jing and him if they were under the same roof.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, Miao Jing resumed her rxed self when she was with Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, your dad is going back to the small courtyard. Will there be an issue given that your mom and sister are there?¡±

    After having her dinner, Miao Jing felt a little better. She then suddenly recalled that Qiao Nan¡¯s mother and sister were two big troubles.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Auntie Miao, you just came back and don¡¯t know the situation. My sister no longer studies in Ping Cheng. She went to a nearby town. My mom followed my sister to take care of her. Hence, there¡¯s no one in the small courtyard. My dad can, in fact, ¡®warm up¡¯ the house when he goes back. Furthermore, there¡¯re so many friends and neighbors in the quad that he¡¯s familiar with. This time, he can take the chance to catch up with them.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good.¡± If Nan Nan and her father had to be pestered by those two women because of her, it would be pointless. ¡°Do you have hot water? I want to bathe.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan straightened her neck. This ¡®old habit¡¯ of Auntie Miao did not change. It had been a year. Each time she visited, she really did not see herself as a guest. ¡°You want to have a hot bath. That¡¯s easy. I¡¯ll boil the water for you now. But do you have a change of clothes? Don¡¯t tell me you can withstand not changing clothes after you bathe.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s simple. There¡¯re some shops nearby. Just casually buy some clothes back for me to wear. Won¡¯t that do? You wanted to buy me shoes one year ago but that didn¡¯te to pass. Today, I¡¯ll let you buy clothes for me.¡± It was rare that Miao Jing had the mood to joke with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Enough said, my auntie. Those clothes were made by seamstresses with the sewing machines in their own house. They¡¯ve been touched many times by others. How clean do you think the sewing machine is? Besides, the bolts of fabric are from the factory. Most likely, someone has stepped on them before they are out of the factory. Can these kinds of purchased clothes be worn before being washed?¡±

    In fact, Qiao Nan did not know whether those bolts of fabric were dirty or not.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Nan, who came from the 21st century, knew one thing clearly. The bolts of fabric made by the factory were definitely not clean. All of them would have been stepped on by the factory workers before leaving the factory.

    Upon hearing what Qiao Nan said, Miao Jing felt sullen. ¡°Then, what should we do? It¡¯s already sote. You can¡¯t expect me to go home and bring my clothes over, can you? I¡¯ve just finished my food and I feel sleepy now. I don¡¯t feel like moving.¡± Anyway, she did not wish to return to that cold and empty house now. Moreover, it¡¯s the house of someone surnamed Zhai.

    ¡°...¡± Since Miao Jing wanted to be a rogue, Qiao Nan had no other choice.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan went back to her bedroom and searched for a cotton dress. ¡°Auntie Miao, why don¡¯t you wear this nightdress? I see your figure is quite good. It¡¯s no different from that of a youngdy.¡±

 Chapter 437 - Qiao Nanâ€™s â€˜First Timeâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 437: Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®First Time¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Oh, given your family¡¯s condition, you still have a nightdress? As for its design, there¡¯s not much style to speak of. Nevertheless, the material is still fine. It¡¯s cotton. Most importantly, it has been washed and is clean.¡± Miao Jing had a look of disdain as she took over the nightdress and ced it on her body to assess if it fitted her. ¡°Fine, so be it. You go and boil the water.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a sideways nce at Miao Jing. Auntie Miao seemed to have regained her energy and forgotten the ¡®good deed¡¯ done by Uncle Zhai. She looked like she was full of adrenaline and strength.

    Qiao Nan was used to doing household chores. Hence, it was no trouble at all for her to prepare some boiling water for Miao Jing to wash up.

    After Miao Jing finished washing up, she urged Qiao Nan to do so too.

    When Qiao Nan came out with a pink and warm face, Miao Jing had already washed her clothes and hung it up to dry. ¡°You¡¯ve finished bathing. Let¡¯s sleep together.¡±

    ¡°Together?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Miao Jing gave a yawn. ¡°I see the bed in your room is about 1.5 meters long. It¡¯s not considered too small. Let¡¯s squeeze a bit.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled. Auntie Miao never had enough. ¡°There¡¯s no need to squeeze. My dad¡¯s bed is also 1.5 meters long. Both of us can each have a 1.5-meter bed. There¡¯s no need to squeeze.¡± Clearly, there were two beds. Why did the two of them have to sleep together?

    Qiao Nan, who had been sleeping alone for two lifetimes, felt awkward that she had to sleep with someone suddenly.

    Furthermore, Miao Jing had already washed her lingerie. Although she was wearing a long dress, she was naked inside. Qiao Nan did not have the habit of wearing lingerie to sleep either. At the thought of two ¡®naked¡¯ women squeezing together in a 1.5-meter long bed, Qiao Nan had goosebumps all over her body.

    ¡°Alright, I don¡¯t shun you. It¡¯s already sote. Hurry up and sleep.¡± Miao Jing did not give Qiao Nan any chance. She simply pulled Qiao Nan back to the room as shey on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. She even pulled Qiao Nan onto the bed.

    Qiao Nan loved cleanliness. When she was at school and not at home, Qiao Dongliang often dried her nket in the sun.

    Therefore, there was a warm and sunny feel on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. In addition, Qiao Nan¡¯s body also exuded a light fragrance.

    Laying on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed and using Qiao Nan¡¯s nket, Miao Jing gave a sigh. ¡°This is really a youngdy¡¯s bed and nket. It smells quite good.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who was lying down, froze. She did not feel as rxed as Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing yawned and covered herself fully with the nket. ¡°Qiao Nan, would that mother of yours make a nightdress for you? This nightdress is really too big. With your size, you can¡¯t even wear this next year. Furthermore, at your age, it¡¯s not possible to grow taller, right?¡±

    Miao Jing was taller than Qiao Nan, but when she wore this nightdress, it reached just below her knees.

    As per what Qiao Nan said, although Miao Jing was a mother of two children and could almost be a grandmother, her figure was extremely good. She was slim and had all the curves in the right areas.

    ¡°My mother initially made this nightdress for my sister.¡± Qiao Nanughed bitterly. How would her mother make a nightdress for her? Of course, that was not possible. After Qiao Zijin attended school, she came into contact with more people. She then picked up the habit of listening to hearsay without basis.

    When Qiao Zijin was in her second year of junior high school, Qiao Nan was in her first year. Unknowingly, Qiao Zijin heard from someone about the habit of wearing a nightdress or pajamas when sleeping. She then kicked up a fuss and insisted her mother to make one for her.

    Since Qiao Zijin made a request, how could her mother refuse?

    It was just that her mother acted smart over one matter. Her mother thought that Qiao Zijin was at her puberty age. The clothes Qiao Zijin wore at primary six could no longer be worn when she was in her first year of junior high school. Simrly, the clothes she wore in her first year of junior high school could not be worn in the following year as well.

    Hence, her mother thought that since this was for sleeping, she bought the best material. It was quite expensive too. She might as well tailor-make a bigger size and let Qiao Zijin wear it for two to three years.

    Who would have known that her mother was too greedy. She did not make it a little bigger, but a lot bigger than Qiao Zijin¡¯s actual size.

    Qiao Zijin was someone who loved looking pretty. At the sight of the straight and long dress without any waistline that caused those wearing it look fat and oversized, she red up, threw a fit, and refused to ept it.

    It was not possible to discard new clothing although Qiao Zijin did not want it. Hence, in the end, Qiao Nan ¡®benefited¡¯.

    Qiao Zijin looked extremely fat and big wearing it. It was totally not suitable for her size. Qiao Nan was younger than Qiao Zijin by two years and much slimmer. It was thus not possible for Qiao Nan to wear this too. However, no one in the Qiao family cared about this problem at that time.

    Qiao Nan saw that the material of the clothing was certainly quite good. Her mother was really willing to spend money on Qiao Zijin.

    To Qiao Nan, who did not have new clothes to wear for years and was long used to wearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s pre-loved clothing, it was very rare to receive one totally new garment that Qiao Zijin disliked.

    ¡°I see.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s voice softened. Obviously, she did not expect such a reply. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s quitete. Quickly sleep.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan said without expressing much emotion. She also wanted to sleep. But, she really could not sleep...

    Not to mention an additional person lying beside her, when Qiao Nan was in a daze and about to fall asleep, the person beside her flipped, reached out her hands, and hugged Qiao Nan in her arms. It was as if she was holding a doll.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan could really forget about sleeping.

    Miao Jing slept with her back curled. To amodate Miao Jing, Qiao Nan also had to change her sleeping posture.

    Only heaven knew that maintaining this posture for the entire night was such a painful matter for Qiao Nan.

    Never did Zhai Sheng expect that his wife¡¯s ¡®first time¡¯ was taken away by his mother.

    The next day, Miao Jing was full of energy while Qiao Nan woke up with panda eyes.

    ¡°Did you be a thief yesterday? You¡¯re so young and your dark circles are so serious?¡± Miao Jing, who did not know the situation andcked the self-awareness, simplyughed at Qiao Nan when she saw this.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°Auntie Miao, did you have a good sleep yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Miao Jing stretched herself. ¡°In my impression, it¡¯s been a long time since I slept so well.¡± Before she was married, she slept with her face down. Although she was tired out every day, she was able to sleep very well once she hit the bed at night.

    After marrying Zhai Yaohui, her life became better, but she had never had a good night of sleep ever since.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°It¡¯s good that you slept well.¡± At the very least, one of them had a good night of sleep. Auntie Miao was able to sleep so well while at someone else¡¯s house and hugging someone else¡¯s daughter.

    Ring! Ring! Ring! At this moment, the phone in the house rang.

    Qiao Nan stepped forward and picked it up. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Dad, is there any matter?¡± Qiao Nan looked at the time. It¡¯s just eight o¡¯clock. Her father usually had gone to work at this hour. Of course, as it was the May Day holiday, her father could rest for a couple of days.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Chief Zhai is looking for his wife. W-what is happening?¡±

 Chapter 438 - Father and Son of the Zhai Family Arrived

    <h4>Chapter 438: Father and Son of the Zhai Family Arrived</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Madam Zhai at our house? Didn¡¯t Chief Zhai know?¡± Feeling puzzled, Qiao Dongliang lowered his voice and asked.

    Having worked for the whole day, Qiao Dongliang was tired too.

    When he returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family where things remained but people were no longer present, Qiao Dongliang did not feel much. He just packed, washed up, and went to bed.

    At night, Qiao Dongliang vaguely heard traffic in and out of the quad but he did not bother. It was only this morning that he heard Chief Zhai had been sending people to look for Miao Jing. At that juncture, Qiao Dongliang was stunned. Madam Zhai was at his house. Was there a need to search for her?

    Qiao Dongliang, who was puzzled, did not dare to say anything. He first made a call home to ask Qiao Nan about the situation.

    ¡°Ah, Chief Zhai is back?¡± Qiao Nan covered the phone¡¯s receiver and asked. ording to what Auntie Miao said yesterday, she came back alone. Hence, she did not wish to return to the house of the Zhai family, as she would be the only one at home if she did.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? Moreover, I just heard that Chief Zhai came back yesterday. He was back not muchter than Madam Zhai. Nan Nan, what exactly is happening? Chief Zhai is still sending people to search for her. Do you think we should tell him?¡± Clearly, Madam Zhai was at his house. Qiao Dongliang would feel guilty if he did not reveal this.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯ll check with Auntie Miao about what she thinks first. That, Dad, you know... The rtionship between a couple... It¡¯s not convenient for us to interfere too much. I think Auntie Miao did not know that Chief Zhai came back yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Sure, then hurry. When I see Chief Zhai still continuing with the search, I...¡±

    ¡°Understand, understand, I fully understand.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Miao Jing, who just brushed her teeth and washed her face, had changed into the clothes that she had washed yesterday. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Where¡¯s the rice in your house? I¡¯ll go and cook porridge.¡±

    ¡°Yo, Auntie Miao, you¡¯re cooking porridge. Not waiting for me to do so?¡± Qiao Nan was not so appreciative. Regardless of whether Auntie Miao¡¯s previous status was high or not before marriage, in the past, Auntie Miao always propped her legs and waited to be served each time she visited.

    ¡°I¡¯ve eaten a few of your meals. This time, I¡¯ll let you look at my skills.¡± Miao Jing sprang into action. Although she had not used the stove for a long time, after a while, she seemed to have regained her touch.

    It was only when Miao Jing finished cooking that Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows at the rich and fragrant porridge. ¡°Not bad.¡±

    ¡°That is of course. Hurry up and eat.¡± Miao Jing smiledcently.

    After finishing breakfast, Qiao Nan felt that it was time for her to speak out. ¡°Auntie Miao, my dad called me just now and told me that Chief Zhai came back yesterday. He has been sending people to look for you. Are you going back?¡±

    Ring! Ring! Ring!

    Before Miao Jing could reply, the phone in the Qiao family rang again.

    Qiao Nan sighed. She was destined for a hard life. She supported herself and stood up. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, my dad just contacted me and told me that my mom is missing. She¡¯s already not young and still ran away from home. Have you seen my mom?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was a little sullen. At the mention of Chief Zhai, his tone was more unfriendly.

    It was not for other reasons. Zhai Sheng heard that Qi Min came to look for his father at the camp on the pretext of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter yesterday.

    It was because of this meeting that her mother simply left the camp without a word, leaving his father behind.

    Upon hearing this news, Zhai Hua, who just returned to the camp, was so furious that she nearly gave Qi Min a round of bashing directly.

    Her mother cared so much for her father. For the sake of her father, she could even bear to forsake Zhai Sheng and her. If Qi Min and her father had not done anything wrong, why would her mother leave in anger?

    Because of this, both Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng could not see eye to eye with Zhai Yaohui now.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, it¡¯s Brother Zhai. Do you want toe and listen to what he has to say?¡± Great. Now, she had to supervise Brother Zhai¡¯s mother on his behalf.

    ¡°Not listening!¡± Even if it was her own son, he also bore the Zhai surname. She did not wish to bother about any of those who bore the Zhai surname. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s heart was always with Qi Min. She gave birth to and raised Zhai Sheng. In the end, in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, she was not more important than a youngdy outside.

    None of the men in the Zhai family was good!

    ¡°My mom is at your house? All this while?¡± Zhai Sheng heard Miao Jing¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Yes. Yesterday, Auntie Miao came to fetch me after school. She then spent the night here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Zhai Sheng replied and didn¡¯t chat further. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Zhai Hua in case she¡¯s worried. I¡¯ll leave my mom in your care then.¡± Having said that, feeling much more assured, Zhai Sheng hung up the phone. Qiao Nan was so embarrassed.

    What did he mean by ¡®leave my mom in your care¡¯? Was this appropriate?

    Most importantly, wasn¡¯t Chief Zhai looking for Auntie Miao? Did Brother Zhai mean to let Auntie Miao continue to stay at her house and not let Chief Zhai know?

    However, the truth of Miao Jing¡¯s presence in the house of the Qiao family did not hold out for long. Within ten minutes, Zhai Yaohui arrived at the entrance to fetch Miao Jing. ¡°Good day. Is anyone at home?¡±

    Miao Jing, who was sitting on the chair and watching television, stood up forcefully. Qiao Nan was stupefied and speechless at the sight.

    Miao Jing tugged her dress and pursed her lips. She then sat down properly again. She shouted back, ¡°No one is at home!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui heard his wife¡¯s voice. He looked at the entrance of the house and fell silent. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you at home? Can you help me open the door?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao, don¡¯t be willful. Come home with me.¡±

    ¡°Not going home!¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao, don¡¯t cause disturbance to others. If you have anything to talk about, tell me when you¡¯re back. You can voice your views. If I¡¯m in the wrong, I¡¯ll change.¡± Zhai Yaohui coaxed Miao Jing with patience.

    ¡°You¡¯ll change?¡± Miao Jing sneered. ¡°In my entire life, I¡¯ve never hoped for you to change.¡± Qi Min was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s life. If she wanted Zhai Yaohui to change this habit, it would be akin to wanting his life. It was so sad. Zhai Yaohui loved another woman. Unfortunately, she could not bear to let Zhai Yaohui go and die.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who maintained her silence all this while, was like a wall picture sitting by the side. She only dared to stare at the television as her ears stood up, trying hard to listen only to the sounds from the television. She felt so awkward.

    The couple was having an argument. Could she find an excuse to stay away from it?

    The face of Zhai Yaohui, who was standing at the entrance like he was suffering from a punishment, turned ck. At the sight of the height of the wall of the courtyard, he secretly assessed if he was able to flip over the wall and enter the ce. At this juncture, Zhai Sheng appeared.

    Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Yaohui a sideways nce. ¡°My mom refused to open the door for you and now both of you are making things difficult for Nan Nan, right? You¡¯re already so old. How you want to argue is your problem. Don¡¯t cause inconvenience to Nan Nan. Nan Nan is still studying in senior high school. It¡¯s the critical three-year period of her studies. You all can¡¯t afford to affect Nan Nan¡¯s future.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui turned pale with fury. He and Miao Jing were Zhai Sheng¡¯s biological parents, yet Zhai Sheng did not show any concern for the couple the moment he opened his mouth. Why was he only concerned about an outsider?

    As their son, should such wordse from Zhai Sheng?

 Chapter 439 - Take Your Wife Away

    <h4>Chapter 439: Take Your Wife Away</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Before Zhai Yaohui could open his mouth to chide Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng raised his hand as if he was about to act.

    Zhai Yaohui quickly held on to Zhai Sheng. ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re using the skills that you picked up in the army in this way?¡± Zhai Yaohui, who said this, totally forgot that he had intended to do the same thing before Zhai Sheng came.

    Zhai Sheng sneered loudly. ¡°Mom is angry with you. As to why she¡¯s angry, I don¡¯t wish to ask. It¡¯s fine as long as your conscience is clear. Otherwise, don¡¯t me Zhai Hua and me for standing on Mom¡¯s side. Dad, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re a soldier! Mom won¡¯t let Nan Nan open the door. If I don¡¯t do this, don¡¯t tell me you will? Do you wish to continue standing at the entrance and let others watch a joke?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was dumbfounded by Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. He could only let go of him.

    Zhai Sheng propped his hand on the wall and lifted his legs. In a perfect posture, he flipped to the other side of the wall in a swift and rxed manner. When Zhai Yaohui¡¯s chauffeur saw this, his jaw dropped, and he stayed dumbfounded for some time.

    After flipping over to the house of the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng did not open the door for Zhai Yaohui. Instead, he entered the house.

    When Zhai Sheng went into the house, he saw her mother upying the whole house like a queen, whereas Qiao Nan carried a stool and sat by the side, not daring to murmur a word. She was like a pitiful little daughter-inw.

    ¡°How did youe in?¡± Miao Jing raised her eyebrows and looked at Zhai Sheng in disbelief.

    ¡°Mom, do you think the soldiers raised in our country are useless? If we can¡¯t even get into the house of the Qiao family, how do we carry out our duties? Nan Nan, you look listless. You didn¡¯t sleep wellst night?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached at the sight of greenish dark eye circles under Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing. Qiao Nan slept with me yesterday. She slept so well!¡± Miao Jing refused to admit that Qiao Nan did not have a good night¡¯s sleep because of her.

    ¡°What? Nan Nan slept with you yesterday?¡± Zhai Sheng raised his voice and stared at Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing shrank her neck uneasily. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Why did she feel that her son¡¯s eyes were full of green light? There even seemed to be a ring of green light hovering above his head. Did something just happen that she did not know about?

    Zhai Sheng, who initially did not wish to open the door for Zhai Yaohui, turned his back and left without a word. He then opened the main door widely and weed the ¡®samurai¡¯ in. ¡°Take your wife away. Settle your own matters and don¡¯t cause disturbance and troubles to others.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui, who just stepped into the house, gave Zhai Sheng a nce. ¡°That¡¯s my wife. She is also your mom.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui only went in for not more than twenty seconds before he brought Miao Jing out.

    At the sight of Zhai Sheng who did not seem to have the intention to leave, Zhai Yaohui said in an unhappy tone, ¡°Why are you standing there? Aren¡¯t you going back? Didn¡¯t you say that we should not disturb others?¡±

    ¡°My mom has inconvenienced others for so long and we¡¯re leaving just like that. Do you think that¡¯s the appropriate behavior of a soldier?¡± Zhai Sheng replied with no hurry.

    Zhai Yaohui was trying to control his breathing. ¡°Alright, tidy up the mess for your mom. No matter what, your mom has inconvenienced the youngdy for a night.¡± At the sight of Qiao Nan just now, Zhai Yaohui knew that although he had been worried the whole night, this youngdy did not have it well either.

    Now, Zhai Sheng could openly stay back at the house.

    After Zhai Yaohui brought Miao Jing away, Zhai Sheng then quickly walked over and carried Qiao Nan from the small stool. He wanted to put Qiao Nan in his arms.

    Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a push. ¡°Don¡¯t. Your mom left, but most likely, my dad ising back.¡±

    ¡°Is everything fine yesterday?¡±

    ¡°What could happen? Your mom hugged me for the whole night. I didn¡¯t sleep at all.¡± Qiao Nan was full of misery. ¡°Brother Zhai, does Auntie Miao have the habit of hugging someone when she sleeps?¡±

    ¡°Not too sure.¡± Zhai Sheng shook his head.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you experienced the same thing as me? Has Auntie Miao never kept youpany and coaxed you to sleep before?¡±

    ¡°No, I only sleep with my wife.¡± He was not interested in ¡®other people¡¯s¡¯ wife.

    As for her mother¡¯s habit of hugging someone while sleeping, he really did not know.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, what is wrong with Auntie Miao and your father? Hearing Auntie Miao¡¯s tone yesterday, if it¡¯s not an army marriage between your dad and her, she¡¯s feeling so despaired that she wanted to have a divorce with your dad. She even advised me not to find someone whose family situation is much better than mine, and not to marry a soldier in the future. When I first heard that, I was shocked and thought that Auntie Miao had found out about the two of us.¡±

    Initially, she had wanted to hint to Auntie Miao just like what she did to her father. This was so that she could nt a secret path for the future.

    However, as Auntie Miao said those matters all of a sudden, she was so scared that she dared not mention it.

    ¡°I just knew about this too. In the past, before my mom was married to my dad, my dad had a youngdy he liked. She¡¯s Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother, Qi Min. Yesterday, Qi Min went to the camp to look for my dad. My mom left soon after. As to what happened in between, they most probably are the only ones who know.¡±

    ¡°What a big ssh of drama!¡± It spilled over and drenched her. ¡°Auntie Miao didn¡¯t know about this in the past?¡±

    ¡°She knew.¡±

    ¡°Then, she still...¡± Auntie Miao clearly knew that Qi Min was nearly together with Chief Zhai, yet she still tried to matchmake Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi. ¡°In the past, Auntie Miao and your dad... I doubt the situation was as what I¡¯m thinking of.¡± Auntie Miao was the third party?

    ¡°It has nothing to do with my mom. It¡¯s my grandpa who liked my mom very much. He was determined and strongly objected to the rtionship between Qi Min and my dad. My dad wasn¡¯t able to ovee my grandpa¡¯s decision. He could not fulfill his wish, so he wanted me to help him do so. My mom... She cared too much about my dad in the past. That¡¯s why she went along with my dad to create this mess. Fortunately, after your advice, my mompletely ignores Qiu Chenxi now.¡± Zhai Sheng did not feel that dirty linen should not be aired in public in front of Qiao Nan. Moreover, he told Qiao Nan everything to allow Qiao Nan to handle his domestic affairs more urately and confidently.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s what happened. Then, it really had nothing to do with Auntie Miao. Your dad should bear responsibility. Given what you have said, both Qi Min and your dad not only got married to someone else respectively but also had their own family and kids. Despite this, they still got together and aggravated Auntie Miao. What did they mean by that?¡±

    ording to Brother Zhai¡¯s saying, Auntie Miao cared about and loved Chief Zhai very much.

    It must be such a grave matter that Auntie Miao would think of having a divorce with Chief Zhai. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you think your dad did something principally wrong or let Auntie Miao down?¡± In other words, did he have an affair?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck.

    As a woman, and given that she was on such good terms with Miao Jing, it could be said that Qiao Nan waspletely unable to ept this.

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Zhai Sheng denied. ¡°Perhaps my dad still has a little feeling for Qi Min, but he will definitely not do anything that will let my mom down. As to why my mom red up so badly, I¡¯m very curious as well. I¡¯m waiting for my dad to give us a satisfactory exnation.¡±

 Chapter 440 - Sister Miao Miao, You Have Misunderstood

    <h4>Chapter 440: Sister Miao Miao, You Have Misunderstood</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Now that Chief Zhai has brought Auntie Miao away, will there be any issue? Why don¡¯t you go back and take a look? When everything is fine between Auntie Miao and Chief Zhai, look for me if you have time.¡± Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a push. Ultimately, she could not help feeling worried about Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s situation.

    Even if Chief Zhai did not do anything that let Auntie Miao down, the situation was quite serious anyway.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan told Zhai Sheng, ¡°Auntie Miao even thought of having a divorce. The situation is not good.¡±

    Zhai Sheng pulled a long face. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go home first to take a look. I will look for you again when the matter is settled.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Quickly go back. If the two of them quarrel, Brother Zhai, you have to help Auntie Miao.¡± When a couple argued, the woman was the one who would often be at the losing end.

    Her mother was usually as domineering as a crab at home. However, when her father was really angry, her mother would be the one who was physically disadvantaged.

    ¡°No, it won¡¯t. The men in my family don¡¯t have the habit of hitting women.¡± Zhai Sheng immediately refuted. ¡°All these years, my dad has never touched a single strand of my mom¡¯s hair. However, my mom cared too much about my dad. It¡¯s certainly easy for her to be the one who¡¯s at a disadvantage. If your mother-inw knows that you care so much about her, she will definitely be very happy.¡±

    Qiao Nan pushed Zhai Sheng. ¡°Alright, hurry up.¡± Brother Zhai was not even willing to miss the chance to take advantage of her with his words.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s worries were notpletely unfounded. Although Miao Jing followed Zhai Yaohui back to the house of the Zhai family, she did not speak a word to him throughout the whole journey.

    Zhai Yaohui was already used to Miao Jing taking the initiative when they were together. When Miao Jing was silent, Zhai Yaohui moved his lips but could not manage a word.

    Just as Miao Jing alighted from the car and entered the main door of the house of the Zhai family, she saw Qi Min, who was in tears and looking miserable. ¡°Sister Miao, where did you go yesterday? Why didn¡¯t you tell Brother Zhai? Do you know that Brother Zhai and I have been so worried about you the entire night that you did note home?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face turned white. She was so furious that she lifted her head and looked at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Why is she at our house?¡±

    Did Qi Min not return to her own house yesterday and had been keeping Zhai Yaohuipany and ¡®worrying¡¯ about her together at the house of the Zhai family all this while?

    ¡°Min, why are you here?¡± Zhai Yaohui was shocked. ¡°When did youe?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday, Sister Miao Miao left just like that. I¡¯m worried, so I rushed over this morning to take a look. I then knew that Brother Zhai went to fetch Sister Miao Miao. Fortunately, you fetched her back. Otherwise, I really don¡¯t know what to do. It¡¯s my fault for causing that misunderstanding and making Sister Miao Miao unhappy. Sister Miao Miao, I can exin yesterday¡¯s matter. There¡¯s nothing between Brother Zhai and me. After Brother Zhai married you, he only wanted to be good to you. The truth of the matter is not like what you saw.¡±

    ¡°You shut up!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face froze. When Qi Min said this, she was showing off rather than exining.

    Zhai Yaohui ¡®wanted¡¯ to be good to her. It was only a rational ¡®want¡¯, but Zhai Yaohui¡¯s heart had always favored Qi Min.

    Qi Min said so much just to tell her this?

    Qi Min really treated her as the wild wretched girl who just came from the vige twenty years ago and tried to y such tricks with her.

    ¡°Miao Miao.¡± Zhai Yaohui knitted his brows. ¡°Min is our guest.¡± As the host, how could they ask the guest to shut up?

    Tears welled up in Qi Min¡¯s eyes. She lowered her head slightly, but her lips were slightly curled up into a smile. It was Miao Jing who did not know her limits topete with her in front of Brother Zhai.

    Heaven knew that she was so happy when she saw Miao Jing running off and leaving the camp because of the misunderstanding yesterday. If Miao Jing could know her limits and leave twenty-five years ago, then she would have been the wife of the chief.

    ¡°Now, we¡¯re going to settle some domestic matters. Are you going to continue to let Qi Min remain at our house? If you feel that that¡¯s appropriate, then I have nothing to say.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face was ck as she looked at Zhai Yaohui coldly.

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°Min, you should leave. Don¡¯t be worried. Miao Miao is not a petty person. She knows the big picture. After I exin clearly to her, she will not be angry with you anymore.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qi Min did not remain pleased for long. Her expression changed as she heard this. Brother Zhai actually listened to Miao Jing and wanted to chase her out?

    ¡°Qi Min, you¡¯ve heard him. We¡¯re going to settle the domestic affairs of the Zhai family. As a friend and guest, you cane again next time.¡± Miao Jing smiled as she looked sideways at Qi Min. This time, Qi Min was asking for her own suffering.

    What should Qi Min becent about? At this kind of moment, as long as she did not take the initiative to give in, the person who should leave was Qi Min and not her. She was the only one who could openly and rightfully remain in the house!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you should exin to Sister Miao Miao properly. If it¡¯s still not settled, look for me again. Sister Miao Miao, I¡¯m going back first. Right, if you encounter any unhappy things in the future, please don¡¯t keep it to yourself. You can find someone or a friend to chat about it. Sister Miao Miao, I¡¯m always avable, in case you keep everything to yourself and not voice them out. This will cause Brother Zhai to worry.¡±

    When Qi Min lifted her face, it was full of gentle smiles. However, when her eyes turned toward Zhai Yaohui, there was a sh of hurt and resentment. This made Zhai Yaohui so awkward.

    Before Qi Min left, she even yed such a tactic on Miao Jing. Miao Jing was furious. How she wished she could do what she did as a child, simply going up to the person who provoked her and giving the person a beating.

    ¡°Min, you can leave now.¡± Zhai Yaohui frowned as he stood in front of Miao Jing to shield her. He had noticed the animosity between Qi Min and Miao Jing.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, then I¡¯ll leave. Don¡¯t worry. Just exin to Sister Miao Miao as per what I told you. Sister Miao Miao will definitely ept it.¡± At the sight of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s subconscious protective behavior toward Miao Jing, Qi Min was truly a little hurt.

    It was only until Qi Min sat in the car of the Qiu family that she touched her unhappy heart and thought to herself. Miao Jing had been married to Brother Zhai for so many years and even bore a son and a daughter for him. Brother Zhai was never someone who was heartless. They had so many years of rtionship. It was, in fact, not strange for Brother Zhai to act like that toward Miao Jing.

    Although there was no love between Brother Zhai and Miao Jing, it had been twenty-five years. At the very least, there should be kinship.

    In this life, even if Miao Jing married Brother Zhai, the only person Brother Zhai loved in his heart was her.

    No matter how much fuss Miao Jing kicked up or how tight she watched after Brother Zhai, it was of no use.

    Miao Jing was able to watch Brother Zhai physically, but could she secure him emotionally?

    All these years, Qi Min was aware that Miao Jing had been sticking to Brother Zhai so tightly. Each time, Qi Min waited to watch the fun as Miao Jing embarrassed herself.

    ¡°Miao Miao...¡± After Qi Min left, Zhai Yaohui felt that he could give a proper exnation to Miao Jing.

 Chapter 441 - Punished Himself to Sleep in Study Room

    <h4>Chapter 441: Punished Himself to Sleep in Study Room</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The scene that you saw yesterday was really just a misunderstanding. She came to me solely to discuss the engagement between Zhai Sheng and Chenxi. If the two of them are already engaged, Min will note to look me.¡±

    ¡°So, are you saying that it¡¯s my fault?¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Yaohui a ridiculous look.

    ¡°This is not a question of who is in the wrong. In fact, nobody is wrong. Min is only concerned about her daughter¡¯s happiness. Zhai Sheng is not young anymore. We can put our mind at ease if we decide on their engagement now. What I want to say is that yesterday, when we were in a discussion, Min identally slipped when she stood up, hence I lent her a helping hand.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui felt helpless. Qi Min fell right in front of him. Even if he did not know her and she was just a stranger who happened to fall in front of him, he would certainly help her.

    But Miao Miao happened to be there at the time. From her perspective, he and Qi Min looked as if they were in an embrace.

    ¡°Miao Miao, we have been married for so many years. Isn¡¯t there any trust between us? I am a soldier. I have absolute loyalty to the country, and I have the same attitude toward marriage as well. You should believe in me.¡± This was what Zhai Yaohui was most disappointed about.

    ¡°Trust?¡± Miao Jing said with a bitter smile. ¡°I want to believe you as well, but have you provided me the sense of security so that I can have absolute trust in you?¡± No, never.

    Min?

    What an affectionate way of address!

    Chenxi?

    It sounded as if he was addressing his daughter.

    ¡°Miao Miao, what¡¯s with this attitude? Didn¡¯t I exin clearly to you?¡± Zhai Yaohui frowned. ¡°Miao Miao, you were too much yesterday. You left the army without a word, and you didn¡¯t go back home! You stayed outside throughout the night and you didn¡¯t inform us!¡±

    Miao Jing was both amused and angry. ¡°Fine, I have gone overboard, whereas it was purely a misunderstanding between Qi Min and you. Since you have the final say, why did you bother to exin to me? You can do as you say. I don¡¯t wish to talk to you.¡±

    With that, Miao Jing went back to their room.

    Zhai Yaohui sat down and massaged his temples. He was advanced in years. He only went without sleep for a night and he already felt exhausted.

    ¡°Madam, where are you going with the luggage?¡± Initially, when the auntie heard the quarrels, she dared note out of the kitchen. When she came outter, she saw Miao Jing with the luggage, looking as if she was leaving.

    ¡°You?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked up and witnessed this scene. ¡°What are you doing? Where do you want to go? After imposing on the Qiao family for a night, do you intend to continue to disturb them?¡±

    Miao Jing sneered. ¡°What¡¯s good about the Zhai family is that apart from this house, we have other apartments. I don¡¯t feelfortable living here. I will stay at some other ces. In that way, both of us will feel more at ease.¡± Right now, whenever she saw Zhai Yaohui, she would be reminded of the scene that she saw that day.

    She knew what kind of person Zhai Yaohui was.

    Since he was married, whether he liked it or not, Zhai Yaohui would never mess with other women outside.

    However, Qi Min had always been a thorn in her heart, especially since Zhai Yaohui insisted that his son married Qi Min¡¯s daughter. It was as if he kept pressing on the thorn in her heart. It not only made her ufortable, but it also caused her tremendous pain.

    In the Zhai family¡¯s residence, there were many childhood memories of Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min.

    In the past few years, Miao Jing always followed Zhai Yaohui around and neglected her children. Apart from keeping a watch on Zhai Yaohui, she did all these so as not to be reminded of the painful past.

    Miao Jing took her luggage and had no hesitation in leaving.

    When she passed by Zhai Yaohui, she stopped and reminded him, ¡°It¡¯s good that you still remember you are a soldier. I am your wife. I will misunderstand upon witnessing such a scene. How do you think others, or even Qiu Qin, will react if they see that as well? Will they misunderstand? This is between you and Qi Min. I don¡¯t care if there¡¯s any misunderstanding. But if there¡¯s any spection of your behavior and it affects our children, Zhai Yaohui, I won¡¯t forgive you!¡±

    After saying her piece, Miao Jing intended to leave right away.

    However, when Miao Jing walked past Zhai Yaohui, he turned, bent down, and lifted Miao Jing onto his shoulders. Luckily, Miao Jing had maintained her figure. Otherwise, even though Zhai Yaohui was a soldier, it would be tiring for him to lift her up at his age.

    Zhai Yaohui lifted Miao Jing in one hand and the luggage in another hand. He brought her back to their room and left her on the bed.

    ¡°You...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face was flushed as she was draped over Zhai Yaohui¡¯s shoulders. She was so angry that she felt like biting someone. ¡°Zhai Yaohui, it¡¯s useless! Zhai Sheng is at home. Do you think I can¡¯t make it out of the house?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not answer. He opened the closet silently, took a few pieces of his clothes, his pillow, and nket. Miao Jing gave him a puzzled look. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to leave. I will sleep in the study room.¡±

    They were husband and wife. Why should they live in two separate houses? They were doing fine!

    Seeing that Zhai Yaohui took the initiative to give in to her, Miao Jing did not know whether she should cry orugh.

    She waited for Zhai Yaohui to leave the room before punching at the bed. Zhai Yaohui did not like her, so he was not willing to spend time and efforts on her. Zhai Yaohui still did not understand why she wanted to leave the Zhai family¡¯s residence to stay at other ces!

    Zhai Yaohui did not understand women. He only knew what was on Qi Min¡¯s mind!

    ¡°Where¡¯s Mom?¡± Zhai Sheng came back at the right time. Zhai Yaohui happened toe out of the room with his pillow, nket, and clothes, looking pitiful as he walked toward the study room.

    However, Zhai Sheng did not feel any sympathy for Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°Inside the room.¡±

    ¡°What is it between Qi Min and you?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui pursed his thin lips into a straight line. ¡°What do you mean by that? There¡¯s nothing between us. Your mom has misunderstood us. She fell and I lent her a helping hand. That¡¯s all. Zhai Sheng, you are a man and a soldier. You can¡¯t possibly let your thoughts wander like your mom and think that there¡¯s something going on between the both of us?¡±

    If this was the case, his son was insulting him as a father and as a soldier!

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you think that there¡¯s something very problematic with your way of thinking? Mom has been with you for so many years. Don¡¯t you know her temper? Do you think it was merely because of a misunderstanding that she blew her top?¡±

 Chapter 442 - Exchange Information

    <h4>Chapter 442: Exchange Information</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Zhai Yaohui was perplexed. He did not do anything. He merely lent Qi Min a helping hand yesterday. Why did Zhai Sheng make it seem like it was a big problem and he had to do something to solve it and that it was a source of worry and anxiety for Miao Miao?

    ¡°Qi Min and you have your own family. Even though what happened between the both of you was in the past, shouldn¡¯t you pay more attention to it? You know there is a knot in Mom¡¯s heart. Why can¡¯t you be resolute and decisive like a soldier and cut off all dealings with Qi Min and the whole Qiu family? Why must you make Qiu Chenxi a part of our family? Are you bent on making Mom ufortable?¡±

    ¡°What you said is all because of Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face hardened and he stiffened his eyebrows. Hisments were shocking!

    Zhai Sheng paused momentarily and adopted a stern countenance. ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t want anyone to be a hindrance between Nan Nan and me.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Yaohui smiled. ¡°As a son, you should know your mother¡¯s temper best. Do you dare to repeat what you just said in front of your mom? I am sure that when she knows the truth, she will hate Qiao Nan as much as she likes her.¡±

    Zhai Sheng gritted his teeth. His father was a sly old fox. ¡°It seems like you already know it. What do you want and what do you mean by this?¡±

    His father knew that he liked Nan Nan, yet he tried means and ways to create an opportunity for Qiu Chenxi and him. What exactly was wrong with his father?

    ¡°Let me make things clear. I like Nan Nan, and in the future, she is the only one that I will marry. I have already prepared the marriage report. I only need to submit it to make it official. It is impossible for you to threaten me to be with Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to keep this from your mom?¡± Zhai Yaohui sat down, looking very confident of himself.

    Miao Miao was the only woman he could not understand in his life. However, he knew his son best.

    ¡°Don¡¯t beat about the bush.¡±

    ¡°I want you to reconsider your engagement with Qiu Chenxi. Qiao Nan is not suitable for you. Qiu Chenxi is a better choice.¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± There was no room for discussion.

    ¡°Fine, maybe I should let your mom know of the current situation. She may be appeased, and I won¡¯t need to sleep in the study room.¡± He was married, a man with a wife, so why should he sleep alone?

    Zhai Sheng leaned back slightly, but he kept his back straight. ¡°If it has to be like this, then we will have to make a life and death struggle. You knew about this long ago, yet you only wait until now to tell Mom. Given her stubborn character, not only must you sleep in the study room, but I suppose you will also be banned from her room for three years. I am different from you. You have been married to Mom for twenty-five years. To put it bluntly, the time you have with Mom will decrease day by day, whereas Nan Nan and I are still young. Even though our days together will decrease day by day as well, as long as we persist, we still have a long time ahead of us.¡±

    ¡°In addition, we are different from you. There¡¯s Qi Min between the two of you. Both of you do not have many happy memories together. Contrariwise, Nan Nan and I like each other. I have experienced the true love that you do not understand. Dad, in fact, I feel sorry for you. You cannot be with Qi Min, and you are cold and indifferent to Mom. Dad, do you really intend to dedicate your whole life to the army and spare no time for yourself?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a man. He knew what Zhai Yaohui¡¯s weaknesses were.

    ¡°Young brat, I am on good terms with your Mom!¡± Miao Miao liked him very much and he was very good to Miao Miao. They had a happy time together.

    ¡°Well, you have the final say. It¡¯s useless to deceive me. You have to convince yourself.¡± Zhai Sheng noticed that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression had changed. He knew this was his Achilles¡¯ heel. Zhai Sheng rxed further. ¡°With my understanding of Mom, she came back with you as she didn¡¯t want to make it difficult for Nan Nan. She is still giving you the cold shoulder. She will not want to stay in this house and will definitely find a way to move. By that time, do you think I should find her a ce that she likes?¡±

    He knew his mother best.

    ¡°Dad, when do you think Mom will be appeased? Even if she stays in this house, when will she let you into the room? When you are away for work, do you think she will go with you? She has been taking care of your meals and your daily life for twenty-five years. If she is no longer by your side, do you think you can adapt?¡±

    ¡°Young brat!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was so angry that he felt like giving Zhai Sheng a few smacks on his bottom just like when he was still a child.

    Whatever he had taught Zhai Sheng had been used on him instead. Zhai Sheng hit him where it hurt. His attacks were vicious, quick, and urate!

    He taught Zhai Sheng these tricks in order to deal with the enemy, but he ended up using them on his father!

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Dad, our position should be reversed. I should be the one to ask what you want.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s exchange information. You should know why your mom red up.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed. ¡°Tell me, how did you find out about Nan Nan and me?¡±

    Just now, he was caught unaware by his father and hence he had yet toe to his senses. Now that he thought about it, his father should have found out about them not too long ago.

    Otherwise, his father would never allow his mother to be close with Nan Nan.

    ¡°You¡¯re too careless. Qiu Chenxi is raised by the Qiu family. She has her means. She came up with ways to get hold of the list of people whom you contacted using the telephone in your office. The list almost ended up in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hand.¡±

    ¡°So, this list is now with you.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhai Yaohui sneered.

    Qiu Chenxi might have her means, but she has forgotten that Zhai Yaohui was in charge of the army.

    She could think of ways to deceive Zhai Sheng, but she could never hide it from Zhai Yaohui, the sly old fox. As soon as the list of people whom Zhai Sheng contacted waspiled, it was sent to Zhai Yaohui straightaway. As for the list that Qiu Chenxi had, it was a different list that was sent by Zhai Yaohui.

    Between his son and his friend¡¯s daughter, Zhai Yaohui could still get his priorities straight.

    Zhai Sheng turned grim. ¡°Thus, you think that she is suitable for me because of her capabilities? This is tantamount to nting a spy around me!¡± He should have expected that Qiu Chenxi would not give up easily.

    He was so close to clearing every obstacle standing between Nan Nan and him. He had helped Nan Nan settle the problem with Qiao Zijin, but he had created another problem, which was Qiu Chenxi, for Nan Nan.

    Qiu Chenxi could be much tougher to deal with than Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°It¡¯s your turn.¡± Why was Miao Miao angry? What could he do to appease her?

 Chapter 443 - Chief Zhai Is Here

    <h4>Chapter 443: Chief Zhai Is Here</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Why is Mom angry? You should be very clear about it. The only advice that I can give you is that if you want Mom to forgive you, stay further away from Qi Min in the future. It¡¯ll be best if you don¡¯t meet her again. Moreover, next time, don¡¯t be involved with anyone, except Qiu Qin, from the Qiu family. Within a month, Mom will definitely forgive you.¡±

    The crux of the problems stemmed from Qi Min. His father did not need to understand. It would suffice that he knew what to do.

    ¡°My rtionship with your Auntie Qi is that of a tonic friendship. You... What you¡¯ve said is equivalent to not saying anything.¡± Moreover, he was tricked into giving information!

    Sly little fox!

    ¡°Auntie!¡±

    ¡°Chief.¡± The auntie walked out in trepidation. ¡°Is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost eleven o¡¯clock. Prepare a bowl of Miao Miao¡¯s favorite Yang Chun noodles. Remember to not overcook it. Miao Miao loves to eat those that are cooked just right and not too salty. The soup has to be light and prepared with chicken stock. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ve done this for a few years. I remember all this.¡± The auntie nodded and prepared the Yang Chun noodles with ease. She then served it to Miao Jing who was in her bedroom. ¡°Madam, it¡¯s your favorite Yang Chun noodles. Chief asked me to prepare this especially for you.¡±

    When Miao Jing, who was initially a little hungry, heard that this bowl of noodles was prepared upon the instruction of Zhai Yaohui, she burned with anger. ¡°Not eating. I don¡¯t wish to have noodles. I want to eat rice!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. What dishes does Madam wish to eat? How about I prepare them for you now?¡± The auntie¡¯s temper was good. She asked meticulously.

    ¡°I wish to eat... Forget it. I¡¯ll just eat the noodles. We can¡¯t waste food.¡± Miao Jing sighed. Why was she venting her anger on auntie? Clearly, Zhai Yaohui was the culprit. As she was unable to settle her scores with Zhai Yaohui, how could she torture auntie instead?

    ¡°Madam, then hurry up and eat them. It will turn soggy after a while and you won¡¯t like them anymore.¡± Auntie happily put down the noodles. ¡°Madam, I don¡¯t know what wrong did Chief Zhai do, but Chief Zhai is very concerned about you. Yesterday, when Chief came back alone and didn¡¯t see you, he was so anxious that he did not sleep for the whole night. It was only when the chauffeur who sent you to the Qiao family told him that you were there did he feel more at ease. Yesterday, Chief Zhai just sat in the living room for the whole night.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Miao Jing felt quite bad after hearing that.

    After thinking, just as what Qi Min thought, she felt that Zhai Yaohui was most likely concerned about her because they had been married for so many years. It was not because he truly loved her. Clearly, this was the Yang Chun noodles that she liked. However, at this moment, it tasted so nd in her mouth.

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back?¡± On the contrary, the atmosphere in the Qiao family was more harmonious.

    ¡°Has Madam Zhai gone back?¡± At the sight that Miao Jing was no longer at his house, Qiao Dongliang heaved a huge sigh of relief. In this lifetime, besides Ding Jiayi, he had never tried to stay under the same roof with another woman.

    In fact, Qiao Dongliang felt more uneasy than Qiao Nan about this.

    ¡°She has gone back. Chief Zhai came to pick her up personally.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Nan Nan, don¡¯t misunderstand. Dad was not the one who let the matter out.¡± Although Qiao Dongliang felt he should inform Chief Zhai since he apparently knew that Madam Zhai was at his house and that Chief Zhai was anxious, he could not bring himself to do that as he felt that he would be betraying Madam Zhai if he were to do so.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t think of it that way. I believe Auntie Miao will not as well. Yesterday, when Auntie Miao came to our house, it was the chauffeur of the Zhai family who sent her here. I believe Auntie Miao would definitely not let the chauffeur wait for her for the whole night. She must have asked the chauffeur to go home. The next day, when the chauffeur reported to the Zhai family, Chief Zhai then found out that Auntie Miao was at our house. That¡¯s not strange.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then.¡± Qiao Dongliang let out a breath of relief. If this resulted in a misunderstanding, it would be difficult to rify. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? Dad will cook a meal for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m hungry.¡± After having her meal, she had to go back to bed to make up for the lost sleep. Fortunately, Chief Zhai and Brother Zhai came and took Auntie Miao away. Otherwise, if Auntie Miao stayed one more night at her house, she would definitely doze off during every evening self-study session when she returned to school.

    ¡°What do you want to eat? Dad will prepare for you.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll eat whatever you prepare.¡±

    Without Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan¡¯s life was very simple. The dietary preferences of the father and daughter were simr. Besides, Qiao Nan was not picky at all. Even if Qiao Dongliang prepared something that she did not like, she would eat them.

    At the thought that when Ding Jiayi prepared meals for Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin not only picked what she wanted to eat but also refused to eat this or touch that, Qiao Dongliang was very ashamed as he realized now that not every child was as difficult to bring up as Qiao Zijin. In fact, it was very easy to raise Nan Nan.

    If not for the fact that he misunderstood that Ding Jiayi had endured lots of hardships raising Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang would not have given in to Ding Jiayi so much previously.

    ¡°Ah good, Dad will prepare ordingly.¡± After Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin left, Qiao Dongliang would think of his wife and elder daughter asionally. Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang felt more rxed and carefree most of the time. His life with Qiao Nan was also bing increasingly smoother.

    ¡°Nan Nan, eat them while they¡¯re hot. Eat more. Judging from how you look, you definitely didn¡¯t have a good rest when Madam Zhai was here yesterday. After you have your meal, go to bed and rest for one to two hours. Rest well and regain your energy today so that it¡¯ll be easier for you when you go to school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so good.¡± As Qiao Nan ate the piping hot meal, she felt moved and happy when she heard the words of concern from Qiao Dongliang.

    He was no doubt her biological father. He actually could tell that she did not sleep well at allst night.

    If not for the fear of falling sick due to hunger, which she did in her previous life due to gastric problems, she had wanted to forgo this meal. She did not sleep well for an entire night and felt that she could bury her face in the rice bowl at any point in time.

    Qiao Nan believed that as soon as she could finish up this meal, she would be able to go back to her bed and have afortable nap.

    Who would have known that one minute after her meal, a visitor that would ¡®perk her up¡¯ came.

    ¡°Who came at this hour?¡± Qiao Dongliang urged Qiao Nan to go to sleep quickly. He would tidy up the table. Before Qiao Nan could get up from her seat, they heard the sound of someone knocking on the door. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Madam Zhai came back again?¡±

    Impossible. Chief Zhai was already at home. Why would Madam Zhaie again?

    ¡°That should not be possible,¡± Qiao Nan said with some doubt.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and rest first? I¡¯ll go and open the door. Even if there¡¯s a guest, as a father, I should be the one attending to them.¡± As long as the person was not from the Zhai family, Nan Nan would be able to take her nap with ease.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The three family members of the Zhai family were all at home. Why would theye to her house? Most likely, the visitor was looking for her father.

    Just as Qiao Nany on the bed, before she could cover herself with the nket, she heard the estranged voice of her father. ¡°Nan Nan,e out quickly. Chief... Chief Zhai is here!¡±

 Chapter 444 - Please Break Up

    <h4>Chapter 444: Please Break Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan jumped in shock. ¡°Dad, what did you say? Who came?¡± As she said that, Qiao Nan wore her clothes and shoes.

    ¡°Chief... Chief Zhai, good day.¡± Coming into close contact with Zhai Yaohui, Qiao Dongliang was so emotionally affected that his face turned red. He actually gave Zhai Yaohui a ny-degree bow.

    ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s father?¡± Zhai Yaohui was quite satisfied with that perfect standing posture of Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Reporting to Chief Zhai, yes, I am!¡±

    ¡°Can I go into the house before we talk?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Chief Zhai!¡±

    When Qiao Nan came out, she saw her father looking like an obedient soldier. He was standing up in a prim and proper manner, while Zhai Yaohui, with a serious look on his face, was like the chief that was reviewing the parade. ¡°Dad, Chief Zhai... Chief Zhai, pleasee in and have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± When he saw the main party concerned appear, Zhai Yaohui simply ced all his attention on Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Dongliang, right? I wish to speak to your daughter alone. Can I?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Chief.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang behaving like a junior soldier falling into his position and standing outside with his back facing them, Qiao Nan was speechless for a moment. Zhai Yaohui was extraordinarily silent as well.

    In actual fact, Zhai Yaohui had seen many people like Qiao Dongliang. All the soldiers in the army behaved this way. But because this was the house of the Qiao family, he felt that this was a fresh experience. ¡°Do you know why I am here today?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know?¡± Zhai Yaohui did not believe her. ¡°You should know clearly what you have done. If not for the sake of Zhai Sheng, I wouldn¡¯te to the house of the Qiao family.¡±

    Qiao Nan clenched her fists and changed from the nervous state she had been in. She lifted her head and looked at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that as well. Chief Zhai, please feel free to speak your mind.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng and you are notpatible. I hope you can take the initiative to break up with Zhai Sheng. Furthermore, I¡¯ve found someone suitable for him. They¡¯re going to be engaged very soon.¡±

    ¡°I reject.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s pointless unless Brother Zhai tells me this himself.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t it be too embarrassing for him toe and tell you directly?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of embarrassment. I¡¯m just afraid of not understanding what happened and being like a muddleheaded ghost.¡±

    At the sight of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes that were increasingly sharp and piercing, Qiao Nan bit her teeth and endured.

    She initially thought that Auntie Miao would be the one telling her all these. Never did she expect that it would actually be Brother Zhai¡¯s father, Chief Zhai. Moreover, she did not expect that Chief Zhai, who was busy with a myriad of state affairs, discovered the rtionship between Brother Zhai and her before Auntie Miao did.

    Zhai Yaohui was surprised that Qiao Nan dared to be so firm in her replies to him despite her young age.

    ¡°Chief Zhai, is there any other matter?¡± If there was none, he could leave.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll do anything to the Qiao family?¡± She had the guts to chase him away.

    ¡°You¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s father. Given my understanding of Brother Zhai, unless he has grown up the ¡®wrong way¡¯, you would not do that. You would not bother to either.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The corners of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s lips moved. He was both amused and speechless by the interesting way that Qiao Nan put her point across.

    ¡°Chief Zhai, do you have any other matter?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not treating me to a cup of tea?¡± Zhai Yaohui let out a breath, feeling slightly more rxed.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Chief Zhai, you may not know. When Auntie Miao first came to my house, she shunned my lousy tea leaves, saying that she was not used to drinking it. Since then, I¡¯ve only given her in water. Do you want any?¡±

    ¡°in water, then.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Qiao Nan really poured a cup of in water and ced it in front of Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui asked for a drink. This clearly meant he did not wish to leave yet.

    Although this was Qiao Nan¡¯s territory, Zhai Yaohui was now taking an active role, and Qiao Nan the passive one.

    Hence, after pouring the drink, Qiao Nan sat facing Zhai Yaohui and maintained her silence. She waited for Zhai Yaohui to speak first.

    After drinking a mouthful of in water that he had not drunk for many years, Zhai Yaohui felt a little odd. After some time, he continued and asked, ¡°Does Miao Miaoe to your house very often?¡±

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Auntie Miao is more often with Chief Zhai. When she asionally has the time, she wille to my house.¡± If Auntie Miao came to her house every day, she would not be able to take it.

    ¡°I see.¡± At the sight of the in water in his hands, he thought about how many cups of in water could Miao Miao possiblye over to the Qiao family to drink? It was clear enough. ¡°Did Miao Miao sleepover at your house yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My dad went back to the small courtyard of the Qiao family. Auntie Miao squeezed with me on the same bed,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re really quite smart.¡± Before he could question further, Qiao Nan had exined everything clearly to him. It made him feel much more at ease.

    Zhai Yaohui could not ept Miao Jing being under the same roof as another man. He further could not tolerate Miao Jing sleeping in a bed that belonged to another man.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. She straightened her back and sat rigidly. ¡°Yesterday, Auntie Miao slept with me. But during the day yesterday, who were you with and what did you do, Chief Zhai? Could you also let Auntie Miao feel asfortable as you do now?¡±

    One might steal a horse while another might not look over the hedge. Chief Zhai should not do that.

    ¡°Miao Miao even told you this? What else did she say?¡± Zhai Yaohui was both nervous and surprised. Nevertheless, the expression on his face seemingly did not change, still looking indifferent. Even his tone was nonchnt. It was so normal as if he was talking to Qiao Nan about the taste of the cup of water.

    If not for that moment of sh beneath Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes, it would have been hard for Qiao Nan to know that Zhai Yaohui was, in fact, very concerned about her reply.

    Qiao Nan crossed her arms. ¡°Chief Zhai, are you trying to beat around the bush with me? Why don¡¯t we be more direct? What do you want to know? I¡¯ll see if I want to reply to you.¡±

    After fussing for such a long time, Chief Zhai¡¯s main purpose was not really to request her to break up with Brother Zhai. It was about Auntie Miao¡¯s matter.

    It was not quite right. ording to Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao, Qi Min was the one that Chief Zhai loved. He was forced to marry Auntie Miao by Old Master Zhai. But given the situation, no matter how she looked, she felt that Chief Zhai actually cared very much about Auntie Miao.

    ¡°See if you want to reply?¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted slightly. ¡°You¡¯re talking so boldly?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao who gave me the courage,¡± Qiao Nan replied courteously with a smile. One was the son that Chief Zhai valued most importantly, while the other was the woman that Chief Zhai cared about most. Qiao Nan suddenly discovered that she was quite lucky to be holding on to the two lifelines of Chief Zhai.

    Although Chief Zhai found out about Brother Zhai and her before Auntie Miao did, given the current situation, Chief Zhai did not seem like he would be an obstacle between them.

    Zhai Yaohui, whose face stiffened, felt that the smile on Qiao Nan¡¯s face was extremely annoying. This was because he would asionally see this smile on the face of his son, Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 445 - Both Have â€˜Old Loversâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 445: Both Have ¡®Old Lovers¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yaohui closed his eyes for a while. His eyes then revealed a sh that was as sharp as that of a falcon. ¡°Right, let¡¯s be frank. It¡¯s rare that Miao Miao can get along with you. Therefore, I want to ask you some things about Miao Miao. You have to reply honestly.¡±

    ¡°What do I gain out of this?¡±

    ¡°You dare to ask me about what you will gain?¡± Zhai Yaohui felt ridiculous. Who would have the gall of the leopard to dare to ask the chief of a country that!

    ¡°Chief Zhai, don¡¯t tell me you think that I¡¯m obligated to reply to your questions? You may not know that besides my family members, I¡¯m, in fact, quite difficult toward others.¡± Qiao Nan smiled.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Zhai Yaohui sneered. ¡°Then, what do you wish to gain out of this?¡±

    ¡°Unless Auntie Miao realizes it herself, or Brother Zhai and I tell Auntie Miao the truth on our own ord, Chief Zhai, you should pretend that you don¡¯t know anything!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui put down the cup in his hands. ¡°So, you¡¯re not that good to Miao Miao and want to lie to her?¡± There was coldness in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes.

    Instead of being angry, Qiao Nan smiled and nced sideways at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°No choice. Someone caused Auntie Miao to have a knot in her heart regarding such matters. Yesterday, when Auntie Miao came, she even told me that when I find a man in the future, I shouldn¡¯t marry someone whose status is much higher than that of mine and also not to marry a soldier. It¡¯s too much of a hardship. Chief Zhai, should I discuss with Brother Zhai about how to repay this ¡®someone¡¯?

    ¡°I agree to your terms.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui hit the nail on the head. After all, he had not intended to tell Miao Jing about this. Hence, he could find out information from Qiao Nan for free and not lose anything.

    ¡°Then, what does Chief Zhai wish to ask?¡± Qiao Nan secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Auntie Miao had just taken a great blow because of Chief Zhai and Qi Min. She was utterly despaired. If the matter between her and Brother Zhai was exposed, Qiao Nan was worried that Auntie Miao might not be able to take it well and would do something silly.

    Zhai Yaohui thought carefully about which words to use. After some time, he only managed to ask a very ordinary question. ¡°What is Miao Miao angry with me about?¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao misunderstood me, but I¡¯ve already exined to her. However, Miao Miao did not seem to ept it. Zhai Sheng told me that Miao Miao gets along well with you. Do you know what Miao Miao is thinking about? Did she mention anything to you?¡± Having finished his question, Zhai Yaohui did not know whether tough or cry. He had be too confused out of anxiety. Was it appropriate to pose such questions to Qiao Nan, a youngdy?

    ¡°It is fine if you don¡¯t know.¡±

    Having been treated as a ¡®tree in a hole¡¯ by Miao Jing for so long, how could Qiao Nan not know anything? ¡°Chief Zhai, what are you anxious about? Did anything identally happen between Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother and you and Auntie Miao saw it?¡± There would only be a few matters that a woman would be concerned about.

    Brother Zhai said that it was impossible for Chief Zhai to have an extra-marital affair. In that case, it was merely physical contact then.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already said it yourself. That was an ident!¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhai, I wish to share with you a secret regarding Auntie Miao. Would you like to know?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know about it. Tell me the important things that matter.¡± Things such as secrets could be revealedter.

    ¡°Are you certain you don¡¯t want to know? The matter concerns Auntie Miao and another man.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s this man?!¡± Zhai Yaohui clenched his fists, his green veins nearly exploding.

    Qiao Nan lifted her legs. She did that a few times before she could prop it up in a cross-legged position. ¡°Chief Zhai, I don¡¯t think you know this. In the past, when Auntie Miao was still in the vige, there was a Chinese teacher in town who was considered primary ssmates with Auntie Miao. He liked Auntie Miao very much. If Old Master Zhai did not engage Auntie Miao to you, Auntie Miao would most probably not be the wife of a chief. She would be the wife of a teacher who had taught numerous students. That teacher had actually proposed marriage to Auntie Miao¡¯s family long before.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was astonished because hepletely did not know about this matter. ¡°Where did you hear that from? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re weaving a lie?¡±

    ¡°This matter can¡¯t be lied about. As to why you didn¡¯t know... Chief Zhai, you have to reflect on yourself and shouldn¡¯t be asking me this. The greatest regret in that teacher¡¯s life is not marrying Auntie Miao. However, this teacher did well in life too. He became a school principal in the end. Auntie Miao is considered as the most sessful and famous person in their area. This teacher recently contacted Auntie Miao to invite her back to her hometown and old school to do some sort of promotion for the school. That principal even said that Auntie Miao¡¯s hometown has changed greatly and Auntie Miao may not even recognize it now. When she goes over, he can be the tour guide to bring her around. Chief Zhai, what do you think of this matter?¡±

    Although Zhai Yaohui did not reply, his face turnedpletely ck, feeling as if the greatest enemy was approaching him. But that was enough of a response for Qiao Nan. He only had two words to say: No way!

    No way at all!

    ¡°Chief Zhai, Auntie Miao has already promised that principal. She¡¯ll be going back after the May Day holiday.¡±

    ¡°How dare she!¡± Zhai Yaohui stood up immediately. No wonder Miao Miao packed her luggage and said that she would be moving out for a few days. So, it was because she had a date with her old lover!

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she dare? Chief Zhai, don¡¯t forget that you have always been keeping in touch with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother. Both of you have been discussing when Brother Zhai can marry Qiu Chenxi. You know, that principal has a son. After he saw Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s photo, he liked Sister Zhai Hua so much. He said Sister Zhai Hua looked exactly like Auntie Miao when she was young. He wanted to be inws with Auntie Miao. Auntie Miao is considering whether to marry Sister Zhai Hua into their family.¡±

    ¡°Bah!¡± Zhai Yaohui did not respond. However, Zhai Hua, who had finallypleted her mission and ran out of the camp to the Qiao family, could not help uttering expletives when she heard this.

    Qiao Nan simply jumped in shock. ¡°Zhai... Sister Zhai Hua, why did youe?¡± It was true that one should not talk behind someone¡¯s back.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did my mom really say that she will marry me to the son of that nonsense principal?¡± Zhai Hua was anxiety-stricken. She already had someone she loved. Besides, they were already in a rtionship. She did not want to marry a man that sprang out of nowhere, one whom she did not know.

    Zhai Yaohui shrank his chin. ¡°Hua Hua, don¡¯t worry. I will definitely not let you marry that person. Dad is certainly on your side.¡±

    Zhai Hua was not only unhappy but also rolled her eyes directly. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re the first one that I¡¯m worried about. You did this matter before. Didn¡¯t you suggest that Zhai Sheng should marry Qiu Chenxi? You and Mom are really a couple. Your temperaments are the same. You both like to do things such as selling your son and daughter. If you want to get married, go ahead by yourselves!¡± Why did they have to sacrifice Zhai Sheng and her!

    Zhai Yaohui was anxious. He had wanted to make his daughter take his side and help him persuade Miao Miao. ¡°How can that be the same? Qiu Chenxies from good family background. She is good in her studies and also intelligent. She even grew up together with Zhai Sheng. They are verypatible together.¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhai, the son of that principal is tall and very good-looking.¡±

 Chapter 446 - Not Against It

    <h4>Chapter 446: Not Against It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Besides, hees from a schrly family, having an IQ of 120. He is schrly while she is athletic. Aren¡¯t they a perfect match?¡± Qiao Nan continued.

    ¡°No, this is absolutely impossible. That person will never have any rtions with the Zhai family. Dream on!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face darkened. He was just like the weather in June, where one could expect a shower anytime.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua asked in unison. They wanted to know why Zhai Yaohui was so firm in this matter.

    ¡°Because...¡± He would never let Miao Miao see that man often. If they were inws, they would get to meet during festivals and they would then be in each other¡¯s thoughts!

    Before he could bring himself to say this, Zhai Yaohui suddenly understood Qiao Nan¡¯s intention in telling him this. ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡±

    ¡°Some of them are the truth while some are lies.¡± Qiao Nan stuck out her tongue. She was too daring to lie to Chief Zhai.

    ¡°Which of them are truths and which of them are lies?¡±

    ¡°The part about the principal and Auntie Miao is true. The part where Auntie Miao wanted Sister Zhai Hua to marry the son of the principal is false. The principal friend has this intention, but Auntie Miao has said that if Sister Zhai Hua is to marry in the future, it will have to be someone Sister Zhai Hua likes.¡±

    ¡°She is indeed my dear mom!¡± Zhai Hua was so happy that she hugged Qiao Nan and pecked on her cheeks.

    Zhai Yaohui calmed down slightly. ¡°Is that true?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a hundred percent true.¡± Qiao Nan wiped off the saliva that Zhai Hua left on her face. What was wrong with Auntie Miao and Sister Zhai Hua? One liked to hug people while she slept while the other liked to kiss people.

    In this way, Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister had be the first person to peck on Zhai Sheng¡¯s future wife¡¯s cheeks.

    Zhai Yaohui let out a long breath. ¡°I understand now.¡±

    ¡°Do you really understand?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and there was a sparkle in her eyes.

    Zhai Yaohui was angry and amused. ¡°Don¡¯t be too happy. Although I understand, it doesn¡¯t mean I will help Zhai Sheng and you. Even without Qiu Chenxi, I have the same thoughts as Miao Miao. Both of you are not suitable for each other.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry. Since Auntie Miao likes me, I¡¯m sure I will get her approval someday. More importantly, I am still young. Even though I don¡¯t think that one¡¯s external conditions can override everything, I will do my best to meet your conditions in order to win your approval and blessing. Anyway, Brother Zhai is not after a princess. He is looking for a soulmate, someone who can stand side by side with him to face the world. Although there is some difficulty, I think I am up to it.¡±

    ¡°You sound very confident.¡±

    ¡°Without this self-confidence, how could I dare to be with Brother Zhai?¡±

    Zhai Hua was impressed with the way Qiao Nan spoke to Zhai Yaohui. She was not afraid of his status and she never cowered in front of him. She seemed to be of his equal and dared to voice out her opinions. At her age, Zhai Hua would never dare to confront her father.

    Nan Nan was a heroine.

    Zhai Yaohui finally understood the reason Zhai Sheng wanted him to look for Qiao Nan. It seemed like he had fallen for Zhai Sheng¡¯s tricks again.

    Qiao Nan was indeed smart. It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng liked her so much.

    However, he maintained his stand. At least for now, Qiao Nan was not suitable to be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family and she could not marry Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why are you in a daze? Go back with me.¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Zhai Hua. She had just returned to Ping Cheng and should stay at home instead of hanging out at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. What was wrong with all of them?

    ¡°No!¡± Zhai Hua leaned back in a rxed posture, refusing to leave the Qiao family¡¯s residence. ¡°I rushed back from the army since I was worried about you and Mom. I am exhausted to the bone. In order toplete the previous mission, I haven¡¯t been sleeping for three days. I¡¯m too tired to move now. I have to rest at Nan Nan¡¯s house for a while.¡±

    Her father would not be able to make up with her mother within such a short time. She did not want to be sandwiched between both of them. Since it was her father who created the trouble, he should suffer for the mistakes that he made.

    He was not young anymore, yet he had to seek advice from a youngdy. It was so embarrassing!

    ¡°Up to you.¡± Zhai Yaohui left for the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Dongliang walked Zhai Yaohui to the door. He had thought of going back home after sending Chief Zhai off, but he remembered that Chief Zhai¡¯s daughter was still in his house. He thought for a while, looked up to the sky, and heaved a sigh. Since it was still early, he decided to look for Old Yang to chat with or to have a game of chess.

    Zhai Hua found afortable position by leaning back against the sofa. She was in high spirits. She motioned for Nan Nan to sit beside her. ¡°Nan Nan, my dad has left. Come and sit over here.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Hua sat up and looked at Qiao Nan with a perplexed look on her face. ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡±

    ¡°No, my legs are weak. I can¡¯t move.¡±

    ¡°Your legs are weak... Were you frightened by my dad? Hey, Nan Nan, you are so incredible. When my dad was there, I couldn¡¯t tell that you were scared. I thought you were so much stronger than me and that you were not afraid of him.¡± Zhai Huaughed until she cried. It turned out that it was only a false show of bravery.

    ¡°No matter what, I couldn¡¯t show him my weakness. How could he question me in an interrogative manner in my house?¡± Qiao Nan patted her thigh, refusing to back down to Zhai Yaohui. At least, she must not reveal any sign of weakness before the ¡®enemy¡¯ left.

    ¡°Come here, I will give you a hand.¡± Zhai Hua helped Qiao Nan over to her side and sat down. ¡°But it¡¯s good to have the confrontation, lest my dad keeps on meddling with Zhai Sheng¡¯s affairs. By the way, were you telling the truth just now? When my mom was young, did someone hint to her that he liked her and ask for her hand in marriage even before my dad?¡± She had never heard of this.

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± She did not fabricate it.

    ¡°But my mom never told me about it.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you have to do some reflection.¡±

    ¡°After telling my dad to reflect on himself, you are telling me to do so as well?¡± Zhai Hua stretched her hands out in a bid to tickle Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan grabbed her hands and fixed her gaze on Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I am serious. You have to do some reflection and the same goes for Chief Zhai and Brother Zhai.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt ufortable at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Nan Nan, are you joking or are you serious?¡±

 Chapter 447 - Found His Way into Her House

    <h4>Chapter 447: Found His Way into Her House</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan loosened her grip on Zhai Hua¡¯s hand and leaned back. ¡°You¡¯re very clear what kind of person my mom is. People are vain. We only know to value what we don¡¯t have. Auntie Miao is a good mother, but she has lost herself because of Chief Zhai. When I look at your family of four and the happy days that all of you can have, and how your family has ended up to be, I feel sad and find that it is such a pity.¡±

    Zhai Hua turned silent at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. She was lost for words.

    In the past, she never felt anything wrong with the way her family members got along with one another. Zhai Sheng and she had gotten used to the fact that her mother would follow her father around and neglect her children. In retrospect, had they been too independent such that her mother felt that she was not needed, and hence could only follow her father around?

    It was not easy for her to transform from a vige girl to be married to a family that came from a revolutionary background and became the wife of the chief of the army in a few years¡¯ time. Not everyone could adapt well to the huge transformation.

    After thinking about it, Zhai Hua said, ¡°Shall I go back now to apany my mom?¡±

    ¡°You must chat with her and share a bed with her!¡± Since she was hugged by Auntie Miao through the night, Sister Zhai Hua must have a taste of how it was like to be hugged by Auntie Miao as well.

    ¡°I can eat and chat with her, but I would rather not share a bed with her. Since a young age, she has never shared a bed with me.¡± Zhai Hua could not help but tremble. ¡°Well, enough of this. I must go back to apany and persuade my mom. I must help her lecture my dad. Every day, his dubious dealings with his old lover, Qi Min, never stopped and even insisted on having Qiu Chenxi as his daughter-inw!¡±

    It was great that there was a turning point in the engagement between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi. Her father finally understood. Zhai Hua did not idle at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Instead, she stood up feeling energized and rushed back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan bid her goodbye and reminded her to close the door on her way out.

    Qiao Nan did not sleep well for a night. She could not wait to plop down on her bed to sleep. Besides, after the talk with Zhai Yaohui, she felt physically and mentally exhausted.

    Fortunately, it was only once in a blue moon. Otherwise, her body would not be able to take it.

    Qiao Nan took off her jacket and shoes andy down on her bed. She fell asleep in no time.

    Qiao Nan had only been asleep for about half an hour when someone pushed the door open and went into Qiao Nan¡¯s room. Seeing that Qiao Nan was in a deep sleep, Zhai Sheng closed the door quietly and took off his shoes and jacket. He hugged Qiao Nan in his arms andy down to sleep.

    By the time Qiao Nan woke up, she could smell the aroma of nicely-cooked dishes.

    Qiao Nan got dressed, washed her face, and yawned as she came out. ¡°Dad, what is it that you are cooking? It smells nice... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan blinked her eyes in confusion. Why was Brother Zhai at her house? Why did all the people from the Zhai familye to her house today?

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are awake. Wash your hands and get ready to eat.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who came out with the dishes, felt way more awkward than Qiao Nan. Just now, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Dongliang were busy cooking in the kitchen, Zhai Sheng kept asking Qiao Dongliang about Qiao Nan¡¯s eating preferences, whether she liked to have her dishes salty or in. Qiao Dongliang felt very ufortable and awkward.

    Qiao Dongliang knew Zhai Sheng¡¯s intentions toward Qiao Nan. If Zhai Sheng was not a soldier or a regimentmander, Qiao Dongliang would have sent him away.

    Qiao Nan walked to stand by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side. ¡°Dad, why is Brother Zhai at our house?¡± When did he arrive? She had no recollection at all.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan stood by his side instead of ignoring him and standing by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side, Qiao Dongliang gave Zhai Sheng a smug look and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. When I reached home, he was already here. Didn¡¯t you open the door for him?¡±

    ¡°No, I did not. When Sister Zhai Hua went back, I asked her to close the door for me and I went to sleep right away. Yesterday, Auntie Miao stayed for the night. I didn¡¯t sleep at all, so I was very sleepy. Dad, you have no idea when Brother Zhai came as well? When you came back, what was Brother Zhai doing?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face darkened. ¡°I saw himing out of your room.¡±

    Was that the truth?

    ¡°He said he was here to see you. But seeing that you were sleeping, he did not disturb you.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not really trust Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. He went into Qiao Nan¡¯s room and checked that she was fine and fast asleep before setting his mind at ease.

    Afterward, he kept a close watch on Zhai Sheng.

    Last time, Qiao Nan had revealed some of her feelings about Zhai Sheng to Qiao Dongliang. Initially, Qiao Dongliang found it hard to believe.

    But seeing that Zhai Sheng kept asking about his daughter¡¯s hobbies and eating preferences, Qiao Dongliang had no other choice but to believe her words.

    Zhai Sheng was already an adult, while Nan Nan was still young. Qiao Dongliang felt that Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior was a disgrace to the soldiers.

    ¡°Nan Nan,e and have your meal.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mind that Qiao Nan stood by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side instead of his. He was in high spirits because of the sweet nap just now.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, is it fine for you not to be at home?¡± Qiao Nan took the bowl and chopsticks from Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Certainly, there isn¡¯t any problem. Haven¡¯t you solved it?¡±

    ¡°Is it really solved?¡± She could not help but doubt his words.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just dig in. You slept for so long during the day. Will you be able to sleep at night?¡± Zhai Sheng ced some vegetables into Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl. Had he found his way into her house and imed ownership?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. In fact, I am a good sleeper.¡± But given her current situation, she could not sleep for too long.

    Qiao Dongliang cleared his throat loudly while ring at Zhai Sheng. He felt anger boiling inside him.

    ¡°Dad, is your throat ufortable? I will get you a cup of tea.¡± Qiao Nan did not realize that it was, in fact, a ¡®silent fight¡¯ between the father-inw and son-inw.

    Qiao Dongliang drank the tea that Qiao Nan poured for him. Not only was his throatfortable, but he also felt better now. ¡°Daughters are better than sons. Daughters are more considerate.¡± Nevertheless, he was angry that someone was after the apple of his eye.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, is that so? Shall I pour you a cup of warm tea?¡± Even though Qiao Nan was still very young, Zhai Sheng had set his sights on marrying her. He found nothing wrong with that. However, if he and Nan Nan had a daughter in the future and someone did the same to his daughter, he would beat the person to a pulp!

    Qiao Dongliang rolled his eyes and waved his hand. ¡°No, the cup of tea that Nan Nan poured for me is just nice. You don¡¯t have to bother yourself.¡± What a joke. The drink that his daughter poured for him was definitely sweeter than the drink poured by somebody¡¯s son!

 Chapter 448 - A Face Full of Disdain

    <h4>Chapter 448: A Face Full of Disdain</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    That night, Zhai Sheng not only stayed at the Qiao family¡¯s residence to apany the father and daughter for dinner but also dawdled to watch the evening news together with them. He was only willing to leave when it was half-past seven.

    Once Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Dongliang immediately closed the door. ¡°Nan Nan, do you really know Zhai Sheng or are you both just having fun? You¡¯re a girl. You can¡¯t y with this kind of matter. Moreover, you¡¯re now just a first-year senior high school student. Nan Nan, please don¡¯t do anything foolish at this moment. Are you and Zhai Sheng...¡±

    He had not wished for a son-inw but the son-inw appeared. It was too annoying!

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I assure you that I will definitely do well in my studies. Just watch after me. If there¡¯s an issue with my academic results, I promise you that I will certainly not meet Brother Zhai unless my grades improve or even before I graduate from senior high school. Will that do?¡± Qiao Nan smiled and leaned beside Qiao Dongliang. Her voice was soft and sweet.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Alright, Nan Nan. Dad will believe you once. Remember what you told Dad today. If your grades suffer because of this, don¡¯t me Dad for being heartless. Nan Nan, you know the wealth and status of the Zhai family. Actually, Dad doesn¡¯t want you to go through hardships. In fact, being simple and ordinary is the reality. It¡¯s also happiness.¡±

    The entry status of the Zhai family was too high. He was afraid that before Nan Nan could get into the family, she would be stumbled by the high standards of the Zhai family and suffered a major and merciless setback.

    Qiao Dongliang was aware that, recently, the few members of the Zhai family were seemingly on good terms with their family. In particr, today, all the four family members of the Zhai family came to his house one after another.

    However, that was only because Madam Zhai liked Nan Nan. When the party who liked Nan Nan was changed to Zhai Sheng, the situation would be very different.

    The Zhai family could ept a goddaughter like Nan Nan but may not be willing to ept a daughter-inw like her.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips for a moment. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m doing this because of Brother Zhai. In this world, besides Dad, Brother Zhai is the only one who¡¯s good to me. A man that¡¯s so good to me and also so outstanding, Dad, tell me, how many women in this world will not be tempted?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t look down on me. I¡¯ll definitely work hard. When I¡¯m sessful in the future, I won¡¯t let the Zhai family use my family background as an excuse to stop me from being together with Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Such arrogant words. You¡¯re not afraid of being aughingstock?¡± Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused. Mostly, his heart ached that Qiao Nan had to work so hard.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? I¡¯ll walk my talk.¡± Furthermore, she had already said this to Chief Zhai in the exact same manner.

    Qiao Dongliang touched Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re still young. There¡¯s nothing wrong in working hard. Dad won¡¯t advise you regarding other matters, but Dad just hopes that you will promise me one thing. As ady, you have to love and protect yourself. I heard that you also learn this at school. Do you understand what Dad means?¡±

    Until now, Qiao Dongliang could not forget that piercing feeling in his heart the moment he saw Zhai Shenging out of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom. It was as if his precious treasure had been taken away by someone.

    ¡°Dad, what are you talking about? Brother Zhai is a gentleman. I¡¯m not stupid either.¡± Qiao Nan blushed. She had been dating Brother Zhai for a few months. Besides holding hands and having little hugs, they had never kissed.

    Even in this era, it was very rare to have such a pure love and dating rtionship such as that of Brother Zhai and her.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Qiao Dongliang also felt embarrassed.

    Regardless, he had to say that. Nan Nan was still young, not knowing much about such matters. Zhai Sheng was much older and perhaps even knew things that he should not know. He had to protect Nan Nan properly in case Nan Nan got bullied!

    In short, Qiao Dongliang was worried that Zhai Sheng was older and his body was mature. He might not be able to control his physical needs when he was together with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± In the house of the Zhai family, Zhai Yaohui said coldly when he saw his soning back in a happy mood, ¡°I thought you¡¯re noting back today.¡±

    ¡°Sooner orter.¡± After he married Nan Nan, they would have their own home and he would no longere back to the house of the Zhai family every day.

    Zhai Yaohui snorted and mmed the table in anger. The two of them was not even in marriage talks yet, but Zhai Sheng already intended to move out after marrying the daughter-inw. That was so ill-disciplined and out of control. Was it his family marrying a daughter-inw or was it his son marrying into another family?!

    Miao Jing, who just came out to get water, saw this and was stunned. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is the daughter Qi Min gave birth to with others so good? You like her so much and keep calling her Chenxi. I gave birth to a son for you, but you are so annoyed at him that you scolded and shouted at him?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression turned stiff. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. Besides, didn¡¯t I already promise you that I won¡¯t interfere in the matters between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi anymore? They could get together if they want to. Otherwise, I¡¯ll definitely not say another word.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been wishing and hoping for Qiu Chenxi to be your daughter-inw for almost twenty years. Now, you¡¯ve changed your mind in one day. How will I know when you¡¯ll suddenly go back on your promise?¡± Miao Jing expressed her doubts in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s integrity.

    In the past, before she appeared, didn¡¯t Zhai Yaohui also tell Qi Min that he would definitely marry her? However, in the end, Miao Jing was the one who married into the Zhai family!

    Zhai Yaohui said something?

    Whatever Zhai Yaohui said in the Zhai family had no weight!

    ¡°...¡± Clearly, Miao Miao, who was normally so good-tempered and amodating to him, tended to explode like a volcano recently. Her temper was extremely bad. It was like the firecrackers which burst immediately upon lighting them up. Zhai Yaohui felt helpless, missing the Miao Jing in the past. ¡°I¡¯m a soldier and I take promises very seriously. How will I not keep my promise!¡±

    Miao Jingughed sarcastically at Zhai Yaohui until thetter¡¯s face turned ck.

    Miao Jing was not referring to other matters. It was because Zhai Yaohui was the one who said it himself to let Qiu Chenxi marry Zhai Sheng.

    If Zhai Yaohui was serious about all his promises, then what about his previous words to the Qiu family and Qi Min? Wouldn¡¯t that count?

    That serious look of Miao Jing made Zhai Yaohui¡¯s head hurt. Fortunately, this was his own wife who gave birth to two children for him and supported him for many years and was not a soldier under his wing. Otherwise...

    Zhai Hua, who was eating an apple, broke into aughter that was as ugly as the sound of a duck. She felt that her mother¡¯s aura and might were powerful today. It would be good if her mother had done this earlier. ¡°Mom, since we have time now, why don¡¯t the two of us have a chat to bond with each other?¡± In particr, they could talk about the matter regarding that principal. How about that?

    Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua with disdain. ¡°I don¡¯t want to chat with you. What are you going to talk to me about? Training the soldiers or carrying out your mission? I don¡¯t like to chat about the things that you¡¯re interested in. You also don¡¯t understand the things that I¡¯m interested in. It¡¯s meaningless.¡±

    Zhai Hua, who finally wanted to be a filial daughter, was actually shunned to this extent by her mother. She crumbled to the ground, wanting to vomit blood.

 Chapter 449 - The Mighty Miao Jing

    <h4>Chapter 449: The Mighty Miao Jing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, didn¡¯t you juste back from the Qiao family? How¡¯s Nan Nan?¡± Miao Jing felt a little guilty. She knew that while she slept wellst night, Qiao Nan did not.

    At the thought of the look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face this morning, Miao Jing even started to suspect if the way she looked when she slept had deteriorated recently. Otherwise, why would Qiao Nan be like that?

    When Miao Jing mentioned Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui gave Zhai Sheng a nce. He was very displeased. Thisd was keeping it from Miao Miao because of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng ignored the interrogative eyes of Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Quite good. Uncle Qiao knows how to take care of Nan Nan well. He even prepared soup for Nan Nan. Nan Nan is studying in senior high school now and the stress level is high. The good thing is that Uncle Qiao is very attentive. With Uncle Qiao taking care of her, there shouldn¡¯t be any major problems.¡±

    Most importantly, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were not in Ping Cheng. This greatly reduced Nan Nan¡¯s stress among other factors. She was not only more rxed but was also in a much better state than before.¡±

    Miao Jing smiled. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. Three vertical lines appeared on his forehead. Miao Miao was too simple and honest. She had no idea that she was kept in the dark by these two kids, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    As if he had guessed Zhai Yaohui¡¯s thoughts, Zhai Sheng threw him a nce and hinted at Zhai Yaohui not to kick him to the curb after he had outlived his usefulness. Zhai Yaohui snorted coldly and retracted his gaze. If the person that he had promised was Zhai Sheng, there would not be any problem.

    However, he had an agreement with Qiao Nan. As the chief of the army, how could he not keep to his words and lie to a youngdy?

    Zhai Yaohui flipped the newspaper that he did not manage to read at all. ¡°Miao Miao, I¡¯m meeting Qiu Qin tomorrow. Are youing with me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not good for me to go. It won¡¯t be nice if I disturb Qi Min and you from reminiscing about the past.¡± It was another meeting with the Qiu family. Of course, she would not go!

    In the future, as long as Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were present, she would not join in the fun. Since she could not afford to provoke them, she would just avoid them.

    This time, after Miao Jing sorted out her thoughts, she particrly detested Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi. Even Qiu Qin was affected.

    In actual fact, ever since Miao Jing sorted out her thoughts, she did not understand why Qiu Qin did not seem to have any feelings in regard to the rtionship between Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min. As a woman, she did not feel at ease and was extremely unhappy about it. However, Qiu Qin was even willing to marry his daughter to Zhai Sheng. Was he still considered a man?

    ¡°Qi Min won¡¯t be going. It¡¯ll just be Qiu Qin and me tomorrow.¡± It was rare that Zhai Yaohui was patiently exining this to Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing hesitated for a while. ¡°What do you wish to talk to Qiu Qin about? Qi Min will not be there, yet you want me to go along?¡±

    ¡°Since none of you are willing to, then let¡¯s forget about the matter between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi. However, the two families have been talking about this for years. Even if it¡¯s not going to happen, we should formally discuss this with the other family to express our apologies. It¡¯s not good to hold back Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was ustomed to having a proper closure in everything. Even if the matter did not work out eventually, they should formally inform the other party and not leave any doubts or areas of uncertainty.

    If the Qiu family misunderstood their intentions and Qiu Chenxi did not find another boyfriend, they would be holding her back during her prime years. That would not be good.

    It was not an issue if they did not be inws, but they should not be enemies.

    Miao Jing lifted her face and looked at Zhai Yaohui in disbelief. ¡°You... Have you really decided?¡± After talking to Qiu Qin, then Zhai Sheng really did not need to marry Qiu Chenxi anymore.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Having been through many difficulties to regain Miao Jing¡¯s attention, Zhai Yaohui became more rxed and changed his seating posture. He even straightened his back as if he was a child on his first day at school who was trying to leave a good impression on the teacher.

    ¡°If you¡¯re really certain and won¡¯t have any regrets, let¡¯s settle this matter, then. However, you only asked to meet Qiu Qin. It¡¯s not appropriate for me to be present as well. Qiu Qin may feel awkward with too many people around. That won¡¯t be nice.¡± No matter what, this was a rejection of marriage.

    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll go alone tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re so powerful!¡± Zhai Hua gave Miao Jing a thumbs-up. This was totally unexpected. Her father liked Qiu Chenxi so much and simply treated her like his own daughter. In the end, her father actually changed his mind because of her mother and discarded the idea of letting Zhai Sheng marry Qiu Chenxi.

    Actually, her mother had a very important ce in her father¡¯s heart. Why couldn¡¯t she tell?

    During the weekend, Qi Min looked into the mirror as she applied facial products on her face. Although the products were branded and expensive, there was not a single expression of happiness on her face.

    Qiu Qin was dressed in his jacket and coat. He picked up his car keys and was prepared to go downstairs.

    Qi Min knitted her brows. ¡°It¡¯s so early in the morning and you¡¯re going out in your car. Where are you going? Are you not having breakfast first?¡±

    Qiu Qin was aware that Qi Min had been throwing a fit for two days. When he thought about the happy and glorious look on Qi Min¡¯s face each time she returned from the house of the Zhai family in the past, Qiu Qin actually felt quite pleased to see the hurtful expression on Qi Min¡¯s face when she came back on this asion. ¡°No, I have a meeting with someone to discuss something.¡±

    ¡°Man or woman?¡± Qi Min could meet Zhai Yaohui in private, but she would definitely not allow Qiu Qin to be on close terms with any woman.

    ¡°Man.¡± Moreover, it was someone that Qi Min knew and wished to meet.

    ¡°Fine, go ahead. Don¡¯t forget to go to work. My parents are back this morning. They want toe by to discuss the marriage between Chenxi and Zhai Sheng. We can¡¯t dy this matter any longer. Even if we can¡¯t do it now, no matter what, we should ask Zhai Sheng to register and file the marriage report to confirm the marriage.¡±

    To a soldier, once they had gone through this procedure, Chenxi would already be considered as Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife although there was no formal marriage certificate. She would be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family and the wife of the future chief.

    Qiu Qinughed. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? When you met Zhai Yaohui in the campst time, did he already tell you when Zhai Sheng and Chenxi will be engaged?¡± If that was the case, why would Zhai Yaohui request to meet him today?

    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t.¡± After applying the hand cream on her hand, Qi Min finished off and smiled at herself in the mirror. ¡°However, Brother Zhai has treated me very well since young. He always keeps his promise. As he has said he¡¯ll let Chenxi marry Zhai Sheng, then no one in the Zhai family can oppose him.¡±

    Many years ago, she was clearly the one who knew Brother Zhai first and he had said that he would marry her.

    If Old Master Zhai had not been saved by Miao Jing¡¯s father, and if he had not insisted Brother Zhai to marry Miao Jing to repay the kindness, Miao Jing would still be nting vegetables in the vige.

    In the past, she was definitely the one that Brother Zhai liked but he married Miao Jing because of Old Master Zhai. They even had Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua. Now, Zhai Sheng certainly had no choice but to listen to Brother Zhai to marry Chenxi and not another woman.

    ¡°Really? Then, I wish both of you mother and daughter all the best in your dreams.¡± Taking the car keys, Qiu Qin left without even looking back.

    The sweeter Qi Min¡¯s tone was when she mentioned Zhai Yaohui, the colder Qiu Qin¡¯s expression and eyes looked.

    She was married to him for more than twenty years, yet she was always so snobbish and arrogant when she faced him!

 Chapter 450 - Would Not Hold Up the Lady in Your Family

    <h4>Chapter 450: Would Not Hold Up the Lady in Your Family</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The most uneptable thing to Qiu Qin was that Qi Min always pretended to be gentle and lovely in front of Zhai Yaohui. He really did not understand why he married such a woman. ¡°Right, I have something on today. I won¡¯t be back tonight. You all don¡¯t need to wait for me to have dinner. Settle it yourselves.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re noting back again?¡± Qi Min was so furious that she simply took the cosmetic products and smashed them at Qiu Qin¡¯s ankle. This was the fifth time this month. What was keeping Qiu Qin so busy?!

    Inparison, Zhai Yaohui, a man with such high status and power, would either keep Miao Jing by his side or stay at home with her. He would never stay out untilte into the night and not be by Miao Jing¡¯s side. Qi Min¡¯s expression turned even uglier at the thought of this.

    Initially, such a formidable man that was hard toe by should be her husband.

    Why should Miao Jing, that vige girl, be leading such a good life after snatching away her happiness?!

    ¡°Don¡¯te back. Don¡¯te back. If you¡¯re capable, don¡¯te back forever!¡±

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing? Is it meaningful to vent your anger on these things?¡± Qiu Chenxi, who heard the noise, picked up the items and ced them in front of Qi Min¡¯s vanity table. ¡°Mom, where¡¯s Dad going so early in the morning?¡±

    ¡°How would I know? He said he is meeting someone,¡± Qi Min restrained her anger and said nonchntly.

    Qiu Chenxi knitted her brows. ¡°Mom, do you know who Dad is meeting? Why do I keep feeling that Dad is often not at home recently? Could Dad be...¡±

    ¡°No, your dad doesn¡¯t have the guts to do so.¡± Qi Min gave a scornful smile.

    Old Master Zhai liked Miao Jing. Brother Zhai had to give her up and married Miao Jing. Qiu Qin also had a simr situation. She was married to the Qiu family because her inws liked her. Although Qiu Qin disliked her, he also married her abidingly. After she gave birth to a daughter for him, would Qiu Qin dare to treat her badly?

    Qi Min prevented Qiu Qin from getting too close to other women, but she never thought that Qiu Qin would betray her or even had an extra-marital affair behind her back. ¡°Your dad is meeting a man today. I have your dad in my hands. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi sighed. ¡°Mom, actually, it¡¯s quite good that you found a man like that whom you can hold in your hands. Mom, when you looked for Uncle Zhai the day before, what did he say exactly? I feel that Zhai Sheng has changed. He¡¯s different from before. He must have found someone that he likes.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been investigating? What¡¯s the oue?¡± Qi Min actually did not believe this. In the past, besides being close to her, she had never seen Zhai Yaohui give face to any other youngdies despite many tried to get close to him given his personal qualities and family background.

    She seemed to be the only one who received Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gentleness.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s temperament was exactly the same as that of Zhai Yaohui.

    If Zhai Sheng was not even willing to marry Chenxi, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s bad temper, it was impossible that he woulde into contact with another woman or take a liking to someone else.

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t that do? Be rest assured. Mom will definitely help you fulfill your wish. Zhai Sheng can¡¯t escape.¡± Since Miao Jing snatched her man, she would let her daughter snatch Miao Jing¡¯s son.

    When Zhai Sheng and Chenxi became very sweet to each other and were very much in love, she would definitely ask Chenxi to go back to her house frequently and do her confinement there when they had a child. She would also take care of her maternal grandchild. Miao Jing could forget about touching even the cor of her grandchild!

    ¡°Mom...¡± When she heard Qi Min talking about visiting parents¡¯ home and grandchild, Qiu Chenxi blushed in embarrassment and stomped her feet nonstop.

    ¡°Alright, what¡¯s there to be embarrassed about in front of Mom? I¡¯ve already told you before that a man at Zhai Sheng¡¯s age is actually quite impulsive. You just have to grab one opportunity to be alone with Zhai Sheng and be Zhai Sheng¡¯s woman earlier. If you really be pregnant with his child then, that¡¯ll be the best. Even if you don¡¯t, it¡¯s fine too. What¡¯s done can¡¯t be undone. Chenxi, you have to work hard yourself. Didn¡¯t you buy a lot of new clothes recently? Wear them!¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not talking to you anymore. I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± Qiu Chenxi was both angry and anxious. She did not mind being taken advantage of and bing Zhai Sheng¡¯s woman earlier.

    However, Zhai Sheng always kept a distance from her when only the two of them were asionally alone together. They did not even touch each other¡¯s hands, let alone sleeping together!

    Initially, Qiu Chenxi still retained her woman¡¯s dignity and waited for Zhai Sheng to take the initiative. She even thought about rejecting Zhai Sheng the first two times that he initiated to be close to her.

    He would not cherish something that he could obtain so easily.

    At the third time, she would then allow Zhai Sheng to hold her hand and progress further.

    Even Qi Min did not know that Qiu Chenxi had fantasized about this when she was just sixteen years old.

    She¡¯s twenty-two years old this year. They had not even hold hands, let alone further progression. Qiu Chenxi was too embarrassed to tell her mother about this matter.

    The mother and daughter ended their ¡®happy-too-early¡¯ conversation. Qiu Qin also rushed to the meeting ce as per prior agreement. He saw Zhai Yaohui sitting there, waiting.

    Qiu Qin could not help feeling a little nervous. ¡°Chief Zhai, so sorry. I¡¯mte by five minutes and made you wait. Actually, I could go to your house.¡±

    ¡°There is no such need. As for the reason, you should know. I don¡¯t want my wife to be unhappy.¡± Zhai Yaohui was not angry. He was here to ¡®withdraw¡¯ the marriage agreement and was the one in the wrong. It was just waiting for five minutes. Zhai Yaohui still had this bit of patience.

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡± Qiu Qin dared not put on any airs in front of Zhai Yaohui. That was precisely why he had never revealed any unhappiness in front of Zhai Yaohui no matter how unhappy he was inside. He had a very high tolerance level.

    At the sight of Qiu Qin¡¯s behavior, Zhai Yaohui pursed his lips.

    As a man, Zhai Yaohui looked down a little on people like Qiu Qin who was spineless and yielded to power. However, in the corporate world and society, this kind of people was considered smart. No matter what happened, they would definitely not leave any troubles or handle. Everyone would meet and part amicably.

    ¡°The reason I requested to meet you today is to discuss Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter.¡±

    Qiu Qin rxed his frown. He realized the change in the way Zhai Yaohui addressed his daughter. It was as if he was keeping a distance. ¡°Chief Zhai, please feel free to be frank in your words. I¡¯m already prepared for this.¡±

    ¡°In another year¡¯s time, it will be the 21st century. This is an era of democracy. Even if we want to matchmake our children, they also have to be willing parties. We can¡¯t follow the old ways and advocate feudalism and old traditions, and let the parents decide the children¡¯s marriage. Zhai Sheng is still young. He must focus his time and energy on the army. However, Qiu Chenxi is a youngdy. It¡¯s different.¡±

 Chapter 451 - Qiu Chenxi Settled Scores with Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 451: Qiu Chenxi Settled Scores with Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°My family can¡¯t possibly let Qiu Chenxi, who is at her prime, to spend all her time waiting for Zhai Sheng. That will be a waste of her youth and it will be too mean of us to do that.¡±

    Qiu Qin grew silent. He thought for a while before saying, ¡°What is Chief Zhai¡¯s thought on this?¡±

    ¡°In fact, it was only a casual talk between the two families. There wasn¡¯t any formal agreement. So, why don¡¯t we forget about what we said previously? By the way, I heard there are a transfer and promotion in your army camp. There¡¯s this position which may seem to be of a lower rank than your current position, but as long as you work hard, you will stand to benefit much more from it. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhai, thank you very much!¡± Qiu Qin¡¯s eyes lit up. He had been eying that position since a long time ago.

    It might seem to be a demotion, but in fact, it was a promotion. It was not easy to secure the position.

    Zhai Yaohui was not surprised by this result. He had expected that Qiu Qin would agree to his suggestion, but he did not expect that he would agree to it so readily. ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled. If you have the chance, tell your wife and Qiu Chenxi about what we discussed today.¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhai, rest assured. I will do so.¡±

    After meeting Zhai Yaohui, Qiu Qin called his parents to tell them of thetest updates as soon as he arrived at his workce. After listening to what his son said, Father Qiu objected strongly to the arrangement. ¡°Son, you are so stupid and shortsighted. How could you give up the bright future for a small benefit? Since Zhai Yaohui could help you secure this position, when you be inws in the future, you will be able to get even more benefits than today.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you may be wrong. The people from the Zhai family are upright and fair. They don¡¯t abuse their power for personal gain. This is an exception. If Chenxi marries Zhai Sheng and we be inws with the Zhai family, apart from marrying well, I don¡¯t think we can get a lot of substantial benefits. Mom and you should have known about what happened between Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min. In the end, regardless of how domineering Zhai Yaohui is, he ended up obeying his father to marry a vige girl. In the past, Chenxi had the support of Zhai Yaohui. However, Zhai Yaohui is no longer on her side. He was the one who told me to call off their marriage. Dad, Zhai Sheng does not like Chenxi and she doesn¡¯t have the support of his parents. What do you think is the sess rate of her marrying Zhai Sheng? If we insist on it, we may end up with nothing in the end!¡±

    Back then, there were two reasons why Qiu Qin was willing to listen to his parents to marry Qi Min. The first reason was that the Qi family and the Qiu family were well-matched in all aspects. The other reason was Qi Min¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Yaohui. As long as Zhai Yaohui felt guilty toward Qi Min and wanted topensate her, the Qiu family would definitely stand to gain from it.

    History repeats itself. Qiu Qin was willing to marry Qi Min whom he knew was in love with another man. What he did today was merely to call off a marriage that had slim hopes and he stood to gain from it. It was a good bargain.

    In fact, as long as Zhai Yaohui supported Zhai Sheng¡¯s decision, there was nothing the Qiu family could do to the Zhai family even if they did not give any exnation to the Qiu family.

    Like what Zhai Yaohui said, this was, after all, a casual talk between the two families. They had never gone through any formal discussion. It was never taken seriously from the start.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s a pity to spoil the ship for a halfpenny worth of tar, but we must not be greedy. Otherwise, we will stand to lose. If Zhai Yaohui discusses this matter with Qi Min, I will definitely not intervene. However, he chose to discuss it with me. Dad, it seems that Zhai Yaohui no longer feels as apologetic toward Qi Min as before.¡±

    ¡°That cannot be.¡± Father Qiu was stunned.

    ¡°Dad, you are also a man. What do you say?¡±

    There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. After a while, Father Qiu said, ¡°Alright. Now that you are in charge of the Qiu family, you have the final say.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will hang up now. If I am transferred to that position, I will be very busy for the next three years at least.¡±

    ¡°You must work hard. The Qiu family has to rely on you. Chenxi is a girl. Sooner orter, she will have to get married. Qiu Qin, since we cannot get Zhai Sheng to be our son-inw, you have to put in more effort to get a good husband for Chenxi. It will be best if they can have two children and one of them will take the Qiu surname. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s hang up now.¡±

    Since they could not be inws with the Zhai family, Father Qiu had begun to n the future for Qiu Chenxi.

    Qi Min never would have expected that her actions would lead to her downfall. She only wanted to provoke Miao Jing through having close contact with Zhai Yaohui. However, Miao Jing did not suffer in silence like before. Instead, she red up and it eventually led to what happened today.

    Actually, it was already not easy to get Qiu Chenxi to be engaged to Zhai Sheng. There were a lot of disagreements and unhappiness.

    Now that Zhai Yaohui, who was most supportive of Qiu Chenxi, had changed his mind, there was no hope for Qiu Chenxi to be with Zhai Sheng.

    After Zhai Yaohui exined to Qiu Qin and made matters clear, they hade to an agreement regarding the marriage of their children. With that, Zhai Yaohui returned home.

    Unfortunately, the happy mood in the Zhai family¡¯s residence did notst for long. At about three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Qiu Qin made a phone call to the Zhai family. ¡°Hi, Chief Zhai, there is something that I have to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zhai Yaohui put down the newspaper in his hand.

    ¡°I have told Qi Min and Chenxi about our discussion today. Chenxi couldn¡¯t ept it and said that she is going to settle scores with a girl by the name of Qiao Nan. Is she rted to your family?¡± If this youngdy had no connections with the Zhai family, Chenxi would not have looked for her as soon as she knew that it was impossible between her and Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Qin did not know much about this. He only knew that his daughter was after this youngdy because of Zhai Sheng.

    In other words, if the youngdy was bullied by his daughter, the Zhai family had to take responsibility for it.

    Therefore, he had to inform the Zhai family about it.

    ¡°What? Why is it that I heard Nan Nan¡¯s name?¡± Miao Jing, who was savoring her green tea, caught bits and pieces of the conversation. ¡°What do you mean? Why would the people from the Qiu family mention about Nan Nan for no apparent reason?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I understand.¡± Zhai Yaohui hung up the phone and looked at Miao Jing. He could make use of this opportunity to hint to Miao Jing. ¡°Qiu Qin has told Qiu Chenxi about our agreement. Qiu Chenxi now knows that it is impossible between her and Zhai Sheng. In retaliation, she threw a big tantrum and said that she is going to settle scores with Qiao Nan. She must be on her way to Qiao Nan¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°What right does she have to do that?¡± Miao Jing stood up in anger, her face red. ¡°What does this have to do with Nan Nan?¡±

 Chapter 452 - A Crazy Qiu Chenxi

    <h4>Chapter 452: A Crazy Qiu Chenxi</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. How can she vent her frustrations on Nan Nan and how can we let Nan Nan suffer for our mistakes? Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng, look at the trouble your father and you have brought upon Nan Nan!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng put aside whatever he was doing and came out upon hearing themotion. Zhai Hua came out as well.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You still have the cheek to ask! Qiu Chenxi knows that it is impossible between the both of you and she is going to look for Nan Nan to settle scores with her. Nan Nan is so unlucky to be your scapegoat. You must go to Qiao Nan¡¯s ce to stop Qiu Chenxi from bullying Qiao Nan. If Qiao Dongliang is not at home, Nan Nan has no way to retaliate!¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s countenance changed. ¡°No, I will go as well. I must be there myself to be reassured. Zhai Sheng, get the car now, hurry!¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Miao Jing only heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice. His person had already run outside to get his car.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Zhai Yaohui stopped Miao Jing, his head throbbing at the current situation. ¡°Leave this matter to Zhai Sheng. Why do you want to go and join in the fun?¡± Zhai Sheng was going there to help his girlfriend. Why would Miao Miao go as well?

    ¡°I¡¯m not joining in the fun. I am worried that Nan Nan will be bullied. You still have the cheek to say this. Qiu Chenxi caused all these troubles because of you!¡± Qiu Chenxi was the daughter of Qi Min. Back then, Qi Min seemed to be fragile and gentle, but Miao Jing had suffered so much over the years because of her. Like mother like daughter. Nan Nan was so simple and innocent. She would never be a match to Qiu Chenxi!

    Since Miao Jing was bent on going to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, there was no way that Zhai Yaohui could stop her.

    In the end, the family of four went to the Qiao family¡¯s residence together. Among them, Zhai Hua was the only one who was thinking of watching a good show.

    Bam! Bam! Bam!

    Someone was pounding on the door to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. From the sound of it, Qiao Nan could feel the pain the person outside must have felt. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e out right now!¡± Qiu Chenxi sounded fierce and malicious. One could tell that she must have bad intentions.

    ¡°You are?¡± Qiao Nan was frightened by the tone of the person. The person outside the door sounded as if she was demanding payment of a loan and was on a murderous rage. Qiao Nan was not stupid. She would not open the door for Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°I am Qiu Chenxi! Qiao Nan, you are a liar! A shameless woman! You dared to wile others and snatch someone¡¯s fianc¨¦ at such a young age! Qiao Nan, you are still a student. Didn¡¯t the teachers teach you the moral values? I feel sad for your teachers. There are so many men in the world. Why do you have to resort to snatching? Does snatching from others feel good to you?!¡±

    She had already sensed that something was wrong with Zhai Sheng, yet her mother said otherwise.

    No?

    If not, why would her father call at noon to stop she and her mother from going to the Zhai family¡¯s residence and said that he and Uncle Zhai hade to an agreement that what they said in the past was just a casual talk and should not be taken seriously? He also said that she was not young anymore. If she met a boy she liked, she must grab the chance to date him, and if it worked out, they could marry each other.

    Marriage!?

    In this life, Zhai Sheng was the only person she wanted to marry. Other men would not fit the bill!

    What Qiu Chenxi said was offensive and coarse. There were other residents in the area apart from the Qiao family. With the ruckus that Qiu Chenxi created, those at home could hear bits and pieces of what was being said.

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, are you sick? Have you forgotten to take your medicine when you came out today? Who is your fianc¨¦?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡±

    ¡°Have the two families gone through the procedures? Are the two of you engaged? Have you addressed Auntie Miao as your mom and Chief Zhai as your dad? Did Old Master Zhai agree to it? How long have the two of you been engaged?¡±

    Qiao Nan posed few important questions from the other side of the door to Qiu Chenxi, making her turn red. If she wanted to me it on others, at the very least, she should have proof. Her argument could not stand strong and yet she created a fuss outside people¡¯s houses. Qiao Nan had to hand it to Qiu Chenxi for her bravery.

    ¡°If not for you, Brother Zhai would be engaged to me, but you just had toe between us. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think you are too mean and shameless? Is it so good to snatch from others?¡±

    ¡°You failed to be engaged to Brother Zhai. Why am I to be med for it? Brother Zhai might not have agreed to the engagement, but Chief Zhai is on your side. Could it be that he is against it as well? It has nothing to do with me that the people from the Zhai family don¡¯t agree to the engagement.¡± It was good news that Chief Zhai had sorted out his thoughts and gave up on forcing Zhai Sheng to marry Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Of course it has to do with you. You came between us!¡±

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t think of bullying me just because I am not from the Zhai family. I know very well about your situation. I am not as close to Auntie Miao and Chief Zhai as you. Will they cancel the engagement between Brother Zhai and the daughter of their close friend just because of me? Qiu Chenxi, your surname should not be Qiu, your surname should be Lai <sup>1</sup> . Both of you aren¡¯t engaged, yet you address him as your fianc¨¦. Now that things do not go well for the both of you, you me it on me. In this society, there are a lot of people who are divorced. Who can they me it on?¡±

    ¡°How dare you say this has nothing to do with you?!¡± Qiu Chenxi was so angry that she kicked at the door. She had never seen such a cunning and pretentious woman. ¡°If you are innocent, why do you not open the door for me? If you have balls, I dare you to open the door!¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, are you muddleheaded? I am a girl. Or do you have it?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi must be silly to say this.

    ¡°You, you...¡± Qiu Chenxi did not expect that Qiao Nan would be in the mood to talk glibly. ¡°Qiao Nan, open the door now when I¡¯m still nice to you. If you don¡¯t give me an exnation today, don¡¯t think of leading a quiet life! I don¡¯t believe that Ping Cheng High School will ept such an immoral student like you!¡±

    Since Qiao Nan had the audacity to snatch from her, she would make it such that she could not stay in her high school or Ping Cheng!

    By that time, there was no way that the Zhai family would ept Qiao Nan who did not graduate from high school and was uneducated as their daughter-inw. She could not possibly fight with her anymore!

    Since Qiao Nan dared to lie to her, she would destroy her!

    Qiu Chenxi med it on Qiao Nan for her failed engagement with Zhai Sheng mainly because she was the only female, besides his coworkers, who was in contact with Zhai Sheng. Hence she was the biggest suspect of all.

    Unless Qiao Nan could point out another person as the culprit, if not she would make things difficult for her.

    If Qiao Nan was the one she was looking for, she had the right person by targeting her. If Qiao Nan was not the person, she would also be able to gain Zhai Sheng¡¯s attention by creating a fuss.

 Chapter 453 - Nan Nan Was Better Than You

    <h4>Chapter 453: Nan Nan Was Better Than You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Once Zhai Sheng went to look for the vixen, she would follow him straightaway and make her suffer.

    Nobody could fight with her!

    In short, though Qiu Chenxi created a fuss at Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, her target might not be Qiao Nan. Her real goal was to alert the enemy so that she would be able to find out who the woman Zhai Sheng was with.

    Qiao Nan was unlucky that she was the only one that Qiu Chenxi could bully. She had be the ¡®scapegoat¡¯.

    However, no matter how well-thought-out Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ns were, she did not expect Qiao Nan to have such a reaction. At her age, she should be rash and easily angered, especially when she was being wronged. However, she could tolerate her harsh words and refused to open the door for her.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s n did not turn out as she expected.

    She had yet toe up with a secondary n when the people from the Zhai family arrived.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, you really came to Qiao Nan¡¯s house to look for Nan Nan. I thought that your dad was confused and misunderstood you.¡± Zhai Hua jumped out from the car and red at Qiu Chenxi. She was unlike the gentle and well-mannereddy that she had always been when she was at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hair and clothes were in a mess. What was most shocking was that there were many shoe prints on the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s house. Judging from the shoe prints, they were the same size as Qiu Chenxi¡¯s feet.

    Did it mean that before they arrived, Qiu Chenxi actually kicked at the door?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, is that you?¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s voice. Qiao Dongliang happened to be outside at this time. Qiao Nan was the only one at home. She was worried that if she opened the door for Qiu Chenxi, she would be bullied by her.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, Auntie Miao is here, don¡¯t be afraid. What you did is right. Do not open the door to strangers.¡± Miao Jing hurried out of the car, pushing aside Zhai Yaohui who tried to steady her with his hand.

    All these years, she had suffered so much because of Qi Min and her daughter. Now that Nan Nan was dragged into it because of her rtionship with the Zhai family, Miao Jing was so furious that she vented all her frustrations and grievances onto Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°U-Uncle Zhai, Auntie Miao? B-Brother Zhai? All of you are here?¡± Qiu Chenxi was not afraid at all when she saw Zhai Hua. She knew that Zhai Hua did not like her. But whether she liked her or not, it did not affect her rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    Hence, she was only polite to Zhai Hua for show. She did not really care for her future sister-inw.

    However, she could not maintain herposure in front of the other three people from the Zhai family. Qiu Chenxi had always maintained the image of a gentledy in front of Zhai Sheng. At the thought of the shoe prints on the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s house, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red in embarrassment. She paled thereafter.

    ¡°If we did note today, we would have missed a good show. Qiu Chenxi, I never knew that this is how the Qiu family teaches their children to be.¡± Zhai Hua pointed at the messy shoe prints on the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s house. ¡°All I can say is that Auntie Qi is really good at teaching her daughter. My mom is not capable of this.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes turned red. She refused to answer Zhai Hua¡¯s question lest she made matters worse. Instead, she looked at Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng, a pitiful look on her face. ¡°Uncle Zhai, Brother Zhai, my dad called to tell me that my engagement with Brother Zhai was called off. Why is that so? Didn¡¯t we agree to be engaged? Uncle Zhai, I have liked and waited for Brother Zhai for so many years. How could you do this to me? Moreover, how could you do this just because of a person like her? Uncle Zhai, didn¡¯t you dote on me the most in the past?¡±

    Upon hearing thest sentence that Qiu Chenxi said, Miao Jing red at Zhai Yaohui in anger.

    Zhai Yaohui looked stern. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, you are only twenty-two years old this year. Zhai Sheng is still young. He needs to spend more time in the army. Our family doesn¡¯t want you to waste your youth waiting for him, hence we made it clear to your dad. You said that you have spent many years waiting for Zhai Sheng. Could you tell me how long have you waited for him?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was only twenty-two years old. She was still very young. Since when did she spend all her time and efforts on Zhai Sheng? He had no idea at all.

    Zhai Yaohui might have doted on Qiu Chenxi, but he would not wrong his son to favor someone¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°I have already made it clear to your dad. It¡¯s almost the 21st century. China has long advocated the freedom of marriage. If you like each other and date each other, or decided to be engaged and marry each other, we will not stop you. But if one of you is not happy, as the parents, we will not insist on the marriage. After all, all parents hope that their children will lead a happy life with their loved ones.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale, bare of any color.

    Freedom of marriage?

    What nonsense was that?

    ¡°So, the Zhai family wants someone like Qiao Nan instead of me?¡± Qiu Chenxi ground her teeth. The Zhai family of four rushed over to Qiao Nan¡¯s ce as soon as they learned that she was here to look for Qiao Nan. How dared Qiao Nan say that she was innocent!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Nan Nan? Nan Nan is better than you. I like Nan Nan. Let¡¯s not talk about Zhai Sheng¡¯s opinions. If I have to choose between you and Nan Nan, I will certainly pick Nan Nan and not you,¡± Miao Jing said bluntly.

    Back then, she had already known that Qiu Chenxi was just pretending to be well-behaved in front of them. That was not her true personality. However, she did not expect that she would be hiding so much from them.

    If not for the fact that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother was Qi Min, she might have been fooled by her pretenses.

    Zhai Hua patted the shoulders of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, there is hope. Mom¡¯s impression of Nan Nan seems to be getting better and better. Do we tell her the truth now?¡± They could make use of the chance today to tell their mother of the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan. In that case, they could date openly.

    Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Hua a warning nce. He did not agree with Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Sheng was very clear that his mother said those words to spite Qiu Chenxi. His mother had told Nan Nan long ago of the type of daughter-inw that she was looking for. His mother was certain that even if others would misunderstand her words, Nan Nan would not misunderstand and would understand her intentions.

    The reason why his mother sided with Nan Nan and helped her with no qualms was that she did not know the rtionship between him and Nan Nan.

    They had toy low for now. After all, Nan Nan was right. Her fears and concerns were not unfounded.

    Until now, Zhai Sheng could not understand the reason behind his mother¡¯s stubbornness. His mother was obviously very concerned about Nan Nan, but there seemed to be a hurdle that could not be crossed in her heart. This posed as an obstacle for Nan Nan and him.

 Chapter 454 - Anyone but You

    <h4>Chapter 454: Anyone but You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Without clearing this obstacle, his mother would never ept Nan Nan as her daughter-inw. Before that, he and Nan Nan must not tell his mother about their rtionship.

    Since Zhai Sheng had given her a warning, Zhai Hua was tactful enough to keep her silence lest others heard about what she said.

    Qiu Chenxi paled at Miao Jing¡¯s words. ¡°Auntie Miao, are you serious?¡± Miao Jing would rather choose Qiao Nan than her?

    Qiu Chenxi took a few deep breaths and turned to look at Zhai Yaohui reluctantly. ¡°Uncle Zhai, you have always seen me as the daughter of a good friend. I¡¯m not angry that Auntie Miao misunderstood me, but I want to know your thoughts on this.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, it doesn¡¯t matter what Auntie Miao or I think about this. What matters is how Zhai Sheng thinks about this. Do you understand?¡±

    He was helpless that Zhai Sheng did not like Qiu Chenxi.

    In fact, as long as Zhai Sheng was willing, Qiao Nan would not be in the picture.

    He might have already been engaged to Qiu Chenxi even before he knew Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Does it mean you agree that it¡¯s over between Brother Zhai and me?¡± Qiu Chenxi had a look of absurdness on her face. They had already agreed on it years ago! How could they have a change of mind now?!

    Zhai Sheng did so as he had someone else in mind, but what about Zhai Yaohui?

    Zhai Yaohui should be trying means and ways to please her because of her mother.

    Once Zhai Yaohui made a decision, he would never regret it. ¡°Chenxi, you are still young. You are educated and beautiful. In the future, there will be lots of opportunities to meet boys who are suitable for you. When you get married, I will definitely prepare wedding gifts for you.¡±

    He had watched Qiu Chenxi as she grew up. If she married in the future, he would be willing to prepare some dowry for her, let alone wedding gifts.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face was as pale as a sheet. Her frail body trembled slightly. She was a pitiful sight.

    After thinking for a while, Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth, trying to maintain her broken self-esteem. ¡°Uncle Zhai, ording to what you just said, does it mean that as long as Brother Zhai likes me and is willing to marry me, you will still ept me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Miao Jing red at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°You may have agreed, but I don¡¯t agree. Anyone can marry into the Zhai family but her. If she wants to marry into our family, fine, she will move in, but I will move out right away!¡±

    Miao Jing, who left no room for discussion, did not know that in the previous life, Qiu Chenxi married Zhai Sheng with the help of Zhai Yaohui and her.

    In fact, even if Miao Jing did not fall out with Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min, since the first day Qiu Chenxi married Zhai Sheng and moved into the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Miao Jing moved out of the house and would rather live by herself in a small quad than seeing Qiu Chenxi every single day.

    ¡°Uncle Zhai, who has the final say in your family?¡± Miao Jing was too detestable. Back then, she snatched Uncle Zhai from her mother, and now she had toe between Brother Zhai and her. She and her mother must have offended or owed Miao Jing in the previous life. In this life, Miao Jing was after her mother and her to take back what they owed her and to make life miserable for them.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who has the final say. Zhai Sheng is my son. Without me, he will not be here. Zhai Sheng, let me tell you. If you take me as your mom, you can¡¯t marry this woman. If you don¡¯t take me as your mom, I won¡¯t care whoever you marry!¡± Miao Jing left no room for discussion at all. Previously, she meant that she would leave the house and her husband who did not like her. Now, she meant that if Zhai Sheng married Qiu Chenxi, she would not want him as her son.

    Qiao Nan was dumbstruck by Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    What was wrong with Miao Jing? She would forsake her son because of an outsider? Besides, she was very supportive of Qiu Chenxi a few months ago.

    What happened to Auntie Miao? It seemed that she bore some grudges.

    Qiu Chenxi was so furious at her words that she bit down hard on her lip. ¡°Auntie Miao, aren¡¯t you too much? Uncle Zhai has said that society advocates freedom and autonomy of marriage. If Brother Zhai is willing to marry me, you have no right to stop him.¡±

    ¡°He is my son. I may be too much, but as long as Zhai Sheng agrees to it, you have no say at all!¡± Miao Jing stared at Zhai Sheng with an overbearing look on her face. ¡°Zhai Sheng, have you heard what I said just now? Tell me, will you listen to me?¡±

    Zhai Sheng stopped himself from frowning. He said inly, ¡°Mom, no matter whether you agree or not, I will not marry her. I don¡¯t like her.¡±

    He did not like Qiu Chenxi, hence he could listen to his mother. But if the party concerned was Nan Nan, it would not do.

    ¡°Alright.¡± At Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Miao Jing gained immediate relief from her years of pent up grievances.

    Although she had managed to keep Zhai Yaohui by her side, his heart had been with Qi Min.

    But Zhai Sheng was her son. She might not be able to keep Zhai Yaohui in hand, but she must be able to control her son.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was much more clear-minded than her. She had been muddleheaded for years. If she finally came to her senses only when Zhai Sheng had fallen in love with Qiu Chenxi and had married her, she could not imagine how life would be for her. She would definitely be very miserable.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be afraid, open the door. I am thirsty after talking for so long.¡± Miao Jing felt much better with the support of her son. It was then that she realized that she was very thirsty.

    Since she became the wife of the chief of the army, Miao Jing sought to behave with propriety and not to bring shame to Zhai Yaohui. She did not allow herself to act unruly or to beughed at in front of others. She could not remember thest time she did not hide her true nature and had a good quarrel. It seemed so far away as if it was in her previous lifetime.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door for Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie Miao, I only have boiled water at home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It is better than being thirsty. Give me a big cup of water. My eyes and throat are on fire.¡±

    Seeing Miao Jing¡¯s cool manner, Qiao Nan could not help but curl her lips. She darted a look at Zhai Sheng before giving her a big cup of hot water.

    Miao Jing was indeed thirsty. She gulped down the whole cup of water in one go. Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°Auntie Miao, do you feel bloated? Do you want to walk around lest your stomach feels ufortable?¡±

 Chapter 455 - A Contradictory Miao Jing

    <h4>Chapter 455: A Contradictory Miao Jing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel bloated!¡± Now that she was in a good mood, she feltfortable in anything she did. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be stingy. Give me another half a cup of water.¡±

    Qiao Nan saw that Miao Jing looked well and so she gave her another half cup of water. ¡°Auntie Miao, is it alright that you sit here without a care about what¡¯s going on outside?¡± Qiu Chenxi had yet to leave.

    After listening to what Qiu Chenxi said just now, it was obvious that she had not given up. She wanted to work harder to obtain the approval of Brother Zhai and marry into the Zhai family.

    When encountered with such matters, the average girl would leave in shame and anger. Some might even say harsh words and swear to cut off all contacts with the Zhai family.

    But now that the situation had turned so awkward, Qiu Chenxi still had not given up on Brother Zhai. It not only proved that she was bent on marrying Brother Zhai, but it also showed that Qiu Chenxi was very difficult to deal with.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I don¡¯t believe in Zhai Yaohui, but I believe in my son. It has been more than ten years. Qiu Chenxi often came to look for Zhai Sheng, but he has never paid much attention to her. Nan Nan, I¡¯m not afraid of youughing at me. Let me tell you something. In the past, I might have wanted the two of them to be together, but in fact, I was happy when Zhai Sheng gave the enthusiastic Qiu Chenxi the cold shoulder.¡±

    Back then, Qi Min acted smugly in front of her. She treated her lightly and wouldugh at her when she made mistakes.

    Every dog has its day. Twenty years had passed since. Now, Qi Min¡¯s daughter acted like a clown in front of her son, but her son was not interested in her at all.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    This was the reason why Auntie Miao insisted Qiu Chenxi to be with Brother Zhai all these years even though she disliked Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi.

    When a woman was bent on revenge, she was not to be underestimated.

    Qi Min might have thought that Auntie Miao was afraid of her and hence she epted Qiu Chenxi. In fact, Auntie Miao was enjoying her revenge on them.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, if Brother Zhai is not interested in Qiu Chenxi but in someone else, but she is not the type of daughter-inw that you are looking for, will you force Brother Zhai to listen to you by threatening to sever ties with him?¡±

    Auntie Miao was indeed cool when she used that tactic to deal with Qiu Chenxi.

    However, as a bystander, Qiao Nan was so shocked that she broke out in a cold sweat.

    She could not imagine what would happen when Miao Jing knew about her rtionship with Zhai Sheng. Miao Jing might be on good terms with her now, but she might adopt the same attitude that she used on Qiu Chenxi, objecting to their rtionship and separating Zhai Sheng and her.

    That scene...

    Miao Jing smoothed her sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m not foolish. One cannot always use the same old trick. Zhai... Forget it. Don¡¯t mention him. Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng are my children. Nobody in the world is more important to me than the two of them. As long as that person is not Qiu Chenxi, I can reason with them and convince them to break up. Nan Nan, you really don¡¯t understand. It will be very hard on the average girl to be married to Zhai Sheng.¡±

    When Miao Jing said this, there was a sense of burden in her words.

    Qiao Nan was absorbed in her own thoughts. ¡°Auntie Miao, if the girl is not afraid of the hardships and wants to be with Brother Zhai, will that be fine? Will you still not allow them to be together?¡±

    ording to what Auntie Miao said, she did not object to her rtionship with Brother Zhai because of her family background. There seemed to be other reasons.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did Zhai Sheng tell you about the girl that he likes and wanted you to sound me out and put in a good word for them?¡± Miao Jing was sharp. She grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re closer to me than with Zhai Sheng, right? I treat you like my daughter. At this time, you must stand on my side. Do you understand? Nan Nan, don¡¯t disappoint me!¡±

    Miao Jing grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands as if she was herst straw.

    Qiao Nan was in a dilemma. On the one hand, she wanted toe clean. On the other hand, she was afraid of the repercussions.

    She could feel that Miao Jing trusted and cared a lot for her, but Qiao Nan could not bring herself to say anything that was against her will. ¡°Auntie Miao, after all, I am just an outsider. I can only promise you that unless you agree, I will never agree to the rtionship between Brother Zhai and the youngdy. What do you think?¡±

    In other words, as long as Auntie Miao did not agree, she would never marry Brother Zhai. She would never hurt Auntie Miao because of this.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Miao Jing looked as if she had to have Qiao Nan¡¯s support. With Qiao Nan¡¯s words, her tension eased and she rxed. ¡°Nan Nan, Auntie Miao believes in you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you believe in Nan Nan? What is it about?¡± It seemed that they had settled the problem of Qiu Chenxi. The three of them headed toward Qiao Nan¡¯s house. Zhai Hua strode forward like a man. She did not look anything like ady. Miao Jing could not help but frown at her.

    ¡°It has nothing to do with you. By the way, you are a soldier in the army, but when you¡¯re at home, you are my daughter. Can¡¯t you behave like ady? You don¡¯t look cool and suave like the soldier. Instead, you have picked up all the bad habits in the army!¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t nag me about this anymore. I have a headache from listening to it.¡± Before Zhai Sheng was born, she was always with her grandpa. After Zhai Sheng was born, both of them spent a long time with their grandpa. Her childhood memories were all rted to her grandpa.

    Old Master Zhai came from a humble background. He was almost illiterate and had been through the most turbulent times in China. Apart from the righteousness of a soldier, he had also learned the slovenly ways of the soldiers.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s parents were rarely by her side when she grew up. Her grandpa was the only one whom she could learn from, and so her temperament was simr to that of Old Master Zhai.

    By the time Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing noticed it, it was already toote to make her change her ways.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, has Qiu Chenxi left?¡± Would Qiu Chenxi be willing to leave without a satisfactory answer?

    ¡°Otherwise, would she be waiting for us to invite her to dinner? My mom said that I have slovenly manners and don¡¯t behave like a girl. Qiu Chenxi may behave like a girl, but she is too thick-skinned. My dad has made it so clear, yet she still hopes that Zhai Sheng will like her in the future. How could there be someone like her?¡±

    Zhai Hua had no idea what was going through Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mind.

    It was normal for youngdies to use some wits to get what they wanted, but why did Qiu Chenxi insist on having Zhai Sheng? Zhai Sheng needed to be a willing party as well.

    What annoyed Zhai Hua the most was that her mother obviously liked Qiao Nan very much.

    Why was her mother unable to ept her if she became Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend and decided to marry him?

 Chapter 456 - Did You Regret It?

    <h4>Chapter 456: Did You Regret It?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Don¡¯t tell her that her mom did this purely because she shunned Qiao Nan¡¯s poor family background and preferred the rich to the poor?

    Zhai Hua was taught by Old Master Zhai to be truthful and honest. She could not ept such things the most.

    Furthermore, Zhai Hua was clearly aware of her own mother¡¯s background. In terms of family status, her mother was worse than Qiao Nan. Didn¡¯t her mother be the wife of the chief? Why could her mother do that and not Qiao Nan?

    If Zhai Sheng had not forbidden her from doing so, she would have questioned Miao Jing and rified why her mother was so contradictory and strange. It was too uneptable!

    What exactly was her mother thinking of!

    Zhai Hua¡¯s worried mind was in a knot because of this matter.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like that person either, but your dad was happy to do so. Did I have a choice?¡± Miao Jing expressed that she would not bear the me for this. All the while, Zhai Yaohui was the one who wanted Qiu Chenxi to be married to Zhai Sheng. If Zhai Yaohui had not adopted this attitude, would she have agreed?

    The mother-daughter pair unanimously boycotted Zhai Yaohui. This made Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turn ck. ¡°We¡¯re now at someone¡¯s house.¡± They should not speak about everything in front of outsiders. Wouldn¡¯t that be ugly and shameful? They were not fearful of being aughingstock!

    Zhai Sheng looked like he was deep in thought as he nced at Qiao Nan. He then stood up. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯ll send you back. It¡¯s almost time for Qiao Nan to go to school. It¡¯s not convenient for us to stay here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes, Nan Nan, please don¡¯t bete.¡± At the sight of the time, around four o¡¯clock, Miao Jing quickly stood up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Zhai Hua smiled as if she was implying something. ¡°Qiu Chenxi was so crazy today. We¡¯ve all seen that. The matter between Zhai Sheng and her fell through but this concerns only our two families. Yet, she actually came to create trouble for Nan Nan and wanted to settle scores with her. She¡¯s too unreasonable. Judging from what happened just now, who knows if Qiu Chenxi wille back and kick up another fuss? Why don¡¯t we do this? Zhai Sheng, pass me the car keys. I¡¯ll drive Dad and Mom home. You might as well send Nan Nan to school. No matter how unreasonable Qiu Chenxi is, it won¡¯t be that easy for her to enter Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    ¡°Should we do this?¡± Miao Jing hesitated for a while.

    Zhai Yaohui red at Zhai Hua, who seemingly wanted the show to carry on. ¡°You¡¯ve thought of it so thoroughly. Why don¡¯t we do this? Zhai Sheng sends us back while you send Qiao Nan, in case there¡¯s a misunderstanding when others see them.¡±

    So, his daughter already knew about Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Only Miao Miao and he were kept in the dark.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡± Zhai Hua declined. ¡°I just came back afterpleting a mission and my body feels very weak. I need to have a good rest. What if Qiu Chenxies and creates a fuss again? I may not be able to stop her. Hence, Zhai Sheng is more reliable.¡±

    Anyway, she felt that Nan Nan was quite good. She was more than a hundred times better than Qiu Chenxi.

    If her father could ept Qiu Chenxi, why couldn¡¯t he ept Qiao Nan?

    Today, she would help Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan in the same way that her father brought Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng together in the past!

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned ck with fury. The daughters of other families were akin to a warm cotton jacket of their parents, but her daughter was born to anger him!

    ¡°Mom, what do you say?¡± Would Zhai Hua be afraid of that re of Zhai Yaohui? Even if she did, she would not show it in front of others. Moreover, Miao Jing was on her side.

    After thinking, Miao Jing said, ¡°What Hua Hua said makes sense. Zhai Sheng, you¡¯ll send Nan Nan to school. Your sister will send your dad and me home.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua with gratitude.

    Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows as if to say, ¡®Don¡¯t be anxious to thank me. Next time, remember to help me when I have a problem.¡¯

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go back.¡± Taking the car keys from Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands, Zhai Hua brought the aware Zhai Yaohui and the clueless Miao Jing away and left Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng alone.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned sullen slightly. Without a word, he entered Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom and took Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag. ¡°Have you packed all your stuff? Did you miss out anything?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go, in case your dad hears anything when hees back.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan shrank her neck. Was Brother Zhai angry because he heard something?

    ¡°Why did you say that to my mom?¡± True enough, while they were walking along the quiet road, Zhai Sheng asked in a sullen tone. ¡°Did you know what it means when you say that?¡±

    Qiao Nan mustered her courage as she lifted her head and looked at Zhai Sheng in the eye. ¡°I knew. It means it will be a few more years until we could be together.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± That it was just marrying a few yearster and not giving up their rtionship?

    ¡°I¡¯m certain!¡± She did not wish to hurt Auntie Miao, but this did not mean she would hurt herself. ¡°Brother Zhai, you must have confidence in me. Besides the matter regarding Auntie Miao, I have not done anything that would make you misunderstand me. Moreover, I¡¯ve discussed the issue about Auntie Miao with you long ago. In the past, I¡¯ve already told you that unless Auntie Miao is willing to ept me, it¡¯s impossible between the two of us. But now, at the very least, I will definitely work hard together with you until Auntie Miao can ept me.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just getting married and getting on with life? Why is it so troublesome?¡± This was a hundred times more troublesome than all the missions he hadpleted thus far.

    He remembered that he spent about three months to carry out his most difficult mission. However, the problem between Qiao Nan and him might not even be able to be resolved in three years, let alone three months.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart trembled. She said in both a serious and joking manner, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s so troublesome between us. It may be even more so in the future. Brother Zhai, are you regretting it now? Do you wish to find someone who¡¯s easier for you to marry?¡±

    Zhai Sheng paused in his steps and looked at Qiao Nan seriously. ¡°A soldier does not run away from problems. No matter how difficult the problem before me is, I will also take out my greatest courage and energy to ovee this tall mountain of a hurdle! Nan Nan, do you regret it?¡±

    After all, he was the one who took the initiative right from the start. Nan Nan was more passive and had more concerns than him.

    ¡°If I regretted it, why would I tell Auntie Miao that today?¡± Qiao Nan felt relieved. In the beginning, she was the passive one in the rtionship, but she was fullymitted to it. ¡°Brother Zhai, actually, you don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never felt confident in front of you. Your family background is better than mine. As an individual, you¡¯re also capable. And taking into consideration Auntie Miao¡¯s feelings, you can find someone better without me. But without you, it¡¯s not possible for me to find someone that I like so much.¡±

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and held it tightly. ¡°To me, only you¡¯re the best.¡± So, this was the reason Nan Nan was uneasy?

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯ve always thought that you¡¯re young and don¡¯t know much about rtionships.¡± He was older and already knew what he wanted. Hence, he took advantage of the situation by taking action first.

 Chapter 457 - The First Intimate Contact

    <h4>Chapter 457: The First Intimate Contact</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He used hard means to conquer Nan Nan and did not give her any options. While Nan Nan was still ignorant of matters rted to the heart, he forcefully stamped the seal of the Zhai family on her.

    He fully believed that he would definitely be very good to Nan Nan and give her happiness. There was no doubt that he was the right choice for Nan Nan.

    However, he only knew now that he and Qiao Nan were of one heart and mind. She cared about him and he had a very important ce in her heart. The love that he gave was reciprocated. What could be more wonderful than this in the world?

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She was still young? She was an old woman that was ¡®more than forty years old¡¯. How young was ¡®young¡¯?

    In the previous life, she did not even get married. In this lifetime, she got involved with someone like Zhai Sheng. Since she got together with him, she had been suspecting if her reborn and everything that happened thereafter was only a dream.

    At some point, she might open her eyes and awake to reality. She would be back to that cold and lonely rented apartment. She would again face Qiao Zijin who was already having a glorious life but continued to suppress her. She also had to face her mother who would force her to agree to donate one of her kidneys to Qiao Zijin.

    From an extremely unfortunate situation to a fortunate one, this change made Qiao Nan often feel that she was in the clouds, stepping on something soft and unreal. She had an unrealistic feeling of floating in the air.

    In terms of love affairs, very few would not think about personal gains and losses. Anyway, Qiao Nan could not do that.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you should believe in me.¡±

    ¡°I do and I always will!¡± The look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes and his tone became firmer and determined. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to remember. Other people¡¯s attitudes will not change my feelings toward you. You¡¯re the only one who can influence my judgment and decision.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, this is also what I wanted to tell you. I¡¯m used to being bullied by my mom and sister. There¡¯s a sense of slight stubbornness that I can¡¯t change in my bones. You¡¯re the one who started this, but I¡¯m true to you. Unless you don¡¯t want me, don¡¯t believe in the others¡¯ words. Simrly, I will only believe your words. However, if you really don¡¯t want me, Brother Zhai, I will definitely not turn back. Never!¡±

    Sensing Qiao Nan¡¯s determined and devoted love which was simr to his love for her, Zhai Sheng felt an upsurge of emotions in his heart. His eyes were shining as he pulled Qiao Nan strongly into the small dark alley beside them...

    Before Qiao Nan could react, her lips had been nted on by simrly soft, thin, and hot lips that sent sparks through her body.

    Not only Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips were hot, but even the air that he exhaled from his nose was also so hot that it nearly made Qiao Nan melt.

    This kiss of Zhai Sheng did not have any skills to speak of. It even seemed rough and clumsy. Besides kissing with strength, there were not many other actions. Two pair of lips were stered together and it was difficult to differentiate the breathing between the two people.

    However, such a simple kiss which was not even tinged with lust already made the two of them shudder with excitement!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s legs were wobbly and her body was crumbling.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, as strong as steel, were holding onto Qiao Nan¡¯s waist, pressing her against him. Their bodies were pressed tightly against each other, just like their lips. There was no gap between them at all.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were in a daze, her face flustered in red, while Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes were increasingly brighter and sharper. It was as if he was a hunting leopard that had secured his prey and was prepared to pounce on andpletely devour it. He would conquer it entirely by himself and definitely not let anyone else touch it.

    How could Qiao Nan, who did not even have a kiss in her previous life, endure such fervent and abundant love from Zhai Sheng? It was akin to a volcano eruption. She was like dough that did not have any ability to resist.

    Qiao Nan was truly thankful that her man was a soldier who had perseverance and self-control that were as strong as steel.

    If it was other men, Qiao Nan could forget about going to school with the situation today.

    Before Qiao Nan could react from her state of daze, Zhai Sheng gasped heavily and buried his head into Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. His whole body was stiff, turning as hard as steel. His breathing was hotter than before.

    When Qiao Nan regained her senses, she already felt that she was not just being hugged by Zhai Sheng. She was seemingly trapped in an extremely tiny cage and surrounded by hard iron bars on all four sides. It even made her feel a little painful.

    ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai, I still need to go to school. If I don¡¯t make a move now, I¡¯ll... I¡¯ll bete.¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan jumped to her senses and realized how inappropriate she and Zhai Sheng had behaved earlier.

    Kissed! She and Brother Zhai actually kissed!

    All of a sudden, Qiao Nan did not know if she should be pleased that she finally had her first kiss in two lifetimes or feel embarrassed at the situation at hand.

    There was a strong reaction in a certain part of Zhai Sheng¡¯s body. When Zhai Sheng, who was unable to even move his legs, heard Qiao Nan, his teeth even turned itchy. Through the clothes, he bit her cor bone without reservation and said, ¡°Even if it¡¯s a girl, you can¡¯t do that too. Be careful when you¡¯re bathing in school, understand? When you reach schoolter, just say that you like to eat spicy food and Uncle Qiao prepared very spicy Sichuan dishes for you if someone questions you. Understand?¡±

    At the sight of the red and slightly swollen lips of Qiao Nan, which was even redder than her face, Zhai Sheng said in satisfaction.

    He was the one who kissed and caused Nan Nan¡¯s swollen lips!

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. He was too petty. Moreover, she did not have the habit of being naked in front of people of the same gender. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t tell me that there are barriers when you bathe in the camp with a group of guys!¡±

    If that really was the case, where did the joke of picking up the soape from in the 21st century?

    ¡°I¡¯m a regimentmander. I have my own bedroom and bathroom!¡± Zhai Sheng refused to mention that when he first joined the army as a new recruit, of course, he had to bathe together with everyone.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng did not feel anything at all. However, at the thought of Qiao Nan revealing her body in front of other women, Zhai Sheng felt extremely uneasy and was definitely unable to ept that. Otherwise, he would not have bitten Qiao Nan¡¯s cor bone.

    Given his strength, there would be a mark even if he did not break the skin. It would take two to three days to disappear.

    Unless Nan Nan wished to exin to her ssmates, Nan Nan had to cover herself more with her clothing for the next few days at least.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m really going to bete if I don¡¯t go to school now.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were red and her body turned stiff. It was not because of other reasons. It was because she had felt the existence of that ¡®heavy machine gun¡¯ with a strong murderous feel against her abdomen.

    Although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig running away.

    At the thought that Zhai Sheng was already twenty-three years old, a young and impulsive age, Qiao Nan was scared out of her wits. Wasn¡¯t it just a tight kiss? Why did it turn out this way?

    ¡°Z-Zhai... Brother Zhai, y-you have to calm down.¡±

 Chapter 458 - Escape from the Mouth of the â€˜Wolfâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 458: Escape from the Mouth of the ¡®Wolf¡¯</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The sullen voice of Zhai Sheng could be heard. ¡°If I¡¯m not calm, do you think you¡¯ll still be able to stand here without any scathe? Let me rx.¡±

    ¡°Rx! You have to rx!¡± Qiao Nan was so scared that she dared not move. Her stiff body maintained the same position until half of it turned numb.

    Finally, Zhai Sheng took a deep breath in Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. He then stood up and slowly separated himself from Qiao Nan. He also helped Qiao Nan smoothened her slightly wrinkled clothes. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send you to school.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, okay!¡± Ah, she had escaped from the mouth of the ¡®wolf¡¯.

    Zhai Sheng really knew how to control himself. It was only when Qiao Nan reached the school safely that she heaved a huge sigh of relief. Fortunately, it was Brother Zhai today. She dared not think otherwise.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you standing there in a daze? Not going to the ssroom?¡± Zheng Lingling happened to arrive at the school at this time.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. I was thinking of a question.¡± Qiao Nan felt guilty and quickly used studies as an excuse.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re already very conscientious in your studies. Give us a break.¡± Did Nan Nan need to be so diligent and think about the solution to a problem even when she was on the road?

    Fortunately, her parents were not aware of this. Otherwise, they would definitely use this point as an example and asked her to learn from Nan Nan. Not any typical person could pick up such a learning attitude from Nan Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why is your mouth swollen? Did you eat spicy food again when you went home this time?¡± As guessed by Zhai Sheng, with how Qiao Nan looked, any sharp-eyed person would be able to notice that. However, Zhai Sheng did not expect that the people who knew Qiao Nan were not curious about Qiao Nan¡¯s odd look. They even thought that it¡¯s normal. ¡°Nan Nan, you love spicy food so much. This always happens each time you go home. Yet, you don¡¯t have any pimples growing on your face despite eating so much spicy food. Heaven is too unfair!¡±

    Zheng Lingling already wished to strangle Qiao Nan. This was because she belonged to the category of people that would easily get pimples after taking spicy food.

    ¡°My dad and I have been liberated,¡± Qiao Nan replied guiltily.

    ¡°You and your dad are so pitiful.¡± Zheng Lingling knew a little about the situation of the Qiao family. She also heard that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin went somewhere else and were not in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan and her father who loved spicy food had endured so many years of not having them because of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. At the thought that they became so crazy about it after being liberated, Zheng Lingling did not know what to say as well.

    As a family, it was so painful to have to live their lives in this way.

    ¡°One needs to be forward-looking and should not always live in the past. At the very least, my dad and I are doing fine now. We can eat spicy food whenever we wish to now, no matter how spicy the food is.¡± Qiao Nan smiled.

    When Qiao Nan was not at home, although Qiao Dongliang would not shortchange himself, he also did not bother to prepare any exquisite orplicated dishes. It was enough that he could have a simple and full meal. Nevertheless, when Qiao Nan was home, Qiao Dongliang would always prepare many dishes ording to both of their dietary preferences. Of course, all these dishes would be spicy. It was to the point of having no kick without any spice.

    The way the father-daughter pair ate was as if they had endured more than a decade of non-spicy diet and had to make up for the loss in the shortest time possible.

    Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s bodies were healthy enough not to encounter any problems with such a diet. There was no symptom of constipation. On the contrary, Qiao Nan¡¯s skin became better than before.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. A good life is awaiting you and your dad.¡± Zheng Lingling agreed. Qiao Nan was so strong in her studies. Although not every college graduate would be able tond a good job in the future, Zheng Lingling felt that while others might not, Qiao Nan would definitely be able to do so.

    As long as Nan Nan was sessful in her own right, all the other things did not matter.

    Besides, judging from her observation, Nan Nan and her father were not muddleheaded. Most likely, they would not be bullied by others again.

    ¡°Ah, right. I have something to tell you. You decide for yourself whether to go.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by whether to go?¡± Qiao Nan, who was walking toward the ssroom, was pulled back by Zheng Lingling.

    ¡°I forgot about it suddenly as I rarely see you being so distracted. When I entered the school, do you know who I saw?¡± Zheng Lingling smiled in a mysterious manner.

    ¡°My dear secretary, can you not y this trick with me? What¡¯s there to guess? How will I be able to guess it?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. She hated the game of ¡®guessing¡¯. The scope was too wide and the target was fuzzy. What was there to guess?

    ¡°Chen Jun. That senior who came to our school beforest year. Do you have any impression? I remember that Xu Tingting liked him so much. He¡¯s at the school entrance. He initially wanted toe in but was held back by the security guard.¡± Since Qiao Nan¡¯s mother came to the school, the security guard kept a tighter watch than before. People who were not from their school were definitely not allowed entry. They would only ask them to leave. ¡°He seemed to remember me and asked me to pass a message to you. He¡¯s waiting for you at the entrance. Do you want to go and meet him?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Upon hearing that it was Chen Jun, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed slightly and she immediately declined. ¡°I don¡¯t even know him, and neither do I know him well. Did he tell you why he is looking for me? I¡¯m not going to see him.¡± The Wang family was already in trouble. Most likely, Wang Yang could not be bothered about the matter of the Chen family now.

    Since that was the case, she did not mean anything to Chen Jun anymore. Why did Chen Jun still look for her?

    ¡°Are you really not going to see him?¡± Zheng Lingling was a little surprised. ¡°Nan Nan, seriously, you don¡¯t care about anything else besides your studies. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re ady.¡± Whichdy did not like suave guys? Even if they would not be together, it would be good to admire and nce at them a few times.

    She was one example. When Chen Jun called her just now, she took the chance to take a few more nces at him. Chen Jun was so good-looking.

    If what Xu Tingting had found out was real, then Chen Jun was really someone good-looking with good family background. Who would not want to take a few nces at such a good man? Nan Nan was simply the wonderful and extinct one amongst thedies.

    In the face of Zheng Lingling¡¯s doubt and puzzlement, Qiao Nan proudly lifted her chin. Zheng Lingling felt that Chen Jun was a raremodity and a good man because they had not seen the world. Chen Jun could not bepared to Brother Zhai at all.

    In front of a shiny and bright pearl such as Brother Zhai, it would be strange if she was willing to take a few more nces at Chen Jun, this piece of fish eye.

    ¡°Chen Jun is still waiting at the school entrance. What should we so?¡± Zheng Lingling was stunned.

    ¡°You promised Chen Jun to pass the message. Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble our dear secretary to make a trip to tell him that I¡¯m not avable to see him.¡± Qiao Nan patted Zheng Lingling¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re a ssmittee member. It¡¯s your responsibility to share the worries and resolve the problems for your ssmates. I look up to you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t kid with me. Take it that I owe you this.¡± Zheng Lingling ground her teeth. She could only make the trip for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake.

    Unexpectedly, Zheng Lingling was back after a short while. She even passed Qiao Nan a slip of note. ¡°This was given to you by Chen Jun. He said that you will definitely go and see him after you read this. What is written in the note?¡±

 Chapter 459 - Suggestion

    <h4>Chapter 459: Suggestion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan grabbed the note and did not really wish to open it in front of Zheng Lingling.

    It was good that before Qiao Nan could say anything, Tang Mengran came to pass a message to Zheng Lingling. ¡°Lingling, Teacher Liu asked you to go to his office to see him. Hurry. Teacher Liu is waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°Aye.¡± Zheng Lingling immediately put Qiao Nan¡¯s matter aside and rushed to Teacher Liu¡¯s office.

    Once Zheng Lingling left, Qiao Nan quickly turned her back and opened the note. There was not much content in the slip. There were only two phrases: Zhai Sheng, small alley.

    When Qiao Nan first saw these four words, she was momentarily stunned. She also did not realize what they meant.

    But when Qiao Nan recalled what happened on the way when Zhai Sheng sent her to school this evening, she started to realize what Chen Jun wrote in this note meant.

    So, Chen Jun saw what she and Brother Zhai did?

    ¡°It¡¯s so difficult to meet you.¡± Chen Jun, whose back was facing the entrance of Ping Cheng High School, said with a hint of sarcasm on his face when he heard footstepsing from behind him. He had even believed that Qiao Nan was a fairy from heaven that was pure, sincere, and kind.

    In the end, the reason why he did not seed was not that Qiao Nan was wholeheartedly focused on her studies, but because he was not good enough and did not meet Qiao Nan¡¯s expectations at all.

    He really could not tell that the seemingly simple and pure Qiao Nan was even more scheming than him. She wanted more and was even greedier than him.

    He had underestimated Qiao Nan in the past. From a certain perspective, Qiao Nan, this woman, was really quite ¡®suitable¡¯ for him.

    ¡°Senior Chen, why did you look for me this time?¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t know why I was looking for you, would youe and meet me now?¡± Chen Jun sneered. ¡°An honest person talks openly. If you don¡¯t want others to hear about your rtionship with Zhai Sheng, then you should know what I want.¡±

    ¡°First of all, what is it about Brother Zhai and me? We¡¯re open and honest. Your threat to me is nonexistent. Secondly, I don¡¯t know you very well. All this while, including today, we only met thrice. What kind of person are you? What are you thinking of? How would I know?¡± Staring at Chen Jun, that nervous mind of Qiao Nan when she was on the way here finally rxed.

    She had known that given Brother Zhai¡¯s alertness, he would have found out if Chen Jun had been following them.

    The greatest possibility for Chen Jun to write her such a note was that Chen Jun initially came to look for her today. However, he did not expect to see Brother Zhai by her side.

    Hence, Chen Jun followed them from a distance and hoped to find an opportunity to get close to her when Brother Zhai left.

    While they were on the way, Chen Jun saw Brother Zhai pulling her into a small alley and they only came out after a while.

    As to how Chen Jun was going to threaten her, he must have imagined and guessed it himself.

    Even if Chen Jun guessed it correctly, what could he do to her if she refused to admit it?

    Chen Jun was speechless for a while. ¡°Your reaction is quite fast. You don¡¯t seem like a simple eighteen-year-old student who has not stepped into society at all.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certainly not quite easy to lie to. So sorry to have disappointed you,¡± Qiao Nan smiled and replied in Chen Jun¡¯s face.

    Chen Jun hoped to trick her into saying something?

    No way!

    Chen Jun stomped his feet a few times in a sullen manner. He silently vented the negative and dark feelings in his heart.

    Yes, he was following Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng from a very far distance along the way.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s ploy, the Wang family had been controlled by the Zhu family. Hence, there was no hope for his father¡¯s promotion this year. He initially looked for Qiao Nan as he wanted to find out more about the truth of the matter, but he did not expect to see Zhai Sheng with her.

    Chen Jun was not a greend who had not seen the world. At the sight of the distance between the two, Chen Jun knew that Zhai Sheng had a close and intimate rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    When he saw Zhai Sheng pulling Qiao Nan into a small alley anding out only after some time, as a man who had toyed with many women, could he not know what Zhai Sheng was thinking of? Would he not be able to guess what happened between the two after Qiao Nan was pulled into the small alley?

    It was this moment that Chen Jun understood why Zhai Sheng would coborate with Zhu Chengqi all of a sudden to suppress Wang Yang, affecting Chen Jun negatively as a result.

    In fact, he no longer needed to trick Qiao Nan. He already knew the answer.

    Nevertheless, the more this was the case, the more sullen he felt and could not ept the oue. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re an utter disappointment. I¡¯ve always thought that you¡¯re a pure and gooddy, and that you¡¯re definitely different from otherdies who value a person¡¯s status more than their character. I didn¡¯t expect that you¡¯re the same as those bitches who only look at one¡¯s family status and not the individual themselves! I was even moved by... Bah!¡±

    So, the women in this era, regardless of age, even high school students, were already so practical.

    It was not that he was not good enough or that he had lost his charm. Qiao Nan¡¯s standards were too high. She had long had her eyes on Zhai Sheng. Inparison to Zhai Sheng, of course, he was nobody to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me a mouthful of nonsense. If you¡¯ve said enough, I¡¯m going back.¡± Qiao Nan let out a breath and nced sideways at Chen Jun. She then turned and wanted to leave.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, if you dare to leave now, I¡¯ll tell the whole world about your rtionship with Zhai Sheng, and also what Zhai Sheng and you did today. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be silly. Given your status, do you think you¡¯ll really be able to marry Zhai Sheng and enter the Zhai family? Although it¡¯s the 20th century now and a new century ising, there are still rules in the upper-ss society. Zhai Sheng is only toying with you. After he¡¯s sick of you, he will definitely abandon you and cast you aside. Zhai Sheng is different from you. Even if he has a past, it won¡¯t be difficult for him to marry another woman who is more outstanding and chaste. But you can¡¯t. If you be the ¡®used shoe¡¯, not every man can ept you. Even if you can lie once, you won¡¯t be able to keep the truth forever. At that time, you still have to divorce.¡±

    Therefore, before anything happened, it was best that Qiao Nan quicklye to the realization. It was better to repent and mend her ways before it was toote.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, given your intelligence, you should know that Zhai Sheng is not suitable for you. Zhai Sheng loves you now, but how long can his lovest? Before he¡¯s sick of you and abandons you, why don¡¯t you take the chance now to spare more thoughts for yourself when he still has feelings for you? You should consider and n for your future. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re living such a life now. In my view, you, more than anyone else, are someone that needs to n more for your future. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t give up and also don¡¯t miss such a good opportunity.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not stupid. She understood what Chen Jun meant immediately.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips and sneered. ¡°Then, what do you suggest?¡±

 Chapter 460 - Backup Plan

    <h4>Chapter 460: Backup n</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°A straightforward person does not hide his intentions. Qiao Nan, I can give you all that you wish for.¡± Chen Jun lifted his chin confidently. ¡°Qiao Nan, you can choose to believe me. Simrly, I will not disappoint you. The only greatest difference between Zhai Sheng and me is that I need to spend a little more time before I can give you what you want to have.¡±

    Of course, if Qiao Nan could agree today, then the time he needed to spend would be greatly lessened.

    Qiao Nan and Chen Jun did not understand the matter between Qi Min and Qiu Qin. Nevertheless, their current situation was simr to that of Qi Min and Qiu Qin in the past. Most shockingly, Chen Jun made the same choice as the Qiu Qin in the past. As long as he could gain from this, it was not an issue at all to marry a woman who loved another man.

    As long as this woman was currently chaste and would wholeheartedly spare a thought for him after marriage, then that would be enough.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan sneered thrice. ¡°Chen Jun, I must say that you have been thinking too much. You¡¯re just wasting your time.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re rejecting me? Have you thought about it carefully?¡± Chen Jun¡¯s expression changed. Could he have overestimated Qiao Nan¡¯s rationality and intelligence? ¡°I don¡¯t need you to reply to me immediately. I can give you a few days of time. As long as you can give me an answer before I return to college, then that will suffice. Of course, if you still have any reservations, I can give you more time. You know my address at the college. After you have sorted your thoughts, you can write to me directly. However, Qiao Nan, you have to remember that my patience onlysts until the end of this summer vacation. I hope you won¡¯t make a wrong decision that will disappoint me.¡±

    Thereafter, Chen Jun turned and left without any hesitation. Having made his point, he did not intend to continue to pester Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s red lips formed a straight line. No, there was something odd about Chen Jun¡¯s behavior today.

    Chen Jun must have seen Brother Zhai and her gone into a small alley from afar today. He definitely did not see what they did in the alley. He had simply made a guess. As long as she and Brother Zhai refused to admit to this, not many people will believe it even if Chen Jun used this as a threat and announced it to the world.

    Hence, why did Chen Jun leave so confidently as if he was certain that she would eventually sort out her thoughts and agree to his request today? That she would rather give up Brother Zhai and be with him?

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, what¡¯s wrong? You look like you are out of sorts. Your mom and sister are not in Ping Cheng. Logically, you should feel quite happy nowadays. Why are you frowning and sulking? Did your mom and sistere back to look for you?¡± At the mention of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Zhu Baoguo felt his head hurt. He was more annoyed about it than when he talked about Wang Yang.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I didn¡¯t rest well when I was home this time. I¡¯m just a little tired.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head.

    ¡°I heard from Zheng Lingling that Chen Jun came to look for you today. Did you see him?¡± Zhu Baoguo rolled his eyes. He could not help bringing up the main topic that he wanted to ask about.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him.¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that he¡¯s up to no good toward you? The reason he...¡± Zhu Baoguo lowered the volume of his voice to prevent other ssmates from hearing him. ¡°He appeared previously in your life and even visited your house during the Lunar New Year not because he really liked you. This matter was all Wang Yang¡¯s fault. Wait, shouldn¡¯t you already know?¡±

    ¡°Your dad told you?¡±

    ¡°That... Could my dad keep this from me? I kept feeling that there was something odd about what happened recently, so I went to ask my dad. He told me everything.¡± Zhu Baoguo was proud of that. His father had said that he would not tell him a word if Zhu Baoguo could not sort this out himself.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What oh!¡± Zhu Baoguo was angered. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re so silly. You clearly knew that he¡¯s not interested in you. He¡¯s hired by Wang Yang. All the good things and words that he said to you were lies. Why did you still meet him? Nan Nan, don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯ve taken a liking to him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re someone who¡¯s going to take the science course in the future, but look at what kind of logic you have. Does meeting him mean that I like him and have romantic feelings for him?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Alright, you should take good care of your own matters. Wang Yang suffered a setback at your dad¡¯s side. How do you think your dad knew about the cause of this?¡±

    ¡°Were you the one who told my dad?¡± How could that be?!

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Qiao Nan snorted. ¡°Are you still worried now?¡±

    ¡°No, no. Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re so smart. Why would you need me to worry about you? Hahaha, I¡¯ve been too confused by attempting too many questions recently. Don¡¯t take it to heart. Don¡¯t mind me.¡± Zhu Baoguo smiled in a more rxed manner.

    Zhu Baoguo did not have further questions, but the doubts in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart were still not cleared.

    Today, Chen Jun left in such a carefree manner. He even gave her so much time. He did not have any intention to force her into a decision. She did not believe that Chen Jun did not have any backup n!

    Qiao Nan had been thinking about this. Before she could get an answer to it, the answer suddenly appeared in front of her, establishing its existence.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you heard that there¡¯s a new student who will be transferred to our ss? Is that person sick in the mind? This semester is ending soon. In the second half of the year, we¡¯ll be going to a different ss. How could they transfer school at this time? Did the school agree to it? Is that student pulling out and does not want to take the college entrance examination anymore?¡±

    Tang Mengran¡¯s tone was full of resentment.

    It was not easy for Tang Mengran to maintain her ce in ss one. Even with Qiao Nan¡¯s help, her best results were considered average in the ss. If her performance faltered slightly, she would be ranked amongst thest in the ss.

    If the student could be transferred to ss one of Ping Cheng High School, then that meant the student¡¯s results must be excellent.

    With another ssmate of excellent grades, the possibility of Tang Mengran being kicked out of ss one was higher. Hence, of course, Tang Mengran disliked this student.

    Fang Fang lifted the sses up her nose bridge. ¡°Didn¡¯t Nan Nan tell you this matter before? Regardless of how formidable this student is, there¡¯s not much time left in this semester. As for the issue about ss divisions, the school will do so based on humanities and science courses. With your grades, it¡¯s not difficult to get into the humanities course at all. You won¡¯t be affected by this new student. What¡¯s there for you to worry about?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. But how could I let my worries down?¡± Tang Mengran held her face in distress. ¡°It¡¯s not like all of you don¡¯t know that my grades are the poorest among all of you in the dormitory. I¡¯m the worst amongst you all, so I¡¯m not confident. If there¡¯s any slight movement or happening, I have to be more alert in case I be a muddleheaded ghost that doesn¡¯t know what happened.¡±

    ¡°Poor Tang Mengran, did your parents give you any pressure?¡± He Yun sighed. She felt that life as a student was bitter.

    In school, they had to take examinations andpare their grades every day. At home, they still had to listen to the nagging of their parents.

 Chapter 461 - Transfer Student

    <h4>Chapter 461: Transfer Student</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When would this kind of days end?

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up. I feel so depressed thinking about it. My parents said that when there¡¯s pressure, there¡¯s motivation. When I am admitted to a good college, they will stop being so hard on me and I will have more freedom. But there¡¯s still two more years to college.¡± To the students, the college represented freedom!

    ¡°Transfer student?¡± Qiao Nan put down the book in her hand. ¡°Are you sure there will be a transfer student in our ss at this time of the year?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the transfer student will be here next week.¡±

    ¡°Next week?¡± Qiao Nan was shocked. ¡°There are three weeks until the final term exam. The teachers have already covered all the knowledge points for this semester. If the transfer student joins at this time, does that mean the transfer student is only here for the final term exam?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Nan Nan, you find it weird as well, right? The transfer student must be foolish. If the transfer student is bent on a transfer, it will be more reasonable to do so in the next semester. The transfer student must be crazy to join us at this time.¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan shared the same opinion with Tang Mengran. She was very enthusiastic about going into details.

    ¡°This is someone else¡¯s affairs. We can¡¯t do anything about it. We just have to make sure that we do well.¡± Tao Zhenqin gave Tang Mengran a pat on her shoulder. ¡°The next semester, all of us from the same dormitory will be in the same ss except for you if you don¡¯t work hard now and screw up in the final term exam.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t say that. You¡¯re scaring me. Just imagining it is terrible. Forget it. I won¡¯t chat with all of you. I¡¯d better do my revision.¡± Tang Mengran trembled slightly. She bucked up and started to read her book. She did not want to be by herself in the next semester.

    Tang Mengran put all her attention on her studies and put the topic of the transfer student at the back of her mind.

    When the weekend was over and Qiao Nan returned to the school, she had yet to find out about the transfer student when she saw someone that she did not expect to see at school. ¡°Brother Zhai?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was in his green military uniform, looking serious and stern. He pursed his thin lips slightly, his thick eyebrows slightly arched. There was a controlled look in his dark and serious eyes, making him even more charming. He looked righteous andpelling. Many second-year and third-year female students could not help but swoon at the sight of him.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that our instructor when we went for our military trainingst year?¡± Zhai Sheng was too outstanding and eye-catching. Even though he wore a simple green military uniform, he stood out among all the female students and their attention were on him. They only had eyes for him.

    The students from first-year¡¯s ss one could recognize Zhai Sheng right away at first nce.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses and was reminded of her own guess back then. Fang Fang smiled. It seemed that Nan Nan¡¯s rtionship with Instructor Zhai was much closer than she had imagined. However, if that was the case, what about Instructor Zhou?

    ¡°They seem to being out from the principal¡¯s office.¡±

    ¡°Hey, who is the youngdy next to the instructor? She looks so beautiful! The skirt that she wears is very pretty. Why haven¡¯t I seen it before? If I have seen it, I will definitely get my mom to buy it for me!¡± Tang Mengran pulled excitedly at Tao Zhenqin¡¯s clothes, pointing to the skirt worn by the youngdy next to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°It is natural that you haven¡¯t seen it. I heard that this skirt is only avable in Beijing. You can¡¯t find it elsewhere. It is a foreign brand. It¡¯s difficult to find in China. I heard that it is a limited edition and its price is astoundingly high. Even if you manage to maintain your standards and stay in ss one for three years in high school, your parents won¡¯t be able to buy it for you.¡± Zheng Lingling tried to calm Tang Mengran down. Not everyone could buy this skirt.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a skirt? Is it so expensive? Can it be made of gold?¡± Tang Mengran did not believe it. The skirt was so beautiful. She must find a chance to buy it to wear!

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed very expensive.¡± Zheng Lingling rolled her eyes. ¡°I heard that a transfer student will being. I haven¡¯t seen this girl before. Is she going to transfer to our ss?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Fang Fang gave Nan Nan a concerned look. Ever since the instructor came to their school, Nan Nan did not look very well.

    If the girl was indeed the transfer student, and Instructor Zhai did not inform Nan Nan that he would apany the girl to the school, it was no wonder that Nan Nan was angry.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and told herself that she must believe in Brother Zhai. Although she did not know what was going on, from the expression on Brother Zhai¡¯s face, he did not look very pleased.

    Besides, Brother Zhai knew that she was a student at Ping Cheng High School.

    If Brother Zhai had something going on with the girl, he would not be so foolish as to bring the girl with him and show up in front of her.

    ¡°Shall I get a student to bring you to first-year¡¯s ss one?¡± Principal Meng looked at Shi Qing kindly, as if she was the daughter of his close friend.

    ¡°Principal, thank you. There¡¯s no need for that. With Brother Zhai around, I¡¯m sure I will be able to find the ssroom.¡± Shi Qing gave a smile as bright as the sunflower. She looked very sunny and cheerful, spreading warmth to people around her. ¡°Brother Zhai, this schoolbag is very heavy. Can you help me carry it? It¡¯s packed with books. I can¡¯t carry it anymore.¡±

    Shi Qing took the schoolbag and handed it to Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng gave Shi Qing a warning nce, reminding her to know her limits. Regardless, he still took the schoolbag from her.

    Shi Qing raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly. She walked with light footsteps in the front, as if she already knew where the ssroom was. She did not need anyone to show her the way.

    Previously, a group of people were staring at Shi Qing. When they realized that she went in the direction of first-year¡¯s ss one, the students from the ss quickly rushed back to their ssroom and sat down quietly on their seats.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, what are you looking at?¡± Although Shi Qing walked in the front, she seemed to know what was going on behind her. She did not turn back, but she knew that Zhai Sheng was looking at someone.

    Zhai Sheng frowned and turned impatient. ¡°Shi Qing, one must know their limits and I am known for my impatience.¡±

    Shi Qing pouted. ¡°Why did I hear that you are very patient with a certain someone?¡±

    ¡°You have already said it yourself that I am only particrly patient with that certain someone,¡± Zhai Sheng replied bluntly. If he had a choice, he was never one to conceal his true emotions.

 Chapter 462 - Show Some Concern for Your Classmate and Let Me Have Your Seat

    <h4>Chapter 462: Show Some Concern for Your ssmate and Let Me Have Your Seat</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Brother Zhai, what¡¯s the hurry? One day, I will make sure that I will be the one who you are patient with.¡± Shi Qing had no thoughts of giving up.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Now that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had been together for quite a while, like her, he had the same habit of sneering coldly at others.

    Even though Shi Qing wore a skirt, she strode to the ssroom in big steps. As soon as she entered the ssroom, she scanned around like a searchlight, looking for something in particr.

    Initially, Shi Qing was worried that Qiao Nan would be too ordinary and she would not be able to find her or recognize her right away.

    However, when her gaze rested on Qiao Nan, Shi Qing realized that it was an unfounded worry. The woman that Brother Zhai was interested in could never be ordinary.

    Qiao Nan was not well-dressed. In fact, she was dressed shabbily. The clothes that Qiao Nan wore had the same color as her white skirt, but the difference was that her skirt was white in color, whereas Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, though were made from good material, had turned whitish from too much washing.

    To Shi Qing, this was the first time that she saw someone who wore clothes that had turned whitish from too much washing.

    She looked morous like a white swan, while Qiao Nan looked grey and dull like the ugly duckling.

    What made Shi Qing angry was that she looked as proud as a white swan, but Qiao Nan did not seem to feel inferior for being the ugly duckling. Her slender neck was slightly arched, her posture looked elegant, and she did not pale inparison to her.

    Even when Shi Qing kept staring at Qiao Nan, she still maintained herposure. She was neither overbearing nor self-effacing, and there was a cool look on her face. She had no whatsoever reaction to Shi Qing¡¯s surveying nce. Shi Qing could not help but darken her expression.

    She took the risk of being scolded by the principal to wear a limited edition skirt to agitate Qiao Nan, yet she remained expressionless to her presence. Was Qiao Nan normal? Why did she not behave like girls her age?

    Many of the students kept ncing at her skirt, envy and jealousy in their eyes.

    Shi Qing had intended to establish an imposing air for herself by wearing that skirt, but Qiao Nan¡¯s calm reaction infuriated her. ¡°You, stand up. I will sit in that ce. From now on, this seat is mine. You can find another seat!¡±

    Shi Qing did not care how Zhai Sheng would think. She stopped in front of Zhu Baoguo and ordered him to give up his seat.

    As a bully, Zhu Baoguo had always been the one who ordered people around and would never take orders from others. ¡°Are you sick? Since you are sick, you should remember to take medicine when youe out. It¡¯s okay if you have forgotten, but since you know that you are sick, you should have the medicine with you so that you can have them when your sickness acts up.¡±

    ¡°So what if I am sick and didn¡¯t take medicine? Since I am sick, can¡¯t you show some concern for your ssmate and let me have the seat? Are you a man? Why are you so wishy-washy? You should agree to it right away!¡±

    Shi Qing was not fearful that Zhu Baoguo snapped at her. Instead, she admitted that she was ill. She was so straightforward that Zhu Baoguo was stunned momentarily.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned red. ¡°It has nothing to do with you if I am a man or not. You do not need to know.¡±

    ¡°What nonsense! I am not interested!¡±

    ¡°If not, why do you ask?¡±

    While Zhu Baoguo engaged in childish banters with Shi Qing, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng as if asking why he was here.

    Zhai Sheng ced Shi Qing¡¯s schoolbag on Qiao Nan¡¯s desk and stood by her side. ¡°She is the daughter of an elder that I know. She is transferring to this school and the elder asked me to send her here.¡±

    ¡°Is it veryplicated?¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. The transfer student must have an impressive father such that she would dare to ask the future chief of the army to carry the schoolbag for her.

    ¡°It¡¯s notplicated at all.¡± There was no obstacle between him and Nan Nan. Shi Qing did not pose a threat to them.

    ¡°Really?¡± She could not help but feel that Shi Qing was up to no good.

    In fact, she had already noticed that ever since Shi Qing entered the ssroom, she scanned the ssroom before resting her gaze on Qiao Nan and had been staring at her for three minutes.

    If Qiao Nan had thought too much and misunderstood Shi Qing, her move to take the seat from Zhu Baoguo undoubtedly proved that she was after Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Nan did not hesitate to believe in Zhai Sheng and neither did she probe further.

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had finished their conversation, but Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing had yet to end their quarrel.

    Seeing that Zhu Baoguo was not easy to deal with, Shi Qing clenched her fists in annoyance. When she saw Zhai Sheng, she immediately loosened her fists. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you refuse to give up your seat. You show no concern for your ssmates, but I¡¯m sure others will. This ssmate over here, can you let me have your seat? I am not feeling well and I feel very tired right now. I need to sit down and rest.¡±

    Shi Qing gave up on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s seat. She turned and spotted a seat right behind Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay, but can we change the seat without informing the teacher? Do we need to tell Teacher Liu?¡± The boy¡¯s eyes lit up. He was happy to be engaged in a conversation with the new transfer student. Besides, she looked very beautiful.

    ¡°No problem. I will let Teacher Liu know. You are so kind, unlike someone who does not know to behave like a gentleman and is as noisy as a girl.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± The boy smiled with an infatuated look on his face. Without another word, he stuffed his books into his schoolbag and gave up his seat to Shi Qing.

    ¡°If you want others to behave like a gentleman, you have to act like ady. Look at you. You¡¯re so rude and unreasonable that a shrew pales inparison to you.¡± After being friends with Qiao Nan, the only noticeable difference in Zhu Baoguo was that he became clever with words.

    Shi Qing pinched her fingers and thought about the skirt that she wore. She smiled. ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you for taking the time to send me to school. I am sorry to trouble you for the whole day. Let me treat you to a meal someday.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± As soon as Shi Qing sat down, Zhai Sheng returned the schoolbag to her. ¡°After all, it was your dad who asked me to send you to school. Now that you are at school, I havepleted the task that your dad asked of me. Your dad used to look out for me. It¡¯s right of me to help him send you to school.¡±

    In fact, Zhai Sheng was telling Qiao Nan that it was Shi Qing¡¯s father who asked him for a favor. The reason why he epted it was because Shi Qing¡¯s father had helped him in the past and he was simply returning the favor.

    ¡°Your dad¡¯s health is not good. You must watch your behavior. You will not want your dad to worry about you ande out of the hospital to look for you. Understand?¡±

    Father Shi was too weak to send his daughter to school. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng would not be willing to take on this job.

 Chapter 463 - How Many â€˜Close Sistersâ€™ Do You Have?

    <h4>Chapter 463: How Many ¡®Close Sisters¡¯ Do You Have?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan tucked her chin and lowered her face. She tried to control the corners of her lips that curled upward. She finally understood what was going on.

    However, when there was a chance next time, she would definitely ask Brother Zhai the details. There was no way that she would be dismissed by his brief exnation.

    Zhai Sheng was not at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. He must have rushed back from the army to send Shi Qing to the school. Qiao Nan wanted to know what help did Father Shi rendered that Zhai Sheng would go to great lengths to return the favor.

    Shi Qing was not stupid. Initially, she had thought that Zhai Sheng cared for her, but when Zhai Sheng mentioned that her father was in the hospital, she knew that Zhai Sheng did not care for her. He was just exining to Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing, who realized the truth, gritted her teeth. Qiao Nan, who heard it, looked toward Zhai Sheng. Why would the transfer student have such a huge reaction? Was there something that she did not know of?

    Besides, it seemed that Qiao Nan was the reason why she transferred schools. But what was the reason?

    Zhai Sheng lifted the corners of his lips. He was reluctant to answer Nan Nan¡¯s question.

    Qiao Nan massaged her temple. It seemed that besides Qiu Chenxi who had yet to give up, the transfer student was also interested in Brother Zhai. Next time, she must ask him how many ¡®close sisters¡¯ he had.

    The transfer student looked quite bright. Given the way Brother Zhai exined to her, she must have known about Brother Zhai¡¯s rtionship with her.

    Zhai Sheng tapped his finger lightly on Qiao Nan¡¯s desk, telling her not to worry. Even though Shi Qing knew about their rtionship, it would not be a problem for them.

    Be assured?

    Qiao Nan could not help but worry. She even suffered from gastric pain now.

    If the transfer student told Auntie Miao about their rtionship, all her efforts of keeping it from Auntie Miao would go down the drain.

    Qiao Nan scratched her scalp. Forget it. She could only take one step at a time. With the final term exam in a few weeks¡¯ time, she had no time to worry about all those messy affairs like the transfer student or Chen Jun.

    After sending Shi Qing to Ping Cheng High School, Zhai Sheng left straightaway.

    Qiao Nan told herself that she should focus on her studies and set the matter of Shi Qing aside for now. She could only be passive and react to whatever she had up her sleeves.

    However, it was weird that after Zhai Sheng left, Shi Qing changed her attitude toward Qiao Nan. She acted as if she was not interested in her and treated her just like any other ssmates. She greeted her normally. She was neither like Qiu Chenxi, who showed her displeasure to her openly, and nor was she like Xu Tingting, who disregarded herpletely. Qiao Nan was perplexed by her attitude.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± There was only one week left before the final term exam. After lunch, Qiao Nan returned to the ssroom to work on thest question. Zhu Baoguo, who returned to the ssroom, looked miserable. His clothes were disheveled and there were a few strands of leaves in his hair.

    Zhu Baoguo, who was grimacing in agony, pretended to be perfectly fine upon seeing Qiao Nan. ¡°Nothing. There¡¯s nothing wrong with me at all.¡±

    ¡°Nothing? What¡¯s wrong with your pants? Why is there dust on your pants?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s pants.

    Zhu Baoguo looked down and saw that the dirt on his pants was, in fact, a shoe print. His face turned ck in anger. That woman was a monster! She was better with her fists than him and she was one who bore grudges. Their quarrel happened days ago, yet she bore it in mind and made trouble for him now!

    Zhu Baoguo dusted the shoe print off his pants. Shi Qing, who wore a sports suit, walked happily into the ssroom, humming an unknown tune. She was unlike thedy-like image that she portrayed when she first came to the school. Instead, she looked like a ruffian.

    When she walked past Zhu Baoguo, she snorted at him.

    Zhu Baoguo was so angry that he clenched his fists and could not wait to fight it out with Shi Qing. But when he was reminded of how good she was with her fists, he could only stop himself from acting rashly.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, let me tell you something.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Seeing that Zhu Baoguo lowered his voice deliberately, Qiao Nan cooperated by whispering to him.

    ¡°You must not offend Shi Qing. If you must, wait until the next semester starts.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Why must she offend Shi Qing and why must she wait until next semester?

    ¡°This...¡± Zhu Baoguo blushed. He could not tell Xiao Qiao that Shi Qing was a violent woman. Even though he had been in the army, he could not win against her!

    If Xiao Qiao offended Shi Qing, there was no way that he could help her as he was defenseless against her.

    But when summer break came, he would train in the army to toughen himself. By then, he would be able to help Xiao Qiao and she would not need to give in to Shi Qing.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright if you don¡¯t wish to say.¡± Qiao Nan stopped Zhu Baoguo when she noticed that his face turned so red that it was about to burst. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The exams areing, and I don¡¯t provoke others as well.¡±

    Besides, the issue was not whether she wanted to provoke Shi Qing. It was whether Shi Qing was willing to let her off.

    Qiao Nan never expected that Shi Qing had the ability to make Zhu Baoguo, the bully, avoid her and stop provoking her.

    Bearing in mind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s kind reminder, like usual, Qiao Nan spent her days doing her revision and the final preparation for the uing final term exams.

    Shi Qing seemed to be even more serious than her. This put Qiao Nan at ease. It seemed that, like Qiao Nan, Shi Qing was serious in her studies. She was not as terrifying as what Zhu Baoguo made her to be. It was no wonder that Brother Zhai told her not to worry about Shi Qing.

    Although Qiao Nan did not get to spend a lot of time with Shi Qing, from the one month that they were ssmates, Qiao Nan noticed that Shi Qing was quiet, and at times, she would exchange res with Zhu Baoguo. But apart from these, Shi Qing had a very serious attitude toward learning. She was as studious as her.

    It could be said that after Qiao Nan went through rebirth, apart from her roommates, Shi Qing caused her the least trouble among all the women she met.

    Did Shi Qing really like Brother Zhai? What was her motive to transfer to her ss? Qiao Nan was perplexed.

    Shi Qing knew that Qiao Nan must have felt jealous and worried, but she did not care about what Qiao Nan thought. No matter what, her objective would not change.

    ¡°We are finally having the exams tomorrow. I have grown thinner from the daily revisions. I will rather die earlier and be reincarnated.¡± Tang Mengran bent over the table. She could not help butin. ¡°Nan Nan, you have nothing to worry about as you will always rank first in the level.¡±

    ¡°That may not be the case.¡± Shi Qing, who sat behind Qiao Nan, closed her book and voiced her opinion in front of Qiao Nan for the first time. ¡°It¡¯s about time someone else takes the first ce in the level.¡±

 Chapter 464 - Last-Minute Preparations

    <h4>Chapter 464: Last-Minute Preparations</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After Shi Qing said those words, everyone in the ssroom grew silent.

    Even though Qiao Nan had only been at Ping Cheng High School for more than one semester, she ranked first in the level for almost all exams. It was precisely because of her capabilities that every first-year student had taken it as a fact that Qiao Nan would always rank first in the level.

    As long as there was Qiao Nan around, nobody could beat her in exams.

    However, today, someone dared to challenge Qiao Nan. Hence, everyone in ss one was intrigued by her words.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Someone else should be the first in the level.¡± Xu Tingting pointed her nails that had just been trimmed. She smiled brightly and gave Qiao Nan a smug look. ¡°When I went to Teacher Liu¡¯s officest time to collect some stuff, guess what did I see? I saw Shi Qing¡¯s past transcripts. Wow, I finally knew that there is someone who is so brilliant in this world. Her results were so perfect and outstanding that nobody is capable of that.¡±

    Xu Tingting had waited a long time for a good show. She did not expect that Shi Qing was bold enough to challenge Qiao Nan on the eve of the final term exam.

    ¡°Shi Qing had a perfect score from elementary school to high school. Her scores for all her subjects were full marks, unlike some people whose results were pretty good in elementary school and at the beginning of junior high school. It was nothingpared to Shi Qing. I have high hopes for Shi Qing in thising final term exam. Shi Qing, you must do our ss proud!¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her chin and smiled. She must be the person that Xu Tingting was talking about.

    Indeed, although her grades from elementary school to the second year of junior high school were good, they were not as good as her grades now.

    Shi Qing seemed to be formidable enough of an opponent to be praised by Xu Tingting.

    ¡°It is useless to talk about past results. What matters is now. Nan Nan will still be the first ce in our level.¡± Tang Mengran would not take it lying down. Xu Tingting was resolute to be at odds with Nan Nan to agitate her with those words. ¡°Nan Nan, some people are evil by nature. They did not do well in their exams, so they said all these to affect you. Nan Nan, you must not take those words to heart and let them affect your performance tomorrow. Facts speak louder than words. It¡¯s useless to argue. It all depends on the results!¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s look at the results.¡± Xu Tingting ground her teeth. Ever since Tang Mengran shared a dormitory with Qiao Nan, she was like Qiao Nan¡¯s dog, always siding with Qiao Nan. To think that they used to be ssmates!

    Tang Mengran was a viin who curried favor with the powerful.

    Just because Qiao Nan was still the vice ss monitor while she was not, and that Qiao Nan ranked first in the level, Tang Mengran always helped and supported Qiao Nan. She was too shameless.

    Xu Tingting and Tang Mengran almost ended up in a quarrel. On the contrary, as the parties concerned, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were calmer, particrly Shi Qing. After challenging Qiao Nan, she kept herself busy with her own work. Even when Xu Tingting praised her deliberately, she acted as if she did not hear her and did not appear to be smug or happy at her words.

    ¡°Hehehe, there are people who are all brawns and no brains and yet they want to challenge Nan Nan. Dream on!¡± Zhu Baoguo ranted to himself. People like Shi Qing, who was athletic, could never be good in her studies. Xu Tingting must have not slept well yesterday, and thus was daydreaming in broad daylight!

    Shi Qing smiled at what Zhu Baoguo said. That stupid fool thought that everyone was like him, that they would not be smart if they were athletic.

    Qiao Nan did not care much about Shi Qing¡¯s challenge. However, Tang Mengran was very worried about it because of her quarrel with Xu Tingting.

    At night, Tang Mengran massaged Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders in the dormitory. ¡°Nan Nan, Nan Nan, you must do well tomorrow for my sake. As long as you keep calm and maintain your standard, Shi Qing will be far behind you. Xu Tingting, that woman, is too wicked. Nan Nan, you have to preserve my dignity.¡±

    ¡°Tang Mengran, don¡¯t be too much. If you say so, Nan Nan will feel the pressure. If you are so unhappy and have to go against Xu Tingting, you should do better than Xu Tingting in the exams.¡± Zheng Lingling was slightly annoyed. From what she heard, Tang Mengran did not have a happy time at home, but her personality was just like a child. She had no regards for other people¡¯s feelings. She would only think of herself. It was as if she had never grown up and was unschooled in the ways of the world.

    It seemed that Tang Mengran had been pampered by her parents and so she turned out to be so naive.

    ¡°Zheng Lingling, don¡¯t be angry. I... I don¡¯t mean that. If I could do better than Xu Tingting, I would have already done so. But she is so much better than me,¡± Tang Mengran said, disheartened.

    In the ss, her results were slightly below average or slightly better than those in the bottom.

    On the contrary, even if Xu Tingting performed not as good as in junior high school, her results were still very good.

    Tang Mengran did not understand. Xu Tingting had so many tricks up her sleeves, yet she could do so well in her exams. For her, she was devoted to her studies, but she could barely maintain her standard. It was so unfair.

    Why would people like Xu Tingting be so smart?

    ¡°I am sleepy. I will sleep first. All of you can continue with the revision.¡± They knew Tang Mengran¡¯s temper. Although she was willful, she did not overstep the boundaries. Even if she went overboard, the people in the dormitory would remind her. That was why Tang Mengran did not end up doing anything that was uneptable and she could still get along well with her roommates.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s too early to sleep. It¡¯s only half-past ten. How about doing more revision with us? Maybe you can sleep at twelve midnight?¡± Tang Mengran felt like crying. It was only half-past ten. All of the students would burn the midnight oil for the final sprint.

    Although it wasst-minute preparations, it was better than nothing.

    Qiao Nan yawned, her sleepy eyes drooping. She shook her head. ¡°No, all of you can do your revision. I want to have a good sleep now.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Alright, do your own revision.¡± Fang Fang took a book and stuffed it into the arms of Tang Mengran. ¡°Rather than wasting time, you should do more revision. You don¡¯t have to worry about Nan Nan now. You should be worried about yourself.¡±

    Given Nan Nan¡¯s results, there was no need to worry about her.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Don¡¯t forget that if you don¡¯t do well this time, all of us may be in the same ss except you when it¡¯s time to choose a course. Don¡¯te crying at us then. We won¡¯t be able to help you.¡± Tao Zhenqin smiled. Given Tang Mengran¡¯s results, she should worry about herself. Otherwise, she might sob her guts out when she did not do well.

 Chapter 465 - Skip a Grade and Recommended for Admission

    <h4>Chapter 465: Skip a Grade and Rmended for Admission</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Oh my god, tomorrow is the day of the exam. There¡¯s only one night left. I¡¯m going crazy. I have to make use of the time to revise.¡± Tang Mengran scratched her scalp in desperation. She flipped the books open and spread them on the table. Besides revising her notes and the knowledge points, she also tried out the examples.

    Once Tang Mengran focused on her revision, Qiao Nan finally got a moment of peace.

    Actually, they were going against the dormitory rules of switching off the lights to revisete into the night.

    Nevertheless, it was the final term exam. As long as the main lights were switched off, and the students used their own torchlights, the teachers in charge of the dormitory would not punish them for it.

    Qiao Nan covered her stomach with the nket. She faced the wall with her back to the creaking electric fan and the light that wasing from He Yun and the rest who were revising. In almost three minutes¡¯ time, Qiao Nan¡¯s breathing turned heavy, falling into a deep sleep.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Tang Mengran, whose hair was messy, looked at the back of Qiao Nan, envious and jealous. ¡°Nan Nan fell asleep in an instant. She did not even need time to settle down.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we have been ssmates for almost a year. This is not the first time Nan Nan behaves like this. Haven¡¯t you gotten used to it?¡± Zheng Lingling lent a pen to Tang Mengran. ¡°From the way you threw your pen, I don¡¯t suppose you can use it tomorrow. This is for you to keep as a spare. If you¡¯re unhappy, don¡¯t take it out on the pen.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I really need it. Tomorrow¡¯s the final term exam. The money I have is only enough for me to go home. If the pen is broken, I can¡¯t even sit for the exam. When I go back home, I will definitely be scolded.¡± Tang Mengran behaved as if she was given a treasure. She kept the pen nicely in her bag.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had always been the one who slept the earliest and woke up the earliest in the dormitory.

    But when it was time for exams, Qiao Nan was still the one who slept the earliest. However, she would not be the first person to wake up.

    When Qiao Nan woke up and folded her nket, the other girls in the dormitory had already woken up and were doing their revision.

    Seeing that everyone, including Fang Fang, had this habit, Qiao Nan could only shake her head helplessly. In fact, among her roommates, apart from Tang Mengran who would skive asionally and needed to cram what she learned in a short period of time, the rest were very conscientious in their studies and had no need to do that.

    ¡°Nan Nan, hurry up. After breakfast, let¡¯s go to the ssroom to do our revision for another two more hours.¡± Zheng Lingling reminded her.

    ¡°I am done. Let¡¯s go.¡± In order to save time, Qiao Nan had wanted to cut her hair short in high school so that it would be more convenient to wash andb, but Zhai Sheng objected strongly to it. They argued for a long time before Qiao Nan was allowed to cut her hair to shoulder length.

    In fact, if she cut her hair short, she would look less feminine and would not attract the attention of the boys. Qiao Nan had no idea why Brother Zhai was so against it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Tang Mengran pulled Qiao Nan along with her and ran outside the dormitory.

    The six of them used the fastest speed to finish breakfast and rush to their ssroom.

    By the time they reached the ssroom, most of the students were already in their seats.

    Shi Qing, who had already done a few questions, looked at Qiao Nan with a puzzled look. Qiao Nan seemed to have arrived toote. What was she doing? Why would she be so nervous and think so highly of Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Shi Qing from first-year¡¯s ss one, someone is looking for you. Come down now,¡± the guards shouted toward the ssroom.

    Shi Qing frowned, reluctant to stop her revision. But she still went to the school gate to find out who was looking for her.

    At this time, all of the students in the ss were concentrated on the book in their hands. Even Xu Tingting, who was a busybody, did not lift her head to look. Her eyes were glued to her book, and she was mouthing the contents of the book.

    The students had not even noticed that Shi Qing had left before she returned with someone beside her.

    ¡°All of you are so hardworking. It¡¯s so early in the morning and you¡¯re already doing your reading.¡± The woman next to Shi Qing smiled and looked at the scene in the ssroom, her eyes sweeping over the ss. She seemed to be looking for someone.

    Shi Qing lifted her chin and the person beside her located Qiao Nan right away.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s cold and raised voice sounded especially jarring and noisy in the quiet ssroom. But she was oblivious to it.

    The students in the ss looked up reluctantly. They stared at the person who spoke loudly and disturbed their revision. When everyone realized that the person was not from their ss and that they had not seen her before in school, they could not help but frown at her.

    ¡°Sorry, she is my cousin.¡± Shi Qing pulled at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Sister, what are you doing?¡± It was already very weird that she would look for her early in the morning, and she still shouted in their ssroom. What did she mean by that?

    Qiao Nan, who was writing, halted. ¡°Cousin?¡± Shi Qing and Qiu Chenxi had such a rtionship? Why did Brother Zhai not tell her?

    Was Shi Qing hostile and dered war to her because of Qiu Chenxi?

    Did Shi Qinge to take revenge for Qiu Chenxi and so she wanted to fight for the first ce in the level?

    ¡°I am here to see you.¡± Qiu Chenxi looked at Shi Qing with a smile on her face. ¡°Qing Qing, you are too willful. No matter how your mom and I persuaded you, you refused to listen. With your grades, you could skip a grade to study in the third year next semester and take the college entrance examination the following year. Your school has already promised that as long as you maintain your standard and remain in the top three, they will ensure your admission to Peking University. You could have saved one year¡¯s time of hard work, but you insisted on doing it the difficult way. For the sake of me, you decided to go to... I don¡¯t know what to say of you. You take things too seriously.¡±

    ¡°Skip a grade?¡±

    ¡°Peking University!¡±

    Could it be any more exciting?

    While they were struggling for the first-year final term exam, Shi Qing had the chance to skip a grade, and as long as she could remain in the top three ces, she would be rmended admission to Peking University. This was such a privilege!

    They had worked so hard, but they might not be able to go to Peking University, yet Shi Qing could be directly admitted to the university because of her excellent performance. She was simply the envy of all the other students.

    Why would Shi Qing, who could have secured her admission to Peking University, transfer to Ping Cheng High School? What was she doing here? Was she seeking fun and excitement?

    It was no wonder that Shi Qing dared to challenge Qiao Nan. She had the capability to do that.

    It seemed that what Xu Tingting said yesterday was true. Shi Qing¡¯s past results were very outstanding. It was no wonder that the principal was willing to ept her transfer to the school at this time of the semester.

    One was merely the top student in the first year, while the other person was someone who could have skipped a grade, advanced to the third year, and maintained her ce in the top three. The students in the ss looked on in anticipation for the good show that was about to unfold in their ss.

 Chapter 466 - Do Not Give Yourself Too Much Pressure

    <h4>Chapter 466: Do Not Give Yourself Too Much Pressure</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In thest first-year final term exam, someone else besides Qiao Nan could rank first in the level.

    Qiao Nan might be outstanding, but she was only outstanding among the first-year students. Shi Qing, who just transferred to their school, was different. She was far superior to the students in her same level and couldpete with third-year students for the first three spots. Their abilities were miles apart.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. It is just the first ce in the level. There¡¯s nothing so great about it. We just have to do our best. It doesn¡¯t matter if we end up with the first or second ce.¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s countenance changed. He could not wait to treat Shi Qing like a football and kick her out of first-year ss one and Ping Cheng High School.

    What was this? Since she could skip a grade to study in third-year curriculum, why did shee to first-year ss one? She must be sick!

    Tang Mengran almost wanted to bite off her tongue. Yesterday, she encouraged Nan Nan topete with Shi Qing to secure first ce in the level and do better than Shi Qing.

    This, this was simply impossible. Their standards were too far apart.

    She did not know that Shi Qing was so intelligent. She was the same age as them, yet she had such high IQ and was qualified to skip a grade and rmended for admission to a university.

    If she had known about Shi Qing¡¯s capability, she would not have told Nan Nan to do something impossible.

    She had no intention of making things difficult for Nan Nan or to see her make a fool of herself. Would Nan Nan misunderstand her?

    Those girls who shared the same dormitory as Qiao Nan were worried for her, while the rest of the students in the ss were anticipating the events that would unfold.

    Since they would never be able to rank first in the level, it did not matter if another person other than Qiao Nan ranked first. As for Xu Tingting, she was all smiles. She was in for a good show. Qiao Nan could no longer act arrogant and proud in front of them. She had met her formidable opponent.

    Did she really think that she was the smartest girl in the world?

    It was high time that a real genius like Shi Qing taught Qiao Nan a lesson. Otherwise, she would be too insolent and arrogant, and would be hated and shunned by others.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Teacher Liu wants to see you in the office.¡± While everyone stared at Qiao Nan to see her reaction, a student from the next ss passed the message for Teacher Liu.

    ¡°Oh, okay, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan put down the book calmly and stood up. When she walked past Qiu Chenxi, she asked politely, ¡°Excuse me, you are blocking the door.¡±

    ¡°There is more than one door in this ssroom. You obviously know that the door has been blocked and that someone is here. You should be smart and use the other door.¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to stand aside and gave a double-edged remark in reply to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Shi Qing¡¯s cousin, this is first-year ss one. Every student in the ss can use this door. You¡¯re only here to look for Shi Qing. Isn¡¯t it impolite of you to block the door?¡±

    Qiao Nan was amused. Qiu Chenxi had not figured out the rightful owner of the ¡®door¡¯.

    Qiu Chenxi was standing in front of someone else¡¯s ¡®door¡¯, yet she was so bold to act as if she did nothing wrong and told her to use another ¡®door¡¯. She was so ridiculous.

    ¡°Cousin!¡± Shi Qing was unhappy. She pulled Qiu Chenxi to a side. ¡°Qiao Nan, this way.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi who was pulled to a side turned even more unhappy. She looked at Shi Qing in anger as if to say, ¡®Are you here to help me or to help Qiao Nan to bully me?¡¯

    Shi Qing stared back at Qiu Chenxi. She was not here to help either one of them. She was here to help herself. On the other hand, did her cousin not feel that her behavior was too petty and embarrassing?

    It was very insulting to block the door and insist that Qiao Nan used the back door.

    Her cousin had graduated from college, but she did not seem to know of the saying, ¡®He that shames shall be shent.¡¯

    Whatever Qiao Nan said to her cousin just now, it was her cousin who asked for it!

    Qiao Nan did not look at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s reaction. She walked past the two of them and went to Teacher Liu¡¯s office.

    She did not care if Shi Qing was sent by Qiu Chenxi to deal with her. Qiu Chenxi must have been indulging in fantasy if she believed that Qiao Nan would be defeated and lose her confidence, and that she would give up Brother Zhai just because Shi Qing ranked first in the level.

    But then again, Qiu Chenxi had always doubted that she was the girl Brother Zhai was interested in. Last time, Qiu Chenxi even came to the conclusion that anyone could possibly be Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend except for her.

    If that was the case, why would Qiu Chenxi target her and insist on making life difficult for her?

    Qiao Nan did not know that, in fact, Qiu Chenxi was targeting Qiao Nan so as to force the real girlfriend toe out of hiding.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, were you looking for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,e over and have a seat. There¡¯s only an hour to the exam. Qiao Nan, are you nervous?¡± Teacher Liu asked.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Teacher Liu, we have gotten used to the exams. We used to have tests and exams every once in a while. How can I be nervous?¡±

    Teacher Liu smiled. ¡°It¡¯s good that you don¡¯t feel the stress. By the way, Qiao Nan, there¡¯s a new transfer student in our ss. She has already submitted the form and will take the science course in the second half of the semester. In other words, both of you will not be ssmates in the future. The knowledge that both of you learned and the content of the exams will be slightly different. Therefore, you must not give yourself too much pressure or be nervous. There are some things that we don¡¯t have to be too mindful about. In this world, one can¡¯t possibly stay ever victorious. It¡¯s more important to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded nkly. She did not know how to respond to his words. ¡°Teacher Liu, did you say all these as you feel that Shi Qing¡¯s past results were very good and I may not be able to do better than her? Hence, you are worried that I will not be able to take it and so you decided tofort me in advance?¡±

    Did Teacher Liu not realize that his words might put too much pressure on Qiao Nan and she would not be able to perform well in the final term exams?

    She wondered how good Shi Qing¡¯s results were that Teacher Liu felt that she would never do better than her and would be discouraged because of it.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, in fact, you don¡¯t have to do this. I don¡¯t have the ambition to rank first in the level all the time. I just want to do my best and perform ording to my standard. I won¡¯t stress myself out or set a goal such as ranking first in the level. I will simply do my best. As for the first ce in the level, let¡¯s leave it to fate.¡±

    She indeed did not have such ambitions.

 Chapter 467 - Give Up on Oneself

    <h4>Chapter 467: Give Up on Oneself</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She did not think too much. It was Teacher Liu who worried too much.

    ¡°It¡¯s good if you think that way.¡± Teacher Liu sighed with relief. Being a teacher for so many years, he had seen many students who stirred up trouble because ofpeting with other students to be the top student. Some of them felt the stress at being overtaken by others and pushed themselves to get back on the tracks, but their grades worsened instead. They used to be top students but ended up to be students with fluctuating results.

    Teacher Liu was worried that this time was no exception. Hence, he told Qiao Nan beforehand, lest she went down a blind alley.

    Besides, Shi Qing also came at an inopportune time. Teacher Liu was busy doing revision with the students in ss one and she transferred to their ss at this time.

    Teacher Liu heard from President Meng that Shi Qing¡¯s results were very good and her standard was definitely good enough for her to transfer to first-year ss one.

    Teacher Liu knew that President Meng would not possibly tarnish the reputation of ss one. Thus, he was sure that Shi Qing¡¯s grades were good enough to join ss one. However, he did not find out how her past results were.

    Teacher Liu was surprised when he looked through the documents that Shi Qing submitted for the transfer today. He did not expect that there would be someone as outstanding as Qiao Nan in this world. More importantly, both of the students were in his ss.

    When he found out that Shi Qing almost skipped a grade and was rmended for admission to a university, Teacher Liu could not help but worry for Qiao Nan.

    There was hardly any difference between their results.

    But with the chances of skipping a grade and rmended for admission to a university, Shi Qing seemed to have the upper hand.

    ¡°Alright, go back and do your revision.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu.¡± Qiao Nan thanked the teacher and returned to the ssroom.

    By the time Qiao Nan returned to the ssroom, Qiu Chenxi was no longer there. Shi Qing had returned to her seat and was reading quietly.

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes and sat down in her seat.

    As soon as Qiao Nan took her seat, Zhu Baoguo posed a question to her. ¡°Xiao Qiao, why do I feel that Shi Qing¡¯s cousin behaved strangely toward you?¡± Shi Qing¡¯s cousin wanted Xiao Qiao to use the back door in their own school. Shi Qing was sick. Her cousin must be sick as well!

    ¡°Since you know that there¡¯s something wrong with them, why should you bother? You won¡¯t stand to gain at all.¡± It was tooplicated, and Qiao Nan had no wish to exin. Besides, other than her father, she did not tell anyone about her rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I am just worried that you will be wronged and bullied.¡±

    ¡°If you were worried, why didn¡¯t you do anything just now?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°Tell me honestly... Forget it. The final exam ising. I will preserve some dignity for you and will not probe.¡±

    In the past, when Xu Tingting picked on her, Zhu Baoguo would stand up for her and yell at Xu Tingting.

    Today, Qiu Chenxi was arrogant and impudent, yet Zhu Baoguo remained seated and kept silent.

    Zhu Baoguo was either afraid of Qiu Chenxi or Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan could tell that the dust on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s pantsst time was a girl¡¯s shoe print. Qiao Nan wanted to show some respect for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s feelings, so she did not point it out.

    Judging from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words and attitude, Qiao Nan came to a conclusion that a few days ago, Zhu Baoguo not only fought with Shi Qing, but he also lost to Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan was amused that Zhu Baoguo, the bully who used to be ill-disciplined and out of control, was defeated by a youngdy.

    Teacher Liu had mentioned that Shi Qing chose the science course.

    She used to worry that if she was not by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s side, would he be able to control his temper or would he revert to his old ways. Now, it seemed like as long as Shi Qing did not transfer to another school, there would be someone who could help her take Zhu Baoguo, the troublesome ¡®son¡¯, in hand.

    What Qiao Nan was most concerned about was that Zhu Baoguo was too capable and had a powerful family background. Nobody would be able to control him, and he would gradually go out of control.

    Zhu Baoguo did not know that while he was worried for her, Qiao Nan had already decided that Shi Qing would be the one who would be able to take him in hand.

    ¡°Oh, right, the exams! I need to revise!¡± Zhu Baoguo seemed to know what Qiao Nan wanted to say. Gone was his anger, and he started to read his book quietly.

    Zhu Baoguo was indeed angry at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s arrogant attitude and wanted to shut her up, but she was Shi Qing¡¯s cousin and Shi Qing was standing next to her.

    The enemy was stronger than him. He knew he would lose and injure himself, hence Zhu Baoguo decided not to act rashly. He would wait until he was stronger before he settled scores with them and got back at them for what happened today!

    ¡°Wait a minute, Xiao Qiao. You want me to revise, but what are you doing?¡± Zhu Baoguo had just started to read before he noticed that Qiao Nan, who was next to him, put away her books, stacked her hands together, andid her head on them to sleep.

    ¡°I feel that I did not have enough sleep yesterday. Anyway, there is still an hour to go. I want to take a nap,¡± Qiao Nan yawned and said in a rxed manner.

    She felt the pressure when she always ranked first in the level.

    Now that she knew it was highly possible for someone else to rank first, she felt relieved that she no longer needed to push herself so hard.

    She would just perform as per normal. Whatever she needed to revise and study had already been covered. It was useless to do further revision in this one hour¡¯s time. She would rather take a nap and rest well.

    Zhu Baoguo looked at Qiao Nan and wanted to get her to wake up. She must not give up on herself. But then, he was reminded of Shi Qing¡¯s results and kept quiet.

    Even though Xiao Qiao could havepeted for first ce in the level with the violent woman, her days would not be better and she would not stand to gain. In that case, there was no difference being in the first ce or second ce. Xiao Qiao was already good enough. It would be good for her to slow down her pace.

    All the students in the ss were doing theirst-minute revision except for Qiao Nan, who was the only one who was bent over the table, sleeping soundly!

    Anyone who took a closer look at Qiao Nan would notice something amiss. Qiao Nan remained in the same posture and her head did not move. It was only when the electric fan blew at her would a few strands of her hair move slightly.

    If she was not asleep, nobody would be able to stay in the same position on a sunny day. It was too warm to stay in the same position.

    ¡°At least, she has some sense to give up. In that way, she could save some efforts.¡± Xu Tingting drank some water. It was very soothing and cooling. She was extremely pleased with what she saw. Back then, in order to catch up with Qiao Nan, Xu Tingting was foolish enough to put in twice the effort and push hard on herself. But no matter what, her results could never bepared to Qiao Nan¡¯s results. Xu Tingting felt that her hard work back then was not worth it.

 Chapter 468 - It Was Hard to Say Who Was the Fool

    <h4>Chapter 468: It Was Hard to Say Who Was the Fool</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She was not as wise as Qiao Nan to submit to circumstances and be quick to give up.

    Xu Tingting was not the only one who had a simr mentality in ss one.

    In the next one and a half day, everyone noticed that Qiao Nan did not really do her revision. They felt that Qiao Nan must have felt that Shi Qing was too strong an opponent, and since she had no chance of winning, she simply gave up.

    Shi Qing kept frowning and showed her displeasure at Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior. She had not worked hard and tried her best, yet she had given up. She did not believe that Brother Zhai would like such a woman.

    Even though love was blind, Brother Zhai would never like girls like her.

    After the first day of the exam, and when everyone had finished their dinner, Shi Qing asked to meet Qiao Nan in the woods nearby.

    ¡°Your shadow didn¡¯t tag along with you?¡± Seeing Qiao Nan came by herself, Shi Qing smiled like a gangster and kicked the small tree next to her. ¡°He was assured enough to let youe by yourself to meet me? He is just a wimp. How dare he act up in front of me!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your reason for asking me toe here? Tell me now.¡± Qiao Nan did not answer the question about Zhu Baoguo. He did not know that she was here to meet Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing threw the bag that she carried over to Qiao Nan. ¡°These are my ss notes. I¡¯ll lend them to you.¡± She was sure that she would beat Qiao Nan in the exams. Apart from Brother Zhai, she had not lost to anybody in exams or fights.

    Even though she never felt that she would lose to Qiao Nan, Shi Qing felt angry for both Brother Zhai and herself when she saw Qiao Nan give up so easily. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that Brother Zhai will be disappointed when he knows what you have done? As far as I know, Brother Zhai will not approve of your behavior.¡±

    ¡°You indeed...¡± She did know about her rtionship with Brother Zhai.

    ¡°Yes, I know. I am not stupid and I am not blind. Besides, Brother Zhai¡¯s behavior is quite obvious.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You are thin and don¡¯t have a good figure. Your looks are average and you don¡¯te from a good family. Your only strength is your good results. Now that there¡¯s me, don¡¯t you feel ashamed of yourself and that you are not worthy of Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just say that you don¡¯t understand why Brother Zhai likes me?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Shi Qing was jealous, but her tone was different from Qiu Chenxi. Hence, Qiao Nan was not angry at her. ¡°Well, it goes to show that Brother Zhai likes me not because of any other external factors. He likes me for the way I am. Qiu Chenxi and you...¡±

    Since Shi Qing knew about her rtionship with Brother Zhai, Qiu Chenxi would not have behaved in that way yesterday if Shi Qing had told her about it. She would definitely create havoc.

    ¡°This has nothing to do with her. It only concerns Brother Zhai, you, and me. I have liked Brother Zhai from a young age. He used to be with Qiu Chenxi, and since we are rtives, and I knew himter than Qiu Chenxi, I decided to back out. But you knew Brother Zhaiter than me, and you can¡¯tpare to me in all aspects, so I won¡¯t let you have Brother Zhai. I want to fight for the happiness that I once gave up. Qiao Nan, let¡¯spete with each other!¡±

    ¡°Compete in the exams?¡± Qiao Nan raised an eyebrow. ¡°If you rank first, I will give up on Brother Zhai, and if I rank first, you will scram?¡±

    ¡°I am not so childish.¡± Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a look of disdain. ¡°It is sheer bullying if I am topare results with you. Since you are Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, you will have more chances to meet him than me. I am certain I am so much better than you, and I am more suitable for Brother Zhai. As long as I stay at Ping Cheng High School, I will have more chances to meet Brother Zhai. By that time, we shall see whether Brother Zhai only has eyes for you and takes me for nothing.¡±

    ¡°You said that Qiu Chenxi knew Brother Zhai earlier than you and hence you backed out. Now, you know that I am in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, but you still insist to fight for his attention. Shi Qing, don¡¯t you think there is a problem with your reasoning?¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that I¡¯m a third party?¡± Shi Qing¡¯s face turned red. She was embarrassed and angry.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Seeing that Shi Qing blushed at her words, Qiao Nan knew that Shi Qing¡¯s personality was better than Qiu Chenxi¡¯s. She was not so unreasonable and full of herself like Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Brother Zhai told me what happened with Qiu Chenxi. All along, it was the arrangement between the elders of the two families. Brother Zhai did not agree to the arrangement and has not epted Qiu Chenxi. I am different from Qiu Chenxi... Forget it. There are some things that I will only say when the exams are over. I¡¯m afraid it will affect your mood.¡±

    Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi were not in a rtionship at all. Besides, it was Qiu Chenxi who took the initiative, but Brother Zhai never reciprocated her feelings.

    In her case, it was Brother Zhai who confessed his love for her, and they had decided to start a rtionship.

    In the case of Qiu Chenxi, if Shi Qing did anything, she would not be considered a third party. However, since Brother Zhai was already in a rtionship with Qiao Nan now, it would be a different matter if Shi Qing tried to fight for his affection.

    ¡°Of course, if you are unhappy that I did not tell you the full story, I can continue with what I want to say now.¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Shi Qing said in anger. ¡°Actually, I understand, but I just don¡¯t want to give up. People are selfish. I have given up once. I don¡¯t want to give up for the second time. If I don¡¯t try my best, I cannot answer to myself. As for Qiu Chenxi, you don¡¯t have to care about her. I may be here because of her, but whatever I do has nothing to do with her.¡±

    ¡°In short, I called you here because I hoped you would have the correct attitude. I don¡¯t want to win by dishonor. Even if it doesn¡¯t mean anything to rank first, I will definitely not rx and do my best instead.¡± As long as there was a chance, she wanted topete with Qiao Nan and strive to be the best.

    ¡°Also, Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too happy. You are different from Qiu Chenxi, and I am different from Qiu Chenxi as well. I have an advantage over both of you. It¡¯s just that you do not know of it. Given that Brother Zhai sent me to school this time, you should be able to tell.¡±

    ¡°Did Qiu Chenxi send you here because of your advantage?¡± Did it mean that Qiu Chenxi sent Shi Qing to deal with Brother Zhai¡¯s ¡®girlfriend¡¯?

    ¡°Is this what you should be concerned about?¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°An honest man does nothing underhand. If I don¡¯t make it clear, I will feel uneasy. In short, this is between you and me. As for Qiu Chenxi, you don¡¯t have to worry about her. Even though we are rtives, I am not very close to her.¡±

    ¡°But Qiu Chenxi seemed to take you for a fool and made use of you.¡± Yesterday, Qiu Chenxi went to their school and tried to deal her a blow by bragging about Shi Qing¡¯s results.

    Shi Qing snorted. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say who the fool is.¡± If not for Qiu Chenxi having a hidden agenda, she would not have this chance.

 Chapter 469 - Are You Not Afraid That I Would Be a Threat?

    <h4>Chapter 469: Are You Not Afraid That I Would Be a Threat?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan smiled in reply. ¡°Perhaps, this is indeed the case.¡± Brother Zhai did not care for Qiu Chenxi, but he was not cold toward Shi Qing. Qiu Chenxi seemed to have created a big problem for herself.

    ¡°Hey...¡± Shi Qing was upset. ¡°How can youugh at this time? Don¡¯t tell me that I pose no threat to you? I have said that I like Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan should be worried.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi obviously does not know your rtionship with Brother Zhai. She wanted to make use of me to find out who the girlfriend of Brother Zhai is. Aren¡¯t you worried that I will tell Qiu Chenxi the truth?¡± Qiao Nan was way too calm. It was getting on her nerves.

    Qiao Nan still had a smile on her face. ¡°I will be worried if you keep quiet about everything. But now that you have made everything clear, I don¡¯t think I have anything to worry about. When Qiu Chenxi came to our school before the exams started yesterday, it was the perfect opportunity to tell her the truth, but you didn¡¯t. So, why do you think I should be worried?¡±

    If Shi Qing had meant to tell her cousin the truth, she would have said so earlier.

    Once Shi Qing told Qiu Chenxi the truth, Qiu Chenxi would create a fuss at the Zhai family and tell them of her rtionship with Brother Zhai. She might not even be able to sit for the exams, let alone do well in the exams.

    Since the exams for yesterday were over, Qiao Nan felt that she did not need to be overly concerned.

    Shi Qing snorted. ¡°You¡¯re quite clever, but it is useless.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your concern. So far, my little cleverness is still enough for me to survive. There¡¯s only half an hour to the exam. If we don¡¯t go back, we may bete for the exam or we may leave out anything that we need to bring. Shi Qing, even if you deliberately lose to me in the exams, I can¡¯t let you have Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan returned the ss notes to Shi Qing. ¡°There is only half an hour left. I won¡¯t have the time to read the notes. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be holy and pure. It¡¯s fine that you don¡¯t want it.¡± Shi Qing did not pretend to be polite to Qiao Nan. She had made the biggest effort by taking the initiative to lend her the ss notes. Since Qiao Nan did not want the notes, she would not be so foolish to insist that she took them.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you...¡± When Qiao Nan returned to the ssroom, Zhu Baoguo pulled her to the side. He had yet to finish his sentence when he saw Shi Qinging back right behind Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Baoguo stopped in mid-sentence upon seeing Shi Qing. He waited for Shi Qing to leave before he continued. ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you that this woman is not to be meddled with? When school reopens next time, I will help you deal with her.¡±

    If Xiao Qiao looked for Shi Qing now, she would only be bullied by her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nothing happened. In fact, Shi Qing is quite reasonable, unlike Xu Tingting and the rest.¡± Among the people that she met, apart from her roommates, everyone, including Qiao Zijin, seemed as if they were scheming against her.

    But Shi Qing was different. Even though she was here to fight for Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, she was very frank about it.

    There was one thing about Shi Qing that made Qiao Nan at ease. She was not like Qiu Chenxi who had not even started a rtionship with Brother Zhai but always said that he was her boyfriend, and made it such that his actual girlfriend was the third party.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zhu Baoguo did not believe her.

    ¡°Look at me. Do I look as if there¡¯s something wrong?¡± She looked perfectly fine.

    Zhu Baoguo gave Qiao Nan a serious look and sized her up for any injuries. ¡°It seems that you¡¯re fine. Xiao Qiao, you must hang in there. After today¡¯s exams, you will be free. You must not be affected by Shi Qing. Let¡¯s notpete for first ce with her. We can go for second ce.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know whether she should cry orugh. ¡°I didn¡¯t think too much. It¡¯s all of you who think too much. I have never given myself that much pressure. I have never thought of always being in the first ce. I just want to study hard and strive for a good future. I am not foolish enough to push myself to always remain in the first ce.¡±

    Even if she was the top student, she was only the top student in Ping Cheng High School, if not the entire Ping Cheng.

    China was a huge country. There were lots of talents. She could never be the first in the country!

    What a joke!

    ¡°Right, it¡¯s good that you think this way. Xiao Qiao, have some water and hydrate yourself. The weather is so hot that we keep perspiring. We must be careful not to suffer from heatstroke.¡± Zhu Baoguo agreed immediately. He only had one goal in mind, and it was for Xiao Qiao to rx and sit for the exam as per normal, and not to be affected by Shi Qing.

    Xu Tingting sneered. Qiao Nan refused to admit that she had lost.

    When the exam was over and the results came out, and Shi Qing ranked first, she was interested to know whether Qiao Nan would be asposed and cool as she was now.

    ¡°Well, all the exams are over. In five days¡¯ time, remember toe back to school to get the report card. As for the streaming for the next semester, the school will post the results on the bulletin board. In September, some of you may still be my students, while some of you will not be. No matter what, I hope you can still have the learning spirit and attitude of ss one throughout your three years in high school,¡± Teacher Liu stood at the podium and spoke to the students.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time. All of you should go back. Don¡¯t be toote.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, Teacher Liu.¡±

    All of the students felt liberated now that the exams were over.

    Regardless of how they did, there was at least a five-day buffer period for them to rx.

    Qiao Nan stayed close to the school. Hence, among her ssmates, she was the first to reach home. ¡°Dad, I am back.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back. It¡¯s very hot today. Have a Popsicle to relieve the difort from the hot weather.¡± Qiao Dongliang took a Popsicle that seemed to be steaming and brought it to Qiao Nan. It seemed that it had just been taken out of the refrigerator.

    Qiao Nan did not really like cold stuff. In the past, they did not have the money for this. Now, she seldom ate them as it was not good for the body.

    But since Qiao Dongliang gave it to her out of kindness, she could not possibly refuse. She took it from her father. ¡°It¡¯s mung beans. Delicious! But Dad, how did you know that I woulde back at this time? This Popsicle is very hard. It seems like it has just been taken out of the refrigerator.¡±

    ¡°It has indeed just been taken out of the refrigerator.¡±

    ¡°Oh? You just came back home?¡± It did not seem so.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not the refrigerator outside. It¡¯s our own refrigerator.¡± Qiao Dongliang led Qiao Nan to check out the newly bought refrigerator. ¡°Look, I just took out the popsicle from the refrigerator.¡± Since the Popsicle had just been taken out of the refrigerator, it was very hard.

    ¡°Dad, why do we have a refrigerator at home?¡± Even though they did not need to provide for Qiao Zijin and her mother, her father would not have bought the refrigerator. Did her father win the lottery?

 Chapter 470 - The Son-In-Law Bought It

    <h4>Chapter 470:</h4>

    <h4>The Son-In-Law Bought It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If her father had the spare cash, he would definitely save them for Qiao Zijin and her to use when they went to college.

    ¡°Why do you think we have a refrigerator at home?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt slightly displeased.

    Back then, Ding Jiayi always mored to buy a refrigerator. When it was summer, particrly, it would be much more convenient to have a refrigerator at home. However, the Qiao family¡¯s financial condition did not allow them to buy a refrigerator.

    They never expected that now that Ding Jiayi was no longer at home, they would have arge refrigerator at home. When it was summer, they did not need to buy Popsicles from the small retail stall anymore. They could have Popsicles in thefort of their house.

    ¡°Is it also from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father?¡±

    ¡°It was indeed a gift from someone, but it was not from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father. It was from Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°Why would he send this to us? Dad, why were you willing to ept it?¡±

    ¡°ept?¡± Of course not!

    Zhai Sheng, the young brat, was crafty. He knew that he would not have epted the refrigerator. Therefore, after buying the refrigerator, he got someone else to send it to him. The person left after delivering the refrigerator. Qiao Dongliang did not have a chance to refuse.

    Qiao Dongliang did not want to ept it, but he could not possibly leave the refrigerator outside. It would be a pity to be taken away by others.

    Since it was already in the house, and it was summer, some fruits and vegetables wouldst longer if kept in the refrigerator, Qiao Dongliang could not help but end up using the new refrigerator.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Her father must have fallen for Brother Zhai¡¯s tricks. He had no other choice but to ept the refrigerator.

    ¡°Nan Nan, the exams were just over. How do you feel about the exams?¡± Qiao Dongliang poured a ss of water for Qiao Nan. He seemed to be very concerned.

    ¡°It¡¯s the same as usual.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Dongliang pped in happiness. Given Nan Nan¡¯s standard, it was good enough to perform as per normal.

    Qiao Nan changed her shoes. She hesitated before saying, ¡°But Dad, I may not rank first in the whole level in this final term exam. I may only rank second. Will you be disappointed?¡±

    ¡°The second in the whole level?¡± Qiao Dongliang paused momentarily. Since the third year of junior high school, Nan Nan had always ranked first. ¡°It¡¯s very good to rank second. Besides, it is among the whole level. It¡¯s already a very good result.¡±

    ¡°Dad, are you really not disappointed or unhappy?¡±

    ¡°No, why will I?¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Initially, I thought that you looked strange when you came back today. So it was regarding this. It is very good to achieve the second in the level. For me, I am not highly educated and my grades were not very good when I was in school. Moreover, judging from your sister¡¯s grades, you¡¯re the only one who is intelligent in a family whose members are not good in their studies. You have inherited the few good genes in the family. If I were given another chance, I would never be able to rank second in the ss, let alone second in the level. Nan Nan, you are much more capable than me. I must give you a thumbs-up!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up proudly. He was already very satisfied and pleased with Qiao Nan¡¯s results.

    In short, if he was to sit for the exam, he would only rank second-tost in the ss, let alone in second ce.

    Qiao Nan smiled, relieved of all tension. ¡°Dad, I must give you a thumbs-up as well!¡±

    Qiao Nan gave her father a thumbs-up. In this world, no other father was better than him.

    After eliminating herst bit of worry about her results, Qiao Nan felt lighter and more rxed. ¡°Dad, I just finished my exams. I intend to give myself a five-day break. After getting the report card, I will then make a study n. I am really tired out these few days.¡±

    ¡°Just for five days? Why don¡¯t you rest for a few more days? In fact, there is two months¡¯ worth of summer break. Nan Nan, do you want to travel around?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Nan had pushed herself too hard. The study n she had was too packed.

    The children from other families would enjoy and have fun in the two months of summer break.

    As for Nan Nan, she would devote all her time to her studies during the summer break. It was no different from studying at school. The only difference was that in the school, there would be teachers guiding them along, while at home, she would be doing her own preparation work. It was too hard on her.

    ¡°Dad, are you saying that you will allow me to travel?¡± Qiao Nan leaned on the sofa. ¡°Dad, why do you have this idea?¡± Travel would cost a lot of money. She did not have any ie, so how could she spend without any qualms?

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just feel that you are still young and should travel more. Since you are still in school, you can travel during summer break or winter break. When you start working, you will not have summer breaks or winter breaks if you aren¡¯t a teacher. By that time, it will not be as convenient for you to travel.¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you miss Mom and sister?¡± Qiao Zijin had always wanted to travel during summer break.

    ¡°Miss them? More or less.¡± After calming down for two months, Qiao Dongliang was no longer that agitated when mentioning Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan, do you have any ce that you want to visit?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°I prefer exploring nature where there are mountains, seas, orkes. But I don¡¯t n to go now. I have already thought it through. When I finish college entrance examination, the summer break is the longest, almost two and a half months. I will take a break for half a month to travel around.¡± Now, she did not dare to travel around lest she could not concentrate on her studies.

    ¡°Alright, when the timees, I will give you the money to travel. You must have a good time.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what about my college fees? You refuse to let me work to save for college. Dad, have you won the lottery?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang curiously. Her father seemed different. It was as if he had figured out something.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know whether to cry orugh. ¡°Lottery? I never buy lottery. Have you forgotten how I used to teach you and your sister? As for your college fees and your travel fees after the college entrance examination, don¡¯t worry. There are two more years to go. Are you worried that I won¡¯t be able to earn them?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan gave a faint reply. Her father was indeed sessful in the way he taught his daughters. She was never interested in the lottery.

    Otherwise, given that she went through rebirth, as long as she remembered a number, she would be able to make a fortune.

    ¡°By the way, Nan Nan, you have to give Zhai Sheng a call. Tell him not to buy us stuff like this anymore. This ce is lent to us by the school. Now that we have a television set, a telephone, and a refrigerator, it is as if we are staying here forever.¡±

    It was uncertain what would happen to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang felt uneasy epting the refrigerator that Zhai Sheng gave them. It was as if he was selling his daughter. Besides, if Nan Nan went separate ways with Zhai Sheng in the future, it would seem like they owed him whatever he gave them.

 Chapter 471 - It Is Only Right to Support Your Wife Financially

    <h4>Chapter 471: It Is Only Right to Support Your Wife Financially</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation and family background, Qiao Dongliang felt that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship was too unreal. ¡°Nan Nan, I heard from the neighbors that there¡¯s an asion whereby a girl came to our house and created a fuss. She said that you¡¯ve snatched her boyfriend. What happened?¡±

    As it was nearing Qiao Nan¡¯s examination period previously, Qiao Dongliang endured and dared not question much despite knowing this matter. He was afraid that Qiao Nan would be distracted. Nevertheless, he no longer needed to have such consideration today.

    ¡°Dad, this matter is ratherplicated. I can¡¯t exin to you clearly in such a short time. That woman was referring to Brother Zhai, but Brother Zhai was not rted to her in any way. As for the fianc¨¦e and fianc¨¦ that she mentioned, they were also not true. That day, Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao also came here to rify the matter with that woman. It has got nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡°I did hear a little about that.¡± Otherwise, he would not have endured until today to ask about it. ¡°Nan Nan, how do the other family members of the Zhai family feel about the matter between Zhai Sheng and you?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao does not know yet, but she seems to have some objections about someone like me.¡±

    ¡°True enough...¡± It was his fault. As a father, he could not provide Nan Nan with a good life and this had affected her life. She had to be shunned by others when looking for a marriage partner.

    ¡°Chief Zhai knew about us. He was not pleased, but he did notment too much about it.¡± Chief Zhai was basically adopting a wait-and-see attitude.

    Qiao Dongliang jumped in shock. ¡°Chief Zhai knew about the two of you and didn¡¯t ask you to break up?¡± How could that be?!

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t sweet-talk me. I¡¯ve long guessed that their family would disagree. I just didn¡¯t want you to be too hard on yourself. Hence, I didn¡¯t want you to be together with Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng is outstanding, too outstanding. Our family is notpatible with him.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I really didn¡¯t lie to you. Think about it yourself. If Chief Zhai really wants Brother Zhai and me to break up, he cane and look for you. It¡¯s more direct and straightforward that way. Did he look for you?¡±

    Chief Zhai did request for Qiao Nan to break up with Brother Zhai that day but Qiao Nan refused to. Thereafter, Chief Zhai did not make any further attempt to do so, let alone take any concrete action.

    Qiao Dongliang first nodded and then shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re right. Yes, Chief Zhai did not look for me. Nan Nan, what do you think he meant by this?¡± Madam Zhai was not agreeable, but was Chief Zhai agreeable?

    Qiao Nan replied honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Dad, don¡¯t think too much. We will let nature takes its own course. There will always be a way to settle this matter. Right, Dad, I¡¯ll give Brother Zhai a call, in case he gets people to send us things again without giving us any prior notice.¡±

    The refrigerator was a big appliance. In another two years¡¯ time, air conditioner andputer would be prevalent.

    If Brother Zhai bought all of these items one by one, Auntie Miao would be able to guess their rtionship without the need for anyone to tell her.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang felt a little embarrassed. ¡°Make the call. I¡¯ll go out and do some marketing.¡±

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a call.

    ¡°Hello, Nan Nan, have you finished your exams?¡± As soon as he received the call, Zhai Sheng guessed that Nan Nan was the caller. ¡°Five dayster, I have ten days of leave. I¡¯ll be able toe back.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯reing back. No wonder...¡± Realization dawned on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°No wonder what?¡± Nan Nan was implying something with her words.

    Qiao Nan swallowed her saliva before saying, ¡°I heard that Shi Qing is not from Ping Cheng. She could actually return home after taking the examinations and seek her Ping Cheng rtives¡¯ help to collect her academic results. However, I heard this morning that Shi Qing did not prepare to go back. She will be staying at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°You already knew about her rtionship with Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°Could I not know? On the first day of my examination, Qiu Chenxi came to our school early in the morning and gave Shi Qing good publicity in front of my whole ss. This Shi Qing is quite formidable. She could, in fact, skip a grade and study with the third-year students, yet she wanted topete with me for the top ce in the first-year cohort. As I was in a more rxed state, Shi Qing shunned me for not being serious enough and said that I¡¯m giving up on myself. Brother Zhai, Shi Qing said she wished topete with me. Tell me, should I?¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯tpete with her, can you ept it?¡± Could she really act ording to her own wishes? Brother Zhai was really so generous this time?

    Zhai Sheng rxed his eyebrows. The three vertical lines on his forehead earlier disappeared. ¡°Is it because you don¡¯t wish to, or is it because you don¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t wish topete.¡±

    ¡°So, that means you like me?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± After Qiao Nan replied, she realized that she had fallen into Zhai Sheng¡¯s trap.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep and happy voice could be heard. ¡°Simrly, I like you too. As long as you¡¯re happy, no matter what decision you make, I¡¯ll support you.¡± He was not so anxious or childish to feel that Nan Nan needed to ept Shi Qing¡¯s challenge and work hard to guard her top ce in the cohort to prove that she liked him. It did not mean that she did not like him or was giving him up if she did notpete.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to have forgotten. I¡¯m twenty-three, not thirteen years old this year.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s ears turned red. She moved the phone receiver slightly further away from her ears. Using his voice to seduce others... He was flouting the rules!

    After she suppressed her flustered feelings, Qiao Nan then ced the phone receiver back on her ears. ¡°Brother Zhai, my dad asked me to tell you not to buy big appliances for my house anymore. After all, this house belongs to the school. Moreover, it¡¯s too easy for Auntie Miao to discover them. You made my dad ept your gifts suddenly, and he felt bad about it. This time, he epted your fridge. In the future, he can still pay you back by working harder. But if you send us more gifts, my family¡¯s wealth can¡¯tpete with that of yours. If we can¡¯t repay you, my dad is afraid that he has to sell his daughter to repay the debts.¡±

    ¡°Gifts blind the eyes. If Uncle Qiao can spare me the rod next time and decisively let me marry his daughter, then that will be the best.¡± He did have the intention to ask them to repay the debts. In that way, he could save himself the need to pass the hurdle of the father-inw.

    It was not only the refrigerator. Zhai Sheng wanted to buy them everything that the Qiao familycked.

    He did not really want Qiao Dongliang to owe him anything. Zhai Sheng was just afraid that Qiao Nan did not livefortably, and that it would be inconvenient for her not to have the necessities at home.

    Qiao Nan did not know that Zhai Sheng was not only thinking of sending gifts to them, but he also nearly considered whether to take over paying all the electricity, water, and misceneous bills of the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan was the woman he loved. Moreover, she was someone he must marry and would be his children¡¯s mother.

    He was supporting his own wife financially and buying a few things for her. Why couldn¡¯t he do that?

    In short, anything that had to do with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng wanted to take them on himself.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m serious. If you want to continue doing this, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll run away in fear, but my dad will definitely be frightened.¡± Qiao Nan was both angry and helpless. She really could not tell that Brother Zhai had a tendency toward male chauvinism.

 Chapter 472 - Listen to Your Wife

    <h4>Chapter 472: Listen to Your Wife</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Shi Qing already knew about the matter between us. Fortunately, she has not told Qiu Chenxi. Otherwise, Qiu Chenxi will surely create a fuss and make the whole world know about it. At that time, how am I going to face Auntie Miao? Auntie Miao does have quite a good impression of me, but if this happens, what will she think of it? I¡¯m not only concerned about my dad. I¡¯m also afraid that Auntie Miao will realize it herself without anyone telling her. Brother Zhai, I know that you want to be good to me. There will be opportunities to do so in the future. But now, we can¡¯t let our rtionship go to light yet. Control, we have to be in control.¡±

    There was a man who could not wait to bring all the good stuff in the world to her. No woman would dislike this kind of treatment.

    However, for the sake of a longer and better future ahead, it was not appropriate to do so at this juncture.

    After a round of scolding from Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng, who usually only disciplined others instead of the other way round, was not angry. Instead, he smiled sullenly. ¡°Right, we have a lot of time in the future. I have an entire lifetime to be good to you. Certainly, we should not be anxious about just one or two days. Nan Nan, you thought about this more thoroughly than me. Rest assured. I¡¯ll also be more careful in the future to ensure that we can eventually be together. To enable the two of us to get married sessfully and be together forever, I¡¯ll give more consideration to what I do.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words did not mention anything about marriage, but the underlying meaning was to be with Zhai Sheng for life.

    How could Zhai Sheng not feel pleased when he heard this?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, can you stop joking and be more sincere? I¡¯m talking to you about serious matters.¡± Qiao Nan stomped her feet in fury. It waspletely different from the calm and nonchntposure that she held when she met Shi Qing that morning.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I being serious with you? Aren¡¯t you the one who talked about lifetime first?¡± Zhai Sheng drank a mouthful of water. Nevertheless, he had a greater belief in the hurried and sweet kiss that they had in the small alley that day.

    That was both Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s first kiss. It began so suddenly and the process was not very smooth. Regardless, the oue was beautiful.

    Thinking about hisckluster performance that day, Zhai Sheng drank another mouthful of water to moisten his dry throat. Next time. Next time, his performance would definitely not disappoint Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was red. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you believe that I will hang up on you?¡± Clearly, Brother Zhai had been so good to her previously. He amodated and sided with her in everything. Why did Brother Zhai like to tease and bully her after they became boyfriend and girlfriend?

    Qiao Nan, who did not have much experience about romantic rtionships, did not know that when a man really loved a woman, that man would certainly only think of how to ¡®bully¡¯ that woman after being with her.

    ¡°I believe.¡± Zhai Sheng adjusted his tone. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already said it, I¡¯ll definitely do ordingly. Wait for me to go back.¡±

    Once Zhai Sheng turned serious, that fire of anxiety in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart earlier vanished immediately. It was as if the fire was put out by a basin of cold water. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you toe back. Not chatting anymore. My dad should be back soon. Although my dad asked me to make this call, he¡¯ll feel uneasy if he really sees me calling you. Bye, Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    When he heard the beeping sounding from the phone, Zhai Sheng put down the ¡®searing hot¡¯ phone in his hand.

    Just as what Zhai Hua said, since he knew Nan Nan, he had been going home more often. The total number of times that he had gone back in the past few years was less than that of the past year.

    However, he could not bring himself not to go back. His heart and lungs were there.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, did you just finish your call with Mrs. Regiment Commander?¡± Zhou Jun came in with a report.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, you¡¯re really going back to Ping Cheng again? After you¡¯ve gone back, my leave won¡¯t be approved anymore?¡± Zhou Jun was both happy and depressed. He was sad that his regimentmander was going back and could not approve of his leave. He was happy that his regimentmander found someone that he liked and that they would have Mrs. Regiment Commander very soon.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhai Sheng lifted his eyes and gave Zhou Jun a nce.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, can I discuss it with you?¡± Zhou Junughed as an idea came to his mind.

    Zhai Sheng asked Zhou Jun to take a seat. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, for the sake of Mrs. Regiment Commander, you must put in more effort now. You don¡¯t have to worry about the matters in the camp and just have to leave them to me. I¡¯ll take care of them for you. When the matter between your wife and you is sessful, can you help me when I¡¯m wooing my wife then, Regiment Commander Zhai? I also wish to get out of singlehood and lead a life with wife and children.¡±

    Nan Nan was still young and had to study for a few more years. She was busier than him. Even if he could spare the time to look for Nan Nan, Nan Nan would not have the time for him. She would be fully focused on her studies.

    He might as well make use of this period to work hard for his career and fight for a better future for Nan Nan. In this way, he could also give Nan Nan ample time toplete her studies.

    Zhou Jun had a great n, but it was not better than that of Zhai Sheng.

    A good wife would not wait. What was crucial was the ability to take action quickly, urately, and mercilessly!

    After hearing Zhou Jun¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng disyed a good attitude that was rare. ¡°Yes.¡± He was always concerned about the family situation of the soldiers under his wing. There was no reason for him to disagree.

    When Nan Nan and his marriage report had been filed and approved, regardless of how difficult it would be in the future, he would find ways to arrange for Zhou Jun when he wanted to take leave then.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, I¡¯m so fortunate to be under your wing!¡± The extremely foolish Zhou Jun did not realize that he would no longer have any fate left with Qiao Nan if he waited until the day he could be on leave.

    He could not make it in time to woo thedy that he had his eyes on. Thatdy had already been confirmed by his ¡®evil¡¯ regimentmander to be Mrs. Regiment Commander. He even had to greet her when he met her in the future.

    Would anything be worse than this in the whole world?

    On the other hand, as she promised herself, Qiao Nan really gave herself five days of break. In those five days, Qiao Nan would only do a few things.

    First of all, she would sleep. In the twenty-four hours a day, Qiao Nan would sleep for almost ten hours, more than eight hours at night and more than an hour in the afternoon.

    Secondly, she would jog after waking up. The air in the morning was fresh and the weather was considered cool andfortable. At this time of the day, jogging and perspiring would make one feel extremely good.

    Thirdly, she would watch television and have meals.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s life was considered carefree. The lives of Qiu Chenxi and Shi Qing, this pair of cousins, though, were not as happy.

    In the house of the Qiu family, Qiu Chenxi and Shi Qing could not see eye to eye with each other. Qiu Chenxi was also quite smart. She graduated from a prominent university. Nevertheless, in terms of intelligence, Qiu Chenxipletely could not hold a candle to Shi Qing. Among the people that Qiu Chenxi knew, only Zhai Sheng was more outstanding than Shi Qing.

    In other words, besides Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing was the most formidable person that Qiu Chenxi had ever seen.

    Shi Qing had a simr background as Zhai Sheng. Her ancestors were also veteran revolutionaries. The Shi family became sessful based on their own merits and hard work. They werepletely different from the Qiu family who relied on others and pulled strings to attain what they had today.

 Chapter 473 - Inviting and Sending Off Someone

    <h4>Chapter 473: Inviting and Sending Off Someone</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was not just Shi Qing¡¯s family background. Her personal qualities were also shockingly outstanding. As such, Qiu Chenxi did not feel good about it.

    If Qiu Chenxi had a choice, she would not have ¡®invited¡¯ Shi Qing to Ping Cheng to help her find the hidden vixen.

    ¡°Qing Qing, it¡¯s already the summer vacation. Are you really not going back to Mo Du or Beijing? You must know that your maternal, as well as paternal, grandpas and grandmas will definitely miss you.¡± Someone had told her that Brother Zhai would being back from the army in four days¡¯ time. This time, Brother Zhai had ten days of leave.

    On this asion, she would find all ways and means to be by Brother Zhai¡¯s side at all times. Although she might not make Brother Zhai take a liking to her or even marry her during these ten days, she would definitely not give that vixen a chance to continue to seduce Brother Zhai.

    Of course, prior to this, Qiu Chenxi had to cajole Shi Qing back to where thetter came from.

    Qiu Chenxi was more fearful than Qiao Nan of Shi Qing being a threat. She was not willing to let Shi Qing continue to remain in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡± After Shi Qing finished attempting a mathematics sum, she turned to the next page. ¡°My dad told me that Brother Zhai will being back in two days¡¯ time. He has ten days of leave. If I go back now, aren¡¯t I stupid? That being said, it¡¯s indeed already summer vacation. Aren¡¯t you going to Mo Du to visit my grandpa and grandma who are considered your maternal grandparents?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi paused for a while. She was stunned and did not reply.

    Brother Zhai wasing back soon. How could she go to Mo Du to visit her maternal grandpa and grandma at this time? ¡°Qing Qing, you¡¯re unwilling to go back. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re afraid that you will lose out to Qiao Nan on your grades? If that¡¯s the case, I can only say that you¡¯ve been thinking too much. How is it possible that you will not score better than Qiao Nan? If you¡¯re really concerned about your grades, then it¡¯s no problem. When your results are out, or even when it¡¯s still not out, I promise to help you make a call and find out about both Qiao Nan¡¯s and your grades after the papers are marked. What do you think?¡±

    Shi Qing put down her pen and stared at Qiu Chenxi straight in the eye. ¡°Have I not been clear enough in my earlier words? No! Brother Zhai ising back. I won¡¯t leave. I transferred to Ping Cheng High School to study for the sake of Brother Zhai. Qiu Chenxi, I know what you¡¯re thinking of. Don¡¯t treat me as a fool who doesn¡¯t know anything. I can choose not to pursue the reason that you looked for me, but don¡¯t try your little tactics on me again. Be careful of outwitting yourself. It¡¯s not a must that I have to stay at your house. If you¡¯re not willing to see me, with one phone call, my dad will buy a house for me in Ping Cheng. At that time, your family has to think of how to exin to my grandpa and grandma.¡±

    The maternal granddaughter was, of course, different from the paternal one. Qiu Chenxi had better consider this carefully before deciding on what to do.

    ¡°How will that happen? Our house is so big and I was the one who invited you to Ping Cheng. How can I let you stay outside? Besides our family, you don¡¯t have any other rtives in Ping Cheng. Even if uncle buys you a house, I¡¯m also fearful for your safety if you stay alone outside. Qing Qing, don¡¯t be angry. Aren¡¯t I just concerned about you? I¡¯m not worried about other matters. In the past, Brother Zhai likes to stay in the army. He used toe home not more than three times per year, but it is different now. I¡¯m just afraid that you¡¯ll feel sad if Brother Zhaies back for the purpose of seeing the vixen.¡±

    ¡°Sad?¡± Shi Qing put down her pen. ¡°In the past, when I started liking Brother Zhai, you told me that he¡¯s your fianc¨¦. You¡¯re not scared that I¡¯d be sad at that time. Now, Brother Zhai is only having a rtionship with someone, what should I be sad about? Cousin, you¡¯re thinking too much.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi could hardlyugh. This was a lie made by Qiu Chenxi to Shi Qing when they were young.

    At that time, the Qiu family and Zhai Sheng had not agreed with each other, but Qi Min had been telling Qiu Chenxi that she would definitely marry Zhai Sheng when she grew up. Hence, when she knew that Shi Qing liked Zhai Sheng as well, out of boastfulness and fear, Qiu Chenxi simply told Shi Qing that Zhai Sheng was his fianc¨¦, Shi Qing¡¯s future cousin-inw.

    ¡°Cousin, be rest assured. You¡¯ve lost. I¡¯ll win it back for you. I gave up Brother Zhai in the past because of you. Now, there¡¯s no reason for me to do so. You just have to wait to call Brother Zhai your cousin-inw.¡± These words, ¡®cousin-inw¡¯, of Shi Qing were certainly targeted at the ¡®cousin-inw¡¯ that Qiu Chenxi told her many years ago.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Qiu Chenxi almost lost her temper and quarreled with Shi Qing. ¡°Then, read your book. I won¡¯t disturb you.¡± If they continued, she was afraid that she would not be able to control herself.

    ¡°Mom, the thing that I¡¯m most afraid of is probably going to happen.¡± Aftering out of Shi Qing¡¯s bedroom, Qiu Chenxi ran over to look for Qi Min. ¡°My uncle is so capable. Mom, it¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know. I already knew that Brother Zhai ising back and has ten days of leave. Could Shi Qing not know about it? She refused to go back to Mo Du or Beijing. This... What do you think we should do?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? It¡¯s easy to deal with Shi Qing. The outsider is the difficult one. Your uncle is capable. But because of this, Shi Qing was taught to be one kind. She¡¯s inflexible and doesn¡¯t know at all that she needs to fight for her own happiness. If your grandpa and uncle had used stronger tactics and made use of the rtionship between the Shi family and the Zhai family, I would have married your Uncle Zhai in the past. After Shi Qing chases that woman away for you, you just have to be quicker than Shi Qing. She will definitely back out from the rtionship on her own. If it¡¯s another woman, this may not be the case. It¡¯s fine that Shi Qing is not willing to leave now. Anyway, Zhai Sheng won¡¯t like her. What are you worried about?¡±

    Qi Min was not anxious at all. She understood her niece¡¯s character very well.

    If she was not sure of this, Qi Min would not allow her daughter to specially invite Shi Qing to Ping Cheng despite knowing that Shi Qing liked Zhai Sheng as well.

    ¡°It may be easier to invite someone toe rather than to ask her to leave.¡± Qiu Chenxi could not feel at ease. Zhai Sheng was too outstanding. In the past, Zhai Sheng ignored everyone. She was quite assured and felt that no one would be her opponent.

    Now, she found out that Zhai Sheng actually knew how to love someone. Furthermore, he already had someone he liked. She thus felt threatened by each and every woman. Qiu Chenxi began to miss the Zhai Sheng in the past and his tendency to ignore everyone.

    ¡°Rest assured.¡± Qi Minughed. ¡°Right, Qing Qing has been here for about a month. Did she find out anything?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. She still bears a grudge against me. Most probably, she won¡¯t tell me even if she finds anything.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s even better.¡± Qi Min was pleased. She extended her fingers, bright red polish painting her nails. ¡°Since she didn¡¯t tell you, it means she¡¯s prepared to deal with that woman. That¡¯s great. You can just sit and enjoy the fruits of herbor without doing anything. After Qing Qing chases that woman away, you can steadily marry Zhai Sheng. You just have to waitfortably to be the chief¡¯s wife.¡±

 Chapter 474 - No Longer Close after Adoption

    <h4>Chapter 474: No Longer Close after Adoption</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi hesitated for a moment. ¡°Will this matter be so easily resolved? Will Shi Qing be so good?¡± She did not need to do anything and just wait for Shi Qing to settle that woman. She would pick up the ¡®ready-made¡¯ sess thereafter?

    ¡°Shi Qing aside, there¡¯s still your uncle. I don¡¯t know if Qing Qing is good, but we can work hard to create this oue. That¡¯s enough.¡± Qi Min patted Qiu Chenxi¡¯s head. ¡°Chenxi, Mom did so much for you. You must not disappoint Mom in the future. When you encounter a problem, first, don¡¯t panic. Don¡¯t be like Mom in the past. Clearly, there¡¯re room and opportunity for me to work hard, but I gave up and lost everything just because I was stubborn and angry. There¡¯s no use being angry. There¡¯s nothing more important than your own future. Understand?¡±

    Speaking of this matter, Qi Min felt regretful.

    Many years ago, Old Master Zhai suddenly brought Miao Jing back and insisted Zhai Yaohui to marry her.

    At that time, Miao Jing was staying in the Zhai family. Zhai Yaohui did not vent his anger on Miao Jing on the ount of giving Old Master Zhai face. His attitude toward Miao Jing was considered quite good, like that of an elder brother.

    Qi Min had a one-sided wish that Zhai Yaohui would take actions for her sake. She hoped that Zhai Yaohui would target and scold Miao Jing to chase her away in order to protect Qi Min¡¯s ce in the Zhai family.

    Who would have known Zhai Yaohui would say that Miao Jing was innocent and he was thus unwilling to bully Miao Jing? He only wanted to convince Old Master Zhai in a peaceful manner.

    Qi Min was infuriated and felt that she was not important to Zhai Yaohui, that Zhai Yaohui did not love her enough. Otherwise, she would not have given him such suggestions. Zhai Yaohui himself should have been the one who came up with them and took action.

    To anger Zhai Yaohui, Qi Min simply initiated a breakup with Zhai Yaohui. She told him that they needed not to see each other anymore and Zhai Yaohui could be an obedient son. He could listen to Old Master Zhai and marry Miao Jing. Wouldn¡¯t that be a happy ending for all?

    Qi Min, who lost her temper, felt that Zhai Yaohui would definitely look for her thereafter and exin himself. He would then agree to take actions against and force Miao Jing to leave.

    Unexpectedly, having not met for a month, the Zhai family simply sent wedding invitations to all their rtives and friends, stating that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would be getting married in two months¡¯ time.

    Zhai Yaohui was a soldier. He had to file a marriage report before the official marriage.

    Anyway, when Qi Min received the news, the wedding invitation of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had already been given out. Moreover, the marriage report had been filed and approved.

    As such, the marriage between Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing was cast in stone.

    Next, Qi Min did the second thing that she would regret for life.

    Zhai Yaohui wanted to marry Miao Jing. It was easy for Zhai Yaohui to marry a woman, but simrly, it was not difficult for her to get married to a man. She simply requested Old Master Shi to find a partner for her, who turned out to be the Qiu Qin now.

    Zhai Yaohui was quick to marry Miao Jing, but Qi Min took about half a year to be married to Qiu Qin.

    It was only now, when she was much older and her temperament had changed, that Qi Min regretted her impulsiveness in the past.

    If she did not initiate the breakup and persisted, if she cried out her grief to Zhai Yaohui instead of forcing him, Zhai Yaohui might not have married Miao Jing so quickly. They even gave birth to Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Yaohui was so good to Zhai Hua. Simrly, she could also give birth to a daughter for Zhai Yaohui. On what grounds could Miao Jing, who came from the vige, be the wife of the chief?!

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I understand what you are saying. I definitely won¡¯t be willful. Zhai Sheng¡¯s character is aloof and tends to ignore others. It¡¯s been so many years. See, I didn¡¯t lose my temper and continue to be devoted to him, right? But Mom, if the matter is going to turn out this way, will grandpa and uncle...¡±

    They invited Shi Qing here to deal with the woman that Zhai Sheng liked. After the matter was resolved, she would then snatch Zhai Sheng away.

    Grandpa and uncle were both smart people. They might see through the ploy. At that time, would the two families¡¯ kinship be negatively affected because of this matter?

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about. If it¡¯s not sessful, then don¡¯t do it. Don¡¯t forget that my surname is Qi and not Shi. This society is like that. A daughter is not as worthy as a son. I¡¯ve been adopted since young. Your grandpa owes it to me. I¡¯ll ask him to repay me using Shi Qing. What¡¯s wrong with that? Shi Qing¡¯s thinking is as inflexible as your grandpa and uncle. Such a good man like Zhai Sheng, she will not be able to keep him for a lifetime even if she manages to snatch him over temporarily.¡±

    Qi Min did not feel guilty at all to scheme against her biological niece.

    Qi Min was initially a child of the Shi family. Her surname was Qi, and not Shi, because Old Master Shi let one of his formerrades cum sworn friends of life and death adopt her.

    At that time, during a war, the formerrade not only saved Old Master Shi but also became seriously injured as a result. He became an abnormal man since.

    Because of his injury, the formerrade¡¯s health had not been good. He was not a normal man anymore and was unwilling to be a burden to a woman. Even when there was peace in the country, he did not marry anyone and had been living alone.

    Qi Min was very adorable when she was young. She was raised by the Shi family then and was fair and chubby.

    There was no man who would not want a child in this world.

    Seeing that Old Master Zhai had both son and daughter and he had nothing, the formerrade felt dejected and depressed.

    When he saw his formerrade in such a state, Old Master Shi simply suggested him to adopt his son. His formerrade wished to have a child but was too embarrassed to take someone else¡¯s son. To fulfill his wish to be a father, he requested to adopt Qi Min as his daughter in the end.

    Since Old Master Shi was even willing to give his son, of course, he would not decline this request. Hence, Shi Min became Qi Min.

    After the formerrade had Qi Min, this daughter, he was happy for a period of time.

    However, he had umted too many severe and lingering illnesses during the wartime. As such, he passed away just after a few years of peace.

    Hence, it could be said that even though Qi Min¡¯s surname was Qi, and not Shi, she had grown up in the Shi family. She lived with the Old Master Shi couple and grew up with her brother, Shi Peng.

    However, Qi Min was the only one who knew whether it felt the same.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll listen to you. I¡¯ll certainly guard whatever is mine tightly in my hands and not let anyone snatch it away.¡± Qiu Chenxi nodded. Now, she could not even take care of herself, let alone Shi Qing.

    With the situation of the Shi family, and as Shi Qing was her uncle¡¯s only daughter, there was no worry that Shi Qing would not be able to find a good man in the future.

    Even if the man that Shi Qing found did not have a good family background, as long as her uncle was willing to nurture him and pass over his connections and position in the Shi family entirely to him, Shi Qing¡¯s boyfriend would not have a low status in the future.

    However, in her case, she only had Brother Zhai. Therefore, she must not lose Brother Zhai and could only make use of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Principal Meng, we¡¯ve finished marking the papers and coting the scores for the first-year cohort. Would you like to take a look? This year, the results are really...¡±

 Chapter 475 - A Step Late

    <h4>Chapter 475: A Step Late</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The teacher passed the results of the first-year students to Principal Meng.

    ¡°Pssh...¡± At the sight of the ranking on the list, Principal Meng could not help but hold his breath. ¡°Could you all have made a mistake?¡±

    ¡°No, we¡¯ve checked a number of times.¡± The teacher shook his head. This year, a mistake was possible for the results of any other cohort but definitely not for that of the first year.

    ¡°Teacher Liu must be ted,¡± Principal Meng removed his sses and said smilingly.

    ¡°They are students of Ping Cheng High School. Principal Meng, just wait to bask in glory in two years¡¯ time!¡± This year, first-year students were really excellent. They were better than what he had heard. Two yearster, the high schools in and around Ping Cheng would have to see Ping Cheng High School take the lead and glory!

    Within a short period of three days, Ping Cheng High School hadpleted coting the results of the first-year cohort.

    Qiao Nan, who waspletely unaware of this, continued to eat, drink, and sleep merrily at home.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re still not prepared to go out and have fun? Do you intend to shut yourself at home for the entire summer vacation?¡± Zhu Baoguo had long regained his senses. He called Qiao Nan with a happy mood.

    Qiao Nan picked up the phone as she was watching the television. ¡°I¡¯m not going out. I¡¯ve been so tired for the whole semester. Can¡¯t I rest for a few days? Besides, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re also someone who is not so free. I heard that Shi Qing did not intend to transfer out of our school. This summer vacation, you¡¯ll be very tied up.¡±

    The little bully, Zhu Baoguo, was actually beaten down by the youngdy, Shi Qing.

    If Zhu Baoguo did not train his body well and defeat Shi Qing, given Zhu Baoguo¡¯s character, he most likely would not have the heart to focus on his studies in the future.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, can you not be such a spoilsport and anger me with those words of yours? Don¡¯t talk about that violent transformerdy. She¡¯s so fierce! Certainly, no man will dare to marry her in the future. Who dares to marry her will be beaten and sprawled below the bed!¡±

    In terms of physical strength, most likely, not many men in this world could win against Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing was clearly quite petite, but that strength of hers was horribly strong during a fight. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned ck instantly when he thought of it.

    Xiao Qiao was right. As a man, he was beaten down by a woman. How was he going to face anyone in the future?!

    ¡°You¡¯re still dawdling? If you stay at home every day, when are you going to win against Shi Qing in a fight? Can I still walk with confidence in front of Shi Qing next time?¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan started to stir up trouble between Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing.

    There was no other choice. Zhu Baoguo was a stubborn child with an abundance of energy.

    If he were not given some pressure and goals, this stubborn child could be very annoying.

    Two years ago, the elders of the Zhu family and the Lee family would bring Zhu Baoguo overseas every winter vacation. They could not do so during the summer vacation this year. The elders in the two families were already old. How could they still apany Zhu Baoguo to travel everywhere as he wished?

    Zhu Baoguo was not that close with the rtives of the Lee family. As for the rtives in the Zhu family, he was vexed with them and was unwilling to be close to his auntie, Zhu Qin.

    As such, Zhu Baoguo had so much spare time that he could only look for Qiao Nan to have fun.

    ¡°But we have not collected the results, have we? I intend to collect the results slip before going to my dad¡¯s camp for two months.¡± He did not believe that he would not be Shi Qing¡¯s opponent after two months.

    ¡°Are you kidding me? We¡¯ve already finished the exams and you¡¯re anxious to collect the results? We can¡¯t change the grades anyway. You can do whatever you wish. It¡¯s just collecting the results, not applying for something. You don¡¯t need to do so in person. Don¡¯t waste your time. What do you think Shi Qing is doing now?¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to say that Shi Qing is so perverted that she will go to the camp to train with a bunch of guys despite already being so strong?¡±

    ¡°Are there more guys ordies in the camp? Given Shi Qing¡¯s ability, her opponents are most probably notdies. Shi Qing¡¯s father is quite a formidable character, right? During the period of the Republic of China, Shi Qing was considered the daughter of a warlord. She¡¯s good. Do you think she¡¯s better in fighting or archery? Zhu Baoguo, it¡¯s not ugly to lose in your studies, but if you don¡¯t work harder and lose out to the youngdy physically... Haha, Zhu Baoguo, what will your dad think if he finds out about this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell my dad!¡± If he could not even win against a youngdy, he would lose all of his face in front of his father.

    ¡°Whether I tell him is not important. Anyway, Shi Qing is too strong. Your dad will eventually hear about it from someone. Zhu Baoguo, you have to put in more effort. Don¡¯t let your father say that his son can¡¯tpete with other people¡¯s daughter.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, which side or you on? Why are you helping Shi Qing in every word that you say? Don¡¯t forget that Shi Qing is at odds with you. I fought with her for your sake.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not pleased. He had been dealt a blow by Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. What she heard was that Shi Qing looked for Zhu Baoguo and not the other way round.

    ¡°You¡¯re sure that you want to continue to bicker with me? I¡¯mpeting with Shi Qing on brainpower. You¡¯ll decide what to do yourself.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo was silent for a while. ¡°I¡¯ll go to my dad¡¯s camp in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. There¡¯s not much time left. Quickly pack up. You have to leave after your meal. Cheers, cheers, cheers! I have confidence in you. You¡¯ll definitely be stronger than Shi Qing when you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°That has to be!¡± Zhu Baoguo, who was cajoled into submission by Qiao Nan, hung up the phone in an energetic and high-spirited manner. Without a word, he went to his bedroom, packed a few clothing, and called Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Dad, quickly send someone to pick me up.¡±

    ¡°Not fetching you. Come yourself.¡± Zhu Chengqi retorted without any reservation. ¡°You¡¯re not a three-year-old child and you still need someone to lead the way?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re not fetching me. I¡¯ll go on my own!¡± Zhu Baoguo mmed the phone. After lunch, he said goodbye to Elder Zhu and ran off to the army with his small hand-carry luggage bag.

    Within half an hour after Zhu Baoguo went out, Zhu Qin happily brought Wang Yang to the house of the Zhu family. ¡°Baoguo, auntie is here. Hurry, pack some clothes and bring along your passport. Auntie decided to bring Yang Yang and you to Hong Kong to have fun.¡±

    Wang Yang clenched his fists excitedly. Although Hong Kong was returned to China, he heard that Hong Kong was prosperous but a little unsafe. There were cases of hooligan fights.

    If they brought Zhu Baoguo to Hong Kong, then they were not to me if Zhu Baoguo lost his way and met with an ident!

    Elder Zhu was carrying his teapot as he curled his lips with least expressions. ¡°Alright, stop shouting. Baoguo is not at home.¡±

    ¡°Not at home? Did he go to the house of the Qiao family to look for Qiao Nan again?¡±

 Chapter 476 - Already Agreed Upon

    <h4>Chapter 476: Already Agreed Upon</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What do you mean by y? Baoguo went looking for Qiao Nan to study. Didn¡¯t you notice that Baoguo¡¯s results are getting better recently?¡± Old Master Zhu rebutted in anger. It was no wonder that Baoguo could not ept Zhu Qin and Yang Yang. As his Auntie, Zhu Qin made Baoguo seem as if he only liked to y and fool around with youngdies and that he was a good-for-nothing.

    Nobody would like an auntie who made inappropriate remarks.

    ¡°Yes, I shouldn¡¯t have said that. Baoguo and Qiao Nan are studying hard. I will fetch Baoguo back. It¡¯s the school holiday, time to rx. People from the Zhu family can¡¯t be nerds. Baoguo is a boy. He should not be cooped up at home. He should go out to have some fresh air. What if he gets sick from being cooped up at home?¡± Qiao Nan was just a youngdy. She was one year younger than Zhu Baoguo.

    Both of them would not have much learning to do.

    In general, when boys entered high school, they would do better than female students. Qiao Nan could not take all the credit for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s good results. She was upset that Qiao Nan stood to gain from it.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to fetch him.¡±

    ¡°Is Baoguo going toe back by himself at this time?¡±

    Old Master Zhu drank some tea before saying, ¡°You are too anxious. I don¡¯t even have the chance toplete my sentences. You don¡¯t have to pick Baoguo up. He is not at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. He has gone to look for Chengqi. He is with your brother.¡±

    Old Master Zhu might not approve of everything that Baoguo did, but he was very supportive of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s decision to stay in the army to train and toughen himself.

    The men of the Zhu family had to undergo tough training and suffer hardships in the army to be able to call themselves worthy members of the Zhu family. They were not allowed to ride on their father¡¯s sess and enjoy the fruits of others without having toiled!

    ¡°With my brother? What are they doing?¡± Zhu Qin was dumbfounded. Why would Zhu Baoguo go to the army at such an early time of the year? ¡°When will he be back?¡±

    Wang Yang, who was uptight, rxed. Zhu Baoguo would not be able to suffer the hardships. He certainly would not be able to stay in the army for long. Like what happened in the past, he would be back in a few days.

    At most, they would postpone the trip to Hong Kong for a few days. There were a total of sixty-two days in the summer break. He had the time to wait.

    In fact, Wang Yang ended up using the whole of the summer break, which was sixty-two days, to wait for Zhu Baoguo.

    When he finally saw Zhu Baoguo back at home sixty-two dayster, he was so tanned that he looked like a piece of charcoal.

    ¡°I have no idea when he will be back.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Dad, why don¡¯t we do it this way? When Baoguo is back, can you give me a call? I will bring Baoguo and Yang Yang to Hong Kong for the holiday. What do you think?¡± Zhu Qin remained calm.

    Zhu Chengqi seldom stayed at home. Zhu Baoguo rarely got the chance to see his father. He would only see him a few times in a year.

    Now that Zhu Baoguo finally had a break, it was perfectly normal for the son to visit his father.

    ¡°Sure. When he is back, I will call you.¡± Old Master Zhu agreed.

    Wang Yang took a deep breath and sat down next to Old Master Zhu. ¡°Grandpa, since brother is not at home, why don¡¯t I stay here for a period of time to apany you?¡± In that case, if Zhu Baoguo returned, he would be the first to know.

    ¡°No need.¡± Elder Zhu put down the teapot. ¡°I will be out visiting my formerrades for a few days.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s even better. Grandpa, I can apany you. I don¡¯t feel assured that you go by yourself.¡± The formerrades of his grandpa were of simr status to his grandpa. It would be good for him to know more about these people.

    ¡°Yes, Dad, let Yang Yang apany you. If you go out by yourself, we will be worried.¡± Zhu Qin agreed. Zhu Baoguo was not the only one who was filial. Yang Yang was even more filial to his grandpa.

    It was a pity that Yang Yang was after all the maternal grandson of Elder Zhu.

    ¡°No, we have already agreed that it will be a catch-up between us only this time. Nobody is allowed to bring anyone with them. I am no exception. Do you really think that I can¡¯t take care of myself? Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t lose my way. I will be back in a few days.¡± Elder Zhu refused. He did not do it on purpose. The few of them had already agreed not to bring others with them.

    They were formerrades and artillery troops. Some conversations and memories that they shared were not suitable for children to listen in.

    Wang Yang forced a smile on his face. ¡°Grandpa, are you really not going to bring me with you? Brother has gone to the army, and you refused to bring me with you. The summer break is so long. Who can I y with? Grandpa, can you bear to leave me behind?¡±

    Elder Zhu hesitated for a short while. ¡°Yang Yang, this won¡¯t do. You are a young man. How can you be afraid of being by yourself? How is it possible that you have no friends? If not, you can give a call to your uncle and go to the army as well. Yang Yang, you are too thin and weak, just like your dad. As a man, you must have a strong and healthy body. You must exercise and train so that you can grow taller and stronger. Boys should not be feeble-looking. You will not be able to get a good wife in the future.¡±

    Back then, Elder Zhu did not like Wang Qinglin as his son-inw as he looked too feeble and weak,pletely different from the men in the Zhu family. However, Zhu Qin liked Wang Qinglin for his schrly mannerism and insisted on marrying him.

    But Elder Zhu would not allow Wang Yang to grow up to be like Wang Qinglin.

    Zhu Qin waved her hand continuously. ¡°Dad, you must be too busy that you have forgotten that since a young age, Yang Yang is weaker than Baoguo. How can he withstand the tough training in the army? Since a young age, you would always leave my brother and me in the army. Now that I think about it, I can¡¯t help but shudder. It was too terrifying. Don¡¯t lead Yang Yang astray. Yang Yang, let¡¯s go home now. When your brother returns, I will take both of you to Hong Kong to have fun.¡±

    Elder Zhu was a soldier. Zhu Chengqi was a soldier as well. Since a young age, Zhu Qin had spent a lot of her time in the army. The first person she saw when she woke up and thest person she saw before she went to bed was the soldiers in the army. The sounds of their training, ¡®one, two, three¡¯, worked as her rm to wake up and acted as her luby to sleep at night.

    Because of the environment that she grew up in, Zhu Qin did not develop a love for the soldiers. Instead, she was very averse to them.

    It was for this reason that she chose Wang Qinglin who was very different from the soldiers as her husband.

    When things reached an extreme, they could only move in the opposite direction.

    ¡°Grandpa, I will go back with Mom first. When you return home, I will visit you again.¡± Wang Yang left with Zhu Qin in a hurry. He did not like the army and felt that life in the army was too tough.

    He only needed to be clever enough to survive in the world. There was no need to be athletic. What was the use of being physically strong?

    Zhu Baoguo was the best choice to train and exercise in the army.

    As soon as Zhu Baoguo arrived at the army, Zhu Chengqi gave a call to Qiao Nan. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s here.¡±

    ¡°Good. Uncle Zhu, you must not allow Zhu Baoguo to go back home during these two months. You must put him through tough training. You must not do what you did in the past, worrying about tiring him out. Because of this, he has ended up being pampered and sheltered.¡±

 Chapter 477 - A Girl Would Doll Herself Up for Him Who Loved Her

    <h4>Chapter 477: A Girl Would Doll Herself Up for Him Who Loved Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Not this time.¡± Zhu Chengqi¡¯s expression darkened. He had not expected that his son would be so weak that he would lose to a youngdy like Shi Qing. Back then, he and Shi Qing¡¯s father joined the army at the same time.

    At that time, it was Shi Peng who lost to him. But every dog has his day. Ten yearster, he had a son, while Shi Peng had a daughter!

    His son had an advantage over Shi Qing because of his gender, but he still lost to her. This time, even without Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Zhu Chengqi had already decided to make Zhu Baoguo go through hardcore training. He was such a disgrace to him.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s about all. Uncle Zhu, you must take care of yourself. Goodbye.¡± After settling Zhu Baoguo¡¯s affair, Qiao Nan had nothing else to say to Zhu Chengqi.

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan sighed. Because of Chen Jun, she did not wish to keep in touch with the Zhu family if possible, particrly Zhu Chengqi.

    In this life, Zhu Baoguo was still alive, but Zhu Chengqi had the intention to take her in as his goddaughter nheless. In the previous life, Zhu Baoguo had passed away. If it was ording to what Zhu Chengqi said, that she resembled the daughter he and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother had wanted to have, then it was highly possible that Zhu Chengqi had wanted to take her in as his goddaughter in the previous life.

    Even though she could only be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter, given her status as his goddaughter, Wang Yang, who was the nephew, could neverpare to her.

    So, in fact, she could say that it was because of the Zhu family that Wang Yang targeted her and saw her as an eyesore.

    Sometimes, when Qiao Nan thought about it, she felt that in a few lifetimes back, not only had she owed her mother and Qiao Zijin, but she might also have owed the Zhu family and Zhu Baoguo.

    Two dayster, after Qiao Nan had her breakfast, she hummed a rhyme and carried the schoolbag on her back, getting ready to go to school. She was in an especially good mood.

    The school would be giving out the report cards, loads of summer break homework, and exam papers for practice to the students today. But it did not affect Qiao Nan¡¯s good mood.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re in a skirt today!¡± Nan Nan never wore skirts to school. She would always wear pants to school. Qiao Dongliang was used to seeing her in pants. Today, he was surprised when she came out in a skirt.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m wearing a skirt today.¡± Qiao Nan nodded happily. She was in high spirits.

    ¡°Is this okay? Ever since you went to high school, I have never seen you in a skirt. Didn¡¯t you say that the girls in your school don¡¯t usually wear skirts?¡± At the sight of his beloved daughter in a skirt, Qiao Dongliang could not help but find the skirt too short. ¡°Nan Nan, have you grown taller? This skirt is quite short. If you like skirts, I will give you money to buy a new skirt tomorrow. You must make sure to buy a skirt that is long enough.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t waste the money. I seldom wear skirts. I just feel like wearing it today.¡± Qiao Nan looked at her skirt. It was not short. In fact,pared to miniskirts that would be in fashion decadester, it was considered quite long.

    ¡°Dad, I couldn¡¯t talk to you any longer as I have to go to school. Dad, if I end up with the second ce in the level, you must not be disappointed. I have already preempted you. Don¡¯t think that I was being modest. I have already told you about the past results of the person who has the highest possibility of ranking first in the level.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯m not muddleheaded. I understand. It is good enough to achieve second ce. Don¡¯t think too much about it.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not know whether to cry orugh. He was not that concerned whether Nan Nan ranked first or not.

    Besides, if Nan Nan ranked second, it was not that she hadgged behind. It was that she had a formidable opponent.

    ¡°Alright, Dad, I will go to school now. I am already quite pleased if I could rank second. I may even be selected as the top-three model students.¡± Qiao Nan put on her white gymnastics shoes and ran toward Ping Cheng High School.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled as he watched his daughter left for school. When she had left for quite some time, it suddenly dawned on Qiao Dongliang that Qiao Nan must have a reason for wearing a skirt. ¡°Could it be that since Zhai Sheng ising back today, Nan Nan decided to wear a skirt?!¡±

    ¡°Crap, Nan Nan, you¡¯re wearing a skirt! A skirt!¡± Tang Mengran cupped her face and shouted at the top of her lungs. ¡°Why would youe to school in a skirt? Xu Tingting doesn¡¯t even dare to wear a skirt to school. You are too much. You should have told me, so I could join you and wear a skirt.¡±

    Tang Mengran would wear a skirt when she was at home. However, when she was at school, she would always wear pants.

    Actually, the school did not have any rule that forbade female students from wearing skirts, but everyone seemed to have a tacit understanding and only wore pants to school. Even though they wanted to look pretty, they dared not be the oddballs.

    Even though they were only there to get their report cards, it was still at the school. Why would Nan Nan be so daring toe in a skirt? ¡°Nan Nan, are you thinking that since you can¡¯t win against Shi Qing in your grades, you will beat her with looks? It¡¯s a great idea! Nan Nan, I support you!¡±

    One could not show others their weakness. It was just a few points apart in the exams, not too far apart.

    ¡°Shameless.¡± Xu Tingting ground her teeth. Who was Qiao Nan thinking of seducing with her skirt and exposed legs?

    ¡°Oh my god! Shi Qing is in a skirt as well! Did both of you agree to wear skirts today beforehand?¡± Shi Qing walked into the ssroom in a lotus pink long skirt. Everyone in the first-year ss one was dumbfounded.

    Shi Qing said nothing when she noticed that Qiao Nan was in a white skirt.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t.¡± It was just that she and Shi Qing had the same mentality. Knowing that Brother Zhai would be back today, they wore skirts. After all, a girl would doll herself up for him who loved her.

    ¡°I will return to my seat, lest Zhu Baoguo sees me and wants to drive me away.¡± Tang Mengran felt gloomy. She wanted to wear a skirt as well.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to return to your seat. Zhu Baoguo will note to school today. The school will probably send his report card to the Zhu family¡¯s residence.¡±

    ¡°Really? Then, I will not leave and sit next to you.¡± Tang Mengran decided not to leave. ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to be in a good mood today.¡± Tang Mengran had nothing to do, so she propped her head with her hand and looked at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that the person who ¡®reads books¡¯ with me hase back. Of course, I am happy.¡± Qiao Nan thought of how the students in Ping Cheng High School would use ¡®reading in the library¡¯ as a cover for dating and made an inference to it.

    However, nobody realized what she was referring to.

    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s just reading books. Nan Nan, if you continue to be like this, you will turn into a nerd.¡± They needed to read a lot of books and revise when they were in school. There were twelve months in a year, and she had spent at least nine months on reading. She would like to have a break during the holiday.

    ¡°Qiao Nan.¡± Shi Qing, who sat behind Qiao Nan, snorted all of a sudden and gave Tang Mengran a scare.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qiao Nan calmed Tang Mengran down and turned to look at Shi Qing.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi went to the army yesterday.¡±

    ¡°It is useless.¡± What she did would not work.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Brother Zhai seemed to like girls like Qiu Chenxi. Yesterday, Qiu Chenxi went out in a new skirt.

 Chapter 478 - First Place in the Level

    <h4>Chapter 478: First ce in the Level</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Shi Qing generally did not like to wear a skirt, but at the thought of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s usual way of dressing and that Zhai Sheng would be back today, she took a long time before she finally decided to wear this skirt.

    Initially, Shi Qing was uncertain if she would be able to gain Zhai Sheng¡¯s affection with what she did, but when she entered the ssroom and saw that Qiao Nan was dressed in almost the same way, Shi Qing felt relieved.

    As expected, after spending so many years with him, Qiu Chenxi knew Brother Zhai¡¯s preferences and tastes.

    ¡°If it¡¯s useful, would she have to wait till today?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. Brother Zhai did not choose Qiu Chenxi, not because she did not try hard enough, but it was useless to follow him wherever he went. In fact, in the one year that she had known Brother Zhai, they seldom saw each other.

    If following him around was useful, Brother Zhai would already have done ording to Chief Zhai¡¯s wishes and married Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Good.¡± Shi Qing nodded with satisfaction. ¡°I hope that you are right. Otherwise, I will be very angry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re unhappy at the Qiu family¡¯s residence?¡± Qiao Nan turned around and looked at Shi Qing curiously.

    ¡°Well, I have asked my dad to find a house for me. I will be able to move in two days¡¯ time.¡± Shi Qing did not hide it from Qiao Nan and admitted it right away. ¡°My auntie keeps a close watch on me. I feel as if I am in jail, especially yesterday.¡±

    Her auntie tried to prevent her from going to the army with Qiu Chenxi. As for today, she did not want her to run into Brother Zhai.

    Shi Qing was clever. There was no way that Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi could hide their ns from her.

    Shi Qing could not be bothered to be angry at Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi. She felt that it was beneath her dignity to do what the two of them did. She watched as Qiu Chenxi sneaked out of the house like a thief, and Qi Min acted like a clown to ¡®chat¡¯ with her so as to make sure that she did not go elsewhere.

    ¡°You have a tragic life.¡± Shi Qing was unlucky to have such rtives. When they found her to be useful to them, they would drag her into what they did. When she was of no use, they would kick her aside. They were very ruthless. ¡°But your surname is Shi. I remember that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mom¡¯s surname is Qi.¡±

    ¡°Adopted by a rtive.¡± Not only was her auntie adopted by a rtive, but her heart was also no longer with them as well.

    ¡°Not telling your dad?¡±

    ¡°Do I need to do it myself?¡±

    ¡°***.¡± Shi Qing had powerful backing. The Shi family must be a respected family as well. Otherwise, back then, Qi Min would not have almost married Chief Zhai. Since the Shi family was aware of Qi Min¡¯s situation, she would not have so much to worry about.

    The only thing that Qiao Nan was worried about was that the Shi family would side with their rtives and refuse to see reason, and thus making life difficult for her.

    ¡°What are the both of you talking about? I don¡¯t understand a single word.¡± Tang Mengran was confused. ¡°Nan Nan, since when are you so close with Shi Qing? Moreover, what do you mean by what you said just now? What do you mean by adopted by a rtive? What is it about telling your dad? What¡¯s there to say? Whose dad is it?¡±

    The conversation between Qiao Nan and Shi Qing was so brief that Tang Mengran could not understand. She had thought that they were conversing in aliennguages. She could understand each and every word they said, but when they were put together in sentences and used in conversations, she did not know what they were talking about.

    ¡°Teacher Liu is here.¡± Qiao Nan turned back to her seat and pulled Tang Mengran back to her seat, hinting at Tang Mengran to take a look at Xu Tingting¡¯s expression.

    There was a look of nkness on Tang Mengran¡¯s face. Xu Tingting had a simr look on her face as well. Tang Mengran wasforted that Xu Tingting was just as confused as her. ¡°Nan Nan, you are the best. I feel much better now. It seems like Xu Tingting was hoping that Shi Qing and you would end up in a fight. She was waiting to watch a good show. She must be disappointed now!¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu is really here.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. It was not her actual intention tofort Tang Mengran. She was truly telling her that the teacher was here.

    When Teacher Liu entered the ssroom, he gave Qiao Nan a nce.

    In the past, whenever Teacher Liu looked at Qiao Nan out of habit, all the students in the ss would know that Qiao Nan must have ranked first in the level. Since Shi Qing sat right behind Qiao Nan now, they could not know for sure which one of them was Teacher Liu looking at.

    ¡°I have a piece of good news to share with all of you. As usual, the first ce in the level is from our ss.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Not bad.¡±

    ¡°Hope this is not thest time.¡± In the second half of the year after the streaming, the students would be allocated to different sses. One never knew if they could still stay in the ss that always had the highest average score or not.

    ¡°There¡¯s another piece of good news. All of the top three students in the level are from our ss.¡±

    ¡°The top three in this level?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be surprised about.¡±

    Previously, the first and second ce, or the first and third ce in the level, were from their ss. This time around, it was all of the top-three students. After all, it was just one more student in the top threeing from their ss.

    They were more curious about who ranked first, second, and third.

    There might be some changes in the first and second ces. As for the third ce...

    Everyone in the ss looked toward Xu Tingting. There was no doubt that Xu Tingting ranked third. There would not be any uncertainty.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned red and hung her head. She was so embarrassed that she could not lift her head. To her, it was a shame that everyone had their attention focused on her. It was not a glorious moment. Why were they certain that she ranked third? Besides, even if she indeed ranked third, such amendable achievement, why did she have the feeling that she ranked third-tost in the level?

    ¡°The most gratifying thing is that there is only a tiny difference of half a point between the first ce and second ce. Thepetition is very fierce.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are so brilliant. The difference is only half a point!¡± One was already qualified to advance to the third year in the next semester and was rmended admission to a first-tier university, whereas Nan Nan advanced level by level liked the rest and would only start her second year next semester.

    Both of them only had a difference of half a point. Nan Nan was a genius!!

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow. She was surprised that the difference was only half a point. She felt honored though defeated. She thought that she would be about five points behind Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan was not the only one who was surprised. Shi Qing was in a bigger shock. Since a young age, nobody came so close to beating her in exams. In other words, as long as she made a mistake in the punctuation for the Chinese exams, they would have the same score.

    If she missed out punctuation in her mathematics problem sum, Qiao Nan would have beaten her in the exams.

    The punctuation was ever so important!

    ¡°First, let¡¯s congratte Qiao Nan...¡± Teacher Liu¡¯s eyes were sparkling. Among all the students that he taught, Qiao Nan was indeed the smartest and most hardworking student. It was a pity that she would not be his student next semester. ¡°Congrattions to her for still being the first in the ss and the level. Among all the subjects, only one mark was deducted from her Chinese papers. Let¡¯s give her a round of apuse!¡±

 Chapter 479 - Improved Beyond Imagination

    <h4>Chapter 479: Improved Beyond Imagination</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The ssroom turned silent at Teacher Liu¡¯s words. Many of the students widened their eyes and were stunned.

    ¡°Teacher Liu, who did you say came in the first ce?¡± Tang Mengran dug her own ears and asked again in disbelief.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is the top student,¡± Teacher Liu answered with a smile. He was particrly patient.

    When Shi Qing transferred to their school, the semester was over. After sitting for the exams, the students would go for a summer break. No matter how good Shi Qing performed, it had nothing to do with him. Qiao Nan was different. He had taught Qiao Nan in the past one year.

    This was not only a reflection of Qiao Nan¡¯s performance, but it was also an indication of his achievement as well!

    ¡°Oh my god! Nan Nan, you¡¯re so incredulous. First ce! The first ce in the level!!¡± Tang Mengran hugged Qiao Nan tightly. Her face was full of excitement, looking as if she was the one who ranked first. ¡°Nan Nan, you are awesome! It¡¯s the first ce in the level!¡±

    ¡°Teacher Liu, did you make a mistake? You must not confuse Qiao Nan¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s results.¡± She admitted that she lost to Qiao Nan, but Shi Qing was the gifted student who was supposed to be rmended for admission to a first-tier key university. How could she lose to Qiao Nan by half a point?

    Xu Tingting was shocked and displeased when she heard that the difference between the first and second ce was only by half a point.

    Finally, there was someone who could beat Qiao Nan. She could not wait for Shi Qing to widen the gap between Qiao Nan and her so that Qiao Nan would finally be able to understand her feelings when she lost to her.

    She did not expect that it would be such a fiercepetition. It was a difference of half a point only. It was such an important and significant half a point.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face darkened when it was confirmed that Qiao Nan really came in the first ce while Shi Qing was the second ce. ¡°Teacher Liu, do you think that the exam papers might have been marked incorrectly? Is there a need to look at the papers again?¡± She did not believe that Shi Qing, who was so outstanding, would lose to Qiao Nan.

    She did not believe that nobody in this world could defeat Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Xu Tingting, as a teacher, I can understand that you are very concerned about the results. However, there is no mistake about the results and the ranking. Because of the extremely good results, as teachers, we were worried that we might have made any mistakes, hence we have already gone through the exam papers thrice and confirmed that there is no mistake.¡±

    Of course, when Teacher Liu said that the results were extremely good, he was referring to Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    It was now in high school. It was unlike the elementary school where one could easily score full marks.

    The results of Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were unbelievable.

    In high school, scoring ny or even ny-five marks and above for every subject was considered very good. Like Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, who scored full marks for most of the subjects except for a deduction of one or two marks, were exceptional.

    To be honest, during his teaching career, this was the first time Teacher Liu encountered such exceptional students.

    Back then, no matter how outstanding the students were, they were not as good as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    ¡°Oh my god.¡±

    ¡°There are two ¡®perverted¡¯ students in our ss.¡± In the past, there was Qiao Nan. Now, Shi Qing came along as well. The most upsetting thing was that under Shi Qing¡¯s influence, Qiao Nan had improved beyond imagination.

    Qiao Nan gave a silly smile. ¡°Did I reallye in the first ce?¡± Her score was higher than Shi Qing by half a point?

    ¡°Yes, Qiao Nan. You are really very outstanding. But remember that as a student, you must not be proud and have to keep up the good work.¡± Teacher Liu sighed. Unfortunately, this was hisst semester teaching such an excellent student. What a pity.

    His specialty was not in humanities. Otherwise, for the sake of such good student like Qiao Nan, he would have the impulse of changing subjects to teach Chinese.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Liu. I will,¡± Qiao Nan replied faintly. After knowing the background of Shi Qing, she never thought that she could continue to remain in the first ce in the level and score her personal best score.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Nan Nan, since you are the top student, you have to treat us!¡± She felt happy telling everyone that the first ce in the level was her roommate and close friend.

    ¡°Stop it.¡± Qiao Nan gave Tang Mengran a gentle pat on her head and smiled. ¡°Even if I am going to treat you, it will have to wait until we start school. Aren¡¯t you going home today? Besides, I have something very important to do today.¡±

    ¡°How important can it be? It¡¯s the summer break. You must give yourself some time to rest. You shouldn¡¯t be reading every day.¡± Tang Mengran did not agree with what Qiao Nan said. ¡°If you tell me that you have a boyfriend and that you¡¯re going to see him, I may let you go.¡±

    Qiao Nan kicked Tang Mengran gently and looked at Teacher Liu.

    The form teacher was still in the ssroom. How could Tang Mengran spout nonsense!

    Tang Mengran, who came to her senses, cowered and stuck out her tongue, begging Qiao Nan to forgive her. She did not do it on purpose. She was too happy that she forgot that Teacher Liu was still in the ssroom.

    Actually, Teacher Liu had overheard the conversation between the two girls, but he pretended not to hear it.

    He had been Qiao Nan¡¯s teacher for a year. He had never seen her being distracted or was close to any of the boys.

    Teacher Liu had heard too much of the rumors regarding Qiao Nan that he was already immune to it.

    ¡°Alright, when I call your name,e up to collect your report card. The duration of the summer break, the date that school reopens, and a few things to take note of were written on the report card. Please read them carefully. The summer break is two months¡¯ long. All of you had better not indulge in fun and forget to report back to school. After two months, I have no idea how many of you will still be in my ss.¡±

    Teacher Liu called the students¡¯ names one by one and gave them their report cards.

    The first name that Teacher Liu called was none other than Qiao Nan.

    Some of the students were envious while some were jealous when they saw that Qiao Nan was the first student to collect the report card.

    Shi Qing was the second student to collect the report card. She felt bitter to be walking behind Qiao Nan.

    Anyone who was used to being the ¡®first¡¯ in everything would feel bitter at being in second ce.

    Before the exam, she still reprimanded Qiao Nan for not caring about the exams and giving up on herself. She was so arrogant to lend Qiao Nan her ss notes. She felt embarrassed at the thought of this.

    Qiao Nan did not give up on herself. In fact, she was confident and clear about her own abilities.

    Their results were only half a point apart. Shi Qing felt suffocated. It was as if a rock was pressing down on her.

    As for the third student to be called upon to go to the podium to collect the report card, Xu Tingting was so angry that she felt like vomiting blood.

    Teacher Liu had made it very clear that among all the subjects, Qiao Nan only had one point deducted from her.

    Xu Tingting looked at the total score on her report card andpared it to Qiao Nan¡¯s results. She pped her report card close instantaneously.

 Chapter 480 - Brooding Over Being the Second Place

    <h4>Chapter 480: Brooding Over Being the Second ce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Xu Tingting had no wish to take a second look at her report card as it was too upsetting. On the contrary, Qiao Nan¡¯s roommates were quite happy at receiving their report cards, satisfied with their results.

    Before the exams, Qiao Nan had helped her roommates identify the topics that would be in the exams. Although their scores were lower than Xu Tingting¡¯s score, they were not too far apart.

    Apart from Tang Mengran who scored an average score, the rest of Qiao Nan¡¯s roommates were ranked after Xu Tingting. They were in the top ten in the ss.

    ¡°Enough is enough. I think I can enjoy myself in the next two months.¡± Tang Mengran breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Nan Nan, I really can¡¯t live without you. It will not do for you to not be by my side, not even for a day!¡±

    Without Nan Nan, nobody would tell her which were the important topics, and her results would definitely fall behind.

    It was a real blessing to have a roommate who ranked first in the level and who was kind enough to help her identify the topics that woulde out in the exams. Others would not be able to know the blessing of being roommates with Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, we must stay in the same ss in the next semester. We must stay in the same dormitory. Don¡¯t leave me behind.¡±

    Exams were always the joy of some, the sorrow of others.

    Tang Mengran was extremely happy and she thought of buying fireworks to celebrate. On the other hand, those students who did not do well felt bitter inside.

    It was indeed good if they had a roommate who ranked first in the level.

    They would also love to have someone help them identify the topics that would be tested on in exams so as to improve their scores.

    In the past year, those who did not seize the opportunity to be on close terms with Qiao Nan regretted it very much. Qiao Nan¡¯s standard was so high that they could never catch up with her. They should get along well with students like her and ask her for help when they came upon difficulties in their studies. She was their teacher who was avable twenty-four hours a day and free of charge.

    They were too foolish in the past to have believed in the rumors and in Xu Tingting who sowed discord. They did not make use of the opportunity of being Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates.

    On the other hand, Xu Tingting, who was third in the level, never taught them when they met with any difficulties in their studies. When they asked her for help, she would refuse, let alone identify the topics that might be tested on.

    Many students only realized now that not only was Qiao Nan good in her studies, but she was also a better person than Xu Tingting. In the past, they were too foolish and could not tell who was good to them. They had wasted a year¡¯s time to be on closer terms with Qiao Nan.

    Just like what Teacher Liu said, it was fate that they could be ssmates in the past one year.

    They had no idea who would be their ssmates in the next semester.

    After Teacher Liu informed them of the things to take note of, Ping Cheng High School¡¯s first-year ss one was officially on summer break.

    Zheng Lingling put away her report card. Shi Qing was half a point apart from Nan Nan. She did fairly well and was only one point behind Xu Tingting. When she just entered high school, her results were fifteen points behind Xu Tingting¡¯s results. Zheng Lingling felt happy at her improvement. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t listen to Tang Mengran¡¯s nonsense. We will treat you to a meal next semester.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we will treat you.¡± He Yun nodded in agreement. Without Nan Nan, they would not be able to do so well.

    Tang Mengran was too thick-skinned to ask Nan Nan for a meal. It was no wonder that Nan Nan would asionally address Tang Mengran as a silly girl.

    Fang Fang¡¯s face was flushed. She adjusted her sses and there was a sparkle in her eyes. ¡°I have a hunch that we will definitely be ssmates and roommates in the next semester. In the next two years, we have to get along well.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Tao Zhenqin said with amazement. ¡°If this is the case, then it¡¯s great. Otherwise, I really can¡¯t bear to part with all of you, especially Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°I suppose only thest part of the sentence is your heartfelt words.¡± Tang Mengran rolled her eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, I will treat you to good food next semester. I am not stingy. I am just too happy for you for being the first in the level.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, I also hope that the six of us can continue to be roommates and ssmates.¡± Qiao Nan smiled happily. She did not like changes. She preferred sticking to the old and familiar. If she had new roommates, she had to get used to them again and it would take a while to adapt. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Your parents are still waiting for your results at home. See you next semester.¡±

    ¡°See you next semester.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, in the next two months, you must remember to think of me.¡±

    The six youngdies parted ways happily.

    Qiao Nan carried her schoolbag on her back and walked home with light footsteps.

    ¡°Qiao Nan.¡± Qiao Nan only walked a few steps before she was stopped by someone.

    Qiao Nan turned and realized that it was none other than Shi Qing. ¡°Is anything the matter?¡±

    Shi Qing let out a long breath. ¡°I apologize for what I said to you in the woods. You are a formidable opponent. However, you should not be too happy. I have always ranked first in the exams. You are the first person that made me lose the top spot and be second in ce. We still have four semesters in the next two years to fight to be in the first ce. I will make sure that I get the spot back!¡±

    She would definitely get back her top spot as well as Brother Zhai, her missed chance at happiness!

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Nan grinned and gave a meaningful smile. ¡°Then, see you next semester.¡±

    Would Shi Qing regain the position of first ce in the level?

    She believed she would!

    But why?

    Because she would be in humanities course whereas Shi Qing would be in science course starting next semester. Without Shi Qing, she would be able to rank first in the level. As for Shi Qing, without her, there was no doubt that the top spot would be hers.

    In the future, she and Shi Qing would not be in the same ss, and they would not study the same course. They would not need topete for first ce in the level.

    It was easy for Shi Qing to regain the top spot, but to defeat her...

    Hopefully, when Shi Qing found out the truth the next semester, she would be as cheerful and confident as she was now.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s bright smile, Shi Qing stomped her foot in anger. She should have known that Brother Zhai was such an outstanding man. He would never like a wimp who gave up easily. Qiao Nan was only pretending to give up. She lulled her into a false sense of security, and she fell for her trap stupidly.

    However, she was not in a hurry. Since she hade to Ping Cheng, she would not go back unless she gained Brother Zhai¡¯s affection.

    One must climb up from where one was thrown down. As long as she could defeat Qiao Nan, she would be Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend sooner orter.

    ¡°Hello, Dad?¡± Back at the Qiu family, Shi Qing received a phone call from Qiu Peng not long after she reached. ¡°The house is ready? Alright, I will move in today. No, I feel ufortable staying at someone else¡¯s house. Auntie... Dad, what do you say? I don¡¯t need any helpers. I only have a few pieces of clothes with me. I can move them by myself. Anyway, just get the keys ready. I will pack my clothes now and go to my own house. Dad... This time, I ranked second in the exam. The second ce!!!¡±

 Chapter 481 - A Beautiful Misunderstanding

    <h4>Chapter 481: A Beautiful Misunderstanding</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Happy? I¡¯ve never felt happy being the top scorer. Now that I¡¯m in second ce, what am I happy about!¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine to be the second. But the first... Dad, you don¡¯t understand. Yesterday, Qiu Chenxi left. I guessed she must have gone to the army. I¡¯ve already told you about the situation. You¡¯ll decide for yourself what you wish to do in the future. Anyway, I¡¯m not interfering in the matter between you and your sister.¡± As for her rtionship with the Qiu family, it was not within her father¡¯s control as well.

    After hanging up, Shi Qing returned to her own room without a word. She took out a few clothes and stuffed them into the luggage.

    There was no elder present in the Qiu family when she left.

    Shi Qing sneered. She just informed the auntie in the Qiu family and then took her own luggage and left.

    When Qi Min received the news, Shi Qing had already unpacked and tidied up her clothes in the new ce.

    For the sake of his own daughter, Shi Peng would definitely not just find any ce. That area was not only safe but also quiet. At the very least, it would not affect Shi Qing in her studies.

    Qi Min did not wish to cut of kin ties with the Shi family. She thus quickly ran over to fetch Shi Qing back. As long as Shi Qing was staying at the house of the Qiu family, her brother would definitely agree to help when the Qiu family needed them.

    Of course, Shi Qing, who was determined to move out, would not be persuaded to do otherwise by Qi Min.

    Qi Min, who had tired herself out after trying for so long, went home empty-handed. She could not convince Shi Qing. Her face was pale with anger. ¡°True enough, she¡¯s from the Shi family. She¡¯s as bad-tempered and has the same problem as them.¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qi Min¡¯s bottom had justnded on the real leather sofa, and before she could rest, she heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s downhearted voice.

    Qi Min quickly sat up. ¡°You¡¯re back. Where¡¯s Zhai Sheng? Why didn¡¯t you invite him to our house? It¡¯s such a good opportunity! As for Shi Qing... You don¡¯t need to worry about her anymore. Whenever you have a chance, just ask Zhai Sheng toe to our house. Shi Qing has moved out. Zhai Sheng won¡¯t bump into Shi Qing when he¡¯s here.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned ck. Her mother had really touched her soft spot. ¡°Inviting him here... I need to have the opportunity to do so in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t he send you back? How can that be!¡±

    ¡°It can be!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi ground her teeth.

    When she knew that Zhai Sheng wasing back, Qiu Chenxi had been busy looking for excuses to return to the camp. Early this morning, Qiu Chenxi had been waiting at the entrance of the camp for his car. She finally saw the caring. Without a word, Qiu Chenxi stood in the way of the car.

    Zhai Sheng could only stop his car when he saw a person standing in front of it. Furthermore, Qiu Chenxi was not some special forces personnel.

    Once Zhai Sheng stopped his car, Qiu Chenxi smiled and walked over. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s such a coincidence. Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Going back to the Zhai¡¯s residence.¡± Zhai Sheng had to roll down his window when he saw Qiu Chenxi standing beside it and refusing to leave.

    ¡°Really, such a coincidence. I¡¯m going home too!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes lit up and she smiled at Zhai Sheng happily. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m still worried about how I should go home. You know, not everyone cane to this ce as they wish, so there are few vehicles on the road. Brother Zhai, can you do me a favor and send me home, please? If I depend on my two legs to walk home, they¡¯ll be broken by the time I arrive home.¡±

    First, she would request Zhai Sheng to send her home. When they arrived at the house of the Qiu family, even if she had to drag him along, she would definitely pull him into the house to linger for a while.

    She did not believe that she would not be able to manage one Zhai Sheng after putting in so much effort.

    In the past, Qiu Chenxi liked Zhai Sheng and wished to be married to him. Nevertheless, she felt that Zhai Sheng was definitely hers and could not run away. Therefore, although she liked him, she was not willing to spend too much time and effort. She was waiting for the day Zhai Sheng would be enlightened about romantic rtionships and woo her on his own initiative.

    The situation was different now. She knew that Zhai Sheng had someone he liked. If she did not put in any effort, she would let slip the duck that she was about to consume. If Qiu Chenxi did not act up and woo Zhai Sheng directly, she would be following her mother¡¯s past footsteps.

    Qiu Chenxi was willing to try all ways and means as long as it could bring her closer to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°You can¡¯t go home?¡± Zhai Sheng nced at the many pairs of eyes surrounding him and asked coldly.

    ¡°Yes. So, Brother Zhai, can I trouble you to give me a lift?¡± Qiu Chenxi nodded continuously.

    There came a sound from the car, the door seemingly opened.

    When she heard this, Qiu Chenxi was overjoyed. They had known each other for so many tears. How could Brother Zhai not have any positive feelings for her? It was definitely that shameless vixen who seduced Brother Zhai behind her back.

    Brother Zhai was already of this age. He could not endure the vixen¡¯s temptation and gave her up as he was temporarily bewitched.

    As long as she persisted, the happiness that belonged to her would prevail. No one could take that away from her.

    She had known Brother Zhai for more than a decade. It would not be that easy for that vixen to destroy everything with just a little beauty and charm.

    Qiu Chenxi carried her luggage. She wanted to open the car door and sit on the passenger seat beside the driver, the seat that was nearest to Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng stopped Qiu Chenxi with a shout. ¡°You wait for a while. Don¡¯t rush to go into the car. Come here and sit for a while.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red and she smiled sweetly.

    It¡¯s the end of the June summer period. The weather at eight or nine o¡¯clock in the morning of June was particrly scorching. To Qiu Chenxi, who always liked to look pretty, it was, in fact, a very painful matter to stand under the hot sun to wait for Zhai Sheng without even carrying an umbre.

    It was fine for her whole body to perspire and to have her dress stered to her body. Qiu Chenxi was only afraid that she would be tanned.

    She listened to Zhai Sheng and entered the guardhouse and sat down.

    At that time, air conditioner was not as prevalent. Although there was no air conditioner, there was a fan. Additionally, she did not need to be under the sun anymore. At the thought that such a cold and aloof man like Zhai Sheng also had such a gentle and considerate side, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s heart simply melted with sweetness. In particr, Zhai Sheng presented this side of him to her.

    Perhaps that woman was not that great a threat as she believed her to be.

    Perhaps Brother Zhai felt that she had ignored and neglected him too much in the past. Hence, he got together with that woman to spite her. If Brother Zhai did not like her and she did not have any ce in his heart, why would he be so considerate and thoughtful toward her?

    If she had long known that Brother Zhai had such a gentle side to him, she would have taken the initiative long ago. In that case, not only would they have been married, but they also might have already had a child by now.

    Just as Qiu Chenxi was deeply immersed in her beautiful imagination and could not break out of it, Zhai Sheng came out.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face was flustered and red. Her pair of bright and watery eyes were looking emotionally at Zhai Sheng, waiting for him toe and help her with the luggage.

    Qiu Chenxi told herself that she was much more fortunate than her mother in the past.

 Chapter 482 - One-Sided Love Affair

    <h4>Chapter 482: One-Sided Love Affair</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At the very least, she had a ce in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. Moreover, he was more decisive and determined than the Uncle Zhai in the past. She had decided. She would temporarily forgo her dignity as a woman and let Brother Zhai understand her love for him thoroughly. She would not let any other woman take advantage of the avable opportunity ande in between them.

    Qiu Chenxi was as shy as a newly married wife. She bowed her head coyly as she waited for Zhai Sheng to approach her.

    Contrary to her wish, Zhai Sheng looked like he had forgotten about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s existence. When he came out from the guardhouse, he headed toward his car directly.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s legs were long, his strides wide. Moreover, with the style of a military man, his walking speed was fast.

    Just as Qiu Chenxi was blinking his eyes and trying to figure out how Zhai Sheng had walked past her without even a greeting, Zhai Sheng had already got into his car and locked the doors. He also started the engine.

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng¡¯s car was leaving soon, Qiu Chenxi was anxious. She gave it a chase, leaving her luggage behind. ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you going to send me home?¡±

    Why did Brother Zhai lock the car doors before she could even get into it?

    Zhai Sheng scrolled down the car windows. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have helped you make a call. There will be a caring to send you back soon. I¡¯ve something on and have to leave first.¡±

    After leaving these words, Zhai Sheng did not have any more reservation this time. He stepped on the elerator and left without giving Qiu Chenxi any further chance to say anything.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Brother Zhai...¡± Of course, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s two legs could not catch up with that four-wheeled vehicle of Zhai Sheng. She could only watch as Zhai Sheng left in a wink, helplessly taking in a mouthful of exhaust gas.

    When Qiu Chenxi saw that the car Zhai Sheng mentioned would send her home was actually a vehicle for material procurement, her entire face turned pale.

    Throughout the whole journey back home, Qiu Chenxi did not utter a single sound.

    When she alighted, she did not greet the driver as well. Her face was ck as she mmed and closed the vehicle¡¯s door. She then stomped home in fury.

    Qiu Chenxi did not feel good. Moreover, Qi Min posed a question that made her feel very embarrassed and furious.

    ¡°How could Zhai Sheng do that?!¡± Qi Min sat up properly. ¡°He just left like that?¡± And left Chen Xi in the lurch?

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Tears welled up in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes. ¡°Mom, initially, I thought Brother Zhai asked me to wait at the guardhouse so that I wouldn¡¯t be under the sun and had the fan cool me down, letting me rest for a while. On hindsight, Brother Zhai was clearly afraid that I would sneak into his car and refused toe down. So, he was actually guarding against me!¡±

    She actually deluded herself by taking Zhai Sheng¡¯s coldness and guarding toward her as his gentleness and thoughtfulness. When she dawned upon this realization, Qiu Chenxi did not cry and endured the pain in her heart.

    Now that she had arrived home and was facing her mother, Qi Min, Qiu Chenxi simply cried out loudly. ¡°Mom, how could Brother Zhai do that? No matter what, I¡¯m his childhood friend. We¡¯ve known each other for such a long time. Were all those times we spent unreal? Just because that woman appeared, Brother Zhai distanced himself from me. He evenpletely denied the rtionship between us over all these years? Mom, is it because Brother Zhai doesn¡¯t like me at all?¡±

    Otherwise, why would Brother Zhai behave to this extent today?

    He was too much!

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± Qi Min was full of heartache. ¡°How could that be? How could Zhai Sheng not like you at all? It¡¯s been so many years. Did he object to being with you in the past? It must be because of that woman. Zhai Sheng is having a very fresh and close rtionship with that woman. That¡¯s why he behaved in this way. The problem doesn¡¯t lie with you or Zhai Sheng. It¡¯s all that woman¡¯s fault. Think about it. In the past, Uncle Zhai liked Mom so much. In the end, not only Zhai Hua, even Zhai Sheng is older than you.¡±

    She only got married to Qiu Qin one year after Zhai Yaohui married Miao Jing.

    When Zhai Sheng was born, she was not even pregnant with Chen Xi.

    To put it bluntly, all men were the same. They favored the new over the old.

    So what if Zhai Yaohui liked her? Old Master Zhai did not allow that. Zhai Yaohui not only married Miao Jing but also had two children with her in three years.

    ¡°Mom, you were so close with Uncle Zhai in the past, yet the two of you did not end up together. I¡¯ve been putting on airs in front of Brother Zhai. Now, that woman has appeared. I¡¯m not even clear who she is. What should I do? What if Brother Zhai does the same as Uncle Zhai? Then, I... Oh, yes, where¡¯s Shi Qing!!¡±

    Qiao Nan was her only path to find out who that woman was.

    She had considered it carefully. Qiao Nan did not only gain Miao Jing¡¯s favor but also the two siblings in the Zhai family.

    Others might not know who the girlfriend Zhai Sheng was hiding was. Qiao Nan definitely had some clues, but she held back and refused to tell her.

    ¡°It¡¯s already been five days, right? Shi Qing has not gone back. She¡¯s waiting in Ping Cheng. How¡¯re her results? How many marks did she exceed Qiao Nan by? Qiao Nan has always been the top scorer in the first-year cohort of Ping Cheng High School. I don¡¯t believe she won¡¯t be sad or angry when someone else takes this away from her.¡±

    As long as Qiao Nan was willing to tell her about that woman, she would think of ways to make Shi Qing leave.

    No matter how proud Qiao Nan was in the past, she could ensure that Qiao Nan could continue to bask in glory.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan should prepare to say goodbye to her fate with the top scorer position in the cohort for her entire life.

    ¡°Qing Qing, Qing Qing, you¡¯re back. Quicklye out.¡± Qiu Chenxi, who was full of anxiety, could not wait for Qi Min¡¯s reply. She started raising her voice to shout for Shi Qing.

    The auntie quickly ran out. ¡°Miss, I¡¯ve already told Madam that Shi Qing has moved out. She has another ce to stay at in Ping Cheng. She left this morning.¡±

    ¡°What, she left? And it¡¯s this morning!¡± Qiu Chenxi red. ¡°Then, what about her results? Did she mention to you about her grades at Ping Cheng High School?¡±

    The auntie was innocent. ¡°Why would Shi Qing tell me, an auntie, about that?¡± Even if Shi Qing mentioned it, neither could she understand nor remember anyway.

    ¡°Mom, Shi Qing left. Did you go and take a look? What if Uncle asks about this?¡± In a sour mood, Qiu Chenxi barked at the auntie, ordering her to go to the kitchen impolitely. The auntie¡¯s face turned sullen and went back to the kitchen, enduring her anger.

    Qi Min knitted her brows unhappily. ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up anymore. She left so readily and didn¡¯t even inform me. She doesn¡¯t even treat me as her auntie. Shi Qing has been overly indulged by your uncle. She stayed at our house for a month, and we fed her with the best things. She¡¯s clearly a white-eyed wolf. Right, don¡¯t identally say this in front of Shi Qing.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you think I¡¯m stupid?¡± How could she let out the words spoken behind the back of someone? ¡°Mom, did you ask Shi Qing about her results?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then, where is she staying? I¡¯ll look for her to ask about it myself.¡± She had to deal with Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 483 - â€˜The Childâ€™s Fatherâ€™ Is Back

    <h4>Chapter 483: ¡®The Child¡¯s Father¡¯ Is Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m not going. You go ahead. Get the chauffeur to send you. He knows where Shi Qing lives.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± She did what she said. After Qiu Chenxi finished a cup of tea, she requested the family chauffeur to send her to Shi Qing¡¯s ce.

    Unfortunately, when Qiu Chenxi arrived, there was no one in the house. The thing that infuriated Qiu Chenxi most was that she knocked on the door for at least ten minutes. It was only when her hands turned all red that Shi Qing¡¯s neighbor told her that the youngdy who had just moved in this morning had gone out about thirty minutes ago.

    Qiu Chenxi, who met with so many setbacks in a day, lost her temper and nearly kicked the door of Shi Qing¡¯s ce. ¡°It¡¯s fine that another woman fights with me over Brother Zhai. Shi Qing, you...¡±

    After thinking carefully, Qiu Chenxi felt that the reason Shi Qing was not at home must be that she had gone to look for Zhai Sheng as she knew that he was back.

    She had not found out who that woman was and Shi Qing had to create trouble. Could she have brought disaster upon herself and found herself another rival-in-love? If that was really the case, she would be certainly driven mad by anger!

    At the house of the Zhai family.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it yourself. Zhai Sheng maye back today, but even as his mom, I¡¯m not sure when he¡¯ll be back. If you have any matter, leave a message for him.¡± Miao Jing sat at home and looked at Shi Qing uneasily.

    Initially, given Shi Qing¡¯s personal qualities, she indeed fit Miao Jing¡¯s conditions as thetter¡¯s daughter-inw. However, she was from the Shi family, Qi Min¡¯s rtives.

    Miao Jing had already sorted her thoughts and would not make things difficult for herself. She had already stroke off Qiu Chenxi from her list of daughter-inw nominees. Given that Shi Qing was from the Shi family, Miao Jing was certainly unable to ept her as well.

    When she first came to the Zhai family, Qi Min bullied her with the fact that Qi Min was from the Shi family.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, actually, I¡¯m just here to see Uncle Zhai and you. I¡¯d like to say hello on behalf of my dad. I¡¯ve been here for a month and couldn¡¯t spare the time to visit you because I have been busy preparing for my exams previously. I hope Auntie Miao will not be angry.¡± Shi Qing would not leave before seeing Zhai Sheng.

    Today, she had to see Brother Zhai before Qiao Nan could.

    ¡°You really came to Ping Cheng to study? Are you studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± Miao Jing looked at Shi Qing in puzzlement. ¡°What happened to you in Mo Du?¡±

    Shi Qing nearly spat out the tea in her mouth. The way Auntie Miao put this across was as if she had done something wrong in Mo Du.

    It was not because she had encountered any matter. She simply came because of Auntie Miao¡¯s son!

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you¡¯ve misunderstood. I just feel that Ping Cheng is quite good. Furthermore, my dad stayed in Ping Cheng quite often in the past. I only wish to have a change of environment and be close to my dad.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t your dad resting in Mo Du due to his illness?¡± If she would like to be closer to him, shouldn¡¯t she stay in Mo Du?

    ¡°In a month¡¯s time, my dad will be back in Ping Cheng.¡± Shi Qing heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, she had a counter excuse for this.

    Shi Qing was brought up in Mo Du by her grandpa, grandma, and mother. asionally, she woulde to Ping Cheng to visit Shi Peng and also the house of her rtive, Qi Min.

    Miao Jing then understood. ¡°I see.¡±

    Miao Jing did not know what else to say to Shi Qing. She could only hold her cup of tea and keep drinking from it.

    Miao Jing did not mutter a word. All of a sudden, Shi Qing could not think of an appropriate topic to chat with Miao Jing. Nheless, she refused to leave and could only stay put. Simr to Miao Jing, she continued to drink her tea. She then looked at the clock frequently, estimating when Zhai Sheng would be back.

    Hence, Miao Jing and Shi Qing filled themselves with two pots of tea. They were so full.

    As a youngdy, particrly in front of the mother of someone she liked, there were matters that Shi Qing was embarrassed to do or ask about. However, her bloated tummy had already reached its limit.

    Shi Qing took a deep breath. ¡°Auntie Miao, I¡¯m sorry to have disturbed you. I¡¯ll be going back first. I¡¯ll visit you again next time.¡±

    ¡°Okay, sure. I¡¯ll send you off.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re the elder and I¡¯m the junior. I¡¯ll go back on my own.¡± Then, she walked out of the Zhai family¡¯s residence, her pace seemingly normal. However, once she left the ce, she anxiously looked for a restroom.

    It was not only Shi Qing. When she had left, the first thing Miao Jing did was to run to the toilet in her house. These two people had been enduring too much.

    Zhai Sheng, the person Shi Qing had been waiting for such a long time, had obviously left the camp long ago. Where could he be at this point in time?

    There was only one answer: the house of the Qiao family.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be so exaggerated. It¡¯s just the final term examination, not the college entrance examination.¡± In the house of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry.

    When Qiao Dongliang heard that Qiao Nan remained top in the cohort and had received half a point mark more than Shi Qing, although it was only half a point mark, it was enough to make Qiao Dongliang overjoyed.

    Nan Nan had surpassed a gifted student who was guaranteed a ce in a top-tier university.

    In other words, since that youngdy could attend prominent universities such as Qing Hua University and Bei Jing University, at the very least, his family¡¯s Nan Nan could also get into the same universities with her own ability. Those were the best universities in the country! How could he not feel happy!

    ¡°No issue, I just did some marketing. Dad bought what you like and will prepare your favorite spicy food. Dad has also ordered a cage-free chicken. When the weather turns cold, I¡¯ll brew some soup to supplement your health.¡±

    At the thought that her own daughter would be a student of the best university in the capital in two years¡¯ time, Qiao Dongliang was high-spirited and full of energy. It was as if he had been injected with twelve tubes of chicken blood. ¡°Nan Nan, you rest well at home. If you feel tired, there are ice pops in the refrigerator. Take them out to eat if you want. Also, which vor do you like? Dad will buy some for you from the ce that sells frozen stuff next time.¡±

    ¡°There is no such need, Dad. I don¡¯t really like to eat them. I prefer in water.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Her father was now in a heated and excited mode. He could not wait to bring her all the good stuff.

    ¡°in water is not nice. There¡¯s not much taste. Forget it. Dad will buy something for you. I heard that there¡¯s a new milk vor recently and it¡¯s very delicious. I¡¯ll buy a carton back for you.¡± After saying this, Qiao Dongliang left to do marketing without waiting for Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction.

    During the past six months, the neighbors all knew that Qiao Nan was a student of Ping Cheng High School and her results were excellent.

    Due to this situation, many people had been trying to get to know Qiao Dongliang as they hoped that Qiao Nan could help their children with their studies.

    Regarding the matter about Qiu Chenxiing to create a fuss, everyone did not take it to heart after a few days. After all, the members of the Zhai family had already rified this matter. There was no doubt that Qiao Nan was dragged into this. At most, she was just unlucky.

    The top student of Ping Cheng High School tutoring their child for free... Where else could they get such a good deal from?

    Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang was not muddle-headed. He declined all the requests on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf with the reason that Qiao Nan did not have any spare time as she was busy with her studies.

    When Qiao Nan was attempting past year exam papers, she heard a voice in the courtyard. She lifted her head. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back so soon after marketing? Why didn¡¯t I hear you opening the door?¡±

    ¡°You addressed me wrongly. You left out three words. It¡¯s the dad ¡®of your child¡¯.¡±

 Chapter 484 - â€˜Gunâ€™ Going Off by Accident

    <h4>Chapter 484: ¡®Gun¡¯ Going Off by ident</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan could hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s voiceing from behind. She had a fright and turned her head with a jolt. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... How did youe in? I remember that my dad closed the door when he left. Wait, Brother Zhai, you did it again...¡±

    Qiao Nan held her head in agony. ¡°Brother Zhai, with your current behavior, I feel that if my house has a courtyard in the future, I¡¯ll definitely ask my dad to fix a wall with those tiny and sharp pieces of ss. Otherwise, I don¡¯t feel quite safe.¡±

    Zhai Sheng sat down in a thick-skinned manner. His face was even full of consensus. ¡°Yes, it should be built that way. The wall in the courtyard should not be too low, and you can¡¯t put too few pieces of shattered ss there.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m asking my dad to do this to guard against a ¡®wolf¡¯.¡± To prevent Brother Zhai, this big wild wolf who wore a green army uniform, from climbing over the walls of her house!

    ¡°It¡¯s a must to guard against wolves.¡± Zhai Sheng took over Qiao Nan¡¯s cup of water and finished what was left in it. One would perspire a lot in the summer and had to replenish their water intake. ¡°If you need any help, tell me and I will get someone to send the things needed over.¡±

    ¡°If I really do this, how are you going toe inside next time?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng strangely. Was Brother Zhai so confident of his skills that he felt that he would not be hurt by the pieces of shattered ss?

    ¡°My sillydy.¡± Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s waist and let Qiao Nan¡¯s body lean against his.

    Qiao Nan was unwilling. She patted Zhai Sheng and wanted to push him away. ¡°You¡¯re the silly one, not me. This is the summer period. The fan is blowing at me and I¡¯m perspiring. Don¡¯t you feel hot when two of us stick together? If you don¡¯t, I do. Quickly let go of your hands. Your body feels so warm!¡±

    With twoyers of clothing as a barrier, Qiao Nan could clearly feel that Zhai Sheng¡¯s body temperature was much higher than that of hers.

    She was not sure if the saying of the elders was true, that young man had a strong aura of ¡®Yang energy¡¯ [1.Yang is one of theplementary principles of Chinese philosophy. Yang is synonymous with positive, bright, and masculine]. Qiao Nan could not withstand being hugged by Zhai Sheng in this way, perspiring even more.

    ¡°I¡¯m warm, but your body is cool. It¡¯s quite good to have a hug.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mind. He felt that it was not hot enough. In the future, when the two of them did something that they liked, they would perspire even more and it would be even hotter. Nan Nan had to get used to this first.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t want to admit that you¡¯re silly. When that timees, you should already be studying in college, and I should have received approval for my marriage request. As such, you will have be my wife, the wife of a soldier. At that time, will I still need to climb over the wall? I¡¯ll openly enter through the main door. ¡°So, we have to ce as many pieces of sharp ss on the wall as possible.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled her lips. She was so embarrassed by this reason of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, talk to you about something serious.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°When you sent me to school that day, most probably, Chen Jun saw us. Chen Jun saw you pulling me into a small alley and he guessed what we did. He came to look for me thereafter. You should know what he told me.¡± Qiao Nan did not forget that matter of Chen Jun.

    ¡°This happened one to two months ago. You could really endure this. You only tell me about it now?¡± Qiao Nan kept him from a matter regarding another man. Zhai Sheng felt a little ufortable about this. Moreover, that man even had some ulterior designs on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I¡¯m only left with a few days based on the deadline he set. Before the time is up, he will note and harass me. Furthermore, you¡¯re busier than me. Why should I be anxious? It¡¯s not that you¡¯re noting back. Besides, you seem a little jealous, Brother Zhai. It¡¯s unnecessary. Is the situation between him and me something that you should be jealous about?¡±

    Brother Zhai clearly seemed quite dauntless and rational usually. Why did he like to feel jealous?

    If she had something for Chen Jun, Brother Zhai would not have a chance to express his love for her.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you have to remember that Chen Jun and Qiu Chenxi are of the same kind. Qiu Chenxi has been finding excuses to go to your house. If I were like you, wouldn¡¯t I die of jealousy?¡±

    ¡°You have quite a glib tongue. You used that little knowledge of what you¡¯ve learned in the school on me?¡± Zhai Sheng gently squeezed the soft part of Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°Of course I know the situation between you and him. Otherwise, without a word, I will simply file a marriage report to stamp the ¡®military personnel¡¯s wife¡¯ on you. One has to know that it¡¯s illegal to break up an army marriage.¡±

    Logic was logic and feelings were feelings.

    Nevertheless, when Qiao Nan mentioned Qiu Chenxi, it struck the guilty string in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. He finally did not need to be troubled by this. ¡°Alright, I will settle his matter. Perhaps, before I settle your sister¡¯s issue, I will have gotten rid of him. I have been too merciful on him.¡±

    ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. ¡°Don¡¯t go overboard. You¡¯re a soldier. Everyone has enemies. Don¡¯t let others catch a handle on you because of Chen Jun. It¡¯s not worth it. Chen Jun¡¯s matter is not worth you using your future as a stake. If your future is affected, most likely, Auntie Miao will really hate me.¡±

    Zhai Sheng smiled. He held Qiao Nan¡¯s waist with one hand and her neck with another. He lowered his head and simply kissed her on the lips with a loud smack. He then looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s lip line and made his next move.

    Compared to their first kiss that was amateur and forceful, this time, Zhai Sheng¡¯s kiss had improved tremendously. He already knew that a kiss did not have to be just the contact between lips. They could be closer with more intimate contact.

    Perhaps men were congenitally gifted in this aspect. Compared to Zhai Sheng¡¯s adept skills, Qiao Nan continued to be as green as a newbie. She was paralyzed in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and waspletely under Zhai Sheng¡¯s mischievous control.

    The sound of the two kissing in the bedroom was extremely towering. Even the sound of the conversation from the television could not mask the noise. Qiao Nan was so flustered and shy that she turned all red. Even the tips of her toes curled up.

    When Qiao Nan nearly fainted in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, the life-threatening kiss finally ended.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan tightly in his arms. That speed and strength nearly crushed Qiao Nan. I was as if he was embedding her into his body. ¡°Nan Nan, quickly grow up. You should know that I¡¯m at an age full of vigor and vitality. I can¡¯t take too much stimtion. Next time, I can¡¯t be sure if I¡¯ll be able to control myself.¡±

    As a soldier, the self-control that he was proudest of became so vulnerable in front of Nan Nan.

    When he felt that his own ¡®brother¡¯ had stood straight and was in high spirits, Zhai Sheng felt extremely unwell, his face turning red with all the endurance.

    ¡°Let go, let go.¡± Qiao Nan stopped herself from screaming at the pitch of her voice. She struggled to get out of Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    Zhai Sheng was also afraid that his ¡®gun¡¯ would go off by ident if he continued to hug Qiao Nan so tightly. He could only let go of Qiao Nan and watch her jump away, escaping like a frightened little rabbit. Otherwise, given that little strength of Qiao Nan, she was no match for Zhai Sheng at all.

 Chapter 485 - One Has to Be Thick-skinned to Get a Wife

    Chapter 485: One Has to Be Thick-skinned to Get a Wife

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath as she gave her mouth a wipe with her hands. She then tidied up her hair. ¡°Brother Zhai, you, you¡¯re a soldier. You must not let your military attire down. You... How could you be so rogue? You¡¯ve gone overboard today!¡±

    In two lifetimes, this was the first time that Qiao Nan had been kissed so deeply by a man.

    When she thought about the tongue that did not belong to her inside her mouth earlier, Qiao Nan felt strange and uneasy all over, particrly her heart. It was on fire. She had the urge to strip and take a cold shower to extinguish all the fire in her body.

    ¡°A rtionship that is not on the pretext of marriage is ying rogue. I didn¡¯t. If you nod, even if you¡¯re underage, do you believe that I have a way to make you be Mrs. Zhai instantly? At that time...¡± He would not be afraid of his ¡®gun¡¯ identally going off. He could directly ¡®punish¡¯ Nan Nan, who had seduced and set him on fire, on the spot!

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s burning eyes staring at her, that stubborn ball of fire in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart could not be extinguished.

    Qiao Nan swallowed, grabbed the cup, and turned her back. With her back facing Zhai Sheng, she started to drink from the cup. She dared not look at Zhai Sheng in the eye.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s searing hot palms simply followed andnded on Qiao Nan Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°Nan Nan, I drank all the water in the cup earlier. What are you drinking?¡±

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan removed the cup from her mouth and looked at it. Yes, it was empty. After swallowing for so long, she did not drink a single drop of water. ¡°I, I¡¯m thirsty. I¡¯m going to get some water.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Nan ran to get some water for herself. After downing half a cup of it, the fire in her faded a little.

    Having experienced it once, when Qiao Nan returned, she was cautious about the distance between her and Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... Don¡¯t do anything rash. M-my dad ising back soon. If you dare to do anything and Dad sees what you do, we¡¯ll not only be troubled about Auntie Miao next time. Most likely, my dad will punch you each time he sees you.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re scared of me?¡± Zhai Sheng smiled softly. He was trying to find out Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward him.

    ¡°Yes, a little.¡± When Brother Zhai kissed her just now, she really felt that she was going to be devoured alive by him. ¡°Brother Zhai, y-you... You don¡¯t eat human meat, right?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± After he knew that it was because they had been too intimate, Zhai Sheng then let down his worries. He was most concerned about Qiao Nan disliked being intimate with him. If that was the case, how could they have children in the future? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Uncle Qiao will being back soon. I won¡¯t let him have the chance to chase me out.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    Speak of the devil.

    Qiao Dongliang opened the door with his keys. ¡°Nan Nan, the watermelon looks very good today. I¡¯ve tasted it. It¡¯s sweet and crispy. You¡¯ll definitely love it. Eat half of it and leave the other half in the fridge so that you can eat it whenever you want to... Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao.¡± Zhai Sheng maintained about one person¡¯s distance from Qiao Nan. In front of Qiao Dongliang, Zhai Sheng was aware of his boundaries.

    ¡°When did youe?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s smile was obviously not as natural as before. Nan Nan was always studying in the school and did not have much time to be at home. He had not even spent quality time with Nan Nan alone and Zhai Sheng had toe? What did he mean?

    There was another man that was fighting with him for his daughter. This was truly the most annoying thing in the world.

    ¡°I just arrived.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face did not turn red. His reply was bare of any anxiety. Qiao Nan was stunned and speechless when she heard his words.

    Did Brother Zhai have a strong heart or was he simply thick-skinned?

    ¡°Did Nan Nan open the door for you?¡± This would not do. Next time, he had to find an opportunity to educate Nan Nan not to open the door casually to anyone. In particr, someone of Zhai Sheng¡¯s age and gender should not be casually let into the house.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zhai Sheng replied on behalf of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m asking you.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, Nan Nan was the one who opened the door for me.¡±

    The father and son-inw seemed to be at odds regarding this issue. Qiao Dongliang insisted on asking Qiao Nan, but Zhai Sheng kept replying on her behalf. He was not afraid of offending his inw too. In the future, it would not be so easy to marry his wife.

    At the sight of the exchanges and atmosphere between Qiao Dongliang and Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan simply stood up quietly and brought over two cups of water for them respectively. ¡°The weather is hot. We perspire a lot. Drink water, drink water.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took a nce at his new cup. When he knew that the cup he had used a few minutes ago was used by Qiao Nan now, he felt great. It was as if he was having an ice pops. ¡°Right, drink more water. It¡¯s good for health.¡±

    ¡°Yes, drink more. You soldiers perspire a lot. Nan Nan, get another cup of water for your Brother Zhai againter. Right, add some salt into the water to replenish some salt for him.¡± Although Qiao Dongliang was angry, he was truly concerned about Zhai Sheng.

    Although he was reluctant and displeased that someone was fighting with him for his daughter, Nan Nan liked Zhai Sheng. Could he stop them?

    ¡°No need, this one cup is enough. I¡¯ve drunk some earlier.¡± Add some salt?

    No, he was not going to drink anything salty. He was only going to drink something sweet.

    ¡°You¡¯ve drunk some?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked down. ¡°But there are only three cups?¡± Then, which cup did Zhai Sheng use to drink his water from just now?

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and secretly gave Zhai Sheng a kick. She warned him not to go overboard. If he provoked her father, Brother Zhai would certainly be the one at the losing end eventually.

    Hence, one shouldn¡¯t be too arrogant in normal times.

    Seeing that the wife was angry, Zhai Sheng had to immediately restrain himself. ¡°Uncle Qiao, did anything good happen to you today as well? You look so happy.¡±

    ¡°Right, you don¡¯t know yet. Nan Nan clinched the top ce in the cohort. Her scores were half a point higher than that of second ce. Isn¡¯t she capable!¡± In the past, when Qiao Nan was the top scorer, Qiao Dongliang was also happy. He was already quite used to it. However, he was especially ted about Qiao Nan¡¯s results this time. Without Shi Qing as aparison, Qiao Dongliang did not know that his daughter¡¯s top ce had such a good standing ording to the national standards.

    Zhai Sheng had the option to not ask, but when he did, he hit the nail on the spot. The worries Qiao Dongliang had earlier vanished instantly. He was grinning from ear to ear now. ¡°Right, you just said ¡®as well¡¯. Why? Did something good happen to you as well? Do you wish to share?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang posed this question as he also wanted to find out more about Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation.

    If Zhai Sheng was a good man, then he would allow Nan Nan to continue to be in contact with him. If there was an issue with Zhai Sheng, no matter how good the Zhai family was, they would not be worthy of Nan Nan if Zhai Sheng was not good enough.

    ¡°Recently, it has been quite smooth at work for me. There¡¯s great progress, so I can¡¯t help feeling happy.¡± Working hard for his family was also a type of work. He did not lie to his ¡®father-inw¡¯.

    ¡°Good. Everyone¡¯s doing well.¡± It was certainly a good thing that work was smooth for Zhai Sheng.

    At the sight of the clock on the wall, Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s almost eleven o¡¯clock, and I have to prepare lunch for Nan Nan. You see...¡± Zhai Sheng had just returned from the army. He should go back to his home for lunch, shouldn¡¯t he?

 Chapter 486 - Have Not Reconciled

    Chapter 486: Have Not Reconciled

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Unknowingly, it¡¯s already this time. I can¡¯t decline an elder¡¯s request. I¡¯ll stay here for lunch then. Uncle Qiao, I¡¯ll help you. You bought all the things that Nan Nan like, right? I still remember what you¡¯ve taught me previously. Let¡¯s prepare the food together for Nan Nan to eat?¡±

    Afterward, Zhai Sheng grabbed hold of the bags of groceries purchased by Qiao Dongliang and pulled thetter into the kitchen. Qiao Dongliang did not have any time to react.

    It was only when Qiao Dongliang started preparing the meal that he eximed that he had fallen into Zhai Sheng¡¯s trap.

    When did he invite Zhai Sheng to stay for lunch?

    In normal circumstances, he certainly had to be more polite. However, toward Zhai Sheng, this wolf that wholeheartedly wanted to snatch Nan Nan away, he was not willing to feign politeness. He nearly chased Zhai Sheng away directly.

    From the family member who once had the lowest status in the Qiao family to today, where two men in the house were preparing meals for her, Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts were elsewhere although she was sitting on the sofa, holding the remote controller and staring at the television.

    Life was truly unbelievable.

    Zhai Sheng dawdled in the house of the Qiao family until half-past three in the afternoon before he was willing to leave.

    During this period, Qiao Dongliang ¡®impolitely¡¯ stayed at home and even deliberately sat in between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to eliminate all the opportunities for Zhai Sheng toe into physical contact with his daughter.

    The situation of the trio made Qiao Nan seem like a precious egg. As the hen, Qiao Dongliang was on his greatest guard to protect the egg beneath his wings. He used all his might and effort to prevent Zhai Sheng, the weasel, from having any slightest opportunity to steal away his egg.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had been uptight the whole morning, nearly heaved out a loud and big sigh of relief when he heard that Zhai Sheng was finally going to leave. He was cheering in his heart when he sent Zhai Sheng to the door.

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior, Zhai Shengughed. ¡°Uncle Qiao, sorry to have disturbed you today. I¡¯ll visit again tomorrow. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No need...¡± Qiao Dongliang was about to decline, but Zhai Sheng had already got into his car. Zhai Sheng then stepped on the elerator and left. He nearly made Qiao Dongliang take in a mouthful of exhaust gas.

    Qiao Dongliang snorted like a cow and quickly ran back into the house. ¡°Nan Nan, before I came back, nothing happened between Zhai Sheng and you, right?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai was chatting with me.¡±

    ¡°Just chatting?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡±

    ¡°What did you chat about?¡±

    ¡°My studies.¡±

    ¡°Then, before I came back, how long had Zhai Sheng been here?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai was here about five to seven minutes before you came back.¡±

    Zhai Sheng left so swiftly and quickly. Qiao Nan was left to fend for them and had to continue to lie ording to what Zhai Sheng said earlier.

    Qiao Nan had to face many questions from Qiao Dongliang. The situation of Zhai Sheng, who arrived home at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, was not any better.

    ¡°You really came back? It looks like Shi Qing received information about it and already knew that you¡¯reing home. She visited us. Zhai Sheng, let me warn you. It¡¯s not just Qiu Chenxi, but also Shi Qing. I won¡¯t force you to marry other women if you really don¡¯t want to, but these two are definitely out of the question.¡± Miao Jing was enduring a tummy of resentment.

    Her stomach had been full of tea because of Shi Qing, and she had visited the restroom numerous times. Even the auntie thought that Miao Jing¡¯s tummy was upset because there was something wrong with the food she had prepared.

    Zhai Sheng sat down. ¡°Shi Qing came to our house?¡±

    There was a sh in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes as he secretly assessed Miao Jing. He discovered that besides a little resentment, Miao Jing did not seem to have other feelings when she talked about Shi Qing. Zhai Sheng was assured then.

    At the very least, this proved that Shi Qing did not tell his mother about Nan Nan¡¯s matter behind his back for the sake of getting his mother¡¯s favor.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that so? In normal times, you¡¯re such a stoicd, never mixing around with otherdies. You¡¯ve been like that since young. Forget about Qiu Chenxi. I don¡¯t understand why Shi Qing kepting to our house. You, you¡¯ve gained love interests from women even with that attitude of yours. I¡¯m really worried for your future wife.¡± Miao Jing sized up her son. Besides being good-looking, tall, and masculine, the expression on his face ¡®stank¡¯. He always carried that nonchnt look.

    The children nowadays were excessively pampered.

    Hence, she could not understand why everyone liked his son. She never thought that Zhai Sheng would be so popr among thedies.

    She only needed one daughter-inw. Hence, it was not necessary for manydies to take a liking to her son. She just needed one.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fully devoted to my wife,¡± Zhai Sheng said without reservation.

    Miao Jing was pleased. ¡°Look at you. You said it as if you already have someone in mind to marry. Wait, Zhai Sheng, did you do anything behind my back? Have you filed a marriage report?!¡± After some thoughts, Miao Jing was simply frightened by this thought that appeared in her mind.

    ¡°The household register of family members has always been at home. Mom, are you kidding me?¡± Zhai Sheng replied calmly. If he could pretend in front of Qiao Dongliang, he could do so even more in front of Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t promise you anything else, but I will not get married before getting your approval.¡±

    Anyway, Nan Nan had already said this.

    The husband and wife had to sing the same tune. Since Nan Nan said that, of course, he had to keep the words.

    Miao Jing was both happy and surprised when she eximed, ¡°Really? Don¡¯t sweet-talk me. I will definitely take it for real!¡± Would Zhai Sheng really be so obedient and concerned about her opinion? She had thought that both Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng did not like her as their mother.

    ¡°I won¡¯t joke about such matters.¡± Anyway, his mother could not stop him from marrying Nan Nan in secret. There was no point in asking whether it was real or not.

    Miao Jing did not know the real thoughts of Zhai Sheng. Nevertheless, she felt so sweet at heart with this promise of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Fine, this will do. Right, did Qiu Chenxi look for you?¡±

    ¡°Why do you ask that?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s Qi Min¡¯s daughter. They have simr characters. They don¡¯t seem like the sort that will give up easily.¡± Miao Jing snorted.

    Zhai Sheng paused and looked at Miao Jing carefully. ¡°Mom, is there something that you did not tell us?¡±

    He and Zhai Hua never knew fully about the things that happened in his father¡¯s generation. In the past, he and Zhai Hua thought that their mother¡¯s behavior was due to her character. Judging from this, there might be more to the past happenings than met the eye.

    ¡°What matter could there be? Nothing, nothing.¡± Miao Jing was stubborn and refused to reveal further. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Auntie, is dinner ready?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ready. You can eat now,¡± the auntie in the kitchen replied sullenly.

    Miao Jing stood up. ¡°Dinner is ready. You go and inform your dad. I can¡¯t be bothered about it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still angry with Dad? You¡¯ve not reconciled?¡± Zhai Sheng looked in the direction of the study room as if he was implying something.

    Miao Jing turned away unhappily. She sat on the dining table and did not respond.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. He already knew the answer in his heart.

 Chapter 487 - A Knack for Coaxing His Mother

    Chapter 487: A Knack for Coaxing His Mother

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    When the auntie was serving the food, she said as she walked by Zhai Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s already been a month. Chief has been sleeping in the guest room. Madam is still angry.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The auntie let out a sigh of relief. At the very least, Zhai Sheng was willing to respond.

    Fortunately, both the chief and madam were kind people. Even if they had arguments, they would never vent their frustration on the employees. They would continue to treat them in a polite manner. The better they treated her, the more the auntie did not wish to see the couple at odds with each other. The auntie was also worried about them.

    As a sried employee in the Zhai family, it was really not appropriate for the auntie to say certain things. Zhai Sheng was different as he was the couple¡¯s son. It was certainly more appropriate for him to persuade them.

    The auntie hoped that Zhai Sheng could think of a way to make the couple reconcile when he knew about the situation.

    The auntie did not know that her effort would be in vain this time.

    It was just a little argument. Since it was a matter between the couple, Zhai Sheng was not willing to interfere.

    During mealtime, Zhai Yaohui, who had been sleeping alone for many nights, was in quite a bad temper. ¡°You¡¯ve beening back so often recently. Aren¡¯t there any matters in the army? If a soldier has so much spare time, then who¡¯s protecting the country? It looks like I have to go back and request to increase all of your workloads!¡±

    For the sake of a youngdy, Zhai Sheng was so hardworking. Why wasn¡¯t he spending more time and effort on the matter regarding his own parents?

    Facing the nagging of an old man who was never satisfied with anything, holding the belief of respect and love for both the elder and the young, Zhai Sheng did not lose his temper. Furthermore, although he still felt angry, the rtionship between Nan Nan and him was sweet and good. Hence, he did not take issue with his father.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper was good, but not Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing endured the impulse to throw her chopsticks on her table. Her face turned ck. ¡°My son has beening back often? Since the Lunar New Year, my son only came back twice or thrice. Each time, he would leave only after a few days. Clearly, I have a son and a daughter, but eventually, both of them are not by my side. It¡¯s rare that my son came home to see me and apany me. Did he get in your way again?¡±

    When Miao Jing red up, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s voice became softer. ¡°Weren¡¯t you doing fine just now? Why did you re up again? I didn¡¯t chide Zhai Sheng much. I was just reminding him that he is young and should focus on his career and future. He should not put aside the country and his future because of a ¡®small matter¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Yes,ing back to see me and keeping mepany is a small matter. It¡¯s not as important as the major affairs of the country. To you, you can certainly put aside all these unimportant matters.¡± At the end of her speech, Miao Jing was saddened.

    When she was at a young age, such was the situation. Miao Jing was always secondary in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes.

    Now that she was older, she did not hope that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s heart would be with her. She just wished that her children would spend more time with her. But why were her children being chided by Zhai Yaohui?

    Having finished her words, Miao Jing ced her chopsticks aside. ¡°I¡¯m full. Auntie, help me clear the table.¡±

    ¡°Madam, you¡¯ve not eaten much.¡± The auntie looked a little worried when she saw the bowl that was still full of rice.

    Once Miao Jing left, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s tone to Zhai Sheng worsened. ¡°Brat, look at what you¡¯ve done! Is your own mother or other family¡¯s daughter more important? See, your mom is so angry that she¡¯s not eating anymore. This is my order. No matter what way you use, quickly make your mom finish her food. Your mom is not young anymore. Her health is not good and can¡¯t afford to go hungry.¡±

    Zhai Sheng put down his chopsticks. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re good at putting the me on others when it¡¯s your own fault.¡± Thereafter, Zhai Sheng carried the rice and dishes and served it to Miao Jing.

    ¡°Not eating!¡± Miao Jing was still angry. She was not happy even when she saw her son.

    Zhai Sheng ced the food down. ¡°Mom, clearly, you¡¯re not eating because you¡¯re worried about Zhai Hua and me... If other people know that you¡¯re too angry to have your meals, won¡¯t they be so happy that they¡¯ll consume three bowls of rice?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Miao Jing was at a loss of words. ¡°I won¡¯t be so foolish to see my enemies happy! Happily consuming three bowls of rice? That¡¯s wishful thinking on her part!¡±

    At the thought of Qi Min, Miao Jing¡¯s tummy was like a bottomless pit. She finished whatever Zhai Sheng brought to her in a few mouthfuls.

    She had to eat well and eat her fill to ensure that she was in good health.

    As long as she was alive, Qi Min¡¯s daughter would not be able to harm her son. If she was no longer around, Zhai Yaohui would agree to whatever Qi Min asked for. Her son¡¯s happiness would eventually be destroyed in these people¡¯s hands.

    For the sake of her son and daughter, she had to live well!

    ¡°Is one bowl of rice enough? If you¡¯re still hungry, get auntie to cook some dessert for supper three hourster.¡± Zhai Sheng did not encourage Miao Jing to get into the habit of eating and drinking too much. ¡°Right, I passed by the Qiao family¡¯s residence today when I was on my way back. I heard good news.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the good news?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan ranked first again in this round of examination, scoring half a point mark higher than Shi Qing.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I heard that Shi Qing is excellent in her studies. She has always ranked first in her school, never in second ce. Initially, when I heard that Shi Qing would be transferred to Ping Cheng High School, I was worried about Nan Nan. Nan Nan, this child, is very determined. She has never been careless orzy in her studies. She could score better than Shi Qing. She¡¯s really capable!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan said that you¡¯re very concerned about her. Initially, she wanted to tell you this piece of good news herself as soon as possible. Coincidentally, she met me, so she asked me to send you this news to make you happy.¡±

    ¡°Happy! I¡¯m so happy!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes were smiling. ¡°Since a young age, your results have been good. Zhai Hua¡¯s was not that good. Actually, Nan Nan resembles you when you¡¯re young. Her results are excellent.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Zhai Yaohui, who ¡®coincidentally¡¯ passed by the master bedroom, heard the entire conversation between Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng. He sneered and snorted. For the sake of the woman that he liked, Zhai Sheng had a lot of tricks up his sleeves. He indirectly helped Qiao Nan coax Miao Miao.

    As if he had expected it, when Zhai Sheng opened the door, he used his body to shield Miao Jing¡¯s view in case she saw Zhai Yaohui eavesdropping on them. ¡°Dad, what a ¡®coincidence¡¯.¡±

    ¡°What coincidence? This is my house. Is there anywhere I shouldn¡¯t be at?¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s old face stiffened. He straightened his back and maintained his authority as a father in front of his son. ¡°Qiao Nan ranked first and scored half a point mark higher than Shi Qing?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really not too bad.¡± Zhai Yaohui paused in silence. ¡°It¡¯s rare that she has something redeemable.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other matter?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still one more thing. Is other people¡¯s daughter or your own mother more important? You think about this carefully. Your mom has a very stubborn character. There are certain things that she will never be able to ept. The deeper you¡¯re into this rtionship, the more difficult it will be to resolve this when the timees. You will be hurt more deeply. Zhai Sheng, I hope you can make a decision between Qiao Nan and your mom. If you have to hurt someone, who will that be?¡±

 Chapter 488 - A Special Way of Getting Along

    Chapter 488: A Special Way of Getting Along

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want any of them to be hurt, give up when there¡¯s still time.¡±

    Having been married for more than twenty years, nobody else understood Miao Miao¡¯s temperament better than him.

    It was true that Miao Miao liked Qiao Nan, but it was also true that she could not ept Qiao Nan as her daughter-inw.

    If Miao Miao found out about the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan one day, the blow and hurt that she would receive would be doubled.

    ¡°Why does it have to be harm and not protection?¡± Zhai Sheng was unconvinced. He looked sullenly at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Be it Nan Nan or Mom, I will protect them well. I won¡¯t let either of them receive any sort of harm. Nan Nan has the same thought as me. Simrly, she¡¯s not willing to see Mom getting hurt. Regardless of the psychological barrier in Mom¡¯s heart, I don¡¯t believe that Nan Nan and I won¡¯t be able to remove it if we work hard. Dad, you should know better than anyone about Nan Nan¡¯s influence on Mom. What you owe Mom, Nan Nan and I are helping you to repay her. Do you understand?¡±

    All the knots in his mother¡¯s heart were caused by his father.

    Despite being understanding, his father was cracking wise with his words. Sorry, he would not ept that.

    As a soldier, he did not believe that there was anything impossible in this world!

    ¡°Also, this kind of words, I only wish to hear it once. Don¡¯t let me hear it again next time. If you really don¡¯t want Mom to be hurt, even if you¡¯re my dad, I have to remind you that you have to reflect on yourself first.¡±

    Leaving those words behind, Zhai Sheng returned to his bedroom.

    As his biological father, Zhai Yaohui not only did not fulfill his responsibility to Miao Jing but also his pair of children.

    Nevertheless, after Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng became military personnel, they were aware of the difficulties and responsibilities that Zhai Yaohui had in the past. Although they knew, it did not mean that Zhai Yaohui¡¯sck of fulfillment in his duties toward them was correct. It also did not mean that they understood and epted his doings.

    Zhai Sheng could choose not to take issue with what happened in the past. However, his futurey in his own hands. He was not willing to be denied a good future just because his father said it was ¡®impossible¡¯.

    In the face of his son¡¯s me, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned sullen. He did not refute him because it was the truth. He had no means to retaliate.

    When he was at a young age, he did not let down his father, his country, or the citizens. The only three people that he felt guilty toward were his spouse and children.

    His wife had knots in her heart due to him, and his son had resentment toward him.

    Zhai Yaohui, who typically had a clear conscience, felt lost and helpless at that moment. Throughout the many years, was there anything that he did correctly?

    In the end, all his questions turned into a sigh. When he thought of his son¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui smiled bitterly. Fine, he fell into that little sly fox¡¯s trap again. What could he do? The little fox held on to his tender spot and targeted his Achilles¡¯ heel. He had to continue to keep the matter between the little fox and Qiao Nan from Miao Miao until thetter could ept Qiao Nan.

    When he returned to his bedroom, Zhai Sheng changed his gloomy expression. He happily bathed as he hummed military songs.

    That old sly fox. He could deceive others but not him. He was very satisfied with Nan Nan¡¯s resilience and continuous strive for excellence.

    When Nan Nanpleted her apprenticeship with Lin Yuankang, even his mother would not have a reason not to ept Nan Nan.

    At this time, Zhai Sheng could not help feeling d that he had made such a sudden decision back then. He had been so resolute and determined when he brought Qiao Nan to Lin Yuankang. He had even built a foundation for Qiao Nan when she was young by epting private assignments from Lin Yuankang on behalf of Nan Nan, gaining Lin Yuankang¡¯s favor and affirmation of Nan Nan¡¯s capability.

    The situation of Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng might seem bitterly disappointing in other families.

    Nevertheless, Zhai Yaohui brought Zhai Sheng up in this way since thetter was at a young age. The father and son were already used to this. This had be a special way in which they got along with each other.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Qiao Nan, who had a little walk after her meal, received a call when she was preparing to bathe and go to bed.

    ¡°Sleepy? Going to bed soon?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. ¡°You are... Shi Qing? How did you know my phone number?¡± She had not told her before.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to bother about how I knew about it. Qiao Nan, this afternoon, I loitered at the entrance of your door for more than an hour.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan fell silent for a while. ¡°Then?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a saying that when you fail in love, you will win at a gamble? Why is it that I had to suffer another setback in love when I already suffered one in my examinations? All the good things befell you. Isn¡¯t that too unfair?¡± Shi Qing¡¯s sullen voice could be heard from the other side of the phone.

    Qiao Nan sighed as she sat on the sofa. ¡°If it¡¯s true that all the good things happen to me only, then I¡¯ll be so mad with happiness. Shi Qing, you just came here for a month. Most probably, you had been focusing on your studies in order topete with me for the top ce in the first-year cohort. My life is not as good as you think. Also, Shi Qing, when you talk about firste-first-serve, it¡¯s not feasible in this situation. Inparison to Qiu Chenxi and you, I got to know Brother Zhaist. But for love-rted matters, it¡¯s not just about how long you¡¯ve known each other, and it¡¯s not about firste-first-serve either. It¡¯s because the person appears at the right timing. Understand?¡±

    ¡°So, are you telling me that you¡¯re the right one that Brother Zhai met at the right time?¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing, I¡¯m telling you this because you did not tell Auntie Miao about Brother Zhai and me. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m the right person in Brother Zhai¡¯s life, but before the oue is known, I¡¯m working hard for it because both Brother Zhai and I feel that we are the right one for each other.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai said that he will marry you?!!!¡± Shi Qing¡¯s heart nearly suffocated.

    ¡°Yes, I rejected him. I¡¯m still too young and have not reached the legal age for marriage. Furthermore, there are a lot of issues between Brother Zhai and me. We need to settle the problem about Auntie Miao first before we can consider marriage. So, I¡¯ve told Brother Zhai clearly that we will talk about it two yearster.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me this. Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll be jealous to death and y some cheap tricks on you?!¡± Shi Qing gritted her teeth. The pain in her heart made her cry.

    So, she was still toote?

    She had thought that since it was impossible between Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi now, her opportunity finally came. Even if there was already Qiao Nan, she was prepared to give it a try for the sake of her own happiness.

    She never would have imagined that that opportunity of hers was actually created due to Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance.

    ¡°If you wanted to, you would have already done it. Moreover, I believe you. You won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be overconfident!¡± On what grounds should Qiao Nan believe in her? She was also a woman. She, too, could be scheming. She would also feel jealous. She was jealous that Qiao Nan snatched away the Brother Zhai that she had liked for ten years!

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Shi Qing nearly spurted out vulgarities.

    ¡°I wonder how happy Zhu Baoguo will be if he knows that you cried.¡±

    Shi Qing was stunned for a while before wiping away her tears. ¡°I didn¡¯t cry. I¡¯m warning you. Don¡¯t talk about my matter in front of that moron. That Zhu Baoguo is an idiot who¡¯s well-developed physically. None but the Zhu family treats him like a treasure!¡±

 Chapter 489 - Are You Really Giving Up?

    Chapter 489: Are You Really Giving Up?

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s a treasure of the Zhu family, but I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s anyone else¡¯s treasure. You already knew that Brother Zhai was at my house this entire afternoon. What do you intend to do then?¡± Wait, something was not right. ¡°Why did you suddenlye to my house?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯ve been to Brother Zhai¡¯s house and I heard that Qiu Chenxi came back. There¡¯s no reason that Qiu Chenxi arrived home but not Brother Zhai,¡± Shi Qing said sullenly.

    She had caused inconvenience to the Zhai family for the whole morning. She only left after she could no longer endure a bursting dder.

    When she arrived home, she found out that Qiu Chenxi had returned from the army and even came to look for her at her new house.

    If Brother Zhai was not out of the camp, Qiu Chenxi would definitely not look for her.

    Since Qiu Chenxi had already arrived home, Brother Zhai should have arrived home even before Qiu Chenxi did.

    After thinking, Shi Qing thought of a possibility. She thus went to the house of the Qiao family to try her luck.

    Never did she expect that she would hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s voiceing from the house even before she could knock the door. With that, she guessed that Zhai Sheng was in the house without going into it.

    There were a few times that Shi Qing mustered her courage and wanted to knock on the door and enter the house. She could at least meet Brother Zhai and have a chat with him. However, when she realized that Brother Zhai¡¯s tone and voice was something that she had never heard before, Shi Qing lost the courage to knock on the door.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing was really good.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to give up.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s pained voice came from the phone.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Although I don¡¯t know if this happiness eventually belongs to me, at the very least, I don¡¯t wish to give up now.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem quite confident.¡± Brother Zhai clearly liked Qiao Nan so much. What did Qiao Nan have to worry about?

    ¡°Not confident.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°In front of Brother Zhai, I¡¯ve never had much confidence. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m much worse than Brother Zhai, but my thinking does not represent that of others. Subsequently, it does not represent what the Zhai family thinks. China is a very conventional society. Who will be able topletely ignore how others see you and live in a carefree way? Shi Qing, I may not be confident when I¡¯m facing others, but when I face Qiu Chenxi and you, I¡¯m still quite confident. This is because all three of us are not epted by Auntie Miao.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± What was wrong with her that Auntie Miao did not like her?

    ¡°I can only say that you wouldn¡¯t be here if Auntie Miao could ept you. Most likely, Qiu Chenxi would have gotten engaged with Brother Zhai long ago. The reason why Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai¡¯s matter was dashed was mainly due to Auntie Miao. On the other hand, it¡¯s also partly due to Brother Zhai¡¯s attitude.¡±

    ¡°No wonder...¡± It was no wonder that Auntie Miao behaved strangely when she visited the Zhai family this afternoon. ¡°Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t ept you? Why?¡±

    ¡°Tell me, what else can it be?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. We¡¯re already in this era. Do they still have so many conventional excuses?¡± Shi Qing did not believe it. ¡°Since Brother Zhai is such a good man, Auntie Miao must be an elder who¡¯s very understanding and morally principled. Can it be that you¡¯re just being paranoid?¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned on the sofa. She did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Auntie Miao can¡¯t ept me. Why do you care about the reason? Shouldn¡¯t you feel happy about this?¡± Shi Qing even had the mood to chat with her. Didn¡¯t she seem like she had been dealt with a tremendous blow earlier?

    Shi Qing leaned on the chair listlessly, rolling her eyes sullenly. ¡°Brother Zhai doesn¡¯t like me. There¡¯s nothing that I can do about it. Even if he doesn¡¯t pick you, he¡¯ll eventually get married. Compared to letting him marry another woman, it may be better if he marries you. At the very least, you¡¯ve won against me once. If the woman that Brother Zhai is going to marry is not better than me, I¡¯ll feel more depressed. Therefore, if that person is you instead of someone else, I¡¯ll be more able to ept it.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that you¡¯ve given up?¡± You had persisted for ten years, yet you¡¯re giving up today?

    ¡°Miss Shi, you said that you¡¯ve loved Brother Zhai for ten years, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m eighteen years old this year. You¡¯re one year older than me at most. Does that mean you started to like Brother Zhai when you were nine years old and have always wished to marry him ever since?¡± At such a young age, Shi Qing was so mature?

    Shi Qing¡¯s face turned red. ¡°What do you know? That¡¯s because my intelligence quotient and emotional intelligence quotient are both top-notch. Since a young age, I¡¯ve already known what I want. And don¡¯tugh at me. At that time, Qiu Chenxi was only older than me by a few years, yet she told me shamelessly that she was already Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e, saying that when we grew up, she would be Brother Zhai¡¯s wife. Because of what Qiu Chenxi said, I did note to Ping Cheng for almost ten years!¡±

    ¡°Oh my god, it¡¯s true that I don¡¯t really understand.¡± Qiao Nan felt ashamed. Compared to Qiu Chenxi and Shi Qing who matured at such a young age, she was simply too far behind.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, since you¡¯re the one that Brother Zhai likes, I hope you can take good care of Brother Zhai in the future. Don¡¯t let Brother Zhai down because of another man. Otherwise, I¡¯ll definitely ensure that you suffer.¡± After thinking for some time, Shi Qing then gritted her teeth and added, ¡°Don¡¯t think that I¡¯m giving my blessings to Brother Zhai and you. Don¡¯t hope for it. I only wish that Brother Zhai will be happy. I don¡¯t care whether you¡¯re happy or not.¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°You... have really given up?¡±

    Inparison to Qiu Chenxi, or even Chen Jun, wasn¡¯t Shi Qing giving up too quickly? It was so quick that she felt that she might have fallen into a trap.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything!¡± Shi Qing mmed the phone with a loud bang.

    Once she hung up, Shi Qing ran to the bathroom and cried.

    She had known and liked Brother Zhai for a long time. Although she had not seen or interacted with Brother Zhai that many times, judging from what she heard this afternoon, Brother Zhai was truly very happy when he was at the house of the Qiao family.

    That cold, aloof, and emotionless child from back then could, in fact, have feelings when he found someone he liked. He could actually be that happy.

    For the entire afternoon, Shi Qing continuously asked herself what would happen if she used all ways and means or stoop to anything to snatch Brother Zhai.

    She had already seen the fact that Zhai Sheng really had such a side to him. If Zhai Sheng was together with her in the future, was she confident that she would be able to make Zhai Sheng show that happy and carefree side of him?

    If she could not, yet she knew that Zhai Sheng was also someone with feelings, could she face a stoic Zhai Sheng who was like a block of wood? Could she really ept it? Was she even willing to sacrifice everything to maintain such a rtionship that would not be reciprocated?

    The final answer was apparent: No!

    Shi Qing was an intelligent and sensitive individual. From every perspective, Shi Qing concluded that even if she had the chance to be together with Zhai Sheng, she could not make Zhai Sheng happy, and neither could she ept the fact that Zhai Sheng would behave like a piece of stone in front of her.

    Rather than causing everyone to be unhappy, she would let go as soon as possible to avoid that situation.

 Chapter 490 - Scram, Sister

    Chapter 490: Scram, Sister

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    When she heard the beeping toneing from the other end of the phone, Qiao Nan was stunned and confused. Wasn¡¯t she fine just now? Why did she re up all of a sudden?

    After being ssmates for over a month, Qiao Nan, in fact, had quite a good impression of Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing was clearly physically strong. However, unlike Zhu Baoguo¡¯s style, she did not use this to threaten Qiao Nan or bully Qiao Nan physically just because she was unhappy. If Zhu Baoguo did not tell Qiao Nan, she really did not know that a seemingly skinny and frail Shi Qing was actually a prettydy who¡¯s physically strong.

    In particr, when she thought of the notebook that Shi Qing gave her before the examination, she really saw Shi Qing in the same light as Qiu Chenxi.

    After rifying everything today, Qiao Nan felt much better.

    Qiao Nan had been relieved, but not Shi Qing.

    To prevent the neighbors from hearing her cries, she turned the volume of the television to the highest. She even turned on the showerhead in her bathroom and cried loudly under the sound of the water sshing.

    Before Shi Qing could vent out all her frustration, the phone in the house rang nonstop. It was so noisy that Shi Qing could not continue to cry.

    The phone rang and stopped, and rang again thereafter. It continued for about half an hour.

    Shi Qing turned off the tap and changed into a set of clean clothes. She held her hair which was dripping with water continuously and walked into the living room. She then turned down the volume of the television. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°I just came back from the army today. You should have collected your results slip, right? How¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°What has it got to do with you?!¡± When Shi Qing, who was already in a sour mood, heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, she nearly exploded in anger.

    Could she stop talking about how unlucky she was today? She initially thought that there was a chance that her first love would blossom. Never did she expect that it had not even budded and Qiao Nan had nipped it with just one move. Forget it. Qiao Nan even surpassed her by half a point mark in the studies that she excelled in.

    She could not withstand a life like this!

    ¡°Qing Qing, why did you say that? I¡¯m your sister. Aren¡¯t I just being concerned about you? That¡¯s why I came to ask you. What kind of tone is that?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned ck. Zhai Sheng shunned her and did not allow her to get onto his car. Now, Shi Qing was also shunning her too?

    ¡°I¡¯ll use whatever tone I like. This is not the first day that we¡¯re sisters. It¡¯s been more than ten years. I didn¡¯t realize that you¡¯re so concerned about me. Don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s toote to pretend to be the good guy now? Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t always treat others as fools. Do you think that I don¡¯t know what you have been thinking of? I¡¯m very sorry to tell you that your n is going to fail. Qiao Nan is so capable. In this examination, she¡¯s still the top in the first-year cohort. She scored half a point mark more than me. Are you satisfied with this answer?!¡±

    Having finished with her words, Shi Qing mmed the phone, hanging up.

    What kind of rtive was that? She definitely had to tell her father one day. No auntie or cousin would behave in this way.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes turned stiff. She stared at the phone in her hand, looking foolish and stunned.

    ¡°Chen Xi, didn¡¯t the phone go through? What did Qing Qing say? Did she rank first in the cohort? It looks like you can ask Qiao Nan out and have a good talk with her tomorrow. There are only a few things that a man will wish for in his life. Furthermore, Qiao Nan is still young and materialistic. The top ce in the cohort must be very important to her. Look for her tomorrow and have a chat with her. You will definitely seed.¡±

    Qi Min did not hear the conversation between the duo. She was only guessing and having her own monolog.

    ¡°So what if the top ce in the cohort is important to Qiao Nan? Our efforts were all in vain. I really did not expect that Shi Qing was so useless. The ever-victorious general who had nevere in second failed when she met Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan scored half a point mark more than her. Shi Qing ranked second in the cohort. Even if the top ce is important to Qiao Nan, it has nothing to do with us. Qiao Nan has it in her hands!¡±

    In the end, Qiu Chenxi was so angry that she smashed the phone. ¡°This useless thing! Other than giving me trouble, she did not help me at all. If I knew that Shi Qing was so useless, would I let here to Ping Cheng? She¡¯s even so rude to me. She seemed to have forgotten where she had stayed at previously!¡±

    Qi Min was shocked too. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s results were better than that of Qing Qing? Impossible!¡±

    She usually did not care about the situation at her maternal home. Nevertheless, she had long heard about Shi Qing¡¯s excellent results.

    As such, Qi Min was confidently waiting for Shi Qing to defeat Qiao Nan after they made Shi Qinge to Ping Cheng. They were waiting for the day that Qiu Chenxi could be the third party that benefited from the conflict of the two.

    She would never have expected such an ¡®ident¡¯!

    ¡°Did you hear incorrectly? Qiao Nan won by half a point mark? How¡¯s it possible that Qiao Nan scored half a point mark higher than Qing Qing? You must have made a mistake.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve made a mistake? If there¡¯s really a mistake, then Qing Qing would be the one who made it. The whole Ping Cheng High School would have made a mistake! Do I have the capability to ¡®make this mistake¡¯? If I did, I¡¯d definitely make Qing Qing score higher than Qiao Nan by more than ten or even twenty marks!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she wanted to cry. ¡°Mom, what should we do now? Qiao Nan is still the top of the cohort. Then, what handle of her do I have that I can use to negotiate with and get her to help me? If we keep dawdling like this, most likely, Brother Zhai will file a marriage report with that vixen soon! By then, this matter will really have nothing to do with us.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s not so urgent.¡± Qiu Chenxi quickly helped Qiu Chenxi wipe her tears. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? Tomorrow, I¡¯ll ask your Uncle Zhai out. I can¡¯t deal with Miao Jing, but your Uncle Zhai is quite good to Mom. He still owes it to Mom.¡±

    ¡°Will it work? Even when Miao Jing did not object to the matter between Brother Zhai and me, Brother Zhai did not marry me. Even if Uncle Zhai promises you, will it work just with his words alone?¡±

    ¡°Even if it can¡¯t make Zhai Sheng marry you directly, at the very least, Zhai Sheng can¡¯t marry that vixen without letting anyone know. Chenxi, you know about the situation. If you really don¡¯t want Zhai Sheng to be taken away, it¡¯s not enough with Mom¡¯s help. You have to work harder and settle Zhai Sheng. He¡¯s the crux of this matter.¡± As long as Zhai Sheng nodded, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were merely fake ornaments and vases.

    Qi Min sighed. If Zhai Yaohui could be as persistent as Zhai Sheng many years ago, that would be great. She would not have to marry Qiu Qin and lead such an ordinary and annoying life.

    ¡°Brother Zhai is not willing to bother about me. He wouldn¡¯t even let me sit in his car. What can I do? You can¡¯t expect me to strip naked in front of Brother Zhai to seduce him and create a done deal?¡± She was truly at her wits¡¯ end.

    She could not catch that vixen. Brother Zhai had changed his mind the moment he saw the other woman and gave her cold shoulders. She was afraid that she wouldck the will to persist even if she wanted to.

 Chapter 491 - I Am That Woman

    <h4>Chapter 491: I Am That Woman</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qi Min¡¯s expression changed. ¡°As long as you can seed, there¡¯s nothing that you cannot do.¡±

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean by this?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean?¡± Qi Min sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t you know? When Miao Jing married your Uncle Zhai, she gave birth to Zhai Hua just after nine months. Otherwise, how do you think they could give birth to two children in three years?¡±

    ¡°Nine, nine months? Didn¡¯t it mean that they had done it before they were married? That meant Miao Jing was already pregnant when she married Uncle Zhai.¡± Qiu Chenxi widened her eyes. This was the first time she heard about this. Her mother had never mentioned this before.

    ¡°It¡¯s too shameless. I don¡¯t even wish to talk about it. I didn¡¯t expect that the many years of rtionship I had with your Uncle Zhai were lost to despicable and underhand methods of Miao Jing. She was shameless enough to do it, but I was too embarrassed to say it. Moreover, it takes two to tango. Could Miao Jing give birth to Zhai Hua alone?¡± It was because of this that Qi Min still bore a grudge against Zhai Yaohui, and hated Miao Jing even more.

    ¡°If Miao Jing could do thatst time, why can¡¯t you?¡±

    This time, Chenxi could use the same tactic to snatch Miao Jing¡¯s son away from Miao Jing, just as what Miao Jing did in the past, snatching Zhai Yaohui away from her.

    ¡°No, won¡¯t it be too embarrassing?¡± She dared not believe that she would go into the church and the wedding banquet with a big tummy. That would definitely be ugly.

    ¡°What kind of era is it now? Miao Jing dared to do that many years ago. What are you afraid of? There¡¯s one thing that you can be assured of. If you are married into the Zhai family because of that piece of meat in your womb, and if Miao Jing dares to use this matter against you, you can just tell her that she¡¯s the one who did not set a decent example in the first ce. She¡¯s the one who gave the juniors such ideas.¡±

    Qi Min said everything that she could, regardless of whether they were appropriate. But Qiu Chenxi still looked hesitant. Qi Min simply gave Qiu Chenxi some hard advice. ¡°You think about it carefully yourself. After all, it¡¯s your happiness. Even if you¡¯re not willing to fight for it or treasure it, I will still hope that you don¡¯t follow in my footsteps. However, the truth is that you need to be thick-skinned when you fight for a man. That vixen is already seducing Zhai Sheng when you¡¯re still in good terms with him, how will she give up this great opportunity to be Cindere? I¡¯m saying this for thest time. Don¡¯t wait for that woman to go to the Zhai family with a big tummy. You will surely regret it, just like Mom did many years ago.¡±

    Chenxi was not willing to do that, but there were many shameless women who were willing to.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t talk about it anymore. Let me calm down and consider it myself.¡± Qi Min¡¯s words caused Qiu Chenxi to feel confused and nervous.

    ¡°Fine, think about it yourself.¡± Qi Min knew that she would only be wasting her breath if she continued with the persuasion.

    To have both dignity and happiness. There was no such thing as having the best of both worlds.

    Qi Min immediately left Qiu Chenxi alone in the bedroom so that she could ponder over the situation.

    Qi Min did not know Qiu Chenxi¡¯s final thoughts. On the other hand, Qiao Nan, who was unaware of what happened, encountered something ridiculous the next day.

    Seeing the stack of bulging yellow envelopes in front of her, Qiao Nan gave a sigh as she looked at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°What do you mean by this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to buy some information from you.¡± Qiu Chenxi wore a pair of sunsses. She pursed her lips as she looked at Qiao Nan arrogantly. ¡°I heard that you ranked first in the cohort again. Congrattions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan brushed her fringe. ¡°Most likely, there¡¯s nothing that I can help you with.¡±

    ¡°No, as long as you¡¯re willing to, you¡¯ll definitely be able to help me. You know who that woman is, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± In the face of this abrupt and clueless question from Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan actually understood what she was inquiring about. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°You know!¡±

    ¡°Why is it that I must know?¡± Was something written on her face?

    Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath. ¡°You¡¯re a woman too. You should know how I feel. Brother Zhai and I are childhood sweethearts. Our rtionship of more than ten years is now broken by a third party. In the future, if you encounter the same situation, you will know my difficulties now. I only wish to safeguard my rtionship. Am I wrong in doing that? That woman came between Brother Zhai and me. Is it right for her to do that? Both of us are women. Qiao Nan, I hope you can help me with this. As long as you¡¯re willing to tell me who that woman is or give me some clues, all this money will be yours. You need them very much, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°A gentleman who desires wealth makes it in good ways. Regarding the situation between Brother Zhai and you, it seems that opinions differ. After all, your ount of the story is different from that of Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao. Also, Miss Qiu, don¡¯t forget one thing. That day, when you mmed at my door and scolded me vixen, didn¡¯t you already know who Brother Zhai liked? Today, you¡¯re spending this sum of money to buy information from me? What do you mean by this?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth while enduring the humiliation. ¡°I apologize to you about what happened that day. I¡¯ll say sorry. Will that do? It¡¯s my fault. I clearly knew that you¡¯re not that woman, and... But you have to be more understanding. I¡¯ve been driven mad. I was so close to Brother Zhai. When I found out suddenly that he had betrayed and deserted me, I was looking for that woman crazily. You¡¯re an innocent party that had been implicated. It¡¯s my mistake. Sorry, I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    Those few words of apologies made Qiu Chenxi tear up uncontrobly as if she was in a state of suffering.

    That love-struck and forlorn performance, as if she was attacked by the vixen and abandoned by her lover, was portrayed very vividly and depicted in a detailed manner.

    If Qiao Nan did not know the truth from the beginning until the end, from Qiu Chenxi¡¯s one-sided narration alone, Qiao Nan would begin to suspect if she was the third party that stood in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s way.

    It was only until this moment that Qiao Nan began to believe that Qiu Chenxi not only graduated from college but also a top-tier one. This type of speech and expression was not something that an ordinary person could manage.

    If not because it was inappropriate, Qiao Nan would ask Qiu Chenxi if she majored in acting or performance when she was in college.

    Qiao Nan let out a breath and straightened the thoughts that had almost been led astray by Qiu Chenxi. She pushed the money back to Qiu Chenxi. ¡°I won¡¯t take the money. Initially, I have nothing to say to you, but instead of letting you continue to pester me, I can only tell you that the woman you¡¯ve been looking for is me. It¡¯s me. It¡¯s me. Will that do? If not, you cane to my house to argue and create a fuss next time. You¡¯ll see if the oue is what you wish for. How about it?¡±

 Chapter 492 - No One Believes in the Truth

    <h4>Chapter 492: No One Believes in the Truth</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi clenched her fists. There were shes of hate and mockery in her eyes.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes were seemingly telling Qiao Nan that thetter must be a fool talking in her dreams. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s qualities, it was wishful thinking on her part that she could be together with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan told such an unbelievable lie. Unless her brain was sandwiched by the door, she would never believe it.

    Qiu Chenxi pursed her lips and took back her money. ¡°Since you¡¯re really not going to tell me, then forget it. Sure, you¡¯re not willing to tell me about that woman¡¯s situation, but can you not mention to anyone that I came to look for you today? Not breathe a single word to anyone?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Sorry to disturb you. I¡¯m leaving.¡± After confirming that Qiao Nan could not give her an answer, Qiu Chenxi did not waste her time further. She immediately took her money back and left. Her behavior now was in stark contrast to that pitiful and sincere look that she portrayed earlier. She was like an entirely different person.

    ¡°She finally left.¡± Qiao Nan slumped backward. After this asion, she hoped that when Qiu Chenxi wished to investigate about that woman in the future, she would stop suspecting that she was the one. It would be better if she stopped bothering her for clues altogether.

    With Qiu Chenxi¡¯s constant stirring of trouble, Qiao Nan was very worried that Miao Jing would discover the truth when things got out of hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that you¡¯re feeling relieved too early?¡± Shi Qing crossed her arms and kicked Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Damn, when did youe in? Why wasn¡¯t there any noise?¡± Qiao Nan jumped in shock. ¡°Something is wrong. When Qiu Chenxi came in, I clearly closed the door. When she left, I also heard her close the main door. How did you get in?¡±

    ¡°The wall in your house is not tall. Isn¡¯t it easy for me to get in?¡± Shi Qing said daringly. She then picked afortable spot and sat down, as if she was at home. ¡°I¡¯m a guest. Get me a cup of tea.¡±

    Another one who came in by climbing the wall?

    Oh, man!

    Did these people pick up the skills of flipping over the walls of other people¡¯s houses while they were in the army? What kind of army was that?!

    Qiao Nan was unwilling to do so. She had spent much energy in her conversation with Qiu Chenxi earlier. ¡°My house is just this big. You¡¯ll be able to see everything with a nce. If you want water, go and get it yourself. Otherwise, don¡¯t drink.¡±

    Everyone wasing to her house to pretend to be the boss?

    Sorry, she was not entertaining them!

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t.¡± Shi Qing snorted. She did not get herself a cup of water. Instead, she opened the refrigerator and took out the milk ice pops that Qiao Dongliang specially bought for Qiao Nan and started chewing it. ¡°Were you out of your mind just now? You actually told Qiu Chenxi that you¡¯re that woman. What if she took it for real?¡±

    ¡°When did you get in?¡± Qiao Nan narrowed her eyes at Shi Qing.

    ¡°When she was here, I was here.¡±

    ¡°You have a spy at the Qiu family?¡±

    Shi Qing swung her legs. ¡°Did you think I stayed for one month at the house of the Qiu family for nothing?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing a thumbs-up. She took her hat off to Shi Qing. She certainly believed that Shi Qing, this youngdy, had been trained in the army before. Otherwise, it was impossible for her to y this game of spy so well. It was unlike the family of four in the Qiu family that did not take any preventive measures at all. ¡°Rest assured. I don¡¯t know why Qiu Chenxi subscribed to this thinking, but she¡¯s very sure that I¡¯m not involved in any love affair because of my good grades. In particr, she thought it¡¯s impossible for me to have a rtionship with Brother Zhai. I was not afraid of telling the truth because she would not believe it. The more I admit to it, the more she won¡¯t believe it.¡±

    Shi Qing had devoured the ice pops in no time. ¡°She may be too clever for her own good. Fine. It looks like I have been worried about you for nothing. Your physical ability is weaker than Zhu Baoguo but your brainpower deserves praise. It seems like Qiu Chenxi is not your match.¡±

    ¡°Are you praising or deriding me?¡± Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She kicked the dustbin to the side of Shi Qing¡¯s legs. Shi Qing then swiftly threw the stick from the consumed ice pops into it.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m deriding you,¡± Shi Qing said as a matter of fact. ¡°You¡¯re a weakling with good brains but poor physique. I look down on you.¡±

    If Zhu Baoguo was not so weak, and Qiao Nan did not seem any stronger than him, she would not have rushed over in a panic after receiving the news that Qiu Chenxi wasing to look for trouble. ¡°Right, please don¡¯t misunderstand that I¡¯m concerned about you. Although Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother bears the surname Qi instead of Shi, she¡¯s also a family member of my Shi family. As long as Qiu Chenxi has something to do with the Shi family, I have to keep a watch on them for the sake of the Shi family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Her father told her that many years ago, when Zhai Yaohui had already filed a marriage report to marry Miao Jing and even sent out wedding invitations, and everyone was just waiting to attend their wedding banquet, that ¡®good¡¯ auntie of hers actually pressurized the men in the Shi family to force Zhai Yaohui to marry her instead. Shi Qing felt so ashamed when she thought of it.

    Although the Zhai family at that time was not as formidable as today, they could not be underestimated too.

    If they really provoked the Zhai family, the Shi family would be in deep trouble. She really did not know what her auntie was thinking about to be able toe up with such a bad idea.

    Given Qi Min¡¯s poor behavior, to prevent the situation of like mother, like daughter, Shi Qing could only keep a tighter watch on them on behalf of the Shi family.

    ¡°Alright, Qiu Chenxi left. Even if she wants to mess around and lose the face of your Shi family, she¡¯ll definitely not do so at my house. Shouldn¡¯t you run out and watch her like a hawk? Don¡¯t let her bring shame to the Qiu family and the Shi family.¡±

    ¡°Can I possibly watch her for twenty-four hours a day? No way! If there¡¯s really a problem, the face of the Qiu family will be lost first. The Shi family will then be implicated,¡± Shi Qing said, seemingly very annoyed. ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t need to shun my presence. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m willing to remain in this lousy house of yours any longer.¡±

    If she remained here, she would think of how sincere Brother Zhai¡¯sughter was that day. She would feel so sad that she could not be at ease.

    ¡°Before I leave, I¡¯ll say one more thing. Now that Qiu Chenxi and my auntie are watching Brother Zhai closely, it¡¯s better if Brother Zhai and you do not interact too closely with each other these few days. Otherwise, they will have to believe it even if they initially don¡¯t. You and Brother Zhai should decide for yourself what needs to be done.¡±

    Leaving these words behind, Shi Qing really left.

    Of course, she did not leave through the main door, again. She flipped over the wall.

    Qiao Nan held her forehead which had imaginary ck lines on it. Shi Qing was good. She could climb over the wall in broad daylight.

    Fortunately, Shi Qing was a woman. Otherwise, she did not believe that no one would notice her climbing in and out of the house in broad daylight. If the person who climbed over was a man, her reputation would be gone. She would immediately be seen as a bad kid in the area.

    Nevertheless, Shi Qing¡¯s words reminded her. Clearly, Qiu Chenxi came to look for her today because she had not given up. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attitude was representative of that of the Qiu family.

    Fortunately, Brother Zhai only came back for ten days this time. If they really could not see each other in person like they did in the past, they could call each other.

 Chapter 493 - Backstabbed by His Son

    <h4>Chapter 493: Backstabbed by His Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When he received Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call, that good mood of Zhai Sheng dissipated thoroughly. If it was just phone calls, Zhai Sheng could also do so while he was in the camp. Wasn¡¯t the reason that he wanted to go home was to meet Qiao Nan face-to-face during her school vacation?

    Fortunately, although the Qiu family had a plot, Zhai Sheng also had his strategy.

    The next day, Zhai Sheng simply brought Miao Jing with him to the house of the Qiao family.

    Hence, unknowingly, Miao Jing had been ¡®deceived¡¯ under the cover of a diversion.

    It could be said that the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan was known to everyone in the Zhai and the Qiao family. Not taking into ount Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Miao Jing was the only one that was not in the know.

    At the sight of the muddle-headed Miao Jing, Qiao Dongliang found it too awkward to stay at home. Each time Miao Jing visited, Qiao Dongliang would find an excuse to leave the house.

    Although he was also the ¡®victim¡¯ and Zhai Sheng was the wolf who wished to prey on his daughter, from another perspective, he had to admit that his own family¡¯s Nan Nan had also abducted other people¡¯s son.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why do I keep feeling that your dad leaves every time Ie? Is he unhappy about my visit?¡± Miao Jing looked at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back sullenly. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    As the ¡®main culprits¡¯, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan exchanged looks with each other. Zhai Sheng exined, ¡°Mom, Auntie Ding is not at home. Uncle Qiao is a man and thedy owner is not around. It¡¯s not convenient for him to entertain you. You should understand Dad¡¯s temper.¡±

    ¡°What has it got to do with him? I¡¯ve never seen him finding it inconvenient or cautious when he entertained Qi Min alone,¡± Miao Jing said unhappily. She could not be too close with another man. Then, on what grounds did Zhai Yaohui have to be on such good terms with Qi Min?

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about your dad. I feel angry at the mention of him. Why couldn¡¯t he let me go back to my hometown? Why!¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was ¡®arrowed¡¯ again, bowed and dared not speak.

    At the sight of the guilty look on Qiao Nan, Miao Jing understood. Miao Jing looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I¡¯m thirsty, but I don¡¯t feel like drinking water. Can you help me buy some drinks back? Remember, I want something cold. I don¡¯t want it if it¡¯s not cold enough. Hurry and go.¡±

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan to confirm that Qiao Nan could handle this. He then left ording to Miao Jing¡¯s wish.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you have anything to exin to me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Auntie Miao, I feel that Chief Zhai actually cares a lot about you. He will be jealous because of you. Maybe the person in Chief Zhai¡¯s heart is not Qi Min but you.¡± A man¡¯s reaction could not fool others.

    The domineering attitude that a man had toward a woman could be due to selfishness. Nevertheless, it could also be due to the importance of the woman in his heart.

    If Chief Zhai did not have feelings for Auntie Miao, his expression that day would not show any uneasiness or unhappiness, but tremendous anger. He would feel that he had been betrayed and shamed, not hurt.

    ¡°You¡¯re just a child. What do you know?¡± Miao Jing did not believe the oue of Qiao Nan¡¯s test this time. ¡°No matter what your reason is, even if it¡¯s for my own good, don¡¯t let this happen again. Understand? In the past, my heart had no freedom. Now, even my body does not have any freedom.¡±

    In the past, Zhai Yaohui did not care about where she went. Now, Zhai Yaohui watched her like a hawk. It was as if he was a dog guarding his own dog house.

    Damn, what kind of description was that? Zhai Yaohui was a dog, but not her.

    When she heard Miao Jing¡¯s words, Qiao Nan could only shut her mouth. If Miao Jing could not sort out her thoughts, it was useless for her to exin further as Miao Jing would not listen to any of it.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, can I ask you about another matter?¡± Qiao Nan was suddenly inspired.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been objecting to Brother Zhai finding a woman from an ordinary family to marry. Does this have something to do with your experience with Chief Zhai?¡± No matter how she saw it, she did not think that Auntie Miao would shun a girl from bing her daughter-inw because of thetter¡¯s family background. It did not seem like Auntie Miao favored the rich to the poor.

    Miao Jing gave a bitter smile and touched Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°I hope you will never know the answer.¡±

    In other words, Miao Jing would never tell Qiao Nan the reason. Nevertheless, judging from Miao Jing¡¯s attitude, Qiao Nan already had the answer in her heart.

    The ten days of leave seemed like a short time for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. In the blink of an eye, Zhai Sheng had to return to the army.

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui had a prior agreement. Zhai Sheng must never cast the matters of the army and the country aside because of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Fine, don¡¯t look anymore. Quickly go back. If I find out that you change your route halfway, ahem...¡± Zhai Yaohui gave Zhai Sheng a warning when he sent thetter off. Zhai Yaohui had found out about the previous asion where Zhai Sheng secretly went to see Qiao Nan before returning to the army.

    In the past, Zhai Yaohui did not know why he routed there but he was aware now. As a father, he knew Zhai Sheng better than Zhai Sheng himself. Hence, he was well aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s route to the army.

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes and gave Zhai Yaohui an unhappy nce. ¡°I know.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui snorted coldly. Zhai Sheng belonged to the Zhai family. He could not let him mess around with some matters.

    After Zhai Sheng got into the car, he smiled and looked at Zhai Yaohui. He then faced Miao Jing and said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going back to the camp first. If there¡¯s any matter at home, call me.¡±

    ¡°Of course, other people are not as reliable as my son. I¡¯m already of this age. Who else can I look for besides you?¡± Miao Jing smiled. Her son did not mind helping her. Was there anything more blissful than this?

    When he saw that he had sessfully made Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turn ck, Zhai Sheng felt much better. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m leaving. Bye.¡±

    ¡°Drive slowly. No hurry.¡± Miao Jing waved her hands. It was only when Zhai Sheng had driven a distance away and was out of sight that Miao Jing was willing to go home.

    Zhai Yaohui was frowning badly. Three deep vertical lines were showing on his forehead. He would be at home. If Miao Miao really encountered any matter and needed somebody¡¯s help, he would be around. Did she still have to look for Zhai Sheng?

    So, the mother-son pair decided to treat him as nonexistent?

    Zhai Yaohui, who was depressed, sat on the sofa when he arrived home. He did not manage to read a single word in the newspaper that he had been holding for a long time.

    Ring! Ring! Ring!

    At this juncture, the phone of the Zhai family rang in an urgent manner. The auntie had a shock.

    When the auntie saw that Zhai Yaohui did not intend to pick it up, she could only run over and do so. ¡°Hello, good day. Yes, he¡¯s around. Chief, the army called. They are looking for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Yaohui took over the phone. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. The army is organizing an event? Of course, I¡¯ll definitely agree to it. We, as soldiers, have to keep up with the times. Okay, what event will that be? Can you tell me in detail? Yes... Oh, English?!¡±

 Chapter 494 - Support the Army Events

    <h4>Chapter 494: Support the Army Events</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Why did you all organize this activity suddenly? I see. Okay. It¡¯s not that it can¡¯t be done. The country always has a high level of expectations of our soldiers. Of course, we have to give more support to events like this. Who did you all invite? Lin Yuankang? Being able to invite Elder Lin, you¡¯re very capable. Okay, so Elder Lin will be bringing his little disciple. He can. Elder Lin is very capable and has done the country proud. He has done a lot for the country. Of course, it¡¯s best that you can invite him. Most likely, his little disciple should be very capable as well.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°I see. Okay. I express my support. At that time, I will be there. Okay. Just tell me the date and time... It¡¯s that day. Fine, I know. Bye.¡±

    After hanging up, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s mood turned a little better.

    Instead of staying at home to face Miao Miao¡¯s hostility, it would be better to make a trip to the army and see what help was needed.

    ¡°Miao Miao, the army is organizing a small event. They asked me to attend. Are you going?¡± After thinking, Zhai Yaohui went to ask Miao Jing.

    ¡°Not going!¡± Why should she go? To wait for Qi Min toe knocking on the door and showing off to her again?

    In the house of the Zhai family, she was thedy owner at the very least. She had a say in whether Qi Min coulde in and out of the house. However, at the army camp, this would not be within her control.

    She would rather not go to the army and see those scenes that would prick her eyes.

    Zhai Yaohui knitted his brows. ¡°You¡¯re really not going? When you¡¯re there, you¡¯ll be able to see your son and daughter.¡±

    ¡°Even if I go, I may not be able to see them as both of them are busier than me. Forget it. They are so busy. If I go, won¡¯t I be disturbing them while they¡¯re at work? Not going. You can go by yourself this time. I¡¯ll stay at home to rest. After running around for more than twenty years, I¡¯m old and tired. I¡¯m not prepared to join in this fun anymore. I can¡¯t control all the three of you. Since I can¡¯t, then I won¡¯t,¡± Miao Jing said angrily.

    ¡°Look at you. It¡¯s fine that you won¡¯t go. What are you talking about again? It¡¯s just a misunderstanding and you remember it until today,¡± Zhai Yaohui said annoyingly. He did not understand. He had already rified the matter. Why did Miao Miao have to keeping at him?

    Miao Jing sneered. ¡°I¡¯ll not only remember this until today. Unless I¡¯m dead, I¡¯ll always remember this. Both of us know if it¡¯s really a misunderstanding. You hope that I¡¯ll forget everything just with your words. What about me? I don¡¯t have any misunderstanding at my end, but you didn¡¯t even allow me to return to my hometown. Zhai Yaohui, to tell you the truth, when I saw the way you handled this, I realized that I was too foolish in the past.¡±

    So, in the whole world, only those who bore the surname Zhai had a temper? She, who bore the surname Miao, did not have any?

    ¡°You!¡± Zhai Yaohui could not find a reason to refute. ¡°Fine, fine. Let¡¯s talk nicely. You¡¯re angry again. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. You think about it carefully whether you wish to attend.¡±

    After Zhai Yaohui left the master bedroom, he sat in the study room in a daze.

    After a while, Zhai Yaohui secretly called the auntie over.

    The auntie was full of curiosity. ¡°Chief, you asked for me? Do you have any instructions for me? Are you hungry? Do you want me to prepare supper for you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Zhai Yaohui waved his hands. ¡°After two days, I¡¯ll be going out with Miao Miao. Miao Miao¡¯s mood is not very good recently. If there¡¯s any matter, it¡¯s not convenient for me to tell her, in case she feels troubled. You... When Miao Miao is unaware, help her pack some clothes. When the dayes, put the clothes in the car before we leave. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± The auntie nodded honestly despite feeling puzzled.

    Madam was never azy person. In the past, whenever she left the house with Chief Zhai, she would always pack her own luggage and never requested her help.

    Moreover, what had the packing of luggage got to do with her mood?

    Although the auntie did not understand, she followed Zhai Yaohui¡¯s instructions and packed a few clothes for Miao Jing behind her back. After packing, she ced them in the car that Zhai Yaohui wanted to use. Throughout the whole process, the auntie did it in a hush, as if she was a thief.

    When the day came, Miao Jing intended to stay at homefortably and let Zhai Yaohui go to the army alone.

    She never expected that before getting into the car, Zhai Yaohui would wordlessly carry her into the car against her will. He did not give Miao Jing any chance to reject him.

    The auntie, who was standing at the entrance of the house, heard Miao Jing¡¯s screams. Miao Jing was gone with the car that sped away.

    The auntie tilted her head, her expression full of doubt. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Chief and Madam Zhai? What Chief Zhai did just now was no different from a brigand chief snatching his wife. What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Yaohui, don¡¯t be too much!¡± In the car, Miao Jing¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that I¡¯m not going? I¡¯m not going! Do you understand humannguage?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face was calm. ¡°Fine. Can I not know how much you miss your son and daughter? You don¡¯t need to feel embarrassed about it. Aren¡¯t I bringing you along? Stop making noises and embarrass yourself in front of Xiao Liu. You¡¯ll make things difficult for your son and daughter in the army if you behave in this way. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re the wife of a chief. Be more serious. We can tease each other as a couple when we¡¯re back.¡±

    Miao Jing gave a stare. She had never seen this thick-skinned side of Zhai Yaohui before. He spoke as if the ck was white. She was stunned, dazed.

    When he saw Miao Jing raise her hands up, Zhai Yaohui quickly grabbed her hands. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you to be serious. Don¡¯t kick up a fuss anymore.¡±

    Xiao Liu, the chauffeur who was driving the car for the couple, adjusted the rearview mirror in case he became implicated. Nevertheless, Chief Zhai and his wife were already a long-time couple, yet they¡¯re still so close with each other. They¡¯re closer than when they were young. He was so envious of them.

    They were outside. Even if Miao Jing did not wish to give Zhai Yaohui any face, she had to consider her son¡¯s and daughter¡¯s faces. Furthermore, there was also her own face to save.

    Miao Jing withdrew her hands from that of Zhai Yaohui. She even stepped hard on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s shoe without any reservation. She then distanced herself from Zhai Yaohui by sitting further away from him.

    This time, Zhai Yaohui did not force her. It was fine as long as Miao Miao was by his side and followed him to the army camp.

    He could ept that Miao Miao was kicking up a fuss with him.

    When they arrived at the army camp, which had apletely different atmosphere, Zhai Yaohui looked like he was a fish returning to the waters. He looked not only more rxed but also glowing. ¡°We have arrived. Come down.¡±

    Miao Jing ignored Zhai Yaohui who tried to help her down the car and alighted on her own.

    She was not a seventy- or eighty-year-old woman that needed the help of others. When she could not walk anymore one day, the person who would be by her side and help her would be either her daughter or son. But it would never be Zhai Yaohui.

 Chapter 495 - Protecting His Calf

    <h4>Chapter 495: Protecting His Calf</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yaohui did not have any reaction. He just stood beside Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing was unwilling to bother about Zhai Yaohui. She looked around but did not nce at Zhai Yaohui at all.

    When Miao Jing saw someone in the army, her mood suddenly turned better. ¡°Nan Nan, why are you here?¡±

    At the sound of the two words, ¡®Nan Nan¡¯, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s temple throbbed twice greatly. He turned and looked. Wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you in the camp? Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯d be here? How did youe? You¡¯re alone? Did you call your Brother Zhai and ask him to fetch you?¡± Miao Jing went up to Qiao Nan affectionately and asked her a few questions in a meticulous and caring way.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned ck instantly. ¡°How did you all guard the ce? Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry enter the army?¡± Zhai Sheng actually lied to him. He did not do as he promised!

    Clearly, they had a prior agreement that Zhai Sheng must not let his rtionship with Qiao Nan affect the matters in the army.

    This time, he merely did not allow Zhai Sheng to stop by the house of the Qiao family before returning to the army. He did not expect that Zhai Sheng would be so daring and bring Qiao Nan to the army camp directly instead. He was simply a scoundrel!

    ¡°Let me warn all of you. This matter, I will definitely pursue it till the end. I¡¯d like to see who neglected their duties andmitted such a lowly mistake. Get someone toe here to quickly send away those people who have nothing to do with the army. Whatever happened today, everyone who yed a part in this has to face disciplinary actions!¡± Even if it was Zhai Sheng!

    The two soldiers on duty who were spat at by Zhai Yaohui had looks of innocence written all over their faces. They nearly cried. ¡°Reporting to Chief Zhai, Teacher Xiao Qiao is not someone who has nothing to do with the army. She came here with a valid reason.¡±

    ¡°What reasons? They¡¯re all excuses. Hurry, quickly send her away!¡± Zhai Yaohui was really infuriated this time. He had believed that, despite having taken a liking to a woman, his son would remain clear-minded and could prioritize and manage issues ording to importance and urgencies.

    If that had not been the case, he would not have helped hide this matter.

    However, he had misced his trust in his son this time. After Zhai Sheng took a liking to Qiao Nan, he hadpletely changed.

    Previously, he could force himself to ept Qiao Nan¡¯s existence, but now, he certainly could not! He would not let Qiao Nan ruin Zhai Sheng or the Zhai family.

    This time, even if Miao Miao agreed, he would never agree to the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan must not be together with Zhai Sheng or worse, be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family!

    ¡°Oldd of the Zhai family, what do you mean by this? Even if your dad is here, he will not dare to be so fierce to me. You¡¯ve grown up and your wings have hardened. You¡¯re really unreasonable!¡± Lin Yuankang walked over with a frown. ¡°Who are you chasing away? If your politicalmissar did not invite me here, do you think an old man like me would be willing to climb the mountains ande to this poor ce that¡¯s in the middle of nowhere? My disciple is such a soft and tender youngdy. She can¡¯t take this kind of hardship, but she didn¡¯t even mind your poor environment and isted ce, yet you wanted to chase my disciple away? What do you mean! Didn¡¯t you all invite me here to support theunch of your event? Now, the people in the army are so merciless. So, you can y such tricks? On one hand, you invited people for an event. On the other hand, you scream at people?¡±

    ¡°Elder Lin?¡± When he saw Lin Yuankang, Zhai Yaohui was stunned. ¡°Elder Lin, you¡¯ve misunderstood. Why would I chase your disciple away?¡±

    Lin Yuankang¡¯s political status might not match that of Zhai Yaohui, but his seniority was much higher than Zhai Yaohui.

    When there was peace in the country and development was needed, many Chinese citizens were unwilling to return to the country after going overseas. Someone like Lin Yuankang, who was sessful overseas but was willing to give up a high-sried job and everything toe back to a country that had nothing and had to be developed from scratch, was a patriotic senior and elder whom Zhai Yaohui respected very much.

    Many years ago, Elder Lin was determined and firm in giving up everything he had overseas to return to his own country. Until today, Zhai Yaohui was full of respect for him and people simr to him. Without them, China would not have progressed so quickly.

    ¡°Then, who were you chasing away just now?!¡± Lin Yuankang was even more displeased. He didn¡¯t have any other strength except for being good at protecting his own people. He was like a cow protecting his calf.

    Amongst his many disciples, he had very few female ones. Within them, thisst disciple was the youngest.

    Zhai Yaohui dared to pick his youngest disciple to bully. This would not do. He had to call Old Zhai one day so that Old Zhai could chide Zhai Yaohui. He did not respect him anymore after being the chief for a few years?

    What arrogance!

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Yaohui had wanted to say that he was chasing away Qiao Nan, someone that did not matter. But when he heard Lin Yuankang say that he had taken in a female disciple, he was in total shock. It was as if he had been struck by lightning. ¡°Elder Lin, do you mean that Qiao Nan is your disciple? She¡¯s the disciple that you brought to the army to participate in the event this time?¡±

    The people in the army had already reported this to Zhai Yaohui clearly. They had invited Lin Yuankang, a veteran revolutionary. Most importantly, Lin Yuankang even brought his little disciple.

    When Zhai Yaohui received the news via a phone call a few days ago, he had sung great praises for Lin Yuankang¡¯s little disciple, saying that Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple should be quite capable.

    Oh, how one did not expect that they would p their own face after just a few days!

    ¡°Then?¡± Lin Yuankang snorted unhappily. ¡°Nan Nan, did you have a scare? Really, these people in the army... If I have to use a term from the olden days to describe them, they¡¯re rough boors whom no one likes! They¡¯re physically developed and look down on others who are mentally developed.¡±

    Even when Old Zhai saw him in the past, he would address him as Mr. Lin!

    ¡°Misunderstanding. It¡¯s all a misunderstanding.¡± Zhai Yaohui was very ashamed. How would he know that Qiao Nan was the little disciple that Elder Lin brought to the army for the event? Had he known about it, why would he chase Qiao Nan away? No matter how much he disliked her, he had to find another excuse, right?

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯ve be Elder Lin¡¯s disciple? And you¡¯re hisst disciple?¡± Completely ignoring Zhai Yaohui¡¯s embarrassed state, Miao Jing felt so happy for Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ve heard previously that Elder Lin has retired and was prepared to take in thest disciple. However, the news disappeared after a few days. I even thought that Elder Lin had changed his mind and found those people knocking on his door annoying. So, you¡¯re the one who got it. Nan Nan, Elder Lin is someone of great capability. You must not miss this great opportunity to learn conscientiously from Elder Lin.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, don¡¯t worry, I will.¡± Qiao Nan smiled and nodded. She could not hide her feelings of helplessness.

    Chief Zhai was very surprised to see her, and so was she.

    That day, she knew that Brother Zhai was going back to the army. Before he went back, he had called her. Hence, she knew that Brother Zhai would note and see her before he returned to the camp.

 Chapter 496 - Go Home and Ask Your Son

    <h4>Chapter 496: Go Home and Ask Your Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan felt a little disappointed. That day, she stared at the wall of her house for a long time, as if she was waiting for Zhai Sheng to climb over it.

    Qiao Nan was finally able to manage her feelings and was prepared to focus on her studies again. She wanted to prepare the study n for the next semester, but a phone call from her master, Lin Yuankang,pletely disrupted her n.

    In the beginning, Qiao Nan thought that her master was joking with her.

    This morning, the car from her master¡¯s house stopped at the main entrance of the Qiao¡¯s house. She heard her master continuously urging her to ce her luggage in the car. It was only until then that she realized what her master said in his previous phone call was real.

    Qiao Dongliang had always known that his daughter had formally acknowledged a master and was learning English from him.

    However, as the situation of the Qiao family was not good, Qiao Dongliang had been busy working to earn money. Aside from reminding Qiao Nan to give a call to this master to send her respect and greetings during the Lunar New Year and festive asions, he did not have any other contact with Lin Yuankang. This was the first time he saw his daughter with her English teacher.

    Qiao Dongliang was aware of his own family situation. In addition, all this while, Lin Yuankang had been helping Qiao Nan a lot. When he found out that Lin Yuankang was Qiao Nan¡¯s master, his heart was generous enough. Without any suspicion, he immediately let Qiao Nan pack a few pieces of clothing and leave with Lin Yuankang.

    When Qiao Nan alighted and stepped onto the grounds within the territory of the army, she still felt that this was unreal.

    She actually came to the army to look at the ce first without relying on Brother Zhai. That being said, Brother Zhai was also here?

    At the sight of the orderly ce with strict regtions, Qiao Nan stood straight with respect.

    ¡°Nan Nan, how long have you been here?¡± Miao Jing, who was previously unwilling toe as she was angry with Zhai Yaohui, was happy now. She had previously nned to look for Qiao Nan after Zhai Yaohui left for the army. Anyway, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s summer break from school and she would have a lot of time to keep herpany.

    It was great now that she could see Nan Nan in the army camp.

    In other words, if she had note today, it would have been more boring to stay at the house of the Zhai family.

    ¡°I was here about half an hour earlier than you.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a ce to stay?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve already unpacked my clothes.¡±

    ¡°Really? Then, did you bring any mosquito-repellent coil? There¡¯s nothing but mosquitoes and insects here. They bite people.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any.¡± When her master arrived at her house, she had to leave with him in a hurry. Even the clothes that she brought were stuffed into the car by her father. She was totally unprepared.

    Fortunately, there were material resources in the army. She could collect some basic daily necessities in the camp. Otherwise, it would truly be haphazard.

    ¡°No issue. I have some. I¡¯ll send you someter. There are also mosquitos. I have ready-made ones too. Initially, I bought these for your Sister Hua Hua, but she usually doesn¡¯t stay long in the army camp. She still has some leftover from those that I gave her previously. Come. Bring auntie to take a look at where you¡¯re staying.¡±

    With Qiao Nan, Miao Jing simply forgot about Zhai Yaohui. She totally ignored him.

    Three imaginary vertical lines appeared on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s forehead. ¡°Elder Lin, is Qiao Nan really your disciple? Why did you ept her?¡±

    Given the situation of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan would not have any chance to meet someone like Elder Lin. It was thus impossible for Qiao Nan to be Elder Lin¡¯s disciple.

    ¡°You want to know?¡± Elder Linughed. ¡°Go home and ask your son. It¡¯s all thanks to him. Otherwise, I would not have found such an intelligent and diligent little disciple that I¡¯m extremely pleased with at my old age.¡±

    In the beginning, it was by ident.

    After more interactions, he then discovered that Nan Nan was truly the one that he was most pleased with among all of his disciples. It was fate that Zhai Sheng sent her to him.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng?¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s heart flipped. He thought of that smile on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face when he left the house for the army.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡± Lin Yuankang was happy. ¡°I won¡¯t take issue with you for the matter just now. If it happens again, don¡¯t me me for being unruly. Nan Nan is still so young. She¡¯s someone that can call you uncle. You¡¯re already of an age that can be someone¡¯s grandfather, yet you bullied a youngdy who has not grown up. Zhai Yaohui, you¡¯re a chief that¡¯s moving backward in time.¡±

    Bullying the young and small, wasn¡¯t that deterioration?

    ¡°Ha, hahaha...¡± Zhai Yaohui clenched his fists. If not for the fact that Zhai Sheng had grown up and that he could not instill discipline in him with physical punishment, he would definitely bash the young brat up until his buttocks were in pain.

    If memory served him right, Zhai Sheng had only known Qiao Nan for a short time when Elder Lin epted her as his disciple. Qiao Nan was only a fifteen-year-old child who had justpleted her second year of junior high school then!

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui was a little unhappy about Qiao Nan¡¯s age. When he knew that Zhai Sheng had been harboring such thoughts ever since Qiao Nan was at an even younger age, Zhai Yaohui was not pleased.

    Qiao Nan, who was a fifteen-year-old second-year student then, was really only a child. How did Zhai Sheng get that idea!

    At first, Zhai Yaohui med Qiao Nan a little for not knowing her limits and be together with Zhai Sheng. Now, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s me in his heart was all targeted at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng was a very intelligent man. Furthermore, he was already an adult who knew what he wanted. Judging from his attitude toward Qiu Chenxi, he was someone who understood romantic feelings.

    Zhai Sheng knew, but what did the Qiao Nan then know?

    As it turned out, as a father, Zhai Yaohui was too ashamed to point the finger at Qiao Nan for harboring ill intentions toward the status and reputation of the Zhai family. No matter how he looked at it, it was Zhai Sheng, this big bad wolf, who made use of the fact that Qiao Nan was just a little ignorant sheep back then and did his utmost to bring her back to his wolf¡¯s den and put a stamp of his family on her.

    Zhai Yaohui was at a loss for words when he reflected on this. Zhai Sheng, this young brat who was often silent, was so resolute, decisive, and shameless when he acted.

    ¡°Elder Lin, don¡¯t worry. This won¡¯t happen again. Also, thank you for supporting our army¡¯s event this time. You¡¯ve already retired, yet we still made youe back this time to teach the youngds in the army. We¡¯re really sorry. However, there¡¯s no other alternative. Although our country is developing, our foundation at this early stage is not that strong. Regarding the technology and skills in other countries, we definitely have to learn and examine them. However, all those are in a tadpole-likenguage. It doesn¡¯t serve the learning purpose for our soldiers well. The soldiers in our army must have some basic understanding of this. As for the elite ones, of course they have to be adept at it. Some terminologies and jargons are tooplex. We really can¡¯t do without your help.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was also in a fix regarding this.

    If Elder Zhai¡¯s culture was not considered good, then Zhai Yaohui was a little worse than Elder Zhai. It was because Zhai Yaohui was born in a special era where an environment conducive to learning was absent. Thereafter, when there was peace in the country, Zhai Yaohui continued to learn and thus achieved his sess today.

 Chapter 497 - Bribing the Hearts of Others

    <h4>Chapter 497: Bribing the Hearts of Others</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In terms of somenguages and cultures, such as English, Zhai Yaohui was definitely out of touch.

    It was not just Zhai Yaohui but also the soldiers that were currently in the army. Some were worse than Zhai Yaohui in terms of culture.

    In the face of such a situation, the army had to think of a way to elevate the cultural standards of everyone.

    Moreover, if the soldiers in the army intended to continue with this as their future path, they had to undergo various types of training and self-improvement courses in the army.

    ¡°Alright, stop your favor-currying. I understand all these. Didn¡¯t I bring my own disciple here? A bunch of grown-up men are not evenparable to a youngdy who is still studying in senior high school. And you were not embarrassed to chase Nan Nan away. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡± Lin Yuankang lifted his chin. He looked so proud.

    See, this was the disciple of Lin Yuankang.

    So what if she was young? Amongst so many grown-up men here, who was older than his disciple? But now, all these tall and big figures had to address his little disciple as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ respectfully when they saw her.

    Zhai Yaohui pursed his lips helplessly. Teacher Xiao Qiao, so be it. Anyway, he would not address her as such, and neither would Zhai Sheng.

    At the thought that both father and son did not have to bow to Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui felt more at ease.

    No matter what, although this matter was not nned by Zhai Sheng...

    Prior to this, Zhai Sheng must have known about this. This young brat...

    ¡°Elder Lin, would you like to take a seat at my office?¡± He could not understand how Zhai Sheng, that young brat, could set his eyes on Qiao Nan that early. Who did he resemble? He did not resemble either Miao Miao or him.

    ¡°Of course, why not? Most likely, your office is the mostfortable ce in the entire camp. It¡¯s rare that my old bones came to this ce. Surely you would let me rest at the mostfortable ce, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Lin Yuankang would not let his old physique suffer. Even if Zhai Yaohui did not suggest it, he would also do so.

    ¡°Then, Elder Lin, this way please.¡± Zhai Yaohui let out a sigh of relief. He finally stopped chiding him because of Qiao Nan¡¯s matter.

    After all the VIPs (Very Important People) left, the two soldiers standing on guard looked at each other pitifully. ¡°Then, do we still have to face disciplinary actions?¡± When Chief Zhai left, he did not make himself clear.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so... After all, Teacher Xiao Qiao was invited here by the politicalmissar. She¡¯s not any Tom, Dick, and Harry. If we didn¡¯t let her pass, then we should be criticized. Furthermore, Teacher Xiao Qiao seems to be on good terms with Chief Zhai¡¯s family, doesn¡¯t she?¡± the other soldier said with some reservation.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be the best. Alright, don¡¯t chat anymore. Let¡¯s continue with our duties. If someone sees us chatting, we will really be disciplined.¡±

    ¡°Good day. Please alight from the car for security checks.¡± At this juncture, a car drove in.

    Qiu Chenxi, who looked haggard, alighted. ¡°Fine, you can stop here and go home. When I want to go back to the Qiu family, I¡¯ll give you a call to ask you toe and fetch me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± After sending the person, the chauffeur of the Qiu family drove off.

    ¡°It¡¯s Comrade Qiu.¡± The soldiers on duty were especially familiar with Qiu Chenxi. Besides the people who had to leave the army to purchase necessities, Qiu Chenxi was the next ¡®busiest¡¯ person who came in and out of the camp.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Chenxi rolled her eyes coldly at the two soldiers before walking in arrogantly in an aloof manner.

    How could the two soldiers not know that they had been looked down upon?

    One of them simply sighed. ¡°Fine, it¡¯s not the first day we know what kind of temperament this person has. It¡¯ll be fine once we¡¯re used to it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel justified. Such an arrogant and snobbish woman, yet so many brothers in the army treat her like a fairy. Damn, all of them are blind.¡± When he told everyone the facts, those bewitched brothers who were blind at heart even said that it was normal and understandable for Comrade Qiu to have some temper as she was a beautiful woman that came from a good family.

    Nonsense.

    They did not mind as they were not the ones who were being rolled eyes at.

    ¡°Putting aside Comrade Qiu¡¯s family background, no matter how I see it, she can¡¯t bepared to Teacher Xiao Qiao who came this time. She¡¯s so polite. The way she looked at us was obviously different. In Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes, soldiers are useless. In Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s eyes, I realized how proud a soldier can be. Do you think all the outsiders now look at us in the same light as Teacher Xiao Qiao?¡±

    When they thought of the bow that Teacher Xiao Qiao gave to them when she arrived at the army, the soldiers felt so sweet at heart. It was as if they had taken some soft drinks.

    ¡°How could that be the same?¡± The other soldierughed. ¡°If all the outsiders are like Teacher Xiao Qiao, then why are there so many bachelors in the army?¡± Hence, people like Teacher Xiao Qiao who liked soldiers so much were few and far between, particrly women.

    His family wanted to introducedies to him, but when thedy heard that he was a soldier, oftentimes, she would reject even the opportunity to meet up.

    Qiu Chenxi, who stepped away with her little leather shoes, did not know she had been the topic of criticism of the soldiers whom she looked down upon. They evenpared her with Qiao Nan, and in the end, the oue was that she lost to Qiao Nan.

    When she returned to the army where mosquitoes would not stop buzzing, Qiu Chenxi sat in the dormitory and kicked her feet in fury continuously.

    The bed in the dormitory was so hard and small. It was, of course, not asfortable as the one at home. Furthermore, the fan in the army was so weak. They were also not allowed to turn it on at times. There were so many mosquitoes, life was tough, she could not wear any pretty clothes and the food was poor.

    It was such a dpidated ce without any merits. For the sake of wooing Zhai Sheng, she had toe and stay here frequently. She was going crazy!

    In the Qiu family, it could be said that Qiu Chenxi lived her days without doing any work.

    However, in the army, although the food was not good, she did not need to cook them herself. The problem was that no one helped her do theundry. Qiu Chenxi only learned how to wash her own clothes after she came to the army because of Zhai Sheng.

    It was a ce that she hated. Qiu Chenxi could not understand why Zhai Sheng liked it so much. He could stay here for at least 300 days out of the 365 days in a year.

    After venting some of her frustration in the dormitory, Qiu Chenxi gathered herself. She went out and summoned someone. ¡°Has Regiment Commander Zhaie back? Where is he?¡±

    ¡°In his office. There is an event in the army recently. Most likely, Regiment Commander Zhai needed to be involved in this matter.¡± The person who replied Qiu Chenxi was a female soldier, a military performer.

    ¡°I see.¡± After thinking, Qiu Chenxi went back to her dormitory and took out a bottle of perfume which only had half left.

 Chapter 498 - Who Dares to Teach Her?

    <h4>Chapter 498: Who Dares to Teach Her?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This smell is quite good. It¡¯s an imported product. You can¡¯t get it in China. I feel that this smell suits you. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± After saying that, Qiu Chenxi simply passed the perfume to the female soldier. She knew that the female soldier would not be angry about or mind taking the half-filled bottle of perfume.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, I don¡¯t mind. Why should I?¡± It was an imported and high-end product. This perfume would most likely cost her a few months of her sry!

    At the thought that she could use a high-end imported perfume, the female soldier was overjoyed.

    ¡°It¡¯s great that you don¡¯t mind. Right, did any woman look for Regiment Commander Zhai when I was away these few days?¡± Unlike Qiu Chenxi who came to the army for ulterior motives and could not tolerate staying in the camp for a long time as it was too tough for her, the female soldier was always in the camp. She hardly left the ce. Hence, there was some information that she would know more than Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve been keeping a watch for you. Although that female doctor seemed to like regimentmander, when you were away these few days, regimentmander was also on leave for ten days. He went back to the Zhai family. After he came back, he has not fallen sick. Hence, even if that female doctor wishes to see Regiment Commander Zhai, she can¡¯t find a reason to do so. I say, Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯re so pretty and your family background is so good. You¡¯ve also known regimentmander since you¡¯re at a young age. Given the situation of your two families, most likely, you will be together in two years¡¯ time. Regimentmander is very good. Before you came, I¡¯ve never seen him giving special treatment to any female soldiers. Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯re so blessed to be able to meet such a good man like Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    The female soldier¡¯s tone was full of envy.

    Before Qiu Chenxi appeared, she thought that Regiment Commander Zhai was extinct. In the male-dominated army, he actually did not seem interested in the female soldiers. Was he considered a normal man?

    Since Qiu Chenxi appeared, the female soldier then knew that she was childhood sweethearts with Zhai Sheng. Moreover, the Zhai family and the Qiu family were on very good terms. She was not stupid. When she heard the situation, the female soldier understood what was happening.

    Hence, the female soldier believed that Regiment Commander Zhai was uninterested in another woman because he already had Qiu Chenxi in his heart and not because he did not like women. He was devoted to Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Qiu Chenxi was both guilty and proud.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai is so devoted to you. What do you have to worry about?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know,¡± Qiu Chenxi replied weakly. ¡°Zhai Sheng... No, Regiment Commander Zhai is too outstanding. Who doesn¡¯t like such an outstanding man? Even if Regiment Commander Zhai treats me... I have to watch him more. I can¡¯t possibly let others have a chance toe in between us because I didn¡¯t guard my own rtionship. There¡¯s wisdom in the saying that prevention is better than cure.¡±

    Most of Zhai Sheng¡¯s time was spent in the army. Hence, perhaps that vixen could be someone from the army. It was just that she did not discover it.

    ¡°That¡¯s true too.¡± The female soldier nodded. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai is so good looking. It¡¯s only right to keep a tighter watch on him. Right, there¡¯s an event in the camp. It will start officially this evening. The activity time will be from seven to eight o¡¯clock daily. You¡¯ve been here for some time. You should know where the event will be held. Remember to be there on time, because Regiment Commander Zhai will definitely be there.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qiu Chenxi frowned. ¡°He doesn¡¯t like the crowd. When there¡¯s an event in the past, at the very most, he would leave after attending for a while.¡±

    Would the activities in the army be more exciting than those outside?

    Zhai Sheng often left after a short time, but she would attend from the beginning till the end like a fool for the sake of him.

    ¡°It¡¯s different this time. I can¡¯t talk anymore. I have to go to training and don¡¯t have time to exin to you. You make a decision on whether to attend.¡± Qiu Chenxi was paranoid. If she did not wish to go, then so be it. Anyway, that was not her lover. Why would she feel anxious if Qiu Chenxi was not? Anyway, she had already received the perfume.

    Qiu Chenxi was affected by what the female soldier said. She eventually went to the location where the event would be held.

    When Qiu Chenxi arrived, the activity hall was actually filled with people.

    Qiu Chenxi found a ce and sat down. She looked puzzled. ¡°What is the event today? Everyone is here?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± The female soldier who sat beside Qiu Chenxi frowned in surprise. ¡°We¡¯re learning English. Now that China is progressing, many foreigners areing. The army hopes to raise our standards. At the very least, we won¡¯t be so nervous when we meet foreigners and embarrass the army.¡±

    ¡°Learn English?¡± Qiu Chenxiughed. Did she still need to learn English? If she had known that this was the event, she might as well stay in the dormitory and sleep. ¡°Do you know who¡¯sing to teach us?¡± She wanted to know who was qualified and dared to teach her English. Don¡¯t teach grandmother how to suck eggs and make a fool of themselves.

    Qiu Chenxi was very confident of her English proficiency.

    At the thought that Zhai Sheng would most likelye today, and to let him see how outstanding she was, an odd idea suddenly came to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mind. ¡°Sorry, excuse me. I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡±

    In order to calm herself down and n the next steps, Qiu Chenxi went directly to the restroom and started practicing in front of the mirror.

    Coincidentally, at this juncture, the door in the other cubicle opened, Qiao Nan was constantly assuring herself not to be nervous. If she could not do it, there was still her master, right?

    ¡°Why is it you? Why are you here?!¡± Qiu Chenxi, who was facing the mirror and practicing halfway, looked at the other person in the mirror, Qiao Nan, in surprise.

    Qiao Nan tilted her head slightly and looked at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°You are also here, so why can¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Do you know what this ce is? How could youe here too? Don¡¯t tell me you purposely sought Brother Zhai¡¯s help and hid in the army to avoid me. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t think too highly of yourself!¡± That woman was not Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan was not willing to tell her. In that case, she was also not willing to continue wasting her time on Qiao Nan.

    As long as she could keep a tight watch on Brother Zhai, no matter what kind of vixen he was hiding, she did not believe that she could not find her. At that time, Qiao Nan would be useless to her.

    ¡°Hahaha, I¡¯ll return the exact same words to you. Also, excuse me.¡± Qiao Nan curled her lips. Qiu Chenxi was so confident.

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red. She wished very much that she could grab Qiao Nan and give her a beating. Qiao Nan refused to tell her the truth previously. Qiu Chenxi had already ¡®remembered¡¯ her for that. ¡®Forget it. I¡¯m not going to take issue with her. Brother Zhai¡¯s matter is more important.¡¯

    Qiu Chenxi looked at the time and quickly went back to the activity hall. She then continued to prepare the drafts in her mind.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai is here.¡±

    ¡°What do you know? Not only Regiment Commander Zhai, but Chief Zhai and his wife are also here.¡±

    ¡°Wow, isn¡¯t it just learning English? Is there a need to make it such a big issue? But I¡¯m curious about who will be teaching us.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi gave a mocking smile. She was curious too. Who would dare toe and teach her!

 Chapter 499 - A Powerful Figure

    <h4>Chapter 499: A Powerful Figure</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk anymore. The teacher ising. It¡¯s rare that we have this kind of opportunity. We should pick up the knowledge properly so as not to waste this chance. I heard that Chief Zhai also came to support this event.¡±

    ¡°Learn properly.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes lit up, gleaming with cunningness. Uncle Zhai and Miao Jing were here too. This might really be a good opportunity for her.

    All this while, she was onlycking an opportunity to perform and impress Brother Zhai and Uncle Zhai. The Zhai family was aware that she was outstanding, but they did not see it with their own eyes. If she was able to perform well this time or even take over that anonymous person who sprang out from some corner as the English teacher in the army, would this change Brother Zhai¡¯s opinion of her? Would Uncle Zhai ept her as his daughter-inw again?

    As for Miao Jing, she waspletely not in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s consideration.

    Qiu Chenxi, who was immersed in her own thoughts, did not realize that the activity hall had be silent. At this moment, a pair of old and young was standing on the stage. The event had begun.

    ¡°Master, do you really want me to do this?¡± Standing at the podium on stage, Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were sweating with anxiety. Her master only told her that she had to participate in this event but did not say that she would be the English teacher for so many people, or did he? She was used to taking lessons in the ss. However, this was really the first time in her life that she was going to give a ss.

    ¡°Of course. Didn¡¯t I ask you to prepare previously? Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t take my words seriously. It¡¯s just a bunch of soldiers. Given your standards, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem even if you teach spontaneously without any preparations. Hurry.¡± Lin Yuankang was veryposed and did not feel nervous at all.

    Anyway, he had delegated everything to Qiao Nan. What was there to be anxious about?

    ¡°Ah, why is there an old one and a young one? Which one is our teacher?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. That young one is even younger than my sister. Most probably, she¡¯s just here to listen to the ss. But I didn¡¯t receive any news about a new female soldier in the army. This youngdy is quite pretty. She looks gentle and quiet and doesn¡¯t seem to be one of us.¡± There were only a handful of female soldiers in the army. Once they became soldiers, they were as fierce as tigresses, totally not as gentle and soft as a little sheep.

    ¡°So, that old man is our English teacher.¡± What a pity. He had been wondering if they could have a prettydy as their teacher this time.

    ¡°Old and young ones?¡± Qiu Chenxi, who regained her senses, inevitably heard the conversation. She looked up and saw the other party whom she was going to challenge today. When she saw that familiar face, she sulked badly. ¡°How can it be her!!¡±

    In particr, when Qiu Chenxi saw Lin Yuankang standing beside Qiao Nan, she felt suffocated, as if her heart was pinned under a piece of rock.

    Lin Yuankang was a veteran trantion officer in China. Most of the current diplomats in China were his disciples. They were indebted to Lin Yuankang.

    Lin Yuankang was the one who epted these disciples, applied to the country, and even linked up with international schools to send them abroad for studies. Without Lin Yuankang, even if China¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would develop steadily in time, it would not be with such rapid progress.

    For this matter, even the leaders in the country looked up to Lin Yuankang.

    The mostmendable thing was that although Lin Yuankang clearly had such capability and connection, he did not yearn for power and status. He willingly gave up his position and power to the young and promising generation.

    It could be said that very few people with position and status equivalent to him could be so carefree and without greed. There was a Confucius saying, ¡®You¡¯re old and yet not dead. You¡¯re a bandit.¡¯ This did not apply to Lin Yuankang at all.

    The more carefree Lin Yuankang was willing to hand over the baton to the younger generation, the more the country and the new diplomats respected him.

    Not everyone could understand Lin Yuankang¡¯s ¡®value¡¯. Only people in the political circle could.

    It was precisely because of this that someone joked with Lin Yuankang when he retired two years ago. It was suggested that he took in another disciple so that he would not be bored after retirement. At that time, Lin Yuankang did not decline or agree.

    The next day, many people crowded at the entrance of the Lin family¡¯s residence, pleading Lin Yuankang to ept their child as his disciple. Even the proud Qiu Chenxi followed like a flock of ducks and anxiously rmended herself to gain Lin Yuankang¡¯s affirmation so that she could cast anotheryer of gold on herself.

    Lin Yuankang was definitely a powerful and formidable figure.

    Qiu Chenxi was entirely devoted to marrying Zhai Sheng and hoped that thetter could follow in his father¡¯s footsteps to be the chief when he reached the appropriate age. She would then finally be the wife of the chief.

    As long as she became the closed-door disciple of Lin Yuankang, given her identity, she could help Zhai Sheng pull the strings with many people.

    In this way, her self-worth would increase. She could also help Zhai Sheng and herself for their future. She would let Zhai Sheng remember the good things about her and feel indebted to her for life. After they were married, Zhai Sheng would then dote on, be more forgiving to, and respect her more.

    In Qiu Chenxi¡¯s original n, Lin Yuankang was the first and most important stepping stone in her grand path to happiness and sess in life.

    However, although Qiu Chenxi had it all nned, she did not expect someone would throw a wrench in the works. Qiao Nan, an unknown girl with no reputation and status from amon family, was a step ahead of her and chosen by Lin Yuankang to be his disciple.

    Was it not just giving English sses to the junior soldiers in the army? It was not something of great importance.

    Professional knowledge and usage of English that were truly useful would certainly not be taught in such a setting.

    Since that was the case, why did a person of great status such as Zhai Yaohui appear? To put it bluntly, he was giving Lin Yuankang¡¯s face.

    In these two years, Qiu Chenxi had already tried her best not to forget about her missed opportunity with Lin Yuankang.

    However, today, when Qiu Chenxi saw that Qiao Nan, a nobody, coulde to the army by making use of her identity as Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple, she felt so jealous.

    If Qiao Nan had not appeared out of nowhere back then, she would have be Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple.

    Once she became Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple, she would be the one apanying Lin Yuankang to teach the soldiers in the army English today. She would be the one that received the attention and gained the notice of everyone. Qiao Nan was just a nobody. By right, Qiao Nan would never have the opportunity to be in such a major and important event or receive such an honor in her entire lifetime.

 Chapter 500 - The Unleash of Qiao Nanâ€™s Power

    <h4>Chapter 500: The Unleash of Qiao Nan¡¯s Power</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was basically a thief, a robber. Qiao Nan stole and robbed the glory and master that belonged to her.

    Till now, even as Qiao Nan was clearly aware that a vixen waspeting with her for Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, Qiao Nan refused to help and protected that vixen. One day, she must find a chance to deal with Qiao Nan and teach her a hard lesson so that she would regret her decision of bing her enemy.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± The female soldier who epted the half-filled bottle of perfume from Qiu Chenxi arrived eventer than her. ¡°If you continue squeezing, the book in your hand will soon be torn. I really can¡¯t tell that you have so much strength.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Looking at Qian Yanyan, Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath. ¡°I see. The person who is going to teach us is Elder Lin.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lin? What Elder Lin?¡± Qian Yanyan came from a rural vige and had not seen much of the world. It was to her blessing that she had some potential and could be a female soldier in the army. She was ignorant of and did not understand many issues, in particr, people such as Lin Yuankang. ¡°Are you referring to the old man? Isn¡¯t he just someone who teaches English?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiu Chenxi sneered. She could not be bothered to exin to Qian Yanyan.

    ¡°Ah, what¡¯s the matter? The old one is not teaching us? It¡¯s the young one? Oh man, this girl is a few years younger than my younger sister. I think she¡¯s still in school. She¡¯s teaching us English? Where did her confidencee from? Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s going to teach us A B C D?¡± Qian Yanyan spat out these words sulkily.

    With such a young girl, how would she be hopeful about gaining a lot of knowledge from this opportunity? Was the army ying a prank on them? This event was so hard toe by and the situation was such.

    ¡°She¡¯s teaching?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed again. Qian Yanyan did not know Qiao Nan¡¯s proficiency, but Qiu Chenxi did.

    Two years ago, when Qiao Nan was even younger, Qiu Chenxi specially brought one of her homework to gain Lin Yuankang¡¯s favor. In the end, the Qiao Nan then ¡®pointed out¡¯ a number of her mistakes.

    It was certainly not possible for Qiao Nan to teach others higher standards of English, but her capability was more than enough to teach these soldiers in the army who did not have high cultural standards. Even the Qiao Nan from two years ago could assume this task, let alone the current Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, help me keep a watch. She¡¯s such a youngdy. In front of a hundred people, her legs will definitely wobble with fear. How can she teach? Since it¡¯s going to be useless, I can¡¯t be bothered to listen. I would rather rest and take a nap.¡± Qian Yanyan covered her face with a book and slouched on the table.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan did not know that there were people who started to doze off as theypletely did not believe her due to her young age. Nevertheless, she had already guessed some of these situations beforehand.

    When she saw Lin Yuankang looking as if he was a storekeeper keeping his hands off this matter and did not have any intention to help, Qiao Nan took a deep breath and moved a step forward. ¡°Good day, everyone. My surname is Qiao. Given my age, it¡¯s a little inappropriate for me to be standing here as all of you are my elder brothers, elder sisters, uncles, aunties, and there are probably even grandfathers and grandmothers.¡±

    Many who were present had simr thoughts as Qian Yanyan. When they saw that young and tender face of Qiao Nan, they did not believe in her and looked down on her.

    These words of Qiao Nan were akin to self-deprecating behavior.

    Couldn¡¯t everyone tell that Qiao Nan was young? Qiao Nan admitted it herself. She even mentioned grandfathers and grandmothers.

    All of a sudden, there wasughter in the activity hall. Everyone was amused directly by Qiao Nan¡¯s self-deprecating and humorous speech. The atmosphere eased. Some of the audience seemed to be looking at Qiao Nan with less revulsion and resistance.

    Qiao Nan then spoke in English. ¡°Hello, my name is Qiao Nan. Given my age, it¡¯s a little inappropriate for me to be standing here as all of you are my elder brothers, elder sisters, uncles, aunties, and there are probably even grandfathers and grandmothers.¡±

    Just as the atmosphere turned better, that well-pronounced British English speech that Qiao Nan gave simply stunned and subdued the audience.

    Qiao Nan seemingly did not have many actions or said much. Nevertheless, her bright voice rang clearly in the activity hall. Her words were not as loud and deafening as the armymands, but almost everyone could hear Qiao Nan¡¯s pronunciation of each word clearly.

    The continuousughter prior to thatpletely disappeared in that instant. The whole activity hall was so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

    At that moment, these brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and even grandfathers and grandmothers understood. Although Qiao Nan was young, she did notck the capability. She had substance.

    Anyway, they did not understand a word of that long speech earlier.

    When facing a capable individual, they felt more convinced and respectful from their heart.

    When she felt the atmosphere on-site changing, Qiao Nan maintained the same kind and affectionate smile on her face. It was so approachable. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, everyone. My earlier speech in English may sound quiteplicated, as if it¡¯s very impressive and powerful. Actually, it¡¯s not. When I trante it to Chinese, everyone will understand. It¡¯s basically my wee remarks just now, but in English. Who can still remember the meaning of the first sentence in my English speech?¡±

    Most of the people on the ground looked doubtful. It was not that no one remembered that phrase. It was just that they were shy in front of a crowd. Moreover, this was the knowledge they were unfamiliar with. The greatest issue that a Chinese had when learning English was to open their mouth to speak.

    Hence, when Qiao Nan posed the question, there was silence on the grounds. Even those who remembered could not muster the courage to raise their hand to answer Qiao Nan¡¯s question.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes swept sharply and swiftly across the grounds. ¡°Can I invite this brother to give a reply?¡±

    ¡°M-me?¡± The male soldier who was nominated by Qiao Nan blushed. His cheeks turned red although his skin was already so tanned from the sun.

    ¡°Yes, you.¡±

    ¡°R-remember a little, but I don¡¯t really know how to say it.¡± The male soldier was very shy.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Give it a try.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I think it was ¡®Hello, my name is Qiao Nan¡¯?¡± The soldier¡¯s pronunciation was certainly not perfect but it was generally fine.

    ¡°Not bad, you¡¯ve said it very well. Excellent! This sentence is a self-introduction. Qiao Nan is my name. You change my name to yours and try.¡±

    ¡°Hello, my, my name is Yang Lin?¡± When the soldier said this, his eyes were filled with doubt and bewilderment.

 Chapter 501 - Zhai Yaohui Had a Change of Opinion

    Chapter 501: Zhai Yaohui Had a Change of Opinion

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Hello, Yang Lin, nice to meet you.¡± Qiao Nan looked at the soldier with an encouraging look in her eyes. The soldiers learned how to say ¡®nice to meet you¡¯ in English. ¡°Since I said the greetings first, when you return the greetings and say that you are very happy to see me as well, you have to add a ¡®too¡¯ at the end of the sentence. Alright, this is how foreigners introduce and greet each other when they meet. All of you are doing very well. Now you know how to make a self-introduction in English.¡±

    Everyone was stunned. English was as simple as this. Was this a self-introduction?

    ¡°Alright, now let¡¯s say our greetings to each other. You should say hello and introduce yourself. Let¡¯s start.¡±

    English was something new to the soldiers. In general, people would be naturally curious and interested in new things. Besides, it was not very difficult to converse in simple sentences, and it sounded quite easy to learn. They did not need to practice with other teachers or feel burdened to have to practice it with theirrades whom they trained with every day. In just five minutes¡¯ time, everyone could speak fluently using the two simple sentences that they learned.

    ¡°Very good.¡± After getting into the momentum, Qiao Nan became more and more rxed. She continued to ask the soldier whom she taught just now. ¡°Do you still remember how I addressed you just now?¡±

    The soldier who got the answer correctly just now was confident. He tried to say the word in English, ¡°Brother?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it. Make a guess, what does it mean?¡±

    The soldier frowned. ¡°Elder brother?¡±

    ¡°You are very smart. All your guesses are correct!¡± Qiao Nan encouraged the soldier, boosting his confidence. ¡°Please have a seat. I used another word, ¡®sister¡¯, as well. Can anyone who is my ¡®sister¡¯ stand up please?¡±

    A female soldier tried to make the connection between the sentence Qiao Nan said previously and the word that she mentioned just now. She mustered her courage and stood up.

    ¡°Yes, you are my sister. Let¡¯s pronounce the word ¡®sister¡¯ together.¡±

    ¡°Sister.¡±

    ¡°Great! Everyone, let¡¯s try to pronounce ¡®brother¡¯ and ¡®sister¡¯ together. Don¡¯t be shy. There are so many of us here. Nobody can tell what the others are saying, so you can go ahead to practice them loudly.¡±

    ¡°Look at you...¡± Lin Yuankang, who watched his disciple from the side, was overjoyed. ¡°She seemed to be nervous just now, but as soon as she started the ss, she looks like a teacher. Nheless, is the progress too fast?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know what was going through Lin Yuankang¡¯s mind. She went ording to her own n and speed, and proceeded to use the same method to teach them the way to address their family members. ¡°Although I have never been a teacher, I believe that all of you were good students in the past, and will remain so from now on. It is not so difficult to be a teacher, and it¡¯s quite fun to teach. This is only the first lesson, but all of you have learned so much today. By tomorrow, all of you will be able to address your extended family in English. In two days¡¯ time, you will be able to address all of your family members and rtives in English.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    Qiao Nan was humorous and her lesson was interesting and fun. Many of the soldiers in the army liked her lesson. They enjoyed the fun and rxed learning environment.

    In particr, Qiao Nan encouraged them constantly, giving them the confidence to learn English. They were not as uneasy as before. They no longer felt that given their ability, learning English was an impossible task.

    People were more epting and willing to learn things that were easy to pick up as they would be able to make huge improvements. Even if they were not totally epting of English, at the very least, they were not as against it as before.

    The purpose of Qiao Nan¡¯s ss was simple, and that was to help the soldiers be rid of their fear of English.

    The atmosphere and attitude toward learning were very important and crucial.

    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s all for today. I hope everyone can use what we have learned today in your daily life. You should have the chance to address each other as ¡®brother¡¯, ¡®sister¡¯, ¡®uncle¡¯, ¡®auntie¡¯, and even ¡®grandma¡¯ and ¡®grandpa¡¯.¡± She believed that the people in the army liked to give each other nicknames.

    After Qiao Nan said that ss was over, all of the soldiers gave her a bow respectfully and left.

    Zhai Yaohui, who had been sitting in the front row and was silent all the while, knitted his eyebrows. Qiao Nan was quite daring to stand in that ce and give lessons in front of so many people. The ce that Qiao Nan stood at was reserved for the leaders.

    What surprised Zhai Yaohui the most was that Qiao Nan, who was so young, was unexpectedly bold and daring. She had no stage fright and she acted with grace and courage.

    Although it was not suitable to use ¡®veteran¡¯ to describe Qiao Nan, her performance today was simply stunning.

    Zhai Yaohui was not concerned about anything else but how Qiao Nan conducted her ss just now. Shemanded the attention of all the soldiers and was able to control the pace of her lesson as well as creating a good learning environment for the soldiers. This was what Zhai Yaohui was most concerned about.

    For certain skills, once you had mastered them, you would master a hundred.

    In the face of such a big asion, and in front of influential and respected people, Qiao Nan did not have stage fright and was able to rule the stage. It showed that in other major asions, Qiao Nan also had the potential and possibility to do so amazingly.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, a lot was expected of them and they were required to attend many important asions.

    As the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, if one did not have such ability, she would have failed the first requirement and would be crossed out from the list of potential daughters-inw.

    Back then, when Zhai Yaohui married Miao Jing, he was not the chief yet.

    Zhai Yaohui worked his way to the position of the chief of the army through hard work and constant learning and improving. In this way, even though Miao Jing was not the perfect candidate back then, there was time and space for Zhai Yaohui to help Miao Jing along as she learned and improved, till they were on par with each other.

    Zhai Yaohui was not as optimistic as Zhai Sheng to feel that love and marriage was a simple affair between two parties.

    What he asked for from the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family was not that she muste from an influential family. However, once married to the family, the people she would meet and the events that she would have to attend werepletely different from what an average daughter-inw would face.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s situation, whoever married Zhai Sheng would not be able to have the time to learn and improve like what Miao Jing did back then.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation was different from that of his father. Whoever he married had to have the ability right from the start.

    In short, Zhai Yaohui valued ??the effort that his future daughter-inw put in. He did not care about their family background.

    However, one¡¯s family background usually indicated one¡¯s ability.

 Chapter 502 - Requirements Should Not Be Too High

    <h4>Chapter 502: Requirements Should Not Be Too High</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For someone like Qiu Chenxi, who came from a respected family, she was used to such big asions. Since a young age, she had developed the skills to conduct herself in such situations. On the contrary, for people like Qiao Nan, the biggest asion she had seen might be the g-raising ceremony every Monday in school.

    For the sake of the Zhai family, the woman that Zhai Sheng married in the future must have this ability.

    Zhai Yaohui knew that Zhai Sheng was very much in love with Qiao Nan, and she was the first girl that his son liked. Zhai Yaohui was in a dilemma.

    As a father, he was happy that his son found a girl that he liked, but as the head of the family, he had to look at the big picture.

    It was because of this that Zhai Yaohui had been unclear in his attitude toward Qiao Nan. It seemed as if he had agreed to their rtionship, but it also seemed as if he was against it. From time to time, he would warn Zhai Sheng to know his limits. Once Zhai Sheng went beyond the limits, as a father, he would not be lenient to Zhai Sheng.

    But after what happened today, Zhai Yaohui felt that his son had grown up. There were certain things that he could allow his son to choose and make his own decision.

    ¡°Did you see that? Nan Nan is so excellent. She is so amazing. It turns out that she learned English from Elder Lin. She has learned well from him. Great!¡± Miao Jing was totally unaware of the thoughts that went through her husband¡¯s mind even though he sat right beside her.

    ¡°Great,¡± Zhai Yaohui said faintly. If Qiao Nan did not have the ability, Zhai Sheng would not fall for her and keep it from his mother.

    ¡°I know long ago that Nan Nan is very smart. It¡¯s just that I did not know she is so outstanding.¡± Miao Jing stared at Qiao Nan as if she was her idol. There was a look of adoration in her sparkling eyes.

    It was not without reason that the principal of the same school almost got engaged to Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing was a very simple person. To her, there were three types of people in this world who she adored and respected: the teacher, the doctor, and the police.

    As for the soldiers, they were at a higher level than the police.

    Right now, Qiao Nan was the teacher in the army. Hence, Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan in a different light.

    Miao Jing had excellent etiquettes, but she was not good in English.

    After witnessing Qiao Nan¡¯s ability, Miao Jing had the thought of ??learning English from Qiao Nan. Back then, she had learned English from a teacher, but she was getting on in years and was not as fast in picking up new skills. Her pronunciation was awkward and she could not remember the correct way to pronounce the English words. She was embarrassed to keep asking the teacher to repeat them. She felt like a fool in front of the teacher.

    Hence, Miao Jing gave up after a few tries.

    Today was different. She only learned a few words, but she felt that it was not as difficult as what she used to believe. Like what Qiao Nan said, she was quite smart. She had managed to remember all the words that Qiao Nan taught today.

    Zhai Yaohui was about to answer Miao Jing¡¯s question when she walked off to look for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan packed up her lesson ns, took a sip of water, and breathed a sigh of relief.

    Qiao Nan might seem to be very rxed during the lesson, but nobody knew that, in fact, she was very tensed up.

    Apart from adorable male and female soldiers and the people from the Zhai family, the politicalmissar and the other cadres in the army were there to listen to her ss. The most terrifying thing was that these important people sat in the first row. Qiao Nan could see them clearly. She never had the chance to be in contact with such officials and important figures in the country.

    In her previous life, she had never thought that she could have such a day.

    Not only did Miao Jing go to look for Qiao Nan, but the politicalmissar came up to look for her as well.

    He looked at Qiao Nan awkwardly before turning to speak to Lin Yuankang. ¡°Elder Lin, Teacher Xiao Qiao taught us well. Her teaching style was very good, and the soldiers in the army also liked her lesson. But ording to what I heard in the past, can one learn English in this way? Isn¡¯t it necessary to teach pronunciation, the alphabet, the basics, etc.? Is it alright to learn all these without any foundation? Is it good?¡±

    The politicalmissar only knew how to train the soldiers. He did not know how to teach English.

    However, he knew how other people conducted their English sses, so he had doubts about today¡¯s lessons.

    Qiao Nan was a youngdy. The politicalmissar was worried that if he asked her directly, she might be too thin-skinned that she broke into tears.

    Lin Yuankang took a sip of water and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you say?¡± After all, he also had the same question.

    Zhai Yaohui, who stood behind Miao Jing, was without any expression. However, he knitted his eyebrows, clearly waiting for Qiao Nan¡¯s reply as well. Of course, he was not interested in what Qiao Nan would say to the politicalmissar. He just wanted to know how Qiao Nan would behave and conduct herself in front of the politicalmissar.

    Qiu Chenxi, who waited to see the good show, noticed that none of the Zhai family had left, particrly Zhai Sheng, who moved to stand silently next to Qiao Nan, seemingly as if he was giving Qiao Nan his support. She gritted her teeth and walked forward to the podium.

    Zhai Sheng ignored everyone else and stood quietly by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, showing that he supported and trusted her.

    Initially, when faced with such an important figure like the politicalmissar, Qiao Nan felt slightly weak. But she could feel Zhai Sheng standing right by her side. They stood so close to each other that she could feel his body temperature. Qiao Nan felt reassured. ¡°Politicalmissar, do you want my master to teach English at the army so as to send them to take the English proficiency test, bing professional English speakers, being able to write essays in English, as well as being able to read advanced and professional English content? Or do you want them to be experts who have perfect English pronunciation, and arepetent enough to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?¡±

    ¡°No, this is not the intention,¡± the politicalmissar paused momentarily and replied quickly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. These people do not need to sit for the test. As long as they can converse in basic English, can hold their heads high in front of foreigners and uphold the dignity of the soldiers through simple greetings, isn¡¯t that good enough? Politicalmissar, the requirements you mentioned are not high, so I feel that it is good enough if the soldiers can converse in simple English. Not having perfect pronunciation is not a problem. We should not think too highly of the foreigners and ask too much of our own people. After all, people in different positions have different requirements. China has arge poption. Every ce has its own dialect, and their Mandarines with a local ent. Will we not understand Mandarin that has a local ent because of that? It¡¯s the same for foreigners. Even if the pronunciation is not very urate, it will be fine as long as the meaning could bemunicated across.¡±

    In ten more years, if one was to say ¡®milk¡¯ to the foreigners, they did not need to specifically say ¡®milk¡¯ in English. The foreigners would understand if one said ¡®niunai¡¯ in Chinese without any pinyin to it.

 Chapter 503 - Why Would I Not Agree to It?

    <h4>Chapter 503: Why Would I Not Agree to It?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This, this is also true.¡± The politicalmissar felt that what the youngdy said was fairly reasonable.

    He had fallen into the usual teaching routine that he had almost forgotten his original intention of getting his soldiers to learn English.

    Only those military experts who were specially trained in the army needed to meet the strict requirements that Qiao Nan mentioned. The army would only have high requirements for these people.

    As for the rest of the soldiers, it was sufficient for them to know some basic English.

    ¡°Besides, there¡¯s another point that the politicalmissar might have neglected. These people are not young students. It is easy to get young students to memorize and copy the words they learned multiple times, but the people in the army are adults. All of them are older than me and they want to maintain their dignity. It is tiring enough to go through the training in the army. It will be unrealistic to get them to memorize English vocabry and grammar during their hard-toe-by free time just like students would.¡±

    Once this happened, all male and female soldiers would no longer be interested in learning English.

    Everyone was interested and curious about English, but it was just for the sake of leisure. They were unlike students who had to follow strict rules and requirements.

    Therefore, the teaching method used in the school would not work in the army.

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± Lin Yuankang touched the goatee that he had kept for two years. ¡°Have you heard of teaching students in ordance with their aptitude? This is exactly what we are doing. My disciple may be young, but she has learned well from me and has picked up almost all of the skills that I imparted to her.¡±

    Lin Yuankang was shameless. Previously, he had the same doubts, but he knew to grab the limelight at times like this.

    ¡°I understood.¡± The politicalmissar was without any temper in front of Elder Lin. Besides, after Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, the politicalmissar felt that Qiao Nan was right and had made careful considerations.

    If Qiao Nan was to teach ording to what he had originally envisaged, then his good intentions for arranging the event would be ruined. All the efforts would be wasted.

    A one-time failure at English would be a blow to their confidence and would affect their English learning in the future. This was definitely not what he wanted.

    ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, you have worked hard. This is very thoughtful of you and what you said is very reasonable. I am very d that Elder Lin brought you here with him. Otherwise, we might waste a lot of time and use the wrong method to teach the soldiers. Moreover, it would take a lot of effort to correct the wrong.¡± The politicalmissar was very polite to Qiao Nan on ount of Lin Yuankang. ¡°I will have to trouble Comrade Xiao Qiao for this period of time. If there is anything that you need, please feel free to talk to us. I will definitely arrange it for you right away.¡±

    ¡°The politicalmissar is being too polite. This is what I should do. I always feel that soldiers are the loveliest people in the world. It is my pleasure to sacrifice some of my time for them. In fact, my dad used to be a soldier. It is just that I am not fit enough to join the army. Otherwise, I would like to be a soldier.¡± Her weight to height ratio failed to meet the standard requirements, so she could not enlist as a female soldier.

    ¡°I see. It¡¯s no wonder that Comrade Xiao Qiao is so approachable and spent so much time before the ss to do the lesson n. We are all one big family.¡± The politicalmissar was more than happy. The descendants of soldiers had to be a good choice.

    Looking at how Qiao Nan shone among the crowd, Qiu Chenxi was so angry that she bit down hard on her mr tooth.

    Elder Lin had to take all the credit for Qiao Nan¡¯s good performance and recognition by the politicalmissar. It was Elder Lin who taught her well.

    In other words, if Elder Lin took her in as his disciple two years ago, Qiao Nan would not be in the limelight today. The one who was popr and won the favor of everyone would be her instead of Qiao Nan!

    Qiu Chenxi took a few deep breaths. There were countless advantages of bing the disciple of Elder Lin. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s family background, if not for Elder Lin who taught her well, Qiao Nan would not be able to speak her mind in front of the politicalmissar.

    Qiao Nan had such a weak foundation and yet she could have such fabulous performance. If she was Elder Lin¡¯s disciple, her performance would be much better than Qiao Nan!

    Even if she waste by two years, she still wanted to give it a try to know if she really had no chance at all. ¡°Elder Lin, do you still remember me?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Elder Lin frowned and thought for a while. ¡°I can¡¯t remember. I¡¯m sorry. Now that I am old, my memory is not as good, and I can¡¯t remember faces.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lin, my name is Qiu Chenxi. Two years ago, I went to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thedy from the Qiu family. I have some impression. What¡¯s wrong? Why are you here?¡± Qiu Chenxi turned ck with anger at the forgetful expression on Lin Yuankang¡¯s face.

    Qiu Chenxi forced a smile on her face. ¡°Elder Lin, you should know that I have always liked English. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t have the chance to get your advice. I have graduated from college and the results were pretty good. This is a rare opportunity. I also want to do something for the army. Elder Lin, politicalmissar, is it possible if I teach the lesson tomorrow?¡±

    She would definitely teach better than Qiao Nan. By that time, Brother Zhai, Uncle Zhai, and Elder Lin would be in awe of her outstanding performance. Qiao Nan would be nothing to them.

    She wanted to prove to everyone that she was the best choice!

    ¡°Comrade Qiu...¡± The politicalmissar knitted his eyebrows and was in a difficult position. ¡°Comrade Qiu, it¡¯s good that you want to teach the soldiers, but can we do this at ater time?¡± Elder Lin and Comrade Xiao Qiao did not have all the time to spend in the army. They were only allocated a certain amount of time.

    In the short amount of time that Elder Lin had promised to give lessons to the army, he certainly hoped that Comrade Xiao Qiao could utilize all the time to teach the soldiers as much as possible so that they could master some basic English and build up their foundation.

    When Comrade Xiao Qiao had finished her lessons, and if Qiu Chenxi still wanted to conduct her own lessons by then, he would be very d to have her do that.

    ¡°Politicalmissar, do you not believe in me? Do you think that I don¡¯t have the ability?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Politicalmissar, I know Qiao Nan as well. Come September, she will be a second-year student at Ping Cheng High School.¡± She was a college student, while Qiao Nan was only a high school student. Did the politicalmissar felt that she, who was a college student, could notpare to a high school student?

    The politicalmissar was in a difficult position. He had to take into ount the Qiu family¡¯s position as well.

    If not for the Qiu family¡¯s sake, Qiu Chenxi would not have the chance to go to the army.

    The politicalmissar sighed and looked at Lin Yuankang. ¡°Elder Lin, what do you think of this?¡±

    Lin Yuankang lifted his chin and said nicely, ¡°They are teenagers after all. In fact, they can discuss ande to a conclusion by themselves. She may be my disciple, but she is still very young and doesn¡¯t have enough life experiences. It¡¯s certainly a good idea for them to exchange ideas with each other. That¡¯s a good thing.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lin, do you mean that you agree to it?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Someone was stupid and willing to volunteer to act as a contrast to his disciple. Throughparison, everyone would know how outstanding his disciple was. He was more than willing to agree to it.

 Chapter 504 - To Challenge Her

    <h4>Chapter 504: To Challenge Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Lin Yuankang could tell that Qiu Chenxi was resentful toward Qiao Nan and was ambitious to seed.

    Lin Yuankang had heard about what happened between Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng. Lin Yuankang could not stand by and do nothing while others belittled his disciple so as to prove themselves.

    He did not deny that Qiu Chenxi had a high academic qualification and was older than Qiao Nan. She also had more life experiences than Qiao Nan. From this point of view, it seemed that Qiu Chenxi had more advantages than Qiao Nan. But at his age, Lin Yuankang understood that at times, age and education qualifications were useless.

    Since Qiu Chenxi wanted to give it a try, Lin Yuankang agreed graciously. It was only through this would Qiu Chenxi be able to know that his disciple had the ability and real talents. She was not fooling around.

    ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, what do you think?¡± Lin Yuankang had agreed, but the politicalmissar had to ask Qiao Nan for her opinion as well.

    Qiu Chenxi gave Qiao Nan a warning look. There was a threatening look in her eyes.

    Qiao Nan smiled and said, ¡°That¡¯s good, Political Commissar. To be honest, I was dragged here by my master today. Before that, I didn¡¯t know what my master brought me here for, so I didn¡¯t do a lot of preparation work. Since Comrade Qiu is willing to take the ss tomorrow, this is good news for me.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan nced at Lin Yuankang.

    She was forced by her master to conduct the lessons.

    Luckily, she asionally helped children from other families to revise their English in her previous life. Hence, she had some teaching experience.

    Otherwise, given that she was tasked with conducting the ss at thest minute, she would definitely make a fool of herself.

    Lin Yuankang touched his goatee with a guilty look on his face. He feigned ignorance and did not respond to what Qiao Nan said. ¡°Nan Nan, you are my disciple. I have so much confidence in you. You should have confidence in yourself as well.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Her master had great confidence in her, but she did not have confidence in herself.

    ¡°I see.¡± The politicalmissar was shocked. He did not know that Comrade Xiao Qiao was tasked by Elder Lin to teach the soldiers at thest minute. Given the short notice, Comrade Xiao Qiao¡¯s performance was great.

    Qiu Chenxi snorted. ¡°Politicalmissar, I will go back to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s lessons.¡±

    The politicalmissar nodded. ¡°Alright, Comrade Qiu, you must prepare for it well.¡±

    ¡°Politicalmissar, then I will leave first.¡± Qiao Nan was shameless. She had Elder Lin to endorse her. She was not a fool. She could tell that Elder Lin and Qiao Nan were singing to each other¡¯s tune. They were trying to leave a good impression of Qiao Nan on the politicalmissar.

    Did not prepare in advance? Called to conduct the lesson at thest minute? She did not believe a single word that they said. Whoever believed it must be a fool.

    However, it was useless for Qiao Nan to do this. After tomorrow, Qiao Nan would realize that when faced with a formidable opponent, her tricks would only make her seem like a clown in front of others. She would only make a fool of herself.

    ¡°She may be young but she has quite a temper.¡± Miao Jing was displeased that Qiu Chenxi was challenging Nan Nan. ¡°Qiu Chenxi has been in the army for such a long time, but I didn¡¯t know that she is dedicated to serving the army. Politicalmissar, you have neglected your duties. Since Qiu Chenxi has the intentions to serve the army, you should have organized the activities long ago. You should not wait until such a long time to do so. In the future, in regard to all the activities that will be carried out in the army, given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s talents, you should ask her in advance to take part in them so that she can have the opportunity to contribute to the army.¡±

    ¡°Madam Zhai is right.¡± The politicalmissar wiped the sweat on his forehead. He was, in fact, unhappy at Qiu Chenxi.

    It was rare that someone as educated and cultured like Qiu Chenxi woulde to the army. Initially, the politicalmissar had wanted Qiu Chenxi to organize activities for the soldiers. However, before Qiu Chenxi came to the army, the Qiu family had a talk with him and told him that their intention was for Qiu Chenxi to have some light training in the army only. She did not need to do any other activities, and the politicalmissar had to treat her like an average soldier.

    Since the Qiu family had already said so, the politicalmissar understood that they had no ns for Qiu Chenxi to be trained to be an outstanding female soldier.

    Therefore, the politicalmissar had always treated Qiu Chenxi like an average female soldier.

    Unbeknown to him, after he had arranged the activities, Qiu Chenxi volunteered to join in, and he ended up being told off by Madam Zhai.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s gettingte. This is Qiao Nan¡¯s first time in the army camp. She must be not used to such a situation. Qiao Nan, you should go back to rest.¡± Zhai Yaohui interrupted Miao Jing¡¯s conversation with the politicalmissar, lest the politicalmissar felt awkward.

    It was not the fault of the politicalmissar that Qiu Chenxi volunteered to participate in the activities. It was Qiu Chenxi who wanted to show off her abilities.

    After all, Qiu Chenxi was at the army because of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s already half-past eight. Comrade Xiao Qiao, you have worked hard today. You should have a good rest at the dormitory. Tomorrow, you can prepare the lessons for the day after tomorrow. In that way, you can have more time for its preparation. We have to trouble you to spend time on the lesson n.¡±

    ¡°It is no trouble at all. Then, I shall go back first.¡± Qiao Nan smiled.

    ¡°I will send you to the dormitory.¡± Zhai Sheng, who stood next to Qiao Nan, spoke up.

    Miao Jing was about to get someone to send Qiao Nan back when Zhai Sheng volunteered to do so. Miao Jing nodded and said, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s veryte now. Besides, it¡¯s pitch dark in the army camp. It is unlike Ping Cheng where there are streetlights. Nan Nan is a girl. It is inconvenient for her to go back by herself. Zhai Sheng, you should send her back lest it gets too dark and she falls on the way back.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie Miao.¡± Qiao Nan blushed slightly when she knew that Zhai Sheng would be sending her back and that they would have some time for themselves.

    Looking at his wife who was oblivious to what was going on between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui sighed and said nothing.

    As soon as the two of them came out of the hall, Zhai Sheng stretched out his hands toward Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan, who was alert, saw it under the light and quickly darted to the side. She looked at Zhai Sheng unhappily. ¡°Brother Zhai, you mustn¡¯t mess around. This is the army camp and the lesson just ended not long ago, so there must be a lot of people nearby. Most importantly, Qiu Chenxi has always wanted to find faults with me.¡±

    She was not certain that Qiu Chenxi had really left as she had said. She might have been lying in ambush somewhere.

    Of course, the person whom Qiu Chenxi wanted to ambush was not her but Brother Zhai.

    There was a glint of mischief in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. He looked at Qiao Nan with a weird stare, but he kept a proper distance from her, restraining himself from hugging her.

    The streetlights in the army were very few indeed. It was not as bright as when they were in Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan could sense Zhai Sheng¡¯s sparkling eyes in the dark. She kept having goosebumps from his stares. There was a danger about him. Although it gave her a strange feeling, it was not annoying or repulsive to her.

    ¡°B-brother Zhai, don¡¯t look at me in that way.¡±

 Chapter 505 - Wanted to â€˜Eatâ€™ You

    <h4>Chapter 505: Wanted to ¡®Eat¡¯ You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°In what way am I looking at you?¡± Zhai Sheng asked her when he already knew the answer.

    ¡°It¡¯s just the way that you looked at me. I, I feel uneasy. I am slightly scared,¡± Qiao Nan whispered.

    Zhai Sheng closed the gap between him and Qiao Nan quietly. ¡°I just took a few looks at you. I won¡¯t eat you, so you have nothing to fear.¡± She was scared by a few looks from him. What was she going to do when they were married in the future?

    Zhai Sheng did not understand what was going on with him. The army camp was a serious ce. He should be more aware of his behavior.

    But to Zhai Sheng, the army camp was his territory. Now that the girl he liked was in his own territory, he had the impulse to take Qiao Nan into his arms. He almost could not control his own actions and emotions.

    Qiao Nan looked at her arms and calf. ¡°Brother Zhai, you should forget it. I am so frail and thin. There isn¡¯t much flesh on my body. It is not enough for you.¡±

    Even though Qiao Nan was no longer malnourished, she was still on the thin side.

    Zhai Sheng sneaked a nce at Qiao Nan¡¯s high chest and said with satisfaction, ¡°You¡¯re not particrly thin. You still meet the mark. But it would be good if you are fleshier.¡±

    He had no special requirements for Nan Nan¡¯s figure, but it would be his blessings if Nan Nan had a good figure.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you really intend to eat me? Are you checking which part of my body is fleshier?¡± Qiao Nan red at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Should I take this opportunity to do more exercise so that I will be lean and slender, without any flesh? By then, will you abandon the thought of eating me?¡±

    Zhai Shengughed in a mixture of helplessness and adoration. ¡°Foolish girl, forget it. It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t understand now. I will teach youter.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I have reached my dormitory. This is the female dormitory. Male soldiers are not allowed to enter. I can go in by myself. Goodbye.¡± Without giving a chance for Zhai Sheng to respond, Qiao Nan fled right away.

    She knew what Brother Zhai was talking about and that his eyes were staring at her chest. She had thought that Brother Zhai was serious and upright. She never knew that he would have this side to him. In particr, they were in the army camp, yet Brother Zhai acted like ady-killer.

    Qiao Nan suspected that if she did not act foolishly in front of Zhai Sheng just now, she might not be able to go back to her dormitory in one piece.

    ¡°Smart little bunny.¡± Zhai Sheng did not stop Qiao Nan. Otherwise, there was no way that Qiao Nan could slip from his grip. Of course, a few yearster, Qiao Nan fully understood this and was shocked at Zhai Sheng¡¯s gentlemanly behavior now.

    Zhai Sheng chuckled to himself before returning to his separate room.

    Since Qiao Nan came to the army camp with Lin Yuankang, even though she did not receive any special treatment, she was still treated better than the rest.

    Unlike the female soldiers who had to share a room with others and sleep in bunk beds, Qiao Nan¡¯s room was smaller than the rest. There were two double bunk beds in the room that could amodate four people. However, apart from Qiao Nan, there was only another female soldier in the same room and she seemed to be a counselor.

    Besides, if not for the fact that the politicalmissar was worried that as Qiao Nan was young, she might be scared of staying by herself, the female counselor would not share a room with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, are you ready to sleep?¡± The female counselor had a good impression of Qiao Nan. Her tone was affectionate and friendly. ¡°I have a daughter who is twelve years old this year. Though she is a girl, she is as wild as a boy. I often wonder whether I have given birth to a daughter or a son. If she could be like Teacher Xiao Qiao and quiet down for half a day, I will be thankful.¡±

    ¡°Counselor, you must be kidding. Each has its own good. My dad hopes I can be a little livelier. Since a young age, my body is weak, and I can¡¯t jump about. If I am as healthy as your daughter, I will definitely jump and run about. I won¡¯t be sitting here quietly,¡± Qiao Nan said withpliments.

    Sure enough, the female counselor was all smiles.

    ¡°She loves to run and exercise. I¡¯m not against it, but her grades are not particrly good and I¡¯m worried.¡±

    ¡°Since you said that it¡¯s not particrly good, then it¡¯s not particrly bad as well. There will always be people who are better than you. As long as you have tried your best, you don¡¯t have to worry too much about the final results. The reason why you hope that she can do well in her studies is that she can have a good future. But to be honest, even for those who have good grades, there are those who lead a good life and those who lead a bad life. The most important thing is whether one is willing to work hard. The results do not mean everything. It¡¯s one¡¯s attitude that determines one¡¯s future.¡± She was good in her studies, but she had a miserable life in the previous lifetime. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin was not good in her studies, but she led a good life.

    She married Chen Jun and became the daughter-inw of the policemissioner of Ping Cheng¡¯s police headquarters. After the divorce, even though she had uremia, her mother came up with ways to get her a kidney.

    Of course, these examples were indeed special cases, and Qiao Nan could not bring them up here. However, at times, it was indeed the case.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Aside from being bubbly, my daughter has a good personality and a lot of friends in school. I don¡¯t expect her to rank first in every exam. As long as she put in her utmost effort, the results are secondary. It is more important to learn to get along with others.¡± The female counselor was not someone who would go down the dead end.

    The reason why she mentioned her daughter today was that she knew that Qiao Nan had good performance in school, and inparison, she could not help but sigh at her daughter¡¯s performance.

    She felt much better after talking to Qiao Nan. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I am amazed by you. You are very young, but you are good at conducting lessons and giving advice. I really can¡¯tpare my daughter to you. Otherwise, no matter how open-minded I am, I will be dissatisfied with my own children.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too ttering.¡±

    ¡°I heard that Qiu Chenxi will give us lesson tomorrow? Teacher Xiao Qiao, though you¡¯re young, you must take care of yourself. It¡¯s toote today. You should take a break and prepare the lessons tomorrow. You can do it during the day.¡± The female counselor knew that Qiu Chenxi would be standing in for Qiao Nan for a day to give lessons to the soldiers.

    In this way, Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson was the day after tomorrow. Since she still had a day to prepare for it, there was no hurry to do it now.

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Qiao Nan nodded with a smile. She kept her notebook inside her schoolbag. ¡°Counselor, I will go to sleep now.¡±

    ¡°Have a good night¡¯s sleep. I will switch off the lights.¡±

 Chapter 506 - Lesson Plans Were â€˜Takenâ€™ Away

    <h4>Chapter 506: Lesson ns Were ¡®Taken¡¯ Away</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With that, the lights went out.

    Qiao Nan had a good night¡¯s sleep. Qiao Dongliang, who received a call from Qiao Nan, was sleepless. To him, the army camp was a ce that was familiar yet distant to him.

    He thought that he would not have any dealings with the army ever again in his life.

    Qiao Dongliang knew very well that given how much Ding Jiayi doted on Qiao Zijin, even if she was physically fit to join the army, Ding Jiayi would never agree to let Qiao Zijin join the army and endure the hardships.

    As for Qiao Nan, even if Qiao Dongliang, who was once a soldier, could not tell that Qiao Nan suffered from malnutrition, he knew that his younger daughter was too light and was not physically fit to join the army.

    But Qiao Dongliang never thought that his younger daughter would have the chance to go to the army and for such special reasons.

    In any case, as long as Qiao Nan could stay in the army for a while, there was nothing more that he could ask for.

    Qiao Dongliang thought about it all through the night. How was the army camp right now? Were his oldrades still there? They should be training new recruits now. What positions were they in now? How should Qiao Nan address them when she saw them?

    Qiao Dongliang was nervous and excited just at the thought of it. He did not sleep a wink.

    On the next morning, Qiao Dongliang received a call from Qiao Nan. He heard that Qiao Nan was doing fine in the army camp. The people there called her ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. Qiao Dongliang was so happy that he was all smiles.

    After updating Qiao Dongliang on her situation at the army, Qiao Nan focused all her attention on preparing for her lessons.

    There were only a few English lessons and the duration was short. Qiao Nan did not need to spend all of her summer break in the army camp. However, Qiao Nan still wanted to teach the soldiers as many of the frequently used daily conversations as possible within the stipted time.

    As a result, the lesson ns for the ss were very crucial as it allowed her to control the rhythm, allocate the time reasonably, and set the learning pace.

    She had finished filling up one notebook with the lesson ns.

    Qiao Nan stayed in the dormitory for the whole day, working on the lesson ns.

    After writing down most of the lesson ns, Qiao Nan stood up and stretched herself.

    The female counselor came in and saw the scene. On one hand, she was appreciative of her effort. On the other hand, she shook her head at Qiao Nan¡¯s diligence. ¡°You¡¯re so young but you are very conscientious. Those who do not know that you are preparing for the lessons may think that you are doing your summer homework. The book is full of your lesson ns. What¡¯s the hurry? You can take your time to do it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to participate in any training. I am here only for this sole purpose. Hence, I must make full use of my time to prepare for the lessons, lest I waste everyone¡¯s time. It¡¯s alright. I am almost done.¡±

    The female counselor stepped forward curiously and flipped through the book that was covered with handwritten notes. She was amazed at the handwriting that seemed as if it was being printed onto the book. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, your handwriting is very pretty. It looks exactly like the texts printed on my daughter¡¯s textbook. It is beautiful. Alright, since you have finished writing, you should rx and have dinner. Besides, you are so frail. Since you are here in the army camp, you can also take part in our training to train your stamina. After all, without a healthy body, you cannot sit for all the exams.¡±

    Qiao Nan waved her hand. ¡°Forget it. My physical ability is worse than that of the new recruits. If I train with all of you, I will definitely not be able to keep up. By then, should the instructor discipline me or not? I will be a bad influence on the new recruits. It¡¯s better that I do not create trouble for all of you.¡± Qiao Nan knew her own limits. She was not able to keep up with the tough training.

    ¡°Counselor, you don¡¯t have to worry. I will get up early tomorrow morning to run. I won¡¯t join all of you for training, but I will do my own exercise.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine as well. Alright, let¡¯s hurry to have dinner.¡± The female counselor pulled Qiao Nan to the canteen in the army. If they were toote, there might not be any food left.

    After the female counselor and Qiao Nan left, a person sneaked into Qiao Nan¡¯s room. The person looked around Qiao Nan¡¯s desk and found the lesson ns that Qiao Nan had prepared.

    The content in the book was what the person was looking for. The person hid the book inside the clothes and rushed back to the dormitory at the fastest speed.

    ¡°Have you got the book?¡± Qiu Chenxi paced around in the dormitory for a long time. She was biting her nails anxiously when she heard footsteps nearing. She turned quickly to the sound.

    ¡°You can rest assured that I will do the task well.¡± Qian Yanyan patted her chest. ¡°Look, what is this?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi quickly grabbed the notebook from Qian Yanyan and flipped it open. ¡°It is indeed what I am looking for.¡± She could not underestimate Qiao Nan. Since Lin Yuankang took her in as his disciple, she must have had her abilities as well. She did not get to this stage purely with her luck.

    She was different from Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was still in school, while she was used to these lesson ns.

    But she had graduated for more than a year, and she did not major in teaching. Hence, she was unfamiliar with preparing lesson ns.

    Qiu Chenxi had already made a promise in front of the politicalmissar and had to teach English tonight. She could not take back the words that she said. But it was only when she started working on the lesson ns did she realize that it was not easy to prepare for a lesson.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that Qiao Nan will be so serious.¡± She would only be teaching for a short period of time, yet Qiao Nan wrote very detailed lesson ns. Who was she trying to show off to? She was too pretentious!

    However, Qiao Nan¡¯s pretentious behavior had been a great help to her.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, take a quick look. Did she write down the lesson n for the ss that you¡¯re going to teach today?¡± Qian Yanyan looked at the notes curiously. It was all written in English. She could barely understand them.

    ¡°Her lesson ns do not go ording to a fixed schedule or timetable. It is very flexible.¡± Qiu Chenxi flipped through the notes page by page and had finished reading through all of the lesson ns.

    ¡°What do you mean? So, can it be used or not?¡± If the lesson ns could not be used, she would have wasted her effort.

    ¡°Of course it can be used.¡± Qiu Chenxi shot Qian Yanyan a disdainful look. She had made it simple and easy to understand, but Qian Yanyan still could not understand her. ¡°I mean, she has a certain flow in each lesson. I only need to make slight changes. No matter which lesson I use, after adjusting the sequence, the lessons will be more coherent.¡±

 Chapter 507 - Shortsighted

    <h4>Chapter 507: Shortsighted</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°This shows that you are better than Qiao Nan!¡± Qian Yanyan smiled. That was right. How could a high school student be better than a college student?

    Qiu Chenxi was too unsure of herself that she insisted Qian Yanyan to get Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson ns for her. If Qian Yanyan was her, she would not be afraid of Qiao Nan at all.

    Qiu Chenxi bit her lip, feeling insulted. ¡°What do you know?¡±

    The reason why the lesson ns did not flow smoothly was a deliberate act by Qiao Nan. It was not that she did not think it through. In fact, she left gaps so that she could be flexible and make changes ording to the circumstances. Like her, Qiao Nan was capable of improving the flow and making it coherent.

    That was why she said that the lesson ns that Qiao Nan prepared had a lot of flexibility.

    It could be said that although Qiao Nan had prepared the lesson ns, she could make changes based on that day¡¯s circumstances right on the spot. For instance, she could teach the content that was meant for several dayster today.

    Others might have thought that Qiao Nan did not n in advance, but in fact, this was brilliant of her to be able to make flexible changes and adjustments on the spot.

    Qiu Chenxi began to doubt whether Qiao Nan was studying as a student or working as a teacher at Ping Cheng High School. Her lesson ns were very detailed and well-thought-out.

    Qiu Chenxi would never say all these to Qian Yanyan. She had to maintain her dignity. ¡°Alright, no matter what, thank you for this. You can have that skirt. It¡¯s my way to express my gratitude.¡± Qiu Chenxi knew that Qian Yanyan had long been eyeing her new skirt. She was not stingy with her.

    Actually, Qiu Chenxi did not like the new skirt. Otherwise, she would not have brought it to the army camp.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s original n was to bring it to the army camp and wear it for a few days. If it could not be cleaned thoroughly, she would throw it away.

    She never expected that Qian Yanyan would like the skirt and would be eyeing it for such a long time.

    Anyway, if she would throw the skirt in a few days, she might as well use it to buy over Qian Yanyan.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, you are so good to me. I won¡¯t reject your good intention. We are so close with each other.¡± Qian Yanyan was so exhrated that she did not realize Qiu Chenxi was looking at her with disdain and distaste.

    Qian Yanyan took the skirt and looked into the mirror to see if it fitted her. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, do you think that I look particrly beautiful in this skirt? Isn¡¯t it very suitable for me?¡±

    ¡°Of course. If it is not suitable for you, I will not give it to you. By the way, Qian Yanyan, the clothes that I changed out of yesterday...¡±

    ¡°I understand. Just leave them there. I will wash them for you. Anyway, you will not stay for long in the army camp and this is not the first time that I washed them for you. You can count on me for these few days.¡±

    ¡°Qian Yanyan, you are indeed my good friend.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Qian Yanyan, I have to prepare for the ss tonight. Why don¡¯t you go back first?¡± Qiu Chenxi looked at the door. ¡°Also, regarding what happened today?¡±

    ¡°What happened today?¡± Qian Yanyan arched her eyebrows andughed, cracking herself up.

    ¡°Very good, you can make a move back first.¡± There were times when Qian Yanyan was smart, but there were also times when she knew how to act foolishly when needed to. It was very interesting to make friends with such people.

    After dinner, Qiao Nan went back to the dormitory to look for her lesson ns, but no matter where she looked, she could not find it. ¡°Hmm, where did it go? I remember I ced it on the table.¡± Could she have lost her memory that she did not remember where she had ced it?

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, what¡¯s wrong?¡± The female counselor came back and saw that Qiao Nan seemed to be looking for something. ¡°What is missing? Can I help you to look for it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my lesson ns. Before I went for dinner, I remembered cing it here, but I can¡¯t find it now.¡±

    ¡°How can that be? You have worked on that for the whole day. You can¡¯t afford to lose it. I will help you look for it.¡± The female counselor was anxious. She knew how much effort Qiao Nan had put in while preparing the lesson ns. ¡°It¡¯s impossible. Although we are in the mountains and there are mosquitoes and a few mice, I have never seen such a big mouse that likes books.¡±

    When the female counselor brought Qiao Nan to have dinner with her, she remembered seeing Qiao Nan leave the book on the table. She did not ce it elsewhere.

    After a while, the female counselor stopped searching for the book. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, this won¡¯t do. I feel that you have not misced the book. Could it be that...¡± Was it taken away by others?

    Anyway, it was definitely not taken away by the mouse!

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, why not I inform my superiors and ask around to find out who took your book and get the person to hand it back? It¡¯s strange. The book is only useful to you alone, and nobody else has any use for it. Not many people in the army can understand English. Who will take your book? It is...¡±

    Qiao Nan grabbed the female counselor. ¡°Forget it.¡±

    ¡°Forget it? How can we do that?¡± The lesson ns were gone. Teacher Xiao Qiao had worked hard for a day. That was a waste of her effort. ¡°If the lesson ns are gone, how are you going to conduct your ss?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy. Since the lesson ns were written by me, I know them inside out. It¡¯s all in here.¡± Qiao Nan pointed at her head. ¡°Besides, that¡¯s just an ordinary notebook. It will only cost fifty cents to buy another new notebook. Is it suitable to mobilize everyone just for this book?¡±

    If Chief Zhai knew about it, he would think that she was being unreasonable.

    She wanted to search for it, but the solution that the female counselor came up with was unsuitable.

    Was it necessary for her to create a fuss in the army camp and for the leading cadres to interrogate every soldier as if they were prisoners just for the sake of a notebook that only cost fifty cents?

    ¡°Then, that¡¯s it?¡± The female counselor was upset. She was unhappy that what was missing was asmon as a notebook.

    The people in the army should be the best of the best. How could there be any petty thief among them?

    What about the fifty cents? As what Chairman Mao had said in the Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention, one should never take a single needle or thread from the public, let alone a book that cost fifty cents!

    The most important thing was not how much this book was worth, but what was written inside. It was all knowledge and wisdom!

    When she was reminded that someone in her army was light-fingered, the female counselor felt very upset.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just let it be. Maybe someone pulled a prank on me. It doesn¡¯t matter. I will just write it again. This time, I will not be in a hurry. I will only prepare for the uing lesson. I was in a hurry earlier today as I wanted toe up with an overall teaching outline. Now that I havee up with the outline, everything will be alright.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. There was nothing else that she could do.

    She did not expect that this would happen in the sacred and disciplined army camp.

    She could not possibly say that when she was studying at Ping Cheng High School, she did not even lose her eraser, let alone her notebook.

 Chapter 508 - Gave an Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 508: Gave an Exnation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Well, then you go ahead to prepare for the lessons. I will go out for a while.¡± The female counselor took a deep breath. She knew that Qiao Nan did not want to blow up the matter as she had the best interests of the army at heart. However, there was no way that she could just let this matter rest.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Qiao Nan took out a new notebook and nned to use the fastest speed to prepare the contents for the first three lessons.

    In the evening, there was not much time to do the lesson ns.

    Qiao Nan, who was rewriting the lesson ns, did not notice that the female counselor was upset.

    The female counselor had a grim expression when she went to look for the politicalmissar. ¡°Report.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    ¡°Politicalmissar... Chief Zhai, Officer Shi, you are back?¡± The female counselor entered the office and to her surprise, she saw Shi Peng at the office. ¡°Officer Shi, how is your health?¡±

    ¡°Thank you,rade, for your concern. I am much better now. Hence, I can return to the army.¡± Shi Peng smiled and said, ¡°Is everyone in the army doing well recently?¡±

    ¡°Reporting to Officer Shi, everyone is fine,¡± the female counselor said happily.

    ¡°By the way, what are you here for?¡± The politicalmissar looked at the female counselor.

    The female counselor had a stern expression on her face. She looked to be in a difficult position. Initially, she only wanted to report the matter to the politicalmissar, but the leaders in the army were all present and the female counselors found it difficult to bring herself to say it. After all, what happened was not something that was worth telling everyone about.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The politicalmissar could feel that the female counselor seemed to be in a difficult position. ¡°Would you like me toe out with you?¡±

    ¡°There is nothing that can¡¯t be said here.¡± There was a sharp look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Is there any problem with Comrade Xiao Qiao?¡± The army had assigned the female counselor to Nan Nan to help her along with the life in the camp. Her only task was to take care of Nan Nan while she was in the army.

    Therefore, if the female counselor came looking for them at this time, it must be regarding Nan Nan.

    The politicalmissar paused on his way out and smiled awkwardly. ¡°That¡¯s right. There¡¯s nothing that cannot be said to the others. Tell me, what is it?¡±

    The female counselor had no choice but to stand in attention. ¡°Reporting to the politicalmissar, Teacher Xiao Qiao spent a day to prepare for the lesson ns, but her notebook that was ced in the dormitory was missing. Teacher Xiao Qiao felt that it was only a small matter and that someone must be pulling a prank on her, but I think it is necessary for me to report this to the politicalmissar.¡±

    ¡°So interesting?¡± Shi Peng said with a deep smile, ¡°In the past, not to mention notebooks, one would not even lose a needle in the army camp. What is the time now that a notebook will go missing in the dormitory?¡±

    If Qiao Nan lost a new notebook, the people in the army might feel upset but would understand the situation.

    However, since Qiao Nan lost the notebook that she had written her lesson ns in, it was a different story. There was no way that they could brush it off by saying that it was an act of mischief.

    ¡°Have you searched through thoroughly?¡± The politicalmissar was anxious. He was unlucky to have encountered such problems.

    Comrade Xiao Qiao was the disciple of Elder Lin and the army specially invited Elder Lin here. He could not offend Elder Lin and he could not let Comrade Xiao Qiao be wronged or suffer grievances in the army. How could all these happen all at once?

    ¡°We have searched for it,¡± the female counselor said with certainty. ¡°Tonight, I led Teacher Xiao Qiao to the canteen for dinner. When I first entered the dormitory, Teacher Xiao Qiao was writing the lesson ns and had filled up all the pages in the notebook with her lesson ns before cing it on the table. After we returned to the dormitory from our dinner, we realized that the notebook was missing. We searched through the whole of the dormitory but could not find the notebook.¡±

    If the things that were ced on the table could not be found on the table, it would be meaningless to rummage through the whole room.

    ¡°I understand. Please extend my apology to Comrade Xiao Qiao. I am sorry that such a thing happened to her. What does Teacher Xiao Qiao intend to do with the rest of the sses?¡± The politicalmissar sighed in frustration.

    At first, the politicalmissar was quite angry. Not only was he upset that someone took away the notebook, but he was also upset at Qiao Nan as well. All his superiors were around and yet this happened to Qiao Nan. It made him lose his face in front of his superiors. Nobody would be happy with such things.

    But when he heard from the female counselor that Qiao Nan spent a whole day preparing the lesson ns and had filled up the notebook with detailed lesson ns, the politicalmissar had to admit that Qiao Nan was very responsible toward her work.

    Qiao Nan spent a day preparing the lesson ns. Now that the notebook was missing, given that Qiao Nan was young, she would most likely explode in anger that her painstaking effort had gone down the drain. It was rare that Qiao Nan could suppress her temper and take the big picture into consideration. She did not blow things up. Instead, she said that it was just mischief and tried to maintain the dignity of the army.

    ¡°Politicalmissar, I will do that.¡± Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s temper was good. She did not re-up. It was just that she was slightly upset.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You should go back and help Comrade Xiao Qiao. Luckily, that there is no lesson for Comrade Xiao Qiao tonight and she can have some time to prepare the lesson ns.¡± The politicalmissar took a deep breath. It was truly fortunate that what happened was not too serious. Otherwise, it would be really shameful for the army.

    ¡°Okay.¡± The female counselor was about to leave when she was stopped by the politicalmissar.

    The politicalmissar pursed his mouth and his eyes flickered. He hinted at the female counselor, as if to say, ¡®It¡¯s good that Comrade Xiao Qiao is sensible. We will put this matter aside first, but I will give Comrade Xiao Qiao an exnationter. Before that, Comrade Xiao Qiao has said to make concessions to avoid trouble, so we will keep it within ourselves. Do you understand?¡¯

    If Elder Lin knew that his disciple was being bullied in the army, the politicalmissar would not be able to answer to him.

    It took the female counselor a while before she understood what the politicalmissar meant. ¡°I understood. Politicalmissar, rest assured. Teacher Xiao Qiao is not such a person.¡± Teacher Xiao Qiao would notin to Elder Lin about what happened.

    ¡°You can leave now.¡± The politicalmissar dismissed the female counselor. He was weary from the turn of events.

    After the female counselor left, the politicalmissar said reluctantly, ¡°I am sorry that all of you had to witness such a scene. Rest assured that we will definitely get to the bottom of this.¡±

    ¡°We have to get to the bottom of this. Comrade Xiao Qiao is invited by the army to teach the soldiers. If we do not give her an exnation, nobody will be willing to support us in the activities that we organize in the future.¡± Though Shi Peng said in a mild tone, his words were very clear. ¡°The most important thing is that we can¡¯t exin to Elder Lin.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui lowered his eyes and his tone. ¡°Yes, there is a need for us to investigate. Comrade Xiao Qiao may be sensible, but that does not mean that the army can bully her.¡±

    Since Shi Peng had already voiced out and supported Qiao Nan, it made no sense for him to keep quiet.

    He might be undecided as to whether to ept Qiao Nan or not, but before he came to a decision, nobody could bully someone who might be a family member of the Zhai family.

    With that in mind, Zhai Yaohui sneaked a nce at Zhai Sheng. ¡®Your woman is being bullied on your territory, are you not going to do anything about it?¡¯

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck in anger. If he was not his father, he would have picked a fight with him!

 Chapter 509 - Could Not Match Up to Her

    <h4>Chapter 509: Could Not Match Up to Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When it was nighttime, it was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s turn to take the stage to give everyone their English lesson.

    Even though it was not their turn, Qiao Nan and Lin Yuankang were present for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lesson.

    Compared to Qiao Nan¡¯s casual manner, Qiu Chenxi, as a teacher of the ss, seemed to pay more attention to it. She wore a long white skirt that came all the way to her ankles. Her long hair was kept in ce with a diamond chips headband. She had a smart casual look.

    When everyone saw Qiao Nan yesterday, her image was that of their younger sister. When they looked at Qiu Chenxi today, they had to admit that there were indeed some differences between the two of them. At least, from the looks of it, Qiu Chenxi looked much more like a teacher than Teacher Xiao Qiao.

    Qiu Chenxi sensed that everyone approved of her as a teacher. She lifted her chin proudly and looked at Qiao Nan provocatively. ¡°I believe everyone knows me by now. All of us are of the same age, so you can call me Comrade Qiu. There¡¯s no need to address me as the teacher. Everyone is equal and we should be more carefree in the form of address.¡±

    Most of them nodded at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, obviously liking her arrangement.

    In fact, when they had to address Qiao Nan as Teacher Xiao Qiao, even though they called her Xiao Qiao, everyone still felt awkward.

    They felt more at ease when Qiu Chenxi suggested that since everyone was equal, they should address each other asrades.

    Qian Yanyan gave Qiu Chenxi a thumbs-up. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression was much better than Qiao Nan¡¯s performance yesterday. The people sitting next to her were all praises for Qiu Chenxi.

    Knowing that she was weed by the others, Qiu Chenxi felt more at ease. She rxed slightly and was not as tensed up. ¡°Everyone¡¯s time is precious. In order not to waste everyone¡¯s time, let¡¯s start the topic directly. Yesterday, Comrade Xiao Qiao has already taught you how to say greetings to each other. Does anyone remember how to say the greetings? Would anyonee up here with your partner to demonstrate to us?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    There was total silence.

    Qiao Nan covered her smile with her hand before continuing to take notes of the lessons.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s countenance changed. Qiao Nan had to be med for this. She did not specify how she should conduct the lesson. If Qiao Nan had written down the details, she would not be so embarrassed.

    Qiu Chenxi only knew to me Qiao Nan, but it never urred to her that Qiao Nan only took a day to finish preparing for the lessons. If she was to write in details for each and every part of the lessons, she could only finish the preparations for a few lessons and could not have written down the outline for all of the lessons.

    ¡°Alright, since everyone doesn¡¯t wish toe up to demonstrate, we can do so at your seat. Don¡¯t be shy. Yesterday, all of you did very well. For those of you who want to give it a try, please raise your hand.¡± Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath, quickly adjusted her pace, and changed the instructions.

    Since everyone was embarrassed to stand on the stage to demonstrate, they could simply stay in their seats to do the demonstration.

    Although everyone felt morefortable staying in their seats, nobody was willing to do the demonstration.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned red. Yesterday, everyone was very cooperative and listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions. Why did it turn out to be this way when it was her turn to teach them?

    Could it be that everyone felt that since Qiao Nan was still very young, they should give in to her, and since she was older than Qiao Nan, they were not as cooperative?

    Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth, her gaze falling on Qian Yanyan. She wanted her to be the first volunteer.

    Qian Yanyan opened her mouth, but she had no confidence to speak in English in front of everyone.

    When she met Qiu Chenxi¡¯s gaze, Qian Yanyan quickly pulled at the person next to her. ¡°Shall we demonstrate to everyone?¡±

    ¡°If you want to do so, you can go ahead. I¡¯m not going to do it.¡± The person that was pulled along by Qian Yanyan shrugged her sleeves unwillingly. Qian Yanyan was close to Qiu Chenxi and so she agreed to help her. But the other person was not as close with Qiu Chenxi, and she did not receive any perfume or skirt from Qiu Chenxi. Why should she help her?

    Whenever Qian Yanyan received any clothing from Qiu Chenxi, she would brag about it in front of herrades.

    Everyone liked to doll themselves up, though not everyone was willing to take whatever others discarded like Qian Yanyan. However, seeing that Qian Yanyan had new clothes and perfume while they did not have any, they could not help but be upset.

    ¡°It is a dialogue. There have to be two people to do it. I can¡¯t do it by myself. Yesterday, in the dormitory, you did a good job practicing the greetings. Why can¡¯t you demonstrate it with me?¡± Qian Yanyan refused to give up. If she performed well today, she might be able to get some benefits from Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Is that so? Did you think that I did a good job? I don¡¯t think so. You¡¯d better look for someone else. No matter what, don¡¯te looking for me.¡± The person turned sideways, back facing Qian Yanyan and having no wish to cooperate.

    Qian Yanyan could not do the demonstration by herself.

    The situation was awkward.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss had already started, but all the ¡®students¡¯ refused to cooperate with her. Just like what Qiu Chenxi said just now, everyone regarded her as arade and their peers. Unlike teachers, whom they had to obey, especially during lessons, they did not have to obey whatrades said.

    Since Qiu Chenxi was just theirrade, they found nothing wrong or unsuitable with not cooperating or participating in her lessons.

    Although Miao Jing was not as interested in the lesson today, she still came to sit in for the ss.

    When Qiu Chenxi stood on the stage, she had the demeanor of a teacher and was better than Qiao Nan. However, when the lesson started, it fell below her expectations. Miao Jing was puzzled. ¡°Old Zhai, what is this situation? Why does everyone behave like this?¡±

    She might have liked Nan Nan and disliked Qiu Chenxi, but she swore to God that she definitely did not have the ability to get everyone to help Nan Nan and look down on Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi could not possibly fail so terribly as a person, could she?

    Zhai Yaohui said with disappointment, ¡°Qiu Chenxi wants to defeat Qiao Nan and intends to create a better atmosphere than what Qiao Nan did yesterday. She introduced herself as theirrade to bring her closer to the soldiers. Unfortunately, it is a self-defeating move.¡±

    She was too clever for her own good.

    ¡°Inparison, Qiao Nan is much clearer. Different identities have different statuses and different treatment. The teacher is the teacher, whereas the student is just a student. In front of the teacher, the student must obey and listen, just like what one would in front of the officer. One has to obey the superior. Have you heard ofrades who obey and listen to each other¡¯smands?¡±

    Whatever Qiao Nan said in the ssroom, the soldiers in the ss had to obey as they had no other choice.

    It was not the case for Qiu Chenxi. Hence, one could not me them for not obeying.

    The Chinese people were rtively shy and reserved when using English.

 Chapter 510 - Disappointed in Qiu Chenxi

    <h4>Chapter 510: Disappointed in Qiu Chenxi</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s soft approach, the students would not treat her seriously and would not listen to her instructions.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Miao Jing was stunned. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a lesson? Is it soplicated? Is it not too much of an exaggeration topare it to the training of soldiers and deployment of strategies?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui shook his head. ¡°In this world, if you really want to do something well, then you can¡¯t treat things too lightly.¡±

    ¡°Then, what should we do with the situation now? There¡¯s still more than an hour of lesson. Isn¡¯t it a waste of everyone¡¯s time if Qiu Chenxi stands on the stage without doing anything?¡± Miao Jing was displeased.

    Zhai Yaohui shot a look at the politicalmissar. The politicalmissar quickly stood up and said, ¡°It is rare that Comrade Qiu is willing to give us lessons. She is a college graduate from the university in the capital. Everyone should seize this opportunity to learn from her. I hope everyone can cooperate with Qiu Chenxi and learn as much as you can.¡±

    If not for the sake of the Qiu family, the politicalmissar felt like asking Qiu Chenxi to get off the stage and let Qiao Nan conduct the lesson.

    If she was incapable, she should not have volunteered to do the teaching. She was asking for trouble for herself.

    ¡°Okay, since everyone is shy, I will not force all of you. As a part of this army and from your response yesterday, I know that all of you are very enthusiastic toward English. All of you were busy practicing yesterday. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect that all of you would be unwilling toe up to demonstrate what you have learned.¡± Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and tried once again to get the soldiers to focus on the ss and to control the rhythm of the ss. ¡°Everyone must have known by heart what you have learned yesterday. We shall move on to today¡¯s lesson.¡±

    The politicalmissar felt relieved and sat down when Qiu Chenxi began to start her lessons.

    Qiu Chenxi rxed slightly when the politicalmissar sat down. But faced with the ckboard, she was so helpless that she stood still, staring at it.

    Qiu Chenxi quickly calmed herself down and sorted out her thoughts. She nced at her lesson n before she took the chalk and started to write a few English words on the board.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s handwriting was pretty neat, especially when it was written on the paper. However, for those who were used to writing on the paper wrote on the ckboard without any practice, their handwriting on the paper and on the ckboard would seem as if they were from two different people.

    As a result, the ckboard was a huge obstacle for Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi had already taken other circumstances into consideration except for the ckboard, which was beyond her expectations.

    When she first started to write on the ckboard, her face turned red from theughter behind her. She used the fastest speed to erase the English letters on the ckboard and prepared to rewrite it.

    Unfortunately, in the two times that she tried writing on the ckboard, her handwriting was not as she expected.

    ¡°...¡±

    Qian Yanyan was dumbfounded. How could this be?

    Qiu Chenxi was an adult, yet her handwriting was not as beautiful as the little teacher? Was she joking with her?

    Qian Yanyan was not the only one who had such thought. The rest of the soldiers could not believe that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s handwriting on the ckboard would be this terrible. ¡°Comrade Qiu is a college graduate. I heard that Teacher Xiao Qiao is only a high school student. Could it be that as she has graduated for a long time, her handwriting has also deteriorated? Her handwriting on the ckboard cannot bepared to Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s handwriting.¡±

    One could easily tell who the better teacher was from the discussions among the soldiers.

    One was arade, while the other was a teacher. From the form of address, Qiu Chenxi had already lost to Qiao Nan.

    Lin Yuankang had a look of pride on his face. He leaned toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Little disciple, what¡¯s your thought on this? Do you care to share it with me? It¡¯s so boring to have the joke to yourself. You should share it with me.¡±

    ¡°Interesting?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think it is interesting. I only want to say that Qiu Chenxi missed the right time.¡± After another ten years, probably around 2010, the whole country would be using Information Technology. Almost every household would have one or severalputers. Almost all of the ssrooms, from elementary to university levels, would be equipped with a controller. As long as it was connected to theptop, the contents could be projected using a projector and one could run a PPT.

    By then, it would not matter whether Qiu Chenxi had good handwriting on the ckboard or not. As long as one used theputer, the fonts and typesetting would be done beautifully. Nobody would face such an awkward situation anymore.

    ¡°The right time? When is the right time?¡± Lin Yuankang knitted his eyebrows, feeling perplexed.

    ¡°I mean, China is advancing and developing rapidly. I think in a few years¡¯ time, teachers may not need to write on the ckboard. There may be a machine that can project the words. As a result, it will reduce the time wasted in the ss and the students will have a happy and easy time having their lessons.¡±

    ¡°Will there be such a day?¡± Lin Yuankang wondered. ¡°It¡¯s without a doubt that China will develop and advance, but is what you said possible?¡±

    Would teachers use such advanced technology in their lessons?

    ¡°Definitely.¡± In less than ten years, or probably two more years, when it was the 21st century, the universities would adopt such a teaching method.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you want to be an English teacher in the future?¡± He hoped that his little disciple would follow in his footsteps.

    ¡°No, I am just talking about the future development of China. I am not interested in being a teacher. If you did not drag me here with you, would I have epted this task?¡± Qiao Nan denied immediately. She already had a lot on her mind given her family situation. If she was a teacher, she would have a lot more to worry about.

    If possible, she would avoid taking on jobs that would require her to dedicate a lot of her time and effort, especially those that needed her tobor and toil with her mind and body. For instance, jobs like teaching that would have a huge impact on future generations.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Lin Yuankang was relieved.

    ¡°What¡¯s good about that?¡± Qiao Nan did not understand.

    ¡°Nothing. You should focus on the lesson. It¡¯s very rude of us to talk within ourselves while others are conducting the lessons. Nan Nan, as your teacher, I must correct you. You can¡¯t do this in the future.¡± Lin Yuankang put on a stern expression and looked toward the ckboard, checking out the words that Qiu Chenxi wrote.

    Qiao Nan, who was criticized for no apparent reason by Lin Yuankang, was dumbfounded.

    It was her master who started the conversation. What she did was to reply to his question. Why did she end up as being rude and disrespectful to others?

    Qiu Chenxi finally managed to write a few words on the board. She rxed slightly. However, she shot a sideways nce at Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan must have done it on purpose!

 Chapter 511 - Ludicrous

    <h4>Chapter 511: Ludicrous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Either Qiao Nan deliberated spoke to Elder Lin during the lesson to distract thetter so that he could not see her perform or Qiao Nan was badmouthing her to Elder Lin about that earlier blunder of hers.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior was really ungracious and petty.

    This would not do. She must not be influenced by Qiao Nan. She had to not only continue with this lesson but also create a perfect ending.

    When Qiu Chenxi was in college, she was also considered a prominent figure. She had presided over the student union meetings before. However, this was different from giving a ss.

    After Qiu Chenxi calmed down, she kept going and taught based on the contents of Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n. She became less tensed up and gradually gained her momentum. As a result, Qiu Chenxi managed to cope with the ss thatsted for more than one hour.

    When she saw the audience gradually being led on by her, Qiu Chenxi felt increasingly confident.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll stop here today. ss is over. I hope that I¡¯ll have the chance to stand here again.¡± Qiu Chenxi secretly heaved a sigh of relief. She would definitely not let Qiao Nan watch the fun.

    ¡°Unexpectedly, Comrade Qiu is quite good at teaching us too. She¡¯s not too far off from Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s quite good. At the very least, I picked up all that she has taught. It¡¯s actually not that difficult to learn English. Next time, we don¡¯t need to worry or be afraid of embarrassing ourselves when we meet foreigners.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha. You said it yourself that she¡¯s not that far off from Teacher Xiao Qiao. Although not much, there¡¯s also a difference. Moreover, how old is Teacher Xiao Qiao and how old is Comrade Qiu? It¡¯s as if you¡¯re saying a special force officerpleted a mission and didn¡¯t perform too differently from a new recruit. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a joke?¡±

    ¡°Ah, do you feel that Comrade Qiu¡¯s teaching style bears some resemnce to that of Teacher Xiao Qiao? Both seem quite rxed. Are the kids nowadays so fortunate? All the teachers are so good? Why did I remember that when I was schooling, if I didn¡¯t do my homework or was unable to pick up what was taught, the teachers would either criticize or discipline us physically?¡±

    Qian Yanyan, who was standing at the back, heard these discussions. Her expression changed, one with pride and glory to one that looked guilty. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? What resemnce can there be? Isn¡¯t it just teaching English? Of course the teaching methods are simr. It¡¯s just like undergoing archery training. Even if there are some variations in the teaching methods, the training contents are the same. It¡¯s unavoidable that there¡¯ll be simrities in the way that the instructors teach.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Some of the instructors have a unique way of imparting knowledge. They¡¯re not all the same.¡±

    ¡°What do you all know? Do you know English or do you know how to teach others? You don¡¯t have any capability except for making thoughtless remarks. You, you all, excuse me, I¡¯m going back. You¡¯re gossiping about others and standing in my way. So annoying.¡±

    Could there be no resemnce? If she did not guess it wrong, Qiu Chenxi was teaching ording to the lesson ns that she took from Teacher Xiao Qiao.

    She did not listen to Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s lesson yesterday. Nevertheless, today, after she heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss, she felt that learning English did not seem difficult at all.

    Was this Teacher Xiao Qiao really quite capable?

    Even other people could sense that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s teaching style resembled that of Qiao Nan, let alone Qiao Nan herself.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was puzzled that someone in the army would have that spare time and effort to steal that fifty-cent book of hers. The book was filled with words and would be of no practical use to them.

    In the beginning, Qiao Nan was only a little suspicious. Nevertheless, she felt that Qiu Chenxi would not do such a thing as she was considered the modern version of a rich man¡¯s daughter.

    However, Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicions were all cleared during this ss. She was very certain that, regardless of who took it, that lesson n of hers had fallen into the hands of Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you think?¡± After Qiu Chenxi finished the ss, she was extremely daring. She even deliberately walked to Qiao Nan and looked at hercently.

    She could deceive everyone but Qiao Nan today.

    Yes, Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n was in her hands. She was the one who got Qian Yanyan to take it. What could Qiao Nan do to her? She still had to be bullied by her, didn¡¯t she?

    If Qiao Nan had abidingly given her the clues of that woman, she might be in a better mood and give her some advantages. Qiao Nan could also benefit much from it.

    Today, she only took Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n. However, if Qiao Nan insisted to be at odds with her and help that woman bully her, it might not be so simple next time. If she could allow whoever that went against her to lead a good life, then that would be a miracle!

    ¡°You¡¯re a little more experienced than me. If there¡¯s something wrong with the contents of my lesson today, you have to give me more criticism. I¡¯ll definitely strive to improve it. After all, I do sincerely wish to do something for the army.¡±

    Qiao Nan was both angry and amused. Qiu Chenxi did something so disgusting and yet she deliberately came to her to boast about it. ¡°I don¡¯t have much criticism. It¡¯s just that Comrade Qiu may have left the campus for too long and you¡¯ve lost familiarity with these things. There¡¯s a lot that you need to make changes to. Moreover, there are certain teaching momentums that require implicit understanding and cannot be imparted with words. I can¡¯t tell you clearly. Why don¡¯t you feel about and reflect on it yourself? I believe you can do whatever I can.¡±

    She could only say that Qiu Chenxi was drawing a tiger using a cat as its model. Clearly, she followed her lesson n, but she ruined the most exciting part of it?

    ¡°Certainly, there are a lot of things to improve on that can¡¯t be corrected overnight.¡± Miao Jing was frowning. As a woman, how could she not feel that Qiu Chenxi was targeting Qiao Nan? ¡°Nan Nan, Auntie Miao still prefers attending your ss. Tomorrow, you should continue to teach.¡±

    ¡°Politicalmissar, I feel that my lesson today was quite good. Therades in the army seemed to like my ss too. Politicalmissar, do you think I can continue to teach?¡± Qiu Chenxi already did not hope that Miao Jing would help her and stand on her side.

    The politicalmissar tugged the dry corners of his mouth and smiled. ¡°Comrade Qiu, you still have other duties in the army. I feel that it¡¯s more meaningful if you fulfill your original responsibilities.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s teaching was not considered poor. Nevertheless, with the performance of Comrade Xiao Qiao yesterday, the politicalmissar felt that Qiu Chenxicked behind Qiao Nan by more than just a little.

    This was the army and it was an official event that they formallyunched. It was not a ce for Qiu Chenxi to y her games. ¡°Comrade Qiu, do you still remember your original intention ofing to the army? I remember that you have very good intentions and you should continue with that.¡±

    He did not expect Qiu Chenxi to help. He just hoped that Qiu Chenxi could give him less trouble. Didn¡¯t she see that the few leaders in the army were all gathered here, and she still had to be at odds with him?

    When she heard that everyone did not agree, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale. She thus targeted Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 512 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Retaliation

    <h4>Chapter 512: Qiao Nan¡¯s Retaliation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qiao Nan, we know each other so well. What do you say?¡± Qiu Chenxi gave Qiao Nan a fake smile. ¡°You are still so young and have justpleted your examinations. I¡¯m concerned that this will be very taxing for you. I want to relieve your stress. I¡¯m sure you understand my good intentions?¡±

    Qiao Nanughed. Good intentions? Could she just appreciate the good intentions without taking any actions?

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t need to bother about others. What do you think?¡± There was a look of displeasure in the corners of Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. He gave Qiu Chenxi a cold stare. What Qiu Chenxi was thinking of did not matter. Nan Nan¡¯s thoughts were the most important.

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyelids. Her long, ck, and thick eyshes hid the radiance beneath her eyes. ¡°Do you really want me to speak my mind?¡±

    ¡°Say it,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied. He gave Qiao Nan courage.

    Qiao Nan lifted her head and gave Zhai Yaohui a nce. What show did Chief Zhai want to watch?

    Zhai Yaohui narrowed his eyes and chuckled. ¡®You did not dare?¡¯

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes once. ¡°Politicalmissar, I have a suggestion. You can see if it works.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± The politicalmissar wiped his sweat. He was in a dilemma. Would he have a say in this?

    ¡°Comrade Qiu¡¯s good intentions are hard toe by. I can¡¯t not grant her wish. However, if I go against the initial well-meaning thoughts of the army when you invited my master and me here, it won¡¯t seem good too. Why don¡¯t we do this? I notice that there¡¯s more than one activity hall in the army camp. From tomorrow onward, we will open two sses. I will take one ss and Comrade Qiu the other. There are so many people in the army camp. Actually, it¡¯s also a concern that some people may not be able to listen that well if everyone crowds in the same ce. I¡¯m ady and also very young. My voice is not loud enough. There¡¯ll definitely be people who can¡¯t hear me well. Moreover, as the space is limited, I believe many people did not have a chance to attend the ss. If we can open two sses at the same time, we can amodate more people. As we¡¯re carrying this out simultaneously, it will not affect the training schedule in the army too. When the timees, they can just enter the activity hall to listen to whoever they prefer to.¡±

    Didn¡¯t Qiu Chenxi want topete with her? Didn¡¯t she wish to provoke her?

    Alright, she would fulfill her wish!

    Since she wanted to have fun, then they would y a major game. She promised that Qiu Chenxi would feel satisfied and excited about it.

    ¡°I think that works!¡± Lin Yuankang was the first to agree. He looked as if he did not mind watching the fun escte. ¡°I think Nan Nan¡¯s suggestion is quite good. Let¡¯s do this. After all, everyone¡¯s teaching style is different. Not all the soldiers in the army can adjust to it. They can attend the ss in which the teaching style matches their preference. It¡¯s more direct and simple this way. This idea is good. Good!¡±

    ¡°I think this will work as well,¡± Shi Peng replied smilingly. There had not been anything interesting happening in the army for a long time. Furthermore, this matter was due to two youngdies.

    So, this was the Qiao Nan that Qing Qing talked about often. She was quite good-looking and also smart. Most importantly, just as what Qing Qing said, her temper was not considered extremely mild. If someone provoked her, she would reveal her ws.

    As a solider, Shi Peng never liked a kind person who was easily bullied, or a tamed horse that was often ridden.

    As a human, one should have more courage and spine!

    ¡°Then, this matter has been decided.¡± Zhai Yaohui was thest to agree. ¡°Politicalmissar, arrange another activity hall and inform everyone in the army camp about this so that everyone is clear about it. Thereafter, put up proper signage at the activity hall to specify who the teacher is. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Okay, Chief Zhai. I¡¯ll arrange it immediately.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll settle for this then. It¡¯s alreadyte. My old bones are tired out. I should sleep soon.¡± Lin Yuankang, who clearly had not done anything except sitting by one side to watch the ss, gave a tired yawn and requested someone to send him back to the dormitory.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi, whopletely lost her right to air her views since Qiao Nan spoke, looked at Shi Peng, her eyes full of injustice.

    This was her biological uncle. Why did he not help his niece at that critical juncture? She was nearly driven to the grave by anger!

    Qiu Chenxi gave a sigh. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s already sote...¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re the one who sent Comrade Xiao Qiao back to the dormitory yesterday. Since it¡¯s already sote, you¡¯ll send her back again. Don¡¯t trouble others.¡± Zhai Yaohui ced great emphasis on thest part of his sentence, as if he was implying someone had to take care of his own ¡®daughter-inw¡¯.

    It was rare that Zhai Sheng saw eye to eye with his father, Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Yes, Chief.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes, it¡¯s been so hard on Nan Nan. Quickly send Nan Nan back to rest.¡± If Zhai Sheng did not send Nan Nan, he would be pulled away by Qiu Chenxi soon.

    ¡°Uncle, it¡¯s already sote. Can you send me back?¡± Qiu Chenxi had no choice. She could only let go of Zhai Sheng and held on to Shi Peng, her biological uncle.

    When Shi Peng was not in the army, Qiu Chenxi could use his name and her identity as his niece to receive special treatment in the army.

    Now that Shi Peng was personally present, in principle, she could depend more on her uncle, Shi Peng, and receive more preferential treatment. In particr, when she was dealing with Qiao Nan, she could not allow her uncle to favor an outsider instead of someone on his own side.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Shi Peng¡¯s face that still looked sickly and pale turned serious as he looked at Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi nodded. ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure. Uncle has been hospitalized for such a long time. I was too busy previously and did not visit you much. Hence, I wish to catch up with you.¡±

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡± Shi Peng did not decline further.

    Qiu Chenxi gave the politicalmissar a bow and then caught up with Shi Peng. ¡°Uncle, can you slow down a little? I can¡¯t catch up with you.¡± Qiu Chenxi was perspiring as she ran after Shi Peng. She could not help calling out to stop him. ¡°Uncle, you should know what I¡¯m thinking?¡±

    Her uncle only had one niece. No matter what, it was only right for him to help her.

    Shi Peng paused in his steps and looked at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Then, what about Qing Qing¡¯s thoughts? Are you aware?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Chenxi was at a loss of words. ¡°But, clearly I was the one who got together with Brother Zhai first.¡± Brother Zhai was hers. Shi Qing was even her rtive. How could she be so shameless to fight with her for Brother Zhai?

    ¡°Since you¡¯re already together with Zhai Sheng, then why do you still need my help?¡± Instead of being angry, Shi Peng smiled. He shrewdly pointed out the contradictions in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words.

    ¡°Yes, I separated with Brother Zhai temporarily as we have some misunderstanding. As long as the misunderstanding is cleared, we¡¯ll still be together like before. Brother Zhai and I have known each other for so many years. No one canpete with that. Uncle, we¡¯re rtives. Surely, you won¡¯t let Qing Qing double-cross me and take the opportunity to snatch her own brother-inw, right?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi sounded so bold and righteous. Anyway, everyone was in the wrong except her.

    Shi Peng did not understand Qiu Chenxi, but he knew his biological sister, Qiu Min, very well.

    Upon hearing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, Shi Peng confirmed that Qiu Chenxi was definitely Qi Min¡¯s daughter. There was no doubt about it. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already said that, if I don¡¯t do anything, I will be letting you down as your uncle. Yesterday, the counselor came to the politicalmissar¡¯s office. At that time, a group of us was present.¡±

 Chapter 513 - Accept the Father-In-Lawâ€™s Test

    <h4>Chapter 513: ept the Father-In-Law¡¯s Test</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The counselor told us that Qiao Nan lost her lesson n. Tell me, how many people in the army will be interested in such a book that is full of words, and English words at that?¡±

    Everyone had ears. In particr, as a soldier of the citizens, they might not have many other capabilities, but at the very least, they needed to be observant and alert.

    Even the older ones such as Shi Peng and Zhai Yaohui did notpletely lose these skills. Hence, they had overheard those gossip and discussions amongst the soldiers from just now.

    A lesson n was not something an ordinary soldier would want.

    Unfortunately, Qiu Chenxi was too obvious. Unless everyone was an idiot, they could guess it without much difficulty. ¡°Your Uncle Zhai has already ordered the politicalmissar and Zhai Sheng to investigate this matter clearly. They will certainly not allow Comrade Xiao Qiao to suffer in silence or let someone break the rules in the army camp.¡±

    ¡°This... What has this got to do with me?¡± Qiu Chenxi felt so guilty that she was almost dumbfounded. She had thought that Qian Yanyan was the only one who knew about this matter besides Qiao Nan and herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s best if this has nothing to do with you. Do you still need me to send you back?¡± Shi Peng could not be bothered to expose Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lies. He said all these to give Qiu Chenxi a kind reminder as he was her biological uncle.

    Qiu Chenxi forced a smile. ¡°No, no need. It¡¯s sote. Uncle, you¡¯ve just been discharged for a few days. I should be the one sending you, not the other way round. I¡¯ll go back on my own. Uncle, did Brother Zhai know that Qiao Nan lost her lesson n?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no other matter. Uncle, your health is not good. You should rest earlier. It¡¯s alright for me to go back on my own.¡± Qiu Chenxi left in a hurry. After she returned to the dormitory, she shut the door tightly. She had predicted that Qiao Nan would not dare toin about her. She would not raise a big rumpus and overturn all horses and men in the camp for the sake of one book. Qiao Nan was not so stupid. She would certainly not do that.

    However, she never expected that the female counselor would be such a busybody to poke her nose into other people¡¯s matters.

    Qiao Nan, the main party concerned, did not utter a word. Why was the female counselor creating trouble?

    Now, Uncle Zhai and Brother Zhai knew about this matter. How was she going to settle it?

    If anyone discovered that Qiao Nan¡¯s book was with her, then would she have to take the rap for Qian Yanyan? Others would then use her of stealing?

    At the thought of these, Qiu Chenxi quickly took out Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n and read everything once. Then, she quickly used a lighter to burn the book to ashes. She did not care how much she had remembered.

    It was only after she disposed of all the ashes that she had time to wipe away the sweat on her forehead. She then realized that she had broken out in a cold sweat.

    This was truly the first time in her life that Qiu Chenxi pilfered and did such an hical thing.

    When she returned to the dormitory, Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she simply wanted to smash things.

    The vixen that was fighting with her for Brother Zhai had not been found. Now, there was another problem, namely Qiao Nan, who had to be at odds with her on everything. When she said that earlier, she was hoping that Brother Zhai would send her back so as to create more opportunities for them to interact alone. But Uncle Zhai actually asked Brother Zhai to send Qiao Nan back!¡±

    Could it be that even Uncle Zhai had changed his mind and forgotten his ties and rtionship with her mother? Had he forgotten how much he owed her mother?

    This situation would not do.

    Qiu Chenxi bit the tip of her thumb nervously. One must know that Uncle Zhai was the strongest pir she could rely on to marry Brother Zhai. If Uncle Zhai was also not on her side, then the possibility of her marrying Brother Zhai would be reduced further.

    Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, she had to make a phone call home immediately and tell her mother about this so that her mother could quickly think of a way to settle the problems rted to Uncle Zhai.

    Qiu Chenxi, who was guilty conscious, was scared out of her wits. On the other hand, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation was more heartwarming. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ve been here for two days. Why didn¡¯t I see Brother Zhou?¡±

    ¡°Do you wish to see him?¡± Zhai Sheng sounded jealous when he asked this. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t talk about other guys in front of me. Or maybe you have changed your mind and wish to marry me earlier? You should know my temperament. If you corner me, I can¡¯t be sure that I can keep my words and wait two years for you.¡±

    ¡°Is this matter rted to that? I was just asking a casual question. If you don¡¯t like to hear it, then I won¡¯t talk about it. Will that do?¡± Qiao Nan was sullen. ¡°Brother Zhai, when I talked about Brother Zhou, were you really angry? Or did you just want to switch to the topic about us getting married earlier?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re no doubt a candidate for a soldier¡¯s wife. You do have these basic observation skills.¡± Zhai Sheng did not deny that he did have such intention. ¡°Nan Nan, Qiu Chenxi was the one who took what you have lost, right?¡±

    Just as Qiao Nan felt more rxed, Zhai Sheng caught her off-guard with this question.

    ¡°You¡¯ve guessed it? But I don¡¯t have any evidence.¡± After thinking about it, Qiao Nan did not deny it. ¡°I¡¯ll settle this matter myself. Brother Zhai, you don¡¯t need to intervene in this. It¡¯s not appropriate for you to do so.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi just stole something that cost fifty cents from her. When an ordinary person heard about this, they would most probably think that she was making a mountain out of a molehill. It was just an item that cost fifty cents. Was there a need to kick up such a big fuss?

    In the bigger scheme of things, Qiu Chenxi stole her lesson n. There might even be people who could not differentiate right from wrong. They would see Qiu Chenxi as someone who was enthusiastic to learn but was just too shy and timid that she had used an incorrect means and thus making a small mistake.

    No matter what, if this matter was made known to many, besides losing some face, Qiu Chenxi would not suffer any specific loss.

    How would Zhai Sheng interfere in this matter? Would he steal Qiu Chenxi¡¯s things because of fifty cents or put a spoke in her wheel?

    Either was inappropriate. It was too belittling of his status.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s situation, when she knows I¡¯m the woman she¡¯s looking for, she¡¯ll definitely create a fuss again. Most likely, she will not stop even after we are married. Will you be able to protect me 365 days a year and twenty-four hours a day, shielding me from her and resolving all the trouble she created? I think this may be one of the reasons why Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao are not willing to agree to our rtionship. Brother Zhai, given your status, you¡¯re someone who is destined for big things. You should focus your efforts and energy on the army and protecting the country. If I really can¡¯t handle such a small matter properly, will you still dare to let me marry you as a soldier¡¯s wife? There¡¯s never a dodder amongst the soldier¡¯s wives.¡± [1. Dodder is a nt that needs to rely on other nts for survival]

    Zhai Sheng was stunned by Qiao Nan¡¯s firm attitude and tone. He then smiled. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re really sure that you want to be a soldier¡¯s wife and are willing to ept all the challenges?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain of it. I feel that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter is an opportunity, an opportunity for me to perform in front of Chief Zhai!¡±

 Chapter 514 - Accepting the â€˜Leaderâ€™sâ€™ Test

    <h4>Chapter 514: epting the ¡®Leader¡¯s¡¯ Test</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan analyzed the issue at hand calmly. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m not stupid. Although I don¡¯t live in that social circle of yours, I do understand some matters after thinking about it carefully. Given the family situation of the Zhai family, you don¡¯t need inws that can bring honor to your family. You need a daughter-inw who has the capability and who is able to handle major asions. I feel that Chief Zhai¡¯s attitude toward me recently has changed quite a lot. This time, especially, he knew that I was opposing Qiu Chenxi, but he agreed.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very rational in your analysis. It makes sense.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, as dark as a meteorite, was filled with so much love as he looked deeply at Qiao Nan. ¡°Continue.¡±

    Qiao Nan continued to say, ¡°So, I think if I¡¯m more capable than Qiu Chenxi, even if my birth status is not perfect, Chief Zhai may not mind. To put it bluntly, if Chief Zhai only looks at one¡¯s family background, then Auntie Miao...¡±

    Even if Old Master Zhai tried all ways and means to convince him, Chief Zhai would not marry Auntie Miao.

    Was his own future or his biological father¡¯s one-time happiness more important?

    Furthermore, the situation of the Zhai family had not reached its current peak at that time. Aspared to Brother Zhai, Chief Zhai needed to give more consideration regarding her wife¡¯s family background was he to marry back then. Nevertheless, didn¡¯t Chief Zhai still marry Auntie Miao eventually and even raise Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua together?

    Qiao Nan smiled, looking a little embarrassed. ¡°Brother Zhai, actually, I feel that Chief Zhai is not someone that¡¯s so power-hungry.¡±

    At least, he was unlike others, like Qiu Chenxi, who was so driven by money and power, and only cared about status and wealth, not their characters.

    ¡°I agree with this point.¡± Zhai Sheng took a deep breath and held Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. He then walked toward Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory.

    In the past, he had been worried that Nan Nan was young, that she had not fully matured, personality-wise. Even if she knew, she only knew a little. But at this juncture, he finally understood that Nan Nan did not give less than him in this rtionship.

    He should not have been so worried because of Nan Nan¡¯s age.

    The woman that he had taken a liking to was indeed different. Even if she was so young, her thinking was so much more mature than those typical people of her age.

    At the sight of the young and tender-faced Qiao Nan, who had such a mature and stable personality, there was an upsurge of emotions in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. It was as if there was an uncontroble flood flowing out from his heart.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± Qiao Nan wanted to take back her hands. ¡°There are so many people moving about in this camp. How do you intend to exin to Auntie Miao if someone sees us?!¡± Auntie Miao was the number one problem. Wasn¡¯t Brother Zhai worried at all when he did this?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about my mom. You should prepare for tomorrow¡¯s lesson properly. Don¡¯t be too nervous. You have settled my dad. Of course, I¡¯ll be the one settling my mom.¡± He was never a man that would push all the responsibilities to a woman.

    This matter involved the two of them. It was only right that they worked hard together to resolve this matter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head vigorously. ¡°Brother Zhai, there¡¯s a saying that doesn¡¯t sound very nice. Don¡¯t me me for saying it. I believe that you will understand Auntie Miao¡¯s thoughts better after you hear this.¡±

    ¡°What saying?¡±

    ¡°The mother-inw spent five years to teach her son how to wear his pants but the daughter-inw only used less than five seconds to make his son take off the pants.¡± At the end of her speech, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t look at me in this way. Do you think this makes sense?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was perplexed when he looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°The words are rough but not the reasoning behind it. Also, Nan Nan, who said this to you? If that person is a male, then he¡¯s ying rogue!¡±

    ¡°I heard it from somewhere. Didn¡¯t many people say this?¡±

    ¡°Many? Why am I hearing this for the first time?¡±

    Qiao Nan was speechless as she questioned heaven in her heart. ¡°Brother Zhai, we¡¯re talking about Auntie Miao. Auntie Miao is jealous. Do you understand? I have to be the one to disentangle the knot in her heart. Otherwise, both of us will hurt Auntie Miao.¡±

    ¡°If I resolve this problem in a rational way, you may not need to resolve this problem yourself.¡± His father was not a problem. If his mother also agreed, then, he no longer needed to wait for two years to submit that marriage report.

    He and Nan Nan couldpletely get engaged first. They would then marry officially and collect the marriage certificate when Nan Nan reached the legal age.

    ¡°The three of you have been convincing Auntie Miao in a rational way for so many years. Why had Auntie Miao been so firm that Qiu Chenxi was her daughter-inw to be? If your rational ways were so useful, Qiu Chenxi and you would have been together for a hundred years.¡± Qiao Nan expressed that shepletely did not trust the rational analysis that Zhai Sheng adopted. ¡°What if the situation turns out unexpectedly in a bad way? That¡¯d be depressing then.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you... don¡¯t be anxious. Can we take it a step at a time? You... If you keep forcing me, I¡¯ll have to tell my master that I¡¯m going home! I came here to give you all English lessons. Why should I give you the chance to force me!¡± Qiao Nan stomped her feet in fury. Don¡¯t think that she could not tell what Brother Zhai¡¯s thoughts were. She was very smart and not easy to lie to.

    Zhai Sheng sighed as he looked at the sky full of stars. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m a soldier. I don¡¯t like to do things under the carpet. When are you going to let me see the ¡®sun¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, in another ten hours, you will be able to see the rising sun, Comrade Zhai Sheng. I hope that the sunlight can drive the gloom away from your heart,¡± Qiao Nan replied in a serious tone. Was it not easy to see the sun? As long as it was not raining, Brother Zhai would be able to see the sun every day.

    After sending Qiao Nan to the dormitory, Zhai Sheng then went back to his own ce.

    When Zhai Sheng arrived, Zhai Yaohui had already drunk half a cup of freshly brewed tea. ¡°You¡¯re back. Did Qiao Nan, that child, tell you anything?¡±

    ¡°She said that she will ept the challenge given to her by the organization leader.¡± Zhai Sheng unbuttoned the cor of his shirt. He then prepared a basin of cold water so that he could bathe.

    ¡°Who wants to give her a challenge?¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted lightly and refused to admit.

    Zhai Sheng turned and took a nce at Zhai Yaohui, who refused to speak the truth from his heart. ¡°Alright, Dad, there¡¯s no one else here. Why are you pretending? Even Nan Nan can tell what¡¯s happening. Do you think you can bluff me?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui put down his cup of tea. ¡°I¡¯ve already given you the opportunity. It¡¯s up to you whether you can grab it. Let me remind you. Don¡¯t behave too arrogantly. You have not passed the hurdle at your mom¡¯s end. Even if I agree to this, if you can¡¯t take care of the problem at your mom¡¯s side, this matter will not do. Zhai Sheng, you have to remember that you only have one mom. Understand?¡±

    If Zhai Sheng angered Miao Miao for the sake of a woman, he would definitely break Zhai Sheng¡¯s leg!

    ¡°Understood.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°I can only me myself for being your son. There¡¯s a saying that the son will pay for the father¡¯s sin. I have to clean up the mess that you¡¯ve created. Nan Nan and I are united as a couple. Of course, she has to help me clean up your mess. Nan Nan is very good to mom. She hopes that on the day of the wedding, Mom will be a happy mother-inw as she watches her daughter-inw marrying into the family.¡±

 Chapter 515 - Teacher Xiao Qiao

    <h4>Chapter 515: Teacher Xiao Qiao</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°In the future, if Nan Nan and I resolve the problem that you have caused, how are you going to treat Nan Nan? You should think over this matter and don¡¯t repay kindness with ingratitude.¡± After finishing his shower, Zhai Sheng poured away the water. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s already sote. You¡¯re not going back?¡± He was going to sleep.

    Zhai Yaohui had a strange look on his face. It was as if he had choked himself after gulping some dumplings. ¡°Why can¡¯t I stay here? I¡¯m sleeping here today, can¡¯t I? I¡¯ll sleep on the lower bunk and you the upper bunk!¡±

    As Zhai Sheng was not married, he did not apply for a suite room. He was still staying in a room with bunk beds. It was just that Zhai Sheng was the only one staying in the ce.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°I¡¯ve really not slept with any of my elders from a young age. Dad, are you making up for my childhood regrets? Thank you. Regarding this, you can leave it to Nan Nan and my son in the future.¡± As for his daughter, he would not let her bunk in with his father.

    ¡°You¡¯ve also seen it. There are only the upper and lower bunks. There¡¯s nothing on the upper bunk bed. What¡¯s wrong with Mom and you again? You¡¯ve been sleeping in the study room at home. Now, you¡¯reing to my ce to sleep? Since you¡¯re having arguments with Mom... Comrade Zhai Yaohui, please settle your problems as a couple and don¡¯t cause inconvenience to others. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Others? Who are you to your mom and me? When did you be someone else? When did I have any conflict with your mom? Don¡¯t sprout nonsense. Can¡¯t you hope that I¡¯ll reconcile with your mom?¡± Zhai Yaohui would not concede defeat. He did not believe that as a father, he could not subdue his son!

    Zhai Shengughed. He then swiftly rolled out a straw mat on the upper bunk. ¡°I¡¯ve been hoping that you will reconcile with Mom. The oue is that you have to sleep at my ce. This is a treatment that I¡¯ve never received since I was a child. Fortunately, it¡¯s summertime now and only a straw mat is needed. Tell me, if it¡¯s wintertime and you¡¯re going to bunk in with me, where am I going to get a mattress and nket in the middle of the night?¡±

    After shooting Zhai Yaohui with these words, Zhai Sheng swiftly flipped up to the upper bunk bed, wore his clothes, and fell asleep.

    ¡°This young brat, switch off the lights!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned cker. Zhai Sheng only knew how to take a shower himself. Could he not help him to get a basin of water so that he could wash his face?

    At the thought that Zhai Hua would also be as crude and careless as Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui felt even more depressed. Didn¡¯t he and Miao Miao give birth to a son and a daughter? Why did it seemingly turn out that he had two sons instead?

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng had already closed his eyes but he opened it helplessly. He did not argue with Zhai Yaohui. Instead, he took out a fifty-cent coin from his pocket and threw it at the light switch.

    The lights were switched off with a bang.

    When he heard Zhai Yaohui lying down, Zhai Sheng leaned over and lowered his head. He was able to see Zhai Yaohui in the moonlight. ¡°Dad, speaking of it, how did you provoke Mom again this time? You¡¯ve been chased out by Mom again. You have to know. This is the army camp.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The response that Zhai Sheng received from Zhai Yaohui was not his words but a flying pillow.

    It was directly aimed at Zhai Sheng¡¯s face.

    Zhai Sheng reached out and caught it. ¡°It must be because of Qiu Chenxi again. But thanks for the pillow.¡± Having said that, Zhai Sheng ced the pillow under his head and expressed that he finally feltfortable. He could really fall asleep now.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s breath skipped a beat. He was both angry and amused. ¡°This young brat.¡± He purposely agitated him so that he would fling his pillow to him. He even wanted to plot against him for a pillow. He did not know anything about respect for elders and love for the young at all.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, why did you wake up so early today?¡± When the female counselor woke up, Qiao Nan was already dressed up. ¡°It¡¯s only six o¡¯clock.¡±

    ¡°I slept early yesterday so I woke up early. I¡¯m going to the field to jog two rounds first. Take your time.¡± The air in the mountains was very fresh early in the morning. It was extremely good and there were many negative ions.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths. She felt so good andfortable, as if her lungs had been cleansed.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re also jogging?¡±

    The people in the army were quite affectionate. Although Qiao Nan only taught them one ss, all of those who still remembered her addressed her as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯.

    ¡°Good morning, everyone.¡± As Qiao Nan jogged, she responded with a smiling face.

    After jogging for a few rounds, it was almost seven o¡¯clock when Qian Yanyan saw what was happening as she helped Qiu Chenxi get breakfast. With the porridge and dishes in her hands, Qian Yanyan returned to the dormitory at her fastest speed. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, do you know who I saw this morning?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Qiu Chenxi, who had not slept for one night, asked listlessly. Her eyes were red and there were dark circles below her eyes.

    ¡°Who else could it be but that high school student? She only taught one ss but she really thinks that she¡¯s a teacher. She has been jogging in the camp since early in the morning. She¡¯s so proud now. Everyone who met her called her ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. I don¡¯t understand. Why is she so thick-skinned? She didn¡¯t even feel embarrassed when she acknowledged the greetings.¡±

    ¡°There is an old saying, ¡®Once a teacher, always a father¡¯. If those people are willing to call Qiao Nan ¡®mother¡¯, I¡¯m sure Qiao Nan will also be thick-skinned enough to respond to them, let alone calling her as a ¡®teacher¡¯,¡± Qiu Chenxi said in agitation. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve not slept for the whole night. I¡¯m having a headache. Don¡¯t disturb me. Let me quiet down.¡±

    Qian Yanyan took a mouthful of porridge. Shepletely did not understand what Qiu Chenxi was nervous about. ¡°I¡¯ve brought porridge and dishes back for you. Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯re really odd. Didn¡¯t you do wellst night? So what if they open two sses at the same time? What do you have to be afraid of? You actually didn¡¯t sleep for the whole night to prepare for the ss. Isn¡¯t that a little exaggerating? Qiu Chenxi, are you worried that you can¡¯t win against that high school student? I don¡¯t think so, right?¡±

    One was a senior high school student and the other was a college graduate. Between these two, was there a need topete?

    ¡°What do you know? I¡¯m serious about teaching well and being responsible for my own work as well as to therades in the army. That¡¯s why I am doing my best. What has this got to do with Qiao Nan?¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to admit.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not afraid that you would lose to that senior high school student, why did you have to ask me to take that thing written by her?¡± Qian Yanyan was a little greedy but she was not stupid. She was able to make sense of the situation.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed greatly. She quickly closed the door of the room. ¡°Let me warn you. If you mention this again, I can¡¯t protect you if anything happens.¡±

    Qian Yanyan was stunned. ¡°What do you mean? What do you mean if anything happens? What happened?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan told the politicalmissar that she lost her book. Politicalmissar said that this matter must be investigated. You also know the rules in the army. Tell me, if anyone finds out, can you still continue to remain in the army?¡± Qiu Chenxi intentionally did not make herself clear. She made it sound as if Qiao Nan lodged aint and directed all of Qian Yanyan¡¯s hatred toward Qiao Nan.

    As expected, Qian Yanyan jumped in shock. ¡°What? That high school student is really too petty. She¡¯s Lin Elder Lin¡¯s disciple and should be very wealthy. She actuallyined to the politicalmissar just because of a fifty-cent book? This... Isn¡¯t this person too much? Why is she so shameless?¡±

 Chapter 516 - Out of Her Mind

    <h4>Chapter 516: Out of Her Mind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi tried to suppress the slight curl of her lips. ¡°So you must keep a low profile. You should not go around telling everyone about that. After all, you did that in order to help me. I will definitely keep it a secret for you. However, if you go around telling everyone and are seen by others, there¡¯s nothing that I can do. If the politicalmissar really wants to punish you, there¡¯s no way that I can stop him.¡±

    ¡°You can rest assured that I won¡¯t do it again. I promise I will not tell anyone about this. I must be down on my luck. The notebook is only worth fifty cents, yet a high school student lodged aint against me. It is no wonder that the elderly always say that the richer one is, the stingier one is. Sheined to the politicalmissar because of such a small amount of money. She is too annoying, a bully.¡± Qian Yanyan was angry and in a panic. She was afraid that what she did would be found out and by then, she would be ruined.

    The soldiers in the army, especially military performers like her, once they had any ck record, they could no longer stay in the army and would be transferred away.

    The high school student wanted to ruin her life for the sake of a fifty-cent notebook!

    ¡°Alright, you should go back to your dormitory. I have to prepare for the lessons.¡±

    ¡°Okay, it will not be good if others discover that I am always at your ce. By the way, Qiu Chenxi, that notebook, you...¡± Qian Yanyan was not at ease. She would not tell others about it, but what if Qiu Chenxi had a slip of the tongue?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am your good friend. I won¡¯t harm you. I have already burnt that thing. Otherwise, I won¡¯t stay through the night to prepare for lessons tonight,¡± Qiu Chenxi said with concern. ¡°As soon as I heard about the news, the first thing that I did when I came backst night was to get rid of the evidence. Without that notebook, I have to work hard and prepare for the ss.¡±

    ¡°I see. Qiu Chenxi, you are very kind to me. I am sure that you will handle the matter well. I will go back first. Next time, if you need help, you must look for me.¡± Qian Yanyan was moved. Initially, she thought that Qiu Chenxi did not sleep for a night as she was afraid of losing to the high school student. She did not expect that she did all that for her sake.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, we are good friends. Of course, I have to help you. You should go back now. Tonight, you muste to my ss and cheer for me. You must cooperate with me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Not only will I attend your lesson, but I will also bring my good friends with me. I will find a way to get more people to join your ss. You must remember to dress up. Yesterday, you were very well-dressed. A lot of the soldiers stared at you.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi, who got her wishes, was all smiles. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I am there to teach. Why should I dress up?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. There are more male soldiers than female soldiers in the army. It¡¯s natural for men to look at women. If you dress up beautifully, you will definitely attract more attention. The high school student overrated her own abilities. She can never bepared to you. You must not be modest. You should use whatever methods that you have.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you for your concern. I know what to do.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes sparkled. In fact, she already had this idea in mind even before Qian Yanyan mentioned it.

    From what Qiao Nan said yesterday, she was obviously out to challenge her.

    Usually, she had no need to bother with Qiao Nan¡¯s taunting.

    Butst night, many influential and powerful people were present. Uncle Zhai and his family were there as well.

    If she did not ept the challenge or lose to Qiao Nan, she would never be able to hold her head high in front of the Zhai family. She would be ridiculed for her entire life.

    Therefore, she must face Qiao Nan head-on and make sure that she suffered a crushing defeat.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, why are you still here? You should go out and have a look.¡± Qiao Nan was doing her summer homework when she was dragged out of the female dormitory by the female counselor.

    ¡°What am I supposed to look at?¡± Qiao Nan blinked in confusion at the uniformed soldiers who were training. ¡°What do you want me to look at?¡±

    ¡°There, over there!¡± The female counselor pointed her finger toward a certain direction. Qiao Nan looked in that direction and finally understood what the female counselor meant.

    Qiu Chenxi wore a dignified long skirt yesterday. Her legs and neck all covered up. But today, Qiu Chenxi was dressed differently. She wore a one-piece dress that came to her knees, exposing her calves. What surprised Qiao Nan the most was that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s dress was worn like a vest, sleeveless.

    Qiu Chenxi paid attention to taking care of her skin and she did not like to be under the sun. Hence, she looked especially fair and tender.

    Among the soldiers who were tanned from the sun and were in their uniforms, the way Qiu Chenxi dressed was simply stunning, catching the attention of all the soldiers.

    Not to mention the male soldiers, even Qiao Nan could not help but look admiringly at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s fair arms and slender legs. It was indeed very eye-catching. The soldiers in the army rarely got to see women who were dressed up so beautifully. The sight of Qiu Chenxi got their blood racing.

    They could not help but keep staring at Qiu Chenxi. It took a lot of willpower for them not to make catcalls.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi must be out of her mind. Why will she dress in such a manner?¡± Qiao Nan looked stunned. She suspected that Qiu Chenxi must be crazy to wear such clothes in the army camp.

    Even if Qiu Chenxi was only here for a visit, her attire was way too much. Moreover, she would be staying in the army for a certain period of time.

    In the army, the dressing requirements for women were much stricter than that in school.

    The female counselor was exasperated. ¡°I have no idea what¡¯s going on. She is really... I am too embarrassed to bring myself to say it. As a woman, I feel embarrassed for her. She should dress ording to the circumstances. Even though there are not many female soldiers in our army, what she did set a bad example for them. If all of the female soldiers are dressed up in such a manner, this is really... I heard that Qiu Chenxi is the offspring of cadres. Is this how she should behave?¡±

    ¡°Counselor, don¡¯t be angry. I suppose someone will report to the politicalmissar.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s behavior. She did not understand why Qiu Chenxi dressed in such a manner. Was she not afraid that she would invite gossip?

    However, when it was time for ss at night, judging from the number of students in the different ssrooms, Qiao Nan finally understood the reason why Qiu Chenxi did that.

 Chapter 517 - Our Inner Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 517: Our Inner Beauty</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There were a lot of soldiers in the army camp. Previously, when there was only one ss, Qiao Nan had witnessed how crowded it could be, especially when it was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s turn to conduct the lessonsst night. It was especially crowded as well.

    The number of soldiers in her ssroom was not even half of the total number of soldiers in the army camp. Looking at this sight, Qiao Nan smiled in exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that Brother Zhai said that I haven¡¯t grown up. I am, indeed, young and neglected that at this age, guys are under the influence of their hormones. They are not rational at all.¡±

    She was just a frail and thin-looking young girl. She could notpare to Qiu Chenxi, who was mature and knew how to dress.

    Since both of them were conducting English sses, now that they were given a choice, they would naturally choose to go to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss on ount of her looks and attire.

    She might have wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to challenge Qiu Chenxi and to prove herself to Chief Zhai, but Qiu Chenxi was not to be meddled with. She even resorted to such methods. There was nothing that Qiao Nan could say.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, are you angry?¡± The number of soldiers that turned up was about thirty to forty. They could not help but ask her tentatively.

    In fact, they felt that theirrades were too much. It was obvious that Teacher Xiao Qiao was a better teacher, but they all went to Comrade Qiu¡¯s ss. They were too foolish.

    ¡°Of course not. Why should I be angry?¡± Qiao Nan gave a brilliant smile. ¡°I am not angry. Instead, I am very happy. I have all of you here with me. You have proven that I have an outstanding and good character.¡±

    The soldiers were perplexed. What did Teacher Xiao Qiao mean by that?

    ¡°As we all know, people will always look forward to beautiful and nice-looking things. There are two types of beauty. One is external beauty, and the other is inner beauty. As the name suggests, one can easily appreciate external beauty using their eyes. In other words, it is too easy to discover external beauty. On the contrary, it is not easy to discover inner beauty, but it is even moremendable. All of you have chosen not to go for external beauty but to join my ss. This proves that it is my inner beauty that attracted you to my ss. All of you here are just like what Chairman Mao had mentioned¡ªthe public with discerning eyes!¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    Like what happenedst time, as soon as Qiao Nan spoke up, the slightly awkward atmosphere gradually became harmonious.

    In fact, before Qiao Nan started her lessons, the soldiers in her ss felt awkward and tentative.

    Some of the soldiers were in her ss as they felt that she was a better teacher aspared to Qiu Chenxi and wanted to learn from her, while some of the soldiers were there for another reason.

    The people in the army were simple and innocent. They felt that it would not be good for Qiao Nan if everyone attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss instead of Qiao Nan¡¯s ss.

    Therefore, several of the soldiers decided to make the decision through a finger-guessing game. The winners would join Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss to have a good look, while the losers would join Qiao Nan¡¯s ss to maintain her dignity.

    They were worried that Qiao Nan would not be able to take it if there were not many students in her ss and that she would break out in tears in front of them.

    They did not expect that not only was Qiao Nan not angry, but she was in high spirits and made a good and meaningful speech instead. Everyone loved to listen topliments. Even those who felt unhappy at losing the finger-guessing game, they were happy at Qiao Nan¡¯spliments.

    That was right. Like what Teacher Xiao Qiao said, they ced more importance on inner beauty and they were people who had substance!

    ¡°I am proud of my inner beauty, and I am proud of all of you who are not superficial. As a soldier, you should have this kind of ability and foresight to see through the external appearance and look at one¡¯s inner self. I apud all of you. Please give yourself a round of apuse!¡±

    There was a big round of apuse.

    After Qiao Nan finished her short speech, there was a burst of thunderous apuse from the soldiers. The atmosphere was, in fact, better than the ssroom next to them that was filled with people.

    Qiu Chenxi, who had already started her lesson, was twice interrupted by the sound of the apuse. Her expression darkened at the disruption.

    ¡°Since there are not too many of you in the ss, in fact, it was fewer than the supposed capacity of one ss, let¡¯s not waste our time. All of you cane up to the stage and form four rows.¡± Qiao Nan got the attention of the soldiers and started her ss.

    Forming toons was the most familiar thing to the soldiers.

    It only took a word from Qiao Nan and the soldiers used the fastest speed to form the rows ording to their heights.

    In less than a minute, there were four neat rows in front of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Do you remember what Comrade Qiu taught you yesterday?¡±

    ¡°It seems to be left and right.¡±

    ¡°But how do you say it in English?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t remember.¡± During yesterday¡¯s ss, they felt that Qiu Chenxi was doing a fairly good job. However, after the lesson, they could not remember what she taught them. They only remembered the meanings in Chinese.

    Qiao Nan was not surprised.

    Since she did not teach the basics like pronunciation and alphabet, it was natural for the soldiers to forget how to pronounce the words. ¡°It¡¯s not bad. Everyone still remembers what was taught yesterday. It¡¯s very good. Since you don¡¯t remember how to pronounce it, let¡¯s revise it again. ¡®Left¡¯ is the left-hand side. If we add another word to it, it will be a short phrase. ¡®Turn left¡¯. Make a guess on what it means. This phrase is rted to all of you. You should be very familiar with it. This is what you have to practice every day. Think about it.¡±

    After the hints given by Qiao Nan, someone raised his hand. ¡°Reporting to Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Does it mean to turn left?¡± Since it was rted and very familiar to them, this was the only meaning that he could think of.

    ¡°Good! It means to turn left!¡± Qiao Nan gave a thumbs-up to the soldier. ¡°All of you must be very familiar with this. Can you do it with your eyes closed? Next, I will give themand and all of you will follow. Turn left.¡±

    After knowing the meaning of ¡®turn left¡¯, the soldiers could understand Qiao Nan¡¯smands even though she spoke in English. At Qiao Nan¡¯smand, everyone turned left ording to the ¡®one, two¡¯ rhythm.

    Qiao Nan made the soldiers turn left for eight times, making a total of two rounds.

    ¡°After we learn what is ¡®left¡¯, we will learn the other direction. ¡®Right¡¯ is to the right-hand side. So, what does ¡®turn right¡¯ mean? Does everyone understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    ¡°Good. Now listen to mymand. Turn right!¡± Qiao Nan used the same method to get the soldiers to turn eight times in the opposite direction and made a total of two rounds. ¡°When you practice to line up, what else do you practice apart from turning to the right and to the left?¡±

    ¡°Reporting to the teacher, there is turning backward as well!¡±

 Chapter 518 - Vie with Each Other for Talent

    <h4>Chapter 518: Vie with Each Other for Talent</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    ¡°Right, ¡®turn back¡¯ is to turn backward.¡± This time, there was no need for Qiao Nan to exin. All of them understood right away and acted ording to hermands. It was as if they were going through military training. They were humble and respectful toward her.

    Qiao Nan only made them turn backward four times, two rounds in total.

    ¡°Now that all of you are already familiar with turning left, turning right, and turning backward, next, I won¡¯t use Chinese. I will only say it in English. We will go ording to what we practiced just now. Let¡¯s see who will end up in the wrong direction, going face to face with each other, making the mistakes that not even new recruits will make.¡±

    They had to keep up with Qiao Nan¡¯s fast pace. As soon as they learned the phrases, they had to put them into practice right away.

    Qiao Nan used the same teaching method that Zhai Sheng used on her and she taught them whatever that she learned from him.

    Although they had practiced for a few times, when the three phrases were used together, some of them were still confused and ended up in an embarrassing situation,ing face to face with each other. But because of the mistakes that they made, it left a deeper impression on them. In no time, nobody made any more mistakes.

    In the beginning, they only practiced turning in three directions. Qiao Nan then changed hermands all of a sudden. ¡°Turn back, start, 121, 121...¡±

    The soldiers could not understand what ¡®start¡¯ meant, but when they heard ¡®121¡¯, their bodies reacted automatically to it and they started marching forward.

    ¡°Halt!¡±

    ¡°12.¡± The soldiers were not too sure of the meaning, but they made guesses and came to a stop.

    ¡°Turn back.¡±

    ¡°12.¡±

    ¡°The person in the first row,e forward.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The soldier stepped out in a firm and powerful stride. As soon as he went forward, the rest of the group rearranged to form an orderly group.

    ¡°Next, you will lead the rest to do the revision, in English. Do you remember them?¡±

    ¡°Remember!¡±

    ¡°Start.¡±

    ¡°Wait, reporting to teacher!¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°How do we say ¡®121¡¯ in English?¡± The soldier wanted to strive for excellence. he did not wish to mix English with Chinese.

    ¡°One, two, one.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Wang 1, Tu 1, Wang 1. Easy! Thank you, teacher!¡±

    At first, the practice was full of mistakes, but after everyone had a few rounds of practice, the atmosphere got better and all of the soldiers cooperated well with each other.

    ¡°How¡¯s my little disciple doing?¡± Lin Yuankang, who stood out of Qiao Nan¡¯s sight, looked as proud as a rooster. He held his head high. There was an air of pride and arrogance about him.

    ¡°Elder Lin has taught well.¡± It took a while before Zhai Yaohui made thisment.

    Qi Min was educated and cultured. She was young, pretty, and open-minded. Why did she fail in teaching her daughter?

    On the contrary, Elder Lin might be old, but he was good at choosing people. His disciples were one better than the other.

    It was less than two years since Elder Lin took Qiao Nan as hisst disciple. Besides, Qiao Nan was a student. She had to go to school every day, do her assignments, and prepare for exams. In other words, there was not much time for Qiao Nan to learn from Elder Lin.

    Thinking of the clothes that Qiu Chenxi wore today and the underhanded method that she used, as a soldier who was righteous and just, Zhai Yaohui could not agree with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s shameless behavior today.

    If Qiu Chenxi really wanted to defeat Qiao Nan, she should do it openly and aboveboard, not to use such underhanded methods that were borderline indecent. Zhai Yaohui found it embarrassing to bring himself to say that.

    Luckily, Zhai Sheng did not like Qiu Chenxi. Her political stance was not firm, and there was a problem with her character. If she married into the Zhai family, sooner orter, the Zhai family would be everyone¡¯sughingstock.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan was not ttering with her words and her actions were louder than words. It seemed like Qiu Chenxi¡¯s way of thinking was fundamentally wrong. Otherwise, she would have self-respect and would note up with such indecent methods.

    ¡°Okay, we did some revision and learned some new words today. Everyone¡¯s learning ability is exceptionally good. We have finished today¡¯s lesson ahead of schedule. Even though time is not up yet, let¡¯s call it a day. After a day of training, all of you still have to learn English. You must be tired. You should go back to have a good rest so that you can cope with tomorrow¡¯s training. End of ss!¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, teacher!¡± Everyone was in high spirits. They did not feel tired or sleepy. Besides, Teacher Xiao Qiao was indeed bold and liberated. Since all knowledge points were already covered, she ended the lesson before the scheduled time. They must give her the utmost support!

    Those people who were secretly observing the lesson were stunned that Qiao Nan ended the ss before the scheduled time.

    The politicalmissar received Zhai Yaohui¡¯s consent and was the first toe out. ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, you have worked hard today. You have done an excellent job. Thank you very much.¡±

    Qiao Nan was ttered. ¡°Politicalmissar is too polite. It¡¯s not tiring at all.¡± She had to thank Qiu Chenxi for that.

    Though Qiu Chenxi read through her lesson ns, she did not understand them and did not use them well. But aside from that, she also had to thank her for taking away arge number of students with her.

    In her lesson ns, under the part where she nned the ssroom exercises, she only wrote down ¡®interaction¡¯. She did not go into the details.

    If there were too many students in the ss, she could only get them to stand up and practice turning toward three directions in the small space.

    However, there were not many students today, and there was a lot of space on the stage. It was big enough to amodate thirty to forty students. As such, the students could have more interactive and hands-on learning. She had to thank Qiu Chenxi for this. If not for her, she would not be able use such teaching methods.

    There was no way that they could march forward or halt.

    It was impossible.

    ¡°In any case, thank you. Comrade Xiao Qiao, you have put in a lot of effort.¡± The politicalmissar could tell that though the two sses were of the same contents, the two different teachers had made the lessons to be vastly different. Aside from being shrewd, he had taken extra effort to observe the differences between the two sses.

    Comrade Xiao Qiao was invited by their army, yet Qiu Chenxi came at this time to make trouble for her. On top of that, something so embarrassing happened in the army camp today. However, Comrade Xiao Qiao did not lose her temper or felt wronged. Instead, she prepared for her lessons conscientiously and conducted the lesson to the best of her ability.

    Such attitudes were definitely worthy of respect and praise!

    ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, are you interested in joining our army?¡± It was a pity that people like her with such revolutionary quality did not join their army as a soldier!

    ording to what he understood, Comrade Xiao Qiao had very good living habits. She went to bed early and woke up early. She would then run around the field early in the morning, doing quite a lot of exercises. Even if her physical condition might not meet the entry requirements for the army, she could work on her stamina first. By the time she was fit enough to join, she could be officially enlisted into the army.

    He was unwilling to let go of such rare talent.

    <i>Footnotes:</i>

    <h4>Ch 518 Footnote 1</h4>

    Wang phically sounds like ¡®One¡¯.

    <h4>Ch 518 Footnote 2</h4>

    Tu phically sounds like ¡®Two¡¯

    <h4>Ch 518 Footnote 3</h4>

    Wang phically sounds like ¡®One¡¯.

 Chapter 519 - Failed to Get the Talent

    <h4>Chapter 519: Failed to Get the Talent</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    ¡°What are you doing? Are you vying with me for talent?¡± Lin Yuankang was enraged when he heard the politicalmissar¡¯s words. He had intended for his little disciple to follow in his footsteps and work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had already sourced out a good position for her. The politicalmissar wanted to vie with him for talent? No way!

    ¡°She is my disciple. She will definitely not join the army in the future. Don¡¯t think about it.¡± Lin Yuankang pulled Qiao Nan behind him. ¡°You should know that she is frail and feeble. It is sheer torture for her to join the army.¡±

    ¡°Elder Lin, you can¡¯t say this. Just because Comrade Xiao Qiao¡¯s physical ability is not as good, all the more she should join the army to train and build up her stamina.¡± The politicalmissar was not convinced. After listening to what Elder Lin said, he felt that it was the best decision for Comrade Xiao Qiao to join the army.

    ¡°Train to be like him?¡± Lin Yuankang pointed disdainfully at Zhai Sheng.

    The politicalmissar sized up Zhai Sheng, who was more than 1.85 meters tall. He looked at his athletic build and hisrge frame, growing silent. He paused for a while before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t say that all soldiers will be trained to be like him. We have female soldiers in the army as well. Will that do? They will undergo moderate training.¡±

    The politicalmissar did not know that there was another kind of person in the world who was called the ¡®Muscle Babe¡¯. But when Lin Yuankang used Zhai Sheng as aparison, he could never imagine Qiao Nan having his build. That image was way beyond one¡¯s imagination.

    ¡°Alright, say no more. I won¡¯t agree to it.¡± Lin Yuankang snorted.

    The politicalmissar seemed to be at loggerheads with Lin Yuankang. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t agree. We have to respect Comrade Xiao Qiao¡¯s own wishes, don¡¯t we? The 21st century ising. We can¡¯t make decisions for the juniors based on the old feudal ideas. Comrade Xiao Qiao, what are your views?¡±

    Lin Yuankang made no concession. ¡°Nan Nan, tell me, will you listen to me or him?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was sandwiched between the two of them, was speechless. ¡°I am about to advance to the second year of high school. I prefer to study.¡±

    Being a soldier was her dream in the previous life. In this life, she only wanted to finish her studies first.

    ¡°Did you hear that? She wants to study first.¡± Lin Yuankang was happy. His little disciple had maintained his dignity. As long as his disciple continued with her studies, sooner orter, she would follow in his footsteps.

    ¡°No, Comrade Xiao Qiao, do you want to reconsider? I remember that you told me that your father was also a soldier.¡± Comrade Xiao Qiao should have more affection for the army.

    Lin Yuankang rebutted. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that her father had been a soldier, do you think that she would be here, at this barrennd? Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. Stop disturbing my disciple from her rest. She still has to give lessons tomorrow. Look at the people in your army. There are so many of them who focus on external beauty. I feel ashamed for you.¡±

    At the mention of the situation just now, Lin Yuankang boiled in anger.

    He never expected that people in the army would be focused on looks and neglected real abilities. It was such a shame!

    Lin Yuankang might be rude to the politicalmissar, but in fact, he had been very polite. He had a lot ofints that he kept to himself.

    Nobody expected that through what happened between Qiu Chenxi and Qiao Nan, it was revealed that the people in the army ced such importance on looks, and not on real talents.

    If it was thirty years ago, the small ind nation only needed to send a beautiful woman here and these fools would easily betray their party and the country.

    Of course, it might have been an exaggeration, but it was indeed a p in the face.

    ¡°I will practice self-reflection and self-criticism. I will definitely talk some sense into these people and correct their wrong attitude. The people in the army should not have such an attitude. Once they have the incorrect way of thinking, it will be reflected in their behavior.¡± The politicalmissar had a stern expression on his face.

    He must not ignore the problem just because the influence was not as big. Actually, the problem itself could cause potential harm.

    A small leak would sink a great ship!

    ¡°Okay, you are the politicalmissar, so this is your job. We will not intervene. Moreover, my suggestion is that you do not need to be in a hurry to carry out the correction. Perhaps, you can take advantage of this opportunity to see who are really worthy of promotion and who the real talents are. The more insignificant things are, the more you can tell the character of that person. After everything is over, you can do whatever you want.¡± Lin Yuankang gave a suggestion to the politicalmissar.

    The politicalmissar pondered carefully. ¡°Elder Lin¡¯s considerations are very true. We shall do as you say. Comrade Xiao Qiao, you have worked hard. You should have a good rest.¡±

    ¡°You are too polite. Good night, everyone. I will go back to rest.¡± Qiao Nan kept silent throughout the whole conversation. After all, she had no right to interject.

    ¡°I will walk you to the dormitory.¡± Zhai Sheng stood up and walked away with Qiao Nan, not caring about the expression of Zhai Yaohui and Lin Yuankang.

    When they were outside and staring at the sky full of stars, Qiao Nan said in a rxed tone, ¡°Brother Zhai, do you think I have won or lost in today¡¯s battle?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had an overwhelming advantage over her in terms of the number of people in her ss.

    ¡°Without a doubt, you have won, and beautifully at that.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan with bright eyes. He only had eyes for her, as if she was the one and only moon in the sky. He could only see her existence. ¡°Nan Nan, I am so proud of you. Honestly, do you really have no ns to be a teacher in the future?¡±

    In the past, this had never crossed his mind, but this time, he realized that it was a good choice for Nan Nan to be a teacher.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan, who had a faint smile on her face, turned serious at Zhai Sheng¡¯s question. She refused without any slight hesitation.

    ¡°Why?¡± Nan Nan did not seem to refuse because she did not want to be a teacher.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath, looking deste. ¡°Brother Zhai, you seem to have forgotten about my family. Recently, I have been worried that even if I prove myself to Chief Zhai and let him know of my hard work and abilities, he and Auntie Miao will give up on me because of my family. They may say that in this world, parents will never abandon their children, but it¡¯s different in my case. Ever since I was born, my mom has given up on me. This is nothing to me. What worries me the most is that my mom will continue to make unreasonable demands of me in order to satisfy my sister. Even if I stand firm against her and refuse to give in to her endless requests, given my mom¡¯s character, hehe...¡±

    Qiao Nan felt bitterly disappointed at the things that Ding Jiayi did to her in her previous life.

 Chapter 520 - Wet Temptation

    <h4>Chapter 520: Wet Temptation</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    Apart from sneering and smiling bitterly, Qiao Nan had no idea how she should respond.

    All her colleagues knew that as soon as the factory gave the employees their pay, her mother would be the first to arrive at the factory. At times, she would even go with her to the finance department to collect her pay, not leaving any money for her.

    Even when she became a tutor and earned extra money through doing English trantion, her mother would take more than half of her pay, leaving her with a small amount of money, barely enough for her to lead a very simple life for the month.

    If she became a teacher, the sry would be paid directly through the wage slip.

    Given her mother¡¯s character, she would snatch the wage slip away from her.

    If she was ruthless enough to apply for another wage slip, her mother would definitely go to the school to create a fuss. She would scold her for abandoning her parents once she had the ability to earn money.

    For the past year, although her mother created a fuss at Ping Cheng High School, she was not worried at all.

    Why?

    That was because she would only need to spend three years in Ping Cheng High School before graduating and going to colleges in other cities.

    In that case, whatever trouble her mother had created, would be forgotten because of her departure.

    However, if she became a teacher at Ping Cheng High School, the situation would be totally different. Qiao Nan could not imagine how terrible it would be.

    She had enough of it. Because of her mother, people would give her weird stares and nces. There was a mixture of ridicule, indifference, sympathy, and gloating.

    ¡°As a teacher, one needs to have a good character and conduct to be a role model for the students. But given my family¡¯s situation, I can¡¯t be a teacher. With my mother around, if I have any sense with me, I will definitely refuse to be manipted by her. However, my mom will certainly spread rumors or create a fuss at school. In a few months¡¯ time, all the teachers and students of the school will have the impression that I am a cold-blooded and ruthless scum who abandons her parents and refuses to provide for them. In the end, there will only be three possibilities. First, I surrender everything to my mom. As long as she is satisfied, she will not make life difficult for me. Second, being a teacher is secure employment. The school will transfer me to other undesirable positions so that I will not affect the school¡¯s reputation. Regardless, my mom will make trouble for me time and again, and there will not be an end to it. By then, my reputation will be in shatters. Third, I quit the job.¡±

    No matter what, among all the three possibilities, none would turn out well.

    Since she knew that there would not be a good oue, Qiao Nan would never give Ding Jiayi the chance to make life difficult for her.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan. What she said was beyond what others could have understood. One needed to go through it to be able to understand her despair.

    He wanted to tell Qiao Nan that it was her groundless worries, that no matter how terrible Ding Jiayi was, as a mother, she would never do things to such an extent.

    However, after listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, he felt as if Ding Jiayi had already done all these and had forced Qiao Nan to desperation. In retaliation, Zhai Sheng was very protective of Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry and don¡¯t be afraid. After we are married, leave me to deal with your family.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled reluctantly. ¡°The point you want to drive across is still ¡®let¡¯s get married¡¯?¡±

    Her single concern was that if she married Brother Zhai, her mother might turn to Brother Zhai for money.

    Given what happened with Chen Jun in her previous life, Qiao Nan was worried that if her mother knew about her rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she might be capable of even more ridiculous deeds that were beyond Brother Zhai¡¯s imagination.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. You are tired. You should go back and have a good rest.¡± Zhai Sheng longed to embrace Qiao Nan to let her know that he was right beside her, to tell her that he could share her burdens and he would be her pir of support. He would not allow anyone to bully her.

    But at this moment, Zhai Sheng was able to control his yearning and urge to embrace Qiao Nan. Due to his protectiveness of Qiao Nan, he was rational enough to stop himself from acting rashly.

    He wanted to protect Nan Nan from any harm. What he did previously to get Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to leave Ping Cheng was only a temporary method.

    Before he could think of a way topletely resolve these problems for Nan Nan, he should at least respect her opinions and stop creating trouble for her.

    Luckily, Zhai Sheng was rational. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have another trouble right on her doorstep.

    Footsteps could be hearding toward them.

    It sounded hurried and the person seemed to be running in their direction.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s skirt swayed along with the light breeze at night. Her long hair that was draped over her shoulder blew in the light breeze. Under the moonlight, Qiu Chenxi seemed like an angel.

    ¡°Brother, Brother Zhai...¡± Qiu Chenxi ran breathlessly toward them. The weather was warm. Qiu Chenxi, who ran hard, was perspiring profusely. As soon as she stopped, she could no longer feel the night breeze. In less than ten seconds, her clothes were sticky with perspiration, stered to her body.

    Thankfully, the quality of the clothes that Qiu Chenxi bought was good enough. If not, the fabric might be thin and transparent when damp!

    But even so, the people who passed by would steal a few nces at Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± Zhai Sheng asked coldly.

    Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and calmed herself down. She then took out a small handkerchief to wipe the perspiration on her face and forehead. ¡°Qiao Nan, I heard that you ended ss very early today. I am sorry. I didn¡¯t expect that so many people woulde to my ss. Initially, I nned to share your burden and have half of the students each so that both of us could have an easy time. Who knows... Qiao Nan, I am really sorry. But in fact, this turned out quite well. I heard that you brought a lot of summer homework with you. You can finish your lesson earlier and have more time to do your own work. Qiao Nan, you are still young. I am older than you. I will definitely look out for you.¡±

    Qiao Nan grinned. ¡°It¡¯s indeed very good. Thank you.¡±

    Qiao Nan sounded very sincere.

    Qiu Chenxi paused momentarily. Was Qiao Nan sincere in thanking her, or was she deliberately saying something else, trying to mock her?

    ¡°Comrade Qiu, I can understand that everyone likes to look pretty.¡± Since Qiu Chenxi could not understand, Qiao Nan continued on. ¡°But I hope that you can be more mindful about how you dress for different asions.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, look at what Qiao Nan is saying. She sounds as if therge number of students who came to my ss were there to look at how I dressed.¡± Qiu Chenxi looked stiff. She shot a look at Zhai Sheng.

    There was a tacit understanding among all of them in this field that even though there might be something amiss, generally, nobody would spell it out in front of everybody and embarrass that person.

 Chapter 521 - Go Back and Look in the Mirror

    <h4>Chapter 521: Go Back and Look in the Mirror</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    In this way, one could easily offend others. There was no benefit to it.

    Qiao Nan was the kind of people who came from inferior family background and did not have much knowledge and experience. If Qiao Nan kept her mouth shut and pretended to be a good girl, she was still passable. But when Qiao Nan opened her mouth, she could not hide her inferiority.

    If the woman that Brother Zhai was seeing was simr to Qiao Nan, then she would be less worried. As long as she used some little tactics, she could let Brother Zhai understand that the woman was not suitable for him or the Zhai family.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s brows turned stiff. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    ¡°...¡± To Qiu Chenxi, Zhai Sheng¡¯s words gave her a greater blow than that of Qiao Nan. Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t go overboard. You¡¯re so fearless and unreasonable to me. Isn¡¯t it because you know that I like you? Brother Zhai, don¡¯t forget that I also have a temper. I have a limit for my patience. I hope you won¡¯t squander away my feelings for you again. Why can¡¯t you calm down and face your own feelings honestly?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    When they heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, both Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had the same expression.

    Soldiers were the people that Zhai Sheng came into contact with most in his life. Hence, everyone that he led would obey his instructions whenever he gave an order. They would never disy any sign of disobedience. Besides hisrades in the army, Zhai Sheng only interacted with the Zhai family or Qiao Nan.

    Among these people, none of them was simr to Qiu Chenxi in any way.

    Hence, Zhai Shengpletely did not understand why an individual such as Qiu Chenxi existed in this world. There were truly all kinds of fish in the sea!

    Qiao Nan secretly gave Qiu Chenxi a thumbs-up. In another few years¡¯ time, these words of Qiu Chenxi would be a ssic dialog. ¡°Comrade Qiu, do you have a mirror in your bag?¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to change the topic?¡± Qiu Chenxi was not pleased. She finally found the chance to force Brother Zhai to face his feelings for her directly. Why was Qiao Nan interrupting?

    ¡°No. Comrade Qiu, you really don¡¯t have a mirror in your bag?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She was a good person.

    ¡°What exactly are you trying to do!¡± Qiu Chenxi was losing her patience.

    ¡°Take it out and look at yourself in the mirror.¡± One sentence, but there were two sides to a coin.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face swelled in red. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you hear what she said? She actually dared to ask me to look in the mirror! Qiao Nan, what do you mean? Do you think that I¡¯m notpatible with Brother Zhai? No matter what, our Qiu family and the Zhai family are old-time friends. I¡¯m the daughter-inw that Uncle Zhai and Auntie Miao have in mind for many years. Who are you to talk to me like that? Qiao Nan, admit it. You refused to give me clues about that woman because you like Brother Zhai! When I was with Brother Zhaist time, you knew that you couldn¡¯t hold a candle to me and thus, you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. Now that the situation is different, and the woman that Brother Zhai is in a rtionship with has simr qualities as you, you began to harbor a greedy intention and feel that if such a woman is eptable, then so are you. As such, you are thinking of ways and means to break up Brother Zhai and me, right?!¡±

    Right, that must be the reason!

    She had felt odd that Qiao Nan refused to reveal any information to her despite having dangled so many carrots in front of her.

    In this world, everyone had a price in mind. There was nothing that money could not settle.

    Qiao Nan refused to agree not because she was not moved by money. It was because she had not offered a price that was high enough!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re quite good to Qiao Nan, right? She, she is actually hitting on you!¡± Brother Zhai, you should quickly see through Qiao Nan¡¯s true colors.

    Given a person like Qiao Nan who had such a family background, how good could her moral qualities be? Qiao Nan was like that. Brother Zhai, the vixen that you were with now was also the same. We were the only ones that were mostpatible with each other!

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiu Chenxi from the corners of his eyes. He was willing to be missed by Nan Nan and was happy when Nan Nan hit on him. He could not wait for Nan Nan to take him away and subdue him as soon as possible!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, we¡¯ve arrived at the dormitory. I¡¯m going in. You should go back too.¡± Qiao Nan gave a yawn. She was feeling tired after having such a long and pointless conversation.

    ¡°Okay, rest well,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. He then ignored Qiu Chenxi and walked past her coldly to return to his dormitory. This morning, he had gotten another pillow. That person was his father after all. He would not shortchange his father for two nights because of a pillow.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi wanted to go after Zhai Sheng. However, she could only chase after Qiao Nan at this moment. ¡°Qiao Nan, let me ask you. Do you also like Brother Zhai? You don¡¯t know your limits and have been hitting on Brother Zhai? Let me tell you. It¡¯s impossible between Brother Zhai and you. Uncle Zhai will not ept you and never will Auntie Miao as well. I advise you to give up before it¡¯s toote. If you dare to harbor such ideas on Brother Zhai, be careful that I¡¯ll be unruly to you!¡±

    She had not even found out who that vixen was. She did not wish to have another annoying pest like Qiao Nan being an eyesore.

    ¡°Comrade Qiu, are you really not going to take the mirror and look at yourself in it?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you dare to mock me?¡± Qiu Chenxi red up. ¡°Now that Brother Zhai is not here, you dare to be so out of hand. Do you really think that you¡¯re very capable just because you¡¯re Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple? Did you forget what you were before that? I¡¯m going to wake you up now and let you realize what you really are!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi raised her hands and swung her hands toward Qiao Nan¡¯s face!

    The female counselor, who had already been walking toward Qiao Nan, saw this happening. She gave a stare as she strode forward with steps akin to that of a dragon and a tiger. She grabbed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands forcefully. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, this is the army camp and not the house of your Qiu family! Comrade Xiao Qiao is the English Teacher that politicalmissar invited to give English sses. Do you wish to damage the reputation and image of the army? I will definitely report today¡¯s matter to the politicalmissar. If you really wish to be unreasonable and make a scene, go back to the house of your Qiu family. I really don¡¯t understand why a person like you cane to our army!¡±

    The army¡¯s face was all lost!

    ¡°C-counselor?¡± Qiu Chenxi sounded guilty.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you also wish to hit me?¡± The female counselor was an authentic soldier and not a military performer. She was those female soldiers who participated in various kinds of special training. She was powerful in terms of physical strength.

    When the female counselor struck, Qiu Chenxi was as tender as tofu. She nearly crumbled with one pinch.

    Qiu Chenxi stared at Qiao Nan, looking unjustified. ¡°Counselor, it¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s all a misunderstanding. I know Teacher Xiao Qiao well. We¡¯ve known each other for a long time ago. We¡¯re friends. I was just chatting with her.¡±

    ¡°You know each other and are friends?¡± The female counselorughed. ¡°You¡¯re friends, yet you still want to hit Teacher Xiao Qiao?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hit her. I really didn¡¯t. Counselor, I think you have really misunderstood. You also know that it¡¯s summer and there are a lot of mosquitoes. I saw a mosquito on Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s face and wanted to kill the mosquito for her. After such a huge movement, the mosquito escaped. Fortunately, Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s face was not bitten by it.¡±

 Chapter 522 - Utterly Disgraced

    <h4>Chapter 522: Utterly Disgraced</h4>

    <b>Trantor:</b> As Studios <b>Editor:</b> As Studios

    There was a mosquito on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Hence, Qiao Nan deserved a beating!

    The female counselor tugged the corners of her lips which had turned stiff. ¡°Bluff, continue to bluff. You¡¯re friends with Teacher Xiao Qiao, you wanted to help her kill a mosquito, and you even took Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s things without telling her? So, this is how one treats a friend nowadays? Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯re not a child anymore. Even if you¡¯re not considered a real soldier, you¡¯re also an adult, right? Taking without asking is akin to stealing. Don¡¯t you know this?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression froze. ¡°Counselor, what are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand.¡± It was impossible. She had burnt that book to ashes. Moreover, when Qian Yanyan did that, she assured her that she was not seen by anyone. The counselor could not possibly have known about it.

    ¡°Fine, it¡¯s your problem whether you understand it or not. Whether the politicalmissar and the rest want to understand this matter is also up to them. Do you still have any matter? If not, go back to your dormitory and look at yourself in the mirror properly!¡± The female counselor released Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands. She did not look up to someone like Qiu Chenxi, who behaved like an evil witch, at all.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, it¡¯s been hard on you today. I¡¯ve brought supper back for you. You¡¯re too skinny and have to eat more. It¡¯s still hot.¡± The female counselor waved the bento box in her right hand and weed Qiao Nan back to the dormitory. Shepletely ignored Qiu Chenxi, who was still standing there.

    ¡°Thanks, counselor.¡± There was still food? It was already sote. Was there anyone in the canteen?

    The female counselor treated Qiao Nan as if she was a mother looking after her daughter. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. We should be the ones saying thank you. In the future, we will have to make Teacher Xiao Qiao work hard for some time. Something cropped up at the eleventh hour, so I didn¡¯t attend your ss today. However, when I came back, I heard from those who attended that you¡¯ve done very well today.¡±

    ¡°No worries. If you¡¯re interested, I don¡¯t mind teaching you what you¡¯ve missed today.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good too. Perhaps I can converse with my daughter with a little bit of English the next time I go home.¡±

    When she saw that the female counselor and Qiao Nan behaving as if there was no one else, walking further and further away from her as they interacted harmoniously, Qiu Chenxi, who stood rooted to the ground, was so infuriated that she nearly ground her mrs t.

    Qiu Chenxi stomped her feet and ran off to her dormitory thereafter.

    Even the female counselor suspected her. Then, what about the politicalmissar and Uncle Zhai? How did these people link her to this matter? She could not understand.

    The politicalmissar was not the one whom Qiu Chenxi was most concerned about. She was most worried about the reactions of Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°What should I do? What to do?¡± If Uncle Zhai and Brother Zhai believed that she was the one who stole the item that Qiao Nan lost and misunderstood that she was a bad woman, then what should she do? She was only afraid that Uncle Zhai would not agree to her marriage with Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao would be able to object openly with a valid reason. Additionally, even Brother Zhai would have an excuse to reject her.

    Qiao Nan, it was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault.

    She had not seen anyone as petty as Qiao Nan. It was just a book that cost fifty cents, yet she could bear the shame and make everyone know about it, especially all the important and prominent figures.

    Was Qiao Nan really so poor andcking in money? Then, when she took the initiative to offer her money, why did she have to pretend to be so high and mighty? She rejected such arge sum of money. She was really sick in the mind!

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, what¡¯s wrong with you? What do you mean by what you should do?¡± Qian Yanyan, who was in good spirits, had just finished bathing and was all smiles. She was in an excellent mood.

    Qiu Chenxi was in the limelight today. As the best friend of Qiu Chenxi in the army camp, she was also in the limelight.

    Unfortunately, she did not have the chance to wear a dress. Otherwise, the limelight that she received would definitely not be any less than that of Qiu Chenxi if she had worn the dress that Qiu Chenxi gave her.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Chenxi turned back and wanted to discuss with Qian Yanyan about Qiao Nan.

    When Qiu Chenxi turned her head, Qian Yanyan jumped in shock. ¡°Oh dear, Qiu Chenxi, is that you?¡±

    ¡°Who else can it be!¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. This dress. You¡¯re the only one who has it in the whole army camp.¡± Qian Yanyan forced a smile. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t tell me that you came back looking like this. Why didn¡¯t you wash your face? You...¡±

    Toward the end of her speech, Qian Yanyan did not bother to continue further. She quickly took the mirror on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s desk and held it in front of Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Look at yourself.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± When Qiu Chenxi saw herself in the mirror, she was so shocked that she nearly screamed. ¡°Why, why did it be like this?!¡±

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Qiu Chenxi rolled her eyes. ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s useless to talk further. I¡¯ll get some water for you. Quickly wash your face.¡± If she did not do so, Qiu Chenxi would not be able to face anyone.

    Qiu Chenxi mmed the mirror on the table with a loud bang, shattering it immediately.

    When she thought of the way she looked in the mirror, especially the moment she had stood in front of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan with such a frightening face a few minutes ago, she could not wait to simply dig a hole and bury herself in it. She would even kill herself with tofu if possible.

    In order toplement the dress that she wore and to ensure a better oue, Qiu Chenxi had taken the path to doom by applying light makeup on her face.

    She did not put on much other makeup but took great pains to make her eyes look bigger and brighter by applying a lot of eyeliner.

    As one could have imagined, in such searing hot weather, any anti-perspiration measures would be ineffective with so much eyeliner. Once she perspired, the eyeliner melted. In addition, when Qiu Chenxi wiped it, her initially fresh and crisp-looking little face was simply smudged.

    It was only at this moment that Qiu Chenxi finally understood why Qiao Nan and the female counselor asked her to look in the mirror.

    When she was on her way back to the dormitory, it was obvious that many people were staring at her. However, after giving her a nce, those people hurriedly left. Qiu Chenxi did not even have the impulse to cry anymore.

    At first, Qiu Chenxi thought that the people in the army had not seen this before, that they were just attracted to her attire but too shy to look at her. Hence, they ran off so quickly. However, at this juncture, Qiu Chenxi finally realized that those people might be attracted by her dress at first sight, but when they saw her face, they ran away in fear!

    When Qian Yanyan brought the water back, Qiu Chenxi washed her face as she cried.

    She had been talking to Brother Zhai with that face. It was no wonder that even Qiao Nan wasughing at and looking down on her and did not take her words seriously.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why did you cry without an apparent reason? Think about it. Today, most of the people in the army attended your ss. There¡¯s only a few who went to listen to that high school student¡¯s lesson. I heard from others that even those who attended the high school student¡¯s ss were unwilling. They yed the finger-guessing game just to give her some face.¡±

 Chapter 523 - My Sense of Judgment Is Better Than Yours

    <h4>Chapter 523: My Sense of Judgment Is Better Than Yours</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Those who lost had to listen to the high school student. Only those who won were qualified to attend your ss. Today, you were in great limelight. You should be feeling happy.¡± Hearing that those who lost had to attend the high school student¡¯s ss, she wondered if that could still be considered as attending a ss. They were simply attending a punishment session. There was so much fun.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± At this moment, Qiu Chenxi could not feel happy even after hearing these words. No matter how sessful she was in the ss, she had embarrassed herself in front of Brother Zhai. It was enough of a blow to her. ¡°I¡¯m tired. You should go back. I¡¯ll wash up and sleep.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. Then, I¡¯ll leave. Sleep well. I¡¯m looking forward to your ss tomorrow. Right, I heard that some teachers have teaching assistants. How about it? Do you want me to help you?¡±

    ¡°Do you know English?¡± Qiu Chenxi sneered. Qian Yanyan wanted to be an assistant teacher? She was indulging in her own fantasy.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter that I don¡¯t know English. I can help you take some items such as lesson ns, water, or towel.¡± At that time, she could then stand beside the podium instead of sitting with the audience. She would be so presentable and proud.

    ¡°Fine, let me think about it. If there is really such a need, I¡¯ll definitely look for you.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± After she achieved her aim, Qian Yanyan left without further ado. She even closed the door for Qiu Chenxi.

    After Qiu Chenxi finished her bath, shey on the bed listlessly. She did not feel a sense of victory or happiness at all.

    To Qiu Chenxi, the female counselor¡¯s words were piercing through her heart. It made her feel extremely bad. Unfortunately, she had also embarrassed herself so badly in front of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. At the sight of the dress that she had changed out of and dumped into the washbasin, Qiu Chenxi felt more annoyed, like a cat on a hot tin roof.

    Clearly, everything was going smoothly in the beginning. Why was her current mood so bad? It was as if she had done everything wrong. Why did it turn out this way?

    This would not do. When she was awake tomorrow, she must look for her uncle and rify what she did not understand. Her uncle would certainly know.

    After she made this decision, Qiu Chenxi then quieted down and fell asleep.

    Qiu Chenxi had fallen asleep but there was someone who had not. It was Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng waited for half an hour and discovered that his father had note to his dormitory. When he looked at the clock, it was already ten o¡¯clock. Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°This sly old fox really values woman more than his son. Did he have to kick him to the curb after he had outlived his usefulness so quickly?¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Sheng swiftly switched off his lights and returned to his lower bunk bed to sleep.

    In less than ten minutes after Zhai Shengy on his bed, asleep, someone opened his door again.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face was ck. He was holding a pillow in his arms as he walked in gloomily. ¡°Where are you sleeping at? Go up.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng, who was being dragged up, raised his eyebrows. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Mom forgiven you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Today, Miao Miao called him over. He thought that Miao Miao was not angry with him anymore and that he could finally sleep on the same bed with his wife after a few months¡¯ time. Unexpectedly, when Miao Miao finished her words, she chased him out. He came up with excuses that Zhai Sheng¡¯s ce did not have any pillow and that he did not sleep wellst night. Miao Miao then threw him a pillow and pushed him out of the room.

    She kicked him out the moment he outlived his usefulness!

    ¡°Quickly go to the upper bunk. I¡¯m tired and want to rest!¡± Zhai Yaohui lifted his chin and asked Zhai Sheng to sleep on the upper bunk bed.

    It was, after all, his own father, so Zhai Sheng was more indulgent toward him. Without a word, he went back to the upper bunk bed. ¡°You¡¯re such a bunch of old bones. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you sleep on the upper bunk bed.¡±

    ¡°Who did you say is a bunch of old bones?¡± Zhai Yaohui was unconvinced. ¡°Last time...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about your glory in the past. It¡¯s not meaningful,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. ¡°What did Mom say after she called you over?¡±

    ¡°What has it got to do with you?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t guess it if you don¡¯t tell me? The son knows his mother best. My mom must have asked you over regarding Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter today, right?¡± Zhai Sheng was certain about it.

    Actually, today, Miao Jing wanted to support Qiao Nan. She really went to her ss. However, when she saw Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ssroom brimming with people while Qiao Nan¡¯s ss had so few people, Miao Jing was afraid that Qiao Nan was too young and would not be able to take it. Miao Jing thought that if the elders Qiao Nan was familiar with were around, thetter would feel bad and nervous.

    Hence, just as Miao Jing stepped in, she withdrew her steps.

    At the thought of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s manner and behavior today, clearly, Miao Jing was not the main party concerned, but she felt angry and shortchanged on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf. She felt that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s actions were too despicable. What Qiu Chenxi did was no different from selling her body.

    If such an individual married into the Zhai family, would the Zhai family still be able to keep their reputation!

    With this reasoning, Miao Jing mercilessly and thoroughly gave Zhai Yaohui a bad scolding.

    The soldiers who turned up because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s appearance were no different from the Zhai Yaohui a few months back who wholeheartedly wanted Zhai Sheng to marry Qiu Chenxi. They were exactly the same. It was truly like the chief, like the soldiers. Birds of the same feather flock together!

    ¡°You¡¯re happy now.¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted coldly. Because of Zhai Sheng, he had received a harsh scolding from Miao Miao.

    Zhai Sheng tossed and looked at the moon outside the window. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you before that I don¡¯t feel anything for Qiu Chenxi. One has to pay a price for refusing to admit their mistake and persisting in the wrong course.¡±

    Nevertheless, for Qiu Chenxi to havemitted such a foolish act, she was truly cornered by Nan Nan.

    Prior to this, he really did not expect Qiu Chenxi to be such a person.

    On the surface, Qiu Chenxi seemed like someone who was able to see the big picture, one who carried herself well with poise and dignity. She matched the requirements of his parents. In actual fact, she was not. On the contrary, Nan Nan, who looked so skinny and petite, never fumbled the ball at critical times. She was able to keep her cool and maintain her stand and dignity while using her ability to convince and gain the respect of others.

    When he thought of the politicalmissar and Lin Yuankang fighting for her to work for them today, and that these two whose age added up to more than a hundred nearly fought with each other, Zhai Shengughed out loud.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be toocent. You have not passed your mom¡¯s hurdle. Your mom sees Qiao Nan as her own daughter now. If Qiao Nan bes her daughter-inw, she may not be able to maintain her current attitude toward her.¡± Zhai Yaohui sighed. He admitted that he had made a mistake in the judgment of character regarding Qiu Chenxi.

    What Qiu Chenxi did today was extremely offensive. She was, in fact, ruining her own future.

    Comparing the two sses held that night, on the surface, it seemed that Qiu Chenxi had gained a little victory. In actual fact, Qiu Chenxi had lost badly. The quality, and not quantity, was important. Clearly, it was the same type of ss, but Qiu Chenxi could not achieve an oue that was close to that of Qiao Nan.

    Given this point, Qiao Nan had overtaken Qiu Chenxi by miles.

    Unless the attendees were real fools, there would be a reverse of the number of attendees between Qiu Nan¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses after a few sessions.

    At that time, no matter what kind of tricks Qiu Chenxi yed, or how revealing she was, it would be of no use. She would only be putting her face beneath her feet until she was trampled on and ruined thoroughly.

    ¡°Anyway, my sense of judgment is better than yours.¡±

 Chapter 524 - Did Not Hope for the Reversed Situation

    <h4>Chapter 524: Did Not Hope for the Reversed Situation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng leaned on his pillowfortably. ¡°Fine. It¡¯ste. Quickly sleep.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep!¡±

    ¡°I can sleep.¡± Zhai Sheng did not bother about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s insomnia. He did not even give him any word of constion. He closed his eyes and fell asleep in a good mood.

    ¡°This brat!¡± Zhai Yaohui was angry beyond words, but he did not disturb Zhai Sheng as thetter had a lot of work to do tomorrow. Nighttime was Zhai Sheng¡¯s resting time. Without good sleep, Zhai Sheng would likely not be able to carry out his duties well tomorrow.

    ¡°Good morning, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, everyone.¡±

    On the second day, there seemed to be more people greeting Qiao Nan when she was jogging. Moreover, their tone was obviously more sincere when they called her.

    Qiao Nan wiped away the sweat on her face and returned to the dormitory. ¡°Counselor, what is happening recently?¡±

    ¡°Are you pleasantly surprised by their attitude?¡± The female counselor was pleased.

    Qiao Nan drank some water and smiled helplessly. ¡°Pleasant surprise? It¡¯s more like a shock. It was like everyone changed overnight. Didn¡¯t they say that they wouldn¡¯t take any actions for the time being? Don¡¯t tell me the politicalmissar really assigned them some psychological homework and strongly criticized them?¡±

    She remembered clearly that her master told her that he wanted the politicalmissar to make use of this opportunity to make some observations.

    It was just one night and the politicalmissar could not wait further. He had already disciplined these soldiers because of his face and asked them to open their eyes wider?

    ¡°It has got nothing to do with the politicalmissar. I heard that the politicalmissar was so angry that he did not sleep wellst night. Until now, his mood hasn¡¯t got any better. The reason why the attitude of the people in the army changed so much toward you is that those who attended your ss yesterday formed a procession in English during the free and easy self-training session this morning. You don¡¯t know howcent those few people were. Of course, their instructor also deliberately chided the others. Toward the same knowledge that was picked up, some people could adopt it so well while some have forgotten what they learned as if they did not learn anything at all. There must be a great difference in the ability and effort put in.¡±

    Who would not value those who knew English at this time?

    If they did not, would these people report to the ss on time every night?

    They learned the knowledge, but theirrades could adapt them flexibly and received their instructor¡¯s praise. On the contrary, they had gone through simr ss but did not remember anything. They were even criticized because of this. Would those that were criticized not feel envious of those who were praised?

    Most critically, the way the procession was formed in English was really too cocky.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why there¡¯s such an obvious change in their attitude.¡± Qiao Nan put down her cup of tea. She did sort of understand now.

    ¡°Yesterday, only thirty-six people attended your ss. Teacher Xiao Qiao, guess how many people will sit in your ssroom today? Will it be a full house? And will there be no one at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s end?¡± At the thought of this possible scenario, the female counselor felt ted.

    It was not that she wanted to discriminate. It was because she really could not agree with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s behavior. It was truly a bad influence on the army.

    In particr, when she thought of the moment Qiu Chenxi was about to hit Qiao Nan yesterday, the more she could not see eye to eye with Qiu Chenxi. She was the older one and yet she bullied the younger one. Such must not be the manner a soldier should behave in.

    Judging from her actions, did Qiu Chenxi deserve to wear the army attire?

    Most importantly, Comrade Xiao Qiao was the teacher invited by the army. No matter what, Qiu Chenxi had attended one ss taught by Comrade Xiao Qiao. Wasn¡¯t she also considered a student of Teacher Xiao Qiao?

    A student hitting her teacher. She did not even know how to respect her elderly and teachers. There was a w in this person¡¯s character!

    ¡°Counselor, don¡¯t be too exaggerating.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless as she shook her head. She never thought that such a situation would ur tonight. She had always felt that those who wore soldier attire were the cutest people in the world. However, she had never felt that they were the most perfect, wise, or far-sighted people in the world.

    Qiu Chenxi was mature and charismatic. She also knew how to dress up.

    From a man¡¯s perspective, most of the people in the army went purely because of Qiu Chenxi. It was not because they wanted to pick up more knowledge or improve themselves.

    To put it bluntly, not all those who joined the army was like Brother Zhai, who was a top student. On the contrary, there were more ckers.

    To expect a cker to be interested in obtaining knowledge and working hard to grab every avable opportunity to improve themselves were not possible.

    There were many such ¡®simple¡¯ soldiers. Of course, there were also those who truly strived to improve themselves.

    As she understood this reason, Qiao Nan did not expect that the situation tonight would be reversed.

    Qiao Nan was prepared for the worst, that when all the sses had ended, the number of students in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss would still be more than that of hers.

    Of course, the difference was that those who learned from Qiu Chenxi would have seen much of a pretty woman, while those who learned from her would have benefited at least a little.

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s analysis, the female counselor who was just grinning from ear to ear earlier pulled a long face. ¡°Men. It¡¯s true that they have this problem. Shallow!¡± However, she refused to admit that there were, in fact, so many shallowrades in the army who could not do the army proud or gain any glory for the army!

    ¡°Yes, shallow indeed,¡± Qiao Nan chuckled as she replied. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m shallow as well. Who doesn¡¯t like to see pretty girls and handsome guys? The problem is that everyone weighs the importance differently. Those who attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss can be described as loving beauty more than the country. Those who attended my ss are those who love the country more than beauty.¡±

    The female counselor was delighted beyond words. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, clearly, theserades¡¯ thinking is not forward-looking and can even be considered corrupted. But after hearing what you said, these people seem to have been elevated? In ancient times, those who love beauty and not the country were either the emperor or high-ranking officials.¡±

    The female counselor was even more pleased that Qiao Nan did not berate the soldiers due to this matter.

    The female counselor was older and looked upon the soldiers like her own younger brothers. She berated them earlier as she expected better from them.

    It was a simr situation to when she mentioned her own daughter in front of Qiao Nan previously. Although she felt that her own daughter and ¡®brothers¡¯ were not perfect, she might be reluctant to hear any strict or ugly criticism when her daughter and ¡®brothers¡¯ were assessed by other people.

    Of course, one¡¯s own children and ¡®brothers¡¯ were always the best.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you have such a great personality.¡± The female counselor sighed and said, ¡°Why is it that you don¡¯t seem to have any temper? The matter has turned out this way but I¡¯ve never seen you get angry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trained. I can¡¯t survive if I don¡¯t have a good temper. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be the first to be driven to the grave. As a human, there¡¯s nothing bad about being more forgiving. It¡¯s a blessing to be shortchanged a little.¡± She could not agree with huge suffering though.

    Perhaps she had the opportunity to be reborn because she had suffered too much under the hands of her mother and Qiao Zijin in the previous life.

 Chapter 525 - Help Me Explain

    <h4>Chapter 525: Help Me Exin</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thereafter, heaven pitied her and gave her another chance to start over.

    This possibility was not unlikely.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t talk about this anymore. Let¡¯s eat. Here¡¯s the porridge that I brought back for you.¡± The female counselor was a little embarrassed to inquiry about Qiao Nan¡¯s family situation. She was also afraid that she would make things difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan was not pleased by material gains or saddened by personal woes. This kind of resilience and benevolence, as well as sedateness and maturity in personality, was different from those who were of her age. It was extremely captivating.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was indifferent to favor and humiliation, the female counselor sighed. Qiu Chenxi was seemingly mature, but she was, in fact, very childish. Her thinking was extremely immature. She yearned for instant sess and even forwent her future and the long-term benefits.

    On the contrary, Comrade Xiao Qiao was young. She was inexperienced about world affairs but was able to handle matters in a graceful and appropriate manner. She was adept at managing any situations with ease.

    It was no wonder the politicalmissar had the intention to poach a character such as Comrade Xiao Qiao. She was indeed capable.

    If Comrade Xiao Qiao was a man in the ancient times, she would be very suited to be an advisor or a strategist, and would definitely be an outstanding hero.

    The female counselor rarely sensed this from women. As a woman, the female counselor felt very proud to know the existence of a woman like Qiao Nan.

    Did you see that? Women did not only have a lot of hair and little knowledge. When they were capable, they could be very formidable too.

    At the very least, during this period, didn¡¯t most of the grown-up men address ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ respectfully when they met her?

    Qiao Nan was totally unaware that the female counselor, who was older than her and whom she could even address as auntie, held her in such utmost respect.

    Qiao Nan did not forget her basics and original intentions. She went ording to the pace of her original n step-by-step in an orderly manner. She tried her best to adjust her mindset to avoid distractions from external parties and issues.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    Someone knocked on the door.

    Before Qiao Nan could stand up, the female counselor squeezed Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders gently. ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, continue to eat. I¡¯ll open the door. Most likely, someone is looking for me.¡±

    The female counselor opened the door and saw Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Why did youe?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to look for Comrade Xiao Qiao.¡± Hence, the female counselor could stay aside and not stand in her away.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± The female counselor mmed her hand on the doorframe with a bang. She stood straight at the door and expressed that if Qiu Chenxi did not make herself clear, she would not let her in. ¡°It¡¯s broad daylight now. I¡¯ve also lit a mosquito repellent coil in this room, so there¡¯s definitely no mosquitoes. Did youe here to look for Comrade Xiao Qiao? It can¡¯t be that you¡¯re here to help her kill the mosquitoes?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale. She was infuriated.

    It was all because the female counselor was a big-mouth and talked bad about her to the politicalmissar. She went to seek her uncle for advice today and he directly told her not toe to the army anymore after this event ended. The army did not wee her.

    Now, not only Brother Zhai disliked her but also her uncle. Her uncle had changed.

    With just a few days¡¯ time left, how could sheplete her mission and make Brother Zhai like her again and willing to marry her? Moreover, how could she make Uncle Zhai and Miao Jing willing to ept her as their daughter-inw?

    Given that Brother Zhai stayed in the army camp 300 out of 365 days in a year, not to mention this year, she might not be able to achieve her aim even if she was given another ten years if she lost the privilege toe to the army camp.

    ¡°Counselor, why do I feel that you keep targeting me? The army is an organization. There are rules and regtions and it¡¯s a ce that values teamwork. You¡¯re forming a clique and targeting therades in the army. Is that really good? Counselor, you should familiarize yourself with Chairman Mao¡¯s quotations and carry out a deep self-reflection. Don¡¯t be a bad influence on the army¡¯s culture!¡± Qiu Chenxi said. If she did not brandish her w a little at the female counselor, the female counselor would really take her as a pushover!

    The female counselor was angry but more amused. ¡°I¡¯m forming a clique? Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t force me to make my words ugly. Think about what you did yesterday. That¡¯s a bad influence on the culture in the army. Fine, you¡¯re just a youngdy and I can¡¯t be bothered to argue with you. There¡¯s a problem with your thinking. I admit that I don¡¯t have the ability to counsel you to take the right path. I think the politicalmissar has already made a decision. I have absolute belief in the decision of the organization leaders.¡±

    ¡°So, it was really you who made theint!¡± Qiao Nan was not anxious but the female counselor went toin. What did she mean by this? ¡°Female counselor, can you make way? I really want to talk to Comrade Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Speak. I can hear from here.¡± Qiao Nan put down the pen in her hand. She turned her body and chair to face Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi pursed her lips and put on a fake smile. ¡°It¡¯s about yesterday¡¯s matter. The female counselor has misunderstood. I don¡¯t know what she told the politicalmissar, but the politicalmissar also misunderstood that I wanted to hit you. You should know the truth of the matter best. Can you help me rify this with the politicalmissar? Yesterday, I was well-intended and really wanted to help you kill the mosquito. Perhaps I didn¡¯t make myself clear and my action was too sudden. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve frightened you. I¡¯llpensate you. Tell me what you want. I promise that you¡¯ll be satisfied.¡±

    He who started the trouble should end it.

    The politicalmissar asked her to leave the army because of Qiao Nan. He did not even give the Qiu family and her uncle any face.

    As long as Qiao Nan did not take issue with her and was willing to resolve this matter harmoniously, then she could continue to stay in the army and woo Brother Zhai.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. Her eyes were sly. ¡°I know it best? What do I know? I don¡¯t know anything! Also, don¡¯t talk to me aboutpensation. Until now, I am still sullen, thinking about what you were thinking when you raised your hand. Before I rify what happened, how can I take yourpensation?¡±

    ¡°Counselor, you heard that. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t think that I was hitting her at all!¡± Anyway, she just wanted such a word from Qiao Nan. This was a misunderstanding on the female counselor¡¯s part. Why should she be chased out of the army?

    ¡°But I also didn¡¯t say that I¡¯m sure that you¡¯re not hitting me and was helping me chase away mosquitoes. Instead, in that kind of circumstance, a normal person would think that you intended to hit me. Therefore, Comrade Qiu, you did not make a correct trip. You didn¡¯t manage to hit me, but that doesn¡¯t mean you didn¡¯t want to. Since you wanted to hit me, then the counselor¡¯s words were not misleading, and neither did she misunderstand you. It¡¯s even more unnecessary for me to exin to the politicalmissar. Comrade Qiu, take good care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qiu Chenxi was extremely mad. ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you want exactly before you¡¯ll be willing to help me exin?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t. No matter what.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!

    ¡°Why?¡± The female counselor was ted, grinning from ear to ear. Did she treat her as an ornament? Qiu Chenxi had not received a lesson from yesterday¡¯s matter.

 Chapter 526 - Expelled from the Army

    <h4>Chapter 526: Expelled from the Army</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Have you forgotten what the politicalmissar told you? With this attitude of yours, hahaha! Fine. When the timees, I¡¯ll reflect this situation to the politicalmissar.¡±

    Clearly, the politicalmissar had asked Comrade Qiu to apologize to Comrade Xiao Qiao.

    As long as Qiu Chenxi was willing to apologize to Comrade Xiao Qiao sincerely and obtained thetter¡¯s forgiveness, Qiu Chenxi would be able to continue to remain in the army.

    However, after Qiu Chenxi arrived for so long and said so much, she had not heard a single word of apology from her. Did Qiu Chenxi forget what she initially came for?

    Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth and moved closer to the female counselor. She then lowered the volume of her voice. ¡°Counselor, don¡¯t forget that my uncle is also in the army. If you continue to target me, I¡¯ll tell my uncle. How do you think my uncle will react? That¡¯s my biological uncle. In other words, counselor, you should understand what I mean.¡±

    The female counselor smiled in mockery. ¡°Comrade Qiu, if your uncle is so vicious and powerful, then are you here today to brag? Fine, since your uncle is so formidable that he¡¯s the one that calls all the shots, it won¡¯t make any difference even if Comrade Xiao Qiao doesn¡¯t put in any words for you. Alright, I¡¯ll remember what you said today. I¡¯m the counselor in the army. By right, I should counselrades like you who are a little problematic. Unfortunately, you¡¯re deeply poisoned. My skills are not good enough and I can¡¯t counsel you. I¡¯m helpless when ites to you but we have many talents in the army. I¡¯m sure there¡¯ll be someone who can counsel you well. Don¡¯t need to thank me. We¡¯re all goodrades with one another. We don¡¯t need to differentiate ruthlessly.¡±

    Did she think that she was a youngdy who just joined the army? Would she be able to threaten her with these few words?

    Crap!

    ¡°You, counselor, don¡¯t you feel that you¡¯re poor in your words? Why do you have to tell the politicalmissar everything? Do you think you¡¯re still a kid who has to tell the teacher about every minor matter that you encounter? So childish!¡± Qiu Chenxi was nearly driven to the grave. This female counselor was too annoying.

    The female counselor must be aware of the status and influence that her uncle, Shi Peng, had in the army.

    She was Shi Peng¡¯s biological niece. Shouldn¡¯t the female counselor curry favor with her and help her deal with Qiao Nan? Was this person sick in the mind?

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s telling the teacher or the politicalmissar, I¡¯ll do so as long as the method works. You¡¯re already so mature, yet you¡¯re still into the game of telling your parents. Fine, if you¡¯re not here to apologize, leave quickly. Don¡¯t disturb Comrade Xiao Qiao in her preparation for sses. Really, what kind of person are you?¡±

    ¡°I apologize? Impossible!¡± She would never apologize to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Leave then.¡± Why was she trembling with anger then?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll ask you onest time. Are you going to help me rify the matter? If you¡¯re willing to help me exin, tell me your terms.¡± It was not possible for her to apologize to Qiao Nan whose status was beneath her. By allowing Qiao Nan to help her, she was already giving Qiao Nan face.

    Qiao Nan held her cheeks in her hands as she looked at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°I¡¯m not helping in this.¡±

    ¡°You! Fine! We¡¯ll wait and see. Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t have other solutions if you don¡¯t help!¡± Her uncle was in the army. She did not believe that her uncle would not help her remain in the army if she begged him.

    If she could not convince her uncle, there was still her mother.

    ¡°Sigh, she still has her own justification.¡± The female counselor simply rolled her eyes. ¡°This kind of youngdy must have been too pampered in normal times. She has been spoiled rotten by her family and thinks that everyone is obligated to help her. Comrade Xiao Qiao, please don¡¯t get angry. If you suffer because of this, it¡¯s totally not worth it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not angry.¡± It was all thanks to Qiao Zijin. She had seen many more sophisticated tactics. She was already used to them.

    If today¡¯s matter happened to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin¡¯s spine would be absolutely bendable. After weighing the pros and cons, Qiao Zijin would definitely apologize to her without any dy. Qiao Zijin would not only apologize swiftly but also cry miserably in a remorseful manner. She would cry as if she was in a very pitiful state.

    If anyone did not ept such an apology from Qiao Zijin, that person would be too much.

    Now, the phrase ¡®I am sorry¡¯ was precious to many people.

    No matter how much wrongdoing onemitted previously, seemingly, when they said ¡®I am sorry¡¯, all the things that happened previously could be regarded as words written with chalk regardless of whether the apology was sincere. They could be wiped away without leaving any traces.

    On the contrary, today¡¯s situation, or rather, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attitude today, was, in fact, more eptable to her.

    ¡°Right, counselor, is it true that Qiu Chenxi can no longer remain in the army?¡±

    ¡°You manage to infer it from her words?¡± The female counselor secretlyughed.

    ¡°Who decided on this? The politicalmissar?¡± Was it because Qiu Chenxi wanted to p her but did not seed? Wasn¡¯t this reason too far-fetched?

    The female counselor sat down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This matter is not so serious. The decision will not change. Qiu Chenxi joined the army via the ¡®backdoor¡¯. She didn¡¯t join us through the formal and usual way. It¡¯s not so easy to expel someone but it¡¯s much easier in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s situation. Furthermore, this was not decided by the politicalmissar alone. Chief Zhai, Officer Shi, and Regiment Commander Zhai have all unanimously voted for the decision. Our army is originally so united and has an honest culture. They can¡¯t let an individual like Qiu Chenxi bring bad influence to the army. Qiu Chenxi is like a little poisonous lump. Of course, it¡¯d be best to ¡®remove¡¯ her as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Who initiated it?¡± There was a sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I heard that Regiment Commander Zhai suggested it first.¡± The female counselor shook her head in disdain. ¡°Qiu Chenxi came to our army for Regiment Commander Zhai. As a youngdy, she doesn¡¯t even know how to maintain a woman¡¯s chastity and chases after a man. She¡¯s really... If my daughter does that in the future, I¡¯ll definitely break her leg! Didn¡¯t she see that Regiment Commander Zhai doesn¡¯t like her at all and can¡¯t wait for her to leave soon?¡±

    ¡°Okay, so it¡¯s Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Brother Zhai was making use of the recent happenings to cease all the opportunities for Qiu Chenxi to get close to him.

    Qiu Chenxi joined the army with an ulterior motive. Most likely, many people knew about it.

    ¡°Then, does Qiu Chenxi know about this matter?¡± The man that she was after could not wait for her to leave the army. If Qiu Chenxi was aware, would she still be able to tolerate all this?

    ¡°Of course she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± She fully understood.

    Brother Zhai initiated this and the important figures in the army unanimously voted in agreement, including Qiu Chenxi¡¯s biological uncle, Shi Peng. Qiu Chenxi was such a failure in terms of rtionships with others.

    Qiao Nan found out about the circumstances of the matter. On the other hand, Qiu Chenxi, who was totally unaware, was bent on seeking help from her biological uncle. ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m looking for you regarding some matter... Qing Qing, why are you... You¡¯re here too?¡± Shi Qing must havee for Brother Zhai. Just like her, Shi Qing must be trying to enjoy the benefits of a favorable position by joining the army to get close to Brother Zhai.

 Chapter 527 - The Matter Has Blown Up

    Chapter 527: The Matter Has Blown Up

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°You coulde, so why couldn¡¯t I?¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes. Actually, Qiu Chenxi wanted to ask why she came, right?

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same. I¡¯m from the army. It¡¯s normal for me to be here. You know the rules in the army as well. People who do not belong can¡¯t enter or leave the ce as they please. Qing Qing, if you support uncle in his work, don¡¯t create trouble for him.¡± So, hurry up and leave. Don¡¯t stay here and be an eyesore

    ¡°Your mom could even use my father¡¯s name to put you in the army, so why couldn¡¯t Ie here? Do you believe that I can formally take the test and qualify as a female soldier?!¡± Shi Qing was unconvinced. Even a person like Qiu Chenxi who did not know anything could be a soldier. Would she be worse than Qiu Chenxi?

    ¡°Don¡¯t kick up a fuss. Focus on your studies. Don¡¯t forget. You only came in second ce this time.¡± Shi Peng gave Shi Qing a scolding happily.

    ¡°Dad, can you not be so obvious with that gloating expression of yours? Are you still my biological father?¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes even harder. She was in second ce. Did her father need to be so happy? Don¡¯t tell her that she was a daughter given to him by someone?

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Shi Peng derided.

    The two-way conversation between Shi Peng and Shi Qing, ignoring the presence of others, made Qiu Chenxi turn pale. ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m looking for you about something important. The politicalmissar said he¡¯s going to expel me. What serious offense have Imitted that they have to punish me so harshly? Is it so easy to expel someone from the army? Furthermore, uncle, you know my situation. You won¡¯t hope for the worst and sit by as my life happiness slips away from me, right?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Shi Qing sneered. ¡°When you joined the army, it was quite easy as well.¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t be so selfish. You can¡¯te here to destroy and stand in the way of my happiness just because you like Brother Zhai. You must know that after I am married to Brother Zhai, you have to call Brother Zhai ¡®brother-inw¡¯. You double-cross your own sister and snatch your brother-inw. You! Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t!¡± Shi Qing looked bitterly cold. Today, such words could actuallye out of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mouth. She could only me her own stupidity in the past when she believed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words without a doubt simply because they were rtives.

    Shi Peng patted Shi Qing¡¯s hands to get her to sit down and calm down. ¡°Chenxi, you¡¯ll understand after I tell you one matter. No one can help you. Your expulsion from the army is irrefutable. It¡¯s also useless if anyone helps you.¡±

    ¡°What matter?¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai was the one who suggested your expulsion and Chief Zhai agreed.¡± Even the two people whom Qiu Chenxi was working so hard to gain the favor from were not willing to let her remain in the army. Would it make a difference if he had done anything?

    ¡°Impossible. Uncle, you¡¯re lying to me!¡± Qiu Chenxi was in disbelief. ¡°Uncle, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so selfish. Are you still my uncle? How can you lie to me and sacrifice my happiness because of Qing Qing? As rtives, you are really too cold-blooded by doing this. You¡¯re too disappointing.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t go overboard!¡± Shi Qing exploded. ¡°You¡¯re not finished with this yet? Who¡¯s selfish? Who¡¯s cold-blooded?!¡±

    Shi Peng looked indifferent. After all, she had seen this ugly side from his biological sister, Qi Min, more than twenty years ago. ¡°Whether we¡¯re rtives or not, you call the shots. As to whether the matter is real, you can go and inquire about it yourself. Of course, if you¡¯re dissatisfied, you can give your mom a call. The phone is here. Do it yourself.¡±

    He already said before that Zhai Sheng, thatd, had a good sense of judgment in character. Even if he did not marry his daughter, Qing Qing, it would not be possible for him to marry Qiu Chenxi, his niece.

    Inparison, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s sense of judgment was much worse than that of Zhai Sheng. He had been so good to Qi Min for so many years and had given Qiu Qin so much benefit and convenience.

    His judgment was bad and hecked intelligence. He wondered how Zhai Yaohui could outdo him and became the chief many years ago. Was he just being lucky?!

    When he saw that Qiu Chenxi had neither leave nor self-reflect and was staring at the phone instead, Shi Peng got up. ¡°Qing Qing, keep Dadpany. Let¡¯s go for a walk.¡±

    Shi Qing gave Qiu Chenxi a stare and stomped her feet. She reluctantly apanied Shi Peng and left. ¡°Dad, on what grounds?¡± Clearly, this was her father¡¯s office. Why did her father have to leave and give Qiu Chenxi some space to call her auntie toin?

    ¡°Anyway, she¡¯s leaving the army soon. Let her call as she wishes. Does it matter?¡± There would be more trouble if he did not allow Qiu Chenxi to make this phone call.

    ¡°What if auntieins to grandpa and grandma? What should we do?¡± Auntie was, after all, their daughter. Qiu Chenxi was their biological maternal granddaughter.

    Shi Pengughed. ¡°Even Zhu Chengqi was able to subdue Elder Zhu. How much do you think your grandpa and grandma can interfere in my matters?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so smart.¡± Her grandfather and grandmother always felt that they had let auntie suffer when they gave her to her grandfather¡¯s formerrade for adoption, and Auntie was unhappy over this. Hence, they insisted that her father should take better care of her auntie. Why should he?

    One must know that the one her grandparents wanted to give up for adoption was clearly her father. It was the formerrade who declined and requested for her auntie instead.

    Furthermore, her auntie had grown up in the Shi family. She had not been shortchanged in everything that she used or wore. When did she ever suffer?!

    When he felt that Qiu Chenxi had almost finished the phone call, Shi Peng then brought Shi Qing back.

    At the sight of their return, Qiu Chenxi simply passed the phone which she had not hung up yet to Shi Peng. ¡°Uncle, Mom wants to speak to you.¡±

    ¡°Hello.¡± Shi Peng took over the phone. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the situation. I can¡¯t. Why? Regiment Commander Zhai suggested it, and both Chief Zhai and the politicalmissar agreed. I¡¯m the only one left and my influence is weak. I can¡¯t turn the tides. You don¡¯t need to continue further. It¡¯s no use... Fine, you can call Dad and Mom. I¡¯m not stopping you. However, let me tell you that calling Mom and Dad is not as useful as simply calling Zhai Yaohui... Fine, you do that. It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    True enough, just after Shi Peng hung up the phone call with Qi Min, he received a call from Elder Shi. ¡°Hello, Dad. You know my position in the army. My rank is not higher than Zhai Yaohui. My power can¡¯t beparable with the politicalmissar. How about I stay away from the army from now on? I¡¯ll use my position in exchange to let Qiu Chenxi remain in the army. I¡¯m not saying this out of anger. This is the actual situation now... Anyway, my health is not too good. As of now, my illnesses have not fully recovered. After I retire from the army, I can get some rest. It¡¯s all good. Right, we don¡¯t have a solution that can give us the best of both worlds. It¡¯s not that we can only have one person remaining. It¡¯s a unanimous opinion. It¡¯s not suitable to let Qiu Chenxi stay in the army. Fine. If you agree, I¡¯ll prepare a report and leave the army. Okay, the oue will probably be known in a few days after I submit the report. Even after I retire, I can¡¯t guarantee if Qiu Chenxi can continue to stay in the army. Fine, let¡¯s do this.¡±

    ¡°Dad?¡± Shi Qing was instantly dumbfounded. Was it not Qiu Chenxi who was leaving the army? Why did it be her dad?

 Chapter 528 - Believe in Qiao Nanâ€™ Brainpower

    Chapter 528: Believe in Qiao Nan¡¯ Brainpower

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi was also stupefied, let alone Shi Qing.

    She was counting on Shi Peng to remain in the army and even receive special treatment due to that.

    If Shi Peng left, who could she rely on if she stayed in the army?

    ¡°Uncle, are you serious about it? Or are you just threatening me?¡±

    ¡°Who do you think you are to be worthy of my dad¡¯s threats?¡± Shi Qing wanted very much to kick Qiu Chenxi out of the ce. She knew very well that her father loved being a soldier very much. Her father was already in such a poor state of health. Unless he needed to be hospitalized, he would insist to remain in the army.

    Today, her father had been forced to express that he would like to submit his resignation letter. Her auntie, Qiu Chenxi, as well as her grandparents had really gone overboard.

    Her auntie and Qiu Chenxi were respectively her grandparents¡¯ daughter and maternal granddaughter. Nevertheless, her father and she were also respectively their son and maternal granddaughter.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t say things in a fit of anger due to other people¡¯s matters. It¡¯s not worth it.¡± Shi Qing was extremely anxious.

    Shi Peng patted Shi Qing¡¯s arms. ¡°Didn¡¯t youe to the army to look for Qiao Nan and exchange views with her? I¡¯ve already told you where she¡¯s staying at. Go and look for her yourself. Dad¡¯s matter will eventually be settled properly. When was dad ever impulsive? I¡¯ve thought very deeply and carefully about this before I made the decision. My health can¡¯t make it anymore. It¡¯s time to retire and give up my position to the younger ones. I can also take a good rest. Dad is tired too.¡±

    The exhaustion in Shi Peng¡¯s tone was something that Shi Qing could not understand orprehend.

    ¡°You! You¡¯re the jinx!¡± Unable to persuade Shi Peng, Shi Qing scolded Qiu Chenxi and left immediately thereafter.

    Other people could bear to make things difficult for Shi Peng, but not Shi Qing, as thetter was very close with Shi Peng since she was a child. She could not bear to let her father feel any unhappiness at all.

    Despite being scolded by Shi Qing, Qiu Chenxi failed toe to her senses. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re joking with grandpa, right?¡±

    It was fine if he did not want to help, but it was needless for him to say such things. Who was he trying to threaten?

    Although she had not heard the entire phone conversation, she could tell that her grandfather was on her side. He even asked her uncle to leave the army.

    She did not believe that her uncle would truly leave the army, that he would rather forgo a bright future than to help her and let her stay in the army. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re busy. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. I still have a ss tonight.¡±

    She would wait and see if she or her uncle would be the first one to leave the army.

    Did he think that she was a three-year-old child? Uncle was underestimating her!

    Looking at the ignorant and mboyant Qiu Chenxi, Shi Peng could not help shaking his head. He then took out a piece of nk, white paper and quietly wrote his resignation letter.

    He did not have the habit of joking or threatening others.

    He had considered for a very long time about leaving the army that he was so passionate about. It was just that today¡¯s matter was a catalyst in helping him make up his mind.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan!¡± Arriving at the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, that bright and loud voice of Shi Qing sounded as if she was seeking revenge. This alerted the female counselor and she was immediately on her guard.

    ¡°You are... you are Officer Shi¡¯s daughter. You¡¯re looking for Comrade Xiao Qiao? Is there any matter?¡± Could this be another Qiu Chenxi who was looking for Comrade Xiao Qiao to stir up trouble?

    Qiao Nan took the initiative to open the door. ¡°Why are you here? You came to look for your dad?¡±

    ¡°If I tell you that I¡¯m here to look for you, will you believe me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± No one woulde and look for her rival-in-love. Of course, they would look for the one that they liked. ¡°Brother Zhai is not here.¡± It was not a guarantee that they would find something each time they visited her. This was the army camp. Could she and Brother Zhai be as arrogant and out of control as they were in Ping Cheng?

    ¡°You¡¯re really... I¡¯m telling the truth but you don¡¯t believe me.¡± Shi Qing was angered. She sounded anxious when she spoke.

    Qiao Nan stopped smiling. ¡°I¡¯m just joking with you. What happened to you? Quicklye in. I¡¯ll get some water for you.¡±

    ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, do you know each other?¡± Sensing that the atmosphere between the two was much better than when Qiu Chenxi was around, the female counselor heaved a sigh of relief.

    ¡°She¡¯s my ssmate. She¡¯s quite a good person. We¡¯re also on quite okay terms.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll leave first as I have something on.¡±

    ¡°Oh, take your time.¡±

    After sending off the female counselor, Qiao Nan pushed a cup of warm water to Shi Qing and also wrung a towel for her. ¡°Wipe away your sweat. Drink some water and tell me what happened.¡±

    Shi Qing took the towel and wiped her face twice in a slipshod manner. She then gulped down the whole cup of water. ¡°Qiao Nan, I really came to look for you initially. But now I¡¯m in trouble. You have to help me. You have to love your ssmate andrade.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so urgent? What happened?¡± Qiao Nan was shocked. She was used to seeing a confident-looking Shi Qing. This was really the first time she saw such a restless and anxious Shi Qing. ¡°Something that can make you ask me for suggestions must be a very critical matter.¡±

    ¡°My dad is leaving the army.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was stunned for a while. ¡°Are you saying that he¡¯s literally resigning from the army?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Officer Shi had quite a good reputation in the army.

    ¡°Why? What can it be? Isn¡¯t it all because of that jinx, Qiu Chenxi! She doesn¡¯t know what wrong shemitted such that she can¡¯t stay in the army anymore, and she insisted on my dad helping her. She even alerted my grandparents. My dad was not willing to. I don¡¯t know what my grandpa told my dad. In the end, my dad simply said that he¡¯s going to leave the army and grandpa did not stop him. What is happening?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to cry?¡± At the sight of Shi Qing¡¯s eyes turning red, Qiao Nan wrung the towel in her hand and passed it to Shi Qing.

    The first time she saw Shi Qing behaving in this way was when Shi Qing talked about the matter between Brother Zhai and her. Today was the second time.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t know. My dad loves the army so much. He has given all of his life to the army. Each time, my dad would only leave the camp because he was in really poor health and had to receive better treatment elsewhere. This time, my dad wanted to leave because of such a small matter regarding Qiu Chenxi. I¡¯m... I¡¯m worried.¡± Shi Qing sniffed and sounded like she was about to cry.

    ¡°Okay...¡± Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Regarding this matter, I¡¯ve not heard about it from the beginning until the end. I only gathered the rough situation. You said that your dad is very passionate about everything in the army. When he said that he¡¯s leaving, on the contrary, I feel that he¡¯s not doing it out of impulse. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t it possibly be out of impulse?¡± Shi Qing did not believe her.

    ¡°Your dad would rather be taken to the hospital than to leave the army. Think again about your dad¡¯s expression and reaction when he said that he is going to leave.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Shi Qing was trying to recall. ¡°My dad... It¡¯s true that he seemed quite calm.¡± Someone who was acting on impulsive could not possibly be so calm. Moreover, she had never really seen her father making any decision on impulse before.

    ¡°When I say this, it may sound like I¡¯m being assumptive without standing in your father¡¯s shoes. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± After some considerations, Qiao Nan still decided to be honest. ¡°Your dad is not a three-year-old child. He is giving up his passion or even everything that he loves with his life. He must have his reasons. As a daughter, maybe you should support him?¡±

 Chapter 529 - Putting Yourself in Othersâ€™ Shoes

    Chapter 529: Putting Yourself in Others¡¯ Shoes

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Shi Qing did not say a word.

    Qiao Nan felt awkward and she simply sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve said that I don¡¯t know the causes and consequences of the entire matter. Hence, I can¡¯t confirm if your dad¡¯s decision was a sudden one or due to a long-time consideration. Your dad and you belong to the same family. If you have any doubts and want to persuade your dad, just speak to him directly. You¡¯re one family. As long as youmunicate properly, there are always ways to resolve the matter and reach a consensus.¡±

    In the army, the rank and status of Officer Shi were only slightly below that of Uncle Zhai. Officer Shi was a man of talent. It could be said that he had also reached the peak of his career very quickly.

    If Officer Shi were to give up everything that he had in the army, this was certainly easier said than done. It was thus understandable that Shi Qing would feel unhappy.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t need to exin anymore. My mood is certainly not quite good and I am thus easily influenced. Don¡¯t take my reactions to heart. I¡¯m going to look for my dad now.¡± Right, if she had any doubts, she could ask her father directly.

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± She was an outsider. Regardless of her opinions, if the oue was good, all would be well. However, if the oue was slightly less ideal than expected, she would be med by others. Hence, it was not easy to be a good guy.

    Shi Qing came and left in a hurry.

    Once Shi Qing left, Qiao Nan was focused on doing her summer homework.

    The next time Qiao Nan saw Shi Qing was already lunchtime at the canteen.

    At the sight of Shi Qing listlessly approaching, Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She quickly finished her food and intended to run away. Although she did not feel that she had done anything wrong, she felt that she had to escape.

    It was only when Shi Qing headed straight toward her, seemingly with no second thoughts, that Qiao Nan could not help regretting not finishing her meal earlier. She had allowed Shi Qing to catch her on the spot.

    ¡°You¡¯ve finished your meal. Just nice. I have something to tell you.¡± Shi Qing looked very listless. ¡°I¡¯d like to have a chat with you.¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing, do you take me as a tree hole?¡± She was looking for her to have a chat and not to settle scores with her. That seemed alright.

    ¡°Tree hole? What do you mean? Do you look like a tree hole?¡± Shi Qing was puzzled.

    ¡°It is noontime. Do you want to eat something first before we chat? Anyway, there¡¯s still time.¡± Upon thinking, Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll wash my lunchbox. You can use it to get some food.¡±

    Shi Qing slumped on the table, looking downhearted. ¡°I don¡¯t have any appetite. I don¡¯t feel like eating.¡±

    ¡°Then, wait five minutes for me.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She still went ahead and washed her lunchbox. Thereafter, she went to get some rice and dishes. ¡°Chef, sorry to trouble you. I would like to have some food for two people.¡±

    ¡°Comrade, you¡¯re getting so much food. Can you finish them? It¡¯s a shame to waste them,¡± the chef in the canteen reminded Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting them back for other people to eat. There are two of them.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine.¡± The chef was able to tell that Qiao Nan was not the type who would waste food. She was helping herrades to take away some food. He thus gave more than enough shares for two people.

    Holding the fully-filled lunchbox, Qiao Nan then walked to Shi Qing and gave her a kick. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Aren¡¯t you going to chat with me?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    In the end, the two of them returned to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory again.

    Upon arriving at Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, tears welled up in Shi Qing¡¯s eyes and her voice was hoarse. ¡°Qiao Nan, my dad really submitted his resignation letter. I saw him wrote it in person.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t stop him?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t stop him.¡± Shi Qing was pulling a long face. ¡°After I spoke to you, I went back and asked my dad a question. I asked him if he¡¯s leaving the army because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter today, or if he has already intended to do so long ago.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the oue?¡±

    ¡°My dad said he has had this intention since a long time ago.¡± Since her father had said so, how could she convince him to do otherwise?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I feel very sad, very, very sad. My heart feels like it¡¯s pinned under a stone. You don¡¯t know. When I saw my dad writing the resignation letter, his hands were shaking. His handwriting was extremely ugly.¡± When she described how ugly Shi Peng¡¯s handwriting looked, Shi Qing¡¯s sobbing sounded even more obvious. ¡°Normally, my dad¡¯s handwriting is very beautiful.¡±

    Qiao Nan sat down and poured Shi Qing a cup of tea, pursing her lips. After thinking, she said, ¡°Given your dad¡¯s response, actually, you already know that he¡¯s certain about his decision. Therefore, you didn¡¯t object although his hands were shaking, right?¡±

    ¡°But why?¡± Her father definitely loved the army and could not bear to leave. When he wrote the resignation letter, she could seemingly hear the sound of blood trickling down from her father¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Then, why were you willing to give up on Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°He likes you, and he¡¯s not willing to bother about me. What could I do!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You like Brother Zhai so much, but you¡¯re willing to give him up. You¡¯re sad, you¡¯re suffering, but you still chose to let go of him because of your pride. It¡¯s the same reason. Why do you think your dad did this?¡± It should not be about Brother Zhai. Shi Qing seemed very fierce.

    Shi Qing was very anxious. ¡°For me, it¡¯s because Brother Zhai... Damn, why do you have to expose my scars!¡±

    ¡°Only then you¡¯ll understand why your father did that. You don¡¯t know the reason why your dad was willing to give up, but that doesn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t have any reason. Every family has its hardships. I have my own problems and your dad does not seem worry-free too.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Shi Qing, do you want to be a filial daughter?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Shi Qing replied with certainty. ¡°But after wracking my brains, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible to make my dad change his mind.¡±

    ¡°Even if you want to be a filial daughter, you may not necessarily need to set such a difficult task for yourself. Think about it. You¡¯re feeling so sad because of this matter. How is your dad feeling at this moment? You feel so bad that you have lost your appetite. Most likely, it¡¯s the same for your dad. However, the difference is that you¡¯re younger and in good health. It¡¯s alright if you skip one or two meals. Nothing will happen. I remember that your dad has recently been discharged from hospital. Is it really good for him to skip one or two meals? Your grades are so good. You should be able to understand my point. After a person takes his meal, he will feel better, or if he takes more sugar, his mood will improve. Don¡¯t just think about yourself. Aren¡¯t you going to console your dad?¡±

    Officer Shi¡¯s condition was certainly not better than Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing patted her silly head. ¡°To think that I always feel that I¡¯m quite smart but actually made such a mistake at this time. Regardless of whether the situation can be changed, my dad is certainly the one who is feeling the worst, the one who can¡¯t bear to let it happen the most. My dad does have the habit of neglecting his meals and sleep due to work, so his health is not too good. He definitely can¡¯t afford to go hungry. I... I¡¯ll go and get some food for him now!¡±

    ¡°Forget it.¡± Qiao Nan held on to Shi Qing who was running out of the room. ¡°You know the situation at the canteen. There may not be any food left at the canteen at this hour. Take this.¡± Qiao Nan passed the lunchbox that she had previously filled with food to Shi Qing. ¡°After you¡¯ve finished them, wash it properly and return it to me. I still have to rely on it in the evening.¡±

 Chapter 530 - Great Praise

    Chapter 530: Great Praise

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Holding the lunchbox in her hands, Shi Qing sniffed. ¡°Qiao Nan, you, you¡¯re really quite annoying.¡± Afterward, Shi Qing simply ran off.

    Qiao Nan, who received a scolding, was wide-eyed and confused. ¡°I don¡¯t think Shi Qing was really scolding me, right? Don¡¯t tell me she meant that I¡¯m likable when she said that?¡±

    After writing his letter, Shi Peng, who had maintained the same posture for some time since his daughter left, wiped the corners of his eyes with his hands when he heard the sound of his daughter¡¯s running footsteps. He then cleared his throat. ¡°You¡¯re back so soon. I thought you¡¯d chat with Qiao Nan for a longer time.¡±

    Seeing that Shi Peng remained in the same posture since she left, Shi Qing took a breath and tried her best to sound happy. ¡°Dad, your tummy is not good. It¡¯s already sote. Quickly have your meal.¡±

    ¡°Have my meal?¡± Shi Peng was surprised at his daughter¡¯s words. ¡°How rare. You¡¯re actually concerned about this?¡±

    Although he did not have any appetite, Shi Peng would not decline as his daughter¡¯s good intentions were hard toe by. ¡°Our youngdy has grown up and is more meticulous now, unlike in the past when you were like a boy. Your mom med me every day for having led you astray by bringing you to the army since you¡¯re a child.¡±

    When Shi Peng opened his lunchbox, he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve already said that the sun is rising from the west today. After encountering such a matter, you can still think of getting food for me. I think Qiao Nan got you the food, right?¡± At this hour, there would not be any food left in the canteen.

    Shi Qing paused for a moment. ¡°Why did you guess that I¡¯d certainly not think of it and that it was Qiao Nan who got the food?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s name was not written on the lunchbox, was it?

    Shi Peng took out another lunchbox and transferred half of the food over. ¡°Judging from your question alone, it was not wrong that you lost to Qiao Nan by half a point mark in the recent final examinations. You¡¯re my daughter. How can I not know how many intestines you have in your stomach? Look at the portion of the food.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s so much.¡± Shi Qing frowned. Even if her father had a huge appetite, he could not take so much food. ¡°Dad, this...¡±

    ¡°Do you understand now? This is meant for the two of us.¡± After transferring the food, Shi Peng passed what was left to Shi Qing. ¡°You¡¯re filial to me. It¡¯s not impossible that you¡¯re concerned about my health by getting food for me. I still have a little confidence in you regarding that. But that¡¯s about it. There¡¯s a limit to your rational thinking.¡±

    It was good enough that Qing Qing would think of getting him a meal. Nevertheless, she would definitely not include her portion of food too.

    ¡°Alright, your ssmate meant well. It¡¯s hard toe by. Hurry up. Come over and eat. Don¡¯t forget the habit of a soldier. Do you still remember what I taught you since you were at a young age?¡±

    ¡°Every grain of rice on the te is the hard work of the farmer. I still remember.¡± A three-year-old child also knew how to recite this.

    When he saw his daughter sitting down to eat, Shi Peng, who was initially gloomy, suddenly felt a little better. ¡°Qing Qing, actually, there are two reasons I allowed you to be transferred to the school here. First, I wish to see you more often. Second, I hope you will give up on Zhai Sheng totally. No matter who Zhai Sheng is with, he¡¯s definitely not suitable for you. But, today, it looks like you¡¯ve met a good ssmate. It¡¯s rare.¡±

    Although she clearly knew that Qing Qing¡¯s target was Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was still so friendly and sincere to Qing Qing. Qiao Nan was really quite good at heart.

    It was no wonder Zhai Sheng did not like Qiu Chenxi but was so protective of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng was much younger than them, but he had a great sense of judgment in character!

    ¡°She¡¯s not that good. She¡¯s just a little better than the average person.¡± Shi Qing refused to admit. ¡°Moreover, I feel that it¡¯s also because I¡¯m a good person. That¡¯s why she¡¯s quite good to me. If it¡¯s Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯ll see if her temper can still be so good.¡±

    So, her ¡®goodness¡¯ was the main reason for all these.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the case in all human interactions? In a rtionship, it should be reciprocal. Who will be foolish enough to be good to their enemies?¡± Shi Peng patted Shi Qing¡¯s head. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t refuse to admit it and say something that¡¯s unappreciative. You need to change this bad habit. Other people are not your parents. They will not always tolerate you. Understand?¡±

    It was already quite good that Qiao Nan could do this.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. About Qiao Nan and me, I know what I¡¯m doing. Also, don¡¯t look down on Qiao Nan. She sees with her heart and not her eyes.¡± His father was underestimating Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan could be frightened off by just a few nasty words of hers, she would not be Qiao Nan then.

    ¡°Haha...¡± Upon hearing his daughter¡¯s words, Shi Peng¡¯s mood turned much brighter.

    Qing Qing¡¯s trip to Ping Cheng this time was notpletely without any gain.

    He had been thinking of leaving the army for two years, so he would definitely leave. It was an unexpected bonus that Qing Qing found a good friend in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re doing your summer homework?¡± At two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Shi Qing went looking for Qiao Nan with thetter¡¯s lunchbox. ¡°It¡¯s early afternoon. Are you not taking a nap? After all, the air in the hills is much cooler than outside.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already napped for an hour.¡± Qiao Nan was so engrossed in her homework, diligently working on it. Ping Cheng High School really gave them a lot of homework.

    Shi Qing put the lunchbox down and sat on the study table swiftly. She looked at Qiao Nan, feeling puzzled. ¡°With your results, it shouldn¡¯t matter even if you don¡¯t do all this homework. Isn¡¯t doing them a waste of your time? Why would you? I think the school won¡¯t take issue with you even if you don¡¯t do them.¡± It would greatly reduce Qiao Nan¡¯s burden if she did not do all these.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know.¡± Qiao Nan, who was writing furiously, paused for a moment. She then continued with the homework on hand.

    In the previous life, after she quit school, she felt so envious whenever she saw people of the same age carrying a schoolbag and going to school.

    She heard the aunties in her factorymenting how much homework their daughters had when attending senior high school. When the school holidays finally arrived, it was tough on them as they had to spend all of their time doing homework at home during the weekends. Qiao Nan was filled with jealousy when she heard that.

    The homework students detested most while schooling was, in fact, the happiness that she wished for but could never attain.

    As such, after she was reborn to this lifetime, Qiao Nan had never disregarded her homework despite her good grades. In the eyes of other ssmates, she was just going through the motion. Nevertheless, to Qiao Nan, each piece of homework enabled her to practice her speed.

    She could practice the speed of attempting andpleting questions, the speed of reading, the speed of everything.

    Shi Qing could not understand why Qiao Nan was so determined to do well in her studies. ¡°Judging from your voice, it seems like you¡¯re feeling better now?¡±

    ¡°Can we not talk about this?¡± She was fine just now, but now that Qiao Nan brought it up, she felt a little depressed again. Regarding this matter, it was not possible for anything to make her feel happy for the time being.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll not mention it then.¡±

    ¡°...¡± She gave up so quickly. Shi Qing had harbored hopes of chatting more with Qiao Nan about the matter so that Qiao Nan could console her more. ¡°Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t have any empathy. Is the summer homework more important than your ssmate?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re not as important as it is.¡±

    ¡°Cold-blooded.¡±

 Chapter 531 - Both of You Are Too Outstanding

    Chapter 531: Both of You Are Too Outstanding

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Wrong, I am a warm-blooded animal.¡± So there was no need for hibernation. ¡°Okay, from the looks of it, you seemed to have had a good talk with your dad. You should know that you can¡¯t do anything about it, so stop dwelling over it.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are a strange person.¡±

    ¡°How am I strange?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop pondering about my dad¡¯s resignation, yet you could ept it right away.¡±

    ¡°Bystander is always clear-minded.¡± She was not strange.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean. Don¡¯t you think that your attitude regarding this matter is too mature?¡±

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily and was slightly nervous. ¡°When you came asking me for help, you were already without reasons. If I were irrational as well, the two of us would only create more trouble for your dad. Daughters should be more sensible and caring. You should at least do that for your dad.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead and cook up stories.¡± Shi Qing snorted, not taken in by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I finally understand why Brother Zhai likes you so much. That¡¯s because both of you are too outstanding, abnormal. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s tactics and plots seemed so foolish and childish in front of both of you. Do you know why I like to stay in the army and why did I have such good results?¡± Shi Qing had given up. Her father was right. It was true that she was not as good as Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because of Brother Zhai. I have fallen for Brother Zhai the first time I saw him. In order to show off to me that she would marry a man who is very outstanding in the future, Qiu Chenxi always told me about how outstanding Brother Zhai is. He always ranked first in the exams and is very athletic. Though he is young, his fitness level is better than that of the special force in the army. He does not rely on his family. He has the ability and skills. Do you know why Brother Zhai was willing to send me to school amidst his busy schedulest time? Actually, Brother Zhai is too young to be the regimentmander, but my dad pushed for it. My dad said that Brother Zhai deserved it. It¡¯s just that those people who were against Chief Zhai tried to prevent him from being promoted and insisted that he¡¯s too young to take on the position.¡±

    Of course, Shi Peng pushed for it in the end, and that was why Zhai Sheng became the regimentmander at such a young age.

    As Shi Qing had said, Zhai Sheng had the capability to be the regimentmander, but without Shi Peng¡¯s help, he would only be promoted a few yearster.

    Zhai Sheng owed Shi Peng a big favor.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi did not expect that she has brought disaster upon herself.¡± Because of Qiu Chenxi, Shi Qing had fallen head over heels in love with Brother Zhai. She would use Brother Zhai as her benchmark and would discipline herself to be as good as him in everything she did.

    Qiao Nan remembered that Qiu Chenxi wanted to learn from Lin Yuankang back then. It seemed to be for simr reasons as well. Qiao Nan felt ashamed at that.

    She had to admit that before she was in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, she had wanted to carve out a good future for herself. Now that she was with Brother Zhai, her pressure was indeed greater and she wanted more so than ever to be a better person.

    Men indeed did people great harm!

    ¡°She did it deliberately,¡± Shi Qing said coldly. ¡°It is understandable that I fall for Brother Zhai. He is so outstanding. It is rare for girls not to like him. Qiu Chenxi knew that I liked Brother Zhai as well, but the person who could marry him in the future is her, not me, so she deliberately told me everything about Brother Zhai. When I went back, Qiu Chenxi would talk to me on the phone frequently to update me about Brother Zhai. She would tell me about his results and his achievements in the army. She would even let me know when her family went to the Zhai family residence for meals.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had evil intentions!

    ¡°Oh my god.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. Qiu Chenxi was perverted.

    ¡°Brother Zhai and you are the same type of person. Since he likes you, I will admit defeat. There is plenty of other fish in the sea. If the person doesn¡¯t like me, he is not the one for me. It¡¯s okay if he doesn¡¯t like me. I will find someone who likes me. It¡¯s as simple as that!¡± Shi Qing said sourly.

    One could not show others their weakness. She must show that she had the guts and determination!

    ¡°Yes, find someone who likes you. Those who don¡¯t like you should stand aside.¡± Qiao Nan agreed.

    ¡°You... It¡¯s right of me to say that you are annoying. Must you be so smug? Must you show off in front of me? I know that it¡¯s Brother Zhai who confessed his love to you and developed feelings for you first, but do you have to agitate me in such a way?¡± Shi Qing was upset. She was trying tofort herself, yet Qiao Nan was bent on provoking her!

    Qiao Nan had an innocent look on her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything at all.¡±

    Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly. ¡°I can tell. Brother Zhai and you are miles apart in terms of social status. You are not the kind of person who is vain. No matter how outstanding Brother Zhai is, even if you like him, you will not dare to be close to him. Therefore, it must be Brother Zhai who took the initiative.¡±

    ¡°Fine, you are a genius.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s analysis was indeed urate. There was no way that she could rebut. ¡°By the way, what are you doing here? Are you giving lessons to the soldiers as well?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I do not have time for that.¡± Shi Qingzed around at Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, refusing to leave. ¡°My dad is in the army, and he is recently discharged from the hospital. As his daughter, can¡¯t I check on him?¡± Besides, ording to her father, Qiao Nan was at the army to give lessons and Qiu Chenxi was creating trouble for her. It was such a good show. How could she miss it?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t your dad leaving?¡± Qiao Nan did not go easy on Shi Qing. She knew that Shi Qing was upset about her father¡¯s resignation, hence she deliberately mentioned it. They were bent on digging at each other.

    ¡°It¡¯s not so simple. My dad is also a talent and he holds an important position in the army. Besides, he has helped promote talents like Brother Zhai. Even if he really decided to quit and has submitted his resignation letter, it will take some time before it will be finalized. You are too ignorant!¡± Shi Qing gritted her teeth. Her father had happily told her that she had made a true friend, but she thought otherwise. A good friend would not dig at her friend.

    ¡°Oh, so you intend to leave with your dad?¡±

    ¡°You might be the one who leaves first!¡±

    ¡°Fine, you must send me off by then.¡± It was indeed a child¡¯s y to deal with Shi Qing. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re so sweaty. Get up. Don¡¯t rest on my bed.¡±

    ¡°I see. So this bed is yours. No wonder it looks so pleasing to the eye. I am tired and sleepy. You seemed to have had a good night¡¯s sleep. Don¡¯t bother me. You should do your homework while I sleep.¡± Shi Qing took off her military cap and covered her face with it. She fell into a deep slumber right away.

    It seemed that Shi Peng was bent on leaving the army.

 Chapter 532 - Donâ€™t Be Unconvinced

    Chapter 532: Don¡¯t Be Unconvinced

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    After having her meal and a chat with Shi Peng, Shi Qing was in a slightly better mood. It was summer and she had been through so much in the morning. Shi Qing felt tired to the bone.

    She stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and stared at her profile while she concentrated on her homework. Shi Qing realized that she had calmed down miraculously and was no longer as agitated as before.

    Shi Qing only intended to take a short nap, but by the time she woke up, it was already four o¡¯clock in the afternoon. ¡°It¡¯s sote?¡±

    ¡°Yes, did you have a good sleep?¡± Qiao Nan had alreadypleted most of her tasks for the day. She held a cup of warm tea and was admiring the scenery outside.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡± She had never taken such a long nap before. She had thought that she only slept for half an hour.

    ¡°Since you were in a deep sleep, why should I wake you up? This is not the school. You don¡¯t have any sses.¡± Qiao Nan turned to look at her. ¡°Do you feel better now? If so, go back to your father¡¯s side and take good care of him.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Though Shi Qing had woken up, she continued toze around on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed and refused to leave. ¡°Don¡¯t you have an empty bed here? That¡¯s just nice. I have no ce to stay. I won¡¯t ask for much. I will share a room with you.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about your dad?¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°Who was the one who came running with red eyes to my ce?¡± She thought that Shi Qing wanted to find a ce where she could get away from her father for the time being. It seemed like after a nap, she was no longer worried about her father.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that my dad must have thought it through? My dad is an adult. I do not have to be worried. I believe in my dad, so I will support his decision.¡± Shi Qing, who was emotionally unstable in the morning, was much calmer now.

    When someone was emotionally unstable, there was no way that others could talk sense into them.

    No matter how Qiao Nan persuaded Shi Qing, she refused to go back to apany Shi Peng.

    ¡°Fine, you are the boss, you have the final say.¡± This was not her house. She could not dictate where Shi Qing lived in. ¡°But you should know that your father is sick. Aren¡¯t you scared at all? Can you stay at my ce without checking on him?¡±

    ¡°Scared? If so, I would be by his side twenty-four hours a day. Alright, there¡¯s no way that you can get me to leave. My dad may not be as healthy, but he is not as weak as you think. Don¡¯t worry. My dad still has many years ahead.¡± As long as he did not overwork himself, he would recover.

    It was also for this reason that Shi Qing sorted out her thoughts. Perhaps it was a good idea for her father to leave the army.

    In life, the hand that gave gathered. Though she did not feel that her father would give up on the army just so that he could live for a few more years, he must have his reasons that she did not know for doing this. Since her father would be in better health after leaving the army, she should be happy for him.

    ¡°Oh.¡± After listening to Shi Peng¡¯s condition, Qiao Nan finally understood why Shi Qing behaved in such a manner. Officer Shi¡¯s health was not as serious as she had imagined.

    ¡°I heard that you lost terribly during ss yesterday. There were only a few people who went to your ss. Today, I will go to your ss to support you.¡± Shi Qing smiled at Qiao Nan. She knew what she should do.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°No need for that. I don¡¯t dare to teach you, and I don¡¯t have the capability to teach you. But if you really want to help, why don¡¯t you teach the lesson tonight and let me take a day off?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t do it. I may be good in my studies, but I don¡¯t know how to teach others.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s grades were good. When she was in Mo Du, people would ask her grandparents to let her tutor their grandchildren.

    In the beginning, Shi Qing agreed to help as she felt that in order to be worthy of Zhai Sheng, she had to be friendly and approachable to others.

    However, she was exasperated from tutoring them.

    The questions were simple and the textbooks had clear solutions to it, and she had taught them multiple times, yet the children were not able to understand.

    It was much more difficult to teach others than to learn it herself.

    Shi Qing would rather finish one more assessment book than to tutor the children.

    Shi Qing was not able to teach the students through those individual private lessons, let alone handling one big ss on her own. She did not have the ability and she might be too angry that she would lose her temper at the soldiers. They might cry from being scolded by her.

    All of the children she had taught in the past ended up in tears when they left her house.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re simply different from others?¡± Why did she feel that Shi Qing was worse than that?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you should have heard of my fighting prowess from Zhu Baoguo. Don¡¯t make me use force against you. You are not my opponent.¡± Shi Qing clenched her fists.

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°Seems like I am unable to vindicate myself against an unreasonable opponent?¡±

    ¡°Yes, what do you intend to do?¡± Shi Qing said bluntly.

    ¡°Alright, you are the boss and are good with the fists. I can¡¯t afford to offend you. I will not go against you.¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°I believe that you are indeed rtives with Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°Crap!¡± She was totally different from Qiu Chenxi. They were not like rtives at all!

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t tease you anymore. It¡¯s time for dinner. After lunch, you slept at my ce for two hours and now it¡¯s about time for dinner. Aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡± This was such azy lifestyle. ¡°Aren¡¯t you here to train?¡± Zhu Baoguo had said that Shi Qing was very athletic and that those average soldiers were not her opponent.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words had piqued Qiao Nan¡¯s curiosity. She was interested to know how mighty Shi Qing was.

    ¡°Training? Unless I get to participate in special force training, forget it. I grew up in the army camp. Don¡¯t underestimate me. At the very least, the baby boy from the Zhu family is not my opponent. Believe it or not, even if I give him an advantage, I can still defeat him. I feel so sorry for him that as a man, he is so weak.¡± Shi Qing was full of disdain at the mention of Zhu Baoguo.

    Even if she could not be with Brother Zhai, she wanted to look for someone who liked her and was stronger than her. He must be able to defeat her.

    For people as weak as Zhu Baoguo, he would be the first to be kicked away by her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too happy. I am not favoring boys over girls, but in terms of physical strength, men do have a natural advantage over women. Zhu Baoguo has been idling around for the past few years. It was only the recent two years that he bucked up and worked hard. Given yourzy attitude, it won¡¯t take years for Zhu Baoguo to surpass you.¡± Qiao Nan was not cracking wise. Although Shi Qing might be unconvinced, she was telling the truth.

 Chapter 533 - Second Round of PK

    Chapter 533: Second Round of PK

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    More than a month ago, after Zhu Baoguo was defeated by Shi Qing, he had made up his mind to hone his skills.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo may be weak but he has abilities. You may look down on him, but that is because you haven¡¯t seen how he was like two years ago. Back then, if you have seen him, you probably wouldn¡¯t be willing to cast him another nce, let alone spar with him.¡± Shi Qing was arrogant. For those whom she despised, she would not bother herself to talk to them or waste her time on them.

    To put it bluntly, since Shi Qing was willing to use her fists on Zhu Baoguo at school, Shi Qing did not really dislike Zhu Baoguo.

    If she found him to be an eyesore, she would not have mentioned him more than once to Qiao Nan. She would have already forgotten about him after punching him.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t mention him again. I have a headache.¡± Her father would always say the same words to her. Whenever she defeated others, Shi Peng would lecture her, but Shi Qing never took him seriously.

    However, now that Qiao Nan mentioned it, Shi Qing felt uneasy.

    Qiao Nan was right. She could not rx just because she was good enough.

    If there was a day she lost to her defeated opponent, it would be such an embarrassment. Her father wouldugh at her for years.

    ¡°Alright, I will participate in the training from tomorrow onward. I will train while you go to ss. We will have each other¡¯spany.¡±

    ¡°Wow, you are so cool. Then, are you putting the matter regarding your dad¡¯s resignation aside?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing, feeling puzzled. Shi Qing was no longer upset about it? ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know why your dad wants to leave the army?¡±

    ¡°Stop confusing me.¡± Shi Qing refused to be fooled. ¡°I want to know, but my dad refused to tell me, so I won¡¯t probe. Didn¡¯t you say that every family has its hardships? If it¡¯s something I should know, my dad will definitely tell me. Given his condition now, all I can do is to behave myself such that he will not have to worry about me.¡±

    ¡°You are finally acting like a sensible and caring daughter.¡±

    ¡°I am a sensible daughter. I don¡¯t need to act like one.¡±

    During the nighttime, Shi Qing went around to survey the two ssrooms as if she was the leader making the inspection. ¡°The equipment in the two ssrooms is simr. Your ssroom is pretty good.¡±

    ¡°The equipment is almost the same?¡± Was there any equipment in the first ce? She did not see any, though. Could she be referring to the microphone on the stage?

    ¡°We are ssmates, but you mustn¡¯t be nervous. I am only here to support you. If your lesson is not as well, I won¡¯t tell others. I believe that no matter how badly you perform, you are definitely better than Qiu Chenxi. Let¡¯s notpare it to the famous teachers. It¡¯s good enough to beat Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing, who¡¯s your sister?!¡± Qiu Chenxi, who was here to prepare for her ss, overheard what Shi Qing said.

    ¡°Sister? Don¡¯t mention that word in front of me. I would rather not have a sister like you. It¡¯s better if we¡¯re not rted.¡± Her father might have nned to leave the army, but without Qiu Chenxi, he would not have made the decision at this moment.

    She and her father were devastated, while her rtive, Qiu Chenxi, only cared about herself.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan, who was an outsider, was considerate and thoughtful. She made sure that they did not go hungry.

    Shi Qing was clear about one thing. Her so-called rtives were a hindrance to them at a critical time. On the contrary, as an outsider, Qiao Nan showered them with concern.

    Shi Qing knew clearly who to love and who to hate. In the past, she had never liked Qiu Chenxi. Now, she only had disgust for her.

    ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t be too much. If you continue to be like this, I will tell grandpa and grandma.¡±

    ¡°If you have the ability, you can go ahead to do so.¡± Shi Qing sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that I am no longer the five-year-old Shi Qing. I won¡¯t faint from running a fewps just because youined about me and grandpa punishes me to run.¡±

    Her grandpa might be angry, but he only meted punishments so that she would learn from her mistakes. He would not use any excessive corporal punishment. At most, he would make her run a fewps and do push-ups.

    These punishments were easy tasks for her.

    ¡°So, do you want me to get a phone for you?¡±

    ¡°I, I am your sister. I won¡¯t be angry with you. However, I will bear in mind what happened today.¡± Qiu Chenxi was furious, but she did not know what to do with Shi Qing. If her grandparents were here, she could make use of their love for her to make them punish Shi Qing.

    As they were not in the army camp, Qiu Chenxi was helpless.

    Her grandparents would side with her asionally, but not in Shi Peng¡¯s case. He was very clear that one was his daughter while the other was only his niece. He would only be partial to his daughter and would not side with Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Shi Qing said coolly. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who will keep records. I will keep a record too. Qiu Chenxi, I will make it clear to you today. You¡¯d better not ask me for any favor in the future. Otherwise, I will make sure that you are embarrassed thoroughly!¡±

    Shi Qing was too young to hide her emotions, especially when she saw Qiu Chenxi, the chief culprit.

    ¡°Hehehe, fine, I will be waiting for that day!¡± Qiu Chenxi had a look of disdain on her face. Her uncle¡¯s position in the army was not as high as Uncle Zhai. Sooner orter, Brother Zhai would take over Uncle Zhai¡¯s position. By then, she would be the wife of the chief and would have no need to ask for any favor from the Shi family. Instead, it would be the Shi family who sought help from her.

    Besides, if her uncle was not lying to her, that meant he had the intention to resign from the army.

    Once he left the army, the Shi family would no longer have any support.

    The Shi family had nothing to themselves, so how could she possibly ask them for help? It was nighttime. Shi Qing should not be daydreaming.

    Shi Qing raised her fist, wanting to give Qiu Chenxi a taste of her fist just like what she did to Zhu Baoguo. ¡°I never understand why my grandparents doted on her. Why would they punish me for her sake? Look at the way she behaves.¡±

    ¡°Alright, someone ising.¡± Qiao Nan pulled at Shi Qing, trying to calm her down.

    Dirty linen should not be aired in public. Shi Qing could not possibly quarrel and fight with Qiu Chenxi in the army camp.

    However, after what Shi Qing said, Qiao Nan felt that there was something strange with the Shi family.

    Even if Shi Qing¡¯s grandparents gave up Qi Min for adoption and felt guilty toward her, their behavior shouldn¡¯t have gone way overboard. It was odd that they treated Qi Min better than their son and doted on their maternal granddaughter instead of their paternal granddaughter.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Hello.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded with a smile as the ¡®students¡¯ streamed into the ssroom.

    Qiao Nan was not the only one greeted by her ¡®students¡¯. Qian Yanyan also stood next to Qiu Chenxi, getting ready to wee the horde of ¡®students¡¯ into their ssroom.

 Chapter 534 - Hamper Studentsâ€™ Progress

    Chapter 534: Hamper Students¡¯ Progress

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qian Yanyan was extremely excited when the people that she would not have the chance to meet in her army life walked into the ssroom. She pulled at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s clothes and said, ¡°Look, Qiu Chenxi, all of them are here!¡±

    Today, she was a teaching assistant. From today onward, her status in the army would be different.

    Qiu Chenxi pulled at her clothes unhappily. ¡°Enough. Calm down. I am the one who will conduct the ss, not you. What are you so excited about? If you are seen by others, they willugh at you.¡±

    She was indeed someone who had not been to big asions. She was just like a country bumpkin.

    Take what happened recently for instance.

    When she was in college and joined the student union, bing one of the union head, she was not as excited as Qian Yanyan during the meeting.

    Qiu Chenxi could not help but feel upset at the sight of the ungracious Qian Yanyan. Qiao Nan came from a simr background as Qian Yanyan, yet why was it that she was so difficult to deal with? It was useless to give her money or buy her over by giving her benefits.

    If Qiao Nan was as shortsighted as Qian Yanyan, she would have already found out about the vixen who snatched Brother Zhai away from her.

    Qian Yanyan tidied her clothes. ¡°You are right. I must calm down.¡± If she acted overly excited like a country bumpkin, it would be too disgraceful.

    Thinking of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s usual attitude toward her, Qian Yanyan cleared her throat, lifted her chin, and straightened her back, trying to look elegant and graceful.

    Qian Yanyan majored in dancing. She looked somewhat like Qiu Chenxi with her dignified posture.

    Qiu Chenxi turned ck with anger when she realized that Qian Yanyan was imitating her. She was not the least happy or proud.

    If not for those people who had already entered the ssroom, Qiu Chenxi would definitely change her mind and make do without Qian Yanyan as her dispensable assistant, lest she became too proud and thought too highly of herself.

    However,pared with her behavior previously, Qiu Chenxi preferred the way she behaved now. Anyway, this would be the first and only time. She would tolerate her once.

    The politicalmissar had already known about the issue regarding the lesson ns.

    If she had to leave the army and there was no room for discussion, it would be Qian Yanyan¡¯s turn to be worried as soon as she left the army.

    If not for Qian Yanyan helping her, she would not havended her hand easily on Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson ns.

    At the thought of that, Qiu Chenxi red at Qian Yanyan angrily.

    If Qian Yanyan did not discover that Qiao Nan was preparing for her lessons and told her about it, she would not know that Qiao Nan had prepared lesson ns. Moreover, it was Qian Yanyan who took the initiative to say that she could get the notebook for her. Otherwise, she would never get Qiao Nan¡¯s notebook that was only worth fifty cents.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, do you feel that the people who came to the ssroom today seem to be much fewer than yesterday?¡± Qian Yanyan, who had been staring at the entrance to the ssroom, had no idea what was going through Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mind. What she knew was that nobody seemed to being into the ssroom anymore. Compared with yesterday¡¯s situation, the people who attended the ss today seemed to decrease by one-third.

    Qiu Chenxi came back to her senses and looked around the ssroom. The people who attended her ss were indeed much fewer than yesterday.

    Qiu Chenxi checked the time. It was close to eight o¡¯clock. Given how punctual soldiers were, it was impossible for them to join the ss at this time.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, did those people go to the ssroom next door?¡± Qian Yanyan was depressed. She had just gotten the role of a teaching assistant, yet the number of people who turned up was fewer than yesterday. It was such a pity. She should have thought of being a teaching assistant yesterday. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter. Don¡¯t be discouraged. If I am not mistaken, the number of people in our ss is still higher than the number of people next door, so we are the winner. We did not lose.¡±

    ¡°I know...¡± Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath.

    Qiao Nan shamelessly took so many students away from her. Even if more soldiers came to her ss than to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss and that she did not lose to Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi felt that it did not look good on her.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, what methods do you think the high school student used to get your students? Qiu Chenxi, in fact, I think the problem still lies with you. I have already said that you should wear that pair of pants and put on some makeup. If you walked around the army like what you did yesterday, there would certainly be more students today.¡± It was without a doubt that men were naturally drawn to beautiful women.

    Qiu Chenxi shot a disdainful look at Qian Yanyan. ¡°Enough. Stoping up with such lousy ideas. What happened yesterday was already very embarrassing.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was getting ready to start her lesson at eight o¡¯clock.

    Like Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan had no wish to waste everyone¡¯s time and began her lesson as well.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s teaching principle was simple. It was to exin in simplenguage.

    Her lessons must be simple and easy to understand such that the soldiers would find it easy toprehend andmit them to memory. As for the profound theories, Qiao Nan felt that it was not necessary to teach these to the soldiers.

    For today¡¯s lesson, Qiao Nan went on to borate what she taught them yesterday. She taught them how to ask for and give directions through the use of ¡®where¡¯ and ¡®how¡¯. However, she did not teach them ordinal numbers like ¡®first¡¯ and ¡®second¡¯.

    Shi Qing could not help but frown at Qiao Nan¡¯s non-standard teaching method. Was it okay for Qiao Nan to teach in such a manner? Would she be hampering the students¡¯ progress?

    Shi Qing, who had been through the traditional teaching model, looked at the expressions of the people around her. Apart from her, the others were absorbed in the lesson and paid full attention to it. Shi Qing was speechless. These people had not been to school indeed.

    Qiao Nan was able to fool these people with her way of teaching.

    If the English teachers at school knew that Qiao Nan used such methods to teach them, they might be exasperated at her.

    She did not expect that the top student who scored full marks in English was lousy at teaching English to others. Her teaching method was messy and without any structure.

    Shi Qing waited until the lesson was over before looking for Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, is it okay to teach in such a manner? What if something crops up and the army wants you to answer for it?¡±

    ¡°The politicalmissar has posed the same question to me. You should have realized that I didn¡¯t teach alphabet and pronunciation. I also didn¡¯t ask them to memorize any words. They only learned some simple and basic conversation. I suppose my intention is very clear.¡± Qiao Nan packed her teaching materials. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Are you still worried?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Why would Shi Qing be worried for others?

    In fact, if Shi Qing was wicked enough and was close to Qiu Chenxi, she should be happy that her teaching method was wed. Why should she care so much about her?

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± She wondered why Qiao Nan was able tough at this time.

    ¡°Alright, since you care so much about me, thene with me to a ce.¡±

 Chapter 535 - Could Understand Each Other

    Chapter 535: Could Understand Each Other

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Today was the third lesson. The leaders, including the politicalmissar, Chief Zhai, and Zhai Sheng, did not join the lessons. They felt reassured enough to leave it to Qiao Nan.

    With Shi Qing around, Zhai Sheng was assured that Shi Qing would send Qiao Nan back to the dormitory. As a result, Qiao Nan had the time to take Shi Qing to a ce to take a look.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Follow me and you will know.¡± Qiao Nan led Shi Qing to take a look at what the soldiers were doing after their English lessons.

    Last night, Qiao Nan taught them how to use English to form the toons. However, only thirty to forty soldiers who came to her lessons learned about it, and the rest did not know anything.

    As a result, those who were interested to learn would have to ask theirrades to share with them. The army had the fine tradition of unity and camaraderie, so these soldiers gave each other lessons privately.

    ¡°This is...¡± Shi Qing was dumbfounded when she heard the shouts of the soldiers from afar. ¡°Wang 1, Tu 1, Wang 1¡±. They were lining up and forming the toons. Throughout the whole process, most of themands were given in English. ¡°Although there is a slight problem with the pronunciation and the word order is somehow awkward, I can understand what they are saying...¡±

    It was amazing.

    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough. The army¡¯s intention is to give them a chance to learn and improve. They don¡¯t want us to teach them as if they were elementary school students, give them any written test, or insist that they have to attain a certain result to pass, be it passable or excellent. They do not need to reach the standard of English that is required of us. Therefore, our learning method is not suitable for them. Shi Qing, think about it. What I taught today might be without any structure, but when it¡¯s time for practice, can you understand what your neighbors are saying?¡± Qiao Nan did not ask too much of the soldiers. She felt that it was good enough for them to be able to make simple conversations in English.

    ¡°Well, I should not have preconceived notions.¡± Shi Qing patted her forehead. She was indeed muddleheaded.

    The intention of the army was to organize an activity such that the soldiers could be exposed to new knowledge and have more interaction with the world outside.

    If Qiao Nan really taught these soldiers using the method that she had in mind, then that would be acting without sound reason.

    ¡°That¡¯s normal. After all, you are not the first person to ask me this question.¡± Qiao Nan massaged her neck. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s go back to the dormitory. I want to bathe and sleep. By the way, aren¡¯t you going to check on your dad and say good night before you go to sleep?¡± Shi Qing had been with her since this afternoon and had not been to see Officer Shi.

    ¡°No need,¡± Shi Qing said dejectedly.

    ¡°Are you upset again? I thought you have sorted out your thoughts this afternoon? Are you in a bad mood under the influence of the moon?¡± Qiao Nan was once again surprised.

    Shi Qingughed dryly. ¡°Alright, stop mocking me. Aren¡¯t you tired of goading me into action? I decided not to check on my dad lest he feels awkward. I also don¡¯t wish to be upset. Therefore, I choose not to go.¡±

    ¡°Upset and awkward? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°My grandpa.¡± Shi Qing walked toward the dormitory. ¡°My grandpa might be firm in speech and forced my dad to deal with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s issue, and he agreed when my dad said he had no other choice but to resign. However, he must have thought that my dad was bluffing. That¡¯s why he told my dad that if he couldn¡¯t solve Qiu Chenxi¡¯s problem, he should simply resign. He even said that though my dad is in the army, he refused to help his niece. He might as well quit. But in fact, if my dad really resigns, my grandpa will be the first person to object.¡±

    Grandpa had two children, her father and her auntie. Her auntie was born with a blissful life whereas her father had to be responsible for the Shi family.

    If her father left the army, the Shi family would lose their influence and power. Her grandpa would not want that to happen.

    But since her father had already submitted the report, her grandpa must have received word of it and had phoned her father to lecture him.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiao Nan snorted. At home, her mother was muddleheaded. At the Shi family, it was the old master who was muddleheaded.

    Shi Qing kicked the stones. ¡°Qiao Nan, why do you think my grandpa behaved in such a manner? Why did he help his daughter and maternal granddaughter to such an extent? Why did he ask my dad to quit in a pique of anger? He might have been in a pique of anger and believed that Dad would never do that, but he had no idea that my dad was serious.¡±

    She had thought that China was a patriarchal society. Why was it the other way round in the Shi family?

    Qiao Nan was silent. ¡°I heard that back then, your auntie, which is Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mom, almost ended up getting married to Uncle Zhai. Did your auntie throw a tantrum when they did not get married?¡±

    ¡°Of course. She almostmitted suicide and insisted that my grandpa and dad went to the Zhai family to get Uncle Zhai and drive Auntie Miao away. I don¡¯t understand. Why did she have the audacity to say this? When she was creating a ruckus, Uncle Zhai and Auntie Miao had already sent out the wedding invitations, and the marriage report and certificate were ready. They were going to have the wedding dinner in a month¡¯s time.¡± In other words, at that time, Uncle Zhai and Auntie Miao was already a legal couple recognized by both the army and the country.

    If her auntie insisted oning between them, she would be the third party.

    ¡°But I¡¯m sure your family didn¡¯t agree to it, did they?¡± Back when she heard about this, she had thought that Qi Min was the willful one, and the rest of the people in the Shi family, like Old Master Shi and Officer Shi, were the reasonable and cultured ones.

    But after listening to what Shi Qing said today, Old Master Shi did not seem to be as reasonable as what she had imagined.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t agree to it. Actually, I am still puzzled over this. My grandpa dotes on my auntie. Why did he not help my auntie to get what she wanted? Now that I think of it, I find it incredible. Grandpa¡¯s behavior back then and right now seemed to be totally different. Anyway, I don¡¯t know much about this matter. Alright, let¡¯s not talk about them. They are such a bother.¡±

    It seemed like the Shi family and the Zhai family already had aplicated rtionship from twenty years ago.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go back to take a bath and sleep.¡± Since Shi Qing did not wish to say further, Qiao Nan did not probe. She knew that she could not get any answers from Shi Qing. If she wanted to know the answer, she had to check with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do your homework?¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan, who was crazy about learning, knew to take things easy. There might be a typhoon tomorrow!

    Qiao Nan nced at Shi Qing. ¡°I won¡¯t mistreat myself. I have already finished those that must be done today.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, is that so? You definitely won¡¯t mistreat yourself.¡± Staring at the look of disdain in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes, Shi Qing found it amusing and was not the least bit angry. In fact, she broke out inughter. Qiao Nan pulled a long face. Was she not afraid at all?

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, I heard that she is Officer Shi¡¯s daughter. Isn¡¯t she your cousin? Why did she hang out with the high school student and give you the cold shoulder?¡± Office Shi was supposed to be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s pir of support in the army.

    Footnotes:

 Chapter 536 - A Successful Counterattack

    Chapter 536: A Sessful Counterattack

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Could it be that the sisters fell out with each other, so Officer Shi¡¯s daughter was in thepany of the high school student? ¡°Do you hear them? They seem to be in a good mood.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi sneered. ¡°Let them be. My cousin has been spoiled by my uncle from a young age. She has a nasty temper and is difficult to deal with. She likes to favor an outsider instead of someone on her own side. It¡¯s been so many years. I have gotten used to it. She is my uncle¡¯s daughter, so he is able to tolerate her. I don¡¯t care if she creates trouble, but sooner orter, I¡¯m afraid my uncle will have enough of her.¡±

    Her uncle resigning and leaving the army was such a serious matter. As his daughter, Shi Qing could have tried to stop him and dissuade him from resigning, but she did nothing. It was as if he was not her father. She had no conscience.

    When her uncle calmed down and regretted his decision, Shi Qing would be the first to suffer.

    By then, she was sure that Shi Qing would no longer be in such a good mood.

    There would be a day where Shi Qing would be in tears!

    ¡°Crap, why is there such a person in this world? Officer Shi is so unlucky. She has such a good father, yet she does not cherish him. What a pity.¡± Why wasn¡¯t she blessed with such a good father? If it were her, she would definitely maintain a good rtionship with Officer Shi and would not help outsiders to bully her family.

    Qian Yanyan had an idea and she trailed after Qiu Chenxi. ¡°I heard that the big shots like to have godchildren. Do you think there¡¯s a possibility that I can be family with you? For instance, I can address Officer Shi as my dad.¡± If so, she would rise up through the ranks and would no longer be an average female military performer from the countryside who was without any power.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, you often said that the Shi family values and cares about you. If you make the request, I am sure they will agree. Look, we are such good friends. If we are one family, I will definitely take good care of you. Qiu Chenxi, what do you say?¡± Qian Yanyan felt that her idea was feasible. She could not wait for Qiu Chenxi to look for Shi Peng right away and tell him about her suggestion.

    ¡°What do I say?¡± Qiu Chenxiughed contemptuously. ¡°Nothing great about it.¡± It was impossible!

    ¡°Why not?¡± This idea was quite good.

    She had always taken great care of Qiu Chenxi. If she and Qiu Chenxi became one family, she would be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s elder sister. She would certainly take good care of Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°If it was so simple and easy, my uncle would probably have lots of goddaughters by now. You¡¯re not my only friend. During my school years, I had lots of good friends.¡± No matter what, it would never be Qian Yanyan¡¯s turn. ¡°Alright, say no more. I feel vexed. I have no idea what to do for tomorrow¡¯s lesson.¡±

    Since Qiu Chenxi was in a bad mood, Qian Yanyan¡¯s wishful thinking had toe to a stop. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Today¡¯s lesson was pretty good. Have you not seen the people in the ss?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to see?¡± Qiu Chenxi was frustrated.

    Initially, she had thought that there was no way that Qiao Nan could get the notebook back since it was with her.

    She did not intend to spend too much effort in the army. After getting hold of Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson ns, she did not remember much despite having flipped through the whole book.

    Previously, she was able to look at the lesson ns and conduct the lesson thereafter since she could still remember the details.

    However, she had burned the notebookst night.

    Without the lesson ns, Qiu Chenxi had to rely entirely on herself and prepare for the lesson by herself. She could feel a headacheing up. She did not know how to prepare for a lesson.

    When teachers conducted lessons, at the very least, they had textbooks as a guide. However, the problem was that she did not have any teaching materials. She had toe up with all the teaching materials by herself.

    It was too difficult.

    Although she was not interested in the activities that the army organized, the army could not arrange for activity and leave everything else for others to do. It was tantamount to ying tricks on others!

    Qian Yanyan kept her mouth shut. She finally understood why Qiu Chenxi was so annoyed. ¡°Did youe up with the lesson ns for today¡¯s ss?¡±

    ¡°Half of it.¡± She took down the lesson ns from Qiao Nan¡¯s notebook and used it for today¡¯s lessons. But she could not remember the teaching method.

    ¡°No wonder...¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°N-nothing.¡± At first, she had thought that the high school student was not that brilliant after all. Her first two lessons were great, but her third lesson was too dull and boring.

    But it turned out that today¡¯s lesson was nned by Qiu Chenxi.

    In that case, the high school student was indeed better than Qiu Chenxi, a college graduate?

    Oh, man!

    ¡°By the way, Qiu Chenxi, I have forgotten to tell you. I have a dance rehearsal tomorrow night, so I won¡¯t be able to join your ss tomorrow. You must not be angry at me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Qian Yanyan was getting on her nerves. It was good that she had something on. Anyway, she did not need any teaching assistant.

    Qian Yanyan would get excited over the smallest thing. She was a disgrace to her.

    ¡°Well, then I will go back first.¡± Since Qiu Chenxi said that she was not angry, Qian Yanyan ran off to her room.

    Looking at how Qian Yanyan sprinted away, Qiu Chenxi felt a mixture of helplessness and anger. ¡°Is she sick? An hour ago, she was following me around. Now, she ran away as if she has seen a ghost. She must be abnormal!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi, who berated Qian Yanyan for her weird behavior, finally understood why she behaved in that manner when it was time for her fourth lesson on the next day evening.

    Qiu Chenxi understood what happened, but Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were shocked. ¡°Wow, what happened?¡±

    The people came in one after another into their ssroom. Shi Qing blinked and rubbed her eyes. She suspected that she had seen wrongly. ¡°The number of people today is more than twice yesterday¡¯s number of students. The ssroom is almost full. Qiao Nan, what have you done? Did you set any beauty traps...¡±

    Shi Qing turned and noticed that Qiao Nan wore baggy clothes and pants. Her delicate curves were covered by her clothing. Her attire was not revealing at all. Shi Qing could not use Qiao Nan of dressing indecently and using unfair methods to get the soldiers to attend her ss.

    ¡°That is Qiu Chenxi¡¯s style, not mine.¡± Qiao Nan was puzzled as well. ¡°Has hell frozen over? It can¡¯t be that these people are not interested in looking at beautiful women?¡± How could they possiblye to her ss when Qiu Chenxi was mature and more alluring, just like a ripe apple?

 Chapter 537 - Make Up the Numbers for Qiu Chenxi

    <h4>Chapter 537: Make Up the Numbers for Qiu Chenxi</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Why would all of them go to her ss when she was a sour plum that had yet to grow and develop fully?

    Could it be real?

    ¡°Did the politicalmissar talked to these people and lectured them?¡± She could understand that there were slightly more students in her ss yesterday, but the number of people in her ss today was almost the same as that on the first day. It was unbelievable.

    If the politicalmissar did not lecture the soldiers, it must be that Qiu Chenxi was disfigured. Perhaps she had turned from a fresh apple to a dry and wrinkled apple?

    ¡°Lecture? Had a talk? What do you mean?¡± Shi Qing blinked, confused.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the reason why Qiu Chenxi kept bothering your dad? You are clueless?¡± She heard that it was due to various reasons. One of them was about how the politicalmissar had decided that Qiu Chenxi could no longer stay in the army.

    Undoubtedly, Qiu Chenxi went to ask Officer Shi for help yesterday, but he refused. Hence, she sought help from her grandparents.

    ¡°The more you care about something, the more mess you might create. I was upied with my dad yesterday and didn¡¯t have time to care about Qiu Chenxi. What is the situation? Tell me about it.¡± Could it be that Qiu Chenxi got into some trouble? ¡°I heard that Qiu Chenxi could no longer stay in the army. As for the reasons, I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock. I will tell youter.¡± All the students had arrived. Qiao Nan had to start today¡¯s ss.

    Yesterday, Shi Qing did not ask Qiao Nan anything about Qiu Chenxi, so Qiao Nan thought that Shi Qing had known about it.

    Qiao Nan focused her attention on the lesson and put the matter aside for now.

    Qiao Nan was very focused on the lessons, and the students paid full attention during the ss as well. All of them were absorbed in the lessons. Qiao Nan was amazed by their concentration and cooperation.

    Nobody was shy to ask questions or participate in the activities. Nobody was lured to the other ss by the beautiful sight they saw.

    Given the cooperation and attentiveness of the students, Qiao Nan might be awarded an outstanding teaching award if it was a formal lesson.

    It was already eight o¡¯clock at night and the soldiers were tired from a day of training. However, they were attentive and enthusiastic throughout the one-hour long lesson.

    Without anyone realizing, more than an hour had passed.

    ¡°Alright, I will stop here for the day. Before I end the ss, I have to praise everyone for your learning attitude. If all of you are to go to school, with such a positive learning attitude, all of you will be top students.¡±

    At first, she had thought that she would try her best to teach, but it would be up to the soldiers to take in whatever that was suitable for them.

    Seeing today¡¯s situation, she had been too pessimistic. She should not be too strict on herself. She should take it easy while making sure that the soldiers benefited from the lessons.

    The soldiers were shy when they receivedpliments from Teacher Xiao Qiao. ¡°That is too ttering. It¡¯s Teacher Xiao Qiao who taught well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Teacher Xiao Qiao, you are amazing.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Some simply smiled.

    ¡°Thank you for your recognition. I may be able to teach well, but all of you have to be willing to learn as well. This is my first teaching experience. From this, I realized that it¡¯s quite fun to be a teacher as long as there are good students. Alright, let¡¯s end the ss.¡±

    Even though they receivedpliments from Qiao Nan, some of the soldiers were happy while some were not.

    The hall turned empty in no time.

    Shi Qing went forward and patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder. ¡°Qiao Nan, one really can¡¯t tell that you can teach so well with those unorthodox teaching methods of yours. The learning atmosphere was so good that you could be awarded an outstanding teaching award. You¡¯re brilliant!¡± From a young age, among all the teachers she hade into contact with, there were very few teachers who could create such a good learning atmosphere like what Qiao Nan did just now.

    For students, there were basically three scenarios when they went to ss. The first scenario was that the students did not like going to ss. Usually, students with bad grades would have such an attitude. They did not pay attention in ss and were sick of the lessons. The second scenario was that the students were very serious in the ss but the results could fluctuate. The third scenario was that the students felt happy being in the ss. The teacher was happy to teach the students and the students found joy in learning.

    It was self-evident which teaching scenario was best.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you want to be a teacher in the future? If you are a teacher, it will be a blessing to all students. Everyone wants to be taught by such a teacher. Let¡¯s have an agreement. When I get married and have children, I will send my children to your ss. Even if you are famous by then, you must give me this privilege.¡± Everyone would be dying to send their children to good teachers. It was the same logic as sending one¡¯s children to good schools.

    ¡°Alright, stop mocking me. I won¡¯t be a teacher. Didn¡¯t you say that my teaching methods are unorthodox? I will not hamper your child¡¯s progress.¡± Qiao Nan would not fall for Shi Qing¡¯s trap. ¡°It¡¯s strange. I have already taught four sses, but for today¡¯s lesson, the level of cooperation and atmosphere is the best out of all. This is the first time I have such an enthusiastic ss. I am surprised as well. Everyone came to my ss, but what about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not going to be a teacher?¡± It was a pity. Her future children were not blessed enough to be taught by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t force you.¡±

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°God knows, I can¡¯t be bothered with her. Don¡¯t ask me either. I don¡¯t know anything. I am here to make up the numbers. I have no idea what happened at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss.¡± She could not be bothered with Qiu Chenxi. She would only get on her nerves.

    ¡°Right, it is useless to ask you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If you are interested, I can find out for you.¡± Everyone hade to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss. Qiu Chenxi needed people to make up the numbers. How many students went to her ss today?

    Qiao Nan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sure, you can go and ask around. I will go back to the dormitory first.¡± She knew that Shi Qing was not going to ask around. In fact, she wanted to make fun of Qiu Chenxi and watch a good show.

    ¡°Alright!¡± After what happened to Shi Peng, Shi Qing could not wait for Qiu Chenxi to make a fool of herself. As long as it concerned Qiu Chenxi, she would not miss the fun. Perhaps she should consider going to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss tomorrow to make up the numbers?

    After all, they were ¡®rtives¡¯. Now that Qiu Chenxi was in such an embarrassing situation, as her sister, she should lend her a ¡®helping hand¡¯.

    Shi Qing went to check out Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss while Qiao Nan went back to her dormitory. She had just left the hall when she bumped into someone. ¡°How long have you been waiting?¡±

    ¡°A few minutes.¡± Zhai Sheng came forward and took the teaching materials that Qiao Nan carried with her.

    ¡°Did anyone see you?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I am seen by others. This is the army camp. Isn¡¯t it normal?¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. Nan Nan was being too cautious. Given his position, he would not arouse any doubts no matter where he was in the army camp. ¡°I am the regimentmander. Naturally, it is alright for me to check out the activities organized in the army camp.¡±

 Chapter 538 - â€˜What Ifâ€™ Did Not Exist

    <h4>Chapter 538: ¡®What If¡¯ Did Not Exist</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Alright, she had a guilty conscience.

    ¡°It¡¯s so rare for you to take the initiative to ask me out.¡± Zhai Sheng focused his deep gaze on Qiao Nan.

    In the past, when Qiao Nan was in Ping Cheng and he was in the army, Zhai Sheng could only talk on the phone with her once or twice a week. However, now that both of them were in the army camp, they could not see each other for various reasons. Zhai Sheng realized that not being able to see each other even though they were close by was the most torturous thing to him.

    They were so close, yet worlds apart.

    Qiao Nan was in a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. They were in the same army camp, but why did it seem like Brother Zhai missed her much more than before? ¡°Brother Zhai, keep a check on your gaze. Your eyes are brighter than the stars in the sky. The people in the army are very sharp.¡±

    ¡°The stars may be bright, but they are not as bright as the moon.¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed. ¡°Brother Zhai, I ask you out today as I have something to ask you.¡±

    ¡°I knew it.¡± Qiao Nan almost doubted that there was something wrong with her hearing. From Brother Zhai¡¯s tone, he seemed to bear a grudge against her. He sounded as if she was heartless and would only ask him out when she needed a favor from him.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, can we have a talk nicely?¡±

    ¡°One has to be in love to know the torture of pining for your loved ones?¡±

    ¡°Hey...¡± Qiao Nan had a headache and had goosebumps all over her body. At the same time, it was embarrassing to be happy when hearing those words. Her actual age was not eighteen years old. How could she fall for such honeyed words? ¡°Brother Zhai, is it because you take me as a teacher that you recited that line to me?¡±

    What she really wanted to ask was whether Brother Zhai read a lot of romance novels or dating guide books recently.

    No wonder it was said that hooligans who knew how to fight were not to be feared, but one must be fearful of cultured hooligans.

    But the cultured military hooligan who stood in front of her was the most terrifying of all.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was as uneasy as a rabbit, looking around to hide in a rabbit hole, Zhai Sheng returned to normal. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s regarding the Shi family.¡± Qiao Nan quickly breathed a sigh of relief when Zhai Sheng was back to normal. She then told Zhai Sheng what Shi Qing told her. ¡°Brother Zhai, why do I feel that the Shi family is strange? ording to Shi Qing, Old Master Shi is definitely not the kind of person who can see reasons.¡± Back then, when Chief Zhai married Auntie Miao, why did Old Master Shi not do something to get Chief Zhai back?

    ¡°You can tell?¡± Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s soft and smooth face but stopped himself before Qiao Nan red up. ¡°When Dad married Mom, Dad and Officer Shi were fighting for a position.¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhainded the position in the end?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then I understand.¡± If Officer Shinded that position back then, today, Shi Qing would be the daughter of the chief of the army.

    Since the sonpeted with the son-inw for a position, Old Master Shi had to support his son. If the winner was Officer Shi, he would be Chief Shi today.

    As the defeated opponent, Old Master Shi had no need to insist that his daughter married Chief Zhai, lest other people misunderstood that nobody wanted his daughter and he had to marry her to Chief Zhai and be looked down upon by the Zhai family.

    Back then, Old Master Zhai was especially insistent and refused to ept Qi Min as his daughter-inw, and Chief Zhai did not make his stand clear.

    As for now...

    The Zhai familynded the position of the chief of the army, so Officer Shi would not have the chance to be the chief of the army in this life.

    Therefore, Old Master Shi had set his sights on his maternal granddaughter, Qiu Chenxi, wanting to set her up with Brother Zhai. Old Master Shi was sure that Brother Zhai would take over the position of the chief of the army and be the second chief of the army from the Zhai family.

    Thinking of the news that she heard in her previous life, she had to admit that the Shi family indeed had the foresight.

    ¡°Now, you should know why grandpa despises people from the Shi family.¡± Zhai Sheng had a solemn look on his face. Given his position and the environment he was in, he was not the least surprised that people woulde up with such schemes.

    These schemes alone were manageable. If it was between political opponents, they would resort to framing each other.

    Qiao Nan lowered her head, feeling upset.

    In the previous life, the distance between Brother Zhai and her was too far apart. Even though he used to live in the same quad as her, she had no impression of him and had no contact with him.

    She only knew that Brother Zhai became the chief of the army, but she did not know what happened to him. No matter what, she did not remember that the famous chief of the army, Zhai Sheng, stayed single like her. She did not marry even when she was over forty years old.

    Hence, if Brother Zhai was married, did he marry Qiu Chenxi?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you unhappy?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan, feeling clueless.

    Qiao Nan sounded jealous. ¡°Both Sister Zhai Hua and you said that Auntie Miao has changed under my influence and no longer sees Qiu Chenxi as her potential daughter-inw. In other words, without me, Auntie Miao would never figure it out. Despite knowing that the Shi family is plotting against you, would you still marry Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°¡®What if¡¯ does not exist,¡± Zhai Sheng said in a serious tone. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®what if¡¯. I don¡¯t think it is necessary to ask.¡± There was Nan Nan, so the ¡®what if¡¯ did not exist.

    Zhai Sheng felt particrly ufortable at the thought of the ¡®what if¡¯.

    Regardless of whether he married Qiu Chenxi or Li Chenxi, it was definitely not because of love if he did not meet Nan Nan.

    To Zhai Sheng who had met Qiao Nan, a marriage without love was very devastating.

    Perhaps, if he had never met Nan Nan, marriage would be a routine, something that he must do in his life. But since he had met Nan Nan, this was absolutely uneptable.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his eyebrows and there was a mncholy look about him. Qiao Nan sighed and smiled, taking the initiative to lean close to him. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t mind my words. Let¡¯s forget it. Girls just like to let their imagination runs wild. I am just jealous. You are right. There¡¯s no ¡®what if¡¯. Fortunately, I met you and you met me.¡±

    She had always thought that she was mature, unlike an eighteen-year-old girl. Why would she be jealous over this? She was a fool.

    ¡°You¡¯re not to mention ¡®what if¡¯ in the future. I don¡¯t like it.¡± He would not ept the world without Nan Nan.

    ¡°I swear I won¡¯t mention it again.¡± Gone was the previous life. She had to cherish her present life.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I am d that you care about me and are jealous. Some jealousy will indeed spice up the rtionship, but don¡¯t ever bring up this topic again.¡±

 Chapter 539 - Feeling Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 539: Feeling Jealous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng repeated it once again.

    Zhai Sheng was always brisk and straight to the point. He was never one who repeated himself.

    But he did today.

    One could tell that he hated the ¡®what if¡¯ that Qiao Nan mentioned.

    ¡°This will be the one and only time.¡± Qiao Nan smiled embarrassedly. It was rare for her to be jealous, but it ended up awkwardly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry too much about the Shi family. Officer Shi is very smart. He won¡¯t be influenced by his family.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan had learned her lesson, Zhai Sheng did not harp on it and changed the topic. ¡°In this field, it is indeed much moreplicated than you think. The Shi family is a case of bad debt, and only they themselves can resolve it.¡±

    ¡°Well, I understand.¡± Officer Shi seemed to have a mind of his own. She just wanted to understand the situation, lest she was muddleheaded and made mistakes unwittingly.

    ¡°Go back to have an early rest. Don¡¯t tire yourself out.¡± The walk from the hall to the female soldier¡¯s dormitory was not a short distance. However, for people who were in love, it was too short a distance.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Brother Zhai, I will go back to rest. You should have an early rest as well. You have much more difficult tasks than me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, go in.¡± Zhai Sheng watched Qiao Nan enter the dormitory before leaving. He turned around and saw Shi Qing. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±

    Shi Qing looked awkward and hurt. She seemed to be staring at Brother Zhai for a long time.

    Shi Qing took a deep breath and smiled reluctantly. ¡°Yes, I just came back. Did you send Qiao Nan back?¡± Shi Qing regretted it as soon as she asked the question. She should not have said something that would hurt herself further.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng gave a faint reply before walking off as per normal.

    Shi Qing was heartbroken. Zhai Sheng walked off coldly as if she was just an average soldier in the army.

    As expected, it was not easy to let go. What happened just now was too hurtful. It was a blow to her pride!

    Apart from being the daughter of her father, in Brother Zhai¡¯s eyes, she was probably just like any other soldier in the army. There was no difference between them. Perhaps, Brother Zhai had never treated her as a woman.

    This was too painful and heart-wrenching for Shi Qing.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Shi Qing came back looking listless. Qiao Nan, who came out from the bath, was wiping her hair. She halted. ¡°You failed to check out Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss? It can¡¯t be, though.¡±

    There was only that number of people in the army. Given that many people turned up for her ss today, Qiu Chenxi must not have many students in her ss. Why did Shi Qing look so depressed?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I regret it.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t live in the same dormitory as you. It¡¯s too hard a blow for me.¡± If she did not stay in the same dormitory as Qiao Nan, she would not have witnessed Brother Zhai sending Qiao Nan back. He was so gentle and tender toward Qiao Nan. She was right about Brother Zhai. He was a good man indeed. Unfortunately, this good man did not belong to her.

    Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°You saw it? How much of it did you see?¡±

    ¡°Not much, but it is enough to make me ufortable. If I saw everything, I am afraid my eyes would be blinded. Today, I finally understood what it means when they say a person who is cold and ruthless can be gentle at times.¡± She almost could not recognize that it was Brother Zhai. He used to be cold and harsh, but he was so gentle and considerate toward Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You¡¯re good with your words.¡± Qiao Nan continued to wipe her hair. ¡°If this was the case, you should have been back earlier. Why is it that you were only back when I have finished my shower?¡±

    ¡°I ran a fewps to vent my frustration and calm myself down. If I returned to the dormitory directly, I might give you a round of beating.¡± Her Prince Charming since a young age had been taken away by her ssmate. She was afraid that she would not be able to resist using violence against Qiao Nan in order to vent her anger.

    ¡°Have you calmed down? If not, do you want to run a few moreps?¡± Qiao Nan made this suggestion as she sensed danger.

    ¡°I will calm down as long as you¡¯re out of my sight.¡± Shi Qing heaved a sigh. ¡°Should I put a sack over your head? I will make three holes for your eyes and nose. In that case, I will feel better and you do not need to suffer any punches from me.¡± Shi Qing felt that it was a good idea.

    ¡°Scram. Shouldn¡¯t you just change to another dormitory? I am not a prisoner under the death sentence who is to be executed by shooting.¡± Qiao Nan refused to be fooled. ¡°Alright, you are sweaty and smelly. Take a bath. It¡¯s about time to turn off the lights. Don¡¯t tell me you are going to sleep without bathing tonight.¡±

    ¡°I will bathe now.¡± Shi Qing took her clothes with her back facing Qiao Nan, hiding her face from Qiao Nan. She left for the bathroom at the fastest speed.

    Shi Qing turned on the tap to the maximum. Sounds of falling water could be heard in the bathroom. When Shi Qing was wet from head to toes, she started to bathe in silence.

    Today, the water from the showerhead that flowed down her face to her mouth was salty and bitter.

    It was almost time to switch off the lights when Shi Qing came back from her shower. She was thest to return to the dormitory.

    Shi Qing straightened her neck, and her entire face was covered with a towel.

    Shi Qing plopped down on the bed, getting ready to sleep.

    The female counselor turned off the lights and the dormitory became pitch dark.

    After a long while, Qiao Nan sighed at the thought of Shi Qing¡¯s reddened eyes when she came back. As a woman, no matter how tough she was, she could not be chic when it came to rtionships.

    Shi Qing stiffened at the sound of Qiao Nan¡¯s sighs. She pursed her lips and continued to lie down stiffly on the bed until she fell asleep.

    The next morning, Shi Qing¡¯s bed was already empty when Qiao Nan woke up.

    The female counselor came in to change her clothes. ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, do you know what¡¯s wrong with Shi Qing? She woke up earlier than me. When I got up, someone told me that Shi Qing had run for threeps.¡±

    ¡°Like Officer Shi, Shi Qing has the habit of doing morning exercise.¡±

    ¡°I see. It¡¯s a good habit. She is not dainty like Qiu Chenxi. After all, she is the daughter of Officer Shi.¡± The female counselor was not close with Shi Qing. When she heard that Shi Qing would exercise in the morning, she could not help butpliment her. ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao, I am going to bring some porridge back. Should I get some for you? How about some for Shi Qing as well?¡±

    ¡°No...¡± Qiao Nan was going to say that there was no need for that. From today onward, Shi Qing would not stay in this dormitory. She would stay with Officer Shi. But in the end, Qiao Nan changed her mind. ¡°How about you ask Shi Qing if you see herter? In case she decides to finish her porridge beforeing back.¡±

 Chapter 540 - Made a Bet Using Underpants

    <h4>Chapter 540: Made a Bet Using Underpants</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I will ask Shi Qing.¡± The female counselor did not want to waste the food, so she decided to ask Shi Qing if she saw her.

    After the female counselor left, Qiao Nan took out her summer break homework and stared at it for fifteen minutes.

    Since her mind was not on her homework, Qiao Nan did not force herself to do it. She simply put down the pen and leaned on the chair, letting her thoughts wander.

    Apart from the five youngdies in the same dormitory, Shi Qing was the first and only female friend that Qiao Nan had.

    Unexpectedly, their friendship could notst. They had not been friends for long, but they already faced challenges.

    ¡°Why are you in a daze early in the morning? That¡¯s such a waste of time. Today, Qiu Chenxi and you still have sses. Even though you have more students than Qiu Chenxi, you must not forget that Qiu Chenxi has some students as well. Your target is to get all the students over to your ss so that Qiu Chenxi will be left with no one.¡± Shi Qing, who just returned to the dormitory, saw the scene and covered Qiao Nan¡¯s face with her towel that was used to wipe off her perspiration.

    Qiao Nan turned green from the smelly towel. ¡°I haven¡¯t had my breakfast yet. Don¡¯t go overboard! You didn¡¯t go back to your dad¡¯s ce?¡±

    ¡°Why should I go back to my dad¡¯s ce?¡± Shi Qing pretended not to understand.

    ¡°Stop pretending.¡± Qiao Nan threw the towel back to Shi Qing. ¡°You should think about it. What you witnessed yesterday may happen again. Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself.¡± If Shi Qing stayed behind, it would be asking for trouble for herself.

    ¡°Forget it. Sooner orter, I will need to get used to it. It¡¯s better to get used to it as fast as possible. In fact, it¡¯s quite good this way. Brother Zhai always gave me the cold shoulder. I was too silly to have harbored such a thought for years. It was indeed painful to see the two of you together. It was as if my bones were being crushed. However, the more painful it is, the faster I will wake up from the dream. I don¡¯t want to be muddleheaded any longer, or to believe in the impossible. I¡¯d rather be sober and in pain than to deceive myself and believe in the impossible.¡±

    She refused to deceive herself. She preferred to make things clear as she disliked grey areas.

    If she must die, she wanted to make it snappy!

    ¡°Why? Did you think that I would run away?¡±

    ¡°Under normal circumstances, ordinary people would usually do that.¡±

    ¡°As you have said, that¡¯s what ordinary people will do. Am I ordinary? I won¡¯t admit to being weak.¡± Shi Qing straightened her neck. She hadpletely forgotten that when she ran early in the morning, she had considered for a long time whether to move out of the dormitory or leave the army altogether.

    Shi Qing had already made up her mind, but when she entered the dormitory and saw Qiao Nan, she changed her mind.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s good that you are not weak. By the way, I didn¡¯t have the chance to ask you about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss yesterday. Why did most of the studentse to my ss without any apparent reason? Did Qiu Chenxi make a major mistake?¡± Even if she made any mistakes, the soldiers would not take issue with her on ount that she was a great beauty.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too highly of Qiu Chenxi. I have found out what is going on. For the past few sses, she was able to get through the sses as she had your lesson n with her, right?¡± Shi Qing snorted. It was no wonder that Qiu Chenxi asked her father to cover up her mistakes. She was too shameless.

    She never expected that a graduate from a famous university would actually steal other people¡¯s lesson ns so as to be able to conduct a lesson! Initially, she had been thinking of going to the university that Qiu Chenxi graduated from. Now, she was considering removing it from her list of potential universities that she nned to go to.

    ¡°I suppose that after she stole your lesson ns, she would only look at it right before she conducted her lessons. Now that the army is holding her ountable for it and forbidding her from staying in the army, Qiu Chenxi must be scared out of her wits. I am sure she burned your lesson ns. As a result, she has toe up with the lesson ns by herself, ones that reflect her actual standard. Those who can tell the differences will not go to her ss anymore.¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her chin. ¡°Your analysis does make sense.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense? I came to this conclusion based on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s character. It is definitely not far off. After all, we are rtives. I am sure that I¡¯m right.¡± Shi Qing was very confident of herself.

    Qiao Nan raised an eyebrow. ¡°If she has no idea how to conduct a lesson, why did she join in the fun? Isn¡¯t that the same as exposing her weakness and going against her original intentions?¡±

    ¡°Wrong. This is called trying to gain an advantage only to end up worse off,¡± Shi Qing said bluntly. ¡°She wanted to have a good image in front of Chief Zhai and Brother Zhai and impress them. She knew her own abilities and that¡¯s why she set her sights on you. She thought that you wouldn¡¯t dare to speak up and would concede defeat instead. That¡¯s the reason why she was fearless.¡±

    ¡°Both of you are indeed sisters. You really understand her.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t mention that we are rtives. I don¡¯t want to be embarrassed by her. Even if I am not her rtive, given her character, I can easily guess what happened.¡± If she did not have this ability, she would not be able to survive in the army. ¡°Qiao Nan, will all of the students go to your ss tonight and Qiu Chenxi will conduct lesson for nobody but herself?¡±

    If this was the case, Qiu Chenxi would sulk even more. ¡°I decided to make up numbers for Qiu Chenxi tonight.¡±

    Qiao Nan hit Shi Qing¡¯s forehead. ¡°You think too much. Qiu Chenxi is not that miserable. Last night, you wanted to watch a good show but missed it. Let me give you a piece of advice today. Don¡¯t go. Not only will she not be embarrassed, but you will be the one angered instead.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± There was no way that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss would be better than Qiao Nan¡¯s ss. The standard was too far apart.

    How could someone be so stupid to skip Qiao Nan¡¯s ss and choose to waste their time and life on Qiu Chenxi instead?

    ¡°The number of people may change, but as long as Qiu Chenxi still conducts the ss, she will definitely have no less than twenty students in her ss.¡± Qiao Nan gestured ¡®two¡¯ with her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you in advance. You must not me me if youe back feeling frustrated.¡± She was innocent.

    ¡°Definitely no less than twenty? Are you kidding? I feel that Qiu Chenxi will have fewer than twenty students today. In a few days, she will not have any student at all!¡± After what Qiao Nan said, Shi Qing changed her statement.

    Qiu Chenxi would still have students today, but within five days, Qiu Chenxi would definitely end up with an empty ssroom.

    ¡°Okay, I hope that you are right.¡± Qiao Nan did not argue. After all, this was not a debate.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan did not believe her, Shi Qing inched her face closer to her. ¡°Since you don¡¯t believe me, do you dare to make a bet with me?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not bet. You can¡¯t afford it. I¡¯m afraid that you will have to give me your underpants by then.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She was not willing to make a bet with Shi Qing.

 Chapter 541 - Spot On

    <h4>Chapter 541: Spot On</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on me. I have a lot of underpants. If you want, I can buy you plenty of them. I insist on betting with you.¡± As the saying went, ¡®Unlucky in love, lucky at cards¡¯. She had lost to Qiao Nan in the exams. At the very least, she should be able to have a change of luck by winning in the bet?

    Qiao Nan was not Brother Zhai. There was no need for her to be as outstanding as Brother Zhai and to be better than her in everything they did.

    They must make a bet!

    Qiao Nan rested her chin on the back of the chair. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°How many days will it be?¡±

    Shi Qing stretched out her palm. ¡°Five days.¡±

    ¡°Okay, five days. But let me say in advance. I won¡¯t ept used underpants. The new underpants are worth considering though.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    When it was time for ss in the evening, Shi Qing arched her eyebrows at Qiao Nan, hinting to her that their bet had started.

    Qiao Nan nodded. She had not forgotten about it.

    Perhaps it was a tacit understanding between Qiu Chenxi and Qiao Nan. Both of them stood outside the hall to wait for their students.

    They had no other choice but to acknowledge each other.

    Qiu Chenxi dressed like a gentlewoman, unlike her indecent style of dressing from a few days ago. Qiao Nan widened her eyes in surprise. ¡°Who reminded her?¡± She had thought that Qiu Chenxi would dress in the same way for all her lessons in order to defeat her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate her. She has her wits about her. She was only slightly confused at that moment.¡± What Shi Qing said was praise spiked with me. Qiu Chenxi was about to be expelled from the army. If she still refused to reflect on herself and realize her mistakes, she would never admit that she was her rtive in the future. ¡°She was confused yesterday. Hence, she dressed up in that manner.¡±

    She had already been in the army for two to three days. She had known all about the mistakes that Qiu Chenxi hadmitted.

    Because of how she dressed up previously, Qiu Chenxi did not have a good review in the army and her reputation almost ended up in shatters.

    Qiao Nan leaned toward Shi Qing. ¡°Thank you for your reminder.¡± If she let her guard down and underestimated Qiu Chenxi because of the recent incident, she might end up in serious trouble.

    Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly and refused to admit it. ¡°That was not a reminder. You think too much. We are rtives. I have always felt that I am very smart. Therefore, she can¡¯t be that foolish. Regardless, I have suffered under the hands of someone who is not as smart as me. I am reflecting on myself, trying to figure out why I was bullied by someone who has a lower IQ than me. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qiao Nan snickered.

    Qiu Chenxi, who stood by herself at the door, saw that Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were having a happy chat. They looked as if they were rtives. Qiu Chenxi turned jealous at the sight.

    When everything was over, she would tell her maternal grandparents about Shi Qing¡¯s behavior today.

    She bit the hand that fed her. She had forgotten who her family was!

    Qiu Chenxi red at Qiao Nan, while Qiao Nan gave her a polite smile. Qiu Chenxi felt that Qiao Nan was provoking her on purpose. She gritted her teeth and gave her a fierce look.

    Two soldiers who came their way had intended to attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss, but they turned to Qiao Nan¡¯s ssroom at thest minute upon seeing the fierce expression on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, good evening!¡±

    ¡°Good evening.¡± Qiao Nan gave Qiu Chenxi another smile at the unexpected surprise. She had to thank her for that. ¡°It¡¯s about time. Let¡¯s go in.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I am tired of standing here. It¡¯s as if I¡¯m being punished.¡± Sure enough, the number of students in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss was two-thirds of the number of students yesterday. Shi Qing was satisfied at the results and went back to the hall, leaving Qiu Chenxi to stand at the entrance.

    ¡°G-good evening, everyone.¡± Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and walked onto the stage. She looked at the few students in the ss and her face turned ck. She began to stutter as if it was the first day of the lesson.

    Back then, Qiu Chenxi stuttered as she was nervous. This time, she was mad.

    Qiu Chenxi looked around the ssroom and noticed that even Qian Yanyan did note to her ss. Her face darkened. She almost tore up the lesson n that she had taken a long time to prepare.

    At this time, a figure closed in.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes lit up. She would be d to have one more student in her ss.

    Two days ago, Qiao Nan did not have many students with her. Today, all her students went over to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss.

    Since Qiao Nan could persist despite having few students, she could do it as well!

    Shi Qing, who sneaked in and sat down, noticed that Qiu Chenxi had fixed her bright eyes on her. She seemed very happy to see her. Shi Qing grinned and waved at Qiu Chenxi as if saying that as her rtive, she was on her side, and that she was there to make up the numbers for her.

    Now that she was here to support Qiu Chenxi, she could no longerin to her grandparents.

    Qiu Chenxi pulled a long face. She was bursting with anger. She would rather not have Shi Qing in her ss. Was she here tough at her?

    She could tell that Shi Qing was gloating at her.

    Compared with Qiao Nan¡¯s fluency, a good grasp of the rhythm, and good management of the ss, Qiu Chenxi, who no longer had Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson ns, had to conduct the lesson based on her own abilities. During the lessons, there were many times when she came to a stop and did not know how to continue with it.

    Two days ago, Shi Qing had just told Qiao Nan off for hampering students¡¯ progress. Today, she was shocked at how Qiu Chenxi conducted her lesson. She could not help butugh.

    But she still remembered her bet with Qiao Nan. Even though Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lesson was boring and not worth listening to, she still went to her ss for three consecutive days, to the extent that she was sick and tired of it.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go anymore. Qiao Nan, tell me how many pairs of new underpants you want. I will buy them and send it to your house. It is sheer torture to listen to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lesson.¡± It was seven o¡¯clock in the evening. Shi Qing refused to leave the dormitory or attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you to go to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss. You were the one who insisted on torturing yourself and attending her ss. How was it? Three days have passed since. How many students did Qiu Chenxi have?¡±

    ¡°Twenty-five,¡± Shi Qing said. ¡°In the beginning, there seemed to be thirty-eight of them. On the next day it was thirty, and yesterday, it was twenty-five.¡± ording to this trend, in two more days, which was the time limit that she had set with Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi would have less than twenty students.

    ¡°It seemed like you have been counting the numbers.¡± It proved that Shi Qing was really bored at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss. ¡°Let¡¯s see. The number of students in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss will stay at twenty-five.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Shi Qing did not believe her. ¡°You must know that Qiu Chenxi is very bad at teaching.¡±

 Chapter 542 - Let Me Sort Out My Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 542: Let Me Sort Out My Thoughts</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    One would rather use the time to sleep than listen to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lesson. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you teasing me?¡± Why did she feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s words did not seem trustworthy?

    ¡°You¡¯ll know the answer tonight.¡± Qiao Nan was not in a hurry to answer. She looked calm and confident of herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that I don¡¯t have to attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss, but I refuse to believe in fate. I am sure that the number of students will be less than twenty tonight!¡± Shi Qing was bent on going against Qiao Nan.

    The female counselor who sat beside them and was sorting through her documents was listening in on their conversation.

    In no time, Zhai Yaohui and the higher-ups knew of what they had been talking about.

    Lin Yuankang, who had his reading sses on, was amused. ¡°Shi Peng, your daughter may be smart but she is too naive. As for my little disciple, she is too mature for her age. There¡¯s nothing that she doesn¡¯t know. Who was the one who led her astray? Why would they teach her all these? Such a hooligan!¡±

    While Lin Yuankang was saying this, his gaze was directed at Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Sheng had a mission toplete, so he had to leave the army camp for a few days. Since the party concerned was not around, his father, Zhai Yaohui, had to deal with Lin Yuankang¡¯s disdain.

    Both Lin Yuankang and Zhai Yaohui were sure that it was Zhai Sheng who taught Qiao Nan the ways of the world.

    Zhai Sheng had taught her well, but given that Qiao Nan was still young, it seemed to be too early to teach her all these.

    Zhai Yaohui drank his tea to cover up his embarrassment. ¡°I think it¡¯s good that Qiao Nan understands all these. It is necessary.¡± He did not mind that Qiao Nan understood the ways of the world. In fact, he was worried that she did not know enough.

    Zhai Sheng was very scheming to have taught her all these. Zhai Sheng was really bent on marrying Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan had the aptitude and could barely pass his requirements to make it into the Zhai family.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to know, but it is fine not to know as well.¡± Shi Peng tried to paper over it. He was pleased with Qiao Nan, but he was pleased with his daughter, Shi Qing, as well.

    ¡°Hey, this is equivalent to not saying anything.¡± Lin Yuankang squinted at Shi Peng. ¡°Your report has been submitted, but the organization leader has not agreed to it yet, so don¡¯t neglect your duties. The old man of your family is, indeed, unreasonable. He is determined to use you to his advantage. However, he should look at the situation that he is in right now.¡±

    One should cut one¡¯s coat ording to one¡¯s cloth. Why must he torture his own son? Old Shi was such a ruthless father. ¡°Alright, we must put Qiu Chenxi¡¯s behavior on record. This must not happen again. Shi Peng, if you do not submit your resignation letter, it will not be long before someone uses this against you. You must be mentally prepared.¡±

    Shi Peng had to bear the responsibility for mistakes that weremitted by others.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Elder Lin. I know very well in my heart.¡± There was a flicker of sadness on Shi Peng¡¯s sicklyplexion. He had already anticipated the selfish and cold-hearted nature of the field that they were in.

    Zhai Yaohui sipped his tea and sneered. ¡°It is not so easy to go against the people in our army. Whoever dares to act rashly, I will make sure they pay for it!¡±

    Lin Yuankang shook his head. ¡°I am old. I am toozy to participate in this. But make sure that my little disciple will not be hurt. If anything happens to her, I will settle it with all of you, especially your son!¡± Lin Yuankang pointed his finger at Zhai Yaohui.

    They should be ashamed that the little girl was dragged into the power struggle of the adults.

    Qiao Nan knew nothing about the conversation between the three of them. She was focused on finishing the rest of her lessons so that she could leave the army and returned to Ping Cheng.

    Shi Qing deliberately sat in thest row, in the seat that was closest to the door. Before the ss ended, she sneaked a peek at the ssroom next to them to count the number of students. ¡°One, two, three... Twenty-five?¡± It was really a total of twenty-five students. When did Qiao Nan be a prophet? She was spot-on.

    Impossible! Why was it twenty-five students today? The number of students should have decreased by two or three at least.

    By the time everyone left, Shi Qing pulled at Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, refusing to let go. ¡°Come and tell me how you managed to make a correct guess. How did you know that the number of students Qiu Chenxi had would stay at twenty-five? These people must be out of their mind to insist on going to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lessons. It doesn¡¯t make sense!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to know?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    ¡°Address me as your master!¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Shi Qing grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand in a deadlock grip. ¡°Do you take me for those average soldiers? You must be having a good time being Teacher Xiao Qiao. Have you forgotten my fighting prowess? Hurry, do you want to speakfortably or have a taste of my fists?¡±

    ¡°Release, release your grip. You must respect the teacher.¡± Qiao Nan pretended to shout twice in agony, but she looked calm and did not even knit her eyebrows. Shi Qing did not use any strength. She was just ying along.

    ¡°Will you tell me or not?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course I will.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s better.¡± Shi Qing released her grip and sat down with a sullen expression on her face. ¡°Why would those people go to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss? Did she spend money to make sure that they attended her ss?¡± Other people might not do this, but Qiu Chenxi would definitely do that to maintain her dignity.

    Qiu Chenxi had the money. It was easy for her to buy people over.

    ¡°It is indeed true that she buys people over, but not with money. It¡¯s with her beauty.¡±

    ¡°Beauty?¡± Shi Qing was perplexed. ¡°Stop going in circles. Go straight to the point.¡±

    ¡°I have already spelled it out inly. People used to say that after years in the army, even the female pigs will look beautiful. These people have been in the army for many years and Qiu Chenxi is not ugly at all. No matter where she goes, she is the daughter of a respectable family. Besides, she is ravishing. Women will want to take another look at her, let alone men. Moreover, we are talking about people in the army.¡±

    ¡°Just, just for this?¡± Shi Qing was dealt a harsh blow. ¡°Impossible! Are you lying to me? The soldiers are in their military uniforms. They have to be righteous and upright. How can they be so perverted? I don¡¯t believe there are such people in the army. I don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    It was impossible that these people attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss solely for her beauty and looks. Impossible!

    ¡°There are all kinds of fish in the sea. I respect the soldiers very much, but as long as they are straight, as men, it is understandable that they love to look at beautiful women, and since there¡¯s a chance to do so, they will make full use of it. It¡¯s not as perverted as you think. Moreover, Shi Qing, I think you must correct your mindset. Who said that there are no bad guys among the soldiers? What about spies and undercovers? Among government officers or party groups, have you seen corrupt officers who have been detained and interrogated? Can you say that there are no bad guys among those who joined the party?¡±

    Even though Qiao Nan had exined clearly to her, Shi Qing was still in shock. ¡°You, you... Let me sort out my thoughts.¡±

 Chapter 543 - Qiao Nan Displayed Her Prowess Again

    <h4>Chapter 543: Qiao Nan Disyed Her Prowess Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I heard from my dad that the politicalmissar was not pleased with this and he would keep them under observation.¡± Could these people forsake their future for the sake of stealing a few more looks at Qiu Chenxi? Were they foolish?

    Qiao Nan patted Shi Qing¡¯s shoulder andforted her. ¡°Let¡¯s walk while we talk. It¡¯s understandable that you have such mentality, but as an ordinary person, I must let you know that is because youe from a respected family and you are the future generation of the revolutionary veterans. You once told me that Brother Zhai was able to be the regimentmander at his young age because of your father. Brother Zhai is indeed talented, but I am sure he is not the only talent in the army. Inparison, there are other people who have just as many achievements as Brother Zhai and are older and more experienced than him. But do you think they will be able tond a higher position than Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush to deny. Think about it. Am I making sense? Think about it again. In the army, how many of them are just average soldiers and how many are tasked to lead andmand? They may be in the army for many years, but not everyone will have the chance to be promoted. For this group of people, they will progress from new recruits to experienced artillery crew at most. Since some things are predestined, they do not harbor any thoughts of promotion and can only grab hold of whatever that is within their grasp. I can only say that they are clever to a certain aspect. Given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family background, it¡¯s now or never. If they miss this chance, they will not have another opportunity to be able to stare at her for more than an hour.¡±

    Shi Qing was dumbfounded. Whatever Shi Peng had taught her was positive and upright.

    Shi Peng never mentioned about these dark and grey areas of the ways of the world. Shi Qing did not have any experience and she did not think far and deep as well.

    Shi Qing did not know how to react to therge amount of information and the nature of the information that she learned from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan touched Shi Qing lightly on the head. ¡°Don¡¯t behave as if it is a serious matter. It is verymon. If you disregard the fact that the twenty-five of them are soldiers, you may find it easier to understand.¡±

    ¡°But they are soldiers. Once they put on their uniforms, they have to act like soldiers!¡±

    ¡°What if you simply treat them as men and not as soldiers?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Unless these people left the army, she would never be able to understand.

    ¡°Young kid, you indeed have a one-track mind.¡± Qiao Nan was witless. She had spelled it out so inly for Shi Qing, yet she still could not ept it. Officer Shi had been too protective of Shi Qing, or perhaps, to Shi Qing, the soldiers had an upright and righteous image, and she was not able to ept the grey areas. ¡°Since you can¡¯t ept it, I won¡¯t insist on it. But now, you should be able to understand the reason behind this situation, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. I havepleted my task. Let¡¯s hurry back to take a bath. There were too many students today. The ssroom was particrly hot, and the level of carbon dioxide was way too high. I am all sweaty.¡± Qiao Nan pulled her cor ufortably and dragged Shi Qing all the way back to their dormitory.

    Shi Qing, who was still in shock, was pulled along by Qiao Nan back to the dormitory to bathe and sleep. On the second day, she was still in a daze and had yet toe back to her senses.

    She could not ept the fact that the righteous soldiers she was in awe with would sacrifice their future and learning opportunity for beauty and looks. How was that possible?

    ¡°Do you want to have the porridge? If not, I will have it.¡± Shi Qing had a bowl of porridge in her hand, but she was in a daze and did not have any of the porridge at all. Qiao Nan felt that it would be a waste of food, and since she still felt hungry, she was thinking of having another bowl of porridge.

    Shi Qing blocked Qiao Nan with her hands and brought the bowl to her mouth. She did not have any side dishes but gulped down the porridge in one go. ¡°Of course I will have it! Why shouldn¡¯t I!¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, if I address you as my master, will you teach me the ways of the world in the future?¡± For the first time, Shi Qing discovered that even though she would always score full marks and rank first in the exams, it was nothing at all. She seemed to know too little about the world. She had a lot to learn.

    They might be simple truths, but it was a fact that she was clueless.

    Back then, she did not understand why her grandparents doted on Qiu Chenxi and were so strict with her. She did not know how she was different from Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get your dad to teach you?¡± She should not ask her to teach her all these.

    ¡°My dad has no intention of teaching me,¡± Shi Qing said sullenly. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s because I am his daughter, so he wants to protect me. But do you know that after I graduate from college, I intend to join the army?¡±

    ¡°You still want to look up to Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from you. Initially, it was under the influence of Brother Zhai, but then I realized that I really like to be in the army. I am doing it for myself.¡± If she did not learn more about and understand the ways of the world, she might be treated like an idiot when she graduated from college and entered the army.

    Qiao Nan knocked her finger on the table. ¡°In fact, you sounded too serious. If you really want to learn, it¡¯s not difficult. Have you heard that the school is a small society? You will find life lessons everywhere. You are smart and your grades are good. You don¡¯t bother to mix with others and feel that it is a waste of time. Moreover, you are the daughter of Officer Shi. You have a better starting point than the average person. You don¡¯t have to worry about things that others have to worry about. Actually, I¡¯ve always wanted to remind you. Don¡¯t you think you were too aloof and detached in ss?¡±

    ¡°Others can say this to me, but you can¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan was simr to her.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I? I have a good rtionship with the five people in my dormitory. At least, I have my own small group. Perhaps I don¡¯t get along well with others apart from my roommates, but I have never missed whatever I should know about. I have been observing and learning. How about you? How much do you know about the situation in ss?¡±

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t understand, how are they rted?¡± Shi Qing asked with a depressed look on her face.

    ¡°Of course they are rted. If you want to learn the ways of the world, you must first understand the mindset of others. Take the twenty-five soldiers in the army for example. They went to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lessons for the sake of her beauty. There are so many people in our ss. Each and every one of them has a different agenda and thoughts. Their actions and words will reflect what they think. All of these can be studied and learned. These are the ways of the world. Only by mastering this will you know what to do and what is right and appropriate. If you really want to join the army in the future, you should not stay aloof and detached unless you want to be cannon fodder. If you want to look up to Brother Zhai, you must know about everything that I said just now. Not only must you know what¡¯s on yourrades¡¯ mind, but you must also be able to figure out the enemy¡¯s mentality.¡±

 Chapter 544 - Including the Loved Ones

    <h4>Chapter 544: Including the Loved Ones</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Shi Qing thought for a while. ¡°Is this the so-called ¡®Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated¡¯?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t have much to teach you about this. If you are really interested and have decided on your ambition, the only thing I can say is that you can read up on books rted to psychology when you are free. It will definitely be good for you.¡± Qiao Nan was not a professional either. It was purely her intuition and it was beyond words.

    If Shi Qing wanted to know more, it would be best to read up on rted topics.

    ¡°Sure.¡± It was not difficult at all as Shi Qing loved reading. ¡°But ording to what you said, I have to be a psychologist as well?¡±

    ¡°Even if you aren¡¯t an expert, you still must put in some time and effort to learn the knowledge in this area. Take your dad and the people in your field for example. Psychological ploys are often used when dealing with each other. You have to know all these to survive.¡± One would easily be bullied if they were not alert enough.

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I will borrow some books to read.¡± Indeed, her father would consider a lot of things. He worried too much while she was without any worry. ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s not right.¡±

    ¡°Not right? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°We are of the same age. Why do you know the ways of the world? The gap between us is too huge.¡± She had never felt that she was worse off than anyone else. But inparison to Qiao Nan, they seemed to be worlds apart. Their gap was definitely more than ¡®half a point¡¯ apart.

    Qiao Nan turned to a side, avoiding Shi Qing¡¯s gaze. ¡°I may have a better understanding of the ways of the world than you, but there are more than forty ssmates in our ss. There will certainly be a lot of them who are better than you. You are still young and youe from a respectable family. There is nothing that you have to worry about.¡±

    What Qiao Nan said was the truth.

    ¡°Am I that ignorant?¡± Shi Qing was not particrly happy to ept this fact. She had never been among the bottom few in the ss.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t fuss over it. This is entirely due to your living environment. But it is strange though. Qiu Chenxi is your rtive and has a lot of tricks up her sleeves. I always feel that the people in your field are veryplicated and crafty, full of schemes and plots. People like you, who are simple and pure, are already extinct.¡±

    Aside from Qiu Chenxi, Wang Yang was the most typical example. He was only a junior high school student, yet he knew to do harm to somebody through the hands of another. He almost had Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life.

    Moreover, Wang Yang worked with Chen Jun to get Qiao Nan to fall in love with thetter so that Chen Jun could sow discord between Zhu Baoguo and her.

    Qiao Nan was weary at all these countless plots and schemes.

    ¡°You are the one who is extinct.¡± Shi Qing felt gloomy.

    ¡°I am praising you!¡± It was rare that Shi Qing would be so pure and simple in such a field. She was one of a kind.

    Shi Qing sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t need thesepliments, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing, what is it with your family? I remember that you are your father¡¯s only daughter. They never taught you the ways of the world? Aren¡¯t they worried that you will be on the losing end?¡± After all, the Shi family had all the resources to nurture Shi Qing and teach her well. If they did not do so, the Shi family had nobody else to rely on in the future.

    ¡°How will I know!¡± Shi Qing pulled a long face. ¡°My dad must have wished that I will lead a simple and happy life, so he did not teach me any of these. As for my grandpa, it is hard to say.¡± She was sure that her grandpa might have other motives.

    Qiao Nan clutched her head in exasperation. ¡°Shi Qing, I¡¯m not telling you this to scare you. Given your family situation, you must think for yourself. Otherwise, you will be on the losing end. Your first lesson is to go back and try to figure out what your family is thinking about. You¡¯re the only younger generation of the Shi family. What is their motive for making such arrangements? What ns do they have for the future? You must be careful not to be forced into a dead corner by your family.¡±

    What Qiao Nan said was, in fact, a reflection of what Shi Qing went through in the previous life.

    In the previous life, Qiu Chenxi did not join the army based on her rtionship with Shi Peng ormit stupid mistakes because of Qiao Nan.

    Even though Zhai Sheng did not like her and was reluctant to marry her and put it off for years, they still ended up married to each other under the influence of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    Shi Peng, who had bad health, had to shuffle between the army camp and the hospital.

    Even though Shi Peng had thought of leaving the army, without Qiu Chenxi¡¯s incident, he could not find a chance to leave the army. Till the day he was exhausted and died from his sickness, he still could not leave the army.

    Without Shi Peng¡¯s protection and due to Mother Shi¡¯s incapability, Old Master Shi acted arbitrarily. He found a husband for Shi Qing on his own ord and arranged for the man to marry into the Shi family.

    Shi Qing was deceived into going home. When her family made her change into a gown, she then realized that she was to be engaged to a stranger.

    Shi Qing refused to bow to fate and paid a great price for it. She finally managed to run away from the wedding and joined the army to be a female soldier. She then dedicated her whole life to being an outstanding soldier, carving her mark in the army and rising through the ranks to be a ¡®female general¡¯.

    However, when Shi Qing won sess and recognitions and was able to return home with honor, she suffered from grave disease worse than her father. Both of them did not live past fifty years old.

    Shi Qing had no idea that she once had such a life.

    However, she could not help but shiver at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. She felt that if she did not wake up to the harsh realities of life, she might face a terrible future.

    Shi Qing shivered uncontrobly and her face turned pale. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are right. My grandparents are biased toward Qiu Chenxi, and I have no idea what they are up to. I am merely a granddaughter. I know that my grandpa has always wanted a grandson. My mom doesn¡¯t care, while my dad strongly disagrees. He even responded to the national policy of raising healthier and better-educated children and had my mom go for the contraceptive procedure. It¡¯s true that I have to be wary of my grandpa.¡±

    Two days ago, her grandpa was willing to make her father leave the army for the sake of Qiu Chenxi.

    There might be a day when her grandpa would ask her to sacrifice herself for Qiu Chenxi.

    Shi Qing might not know, but Qiao Nan knew the truth since Zhai Sheng had told her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for Shi Qing, who looked so vulnerable. ¡°Shi Qing, here is a reminder for you. All the hustle and bustle in the world is only for money.¡±

    ¡°Including the loved ones?¡±

    ¡°Including the loved ones!¡±

 Chapter 545 - Someone to Suffer with Her

    <h4>Chapter 545: Someone to Suffer with Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The rtionships between loved ones might not always be pure and simple.

    The elders might have given the best resources to nurture their younger generation, but it could have been an investment, one that they were expecting returns from.

    It was not to say that all family rtions would be so cold-hearted, but undeniably, such situations did exist.

    Shi Qing smiled reluctantly. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think that you¡¯ve made it sound too horrifying?¡± She was just told that despite being in their uniforms, some of the soldiers in the army might not strive for excellence and there were grey areas that she did not know of in the past. Now, Qiao Nan was telling her that there was such an ugly side to the rtionships between rtives. Like the soldiers in the army who just learned English, Shi Qing found it difficult to adapt.

    ¡°Horrifying?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°I know you like to read. Let me introduce you to this author. You only have to read all of his books to know if I have been exaggerating.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean the books written by Lu Xun <sup>1</sup> ?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. You can look for them yourself.¡± The reading articles in their sybus were too positive. Those articles that were thought-provoking were not in their reading lists, and they had to look for it by themselves.

    Shi Qing was not someone who would procrastinate.

    Qiao Nan had mentioned it to her that evening, and the next morning, Shi Qing went to look for Shi Peng. ¡°Dad, do you have time? Can you find someone to buy me some books?¡±

    ¡°Books?¡± Shi Peng looked at Shi Qing with interest. ¡°What books do you want? Humanities or science? One is marked by thepany one keeps. In the past, you will not even do your homework during summer break, let alone reading books. It seems to be good for you to have made such a good friend.¡±

    Actually, Shi Peng did not care if his daughter did her homework or not. He felt that what mattered was her attitude.

    His daughter was smart. Since a young age, she was quick to learn new things and she had good results. As her father, Shi Peng was worried that having a smooth-sailing life might not be a good thing for her.

    ¡°I am interested in Lu Xun¡¯s novels and psychology books rted to social rtions. Get more of those for me.¡±

    ¡°You want to read those books?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Shi Peng¡¯s palm went cold. He ced it against the warm teacup. ¡°Did Qiao Nan rmend you to read these books?¡±

    ¡°She gave me suggestions.¡± It was up to her to read or not.

    Shi Peng had a serious look. ¡°Are you sure you want to read these books?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Dad, I just realized that having good results does not mean everything in this world. Life is much moreplicated than that.¡± Life was unlike doing problem sums, especially science topic that only had one correct answer. It was either correct or wrong. ¡°Dad, I want to grow up. It¡¯s time that I grow up.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a price to pay for growing up.¡±

    ¡°But you can¡¯t protect me forever.¡±

    It was for the longest time before Shi Peng answered. ¡°Well, in the afternoon, I will get people to send the books over. There¡¯s no harm in reading more books.¡± In the end, Shi Peng relented.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Dad, thank you.¡± Thank you for caring and protecting her all this while, but she had to grow up.

    ¡°You have indeed grown up.¡± Shi Peng sighed. He knew that Qing Qing thanked him not only for the books but also for being protective of her.

    To Shi Peng, it was simply because he wanted his daughter to have those that he did not have. He did not expect that his daughter was able to stand up for herself and did not need his protection. Perhaps this was his greatest blessing.

    While Qiao Nan was working hard on her homework in the afternoon, Shi Qing dumped a stack of books onto the table that Qiao Nan was at. The pen that Qiao Nan left on the table bounced from the weight of the books.

    ¡°Hey, did your dad get you all the books from the library?¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips at therge pile of books on the table. ¡°Even if you want to read up, you should take things slowly. With this stack of books, isn¡¯t your dad worried that you may be frightened off by them?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s our style. People from the Shi family give their best efforts in whatever they do. Anyway, there¡¯s still three-third of the summer break left. I have all the time to finish these books. I can definitely finish them.¡± After she finished reading these books, the first thing she wanted to figure out was none other than her family.

    She wanted to understand why her grandpa sided with Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°I will cheer you on.¡± Qiao Nan let go of the pen that had been bounced off.

    Shi Qing ced a few of the books in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°These are yours.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a quick nce. They were sociology and psychology books. ¡°I do not n to read these books.¡±

    ¡°That will not do. We are good friends. We should share weals and woes.¡± These books were theory-based and were dull and dry. She had to get someone to read it with her. It was boring to read books by herself. But it would be different if she hadpany.

    Qiao Nan shot Shi Qing a sideways nce. ¡°When did we be friends? I have no idea at all.¡±

    ¡°Now you know.¡±

    ¡°Since we must share weals and woes and seeing that I have so much homework to be done, shouldn¡¯t you help me with it?¡±

    ¡°Hey, you have done much more than me. When ites to homework, I am so much behind you. If we are to share weals and woes, it¡¯s you who have to help me with it.¡± Actually, she never did her summer break homework. She felt that it was a waste of time.

    Qiao Nan felt like pping Shi Qing. No matter what she said, Shi Qing would find ways to take advantage of her.

    Qiao Nan picked a book and flipped through a few pages. The paper quality was particrly good. Some of the books were even imported. They were as good as the books that Zhu Chengqi gave her. It would be difficult to get these books on the market. ¡°Are you able to understand these books?¡±

    Shi Qing scored fairly well for her English, but having good results in high school did not mean that she would be able to understand these English books. Even for her, though she only flipped through a few pages, she would need a dictionary to be able to understand the contents.

    ¡°Oh yeah, this is for you.¡± Shi Qing pulled out a book from the stack. It was as thick as the wooden headrest in ancient times. She passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Take your time to read it. It¡¯s okay if I don¡¯t understand. It is fine as long as you can understand them. By then, I can simply get you to tell me the contents of the books!¡±

    ¡°Oxford Dictionary?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression darkened. Did Shi Qing intend to treat her as a trantion tool?

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It is not that easy to get this dictionary now. It is the 1995 edition. You have to make good use of it.¡± Her father had taken this from his private collection.

    ¡°The 1995 edition of OALD?¡± Qiao Nan had heard of it.

    ¡°What¡¯s OALD? I am not too sure. You can take a look at it yourself.¡± Shi Qing did not understand anything that was beyond their English sybus in school. As for the edition of the Oxford dictionary, she was clueless. Shi Qing was in a slight panic when Qiao Nan mentioned OALD all of a sudden.

 Chapter 546 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Professional Reply

    <h4>Chapter 546: Qiao Nan¡¯s Professional Reply</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was the one who posed this question today. If it was someone else, it would be so embarrassing if she could not answer it.

    It was only until this moment that Shi Qing finally understood. Although she was often the top scorer in the cohort, there was nothing great about it. Regardless of how strong one was, there would always be someone better than them. This saying was never a hoax.

    At the sight of how knowledgeable Qiao Nan was, Shi Qing pursed her lips. She then made up her mind to study and learn well so that she could keep up with Qiao Nan.

    As per what her father¡¯s words, it was not unjustified at all that she had scored half a point mark less than Qiao Nan. In fact, it did not reflect the actual gap between Qiao Nan and her.

    After flipping a few pages of the Oxford Dictionary, Qiao Nan felt much better.

    Just as what Shi Qing said, it was not easy to buy the authentic Oxford Dictionary because it wasprehensive and thus extraordinarily thick. The English dictionary that the Zhu family bought for Qiao Nan previously was useful but not asprehensive.

    As an individual who would like to deepen the studies of English Language, of course, Qiao Nan needed the Oxford Dictionary.

    It was just that the Zhu family bought all these for her previously. Qiao Nan would feel embarrassed to express what she needed. Anyway, those given by the Zhu family were usable too. When she started to earn money in the future, she could always find a way to buy it herself then.

    ¡°Thanks for the dictionary. I profited.¡± Qiao Nan smilingly epted the dictionary without hesitation. ¡°After this dictionaryes to my house, you can forget about having it back. There¡¯s a price to pay for sharing each other¡¯s weals and woes. I¡¯ve suffered with you. You won¡¯t be unwilling to let me benefit from this, right?¡± Qiao Nan sounded bold and righteous as she took advantage of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk, are you a mythical beast? After it went into your pocket, I can forget about retrieving it?¡± Shi Qingughed. ¡°There¡¯s a saying that gifts blind the eyes. Qiao Nan, you took my gift. Don¡¯t regret it. From now onward, you¡¯re mine.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Obviously, Shi Qing refused to suffer any loss.

    Now, the situations of Qiao Nan and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses were close to Qiao Nan¡¯s prediction. The number of students in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss basically hovered at over twenty.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I¡¯m quite interested in English. As such, I have a few questions that I would like to seek your advice on. I wonder if you are free at the moment.¡± This was unlike Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss where everyone left immediately upon the end of it. At Qiao Nan¡¯s end, this type of situation gradually urred.

    Upon the end of the ss, there would always be a few people who would look for Qiao Nan at the stage to ask some questions.

    ¡°Sure, you may ask.¡± Qiao Nan was clearing up the table.

    ¡°That is... How do you usually improve your Englishnguage skills?¡±

    ¡°We generally ssify English into two categories, oral and writing. Which aspect do you wish to improve on?¡± Qiao Nan put down her books and looked at the student seriously.

    ¡°Okay...¡± The soldier hesitated for a while. ¡°Actually, I wish to improve my writing. I know a little of what you taught but I don¡¯t know how to write them. It feels strange. I¡¯m afraid I will forget them soon.¡±

    ¡°Writing...¡± Such strive for progress was hard toe by. ¡°If you wish to improve your writing, I¡¯ll give you three suggestions. First, if you can afford it, buy an English dictionary. The moreprehensive it is, the better. Memorize it every day. If you can memorize the English dictionary, your writing will definitely not be poor. There will even be great progress in your grammar. Second, buy some novels to read. The best is those with Chinese on one side and English trantions on the other. Third, find some foreign films to watch. Remember, those English films with both English and Chinese subtitles. The third method will not only help in your writing but also your oral skills.¡±

    ¡°Soplicated?¡± The soldier was dumbfounded. He was just trying his luck when he asked these questions.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s age, coupled with the fact that she usually taught them English that was more practical for daily use and themon and simple English knowledge, the solider was not confident if he would really receive an answer after he posed this question.

    Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan not only replied to him but also gave him three suggestions.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s teaching advice was professional but was not especially difficult to carry out.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Xiao Qiao. I will certainly do so. Then, Teacher Xiao Qiao, do you have any good rmendations?¡± The soldier asked another question.

    To Qiao Nan, she felt that this question was difficult to answer. It would be making things difficult for the soldier. ¡°As to what kind of good rmendations, that will depend on your needs and your current standard of English. As of now, it¡¯d be better if you learn from the basics. Buy an ordinary dictionary will do. The dictionaries that are sold in our country are generally suitable for you. As for the second method, I¡¯m not too sure what kinds of books are published nowadays. To avoid the situation of losing interest in reading, it¡¯s best that you choose short or medium-length bilingual novels to buy. Please don¡¯t buy long novels. As for the third method, you must pick the films with a genre that you like. For example, shootout or science fiction. It¡¯s best not to try the topics that you¡¯re not interested in.¡±

    Qiao Nan could only rmend things that would only be avable a few years or even a few decadester. If she stated those titles now, she would expose her secret.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Xiao Qiao. I know what to do now!¡± The soldier¡¯s eyes lit up. Qiao Nan gave a very specific answer. After having some directions, of course, the soldier would know how to improve his English if he was eager to do so.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Right, I nearly forgot. Maybe you can go and find these items.¡± Qiao Nan tore out a piece of paper and then wrote some English teaching materials. Those were Englishnguage teaching materials used for the nine years ofpulsory education. ¡°You can read these few volumes of textbooks. The first volume teaches you the basic stuff. If you can afford it, you can also buy a tape recorder. This is because these teaching materials will normallye with a set of listening tapes. You will yield twice the results by doing half the work if you learn and listen at the same time.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯ll be hard to find these textbooks.¡± The soldier did not feel ashamed about reading the textbooks studied by children, but he felt that it was too difficult to find these books. He was not someone who was schooling.

    ¡°They are very easy to find. Now is the best time to do so. Actually, at the end of every semester, many parents will think that the textbooks are not useful anymore as their children havepleted their studies, particrly those whose children have graduated. These parents will sell away all the textbooks. You can look for secondhand stores. There are many books and things there. They are also very cheap. You don¡¯t need to spend much. It¡¯s just that it may be more troublesome to search for the books. You have to take some time to do so. Those books that I introduced to you are the core ones. If you really go to that ce to look for them, you can also get some practice materials at the same time.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The soldier¡¯s eyes turned even brighter. He was so emotional that the veins on his neck looked like they were exploding.

 Chapter 547 - The Dictionary Maniac

    <h4>Chapter 547: The Dictionary Maniac</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, besides having a passion for army life, most soldiers also joined the army because of their family situations. Hence, there were actually many who were not well-to-do.

    Buying books¡ªthese two words that seemed simple was, in fact, terribly tough for people with poor family situations.

    The soldier always had the desire to improve himself but was faced with financial constraints. He had thought that he would probably need about two to three years¡¯ time to be able to buy all the books mentioned by Qiao Nan.

    Nevertheless, if he went to secondhand stores, especially if the price was not expensive, the soldier expressed that if he tightened his belt, he would be able to buy all these books immediately!

    What would be more economical and practical than this?

    ¡°It¡¯s true. Go to these ces more and you¡¯ll find unexpected gains. You can even look for secondhand tape recorders while you¡¯re at it. Secondhand items can be used after some repairing.¡± The secondhand stores had always been the heaven of keen learners with poor family situations!

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you, thank you. Really, thank you so much.¡± A man does not shed his tears easily unless they are truly sad, but tears welled up in the corners of the soldier¡¯s eyes. He stammered a little as he spoke. Nevertheless, his eyes were full of gratefulness and sincerity when he looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I¡¯m very grateful that you¡¯re willing toe to our army and teach us. You taught us so many things and even gave me such useful suggestions. Rest assured, Teacher Xiao Qiao. I¡¯ll definitely continue to work hard in the future. I will not disappoint you!¡±

    He could study now. In this way, he could continue with his studies.

    It was not just the Englishnguage, Chinesenguage, or mathematics. He would be able to continue his studies with any subject of his liking!

    ¡°Okay... You, you¡¯re too polite.¡± Qiao Nan was stunned and confused by the soldier¡¯s affectionate attitude. What had she done that made this soldier nearly cry?

    At the sight of the back of the soldier who was leaving, before Qiao Nan could make sense of the situation, Lin Yuankang appeared to exin. She then understood what happened. ¡°His surname is Song. Comrade Song has many siblings in his family. He loves to study since he¡¯s a child but he¡¯s the second one in the family. The elder one needed to front the family and marry a wife to pass down the family line. He needed a lot of money. As for his younger sisters, they¡¯re still very young. Comrade Song had no choice but to join the army as a soldier. He sent his monthly sry back home to let his elder brother marry a wife and his younger sisters to study.¡±

    Comrade Song wanted to study but his family situation did not allow him to do so.

    In addition, he had to earn money to raise and support his family members.

    An opportunity to study was very hard toe by. Although it was self-study, Comrade Song cherished this lost-and-found opportunity very much.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiao Nan understood now. After all, she had personally encountered such an awkward situation two years ago.

    Lin Yuankang gave a few knocks on Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°How did you know so much about the secondhand stores?¡± If his little disciple did not mention this, he had not even thought of such a good way of self-studying for the numerous people in the world who wanted to learn but did not have the chance to do so.

    This was certainly the most cost-effective way of learning. It was good!

    Shi Qing nodded. ¡°Yes, Qiao Nan, you know this too well. It¡¯s as if you have picked up books from secondhand stores before.¡±

    That did not seem to be the case.

    She had been ssmates with Qiao Nan for more than a month. Nevertheless, judging from the family situation of Qiao Nan, although it was not extraordinary good, it was not that bad either. Was Qiao Nan not Elder Lin¡¯s disciple? Elder Lin would never let his disciple discontinue her studies, would he?

    There was a sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes as she avoided the question. ¡°Master, do you think there are a lot of people with simr situations as Comrade Song in the army?¡±

    ¡°Not very sure. There should be some,¡± Lin Yuankang replied. His thoughts had really been derailed by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Master, what do you think about setting up a library in the army camp?¡± She was here for some time but there did not seem to be a library in the army camp.

    ¡°Library? A lot of money is needed to do this. Moreover, what kind of books do we put in the library? Nan Nan, have you thought about it?¡± Lin Yuankang knitted his brows. He felt that the idea was good but might not be feasible. If the books in the library were of inappropriate content, problems would arise very easily.

    ¡°Actually, if we put some school textbooks, there shouldn¡¯t be any issues. Children are the future of our mothend. There certainly won¡¯t be a problem with the contents in the school textbooks. Otherwise, we will be poisoning the buds of our mothend. Also, books rted to science and research in military affairs are not bad either. Nevertheless, it¡¯s quite easy to obtain funding for the prior. As for thetter, the estimated expenses will berger. It¡¯s just a casual suggestion on my part. You don¡¯t need to take it to heart. As long as the method of buying books from the secondhand stores spreads to everyone, those who wish to learn can buy the books there on their own.¡± Qiao Nan cracked a joke as she felt that she was being too serious.

    She would be leaving after spending a few days and teaching a few sses of English during the summer vacation.

    The organization and structure of the army was not something she could interfere in.

    Lin Yuankang thought deeply for a while. He felt that what Qiao Nan said might be feasible.

    The politicalmissar invited him here. Apparently, the country and the army already had the intentions. The quality of the soldiers in the army must be improved.

    In the current times, there was less possibility of being illiterate but the cultural standards of the people were stillcking.

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve worked hard today. Quickly go back and rest. Right, you¡¯re always staying in the dormitory. I don¡¯t see youing out for other activities. Why?¡± Since Zhai Sheng left the army to take on a mission, his little disciple was simply ¡®working¡¯ behind closed doors.

    ¡°She¡¯s memorizing the Oxford Dictionary.¡± Shi Qing said as she gritted her teeth. ¡°Elder Lin, you don¡¯t know. Qiao Nan is too perverted. How is it possible that someone will have the spare time to memorize the dictionary!!!¡±

    Lin Yuankang raised his eyebrows. ¡°Where did you get the Oxford Dictionary from?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s from my dad,¡± Shi Qing continued.

    Lin Yuankang smiled. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t be angry. You conned your dad an Oxford Dictionary. Soon, in six months¡¯ time, the Oxford Dictionary that I¡¯ve bought will arrive. I¡¯ll give it to you then. You can also memorize it and drive Nan Nan mad.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Shi Qing crossed her arms. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a maniac like Qiao Nan. Memorizing the dictionary? Is this something a human does? It¡¯s crazy!¡± If she had wanted to memorize a dictionary, she could have done so long ago. That dictionary of her father had been in the house for about three or four years.

    It was only because she wanted to learn now that her father searched out that dictionary. She did not even remember the existence of such a dictionary in the house.

    ¡°If you want to master the Englishnguage, memorizing this dictionary is the best way.¡± Qiao Nan was not pleased. Why was she called a pervert because of this? In what way was she abnormal? Shi Qing was exaggerating about something that she was ignorant of. One must know that there were many people who memorized the Oxford Dictionary to master Englishnguage.

    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t argue, don¡¯t argue. Nan Nan¡¯s method is certainly quite practical.¡±

 Chapter 548 - Following the Good Example of Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 548: Following the Good Example of Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qing Qing, if you don¡¯t want the dictionary, I¡¯ll give it to Nan Nan then.¡±

    Shi Qing simply snorted. ¡°Elder Lin, you¡¯re appeasing me as if I¡¯m a three-year-old child. Most probably, you bought that dictionary for Qiao Nan. Give it to her then. I don¡¯t yearn for it. If I want, I¡¯ll ask my dad to get it for me. Easy.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Shi Peng¡¯s daughter is so great. Alright, the two youngdies, it¡¯s already sote. Quickly go back and rest.¡± The more Lin Yuankang interacted with Qiao Nan, this disciple, the more pleased he was with her.

    He did not have many opportunities to teach Qiao Nan. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan had never disappointed him.

    He was most surprised that his little disciple had already gotten an Oxford Dictionary to memorize on her own when he had just bought her an Oxford Dictionary. He intended to get her to memorize it as well.

    With this attitude, no matter what, Nan Nan would never be a disgrace to Lin Yuankang in the future.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go back. I¡¯m so tired that I¡¯m dying.¡± Shi Qing pulled Qiao Nan to make their way back to the dormitory.

    When Qiao Nan came back after bathing, only Shi Qing was in the dormitory while the female counselor was not. Sitting on her own bed and wiping her hair dry, Qiao Nan sat down without a word. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have not replied to me. Why do you know the situation of the secondhand stores so well?¡±

    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± Qiao Nan stopped wiping her hair for a while before continuing again.

    ¡°Hmm... I don¡¯t feel good. I just wish to know.¡± Otherwise, she would keep having an odd feeling about it. She could only confirm that she had been overthinking after rifying with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan put down her towel and looked at Shi Qing. ¡°It¡¯s what you have been thinking.¡±

    ¡°How do you know what I¡¯m thinking of?¡± Shi Qing refused to admit.

    ¡°Fine, then why are you asking me?¡± If Shi Qing did not have this bit of intelligence, how did she always clinch the top ce in the exams in the past?

    ¡°Then, you have really encountered such a situation? It didn¡¯t seem so. I heard that your dad is very good to you.¡± Shi Qing sullenly expressed that she could not understand.

    ¡°You heard about my dad, but have you heard about my mom?¡± She did not me Shi Qing for not knowing. Shi Qing had only been here for a little more than a month. At that time, everyone was busy preparing for the examinations. Who would be interested in gossiping then? ¡°Alright. If you treat me as a friend, don¡¯t add salt to my injury. What happened in the past is the past. Anyway, I truly cherish the learning opportunity that I have now. It¡¯s hard toe by.¡±

    Shi Qing leaned backward, looking dejected. Shey on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed directly. ¡°No wonder you told me that every family has its hardships. At that time, I only thought that you were referring to the situation in my family.¡±

    ¡°Get up. My hair is almost dry. I¡¯m going to sleep soon. Besides, you have not bathed and you dare to lie on my bed. Don¡¯t tell me that since this is not your bed, so you don¡¯t care?¡± Qiao Nan smiled as she gave Shi Qing a kick. ¡°Don¡¯t pull such a long face. I don¡¯t even feel sad. What are you unhappy about? My life now is so good. Your sadness came toote.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes. She could not bring herself to feel sad now. ¡°I will go and bathe then. Do you think I like to lie on your bed?¡±

    ¡°This is not the first time you¡¯re lying on it and you still said you don¡¯t like to? If you¡¯re willing, is this bed going to be yours?¡± Qiao Nan pulled Shi Qing up at one go. ¡°Quickly go and bathe. It¡¯s almost time for lights-off. When the female counselor is back, it¡¯ll be toote if you want to bathe.¡± In their dormitory, the female counselor was the one who switched off the lights most of the time.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. I need to hurry.¡± Shi Qing jumped up from the bed. She took her clothes and ran toward the shower room and did abat bath at her fastest speed. She then hurried back to the bed before the female counselor came back. ¡°Qiao Nan, where do you think the female counselor went? She¡¯s not back yet at this time.¡±

    Qiao Nan yawned and covered her face with a towel. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Most probably, she has something to tell the politicalmissar.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight.¡±

    When the female counselor was back, both Qiao Nian and Shi Qing had fallen asleep.

    At the sight of this, the female counselor switched off the lights immediately. She then turned on the torchlight and flipped to the page of the Oxford Dictionary that Qiao Nan ced her bookmark at. Finally, she switched off the torchlight and returned to her bed to sleep.

    The next day, news about Teacher Xiao Qiao memorizing the dictionary was widespread in the army.

    When Comrade Song, who sought advice from Qiao Nan, heard this, he felt even more emotional. ¡°So, Teacher Xiao Qiao also learned it this way. Memorizing the dictionary, memorizing the dictionary!¡±

    Anyone knew that a dictionary was not an ordinary book. It was an extremely thick and boring book. Memorizing the dictionary was something that only a typical person would do.

    This serious learning attitude of Qiao Nan was worth the emtion and praise of everyone.

    ¡°Nan Nan, this child, she¡¯s really... She¡¯s too conscientious.¡± Miao Jing was proud of Qiao Nan but her heart ached for her as well. ¡°Look at that Qiu Chenxi. Zhai Yaohui, why is your sense of judgment in character so poor? Qiu Chenxi can¡¯t even bepared to a strand of Nan Nan¡¯s hair. If she is not from the Qiu family, ability-wise, Nan Nan will definitely surpass her in the future. It¡¯s a pity that such a good child like Nan Nan has bad luck in reincarnation.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s words were referring to the poor family situation of the Qiao family, and most importantly, Ding Jiayi, this ¡®excellent¡¯ mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a pity,¡± Zhai Yaohui said indifferently. If Miao Jing was observant, she would, in fact, discover the sullenness in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s tone.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s ability after reincarnation was a little poor but her ability to pick a man was not bad. Her future choice perfectlyplemented the inadequacy in the past.

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan was certainly very diligent. Given her rtionship with Elder Lin alone, Qiao Nan¡¯s future would not be too bad even without the Zhai family.

    Of course, only then was she qualified to be his daughter-inw.

    ¡°Not a pity? Are you still thinking of Qiu Chenxi? Let me tell you. Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude, that¡¯s impossible. Don¡¯t make Zhai Sheng so unhappy such that he¡¯s not willing to see you as his father.¡± Miao Jing assumed that Zhai Yaohui said that because he looked down on Qiao Nan¡¯s family background and did not feel for her.

    Seemingly in deep thoughts, Zhai Yaohui looked up at Miao Jing until Miao Jing felt uneasy all over. ¡°I¡¯ve already said. I¡¯ll not interfere in Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter anymore. You don¡¯t need to test my attitude with such words. Miao Miao, we¡¯re husband and wife. We should be frank and sincere to each other. You can speak your mind if you have something to say. I will let you know.¡±

    They had quarreled for so long. Miao Miao¡¯s anger should have subsided, right?

    After all, the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi was already canceled. He also had an agreement with Qiu Qin. This should no longer be an issue.

    ¡°It¡¯s veryte. I¡¯m going to sleep. You go to Zhai Sheng¡¯s ce to sleep.¡± Miao Jing hid her face and was unwilling to look at Zhai Yaohui. As long as Qiu Chenxi was alive, the prick in her heart would remain. Most critically, she could not forget the ¡®hug¡¯ between Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min that she saw with her own eyes during her previous trip to the army camp.

 Chapter 549 - Help Has Arrived

    <h4>Chapter 549: Help Has Arrived</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When he heard Miao Jing¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui did not move initially and remained seated.

    Miao Jing gave Zhai Yaohui a look. Without a word, she stood up. If Zhai Yaohui was not leaving, she would leave then. She could sleep at her son¡¯s ce.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s legs, which looked extraordinarily straight in the army pants that he was wearing, moved. He stood up and walked over to Miao Jing. Just as Miao Jing smiledcently as she waited for Zhai Yaohui to leave, unexpectedly, Zhai Yaohui carried her up in one swift move as soon as he reached her side.

    What was different from a few months back was that, this time, Zhai Yaohui not only carried Miao Jing to the bed but also did not leave the room himself.

    This was his wife and the bedroom was his. This bed was also his. Why couldn¡¯t he sleep there? Why did he have to leave?

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Miao Jing was pushing Zhai Yaohui away with her hands. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re in army attire. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re a soldier. Are you behaving like a hooligan and taking the lead to bully the ordinary citizens? Get off! Get off!¡±

    ¡°Reporting, Comrade Miao Jing, I¡¯m the people¡¯s liberation army personnel in other people¡¯s eyes, but at home, I¡¯m my father¡¯s son. I¡¯m also Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua¡¯s father, as well as your husband. In what way did I y rogue? We have collected our marriage certificate. This is legitimate.¡± Zhai Yaohui simply ¡®locked¡¯ Miao Jing up with his long limbs to prevent her from moving about.

    ¡°Damn! So now you know that you¡¯re my husband and that I¡¯m your wife? Why didn¡¯t you realize this when you stared at other people¡¯s wife every day? When you made your son suffer because of other people¡¯s daughter, why didn¡¯t you say whose husband you are, and whose father you are? Zhai Yaohui, get off! Don¡¯t make me angry!¡± Miao Jing was unable to move at all. She was red with anger.

    These words of Zhai Yaohui sounded so good and touching. However, Miao Jing¡¯s heart had been hurt for so many years. Would Zhai Yaohui be able to appease her with just a few words?

    Snore. Snore.

    In response to Miao Jing was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s snoring sound, as if he had fallen into a deep sleep. His limbs were still locked tightly around Miao Jing and thetter could not escape.

    Having been married for many years, in Miao Jing¡¯s impression, this was one of the very few times that shey in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arms.

    One year ago, if she could receive such a hug, she would definitely be overjoyed.

    However, Miao Jing felt sadder instead of happy at the moment.

    If Zhai Yaohui was not guilty, would he act so abnormally?

    Zhai Yaohui wanted to make her shut up, so he used this trick to coax her. Was such a hug meaningful?

    It was clearly summer and very warm for two adults to hug each other. However, Miao Jing, who felt bitterly disappointed, did not perspire at all. In the end, she fell asleep with tears in her eyes.

    Sensing that Miao Jing had fallen asleep and calmed down, Zhai Yaohui, who was pretending to be asleep, opened his eyes and sighed. He then reached out his hands to wipe away the tears in the corners of Miao Jing¡¯s eyes. ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s been so many years. We¡¯ve been husband and wife for so long. Why are you still behaving in the way you did when you were young? Your temperes with no warning.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was aware of the matter regarding Qi Min. However, he was used to it as time passed. All of a sudden, Zhai Yaohui did not know how to speak about this to Miao Jing.

    He initially believed that having been a couple for many years, Miao Jing would understand him as long as he had done enough and was apparent in his actions.

    Never did he expect that the more that he did, the more Miao Jing seemed to be heading for the dead end and refused toe out. Zhai Yaohui was at a loss of what to do as well.

    One night had passed. In the morning, as usual, Qiao Nan was carrying an Oxford Dictionary with her as she memorized it. Shi Qing, who took over the female counselor¡¯s job to get porridge, came back looking secretive. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know who came to the army camp today?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Qiao Nan did not even lift her head. She asked without care.

    ¡°Hey, you won¡¯t die if you memorize one word less, but if you don¡¯t listen properly to my following words, you¡¯ll be down in luck. In that case, a huge problem will arise.¡± Shi Qing grabbed the dictionary in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and put it on the table. That anxious look on her face made Qiao Nan feel ridiculous.

    ¡°What exactly happened? Who came?¡± Which important figure had arrived that could make Shi Qing looked as if the sky was crumbling?

    ¡°That auntie of mine is here!¡± Shi Qing was having a headache. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much you know about my auntie. I¡¯ll tell you honestly. In the past, if Old Master Zhai did not think that Madam Zhai was good, the one who married Chief Zhai and became Brother Zhai¡¯s mother would be my auntie. Do you know why Qiu Chenxi could take advantage and nearly became Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e? It¡¯s because she¡¯s the daughter of my auntie! Therefore, Zhai Yaohui treated her differently. Chief Zhai behaved in this way because he gave my auntie face. Tell me, if auntie is here today and she pleads for Qiu Chenxi, maybe Qiu Chenxi doesn¡¯t need to leave the army anymore. As to whether any more scary matters will ur, who knows.¡±

    Shi Qing knitted her brows. ¡°Anyway, I heard that Chief Zhai doesn¡¯t know his limits in front of my auntie. If Chief Zhai agrees to everything that my auntie requests for, don¡¯te crying to me because I can¡¯t help you too.¡±

    Her auntie was not only doted upon after she was married. She was doted on when she was a youngdy before marriage as well. The family doted on her, and even outsiders doted on her. She was so blessed.

    ¡°On the contrary, I think we don¡¯t need to be so worried.¡± Qiao Nan poured a cup of tea for Shi Qing. There was a sh of ease in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a little about the Zhai family. Do you know how Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s engagement was canceled?¡±

    ¡°How?¡± She only knew the oue but not the process.

    ¡°Chief Zhai was the one who personally looked for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father to discuss it. The two heads of the families reached a consensus and agreement. Qiu Chenxi then did not have anything to do with Brother Zhai anymore.¡±

    ¡°Is it true?¡± Chief Zhai was the one who did that?

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Brother Zhai would only tell her the truth.

    Shi Qing heaved a huge sigh of relief. ¡°If that¡¯s really the case, then I can feel assured now. Chief Zhai has already initiated to draw the line with the Qiu family. It¡¯s not possible for him to go back on his words. In that case, my auntie will be making a wasted trip then?¡±

    ¡°That, I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯m not sure why your auntie came to the army and what she is requesting Chief Zhai for.¡± Qiao Nan held her chin and ced the dictionary on her knee. ¡°However, as the chief of our country, shouldn¡¯t we have more confidence in him? He won¡¯t be in the clutches of a woman, right?¡±

    If Chief Zhai did whatever Qi Min asked him to, or listened to whatever she said, then, she could only say that Chief Zhai got his position all because of luck. Or most probably, he depended on the protection and blessing from his ancestors?

    ¡°I hope that¡¯ll be the case.¡± Although she could no longer be with Brother Zhai, she did not wish to see Qiao Nan end up in the same pitiful state as her where things would not work out between Brother Zhai and her.

    Inparison to Qiu Chenxi, she respected Qiao Nan. Thus, she would rather Brother Zhai be a pair with Qiao Nan than Qiu Chenxi.

 Chapter 550 - Rejection

    <h4>Chapter 550: Rejection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Should I go and help you find out more?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t use me as an excuse. You¡¯re the one who wishes to be a busybody and eavesdrop. Do whatever you want. I can¡¯t be bothered about it.¡± Qiao Nan raised both her hands and ¡®surrendered¡¯. She expressed that she did not have any intention to get Shi Qing to eavesdrop at all. If Shi Qing did that, she should not me it on her. She was innocent.

    Shi Qing lifted her chin. ¡°Do I still need to me it on you? Don¡¯t forget that my dad is also in the army camp. If anything really happens, my dad will protect me. I don¡¯t need your help. Aright, you can continue hugging your dictionary and memorizing it. I¡¯ll help you keep a lookout. I¡¯ll definitely not let Brother Zhai Zhai slip away from your hands.¡±

    That affectionate look of Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a shock. Just a few days ago, this was someone who had been so deeply in love with Brother Zhai. Clearly, this was a toughdy but she secretly cried because of Brother Zhai.

    If she had not seen Shi Qing cry with her own eyes because of Brother Zhai, she would really have suspected if Shi Qing was lying when thetter said she liked Brother Zhai.

    Sitting in the office of Zhai Yaohui, this was the first time Qi Min felt uneasy when she faced him. ¡°Brother Zhai, I heard from Chenxi that someone in the army is targeting her. Most likely, she¡¯ll be forced to leave the army. Is this true or false?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui put down the cup of tea in his hand. ¡°It¡¯s true that she will be leaving the army. As to whether anyone is targeting at or framing her, it¡¯s false.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible. Brother Zhai, you¡¯ve watched Chenxi grow up since she was a child. You should know clearly this child¡¯s character. Since she was small, Chenxi has a straightforward personality. She¡¯s very frank and can¡¯t tolerate some minor matters. Moreover, given her birth status, she is inevitably strong-tempered. Sometimes, she has good intentions but ends up offending others. Unfortunately, she doesn¡¯t realize it. Brother Zhai, I only have one daughter. You have to help me. You can¡¯t let those outsiders harm Chenxi. She¡¯s too simple and naive and doesn¡¯t know how to bend around. In the current society that is swarmed with manyplex characters, I think Chenxi¡¯s personality is actually quite good. I¡¯ve always been protecting her. Brother Zhai, you will definitely help me protect Chenxi too, right?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want Chenxi to leave the army? Or are you hoping that Chenxi can make use of the times in the army to get close to Zhai Sheng, making him change his mind, like Chenxi again, and marry her?¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes looked a little sullen. He did not mince his words and his question was to the point.

    Qi Min wanted to deny, but in the end, she wisely replied, ¡°Both reasons.¡±

    Qi Min repeatedly used the word ¡®straightforward¡¯ to describe Qiu Chenxi because she knew that Zhai Yaohui admired people with such ¡®straightforward¡¯ trait most.

    If she were to deny it straight, she would appear to be someone who was not ¡®straightforward¡¯. Zhai Yaohui would certainly not like it.

    ¡°Chenxi grew up with Zhai Sheng. She has been following Zhai Sheng around and talking about him since then. They are childhood sweethearts and have always been on good terms. Haven¡¯t our two families been hoping that the two of them can be together? I don¡¯t know what happened along the way which made you tell Qiu Qin that their marriage is off, but when Zhai Sheng was a child, I¡¯ve already treated him as one of my own. I see him as my own son. Zhai Sheng is a good child, and so is our family¡¯s Chenxi. As a mother, I naturally hope that the most outstanding man in the world will be with my daughter and be my son-inw. I hope that my daughter can receive the happiness that I¡¯ve lost in the past. Brother Zhai, are you able to understand?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you will help me fulfill this little wish, right?¡±

    For a short moment, Zhai Yaohui seemed to have wavered. He then said, ¡°The adults¡¯ wishes are ultimately that of the adults. The children¡¯s thoughts are the most important now. I respect their choices and decisions.¡±

    If Zhai Sheng changed his mind and wished to marry Qiu Chenxi, he would definitely not object to it.

    However, if Zhai Sheng did not intend to do so, whether as a husband or a father, he also could not force his son to marry a woman that he did not like.

    Furthermore, the Qiao Nan whom Zhai Sheng had taken a liking to currently did not have any other shorings besides her family background.

    Inparison, besides family background, Qiu Chenxi did not seem to be morepetent than Qiao Nan in any area. Of course, this did not include age as a factor.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, does that mean you don¡¯t wish to help Chenxi and me?¡± Qi Min felt disappointed at heart. No, how was it possible that Brother Zhai would not help her? One must know that Brother Zhai had treated Chenxi as his daughter since a long time ago. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... Do you know who Zhai Sheng has been close to recently?¡±

    Could it be that the youngdy that Zhai Sheng was with had a family background that was better than Chenxi? Was that why there was such a great change in Brother Zhai¡¯s attitude?

    However, Chenxi clearly told her that the one Zhai Sheng was with currently had a very ordinary family background. Moreover, she was the type that he could not bring out to major asions.

    ¡°The child has grown up. The parents can¡¯t always control them,¡± Zhai Yaohui said with double meaning in his words.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are aware of what¡¯s the greatest wish and regret in my life. I just don¡¯t want Chenxi to follow in my footsteps and experience the pain that I went through. Brother Zhai, you have a daughter too. You should understand my thoughts. Chenxi has her heart fixed on Zhai Sheng. Brother Zhai, you have to help me and Chenxi. If we want to be a family, what will be a better option than finding out the bottom of the matter?¡±

    Qi Min refused to give up. ¡°In the past, if Sister Miao did not appear and if Uncle Zhai did not interfere, today, I should be family with you. I can¡¯t attain Uncle Zhai¡¯s liking and am forced to break up with you. But, Brother Zhai, haven¡¯t you always liked Chenxi? Brother Zhai, can you take it as fulfilling my wish? Let¡¯s quickly pick a date for them to be engaged, okay? I believe Zhai Sheng was just momentarily lost and delirious. He has known Chenxi and been friends with her for so long. It¡¯s impossible that someone else will surpass his rtionship with Chenxi. The two of us missed a lifetime of happiness. We can¡¯t allow them to be like us and let happiness slip by.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui restrained the look in his eyes. ¡°Initially, I was not willing to bring up the past. After all, I¡¯m already married, and so are Qiu Qin and you. All of us have our respective families. Since you brought this matter up today, then that¡¯s good too. Let¡¯s clear this up all at once. Regardless of why I married Miao Miao many years ago, nothing physical happened between us before. We were in a romantic rtionship on our own ord. In the end, we were not together. It may sound as sour as little grapes, but we¡¯re not fated to be. Nevertheless, between you and me, it has got nothing to do with who let the other down, or who owes who. Qi Min, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Is it true that no one let the other down? Clearly, you¡¯re the one who abandoned me!¡±

 Chapter 551 - Draw the Line

    <h4>Chapter 551: Draw the Line</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qi Min could not take it lying down. Did Brother Zhai intend to draw the line with her?

    ¡°Abandoned? Qi Min, this is a serious statement.¡± There was a disconste look on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face. The simple and pure youngdy back then was gone with the passage of time, and in rece was a worldly and coarse woman who was only concerned with fame and money. ¡°If I remember correctly, at the very least, before I married Miao Miao, you always introduced me to others as your brother, am I right?¡±

    Back then, Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min did not have a long rtionship. Their families knew that they were dating, but to outsiders, especially whenever Zhai Yaohui fetched Qi Min, she would introduce Zhai Yaohui as her brother to her ssmates at school and to her friends.

    ¡°I have already exined it. At that time, I was still studying, and I was too embarrassed to go public.¡± Qi Min blushed. She refused to admit it.

    ¡°It was when you just graduated. Are you sure it was because you were shy? In the past, I never questioned you, but it doesn¡¯t mean that I felt nothing at all. You always feel that it is Miao Miao who snatched everything from you, but the truth is because of Miao Miao, I am able to see the truth.¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Qi Min coldly. ¡°I have no wish to say those unpleasant words, but if you want to listen, I don¡¯t mind saying them. It¡¯s been so many years. It is enough.¡±

    He never felt that he should be apologetic toward Qi Min for marrying Miao Miao.

    All these years, he had been taking care of the Qiu family, and he had allowed Qiu Chenxi to be with his son. He did not do this simply topensate Qi Min.

    With regards to this matter, even though Qi Min never acknowledged their rtionship in front of outsiders, but deep down inside, he knew that this was a fact. The only reason that he had topensate for Qi Min was that he was the one who initiated the breakup.

    That was all.

    Shi Peng was part of the reason why he took care of the Qiu family and treated Qi Min well.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you doubt my feelings for you? How can you say such irresponsible words in order to shirk responsibility and not to help Chenxi? If I was not serious about you, why would I go crazy and insist that my family disrupted the marriage when I knew that you were going to marry Miao Jing?¡± There was a flicker of guilt in Qi Min¡¯s eyes. She shouted at the top of her voice, ¡°Brother Zhai, even if you really don¡¯t want to help, you shouldn¡¯t say this to upset me or nder me. It¡¯s okay if you won¡¯t help. She is my daughter and has lots of suitors. Brother Zhai, I am so disappointed with you today. I didn¡¯t expect that you would be so irresponsible. Back then, I was young and ignorant. I have made the wrong judgment. I shouldn¡¯t have given my heart to you! Since you have said so today, I will no longer have any rtionship with you in the future. If I bump into you or the people from the Zhai family, I will take a detour. Brother Zhai, I am bitterly disappointed in you!¡±

    Qi Min turned and stood up, walking in small steps toward the door.

    Zhai Yaohui pursed his lips. Qi Min would not take big strides but she was definitely not like those daughters from the respected families who would take small,dy-like steps.

    The more Qi Min behaved in this manner, the more determined Zhai Yaohui was. ¡°It¡¯s good this way. Back then, I was the one who initiated the breakup. This time, you are the one who decided to break off all rtions. In this way, we no longer owe each other anything.¡±

    Since both of them had decided to sever ties, regarding Qiu Chenxi leaving the army, Zhai Yaohui would never intercede for her.

    At the same time, unless Qiu Chenxi was able to gain Zhai Sheng¡¯s affection, Zhai Yaohui would no longer do anything to create an opportunity for her and disregard his son¡¯s feelings.

    Qi Min who failed at the ruse of self-injury to win Zhai Yaohui¡¯s confidence turned blue with anger. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you still the same Brother Zhai from the past? Why would you say such heartless words? Is it Miao...¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with Miao Miao. Don¡¯t me everything on others. Qi Min, it is not the responsibility of one party that we didn¡¯t end up together, but you never seem to have reflected on yourself.¡± Zhai Yaohui interrupted Qi Min. ¡°I hope you bear in mind what you have said. I will cooperate as well.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you are here.¡± Just when Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui were on the brink of breaking into a quarrel, Qiu Chenxi appeared. ¡°Mom, you have to help me and have a good talk with Uncle Zhai. I was wronged. I was provoked by others and I was framed. I didn¡¯t mean it. I don¡¯t want to leave the army. I don¡¯t want to leave that person.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi cried until she was out of breath. She looked like a pear blossom bathed in the rain. Such a weeping beauty was indeed very pitiful and would gain the sympathy of others.

    Qi Min, who almost fell out with Zhai Yaohui, heard her daughter¡¯s words and calmed herself down. She did not expect that not only had she failed to achieve her purpose, but she also ended up arguing with Zhai Yaohui.

    In the past, Zhai Yaohui would not treat her in such a manner. He would ede to every plea of hers.

    It must be due to Miao Jing, that vixen. She must have spoken to Brother Zhai and bewitched him such that he forgot about their feelings for each other since a young age.

    ¡°Chenxi, don¡¯t cry. Wipe your tears. I gave birth to you. Others may not cherish you, but I will. Tell me slowly who framed you. I will not spare that person.¡± Qi Min raised her voice deliberately such that Zhai Yaohui would hear her.

    Qiu Chenxi appeared at the right time. Otherwise, it would be shameless of her to ask anything of Zhai Yaohui since she had already said those words.

    ¡°Mom, in fact, I am not sure. The politicalmissar did not say anything to me. He only told me to leave the army in half a month¡¯s time and not toe back again. I don¡¯t know what mistakes have Imitted that I have to be given such severe punishments. Mom, I am innocent.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n had long been burned by her.

    One must catch adultery in the act and catch a thief with the loot.

    Since the evidence was gone, there was no way she would admit that she had stolen from Qiao Nan.

    Furthermore, she did not steal the lesson n. It was Qian Yanyan who stole it. Why did she have to be her scapegoat? No way!

    ¡°What about your uncle? His niece was bullied, yet he did not do anything? Bring me to your uncle!¡± If Brother Zhai would not help her, she would look for her brother!

    ¡°Uncle is in the army as well.¡± Qiu Chenxi wiped her tears and led Qi Min to where Shi Peng was.

    Zhai Yaohui sipped his tea and sneered.

    It had only been a few days since Shi Peng came out of the hospital. Even the people in the army knew that unless it had to be handled by Shi Peng, they would not bother him and wanted Shi Peng to have a good rest instead.

    Like what his father said, he had made the wrong judgment back then. He thought that Qi Min was a gooddy he could spend a lifetime with. Perhaps Qi Min had always treated him as a foolish but good-looking rich guy.

 Chapter 552 - Difficult to Care for Patient with Chronic Illness

    <h4>Chapter 552: Difficult to Care for Patient with Chronic Illness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I saw with my own eyes that my auntie pulled a long face when she came out from Chief Zhai¡¯s office. It seems that Qiu Chenxi still has to leave the army, then? I thought Chief Zhai would ede to every plea of hers, I was proven wrong. It was nothing but an exaggeration.¡± Shi Qing was perplexed.

    Qiao Nan closed the dictionary and stretched herself. ¡°You must have some confidence in our national leaders.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? When did I have no confidence in Chief Zhai?¡±

    ¡°By ¡®leaders¡¯, I do not mean Chief Zhai. I am referring to those who support and believe in Chief Zhai. If Chief Zhai was easily led by a woman, do you think he would be able to be in that position? Luckily, you are not Chief Zhai¡¯s political enemy. Otherwise, you will die a terrible death.¡±

    It was normal that Chief Zhai was not swayed by Qi Min.

    ¡°Then, the chances that Brother Zhai and you can be together will be higher.¡± If her auntie was not able to sway Chief Zhai, there was no way that Qiu Chenxi could be with Brother Zhai.

    Qiao Nan clutched her head in exasperation. ¡°Actually, the biggest obstacle between Brother Zhai and I has never been Chief Zhai. Fortunately, I am still young and in high school. Brother Zhai and I have an agreement that before I graduate from high school, we will not talk about this. So don¡¯t mention it again, and let me have some peace of mind for the next two years. What¡¯s more, walls have ears. If someone overhears our conversation and Qiu Chenxi learns of it, with her temper, she will definitely stir up trouble. You must remember that in one and a half years¡¯ time, we will have to sit for the college entrance examination.¡±

    Seeing that Shi Qing seemed to have something to say, Qiao Nan gave her a reminder. ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t forget. Apart from Chief Zhai, your dad is Qi Min¡¯s biggest support in the army.¡± Since Chief Zhai would not help her, she would definitely look for Shi Qing¡¯s father to help her solve the problem.

    ¡°Oh, no, how can I forget about this? Qiao Nan, you must go with me. Hurry! My dad is not feeling well. I am afraid my dad will be bullied by the mother and daughter.¡± Shi Qing jumped up. She was too focused on watching the good show that she had forgotten about her father¡¯s problem.

    ¡°He¡¯s your dad. Why should I go?¡± Qiao Nan widened her eyes, staring at Shi Qing who pulled at her.

    ¡°Of course you have to go. We are friends and ssmates. You have to help me,¡± Shi Qing said bluntly. She had just started to studyplicated human rtions and was not familiar with these areas. She was not good enough to deal with her auntie and Qiu Chenxi.

    But Qiao Nan would be able to do it! She had to help her!

    By the time Qiao Nan and Shi Qing rushed there, the siblings, Shi Peng and Qi Min, were already in a quarrel.

    Shi Peng had not fully recovered, and he would always have rpses. After the quarrel with Qi Min, Shi Peng¡¯splexion was very pale and cold sweat had broken out on his forehead. He seemed to be knitting his eyebrows in pain and agony.

    ¡°Auntie, that¡¯s enough! Don¡¯t go overboard! You should know that my dad is not feeling well. All you think about is your daughter! Have you forgotten that your brother is sick!¡± Seeing this situation, Shi Qing was so angry that she wanted to fight it out with Qi Min.

    ¡°What attitude is that! Since you know that I am your auntie, how dare you have no regards for your senior! Didn¡¯t your parents teach you how to behave?¡± Qi Min was used to her overbearing ways in the Shi family. Nobody dared to point fingers at her and lecture her. Besides, Shi Qing was her junior.

    ¡°Yes, you are the senior, but is this how you treat my dad? Chief Zhai...¡±

    Qiao Nan pulled at Shi Qing, stopping her in mid-sentence.

    As the saying went, one should not hit a person in their face, and neither should they expose a person¡¯s shorings when scolding them.

    If Chief Zhai used to ede to every request of Qi Min in the past, today, Qi Min was shamed terribly.

    ¡°Office Shi, I am here with Shi Qing to remind you that it is time for you to go to the military doctor for a follow-up visit. Shi Qing has expected that you would definitely forget about it because of work and neglect your health, so we came to remind you. Hurry, let¡¯s go. We should not keep the military doctor waiting. There are a lot of patients in the army. We can¡¯t waste other people¡¯s time, and we must take care of our health.¡±

    It was not worth it to quarrel with Qi Min and affect his health. Shi Peng still had a daughter.

    He had to take care of himself for his daughter¡¯s sake.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Peng took a deep breath. He did not intend to argue with Qi Min, but his sister was too unreasonable. ¡°Okay, the two of you shall apany me to the military doctor right now. I have finished some of the medicinal pills. It¡¯s time to get some.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I will help you.¡± Even though Shi Qing was furious that Qi Min had aggravated her father¡¯s condition and that she had to let Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi off, but her father¡¯s health was much more important. She was only in a moment of anger. Right now, it was more important to get her father to leave first.

    She would deal with Qiu Chenxi and Qi Minter!

    ¡°Officer Shi, this way.¡± Qiao Nan and Shi Qing each stood on one side of Shi Peng and helped him get up.

    Qi Min stopped Qiao Nan and coldly said, ¡°Is that so? My brother needs to go the military doctor? I am his sister. I can take care of him. Thank you for your kindness. You must be Qiao Nan. I heard that your results are quite good and that you are the top student among the cohort in the final exams. Your results are half a point higher than Qing Qing¡¯s. You must know that since a young age, Qing Qing has never been in second ce. You are indeed capable. Qing Qing has been sulking for a long time because of this.¡±

    It turned out that this was the Qiao Nan whom Chenxi had mentioned to her a couple of times. She paled inparison to Chenxi in terms of looks. Apart from her results which were worth a look, she had nothing to be proud of. It was no wonder that Chenxi was sure that the woman Zhai Sheng liked would never be Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You...¡± Shi Qing knew that Qi Min was trying to sow discord between Qiao Nan and her. She wanted Qiao Nan to have the impression that she bore a grudge against her due to the half a point difference. She was also reminding Shi Qing that it was Qiao Nan who broke her record of being in the first ce. She was telling Shi Qing that both of them could only be enemies and never friends.

    She did not expect that her auntie would do this to her. It was no wonder that her auntie was so heartless toward her father as well!

    Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing to reassure her. Qiao Nan then showed a polite and distant smile to Qi Min. ¡°Of course, Madam Qi and Officer Shi are siblings. You are the best person to take care of Officer Shi. I am sure Madam Qi knows more about Officer Shi¡¯s condition. As it is a chronic illness, the military doctor wants us to observe his condition and report it to him in time. Previously, Comrade Qiu was busy in the army. I have nothing else to do except conducting the ss. Back then, Shi Qing has yet toe to the army, so I helped update the doctor. Now that Officer Shi has so many rtives with him, I can do my homework peacefully. The military doctor has said that given Officer Shi¡¯s condition, he has to go back for follow-up once a week.¡±

 Chapter 553 - Spend Lots of Money

    <h4>Chapter 553: Spend Lots of Money</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Furthermore, the person who takes care of Officer Shi must update the military doctor of his condition in detail. I have noted down Officer Shi¡¯s condition for this week. I will tell you right now. In the future, I will have to trouble Madam Qi toe to the army once a week.¡± Qiao Nan smiled brightly, looking as if she was d that she no longer needed to take on such a troublesome task.

    ¡°Madam Qi must be from Ping Cheng. It¡¯s just nice that Comrade Qiu is in the army. Both of you can take care of Officer Shi. You are his rtives, and most importantly, it is convenient for you. With both of you staying by his side to take care of him, Shi Qing and I can focus on our studies.¡±

    ¡°Every, every week?¡± Qi Min was stunned. She nced at Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi shook her head quietly, suggesting that she did not know the details of Shi Peng¡¯s condition as well.

    After Shi Peng returned to the army, aside from asking him for help, she had not been in contact with him. She had no idea of his condition.

    Qi Min took a deep breath and looked at Qiao Nan with suspicion. ¡°Is it that troublesome? As an outsider, you know much more than me. We will decide what to do in the futureter. For now, since you know the details, you shoulde along with us so that you can update the military doctor. You can demonstrate it once. I will then know what to do in the future.¡±

    Her brother¡¯s health condition had always been like this. It was a recurring problem and it seemed like he could not get better.

    If not for her brother¡¯s health, he would not have been stuck in his current position and had no hopes for promotion. Because of him, she could not be the wife of the chief of the army, and neither could she be the sister of the chief of the army.

    All along, her brother was alone in the army. There was nobody beside him who cared about his health.

    If her brother¡¯s illness required such frequent follow-ups and updates, why did she not hear of it in the past? She did not believe Qiao Nan¡¯s words!

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Let¡¯s go together,¡± Qiao Nan replied with a smile. She did not seem to be caught off guard. ¡°Officer Shi, Shi Qing, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Shi Qing knitted her eyebrows. Qiao Nan had cooked up the whole story. How were they supposed to continue with the lie when they visited the military doctor? Given her auntie¡¯s character, she would stir up more trouble if she found out the truth.

    Shi Peng pinched Shi Qing¡¯s hands, hinting at her to ease her worry.

    ¡°Military doctor, Officer Shi is here for his follow-up. Previously, you wanted me to observe his condition for a week, so I will update you now.¡± As soon as they reached the sickbay, Qiao Nan was the first to speak up. While she was speaking, she looked toward Qi Min as if asking her to listen carefully and take note of what she was doing so that she would be able to do it in the future. ¡°This week, Officer Shi felt weaker. If he spends a long time under the sun, he will feel dizzy. He cannot stand for prolonged periods of time, and he needs to drink lukewarm water. asionally, he will suffer from night sweats and cold sweats. Given these circumstances, what should we pay attention to?¡±

    ¡°Hmm...¡± The military doctor hesitated for a few seconds.

    Given the reaction of the military doctor, Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min had misunderstood that Shi Peng¡¯s condition had worsened. Meanwhile, he was thinking hard as to what medicine he should prescribe for Shi Peng.

    ¡°Military doctor, you said that since the operation, Officer Shi¡¯s wound has notpletely healed. Although the conditions in the army are harsh, Officer Shi has rtives in Ping Cheng. Should we give him some tonics? You don¡¯t have to worry. If there is a need to give him ginseng or velvet antler, Madam Qi and Qiu Chenxi are able to afford them. Their family is well-to-do. The most important thing is that you must find a way to make sure that Officer Shi can recover. As for any other treatments, we will do our best to cooperate.¡±

    Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi turned green at Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Ginseng, velvet antler¡ªthey were familiar with these tonics and the Qiu family had a stock of them. But these tonics were expensive!

    In particr, for Shi Peng¡¯s condition, it would definitely be insufficient to take these tonics once or twice. If he had to take these tonics for a long period of time, he would be a bottomless pit. The Qiu family might be well-to-do, but they could not afford to spend so much money on him.

    ¡°By the way, I heard that bird¡¯s nest is very nutritious. It is not only good for women but men as well. It seems that blood bird¡¯s nest is the best?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan led the military doctor by the nose. Whatever Qiao Nan said, he would go along with her. ¡°But the blood bird¡¯s nest is expensive. The price is several times that of ordinary bird¡¯s nest. I heard that the price is still going up.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it doesn¡¯t matter. As long as Officer Shi can recover, money will not be a problem. Is that right, Madam Qi?¡± Qiao Nan said generously. After all, she would not be the one who spent the money.

    Qi Min kept her mouth shut, almost choking on her own saliva.

    Money would not be a problem?

    Money was the biggest problem!

    She did not even get to eat ordinary bird¡¯s nest frequently, let alone blood bird¡¯s nest. It was too expensive. It was only a small piece, and when it was cooked, it would only amount to a small bowl, yet it was close to a hundred dors. Eating bird¡¯s nest was tantamount to eating banknotes!

    She did not even bear to spend the money on herself, let alone for her brother. Was Qiao Nan crazy?

    Qiu Chenxi did not know about Shi Peng¡¯s health condition, but she knew that those tonics that Qiao Nan mentioned were very expensive. Take for instance the ginseng. Those that were harvested after many years and had a resemnce to the shape of the human body could be astoundingly expensive.

    Shi Peng was the only rtive that the Qiu family had in the army.

    In the unlikely event that Shi Peng¡¯s health deteriorated and he needed to have these expensive tonics, it would cost the Qiu family a bomb. For a moment, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s heart ached for those nutritious foods that she never had in her entire life. There was no way that the Qiu family would spend the money on an outsider.

    Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi had never thought of getting the money they spent on Shi Peng from the Shi family. That was because the Shi family was not well-to-do. They had spent a huge sum of money on Shi Peng¡¯s hospital fees. Besides, there was no way they could save up money as Shi Peng needed to go to the hospital frequently.

    Therefore, the Qiu family had no ways of getting whatever money they spent on Shi Peng back from the Shi family.

    Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi looked sulky.

    After a long while, Qi Min said, ¡°It is not easy to get these tonics. If my brother really needs them, we must definitely get them. Qing Qing, Chenxi and you can stay in the army camp to take good care of your dad. I will go back first to think of ways to get these tonics. Since we are getting them, we must get those of good quality so as to ensure that your dad has enough nourishment to recover as quickly as possible. But you should know that aside from money, it takes time to look for the tonics that are of good quality. They are also rare in quantity. Hence, it will possibly take a longer time. I will inform you as soon as I have good news. Chenxi, you must behave yourself. Don¡¯t create trouble for your uncle. You must take good care of him, do you understand?¡±

 Chapter 554 - Have to Spend a Bomb

    <h4>Chapter 554: Have to Spend a Bomb</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qi Min went to the army camp as she heard that her daughter would be expelled from the army.

    She did not expect that in the blink of an eye, because of what Qiao Nan said, the Qiu family almost had to spend a bomb on Shi Peng!

    Qiu Chenxi looked sulky as well. She had always been taken care of by others, but the tables had been turned on her. Furthermore, she did not have the ability to take care of her uncle. She did not have ginseng, velvet antler, or blood bird¡¯s nest.

    Actually, Qiu Chenxi knew what her mother, Qi Min, had on her mind. Her n was for her to leave the army first and put things off as long as possible.

    However, Qiu Chenxi could not ept that she was the one who was being left behind to deal with the repercussions.

    There were so many people in the army and they all knew of her rtionship with her uncle. If her uncle was not feeling well and needed someone to take care of him, as his niece, there was no way that she could escape this responsibility.

    If Shi Qing asked her for ginseng and velvet antlers, how was she going to get them for her? She did not know magic.

    ¡°Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiu Chenxi responded to Qi Min reluctantly.

    Qi Min gave Qiu Chenxi a meaningful pat on her shoulder. ¡°Chenxi, you must take good care of your uncle. I will go back first. Contact me if there¡¯s any news.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I understand.¡±

    After giving the instructions, Qi Min carried her leather pouch and left in a hurry in her pair of stiletto heels, seemingly fleeing from the army camp.

    Qi Min did not ask Shi Peng to help Qiu Chenxi so that she could continue to stay in the army.

    She was afraid that if she asked her brother for the favor and aggravated his condition, not only was she unable to settle her daughter¡¯s problems, but the Qiu family might also have to spend a bomb to get the tonics for Shi Peng.

    That would be a huge loss for them.

    ¡°Comrade Qiu, don¡¯t worry. Officer Shi is so kind-hearted. Nothing will happen to him. At most, his constitution is not as strong. He will definitely get better when he has the tonics and nourishment.¡± Out of ¡®kind intentions¡¯, Qiao Nan forted¡¯ Qiu Chenxi, who was all alone by herself.

    ¡°Yes, he will get better.¡± Her uncle was a bottomless pit. He was an investment that would only sustain losses and pay no returns.

    If her uncle could recover fully and perform well in the army in the future such that he would get the position of the chief of the army from Uncle Zhai, it was worth it to buy tonics like ginseng and velvet antler for him even though it would be tough on her family.

    But if he could only get slightly better...

    She would rather give these tonics to her grandparents so that they would live for a few more years.

    ¡°Alright, I still have sses today. There¡¯s a lot to prepare. Now that the two of you are with uncle, it should not be a big problem. Qing Qing, take good care of uncle. If anything crops up, you muste to look for me. I can¡¯t possibly neglect so many students in the army because of uncle. You can rest assured that when I finish preparing for the ss, I will definitely help you take care of uncle.¡±

    Since Qi Min had left, Qiu Chenxi had no wish to stay behind.

    ¡°Are you that busy? There is still an entire afternoon. It should not take you long to prepare for the lesson. How about youe over an hourter?¡± Shi Qing sneered. Qiu Chenxi must have been sleeping for the entire morning.

    Preparing for the lessons?

    Given what she taught in ss previously, there was no need for Qiu Chenxi to prepare for the lessons. What she prepared was so terrible!

    ¡°A-an hour? It would not be possible. As you know, I have been away from school for a long time, and my major is not education. I am not familiar with this particr area of knowledge, but I am willing to contribute my time whenever the army needs me. I am willing to do what the army has arranged for me. Hence, I have to spend some time to work on it. Qing Qing, you must understand that I need to put in hard work. Uncle, I am sure that you will be able to understand, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shi Peng said faintly. His sister had already left in a hurry. He did not expect that his niece who was not as close to him to care for him.

    ¡°Uncle, I will go back to prepare for ss. When I am done with this cumbersome task, I wille back to take care of you. Uncle, since you don¡¯t feel well, you must rest more. Don¡¯t strain or overexert yourself. I, I will visit you when I have the time.¡± Qiu Chenxi sighed with relief that she could leave. Like Qi Min, she left the sickbay in a hurry.

    As for the military doctor, he went along with Qiao Nan throughout the conversation and answered the two questions that she asked. He did not say anything else.

    ¡°Doctor Wang, please excuse our behavior.¡± Shi Peng smiled faintly, lest Doctor Wang felt embarrassed.

    Doctor Wang took a deep breath. ¡°No, not at all.¡±

    It seemed that Officer Shi had aplicated rtionship with his family. Even though he was puzzled, fortunately, he did not need to give much response. Otherwise, they might have been discovered.

    ¡°In the future, I will have to trouble Doctor Wang once a week until I leave the army.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. This is what I should do.¡± Doctor Wang dared not say otherwise. In fact, since Officer Shi was not feeling well, he shoulde for follow-up once a week. It was just that Officer Shi refused to do so. He was more than happy that he was willing toe to the sickbay.

    ¡°Doctor Wang, how¡¯s my dad?¡± Shi Qing asked anxiously.

    ¡°I have done a checkup. The operation is a sess. It¡¯s just that Officer Shi needs more rest. It will only be a matter of time before he feels better.¡± Doctor Wang was much at ease when the topic was something that he was familiar with.

    ¡°What about those tonics that Qiao Nan mentioned just now? Should I buy them for my dad? Don¡¯t worry about the price. Just tell me whatever my dad needs to recover. As long as they are good for my dad, I will get them for him.¡± Shi Qing pressed on.

    ¡°This...¡± Doctor Wang was speechless. He did not know how to respond to her question.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan helped him with it. ¡°For those who are in good health, ginseng will be a tonic, but for those who are in poor health, ginseng is a drug, detrimental for the health. It bullies the weak and fears the strong. It is a pity that everyone knows that ginseng is nutritious, but they don¡¯t know how to use it appropriately. As for the bird¡¯s nest, as long as one can afford it, it is suitable for everyone.¡±

    Qiao Nan deliberately spoke of ginseng, velvet antler, and bird¡¯s nest such that Qi Min and her daughter would be scared away by her. She did not expect that Shi Qing, the daughter, would pay particr attention to it.

    This was the difference between someone who really cared and someone who did not.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Shi Qing was perplexed. She looked toward Doctor Wang.

    Doctor Wang nodded quickly. ¡°This is indeed the case. Given Officer Shi¡¯s condition, it¡¯s not suitable for him to have ginseng, but you can have those tonics that are warm and invigorating in nature.¡± However, it was one thing to know what was suitable, and another thing to be able to afford it.

    Bird¡¯s nest was good for the body. As for blood bird¡¯s nest, it was very rare and exceptionally good for the body.

    Nowadays, those that were sold on the market were usually fake. It was difficult to get genuine blood bird¡¯s nests.

 Chapter 555 - To Put On a Full Show

    <h4>Chapter 555: To Put On a Full Show</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If one could not tell the difference, even if they spent a huge sum of money to get them, they might be fake, ones that were dyed artificially.

    Doctor Wang dared not prescribed such stuff.

    Shi Peng smiled and touched his dear daughter on the head. His younger sister and niece were not important to him. For him, the one he held dear was his daughter, Qing Qing. ¡°Okay, there¡¯s no hurry. Doctor Wang has said that as long as I rest well, I will get better. I don¡¯t need to have those tonics and I will be able to recover. I am tired. Help me go back and rest.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Dad, I will help you back,¡± Shi Qing answered her father and went to support Shi Peng on one side.

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a moment before she supported him on the other side.

    Even though Qiao Nan supported Shi Peng by his side, it still took him great effort to walk. Qiao Nan was finally certain that on the journey to the sickbay, Shi Peng indeed felt ufortable. He was not pretending to be sick to deceive Qi Min. He even needed someone to support him to walk.

    ¡°Dad, if you feel ufortable, you must tell me.¡± On the way back, Shi Qing acted like an old woman and kept nagging her father nonstop. She urged him to listen to her and to rest well. There was a worried expression on her face.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Peng agreed to all of her instructions.

    Qiu Chenxi, who hid behind a big tree, noticed that simr to his journey to the sickbay, Shi Peng still needed Qiao Nan and Shi Qing to support him on his way back. He still looked pale and frail. Shi Qing, particrly, was talking nonstop. Even though Qiu Chenxi could not hear what she was talking about, she could probably guess it.

    Seeing how tensed and worried Shi Qing was, Qiu Chenxi wondered whether her uncle was really in such a bad condition.

    She felt gloomy at the possibility of that.

    She had run into serious trouble in the army. Her uncle had yet to help her to solve her problem, but he had submitted his resignation report and was riddled with illness.

    She was her uncle¡¯s rtives, yet when she ran into trouble, he refused to help. She could not understand why she had such a useless uncle.

    She had to me it on her luck!

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan helped Shi Peng back to the office. Thetter sat down and said, ¡°Qing Qing, bring two sses of water here. Look, both of you are perspiring profusely that your clothes are almost wet.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Qing was feeling thirsty as well. She went to pour some water for them.

    After Shi Qing left, Shi Peng looked at Qiao Nan and said suddenly, ¡°Qiao Nan, you are still young. You do not have enough experience. In the future, you must remember. Since you have started it, you must put on a full show. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily. She noticed that Shi Peng¡¯s expression and gaze had changed totally. Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows.

    It took Qiao Nan a long while before she said, ¡°Did Qiu Chenxi or Qi Min give us a back thrust?¡±

    ¡°In your case, you shouldn¡¯t make such a stupid mistake.¡±

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes and listened quietly.

    ¡°You are young, and it¡¯s true that there¡¯s nobody to teach you, but you have to bear in mind that given your situation, you have no chance to make mistakes,¡± Shi Peng said sternly. Qiao Nan could sense the seriousness of his words. It was as if a huge weight was suddenly pressed down on her shoulders.

    ¡°Thank you, Officer Shi. I understand.¡±

    ¡°But I want to thank you for what happened today. Without you, the mother and daughter wouldn¡¯t leave easily. It¡¯s true that I don¡¯t feel well.¡± After lecturing Qiao Nan, Shi Peng went on to thank her.

    If not for Qiao Nan, Shi Peng knew that Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi would not have left so easily. Instead, they would be pestered by them for a long time.

    The bystander was always clear-minded. This was very true.

    Of course, Qiao Nan was clever to be able to react in the shortest possible time and make the best decision for them.

    ¡°No, I want to thank Officer Shi for giving me an unforgettable lesson. I was too careless.¡± She might be smart, but Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were not stupid either. It turned out that this was the reason why Qi Min pinched Qiu Chenxi¡¯s shoulders when she left.

    Qi Min was telling Qiu Chenxi to observe Officer Shi¡¯s condition after she left so as to determine whether Officer Shi was really sick or was feigning illness. She was telling Qiu Chenxi not to be fooled easily.

    ¡°At your age, you should have the chance to make mistakes and learn from them, but there are things that I don¡¯t have to spell them out for you to understand. I¡¯m sure you are capable of that. Since you have made a choice, you have to face the path you have chosen. Unless you decide to give up, you can only walk forward with your teeth set no matter how difficult it is. The path that you have taken has already been set and it is destined that in the future, there is no room for any mistakes.¡±

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status and position, she would have to deal withplicated human rtions in the future.

    If one did not pay attention, one would fall into the abyss.

    If Qiao Nan did not handle them well, not only would she be damned to perdition, but she would also bring great disaster to the Zhai family.

    What happened with Qiu Chenxi was merely a small test. It was simply to let her try her hand at dealing withplicated human rtions.

    Fortunately for Qiao Nan, though she did not understand, she subconsciously knew that she had to help Officer Shi back to his office. Otherwise, Qiao Nan¡¯s effort today would go down the drain. As for Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi, they would go from bad to worse and make things difficult for them.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan kept her silence, Shi Peng was curious. ¡°Do you regret it? You may not have the room to make mistakes, but you still have the chance to regret your decision.¡±

    ¡°No regrets. I¡¯m just slightly nervous and startled.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She could not give up Brother Zhai because of such a small incident, or more urately, a small setback. If she did, she would spurn herself for her whole life.

    ¡°Since you are nervous and startled, it means that you understand and know what I mean. Recently, you have been guiding and giving Qing Qing good advice. Treat this as my show of gratitude toward you.¡± Actually, Zhai Yaohui should be the one to guide his daughter-inw. This had nothing to do with him.

    However, Qiao Nan was indeed smart, and she was especially kind to Qing Qing.

    No matter what the reason was, as the elders, he should give Qiao Nan timely advice.

    In fact, Shi Peng thought highly of Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction and attitude today. She was able to hit the tender spots of Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min, forcing them to leave awkwardly.

    ¡°What show of gratitude are you talking about?¡± Shi Qing, who came back with the drinks, was puzzled.

    Seeing that his daughter was back, Shi Peng could not help but sigh. He had already lectured other people¡¯s daughter-inw. There was no reason that he did not lecture his own daughter. Besides, Qing Qing was interested in learning about it as well. ¡°Qing Qing, do you know what your biggest mistake was today? Why did Qiao Nan stop you from speaking twice?¡±

    ¡°I made a mistake?¡± Shi Qing asked unbelievably. ¡°What have I done wrong?¡±

    It was her auntie and Qiu Chenxi who were overbearing and aggressive. How was it her fault?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, teach her.¡± Shi Peng, who wanted to teach his daughter, was speechless at her expression.

 Chapter 556 - Heart Aches for Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 556: Heart Aches for Qiao Nan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If he was too harsh, he was afraid of hurting his daughter¡¯s heart. If he said it too lightly, he was afraid that his daughter would not understand.

    To put it bluntly, no one could tell that Shi Peng was, in fact, his daughter¡¯s ¡®ve¡¯.

    Qiao Nan, who was suddenly ¡®nominated¡¯, rolled her eyes. He just mentioned about giving her a ¡®favor¡¯ and she had to return it so soon?

    It was impolite not to reciprocate.

    Officer Shi was truly a true-blue Chinese!

    ¡°The mistake you made today is that you nearly changed our original advantageous situation of being morally ethical to a disadvantageous situation of being disrespectful to our elders. You know China¡¯s culture very well. We¡¯re very particr about filial piety. Qi Min is your biological auntie. If you scream and shout at her outside, those who don¡¯t know the reason will certainly assume that you¡¯re in the wrong at first sight. Your dad is a patient, but your auntie is a woman. If you shout at your auntie, in the eyes of other people, your dad is helping you bully Qi Min. In the end, Qi Min will receive the full pity of others, not to mention suffering bone and nerve injuries. Your dad¡¯s political enemies will catch a handle of him and make a mountain out of a molehill because of it. Also, as for you, your name will make it big in the army. Whether this is a good or bad thing, you should know.¡±

    Making a mountain out of a molehill¡ªthis saying was not just all talk.

    If some politicians yed the tactics well, even the smallest matter could be transformed into strong wind or huge waves, or even storms or tornadoes.

    ¡°Qing Qing, you should learn more from Comrade Qiao Nan.¡± His daughter looked confused although Qiao Nan had exined it so clearly and logically. Shi Peng had to admit that he had sheltered his daughter too well in the past. As such, when his daughter stepped into society, she would be easily bullied and shortchanged by others.

    It was useless to have high intelligence quotient. Putting aside the textbook knowledge, the people who did well in the society were always those with high emotional intelligence.

    ¡°Clearly, my auntie was in the wrong, yet this could still happen?¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes and tugged the corners of her mouth. She sneered continuously.

    The wrong became right and vice versa. Wasn¡¯t it pointing to ck and calling it white?

    ¡°Shi Qing, hearing what you said, I feel that you¡¯re a child that just came out from the ivory tower.¡± Undoubtedly, it was a blessing to have such parents. On the contrary, once the parents¡¯ protection was lost when she left the ivory tower, the hardships and sufferings that Shi Qing would encounter would be a multiple of those in her childhood.

    ¡°No choice. I just have one daughter. I¡¯ve spoiled her. In the school, her surname is Shi. She¡¯s intelligent, her results are good, and the teachers like her. Thus, no one will bully her.¡± So far, all of what Shi Qing had experienced was school life.

    ¡°Don¡¯t act mature in front of me. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re the same age as me!¡± Shi Qing would not concede defeat.

    ¡°Same age does not mean the same level of intelligence.¡± Qiao Nan retorted.

    Qiao Nan went to school a year earlier while Shi Qing skipped a grade when she was in the first year of junior high school. Hence, they were of the same age.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t bicker anymore. Qing Qing, you should already understand why now. Don¡¯t you owe Qiao Nan a word of thanks?¡± Shi Peng did not know whether tough or cry. Clearly, Qing Qing was always quite mature and act like an elder person. Why did she seem so childish in front of Qiao Nan?

    Did she lose herself because of love? It should not be. Qing Qing was not even like that in front of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I¡¯ve given her such a thick Oxford Dictionary. Haven¡¯t I thanked her enough?¡± Shi Qing was really feeling sullen. It was fine that she could notpete with Qiao Nan on her grades. Why did she also lose to Qiao Nan so much in rtionship matters?

    ¡°Certainly. Compared to the two superficial words ¡®thank you¡¯, I prefer something more practical,¡± Qiao Nan said in a worldly-wise manner.

    ¡°Sour.¡± Shi Qing gulped down the cup of water into her tummy. It was as if she was trying to extinguish the fire of anguish in her caused by Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Dad, after today¡¯s matter, auntie and Qiu Chenxi won¡¯te and kick up a fuss again, will they?¡±

    Her father had to rest. Before he left the army, he was definitely going to be busy.

    If he had to deal with the trouble created by Qiu Chenxi and auntie every now and then, how could her father get well?

    ¡°At the very least, we should be safe for a period of time,¡± Shi Peng said coldly. Visiting him meant that the Qiu family would have to spend a lot of money. Qi Min was already used to taking and not giving. His parents also thought that they could benefit from Qi Min because of thetter¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Yaohui. They believed that the Shi family would eventually need to rely on Qi Min, the daughter who was married to others.

    At the thought of this, there was a sh of sarcasm in Shi Peng¡¯s eyes.

    In the past, didn¡¯t the Qiu family also ept Qi Min and let Qiu Qin marry Qi Min because of this reason?

    Shi Qing was in such fury that she clenched her fist and mmed it hard on the table. ¡°Qiao Nan, promise me that you must not let Qiu Chenxi get her way. You have to marry Zhai... Anyway, your marriage with him has to be sessful. You have to drive Qiu Chenxi and auntie to their graves. They are mostcent now, but isn¡¯t that because Qiu Chenxi nearly got engaged to Brother Zhai? Now, she already lost the affirmation of all the members of the Zhai family. I would like to wait and see how arrogant she can be.¡±

    So, the greatest reason that her grandparents were so good to Qiu Chenxi was the Zhai family?

    At the thought that this was quite far-fetched and that her grandparents still wanted to make the effort and harbored such an idea, Shi Qing felt sad and pitiful.

    That infuriated look on Shi Qing¡¯s reddened face made Shi Peng and Qiao Nan understand that this youngdy who just walked out from the ivory tower was beginning to be enlightened.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. You all should go back and do your own things. There¡¯s no issue at my side now. Qiao Nan, do well for the ss tonight. I think there are only a few sses left. Don¡¯t let it have a strong start but a weak finish.¡± Due to this event, Qiao Nan earned a very good reputation in the army.

    Besides the politicalmissar and the Zhai family who addressed Qiao Nan as Comrade Xiao Qiao, all the other people in the army, from junior ordinary soldiers to battalionmanders, addressed her as Teacher Xiao Qiao respectfully.

    Considering Qiao Nan¡¯s age, able to make battalionmanders address her as a teacher was definitely an experience and merit that others of her age could not achieve.

    ¡°Thanks, Officer Shi, for the reminder. Will do.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. Her expression turned more serious.

    Initially, she came to give sses due to her master. However, after hearing Officer Shi¡¯s words, she felt that she had to shoulder more pressure. Seemingly, if she did not teach well, it would affect the case of her marrying into the Zhai family in the future. It would even affect the number of people who would be affirmative and epting of her.

    Clearly, it was a very simple matter but it had be soplicated. Qiao Nan did not know what to say.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan looking unhappy when she left, Shi Qing stayed back for a while. ¡°Dad, you kept telling Qiao Nan all these. Aren¡¯t you afraid of frightening her badly? She¡¯s just an eighteen-year-olddy. Too much pressure will crush someone.¡± At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Shi Qing felt her heart aching for Qiao Nan. It seemed that Qiao Nan had a difficult road ahead of her.

 Chapter 557 - Touching

    <h4>Chapter 557: Touching</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If not for the sake of being together with Brother Zhai, Qiao Nan¡¯s life could, in fact, be very carefree and happy.

    ¡°Qiao Nan has better tolerance of stress than you. It¡¯s clear from your auntie¡¯s matter that she¡¯s actually very quick-witted and agile in handling problems. She¡¯s quite a bright youngdy. The Zhai family is very blessed to be able to meet such an intelligentdy. Unfortunately, you¡¯re not a man.¡±

    It was fine that his daughter was not intelligent enough. Unfortunately, his daughter could not ¡®kidnap¡¯ the intelligentdy from another family.

    Shi Qing pulled a long face. ¡°How do you know I definitely won¡¯t be able to kidnap a bright and intelligent son-inw back?!¡± She was a girl. Of course, she could not be together with Qiao Nan. But she could find a husband that was simr to Qiao Nan! Would that not do?

    ¡°Is that so? Then, I shall wait and see. Your emotional intelligence is a little low. Find me a son-inw who¡¯s better in emotional intelligence. Then, our Shi family will be able to burn incense and thank our ancestors. When the timees, if the other party is also an only child, you will then give birth to two children and one of the children will take our surname. Then, our Shi family will really have someone to carry on the family line.¡±

    Why was there a need for a son? Would this not do as well?

    Shi Qing tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°You¡¯re happy about this. Will grandpa and grandma be pleased?¡± The child given birth by their granddaughter was not the real paternal great-grandchild!

    ¡°I¡¯ll acknowledge the grandchild. I¡¯m happy to do so!¡± Shi Peng did not even wish to talk about the situation of the Shi family. ¡°Alright, Qiao Nan has already gone back. You should go back soon too. One is marked by thepany one keeps. I hope you will be influenced by Qiao Nan and improve your emotional intelligence. I can¡¯t be vicious to you but Qiao Nan can. In the future, regardless of whether Qiao Nan¡¯s advice to you sounds good or not, you have to reflect on them carefully. Don¡¯t reject everything because of your bad temper. With that bad temper of yours, besides Qiao Nan, most likely, I can¡¯t find you another friend who can subdue you.¡±

    Shi Peng understood her daughter very well.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were not better than his daughter, and the way Qiao Nan handled situations was many times more mature than her, his daughter would have raised a rumpus. His daughter listened to Qiao Nan now as thetter was better than her in everything. She was thus subdued.

    At the thought of his daughter¡¯s intelligence and physical strength, Shi Peng was, in fact, most worried whether he could really find a son-inw.

    It was not easy for a talent such as Qiao Nan to appear. For another simr individual to appear, and it had to be a man, it was simply searching for a needle in the sea.

    Even if he could not be a paternal grandfather, it was fine if he could be a maternal one.

    Previously, Zhai Sheng was a suitable candidate. Now that Zhai Sheng belonged to Qiao Nan, Shi Peng started to feel worried for his daughter.

    After Qiao Nan finished memorizing one-fifth of the Oxford Dictionary, her ¡®teaching career¡¯ in the army was alsoing to an end. ¡°Okay, this is myst lesson with you, so let¡¯s cherish our final ss.¡±

    The two sentences in English spoken by Qiao Nan stunned the audience for a moment. They could not understand most of the words. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan had taught the word st¡¯ before. Hence, everyone knew the meaning of that word.

    There was also once when Qiao Nan taught everyone to daringly try to guess the meaning of the sentence based on the standalone words that they had learned so far.

    In addition, Qiao Nan had been teaching in the army for some time. Hence, everyone could quickly guess what this sentence possibly meant. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re leaving?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the army¡¯s event is about toe to an end.¡±

    ¡°Then, what do we do if we wish to continue learning English? Actually, what we¡¯ve learned is very, very little...¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± If Teacher Xiao Qiao was gone, they would forget everything that they had learned if they did not practice it for some time. It had not been easy for them to pick up English. What should they do?

    ¡°After all, we¡¯ve known each other for half a month. I have something to give you.¡± Qiao Nan was happy. She had only taught them for less than a month and the soldiers¡¯ reactions were really adorable. She remembered that she did not even feel so worried and sad when she graduated from elementary school. ¡°Due to time and resources constraints, I didn¡¯t prepare a lot of gifts. They are handmade and definitely not expensive. I know that some of you are very interested in learning English butck the opportunities to do so. Some of you want to learn not just how to pronounce but also to pronounce urately. Hence, a few days ago, I¡¯ve sent something to all yourpanymanders in the army, a set of alphabet cards and a cassette on pronunciation which I recorded on my own. There are many people in the army. With the help of my friends and the counselor, I only managed to produce a few sets. There was not enough to go around. Everyone, please share them.¡±

    ¡°Of course, those who are interested can also prepare your own materials during the learning opportunities organized by thepanymander. It¡¯s just a set of alphabet cards. The gift is very simple. I hope everyone doesn¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you gave us something. We don¡¯t have anything for you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we should be the one giving you something. Why did you give things to us instead?¡±

    At this juncture, many people felt sad and unhappy. There was a feeling in their heart that they could not express clearly in words.

    Everyone recalled the first lesson when no one seemed to look up at this Teacher Xiao Qiao who looked petite, skinny, and weak. They even thought that the army was joking with them, asking in their heart why they invited a child to teach them the Englishnguage.

    Unexpectedly, the half a month that was initially believed to be boring and hard to pass by was actually over without them even realizing it.

    Most importantly, everyone knew that although this gift of Qiao Nan was not costly, the thoughts in it were more precious than gold. Even money could not buy it.

    Having been soldiers for many years, besides family members, they rarely felt so touched by such sincerity from outsiders.

    This group of big and tall grown-up men was so touched by the words as well as the sincere and thoughtful gift of Qiao Nan. They were so dumbfounded that they could not utter a word for some time.

    Nevertheless, they did not know that they were not the only ones who were touched. Qiao Nan also felt the same way.

    She had only given them some handmade and cheap alphabet cards and these already made the receiving party so touched. This waspletely different from the culture in the 21st century, the timeline she came from, which was full of material desires.

    When Qiao Nan, who was used to being treated indifferently, saw the soldiers who were so easily contented, her eyes turned slightly red and she almost cried. ¡°Today is myst lesson. We¡¯ve maintained a happy atmosphere for such a long time. I hope it will not be an exception today. Let¡¯s work toward having a happy ending.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you really can¡¯t stay for a longer period of time?¡± someone asked with a sullen voice. ¡°A student¡¯s summer vacation should be about two months, right?¡±

 Chapter 558 - Take Over Everything

    <h4>Chapter 558: Take Over Everything</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head regretfully. ¡°I¡¯m a senior high school student. My studies are heavier. Others may have two months of summer vacation but not me. Our school¡¯s lessons resume half a month earlier and we have to participate in training sses. The school also gave us a lot of homework. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    For an ordinary student, one-third of the summer vacation had passed. But for Qiao Nan, half of the vacation was already over.

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, everyone fell silent.

    Obviously, even if Teacher Xiao Qiao was willing to remain in the army camp to teach them English, she was unable to do so.

    Would they allow Teacher Xiao Qiao to sacrifice her studies for the sake of their small passion? That would be repaying kindness with ingratitude!

    Everyone had good intentions. However, the reality was that it was not feasible.

    Perhaps it was because Qiao Nan said this before themencement of the ss that the atmosphere was not as good as before thereafter. Nevertheless, everyone was paying attention and more conscientious. It was thest lesson and everyone especially cherished thest moments.

    ¡°Thank you for everyone¡¯s cooperation. You¡¯re dismissed!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was aware that today was Qiao Nan¡¯sst lesson.

    Upon hearing that the atmosphere in Qiao Nan¡¯s ss was apparently not as good as before, Qiu Chenxiughed. So what if Qiao Nan was very good? She did not belong to the army and would have to leave the ce sooner orter.

    After Qiao Nan was gone, she would be the only English teacher left in the army.

    At that time, no matter how many people¡¯s hearts Qiao Nan was able to win over, everyone would eventually acknowledge her, Qiu Chenxi, as the only teacher. Qiao Nan would definitely be forgotten.

    When she thought of the wrong move that she had made previously in order to shorten the distance between the lousy soldiers and her, and to gain the favors of Uncle Zhai and Brother Zhai, Qiu Chenxi felt very regretful.

    During the past half a month, Qiu Chenxi realized that there was a huge difference between the soldiers addressing her as Comrade Qiu and Qiao Nan as a teacher. Although Qiao Nan was very young, she insisted the soldiers call her teacher.

    Everyone was, in fact, one another¡¯srades. In addition, the address rade¡¯ was clearly not casual but seemed to have be so in her case. It was unlike when they addressed Qiao Nan as a teacher. Although Qiao Nan was very young, there always seemed to be some respect in their tone when they addressed her as such.

    At the thought of the differential treatment, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale.

    She was a college graduate from a reputable college but, in the army, she was being treated worse than a senior high school student. That was so absurd!

    The students in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss had left long ago, but she deliberately waited and refused to leave. She wanted to wait until Qiao Nan came over.

    When she saw Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi went up to her with quickened steps. ¡°Qiao Nan, I heard that today¡¯s lesson was yourst. It¡¯s really such a pity. But you don¡¯t need to worry. The effort that you¡¯ve put in and the foundation that you have built will definitely not be wasted. I¡¯ll continue to teach the soldiers.¡±

    When the leaders came to observe the situation in the army camp and saw that everyone had improved, she would be the only one teaching English in the army then. As such, she would be the only one who would take the credit for the progress made in the army!

    Qiao Nan wanted topete with her?

    She was too green!

    The feeling of having your hard work benefiting others was not that good.

    However, this time, she would enjoy the fruits of thebor thanks to Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Nan immediately knew that Qiu Chenxi was deliberately waiting for her.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiu Chenxi lowered her voice. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re the one who refused a toast only to drink a forfeit. I¡¯ve already given you so many chances. Very soon, you¡¯ll know the oue of being at odds with me. You¡¯re a smart person and should not make foolish decisions. If you¡¯re willing to give up on Brother Zhai and tell me about that woman, I can give you onest chance.¡±

    She did not like other women targeting Brother Zhai, especially Qiao Nan, who was favored more by the Zhai family than that woman who was hidden.

    ¡°Thank you for giving me another chance but I don¡¯t need it.¡± Qiao Nanughed. Until this moment, Qiu Chenxi refused to give up her evil designs. Shepletely understood this point. However, she could not understand why Qiu Chenxi was so confident about taking over her students.

    ¡°Comrade Qiu, I hope you can still smile when tomorrowes. It¡¯s veryte. I need to go back and rest. When I leave tomorrow, I still need to go through half a day of journey on the car. I have to rest well today. Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Stubborn.¡± Qiu Chenxi snorted scornfully.

    It was fine that Qiao Nan was not tactful. Anyway, she would be the one picking up the bargain.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, hurry, the car should already be waiting for us.¡± Shi Qing, who was driven and swift in actions, had already finished packing her own luggage. In actual fact, she did not bring much to the army camp. She often came to the army and already had all the clothing ready in the camp. She just needed to bring herself.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Qiao Nan zipped the bag and wiped away the sweat on her forehead. ¡°The weather is terribly warm. I¡¯m sweating all over with just a little physical activity. How ufortable.¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan wished that she had something like an air-conditioner.

    The problem was that air-conditioner was an extremely raremodity during this era.

    Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan and asked her to move away. ¡°Look at how weak you are. Forget it. I¡¯ll help you carry your bag. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re definitely outstanding in other aspects but you¡¯re too weak physically. To put it bluntly, what if you and Zhai..., no, you and that person argue? You can¡¯t win against that person with your lung capacity, let alone physically.¡±

    ¡°Arguing relies on intelligence, not lung capacity. It¡¯s not as if they¡¯repeting on tongue-twisting, that the one who can¡¯t continue with the tongue twister will lose.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless as she pursed her lips. She felt that Shi Qing¡¯s analogy was too unreal.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not taking the car of the Zhai family back? Auntie Miao invited you a few times.¡± Shi Qing looked sullen. Clearly, Auntie Miao liked Qiao Nan a lot and even saw thetter as her own daughter. Why did Qiao Nan tell her that Auntie Miao was the biggest and most difficult problem that she and Brother Zhai had to ovee? It was unbelievable.

    Qiao Nan walked over to Shi Qing and expressed that they could leave now. ¡°Not going. Master was the one who sent me here. If the people from the Zhai Family send me home instead, I¡¯m worried that my dad will let his thoughts go astray.¡±

    ¡°Your dad knows?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he does.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such an obedient daughter.¡± She dared to tell her father about her puppy love. So daring! But she liked it. ¡°Your dad didn¡¯t object to it?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t agree either. The difference is too great.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a normal reaction. Then, who in the Zhai family knows?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua knows.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua will definitely be supportive. She¡¯s not a problem. PASS.¡± Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder a nudge. ¡°What¡¯s the situation with Chief Zhai?¡±

    After looking at the busybody Shi Qing from the corners of her eyes, Qiao Nan replied with a headache, ¡°Asking me this kind of question, aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll be hurt after hearing the answer?¡±

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve already been hurt before. My brain has long fallen to the ground. There is a scar asrge as a bowl. How long do you want me to feel hurt?¡± Shi Qing deliberately pretended that she did not care. Alright, she was asking for it. It was fine if Qiao Nan did not say. If she did, her heart would ache.

 Chapter 559 - The Ten-Mile Military Song Send-off

    <h4>Chapter 559: The Ten-Mile Military Song Send-off</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, after the heartache, she still wished to know the answer. ¡°Come on, to the point. One word, know, or two words, don¡¯t know!¡±

    ¡°Know.¡±

    There was an expression of shock on Shi Qing¡¯s face. ¡°He didn¡¯t object?!¡±¦²©»(@¥í@;)©¿ (She was spewing expletives)

    If Chief Zhai had objected, then Qiao Nan would have already been kicked out of the army even though Elder Lin brought her there. To her knowledge, there were many interactions between Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai through this opportunity. This was earth-shaking news.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her temple as she felt her head ached. ¡°It seems that he¡¯s adopting an attitude simr to that of my dad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not bad.¡± Shi Qing breathed a sigh of relief for Qiao Nan. ¡°This one is the head of the family. As long as he acquiesces, you will be able to ovee the other one eventually. Your current situation is quite optimistic.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m unable to feel optimistic.¡± Qiao Nan could not understand. After Shi Qing was saddened, why was she so enthusiastic about the matter between Brother Zhai and her? ¡°Hurry, don¡¯t let my master wait.¡±

    ¡°Youngdies are youngdies. You take your time when you pack up.¡± Lin Yuankang smiled bitterly as he shook his head. Nevertheless, that indulging look in his eyes was obvious when he looked at Qiao Nan. No one would believe that Lin Yuankang was chiding Qiao Nan for arrivingte. He even seemed very proud to have this little female disciple.

    It was normal for a woman to let a man wait. It was also normal that a man waited for a woman.

    ¡°Nan Nan, quickly put the luggage in... Oh, Shi Qing is carrying them. Hurry up and put the luggage in the car boot. We have to go back. Otherwise, the sky will be dark when we reach Ping Cheng. Your dad will then be worried again.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Qing swiftly put away the luggage in the boot. She then voluntarily sat together with Qiao Nan at the back passenger seat and let Elder Lin take the front seat.

    Just as the engine of the car started, all of a sudden, Qiao Nan could hear a loud and resonant song from behind.

    The sun sets in the west with a red glow in the sky.

    Soldiers return to the camp from shooting practice, return to the camp.

    Red flowers on the chests form a picture of rosy clouds.

    Happy songs fill the air.

    ...

    Mi suo mi sao

    La suo mi dao ruai

    Praise our shooting it is the best.

    One, two, three, four.

    ¡°Return from the Shooting Practice?¡± Shi Qing scratched her head. Why did the people in the army suddenly sing this song without an apparent reason? It sounded quite pleasant.

    Qiao Nan seemed to have thought of something. She opened her eyes and quickly rolled down the window of the car. She then stuck her head out of the window. She saw the neat and gentle camouge green colors which exuded a sense of security arranged in a formation. It was as if she was looking at a stretch of hills. As the only rose among the thorns, the female counselor was standing at the side. She gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up when she saw Qiao Nan looking back, silently telling her that this was the gift that the army would like to give to her. It was to thank Qiao Nan foring as well as to send her off. Moreover, they looked forward to Qiao Nan¡¯s return.

    Shi Qing also followed suit and stuck her head out to watch. ¡°This song is especially sung for you?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not reply to Shi Qing. She was waving her hands hard at the most adorable people in the country.

    Qiao Nan was waving with such force as though her arms were going to break. At the sight of this, the soldiers could not help raising their voices and singing even louder. Although the car had been driven to a considerable distance away, Qiao Nan could still hear the song ¡®Return from the Shooting Practice¡¯ vaguely and intermittently. Nevertheless, it sounded so pleasant!

    ¡°You¡¯re going to cry?¡± Shi Qing sniffed and asked.

    All these years, Shi Qing had been to the army camp frequently and was already used to it. The army camp was like her second home. Nevertheless, she had never seen this happening. Hence, Shi Qing had never felt this way before.

    It was only on this asion that Shi Qing could feel the same as Qiao Nan. ¡± feel so wronged. In the past, many people addressed me as their little junior, but why didn¡¯t anyone sing for me whenever I left?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel wronged. Do you think Qiu Chenxi will be able to hear this army song when she leaves the camp?¡± Qiao Nan blinked away the tears in her eyes. When she first came to the army, the female counselor was unknowingly trying to find out some of her hobbies.

    She had thought that the female counselor purely wanted to understand her situation. She thus told her that she actually did not like to listen to pop songs. She liked listening to military songs most. In fact, she was never tired of listening to the song ¡®Return from the Shooting Practice¡¯.

    When she was a child, Ding Jiayi was unwilling to bother about Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan did not know why she had to receive such unequal treatment although she was clearly also her mother¡¯s daughter. At that time, Qiao Nan felt like crying as she felt unhappy.

    Ding Jiayi did not care about Qiao Nan. Only Qiao Dongliang did.

    Qiao Dongliang did not have any experience of raising a child, and neither did he know how to appease a child.

    Each time this happened, to appease Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang would carry Qiao Nan and sing to her, again and again, all the military songs that he knew of.

    When Qiao Nan heard the part ¡®Mi suo mi sao, La suo mi dao ruai¡¯ of the song, her tears would always turn intoughter. She would nod and p. Her thin and tiny body, which was in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arms, would follow the rhythm of the song and move in momentum.

    ¡°This certainly won¡¯t do!¡± Shi Qing pped the back of her seat hard. ¡°This won¡¯t do. When I arrive at hometer, I¡¯ll definitely call my dad and ask him. If Qiu Chenxi gets to listen to a song and I don¡¯t, when I go to the army camp next time, I want to challenge them!¡± They had really forgotten the power of their little junior. They were not taking her seriously, were they?

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, shouldn¡¯t you feel at ease? You, this little junior, is quite scary when you show your power. Even Zhu Baoguo was defeated by you. I believe there are many others whom you have defeated in the army. As grown-up men, they were beaten down by a youngdy. It¡¯s so embarrassing. After all, Qiu Chenxi was once their teacher who has taught them a few lessons. If you are given the same treatment as her, at the very least, it will prove that you¡¯re much more important than Qiu Chenxi. Do you think this makes sense?¡± Wasn¡¯t it easy if Qiao Nan wanted to console Shi Qing? Just a few words would do the trick.

    ¡°There¡¯s some logic here.¡± Shi Qing nodded in a straightforward manner. Anyway, as long as she was not treated worse than Qiu Chenxi, she did not care about anything else.

    ¡°Once we¡¯re away from the camp, the weather feels so hot. I feel like the drooping flowers scorched by the sun. I¡¯m going to nap for a while. Wake me up when we reach Ping Cheng.¡± Qiao Nan was able to fall asleep easily in the car. Lin Yuankang was old and could not withstand the fatigue of traveling. His situation was not any better than Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    ¡°Fine. Both master and disciple are old and weak, ill and disabled.¡± When she saw Lin Yuankang and Qiao Nan leaning on their seats and resting with their eyes closed, Shi Qing sneered at them.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡±

    ¡°Ha.¡±

    The old and the young master-disciple pair sneered. They did not take issue with Shi Qing. They had well-developed brains, unlike Shi Qing who had well-developed limbs.

    On the other hand, Qiu Chenxi had assumed that she could dominate the army upon Qiao Nan¡¯s departure and take credit for all of what Qiao Nan taught. Never did she expect the politicalmissar to give her direct blow on the head that left her dazed and seeing stars. ¡°Politicalmissar, you... What did you say?¡±

 Chapter 560 - â€˜Fatedâ€™ to Meet

    <h4>Chapter 560: ¡®Fated¡¯ to Meet</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I believe I have made myself clear.¡± The politicalmissar put down the pen in his hand and looked at Qiu Chenxi in a serious and cold manner. ¡°Furthermore, the army has already preempted you about this matter ten days ago and asked you to be prepared for it. If you didn¡¯t receive the message, fine, I¡¯ll get that person here to rify how he passed you the message!¡±

    ¡°No, politicalmissar, now that Qiao Nan has left, I¡¯m the only one in the army who knows how to teach English. How could you all...¡± Yes, ten days ago, she did receive the message that the politicalmissar would be expelling her from the army and asked her to leave.

    However, if both she and Qiao Nan were gone, there would be no one left to teach English in the army.

    Taking advantage of this fact, Qiu Chenxi was waiting for Qiao Nan to leave so that she could secure her ce in the army. No one could make her leave then.

    She did not expect that although Qiao Nan had already left today, the politicalmissar actually insisted that she left. How, how could this be!

    The politicalmissar clenched his fists lightly and gave a knock on the table with his knuckles. ¡°Of course we can. The matter of you being expelled from the army was done in ordance with the procedures. There¡¯s no mistake in this. If you¡¯re not convinced, you can also ask the Qiu family to investigate. What I have done did not let down the country, party, or organization. I also did not let down the army!¡±

    ¡°Politicalmissar, you have misunderstood me. I do not doubt you. It¡¯s not easy for the army to have organized such an event. The oue seems to be quite good. There¡¯s no reason to give it up halfway. I don¡¯t have any other capabilities but my English is quite good. I just want to contribute to the army. Politicalmissar, what do you think about this?¡± She was not daring enough to doubt the politicalmissar¡¯s capability, but if they allowed her to stay in the army, the army would have an English teacher free of charge. It would be a win-win situation. What was bad about it?

    As for Qiao Nan, no matter how well she could teach, the politicalmissar could forget about it.

    She had graduated from college but Qiao Nan was still schooling. Furthermore, Qiao Nan was in her critical years of senior high school studies.

    When Qiao Nan had the opportunity toe to the army camp to teach English again, the people in the army would have long forgotten everything that Qiao Nan had taught them previously.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to consider.¡± The politicalmissar declined firmly. ¡°Comrade Qiu, I hope you don¡¯t misunderstand me. This decision is nothing personal. You must know that the army is a very big and structured organization. It¡¯s everyone¡¯s unanimous decision to let you leave the army. Alright, we¡¯ve settled most of the administrative matters. You can take your belongings and leave the camp. You should know the rules of the army. People who do not belong to the army can¡¯t stay here.¡±

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s unanimous decision? Who were involved?!¡± Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. She was truly unaware that so many people wanted her to leave the army.

    After she joined the army, she abided by the rules and regtions. She had not done any bad things. Why couldn¡¯t they all see eye to eye with her and wanted her to leave instead?

    ¡°Regarding this... You don¡¯t need to know. Alright, hurry up and leave.¡± The politicalmissar waved his hand. There were only that many people in the army, and only a handful of them could decide on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s whereabouts. Qiu Chenxi was asking a silly question. Of course, she was pretending to be sillier.

    ¡°...¡± Tears welled up in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes. It was as if they would roll down her eyes at any moment. ¡°Politicalmissar, is there really no way to reinvestigate this? I really like the army very much. I like the atmosphere when everyone is together. I can¡¯t bear to leave the army and my many dearrades here. Politicalmissar, can we think of other ways? You tell me. I¡¯ll think of ways to do and resolve it. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

    The politicalmissar looked at Qiu Chenxi ridiculously. ¡°You like the army? You¡¯ve joined the army for about six months, right? Besides this month, did your total time spent in the camp even add up to a month? Do you know that your situation is theplete opposite of the otherrades in the army? Not to mention six months, even if it¡¯s a year, the total amount of time that you spent in the army is just a month. Manyrades in the army did not even go home for more than half a month. You like the army? Pardon my poor eyesight. I really can¡¯t tell.¡±

    The youngdy from the Qiu family was strong-tempered, delicate, and precious. He could understand this.

    However, could she not lie through her teeth? Who was the shameful one?

    ¡°Alright, wipe your tears. In the army, and in my eyes, you¡¯re just an ordinaryrade. There¡¯s nothing about gender and family background. These tears are useless on me.¡± They might work a little on those new recruits outside. In front of him, shedding a few tears was very unsightly.

    Qiu Chenxi looked down and gritted her teeth, feeling unjustified. ¡°But, politicalmissar, I¡¯m not going back. If I make a call back to the Qiu family to fetch me now, it¡¯ll most probably be dark by the time they arrive.¡± She did not know whether the ¡®everyone¡¯ mentioned by the politicalmissar included the Zhai family. Nevertheless, that uncle of hers, who favored an outsider instead of someone on his own side, was certainly involved.

    Despite clearly knowing how important Brother Zhai was to her, he refused to help her and even bullied her along with the others.

    She had started to suspect if her uncle felt any sense of guilt each time she called him uncle!

    Since her uncle was biased toward Shi Qing and Qiao Nan, then he should not me her for making any decisions in the future that did not benefit the Shi family. Since her uncle was not kind to her, she would not be loyal to him.

    An eye for an eye. They would take turns then!

    The politicalmissar took his pen and started to work on official matters. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. You can sit in one of the army vehicles that are going to Ping Cheng today. After all, you¡¯re a formerrade of our army and even taught us a few days of English. With this, the army will definitely take care of you. We won¡¯t make things difficult for you.¡±

    The politicalmissar had already said this. Regardless of whether Qiu Chenxi was willing to leave, she could no longer find any excuse to stay for another day.

    ¡°I see. Then, I¡¯ll thank the politicalmissar and the organization for the arrangement.¡± Qiu Chenxi tried hard to soothe her expression. If she definitely had to leave, she would certainly not waste any more tears on the people who were not worth it.

    She was kicked out today, but one day, she would make these people in the army invite her back in a respectful and courteous way!

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. This is what we should do,¡± the politicalmissar said, sounding aloof, but he did not miss that look of resentment in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Politicalmissar, I¡¯ll leave first. Goodbye. I hope that if there¡¯s fate, we will meet again.¡± Qiu Chenxi sneered and left a vicious statement: We would wait and see in the future!

    The politicalmissar was both angry and amused. Having seen so many young people, Qiu Chenxi was definitely not the first one to be expelled but she was the first one who dared to threaten him.

    He was curious though. What good luck did the Qiu family run into? Were they going to be extremely sessful in their official careers? Or was it that they would be the only ones in the whole China who could have a say?

    ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll meet again if it¡¯s fated to be.¡± No issue. He would wait and see if such a day woulde for the Qiu family.

 Chapter 561 - I Think That Iâ€™m a Good Uncle Too

    <h4>Chapter 561: I Think That I¡¯m a Good Uncle Too</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For Qiu Chenxi to have such huge ¡®ambitions and goals¡¯ was a ¡®good¡¯ thing. ¡°Good¡±.

    Given the fact that the Qiu family could have such ady like Qiu Chenxi, he was definitely willing to believe that such a day woulde for the Qiu family!

    Before Qiu Chenxi left, she went to see Shi Peng. ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m going to leave the army today. Your health is not good. Previously, Qing Qing was by your side to take care of you, so my mom and I felt more assured. Now that Qing Qing is going back to school, and I¡¯ll be leaving the army too, what will happen to you in the future? At the thought that you have no one by your side to take care of you when you feel unwell, and that there won¡¯t be anyone to get you a cup of hot tea, I can¡¯t help being worried.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi wiped her tears and sniffed. She was staring at Shi Peng with watery eyes, hoping for Shi Peng to say something.

    Shi Peng took a sip of tea to soothe his heart. He had a ¡®fright¡¯ when he heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words. ¡°You can be assured about this matter. The people in the army are aware of my health condition. They have already arranged a male nurse to take care of me for the time being until I leave the army. Initially, I was reluctant to use so much of the army¡¯s resources for my personal matters. But the situation is different now. I have submitted my resignation letter. Sooner orter, I¡¯ll leave the army. Hence, I won¡¯t be able to utilize too much of these resources too. Chenxi, I¡¯m d that you¡¯re concerned about my health. Rest assured. There won¡¯t be any problem. When I leave the army, if you¡¯re sincere and wish to take care of me, there¡¯ll be opportunities to do so.¡±

    However, if Qiu Chenxi wished to use this as an excuse and ride on his reputation to stay in the army, he could only say that Qiu Chenxi was smart but it was too bad. Her strategy would not work.

    ¡°Uncle, we are all rtives. I¡¯m really concerned about you and wish to take care of you. Are you really not going to fulfill this little wish of mine?¡± She met with obstacles at the politicalmissar¡¯s office. Now, she had to face the same situation with Shi Peng. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression was very ugly.

    ¡°Fulfill? Your filial thoughts are hard toe by. How can I not fulfill it? I¡¯ve said that we¡¯ll have a lot of time and opportunities in the future. There¡¯s no need to be anxious now.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi pursed her lips in a cold and menacing manner. ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m very disappointed in you. I thought that we¡¯re close kin and you¡¯d definitely help me. After all, this is not something difficult. It¡¯s just a small matter.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Peng looked at Qiu Chenxi in the face. ¡°You said that we¡¯re close kin. Then, as your elder, I¡¯m only going to say this once. If something does not belong to you, regardless of what methods you use, you won¡¯t get anything in the end. I think your mom¡¯s situation already tells you everything. You¡¯re still young and should not waste your time in this way. Work hard. You can only rely on yourself to have a truly good future.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiu Chenxipletely could not heed Shi Peng¡¯s kind advice. ¡°I¡¯ve just been a teacher for a few days, but it seems that uncle wants to be a teacher more than me. All these maxims... Uncle, you have to remember them well and say them again to Qing Qing.¡±

    It was Shi Qing. She was clearly aware of her rtionship with Brother Zhai, yet she stubbornly wanted to intervene. Uncle was also helping the wicked perpetrate evil deeds.

    Shi Qing wanted to rob her things, robbing her happy and bright future.

    The one who should rely on her own hard work to achieve everything was Shi Qing and not her. Her uncle had said those words to the wrong person.

    ¡°Qing Qing is doing very well.¡± Qing Qing did not need him to teach her. She already knew when to let go when needed. She knew that she would be the one getting hurt otherwise.

    His own daughter did not even make him so worried but, unfortunately, Qiu Chenxi distorted his kind intentions to this extent.

    If Qi Min was the one standing before him today, Shi Peng would not even say a word. As for Qiu Chenxi, even if he knew that she would not listen to it, as an elder, he had to try his best to persuade her.

    ¡°Alright, you should make your way home. Don¡¯t arrive home toote, in case they worry about you.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, I must really thank you then, for being so thoughtful to our family.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, I shall not disturb you any longer. Even if I can nevere to the army again in the future, not long after, our family should be able to meet in Ping Cheng. At that time, I¡¯ll definitely ask my mom to invite uncle to my house to have a meal, to take it as a way of saying thanks to uncle for your ¡®care¡¯ to me during this period.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    That nonchnt demeanor of Shi Peng left Qiu Chenxi helpless with no alternatives.

    It could be said that Shi Peng¡¯s health situation was thest trump card that she had in order to stay in the army. She did not expect that Shi Peng refused to give any face in front of his biological niece. There was no room for negotiation at all.

    ¡°Right, uncle, the politicalmissar told me that expelling me from the army was a unanimous decision of all. Uncle, did you agree or object at that time?¡±

    When he heard this question, Shi Peng smiled. ¡°Agree.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re truly my good uncle!¡±

    ¡°I think so too. I¡¯m a good uncle.¡± Since he had told his father clearly and submitted his resignation letter, he was really not afraid of admitting this matter to Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Uncle, goodbye!¡±

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    When Qiu Chenxi left, she mmed the door of Shi Peng¡¯s office so hard that the sound of the door banging was deafening.

    Shi Peng shook his head helplessly. Qiu Chenxi had been spoiled by the elders of the two families.

    In the past, Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng were ¡®childhood sweethearts, young and innocent ymates¡¯. In addition, everyone agreed that she looked like a pretty doll. Hence, Qiu Chenxi was destined to be the future wife of the chief. It was only right to pamper her more.

    Now, the role of the wife of the chief already had nothing to do with Qiu Chenxi. He hoped that the elders from the two families would still continue to pamper Qiu Chenxi like before and not let this child suffer a blow that was too great.

    Anyway, he must have been paranoid. Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min had not given up. The elders of the two families would definitely still harbor some hope because of this. What was he worrying about?

    ¡°Comrade Qiu, hurry up. We¡¯ve already waited five minutes for you. You¡¯re really... You¡¯re also arade in the army. Why don¡¯t you have any sense of time? If you¡¯rete by five minutes when the instructor asks you to gather, you¡¯ll be punished to run a thousand miles first!¡± Therade who was going to Ping Cheng to purchase supplies was so anxious that his brows were on fire.

    The food supplies that he would be getting were for the whole army to consume. If he waste, the good and fresh ones would have been taken. If the soldiers in the army were less nourished and their health was not good enough, who would take the me?

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Chenxi could not be bothered with these people of the lowest status. She only wanted to express her own dissatisfaction.

    That was her thoughts but the other party did not give her any time for this. He grabbed her luggage and swiftly stuffed it into the boot. ¡°It¡¯s done. Hurry up and get into the car. Otherwise, we really can¡¯t make it in time.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s slow demeanor made him want to simply drag her into the car!

 Chapter 562 - A â€˜Bigâ€™ Surprise

    <h4>Chapter 562: A ¡®Big¡¯ Surprise</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Therade looked as if he was about to drag Qiu Chenxi by the hand onto the car. There was a look of disgust on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face. She would not let people like therade touch her clothes, let alone her hand. She quickly jumped onto the car and sat down.

    ¡°Okay, everyone is here. Let¡¯s get going.¡± As soon as Qiu Chenxi got in the car, it started moving.

    The dispatch delivery car of the camp could not bepared with the family car used by the Qiu family.

    The car had a musty and pungent smell and the environment was notfortable at all. Qiu Chenxi turned green from the bumpy ride home, but she could only keep these feelings to herself.

    By the time Qiu Chenxi reached the Qiu family¡¯s residence, her face had ashened, looking terrible. After taking her luggage from the trunk of the car, she had only taken a few steps before she leaned against a big tree and vomited.

    ¡°Miss, you are back.¡± Seeing that Qiu Chenxi was back, the helper from the Qiu family rushed over to take her luggage. ¡°Miss, is there anything that you want to eat? Or should I prepare hot water for your bath?¡±

    ¡°Eat?¡± At the mention of food, Qiu Chenxi could not help but vomit again.

    The helper was shocked. ¡°Miss, are you suffering from motion sickness?¡±

    ¡°Say no more. Help me in and give me a ss of water to rinse my mouth!¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± The helper helped Qiu Chenxi into the house. There was nobody at home around this time of the day.

    When she finally rinsed off the bitter and pungent smell from her mouth, Qiu Chenxi leaned against the sofa, feeling weak and deprived of all her strength.

    Qiu Chenxi knitted her eyebrows at the sound of rolling wheels. She took a nce in its direction and hollered, ¡°Are you a pig? Pigs are smarter than you. The luggage is dirty and stinky. I don¡¯t want it anymore. Take out everything from the luggage, wash, and disinfect them. Remember to throw this luggage away as far as possible!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, Miss, simmer down. I will dispose of it right away.¡± The helper who was being hollered at had a big fright. Without another word, she emptied the contents and threw the luggage away. Afterward, she washed and disinfected the clothes that she took out of the luggage.

    Nothing went well for Qiu Chenxi. Qiao Nan, who left the camp slightly earlier than her, was not any better either.

    Lin Yuankang sent Qiao Nan back home. She just got off the car when she heard women voicesing from her house.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s countenance changed in an instant. She had an uneasy feeling.

    There was no other woman in her house. Could it be that her father made new ¡®friends¡¯ while she was not around?

    Ding Jiayi might not be good to her, but she still knew what she should do and what she should not do.

    Unless her father divorced Ding Jiayi and they had ended their marriage, it was tantamount to having an affair if her father was on close terms with other women while he was still married.

    But when Qiao Nan listened carefully, she realized the voice was somewhat familiar.

    Qiao Nan took out the key and opened the door. When she saw the unexpected ¡®woman¡¯ in her house, there was not much expression on her solemn face. But it was obvious that she was not in a good mood.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a soft smile. ¡°Previously, I kept asking Dad when you would be back. We are all in school and the school is very far away. Apart from the summer break, I have no chance toe back to visit Dad and you. Now that it¡¯s summer break and I had the chance to make the trip, it turned out that you¡¯re not at home. Nan Nan, I heard that you have a master now. Is he good to you? What did he teach you? You have to remember that you must take things slowly. Don¡¯t be too anxious, and the most important thing is to be happy. It¡¯s such a hot day. Come in now. I will pour you a ss of water.¡±

    Not waiting for Qiao Nan to react, Qiao Zijin poured a ss of water for Qiao Nan. It was lukewarm, so Qiao Nan could drink it right away.

    ¡°If not, do you want to wipe off your sweat first?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan did not drink the water but held the ss of water in her hand, Qiao Zijin was not angry. Instead, she was unbelievably patient. She passed a towel that had been rinsed with the well water to Qiao Nan. ¡°I just rinsed it with well water. It¡¯s cool andforting. You can wipe your sweat with it. Don¡¯t let the sweat get into your eyes. Your eyes will sting.¡±

    ¡°Yes, wipe your sweat with it.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked awkward as he was the only man at home.

    During the summer break when Qiao Dongliang saw Qiao Zijin for the first time since she left a few months ago, she also felt somewhat distant and foreign to him.

    They had been apart for two to three months. Qiao Dongliang noticed that Qiao Zijin had changed a lot. She was no longer so dainty as before, and she had be more considerate and sensible. During the few days that they lived together, Qiao Zijin was not picky with her food and she was concerned and considerate of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eating preferences.

    What surprised Qiao Dongliang the most was that during these few days, Qiao Zijin even made a meal for him. This was something he had never thought of in the past.

    As a father, Qiao Dongliang was d that his daughter had changed for the better.

    Qiao Dongliang was more than wee that Qiao Zijin wanted to stay for a few days and spend time with him. But now that Qiao Nan was back, the situation was different.

    Qiao Dongliang understood that as long as Qiao Zijin had turned over a new leaf, as her father, he would ept her without any reservations. But it was a different case for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan would not be able to ept her sister right away and he did not expect her to do so as well.

    Previously, Qiao Dongliang had thought that since Zijin was in her second year in high school and she had to sit for the college entrance examination next year, the summer break that she had would not be too long. He thought that when Nan Nan, who went out with her master, was back, Zijin might have already left.

    In this way, he would be able to spend some time with his elder daughter, and Nan Nan would not be unhappy.

    He did not expect that Qiao Nan would return before Qiao Zijin left.

    ¡°Nan Nan, was it tough on you during the half a month that you were away?¡± Qiao Dongliang was apologetic regarding the current situation. Hence, he tried to use a gentler tone when he spoke to Nan Nan.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Nan Nan. What have you learned from your master in the past half a month? Nan Nan, you are very blessed to have such a capable master,¡± Qiao Zijin said warmly and gently. She did not sound jealous at the fact that Qiao Nan had a capable master. ¡°Nan Nan, why not I boil some water and you can take a bath first? After all, you just took a ride back. It must be very tiring. You will feel better after taking a shower. Moreover, although it is summer now and is very hot, you are ady. It¡¯s better to bathe in hot water. Cold water will harm the body. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan put down her luggage. ¡°It¡¯s rare that sister is so nice to me. Alright, I also feel like taking a shower first. It¡¯s true that I feel quite tired.¡±

    ¡°Sure, wait for me while I boil the water. It will not take long since it is summer now.¡± Qiao Zijin stood up immediately and went to the kitchen to boil water for Qiao Nan.

    As soon as Qiao Zijin left, Qiao Dongliang whispered, ¡°Nan Nan, are you angry that your sister is back?¡±

 Chapter 563 - Qiao Dongliangâ€™s Anger

    <h4>Chapter 563: Qiao Dongliang¡¯s Anger</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Angry?¡± Qiao Nan leaned back and drank the water that Qiao Zijin poured for her.

    Qiao Nan sneered while drinking the water. In her two lifetimes, she had never thought that there would be a day when she could drink the water that Qiao Zijin poured for her and use the hot water that she boiled to bathe. ¡°Perhaps I feel angry and wronged. Why was I always the one who was abandoned?¡±

    They had only been apart for a short while. Now that Qiao Zijin came back for a short stay and pretended to be a good daughter, it seemed that her father was all ready to wee her with wide arms.

    It seemed that when she finished college entrance examination and went to college in other cities, she did not need to bring her father with her. Fine, it was all good in the end. She could lead a carefree life by herself!

    Since her family abandoned her, she had no need for them as well.

    ¡°No, absolutely not.¡± Qiao Dongliang was anxious. Nan Nan was indeed angry. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. Your sister is my daughter, and you are my daughter as well. How can I abandon you? Nan Nan, don¡¯t let your thoughts wander. Your sister visited without any notice and she didn¡¯t create any trouble. I couldn¡¯t possibly forbid her from entering the house. In fact, your sister will go back in two days¡¯ time. I did not expect that you would be back so soon. I thought that both of you would not bump into each other and you wouldn¡¯t be upset. I didn¡¯t expect...¡±

    He really had no intention of upsetting Nan Nan because of Zijin.

    This had been the case since ancient times. Even for brothers, after they married and had their own families, they would have their own houses and had their meals separately. It was the same for sisters.

    If they were close, they would keep in touch. Otherwise, they would not keep close contact with each other.

    During this period of time, Qiao Dongliang had already sorted out his thoughts.

    ¡°Nan Nan, if your sister really changes for the better and both of you grow close to each other, as your father, I am happy for you. But rest assured that if both of you are not as close, I will not insist on it. Everyone has their own path to take. I am not capable of making everything go ording to my wishes, so you don¡¯t have to worry. It¡¯s up to you how you intend to get along with your sister. I will not interfere or influence you. You can go along with your own wishes.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang. She knew that Qiao Dongliang had actually intended for Qiao Nan to patch up with Qiao Zijin, but she showed her displeasure when she came back today. Hence, he kept silent.

    Qiao Nan could only sigh at the current situation. Compared with the past, this was already a big improvement.

    At least, her father was considerate of her feelings. He did not add fuel to the mes and insisted that she did what she hated the most, especially when she was feeling vexed.

    However, Qiao Nan also learned a lesson from this. One must not be too mild-tempered. The more easygoing and gentle one was, people would not take their thoughts and feelings into consideration.

    Qiao Dongliang was softhearted, and so was Qiao Nan. She had no other choice since he was her father. ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°You are not angry anymore?¡±

    ¡°Angry at you? Then, I would be as insensible as my sister in the past and you would be bitterly disappointed at me. Isn¡¯t that too easy on my sister? Mom is on her side. If you are on her side as well, I will be left with nobody. I am not that stupid,¡± Qiao Nan said jokingly, but at the same time, she made known her feelings.

    She would not take the initiative to push her father toward Qiao Zijin, but if her father wanted to stand on her side, she would not do anything about it. However, once he made his decision, she would not be as close to him as before.

    For Qiao Zijin and her, they were not destined to be sisters. If they could not be father and daughter, she would not be able to do anything about it as well.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you are not angry. Take a rest. Let me check if the water is boiled. I will bring the water to the bathroom.¡± Qiao Dongliang breathed a sigh of relief and ran to the kitchen.

    Qiao Nan, who finally had some peace to herself, brought her luggage back into her room. She folded her clothes and ced them into her wardrobe.

    ¡°Dad, what did Nan Nan say?¡± As soon as Qiao Dongliang entered the kitchen, Qiao Zijin pretended to ask about her sister casually.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Dongliang pretended not to understand.

    ¡°Dad, you understand what I mean!¡± Qiao Zijin pouted while stomping her feet. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. I have told you that I have realized my mistake. Nan Nan is my one and only sister. I was muddleheaded in the past. That¡¯s why I lost my temper at her. I have figured it out now. I want to ask Nan Nan for forgiveness. Dad, are you really not going to help me?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t help!¡± Qiao Dongliang said firmly and sternly. ¡°Zijin, I can help you with anything but this. Not only will I not help you, but I will not help your mom as well. Look at what you did in the past. You have hurt Nan Nan. Nobody¡¯s heart is made of stones, but both of you were too hard-hearted and only knew to protect your own interests,pletely ignoring Nan Nan¡¯s well-being. Isn¡¯t Nan Nan your family? Your mom gave birth to her as well. In these past few months, whenever I thought about what both of you did, I couldn¡¯t help but doubt whether both of you were heartless!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang expected better from his daughter. He had no idea why she turned out to be like this.

    She framed her sister, was full of lies, cheated in the exams, and copied her sister¡¯s essay to...

    As a student, Zijin had done everything that a student was not supposed to do.

    She had such behavior when she was young. What would she be like when she grew up?

    What she did now was merely going against the rules. Qiao Dongliang was worried that when Qiao Zijin grew up and had the means, she might go against thew.

    At the thought that Qiao Zijin might harm the interests of the people and the party in the future, Qiao Dongliang had the impulse to do something to her right now before she had the chance to do anything illegal.

    As a soldier, he could never tolerate the fact that his children would do things that were detrimental to national interests.

    ¡°Dad, has Nan Nan said anything? Why do you stare at me with such expression? You give me a fright.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze was simr to that of a hungry tiger who had found his prey. Qiao Zijin was shocked.

    Since a young age, this was the first time she saw such a ferocious look on her father¡¯s face. Did Qiao Nan badmouth her and sow discord between her and her father?

    ¡°Look at you. You told me that you wanted to change, but I don¡¯t see any changes. Whenever there¡¯s a problem, you will suspect that it¡¯s Nan Nan who is behind it. Why don¡¯t you do some self-reflection? The problem lies with you.¡± Qiao Dongliang was exasperated. ¡°Nan Nan did not say anything!¡±

    If Nan Nan badmouthed Zijin in front of him, he would be able to find an excuse for them that both of his daughters were still young, that they had some bad habits and ws in their character, but they would change eventually.

 Chapter 564 - Be a Good Elder Sister

    <h4>Chapter 564: Be a Good Elder Sister</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, Qiao Nan did not have the ws and shorings that Qiao Zijin had. This made Qiao Dongliang understand that it had nothing to do with age or being insensible. It was Qiao Zijin¡¯s character ws.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. That¡¯s because I was insensible in the past and did a lot of things that hurt Nan Nan, so I am very worried that Nan Nan will be unhappy when she sees me. Yes, I should not project my shorings on Nan Nan. I want to change, but you have to give me time. I am worried that Nan Nan, who has juste back, has yet to see that I am sincere to change for the better and will have misgivings toward me. Dad, you can rest assured that I will not ask you to help me. As long as I change, I believe that if I treat Nan Nan well, she will forgive me and patch up with me. If I need your help with this, then it proves that I have not reflected on my mistakes and it¡¯s understandable that Nan Nan refuses to forgive me.¡± Qiao Zijin reassured her father time and again that she did not need his help and would solve it by herself.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked in disbelief. ¡°Nan Nan has been hurt terribly by you. It¡¯s not easy for her to forgive you.¡±

    ¡°I have to do it no matter how difficult it is!¡± Qiao Zijin clenched her fists. ¡°It goes to show that I have done terrible things to her in the past. Since I am in the wrong, I have to make up to her by myself until she forgives me. Dad, don¡¯t worry about this. I will work hard to show Nan Nan that I am sincere and she will ept me eventually.¡±

    ¡°Do you really understand?¡± Qiao Dongliang hesitated. Qiao Zijin sounded very sincere and eager, and she did not ask for his help.

    ¡°I understand, I totally understand. Dad, don¡¯t worry. In the future, I will show you my sincerity and determination. I will definitely not put you in a difficult position because of what happened between Nan Nan and me. Since I have made mistakes, I will make up for it by myself. Dad, don¡¯t help me. If you help me, I will be angry at you. You always said that I am insensible and haven¡¯t grown up. I have to deal with this by myself in order to learn. Mom and you can¡¯t possibly stay with me forever and help me with everything in my life.¡± Qiao Zijin sounded very sincere and resolute. Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded.

    But Qiao Dongliang feltforted that his daughter had grown up. ¡°I am relieved that you feel that way. Zijin, you have to remember what you said.¡±

    ¡°Dad, that¡¯s for sure. I will prove it to you. Actions speak louder than words. When Nan Nan sees the change in me, I believe we will be able to reconcile with each other.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    It was rare that Qiao Zijin was determined to change. As the father, Qiao Dongliang was happy for her. ¡°Would you like me to help?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Zijin shook her head. ¡°These past few months, I have learned to do household chores while living with Mom. Dad, watch me if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin stretched out her hands.

    Back then in the Qiao family¡¯s residence, Qiao Zijin had no need to do any household chores. She led a sheltered life like a youngdy from a respectable family in ancient times. Her fingers were fair and tender.

    But right now, Qiao Dongliang could feel that Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands had be rough and theplexion had darkened.

    ¡°Howe there are scars on your hands?¡± This was what Qiao Dongliang was most puzzled about.

    ¡°I had to learn to cook and use a knife. In the beginning, I was unfamiliar with the chores and I cut my hands. That¡¯s why there are scars. But I am used to it now. I will no longer cut my hands identally again.¡± Qiao Zijin held her hands. Although she had cuts and scars on her hands, they were but small injuries. At most, her hands were not as pretty as before.

    ¡°Compared to the past when everything was provided for me, I feel much more at ease with my current life. The food I prepare myself tastes the best. Dad, I am no longer a picky eater. Have I made huge progress?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Zijin, you have indeed grown up.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked happy. ¡°It¡¯s good that you want to do these household chores. I won¡¯t stop you. You used to do terrible things to Nan Nan in the past, so it¡¯s right of you to do these for her. Alright, in order for Nan Nan to feel your sincerity, I will not help you. You can do it by yourself. Are you up to it?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Okay, then I will go back to the living room.¡± Qiao Dongliang finally set his heart at ease.

    He firmly believed that as long as Zijin was repentant, sooner orter, Zijin and Nan Nan would definitely reconcile.

    Ding Jiayi would only listen to what Zijin said. If Zijin had changed for the better and was close to Nan Nan, even though Ding Jiayi might be unwilling, under Zijin¡¯s influence, she would change her attitude toward Nan Nan.

    At the thought that there would be a day when the family of four would be able to have happy days together, Qiao Dongliang was full of energy and felt upbeat toward life.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Zijin said with a smile and watched Qiao Dongliang leave the kitchen.

    When she was certain that Qiao Dongliang had left and would not be able to know what was going on in the kitchen, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face sunk. Gone was her bright and sunny expression. In rece, there was a sullen and sinister look on her face.

    If Qiao Dongliang was here, he would not be able to smile at Qiao Zijin who looked dark and sinister.

    In another three minutes, the water in the pot would be boiled. Seconds ago, Qiao Zijin had a sinister look, but she instantly reverted back to the bright and sunny look. She curled her lips into a faint smile.

    Qiao Zijin looked into the ss window in the kitchen to check that her smile was natural and bright, like how she used to practice, and that one would feel good looking at her. Then, Qiao Zijin scooped the water and brought them to the bathroom personally for Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, the water is boiled. You can have your shower.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was resting in the living room, stared at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin looked disheveled.

    It was a hot summer. It was beyond words to be in the kitchen checking on the hot boiling water for twenty minutes.

    Qiao Zijin looked as if she just came out from the water. She was sticky and wet. Her clothes were drenched in perspiration and they were stered to her body. Her hair was stuck on her face as if they were little worms.

    Qiao Zijin felt worse than Qiao Nan who had juste back home. She was soaked in sweat.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you in a daze? Hurry up and have a shower. You will feel much better after a shower. It¡¯s good to go for a trip, but you will realize that home is the best ce when the novelty wears off. After taking a shower, you can take a short nap. I will wake you up when dinner is ready.¡± Qiao Zijin acted like how a proper elder sister would.

 Chapter 565 - Asked for Her Opinion

    <h4>Chapter 565: Asked for Her Opinion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She acted like the elder daughter of the family. She was sensible, considerate, kind, and she took great care of her younger brothers and sisters.

    Right at this moment, Qiao Zijin was simply the representative of the model elder sister in China!

    She was so perfect that one could not find any shorings with her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Shocked? Perhaps you don¡¯t recognize me as we have been apart for such a long time. Alright, we are sisters. When we have cleared up the misunderstanding, we still have many years ahead of us. By then, I am afraid that you may be sick and tired of me. We can take things slowly.¡± Qiao Zijin used the towel that she gave to Qiao Nan to wipe her sweat previously to give herself a wipe on the face.

    Her face was wet with perspiration. She felt very ufortable!

    ¡°You have indeed changed,¡± Qiao Nan said lightly after a long while.

    Qiao Zijin smiled warmly. ¡°We have to change and grow. We have to pay for the things that we have done.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiao Nan did not deny.

    ¡°Alright, enough of the talk. I will only leave two dayster. If you want to chat with me, we can do so after you have a good rest.¡± Qiao Zijin pulled Qiao Nan from the sofa gently. ¡°You may be tired and don¡¯t feel like doing anything once you are back at home. Take a shower, change your clothes, and go to sleep. It will be morefortable that way. Go along now.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who was observing the sisters secretly from his room, saw this scene and smiled.

    Qiao Nan did not shrug Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands away. Qiao Zijin, who walked in front of her, sensed that Qiao Nan did not reject her kindness. She curled her lips and smiled.

    Qiao Zijin stopped when she reached the bathroom. ¡°You can go in to shower. I will help you get your clothes.¡±

    ¡°No need. I have already put the clothes in the bathroom.¡± Qiao Nan nted her head in mischief, but she also seemed to be sizing up Qiao Zijin. ¡°Sister, I have a question. Of course, it¡¯s up to you whether to answer or not.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± As long as Qiao Nan was willing to ask, she would definitely give her a satisfactory answer!

    ¡°The ce that I went with my master was quite far away, and we witnessed something ridiculous. When I left, this matter has yet to be solved. Sister, tell me what you think. There is a family with two sons. The family was not well-to-do. They provided for the elder son to go to school, while the younger son worked to pay for his brother¡¯s tuition fees. When they grew up, the elder son used the money earned by his brother to marry and had a son. The younger brother who had to earn the money ended up penniless and without a family. He remained a bachelor. Later, the elder brother was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to go for kidney transnt. He hoped that his younger brother would donate his kidney to him but he refused. The elder brother coborated with his mom and they finally managed to get a kidney from his younger brother and did the operation.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god, the society is ruled byw. This is acting with utter disregard for human life. How is this possible?!¡± Qiao Zijin disapproved of such behavior, saying that justice must be done. ¡°They should report to the police. What kind of parents and elder brother are they? They are simply devils who eat human flesh and suck human blood!¡±

    ¡°The problem is that their parents said that since the elder brother had kidney failure, he would die if he did not do the transnt. The younger brother was in good health, and he would not die if he gave his brother a kidney. In this case, both sons would get to live.¡± There was a glint of cold in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Yes, they were inhumane. They were devils who fed on human flesh and blood and sucked people dry!

    ¡°But still, they should not do that. Even if the parents felt that way, they could talk it over nicely ore up with other solutions. How could they use trickery and force? The younger brother is too pitiful.¡± It did not ur to Qiao Zijin, who acted with a sense of justice, to apply the case to herself.

    In the past few years in this life, Qiao Nan did not quit her school to work and provide for her. Qiao Zijin also did not take a single cent from her. Qiao Zijin did not marry and have kids. More importantly, she was in good health, so there was no way that she would have kidney failure and need to go for a kidney transnt in order to survive.

    Qiao Zijin was certain that the story had nothing to do with her, thus she was able to act as if she was very righteous and say nice words to please Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Many yearster, after the elder brother underwent the kidney transnt, he survived, and so did his younger brother. However, the younger brother was heartbroken because of what happened. He went somewhere far away and did not have any contact with his family. The younger brother no longer needed to give his family his hard-earned money, and he began to lead a better life. He even had some savings. At this time, the elder brother apologized to his brother and admitted that he and their parents were in the wrong. He sought the younger brother¡¯s forgiveness. Sister, in such a case, if you were the younger brother, what would you do?¡±

    Qiao Zijin hesitated. Was Qiao Nan trying to trick her by asking this question?

    ¡°Sister, if it were you, would you forgive such an elder brother?¡± There was a strange flicker in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. It was as if she had evil intentions by asking that question. ¡°I just want to hear your opinion so that I will be able to tell how our rtionship will be in the future. Since a young age, you have never pampered or protected me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart shuddered. Did Qiao Nan mean that like what happened in the story, she wanted to treat her in the way the elder brother treated the younger brother?

    That was impossible!

    She would take Qiao Nan¡¯s life if she wanted her kidney!

    ¡°If I were the younger brother, I would definitely not agree. One should never intend to harm others, but should always guard against the harm others might do to them. The younger brother gave all his hard-money to his brother. He had done more than enough for the family. What¡¯s more, he was without one kidney. It took him great effort to be able to lead a good life. If he relented, he might regret it. If I bump into the brothers, I will definitely support that younger brother. At least, the younger brother must keep a distance from his brother.¡± Regardless of whether it was a trick question, this should be a safe answer.

    They would not sever ties, but neither would they reconcile. One could attack or retreat in either way.

    They had only been apart for half a year. Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, was so sly with her words!

    Qiao Zijin could sense that Qiao Nan had set dozens of traps around her.

    ¡°Dad, what do you think?¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s door was opened, Qiao Nan raised her voice.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was discovered, was embarrassed and smiled as he walked out. ¡°I agree with Zijin. The Chinese people ce importance on ¡®filial piety¡¯, but one can¡¯t practice unquestioning filial piety. Everyone has only one chance at life, so we have to cherish it. Besides, what that family did is too much. If things reallye to such a situation, it¡¯s impossible for one who is bitterly disappointed to be able to forgive and forget.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang said earnestly. He cast a sideways nce at Qiao Zijin, hoping that she was serious about changing for the better and not ending up in a simr situation as that of the brothers.

 Chapter 566 - For Once, They Think Alike

    <h4>Chapter 566: For Once, They Think Alike</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°One should never intend to do harm to others, but should always guard against the harm others might do to him?¡± Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Sister, it¡¯s such a coincidence. I think alike, too. Alright, Dad, watch the television show with sister. It¡¯s rare that sister prepared water for me to bathe. I can¡¯t waste it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan, go and bathe first. I¡¯ll go and sit outside with Dad. Dad bought a lot of ingredients and he intends to prepare spicy dishes. You¡¯ll definitely love them.¡±

    His daughter was going to bathe. Of course, there was no point for Qiao Dongliang to remain behind. He even stepped out a little faster than Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan had learned the habit of bathing quickly while she was in the army camp. Within ten minutes, she had finished cleaning herself from head to toe.

    She was full of thoughts when she looked in the mirror. Her hair was all wet and there seemed to be ayer of mist before her eyes. There were also tiny drops of water on her eyshes.

    Qiao Nan wiped her face with the towel. Whether Qiao Zijin had changed for the better upon her return this time, it had nothing to do with her.

    An individual such as Qiao Zijin could not be a rtive. Moreover, she could not be a friend. She could only be an ordinary stranger.

    ¡°Dad, the story Qiao Nan just told us... What do you think it meant?¡± Qiao Zijin sat down and stared at the television distractedly. She felt very uneasy as she peeped sideways at the door of the bathroom. Qiao Nan would not casually ask such a question without a reason. She must have a purpose in doing it.

    It was just that Qiao Zijin could not decipher the purpose even after thinking about it for a long time. Hence, she could only seek help from Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was taking out a te of watermelon that was cut into slices. ¡°What meaning could there be? Wasn¡¯t it just a situation that she heard from someone?¡±

    ¡°So, Nan Nan was just talking casually?¡± She did not believe it.

    ¡°Otherwise, what could it be?¡± Qiao Dongliang passed a slice of watermelon to Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin frowned in disdain. If it was just a slice of watermelon, she would rather not have it. She liked the feeling of holding half a whole watermelon and eating it with a spoon.

    In Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind, she was thinking that Qiao Dongliang knew Qiao Nan¡¯s likes and dislikes so well but did not even remember such a small habit of hers. Qiao Zijin restrained her expression and did say a word.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you again?¡± Qiao Zijin was silent. Qiao Dongliang thus turned to look at her instead of the television. ¡°Why do I feel that you have be strange again, just like in the past? Nan Nan didn¡¯t say much. Why do you have so many questions? Aren¡¯t you being too petty? Be assured. As long as you truly change for the better, Nan Nan will definitely forgive you if she feels your sincerity. Nan Nan is softhearted. We¡¯re all one family. Don¡¯t think too much and give yourself so much pressure. If you think too much, you may distort Nan Nan¡¯s intentions. You, you¡¯re just overthinking.¡±

    There was nothing bad about being a simple person. If Zijin did not like to think or do too much, she would not have caused the situation between Nan Nan and her today.

    ¡°Dad, I was just asking an unintentional question. What are you talking about? When Nan Nanes outter, you must not say all these in front of her. Nan Nan has not forgiven me. If you bring this up and Nan Nan recalls what happened in the past, then Nan Nan and I will have to dy our reconciliation for a long time.¡± Qiao Zijin was so nervous that she did not wish to eat the watermelon now.

    Qiao Dongliang handed the watermelon back to Qiao Zijin. ¡°I¡¯m your dad. Can I not know this? I¡¯m advising you precisely because Nan Nan is not around, just in case you do something wrong before Nan Nan again. Zijin, you were in the wrong in the past. You have to genuinely realize that you¡¯re in the wrong and sincerely wish to change for the better. Zijin, you¡¯re not just appeasing Nan Nan and me, are you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin sneered as she ate the watermelon. ¡°Appease you all? To say something without a conscience, what do you have now? If you¡¯re not my biological father, would I gain anything if I appeased you? Nan Nan is younger than me. She¡¯ll be in her second year of senior high school next year. You¡¯ve cut off all means of living of Mom and me. I won¡¯t gain anything if I please you. Will I gain something if I please Nan Nan?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang thought about it. That was true. The Qiao family did not have anything now. Besides a small courtyard, they did not even have a little cash to spare.

    In this way, even if Qiao Zijin could please Qiao Dongliang, thetter could not give Qiao Zijin anything.

    Without anything to gain, there was no need to appease him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel angry. You must know that you¡¯re not qualified to be angry. You can only me yourself for having so many prior records.¡± Qiao Dongliang threw the watermelon skin into the dustbin. ¡°Your mom and I only have two children, Nan Nan and you. You know my situation best. Because I don¡¯t have any siblings, I couldn¡¯t even find anyone to help when things happened at home these past few years. You¡¯re different. When you encounter any difficulties, if your rtionship with Nan Nan is normal, you can seek Nan Nan¡¯s help. Nan Nan can also look for you to help her. One must know that it¡¯s difficult to survive alone in this society. When your mom and I are gone, both of you sisters will be each other¡¯s only support. Given the current situation...¡±

    Nan Nan was so good in her studies. It was hard for Zijin toe in eighth in ss and it was because she cheated and copied others.

    Although academic results did not represent everything, and good grades did not guarantee a good job and high pay, Qiao Dongliang still felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s future would definitely be much brighter than Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    To put it in a selfish way, this was not mutual support.

    When that time truly came, Nan Nan would be the one helping Zijin, this elder sister. On the other hand, Zijin, this elder sister, could only bask in the glory of her younger sister. Furthermore, Nan Nan was together with Zhai Sheng now.

    Whether she was relying on a man or herself, Nan Nan¡¯s future was definitely going to be multiple times better than that of Zijin¡¯s.

    Qiao Dongliang was well aware that he was helping Qiao Zijin create a future contingency n when he spoke up that day. At the same time, he saved Qiao Zijin some face.

    If he had been too blunt and said that Zijin would need to seek Nan Nan¡¯s help in the future, even if Zijin¡¯s temperament had improved, she would certainly lose her temper. She would then make a mess out of the whole matter again.

    As a parent, he was clearly giving well-intended advice but had to consider his children¡¯s feelings, in case the advice made the child turn worse. Qiao Dongliang felt disheartened that he had to be such a father.

    It was no wonder that the old had a saying that children were debts owed by their parents in the previous life. The debts had to be repaid in this lifetime.

    At the very least, he must have owed Zijin a lot in his previous life such that he had to work and worry so much for her in this life.

    Qiao Zijin could not feel Qiao Dongliang¡¯s good intentions at all. She could only feel her biological father looking down on her.

    Before the vacation, she visited the house of one of her new ssmates. Her new ssmate was also ady and the eldest in the family.

    She heard from her own ears what the parents of the new ssmate¡¯s parents told the ssmate: You¡¯re the eldest in the family. You¡¯re the elder sister of all your younger siblings. You must study well, work hard to find a good job, and take good care of your brother and sister.

 Chapter 567 - Bringing Up â€˜Oldâ€™ Scores

    <h4>Chapter 567: Bringing Up ¡®Old¡¯ Scores</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At that time, although Qiao Zijin did not agree with what the ssmate¡¯s parents said, those words made it sound as if the eldest child had to be a ve to the younger siblings.

    Nevertheless, from a different perspective, was this not a form of acknowledgment of the ability of the elder son or daughter by the parents?

    Her father looked down on her and felt that she was not capable. In the future, she would definitely have to seek help from Qiao Nan in some areas. That was the reason he asked Qiao Nan and her to support each other.

    Qiao Nan was so capable. Fine. It was not necessary for them to support each other then. Would it not do if Qiao Nan just gave her one-sided support without the need for her to reciprocate?

    ¡°Zijin, did you hear that?¡±

    Qiao Zijin threw away the watermelon skin and used the towel to wipe her hands that were stained with watermelon juice. ¡°Rest assured, Dad. I¡¯ve heard all of it. I only have Nan Nan as my sister. If I don¡¯t be good to her, who else can I be good to? Dad, is it because you don¡¯t have confidence in me that you don¡¯t believe that I¡¯ve truly changed for the better?¡±

    ¡°No, no such thing.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked evasive as he avoided Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°It seems like it¡¯ll take great effort and a long time for me to reconcile with Nan Nan. Even you don¡¯t have confidence in and don¡¯t trust me, let alone Nan Nan. That¡¯s right, though. Just as what you said, I¡¯ve had too many prior bad records. I have to take this kind of matter a step at a time. I¡¯m not anxious.¡± Qiao Zijin was not angry. At the very least, she could not get angry at this moment even if she wished to.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you could understand.¡± Qiao Dongliang breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Nan Nan will feel unhappy if she hears it.¡±

    ¡°What should I feel unhappy with?¡± Qiao Nan was drying her hair as she walked out. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s watermelon to eat.¡±

    ¡°Right, I bought it today. It¡¯s very fresh. The boss said that it¡¯s home-grown. All those on sale today were freshly picked from the farm. I¡¯ve seen them. The stem and leaves were so green and juices were oozing from them. It¡¯s definitely not bad.¡± Qiao Dongliang asked Qiao Nan to eat more. ¡°I¡¯ve also soaked this watermelon in the well. It¡¯s extremely cool and delicious. A watermelon that feels rough inside is crispy and nice.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a bite. Yummy, it was really sweet and the taste was wonderful. It was unlike the watermelon many decadester that was grown with chemicals. They looked fine on the outside and tasted alright.

    However, soon after eating those watermelons, there would be an ufortable and sour aftertaste. ¡°Dad, sister doesn¡¯t like to eat it slice by slice. She likes to hold half a whole watermelon alone and eat it. You¡¯re not making that for her?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°Only your mom indulges her bad habit. There are four people in the family, but there¡¯s only one watermelon bought each time. There¡¯s no reason for one person to upy half of the watermelon. It¡¯s enjoyable and nice to hold half a watermelon and eat with a spoon. Who doesn¡¯t wish to enjoy themselves? But this method is not good.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, please don¡¯tugh at me now. I know I was a little bossy in the past. I¡¯ve changed for the better now. Eating small slices of watermelon one by one is convenient and fast. There¡¯s nothing bad about it.¡± For the sake of making Qiao Nan believe her words, Qiao Zijin immediately took two slices of watermelon and started chewing them.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Zijin even changed such a small habit of hers. Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned gloomy. She not only did not feel more at ease but also felt more guarded against Qiao Zijin. ¡°Right, what were the two of you chatting about earlier? Why would I be unhappy? Did someone do something that would make me feel unhappy?¡±

    ¡°No, we¡¯re just chatting casually. We¡¯re saying that you should have been happy with yourtest trip, but since you mentioned about your encounter thereafter instead, Zijin and I guessed that you were not very happy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qiao Zijin continued immediately. She was determined not to bring up the contents of her chat with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Nan Nan,e and sit down. Let¡¯s rest for a while and watch television. After half an hour, I¡¯ll help Dad prepare dinner. If you feel tired, why don¡¯t you return to the bedroom now and sleep for half an hour?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave a big yawn. ¡°If you didn¡¯t mention it, I didn¡¯t feel it. Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, I feel so tired that I can¡¯t even open my eyes. Dad, I¡¯ll go and nap for a while first. You watch the television with sister.¡±

    If she was around, it would be inconvenient for Qiao Zijin to speak to her father, right?

    Qiao Nan stretched herself and opened her sleepy eyes. Since Qiao Zijin had this wish, she would fulfill it and let Qiao Zijin have the opportunity.

    When Qiao Zijin was overly sensible and obedient, she felt more worried.

    If Qiao Zijin could let the cat out of the bag just a little in front of her father, then she would not have any ulterior motive.

    However, as long as she was present, Qiao Zijin would be very cautious and pretentious. So, it would be more effective if she excused herself.

    Qiao Nan was, in fact, exhausted. Even if Qiao Zijin did note back with an ulterior motive, it was not possible for Qiao Nan to reveal her fox¡¯s tail or take any action within a short time. Qiao Nan might as well sleep daringly. She slept for half an hour this time.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Qiao Dongliang was taking the cooked rice and dishes to the living room when he saw Qiao Zijin pacing back and forth in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom.

    Qiao Zijin took a step back. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been half an hour. Is Qiao Nan awake? It¡¯s already time for dinner. I don¡¯t know if I should let Nan Nan sleep a while more or quickly wake her up. What if she can¡¯t sleep at night if she sleeps too much during the day?

    ¡°So it¡¯s about this.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression rxed a little. ¡°Indeed, Nan Nan has slept for quite long. It¡¯s better to wake her up. Even if she¡¯s tired, she can decide what to doter after she finishes dinner. Don¡¯t let the health suffer due to hunger. Last time, your mom was too much. Two years ago, I brought Nan Nan to the hospital. Whenever I thought of what the doctor said to me, I feel so ashamed that I can¡¯t lift up my head. The doctor told me that Nan Nan was malnourished. What kind of era are we living in now? Nan Nan was actually malnourished!¡±

    At the mention of this matter, Qiao Dongliang was angry at Ding Jiayi for being so heartless.

    To actually starve the daughter until she was malnourished! It would most probably be very difficult to find this kind of mother in the world.

    Qiao Zijin had wanted to say that her mother also regretted it but Qiao Dongliang continued talking and even chided her. ¡°Zijin, I have to chide you regarding this. You¡¯re Nan Nan¡¯s elder sister. The three of you, mother and daughters, spent more time with each other at home. How could you not know anything about how your mom treated Nan Nan? If you knew about your mom¡¯s doing, why didn¡¯t you persuade her? Your mom didn¡¯t listen to any other people but would she not listen to you? Zijin, you just allowed your mom to bully Nan Nan in that way. Didn¡¯t your heart ache when you saw that happening?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang really did not know that Ding Jiayi was heartless enough to let Qiao Nan take the meat in front of him, and then ced it back into the pot behind his back.

    Although he was unaware of this matter, he did not believe that Qiao Zijin did not know about it.

    Qiao Dongliang was most concerned that although Qiao Zijin knew about it, she had never intervened in this matter. Although Ding Jiayi was the elder one and Qiao Zijin the younger one, if she did not persuade Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin could always have told him, her father, and let himmunicate with Ding Jiayi.

    That attitude of Qiao Zijin, adopting a passive onlooker stance, made Qiao Dongliang feel extremely anxious and uneasy.

 Chapter 568 - There Was a Shooting Star

    <h4>Chapter 568: There Was a Shooting Star</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re thinking of settling old scores with me?¡± Qiao Nan suffered a lot. But didn¡¯t she suffer too? Why didn¡¯t her father help her ask Qiao Nan to pay it back?

    When Qiao Nan was in her mother¡¯s womb for ten months, had she consumed any good stuff? Had she not experienced hunger then?

    She remembered very clearly. When her mother was four months¡¯ pregnant, she had the habit of kicking off her nket in the middle of the night so she would feel cooler. Her mother said that her younger brother was in her womb. If she slept with her, she was afraid that Qiao Zijin would move at night and kick the younger brother. Hence, her mother prepared a tiny bed for her.

    As she was not used to sleeping alone, she could not remember the numerous times she fell off the bed.

    One night, she kicked away the nket and no one discovered it. The next day, she had a fever and a cold.

    Qiao Zijin did not know why. Clearly, these were memories when she was just three years old. Why did she remember it so deeply and vividly? She knew that she was in a very serious condition due to the cold and she felt unwell all over. Just as she needed someone to take care of andfort her, her mother treated her like someone with gue. Not only did she not hug or coax her, she even took a cup, threw it at her, and asked her to scram so that she would not spread the illness to her younger brother in the womb!

    Yes, she was the one who made Qiao Nan fall ill during the summer vacation two years ago.

    But so what? She had already been through the suffering Qiao Nan went through when she was three years old!

    Inparison to her, what was that little bit of hardship that Qiao Nan experienced? It was nothing!

    In that one year, had she not been starved until she was skinny? Had she not been starved until she was malnourished?

    If not for the fact that the child in the womb was a girl, Qiao Nan, it was most fearful that she would have to continue with that kind of differential treatment.

    She thought of all the hardships that she suffered that year. Up until now, she had never mentioned this to anyone. Ding Jiayi only knew how to tell her how much she was doted on and asked her to be filial in the future. As for Qiao Dongliang, this father, he most likely did not have any recollection of what happened during that period of time.

    Qiao Nan had already grown up and only suffered little grievance, yet she had Qiao Dongliang seek justice for that little suffering of hers.

    What about her? Three years old. She was only three years old back then!

    If she had not pulled through the fever on that asion, she would have long turned into a ghost. Who would feel sad for her? Who would seek justice for her?!

    Many years had passed. Although Qiao Nan was never a son, simr to her, she was just a money-losing daughter. In the end, her father still chose Qiao Nan instead of her!

    Both of them were daughters. On what grounds must she always be the one that was given up?!

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I wish to settle old scores with you. I just want to remind you. Zijin, until today, you¡¯ve never felt that you did something wrong at that time, right?¡± Qiao Dongliang was having a headache too. He could not understand why his elder daughter thought otherwise so easily.

    Settling old scores?

    There was nothing to settle between family members.

    He had brought up the past as he hoped that Zijin truly knew where she was wrong. When she encountered the same situation next time, at the very least, she would not make the wrong decision like she did in the past, harming others as well as herself.

    Why couldn¡¯t Zijin feel his good intentions? It was such a simple thought.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll go and call Nan Nan toe over for dinner.¡± Qiao Zijin avoided the question and did not reply. She did not feel that she had done anything wrong. What wrong had she done? She was just returning all the suffering that she had endured in the past to Qiao Nan. Furthermore, her mother did many of these on her own. She did not spur her on. At most, she only watched on like a passive onlooker. What had she done wrong?

    ¡°You...¡± Upon seeing that Qiao Zijin did not want to reply and was obviously still stubborn about it, Qiao Dongliang was both angry and anxious. Even if Qiao Zijin really felt that she was wrong in the past, it was certain that her understanding of what she had done wrong was not deep enough. Otherwise, her reaction would not be as such.

    Nan Nan was a smart child. It was impossible that Nan Nan would be taken in by this attitude of Zijin.

    Zijin wished to reconcile with Nan Nan and make thetter ept her as the elder sister. Tough!

    Nevertheless, it was fine. Zijin would not change if she was not taught some lesson.

    He was really prepared to wash his hands off this matter. He believed that given Nan Nan¡¯s temperament, Nan Nan would definitely not take issue with Zijin if Zijin really knew that she was wrong and changed for the better. If Nan Nan did not forgive Zijin, that meant there was a problem with thetter.

    After confirming this point, Qiao Dongliang made up his mind that he would not interfere anymore in the matter between his two daughters.

    ¡°Nan Nan, eat more. They are all your favorites.¡± Qiao Dongliang picked up dishes with clean chopsticks and filled Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl. He then picked up a dish that was not spicy and gave it to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin smiled as she epted the food. She then used her chopsticks and took some spicy food. Both Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were surprised. ¡°You don¡¯t eat spicy food, do you?¡± Spicy food would cause pimples to grow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t eat spicy food?¡± Qiao Zijin stuffed a mouthful of spicy vegetables into her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s a thing of the past. Chili is really a good thing, especially during wintertime. It will make one appreciate its goodness. I¡¯ve already changed the habit of not eating spicy food. It¡¯s fine even if I get pimples, as long as I don¡¯t go and touch them. After eating spicy food, my body feels warmer. I can then sleep during wintertime.¡±

    Upon Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang did not feel good while he was having his food.

    Qiao Dongliang did not have much impression of the most turbulent times in China, but he had often heard his father talked about the story of the Red Army¡¯s 25,000 mile-long march. When the soldiers crossed over the tall and huge snow mountains, chili was such a precious item to them.

    It was with these tiny chilies that the Red Army endured and pulled through that period of cold and freezing weather.

    In other words, Qiao Zijin had this feeling and realization because Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had definitely suffered in the cold during wintertimest year.

    Qiao Dongliang very much wanted to ask Qiao Zijin where the mother-daughter pair had been to after leaving Ping Cheng, what their source of finances was, and how their daily life was.

    However, he was more afraid that he would hear something bad if he did that.

    If that happened, should he follow his heart and bring Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin back home and disrupted the current peaceful situation that was hard-earned, or hardheartedly refused to interfere although he clearly heard about the situation?

    Regarding this matter, Qiao Dongliang realized that the final oue would be wrong no matter what he did.

    In the end, it was as if Qiao Dongliang was chewing wax as he quietly ate the food in his bowl. After he had finished that bowl, he did not continue to take more food.

    Qiao Nan peeped at Qiao Zijin, who looked extremely happy while having her meal. She silently cheered for Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin acted very well in this ruse of deceiving her through self-torture.

    When the night fell and it was sleeping time, Qiao Nany on her bed and looked at the grey and misty sky outside the windows. All the stars seemed to have been blocked by ayer of ck crepes. It made one feel extremely uneasy. She sighed continuously in her heart. True enough, she still could not ept Qiao Zijin.

    Could Qiao Zijin leave as soon as possible?

    Just as Qiao Nan was thinking of this, a shooting star suddenly appeared in the sky!

 Chapter 569 - Forced Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 569: Forced Marriage</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For a moment, Qiao Nan was in a trance. There was a shooting star. Did it mean that there was a chance that her wish would be fulfilled?

    After a while, Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. If there was truth in the saying of the shooting star, then people would not sleep and would just stare at the sky every night. Moreover, if the shooting star could really help humans fulfill their wishes, she should not have wished that Qiao Zijin would leave as soon as possible. She should wish that her mother and Qiao Zijin would stay further away from her and note back again, that they would not interact with each other for the rest of their lives. Was that not better?

    Qiao Nan took a piece of towel and covered her face. She continued to sleep.

    Qiao Nan, who had fallen asleep,pletely did not expect that her dreams woulde true when she woke up the next morning. Of course, the shooting star was not the one that helped her realize her wish.

    As she had overslept, it was already eight o¡¯clock when Qiao Nan woke up. Her head felt heavy from too much sleeping.

    With messy hair, Qiao Nan yawned as she made her way to the toilet to wash up. When she came out, she discovered that Qiao Zijin was not around. ¡°Dad, where¡¯s sister? It¡¯s still so early. Did she go marketing?¡±

    Eight o¡¯clock. At eight o¡¯clock during the end of July, the sun hanging high up in the sky was so scorching hot that it could kill someone with the heat.

    It was surprising enough that Qiao Zijin could now eat spicy food. If she even went marketing under such a hot sun, then that would be unbelievable.

    ¡°No, your sister went back to your mom¡¯s ce,¡± Qiao Dongliang said, sounding a little sullen.

    ¡°She has gone back?¡± Qiao Nan blinked. She suspected that she was still sleeping and dreaming of what she thought about in the day. Before she fell asleep, she had been thinking about how good it would be if Qiao Zijin left soon. She then dreamed about it soon after. ¡°Dad, am I still sleeping and not awake?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused. He stuffed a slice of the iced watermelon into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Does it feel cold?¡±

    ¡°Cold!¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯re not dreaming. Your sister has really gone back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fast. I clearly remember that she said she would like to stay for a few days and ¡®reminisce about the past¡¯ with me.¡± Before this was done, she had left. Would such a good thing happen?

    Qiao Dongliang sat down and helped Qiao Nan turn on the television. ¡°Alright, stop being muddled. Your sister really left. She said something cropped up at the eleventh hour. She also missed your mom and couldn¡¯t bear to let your mom stay alone in the house for too long. Thus, she left at around half past seven today.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not me this attitude of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin did mention that she wanted to change. However, having been in contact for less than half a day, Qiao Nan did not have any opportunity to see the Qiao Zijin¡¯s sincerity at all. If Qiao Nan changed her attitude toward Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang would actually feel odd.

    Qiao Nan nced at the clock on the wall which stated that the time was 8:10 AM. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡±

    ¡°Your sister wouldn¡¯t let me,¡± Qiao Dongliang said objectively. ¡°Your sister said that you hardlye home. It¡¯s been tough on you. We¡¯re all a family and there¡¯s no need to be so polite to one another, and we should let you sleep. It¡¯s not as if there won¡¯t be any chance to meet again in the future.¡± Qiao Dongliang also thought that Qiao Nan was certainly tired. He thus did not wake Qiao Nan up as well.

    In the end, of course, Qiao Dongliang sent Qiao Zijin off.

    Just five minutes before Qiao Nan woke up, Qiao Dongliang was back from sending Qiao Zijin off. ¡°How is it? Have you slept enough? Are you still tired?¡±

    ¡°Tired? Not tired. I don¡¯t feel tired at all. I¡¯m in such good spirits that I can kill a tiger now!¡± Qiao Zijin was not here anymore. She felt as alive and energetic as a tiger. It was impossible that she would feel tired.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled wryly. ¡°Alright, both of you have grown up and are adults. In the future, you will decide for yourself whichever path you choose and the people that you want to be in contact with. I won¡¯t interfere. So, Nan Nan, you don¡¯t need to feel nervous. I can lord over you for one or two years, but can I lord over you forever? The rtionship between the two of you won¡¯t work just with my intervention alone.¡±

    Both of his daughters had a strong temperament and their own way of thinking. He was unable to interfere in any of them. As such, he might as well not do so.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s only one child in other families. You raised two daughters. It¡¯s been hard on you. I¡¯m in senior high school now. Actually, I¡¯ll graduate in the blink of an eye. When I earn money after I graduate and work, I¡¯ll definitely be filial to you. Dad, it¡¯s also time that you enjoy life.¡± Her father just had to enjoy life. As for the matter between Qiao Zijin and her, he basically needed not to interfere too much.

    ¡°Alright. Look at how happy you are. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re up. I¡¯m going to work.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re only going to work now. Won¡¯t you bete?¡±

    ¡°No. As I sent your sister back today, I¡¯ve already applied for two-hour time-off from the factory and told them that I¡¯ll be thereter. If I leave now, I¡¯ll, at most, reach in an hour¡¯s time. You¡¯ll be alone at home. Don¡¯t keep reading books for the entire day. Take care of your eyesight and don¡¯t tire yourself out, okay?¡± Qiao Dongliang took his document bag, pushed his bicycle, and quickly headed to the factory.

    Just as Qiao Nan stepped out of the door, the phone in the house rang.

    At the sight of the caller ID disyed, Qiao Nan felt happy as she picked it up. ¡°Brother Zhai, you havepleted your mission and are back in the army?¡±

    Listening to how happy Qiao Nan sounded, Zhai Sheng, who was at the other end of the phone, could not help smiling. ¡°I¡¯m not the only one who came back. There¡¯s also your Brother Zhou.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. What a petty man. She just mentioned to Brother Zhai once about why Brother Zhou was not around during the period she was in the army camp. Brother Zhai actually remembered it until today. ¡°Brother Zhou also came back. What a coincidence. Why don¡¯t you call Brother Zhou here and let me chat with him for a while?¡±

    There was a sh of guilt in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you sure? If you¡¯re sure, then I¡¯ll call him over?¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°You¡¯re so generous? Is it true or false?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true. He just arrived at the camp and heard that the English teacher in the army camp previously was Teacher Xiao Qiao, whose name was Qiao Nan. He still feels very bad now. Coincidentally, we can use this opportunity to let him know the rtionship between us. After all, he¡¯ll fully recover from this after some time.¡± After he knew that Nan Nan was Mrs. Regiment Commander, given Zhou Jun¡¯s character, Zhou Jun would not dare to think of Nan Nan anymore. This would solve the problem once and for all.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan took her hat off Zhai Sheng. ¡°You¡¯re good. I can¡¯t win. But, why do you have to report to Brother Zhou about our rtionship? Did he have anything to do with this? I address him as Brother Zhou because of his age. Don¡¯t tell me that we still need him to give us a red packet when we get married in the future?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, this is not a popr practice in the army. There¡¯s suspicion of bribery in receiving red packets. However, you¡¯re still qualified to drink a cup of what he toasts to you. Nan Nan, when are you prepared to drink this toast?¡± When he heard the word ¡®get married¡¯, Zhai Sheng felt extremely soothing and sweet in his heart. It was as if he had taken some ice-cream.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, as a soldier, can you be more self-disciplined? I have not reached the legal age of marriage. Regimentmander, as a soldier of the country, do you wish to vite thew despite knowing it?¡± Getting married? At the very least, there were a few more years to go.

 Chapter 570 - Zhai Sheng Was Injured

    <h4>Chapter 570: Zhai Sheng Was Injured</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Right, Brother Zhai, I want to tell you something. Qiao Zijin is back.¡± Brother Zhai told her before that it was impossible that Qiao Zijin and her mother would return to Ping Cheng before Qiao Zijin sat for her college entrance examination. Why did Qiao Zijine back without an apparent reason?

    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re aware... Was that why Qiao Zijin left in a hurry yesterday?¡± Qiao Zijin had clearly wanted to stay for a few days but she actually left this morning at around half-past seven. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan then had this realization.

    If Qiao Zijin had wanted to leave, how could she have left at around half-past seven or six o¡¯clock? That was too early. The heat from the sun at that time was unbearable.

    Hence, Qiao Zijin must have suddenly changed her mind and left.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied and indirectly admitted that he was, in fact, the one who arranged Qiao Zijin¡¯s sudden departure. He did not expect Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi to be so recalcitrant. It had only been six months and they had to create trouble again by returning to Ping Cheng to provoke Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng had been away to carry out a mission. Thus, he did not have the time to understand the situation.

    When Zhai Sheng returned to the army and knew about this, it was already about seven o¡¯clock in the morning today.

    That one phone call of Zhai Sheng made Qiao Zijin leave Ping Cheng abidingly.

    This time, regardless of why Qiao Zijin came back, Zhai Sheng did not bother to find out. He only needed to ensure that Qiao Nan had peace. ¡°She didn¡¯t provoke you, did she?¡±

    ¡°Provoked me? This time, she has ¡®sorted out¡¯ her thoughts. She knew that she was wrong in the past. Therefore, she wished to bring out her best to get my forgiveness.¡± Qiao Nan switched off the television, in case she could not hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice clearly.

    ¡°Do you believe her?¡±

    ¡°Believe her? Unless I¡¯m stupid. Once bitten, twice shy. Would I not be afraid?¡± Qiao Nanughed at herself. Qiao Zijin had said it herself that one should never intend to harm others, but should always guard against the harm others might do to them.

    She did not care if Qiao Zijin would change for the better, and neither did she want to know. Nevertheless, she would never believe it!

    ¡°Did my mom send you back yesterday? Or did Elder Lin send you back?¡± It was good that Qiao Nan did not believe her.

    ¡°Master sent me back. Auntie Miao had wanted me to take your family car. I didn¡¯t agree. Brother Zhai, you won¡¯t be angry, right?¡±

    ¡°Not angry. What you did is right.¡± Before he and Nan Nan announced their rtionship publicly, it was best for Nan Nan to minimize her contact with the Zhai family to avoid the gossip of others.

    Given the status and power of the Zhai family, of course, the Zhai family would not be the target of gossip. As such, the one who would suffer was Qiao Nan, this youngdy who came from an ordinary family.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, did you find someone to keep a watch on my mom and Qiao Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Not considered keeping a watch.¡± At the very most, it was just keeping vignt.

    ¡°Do you know who she had been in contact with recently? This time, after Qiao Zijin came back, she showed great improvements. She boiled water for me to bathe and even cooked for me. She used many self-torture ruses to try to win my trust. My dad was nearly taken in. She waspletely the opposite of the aggressive and overbearing one in the past. She was as sorry and pitiful as the little white cabbage nted next door. Qiao Zijin also knew how to pretend to be sensiblest time, but that could not bepared to her acts this time. It was as though a wise man had given her pointers. I don¡¯t feel at ease.¡±

    Fortunately, her father had changed for the better. If her father was still like before, it would not take long for him to bepletely coaxed by Qiao Zijin on the very first day.

    Qiao Zijin had called him father for twenty years. She had not even once helped him wash the dishes, let alone amodating him or preparing a meal for him.

    This time, Qiao Zijin helped her boil water for bathing. Her father must have received the same treatment too.

    Qiao Zijin, who never did household chores, was adopting the strategy of enduring hardships withoutining. The impact of this tactic could not be underestimated.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pay more attention to it,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. ¡°Study well at home. Fight for the opportunity to shorten the period of studies in high school, just like Shi Qing, and enroll into college earlier.¡±

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°Even if I have the ability to skip a grade, can my age shoot up? Or does my respected Regiment Commander Zhai wish to falsify my age so that we can get married earlier?¡±

    Was Brother Zhai the reincarnation of a marriage maniac? Why couldn¡¯t he leave this topic alone?

    Although he felt Qiao Nan¡¯s disdain, Zhai Sheng was not angry. On the contrary, he said sincerely, ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m not young anymore. I¡¯m twenty-three years old this year. When you take your college entrance examination, I¡¯ll be twenty-five years old, not young anymore. My family¡¯s old master is looking forward to having four generations under one roof. We have to work hard to fulfill this wish of his.¡±

    In other words, when Qiao Nan reached the legal age for marriage, Zhai Sheng was already a twenty-seven-year-old ¡®old¡¯ man.

    ¡°Is it enough to have four generations under one roof? Should we have a gathering of five generations?¡±

    ¡°If we can, that¡¯ll be good. If we have a son, I¡¯ll ask him toplete this mission the organization gave him.¡±

    ¡°Does it have to be a son? Can¡¯t it be a daughter?¡± Qiao Nan was a little angry. Don¡¯t tell her that Brother Zhai favored male over female too?

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s good to have a daughter. I¡¯ll take in a son-inw for her. If the child we give birth to is a girl, we most likely can¡¯t bear to let her marry too early. Hence, we can forget about the gathering of five generations.¡± A son was different from a daughter. It was better if the son got married earlier. If he had a daughter, he would like to let her stay home for a longer period of time. If any youngd wished to kidnap his daughter, he would break his leg!

    ¡°Not chatting with you anymore. You¡¯re derailing from the topic.¡± Qiao Nan smiled atst. She had suffered due to the favoritism of the male over the female. Of course, she did not wish for her future daughter to suffer the same mishap.

    However, just with Zhai Sheng¡¯s words alone, Qiao Nan did not know that in the Zhai family, the phenomenon of favoring the male over the female might not appear. However, there would certainly be a phenomenon of favoring the female over the male.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, someone is knocking on my door. I¡¯ll go and see who came. We¡¯ll talk again. You have just returned to the camp. Remember to rest well. Don¡¯t tire yourself out and let your health suffer.¡±

    ¡°Okay, bye.¡± After Zhai Sheng hung up the phone, he rubbed his forehead listlessly.

    In fact, the instant he arrived at the army, Zhai Sheng was so exhausted that he could not wait to lie down on the bed to rest. He did not know why, but he had to make this call. It was as if unless he made the call and heard Qiao Nan¡¯s voice, he would feel something was amiss.

    Nevertheless, with this, Zhai Sheng felt thoroughly at ease now. He could finally sleep.

    ¡°Regimentmander, can Ie in?¡± The voice of a youngdy could be heard from outside the door.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned stiff. He looked very serious.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, Doctor Wang said that you refused to visit the clinic, so she asked me to bring the medicine and bandage here. Can I help you manage your wound?¡± Seeing that the clothing on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms was all drenched and red, there were shes of heartache and admiration in the eyes of the young nurse.

    He had suffered such a serious injury and bled so much. Yet, Regiment Commander Zhai did not mutter a sound of pain. She heard that he had injured himself while saving otherrades. Regiment Commander Zhai was so capable!

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng lifted his arms. ¡°But I hope you can be quicker. I¡¯m exhausted and want to rest.¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, why don¡¯t you lie on the bed first?¡±

 Chapter 571 - Qiao Nan Was Anxious

    <h4>Chapter 571: Qiao Nan Was Anxious</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s your arm that¡¯s injured. It¡¯ll be fine if you pick a side to lie down on and turn your arm toward me. If you feel tired, just sleep. I¡¯ll clean up your wound and apply medication before bandaging it. Perhaps the pain will lessen after you fall asleep.¡± The little nurse blushed. After all, it was quite awkward for a woman to talk to a man about topics such as lying on the bed.

    ¡°No need. Just bandage it. I¡¯ll sleep after you¡¯re done.¡± Zhai Sheng did not agree. Besides Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng did not even like his own family members to be physically too close to him. Moreover, it was a situation where he would be sleeping and unguarded with a stranger beside him.

    ¡°In that case, okay.¡± The young nurse nodded. She took scissors to cut away the fabric on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms had been injured for some time. His bloody wound was now stered to his clothes and it was a little difficult to manage.

    The young nurse was thus gentle and slow when she attended to Zhai Sheng as she was afraid of inflicting pain on him.

    At the sight of this, Zhai Sheng turned impatient. After nudging the young nurse aside, he tore away the fabric above the sleeve to detach it from the rest of the clothing using his uninjured hand. He then took over the scissors from the young nurse and cut open the sleeve that he had torn off. Thereafter, only the piece of clothing on the wound was left.

    ¡°Hot towel.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The young nurse was dumbfounded. Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s arms had bled so much and he still wanted to treat his own wound. Wouldn¡¯t that be painful?

    After taking over the hot towel, Zhai Sheng did not even squint as he ced the hot towel on his wound. The heat made the blood clot start to dissolve and he started bleeding again. Those half-dried blood stains previously immediately liquefy.

    Without a word, Zhai Sheng gently tore the remaining clothing, which came off easily, and a menacing wound surfaced. ¡°Alright, quickly clean the wound and apply medication.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The young nurse¡¯s face turned pale slightly. This menacing wound was not caused by a gun or a knife. A knife wound was big and t, unlike the one on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm. It seemed to have been caused by an enormous saw.

    For a moment, the young nurse¡¯s hands trembled. She identally tore off a small piece of Zhai Sheng¡¯s flesh.

    Zhai Sheng frowned but did not utter a word.

    The young nurse was so nervous that she was sweating profusely. After much difficulty, she finally treated and bandaged Zhai Sheng¡¯s wound. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, these are the anti-inmmatory medicine. If you have a feverter, remember to take it. If you feel unwell, quickly get therades to inform us. You just have to rest well.¡±

    ¡°Will do. I know. You may leave.¡± This was not the first time Zhai Sheng was wounded. He was familiar with its subsequent risks.

    After the nurse left and closed the door, Zhai Sheng did not even bathe or change his clothes. He simplyy on his back and slept like a log.

    When he woke up, it was already the evening of the next day.

    Qiao Nan was not aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s injury at all. Nevertheless, she found out after she saw someone.

    ¡°Who is that?¡± Just as Qiao Nan hung up the phone call with Zhai Sheng, she walked outside. When she stepped out of the door, the sound of knocking on the door stopped.

    Qiao Nan nearly thought that someone had knocked on the wrong door. As she was prepared to return to the house, Shi Qing suddenly appeared out of nowhere in front of her. ¡°It¡¯s you. How did youe in... Did you climb the wall?!¡±

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Shi Qing replied as a matter of fact. ¡°Hurry, I¡¯ll send you to the camp.¡±

    ¡°I just came back yesterday. Why do I have to go back again? I¡¯ve not heard my master mentioning about this.¡±

    ¡°It has got nothing to do with Elder Lin. Brother Zhai has returned from his mission. I heard that he was injured. You¡¯re his girlfriend. Of course, you have to be by his side to take care of him!¡± Shi Qing grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands ¡°My dad was the one who told me about this. It can¡¯t be a mistake. Moreover, if you don¡¯t go, most likely, Qiu Chenxi could not wait to put on wings and fly over to Brother Zhai¡¯s side. Don¡¯t let her snatch the role of the good guy first.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai is injured? Impossible. Brother Zhai didn¡¯t tell me!¡± Qiao Nan widened her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re certain that Brother Zhai is injured?¡± During the earlier phone call, she heard the fatigue in Brother Zhai¡¯s voice but did not feel anything odd.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t tell you? You have been in contact with Brother Zhai?¡± At this juncture, Shi Qing felt so jealous.

    She was worried that Qiao Nan did not know about Brother Zhai¡¯s situation and came to inform her personally. So, Brother Zhai contacted Qiao Nan once he returned to the army. Why couldn¡¯t she tell in the past that Brother Zhai was such an affectionate and caring man toward his girlfriend?

    It was a pity. No matter how good this man was, he did not belong to her.

    ¡°Yes, if you didn¡¯te knocking on my door, I would still be on the call with Brother Zhai. I know that he¡¯s back, but he didn¡¯t tell me that he¡¯s injured.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face was as white as paper. ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t frighten me. Is Brother Zhai really injured? Is the injury serious?¡±

    Brother Zhai was injured. Why did he call her instead of going to the hospital!?

    Shi Qing sulked unhappily. ¡°Initially, I heard from my dad that he¡¯s injured and bled quite a lot. But now, I can be very sure that Brother¡¯s Zhai¡¯s injury is not serious. Tell me, would a seriously injured person who is dying still able to call you? It¡¯s not as if he¡¯s conveying his will. You didn¡¯t feel anything amiss. Most likely, it seemed scary because Brother Zhai bled a lot but there shouldn¡¯t be too much of an issue. You should not worry.¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing, are you purposely saying this to frighten me?¡± Qiao Nan was so angry that she hit Shi Qing. ¡°Can we be serious?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you have a phone at home? If you¡¯re really worried, lend me the phone in your house. I¡¯ll ask my dad. Brother Zhai has just returned for a while. My dad must have only heard a part of the situation. At this juncture, he should have found more details. Won¡¯t it do if we ask him?¡±

    ¡°Fine, hurry!¡± Qiao Nan pulled Shi Qing anxiously into the house. She then pushed the phone to Shi Qing and watched Shi Qing as thetter made the phone call.

    Shi Qing lifted her chin. ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some water!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had gotten the water, immediately massaged Shi Qing¡¯s shoulders in an understanding manner. ¡°No issue. You make the call.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Dad. It¡¯s me, Qing Qing. This phone belongs to Qiao Nan¡¯s house. If you have anything to convey in the future, you can also call this number. Don¡¯t refuse to pick it up because it¡¯s not familiar... Right, how¡¯s Brother Zhai? Oh, okay. I know. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll let Qiao Nan know. Fine, that¡¯s it then. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Within five minutes, Shi Qing finished making the phone call.

    Qiao Nan held the cup of water in front of Shi Qing. ¡°How¡¯s Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°His arm was injured by an animal trap. Fortunately, it did not hurt his aorta and the wound is not very big either. As long as the wound is cleaned and applied with medication, and he takes care to rest and replenish his blood, there shouldn¡¯t be any major concern.¡±

    ¡°Animal trap?¡± Qiao Nan was extremely surprised. She felt that such things were very foreign to her. ¡°There¡¯s a need for a few stitches?¡± The wound was definitely not that small either.

 Chapter 572 - Dashed to the Army

    <h4>Chapter 572: Dashed to the Army</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°There should be about a few stitches. Anyway, my dad told me that it¡¯s not serious and there¡¯s no danger to his life. There¡¯s also anti-inmmatory medicine in the army¡±.

    ¡°How can it be not serious? The animal trap should be made of metal, right? Does the army have any tetanus jab?!¡± Qiao Nan was extremely anxious. Fortunately, Zhai Sheng¡¯s life was not in danger. In addition, he did not disy anything obvious or strange during his call with Qiao Nan. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have hurled Shi Qing straight to the camp. She would only feel at ease when she saw with her own eyes that Zhai Sheng was well.

    ¡°Yes, they should have them. Given Brother Zhai¡¯s contribution and identity, you can be assured that the doctor in the army will pay more attention to Brother Zhai¡¯s wound than you. They will definitely not let anything happen to Brother Zhai. If my dad tells me that he¡¯s fine, he¡¯s definitely fine. Will my dad lie to me?¡± Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan as she consoled her. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t frighten yourself. If you¡¯re still worried, how about I send you to the army camp?¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qiao Nan was prepared to walk the talk immediately. She left a slip of note at home to inform Qiao Dongliang that she would be away for a short time and would be back home by today. She then dragged Shi Qing into the car.

    ¡°You¡¯re really going?¡± Shi Qing blinked her eyes.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m joking with you? Right, go to the market first.¡±

    ¡°You still want to go marketing?¡±

    ¡°To buy a chicken and bring it along.¡± Qiao Nan did not borate further. She said firmly that she would go to the market. She then bought a chicken that had just been ughtered.

    As Lin Yuankang, this elderly man, was not present this time, the chauffeur drove the car at a faster speed. They arrived at the army camp about an hour earlier than before.

    Qiao Nan had just left the army yesterday. Hence, everyone could still recognize this Teacher Xiao Qiao. Furthermore, she came in Shi Qing¡¯s car. As such, she managed to enter the camp without much effort.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the canteen first.¡± Qiao Nan carried the chicken and ran to the canteen at her fastest speed. She spent some money and requested the chef in the canteen to specially prepare some shredded chicken porridge.

    Zhai Sheng was the regimentmander of the army. When Zhai Yaohui was not around, Zhai Sheng was the next person with the highest authority. Zhai Sheng was now injured. Of course, the people in the army would think of ways to help him nourish his body.

    As such, the chef in the canteen immediately declined Qiao Nan¡¯s money. After picking up the way of cooking the porridge from Qiao Nan, he expressed that he would definitelyplete the mission.

    ¡°I was wondering why you had to go to the market and bought food for your home before you came to see Brother Zhai. It turns out you bought it for Brother Zhai.¡± Shi Qing had been standing at the entrance and waiting for Qiao Nan toe out.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan replied. ¡°Brother Zhai is injured and his body needs to be nourished. He quite likes the shredded chicken porridge that I cooked but it¡¯ll take a long time to cook. It¡¯s also inconvenient to travel from Ping Cheng to the camp. Therefore, I could only rely on others to cook it and teach them the method.¡±

    Qiao Nan was so meticulous and thorough. Shi Qing was really happy for Zhai Sheng. It was only right that a good man should be matched with a good woman, and a good woman should have a good man to protect her. ¡°However, I heard that chicken is quite oily. Is it good to let Brother Zhai take something so oily now?¡±

    ¡°No issue. I¡¯ve already asked the chef to do a bit more by removing the skin of the chicken. It won¡¯t be so oily after the skin is removed.¡± When Qiao Dongliang had an ident previously, Qiao Nan was the one who took care of him. She had more experience than anyone else in this area.

    ¡°Alright, hurry up. Go and see Brother Zhai.¡± Shi Qing scratched her forehead with her fingers. So, if the chicken was too oily, removing the skin would solve the problem?

    ¡°Wait for a while.¡± Just as they were arriving at Zhai Sheng¡¯s dormitory, Shi Qing grabbed Qiao Nan and stopped her. ¡°You wait here for a while first. I¡¯ll go and take a look.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She then stood at the same ce and waited for Shi Qing.

    After a while, Qiao Nan saw Qiu Chenxi being dragged away by Shi Qing. Qiu Chenxi was pulling a ck face.

    Obviously, Qiu Chenxi did not want to leave at all, but with her strong physical strength, Shi Qing overwhelmed all of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s resistance. Qiu Chenxi was hurled away by Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. After she was certain that Qiu Chenxi had been pulled further away by Shi Qing, she then dared to go and see Zhai Sheng.

    However, when Qiao Nan approached the door of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom, she felt awkward.

    It was not because of any other matter. It was because there was a soldier dressed in army uniform standing guard at the entrance of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom. That soldier was like a por, standing there in such a straight and upright manner. He was carrying out his duty in a serious manner.

    Given such a situation, Qiao Nan could guess easily that before Qiu Chenxi was dragged away by Shi Qing, most likely, this soldier had stood in her way at the entrance. She eventually did not enter the room to see Brother Zhai.

    Just as Qiao Nan was wracking her brains about what to do, that soldier turned and saw Qiao Nan. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°Hello, good day.¡± Qiao Nan smiled, looking a little embarrassed. She was a little different from the normal school teachers. School teachers would know the names of at least a few of the students. However, she did not. During the past month of her teaching, she really did not remember any of the students¡¯ names.

    After all, she did not usually nominate people in the ss. She also did not give them any homework. Everyone only met one another during the sses. There were negligible opportunities to meet outside of the sses.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, pleasee in.¡± Qiao Nan was so embarrassed that she did not know what to say. The soldier was quite amiable as he opened the door on his own ord and invited Qiao Nan in.

    Qiao Nan was taken aback for a while. ¡°You just opened the door of Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s bedroom. Is that okay?¡± The purpose of having someone guarding here was not to let others disturb Brother Zhai while he was resting.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re different. Other people cannot go in but you can.¡±

    ¡°No, this won¡¯t do. What if other people see this and say that you¡¯re neglecting your duty? What to do then?¡± She wished to see Brother Zhai, but she was not willing to implicate others negatively.

    The soldierughed. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t worry. This won¡¯t happen. I¡¯ve long received instructions that Teacher Xiao Qiao can go in and see the regimentmander if you¡¯re here.¡±

    He had found it strange previously. Clearly, Regiment Commander Zhai was injured and needed to rest quietly for some time. Why was it that other people could not visit Regiment Commander Zhai casually while Teacher Xiao Qiao could? Furthermore, Teacher Xiao Qiao had already left the camp previously. Why would she be back so soon? He did not expect that Teacher Xiao Qiao really came back.

    It seemed that the rtionship between Teacher Xiao Qiao and Regiment Commander Zhai was not ordinary.

    ¡°Instruction?¡± Qiao Nan was feeling more sullen. Could Officer Shi have lent her a hand? ¡°Thank you, then.¡±

    Since it was not flouting the rules, of course, Qiao Nan would not decline further. She quickened her steps and entered the room swiftly.

    At this moment, the room was dark. All the curtains of the windows had been drawn and there was only a little ray of light. Obviously, this was deliberately done for Zhai Sheng to rest quietly.

    When she entered the room, a very strong antiseptic smell came to Qiao Nan¡¯s nose. Despite the cover of the antiseptic lotion, that vague smell of blood still did not escape her nose.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. After she adjusted her eyes to the darkness of the room, she found her way to Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedside.

    Qiao Nan could not see the face of the person who was lying on the bed clearly, but she recognized immediately from his figure that he was Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 573 - Sponge Bath

    <h4>Chapter 573: Sponge Bath</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As she reached out her hands and touched Zhai Sheng¡¯s face, she discovered that Zhai Sheng¡¯s face felt very hot. It was not just the face. His hands, especially the wound and its surrounding areas, also felt extremely hot.

    Qiao Nan took in a breath of cold air and quickly drew open the curtains slightly. She looked beside Zhai Sheng¡¯s bed and saw a cup of water and a pill. Obviously, these were meant for Zhai Sheng¡¯s consumption but had not been done so as Zhai Sheng had been unconscious and sleeping.

    The thing that Qiao Nan felt most heart-wrenching about was that Zhai Sheng was perspiring so much that his hair was drenched. Strands of his shiny and straight hair were visibly obvious. There was ayer of sweat on his tanned skin, reflecting a different sheen of light. His brows, which were as sharp as a sword, were knitted gently. The once good-looking thin lips had ayer of white skin on it. There were also lines of crack on it.

    Qiao Nan was so frightened that she kept trembling. Shi Qing told her that Brother Zhai¡¯s injury was not serious. How was it not so? It was clearly very serious!

    Brother Zhai was so seriously injured and he did not have anyone by his side to take care of him. What did the army mean by this? What was happening? Could it be that even the politicalmissar did not bother about this matter?!

    Qiao Nan, whose face immediately turned crimson due to anger, took a cotton bud and soaked it in water. She then tirelessly used it to wipe Zhai Sheng¡¯s cracked lips softly again and again. She stopped only when the water hadpletely moistened Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips, and the previousyer of white skin had disappeared.

    When she saw Zhai Sheng unknowingly open his mouth and extend his tongue, she knew that he was obviously feeling thirsty. Qiao Nan dared not feed him water immediately. She took the anti-inmmatory medicine pill on the stool beside his bed, removed the shell, dissolved the medicine power into the cup of water, and stirred the mixture.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I know you¡¯re thirsty. Let¡¯s take the medicine first. I¡¯ll then feed you water.¡± Although she clearly knew that Zhai Sheng would not be able to hear her, Qiao Nan stubbornly spoke to him by his ears. She then took the spoon and fed the anti-inmmatory solution into Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth in little mouthfuls.

    The anti-inmmatory medicine tasted very bitter, especially if taken in this manner.

    However, Qiao Nan did not have any other alternative. If she did not make Zhai Sheng take his medicine in this way, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s current condition, he could not swallow the pill at all.

    Hence, Qiao Nan deliberately did not satisfy Zhai Sheng¡¯s thirst. This was the only way for Zhai Sheng to ept the extremely bitter medicine without any hesitation.

    Gradually, after Qiao Nan finished feeding half a cup of water to Zhai Sheng, she then took another half a cup of water and patiently fed Zhai Sheng spoon by spoon again.

    ¡°Comrade, can I seek your help to bring in a basin of water?¡± After resolving Zhai Sheng¡¯s physical needs, Qiao Nan requested the soldier outside for water.

    The soldier hesitated for a while. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, please lock the door properly after I leave. Unless Ie back, please don¡¯t open the door to anyone, especially women.¡± He had been on duty for half a day and could not even remember the number of women who hade to visit Regiment Commander Zhai.

    From female doctors to young nurses working by the female doctor¡¯s side, and even those female military performer soldiers came to join the ¡®fun¡¯. He had been so tied up.

    ¡°Okay, rest assured. Unless you¡¯re back, I¡¯ll definitely not open the door for anyone.¡± Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. So this was the reason why there was someone on duty at the door of Brother Zhai¡¯s room.

    After receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s assurance, the soldier closed the door before he went to get water for Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, when Qiao Nan was looking after Zhai Sheng, it was quite quiet outside the door. No one else came to knock on it. Even Qiu Chenxi, who was dragged away by Shi Qing earlier, did not appear.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Seeing the soldier carrying a big basin of water, Qiao Nan gave him a smile full of gratitude.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Teacher Xiao Qiao taught us so much English. We should be the one thanking you. Teacher Xiao Qiao, what else do you need? Just let me know.¡± The soldier was honest. ¡°This basin of water is quite heavy. Shall I help you bring it to the room?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and gave way to him.

    After the soldier entered the room, he looked around suspiciously. He found Zhai Sheng lying well on his bed with no signs of difort. The cup on the table was now empty, and so was the medicine container. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, did Regiment Commander Zhai take the medicine himself or did you feed him?¡±

    At the time when he assumed his duty, Regiment Commander Zhai had not taken his medicine.

    ¡°I dissolved the medicine powder into water and fed him with a spoon. Regiment Commander Zhai is a little feverish. I think the wound is inmed.¡±

    ¡°Really? Should we get the army doctor?¡± The soldier was a little nervous. He did not know about this situation at all.

    The supervisors gave orders and specified that he only had to guard the door abidingly and not let anyone except Teacher Xiao Qiao enter the dormitory of Regiment Commander Zhai. He did not need to do anything else. However, he did not know that Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s condition was not as light as he thought to be.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was filled with awkwardness. ¡°I¡¯m not sure as well. Why don¡¯t you go and get a doctor for Brother..., I mean, Regiment Commander Zhai to take a look at him? I¡¯ll guard the ce. Or, you guard while I¡¯ll go and get the doctor?¡± Besides feeding Zhai Sheng medicine, she did not know how to do anything else too.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? Teacher Xiao Qiao, you look after Regiment Commander Zhai and I¡¯ll check with the politicalmissar?¡± The soldier looked at Zhai Sheng¡¯s condition and picked a solution in the middle.

    Although Zhai Sheng was a little feverish, on the surface, the soldier also could not tell if there were major concerns.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too.¡± Qiao Nan was extremely anxious. The soldier appeared at the right time as she could have someone to discuss this with. ¡°Then, quickly go. Don¡¯t dy. I¡¯ll be looking after Regiment Commander Zhai here. There certainly won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Teacher Xiao Qiao, wait here. I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± Without a word, the soldier ran to the office of the politicalmissar and told the politicalmissar everything.

    After the politicalmissar heard of it, he put down the pen in his hand calmly. ¡°Do you still remember my previous order?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do. I just need to guard the door of Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s room and not let anyone else, besides Teacher Xiao Qiao, enter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t have any new instructions. You can go back.¡±

    The soldier stared straight at the politicalmissar, totally confused.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t understand? Should I repeat myself?¡±

    ¡°Reporting, Political Commissar, I understand.¡± The soldier saluted and returned to the ce of duty with his head full of sweat. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, the politicalmissar said... said that Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s condition is not serious. It¡¯ll be fine if we just let him rest. We need not get the army doctor.¡±

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen voice could be heard.

    ¡°Yes, I am!¡±

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Qiao Nan gave a sigh again. Why did she have the feeling that the situation this time was so odd and ridiculous?

    Previously, as she was not sure if anyone would being, Qiao Nan had to hold back her original n. Now that she knew that it was impossible for anyone toe, Qiao Nan simply took the towel in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room, soaked it in water, and wrung it dry. She then wiped Zhai Sheng¡¯s face and hands.

 Chapter 574 - Just Missed Again

    Chapter 574: Just Missed Again

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    When she saw that Zhai Sheng¡¯s hair was so drenched that droplets of sweat nearly dripped from it, Qiao Nan wrung the towel again. She used one hand to gently wipe Zhai Sheng¡¯s neck while carefully avoiding the wound and the areas surrounding it. With the other hand, she swiftly rubbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s head a few times in a circr motion.

    After she cleaned Zhai Sheng¡¯s face, head, and hands, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and removed Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt that was missing a piece of sleeve. The shirt was already wet and stered to the body.

    Having lived two lifetimes, this was the first time that Qiao Nan was undressing a man.

    When she was undressing Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s fingers were stiff. She distractedly took five minutes to unbutton one button.

    If not for fear that the soldier outside would misunderstand, Qiao Nan almost wanted to let the soldier in to help undress Zhai Sheng and wipe his body.

    Yes, why hadn¡¯t she thought of that earlier?

    ¡°Comrade, can youe in for a while?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, what is it?¡± The honest soldier opened the door.

    ¡°It¡¯s like this... Regiment Commander Zhai is sweating all over and certainly won¡¯t feelfortable. I¡¯ve wiped his face and hands. As for the rest of his body, it¡¯s not convenient for me to wipe them. Can I seek your help to do so? Please help Regiment Commander Zhai change his clothes as well. His clothes look quite dirty. They should be the ones that Regiment Commander Zhai wore when he was out for the mission. The weather is so hot and the regimentmander also sweated a lot. If the clothes are dirty, they definitely won¡¯t do the wound any good.¡±

    ¡°I see. Sure.¡± The soldier first closed the door to ensure that no one coulde in. He then moved forward to undress Zhai Sheng.

    When he saw that the first button of Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt was unbuttoned, he was stunned. But he continued to undress him without uttering a word.

    The soldier also felt so warm that he perspired badly when he was undressing Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Comrade, towel. Do you want to wipe yourself first?¡± The droplets of sweat on the soldier¡¯s brow were as big as beans. They looked as if they would be falling on Brother Zhai¡¯s body soon.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Embarrassed, the soldier smiled and wiped away the sweat on his face. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, so you wanted the water to help Regiment Commander Zhai sponge his body. Women are still more meticulous. Teacher Xiao Qiao, how do you know so much?¡±

    Qiao Nan wrung the towel again and passed it to the soldier. Without a word, the soldier wiped Zhai Sheng¡¯s body as if the body was an ironing board. Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached at the sight of this. ¡°Uh, I know some things but not a lot. Previously, my dad had an ident and was hospitalized for some time. Therefore, I have some experience.¡±

    When the soldier finished wiping the upper body of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan blushed for a moment. ¡°Why don¡¯t I go outside and wait?¡±

    The soldier, who was already removing Zhai Sheng¡¯s belt, then had a moment of realization. ¡°Fine, Teacher Xiao Qiao, you should wait outside the door. When it¡¯s done... I¡¯ll let you know when it¡¯s done.¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned on the door and quietly counted the time.

    After about five minutes, the soldier then called out to Qiao Nan.

    When Qiao Nan entered the room, Zhai Sheng¡¯s muscr andnky body on the bed looked as if it was waiting to be ughtered.

    Zhai Sheng only had on a pair of boxer shorts that was quite long.

    Compared to the dry andfortable upper body, Zhai Sheng¡¯s lower body did not seem asfortable. Most likely, the soldier did not wring the towel dry enough. There was so much water that Qiao Nan could see the obvious water droplets on the straw mat.

    As for the boxer shorts worn on Zhai Sheng, a few round parts of the body were darker and very noticeable due to the wetness.

    Qiao Nan held her forehead. True enough, it was not a good strategy to leave Brother Zhai in other people¡¯s care. ¡°Comrade, there¡¯s no water left here. Regiment Commander Zhai still seems thirsty. Why don¡¯t you get another pot of water here?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Compared to sponging someone, the soldier preferred this kind of manual work.

    As soon as the soldier left, Qiao Nan, without a word and with a reddened face, wrung the towel and carefully and conscientiously wiped Zhai Sheng¡¯s thighs and calves, parts that surrounded the boxer shorts, again.

    As for that part of the body above the thighs and below the waist, Qiao Nan really did not have the courage and thick skin to wipe it.

    Qiao Nan looked at her hands distractedly. In the past, when Brother Zhai hugged her, she always felt that his body was so hard and stiff. Unexpectedly, Brother Zhai¡¯s thighs and calves were also as hard as a rock. They were actually so thick?

    It was almost twice the size of that of hers.

    She took a nce at the naked upper body of Zhai Sheng and looked at his wide and thick back that exuded a great sense of security, square chest muscles, well-defined six-pack abs on the abdomen, and especially that alluring V line abs on the waist that led right into the boxer shorts...

    Suddenly, two loud ps could be heard in the room.

    With moderate strength, Qiao Nan pped her face with her pair of sweaty hands to make herselfe to her senses.

    What was the situation now? She actually had the mood to look at and think of all these. It was too shameless.

    When the soldier brought the hot water back, Qiao Nan finally came back to her normal state.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, do you feel very warm? Why do you look so red?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little warm. The weather is stuffy. Do you think it will rain?¡± Qiao Nan gave a wry smile.

    The soldier stared directly at the sunny weather outside. ¡°At this sight, it doesn¡¯t look like it will rain. It¡¯s already the end of June. The weather is so hot. We can¡¯t help it. Our army is located on the hills. The weather will be more cooling than outside.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not help turning redder in the face as she had said such a silly thing.

    After feeding Zhai Sheng another half a cup of water, Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°Comrade, I only made the trip here for a while and still have to go home. You take care of the situation here. I¡¯ll go home first.¡±

    At this juncture, it was already three o¡¯clock in the afternoon. If she did not make her way back now, it would be around six or seven o¡¯clock by the time she reached Ping Cheng. The sky would have be dark then.

    Qiao Nan did not want Qiao Dongliang to worry. Furthermore, she was aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s condition now.

    The army was a little too much in their arrangements, but it should mean that Zhai Sheng¡¯s injury was definitely not much of an issue.

    ¡°Sure.¡± The soldier nodded. ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no car avable if you¡¯re going back now. Should I get someone from the army to help?¡±

    ¡°No need. I came together with Officer Shi¡¯s daughter. She has a family car. I¡¯ll go back with her. There¡¯s no need to trouble the army. You take good care of Regiment Commander Zhai. I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, take your time as you leave. Come again to teach us English next time.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, I will,¡± Qiao Nan replied. Thereafter, she left in a hurry.

    Coincidentally, Zhou Jun, who came to visit Zhai Sheng, missed Qiao Nan when he was on his way. He saw a youngdying out from the direction of Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s dormitory. The figure of thisdy resembled that of Qiao Nan very much.

    When he arrived at the door of Zhai Sheng¡¯s dormitory, Zhou Jun asked, ¡°Why did I see someone visiting Regiment Commander Zhai? Didn¡¯t the politicalmissar give orders not to let anyone visit Regiment Commander Zhai? How did you carry out your duty?!¡±

 Chapter 575 - How Did You Go In?

    <h4>Chapter 575: How Did You Go In?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Reporting, Company Commander Zhou, the politicalmissar has given orders to disallow any visitors for Regiment Commander Zhai except for Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao? Is that Qiao Nan?¡± So that youngdy whom he saw earlier was really Qiao Nan? ¡°Didn¡¯t they say that she just returned to Ping Cheng yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Reporting, Company Commander Zhou, yes, it¡¯s that Teacher Xiao Qiao. Teacher Xiao Qiao is ssmates with Officer Shi¡¯s daughter. Shi Qing came to visit Officer Shi. Teacher Xiao Qiao heard that Regiment Commander Zhai is injured and came to see Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Almost, again!¡± Zhou Jun was so depressed that he nearly could not say a word.

    One year ago, he took great pain to find ways to be Qiao Nan¡¯s military training instructor. He had not even interacted much with Qiao Nan and had to leave for a mission.

    This time, Qiao Nan was in the army camp as the English teacher. It was such a good opportunity.

    However, when he heard the news, he was sent for a mission again. Why did he have a mission at the most inopportune time? Was heaven not going to let him marry a wife?

    ¡°What do you mean by almost?¡± The soldier looked at Company Commander Zhou, puzzled. ¡°Right, Company Commander Zhou, do you think the orders given by the politicalmissar are strange? Other people are not allowed to visit Regiment Commander Zhai. Why could Teacher Xiao Qiao do so? Company Commander Zhou, do you think...¡±

    Teacher Xiao Qiao was so good to Regiment Commander Zhai and took care of Regiment Commander Zhai so meticulously.

    If he did not remember wrongly, when Teacher Xiao Qiao was teaching English in the army, Regiment Commander Zhai had even sent Teacher Xiao Qiao back to her dormitory before under the orders of Chief Zhai.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Zhou Jun chided unhappily. ¡°If you don¡¯t know, don¡¯t spread unfounded rumors. Teacher Xiao Qiao and Regiment Commander Zhai were neighbors who grew up in the same quad. Outside the army camp, Teacher Xiao Qiao addresses Regiment Commander Zhai as brother. There¡¯s nothing strange about a sister visiting her brother.¡±

    The politicalmissar must have known the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Regiment Commander Zhai. That was why he granted this special permission.

    ¡°I see.¡± The soldier had a great realization. ¡°I felt it was strange. The way Teacher Xiao Qiao treated Regiment Commander Zhai was too good...¡±

    In an ordinary rtionship, which woman would help a man wipe his body?

    If he was not around, or if she could not find anyone else to help, perhaps Teacher Xiao Qiao would have removed Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s clothes and pants herself so that she could sponge Regiment Commander Zhai.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t talk about it anymore. I¡¯ll go and take a look at Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± There was guilt on Zhou Jun¡¯s face. If not for his carelessness, Regiment Commander Zhai would not have been injured. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai is not used to others taking care of him. He¡¯ll definitely forget to take his medicine once he falls asleep. He can¡¯t always do that when he¡¯s injured. I¡¯ll go in to take a look. If Regiment Commander Zhai has not taken his medicine, I¡¯ll feed him.¡±

    Of course, the way Zhou Jun fed would definitely not be as gentle and easily eptable by the patient as to how Qiao Nan did.

    ¡°Company Commander Zhou, save the trouble. Teacher Xiao Qiao had already fed Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Already? How did she feed him?!¡± When Regiment Commander Zhai was in slumber, it was not easy to feed him medicine. Even if he did it himself, he would need a Herculean effort to do so before he could let Regiment Commander Zhai swallow the medicine.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao removed the shell of the pill and dissolved the medicine powder in water before feeding Regiment Commander Zhai spoon by spoon.¡±

    ¡°Oh, this is surely a good way. We can note it down.¡±

    ¡°Company Commander Zhou, Regiment Commander Zhai is sleeping soundly now. Do you still want to see him?¡±

    After thinking, Zhou Jun shook his head. ¡°My main concern is that Regiment Commander Zhai forgot to take his medicine. Since Regiment Commander Zhai had already done so, then forget it. You stay here and guard Regiment Commander Zhai well. I¡¯ll go back first. I¡¯ll take over you in the middle of the night.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Company Commander Zhou!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re here so soon?¡± Shi Qing had been sitting in Shi Peng¡¯s office and waiting for Qiao Nan.

    The man that he liked most had be someone else¡¯s boyfriend. This was already a great blow. If she had to see with her own eyes how that woman took care of him... No, Shi Qing was not so generous.

    However, at the thought that she was the one who brought Qiao Nan here to take care of Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing felt so sullen that she did not wish to speak further.

    What was she doing!

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao family nodded. ¡°It¡¯s three o¡¯clock already. Let¡¯s hurry and return to Ping Cheng. My dad should reach home at around five o¡¯clock.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about Brother Zhai? He hasn¡¯t woken up, has he?¡±

    Brother Zhai had not woken up. Would Qiao Nan feel at ease if she left? She had thought that Qiao Nan would not go home today. At most, she would give her father a call to inform him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Brother Zhai¡¯s wound. The army doctor certainly handled it well. I¡¯ve also fed him medicine. There are other people in the army who will take care of Brother Zhai. There won¡¯t be any problems.¡± If she did not see Brother Zhai¡¯s injury with her own eyes, her thoughts would go astray. Hence, she had toe and take a look.

    Since she had already seen Brother Zhai¡¯s wound, she would not think otherwise and scare herself. ¡°Officer Shi, I¡¯m really sorry. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll go back with Shi Qing first.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you all should go back.¡± Shi Peng nodded amiably. He did not mind his daughter following Qiao Nan around.

    He was well aware that if his daughter was unwilling, she would not do so even if the emperor¡¯s father was here, let alone Qiao Nan.

    His daughter ran the errand as she was willing to do so. If that was the case, why should he bother?

    After getting into the car of the Shi family, Qiao Nan heaved a great sigh of relief. ¡°Where¡¯s Qiu Chenxi? She¡¯s willing to leave?¡±

    Brother Zhai was injured and needed someone by his side to take care of him now. The Zhai family was not around. Whoever could remain by Brother Zhai¡¯s side to take care of him would definitely form a good impression with the Zhai family. It was advantageous to do so.

    Qiu Chenxi was never stupid. Before she came, Qiao Nan had guessed that Qiu Chenxi would most probablye as well.

    She just did not expect that Qiu Chenxi would be there so soon. True enough, the Qiu family had their connections in the army.

    She had seen the impatient expression on the face of the soldier who was on duty at the door of Brother Zhai¡¯s dormitory earlier. Hence, Shi Qing¡¯s appearance was really a saving grace for the soldier.

    ¡°Of course she had to leave.¡± Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly. ¡°She¡¯s not part of the army now. She can¡¯te and leave as she wishes. I just asked someone to report this to the politicalmissar and someone invited Qiu Chenxi out. Thatckey of Qiu family can just wait for the politicalmissar to discipline him.¡±

    It was not an issue to let Qiu Chenxi know about Brother Zhai. However, one had to take great responsibility for casually letting people who did not belong to the army enter the premise without seeking his superior¡¯s permission.

    She could not be bothered to investigate who was the one who let Qiu Chenxi into the camp. Anyway, this person was definitely down on his luck today.

    ¡°Right, Qiu Chenxi told me that she had been held back when she was outside Brother Zhai¡¯s dormitory. She did not see Brother Zhai at all. Did you see him?¡± Shi Qing patted her own forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve been confused by the weather too. If you didn¡¯t see Brother Zhai, would you be in the army for as long as four to five hours without seeking my dad¡¯s help? Ah, how did you get in? With your identity as Teacher Xiao Qiao?¡±

    That couldn¡¯t be. If that was the case, more than one or two people would be disciplined today. Moreover, Qiao Nan was not someone who was willing to sacrifice others for the sake of achieving her own aims.

 Chapter 576 - Arranged by Zhai Yaohui

    <h4>Chapter 576: Arranged by Zhai Yaohui</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°The guard on duty said that the higher-up had given the instructions that I was allowed to enter.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute, why couldn¡¯t others go in except for you?¡±

    ¡°I thought it¡¯s your dad?¡± She thought that Officer Shi had instructed to forbid Qiu Chenxi from entering Brother Zhai¡¯s room, while she could be allowed entry.

    Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°Impossible, my dad could not have arranged this. Given his situation in the camp, to put it bluntly, aside from being more experienced than Brother Zhai, his rank is simr to Brother Zhai¡¯s. He has more or less relinquished all his duties and power. He has already handed over everything to Brother Zhai to handle. He has no real power, and at most, he will do some administrative work. Hence, it is impossible for him to make such arrangements. Right now, could it be that the politicalmissar has the say over Brother Zhai in the camp?¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Qiao Nan rushed to deny. ¡°Only a few people know of my rtionship with Brother Zhai, and the politicalmissar is definitely not one of them. Besides, why would he give such instructions without an apparent reason?¡±

    It did not make sense.

    ¡°Then, I am really clueless.¡± Shi Qing gestured that she had no idea. She might have a high IQ but she had low emotional intelligence. Qiao Nan had to figure it out by herself. ¡°Okay, it¡¯ste. I will send you back now. Otherwise, your dad will be anxious.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Fortunately, Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries are not serious. If not, I would be very worried.¡±

    ¡°Say no more. If I knew that Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries are not serious, I would not have told you at all. It¡¯s so tiring for you to make the trip here. Alright, you can have a short rest. You must be tired.¡± Shi Qing motioned for Qiao Nan to lean on her shoulder to rest. As for her, she was used to the hectic lifestyle of the army and she was in good health.

    Qiao Nan was different. She was only slightly better than the average person. She was too scrawny and thin.

    ¡°Alright, wake me up when we reach.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Qiao Nan closed her eyes and fell asleep in no time. It was not because she was exhausted. It was because she had a big fright.

    Qiao Nan did not know why Qiu Chenxi was forbidden to enter Zhai Sheng¡¯s room while she was allowed entry. Those who knew what was going on must be up to something.

    ¡°Chief Zhai, Comrade Xiao Qiao has already gone back.¡± The politicalmissar made a phone call to the Zhai family.

    ¡°Did shee with thedy from the Shi family and in their car?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The politicalmissar felt odd to have received a phone call from Chief Zhai. This was not the first time that Regiment Commander Zhai was injured. In fact, he had suffered much more serious injuries in the past, but Chief Zhai had never shown much concern for his son. Usually, it was Madam Zhai who would be concerned. What happened today was unprecedented.

    The politicalmissar was even more surprised that Zhai Yaohui did not call to ask about Zhai Sheng¡¯s injuries but called to give him an odd instruction instead. ¡°Tell the soldier who stands guard outside Zhai Sheng¡¯s room that he is not to allow entry to anyone except for Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Teacher Xiao Qiao who just left yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, understood!¡±

    Until now, the politicalmissar still could notprehend Chief Zhai¡¯s intention.

    He did not understand why Chief Zhai gave him such an odd instruction. What perplexed him further was why would Comrade Xiao Qiao, who had already left yesterday,e back to the camp today to see Regiment Commander Zhai? How did she know that Regiment Commander Zhai was injured and what did it have to do with her?

    The politicalmissar was bewildered.

    ¡°How is Zhai Sheng?¡± Zhai Yaohui rxed his tone upon hearing that Qiao Nan had indeed gone to the camp and spent a long time taking care of Zhai Sheng.

    Since a young age, Zhai Sheng had never gone against Miao Miao and him. The first time he went against his mother was because of a woman. As a father, Zhai Yaohui felt unhappy.

    Fortunately, his love was requited. Otherwise, Zhai Yaohui would be very much against their rtionship.

    His son was so outstanding. He would never allow him to be in a one-sided love affair.

    If Qiao Nan had not gone to the camp today, Zhai Yaohui, who had silently agreed to their rtionship previously, would have objected to it after this incident.

    If Qiao Nan wanted to be with Zhai Sheng, the first and foremost condition was that both of them must cherish each other.

    ¡°I heard that after Comrade Xiao Qiao arrived, she mixed the medicine with water and fed it to Regiment Commander Zhai. The wound is quite small. Most importantly, the arteries are not affected, so his injuries are not serious. He should be alright after taking the anti-inmmatory medicine and the tetanus shot. He should probably wake up tomorrow and will be able to give you a report of the mission personally.¡±

    ¡°What else?¡± Zhai Yaohui wanted to know every detail.

    Though he felt puzzled, the politicalmissar continued. ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao asked someone to help wipe Regiment Commander Zhai and change his clothes. Also, when Comrade Xiao Qiao arrived, she brought a chicken with her. She gave the cooking instructions to the chef at the canteen and told the chef to cook shredded chicken porridge for Regiment Commander Zhai so that he can have it when he wakes up.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will hang up now.¡± After knowing about everything that Qiao Nan did for Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui was satisfied with what he heard and hung up the phone.

    The politicalmissar was dumbfounded when he realized that the phone call had ended.

    What was Chief Zhai¡¯s intention behind this phone call and his series of questions?

    Though Qiao Nan was Lin Yuankang¡¯s little disciple, as she was young and came from an average family, the politicalmissar, who was usually sensitive and quick to catch on, pondered for a long while but did not associate Qiao Nan with Zhai Sheng. He was still perplexed by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s behavior today.

    Apart from the politicalmissar who was puzzled, Qiao Nan also did not know that it was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arrangement for her to be allowed entry to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. In fact, she was the only ¡®special case¡¯ that the ¡®higher-up¡¯ permitted to visit Zhai Sheng.

    More importantly, this was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s test for Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan passed the test without knowing what was going on!

    ¡°Who were you on the phone with?¡± Miao Jing came out from the room. ¡°By the way, has Zhai Sheng returned to the camp yet? I heard that the mission this time is not difficult?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s back.¡±

    ¡°When did hee back? Why didn¡¯t he give me a call?¡± Miao Jing was agitated.

    ¡°He returned to the camp this morning. As he suffered slight injuries, he is resting in the army. I guess he will give you a call tomorrow.¡± Of course, before heid down to rest, he did not give his mother a call. Instead, he called to talk to someone else¡¯s daughter.

    It was also because of this phone call that Zhai Yaohui gave Qiao Nan such a test. This phone call that Zhai Sheng made had given Qiao Nan unexpected trouble.

 Chapter 577 - Shi Qing Had No Hopes

    <h4>Chapter 577: Shi Qing Had No Hopes</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As a parent, knowing that his son was injured and yet he did not rest but gave a call to someone else¡¯s daughter to reassure her that he was alright, one would definitely not feel happy about it.

    People like Zhai Yaohui would surely be angry and jealous.

    ¡°What! Injured? Is it really not serious? You mustn¡¯t lie to me. No, I have to see for myself!¡± Miao Jing jumped to conclusions from insignificant evidence. As soon as she knew that her son was injured, even though it was not serious, she had to see it herself to be assured.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Yaohui gave Miao Jing a strong pull. ¡°He has taken the medicine and there are people waiting on him. Rest assured. It is really a minor injury. He will probably heal much quicker than his previous injuries. There is no need for you to visit him. He has someone to look after him. Today, Qiao Nan took a ride with Shi Qing and returned to the camp. She specially brought a chicken for your son and taught the chef to cook shredded chicken porridge. If you are there, do you know all this?¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s parents were farmers. She was able to cook simple meals, but she did not know how to prepare difficult dishes.

    When Miao Jing was young, they would only get to eat chicken during festivals. It would be too wasteful to use the chicken to prepare shredded chicken porridge.

    Therefore, shredded chicken porridge was Miao Jing¡¯s Achilles heels.

    ¡°I may not know but I can learn! As long as Zhai Sheng likes to eat it, I will learn how to make it. I will definitely learn. In the future, I will also learn to cook whatever dishes that Hua Hua likes.¡± She did not take good care of her children when they were young. She must make up for it now!

    ¡°They are not by your side. I am the only one by your side now. You should prepare the dishes that I love!¡± Zhai Yaohui was upset. His father had someone to take care of him in the countryside. They were a family of four. Miao Jing knew to take care of her children, but why was it that she did not care for him?

    ¡°Even if you prepare dishes that they like, they are not able to have them. It will be a waste of food. It¡¯s more realistic to cook what I love.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is already back in the army. I can get someone to send the food to him!¡± Miao Jing was not convinced.

    Ever since she had sorted out her thoughts, Miao Jing found joy in bickering with Zhai Yaohui. It was as if she had been too easygoing for the past twenty years. She had to show him that she had a temper as well.

    Zhai Yaohui snorted. ¡°It¡¯s summer now. Are you sure by the time the food that you prepare is sent to the army, Zhai Sheng will not have the runs when he eats them?¡±

    ¡°Then, I will wait until he is back at home to prepare the dishes for him.¡± Miao Jing was rendered speechless. ¡°But then again, Nan Nan is indeed a good child. She specially prepared the chicken for Zhai Sheng. I have long said that Nan Nan is a good girl.¡±

    ¡°Good, of course, she is good!¡± She was so good that your son had eyes only for her. If she was not good enough, would your son have taken a fancy to her?

    ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to say something pleasing to the ears.¡± Miao Jing felt happy and there was a smile on her face. It was equally rare for her to smile at Zhai Yaohui. But her expression changed instantaneously. ¡°Let me warn you. I know that the Qiu family must have known that Zhai Sheng is injured. Since Zhai Sheng is injured, he should rest. He does not like Qiu Chenxi, and he doesn¡¯t like to deal with the people from the Qiu family. If you dare to allow them to disturb Zhai Sheng, I will not let you off!¡±

    Miao Jing directed her anger at Zhai Yaohui at the mention of the Qiu family. She warned him to watch his behavior.

    ¡°That was already ages ago. Aren¡¯t you tired of bringing it up time and again?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if it has been ages ago. I am afraid that someone will forget about it without my reminder.¡± Could he easily let go of the feelings that he had for his old lover?

    Miao Jing had her Achilles heel and so did Zhai Yaohui. Zhai Yaohui was defenseless at the mention of the Qiu family.

    Zhai Yaohui massaged his temples. ¡°Alright, must you harp on this? Okay, say no more, will that do?¡±

    Miao Jing snorted and pulled a long face. There was a look of hurt in her eyes. If Zhai Yaohui really did not care about Qi Min, why would he have such a big reaction at the mention of her? To put it bluntly, the woman who Zhai Yaohui was most concerned about was still Qi Min.

    No wonder Qi Min was so smug. She had reasons to be happy.

    Even though she was married to Zhai Yaohui, his heart belonged to Qi Min.

    Miao Jing felt that theirs was a hopeless marriage.

    Miao Jing felt hopeless, but Qi Min was in a worse state than her!

    ¡°Are you saying that the people in the camp drove you out? And your uncle didn¡¯t help you?¡± Qi Min ground her teeth in fury and hurled the cup that she had with her.

    How could this be!

    It was fine in the past.

    Brother Zhai had said that Chenxi was a well-behaved child and she was a good match for Zhai Sheng. They were childhood sweethearts and their rtionship was built on a strong foundation. It would be good if they could marry each other.

    She was all ready to be the rtive of Chief Zhai, yet someone threw a wrench in the works and the people from the Zhai family changed their attitudepletely.

    Because of her, she knew that Miao Jing, that vixen, would never truly like Chenxi. But how could Brother Zhai change overnight? It was just like what happened back then. One minute, she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, and the next minute, Miao Jing turned out to be the one that he was going to marry!

    People used to say that women were capricious, but men were the ones who were fickle-minded!

    ¡°Help me?¡± Qiu Chenxi sneered. ¡°Do you know who the first person who pulled me away was? It was Shi Qing! Didn¡¯t she leave with Qiao Nan yesterday? Why was she back at the camp today? That¡¯s it! It must be because Shi Qing hasn¡¯t gotten over Brother Zhai and as she knows that Brother Zhai and I are having some problems, she intends to avail herself of the opportunity toe in between us. Since she pulled me away, she must have the same intention as me. She wants to stay by Brother Zhai¡¯s side while he is injured and take care of him. She is downright shameless and despicable!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. You can rest assured that Shi Qing can never marry Zhai Sheng.¡± Qi Min took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

    ¡°Why, why are you so certain?¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to believe her words. Since Shi Qing had liked Brother Zhai for so many years, now was a good opportunity for Shi Qing toe in between them. How could Shi Qing give up at this time?

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget. Zhai Sheng has a girlfriend that he likes but can¡¯t go public. Besides, the most important thing is that your grandpa will never agree to the marriage between Shi Qing and Zhai Sheng. Shi Qing is the only child of the Shi family and your uncle is very obstinate. He refused to have a second child with your auntie. Your grandpa¡¯s thinking is outdated. He has already nned to take in a husband for Shi Qing. She can never marry into another family. I heard that your grandpa is already on the lookout for possible candidates for Shi Qing. Besides, given the Zhai family¡¯s status, even if Zhai Sheng breaks up with the vixen, do you think he will marry into the Shi family? That being said, it is impossible between Shi Qing and Zhai Sheng. You don¡¯t have to worry about her.¡±

    ¡°Mom, are you sure?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes lit up. There was a look of joy on her face.

 Chapter 578 - Refused to Be the Loser

    <h4>Chapter 578: Refused to Be the Loser</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I will not lie to you about this.¡± She knew what was on her father¡¯s mind.

    ¡°If this is the case, then I can rest assured.¡± Qiu Chenxi sat down calmly. ¡°Mom, I am very worried. Uncle Zhai went back on his words and is not supportive of my engagement with Brother Zhai. I am not worried about the vixen but Shi Qing. The reason why Brother Zhai keeps that vixen under wraps must be that she does note from a good family and she will not be epted by the Zhai family. Shi Qing is different. What bothers me the most is that it is with uncle¡¯s help that Brother Zhai could be the regimentmander at such a young age. If not for uncle¡¯s help, he would not be promoted in such a short period of time.¡±

    This was the reason why she was able to be with Brother Zhai.

    It was through her uncle¡¯s help that Brother Zhai was able to rise through the ranks in a short period of time. Brother Zhai owed their family.

    But right now, this had be the biggest reason for Shi Qing to be close with Brother Zhai and for him to ept her.

    When she was with Brother Zhai, it was Brother Zhai who owed her uncle. Now that there was some problem between Brother Zhai and her, things had changed such that it was Brother Zhai who owed Shi Qing¡¯s father.

    ¡°Then, why would you insist on finding out who the girl is?¡± Qi Min was quite surprised that her daughter could be so clear-headed.

    Qiu Chenxi looked unhappy. ¡°I certainly want to find out who the woman is. Children from families like us can never marry simply for love. But I know that Brother Zhai is truly in love with that girl. How can I be happy when my future husband has someone that he sincerely loves?¡±

    Shi Qing was only herpetitor for the position of Brother Zhai¡¯s wife, but that vixen waspeting with her for Brother Zhai¡¯s heart.

    She had always been overbearing. She wanted to be Brother Zhai¡¯s wife and get his love!

    She would not settle for less!

    ¡°Mom, even though it is impossible between Shi Qing and Brother Zhai, I can¡¯t take it lying down that I miss such a good opportunity. Now that Brother Zhai is injured, if I am able to stay by his side and take care of him, he may be touched, thinking that I am the only one who likes him and treats him well and will stay by his side regardless of anything. With that, not to mention engagement, we may even be married this year. On the contrary, if I miss this opportunity, I have no idea when I will be rid of the vixen and when Brother Zhai will return to my side, let alone getting married.¡±

    In fact, Qiu Chenxi was furious. There was no television and entertainment at the camp. She was not allowed to dress up nicely or put on makeup as and when she liked. She did not like to stay at the camp at all.

    But today, she went to the ce that she hated and was driven out.

    Nobody besides Qiu Chenxi knew how upset she was.

    When her marriage with Brother Zhai was confirmed, she would make sure that whoever drove her out today was kicked out of the army!

    ¡°I see.¡± Qi Min also had a sullen expression. ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged. Let me give Chief Zhai a call and see how it goes.¡±

    ¡°Will it help? Uncle Zhai has changed!¡±

    ¡°I am not asking him to consent to your engagement with Zhai Sheng. Now that Zhai Sheng is injured, the Zhai family should thank us for sending you to take care of him. Since they are so worried about Zhai Sheng, isn¡¯t it good that we help take care of him?¡± Qi Min picked up the phone and dialed the phone number of the Zhai family¡¯s residence that she knew by heart.

    Zhai Yaohui, who was in a quarrel with Miao Jing, sulked when he saw that it was a call from the Qiu family.

    ¡°The phone is ringing. Aren¡¯t you going to answer it? Is it from the Qiu family again?¡± Miao Jing asked sensitively.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®again¡¯?¡± He had not been in contact with the Qiu family for a long time. ¡°I have no wish to answer it.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t answer the phone, it will continue to ring. You should know Qi Min¡¯s temper better than me. If nobody picks up the phone, she maye over to our house. Or is that your intention for not answering the phone?¡± When agitated, women could be quite unreasonable.

    Apparently, Miao Jing had been agitated recently. For the past twenty years, she had been giving in to Zhai Yaohui. Now, she was getting even with him in the shortest possible time for the grievances that she suffered.

    Zhai Yaohui fumed in anger. He picked up the phone with a bang and gave a curt acknowledgment.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Please address me as Chief Zhai!¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, must we be so distant with each other?¡±

    ¡°Come straight to the point!¡±

    ¡°I heard that Zhai Sheng is injured. After hearing the news, Chenxi was so anxious that she went to the camp, wanting to take care of Zhai Sheng and to see how he was doing, but she was... Brother Zhai, no matter what, Chenxi grew up together with Zhai Sheng. They are close to each other. Chenxi does not ask for much. She only wants to do whatever she can for Zhai Sheng and take care of him. She will leave once he recovers. She will not bother Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family. Can you grant this little wish of hers?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Zhai Yaohui said decisively and resolutely. ¡°Indecision invariably leads to trouble. Qiu Chenxi is young and insensible. Madam Qi, are you insensible as well? It¡¯s normal for youngdies to throw tantrums and cry over rtionships. She will be fine after a while. Zhai Sheng has said that he has someone that he likes. If we allow Qiu Chenxi to carry on with her ways, not only will Qiu Chenxi be hurt, but both Zhai Sheng and thedy will be hurt as well. I remember that a few years ago, there was a youngdy who was on close terms with Zhai Sheng. Qiu Chenxi was unhappy and she cameining to me that Zhai Sheng did not pay enough attention to her. We should put oneself in another¡¯s ce. I don¡¯t think there is any girlfriend who is so generous that she will allow other girls to take care of their boyfriends.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you mean that you consent to the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and that woman?¡± Impossible, how could this happen? ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know who the woman whom Zhai Sheng likes is? Can you tell me?¡±

    Things were looking serious. Shi Qing was not a problem. The youngdy that she and Chenxi looked down upon was their biggest problem.

    She thought that it would be absolutely impossible for the Zhai family to ept the girl that Zhai Sheng liked.

    But judging from Brother Zhai¡¯s tone, not only did he know who the woman was, but he also agreed to their rtionship.

    Since Brother Zhai did not object and Zhai Sheng liked thedy as well, Miao Jing was the only person in the family who was against the rtionship. If Miao Jing gave in eventually, would Chenxi¡¯s position as the wife of the chief of the army be taken away by a wild girl who came out from nowhere?

    No, absolutely not!

    Chenxi could never follow in her footsteps and lose to someone who was not her opponent and be deemed the loser forever!

 Chapter 579 - No Matter What, I Am Willing

    <h4>Chapter 579: No Matter What, I Am Willing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yaohui knitted his eyebrows. ¡°Madam Qi, this is our family¡¯s business. You don¡¯t need to know so much. Zhai Sheng is being taken care of. There¡¯s no need for Qiu Chenxi to be worried for him. For the sake of Qiu Chenxi, you should forbid her from looking for Zhai Sheng. She should get another boyfriend and have a fresh start. In this way, she can truly forget Zhai Sheng. As her elder, I also hope that Qiu Chenxi can find her true love soon and for their rtionship toe to fruition. Sorry, I am busy. I will hang up now. In the future, it¡¯s best that we do not contact each other often.¡±

    With that, Zhai Yaohui hung up the phone, not waiting for Qi Min¡¯s reply.

    In fact, Zhai Yaohui was harsh with his words. However, he knew that if he did not make himself clear, Qi Min would definitely harbor false hopes.

    Moreover, he did not intend to stay in close touch with the Qiu family.

    ¡°Are you satisfied?¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted. He knew that Miao Jing was listening attentively to his conversation with Qi Min. Women were indeed petty-minded. They said one thing but meant another. Men were unlike them.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be satisfied or dissatisfied about. Since it¡¯s you who stirred up the trouble, you ought to resolve it.¡± Miao Jing refused to admit. ¡°No, I have to go through the recipe. This time, there may be a chance that Zhai Sheng wille back home to rest for a few days. I have to make use of the time to prepare some tonics for him.¡±

    Miao Jing went off to look at the recipe. As for Qiao Nan, she went back home after leaving the camp.

    ¡°Shall I go in with you?¡± Shi Qing arched her eyebrows and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°In case your dad is angry, with an outsider around, it could be of help to you.¡±

    ¡°When did you be so kind-hearted?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing with suspicion.

    ¡°Fine, since you don¡¯t believe it, I shall go home.¡± Shi Qing lifted her chin. She did not fall for Qiao Nan¡¯s tricks. Even if she was up to something, Qiao Nan could do nothing about it.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go in together.¡± In fact, Qiao Nan was slightly nervous. She ran off after leaving a note. Any parent would be upset and worried at such a situation and would want to give the child a spanking.

    Moreover, it was quitete when she reached home.

    Qiao Nan plucked up her courage and pushed the door open. ¡°Dad, I am back.¡±

    ¡°Do you know...¡± Sure enough, Qiao Dongliang was worried and angry. As soon as he saw his daughter, heunched into a lecture, but he kept his anger in check and lowered his voice when he saw that there was someone with Qiao Nan. ¡°This is...¡±

    ¡°She is the student who transferred to our school at the end of thest semester,¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows and said meaningfully.

    ¡°It¡¯s her?¡± Qiao Dongliang was taken aback. She was the high school student who could have skipped a level and advanced to the third year and then be rmended for admission to university?

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan replied. Every parent hoped that their children would befriend students who had good results and learn from them.

    ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Qiao Dongliang rxed slightly. ¡°Where have you both been? Nan Nan, you are too much. How could you run off after leaving this note? You did not make yourself clear in the note. Don¡¯t do this in the future.¡±

    This time, he would let it go on ount of Nan Nan¡¯s ssmate.

    If there was a next time, no matter how old she was, he had to lecture and punish her. If not, she would never learn.

    ¡°No, this is the first and only time.¡± Qiao Nan quickly promised. She dared not make herself clear in the note. If she made herself too clear, her father might be worried about Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries, and he might feel uneasy that she went to look for Brother Zhai.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, Qiao Nan always said that you have good culinary skills. My dad is in the army while my mom is not in Ping Cheng. I am an only child at home. I feel so lonely. There¡¯s nobody to apany me and I don¡¯t get to have hot meals. Can I be thick-skinned enough to stay for a meal and for the night? I will certainly go back tomorrow.¡± Shi Qing sat down and looked around the house.

    In the few times that she had been to Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, she was always in a hurry and in a bad mood. She had never taken a closer look at the environment where Qiao Nan lived in.

    From what she saw today, even though it did not have the modern and contemporary look, she feltfortable at the simple and unsophisticated feel.

    The most important thing was that it was very near to their school.

    ¡°Be it today or tomorrow, you still have to go back home.¡± Qiao Nan red at Shi Qing, warning her not to go overboard. What did she mean by that? She did not have extra rooms for her to stay in.

    Shi Qing returned Qiao Nan¡¯s stare. There might not be enough rooms, but she did not mind sharing a room with Qiao Nan. Since they were of the same gender, there was no problem in sharing a room.

    ¡°I mind!¡± Qiao Nan could not help but yell.

    Qiao Dongliang was stunned. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, Qiao Nan feels bad that I am not paying for my meals. Uncle Qiao, isn¡¯t Qiao Nan too stingy? I am merely having a meal and staying for a night. We are ssmates, after all. She is too heartless and cold-blooded to her ssmates.¡± Shi Qing flicked her hair. She had said that she would not render her help without asking for returns.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled awkwardly. Since a young age, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan never stayed in their ssmates¡¯ houses or eat at their ssmates¡¯ houses. Even Qiao Zijin, who was pampered by them, would never do that.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know how to react to Shi Qing¡¯s request.

    But since Shi Qing had already said so, as the elder, Qiao Dongliang found it difficult to refuse. ¡°Nan Nan, you can¡¯t behave in this way. She is your ssmate. It doesn¡¯t matter for her to stay for one night. It¡¯s settled then. The both of you can chat about your schoolwork or watch television. I haven¡¯t started cooking as I was waiting for Nan Nan toe back. But don¡¯t worry. Given the weather now, the food will be ready in no time. Both of you should take a seat. Nan Nan, remember to pour a cup of tea for your ssmate.¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that? Pour me a cup of tea.¡± Shi Qing leaned back against the chair. She looked smug like an arrogant idler, except that she did not sit with her legs crossed and one foot poised in the air.

    ¡°Shi Qing, what do you mean today?¡± Did Shi Qing really intend to stay for the night? ¡°Even though you moved out of the Qiu family¡¯s residence, the house that you stay in is definitely bigger than our house. Why will you squeeze with us in this chicken coop rather than going back to yourfortable house? Are you out of your mind?¡±

    ¡°I am willing to stay in this chicken coop. You have no say over it.¡± Shi Qing snorted. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t forget. Today, you¡¯re indebted to me. Is this how you should treat me? By the way, I am thirsty.¡± If not for her, Qiao Nan would not have known that Brother Zhai was wounded.

 Chapter 580 - Looking for Trouble Early in the Morning

    <h4>Chapter 580: Looking for Trouble Early in the Morning</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Are you jealous and want to take revenge?¡± Qiao Nan seemed to have understood.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Shi Qing turned her head and admitted up-front.

    Qiao Nan was at a loss. ¡°Shi Qing, you are a strange person. There would not be such trouble if you didn¡¯t tell me about Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries or allow me to get onto your family car. Now, you feel upset after helping me and want to settle ounts. Don¡¯t you feel that it¡¯s too tiresome?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel tired. I am too bored, and I am trying to find things to upy my time,¡± Shi Qing said carelessly. ¡°Okay, stop thinking about it. Your benefactor is thirsty, so hurry up.¡±

    She felt uneasy helping others. She had to take revenge on them so that she would feel better. She was such a contradiction, different from others!

    Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing a thumbs-up. Shi Qing was indeed invincible!

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, the dishes that you prepared are delicious. They are indeed home-cooked food. They are superb!¡± During dinner, Shi Qing ate to her heart¡¯s content. She did not care to look at Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang, who had an awkward expression on their faces. She helped herself to the food happily.

    Qiao Dongliang was d that an outsider was all praise for his dishes. ¡°Well, if you like these dishes, you should have more of them. You can also join us for meals in the future.¡±

    ¡°Dad...¡± Qiao Nan wanted to stop Qiao Dongliang. She knew that her father was being polite, but some people in the world would take the jokes of others seriously and would see others¡¯ politeness as their warm wee.

    It turned out that they had run into such a person today.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Shi Qing pped on the table. ¡°Uncle Qiao, you are such a nice person. It¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s blessing to have you as her father. I am proud and honored to ept Uncle Qiao¡¯s gracious invitation. After all, one should not reject the elders¡¯ good intentions. Thank you, Uncle Qiao!¡±

    In the future, she would have free lunches.

    Qiao Dongliang was at a loss for words. He was being polite. Why were the kids nowadays so tant?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, have more of the food. Qiao Nan told me that you have a car ident a year ago, and you still have to work to earn money to raise Qiao Nan. It¡¯s been tiring on you. We can have less of the food, but you must not go hungry.¡± Shi Qing did not treat herself as an outsider. Instead, she reversed the position of the host and the guest and picked up some vegetables with her chopsticks for Qiao Dongliang. Thetter was dumbstruck.

    Shi Qing¡¯s father was Shi Peng. He was used to giving orders to people in the army. He was an expert at this.

    The daughter had learned well from the father. Though Shi Qing was not as good as her father, butpared with Qiao Dongliang, who had been an obedient soldier for many years, she was able to make him listen to her.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t stand on ceremony with us. I, I will get the food by myself. All of you are still young. You, you have a hard time studying. Nan Nan and you should eat more.¡±

    ¡°Alright, sure, I will obey Uncle Qiao.¡± Shi Qing responded to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words by picking arge amount of the vegetables with her chopsticks and putting them into her bowl.

    Usually, there were only Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan who would eat at home, and since Qiao Nan forbade Qiao Dongliang from leaving leftovers for the next day, the portion of food Qiao Dongliang cooked was just enough for the two of them.

    Today, since Shi Qing was staying for dinner, Qiao Dongliang had prepared more food than usual.

    However, judging from the amount that Shi Qing had, Qiao Dongliang dared not eat any more of the food.

    He was afraid that he might eat too much and the children would not have enough to eat.

    It would be alright if Nan Nan did not have enough. After all, the guests were more important and she would only go hungry for one night. He would prepare more food for her tomorrow.

    But he could never let the guest go hungry.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated and said, ¡°Shi Qing, are these dishes enough? I remember there are two eggs in the refrigerator. How about I whip up a te of stir-fried tomato and scrambled eggs?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I just happen to crave for another half a bowl of rice.¡± Shi Qing smiled happily at Qiao Dongliang. He stood up immediately, took the eggs out of the refrigerator, and went into the kitchen to prepare the dish.

    True enough, home-cooked food prepared by someone else was definitely better than the food back at home.

    ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t be too much. You have finished the amount of food that couldst my dad and me for two meals. You seem to be skinny and petite, yet why do you have such a huge appetite?¡± Qiao Nan sized up Shi Qing. She could not understand why she was able to have so much food.

    It was news to her that Shi Qing was a foodie.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t suffer indigestion from these dishes. Today, I have traveled high and low with you. Qiao Nan, are you thinking of starving me, not letting me have a full meal?¡± Shi Qing was not afraid of Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Baoguo was her defeated opponent. She thought nothing of Qiao Nan who looked thin and scrawny like the poorly-developed chicks.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, let me give you a piece of advice. Zhu Baoguo, the hatchet man of yours, is nowhere to be seen. Given your small frame and without him around, you¡¯ll be easily bullied by others. With me around, nobody will dare toe close to you. You must not live in plenty without appreciating it.¡± Her fighting prowess was better than Zhu Baoguo¡¯s. With her around, Qiao Nan was particrly safe. She should be thankful.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. ¡°How can you be so tant when you are having a meal for free? I take my hat off to you. Protect me? Who will be after me?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi!¡± Shi Qing snorted.

    ¡°Why?¡± Why would Qiu Chenxi create trouble for her?

    ¡°Have you forgotten that she was not allowed to enter Brother Zhai¡¯s dormitory today?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not my fault. It¡¯s you who pulled her away!¡± If Qiu Chenxi really wanted to settle ounts, she should look for Shi Qing, not her.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you know that there are people who bully the weak and fear the strong? Given my fighting prowess, will Qiu Chenxi dare to act up in front of me? I can have her under my thumb with one hand. The most important thing is that she already has you as her target. Now that she is fuming with anger, she will definitely lose her temper at you. I¡¯m staying at your house to protect you. You¡¯re so unappreciative.¡±

    Yes, she would always give in to Qiu Chenxi in the past, but Qiu Chenxi did not dare to go overboard in front of her.

    If not for her fighting prowess, she would not have been able to pull Qiu Chenxi away today and Qiao Nan would not have been able to see Brother Zhai.

    She should not underestimate her!

    Qiao Nan clutched her forehead in exasperation. ¡°I have a headache.¡±

    It turned out that Shi Qing refused to leave not merely because she wanted to have a good meal. She was also here because of Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi had no idea who the girlfriend of Brother Zhai was. Hence, she kept pestering her.

    But at least, Qiao Nan was, in fact, Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend. She felt better at the thought of that. Otherwise, aside from not having such an outstanding man as her boyfriend, she would be downright unlucky to be the scapegoat for that lucky woman who was his girlfriend.

 Chapter 581 - Why Are You Here

    <h4>Chapter 581: Why Are You Here</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, since Zhai Sheng was her boyfriend, then everything would be different.

    ¡°Now that you understand, you have to thank me.¡± Shi Qing felt very smug.

    ¡°Thank you? Nan Nan, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you clutching your forehead? Are you ufortable? Is it too hot?¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that one would catch a cold if they were too cold, and they would catch a cold as well when too warm. It was called pyretic cold. ¡°Or was it too warm when you went out today and now you are suffering from heatstroke? Where do you feel ufortable? Do you feel dizzy or do you feel like vomiting? Do you want to lie on the bed for a while? I will get you an ice pack.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯m fine. Sit down and have your meal.¡± After making sure that Qiao Dongliang was seated, Qiao Nan used her chopsticks to pick two servings of the scrambled eggs into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bowl. ¡°Dad, Shi Qing¡¯s right. You have a hard time working and you must be tired. You must have more of the food and eat well. Dig in now.¡±

    Otherwise, all the good food at home would be eaten by Shi Qing. It would be such a waste.

    ¡°Shi Qing, since you¡¯re staying for the night, what about your clothes?¡± It seemed like Shi Qing was bent on staying for the night. But fortunately, she was his daughter¡¯s ssmate, not a stranger. Qiao Dongliang felt more reassured.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t worry. I have brought clothes with me.¡± Shi Qing patted the bag next to her, indicating that she was prepared.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Previously, she had felt odd that Shi Qing came out from the car with a bag. It turned out that those were her clothes.

    It seemed that Shi Qing had already nned to stay for the night at their house.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Since Shi Qing came fully prepared, Qiao Dongliang had nothing more to say. ¡°Initially, I was thinking of asking Qiao Nan to lend you her clothes. But it¡¯s good that you came prepared. Alright, I have boiled some water for you to bathe. Shi Qing, why don¡¯t you take a shower first, and Nan Nan will shower after you?¡±

    ¡°Sure, thank you, Uncle Qiao.¡± Shi Qing did not stand on ceremony with them. She took her clothes and went into the bathroom, watching as Qiao Dongliang brought the water into the bathroom.

    Qiao Nan, who was watching the television in the living room, ground her teeth. If Shi Qing dared to leave her clothes for her to wash, she would let her know that in the face of absolute intelligence, brute force was useless!

    Fortunately, Shi Qing knew her limits. She came out of the bathroom with her cleanly washed clothes. ¡°Do I hang the clothes to dry in the yard? Where are the clips? Can you pass some to me?¡±

    ¡°... Is this your first time washing clothes?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Shi Qing retorted. ¡°I took such a short time to wash these clothes. Does it look like this is my first time washing clothes?¡±

    ¡°Well, all I can say is that nobody has taught you the correct way. It¡¯s not good to dry clothes at night. The night dew will get on the clothes. They are bad for the body.¡±

    ¡°Night dew?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Fortunately, it is summer now, and it doesn¡¯t seem like it will rain tomorrow. You can go ahead to dry it. It will probably dry in two hours¡¯ time.¡± Qiao Nan picked up her clothes and went into the bathroom. Since Shi Qing looked strong and healthy, there was nothing for her to worry about.

    Actually, Qiao Dongliang felt ufortable that there was an eighteen-year-old young girl who was the same age as his daughter in the house.

    That night, Qiao Dongliang did not watch the drama series that he had been following. He reminded Qiao Nan to sleep early before retiring to his room, leaving the living room to the two girls.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, your dad is a good man.¡± Like her father, he was reasonable and was a good father.

    ¡°Okay, stop sucking up to me. I know whether my dad is a good father or not.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°Do you want to watch television, or do you want to sleep?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too early to sleep.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t sleep?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. She took out the English dictionary that Zhu Chengqi gave herst time. ¡°For now, it will be impossible for you to memorize the Oxford Dictionary. You can start from this that is slightly easier. It¡¯s already quitete. I¡¯m certain that you¡¯ll feel sleepy after reading that for half an hour.¡±

    Shi Qing leaned back andy motionless on the chair. ¡°It will not take me half an hour. I already feel sleepy just by looking at the cover. Qiao Nan, must you be so ruthless?¡±

    ¡°Yes, because I am sleepy.¡± Qiao Nan yawned again. Shi Qing was different from her. She could maintain her results as she was diligent. Shi Qing was the genius that Tao Zhenqin and the rest would always marvel at. She disliked memorizing and preferred open-ended questions that required her to be flexible and apply whatever she learned.

    To Shi Qing, memorizing was an extremely boring and dull method of studying. It was no wonder that she would feel sleepy.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to read that. I¡¯m feeling drowsy right now. Let¡¯s go to sleep.¡± With that, Shi Qing had a big yawn. As soon as she saw the English dictionary, she felt so sleepy that her eyes were teary.

    It was rare that Shi Qing was honest with her. Qiao Nan switched off the television. ¡°Actually, there is another small room in our house. Last night, my sister stayed in that room. Do you want to sleep there?¡±

    She felt ufortable that she had to share a bed with another person. In her two lifetimes, she had always been sleeping by herself.

    ¡°The room must be cramped and the bed inside must be very small. I am a guest. Is this how you should treat me? Why don¡¯t you sleep in the small room? I will not sleep there.¡± Shi Qing refused to fall for the trick. She went straight to Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    Qiao Nan stared upward, at a loss for words. She refused to use the room that Qiao Zijin had stayed in previously.

    Moreover, the bigger room was hers. Why did she have to give up her room?

    Fortunately, the way Shi Qing slept was much better than Miao Jing. She did not have the habit of hugging the person next to her. She would maintain the same sleeping position throughout the night. Shey on her bed and did not turn and toss for the whole night.

    At least, Qiao Nan, who could not sleep well when she shared the bed with someone else, did not feel the slightest difort throughout the night.

    Shi Qing and Qiu Chenxi were indeed rtives. The next morning, Shi Qing woke up and ran for a fewps after Qiao Dongliang went to work. When she came back from her run, she saw that Qiao Nan was sleeping soundly and hence she went back to sleep. However, the two of them were jolted from their sleep by the incessant knocks on the door.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her eyes.

    Shi Qing appeared to be wide awake. ¡°Who else could it be but my cousin?¡± She was indeed early. It seemed that Qiu Chenxi had stomached her anger yesterday and she was all ready to vent her frustrations on Qiao Nan today.

    The reason why Shi Qing wanted to stay for the night at Qiao Nan¡¯s house was that she was worried that Qiu Chenxi woulde looking for trouble early in the morning.

    It was impossible for her to be in the vicinity of her house for twenty-four hours a day. It would be better for her to stay at her house.

    In this way, if Qiu Chenxi made trouble at Qiao Nan¡¯s house, she would be the first to know.

 Chapter 582 - Idea

    <strong>Chapter 582: Idea</strong>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Nan was wide awake as soon as she realized that it was Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Is Qiu Chenxi ill? She doesn¡¯t know my true rtionship with Brother Zhai. Why does she keeping after me regardless?¡± Qiu Chenxi was not a dog, so why would she go after anyone that she saw?

    Actually, Qiao Nan felt unjustified to be pestered by Qiu Chenxi.

    But she happened to be the woman whom Qiu Chenxi was searching for. In that case, it seemed to make sense that Qiu Chenxi was after her.

    Qiao Nan hit herself on the head. She could not think straight early in the morning.

    Even if she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, Qiu Chenxi had no right to pester her. Brother Zhai had never admitted to being Qiu Chenxi¡¯s boyfriend. Both of them had never started a rtionship, and she was not the third party who came between them. In that case, Qiu Chenxi had no right to create trouble for her!

    ¡°Your hair is like a bird¡¯s nest and there are eye boogers in your eyes. On the contrary, Qiu Chenxi is dressed up morously. I am curious about what Brother Zhai sees in you. You should brush your teeth and wash your face. I will deal with Qiu Chenxi.¡± Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a push, causing thetter to almost fall back onto the bed.

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e out right now!¡± Qiu Chenxi kept on banging on the door. It seemed like she was immune to pain. The people who heard the bangs could feel the pain she must have felt in her hands.

    Everyone in the neighborhood was used to the fact that people would create a fuss at their new neighbor¡¯s house once in a while.

    Even though they were interested in gossip and wanted to find out what was going on, there had been so many such instances that they were tired of it. Besides, most of them had to work and they were not at home.

    Earning money for their livelihood was more important than listening to other people¡¯s gossip.

    Hence, even though Qiu Chenxi created a huge ruckus, unlike the previous time where there was a huge crowd, not many people appeared to be interested.

    Moreover, most of them could recognize Qiu Chenxi. She was the one who made a mistake and scolded the wrong personst time, so they did not bother to stay behind and listen to what was going on.

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e out now!¡±

    The door creaked open.

    Qiu Chenxi took a step back. The door opened and she caught a nce of a personing out from the door. Without another word, Qiu Chenxi raised her hand and was about to give a p to that person.

    Shi Qing nted her eyes, raised her hands, and gave a push against Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands.

    Qiu Chenxi did not manage to p Shi Qing. Instead, she stepped backward and almost fell down from the push that Shi Qing gave her. ¡°Why are you the one who turned up? Why are you at the Qiao family¡¯s residence? Where¡¯s Qiao Nan? I am looking for Qiao Nan. Get her toe out now!¡±

    Shi Qing stood in the doorway with an overbearing stance. She leaned against the door frame, and her long feet were stretched toward the other side of the door frame, blocking the doorway. ¡°Why can¡¯t I be at the Qiao family¡¯s residence? Get Qiao Nan toe out? Qiu Chenxi, judging from your furious look, I know very well what you have in mind. We have been rtives for so many years. I know you very well. There¡¯s no reason that you don¡¯t know my reasons for being at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Qiu Chenxi, don¡¯t disappoint me.¡±

    Her attitude was very telling.

    ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t forget that I am your sister! Qiao Nan is not rted to you. Are you helping an outsider instead of helping me? Are you out of your mind?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face flushed red in anger.

    Shi Qing dug her ears. ¡°You have already said this yesterday. Can you say something new today? I suppose your Chinese teacher had not taught you well when you were in school. You don¡¯t have anything different to say?¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing! Don¡¯t be too much. Do you believe that I will make a call to grandpa right now and he will send someone to pick you up?!¡± Her concern back then came true. She had brought disaster upon herself.

    Shi Qing not only wanted to fight with her for Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, but she also wanted to protect Qiao Nan, preventing her to find out who that vixen that Brother Zhai liked was!

    If she had known this would happen, two months ago, she would not havee up with the lousy idea of getting Shi Qing toe to Ping Cheng to help her!

    ¡°Go ahead. So what if grandpa sends someone to pick me up? He can¡¯t do anything to me if I refuse to leave. Will the person dare to raise their hands on me? Nobody can force me to do anything against my wishes. Let me tell you. Since I am here, I have no intention of going back to Mo Du. I like Ping Cheng. There are a lot of challenges here. I will stay in Ping Cheng until I finish college entrance examination. Also, don¡¯t think of threatening me with grandpa.¡± Grandpa was no longer the person in charge in the Shi family. Her father respected him, so he was able to have some say over the family affairs.

    Her grandpa might be unreasonable and believed a one-sided story.

    But that was fine. She could just ignore her grandpa.

    Though one had to appease the elders, if the elders were unreasonable, there was no need for the children to go along with them.

    China might have ced importance on filial piety, but it had never practiced unquestioning filial piety!

    ¡°Fine, you are capable! Do you think I don¡¯t dare to do it? We shall see!¡± Qiu Chenxi smiled grimly. She knew that as long as Shi Qing was there, she could not do anything to Qiao Nan. That was why she could not put up any resistance when she was towed away by Shi Qing yesterday. ¡°You should know that grandpa is not in good health recently. If you are bent on angering him and affecting his health, I can¡¯t do anything about it. You are free to do whatever you like! Shi Qing, let me tell you. I am dead set on creating trouble for Qiao Nan! If you are capable, you can be by her side twenty-four hours a day and be her bodyguard. Otherwise, given the Qiu family¡¯s influence in Ping Cheng, I will surely be able to deal with Qiao Nan!¡±

    ¡°In the past, I tried to talk nicely to her, but she was shameless! She refused a toast only to drink a forfeit. I will never be polite to her!¡±

    Since Qiao Nan was not afraid of her when she was being nice, she would no longer be so nice to her! She would show Qiao Nan what she was capable of!

    Shi Qing cupped her chin. ¡°Hey, now that you said this, I must thank you for reminding me. You may not know, but since a young age, Qiao Nan is the one person that I find pleasing to the eyes. Moreover, she¡¯s qualified to be my friend, albeit barely. Since it¡¯s so difficult to find someone that I can befriend, how can I allow you to bully her? My dad may have submitted his resignation letter, but you should know how it¡¯s like in the army. It will take some time for the resignation letter to be approved. Since I am in Ping Cheng and don¡¯t have many rtives, it¡¯s not safe for me to stay by myself. There¡¯s also nobody to cook for me. You have given me a good idea.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi knitted her eyebrows. She was confused. She did not give Shi Qing any ideas. Did Shi Qing want to move back to the Qiu family¡¯s residence?

    If so, Shi Qing should stand to a side so that she could settle ounts with Qiao Nan

 Chapter 583 - Stop Dreaming

    <h4>Chapter 583: Stop Dreaming</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You may not know. I did note to the Qiao family¡¯s residence early in the morning. In fact, I slept over at the Qiao family¡¯s residencest night. Over here, I will have Qiao Nan as my ssmate in school, and after school, Uncle Qiao will take care of me. There is no need for me to prepare my own meals. Why don¡¯t I just stay here? It will be very convenient. Alright, it¡¯s settled. In the future, it will be easy for me to go to school.¡±

    Shi Qing counted with her fingers. Staying at the Qiao family¡¯s residence came with a lot of benefits. There was no way that she would leave.

    ¡°You, you want to live in the Qiao family¡¯s residence?¡± Qiu Chenxi widened her eyes, staring at Shi Qing in disbelief.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I made myself clear?¡± Qiu Chenxi had said that Shi Qing could never stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side all the time. In that case, living with her would allow her to be with her all the time.

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Staying in the Qiao family¡¯s residence? What was good about the Qiao family¡¯s residence? Why would Shi Qing forsake the grand andfy the Qiu family¡¯s residence and live here instead? Shi Qing should admit that she was out of her mind.

    ¡°You know nothing. The environment doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s one¡¯s mood that is important.¡± During the one month¡¯s time that Shi Qing stayed in the Qiu family¡¯s residence, she did not feel happy at all even though it was her auntie¡¯s house. Everyone in the Qiu family gave her the look as if she was taking advantage of them.

    All these years, her father took great care of the Qiu family. In fact, it was Qiu Chenxi who invited her over, yet the Qiu family treated her as such in the one month that she was there.

    In order to gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, Shi Qing was amazed that she could stay in that ce for a month before finding a new ce to move to. Her temper had improved.

    ¡°Do you mean that you¡¯re in a bad mood while living in the Qiu family¡¯s residence whereas you¡¯re in a good mood here?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qiu Chenxi was fuming in anger. She was asking for trouble if she invited Shi Qing to her house again.

    Since Shi Qing was willing to live in the old and shabby Qiao family¡¯s residence, she deserved such treatment!

    ¡°Does it mean that you will not stand aside for me to pass today, and if I pester Qiao Nan in the future, you will help the outsider instead of your rtive?¡±

    ¡°Yes, regardless of who is in the wrong, I will definitely protect Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not rted to her at all!¡± She was Shi Qing¡¯s cousin!

    ¡°She is close to my heart!¡± They were close to each other regardless of whether they were rted or not.

    ¡°Alright, stop arguing with me. With me around, you won¡¯t get to see Qiao Nan. If you want to gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, that¡¯s between the two of you. Why do you have to involve Qiao Nan? If you create trouble for her again, you are asking for trouble. I am tired of arguing with you.¡± Fortunately, Qiu Chenxi did not know that Qiao Nan was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. Otherwise, given her temper, the Qiao family¡¯s residence would not have any peace.

    This type of woman was too terrible.

    ¡°Very well, Shi Qing. I will keep in mind what happened today. I shall see how you are going to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side twenty-four hours a day. Are you sure you are able to protect her 365 days a year?¡± She did not believe that she could not do anything to Qiao Nan in Ping Cheng because of Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing¡¯s countenance changed. ¡°On ount that we are rtives, there¡¯s something that I have to remind you. It¡¯s fine if you wish to spend your time and effort on Qiao Nan, but while you are targeting Qiao Nan, the woman that you are really after may make use of the time to get the Zhai family¡¯s approval and gets ready to be married to Brother Zhai. By then, it¡¯s useless if you cry your guts out. Even if you ruin Qiao Nan, it will be of no help. Someone has be Madam Zhai.¡±

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was careful enough not to let Qiu Chenxi know the truth.

    Otherwise, she would not be able toe up with such an excuse to help Qiao Nan.

    Previously, she was envious of Qiao Nan that she could gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection. Now, it seemed like it was a double-edged sword. It could easily harm Qiao Nan.

    If she and Qiao Nan were to switch positions, even if she was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s rtive, in order to achieve her goal, Qiu Chenxi might not be willing to give up on Brother Zhai.

    Qiu Chenxi might use more violent methods to force her to yield and have Brother Zhai for herself.

    In this way, she would be the one who suffered. As for now, it was Qiao Nan who was unlucky.

    Shi Qing had no idea whether it was the woman whom Zhai Sheng liked who was unfortunate or it was Zhai Sheng who was unlucky to have known Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Do you know who the woman is?¡± Qiu Chenxi could tell that something was amiss from Shi Qing¡¯s tone. ¡°Actually, the reason why I am set on Qiao Nan and will not let her go is that I know that given Qiao Nan¡¯s background, Brother Zhai will not like her instead of me. However, Brother Zhai refused to tell me who the woman is. I know that Qiao Nan definitely knows about the woman. I tried to persuade Qiao Nan to tell me the identity of the woman and assured her that she would stand to benefit from it. But she refused, so I have to...¡±

    Actually, she was not willing to act like a shrew at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Last time, she even acted like a fool in front of Uncle Zhai.

    Perhaps that was the reason why Uncle Zhai epted the woman.

    ¡°Qing Qing, I promise you. As long as Qiao Nan tells me, no, I mean, as long as you tell me who the woman is, from then on, I will never bother Qiao Nan. That woman is my enemy. Before I figure out who the enemy is, Qiao Nan only has herself to me for being unlucky!¡±

    After listening to what she said, Shi Qing had nothing but contempt for Qiu Chenxi. She could not find the ¡®real culprit¡¯, so she vented her frustration on the innocents.

    To put it bluntly, Qiu Chenxi was only capable of such deeds. Why would grandpa treat Qiu Chenxi as his beloved granddaughter and dote on her?

    It was not because she was not good enough. It was her grandpa who could not tell the good from the bad.

    Shi Qing felt that there was no use to argue with Qiu Chenxi. ¡°You don¡¯t have to promise me anything. I don¡¯t know who the woman is. I just feel that don¡¯t you find it a waste of time to pester Qiao Nan every day? You have already tried doing so, but what¡¯s the result? In the end, you embarrassed yourself in front of the Zhai family, and Chief Zhai, who used to be supportive of you, is no longer on your side. But you still refuse to reflect on your mistakes and continue to pester Qiao Nan. When you were in the camp, you must have seen how much Auntie Miao likes Qiao Nan. How will Auntie Miao think of you if you keep targeting Qiao Nan? Brother Zhai may be cold and indifferent, but he values his family. If Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t like you, I am certain that even if Brother Zhai agrees to be with you, you won¡¯t be able to marry Brother Zhai and be weed by the Zhai family.¡±

 Chapter 584 - Visit Brother Zhai Again

    <h4>Chapter 584: Visit Brother Zhai Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to admit the influence that Miao Jing had on Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Impossible? Then, let¡¯s talk about something that we all know. You should know better than anyone else why Chief Zhai ended up marrying Madam Zhai back then. If not for Old Master Zhai who agreed to the marriage, you should know who would be the Madam Zhai today.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same! Brother Zhai is not Uncle Zhai. His decision will not be affected by anyone, not even Miao Jing!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was deceiving others and herself. Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Since you said that Brother Zhai will not be influenced by anyone, does it mean that no matter how you pester Qiao Nan or even Brother Zhai, it will be useless if he doesn¡¯t like you? Yes, Brother Zhai is not Chief Zhai, but he is Chief Zhai¡¯s son. What made you so sure?¡±

    ¡°Then, what should I do?¡± Qiu Chenxi was in a panic. She knew that she was contradicting herself, but she was at a loss.

    When her mother gave Uncle Zhai a call, not only did he know who the woman was, but he also did not object to their rtionship. At the thought of that, Qiu Chenxi was scared out of her wits.

    Since Uncle Zhai had approved of the woman, it was equivalent to what happened back then when Old Master Zhai only wanted Miao Jing as his daughter-inw and refused to ept her mother.

    In the end, Miao Jing, the vixen, snatched the position of the Madam Zhai from her mother and she, who could have been the daughter of the chief of the army, became an ordinary girl. Now, all she wanted was to be the next Madam Zhai, but Miao Jing was bent on thwarting her ns.

    ¡°What to do? You should pester the person that you like. Brother Zhai¡¯s opinion is the most important of all. When you gain his affections, you will seek approval from Chief Zhai. I am no longer the gullible child back then. I can tell how good your rtionship with Brother Zhai is. Both of you are not even on good terms with each other. Brother Zhai doesn¡¯t like you at all. You are in serious trouble!¡±

    Shi Qing could not understand why she was so foolish to believe whatever Qiu Chenxi said to her back then.

    As what Qiao Nan had said, she was intelligent, but her emotional intelligence was too low.

    If she found out about it earlier, she might be able to gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection even before Qiao Nan appeared and be his girlfriend.

    To put it bluntly, Qiu Chenxi did not regard her as a rtive, but she treated her as her sister!

    ¡°I wish to do so as well!¡± Qiu Chenxi red at Shi Qing in anger. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who pulled me out of the room? Now that Brother Zhai is injured, I want to stay by his side and take care of him. He will definitely be touched.¡± The problem was that Shi Qing had thwarted all her ns.

    ¡°In order to recruit Zhuge Liang <sup>1</sup> to help him, Liu Bei <sup>2</sup> paid three personal visits to his ce. Since you like Brother Zhai and want to be the next Madam Zhai, you must be willing to put in the effort and time. How can you be discouraged by a setback? Given such behavior, how will Brother Zhai and Chief Zhai change their opinions of you? You must persevere until the end.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that I should continue to kneel at the entrance of the camp so that Uncle Zhai will know that I am sincere in looking after Brother Zhai, and allow me to take care of him?¡± Qiu Chenxi looked hesitant. ¡°It¡¯s nearing the end of July now and it¡¯s so warm...¡±

    ¡°Fine, then don¡¯t ask me for help. You have big goals but you are afraid of pain and suffering. Alright, go back. Tell your mom to think of a way to help you. I am helpless.¡± Shi Qing scoffed at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attitude.

    Such a person was not fit to be with Brother Zhai.

    She was not willing to put in any hard work and only knew to wait while others did everything for her. She only needed to raise her hand to get what she wanted.

    Did Qiu Chenxi see herself as a princess?

    She must be crazy!

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at? Bring your miss back. If she stands under the sun for too long and suffers from heatstroke, you may not be able to continue working for the Qiu family.¡± Shi Qing red at the chauffeur from the Qiu family and yelled at him. The chauffeur might be burly, but he was taken aback by Shi Qing. He helped Qiu Chenxi to the car and drove back to the Qiu family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Well, your emotional intelligence has improved.¡± Qiao Nan, who looked refreshed, nced at Shi Qing and gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°You have improved tremendously. At the very least, you could fool Qiu Chenxi. With your talent, it will not be long before you can have her under your thumb.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I have not lost to anyone since a young age.¡± Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly. ¡°In the past, I was fooled by Qiu Chenxi. Otherwise, even if I had low emotional intelligence, with my intelligence, I could easily defeat her!¡± She was smart and confident of herself!

    Qiao Nan was amused.

    One who was very confident of herself was fooled for nearly ten years by someone who was not as intelligent as her.

    Why was Shi Qing able to act so smug in front of her?

    Genius!

    ¡°After what you said today, do you think Qiu Chenxi will stoping after me for a while?¡± Qiao Nan had a headache whenever she saw Qiu Chenxi. She was indeed very good at pestering people.

    Shi Qing thought for a moment. ¡°Qiu Chenxi and my auntie are very suspicious of others. They like to act smart. Normally, everyone will be able to tell that I am lying. But given their character, they may think that I am really giving advice to her. After all, in the eyes of the mother and daughter, people from the Shi family have to do everything they can to help Qiu Chenxi secure her future happiness.¡±

    ¡°Was that the truth?¡±

    ¡°More or less!¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°I finally believe that you, Qi Min, and Qiu Chenxi are rtives.¡±

    The three of them had low emotional intelligence.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper.

    ¡°Hey, Qiao Nan, what you said is a dig at my intelligence. You are using my auntie and Qiu Chenxi to dig at me!¡± Shi Qing pulled a long face. ¡°I just helped you get rid of Qiu Chenxi and prevent you from being pped by her. Is that how you should treat your benefactor?¡±

    ¡°Alright, benefactor, do you want to go to the market with me?¡± Qiao Nan, who wore a long sleeved shirt, took the money that was left by Qiao Dongliang, put on her hat, getting ready to go out.

    ¡°To the market again? Why? Do you intend to go to the army camp again to visit Brother Zhai without telling your dad?¡± Shi Qing was unhappy.

    Qiao Nan nced at Shi Qing who was being childish. She put on the hat for her. ¡°It¡¯s very sunny outside. We have to protect ourselves from the sun. When we came back yesterday, who was the one who said that she wanted to have the shredded chicken porridge? There isn¡¯t any chicken at home. Or do you intend to have in porridge?¡±

    Shi Qing was thrilled at the mention of the porridge, but she kept a straight face. ¡°This is better. At least, you have a conscience.¡±

 Chapter 585 - Good Things Had to Be Shared

    <h4>Chapter 585: Good Things Had to Be Shared</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    To Qiao Nan, cooking shredded chicken porridge was a piece of cake.

    At noontime, Shi Qing had a bright expression on her face when she finally got to have the same shredded chicken porridge that Zhai Sheng had. ¡°It¡¯s indeed good. No wonder Brother Zhai loves it. I love delicious food as well. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be stingy. I am your guest. I should have a few more bowls.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I won¡¯t fight with you. I will keep a bowl for my dad and you can have the rest, okay?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. When it came to fighting, Shi Qing was even more ruthless than Zhu Baoguo, and she was as good as her mother when it came to scolding people. But at times, she seemed like a child. There were so many sides to her personality.

    Looking at Shi Qing, Qiao Nan suddenly thought of someone¡ªZhu Baoguo.

    When Zhu Baoguo was being childish, he was simr to how Shi Qing behaved right now. When he was in a fight with others, though he was not as good as Shi Qing, he was as ruthless as her.

    ¡°Shi Qing, can you do me a favor?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Shi Qing, who was well-fed, was in a good mood.

    ¡°It¡¯s already the second day. Can you make a phone call to your dad to ask him whether Brother Zhai has woken up?¡±

    ¡°I see you¡¯re still worried about him.¡± It suddenly dawned on Shi Qing that though she was worried when she learned that Zhai Sheng was injured yesterday, she was able to have a good sleep at night, unlike Qiao Nan, who tossed and turned the entire night. As for today, if Qiao Nan had not brought it up, she had almost forgotten to care about Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries.

    ¡°Crap, will you just make a phone call?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Shi Qing leanedfortably on the sofa. ¡°I am toozy to move when I am full. Your phone has a record of my dad¡¯s phone number. You can go ahead and make a phone call by yourself and ask my dad. My dad will surely update you. Since I know about your rtionship with Brother Zhai, there is no way that my dad is in kept in the dark. Therefore, you can go ahead and make a phone call. My dad will not suspect anything. He has already confirmed his guess.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to make a phone call. There¡¯s no need to say such nonsense.¡± Shi Qing was a bad friend. She would argue a point to death. ¡°I will make the call myself.¡±

    Shi Qing was right. Since Officer Shi knew that she was in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, there was no need for her to be embarrassed.

    Qiao Nan picked up the phone and had yet to press the redial button when Shi Qing, who changed her mind, snatched the phone from her.

    Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing unhappily. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Shi Qing smiled with the phone in her hand. ¡°I remember you haven¡¯t washed the clothes that you changed yesterday and went with me to the market as soon as you woke up. We are good friends. We should not haggle with each other. Since you prepared the shredded chicken porridge, I will help you make a phone call to my dad, lest you are thin-skinned and embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Why are you being so kind to me? Why do I feel that there¡¯s a conspiracy?¡± Qiao Nan did not believe Shi Qing.

    ¡°You are being overly suspicious,¡± Shi Qing said in a righteous voice.

    Qiao Nan massaged her forehead. ¡°Fine, you can go ahead and make a phone call. I will wash the clothes.¡± She had no wish to waste her time with Shi Qing on such small matters.

    Even though she was not sure what Shi Qing was up to, it was probably just a small joke and no serious harm would be done. She would not take issue with her.

    Shi Qing took the phone and smiled as she watched Qiao Nan bring the clothes outside to wash.

    After making sure that Qiao Nan had sat down to wash the clothes, Shi Qing lowered her voice such that Qiao Nan could not hear her. She then dialed the phone number to Shi Peng¡¯s office at the fastest speed. ¡°Hello, is that Qiao Nan? Do you want to ask about Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation?¡±

    Shi Peng seemed to have been waiting for Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call. Shi Qing had yet to speak and he had assumed that it must be Qiao Nan on the other end of the phone.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me. You have got the wrong person. Qiao Nan has gone out to wash the clothes.¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing, why are you at the Qiao family¡¯s residence early in the morning? If you are worried about Zhai Sheng, you can make a phone call at home. I will update you as well. There¡¯s no need for you to make a phone call from the Qiao family¡¯s residence.¡±

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°Dad, you have misunderstood. If I only wanted to ask you about Brother Zhai¡¯s condition, there¡¯s no need for me to be so sneaky. I know that given Brother Zhai¡¯s physical condition, after having the medicine Qiao Nan fed him, there should not be any problem.¡±

    ¡°Then, why did you call at this time?¡± Shi Peng sensed that his daughter had indeed let go of Zhai Sheng. She no longer felt the heartache for her loss. To Shi Peng, nothing was better this piece of news.

    ¡°On behalf of Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Tell Qiao Nan that Zhai Sheng woke up oncest night and was slightly disoriented. This morning, his fever was gone. ording to the military doctor, he will be fully awake in the afternoon. He will recover to be stronger than ever in half a month¡¯s time,¡± Shi Peng said in a pleasant mood. ¡°So, do you care to exin to me why you are at the Qiao family¡¯s residence?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. I stayed the night at the Qiao family¡¯s residence yesterday. Don¡¯t forget. I was the one who pulled Qiu Chenxi away. She came to the Qiao family¡¯s residence early this morning to make trouble for Qiao Nan. Fortunately, I was the one who opened the door. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would be pped by her. Qiu Chenxi has a nasty temper. Dad, there¡¯s something I want to tell you. The Qiao family¡¯s residence is quite near to the school. The house you bought for me is quite a distance from the school. There is nobody else in the house except for me. It¡¯s inconvenient to prepare meals for myself. I have decided to stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. In the future, I will have Qiao Nan apany me when I go to school ande back home. What do you think?¡±

    Shi Qing was serious. She was not trying to cajole Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Since you have thought it through, I will not object to it. I will get someone to send money to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. You can¡¯t be a freeloader. Alright, I will hang up now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± If her dad hung up the phone right now, then there was no need for her to get Qiao Nan to leave the room. ¡°Dad, let me tell you. The shredded chicken porridge that Qiao Nan prepared is very delicious. Besides, chicken is very nutritious. You are not in the best of health. You should get two bowls from the canteen.¡±

    ¡°Have you tasted it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, today Qiao Nan cooked it specially for me. I have never tasted it before. It was delicious.¡±

    Shi Peng covered hisughter with his hand. ¡°Does it mean that your real intention in helping Qiao Nan make a phone call is to encourage me to steal the patient¡¯s diet from Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°We are being diligent and thrifty. We are trying not to waste food. Look, it¡¯s summer now. Even if the camp is in the mountains, the food will turn bad after a long time. Given Brother Zhai¡¯s condition, he definitely didn¡¯t have any of the porridge yesterday. One would be able to prepare a big pot of porridge with one chicken. It will definitely turn bad after two nights. After making sure that there are enough for Brother Zhai, we must not let the food go to waste. One should know that every single grain on the te is the fruit of hard work. Do you understand?¡±

    This time, Shi Pengughed out loud. He did not expect that his daughter would use such a serious tone to tell him to steal the food from Zhai Sheng. ¡°I suppose you had more than enough of the shredded chicken porridge today?¡± It seemed that the shredded chicken porridge prepared by Qiao Nan hadpletely conquered Qing Qing.

    Shi Qing touched her stomach smugly with a satisfied look on her face. ¡°I had most of the porridge.¡±

 Chapter 586 - Zhai Sheng Had Woken Up

    <h4>Chapter 586: Zhai Sheng Had Woken Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°So, are you sharing it with me?¡± He was touched that his daughter would think of him when she had good food at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste it, Dad, hurry. I suppose if you don¡¯t hurry, the porridge will be finished by others.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will hang up now.¡± Shi Peng did not expect that his daughter had made a phone call just to inform him to have some of the porridge. He was d that she was filial to him.

    ¡°Dad, remember to have it.¡±

    ¡°I will hang up now.¡± Shi Peng hung up the phone first. He was a man and Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder. Even if he really wanted to have the shredded chicken porridge, he would not sound so bold and righteous like Shi Qing.

    However, after hanging up the phone, Shi Peng felt that since his daughter was being filial, he should appreciate her effort. Since Qing Qing was full of praise for the shredded chicken porridge, he should give it a try. It was not the working style of the soldiers to let food go to waste.

    After having the shredded chicken porridge that Shi Qing rmended, Shi Peng had to agree that it had a different vor. It was fresh and tasted just right.

    However, the porridge that Qing Qing had should be better than what he had. Qiao Nan cooked the porridge herself, while the porridge that he had was prepared by the chef using Qiao Nan¡¯s method.

    Shi Peng had two big bowls of porridge in the kitchen. He left feeling extremely full.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, you¡¯re up.¡± The soldier who stood guard outside heard movements in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. He opened the door to check.

    Zhai Sheng propped himself up with the uninjured arm. There was a slight flush on his tanned face. ¡°You can go out first. If there¡¯s anything, I will call for you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± The soldier returned to his position at the doorway. He heard the sound of running watering from the room. The soldier smiled. It turned out that Regiment Commander Zhai needed the toilet.

    The soldier went back into the room when he no longer heard the sound of running water. He opened the curtains and the windows. Even though it was warm outside, it was better than the stagnant air in the room. It was good to have some venttion.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, are you hungry? The porridge is ready. Shall I send someone to get it for you?¡±

    ¡°Porridge?¡± Zhai Sheng had a strong constitution. After taking the medicine and having a good sleep, he was making a speedy recovery. His wounds healed faster than the average person. ¡°Sure, bring it here.¡±

    It was fine that the meal was light. It was more important to appease his hunger.

    Zhai Sheng was surprised when he noticed the familiar smell of the porridge. ¡°Is Comrade Xiao Qiao in the army camp?¡± The shredded chicken porridge must be prepared by Nan Nan.

    But Zhai Sheng frowned slightly when he took a sip of the porridge. The taste was not as good.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao seemed to have left something behind when she left, so she returned to the camp yesterday. She happened to know that Regiment Commander Zhai was hurt, so she came to check on you. She also taught the canteen chef how to prepare shredded chicken porridge so that you can have them.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Comrade Xiao Qiao?¡± She could not have left anything behind. She must havee back to the army camp to check on him.

    ¡°She went back with Officer Shi¡¯s daughter yesterday. Regimentmander, is the porridge delicious? Many people said that the porridge is very tasty. I wonder whether it has turned bad after a night.¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t turned bad.¡± Zhai Sheng felt energized and alert as if he had taken a nourishment pill. He was greeted with a familiar food that his beloved had prepared for him. He felt warm inside by her concern and love for him. ¡°Get me another bowl of porridge. I am famished.¡±

    Since Zhai Sheng had the appetite, the soldier went to the canteen to get another bowl of porridge for him.

    ¡°Another bowl.¡± Since it was prepared by his girlfriend, though Zhai Sheng had just woken up, he had the impulse to finish them in one go.

    The soldier blinked nervously. ¡°There¡¯s no more porridge left. I have given all that was left to you. Regimentmander, you have just woken up from sleep. Is it okay to have so much porridge?¡±

    ¡°How is it possible that nothing is left?¡± Zhai Sheng did not believe his words. ¡°Surely there should be more than two bowls of porridge? One should at least be able to prepare a pot of porridge using one whole chicken.¡±

    Back when Nan Nan prepared the porridge for Uncle Qiao, he was always by her side. No matter how small the chicken was, there should be more than two bowls of porridge.

    ¡°Oh, hehehe...¡± The soldier who was at a loss for words scratched his head and smiled foolishly.

    Zhai Sheng put down the bowl and drank half a cup of water. ¡°Tell me, what happened to the remaining porridge?¡±

    ¡°Well, the politicalmissar seemed to have two bowls of porridge yesterday. Officer Shi is not in good health, so he had two bowls today. Officer Shi said that the weather is too hot and that the porridge may turn bad after a long time. As for the politicalmissar, he said he had a valid reason for having the porridge.¡± He had no idea what the valid reason was.

    In short, the higher-ups in the army had some of the porridge that was meant for Regiment Commander Zhai. There was no way that the soldier could stop them.

    ¡°Okay, I understand. You can go out to fetch some water for me.¡± Zhai Sheng calmed himself down. Since it was the veterans in the army who had his porridge, as the junior, he could do nothing about it.

    To put it bluntly, they were merely two bowls of porridge. It was nothing special.

    ¡°Wait, what about my clothes?¡± He remembered he was still in the clothes that he wore for his mission when hey down to rest. ¡°Who helped me change my clothes!¡± Zhai Sheng knitted his brows in anger.

    ¡°It seemed to be Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡± The soldier jumped in shock and pushed all the responsibility to Qiao Nan. ¡°When Teacher Xiao Qiao came into the room, you were sweating profusely. Although the wound had been cleaned, treated, and bandaged, you had not taken the medicine. Teacher Xiao Qiao fed you the medicine and water. She then wiped you down and changed your clothes.¡±

    ¡°Did Comrade Xiao Qiao do all these by herself?¡± What the soldier said caused a stir in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. It was Nan Nan who wiped him down and helped him change his clothes? Why did he not have any impression at all?

    Zhai Sheng was upset because of that.

    ¡°I, I helped her with some of the work.¡±

    ¡°Comrade Xiao Qiao is a younger sister in my quad. As a soldier, I suppose you didn¡¯t tell anyone about what happened, like what women usually do?¡± Zhai Sheng was slightly appeased. Nan Nan was always fearful of others knowing their rtionship. He did not expect that Nan Nan would be so worried for him when he was wounded.

    Even though Nan Nan had not married him, and he had not submitted his marriage report, what Nan Nan did was what a wife would do.

    ¡°No, absolutely not.¡± The soldier waved his hand repeatedly. ¡°When Teacher Xiao Qiao left yesterday, Company Commander Zhou happened to be there and asked a few random questions. In fact, Company Commander Zhou has already told me that Teacher Xiao Qiao is regimentmander¡¯s sister.¡± Furthermore, he was the one who did most of the wiping and he was the one who changed the clothes. How could he possibly tell this to everyone?

 Chapter 587 - Called to Say That He Was Well

    <h4>Chapter 587: Called to Say That He Was Well</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But it seemed like Regiment Commander Zhai liked the fact that his younger sister tended to him.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Bring me the water.¡± It was no wonder that although he woke up feeling sweaty today, he did not feel as sticky as he used to be. He had been injured several times during his past missions. This was the only time he woke up feeling good.

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± The soldier brought the water into the room and stood guard at the entrance. He waited until Zhai Sheng had wiped himself clean before he poured the water away.

    Zhai Sheng felt refreshed. He then gave the soldier a serious stare. ¡°From yesterday up until now, apart from Comrade Xiao Qiao, did anyonee looking for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Comrade Qiu came looking for you, but the politicalmissar had already instructed that before you recovered, nobody was to disturb you from your rest. Hence, I didn¡¯t allow her to enter.¡±

    ¡°Since you didn¡¯t allow Qiu Chenxi to enter, why did you let Comrade Xiao Qiao in?¡±

    ¡°The politicalmissar said that the higher-up had instructed that Teacher Xiao Qiao was to be allowed entry.¡± He was clueless about the reason behind such instructions.

    ¡°Instructions from the higher-up? Did the politicalmissar tell you himself?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Alright, you can go out now. I want to have some time to myself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± The soldier breathed a sigh of relief and retreated from Zhai Sheng¡¯s room to return to his post.

    Regiment Commander Zhai had a domineering aura. Apart from the usual training, he felt particrly nervous whenever he was alone with him.

    Zhai Sheng listened to the voices of the soldiers who were training and running outside, and he could feel the mountain breeze drifting in from the window. He was silent.

    Why would the politicalmissar give such instruction? That nobody except Nan Nan was allowed entry to his dormitory?

    Since the orders were given by the higher-up, could it have been his father?

    It was no wonder that the politicalmissar dared to have his porridge. It seemed that because of the odd order from his father, the politicalmissar had discovered his rtionship with Nan Nan.

    As for Shi Peng, Zhai Sheng knew that whatever that Shi Qing knew, Shi Peng must have known about it as well. Even if Shi Peng did not know about it at the beginning, Shi Qing would definitely tell him.

    Since he was already awake, Zhai Sheng decided to take a walk outside and he ended up at his office where he made a phone call.

    Someone answered the phone right away. ¡°Hello, who are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing?¡± Why was Shi Qing at the Qiao family¡¯s residence?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you are awake.¡± The first thing Brother Zhai did when he returned to the camp from his mission was to make a phone call to Qiao Nan, and the first thing he did after he woke up from his injuries was to make a phone call to Qiao Nan to tell her that he was doing well. They had deep feelings for each other. ¡°You must be looking for Qiao Nan. I will get her for you.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute, you haven¡¯t told me why you are at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.¡±

    Shi Qing halted her footsteps and was amused. ¡°Brother Zhai, you may not know. In fact, it just crossed my mind today to move in here. I told my dad today and he agreed. I stay alone in Ping Cheng. As a girl, it¡¯s unsafe for me to live by myself. If there is anything, I don¡¯t know how to call for help. Besides, the Qiao family¡¯s residence is very near to the school. It is located in the school district. I am in the same ss as Qiao Nan. If I stay with her, I can go to school ande back home with her. We will have each other aspanions.¡±

    ¡°Unsafe?¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Is it unsafe for you, or for those who have designs on you?¡±

    ¡°No matter what, as long as it may be unsafe, as the descendants of the soldiers, I should try to remove all the possible dangerous factors. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t you think so?¡± Shi Qing swung her legs. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you sure I don¡¯t have to put Qiao Nan on the phone? If you are done chatting with me, I will hang up the phone. I will be having my meals in a moment.¡±

    ¡°Get Nan Nan on the phone.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you must speak what¡¯s on your mind. Don¡¯t do this in the future. It¡¯s better to make it known as early as possible. If you are too slow, she may not be yours.¡± Shi Qing sneered at Brother Zhai who was all pretenses in front of her. She had thought that he would continue with his act to maintain his dignity.

    ¡°Thank you for your reminder.¡± Zhai Sheng pursed his thin lips. His eyes revealed that he was deep in his thoughts.

    It was not that he was unwilling or afraid to make known his feelings, but it was Nan Nan who forbade him from doing that.

    ¡°Hi, Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan sat down. ¡°Brother Zhai, how is the injury on your arm? Did you change your dressing when you woke up today? Also, have you taken the oral medicine? Don¡¯t bezy. If you don¡¯t want to have a woman to tend to you, you can get a man to help you. By the way, have you eaten the chicken porridge?¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan mentioned about ¡®chicken porridge¡¯, Shi Qing, who sat next to her, and Zhai Sheng, who was on the other side of the phone, had mixed reactions.

    Shi Qing stared intently at the television, but she lowered the volume with the remote control so that she could hear the conversation between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Yes, I have eaten the porridge, but I only managed to have two bowls of porridge.¡±

    ¡°Two bowls? Impossible! I brought one whole chicken to the army. The canteen chef prepared it ording to my method. There should be one big pot of porridge. It¡¯s impossible that you only had two bowls of porridge. Could it be that the porridge went bad as the weather is too hot?¡± If the porridge had turned bad, he would not have any porridge at all.

    ¡°None of the above.¡± Zhai Sheng took out his wallet and stared at the photo of Qiao Nan. She was smiling brightly in the photo. ¡°The politicalmissar and Officer Shi had helped themselves to the porridge. One of them said that he had a legitimate reason to have the porridge, while the other said that he had the porridge so that it would not turn bad and we would not waste the food.¡±

    Qiao Nan was stunned momentarily. She nced at Shi Qing, who had a guilty conscience. These reasons were too ridiculous.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, when youe back next time, I will prepare the porridge for you.¡± Since among those who had the porridge, one of them was Brother Zhai¡¯s colleague, while the other was his benefactor, there was nothing Qiao Nan could say.

    ¡°This is the only way.¡± Zhai Sheng looked gloomy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The injury on my arm is not serious. The fever is gone and the wound has stopped bleeding. Everything is fine. But it will take some time for the body to recover.¡±

    ¡°How about going home to rest?¡± The conditions in the army camp were not as good as the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Though Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries were not serious, he had lost a significant amount of blood. There were not many cooking ingredients in the army camp. It was impossible for her to prepare food that was nourishing for Brother Zhai.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go back for the time being.¡± Zhai Sheng rejected the suggestion. ¡°This time, the mission is not that simple. There is a lot of follow-up work to do. The most important thing is that the main problem has not beenpletely resolved. Before the mission ispleted, there is no chance of going back to Ping Cheng.¡± For this current mission, what he faced was an organized team. Those people were highly skilled. But more importantly, there was a murderous look about them. They did not seem to be ordinary people. This was different from the information that he had received previously. They could likely be mercenaries.

 Chapter 588 - Had All the Time in the World

    <h4>Chapter 588: Had All the Time in the World</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan could sense the change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone. She held her breath.

    After a long while, Qiao Nan finally said softly, ¡°Brother Zhai, stay safe.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you...¡± He wanted to ask whether she had any regrets.

    ¡°No.¡± There might be a slight moment of hesitation, but she had no regrets. Her father used to be a soldier. He would tell her about his army life and the missions that he carried out. Since a young age, she knew the dangers that a soldier had to face.

    But the difference was that when her father told her about his army life, he was reminiscing about the days when he was in the army, and what happened was all in the past. But in the case of Brother Zhai, he was in the midst of carrying out the mission.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you must be careful. When I am of legal age, you can submit your marriage report, and we will tell Auntie Miao about our rtionship.¡± Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s special upation, Qiao Nan had the sudden urge to wait no more. She did not want to waste her time on unrted people andplex human rtions. She had decided to spend all the time that she had with Zhai Sheng.

    Perhaps it was inauspicious to have such a thought, but Qiao Nan could not help but worry.

    It took her two lifetimes to meet such a good man. If she was not able to get married to the man that she loved, she was too pathetic and pitiful.

    ¡°Alright.¡± This was something Zhai Sheng had been dying to hear from Qiao Nan, but he felt somewhat sad to hear it from her under such circumstances. He knew that Qiao Nan was betting her lifelong happiness on him. ¡°Nan Nan, give me some time.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t be in a hurry. Take it slowly. We have all the time in the world. You can take your time. I believe in you.¡±

    As Chief Zhai¡¯s only son, it was impossible that Brother Zhai would be posted to the front line all the time and carry out extremely dangerous and life-threatening missions.

    But even if Brother Zhai wanted to leave the front line, he would not be able to do so right now. It would not happen in a few years¡¯ time.

    Qiao Nan, who was well aware of this, was very worried. She was fearful that in order to make her feel at ease, Zhai Sheng wouldplete his missions ahead of time, disregarding his own safety and taking unnecessary risks.

    She would rather be on tenterhooks for a few more years than for Brother Zhai to risk his life so that he could fulfill his promise to be with her as soon as possible.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan¡¯s intentions and quickly discarded the idea that he had in mind. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to be prepared.¡± If he was to be in the front line for the years toe, being Zhai Yaohui¡¯s son, he might face more challenges and danger.

    As a soldier, there was bound to be bloodshed and sacrifice. It was not easy to be a soldier¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, as long as you are willing, apart from being worried about you, I don¡¯t have to prepare myself for such circumstances, do I?¡± Qiao Nan refused to submit to circumstances. She was not asking Brother Zhai to muddle through his work at the front line in order to stay safe, but at the very least, he could pay more attention to safety and watch out for danger. In that case, it would be less dangerous and risky. This was definitely what Brother Zhai was capable of.

    On the contrary, if Brother Zhai had only one goal in mind, which was toplete the task that the country and the organization had entrusted him to the extent that he disregarded his own safety, there would only be one possibility.

    Qiao Nan clutched her forehead in worry. Most of the times, these people would die in the front line.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng gave a deep smile. ¡°I know what you mean. I will pay attention to safety.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Brother Zhai, you just woke up today. You should have lots of rest. Get someone to help you back.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved that Zhai Sheng was willing to give her such a promise.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Regimentmander?¡± The soldier walked toward Zhai Sheng at his beckon. ¡°Are you going back to your dormitory?¡±

    ¡°Yes, give me a hand.¡± Zhai Sheng had injured his arm, not his legs. However, he had lost too much blood and he had just woken up from his slumber today, so he felt slightly dizzy. Otherwise, he would not have allowed others to follow him around.

    ¡°Regimentmander.¡± Zhou Jun came over in a hurry. ¡°Regimentmander, your injury has not fully recovered. Why aren¡¯t you resting? Are you okay? Did your wound open? Shall we see the military doctor now?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Zhai Sheng, who was just about to shake his head, changed his mind.

    Zhou Jun widened his eyes in shock. ¡°Has the wound started to open?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng walked slowly to the sickbay. ¡°It¡¯s just that I perspired profuselyst night and the bandages were soaked. I suppose the medicine is no longer effective. I decide to change the dressing so that Doctor Wang can check the wound.¡±

    ¡°Regimentmander, I will apany you.¡± Zhou Jun walked on the other side of Zhai Sheng.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng went to look for the military doctor, or else, things would be quite troublesome.

    Last night, Zhai Sheng was drenched in sweat. When Doctor Wang took out the bandages, the innermostyer was soaked with sweat.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s wound that was in stitches had turned white and wrinkled as it was soaked in sweat.

    Doctor Wang immediately disinfected the wound and applied medicine to it. He then applied a new bandage to the wound. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, you must remember not to tie a dead knot on the bandage and must keep this arm away from the water to keep the wound clean.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± After the wound was re-bandaged, the first thought that crossed Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind was that when Qiao Nan asked about his injuries the next time, he would be able to give her an honest and satisfying answer.

    ¡°If there is nothing else, I will go back to rest.¡± Zhai Sheng could no longer sit still after the wound was bandaged.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s done, Regiment Commander Zhai. You can go back now.¡± Doctor Wang replied honestly. Then, the soldier helped Zhai Sheng back.

    Regiment Commander Zhai had left not too long ago before the nurse who was an assistant to Doctor Wang spoke up. ¡°Doctor Wang, what if Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s wounds inme again? How about I bring him two anti-inmmatory pills? If anything crops up, he will be able to take the medicine.¡±

    It would be very troublesome if Zhai Sheng¡¯s external injuries inmed from the infection.

    The nurse was right. Doctor Wang could not pick on her words. ¡°Alright, pass the medicine to Regiment Commander Zhai ande back right away.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Doctor Wang.¡± There was a sparkle in the beautiful nurse¡¯s eyes. She took the medicine that Doctor Wang prescribed and ran to the dormitory to look for Zhai Sheng.

    Doctor Wang shook his head helplessly at the nurse. ¡°The nurse has an ulterior motive in bringing the medicine to Regiment Commander Zhai. The youngdies nowadays are so daring. Sooner orter, they will be taught a lesson.¡±

    There was nothing wrong for girls to be daring in pursuing their own happiness. It was not a problem in China. In fact, this was a new way of thinking.

    However, Doctor Wang felt that the nurse would be making a futile effort as her subject of interest was Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Forget it. The youngsters have to suffer setbacks before they can learn.¡± Anyway, nobody would be willing to listen to the advice of an ¡®old man¡¯ like him.

 Chapter 589 - Whatâ€™s the Matter

    <h4>Chapter 589: What¡¯s the Matter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± The nurse followed Zhai Sheng from afar, wanting to take a few more looks at Zhai Sheng. She intended to wait until he reached the dormitory before she came up with an excuse to enter Zhai Sheng¡¯s dormitory to pass him the medicine.

    She was not young anymore. She had been a nurse for all her life, but she was not getting anywhere.

    Her family was urging her to find a good man and settle down. Her neighbors and rtives also set her up with blind dates. But she would not take a fancy to those men. If she had to look for a husband, he would have to be as outstanding, masculine, and capable as Regiment Commander Zhai!

    The nurse might have it all nned out, but Zhai Sheng¡¯s sense of hearing was better than her.

    Zhai Sheng had already noticed that the nurse was following him.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng had noticed her as soon as she started to trail behind him.

    He had thought that the nurse had something to attend to and that it had nothing to do with him. He did not expect that she would be trailing after him instead of attending to her work. Zhai Sheng did not understand the reason behind her odd behavior.

    ¡°Regiment, Regiment Commander Zhai?¡± The nurse blushed. She did not expect that she would be discovered even before she reached the dormitory.

    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± The nurse kept quiet and stared at his face instead. It seemed as if his injuries were on his face instead of his arm.

    Since Zhai Sheng had already asked her twice, there was no way that the nurse could remain silent. Her face turned bright red and she whispered shyly, ¡°Doctor Wang has prescribed two anti-inmmatory pills for you in case you need it and has asked me to send them to you. Since I am not busy, and if it is inconvenient for you to take them with you, I can send them to your dormitory.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient...¡± Zhai Sheng knitted his eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s alright. All of the doctors and nurses must be very busy with taking care of the soldiers who need medical attention. I will not waste your time. You can pass me the medicine. After all, it¡¯s only two pills. If I am unable to bring them with me, he can help me with it.¡± Zhai Sheng pointed to the soldier next to him.

    The nurse pouted her mouth unhappily. She red at the soldier, warning him not to thwart her n.

    The soldier was amused and angered. He stretched out his hands. ¡°I can take them with me even if there are two rows of pills or two bottles of pills, let alone two pills. Give me the medicine. I will make sure that Regiment Commander Zhai takes the medicine.¡± When Regiment Commander Zhai was sleeping, it would be difficult to give him the medicine. Now that he was awake, he did not need to help him with the medicine.

    The nurse was unhappy that the soldier was insensible. She passed the medicine to him reluctantly. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, is there anything that you need to ask regarding your injuries? If so, I can repeat them for you. Also, since you are injured, you have to watch what you eat as well as make sure that your dormitory is airy and well-ventted. The damp environment is not good for your wounds. How about I go and take a look?¡±

    ¡°No, the sun shines into my dormitory. It will not be a problem.¡± Zhai Sheng began to make his way back to the dormitory slowly and steadily. ¡°Okay, you should go back to help Doctor Wang. If Doctor Wang does not have enough assistants to help him and cannot attend to the wounded soldiers in time, you will be held ountable for being derelict in your duties.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You should hurry back.¡± Although the nurse treated him coldly, on ount that she was a woman, the soldier tried to persuade her to go back to her work.

    The nurse stomped her feet and left in disappointment.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, you are too popr in the army. All the nurses and therades from the dance department have taken a fancy to you. Regiment Commander Zhai, among all of them, who do you like?¡± Comrade Qiu who came yesterday seemed to like Regiment Commander Zhai as well.

    ¡°The position of the wife of the regimentmander has already been taken. You should not overstep your boundaries.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that other women were interested in him, but he did not care.

    Especially what happened just now. Instead of feeling happy that he was well-liked, Zhai Sheng found it to be a bother.

    What happened with Qi Min was a vivid example that marriage should only involve two parties. If another party was involved, a marriage would only turn sour.

    He would not let Nan Nan suffer what his mother had been through.

    He would not let Nan Nan take the difficult and rocky path that his mother had taken.

    He had to be very clear and leave no doubts with people like the nurse.

    ¡°Wife of the regimentmander?¡± The soldier was dumbfounded. Regiment Commander Zhai seemed to be immune to rtionships, yet he already had someone he liked! He only meant it as a casual question. He did not expect that Regiment Commander Zhai would tell him such a big piece of news!

    ¡°Regimentmander, who is your future wife? Is she pretty? Does she have a good temper?¡±

    ¡°She is beautiful, smart, and easy-going. The only thing is that she is quite young.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone turned gentle.

    ¡°She is so outstanding.¡± The soldier was thrilled. ¡°That¡¯s right. The wife of the regimentmander has to be outstanding. But she seems to sound like Teacher Xiao Qiao?¡± Beautiful, smart, easy-going, and young.

    Zhai Sheng gave a stifled smile. ¡°I will go back to the dormitory by myself. It¡¯s about time. Bring two servings of meals to the dormitory.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± The soldier came back to his senses. If he did not hurry to take the meals, both of them would have to go hungry tonight.

    The summer break might be long, but for students, it passed by quickly in the blink of an eye. In particr, for high school students who had a lot of homework, the summer break seemed to have ended as soon it started.

    When Qiao Nan spoke to Zhai Sheng on the phone previously, he had mentioned that he would not go home to rest but would stay in the camp. True enough, he did not have the chance to go back home, and Qiao Nan did not go to the camp to visit him as well. Since Miao Jing would bring a lot of food and daily necessities to the camp, it did not matter if Qiao Nan went to the camp or not.

    Qiao Nan was upied with her homework for the summer break as well as her preparation for the third year, while Zhai Sheng was busy with his missions and nursing his wounds.

    After a long summer break, most of the students had gained weight, but Qiao Nan, who had lost a few pounds, was the exception.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, although actual lessons have not started yet, we have to go to school the day after tomorrow. Have you really decided not to visit Brother Zhai tomorrow?¡± Shi Qing cupped her chin as she stared at Qiao Nan, who was tidying her homework. She was perplexed.

    People in rtionships should be very attached to each other and would miss the other party if they did not see them even for a day.

    But it was so different in the case of Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai. Qiao Nan seemed to be very calm while Brother Zhai was very disciplined.

    If she did not witness for herself that both of them spoke on the phone asionally, she would have suspected that the so-called rtionship between the two of them was fake, and that it was a smokescreen to trick her.

    Qiao Nan tidied her exercise books and put them into her schoolbag. ¡°I won¡¯t go. Brother Zhai has called me half a month ago to tell me that his arm injuries had healed. As long as the scabes off, it will bepletely healed. He is already able to move about freely. There¡¯s no need for me to worry about him or to check on him.¡±

 Chapter 590 - Self-Torture Ruse

    <h4>Chapter 590: Self-Torture Ruse</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t say anything if you don¡¯t wish to go. He¡¯s your boyfriend, not mine. I was worried for nothing.¡± Shi Qing syed her hands. The bystander was more worried than the party concerned. This had been the case since ancient times. It could not be changed. ¡°Qiao Nan, when I talked to my dad on the phone a few days ago, I heard about an interesting piece of news. Do you want to listen to it?¡±

    ¡°Up to you.¡± Shi Qing was not one who could keep things to herself. Before she became close with her, she had thought that she was cold and aloof. After getting to know her better, she realized that Shi Qing was, in fact, a nagger. Unfortunately, she had be her tree hole.

    ¡°These past few days, Qiu Chenxi ordered her chauffeur to send her to the camp every day. She would stay at the entrance of the camp, saying that she wanted to see Brother Zhai and take care of him. Qiu Chenxi almost wrapped herself into a ball. After waiting at the entrance for these past few days, Qiu Chenxi¡¯splexion has turned a shade darker. Hey, it is so amusing.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was quite fair but herplexion had turned dark because of her suggestion. Shi Qing could not help but be thrilled at the thought of that.

    ¡°They really decided to use the self-torture ruse?¡± Qiao Nan was shocked. It was obvious that Shi Qing was mocking her. Could it be that Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were so helpless that they could not tell lies from the truth?

    Shi Qing was not surprised. ¡°I have already told you. With my auntie¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s temper, they like to indulge in the wildest fantasy.¡± It would be strange if they did not fall for her tricks. As long as Brother Zhai could be with her, not to mention standing under the sun, Qiu Chenxi would do anything even if it might be ridiculous.

    As long as she nned it well, Qiu Chenxi might be fooled by her.

    ¡°I have nothing to say.¡± Qiao Nan zipped her schoolbag. ¡°Qiu Chenxi is willing to turn a shade darker in order to gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection, but she will not seed. Aren¡¯t you worried that they will vent their frustrations on you when they fail to get what they want? I am the best example. You must be careful.¡± Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were very unreasonable.

    ¡°Afraid of them?¡± Shi Qing sounded like a hooligan. ¡°Now that it is impossible between Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai, my grandpa will not dote on her like before. The reason why grandpa is not willing to give up on the Qiu family is that there is still a slight ray of hope. But it will not be long before my grandpa realizes that it is hopeless.¡±

    As long as Qiu Chenxi could not be with Brother Zhai, she would no longer be the favorite granddaughter of the Shi family.

    Speaking of this, Shi Qing felt bitterly disappointed.

    They were one family, but her grandpa was biased toward Qiu Chenxi just because she was almost engaged to Brother Zhai. He even pampered Qiu Chenxi while he was strict with her.

    Could this be considered as family rtions? This was purely for one¡¯s benefits.

    Could they be considered as one¡¯s family members? They were simply businessmen!

    Looking at Shi Qing¡¯s silent and grieved look, Qiao Nan could tell what was on her mind. However, there was nothing that she could say to make her feel better.

    This was the harsh reality. Whatever she had been through was far worse than what Shi Qing had experienced.

    Until today, she had not been able to forgive her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Shi Qing braced herself up. ¡°Anyway, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. Even if Qiu Chenxi continues toin to my grandpa, what she says may be of little use. At least, my grandpa will definitely not punish me like what he did in the past. Qiao Nan, you may not know. I spent a lot of my time in the camp and became a better fighter than Zhu Baoguo because of my grandpa. And maybe to a certain extent, Qiu Chenxi. When I was young, I ended up in a fight with Qiu Chenxi over a doll. Qiu Chenxi lost the fight and ended up in tears. My grandpa then punished me to run.¡±

    If not for what happened back then, she would not have such good stamina today.

    ¡°If so, should you write a thank-you letter to Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°Scram.¡± Shi Qing fell backward onto Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have finished your homework, but I have yet to do mine, not even one-third of them. What should we do?¡±

    It was already bad enough that she lost to Qiao Nan in the exams. If her performance in ss was worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s, the teachers would have a bad impression of her.

    ¡°Do you want to copy the answers? I will lend you mine.¡±

    ¡°Copy? It¡¯s too troublesome.¡±

    ¡°Then, you are free to do whatever you like.¡± After packing her schoolbag, Qiao Nan finally stopped to rest. ¡°Shi Qing, do you really intend to continue staying here?¡± Her father had gradually gotten used to having Shi Qing in their house. She had almost be their family.

    ¡°Of course! I have already said that we are ssmates. In the future, we can apany each other when we go to school ande back from school. With me around, you¡¯ll be safe. There¡¯s no need to worry about anyone bullying you. My dad has already sent the money to your house.¡± She paid for her lodgings and meals. She was not a freeloader.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention the money.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°The money your dad gave is enough to buy a house in the small quad. Do you treat our house as a five-star hotel? Because of the money that your dad sent, my dad feels so awkward that he has been treating you like a princess. Moreover, you mentioned that we are ssmates. Shi Qing, are you kidding? When school reopens, I am in the humanities ss while you are in the science ss. We¡¯re not in the same ss.¡±

    ¡°What! You chose the humanities course? I thought you chose the science course, no?¡± Shi Qing sat up from the bed in agitation.

    ¡°When did I tell you that I chose the science course? It¡¯s the humanities course that I chose.¡±

    ¡°Then, does it mean that there is no way for me to beat you in the exams? I can never get back at you for my defeat in the previous exams?¡± Shi Qing was so angry that she rolled around on the bed. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are too cunning. How dare you run away after beating me once in the exams! You are leaving me with no chance at all to defeat you in the exams. How can you be so crafty? This won¡¯t do. You have to study in the science ss. I have to make up for the loss of that half a point mark!¡±

    ¡°Alright, stop fooling around. You want to defeat me? Sure, you can transfer to the humanities ss. Since you want topete with me in the exams, the person who makes the transfer will have to be you, not me. Besides, given your dad¡¯s position in the army, it¡¯s a simple feat for you to transfer ss at this time.¡± Qiao Nan was amused.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like the humanities course.¡± One would have to memorize a lot of vocabry and grammar. It was not as fun as mathematics.

    ¡°I like the humanities course. I don¡¯t care whether you like it or not. Anyway, if you want to overtake me, you have toe to the humanities ss.¡± Qiao Nan stared at the messy bed and gave Shi Qing a disdainful look. ¡°Hurry up and tidy my bed. Are you thinking of not sleeping tonight?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I hate you. You did it on purpose.¡± Shi Qing sat upright unwillingly, but she tidied the bed abidingly.

    ¡°Yes, I did it on purpose, and I am very hateful. We have not used a single cent of the money that your dad gave us. Why don¡¯t I return it to you so you can go back and stay at your house?¡± Since she was so hateful, why did Shi Qing insist on staying with her? She was so ridiculous.

 Chapter 591 - Rage

    <h4>Chapter 591: Rage</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Since you find it troublesome, how about I make it up to you for taking the humanities course and causing you to lose the chance to surpass me? Why don¡¯t we do this? I¡¯ll help you pack your clothing and send you back home tomorrow?¡± Qiao Nan looked serious. Although she was used to some things, she had been forced to do so.

    Shi Qing could tell that Qiao Nan was being serious. Shey on the bed and did not move.

    ¡°Hey...¡±

    ¡°Snore, snore, snore...¡± Shi Qing pulled the little nket and covered her face. She expressed that she had fallen asleep and could not hear a thing.

    ¡°You¡¯re good.¡± Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She switched off the lights and fell asleep.

    Although Shi Qing was not prepared to return to her own house, she had many belongings in that ¡®new¡¯ house. The next day, Qiao Nan still apanied Shi Qing for a trip there. Shi Qing took over some clothes, schoolbag, books and such.

    When Shi Qing arrived at the house of the Qiao family, she was surprised to see another 1.2-meter bed in Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Why are there two beds?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. Don¡¯t tell me you want to continue to squeeze with me in one bed!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned pale and said unhappily, ¡°I¡¯m not used to sleeping with others. I¡¯m used to sleeping alone. Do you know how bad I feel having to squeeze with someone? I really can¡¯t imagine how I can tolerate you for half a month.¡±

    It was really also because Shi Qing¡¯s sleeping posture was fine. Otherwise, she definitely would have kicked Shi Qing out of the bed.

    ¡°Haha, no matter what you say, I¡¯ve got my own bed.¡± Shi Qing really did not mind sleeping in the same bed as Qiao Nan. Nevertheless, as a youngdy, having her own bed was certainly something to be happy about.

    Qiao Nan passed the mattress cover to Shi Qing. ¡°It has been washed. Put it on yourself. Don¡¯t feel so happy. The money spent on these items is from your dad.¡± Fortunately, her bedroom was big enough and could amodate two beds. Otherwise, it would be terrible.

    Of course, fortunately, she had the help of her father, Qiao Dongliang, too.

    Qiao Dongliang knew a little carpentry work. He bought a nk and custom-made a very long study table that was of an appropriate height for both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    The study table was leaning on both ends of the wall, from left to right. It was hinged right on the wall.

    Although both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were high school students and had many books, the two could stay in their ownne and mind their own business. Their belongings would not be mixed or messed up.

    Besides the study table, there was also a small closet.

    With a room size of slightly over twenty square-meters, excluding the study table and closet, it was not difficult to amodate two beds. There was more than enough space to spare.

    ¡°You even separated it so well. Thanks much,¡± Shi Qing said sincerely. Although there was only a room, she had almost everything that Qiao Nan had and was not shortchanged.

    Compared to that one-month stay in the house of the Qiu family, she felt really happy during this one-month stay in the house of the Qiao family.

    ¡°No need to thank me. You stay and look after the house. My dad was a little busy today and didn¡¯t have time to go marketing.¡± At the sight that it was already four o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan took some money and ran toward the market.

    Shi Qing did not know how to do marketing. She could, at most, be a coolie and help carry the purchases.

    A few days ago, Qiao Nan asked Shi Qing to help with that, but Qiao Dongliang, who took the money from the Shi family, did not feel good after knowing this. He simply gave Qiao Nan a scolding. Thereafter, to save the trouble, Qiao Nan did not bring Shi Qing along when she went marketing. Anyway, the items were not that heavy.

    Ring, ring, ring...

    ¡°Hello?¡± Shi Qing, who was the only one at home, picked up the phone.

    ¡°Qing Qing, school is reopening tomorrow. Do you have enough money with you?¡±

    ¡°Dad! I have enough money.¡±

    The excited voice of her daughter could be heard clearly from the other side of the phone. Shi Peng felt quite strange. It seemed that since she stayed with the Qiao family, her mood always sounded so good each time she picked up the phone call. She sounded even better than when she was staying at the house in Mo Du, let alone the house of the Qiu family. ¡°You¡¯re so happy to stay with the Qiao family? Is Qiao Nan that good?¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Shi Qing said in a serious manner. ¡°Dad, today, the Qiao family bought me a bed. It¡¯s in Qiao Nan¡¯s room. I have a new bed. There¡¯s a very long study table in the bedroom that Qiao Nan and I sleep in. It¡¯s connected from one end of the wall to the other. Qiao Nan and I take one side each. Uncle Qiao even prepared two tablemps for us. However, Qiao Nan chided Uncle Qiao. She said who would switch on the tablemps when the ceiling lights are so bright.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your dad¡¯s money.¡± When he heard that his daughter was so close to other people¡¯s father, Shi Peng felt a little jealous.

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°Forget it, Dad. We gave the Qiu family so many benefits, and Qi Min is even my auntie. Why didn¡¯t she treat me better? During the month I was staying with the Qiu family, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s bedroom was locked tightly. Each time I returned to my bedroom and passed by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s room, someone would stare at me nervously. Crap, we are also wealthy. We don¡¯tck that little money. When did you not satisfy me whenever I wanted to buy something? Would I be so foolish and ignorant to want Qiu Chenxi¡¯s stuff? What did they take me for?¡±

    Shi Peng was silent for a while. ¡°The people in the Qiao family are really quite honest.¡±

    ¡°Right, Dad. Didn¡¯t I ask you to investigate the situation of the Qiao family? How did the investigations go?¡± Both of Qiao Nan¡¯s parents were still alive. She also had a sister who was two years older than her. She had never seen these two people before.

    She only briefly heard people mention them. They were quite pretentious and did not treat Qiao Nan well at all. That was the reason Uncle Qiao and Qiao Nan lived separately from Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. The couple each took a child in hand respectively and continued with life.

    ¡°The information is with me. I¡¯ll send them to your school tomorrow, so don¡¯t forget to tell me your ss when you report to school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget. Dad, did Qiu Chenxi go to the army camp today?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she did.¡± Of course, she was held back at the entrance and could not enter.

    ¡°Wonderful. Dad, Qiao Nan went marketing. She¡¯ll most likely be back soon. I won¡¯t chat further.¡±

    ¡°Alright, if you meet with any matter, remember to give me a call.¡±

    ¡°Okay, bye, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After chatting, Shi Qing hung up the phone, feeling happy and satisfied. She did not know that just after she hung up the phone, her father¡¯s phone rang again. ¡°Hello, good day.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so good? With a bad son like you around, how can your father be good? Your father asked you to retrieve that resignation letter, have you done so?¡± Although there was a phone separating the two of them, Shi Peng could still feel the rage in Old Master Shi¡¯s heart from the tone of thetter¡¯s voice.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s been submitted. I can¡¯t take it back. You can¡¯t stop it either,¡± Shi Peng said without expressing much emotion.

    In order to prevent his father from ¡®hijacking¡¯ his resignation letter, he had specially sought Zhai Yaohui¡¯s help for the submission.

    ¡°Are you mad?! Everything the Shi family has is on your shoulders! A few years ago, you lost to Zhai Yaohui. We did not have fate with the chief position. Now, do you want topletely destroy the future of our Shi family?!¡± Old Master Shi was nearly driven mad by Shi Peng.

 Chapter 592 - The Frightening Stare

    <h4>Chapter 592: The Frightening Stare</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Shi Peng was clearly his biological son. He looked exactly like him when he was young.

    He did not understand. As his son, why was his temperament so odd? He was not ambitious at all.

    ¡°Am I really the gate to the future of the Shi family? Why do I feel that the Shi family does not ce the hope on me or Qing Qing but Chenxi? Dad, since you have your own n, then nurture Qi Chenxi well. Qing Qing and I will not join in the fun. In the future, you can utilize all the resources of the Shi family on Chenxi. Qi Min and you have been ming me for not willing to help Chenxi. This time, I¡¯m being generous. I promise that I will not stop you from giving all of what the Shi family has to Chenxi. Although Qing Qing is ady, her temper is strong. I believe she¡¯ll be able to create a bright future for herself through her own efforts.¡±

    Hence, he did not yearn for anything of the Shi family, and nor did Qing Qing.

    ¡°You, you¡¯re resenting me for disliking the fact that Qing Qing is a granddaughter and not a grandson? Even if this is so, she¡¯s also my biological granddaughter, right? Am I not good to her?¡± Old Master Shi was driven mad. How could a true man who did great things take issue with such trivial matters?

    Didn¡¯t he treat Chenxi well for the sake of the Shi family?

    When Chenxi married Zhai Sheng and lent the Shi family a helping hand thereafter, would he, an old man who had one of his legs in the coffin, truly gain anything from this? From all perspectives, wasn¡¯t he doing it for the sake of his son, Shi Peng?

    As for Qing Qing...

    As long as Chenxi was around, regardless of who Qing Qing was married to in the future, the other party would have second thoughts on bullying Qing Qing once he took her family status into ount.

    Qing Qing had been shortchanged a little now. Nevertheless, she would enjoy great happiness in the future. How was it possible that he would not be good to his son and granddaughter?

    Was it meaningful topete for temporary gains?

    ¡°Shi Peng, you¡¯ve always been a smart child. I¡¯m really very disappointed that you¡¯ll think in such a way!¡±

    ¡°My father, you¡¯re not the only one who¡¯s disappointed. Me, too. Since we¡¯re so disappointed with each other, let¡¯s not force each other then. When Qing Qing was five years old, you punished her and made her run until she fainted just because she snatched a doll from Qiu Chenxi. Do you know how bad my heart ached back then?¡±

    The matter that was still fresh in Shi Qing¡¯s memory, her father, Shi Peng, had never forgotten it too.

    ¡°You, you still bear a grudge against me regarding this? This young brat, without your father, would you be born to this world? Is your father or your daughter more important? Moreover, nothing happened to Qing Qing, right? We¡¯re soldiers. Don¡¯t we already know that this will happen if we run too much at one go? We¡¯ll be fine after resting for a while, won¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Dad, if I was the one who snatched toys from Qi Min in the past and Qi Min cried, would you punish me and make me run until I fainted in order to appease Qi Min?¡± Shi Peng asked coldly.

    ¡°...¡±

    On the other end of the phone, Old Master Shi was silent.

    This was because he knew. He would not!

    Hence, all being said, Old Master Shi still disliked Shi Qing for being a granddaughter and not a grandson. He chose to punish Shi Qing without hesitation for the sake of building a good rtionship with Qiu Chenxi, and due to the rtionship between Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng. This was so that Qiu Chenxi would take a liking to her maternal grandfather.

    ¡°Dad, if there¡¯s no other matter, I¡¯m hanging up. I¡¯ve submitted my resignation letter, but the leaders in the country have not agreed to it. Therefore, I¡¯m still considered part of the army and have to handle the matters here. If I continue to be on the phone with you and someone happens to look for me, the calls will be ced on hold. It¡¯s not good as this will dy the affairs of the country and the army. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Beep...

    When Old Master Shi heard the beeping tone, he was so furious that he simply smashed the phone.

    ¡°Regiment Commander, I can¡¯t get through to Officer Shi¡¯s phone line.¡± Zhou Jun put down the phone helplessly. ¡°Why don¡¯t I make a trip? I¡¯ll waste at most five minutes.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Sheng was dressed in a camouged suit. ¡°We have only destroyed a group of them. Most of them escaped. News of these people is hard toe by. We don¡¯t have time to waste. Anyway, I¡¯ve already mentioned this to the politicalmissar. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°But regimentmander, the injury on your arms...¡± The scabs on the wound had not healed and fallen off. If Regiment Commander Zhai rushed to the front line, wouldn¡¯t it be too dangerous?

    Zhai Sheng looked undaunted as he nced at his arms. ¡°It¡¯s just a minor injury. No issue.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Zhou Jun knew that he could not stop Zhai Sheng. Last time, Regiment Commander Zhai was injured because of him. This time, he would definitely notmit such a lowly mistake and implicate Regiment Commander Zhai again. He even wanted to work harder in this mission to make a great contribution so that he could make amends for his previous failure and humiliation.

    After making the arrangements and ensuring that they were well-prepared, Zhai Sheng immediately brought a group of soldiers and left the army camp, heading toward that group of people.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s great. We¡¯re in the same ss again.¡± When school reopened in summer, the second-year senior high students first ran to the notice board to look at the ss arrangements. Of course, when Tang Mengran saw that she was still in the same ss as Qiao Nan, she was overjoyed.

    Most importantly, the six dormitory mates were all in the same ss. Moreover, they had also been arranged to stay in the same dormitory. ¡°Oh my god, I¡¯m so happy. This is happier than striking it big in the lottery!¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zheng Lingling, Fang Fang, and the group looked at one another.

    Given the grades of the six of them, it was, in fact, not surprising that they would all be in the first ss of the humanities course upon the streaming.

    Nevertheless, this phenomenon of the six of them still staying in the same dormitory was too good to be true.

    ¡°Do you believe that there¡¯s something so coincidental in this world? That we happen to be those six lucky ones?¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses. There was a problem somewhere.

    ¡°Why do you care so much? It¡¯s fine as long as the oue is good. The six of us can be together again.¡± Tang Mengran hugged Fang Fang like a naive and silly girl. She was only concerned about the oue andpletely disregarded the process.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t go overboard in your happiness. You¡¯re drawing hate from others.¡± He Yun patted Tang Mengran¡¯s shoulders and asked her to look at Shi Qing¡¯s gaze, which was horribly frightening.

    Tang Mengran jumped in shock. ¡°What¡¯s happening here? I didn¡¯t offend her. Don¡¯t tell me she bears a grudge because Nan Nan scored half a point mark higher than her in the previous final term examination? And now that the two of them are in different sses, she will not have a chance to surpass Nan Nan?¡± If that was the case, shouldn¡¯t Shi Qing be staring at Nan Nan and not the few of them?

    ¡°It could be this reason. But forget it. Don¡¯t bother.¡± Tao Zhenqin brushed her hands. ¡°There¡¯s no need for Qiao Nan to pay the tuition fees, but we need to. Hurry, the ces for paying tuition fees will definitely be crowded now. Go and queue early.¡±

    ¡°Right, right, right. The six of us will still live together but the dormitory has changed. We still have to clean it.¡± Tang Mengran, the head of the dormitory, started to feel anxious. ¡°Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you go and take a look at the condition of the dormitory first?¡±

    Qiao Nan carried her schoolbag and replied swiftly without hesitation, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll take a look at the dormitory while you all can go and pay the tuition fees.¡±

 Chapter 593 - Worried For Zhai Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 593: Worried For Zhai Sheng</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After Qiao Nan left, Tang Mengran leaned against Zheng Lingling and asked, ¡°Zheng Lingling, don¡¯t you think that the way Shi Qing looked at us was as if we had snatched something away from her? What did we snatch away from her?¡± She was sullen as she could not understand why.

    Fang Fang adjusted her sses. ¡°If my eyes did not fail me, today, Shi Qing and Qiao Nan came to school together.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What I mean is that the two of them have be friends.¡± Fang Fang smiled. ¡°Disimer. That is, if my understanding is not wrong.¡±

    ¡°Impossible. Previously, wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan her target? Didn¡¯t she want topete with Qiao Nan for the top scorer position? Nan Nan will be in a different ss from her. If she¡¯s angry, she should be targeting Nan Nan. Opponents turned friends. Is this an act from a drama script?¡± Tang Mengran did not believe it. During thest semester, although Shi Qing was only in the ss for a month, she was fearsome and menacing.

    Only one and a half months had passed and the two of them had turned from foes to friends. Why did she feel that this sounded very ridiculous?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel ashamed saying this?¡± He Yun moved a step forward. ¡°When the six of us first came together as dormitory mates, the five of us were also quite unfriendly toward Nan Nan. It¡¯s so different from now. We¡¯ve progressed to the second year and have been streamed to humanities and science sses, but the five of us still hope to be in the same ss as Nan Nan. Tang Mengran, you have to admit that our dormitory group is now revolving around Nan Nan.¡± Nan Nan was the center party of their group.

    ¡°That was something that happened a year ago. Don¡¯t bring it up anymore. Take it that I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± Tang Mengran leaned on Tao Zhenqin¡¯s back and pretended to be dead. She hoped to forget her once foolish self.

    So what if Nan Nan came in top in the final term examination? There would always be differences between humans.

    Even if she guarded against Nan Nan, it would not change the fact of Nan Nan hoarding the position of the top scorer in the cohort.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you know.¡± He Yun gave Tang Mengran a poke on the head with her finger. It was now their turn to pay the tuition fees.

    To the second-year senior high school students, attending summer sses was no different from themencement of the formal school term. After the ten days of summer sses, it would be Thursday afternoon. They would then take a break and report to school again in the afternoon of that weekend tomence the sses for the new semester.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, tell you something.¡±

    Qiao Nan had just moved over her nket and stuff to the new dormitory. Tang Mengran and the group had also paid the tuition fees and came over. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°I can only say that everything is fated!¡± Tang Mengranughed with extreme arrogance. Herughter made Zheng Lingling and the rest feel like punching her.

    It was fine to tell. Why did she have to imitate the strangeughter in the television shows? She wasughing like a witch.

    ¡°What is fated?¡± Qiao Nan had finished putting on her mattress cover. She was wiping away the sweat on her face. A summer without an air conditioner was truly terrible. ¡°Quickly turn on the fan. I feel like an ice cream that¡¯s taken out from the refrigerator. I¡¯m melting under the heat.¡±

    The dormitories in the school were stuffier than those in the army. The wind was unlike the wind from the hills in the army, which was more cooling.

    ¡°I¡¯ve turned it on.¡± Fang Fang turned on the fan with the sound of a click. ¡°What a weather. Luckily, we don¡¯t have to participate in military training anymore. Otherwise, we¡¯ll die of heatstroke.¡±

    The sound of the fan blowing could be heard as the des circled. Qiao Nan then felt a little better. ¡°What did you all want to tell me just now? What did you mean by everything is fated? Tang Mengran, do you have a boyfriend now?¡±

    ¡°Crap! Who dares to be involved in a romantic rtionship at this juncture?¡± Tang Mengran was choking on her saliva. ¡°I was not talking about myself. I was not referring to anyone who¡¯s in puppy love either. It¡¯s Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing. I keep feeling that the two of them are at loggerheads with each other. Each time they meet each other, their eyes will form the shape of a triangle. Unexpectedly, they¡¯re actually going to be in the same ss this semester. Nan Nan, don¡¯t you think this is fate?¡±

    Tang Mengranughed and pped the bed. ¡°I can fully imagine. When they are in the same ss, and without Nan Nan looking over Zhu Baoguo, the two of them will definitely be cross-eyed.¡±

    Given this situation, were Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing still prepared to study properly?

    Fang Fang was amused too. ¡°Certainly. I can imagine how interesting it will be for them in the future.¡±

    ¡°I feel that our uing lives will be very interesting. Take a look at the timetable. It¡¯s terrible.¡± Zheng Linglingy on her bed. It was the second year of senior high school and the homework was really much more than that in the first year. It would really drive someone to the grave.

    ¡°Oh dear, isn¡¯t that so...¡±

    ¡°Terrible.¡±

    When the fewdies saw this semester¡¯s timetable, all of them were frightened badly. They were crying and screaming to heaven.

    Qiao Nan was the only one who seemed extraordinarily silent.

    She was in her second year of senior high school studies. That meant Qiao Zijin was in her third year.

    Before the college entrance examination ended, Qiao Zijin would definitely concentrate on her studies and not distract herself because of Qiao Nan.

    In other words, she would have about a year left to study in peace.

    When Qiao Zijinpleted her college entrance examination and the grades were final, she would have to guard against Qiao Zijin¡¯s numerous tricks. Qiao Nan would be in her third year of senior high school studies then.

    The weather was so hot but the students could not have a break in their studies.

    The cicada on the tree outside chirped continuously. The teachers at the stage podium taught enthusiastically. Some of the students conscientiously listened to the lectures while many nearly dozed off under the torture of such warm weather.

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m finally done with these ten days.¡± Tang Mengran stretched herself. ¡°This won¡¯t do. When I¡¯m home, I have to ask my parents to give me some supplement. I wish to eat ice pops now.¡±

    ¡°Little Fat Tang, eat more and be Big Fat Tang two dayster when you¡¯re back.¡± Zheng Lingling nced coldly at Tang Mengran¡¯s tummy, which had obviously grown much during the summer vacation, and hinted without any reservation.

    ¡°You don¡¯t hit a person in his face, and neither do you expose a person¡¯s shorings. Zheng Lingling, you don¡¯t have empathy and love for your ssmates.¡± At the thought of her bby tummy, Tang Mengran lost all her appetite. She did not eat much during the summer vacation. Why had she grown so fat? She was now fearful of the medical examination when school reopened and dared not stand on the weighing machine anymore.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be fat if you eat less and exercise more. Alright, quickly go home.¡± Qiao Nan was not in a mood to chit chat.

    She had been in school for ten days. In other words, this was the tenth day of Brother Zhai¡¯s mission. She did not know about his situation this time and whether he was back.

    It was not convenient in the school. Qiao Nan had to hide even when she was making phone calls.

    In order to make herself focus, Qiao Nan endured these ten days and did not make any call to the army camp. Today, she really could not take it anymore. ¡°I¡¯ve something on and have to go back first. You all take your time to chat.¡±

    Qiao Nan carried her schoolbag and dashed out of the school with a hundred-meter ry speed.

    Shi Qing, who had been waiting at the entrance of the school, was amused when she saw this. She was already expecting it. ¡°Why? You¡¯re worried and scared now?¡±

 Chapter 594 - Qiao Nan Flares Up

    <h4>Chapter 594: Qiao Nan res Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had really thought that Qiao Nan could let go so easily.

    ¡°Hurry, let¡¯s go back.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Shi Qing. Wasn¡¯t she asking the obvious?

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go back. After all, if Brother Zhai is not back yet and you really want to find out about his situation, don¡¯t you still have to rely on me to call and ask my dad?¡± Qiao Nan could not leave her out of this matter. ¡°Otherwise, do you want to try to call the Zhai family directly? Anyway, Auntie Miao, who doesn¡¯t know a thing about it, treats you quite well. If you call, she¡¯ll definitely let you know.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t kid around.¡±

    ¡°Kid around on what?¡± Zhu Baoguo caught up with them in a few steps. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you went off so quickly. I even went to your ssroom to look for you. Wait, Xiao Qiao, why are you walking with this woman?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo quickly pulled Qiao Nan away from Shi Qing to his side. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Do you think you can intervene if I want to do anything?¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Why? Have you forgotten how you were beaten up during thest semester? Don¡¯t think that I¡¯ll be scared of you just because you have got a tan.¡±

    Having not seen him for more than a month, it seemed that Zhu Baoguo had gone through the second round of puberty. He had grown taller by a fair bit.

    Qiao Nan looked at him and deduced that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s height now was certainly not lower than that of Zhai Sheng by more than three centimeters.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s skin was considered quite fair in the past but he now looked very different.

    When he was with a group of students, his skin was so tanned that it stood out among the crowd.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, where did you go during summer vacation? Did you go sun-tanning every day?¡± Shi Qing was very shocked. Now, Zhu Baoguo had be one of the ck people?

    ¡°This is not the main point.¡± Zhu Baoguo stood firmly in front of Qiao Nan and looked at Shi Qing in disdain. ¡°Your grades are so good. Don¡¯t you know the saying about looking at a person with different light after they went away? In the past, I purposely gave in to you because you¡¯re a woman. But now, after learning the teachings of China¡¯s Confucius, I feel that there are two kinds of people that I shouldn¡¯t give into. First, a viin. Second, women like you.¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to say that only women and small-minded men are hard to deal with in the world? ¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression turned stiff. She was most annoyed by those men who looked down on women.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking for a beating, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re not happy that I gave in to youst time, so you¡¯re knocking at my door and yearning for a fight?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still uncertain who will be beaten.¡±

    Both were from the army and were offspring of veteran revolutionaries. They had the same temperament¡ªstrong-willed, not to be trifled with,petitive, and fierce.

    When Zhu Baoguo met Shi Qing, it was simply akin to a giant asteroid striking the earth. In less than a few words, the conversation between the two of them nearly turned into a fight.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She carried her schoolbag and could not be bothered about these two ¡®warriors¡¯. She then walked in the direction of her home.

    ¡°Ah, Xiao Qiao, I still have something to tell you!¡± Qiao Nan was leaving. Zhu Baoguo thus stopped picking a fight with Shi Qing. He caught up with Qiao Nan in quickened steps.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, wait for me.¡± Shi Qing also gave Zhu Baoguo a stare. She withdrew her fists and was not going to fight anymore.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the two of you going to fight? Remember to look for an isted ce in case someone sees you exchanging blows with each other. They may look for the teacher or call the police. At that time, the reputation of both the Zhu family and the Shi family won¡¯t be too pleasant. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re all ssmates. I won¡¯t stop you and neither will I tell the teacher.¡±

    Qiao Nan walked sullenly. Who said that she had to wait for Shi Qing to go back together and make a phone call?

    She had the telephone number of Officer Shi¡¯s office.

    She did not believe that Officer Shi would refuse to tell her Brother Zhai¡¯s situation if she called and asked him.

    As for Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing, they could fight as they wished if they liked it. She could not be bothered to persuade or stop them.

    ¡°On the ount of giving you face, I won¡¯t fight with her anymore. If I win, others will most likely say that there¡¯s no honor to the victor in an unequal contest. I¡¯m a grown-up man. If I win against a youngdy in a fight, it¡¯s nothing rare or to be proud of.¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, don¡¯t just brag with your words. If you have it with you, let¡¯s exchange pointers. You¡¯re great with words. You are so capable.¡± Shi Qing was most unconvinced by such words. ¡°Also, why do you keep following us? The house of the Zhu family is not located in this direction.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by I keep following you? Aren¡¯t you the one following us?¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t implicate Xiao Qiao for the matter between us. Indeed, the house of the Zhu is not located in this direction, but neither is the house of the Qiu family, is it?¡±

    ¡°What Qiu family? I¡¯ve long moved out of that ce. Nevertheless, my new house is also not located in this direction.¡±

    When Shi Qing saw a smile forming on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face when she said that, she raised her eyebrows and smiled. ¡°But I bet you don¡¯t know that I¡¯ll be staying at the house of the Qiao family from the beginning of this semester, or do you? I¡¯ll be eating, staying, and going to school with Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re staying at the house of the Qiao family? Xiao Qiao, is this true?¡± Zhu Baoguo jumped in shock. ¡°Xiao Qiao, aren¡¯t you afraid that she¡¯ll cause your death if you stay with her? She¡¯s Qiu Chenxi¡¯s rtive and they bear the same family name. Most likely, their temperaments are simr. They¡¯ll annoy you to death.¡±

    Qiao Nan paused in her steps and let out a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯m going to be annoyed to death by the two of you. Zhu Baoguo, tell me, what did you gain in the army during the summer vacation? What do you wish to tell me?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Zhu Baoguo was stunned for a moment. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that my physical skills have improved. From today onward, you no longer need to be afraid of anyone. I¡¯ll still protect you in school.¡± The ¡®anyone¡¯ in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s words was purely targeted at Shi Qing.

    ¡°Really? First, congrattions to you on your great progress. Second, I¡¯m a little busy today, Zhu Baoguo. Most likely, I don¡¯t have time to entertain you. As for Shi Qing, she¡¯s indeed staying at my house now. She has fallen out with Qiu Chenxi because of helping me. At least, she¡¯s no longer my enemy, so you don¡¯t need to target her anymore. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Very good. Since you¡¯ve understood, go home and keep your grandpapany. You¡¯ve been away from home for the whole of the summer vacation. You¡¯re finally back but the school has also reopened. Elder Lee must have missed you very much. Make use of these two days and visit Elder Lee to keep himpany.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhu Baoguo nodded. His actions resembled that of a robot and he really started walking in the direction of the house of the Lee family.

    When he was about a hundred meters away, Zhu Baoguo then wiped the sweat on his forehead. ¡°Xiao Qiao looked so scary just now. She exuded such a frightening aura. Where did Xiao Qiao go during the summer vacation? Did she go for training too?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re really good. Just a few words and you coaxed Zhu Baoguo into leaving.¡± After Zhu Baoguo left, Shi Qing felt more at ease. When the two of them were together, it was truly akin to the collision of water and fire. There was never peace.

    ¡°You still dare tough.¡± Qiao Nan chided Shi Qing. ¡°Zhu Baoguo doesn¡¯t know what I¡¯m anxious about, but you do! Do you believe that I¡¯ll give a call to your dad to make you pack up and move out of my house immediately?¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s tiny mouth shriveled. Alright, Qiao Nan was truly angered. ¡°I... Let¡¯s quickly go back and give my dad a call, alright?¡±

 Chapter 595 - There Is No News

    <h4>Chapter 595: There Is No News</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan sneered. She looked at Shi Qing from the corners of her eyes. Shi Qing was the same age as Zhu Baoguo. Both were only three years old this year!

    When Qiao Nan arrived home, Qiao Dongliang was not back yet. Qiao Nan had nned the time such that she could give Zhai Sheng a call before Qiao Dongliang returned.

    Unfortunately, after a few calls, Qiao Nan had to hang up when she heard the beeping tone from the other phone, which hinted that no one answered the phone. ¡°No one answered the phone. Most likely, he¡¯s not back yet.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt so sad that she leaned against the sofa. There were also disadvantages after Zhu Chengqi installed the phone at her house.

    In the past, even if she was worried about Brother Zhai, there was nothing she could do.

    Now, there was a way to get in touch, but the situation such as today, not being able to get through, would only make one more worried. ¡°Shi Qing, do you know about this kind of situation where Brother Zhai goes out to carry out a mission? Roughly, how long will it take for him toplete and return from it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say as it depends on the difficulty of the mission. Whether it goes smoothly and some external factors are not within control. Fast ones will be very fast. As for slow ones, it¡¯s possible that it will take one, two, or even six months.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s voice turned increasingly softer. This was because she knew that although she was telling the truth, it was not helping Qiao Nan at all.

    ¡°Is that the case?¡± Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and dialed the number of Shi Peng¡¯s office. ¡°Hello, is this Officer Shi? Yes, Shi Qing is doing quite well at my house. Do you want to speak a few words with her?¡±

    ¡°No need. I know she should be doing quite well.¡± Shi Peng took off the sses on his nose bridge and drank a mouthful of water. ¡°You called because you wanted to know about Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Officer Shi. Has Brother Zhai returned? Did he contact the army?¡±

    ¡°No. The mission that Zhai Sheng is carrying out this time is a little cumbersome. It¡¯s confidential and I can¡¯t reveal much to you. But don¡¯t worry. Zhai Sheng brought along all the elite soldiers in our army this time. Given his capability, he will be back safely. Why don¡¯t we do this? Once I receive the news of Zhai Sheng¡¯s safety, I¡¯ll give you a call.¡±

    Shi Peng couldpletely understand Qiao Nan¡¯s mood.

    When he was young and in good health, he was always at the front line as well so that he could fight for a good future.

    At that time, Qing Qing¡¯s mother was always worried about him. She could not sleep every night whenever he was out on a mission. It was only after a few years of marriage that Qing Qing¡¯s mother gradually became used to it.

    ¡°Thanks so much, Officer Shi.¡± After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan looked pale. She looked very listless, like a frosted eggnt. ¡°Shi Qing, no wonder I¡¯ve heard people mention in the past that it¡¯s not easy to be a soldier¡¯s wife. It¡¯s true. My heart is suffering.¡±

    She was not yet the wife of a soldier. However, she was already in such a way before she was married to Brother Zhai.

    Shi Qing brought over two cups of water and passed one of them to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, cherish your fortune. Both of us know that given Brother Zhai¡¯s family background, he will not forever be at the front line to carry out this type of dangerous mission. When Brother Zhai umtes enough experience and credits, sooner orter, he will take over the position of the chief from Chief Zhai.¡±

    Hence, amongst the many wives of the soldiers, Qiao Nan would certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel one day.

    The other wives of the typical soldiers, most fearfully, would only be able to avoid this kind of fears and worries when their men retired from the army.

    Qiao Nan held her forehead and smiled wryly. ¡°Who asked me to choose Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Alright, cheer up.¡± Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Cheer up. This is not the first day that Brother Zhai became a soldier. He joined the army when he was eighteen years old. Counting from that, he already has seven years of experience. He has also carried out this type of dangerous missions in the past before. Didn¡¯t he do well until today and even assumed the role of a regimentmander? Nothing will happen. Don¡¯t scare yourself.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll try hard not to.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re really worried, I¡¯ll apany you for a jog. When you perspire and feel tired after running, you won¡¯t feel anything,¡± Shi Qing said like a loyal friend.

    Qiao Nan sat up. ¡°I decline. I¡¯m not Zhu Baoguo and you. I¡¯m not enthusiastic about this kind of training. Alright, I feel much better now after letting it out. As my dad doesn¡¯t agree to it, when I encountered any matter pertaining to Brother Zhai in the past, I had no one to talk to. Fortunately, now, I¡¯m not always the tree hole. It¡¯s better to take turns as a tree hole.¡±

    Shi Qing finally had some practical use by staying at her house.

    ¡°Tree, tree hole?¡± Shi Qing sat beside Qiao Nan. ¡°I always heard you mention a tree hole. What does ¡®tree hole¡¯ mean? It¡¯s definitely not as simple as its name, is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost the same meaning,¡± Qiao Nan said, feeling exhausted at heart. ¡°When my dades back, you know what to do.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Not to bring up Brother Zhai in front of Uncle Qiao. She was aware of this. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you have anything else to tell me?¡±

    ¡°What else should I tell you?¡± She did not wish to and did not feel like saying anything now.

    ¡°Will you regret being together with Brother Zhai because of this matter? Will Brother Zhai have to face the situation of losing his girlfriend when hees back?¡± Shi Qing tested and asked the question. It was not that she had not seen such examples before.

    Qiao Nan held her head as she turned her body and looked at Shi Qing. ¡°If I say yes, then what will you do?¡±

    ¡°What will I do?¡± Shi Qing jumped. ¡°I¡¯ll die a horrible death!!!¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nanughed. This was because she couldpletely imagine it. ¡°Do you know what question Brother Zhai most often asked me about after I¡¯m together with him is?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°He often asked me if I regretted it.¡± Regretted being with him, and that she had to endure a different kind of stress despite being so young.

    ¡°Brother Zhai also asked this question before, and he did so very often? Didn¡¯t it mean that Brother Zhai was quitecking in confidence before you?¡± Shi Qing was truly taken aback this time.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her face. ¡°Yes, Brother Zhai, who has so many good qualities, is actually not confident in front of me. He¡¯s not confident because he cares. I¡¯m a little too young but Brother Zhai and you seem to think that I have no ability to handle stress at all. Like what you said, if I¡¯m together with Brother Zhai, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel sooner orter. There are so many wives of the soldiers who won¡¯t.¡±

    Inparison, she was very fortunate.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about this anymore. Brother Zhai is so capable. He will definitelyplete his mission sessfully ande back safely. The two of us are being paranoid. Women can¡¯t have too much spare time. We will think astray when we do.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s brains were nearly entangled. She felt that life would truly be at stake if they continued with the topic. Of course, there would not be a problem with other people¡¯s lives. Her life would be at stake.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao will be back soon. Hold on. Hold on.¡± For the sake of her life, she could not continue to chat further.

 Chapter 596 - Dangerous Mission

    <h4>Chapter 596: Dangerous Mission</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan cleared her mind lest her father noticed anything amiss.

    Fortunately, there was Shi Qing with her.

    Even though Qiao Nan seemed absent-minded, Shi Qing could help cover up for her in front of Qiao Dongliang.

    In the meantime, Zhai Sheng and the group that was with him were carrying out their missions near China border. They did not have an easy time. They had intended to intercept a group that was hiding at the border, but they seemed to have vanished. Zhai Sheng tried many other means, including working with the border guards, but they could not be found.

    ¡°Regimentmander, we just received news that some bodies were found in the forest to the east. It is highly likely that the bodies are the mercenaries that we are looking for,¡± Song Yin said hurriedly. These mercenaries were highly skilled. They were as good as the soldiers. They had obviously been through the strictest training that was in no way inferior to the training in the camp.

    They had been after them for days, but they were not able to take them down. It was to their surprise that the group of people would vanish suddenly and it turned out that they were killed. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, do you think they may have been silenced?¡± In other words, there were another group of people apart from these mercenaries.

    ¡°We could be certain about that.¡± Without the second group of people, these mercenaries would not have died. ¡°But we have to wait until we see the bodies before we can make any judgments.¡±

    Zhai Sheng and the soldiers followed the clues and found the bodies.

    Zhai Sheng had fought with these people twice. He could tell straight away that they were the mercenaries they were looking for.

    There were not many wounds on the bodies, but their carotid arteries seemed to have been severed, causing them to die due to excessive blood loss. ¡°Search around carefully and see if there are any other clues on them.¡±

    Even though the chances were slim, Zhai Sheng would not want to miss any clues.

    Many people searched the bodies for clues, but nothing could be found.

    As such, Zhai Sheng and the soldiers had no idea who the mastermind behind the mercenaries was and what illegal activities they intended to carry out in China. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go back to discuss. Someone will be in charge here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡±

    Zhai Sheng and the soldiers returned to the temporary rest area after a vain attempt to discuss what they should do next.

    Zhai Sheng had to know the motive and significance of these mercenaries and he must find the people who killed the mercenaries. Otherwise, it would cause trouble in the future.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, it¡¯s gettingte. Should I buy meals for us?¡± Song Yin noticed that it was gettingte and all therades were hungry.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zhai Sheng replied without looking up. He did not have any appetite, but he could not ask hisrades to go hungry with him.

    Song Yin took the money and bought their meals at a restaurant.

    Since they were at the border, there were a lot of foreigners. Some of the shops were, in fact, managed by foreigners. At times, they had to converse in simple English.

    Among the people who carried out the mission with Zhai Sheng, apart from Zhai Sheng, who was fluent in English, Song Yin was the only person who knew simple English. Hence, he was usually tasked with buying meals for them.

    After packing the meals, Song Yin pushed the trolley back to their rest area.

    In order to make it back to the rest area as fast as possible, Song Yin took a side road and turned into an alley.

    Song Yin did not slow at the turn, and he identally bumped into someone who turned into the alley from the other side.

    Song Yin, who was sturdy, could not help but frown. He could feel something hard when they bumped into each other. The person seemed to be hiding something on him. He was painful from the collision. ¡°SORRY.¡±

    Song Yin apologized out of courtesy. The other party who had a deep frown and a ferocious look on his face rxed as soon as Song Yin said ¡®SORRY¡¯. The murderous look in his eyes vanished instantly.

    If he was just a normal passerby, he might not have caught the gleam of ferocity in the other party¡¯s eyes, but Song Yin was a soldier. He was extremely sensitive to this.

    The person pulled at his jacket and continued on his path without another word.

    The three paths were linked to one another. The person happened to be heading in the direction that Song Yin was going as well.

    Song Yin came to a stop and used his hand to imitate the hard object that he felt when the person knocked into him just now. The hard object felt very familiar to Song Yin. ¡°It¡¯s a gun!¡±

    Song Yin suddenly shivered. He pushed the trolley to a quiet ce and hurried to follow the man just now.

    Song Yin knew intuitively not to stay too close to the man lest he was discovered.

    Song Yin noticed that the footsteps of the man had disappeared. He seemed to have stopped. Song Yin hid in a corner, listening intently for any sounds.

    The man seemed to be whispering. Most importantly, he was conversing in English. Song Yin had just started to learn English. He was not able to understand every word the man said.

    Even so, Song Yin was able to catch a few keywords.

    Song Yin found something very weird about the situation. In China, people who were not police or special personnel should not be equipped with guns. More importantly, no guns were sold in the China market, so the average people would not be able to own guns.

    The fact that he had a gun was enough for him to be sentenced to prison for years.

    There was no time to lose. Song Yin took the trolley and returned to their resting ce at his fastest speed. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, there is something that I have to report to you.¡±

    ¡°What is the matter?¡±

    ¡°While I was buying meals, I bumped into a foreigner.¡±

    ¡°Song Yin, don¡¯t joke around. We¡¯re at the border. One will run into many foreigners here. It¡¯s perfectly normal.¡± Someone was amused, thinking that Song Yin was kicking up a big fuss. Of course, when they first arrived, they were not used to seeing foreigners. But now, they had gotten used to it.

    ¡°The problem is that when I bumped into the person, I could feel that he had a gun with him!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s countenance changed. If the foreigners illegally possessed firearms, this would jeopardize the safety of the Chinese people. They had to be dealt with!

    ¡°I¡¯m sure, and I overheard his conversation with hispanion. They spoke in English, and they were in whispers, so I couldn¡¯t really tell what exactly they were talking about. However, I heard the mention of ¡®gun¡¯.¡± In order to make sure that everyone understood the meaning of the English word, Song Yin imitated the move of taking out a gun. He then said a sentence in English. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, what does this mean? They had a long conversation. I couldn¡¯t follow and remember everything. This is thest sentence they said.¡± He could only remember this sentence that they said.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Arms trade!¡± Zhai Sheng was reminded of the mercenaries who were dead. He made a bold guess, trying to find the link between the two incidents. ¡°Hurry, bring me the map of this ce!¡±

 Chapter 597 - A Bizarre Letter of Commendation

    Chapter 597: A Bizarre Letter of Commendation

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Here¡¯s the map.¡± Everyone was nervous as they noticed the change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression. Could it be that what Song Yin heard was an important piece of information?

    Song Yin¡¯s pronunciation was not only strange but out of tune. Besides the few keywords, Zhai Sheng could only guess what he was saying. He then tried to determine the location based on the terrain disyed on the map. ¡°This is the coordinate. We will set off now. Inform the border guards and tell them to wear bulletproof vests. We are dealing with a bunch of vicious guys.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    Everyone was ready to go. They looked serious and solemn.

    Someone could not help but approach Song Yin. ¡°Song Yin, are you sure you didn¡¯t get it wrong?¡± It was the arms trade and it could be a serious case. But the problem was that Regiment Commander Zhai made a guess based on what Song Yin said.

    Among them, Song Yin¡¯s had a better grasp of the Englishnguage. However, Song Yin was not fluent in English. Besides, they had a long conversation in English, and Song Yin merely repeated thest sentence of their conversation. What if it was interpreted out of context?

    ¡°I find it strange. It¡¯s the arms trade we are talking about. This is... This is a very serious matter. Why would the two foreigners discuss such important and secretive matters in broad daylight and in an alley instead of a ce where there¡¯s nobody else? They could not be so foolish. I just feel that it may not be true.¡±

    Song Yin had an awkward look on his face. He could only understand simple English. He had no idea of the meaning behind the sentence he memorized.

    If he had not heeded Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s advice to listen to English tapes, he would not have been able to remember roughly the pronunciation of the sentence.

    Song Yin, who was quite confident in what he said, stiffened and lost his confidence under everyone¡¯s doubts and suspicions.

    What if he did not remember the exact wording and gave the wrong information to Regiment Commander Zhai, putting everyone in great risk? What should he do?

    ¡°All of you don¡¯t have to doubt what Song Yin said. ording to what he ryed to me, the other party has a sudden change of mind and wants toplete the trade immediately.¡± It happened so suddenly. Hence, the group had no time to find a quiet and safe ce to discuss it over. They could only pass the information at the fastest speed when they met.

    ¡°Is that what it means?¡± The group of people kept staring at Song Yin, making him turn red in embarrassment.

    Song Yin waved his hands awkwardly. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. I have already said that I merely repeated what they said. I could barely remember the pronunciation. I don¡¯t understand what they were talking about!¡± If Regiment Commander Zhai had not mentioned it, he would not have known the meaning of the sentence that he repeated to them.

    ¡°Have you informed the border guards?¡±

    ¡°Reporting to the Regiment Commander Zhai, we have informed them.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s set off now!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡±

    That night, Qiao Nan did not know that Zhai Sheng was carrying out a dangerous mission. She used to read about ways to describe ¡®fierce battle¡¯ in her textbooks, but she did not know that right then, Zhai Sheng and hisrades were braving the storm of shots and shells.

    The new semester had started at Ping Cheng High School. Qiao Nan and her batch of students had advanced to the second year, and there was another new batch of first-year students. They had turned from juniors to someone¡¯s seniors.

    Ping Cheng High School was bustling with activities right now.

    It was at this time that Ping Cheng High School received a special honor that came from the army. It was a letter of gratitude andmendation, in which Qiao Nan was specifically praised andmended.

    The letter ofmendation did not go into details as it involved country secrets, so it was inconvenient for the army to disclose it to the public.

    However, the army recognized Qiao Nan¡¯s contribution and assistance to the camp, as well as her efforts. Theymended Qiao Nan for assisting the soldiers inpleting the mission of defending the country.

    This alone was the utmost praise that anyone could have received!

    ¡°What a great achievement, Qiao Nan! When did you assist the soldiers inpleting the mission of defending the country? Did I hear wrongly?¡± Tang Mengran dug her ears.

    Fang Fang could not stand it. She pulled at Tang Mengran¡¯s hands. ¡°Stop doing that. If you continue to do so, your ears will bleed. By then, you won¡¯t be able to hear anything.¡±

    ¡°But why does it feel so surreal? Nan Nan is a high school student!¡± How was it possible for her to aplish such difficult, arduous, and sacred task?

    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know.¡± Qiao Nan was caught unaware as well. ¡°Since school reopened, we have been seeing each other every day. All of you should know what I have been doing.¡±

    Could it be that the army had got the wrong person?

    She had not done anything.

    No matter what, this was not a small matter. The school management held amendation ceremony on the same day, and Qiao Nan was the center of attention.

    Qiao Nan felt terribly flustered seeing her name printed in bold and in extremelyrge fonts. If it turned out to be a mistake, she would be totally embarrassed.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao!¡±

    Just when Qiao Nan was feeling uneasy, someone called her ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. It had been a long time since someone addressed her in this manner and she seemed to have returned to the days when she was at the army camp during the summer break. ¡°You, you are?¡± She felt embarrassed as she had no memory of who the soldier was.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, it¡¯s me. My surname is Song. I am Song Yin!¡± Song Yin looked exhrated. On his green military uniform, a red flower that signified glory was pinned right in front of his chest. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you, thank you very much. I, I don¡¯t know what to say. Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you. Without you, I would not be where I am today. Teacher Xiao Qiao, you, you have given me a new lease of life. Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you so much.¡±

    Song Yin was too emotional. He did not know what else he should say. He kept repeating his words of gratitude.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s hand was caught in a tight grip by Song Yin. She grimaced at the pain. ¡°Is the army thankful toward me, or is it you who are thankful toward me?¡±

    ¡°We are all thankful to you!¡± Song Yin said affirmatively. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I was awarded the third-ss merit in the recent mission that I carried out with Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± Very soon, he would be promoted to the toon leader!

    ¡°Third-ss merit? C-congrattions to you.¡± Despite everything, she still had no idea why the school held amendation ceremony.

    Since the letter ofmendation did not go into details, the school called Qiao Nan to the principal¡¯s office in order to understand the situation. Qiao Nan gave her honest reply. ¡°Back then, I learned English from an old gentleman. During the summer break, I went to the army camp for a half-month internship as an English teacher. It¡¯s that simple.¡±

    She merely taught a few shoddy, inauthentic, and unsystematic English that was not ording to the usual standard. She had not done anything significant.

    Could it be that Brother Zhai came up with this idea to award her so that Auntie Miao would ept her?

    Not to this extent!

    Brother Zhai had always been scrupulous in separating public from private interests. Furthermore, the whole school knew about it. It seemed to be getting out of hand. ¡°Principal, will what happened today be an added bonus in the college entrance examination?¡±

 Chapter 598 - Confirmation

    <h4>Chapter 598: Confirmation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Yes, of course! I have already contacted the Department of Education. They assured me that not only can points be added, but a total of ten points can be added!¡± The principal was so excited that his eyes turned red.

    Qiao Nan was a top student. She had good potential.

    Originally, he had pinned high hopes on Qiao Nan, counting on her to be the top humanities student in the college entrance examination and do Ping Cheng High School proud.

    With an extra ten points, she had a higher chance of being the top humanities student!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are a very outstanding student in Ping Cheng High School. Our teachers have great hopes on you and your performance has been remarkable. As the principal of this school, I am proud to have you as our student,¡± President Meng said in excitement. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have to work hard and bring glory to Ping Cheng High School!¡±

    A year ago, because of the ruckus that Qiao Nan¡¯s mother created at the school, he had regretted epting such a troublesome student like Qiao Nan.

    Right now, President Meng was embarrassed by his thinking back then. It was his blessing as the principal to have students like Qiao Nan!!

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China could never dream of this glory for years toe.

    Qiao Nan went to the army camp to teach, and the soldier who sent the letter ofmendation to the school also addressed her as Teacher Xiao Qiao. Students at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would never have such achievements!

    Regardless of how well she taught the soldiers in the army camp, the letter ofmendation was proof of her achievements.

    Fortunately, Teacher Liu Neng insisted on making Qiao Nan stay in Ping Cheng High School back then. Otherwise, he would have missed such a good student like her.

    ¡°I, I will.¡± Qiao Nan was even more confused by the principal¡¯s attitude. ¡°Principal, if there¡¯s nothing else, I will go back to the ssroom. I have a lot of homework today. If I don¡¯t start doing them, I will not be able to hand them in tomorrow.¡± Qiao Nan almost ended up crying.

    Why was there so much homework in the humanities ss?

    Exam-oriented education should be more suitable for the science ss.

    ¡°Is that so? Sure, you can go back now. Remember to work hard. Next year, no, the year after next, we will have to count on you.¡± President Meng looked at Qiao Nan affectionately as if she was his daughter.

    ¡°Nan Nan, is everything okay?¡± He Yun came over to her seat.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the principal just asked a few casual questions. There is nothing to worry about.¡± Of course, she did not mention that she could add ten points in her college entrance examination.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what exactly is going on?¡± Tao Zhenqin looked at Qiao Nan, feeling puzzled.

    Qiao Nan bent over the table. ¡°I have exined multiple times. I really don¡¯t know what is going on. I am worried that the letter ofmendation may be retracted in the next minute.¡±

    Tang Mengran looked around. ¡°Luckily, Xu Tingting is no longer in the same ss as us. If she overheard what you said, she would definitely make it known to everyone. Nan Nan, don¡¯t talk nonsense. The army is such a disciplined and serious ce, so how could they make a mistake? Maybe you have done something good albeit unaware of it.¡±

    Why did Tang Mengran¡¯s words sound foreboding?

    ¡°Forget it. Just let it be. Anyway, I don¡¯t think it will do me any harm. Thankfully, today is Thursday. I can go home tomorrow. When I reach home, I will make a phone call to ask around.¡±

    ¡°Who will you call to check?¡± Fang Fang asked sensitively.

    ¡°Of course it has to be people who know.¡± Song Yin was among the soldiers who went with Brother Zhai to carry out the mission. Since Song Yin was back, Brother Zhai must be back as well.

    At the thought that Zhai Sheng had returned safely, Qiao Nan, who had been on tenterhooks for days, was finally at ease.

    ¡°Ask the person who knows? Who is the person who knows?¡± The foolish Tang Mengran did not understand the conversation that was going on between Qiao Nan and Fang Fang.

    Fang Fang gave Tang Mengran a sideways nce. She liked to hear about gossip, but she was always slow to catch on.

    Of course, since the letter was from the army, Qiao Nan had to ask the people in the army for rifications. Among the people that Qiao Nan knew, Instructor Zhou and Instructor Zhai were the two people who would be privy to the details.

    For those who addressed Nan Nan as Teacher Xiao Qiao, they either had no idea or could not reveal the details.

    Qiao Nan was looking forward to Friday. It was only one more day to Friday, but time seemed to pass by very slowly for her.

    She finally waited until it was Friday. As soon as the school bell rang and lessons were over, Qiao Nan dashed out of the ssroom, unlike her usual self. She did not go back to the dormitory but went straight home.

    ¡°Hey, in a hurry?¡± Whenever it was time for the students to go back home, Shi Qing would always be waiting at the school gate for Qiao Nan to show up.

    ¡°Do you have to be faster than me all the time?¡± Qiao Nan jumped at the sight of Shi Qing. ¡°You should know very well what I want to do the most right now. Hurry, don¡¯t waste my time. By the way, after what happened yesterday, why didn¡¯t Zhu Baoguoe and ask me about it?¡±

    This was unlike Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Crap, if not for me, you would have been pestered by Zhu Baoguo. You have to thank me, got it?¡± She had taken care of Zhu Baoguo for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. Zhu Baoguo was such a disgrace. He was a man, yet he behaved like a child that still needed his milk, wishing to be involved in everything that concerned Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are too protective of Zhu Baoguo. He treats you like his mother.¡±

    ¡°Well, in fact, I treat him as my son,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°Crap, the two of you are bizarre.¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes. ¡°But there is still a problem. He is concerned about you as if you are his mother, but as for his feelings toward you... Qiao Nan, I think you should pay more attention to it.¡±

    ¡°He treats me as his younger sister. He always says that he wants to protect me.¡±

    ¡°Younger sister? Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he said so.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Shi Qing drawled. She had thought that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s behavior was bizarre. Now, he seemed like a fool. He could not tell a younger sister apart from a crush.

    As soon as she reached home, Qiao Nan put down her schoolbag, picked up the phone, and dialed the phone number to Zhai Sheng¡¯s office in the army. Qiao Nan could remember the number by heart.

    The phone rang a few times before it was picked up. ¡°Hello...¡±

    ¡°A-auntie Miao?¡± Qiao Nan was about to call for Brother Zhai when she heard a female voice on the other end of the phone. Luckily, she stopped herself in time.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Nan Nan. You must have known that Zhai Sheng is back, so you¡¯re calling to ask about his condition.¡± Miao Jing sounded very happy. Her son had aplished a great feat and returned unscathed. As his mother, she was naturally exhrated.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan said reluctantly. ¡°In addition, when I was at school yesterday, I received a letter ofmendation from the army. I want to ask why there¡¯s a letter ofmendation. Could it be that the army has made a mistake?¡±

    Was Brother Zhai not at his office? If so, why was Auntie Miao at his office?

 Chapter 599 - Miao Jingâ€™s Birthday

    <h4>Chapter 599: Miao Jing¡¯s Birthday</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mistake? How could there be a mistake? The army will definitely not be wrong. As for what exactly happened, I am not too sure. I will ask Zhai Sheng about it once he is finished with his work, or I will get him to return your call.¡± Miao Jing seemed to be in an extremely good mood. There was a sense of excitement in her tone.

    Qiao Nan did not think too much of it. She had thought that Miao Jing was in a good mood as Zhai Sheng had returned safely from his mission. ¡°Oh, okay, Auntie Miao, I will not disturb you. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You didn¡¯t manage to get an answer?¡± Shi Qing sat next to Qiao Nan, listening to the phone call without any reservation. ¡°Isn¡¯t Brother Zhai back? Why is it Auntie Miao who answered the phone?¡±

    ¡°I am not too sure. Maybe because Brother Zhai is back, so Auntie Miao went to the army to see him.¡± Qiao Nan frowned and put down the phone. ¡°Forget it. I will wait for his call.¡±

    ¡°Alright, stop being so gloomy. If Uncle Qiaoes back and sees you like this, he will be worried.¡± Shi Qing reminded her. ¡°Now that you know that Brother Zhai is back safely, you can set your heart at rest. Don¡¯t be so mncholic and absent-minded like before.¡±

    ¡°You are right. I am getting confused.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and rubbed her face.

    She had told herself more than once that the most important thing for her right now was to do well in her exams and take charge of her own future. However, she seemed to deviate from her goals. True enough, it was not good to start a rtionship while she was still studying.

    While Qiao Nan was focused on her studies, something happened over at Zhai Sheng¡¯s side.

    Afterpleting the mission, Zhai Sheng had wanted to find a quiet ce to make a phone call to Qiao Nan. If possible, he would like to go back to Ping Cheng to see Qiao Nan.

    He had only returned to the camp and his mother turned up right then. She was exhrated that hepleted his mission and returned safely to the camp, and so she asked her chauffeur to send her to the camp.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, have you changed your clothes?¡± Miao Jing kept urging Zhai Sheng to change his clothes.

    Zhai Sheng looked unhappy at the formal clothing he wore. ¡°Mom, you should know that I don¡¯t like to wear this kind of clothing. I feel ufortable.¡±

    ¡°But today is my birthday. Surely, you will do that for me and apany me to have a meal?¡± It was Miao Jing¡¯s turn to be unhappy. Miao Jing wore a cheongsam with a distinct Chinese design. Her long hair was styled into a bun at the back of her head. She looked very elegant and sophisticated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind having a meal with you on your birthday, but why do I have to wear this set of clothes? I am a soldier. Wearing a military uniform is the greatest respect for you.¡± There was a glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Mom, why do I sense that you are not behaving like yourself today?¡±

    ¡°Not behaving like myself? I don¡¯t think so. You think too much. Alright, since you have changed your clothes, let¡¯s get to Ping Cheng Hotel to have our meal. I have already ordered a cake.¡± Miao Jing had finally coaxed her son to put on the formal clothing. She did not want to waste this good opportunity.

    Miao Jing knew that Zhai Sheng only had military uniforms and camouged suits in the army. He did not have any casual clothing, let alone formal clothes.

    Therefore, Miao Jing came prepared. She brought a set of formal clothing that was Zhai Sheng¡¯s size to the army.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Zhai Sheng opened the door to his room quickly, went in, and closed it shut.

    ¡°Hey, what are you doing? Time is almost up. We will bete if we don¡¯t set off now.¡± Miao Jing knocked on the door anxiously.

    ¡°I will change my clothes.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to change. The clothing you¡¯re wearing looks very good on you. Don¡¯t change them.¡± If he were to change, he would be in his military uniform.

    Unfortunately, no matter how Miao Jing knocked on the door, by the time Zhai Sheng came out of the room, he had changed back to the camouged suits that he usually wore in the army. ¡°This is morefortable.¡±

    ¡°No, today is my birthday, so you have to obey me. Go and change to the formal clothing from just now.¡± Miao Jing was displeased. Zhai Sheng looked dashing in the formal clothing. All the girls would fall for him.

    ¡°Are we going or not? Mom, it¡¯s your birthday. It doesn¡¯t matter where we celebrate. What¡¯s important is who is celebrating with you. I will make a phone call right now and get Dad toe to the camp. Dad and I will celebrate your birthday with you. Dad and I are soldiers. It is quite meaningful for you to spend your birthday in the army camp.¡±

    If they had the meal outside, he would have to change into the formal clothing. But if they stayed in the army camp, he supposed he would not need to change into the formal clothing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Miao Jing was upset. When her son was young and could be cajoled, she was not by his side. When she wanted her son to listen to her, he would not be easily coaxed. ¡°Alright, you can wear whatever you like. You are the one who matters. We have to get going. I have already made a reservation. It¡¯s about time. If we don¡¯t go now, we will really bete. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    As long as he was there, it was fine if he refused to change his clothing.

    There was no point if he refused to go.

    ¡°Is Dad waiting for us in the hotel?¡± Since it was his mother¡¯s birthday, his father had to be present as well.

    ¡°Your, your dad, he, he is a little unwell today, so he is staying at home and will not be joining us. Are you not willing to be the only person who celebrates my birthday with me?¡± Miao Jing looked guilty. She straightened her back and pulled a long face deliberately. ¡°You should know about my rtionship with your dad. I want to spend my birthday happily. I only want to see the people who make me happy. Why should I invite those who anger me? Are you not going to celebrate my birthday with me since your dad is not going?¡±

    ¡°Dad is not going?¡± Zhai Sheng thought hard about it. ¡°Alright, of course not. It seems like, besides me, there are other people who can make you happy and will celebrate your birthday with you today.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s countenance changed and she looked guilty. Did Zhai Sheng suspect anything?

    She quickly remembered that she was the mother while Zhai Sheng was her son. Sheposed herself and held her head high.

    So what if she was up to something? As a mother, it was natural for her to be worried about her son¡¯s future.

    ¡°Mom, who are those people who can make you happy?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Miao Jing coldly. Since when did his mother start to y these tricks?

    ¡°You will know when you arrive. You spend all the time in the army and there isn¡¯t a chance for you to get to know someone else. Humans are sociable beings. When the time is appropriate, it can uplift one¡¯s mood. Getting to know a few new friends can be helpful to one¡¯s career.¡± Miao Jing believed that what she did was justified and right.

    Zhai Sheng shut his eyes to rest. He did not expose her lies, but the atmosphere in the car turned stiff instantly.

 Chapter 600 - It Turned Out to Be a Blind Date

    <h4>Chapter 600: It Turned Out to Be a Blind Date</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As soon as Zhai Sheng grew quiet, Miao Jing became uneasy. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you must not make things difficult for meter. I am your mom. I won¡¯t harm you. I did everything for you. You may not understand my efforts, but when you are a parent in the future, you will understand my feelings.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui said that Zhai Sheng hadpleted the mission sessfully and had cracked a big case. He helped rid of hidden perils for the country and the people.

    Given his aplishments this time, the time Zhai Sheng had to spend at the front line would decrease by five years.

    Zhai Sheng was blessed with good fortune for this mission. He was able toplete the mission sessfully without sustaining any injuries. He cracked a huge case and was awarded the first-ss merit.

    If not for Zhai Yaohui, who tried to tone it down, Zhai Sheng might have been awarded the special-ss merit.

    As such, Zhai Sheng would be able to have a smooth-sailing career.

    But apart from being happy, Miao Jing was worried.

    She had no idea who the girlfriend of her son was. She only knew that she did note from a good family background.

    Now that Zhai Sheng was so outstanding and had great achievements in the army, thedy would not be willing to break up with such a good catch unless she was insensible, stupid, or timid. She would certainly think of ways to marry Zhai Sheng and be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    Her son was already twenty-five years old. It was the age when he was being most impulsive.

    If thedy tempted Zhai Sheng and he fell for her tricks...

    Miao Jing¡¯s biggest worry was that there would be a day when an unfamiliardy woulde to their house, heavy with a child, iming that she was looking for the father to her unborn child.

    If Zhai Sheng was in a rtionship with Qiu Chenxi, Miao Jing would not be worried at all.

    Because Miao Jing knew that Zhai Sheng was not interested in Qiu Chenxi. Her son was not decadent. Since he did not like Qiu Chenxi, he would not take the initiative. Even if it was Qiu Chenxi who took the initiative, her son might not be willing to cooperate.

    But the situation was different with Zhai Sheng¡¯s unknown girlfriend. At the very least, Zhai Sheng liked the girl.

    Since both parties were willing, it would not be a surprise if anything happened between them.

    Miao Jing had been through this. Otherwise, she and Zhai Yaohui would not have been able to have two children in three years¡¯ time.

    The more Miao Jing thought about it, the more she felt that she had to do something to prevent that from happening.

    After making up her mind, Miao Jingposed herself. Since Zhai Sheng closed his eyes to rest, she would follow suit, lest the cat would get out of the bag if they continued with their conversation.

    The chauffeur observed the situation between the mother and son from the rearview mirror. The atmosphere was so awkward that he dared not take a second look.

    When he reached the designated location, the chauffeur opened the door for Miao Jing to alight. He then parked the car at a side, waiting for them to finish their meal before sending them back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Madam Miao, you are here. Have a seat.¡± As soon as Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng arrived, a middle-aged man in a suit, with hair that glittered due to hair wax, smiled at them and weed their arrival.

    Miao Jing returned the smile. ¡°Secretary Qian, I am sorry to make you wait for us. We arete.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re notte. The time is just right. We are just early. This must be Regiment Commander Zhai. You are a talent indeed, young and promising.¡± Secretary Qian sized up Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng had a good family background. There was nothing he could pick on. What surprised Secretary Qian was that Zhai Sheng¡¯s looks was as outstanding as his family background.

    Secretary Qian looked at Zhai Sheng as if he was looking at his son-inw. His face showed that he was very satisfied with him. ¡°Let¡¯s go in and have a seat while we talk.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Miao Jing smiled proudly. Her son was so outstanding. She had never felt that there would be anyone in the world who was dissatisfied with her son.

    The three of them entered the VIP bamboo room. A young fairdy with long fluttering hair, who wore a longcy skirt, was already in the room, sitting by the table. ¡°Auntie Miao, we are meeting for the first time. I am Qian Mufang. I heard that it¡¯s auntie¡¯s birthday today. I have picked a gift for you. I hope you will like it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Miao Jing epted the gift happily. It did not matter what Qian Mufang gave her as the present. ¡°¡®Bathed in perfume made from herbs and dressed in richly colored outfits¡¯ <sup>1</sup> . Qian Mufang <sup>2</sup> , it¡¯s a good name, just like God of Clouds <sup>3</sup> who was well-liked by people. Mufang is really beautiful and has a good temperament.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you are too ttering.¡± Qian Mufang blushed. She kept looking shyly at Zhai Sheng.

    When she first saw Zhai Sheng, Qian Mufang had been filled with admiration for him. Thinking of the main purpose of the meal today, Qian Mufang blushed in embarrassment. She was particrly nervous and worried that she would fail to put up a good performance and leave a bad impression on the other party.

    Since Miao Jing was Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother, Qian Mufang did everything to please her. She hoped that after getting Miao Jing¡¯s approval, she would be able to get in Zhai Sheng¡¯s good books. ¡°Auntie Miao, this is Pu¡¯er tea. It is nourishing for the stomach.¡±

    ¡°Oh, good.¡± Miao Jing pushed her teacup forward while Qian Mufang poured the tea for her carefully.

    Miao Jing gave Zhai Sheng a slight push. Zhai Sheng, who was silent all the while, went ording to her wishes and pushed his teacup forward as well so that Qian Mufang could pour him tea.

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng was highly cooperative, the three of them who were present were ted. It seemed like Zhai Sheng had a good first impression of Qian Mufang.

    Miao Jing could tell what was on Qian Mufang¡¯s mind. Though they had different considerations, they had the same goal. It did not take them very long to be chatting happily with each other.

    Miao Jing had been inquiring about Qian Mufang¡¯s personal information, like her education level, her life experiences, hobbies, and the like.

    Qian Mufang was being very cooperative. At times, she did not wait for Miao Jing to ask her and took the initiative to portray the best side of her to show Zhai Sheng that she was very outstanding, hoping that he would ept her.

    Regardless of the Zhai family¡¯s background or Zhai Sheng himself, Qian Mufang was determined to get what she wanted.

    Initially, Secretary Qian had wanted to help, but he noticed that his daughter was having a good chat with Miao Jing, so he simply watched by the side while keeping silent like Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Women just like to chat. Look, fifteen minutes have passed. I am quite thirsty from the chat. Oh, the tea that Mufang rmended to us is very fragrant. Mufang, we cane out more often to chat in the future.¡± Miao Jing picked up the teacup awkwardly in a bid to stop her conversation with Qian Mufang, or rather, to stop her from talking continuously.

    The chat was going well at the beginning. It was indeed a chat between the two of them. Miao Jing would ask a question, and Qian Mufang would reply and give some boration. The atmosphere was considered good.

    But as the conversation continued, Qian Mufang was very sociable. She addressed Miao Jing affectionately as ¡®Auntie Miao¡¯ and kept sharing anecdotes about her school life.

 Chapter 601 - Hello, Auntie Qian

    <h4>Chapter 601: Hello, Auntie Qian</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was a pity that these were not what Miao Jing wanted to know or was interested in.

    She had already asked everything that she wanted to know. After ascertaining that Qian Mufang could meet some of her requirements, Miao Jing had lost the interest to know more about Qian Mufang. She felt like ending the conversation.

    However, Qian Mufang was clueless. In order for Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng to know that she was very outstanding, and to be closer to Miao Jing, she was willing to share her past experiences with her.

    Since Qian Mufang was bent on sharing more with her, Miao Jing could only drink some tea to interrupt her.

    Zhai Sheng, who sat at the side, sneered. Since his mother had spent a lot of her time with his father, and she did not really take care of Zhai Hua and him when they were young, he had no idea whether his mother had always been that awkward and unnatural, or whether she became like this after she married his father.

    Apart from Qian Mufang¡¯s family background, his mother was not interested in knowing anything else. She had to drink some tea to cover up herck of interest.

    Zhai Sheng drank the tea that Qian Mufang poured for him.

    Everyone present was thrilled at Zhai Sheng¡¯s actions.

    If Zhai Sheng did not have a good impression of Qian Mufang, he would not have drunk the tea.

    Miao Jing felt more at ease. Sure enough, Zhai Sheng had spent too much time in the army and did not have much contact with other women. That was why he could not tell who was a good choice and who was not. As long as Zhai Sheng got to know more women, she did not need to resort to any tricks and he would leave that girl.

    ¡°Mom, it seems that you hit it off with Miss Qian, don¡¯t you?¡± Zhai Sheng put down the teacup and asked.

    ¡°Yes, we really hit it off. Xiao Qian has good looks, good character, and is well-educated. Basically, everything is good about her. We hit it off really well.¡± Back then, Miao Jing could tolerate Qiu Chenxi for so many years, and she never once said that her love rival¡¯s daughter, Qiu Chenxi, was not good enough.

    Since Miao Jing chose this girl by herself today, she could never say that Qian Mufang was not good enough.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I am not as good as you said.¡± Qian Mufang lowered her head. She was too shy to look at the rest of the people in the room.

    She had never thought that the first man that was introduced to her since she graduated from school would be so outstanding and that everything would go so smoothly.

    Given this progress, she might get married within this year and have children in the next year.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you hit it off with her.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes turned somber, and there was a peculiar look in his eyes. The funny thing was that the three of them were most concerned about Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction and thought that everything was working well, yet they failed to notice such an important change in Zhai Sheng. ¡°Previously, my mom said that she has invited a few friends for her birthday today. I was very surprised when I saw Miss Qian. Miss Qian is so young, yet she is my mom¡¯s friend. I suppose both of you are friends despite the difference in age. But when I witnessed the conversation between both of you, I finally understood everything. The people in our family always feel that my mom doesn¡¯t have a lot of friends. Now, we can rest assured since my mom will have Miss Qian forpany in the future.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qian Mufang paused momentarily. Why did she feel that what Regiment Commander Zhai said sounded strange? Something did not seem quite right...

    Secretary Qian, who worked in the government, could tell right away that something was amiss.

    Zhai Sheng kept on saying that his daughter was Madam Zhai¡¯s friend, but he did not mention himself at all. This was not right.

    Miao Jing¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you...¡±

    Zhai Sheng stretched his long legs and stood up, taking the teapot from Qian Mufang. ¡°Miss Qian, since you are my mom¡¯s friend, ording to the order of seniority, I should address you as Auntie Qian. Even though you are younger than me, we must not mess up the order of seniority. ording to what I heard from Auntie Qian, you¡¯re young and outstanding. You¡¯re indeed qualified to be addressed as my auntie. In that way, I am the youngest among the four of us. I should be pouring tea for all of you. Auntie Qian, you muste to Ping Cheng often to chat and shop with my mom in the future. Thank you. Auntie Qian, I am already at such an age. As the elder, you should know that no matter whether I am in a rtionship or not, I seldom spend time with my mom. I suppose I will have even less time after I am married and have a child. Therefore, I will count on you to take care of my mom in the future.¡±

    Qian Mufang was twenty-four years old this year. She was one year younger than Zhai Sheng.

    But Zhai Sheng kept addressing her as auntie, and he did not find it awkward at all.

    ¡°You, you have a girlfriend? Both of you already have marriage ns?!¡± Qian Mufang raised her voice, making sharp, piercing sounds.

    ¡°Mufang.¡± Secretary Qian looked at his daughter, telling her to keep herposure and not to be rude in front of others.

    Qian Mufang coughed slightly and calmed herself down. ¡°I, I am sorry. It could be that I had too much cold food yesterday and a slight cold, so my throat is ufortable. Auntie Miao, did I give you a scare?¡±

    Though Miao Jing touched her ear in difort, she lied tantly. ¡°No, no, you didn¡¯t.¡±

    In order to better understand Qian Mufang and behave affectionately to her, Miao Jing sat right next to Qian Mufang, while Zhai Sheng sat on the other side of Miao Jing. Miao Jing was the direct victim of Qian Mufang¡¯s high-pitched voice. She jolted in shock at her screams.

    Zhai Sheng smiled secretly. He did not bother to help Miao Jing out. ¡°Yes, I have a girlfriend. We have already discussed when to get married. It is just that she is still young. She decided to finish her studies before nning for her future. I am very supportive of her. I also hope that my future wife can be knowledgeable like Auntie Qian. When it¡¯s time, I will send you the wedding invitation. Auntie Qian, you have toe to the wedding dinner.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Apart from Zhai Sheng, the other three were dumbstruck at the mention of wedding dinner. Qian Mufang and Secretary Qian felt that they were being cheated.

    Not only did Regiment Commander Zhai have a girlfriend, but he also had ns to marry her. How could Madam Zhai arrange a blind date for her son? It was just as good as bullying them.

    As for Miao Jing, she was infuriated. She wanted to introduce a future wife for her son, yet he addressed thedy as her friend and his auntie!

    Precisely, what Zhai Sheng said made Miao Jing feel that he did not respect her. She almost fainted from anger.

    ¡°Mom, isn¡¯t today your birthday? The dishes have already been decided upon. It¡¯s about time, so let¡¯s get them to serve the food. Auntie Qian, don¡¯t stand on ceremony and have more of the food. Of course, if it¡¯s not enough, and you would like to have other dishes, please go ahead and make the orders. It¡¯s my mom¡¯s birthday. Naturally, I will pay the bill.¡± Zhai Sheng acted close to Qian Mufang, treating her as his elder. He even handed her the menu so that she could order more food.

 Chapter 602 - There Was Still a Chance

    <h4>Chapter 602: There Was Still a Chance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He kept addressing her as Auntie Qian. The three of them could do nothing but feel vexed and stifled.

    ¡°No, no need.¡± Qian Mufang pushed the menu aside. Given her age and looks, the children would always address her as their sister. Today, a man who was one year older than her addressed her as auntie. Qian Mufang patted her chest that throbbed with pain.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s get them to serve the food.¡± Zhai Sheng behaved as if he was the sensible junior and arranged for the waiters to serve the food and paid for the meal thereafter. ¡°Mom, you finally have a new friend. You must be happy about this year¡¯s birthday, right?¡±

    ¡°H-happy?¡± Miao Jing asked in an unsteady tone.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°It¡¯s good that you are happy. Today is your birthday. What¡¯s important is that you are happy.¡±

    Miao Jing felt as if she was cking out. She was exasperated at Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior.

    Secretary Qian and Qian Mufang stared at each other without saying anything. It was obvious that Madam Zhai had a sullen expression, but Regiment Commander Zhai said that she was happy. As the outsiders, it was best to keep their silence.

    Despiteing to the blind date, the pair of father and daughter from the Qian family knew that the Zhai family was, in fact, out of their reach.

    As the saying went, women would marry someone who was of a higher social status than her, whereas it was the other way round for men. Qian Mufang never felt that she was wrong in looking for a good catch like Zhai Sheng.

    However, when things did not go smoothly, the gap between the Qian family and the Zhai family became very obvious.

    Though Secretary Qian and Qian Mufang felt that they had been ridiculed by the Zhai family, they dared not voice their unhappiness.

    Miao Jing finished her birthday meal in a stifling atmosphere. Ever since Zhai Sheng addressed Qian Mufang as his auntie, the atmosphere was so awkward that nobody made otherments or conversation. Among the four of them, Zhai Sheng was the only person who was cool and collected. The others looked somewhat stiff.

    In the end, everyone left the hotel full of the meal. Zhai Sheng ate to his heart¡¯s¡¯ content and did not care whether the rest of them had a good meal or not. ¡°Auntie Qian, did youe in a car? If not, how about I get you a car?¡±

    Zhai Sheng bore in mind that Qian Mufang was his auntie and that he was her junior. He respected the elder and wanted to get a car for her.

    ¡°No, no need. We can call the car by ourselves.¡± Secretary Qian refused. Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s attitude was very obvious. Even if they continued to harbor any other thoughts, it would not turn out well. It was best to call it a stop for today.

    ¡°Dad?¡± Qian Mufang followed right behind Secretary Qian, perplexed.

    In order to create the opportunity for Qian Mufang and Zhai Sheng to spend more time together, Secretary Qian did not drive today. Their original n was that Secretary Qian would say that he had forgotten that he had work to do and would need to go back to his office. In that case, Miao Jing would then suggest for Zhai Sheng to send Qian Mufang home.

    Secretary Qian gave Qian Mufang a reassuring look and got them a car. ¡°Madam Miao, I wish you a happy birthday and if there¡¯s a chance, let¡¯s have a meal again.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. She felt a mix of emotions. Since Secretary Qian said that they could have a meal when there was a chance, it meant that the Qian family was notpletely disappointed with the Zhai family, and it was still possible between their children. But before that, Zhai Sheng had to break up with his girlfriend.

    The daughter from the Qian family could not start a rtionship with Zhai Sheng while he was in another rtionship.

    In short, it was still possible for the Zhai family and the Qian family to be inws, but Zhai Sheng had to break up with his girlfriend.

    ¡°Dad?¡± After getting into the car, Qian Mufang could not help but ask her father. ¡°Dad, what do you mean? He, he already said that he has a girlfriend and that they have marriage ns already. Why should we have meals with them? I won¡¯t go!¡± Qian Mufang never felt that she was worse off than anyone else. Moreover, her father was the provincial partymittee secretary.

    When she was still in school, she had a lot of suitors, but none of them caught her interest. That was because her father had said that after she graduated, he would introduce a good catch to her, and the person was someone she would never get to know in school.

    Even though the blind date today was exceptionally good, but no matter how good he was, she did not want a man who was attached!

    ¡°Mufang, Dad knows that you are proud, but Dad has told you about the Zhai family. You are proud, but Regiment Commander Zhai has a better family background than you, and he could act however he wants. At his young age, he is already the regimentmander. I also heard that he had major meritorious performance in the army recently. You should know who his dad is. Sooner orter, he will take over his dad¡¯s position. Think about it. If you marry Regiment Commander Zhai, what will your status be and what will happen to the Qian family? Have you heard of the saying to ride on somebody else¡¯s sess? Mufang, if we seed this time, you will be the golden phoenix who soars out of the Qian family!¡±

    It was no big deal that Regiment Commander Zhai had not taken a fancy to Mufang.

    It was still uncertain who would end up with Regiment Commander Zhai.

    Everyone had their own pride, but when faced with someone who was such a good catch, pride was simply not worth mentioning.

    ¡°Mufang, you are still too young. It¡¯s understandable that you throw tantrums. However, you have to remember that I will only pick the best route for you. In the future, you will understand that the situation you encountered today is nothing at all. What matters is that you can seed in the end!¡±

    ¡°How can it be sessful?¡± At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s looks and his family background, Qian Mufang decided topromise. ¡°The problem doesn¡¯t lie with me but Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    Secretary Qian smiled. ¡°This is not a problem. I suppose Madam Miao must have known that Regiment Commander Zhai has a girlfriend. Since she invited us today, it goes to show that she is unsatisfied with Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. If the future mother-inw is on your side, Mufang, what are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Dad, what future mother-inw are you talking about? Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Qian Mufang felt much better after beingforted by Secretary Qian. ¡°But Dad, if Regiment Commander Zhai continues to address me as Auntie Qian the next time we meet, what should I do?¡± In this life, she had never been seen as that old before!

    ¡°What to do? That is not something we should be worried about. It is something Madam Miao has to resolve.¡± Secretary Qian leaned back and rxed. ¡°Mufang, you have to do our family proud.¡± He did not expect that the Zhai family would be willing to be inws with the Qian family.

    Once they seeded, he would achieve meteoric sess in his career.

    Unlike Secretary Qian and Qian Mufang who were having a happy conversation, as soon as Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng got into the car, Miao Jing exploded in anger right away. ¡°Zhai Sheng, what is with that attitude of yours just now? I don¡¯t think you respect me as your mother!¡± Auntie Qian? How could Zhai Sheng say something like that?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Mom, even though you are my elder, respect should always be mutual. Do you have any respect for me considering what you have done today?¡±

    ¡°If you are willing to abide by what I said and break up with the girl, I will definitely respect you and will note up with so many tricks.¡± So in the end, the fault was with Zhai Sheng. If not for him, what happened today would not have happened.

 Chapter 603 - Zhai Hua and Her Harsh Words

    <h4>Chapter 603: Zhai Hua and Her Harsh Words</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t want to talk about this anymore, lest I say something that hurts you. But Mom, I have to say that it¡¯s no wonder that my grandpa likes you and insisted that dad married you. To a certain extent, your temper is very simr to grandpa¡¯s temper.¡±

    She was as overbearing as his grandpa, and everything must be done ording to her likes and dislikes.

    ¡°What hurtful words are you going to say?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s countenance changed. She looked at Zhai Sheng with pain in her eyes.

    Her son had grown up and he no longer obeyed her words. Zhai Sheng had yet to marry thedy and yet he already went against her for thatdy.

    ¡°Step on the gas.¡± Zhai Sheng felt stifled. There was no way that he couldmunicate with his mother.

    ¡°You...¡± The atmosphere in the car was worse than during the meal.

    As soon as they reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Zhai Sheng went back to his room without another word. He pulled a long face and mmed the door shut. Miao Jing felt upset that she was treated as such by her son.

    There were tears in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes, but she tried her best to contain her tears.

    ¡°Silly!¡± Zhai Yaohui, who was at home, witnessed the scene and unhappily threw the newspapers aside.

    From the very beginning, Zhai Yaohui knew Miao Jing¡¯s true intention behind the meal.

    Miao Jing had been giving Zhai Yaohui the cold treatment for ages, but the first time Miao Jing took the initiative to speak to Zhai Yaohui was to ask him to join them for the meal and to let Zhai Sheng know of their stand in regard to Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage.

    Miao Jing could feel that Zhai Yaohui had been making efforts to reconcile with her, but she did not forgive him as she was prideful. She had thought that Zhai Yaohui would definitely agree to her suggestion since she had already taken the initiative to ask him. To her surprise, Zhai Yaohui refused, saying that he would rather eat alone at home.

    Miao Jing almost blew up at Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words. ¡°Silly? How am I silly? What I did are all for the sake of Zhai Sheng. I give birth to him. How can I not care about him and dote on him? Right now, he is young and insensible, hence his temper. As his dad, how can you not do anything about it? Is it that you will only put in effort if the other party is Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°Enough, stop being unreasonable. I admit that I did not object to it when you mentioned Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min in the past. Even though my stand has always been firm, my attitude might have been doubtful. I admit I have not handled it appropriately. I will do self-reflection and repent on my mistakes. However, Miao Jing, let me tell you. If you keep on mentioning this, you are no longer the person that I know in the past.¡± Zhai Yaohui was very disappointed with Miao Jing. He sneered. ¡°Your behavior is exactly like my dad back then!¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Fine, you and your son gang up on me. Both of you said the same words. You are his father, while I am an outsider. I am an outsider! Are you satisfied?!¡± After snarling at Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing sadly returned to her room.

    She could not understand why nobody appreciated her painstaking efforts. There was nobody who could understand her.

    In the past, there would be one or two people who wouldfort her or do something to console her when she was upset. However, nobody bothered to care about her this time.

    Miao Jing sat by herself for a long time. As time passed, she felt even more upset and she could not help but panic.

    When she was young, she spent all her time with Zhai Yaohui, and she never took care of her children. But even so, although Zhai Sheng might be cold and indifferent as a son, he showed that he cared and was concerned about her.

    Even when she quarreled with Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Sheng would always stand on her side.

    But today, not only did Zhai Sheng not appease her, but he refused to give in to her as well. Furthermore, Miao Jing was in panic because of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude.

    The next morning, Miao Jing saw that it was half-past six and made a phone call to Zhai Hua quickly. ¡°Hua Hua, tell me, are your dad and your brother being too much and unreasonable? It¡¯s fine if they cannot appreciate my efforts, but how could they do this to me?¡±

    Zhai Hua, who returned to the army camp not long ago and had yet to take a rest, was annoyed. ¡°I have heard this from Dad. He has asked me for my opinion. I have told him that the blind date would not work out. Zhai Sheng is too smart. Your childish tricks would be seen through by him right away. If he is incapable of that, it¡¯s best that he stops being a soldier. Otherwise, he will definitely die in his mission.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about!¡± Miao Jing was filled with trepidation. Before Zhai Sheng came back from his mission, Miao Jing had been constantly worried about him that she lost appetite, so she hated to hear such words.

    ¡°Do you know to be scared and fearful? If you know what fear is, then you should know that being alive is the most important of all. As long as Zhai Sheng is alive and by your side, just let him be with whoever he likes. Why must you force him to do as you wish? Zhai Sheng may be cold and aloof but he is soft-hearted. It pains him to be harsh to you. Since I am his elder sister, then I will be the bad guy. Mom, when Zhai Sheng and I were young and needed our parents the most, Dad and you did not take care of us. Now that we have grown up and have our own way of thinking and life, we can take care of ourselves. Mom, since you left us to mend for ourselves in the past, you just have to maintain the status quo now that we¡¯ve grown up, and don¡¯t interfere in our lives. Just stay by Dad¡¯s side every day.¡±

    ¡°When we were young, we never med you for not taking care of us. You can rest assured that now that we have grown up, all the more we won¡¯t. In fact, Zhai Sheng and I have to thank you for giving us freedom. Mom, can you just maintain your good image in front of us? Why must you y the bad guy and do things that will make us unhappy? Mom, what for?¡±

    Zhai Hua had no idea what her mother was thinking about.

    When they were young and weak, and might die when they fell sick if not properly taken care of, their mother was not by their side to take care of them.

    Now that they had grown up, even if Qiao Nan was indeed a liar and a bad girl, the worst oue was that Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings would be hurt.

    Given his temper, it was impossible that he would attempt suicide because of rtionship problems.

    Therefore, why was her mother so worried?

    When they needed her concern, she was not around, and when they could decide for themselves, she became overbearing.

    ¡°Fine, I will say no more. I am sleepy. I still have to sleep. I will go back in the afternoon.¡± With that, Zhai Hua hung up the phone coldly.

    Zhai Hua had said something that was very true. Zhai Sheng appeared to be cold and aloof but was soft-hearted, whereas Zhai Hua appeared to be affectionate but was more hard-hearted than her brother.

    Miao Jing was dumbfounded when she heard the dial tone of the phone. She had thought that her daughter would stand on her side. She never expected that she would be scolded by her.

    Zhai Yaohui, who sat in the living room, saw that Miao Jing dashed out of the room with a flushed face. She then headed out to get the chauffeur. He sighed. He did not know what to say.

 Chapter 604 - Come Clean

    <h4>Chapter 604: Come Clean</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Miao Miao was young, she was simple and kind, and did not resort to any tricks.

    Every time he saw Miao Miao, he felt as if she was a sunflower that bloomed in the sun. She was bright, sunny, cheerful, and hopeful toward the future.

    But right now...

    ¡°Where is your mom heading to?¡± Zhai Yaohui could not help but ask Zhai Sheng who happened toe out right then.

    At the mention of this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Where do you think my mom could have gone? Who else can my mom have a good chat with?¡±

    When Zhai Yaohui heard what Zhai Sheng said, he could understand the change in his expression. Everyone who was in his position would feel the same.

    Miao Miao introduced a prospective girlfriend to her son during the blind date yesterday. It was equivalent to snatching Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend.

    However, Miao Miao was unaware of it. She felt that she had suffered grievances and needed someone to talk to, and she happened to look for Qiao Nan, whose boyfriend was the party concerned. Qiao Nan could only suffer in silence.

    Zhai Yaohui had no choice but to speak up for Miao Jing. ¡°You must not be angry with your mom. She does not know about your rtionship with Qiao Nan. If she knows, she will certainly not do this.¡± Miao Miao would either ept Qiao Nan or sever all ties with Qiao Nan. She would not snatch Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend on one hand and pour grievances to her on the other hand.

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui did not approve of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng. He merely acknowledged that she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend.

    But after what happened today, Zhai Yaohui began to sympathize with Qiao Nan. She was unlucky enough to be in a rtionship with his son!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I am going for a run.¡± At the Qiao family¡¯s residence, Shi Qing felt awkward when facing Miao Jing, so she thought of an excuse to get away.

    Previously, when she went to the Zhai¡¯s family residence to look for Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao would always be on the alert and be wary of her. She could understand her behavior as she was Qi Min¡¯s niece. But now that she was at the Qiao family¡¯s residence instead of at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, it was too much of Auntie Miao to look at her in the same way.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to run for? Do your homework in the small room!¡± Qiao Nan threw the schoolbag to Shi Qing. It was September now. The Indian summer was unbearable, especially now that it was near noontime. It was no different from the summer. It would be bad for one¡¯s health to run at this time.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Qing took the schoolbag abidingly and went to the room where Qiao Zijin lived in previously to do her homework.

    Ever since she received the information that Shi Peng sent to her regarding the Qiao family, Shi Qing had only dislike for Qiao Zijin, whom she had never met before. Normally, she would never go into the room that she once lived in.

    But it was a special situation today. She knew that Miao Jing had something to talk to Qiao Nan. Hence, she could only leave the living room.

    As soon as Shi Qing left, Miao Jing began to pour her grievances to Nan Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, what wrong have I done? I have good intentions but nobody appreciates it. Zhai Sheng is like this, and even Hua Hua...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached at the thought of the hurtful words that her daughter said.

    Qiao Nan also wished to cry out loud. What wrong had she done to deserve such treatment?

    ¡°Auntie Miao, do you want to hear the truth or someforting words?¡± It took Qiao Nan quite a while to set aside the heartache she felt before she braced herself.

    ¡°The truth.¡± Miao Jing hesitated for a moment and chose to hear the truth. She knew what thoseforting words were, and she had no need of them. Because it was Qiao Nan, Miao Jing wanted to hear the truth.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, since you want to listen to the truth, I can only say that you have a double standard when dealing with things. Take for instance what happened with Chief Zhai back then. Old Master Zhai was indeed the person who pushed for your marriage with Chief Zhai. Without his insistence, Chief Zhai¡¯s girlfriend seemed to be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mom back then, am I right? Old Master Zhai is Chief Zhai¡¯s father. Old Master Zhai must have let Chief Zhai marry you for Chief Zhai¡¯s sake. He couldn¡¯t possibly want to harm Chief Zhai. That was an act of a loving father. However, if you approved of his actions, you would not have agreed for the Zhai family to be in contact with the Qiu family and be so nice to Qiu Chenxi all these years, even to the extent of nning for Brother Zhai to marry Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you wanted Brother Zhai to marry Qiu Chenxi just to fulfill Chief Zhai¡¯s dreams. You felt that you owed it to Chief Zhai, so even though you knew that Brother Zhai does not like Qiu Chenxi, you would rather let him suffer and go ording to your wishes than to change your mind, right? Back then, you felt that you owed it to Chief Zhai and hence Brother Zhai had to repay your debts. Now that you no longer think so, you want to dictate Brother Zhai and want him to obey your wishes and marry a girl whom you think is suitable to be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Auntie Miao, you have not really taken care of Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua. To put it bluntly, apart from giving birth to them, you have not given them anything since they were young. It was the Zhai family who nurtured and raised them up, isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    Auntie Miao came from a family of farmers. Her grandpa and father were farmers. Back in the revolutionary era, it was good to be farmers.

    However, during the postmodern era, Auntie Miao¡¯s family background was considered simple and they had neither power nor social status. What theycked the most was money.

    After Auntie Miao married Chief Zhai, she had never held a job. She did not work to raise her children. In fact, the Zhai family had to pay for her expenses.

    Though it was said that Auntie Miao helped Chief Zhai take care of the family so that he could focus on his career, Auntie Miao had, in fact, been keeping an eye on Chief Zhai. Though she stayed by his side, she never helped him take care of the Zhai family.

    She did not work and did not take care of her children. Had she fulfilled her duties as a housewife?

    If they were to divorce, ording to the currentw, Auntie Miao would not deserve to have half of the family assets.

    She did not make any contributions.

    But she held the power and authority!

    Miao Jing was stunned. Was she as terrible as what Qiao Nan made her to be?

    Miao Jing almost had an emotional breakdown, but Qiao Nan was in a worse state than her. She never expected that Auntie Miao would introduce a blind date to Brother Zhai and make use of her birthday to make Brother Zhai go to the blind date!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tone was full of pain and frustration. ¡°Auntie Miao, youe from an ordinary farming family as well. Why do you look down ondies whose parents do not work for the government? Auntie Miao, if I am the person who is in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, and he wants to marry me, will you hate me and refuse to ept me? Even though you know that we have the intention to get married, will you still insist that we break up and for Brother Zhai to go to a blind date? Auntie Miao, am I so undeserving of your liking and your eptance?¡±

    A woman would have two mothers in her lifetime¡ªher biological mother and her mother-inw.

    Qiao Nan did not understand why she did not have any luck with her ¡®mothers¡¯. Her biological mother treated her badly and Auntie Miao was so cruel to her.

    Auntie Miao liked her very much as a junior and wanted to take her as her goddaughter.

    Goddaughter was considered as half a daughter, and a daughter-inw was considered as half a daughter as well. Why was it that Auntie Miao treated them so differently?

 Chapter 605 - Gave Up

    <h4>Chapter 605: Gave Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    For a moment, Qiao Nan really had a feeling that she was going to breakdown as she could not keep going anymore.

    ¡°No, no, you, you are very good, Nan Nan, really.¡± Miao Jing was flustered, not knowing whether tofort herself or tofort Qiao Nan.

    At the thought of the cold, harsh words that her daughter said, Qiao Nan¡¯s words of reason felt as soothing as the April spring breeze.

    ¡°I¡¯m good, yet you don¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡°No, no, the person that I don¡¯t like is Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend. If you are his girlfriend, I will definitely like you.¡± But Nan Nan was not in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng. Nan Nan was not thatdy.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, if I tell you that I am the girl, are you willing to ept me?¡± Qiao Nan decided to take the plunge since the oue would be the same either way. She did not want to be a coward anymore.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t make a joke. Even if you want tofort me, you should not say this.¡± Miao Jing smiled bitterly. She did not believe Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°I think I understand what you mean. Nan Nan, Hua Hua and you are right. I have failed as a wife, and I have failed as a mother as well. I have never done anything right in my life. When I should have been taking care of my children, I devoted all my time to be a wife. When my children are grown up and it¡¯s time for me to let go, I try to stop them from leading their own lives.¡±

    Qiao Nan lowered her head and covered her face with her hands.

    No, it was not Auntie Miao who failed terribly. It was her.

    She did not understand why nobody believed her when she told the truth. Both Qiu Chenxi and Auntie Miao did not believe her words.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, in short, if you really feel that what you did yesterday was for the best interests of Brother Zhai, and that he should ept your kind intentions, from then on, please hold your head high in the Zhai family and tell it arrogantly to Chief Zhai that if he did not marry you, he would not be blessed with such happiness. Perhaps, when you see Qi Min next time, you should behave like Madam Zhai and tell her that you are the best person to be Madam Zhai, and that you are more suited for the role than her.¡± Qiao Nan sent the helve after the hatchet, feeling weak in the knees.

    Although Qiao Nan said it in a pique of anger, she meant what she said.

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s words sank in, Miao Jing was not confident in doing that.

    When she was just married to Zhai Yaohui, as she was not used to the dealings within the political circle, she often made a fool of herself.

    She was more suited than Qi Min?

    No, at least in the beginning, she did not fit the bill.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you think Zhai Sheng will stay angry at me for what happened this time? Will he ignore me?¡± Miao Jing, who had calmed down, began to worry about the consequences of her actions. In fact, when she felt guilty of her actions yesterday, subconsciously, she already knew that it was wrong of her to do that.

    ¡°You are his mother and he is your son. Given that both of you are rted by blood, as long as you stop being obstinate and realize your mistakes, Brother Zhai will not ignore you. Of course, Auntie Miao, I am not trying to scare you. If you disregard Brother Zhai¡¯s feelings and introduce another blind date to him in the future, your rtionship with Brother Zhai will not get anywhere. It is totally up to you whether Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua will be close to you.¡±

    As a family of soldiers, it was impossible for them to sever ties with each other.

    But they could be estranged with each other.

    Miao Jing knitted her brows and pondered her words. ¡°Nan Nan, I will think about what you said. You are right. I should have thought about how I should get along with Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng. Since a young age, they have had a mind of their own. The average children will usually throw tantrums when their parents are not with them, but they were not rebellious at all. I suppose, even for the average children, they will also be upset with my arrangement if they have someone they are in love with.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao, it¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Even though Auntie Miao did not believe that she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, she supposed that in this way, Auntie Miao would not introduce other girlfriends to Brother Zhai at least.

    ¡°Yes, I understand and feel much better now.¡± Sure enough, Nan Nan was the only one who could make her see reasons whenever she encountered problems.

    Nan Nan was fair and reasonable. She would spell the facts in a straightforward way, unlike Hua Hua, who said hurtful words to her.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, what¡¯s wrong with you now?¡± Qiao Nan felt a jarring headache when she saw that Miao Jing pulled a long face again.

    ¡°Hua Hua said such harsh words to me this time and was so fierce to me. I¡¯m worried that Hua Hua...¡± She was worried that Hua Hua would no longer treat her as her mother.

    ¡°Hey, Auntie Miao, why aren¡¯t you afraid when you are being self-assertive? Who do you take Sister Hua Hua for? She is a smart person! You are her mother. That¡¯s why she said such harsh words to you without beating about the bush. She wanted you to feel the pain so that you can realize your mistakes. If you were not her mother, she would not care that you are being silly, or that your behavior is affecting your rtionship with your son. This is what family members do for each other. Family members will remind us when we make mistakes and they will stay by our side no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Then what about you? If your mom and sister repent for their mistakes, will you forgive them?¡± Miao Jing asked naturally.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Her eyes were gloomy. ¡°Auntie Miao, can I not answer this question? What I want to say is that not everyone in this world can repent for their mistakes. Some people just will not change. What¡¯s more, some people simply don¡¯t feel that what they did is wrong. They feel that it¡¯s the faults of other people.¡±

    Since her mother and Qiao Zijin did not feel that they were in the wrong, there was no way that they would repent. In that case, there was nothing for her to forgive them.

    ¡°Well... It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have brought up this topic. Don¡¯t be upset.¡± Miao Jing felt like smacking her lips. She had heard of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, and knew of their wrongdoings. She had even seen it for herself.

    This pair of mother and daughter still had not realized their mistakes.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why is the daughter from the Shi family staying at your ce? Shouldn¡¯t she be staying at the Qiu family¡¯s residence?¡± Shi Qing was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s rtive. Was it suitable for her to stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence?

    Qiao Nan pressed on her cheeks that felt painful. ¡°Auntie Miao, Shi Qing is a good girl, unlike Qiu Chenxi. You must not lump Shi Qing together with Qiu Chenxi or even the entire Qiu family, especially Qi Min.¡±

    As for the problems in the Shi family, though other people would learn of it sooner orter, it was inappropriate for her to reveal the details.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s fine as long as you know what you¡¯re doing.¡± Since Qiao Nan knew what she was doing, Miao Jing would say no more.

    Qiao Nan found it both funny and annoying. ¡°Auntie Miao, do you know what you are doing then?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t make Zhai Sheng go for blind dates anymore.¡±

 Chapter 606 - Headache

    <h4>Chapter 606: Headache</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As long as she did not make Zhai Sheng attend blind dates, both her children would not be angry with her anymore. There would not be any other issues then?

    Qiao Nan massaged her temple. ¡°Auntie Miao, didn¡¯t you make Brother Zhai attend a blind date with ady yesterday? Brother Zhai¡¯s attitude is not good, but what about thatdy and her father? Did they lose their temper and say things such as why Brother Zhai still came for the session when he already has a girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°No, they said to meet up for a meal again when there¡¯s a chance.¡± Miao Jing then came to a realization. ¡°You¡¯re saying that the Qian family has not given up their hopes on Zhai Sheng although he addressed thatdy as Auntie Qian?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t that too exaggerated? Normally, ady who encountered such a matter would have been driven to the grave.

    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡± A family like the Zhai family would be one that the Qian family wished to be rted to but could not find an avenue to do so. The current situation was that Auntie Miao initiated the meet-up. As such, why would they give up just because of the words ¡®Auntie Qian¡¯? ¡°Auntie Miao, you¡¯re the one who initiated this blind date. It¡¯d be better if you pay more attention to it. If you¡¯re unable to resolve it, you can deflect it to Chief Zhai. It¡¯s not because of other things and it¡¯s also not that you¡¯re targeting the father and daughter of the Qian family. After all, which family does not have a few worrisome rtives? It¡¯s just that if someone knows that both families attended the blind date, they may make use of it and spread to everyone that the Zhai family is their inw-to-be to benefit themselves. If it negatively affects Brother Zhai, it won¡¯t be good then. Brother Zhai has just returned afterpleting his mission. He¡¯s in strong limelight and many people are watching him.¡±

    If this was not resolved properly, it would be equivalent to letting others catch a handle of them.

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face turned red and then pale. She finally understood and knew the grave mistake that she had made through the blind date. She could have brought huge trouble to the Zhai family.

    Certainly, a family like theirs had to be more cautious in their dealings and should not leave any opportunities for others.

    ¡°What you said is right. I¡¯d better tell your Uncle Zhai about this.¡± Miao Jing sighed and picked up the phone in the house of the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan immediately held on to Miao Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°Auntie Miao, since you¡¯ve already sorted out your thoughts, knowing that you were in the wrong in the matter yesterday, and won¡¯t intervene in such matters of Brother Zhai again in the future, why don¡¯t you simply go back instead of making a call? You¡¯re one family. Isn¡¯t it better to talk openly?¡± Making a phone call was akin to running away from the problem. Auntie Miao could not possibly stay at her house and not go home, right?

    If she did, she could stay for one night at most.

    Miao Jing smiled wryly. ¡°You, this little girl, are too capable. Why do you have to interfere in everything?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. Can you not look for me?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could persuade further, regardless of how embarrassed and awkward Miao Jing felt, she did not remain in the house of the Qiao family. She requested the chauffeur to send her back to the Zhai family.

    ¡°Oh, she finally left?¡± As soon as Miao Jing left, Shi Qing walked out. ¡°What do you think is wrong with Auntie Miao? Clearly, she gets along quite well with you. Why does she have to object to Brother Zhai being with you? It¡¯s so strange.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± Qiao Nan felt disappointed at heart but she could not voice it out.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard some of the conversations between the two of you. You¡¯re quite good-looking and your results are good. Why can¡¯t Auntie Miao believe that you¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend? Brother Zhai and you are quitepatible.¡± Disagree and disbelief¡ªfacing these two attitudes of Auntie Miao, Shi Qing could not understand despite thinking over the matter.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips and returned to the house. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me. My head hurts badly now. I¡¯ve been double-crossed and I still had to console the person who did that to me. Is there someone as pitiful as me in this world? If the same situation urs again a few more times, I¡¯m also not sure how much longer I can endure. True enough, asional gunfire and bombs can¡¯t break up Brother Zhai and me, but what can cause us to separate are daily urrences.¡±

    ¡°Pitiful child, I sympathize with you.¡± Fortunately, it was impossible between her and Brother Zhai. There would not be an oue between them. Otherwise, she would be the one suffering from such torture.

    She was unable to be with Brother Zhai in this lifetime. Seemingly, it was not all loss. There were some gains as well.

    Just as Miao Jing alighted from the car, Zhai Hua also arrived at the house of the Zhai family.

    At that sight of her mother, Zhai Hua was speechless as she asked, ¡°Just because of the blind date yesterday, you lost your temper and ran out? You went to look for Nan Nan again?¡±

    ¡°You all are not willing to bother about me, and you also don¡¯t allow others to do so?¡± Miao Jing still could not forget her daughter¡¯s cruel words in the phone call. ¡°Comparing you to Qiao Nan, I don¡¯t know who I actually gave birth to.¡± Why was she not evenparable to a child that she knew?

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Zhai Huaughed. ¡®Concede defeat¡¯ was written all over her face. Her eyes were full of sarcasm and ridicule. ¡°I really wonder whether Qiao Nan had been a terrible viin whomitted all sorts of crimes in her previous few lifetimes.¡± That she would meet so many people who would take advantage of her in this life. ¡°Forget it. I can¡¯t be bothered to talk to you.¡±

    Zhai Hua smelled of sweat and her hair was oily.

    Zhai Hua left Miao Jing behind and returned to her bedroom. She took a thorough hot water bath and came out only after twenty minutes.

    As for how the other family of three outside her room interacted during these twenty minutes, Zhai Huapletely did not bother and could not intervene as well. Two of the three outside were her elders and one was the younger brother that she doted on most. All these three were more opinionated than one another. Who did she dare to take in hand? Who could she take in hand?

    Miao Jing seemed to be having thorns on her bottoms. She was restless and could not sit still. She looked at Zhai Yaohui from time to time, hoping that Zhai Yaohui could open his mouth and ask her what happened.

    However, today, Zhai Yaohui also wanted to frighten Miao Jian intentionally. He had clearly seen through Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts but he held back and did not open his mouth to ask.

    In the end, Miao Jing was still the one who could not hold back further. ¡°Zhai Yaohui, if Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t like it, as his mother, I can¡¯t possibly force him to marry thedy of the other family. Yesterday¡¯s matter will be put to a close. Nevertheless, to prevent the other party from misunderstanding, do you want to pay the Qian family a visit and give them an exnation?¡±

    Whether a blind date was sessful or not, both parties had to give each other a response. It was also to prevent causing any unnecessary misunderstanding or dying the other party¡¯s time.

    ¡°You have thought about it?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Miao Jing in an unfriendly manner. ¡°Miao Miao, we¡¯re already at this age. In the future, create less trouble and don¡¯t kick up a fuss regarding our children¡¯s matters.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you to rify with the Qian family now!¡± Yes, she was only a wild and wretched girl from the countryside. She was ignorant. She could not help Zhai Yaohui and the Zhai family and could only cause trouble for them. Today, it seemed like the words that Qi Min had told her in the past was not wrong at all.

    Regardless of how stubborn she was and no matter if she refused to admit defeat, in the end, even her son and daughter did not want to be on her side.

    Zhai Hua came out with a towel wrapped on her head. She was full of anger as she said, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re clearly the one in the wrong in this matter.¡±

 Chapter 607 - Will You Accept Someone Like Qiao Nan?

    Chapter 607: Will You ept Someone Like Qiao Nan?

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°You want Dad to help you clean up the mess that you¡¯ve created. Aren¡¯t you being too much with this attitude?¡± Zhai Hua sat down hard on the sofa. The soft feel on her bottom made her sigh. True enough, home was the mostfortable ce. ¡°Dad, when Mom was with you outside in the past, was her temper always like that?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not deny.

    At this juncture, Zhai Huaughed. ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t I hear you mentioned this before? All these years, I have been thinking that mom was the one amodating you. She doesn¡¯t even bother about Zhai Sheng and me anymore. So, you¡¯re the one who became mom¡¯s scapegoat. Given Mom¡¯s such temper, it seems that you didn¡¯t live as good a life as Zhai Sheng and I thought for these twenty years.¡±

    So what if his wife was always by his side? The wife was asionally muddleheaded and had an extremely strong temper.

    She did not understand what her grandfather saw in her mother that he insisted that her mother married into the Zhai family.

    Zhai Yaohui gave Zhai Hua a look of warning and hinted at her not to go overboard. No matter what, Miao Miao was Hua Hua¡¯s biological mother. Could Hua Hua treat her elder in such a manner?

    ¡°Mom, did you see that? My dad treats you much better than what we think. He has to see your frowning and sulky look asionally, especially when the Qiu family visited us. You looked so bitter as if you¡¯re nursing a deep hatred. I really once believed how much Dad made you suffer. Mom, you have to cherish your fortune. It¡¯s not easy to meet someone like Dad. Don¡¯t be too much.¡±

    Zhai Hua only knew today that the way her parents got along was not as simple as what she thought previously. Her mother, because of her family background, not only had low self-esteem but was also looked down upon by people around her.

    Moreover, her father was also not the kind of male chauvinist that would entirely disregard his wife¡¯s feelings and turn a blind eye to her mother¡¯s pain.

    So, over these years, it was not her mother amodating her father but her father tolerating her mother?

    After all, every time the Qiu family visited and left, her mother would re up. Also, each time, she and Zhai Sheng would cast ugly looks at their father as they felt that he had bullied their mother. It had been so many years and her father had endured it silently. Hence, the one who was really suffering was not her mother but her father.

    Zhai Hua looked at Zhai Yaohui with eyes full of empathy: To have such a worrisome wife and two biased children...¡¯Dad, you¡¯re so pitiful.¡¯

    Zhai Yaohui saw through Zhai Hua¡¯s thoughts immediately. He was so furious that he nearly threw the newspapers in his hands at Zhai Hua¡¯s face. Pitiful? How was he pitiful? His wife was virtuous and he had few worries. Moreover, both his children were capable andpletely unlike those from other families who had so many bad habits. ¡°The matter regarding the Qian family, I¡¯ve already contacted them.¡±

    Miao Jing, who nearly stood up upon hearing her daughter¡¯s words, felt a little surprised when she heard this good news. ¡°You¡¯ve contacted them?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the Qian family understands now.¡±

    The minute Miao Jing stepped out of the door to look for Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui had found out what the phone number of the Qian family was. He gave a call to Secretary Qian and expressed that Zhai Sheng did not inform the family that he was in a romantic rtionship. Hence, Miao Jing was unaware of this matter and thus arranged the blind date. Everything was a misunderstanding and they were very sorry to have wasted Qian Mufang¡¯s one day of time.

    As soon as these words were out, it was clear that the Zhai family did not object to the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and his current girlfriend.

    Secretary Qian was not willing to give up yesterday because of Miao Jing¡¯s attitude.

    However, Zhai Yaohui, the head of the family, had already said that the Zhai family did not have an objection to the current rtionship of Zhai Sheng. Hence, Secretary Qian no longer had anything to yearn for. He immediately told Qian Mufang that he would find another good man for her.

    After Qian Mufang finished the conversation with Secretary Qian and hung up the phone, she was so furious that she threw a huge fit.

    Find another good one?

    Would he be as good as Regiment Commander Zhai? Would he be better than him?

    To put it bluntly, they were going to find a substandard product that was not better than Regiment Commander Zhai.

    ¡°So what if there¡¯s no longer any issue with the Qian family? It is the Qian family this time. Maybe it will be the Zhao family, the Sun family, or the Lee family next time. Dad, our Zhai family will be very lively in the future.¡± Zhai Hua, who was sitting on the sofa and drying her hair, spoke menacingly and nastily again, giving no face to her mother, Miao Jing, at all.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s character was as such. In the past, when she thought that Zhai Yaohui was not good enough to Miao Jing, she also spoke to Zhai Yaohui in such a bizarre manner with implied meaning in her words. It was just that the party she was aggravating was changed from Zhai Yaohui to Miao Jing today.

    ¡°Hua Hua, restrain yourself a little. Even if you¡¯re at home, there¡¯s still someone who can discipline you!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned ck. Hua Hua was getting overboard.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Zhai Hua did an action of zipping her mouth and expressed that she would shut up.

    Miao Jing¡¯s hands trembled a little. In the past, she had seen her daughter using such an attitude toward Zhai Yaohui. She did not expect that she would suffer from the same kind of ¡®treatment¡¯ one day. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be any Zhao, Qian, Sun, or Lee families. Since Zhai Sheng already has a girlfriend, even if this youngdy¡¯s birth status is not good enough, as long as there isn¡¯t much issue in her character and she won¡¯t drag the family down, I won¡¯t object to it.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zhai Hua, who had just shut up, looked at Miao Jing in shock. ¡°Mom, Zhai Sheng is someone who is very determined. He¡¯s getting along very well with that youngdy. It¡¯s impossible that he will be willing to meet thatdy from the Qian family. If you say this, the more Zhai Sheng won¡¯t change his mind. You have to know that if you relent on this, basically, it¡¯s almost a certainty that your daughter-inw will be this youngdy.¡±

    This time, Zhai Yaohui did not hold Zhai Hua back. This was because, he, too, thought alike.

    Once Miao Miao said this, if Miao Miao regretted what she said today, Zhai Sheng would not care about Miao Miao¡¯s feelings. He would act first and informter. He would submit the marriage report and collect the marriage certificate. The situation would be awful and difficult. The mother and son would be like enemies with each other.

    ¡°It¡¯s real. More real than real gold. If I¡¯m unwilling, I¡¯m unwilling. Previously, I didn¡¯t agree to his rtionship with that youngdy. I only said that we need to observe more. Of course, if Zhai Sheng really wants to be with that youngdy, it¡¯s not that I won¡¯t have any requirements. Given the status of our Zhai family, when Zhai Sheng marries his wife, it will be different from the time that your dad married me. I can have no expectations regarding her family background but not in other areas. If she does not meet my expectations at the very least, I won¡¯t agree to let her marry into the house of the Zhai family. She has to be a good person without malicious intents. She has to be smart, presentable, and able to handle things in a gracious manner. She has to meet all these criteria!¡±

    Her requirements were not low either.

    If that young girlfriend of Zhai Sheng had no problems meeting all these requirements, then she would really have nothing to say.

    On the contrary, if she did not meet her requirements, then it would not do. It was not just her. The Zhai family could not agree either!

    Zhai Sheng, who had been crossing his arms and disying the attitude of refusal all these while, suddenly opened his mouth and said, ¡°Mom, if I find you a youngdy like Nan Nan, whose family background is not the best but not the worst either, is pretty and smart, has top-notch grades, has contributed to the country, and ismended by the army before she even steps out of the society, will you ept?¡±

 Chapter 608 - That Was Mean

    <h4>Chapter 608: That Was Mean</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing was stunned. ¡°Don¡¯t use Nan Nan to make such a joke. This is not a joke. This is you being mean.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Both Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were silent for a moment. Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows and snorted. ¡°Anyway, if Zhai Sheng finds you a youngdy like Qiao Nan, tell me, will you agree? Is Qiao Nan pretty enough? There¡¯s no issue with her character either. Regarding the handling of matters, you¡¯ve sorted out your thoughts because of Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. At the very least, Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts are more mature than you. Her character and interpersonal skills are definitely not poor. Furthermore, everyone knows how well Qiao Nan performed in the army this time. Mom, is there anything you¡¯re dissatisfied with?¡±

    Miao Jing was both angry and amused. ¡°If Zhai Sheng can really find a youngdy like Nan Nan, I should be able to ept. However, I have to say this again. We¡¯re just having a chat at home. You can¡¯t spread these words outside. Nan Nan is just a youngdy and you all are so mean to her. She¡¯s really down on her luck. Nan Nan has no dealings with Qiu Chenxi and thetter already went to her ce to look for trouble. If you keep using her as aparison, do you want Qiu Chenxi to go after Nan Nan tirelessly and target Nan Nan for the rest of her life?¡±

    Miao Jing was not shunning youngdies with such a family background. She was just sparing a thought for Nan Nan. Hence, such an attitude made the other three in the family at a loss for words.

    ¡°Did you hear that!¡± Miao Jing mmed the table once. ¡°I¡¯m saying this not just for Nan Nan¡¯s sake. I¡¯m also reminding you, Zhai Sheng. Your father and I watched Qiu Chenxi grew up. Thisdy is strong-tempered and arrogant. She feels that all the good things in the world belong to her. Zhai Sheng refuses to be with her. If the status of thedy that Zhai Sheng marries in the future is higher than hers, she may not even feel justified. On the other hand, if you marry one whose family background is worse than hers, if Qiu Chenxi catches anything that¡¯scking in thatdy, she will definitely not let thisdy off. Like mother, like daughter. This certainly can¡¯t be wrong.¡±

    In short, whoever Qiu Chenxi targeted would be very unlucky.

    ¡°Is it so excessive?¡± Zhai Hua asked, seemingly doubting it.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Yaohui a nce. ¡°I¡¯ve already said that if the youngdy you all mentioned is really simr to Nan Nan, I won¡¯t agree. But, at the very least, I won¡¯t object. Furthermore, I won¡¯t arrange anymore blind date like the one yesterday for Zhai Sheng. I can promise that I won¡¯t do anything to this youngdy, but once you expose the identity of this youngdy, what Qiu Chenxi will do to her... Don¡¯t say that I didn¡¯t remind you today. Zhai Sheng, having a romantic rtionship is your own business. Don¡¯t torture others. You can¡¯t drag Nan Nan into this. Understand? If the same thing happens again, Qiu Chenxi looking for her and scolding her vixen, will Nan Nan still have a good reputation? Will she be able to find a boyfriend and get married in the future? You will be building your happiness on someone else¡¯s pain and suffering. Zhai Sheng, is this what you should do as a soldier?¡±

    Although all that Miao Jing had just said were not issues, Zhai Sheng could not help thinking deeply about the worries in Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, I objected previously, but I¡¯ve never told you my concerns before. Nan Nan is right. We are one family and there¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t tell one another. The young girlfriend that you¡¯re with now definitely doesn¡¯t belong to our social circle. She doesn¡¯t have any connections. If you bring her to attend other people¡¯s events, how many people will she know?¡±

    ¡°This is not an issue. She¡¯s very intelligent. If you give her some time, she canpletely handle the situation well,¡± Zhai Hua said it first.

    Miao Jingughed in a mocking manner. ¡°Even if this youngdy is really very smart, she needs to spend some time to understand and get a handle on things. However, you have to understand that trouble will alwayse knocking at her door. If no one targets her, she may have enough time to learn. But will Qiu Chenxi allow that? Qiu Chenxi has a lot of friends in this circle. She¡¯s different from Zhai Sheng and you. Both of you stay in the army every day and carry out your missions. You are the down-to-earth type that rolls up your sleeves. But what Qiu Chenxi likes most is to attend various events and functions. Previously, this was also the reason why I wanted Zhai Sheng to marry Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°I understand now.¡± Zhai Hua made a fist with one hand and punched her other hand. ¡°Mom, what you mean is that, as soon as Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend appears, Qiu Chenxi will never give her any time to learn and grow. Once there is a chance to attend a public event, Qiu Chenxi will bring along her group of foxy and bitchy friends to make things difficult for my sister-inw?¡±

    In that kind of social circle and setting, if one had been surrounded and made a fool of, then the blow was really not going to be little. If it was not handled properly, she might not dare to face others again.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that will happen.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you said it as if you¡¯re very experienced. Was it because Qi Min dealt with you in the same manner when you first married Dad?!¡± Zhai Hua discovered that she had found the crux of the problem.

    The only exnation that her mother understood the situation so well was that she had already experienced it.

    If that was really the case, she could then understand why her mother was insistent on finding a daughter-inw with better family status and background.

    At the very least,dies who came from good family backgrounds could handle such major asions and would not be bullied too harshly by Qiu Chenxi. Her mother was concerned that Nan Nan would be bullied and humiliated?

    Clearly, her mother had good intentions but she never made herself clear.

    If this was not brought up today, she really could not understand why her mother had always been rejectingdies with a family background such as that of Nan Nan.

    At the sight of her father¡¯s expression, she was certain that even her father did not know that there was such a matter as well.

    Knowing that her biological mother had suffered so greatly under Qi Min, Zhai Hua raged with righteousness and indignation. ¡°Mom, you only know how to be fierce in front of us and make us listen to you. Why do you act like a weakling before Qi Min? She made you suffer so much when you¡¯re young that you made such a fool of yourself and yet you¡¯re still willing to let her daughter marry your son? I¡¯m going to be driven to my grave. Everyone says that the daughter-inw suffers and finally bes the mother-inw. Judging from past grievances, if you really wanted Qiu Chenxi to be married into our family, you should have used the identity of the mother-inw to subdue Qiu Chenxi. However, you would rather suffer and make yourself unhappy. You allowed Qiu Chenxi toe to our house and have so many meals over the years. You watched the mother-daughter pair sitting in our house, happilyughing and chit-chatting with each other. Mom, what were you thinking then?¡±

    If it was her, she would have long taken revenge.

    ¡°Nan Nan is right. I feel very sorry about what happened in the past. I felt guilty and I wanted to make up for it. Hence, I could only suffer alone.¡± She snatched Zhai Yaohui away from Qi Min and destroyed the happiness between Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min. In the end, she had to sacrifice her only son to make up for the regrets of Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min.

    Nan Nan was right. She was selfish. She selfishly wanted to be with Zhai Yaohui for the sake of her own happiness.

 Chapter 609 - Dad, Youâ€™re a Moron

    <h4>Chapter 609: Dad, You¡¯re a Moron</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Next, she made her son lose the opportunity to choose his love so that he could help her make it up for everything.

    What Hua Hua said was not wrong. As a mother, she did not give anything, yet she always wanted to control her children and make them do something for her.

    Perhaps, Qi Min was right when she called her a jinx in the past.

    Because of her existence, everyone she was rted to did not have a good life and had to be burdened by her.

    Zhai Yaohui lost Qi Min. Today, she forced her son, who already had someone he liked, to attend a blind date. Certainly, none of those who were slightly close to her could lead a happy life.

    When Miao Jing said such words that gave up on herself, both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua looked at Zhai Yaohui angrily.

    After all, Qi Min, this trouble, was drawn in by Zhai Yaohui. After saying so much, the world rotated 360 degrees and returned to its starting point. The problem was still with this good father of theirs.

    This time, Zhai Yaohui did not look at his two children with me. In actual fact, today was also the first time he found out that Miao Jing had encountered such matters when she just married into the Zhai family.

    When Miao Jing first came to the Zhai family, she was aware that her status was notpatible with the Zhai family. She thus felt very ill at ease even when she was at the house of the Zhai family. Although Old Master Zhai told her to treat it as her own home, Miao Jing restrained her behavior and was so careful, even when she was holding a cup of tea. She was fearful that she would break the cup or crack any corner or porcin of the cup.

    If anyone had spoken harshly to Miao Jing, to Miao Jing, who did not have any confidence then, that would certainly have been a great blow.

    Zhai Yaohui felt uneasy at heart. So, without him knowing, Miao Miao had already been bullied before. Moreover, Qi Min was the one who bullied her.

    When Zhai Yaohui thought of some of the things that he did in the past, he asked, ¡°Did it happen when I asked you to follow Qi Min around so that she could guide you more many years ago?¡±

    ¡°...¡± After some time, Miao Jing then answered bitterly, ¡°Yes...¡±

    She was notpatible with Zhai Yaohui. There was nothing about her that waspatible with him. Then, Zhai Yaohui still had to throw her to her rival-in-love and asked her rival-in-love to bring her around in a social circle that waspletely different from that of hers. He made her be theughingstock in many people¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re a moron!¡± Zhai Hua could not help spurting out these words of scolding. ¡°I¡¯ve not seen Qi Min when she was young but I¡¯ve seen much of Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi is Qi Min¡¯s daughter. Their tempers are definitely alike. Mom had just snatched you over from Qi Min and you handed her over to thetter and asked her to guide Mom. Dad, had your intelligence been eaten by a dog in the past?¡±

    ¡°Dad, it seems like you don¡¯t really understand this little childhood friend of yours,¡± Zhai Sheng said in disdain, his eyes full of me.

    Her mother was to be married to his father but his father did not protect her well. He even let her suffer such humiliation. Firstly, his father¡¯s judgment of character was poor and he trusted the wrong person. Secondly, he did not fulfill his duty as a husband!

    Nan Nan had been saying that there was a knot in her mother¡¯s heart. It was indeed true. Moreover, it had something to do with his father and Qi Min.

    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s really so amusing now. Our whole family is going to be aughingstock.¡± Zhai Hua was angered beyond words. Her father was the chief. Amongst their peers in the army, she and Zhai Sheng were considered the victors.

    After so long, their family of four had actually been toyed by the Qiu family, which had a lower status than that of the Zhai family.

    Miao Jing sniffed. She was not like when she was twenty-over years old where she would cry after being bullied. She could nearly be a grandmother soon. She would not cry. ¡°Anyway, Zhai Sheng, I¡¯m a living example. There¡¯s an illness in my heart that I can¡¯t cure. I feel bad and made you all feel bad too. Zhai Sheng, if you really like that youngdy, you have to think carefully about Mom¡¯s situation and then consider how you will treat the youngdy.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I disagreed previously not because of the youngdy¡¯s status. It¡¯s because I¡¯ve suffered too much. There¡¯s no need for our family to take advantage of the youngdy of another family. If she¡¯s bullied, you may still live happily if you don¡¯t know anything. But when you know about it, the matter will beplicated. In short, it¡¯s difficult either way.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was definitely not a kind one. She seemed to be more merciless than the Qi Min in the past. ¡°Zhai Sheng, regarding the matter between your dad and me in the past, Qi Min has never dared to address me as a vixen before others at the very least. She only knows how to harm me behind other people¡¯s back. However, look at Qiu Chenxi. Nan Nan is not rted to you in any way, yet she had already knocked on her door and scolded her. Reputation is so important to a youngdy. You can¡¯t afford to provoke Qi Min¡¯s daughter.¡±

    ¡°Since we can¡¯t afford to provoke her, yet you still...¡± Zhai Hua was sullen. Wouldn¡¯t there be less trouble if they had drawn the line with the Qiu family earlier?

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Miao Jing sneered. She did not exin because she could not do so.

    As ady from the countryside, of course, Miao Jing felt uneasy and unhappy when she saw the graceful and elegant Qi Min. She was not willing to interact with such a person.

    Furthermore, Miao Jing felt that she was the one who took away something that belonged to Qi Min. She felt guilty and was unwilling to face Qi Min. The best course of action would be the Zhai familypletely ceasing all interactions with Qi Min and her family.

    The problem was that Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min felt that they could still be siblings although they could not be spouses. He had been telling Miao Jing that Qi Min¡¯s character was not bad and that she was quite good. She was cheerful and knowledgeable and would be a good sister. If there was anything that Miao Jing did not understand, she could look for Qi Min if she needed help.

    Zhai Yaohui initially thought that since Miao Jing was a woman, whereas he was a man, there must be many things that while he did not know, Qi Min did.

    He was hoping that Miao Jing could quickly find a friend that she could get along with so that she could be familiar with Ping Cheng and get used to life there. However, he had neglected the hiddenpetition between women. In particr, he had underestimated Qi Min¡¯s persistence.

    Zhai Yaohui insisted that Qi Min was a good younger sister and asked Miao Jing to learn more from her. Miao Jing did not have any choice or alternative.

    The good thing was that Qi Min also got marriedter and gave birth to Qiu Chenxi thereafter. Miao Jing then let her guard down a little.

    ¡°Miao Miao, do you really think that Qi Min really likes me so much?¡± Zhai Yaohui was a man, but he also knew about the persistence that a woman had toward love.

    ¡°Otherwise? She is unable to forget you. Although she couldn¡¯t marry you, she hopes that her daughter will marry your son. Aren¡¯t your feelings toward her the same?¡± Miao Jing could tell that Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min had reciprocal feelings. At most, she simply wanted to help them and sacrifice her son to make up for her selfishness when she was young.

    The ones who took the lead in tying the knot between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi were ultimately Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui did not know whether tough or cry. Toward this situation, he really could not exin it clearly.

 Chapter 610 - Look On the Bright Side of Things

    Chapter 610: Look On the Bright Side of Things

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°If I had not won Shi Peng and became the chief, most likely, Qi Min would have given up on me long ago and happily be the sister of the chief. She tried all ways and means to marry her daughter to Zhai Sheng not because of her feelings toward me when she was young, but because she knows that Zhai Sheng is outstanding enough and will eventually take over my position through his own efforts. What she has always wanted is the glory associated with the position of the chief.¡±

    He was, in fact, not that important to Qi Min.

    ¡°Oh, since you know it so well, why have you been making such mistakes?¡± Zhai Hua could not understand. Her father sounded smart but his actions differed from his words.

    Zhai Sheng interrupted Zhai Hua¡¯s question. ¡°Alright, now that everyone has spoken out, we know what¡¯s going on in our minds. Mom, it¡¯s best that you have sorted out your thoughts. That girlfriend of mine, I treat her as my wife. If not for her age and her fear of you being unhappy, I would have submitted the marriage report long ago. Therefore, whether you¡¯re willing or not is not within our consideration. It won¡¯t affect the oue of us being together. It¡¯s just that she wants to try as she¡¯s not willing to make you feel sad. As for Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi, they should not appear in any of our family topics in the future.¡±

    Zhai Hua was a woman. Although she was a soldier, she was more feelings-oriented than Zhai Sheng and thus not as rational when it came to analyzing problems.

    Zhai Sheng could understand why the two families maintained contact although Zhai Yaohui saw through Qi Min so well. There was only one reason. Qiu Chenxi had the status and family background. She thus had wide connections in that social circle. At the very least, as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, Qiu Chenxi would be able to manage everything well.

    For the sake of the word ¡®convenience¡¯, Zhai Yaohui silently agreed to Qi Min¡¯s n and allowed Zhai Sheng to interact with Qiu Chenxi since they were children.

    In the eyes of the soldier, there was love forrades, rtives, organization, and the country, but not a romance between a man and a woman. There were only liked-minded soul-mates. As such, Zhai Yaohui did not believe in love between a man and a woman at all.

    Hence, there was no need to go deeper into this topic.

    Zhai Hua was stunned for a moment. Soon after, she agreed with Zhai Sheng¡¯s suggestion. ¡°Zhai Sheng is right. This matter will end here. I won¡¯t bring this up again in the future.¡± If they continued talking about that mother-daughter pair, their moods would worsen.

    ¡°After letting it out, I feel much better now. You all continue to chat. I¡¯ll go back to my room and take a rest.¡± Having said all these, Miao Jing felt so relieved. Last night, Miao Jing did not sleep at all. Now, she was sleepy.

    Miao Jing returned to her bedroom and fell asleep in seconds as soon as she hit the bed.

    She felt much better, but the remaining three who bore the surname of Zhai could not see eye to eye with one another. The atmosphere was extremely awkward.

    ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± Zhai Hua picked an apple from the table and started chewing it loudly. ¡°Obviously, Mom did not believe at all that Nan Nan is the one that is with Zhai Sheng. Now that Mom has bared it all, the knot in her heart has loosened. She can finally ept ady with such a family background. Why can¡¯t she let Zhai Sheng marry Nan Nan despite liking Nan Nan so much?¡±

    This was simply the mystery of the Zhai family. She could not find the answer at all.

    ¡°Marry, what marry! Qiao Nan is only eighteen years old this year and has not reached the legal age of marriage. She still has three to four years to go!¡± Zhai Yaohui said strictly. ¡°Zhai Sheng, don¡¯t tell me you wish to go against thew?¡±

    ¡°I wish to!¡± At the sight of Zhai Yaohui ring up, Zhai Sheng calmly added, ¡°But Nan Nan refuses to.¡±

    Her mother did not believe that Nan Nan was the one that he was with?

    Fine. He would submit the marriage report and collect the marriage certificate. He would hold it in front of his mother and see if she believed him then.

    ¡°Good-for-nothing!¡± Zhai Yaohui was having a headache. So, Zhai Sheng had such thoughts but Qiao Nan did not agree.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Hua threw Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng an apple each. Both the old and the young men reached out and caught their respective apple. ¡°Whether Mom epts Nan Nan or not, the situation ahead doesn¡¯t seem too bad at least. Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan and you have to continue to persist. The hard work will soon pay off. Fine, take it that I did not say anything.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had already wanted to kidnap other people into their house. Did he still need her advice?

    ¡°I¡¯ll give Nan Nan a call.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s head was aching badly. He should have called Nan Nan yesterday but had not done so.

    Zhai Sheng wanted to do so early this morning. He arrived home tootest night and was afraid of disturbing the Qiao family and troubling Qiao Dongliang if he made the call then.

    But this morning, Miao Jing immediately went to the house of the Qiao family. It was thus not convenient for Zhai Sheng to make the call.

    ¡°Dad, now that both Mom and Zhai Sheng are not around, I have something to tell you.¡± Zhai Hua threw the core of the apple into the dustbin. ¡°In the past, Qi Min bullied Mom and made Mom so pitiful. Are we going to let this matter go?¡± Her father was willing but she was not!

    Zhai Hua was Miao Jing¡¯s biological daughter. She was not a fake or adopted one.

    Zhai Hua used to be annoyed with Miao Jing¡¯s irrationality as she did not know the reason for thetter¡¯s behavior.

    But Miao Jing had changed for the better and spoken out what was troubling her. Now, Zhai Huapletely stood on Miao Jing¡¯s side.

    ¡°Let it go like that?¡± Zhai Yaohui sneered for a moment. ¡°Do as you wish. I won¡¯t obstruct you.¡±

    ¡°With your words, that will do. All these years, the Qiu family did not benefit little from the Zhai family when they climbed up the corporatedders. First, not to mention other matters, I can¡¯t let whoever was close to Qi Min in the Qiu family and depended on Qi Min off. I want to investigate clearly who were the ones who helped Qi Min bully my mom many years ago!¡±

    The prestigious wife of a chief had been bullied so badly and did not even utter a word. This was not the style of Zhai Hua.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see to it. Know your limits and don¡¯t overdo it. That will do.¡± As long as Zhai Hua knew her limits, no matter what would happen in the future, Zhai Yaohui would help Zhai Hua clean up the mess.

    ¡°With your words, that will do. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng and I would definitely look down on you,¡± Zhai Hua said satisfactorily. With her father¡¯s backing in the family, there was really nothing that she did not dare to do.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± After Zhai Sheng ¡®reported¡¯ what happened to her, Qiao Nan, who felt very bad initially, was much at ease now. ¡°It had not been easy for Auntie Miao. Sister Zhai Hua and you have to be more understanding toward her. The good thing is that she let it out. If not, there¡¯d certainly be a problem among your family members.¡±

    Qi Min was so shrewd. When Auntie Miao just stepped into the social circle and even before she became the wife of a chief, she had already given Auntie Miao such a direct blow.

    Most probably, any typical woman who suffered such humiliation would have long chosen to run away from all the problems.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, actually, Auntie Miao loves Chief Zhai. No, it should be that she loves him very much. Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be Sister Zhai Hua and you today.¡± What would she do without Brother Zhai?

 Chapter 611 - Did Not Mind Watching the â€˜Funâ€™ Grow

    Chapter 611: Did Not Mind Watching the ¡®Fun¡¯ Grow

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Was she going to, like her previous lifetime, be lonely and alone till the end of her life?

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan was extremely d that Miao Jing had persisted in the past. Her happiness today would then exist.

    Naturally, regarding the strange and cold rejection that Miao Jing had toward her in the past, Qiao Nan could ept all of that now.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s my dad¡¯s good fortune. Nevertheless, I¡¯m more blessed than my dad.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mince his words. His words were as shameless as him.

    Qiao Nan was amused by Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. ¡°If your dad hears you, most likely, he will be driven mad to the grave. Nevertheless, this matter has been exposed. What are your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°Thoughts?¡± Zhai Sheng flipped the book in his hand. There was a sh in his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t need to think about it. Zhai Hua will do it.¡± Zhai Hua was someone who could not control her temper. It was also more appropriate for her to do this. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry. If Zhai Hua gets out of hand, my dad will watch over her.¡±

    ¡°What you mean is that Chief Zhai will allow Sister Zhai Hua to do something?¡±

    ¡°My dad feels quite deeply for my mom.¡± He was also a man. Hence, at certain times, the son certainly could understand the father better than the daughter could. ¡°From what I see, it seems like my dad does care about my mom. He¡¯s also not as good to Qi Min as we thought.¡±

    At the very least, if it was him, he would not marry her mother if he really loved Qi Min. Moreover, the status of the Qiu family would not be so low today.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, regarding the matter between Chief Zhai and Qi Min, I¡¯ve heard some of it recently. When Qi Min was with Chief Zhai, Chief Zhai had not assumed the position of the chief yet. He waspeting with Officer Shi for the role, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That means Chief Zhai assumed the role only after he married Auntie Miao and had Sister Zhai Hua and you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan fell silent. ording to the sequence of the matters, coupled with the understanding that she had about the situation of the Shi family and Qi Min¡¯s character, Qiao Nan formed a scary thought, ¡®Chief Zhai is really quite an ¡®evil¡¯ and petty man.¡¯

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng had already guessed that Qiao Nan would think of it but he did not expect Qiao Nan to react so quickly. ¡°Recently, when Shi Qing stays in your house, she told you quite a lot.¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing has a high IQ, but as for EQ... Hahaha. Before I knew her, she¡¯s arrogant and cold. After knowing her, she¡¯s silly and sweet.¡± There was no need for her to inquire about many things in the Shi family as Shi Qing would just spill the beans and tell her everything. Shi Qing waspletely unaware that dirty linen should not be aired in public.

    Perhaps she had endured it for too long at home, and it had not been easy for her to find someone that she could confide in. As such, the chatty potential in Shi Qing had beenpletely unleashed.

    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about it. I feel that I¡¯m talking bad behind her back.¡± Qiao Nan stopped herself and was unwilling to overthink. All these matters happened to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s generation. It would not benefit her much if she knew too much. She just needed to understand a little.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll cover up for you. You father-inw won¡¯t know that you said all this.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mind. His father had done these things after all. Would he be afraid of others¡¯ talking about it?

    It was just that Qi Min was too silly for over the past twenty years, or she was overconfident and did not see through his father¡¯s true colors.

    ¡°Alright, since I already know the situation, I¡¯ll ask you another matter, Brother Zhai.¡± Seeing that Shi Qing¡¯s ears were nearly touching hers, Qiao Nan pushed her face away with one palm so that Shi Qing would stay further away from her.

    ¡°Commendation letter?¡±

    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s the matter with that letter? The army couldn¡¯t possibly write amendation letter for me formally just because I taught a few days of English at the army camp? Principal Meng said that he had confirmed with the Department of Education that there¡¯ll even be additional marks for the college entrance examination because of this letter!¡± This matter was no different from having something good fall into yourp. She nearly fainted because of this.

    If one could derive such great benefit from participating in the events in the army, all senior high school students in our great and proud Chinese nation would definitely use all ways and means to fight for the chance to enter the army and work hard to get these additional marks from then onward.

    ¡°This has got something to do with the secret mission of the army. We can¡¯t announce it to the public at this moment. Of course, it won¡¯t be that easy to receive thatmendation letter, but you deserve it. Hence, you don¡¯t need to worry. Nan Nan, people say that a man with a virtuous wife has fewer troubles. For me, with a virtuous wife in the family, I¡¯m blessed so much more. Nan Nan, this time, you¡¯ve helped me a great deal.¡±

    If Song Yin had not coincidentally heard the conversation between the two foreigners and picked it up well enough to repeat it to them, it would not have been so easy to carry out the mission this time. Most importantly, the few cities near the borders would have also suffered disorderly from gun-shooting by terrorist organizations.

    Due to the great danger and possible negative impact of this matter, they had to strive for victory despite the danger. Subsequently, Qiao Nan received a letter ofmendation. Song Yin, a junior soldier then, had also been credited third-ss merit.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t say it, then don¡¯t. As long as there¡¯s no mistake in this, it¡¯s fine.¡± If there had been a blunder, many people in the school would most probably be waiting to watch her be aughingstock. Furthermore, it would also affect the reputation of the army. ¡°Alright, there is no other issue. Why don¡¯t we hang up?¡±

    With Shi Qing staring at the phone, Qiao Nan really could not continue with the conversation anymore. She would feel uneasy no matter what she said.

    In particr, when Zhai Sheng talked about a man with a virtuous wife having less trouble, Qiao Nan covered the phone receiver tightly, in case it was heard by the sharp-eared Shi Qing.

    Listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen voice, which was obviously muffled due to her covering the phone receiver, of course, Zhai Sheng could guess the situation at the house of the Qiao family. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s chat again when we meet next time.¡±

    ¡°Bye, Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan hung up the phone at her fastest speed. ¡°Alright, there¡¯s nothing to listen to now. Shouldn¡¯t you go and do your homework?¡±

    ¡°Crap.¡± Shi Qing snorted in dissatisfaction. ¡°You¡¯re too petty.¡±

    ¡°I never said I¡¯m generous. If that¡¯s your impression of me, I can only say that¡¯s just your delusion, my child.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Qing leaned her head against Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders like a cat. ¡°Do you want to chat with me? The topic you spoke about regarding my auntie, what did that mean?¡±

    ¡°You heard it?¡± Qiao Nan felt sullen. Clearly, she had covered it so tightly.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear any of those words that I shouldn¡¯t hear, but I did not miss any of the words that I should either.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Did you mean Chief Zhai did not have such deep feelings for my auntie and it¡¯s my auntie¡¯s one-sided thinking? Come,e,e. Chat with me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so eager to chat?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am! She and Qiu Chenxi caused my dad to submit the resignation letter earlier and made him leave the army so soon. Although you have advised me before that it may be better for my dad to leave earlier and rest because of his health, I¡¯m still reluctant and unhappy!¡±

 Chapter 612 - Sick in the Mind

    Chapter 612: Sick in the Mind

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    The fact that her father was willing was one matter, but forced to submit his resignation letter was a separate matter.

    Since a young age, she had suffered too much under Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi. This time, the matter was right before her, so how could Shi Qing not want to know about it?

    Qiao Nan thought for a while. ¡°I only have a rough guess.¡±

    ¡°Guess, what guess? Didn¡¯t Brother Zhai already silently confirm your guess? The facts can¡¯t deviate too much from your guess. Hurry.¡±

    ¡°I think Chief Zhai was most likely able to win against your dad and assumed the position of chief many years ago because he wanted to aggravate your auntie. Or put it in a different way, he was motivated because of your auntie. He knew best what your auntie cared about most. In order to make your auntie feel bad, Chief Zhai purposely took on this position. To put it in ugly words, all these years, the Zhai family and the Qiu family have always been in contact. It was as if they were rtives. Although the Qiu family benefited much from the glory of the Zhai family, when your auntie sees the Zhai family leading such a good life and is well respected by others¡ªthat even her own spouse had to bow, bend his waist, and lower his neck to the Zhai family¡ªhow do you think your auntie feels?¡±

    ¡°If, if she was the one and not Auntie Miao who married Chief Zhai in the past, she, in fact, needed not to depend on the glory of others. All these actually belonged to her,¡± Shi Qing said in a gloating tone. ¡°The more the Qiu family gains from the Zhai family, the more auntie feels unjustified, and the worse she will feel. This is because she thinks she can get more than this. Therefore, she did not gain much. In fact, she lost even more. Won¡¯t this drive my auntie to the grave?¡±

    That auntie of hers liked to take advantage of others the most. After doing so, she still acted as if she looked up to them and gave them face.

    Reversing the situation now, the Zhai family gave the Qiu family benefits on her ount. Wouldn¡¯t that drive her auntie mad?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡± Qi Min basked in glory in the recent few years of her life. She was the childhood friend of Chief Zhai and was also on quite good terms with the chief¡¯s wife.

    However, no matter what, despite all the glory, she relied on the Zhai family and could only shine with their help.

    In short, the more Qi Min gained from the Zhai family, the more dissatisfied she was. She would feel worse at heart and also be tortured by the many ¡®ifs¡¯ in her heart.

    ¡°This is possible!¡± Shi Qing pped her hands. ¡°Given what you said, Chief Zhai and my auntie are actually not on such good terms. He even set up such a psychological barrier and tortured her for so many years. Why did he?¡±

    Shi Qing did not really understand this point. Didn¡¯t they say that Chief Zhai and her auntie were very much in love many years ago?

    If Old Master Zhai had not forced Auntie Miao in between the two of them, Chief Zhai would have married her auntie long ago.

    In the end, Chief Zhai was the one who chose to dump her auntie and marry Auntie Miao. The revenge sequence was now reversed?

    ¡°You have to ask your dad about this. Qi Min is your auntie. It¡¯s not convenient for me to say certain things. Also, if you hear it from your dad, it will be more convincing. Of course, I¡¯m not sure if your dad is willing to tell you.¡±

    The confidential topics that involved the Shi family and the Zhai family, Qiao Nan would not delve into them too deeply. It was inappropriate.

    ¡°Fine, then quickly return to your bedroom and do your homework. I¡¯ll give my dad a call. If I don¡¯t get this clear today, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to sleep tonight. I won¡¯t be able to study well in school tomorrow.¡± Shi Qing robbed the ce of the host and chased Qiao Nan into her bedroom. She even helped Qiao Nan close the door in case Qiao Nan heard anything.

    Qiao Nan, who was pushed into the bedroom, tweaked her lips. The speed that Shi Qing kicked someone to the curb when they¡¯d outlived their usefulness was not slow at all.

    Shi Peng had never brought up these matters that happened when he was young. Now that his daughter was interested and seemed to have found out something, Shi Peng told her what happened in the past to prevent unnecessary trouble.

    When Shi Peng and Zhai Yaohui were young, they were opponentspeting with each other.

    At that time, Shi Peng was more popr than Zhai Yaohui, and most people felt that Shi Peng would be the victor. They felt that there was a higher chance that Shi Peng would win against Zhai Yaohui.

    Qi Min was an opportunistic individual. When she heard that the support for her biological brother was higher, although she bore a different surname from Shi Peng, she also felt good. She looked down a little on Zhai Yaohui then.

    Before this matter, Zhai Yaohui and Shi Peng were young talented men advancing on equal pace, and their future was very promising.

    If Shi Peng had won, he would have left Zhai Yaohui far behind in the ¡®race¡¯.

    As such, the rtionship between Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui would have been pulled apart as well.

    Because of this, Qi Min¡¯s attitude toward Zhai Yaohui became uncertain. When she was outside, she would always address Zhai Yaohui as her brother, not the brother that she was in love with, but her biological brother.

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui eventually gave up on Qi Min and married Miao Jing. The greatest reason why the Shi family did not create a fuss, and even refused to listen to Qi Min¡¯s nonsense about stopping the marriage, was, in fact, Qi Min.

    The month before Zhai Yaohui married Miao Jing, the Shi family discovered that Qi Min had an intimate rtionship with another man. They met up frequently and the rtionship was abnormal.

    Zhai Yaohui started as a patrol officer in the army. In terms of observation skills, even Shi Peng had to take his hat off Zhai Yaohui.

    So many things were happening to Qi Min, and even the Shi family discovered it. Would that escape Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes?

    Hence, one monthter, when they heard that Zhai Yaohui was going to marry Miao Jing, the Shi family did not have any reaction. They just did not attend the banquet.

    The Shi family suspected that Zhai Yaohui had discovered something about Qi Min and thus listened to Old Master Zhai and married thedy that Old Master Zhai brought back from the countryside.

    The Shi family was in the wrong. The Zhai family did not announce the reason publicly and took on the burden as the scapegoat who turned their back on the Shi family. The Shi family should feel guilty instead. Zhai Yaohui was the one who protected the reputation of the Shi family and Qi Min.

    If others knew that Qi Min had been in a rtionship with another man behind Zhai Yaohui¡¯s back one month before stopping the marriage, the reputation of the Shi family would be ruined. Furthermore, Shi Peng would be dragged into this matter and also lose his rights topete for the position of the chief.

    In order topete for that role, Shi Peng could not have any w in his resume and experience.

    It could be said that because of Qi Min¡¯s ignorant ways when she was young, she nearly destroyed the entire Shi family and also Shi Peng, her biological brother.

    It was not that the Shi family was generous enough to not take issue with Zhai Yaohui¡¯s ¡®turning his back for a new lover¡¯. It was because they were guilty-conscious in the first ce and had to hide their tails.

    ¡°I see. This matter is soplicated.¡± Shi Qing was stunned beyond words. ¡°My auntie is so shameless. She¡¯s already in a rtionship with someone else and still wanted to stop a marriage. Is she sick in the mind?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not sick in the mind. She thought that the one that Zhai Yaohui loved was her, and that even if Old Master Zhai wanted him to marry Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui would disobey Old Master Zhai because he could not bear to part with her.¡±

 Chapter 613 - Take Revenge

    Chapter 613: Take Revenge

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Who would have known that Zhai Yaohui not only did not retort, but he also married Miao Jing as soon as he could and then gave birth to two children? Your auntie could not take that lying down and wanted to find ways to vent her fury.¡± Shi Peng¡¯s tone was full of mockery. He had never understood why Qi Min had so much confidence in the past to take all these things for granted.

    ¡°Despite that character of my auntie, Grandpa still dotes on her and Qiu Chenxi so much. They¡¯re too formidable!¡± Shi Qing could not stop herself from pping her hands andmenting ¡®formidable¡¯. Most likely, very few people in the world could do such an extreme thing. Her auntie was truly a ¡®talent¡¯!

    Shi Ping could criticize Qi Min because they were of a simr seniority and was her elder brother. However, at the mention of Old Master Shi, Shi Peng could not do the same. ¡°Qing Qing, perhaps there were some moments when your grandpa was muddleheaded and did not do right, but he¡¯s, after all, our elder. We should respect him. Whatever he says, you can choose not to listen and not do. Nevertheless, you shouldn¡¯t make things look ugly on the surface at the very least, right?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I know what you mean. When I see grandpa next time, and if grandpa scolds me because of Qiu Chenxi, I won¡¯t retort. I also won¡¯t take it to heart.¡± It was just that she would then not be close to her grandfather henceforth.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Shi Peng nodded as he felt more assured. ¡°You¡¯ve already known about Qiao Nan. Learn well from her. Understand?¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiao Nan had such a ¡®top-grade¡¯ mother. After knowing Qiao Nan for so long, Qiao Nan had never confided in her regarding how she had suffered before. No matter how much Qiao Nan disliked them, she would not mention the matters rted to her mother and Qiao Zijin. She would never talk bad about them behind their back.

    If she had not requested her father to investigate, she would have never found out.

    In the future, she would also not argue with her own grandfather or discuss with others about him.

    She would rather distance herself away from him. Her grandfather was old and muddleheaded. There was no need for her to take his words to heart. Talking sense into old folks would be akin to making things difficult for herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. I¡¯m hanging up. Study well and don¡¯t trouble the Qiao family too much.¡± The Shi family was, of course, heartened that his daughter was sensible.

    Since Qing Qing came to Ping Cheng, she had been growing up very quickly.

    Perhaps Qing Qing came to the right ce and met the right people. Hence, she could grow up so quickly.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± When Qiao Dongliang arrived home after work, he saw Shi Qing looking listless and slumping on the sofa. She looked so pitiful. Her look frightened Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Nan Nan, Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Dad, what happened?¡± When she heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan walked out hurriedly. She was also shocked by the sight of Shi Qing slumping on the sofa. ¡°Shi Qing, what are you doing? Have you been robbed of money or...¡± Beauty?

    ¡°That... Should we call the police?¡± Qiao Dongliang was taken in and he was scared out of his wits. This was someone else¡¯s daughter. If that happened, wouldn¡¯t the parents¡¯ hearts ache so much?

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s there to call the police for? If she really meets with robbery, the one who should call the police to save their own life is that unlucky fool.¡± Encountering a formidable and violent woman like Shi Qing, even if he did not die, he would be half dead. Qiao Nan sat down. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve put away the meat and vegetables in the fridge. Will you prepare them?¡±

    ¡°That...¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Shi Qing. What should they do about this situation?

    Qiao Nan patted her chest and expressed that she would resolve it. ¡°She just gave her father a phone call. There¡¯s no major issue.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and cook then.¡± After confirming that Shi Qing did not leave the house or encounter any danger, Qiao Dongliang was then willing to leave. He had to be more careful as this was not his own daughter.

    ¡°Alright. Hurry up and get up. You¡¯re scaring my dad.¡±

    ¡°But my dad frightened me. I¡¯ve never known that my family is soplicated, especially that auntie of mine. She did something so ridiculous and yet she still has the shame to appear before the Zhai family. What kind of person is that?¡± If it were her, she would not have the shame to face anyone from the Zhai family.

    ¡°Human is a very strange being. In the future, you just have to remember one sentence: There are all kinds of fishes in the sea.¡± Qiao Nan did not react too greatly although she was a little surprised too when she heard that Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui had such past when they were young.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you think...¡± Shi Qing took a nce in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s direction and then lowered her volume much. ¡°Qiao Nan, tell me. My auntie is already in a rtionship with another man. Why is she so shameless and keeps appearing before Chief Zhai? Doesn¡¯t she feel embarrassed or ashamed?¡±

    If it was her, she could not wait to simply dig a hole and bury herself in it.

    Qiao Nan took a sip of water and wiped her sweat. ¡°There¡¯s nothing strange about this. Perhaps Qi Min thinks that she had covered this matter up very well and no one knew that she had done something that let Chief Zhai down. Since no one knew, and Chief Zhai did not know as well, then she doesn¡¯t need to feel guilty. She can act as the victim and continue to keep in touch with the Zhai family.¡±

    In other words, from Qi Min¡¯s perspective, she did not need to feel guilty. It was the Zhai family, especially Chief Zhai, who needed to.

    ¡°I¡¯m speechless.¡± Certainly, she believed that her auntie had the habit of acting smart. ¡°Qiao Nan, can I borrow the phone in your house?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to call Qi Min?¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°Have you thought about what to say and how to seek revenge on the mother and daughter?¡±

    Shi Qing did not reply. She only continued to dial the phone number of the Qiu family. ¡°Hello? It¡¯s me. I¡¯m Shi Qing. Right... Auntie, it¡¯s me. I have something to tell you. Don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯m not here to see Qiu Chenxi making a fool of herself. My situation is not any better than that of Qiu Chenxi. I can¡¯tugh at her... I¡¯m here today just to tell you the name of a person. That person is called Feng Wei. Hahaha... Don¡¯t be angry. Fine, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    After Shi Qing said the name Feng Wei, she swiftly hung up the phone. She was not willing to say another word at all.

    This was because she knew that when she said this name, it was enough to frighten Qi Min.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, since I¡¯m aware of what¡¯s happening in this world, this is the first time I feel that life can be so happy and smooth!¡± Having been stood up by her auntie-daughter pair for so many years, she had finally taken her revenge. ¡°This won¡¯t do. I¡¯m so hungry. I want to eat three bowls of rice today!¡±

    ¡°Do you wish to stuff yourself to death? One and a half bowl!¡± Qiao Nan chided. ¡°It¡¯s not a good habit to gouge.¡±

    ¡°Alright, one and a half bowl then. I¡¯m in a good mood and I am not picky.¡±

    ¡°Hello? Hello, Shi Qing? Where did you hear that from... Hello? Hello!¡± In contrast with Shi Qing¡¯s happiness, Qi Min¡¯s expression changed greatly. She held on to the phone and refused to put it down, wanting to get to the bottom of the matter. However, at that moment, Shi Qing had already hung up and only left a beeping tone for Qi Min.

 Chapter 614 - Badly Entrapped

    Chapter 614: Badly Entrapped

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Madam...¡± The auntie in the house quickly grabbed the phone. ¡°Madam, this is already the third phone of the house this year.¡±

    ¡°So what if this is the third phone? Doesn¡¯t our Qiu family have money? Can¡¯t I afford to smash this?! I am smashing the things in my house. You¡¯re just an auntie. Why are you interfering in this?¡± Qi Min¡¯s face turned ck. She wanted to snatch back the phone and smash it to the floor.

    The matter between Chenxi and Zhai Sheng was not going smoothly. Zhai Sheng was recuperating for such a long time but had never allowed Chenxi to visit him in the camp.

    Furthermore, when Zhai Sheng left the army camp to carry out a mission, he did not even inform them. This caused Chenxi to wait in vain at the entrance of the army camp for another three days.

    Seeing her daughter¡¯s skin turn increasingly dark day by day, Qi Min was full of heartache. Facing this, she could only endure and hope that Zhai Sheng could tell the deep feelings her daughter had for him, and that he would be moved. In that case, all the suffering her daughter went through would be worth it.

    Who would have known that all these turned into a joke in the end!

    Qi Min¡¯s temper worsened by the day. Furthermore, Qiu Qin had been away from home often. Sometimes, he would return home veryte at night. asionally, he would not evene home to sleep!

    Nothing was going smoothly in the family. Her own man was of no use at all. He was away from home all the time. Qi Min, who felt that everything was not going well for her, had even wanted to pray at the temple.

    The situation was already as such, yet her niece had to call her and create trouble.

    Feng Wei, Feng Wei!

    How would Qi Min forget this person!

    Until today, Qi Min still felt that, if Feng Wei had not appeared at that time, if the ignorant her then had not been taken in by his beautiful lies, she would have married Zhai Yaohui and be the wife of a chief. Miao Jing would not have been able to take her ce then.

    Regarding the matters in the past, it was not that Qi Min did not feel anything about it. It was just that her perspective toward them was different from others.

    When she knew that her own brother¡¯s chances of sess were higher than Zhai Yaohui¡¯s, Qi Min looked down a little on Zhai Yaohui in her heart.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper was very simr to that of Zhai Yaohui. He was very aloof and did not like to interact with others. A man like that was, in fact, not very popr with women. Even Qiu Chenxi¡¯s persistence toward Zhai Sheng was because of the role of the chief that was currently held by Zhai Yaohui.

    Initially, the statuses of the Zhai family and the Shi family were on par. Both families werepatible and Zhai Yaohui was quite outstanding too. As such, Qi Min was together with Zhai Yaohui as a matter of course, and the two became a couple that everyone silently acknowledged.

    Thereafter, when such a situation urred, Qi Min was unhappy.

    Zhai Yaohui would very soon be defeated by her brother. In the future, the statuses of the Zhai family and the Shi family would not be on par. Hence, they would not bepatible with each other anymore.

    If Zhai Yaohui really married her, she would be marrying into a family of a lower status. Yet, Zhai Yaohui still did not treat her that well or coax her.

    Zhai Yaohui did not know how to sweet talk but Feng Wei knew. Furthermore, Feng Wei also had a reputable family background. Very soon, Qi Min was happily coaxed by that honey-tongue of Feng Wei.

    Naturally, the more time Qi Min spent with Feng Wei, the less time she spent with Zhai Yaohui. It was during that time that Old Master Zhai appeared and brought Miao Jing.

    When Qi Min knew about Miao Jing¡¯s existence, it was already nearing the end of the marriage talks between the two, under the arrangement of Old Master Zhai.

    Initially, it was not that Qi Min could not bear to leave Zhai Yaohui. She just felt that Zhai Yaohui was cold and aloof although he clearly liked her. She had not said that they would break up, so why was Zhai Yaohui fit to marry another woman? It was as if she had been dumped.

    Hence, when Qi Min made things difficult for Miao Jing, it was purely because she was angry that she had lost face.

    It was only when Zhai Yaohui won against Shi Peng and became the chief that Qi Min truly regretted being fickle-minded in the past. She should not have been cajoled and muddled by Feng Wei. She then lost the good fate that she had with Zhai Yaohui.

    Qi Min did not want Zhai Yaohui to find out about this past of hers because they could not even be friends with each other if Zhai Yaohui knew.

    Moreover, although Zhai Yaohui had married Miao Jing, Qi Min had not given up on Zhai Yaohui.

    It was illegal to break up an army marriage. However, if Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing did not like each other and he requested for divorce on his own ord, it would have nothing to do with her.

    Unfortunately, once the matter had ¡®derailed¡¯, it was not so easy for Qi Min to let it return to its original state anymore.

    Qi Min hated the appearance and lies of Feng Wei. After so many years, Qi Min finally had her own family and daughter. When she heard the name of this man who ruined her lifetime happiness, how could Qi Min not feel angry and not re up?

    If Shi Qing said these words in front of Qi Min, thetter would definitely re up uncontrobly and give Shi Qing a p.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s happening again?¡± Qiu Chenxi, who had turned so much darker due to the sun, was so furious that she refused to leave the house.

    When she found out that Zhai Sheng was not in the army camp and had left to carry out a mission, that she had wasted three days acting pitiful with self-torture, Qiu Chenxi returned to Ping Cheng in a rage.

    In order to move Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi suffered so much and she had not been having fun for a long time. As such, Qiu Chenxi requested the chauffeur to change directions on the way home and headed to the shopping mall that she usually frequented to do some shopping.

    Who would have known that Qiu Chenxi met a friend when she was at the shopping mall?

    When the friend saw Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face, sheughed and said, ¡°Qiu Chenxi, did you go traveling to South Africa recently? This dark...¡±

    Because of these words, Qiu Chenxi was so angry that she refused to leave the house until she regained her fair skin.

    ¡°Shi...¡± Qi Min had wanted to talk bad about Shi Qing but held back quickly. ¡°No, nothing. There¡¯s nothing. I just feel a little troubled. You don¡¯t need to bother about me. I¡¯ll be fine after I vent out my anger.¡±

    As a mother, Qi Min would not tell Qiu Chenxi everything.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Chenxi did not believe her.

    ¡°Really. Didn¡¯t you want to find some face-brightening masks? I¡¯ve got some for you. You can go and try them.¡± Qi Min changed the topic. Feng Wei, this name¡ªshe hoped that no one would ever mention it again.

    If the matter between Feng Wei and her were known to others and got into the ears of the Zhai family, then those little feelings between Zhai Yaohui and her would be gone. They might even turn from friends to foes.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiu Chenxi did not believe Qi Min¡¯s words at all. ¡°Auntie,e to my room and help me take something.¡±

    After the auntie ced the phone back, she looked at Qi Min to seek thetter¡¯s permission.

    Qi Min gave her a stare. ¡°What are you looking at? Chenxi asked you for help. Are you deaf?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The auntie ran to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s side and went into Qiu Chenxi¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Miss, what do you want me to help you with?¡±

 Chapter 615 - Shopping with Boyfriend

    <h4>Chapter 615: Shopping with Boyfriend</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Help?¡± Qiu Chenxi snorted. ¡°You¡¯re so clumsy. Do you think I dare to hand my face to you? Let me ask you. Who was on the phone with my mom earlier? Who provoked her and made her re up so badly? She nearly smashed another phone.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi heard that conversation of Qi Min.

    Yes, the Qiu family was wealthy. Those few bucks for the phone would not make a difference to them. However, the family¡¯s wealth was not so great such that Qi Min could smash the phones like they were cups.

    During the year alone, Qi Min had smashed two phones. As such, the elderly couple of the Qiu family had taken some issue with Qi Min, this wastrel daughter-inw.

    Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage had be unsessful. Besides, the Shi family could not help Qiu Qin much in his career. All of a sudden, the status of Qi Min and the Qiu family was on par. When the elderly couple was dealing with Qi Min, they were naturally less cautious than before.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s surname was Qiu. The cost of the phone that Qi Min smashed would be borne by the Qiu family. From this point alone, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s held the same view as that of the elderly couple of the Qiu family.

    ¡°Miss Shi Qing was the one who called,¡± the auntie dared not hide the truth and said honestly.

    ¡°Shi Qing dared to bully my mom?¡± Heaven had overturned!

    ¡®I don¡¯t know. I did not hear anything of the conversation between Madam and Miss Shi Qing.¡± The auntie dared not say anything. Besides expressing that the phone call was from Shi Qing before Qi Min red up, she stated that she did not know anything else.

    ¡°Alright, you may leave.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll go and work then.¡±

    Once the auntie left, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned ck.

    At the sight of her tanned skin in the mirror, Qiu Chenxi felt so angry that she simply smashed the mirror.

    If Shi Qing had not given her such a bad idea, how would she be so tanned now such that others evenughed at her?

    On hindsight, Shi Qing had most likely suggested her that day to intentionally harm her. Acting pity with self-torture did not work. It even caused her to be tanned and ugly.

    At the sight of her now, would Brother Zhai still like her?

    This was her territory and Shi Qing still dared to try such tricks with her. If she did not think of a way to deal with Shi Qing and let Shi Qing know her power, then her name would not be Qiu Chenxi!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, where are you bringing me to?¡± Qiao Nan was sitting in Zhai Sheng¡¯s car, feeling a little uneasy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move. Fasten your seat belt.¡± Zhai Sheng held on to the steering wheel and reminded Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. She recalled that one year ago, she and Brother Zhai also had a simr conversation. ¡°Where exactly are you bringing me to?¡±

    ¡°To shop for clothes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± Why would Brother Zhai bring her shopping without an apparent reason? It was not as if she did not have any clothes to wear. ¡°My dad will feel unhappy and angry about it.¡± Her father still could not ept the Zhai family now, especially the expensive gifts from Brother Zhai. ¡°I think my dad hopes that the two of us can be equal. Brother Zhai, I really don¡¯t need them.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not bother this time. ¡°If you really don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s also fine. You can call my mom after we go back and return the clothes to her. That will do.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao asked you to buy them for me?¡± What was the reason?

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s my mom.¡± His mother was muddleheaded and unaware of everything. His father and Zhai Hua were aware but they did not stop him either. It was only right that he brought Nan Nan out to shop for clothes.

    ¡°If it¡¯s Auntie Miao, then Sister Zhai Hua should be the one here looking for me, no?¡± She was ady. Was it appropriate to let Brother Zhai bring her out to shop?

    ¡°Zhai Hua is not avable. As soon as my mother requested, Zhai Hua immediately declined.¡±

    ¡°I understand now.¡± Qiao Nan fastened her seatbelt. This topic was certainly initiated by Auntie Miao. Since Sister Zhai Hua pretended that she was not avable, Brother Zhai became the one who brought her out shopping in the end. ¡°Brother Zhai, I have to be home by four o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Then, I¡¯ll go to school with Shi Qing. I can¡¯t bete.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you bete.¡± Zhai Sheng drove to the entrance of one of the shopping malls and stopped there. ¡°I heard that this mall is not bad. They have quite a lot of apparel. You can take your time to pick.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a nce at the modern and tall building and frowned.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡± Zhai Sheng led Qiao Nan in then moved toward the counter that had more dresses.

    At the sight of the rows of apparel with different designs, true enough, Qiao Nan was having a headache.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you see something you like? If you do, bring them in and try.¡± Zhai Sheng did not really know how to pick clothes. He also did not have any experience apanyingdies for shopping. Most of the clothes that Miao Jing wore were tailor-made. Moreover, most were cheongsams. [1 .Cheongsam: a close-fitting women¡¯s dress with high neck and slit skirt, normally worn by Chinesedies]

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s age and identity, cheongsams were not suitable for her.

    As for Zhai Hua, she was too boyish and hardly wore dresses. She had a lot of pants at home. All the dresses were at the bottom of her pile of clothing. Let alone bringing her out to shop, Zhai Hua simply provided the auntie in the house the design and size, and the auntie helped her buy the clothing back in bulk. It would be convenient to wash and wear then.

    ¡°Good day to both of you. Do you wish to buy clothes? Do you have any design or style in mind? We have quite a lot of nice clothes on the counter. You can take your time picking them.¡± The salesperson walked over very quickly and attended to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng affectionately. ¡°Miss, is your boyfriend apanying you here to buy clothes? You¡¯re so blessed. Look at this dress. This is a new arrival at our shop. It¡¯s very beautiful and it¡¯s very popr amongdies. Your figure is very good. Why don¡¯t you go in and have a try?¡±

    The attitude of the salesperson was very good. Qiao Nan was feeling quite embarrassed. ¡°That... I like the kind that¡¯s simple and elegant with uplicated designs. The best is the type with a clean-cutting. Do you have any rmendations?¡±

    ¡°This type of clothes...¡± The salesperson was a little stunned. Youngdies like Qiao Nan all loved pretty clothes that could doll themselves up like a butterfly. Qiao Nan¡¯s taste was notmon from amercial perspective. ¡°Then, please wait for a while. I¡¯ll help you find them.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    The salesperson walked around and finally took out three pieces of clothing that barely fitted Qiao Nan¡¯s description. ¡°Miss, what do you think about these three?¡±

    Qiao Nan looked more awkward at the sight of these three pieces of clothing. The truth was that Qiao Nan did not like any of the designs. Nevertheless, the salesperson was very enthusiastic. Qiao Nan could only say, ¡°Can I try them?¡±

    ¡°Of course you can. You can take all these three pieces in to try.¡± The salesperson passed all three pieces of clothing to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan shook her head and declined. She only picked one of them. Zhai Sheng forced the other two pieces into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Let¡¯s try all three.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan did not feel good about rejecting Zhai Sheng. She could only try on the three pieces of clothing one by one.

    In the end, after Qiao Nan tried on the three pieces of clothing, the salesperson and Zhai Sheng was surprised that the one Qiao Nan picked earlier looked the best on her among the three.

 Chapter 616 - Very Good Taste

    <h4>Chapter 616: Very Good Taste</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The salesperson smiled and said, ¡°Miss, you have a very good taste. You know how to pick clothing very well.¡±

    The salesperson looked at Qiao Nan with admiration. ¡°You may not know. We, Chinese, are very conventional in our thinking. We feel that it¡¯s not auspicious to wear white and light-colored clothing. It¡¯s as if we¡¯re wearing funeral clothing. Many don¡¯t like them. After the goods arrive, they will just be disyed there as they are not easy to sell. I didn¡¯t expect the effect of wearing white-color clothing to be so good. It looks so pure.¡±

    The salesperson was not trying to praise the cleanliness of that piece of clothing. She was expressing that this piece of white clothingplimented Qiao Nan¡¯s style and charisma when thetter wore it. She looked very pure, as if one was looking at crystals.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan passed the other two pieces of clothing back to the salesperson.

    The salesperson¡¯s attitude was very good and she tried her best to rmend. Qiao Nan would feel extremely embarrassed if she did not buy at least one piece of clothing from her. Fortunately, she finally found a piece that suited her. She thus did not have to go against her wish and buy one that waspletely unsuitable.

    Zhai Sheng took over the remaining clothing in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°This one then. Where do we pay?¡±

    After all, the clothing had been sold. Furthermore, it was a piece of clothing that very few would take a liking to normally. Hence, the salesperson was smiling very brightly. ¡°Please wait a while. I¡¯ll write you an invoice. You can then go over there to make the payment.¡±

    Zhai Sheng made the payment and then helped Qiao Nan carry the bag with the clothing.

    Qiao Nan wanted to take over but Zhai Sheng did not allow her to. ¡°This clothing is not heavy.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. As it¡¯s not heavy, I can carry it myself.¡± Being used to self-sufficiency, Qiao Nan had never asked someone to help her carry stuff before.

    Zhai Sheng did not take issue with her. He only said nonchntly, ¡°You have to get used to it eventually.¡±

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°Are you sure that I have to get used to it eventually?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was stunned for a while. ¡°At the very least, you can get used to it when I¡¯m around.¡± Right, the time he spent in the army would often far exceed that at home. Thus, he could not always keep Nan Nanpany by her side and share her woes. Nevertheless, when he was around, Nan Nan could rely on him. ¡°Are you going to look at other clothes? You only bought one. It¡¯s hard for me to exin to my mom.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Miao didn¡¯t specify how many you have to buy for me, right? One should not get a reward without any contribution. What¡¯s with Auntie Miao? Why did she make you bring me out to shop for clothes?¡± Actually, she should have declined.

    However, given the previous example of Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan would ept these few pieces of clothing first.

    Previously, Qiao Nan saved Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life from a group of hooligans. The Zhu family used such a way to repay the ¡®debt¡¯ that they owed Qiao Nan.

    ¡°No contribution? All the grandchildren of the Zhai family have toe from your womb in the future. Your contributions are going to be great.¡± Having found out Qiao Nan¡¯s preference, Zhai Sheng simply started looking out for Qiao Nan.

    It was a pity that, when he looked around, he found that there were very few clothes that matched Qiao Nan¡¯s preference in the whole shopping mall.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, bring me to a ce.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Brother Zhai would not give up if they only bought one piece of clothing. Qiao Nan might as well suggest going to another ce.

    ¡°What ce?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you¡¯re there.¡±

    When Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were leaving, they bumped into one person coincidentally. However, only that person saw them, whereas they did not see that person.

    Qiu Chenxi had been hiding at home and refusing to leave the house. Qi Min wanted to buy a few clothes to coax Qiu Chenxi. Of course, she had to coax Shi Qing too so that she could ask Shi Qing how she knew about Feng Wei. Who would have known that before Qi Min bought any clothing, she saw Zhai Sheng bringing Qiao Nan to the shopping mall? Most importantly, the bag Zhai Sheng was carrying in his hand obviously containeddies¡¯ apparel.

    Additionally, the two of them had been heading to shops that sold apparel for youngdies. Qi Min knitted her brows. Zhai Sheng was buying clothing for Qiao Nan. Could it be...

    ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s navigation, Zhai Sheng drove the car and stopped at a ce. ¡°The textile shop?¡± Could it be that Nan Nan wanted to purchase fabric and tailor her own clothing?

    ¡°Yes, this textile shop has aprehensive range of fabric styles. They have everything. It¡¯s also cheaper if you buy more. Instead of buying at the shopping mall, I¡¯d rather pick some fabric and tailor-make the clothing myself.¡± The 21st century was different from thete 20th century. In the 21st century, one piece of clothing was cheap. It could not even cover the cost of the manpower.

    At this time in China, purchasing fabric and finding a tailor to tailor-make clothing was a very popr practice.

    ¡°Do you know how to?¡± It was quite hard for Zhai Sheng to imagine that Qiao Nan also knew how to tailor clothes.

    ¡°Do I?¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. With her mother around, there were very few things that she did not know.

    She had always been picking up Qiao Zijin¡¯s old clothing to wear. Her body frame was smaller than that of Qiao Zijin. When they were children, Qiao Zijin¡¯s old clothes were too big. Hence, she would make do and just wear them. When she was older, Qiao Nan started to alter the clothes with needlework before wearing them.

    There was still a huge difference in cost between buying a bolt of fabric and clothing. Having been restrained often by Ding Jiayi, tailoring clothing on her own was still the most cost-effective way when Qiao Nan asionally wanted to wear new clothing.

    Hence, when it was the 21st century, ady like Qiao Nan, who knew how to buy fabric and tailor her own clothing, was already very rare.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I know a little of all of these life skills. One day, if someone praises me, should I thank my mom¡¯s stinginess toward me?¡± Qiao Nan tried to cheer up amidst the sorrow.

    Zhai Sheng did not reply but his eyes were full of heartache.

    Clearly, he and Nan Nan stayed in the same quad. Why didn¡¯t he discover Nan Nan, like her, or even protected her earlier? Instead, he had let Nan Nan suffer for so many years.

    Regarding the unreasonable behavior of Ding Jiayi that was beyond theprehension of a normal human being, Zhai Sheng already did not wish to examine this kind of strange living being anymore. It was just that his heart ached so much for Qiao Nan for having Ding Jiayi as her mother.

    Qiao Nan perked up andughed. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s much cheaper to buy the fabric than ready-made clothing. It¡¯s rare that I have such an opportunity. I have to make up for what I have lost when I was a child. Do you mind helping me pick more pieces of fabric? I feel like buying back all the pretty fabric in the shop.¡±

    ¡°Just buy as much as you wish. I drove here, so we can bring them back easily.¡± Zhai Sheng was prepared to do this even if Qiao Nan had not said so.

    If not for the fact that the clothes in the shopping mall were not to Qiao Nan¡¯s liking, Zhai Sheng would have simply bought seventy-two sets of new clothing for Qiao Nan. This was derived based on four sets of clothing per annum for the full eighteen years that she had lived.

    At this era, the cost of fabric was truly cheap. Qiao Nan was not polite with Zhai Sheng as well. It was rare that she did not restrain her shopping desire and madly shopped for once.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng drove here. Otherwise, there was so much fabric that the two of them really could not bring them back. They would then have to request the owner to deliver them.

    Turning her head and looking at the bolts of good fabric in the car, Qiao Nan felt soothed as she sighed. ¡°Retail therapy is truly the best way to relieve stress.¡±

    It was just that, next time, she would spend her own money when she felt like shopping till she dropped.

    ¡°Ah, are you moving someone¡¯s textile shop home? You bought so much fabric. Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t intend to study anymore and want to specialize in tailoring business?¡±

 Chapter 617 - Bumped into Someone

    <h4>Chapter 617: Bumped into Someone</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Shi Qing saw the heaps of fabric that the two bought, she was wide-eyed and tongue-tied. ¡°Brother Zhai, when a woman spends money to shop, there¡¯s no rationality to speak of. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t have, but don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to have.¡± Zhai Sheng became the coolie. He was carrying the fabric into the house, making a few trips.

    Qiao Nan sat down and drank some tea. ¡°I felt quite happy while I was buying them. But once I stopped, I was really exhausted.¡±

    ¡°You were exhausted? I thought you shopped till you became crazy? By doing this, aren¡¯t you afraid that the Zhai family will form negative perceptions of you?¡± She was not even married into the family and yet she didn¡¯t help Zhai Sheng save when she spent his money. Was Qiao Nan unafraid that the Zhai family would be unhappy with her because of this and make things difficult for her in the future?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was sullen. She expressed that she had considered all these. ¡°In the Zhai family now, most probably, Auntie Miao is the only one who is unaware of the rtionship between Brother Zhai and me. The matter between Brother Zhai and me has to be announced eventually. There are some things that I have to pay attention to now. It¡¯s also for the sake of the Zhai family. Furthermore, when Auntie Miao suggested that Brother Zhai bring me shopping, Chief Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua definitely didn¡¯t object to it. If I really declined, they might not view me positively either.¡±

    It was not good to decline the request from an elder.

    If she rejected and overdid it, it would seem that she did not know what was good for her.

    ¡°Given the spending power of the Zhai family, although I bought so much fabric, the cost may not even exceed their budget to buy ready-made clothes for me.¡± Qiao Nan had calcted the sums well.

    ¡°So, you actually helped the Zhai family save money?¡± Shi Qing started to agree with Qiao Nan¡¯s words. People with her background did not approve of extravagance and wastefulness. Nevertheless, no households would deliberately sh their poverty to disgust others. Qiao Nan had too few clothes in her possession.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t save much, but neither was I wasteful.¡± Qiao Nan looked at the fabric that she had selected and bought. ¡°Moreover, the clothes made from these bolts of fabric will not be just for me. I know about making a gift for people with something given to me.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t this be too difficult? Are you able to handle it? Why don¡¯t I help you cheat a little?¡± Shi Qing shook her head continuously. She felt that the mission Qiao Nan picked was too difficult. If she did it well, she would strike a beautiful victory. If she failed, then she would appear to be acting smart and embarrass herself in front of others.

    There was too big a stake in this gamble.

    ¡°No need, I know how to. However, if you really want to help me, can you get me a sewing machine? I won¡¯t borrow it for free. I¡¯ll make you one set of clothing. How about that?¡± She did not need to cheat. If she really wanted to, she would be very embarrassed to say that she was someone from the 21st century. The people from the 21st century would feel ashamed because of her.

    ¡°No problem.¡± Shi Qing showed an ¡®OKAY¡¯ sign with her hand. ¡°Still the same words. If you can¡¯t handle it, I can help you cheat a little.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    After Zhai Sheng finished moving the items, he drank the cup of water that Qiao Nan got for him. ¡°I¡¯ll go home first. If you need any help, call me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan sent Zhai Sheng off with her eyes. ¡°Did you go out today?¡± Once she returned home and sat down, the first thing Qiao Nan did was to nce at Shi Qing. Brother Zhai was around earlier. It was thus not convenient to ask about certain things. It was convenient to do so now.

    ¡°You¡¯re so sharp. Look.¡± Shi Qing took out the packaging bag and casually poured out the clothing in it ¡°What do you think about this piece of clothing?¡±

    ¡°One word, tawdry. Two words, disgustingly tawdry.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s clothing was too shy and gaudy. There were too many decorations and the flowery design wasplicated. If Shi Qing wore this, she would look like a live flower basket. It was really not very nice.

    ¡°My auntie gave this to me.¡± Shi Qing used one hand to hook the clothing up with disdain. ¡°This is my auntie¡¯s taste?¡±

    ¡°It must be intentional of her to give you such clothing. The clothing that Qiu Chenxi wears is quite stylish. Even if it¡¯s not, at the very least, it¡¯s pricey. This one, though...¡± Qiao Nan did not continue further, in case Shi Qing¡¯s expression turned uglier.

    Shi Qing sneered. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? She treats me as a fool who can be conned. It¡¯s not as if I¡¯ve not seen what Qiu Chenxi wore before. She wants to find out something from me and yet she dared to use this kind of thing to bluff me. I really have such a good auntie. She adopts this kind of attitude when she is pleading others. It¡¯s so rare of her.¡±

    ¡°Pleading? What¡¯s she pleading you for?¡± What matter could make Qi Min so polite to someone?

    ¡°What else can it be? But when she opened her mouth today, I realized that I predicted something wrong.¡± Shi Qing sat up and looked at Qiao Nan energetically. ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned to you about the first matter before. It¡¯s because of Feng Wei. She asked me how I know about Feng Wei, who the Feng Wei that I know is, and how old he is. After confirming that I know about Feng Wei¡¯s matter, she then begged me not to reveal the matter to anyone. You guess. Why else did she look for me?¡±

    Initially, the scope of this ¡®guess¡¯ was really too wide and it was not easy for Qiao Nan to guess.

    But once she came into eye contact with Shi Qing, Qiao Nan reached out her hands and pointed at her own nose. ¡°Because of me?¡±

    ¡°What else could it be!¡± Shi Qing mmed the table as she felt both excited and aggravated. ¡°When you¡¯re shopping together with Brother Zhai, she bumped into both of you. But judging from your behavior, Brother Zhai and you definitely did not discover her. She felt odd and specially came here to ask me why you were shopping with Brother Zhai. Brother Zhai not only bought clothing but also carried the shopping bags for you. She asked me what the rtionship between the two of you is. Qiao Nan, my auntie is starting to suspect that you¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend!¡±

    Having said that, Shi Qing could not help breaking out in a cold sweat for Qiao Nan.

    If her auntie knew about it, there was no difference from Qiu Chenxi knowing about it.

    The mother-daughter pair refused to give up on the position of the chief in the Zhai family. Moreover, Zhai Sheng was so strong and outstanding. He also had great contributions. Hence, the probability that he would take on the role of the chief was more than eighty percent.

    Hence, once her auntie confirmed that Qiao Nan was the one that Brother Zhai was in a romantic rtionship with, given the power of her auntie and Qiu Chenxi, it was not difficult at all for them to create trouble for Qiao Nan such that she could not even remain in Ping Cheng if the Zhai family did not protect her well enough.

    Qiao Nan felt fear and trepidation. ¡°Then, how did you reply to her?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? I¡¯ll be here to protect you. Will I let them bully you?¡± Shi Qing patted her own chest hard. ¡°I don¡¯t need to say much. I just needed to casually tell her about the situation in the Zhai family. She should understand then.¡±

    Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai quarreled with each other, and Qiao Nan was the one who persuaded them to reconcile. The Zhai family was grateful to Qiao Nan and wanted to buy her something. There was nothing strange about it. This was also a way theymonly used to express their gratitude. ¡°But with this, my auntie will hate you more. She can¡¯t wait for the rtionship between Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao to be worse. Who would have known that when the mother-son pair had issues, you made them reconcile? Of course,pared to the fact that you¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, this little grudge is nothing.¡±

 Chapter 618 - Odd Situation

    <h4>Chapter 618: Odd Situation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Too polite of you.¡± Shi Qing lifted her chest. ¡°Right, today, my auntie acted pitiful in front of me. I found out about a situation and felt that something was amiss. Help me analyze it and see if I¡¯ve been paranoid.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°My auntie noticed that my uncle-inw hasn¡¯t been going home very oftentely. He seems so busy and doesn¡¯t evene home to sleep on some days. She told me that she doesn¡¯t have anyone to discuss with whenever she encounters any difficulties. The life that she leads in the Qiu family is not as good as what my dad and I imagined. Hence, she can only rely on Qiu Chenxi and hope that Qiu Chenxi will be sessful in the future, that Qiu Chenxi will marry into a good family. This is so that she won¡¯t need to be at the disposal of the Qiu family anymore.¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her chin. ¡°Do you want me to help you analyze the main points in the first or second half of the conversation?¡±

    ¡°Right, I know that you¡¯ll definitely be able to tell!¡± Shi Qing gave a pat on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. Qiao Nan grimaced in agony. ¡°Big sister, what kind of strength is that? You beat and won against Zhu Baoguo, didn¡¯t you? Do you want to beat me down as well?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll help you rub and massage. I was momentarily too excited and didn¡¯t control my strength too well.¡± Shi Qing looked apologetic as she helped Qiao Nan massage her shoulders conscientiously. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you also think that my uncle-inw¡¯s behavior is a little odd? There¡¯s something amiss, right?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s definitely something wrong. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father also works in the government sector. It¡¯s not as if they have taken on any major projects. There isn¡¯t any natural disaster or man-made misfortune happening either. How could there be so many matters to busy himself with? Even if that¡¯s so, it will, at most, be for intermittent periods. I¡¯ve not heard of situations that will continue for such a long time. You all are in this field. How busy your uncle-inw is, won¡¯t your dad know once he investigates it?¡±

    The jobs in the government sectors were considered cradle-to-grave jobs. The job was stable, the sry was not low, and the benefits wereprehensive.

    It was obvious that there was something amiss about the situation of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father who often stayed overnight outside and did not go home.

    Typically, if a man did not even go home and was not truly tied up with work, most probably, they had a mistress outside.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ll find out after I get my dad to investigate. I will do that then.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so concerned about the rtionship between Qi Min and her husband?¡± Qiao Nan was quite surprised. Wouldn¡¯t Shi Qing be happier if Qi Min¡¯s life worsened?

    ¡°I really don¡¯t care about their rtionship. But given the situations of our two families, our interests and benefits are closely connected. I¡¯m not worried about others, but once there¡¯s a problem with their marriage, the situation in the Qiu family will impact the Shi family negatively. I¡¯ll definitely have to preempt my dad so that he will be prepared.¡±

    Shi Qing did not wish to tell Qiao Nan how disgusting the Qiu family was after they became inws with the Shi family. Nevertheless, the Shi family had to guard against such situations.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tidy up these bolts of fabric. You call your dad quickly.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and tidied up the fabric. In actual fact, the owner of the textile shop had packed them properly, and when Zhai Sheng brought them into the house, he also did not mess them up. They had thus greatly lessened what Qiao Nan needed to do. ¡°Have you finished making the call?¡±

    ¡°My dad is aware of it now.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s face looked grave. Obviously, this matter was more serious than what Qiao Nan thought.

    Qiao Nan sighed. Why was it so troublesome to get married? ¡°Alright, don¡¯t think about it anymore. This matter is not within your control. It¡¯s already four o¡¯clock. We¡¯ll bete if we don¡¯t make our way to school.¡± If not for the fact that her house was located near the school, they would have beente.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Qing knew that sitting and worrying about the problem would not help solve it. Hence, she listened to Qiao Nan and obediently took her schoolbag.

    After Shi Peng picked up Shi Qing¡¯s call, his attitude was very serious. He was extremely cautious too. First, he made a phone call to confirm Qiu Qin¡¯s work situation.

    When he found out that Qiu Qin recently did not receive any major projects, and neither was he arranged for any overseas or outbound work trips, Shi Peng could not help but take the situation reflected by Shi Qing seriously.

    Qiu Qin did not keep his secrets well. Without much effort, Shi Peng already found out the identity of that woman who was with Qiu Qin.

    The woman was younger than Qiu Qin by about seven or eight years old. She was just slightly over thirty in age. In terms of looks, she was not prettier than Qi Min.

    Qiu Qin bought a suite property outside under the name of this woman. However, the property was not huge. It was notvishly renovated either. From the information that Shi Peng gathered, that house was not as well-renovated as the house of the Qiu family. Nevertheless, it seemed quite cozy and nice.

    In a photo, Qiu Qin was smiling very happily. When he was having dinner with that woman, the dishes on the table were also simple, dishes that an ordinary couple took during meals.

    The more ordinary the woman was, the older she was, and the simpler their life was, the more Shi Peng would worry.

    Qiu Qin married Qi Min because of the benefit that he could gain. It had almost nothing to do with love.

    Given that the family status of the Shi family was higher than that of the Qiu family, and she also had Zhai Yaohui, this childhood friend, Qi Min had been adopting a very arrogant attitude toward the Qiu family for more than twenty years.

    As a man, Shi Peng had never felt that Qiu Qin, who did not have feelings for the young and beautiful Qi Min in the past, had developed any feelings for her after seeing such an arrogant and domineering Qi Min after marriage.

    As such, the matter was really grave.

    Shi Peng, who was having a headache, could only investigate the situation of this woman further. Although this woman did not ask for much when she was together with Qiu Qin and also looked ordinary, it did not change the fact that she was breaking up someone else¡¯s family.

    A woman that broke up someone else¡¯s family and became the third party was definitely not a good woman.

    The past two weeks had been a very hard time for Qiao Nan. It was now Shi Qing¡¯s turn for these two weeks.

    Even Zhu Baoguo was suspicious and asked Shi Qing a few times. ¡°Hey, did your ¡®rtives¡¯e?¡±

    ¡°Do you need to be so exaggerating? When the ¡®rtives¡¯e fordies, won¡¯t itst for a week at most? Yours is almost ten days now, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Oh dear, if your ¡®rtives¡¯ came for half a month, why didn¡¯t you lose so much blood that you had to be hospitalized?¡±

    Of course, in exchange for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s additional ¡®concern¡¯ was Shi Qing¡¯s punch. ¡°You¡¯re a grown-up man. You¡¯re so chatty and naggy. Whether my ¡®rtives¡¯ are here or not has got nothing to do with you. Even if my ¡®rtives¡¯ love toe 365 days a year, you don¡¯t need to bother too!¡±

    Nevertheless, after punching Zhu Baoguo once, Shi Qing felt more rxed.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Zhu Baoguo sneered. ¡°A gentleman does not fight with ady. If there¡¯s a next time, don¡¯t me me for being impolite!¡± He had not had a chance to show off the skills that he had picked up over the summer vacation in front of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Cut your crap. I¡¯m in a bad mood.¡± Shi Qing turned her head, looking sullen. She could not see eye to eye with Zhu Baoguo, and vice versa. The unlucky thing was that, from this semester onward, Teacher Liu actually arranged her to be deskmates with Zhu Baoguo. He let her take Qiao Nan¡¯s previous seat!!!

 Chapter 619 - Being Followed

    <h4>Chapter 619: Being Followed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhu Baoguo snorted. She made it sound as if he was dying to speak to her. What a narcissistic.

    On Friday, when it was time for them to go back home, the first person Qiao Nan ran into at the school gate was not Shi Qing but Zhu Baoguo. Zhu Baoguo leaned against the school gate. ¡°No need to search for her. Shi Qing dashed out of the ssroom as soon as the school bell rung today. I suppose she must have reached your house by now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. It seemed like Shi Qing did not have an easy time these two weeks because of what happened with Qi Min and Qiu Qin.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, do you feel that you have changed recently?¡± Zhu Baoguo stopped Qiao Nan, looking upset.

    Qiao Nan stopped in her tracks. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you should learn to grow up. Have I changed? Is it because as we are no longer in the same ss, and neither are we deskmates, that you feel we have grown apart and that I have changed?¡± These two years, Zhu Baoguo had not been making much improvement in his emotional intelligence. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, if you continue to be like this, I will have to ask your dad whether he only made you go through physical training during the summer break. If not, why is it that you have grown physically stronger, but you still have low intelligence?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, am I just like a child in your eyes?¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s expression changed when he thought of what Wang Yang said to him.

    Qiao Nan was stunned momentarily. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? You seemed agitated. Is it due to Shi Qing?¡±

    ¡°Just answer me directly, yes or no?¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and looked serious. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, you shouldn¡¯t be asking me this question. You should ask yourself instead. It has been two years. Do you think you have been behaving like a child or an adult?¡±

    ¡°I understand now.¡± Zhu Baoguo took a deep breath. ¡°Shi Qing has run back home. I will send you back.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s only a short distance away. You don¡¯t have to send me back.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not angry, and he did not ask any other questions. However, he looked depressed and grim, which was to Qiao Nan¡¯s surprise.

    All along, Zhu Baoguo had always been someone who could not hide his emotions.

    ¡°I will send you back.¡± Although Zhu Baoguo did not blow his top, his temper had never been good. For a moment, Qiao Nan even seemed to feel that Zhu Baoguo resembled Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan gave in at the different side of Zhu Baoguo that she saw. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The two of them walked back in silence. Zhu Baoguo looked straight ahead. His eyes were brooding and dark. Qiao Nan had no idea what he was thinking about. Qiao Nan felt a little awkward and she did not know what to say.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan¡¯s house was not far from the school, and they reached her house in no time. Qiao Nan stood at the doorstep. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, thank you for sending me back. Go back home. Don¡¯t let Elder Zhu worry about you.¡±

    There was a flicker in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes. He wanted to ask Qiao Nan whether she would be worried about him.

    ¡°I will go in now.¡± Qiao Nan knitted her brows. She could not help but feel that Zhu Baoguo was behaving strangely today. Gone was the Zhu Baoguo who used to shoot his mouth off in front of her. He seemed to be another person altogether.

    Perhaps she was wrong. Zhu Baoguo had grown up. It was just that she had not realized it.

    Zhu Baoguo turned to leave after he watched Qiao Nan enter the house.

    After Zhu Baoguo left, Chen Jun, who had been hiding in the dark and staring at Qiao Nan, came out from the dark corner with an ominous look.

    Qiao Nan came from a humble family background, and her family had trouble one after another, yet she was surrounded by a lot of escorts.

    He had long wanted to catch Qiao Nan alone, but it had been three months and he still could not find the opportunity to catch her by herself.

    Chen Jun took a deep breath at the thought of the situation at home. He did not believe that there would always be someone with Qiao Nan. He would definitely find a chance to catch Qiao Nan alone.

    Even if he did not have a chance, Qiao Zijin would be able to do it.

    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± Shi Qing had just hung up the phone when Qiao Nan stepped into the house. Shi Qing looked calm and rxed. She seemed to have rified her doubts. ¡°Did Zhu Baoguo send you back?¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡± In fact, it was just a short distance. There was no need for him to send her back.

    ¡°I asked him to send you back. If he dared to go back on his word, he was being ungrateful. Besides, wasn¡¯t he worried that I would let him have a taste of my fists?¡± Shi Qing said in an overbearing stance.

    Qiao Nan put down her schoolbag and looked at Shi Qing, feeling puzzled. ¡°Why did you insist that he sent me back home? I am not in danger.¡± It was no wonder that Zhu Baoguo insisted on sending her back today. It turned out that it was due to Shi Qing. ¡°By the way, I heard that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s fighting prowess has improved after a summer break. Have both of you exchanged blows?¡±

    She had thought that after school reopened, Zhu Baoguo would want to exchange blows with Shi Qing as soon as he saw her.

    ¡°No.¡± Speaking of which, Shi Qing felt perplexed as well. She had been waiting for Zhu Baoguo to challenge her, but to her surprise, Zhu Baoguo did not mention exchanging blows with her. ¡°Besides, don¡¯t be too happy. I insisted that Zhu Baoguo sent you back home as I have a strange feeling recently. You should not underestimate my sixth sense. Sometimes, it¡¯s quite urate. Now that my auntie has her own troubles to deal with and Qiu Chenxi is in a simr situation as her, who is the one going after you?¡±

    ¡°Your auntie... Forget it. Your auntie¡¯s matter aside, you said that I have offended other people. What do you mean?¡± Qiao Nan put the Qiu family¡¯s matters aside. She was more concerned about her problem.

    Shi Qing thought for a moment. ¡°Especially in the past two months, whenever I went out with you, there was always a feeling of being followed. But if I went out by myself, I didn¡¯t have this strange feeling of being stalked by someone. If I am not wrong, that person is after you. I have tried to find this person, but this person is quite capable. I suppose the person knows of those anti-tracking techniques. I always failed to track him down!¡±

    Shi Qing was angry at herself.

    When she was in the army camp, she had been through all sorts of training, but she failed to catch the person who was hiding in the dark. She was such a disgrace to the people in the army.

    ¡°Anti-tracking?¡± Qiao Nan pondered for a while at the terminology. ¡°Average people will not stalk people. I suppose only specially trained personnel will be trained in this aspect?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shi Qing nodded. ¡°The intelligence-gathering personnel and detectives in the army will be equipped with stalking skills. As for the anti-tracking skills, in general, it is a skill that spies or undercover will master.¡± Average people would not be able to have exposure to these professional skills.

    ¡°Why do I feel that I seem to have forgotten something!¡±

 Chapter 620 - Confirmed to Have an Affair

    <h4>Chapter 620: Confirmed to Have an Affair</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    From Shi Qing¡¯s analysis, Qiao Nan could roughly guess who had been stalking her recently.

    ¡°Do you know who the person is?¡±

    Qiao Nan knocked her forehead in exasperation. ¡°That person must be Chen Jun. Besides him, nobody whom I knew by their names is capable of doing this.¡±

    ¡°Including Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°Including Zhu Baoguo.¡±

    Shi Qing was surprised. Zhu Chengqi should have taught Zhu Baoguo about anti-tracking. ¡°Who is that?¡± She was surprised that Qiao Nan knew someone else apart from Zhu Baoguo and Brother Zhai who was in a simr field.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I said that it was Chen Jun?¡± Chen Jun¡¯s father was the deputymissioner in the police station. Other people might not have these skills, but it was not surprising that Chen Jun was skilled in them.

    ¡°Who is Chen Jun, and where is he from?¡± Since she came to Ping Cheng, and after she was acquainted with Qiao Nan, she had never heard of this name before.

    Qiao Nan poured herself a ss of water to hydrate herself. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that Chen Jun has not given up yet. It¡¯s normal that you don¡¯t know who Chen Jun is. In fact, it was due to Zhu Baoguo that Chen Jun is after me. It is very right of Zhu Baoguo to send me back today.¡±

    If not for Zhu Baoguo, she would never have met Chen Jun again.

    Shi Qing could tell that there seemed to be some story about Chen Jun. She was intrigued. ¡°Come, sit next to me. Tell me what the situation is.¡±

    Qiao Nan sat down and told Shi Qing about the situation between Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang briefly. ¡°I told you this so that you know what is happening. But this is the Zhu family¡¯s private affairs. In fact, I should not have told you at all. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    ¡°I understand. You are too much. Do I need you to remind me? I am not a bbermouth.¡± Shi Qing patted her chest and assured Qiao Nan that she would not tell anyone else. ¡°By the way, I can¡¯t tell that Zhu Baoguo has been through such things. Compared to the Wang Yang that you mentioned, I feel that Qiu Chenxi is really kind.¡±

    Shi Qing curled her lips. She felt that what she said was strange.

    ¡°If youpare it as such, it does seem so.¡± Qiu Chenxi was only after Brother Zhai. What Wang Yang wanted was way too much than her. He almost took Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not talk about Qiu Chenxi. What does the Zhu family matters have to do with you?¡±

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to tell Shi Qing about the rtionship between Wang Yang and Chen Jun.

    Shi Qing¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Honey trap? To think that they came up with such schemes... Now, I seem to understand.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang¡¯s n has been exposed by me. Hence, Chen Jun¡¯s family is affected, causing Chen Jun to me everything on me. He knew that Brother Zhai is in a rtionship with me, so he threatened me to break up with Brother Zhai and make use of Brother Zhai¡¯s affection for me to help the Chen family. Back then, he gave me more than a month¡¯s time to agree to his conditions. It was about the time when you transferred to our school. The deadline he gave me was before the summer break. I just got to know you and exams were just over. I was so busy that it slipped my mind.¡±

    After the exams, she was taken by her master to the camp to teach English to the soldiers.

    By the time she left the camp, Shi Qing had moved in with her.

    Even if Chen Jun went ording to what he said and wanted to settle ounts with her during the summer break, he had no opportunity to do that.

    His main intention was not to drag her down with him. His first priority was to make use of her rtionship with Brother Zhai to help the Chen family do well and for his father to be promoted to themissioner position in the police station.

    Not to mention the deadline given by Chen Jun, Qiao Nan had totally forgotten about the whole matter. If Shi Qing had not discovered that someone was following her recently, Qiao Nan would not have remembered what happened with Chen Jun.

    ¡°This person is really shameless.¡± Shi Qing wrapped her arms around her chest and paced about the house. ¡°If I run into this person, I will definitely give him a harsh beating such that his parents no longer recognize him.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°China is a legal society and you are Officer Shi¡¯s daughter. You can¡¯t break thew knowingly. Besides, the biggest problem is that you don¡¯t have any valid reasons to beat him. If things go wrong, we may be implicated. I heard that Chen Jun¡¯s father has been detained and interrogated. Chen Jun is down and in deep trouble that he fears no fall.¡±

    Shi Qing frowned. ¡°Do we just let it go? But you have to endure being followed by him every day. Can you live this kind of life?¡± If it were her, she would definitely not be able to endure it.

    ¡°I have to think about it.¡± It was indeed a tricky situation.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take your time to think about it? When you have a solution, I will help you with it.¡± Just like what Qiao Nan said, it was indeed unsuitable for her to do anything now. She did not have any valid reasons and she could not do so in a fit of anger, lest her father was affected by her actions. Her father was about to leave the army. He could not afford to be embroiled in such a scandal. ¡°Qiao Nan, what¡¯s so strange about you that these troublesome people will always mess with you?¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± She wanted to know as well. ¡°Forget it. I may have known quite a few troublesome people, but I have met some good people as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. For instance, me.¡± Shi Qing praised herself tantly. ¡°Today is a special situation. With me around in the future, Chen Jun will not have a chance to corner you. The most important thing is that Chen Jun should be a college student. Even though his father is being detained and interrogated, it can¡¯t be that bad that he has to quit school, right? The school has started. Unless he doesn¡¯t care about his own future, it doesn¡¯t make sense that he can stay in Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°This is quite strange.¡± Qiao Nan counted with her fingers and hit her forehead with her hands,ing back to her senses. ¡°He should be in his third or fourth year this year. I remember that the third-year and fourth-year university students have to go through an internship.¡±

    ¡°Well, it seems that there is...¡± It was no wonder Chen Jun would appear in Ping Cheng at this time. He must be doing his internship.

    ¡°Alright, as you said, when we go to school, we will take the same route. We spend most of our time in school regardless. Let¡¯s put this matter aside first.¡± Anyway, it was Chen Jun who was after her, not the other way round. Chen Jun was the one who wanted to go to all these efforts to follow her. No matter what, he would not be able to achieve his n. She should not bother with it.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, the Qiu family is in a mess right now.¡± After putting aside the topic of Chen Jun, Shi Qing remembered the phone call that she had just now. ¡°My uncle-inw indeed has an affair. He has another woman outside, and he is very much in love with her. I heard from my dad that the mistress is not as beautiful as my auntie. Her looks are ordinary, but she is younger than my auntie.¡± Shi Qing was very surprised that Qiu Qin would forsake Qi Min, who was pretty-looking, for an ordinary-looking mistress. What exactly was on his mind?

    ¡°The woman is not beautiful?¡± Qiao Nan arched an eyebrow. ¡°Actually, it is not news whether the third party is prettier than the wife or not. Now that the Qiu family is in a mess, does it mean that your auntie knows about the woman?¡±

 Chapter 621 - Tireless in Destroying People

    <h4>Chapter 621: Tireless in Destroying People</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Of course, after my dad found out about this, he handed the information to my grandpa and thetter gave them to my auntie without any hesitance. Given my auntie¡¯s temper, she can¡¯t possibly take it lying down. She went into a big fight with my uncle-in-Law.¡± Shi Qing could easily imagine the situation at the Qiu family right now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too quick to rejoice in other people¡¯s misfortune. I think your grandpa is tireless in destroying people. Did your grandpa mention where the information was from when he gave them to Qi Min?¡± Qiao Nan hit Shi Qing¡¯s head. Shi Qing was too quick to rejoice and had overlooked the details.

    Shi Qing was shocked. ¡°He seemed to say that...¡±

    ¡°That it¡¯s from your dad?¡± Qiao Nan looked upward. ¡°I have to say that your dad is right to leave the army. This is a wise decision. Has your grandpa given up on your dadpletely?¡±

    Just because Qi Min and Chief Zhai used to be with each other when they were young, Old Master Shi felt that Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were his safest bet for a good future. He did not care that Shi Peng was his son who would stay with him whereas Qi Min was married into another family.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if he gives up on my dad!¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°My dad did not depend on my grandpa for the position that he is in today. When my grandpa was young, he met a goodrade and he saved my grandpa¡¯s life on the battlefield. If not for hisrade, he would not have achieved any meritorious deeds or beenmended. After my dad joined the army, he proved his worth through hard work. He is in his position today solely due to his own efforts. Otherwise, my dad would not be in poor health. If he had a capable father like Chief Zhai, he would not need to slough his guts out!¡±

    Speaking of Old Master Shi, he was indeed lucky.

    Old Master Shi grew up during the turmoil of war. He joined the army at a young age and became a soldier.

    It was a pity that he did not have the correct mindset. He joined the army as he felt that the meals would be provided for in the army, so he did not have to worry that he might starve to death during the tumultuous times.

    On the battlefield, Old Master Shi never dared to go to the front line, fearing that he would be hit by the enemy¡¯s bullets or that the bombs would blow him to pieces. It was not long before the organization had a mission and selected a group of people for the mission.

    The reason why Old Master Shi signed up for the mission was simple. If he joined the group to carry out the secret mission, at the very least, he would not need to charge the enemy lines and brave the storm of shots and shells.

    It was during this mission that Old Master Shi¡¯s group was discovered by the enemy.

    After a fierce battle, the squad was almostpletely annihted. In the end, though his formerrade was injured, he carried an unconscious Old Master Shi on his back and went back to the army with an important piece of information.

    With the important piece of information, the party organization achieved a major victory and managed to lower the number of casualties.

    The soldiers in the squad who died were posthumously conferred the title of martyrs, and the two people who survived naturally became the greatest heroes.

    It was also from that time that Old Master Shi¡¯s status in the Red Army began to rise. He was no longer an average soldier.

    The piece of information was brought back by hisrade and his life was saved by him. Old Master Shi did not do anything but ended up with second-ss merit.

    After the liberation, the three generations before Old Master Shi were poor. During that period of time, this was considered a good social status. As such, the Shi family was able to survive the particr period unscathed.

    Given Old Master Shi¡¯s temper, he was lucky enough to be able to secure his position in the army.

    He was also blessed to have Shi Peng as his son.

    Shi Peng was theplete opposite of Old Master Shi. He strove for excellence and was willing to take risks and do the things that Old Master Shi dared not do in the turbulent times. Shi Peng had multiple scars from the battles that he fought, including gunshot wounds. All these were proof that he gave his all while serving in the army, never shying from the dangerous missions that he carried out.

    Shi Peng was not in good health as he had worked too hard when he was young.

    Because of Shi Peng¡¯s achievements in the army, Old Master Shi would always brag about his son to his formerrades.

    That was how the Shi family managed to build a reputation for themselves in this field.

    For this reason, what Shi Qing said previously was very true. Most of the things that Old Master Shi had today were given to him by others. He did not put in any effort at all.

    If Shi Peng wanted to advance in his career, he would have to rely on himself. Zhai Yaohui might be capable, but Old Master Zhai was not to be undermined as well.

    With Old Master Zhai around, Zhai Yaohui had a much easier time in the army than Shi Peng.

    Even though Zhai Yaohui had his father help him, when it was time to fight for the position of the chief of the army, Shi Peng had higher chances of securing the position. It showed that Shi Peng had put in extra efforts and had outstanding achievements.

    As such, it did not really matter if Old Master Shi was supportive of Shi Peng or not.

    ¡°I am not worried about anything, but that Qi Min will make trouble for your dad. Your dad is not in good health. Will he be able to take it if Qi Min creates trouble for him?¡± Qiao Nan reminded Shi Qing that Officer Shi was in poor health and that he needed to rest. It was absolutely unsuitable for him to stay in a noisy environment. It would not be good for his illness.

    Shi Qing could not take it lying down. ¡°My dad has not let her down. Why must she create trouble for him? She should direct her anger at the man who betrayed her. What has it got to with my dad?¡±

    ¡°Because it was your dad who discovered the affair.¡± Qiao Nan was not able to give her a clear exnation.

    Once a woman became confused, she would not vent her anger on the man who betrayed her. Instead, she would push the me to someone else.

    It would either be the woman who seduced her husband or the busybody who discovered the affair and told her about it.

    ¡°There¡¯s another thing to note. Shi Qing, you yourself have forgotten about it as well. You have said that your grandpa has no artifice. Since he is of little help to your dad, he is of not much help to Qi Min as well. Your dad has already submitted his resignation letter. It will not be long before your dad is removed from his officer¡¯s title. By that time, who else can Qi Min rely on in the Shi family? Qi Min is used to living in luxury. Without the Shi family¡¯s power, if Qi Min is no longer the daughter-inw of the Qiu family, what is she left with?¡±

    Once Qi Min divorced Qiu Qin, not only would she no longer be the wife of the government official, but the alimony that she could get would not be significant as well.

    ¡°Do you mean that even though my uncle-inw has a mistress, my auntie will not divorce him?¡± Shi Qing was bbergasted. ¡°Impossible! Her temper is so nasty. She could not tolerate sharing her husband with anyone else. Now that this has happened, how could she possibly tolerate it? If she bears with it, she will suffocate to death.¡±

    Since a young age, her auntie would not allow herself to suffer any injustices.

 Chapter 622 - Qiao Nan, The Hardworking Snail Girl

    <h4>Chapter 622: Qiao Nan, The Hardworking Snail Girl</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? We shall see.¡± Qiao Nan did not exin further. Be it now or in the future, it was rare that marriages were based simply on love.

    Shi Qing did not believe her, but what happened afterward was just as what Qiao Nan had predicted.

    Not long after, the people in the rted field knew about Qiu Qin¡¯s affairs. As the official in the government, his affair was a bad reputation for the country and the government, and he was given a verbal warning.

    The higher-ups had ordered that Qiu Qin must handle his affair as soon as possible. As for when Qiu Qin would be able to return to work, it would have to depend on the situation.

    Of course, if Qiu Qin did not handle it well, he might not be able to continue with his work.

    Seeing that Qin Qin was ordered to stay at home, Qi Min went to Shi Peng straight away and wanted him to settle this problem as soon as possible so that Qiu Qin could return to his work without any dy.

    Shi Qing might not have anticipated this, but Shi Peng was already ready for the turn of events.

    When Shi Peng received the news that Old Master Shi gave all the information to Qi Min and told Qi Min that the information was from him, Shi Peng, who was in bad health, admitted himself into the hospital of the military region right away!

    Without Shi Peng¡¯s consent, Qi Min could not enter the hospital, not even if she was his family.

    Furthermore, there were guards stationed around the hospital. The security was much stricter than the average hospital.

    As expected, Qi Min, who went to the camp to look for Shi Peng, ended up like her daughter, Qiu Chenxi, when thetter went to the camp to look for Zhai Sheng. Despite creating a ruckus and screaming like a shrew, she was denied entry and barred from the hospital.

    Shi Qing was speechless upon hearing the news.

    Why did her auntie not have a different response? She was so predictable that Qiao Nan could tell what her next steps would be. She was such an embarrassment.

    Qiao Nan, who had already expected that this would happen, was not the least surprised. ¡°Now is not the time for you to be angry. In my opinion, how about you stay in the camp for a while as the patient¡¯s family or simply transfer back to the school in Mo Du? Don¡¯t stay in Ping Cheng anymore.¡±

    Officer Shi was smart enough to hide in the military hospital such that Qi Min could not find him, but Shi Qing was different. She was just a student.

    If her auntie came looking for Shi Qing, no matter how she avoided her, she would bump into her sooner orter. That was what happened to her a year ago when her mother came to her school to look for her.

    The monk could run away, but the temple would not run with him. Shi Qing had big trouble now.

    ¡°Am I afraid of her?¡± Shi Qing snorted disdainfully. ¡°It¡¯s fine if she wants to stir up trouble. Since she is willing to let everyone in Ping Cheng know that her husband has an affair and doesn¡¯t want her anymore, and she doesn¡¯t find it embarrassing, why should I be scared of her and hide from her? The adults should settle their own problems, yet shees making trouble for the juniors. Only my auntie will be capable of doing such shameless things.¡±

    Though desperate times called for desperate measures, one could not do such things.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you are mentally prepared.¡±

    ¡°I am mentally prepared, but what about you? Has Brother Zhai gone back to the army this weekend?¡± Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan should be in a rtionship, but their behavior did not seem as if they were in love.

    Shi Qing searched through her memories. Indeed, Brother Zhai had been Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ¡®fianc¨¦¡¯ for so many years. However, Qiu Chenxi never bragged to her that Brother Zhai brought her out to have fun, gave her gifts, or spent time with her doing something together.

    Apart from telling her that Brother Zhai was very outstanding, Qiu Chenxi never seemed to have bragged about their time spent together.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are you unhappy with such a boyfriend?¡± Usually, things would not look as good up close. When Zhai Sheng was out of her reach, Shi Qing had always felt that Zhai Sheng was perfect in every sense and that it was her greatest regret not to be with him.

    Now that they lived in the same city, Shi Qing finally realized that no matter how outstanding Zhai Sheng was, he was just an average man who had his shorings as well. Nobody in the world could be perfect.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan finished doing the test paper and put it aside. ¡°If I tell you that I am busier than Brother Zhai, will you believe me or not?¡± Brother Zhai¡¯s work might be dangerous, but she was just as busy as Brother Zhai. In fact, she was more upied with her homework than him.

    ¡°Alright...¡± Shi Qing cast a nce at the stacks of homework that Qiao Nan had finished and the Oxford dictionary that she had already read halfway through. She was lost for words.

    At school, they were in different sses. Hence, Shi Qing had no idea what Qiao Nan¡¯s learning attitude at school was.

    However, Shi Qing could vouch for Qiao Nan that, on weekends, she studied as hard as she did at school. She would have four sses in the morning and four sses in the afternoon. She would also have three self-study sessions, in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening.

    At eight o¡¯clock at night, she would go back to her room and do some reading for two hours.

    Once it was ten o¡¯clock, no matter what she was doing or reading, Qiao Nan would stop whatever she was doing and go to bed. She would be fast asleep in a minute¡¯s time.

    At about six o¡¯clock the next morning, Qiao Nan would wake up...

    At the thought of this, Shi Qing let out a long sigh. Qiao Nan¡¯s daily lifestyle was simr to her lifestyle when she was training in the army, except that Qiao Nan was studying while she was training. The time spent and the efforts put in for both were the same.

    The difference was that, there would be instructors around in the army camp. If one was to disobey the orders, they would be meted with double the punishment.

    But what Qiao Nan did at home was a conscious effort of hers. There was nobody making sure that she followed her own schedule.

    Qiao Nan was so strict with herself that she was like a robot. Shi Qing covered her face in exasperation. It was no wonder that her father wanted her to learn from Qiao Nan. But no matter how she learned from her, she could never be as self-disciplined as Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was not a human!

    Inparison to Qiao Nan, the life she had in Mo Du, especially when she had her summer break, was no different from wasting her life away.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are inhuman!¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had put her homework aside, was perplexed. What had she done to incur Shi Qing¡¯s wrath? ¡°Why am I inhuman? I didn¡¯t bully you.¡±

    ¡°You are abnormal!¡± Shi Qing continued with her ranting.

    Qiao Nan checked herself thoroughly. ¡°Am I the dragonfly who undergoes iplete metamorphosis or am I the butterfly that undergoesplete metamorphosis?¡±

    ¡°Complete metamorphosis!!¡± Shi Qing shouted. ¡°Qiao Nan, you seem like you¡¯re going to break out of your cocoon and be a butterfly, spreading your wings and soaring to great heights.¡±

    Qiao Nan was constantly learning, reading, and taking on extra tasks. She was like a butterfly that was still in its caterpir form, whereby it underwent the process of spinning itself a silky cocoon, molting into a shiny chrysalis.

    This process was very painful and difficult. It was as if confining oneself to a restricted range of activities.

    However, given enough time, the rain would stop, and the sun would be out. By then, the ugly caterpir would break away from its cocoon and be stronger.

    [0] The Snail Girl is a traditional Chinese folktale whereby a young farmer chances upon arge river snail and brings it home with him and takes great care of it. It turns out that the river snail can take the form of ady. She wille out of her shell to prepare meals for the farmer while he is farming in the fields. It is used to describe someone who is hardworking and kind-hearted and does not ask for returns.

 Chapter 623 - Jack of All Trades

    <h4>Chapter 623: Jack of All Trades</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The caterpir that was ugly and would always be stepped upon by people would spread its beautiful wings and soar to the sky!

    No, Qiao Nan was not a caterpir. Right now, Qiao Nan should be described as the gold hidden in the sand, its dazzle hidden from others.

    When the sand and huge waves were gone, the gold would dazzle brilliantly.

    Qiao Nan felt ufortable at Shi Qing¡¯s gaze. She could not help but look at herself in the mirror. ¡°Do I have wings?¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Shi Qing was ovee with emotions for a short moment, but it turned into nothing the next instant. ¡°Qiao Nan, I just found out that you are still a fool. Sure enough, people with high intelligence and emotional intelligence would have times when they are foolish!¡±

    With that, Shi Qing felt much better.

    Though Shi Qing was ovee with emotions, Qiao Nan, who was like a fool at times, proved that, like Shi Qing, she was just an ordinary person. In other words, Shi Qing was not too far behind Qiao Nan. They were actually simr to each other.

    Shi Qing finally felt at peace.

    Since young, Shi Qing had good grades and was a genius aspared to others. It was natural for her to feel somewhat upset when she met her peers who had better grades and was more outstanding than her in every aspect.

    Shi Qing had been dealt with a strong blow from the first formidable opponent she had met in her life.

    ¡°It¡¯s nine o¡¯clock. It doesn¡¯t matter that you are not going to sleep. I will sleep first.¡± Shi Qing yawned andy on her bed. She covered herself with a thin nket and fell asleep in no time.

    Qiao Nan went ording to her study n. She did her reading until ten o¡¯clock before she went to bed.

    Qiao Nan stood up from her chair and noticed the mathematics exercise sheet that was ced haphazardly on Shi Qing¡¯s study table.

    Qiao Nan took the exercise sheet and looked through it randomly. Among all the test papers that the teachers gave her to practice, Shi Qing did notplete a single test paper. She would pick certain questions or question types to do. For the same type of questions, she would either do one of them or pick a question ording to its difficulty level. She would do the difficult questions and leave the easy questions empty.

    Shi Qing left many questions empty in her exercise sheets.

    But only those who understood mathematics would know that Shi Qing was a clever child. It did not matter that she did not finish all the questions. After all, this was just for practice. It was not a real exam. It was brilliant of Shi Qing to choose the challenging questions to tackle and to spend her time on other more important work.

    Qiao Nan sighed after a long while. People like Shi Qing were the real genius. Her winning factor was her intelligence. As for her, she had to rely on her diligence.

    Even though Shi Qing was no longer in the same ss as her, Qiao Nan could not help but feel tremendous stress when she saw her exercise sheet.

    No matter what, she would do her best toplete her high school and cherish the learning opportunity that was rare toe by.

    The next day morning, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing both woke up at six o¡¯clock. Nobody had the habit of sleepingte. They got up early in the morning and ran around themunity.

    ¡°Did both of you buy the breakfast today?¡± It was already seven o¡¯clock when Qiao Dongliang woke up. By then, the dining table was already filled with soybean milk and deep-fried dough sticks.

    ¡°Well, Shi Qing and I went for a run. Dad, have your breakfast before going to work. Don¡¯t be in a hurry. Go slow on the bicycle.¡± Qiao Nan took a bowl for Qiao Dongliang and poured the salty soybean milk into the bowl.

    Qiao Dongliang took in the fragrant smell of the beans and the sight of the white and smooth soybean pudding. He was in a good mood this morning. ¡°Will Shi Qing and you stay at home to study today? You should rx and go out for a walk once in a while. You should not keep staying at home.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t be studying today. I will have a rest this weekend. I will do some handiwork and rx.¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan did not have any study ns for the day.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Since it¡¯s the weekend, you should have some fun with Shi Qing.¡± After drinking thest mouthful of soybean milk, Qiao Dongliang stood up, getting to leave. He took half a stick of deep-fried dough sticks with him. ¡°I woke up slightlyte today. There is work to be done in the factory. I have to finish them by today, so I will probablye homete tonight. Nan Nan, Shi Qing and you can decide what you want for dinner. Just leave some for me. I will reheat them when I am back.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After Qiao Dongliang finished eating, Qiao Nan put away the dishes, washed them, and put them to dry.

    After Qiao Dongliang left, Shi Qing stood next to Qiao Nan. ¡°What are you doing today? Why didn¡¯t you mention it previously? Did you change your mind and intend to look for Brother Zhai and go on a date with him?¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t be going out today.¡± She was not joking with Shi Qing. She really had something on today.

    ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± Qiao Nan had decided not to go out, not to date, and not to study. What did she have in mind? ¡°Qiao Nan, do you want to watch television?¡±

    Qiao Nan knocked on Shi Qing¡¯s forehead. ¡°Have you forgotten that Brother Zhai gave me a lot of fabricst time? I received them during the weekend, but I haven¡¯t been doing anything with them since then.¡± If left for a long time, the fabric might turn moldy.

    ¡°Do you intend to make clothes?¡±

    ¡°Well, haven¡¯t you bought me a sewing machine? We can¡¯t possibly waste it.¡± Qiao Nan took her hat off to Shi Qing. In fact, she was just joking in the beginning. If it did not work out, she would simply spend some money to borrow a sewing machine from someone else.

    Children from rich families were indeed different. At the mention of it, Shi Qing bought the sewing machine straight away. But in this way, it would be easier for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Do you really know how to do it?¡± Shi Qing had indeed asked Shi Peng to buy her a sewing machine and send it to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. However, she did not have high hopes that Qiao Nan would be able to make clothing using the sewing machine.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiao Nan shot Shi Qing a disdainful look and took out all the fabric that they boughtst time.

    Qiao Nan shot a few looks at Shi Qing before she used the chalk to mark neat lines on the fabric.

    ¡°Do you really know how to do it?¡± Shi Qing could tell that Qiao Nan was indeed skilled in making clothes and she felt more at ease. ¡°But from what I see, other people will usually measure the shoulder width, the chest, and the waist. Why didn¡¯t you do that?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. In the future, the clothes were manufactured in batches in the factory. Nobody would make fitting clothes that were tailored to someone¡¯s build. They would make the clothes ording to a general guideline and the clothes came in different sizes, S, M, and L. She had a rough idea of the body build of the person she was making the clothes for. Even though it would not be very fitting, it would not be far off.

    After making the markings on the fabric, Qiao Nan cut the fabric into her desired size. Her movements were natural and deft, as if she was a seamstress who had years of experience. She did not have any hesitation at all.

    Qiao Nan was fast with her hands. Shi Qing, who sat by the side, was dizzy from the quick movements of her hands. She waspletely shaken by her skills. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you the snail girl <sup>1</sup> written in the story?¡±

 Chapter 624 - Love It

    Chapter 624: Love It

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Otherwise, why was it that Qiao Nan seemed to know everything?

    In the past, apart from Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing had never admired anyone, especially people of the same gender. But after she met Qiao Nan, she was dumbstruck by her hidden skills and intelligence. She was full of admiration for Qiao Nan.

    She was perplexed. Qiao Nan only had twenty-four hours a day and her day was packed with study ns. She almost did not have any free time. Why was Qiao Nan so well-versed and skilled in many other areas, whereas she was far behind her?

    It was no wonder that Qiao Nan would asionally tease her for being slightly better than Zhu Baoguo, that she might be athletic but was too simple-minded.

    If she was benchmarked against Qiao Nan, she was indeed clueless in many areas.

    After cutting the sample, Qiao Nan started to sew the clothing using the sewing machine, stepping on the foot pedal. ¡°If you are interested, I can teach you. In fact, this is not very difficult. As long as you have time, and you want to make your own clothes, it is quite simple.¡±

    ¡°I had better not. Back then, I exhausted myself while trying to catch up to Brother Zhai. If I want to be an all-rounder like you, I will die trying. I will leave the tailoring to you. I am fine with being athletic and clumsy in tailoring.¡± Actually, Shi Qing had a phobia of pointed things. She would have goosebumps all over her body at the thought of using needles. To her, it was far easier to take injections.

    ¡°Alright, I will continue with the sewing. You can feel free to do anything you like.¡±

    ¡°I, I will do the examination papers. The science ss has far more examination papers than the humanities ss.¡± Shi Qing took her hat off to Qiao Nan. Since she had nothing to do, and she was, after all, a student, she would do her homework so that her teacher would be pleased with her.

    Qiao Nan spent the whole morning using the sewing machine. She finally stopped sewing at around eleven o¡¯clock in the morning.

    Initially, Shi Qing had thought that she would be disturbed by the pedaling sounds of the sewing machine, but to her surprise, she was not the least bit distracted. In fact, when she was engrossed in her work, she could not even hear any sound.

    ¡°Shi Qing,e over and try it out.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s voice could be heard from outside the room. Shi Qing put down her pen. ¡°You¡¯re done?¡±

    ¡°Well, I have done two sets of clothing. They are for you. You can try them on in the room. If they are fitting, you can wash them yourself and I will iron them. If not, I will alter them for you.¡±

    ¡°Are all of them for me?¡± Looking at the two sets of new clothes in her hands, Shi Qing was excited and amazed. Since a young age, her parents were the only ones who would buy new clothes for her. Her grandparents would not bother themselves with that. Qiao Nan was the third person in her life to give her new clothes. ¡°Are, are they suitable for me?¡±

    Shi Qing took a hesitant look at the clothes in her hands. They looked different from the clothes sold in the market.

    The pattern and designs were very simple.

    Among the two pieces of clothing, one was a suit,prising of a top and bottom, while the other was a dress.

    ¡°Try them on and you will know whether they are suitable or not.¡± Qiao Nan had confidence in the clothes that she made.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qiao Nan had worked hard to make two pieces of clothing for her. Even if they were not as pretty, she had to wear them.

    When Shi Qing came out wearing the suit and checked herself in the mirror, she was surprised at herself. ¡°Good... It looks good on me!!!¡±

    The style of the blouse was simple, but it gave off a brisk and neat feel. It looked cool but there was a soft touch to it. The blouse was styled in a neutral fashion, but the feminine touch was not lost. The design at the waistline entuated Shi Qing¡¯s slender curves.

    The waistline was not tight, but it revealed her slender waist. It looked very good on her.

    The pants were of the same style as the blouse. It had a straight-cut design. Shi Qing seemed to have long and slender legs with this particr design, and more importantly, her legs looked very straight and of the perfect proportion!

    Shi Qing did not expect that the suit would match her so well and look fabulous on her. It looked so much better than the expensive clothes that she bought at big shopping malls. She was certain that she could not find a second pair of the same style in Ping Cheng, Mo Du, or even the capital.

    Otherwise, her maternal grandparents would have bought them and sent them over to her. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are an expert in making clothes. This is so pretty. I love it!¡±

    With that, Shi Qing dashed into her room. Qiao Nan had yet to take another look at the suit to check if she needed to redo or make alterations. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to try on the dress!¡± Unlike her slight hesitation just now, Shi Qing could not wait to put on the dress and see how she looked in it.

    Shi Qing wore the dress and stood in front of the mirror. She was surprised at herself that she turned speechless.

    The dress was simple and without any prints. The skirt was beige in color. Its color was no different from the mourning attire. There was no padding at the shoulders area, and it fell nicely on her shoulders, making Shi Qing¡¯s shoulders seem round and looking petite overall.

    The dress was narrower in the waist area, entuating Shi Qing¡¯s small waist.

    The chest area was able to highlight Shi Qing¡¯s figure. Even though the dress was not custom-made, it was better than custom-made ones!

    Over at the left shoulder area, Qiao Nan usedce that was of the same color tone to make a flower. It looked fresh and beautiful as the gardenia that blossomed under the sun.

    Shi Qing lowered her head and sniffed. ¡°There¡¯s a fragrance?¡±

    The flower was made fromce. How could it smell so nice?

    Qiao Nan gestured with her hand and winked at Shi Qing. ¡°Don¡¯t you find the fragrance familiar?¡±

    ¡°Liushen... Florida Water? 1

    ¡°Bingo!¡±

    ¡°Brilliant!¡± Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. ¡°I¡¯m not going to change out of the dress. It¡¯s so beautiful! I have to go out. It¡¯s a waste to stay at home in this dress. I will go to the camp and show it to my dad!!¡± Shi Qing looked like she wanted to show off her treasures to everyone. Now that she had beautiful clothes, she could not wait for everyone to see her in those clothes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fool around. Change out of it. You need to wash and iron it. It will definitely look better than how it is now.¡± She just finished the dress and did not have time to iron it. Ironed clothes gave off a smarter vibe. One would definitely look better in ironed clothes.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no need to wash it. It already looks very pretty and clean.¡± Shi Qing was unwilling to change out of the dress.

    ¡°The weavers might have stepped on the clothes that you are wearing. It¡¯s not clean at all. I only asked you to try it on. You have to change out of them. Aren¡¯t you afraid of contracting skin disease? Are you foolish?¡± Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at Shi Qing. When she was being willful, she was like a child who had to be coaxed.

    ¡°Are you lying to me?¡± Shi Qing looked at her dress. The fabric was white in color. If it had been stepped on by others, it would not have remained white.

 Chapter 625 - Test Piece

    <h4>Chapter 625: Test Piece</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Even if nobody stepped on it, do you think the fabric woven with a machine is clean? It is dusty, stained with machine oil, and was handled by many people. Can you imagine the clothes you¡¯re wearing were handled by many people, and they could most likely be men?¡± Qiao Nan suddenly thought of the tactic that Tang Mengran used on her during the military training and used it to deal with Shi Qing.

    As expected, Shi Qing¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Are, are you doing it on purpose?¡± With that, Shi Qing felt goosebumps on her neck.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you to believe it or not.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°Since the clothes are for you, it¡¯s yours. Both of them are yours. They won¡¯t run away. What are you worried about?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Shi Qing finally agreed to change out of the clothes after being coaxed by Qiao Nan. She changed into the clothes that she wore previously.

    ¡°You are indeed the daughter of a rich family who is clueless about everything. Even if you buy expensive clothes from the market, you will still need to wash them before wearing them. After all, the clothes are manufactured using machine. It will be safer to wear them after a wash. Can you have somemon sense?¡±

    ¡°Sure, you can teach me.¡± Qiao Nan could teach her whatever she did not know or understand.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I teaching you right now?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Shi Qing was good at following somebody¡¯s cue.

    ¡°Will you make more clothes?¡± Shi Qing had not expected that Qiao Nan would make clothes by herself and that she would give her not one but two new clothes. It was an unexpected surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s eleven o¡¯clock already. I will stop for now to have lunch.¡± Qiao Nan patted her stomach. Her back and neck were sore from sitting at the sewing machine for the whole morning. ¡°Wash the rice and vegetables for me. I will cook themter. I will walk around the yard. My bones are too stiff.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Shi Qing nodded quickly. If she knew how to cook, she would have washed the vegetables and prepared dishes. Qiao Nan had given her two pieces of new clothes today. She had to thank her for what she did. Not to mention a meal, she would be very d to cook for her for a month.

    Qiao Nan went to the yard to walk around while Shi Qing washed the rice and vegetables.

    Shi Qing was full of praise for Qiao Nan while she dug into the dishes that she prepared. ¡°Qiao Nan, when I first arrived in Ping Cheng, I felt that you¡¯re the happiest woman in the world to be able to be with Brother Zhai. But now, it seems that it is Brother Zhai¡¯s good fortune to meet you. Why am I not a man? If I were, given your abilities, I would definitely fight for your affection with Brother Zhai.¡±

    Back when Shi Qing just arrived in Ping Cheng, she would always sing Brother Zhai¡¯s praises. Right now, she was full of praise for Qiao Nan. It was a huge change. Qiao Nan found it worthwhile to give her two sets of clothes today.

    ¡°Will you continue to make clothes in the afternoon?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure. There are so many bolts of fabric. I must hurry up and make the clothes lest they turn moldy.¡± She had decided to spend at most two days to finish making all the clothes.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was highly-skilled. Otherwise, nobody would be able to able to make such high-quality clothes in such a short time.

    Qiao Nan sat in front of the sewing machine in the afternoon for a consecutive six hours and managed to make four sets of clothes.

    She intended to give these four sets of clothes to people from the Zhai family. Hence, she did not wash them. Instead, she ironed them, folded them, and put them aside.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what about yourself? All these are for others?¡± Shi Qing looked through the clothes that Qiao Nan made and realized that she did not make any clothes for herself.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will save the best for tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will make two sets of clothes for myself.¡± Qiao Nan flicked her hair. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since Ist made clothes using a sewing machine. I was worried that I am not as good as I used to be. But now, I am certain that my skills are still there. There will not be any problem. Tomorrow, I will be able to make the best clothes for myself.¡±

    Shi Qing paused momentarily and yelled, ¡°It turned out that the first batch of clothes you made for me was to test your skills!¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled brightly. ¡°Of course. You couldn¡¯t be thinking that I made yours first because I have a crush on you, right? Young girl, you think too much.¡±

    Shi Qing felt like giving Qiao Nan a punch to her face. ¡°Forget it. A great person is big-hearted and magnanimous. I won¡¯t take issue with you. I will let you off on ount of the beautiful clothes that you gave me.¡±

    ¡°I will have to thank you for letting me off.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°People be tired when they are full. This problem can¡¯t be changed.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a nap? You haven¡¯t taken a nap today, have you?¡± Shi Qing asked.

    Qiao Nan looked at the clock. ¡°It is only half-past six. My dad is not back yet, so I won¡¯t sleep. What¡¯s more, I haven¡¯t done any reading and revision today. I have to do serious work now.¡± Qiao Nan took out her books and ced them on the study table. She started to work hard on her revision.

    Shi Qing stared at Qiao Nan who was so hard-working. Her father had made the right choice by leaving her at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. She had no reason to bezy.

    Since Qiao Nan did her homework, Shi Qing followed suit as well.

    It was around half-past seven when Qiao Dongliang finally came back home.

    Qiao Dongliang had said to leave some food for him and that he would reheat them.

    However, Qiao Nan put his dinner into the refrigerator, lest they turned bad.

    When Qiao Nan heard that Qiao Dongliang was back, she put down her pen and went to reheat his dinner right away. ¡°Dad, you should take a hot bath first. I will heat up the dinner for you. By the time youe out of the bath, the dinner will be ready. It won¡¯t be too hot and you can have them right away.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, if not, do you want to have a ss of water first?¡± Shi Qing was unable to sit still as well. Qiao Nan reheated dinner while she poured water for Qiao Dongliang. Both of them worked in harmony.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had worked overtime, felt that all his fatigue had vanished and he felt energized. ¡°I have to trouble both of you. As the elder, I should be the one who takes care of you both.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t say that. I am the one who is imposing on you. My auntie is married and she stays in Ping Cheng. I have rtives here but I chose to stay with you. It shows that Qiao Nan and you have been very nice to me. I should be embarrassed to impose on you. What¡¯s more, Qiao Nan takes great care of me and gives me a lot of guidance. This is what I should do. Back then in the army camp, Qiao Nan was very good to my dad.¡±

    When her father submitted the resignation letter, he was in a bad mood, and so was she.

    She was only concerned that she was unhappy but had forgotten that her father suffered the most.

    She knew her father was not in good health, yet she did not take good care of him.

    On that day, if not for Qiao Nan bringing the meals for them, both of them would have gone hungry. It was alright for her, but her father who was unwell could not stand the hunger.

    Even though it was just a meal, but it was enough for Shi Qing to remember her kindness.

    ¡°Good. Qiao Nan and you are well-behaved kids. All of you are very sensible.¡± Qiao Dongliang was ted. ¡°Then, I will have to trouble both of you. I smell of sweat and smoke. I will bathe and change my clothes lest you can¡¯t stand the smell.¡±

    The high-spirited Qiao Dongliang bathed at his fastest speed. After all, he had once served in the army.

 Chapter 626 - Shi Qing and Zhai Hua in a Quarrel

    <h4>Chapter 626: Shi Qing and Zhai Hua in a Quarrel</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Some habits, once developed, would stay for life.

    The house looked in and simple, and there were only the three of them in the house. However, Qiao Dongliang felt such days were particrly blessed and warm.

    Everyone said that daughters were sweet and caring.

    Qiao Dongliang, who did not have any sons, would oftenfort himself that he had two sweet and caring daughters.

    It was until this moment that Qiao Dongliang really understood what it meant to have two caring daughters. It was a brand new feeling. There were no quarrels, only harmony and peace.

    When Nan Nan and Shi Qing were together, the atmosphere was very harmonious, but when Zijin was with her, it would be a different situation. Was the problem with Nan Nan or Zijin?

    After asking himself this question, Qiao Dongliang looked at himself in the mirror. He could not say anything that was against his heart. The problem was with Zijin. Nan Nan was a well-behaved child.

    ¡°Dad, have your dinner. Don¡¯t be in a hurry. I will do my reading now. You can immerse the cutlery into the water basin after your meal. I will wash them tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay, you can go with Shi Qing to do your reading. You don¡¯t have to help around here.¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a good mood. After his meal, Qiao Dongliang washed the dishes right away. He could not possibly leave them for Qiao Nan to wash tomorrow.

    Listening to the two children who were reading and doing their work quietly in the room, Qiao Dongliang felt calm and rxed. He spent some time watching the evening news before switching off the television. He stretched himself, feeling tired. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t stay up toote with Shi Qing. Both of you should go to bed early.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. We will sleep at nine o¡¯clock today.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will sleep now.¡± Qiao Dongliang went to sleep after getting an answer from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan made good on her words and went to bed at nine o¡¯clock sharp.

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan shared the same room, and her daily routines were the same as thetter¡¯s. Those who did not know might have thought that Shi Qing was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s other daughter, and that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister.

    During the weekend, Qiao Nan worked to make a dress for herself. When it was about ten o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan made a phone call to the Zhai family. ¡°Hello, Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you must be calling to look for my blockheaded brother. But unfortunately, he is not at home today.¡±

    ¡°Has he gone back to the army camp?¡± Brother Zhai did not mention it to her.

    ¡°No. Something regarding the previous mission cropped up. Zhai Sheng had to report to the higher-ups personally. He will be back tonight. But today is the weekend. You will need to go to school in the evening. It is such a coincidence.¡± Zhai Hua snickered. ¡°When hees back, I will tell him that you¡¯re looking for him.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hand. She put down her hand after realizing that Zhai Hua could not see her at all. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, are you free now? Or can youe to my house? I have something to give you.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Hua agreed right away. She drove the car and reached the Qiao family¡¯s residence in fifteen minutes¡¯ time. ¡°Nan Nan, I have reached your home. What is it that you want to give me?¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could answer, Shi Qing came out in the dress that she fell in love with yesterday and showed off in front of Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think about my dress?¡±

    Zhai Hua looked carefully at Shi Qing. ¡°Although I don¡¯t really like to wear a dress, this dress looks fine. I would like to wear as well. Where did you buy it from?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed pretty, right? There¡¯s no way that you can buy it!¡± Shi Qing was excited that she finally had a chance to show it off to others. ¡°This dress has been ironed. It looks very sophisticated, but in fact, it is very cheap. It¡¯s only about ten yuan. Do you believe it?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± How could the beautiful dress with such sophisticated style cost ten yuan? Even if she did not like to wear dresses, she could hang them at home and it would be pleasing to the eye. She wanted ten pieces of them!

    ¡°Haha, have a sniff.¡± Shi Qing stood close to Zhai Hua, and Zhai Hua bent down to smell the dress. ¡°There¡¯s a fragrant smell. But it¡¯s Florida Water, not perfume.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s only Florida Water at Qiao Nan¡¯s house. But look at this flower. It is so realistic. With the Florida Water, don¡¯t you think it looks like a real flower? Don¡¯t you find it difficult to tell the real from the fake?¡±

    Zhai Hua stretched out her hand and touched Shi Qing¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not running a fever. Have you been agitated?¡± The flower was beautiful, but she could tell that it was not real. With her perfect eyesight, she could easily tell fake flowers from real flowers. Shi Qing must be kidding.

    ¡°Asking me whether it looks like a real flower is useless. Let¡¯s find a hos¡¯ nest and have you stand under the nest. We shall see if the hos will chase after you. If so, it can pass off as a genuine flower.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I can understand that you are envious and jealous. I won¡¯t take issue with you.¡± Shi Qing snorted with a look of indifference.

    When Shi Qing was in the army, she would always run into Zhai Hua and they would go for training together. They were on close terms with each other.

    After Shi Qing started to like Zhai Sheng, she would learn about his updates through Zhai Hua. Hence, they were close and could chat easily like friends.

    ¡°The little girl must be asking for punches.¡± Zhai Hua narrowed her eyes. Shi Qing knew her temper very well. Such a young girl like her was not likable.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. There are some for you.¡± After showing off her dress, Shi Qing stood aside. ¡°Today, Qiao Nan said that she has something to give you, so she asked you toe here. What¡¯s the hurry? You will definitely have a share of the good stuff.¡±

    There was a flicker in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. She tried to probe to get an answer. ¡°I suppose the dress isn¡¯t cheap? Is it that the Qiao family doesn¡¯t have that much money?¡± She would not assume the worst of others but she had to protect her family¡¯s interests as well.

    ¡°Gauging the heart of a gentleman with one¡¯s own mean measure.¡± Shi Qing immediately understood what Zhai Hua meant. ¡°Not only is Qiao Nan giving you clothes, but she has also made new clothes for your family of four. These clothes do not cost much, but they are not cheap either. The gift in itself may be insignificant, but the goodwill is deep. You know very well what happened half a month ago when your mom had a quarrel with Zhai Sheng and she cameining to Qiao Nan. The unlucky person is Qiao Nan! Afterward, Auntie Miao asked Brother Zhai to bring Qiao Nan to buy new clothes. Back then, you deliberately declined helping your mom and gave the task to Brother Zhai. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t buy any clothes at all. Instead, she bought a lot of fabric back. She made the dress that I am wearing as well as the clothes that she intends to give to your family!¡±

    Shi Qing was slightly annoyed and somewhat disappointed. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t bring the bad habits in your field to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. You are too contradictory. I thought you agreed to their rtionship and wanted to help Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai. But looking at your attitude today, it doesn¡¯t seem like it. Qiao Nan is a good girl. Let me tell you. In the past, I felt that Qiao Nan must have done a lot of good deeds in her previous lives to be so blessed in this life that she is able to be with Brother Zhai. Now, I don¡¯t think so at all. Sister Zhai Hua, do you know who is the one who is blessed with good fortune?¡±

 Chapter 627 - Brother Zhai, the Lucky Man

    <h4>Chapter 627: Brother Zhai, the Lucky Man</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua looked at Shi Qing with a ridiculous look. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Zhai Sheng?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s Brother Zhai!¡± Shi Qing was displeased. ¡°You may not believe it, but let me analyze it for you. If your family did not meet Qiao Nan, would Auntie Miao be able to sort out her thoughts? Though Auntie Miao hates my auntie and Qiu Chenxi, she would force Brother Zhai to marry Qiu Chenxi for the sake of Chief Zhai. By then, your family would have to suffer. If Brother Zhai did not meet Qiao Nan, even though it¡¯s against his wishes, he would certainly go ording to Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao¡¯s arrangement and marry Qiu Chenxi. Let¡¯s not talk about whether other people in the Zhai family would be happy or not. Do you think Brother Zhai would be happy after marrying Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    But all these had changed because of the appearance of Qiao Nan.

    Auntie Miao had sorted out her thoughts and stopped having any contact with Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min whom she hated. She no longer wished for Brother Zhai to marry Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°When all of you finally got to know Qiao Nan, Brother Zhai has long since fallen in love with her, and eventually, Auntie Miao was willing to voice her opinions and no longer suffers in silence. Brother Zhai has found someone he loves and knows what it is like to be in love and what he is striving for. Anyway, you can tell for yourself the difference in your family before and after getting to know Qiao Nan. Has the Zhai family been faring better or worse? Who is the person who has the good fortune? Whose family is blessed with luck?¡±

    Zhai Hua grew silent.

    As part of the Zhai family, she knew very well of the changes in her family. She did not need Shi Qing to remind her. She could not deny that what she said was the truth.

    The only thing she did not expect was that Shi Qing, that young girl, used to like Zhai Sheng, but right now, instead of going against Qiao Nan, she was siding with her love rival.

    Was Qiao Nan so smart that she was able to manipte Shi Qing? Or was it true that Qiao Nan had won Shi Qing over with her good personality?

    ¡°Young girl, have you forgotten that when you were being punished in the army by your father, who was the person who apanied you and helped you be who you are today? Who is Qiao Nan to you? Is there a need to yell at me, as if you are protecting your daughter, just because of her? Are you closer to me or to her?¡± Zhai Hua pped Shi Qing¡¯s shoulder, feeling displeased.

    She practically watched the young girl grow up. How could she favor an outsider instead of someone on her side and lecture her on top of that?

    ¡°In the past, I was closer to you, but right now, I am closer to Qiao Nan. You are unreasonable and impersonal. You don¡¯t admit that you have received a benefit.¡± Shi Qing went on to list Zhai Hua¡¯s shorings. ¡°From the elderly¡¯s point of view, Qiao Nan can bring fortune to her husband and the Zhai family. Auntie Miao insisted on buying clothes for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan did not want to waste the Zhai family¡¯s money, and she didn¡¯t want the Zhai family to feel that she is greedy. Hence, she bought fabric instead of new clothes. After buying the fabric, she made the clothes herself. The bolts of fabric were for her, but she had all of you in mind. She made new clothes for all of you and has yet to make any for herself. You do not appreciate her effort and suspect that Qiao Nan took money from Brother Zhai and the Zhai family to please the Zhai family. You¡¯re way too much!¡±

    Zhai Hua pursed her lips. This young girl must be very happy at lecturing her?

    She must show her who was in charge!

    After listening to the conversation for a while, Qiao Nan pursed her mouth and her attitude was not as enthusiastic as before. Her tone turned cold. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I made the four pieces of clothes by myself. They did not cost much. The fabric was given by Brother Zhai. However, with the Zhai family¡¯s position and status, I suppose they are too casual and you may not have the asion to wear them. Just forget that I call you over today. Take it that you are here to visit Shi Qing.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Hua might act friendly to others, but in fact, she was only being sociable. When Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi stood at the doorway of the Zhai family¡¯s residence and maligned her for stealing from them, she had already sensed that.

    Back then, she had thought that she had the wrong impression and that she had been thinking too much. After all, Zhai Hua had been very supportive of her rtionship with Zhai Sheng and never objected to it. Hence, Qiao Nan had forgotten about that incident.

    However, the conversation between Shi Qing and Zhai Hua had reminded Qiao Nan of the unpleasant memories.

    She did not have the wrong impression. In fact, Sister Zhai Hua did not like her. She had been wary of her and was trying to sound her out.

    She might seem to be supportive of her, but she was guarding against her.

    The one thing that she had learned from Ding Jiayi was never to be friendly to someone who gave you the cold shoulder.

    Even though the party concerned was Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan still adopted the same attitude.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We should not waste the clothes on people who don¡¯t find it suitable. As soldiers, we don¡¯t waste resources. Sister Zhai Hua, you should go back home. We will give the clothes to other people.¡± The Zhai family might not appreciate the clothes, but the Shi family loved them. There was no point in putting the clothes to waste.

    Shi Qing and the people from the Shi family had more than enough clothes. However, Shi Qing could not stand Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude and hence she helped Qiao Nan spite Zhai Hua.

    ¡°This young girl...¡± Zhai Hua felt funny and annoyed. While she was lecturing Shi Qing, she grabbed the clothes from Qiao Nan. ¡°If my mom and Zhai Sheng know that you have made clothes for all of us but I don¡¯t bring them back, I will be in trouble. It is up to us to decide if we have the asion to wear them. Thank you in advance.¡± With that, Zhai Hua left the house at the fastest speed. She carried the clothes to her car and drove off.

    ¡°This person is really...¡± Shi Qing looked at the visible exhaust trail left by Zhai Hua¡¯s car. Shi Qing was angry at Zhai Hua who left in a hurry with the clothes after saying such mean words. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t take Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s words to heart. She doesn¡¯t understand you. She is mistaken about you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. ¡°Perhaps Auntie Miao¡¯s concerns are well-founded. I am not suited for Brother Zhai. In the eyes of others, Brother Zhai is totally out of my reach and I don¡¯t have any true feelings for Brother Zhai. Actually, the Zhai family has indeed paid for the fabric.¡±

    Thinking of the scene just now, Qiao Nan could not help but feel humiliated.

    She told herself that, if she had to prepare gifts for others in the future, she would have to pay for them herself. Making a gift for people with something that was given to her would only invite troubles for herself.

    If she had been able to pay for the fabrics by herself, perhaps Zhai Hua would not have judged her in that way.

    ¡°You mustn¡¯t think that way. If you do, that proves you have been affected by Sister Zhai Hua.¡± Shi Qing did not know how tofort others. She felt uneasy at Qiao Nan¡¯s discouraging words.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry. I am not so vulnerable, and I will not back down easily.¡±

 Chapter 628 - Zhai Hua Felt Guilty

    <h4>Chapter 628: Zhai Hua Felt Guilty</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I have always been aware of the gap between myself and Brother Zhai. The reason why I study so hard is to change my destiny through education and to shorten the gap between Brother Zhai and me. No matter whether I will end up with Brother Zhai, I feel that this is what I can do at least and I will seed in the end.¡± Qiao Nan calmed down and smiled. It did not matter that she was looked down upon by others. It was fine as long as she did not look down on herself, and that she believed in herself.

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry about how others think. You must insist on being yourself.¡± Hours ago, Shi Qing had felt that Qiao Nan was a stick in the mud, wondering why she must be so rigid in her studies. She could have taken it easy, yet she insisted on forcing herself to go ording to a fixed schedule. There was no need for her to do that.

    But after seeing the situation today, Shi Qing finally understood.

    Qiao Nan was not her. Qiao Nan could not afford to lose. In order to secure a good future, she had to win and work extra hard. She could not ck off. ¡°Qiao Nan, since you have already made yourself a set of clothes, let¡¯s go in and do our reading. You don¡¯t have to be in a hurry to make some clothes for yourself. As for those that you havepleted, forget it, I don¡¯t want to mention it.¡±

    Qiao Nan worked so hard for the whole morning, and the clothes were taken away by Sister Zhai Hua. Shi Qing felt that Sister Zhai Hua did not deserve them.

    If she knew that Zhai Hua would behave in such a manner, she would rather go against her conscience and take the clothes for herself, than letting the Zhai family gain from it.

    Initially, she had thought that, in the Zhai family, there was only Auntie Miao who had a strange temper and wouldin to Qiao Nan after she tried to snatch her boyfriend.

    It turned out that Sister Zhai Hua had the same temper as Auntie Miao. She would behave as if she was supportive of Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan, but at times, she would say hurtful words when people least expected it.

    Qiao Nan could tell that Shi Qing had her best interests. Gone was her defensive manner that she adopted toward Zhai Hua. She turned to smile softly at Shi Qing.

    In fact, she was lucky. Even though Sister Zhai Hua was not what she expected, Shi Qing was indeed a good friend.

    Over at the Zhai family, Miao Jing noticed that Zhai Hua hade back home carrying something in her hands. ¡°Where have you been? Clothes? Don¡¯t you dislike buying clothes? All the clothes in your wardrobe were bought by the helper.¡±

    Miao Jing was curious. It was rare that her daughter would go out to buy clothes for herself. ¡°Do you have a boyfriend?¡± If not, why would Hua Hua buy clothes for herself?

    Zhai Hua almost slipped at Miao Jing¡¯s question. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t kid around. I, I don¡¯t have a boyfriend. I didn¡¯t buy these clothes. Qiao Nan gave them to us. Half a month ago, you asked Zhai Sheng to bring Qiao Nan to buy clothes. She is very sensible. She bought some fabric and said that she prefers to make the clothes by herself. She has made four new clothes for us. Do you want to take a look?¡±

    Originally, Zhai Hua did not have a high expectation of the clothes that Qiao Nan made.

    However, after she saw how Shi Qing looked in the dress that Qiao Nan made, she was interested to look at the clothes that Qiao Nan made for them.

    The clothes were packed separately. Zhai Hua did not look at the pattern but picked out the clothes that were meant for her based on the color and her intuition.

    It was a light blue dress. The cut of the dress was simr to Shi Qing¡¯s dress. It was simple and neat, without those floral patterns that Zhai Hua disliked.

    The dress was without any other patterns and prints. It was cut and sewed neatly. Although the design was simple, Zhai Hua found it pleasing to the eye. The more she looked at it, the more she loved it.

    ¡°This dress, hmm... is very special.¡± As a woman who liked to dress up, Miao Jing had better taste than Zhai Hua. ¡°Is this really made by Nan Nan?¡± It was so beautiful. ¡°It may not have any patterns and prints, but the tailoring is very exquisite. It is better than the clothes I bought outside and those that I custom-made. This is a first. I have never seen such tailoring before.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you haven¡¯t seen it before?¡± She had thought that as she would always stay in the army, the helper did not buy her the clothes that were in vogue.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it before. Where¡¯s mine? Let me take a look.¡± This time, Miao Jing¡¯s interest was piqued. Clothes were irresistible to women.

    Like Zhai Hua, Miao Jing picked the clothes that were meant for her based on the color.

    Miao Jing¡¯s clothes was dark purple in color. However, due to the material of the fabric itself, it had a pearly luster to it.

    Miao Jing tried on her clothes immediately. It gave her a sophisticated, yet low profile look. Her clothes was an improvised version of the cheongsam,prising a top and bottom. Itbined the ssical Chinese style with a simple and modern style.

    Miao Jing had never seen or wore such clothes that could harmoniously blend the Chinese ancient style with the modern style. But she was delighted.

    ¡°Nan Nan has skillful hands. The clothes she made are amazing. They are as good as those made by the tailors. If she uses good quality fabric, it will be unbelievable.¡± Miao Jing, who had a lot of clothes, could tell at one nce that the clothes made by Qiao Nan were brilliant. Furthermore, these clothes were handmade by Qiao Nan. Hence, they were unique and one of its kind. They could not be found on the market.

    That alone was enough to make up for the fabric that was of lower quality.

    Besides, the fabric that Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan to choose from was of a certain quality. Although they were not the best, they were not far off.

    Miao Jing was so thrilled at the clothes that she tried them on right away.

    Miao Jing might have given birth to two kids, but she had maintained her figure and was in top condition.

    The set of clothes also entuated her figure.

    Miao Jing had beautiful calves. The skirt came to rest at her knee, revealing Miao Jing¡¯s slim calves while covering her rtively thicker thighs. The skirt made Miao Jing seemed to have longer legs.

    Seeing that Miao Jing had tried on the clothes, Zhai Hua did not pretend to be reserved. Since Qiao Nan was not at their house, she decided to try on the dress that Qiao Nan gave her.

    Zhai Hua rarely wore such feminine and soft dress, but the hemline of the dress was smooth and cascading. It would sway and lift slightly at any tiniest movement. It was like dancing butterflies. One could not help but want to move about.

    This was very suitable for Zhai Hua who could not quiet down for a minute but was still conscious of looking beautiful.

    It proved that Qiao Nan put in a lot of effort when she was making the clothes for the Zhai family and for Zhai Hua. She had designed them while taking into ount the personality and strengths of each and everyone in the Zhai family.

 Chapter 629 - Made Her Look Like a Heartless Person

    <h4>Chapter 629: Made Her Look Like a Heartless Person</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua was very pleased with the dress and knew that Qiao Nan had put in a lot of effort into the dress. But this also made her attitude and what she said at the Qiao family¡¯s residence to be ungrateful.

    Even though this might be harsh, but she was definitely being heartless.

    Staring at herself who looked different in the dress, Zhai Hua had conflicting emotions.

    If she wore such a beautiful dress from Qiao Nan, it would seem that she owed her. She was open and above board. She would never owe others anything. What should she do now?

    Zhai Hua felt even more upset at the thought of Shi Qing¡¯s usations. She had practically watched her as she grew up. She cared about her as much as she did her brother, Zhai Sheng. However, she was so ungrateful. She had spent so much time with her, but after staying at the Qiao family¡¯s residence for a short period of time, she grew to like Qiao Nan and side with her.

    If Shi Qing had not sided with Qiao Nan and spoken up for her, she would not have felt so guilt-stricken.

    Qiao Nan made the clothes for the Zhai family before making clothes for herself. It could be seen as trying to please the Zhai family, but it also proved that she had the Zhai family in mind.

    Qiao Nan made use of her skills to prepare presents that were suitable for the Zhai family instead of epting the gift from the Zhai family. In fact, Zhai Hua understood her kind intentions.

    It was inappropriate to say that Qiao Nan was trying to win favor or influence them using somebody else¡¯s property. The fabric was not worth much. Instead, the design and handiwork would cost about half of the price of the fabric that Qiao Nan bought.

    For people who appreciated style and tailoring skills, the clothes that she and her mother wore were worth a significant amount of money. Qiao Nan would be able to earn a lot from selling them.

    Since Qiao Nan made those clothes, she must have known their worth.

    In any case, Qiao Nan did not sell them and gifted her hard work to Zhai Hua.

    Oh, this ended up in a mess...

    Shi Qing was to be med for shooting her mouth off. If she had not pointed it out, even if Qiao Nan knew what was on her mind, she would have pretended to be clueless. But now that Shi Qing had pointed it out, Qiao Nan could not pretend not to know.

    Qiao Nan would marry Zhai Sheng eventually and be one family with them. It seemed that she did not teach Shi Qing well. She did not let her know that she should not meddle in other people¡¯s family affairs.

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? You are staring into the mirror. Are you so fond of the dress that Nan Nan gave you?¡± Miao Jing, who was clueless, teased Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua had never stared at her new clothes in such a manner before.

    ¡°Miss Zhai Hua looks so beautiful.¡± The helper praised Zhai Hua from the bottom of her heart. ¡°This dress may look ordinary, but it gives a special feeling. It is so much better than the clothes that we bought at the market. The youngdy has good tailoring skills. She will make a good wife in the future.¡±

    As the helper of the Zhai family, she knew who Qiao Nan was.

    Although the youngdy named Qiao Nan rarely came to Zhai family¡¯s residence, the four owners of the Zhai family had a very good impression of her. Apart from Chief Zhai, Madam Zhai and the children liked Qiao Nan very much.

    Therefore, the helper would not be so foolish as to say anything bad about Qiao Nan in front of Miao Jing and Zhai Hua. Besides, she really felt the clothes were much more beautiful than those that were sold on the market.

    ¡°Are they beautiful?¡± Miao Jing turned to check out the back of the suit in the mirror. She was very pleased with the clothes. ¡°Auntie, I will change out of themter. Please help me wash and iron it. I will wear it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± Zhai Hua interjected.

    ¡°Sure.¡± After they changed out of the clothes, the helper washed and ironed the clothes before putting them into their wardrobes. The pretty dresses hanging in the wardrobe looked fabulous after being cleaned and ironed.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Miao Jing noticed that Zhai Hua seemed to be distracted after she changed out of the dress and was concerned about her.

    ¡°N-nothing.¡± Zhai Hua did not dare to tell Miao Jing what happened when she went to take the clothes.

    She would not be able to answer to her mother if Qiao Nan changed her attitude toward the Zhai family. What should she do when Zhai Sheng was back?

    Should she end her leave in advance and go back to the army to take part in the training?

    That was a good idea. She would do just that!

    ¡°Mom, I have had enough rest. I will go back to the army ahead of time. There are so many otherrades in the army who seldom go back home. Their total amount of time spent at home in one year is shorter than the time I spend at home this time. We should not allow ourselves to enjoy such privilege just because we hold higher positions in the army. I decide to share joys and sorrows with myrades. I will return to the army.¡±

    Zhai Hua knew that it was about time for Zhai Sheng toe back home, so she decided to flee before he came back.

    If Zhai Sheng came back and discovered what was going on, it would be toote for her to escape.

    She wanted to break down and cry. Qiao Nan was the outsider, while she was their family, yet she had to hide from her brother because of an outsider. Even if her brother would marry Qiao Nan eventually, he should not side with her before they married and be annoyed with his sister.

    Though they were family, her brother was all ready to take it out on her for the sake of Qiao Nan. In that case, Zhai Hua could not go home and had to hide in the army for the time being.

    Her brother was so heartless to side with the youngdy.

    The two of them grew up together. She was her elder sister, yet her younger brother had never showered her with such concern.

    ¡°Why are you going back this early? You have a few days of leave. Why don¡¯t you stay at home for a few more days? You haven¡¯t been home for ages. Your brother came home more frequently than you.¡± Miao Jing could not bear for Zhai Hua to leave. Ever since thest recent talk with her children, she no longer felt awkward with them, especially Zhai Hua.

    Her daughter was able to understand her difficulties and was willing to chat with her, but she still refused to go shopping with her.

    She wanted to build a good rtionship with her daughter, but her daughter was like a wildd who only had the army in mind. She could not bear to part with her.

    ¡°Mom, you are the wife of the chief of the army, and you are the mother of Zhai Sheng and me. It seems that you have to keep up with the times.¡± Zhai Hua pped on Miao Jing¡¯s shoulder, having no regards for her elder. But Miao Jing did not take issue with her.

    ¡°Fine, in our family, the three of you are able to keep up with the times, except for me. The three of you are soldiers, but I¡¯m not. Why do I need to keep up with the times?¡± Miao Jing felt funny and annoyed. She would always use this excuse to evade the issue.

    ¡°But you are a family member of the cadres in the army,¡± Zhai Hua said with a smile. ¡°Mom, you must be worthy of your status as a family member of the cadres.¡±

    ¡°Just go. Since you are willing to go to the army, there¡¯s nothing I could say. The three of you take the army as your home. Your dad, Zhai Sheng, and you are the same. All of you don¡¯t have time for me. But it doesn¡¯t matter. Nan Nan will apany me. If Nan Nan did not need to study now, I wouldn¡¯t care if all of you are back at home or not,¡± Miao Jing said grumpily.

 Chapter 630 - Scolded the Wrong Person

    <h4>Chapter 630: Scolded the Wrong Person</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Looking at her uncaring daughter and the beautiful clothes that Qiao Nan gave her, Miao Jing felt that, inparison, Qiao Nan was much better and closer to her than her daughter.

    Zhai Hua felt guilty at the mention of Qiao Nan¡¯s name. ¡°Mom, as you have said, Qiao Nan is still a student. Her priority should be on her studies. She doesn¡¯t have the time to entertain you every day. Her studies are more important. Alright, I will go back to the army camp.¡±

    If she dyed any further, Zhai Sheng would be back.

    If her mother saw Qiao Nan, what she had done today would be discovered.

    ¡°The army has not called to say that you need to hurry back to the camp, so what¡¯s the hurry? Hua Hua, you¡¯re indeed...¡± Miao Jing did not know whether she shouldugh or cry. Had she given birth to a son and a daughter or two sons?

    The national policies had stated that a household could only have a maximum of two children. Moreover, they were party members. They most probably could only have one child.

    She was able to have a son and a daughter. She supposed that her son and daughter would not be able to have more than one child.

    Zhai Hua was smart. She had left the Zhai family¡¯s residence for ten minutes before Zhai Sheng came back home.

    Upon reaching home and not seeing Hua Hua around, Zhai Sheng felt strange. ¡°Where is Hua Hua? Is she still sleeping?¡± She was a soldier, but she was like azy bum when she was back at home. She did not behave like a soldier at all.

    ¡°Sleep? She has rushed back to the camp.¡± Miao Jing still felt gloomy that Zhai Hua had left in a hurry. ¡°We have not received any phone call from the army, yet she insisted on canceling her leave and went back. She seemed strange when she left.¡±

    ¡°The camp didn¡¯t call to look for Hua Hua, yet she canceled her leave and went back?¡± Zhai Sheng suspected that something was going on. ¡°What has she done today?¡±

    Since they grew up together, Zhai Sheng knew that Zhai Hua would only flee in such a hurry when she had done something wrong.

    Ever since they grew up, Zhai Hua rarely behaved in that way, so Zhai Sheng suspected that Zhai Hua must have done something wrong to behave like how she was in the past.

    ¡°No, she should be happy that she has received a gift.¡± Miao Jing was perplexed as she could tell that Zhai Sheng was asking whether Zhai Hua had done anything wrong.

    ¡°Received a gift? Where is the gift?¡± Zhai Sheng changed out of his pair of shoes and sat down. ¡°You should know the custom in our family. Zhai Hua could not have made such a mistake.¡±

    ¡°It is different.¡± Miao Jing rxed and smiled. ¡°She didn¡¯t do anything wrong. The gift was from Nan Nan, and she personally made it herself. She gave new clothes to all of us. Hua Hua¡¯s clothes and mine have been washed. Your dad and you were not around then. The clothes are over there. Do you want to take a look? Nan Nan¡¯s tailoring skills are indeed good. The style is much better than the clothes I bought outside. I have never seen such styles before.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan gave us clothes?¡± Zhai Sheng picked the clothes that had a less mature color and took a closer look. ¡°It¡¯s made from the fabric that I gave herst time.¡± Back then, he had felt strange because the fabric Nan Nan chose were in a neutral fashion, and some of them were in a masculine fashion.

    He had thought that Qiao Nan wanted to make clothes for Qiao Dongliang. Even though he felt jealous, he did not wish for Qiao Nan to tire herself out from making too many clothes.

    He did not expect that she would make clothes for him as well.

    ¡°Mom, you said that Zhai Hua received the clothes from Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she went to get them personally.¡± Miao Jing did not know what had happened and told Zhai Sheng everything she knew.

    ¡°Mom, let me make a phone call to thank Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I am too happy that I have forgotten about it. You must thank Nan Nan on my behalf. Hua Hua and I love the clothes that she gave us. I am not sure whether your dad and you will like them though.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Zhai Sheng brought his clothes back to his room. He waited until Miao Jing had left before making a phone call to the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Shi Qing, instead of Qiao Nan, picked up Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call.

    Shi Qing saw that the phone call was from the Zhai family. She picked up the phone and hung up without another word.

    Zhai Sheng had yet to say ¡®Hello¡¯ before he heard the dial tone on the other side of the phone.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows and made another call.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be too much. Qiao Nan is still in a bad mood. You should know your limits.¡± Shi Qing was annoyed that the phone kept ringing. Sheshed out unhappily.

    ¡°Nan Nan is in a bad mood? What was the reason?¡± Zhai Sheng said coldly, his expression darkened.

    ¡°B-brother Zhai?¡± Shi Qing was so shocked upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice that she almost fell out of her chair. ¡°I, I¡¯m sorry. I thought it¡¯s Sister Zhai Hua. Brother Zhai, is anything the matter? I will get Qiao Nan on the phone.¡±

    ¡°No need. Tell me why Nan Nan is in a bad mood. What does it have to do with Zhai Hua?¡± It turned out that Zhai Hua had gotten into trouble, and she had angered Nan Nan.

    ¡°Well...¡± Shi Qing seemed to be in a difficult position. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯d better get Qiao Nan on the phone.¡±

    She was just an outsider. It was inconvenient for her to tell Brother Zhai what happened just now.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Brother Zhai is on the phone. Both of you can have a talk. I, I will do my homework. Also, it¡¯s almost time. We need to go to school at four o¡¯clock.¡± Shi Qing reminded Qiao Nan before going back to her room.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and prepared herself. ¡°Hello, Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Did Zhai Hua anger you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± Qiao Nan said softly, advising him not to be rash.

    Since Qiao Nan was not willing to tell him, Zhai Sheng could not bear to force her either. ¡°I have the clothes that you gave us. The style is good. When I¡¯m not wearing the military uniform, I will wear them. I like it. Thank you. I am thanking you on behalf of my mom as well. My mom said that she and Zhai Hua love the clothes that you gave them. As for my dad, he is not back yet.¡±

    Qiao Nan gave a faint reply. ¡°It¡¯s good that they like it.¡±

    Initially, Qiao Nan should be happy that the presents she prepared were well-received and appreciated. However, she did not feel happy at all.

    Zhai Sheng could tell that Qiao Nan sounded weird. ¡°Nan Nan, I have to go back to the army camp tomorrow. I have wrapped up the previous mission, so I can no longer stay in Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then you must pay more attention to your health back at the army. If... if you have any missions, don¡¯t be afraid that I will be worried. Just let me know.¡± It was better for her to know in advance than learn of it only when Brother Zhai was injured.

    There was gentleness in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, warmth and tenderness steeping in his voice. ¡°Sure. There will be happenings at the Qiu family in the near future. You must be careful when you are at school. Don¡¯t get yourself involved.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. Shi Qing will apany me when we go to school. It should not be a big problem.¡±

 Chapter 631 - Zhai Sheng Chased to the Camp

    <h4>Chapter 631: Zhai Sheng Chased to the Camp</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Initially, Qiao Nan wanted to tell Zhai Sheng that Shi Qing noticed Chen Jun had been following her, but she did not feel like doing so anymore.

    Chen Jun had nothing to do with the Zhai family.

    Besides, Zhai Sheng had to return to the camp right away to handle matters. If she mentioned about Chen Jun, and Zhai Sheng was to stay in Ping Cheng for a few more days, Qiao Nan was worried that Zhai Hua might be unhappy with her.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Although what happened with the Qiu family concerned Shi Qing as well, Zhai Sheng felt much assured knowing that Shi Qing would apany Qiao Nan to school. Qiao Nan would have a bodyguard who would be by her side twenty-four hours a day. ¡°Nan Nan, is there anything else that you want to tell me?¡±

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily. She took a while before she replied, ¡°No, Brother Zhai. The time is almost up. I have to go to school with Shi Qing.¡±

    ¡°Be careful on the road. Let Shi Qing walk on the outside, while you walk on the inside.¡±

    ¡°Do you take her as my human shield?¡± There was finally a hint of smiles in Qiao Nan¡¯s voice.

    Zhai Sheng curled the corners of his lips into a faint smile. There was a glitter in his dark eyes. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that she is more athletic than you. I believe she won¡¯t allow you to be hurt.¡±

    Qiao Nan loosened her tight shoulders. ¡°Forget it. Shi Qing is, after all, a girl. If she hears this, she will be mad.¡±

    ¡°She is not that vulnerable. I believe in her. You should also believe in her.¡±

    ¡°Does she need the vote of confidence?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know what to say. ¡°Brother Zhai, you are used to winning the conversation. I really can¡¯t chat with you anymore. Otherwise, Shi Qing would be shooting daggers at me with her eyes.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan took the schoolbag from Shi Qing. ¡°Alright, stop staring at me. If you don¡¯t, your eyeballs would fall out. If we don¡¯t go now, we will bete.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are too useless. Sister Zhai Hua was being too much, yet you didn¡¯tin to Brother Zhai and just put it aside. If you continue to be like this, you will be bullied. It¡¯s no wonder Zhu Baoguo often says that you are the best, especially your good temper. You will not retaliate even when bullied, while the onlookers are anxious for you and can¡¯t wait to get it back for you!!!¡±

    In that past, Shi Qing did not think too much about it when Zhu Baoguo mentioned it to her.

    However, now that she spent more time with Qiao Nan, she could not agree more with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s apt description of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Unlike you, I am not good at fighting. I can¡¯t resort to force whenever I suffer grievances. If I do, I will lose the fight and my face will always be swollen from the fights.¡± Qiao Nan was not displeased at being lectured by Shi Qing.

    Perhaps Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing were right. She had a mild temper and was used to being passive. She did not know to take the initiative to fight for herself and was used to being bullied.

    At times, when she was very annoyed, she would think of going to the extreme to retaliate against her enemies.

    For example, when her mother created all sorts of trouble for her, she felt like encouraging her father to leave her mother. Without her father¡¯s support, her mother would not dare to be too heartless to her. However, she was not able to deal with the regret that her father would have in the future.

    Thest time she was framed by her mother and Qiao Zijin, she had even thought of using a knife to stab her mother and Qiao Zijin. She would have to kill herself as well, as she would not want to go to jail and suffer humiliation before she was sentenced to death.

    But she was unable to kill the two people closest to her even though she had suffered a lot of grievances because of them. Besides, she would have to pay a price for killing them.

    She was unable to be heartless to her mother and sister. As for Zhai Hua, she was an outsider, and she was in a better position than her. Even if she was upset with her, there was nothing she could do.

    She could not win against Zhai Hua.

    She would be the one to suffer if she was estranged with her.

    Unless she broke up with Brother Zhai, she would be seeing Zhai Hua often in the future. She could not possibly quarrel with her every time she saw her.

    ¡°Shi Qing, I am very envious of you. It will be good if I can be as straightforward as you.¡± If her temper were like that of Shi Qing, no matter who was going against her, she would not be the one who suffered.

    But the problem was that Qiao Nan¡¯s personality was unlike Shi Qing¡¯s.

    ¡°I am the one who is envious of you. Forget it. I suppose one will prefer to have what they do not have. Anyway, you are in a rtionship with Brother Zhai, not Sister Zhai Hua. It doesn¡¯t matter what she thinks of you. If not, you can stay out of her way in the future. Sister Zhai Hua will have to get married sooner orter. If she ends up like my auntie who is married to a faraway ce, she will only be back once or twice a year to her parents¡¯ house. You will not have many chances to see her.¡±

    Qiao Nan had yet to settle the problem of her future mother-inw, and she had a difficult sister-inw to worry about.

    It turned out that the Zhai family was quiteplicated. It was foolish of Qiu Chenxi and her to want to marry into the family.

    Qiao Nan smiled but kept her silence. Being together? Marriage?

    Things were not that simple.

    Qiao Nan might have felt that it was not that simple, but Zhai Sheng made a move to simplify things.

    Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan had to go to school. He did not waste his time at home either.

    Since Zhai Hua could cancel her leave to return to the army, so could Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Hua, who was in the army, felt uneasy upon hearing that Zhai Sheng hade back to the army. Even if Qiao Nan went to school today, Zhai Sheng could not have hurried back to the army. It seemed that Qiao Nan had told Zhai Sheng about the incident.

    Before Zhai Hua could flee, Zhai Sheng spotted her right away in the army camp.

    Zhai Hua pretended that everything was alright. ¡°Why are you back at the army? Why don¡¯t you rest for a few more days at home?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried that you will be lonely since you are alone in the camp.¡±

    ¡°Me? Lonely?¡± Zhai Hua pointed at herself. ¡°You must be joking. The army camp is my home. There are many brothers and sisters that I am close with. How would I be lonely? But you havee back at the wrong time. Or rather, I havee back at the right time. I just received a task and I have to go now. Why don¡¯t we continue the chat after I return from my mission?¡±

    Zhai Sheng stopped Zhai Hua. ¡°Mission? I just came back from Officer Shi¡¯s ce. If there¡¯s any mission, why didn¡¯t he mention it to me? How about we go and ask Officer Shi?¡±

 Chapter 632 - Zhai Huaâ€™s Double Standard

    <h4>Chapter 632: Zhai Hua¡¯s Double Standard</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua was annoyed that Zhai Sheng blocked her way, preventing her from leaving. ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to ask if Nan Nan told me about it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. Tell me right away so that I will know what happened.¡± It was necessary for her to be suspicious of Qiao Nan and to sound her out. As expected, she had shown her true colors.

    For people like Qiao Nan, who was unable to suffer any grievances, even though it would not be a big issue, she would tear the Zhai family apart.

    ¡°Mom said that after returning from the Qiao family¡¯s residence, you decided to cancel the leave and came back to the camp. I remember clearly I used the shell casings that grandpa gave me to assemble a model when I was seven years old. After you broke it, you fled from the house like what you did today.¡±

    Back then, that model was Zhai Sheng¡¯s favorite.

    The shell casings were from the days when Old Master Zhai fought in the battle against the enemies. They held a very special meaning.

    Old Master Zhai doted on Zhai Sheng, so he was willing to give them to him. Otherwise, no matter how worthless the items were, he would treat them as his precious belongings and put them safely aside.

    Zhai Hua was unhappy, thinking that her grandpa should have given her the present instead of giving them to Zhai Sheng since she was older than Zhai Sheng.

    After receiving the shell casings from his grandpa, Zhai Sheng studied the photo of the tank used in the army and made use of the dirty and ugly shell casings to glue them together to form a small model of the tank. Zhai Hua, who was passionate about the army, could not get her hands off the tank model.

    Though Zhai Sheng did not allow her to y with it, she just had tond her hands on them.

    Later, Zhai Hua broke the model identally. She was worried that Zhai Sheng would be angry with her, so she ended her elementary school summer break ahead of time and went back to Ping Cheng, saying that she had to finish her homework so that the teachers would not have any excuse to scold her.

    ¡°That was ages ago, yet you still remember them.¡± Zhai Hua was embarrassed. She had really forgotten all about it. It turned out that when she was young, she already had the bad record of fleeing after making mistakes. It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng knew something was wrong right away. ¡°Qiao Nan didn¡¯t tell you anything?¡± She did not believe it.

    ¡°I will let you choose. You can eithere clean or let¡¯s fight it out. If you lose, you will surrender.¡± Zhai Sheng exercised his wrists. There was a ferocious glint in his eyes.

    Zhai Hua knew that Zhai Sheng was serious. He was not joking with her. She turned serious. ¡°I won¡¯te clean, not without putting up a good fight. I don¡¯t believe that after so many years, I still can¡¯t win against you.¡± Then, Zhai Hua took off her coat and threw it on the ground.

    As soon as Zhai Hua was ready, Zhai Sheng started the fight as if he was a ferocious and menacing leopard who was ready to pounce on his prey.

    Zhai Hua was not an easy opponent either. At least, she was better than Shi Qing.

    The siblings engaged in a fierce fight. It was as if they were the martial arts swordsmen in the novels who fought their opponents using ruthless strokes, not giving any leeway to each other.

    If someone were to witness the fight, they would be in awe to have seen such a splendid disy of martial arts prowess. Their moves were quick, ruthless, and varied. It was as good as the martial arts that were aired on the television.

    Both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua sustained injuries from the fight, but Zhai Sheng had the upper hand.

    Zhai Sheng dealt Zhai Hua with a hard blow and she dropped to the ground. Drenched in sweat, sheid on the floor, gasping for air. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that grandpa dotes on you and keeps saying that you are made out to be a soldier. In the end, he even gifted you with his precious shell casings.¡±

    ¡°Even though you envy me, you should not break my tank model. This is unlike what the people from the Zhai family will do.¡± Zhai Sheng sat down, looking grim.

    Zhai Sheng had never taken issue with Zhai Hua for the pranks that she pulled on him or the fights that she engaged with him. However, he would not budge this time, especially when it concerned Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua sat up unhappily. ¡°I may be older than you, but I¡¯m your elder sister.¡±

    In other words, she was a woman.

    Since Zhai Sheng knew that she was envious of him, why did he not give her the shell casings? In the end, she had to resort to breaking the tank model and fleeing after making a mistake.

    Zhai Hua could not figure out why her younger brother refused to give in to her.

    Zhai Sheng snorted. ¡°Insatiable.¡±

    ¡°Hey, how am I being insatiable? Make things clear.¡± Zhai Hua was not convinced. She was never a greedy person, but she did not like it when people were biased.

    Since Zhai Hua wanted to know, Zhai Sheng decided to make things clear. ¡°Since a young age, you feel that grandpa dotes on me and neglects you, and that the men in the Zhai family favor boys over girls. You never feel that you are weaker than boys, or even weaker than me. You are very outstanding, but you keep working hard to prove yourself.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Zhai Hua did not hesitate to admit. ¡°I am a woman, but one not only needs to be physically strong to carry out the missions, but one also needs to have brains as well. I am not as strong as you, but I am quick to adapt and respond. Besides, I won¡¯tpare with you. Compared with other people, I will not lose to them. Why is it that I am not cut out to be a soldier just because I am a woman?¡±

    ¡°The problem is, there are only two of us at home. Grandpa will naturallypare you to me. You have also admitted just now that my fighting prowess is better than yours. At least, this proves that grandpa was not wrong back then.¡±

    It was Old Master Zhai who taught Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua martial arts skills.

    It was also Old Master Zhai who taught them about the army. Old Master Zhai could be seen as their teacher who guided them into the army.

    ¡°When you were an only child in the family, grandpa had sung your praises as well. But after I was born, coupled with the fact that I am better than you, what¡¯s wrong with grandpa praising me and saying that I was born to be a soldier? He did not lie but told the truth.¡± Zhai Sheng pursed his thin lips and looked at Zhai Hua unhappily. ¡°Can you ept the fact? As a soldier, are you so petty?¡±

    ¡°But he cannot put me down.¡± Zhai Hua refused to admit that she was wrong.

    ¡°Did grandpa put you down in front of others? When you said that you wanted to join the army, grandpa was in favor of it, and he praised you in the army. He said that the new recruits from the same batch as you, as well as the soldiers who have been in the army for two years, are not your opponents. Grandpa has praised you for your abilities.¡±

    Zhai Hua frowned. She had to admit that her grandpa had praised her for her efforts.

    ¡°When grandpa praises me, you feel that he is favoring boys over girls. But when you are making a fuss, you say that I should not take issue with you because you are a woman. If I am to take issue with you, it will be my fault.¡±

    When it was about one¡¯s performance, she would feel that men and women should be treated equally, and that she was just as good as anyone else.

    But if she was losing, she would say that as a man, one should give in to a woman. Zhai Hua had made every situation to her advantage, yet she said that she had suffered grievances.

 Chapter 633 - Self-Reflection

    <h4>Chapter 633: Self-Reflection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua was silent. She could not deny that she had that shoring.

    Despite admitting to her shoring, Zhai Hua still felt unhappy. Zhai Hua looked askance at Zhai Sheng. ¡°I have had this temper since a young age. In the past, you always gave in to me and wouldn¡¯t take issue with me. But this time, isn¡¯t it too much of you to engage in a fight with me? I am your sister, your biological sister. I am bitterly disappointed that you treat me as such for someone who may not be your wife.¡±

    ¡°Bitterly disappointed?¡± Zhai Sheng shot a cold look at Zhai Hua. ¡°Who is the one who did not stay at home ever since getting to know a man from outside? As a woman, you didn¡¯t even make a proper meal for your younger brother and yet I have to provide food for you? When you want me to take care of you, you will say that you are my elder sister. But when you leave me alone at home for the sake of a man who may not be your husband, will you remember that you are my elder sister?¡±

    Zhai Hua looked embarrassed. ¡°You knew about it?¡± She thought she had hidden it very well.

    ¡°But you didn¡¯t take issue with me in the past.¡± Zhai Hua sounded jealous.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Why don¡¯t you think about it? Before you were in a rtionship, you would always take good care of me. But after having a boyfriend, you neglect me and don¡¯t care about me. Nevertheless, did I take issue with you? Don¡¯t you think that you are childish?¡±

    ¡°In short, when we are talking about your rights, you insist that there should be gender equality. When you are being willful, you insist that men should give in to women. Zhai Hua, you are indeed capable. You have learned to adopt a double standard.¡±

    Zhai Hua knew that she was in the wrong.

    After realizing this, Zhai Hua sat upright and looked straight at Zhai Sheng. ¡°I will confess. I ask that the organization goes easy on me.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan give us four sets of clothes? But how would the Qiao family have the money? Qiao Nan has no money either. I know that she still owes us. I mean, she still owes you a thousand yuan. You can¡¯t me me for being suspicious when she was generous enough to give us four sets of clothes. I will be displeased if she spends the Zhai family¡¯s money to please us, so you have to understand.¡±

    Understand?

    Zhai Sheng thought it was absurd!

    Zhai Sheng had a dark expression. Zhai Hua sat rigidly upright at the sight of the look on his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t say it in front of Qiao Nan, but Shi Qing pointed it out bluntly in front of us. Shi Qing went into a big quarrel with me and Qiao Nan seemed to have heard them. I don¡¯t harbor any ill-intentions toward her, and I am supportive of you both. Zhai Sheng, you have to forgive me for my small blunder.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t harbor any ill-intentions toward Nan Nan, but you spected her actions based on your biased impressions and hurt Nan Nan because of that?¡± Zhai Sheng did not feel better after Zhai Hua¡¯s exnation. In fact, his expression darkened.

    Zhai Hua crossed her leg and looked serious. ¡°I have already reflected on my mistakes. I realized my mistakes, so I will make a sincere apology to Comrade Qiao Nan and write a self-criticism letter. I ask that the organization continues to observe me and puts me through challenges. I assure you that there will not be a next time.¡±

    Qiao Nan was indeed a gooddy. She was happy for Zhai Sheng. After all, it was Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family¡¯s good fortune to know Qiao Nan.

    She paid particr attention to Qiao Nan as she knew that she was someone that Zhai Sheng intended to marry. She wanted to be sure that Zhai Sheng would not fall head over heels in love with Qiao Nan and overlook any shorings that she had, and allowed her to join the Zhai family.

    However, after her observation and assessment, Qiao Nan was indeed a good girl. She could put her heart at ease and would no longer be suspicious of her.

    Zhai Hua knew her limits as well. She knew that everyone had their temper.

    If she overstepped the boundaries and annoyed Qiao Nan, she might break up with Zhai Sheng. Even though Qiao Nan would be on the losing end, the Zhai family had no need to do harmful things to others, which were not beneficial to themselves.

    Zhai Sheng had been single for twenty-five years. It was hard for him to finally find someone that he liked. As his sister, she would want for her brother¡¯s rtionship toe to fruition.

    ¡°Is it of any use to say this to me? If you really realize your mistakes, you should know what to do. I just want to see the results. Also, don¡¯t try to use your status on Nan Nan and force her to ept your apology unwillingly. If this is the case, I don¡¯t need you to apologize. I only have a tiny request. In the future, when you see Nan Nan, leave her alone and stay as far away from her as possible. Both of us know the reason why you help Nan Nan and me. You are not helping me, but yourself. Therefore, you should be clear of my attitude.¡±

    Zhai Hua had kept many things from Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family. Zhai Sheng did not mind to follow suit.

    Zhai Sheng did not mind that she had some tricks up her sleeves as long as it was not harmful. However, if it was too much, he would not tolerate it.

    ¡°Reporting to Regiment Commander Zhai, I understand.¡± Zhai Hua gave Zhai Sheng a salute.

    Zhai Sheng stood up and patted the dust off his shirt. He nced at Zhai Hua before striding off, leaving her to mull over what they had talked about.

    As a family and as her younger brother, Zhai Sheng hoped that Zhai Hua could sort out her thoughts and see things clearly.

    After Zhai Sheng left, Zhai Huay down on the floor listlessly.

    Zhai Hua was still drenched in sweat. However, it was not the same as what she felt when she was in a fight with Zhai Sheng. Right now, she was breaking out in cold sweat from their conversation just now.

    Zhai Hua covered her face in agony. She was not used to doing such things.

    This would not do. Next time, she would have to discuss with Wei De that she would not do such things again. Zhai Sheng was already in a fury this time.

    Zhai Sheng was not a kid. He would be able to make a judgment on one¡¯s character. In fact, he was better than her at that.

    Zhai Sheng would decide for himself if Qiao Nan was good or not. There was no need for her to get involved and for everyone to end up being angry at her. She had done everything for nothing, and either way, she was med and unappreciated.

    Yes, she must make it clear to Wei De. It was already considered good that she could settle their issues. She did not have the right to meddle in Zhai Sheng¡¯s affairs.

    Besides, though he never said so openly, her father had agreed to the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. There would not be anything wrong with Qiao Nan.

    With that, Zhai Hua stood up, went back to the dormitory to have a bath before she changed into clean clothes, and went to look for Wei De.

    ¡°I heard you canceled your leave and came back to the camp. Why are you so anxious?¡± Wei De¡¯s square face revealed a smile when he saw Zhai Hua. ¡°I have told you that the chief and Madam Zhai are no longer young, and the chief and you spend a lot of time in the army camp. Your family rarely has the chance toe together. It is rare that there is a chance to spend time together, so you should apany your loved ones and enjoy the time with them. We are still young and have a lifetime to go.¡±

 Chapter 634 - Working Hard to Be Worthy of You

    <h4>Chapter 634: Working Hard to Be Worthy of You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua felt warm inside. ¡°Wei De, I know you care about me and my family. But our family is like this, and everyone is used to it. We will not drift apart just because we don¡¯t spend time together.¡± More importantly, she was brought up by her grandpa. She spent very little time with her parents.

    In the past, she feltfortable when she was alone with Zhai Sheng at home.

    But right now, if Zhai Sheng was not at home, Zhai Hua felt particrly awkward with Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing around.

    If Miao Jing decided to have a chat with her, Zhai Hua would wish that she had a pair of wings so that she could fly back to the camp. She felt very ufortable around Miao Jing.

    What happened with Qiao Nan was also a chance for Zhai Hua, who felt awkward at home, to find a reason to cancel her leave and return to the camp. In that way, she did not need to force herself to stay at home and she could return to the camp to spend more time with Wei De.

    There was a flicker in Wei De¡¯s eyes. He smiled and touched Zhai Hua¡¯s head. ¡°Little fool, have you heard of a saying that sometimes, the parents pass away before the child has a chance to repay their kindness? I know you are not used to it, but when you finally get used to it, you may not have the chance anymore. By then, you will have regrets.¡±

    ¡°Wei De, you think too much.¡± Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°My parents are in good health. What you said will not happen.¡± She was only twenty-seven years old this year. Her parents would live to old age.

    However, what Wei De said was true. Even if she was not used to it, she should gradually get used to it. It would not do to avoid it.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s fine as long as you know what you are doing. I don¡¯t want you to regret it in the future. The thought of that pains me.¡± Wei De let Zhai Hua lean on his shoulder. ¡°By the way, I heard from you that Regiment Commander Zhai has a girlfriend. How is thatdy? Regiment Commander Zhai does not have much experience in dating. You are his elder sister. You must keep a lookout for him. People used to say that women are good at judging other women. Even if thedy is all pretenses, and Regiment Commander is being carried away by love and loses his judgment, I believe that you will stay clear-minded.¡±

    Zhai Hua, who was used to putting up a strong front since a young age, seldom leaned on someone else¡¯s shoulder. However, after trying it out, Zhai Hua had grown to like this feeling of leaning on others.

    Zhai Hua stretched out her legs to get into afortable position. ¡°You can rest assured that the youngdy has a good personality. Not only does Zhai Sheng like her, but our family likes her very much as well. Even though Zhai Sheng and I are still young and are not a good judge of character, my parents can tell if she is a gooddy or not.¡±

    Zhai Hua dared not tell Wei De that after his reminderst time, she had been observing and sounding out Qiao Nan.

    In the end, it did not prove that Qiao Nan was pretending to be nice. Instead, she had angered Zhai Sheng such that he told her off and reminded her of the foolish deeds that she did in the past.

    ¡°Being able to be with the youngdy, Zhai Sheng is in high spirits. We don¡¯t have to worry about him. I have already told you that it all depends on the youngdy whether we can be together in the future.¡± She was hoping that Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan would turn out well. When everything was settled, she would bring Wei De to meet her parents.

    Wei De knew of Zhai Hua¡¯s n.

    Wei De was thrilled at the thought that he could be a family with Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be thinking that way. I believe Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai are open-minded. Besides, we are in the modern age. What is important is that both parties have feelings for each other. Their family background and social status do no matter. I believe that as long as I am good to you and want to spend the rest of my life with you, they will agree to our rtionship. It has nothing to do with the rtionship between Regiment Commander Zhai and the youngdy. Even without them, I am confident that Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai will be moved by my sincerity.¡±

    Wei De had more or less understood the situation at the Zhai family.

    Once again, Wei De was d that he could find a girl who had such good background and was as simple-minded as Zhai Hua. Being with her, his future would be bright and carved out for him.

    Other girls who came from a good background like Zhai Hua would not possibly ept an unknown soldier with no achievements like him.

    ¡°Hua Hua, when ites to the position in the army, I am just a soldier under you. Thank you for seeing my efforts and epting my sincere feelings, as well as your willingness to be with me. Knowing you is the greatest happiness in my life.¡± Wei De held Zhai Hua¡¯s hands tightly, deeply touched.

    Zhai Hua blushed slightly and retracted her hands. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you want to keep it under wraps for the time being? What if someone sees us? I¡¯ve been with you for so long. I know the person you are. Wei De, don¡¯t be in a hurry. Take in slowly. I will wait for you.¡±

    She was already twenty-seven years old. She was willing to wait for a few more years.

    ¡°Hua Hua, rest assured. I won¡¯t let you wait for too long.¡± Wei De¡¯s mouth stiffened slightly. ¡°But Hua Hua, I still decide to be under Regiment Commander Zhai. Song Yin is so lucky this time. If I were the one who carried out the mission with Regiment Commander Zhai, with the third-ss merit, I would be all ready to tell Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai about our rtionship.¡±

    Zhai Hua was amused. ¡°Are you sure you want to work under Zhai Sheng? Fine. If you are sure, you must train with me to hone your fighting prowess. Otherwise, you must work on your cultural knowledge. In the past, this may not work in the army. But after what happened with Song Yin, you have seen for yourself that the more you know, it will mean more opportunities for you.¡±

    It would not be easy to be another Song Yin.

    Song Yin was lucky to be able to achieve third-ss merit this time. Luckily, he had been learning English from Qiao Nan previously. Hence, with the few English words that he knew, he was able to memorize a sentence and Zhai Sheng could guess the meaning of what was being said.

    If not for all these coincidences, it would have been difficult for Song Yin to achieve third-ss merit.

    Actually, Zhai Hua thought highly of soldiers like Song Yin, who had perseverance, had ideas of their own, and was willing to work hard.

    The opportunity was in one¡¯s hands. Back when everyone learned English together at the camp, it seemed that Qiao Nan taught English very well. Even her mother loved to go to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss.

    Zhai Hua was all praise for Qiao Nan¡¯s teaching method. She was able to introduce English to Song Yin, who had never been exposed to English, and helped him make big improvements in less than a month.

    All the soldiers that went to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss were taught based on the same sybus by Qiao Nan. But Song Yin was able to make huge improvements in a short period of time. Aside from Qiao Nan, who taught well, Song Yin also had put in a lot of hard work.

    Ever since Song Yin earned third-ss merit in his mission because of his understanding of English, everyone in the army had be enthusiastic about learning.

    Zhai Hua, who had juste back from her mission, was surprised. She had thought that she was at the wrong ce. This did not look like a camp that made the soldiers go through tough training. Instead, it looked more like a school with a good learning environment..

 Chapter 635 - Regret Skipping Qiao Nanâ€™s Classes

    <h4>Chapter 635: Regret Skipping Qiao Nan¡¯s sses</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua was aware that the huge change to the army wasrgely rted to Song Yin¡¯s matter.

    Even Wei De would mention Song Yin in front of Zhai Hua. He was envious of Song Yin, who received third-ss merit this time.

    ¡°Hua Hua, I¡¯m serious.¡± In the army, besides the chief who asionally came to the army, the only one who could lead the team to achieve greater things was Regiment Commander Zhai. If he was in Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s team, then, like Song Yin, he would be able to achieve military merits as soon as possible and be promoted to toon leader, or evenpanymander.

    If he continued with what he had been doing, he could not even achieve what Song Yin did in a few decades, let alone a few years.

    Regardless of whether the Zhai family took issue with his identity, the statuses of the Zhai family members were not low. He could not possibly be the only individual that was ordinary in the family after he married Hua Hua, right?

    Wei De was aware that, given his situation, his wish to bepatible with Zhai Hua and let the Zhai family feel proud of having a son-inw like him was equivalent to zero.

    Nevertheless, no matter what, he had to try hard at least once and not let the gap between the Zhai family and him be too wide. He would minimize the gap as much as he could.

    As the statuses of all the Zhai family members were not low in the army, Wei De was also concerned that after he married Zhai Hua, everyone wouldugh at the Zhai family for having such a good-for-nothing son-inw, that Zhai Hua was married to someone that was beneath her in terms of status and other aspects.

    As such, Wei De very much longed that he could be in Zhai Sheng¡¯s team so that Zhai Sheng could lead him personally. He could then ¡®progress¡¯ faster.

    Zhai Hua lifted her head from Wei De¡¯s shoulder and looked at Wei De. ¡°It¡¯s not that you¡¯re not aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s temperament. Are you hoping that I will request Zhai Sheng to especially bring you along during such important missions?¡±

    Wei De blushed. There was a sh of shame in his eyes. ¡°Hua Hua, you know that I certainly don¡¯t mean that.¡±

    Although Wei De certainly had this intention initially, to follow Zhai Sheng around and then pick up a military achievement so that he could establish his status in the army as soon as possible, Zhai Hua had put it too bluntly. He was thus too embarrassed to admit his own thoughts.

    In fact, he could not understand. He would be family with Zhai Sheng after he married Zhai Hua. He would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw.

    Since everyone belonged to the same family, why couldn¡¯t they support and help each other?

    If he was doing well, wouldn¡¯t that benefit Zhai Hua too?

    It was a win-win situation for everyone. Why would Zhai Sheng refuse to do it?

    ¡°I¡¯m a man. If I really have any thoughts, I hope I can rely on myself to achieve everything that I wish to have. I want to let the Zhai family know that I¡¯m someone reliable, someone you can be entrusted to for the rest of your life. If Regiment Commander Zhai deliberately guides and helps me, how will the chief and your mom look at me?¡±

    ¡°Boo.¡± Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°Look at how serious you are. I was just kidding with you earlier. Of course, I know what kind of person you are and won¡¯t misunderstand you. Look at how nervous you are. It¡¯s not impossible for you to follow Zhai Sheng by his side during his mission. But having been in the army for so long, you should know that Zhai Sheng¡¯s expectations are a little high. If you are able to meet his requirements, or if your expertise fits the requirements of his mission, then Zhai Sheng will definitely bring you along. This matter can¡¯t be rushed. You have to take it slowly.¡±

    In fact, those initial two ways that Zhai Hua suggested jokingly were not impossible.

    Firstly, Wei De had sufficient merits or expertise that Zhai Sheng would appreciate.

    Secondly, Zhai Hua, this biological sister, would pull the strings and put up a request to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Alright, take it slowly...¡± Wei De was not speaking from his heart.

    Take it slowly? How much time did he have to do that?

    He was already twenty-eight years old while Zhai Hua was twenty-seven years old. Even if he had the patience to take his time, would the Zhai family not feel anxious and try to find a marriage partner for Zhai Hua?

    Wei De was aware that, actually, he did not have much time left. He not only could not take his time but also had to quickly find a way to ensure that he had the confidence to stand in front of the Zhai family and admit that he was the man who would be marrying Zhai Hua.

    If he had known that it would turn out this way for Song Yin, he should not have frequented Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses when the high school student with the surname Qiao came to the army to teach English previously. He should have attended the high school student¡¯s sses instead.

    The truth had proven that despite being a high school student, that young teacher with the surname Qiao had taught much better than Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± Zhai Hua was amused.

    ¡°I do.¡± Wei De sighed. ¡°If I had known earlier that your rtionship with the Qiu family had long turned sour, I wouldn¡¯t have needed to give Qiu Chenxi some face for the sake of the Zhai family. I¡¯ve been attending all of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses instead of those of Teacher Xiao Qiao. Otherwise, the one who received third-ss merit could have been me and not Song Yin.¡±

    At that time, how would he know that the Qiu Chenxi, a college graduate, would be so much worse off than a high school student?

    He further did not expect that learning English in the army could earn him such an opportunity.

    As such, how could Wei De not keep thinking about Song Yin¡¯s example? How could he not feel anything about Song Yin¡¯s change of fortune and grieve his poor luck?

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you long ago that the rtionship between the Qiu family and the Zhai family hasn¡¯t been good, that you don¡¯t need to give Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face. But you refused to listen.¡± Zhai Hua had no choice too.

    Was his pride more important than his capability?

    Most of the people in the army opted to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s sses. As such, it was apparent that Qiao Nan¡¯s sses were better.

    Unfortunately, Wei De had tomit such a silly mistake at that time for the sake of the connections between the Zhai family and the Qiu family. He insisted on attending Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses.

    ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s already in the past. The more I talk about this, the angrier I feel.¡± Wei De stopped harping on about it. If he had known that he would receive third-ss merit just by learning English from that high school student for a period of time, he would have attended the ss standing even if he had no ce to sit. He would definitely conscientiously listen to all the contents taught by that high school student.

    ¡°Don¡¯t re up or lose your temper. Since it didn¡¯t work this time, try again next time.¡± Zhai Hua was very positive. She was not anxious and even consoled Wei De.

    She was aware that Wei De had been working very hard in order to be with her openly.

    Working hard was one matter, but Wei De was not cut out for learning English. Even if Wei De had opted to attend all of Qiao Nan¡¯s sses, he might not have performed as well as Song Yin eventually.

    It was true that Song Yin had been in luck. Nevertheless, if Song Yin had no passion for English, he would not have achieved third-ss merit just by attending those slightly over ten sses of Qiao Nan.

    Saying the fact out loud would seem to imply that Wei De was not as good as Song Yin.

    Zhai Hua had never thought of it that way. Hence, she was not willing to say something which would cause a misunderstanding and make Wei De feel unhappy.

    Wei De was very confident. ¡°Yes, since I couldn¡¯t do it this time, I¡¯ll try again next time.¡± Next time, he would definitely not miss the opportunity again. He would certainly be able to achieve military merits and progress in his career.

 Chapter 636 - Baffled

    <h4>Chapter 636: Baffled</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Wei De told himself that he would immediately ask the Zhai family for Zhai Hua¡¯s hand in marriage once he received some military achievements.

    He was a grown-up man. There was no issue if he got marriedter but Zhai Hua was not young anymore. She was already not a youngdy. If he did not find a way to marry her, Zhai Hua would soon be married off to someone else.

    ¡°Okay, next time.¡± Zhai Hua, who was contented as long as she was in love, was truly not anxious or worried at all. She trusted her sense of judgment and further believed in Wei De¡¯s ability.

    If Wei De did not wish for a higher status in the army before he could hold his head up openly when facing her parents, she did not even mind all those. She loved Wei De as an individual and Wei De loved her in the same way as well.

    However, Zhai Hua could not deny that what Wei De said was true.

    Given the status of the Zhai family, it would certainly not do if the status of Wei De, the son-inw, was too low.

    Otherwise, Zhai Hua and Wei De would not have taken Qiao Nan¡¯s case as an experiment to assess the situation that would be eptable to Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    Compared to Qiao Nan, Wei De was older.

    Qiao Nan was a high school student, an outstanding student, and definitely a potential college graduate.

    As for Wei De, besides being an experienced junior soldier, he did not have any qualification or other qualities to show.

    Even if the Zhai family epted Qiao Nan, Wei De would need a lot of time and effort to engineer a simr oue to that of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°It¡¯ste. You go back first?¡± Wei De took a deep breath. His eyes were filled with ambitions.

    Although Hua Hua was not a flexible-minded individual, she was right about something.

    If he wished to be in Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s team, he had to improve himself such that he would have areas that Regiment Commander Zhai could appreciate. Otherwise, he would not even be the third Song Yin, let alone the second.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Hua nodded in disappointment. She had wanted to stay longer with Wei De. She had to leave the army for a mission and Wei De had to attend training sessions in the camp.

    Although the time Zhai Hua spent in the camp was much longer than that at home, she did not have a lot of time to be alone with Wei De.

    ¡°Hua Hua, for the sake of our future, I¡¯ll definitely work hard and end this situation as soon as possible.¡± Wei De gave Zhai Hua¡¯s head a rub.

    ¡°I trust you.¡±

    When he heard Zhai Hua saying ¡®I trust you¡¯, Wei De was filled with motivation. ¡°Then, I¡¯m going back. Hua Hua, take care.¡±

    ¡°Alright, bye.¡± Zhai Hua did not send Wei De off. A while after Wei De left, she followed suit.

    This had been the habit of the two of them. After all, they were in an awkward situation. Thus, to prevent others from knowing, their preventive measures were much better than that of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    When Wei De returned to the army camp, he heard another group of people discussing how lucky Song Yin was this time. Wei De¡¯s expression changed again.

    Wei De could not help asking himself that if Regiment Commander Zhai knew he was with Hua Hua, would he have more opportunities, at least more than Song Yin, ¨C in the future?

    Unfortunately, he was only asking himself. Wei De did not have the courage to let Zhai Sheng know about his rtionship with Zhai Hua.

    Lying on his bed and resting, Wei De stared at the ceiling in a daze.

    After Hua Hua was with him, she was quite good to him and was willing to share with him many things. It was just that Hua Hua did not tell him who Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s current girlfriend was. However, he understood that her plight was almost as poor as him.

    At the thought of this, Wei De felt depressed too.

    He truly could not understand what Regiment Commander Zhai was thinking. Comrade Qiu was so pretty and of apatible age to Regiment Commander Zhai. Most importantly, the status of the Qiu family was high enough.

    If he married such a woman, he would truly have to pray and thank his ancestors. Hence, what was Regiment Commander Zhai thinking when he gave up such a good woman for one that had nothing.

    Wouldn¡¯t Regiment Commander Zhai want to climb higher in his career and brighten the reputation of the Zhai family further?

    ¡°Wei De, what are you doing? You¡¯re lying on the bed in broad daylight. Are you able to sleep?¡± When the people in the army saw Wei De¡¯s sloppy demeanor, they felt that he was acting strange recently. ¡°Wei De, what¡¯s wrong with you recently? When you¡¯re training, you¡¯re so serious and conscientious as if you¡¯re willing to give your life. Once the training ends, you look so listless andzy. Let¡¯s not talk about others. Song Yin has been in the army for a shorter time than you, but he¡¯s now an educated person. We have to work hard too. It will be our turn sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°Sooner orter...¡± It was impossible to be sooner. As forter, howte would it be?

    Wei De rubbed his hair. ¡°Alright, you all chat. I¡¯m tired and will nap for a while.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡±

    At the sight of Wei De, the rest of hisrades smiled.

    Everyone knew in their heart that Wei De¡¯s cultural standards were not high and he was also not as motivated as Song Yin toward learning.

    Although Wei De had more experience than Song Yin, the lucky encounter that Song Yin met would probably be wasted on Wei De if thetter had encountered it.

    Truly, this was a situation and fortune that not everyone could yearn for.

    What was the use of feeling unjustified and unhappy? If they wanted to gain military achievements, they had to rely on true capability and skills!

    Everyone understood in their heart, but they would not say such words that would pierce Wei De¡¯s heart.

    Seeing that Song Yin, who joinedter than him, was now ranked higher than him, Wei De already felt bad enough despite hisrades not saying anything.

    At this juncture, Wei De¡¯s mood was awful. If he did not have a girlfriend like Zhai Hua consoling him at this moment, he would have started to suspect life and whether he was suited to remain in the army.

    At this moment, Wei De was not the only one who doubted his life. There was another person: Shi Qing.

    Finally, one weekend passed by quietly. Shi Qing had thought that there would not be any more issues, that Qi Min finally understood that she should find ways tomunicate with Qiu Qin instead of wasting her time on people like her who had nothing to do with the matter.

    Whether they were to remain together or go their separate ways, they had to settle the arrangement.

    Who would have known that Qi Min was someone who had grown in age but hardly matured? When a problem arose, she woulde after others instead of finding ways to resolve it herself.

    ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re angry, don¡¯t take it out on your pen. If you continue to do so, everyone in the library will stare at us. It¡¯s fine that your pen is destroyed. Do you still want this book?¡± Qiao Nan dug her ears as she heard the sharp scribbling sound beside them. ¡°The school had already stopped her from entering the school. Moreover, haven¡¯t you also escaped to the library? What¡¯s there to worry?¡±

    ¡°I just can¡¯t ept that someone will be so stupid to this extent.¡±

 Chapter 637 - Blind

    <h4>Chapter 637:</h4>

    <h4>Blind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Was she the one whomitted adultery? Was it her father? Her auntie did not look for her uncle-inw and had to keep going after her father and her. What did she mean by that?

    Qiao Nan was flipping her book and reading it. ¡°It¡¯s not as if this is the first day you know her temperament. You should have been used to it. Now, what I¡¯m worried about is...¡±

    Although Shi Qing had previously managed to dismiss Qi Min when thetter inquired about Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship, at this juncture, Qi Min seemed to have been cornered to desperation. She would have no rationality to speak of and would hold on to anyone that she could.

    ¡°There won¡¯t be any problem,¡± Shi Qing said confidently. ¡°When I helped you shake her off previously, I¡¯ve tested her. Even though she saw with her own eyes that you were shopping with Brother Zhai, she was not entirely sure that the woman with Brother Zhai was you. You don¡¯t know where they gathered such a theory from. They think you¡¯re definitely not involved in a romantic rtionship because your grades are still good.¡± Hence, when her auntie tried to find out about the rtionship between Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan, the first question she asked was whether there had been any changes to Qiao Nan¡¯s grades recently.

    After knowing that Qiao Nan was still the top scorer in the cohort and the top in the humanities course, her auntie had already dispelled her initial suspicion on Qiao Nan before she could tell her about what happened to the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan stopped writing for a while. ¡°Could it be that when Qiu Chenxi was with Brother Zhai in the past, her grades dropped because of Brother Zhai?¡±

    As a student, once in love, nine out of ten of them would suffer a drop in their grades.

    Qi Min had been using Qiu Chenxi as a benchmark. That could only mean that they had gone through that situation before. ¡°Moreover, perhaps your auntie had also encountered the same situation while she was still studying.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not too sure about this. Have to ask my dad.¡± Since she disliked Qi Min, this auntie of hers, why should she be willing to understand Qi Min so thoroughly? ¡°I¡¯m not pleased that she¡¯sing after me now. Why did she?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s couldn¡¯t find your dad, so she came after you.¡± This was called a daughter paying for her father¡¯s debts.

    ¡°There¡¯s no use looking for me!¡±

    ¡°Looking for your dad is no use either.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°This matter was not caused by your dad. At most, your dad and you discovered it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s going to continue pestering me if she can¡¯t find my dad? Does she not want to resolve the issue regarding my uncle-inw anymore? I heard that my uncle-inw has not broken up with that woman. Most importantly, the attitude of the elderly couple in the Qiu family is very strange.¡±

    Although their son had a mistress behind their daughter-inw¡¯s back, the elderly couple of the Qiu family was not angry with their son. At most, they only chided him slightly and did not punish him at all. Shi Qing thus could not understand their thoughts.

    ¡°They¡¯re acting smart and also want to test what Qi Min¡¯s status in the Shi family is now.¡± The Qiu family and the Shi family became inws on the pretext of self-interests. They could be considered united by marriage.

    Shi Peng had resigned from the army. The power of the Shi family had been greatly reduced to almost nothing.

    Without Shi Peng, the Shi family was only left with an empty shell.

    In the face of such an inw family, of course, the Qiu family had to consider carefully whether they would continue to acknowledge the Shi family in the future. Additionally, if they disallowed Qi Min to leave, what was the appropriate distance they should maintain with the Shi family?

    The state of Qi Min¡¯s status in the Qiu family would now depend on the value that she could bring to the Qiu family and whether the Shi family was willing to bother about Qi Min, this daughter.

    The attitude of the Shi family would be the determining factor for all these.

    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, she still dared to create troubles for me and my dad?¡± Shi Qing was ring. ¡°Is she brainless?¡±

    Her auntie did not have any status in the Qiu family now. She had to rely on the Shi family.

    As long as the Shi family was doing well, her auntie would then be well.

    ¡°Some people are born to be muddleheaded. You can¡¯t do anything about it.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Obviously, Qi Min belonged to the category of people who were as such.

    If she was clear-minded, not to mention that she would already have been married to Chief Zhai long ago, at the very least, it was impossible that she would kick up such a fuss and force Shi Peng to submit his resignation earlier.

    ¡°Just like your mother and sister?¡± Thinking about the information she gathered about Qiao Nan, Shi Qing said something that was akin to piercing Qiao Nan¡¯s lungs.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing a nce. ¡°Why? Are you hoping to find peace from my end?¡±

    Shi Qingughed at herself. ¡°I¡¯m being quite annoying, right? I have never thought that there¡¯de a day I would be this annoying. But whenever I see my auntie, I really feel troubled. Then, when I think of my grandpa, I nearly feel that there¡¯s no meaning in life.¡±

    First, he relied on hisrade. Then, his son. Now, he had to rely on his married daughter and his granddaughter.

    As a man, her grandfather was only thinking about depending, depending, depending, and depending on others. Could he not rely on himself for once?

    Qiao Nan held her head with one hand. ¡°It¡¯s good that you know that you¡¯re being annoying. The most annoying people are those that don¡¯t have any self-awareness.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Shi Qing never expected that she would say countless ¡®thank you¡¯ to Qiao Nan during the past few months.

    She had lost her temper just now. There was, in fact, no need for Qiao Nan to tolerate it. She was the one who was too willful and had overreacted.

    At the thought that Shi Peng was staying in the hospital within the armypound and Shi Qing was the only one that Qi Min could get a hold of, Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°I say, will Qi Min go and seek trouble with my dad?¡± Shi Qing was hiding in the school and Qi Min could not meet Shi Peng. As such, Qi Min could only vent all her anger on the Qiao family since they were the ones who allowed Shi Qing to stay in their house.

    ¡°I, uh, don¡¯t think so?¡± Shi Qing jumped in shock. ¡°Your family and mine are not rted in any way. The ones who discovered her husband¡¯s adultery were my dad and me. It doesn¡¯t have anything to do with you all. Why will she look for your dad?¡±

    ¡°Firstly, you¡¯re staying at my house. Secondly, they can¡¯t find you. Therefore, they will definitely look for someone they can find.¡± Moreover, her father was someone Qi Min could easily find.

    ¡°Crap, that¡¯s really possible!¡± Shi Qing was so agitated that she forgot that she was in the library. She mmed one of her palms on the table with a loud bang. ¡°This won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll call my dad now and ask him to keep a tighter watch.¡±

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She was only afraid that it would be toote now.

    It was true that only bad things came true. Qi Min had the door mmed in her face a few times. This was something that had never happened before.

    Her husband, who had been as obedient as a dog all this while, had not only reared a mistress but also got another house outside. The reason he did note home often was to keep that mistresspany. At the thought that that woman was notparable to her in any way, yet Qiu Qin treated that mistress better than her, Qi Min¡¯s lungs were filled with fury and pain.

    When she saw the face of that woman, she simply asked Qiu Qin, ¡°Are you blind? She¡¯s prettier than me? In what ways is she better than me? You don¡¯t stay at home and go out to embarrass me?¡±

    The most terrible thing was that this matter was discovered by her maternal family.

    It was fine that her family discovered it. However, they intended to dump the problem on her and then wash their hands off this matter.

 Chapter 638 - The Qiao Family Was Implicated

    <h4>Chapter 638: The Qiao Family Was Implicated</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    All the troubles of her husband¡¯s family and her family urred at the same time. Unfortunately, the matter between Zhai Sheng and her daughter had no progress at all. These mattersbined made Qi Min have a feeling that she would simply lose her mind one of these days when she woke up.

    Qi Min was stomaching her anger. She was unhappy that she could not find anyone to vent her frustration on. She could not find Shi Peng and Shi Qing was hiding in the school. How would Qiao Dongliang not be Qi Min¡¯s target?

    If there was someone to me, Qiao Dongliang could only me himself. Shi Qing had rtives in Ping Cheng and yet he still took Shi Qing in. Who else could she look for if she did not look for him?

    When Qiao Dongliang saw Qi Min knocking at his door and asking for her niece, he was simply confused. ¡°Who is your niece?¡±

    ¡°Whoever is staying at your house is my niece.¡± Qi Min snorted coldly. Her eyes were full of disdain when she looked at Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was not frightened by Qi Min. Instead, he was amused by her words. ¡°There¡¯s not only one person staying at my house. Are all of them your nieces?¡± Was she acknowledging rtives haphazardly?

    ¡°My niece is called Shi Qing!¡± Qi Min¡¯s chest was heaving up and down heavily. ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered to waste my breath with you. Quickly hand over my niece. Otherwise, I¡¯ll call the police and sue you for illegal imprisonment!¡±

    At the mention of awsuit, there would be some who would stand by his side and others who would distance themselves away from him.

    Toward this, Qiao Dongliang had observed and remembered these in his heart. ¡°So you¡¯re Shi Qing¡¯s auntie. Before you call the police, do you want to contact your brother first? Shi Qing¡¯s guardianship rights are with her father. She¡¯s staying at my house because her father called us personally about it. He put Shi Qing at my house, yet you, the auntie, want to sue me for illegal imprisonment. When the timees, you have to consider carefully what to tell the policerades.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was not frightened at all by her threat of calling the police.

    What should he be afraid of?

    Shi Qing¡¯s biological father allowed her to stay with him. Did he need to be afraid when he met the police officer?

    ¡°What evidence do you have to prove that my brother put Shi Qing in your care? You¡¯re not even thinking of how old you are and how there¡¯s no woman at home. Would my brother be willing to allow her grown-up daughter to stay at your house? What a joke!¡± Qi Min said this with implied negative meaning, as if Qiao Dongliang had some disgusting ulterior motives for taking in Shi Qing, that the rtionship between the two was abnormal.

    ¡°The way this woman speaks is too much. Old Qiao has a daughter at home. Do you think we¡¯re not aware of this? Your niece and Nan Nan are ssmates. The twodies eat, stay, and learn together. You think we don¡¯t know anything and deliberately came here to lie to us? You¡¯re the biological auntie of that youngdy. She¡¯s staying at a ssmate¡¯s house instead of yours. Who¡¯s the bad guy and who¡¯s the good guy? You¡¯re just talking nonsense with that mouth of yours. Wow, this has really widened my horizons.¡±

    Old Yang immediately stood out to support Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°It looks like I, and not you, should be the one calling the police. Do you know what you¡¯re doing now? You¡¯re defaming me!¡± Qiao Dongliang was truly angered. If Qi Min was truly concerned about Shi Qing, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper could be better. However, it was not so.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang found it strange that, although Shi Qing could stay at her biological auntie¡¯s house, she came to stay at his house. It was not logical.

    However, after he saw Qi Min today, Qiao Dongliang expressed that this was the most logical thing to do. If Shi Qing could continue to stay at her biological auntie¡¯s house, that would be illogical.

    She said such words to smear the reputation of her own biological niece. What kind of person was this?

    No, this was not something a human being would do.

    ¡°If you¡¯re capable, you can call then!¡± Qi Min was not afraid. Furthermore, given the connections of the Qiu family in Ping Cheng, who would dare to touch her? She was the daughter-inw of the Qiu family!

    ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered to waste my breath with you.¡± Qiao Dongliang cast Qi Min a cold look. ¡°If you think there¡¯s a problem, you can call the police directly. I don¡¯t believe that there¡¯s such nonsense in this world, that you can wrong someone without any basis. Shi Qing is doing well and studying at Ping Cheng High School now. You ran here and behaved atrociously. It looks like you, as an auntie, really did not fulfill your duty. Your biological niece refused to see you, so you¡¯re targeting me, right?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was not stupid. Judging from Qi Min¡¯s temper and the fact that Shi Qing had been staying at his house, Qiao Dongliang could, of course, guess that Qi Min certainly had not been a good auntie. Shi Qing would rather stay at her ssmate¡¯s house than that of her auntie. Shi Qing was forced to do that due to Qi Min.

    Since Shi Qing refused to stay with such a person, she would certainly refuse to meet thetter as well.

    As such, although Qi Min was not afraid of calling the police, there was no need for Qiao Dongliang to be afraid.

    ¡°Yes, didn¡¯t you say that you will call the police? You can try it first. I¡¯ve not seen an auntie like you. No wonder she¡¯d rather stay at her ssmate¡¯s house than that of her rtives. You don¡¯t know how to reflect on yourself and still want to look for trouble. My horizons have really widened.¡± Old Yang could tell that Qi Min was from a wealthy family. Nevertheless, although she was wealthy, she should not be unreasonable and malign others. ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t bother about her. We¡¯re off work. Come to my house and have a drink.¡±

    Old Qiao was aware that there was no one to keep Qiao Dongliangpany when Qiao Nan was in school. Hence, he often pulled Qiao Dongliang along to his house to have a few drinks.

    Qiao Dongliang had good manners in drinking. Besides marrying a wife that was not that good, he did not have any other shorings.

    Even if he frequented Old Yang¡¯s house for meals, he would often bring along dishes and alcohol. He was not covetous of small gains and would not always let Old Yang pay for all the dishes and drinks.

    As such, the other family members of the Yang family were very receptive to Old Yang¡¯s friendship with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see who can leave if I don¡¯t agree!¡± Qi Min pulled a long face. It was really a bumpkin who sprang out of nowhere, yet he dared to act viciously in front of her.

    As long as she extended a little finger of hers, she could easily make these people die like she was killing ants.

    At the sound of Qi Min¡¯s order, a few strong-built and muscr men surrounded the entrance of the factory.

    Today, Qi Min was determined toy her hands on Qiao Dongliang and force Shi Qing toe out. Although she could not control Shi Peng, she did not believe that she could not catch Shi Qing, this little niece of hers!

    The people in the factory saw that there was an emergency situation. ¡°Hurry! Hurry and call the security officers in the factory.¡±

    ¡°Call 110, call the police!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck and red intermittently. What was illegal imprisonment? This was illegal imprisonment!

    ¡°No need to call the police. What¡¯s the matter? Speak.¡± Upon receiving Shi Qing¡¯s phone call, Shi Peng, who rushed out from the army, looked pale as he brought a few soldiers and alighted from a green army vehicle. When he saw the unreasonable Qi Min, he felt embarrassed.

    ¡°Have you seen that? The People¡¯s Liberation Army is here. We¡¯ll see how unreasonable you can get. Each of you acts like you¡¯re from a secret society!¡± The people in the factory immediately let down their worries. The People¡¯s Liberation Army, the envoy of justice. They could drive away these baddies who bullied ordinary citizens.

    ¡°Yo, brother, you¡¯re finally willing toe out and meet me?¡± Qi Min said with a fake smile. She was looking at Shi Peng with her arms crossed.

 Chapter 639 - Shi Peng Appeared

    <h4>Chapter 639: Shi Peng Appeared</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Qi Min said this, the people in the factory panicked. On the other hand, the few men brought over by Qi Min felt more at ease.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to meet me? I¡¯m already here. Should these few men of yours leave then? Disturbing thew and order of the society, how many days do you want these people to squat in prison? It¡¯s not difficult.¡± Shi Peng knew Qi Min¡¯s temper too well.

    Once Qi Minid her hands on Qiao Dongliang, she would never give up if she did not force Shi Qing or him to appear.

    When Miao Jing was about to get married to Zhai Yaohui, if not for the fact that Qi Min did not have the capability then, she would have definitely brought a group of people to stop the marriage. Even if it was something that she did not want, there was no reason to let someone else pick it up. Furthermore, Zhai Yaohui was the one who deserted her in the first ce and married Miao Jing.

    Now, Qi Min was already the daughter-inw of the Qiu family. She had power and wealth. Hence, it was not difficult to hire a few people.

    Having expected this, Shi Peng had no choice but to bring a few soldiers over. After all, it was also considered as maintaining safety and order.

    Hearing Shi Peng¡¯s threat, the group hired by Qi Min faced one another: Why was there an internal conflict now?

    Seeing that the physiques of the few soldiers in camouge uniform were stronger than theirs, without the need for Shi Peng to repeat his words, they immediately moved aside and allowed the workers who were off work to go home quickly.

    Qi Min snorted but did not hold them back, silently epting their actions.

    ¡°Good day. You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s father, right? I¡¯m Shi Qing¡¯s father.¡± His daughter had been inconveniencing other people for so long, but this was the first time Shi Peng met Qiao Dongliang in person.

    Qiao Dongliang appeared quite emotional. ¡°Officer Shi, good day. Previously, Nan Nan stayed in the army for a period of time. Fortunately, you all took good care of her.¡±

    ¡°Good day, we¡¯ve caused you inconvenience.¡± It was not only his daughter who had disturbed others but also his younger sister.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled but he did not deny it. Be it Qi Min or Shi Qing, they were certainly troubles to him.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you know him? Will there be any problem?¡± Old Yang refused to leave. The atmosphere there was very atrocious. At one point, they were at odds with each other. At another point, they were family. Old Yang was worried.

    ¡°No issue. This officer is the father of that ssmate of Nan Nan. He¡¯s the one who put Shi Qing at my house for me to take care of. There won¡¯t be a problem.¡± Qiao Dongliang trusted Shi Peng.

    Anyway, as per what Qi Min had said, if he were to put himself in others¡¯ shoes, having such a grown-up daughter, he might not really feel at ease enough to put her under a stranger¡¯s care.

    However, Officer Shi was not worried. There was a difference in the magnanimity of the hearts of people. An officer was indeed an officer.

    ¡°I see.¡± Old Yang felt more assured as he nodded. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave first?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Our age is almost the same. I¡¯ll call you Qiao Dongliang then.¡±

    ¡°Officer Shi, you¡¯re too polite.¡± In the army, he could at most be addressed with a serial number.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t hold you back. You can go home first. After I¡¯ve settled these matters, I¡¯ll visit you at your house.¡± When Shi Peng faced Qiao Dongliang, he was very polite. At the very least, his attitude was much more polite than when he faced Qi Min.

    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll go back first.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not decline. After all, this was a matter of another family. It was not convenient for an outsider like him to be present.

    Furthermore, Officer Shi brought with him so many people. There certainly would be no issue.

    Typically, an individual from the army could fight and handle ten people!

    ¡°Alright, bye.¡± After sending Qiao Dongliang off with his eyes, Shi Peng then looked at Qi Min coldly. ¡°Let¡¯s change a ce to talk.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± She was not willing to stand there like she was being punished and let others view them as aughingstock.

    The siblings found a ce to sit down and talk. While drinking his water, Shi Peng just stared at Qi Min.

    Qi Minughed coldly. ¡°Brother, isn¡¯t Longjing tea your favorite in the past? You don¡¯t need to be polite today. I¡¯ll pay for the bill. I can¡¯t treat you to more expensive things. But if it¡¯s just a cup of Longjing tea, you can have as much as you wish.¡± Was the plight of the Shi family was so poor that her brother had to drink in water while he was out?

    Perhaps, toward her family, she certainly should not harbor any hopes. It would be a waste of her feelings.

    ¡°No need,¡± Shi Peng said at ease as he drank his water. ¡°When I was in the army earlier, Qiao Nan suggested that, given my health, it¡¯s better for me to drink water. The doctor also said the same thing. Thereafter, I don¡¯t drink tea anymore.¡±

    Not drinking did not mean he could not afford to drink. It was because he could not drink.

    Only someone like Qi Min, who judged people by their wealth and status, would distort and perceive a simple changed habit of Shi Peng to something as such.

    Qi Min smiled grimly. ¡°Father and daughter pair knows Qiao Nan quite well now. All of you protect her so well. You seem to have forgotten who your real family members are. You¡¯re favoring an outsider instead of someone from your own side. That¡¯s not the way it should be.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the whole family favors an outsider instead of someone from our own side. That¡¯s not the way? At the end of the day, it means we¡¯re no longer a family.¡± Shi Peng hinted as he replied to Qi Min. There were two meanings in his words.

    There were certainly issues but they were not with the Shi family. The problem was with Qi Min. ¡°I¡¯m already here. Tell me directly what you want to say. Since we¡¯re no longer a family, we¡¯ll meet less in the future. Of course, I¡¯m washing my hands off your matters.¡±

    It was not bothering less, but not bothering at all anymore. Shi Peng was really not willing to intervene anymore.

    If not for the fact that he wanted the old master in his family to be prepared, he would not have given the information to the old master.

    Hence, not once had he thought of standing on Qi Min¡¯s side to help her discipline Qiu Qin.

    When Shi Peng appeared openly and asked Qi Min clearly what she wished to do, Qi Min was dumbfounded instead. She did not say anything even after thinking for a long time.

    What did she want to do?

    What could she do!

    ¡°How did you know that Qiu Qin has an issue outside? Did you see him before but hid the truth from me because you just wanted to watch me turn into a joke?!¡± That woman¡¯s looks and qualification were not better than hers. Moreover, her birth status was notparable to that of hers.

    To have lost to such a woman who was beneath her in many aspects, Qi Min could not take it lying down. ¡°Qiu Qin said he wishes to divorce me.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want his political career anymore? Once this matter spreads, if he¡¯s targeted, he will only be demoted if he¡¯s lucky. If he¡¯s unlucky and meets an opponent, it may result in disciplinary measures, including detainment and interrogation.¡± Shi Peng was quite surprised. He only needed to confirm that Qiu Qin had done something wrong and let Qi Min down.

    Since Qiu Qin¡¯s heart was not with Qi Min anymore, naturally, it was not possible that Qiu Qin would continue to sing the same tune with the Shi family.

    Regarding the intricacy of the rtionship between Qiu Qin and that woman, Shi Peng was not interested to know. Thus, he did not send anyone to investigate it.

    However, he did not expect that a man like Qiu Qin would give up everything he had worked hard for previously for the sake of a woman. This was simply a joke to him!

    ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t. He doesn¡¯t want anything now. He only wants that vixen!¡± Qi Min could not remain stubborn anymore. Her tears poured like a heavy downpour.

 Chapter 640 - Could Not Sympathize

    <h4>Chapter 640: Could Not Sympathize</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This time, she had endured far too much.

    ¡°He is what he is today because I¡¯ve put in so much effort. It¡¯s so easy for him to say now that he doesn¡¯t want me. Moreover, it¡¯s for the sake of a vixen. How can he do that to me? By doing this, isn¡¯t he letting me down?!¡± She had worked so hard for the sake of the Qiu family.

    The Qiu family rose through the ranks and status because of her. Qiu Qin had not assumed the role that she wanted most, yet he was washing his hands off the matter. He did not care and did not want anything anymore. How could Qi Min agree to this? ¡°He said that he wants to divorce me and marry that vixen. That woman is not well-educated. She¡¯s ugly and doesn¡¯t have many family members. She¡¯ll only be the burden of the Qiu family and Qiu Qin. I¡¯ve worked so hard for the Qiu family and Qiu Qin wants to divorce me because of such a lousy woman. I¡¯m not willing. I can¡¯t take this lying down!¡±

    ¡°In that case, why were you looking for Qing Qing and me?!¡± Shi Peng turned a deaf ear to Qi Min¡¯sints and grievances. ¡°Do you know that this willful behavior of yours has already disrupted other people¡¯s lives!¡±

    Yes, that woman was not pretty. She was not well-educated and was not born into a wealthy or powerful family. Nevertheless, she was better than Qi Min in one way. She had a better temper.

    ¡°Why did I look for you? You¡¯re my only biological brother. Now that I¡¯ve encountered something like this, who else could I look for besides you? Yet, you avoided me. Is there a brother like you? Your sister has been bullied and you¡¯re not stepping out to help me. Moreover, if you have not gathered that information, I wouldn¡¯t kick up a fuss in front of Qiu Qin and let him have the chance to mention divorce.¡± If she had not discovered it, Qiu Qin would not have thought of divorcing her at all.

    Hence, regarding this matter, Shi Peng had to bear most of the responsibility. He had to help her settle this matter and give her a satisfactory oue.

    ¡°Brother, I don¡¯t care. You have to intervene in this matter until I¡¯m satisfied with it. Otherwise, as long as I am unhappy, all of you can forget about having peace!¡± Qi Min said selfishly and willfully. She was determined to make Shi Peng yield to her such that he would do everything for her and settle all her problems.

    ¡°How are you going to disrupt my peace?¡± Facing Qi Min¡¯s attitude of taking things for granted, Shi Peng asked sullenly, ¡°You¡¯ll harass the Qiao family again?¡±

    ¡°Yes, if you don¡¯t help me and avoid me like before, I¡¯lly my hands on the Qiao family. Shi Qing and you have the means to hide so well but not everyone is like you. Since the Qiao family allows Shi Qing to stay at their house, I don¡¯t believe that you can just watch themnd themselves in such huge trouble and have their peace disrupted because of you and your daughter. Brother, let me tell you. If you did not discover this, it¡¯s impossible that Qiu Qin would stir up the divorce issue with me. I also believe that he will return to my side eventually after he¡¯s sick of that woman outside.¡±

    In other words, Qi Min felt that as long as this matter did not blow up, she did not even have to do anything and Qiu Qin would eventually return to her side. She could then also believe that she was the only woman in Qiu Qin¡¯s life all these while.

    Shi Peng was the one who exposed Qiu Qin andplicated things. He was the one who made her life more miserable.

    Because of this, Shi Peng had the responsibility to ¡®steer¡¯ her life back to the original ¡®tracks¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯ve understood your threat. Fine, I¡¯ll make separate arrangements for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s matter. As for the matter between Qiu Qin and you, I don¡¯t care,¡± Shi Peng said without reservation. He was not affected by what Qi Min had just said at all. ¡°Even if I know that Qiu Qin has someone outside, I¡¯d never thought of telling you. At most, I was just letting Dad know of it. I couldn¡¯t stop Dad from telling you. A son does not speak of his father¡¯s wrongdoing. You can¡¯t me me for this matter.¡±

    In fact, Old Master Shi, and not Shi Peng, was the one who brought this matter to light.

    If Qi Min wanted to find someone to settle the scores, she should look for Old Master Shi and not Shi Peng.

    ¡°Yes, Dad told me about it, but you¡¯re the one who told him in the first ce!¡± Without Shi Peng, this initiator, there would not be so many things happening thereafter.

    ¡®If you want to look at it in this way, then you can only settle the scores with yourself.¡± Shi Peng looked at Qi Min with a wry smile.

    ¡°Why?¡± Qi Min did not believe him. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re trying to say that I was not good to Qiu Qin, and that I was the one who forced Qiu Qin to find someone outside. In the end, the actual responsibility lies with me, is that it? How could there be a brother like you?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not referring to this.¡± Shi Peng denied. ¡°Do you know who triggered the discovery of Qiu Qin having a woman outside in the first ce? I¡¯m very busy in the army. I¡¯ve submitted my resignation letter and there¡¯s definitely a lot of work that I have to prepare beforehand to handover. I¡¯ve been so busytely. How could I possibly know about Qiu Qin¡¯s issue?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s the one who noticed that there¡¯s a problem with Qiu Qin!!¡± Yes, Shi Peng was in the army every day. To put it bluntly, Shi Peng might not even know that there was a problem with his wife, let alone Qiu Qin.

    ¡°You, of course!¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Qi Min shrieked. ¡°Brother, don¡¯t talk nonsense just because you¡¯re trying to shift the me. Do you think I will definitely believe you?¡± She had known earlier that Qiu Qin was two-timing her and having a mistress? If so, she would have kicked up a fuss long ago.

    If not for the information given to her by her father, she would have thought that Qiu Qin was devoted to her all along. When she asked him to head toward the east, he dared not head toward the west. When she asked him to stand, he dared not sit!

    Shi Peng tugged the corners of his lips, his eyes looking very cold. ¡°Have you forgotten what you told Qing Qing when you looked for her a month ago?¡±

    ¡°What did I say?¡± Qi Min had really forgotten about it.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who told Qing Qing that Qiu Qin has changed and doesn¡¯t like toe home recently? He always tells you that he¡¯s busy. He did note home to sleep for a number of nights. Qing Qing is just a child. She also felt something amiss. She thus reflected the situation to me. I then investigated and found out about the existence of such a woman. Qi Min, if you really wish to get to the bottom of this matter, actually, you¡¯ve noticed it but did not realize it. If you had not said all those to Qing Qing and she had not told me, would I pay attention to Qiu Qin?¡±

    Shi Peng saw the look of ridicule in Qi Min¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re the one sleeping beside Qiu Qin. Didn¡¯t they say that women are very sensitive to such things? Qiu Qin had not beening home to sleep and you did not even realize it. Qi Min, what do you pay attention to normally? Where did you focus your thoughts on?¡±

    It could be said that Qiu Qin¡¯s behavior was apparent enough. However, Qi Min did not suspect him at all. Shi Peng even had to investigate the matter to find out the truth. Obviously, all these circumstances pointed to the fact that Qi Min had ridiculously neglected and overlooked Qiu Qin¡¯s matters.

    The most ludicrous matter was that, if he had not brought this up today, Qi Min had not evene to her senses. She had long noticed Qiu Qin¡¯s odd behavior but never reflected deeply on it before.

    As a wife and a mother, Qi Min was muddleheaded to such an extent. As such, although Qiu Qinmitted adultery, Shi Peng could not bring himself to sympathize with Qi Min.

 Chapter 641 - Youâ€™re the First One Who Discovered It

    <h4>Chapter 641: You¡¯re the First One Who Discovered It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Clearly, Qi Min was the victim that had been betrayed and hurt. However, Shi Peng could not associate the word ¡®sympathy¡¯ with Qi Min at all.

    Qi Min waspletely taken aback. Upon hearing Shi Peng¡¯s words, she then recalled that she seemed to have mentioned these to Shi Qing before.

    Shi Qing suspected that Qiu Qin had a mistress with just those few words of hers. Was Shi Qing too sensitive or was she, the wife, just too slow to react? ¡°You didn¡¯t lie to me? Qing Qing is just a child. How would she know so much?¡±

    Shi Peng took a sip of water. ¡°Yes, Qing Qing is just a child. She doesn¡¯t know a lot but even she suspected that there¡¯s a problem with Qiu Qin. As his wife, you knew anything. Qi Min, tell me where the problem lies. Since you know that Qing Qing is just a child, please don¡¯t disturb her again in the future. After she came to Ping Cheng, she had not received much help from you, her auntie. At the very least, as an elder, you should not look make trouble for Qing Qing. Now, you want to trouble me, and honestly, you¡¯ve basically troubled me a lot.¡±

    Qi Min held the cup of coffee in her hands tightly. ¡°Brother, you¡¯re really not going to bother about me?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Shi Peng sneered. Until this moment, Qi Min had yet to realize how serious he was this time?

    ¡°Brother, you only have one biological sister, and I¡¯ve been bullied by others. Will you really let Qiu Qin tread on me and watch how pitiful I be?¡± Qi Min refused to believe this. Since a young age, her brother had been very good to her. Regardless of how willful and bad-tempered she was, her brother had never taken any issue with her.

    Her brother had been so good to her. How could he not bother about her anymore? He did not bother about her in the previous incident and then now. He must be deliberately frightening her to make her restrain her behavior a little.

    ¡°Qi Min, you still don¡¯t understand my words? Now, it¡¯s not whether I wish to bother about your problems. It¡¯s because I don¡¯t have the capability to do so. I¡¯ve already submitted my resignation letter. The superiors have approved my resignation in principle. Hence, I¡¯ll be leaving the army very soon. Even if I don¡¯t return to Mo Du and continue to stay in Ping Cheng, you should know that I¡¯ll be holding a retirement job at most. You¡¯ve been married to the Qiu family for so many years, so you should be more aware of the temperament of the Qiu family than me. If I¡¯m doing worse than Qiu Qin, do you think the Qiu family will give me face even if I wish to intervene in this?¡±

    ¡°Since you knew that it would turn out in this way, why did you have to quit! Don¡¯t tell me you wish to see me dead?!¡± Qi Min knew she was used to behaving like a tyrant in the Qiu family thesest few years. In the past, the Qiu family had to give her face and show her respect. If she lost her backing, the situation would be reversed such that she would have to yield to the Qiu family.

    Clearly, she had been leading such a good life. Why did her brother have to resign?

    ¡°If you want to die, can I stop you? It¡¯s your happiness. Should I be the one to promise you that? Qi Min, do you take it that I owe it to you?¡± Shi Peng gave a ridiculousugh. So, the purpose of his existence was to provide for Qi Min¡¯s happiness?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know when you will change that temperament of yours. You have to see what to do yourself. After all, you¡¯re the one leading your own life. If you wish to look for someone to back you up, I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t do so in terms of both literary and military aspects. I can¡¯t help you in any way. You can look for Dad directly regarding all your future matters.¡±

    Shi Peng was also disappointed and tired of this. He had forsaken so much for his family, yet his biological father had never spared a thought for him and his sister had been taking him for granted. If he did not treat her well, she would take it that as a crime.

    He had a family, wife, and daughter. The family members he really had to give more to were his wife and daughter, not his father or sister.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said my piece. I¡¯ll treat you to tea this time.¡± However, this would be thest time.

    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re not giving me any help and you told me so much nonsense. You¡¯re not afraid that I¡¯ll make trouble for the Qiao family again?¡±

    Shi Peng stood up and paused in his steps. Acent smile appeared on Qi Min¡¯s face. She was determined to manipte her brother. In this lifetime, her brother could forget about ditching her. He had to protect her till her death.

    Shi Peng turned and looked at Qi Min firmly. Qi Min lifted her chin and had the intention to go against Shi Peng.

    After some time, Shi Pengughed. Hisugh was rxed but cold. ¡°Qing Qing likes to be with Qiao Nan. They havepany when they study. After meeting Qiao Nan, Qing Qing then realized that she¡¯s not as outstanding as she thought herself to be. It had not been easy for Qing Qing to make such a good friend. For Qing Qing¡¯s sake, I¡¯ll buy a property near the house of the Qiao family. What do you think?¡±

    Qi Min toppled the cup of coffee with a bang. ¡°Are you serious or are you lying to me?¡±

    ¡°No hurry. You will know when the timees. I¡¯ll be leaving the army and taking a retirement job. There¡¯s no reason for me to hoard the resources of the army. It¡¯s rare that I have spare time. Since she was a child, Qing Qing has never really been with me much. It¡¯s not good to let Qing Qing continue to stay at other people¡¯s house either. I think this idea is quite good.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I want to see if you¡¯re really going to buy a property near the house of the Qiao family!¡± He wanted to frighten her. It was not as if she would be afraid of it!

    After settling the bill, Shi Peng returned to the camp immediately.

    Initially, when Shi Peng received a notification that his resignation had been approved, he felt empty at heart and did not know what to do next.

    The army had certainly approved Shi Peng¡¯s resignation. However, in the case of someone like Shi Peng, who had great contributions to the army and country, the country would definitely not make him suffer. At the same time, they had arranged for a civil servant job for him at Ping Cheng.

    Of course, prior to the final decision, the superiors had sought Shi Peng¡¯s inputs on whether he wished to return to Mo Du or continue to stay at Ping Cheng.

    Shi Peng thought about it. He would rather return to the capital than Mo Du. However, after going to the capital, it was not easy to exin to the people at the Mo Du side. In the end, he simply decided to continue staying at Ping Cheng. That would be the best option.

    Today, with Qi Min kicking up such a fuss, Shi Peng had decided on buying another property and also its location.

    Shi Peng had good judgment. He knew there was potential capital appreciation in Ping Cheng¡¯s properties. He would not be shortchanged if he bought a few more properties now while the price was cheap. In the future, he could leave it to Shi Qing as dowry.

    Shi Peng did not touch the property that he bought for Shi Qing previously. Instead, he spent another sum of money and bought a small courtyard house near the house of the Qiao family and moved there.

    When Qiao Dongliang saw Shi Peng bing his neighbor, he was very shocked. ¡°Officer Shi, you, why are you staying here now?¡±

    ¡°My health is not too good, so I might as well retire from the army. Qing Qing had been inconveniencing you. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t say that.¡± When he heard that Shi Peng was really going to stay there, Qiao Dongliang turned away and returned to his house. At the sight of this, Shi Peng was puzzled.

    After a while, Qiao Dongliang came out, holding a huge sum of money. ¡°Officer Shi, Shi Qing was staying at my house previously and you asked someone to send so much money here. Now that you¡¯re just staying at the house beside me, Shi Qing will definitely stay with you. Take the money back. These are the receipts of the expenses incurred for buying Shi Qing¡¯s bed, etc. Keep them as well.¡±

 Chapter 642 - Might As Well Be Neighbors

    <h4>Chapter 642: Might As Well Be Neighbors</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Holding the sum of money in his hands, Shi Peng did not decline. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll be neighbors from now onward. Let¡¯s help and support each other more. Although I¡¯ve bought the house, there¡¯s still some time needed for the change of ownership and rted paperwork. There¡¯ll be another few months before I move in. During this period, I¡¯ll need to seek your help to keep a watch on my house. I¡¯ll pass the keys to you. When Qing Qinges back during the weekend, you can pass it to her.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a gooddy. Qiao Nan¡¯s father was not bad either. He was honest and not greedy.

    ¡°That¡¯s certainly not an issue.¡± After he had given back the money, Qiao Dongliang felt much more at ease now.

    Toward the fact that Shi Qing was the child of an army officer, Qiao Dongliang was more willing to take care of her. Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang did not feelfortable taking Shi Peng¡¯s money.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After Shi Peng passed the house keys to Qiao Dongliang, he immediately returned to the army.

    Just as Qi Min returned to the house of the Qiu family, she received a phone call from Shi Peng. ¡°I¡¯ve already bought a ce near the house of the Qiao family and passed the keys to Qiao Dongliang. When Qing Qinges back, Qiao Dongliang will pass the keys to her. As my sister, it¡¯s rare that you¡¯ve been of help to me. Thanks for reminding me to find such a good neighbor.¡±

    After saying these few words, Shi Peng immediately hung up the phone.

    The mood and expression of Qi Min were not something that Shi Peng cared about.

    ¡°Too much!¡± Qi Min, who did even have the chance to scold, turned red with anger.

    Qi Min knew that, when Shi Peng made the call, he had definitely bought the house and was not just frightening her. Her brother had always been action-oriented. He was not the type who was all talk and no action.

    However, she never expected Shi Peng to act so quickly without any hesitation. He seemed so firm and determined.

    The courtyard near the house of the Qiao family was not cheap. It was within the school¡¯s vicinity and near Ping Cheng High School. It was not just expensive but also difficult to find.

    In other words, Shi Peng bought a house near the school just because Shi Qing still had to study at Ping Cheng High School for another two years. Shi Peng definitely had a lot of money in his hands.

    However, Qi Min would never be able to get a single cent of the money!

    Qiu Chenxi, who made her face fairer during the past month and was finally willing to go out and meet people, asked when she saw Qi Min¡¯s expression, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong again? Dad and that woman still refuse to break up with each other? Won¡¯t grandpa and grandma persuade him?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qi Min sneered. ¡°Your uncle¡¯s resignation has been approved. Soon, he will be working in the government sector in Ping Cheng. There¡¯s nothing great about the Shi family anymore. Will the attitude of your grandparents toward me remain unchanged? Your grandmother had said that as long as your dad still remembers to go home and I remain as the daughter-inw of the Qiu family, I don¡¯t need to bother about other matters.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi fell silent for a moment. ¡°Mom, you can¡¯t listen to grandpa and grandma. You can¡¯t just let this matter rest. He¡¯s rearing a mistress outside. Is Dad not afraid of investigations or disciplinary actions against him, that they will expel him from the party because of integrity issues?¡±

    Did her father lose his mind because of a woman?

    ¡°I can¡¯t say that. You can say it yourself. Your surname is Qiu, whereas my surname is Qi. Your grandparents had been suppressed too harshly in the past. Once your uncle leaves the army and there¡¯s no one to subdue them, they will be cheap and bad!¡± Qi Min snorted and ugly words came out of her mouth.

    Qi Min was aware that her temper was strong. In the past, because of the Shi family and the Zhai family, the elderly couple of the Qiu family was all smiles when dealing with her.

    Qi Min knew that Qiu Qin could rise through the ranks all because he married her. Hence, while she was tyrannical in the Qiu family, she felt that it was within her rights to do so.

    Now, the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi hade to a standstill. Shi Peng even left the army and became an ordinary civil servant, holding a cradle-to-grave job. Within a short time, all the advantages held by Qi Min in the Qiu family vanished.

    Without Qi Min¡¯s suppression, at the very least, Grandmother Qiu had finally turned into a real mother-inw. Naturally, she had to show her prowess.

    Qiu Chenxi nodded. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll speak out on this. But, Mom, you should know. My grandpa and grandma...¡±

    The reasons the elderly couple of the Qiu family indulged Qiu Qin was twofold. First, they knew that even if Qiu Qin had a mistress outside, as long as he was not too obvious and no one looked for trouble, there should not be a major problem. Second, the root cause was that the couple, in fact, preferred a grandson and not granddaughter.

    In the past, the status of their daughter-inw was high and she was even connected to the Zhai family. Due to this, their granddaughter nearly became the daughter-inw of the chief. Regardless of how much the elderly Qiu couple loved grandsons, they had never mentioned this in front of Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi before.

    It was just that, when the neighbors had a grandson, the elderly couple would always join in the fun, sending over some gifts and hugging the newly born male baby more.

    With this point alone, Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi had already seen through the minds of the elderly couple.

    In the past, it was uncertain whether Qi Min¡¯s health was too poor or she did not nurse herself well during pregnancy. She had a difficult birth and lost a lot of blood when she gave birth to Qiu Chenxi.

    Although both mother and daughter were safe thereafter, Qi Min¡¯s body had weakened and she could not conceive anymore.

    Qi Min could not conceive, and now, Qiu Qin had another woman. Then, there would be a chance that the woman would give birth to another grandchild for the elderly couple. How would they hold Qiu Qin back and not let him find that woman?

    ¡°They wish to have a grandson? Next lifetime? Unless the Qiu family could repay me with all the interests and benefits that they deprived of me all these years, they can forget about having a grandson in their entire life till they die.¡± Qi Min sneered continuously.

    ¡°What if that woman bes pregnant?¡± Qiu Chenxi was more anxious than Qi Min. Would the Qiu family be willing to pay back all the benefits that they had gained?

    If the woman her father had outside was pregnant and gave birth to a son, her grandparents would definitely allow this child to enter the Qiu family and be her younger brother.

    Given what her mother had said, all the good things the Qiu family gained due to her mother would belong to this illegitimate child in the future. She was just ady who would be married off. Most likely, she would not get anything.

    On what grounds!

    The Qiu family rose because of her mother. All the good things would be given to the illegitimate bastard of that woman outside. It would be unfair!

    Her status in the Qiu family had been threatened. Qiu Chenxi had no time to bother about Zhai Sheng and that hidden ¡®vixen¡¯ of his now.

    If she lost the glory as the only granddaughter of the Qiu family, Qiu Chenxi knew that she would not have much morepetitive advantage over that young girlfriend of Zhai Sheng.

    The marriage between her and Zhai Sheng was called off. As such, her status in the Qiu family would be increasingly lower. The lower her status was in the Qiu family, the less possibility that she could be married to Zhai Sheng. It was simply a vicious cycle that was unresolvable.

    Hence, she definitely could not allow any of the ¡®segments¡¯ go wrong.

 Chapter 643 - Wish to Be a Stepmother

    <h4>Chapter 643: Wish to Be a Stepmother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯ll think of a way to resolve this matter.¡± Qi Min patted her daughter¡¯s head. The Qiu family had all they had today entirely because of her.

    As such, everything in the Qiu family could only belong to her daughter, Qiu Chenxi. She certainly would not let other illegitimate bastards benefit from it.

    ¡°Mom, do you really have a way? Judging by the situation of grandpa and grandma, they seem to be very hard-hearted.¡± Qiu Chenxi frowned, terribly vexed. There were so many problems at home and she had not even found out who the vixen that Zhai Sheng was hiding was. Why couldn¡¯t there be one matter that went smoothly!

    ¡°Is there a way?¡± Qi Min was amused. ¡°There must be. The Qiu family rose because of me. I can make the Qiu family and Qiu Qin rise, and I can also make them crumble. If the Qiu family forces me to this extent, then there¡¯s nothing that I can¡¯t do!¡±

    She would rather ruin those things that belonged to her than to let others benefit from them.

    ¡°Mom, the reason grandpa and grandma¡¯s attitude toward us is so problematic is the marriage between Brother Zhai and me. Do you have any solutions to this?¡±

    If she could marry Brother Zhai, not to mention that his father¡¯s mistress had not even given birth to the grandchild of the Qiu family yet, even if the child was born, as long as she did not agree, she was very certain that her grandparents would not dare to bring the child into the family. They would not even dare to admit the identity of this child.

    Qiu Chenxi was well aware that the reason her grandparents doted on her so much when she was young, despite her being a granddaughter, was her rtionship with the Zhai family.

    If she and Brother Zhai was engaged and had already fixed a marriage date, even her father would not dare to find a woman behind her mother¡¯s back, let alone her grandparents.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re aware of the crux of the problem. Chenxi, you¡¯ve known Zhai Sheng for so many years. Does he really have no feelings for you at all?¡± When Qi Min asked about this, she could not endure her anger anymore.

    Her daughter grew up with Zhai Sheng. When she was a child, she followed Zhai Sheng around, addressing him as Brother Zhai. Logically-speaking, the two of them were certainly considered young ymates and childhood sweethearts.

    However, if Zhai Sheng had any feelings toward Qiu Chenxi, he would not have done what he did.

    Even if Zhai Sheng did not have any feelings for Qiu Chenxi¡ªQi Min refused to admit that her daughter was such a failure¡ªQiu Chenxi must have had many opportunities. There were so many years of rtionship, yet she could not even catch hold of a man¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Brother Zhai only has that vixen in his heart now. If we can find out who that vixen is, Brother Zhai won¡¯t be so bad toward me. Mom, tell me, what kind of person is she? It¡¯s like Brother Zhai has been drugged and bewitched. In the past, Brother Zhai was cold and nonchnt toward everyone. He only bothered about me once in a while. Why did he break up with me for the sake of a woman now?¡±

    During this period of time, Qiu Chenxi had been thinking thoroughly over this matter. She had pondered many times, from the beginning until the current situation.

    The time Zhai Sheng spent in the army was extraordinarily long. She had investigated the situation in the army. None of the women in the army, be it young or old, were close to Zhai Sheng.

    As such, this vixen was definitely not from the army.

    However, the time Zhai Sheng spent in Ping Cheng after leaving the army was so short. Almost every time that he was back, she would look for him.

    If Zhai Sheng had looked for that vixen during those times, there was no reason that she had failed to notice it.

    Brother Zhai was a soldier but that vixen was not. That being said, that vixen really could hide well.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve thought about it. I feel there¡¯s something strange. It¡¯s been such a long time, but besides Qiao Nan, no other women have appeared around Brother Zhai.¡± However, Qiao Nan¡¯s grades had always been so good. She did not seem like she was in love at all.

    ¡°Do you suspect Qiao Nan?¡± When she recalled what she had seen before, Qi Min¡¯s heart wavered.

    Qiu Chenxi sneered, her eyes full of disdain. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t make meugh. Even if I suspect someone, I can¡¯t suspect her. Yes, over these two years, Qiao Nan is the only one who appeared around Brother Zhai. The problem is that Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai grew up in the same quad. If she had the intention and Brother Zhai felt the same way, then she, and not me, would be Brother Zhai¡¯s childhood sweetheart. It¡¯s not possible that Qiao Nan would only appear in Brother Zhai¡¯s life in these two years. It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    Qi Min knitted her brows, deep in thoughts. ¡°Chenxi, don¡¯t underestimate this Qiao Nan. Both of us know that Qing Qing likes Zhai Sheng. Logically, since you have told Qing Qing that Qiao Nan is the girlfriend Zhai Sheng has outside, Qing Qing will definitely be at odds with Qiao Nan. However, if you look at the situation carefully, Qing Qing treats Qiao Nan better than she does you now. Qiao Nan is capable of winning over other people¡¯s hearts. Besides Qing Qing, I remember that the grandson of the Zhu family is also on good terms with her. Most importantly, I¡¯ve not told you one thing yet. One month ago, I saw Zhai Sheng bringing Qiao Nan to the shopping mall to shop for clothes. Furthermore, Zhai Sheng helped Qiao Nan carry shopping bags.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Is it true? Brother Zhai has never apanied me shopping, and neither has he helped me carry any bags. Could there be a reason behind this? Could it possibly be rted to Miao Jing? Doesn¡¯t Miao Jing quite like Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so certain that that woman of Zhai Sheng is definitely not Qiao Nan?¡± Qi Min was not assured. Any woman that was close to Zhai Sheng should be suspected. Furthermore, although Qiao Nan was young, she had her means and should not be underestimated.

    Shi Peng even bought a house near the house of the Qiao family. After all, he did that for the sake of Shi Qing. Nevertheless, it was because Shi Qing wanted to be close to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m certain. Qiao Nan is young and her grades are good. Moreover, have you ever seen her pestering Brother Zhai?¡± She was better than Qiao Nan in every way and Qiao Nan was also within her sight. What tricks could she y? ¡°As for the asion that you mentioned, I¡¯ll find out more at the Zhai family. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not that Brother Zhai wanted to apany Qiao Nan shopping. The greatest possibility is that this is rted to Miao Jing.¡±

    When she heard her daughter being so spot-on, Qi Min¡¯s head ached and she said, ¡°It may be so. Miao Jing had an argument with the other Zhai family members. Qiao Nan was the one who made them reconcile. This Qiao Nan is too detestable!¡±

    Why was it that each time Miao Jing was muddleheaded and did something so foolish, Qiao Nan had to poke her nose into it?

    She had been in a rtionship with Zhai Yaohui for so long. If not for Miao Jing, she would have be the wife of the chief.

    If Miao Jing continued to quarrel with Zhai Yaohui, both of them would divorce sooner orter.

    If Zhai Yaohui regained singlehood, so what if Qiu Qin had a mistress outside? She could also divorce Qiu Qin and then be married to Zhai Yaohui and became the wife of a chief.

    Qiu Qin had always been her second choice. The one she truly loved and wished to be married to was only Zhai Yaohui.

    If that really happened, she could entirely make use of her status as a stepmother to subdue Zhai Sheng and force him to marry Chenxi.

 Chapter 644 - Kids Are So Scary

    <h4>Chapter 644: Kids Are So Scary</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Anyway, they were only stepbrother and stepsister, not biological siblings. If the two of them got married, to put it bluntly, it was not a major issue and not even considered incest.

    It was a pity that all these were Qi Min¡¯s own imagination. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing did quarrel but they reconciled within one day. Not to mention Qi Min getting married to Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing did not even quarrel to the extent of getting a divorce, and Qiao Nan had already thwarted Qi Min¡¯s dreams.

    When she heard the news, this thought shed across Qi Min¡¯s mind.

    However, since she found out that Qiu Qin hadmitted adultery behind her back and the elderly couple of the Qiu family even sided with him and let her suffer, this desire of Qi Min had grown much stronger than before.

    What if, what if she divorced Qiu Qin and Zhai Yaohui also divorced Miao Jing? Then, the happiness that she had lost for almost thirty years shoulde back to her, right?

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve called you many times. Why are you ignoring me? What are you thinking of?¡± Qiu Chenxi nudged Qi Min, who was lost in her own thoughts.

    Qi Min regained her senses. ¡°Nothing much. You should not be happy too soon. Even if it¡¯s really not Qiao Nan, at most, you¡¯re only striking off one person. Actually, finding out who that woman is is both good and bad. If we can make that woman leave Zhai Sheng voluntarily, I believe it¡¯s still possible between Zhai Sheng and you. In this way, it won¡¯t affect the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and you. However, you have to make Zhai Sheng fall for you. Only then will you be considered having true capability.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi pulled a long face. She knew what her mother said was the truth. ¡°Then, what should I do? I¡¯m at my wits¡¯ end. I¡¯ve tried self-torture to gain pity. I nearly became as dark as the South Africans. In the end, I did not even manage to meet Brother Zhai. Making Brother Zhai fall for me and giving up on that vixen is tough. Therefore, the only way is to find out who that woman is and chase her away, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    She had nearly been troubled to death by this matter.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also considered many ways but I don¡¯t have any conclusion. Mom, why don¡¯t you help me think? Is there a way to con that woman out?¡±

    ¡°Con her out...¡±

    Tough.

    How were they going to do that when they did not even know who that person was?

    ¡°Right, how can I forget her!¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Qiu Chenxi blinked. ¡°Mom, who have you thought of?¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing!!!¡±

    ¡°What about her?¡± Qiu Chenxi did not feel enthusiastic. No matter what, the youngdy that Brother Zhai liked would not be Shi Qing, that faked.

    ¡°What about her? I¡¯m saying that it¡¯s possible that she knows who that woman is.¡± Qi Min¡¯s eyes lit up. This important matter had been overshadowed by the trivial stuff. She nearly forgot about the existence of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Her?¡±

    ¡°Think about it. Shi Qing has liked Zhai Sheng for so many years. Even when you were with Zhai Sheng, she did not really give up. This time, although Shi Qing knows that you have broken up with Zhai Sheng, she did not kick up a fuss, and neither did she pester Zhai Sheng. Don¡¯t you think that, judging from Shi Qing¡¯s current state, she no longer harbors any hopes on Zhai Sheng?¡±

    When Zhai Sheng was still Shi Qing¡¯s future brother-inw, it did not seem like Shi Qing knew her ce then. But such a situation had urred now. Was it not odd?

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s brain was getting entangled. ¡°When I was with Brother Zhai, even though she did not do anything, her heart has always been with Brother Zhai. Hence, when she heard that I broke up with Brother Zhai, she simply transferred school to Ping Cheng to get closer to Brother Zhai and gain an advantage. What reason did she have to give up?¡±

    ¡°You can go and ask her.¡± Qi Min was both amused and angry. ¡°Don¡¯t just think about everything. Perhaps you¡¯ll get a simple and quick answer if you seek and ask directly.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll find a chance to get to the bottom of this.¡± Even she could not make Shi Qing give Brother Zhai up. What kind of woman could make Shi Qing know her ce such that she did not even care about her own happiness anymore?

    Shi Qing, who was in the school, sneezed.

    Qiao Nan passed a piece of tissue paper to Shi Qing. ¡°You didn¡¯t believe me. The rainy weather in October is very cold. Don¡¯t think it¡¯s not an issue just because it¡¯s hot during the day. It¡¯s very cold during the morning and night time now, not to mention that it¡¯s also raining.¡±

    At the sight of the stuffy-nosed Shi Qing, Qiao Nan¡¯s headache worsened.

    She took out Shi Qing¡¯s cold medicine pills one by one and ced them in front of thetter. She then ced a cup of warm water with just the right temperature in front of her as well.

    She had just finished taking care of Zhu Baoguo. Now, she had to take care of Shi Qing.

    In her previous life, besides giving students tuition, she had not been a nanny before, and neither had she taken care of any child. In this life, how did she meet ¡®big children¡¯ such as Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing?

    ¡°Where are the few pieces of clothing that I asked you to bring?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring them,¡± Shi Qing cleared her nose and said, sounding justified and righteous.

    ¡°Uniform?¡±

    ¡°...It¡¯s been washed.¡± She purposely washed it.

    If the uniform was not dry, she could wear the clothing that she brought herself.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll lend you my jacket. If you spoil it, you have to pay me back with ten pieces of them.¡±

    ¡°Crap.¡± Shi Qing narrowed her eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan, have you been waiting here for me for a long time?¡±

    ¡°Are you borrowing it or not?¡± Qiao Nan twisted the corners of her lips coldly. Was she happy to do so? She had no choice!

    Qiao Nan truly took her hat off Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing. They were already grown-ups but they behaved like children.

    For some unknown reasons, the two of them ¡®fought¡¯ in the school field. When the form teacher rushed to the scene, both swore genuinely and expressed that they were not fighting, and that they were just having an exchange of blows as part of a normal martial arts challenge.

    Such a situation had never urred in Ping Cheng High School.

    The two of them were not fighting. In front of the teacher, they seemed to be on quite good terms.

    During normal lessons, the two deskmates did not interact as much as when they were exchanging blows. They did not have any major conflicts that would affect the teacher teaching in the ss.

    All of a sudden, Teacher Liu did not have a way with these two.

    With no other alternatives, Teacher Liu then thought of Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had been able to ¡®take Zhu Baoguo in hand¡¯ in the past. He hoped Zhu Baoguo would still listen to Qiao Nan. It would be good if he could be abiding for some time thereafter.

    However, to the surprise of Teacher Liu, Qiao Nan not only held back Zhu Baoguo but also amazingly subdued Shi Qing.

    The two demons that gave him extreme headache hadpletely bowed to the quiet and gentle Qiao Nan, who did not have any physical strength to speak of.

    At the thought of the situation, Qiao Nan wanted to punch Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo.

    What did the fight of the two have anything to do with her? Why was it that she had to manage the fight between these two children who could not grow up every time? It was as if she were their parents.

    Qiao Nan pped her forehead. She conceded defeat to these two individuals more than ever.

    If this continued, when she married Brother Zhai in the future, she would lose her confidence in having kids. Kids were too scary.

 Chapter 645 - Could Not Pick Up the Skills

    <h4>Chapter 645: Could Not Pick Up the Skills</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Yes, I am. Let me borrow it.¡± Shi Qing was frightened when Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned sullen. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll wear it with care.¡±

    ¡°Will you wear it with care? Or will you pay attention such that you¡¯ll take it off before you bond with Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Nan snorted coldly. Shepletely saw through Shi Qing¡¯s mind.

    She lent her clothing to Shi Qing and set the rule of paying ten pieces for one because she wanted Shi Qing to restrain herself. There should be a limit to her ¡®challenge¡¯ with Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nan understood Zhu Baoguo very well.

    If Shi Qing did not provoke Zhu Baoguo and the two maintained the attitude of minding their own businesses, Zhu Baoguo would not be willing to bother about Shi Qing, whom he had lost to and hurt his pride as a man before.

    In other words, Shi Qing was most likely the one who deliberately provoked Zhu Baoguo each time this happened.

    Fixing the crux of the problem, Qiao Nan did not even need toy her hands on Zhu Baoguo. She just had to keep a watch on Shi Qing.

    ¡°Me, bonding with that pigheaded fellow? Qiao Nan, are you kidding me?¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression changed. She was taken aback and terrified by these words of Qiao Nan. ¡°I was bashing! I was clearly bashing him up!¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve had so many exchanges with him this semester. How many punches have you given Zhu Baoguo? Did Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes and nose swell? Or did he have any internal injuries that I can¡¯t tell?¡± When Qiao Nan opened her mouth, the sharp words made Shi Qing speechless.

    ¡°Did Zhu Baoguo boast to you?!¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Certainly yes. He¡¯s a bigmouth. I really don¡¯t understand. He¡¯s a man. He had to make everyone know just because he didn¡¯t lose to me. Did he need to be so proud and happy that he didn¡¯t win against me previously?¡± At the thought that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s physical skills had improved tremendously, Shi Qing felt unjustified.

    She had attained her skills after many years of consistent training. How could Zhu Baoguo catch up her within a short time span of six months just because of his congenital gender advantage? It was too unfair.

    ¡°Yes. After all, he was not even able to retaliate previously when you defeated him. Now, he is on par with you. Don¡¯t feel unhappy. Your father¡¯s background is in the literary arena, whereas Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father was from the armed forces. The situations of your fathers are different. To put it bluntly, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s genes are better than yours by a little. It¡¯s not difficult to understand that he improves faster in this area than you.¡±

    The draw with Shi Qing had made Zhu Baoguo feel happy for a long time.

    Zhu Baoguo had been telling Qiao Nan many times that the pain and suffering he endured during the summer vacation were all worth it.

    Shi Qing looked at her surroundings. When she saw that no one was paying attention to Qiao Nan, she then pulled Qiao Nan close to her and lowered her voice. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll give you a suggestion. By your side, you have two... Forget it, there¡¯s only one. Brother Zhai¡¯s physical skills are so good. You can learn from him. This is in case Qiu Chenxi, that moron,es knocking at your door. You¡¯ll only be beaten up.¡± Shi Qing was also worried that Qiu Chenxi woulde looking for trouble when she was not around.

    Nevertheless, if Qiao Nan knew a few moves, as long as Qiao Nan was slightly better than Qiu Chenxi, then she would not be afraid that Qiao Nan would be at a disadvantage.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how...¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°If you ask me to run, I know how to. But if you ask me to fight, I really don¡¯t know how to.¡± It was not that she did not want to learn a few self-defensive strokes to protect herself. Brother Zhai had tried to teach her previously as well.

    However, unknowingly, she did not pick them up in the end. It was too difficult!

    ¡°You have not even learned them. Why did you say that you don¡¯t know how to? Bring out that attitude of yours when you study and follow Brother Zhai¡¯s guidance. You¡¯ll definitely be able to do it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried before. It didn¡¯t work.¡± Qiao Nan was not afraid of embarrassing herself. She openly admitted that shecked the talent in this aspect. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t waste your effort on me. There¡¯s no use. Facing someone who is very strong in this aspect, even if I learn it, I can¡¯t win against the other party and won¡¯t have the ability to self-defend either. If I¡¯m facing someone who has the same physical strength as me, I¡¯ll win against the other party with my brains. So, I won¡¯t put in any effort in this area anymore.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re giving up just like that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t change the topic. I¡¯ll lend you my jacket. Wear it with care. If there¡¯s a hole, pay me back with ten pieces of them!¡± Qiao Nan was nearly muddled by Shi Qing and forgot the original topic.

    Other people could take on ten people with physical strength. At most, she could only fight three people with mental strength. She thus did not think much about it.

    Shi Qing snorted quietly but she dared not oppose Qiao Nan¡¯s decision.

    This was not a piece of clothing that could provide Shi Qing warmth. It was a magic spell that Qiao Nan cast on Shi Qing. If Shi Qing dared tomit any wrongdoing, Qiao Nan would recite a spell and punish her.

    Covering herself with Qiao Nan¡¯s clothing, Shi Qing sighed. This piece of clothing was no different from the Wuzhi hill in China where the Gautama Buddha used to subdue the Great Sage, Heaven¡¯s Equal, many years ago. It felt so heavy!

    ¡°Aright, don¡¯t stare at me anymore. Qiao Nan lent me this. If I dare to spoil her clothing, she will kill me. We will put a temporary stop to our challenge. After I¡¯ve recovered and put on another piece of clothing other than this, we¡¯ll challenge each other again.¡± She did not believe that, given her many years of foundation, she would lose to Zhu Baoguo, who gained an advantage through trickery and spent just one to two years of effort to catch up with her!

    Zhu Baoguo tugged the corners of his lips with disdain. ¡°I stopped being keen on challenging you a long time ago. You¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t know your limits and kept pestering me. Besides, don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯m not looking at you particrly, but your clothes. True enough, it belongs to Xiao Qiao and not you.¡±

    He could recognize Xiao Qiao¡¯s clothing even if Shi Qing did not say anything.

    ¡°You know that this belongs to Qiao Nan?¡± Shi Qing raised her eyebrows and looked at the clothing on her.

    Zhu Baoguo, who had held himself back for some time, pursed his lips. ¡°Shi Qing, I won¡¯t put some words so bluntly, but this piece of clothing does not belong to you. It doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± So ugly!

    ¡°Do you think it does not suit me, or do you feel I don¡¯t deserve to wear Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes? Zhu Baoguo, toward Qiao Nan, you...¡±

    ¡°Shut up. I don¡¯t have that kind of feelings toward Xiao Qiao. I treat her like my sister!¡± Zhu Baoguo blushed. He shouted softly and denied Shi Qing¡¯s words. However, that quick and leaping heartbeat in his chest told him that the truth might not bepletely aligned with what he had said.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t, then so be it. Look at how agitated you are. Whether it¡¯s for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake or for your own good, I have to tell you something. There¡¯s someone that Qiao Nan likes.¡± Shi Qing was simply amused in her heart. If he did not like Qiao Nan, then why did he react so strongly?

    It was no wonder that when she asked Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan told her with certainty that Zhu Baoguo treated her as his sister.

    In that case, it was not Qiao Nan, but Zhu Baoguo, who was slow to react. He liked someone but did not even realize it. He kept addressing that person as sister all these while.

    Hence, even if there were no outstanding men around Qiao Nan, it was impossible that she would take a liking to Zhu Baoguo, who preferred to be her brother.

 Chapter 646 - Invited to a Meal

    <h4>Chapter 646: Invited to a Meal</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, Qiao Nan already had a very outstanding Brother Zhai as her boyfriend.

    Since he insisted to walk to a dead end, nobody could stop him.

    ¡°Who is it?!¡± There was a murderous look in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes. ¡°Xiao Qiao is still young. She is only in her second year of high school, which is the most crucial time in her life. Who is so daring to have designs on Xiao Qiao? If he affects her future, I will beat him to a pulp and feed him to the dogs!¡±

    ¡°You want to beat him with your shoddy skills? Forget it. He has been kind to you on ount of Qiao Nan. You can rest assured that Qiao Nan is a good judge of character. The person that she likes is definitely outstanding. They make a good match. You should wish her all the best.¡± Shi Qing cleared her nose.

    Since he was the first person who was willing to be her sandbag for such a long time, she would give such a fool a gentle reminder, but she would only do so once.

    As for whether Zhu Baoguo would understand or not, it would depend on him.

    ¡°Why do you know but I don¡¯t? I don¡¯t believe that Xiao Qiao is in a rtionship.¡± Zhu Baoguo took a deep breath. ¡°Are you lying to me?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t benefit me if I lie to you. Not only is Qiao Nan in a rtionship, but she has also been dating for a long time. It has been about a year. In the past year, has her results been affected? This proves that the person Qiao Nan is in love with did not affect her grades. Don¡¯t you treat Qiao Nan as your sister? You should give her your blessings since she has found a good boyfriend.¡± As expected, he was slow in such matters. Qiao Nan had been in a rtionship with Brother Zhai for quite some time, and Zhu Baoguo was her deskmatest semester, yet he had not discovered anything.

    Shi Qing finally understood why Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were so sure that Qiao Nan could never be thedy that Zhai Sheng was dating.

    People believed that students in love would not do well in their studies. Nobody would suspect that Qiao Nan was in a rtionship with her good results.

    ¡°I...¡± Zhu Baoguo was at a loss for words. He had no reason not to give his blessings, but he felt unhappy doing so. ¡°You have a cold. You should drink lots of water, and say no more!¡±

    The irritable Zhu Baoguo red at Shi Qing before walking out of the ssroom unhappily, heading off to run a fewps.

    ¡°Fool, it seems like you don¡¯t understand.¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Anyway, since you have been my sandbag for such a long time, I gave you a reminder. The sandbag is indeed filled with sand. It is without a brain.¡±

    Shi Qing had never seen such a slow person like Zhu Baoguo.

    But it might be good to be slow and foolish. By the time he realized his own feelings, he might no longer have any crush on Qiao Nan and he would not feel upset anymore.

    She was envious of such an innocent kid. He was simply foolish.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± The lessons were over. Qiao Nan carried her schoolbag on her back and was getting ready to go back home. She had walked past the school gate when Shi Qing grabbed hold of her schoolbag, refusing to let her leave. ¡°Let go, I have to go back home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still early. What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Shi Qing refused to let go.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°The monthly exams were just over. It¡¯s still early. If you don¡¯t want to go home, don¡¯t tell me you want to y around? It¡¯s too early to do that.¡± At least, during the time they stayed together, Shi Qing did not have the habit of killing time at a bar and staying upte.

    ¡°How about I treat you to a meal? We will have a sumptuous meal. You can order any amount of abalone and lobster that you want. As long as you feel like eating, I will treat you to it.¡± Shi Qing patted her chest, unting her wealth.

    Qiao Nan sized up Shi Qing suspiciously. ¡°Did you win a lottery? Recently, I didn¡¯t hear that there would be a big prize.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to care whether I struck the lottery or not. Anyway, I will not be the one who pays for the meal today. You can eat all you want.¡± With that, she pulled Qiao Nan, not caring if she was willing or not.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows at the polished restaurant. ¡°Are you sure you have the money? If you don¡¯t have enough money to pay for the bill, you will stay as a mortgage.¡± It would cost a few hundred yuan to dine at such a restaurant.

    It was the end of the twentieth century now when a piece of clothing would only cost a few yuan, and a meal that cost a few hundred yuan was equivalent to a person¡¯s monthly sry.

    ¡°Sure. Are you reassured now?¡± Shi Qing was indeed daring to agree to it.

    Qiao Nan nced askance at Shi Qing. ¡°What¡¯s up with you today? Do you have nothing else to spend your money on?¡±

    ¡°Alright, stop making guesses. I have already said that someone will pay for the bill. I am not the one who will be paying.¡± Shi Qing grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder, sounding like a hooligan.

    Compared to Zhai Hua, Shi Qing looked like a delicate and petite pretty girl. It looked somewhat odd that she adopted the mannerism of a hooligan. Unlike Zhai Hua, who wore a short hairstyle and was physically stronger, it was difficult to tell whether she was a boy or a girl.

    ¡°Who will be paying for the meal?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi!¡± Shi Qing curled her lips into a smile. ¡°I have been to Ping Cheng for so long, but this is the first time Qiu Chenxi invited me to a meal. I have to eat to my heart¡¯s content today. If not, I will be ill-treating myself. If I miss this chance, the next meal may be one hundred yearster.¡±

    The Qiu family had taken advantages of the Shi family. Letting Qiu Chenxi treat her to a meal was her being easy on Qiu Chenxi and the Qiu family.

    Qiao Nan curled her lips. ¡°Since Qiu Chenxi invited you to a meal, you can have the meal by yourself. Why did you bring me...¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? Don¡¯t worry.¡± Shi Qing looked to be sure of herself, pulling Qiao Nan into the restaurant with her. ¡°Alright, we have already made a reservation. Yes, this is it.¡±

    After giving her name to the service staff, Shi Qing was led into a private room. When the door opened, a few dishes were alreadyid on the table, and Qiu Chenxi was sitting there, waiting for them.

    Qiu Chenxi, who was running out of patience, had a smile on her face at the sound of the door opening. She was about to say something when she spotted Qiao Nan, who stood next to Shi Qing, and her smile froze on her lips. ¡°Why did you bring her along?¡±

    Shi Qing strode forward, chose a good seat, and sat down. She pulled the chair next to her for Qiao Nan to take a seat.

    Qiao Nan, who was just as unhappy as Qiu Chenxi, narrowed her eyes, intending to deal with Shi Qingter. She then took her seat beside Shi Qing reluctantly.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to invite me to a meal. Can¡¯t I bring someone with me? My dad told me not to eat outside or ept other people¡¯s treats. My dad said that Qiao Nan is a good girl and he wants me to learn from her and to be like her. If you don¡¯t wee her, then I will go back home with her. Otherwise, my dad will be worried.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Am I nobody to you? Those people uncle mentioned shouldn¡¯t include me.¡± They were rtives!

    Qiao Nan massaged her forehead. It was no wonder that Shi Qing brought her here. They were here to quarrel. Shi Qing would have a bigger chance to win given that she had Qiao Nan with her while Qiu Chenxi was by herself. ¡°Stop quarreling. Say whatever you want to say. If not, just have a meal and leave!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi widened her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re an outsider! It¡¯s not your turn to speak up!¡±

 Chapter 647 - One Never Visits Unless They Need Something

    <h4>Chapter 647: One Never Visits Unless They Need Something</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She only invited Shi Qing. Since Qiao Nan was shameless enough to tag along, she must know her ce. How dared she interrupt when they were talking? Had she thought too highly of herself?

    Qiao Nan nced at Shi Qing. She really did not understand. Since Shi Qing knew Qiu Chenxi¡¯s temper, why did she bring her here? ¡°The two of you can take your time to talk. Since I am just a guest, I will make a move first.¡±

    ¡°Together.¡± Shi Qing, who had been smiling all the while, was not angry. She took her schoolbag and put her hand on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder, wanting to leave with her.

    ¡°Qing Qing, wait a minute. I am asking you out for a meal today!¡± Qiao Nan could leave, but Shi Qing had to stay.

    Shi Qing ced her hand on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder, refusing to let go. ¡°If Qiao Nan leaves, I will leave with her. If she stays, I will stay as well. Since you asked me out, and not the other way round, I won¡¯t stop you if you want to leave.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was dragged along by Shi Qing, nced at Shi Qing, wondering what she was up to.

    Shi Qing lifted her chin, gesturing her to stay if she wanted to know what was going on.

    ¡°Qing Qing, are you serious?¡± Qiu Chenxi stiffened. She felt odd that Shi Qing would bring Qiao Nan along when she only asked Shi Qing out. It turned out that Shi Qing did it on purpose.

    Shi Qing touched her face. ¡°Do I look like I am joking?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi rxed slightly. ¡°Qiao Nan, since you are Qing Qing¡¯s good friend, have a seat. Let¡¯s have a meal together.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not so poor that she could not afford a meal. ¡°No, the two of you are rtives, whereas I am an outsider. Both of you can have a chat. I will go back now.¡±

    Shi Qing grabbed Qiao Nan, refusing to let her go. ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Qiu Chenxi was just joking with you. It¡¯s rare that Qiu Chenxi is willing to treat us to a meal. You have to show due respect for her feelings. If not, just take it that you are apanying me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Since we know each other, it¡¯s not a big deal as it¡¯s just a meal. Qiao Nan, take a seat.¡± Qiu Chenxi needed a favor from Shi Qing. Hence, she had to respect Qiao Nan, who was an outsider, as well. If Shi Qing was unhappy, she might leave with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan red at Shi Qing. Since Shi Qing and Qiu Chenxi were out to irritate each other, and she was just an outsider, why did Shi Qing insist that she joined them?

    Shi Qing smiled. The reason why Qiu Chenxi came to look for her today had to do with Qiao Nan. She was not an outsider.

    Qiu Chenxi ordered several dishes ording to Shi Qing¡¯s preferences. ¡°Qing Qing, if you feel like having other dishes, feel free to order. You havee to Ping Cheng for such a long time, but I have not treated you to a proper meal. This is to make up for that. We are one family. In the face of difficulties, we must support each other through hardships. You can rest assured that as long as we have time, we can often meet up to chat and have meals together in the future.¡±

    Shi Qing ate the dishes and was amused. ¡°It¡¯s not easy. I have never had a proper meal at the Qiu family, yet you were able to find out my eating preferences. It seems like you have checked with grandpa.¡±

    She was still better than her auntie who bought a stack of cheap clothes to dismiss her.

    While Shi Qing and Qiu Chenxi were plotting against each other, Qiao Nan acted as if she was not there and ate her meal.

    Although Qiu Chenxi was unhappy that Qiao Nan stayed behind, it was good that she knew her ce and did not interrupt their conversation.

    Qiu Chenxi thought to herself that Qiao Nan¡¯s good scores at school were not for nothing. She knew her limits and to behave herself.

    Since Qiao Nan remained silent, Qiu Chenxi talked to Shi Qing as if she was not there. ¡°Qing Qing, I admit that my mom and I have neglected you. But in Ping Cheng, aside from uncle, we are your closest kin. We have upset and hurt you. However, Qing Qing, we are rtives. My mom is uncle¡¯s only sister and I¡¯m your only cousin. You have to help me. Since a young age, I have never begged you to help me. This is the only time that I beg you to help me. Please, can you do me a favor?¡±

    Shi Qing, who was happily eating, paused when Qiu Chenxi put on a pitiful act. ¡°What do you want me to help you with?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was d that she finally got a response from her. ¡°Qing Qing, do you already know who the woman that Brother Zhai likes is? Did she force you to give up on him? Qing Qing, I have liked Brother Zhai from a young age. The two families have been discussing our marriage. I, I really can¡¯t live without Brother Zhai. I can do anything for him. I can give up everything, including my dignity and pride for him. I don¡¯t want to live in pain. I want to give another try to fight for my happiness. Qing Qing, since you took the initiative to give up, can you help me?¡±

    One did not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others.

    Since Shi Qing had already given up, she should help Qiu Chenxi get such a capable man like Zhai Sheng. She should not let some other women benefit from it.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s chopsticks halted before she resumed eating.

    ¡°One never visits unless they need something. This saying is very true indeed.¡± Shi Qing had a full meal. She knew that Qiu Chenxi had a hidden agenda when she invited her for a meal.

    Just like what happened back when Qiu Chenxi coaxed her toe to Ping Cheng, she supposed it was for Brother Zhai as well. ¡°Why should I help you now that I have given up?¡±

    ¡°Because we are rtives. We are sisters. Qing Qing, can you bear to see me being so heartbroken?¡± Why? She did not need to give her any reason. Brother Zhai was hers originally. She merely wanted Brother Zhai to return to his original owner, which was to return to her side.

    In fact, even if she had not made this request, after giving up on Brother Zhai, Shi Qing should have thought of ways to make Brother Zhai return to her side.

    Shi Qing had a drink, amused. ¡°Can¡¯t bear it? Qiu Chenxi, I can only say that you think too much. The hurt that you felt when you gave up Brother Zhai is equivalent to the pain that I felt back then. It was so painful for me to see you with Brother Zhai.¡± How could she help her love rival gain Brother Zhai¡¯s affection? What was Qiu Chenxi thinking? ¡°Qiu Chenxi, do you think that I am without any emotions? Do you think that I will not be upset when both of you are together?¡±

    ¡°How, how could I?¡± Qiu Chenxi looked guilty. She did not care how Shi Qing felt as long as Zhai Sheng returned to her side. It was not within her consideration.

    She did not care about Shi Qing¡¯s feelings and was only concerned about herself.

    That was why she would find all sorts of reasons to make phone calls to Shi Qing back then, telling her about Zhai Sheng, and that she was blessed to be with such an outstanding man.

 Chapter 648 - Donâ€™t Cause Any Deaths

    <h4>Chapter 648: Don¡¯t Cause Any Deaths</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qing Qing, how could you misunderstand me?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes turned red and she looked at Shi Qing as if she had been wronged.

    ¡°Misunderstood you? Then, what did those phone calls you gave me back then mean?¡± Shi Qing was interested to know what ridiculous reasons Qiu Chenxi was going toe up with to exin her past deeds.

    ¡°I, I just wanted to share my happiness with you. Qing Qing, I have never thought of building my happiness on your misfortunes. I feel that since we are sisters, you must feel happy for me. I am sorry. Now, I realize that what I did in the past hurt you.¡± Since it pained Shi Qing to listen to those updates about her rtionship, she had not wasted her money making those phone calls. The money was well-spent.

    Shi Qing wrapped her arms about her chest. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s say what you did in the past was unintentional. Now that you know, what are you going to do? Do you intend for me to continue to help you, or are you going to help me so as topensate me for the hurt that you made me go through?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had finished her meal, put down the chopsticks and looked at Shi Qing, feeling bored. Why must she seek trouble for herself? No matter what Qiu Chenxi said, it would not be the answer Shi Qing wanted to hear.

    ¡°Qing Qing, can¡¯t we talk nicely?¡± Qiu Chenxi could not stand it anymore. She did not have a mild temper. If she did not have a favor to ask of Shi Qing, she would never speak humbly to Shi Qing in her whole life.

    ¡°Hey, if you say so, then there¡¯s no way that we can talk it over nicely. Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go.¡± In the past, Qiu Chenxi took delights in her pains. Now, the table had been turned on her. Today, she would have a free meal from Qiu Chenxi and she would get to see her being upset. It was a good deal.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan, who had eaten to her heart¡¯s content and had been silently sitting by the side, stood up. It was no wonder that Shi Qing insisted that she came along. It turned out that Qiu Chenxi was here for Brother Zhai.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had finished most of the dishes on the table. It cost her a huge amount of money, yet Shi Qing did not agree to help her. Qiu Chenxi could not take it lying down. ¡°Qing Qing, what can I do to make you help me? You can state your conditions. Aside from Brother Zhai, I will agree to everything that you say. Qing Qing, don¡¯t me me for being selfish. Yes, I know that you also like Brother Zhai. Now that I am separated from Brother Zhai, I finally realize that back when I shared with you everything about Brother Zhai, I must have caused you great heartache and pain. But you can¡¯tpare to my many years of rtionship with Brother Zhai. I promise you that I will take good care of Brother Zhai in the future. I will never let you down. Qing Qing, please help me. Tell me who that woman is!!¡±

    As long as she knew who that woman was, she would not need Shi Qing¡¯s help anymore. Shi Qing could no longer act high up in the air like how she did today.

    What Qiu Chenxi said might sound nice, but she did not say anything concrete and she still dared to make empty promises. Shi Qing was amused. She enunciated each and every word. ¡°I¡ªhave¡ªno¡ªidea.¡±

    Since Qiu Chenxi wanted an answer, this was her answer.

    ¡°Qing Qing, with that attitude of yours, aren¡¯t you afraid that we can no longer be rtives?¡± Qiu Chenxi did not understand. She had been acting humbly and begging Shi Qing to help her. She gave her all due respect, yet she was so firm in her attitude.

    If not for Brother Zhai, she would not have acted so meekly and humbly in front of Shi Qing today.

    ¡°You were the reason why my dad had to leave the army. Do you think our families can still be rtives?¡± Shi Qing was amused by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s shameless remarks. ¡°It has only been a few days. Have you forgotten what you did in the camp? To tell you the truth, I knew the reason why you asked me here today. However, I am going to make it clear that, yes, I know who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend is, but I am not going to tell you. I came today so that I could see how you behaved like a clown in front of me and the miserable antics that you are capable of. I am merely teasing the monkey.¡±

    She had been fooled by Qiu Chenxi for so many years. It was time to let Qiu Chenxi have a taste of her own medicine. If not, how could they be considered rtives?

    ¡°Shi Qing, bear in mind that you forced me into it!¡± Qiu Chenxi dropped her pretenses and shot a fierce look at Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was puzzled. Shi Qing was supposed to be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s target, but why did it seem like Qiu Chenxi¡¯s real target was her instead?

    Shi Qing¡¯s expression turned cold and she pulled Qiao Nan to her side. ¡°If you dare, show me what you have got.¡±

    She had long known that Qiu Chenxi was up to no good.

    There was a cup that had been ced in front of Qiu Chenxi but was untouched. Qiu Chenxi took it and mmed it on the floor, making a loud crashing sound.

    This sound seemed like a signal. A group of ferocious-looking men dashed out of the adjacent room and surrounded Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    ¡°Really?¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Fine, it¡¯s rare that you have such interest. I will y along with yourckeys. Let¡¯s see if these people are qualified to be your henchmen.¡±

    ¡°You must be courting death!¡± The group of men was furious that they were looked down upon by a youngdy. Even without Qiu Chenxi¡¯s instructions, they could no longer hold back their anger and wanted to show Shi Qing what they were capable of, to warn her not to talk nonsense if she did not want to be beaten to a pulp.

    Qiao Nan turned pale. She did not know how to fight and she seldom encountered such situations.

    She remembered that the first time she encountered such a situation was to save Zhu Baoguo from a group of hooligans. Back then, she called someone for help and did not resolve it by herself.

    Looking at the situation right now, Qiao Nan had the feeling that she would experience something new again.

    Qiao Nan was not worried that it was something she had never encountered before. However, she was in a panic as she did not know how to fight.

    She was unable to find a piece of wood or cardboard to defend herself. She did not want to hinder Shi Qing.

    At the sight of the pale-looking Qiao Nan, Shi Qing smiled instead. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be afraid. Today, I will show you what I am capable of. Back then, I was able to defeat Zhu Baoguo not because he was too weak. It was because I am too strong an opponent.¡±

    Shi Qing looked down upon the people that Qiu Chenxi hired. In fact, she seemed to be provoking them.

    ¡°Now! Remember, don¡¯t cause any deaths. Minor injuries are alright, but don¡¯t make them sustained major injuries.¡± Since Shi Qing refused a toast only to drink a forfeit, she could not me her for being ruthless. She asked for it.

 Chapter 649 - More to Come

    <h4>Chapter 649: More to Come</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After all, they were rtives. She would not allow her men to beat Shi Qing so badly that she had to go to the hospital.

    ¡°Miss, what about the otherdy?¡± Several men leered at Qiao Nan and sized her up.

    Shi Qing was better-dressed than Qiao Nan and Qiu Chenxi kept on saying that they were rtives. They knew they could not give it their all when they fought with Shi Qing.

    But Qiao Nan was not the same. She was not well-dressed. She looked as if she was there for a free meal.

    The youngdy had fair and smooth skin. She looked tender like the scallion that would ooze water at the slightest squeeze.

    As a man, they would definitely harbor evil thoughts at the sight of such a tender-looking youngdy.

    Besides, in order to ensure that her goal would be achieved, Qiu Chenxi had only one requirement for the people that she hired, and that was to be skilled in fighting. She did not care if they had a good moral character or not.

    They only had to fulfill one condition, and since they were paid, they would do the dirty job for Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cause any deaths. As for the rest, I don¡¯t care.¡± If Qiao Nan thought she would treat her in the same way as she did Shi Qing, and that she could do nothing to her, she was in for a big mistake.

    Originally, she had other ns for Qiao Nan. She did not expect that Shi Qing would be such a busybody and bring Qiao Nan with her, causing both of her ns to fail.

    But it did not matter. She still managed to trap them.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. It turned out that rtives and outsiders would have different treatment.

    Qiao Nan hid behind Shi Qing and grabbed a bowl. ¡°Let me warn you. You brought me here. If I have the slightest injury, you should know what will happen.¡±

    Shi Qing was the one who brought her here. Qiao Nan was not upset with Shi Qing that they ended up in such a situation, but she felt that since she was of no help to her, she should not have brought her along.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can hide behind me. Let me show you how I deal with this group of people.¡± Shi Qing narrowed her eyes. It seemed that Qiu Chenxi had gone all out.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Shi Qing looked as if she would protect Qiao Nan from danger. Qiu Chenxi sneered at her. She was interested to know how she was going to aplish that today.

    Since she refused to help her when she talked to her nicely, she would have to use force on them.

    If she did not get an answer from Shi Qing and Qiao Nan today, she would not be Qiu Chenxi anymore.

    ¡°Brothers, now!¡± As long as theypleted the task today, with the money they earned, they could rest for half a month, eating, drinking, and having all the women they wanted.

    In order to enjoy life for half a month, they had to seed in today¡¯s mission.

    The room was covered with sounds of cracking tes and shattering bowls.

    Though Qiao Nan did not know how to fight, she was sharp and observant. She hid behind Shi Qing while avoiding those hooligans who were trying to pull her to them, or rather, to touch her hands. She tried her best not to be a burden to Shi Qing.

    Strictly speaking, since there was a fight in the private room, the people outside should be able to hear the loud soundsing from the room.

    The diners in the restaurant and the owner should have heard the sounds and checked out the situation in the room, or stopped such brawls in public ces.

    The strange thing was that they had shattered all the tes and bowls in the room, but nobody came to check on them. There was not even a single person who was a busybody and came to see the fun.

    Qiao Nan noticed that Qiu Chenxi deliberately chose to stand right in front of the window. She had also closed the window tightly while they were not looking.

    There was no way that Qiao Nan could throw the tes downstairs to get other people¡¯s attention.

    Qiu Chenxi looked at Qiao Nan and Shi Qing with a slight lift of her chin, certainly a look of arrogance. She was well-prepared today.

    Since both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing refused to tell her who Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend was, she would no longer go easy on them. She would show them what she was capable of.

    Shi Qing might be well-versed in martial arts, but Qiao Nan would not be able to withstand these blows.

    Qiao Nan was pretty. The group of hooligans leered at Qiao Nan and harbored evil intentions toward her. If Qiao Nan did not want to suffer, she had to wise up and do what she should do.

    Everything that happened today was arranged by Qiu Chenxi, so she had already taken the best spot in the room, which was at the window. As for the door, she had already arranged for her men to block them. There was no way that Shi Qing and Qiao Nan could escape.

    Therefore, she would not possibly let Qiao Nan find a chance to escape.

    Though the hooligans were grown-ups, they did not have any advantage over Shi Qing, who was merely a student. Speaking of it, Shi Qing had to deal with all of them. At times, she was not in time to protect Qiao Nan and the hooligans would find a chance to grab her.

    Shi Qing noticed it and narrowed her eyes. There was a malicious look in her eyes. She threw out more and more vicious punches at them.

    If she was not ruthless enough, after being knocked down by Shi Qing, the hooligans would be able to stand up ande at her again. This would spell trouble for her.

    When Shi Qing was in the army, Shi Peng was the one who trained her, and she had spent time training with Zhai Hua as well. Hence, she knew what she should do in order to knock down the opponent once and for all.

    Shi Qing held back the anger in her eyes, and all her punches turned to be ruthless and lethal. She gave a 1.78-meter tall man a strong kick, sending him flying to the floor and throwing up on the ground. He could no longer stand up to fight.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡±

    Qiao Nan darted to the side and heard a peal of creepyughter. Her expression darkened. The hooligan must be crazy.

    A ck, ugly-looking hand was about to grab hold of Qiao Nan when she smashed a te at the hand.

    The te shattered into pieces and the hooligan howled in pain, ranting and yelling at Qiao Nan. Though Qiao Nan seemed to be an easier opponent than Shi Qing, he dared not go at her again.

    Half an hour had passed when Shi Qing took down everyone that Qiu Chenxi hired.

    Shi Qing sneered at the floor of men who were knocked down by her. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, what other tricks do you have up your sleeves? If not, I shan¡¯t y with you. It¡¯s really boring.¡± These people were just hooligans. How dared they fight with her? Unless they had weapons with them, they must be courting death fighting with her.

    Qiu Chenxi nced at the people who had fallen to the ground, but she was not in the least rmed. ¡°I already knew that you are difficult to deal with, so right from the beginning, I have never thought of dealing with you.¡±

    ¡°Then, did you bring these people here for me to practice with?¡± Shi Qing smirked. It was toote to find an excuse for her behavior.

    ¡°Of course they are not here for you to practice with. They are here to hold you down, but it¡¯s a pity.¡± Qiu Chenxi sighed and shook her head. But she narrowed her eyes and darted a malicious look at Qiao Nan. There was a murderous gleam in her eyes.

    Shi Qing moved to stand in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°What do you want? Haven¡¯t you created enough trouble?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi stomped her foot. ¡°Of course I am not done. Unless you tell me what I want to know today, there will be more toe!¡± Her father had an affair. If she was not able to make up with Brother Zhai, she would no longer have any ce in the Qiu family.

 Chapter 650 - Considered Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 650: Considered Nothing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this juncture, Qiu Chenxi hated the Shi family to the core.

    As the family of her mother, why couldn¡¯t they be like other families who would support and back their married daughter? To demand the father not to bully the mother and also to have a clean break with that mistress.

    She was most puzzled about why the Shi family was so dysfunctional. In particr, the family of Shi Peng. They were so heartless. Clearly, they could help her, but they just chose to watch her lose her lifetime of happiness. They also constantly stabbed her behind the back.

    Her mother was Shi Peng¡¯s only sister. Who else could Shi Peng be good to if he was not good to her mother?

    But there seemed to be holes in the brains of this family. They would not get it despite her many conversations with them. She was thus forced to resort to such extreme ways.

    Since Shi Peng¡¯s family was unkind to her in the first ce, then they should not me her for doing the same.

    The Shi family refused to fulfill the happiness of her mother and her. In that case, she would fight for it herself!

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you created enough fuss? What else can you do?¡± Shi Qing gave Qiu Chenxi a belittling look. She had defeated everyone. Now, was Qiu Chenxi prepared to roll up her own sleeves?

    Qiao Nan was having a strange feeling about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words. She tugged at Shi Qing. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk anymore. Let¡¯s go back quickly. My dad should be waiting for us.¡± It could be said that this was the harshest thing that Qiu Chenxi had done so far.

    In the past, whether Qiu Chenxi wanted to get physical or be polite before resorting to forceful means, she did it herself.

    Today, Qiu Chenxi hired hatchet men. If Qiu Chenxi really had a backup n, even if Shi Qing¡¯s martial arts skills were not weak, the problem was that she would be a burden to her.

    As the individual who was the real target of Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan felt very uneasy. She only hoped to leave this ce as quickly as possible.

    Shi Qing¡¯s mouth shriveled. The hatchet men hired by Qiu Chenxi had been defeated by her. Now, Qiu Chenxi would not be the one looking for trouble. Instead, if she was in a bad mood, she might give Qiu Chenxi a beating.

    They had the upper hand. What was Qiao Nan afraid of?

    It was a good thing that Shi Qing was someone who knew her boundaries. Seeing that Qiao Nan was really unhappy, she nodded and said, ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll leave. It¡¯s not good to let Uncle Qiao wait.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving so soon? Are you scared?¡± There was a sh in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes and a tint of nervousness in her voice. It was obvious that she did not want Shi Qing and Qiao Nan to leave so quickly.

    At this juncture, the sound of footsteps of peopleing up the stairs could be heard. These footsteps sounded quick and consecutive. Obviously, there was more than one person ascending the stairs.

    Shi Qing snorted. ¡°What kind of hotel is this? I¡¯ll definitely have to tell my dad. There¡¯s so muchmotion in the hotel and someone is only rushing here now. It¡¯s too lousy. If anyonees here to create a fuss in the future, and the numbers arerger, this hotel will definitely close down. The security arrangements are too poor.¡±

    Now, Qiu Chenxi would have to cut the crap.

    At the sight of a smile forming at the corners of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mouth, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed greatly. She grabbed Shi Qing and ran toward the exit. ¡°Hurry, we should leave!¡±

    She feared that the sound of footsteps was not that of their saviors but the second batch of ¡®ambushing soldiers¡¯ arranged by Qiu Chenxi!

    Qiu Chenxiughedcently. ¡°You only realize it now. It¡¯s toote!¡±

    She did not deny that Qiao Nan was smart. However, she had Shi Qing, who was overconfident, with her. True enough, Qiao Nan still had to yield to her clutches.

    With a loud bang, before Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had the chance to leave the room, the door was pushed open and a group of people who looked simr to those whom Shi Qing had defeated earlier came in.

    The difference was that this group of people was actually holding offensive weapons. Although the weapons were not those scary and gleaming choppers, they were wooden sticks the size of a baseball bat. If the sticks came hitting down, even someone as strong as Shi Qing would be beaten to the ground after a few hits.

    At this juncture, Shi Qing¡¯s expression could not help changing as well. She did not expect Qiu Chenxi to have lost her mind to this extent. Qiu Chenxi had reached the point of being a lunatic.

    Given the current turmoil, if the police were present, she could definitely sue Qiu Chenxi for disrupting public order and safety and request the police to bring Qiu Chenxi to the police station to ¡®have tea¡¯.

    If someone was hurt because of the fight, Qiu Chenxi should then be detained as a punishment.

    The group of people was perspiring badly. ¡°Miss, we didn¡¯t find... Eh, why are you here?¡±

    The leader of the group had just wanted to update Qiu Chenxi that they did not manage to find that youngdy whom she described when he expressed surprise upon seeing the youngdy in the photo was already with his hirer. ¡°Miss, are we still going ahead with this business?¡±

    The target figure appeared in a different location. He was most concerned about whether to continue with the mission and whether his remuneration would change.

    ¡°As long as you all take her down and find out something that I want to know, I won¡¯t give you any money less than promised. It¡¯s still the same words. Just go ahead and have fun as much as you like. As long as no life is taken, I¡¯ll bear full responsibility if anything else happens.¡± This time, Qiu Chenxi was truly vicious.

    Her words obviously hinted at these men to take away Qiao Nan¡¯s virginity and destroy thetter¡¯s life.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, you¡¯re crazy!!!¡± Shi Qing¡¯s eyes widened. She regretted her overconfidence and negligence. Who would have imagined that Qiu Chenxi had lost her mind to this extent? She not only hired hatchet men but also gave such an order that would lead to crimes.

    ¡°You all cornered me into doing this. I¡¯m giving you onest chance. As long as you tell me about that woman, I¡¯ll let you all leave the way you came here today.¡± Qiu Chenxi smiled grimly.

    She lost her mind?

    Perhaps.

    The Qiu family achieved all they had today because of her mother. Without power, how could the Qiu family be wealthy?

    Now, her father had a mistress outside. If he had a son with the mistress, the great fortune that the Qiu family relied on her mother to amass would eventually benefit that wretched illegitimate bastard outside.

    Instead of letting outsiders spend the money that belonged to her, she would rather get herself into such trouble. Anyway, the Qiu family did notck money. She would let the Qiu family resolve this matter with money then.

    Great. She was still worried about having nothing to spend the money on as this would only make the Qiu family so rich that they would conceive so many bad ideas.

    If her father could not belong to her alone, then she would not have any qualms about doing something extreme. She would let that illegitimate bastard feel shameful from birth because he had a father like Qiu Qin, such that he could not even lift up his head as a person.

    A father is responsible for his child¡¯s wrongdoing, for he did not teach them well.

    Regardless of the wrong shemitted, Qiu Qin should bear all the responsibility in the end!

    For Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Qin¡¯s adultery broke thest straw.

    Now, she was working hard to regain her future with Zhai Sheng. She also wanted to make use of this matter topletely destroy the foundation of the Qiu family.

    Once, the Qiu family¡¯s reputation was so good because of her mother and her. Now, she would let the reputation be ruined to an equivalent level because of her mother and her too.

    She was so badly down on luck. Qiu Chenxi would drag a few people down with her even if she was going to die.

    The Qiu family had power but the Qiao family was considered nothing in Ping Cheng.

 Chapter 651 - Hurry, Give Me a Clear Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 651: Hurry, Give Me a Clear Exnation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The oue would be Qiao Nan dying, or better off being dead, while she would continue to live well and have thestugh.

    To find someone to apany her in her misery, or even let someone be more miserable than her, was this not something that would make one feel ted?

    Qiao Nan tugged at Shi Qing¡¯s shirt. ¡°Why do I feel that Qiu Chenxi is behaving oddly?¡±

    Her pair of eyes, in particr, looked confused at one point in time and vicious in another. It was as if she was going to devour someone.

    ¡°I feel the same too.¡± Shi Qing took a deep breath and prepped herself in a defensive mode. The Qiu Chenxi now was not a normal human being. If anything happened, she had to protect Qiao Nan well. Otherwise, how was she going to face Brother Zhai?

    ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± At the sight of therge sticks in the hands of these people, Qiao Nan was so worried that even her breathing became weaker.

    These people were more vicious than those who were slowly regaining their feet on the ground. The look in their eyes was especially different. It was as if they were wild dogs that were ustomed to wandering in the roads, those who were used to being fearsome whenpeting with their kin for the meager food avable.

    Shi Qing pursed her lips. Given the current situation, she also wanted to ask as well. What should they do?

    If she did not escape with Qiao Nan now, she and Qiao Nan would have to die here today.

    Shi Qing could not help regretting. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought you here to con this meal. The price for this is too great.¡±

    For the sake of letting Qiao Nan have a good meal, most likely, they had to be bashed up before leaving. They would really suffer a huge loss in this case. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t expect...¡± She did not expect that Qiu Chenxi would be like a mad dog that was driven to desperation, doing something so out of her mind.

    ¡°No need to be sorry. After all, I earned a good meal. Most importantly, I feel that if you didn¡¯t bring me here today, most probably, I¡¯d be more miserable.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly.

    She finally understood why Qiu Chenxi reacted so strongly when she saw her appearing here. Qiu Chenxi even spoke to her in such an unruly manner to provoke her into leaving.

    It seemed like Qiu Chenxi hired two groups of people. One group was those who were lying on the ground now. The target of this group was Shi Qing.

    As for the group of people who were holding sticks, they were supposed to ambush her.

    Her physical strength was not only iparable to that of Shi Qing but also simply nil.

    In front of this group of fierce and merciless men, she did not even have any ability to retaliate.

    Most importantly, if she resisted or did not cooperate, these people would definitely break her limbs, let alone get fresh with her and destroy her virginity of two lifetimes.

    As such, how could she have been able to have a good meal like just now?

    Hence, Qiao Nan knew in her heart that she had been fortunate that Shi Qing brought her along. Otherwise, she would have suffered more badly because of Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi gave a snort and silently agreed with Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, your brains are really leaking!!¡± Shi Qing could not tolerate this further. ¡°No matter what, your father is a civil servant and a leader who works for the well-being of the citizens of the country. Damn, you spent money to hire a group of hooligans to bash the citizens up. Do you wish for a life-and-death battle with your father? Even if you do, you don¡¯t need to drag others into this dead pit!!!¡±

    Out of her mind, she was really out of her mind. She dared to confirm that the Qiu Chenxi today was certainly abnormal.

    In the past, when Qiu Chenxi red up, she would kick up a fuss or small fight at most. She would personally go knocking on someone¡¯s door, or curse and shout in public.

    Today, Qiu Chenxi hadpletely taken the plunge.

    Shi Qing only had one reason for saying this. If Qiu Chenxi did not wish to drag Qiu Qin down with her, she could not possibly have chosen to do this in broad daylight, especially at a time when students were just being dismissed from school. It was too easy to be spotted by others.

    Once someone discovered this and called the police, although Qiu Chenxi had achieved her objective, within a few hours, everyone in Ping Cheng would know that the daughter of a high-ranking official in Ping Cheng had masterminded an attack to injure others on the streets in broad daylight. The situation would be extremely adverse.

    As such, the person who would be invited for a ¡®tea session¡¯ would be Qiu Qin and not Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Whoever makes my life miserable, I¡¯ll do the same to them!¡± Qiu Chenxi said viciously. ¡°Uncle has resigned, so I can¡¯t drag him down. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t let you and your father off either.¡±

    If she could not maintain her ce in the Qiu family, everything else would mean nothing to her.

    Qiao Nan refused to tell her who that woman was. Hence, Qiao Nan deserved a beating.

    Her father had an affair behind her mother and her back and wished to give birth to an illegitimate child.

    She wanted to see whether his father¡¯s mistress would still be willing to stay with him and share his woes if he reverted to his situation before he married her mother, or even got into a worse plight than before.

    Qiao Nan held her forehead. Each time she met Qiu Chenxi, she had to encounter unjustified cmities.

    To have met a lunatic like Qiu Chenxi was Brother Zhai¡¯s bad luck and also her misfortune.

    True enough, it was necessary for her to keep her rtionship with Brother Zhai under the wraps.

    Otherwise, Qiu Chenxi would not just have hired such a group of people to beat her up and let her leave after retrieving the information today. The situation would have been much worse than this.

    At the thought of that scary possibility, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet. She felt cold and she could feel chills down her spine. Her hands gripped the cor of her shirt tightly.

    The oue of that possibility was truly not something that she could endure.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t feel scared. I¡¯m here.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression looked just as bad. At this juncture, she had the exact same thoughts as Qiao Nan.

    Nobody could predict the extreme things that Qiu Chenxi would eventually do even in awful and orderly society when she turned so merciless.

    Qiu Chenxi was a member of the party. Even if she hadmitted a major crime, was expelled from the party and imprisoned, her imprisonment term could be reduced given that she was a former party member.

    In addition, the Qiu family could fork out some money and exert their influence. While Qiao Nan¡¯s entire life would be ruined, Qiu Chenxi would be released from the prison and she would remain safe and sound after a few days.

    It was simply too unfair!

    ¡°You? Shi Qing, you¡¯re not useful now. Qiao Nan, let me ask you onest time. Who is Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend and what¡¯s her name? Where does she live and what¡¯s her family situation? How long have they been together? What¡¯s their progress! Shi Qing, don¡¯t you want to protect Qiao Nan and be friends with her? No matter who says the answer that I wish to know first, I¡¯ll let you go once there¡¯s an answer.¡±

    There was a look of notoriety in the cold-looking eyes of Qiu Chenxi, exuding a sinister aura. It was nothing like the style of that rich man¡¯s daughter of the Qiu family.

    ¡°She...¡± At the sight of those men approaching, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing wanted to escape but there was no way to do so. Qiao Nan hesitated for a while before she finally spoke.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste my time and make me run out of patience. I don¡¯t care what they will do to you. If you¡¯re decisive, I¡¯ll also let you leave soon. Anyway, you¡¯re not Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. Whatever means I have, I¡¯ll only utilize them on that vixen!¡±

 Chapter 652 - Half-Truths

    <h4>Chapter 652: Half-Truths</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi bit her mrs and spoke every word through the cracks of her teeth.

    It was not difficult to imagine that if Qiu Chenxi really knew who Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend was, that woman would definitely suffer badly in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands.

    ¡°The situation in her family is not quite good!¡± Qiao Nan nervously popped these words.

    ¡°Not quite good?¡± Zhai Sheng had never formally introduced this woman to the Zhai family. Although he rejected Qiu Chenxi, he had never mentioned this woman. At the thought of all these, Qiu Chenxi had already guessed that the family situation of this woman was notparable to that of the Qiu family. ¡°I¡¯ve already guessed it. Do you have more information? Tell me something specific!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t give you anything more specific. I don¡¯t interact that much with the Zhai family. At most, Auntie Miao likes me and wishes to acknowledge me as her goddaughter. I have declined as I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate. Thus, the one that I interacted with most is actually Auntie Miao!¡±

    Shi Qing had her hands on the waist. She nudged Qiao Nan and wanted very much to ask Qiao Nan what she was trying to do by saying that.

    If Qiao Nan exposed too much information and led Qiu Chenxi to guess that she was actually the woman Qiu Chenxi had been yearning to find, Qiao Nan would certainly be in dire straits. It would definitely be more than just a beating.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. Of course she knew. She did not wish to end up in a more miserable state, and neither did she want a beating. Now, she could only buy time.

    She did not believe that no one would find the hugemotion earlier strange.

    Most importantly, when the second group arrived, there were many of them and everyone had sticks in their hands. Any typical person would feel frightened at the sight of that. Would they not give a call to the police?

    Qiao Nan, who had been cornered, had no choice but to take a gamble with humanity.

    ¡°I consider you knowing your limits.¡± Fortunately, Qiu Chenxi did not notice the interactions between the two. She even agreed with Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Qiao Nan, remember this. I don¡¯t want any god aunt springing out of nowhere and adding woes to my family.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi shunned Qiao Nan badly. If Qiao Nan became Miao Jing¡¯s goddaughter, then Qiao Nan would have to call Zhai Sheng brother. If Qiu Chenxi was married to Zhai Sheng, she would be Qiao Nan¡¯s sister-inw.

    There were so many issues in the Qiao family. What if the Qiao family constantly sought the Zhai family for help when they were in trouble? Most likely, both the Zhai family and the Qiu family would have to help the Qiao family clean up their mess in the future.

    She was not even willing to have a rtive rted by blood, let alone one that was not.

    Shi Qing pursed her lips. She looked at Qiu Chenxi in extreme disdain.

    God aunt? In this lifetime, Qiu Chenxi could forget about getting married to Brother Zhai.

    It was no wonder that although Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai were in contact for so many years, Brother Zhai never took a liking to Qiu Chenxi. If he did, then Brother Zhai would be blind. Otherwise, Brother Zhai was actually not as outstanding as she believed him to be.

    ¡°As such, Auntie Miao argued with Brother Zhai because of that woman. Auntie Miao came to chat with me. I then got to know this little piece of information. There are no new developments recently. Actually, even Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t know who that girlfriend of Brother Zhai is. She doesn¡¯t know her name, where she lives, and who¡¯s in her family. Everything that I know came from Auntie Miao. I¡¯ve already told you what Auntie Miao knows. If you insist on asking me what Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t know, then I will be conjuring things.¡±

    Qiao Nan gradually calmed down. It was not that she could not give Qiu Chenxi an answer today.

    Since Qiu Chenxi did not know anything, Qiu Chenxi would not be able to decipher whether she was telling the truth.

    After sessfully oveing the hurdle today, she and Shi Qing would be more careful next time. They certainly would not let Qiu Chenxi have another chance to harm them.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiu Chenxi asked as she knitted her brows.

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°I heard that you managed to persuade Auntie Miao and the rest of the Zhai family to reconcile after she argued with them. Why did they argue?¡± Qiu Chenxi did not believe that Qiao Nan knew so little. She might as well test Qiao Nan with that information that she heard of.

    Qiao Nan was stunned for a moment. She did not know for sure how much Qiu Chenxi knew about this matter.

    Nevertheless, there was one thing that was very fortunate for Qiao Nan.

    Regarding this matter, it was almost unrted to the fact that she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. There would not be any problem even if she told the entire truth. ¡°Miao, Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t really like Brother Zhai¡¯s current girlfriend. She promised Brother Zhai that she won¡¯t object to or break them up. However, Auntie Miao has her own ns. This time, Auntie Miao arranged a blind date for Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Blind date!¡± Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she mmed the table. ¡°She actually dared to arrange a blind date for Brother Zhai?!¡± Did she treat her as the dead?

    No wonder Brother Zhai would argue with Miao Jing. She deserved it!

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern your family, so why are you such a busybody? Let me warn you. In the future, don¡¯t poke your nose into the matters of the Zhai family. Do you understand?!¡± Qiu Chenxi was hoping very much that Zhai Sheng would quarrel with Miao Jing, such that the mother-son pair would go separate ways. This was in case Miao Jing continued toe in between them and hinder her marriage with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°What else do you know about that woman? Tell me everything at once.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan looked like a wise man who understands their situation and talked about ¡®that woman¡¯. ¡°These are all that I know of.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s cooperative attitude made Qiu Chenxi feel that she had gained the upper hand. ¡°Shi Qing, Qiao Nan had told me everything she knows. It should be your turn now? Sorry, I forgot to inform you that, as long as one of you doesn¡¯t cooperate, there¡¯s no use. I won¡¯t be softhearted when I need to be merciless!¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Shi Qing¡¯s face turned extremely ck. Qiu Chenxi was resorting to trickery.

    Qiu Chenxi lifted her chin and sneered at Shi Qing. So what if she was resorting to this?

    Now, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were in her territory. They had to obey her. Otherwise, they would leave the ce lying down. ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t drag your ssmate down because of your own arrogance. Look at how well your ssmate performed just now. If you don¡¯t cooperate, your ssmate¡¯s earlier words and effort will go down the drain.¡±

    Shi Qing gave Qiu Chenxi a sneer that was worse than the previous one. ¡°No need to say that to sow discord. It¡¯s useless.¡± Qiu Chenxi really thought that she was the stubborn one and Qiao Nan the soft one. Hence, she deliberately said all those to sow discord between Qiao Nan and her. She was an idiot!

    Shi Qing was infuriated. That ball of fury had jumped from her throat to her eyes.

    However, discretion is the better part of valor. Given the current situation, it was not wise to fight head-on with Qiu Chenxi. Where there¡¯s life, there¡¯s hope. They would have opportunities in the future if they were able to endure the anger now.

    Hence, Qiao Nan tugged at the clothing behind Shi Qing¡¯s waist, hinting to Shi Qing to calm down and avoid being led astray by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s momentum.

    At least, they had not suffered any major loss.

    The most important thing now was to think of ways to buy time and let someone discover the situation in this private room, or smoke Qiu Chenxi such that they could escape this ce.

 Chapter 653 - Unsuitable to Jump Down

    <h4>Chapter 653: Unsuitable to Jump Down</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What I know is simr to what Qiao Nan knows. I confessed my love to Brother Zhai, and he told me directly that the only woman that he likes in this life is that youngdy. If he is not able to marry thatdy, he will stay single forever.¡± Shi Qing bit her teeth. ¡°Since Brother Zhai has made it so clear, and it¡¯s not that I am unworthy of him, why should I be so stubborn? I have my pride and I want to preserve my dignity. Brother Zhai may not like me, but it doesn¡¯t mean that I will be left on the shelf.¡±

    ¡°Stop agitating me with your words.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s demeanor changed. ¡°How dare you ridicule me right now? Are you not afraid of death? All I can say is that you may be fearless, but surely you don¡¯t want to implicate your ssmate. Did Brother Zhai really say that?¡±

    All along, Brother Zhai never acknowledged that she was his girlfriend. She did not expect that Brother Zhai would tell Shi Qing that he would marry nobody in his life except for thatdy. It was too detestable!

    ¡°Of course it is true. Everyone has their pride. If Brother Zhai did not reject my feelings bluntly, would I give up on him? Back when you were with Brother Zhai, I did nothing because you are my cousin. If not, do you think I would let you have Brother Zhai? When you were with Brother Zhai, he never made his intentions clear that he only had eyes for you. If Brother Zhai said so, I wouldn¡¯t be secretly in love with him for so many years.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked sullen and pulled at Shi Qing¡¯s clothes. If Shi Qing continued to say things like that, Qiu Chenxi would really hate her to the core.

    Was Shi Qing trying to get Qiu Chenxi to detest her?

    Shi Qing ignored Qiao Nan. Once Qiu Chenxi knew that Qiao Nan was the woman, even without her saying anything, Qiu Chenxi would do anything to take Qiao Nan¡¯s life so that she could take her position, unless Qiao Nan broke up with Brother Zhai.

    In this case, she had no qualms about saying things that would upset Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°You shut up!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned blue in anger. Zhai Sheng was not gentle or considerate when he was with her, yet he made such promise to another woman, that he would only marry her in his life. It was too much. ¡°Why did Brother Zhai tell you but keep it from me?!¡±

    She was Brother Zhai¡¯s ex-girlfriend. She was the one who refused to give up her feelings for Brother Zhai and had made trouble for Qiao Nan multiple times all because of Brother Zhai. It was more logical that he told her everything to make her give up on him. ¡°Shi Qing, are you lying to me?¡±

    ¡°If I lie to you, then I am a coward!¡± Shi Qing felt unjustified. Although Brother Zhai did not tell her the exact words, this was what he meant. She was no liar. ¡°As to why Brother Zhai told me but not you, you shouldn¡¯t be asking me. Don¡¯t you think that it has to do with you? Brother Zhai told me his feelings and I decided to give up my feelings for him, but if Brother Zhai tells you as well, will you be able to know what¡¯s good for you and give up your feelings for him?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was silent, because she knew that she would never give up.

    ¡°Do you finally understand now? After all, Brother Zhai has known you for years. He knows your temper and that you won¡¯t listen to reasons, hence he did not waste his effort to talk to you for fear of agitating you. What he did was for your own good.¡± Shi Qing was proud of herself that she had finally calmed Qiu Chenxi down. ¡°We have already told you everything that we know. Can we leave now?¡±

    ¡°Leave?¡± Qiu Chenxi refused to give in. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to have told me who exactly the girl is, what her name is, and where she lives, have you?¡±

    There was no way that she would let Shi Qing go after saying a bunch of useless stuff.

    ¡°Crap, do you not understand the humannguage? Brother Zhai has never told anyone who his girlfriend is. Since Auntie Miao does not know, how could I have known?¡± Shi Qing was exasperated and she felt like swearing. Why would her auntie have such a slow-witted daughter? She was slow to catch on to things.

    Had she not been clear enough?

    Shi Qing thought about it and calmed herself. ¡°Let me tell you. Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t like you at all, and she doesn¡¯t want you as her daughter-inw. Auntie Miao should be the happiest person now that Brother Zhai has a girlfriend. If you go to look for Auntie Miao, she may just tell you who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend is and that you have no hopes, telling you not toe to the Zhai family¡¯s residence again.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi sat there and pondered for a good five minutes before looking at Shi Qing and Qiao Nan. ¡°In that case, have I thought too highly of the two of you?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Shi Qing stared at Qiu Chenxi and dared not lowered her vignce. ¡°If we had not told you what we know, you would have been kept in the dark.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, both of you have not given me any urate information. Sorry, I am very dissatisfied with whatever you have told me.¡± Qiu Chenxi had an evil smile on her face. Yes, she went back on her words. What she said just now was merely to fool Shi Qing and Qiao Nan.

    If the two of them would tell her who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend was, she might tell the group of people to go easy on them, and not to give them too many punches.

    Unfortunately, the clues Qiao Nan and Shi Qing gave her were too general and unspecific. They did not give her the details. She would need to spend a lot of time to find out. Hence, she was unwilling to ept the clues that Qiao Nan and Shi Qing gave her. They would still need to take punches. In fact, she would not be lenient to them!

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Shi Qing sneered. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, let me tell you. Since you want to make us suffer for what happened to the Qiu family, you are not the only one who would resort to life and death struggles. I will do so as well!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had a lot of people with her. If a fight were to break out, she and Qiao Nan would be on the losing end.

    Since they were bound to suffer, she could not allow Qiu Chenxi to leave unscathed. If she had to take the blows, then she would not let Qiu Chenxi leave so easily as well!

    Shi Qing used her hands to push against the overturned table deftly and made a somersault tond behind Qiu Chenxi and grabbed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s neck from behind. Her movement was so quick and agile. It was way more exciting than the fighting scene in the movie. She was impressive.

    Since a young age, Shi Qing underwent training that was sufficient for her to be a member of the special forces. It was a piece of cake to take down Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e over here.¡±

    Not waiting for Shi Qing¡¯s orders, Qiao Nan had already run over to her. She did not want to be the target.

    Qiao Nan leaned against the window and opened it right away. She looked down and her heart jumped a beat. ¡°It¡¯s too high.¡± It was not suitable for them to escape through the window.

    Shi Qing nced down as well. She could still jump down, though she would suffer some minor scratches. But Qiao Nan definitely could not do it. If she jumped down, she might suffer serious injuries.

    Qiu Chenxi had indeed nned everything right from the beginning.

 Chapter 654 - Behaved Like a Hooligan

    <h4>Chapter 654: Behaved Like a Hooligan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With that, Shi Qing smacked Qiu Chenxi hard on the head. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, go ahead and order your people to beat us. I would like to know whether most of the punches willnd on you or on us!¡±

    She was going to use Qiu Chenxi as her human shield!

    ¡°And all of you here, even though my dad is a retired soldier, he still works in the government. I have remembered most of you here. Unless I die here, those who dare toy a finger on me can get ready to be sent to jail. If you don¡¯t wish to go to jail, I will give you a chance. Scram right now. I will take it that nothing has happened.¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s threat was useful. Everyone was hired to help Qiu Chenxi. Once they received the money, they would have to flee. At least, they could not return to Ping Cheng for the time being.

    However, they did not know that their target was not ordinary people and was the daughter of a soldier. Even after her father was discharged from the army, he would be a government official in Ping Cheng. They were just hooligans. They could not afford to offend her father.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be scared of? You have the strength in numbers. Besides, she had said that she isn¡¯t able to remember all of you. After getting the money, all of you can leave Ping Cheng for the time being. She will forget your faces in a few days. Even if she goes to the police, how is it possible for them to arrest all of you?¡± Qiu Chenxi analyzed calmly. ¡°Rescue me, and I will give you another five hundred yuan.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi saw herself as a piece of beautiful jade, while Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were rubble and debris. She would not sh head-on with them. If she did, she would be the one who suffered the most.

    ¡°Five hundred yuan?¡± Hearing that Qiu Chenxi was willing to spend so much money in order to deal with Qiao Nan and her, Shi Qing gave her five ps on the face. ¡°If not for the Shi family, the Qiu family would not be living in luxury now. You refuse to let your dad¡¯s woman spend the Qiu family¡¯s money, yet you are willing to use the money the Qiu family made with the help of the Shi family to hire people to beat us. You are indeed capable!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression darkened after being pped by Shi Qing. She red viciously at Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and walked to stand behind Qiu Chenxi. She ced her hand lightly on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s back where the zipper to her dress was. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, are you sure you still want to make more trouble?¡±

    ¡°What are you trying to do!!¡± Qiu Chenxi widened her eyes in panic. She was no longer as confident as before. She tensed and had goosebumps all over her arms.

    ¡°Nothing, I am merely behaving like a hooligan.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was as soft as the spring breeze in April, but Qiu Chenxi was scared stiff, her face turning pale. Her body tensed up instantly. She was like a high-strung bow that would break any time. ¡°You are Qiu Chenxi. The Qiu family indeed has money, power, and social status. Poor folks like us cannot bepared to you. There are so many people here. We are seriously outnumbered. I suppose if a fight breaks out, you will be rescued by them in no time. By then, Shi Qing and I will have to suffer. In this life, what I hate most is to be on the losing end. I don¡¯t care whether the other party is an outsider or family, I will do anything to avoid being on the losing end.¡±

    Since she could not escape being beaten to a pulp, she could not take it lying down that Qiu Chenxi was watching happily by the side.

    Then, Qiao Nan moved her fingertips slightly and pulled the zipper.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hairs stood on end as she listened to the sliding sound of the zipper. ¡°How dare you!!!¡±

    ¡°How dare me?¡± Qiao Nan smiled and slid the zipper down to the end.

    If Qiao Nan let go of the dress and stopped Qiu Chenxi from moving, her bare skin would definitely be exposed.

    ¡°Your lingerie looks pretty nice. I know how to unsp it. Qiu Chenxi, if I unsp the lingerie and your dress falls even further, do you think you will make it to the headlines of Ping Cheng newspaper tomorrow? What headline should we give it?¡± Qiao Nan smiled happily.

    All of them were women. Qiu Chenxi was not afraid of being beaten as she knew that when a fight broke out, Shi Qing and Qiao Nan would take more blows than her.

    ¡°All these people have worked so hard and made so many trips to help you. Merely giving them money is not good enough. You should give them some other perks.¡±

    That said, Qiao Nan slid her fingertips across Qiu Chenxi¡¯s bare back, resting on the sp of her lingerie.

    As long as she tugged at it gently, the sp would be undone and Qiu Chenxi would be exposed.

    ¡°Wait a minute!!¡± Qiu Chenxi was boiling with anger. The people whom she hired with money widened their eyes and fixed their gazes on Qiu Chenxi, lest they missed any details. ¡°You are shameless!¡± She had not expected that Qiao Nan, who was so young, would use such underhanded methods to threaten her.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Yes, I am shameless. It¡¯s good enough that you care about preserving your dignity.¡±

    So long as Qiu Chenxi could not withstand the humiliation, then she and Shi Qing would have the chance to leave safely.

    Shi Qing eyes brightened. This method was brilliant. Why did she not think of it? Qiu Chenxi was fearless when they tried to use force on her, hence they had to resort to tricks. ¡°Since the beginning, Qiao Nan has said that she is going to behave like a hooligan. Hooligans don¡¯t have a sense of shame.¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t haggle with me. If you order your people toe at us, I will make sure that you expose yourselfpletely. Anyway, you¡¯re the one who hired these people. You chose them by yourself, so there¡¯s nothing to be angry about.¡± Qiao Nan was running out of patience.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiu Chenxi could feel the tingling coldness on her bare back. She gritted her teeth and spoke in anger.

    ¡°Get them to stand aside!¡± Qiao Nan curled her fingers at the sp of the lingerie and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s pale face turned red immediately.

    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Qiu Chenxi gritted her mr teeth and spoke through the cracks of her teeth.

    These people were hired by Qiu Chenxi and they only listened to her words. At hermand, they stepped aside right away. Of course, those who harbored evil intentions stepped further behind to get a good spot so that they could have an unblocked view of Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Qiu Chenxi, we are women after all. If you are not so ruthless to us, I will not resort to this. So let me remind you. The zipper of your dress is undone. It¡¯s up to you if you want to expose yourself and allow these people to feast their eyes on you.¡±

    ¡°Pull it up for me!!!¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. At least, you will have to wait until Shi Qing and I have left the second floor before I can pull them up for you.¡± With the zipper undone, Qiu Chenxi would not be able to y any tricks on them.

    Even if Shi Qing loosened her grip on Qiu Chenxi, she would not dare to run as her clothes would drop right away.

    As long as Qiu Chenxi was afraid of being exposed, she and Shi Qing would be able to escape from the restaurant by stirring up confusion.

    Qiu Chenxi had no other choice but to give in. She looked at the group of burly men, who widened their eyes, getting ready for the show, and growled. ¡°If you want to get the money, close your eyes right now. If you dare to open your eyes, not only will you not be paid but you will also be...¡±

 Chapter 655 - Continued to Being a Hooligan

    <h4>Chapter 655: Continued to Being a Hooligan</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since Qiu Chenxi could get two groups of people, one group to hold back Shi Qing, and the other group to go at Qiao Nan, she naturally had a way to deal with them as well.

    Unless these people fled to the ends of the earth and never toe back in this life, they would be caught by Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi would use the methods that she used on Shi Qing and Qiao Nan on them, and would probably give them harsher punishments.

    They might want to leer at Qiu Chenxi but they were more worried about their personal safety.

    Most of them shut their eyes tight immediately.

    Some even turned their back to Qiu Chenxi in order to prove their innocence.

    Right then, they finally understood that thedy who hired them was the daughter of a government official, and thedies that they were hired to deal with were the daughters of government officials as well.

    The children of the government officials plotted against each other, while they, who were clueless, were caught in their fight unwillingly.

    When people in power engaged in a power struggle, themoners would always be the ones who suffered.

    ¡°Block...¡± Qiu Chenxi was about to scold them for being blockheads. She did not really mean to let Qiao Nan and Shi Qing off. She merely did not want to be stripped of her clothes in front of so many people.

    Once they turned their backs on Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, it would be difficult to chase after them.

    Qiao Nan curled her fingers at the sp deftly and one of the buttons of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lingerie came undone.

    Qiu Chenxi felt that something came loose at her back. Her expression changed as fast as the revolving door. Minutes ago, she was fuming, but now, she became subdued. She finally kept quiet and no longer dared to make furtherments.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing walked toward the door with their back facing each other and left the private room.

    Shi Qing cast a nce at Qiao Nan. ¡°Those people will definitely chase after us.¡± At least, Qiu Chenxi would not give up on chasing after them.

    Qiao Nan curled her lips into a smile. After reaching the staircase, Qiao Nan undid all the buttons of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lingerie at the fastest speed, while her other hand pulled the zipper up halfway.

    As long as Qiu Chenxi was flexible, she would be able to reach the zipper.

    Without another word, Qiao Nan pushed Qiu Chenxi toward the room. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Shi Qing pulled Qiao Nan and started to run. She did not check how Qiu Chenxi was doing.

    What happened today was all because of Qiu Chenxi. She was only concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s and her safety. She had no time to worry about Qiu Chenxi. Even if she was to die, she deserved it.

    ¡°Chase after them! Once you get a hold of them, give them a harsh beating but don¡¯t kill them!¡± Qiu Chenxi, who got up from the floor, held tightly to her clothes as her other hand grabbed at her back cor. She was afraid that her clothes would be left gaping open at the back, exposing herself to everyone present.

    ¡°Yes.¡± These people could not help but let their gazes drifted over Qiu Chenxi¡¯s chest, where they suspected that her lingerie hade undone.

    They had a long history with women and they could tell from one look that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lingerie hade undone.

    It was a pity that the zipper of the dress had been pulled up halfway. Otherwise, they would be in for a good show.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at? Chase after them now!¡± Qiu Chenxi gripped her clothes tightly and gave them a ferocious look.

    After being yelled at by Qiu Chenxi, everyone did not dare to stay behind and gave chase right away.

    Qiu Chenxi also wanted to give chase. She wanted to witness Shi Qing and Qiao Nan being badly beaten by the thugs. But as her lingerie had been unsped, she had no choice but to go to the restroom to sp her lingerie and zip her dress before giving chase.

    ¡°Where should we go now?¡± Shi Qing asked with a headache. ¡°Do you want to split up?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi would definitely not give up. She would send those men after them.

    ¡°Run to the police station!!¡± Qiao Nan knew the location of the police station and ran in that direction. ¡°No matter what, we are on the streets now. It is better than being trapped in the private room in the restaurant. If we are stopped by the thugs, we can always shout for help.¡±

    Previously, Qiao Nan could not do anything and was trapped in the private room. That was more of a headache than the situation now.

    At least, the streets were full of people. To Qiao Nan, this was much safer.

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Shi Qing stopped after running for a short while. ¡°Since we are already on the streets, why are we running? If there¡¯s anything, we can scream and other people will help us.¡±

    ¡°The streets are quite empty. The schools ended early due to the monthly exams. There aren¡¯t many people on the streets. How can you count on them to help us? Stop chatting. We must run now.¡± It was risky to hope for people toe to their assistance on the empty streets. Qiao Nan hoped to secure a better way to ensure their safety. ¡°When we reach the police station, indicate your father¡¯s identity and make a phone call to your dad. What Qiu Chenxi did will drag the Qiu family and the Shi family down as well.¡±

    Since it was Qiu Qin who had an affair, Qi Min should be the one who was driven to desperation. Why was Qiu Chenxi behaving in such a crazy manner?

    Qiao Nan was puzzled.

    ¡°Brother, over there.¡±

    Shi Qing ran fast enough, but Qiao Nan wasgging behind. The thugs were hot on their heels and they caught up to them in no time. They surrounded Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, blocking their way. ¡°The two young girls over there, I shall see how you intend to escape now!¡±

    ¡°The problem now is not how we escape. Instead, you should be worried about being sent to jail.¡± Qiao Nan gasped for breath. The pedestrians on the road saw this scene, and some of them stopped to watch what was happening. However, most of them quickened their footsteps to leave, seemingly did not want to get involved.

    Given the number of thugs present, anyone who had themon sense knew that they had better not get involved.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense! Give them a round of beating!¡± The thugs knew that it was a waste of their time to talk with Qiao Nan. For all they knew, they might not be able toplete their task.

    On the contrary, if they did not waste their time talking to them but gave them a good thrashing instead, they would already beat them and flee from the scene by the time the police officers arrived.

    It was alright not to have any women. Money was more important. With the money, they could have any number of women that they wanted.

    Shi Qing gritted her teeth. It seemed that she had to deal with them by force. Qiao Nan could not win them in a fight and could only outwit them.

    The thugs were just about to use their weapons on Shi Qing and Qiao Nan when another group of younger people came out from nowhere. They sported spiky hairstyles and looked like a bunch of hooligans as well. They did not seem easy to deal with.

    ¡°Who dares toy their fingers on our big brother¡¯s friends? Are they courting death?¡± A young man who adopted a hairstyle simr to that of a chicken head walked out from the crowd, looking very full of himself. ¡°Are you the ones?¡±

    ¡°Who is your big brother?¡± The thugs that Qiu Chenxi hired halted. The number of people in the new group was almost the same as the number of people on their side.

 Chapter 656 - Saved from Disaster

    <h4>Chapter 656: Saved from Disaster</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    His people came armed with weapons, and so did the other group. The two groups of people looked as if they were going to break out in a fight.

    If a real fight was to ur, the people that Qiu Chenxi hired would have to think twice.

    Originally, their job was to give the two youngdies a thrashing and flee right away afterward.

    But if the two groups of people were to break out in a fight, they would suffer injuries as well. By then, the money that they received might not be enough to cover their medical expenses.

    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± Zhu Baoguo said grumpily. ¡°Who sent you here?¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo!¡±

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, who were still confused, finally put their hearts at ease upon seeing Zhu Baoguo. As long as the group of people was on their side, they did not have to worry about anything.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it was Zhu Baoguo. Otherwise, she and Shi Qing would have to suffer today.

    ¡°If I were not here, you... both of you will be bullied by others. Who is behind this?¡± Xiao Qiao never provoked others. She put all her attention on her studies. She would not retaliate even when she was provoked. Her temper was as soft as the bread dough.

    So there was only one possibility for such an incident to happen. It must be that other people had taken the initiative to provoke Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi.¡± Shi Qing had no wish to cover up for Qiu Chenxi and gave her name right away.

    ¡°Why did she make trouble for Xiao Qiao?¡± Zhu Baoguo could not understand.

    Zhu Baoguo was used to the fact that Qiao Nan would go home with Shi Qing after school every time. They did not need him around.

    Thinking of the conversation that he had with Qiao Nanst time, he tried to restrain himself from looking for Qiao Nan. He did not admit that he had not grown up, but he hoped he could be more mature so that Qiao Nan could ept him.

    Today, he went back home as usual as he knew that Qiao Nan would have gone back home with Shi Qing.

    Given Shi Qing¡¯s skills, the average person would not be able to bully Qiao Nan.

    In the past, his only worry was Shi Qing.

    Since Shi Qing was no longer a threat to Qiao Nan, and Xu Tingting and the rest were behaving themselves, Zhu Baoguo put all his focus on himself.

    Since Xiao Qiao felt he was not mature enough and was like a child, then the first thing he had to do was to grow up.

    But one of theckeys who used to mix with him told him that a group of thugs seemed to be hovering on a certain road, and that path was the road that Qiao Nan would always take.

    People who were close to Zhu Baoguo knew that Qiao Nan was under Zhu Baoguo¡¯s protection, and that Zhu Baoguo always addressed her as his younger sister. She was someone they needed to protect.

    Even though Qiao Nan did not take that path, after seeing the group of people, the hooligan sensed that something was wrong and told Zhu Baoguo right away.

    Zhu Baoguo knew that something was amiss upon learning of therge size of the other group of people.

    If they were after Qiao Nan, no matter how strong Shi Qing was, she could never defeat all of them.

    Besides, women were not as physically strong as men. Shi Qing might be tough, but if faced with arge group of men, she would not have the stamina to deal with all of them. By then, Qiao Nan would have to suffer.

    After ascertaining the situation, Zhu Baoguo headed there right away.

    By the time he arrived, the group had already received word from Qiu Chenxi and had gone to the restaurant.

    Luckily, therge group was too conspicuous and eye-catching. Zhu Baoguo randomly asked the owners of the shops along the road about their whereabouts, and almost most of them could tell him in which direction the group went. That was why Zhu Baoguo was able to arrive in time.

    ¡°She is sick and abnormal. Her parents have an unhappy marriage, and so she catches others to make them suffer with her.¡± Shi Qing exploded in anger. She was really unlucky.

    She had said long ago that she did not intend to be involved with her auntie¡¯s affairs. If her father had not told her grandpa about the investigation results so that he would be mentally prepared, her auntie would not have known about the affair.

    When she met her father next time, she must make things clear to him.

    Since her grandpa did not ce the Shi family¡¯s interests as his priority and went all out to help her auntie, why must her father be so concerned about the Shi family¡¯s affairs? Now that her father had left the army, her auntie and Qiu Chenxi were much more important than her father in her grandpa¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°She is indeed sick.¡± Zhu Baoguo did not expect that Qiu Chenxi would create trouble for Qiao Nan because of such ridiculous reasons.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at? Right now, all of you have two paths to choose from. First, let¡¯s fight it out. We shall see which group is more capable and has arger number. Second, get out of my sight now.¡±¡®Little Chicken Head¡¯ looked disdainfully at the group of thugs hired by Qiu Chenxi. His demeanor was much more unruly than the people that Qiu Chenxi spent money to hire.

    ¡°Big brother, what should we do?¡± The people that Qiu Chenxi hired were undecided.

    ¡°What do you mean? Do you want to spend all the money you earned to buy medicine? I have taught you long ago that we cannot ept deals that have no gains but losses.¡± When both sides were badly mismatched in terms of strength and number, and their side was able to crush the enemy, they had to fight.

    However, if they were well-matched in strength, just like right now, he was unwilling to join the fight.

    He thought that his targets were just ordinary youngdies who were nerdy. That was why he did not find out more about his targets and epted the task.

    But they were children of the government officials! He could not afford to offend them!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡± The people that Qiu Chenxi hired could tell that the situation was not to their favors and had no wish to continue the fight. The leader made a decision right then and turned to leave.

    The group of people was quick to retreat. Some of the passersby who gathered on the streets felt disappointed that everything ended without a fight, while some were d that things had returned to normal.

    In short, it could have been a brutal fight, but everything ended right then like smoke that evaporated into thin air. The streets were back to normal.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at?¡± Zhu Baoguo red at the passersby impatiently. The people who crowded around felt guilty and dispersed under Zhu Baoguo¡¯s stare.

    Such people would not lend a helping hand when others were in trouble, but they were more than happy to watch the show.

    Zhu Baoguo could see through such people and found them particrly annoying.

    ¡°I will send both of you back. If you don¡¯t hurry back, Uncle Qiao will be worried.¡± After shouting at the passersby to leave, Zhu Baoguo gave some money to ¡®Little Chicken Head¡¯. ¡°Thank you for today. Take this and treat the brothers to a meal.¡±

    ¡°Brother Baoguo, that¡¯s nothing.¡±¡®Little Chicken Head¡¯ was ted. They were willing to be under Zhu Baoguo not only because he had a high social status, but it was also because he had never looked down upon them who came from a humble background. Most importantly, Zhu Baoguo was generous enough to give them money for meals.

 Chapter 657 - Lodged Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 657: Lodged Comint</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Thank you, Brother Baoguo.¡± All the people who came with ¡®Little Chicken Head¡¯ smiled at the sight of the money.

    ¡°Alright, go and have a good meal.¡± Zhu Baoguo waved his hand nonchntly. He used to like to mix with these people, but Xiao Qiao had changed this habit of his. Now, he had no wish to mingle with them.

    However, on ount of their past friendship as well as that ¡®Little Chicken Head¡¯ having helped Qiao Nan this time, Zhu Baoguo did not ignore them.

    Zhu Baoguo sent Shi Qing and Qiao Nan back home, but he kept his silence during the whole journey.

    Zhu Baoguo would usually talk nonstop when he was with Qiao Nan. However, he was particrly quiet today and never took the initiative to say a word.

    Shi Qing had wanted to start a conversation, but she felt like her tongue was twisted upon seeing Zhu Baoguo¡¯s expression. She touched Qiao Nan lightly, hinting for her to start the conversation.

    It was because of Qiao Nan that Zhu Baoguo was able to arrive in time today. In other words, she was saved all thanks to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan ignored Shi Qing and continued to walk in silence. She stopped when she almost reached her house. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, thank you for what happened today. If not for you, Shi Qing and I would be in big trouble.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You used to help me, so it¡¯s right that I helped you.¡± Yes, in the past, Xiao Qiao used to help him and teach him. It was no wonder that Xiao Qiao would say that he had not grown up. ¡°Since you have arrived at your house, I will go back.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo took a nce at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Unlike two years ago when he would follow his heart and spend some time at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, he walked off right away today.

    ¡°Hey, do you feel that Zhu Baoguo behaved strangely in front of you?¡± He was totally different from the deskmate that she used to see in school.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Everyone has a price to pay for growing up.¡± Since Zhu Baoguo had changed, it showed that he had really grown up.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Shi Qing, both of you are finally back.¡± The door in the living room had to be opened from the inside. Seeing that his daughter had yet to return, Qiao Dongliang had thought of going outside to look around. He had just opened the door when he saw her in the doorway. ¡°Why are you both sote today? You mentioned that it¡¯s the monthly exams day and that you would be back early, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Something cropped up today, so we arete. Dad, I am hungry.¡± Qiao Nan did not mention that she was detained by Qiu Chenxi and was almost beaten up by hooligans. She did not wish to frighten Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Hungry? Then,e on in. I have already prepared some food. If both of you still weren¡¯t back, the food would turn cold.¡± Qiao Nan and Shi Qing looked fine except that their clothes and hair were slightly messy. It was nothing to be surprised about. Hence, Qiao Dongliang did not feel that anything was amiss. ¡°Come on in and have a meal.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Qiao.¡± Shi Qing took a deep breath. To her, staying in the Qiao family¡¯s residence was the best decision she ever made.

    As for Qiao Nan, Shi Qing did not know whether Qiao Nan had any regrets for allowing her to live with her.

    After the three of them finished their meals, Qiao Dongliang handed the keys that Shi Peng left with him to Shi Qing. ¡°This is the key to the new house that your dad bought. It is just next door to us. Your dad said that he can leave the army soon and will work in Ping Cheng in the future. He bought this house as it is convenient for you to go to school. In the future, it will be your home. You have to keep it safe.¡±

    ¡°My dad bought a house again?¡± Shi Qing had no idea about investing in houses. ¡°In fact, my dad didn¡¯t have to go to all the trouble. He has bought a house for me previously, and now he bought another house. It is too wasteful. He should sell the previous house.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sell it!¡± Qiao Nan stopped Shi Qing right away. ¡°You are not in need of money. You can just leave the house as it is, and you won¡¯t stand to lose.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had been through rebirth, did not remember any winning lottery number, and neither did she master any skills to earn lots of money, or know which businesses would be thriving.

    However, Qiao Nan knew that housing prices in the country would rise in the future.

    If the location was good, the price would be several dozens times that of the current price. If the location was not good, the price would also be dozens times that of the current price.

    After the 21st century, there would be intion. Compared to saving money, investing in a house was a better way to earn money.

    Furthermore, the house that Shi Qing had would not cost too much.

    After all, housing price was rtively cheap now.

    If not for her family¡¯s situation, she would encourage her father to buy a few more houses with the extra money that he had. By the time the housing prices rose, her father would be able to retire and enjoy old age using the profit that he made from the rise in housing prices.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to have so many houses. I can¡¯t stay in so many houses either.¡± Shi Qing was baffled.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°The Qiu family is considered wealthy and has lots of money. Do you think people from the Qiu family will dislike that they have too much money and have nothing to spend the money on?¡±

    ¡°Well, these are two different matters. Can we make such aparison?¡± Shi Qing was confused. They were talking about money and houses. ¡°The size of the house is so much bigger than money.¡±

    Qiao Nan stared upward in exasperation. ¡°Fine, then you can go ahead and tell your dad. I could not help it if you find having too much money an issue. But I feel that investing in houses is better than keeping the money in the bank.¡±

    The house that Shi Peng bought for Shi Qing would, at most, cost a few thousand yuan.

    Ten yearster, such houses in this location would cost at least a few million yuan. It was about one thousand times more!

    Forget it. The Shi family was just as wealthy as the Qiu family. Since the Shi family was not short of money, she did not need to be worried on Shi Qing¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s gettingte. Do you want to rest first? Shi Qing may want to give Officer Shi a call.¡± Qiao Nan nced at the clock. She knew that if they dyed any further, Officer Shi would be asleep.

    ¡°Alright, the two of you must go to bed early as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded and left, leaving the living room to Qiao Nan and Shi Qing. ¡°Nan Nan, remember, the two of you must sleep early as well. Don¡¯t stay upte.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t stay upte.¡±

    ¡°Good night, Uncle Qiao.¡±

    Shi Qing waited for Qiao Dongliang to close the door before calling Shi Peng. ¡°Qing Qing, why do you call me at this time? Is anything the matter? Are you short of cash?¡±

    Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°No, but then again, it is rted to money. Qiu Chenxi must be crazy. Just because uncle has an affair, she was so riled up that she hired a group of people today to deal with Nan Nan and me. If not for Zhu Baoguo, who appeared in the nick of time, Nan Nan and I would be lying in the hospital now.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that it¡¯s Qiu Chenxi¡¯s doing?¡± Shi Peng¡¯s tone turned serious. He had thought that though his niece was haughty, she was kindhearted.

    However, after hearing what Shi Qing said, Shi Peng thought otherwise.

    ¡°It¡¯s definitely her. Today, she asked me out to a restaurant to have a meal. I brought Qiao Nan along to eat for free. But I did not expect that the hooligans have been lying in ambush in the restaurant.¡±

 Chapter 658 - Whatâ€™s the Motive?

    <h4>Chapter 658: What¡¯s the Motive?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It was not just that. Those that she hired to hold me back were still considered polite as they intended to win against me with numbers. However, the group that Qiu Chenxi sent to target Qiao Nan was much more vicious. All of them had weapons. She wanted to know who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend is. Qiao Nan did not expose herself but she gave hints and no lies. Besides not letting out the identity, we told Qiu Chenxi the rest. However, Qiu Chenxi went back on her words and ordered the two groups of people to surround and attack us. Fortunately, Zhu Baoguo appeared in the nick of time. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be sitting here talking to you over the phone now. I would have been sent to the hospital in a stretcher long ago!¡±

    ¡°So serious?¡±

    ¡°I think the reality is more severe than my words. Dad, has Qiu Chenxi lost her mind?¡± Shi Qing peeped at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. When she observed that there were no movements in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room, she covered the phone receiver and said in a hushed voice, ¡°Isn¡¯t uncle just having an affair? As for the so-called illegitimate child, not even a shadow of him could be seen yet. Or, is that mistress really pregnant with my uncle¡¯s child? And that¡¯s why Qiu Chenxi was so agitated?¡±

    She had stayed in the house of the Qiu family for some time before. Could she not tell if her auntie and uncle were on good terms with each other?

    During breakfast times, there was minimal eye contact between her auntie and uncle. Each of them minded their own businesses while taking their breakfasts. The two could not even be bothered to give each other a simple look of concern.

    Given such a way of interaction, would she find it strange that her uncle had an affair?

    Wouldn¡¯t Qiu Chenxi have guessed it earlier too?

    They were already not on good terms. Hence, the more Shi Qing could not understand why Qiu Chenxi was so greatly affected by the affair and did something so overboard today.

    ¡°Dad, do you think Qiu Chenxi has some mental issues?¡± Otherwise, there was no other exnation for this. Her auntie had not even be like that. Qiu Chenxi had turned mad first.

    If Qiu Chenxi continued to mess around like that, then the Qiu family just had to await their doom in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± Shi Peng took a deep breath. ¡°Was Qiao Nan frightened badly?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Qiao Nan¡¯s quick wit today. If not, she and I would not be able to survive until Zhu Baoguo arrived. So, don¡¯t underestimate Qiao Nan. She¡¯s very brave.¡± At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s tactic today, Shi Qing felt embarrassed to describe it in detail.

    There was a word that Qiao Nan had used to describe it correctly: rogue.

    Shi Qing asked herself if she would be able toe up with such a solution if Qiao Nan had not taken the lead. Most probably, this idea would never cross her mind in her entire lifetime.

    It was rogue. Nevertheless, it was useful.

    Qiu Chenxi had already hired hatchet men to break their limbs. What Qiao Nan did was already considered lenient. After all, in the end, Qiu Chenxi did not suffer a full wardrobe malfunction. At most, they just frightened Qiu Chenxi.

    Compared to Qiu Chenxi who really wanted to go hard on them, she and Qiao Nan were really too benevolent.

    At the end of the whole saga, they even helped Qiu Chenxi save a little face.

    As Shi Qing sounded a little hesitant when she said that, Shi Peng could certainly tell that his daughter did not tell him everything, probably because she felt a little embarrassed to do so. It was not that she wanted to withhold information.

    Shi Peng could imagine the situation too. Qiu Chenxi hired so many people to surround and attack his daughter and Qiao Nan. If the twodies did not utilize some extreme methods, then they might really die on the spot.

    Instead of letting his daughter and Qiao Nan end up being beaten by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hatchet men, he would certainly prefer that the twodies used extreme means to protect themselves. There was nothing more important than that. ¡°Fine, since I¡¯m aware of this, there won¡¯t be a next time. However, Qiao Nan and you have to stay alert as well. Also, if she has any mental issues, it is most probably inherited.¡±

    ¡°Inherited?¡± Shi Qing was dumbfounded. ¡°You¡¯re saying that my auntie...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not considered an illness. It¡¯s extreme stubbornness. When your auntie was young, she had such impulsiveness too. It¡¯s just that I held her back.¡± Many years ago, when she heard that Zhao Yaohui wanted to marry Miao Jing, Qi Min¡¯s reaction was much stronger than that of Qiu Chenxi today.

    Initially, Qi Min did not talk about stopping the marriage. Instead, she said she wanted to find a few men to teach Miao Jing a lesson.

    As to how they would teach her a lesson, it was up to one¡¯s interpretation.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Except for this deprecatingugh, Shi Qing did not know what to say anymore. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    ¡°You heard all of it?¡± After the phone was hung up, Shi Qing looked at Qiao Nan, who was sitting beside her.

    ¡°Heard it.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    ¡°What do we do next?¡± She really could not tell that her auntie and Qiu Chenxi would do such a crazy thing when they were agitated.

    ¡°Alright, put away that expression of yours. Everyone has an extreme side. In other words, almost everyone has some mental problems. It can be termed as psychological barriers. The difference is that some people¡¯s conditions are more severe. If so, this will be termed as the mental issues that you mentioned earlier. Some people¡¯s conditions are not severe. At most, they will be considered as being emotional. Don¡¯t look at Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi as if they are lunatics. Given thews in China, we will have to cry if they are really crazy.¡±

    Qiao Nan was determined to treat these two women as normal beings.

    ¡°Why is it that we have to be the ones crying?¡± Shi Qing did not get it. They were not the ones who were crazy. Shouldn¡¯t her auntie and Qiu Chenxi be the ones crying?

    ¡°Thews in China are more lenient toward certain special groups of people, such as crazy people and the underage.¡± Such people were regarded as not having any legal liability. Nothing much would happen to them if anything happened.

    ¡°...¡± With this, Shi Qing understood what that meant. ¡°I¡¯ve decided. When I have time, I¡¯ll read up more on thews in China. Damn, there¡¯s such a thing?¡±

    ¡°As a military personnel, you don¡¯t even know this. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°So you understand now. You can think about it, but you must not express it. If you express it, you¡¯ll be giving Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi a trump card to protect themselves with. They don¡¯t need to be afraid of carrying out illegal activities anymore.¡±

    ¡°Will they be considered mad just because they im themselves to be? There¡¯s a need to ascertain it too, right?¡± Shi Qing was in disbelief. These were thews of the country and not those of her auntie or Qiu Chenxi. Thews were not meant to serve only the two of them.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Even if they need to ascertain it, you¡¯re not the one doing so. Can you control the oue of it? You can¡¯t but other people can. There isn¡¯t a clear distinction between ck and white in this world. Anyway, we¡¯re deviating from the main point. We¡¯ve not reached that extent yet. I¡¯m just reminding you. After all, your auntie and Qiu Chenxi are smart people. They may take advantage of the loopholes of thews.¡±

    Today, Qiu Chenxi had hired people. Nevertheless, she had been sitting by one side and did not go near Shi Qing and her. This went to show clearly that Qiu Chenxi did not want to go head-on with her. Instead, she protected herself very well.

    Hence, Qiu Chenxi did not intend to sacrifice herself for the sake of dealing with a nobody, a poor and ordinary citizen such as her.

    ¡°But I keep having this strange feeling. Do you think Qiu Chenxi did what she did today intentionally or unknowingly? If it¡¯s intentional, then what was her motive?¡±

 Chapter 659 - Teacher Xiao Qiao Was Beaten Up

    <h4>Chapter 659: Teacher Xiao Qiao Was Beaten Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Shi Qing slumped backward. ¡°If it¡¯s something that you can¡¯t even guess, the more I can¡¯t possibly know. I¡¯ve never known what was on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mind.¡±

    It did not matter even if Qiao Nan and Shi Qing did not know Qiu Chenxi¡¯s motive. It was enough that Qiu Chenxi herself knew what she was doing.

    Qiu Chenxi, who nearlynded herself in great embarrassment today, looked extremely sullen. After she returned to the house of the Qiu family, she called Qian Yanyan, who was in the army. ¡°Qian Yanyan, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯ve been waiting for your call. What would you like me to do for you?¡± When Qian Yanyan picked up Qiu Chenxi¡¯s phone call, she felt quite guilty. Previously, when Qiao Nan lost her lesson n in the army, everyone had med it on Qiu Chenxi alone.

    Nevertheless, Qiu Chenxi and Qian Yanyan were both aware that Qian Yanyan was the one who took the lesson n. Furthermore, Qian Yanyan was the one who came up with the idea and spurred Qiu Chenxi on. In the end, she even acted on it personally and stole the book, giving it to Qiu Chenxi.

    When Qiu Chenxi left the army, she took all the me and did not mention Qian Yanyan¡¯s name at all.

    Now that Qian Yanyan was of use to Qiu Chenxi, of course, thetter would not have any reservation when seeking her help. ¡°Find a way to spread this news to Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    Qian Yanyan¡¯s face turned pale. She felt that this was a very difficult task. ¡°This... How am I going to say that? Even if I do, Regiment Commander Zhai won¡¯t possibly believe me. Qiu Chenxi, you, you wouldn¡¯t really have...¡± Really have found someone to beat Teacher Xiao Qiao until her limbs were broken, or did she?

    Once, Qian Yanyan looked down on Qiao Nan and addressed her as ¡®that high school student¡¯.

    Nevertheless, the situation was different now. Song Yin, who had been taught by Qiao Nan, would soon be promoted to toon leader after receiving the third-ss merit. Qiao Nan had taught so many students at once, yet a talent such as Song Yin could result from her teaching.

    On the contrary, if one looked at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s case, over the past ten days of sses, Qiu Chenxi only taught about over twenty students. However, amongst these students, none of them had made any ¡®ssh¡¯.

    Given such aparison, even Qian Yanyan had to concede defeat and address Qiao Nan as Teacher Xiao Qiao.

    Although Qiao Nan had left the army, along with Song Yin¡¯s promotion to toon leader, the three words ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ became increasingly famous in the army.

    At the thought that she had done something that had let Qiao Nan down in the past, Qian Yanyan felt guilty. She was worried every day that she had been seen by someone when she went to ¡®take¡¯ Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson n that day and that she would be exposed one day.

    If that was truly the case, then her army life woulde to an end. The party would definitely remove her rank and expel her from the army.

    The more famous Qiao Nan was in the army, the more afraid Qian Yanyan was. Today, Qiu Chenxi even said such things to her. Qian Yanyan was so scared that her face was as white as a sheet.

    ¡°She escaped!¡± At the thought of what happened during the day, despite speaking through the phone, Qian Yanyan could feel the hate and viciousness in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s tone.

    Qian Yanyan secretly heaved a sigh of relief. It was good if Teacher Xiao Qiao was not hurt. ¡°How am I going to spread the news to Regiment Commander Zhai? It¡¯s not easy, is it?¡± She was just a military performer in the dance troupe. Usually, there was basically no opportunity for her toe into contact with a figure such as Regiment Commander Zhai.

    ¡°Think of it yourself! Don¡¯t ask me what to do. I only want the results. I don¡¯t care about the process. Qian Yanyan, if you still wish to remain in the army, it¡¯s best that you help me settle this matter. Otherwise, although I can¡¯t return to the army, I still have a hundred, or even a thousand, ways to make you leave the army!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi left a pawn like Qian Yanyan in the army for the purpose of fulfilling her needs one day, such as now. This was in case she did not have anyone else to make use of in the army.

    If Qian Yanyan was not even of such a minor use, then, as the abandoned pawn, Qian Yanyan was not even qualified to remain in the army.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t get angry. I, I know. I¡¯ll think of a way.¡± Qian Yanyan was scared out of her wits. Shepletely dared not question further.

    ¡°Hurry, you have to tell Regiment Commander Zhai the news today. Understand?¡± Qiu Chenxi gave such an ultimatum. She did not leave any rooms of negotiation for Qian Yanyan.

    ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯ll definitely settle it.¡± At this juncture, Qian Yanyan was beginning to have regrets. She started to realize how difficult it was to deal with Qiu Chenxi. If she had known that this would be the case, she would certainly not have fawned on Qiu Chenxi previously. She was too scary.

    After hanging up the phone call with Qiu Chenxi, Qian Yanyan felt that she was at a loss of what to do.

    Even if she was willing to pass the message to Regiment Commander Zhai, like what she said just now, she was just a junior military performer. She did not have any chance toe into contact with Regiment Commander Zhai. How was she going to pass the news to him?

    She had no choice. After circling the army a few times, Qian Yanyan finally thought of a way.

    Today, the purchasing officer in the army had made a trip to Ping Cheng. Hence, Qian Yanyan used the method of creating rumors. She widely spread the news that Qiu Chenxi had wanted her to pass to Zhai Sheng in the army.

    She did not believe that Regiment Commander Zhai would not hear of it when so many people were spreading the news.

    Zhai Sheng did hear it eventually. Nevertheless, something happened in between.

    The first person to know that Qiao Nan had been surrounded and beaten until she was injured was not Zhai Sheng but Zhou Jun.

    When Zhou Jun first heard of this news, he was frightened to the point of turning pale. ¡°I need to look for Regiment Commander Zhai regarding something.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡± When he heard Zhou Jun¡¯s voice, Zhai Sheng allowed him toe in. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Do you still have any matter?¡± If Zhou Jun had been hereter, Zhai Sheng would have returned to his dormitory.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, I wish to take two hours¡¯ of time off to make a trip to Ping Cheng tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Go to Ping Cheng?¡± To see Nan Nan again?

    At the thought of this answer, Zhai Sheng was quite reluctant to approve his request. ¡°Is there any matter?¡±

    ¡°...Hmm, something happened to a friend that I know, so I have to go and take a look.¡± Zhou Jun was too embarrassed to say that thedy he liked could have been beaten by someone, and that he had to go and take a look as he was worried.

    ¡°Something happened?¡± In that case, it was not Nan Nan then. Zhai Sheng tidied up the stuff on his desk. ¡°Fine, you can go ahead tomorrow noon. You can apply for backdated leave when you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Regiment Commander Zhai!¡± Zhou Jun heaved a sigh of relief and then returned to the dormitory.

    The next day, Zhou Jun was extremely conscientious and serious when he was attending the training session in the army. He even requested his own men to do the same. Training efficiency was thus extremely high.

    When the morning training session ended, Zhou Jun left the army without a word and found a way to Ping Cheng. ¡°Uncle Qiao?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    There was silence in the house. Then, the voice of a woman could be heard. ¡°Who¡¯s that? Who¡¯s looking for Uncle Qiao?¡±

    Zhou Jun, who was standing at the door, was stunned for a while. This was not Nan Nan¡¯s voice. Of course, it was not Uncle Qiao¡¯s voice either. Could it be that Auntie Ding or the elder daughter of the family was back? ¡°I¡¯m Zhou Jun. I¡¯m here to see Nan Nan.¡±

    Yes, Uncle Qiao needed to go to work. Nan Nan was injured. If Auntie Ding and Qiao Zijin did note back, there would be no one to take care of Nan Nan.

 Chapter 660 - The â€˜Flowersâ€™ Bloomed so Well

    <strong>Chapter 660 The ¡®Flowers¡¯ Bloomed so Well</strong>

    There was something amiss. Would these two people take good care of Nan Nan when they were back? 1

    Knowing how unreliable that mother-daughter pair was, Zhou Jun was now more worried about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. What if these two people took the chance to bully Nan Nan when Uncle Qiao was not at home?

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s really you? Why did youe?¡± Shi Qing knew Zhou Jun. After all, Shi Peng had mentioned Zhou Jun to Shi Qing before. Coupled with the fact that she was taking note of Zhai Sheng¡¯s matters, she knew that Zhou Jun was a soldier that had been nurtured and promoted by Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in the army? Why did youe to the house of the Qiao family?¡±

    ¡°You, you are...¡± Zhou Jun hesitated for a while at first. ¡°You¡¯re Shi Qing, the daughter of Officer Shi?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shi Qing nodded. ¡°Uncle Qiao is working now. Since you came looking for him at this hour, is there any matter? You can leave a message. I¡¯ll pass it to Uncle Qiao in the evening.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re staying here?¡± When he saw Shi Qing in casual wear and did not seem like she was simply paying a visit, Zhou Jun had a look of puzzlement all over his face.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been staying here for a long time. Right, why exactly are you looking for Uncle Qiao?¡± Shi Qing had run out of patience. She had asked the same question three times.

    ¡°I, actually, I came to look for Nan Nan. How¡¯s Nan Nan now? Is she doing fine?¡± After enduring for some time, Zhou Jun finally revealed the objective of his visit today.

    Shi Qing looked sullen. ¡°What¡¯s with Qiao Nan? Isn¡¯t she doing quite well? Did something happen?¡± Why was Zhou Jun so concerned about Qiao Nan? Initially, he was even asking for Uncle Qiao.

    Shi Qing sized up Zhou Jun a few times. She sensed something and then she looked at Zhou Jun in surprise. Could it be that Zhou Jun like Qiao Nan?

    It, it could not possibly be...

    Didn¡¯t Zhou Jun know Brother Zhai¡¯s feelings toward Qiao Nan, and that they were already a couple long ago?

    Double-crossing his regimentmander, this Zhou Jun was too daring.

    ¡°Nan Nan is fine? Didn¡¯t they say that Nan Nan was beaten up and badly injured? Why did someone attack Nan Nan? Has this been reported to the police and did the police investigate this clearly? What¡¯s the situation of those people?¡± Nan Nan was just a high school student. She spent most of her time at school. During the holidays, she usually stayed at home and never went out. Even if she did, he believed that Nan Nan was not the type who would provoke others. She was such a sensible girl.

    Hence, if Nan Nan was attacked, the other party must be in the wrong.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Zhou Jun came to look for you.¡± Shi Qing did not exin further. Whether Qiao Nan was fine, she just had to call Qiao Nan out and let Zhou Jun see for himself. Would that not do?

    ¡°Brother Zhou is here?¡± Having met Zhou Jun a few times, it was impossible that Qiao Nan did not have a deep impression of the son of her father¡¯s former ward mate. ¡°Brother Zhou, why are you here?¡±

    Zhou Jun looked at Qiao Nan from tip to toe. When he saw no signs of injury on Qiao Nan, he let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s a problem with the news that I received. Or maybe, they¡¯re talking about someone else.¡±

    Having said that, even Zhou Jun did not believe it himself.

    The news spread with such vivid details in the army. It was said that Teacher Xiao Qiao had been beaten up and was seriously injured.

    However, facts spoke louder than words. Qiao Nan was well and standing in front of him. That must be a rumor then.

    ¡°What news is spreading?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shed as she pursued the matter. ¡°Brother Zhou, you¡¯ve always been staying in the army. You came here to look for me at this hour and asked me if I¡¯m injured? Is it because there are some baseless rumors in the army? Can you tell me?¡±

    ¡°They said that you have been beaten up, that you¡¯re seriously injured and hospitalized.¡±

    It was just that Zhou Jun had just heard the news and arrived here. Hence, he could onlye to the house of the Qiao family to find more information. He did not know which hospital Qiao Nan was staying at. Hence, he could not head directly to the hospital.

    ¡°No wonder you came here to look for Uncle Qiao.¡± Shi Qing finally understood. Qiao Nan only had one rtive by her side. If Qiao Nan was really hospitalized, then Uncle Qiao certainly would not go to work. He would be at home during this time, preparing food for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes and hid the sh in her eyes.

    Yesterday, she and Shi Qing had been ¡®hijacked¡¯ by people. Besides the two of them who were the main parties concerned, only Zhu Baoguo knew about his matter.

    Zhu Baoguo would definitely not spread such rumors. Why would there be such rumors in the army when this was a matter that even her father did not know about?

    ¡°Brother Zhou, thank you for your concern. They were probably not referring to me. I¡¯m doing quite well. I can walk and jump. I have not been beaten.¡± Zhou Jun was an outsider. Qiao Nan did not exin it too clearly either. She just wanted to assure Zhou Jun. ¡°Brother Zhou, judging from your attire, you just left the camp and most probably have to rush back. I¡¯m doing quite well and there¡¯s nothing wrong with me at all. Please don¡¯t dy your matters.¡±

    At this juncture, Zhou Jun was still in his soldier attire. He had not even changed into his casual clothing.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zhou Jun asked as he did not feel assured. The rumors were so vivid and detailed. There would not be smoke without a fire.

    ¡°It¡¯s real. Brother Zhou, why don¡¯t I jump a few times in front of you? I¡¯m really doing fine. If I were truly beaten by others, could my dad still go to work today? He¡¯d definitely have to take care of me.¡± Her father was away. That was the best proof of her well-being.

    ¡°Fine. It¡¯s great that nothing happened.¡± Zhou Jun nodded and felt more relieved. ¡°No matter what, Nan Nan, you have to be more careful. You¡¯re kind but it doesn¡¯t mean that others are the same. Some people can be very unreasonable when they wish to harm others. You have to pay more attention to your own safety. Don¡¯t be paranoid too. You¡¯ll be a mediocre person if you don¡¯t draw jealousy from others. If something really happens, the problem definitely doesn¡¯t lie with you.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhou, I understand what you¡¯re saying. I won¡¯t sell myself short or lose confidence.¡± Qiao Nan smiled gently. Because of such untruthful rumors, Brother Zhou made a special trip to look for her. There might be many bad guys, but there were also many good guys around.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving then. If there¡¯s anything, remember to ask me for help.¡± He had been living in vain for more than a year. He had not confirmed his rtionship with Nan Nan and his mother had been urging him.

    At the thought that Qiao Nan was only a second-year high school student, Zhou Jun held back that impatient heart of his. He had to wait a while longer. There was still one more year to go. When Nan Nan hadpleted the college entrance examination and started studying at college, he would then confess his love to Nan Nan and confirm the rtionship.

    Zhou Jun had a n but he was totally unaware that someone had long discussed all these with Qiao Nan.

    He who strikes first prevails, while he who strikeste fails. The words of our forefathers were not lies.

    The twodies sent Zhou Jun off with their eyes. When Zhou Jun was a distance away, it suddenly urred to Qiao Nan that she should have at least invited Zhou Jun in for a drink before he left. It was quite hard on him to rush to and fro. Furthermore, Zhou Jun made this trip out of concern for her. 1

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t feel bad. You¡¯re not the one who summoned him. He came here to see you on his own ord.¡± Shi Qing leaned on Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re still so young but there¡¯re so many ¡®flowers¡¯ blooming on your end.¡± One flower bloomed consecutively after another. Even that Chen Jun who had an ulterior motive, yes, that Chen Jun, also wanted to have something to do with Qiao Nan, right?

 Chapter 661 - The Phone Could Not Get Through

    <strong>Chapter 661 The Phone Could Not Get Through</strong>

    They were of the same age, with a difference of a few months at most. 1

    Why did Qiao Nan have so many suitors while she had no suitors? Perhaps she should do some self-reflection?

    ¡°Alright, stop being such a busybody. I think I know what Qiu Chenxi was up to yesterday. Hurry, I have to give Brother Zhai a call. Otherwise, it will be toote.¡± Qiao Nan was filled with trepidation.

    The reason why she did not invite Zhou Jun into the house for a cup of tea was for this reason.

    Shi Qing blinked. Qiao Nan said that she understood Qiu Chenxi¡¯s intention as soon as she saw Zhou Jun, but why did she not understand?

    Qiao Nan rushed back to the house. Zhou Jun and Zhai Sheng were in the same unit. If Zhou Jun had heard about it, Zhai Sheng could probably have heard about it as well.

    After hearing of the news, Zhou Jun hade right away to look for her. Even if Zhai Sheng learned of the newster then Zhou Jun, he would set off for her house soon.

    No matter what, she had to make a phone call to Zhai Sheng before he left the camp.

    ¡°Please let it get through. It must get through!¡± Qiao Nan dialed Zhai Sheng¡¯s number and was in a panic when she heard the dial tone on the other end of the phone.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Shi Qing was clueless. ¡°What does Qiu Chenxi want to do?¡±

    ¡°She has one intention in mind. She still hasn¡¯t given up on her n to find out who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend is. You have seen what happened yesterday. Even though she was sure that I am not Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, she still used the Qiu family¡¯s influence to make trouble for me. If she knows that I am the one, I can¡¯t imagine what kind of crazy things Qiu Chenxi will be capable of.¡± Qiao Nan clenched her fist and hit her knees rapidly. ¡°If my guess is correct, Qiu Chenxi will definitely have someone hide near the camp. Once Brother Zhaies out from the camp, the people that Qiu Chenxi hired will follow him all the way here.¡±

    ¡°My goodness! Qiu Chenxi¡¯s real goal is to alert the enemy so that she will be able to find out who Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend is!¡± Realization dawned over Shi Qing. ¡°She used you as a bait to create a ruckus and make sure that everyone in the army learned of it. When Brother Zhai hears of it, he will definitely be worried and will check on you and his girlfriend. As long as the people that Qiu Chenxi hired follow Brother Zhai, he will track him to your ce.¡±

    In this case, Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend would have a high risk of being exposed.

    As Qiao Nan said, even when Qiu Chenxi did not know that Qiao Nan was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, she already did crazy things.

    If she was sure, Qiu Chenxi might do crazier stuff.

    To be on the safe side, Qiao Nan must be on her guard at all times and be careful not to be discovered by Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, other students are in rtionships as well, but why is it that your rtionship is so heart-stopping?¡± For other students, teachers and parents would be watchful of them and give them a stern warning at most.

    But for Qiao Nan, once she was discovered by Qiu Chenxi, she would be in a life-threatening situation and might even lose her life.

    It angered Shi Qing that such things would happen in awful society.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Who do you think is unlucky, me or Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Both of you are unlucky. None is better than the other.¡± Shi Qing was helpless. ¡°Of course, I am unlucky as well to have such a rtive. You have not known her for long, but she is older than me and I have known her from a young age. It can be said that I have been tortured by her since I was a child. Or I should say that it is unlucky of me to have known this pair of mother and daughter.¡±

    ¡°What should I do? It won¡¯t get through. Could it be...¡± Qiao Nan was getting more and more anxious. Could Brother Zhai be on his way to Ping Cheng?

    Fortunately, when Qiao Nan was about to give up and hang up, the phone was answered. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you haven¡¯t left the army? I must be a fool.¡± Qiao Nan pped her forehead. She had been too anxious that she lost her senses.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She could tell from Zhai Sheng¡¯s urgent tone that he was anxious. In fact, Zhai Sheng was about to leave the camp. People would be prone to mistakes when they were anxious. Originally, Zhai Sheng was training the soldiers, but during the short rest in the middle of the training, he heard from someone that ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao was injured¡¯. After hearing that, he was in a hurry to look for Qiao Nan.

    However, no car traveled from the camp to Ping Cheng. If Zhai Sheng wanted to go to Ping Cheng, he had to drive his own car.

    However, he could not carry his car keys with him all the while when he was training the soldiers.

    Zhai Sheng had dashed to the entrance of the camp before realizing that he did not have his keys, hence he made a turn back to his office to retrieve his keys.

    It was also because of this that Zhai Sheng was in time to answer Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call before leaving the camp.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, have you heard of it as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Those rumors are not true. Brother Zhou just came to check on me, and I have sent him away. You must not believe the rumors.¡± No matter what, thankfully, she was in time and the situation did not get out of hand.

    ¡°What happened? Did someone attack you?¡± Zhai Sheng could tell that the rumors wereden with truths and lies.

    Since Qiao Nan was at home, her injuries must not be too serious, or she might not have been injured. But that did not mean that she was not besieged.

    ¡°Let me do the saying!¡± Seeing Qiao Nan look hesitant, an impatient Shi Qing grabbed the phone. ¡°Brother Zhai, this is the case. Qiu Chenxi has gone crazy, she... Luckily, Qiao Nan was smart. If not, what you heard would not be rumors, but the truth.¡±

    If they had not made a quick escape, and without Zhu Baoguo¡¯s help, she and Qiao Nan would have been lying motionless in a hospital bed now.

    ¡°Qiao Nan said that Qiu Chenxi did it deliberately to trick you to leave the camp and to follow you so as to find out who your girlfriend is.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± When Shi Qing started to tell him what happened yesterday, he had already guessed that what he heard at the army just now was a trap that Qiu Chenxiid for him. It was for him to reveal who thedy that was on his mind was.

    In fact, he had almost fallen for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s trap.

    Zhai Sheng did not expect that Qiu Chenxi would be so ruthless.

    ¡°Pass the phone to Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai wants to talk to you.¡± Shi Qing could tell that Zhai Sheng was unhappy. She stered an innocent look on her face even though he was angry because of what she said. She ran to her room to do her homework, leaving Qiao Nan to deal with an angry Zhai Sheng.

    Even though Qiao Dongliang had given the keys to Shi Qing, Shi Peng had not moved into the new house. Hence, Shi Qing continued to stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, sharing a room with Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 662 - Did Not See Anyone

    <strong>Chapter 662 Did Not See Anyone</strong>

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Qiao Nan had just ced the phone against her ear, and Zhai Sheng barked at her in anger. 1

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Yesterday, it was fortunate that Zhu Baoguo arrived in the nick of time. Shi Qing and I weren¡¯t hurt. It was Qiu Chenxi who was embarrassed. I thought it was over. I didn¡¯t even tell my dad.¡± She did not tell anyone, and Brother Zhai was no exception.

    Zhai Sheng was still dissatisfied with her answer. ¡°If there is anything in the future, you must tell me right away. Looking at today¡¯s situation, you should understand how important it is tomunicate in time.¡±

    He and Uncle Qiao were different. She could not lump them together.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan agreed abidingly after being lectured by Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Are you sure that you aren¡¯t injured?¡± It was rare that Qiao Nan was willing to listen to him. He could no longer stay angry with a gentle Qiao Nan. Besides, what happened this time was no fault of Qiao Nan. It had to do with Qiu Chenxi.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng was angry with himself for not protecting Qiao Nan. He was the reason why Qiu Chenxi found trouble for Qiao Nan.

    He did not expect that Qiu Chenxi would have so many tricks up her sleeves and that she would use such methods. ¡°From today onward, you must be careful. As for the Qiu family, I will find a way to deal with them.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t mess around, or else Chief Zhai will be upset.¡± Qiao Nan felt worried.

    ¡°I know what to do.¡± Zhai Sheng thought before saying, ¡°You must pay more attention to your safety. As for other issues, don¡¯t think too much. I will take care of everything else.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Initially, Qiao Nan felt uneasy and was worried that Qiu Chenxi would be up to other tricks. However, she felt more assured now and was no longer afraid. 1

    Qiu Chenxi had no idea that Qiao Nan had already informed Zhai Sheng about her trap.

    Ever since she left the army, her only spy in the army was Qian Yanyan. But given her position in the army, she was not able to monitor Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone.

    Therefore, Qiu Chenxi could only wait at home for the people that she hired to ry the information to her. But she did not receive any news until nighttime.

    At seven o¡¯clock in the evening, the phone rang. Qiu Chenxi answered it right away. ¡°Is this how you do things? Do you still want to get paid?¡± ¡°Miss Qiu, it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to earn money. The person that you want us to follow has not left the camp at all. There is no sight of his car. We did not even see the dispatch delivery car of the camp. Miss Qiu, are you sure that the clues you provided are correct?¡±

    ¡°He did not turn up?¡± Impossible. ¡°Did you overlook

    it?¡±

    Miao Jing treated Qiao Nan really well. She was almost as good to her as she did Zhai Hua.

    It was impossible that Miao Jing would not do anything when she knew that Qiao Nan was in trouble.

    Since Miao Jing regarded Qiao Nan as her daughter, Brother Zhai would be Qiao Nan¡¯s brother. It was impossible that he did not ask about her when she was in trouble.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s original n was to make use of what happened to Qiao Nan so that Zhai Sheng would be able to give his family a valid reason to leave the camp.

    In the meantime, upon hearing the news that Qiao Nan was hurt, Zhai Sheng would be worried about that vixen as well.

    Qiu Chenxi did not need to do anything but stay at home, waiting for the vixen to be exposed.

    ¡°Overlooked it?¡± The other party smirked at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s irresponsible words. ¡°We are professionals in this field. If we overlooked it, would we have the face to take your money? Besides, even if we missed it when he went out, we would definitely see him when he¡¯s back. We can no longer stay guard at the camp. If we continue to do so and are discovered by the army at night, we will be treated as posing a danger to the army.¡±

    They were just normal citizens in China. They might have special upations, but they were just earning their keep.

    It would be alright if their target was an ordinary person, but their target this time was a soldier, and he was the regimentmander. They could not offend someone like him.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, no matter what, we have failed to aplish this mission. We will not ask for the rest of the money for this mission, but it¡¯s just that we can¡¯t return the deposit. If there¡¯s a need, or if you have other jobs in the future, remember toe to

    us.¡±

    It was not easy to earn Qiu Chenxi¡¯s money.

    ¡°Miss Qiu, if there¡¯s a chance, we shall meet each other again in the future.¡± With that, the other party hung up the phone.

    ¡°How dare you hang up!¡± Qiu Chenxi mmed the phone in anger. They were to me for not delivering what they promised. She did not say that the task was called off. How could the other party behave in such a manner? It was too unreasonable!

    ¡°Why did you m the phone?¡± Old Master Qiu happened to witness the scene. ¡°Since you don¡¯t manage the house, you don¡¯t know how difficult life is. Chenxi, you can¡¯t behave like your mom, who throws things at home as she pleases. You can¡¯t think that because we have money, it¡¯s okay to throw things around. You must change such a corrupted way of thinking.¡±

    Qi Min could no longer have any children, but the other woman that his son had was able to bear them a grandson.

    It was rare that he did not need to nag at his son and his son was able to think it through and tried his best to have a son.

    As the elder, what Elder Qiu could do was to safeguard everything in the Qiu family so that he could pass them to his grandson. He must protect them from Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°Since I have already thrown several of them, it doesn¡¯t matter if I throw some more.¡± Qiu Chenxi was angry. Hence, she acted unruly toward Old Master Qiu. ¡°In our house, I never have such a habit. Grandpa, isn¡¯t it toote for you to teach me the right ways?¡±

    Old Master Qiu pulled a long face. ¡°You have been led astray by your mom. Is this the appropriate attitude that you should have when talking to your elders?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it that grandpa values a telephone more than me.¡± Qiu Chenxi snorted to express her dissatisfaction.

    Old Master Qiu was displeased. ¡°It¡¯s not that the telephone is more important than the person, but that it¡¯s pitiable that the person has less use than the telephone. Before youin, you should look at the situation that you are in now. What good is there to ask for an insult? In the Qiu family, one should not have this kind of corrupted thoughts.¡±

    This was the first time Old Master Qiu lectured her in front of the servant. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°Corrupted? Well, who is the most corrupt person in this house?¡±

    With that, Qiu Chenxi left to look for her mother. ¡°Mom, how¡¯s your preparation going? Grandpa no longer treats me as his granddaughter and is very stingy toward me now. He can¡¯t wait to keep everything in the Qiu family¡¯s residence away from me. He forbids me from using them so that he can leave everything to the son of that woman.¡±

 Chapter 663 - â€˜Invited to Teaâ€™ by the Police Officer

    <strong>Chapter 663 ¡®Invited to Tea¡¯ by the Police Officer</strong>

    Qiu Chenxi was so upset that she felt like crying. What used to belong to her had be someone else¡¯s possessions.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am already in the midst of it.¡± Qi Min let out a sigh, refusing to take it lying down. ¡°I will not do things that do not benefit me.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I have failed again. This time, I paid people to besiege Qiao Nan, but Brother Zhai did not turn up and I still don¡¯t know who the woman is.¡± When it came to this, Qiu Chenxi looked defeated. She was bewildered. Ping Cheng was not thatrge, and the Qiu family had power and influence, so why couldn¡¯t she find out who the woman was? Why did she not have any clues at all? ¡°Mom, if this goes on, I am afraid I will not make it in time.¡±

    If she was not able to find out the woman¡¯s identity as soon as possible, that woman would make use of the time to strengthen her rtionship with Brother Zhai.

    ¡°No. Didn¡¯t you say that the woman is quite young and she will not marry Zhai Sheng at least in one or two years¡¯ time? But then again, I have been very curious. Why will Zhai Sheng have such a young girlfriend? How young is she? Is she as young as Qiao Nan?¡±

    Among the people that Qi Min knew, Qiao Nan was the youngest and she was way too young. She was even younger than Shi Qing by a few months.

    ¡°Mom, do you mean that... that woman is still a student like Qiao Nan and Shi Qing?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Qi Min hesitated for a moment and felt that it was difficult toe to a conclusion. ¡°If we are to look from this aspect, it will be too general to narrow down to a fewdies, and it will be even more difficult to find out who she is. How about the private detectives that you hired? Have they found anything? Where else besides the Zhai family did Zhai Sheng go whenever he left the army camp?¡±

    Qi Min felt perplexed as well. Back when Zhai Yaohui did not want her, there was Miao Jing who stood between them. 1

    Unfortunately, she did not have the power and money that her daughter had now at that time and was powerless to do anything.

    But when it was Chenxi¡¯s turn, the woman was tucked safely away by Zhai Sheng.

    Qi Min could not understand. Back then, Zhai Yaohui let her down. Could it be that now it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s turn to let her daughter down?

    Could it be that the mother and daughter owed the men in the Zhai family and had to suffer time and again in their hands?

    ¡°Nothing special. When Brother Zhai was back at Ping Cheng, he spent most of his time at home and was not in touch with anyone. The only person he had contact with was Qiao Nan, and it was always because of Miao Jing. Without Miao Jing, Brother Zhai would not have contacted Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qi Min found it odd that Qiao Nan seemed to be brought up very often. ¡°Chenxi, do you think that we have been looking in the wrong ces? Qiao Nan seems to be quite unusual. It¡¯s not easy to be the only female around Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? Qiao Nan is just a silly young girl. How can she bepared with me?¡± Qiu Chenxi puffed up her chest confidently. ¡°What happened when we taught English in the army is a good illustration. Brother Zhai is looking for a wife, not a teacher. If he is looking for a teacher, Qiao Nan is the best candidate. I have nothing to say. But if we are talking about his wife, Qiao Nan will definitely lose to me. Besides, Miao Jing arranged a blind date for Brother Zhai recently and Miao Jing and Brother Zhai ended up in a quarrel because of that. If Qiao Nan was the vixen that Brother Zhai is hiding, do you think she would be willing to console her boyfriend¡¯s mother and help them patch things up after knowing that her boyfriend¡¯s mother had arranged a blind date for her son and things had be unpleasant since?¡±

    Nobody would do this.

    ¡°Even if we did not take into consideration Qiao Nan¡¯s performance in school, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t be Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. If I were his girlfriend, and Miao Jing arranged a blind date for Brother Zhai, I would definitely hate her to the core. Mom, wouldn¡¯t

    you?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± If she were in that position, she would not persuade Miao Jing to go home after the quarrel and mend her rtionship with her children. Instead, she would hope for the worst for Miao Jing.

    ¡°There you go. In that case, do you think your suspicions are reasonable?¡±

    Qi Min turned silent again.

    ¡°Furthermore, Miao Jing does not like that Qiao Nanes from a humble background. If Qiao Nan is Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, will Qiao Nan be able to have such a good rtionship with her?¡± Unless Qiao Nan was out of her mind, she would not do that.

    Anyway, if she considered Qiao Nan as Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend, Qiu Chenxi felt that it was impossible and she woulde up with all sorts of excuses.

    ¡°Mom, I feel that Brother Zhai treats Qiao Nan as his younger sister under Miao Jing¡¯s influence.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± In fact, Qi Min was merely making guesses. They could not find out the woman¡¯s identity and yet Qiao Nan¡¯s name kepting up. She was so frustrated that she said that Qiao Nan might be Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend.

    ¡°Mom, you are such a bother!!¡± Qiu Chenxi was impatient. ¡°What¡¯s the use of picking on Qiao Nan? If it¡¯s useful, I would have already found out the identity of that woman. It will definitely not be Qiao Nan. No matter how I think about it, she will definitely not be the woman.¡±

    ¡°Well, since you are unhappy, I will say no more. It¡¯s good that it¡¯s not Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan is young but smart. If she is indeed Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend, then I am afraid that you will stand no chance to be with Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Currently, not only was Qiao Nan getting along well with Zhai Sheng and was treated like a younger sister by him, but Miao Jing also treated her like her daughter.

    In other words, if Qiao Nan was the woman they were looking for, Qiao Nan did not need to do much to get Miao Jing to ept her. After all, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had always been close.

    Once Miao Jing agreed to it, and Zhai Yaohui did not oppose it, it would mean that Qiao Nan would likely be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    At the thought that if the woman was Qiao Nan and that the situation would be extremely unfavorable to Qiu Chenxi, Qi Min could not help but pray silently, hoping that no matter what, it must not be Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Nan was the opponent, even if her daughter had a lot of tricks up her sleeve, she might not have thestugh.

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s amotion downstairs. What happened?¡± Right then, Qiu Chenxi could hear loud noisesing from outside. She walked to the balcony and took a look. ¡°Mom, there are two police cars at the entrance to the yard. What is the situation? Why did the police officerse to our house?¡±

    ¡°Police cars? Are you mistaken?¡± Qi Min jumped up in shock and ran quickly to the balcony to see for herself. She almost fainted upon seeing police cars were indeed at the entrance to the yard. ¡°Chenxi, my heart is thumping wildly. Is something going to happen?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was dumbfounded. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t frighten me. What, what could happen to our family?¡±

 Chapter 664 - Bristled with Anger for a Beauty

    <strong>Chapter 664 Bristled with Anger for a Beauty</strong>

    Qi Min thought for a moment. ¡°Chenxi, have you gotten into any trouble?¡± 1

    ¡°I, even if I did something, it was nothing.¡± Qiu Chenxi was confident. Yes, she had hired a group of people to give Qiao Nan a thrashing, but Qiao Nan escaped unscathed.

    Furthermore, those people had already left with her money. Even if Qiao Nan reported to the police, it would be useless. A night had passed. The police officers would note all the way to their house over such a small matter.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that it¡¯s not you.¡± Qi Min trusted her daughter. Since she had said so, she did not ask anymore.

    ¡°But what is the situation now? Mom, should we go down and take a look?¡± Qiu Chenxi felt uneasy. Given the Qiu family¡¯s status, the police officers usually would note to their house.

    ¡°Of course we have to take a look.¡± Qi Min sneered. There were only a few of them at the Qiu family. Since Chenxi had notmitted a mistake, and it was unlikely that it was her parents-inw, the only person left would be Qiu Qin.

    Thinking of Qiu Qin¡¯s betrayal, Qi Min was not the least worried now that he was in trouble. In fact, she was thrilled.

    She did not need to do anything and the Qiu family was already in trouble.

    ¡°Lan Lan, Qiu Qin has been taken away by the police officers. Call your brother now and ask what is going on. Qiu Qin has always been honest. How could this happen?¡± Her parents-inw looked anxious and worried, at a loss. They grabbed Qi Min as if she was their only hope now, hoping that she could rescue Qiu Qin as soon as possible.

    Qi Min shrugged her hand away. ¡°Dad, what you are saying? I have no idea what Qiu Qin has done. I am not sure whether he is innocent. I don¡¯t even know what happened, so how am I supposed to ask my brother for help?¡±

    ¡°Lan Lan, you are Qiu Qin¡¯s wife. You must help him.¡± Grandma Qiu was at an advanced age. She had a terrible shock when she saw her son being taken away by others.

    Qi Min sneered covertly. A few days ago, they called her by her full name, yet now, when they needed her help, they addressed her affectionately.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, as long as Qiu Qin is innocent, it will be alright. Even if he is asked to go to the police station, at most, it is only to aid in the investigation. Qiu Qin is your son. You should know him. Think about it. Has he done anything recently that could be used by others against him?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± Grandma Qiu hesitated.

    But it would be impossible for everyone who worked in the government to bepletely upright. They more or less had a few problems, but it was alright as long as it was not too much.

    Therefore, whatever Qiu Qin had done was enough to warrant an investigation, but it would not cause much harm.

    Apart from that, Grandma Qiu could not think of any other things that her son did that was wrong.

    Grandma Qiu could not understand, but Old Master Qiu knew what Qi Min was referring to. His expression darkened. He never expected that Qi Min would have a change of heart now. She was such an ingrate. To think that both of them had treated Qi Min kindly! ¡°Fine, I will handle Qiu Qin¡¯s affairs by myself!¡±

    Even if the country was strict on ensuring that the officials were upright and followed the code of ethics, he believed that whatever Qiu Qin had done would not amount to serious offenses.

    Qi Min and the Shi family were unwilling to help?

    He could not be bothered to ask them!

    ¡°Old man?¡± Grandma Qiu looked at Old Master Qiu helplessly. If he had a way, her son would not be taken away. ¡°Old Master, don¡¯t act in a fit of anger.¡± Nothing was more important than their son, Qiu Qin.

    ¡°Rest assured. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± Old Master Qiu refused to resign to circumstances. It had been so many years. He did not believe that the Qiu family had to seek the Shi family¡¯s help when they encountered problems.

    It was no wonder that Qi Min was ill-disciplined and out of control at their house. It was time to let Qi Min understand that they did not need to count on her.

    As soon as Qiu Qin was invited to a drink by the police officers, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were informed of the news by Shi Peng, who was about to be discharged from the army.

    Though Shi Qing felt thrilled at the news, she had her doubts. ¡°Dad, Qiu Chenxi was already shameless enough to find trouble for Qiao Nan and me before. Now that the Qiu family is in a mess, and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s temper is simr to my auntie¡¯s, will my auntiee to the Qiao family¡¯s residence to make trouble for us?¡±

    Once bitten, twice shy.

    Shi Qing had a taste of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s crazy antics. Hence, she was not hopeful that Qi Min would be rational. But it was not right of her to always implicate the Qiao family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t happen,¡± Shi Peng said with certainty. ¡°Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi are not in the same situation. Alright, tell Qiao Nan not to worry. She may not be as worried as you. What happened to Qiu Qin... I suppose it¡¯s Zhai Sheng who is standing up for her. But Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi failed to understand the seriousness of this matter.¡±

    When the nest was overturned, no egg stayed unbroken.

    Right then, Shi Peng fully understood that it was not a good thing that a person¡¯s path was too smooth-sailing

    Qi Min was the best example. Since a young age, she did not suffer any setbacks. Hence, she was rude and impetuous and would do things her own way without careful consideration. 1

    ¡°They certainly don¡¯t understand. They probably thought that without the Qiu family, they still have the Shi family.¡± However, after her father left the army, the Shi family would no longer have any power and influence. ¡°Dad, I won¡¯t chat with you anymore. I will hang up now.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°You have also heard that the Qiu family is going to be down on their luck.¡± Now that Brother Zhai had records of his wrongdoings, her uncle had no chance to start over.

    ¡°One¡¯s sesses and failures are both due to the same person.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. Qiu Qin had to attribute his sesses to Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi. But right now, they were the reason he fell from grace. ¡°What do you think Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi will do now that the Qiu family is down on their luck? Will they leave Ping Cheng?¡±

    Qiao Nan was, in fact, wary of the mother-daughter pair that was rash and reckless in their actions and did as they pleased.

    ¡°God knows. Anyway, now that Qiu Qin is in trouble, the Qiu family will be affected badly as well. It will not be easy for Qiu Chenxi to continue with her arrogant and despotic ways and to hire people to ambush us. It has not been long since the Qiu family has gotten into trouble. My auntie and Qiu Chenxi will not have realized anything amiss. By the time they realize that everyone in their circle has steered clear of them, they will be fearful and regretful of their behavior.¡±

    Shi Qing felt helpless to have such rtives.

    ¡°But then again, you should be happy. My dad said the reason why the Qiu family is down on their luck is because of Brother Zhai.¡± This should be the way. Brother Zhai should give them some warning lest the people in the Qiu family had an exaggerated opinion of their abilities, and regarded themselves as the ¡®local tyrant¡¯ of Ping Cheng. ¡°What¡¯s there to be happy about? I am worried sick. Hopefully, Brother Zhai will not get himself into trouble for what he did to the Qiu family. If so...¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly.

 Chapter 665 - One-Track Mind

    <strong>Chapter 665 One-Track Mind</strong>

    Yesterday, Qiu Chenxi was still insufferably arrogant, yet today, it was likely that her father would fall from grace. In the political circle, there would be myriad changes in an instant. It was so much more vtile than the stock market. If one made a mistake, there would be no hope of reprieve.

    This time, Qiu Qin had done nothing wrong. It was his loved ones who were in the wrong.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it will be alright. You merely have a guilty conscience.¡± Shi Qing looked assured as if it did not bother her at all. ¡°You should trust Brother Zhai in everything that he does. It is your fortune to have someone who is willing to stand up for you at any time. It is also Brother Zhai¡¯s fortune to be with you.¡±

    She did not know if she would be able to encounter a man who was willing to do anything for her and that she was willing to go all out for.

    ¡°Guilty.¡± Qiao Nan nodded honestly. She had no confidence in front of the Zhai family.

    Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude was unpredictable. Chief Zhai would always keep his silence, while Auntie Miao was still against their rtionship.

    Given the situation at the Zhai family, Qiao Nan could not help but feel theck of confidence. ¡°Thankfully, I am very determined. Otherwise, Brother Zhai would have fallen out of love multiple times.¡±

    Dating was a matter between two people, but getting married was a matter between both families.

    She and Brother Zhai faced too many obstacles, but Brother Zhai was a soldier. He could not stay by her side to give her a sense of security.

    ¡°I feel that your biggest problem is not theck of confidence but thinking too much. Rx. You have to remember that it was Brother Zhai who took the initiative to pursue you, not the other way round. If the Zhai family is unhappy, you should push all the responsibilities to Brother Zhai. You should not be swayed by other people or be affected by how they look at you and believe that Brother Zhai is beyond your reach. You should look at it from another perspective. Brother Zhai is much older than you. It¡¯s obvious that it¡¯s Brother Zhai who ¡®kidnapped¡¯ you.¡±

    Shi Qing was protective of Qiao Nan. She put down Zhai Sheng while she was all praise for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Nanughed at the way Shi Qing put it. She suddenly thought of a popr saying in future generations. It was said that if a woman maintained beautiful, youthful skin, even if she was much older than her husband, she would look as young as him and they would look good together. Otherwise, her husband would be tired of her and would have an affair with a much younger woman.

    By next year, she would only be taking her college entrance examination.

    Qiao Nan realized that she was indeed quite young, and it was Brother Zhai who was robbing the cradle. ¡°Thank you for your words offort. I feel much better now. Yes, why should I feel inferior? Brother Zhai is so much older than me, and I did not shun him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Shi Qing felt assured. ¡°Since you are in a rtionship, you should enjoy it and be happy. If I have to suffer like you and take so many things into consideration, I would rather not date at all.¡±

    ¡°Cool.¡± Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing a thumbs-up. ¡°Now that the Qiu family is in trouble, even if Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were born to have a one-track mind, I suppose it will not be so easy for them to create trouble for me. It seems that I am not calm enough and easily affected. I am already in my second year. I should focus on my studies.¡±

    ¡°Right. Come, I will apany you to do homework.¡± After knowing Qiao Nan for so long, Shi Qing was really not used to seeing Qiao Nan being out of sorts.

    Since Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were no longer a problem, Qiao Nan should focus on herself and take things slowly ording to her n.

    Her auntie and Qiu Chenxi were just an unexpected circumstance in their rtionship. Qiao Nan could leave it to Brother Zhai to handle. She did not need to be affected by it. What Qiao Nan could do was watch by the side, be aware that there were such things, and see how Brother Zhai would deal with it.

    Putting aside Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter, Qiao Nan focused her attention on her studies once again. She was back to leading her life as what an ordinary high school student would.

    Even though Qiao Nan was very conscientious in her studies, she still found it somewhat difficult to deal with the amount of learning in high school.

    The situation in the first and second years of high school was simr to that in junior high school. There were quite a lot ofpetitions for students to take part in. The school intended for Qiao Nan to participate in thesepetitions. If she managed to have a good ranking, it would help add points to her college entrance examination.

    However, Qiao Nan refused to take part in thepetitions and was focused single-mindedly on revising and reinforcing what she had learned during lessons to avoid any slip-ups.

    After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s n, the teachers agreed with Qiao Nan¡¯s decision. From then onward, they no longer asked Qiao Nan to take part in anypetitions.

    ¡°Can you go faster?¡± Qiao Nan kept walking ahead to reach home as quickly as possible. Ever since she received news of what happened to the Qiu family, she had put their matters aside and was solely focused on her studies, like what she used to be in the past. ¡°Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Your father should havee out of the camp. At the very least, he could spend this day with you, couldn¡¯t he?¡±

    The Shi family had bought the house for a while. Officer Shi should have handed over all his duties.

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush me.¡± Shi Qing knitted her eyebrows, feeling gloomy. ¡°Why does the science ss have more sses and homework than the humanities ss?¡± If not, she would not feel so tired from her lessons.

    ¡°How would I know? I did not arrange the sses for the humanities and science courses.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°As a student in China, it is necessary to experience these painful six years. Young girl, think about it. At least, we have been through one-third of it and willplete half of it very soon. Persistence is victory, and the rays of hope are right before us.¡±

    ¡°True. We seem to havepleted half of it. We must encourage ourselves.¡± Shi Qing dragged her tired feet, hoping to throw away the heavy schoolbag that she was carrying on her back. ¡°Qiao Nan, tell me honestly. All of us are high school students, yet why is it that after mixing with you, your roommates seem to be having an easy time at school and their results are getting better? We spend a lot of time together as well, but why is it that I am tired to the bone?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory was well-known among the second-year students.

    Everyone knew that there was a dormitory in the second year whereby all the roommates had good performance in school. They might not rank in the top ten ces in the humanities level, but all of them would be in the top fifty ces. Most importantly, the first ce in the level was from that dormitory.

    Many people began to wonder if the room that Qiao Nan and the other girls stayed in had good geomancy, hence the six of them had good results and were able to maintain their standards and keep on improving. Even a student like Tang Mengran was able to maintain her results and secure her ranking in the top fifty,ing in the forty-fifth ce in the level.

    Of course, some people knew that the dormitory did not have good geomancy, or rather, it was because of Qiao Nan that there was good geomancy.

    The other girls in the dormitory would not be bothered with such gossip. But Tang Mengran, the silly girl, would tell her ssmates the truth when they asked her about it.

 Chapter 666 - Teacher Xiao Qiaoâ€™s Reputation Rose Again

    <strong>Chapter 666 Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s Reputation Rose Again</strong>

    Prior to each examination, Qiao Nan had the habit of helping them spot the exam questions. Tang Mengran expressed that, since the first year, Qiao Nan¡¯s capability in spotting questions had been excellent.

    Qiao Nan had even spotted the exact questions before, not to mention those with simr content.

    Fortunately, Tang Mengran had been quite restrained. Hence, she did not tell others of the high uracy rate that Qiao Nan had in spotting questions. Even the teachers paled inparison.

    Before the examination papers were issued, she had already guessed most of the contents. She could even find the answers beforehand or seek guidance from Qiao Nan.

    If she could not even fare well with such an examination, then she could really forget about continuing with her studies.

    Moreover, as Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation for spotting questions rose, other ssmates would also asionally seek her help.

    Everyone was ssmates. Qiao Nan would feel embarrassed if she did not render any help. At the very least, she would give them some guidance.

    Hence, in ss one of humanities course, phenomena gradually formed whereby many would gather around Qiao Nan when examinations wereing close.

    These students did not even seem so enthusiastic and cooperative when they were consulting the teachers.

    Gradually, Qiao Nan also earned herself the nickname of Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ amongst the second-year cohort of students in Ping Cheng High School.

    Relying on Qiao Nan¡¯s help, Tang Mengran and those few silly girls transformed from ckers to outstanding students. When she saw this, Shi Qing reflected on her own situation. From the once leading top student who could easily attain good grades to an ordinary top student that abidingly did her homework and carried her schoolbag home, Shi Qing felt both envious and hateful. ¡°Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t I transfer from science to humanities? You can then help me spot questions too.¡±

    Only an idiot would opt for the longer road when there was an easy way out.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around.¡± Qiao Nan flicked her fingers on Shi Qing¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not happy being the top student in the science course? If you transfer ss, will those with poorer grades than you follow your example and transfer to the humanities course, or should they light firecrackers and celebrate the leaving of the cohort¡¯s top scorer as they have more opportunities to rise in the rankings?¡±

    Shi Qing lifted her chest. ¡°Whatever. It¡¯s their happiness and thoughts. I have noments.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s it? Teacher Xiao Qiao, you¡¯ve helped so many people. Do you want to help me spot questions too? Anyway, your mathematics is quite good as well.¡± Only a fool would not ck when there was a chance to.

    ¡°What Teacher Xiao Qiao? Don¡¯t follow suit and blindly kick up a fuss.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°This is the nickname some people gave me. There¡¯s no basis. I¡¯m not nning to be a teacher. It¡¯s too tiring. I can¡¯t teach that many students either.¡±

    Qiao Nan was aware that her ssmates had given her the nickname of ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯.

    Anyway, she rejected the nickname in the face of those who addressed her as such.

    ¡°You should feel proud of it. The nickname Teacher Xiao Qiao was first heard from your ss one of humanities. So many outstanding students want to address you as Teacher Xiao Qiao. Don¡¯t you feel very proud of it?¡± Shi Qing did not believe that Qiao Nan would be as calm as she appeared to be.

    The top students in ss one of Ping Cheng High School could be considered as ¡®superheroes¡¯ in studies and the cream of the crop.

    At the top position of the food chain, Qiao Nan actually stood at the tip of it as the leading one. When Qiao Nan heard the words ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯, how could she not feel secretly ted?

    ¡°There is glory.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°For the one month of the winter vacation this year, there are neighbors who have already booked me to give tuition to their kids who are in primary school.¡±

    If she was not the top student of humanities in Ping Cheng High School, this job would most probably notnd on her.

    The situation of the family was quite good. It was an employer that did notck money.

    They had purchased a property in a good location within the school¡¯s vicinity, near Ping Cheng High School. However, it was sheer pity that the couple had been busy with making money and their business and had paid too little attention to their child.

    When the child was young, he was insensible andcked self-discipline. Upon reaching the rebellious age, he had various problems. Thebination of all these problems was terrible for the parents.

    Hence, this family pleaded in every way that they could and finally persuaded Qiao Dongliang to let Qiao Nan give tuition to their child during Qiao Nan¡¯s winter vacation time. They wanted to see if there was any possibility of salvaging the studies of their child.

    Previously, after Zhai Hua looked at her in a strange light because of money, Qiao Nan also hoped to earn more money. Let alone other matters, the medical expenses incurred from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s car ident were all borrowed from Zhai Sheng.

    She had to find ways to return this sum of money soon.

    Otherwise, even if Zhai Hua did not perceive her differently, she would feel uneasy about it.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk...¡± Shi Qing clicked her tongue but did not continue to speak further.

    ¡°Is there someone at home?¡± As the two of them walked and chatted, they arrived at the doorstep of the Qiao family¡¯s residence very quickly. When they heard peals ofughtering from the house, both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing was stunned for a moment. ¡°My dad came back? No, when did he be a woman?¡±

    That was not the voice of her father. Besides, she had never heard the voice of this woman before.

    Following this, Shi Qing widened her eyes and looked at Qiao Nan. There was a woman in the house. Did this mean that... Uncle Qiao was looking for a second rtionship?

    Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing from the corners of her eyes. Her parents had not divorced yet. If there was really a second rtionship, then that would mean that her father was having an affair. Furthermore, theughter of that woman sounded very familiar. She was a rtive that she had been living with for seventeen years since she was a child. How could it not be familiar?

    ¡°Nan Nan is back.¡± Upon hearing movements outside, Qiao Dongliang secretly heaved a sigh of relief. He quickly stood up to open the door for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was initially feeling quite upset. Nevertheless, when saw Qiao Donglianging to open the door for her as if he was trying to escape from a cmity, she felt much better

    Qiao Nan raised her brows. Why did she see awkwardness and helplessness in her father¡¯s eyes? It was as if he was not the one who wasughing loudly earlier, and that someone with him was not his biological daughter but an anonymous woman that suddenly appeared.

    Qiao Nan was unaware that, to Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin was more difficult to deal with than an anonymous woman that sprang out of nowhere.

    If it was someone that he did not know, whether the other party was a man or woman, he could just chase him or her away. He did not need to waste so much breath then.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Zijin was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s biological daughter. He could not chase her out and could only invite her into the house.

    One year had passed. The total time spent between the father-daughter pair did not even exceed two hands. Coupled with what happened before they went their separate ways, there were no beautiful memories to speak of. Instead, it was too sad to look upon the old days. A long time had passed. Naturally, when Qiao Dongliang faced Qiao Zijin again, besides feeling happy to see her, he also found himself in an awkward situation where he was at a loss of what to do.

    Qiao Nan was not aware as she was not with them earlier.

    When Qiao Dongliang was with Qiao Zijin, they appeared to be getting along happily. However, only Qiao Dongliang himself knew what the actual situation was.

    ¡°Nan Nan is back. Quicklye in. Isn¡¯t the Mid-Autumn Festival nearing? It¡¯s nice of your sister to visit us.¡±

 Chapter 667 - Poor But Generous

    <h4>Chapter 667 Poor But Generous</h4>

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? You two siblings and Shi Qing are all youngdies of simr age. You can chat with one another. I, I¡¯ll go and prepare dinner.¡±

    Qiao Nan was back. Qiao Dongliang thus heaved a huge sigh of relief. After leaving these words behind, he hurried into the kitchen.

    Shi Qing blinked and smiled. ¡°Why do I feel that Uncle Qiao seemed to have escaped? It¡¯s as if there¡¯s a ghost chasing after him.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s tone sounded stiff. ¡°I haven¡¯t quite figured that out too.¡±

    Even if her father and Qiao Zijin were not on the best terms, her father should still feel happy to see Qiao Zijin. This time, her father¡¯s reaction seemed odd. Just as Shi Qing had said, it did not seem better to see Qiao Zijin than to see a ghost.

    Qiao Nan was unaware of something. In the past few months, she had got along well with Shi Qing. Shi Qing was quite good to Qiao Dongliang as well.

    Qiao Dongliang then realized that two daughters in the family could actually get along harmoniously, such as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing. He was enjoying twice the filial piety. Given this, Qiao Dongliang then felt awkward about Qiao Zijining back.

    This was because if Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were around, he would never have the opportunity to experience such an atmosphere.

    Qiao Dongliang had now been used to a cordial and harmonious family atmosphere. If he had to return to that family that practiced favoritism and was forever filled with tit-for-tat struggles, of course, he could not tolerate it anymore.

    Qiao Zijin was still his daughter. It was just that he was not as persistent as before on Qiao Zijin, this daughter of his. After all, humans were selfish. They wished to lead a good life and not endless arguments and verbal abuses.

    Qiao Zijin, who was walking out and hoping to get closer to Qiao Nan, happened to hear Shi Qing¡¯s ¡®ghostly talk¡¯. Her expression could not help changing. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back. Quicklye in. I brought some freshly baked moon cakes. Try it and see if it¡¯s nice.¡±

    When Qiao Nan and Shi Qing entered the house, they saw moon cakes on the table. The two of them faced each other but none dared toy their hands on the box of moon cakes. Qiao Nan was afraid that her life would be shortened after taking it and Shi Qing did not fancy such food.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why aren¡¯t you eating it? It¡¯s very tasty. It¡¯s freshly baked and smells good.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled. She then took the initiative to take one piece of moon cake and took a huge bite out of it. ¡°The crust is soft and crispy and the stuffing smells fragrant. Nan Nan, this is your favorite red bean paste vor.¡±

    ¡°Hmm...¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry yet. Besides, we¡¯re going to have dinner soon, so I won¡¯t eat moon cake first.¡± Even if Qiao Zijin had eaten the moon cakes, sorry, she really did not dare to touch anything that Qiao Zijin brought with her.

    ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Zijin, right? Sorry to interrupt. Qiao Nan and I will go back to the bedroom and put away our schoolbags first. You won¡¯t mind, will you?¡± She had finally met the infamous Qiao Zijin. Shi Qing felt that Qiao Zijin did not seem that threatening. Why did Qiao Nan suffer so much in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands?

    ¡°No problem,¡± Qiao Zijin said graciously. She did not seem petty at all.

    Since Qiao Zijin had already said so, Shi Qing then pulled Qiao Nan and went to their bedroom. ¡°Qiao Nan, what is your sister trying to do? Why did shee back during this period?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t she say it? It¡¯s the Mid-Autumn Festival,¡± Qiao Nan replied without much emotion.

    ¡°Then, how about your mother?¡± If it was a reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival, then shouldn¡¯t Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother be back too?

    Qiao Nan put away her schoolbag and changed into a clean set of clothing. She was not worried at all. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t happen. Last time, when my mother and Qiao Zijin left, theymitted grave mistakes. Judging from my dad¡¯s behavior, he most likely feels very awkward when facing Qiao Zijin, this daughter of his, since it has been a long time since theyst met. Even Qiao Zijin can¡¯t smooth it out with my dad, yet my mom wishes toe back? Tough.¡±

    What she was most concerned about was that ¡®steady¡¯ behavior of Qiao Zijin. It was as if she was simmering the frog slowly. What exactly was she trying to do?

    Having been used to Qiao Zijin¡¯s straightforward and direct ways of doing things, Qiao Nan felt a great panic in her heart when she suddenly had to face this torturous and circumventing tactic of Qiao Zijin.

    Shi Qing leaned on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°We will take things in our stride. Regardless of what methods she uses, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here with you. I¡¯ll definitely be able to protect you.¡± Wasn¡¯t it just one Qiao Zijin? If she rolled up her sleeves, Qiao Zijin could not even escape one move of hers.

    Qiao Nan smiled but remained silent.

    Hard knives were not terrible, but the invisible ones that kill silently were.

    With the appearance of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan, whose emotions were usually not easily affected, would unknowingly look as though her greatest enemy was approaching. It was no exception this time.

    Fortunately, Qiao Zijin only stayed for one night. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival was over, she went home. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going back. Mom is alone there. I¡¯m worried. After all, it¡¯s the Mid-Autumn Festival. Even if our whole family can¡¯t be together, I can¡¯t let Mom spend the festival alone. I¡¯ll visit you again during my next school break.¡±

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Upon hearing that Qiao Zijin was going to leave after just one evening, Qiao Dongliang did not hold Qiao Zijin back like before. On the other hand, he could not help but feel relieved. ¡°Take these things and eat them on the way.¡± Qiao Dongliang passed to Qiao Zijin a bag of items.

    Qiao Zijin did not decline. She took over the bag, smiled at the three of them, and then left with self-awareness. She did not need anyone to send her off.

    At the sight of Qiao Zijin leaving, Qiao Dongliang sighed.

    If Zijin and Nan Nan could get along in this manner in normal times, how good would that be? Perhaps their family of four could still lead a nice life together.

    These were regrets but the reality was different. Qiao Dongliang sighed but did not exim any regrets in front of Qiao Nan. Soon after, the life of the Qiao family went back to normal.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re thinking of ways to earn money to pay back Brother Zhai, but today, Uncle Qiao...¡± At the thought of that bag of items that Qiao Dongliang passed to Qiao Zijin, Shi Qing was not especially pleased.

    Qiao Nan, who was furiously writing and studying, paused. ¡°No matter what, one is my dad¡¯s wife and the other is his elder daughter. I can¡¯t help it if my dad wants to give them money. I don¡¯t have any reason to stop him from doing so too. Whoever bothers about this kind of things will suffer.¡±

    Shi Qing felt unfair that Qiao Nan alone had to pay back the medical expenses of Qiao Dongliang. However, Qiao Zijin, like Qiao Nan, could also enjoy the support that Qiao Dongliang felt obligated to give her.

    ¡°Poor but generous.¡± Shi Qing mumbled to herself and simply went to her bed to prepare to sleep. ¡°Unfortunately, my dad still can¡¯te back during this Mid-Autumn Festival...¡± Otherwise, she would not have seen that worrisome scene.

    Regarding Qiao Dongliang handing some money to Qiao Zijin, Shi Qing could not judge if Qiao Dongliang was right or wrong in his actions. Anyway, she just felt unhappy and unfair for Qiao Nan when she saw that.

    After Shi Qing fell asleep, Qiao Nan then listlessly held her head and stared into space. It was fine that her father gave money to Qiao Zijin. She was most concerned about whether Qiao Zijin would use her father¡¯s money to deal against her!

    If that was truly the case, it would be most depressing. Without her cooperation, it was not that easy for her father to save some money.

 Chapter 668 - Over-Emphasis on Trivial Matters

    <h4>Chapter 668 Over-Emphasis on Trivial Matters</h4>

    In actual fact, Qiao Nan felt more troubled than Shi Qing regarding that small sum of money that Qiao Dongliang gave to Qiao Zijin.

    As she felt that she could no longer continue to attempt the questions, Qiao Nan simply went to bed. If she continued to sit around, she would only space out. Hence, she might as well lie in bed and sleep, replenishing her energy.

    Qiao Nan was troubled that Qiao Zijin would use the money that Qiao Dongliang gave her to deal against her. On the other hand, when Qiao Zijin, upon boarding the car, opened the bag of items and saw the money inside, her eyes were full of disdain. ¡°He doesn¡¯t even feel ashamed to give me so little money. It¡¯s so easy to be a father. No matter what, it¡¯s better that I spend it than leave it to Qiao Nan.¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Zijin happily put away the money and no longer minded the quantity of it. As long as she was spending what belonged to Qiao Nan and took more of it, Qiao Nan would have less. She would feel happy then.

    ¡®Qiao Nan, do not be anxious. I would be taking the college entrance examination in half a year¡¯s time. When that timees, the two of us sisters would then ¡®bond¡¯ with each other.¡¯

    Time passed by as quickly as the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯ll be our turn to take the college entrance examination during this time next year. What are your thoughts on this?¡± It was now July and the weather was hot. Most were reluctant to go out at the sight of the vicious-looking sun outside.

    Shi Qing was not worried about other things. She did not wish for much but she was hoping for more storms and rains so that the weather would be cooler when it was her turn to take the college entrance examination next year. If the sun was so bright, she was afraid that she would suffer heatstroke and not be able to concentrate on the examinations.

    ¡°Any thoughts?¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows. ¡°What kind of thoughts can I have? Just take the exams properly.¡± Time passed so quickly. It was already July. Qiao Zijin would be having her college entrance examination during this time.

    At the thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s grades in her previous life, Qiao Nan did not harbor much hope for Qiao Zijin. Whether she scored well or badly, that was Qiao Zijin¡¯s own matter.

    ¡°Furthermore, we still have another half a year to go anyway. We have basically finished learning the contents of the core curriculum. Thereafter, we¡¯ll have to see how the teacher conducts the revision.¡± During this period, Qiao Nan strictly followed her study n. She not only sessfullypleted the core curriculum of high school but also memorized all the contents of the Oxford Dictionary.

    She dared not say that she had it all at her fingertips but she had certainly memorized most of the knowledge and content.

    ¡°You¡¯re the greatest pervert.¡± At the thought of that exaggerated study n of Qiao Nan, Shi Qing expressed that Qiao Nan was not a human being. Even if it was a machine, there would be times whereby it would be broken and needed repair. Qiao Nan did not seem to have any such moment. That persistence and motivation of hers were truly frightening.

    Nevertheless, her father kept saying that someone with a character like Qiao Nan would attain sess easily. Furthermore, if Qiao Nan was not someone that was strong-willed and determined, she must have suffered very badly before. Otherwise, a child of Qiao Nan¡¯s age would not have been able to do what she did.

    ¡°Thank you for your praise.¡± Qiao Nan was very used to the one or two words of pervert that popped out of Shi Qing¡¯s mouth. ¡°Right, ever since you transferred to Ping Cheng High School, your results have been quite good. Your name should be on the list of students who are guaranteed admission to college,

    right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I rejected.¡± Shi Qing was yawning. ¡°Even you¡¯re not willing to be guaranteed admission, so why would I be eager to do so? Whoever is interested can go ahead. However, I heard that the students from your ss one are very grateful to you.¡± During the year, the reputation of Teacher Xiao Qiao had been rising.

    In the past, only the second-year ss one¡¯s students would address Qiao Nan as such. Now, almost all the students from the second-year cohort addressed Qiao Nan as ¡®teacher¡¯.

    The revision materials that Qiao Nan came up with would definitely be treated like the bible by the students of the second-year cohort. They would revise it thoroughly. That enthusiasm and importance that they ced on the materials exceeded that of the main pointers and summary given by the teachers.

    Fortunately, the teachers were not petty. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing to have their limelight being stolen by their own student.

    wn

    The most amazing thing to Shi Qing was that the third-year students did not address Qiao Nan as their junior. Instead, they addressed her by her name, Qiao Nan. It was as though Qiao Nan belonged to their cohort.

    As for the first-year students, they treated Qiao Nan¡¯s notes as treasures. They would cherish any belonging of Qiao Nan that they could get hold of. They would then pray with it and believe that they could certainly receive some luck and influence from the top student. They were simply going mad.

    It was good that, although Qiao Nan wished very much to earn money, she would never harbor these ideas.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan only needed to sell everything that she had used before. Perhaps she could even gain enough profits to pay for half the medical expenses of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surgery and hospitalization.

    With such a situation, how could Shi Qing not call this amazing?

    Which school were they studying at? They were studying at Ping Cheng High School, the second-best high school in Ping Cheng. They wereparable to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China now.

    Everyone knew that the principals of the two schools were looking forward to next year¡¯s college entrance examination. Principal Meng was hoping that there would be a swap of the school ranking between the top and second ces.

    Regarding this, everyone was aware. However, the outsiders did not know that, in actual fact, thepetition had already begun this year.

    The reason Qiao Nan had been cramping books during the period when the third-year students were having their college entrance examination was that Qiao Nan had been ¡®forcefully recruited¡¯ previously.

    In the past two years, Qiao Nan had been very famous in the school for her ability to spot questions. Even the principal and teachers had heard about it.

    The questions for the monthly mini examinations could be set by her own teachers. However, everyone would attempt the same papers for the middle school examination and final term examinations. Hence, Qiao Nan could not possibly be aware of the likes of the teachers who set the questions. Furthermore, she did not even know which teachers would be setting them.

    Despite that, Qiao Nan¡¯s uracy rate in spotting questions was still very high.

    Hence, Principal Meng decided to ¡®cheat¡¯ a little for the college entrance examination this year.

    In other schools, the revisions for the third-year students were all conducted by the teachers. But not for Ping Cheng High School. Last week¡¯s revisions at Ping Cheng High School were conducted by Qiao Nan for her seniors.

    As such, although the third-year students addressed Qiao Nan by her name, she was steadily assuming the position of ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ in Ping Cheng High School.

    There was only one week left. The teachers had longpleted their normal revisions ording to schedule. The principal thus handed thisst week to Qiao Nan for her to ¡®mess around¡¯.

    Qiao Nan had initially wanted to decline. This kind of matter would put her in great limelight. Furthermore, it was too unbelievable.

    A second-year student conducting revisions for the third-year students would be aughingstock to outsiders. It was enough that the third-year students could not bepared to the second-year students. Would the revision materials prepared by the teachers be worse than that of a student?

    Qiao Nan, who had been forced to do this, spent three days, suffered panda eyes, and came up with four test papers for her third-year seniors.

    The tragedy was that there were also science subjects. Four papers for humanities and four papers for science. In the end, Qiao Nan had toe up with eight papers in total to help spot the questions for the third-year students.

    The only requirement that Qiao Nan had for the four test papers was that everyone had to attempt the papers on their own. No discussion was allowed. Subsequently, they could notpare answers with one another. The strict regtions were no different from that of a formal examination.

 Chapter 669 - Heavenâ€™s Wish to Perish Him at the School

    <strong>Chapter 669 Heaven¡¯s Wish to Perish Him at the School</strong>

    The requirements were the same as the formal examination but there would be no separate examination halls or seats. Throughout the entire process of attempting the questions, one had to be independent and rely on their own integrity.

    It was already an opportunistic behavior to spot the questions before the examination.

    Qiao Nan felt that, as third-year students, it would be meaningless for her to help spot the questions if they did not even possess a sense of integrity.

    Spotting questions might not be spotting the exact questions but the same kind of questions. If they relied on copying, they could copy for one question. However, if the description or measurement unit in the questions were altered, then the ¡®copycats¡¯ would simply be dumbfounded.

    Initially, when the teachers heard of Qiao Nan¡¯s n, they were a little hesitant. The requirements were the same as that of the formal examination but the enforcement was not as strict. If they did not change ssrooms and separate the tables, would it work out? After all, they were still a bunch of kids. There were both outstanding and poor students.

    Nevertheless, Principal Meng gave an overriding decision and approved Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement.

    This method of Qiao Nan had the same logic as the normal circumstances where the teachers taught lessons in ss.

    Regardless of how well the teacher taught and how greatly they appealed to the students, if the student was reluctant to learn or their heart was not into learning, the best teacher could have a student with poor grades. After all, there was no one-size-fits-all solution to teaching now. It was all customized.

    The situation of a second-year student spotting questions for the third-year student was already unbelievable. If the third-year students did not even have this sense of self-awareness, then Principal Meng felt that these students were not deserving of the efforts put in by Qiao Nan.

    Besides, to convince the third-year students, Principal Meng had made arrangements for Qiao Nan to participate in the final term examination with them in the first semester.

    The difference was that the humanities and science students only needed to take the examinations for their respective subjects but Qiao Nan had to take the examinations for both the humanities and science subjects. She then had to put up her grades on the notice board.

    It was only until that moment that the students in Ping Cheng High School found out how perverted Qiao Nan, the top student, was.

    She was clearly a second-year student but her grades were actually not worse than that of the third-year students. She could even be considered as one of the top students in the third year. At most, it was just that she did not clinch the top ce in the cohort.

    Even though Qiao Nan was not the top scorer in the cohort, everyone dared not underestimate her. Those who scored better than her were fearful of her existence.

    Qiao Nan was one year younger. That meant Qiao Nan had already self-studied all the curriculum of the third-year studies.

    Qiao Nan relied on her own effort to study and participated in the examination of the third-year students. In the end, she scored better than those third-year students who had attended formal sses. Such a difference was akin to that between a genius and a fool.

    Furthermore, all of Qiao Nan scores were rather perverted for both science and humanities subjects!!!

    In other words, Qiao Nan had studied one year less. She could effectively skip to the third year and take the college entrance examination with them and then be admitted to a top tier university.

    As seniors who were older than Qiao Nan by a year, they expressed that they did not even know for sure if they could be admitted to a top tier university, whereas their junior scored even better than them. They were thus very ashamed.

    They were students studying in a single course, yet they did not even score well for the subjects. On the contrary, their junior received wonderful grades for both courses. As seniors, they were really ashamed.

    As such, when the principal let Qiao Nan spot the questions for the third-year students, the students were more convinced and willing to ept it.

    Initially, all the teachers who gave out the revision test papers to the students taking part in the college entrance examination were quite worried. They were afraid that the enforcement rules set by Qiao Nan was too forgiving and some ¡®mischievous¡¯ students would flout the regtions and carry out some ¡®cheap tricks¡¯.

    Miraculously, it seemed that nothing of such happened in the entire third-year cohort of students. Everyone was conscientiously attempting the revision test papers set by Qiao Nan. That serious attitude disyed wasparable to that at the final term examination.

    This oue was something all the teachers did not expect.

    From the students¡¯ attitude, it was not difficult to tell that although the third-year seniors felt embarrassed to address Qiao Nan as Teacher Xiao Qiao, the respect they held for her was less than that for the form teachers.

    As one would have imagined, Qiao Nan was the one who had the greatest limelight in the entire Ping Cheng High School this semester.

    Because of this, Shi Qing simplyughed at Qiao Nan that thetter had be addicted to teaching since she taught in the army.

    ¡°I also rejected it.¡± Qiao Nan had the ability to be admitted to a top tier university. Hence, among all names in the guaranteed admission list, Shi Qing¡¯s grades wereparable to that of Qiao Nan. After the streaming of sses in the second year, Shi Qing regained the position of the top scorer in the cohort.

    In view of this, both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing¡¯s names were in Ping Cheng High School¡¯s list of students who were guaranteed admission to a top tier university.

    The unexpected yet unsurprising thing was that, facing such a good offer, these two top scorers in the cohort adopted the same stance of declining the offer.

    ¡°I¡¯ve guessed it.¡± Qiao Nan smiled gently. ¡°Both of us rejected. There will be more chances for other students in the humanities and science courses to be on the list. Nevertheless, Principal Meng, and not these schoolmates, is the one that feels most happy about this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Shi Qing snorted proudly. ¡°Both of us will be taking the college entrance examination. There will be a chance for us topete for the top scorer of humanities and science in Ping Cheng. If both the top scorerse from Ping Cheng High School, the school will definitely rise to fame and be a top tier high school in Ping Cheng. When that timees, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China will drop to second ce. It will be a fact that cannot be changed.¡±

    Shi Qing was aware that Ping Cheng High School and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China werepeting with each other.

    Previously, Shi Qing was spurred by Qiu Chenxi toe to Ping Cheng. Principal Wei of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China heard about Shi Qing¡¯s outstanding academic performance. He had pulled strings in the hope of transferring Shi Qing to his school instead of Ping Cheng High School. He warmly and formally invited Shi Qing to admit to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    Principal Wei only intended for one thing. Qiao Nan¡¯s cohort in Ping Cheng High School and Qiao Nan herself were really too brilliant.

    To maintain the school¡¯s current position in Ping Cheng, he had to find a student as brilliant as Qiao Nan topete with her. Shi Qing was the one that Principal Wei had his eyes on.

    To Principal Wei¡¯s utmost grieve and resentment, regardless of how he persuaded and hold her back, Shi Qing would not change her mind and insisted to go to Ping Cheng High School topete with Qiao Nan directly.

    Toward the favorable conditions that Principal Wei offered to her, Shi Qing did not even care.

    Given her birth status, she did notck anything. She thus did not need the school to provide her with anything.

    Principal Meng did not know that Shi Qing was transferred to Ping Cheng High School because of Qiao Nan. It could be said that Shi Qing was ¡®brought in¡¯ by Qiao Nan.

    Initially, after Principal Wei missed the chance to admit Qiao Nan to his school, he consoled himself that although Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were good, she had many issues. If she lost her usual ability to perform during the college entrance examination, it was still possible that she would flunk the examinations.

    Having seen the behavior of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Principal Wei had felt that it might not be peaceful for Qiao Nan when she took the college entrance examination. This saying was not exaggerated at all.

    However, after Shi Qing went to Ping Cheng High School because of Qiao Nan, Principal Wei had to cry.

    His school could not even find someone that couldpete on the same grounds as Qiao Nan. Now, with Shi Qing¡¯s presence, it was simply heaven¡¯s wish to perish him at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

 Chapter 670 - Discerning Sense of Judgment

    <strong>Chapter 670 Discerning Sense of Judgment</strong>

    As such, only Principal Wei himself knew the tremendous pressure he had for the college entrance examination next year.

    The more stressful Principal Wei felt, the more proud and happy Principal Meng was.

    It was just that, at this juncture, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were unaware that Principal Wei was amused by the news of Qiao Nan helping spot questions for the third-year students in Ping Cheng High School. ¡°Principal Meng is kidding me. I won¡¯t deny that Qiao Nan is outstanding. But no matter how outstanding she is, she¡¯s just a second-year student. She hasn¡¯t picked up the knowledge of the third-year curriculum. The emphasis of the sybus is also different for both the humanities and science sses. Is he joking with me by letting Qiao Nan help spot the questions?¡±.

    On the other hand, when the vice principal of the school heard about this, he felt relieved. ¡°Principal Wei, this is good too. There¡¯s a lot of pressure on school for theing year. If we can win against Ping Cheng High School this year, there will most probably be less impact on us next year.¡±

    In order to minimize the impact of the results of the college entrance examination next year, their students had to gain a beautiful victory this year.

    As such, it was advantageous to them if there were more problematic situations at Ping Cheng High School.

    The vice principal also felt that Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School was too reckless. Qiao Nan was only a second-year student. She would not be familiar with the third-year curriculum, let alone knowing the overview and emphasis of the curriculum that already had a revision system in ce.

    To allow a second-year student to conduct revisions for the college entrance examination for the third-year students... Were Principal Meng¡¯s brains leaking?

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We have to bring Ping Cheng High School down mercilessly with the college entrance examination this year. There¡¯s no use attaining good performance only for a year. Moreover, you have to think about the arrangements. In terms of individual top scorers, our school most likely can¡¯tpete with Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    Ping Cheng High School had Qiao Nan in humanities and Shi Qing in science.

    Initially, it was already not easy for The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China to have an individual top scorer in Ping Cheng. Now that Ping Cheng High School had two such strong opponents, Principal Wei did not think that there would be a top scorer from his school.

    ¡°Since we can¡¯tpete in terms of individual top scorers, we willpete for the aggregate performance. As long as we have sufficient students who are admitted to the top and second-tier universities, at least, we won¡¯t be brought down so badly by the individual top scorers of Ping Cheng High School. We can still forcibly maintain the status of our school in Ping Cheng. After Qiao Nan graduates, without Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, Ping Cheng High School will revert to its original state in less than a year¡¯s time. Hence, we have to tide over these two years!¡±

    If they could settle these two years of work properly, they would still remain as the number one in Ping Cheng in the subsequent two years.

    ¡°Rest assured, Principal. I understand what you mean. This year, we will crush Ping Cheng High School badly and let Ping Cheng High School suffer a huge blow. With this, more students with better quality will enroll in our school during the second half of this year. Ping Cheng High School will feel proud for a year at most. Our school will certainly be the one that has thestugh.¡±

    With this n in mind, the vice principal also felt more relieved.

    It did not matter even if Qiao Nan and Shi Qing really clinched the positions of the two top scorers for Ping Cheng High School and elevated the school to fame. As long as the overall results of the school were not poor, their reputation would not drop too much.

    After tiding over this difficult year, the school¡¯s status would be better than before.

    At the end of the day, students such as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were hard toe by.

    Ping Cheng High School had them once but it was impossible that there would be a second time.

    ¡°Okay, keep a watch on the teachers of the second-year students. If it really doesn¡¯t work, utilize the resources on the second-year students first and give them better teachers. Whether our school can maintain the top position in Ping Cheng will depend on the performance of this cohort.¡±

    Having double top scorers was something every principal would dream of.

    This happiness and probability were equivalent to that of a gambler buying a lottery ticket and striking a billion yuan prize.

    Principal Wei grieved and pitied himself for brushing his shoulders against this lone billion yuan¡¯ big prize. He even had to perk himself up to tackle these two years of college entrance examinations.

    Whether it would be a sess or a failure, or whether his school or Ping Cheng High School would be the top in Ping Cheng, it would really depend on these two years.

    ¡°Will do. I¡¯ll definitely keep a tight rein on the seedlings of the second year and won¡¯t let their grades drop.¡± The brilliant ones had to do better. The weaker ones had to improve.

    As they had too many things on their mind, both Principal Wei and Principal Meng were especially nervous during the college entrance examination this time. They even made various trips to the examination halls of their students to observe the situation.

    At times like this, it was inevitable that the two principals would bump into each other.

    ¡°Principal Wei.¡±

    ¡°Principal Meng.¡±

    They smiled gently when they met, but the look of nervousness in their eyes did not lessen.

    As the principals, there were students taking the college entrance examination from their school every year but never had they felt so anxious and concerned. They even had toe to the examination hall personally to look at the situation.

    Just with this gesture alone, the two principals were aware that they were bent onpeting with each other.

    Principal Meng rxed his mood a little. ¡°Principal Wei, you also came to observe the examinations this year.¡±

    ¡°Yes, as the principal, everyone thinks alike. We all ce great emphasis on the students taking the college entrance examination.¡± Principal Wei smiled. ¡°Right, I heard recently that Principal Meng allowed a second-year student to spot questions for the third-year students. Principal Meng, your actions and style are truly daring. You¡¯re really someone who loves challenges.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a human and not a deity. Furthermore, she was just an ordinary student.

    Principal Meng dumped such a heavy responsibility that the teachers could not achieve to a second-year student. This was not considered daring. He was courting death and ying a joke with the destiny of the entire school.

    Principal Meng¡¯s eyes curved and his smile became increasingly amiable. ¡°Am I? I don¡¯t have other good qualities. Courage is my greatest strength. There¡¯s a saying that talented people are generally bold. I hope that this saying won¡¯t be the reverse if it¡¯s used on me.¡±

    In the past, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was soplicated. Clearly, she was the top talent in the province during the middle school examination. Principal Wei did not dare to ept her, but he dared to!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s family situation was not very good. He thus offered favorable terms and helped Ping Cheng High School retain such a good student like Qiao Nan.

    Although the matter regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s parents urred subsequently, he continued to hang on until today. Was he not daring?

    He was too daring!

    Anyway, he had already done many daring things. He did not mind doing a few more.

    If he had to gamble, he would gamble all the way!

    At this moment, Principal Meng was akin to a recalcitrant gambler who had shown his hand. It was as if he was gambling with his entire fortune as well as those that he borrowed from others.

    Principal Wei wanted to watch a good show of Ping Cheng High School and him, and was waiting for Ping Cheng High School and him to capsize like a ship. Principal Meng was aware of all these.

    It was not that he was not nervous or frightened, but how many gambles could one have in their life?

    Principal Meng gritted his teeth. Gamble then!

    ¡°How¡¯s that so? Principal Meng has a discerning sense of judgment. You believe that Qiao Nan will definitely not let down the great hopes that you pine on her. Principal Meng, for this year¡¯s college entrance examination, I look up to Ping Cheng High School. It¡¯s been so many years. Perhaps our The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China will have to let others take the ce.¡±

 Chapter 671 - Tit-for-Tat Competition

    <strong>Chapter 671 Tit-for-Tat Competition</strong>

    ¡°It¡¯s a good phenomenon, a good phenomenon indeed. It¡¯s considered as progress in our education industry. We should support this.¡± Principal Wei was grinning from ear to ear. He continuously praised Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School.

    This was because he knew that the more he praised Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School now, the greater Principal Meng would fall from grace when the results of the college entrance examination were out.

    One could not me him for doing so. For the sake of his school and students, he could only do that.

    Furthermore, he was not the one who asked Principal Meng to gamble it in that way.

    In the next year¡¯s college entrance examination, Principal Meng had Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, these two good seedlings. This point alone would be sufficient to make Principal Meng happy for a year.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± How could Principal Meng not know that Principal Wei¡¯s words were contrary to his thoughts and he was digging a hole for him to fall into? It was just that, at this juncture, he could not say anything. He had to wait for the results to be out. ¡°No matter what, we should dare to try. Humans have to progress.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, fine then. I¡¯ll see Principal Meng again. I¡¯ll go and check out other schools.¡± Having finished his words, Principal Wei did not intend to remain in this school. He wanted to find out the situation of his students in other schools.

    ¡°See you again.¡± Principal Meng nodded and sent Principal Wei off with his eyes.

    After Principal Wei left, the form teacher by Principal Meng¡¯s side then asked nervously, ¡°Principal Meng, do you think this matter...¡± Principal Wei was up to no good. He said all that as he apparently did not look up to their batch of college entrance examination candidates this year.

    ¡°Alright, clearly, everyone is aware of the situation between the two schools. If he really looks up to our Ping Cheng High School, that¡¯ll be as surprising as seeing ghosts in broad daylight.¡± Principal Meng was also on pins and needles.

    However, regardless of how unsettled at heart he was, the situation was already cast in stone. He had already ced the chips for this huge gamble. After today, most of the examinations would be over. He could not even regret it if he wanted to, let alone feel uneasy.

    ¡°Principal Meng, will there be a surprise?¡± The form teacher quickly took out a handkerchief. He was wiping it hard on his forehead and face continuously.

    The heat from the sun in the summer of July was very strong. The temperature outside was so high that it could literally boil someone alive. The form teacher who was already troubled and vexed had to listen to the sound of the cicada continuously chirping. He felt so annoyed as if he had a ball of entangled wool in his heart.

    Within a short time, the clothing of the form teacher was so drenched that they were stered on both his chest and back.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve already done my best in this matter. We¡¯ll have to leave the rest to destiny.¡± Principal Meng gave out a long sigh. ¡°We have already kept a very tight rein on this cohort of third-year students. Basically, the teachers have given them all the revision that they could. If we continued to let the form teachers hold the ford in thest seven remaining days, the oue of the revision would be as such. Even if the oue is not pleasing, actually, it has nothing much to do with Qiao Nan.¡±

    Principal Meng had certainly gambled and he took a huge one. Nevertheless, he was not doing it haphazardly.

    At the end ofst year, the school had alreadypleted teaching the curriculum of the third-year students. They had already begun with the revision thereafter.

    In terms of the revision content and momentum that the subject teachers could give to the students, they had done their utmost. It could be said that if Qiao Nan did not help the third-year students spot questions in the remaining seven days, the subject teachers could not make much of a difference either. These seven days couldpletely be given to the students for self-study to discover what else wascking and make up for it.

    It was just that, when one suddenly heard that thest critical seven days before the college entrance examination was handed to a second-year student, they felt that it was both unbelievable and unimaginable.

    The problem did not lie with time. Instead, it was the identity of Qiao Nan as a second-year student.

    ¡°Right, right, right. What the principal said is correct.¡± After the form teacher wiped away the sweat on his head, he thought about it and agreed. If they had not encountered a situation such as Qiao Nan¡¯s case, thosest seven days would have been arranged by the students themselves. Compared to the revision situation in the past few years, there was not much difference.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s also change to another school to observe the situation. You¡¯ve seen the results of Qiao Nan¡¯s third-year examination papers. I still feel that there is no issue to let Qiao Nan spot the questions. Eventually, we have to see how the students perform on the grounds. It¡¯ll be fine as long as no major incidents ur.¡±

    Said major incidents included a panic attack that caused students to have insufficient time to attempt the questions, heatstroke, or the students deciding not to attempt major questions.

    If these situations did not ur, regardless of how poor the students did this time, it would not be worse than before. At most, they would maintain the same standards.

    ¡°Yes, Principal Meng¡¯s words make sense. Let¡¯s go to another school to take a look.¡± The form teacher felt more assured now, but Principal Meng¡¯s tightened brows had not fully eased.

    Whether his earlier words were a constion to himself and the form teacher, or the truth, only Principal Meng himself knew.

    The three days of the college entrance examination were truly torturous.

    Not to mention that it was terrible for those who participated in the college entrance examination, even their family members at home were nearly driven mad by the hot weather.

    There were many who went into the examination hall standing but came out on the stretcher, or vomited and felt dizzy immediately upon leaving the hall.

    The weather in July was really terrible. The college entrance examination was also terrible. Thebination of the two was extremely terrible.

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re not worried at all?¡± Shi Qing, who was at home, just moved a little and her whole body felt drenched as if she had juste out from the waters.

    Qiao Nan paused her writing and rolled her eyes at Shi Qing, who was hoarding the entire fan. ¡°Please, your house is next door and not here. Are you addicted to beingzy? If you really want to stay at my house, fine, bring over the fan in your house!!!¡±

    Shi Qing had been standing in front of the fan and she did not let the fan oscite. Would Qiao Nan not feel hot?

    ¡°Slow.¡± Shi Qing continued to enjoy herself by standing in front of the fan. ¡°I¡¯ve already hogged it for five minutes and you only discovered it now. So, actually, you¡¯ll be fine without the fan. You won¡¯t feel hot if you¡¯re calm at heart. It¡¯s so troublesome to move the fan to and fro my house. I¡¯ll perspire so much if I move again. It¡¯s too horrible.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not as focused and you¡¯re still ming it on others?¡± Shi Peng was off work and did not go home first. Instead, he came to the house of the Qiao family to pick his daughter up.

    In actual fact, after Shi Peng took on the job in the government sector, to Shi Qing, there were not many changes in her life. At most, she was now sleeping in another bed.

    As for her meals, she continued to settle them at the house of the Qiao family.

    In terms of cooking, Shi Peng knew a little but not much. Furthermore, Shi Qing and Qiao Nan normally stayed in the school. It was quite troublesome to cook for himself.

    Hence, when Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were in school, Qiao Dongliang had an additional meal buddy, namely Shi Peng.

    At the sight of the situation, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes with displeasure.

    True enough, these two were biological father and daughter. They had the same temperament. Was it that the meals in the Qiao family were extremely nice, or the meals in other people¡¯s house were always nicer to the two of them?

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll get some water for you.¡± Upon seeing Shi Peng, the filial Shi Qing immediately went to the kitchen to get a cup of water for Shi Peng. She then wrung a towel after soaking it in well water and passed it to Shi Peng for him to wipe away his sweat.

    Facing his daughter¡¯s filial behavior, Shi Peng epted it smilingly. He slowly finished his water.

 Chapter 672 - Comparison Drives One to the Grave

    <strong>Chapter 672 Comparison Drives One to the Grave</strong>

    When the cool towel came into contact with his skin, the cooling sensation immediately prated his body. The feeling could not be described with just the word ¡®soothing¡¯.

    Shi Peng was fatherly and Shi Qing was filial. However, Qiao Nan felt very sullen.

    If she witnessed this scene in the house of the Shi family, Qiao Nan expressed that she would feel happier then.

    The small courtyard that Shi Peng bought, to the Shi father-daughter pair, was only used for sleeping. They settled all their meals in the house of the Qiao family. If there was something fun to do, the house would be a one-stop service then.

    After drinking a cup of warm water and wiping away the sweat on his face, Shi Qing turned the fan to face Shi Peng. The heat that Shi Peng felt hadpletelye down. ¡°What were you chatting about earlier?¡±

    ¡°The college entrance examination. I was asking Qiao Nan if she felt nervous.¡±

    (

    ¡°What should she be nervous about?¡± Shi Peng looked at Qiao Nan strangely. Qiao Nan and Qing Qing were obviously going to take the college entrance examination next year. They should feel nervous next year. Qing Qing¡¯s question was very odd.

    ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you. This year, for the students who are taking this year¡¯s college entrance examination, the principal ordered Qiao Nan to help them spot questions during thest week leading to the examination. Aren¡¯t the three days of exams already over? I was asking Qiao Nan if she felt nervous.¡± Although Qiao Nan did not participate in this round of examination, to Qiao Nan, it was quite important too.

    ra

    as

    Qiao Nan wiped away her sweat with a handkerchief. As she did not manage to retrieve her electric fan from Shi Qing, her intention to snatch the electric fan back from Shi Peng intensified. ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. If they do well, it¡¯s due to the hard work and effort of the students themselves and the teachers. I only spent a short span of seven days with them. How much effect can I cause? If they do well, it most probably has nothing much to do with me. If they do badly, it¡¯ll be quite good if I don¡¯t be the scapegoat.¡±

    Qiao Nan was well aware of this in her heart.

    This type of ¡®fun¡¯ was something that Qiao Nan was most unwilling to join in.

    However, the truth was that, during the past two years, the school had taken good care of her father and her. Even their amodation was arranged by the school.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not have agreed readily when Principal Meng posed the request.

    Shi Peng was quite surprised. The principal of Ping Cheng High School let Qiao Nan spot questions for the third-year students. It seemed that they had so much trust in Qiao Nan. ¡°Your school principal was so daring. He dared to ask Qiao Nan to do this?¡±

    It was not that he was judging a book by its cover. The fact was that Qiao Nan was only a second-year student. Moreover, were those third-year students convinced about this?

    ¡°Rest assured. Our principal is very smart. The preliminary examination for third-year students this semester was simr to that of the college entrance examination. In one round of the examination, the principal simply made Qiao Nan take the examinations for both humanities and science subjects. In the end, Qiao Nan came in the top five for both. She¡¯s super perverted.¡±

    ¡°Getting into the top five in the cohort is not an easy feat!¡± Shi Peng eximed. Compared to the third-year students this year, Qiao Nan had a year less. ¡°Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you studying humanities? How did youe in the top five in science? Do you also know how to solve the science questions?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°I have all the textbooks of the science subjects. When I have spare time, I read them.¡± That set of third-year textbooks she bought was actually all on science subjects.

    Qiao Nan did not know who Peng Yu was. Nevertheless, just by reading his revision notes, Qiao Nan knew that this Peng Yu definitely excelled in his studies.

    Peng Yu was a science student. Qiao Nan took everything that once belonged to Peng Yu home. Bearing the motto of reading every book that she had, Qiao Nan simply learned the scientific knowledge as well.

    That was the reason for Qiao Nan¡¯s busy schedule.

    Besides learning the humanities subjects, she also picked up science. Coupled with the Oxford Dictionary, if Qiao Nan gave herself a few more days of break, she would not be able toplete all these missions.

    When he heard that Qiao Nan actually came in top five in the cohort based on self-studying the science subjects, there was a slight look of dissatisfaction and disdain when he cast his nce at Shi Qing again. Of course, amusement, and not malice, was in his eyes. ¡°Qing Qing, if youpare yourself with others, you¡¯ll be driven to the grave. It¡¯s just likeparing products, and you will have to discard it. What do you say?¡±

    In front of Qiao Nan, his outstanding daughter wascking a fair bit. Great, excellent.

    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s not shun each other. Your culinary skills are not better than Uncle Qiao¡¯s too.¡± Shi Qing was not angry. She even retorted Shi Peng.

    ¡°Indeed, my fortune is not as good as that of your Uncle Qiao, and your fortune is not better than that of Qiao Nan. No wonder we¡¯re father and daughter. Fine, it¡¯s quite good that we¡¯re together in this,¡± Shi Peng said humorously. ¡°But regarding the matter of college entrance examination, there¡¯s no use pondering it at home. Anyway, the results will be out soon. Qing Qing, you have to learn more from Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t keep thinking about those useless things.¡±

    Until now, Qing Qing had been paying particr attention to the situation of the Qiu family.

    Qiu Qin hadmitted wrongdoings and someone got hold of the chink in his armor.

    someon

    rmor.

    Fortunately, it was not something too severe. Nevertheless, since he had been found out, Qiu Qin was eventually demoted to an official in a small town.

    Undoubtedly, Qiu Qin had to move to a small town due to work.

    At the very least, before Qiu Qin and family moved to the small town, Qiu Qin and Qi Min did not get a divorce. Of course, the whole Qiu family followed him and moved together.

    The good thing was that this small town was located just beside Ping Cheng. Hence, it was not particrly far.

    In the past six months, whenever Shi Qing had some spare time, she would keep a tight watch on the situation of the Qiu family, especially on Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi.

    She was worried that, if Qiu Qin maintained contact with his mistress, and when Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were provoked, Qi Min would pester her father and Qiu Chenxi would hold Qiao Nan ountable. They would then make her life miserable.

    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m taking a preventive measure. It¡¯s her behavior that¡¯s strange. Qiao Nan, tell me honestly, how old are you? Why do I feel that even people in their 30s and 40s are not as calm andposed as you?¡± Sometimes, when Qiao Nan quieted down, she felt that Qiao Nan was not a youthful neen-year-old youngdy. It was as if she was an old woman in her final days of seventy to eighty years old.

    ¡°How old am I? Let me count. About forty-three, I guess.¡± Qiao Nan added the time that she lived for two lifetimes. Wasn¡¯t that older than those in their 30s or 40s?

    ¡°Crap, this joke is not funny at all. It¡¯s meaningless.¡± Shi Qing simply went to take a watermelon and started slicing it. ¡°Uncle Qiao ising back soon. If we slice it now, it¡¯ll be just at the right time. Uncle Qiao can have some freshly sliced watermelons to eat then.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not bothered about the matter regarding the college entrance examination. In that case, she would not bring it up anymore. As an onlooker, she was more anxious than the party concerned. Crap!

    At the funny sight of Shi Qing, both Qiao Nan and Shi Pengughed.

    When Shi Qing finished cutting the watermelon into slices, Qiao Dongliang arrived home just in time. ¡°There¡¯s watermelon to eat. Just nice. I feel so thirsty.¡± Qiao Dongliang took a big slice of watermelon and stuffed it into his mouth. During summer, eating watermelon was more thirst-quenching than drinking water. Wonderful.

 Chapter 673 - Not Nervous

    <strong>Chapter 673 Not Nervous</strong>

    ¡°Today, the college entrance examination just ended. The people in our factory talked about it. A few of our employees have children taking the examination this year. They said that after their children finished taking the examinations, all of them became so skinny. It¡¯s too tough. Nan Nan, don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure during this time of the year next year. I think you¡¯ve been studying consistently. Next year, you should rx more when the college entrance examination approaches. Read less if you can.¡±

    His colleague¡¯s child studied so much that he contracted a bad headache and was admitted to the hospital directly. Qiao Dongliang shuddered at the thought of it.

    Qiao Nan nodded and epted Qiao Dongliang¡¯s good intention.

    Qiao Dongliang had been eating and drinking normally these few days. He did not behave oddly at all. Qiao Nan could not help but remind him. ¡°Dad, sister also took the college entrance examination this year.¡± Hence, they also had a student taking the college entrance examination in the family this year.

    Today was thest day of the college entrance examination. Was her father not worried and concerned about Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation?

    ¡°Your sister...¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Since a young age, your sister has never felt nervous during the examinations. This is quite a good thing too. Regardless of whether she¡¯s nervous or not, her results wouldn¡¯t change.¡±

    It was not that Qiao Dongliang was not nervous, but there was nothing for him to be nervous about.

    There were so many students who took the college entrance examination every year. Only those parents who cared very much about their children¡¯s studies and those whose children had been doing well would feel anxious and ce so much emphasis on this.

    Toward Qiao Zijin, this daughter of his, Qiao Dongliang only adopted one mindset: The opportunities in this society favored the educated. As long as Qiao Zijin was willing to, a woman would definitely not be disadvantaged if she studied more. Nevertheless, he did not have expectations for Qiao Zijin¡¯s grades. It would be fine no matter how the grades she received were.

    The Qiao family no longer had another sum of money to enroll Qiao Zijin into another school.

    The less psychological burden he had, naturally, Qiao Dongliang was able to let it go.

    Shi Qing secretly gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. She felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s influence on Qiao Dongliang was too great. His daughter was having the college entrance examination. Could he not be worried just because he said so?

    Qiao Nan pped away Shi Qing¡¯s thumb. Her father wanted to show concern but could he do

    so?

    Besides the usual festive asions, Qiao Zijin basically would not appear ore back. It had been almost two years. Qiao Zijin had never informed his father of her specific address.

    Even if her father had the intention to visit Qiao Zijin and her mother and see if they had been doing well, her father did not even know where to look for them. He did not even know the phone number that could reach Qiao Zijin.

    Whenever her father felt a little concern for Qiao Zijin, there was no avenue for him to show his concern at all.

    After a long time, her father was used to not thinking about Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters. This did not have anything to do with her.

    Two years ago, she had clearly told her father that, regardless of her father¡¯s decision, he had to follow his own heart. He did not even need to care about her opinions.

    If her father wished to show concern for Qiao Zijin or send her money, she would not utter a word, and neither would she interfere.

    As such, she should not be med for her father¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin, and neither could she take any ¡®credit¡¯ for this.

    She would not utter a single word regarding anything that had to do with her mother and Qiao Zijin. She just wanted to wash her hands off their matters. It was best that they did not have anything to do with each other.

    Shi Qing was stunned. She shook her head continuously.

    One could rub others the wrong way. Qiao Zijin and that Auntie Ding whom she had not met before was simply Qiao Nan¡¯s Achilles heel. One should not touch it. If they did, Qiao Nan would explode as if she had consumed a bomb.

    However, when she recalled the information that she had gathered about the Qiao family before, she couldpletely empathize with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Shi Qing, the same goes for you. Don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. Both of your grades are usually quite good. You don¡¯t even need to perform beyond expectations. It will do if you just perform as you usually do. The two of you can attend the universities in the capital together. Your future will definitely be quite good.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, you¡¯re so rxed. Don¡¯t you know that all the teachers in our school said that for the college entrance examination next year, it¡¯s highly possible that Qiao Nan will be the top humanities scorer in the province for Ping Cheng High School?¡± She still needed to perform exceptionally if she wanted to be the top scorer. As for her own situation, Shi Qing was a little embarrassed to say anything. After all,paring to Qiao Nan, there was nothing great about her.

    If not for the fact that the college entrance examination for the humanities and science subjects were held concurrently, given Qiao Nan¡¯s ability, she could, in fact, take part in both.

    If Qiao Nan was involved, she did not know for certain what would happen to the science department¡¯s results.

    The fifth position in the cohort that Qiao Nan clinched previously was not counted. After all, there was still one whole year for Qiao Nan to pick up the knowledge.

    ¡°Top scorer?¡± Qiao Dongliang firstughed and then resumed his normal self immediately after. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about the top scorer. It¡¯ll be best if she can do it. If not, it¡¯s not considered a misstep either. Nan Nan, please don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure just because of the assessment that the teachers gave you or aim for first ce in the province. Actually... Really, it will suffice that Shi Qing and you maintain your current standards.¡±

    That said, was Nan Nan working so hard as she was aiming to be the top scorer of the province?

    Nan Nan was giving herself so much pressure and had to make herself so outstanding. At the end of the day, it was because of the Zhai family, right?

    If not for Zhai Sheng, it would not be so tough for Nan Nan.

    From this perspective, Qiao Dongliang actually did not quite favor Zhai Sheng, this future son-inw.

    ¡°The teachers in your school are too much. Nothing tangible is yet in sight. Why are they spreading this without any basis?¡± At the thought of what happened to his colleague¡¯s child this year, Qiao Dongliang felt anxious.

    If Nan Nan was under too much pressure, would she also suffer the same fate as those children and had to be hospitalized due to a headache that resulted from too much studying?

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯m not nervous. Really.¡± Within a short time and a few words, Qiao Nan saw that Shi Qing had sessfully made her father panic. Qiao Nan quickly consoled him. ¡°I won¡¯t give myself so much pressure. I¡¯ve never set such a feat as a goal. My thinking is quite simple. I just wish to attend a good college,plete my studies, and find a good job in the future.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Uncle Qiao, rx. We know all this. However, the teachers have never said it in front of Qiao Nan or made her promise that she¡¯ll clinch first ce in humanities for the school next year. The teachers are just purely pinning their high hopes on Qiao Nan. How will the teachers in the school not know the logic about pulling up a seedling and mistakenly think that they¡¯re helping it grow?¡±

    Having known that she had got herself into trouble, Shi Qing quickly made amends.

    If the teacher kept telling the student every day that thetter had to clinch the top ce, the student would either perform badly because of the huge pressure or be too proud andcent because he had gained too much teachers¡¯ affirmation. In the end, the student would not do well.

    The probability of this happening was very high.

    Hence, the teachers would not possibly do that. It would backfire and make a mess of the situation.

 Chapter 674 - Influence

    <strong>Chapter 674 Influence</strong>

    If Qiao Nan fared badly in the examinations under tremendous pressure due to what the teachers said, these teachers, and not Qiao Nan, would the first that would be criticized.

    There were certain things that everyone could think of but could not say.

    Looking at Qiao Dongliang, Shi Qing was embarrassed to tell Qiao Dongliang that, actually, he should still be nervous. This was because Qiao Nan had been spotting questions for the third-year students during thest seven days leading to their college entrance examination.

    If they fared well in the examination, Qiao Nan would be given due credit. If they did not fare well, the school would not take issue. However, it was uncertain if the parents would use this as an excuse to kick up a big fuss.

    At the thought of this, Shi Qing began to understand why Qiao Nan was unwilling to participate in these matters.

    A second-year student spotting questions for the third-year students might seem like the former would be in the limelight. She clearly had good intentions but had to bear the brunt of any issues if something went wrong. She might get herself into trouble eventually and not get out of it.

    ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯ll go and prepare meals.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was back to his usual self, nced at the time and immediately took out the vegetables in the refrigerator. He washed them, chopped them, and started cooking.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, Shi Qing leaned toward Qiao Nan. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell Uncle Qiao anything regarding this year¡¯s college entrance examination?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to say? I¡¯m not the one taking the college entrance examination. This matter was decided by Principal Meng. I¡¯m just a student who abides by the school¡¯s arrangements. I did not volunteer.¡± Qiao Nan felt extremely warm. She was wiping the sweat on her face with a small handkerchief.

    Her father was not extremely daring, especially toward her studies, and was very anxious.

    She would rather not mention anything that was unrted to her studies to her father so as not to worry him unnecessarily.

    Moreover, Qiao Nan had initially thought that Qiao Dongliang would be focused on and feel anxious about Qiao Zijin¡¯s college entrance examination. It was unexpected that her father now cared more about her, and he was able to look on the bright side of things in regard to Qiao Zijin¡¯s examination.

    At this juncture, the phone suddenly rang. ¡°Hello, good day, you... Oh, Principal Meng. Going back to school tomorrow? Why?¡±

    It was already summer vacation. Why did she still have to return to the school? She had already taken her report card.

    The college entrance examination system in the year of 2000 was different. Before the year of 2003, the college entrance examination in China was scheduled for three days in July: the seventh, eighth, and ninth. It was only until the year of 2003 that it was changed to the seventh, eighth, and ninth of June.

    Hence, when the third-year students were having their college entrance examination, Qiao Nan had alreadypleted her second-year studies. She was thus in her summer vacation period after progressing to her third year.

    Those administrative matters such as examination and collection of report card had already beenpleted. There was basically no other reason to return to the school during the summer vacation.

    Shi Qing¡¯s ears perked up. She held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and stered her ears on the phone receiver to eavesdrop together. ¡°... estimate scores...¡±

    After eavesdropping for some time, Shi Qing only heard the two words ¡®estimate scores¡¯ vaguely.

    After the college entrance examination ended, all third-year students would mostly return to the school. Moreover, the school would put up all the examination papers for the college entrance examination and provide the correct answers so that the students couldpare their answers against them and estimate their own scores. This would help them decide on the college that they wanted to apply for in the future.

    Principal Meng made the call to request Qiao Nan to go back to school. However, Qiao Nan felt that it was not necessary for her to do so. Next year, there was no need to request as she would have to go back topare the answers.

    ¡°Principal Meng, what do I go back for?¡±

    ¡°Principal Meng, no need. In this case, I¡¯m not going back.¡± Hearing Principal Meng¡¯s reason, Qiao Nan simply declined. ¡°No need, all these were the school¡¯s arrangements. There¡¯s really no need to. Thank you, Principal Meng.¡±

    ¡°The principal invited you to go back to estimate the scores?¡± Shi Qing asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go back? If the situation is good... Most likely, you will receive many words of thanks tomorrow.¡± That was something great.

    ¡°What if I receive hates instead of thanks? From then onward, should I buy a tortoise shell and bring it with me every day to avoid the revenge from the parents of this cohort of third-year students?¡±

    Shi Qing gave a pat on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You should have more confidence in yourself. Principal Meng specially made this call. No matter how I see it, I don¡¯t think the third-year students in our school would fare badly. You¡¯ve worked so hard. Apuse and fresh flowers are necessary.¡±

    She was not receiving it for nothing. After all, Qiao Nan had put in seven days of effort in this.

    ¡°Not going.¡± Qiao Nan insisted. ¡°It¡¯s just estimating scores and noting up with the actual statistics. There¡¯s also inuracy in this. What if some people are overconfident and estimate wrongly? What will happen then?¡± Qiao Nan knew what this was about, but she was not willing to take part in it.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t say this to others. I¡¯ve personally declined Principal Meng. If I decide to go after a few words from you, what will Principal Meng think of me?¡± Qiao Nan moved away. On such a hot day, the two of them were so close to each other. Was she trying to kill her?

    Shi Qing suddenly realized something. She looked at Qiao Nan from head to toe. ¡°You¡¯re not willing to return to school to estimate the scores. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s because you¡¯re afraid of the heat, that you¡¯re afraid to go under the

    sun?¡±

    ¡°Yes, can¡¯t I?¡± Qiao Nan felt a little embarrassed. This was certainly the reason why she was unwilling to return to school.

    Given such weather, unless she left the house early, she would be toying with her life. If not, she would suffer badly from sunburns.

    In addition, air-conditioners were not prevalent in this era. Qiao Nan really did not wish to suffer for this. ¡°You have to take care too. It¡¯s going to be our turn next year. The examination in July is different from that in June. The weather is much hotter. Whether it¡¯s to sit for the exams or topare the answers, it¡¯ll be torturous. Such a difficult process, having been through it once will be enough for you to ¡®reminisce¡¯ for life. Asking me to undergo this experience twice, do you want to torture me to death?¡±

    It was not just the estimation of scores. Initially, Principal Meng had wanted to pull Qiao Nan along to check out the situations of the students in various schools this year.

    Of course, Qiao Nan rejected it as well.

    She was agreeable to help, but these were all messy andplicated matters, and she would rather not make things difficult for herself.

    ¡°Aright, alright, it¡¯s all up to you. You¡¯re not even bothered. Why should I then?¡± Shi Qing felt that it would be meaningless to continue with the same topic. True enough, Qiao Nan did not seem like a normal twenty-year-old girl. She did not have the curiosity andpetitiveness of the person of this age at all. She was leading her life so peacefully like an old woman.

    When she returned to her own house in the evening, Shi Qing was still feeling unhappy about this matter. Her expression bared it all.

    Shi Peng sighed and advised her. ¡°Qiao Nan is a smart person. She knows what she¡¯s doing. Furthermore, it¡¯s certainly not necessary to be overly concerned about some superficial matters. Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament is her strength and also her weakness. But concerning this point, you should feel grateful.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± It was not that she did not wish to be grateful to Qiao Nan. But what was the reason?

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that, until today, you have not realized that when you are with Qiao Nan, you are easily influenced by her, that you¡¯re different from before?¡±

 Chapter 675 - Contentment Is Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 675: Contentment Is Happiness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°When you¡¯re with Qiao Nan, you¡¯ll drift away from the feelings of discontentment. Your trouble will usually dispel, and you¡¯ll calm down together with Qiao Nan, focusing on doing the things you have on hand.¡±

    Shi Peng was looking at the big picture. Shi Peng had already discovered this special temperament of Qiao Nan when Qiao Nan was previously teaching as Teacher Xiao Qiao in the army.

    Qiao Nan did not have the youth and energy of her age. She was also not filled with passion. It was as if she had already gone through the test of time and would make long-standing aplishments in life through a calm and tranquil demeanor.

    It was this special sense of peace in Qiao Nan that could easily influence those around her.

    Shi Peng was not sure of the situation of Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates at school. Nevertheless, his own daughter, Shi Qing, was certainly the best example.

    Regardless of how chatty his daughter appeared to be in front of Qiao Nan, she was no longer as impulsive as before. She would even think of matters in the longer term.

    asionally, Shi Peng would also hear from his daughter that those dormitory mates and ssmates of Qiao Nan had such an excellent learning atmosphere under the influence of Qiao Nan.

    All these things were due to Qiao Nan. She was the core reason for the existence of that social circle.

    ¡°What is mostcking in your generation is that unique peace and calmness that Qiao Nan possesses. Most behave impulsively and do not care about the consequences. You¡¯ve seen for yourself. Qiu Chenxi is one example. When one is unreasonable, they won¡¯t suffer on their own, but they will implicate those around them. Think carefully before you act. This is not a lie written in the textbooks.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is good. I¡¯m not that bad either.¡± Shi Qing puffed her cheeks and retorted unhappily. ¡°No matter what, I was just saying. I didn¡¯t expect and insist Qiao Nan to abide by my words.¡±

    ¡°Really? You¡¯re most adept at debating now. The good thing is that I¡¯m contented and happy. You¡¯ve improved. Even if there¡¯re only slight changes, I¡¯m already very satisfied. No matter how good Qiao Nan is, she¡¯s not my daughter. The biological daughter of Shi Peng is the most precious darling in my life.¡±

    Your own child would always be the best. Objectively, Qiao Nan had many good qualities, but subjectively, he had other personal preferences.

    The daughter of other families would never be better than his.

    Shi Qing burst out intoughter. ¡°Dad, your stand is very firm in this topic.¡± Nevertheless, she liked it.

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t need to be overly concerned Actually, I didn¡¯t mean anything when I said that. I just feel that Qiao Nan is too quiet, so I deliberately teased her.¡± It did not matter if she was going back to school. Anyway, Qiao Nan was not a third-year student who had taken the college entrance examination. She just wanted to make Qiao Nan exercise more. It might not be good for her to stay at home every day.

    ¡°You.¡± Shi Peng rubbed Shi Qing¡¯s head. ¡°You¡¯re kind-hearted but your method is too childish. A child like Qiao Nan must have already nned what she¡¯ll be doing and when she¡¯ll do them. You poking your nose into her matters stubbornly, won¡¯t you disrupt her learning n? Instead of spending your time on this, you should give some thoughts about whether you¡¯ll be able to survive this time next year.¡±

    As a government official, Shi Peng had already received information on the college entrance examination this year.

    For example, the weather this year was extremely hot. It was much warmer than that of the past years.

    It was because of the sudden change in the temperature that quite a number of students who had taken the college entrance examination fainted or suffered dehydration when they exited the examination halls.

    As parents, when they saw their own children fainting due to the college entrance examination, who would dare to say anything more? What if they agitated the child and resulted in him or her having suicidal thoughts?

    Many parents believed that their children fainted due to too much stress.

    Nevertheless, Shi Peng learned from the hospital that there were people who fainted due to stress but the number was not high. Most fainted due to the hot weather and disyed signs of dehydration and heatstroke.

    His own daughter would be taking the college entrance examination next year. Of course, Shi Peng was concerned if his own daughter would be able to survive the period. ¡°It¡¯s not a good time to take the college entrance examination in July.¡±

    The weather was too hot!

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Shi Qing nodded. ¡°Qiao Nan said that, actually, the college entrance examination can definitely be brought forward by one month, on the seventh, eighth, and ninth of June, these three days. Around this time, the school teachers have almostpleted their revision for the students. Furthermore, although the weather starts to turn hot in June, it¡¯s not as hot as in July. If there¡¯s a rainy season or typhoon, the weather can be very cooling. The stress associated with the college entrance examination will then be lessened. At least, the education department should make changes to try their best to help students who¡¯re taking the college entrance examination create a cost-effective and conducive natural environment.¡±

    Taking the college entrance examination in July was not testing one¡¯s scores but one¡¯s life.

    To bring forward the college entrance examination by just one month, besides time, the country did not need to spend much other efforts or resources to adjust the timing for the examination.

    The country should give serious thoughts to such a change that would not cost them money.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll remember this. I¡¯ll reflect this to the leaders next time. Certainly, this should be changed.¡± At the thought that the number of students taking college entrance examination who fainted this year was definitely higher than in the past few years, Shi Peng expressed that this idea of Qiao Nan was very feasible.

    Just as Qing Qing said, such a change would not cost the country and government any money. It would also create a better environment for the students who were taking the college entrance examination. There was nothing bad about this. There would not be many obstacles in administering this either.

    ¡°Dad, you have to remember.¡± Even if the education department of the country was willing to change the timing for the college entrance examination, she and Qiao Nan would not be able to enjoy the good fortune.

    ¡°We¡¯re home. Quickly open the door.¡± Shi Peng stood at the door, lifted his chin, and asked Shi Qing to open the door.

    Shi Qing rolled his eyes. She had just felt that her father was quite good. Soon after, her father had to show his true colors. Wasn¡¯t it just opening a door? Even this had to be done by her? He was too much of a big shot.

    Shi Peng was amused. It seemed that Qing Qing had been influenced greatly by Qiao Nan. Now, the two of them even rolled their eyes in an exact manner.

    Shi Peng was aware that Qiao Nan¡¯s was the original version and Shi Qing¡¯s was the adopted version, meaning, it was the pirated one.

    Qiao Nan herself was not concerned about the situation of the score estimation this time but others were.

    This day, all the third-year students who took the college entrance examination returned to Ping Cheng High School. On the ckboard of their ssrooms, the standard answers for the front and back of the papers had already been put up so that they could match their answers.

    Inparison, it was easier to do matching of answers for the science subjects. One was one, and two was two. Even if the process of solving the problems were different, the science-rted questions, simr to the truth, would only have one answer and not two. Hence, they only needed to match the numbers.

    For humanities-rted questions, there were fixed answers for multiple choice and fill-in-the-nk questions.

    However, when it came to answers that were subjective, the teachers could only write a general summary, stating that one would be able to earn points if they had answered along the line.

    The students were surrounding the front of the ckboard and matching the answers, while the teachers were nervously standing behind and meticulously observing each student¡¯s reaction.

 Chapter 676 - Be Steady

    <h4>Chapter 676: Be Steady</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this moment, the students were nervous, and the teachers were even more so.

    Examinations were a teacher¡¯s weapon while grades were a student¡¯s lifeline.

    It was true that this saying was not appropriate in the 21st century.

    Examinations were no longer the teacher¡¯s weapon but grades were still the student¡¯s lifeline.

    The teachers in Ping Cheng High School knew that Principal Meng had the ambition topete with The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. As part of the team of Ping Cheng High School, who would not favor Ping Cheng High School winning against The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and bing the top school in Ping Cheng? If the reputation of the school were to rise, their reputations would rise with it. As such, they would stand to gain as well.

    Thus, not knowing why, the teachers were harboring different expectations for the third-year students this year.

    ¡°How¡¯s it going? Those who have finished matching your answers cane to my side to report the scores. It¡¯s been so long. Isn¡¯t there anyone who haspleted the matching?¡± The teacher was extremely anxious. Sweat could be wrung out from the handkerchief in his hand.

    In the past, they did not take so long to finish matching the answers.

    If it was the year before, not to mention one, at least five or six students would havee forward to report their scores. What was the situation this year? Could it be that everyone had fared badly? Hence, they took so long to match the answers?

    At the thought of this, the teachers felt their heart weakened. Not only their two lower limbs turned soft but their bottoms also trembled.

    ¡°Okay... The college entrance examination had already ended. Regardless of the oue, it¡¯s fine as long as everyone had worked hard. Don¡¯t, don¡¯t be worried. After matching your answers,e here to report your scores. Don¡¯t be nervous, everyone. It, it¡¯s possible that the questions this year were more difficult. It¡¯s not just you. The students from other schools would feel the same way too. Everyone¡¯s situation is the same. The scores we gave only serve as reference points. The oue is still dependent on the final admission scores of the various colleges. Come, don¡¯t feel burdened. Come and report your scores.¡±

    At this moment, almost all the third-year teachers expressed the same thing. It was fine if they did not do well. If the examination papers were difficult, everyone would not fare well.

    No matter what, the students shoulde to the teachers first to report their scores and let them have a gauge of how the students in Ping Cheng High School had performed in the college entrance examination this year.

    The form teacher was so anxious not because of other reasons. It was because Principal Meng had driven to and arrived at the school early this morning. He had been sitting in the office and waiting for their news.

    Principal Meng sat in his office. Although he did not move his legs, he had been knocking his hands on the table.

    If the overall results of the college entrance examination really improved this year, this would mean that, during this time next year, the results of Qiao Nan¡¯s cohort would not be worse than this. Coupled with the top individual scorers such as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, Ping Cheng High School would finally seed.

    On the contrary, if the results of this year¡¯s college entrance examination were not satisfactory or simr to the past...

    If that was the case, Principal Meng was aware that the hopes of Ping Cheng High School bing the top school in Ping Cheng would be dashed. If they had the wish to subdue The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, they would have to wait a few years more.

    It was not possible for Ping Cheng High School to scale to greater heights or even be the top in the province by just relying on the two top individual scorers alone.

    As such, the results of both the current and uing year cohorts would have a great impact on Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Principal...¡±

    ¡°Teacher Hu, you¡¯re here. Quicklye in. How¡¯s it? What is the oue of the matching for your third-year ss one?¡±

    ¡°Principal, our ss haspleted the matching.¡±

    ¡°Principal...¡±

    None came previously. Principal Meng had been on tenterhooks and waiting in his office for over an hour. Now, everyone came together at the same time. Principal Meng quickly said, ¡°No hurry. One by one. We¡¯ll start ording to the sses. Begin with third-year ss one.¡±

    ¡°Principal, take a look. Here¡¯s my record.¡± There was a list in Teacher Hu¡¯s hands. On the list, there were corresponding names and the matriction numbers of the students. The scores behind the list were filled in manually by Teacher Hu after the students matched their answers.

    Facing this list of results, Teacher Hu looked like he was in a great dilemma. He had a feeling that was indescribable.

    ¡°This... Is it real?¡± Principal Meng stared at the list and looked at Teacher Hu doubtfully.

    Teacher Hu smiled bitterly. ¡°Principal Meng, you¡¯re not the only one who doesn¡¯t believe this. The students who scored these results didn¡¯t believe it either at first. They matched two to three times before they dared to report the scores to me. Otherwise, we would not havee sote.¡±

    After the teachers of the rest of the sses heard that, they handed in the scores of their respective sses one by one. ¡°Principal Meng, do you want to look at them together?¡± It sounded like every ss had a simr ¡®odd situation¡¯.

    The lists of results came sote today because the students in their sses doubted their scores. Hence, they matched two to three times before confirming that the scores were correct.

    There were also the more careful ones who matched four or five times.

    ¡°This...¡± Looking at all the results, Principal Meng was a little dumbfounded. ¡°Could there have been a mistake?¡±

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be. The students in our ss matched the results at least twice. Those who did more matched five times before they dared to report the scores to me.¡± If there was a mistake, then it would be very strange, unless there were problems with the answers that they announced, or if the students had remembered their answers incorrectly.

    Putting these two reasons aside, the results on the lists were basically as such. There should not be too much deviation.

    ¡°Great, great!¡± Hearing the replies from all the teachers, the emotional voice of Principal Meng trembled slightly. ¡°Remember to keep a secret of the results of your respective sses. After all, this is just an estimation. The oue may not be the same. Hence, we can¡¯t leak the news out. In particr, we can¡¯t let the people from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China know about this. Understand?¡±

    ¡°We know.¡± With such results, they dared not say it even if the principal asked them to. They were afraid that others would think that they were boasting upon hearing it. They were more concerned that, if either of the two reasons for the deviation appeared, Ping Cheng High School would lose all its face instead of gaining any.

    As part of the team in Ping Cheng High School, why would they do such a foolish thing?

    ¡°Right, did the students say anything?¡± After calming down, Principal Meng thought about the reactions of the third-year students.

    ¡°What each of them reflected to us was simr. They still doubt if the results are real.¡± The teachers did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°They were in shock too and dared not say much. They also said that, after the examinations, they did not say much when their parents asked them about it. They hope to bring it up only after the results are announced. They¡¯re afraid that they¡¯ll make a mistake on this and rejoice too soon.¡±

    Now, to everyone in Ping Cheng High School, the results of this year¡¯s college entrance examination were both exciting and tense.

 Chapter 677 - You Celebrate Too Soon

    <h4>Chapter 677: You Celebrate Too Soon</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In previous years, there were many cases whereby they made a wrong estimation of the results.

    In order not to rejoice too soon, the students of Ping Cheng High School would be reluctant to tell their parents the rough estimation of their results if they were unsure. They would only say that they performed averagely and gave generalments.

    ¡°How was it?¡± The students in Ping Cheng High School tried to estimate their scores, and so did the students in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    As the principal of the school, Principal Wei and Principal Meng drove to their respective schools early in the morning and sat in their office, waiting for the teachers who were in charge of the third-year students this year to pass them the estimated scores of the students.

    ¡°Principal, the scores are very good.¡± The form teachers of the third-year sses were all smiles and there was a spring in their walk. Judging from their looks, Principal Wei knew that his school had performed well in the college entrance examination.

    ¡°Principal, take a look. This is the statistics. This year, the number of students from our school who are admitted to the university should be slightly higher thanst year.¡±

    With the increase in the number of students who were admitted to universities, their school¡¯s enrollment rate had increased again.

    ¡°Good, that¡¯s good.¡± Principal Wei looked through the data carefully before smiling and pping on the table. ¡°Good, the school¡¯s enrollment rate this year has increased. All of the third-year cohort¡¯s teachers will have bonuses.¡±

    In the past, the enrollment rate of Ping Cheng High School was lower than that of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    This year, their enrollment rate had increased. Therefore, Ping Cheng High School must have fallen behind.

    Good, brilliant! This year, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would be able to have an astounding victory.

    Next year, the top student in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China might not be better than the students at Ping Cheng High School, but they would be able to deal Ping Cheng High School a crushing defeat by having a high enrollment rate.

    ¡°Thank you, Principal Wei.¡± As soon as they heard that there would be bonuses this year, the third-year cohort¡¯s teachers at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were ted.

    The teachers had put in a lot of effort for this year¡¯s college entrance examination. The students were not the only ones who had suffered. Like the students, the teachers had lost weight as well. There were many people who hoped to achieve such weight loss.

    They had lost weight and earned more money. It was the best of both worlds for the female teachers in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Their hard work was worth it!

    ¡°By the way, is there any news from Ping Cheng High School?¡± Principal Wei was anxious.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± The vice principal of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China shook his head. ¡°We didn¡¯t hear any news from them. They are especially quiet. Principal, is it possible that, after Qiao Nan¡¯s nonsense sses, the students have exceptionally poor results?¡± If so, Ping Cheng High School would have no chance of winning.

    Yes, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were really smart, but they only had chances of being the top student in the province. Things were not confirmed yet.

    There were so many students in the province. It was not easy to be the top student.

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be.¡± Principal Wei frowned. He felt restless as he did not have any news from Ping Cheng High School. His cheerfulness evaporated. ¡°I heard that Ping Cheng High School started their revision early in the year and finished it. Even if Qiao Nan did not give them sses in thest week, ording to Ping Cheng High School¡¯s revision progress, they had arranged for the students to do self-revision. Do you really think that Meng Ping is someone to be trifled with? Would he do anything that he was uncertain of?¡±

    Even if he allowed Qiao Nan to help with the revision, at the very least, Meng Ping must have ensured that all the third-year students hadpleted their revision.

    ¡°In the past few years, although the enrollment rate of Ping Cheng High School was lower than ours, they are not too far behind us. Although Qiao Nan wasted seven days of their time, they would not fare too badly. Get someone to keep a close watch on them and give me a call of any news.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Principal Wei.¡± The vice principal felt that the principal had groundless worries.

    It was very important to revise before the college entrance examination. Thest seven days were very crucial, yet Ping Cheng High School allowed a second-year student to waste such precious time. If Ping Cheng High School could maintainst year¡¯s enrollment rate, it would already be considered a miracle.

    Principal Wei did not know what was on the vice principal¡¯s mind. If not, he would have told him not to rejoice too early, as extreme joy might turn to sorrow.

    There was no news from Ping Cheng High School. Hence, Principal Wei was very worried.

    It seemed to be the calm before the storm.

    Principal Wei forced a smile on his face at the beautiful results slips. He hoped that he would have thestugh, and that his worry was groundless.

    In the blink of an eye, it was the day when the college entrance examination results would be released.

    Qiao Nan was amused that Shi Qing woke up early in the morning and came to her house right away.

    Initially, she had wanted to put aside the matter. But with Shi Qing around, there was no way that she could forget about it. ¡°Shi Qing, why are you so anxious for others? We did not sit for the college entrance examination. Even though the results will be released today, do you think we will have the chance to join in the fun?¡±

    If one was to check the grade, one would need the exam registration number.

    This year, several sses in Ping Cheng High School sat for their college entrance examination and there were quite a number of students. She did not know any of their exam registration numbers. Even if Shi Qing stayed put at her house, there was no way that they would know the results.

    ¡°Hehehe, I have a way.¡± Shi Qing flipped her hair arrogantly. ¡°The students can call to check their results this morning. I heard that once the students know their results, they will make a phone call to report to their form teacher. You should know what will follow.¡±

    After the form teachers of the third-year sses learned of the results, it would not be long before Principal Meng learned about the results as well.

    If the results were good, Principal Meng would definitely call to tell Qiao Nan as soon as he knew the results.

    Anyway, to Shi Qing, if the students did well for the college entrance examination, it would be Qiao Nan¡¯s credit. If not, the responsibility was on the teachers and the students.

    Shi Qing had the feeling that Principal Meng would definitely call Qiao Nan today.

    ¡°Fine, you can wait here.¡± Qiao Nan could not be bothered with Shi Qing, and there was nothing to worry about. ¡°Shi Qing, shall we find a cooling ce? The weather is too hot.¡± Qiao Nan did not care about the results of the college entrance examination. Her only concern was to find a ce so that she could escape from the scorching heat.

    Indeed, a calm heart kept you cool.

    If Qiao Nan focused on her studies, even though the weather was hot, she could ignore it and concentrate on her homework.

    But that was only for the time being. She could not tolerate the heat for a long period of time.

    Qiao Nan felt like crying at the heat rashes on her skin. She felt slightly better after applying some prickly heat powder and using the Florida Water during her shower.

    However, Qiao Nan did not like the feeling of being sweaty and sticky every day.

    ¡°It will be the same everywhere in such weather.¡± Shi Qing, who was used to the lifestyle in the army, was more tolerant of hot weather than Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, I realize that you can¡¯t stand hot weather.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Qiao Nan wiped her perspiration, feeling warmer by the seconds. Actually, she was not that intolerant to hot weather in her previous life.

 Chapter 678 - The House Had to be Taken Back?

    <h4>Chapter 678: The House Had to be Taken Back?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What was wrong with her in this life? She seemed to be having a hard time every summer and would always lose her appetite and weight in summer.

    Not only was Qiao Nan afraid of heat, but she also had a bad appetite, and she did not feel like going out. She preferred to stay at home.

    Last year, if not for her master¡¯s, Lin Yuankang, request, Qiao Nan would stay at home during summer.

    ¡°Look at you. How are you going to sit for next year¡¯s college entrance examination?¡± Shi Qing began to worry about Qiao Nan. ¡°I have heard from my dad that quite a lot of students fainted during the college entrance examination. Even though the school had implemented a lot of measures, like giving water and towels, but a lot of problems cropped up regardless.¡±

    ¡°Of course. There are a lot of external and internal factors for the college entrance examination. The college entrance examination is strict, and the teachers will keep a lookout for any form of cheating. Even if the water is provided, in order to prevent the students from cheating, the teachers in the examination room are on their guard. Will you feelfortable if the teacher stares at you while you drink water? Every candidate knows the importance of the college entrance examination. This pressure alone is very hard on the students. They would not be able to take it under the external and internal pressure.¡±

    There were a lot of cases in China wherein trouble arose during the college entrance examination.

    ¡°There¡¯s an old saying in China, which is to reach a state where there are favorable climate, geographical position, and the support of the people. It is difficult to have the support of the people, and they do not have a favorable climate and geographical position. Moreover, they have to suffer under hot weather. It is not easy on the students who sit for the college entrance examination.¡± She did not need to take the exams but she was already melting under the heat even when she stayed inside her house with the fan blowing at her. The college entrance examination next year would be a big problem for her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I have told my dad a few days ago about what you mentioned to me previously. My dad seemed to ponder it. Do you think that it is possible for the college entrance examination to be held in June next year?¡± The weather in July and June were very different.

    As Qiao Nan had said, the external factors for the exam were very important.

    The students had to withstand tremendous stress. If they had to deal with the hot weather as well, they might not be able to take it.

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. She had not expected that her asionalints would have such an impact.

    In her previous life, China changed the timing of the college entrance examination in 2003. Of course, it had nothing to do with a small character like her.

    Was it possible that she was the person who sparked off the change in the timing for the college entrance examination in this life?

    ¡°That I am not very sure. I suppose it¡¯s not that easy to change the timing. Besides, your dad is not from the Education Bureau.¡± Qiao Nan turned her head and put aside that thought. ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to worry too much. It¡¯s true that I lose my appetite and weight in summer, but if you look at it, it¡¯s alreadyte July now, so the weather is hot. When we sit for the college entrance examination, it will be in early July. The temperature will not be as high in early July.¡±

    When it was around the end of July to early August, the temperature would be shooting up.

    Ring! The phone at the Qiao family¡¯s residence rang at this time.

    Shi Qing had the biggest reaction as soon as the phone rang. She jumped from her seat and grabbed the phone. ¡°Hello, Principal Meng, yes, she is at home. I will pass the phone to Qiao Nan.¡±

    Shi Qing arched her eyebrows at Qiao Nan, gesturing to her that she was right. Principal Meng would definitely make a phone call to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and took over the phone. ¡°Hello, Principal Meng, I am Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, there are two pieces of good news. Which do you want to hear first?¡± Principal Meng sounded excited.

    Qiao Nan was baffled. What Principal Meng said sounded odd. Generally speaking, one would say that they had two pieces of news¡ªgood news and bad news¡ªand asked which one the other party wanted to listen to first.

    If both were good news, how should she choose? Should she go by size?

    ¡°Hahaha, I am muddleheaded. I should say that I have two pieces of good news here. One is more rted to you than the other. Which do you want to hear first?¡±

    ¡°In general, we should start from the less rted, but I like to do otherwise. I will listen to the good news that is more rted to me first.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt as if she was talking to children. She tried very hard to suppress herughter.

    Not to mention Qiao Nan, Shi Qing also covered her mouth to hold in herughter. Why did the conversation between the two of them turn out to be like this?

    ¡°The good news that is more rted to you is that the house that you are staying in will be yours.¡±

    Qiao Nan dug her ear. ¡°Principal, I didn¡¯t hear it clearly. What did you say?¡±

    ¡°In the future, the house that you live in will belong to you.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiao Nan blinked in confusion. Was she suffering from heatstroke that she had hallucinations? ¡°Principal, are you kidding?¡±

    It was already good enough that they could stay for three years in the house provided by the school for free. After all, no matter how outstanding the students were, it was considered very good to be exempted from paying tuition and misceneous fees. Even if the school was to provide housing, they would only allow the students to live in the house and would not allow the whole family to stay in the house for free.

    Qiao Nan felt that Ping Cheng High School and Principal Meng had showered her with kindness and she was grateful to them, so she felt that she must return the favor. That was why she sacrificed her time during the summer break to go to school every day to spot the exam questions for the third-year students.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have rejected Principal Meng¡¯s request.

    Since she had been on the receiving end of the school¡¯s kindness, she had no other choice but to agree to the request.

    All her neighbors knew that Ping Cheng High School allowed Qiao Nan and her father to stay in the house for free.

    Because of this, the neighbors treated Qiao Nan as the role model and wanted their children to follow in her footsteps.

    It would do one good to excel in their studies and they would definitely have a bright future. Qiao Nan was the best example. She had good results and the school even provided lodgings for her. Of course, the premise was that she must have good results.

    As a result, Qiao Nan had taken on three tutoring jobs this summer break.

    If Qiao Nan did not reject more offers and that Qiao Dongliang felt that she had taken on too many jobs, given her poprity, she would be able to start a ss in the small quad.

    This was because not only did the neighbors want Qiao Nan to tutor their children, but their colleagues also heard that Qiao Nan was good in her results and that the school provided lodgings for her, so all of them wanted Qiao Nan to tutor their kids and open a ss.

    Right then, Principal Meng suddenly told Qiao Nan that not only could she and her father stay for three years in the house for free, but they could stay in the house forever. Qiao Nan almost fainted for having something fallen into herp. ¡°Principal Meng, didn¡¯t you mention that the house belongs to a retired teacher?¡±

    The house belonged to someone else. Could the principal act on his own ord and give her the house?

    ¡°Yes, the retired teacher had juste back from abroad this year. He is getting on in years and does not wish to live overseas, so he wants to return to his home.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then... then my dad and I should find a ce to move as soon as possible?¡± Qiao Nan panicked. Since the owner was back, she and her father had to leave.

    There was such a huge difference between telling her that she had to move and that the house was hers.

 Chapter 679 - A Big Reward

    <h4>Chapter 679: A Big Reward</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Listen to me first. The teacher is not from Ping Cheng. Previously, he was assigned to work in Ping Cheng. The house was actually assigned to them by the school. They want to spend their old age in their hometown and want to sell the properties in Ping Cheng.¡±

    The matter was very simple. The children of the retired teacher had been doing well in their careers and bought a lot of properties overseas. They asked their parents to live with them overseas.

    But as Chinese people, they felt that, when they were advanced in years, they wanted to go back to their hometown where they were close to their ancestors so as to have a sense of security.

    Originally, since the two elderly were not in good health, they should have handed all their properties to their children.

    However, their children were doing well and did not need their properties. Moreover, they had already entrusted the school to manage the house that Qiao Nan stayed in. They would like for the school to assign the house to people who made contributions to the school but had difficulties in finding lodging.

    The children felt that, since the house was originally allocated to their parents by Ping Cheng High School, and what was taken from the people should be used in the interests of the people, they decided to return the house to the school and let them decide what to do with the house.

    Though there were a lot of people who were greedy and would never say no to money, there were also those who had progressive ideas and were open-minded.

    Furthermore, they were used to living in big cities and living abroad. They might not be willing to return to Ping Cheng to live in a small quad. Even if they sold the house,pared to their properties, it would not worth much and they could use the time and effort to spend on other more worthwhile matters.

    Therefore, returning the house to the school was the most straightforward solution.

    The timing was just right.

    The two retired teachers went back to Ping Cheng High School to learn more about the recent developments of the school. Coincidentally, the results of the college entrance examination were released and they took the time to look at the results.

    They were surprised that Ping Cheng High School had such good results in the college entrance examination, and they made huge improvements. Two years ago, when they called to check on the school, their results were still far behind.

    The principal told them of Qiao Nan¡¯s contribution to the school.

    All of the students who reported their results to their form teachers would remark that Qiao Nan was very urate in her spotting of questions and had been a great help to them.

    If they were not from the same school and did not know of Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities, or if Qiao Nan did note in fifth ce when she sat for the test with them on that day, they would be suspicious of her.

    They would have suspected that Qiao Nan had already seen the examination papers of the college entrance examination.

    In fact, all of the students from Ping Cheng High School were given a shock when they received the exam papers.

    Back then, the teachers in the examination room had thought that these students were frightened by the difficulty level of the exam papers.

    The teachers in the examination room paid particr attention to these students and realized that all of them were from Ping Cheng High School.

    In fact, the students from Ping Cheng High School could not believe that they would be so lucky. Even after sitting for the exams and waiting for the results at home, they still could not get over the surprise.

    It was only when they were told of their exact scores on the phone did they feel that everything was true. In the past two weeks, they felt as if they were dreaming.

    Only worldly-wise men would be principals.

    Principal Meng did not expect that getting Qiao Nan to help students spot the questions would turn out to be a brilliant move.

    He was merely returning a favor with a favor. Since the retired teachers had the intention, Principal Meng went with their wishes and gave the house to Qiao Nan.

    All the teachers in Ping Cheng High School had been allocated houses.

    Moreover, high school teachers had a pretty high sry, and the country ced importance on them, hence their sries increased every year. The teachers also enjoyed other benefits provided by the school. Thus, the teachers in Ping Cheng High School had been doing well.

    Since everyone had been doing well, if Principal Meng was to allocate the house to one of the teachers, it might spell trouble and the good intentions would have opposite effects.

    It so happened that the results of the college entrance examination were released. Hence, Principal Meng told the two retired teachers about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation and her family.

    They heard that Qiao Nan¡¯s mother was muddleheaded and biased, and she almost robbed Qiao Nan of the chance to continue with her studies.

    Upon learning that Qiao Nan might have to quit school if the school had not lent their house to her, their hearts ached at the hardships that such a talented girl like Qiao Nan had to go through.

    So, when Principal Meng raised his concerns and suggestions, the two retired teachers agreed readily.

    However, they would like to see Qiao Nan before transferring the house to Qiao Nan.

    After understanding the circumstances of the matter, Qiao Nan was very moved. ¡°Principal Meng, thank you.¡±

    ¡°This is the first matter. There is another piece of good news. This year, the college entrance examination results of Ping Cheng High School may break the record.¡± Principal Meng was all smiles on the other end of the phone. ¡°I will let you know the details when I receive the results slips given by the Education Bureau.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Principal Meng did not go into details, and Qiao Nan was confused. But at least, she understood that Ping Cheng High School did pretty well in the college entrance examination this year.

    Breaking the record. That was a daring way of putting it.

    ¡°How is it? I have said that the results will be very good this year and the principal will definitely give you a call. What¡¯s the situation now?¡± Shi Qing had been waiting by the side. She was excited and enthusiastic, as if she was the one, instead of Qiao Nan, who spotted the questions for the third-year students.

    ¡°Principal Meng only said that it is possible that we will break the record and that this year could be the best results that Ping Cheng High School has ever seen so far. As for the details, he will need to wait until he receives the results slips from the relevant department.¡± Qiao Nan looked to be in a daze.

    ¡°Goodness, record-breaking? Are the results that good or has Ping Cheng High School been performing badly?¡± Shi Qing had estimated that the results would be good, but she did not expect that it would break the record. Was it an exaggeration?

    ¡°Apart from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Ping Cheng High School is the next first-tier high school in Ping Cheng. What do you think?¡± Qiao Nan nced at Shi Qing. ¡°Besides, it may be that the students performed well and the teachers have taught them well. It is not my credit.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I won¡¯t create trouble for you. You still have one year to go in Ping Cheng High School. If you take all the credit this time, you will be in for trouble in the following year.¡± Shi Qing was amused. She knew that if one had too great an achievement, their boss would feel uneasy or insecure.

    It was rare that the school would do so well in the college entrance examination. All of the third-year cohort¡¯s teachers must be thrilled and hopeful of an increase in their sries and bonuses.

 Chapter 680 - Utter Anguish

    <h4>Chapter 680: Utter Anguish</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Everybody would be displeased if Qiao Nan took all the credit.

    ¡°Alright, stopughing. I am telling the truth. The credit has to go to the teachers who taught them for three years, and the third-year students who studied hard during their three years of high school. If the students just entered high school and I helped them spot the exam questions, they would not be able to do as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Shi Qing finally turned serious. ¡°Alright, I understand what you mean. I have indeed be overly proud of the results. By the way, I heard the mention of houses? What were you referring to? Does the school want to take back the house and want you to move out? It can¡¯t be, right?¡±

    Even though Qiao Nan could not take all the credit for the good results in the college entrance examination, at the very least, she contributed to their sess.

    Qiao Nan helped the school make huge improvements in their results, yet the school wanted her to move out? It was impossible.

    ¡°The school did not want us to move, but it¡¯splicated. The principal wants me to go to school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You have to go to school again!¡± Shi Qing was shocked. ¡°Perhaps Principal Meng wants to treat you to a meal? I don¡¯t understand as well. You were not sitting for the college entrance examination, yet you went to school as frequent as the third-year students.¡±

    Previously, although it was summer break, she had to go to school as she needed to spot the exam questions for the students.

    Tomorrow, the third-year students would receive their report card and then consider which university they wanted to go to. What would Qiao Nan be doing there?

    ¡°I am not sure. Since Principal Meng asked me to go, I have to.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She was intolerant to heat, yet she had to keep going outdoors during the hot summer.

    ¡°Do you want me to apany you?¡±

    ¡°No need...¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. You¡¯d better apany me to school.¡± Qiao Nan thought of the previous conversation with Principal Meng on the phone. She decided to bring Shi Qing along such that she could help her if anything cropped up.

    The results of the college entrance examinations across the country were released. The atmosphere in the school was as zing hot as the temperature in July.

    Some were happy while some were sad upon getting their detailed report cards.

    ¡°Principal Meng?¡± The teachers of Ping Cheng High School, especially the first- and second-year cohorts¡¯ teachers, were shocked when they saw the results. As for the third-year cohort¡¯s teachers, they were mentally prepared, so they were not as surprised.

    ¡°Haha, good, excellent! By the way, have the results of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China been released? Give me a copy.¡± Principal Meng was all smiles when he saw that the actual results were simr to the results that the students had calcted after finishing the exams and checking through the answers back in school.

    ¡°I am in the midst of it.¡±

    Principal Meng was anxious to know the results of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Simrly, Principal Wei was also trying to get his hands on the results of Ping Cheng High School.

    Each of them regarded the other party as their opponent. While they were concerned about their school¡¯s results, they were just as concerned about the results of the opposing school.

    ¡°Have the results of Ping Cheng High School been released? How many of them fall within the cut-off point for the first-tier universities? How many of them for the second-tier universities and how many for the third-tier universities? What is the enrollment rate?¡± Principal Wei was not interested to know the other details.

    Unless they were the top students, it would be good enough to know how many of them qualified for the cut-off point for the first-tier, second-tier, and third-tier universities. The small difference in the marks did not matter. It would only matter when they entered college and wanted to apply for a schrship.

    ¡°Here they are.¡± The vice principal¡¯s expression was solemn. He did not feel like looking at the report card of Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Principal Wei¡¯s heart jumped a bit. The vice principal was beaming in the morning, but he looked terrible right now. ¡°Is there any problem? Bring it over to me.¡± Principal Wei took the report card from the vice principal and scrutinized it. His expression darkened when he saw Ping Cheng High School¡¯s results.

    Minutes ago, he was ted at the good results of his school, but now, the cheerfulness had evaporated.

    Principal Wei waited a good while before he tore the report card of Ping Cheng High School. ¡°Alright, Ping Cheng High School and our school are two different schools. We only have to focus on doing our best. At most, Ping Cheng High School will get to have good results for one more year. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Principal Wei,¡± the vice principal replied meekly. He did not dare to be as confident and arrogant as he used to be or look down on the methods that Ping Cheng High School used.

    After all, the results were there for everyone to see. They were not fooling around. He no longer mocked their innovation. Instead, hemended them for their courage.

    The vice principal was given the shock of his life. How did Ping Cheng High School manage to score such astoundingly good results?

    He would feel slightly better if the good results were due to thebined efforts of the teachers and students in Ping Cheng High School.

    But the problem was that the second-year student who helped spot questions seemed to have made a difference as well!

    If possible, the vice principal would also like for his second-year student to spot the questions for the third-year students. But not every second-year student was capable of doing that.

    That second-year student in Ping Cheng High School was a geek!

    If two years ago...

    The vice principal and Principal Wei were thinking about the same thing. Two years ago, when he first heard that the top student in the province for the middle school examination had enrolled into Ping Cheng High School, like Meng Ping, he should have made use of his influence to get Qiao Nan toe to his school. Had he done so, the sess that Ping Cheng High School had right now would belong to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    If they did well for this year, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China no longer needed to be wary of Ping Cheng High School.

    Ping Cheng High School would have fallen far behind them.

    If he made sure that the teachers paid attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s studies and that she scored the highest mark for the college entrance examination, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would secure its position as the best high school in Ping Cheng.

    Back then, he heard that Qiao Nan did not even consider going to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Hence, he was not interested in getting Qiao Nan toe to their school.

    Qiao Nan was, after all, the top student in the province for the middle school examination. She had the potential to be the top student in the college entrance examination!

    The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China might have a long history of good results, but their students did note in the first ce in the college entrance examination. No matter how well they performed, they were still a distance from being the best!

    Ping Cheng High School was able to do well for the college entrance examination this year. Next year, Qiao Nan would still be able to spot questions for the students.

    If Ping Cheng High School continued to have such good results for the college entrance examination next year, the top student would be from that school!

    Principal Wei felt like spitting blood at the thought of that. He felt more anguished than the vice principal.

    If that happened, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would not be able to be the best high school in Ping Cheng. Instead, Ping Cheng High School would surpass them, bing the best high school!!

    Principal Wei felt nothing but anguish as he watched helplessly while his ambitious dream extinguished before him. On the other hand, Meng Ping was able to achieve it effortlessly with Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

 Chapter 681 - Queasy

    <h4>Chapter 681: Queasy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nobody would have expected that in a school where batches of students enrolled in and graduated from, there would be a day when the school¡¯s sess and achievements were because of one single student. It was too bizarre!

    Oh, man!

    Qiao Nan was unable toprehend the anger and anguish that Principal Wei felt. Because of Principal Meng¡¯s phone call, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing went to school early the next morning.

    When Qiao Nan and Shi Qing reached the school, it was bustling with activities. Today was the day the third-year students would receive their results, and their parents were concerned about which university they should apply to. All of them wanted to know the cut-off points for all the universities and ask their teachers which university was suitable for them.

    Of course, it was up to the students and their parents to write down their choices and make their own decisions.

    Qiao Nan ran into third-year students as soon as she entered the school. Qiao Nan might not know him but the student knew it was Qiao Nan at one nce. ¡°Hello, Qiao Nan, thank you for your help in the college entrance examination.¡±

    He was very grateful to Qiao Nan. He was able to get a score that was beyond his imagination and he was able to choose his favorite school. All this was thanks to Qiao Nan.

    The parents of the student looked at his son, feeling baffled. ¡°This is...?¡±

    ¡°Dad, this is the student that I told you about yesterday.¡± The male student smiled embarrassedly. His parents were just as surprised at his good results.

    His parents asked for details and he told them that a week before the exams, a second-year female student helped them spot questions and she was quite urate. The most important thing was that he was from the science ss. One of the questions during the exam was exactly the same type as the one that the female student spotted for them!

    That question alone had helped him score several points and he had more time to check through the difficult sums.

    With the extra time, he checked through his answers and spotted a lot of calction errors. If he did not spot these mistakes, he would not be able to go to his ideal university.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± The parents had an impression of the student that their son mentioned before. ¡°Youngdy, thank you. You are very capable.¡±

    ¡°That... It was the school¡¯s arrangements.¡± Qiao Nan was taken aback by the enthusiasm of the parents. ¡°Well, let¡¯s go to school now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go to school.¡±

    As soon as the parents waved them off, Qiao Nan brought Shi Qing to the principal¡¯s office.

    Inte July, the ssrooms of the third-year students were the only ces that were opened in the school. Qiao Nan was a second-year student. She had no other ce to go except for Principal Meng¡¯s office.

    After Qiao Nan left, the parents of the student asked, ¡°Is that youngdy a second-year student? Why is she so capable that she could spot questions for you?¡±

    Thankfully, the parents of the third-year students only learned of it after the college entrance examination was over and their children felt that they did well in the exams. Otherwise, they would have taken issue with the notion that the school had ridiculously allowed a second-year student to spot questions for third-year students. Was it not a waste of time?

    ¡°She is indeed capable.¡± The student had a look of admiration on his face. ¡°Do you know what we call her in our school?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Her surname is Qiao. Apart from the third-year students, the first- and second-year students address her as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ whenever they see her. The second-year students usually ask for her help when they encounter difficult problems, while the first-year students ask for her study notes. As for the third-year students, you already know about it.¡± She helped them spot questions. ¡°Before she spotted the questions for us, the school arranged for her to sit for a third-year equivalent exam with us. We either sat for the humanities exam or the science exam. She sat for both exams and ranked in the top five in the level.¡±

    The male student had goosebumps all over his body at the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s abnormal performance.

    They felt ashamed that a second-year student was better than the third-year students.

    ¡°That youngdy is so intelligent?¡± The parents finally realized that Qiao Nan was indeed smart. Her son and Qiao Nan had taken the same exam paper. Her son sat for one paper, while Qiao Nan sat for two papers. In the end, her results were better than her son¡¯s. They could not help but doubt that their son must have wasted his time in school. He was in his third year while Qiao Nan was only in her second year, yet she had better results than him.

    ¡°That was why the principal wanted her to spot questions for us in thest seven days. He could not put our college entrance examination at risk.¡± Initially, he thought that the principal had made a mistake.

    ¡°Young brat, aren¡¯t you embarrassed? The youngdy from the second year spotted the questions for all the third-year students. What were you doing in the extra one year that you had in school?¡± The parents had mixed feelings toward their son. On one hand, their son was the best as he did very well in the college entrance examination and was able to get into a first-tier university.

    On the other hand, he might be clever, but he was not as good as that youngdy.

    It was beyond one¡¯s imagination that a second-year student would spot the exam questions for the third-year students.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be embarrassed about.¡± The boy touched his head. ¡°Do you know that ssmate Qiao is the provincial top student in the middle school examination? Everyone at school has been saying that she may likely be the first top student from our school one year from now.¡±

    He was already very thankful that he was able to go to a first-tier university. She was the top student in the middle school examination. There was no way that he could bepared to her.

    ¡°The top student in the college entrance examination? She hasn¡¯t been in her third year and she is already this capable?¡± The parents were taken aback by Qiao Nan¡¯s performance. ¡°Hey, what did she have when she grew up? She is too smart.¡± She was only in her second year, yet all the teachers predicted that she would likely be the top student in the college entrance examination next year.

    ¡°My son, you have to answer me honestly. Has she been of any help by spotting the exam questions?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± The student lowered his tone. ¡°She has spotted several of the difficult questions in the exams. Students from other schools had to take some time to think about the questions. For us, as long as we studied hard at school and listened to her ss, we could do the questions right away. I suppose it is because of her that our school has good results in the college entrance examination.¡±

    Until now, the male ssmates still felt very surreal. He had not expected that he would be so lucky and that Qiao Nan would spot several questions urately, especially those that were time-consuming.

    His parents were left speechless with wonder. ¡°Did this family have any other way of knowing the exam questions?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t tease me. There are so many students in our school, and of course, there are a lot of parents. I don¡¯t know about other people, but I know the youngdy¡¯s mother and sister very well.¡± The student told his father about the past deeds of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 682 - What a Capable Young Lady

    <h4>Chapter 682 What a Capable Young Lady</h4>

    ¡°Given such a situation, tell me, what kind of strings could she pull? Furthermore, is it possible for college entrance examination questions to leak out? If the questions do leak out, even a senior-ranking official will be badly punished for being involved.¡±

    This would be a matter of political unrest in the education sector.

    ¡°You¡¯re just a child. Don¡¯t spout nonsense.¡± The parent shook his head. True enough, no one was perfect in this world. With such a mother and sister, this youngdy could forget about having a proper life if she was not determined to seed.

    ¡°Principal.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is here. Come,e,e. Quicklye in.¡± Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s voice, Principal Meng quickly let Qiao Nan in.

    After Qiao Nan entered the principal¡¯s office, she discovered that a gray-haired elderly couple was also present.

    Qiao Nan gave a quick and gentle bow to the two of them. The elderly couple responded with a friendly smile. ¡°Principal, you asked me toe here today. Is there any matter?¡±

    ¡°No matter what, you¡¯ve assisted our students who took this year¡¯s college entrance examination in their revision for seven days. Take a look at the estimated college admission rate of our school. After all, you¡¯re someone who contributed to this.¡± Principal Mengughed as he passed Qiao Nan a list for her to read.

    Qiao Nan took the list. She was quite surprised when she read it. At this time, such an admission rate was truly considered high. Even in the future, it would also be consideredpetitive. ¡°Have the admission scores for all the colleges in the nation also been announced?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the situation is as such.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, this time, I sincerely thank you very much on behalf of the school and students. I¡¯ve heard from the students. You are able to spot questions very well and have been of great help to them in the examinations this time around.¡±

    At the sight of Principal Meng grinning from ear to ear as if he was the Maitreya Buddha, Qiao Nan felt very awkward. ¡°Principal, please don¡¯t say that. Our seniors have done well this time mainly due to their own efforts and also the hard work of all the teachers of the third-year cohort. Actually, I didn¡¯t contribute that much. I just spotted a few questions for them. This can mostly be credited to the hard work of the third-year cohort.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Principal Meng, do you know what Qiao Nan told me yesterday?¡± Shi Qing, who invited herself, did not feel embarrassed to speak out even in the presence of the elderly couple who were strangers to her.

    ¡°What did she say?¡± Principal Meng asked curiously.

    ¡°I praised Qiao Nan for her ability to spot questions. Instead, Qiao Nan questioned me if she were to help spot questions for a student who had just been admitted to senior high school, how many marks the student would score.¡± When she thought of these words, Shi Qing felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s reply was so amazing. ¡°At that time, I waspletely dumbfounded. I was happy for her but she seemed so nonchnt about it. She even posed such a difficult question. However, having thought about it, what Qiao Nan said made sense too.¡±

    In the absence of a strong foundation in studies, it would not be of help no matter how good Qiao Nan was in spotting questions.

    ¡°Haha, everyone deserves credit. Everyone. No one is dispensable. Qiao Nan, I guess you¡¯re going to be very busy this summer. You can¡¯t skip the appreciation banquet. Just now, a few parents came and asked me if they can invite you for meals to celebrate together.¡±

    Qiao Nan was so humble. She did not im credit for herself. Instead, she was down-to-earth and credited the teachers and students of the third-year cohort.

    Who would not like such a sensible and modest student?

    ¡°Principal, please don¡¯t mind. Please help Qiao Nan decline all that you can. Though she seems quite healthy usually, she doesn¡¯t eat or sleep well during summertime. She¡¯ll only feel peaceful when she reads. If you ask her to run to and fro to attend those appreciation meals, she¡¯ll lose a few pounds instead of putting on weight in the end,¡± Shi Qing said on behalf of Qiao Nan.

    If they continued to create such dins, those meals would not be appreciation meals. It would be a form of revenge.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Principal Meng hesitated for a while. ¡°Then, when I asked you toe back during the summer vacation to help the third-year students, it must have been tough on you. Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡±

    Qiao Nan had never mentioned the ailments that she suffered during summer to Principal Meng before. If Shi Qing had not mentioned it today, Principal Meng would not have known.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. When it¡¯s summer, I¡¯ll feel bad no matter where I am.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hands and was reluctant to borate.

    Since Qiao Nan appeared, the elderly couple had been observing her. Whenever they heard what Qiao Nan said, they had been nodding continuously. They then hinted at Principal Meng with their eyes to let him know that that matter could proceed.

    Principal Meng was overjoyed and smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan, we certainly owed it much to you this time. Hence, our school can¡¯t let you work in vain. Do you still remember what I previously told you about the house?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°But I came today to say that I can¡¯t ept the house.¡±

    In her previous life, she was financially squeezed by her mother and Qiao Zijin. Clearly, she had earned a lot of money but could only stay in a rented apartment that was slightly over ten square meters. Since she had been forced to move out from the quad, she was more resolute to earn and save up money and buy a property under her own name in the future. In that case, she would have a house that wholly belonged to her.

    Qiao Nan longed badly for a house. However, she was not willing to take something that should not belong to her.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want it?¡±

    ¡°Why not!¡±

    The first question was asked by Principal Meng, while the second one was from Shi

    Qing.

    Shi Qing tugged at Qiao Nan. Someone was willing to give her a house and she did not want it? Was she a fool?

    Qiao Nan took back her hand and ignored Shi Qing. She looked up, her chest lifted and her back straightened. ¡°Principal Meng, I heard that the owners of the house have passed the management rights of the house to the school. They intend to let it benefit the people in the school. I¡¯m already very embarrassed to borrow the house from the school for three years. Hence, I simply can¡¯t ept this house. Even though my family¡¯s situation may be the only one that¡¯s unique in Ping Cheng High School, but I believe Ping Cheng High School will most likely take in students with simr plights as me in the future. When that timees, as long as this house is still around, it will help at least one of the students, if not all of them.¡±

    A gentleman who desires wealth makes it in good ways.

    The house did not belong to her. She did not have the shame to ept it even if they were to give it to her at no cost.

    Qiao Nan had considered it carefully. At this time, everyone¡¯s sries were really not high. Although a cradle-to-grave job such as being a teacher came with good benefits,pared to the years after 2010, there was no shortage in the supply of property in the year of 2000.

    However, in another ten years¡¯ time,nds and properties would be in great demand. The property that she was currently staying at was at a particrly excellent location. The government would invest and redevelop it in the future. That would trante torge sums of money.

    Not to mention this sum of money, in another ten years¡¯ time, there would be a shortage of amodation for many people, including the teachers and students in Ping Cheng High School. With this small courtyard around, the school could arrange a few people to stay at the ce ording to the needs then. It would solve the problems associated with amodation.

 Chapter 683 - She Has Good Character

    <h4>Chapter 683 She Has Good Character</h4>

    Hence, the existence of this small courtyard was necessary.

    As long as its ownership was not transferred to her and the school retained the rights of the management and distribution, the school could resolve temporary housing shortage issues for a few teachers.

    As for her, she could not possibly continue to remain in Ping Cheng for her college studies after the college entrance examination. She would go to another ce to widen her horizons and create a different future.

    In other words, the probability of her staying in Ping Cheng in the future was not high, let alone to continue staying in the small courtyard that she was staying at now.

    In this case, if the school were to give the small courtyard to her, it would be unupied again within two years. It would only be collecting dust.

    ¡°The school has been using this property very appropriately. Hence, I think it¡¯s quite good to let the school continue managing it.¡± As for her, she was very grateful but she did not need to be part of their consideration. ¡°Currently, no one else needs it besides me. A few years, or even a few decadester, we don¡¯t know for certain what will happen. To the school, there¡¯s no harm in retaining this house to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, have you told your father about this matter? You can make the decision... by yourself?¡± Principal Meng was very surprised that Qiao Nan would decline such a god-send gift. In the eyes of others, to be given a property for free was such a good thing that most people yearned for.

    Qiao Nan had not only encountered but also rejected it. Principal Meng did not get what Qiao Nan meant because Qiao Nan, this genius, was too intelligent andplex. Or was Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s standard ofnguage too high, and thus it was normal for ordinary people not to understand her?

    After all, this was a house they were talking about. Principal Meng regretted only speaking to Qiao Nan alone over the phone.

    Coming to school to discuss the house was such an important matter.

    It was already this time and Principal Meng had not seen Qiao Dongliang. He was very disappointed. He knew that Qiao Dongliang was noting. But then, did Qiao Nan ever bring this up to Qiao Dongliang?

    ¡°Have you told your father about this?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    True enough...

    ¡°But I can make the decision.¡± Qiao Nan did not feel guilty or afraid. She kept her back very straight. ¡°Principal, you said you¡¯ll be giving that house to me and not the Qiao family. Or are you giving it to my dad and not me?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s for you only.¡±

    ¡°That means, after I ept it, the small courtyard will have me as the legal owner and its upant. Since it will be mine, I should be able to consider whether to ept it, right?¡±

    This was a piece of real estate, not a bun or some pocket money. It was equivalent to a huge sum of money.

    ¡°I believe that my dad will support my decision. Principal, I really can¡¯t ept this house. It¡¯s not that I can move out if you take it back now. I still have to stay for some time, at least for a year before I could move out. When the house is unupied, Principal Meng can then arrange amodation for others ording to the needs of the school. The fact that there¡¯s no problem now does not mean that there won¡¯t be any in the future. This is something that the school is giving to me only. Hence, I should have the right to ept or decline it. Principal, I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t take it.¡±

    She would, at most, be studying at Ping Cheng High School for another year. If she were to con a house for the sake of this one year, Qiao Nan would feel uneasy about it.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s every word reflected that she was sparing a thought for Ping Cheng High School. Principal Meng hesitated for a while. He did not know how to retort Qiao Nan, or rather, if he should still insist on giving the house to her.

    Just as Qiao Nan said, no one knew what would happen in the future.

    To the school, the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages if they had more assets in their possessions.

    At this juncture, Principal Meng felt troubled. It seemed that it was a mistake whether to give or not.

    At this moment, the elderly couple who had been smiling like a moon stood up. Their expressions were as warm and soothing as the breeze in the spring. ¡°Principal Meng, this matter will be decided as such.¡±

    At first, Principal Meng was stunned. ¡°But...¡± Qiao Nan had already declined to ept the house in front of the two elderly.

    ¡°This youngdy has a good temperament and she¡¯s very forward-looking. She¡¯s certainly a talent. If we have more of such youngsters in the country, we won¡¯t need to worry about not being strong. We¡¯re all citizens of China. We¡¯re the same. This is Ping Cheng, a ce that she was born and grew up in. A bird knows when to fly back to its nest when it¡¯s tired. It¡¯s quite good that way.¡±

    The elderly grandfather expressed that Qiao Nan had to find a ce to stay if she were to return to Ping Cheng.

    The elderly couple was very satisfied to give the small courtyard that was filled with their beautiful memories to such a down-to-earth and honest youngdy.

    As for the situation many yearster, the elderly grandfather expressed that they were already old and their brains were not that good anymore. They could not foresee what would happen many decadester and could not prepare for such a rainy day.

    They could not possibly keep a watch on Meng Ping every day and to whom he would lend the house after they left the world, could they?

    They would only intervene within their means and time. Anyway, he and his spouse felt that this youngdy was quite good. They felt assured to give the small courtyard to her.

    The youngdy was very young but she knew a lot. She understood that one should not gain for nothing and could be objective and fair. Most importantly, she was at peace with herself and not impetuous at all. She did not have the arrogance of the youngsters nowadays.

    As the older generation, they favored youngsters with temperament and behavior like that of Qiao Nan. They would not set their eyes on youngsters who werepetitive in every matter. They even felt a little revulsion toward them.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do this then. Principal Meng, once you¡¯ve made the arrangements, we¡¯ll sign the papers. Sorry to trouble you.¡± The elderly couple was exhausted after finally making a trip back via the ne.

    After they settled the issue of this property in Ping Cheng, they were prepared to return to their hometown to live the rest of their lives. They were not going on long trips anymore.

    Hence, they still had to rely on Principal Meng to run a few errands if they really were to transfer the ownership of this house to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s decided then. I¡¯ll send the two of you off.¡± The elderly couple was resolute in their decision. Principal Meng had nothing much to say either. He would not persuade them to do otherwise either. Anyway, his original thought was that it was a good arrangement to give this house to Qiao Nan. Furthermore, this house was not a property of the school but the elderly couple.

    Now that the owners were very certain that they would give the house to Qiao Nan, that little strayed thought of Principal Meng earlier vanished into thin air. He just wanted to settle this matter graciously and properly as soon as possible so that both parties involved could rejoice over it.

    ¡°No need. The chauffeur has been waiting for us. Our limbs are old. We certainly can¡¯t run anymore.¡± The elderly grandfather eximed that they did not need Principal Meng to fetch them. He held on to his spouse as the two of them make their way out slowly.

    Shi Qing tugged at Qiao Nan¡¯s shirt. ¡°Who¡¯s that elderly couple? Why is Principal Meng so polite to them?¡± It was as if he was sending off his own parents.

 Chapter 684 - Settling the Administrative Matters

    <h4>Chapter 684 Settling the Administrative Matters</h4>

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Qiao Nan replied softly. ¡°I¡¯ve not seen them before. Moreover, we don¡¯t have many chances to enter the principal¡¯s office.¡±

    ¡°Could they be the grandparents of one of the third-year students this year? They came to thank the principal specially as the student did well in the exams?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡±

    During the short time that Principal Meng was sending the elderly couple out, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing secretly conversed with each other. When Principal Meng was back, the two of them resumed their normal selves.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know who that elderly couple was?¡± Principal Meng sat down, his face full of smiles. Now, when he looked at Qiao Nan, he felt that she was such a good student in every way.

    Although he had not seen Principal Wei yet, he could guess how regretful Principal Wei must have felt about not finding ways to get Qiao Nan into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China previously.

    Nevertheless, Principal Meng also had not expected that, when he offered some terms to recruit Qiao Nan to Ping Cheng High School two years ago, she would bring about such great changes to the school today.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know...¡± Qiao Nan was at a loss for words. Why did Principal Meng say the same thing as Shi Qing?

    ¡°They¡¯re the owners of the house. They have just returned from overseas. They were at our school to take a look, and coincidentally, it was the period of the college entrance examination. They were very concerned about the school¡¯s situation. When they knew that we¡¯ve achieved record-breaking results this year, they were ted. Qiao Nan, thanks so much.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± There were two big question marks in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She did not understand why she had to be thanked again.

    Principal Meng pursed his lips. He was trying very hard not to curve the corners of his lips too wide and appeared over-conceited. ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned to you before. Their children are Chinese. The retired teachers hold the school dear. They also ce great importance on education matters in the country. Just now, the elderly couple said they wanted to sponsor our schoolputerbs and multimedia ssrooms!¡±

    Principal Meng was well aware that Ping Cheng High School¡¯s excellent results for the college entrance examination this year had garnered the attention of many. The elderly couple then quickly decided to invest in Ping Cheng High School, and not other schools.

    Principal Meng felt that his recent luck had been too good. Besides meeting a student like Qiao Nan, many good things kepting to him.

    Other people had all the bad things happening at the same time, while he had all the good things urring together. He was simply overjoyed!

    Because of these fewputerbs and multimedia ssrooms, when Principal Meng sent the elderly couple outside, he felt like he was floating, as if he was stepping on soft clouds.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just theputerbs or the multimedia ssrooms. The elderly couple, or rather, their children seem to have other ns as well.¡± Principal Meng took a deep breath. If he drew all these sponsorships to Ping Cheng High School, he dared to promise everyone that Ping Cheng High School would definitely be the top tier high school with wholesome learning resources in Ping Cheng and even the province.

    What was it about surpassing The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and bing the top school in Ping Cheng? When that time came, being the top school in Ping Cheng would be an understatement. His target would be the top school in the province!

    ¡°Congrats.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. If that was really the case, it was great.

    Not long after, Information Technology would be prevalent in the whole world and not just China.

    A few yearster, even the primary school children had to learn how to use aputer, let alone the high school students.

    However, in the year 2000, things such asputers were very rare. A lot of money had to be spent to set up such ab. Furthermore, it would be a fewbs. If they included the few multimedia ssrooms, then the sum of money required for this investment was really not little.

    When the facilities in the school were good, to a certain extent, the quality of the education would also improve. It could be considered as a positive cycle.

    However, regardless of how well Ping Cheng High School developed, Qiao Nan would not be able to utilize all these resources when they were ready.

    Shi Qing¡¯s mouth formed an alphabet ¡®o¡¯. All of a sudden, she did not know if she should say that Qiao Nan, or Ping Cheng High School and Principal Meng, was just too lucky.

    Qiao Nan helped spot some questions and she would be getting a small courtyard for free.

    This year, the college entrance examination results for Ping Cheng High School were shockingly excellent. Principal Meng was already in great limelight. He even encountered such a big investment and sponsorship. Was this a momentum that Ping Cheng High School was prepared to take as it soared?

    ¡°Same, same.¡± Principal Meng massaged the part of his face that was overworked from that smile of his that could not stop. ¡°The elderly couple heard what you said but they still decided to give you the house. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t decline. The elderly couple and their children don¡¯tck this little bit. Actually, their children also wish tounch some projects to build their image in China. They have their own objectives as well. It can be considered a win-win situation. Please ept this house. Next year, if you score well, they may even be able to build their name with a story about sponsoring a poor and outstanding student.¡±

    It was a little exaggerated, but from a business perspective, as long as there was a use for it, it was possible that the other party would make use of it since the investment had been made.

    It could be said that Qiao Nan did not take the house for nothing. Furthermore, it was the elderly couple who decided to give it to her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be humble. Don¡¯t feel guilty either. When the retired teachers were present, you performed very well. If you did not perform well, this house might not belong to you. At the end of the day, it¡¯s your kindness that earned you this. Of course, I¡¯m justmenting and not advocating feudal or superstitious mentality. Nevertheless, there will always be cause and effect. It¡¯s the same as karma.¡±

    When Principal Meng looked at Qiao Nan, he treated her as his own niece. He not only asked Qiao Nan to ept the house but also taught Qiao Nan the reasoning behind it.

    It was also because Qiao Nan had performed graciously and presentably in front of the elderly couple. She was not greedy despite her young age. She was so down-to-earth. The elderly couple felt that she was someone that was hard toe by.

    If Qiao Nan was a greedy one, the retired teachers might hesitate and eventually decide to return the management rights of the house to the school. Just like Qiao Nan said, even if the teachers were notcking in anything, they might meet a student like her who was in a poor and difficult situation.

    Instead of giving the house to one that did not know how to be grateful, they would rather transfer the ownership directly to a student of Ping Cheng High School. After all, they had stayed in this ce for most of their lifetime.

    Just as Principal Meng said, whatever the cause would be the effect.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face was filled with confusion. She really did not expect that the elderly couple who had just left were the ones who were going to give the house to her.

    ¡°The retired teachers don¡¯t have a lot of time. Regarding the matter about sponsoring Ping Cheng High School, the secretaries of their children will follow up on it with us. Hence, bring your bank ount and identity card along to thend authorities to settle the administrative matters tomorrow. Also, the retired teachers¡¯ intention is to transfer the ownership of the small courtyard to you only. The good thing is that you¡¯re an adult and have an identity card now. It¡¯s thus fine for us to do this.¡±

 Chapter 685 - Poor Judgment of Character

    <h4>Chapter 685 Poor Judgment of Character</h4>

    ¡°They considered it so thoroughly?¡± Shi Qing had been eximing for a long time.

    ¡°Principal?¡± Qiao Nan sniffed. She was choking so much that she could not speak a word.

    The two elderly teachers had such ns as they knew her family situation. They were sparing a thought for her.

    ¡°Alright, dirty linen should not be aired in public. I hope you don¡¯t me me for being such a bigmouth. The old retired teachers are open-minded. They even stayed overseas before. They¡¯re more forward-thinking than our typical Chinese men. Your five fingers are different in lengths. You can¡¯t control other things. This is considered their kindness to you. The retired teachers have already spared so much thought for you. Don¡¯t decline it anymore. One should not reject the elderly¡¯s good intentions. Understand?¡±

    The two retired teachers thought of giving the house to Qiao Nan precisely because Qiao Nan had worked and studied hard. She had contributed much to the development of the school.

    It could be treated as financial assistance or reward. The two elderly teachers also hoped that the kind-hearted Qiao Nan could lead a better life in the future.

    The problem was that, if the ownership of the house was transferred to her father, given theplex rtionships in the Qiao family, this could, unfortunately, spell endless trouble if estate disputes were to ur in the future. It would not be nice then.

    Prevention is better than cure.

    There were some necessary preparations to be done. It was better to be the ¡®viin¡¯ first.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan sniffed and nodded.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Nan¡¯s greatest hope was to earn lots of money and then own a house that belonged to her only so that she would have a house that was hers and not rted to the Qiao family.

    Her next-of-kin rted to her by blood had been finding ways and means to squeeze her financially. On the contrary, while relying on outsiders, she had joined others to be a property owner at such a young age.

    Her own family could not even bepared to outsiders. This made Qiao Nan feel bitterly disappointed. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan felt very warm at heart when she sensed the care and concern from others.

    ¡°Alright, you should go back first before the sun bes brighter. I¡¯ll fetch you at your house tomorrow so that we can settle the matter of the house properly.¡± After knowing that Qiao Nan suffered from summer ailments, Principal Meng dared not make Qiao Nan stay longer, in case Qiao Nan would feel worse when the sun turned brighter.

    ¡°Thank you, Principal Meng.¡± Principal Meng and the two elderly had already made themselves so clear and considered it so thoroughly. Qiao Nan would really feel embarrassed if she kept declining.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan had other thoughts in mind after taking over the house.

    ¡°Principal, then Qiao Nan and I will go back first.¡± Shi Qing looked like she was in high spirits and extremely happy.

    She had widened her horizons. If one were to study well and ran into good luck, they could even get a house for free.

    Qiao Nan was not the reincarnation of the money doll, so why did she have a share in all the good things? Of course, Qiao Nan did not have a share of ¡®good mother¡¯ and ¡®good sister¡¯.

    It was true that no one was perfect. Qiao Nan wascking in the aspects of ¡®mother¡¯ and ¡®sister¡¯ but her luck in other areas was extraordinarily good!

    ¡°Okay, be careful on the road.¡±

    After leaving Principal Meng¡¯s office, Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder emotionally. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re going to be rich. How old are you? You have your own house at such a young age. You can lift your head and chest up in the future. As for the money that you owe Brother Zhai, there¡¯s no hurry. Given the situation, you can raise the fees on those who hired you to do tuition. Won¡¯t it be easy to pay back the debts then?¡±

    After Qiao Nan repaid all the debts that she owed Brother Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua would not be able to discriminate against Qiao Nan anymore.

    Would Qiao Nan take advantage of Brother Zhai?

    From certain perspectives, up until now, Brother Zhai had most probably been taking more advantage of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Haha, you still remember that?¡± Because of the previous matter about the clothing, Shi Qing still bore a grudge against Sister Zhai Hua until today. On the other hand, Qiao Nan had let go of it and it did not bother her as much as before.

    Nevertheless, she would still feel a little uneasy whenever this matter was brought up.

    ¡°Of course, I remember. Clearly, Sister Zhai Hua is not that kind of person. Don¡¯t tell me she has changed just because she¡¯s in a rtionship now.¡± Until now, Shi Qing still felt unjustified. Why did the big sister who, in her memory, did not have a good temper but was very kind, be so discriminating? She even hurt someone with her words.

    When she heard Zhai Hua doubting Qiao Nan that day, Shi Qing was nearly convinced that the Zhai Hua before was, in fact, someone else.

    ¡°In a romantic rtionship? Sister Zhai Hua is in a rtionship?¡± Qiao Nan paused in her steps and looked at Shi Qing. ¡°Who is Sister Zhai Hua in a rtionship with?¡±

    ¡°It has been almost two years, almost the same duration as Brother Zhai and you. The other party is an ordinary soldier in the army. He¡¯s not even a toon leader. Of course, we shouldn¡¯t judge a book by its cover. However, his achievements are really too poor. You may not even have an impression of him even if I tell you who he is. When you were giving sses in the army, he¡¯s one of those in the over twenty soldiers left who insisted to attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses. At that time, I already found it strange. Since he¡¯s in a rtionship with Sister Zhai Hua, shouldn¡¯t he be keen on improving himself? Why did he attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses? It¡¯s just that it¡¯s someone else¡¯s matter, so it¡¯s not convenient for me toment. From what I know, Sister Zhai Hua likes that guy very much.¡±

    When Shi Qing opened her mouth, the secrets that came out of it were not small.

    Qiao Nan dared to bet that, regarding Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship, thebined knowledge of all of the Zhai family members about this would not be more than that of Shi Qing alone.

    Shi Qing and Zhai Hua could be considered as close pals.

    Since that was the case, after so many years, why was it that Qiu Chenxi was Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e whereas Shi Qing had to watch from the side?

    ¡°How lousy is that boyfriend of Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Qiao Nan asked curiously.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he lousy? Anyway, it¡¯s been two years. I don¡¯t see anything good in that guy. I don¡¯t know why Sister Zhai Hua is so bent on being together with him. After Sister Zhai Hua is with him, she changed so much. Qiao Nan, tell me, when Sister Zhai Hua targeted you previously, could she have been influenced by that guy? Really, Sister Zhai Hua was not like that in the past.¡±

    The more Shi Qing thought about it, the more she felt that Zhai Hua¡¯s change was due to that man. If that was the case, that guy was definitely not a good person. Otherwise, why did he bring all the bad influences and no good ones to Sister Zhai Hua?

    ¡°I can¡¯t figure it out.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She was not able to analyze Zhai Hua¡¯s situation.

    She just got to know that Zhai Hua was actually in a rtionship. Moreover, that boyfriend of Zhai Hua had been bent on attending Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses instead of hers.

    As to the reason, at the very least, this boyfriend of Sister Zhai Hua definitely did not attend Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses just because he wanted to look at pretty girls.

    Sister Zhai Hua had such a prominent family background. Regardless of whether this man was outstanding, as long as he was a man, he would certainly want to rise in the ranks and make himself morepatible with Sister Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 686 - A Light Bulbâ€™s Self-Awareness

    <h4>Chapter 686 A Light Bulb¡¯s Self-Awareness</h4>

    She, a youngdy, was already striving to improve herself as she was afraid that others would gossip that she was ipatible with Brother Zhai if they were to get married in the future. She was fearful that others would say that she was with Brother Zhai for his family background.

    As a man, one would certainly have the same and stronger thoughts about it.

    Qiao Nan was now more curious about whether Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family were aware that Zhai Hua was in a rtionship, and who her partner was.

    ¡°Same. I don¡¯t understand what Sister Zhai Hua is trying to do as well.¡± Shi Qing shook her head badly. The situation of Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s partner was not better than that of Qiao Nan. In fact, it was worse.

    Qiao Nan was, after all, a student with outstanding grades. She had a bright future with various possibilities ahead of her. However, that boyfriend of Sister Zhai Hua was only an ordinary soldier in the army. He was not even a toon leader. His personal qualities were also very different from Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s.

    If Brother Zhai could not even be together with Qiao Nan, then Sister Zhai Hua and that soldier could forget about their rtionship.

    ¡°Right, do you intend to tell your dad about the school rewarding you with a house?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t really feel like telling him,¡± Qiao Nan sighed and said selfishly.

    ¡°Afraid that Uncle Qiao can¡¯t keep the secret?¡±

    ¡°Yes, actually, it¡¯s not just my dad. Qiao Zijin and my mom too. My dad is too honest in front of them and the two of them are too scheming in front of him. It may add on to my dad¡¯s woes if I tell him.¡± Qiao Zijin understood each of her family members very well. Everyone had a problem and she could not entirely me this on her father.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t tell Uncle Qiao, will you be able to settle the title deed?¡± This was an issue too.

    ¡°Not difficult.¡± Toward this, Qiao Nan was confident. ¡°My identity card is with me. If I request for the family register, my dad will definitely hand it to me. Even if I don¡¯t tell him, I¡¯ll be able to find it.¡±

    Previously, when they moved out of the quad, her father had taken the family register with him.

    ¡°Then, do you intend to take it yourself?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll ask my dad,¡± Qiao Nan said after some consideration. ¡°It¡¯s better that way.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Qing nodded. If they were to tell Uncle Qiao about this matter, they were afraid that Uncle Qiao would feel burdened and eventually be cajoled by others and let the cat out of the bag. This would create more trouble for Qiao Nan. If she did not say a word about it, Qiao Nan would feel uneasy as well.

    Hence, Qiao Nan would directly ask Uncle Qiao for the family register and give him some hints. As to how much Uncle Qiao could make out of it, that would be up to him.

    Everyone belonged to the same family, yet they had to consider to this extent when doing things. Shi Qing felt disheartened thinking about it.

    Nevertheless, at the thought of her own family situation, Shi Qing felt that her Shi family was not any better than the Qiao family.

    When Qiao Nan and Shi Qing arrived home, they saw a man standing as straight as a por tree and as tall and sturdy as a pine tree at the entrance. He exuded a strict and formal aura in that camouged soldier uniform of

    his.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± At the sight of Brother Zhai, Qiao Nan was pleasantly surprised.

    ¡°Where did you go?¡± Zhai Sheng took off his cap. That hair surrounding the rim of his cap was drenched in sweat. His originally tanned skin looked even darker under the sunshine. In clich¨¦ terms, Zhai Sheng had turned darker.

    ¡°I went to school.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door and let Zhai Sheng in.

    At the sight of Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing shriveled her lips unhappily. However, she did not have the courage to follow them into the house. She went back to her own house instead.

    Shi Qing very much wanted to follow them. After all, she enjoyed thepany of Qiao Nan and it was not because of Brother Zhai.

    However, from her past experience, Shi Qing understood a principle. It did not matter if she was a light bulb to anyone else, regardless of how bright she was. However, she should not be a light bulb between Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan because Brother Zhai knew how to teach people a lesson.

    Qiao Nan was amused when she saw that Shi Qing did not follow them into the house. Shi Qing only behaved in this way when Zhai Sheng was around. ¡°Brother Zhai, what¡¯s wrong with Shi Qing and you? Each time youe, Shi Qing will leave on her own ord.¡±

    Shi Qing was not someone so abiding. Having been used to Shi Qing following her around, Qiao Nan was now a little not used to having her ¡®tail¡¯, Shi Qing, missing.

    Zhai Sheng seemed as if he was back in his own house. He took off his soldier cap and conveniently removed his jacket. He then slumped on the sofa and revealed his upper body that was in a singlet, revealing the firm muscles on his wide shoulders and strong arms that were as thick as Qiao Nan¡¯s thighs.

    Zhai Sheng had just been sitting for a while, and the house of the Qiao family, which was not considered small, seemed to have been filled with that domineering aura of Zhai Sheng. It made one feel as though they were suffocating

    ¡°Wipe your sweat.¡± Qiao Nan was holding a wrung towel in one hand and a cup of warm water in another. That gentle and affectionate demeanor disyed when she was taking care of Zhai Sheng was akin to that of a wife.

    Zhai Sheng reached out and pulled Qiao Nan so that she would sit beside him. He then took over the towel and wiped away the beads of sweat on his hair. Thereafter, he turned his face to lean toward Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She then tilted the cup of water toward Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth and the water naturally went in.

    The two had been together for less than two years but their total time spent together was not more than two months. Nevertheless, the atmosphere between the two seemed as though they had been a married couple for many years. There were familiarity and chemistry.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re really...¡± After Zhai Sheng finished his water, Qiao Nan felt embarrassed and said, ¡°Drink by yourself after you finish wiping off the sweat.¡±

    It was always the same. Why was it that each time Brother Zhai came to her house, his hands seemed to be temporarily handicapped?

    It was fine when no one was around. Once, Shi Qing was present. As Zhai Sheng had been used to being fed, he tilted his head for Qiao Nan to feed him.

    Qiao Nan had lifted the cup of water, but when she realized that Shi Qing was just behind her, she was stunned and just stuffed the cup into Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand to let him take the drink himself.

    It was also since that time that, whenever Zhai Sheng appeared, Shi Qing would abidingly leave and disappear.

    But even if that was so, Qiao Nan was still not quite used to it. Why was it that when they were together, Brother Zhai was not used to using his own hands to feed himself?

    ¡°Thirsty.¡± Could not wait.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan did not believe that he was terribly thirsty.

    Zhai Shengughed gently and looked at Qiao Nan teasingly. ¡®Still not feeding me?¡¯

    Qiao Nan was angry. So, she was the one at fault?

    Although she was angry, Qiao Nan took over the towel that Zhai Sheng had just used. She went to wring it another time for Zhai Sheng to wipe himself again. After the heat from Zhai Sheng¡¯s face seemed to have reduced, she then sat down without any further movement.

    After wiping, the heat in his body dissipated much. That gentle frown of Zhai Sheng had also rxed. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of feeling warm? Why did you go to school without any apparent reason?¡±

    Besides Shi Qing, only Zhai Sheng, who was not often in Ping Cheng, knew clearly about the ailments that Qiao Nan suffered from during summer.

    ¡°Principal Meng told me he¡¯s giving this house to me. He¡¯s bringing me to settle the transfer of ownership tomorrow. Hence, I made a trip to school.¡± Qiao Nan did not intend to keep this from Zhai Sheng at all. She told Zhai Sheng everything.

 Chapter 687 - A Special Way of Cooling Down in Summer

    <strong>Chapter 687 A Special Way of Cooling Down in Summer</strong>

    ¡°Transfer of ownership? What¡¯s the reason?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Just because you spotted questions for the third-year students? This house doesn¡¯t belong to him, right?¡± Hence, Principal Meng did not have the right to decide on whether to transfer the house to Nan Nan.

    ¡°The owners of the house are back. I bumped into them coincidentally today but we didn¡¯t

    talk.¡±

    The suspicion in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes vanished immediately. ¡°What are your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°I have declined initially but Principal Meng convinced me to ept it. He even said that the owners had expressed firmly that the ownership of the house can only be transferred to me.¡± After thinking, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng as if she was in a dilemma. ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t intend to tell my dad about this, but I intend to openly ask him for the family register.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too, as long as you¡¯ve considered it carefully. Anyway, you got this house through honest means. You don¡¯t need to be worried about other matters.¡± Zhai Sheng did not intend to ask Qiao Nan to decline the property. This was because he knew that Qiao Nan had already made up her mind on this.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, am I being too thick-skinned? I¡¯ve not done anything and yet I¡¯m getting a house for no reason. I keep feeling strange about it.¡± Really, she was used to being extorted. Qiao Nan was at a loss and felt uneasy when someone wanted to give her something all of a sudden.

    Most importantly, she really did not have the habit of taking other people¡¯s things without a reason.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s no free meal in this world.¡± Zhai Sheng had seen more of the world than Qiao Nan. He thought more deeply than she did. Hence, even if he had not met the owners of the house and did not understand the current situation and the causes and effects, he could also guess that there must be other reasons for Qiao Nan to be offered this house. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention before that the owner¡¯s children are overseas Chinese and they are businessmen? This kind of people certainly won¡¯t shortchange themselves. It¡¯s just that you don¡¯t know what their ns are.¡±

    ¡°This, I think so...¡± Qiao Nan gave a nod. ¡°Principal told me that the children of the elderly teachers seemed to think about returning to the country. In fact, they¡¯re the ones who wished to give this house to me. Besides, their children will also be investing to set up a fewputerbs and multimedia ssrooms in Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right then. If the Chinese who are returning to the home country intend to develop their businesses, they¡¯ll have tounch some projects to build their image. Since Principal Meng asked you to take it, then you should just do so.¡± Hearing what Qiao Nan said, Zhai Sheng understood more now.

    Since those people were preparing to return to their home country to develop their businesses and wished to earn money in China, they would have to build up their image to make their business presence known in China first.

    Most importantly, if Ping Cheng High School was not good enough, all these good things would note to Ping Cheng High School. It would also not happen in Ping Cheng.

    To put in bluntly, since Nan Nan helped Ping Cheng High School spot the questions, she had propelled the college entrance examination results of Ping Cheng High School tremendously. A good opportunity as such only existed for them to grab it.

    To Ping Cheng High School and those few Chinese, opportunities were more important than anything else.

    It was Nan Nan¡¯s existence that created this opportunity.

    Zhai Sheng was very clear that Qiao Nan not only did not take the small courtyard for nothing but had also hauled in benefits that were multiple and even a hundred times more than what the small courtyard was worth for the Chinese and Ping Cheng High School.

    Zhai Sheng reached out and pulled the fragrant and soft Qiao Nan into his arms and then gave her a peck on the cheek. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re too honest. You have to remember that a businessman will never do something that will shortchange himself. The one who will be shortchanged may only be you.¡±

    Having created such a huge opportunity of interest for someone, Nan Nan was already so nervous and uneasy about taking one house from them. It was as if she helping those who sold her out count the money.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t hug.¡± Qiao Nan felt extremely shy. She kept having the feeling that Shi Qing would spring out of a corner at any point in time. It would be so embarrassing if someone saw them.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you let me hug you?¡± Zhai Sheng was still holding on to Qiao Nan as he did not have any intention to loosen his hands. They had been in a rtionship for two years and had only kissed and hugged a little. If they could not even do this, Zhai Sheng was going to suspect if he was in a fake romantic rtionship.

    ¡°It¡¯s warm!!¡± Qiao Nan was extremely sullen. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel warm?¡±

    She already felt warm while she was sitting alone. She could not wait for air-conditioners to be avable soon and at an affordable price.

    Furthermore, Brother Zhai¡¯s body temperature was a little higher than others¡¯. When her hands came into contact with Brother Zhai¡¯s body, she could feel the heat.

    She was not being hugged by her boyfriend. She was lying on a fire stove.

    After hugging for less than five minutes, Qiao Nan could distinctly feel her sweat oozing from each of the pores on her body.

    ¡°Warm?¡± Laughter could be seen in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. He gave Qiao Nan a serious expression but his eyes had hints of a smile.

    ¡°Warm!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s tone became more serious. She suffered from summer ailments. It was thus even worse for her.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal to feel hot during the summer? It¡¯ll be strange not to feel hot. It¡¯s good for the body to perspire more during summer.¡± Hence, he was trying to make Nan Nan perspire more by hugging her.

    Qiao Nan had a look of bitterness on her face. ¡°But if we¡¯re not hugging, I can feel a little cooler.¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t hug you, will you be able topare the difference and then feel cooler as a result?¡± Zhai Sheng raised his brows and asked.

    ¡°No...¡± Without Brother Zhai hugging her, even if she sat down alone, she would still feel hot as if she was having a steamboat meal.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? Now that I¡¯m hugging you, you¡¯ll feel cooler when I leave. You may even sleep better tonight.¡±

    ¡°...Is there such a thing?¡± Qiao Nan looked confused. ¡°Then, how long do we have to hug to make me feel very cold when I¡¯m sleeping at night without you around?¡±

    ¡°Of course the longer we hug, the better the effect.¡± Zhai Sheng moved his hands to Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. Qiao Nan was thin but she was not all bones. Hence, her waist was tender, soft, and very nice to touch. At least, Zhai Sheng liked it very much. ¡°Nan Nan, eat more when summer is over. Gain more nutrients, especially during the winter. You can gain weight.¡±

    ¡°Without needing you to say, I¡¯ll gain weight during winter.¡± Qiao Nan stared at Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands that had been moving all around her waist. She would touch her own waist every day while she was bathing and she did not feel anything extraordinary about it. Why was it that whenever he was with Brother Zhai, not to mention hugging, he had to touch and squeeze her here and there, and her waist was the part of the body that he would move his hands to most?

    When he saw the look of puzzlement in the eyes of the youngdy in his arms, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes looked deep.

    If not for the fact that it was not the right time, he would definitely make Nan Nan understand that her waist was never the part that he was most interested in.

    It was just that he could not touch other ces yet. Hence, he could only hold her waist to relieve his longing.

    At the thought of what Shi Qing had told her a while earlier, Qiao Nan, who was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, adjusted her bottom to a position that was rtively further away from Zhai Sheng so that she would feel cooler. ¡°Brother Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua is older than you. Does she have a boyfriend yet?¡±

 Chapter 688 - Made Her Stand Clear

    <strong>Chapter 688 Made Her Stand Clear</strong>

    Just as Qiao Nan moved her bum, Zhai Sheng steered her back to the original position. ¡°If you don¡¯t want the ¡®gun¡¯ to go off by ident, don¡¯t move. I can¡¯t take much stimtion.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could feel the strange atmosphere. Especially when she looked at Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep and worried eyes, she immediately had goosebumps. ¡°You have not replied to me.¡±

    ¡°She should be in a rtionship.¡± As Qiao Nan did not move anymore, the small fire in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes gradually extinguished.

    ¡°Should? So you know?¡± Although it was something that Shi Qing was well aware of, it would be a little odd if none of the Zhai family members knew about it. ¡°Do you know what kind of boyfriend Sister Zhai Hua found for herself?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know and I also can¡¯t be bothered about it.¡± Zhai Sheng helped Qiao Nan smoothen the hair that was sticking to her face. ¡°She¡¯s an adult and should have her own space. No need to bother about her that much.¡±

    ¡°No matter how capable Sister Zhai Hua is, she¡¯s still a woman. Aren¡¯t you afraid that she will be bullied?¡± Qiao Nan was speaking about amon phenomenon.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s fingertips slid to Qiao Nan¡¯s earlobes. ¡°No one can bully us whose surname is Zhai.¡±

    ¡°So confident?¡± Love was blind. Hearing what Sister Zhai Hua said, she had the feeling that that soldier boyfriend of Zhai Hua did not seem reliable. ¡°One should know that when a woman is in a rtionship, there is no rationale to speak of.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re in a fake rtionship with me?¡± Why was it that when Nan Nan was with him, she could be so rational, calm, and self-disciplined?

    Qiao Nan was both angry and shy. She bumped her head onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest. ¡°I¡¯m talking to you about Sister Zhai Hua. Can you not always link it to the two of us?¡±

    Holding on tightly to Qiao Nan¡¯s waist, those hands of Zhai Sheng did not have any qualms about ¡®taking advantage¡¯. ¡°I can¡¯t. Inparison, I¡¯m more concerned about our matter. You¡¯ll be in your third year when school reopens.¡±

    In other words, at this time next year, his marriage report would not only be submitted but also approved.

    Even if Qiao Nan had not reached the legal age for marriage, the two of them had to be engaged first. From then onward, Qiao Nan would have to take on the title of Mrs. Zhai.

    Previously, there was a promise between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan that they would only discuss marriage after she had graduated from high school and entered college.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you said it yourself. I¡¯m going to be in my third year soon. Third year! Can you lessen my worries so that I can study well and strive for improvements every day?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were evasive. Her face was thoroughly flustered and red, looking extremely shy.

    This was the first time that she was in marriage talks in two lifetimes. Moreover, this topic had continued for more than two years. Having known that Zhai Sheng had not changed his initial mind, Qiao Nan naturally felt happy and touched.

    At the mention of this, she was shy about it again.

    Zhai Sheng sighed. ¡°Then, when are you going to let me worry less?¡±

    ¡°Since when did I not do so?!¡± Qiao Nan was dissatisfied. ¡°I don¡¯t make noise or kick up a fuss. I¡¯ve never med you for spending so little time with me. In these two years, I¡¯ve been obediently studying and never caused any trouble. Even that one trouble that I encountered was attracted by you. Is there any girlfriend that¡¯s less worrisome than me?¡±

    Which girlfriend would be as amodating as her? Having been in love for two years, the total time her boyfriend spent with her was not more than two months.

    If it were otherdies, they would have probably broken up more than ten times given such a rtionship. Brother Zhai had toin that she had not saved him enough worries. That was too much of him.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°What about Chen Jun, Zhou Jun, and Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    Saving him worries? In a short time span of two years, although these three men could not be considered as his rivals for her affection, they were more than annoying.

    In particr, Zhou Jun was his subordinate. Hence, Zhai Sheng would feel a little awkward, more or less.

    Qiao Nan pretended to be dumb as she lifted her head and looked at the ceiling.

    At that sight of Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was filled with anger. He gave Qiao Nan¡¯s little bum a small p as a half-hearted punishment. ¡°Still dare to pretend!¡±

    Qiao Nan felt wronged. ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear to Brother Zhou.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a little slow to react at times but she was a smart person. Clearly, Zhou Jun was so busy that he did not even have the time to go home. Despite that, he could always find time to visit her a few times in a year, so how could Qiao Nan not guess it at all?

    Hence, Qiao Nan had told Zhou Jun directly that she already had a boyfriend who was also a soldier. If there was a chance in the future, she would introduce him to Zhou Jun.

    ¡°Yes, didn¡¯t you make it clear? He tortured my troop of soldiers until their bones nearly shattered.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded a little better now. ¡°How about Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°...That¡¯s my younger brother. You can regard him as my son too.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. She really did not think that Zhu Baoguo would develop romantic feelings for her one day. Of course, this ¡®silly son¡¯ of hers might not even be aware of it himself.

    Since he found out that she had a boyfriend, Zhu Baoguo had been acting awkward in front of her for the past six months.

    ¡°Your son is here.¡± Zhai Sheng rubbed that small and t tummy of Qiao Nan. He had not sowed his seeds. Hence, where did the childe from? He was not keen on acknowledging such a big son like Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°My goodness, are you at odds with me?¡± Qiao Nan was a little sullen and she wanted to push Zhai Sheng away. ¡°It¡¯s rare that you¡¯re back. Did youe back to quarrel with me?¡±

    ¡°Someone told me that when a man and a woman are in love but never quarrel, that means they no longer care about each other.¡± Zhai Sheng did not loosen his grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. He could not devour this sweet young thing yet, but how could he let her escape from his arms?

    ¡°Which son of a bitch said that? I¡¯m going to punch them!¡± Who said that a man and a woman would definitely quarrel when they were together? The time that Brother Zhai and her spent together was already so little. If they were going to waste it on quarrels, then were they still going to continue with this rtionship?

    ¡°Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan leaned into the arms of Zhai Sheng and pretended to be dead. ¡°This, I can¡¯t win against her.¡±

    She wanted to ask if Brother Zhai knew if Sister Zhai Hua was in love. She did not expect that Sister Zhai Hua had been spurring on Brother Zhai to quarrel with her behind her back. What did Sister Zhai Hua mean by doing that?

    Rubbing Qiao Nan¡¯s face, Zhai Shengughed. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. She¡¯s indeed unreasonable, but she¡¯s not targeting you. Judging from her look at that time, she had most probably quarreled with her boyfriend.¡±

    Zhai Hua quarreled with her boyfriend. Then, when she saw that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had always been so sweet together, she felt unhappy and jealous. She thus came up with such a bad idea.

    ¡°You know what Zhai Hua was thinking and you still fell into the trap?¡± Ah, wasn¡¯t this the so-called deep bond between siblings?

    ¡°Excessive rows are bad but some bickering improves the rtionship.¡± Zhai Sheng was positive about it. ¡°You don¡¯t need to take to heart Zhai Hua¡¯s matter. She can¡¯t stir up any trouble with me.¡±

    The two of them grew up together. How could Zhai Sheng not understand Zhai Hua?

    Such little tricks. Taking into ount that they were siblings, Zhai Sheng, as the younger brother, had always been very forgiving toward Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 689 - Little Brat

    <h4>Chapter 689 Little Brat</h4>

    If Zhai Hua had gone overboard, Zhai Sheng would usually be the first one to discipline Zhai Hua.

    Although Zhai Hua was the older sister, when things happened, Zhai Sheng had always been the one taking Zhai Hua in hand.

    ¡°Fine.¡± She had brought up Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s matter a few times today in front of Brother Zhai because she heard from Shi Qing that Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend was a little strange.

    If Brother Zhai already knew about this, Qiao Nan would not intervene without a reason.

    Furthermore, she was not even legally married to Zhai Sheng yet. It was not convenient for her to be involved.

    Taking a nce at the clock, Qiao Nan gave Zhai Sheng a push. ¡°It¡¯s already four o¡¯clock. My dad should be off work anding home soon. Are you going back to the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°Not going back. I¡¯m staying for dinner,¡± Zhai Sheng said in a lording manner.

    ¡°My dad will feel unhappy.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being paranoid. Uncle Qiao is very happy with me.¡± Zhai Sheng refused to admit that his future father-inw did not favor him. ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. Uncle Qiao likes life in the army a lot. He¡¯s very happy to chat with me about this.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only limited to this.¡± Qiao Nan snorted. Brother Zhai had said before that when they had children in the future and if any wolf dared toe and kidnap his precious babies from his house, not to mention entering the house, he would simply take a gun and drive them away if they had the guts to take a step in through the main door!

    ¡°There are only you, father and daughter, having meals here. There won¡¯t be much of a difference with just one more person around.¡± Zhai Sheng was determined not to leave and to remain in the house of the Qiao family.

    Boiling the frog slowly. Qiao Nan could not escape from him. Qiao Dongliang, this future father-inw, was a little difficult to manage. He did not find Zhai Sheng very pleasing.

    Zhai Sheng was well aware of this.

    Zhai Sheng knew that if he could address Qiao Dongliang as his father, then the marriage between Qiao Nan and him could proceed. After all, to Zhai Sheng, he did not feel that there was a major issue on the Zhai family¡¯s end.

    Zhai Sheng insisted on not leaving. Qiao Nan could do nothing about it.

    The two had been in a rtionship for two years and Zhai Sheng had been taking issue with Qiao Nan about the number of days left before they could get married. Qiao Nan felt a little embarrassed to chase Zhai Sheng away.

    Dealing with the Zhai family was difficult for Qiao Nan, but the suffering Zhai Sheng had due to Qiao Dongliang was not any less either.

    True enough, when Qiao Dongliang saw Zhai Sheng upon reaching home, his expression changed. It was as if he had identally swallowed a dumpling without biting it, and the dumpling was stuck in his throat. He felt so bad that he could neither spit it out nor swallow it. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Uncle Qiao. I¡¯m here to see Nan Nan.¡± Zhai Sheng was straight to the point and expressed that he came to see Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned ck. He nearly fainted at that arrogant attitude of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re also aware that Nan Nan will bemencing her third-year studies in the second half of the year. Her studies...¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, rest assured. You don¡¯t know yet, right? For the college entrance examination this year, Qiao Nan had spotted questions for the entire third-year cohort in her school. It has been announced that the results of Ping Cheng High School are excellent this year. It¡¯s record-breaking. With Qiao Nan¡¯s capability, it¡¯s not a problem for her to get into top-tier universities. In fact, she could have taken the college entrance examination this year.¡± Despite not being physically in Ping Cheng or by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, Zhai Sheng was clearer about Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts than Qiao Dongliang was.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, I¡¯ve been together with Nan Nan for two years. It¡¯s been tough on Nan Nan. After all, the time I can spend with her is too little. Uncle Qiao, you¡¯ve been a soldier before. You should know the life of a soldier and his spouse. From my interactions with Nan Nan these two years, I¡¯m very certain that Nan Nan will be a qualified and even an outstanding military wife in the future. You don¡¯t need to worry about her regarding this.¡±

    The military wife had to be self-disciplined and resilient.

    Self-discipline?

    Having been in a rtionship for two years, Qiao Nan¡¯s grades had never slipped ever since the first year of her high school studies. She steadily surpassed the top student of the same cohort in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Wasn¡¯t she self-disciplined enough?

    Resilience?

    If Qiao Nan was not resilient, then no one else in the world was.

    Hence, whether Qiao Nan studied in the third year was just an excuse of Qiao Dongliang to stop Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan from being together.

    ¡°That¡¯s because my Nan Nan is very self-aware!¡± It did not have anything to do with Zhai Sheng. It was also not due to Zhai Sheng that Nan Nan had good grades!

    ¡°Certainly.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°Nan Nan is so self-aware. Uncle Qiao, you don¡¯t need to worry about Nan Nan and me. Both of us have enough self-awareness.¡± If they did not, within these two years, Uncle Qiao would have many opportunities to be a grandfather.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re here.¡± Shi Peng, who had overheard the conversation for a while, had brought Shi Qing along to ¡®con¡¯ dinner from the Qiao family.

    Zhai Sheng was nurtured by Shi Peng. How could Shi Peng not understand Zhai Sheng?

    Zhai Sheng had the cunningness of a fox, the determination of a wolf, the patience of hunting a leopard, the prowess of a tiger, and the lethality of a lion.

    Having many of such special characteristics of various animalsbined, Zhai Sheng was not an ordinary man. There was nothing that he could not get his hands on in this world. There were only things that he did not want.

    How could Qiao Dongliang possibly be Zhai Sheng¡¯s opponent?

    Qiao Dongliang was definitely at the losing end in this father-and-son-inw battle.

    ¡°Officer Shi.¡± Facing Shi Peng, Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude was better. He held respect toward

    him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t address me as Officer Shi. I¡¯m not part of the army now. I¡¯m just an ordinary employee.¡±

    ¡°Then, should I address you as Director Shi?¡± Zhai Sheng did not mind changing the way he addressed him. Nevertheless, when he looked at Shi Peng, there was no single sense of slight or belittling in his eyes just because Shi Peng had left the army.

    Shi Peng was considered as half a master to Zhai Sheng when thetter first joined the army. Zhai Sheng knew too well how capable Shi Peng was.

    Shi Peng was a very intelligent individual. He had brains, vigor, and ability.

    From his perspective, when his father won against Shi Peng and became the chief many years ago, it was possible that his father had seeded entirely based on his own capability, or Shi Peng had deliberately let his father win. It was also probable that his father had the upper hand physically due to Shi Peng¡¯s poor health.

    Now, even though Shi Peng had left the army, within a short time span of one year, he had stabilized his footing and was part of the core government leadership in Ping Cheng

    He heard that Shi Peng would be promoted again soon.

    Regardless of where he went, this former Officer Shi would always be a great man that could not be ordinary.

    It was the blessing of the Shi family to have Shi Peng as a son. Unfortunately, the Shi family did not cherish him. They looked down on Shi Peng and thought that he could not have done anything great after leaving the army.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be polite. It¡¯s fine to address me as you like.¡± Shi Peng smiled nonchntly as he sat down. ¡°Old Qiao, what are we having for dinner today?¡±

    ¡°Look at how busy I am. I¡¯ve forgotten about it.¡± At the sight of Zhai Sheng, this little wolf brat, he had been busy thinking of ways to chase him out of the house and had almost forgotten that it was dinner time.

    ¡°You go and prepare then.¡± As for Zhai Sheng, he could deal with him.

 Chapter 690 - Arenâ€™t You Going to Address Your Master?

    <h4>Chapter 690 Aren¡¯t You Going to Address Your Master?</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang sighed as he took a nce at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Fine, you all chat. I¡¯ll go and prepare. Nan Nan,e and help me.¡± There were five people who would be having dinner today. He had to prepare more dishes than usual.

    Since everyone had arrived, of course Qiao Dongliang had to quickly prepare the meal so that everyone could eat together. The sooner they finished the meal, the sooner Zhai Sheng could leave.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nced at Zhai Sheng. She abidingly stood up and followed Qiao Dongliang to the kitchen.

    Shi Qing, who had been left behind, felt that she was an odd one out that should not exist in the current scene.

    Shi Qing stood up hesitatingly. ¡°Why don¡¯t I go and help too?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Shi Peng replied smilingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go then.¡± Shi Qing looked as if she had been granted a pardon. The fast speed that she escaped with was akin to that of a rabbit.

    The two men were left in the living room. Zhai Sheng then reached out his hands and poured a cup of tea for Shi Peng. ¡°Have some tea.¡±

    ¡°Have some tea? You¡¯re not even calling your master?¡± Shi Peng was able to ept this cup of tea from Zhai Sheng. ¡°You wish to kidnap one¡¯s daughter, yet you simply entered their house openly? Aren¡¯t you a little too daring? Are you not afraid that things will backfire? The Qiao family is not that daring.¡±

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I was just following master¡¯s teaching. Master said before that if one wants anyone or wishes to achieve any purpose, one has to consider seriously, arrange meticulously, and then fight for it boldly and resolutely. The methods have to be swift and sweeping so that there¡¯s no chance for the enemy to even catch a breath. When the enemyes to their senses, everything has already been cast in stone to the point of no return.¡±

    What Shi Peng taught Zhai Sheng was to rage an attack in a decisive and resolute manner.

    ¡°You remember and carried it out quite well. But don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re getting a wife, not plotting against your political opponents.¡± It was Shi Peng¡¯s proudest thing in his life to have taught a disciple such as Zhai Sheng.

    Unfortunately, his daughter was too young. It was a pity that when he had the energy, his daughter was still young and ignorant and he thus could not impart many things to her.

    Now, his daughter had finally grown up but he had already run out of steam. He could not personally nurture his daughter to be a top tier female general or heroine. This was considered as the greatest regret in his life.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, can I seek your help in one matter?¡±

    ¡°Shi Qing?¡± With one word, Zhai Sheng hit the bull¡¯s-eye.

    Shi Peng looked in the direction of Shi Qing with love. ¡°My health will always be as such. I can¡¯t improve much. Even the doctor can¡¯t tell how much longer I can live. Qing Qing is a very simple child. It¡¯s also because she¡¯s indulged by me. If there¡¯s another chance, I won¡¯t let her be so naive.¡±

    ¡°But you still have time and energy now, yet you can¡¯t bear to be hard on her.¡± Zhai Sheng exposed Shi Peng¡¯s lies and falsehood without reservation.

    After all, Shi Peng was a ve to his daughter. He could not bear to make it hard for Shi Qing.

    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t bear to.¡± Shi Pengughed. ¡°Qing Qing is so obedient and sensible. I never think that her being na?ve is a mistake.¡±

    ¡°But if she¡¯s going to take the same path as you, her naivety may not only harm herself but also herrades.¡± Zhai Sheng disagreed. Unless Shi Qing chose another path, her naivety would not be just a concern to her alone but also many otherrades as it would impact their lives and safety.

    ¡°So, I have to rely on you.¡± He was destined to be a kind, and not strict, father in his life.

    For the sake of letting Qing Qing be better and grow up faster, he could only find her a ¡®master¡¯.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say this too soon. Till now, your health is still fine. You¡¯ll be able to see the day Shi Qing seeds and takes charge on her own.¡± His master, a cunning fox, was doing well in his current political circle. He was in great limelight and it was no less than when he was an officer in the army.

    It was not that his master was in such poor health that he was afraid of dying too soon and could not take care of Shi Qing.

    Firstly, his master was in poor health. Secondly, it was because he had no time!

    If he wanted to do well in politics, he could not rise up the ranks if he did nothing and remained silent after squeezing into the political circle.

    His master hoped to focus all his effort and energy on this second career, which was akin to a second romantic rtionship. Naturally, there could not be two of him and he thus hoped to find a ¡®nanny¡¯ to look after Shi Qing.

    Zhai Sheng did not care about what his master¡¯s ns were. However, if his plotnded on him, then sorry, he was not going to cooperate.

    ¡°No wonder Qing Qing kept saying that you¡¯re petty.¡± Having failed in his attempt to pull the strings as Zhai Sheng¡¯s master and his tactic of gaining pity, Shi Peng was unwilling to put up with his pretense anymore. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you a word of advice. Restrain yourself a little. If you really provoke Old Qiao, your matter with Qiao Nan will be off. Regardless of how the Qiao family treats Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan is too soft and has too much conscience. She is destined to take more pain and suffering than others. You don¡¯t care about Old Qiao but she does. Remember. If you love Qiao Nan, don¡¯t do too many things that will put her in a difficult position. However, when she¡¯s hesitant and undecided, you should stand out and decide for her. Don¡¯t let her be bullied. Understand?¡±

    Zhai Sheng smiled too. ¡°Master, you¡¯re being paranoid.¡±

    He did not need to be like a man. He was a man!

    When the three in the kitchen brought out the dishes, Shi Peng and Zhai Sheng were facing each other without a word. One was looking jovial while the other looked cold and serious. There was a very strange atmosphere.

    ¡°Time to eat.¡± Qiao Nan was the most daring one. She took a step forward with the dishes and even ced them between Zhai Sheng and Shi Peng to disperse the strange atmosphere between them. ¡°Although the weather is hot, it¡¯s the end of July. It¡¯s nicer to have the food when it¡¯s warm regardless of the season. Quickly have it and don¡¯t waste them. There¡¯s not much rice and dishes. It¡¯s almost just right for the five of us. Don¡¯t leave any leftovers. We can¡¯t keep food in the summertime. Overnight dishes are not good for health.¡±

    One was a soldier who was used to weathering the wind and rain. When he was on a mission, it was so tough that he could skip three meals and even stay in the open.

    As such, when Zhai Sheng had the opportunity to rest at home, he should make full use of the time to take care of himself. He should not neglect it just because it was his own body.

    If his health were to really suffer due to neglect, it would be toote to regret it when he was old.

    Zhai Sheng should keep that in mind. Of course, Shi Peng, who had been ill for many years, had to pay attention to his health too.

    These words of Qiao Nan were deliberately targeted at these two old and young ¡®patients¡¯.

    ¡°What Qiao Nan said is right. It¡¯s so good to have a daughter who is concerned about you. Old Qiao, you¡¯re so fortunate.¡± Shi Peng, who had been rejected by Zhai Sheng, was not pleased. He started to y some tactics and tricks.

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips. He seemed to be secretly mocking Shi Peng that thetter was really too childish for saying such words at this time.

 Chapter 691 - The Cross Fire Between the Men

    <h4>Chapter 691 The Cross Fire Between the Men</h4>

    Shi Peng, who was having fragrant rice in his mouth while picking up and gulping in hot and piping dishes expressed that, twenty years ago, even Comrade Deng (1. Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician who was the paramount leader of the People¡¯s Republic of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1989.) said that all cats that catch rats are good regardless of the species.

    Childish?

    How was this childish? He was happy doing this!

    ¡°Yes, very fortunate.¡± Qiao Dongliang firstughed happily, then at the sight of Zhai Sheng, he was reminded that Zhai Sheng would kidnap his daughter to the Zhai family one day. In fact, Zhai Sheng had been thinking of doing just that all the time. Qiao Dongliang could not bring himself to feel happy at the thought of this.

    ¡°Dad, have your meal.¡± Sensing the strong cross fire between the few old and young men, Qiao Nan pretended to feign ignorance.

    She peeped at Shi Qing, who had shrunk her neck and moved to one side to have her meal abidingly. Qiao Nan then red at her. She expected better from Shi Qing. Knowing that these few men were not obedient and liked to bicker, why couldn¡¯t shee and help?

    Shi Qing smiled in embarrassment. Uncle Qiao was her elder; she could not intervene.

    Her father was also her elder. She would be thankful if her father were to intervene less in her matters. When was it her turn to take her father in hand?

    As for Brother Zhai, she had never poked her nose into his affairs.

    Since she could not convince any of these three men, she might as well move aside and finished her meal. That was the most practical thing to do.

    Once Shi Qing surrendered, Qiao Nan was the only one left who could mediate the atmosphere between the three men.

    ¡°Eat.¡± Qiao Dongliang could choose not to give Zhai Sheng face, but he could not do the same to his daughter.

    As he took the bowl of rice from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang deliberately sat beside Qiao Nan to increase the distance between Zhai Sheng and her.

    The two had been in a rtionship for two years. He could not stop them, and neither could he persuade them not to do so.

    Nevertheless, before the Zhai family epted Nan Nan, he had to hold them back. At the very least, he must not let Nan Nan be taken advantage of by Zhai Sheng.

    They were both men. Qiao Dongliang thus understood Zhai Sheng more than Qiao Nan did. One had to dote on his own daughter. He had to protect Nan Nan well.

    At the sight of this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck while Shi Peng gloated and smiled.

    Zhai Sheng shot a look at Shi Peng. He knew well in his heart the evil humor of his master. He thus pretended to remind a certain someone unintentionally. ¡°Qing Qing, I heard that someone is wooing you in the school recently? Your grades are not a problem usually. You have to grab the opportunity in terms of rtionship.¡±

    Shi Qing was pretty and good in her studies. After getting to know Qiao Nan well, she had also enthusiastically started to blend in with the student life in Ping Cheng High School. Of course, it was impossible that no one would be wooing Shi Qing currently.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing, who had been silently eating her meal and whose name was suddenly called, stared with her pair of innocent eyes. She did not understand why she had been ¡®arrowed¡¯.

    ¡°Qing Qing?¡± Shi Peng was quite surprised. ¡°Is there such a matter? Someone is wooing you?¡±

    ¡°Is there?¡± Shi Qing straightened her neck and questioned back.

    Qiao Nan had a headache. ¡°Anyway, I didn¡¯t hear about it.¡±

    Why was it so difficult to have a meal?

    ¡°Eat, eat.¡± It was just a meal. Qiao Dongliang also sensed that it was going astray.

    Furthermore, that was not the initial topic. Qiao Dongliang felt very apologetic to have implicated Shi Qing. Hence, he had to temporarily put away his animosity toward Zhai Sheng and eat his meal abidingly.

    However, besides Zhai Sheng, everyone felt exhausted after having this meal.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing held her slightly overfilled tummy, looking sullen. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m going back first.¡± She had to think of how to aid her digestion when she was back home. Otherwise, she would feel bloated.

    ¡°Walk a few more rounds in the courtyard.¡± Qiao Nan reminded. Just by the sight of her, Qiao Nan knew that Shi Qing must have eaten too much.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Qing nodded obediently and then ran out. Shi Qing also felt warm due to the weather.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you send Zhai Sheng back.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was also suffering a little from indigestion, looked listless.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pouted and looked at Zhai Sheng. Brother Zhai had a happy meal but everyone else suffered.

    Qiao Nan had already been considering whether she should prepare some indigestion medicine at home, in case of recurrence of such situations. Everyone¡¯s tummies were upset except for Brother Zhai¡¯s.

    Zhai Sheng, who was in a good mood, only pulled Qiao Nan closer to him. He then walked toward the entrance on his own. ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t need to take today¡¯s matter to heart. There¡¯s no major problem.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Nan was a little doubtful.

    Even if there was no one else with them now, Zhai Sheng still cared very much about how others would see Qiao Nan. He was not as daring as when he was alone with her in the house of the Qiao family. The two were walking very closely side-by-side but they did not hold hands. This was in case others would gossip about Qiao Nan if they were to see them. ¡°Officer Shi is considered as half my master. You¡¯ve not seen it before, but I¡¯ve always been getting along with him in this way.¡±

    It was not an exaggeration to say that their interactions were simr to a tit-for-tatpetition.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could not sort out her thoughts about the problem between Zhai Sheng and Shi Peng. As long as Zhai Sheng said that they were behaving normally, she would not question further. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. After you¡¯re back, won¡¯t Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao be angry?¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t.¡± Zhai Sheng clenched his fist and ced it beside his lips as he smiled. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry so much. There¡¯s still one year. One yearter today, our marriage report would have been approved.¡±

    ¡°Fine. You¡¯ll say no problem to whatever I ask you. Brother Zhai, did something good happen? You¡¯re in such a good mood.¡± Qiao Nan had no other way with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What good things?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua had a quarrel with her boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan held her head. She was not aware and could not possibly be aware of the good things that Brother Zhai encountered. However, Brother Zhai was definitely not his normal self today. If they were still having dinner, she would certainly have indigestion too.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen face, Zhai Sheng rubbed her head. He did not exin further. It was not an appropriate time to say it now. ¡°You¡¯re afraid of the hot weather. Go back first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± In front of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had always been acting ording to his orders. It was as if she was a soldier under his wing. ¡°Brother Zhai, drive slowly when you¡¯re on the road home. I¡¯m going back.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After he saw Qiao Nan enter the main door and close it, Zhai Sheng got into his car and drove off.

    When Zhai Sheng arrived home, of course the Zhai family members had not gone to bed. Zhai Hua was especially pulling a long face. She had been enduring her anger as she sat on the chair and stared at the main door resentfully until Zhai Sheng was back.

    Once Zhai Sheng arrived home, Miao Jing asked in a concerned manner, ¡°Do you want to take a shower first? Hua Hua, she...¡± She had been in this position, sitting and staring at the door, for a long time.

    She asked Hua Hua what happened but she refused to say anything. Hence, she could only feel worried.

 Chapter 692 - Held a Grudge On Behalf of Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 692 Held a Grudge On Behalf of Qiao Nan</h4>

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no issue.¡± Zhai Sheng changed his shoes and removed his shirt. He only took a nce at Zhai Hua before returning to his bedroom to bathe.

    After bathing, when Zhai Sheng came out from the toilet in his boxers, Zhai Hua had been waiting with a long face for some time.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. He took out a T-shirt from his closet and put it on. He then sat on the bed and looked at Zhai Hua in the eye. ¡°Speak if you have something to say. Scram if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, am I still your biological sister? Just because of Qiao Nan, you¡¯re not giving me any face?¡± Zhai Hua was really unhappy. Since she was a child, she had never asked Zhai Sheng for any help. Yet, she was rejected the first time she did. On top of that, it was a matter regarding Wei De. Zhai Hua¡¯s unhappiness was thus amplified.

    Zhai Hua red up but Zhai Sheng was not afraid of her. ¡°Is that so? Then, should I settle old scores with you? To count how many times you have plotted against me, your biological younger brother, because of an outsider?¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Sheng¡¯s sullen face seemed to have lingering anger.

    Zhai Hua was a little guilt-stricken. ¡°Isn¡¯t that over already? As humans, we have to move on. Let bygones be bygones. Is settling old scores meaningful?¡±

    ¡°Do you think this excuse of yours will work?¡± Zhai Sheng crossed his arms and shot an eagle eye at Zhai Hua. ¡°Zhai Hua, you should know that your tactic doesn¡¯t work on me. I¡¯ve already told you before that I don¡¯t really look up to Wei De.¡±

    Yes, Zhai Sheng not only knew that Zhai Hua was in a rtionship but also knew that her boyfriend was actually a junior soldier in the army.

    ¡°What¡¯s not good about him!¡± Zhai Hua was unconvinced. ¡°Just because he¡¯s an ordinary soldier and not even a toon leader, you are judging him just by this point alone and disapproving of my rtionship. Then, what about Qiao Nan? How good is Qiao Nan? Yes, you¡¯re the one who lent the Qiao family money, but it¡¯s still a fact that they are in so much debt. Inparison, Wei De has never used my money or owed me any! On what grounds can you be together with Qiao Nan while I can¡¯t be with Wei De?¡±

    Zhai Sheng sneered. Could one Wei De bepared to his Nan Nan? ¡°Wei De has joined the army for a number of years. If not because of you, given Wei De¡¯s situation, he would have retired long ago. Nan Nan is just a student now. If you give Nan Nan the period of time that Wei De spent in the army, do you think Nan Nan¡¯s situation will be the same as today wherein you could look down on her?¡±

    Zhai Hua could not answer that question.

    Zhai Hua knew how hardworking and intelligent Qiao Nan was.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan¡¯s personal qualities would suffice. In addition, she had Lin Yuankang as her master. When Qiao Nan graduated from school and stepped into society, Qiao Nan would definitely not going to be a nobody like now. She would be a woman of substance.

    This was the truth that was irrefutable.

    In short, although Qiao Nan was still a student now, Zhai Hua was certain that the road ahead of Qiao Nan would not be bad even if she did not rely on Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family.

    ¡°In terms of family situation, yes, Wei De and Nan Nan are simr. But when you talk about the individual, how can Wei De bepared to Nan Nan? Still the same saying, if you want me to help, impossible. He didn¡¯t know how to grab the opportunities and resorted to cheap and dark tricks. I can¡¯t take such a soldier under my wing. If you really think that Wei De is so good, I¡¯ll give you a chance. Dad already knows the matter between Nan Nan and me for one to two years. I didn¡¯t keep dad in the dark as I feel that Nan Nan is good. Dad guessed it too. Until now, dad hasn¡¯t done anything overboard to deal with Nan Nan and

    me.¡±

    ¡°You should understand dad¡¯s stand. At least, Nan Nan, as an individual, is eptable to dad. Simrly, since your Wei De is so outstanding, he should not be afraid of being tested by dad. Dad is at home. Go and tell dad now that his only daughter is in love and her partner is Wei De. See dad¡¯s reaction then. If you¡¯re afraid that dad won¡¯t agree, don¡¯t be anxious. Dad did not agree to my rtionship with Nan Nan in the beginning too. As long as Wei De is a true talent as you said, he will be able to gain dad¡¯s approval eventually.¡±

    Hence, there was no use for Zhai Hua to work on him. He would never agree to let an individual like Wei Dee under him.

    ¡°Having said so much, you¡¯re just bearing a grudge that Wei De attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses instead of Qiao Nan¡¯s sses duringst summer when Qiao Nan taught in the army camp. You don¡¯t see eye to eye with Wei De as you¡¯re on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.¡± Zhai Hua avoided answering Zhai Sheng¡¯s question and was stubborn with her own views. ¡°You feel that Wei De is not giving you face but you can¡¯t me Wei De. He still thinks that Qiu Chenxi is your fianc¨¦e. The reason he attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses was actually because of you. He wanted to give face to the Zhai family.¡±

    ¡°You believe this kind of excuse?¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°No wonder Nan Nan said that a woman in love has no rationality to speak of.¡±

    Hence, he and Nan Nan were truly in a false rtionship

    ¡°In what way am I irrational!¡± Zhai Hua refused to admit.

    Zhai Sheng let out a deep breath. In his heart, he felt increasingly dissatisfied with Wei De. ¡°Let me ask you. If you were Wei De and in Wei De¡¯s shoes, do you think it¡¯s more important for you to work on improving your own qualities and abilities or bother about that superficial issue of giving face?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua was speechless once again because there would only be one oue leading to this question of Zhai Sheng.

    If Wei De thought that superficial matter such as giving face was important to both Zhai Hua and the Zhai family, it could only mean that Wei De was, in fact, someone who looked good but had no substance right from the start.

    At that time, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s situation had hit rock bottom. Only about twenty people attended her sses.

    As such, it would not make any difference to have just one more student in her ss. Even if Wei De had intended to increase the numbers, it would not have any effect.

    Wei De looked good but had no substance. Moreover, he did not use his brain. The way he gave face was not worth anything.

    Instead of wasting his time on Qiu Chenxi, he might as well go to Qiao Nan and learn something. Not to mention others, he could avoid being out of touch with hisrades so that he would not bepletely ignorant about what others had learned.

    With this, Wei De might even gain something. On the contrary, he would not achieve anything by attending Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses.

    Wei De could not even analyze such an obvious situation. It could only mean one thing: Wei Decked intelligence.

    Nevertheless, Zhai Hua praised Wei De in front of Zhai Sheng, saying Wei De was very smart, had a good foundation in the military skills, and was willing to serve the citizens and contribute to the army. It was just that hecked an opportunity all this while.

    Zhai Hua described Wei De as if he was so rare and out of this world, yet he did such a stupid thing. That did not tally at all, did it?

    If Wei De was not stupid and brainless, and yet, he insisted on attending Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses until the end, the reason would be something worth pondering over.

 Chapter 693 - Poor Personal Qualities

    <strong>Chapter 693 Poor Personal Qualities</strong>

    Zhai Hua was infuriated, yet she could not find anything to retort Zhai Sheng with. ¡°Are you going to look down on Wei De just because of this matter? This is already bygones. It has been a year since then. There¡¯s nothing much to bring up anymore. Won¡¯t it do as long as Wei De cherishes his opportunities from now on? You must know that people will change. It¡¯s wrong of you to discriminate. Did the leaders of our organization teach you to be like that?¡±

    Zhai Hua had a phobia regarding this matter as well.

    Nevertheless, Wei De had exined it many times to Zhai Hua, and Zhai Hua finally epted it.

    Since Zhai Hua had epted Wei De¡¯s exnation, she could not ept Zhai Sheng¡¯s suspicions toward Wei De.

    ¡°Then, how much change has urred in Wei De that will be obvious to me and even make me acknowledge him?¡± Zhai Sheng was annoyed.

    If one wished to progress, sure, they just had to show their performance.

    ¡°Hecks personal qualities and did not perform well enough. Regardless, I still have to give him a chance? Are you saying that, as a soldier, he doesn¡¯t need to do anything but wait for the opportunity to fall from the sky and into his bowl? Am I the one discriminating against him or do you need me to give him special treatment?¡± Zhai Sheng snorted loudly. ¡°Zhai Hua, do you know what you¡¯re doing now? You¡¯re getting in through the back door!!!¡±

    At the end of the conversation, Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone sounded even angrier.

    When Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua joined the army, the Zhai family had never gone through the back door or pulled any strings for this pair of siblings, not to mention for Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng could assume the role of regimentmander at such a young age because, firstly, he was outstanding enough. Secondly, Shi Peng had the heart to nurture him for the position. Zhai Sheng was at the current stage of his career mostly based on his own effort. It had almost nothing to do with the Zhai family.

    When Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua joined the army many years ago, they did not receive any special treatment either.

    Yet, Wei De, who was not rted to the Zhai family in any way, wanted Zhai Sheng to let him in through the back door. How could Zhai Sheng not feel angry?

    Wei De was an outsider. Zhai Sheng did not wish to talk about it but Zhai Hua was his own family member. This fact intensified his fury. ¡°Zhai Hua, didn¡¯t you say that Wei De is a capable individual? I¡¯ll give you another suggestion. Transfer him to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s troops. Gold will shine no matter where it is. If I don¡¯t have a good sense of judgment, there will surely be someone who does and is able to see Wei De¡¯s capability. When that timees, Wei De, this prodigy, will have met his lucky star. He can then go very far. He doesn¡¯t need to continue to endure the suffering at my

    ce.¡±

    He had boasted so greatly about his abilities, yet, at the end of the day, Zhai Sheng had to help him open up the back door. Zhai Sheng definitely would not agree to this.

    ¡°You, can¡¯t you take it that you¡¯re helping me, your sister? You¡¯re twenty-four years old but I¡¯m already twenty-six. Wei De is older than me by a year. Me, me and him...¡± Zhai Hua was not worried about being left on the shelves. She was not anxious to get married either. However, with her age, how long more could she dawdle? With Wei De¡¯s age, she could not dy any further.

    Wei De told Zhai Hua that if he could show any results, he would not be ashamed to ask the Zhai family for Zhai Hua¡¯s hand in marriage and would have the confidence to make Zhai Hua happy.

    He was a man. He desired pride as well. His own wife was a deputy battalionmander but he was only an ordinary soldier. Most probably, he would have to retire from the army that he was most passionate about in a few years¡¯ time.

    Coupled with the family status of the Zhai family, Wei De truly did not have the confidence to be together with a woman like Zhai Hua.

    Nevertheless, he really loved Zhai Hua. For the sake of their future and so that they could be married earlier, he was prepared to give up his life and everything else to fight for a military achievement and to rise through the ranks.

    Wei De even said that, unless he assumed the role of apanymander, he would continue to strive for it. Even if he had to marryte, have childrente, and garner the resentment of his parents, he would drag his feet until he was over thirty years old and married Zhai Hua only after he became apanymander.

    ¡°Wei De has four sisters and he is the only son. His parents are not young anymore and they are waiting to carry...¡± Zhai Hua could not bring herself to say the word ¡®grandchild¡¯. It was too embarrassing.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s fingers gave a few hard knocks on the table. ¡°So, you¡¯re basically asking me to get him in through the back door and give him a chance. Previously, you put in so many good words for him. Is it meaningful? He¡¯s not capable but I have to help him cheat and then fulfill your wish to be a couple? Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t you ask me to bring him along in my mission and let him follow closely behind me so that he could pick up some military achievements before simply promoting him to apanymander? Both of you can then get married. Thereafter, he can continue to do the same in the future?¡±

    Ridiculous!

    ¡°Zhai Hua, you have such thoughts and ideas. Do you still remember what your surname is? You don¡¯t have the confidence to bring this matter up to Dad. Hence, you could onlye and find me. Zhai Hua, no matter how you justify it, you can¡¯t hide the fraud behind this. Zhai Hua, I¡¯m very disappointed with you. Do you know why I am unwilling to give Wei De a chance and even more unwilling to see both of you together? Zhai Hua, reflect on it. Think about what you have be after you¡¯ve been with Wei De for two years!¡±

    When Zhai Sheng returned from the army, he had thought that this matter was already over.

    He did not expect that Zhai Hua had not given up. She even chased to the house to talk about the matter regarding Wei De.

    Zhai Hua was speechless after being questioned by Zhai Sheng. That stubborn face of hers was flustered in embarrassment. She gritted her teeth but could not say a word.

    Zhai Hua was not confident. She was well aware that this matter was not honest and not something to be proud of. It was not presentable.

    Zhai Sheng was her biological younger brother. They had been on good terms since they were children. Therefore, she dared to look for Zhai Sheng and plead for an opportunity for Wei De. However, before Zhai Yaohui, her biological father that she had never been that close to since she was a child, Zhai Hua would not even mention a word about Wei De.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s also because I have no other alternatives. Given this situation, I can onlye and ask you for help.¡± Zhai Hua revealed a smile that looked worse than a cry. ¡°I know it¡¯s not good for me to do this. It¡¯s even considered as flouting the disciplinary rules and merit of the army and organization.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know. Didn¡¯t you say that Wei De aims to be apanymander? And when he¡¯s apanymander, he will then ask for your hand in marriage and marry you? I only have one word in regard to opening a back door for him: impossible. Nevertheless, if he really has that aspiration and achieves his goals based on his diligence and effort, not to mention that he¡¯s now twenty-seven years old, even if he bes apanymander at the age of thirty-seven, I¡¯ll help you with this when ites to dad and mom!¡± This was the greatest help that he could render as a younger brother.

    Zhai Hua smiled bitterly. ¡°I can wait. I¡¯m not afraid of getting married when I¡¯m older but Wei De¡¯s parents can¡¯t wait. Wei De¡¯s mother is in poor health and she was hospitalized recently. Wei De sent all his money to his mother to pay for the medical expenses. Wei De is very worried about his mother. His mother has been yearning to see her grandchild being born while she¡¯s still alive.¡±

    She did not mind but she had to consider the elderly in the Wei family. What if, what if Wei De¡¯s mother were to pass away due to a major illness?

 Chapter 694 - Beg Someone Else Instead

    <strong>Chapter 694 Beg Someone Else Instead</strong>

    As a daughter-inw, she could not possibly let the elderly leave the world with regrets, could she?

    ¡°So serious?¡± Zhai Sheng lowered his eyelids.

    ¡°Yes!¡± She had given all the money that she had on hand to Wei De for his mother¡¯s surgery. Not a single cent of it was left. Could it not be serious?

    ¡°If his mother is really so ill, even if I pull the strings for him, will he be able to rise to the position ofpanymander, marry you, give birth to a child at the fastest speed, and even ensure that the first grandchild is a son when his mother is alive?¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. It¡¯s not like that. Wei De is a solider. He doesn¡¯t have the outdated thinking of favoring males over females. Even if it¡¯s a daughter, he will love her all the same.¡± Zhai Hua had seen many families who favored males over females. Hence, she was very concerned about this aspect.

    Zhai Hua felt the Zhai family also had such biased thinking.

    Otherwise, why would her parents give birth to Zhai Sheng after her?

    After Zhai Sheng was born, her grandfather was very good to Zhai Sheng. He was more enthusiastic to impart his capabilities to Zhai Sheng than to her.

    Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were on very good terms. They were also biological siblings. Hence, Zhai Hua felt that there was no need for her to take these issues to heart.

    ¡°Then, have you assessed the duration that I mentioned just now? Given Wei De¡¯s current situation, he wishes to be promoted from an ordinary soldier to apanymander. Even if he¡¯s very lucky and makes many contributions quickly, it¡¯s impossible to achieve this objective in less than three to five years. After you give birth, that will be six yearster. If his mother¡¯s illness can drag on for six years, I can promise you that he cane and ask for your hand in marriage when he¡¯s a toon leader. He doesn¡¯t even need to wait until he assumes the role of apanymander. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°You, at the end of the day, you just refuse to help me, right?¡± Zhai Hua stomped her feet in anxiety.

    Wei De was also strong-tempered. He was not willing to let her help. She had spent a great deal of effort to convince him to let her do so.

    She had settled Wei De. Never did she expect that things would go so awry at Zhai Sheng¡¯s end, when Zhai Sheng should be the one that was the easiest to handle. She had already promised Wei De. What if Wei De misunderstood her or red up if she failed at this?

    Instead of feeling angry, Zhai Shengughed. ¡°Having said so much, you just want to let Wei De take the easy route and help him pull strings, don¡¯t you? Zhai Hua, it seems like you¡¯re not that confident about Wei De. Or perhaps, the truth is that he doesn¡¯t have much capability. He can¡¯t even assume the role of a toon leader through his own effort in three to five years¡¯ time. Zhai Hua, you have really taken a liking to a ¡®talented¡¯ soldier!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Zhai Hua was so angered by that sarcasm of Zhai Sheng that she was speechless. ¡°Fine. Take it that I¡¯m wasting my breath. If you don¡¯t help me, so be it. I don¡¯t believe that Wei De and I can¡¯t get married soon without your help!¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Zhai Sheng looked rxed. ¡°Then, Wei De and you have to put in more effort.¡±

    When Zhai Hua left Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom, she mmed the door loudly, creating a bigmotion.

    Zhai Yaohui, who coincidentally came out from the study room, heard the loud bang when the door closed and frowned. ¡°Zhai Hua, how did you close the door!¡±

    The house rules of the Zhai family did not allow Zhai Hua to behave in such a way, such as mming the door so hard. Even when Miao Jing was angry previously, she did not m the door this hard.

    ¡°I, my hands were suddenly...¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s face turned pale. She only felt that she had been down on her luck today.

    She had already promised Wei De. She thought that, given her rtionship with Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng would definitely help her if she were to make this request.

    Furthermore, after she was married to Wei De, Wei De would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw. Everyone would belong to the same family in the future. Actually, the Zhai family would eventually benefit as well if they were to help Wei De more.

    She had never expected that Zhai Sheng would reject her tly without hesitation as soon as she brought up the matter.

    She had followed Zhai Sheng from the army camp to home, gave him so many reasons, and spoke about difficulties. However, Zhai Sheng still refused to be more understanding. In the end, it was all in vain.

    The person who was supposed to be the easiest to settle did not behave as nned. Zhai Hua was extremely anxious. She was afraid that Wei De¡¯s mother¡¯s health would take a turn for the worse.

    When she vouched in front of Wei De before, Wei De told Zhai Hua that he was willing to take this shameful path for the sake of her mother and Zhai Hua.

    If things went smoothly, he would immediately call his mother to tell her that he had a girlfriend and they would get married in a few years¡¯ time. He would appease his mother and calm her mood for the time being.

    After all, her son already had a girlfriend. Would it take long to get married? Upon his marriage, a son would be in sight.

    Now that Zhai Sheng did not agree, Zhai Hua could not exin it to Wei De.

    As it was rare that she did something as such, Zhai Hua already felt very bad and awkward at heart. It was fine that she did not seed. But when she vented a little of her frustration and showed some temper, she was caught red-handed by the head of the family.

    At this moment, Zhai Hua felt that no one would be more unlucky than her in this world.

    ¡°A spur of the moment? Do you think your excuse makes sense?¡± Zhai Yaohui did not believe that the other Zhai family members had such a tendency.

    When Zhai Yaohui said this, it made Zhai Hua recall the tone and words of Zhai Sheng when thetter spoke to her just now. Father and son were simply alike. Their strong sense of righteousness and justice made it sound as if she was the only viin in the whole of the Zhai family. ¡°Dad, there won¡¯t be a next time.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied. He took a nce at the door of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom. Obviously, the two siblings had quarreled.

    As parents, when his children quarreled, Zhai Yaohui would not intervene too much. ording to past experiences, the siblings would reconcile very quickly without the need for any persuasion.

    As rtives, friends, and lovers, how could there possibly be no arguments as interaction time increased? Hence, Zhai Yaohui did not take this matter to heart.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll be leaving first, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied. He then saw Zhai Hua walk toward the main entrance. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Where are you going?¡±

    Zhai Hua was momentarily stunned. She then recalled that it was already seven o¡¯clock when Zhai Sheng arrived home. After having such a long conversation with Zhai Sheng in his bedroom, it was now eight o¡¯clock in the evening.

    She really had been in a confused state after being angered by Zhai Sheng and had forgotten the time. ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room to bathe and sleep.¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Hua did not bother about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s reaction. She just lowered her head and returned to her room.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at the clock. ¡°Sleeping at eight o¡¯clock?¡± He did not know what the siblings were bickering about that caused Zhai Hua to go to sleep at eight o¡¯clock.

    Enduring the anger and worries in her heart, Zhai Hua bathed andy in bed early. However, she did not sleep even after a long time. Instead, she was in a daze, sighing continuously.

    At the sight of the moon that was high up in the sky and resembled a sword, Zhai Hua felt even worse. She felt very bad. Although the fan was clearly blowing at her directly, her heart was on fire. She tossed and turned as if she was cooking some pancakes.

    Zhai Hua hoped that she would see the dawn of light soon. She had to think of a way to settle Wei De¡¯s matter. Although begging Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t work, she could still beg someone else!

 Chapter 695 - To Persuade or Not

    <h4>Chapter 695 To Persuade or Not</h4>

    Finally, Zhai Hua survived until the morning. She then got up from the bed and washed up. Afterbing her hair in a slipshod manner, she wanted to head to the house of the Qiao family.

    As she grew up with Zhai Sheng, she knew that if she could not beg Zhai Sheng and yet wanted him to help, putting her father aside, the only person that she could look for now was Qiao Nan.

    In Zhai Hua¡¯s heart, Wei De¡¯s words impacted her more than that of her parents. Simrly, Qiao Nan¡¯s words would definitely matter more to Zhai Sheng than that of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing

    Unfortunately, before Zhai Hua could leave the house, she saw Zhai Sheng drive away from home.

    Zhai Hua then quickly got hold of the auntie. ¡°Where is Zhai Sheng going so early in the morning?¡± He even drove out. Did Zhai Sheng have anything on?

    ¡°I think he¡¯s going to the house of the Qiao family to assist in something.¡± Last night, when Zhai Sheng informed Miao Jing, the auntie happened to hear a little of the conversation.

    ¡°The house of the Qiao family...¡± Zhai Sheng was going to the house of the Qiao family now. In that case, she certainly could not make her way there now. If she were to bump into Zhai Sheng, she could not talk to Qiao Nan about the matter. She was also fearful that Zhai Sheng would interrupt and object before she could even speak about the matter.

    ¡°Miss, is there any matter? If not, I¡¯m going marketing.¡±

    ¡°Nothing, go ahead.¡± Zhai Hua let go of the auntie. She sat at home and waited quietly for Zhai Sheng toe back. Once Zhai Sheng was back, she would then look for Qiao Nan.

    Anyway, it was the summer vacation. She still had a few days of leave. She did not believe that she could not get hold of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Child, learn well in the future.¡± Coming out from thend authorities, the two elderly teachers looked at Qiao Nan with smiling eyes.

    On the other hand, Qiao Nan felt very embarrassed throughout the event. Her little face was as red as an apple. Although Zhai Sheng had counseled her on this before¡ªto take someone else¡¯s things at no cost-this was the first time it happened in Qiao Nan¡¯s two lifetimes. ¡°I, I will.¡±

    How could the two elderly teachers not tell how embarrassed Qiao Nan was?

    The more embarrassed Qiao Nan was, the more it proved how good-natured she was.

    To be able to give the house to such a child, the elderly couple really did not feel shortchanged. Their children could also make some publicity from this matter and derive some interests for their ownpany.

    ¡°Then, Principal Meng, we¡¯ll be leaving first.¡± After settling the matter regarding the house, the two elderly teachers were going to leave Ping Cheng and return to their hometown.

    In actual fact, the elderly couple was busy with the affairs in Ping Cheng for the sake of their children. They only intended for one thing, and that was to return to their ce of origin.

    ¡°Take your time.¡± Principal Meng was full of high spirits recently. He even seemed to be floating as he walked. ¡°Qiao Nan, congrattions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Principal Meng.¡± Qiao Nan gave a bow to Principal Meng. She had to trouble Principal Meng to make the trip today.

    Principal Meng waved his hand casually. ¡°No issue. In half a month¡¯s time, you have to make another trip on your own to collect the title deed. Keep it properly thereafter.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, Principal Meng. I will certainly do so.¡±

    ¡°Then, fine. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll leave first.¡± Principal Meng looked at Zhai Sheng a few times before leaving.

    Initially, Principal Meng even called the house of the Qiao family specially to ask if he should pick Qiao Nan up. Qiao Nan said to meet him directly at the entrance of thend authorities as someone would drive her there. At that time, Principal Meng was surprised. After thinking, he assumed that Shi Qing would be the one sending Qiao Nan to the ce.

    It was only until their arrival that Principal Meng discovered that a big ¡®boss¡¯ had sent Qiao Nan over.

    Principal Meng was well aware of who Zhai Sheng was. The Zhai family members were rare prominent characters that the people in Ping Cheng were proud of.

    Throughout the entire process, Principal Meng had been quietly observing Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    Although Zhai Sheng had not said much all this while, Principal Meng discovered that Zhai Sheng was the one who took care of all theplex and mundane administrative matters for Qiao Nan throughout the entire procedure.

    Even the stamp duty that was needed came from Zhai Sheng¡¯s pocket.

    Even though Zhai Sheng mentioned briefly that Qiao Nan¡¯s money was with him, Principal Meng was able to tell from the look of surprise on Qiao Nan¡¯s face that the money belonged to Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan did not pass her money to Zhai Sheng

    Zhai Sheng was so concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s matter. He was traveling to and fro, forking out money and putting in so much effort. What was the reason?

    The rtionship between the two of them was not ordinary!

    At the thought that Qiao Nan was going on to her third year, as the principal, he felt that he should persuade Qiao Nan that it was not good to be involved in a romantic rtionship at such a young age. However, when he thought about Zhai Sheng¡¯s identity, Principal Meng could not bring himself to say that.

    To Principal Meng, the process of the transfer of ownership today was undoubtedly slow and difficult.

    The good thing was that throughout such a long procedure, Principal Meng confirmed that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had been together for some time.

    Nevertheless, he had seen himself Qiao Nan¡¯s performance while she was in her second year. This had clearly proved that although Qiao Nan was in a romantic rtionship at such a young age, she knew what she was doing. At the very least, her studies were not affected because of the rtionship. In particr, the college entrance examination this time was sufficient to prove this point.

    Since he had confirmed that Qiao Nan would not neglect her studies due to the rtionship, as her principal and an outsider, Principal Meng certainly would not say much.

    In the past, Principal Meng even pitied Qiao Nan and felt that Qiao Nan was certainly unfortunate and pitiful.

    However, Principal Meng discovered today that Qiao Nan was the truly fortunate one. Not to mention having received a house for free, Qiao Nan would be Cindere if she married Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± When everyone had left, Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°I¡¯ve only repaid you a few hundred yuan for my dad¡¯s surgery expenses. Now, I¡¯m going to owe you more.¡± When was she going to pay back all her debts to Brother Zhai?

    ¡°No hurry. There¡¯s a lot of time. You can return it slowly.¡± Of course Zhai Sheng would not take issue with it. If he did, he would not have guessed that Qiao Nan was not aware that stamp duty was needed for the transfer of ownership. That was the reason he prepared the money beforehand.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan had not purchased a house before. She also had not gone through any transfer of ownership. Hence, she did not have any knowledge in this area.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was around. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have to seek Principal Meng¡¯s help today.

    ¡°The sun is quite strong now. I¡¯ll send you back.¡± Zhai Sheng opened the door of the car and asked Qiao Nan to get into the car. He personally sent Qiao Nan back. Henceforth, the small courtyard could really be called the house of the Qiao family. Moreover, it was the house of Qiao Nan alone. ¡°The fastest time the property title deed will be ready is a week. I¡¯ll apany you to collect it when the timees.¡±

    ¡°Do you have time?¡± Qiao Nan asked. ¡°If not, I can go alone as I already know the way there.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied without hesitation.

    ¡°There¡¯s no issue at the army?¡± It did not seem so. Officer Shi had already left the army. Even if someone had reced him, as the regimentmander in the army, Brother Zhai would not have the time to leave the army.

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Don¡¯t forget. There¡¯s still the politicalmissar.¡±

 Chapter 696 - My Little Devil

    <h4>Chapter 696 My Little Devil</h4>

    There was the politicalmissar at the camp. Nothing would go wrong.

    The most important thing was that Zhai Sheng did not want to go back as he had no wish to see the man named Wei De.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan tidied her hair. For the past two years, Zhai Sheng had the habit of tousling her hair as if she was a dog. She had been used to it and would no longer retaliate. ¡°Then, now you are...¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you from your studies.¡± Zhai Sheng sighed. True enough, his future wife was too young, still in school. In fact, she was busier than him and had no time to date. He had indeed been in a false rtionship. ¡°Also, don¡¯t be distracted by Shi Qing. You are in the humanities ss, whereas she is in the science ss. Both of you won¡¯t have much to discuss or learn together.¡±

    He felt gloomy that Shi Qing spent more time with Qiao Nan than he did. Even though Shi Qing was a woman, he still felt unhappy about it.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Brother Zhai, have you forgotten that when Shi Qing first arrived in Ping Cheng, she was my love rival.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s original intention was to fight for Brother Zhai¡¯s affection.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. Shi Qing was a troublemaker. He did not care what Shi Qing¡¯s original intention was, but right now, she was his love rival!

    He must show her what he was capable of. Otherwise, she would not have any self-awareness.

    ¡°Okay, go back and study hard.¡± There was still one more year to go. He would submit the marriage report in June, and by July, he would be able to be engaged to Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng must be thinking of submitting the marriage report and their engagement next year. She could not bear to remind him that Auntie Miao was still kept in the dark about their rtionship.

    After keeping it from her for such a long time, Qiao Nan no longer knew how to tell Miao Jing about their rtionship.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I will go back now. Be careful when you drive back home. The weather is very hot now. You can have a nap when you are back at home. You will feel energized after the nap.¡± As a study maniac, Qiao Nan tried her best to allocate rest time for herself even though she usually spent most of her time on her studies. She could not go without ny minutes of an afternoon nap.

    Otherwise, summertime would be even more unbearable for her.

    ¡°Alright, keep your things well.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan not to forget about the family register.

    ¡°I will.¡± She would not keep it with herself. Once her father reached home today, she would return it to him.

    ¡°By the way, there is one more thing that I have to tell you before I leave.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°If Zhai Huaes looking for you, no matter what she says to you, you don¡¯t have to care or agree to help. Do you understand?¡± There was a flicker in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. He knew what Zhai Hua would be up to.

    tas

    Since a young age, all the men that Zhai Hua knew were her friends. She was not interested in any of them.

    Because of this, Zhai Sheng knew that now that Zhai Hua was in a rtionship, she would invest all her feelings into the rtionship.

    Since Zhai Hua was not able to get his help, she would definitely not give up.

    Right now, apart from his family, his Achilles¡¯ heel was Nan Nan. As long as Zhai Hua still had her wits about her, she would definitely seek Nan Nan for help.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan felt puzzled. ¡°Why will Sister Zhai Hua look for me? Is she here to quarrel with me?¡±

    Ever since what happenedst time, Qiao Nan had never seen Zhai Hua. It was a bad experience, and the two of them had a tacit understanding to avoid each other. When Miao Jing wanted to send stuff to the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng would volunteer to go, while Zhai Hua woulde up with excuses so as not to go.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me about her rtionship yesterday? She wille looking for you because of her boyfriend. Since I refused to help her, she can only ask you for help.¡± Zhai Sheng had no intention to keep it from Qiao Nan. Unless Zhai Hua did not look for her, she would find out eventually. However, he was sure that she would look for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Oh, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips, feeling helpless. If possible, she did not wish to see Zhai Hua.

    The experience of theirst meeting was unpleasant, and she intended toe for such a reason this time. Indeed, desperate times called for desperate measures. Sister Zhai Hua must be at her wits¡¯ end.

    She had yet to be weed by the Zhai family, so how could she possibly help in such matters?

    ¡°Rest assured. I will not be muddleheaded, and it¡¯s not up to me to promise her anything. Is Sister Zhai Hua at her wits¡¯ end?¡± It was an unwise move to ask her for help.

    Zhai Sheng sneered bluntly. ¡°She is indeed stupid. She has been carried away by love and no longer sees reasons. Alright, I have no wish to talk about her. I will make a move first. If you find it a bother, you can pretend that you¡¯re not at home.¡±

    After saying that, Zhai Sheng felt it was quite unrealistic to do. Things would be awkward for Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua if she climbed over the wall into the Qiao family¡¯s residence and saw Qiao Nan in the house.

    ¡°Forget it. Shi Qing is in luck. After I leave, bring your books and go to the Shi family¡¯s residence to study. Do you understand?¡±

    Shi Qing was in luck? What was he talking about?

    ¡°Alright, I will go to Shi Qing¡¯s house to do my homework.¡± She would do all she could to avoid Sister Zhai Hua.

    After she watched Zhai Sheng leave, Qiao Nan turned to go back home. She put the documents aside and carried a stack of homework in her hands, getting ready to go to Shi Qing¡¯s house.

    Qiao Nan was just about to go out when Shi Qing ran into Zhai Hua at the doorway of the Qiao family¡¯s residence. ¡°What brings you

    here?¡±

    Zhai Hua shot an angry look at Shi Qing. ¡°Such a heartless girl. Have you forgotten who brought you around and trained with you when you were in the camp and your dad had no time for you?¡±

    Shi Qing still harbored grudges for what happened a year ago. Besides, she was not the party concerned!

    ¡°These are two different matters. As long as you still listen to reasons and are a good sister and soldier, I will treat you nicely. It¡¯s nothing personal. Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t try to use this on me.¡± Shi Qing exined that she only did what was right.

    Zhai Hua looked upward, at a loss for words. ¡°Step aside. I am not here to look for you. I am here for Qiao Nan. You can rest assured that I am not here to quarrel with her.¡± Today, she would not quarrel with Qiao Nan. Instead, she would sing her praises. Qiao Nan was the only person who could help her.

    ¡°Then, what are you doing here?¡± Shi Qing sized up Zhai Hua. ¡°Are you here to apologize to Qiao Nan? Your apology is a yearte.¡±

    ¡°Hey, my little devil. I am in a hurry. I have a serious matter to talk to Qiao Nan about. I am busy. If you are afraid that I will bully Qiao Nan, you can sit by the side. I won¡¯t chase you away!¡± She had waited for a long while before Zhai Sheng left and Qiao Nan came back home.

    If Zhai Sheng returned home and realized that she was not at home, given his intelligence, he would guess that she was here to look for Qiao Nan.

    Therefore, she must persuade Qiao Nan to help her before Zhai Sheng realized that she was not at home and came to stop her.

 Chapter 697 - What Was Your Boyfriend Lacking In?

    Chapter 697 What Was Your Boyfriend Lacking In?

    Zhai Hua was in a rush, but Shi Qing was out to make trouble for her. Zhai Hua was so frustrated that she wanted to give Shi Qing a punch.

    When Shi Qing was young, she was a cute and obedient younger sister. Why did she turn out to be like this when she grew up?

    ¡°Alright, I will listen by the side.¡± Shi Qing did not intend to leave. She had to keep a watch on Zhai Hua. Qiao Nan was too soft-hearted. She was defenseless in front of the Zhai family.

    Since Shi Qing had said so, Zhai Hua could not send her away. The three of them entered the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    As the owner, Qiao Nan had no choice but to pour three cups of tea for her guests and herself. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what brings you here today?¡±

    ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡± Zhai Hua put the cup aside and sounded anxious.

    Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, are you kidding? Last time, you looked down on Qiao Nan and felt that she was taking advantage of your family. It is good enough that Qiao Nan did not ask your family for help. Now, you want her to help you. Did I hear it wrong or did you make a mistake?¡±

    It had only been a year. Was Sister Zhai Hua hitting herself in her own face?

    Zhai Hua blushed. She knew that she was eating her own words. But she had no other choice.

    Furthermore, it was not that Qiao Nan was capable hence she sought her help. It was because Zhai Sheng valued her that she had to ask her for help. ¡°This is what happened. Recently, I am in a rtionship, but my boyfriend is not given the chance to prove himself. I hope you can bring this up to Zhai Sheng. In the future, we will be one family. It will be good to take into ount each other¡¯s feelings. The most important thing is that my boyfriend¡¯s mom is not in good health. She is getting on in years and wishes for nothing but to see her grandson in this life.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled her lips. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, ording to what you said, you just have to marry your boyfriend, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The two of you can get married. Qiao Nan cannot help you with that.¡± Shi Qing nodded.

    ¡°How should I put it?¡± Zhai Hua was embarrassed to talk about Wei De¡¯s temper, especially in front of outsiders. ¡°My boyfriend is an arrogant man. Qiao Nan, you should be able to understand his situation. Ie from a good family background and he has high self-esteem. He is worried that if he marries me, other people will say that he is unworthy of me and the Zhai family. At the same time, he also wants to prove his ability and let my family know that he will definitely give me happiness. Therefore, his n is to wait until he is promoted topanymander before we talk about marriage.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you are the deputy battalionmander now, aren¡¯t you?¡± Qiao Nan touched her chin. It was no wonder that Brother Zhai would remind her in advance. It turned out that Sister Zhai Hua wanted her boyfriend to get in through the back door with Brother Zhai¡¯s help.

    Zhai Hua flushed in embarrassment. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Qiao Nan was blunt. ¡°When he just started to date you, was your rank higher than his? Why is it that he did not feel the need to be promoted to apanymander before dating you? And now that the two of you are discussing marriage, why would he suddenly have this idea? It is not an easy task to get promoted from an ordinary soldier to apanymander. It not only takes time, but he must also have the ability, the opportunity, and military achievements. Not to mentionpanymander, is he a toon leader now? Since he is in a rtionship with you, he must be older than you. He has been in the army for such a long time. If he is not apanymander, he should be a toon leader at the very least, but is he?¡±

    If there was not much difference in their ranking, Brother Zhai would not be so heartless and remind her in advance to reject Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s request.

    Zhai Hua was at a loss for words.

    Given Wei De¡¯s performance in the army, Zhai Hua was unable to speak up for him in front of others.

    She was baffled as well. Wei De had good fighting prowess and he was smart. Why was it that he was still an ordinary soldier after such a long time in the army and had yet to be promoted to toon leader?

    Wei De would always say that hecked the opportunity to make military achievements.

    As long as he was given the opportunity to be under Zhai Sheng, he would be promoted faster than Song Yin, who was promoted a year ago.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua. Qiao Nan is asking you a question. Since you want her to help, why don¡¯t you answer her question?¡± Shi Qing was anxious. Was Sister Zhai Hua sincere about seeking Qiao Nan¡¯s help?

    Qiao Nan drank some water, clearly in the know of what was going on. ¡°Shi Qing, you don¡¯t have to force Sister Zhai Hua. Judging from her response, I think I know her boyfriend¡¯s situation in the army.¡±

    He was not trustworthy enough to be entrusted with important tasks.

    Since he was in the army for a long time, he should have been assigned countless missions.

    Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend must have mediocre performance in the army. That was why he was still not promoted to toon leader. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, judging from this situation, he will be discharged from the army in a few years. Am I right?¡±

    Not everyone who joined the army could stay in the army until old age, or in the case of Officer Shi, had to resign due to poor health.

    ¡°I see...¡± Shi Qing was dumbfounded. ¡°He is not a toon leader, and if he continues in this way, he will be discharged soon. Sister Zhai Hua, why are you interested in such a man? It¡¯s no wonder that he didn¡¯t listen to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss back then, and only attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss. Did he go to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss because of her looks and figure? Is he someone who lets lust befuddles his mind?¡±

    Shi Qing was shocked. Why would Sister Zhai Hua take a fancy to such a lousy man?

    Was she blind?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, in this case, you asked too much of Brother Zhai. I am not able to help you talk to Brother Zhai regarding your request. As far as I know, Brother Zhai¡¯s aides are capable and skilled. You can¡¯t possibly want Brother Zhai to pass off fake products as genuine?¡±

    To put it bluntly, if anything happened, he would be the one bad apple that could spoil the whole bunch.

    ¡°No, the situation is not like what you think. He is capable. He justcks the opportunity.¡± Zhai Hua blushed, refusing to admit that Wei De was so useless.

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. It had been so many years, yet he was not even a toon leader. How could Zhai Hua say that he was capable and onlycked the opportunity? Shi Qing could not tell that he had any abilities.

    If such a person was considered capable, then there would not be any blockhead in the world.

    Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing, urging her to control her emotions and not to say hurtful words. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you said that your boyfriendcks an opportunity. Can I ask you a question?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± As long as Qiao Nan was willing to help, she would not mind even if she asked a hundred questions.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and leaned back. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, does your boyfriendck an opportunity or a chance to work under Brother Zhai?¡±

 Chapter 698 - Understood the Changes in Zhai Hua

    <h4>Chapter 698 Understood the Changes in Zhai Hua</h4>

    Zhai Hua had yet to say anything when Shi Qing blurted right away, ¡°Is there a difference between the two?¡±

    ¡°Of course there is a difference.¡± Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing, but she was, in fact, looking sideways at Zhai Hua. ¡°The difference between the two is simr to a student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and a student from the Ping Cheng High School when both are sitting for the college entrance examination. If he onlycks a chance, he will be like the student from The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Through the college entrance examination, he will prove his abilities and be given a brighter and better path to take. If it is thetter, it will be like the student from Ping Cheng High School, whom I spotted the exam questions for. Among the two of them, who do you think is able to do better in college entrance examination?¡±

    ¡°Of course it has to be the student from Ping Cheng High School!¡±

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s help in spotting the questions, it was simr to cheating. Although spotting questions in advance was not as bad as cheating, it was simr to ying tricks.

    It had been proven that all the Ping Cheng High School students whom Qiao Nan helped spot questions for had good results in the college entrance examination.

    As for the students at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, their results were the reflection of the teachers and their hard work.

    ¡°Do you understand now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I got it...¡±

    After Shi Qing nodded, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua, who had been silent for a long time. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, have you thought about it? Which category does your boyfriend belong to? Does heck the opportunity or the chance to work under Brother Zhai?¡±

    Brother Zhai was given important and difficult missions in the army. However, he was quick to respond to situations and challenges, and he was always able to carry out the missions sessfully.

    In other words, as long as he followed Brother Zhai and followed his instructions toplete the task sessfully, he would be able to umte military achievements even though he did not make any big contributions.

    In this case, if Brother Zhai was willing to be lenient, it would not be a problem for Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend to be promoted.

    Zhai Hua sat there for a long time, keeping her silence.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, if you have not thought it through, why don¡¯t you go back first and give it a thought? You can tell meter. As for his mom, it should not be a big problem. At least, his mom will still be fine when you have thought it through. You have enough time.¡±

    She had no idea if the olddy was faking her illness or not.

    However, she did not suffer from a terminal illness. She was certain that she would not die in a few years¡¯ time.

    Shi Qing did not look very pleased after she pondered over what Qiao Nan said.

    It seemed that Sister Zhai Hua had picked a useless boyfriend who only wanted to work under Brother Zhai so that he could stand to gain.

    ¡°Don¡¯t... don¡¯t misunderstand. These are my own thoughts. It has nothing to do with him. Don¡¯t associate it with him. He is innocent.¡± Zhai Hua was embarrassed at the disdain in Shi Qing¡¯s eyes. However, she still tried hard to put in a good word for Wei De. ¡°I hope our rtionship will have a good oue soon so as to fulfill his mom¡¯s wish. It really has nothing to do with him. I made all the decisions myself.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who came up with this idea. The important thing is, Sister Zhai Hua, do you have an answer in your heart? If it is the former, you don¡¯t need my help. Considering your rtionship with Brother Zhai, I believe he will not refuse your request. If it is thetter, Sister Zhai Hua, I feel that there is no reason for me to help you.¡±

    ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°I have said that it doesn¡¯t matter who came up with this idea. If you did, I can only say that you¡¯ve changed a lot recently. With the Zhai family¡¯s upbringing, I thought you would note up with this or bring this up to others. This is very unlike you.¡±

    The Zhai family, including Auntie Miao, did not like to get in through the back door. Nobody in the Zhai family would like to enjoy the fruits of other people¡¯sbor.

    Shi Qing blinked at Qiao Nan. So it was actually the man who wanted to get in through the back door but he was too embarrassed to say so? He wanted Sister Zhai Hua to be his scapegoat and let others cast weird nces at her?

    Qiao Nan turned to look at Shi Qing, gesturing for her to be sensitive to Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s feelings and not to be too blunt.

    This man was, after all, Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.

    Even though this man did not have a good temperament and he had nothing to do with them, Sister Zhai Hua had to make the judgment for herself.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it¡¯s such a hot day, Shi Qing and I are going to take a nap. If you have other things to say, you can look for me after you sort out your thoughts.¡± Qiao Nan was getting ready to send her off.

    Zhai Hua never visited unless she needed something. Qiao Nan felt uneasy as well.

    When Zhai Hua did not need her help, she would be treated as someone who was after the Zhai family¡¯s money. When Zhai Hua needed her help, she would talk to her nicely.

    Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude was dependent on Qiao Nan¡¯s value to her. This kind of interaction made people feel ufortable.

    ¡°Alright, I will go back and think about it.¡± Zhai Hua took a long while before she sighed and was willing to leave.

    It was not that she could not answer this question. To her, Wei De was definitely the former, not thetter.

    The problem was that Wei De was the one who decided to do this. It would not be good for her to decide for him, and people might misunderstand that she was the one who made the decision. Hence, she decided to leave and have a talk with Wei De before deciding on how she should tell Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Alright, Sister Zhai Hua, I will walk you to the door.¡±

    Qiao Nan had finally sent Zhai Hua away. Shey down on the sofa, feeling drained. ¡°Goodness! Meeting the people from the Zhai family is much harder than my studies.¡± Human beings were soplex that they could not be understood through deciphering and guessing

    ¡°What is Sister Zhai Hua doing? Why would she like someone who is so lousy that he can¡¯t even be a toon leader? Even my deskmate, Zhu Baoguo, is a hundred times, or a thousand times better than this man. If Zhu Baoguo goes to the army and spends seven or eight years there, let¡¯s not say that he will be a regimentmander like Brother Zhai, but it will be easy for him to be a battalionmander.¡±

    It proved that the man was too lousy and underperforming in the army. He had to rely on his girlfriend to seek help from others in order to have a bright future. This was an eye-opener for her.

    Qiao Nan curled her lips. ¡°In the past, I didn¡¯t understand why Sister Zhai Hua changed her attitude toward me from time to time. Sometimes she was good to me, sometimes she was not. When she learned of my rtionship with Brother Zhai, she never objected and was supportive of us.¡±

    After what happened today, she was able to understand the reason behind Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s changing attitude and her fleeting mood.

 Chapter 699 - Upset

    <h4>Chapter 699 Upset</h4>

    ¡°Why?¡± Qiao Nan had figured it out but Shi Qing was clueless.

    ¡°The problem lies with her boyfriend.¡±

    Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. She would not give her support and encouragement for no reason. Sister Zhai Hua was so nice to her because her boyfriend was not as outstanding as her. In fact, he was in a simr condition as the Qiao Nan from two years ago.

    If Brother Zhai could be with her and she was epted by his family, then Sister Zhai Hua could introduce her boyfriend to her family. She did not need to worry that her family would object to their rtionship or separate them.

    To put it bluntly, she was merely being used to test whether the Zhai family would ept Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend or not.

    Shi Qing was dumbstruck. She did not expect it would be for this reason. ¡°You have been such a great help to Sister Zhai Hua and her boyfriend. Why would she act up from time to time and suspect you or look down on you?¡±

    ¡°That, I can¡¯t tell as well.¡± Sister Zhai Hua was suspicious of her and would look down on her and pick on her. In the future, someone else would do the same to her boyfriend as well. By right, Sister Zhai Hua would not do so after bearing this in mind.

    ¡°Could Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend possibly be a lousy man who likes to badmouth you in front of her?¡± Sister Zhai Hua had changed under his bad influence. In that case, it was possible that what she guessed was true.

    Qiao Nan finished the water in the cup. ¡°I can¡¯t tell. After all, I have never seen her boyfriend, and I don¡¯t understand their situation. In fact, if not for you, I wouldn¡¯t know that she is dating. I also wouldn¡¯t know that her boyfriend went to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss during the English summer ss a year ago, and that he did note to my ss.¡±

    Qiao Nan would notment on someone she did not know.

    ¡°I have seen that man before. He is not a good person. You are right. The Zhai family will not do something like that. Sister Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t like this in the past. It¡¯s very likely that she¡¯s been influenced by that man. That said, he must have a nasty temperament.¡± After being in the army for such a long time, he did not make it to the toon leader, and yet he wanted to get in through the back door with his girlfriend¡¯s help.

    If it was her, she would rather not date or marry, than having a lousy man. ¡°Qiao Nan, why does Sister Zhai Hua like that man? Should we tell Brother Zhai so that he can bring her to an ophthalmologist?¡±

    Since when did Sister Zhai Hua have such poor eyesight?

    As a soldier, should she not have perfect eyesight?

    ¡°Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To you, the man may be a pile of dung, but to Sister Zhai Hua, he is a piece of gold.¡± Qiao Nan was very unwilling to describe the soldiers as dung, but she did not have a good impression of Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.

    As long as the man was upright, given the Zhai family¡¯s upbringing, Sister Zhai Hua would definitely have the answer to her question just now. She would not hesitate to say that the mancked an opportunity, rather than a chance to work with Brother Zhai.

    This showed that it might not be purely Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s idea. The man might be the one who suggested it.

    ¡°This analogy is great!¡± Shi Qing pped in agreement. ¡°You are indeed from the humanities ss. The analogy is simple but profound. It is an apt description. Such is indeed the situation.¡±

    ¡°Alright, stop singing my praises. I estimate that there will be more toe. Sister Zhai Hua will not give up.¡±

    ¡°But you won¡¯t agree to it as well.¡± Shi Qing smiled. ¡°Why do I feel that you seemed to be too calm when Sister Zhai Hua brought up her request today? You seemed to have known what she was going to say and was prepared for it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, when Brother Zhai sent me back just now, he had reminded me and told me not to agree to her request. I asked her that question as I wanted to give them a chance. As long as they are upright, there is no need for them to ask a favor of me. I believe Brother Zhai will be willing to give that man a chance to prove himself. I hope Sister Zhai Hua will not give me a disappointing answer when she is back.¡±

    It did not matter if she was disappointed or not. What mattered most was Brother Zhai.

    Even though Brother Zhai was not present today, he knew what was going on.

    Shi Qing looked upward helplessly. ¡°All of you seem to have so much trouble in dating. Not only do you have to keep it a secret from everyone, and hide and sneak around as if you are in guerri warfare, but there is so much else to worry about as well. Suddenly, I don¡¯t want to date anymore. I feel that being single is a good idea. What should I do?¡± She would be free of worries if she did not date.

    Qiao Nan was not worried. She seemed to have a lot of experience. ¡°You haven¡¯t met the one who makes your heart flutters. When that person appears, you won¡¯t be worried about all these.¡±

    In this life, she only wanted to find a man who was down-to-earth and lead a simple life with him. As for falling head over heels in love, that was something that would only happen in novels.

    But in the end, she met Brother Zhai, who was the turning point in her life.

    ¡°Hey, stop being so mushy. I refuse to be your audience.¡± Shi Qing was unhappy. She had just thought of a possibility and was about to tell Qiao Nan. But now that she looked so smug, she decided to keep it to herself.

    Qiao Nan was basking in happiness. If she told her too much information, she might be too smug and arrogant that she might put on airs.

    What Shi Qing thought of was rted to Zhai Hua and her boyfriend.

    No matter whether Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend was capable or not, or whether he was narrow-minded, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Hua, it was impossible that he would refuse her upfront.

    But Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude was firm, leaving no room for discussion. Could it be due to Qiao Nan?

    Shi Qing was not the only person who thought that way. Zhai Hua, who returned to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, had the same thought as well.

    There was obviously room for discussion. Zhai Sheng did not need to be so firm and determined and to stick to his original decision. Zhai Hua could not help but suspect that Zhai Sheng already knew that the rare times she treated Qiao Nan with indifference were due to Wei De.

    That young brat had this temper from a young age. When provoked, he would not retaliate right away. But when there was a chance, he would take his brutal revenge. He might not retaliate right away, but that didn¡¯t mean he let the other party off. Instead, he was unwilling to waste his time. When there was a chance, the vicious Zhai Sheng would never be softhearted. He would make sure that the other party paid for what they had done.

    Today, Zhai Sheng used this tactic that he usually used on others on Zhai Hua. In return, Zhai Hua felt nothing but anger.

 Chapter 700 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Disappointment

    <h4>Chapter 700 Zhai Sheng¡¯s Disappointment</h4>

    Zhai Sheng knew that, at times, Zhai Hua would treat Qiao Nan nicely. Simrly, she would be indifferent to her asionally.

    Even though Zhai Sheng had already fought with Zhai Hua regarding what happened with the clothes, they were siblings after all. Zhai Sheng could not possibly be ruthless toward Zhai Hua. At most, he would give her a few blows when they fought with each other.

    Since all these happened after Zhai Hua started to date Wei De, he already showed due respect to her feelings by not doing anything to Wei De.

    Right now, Wei De wanted to get in through the back door on ount of Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with him and to do something that the Zhai family would never do. It would be impossible for Zhai Sheng to tolerate Wei De any longer.

    Zhai Sheng knew that all he had to do now was to do nothing. It was harsher than punishing Wei De to run tenps or do a thousand sit-ups.

    Corporal punishment would merely make Wei De feel embarrassed in front of hisrades.

    But if he did not give Wei De any extra chances, he would only be able to watch by the side as he missed all the opportunities. In that case, those who entered the army at the same time as him orter than him would be toon leaders, whereas he would remain a veteran in the army. This was the worst punishment for him.

    Zhai Sheng could not bear to retaliate against Zhai Hua, but he went all out to deal with Wei De, who had yet to be a part of their family.

    In short, as Zhai Hua¡¯s personality changed after being with Wei De, Zhai Sheng was not willing to have such a useless brother-inw.

    If he was incapable, he should have a good moral character at the very least.

    On the contrary, Wei De did not have the ability and he was the one who had a bad influence on Zhai Hua. He would not tolerate Wei De and Zhai Hua for that!

    ¡°You are finally back. Have you given up?¡± Zhai Sheng put down his book and looked at Zhai Hua, who came into his room.

    ¡°Hehehe, Qiao Nan and you must have telepathy.¡± It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng did not chase after her today. It turned out that he had already guessed what she was up to. ¡°Have you told Qiao Nan in advance and forbade her from helping me?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is not your boyfriend. I don¡¯t have to tell her what should be done and what shouldn¡¯t be done. She knows what the best course of action is.¡± The more Zhai Hua behaved in this manner, the more Zhai Sheng held Wei De in contempt.

    Zhai Hua was annoyed. ¡°Stop saying useless stuff. Tell me, what is the maximum leeway that you will allow?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a blockhead. If he did not agree to it, he would not change his mind no matter what she said.

    If not, she would not hit her own face and asked Qiao Nan for help.

    ¡°Zhai Hua, even though you acted in that way toward Nan Nan, I have never stacked the deck against Wei De. That is his blessing and because of our family upbringing. Do you understand?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression darkened. Zhai Hua did not have any self-awareness even now.

    Zhai Hua took a deep breath. ¡°Is there no room for negotiation?¡±

    Zhai Sheng turned grim. ¡°Zhai Hua, you should be asking yourself.¡±

    Zhai Hua was speechless.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s intention was for Zhai Sheng to help Wei De along the way. But Zhai Sheng was so decisive. If it was in the past, Zhai Hua would try another method after failing to seek help from her brother.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, she would definitely have other ways.

    Honestly, Zhai Hua was at her wits¡¯ end.

    In regard to Wei De¡¯s matter, Zhai Hua did not dare to ask Zhai Yaohui or Old Master Zhai for help. She did not dare to ask others for help as well.

    The reason was that she knew very well that what she did was not justified. Besides, if this matter was known to others, Wei De would be looked down upon by the Zhai family. In fact, what Wei De did was indeed not glorious.

    Hence, Zhai Hua dared not bring up this matter to Zhai Yaohui or Old Master Zhai.

    It was possible to ask others for help. Actually, she could ask the neer who was there to take over Shi Peng¡¯s position for help. As long as Zhai Hua was willing to bring it up, he would definitely help her.

    But Zhai Hua did not dare to do so.

    Once she did, Zhai Sheng would definitely know about it. He would not feign ignorance. It was good enough if he merely put a stop to it. If he made a ruckus about it, and her father and grandpa learned about it, they would definitely have a bad impression of Wei De and would even order her to break up with him.

    Zhai Hua asked Zhai Sheng to help her on ount that they were siblings. But she knew that what she did was too much and it was not something that the Zhai family would do.

    She understood very well that she was witless in front of others. That was why she could only seek help from her brother.

    Zhai Hua asked her brother to help her and kept saying that he disregarded their rtions and bullied her because he sided with Qiao Nan, who was only an outsider.

    ¡°Humph.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered at Zhai Hua¡¯s silence. ¡°Zhai Hua, I am not disappointed with Wei De. I am disappointed with you. It¡¯s true that our parents did not bring us up, but how did the old master teach us? Have you forgotten all his teachings? As a soldier, where¡¯s your pride and unyielding character? When we were young, what did Old Master Zhai teach us? I have no opinion that you want Wei De to be promoted so that he will be able to hold his head high in front of the Zhai family and that you can tell everyone proudly that your choice is right. But you are corrupted in your way of thinking, and you go against your principles without any limits. Zhai Hua, this is what I can¡¯t ept!¡±

    ¡°Even if Wei De is just an ordinary soldier, to me, he is just a mediocre person. But looking at your behavior now, do you know how I view him? He is simply a woodworm! He is incapable and so he egged you to behave in this way. Don¡¯t tell me that you came up with this n and Wei De was against it. I¡¯m a man. If Wei De really disagreed with you, he had his way to stop you from asking me for help. Zhai Hua, what you have done today and in the past has given me a terrible impression of Wei De. No matter how many reasons youe up with, I will not ept them and I will not help people like him!¡±

    Zhai Sheng had the urge to use his authority to send Wei De out of the army.

    As he had said, Wei De was a mediocre person. He was incapable and did not have any achievements. Hence, he could not be promoted.

    But the thing about mediocre people was that they were timid andzy. Thus, despite not having any achievements, they made no mistakes as well.

    Under such a situation, given the Zhai family¡¯s usual working style, Wei De could spend his time in the army until the day he had to be discharged from the army.

    The Zhai family would not abuse their authority to help a person, and neither would they make life difficult for them.

    However, Zhai Hua¡¯s behavior had provoked Zhai Sheng such that he had the impulse to do otherwise.

 Chapter 701 - Potential Stockâ€™ That Was Underperforming

    <h4>Chapter 701 ¡°Potential Stock¡¯ That Was Underperforming</h4>

    Zhai Hua might be tough, but she became teary-eyed at Zhai Sheng¡¯s lecture. ¡°Actually, Wei De is really good. He is not as bad as you said. I don¡¯t deny that Wei De has his opinions on this, but you can¡¯t me him for what I have done.¡±

    Zhai Hua was in a panic. She had pushed Zhai Sheng too hard and resulted in him having a bad impression of Wei De.

    Zhai Hua was anxious and frustrated that her efforts turned out to be counterproductive, but she could do nothing about it.

    ¡°Please, Zhai Sheng. This is the only time that I am begging you in this life. Wei De¡¯s mom is sick and she is in serious condition. If his mom knows that Wei De has good future prospects, she will be happy and it will be good for her illness. Zhai Sheng, please help me this one time. I promise that I will treat Qiao Nan as my younger sister after this. I will treat her better than how I treat you. I can promise that this will never change no matter what happens in the future. Is that alright?¡±

    Zhai Hua took a deep breath. This was herst-ditch effort. She did not want to give up and she could not give up as well.

    Once she gave up today, she would have to give up her many years of rtionship with Wei De sooner orter. She could not bear to let go.

    Zhai Hua knew that Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s only Achilles¡¯ heel. Apart from bringing up Qiao Nan, anything else that she said would be useless. Qiao Nan was the only hope that she and Wei De had.

    Zhai Hua smiled bitterly. She did so many things that had disappointed Zhai Sheng and she had been unpleasant to Qiao Nan. But at the crucial time, she could only rely on Qiao Nan when she had a favor to ask of Zhai Sheng.

    Now that she thought about it, it was unnecessary for her to be indifferent and suspicious of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua might not have said so, but she knew that Qiao Nan would have a brighter future than Wei De.

    Gender equality existed in the society they lived in. Seeing that women had better development than men, thetter would be discouraged, thinking they were worse than their female counterparts.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zhai Sheng softened his tone since Zhai Hua had changed her attitude toward him.

    One must be humble if one had a favor to ask of others.

    Zhai Hua used to adopt a bossy attitude with Zhai Sheng. He was not Qiao Nan. He was not willing to ede to her request or go along with her attitude. He did not have to do this. It should be the man from the other family who had to take this attitude of Zhai Hua.

    ¡°I am sure.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for him to work under me. But you said that what hecks is an opportunity. I can do something about this. Today, I received an order from the higher-ups. The mission is very dangerous. If your boyfriend is capable, this will be a great chance for him. But don¡¯t try to be individualistic and hog the credit. In the army, what matters most is teamwork. Do you understand? If the mission fails because of him, and hisrades are implicated, I do not have to remind you what the consequences are. I am sure you know there will be no ce for him in the army. On the contrary, if he really has the ability, I will not stand in his way. Instead, I will be willing to go easy on him such that he can be promoted.¡±

    But what mattered most was that Wei De must have the capability and he could not make any mistakes.

    If Wei De was able to do that, Zhai Sheng would be able to push for his promotion.

    As for other matters, Zhai Sheng was not willing to give him any leeway.

    ¡°What is the mission?¡±

    ¡°Drugs.¡±

    ¡°Investigate drug smuggling...¡± Zhai Hua turned pale. She understood right away how dangerous the mission was.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Both of you can discuss if you want this opportunity or not. But you have to remember, this is the first and thest time. You must keep your promise to me until the end.¡± If not for Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would not have given Zhai Hua a single chance. He had even thought of finding out who Wei De was and kick him out of the army.

    Zhai Hua sniffed. ¡°Alright, I will discuss it with him.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng gave a faint reply. Afterward, he saw Zhai Hua left the house in her car.

    There was no doubt that Zhai Hua was on her way to meet the man to have a face-to-face discussion.

    If Zhai Hua used the phone at home to make the call and was overheard by someone, Zhai Hua and Wei De would lose the tiniest chance that Zhai Sheng was willing to give them.

    Zhai Sheng called Qiao Nan after Zhai Hua left. ¡°Nan Nan, if Zhai Hua bullies you again in the future, you have to tell me. I will make sure she behaves herself.¡±

    Qiao Nan remained silent for a while. ¡°What makes you so certain? She is your sister.¡± Was he not worried that he would cause trouble at home?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she owes you.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, did you agree to her request?¡± And on ount of her?

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Make yourself clear. If not, Sister Zhai Hua may be able to be with her boyfriend, but both of us will have to go separate ways. I don¡¯t like what you are doing.¡± Qiao Nan was unhappy.

    Back when her family was in serious arguments, she did not wish for her father to divorce her mother for her sake.

    Simrly, she did not wish for Zhai Sheng to go against his principles for her sake and to help Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend get in through the back door.

    Zhai Sheng, who was vexed, felt much better upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°People of the same family will have simr views and thoughts. Nan Nan, you are destined to be mine.¡± The only thing that Zhai Hua was right about today was that he and Nan Nan had telepathy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Things aren¡¯t what you thought to be. Her boyfriend wants to work under me. But I won¡¯t allow it. My men are disciplined, capable, and with high caliber. They obey orders well. Everyone is used to working and cooperating with one another in the team. Unless I need manpower or the person is very capable, I will not take in another person. Bringing a neer with me will only increase the difficulty ofpleting our task. I will give Zhai Hua the opportunity that she wants. However, it is up to them if they can utilize it or not.¡±

    The people under Zhai Sheng cooperated well with one another. If Wei De joined their team, there was simply no room for him.

    It would be a great help to the team if he watched on by the side and did not hinder the team from carrying out their mission.

    However, Zhai Sheng would not agree to it if Wei De¡¯s aim was to take the credit of others without contributing at all. Even if Zhai Yaohui or Old Master Zhai made the requests, he would refuse as well, let alone Zhai Hua.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Nan sighed with relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, when Sister Zhai Hua came looking for me just now, it was inconvenient for me to probe, and I had to reject her request. What is going on with her boyfriend?¡± She felt something amiss.

    Zhai Sheng could not keep it a secret from Qiao Nan. He told Qiao Nan about their situation. Qiao Nan felt funny and annoyed after hearing it. ¡°He is an ugly duckling man. He has been dating Sister Zhai Hua for a long time. Not to mention knowing Sister Zhai Hua, even without knowing her, as a man, doesn¡¯t he have any career aspirations? How could it be possible that he has been in the army for seven to eight years but doesn¡¯t have any achievements?¡±

 Chapter 702 - Wei De Asked Qiao Nan for Advice

    <h4>Chapter 702 Wei De Asked Qiao Nan for Advice</h4>

    ¡°Back then, he did not have any career aspirations, but now that he is dating Sister Zhai Hua, he begins to think about his future. But he didn¡¯t do anything for two years. He is trying to drag it on. When Sister Zhai Hua is older and is in a hurry to marry, she will try means and ways for the Zhai family to let Wei De get in through the back door. Crap.¡±

    She would never believe that Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend was a good man.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, this man does not have a good temperament. If Sister Zhai Hua is with him, she will not be happy.¡±

    If there was no problem with the man, Sister Zhai Hua would not need to go around begging for help. Moreover, nobody was willing to help her.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that women in love are irrational?¡± Though it was in for everyone to see that the man was not a good person, Zhai Hua was not able to see it. No matter how others tried to stop her, she would plunge headlong into it.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Does that mean we are not going to do anything and simply watch as Sister Zhai Hua bes muddleheaded for her whole life?¡±

    Sister Zhai Hua was very obstinate. Since she could go to great lengths for this man, it meant that she had the intention to marry him.

    Zhai Sheng was not anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure. ording to Zhai Hua, he will only marry her when he is promoted topanymander. Although I give him a chance this time, even if he grabs hold of the chance, he still needs a year before he will be promoted to toon leader. It will take very long before he will be able to be promoted topanymander. Zhai Hua will definitely have the time to see through his true colors.¡±

    Although she did not say it out loud, Qiao Nan did not agree with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, she is your only sister. She may be muddleheaded, but she is a good person. You must keep a lookout for her. I fear that there will be more toe.¡±

    In the unlikely event that something happened to Sister Zhai Hua, Brother Zhai was the only person who could help her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Brother Zhai, I will hang up the phone. Shi Qing is staring at me.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, how can you behave in such a way...¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression darkened at the sound of Shi Qing¡¯s displeased and flustered voice.

    Shi Qing was upset. ¡°Qiao Nan, how can you do this to me? What if Brother Zhai decides to take it out on me?¡± She was not Brother Zhai¡¯s opponent.

    Usually, when Brother Zhai came to look for Qiao Nan, she would try her best to leave them alone, avoiding being the third wheel. Since they were on the phone, what was wrong with her doing her homework by the side?

    Qiao Nan chuckled after hanging up the phone. ¡°If you were not listening intently to the conversation, your words would be more credible.¡±

    Qiao Nan would not fall for Shi Qing¡¯s lies. Besides, Zhai Sheng would not go too hard on Shi Qing

    As she spent more time with Shi Qing, Qiao Nan realized why Zhai Sheng was not afraid that she would misunderstand the two of them when he sent Shi Qing personally to Ping Cheng High School.

    Anyone who had a little understanding of Zhai Sheng and Shi Qing would know one thing for sure-Shi Qing¡¯s character was like a giant asteroid striking the earth, and Zhai Sheng would never fall for her.

    ¡°Forget it. I won¡¯t talk to you about this. I am right. I have already told you that Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend has problems. Last summer break, he only went to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s English ss. His reasoning was that Qiu Chenxi was Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e, so he had no choice but to go to her ss on ount of Brother Zhai. What a load of crap! He was definitely after Qiu Chenxi¡¯s looks and felt that since Qiu Chenxi was rted to Brother Zhai, he should show his support for her.¡±

    Sister Zhai Hua was so outstanding, yet he did not feel that he was unworthy of her. He waited until today to say that he wanted to buck up. Sister Zhai Hua was a fool to believe his words.

    ¡°He is indeed not a good person.¡± Qiao Nan agreed with what Shi Qing said.

    Sister Zhai Hua was devoted to that man. Although Brother Zhai gave him a chance, he might not make good use of it.

    Therefore, there would be more toe in the future.

    Qiao Nan had predicted that this matter would not be resolved easily, but she did not expect that she would meet the man in the near future.

    ¡°Hello, are you Qiao Nan?¡± Qiao Nan came back from the market and saw a tall man in military uniform. He had short-cropped hair and there was a gleam in his eyes.

    Qiao Nan felt uneasy under his gaze. He seemed to be hiding a lot in his eyes.

    She felt as if she was being surveyed like a piece of good that would be sold for a good price.

    ¡°You are...?¡± Qiao Nan lowered her face to avoid his gaze. She was about to push open the door but halted upon hearing him introduce himself.

    ¡°My surname is Wei, I am Wei De.¡± Wei De smiled bitterly. There was evident disdain in his eyes. It was no wonder that Regiment Commander Zhai gave up Qiu Chenxi, who was beautiful and came from a good family background, for this youngdy.

    He did not expect that it had only been a year, but Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ had grown beautiful.

    Girls usually developed into youngdies when they were in junior high school. ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ must be well-nourished to be able to undergo another phase of development and growth.

    Compared with the arrogant Qiu Chenxi, men would usually prefer women who were gentle and sweet.

    However, he was not so superficial. A woman had to have the temperament and character to be a good woman.

    He was used to seeing women who were like ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ in the countryside.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Wei De... She had no impression of this name.

    ¡°I am Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.¡± Wei De smiled and introduced himself.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face dropped. She felt like going into the house and close the door on him.

    She did not have any good impression of Wei De. Now that he was here to look for no one else but her, she felt that he treated her as if she was easy-going and docile, one who would be easily bullied.

    As Wei De was Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend, Qiao Nan did not feel the least surprised that he woulde looking for her. After all, Zhai Hua hade looking for her a few days ago with regard to Wei De¡¯s matter.

    ¡°Is it convenient to talk?¡± Wei De continued on since Qiao Nan was silent.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You can say it directly.¡± She had no intention of inviting him into her house.

    Wei De¡¯s smile froze. ¡°Can we talk inside?¡± She could not possibly want him to talk while standing under the hot sun, could she? This would only happen when he was training in the army.

    ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient.¡± He could go ahead and talk, but he could not enter her house.

    A few days ago, Zhai Sheng had told Qiao Nan not to ede to Zhai Hua¡¯s request. She was not afraid of Wei De.

    Wei De took a breath and masked the displeasure in his eyes. ¡°Since we will be one family sooner orter, I think it is better to go inside the house to talk. In fact, I have to seek your advice on a lot of things. You are doing better than me, and you have more experience than me. When we are one family in the future, we are bound to have more contact with each other.¡±

 Chapter 703 - Form an Alliance

    <strong>Chapter 703 Form an Alliance</strong>

    It was from the recent talk with Zhai Hua that he discovered that Chief Zhai knew that Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend but did not do anything about it.

    Back then, Wei De felt that Chief Zhai must be crazy to ept Qiao Nan, who came from a humble background, instead of people like Qiu Chenxi as his daughter-inw.

    Even if the Zhai family had the power and influence now, they would eventually be outshone by other more influential families if they did not build on what they had.

    As long as he had the opportunity in the future, he would never allow his children to do such things.

    ¡°Is it?¡± Qiao Nan chuckled. She did not take Wei De¡¯s words seriously. ¡°I am alone by myself, so it¡¯s inconvenient. If you have anything to say, just say it now. Of course, if you don¡¯t know the way to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, I can show you the way.¡±

    If Wei De really had something to say, he should not look for her but the Zhai family instead.

    ¡°Well, even if I can¡¯t enter your house, can we change a ce to talk? It isn¡¯t convenient here.¡± Wei De was quite particr, but his excuse was useless before Qiao Nan.

    It was the start of 2000. There were not many shops like cafes or dessert shops, but at least, there were tea houses where the elderly would chat with each other. The two of them could sit down and have a good chat at a tea house.

    ¡°Alright, what¡¯s the matter? Just say what you are here for.¡± Qiao Nan could not help but ask as soon as she sat down in the tea house.

    She had to clean the vegetables that she just bought. Otherwise, they would not be fresh anymore.

    Wei De, who seemed to be cheerful just now, looked grim and somber as if he was holding himself back. There was a chilling look about him. ¡°First of all, congrattions to you. I heard from Hua Hua that your efforts have finally paid off. You are one step to sess.¡±

    He meant that her only obstacle was Miao Jing.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Compared with Wei De, Qiao Nan did not deny that it was indeed the case.

    Wei De smiled bitterly. ¡°Compared to you, I am too far off. Ever since I started to date Hua Hua, I¡¯ve been under a lot of pressure. I really like Hua Hua, and I want to give her happiness, and for her to be proud of me. I want to prove to everyone that Hua Hua has made the right decision to be with me. Unfortunately, I may have aspirations, but the reality is otherwise. It¡¯s a tough path. I don¡¯t know whether I will be able to persevere until the end.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was filled with confusion. She stared at Wei De, puzzled by his words.

    She was not a counselor. Was Wei De pouring out his grievances to her?

    ¡°I envy you. At least, you have made it through the tough times. Hua Hua has told me about you. She likes you very much and feels that your temperament is very good. You are just like her younger sister. As long as Regiment Commander Zhai and Hua Hua are on your side, and with Chief Zhai¡¯s tacit approval, yourst obstacle will no longer be an obstacle. You will make it through.¡± Wei De frowned, as if he was deeply troubled by matters of the heart.

    Other women would deeply sympathize with Wei De¡¯s situation, but Qiao Nan turned serious at his words.

    However, Wei De was happy at her reaction.

    Sure enough, he and Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ belonged to the same type of people. Other people might not understand his words, but

    Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ understood what he meant.

    Qiao Nan did not miss the flicker of smugness in Wei De¡¯s eyes. She pursed her cherry lips in displeasure. ¡°I believe that faith will move mountains. I don¡¯t know how much Sister Zhai Hua has told you, but in fact, I have a good rtionship with Auntie Miao. I¡¯ve been working hard for the past two years. Brother Zhai feels that if he is to tell everyone that I am his girlfriend, Auntie Miao may not ept me right away, but she will not be averse toward me. You may not know. Auntie Miaoes to my house often, especially during the weekends. She likes to visit my house to chat with me. Compared with Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao spends more time having meals at my house. If not for Chief Zhai stopping her, Auntie Miao would treat my house as her second home. It is just that my house is too small. Otherwise, Auntie Miao would sleep over often. She has slept over in the past.¡±

    Wei De¡¯s hands which were holding a teacup shook slightly, spilling some of the tea. ¡°Is, is that so?¡± Why did Hua Hua not bring this up to him?

    He always thought that Chief Zhai knew of Qiao Nan¡¯s existence, but he did not object or agree to their rtionship, whereas Madam Zhai was strongly against their rtionship, feeling that Regiment Commander Zhai should not be with ady of humble background. In fact, she even arranged a blind date for Regiment Commander Zhai.

    Wei De had thought that Zhai Yaohui was too muddleheaded and that Miao Jing was the only one in the Zhai family who was rational and smart.

    After listening to what Qiao Nan said, Wei De no longer felt that way.

    Everyone was as muddleheaded as Chief Zhai!

    Now that Miao Jing was on good terms with Qiao Nan, Wei De no longer posed any threat to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not need to form an alliance with Zhai Hua to gain her approval. She had already established a good rtionship with Miao Jing based on her own hard work.

    If Qiao Nan needed Zhai Hua¡¯s help, it would mean that she needed Wei De¡¯s approval as well.

    Wei De was nning to form an alliance with Qiao Nan.

    However, Qiao Nan had no need for that, and the alliance that Wei De had been thinking of could no longer be formed.

    Qiao Nan took a sip of her ck tea. It did not taste good but it had a distinctive taste. She sat there, waiting to see Wei De¡¯s response.

    Wei De looked annoyed and beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead. Qiao Nan put down the teacup. ¡°Comrade Wei, may I ask if there¡¯s anything else? It¡¯s not early. I have to go back to prepare meals for my family.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, it is not easy to lead a life in this harsh society. It is even more difficult to be with Hua Hua. Other people may not understand my pain and difficulties, but surely you can understand. Can I ask a favor from you?¡± Wei De, who was perspiring profusely, held on to the teacup, feeling uneasy. He hoped it would dispel the chill that he felt in his palms.

    ¡°You can say your request, but I may not be able to help.¡± Seeing that Wei De was all tensed up, Qiao Nan calmed down. Wei De no longer had any advantage over her.

    Wei De tightened his grip on the teacup, almost breaking it into pieces.

    He had underestimated Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. For her to be able to stay in the army for a month, earn the respect of others in the army, and to be addressed as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ by them, she was clearly a capable woman. She was able to be in a rtionship with Regiment Commander Zhai and receive the implied consent of Chief Zhai. No matter how young she was, she was no ordinary person!

    Wei De took a few deep breaths and suppressed the injustice and anger that he felt. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I hope that you can help me. Now, you are the only person who can help me.¡±

    Wei De no longer had any advantage over Qiao Nan. He could only beg for her help. It was no longer as what he envisioned-to form an alliance and to gain mutual benefits.

 Chapter 704 - Failure in Forming Alliance

    <strong>Chapter 704 Failure in Forming Alliance</strong>

    In this way, Wei De was being pinned down by Qiao Nan, and in the future, he would end up in an inferior position before her.

    This was what Wei De feared the most.

    She came from a humble background, was young, and was without any influence or power. However, he had to put aside his pride in front of her. This was a hard blow to Wei De, who had high self-esteem.

    However, at this time, he had no other choice but to beg Qiao Nan for help. Zhai Hua had told him that she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel.

    Unless Wei De did not want to follow in Zhai Sheng¡¯s footsteps, he had to swallow his pride in front of Qiao Nan¡ªat least for the time being

    ¡°So serious?¡± Qiao Nan pretended not to understand. ¡°You are a soldier in the army, while I am an ordinary high school student. What is it that only I can help you with?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are the only one who can help me,¡± Wei De said with great certainty. Since he had already swallowed his pride, he must make it worthwhile. ¡°I have told you about my situation with Hua Hua. Regiment Commander Zhai does not seem to approve of it.¡±

    Qiao Nan almost spat her tea. ¡°Is it? Why do I feel that Brother Zhai does not object to it as well?¡±

    Seeing that Wei De was about to say something, Qiao Nan quickly raised her hand to stop him. ¡°You have said your situation just now. I remembered. Yes, our situations are slightly simr. Compared with the siblings in the Zhai family, we are too ordinary. If it is just this, you can rest assured that I will help with whatever I can. I also hope that Sister Zhai Hua will be happy. I will try my best to remind Brother Zhai not to judge someone based on their family background. I think he can do it. Otherwise, I will not be here today.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just this problem.¡± Wei De¡¯s face turned red and he looked so ufortable that it was painful to look at. ¡°Hua Hua feels that it will be better for us if we are together after I am promoted topanymander. It¡¯s just that there are so many people in the army. I may not get the promotion. If possible, can you... say a few good words for me in front of Regiment Commander Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that it¡¯s Sister Zhai Hua who said that? I seem to have heard something different.¡± Qiao Nan pulled down the corners of her lips, her expression turning cold. ¡°Comrade Wei, you should know my situation at the Zhai family. Is it good for you to tell me this? Who says that you can only talk about marriage after you are promoted topanymander? I heard another version previously. As for your so-called putting in good words, I have tried and hence you are given a chance now.¡±

    However, Wei De might have felt that the mission was too difficult and dangerous, so he was not willing to take the risk in order to gain military achievements. He wanted to benefit from the hard work of other people and had nned the easy route for himself.

    Wei De never imagined that Qiao Nan would know what was going on between Zhai Hua and him.

    Qiao Nan exposed his lies outright, not giving any respect to his feelings.

    Wei De, who was caught lying, flushed red in embarrassment. He could not bring himself to say anything

    After a while, Wei De revealed a distorted smile. ¡°I am sorry to have wasted so much of your time today. I have to say that there is one thing that I am right today. You are indeed capable.¡±

    He had kept his rtionship with Zhai Hua a secret, but Qiao Nan knew everything about them. He could not say anything that was helpful to his situation and he had be aughingstock in front of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Thank you for yourpliments.¡± Qiao Nan epted Wei De¡¯s ¡®praise¡¯ unabashedly. ¡°If I did not have the ability, I would not be able to go to the army camp to teach English. It¡¯s a pity that you addressed me as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯, but I don¡¯t deserve it. I have not taught you before.¡±

    Fortunately, Shi Qing had told Qiao Nan about Wei De¡¯s situation and made it clear that he never attended her ss as he only went to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss.

    ¡°Of course not. There is nothing to be undeserving of. No matter what, I have been to two of your lessons.¡± Although these two lessons were not useful to him at all.

    Qiao Nan put down the cup of tea. ¡°I see, then it seems that I can still ept being addressed as a teacher by you. Comrade Wei, is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°No, I am sorry to disturb you for so long.¡± Wei De stood up. He no longer wished to humiliate himself in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, you are indeed very awesome.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s too ttering.¡± Qiao Nan smiled modestly. ¡°I am not awesome. It¡¯s just that some people are used to judging people by their looks. There has to be aparison to know whether one is awesome or not. Perhaps I am lucky and I have yet to encounter someone better than me. But there will always be people who are better than oneself. I will run into them sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Wei De sneered. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, it¡¯s gettingte. I will not disturb you any further. Goodbye. I believe if there¡¯s fate, we will meet again.¡±

    Even without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, he would marry Zhai Hua and be the son-inw of the Zhai family. By then, Qiao Nan would have to address him as ¡®brother-inw¡¯.

    ¡°I hope so.¡± Qiao Nan took her belongings and went to the doorway, leaving some money for her own cup of tea.

    When Wei De came out to pay for the tea, he was given a strange stare by the salesperson. Wei De turned green with anger when he realized that Qiao Nan had paid for half of the bill.

    He might not be willing to spend his hard-earned money on Qiao Nan, who was vain, selfish, and vicious, but no matter how poor he was, he could afford to treat her to tea.

    Qiao Nan did it on purpose. She wanted to embarrass him in public so that he would beat a retreat in the face of difficulties and give up on Zhai Hua.

    He had schemed against Qiao Nan, but now, she gave him a taste of his own medicine. Wei De had a sullen expression on his face. He could not believe that the tables were turned on him.

    However, he would not give up. He would like to know which of them would have thestugh.

    As long as he had the opportunity, he would use every means to stop such a useless person like Qiao Nan from marrying Zhai Sheng. He feared that she might bring bad influences to the Zhai family, and in turn, affect his future.

    Qiao Nan was useless, yet she dared to look down on him. Wei De had a burning need to be promoted topanymander and to marry Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, where have you been?¡± Qiao Nan had just reached her house when Shi Qing shouted out loud. She had been waiting for Qiao Nan and saw her right away from a distance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get inside the house first.¡± Qiao Nan opened the door. She cleaned the vegetables that she bought today while she talked to Shi Qing. ¡°Today, I met Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Where did you see him?!¡± He should be busy in the army.

    ¡°In Ping Cheng. He came to Ping Cheng today to have a ¡®good talk¡¯ with me.¡±

    Shi Qing widened her eyes and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°You... you did not agree to meet him, did you?¡±

 Chapter 705 - Some People Could Not Be Spoiled

    <h4>Chapter 705 Some People Could Not Be Spoiled</h4>

    Qiao Nan gestured for Shi Qing to let go. ¡°If I didn¡¯t go, would I be backter than usual? Of course I had to go. If not, I wouldn¡¯t know what kind of person Wei De is and whether he is as what I have guessed.¡±

    ¡°So what¡¯s the result? How is he?¡±

    ¡°Results? It is the same as what I have guessed. He does not have a good temperament. I suppose Sister Zhai Hua only told him that Auntie Miao doesn¡¯t likedies from a background simr to mine, but she didn¡¯t tell him that Auntie Miao likes me very much. He thought that I would be pinned down by him because of that. He wanted to join hands with me and work together to be one family with the Zhai family.¡±

    As a woman, Qiao Nan knew the reason why Zhai Hua did not tell Wei De that she had a good rtionship with Miao Jing.

    Given that the Zhai family was an established and prominent family, Wei De had no hopes of marrying Zhai Hua.

    Although she was the most typical example, Wei De was in a worse situation than her. It was most likely that the Zhai family would object to their rtionship.

    In order to encourage Wei De so that he would not lose his confidence and give up their feelings, Zhai Hua certainly did not dare to tell Wei De everything about Qiao Nan.

    If Wei De knew that there was a girl like Qiao Nan who wanted to marry Zhai Sheng and be one family with the Zhai family, but faced some difficulties, he would not feel that he was worse than her or that it was impossible for him to marry Zhai Hua.

    If Wei De was given the impression that Qiao Nan had no hope of being weed by the Zhai family, he would feel hopeless at his own situation.

    On the other hand, if Qiao Nan had no problem in gaining the eptance of the Zhai family, Wei De would feel pressured as well.

    Zhai Hua had gone to great lengths to be considerate of Wei De¡¯s feelings. However, as soon as Wei De met up with Qiao Nan today, Zhai Hua¡¯s efforts went down the drain.

    Shi Qing seemed to be at a loss. ¡°Wei De does not have a good temperament, so why does Sister Zhai Hua like him so much and did so many things for him? Qiao Nan, now that you have told Wei De about it, Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s efforts must have been in vain. Aren¡¯t you worried that she will be upset with you? Don¡¯t you sympathize with Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish. If Wei De is a good man, I won¡¯t be sympathetic because I will try my best to help Sister Zhai Hua secure her happiness. Brother Zhai treasures his sister. He has done a lot for me. Whatever I do will be to repay his kindness. I will not sit back and do nothing about it. However, it is obvious that Wei De is not a good man. Even if I did not make things clear today, given his temper, he would definitely quarrel with Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°What about that?¡± They would always make up after their quarrel. Did it mean that they wasted their time quarreling?

    ¡°What about that? After talking to Wei De today, I feel that as he does not have a good temper, he will not be considerate toward his girlfriend. We still do not know if he isforted by the fact that Sister Zhai Hua is so considerate of his feelings. If he feels that Sister Zhai Hua lied to him on purpose, causing him to be humiliated by me, how do you think he will treat Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Wei De would break out in a fierce quarrel with Sister Zhai Hua.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be. He is dating Sister Zhai Hua because he wants to have a connection with the Zhai family. If he wants to rely on the Zhai family to be promoted, he will have to please Sister Zhai Hua. He will only be able to achieve his motive if she still loves him.¡± Therefore, Wei De would treat Sister Zhai Hua well.

    Qiao Nan had a deep smile on her face. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Some people, when spoiled, do not know their own limitations. Although he is at a disadvantage and has to depend on others to be able to lead a good life, he has no self-awareness. Wei De has been spoiled by Sister Zhai Hua. Sister Zhai Hua should be the first person to suffer from her wrongdoings.¡±

    ¡°Do you want Sister Zhai Hua to fall out with Wei De?¡± She believed that the two of them might quarrel because of what happened, but she did not believe that they would go their separate ways because of that.

    Sister Zhai Hua could not bear to break up, and neither could Wei De.

    Both of them could not part with each other. However, they might use breaking up as an excuse to force the other party topromise.

    ¡°Although they will not break up right away, this can create misunderstandings between the two of them at least, resulting in cracks in their rtionship. Over time, these cracks will deepen and affect their rtionship. By then, we don¡¯t have to do anything and they may break up because of minor misunderstandings and issues.¡± This time, she might have sowed discord between them, but they would not break up so easily.

    They needed to go slowly with regard to Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that Sister Zhai Hua will be angry?¡± Qiao Nan was scheming tantly against Sister Zhai Hua.

    ¡°She won¡¯t. She has an agreement with Brother Zhai.¡± Sister Zhai Hua had already promised Brother Zhai that she would not pick on her anymore. ¡°If Wei De could stand the test, then everyone will be happy with the oue. If not, we have to think of ways for Sister Zhai Hua to see things clearly.¡±

    Shi Qing looked at Qiao Nan, feeling puzzled. ¡°Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you angry at Sister Zhai Hua who treated you badly previously? Why are you so worried about her now?¡±

    ¡°I am not worried about Sister Zhai Hua. The person I am concerned about is Brother Zhai all along. Do you think that now that Brother Zhai has agreed to help Wei De on ount of Sister Zhai Hua, everything will be over? After Wei De is promoted topanymander and marries Sister Zhai Hua, will everything be okay? I am afraid that Brother Zhai will have to deal with endless trouble and requests. I am helping Brother Zhai get rid of this trouble by making sure that Sister Zhai Hua forgets about Wei De as soon as possible.¡±

    Qiao Nan tapped Shi Qing¡¯s forehead, reminding her not to oversimplify things.

    Shi Qing looked disappointed but broke into a smile. ¡°Qiao Nan, you can go ahead and put up pretenses. You are firm in speech but soft at heart. I am a pig if I fall for your lies!¡±

    ¡°You are not much smarter than a pig.¡± Qiao Nan made a dig at her.

    Apart from Shi Qing, Qiao Nan never told anyone that she had seen and talked to Wei De.

    Upon Qiao Nan¡¯s request, Shi Qing did not mention a word about Wei De to other people as well. The two of them pretended that he had never appeared before them.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why do I feel that you have been acting strange these days? You don¡¯t look good. Are you losing appetite because of the summer heat?¡± Ever since the day Wei De had a talk with Qiao Nan, he never appeared before her again. Shi Qing was unable to direct her pent-up frustrations and anger at him.

    She had thought of all sorts of colorful swear words to use on him. It was a pity that she never saw him again.

    Qiao Nan propped her head with her hand, looking lethargic. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s something troubling me. I could not buck myself up.¡±

    ¡°What is it that you are troubled with?¡±

    Qiao Nan sneaked a nce at Qiao Dongliang, who was busy in the kitchen. She lowered her voice and whispered to Shi Qing.

 Chapter 706 - Not a Good Guy

    <h4>Chapter 706 Not a Good Guy</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Qiao Zijin sat for her college entrance examination this year as well.¡±

    It was already August. She should have known her results and decided on which university to enroll in.

    Her mother might be capable enough to provide for Qiao Zijin through high school, but her mother would not be able to pay for her university¡¯s tuition fees all by herself.

    Unless Qiao Zijin had a change of mind and decided not to go to college, Qiao Zijin woulde asking her father for money.

    Qiao Nan could not tell if Qiao Dongliang had really forgotten about it or was pretending.

    Shi Qing rxed slightly. ¡°It turned out that you are worried about this. Rx. Let¡¯s adopt measures appropriate to the actual situation. If she really dares to ask for money, it¡¯s Uncle Qiao who has to deal with her. If she dares to bully you, I will not let her off. You don¡¯t have to worry about people like her.¡±

    ¡°I hope so.¡± Qiao Zijin was not someone who would be contented with one¡¯s lot. Therefore, Qiao Nan felt extremely uneasy at the notion that there was no news from her. It was as if she was plotting something.

    Shi Qing tapped on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Why do you worry about so many things at such a young age? Whatever happens, someone else with the ability will be able to solve it. How are the five junior high students that you have been tutoring? How are their results? Their parents paid you to help their children in their studies. You must make sure they do well. If not, you will tarnish the reputation of ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ and nobody will pay you to tutor their kids anymore.¡±

    The tutoring session Qiao Nan conducted during the summer break was popr in the neighborhood. All the neighbors seemed to have heard of it.

    However, Qiao Nan insisted to teach five students at a time and tutor them for a maximum of ten days.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan might not have any spare time for herself and she would have too many students.

    The tutors who held jobs through tutoring students were not as highly sought after as Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You can rest assured. Even if I am not interested to be a teacher in the future, I won¡¯t do anything that will tarnish my reputation. I just don¡¯t wish to teach anymore. It¡¯s too tiring. I finally managed to gain some weightst winter, but I have lost a lot this summer.¡± Qiao Nan felt gloomy. She did not set an ideal weight for herself and neither did she feel that she must be as thin as possible.

    She simply did not want to lose weight. Instead, she wanted to gain weight. However, she had lost all the pounds that she gainedst winter.

    ¡°You¡¯re not admitting that you have received a benefit. Many girls yearn to be like you.¡± Shi Qing was one of them. Shi Qing gained weight easily. Her body would take in all the nutrients that she had, reflected in her body weight.

    Luckily, Shi Qing liked to exercise and spent a lot of time exercising. If not, she would gain all the weight that Qiao Nan could not even begin to imagine having. By then, she would be a plump youngdy.

    Qiao Nan smiled at the jealousy in Shi Qing¡¯s eyes. ¡°I know you are one of them. It¡¯s stressful to gain weight from whatever you eat, but it¡¯s equally upsetting to lose weight easily like me.¡± Moreover, she still had to give tuition to junior high school students. She was losing weight at an rming speed.

    Shi Qing suddenly lowered her voice and knocked her shoulder against Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hey, I heard that Wei De took on the mission that Brother Zhai suggested in the end.¡±

    After going around in circles and embarrassing himself in front of Qiao Nan, Wei De ended up not getting in through the back door and had to take on the mission. He had wasted his time for nothing

    ¡°I am not surprised.¡± Unless Wei De gave up his rtionship with Sister Zhai Hua, this was the only way out. ¡°But to be honest, I don¡¯t know what the oue will be and I still don¡¯t think that they will make a good match. After talking to Wei Dest time, I just feel that there is something strange about him.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think so?¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°You have not met many guys. How could you make such a judgment? I agree that Wei De is not a good man, but you said that Wei De is strange. Can you tell me in detail? Maybe we will be able to figure out what is strange with him and solve the problem between Wei De and Sister Zhai Hua. Let¡¯s put other things aside. It¡¯s a fact that Wei De already intended to make use of Auntie Miao¡¯s attitude toward you to threaten you to join hands with him the first time he met you. Moreover, there was Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s odd attitude toward you previously. All these are enough to prove that Wei De is a troublesome man, one who will only cause trouble.¡±

    With Wei De around, there would be endless trouble to deal with in the future.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure. It is just a feeling, a woman¡¯s intuition. Wei De is not a good guy.¡± Qiao Nan frowned, certain of the vibe that Wei De gave her.

    After her rebirth, Qiao Nan had not met any stranger that gave her a bad and ominous feeling. Wei De was the first person to do that.

    Qiao Nan felt ufortable and uneasy after their first encounter. She did not feel the same way when it came to Chen Jun.

    But in the end, it proved that Chen Jun was indeed problematic. Qiao Nan was worried that Wei De would be arger problem than Chen Jun. By then, Zhai Hua would be in serious trouble.

    ¡°Is it so difficult to pinpoint? Alright, anyway, Wei De has already gone to carry out his task. To put it bluntly, he may note back this time.¡± If so, they would not need to worry anymore.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°If so, I am afraid Sister Zhai Hua will never forget Wei De in her life and she will not ept other men. She may even hate Brother Zhai and me forever.¡±

    Therefore, she did not wish that Zhai Sheng became involved in this matter. If it turned out well, he would be upset. If it did not turn out well, Zhai Hua would be upset. There was no way that everyone would be pleased.

    Shi Qing sped her forehead in exasperation. ¡°Is it so troublesome and difficult to find a solution?¡±

    No matter whether Wei De came back alive or dead, it would spell trouble. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan seemed at a loss at the mention of Wei De.

    Shi Qing knocked on her head all of a sudden. ¡°This is not right. I am not rted to the Zhai family, and I will not marry into the Zhai family as well. Wei De may be troublesome, but it has nothing to do with me, so why should I fret over it?¡± Wei De was trouble, but she would not be affected. Rather than being worried about him, she should be worried about Qiu Chenxi.

    The Qiu family might have left Ping Cheng for the small town in the countryside, but the Qiu family¡¯s residence was still intact.

    If given the chance, Qiu Chenxi would definitely not give up. She would make aeback and treat the Zhai family and the Shi family as her enemies. Shi Qing already had a lot on her te. She should not be worried about other people¡¯s affairs.

 Chapter 707 - Parent Who Thinks Too Much

    <h4>Chapter 707 Parent Who Thinks Too Much</h4>

    ¡°There¡¯s so much that we have to worry about. After you help me with my problem, I will help you with yours.¡± Qiao Nan was amused by Shi Qing¡¯s behavior. She could be so funny at times.

    Shi Qing gave her a disdainful look. ¡°Thanks but no thanks. I don¡¯t need your help to deal with Qiu Chenxi. When Qiu Chenxi finds out that you are the ¡®vixen¡¯ that she has been looking for, we shall see who the one who needs help is.¡±

    ¡°Then, you will have to render your help to me.¡± Qiao Nan did not mind that she needed help from Shi Qing.

    ¡°There you are at it again, not admitting that you have received a benefit. Alright, aren¡¯t you suffering because of the summer heat?¡± Shi Qing blushed shyly at Qiao Nan, who leaned close to her, and darted to a side.

    Qiao Nan straightened her body and sat up straight. Shi Qing was indeed firm in speech but soft at heart.

    Last year, Shi Qing was very furious at Zhai Hua¡¯s behavior. However, it was also because she treasured her that she was angry at her.

    Now that Wei De was such a big trouble, Shi Qing was concerned about the problems that Zhai Hua would face in the future more so than anyone.

    Man would marry a woman for her virtue, and it was the same for women as well. There was a saying that when a woman was married to a man, it was tantamount to going through reincarnation again.

    Shi Qing was very worried about Zhai Hua. However, the Zhai siblings had the habit of keeping their rtionship from their family.

    The rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan was an open secret, while Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with Wei De was kept a secret from everyone.

    Shi Qing felt that it was necessary for Zhai Hua to keep it a secret. Wei De did not have a good temperament and any discerning person would not be able to ept him.

    Therefore, in a way, Zhai Hua was aware of that as well.

    ¡°Alright, the tuition ss will end here today. All of you can go home now.¡± Qiao Nan had finished the lessons for today and she dismissed the ss and her five ¡®young students¡¯.

    All of her students were as tall as her. In fact, some of them were taller than her. Qiao Nan looked at them and felt helpless. She was busy with her studies, yet she had to give them tuition.

    Fortunately, she had set the rule that she would not teach too many students and the ss would not be too long, only a few hours at most. If not, her time would be packed with work.

    ¡°Thank you, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡± Qiao Nan had be ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ at the army, her school, and at her house.

    ¡°See youter.¡±

    Qiao Nan yawned after watching the five students leave her house. She was getting ready to take a shower and do some reading before going to bed.

    It was too hot during the day and Qiao Nan could not stand the heat. She felt that the students must have felt the same way. Therefore, she arranged the ss to be around seven to eight o¡¯clock.

    The news broadcast happened to be around the same time.

    Nowadays, few children were interested in the news. After the news, the drama would start at eight o¡¯clock. The students would be back home just in time for some entertainment.

    After finishing the tuition and leaving Qiao Nan¡¯s house, one of the students threw his schoolbag to a side upon reaching his house. He took half a watermelon and ate it while sitting down to enjoy the television shows.

    The student¡¯s mother witnessed the scene and frowned in anger. ¡°Qiao Nan didn¡¯t give you homework for today again?¡± Her child had been going for tuition for a few days. Aside from spending an hour at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, the teacher did not prepare any homework for her son. After the lessons, her child would watch television as usual. She was worried that she had wasted the money to send her child to tuition.

    ¡°My son, tell me, do you think that the tuition is useful? Your tutor may be a youngdy and a high school student, but her tuition fee is much higher than that of the teachers at your school!¡± The tuition fee was way too high. The mother regretted signing up for the lessons. She should not have believed in the gossip and hired a high school student to tutor her son.

    She had to pay a huge sum and she was worried that it would be useless, spending the money for nothing.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t say that. Since she is my teacher, you should not address her as some youngdy. You should address her as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. Teacher Xiao Qiao is a good teacher. She may not have a loud voice, but we are able to take in what she says. She has taught us everything during lessons. Therefore, she does not need to give us homework. Teacher Xiao Qiao said that as long as we are able to grasp the content of the lessons within an hour, there is no need for homework.¡±

    Look, she was such a good teacher.

    Since they had already grasped the content, it was unnecessary to do homework.

    If every teacher was as good as Teacher Xiao Qiao, he would not be sick of studying.

    ¡°Alright, stop making a ruckus. You have already paid for the tuition. Are you having second thoughts?¡± The child¡¯s father came out and heard the conversation between the two of them. He reprimanded his wife. ¡°I feel that it¡¯s good for our son to learn from a young teacher.¡±

    ¡°Good? Crap!¡± The mother widened her eyes in anger and red at her husband. She was all ready to give him a lecture.

    The father pulled his wife, stopping her from shooting her mouth off. She should not spout nonsense in front of their child.

    It was obvious that their son liked the teacher. If she bad-mouthed the teacher in front of their son, he would definitely end up in a quarrel with his mother.

    The son stretched himself after watching the television drama and went to take a shower.

    The mother kept a check on her temper for the whole night. She noticed that her son was tired and showered him with concern. ¡°You should go to sleep after your shower while you are still feeling cool.¡±

    ¡°No, Teacher Xiao Qiao said that one would feel fresh and alert after taking a shower. I have to make use of this time to do some of my summer break homework. In this way, I will be more urate in my work and it will leave a deeper impression.¡±

    Her son turned on the lights and spent more than half an hour on his homework. He switched off the lights and went to bed slightly before ten o¡¯clock.

    The mother showed her displeasure and argued with her husband as soon as her son went to bed. ¡°Why did you stop me from saying what I want to say? That is my son. Am I wrong to be concerned about him? I am very worried as he is full of praise for Teacher Xiao Qiao. Our son is still young, and the teacher is at a young age as well. Do you know that there is something called puppy love? The youngdy is pretty-looking and has good results. If our son...¡±

    She wanted her son to go for tuition so that he could have better results. If his son fell for the youngdy and did not focus on his study, she would have wasted her money and destroyed her son¡¯s future.

    ¡°Look, you can¡¯t deny that you have been thinking too much. You are our son¡¯s mother, You should know him well. Our son keeps addressing her as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. Why does he use this form of address? He is full of respect for her. Our son treats her as his senior. Look at how narrow-minded you are. You turn jealous just because our son listens to what the teacher says. What a sight you are.¡±

 Chapter 708 - Teacher Xiao Qiao Who Was Highly sought After

    <h4>Chapter 708 Teacher Xiao Qiao Who Was Highly sought After</h4>

    His father was not muddleheaded. In fact, he was very clearheaded.

    He was tired to the bone at work and did not have the time to let his thoughts wander.

    ¡°Humph!¡± The mother was unconvinced. She did not wish to admit that she was being jealous.

    ¡°Alright, he is my son as well. How can I not care about him? As you said, his tuition fee is expensive, and it¡¯s my hard-earned money.¡± He was more concerned than his wife whether the money was well-spent. ¡°Our son has been learning from the youngdy for a short while. But have you noticed that he would sleep right away at ten o¡¯clock recently? You don¡¯t have to nag him nowadays. Moreover, do you still remember how he used to do his summer break homework in the past? He would start to do them three days before school reopened, and he would ask his ssmates toe to our house, where they would each do some homework and copy from each other. But as you can see now, he just spent half an hour on his homework. I am sure that you have seen it for yourself. How is his learning attitude?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± The mother was at a loss for words at the hard facts. ¡°But it is our son who is working hard. What does it have to do with the youngdy?¡±

    ¡°Of course there is. Our son has said that it was Teacher Xiao Qiao who taught him all these. The teacher had to teach him in order for him to develop this habit. You must know it is far more important and far-reaching to teach good habits than to teach new knowledge. Don¡¯t be unconvinced and jealous. The youngdy is capable. Your son is very stubborn. When we hired a tutor for him in the past, he did not appreciate your effort and we wasted money for nothing. This time, he is serious and he is happy at the mention of the teacher.¡±

    His son used to have a revulsion to studies. He was worried that, like what others had been saying, his son would grow weary of studying.

    But right now?

    He no longer had such concern.

    Without his wife or him pushing his son or reminding him to study, he would spend half an hour on his homework by himself. It was not too taxing on him and he would do his homework every day, managing his time well. It was a very good learning habit of his.

    ¡°Other things aside, if you are able to help our son develop such a good habit, then there is no need to get him a tutor. If not, I don¡¯t care how much the youngdy is able to teach your son, it¡¯s worthwhile to spend some money as long as he can keep the habit!¡±

    He would wake up at six o¡¯clock in the morning to jog around the small quad.

    He would work hard, y hard, and study hard. He would also leave aside enough time for rest. His day was packed with activities. Even if he was ying around outside, he would behave with propriety. He would let his family know who he was hanging out with and where they were at.

    He would not y game consoles or y at dangerous ces like in the water.

    It might be insignificant habits and behavior. However, even the tallest buildings built with bricks and mortars were constructed from scratch.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you exaggerating?¡± The mother had never felt that the small habits had such an important significance. Now that her husband mentioned it, it seemed to make sense.

    ¡°Exaggeration? Not at all. Last summer break around this time of the year, your son wouldn¡¯t listen to you when you urged him to do his homework, read his books, or go to sleep. He would sleep until ten in the morning the next day and he was nowhere to be found after he woke up. I have asked around. All the students who are in the same tutoring ss as our son are in a simr situation. Parents who are savvy will be d of the changes in their children and that their money is well-spent. You¡¯re the only person who is so narrow-minded, ming the tutor for not preparing homework for our son. Have you forgotten how difficult it was to get him into the ss back then?¡±

    At that time, he had thought that his wife must be crazy to believe what others said about the youngdy and treated her as a miracle worker.

    ¡°I... I was going with the crowd back then.¡± The wife smiled, embarrassed.

    Women had the habit of jumping to conclusions from insignificant evidence and they would end up doing irrational things. ¡°But you¡¯ve not seen thedy before. You are too protective of thedy. Anyway, can¡¯t Iin within my own house?¡±

    Her son might feel that the youngdy was a good teacher, but her husband had not seen the youngdy before, so why would he defend her?

    ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you d that I am helping you?¡± The husband smiled in anger. ¡°Are you stupid? Our son cannot stop talking about Teacher Xiao Qiao. It seems that he is in awe of her. Don¡¯t you feel that he views her as a celebrity, simr to those in the television shows? If you tell it to his face that she is not a good teacher, he may be upset with you.¡±

    The mother pouted at the thought of her son¡¯s temper ¡°Fine, you know your son best, while I don¡¯t understand. Are you happy now? Let¡¯s sleep now. We still have to wake up early in the morning tomorrow.¡± Her son had only been to a few of the lessons. The teacher was not that capable. Why would her husband made it sound as if her son was full of respect for the teacher?

    The mother did not know that the situation was simr in other families.

    Qiao Nan might be young, but she had charisma.

    In the beginning, the people in theirmunity were merely joining in the fun. They heard that Qiao Nan had a part to y for the good results that Ping Cheng High School had in the college entrance examination this year. However, nobody really went to find out whether it was true and whether Qiao Nan had real abilities.

    Since Qiao Nan¡¯s results had been good, after hearing the rumor, they took it to be the truth and wanted Qiao Nan to tutor their children during the summer break. They hoped Qiao Nan would be able to help their children score well in their exams in two months¡¯ time such that they would be able to enroll in top-tier and second-tier universities.

    However, Qiao Nan had set a limit for the ss. She only took in a small number of students, and the fee was quite high, while the duration was short.

    Qiao Nan was hoping that the parents would withdraw after learning of the harsh conditions.

    But to her surprise, one of the parents agreed right away and paid Qiao Nan on spot.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan did not do any advertisement or worked to attract more students. If not, she would have suspected that the parent was a phony customer who pretended to sign up for her ss so as to lure real customers.

    But never twice without three times. The Chinese people had the habit of joining in the fun and following what others did.

    When one parent started to sign up for the ss, more and more parents signed up their children for the ss.

    The other parents who were slow to react were not in time to sign up for the sses. Qiao Nan had stopped taking in any more students after having taken in ten students. No matter how much money the parents offered, she would not take in any more students.

    Parents who hesitated due to the tuition fee or other reasons were upset at Qiao Nan¡¯s firm attitude.

 Chapter 709 - Your Father was a Good Official

    <h4>Chapter 709 Your Father was a Good Official</h4>

    Qiao Nan refused to take in any more students once she had ten students. The parents regretted that they had missed out on a good chance due to not making a decision earlier.

    All of the parents who came looking for Qiao Nan had children who were about the same age. They were in junior high school and would sit for the middle school examination at the same time.

    In the event that their children had a weaker foundation andgged behind others as they did not take the tuition ss, it would affect their performance in the middle school examination and even the college entrance examination!

    Qiao Nan had just finalized the students for her first ss when the second ss was already fully booked.

    To Qiao Nan, she had spent a quarter of her time during summer break to spot questions for the third-year students.

    If she had to tutor so many students, she would not be able to cope with her own studies.

    Hence, she insisted that she would only take two sses of ten students each. She would not start another ss.

    Among therge number of parents who wanted to sign up for Qiao Nan¡¯s ss, only twenty slots were given to them.

    Those parents who signed up sessfully for the tuition ss were proud of themselves, especially when they saw for themselves how the other parents were rejected by Qiao Nan.

    However, these parents were worried when they realized that Qiao Nan did not have the habit of giving homework to her students.

    Those who did not know what was going on would behave like the mother who was doubtful of Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities and worried that they had wasted their money. Those who knew what was going on would be able to tell that Qiao Nan was capable from the small habits and changes in their children.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan had a busy and eventful summer break, dealing with all these parents.

    Other than the tuition sses, Qiao Nan also had to worry about Zhai Hua and Wei De. In the blink of an eye, half of the summer break had passed. She was so busy that she had almost forgotten that Qiao Zijin sat for her college entrance examination this year as well.

    ¡°By the way, if Uncle Qiao has not brought up Qiao Zijin, I feel that you should keep quiet as well. Uncle Qiao has been very happy recently. Bringing up Qiao Zijin will only be another source of worry to him. Although you are busy with lessons, you still remember that Qiao Zijin sat for her exams this year. As a father, how could Uncle Qiao have forgotten about it? Since he keeps quiet about it, you should not bring it up as well.¡± Shi Qing gave suggestions on how to deal with Qiao Zijin.

    Shi Qing felt that it was better not to have any contact with such a troublesome pair of mother and sister.

    It was a good thing for Qiao Nan that those people did not appear in her life now. It would be unlucky to bring them up.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up? I¡¯m afraid my dad is waiting for me to mention it.¡± Her father was waiting for an excuse to talk about them. He was worried that Qiao Nan would be angry if he took the initiative to show concern for her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Once she brought it up, her father would be able to show his concern for Qiao Zijin and ask about her results in the college entrance examination, or even which university she nned to study at.

    ¡°Since that is the case, all the more you have to keep quiet. Even if Uncle Qiao has been particrly uneasy recently, felt ufortable or listless, you have to hold yourself back. You must not bring it up.¡± Shi Qing insisted that Qiao Nan pretended that she did not know anything and kept silent since Qiao Dongliang did not say anything as well.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan had a grim but firm look on her face. She sucked in a long breath. ¡°Since I don¡¯t want to be cruel to myself, I can only be cruel to others. If my dad is having a good time, it means I have to suffer.¡±

    She had been suffering for years. This time around, she had decided to be selfish. She wanted to lead her own life. She had no wish to take care of other people¡¯s benefits and well-being, especially when it came to her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Shi Qing tapped Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I am relieved that you understand. Although I have not seen your mom and sister, these two women are clearly no saints. To sympathize with them is equivalent to being cruel to yourself. Uncle Qiao is different from you. His actions will naturally be different from yours. These are two different matters.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Have you finished your homework for the summer break?¡±

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°It is impossible to finish so much homework. Are you kidding? Moreover, don¡¯t treat me like you would your students. I won¡¯t fall for it. Are you addicted to being a teacher? Do you want to supervise me as well? Dream on!¡±

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t supervise you. Anyway, I am not paid for it.¡± Qiao Nan smiled happily at the thought of the money that she earned from tutoring. She had the crazed look of a gold-digger.

    She had wanted to use the money to repay the debts that she owed Zhai Sheng. However, it was not enough.

    But Qiao Nan must get her priorities right. It was good that she repaid what she owed Zhai Sheng so that she would not owe him anything. However, her studies were more important.

    She should save the money to go to university in the future.

    ¡°You stink of money.¡± Shi Qing snorted, giving her a disdainful look.

    Qiao Nan was not angry. Instead, sheughed at Shi Qing. ¡°I stink of money, while you smell of sweat!¡± Nobody was better than the other. What was Shi Qing being smug about?

    Shi Qing lowered her head to sniff at herself. It was true indeed. ¡°Crap, I won¡¯t talk to you. I will take a shower.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t wash now. Take your shower some time after dinner so as to digest the food well. Do you know how to stay healthy?¡± Qiao Nan grabbed Shi Qing. ¡°Wait a minute. Your dad should be back from work. What is he busy with recently? He seemed to being hometer than usual. You should show your concern for him. Don¡¯t forget, your dad is not in good health. He finally left the army to have a good rest, but he seems to be busier than before after working in the government.¡±

    Director Shi was working as hard as he was in the army. Did he intend to have a good rest after discharging from the army or did he intend to work his guts out?

    ¡°My dad is such... Forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about this.¡± Shi Qing looked frustrated at the mention of her father. ¡°My dad may have been discharged from the army, but I feel that he is busier now than when he was in the army. There is not much difference. I tried to persuade him to take things slowly to no avail. He said he must be responsible for his job no matter which position he is in. He must be ountable to the country, the party, and the people and their trust in him. Crap!¡±

    The country and the party wanted her father to have a good rest, but he did not heed their words.

    Qiao Nan said after a moment of silence, ¡°It is the fortune of the country and people to have your father as an official. You can¡¯t stop him from doing his work, but you can keep a watch on him, especially during the summer break. You must make sure that he takes three meals a day. He must not go without a meal or havete meals. It is hot at noon, so it¡¯s impossible for you to go to his workce. But you can make a phone call to him. Call him every three minutes to make sure that he has his meals. He will have to eat his meals with you keeping a check on him. At noontime, he can have half an hour of nap. When he is back at home at night, you can make sure that he goes to sleep early after his dinner and shower as long as he has digested his food.¡±

 Chapter 710 - Qiao Nan Gave a Good Suggestion

    <h4>Chapter 710 Qiao Nan Gave a Good Suggestion</h4>

    Director Shi was indeed a good director. She believed Ping Cheng would have better developments under his leadership than in the previous life.

    In the next decade, China would undergo rapid development and growth. Qiao Nan began to understand why the children of the retired teachers would show interest in the Chinese market even when they had good developments abroad.

    These businessmen had good foresight and knew how to seize opportunities.

    Only when one had good foresight would they be able to seed earlier than others.

    She fully understood what Brother Zhai meant when he talked about building up the image previously.

    ¡°Will this work?¡± Shi Qing had not thought of such a method, but it seemed that it might work. ¡°Qiao Nan, you must have simr experiences toe up with such brilliant ideas. If my dad doesn¡¯t want me to keep calling him, he will have to listen to what I say. I will give him multiple phone calls. Let¡¯s see how he will deal with it!¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. You are the only one who is by your father¡¯s side. He will listen to you.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. As long as the director was in good health, the residents in Ping Cheng would then be able to have good days ahead of them.

    Shi Peng, who was still working overtime, did not know that his daughter had been plotting against him. She listened to what others said and nned to use the tactics to make sure that her father listened to her.

    Shi Peng, still in the office, sneezed loudly. He rubbed at his itchy nose and flung his head.

    ¡°Director, have you caught a cold? If you have a cold, you have to take the medicine now. You must take care of yourself.¡± The secretary was worried about Director Shi¡¯s health.

    Shi Peng smiled, unconcerned about his health. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just a sneeze, not a big deal. We must work overtime to finish this project. It concerns the development of Ping Cheng and the interests of the residents. We must speed up and work hard for their future.¡±

    Usually, one would make drastic changes to an organization upon taking charge. This was not the case for Shi Peng. However, as a newly appointed director and someone who had career aspirations, Shi Peng certainly hoped to be promoted to other positions.

    However, he would need results and good performance in order to be promoted. He had to work hard to get the results, and he had to make sure that the people in Ping Cheng led better lives and their living standards were improved.

    Therefore, he was busy since the first day of his job.

    If not for the people around him who kept reminding him, he would be so busy that he would skip lunch.

    ¡°Director, no matter how busy you are, you have to take care of yourself. You have to be in good health to work on projects to improve Ping Cheng.¡± The secretary could feel Shi Peng¡¯s enthusiasm and passion to make Ping Cheng a better ce for its people. Ever since working with Shi Peng, he was reminded of the days when he was at school and was dedicated to serving the society, the country, and the people. It reminded him of the times when he was sincere and passionate about contributing to society.

    ¡°Yes, you are right.¡± Shi Peng smiled.

    ¡°In this case, Director Shi, it¡¯s alreadyte. Should you be going home now? You said that your daughter is alone at home and are worried about her being by herself at home. If there¡¯s other work to do, we can do it tomorrow. The project that you have in mind will take some time toplete. It will not bepleted right away. We can continue to work on it tomorrow. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s seven o¡¯clock now? Oh, right, they must be waiting for me to start dinner.¡± Shi Peng realized that it was veryte and packed his things quickly. ¡°Xiao Liu,e to work at an earlier time tomorrow. I want to have a meeting at half-past eight in the morning. Make sure that everyone is present and punctual. For those who fail to turn up, it will be reflected in their performance evaluation.¡±

    After leaving the army, Shi Peng noticed a character w in the government officials. They would not fulfill their duties and were slipshod in their work. They would procrastinate and try to dy the instructions that were given by the higher-ups. They would alsoe up with all sorts of excuses to notplete their tasks. This was an eye-opener for Shi Peng.

    Back when he was in the army, everyone followed instructions well and nobody dared to disobey the officers. They would be punished otherwise!

    If they still refused to obey the orders, more severe punishment would be meted out until they relented.

    One could not do that in the government sectors.

    ¡°Sorry to keep all of you waiting.¡± Shi Peng rushed to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. He felt bad that the three of them were waiting for him. ¡°If I amte again in the future, all of you should have dinner first. You can leave aside some food for me. I have been busy with my work recently and tend to lose track of time.¡± Shi Peng could not bear for his daughter to go hungry while waiting for him.

    He felt even worse for the Qiao family to wait for him.

    ¡°No. If you aren¡¯t back, I will wait until you are back. When I was in Mo Du in the past and you are in Ping Cheng, we only got to have meals together a few times in a year. Now that both of us are in Ping Cheng, and I am on summer break, how can we not have a meal together at least once a day? Dad, you are too much.¡± Shi Qing did not preserve Shi Peng¡¯s dignity. She refused to listen to him and stated clearly that she would wait for him to have dinner.

    Since they were having dinner with the Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan would have to wait with her if she insisted on waiting

    Shi Peng looked at Shi Qing, feeling somewhat unhappy. ¡°You are too insensible. Are you doing this on purpose?¡±

    ¡°Did you just realize that I am doing it on purpose?¡± Shi Qing had been worried that Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion would be going overboard and whether she should really keep such a close check on her father.

    But looking at the current situation, Shi Qing was certain that she had to do that!

    It seemed that Qiao Nan knew her father better than she did. If she did not keep a close watch on her father, he would not have any self-awareness.

    Her father¡¯s lifestyle might be even more disorderly than when he was in the army.

    ¡°You...¡± Shi Peng did not know whether to smile or to cry. However, he could not reprimand his daughter, knowing that she was concerned for him. ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s

    eat.¡±

    Shi Peng was starving. He did not realize it when he was at work just now, but when he reached the Qiao family¡¯s residence, his stomach started to grumble when he took in the smell of the delicious dishes.

    He was already starving and did not need anyone to urge him to have dinner.

    Shi Peng finished half a bowl of rice in no time. Shi Qing¡¯s heart ached at the sight of it. ¡°Dad, have more of the dishes.¡± He should not be having his rice only.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Peng responded, feeling hungry.

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Director Shi, don¡¯t bring your habits in the army to our house. In our family, we are used to eating slowly. Eating too fast will not be good for the stomach and is not good for digestion. Director Shi, are you sure you will be able to digest well at the way you are eating?¡± Director Shi was not in good health. His eating habits would be another burden to his health.

 Chapter 711 - Saving Up for College Fees

    <h4>Chapter 711 Saving Up for College Fees</h4>

    After Director Shi left the army, his routine had also been disrupted. At the sight of the situation, Qiao Nan frowned and looked at Shi

    Qing.

    If Shi Qing did not keep a tighter watch on Director Shi, his health would only be poorer.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s worries were, in fact, the greatest fear of Shi Qing at this point in time.

    Despite having hesitated about it before, Shi Qing was now determined to carry out the n of the three-minute phone calls.

    Her father was already behaving this way in front of her. In that case, when no one was watching him during his normal working time, it would most probably be worse. ¡°Dad, did you eat properly when you¡¯re working recently? Qiao Nan suffers from some ailments during summertime and has thus be skinnier. But why do I feel that you have also lost weight during this period?¡±

    ¡°...¡± At the sight of his daughter¡¯s hands touching his arms, he looked embarrassed. ¡°Imagination. It¡¯s just your imagination!¡± He then took back his hand quickly to prevent his daughter from touching him.

    ¡°Imagination? It¡¯s easy to confirm. We¡¯ll know after some weighing.¡± Qiao Nan smiled and added a stab at Shi Peng.

    Neither Shi Qing nor Shi Peng could prove whether thetter had lost weight with their words. Only the weighing scale could do so.

    Shi Peng really had no other ways to deal with these two children. He could only look helplessly at Qiao Dongliang, hoping that Qiao Dongliang could put in some good words for him.

    Qiao Dongliang buried his face into the bowl of rice, expressing that he did not have the capability to help.

    In his house, Nan Nan was basically the head of the family. Even he, as the father, had to listen to Nan Nan.

    As for the Shi family, it seemed that Shi Qing was also the head of the family. Director Shi also had to listen to his daughter.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang doubted if he was being too much to let his daughter run the household. Nevertheless, with Shi Peng as a living example right before him, Qiao Dongliang did not feel burdened by this thought anymore.

    This was the case even for a senior leader. As a small employee, he felt that he was not abnormal to do the same.

    With the two pairs of eyes of the two little housekeepers staring at him, Shi Peng had no choice but to slow down when having his meal. He even had to strictly follow Qiao Nan¡¯s request of chewing thoroughly and swallowing slowly before he could pass their ¡®quality inspection¡¯. He was released only after he received the approval of the two little housekeepers.

    ¡°Right, Shi Qing, apany me to the bank tomorrow,¡± Qiao Nan said as she put down her bowl of rice.

    ¡°Why are we going to the bank?¡±

    ¡°When we go to the bank, it¡¯s either to deposit or withdraw money. Can there be a third reason for it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, borrow money!¡± Shi Qing lifted her chincently.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t borrowing money also considered a form of withdrawing money?¡± Qiao Nanughed. So thick-skinned and big-hearted to dare to show off such little tricks.

    ¡°Deposit money?¡± After thinking, Qiao Dongliang put down his utensils, turned, and walked into his bedroom. He then took out a stack of money and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Since you¡¯re going to deposit money, deposit these too.¡±

    ¡°These...¡± Qiao Nan was a little surprised. These should be the money that her father had saved up over the past two years. He could leave it for Qiao Zijin. Why did he pass it to her?

    ¡°Save it. Save it directly in your bank ount. When you need it for your studies in the future, you can withdraw them yourself. You have grown up. You have the ability to control and allocate the money. I feel quite assured to give you the money.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang spoke frankly.

    He felt quite assured to give the money to Qiao Nan. In other words, if he were to continue to keep the money with him, he might feel more worried instead.

    Qiao Zijin was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter. However, it was already mid-August and there was still no news from Qiao Zijin. Qiao Dongliang was concerned but also angry at the same time.

    Anyway, if Ding Jiayi and Zijin were that capable, they would be able to get money without him, the head of the family.

    Previously, all his twenty years of earnings had been spent on Zijin. Now, there was nothing wrong with handing what he earned to Nan Nan.

    As time passed, the concerns and worries that Qiao Dongliang had for Qiao Zijin had almost turned into anger.

    Both Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had never mentioned to him where their current residence was.

    It was fine that Ding Jiayi did not do so. The couple had not seen each other for almost two years. However, Qiao Zijin hade back a few times and the duration of the stay was not considered short. However, she also did not mention where they were staying.

    Qiao Dongliang was afraid that, if he took the initiative to ask, Qiao Zijin would feel smug and go overboard again. Hence, he had been enduring his urge.

    One did not tell and the other did not ask.

    The family had been separated for one and a half years. Qiao Dongliang still did not know where his wife and elder daughter were staying at during this period of time.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliang was furious.

    As they approached August, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fury had umted to a certain extent. Today, when he heard that Qiao Nan would be depositing money in the bank tomorrow, Qiao Dongliang simply took out all the money that he had saved for Qiao Zijin for her college admission and gave them to Qiao Nan. He did not save a single cent for Qiao Zijin.

    When she saw that Qiao Nan was still in a daze, Shi Qing swiftly grabbed that stack of cash from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands over. ¡°Uncle Qiao, thank you. You¡¯re so good to Qiao Nan. You¡¯re really such a good father. Qiao Nan, hold this. Didn¡¯t you always tell me that it was not good to decline an elder¡¯s request? I really didn¡¯t expect that Uncle Qiao had earned you so much tuition fees within two years. He¡¯s good. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re really blessed to have such a great father.¡±

    If Uncle Qiao were to give this sum of money to that elder sister of Qiao Nan, then how much money could Uncle Qiao fork out to let Qiao Nan attend college in one year¡¯s time?

    He said he would not bother about Qiao Zijin but he eventually did. He even sacrificed Qiao Nan¡¯s interests.

    No wonder.

    Previously, she had found it strange that Qiao Nan would ask for such a high fee before she would agree to provide tuition to the neighbors¡¯ children, as Qiao Nan was not a materialistic person.

    Initially, she purely believed that Qiao Nan purposely raised the fees as she was not willing to provide tuition and wanted the parents to back out on their own ord. No one expected the parents to be so determined.

    At this moment, Shi Qing had a realization.

    It was not that Qiao Nan did not have such intentions. Another important reason was that Qiao Nan was short of money.

    She had long guessed that Uncle Qiao would definitely save up all his earnings over the past year for Qiao Zijin¡¯s urgent use first so that Qiao Zijin could register for college and settle one year of school fees before making further ns.

    Although it would be tough, with the one year buffer, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi should be able to settle the college fees for the subsequent two years as long as they were notzy and could think of ways.

    Inparison, Qiao Nan, who could only receive one year of earnings from Uncle Qiao then, would have a greater shortfall for her tuition fees in theing year.

    If Qiao Nan did not find ways early to save up for the shortfall, could Qiao Nan still attend college one yearter?

    The appearance of this sum of money made Shi Qing both happy and angry.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Zijin had note home or given Qiao Dongliang any news, Qiao Dongliang would have left this sum of money for Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan would then have to suffer one yearter.

    The happy thing was that this sum of money eventually belonged to Qiao Nan and was not taken away by Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 712 - Not Typical of Zhai Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 712 Not Typical of Zhai Sheng</h4>

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan would be too silly not to take the money. In fact, she would be an idiot if she did not do so.

    Shi Qing dared not let Qiao Nan had the chance to be so silly. She grabbed over the money and tucked them into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. She made the decision for Qiao Nan first and then said, ¡°Why are you standing there in a daze? Quickly put away the money in the room. If you lose it, do you deserve the well-meaning intention of Uncle Qiao?¡±

    After it was stored away properly and deposited in the bank tomorrow, this sum of money would really belong to Qiao Nan.

    This would not do. Tomorrow, she woulde and look for Qiao Nan early in the morning and apany her to the bank to deposit the money. This was in case Uncle Qiao decided to change his mind.

    Also, she should go hometer today. If not...

    Shi Qing¡¯s bright eyes rolled a few times. ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯ve not hadte chats for some time. Why don¡¯t I stay here tonight so that we can chat? We can hat about the students that you are giving tuition to or chat about your study n for the next semester. I want to use your study n as a reference to decide on my own study n, can I?¡±

    As long as she was around, she did not believe that Uncle Qiao would have the shame to take back the money that he had given out and leave it for Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan could not help smiling. ¡°No need. I suffer from summer ailments. I feel hot even when I sleep alone. I¡¯ll shun your presence.¡±

    Her father gave her this sum of money in front of Director Shi and Shi Qing because he did not want to give himself a chance to regret it.

    Once her father took out the money out in front of others, he would definitely not take it back regardless of the reason.

    This time, it was truly strange. In the past, Qiao Zijin would definitely appear as long as there was money to be taken. There was such a good opportunity and excuse but why didn¡¯t Qiao Zijin appear at all?

    ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± Shi Qing pouted to express that she was concerned if Qiao Nan alone would be able to deal with the situation of Qiao Dongliang regretting.

    Qiao Nan nodded with certainty. She had never been crafty toward her father. It was rare that this sum of money would go into her pocket. She, too, wanted to be the mythical creature in ancient China for once, which would only receive and not give out wealth.

    Given her understanding of her father, her father would not take this sum of money back regardless of the reason.

    However, if there was a possibility of it happening, Qiao Nan expressed that she also had a way not to return the money.

    ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll keep a watch on my dad.¡±

    ¡°Why are you keeping a watch on me?¡± At the sight of the twodies hinting to each other, Shi Peng was initially happy to watch the show. Suddenly, his name was called. Shi Peng had note to his senses and realized what mistake he hadmitted that his daughter had to use ¡®keep a watch¡¯ to describe him.

    ¡°Keep a watch on you. You have no self-awareness. Alright, it¡¯s already half-past eight. Let¡¯s go home. Fortunately, Qiao Nan did not need to attend sses at school today. Otherwise, you¡¯d have not only affected Qiao Nan¡¯s meals but also her tuition sses which she needed to conduct to earn money. Dad, see, just because of you, so much of Qiao Nan¡¯s time was taken. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡± Shi Qing pulled Shi Peng home, chiding him along the way. Those seemingly impatient words of hers were filled with her concern for Shi Peng.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯ste. You rest early too. The weather in summer tires people out. You still have to go to work. I¡¯ll clean up.¡± Qiao Nan asked Qiao Dongliang to go to bed. She had already almost finished cleaning up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you put away the table first. You can wash the utensils when you wake up tomorrow. You didn¡¯t have it easy today either.¡± In this home, he was only afraid that it was never easy on Nan Nan.

    Earlier, Shi Qing had been fighting injustice for Qiao Nan. How could Qiao Dongliang not sense it? It was just that he tolerated it and did not speak out. Of course, he was ashamed to say anything.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan agreed.

    The father-daughter pair quietly cleaned up the table of utensils. Thereafter, Qiao Dongliang returned to his bedroom without a word.

    Qiao Nan pursed her red lips. She was frowning so much that her brows were wrinkled.

    After some time, Qiao Nan sighed sadly. After she soaked the utensils in water, she bathed and calmed down. She then continued to study.

    If you lean against a hill, it will copse. If you lean against a person, he will run away. The only one that she could really rely on was herself.

    As such, regardless of the situation, she could do away with anything except for her studies. She must not give it up.

    As for Qiao Zijin, she could appear as she wished. If she did not appear, it did not have anything to do with her. If there was anything troublesome, her father should be the one feeling troubled.

    At ten o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan went to bed as per her usual routine.

    ¡°Hi, is this the house of the Qiao family?¡± The early morning of the next day, someone visited the Qiao family before Qiao Nan and Shi Qing left the house to deposit money.

    ¡°Yes, this is the house of the Qiao family. May I know who you are?¡± As Qiao Nan opened the door and looked outside. She saw a male stranger.

    ¡°You¡¯re little sister-inw?¡± The man had a look of surprise. She was really young, much younger than he had imagined. Zhai Sheng was really too much. This was a student, a child!

    He wholeheartedly wanted to look at how beautiful his future little sister-inw was. When he saw the answer, the surprise in his eyes was more apparent than his words.

    ¡°Little sister-inw? You are?¡± Brother Zhai did not have a younger brother. Was he at the wrong ce?

    The man perked up. She was young but very pretty. Since ancient times, when the emperor was already in his 70s and 80s, he still had to marry a few sixteen or seventeen-year-old teenagers as concubines. Men would typically not mind women for being young. ¡°Little sister-inw, good day. I¡¯m considered a childhood friend of Zhai Sheng. In the past, I lived in that quad too. Thereafter, we left Ping Cheng for about five to six years because of my dad¡¯s job. This is our first time meeting. My name is Zheng Liang. I¡¯m sending some information to you on behalf of Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Zheng Liang. Good day.¡± Upon hearing that he was Zhai Sheng¡¯s old friend and that he was sending something here on behalf of Zhai Sheng, all of Qiao Nan¡¯s doubts disappeared. ¡°It¡¯s been tough on you. Do you want toe in and have some tea?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Initially, Zheng Liang did have this intention. He wanted to understand what kind of woman would enlighten Zhai Sheng, this huge block of ice and wood.

    However, when he looked at Qiao Nan and Shi Qing¡¯s dressing, he knew that the two of them were preparing to go out.

    ¡°Right, little sister-inw, can you tell me how old you are this year?¡± Before he left, Zheng Liang asked in a busybody manner.

    In fact, he could ask Zhai Sheng about it but his sixth sense told him that Zhai Sheng might not be willing to answer him. He might as well ask Qiao Nan in person. That would be more effective.

    ¡°... Twenty.¡± And this was even a false age. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°There isn¡¯t any problem...¡± Zheng Liangughed slyly. ¡°I just feel that it¡¯s not typical of Zhai Sheng to do this.¡±

    Such a tender and soft young girl, how could the King of Demons Zhai bear to do that? He was so shameless.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng did not like women. This time, when he took action, he actually targeted such a youngdy who had not even grown up.

 Chapter 713 - All Positions Closed

    <h4>Chapter 713 All Positions Closed</h4>

    Calling her little sister-inw was really appropriate. ¡°Little sister-inw, this is my name card. I live in Ping Cheng now. If you encounter any trouble in the future, don¡¯t hesitate to look for me. You know Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation too. He has too little time to spend with you. As his brother, I can¡¯t help much in other things but I certainly can¡¯t let you be bullied by others in my territory.¡±

    ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± Having been addressed so many times as little sister-inw by Zheng Liang, Qiao Nan felt quite embarrassed.

    ¡°Little sister-inw, I¡¯m on very good terms with Zhai Sheng. His matter is equivalent to mine. Then, I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡± Zheng Liang was quite a straightforward person. Having said his words, he simply left.

    Shi Qing leaned over. ¡°Your jump in progress is really fast. Clearly, that man is much older than you, yet he still has to address you as little sister-inw respectfully. Won¡¯t he feel shortchanged?¡±

    ¡°How will I know?¡± Qiao Nan replied smilingly. ¡°Regardless, do you want to take a look at his name card? It¡¯s quite interesting.¡±

    ¡°What name card is so interesting?¡± Shi Qing did not believe her as she took over and read it. ¡°This...¡± This ce... She recalled that Qiao Nan had mentioned it to her before. Where was it?

    Qiao Nan took back the name card. ¡°Have you forgotten? This position is the former role of Chen Jun¡¯s father. It¡¯s a little less senior than the policemissioner role.¡± If Chen Jun had not met Wang Yang and been spurred on by him to deal with her, then the Chen family would not have suffered such a great set back.

    ¡°Ah, is it?¡± Shi Qing had previously heard about Chen Jun¡¯s matter, but today was the first time she really came into contact with Chen Jun¡¯s matter. ¡°Do you think Brother Zhai did it on purpose?¡±

    He made Chen Jun and his family move away, and then let his childhood friend return and take over the role of Chen Jun¡¯s father. This had caused Chen Jun and his family to lose the opportunities to turn the tables.

    ¡°Should be.¡± The return of the Zheng family this time had filled the previous roles of the Chen family. Not to mention the position of the policemissioner, it would not be possible for the Chen family to seize back even the position of the deputymissioner. ¡°Zheng Liang is a childhood friend of Brother Zhai. He seems to be of a simr age to Brother Zhai. He¡¯s so young and already in the second-top position in the police station. Isn¡¯t he capable? Most likely, he¡¯s another perverted young talent like Brother Zhai. Do you know what I am most curious about?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Shi Qing asked naturally.

    ¡°Zheng Liang has taken over the previous role of Chen Jun¡¯s father. Logically, Zheng Liang¡¯s father can¡¯t possibly have retired. What do you think is the career path of Zheng Liang¡¯s father?¡±

    ¡°This...¡± At this juncture, Shi Qing¡¯s curiosity was also aroused. ¡°This won¡¯t do. After you deposit the money, I have to give a call to my dad. He surely knows.¡± It would be much better to ask him directly than guess blindly.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you silly? I asked you to keep a watch on your dad so that he would have his meals on time. You want to make a call now? You should simply send the lunch box over to your dad and then ¡®conveniently¡¯ ask him about this situation.¡± Qiao Nan expressed that the position Zheng Liang¡¯s father took over was certainly a more dazzling one.

    With the appearance of Zheng Liang, Qiao Nan¡¯s fear of Chen Jun greatly lessened. It would be safer in the future.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to prepare meals.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯ll prepare them. You just need to take them to your dad.¡± Qiao Nan handled the entire matter of preparing the lunch box. She first deposited all the earnings from her tutoring and the money from Qiao Dongliang yesterday into her bank ount. She then led Shi Qing home and cooked a meal for Shi Qing and herself. Thereafter, she prepared a nice, fresh, and nutritious lunch for Shi Qing to bring out. ¡°Remember, watch after your dad and ask him to finish it soon. Now, the weather is hot and food can¡¯t be left out for too long, unless your dad wishes to eat spoiled food.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know.¡± Could she let her father eat something spoiled? What a joke!

    Holding the lunch box prepared by Qiao Nan, Shi Qing arrived at Shi Peng¡¯s office building soon after.

    The good thing was that when the reception found out Shi Qing¡¯s identity, a quick phone call was made and Shi Qing saw Shi Peng within five minutes.

    ¡°Dad, this office of yours is much better than the previous one at the army camp. It has many more facilities.¡± Shi Qing started to remark once she stepped into the office. ¡°Not bad. Your working environment has changed for the better.¡±

    ¡°Alright, why did youe? Speak if you have any matter. I¡¯m busy. There¡¯s nothing for you to y with here. Quickly go back. If you want to have fun, look for Qiao Nan.¡± Shi Peng was having a little headache. After the meeting at noon today, Shi Peng then realized that it was, in fact, quite difficult to meet his expectations. He had a pile of work on his hands. He very much wished that he was a superhuman with three heads and six arms, and also had forty-eight hours a day.

    ¡°It¡¯s already eleven o¡¯clock. Have you taken your meal?¡± Shi Qing sat down and refused to leave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll eatter.¡±

    ¡°No need to wait. Eat now.¡± Shi Qing opened the lunch box and pushed it in front of Shi Peng. She then crossed her arms and stared at Shi Peng.

    Watching helplessly at the lunch box, Shi Peng smiled bitterly. ¡°Qing Qing, can you wait a while? Dad is busy with decent matters now!¡±

    ¡°Taking a meal is the most important matter of all. I¡¯ll go back after you take your meal. If you don¡¯t... Anyway, your office environment is not bad. Why don¡¯t I keep all my homework in your office from tomorrow onward so that I can keep youpany when you¡¯re working?¡± It was already sote and he still refused to take his meal. Was her father prepared to take his lunch and dinner together?

    Shi Peng rubbed his face. ¡°Fine, you¡¯re more merciless than me. Wait for me. I¡¯ll go and wash my hands. I¡¯ll eat when I¡¯m back.¡±

    Having known that Shi Qing would not give up if she did not achieve her objective this time, he would rather finish his meal instead of wasting his breath with her. That would do. ¡°Qiao Nan was the one who prepared this lunch box?¡± Although Qing Qing had been getting along with Qiao Nan for so long, she had not picked up the culinary skills to date.

    ¡°Yes, Qiao Nan was also the one who reminded me toe today. Dad, you¡¯re too boring. Qiao Nan¡¯s predictions about you are so urate. Can you not let Qiao Nan guess it right asionally and give me a surprise?¡±

    Shi Peng was amused. ¡°The two of us are alike. Are you qualified to talk to me about this? When can you be more meticulous and care about me, this father of yours, without the need for Qiao Nan to remind you? I will then be able to give you a surprise.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao is really so blessed to have such a good daughter like Qiao Nan,¡± Shi Qing said, feeling bad. She could not bepared to Qiao Nan.

    Shi Peng finished the fragrant and tasty food. His tummy was full and he felt warmer and rxed. He then said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that someone doesn¡¯t realize how fortunate they are. Really, one can¡¯t choose his next of kin.¡±

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan also encountered such biological parents. She could not change this fact.

    ¡°Same situation.¡± Shi Qing leaned back on her chair. The situation in her family was not any better than that of the Qiao family. They were all unlucky.

 Chapter 714 - The Good Game of Chess by Zhai Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 714 The Good Game of Chess by Zhai Sheng</h4>

    ¡°Right, Dad, I wish to ask you about something. Help me.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai has a childhood friend who has just been transferred back to Ping Cheng this year. His name is Zheng Liang. Help me find out the positions currently held by the other Zheng family members after they returned to Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make a call.¡± After eating and drinking to his fill, surprisingly, Shi Peng¡¯s temper was less impatient than before. He dialed a number quickly and was prepared to give Shi Qing an answer. ¡°Hello, good day, I¡¯m Director Shi. Right... I¡¯d like to find out more about someone from you. He¡¯s called Zheng Liang. Okay, okay... Fine. Thank you.¡±

    Within three minutes, Shi Peng hung up the phone.

    Shi Qing had only consumed half a ss of water. ¡°So fast? You¡¯ve found out?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shi Peng revealed a very odd smile. ¡°This time, Zhai Sheng was really harsh. He¡¯s so merciless.¡±

    ¡°It has something to do with Brother Zhai again?¡± Shi Qing asked curiously. ¡°What¡¯s happening? Quickly tell me.¡±

    ¡°Zheng Liang¡¯s father is called Zheng Chenggong. How should I describe this person? He does everything in moderation. He¡¯s not radical but he¡¯s also not passive such that he will create trouble for himself. His only merit is that he does everything in moderation.

    This makes it easy for him to sustain a business but difficult to start one. This is really quite rare. Since ancient times, it has always been easier to start a business and difficult to sustain it. He¡¯s the opposite. Zhai Sheng made Zheng Chenggonge back. This will really change Ping Cheng¡¯s political scene.¡±

    Shi Peng was well aware that he belonged to the pioneering kind while Zheng Chenggong belonged to the kind that would keep things going in a steady way.

    With these two kinds of politicians in Ping Cheng, the future development of Ping Cheng would certainly not go wrong.

    Zheng Chenggong¡¯s appearance coincidentally made up for his shorings. His pioneering and progressive style alsoplimented Zheng Chenggong¡¯s weakness.

    ¡°Dad, isn¡¯t Brother Zhai working in the army? Can he intervene in the matters of the police?¡± Shi Qing did not understand. Wasn¡¯t this beyond his scope?

    ¡°As long as you have the ability, there¡¯s nothing impossible in this world.¡± He was aware right from the start that Zhai Sheng was very capable. Nevertheless, facts had proved that Zheng Sheng¡¯s capability was beyond his imagination. ¡°Do you know whose position did Zheng Chenggong assume?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Qiu Qin.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Shi Qing was utterly stunned.

    ¡°After one year of hard work, Qiu Qin really ran into some luck and encountered something good. I heard that an archaeological site was discovered and one of the territories was managed by him. As it was discovered early and managed well, it was thus in good condition. The provincial archaeologist team even came to look at it. Riding on this chance, the Qiu family pulled all the strings avable and hoped to send Qiu Qin back.¡±

    ¡°I understand now. Once Zheng Chenggong is back to assume that role, although uncle-inw has contributions, it¡¯ll be awkward for him to return to Ping Cheng and be part of the leadership team again. This is because there¡¯s no longer any role suitable for him.¡±

    There were no more roles!

    The Qiu family was ambitious. They could not wait to climb up the corporatedder through the Zhai family and the Shi family.

    It had not been easy to encounter such a good matter. The least the Qiu family would do was to use various means to let Qiu Qin resume his previous role. They would then think about the futureter.

    Of course, if Qiu Qin could take on a role that was more senior than his former one, that would be the best. If that was the case, the one-year demotion might be a blessing in disguise as it created an opportunity for him to seed.

    However, now with Zheng Chenggong¡¯s appearance, the Qiu family would not be able to fulfill even their smallest wish.

    Moreover, given Qiu Qin¡¯s ability and the Qiu family¡¯s means, they were not good enough to make Qiu Qin take on a more senior role.

    In short, although Qiu Qin was able to return as the leadership team in Ping Cheng, there were no longer any good roles avable. It was useless even if he had contributions.

    Was there anything that could be more shameful and frustrating than this in the world?

    There was another advantage if Qiu Qin could not resume his previous role. After Qiu Chenxi and Qiu Qin returned to Ping Cheng, Qiu Chenxi was no longer fit to disy her arrogance in front of Qiao Nan.

    That incidentst year¡ªthe offspring of the government official and veteran revolutionary hired a group of triads to hurt others¡ªwas apparently the biggest scandal in Ping Cheng. It had badly tarnished the reputation and image of the Chinese government officials in the hearts of the citizens.

    The impact of that incident was extremely adverse.

    If not for the fact that there had been no deaths and injuries, and if this matter had been blown up further, Qiu Qin would have most likely been implicated by Qiu Chenxi. He could then bid farewell to his political career forever, let alone just having a demotion.

    If Qiu Qin was the one who gave Qiu Chenxi the power to do that, then Qiu Qin could face the danger of being expelled from the party.

    In short, that mess created by Qiu Chenxist year had vividly portrayed a drama of betraying one¡¯s father.

    Since Qiu Qin could not resume his previous role, Qiu Chenxi had to restrain herself when she returned to Ping Cheng. At the very least, she should not provoke Qiao Nan again.

    Otherwise, if a simr incident happened again, the Qiu family would have to return to the ce they had juste from.

    There was truly no room for leniency regarding such a situation.

    ¡°Brother Zhai has destroyed the lifeline of the Qiu family for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake.¡± The Chen family was not exempted from this too.

    Once the father-son pair returned, Brother Zhai helped Qiao Nan deal with her two annoying enemies. Full of admiration!

    Wasn¡¯t Brother Zhai very tied up recently due to the increase in the number of missions? Half a year had passed and she had only seen Brother Zhai once. Brother Zhai was so busy. How was he able to spare the effort to n these small plots and subdue the two enemies of Qiao Nan in such a deadly manner?

    As long as he kept this up, even if Brother Zhai¡¯s missions increased and he was so tied up that he had no time to take care of the situations at Qiao Nan¡¯s side, most probably, nothing much would happen to Qiao Nan.

    In other words, Brother Zhai was trying to build an impregnable stronghold around Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing eximed. Shi Peng felt even more regretful. ¡°Qing Qing, this can only prove that you really did not like the wrong person all this while. But it¡¯s a pity that youck a little luck.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a good child. If Qing Qing could be together with Zhai Sheng, he couldpletely let down his worries and focus on his career without any reservation and fear.

    It was fine that Qiao Nan, such a good daughter, was not his. But even an outstanding youngster such as Zhai Sheng was not his son, and neither could he be his son-inw. Shi Peng felt depressed thinking about it.

    Why was it that all the good ones had to get together? Did that mean those like him, who were not that outstanding, would not have the chance to change the genes of their future generations?

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Dad, do you want to make Qiao Nan and me go against each other and cause a rift between us? I don¡¯t have that kind of feelings toward Brother Zhai anymore. No matter how good Brother Zhai is, it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with me.¡± By saying that, wasn¡¯t her father trying to create misunderstanding and trouble between her and Qiao Nan? Had her father be muddleheaded after starving too much?

    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about it. If it¡¯s not ours, it¡¯s not ours. No matter how good, it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with us.¡±

 Chapter 715 - Qiao Nan, Give Me an Idea

    <h4>Chapter 715 Qiao Nan, Give Me an Idea</h4>

    Shi Peng smoothed his frown. Of course, he would not sow discord between Qiao Nan and his daughter. However, he liked to remind his daughter from time to time, lest she became toocent and thought that she was the smartest person in the world.

    With Qiao Nan as the living example, Shi Peng would be wasting resources if he did not make use of it fully.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s already sote. Aren¡¯t you going to bed soon?!¡± Shi Qing snorted as she pushed Shi Peng to his bedroom.

    ¡°Don¡¯t. I¡¯ve not finished reading two sets of documents. I¡¯ll sleep after I read them.¡± Shi Peng brought the documents home and was prepared to work overtime so that he could quickly decide on the solutions and then implement the reformation ns to develop township enterprises.

    To Shi Peng, he very much wished that he was a superhuman with three heads and six arms, and that he could have seventy-two hours a day. It was only as such that he would have enough time for his use.

    How could Shi Peng be willing to sleep when Shi Qing asked him to?

    ¡°Documents, information? These are the ones right?!¡± Shi Qing nced and took out the full stack of papers from Shi Peng¡¯s document bag. ¡°This is your home, not office. I won¡¯t allow you to work overtime at home. You¡¯re only allowed to rest and sleep at home. To prevent you from knowingly doing these things, I¡¯m confiscating these items. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely return them to you tomorrow morning. I have no use for these items anyway.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Shi Peng wanted to snatch them back. Unfortunately, he was not as agile as Shi Qing. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t mess around. This is Dad¡¯s work.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not messing around. Didn¡¯t you always ask me to emte Qiao Nan? Qiao Nan was the one who taught me all these. Qiao Nan told me that if I wish to continue to be a child who has a father, then I can¡¯t be soft on you or indulge you too much. Fine, quickly sleep. I¡¯m switching off the lights.¡±

    Earlier, Shi Peng was just trying to use Qiao Nan to make Shi Qing feel sullen. At this moment, Shi Qing was making use of Qiao Nan to make Shi Peng feel bad.

    ¡°...¡± Watching helplessly as the documents were being taken away, Shi Peng was simply dumbfounded. Was this considered as shooting oneself in the foot?

    Shi Peng wanted to use Qiao Nan to set an example for Shi Qing. He did not expect the turnaround of things whereby Shi Qing wanted to take him in hand strictly because of Qiao Nan¡¯s advice.

    Even when he was ill and hospitalized in the past, the supervision of the doctors and nurses was only that much.

    ¡°Ah, supervise as you wish.¡± Shi Peng felt quite good to be taken in hand so strictly by his daughter.

    After going to the toilet, Shi Peng really went to bed obediently. After all, all those documents had been taken away by Shi Qing. Shi Peng did not have anything else to do even if he did not wish to sleep.

    After putting away the documents, Shi Qing nced at the clock. She waited for ten minutes before opening the door of Shi Peng¡¯s bedroom to take a look.

    She only saw a dim and dark room. The lights had been switched off long ago. Most importantly, she heard Shi Peng breathing in a stable manner. This sound obviously meant that Shi Peng had not only fallen asleep but was also in a deep sleep.

    At the thought that her father was in such a deep sleep within ten minutes, Shi Qing frowned in worry. ¡°Falling asleep once he hit the bed. Dad must have been exhausted, yet he still wanted to hang on. She could not be any less strict!¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, Teacher Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    Qiao Nan could finally send off the second batch of students before August came to an end. Although there were still more than ten days until the end of the summer vacation, Qiao Nan rejected all the parents that subsequently came to her. She stuck to her words of not epting any more students.

    ¡°Look at how happy you are.¡± Shi Qing was flipping her fan. ¡°When there¡¯s no student, it means you have no ie.¡±

    Uncle Qiao was not reliable. If Qiao Nan wanted to study in college in the future, she most probably had to rely on herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t forget that I still have next year¡¯s summer vacation. I initially didn¡¯t intend to rely on this to earn money, but I¡¯ve done some basic preparations this summer. When the college entrance examination ends next year, and including this year¡¯s batch that is willing to send their children to me, there will only be more parents who will let me tutor their kids. It won¡¯t be less.¡±

    Qiao Nan had thought about it. She definitely wanted to work hard to earn her college fees.

    There were too many uncertain circumstances at her father¡¯s end. It would be best to rely on oneself and not others. Furthermore, she still had the time and space to work for it.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. There are only so many days in summer and you only took in ten students per ss. You can¡¯t take in that many students during one summer. If the grades of the twenty students that you taught this year improve after they return to school, then your tuition fee for next year will definitely be higher, right? Qiao Nan, do you think it¡¯s too much to demand such a high fee?¡± Shi Qing was a little hesitant. She had seen tutors raise their fees but not one whose fees rose so quickly.

    ¡°Wrong. I won¡¯t raise my fee.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Regardless, it¡¯ll depend on fate.¡± However, Qiao Nan felt that it would not be possible for the fee to remain the same.

    ¡°Smart.¡± Not taking the initiative to raise the fee and let the market bring the price up. ¡°Qiao Nan, have I told you before that you actually have the potential to be a sly businessman?¡±

    ¡°This is the first time I hear it.¡±

    ¡°Great.¡± Shi Qing really took her hat off Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around. It¡¯s only a few days until school reopens. You decide for yourself how much homework you wish to do.¡± Qiao Nan gave a small reminder. This was in case Shi Qing procrastinated and, like others, had to rush out or copy her homework when school reopened.

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me.¡± Shi Qing sped her head. ¡°The summer weather is quite hot but it passes very quickly.¡± At the thought of returning to school to study, she felt a little tinge of sadness.

    Qiao Nan took a nce at Shi Qing. ¡°You¡¯re worried about your dad. You¡¯re afraid that you can¡¯t keep a watch on your dad like what you did these past few days after you return to school?¡±

    With Shi Qing¡¯s intelligence, would she, like other students, hate to go to school and feel that schooling is a very difficult matter?

    No, to Shi Qing, learning textbook knowledge was just a piece of cake, something at her fingertips.

    Shi Qing snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t expose my thoughts so soon. I didn¡¯t feel it that much previously. After you asked me to keep a watch on my dad more, I realized that my dad is quite crazy when he¡¯s working. He doesn¡¯t take his lunch properly. When he¡¯s back at night, he will stare at the documents and make preparations until veryte at night if I don¡¯t stop him. When I asked the secretary who assists my dad, he told me that it¡¯s, in fact, better when I¡¯m around. When I¡¯m not around, it¡¯s so difficult to get him to have his meal. It would drag on until over two o¡¯clock, and most of the time, he would always take two mouthfuls and that¡¯s it.¡±

    ¡°Okay... You¡¯ve said so much, but what do you really want to say?¡±

    ¡°Help me think of a solution to this.¡± She was helpless when it came to her dad, but wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan very smart? Qiao Nan would always be able to help her think of a way.

    ¡°...¡± No wonder she found it strange for Shi Qing to tell her so many things, wondering what she was trying to do. So, she was trying to entrap her. ¡°What solutions can I have? You¡¯re his daughter. He should be willing to listen to you. If it is others, even me, it¡¯ll be useless.¡±

 Chapter 716 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Brilliant Trick

    <h4>Chapter 716 Qiao Nan¡¯s Brilliant Trick</h4>

    Shi Qing refused to give up. ¡°Is there really no other way?¡±

    Qiao Nan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why don¡¯t you record your voice in a tape? When it¡¯s time to have meals, you can tell your dad¡¯s secretary to y it continuously to remind him to have his meals.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worth a try.¡± The recording might not be as good as the real person, but it was better than nothing.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± She was just joking.

    ¡°Of course I am serious. This method is feasible and operational. It can be done.¡± Shi Qing decided on it. She went back to her house to get a recorder and a tape to record her voice.

    In order to check its effect, Shi Qing asked Qiao Nan to listen to it after she finished with the recording. She wanted to know if it would work.

    After listening to the recordings, Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing an idea. ¡°It is too boring to record one version only. Your dad may be immune to it after listening for a long time. Perhaps you can record a few more versions using different tones¡ªlike when you are angry, furious, exasperated, and gloomy. It will be a good idea for your dad to listen to different versions. Let¡¯s do it this way. I will write down the wordings. You can memorize them and use different tones to say them. In this case, your dad will not be tired of them and his secretary will have an easier job.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Shi Qing eyes brightened. Her interest was piqued.

    It was a test of her acting skills to use different emotions when saying the same words. ¡°I will go all out for my dad!¡±

    It could have been an annoying task. However, it turned out to be full of fun due to Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion.

    At Qiao Nan¡¯s request, Shi Qing spent the whole afternoon making the recordings in different versions, having a lot of fun in the meantime.

    Shi Qing went to Shi Peng¡¯s workce before school reopened and had a talk in secret with Shi Peng¡¯s secretary.

    ¡°Xiao Qing, you can rest assured that I will make sure that it¡¯s done properly. If the director is in poor health, it will spell trouble for us as well.¡± The secretaryughed slyly after listening to the recordings. He believed that the recordings would definitely work on Director Shi.

    Shi Peng was clueless that Shi Qing was working secretly with his secretary.

    By the time he learned about it, it was when he heard the recordings that Shi Qing made to remind him to have his meals.

    ¡°The weather is very good.¡± Shi Qing summed up her feelings while standing at the door of Ping Cheng High School.

    Qiao Nan squinted, shielding her eyes with her hands from the bright and ring sun. She looked at Shi Qing, dumbstruck by her remarks. ¡°Is the weather very good? Perhaps you want to stand here for half an hour to enjoy the sun?¡±

    Shi Qing smiled, looking embarrassed. ¡°Don¡¯t be so serious. I am referring to a feeling. I am not really saying that the weather is good today. The heat during autumn is unbearable. How can the weather be good? I am just kidding.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe, your joke is really funny.¡± Qiao Nan smiled dryly at her joke. ¡°I won¡¯t stand under the sun with you. I don¡¯t have to pay school fees, but you have to. If you don¡¯t hurry, there will be a long queue. Surely you don¡¯t want to stand in the queue with others, do you?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to queue. Have you forgotten that third-year students start school five days earlier than the rest of the students?¡±

    ¡°Are there any sses that startte in Ping Cheng High School?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. Ping Cheng High School was a first-rate high school. If it did not have sses during summer break, it would always start school earlier than the rest. It had been a tradition.

    Shi Qing¡¯s face fell at her words. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you feel that the banner at the school gate is a bit exaggerated? The wordings are sorge. People with presbyopia and myopia will be able to see them clearly.¡± The word ¡®congrattions¡¯ was inrge prints. Unless one was blind, nobody would miss it.

    Qiao Nan walked toward the school. ¡°You must understand.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, my dearest Nan Nan.¡± All of thedies who shared the dormitory with herst semester had arrived at the dormitory.

    As soon as Tang Mengran saw Qiao Nan, she called her affectionately and pouted with her arms outstretched toward Qiao Nan, like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey. Qiao Nan darted to a side to escape from her. ¡°What is the situation?¡± When did Tang Mengran start to hug people around her?

    ¡°When somebody humbles herself before you, she must have some request to make of you.¡± Fang Fang adjusted her sses and reminded Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Request? What request is it?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, I have to rely on you for the college entrance examination a yearter. Our school has done so well in this year¡¯s college entrance examination. Nan Nan, you will definitely ensure that this current batch of students that you are in will have better results than the previous year, right? Nan Nan, I have entrusted my whole life to you.¡±

    The third-year students heard of Qiao Nan¡¯s proud achievements when they arrived at school. Tang Mengran, in particr, wanted to stick close to Qiao Nan and get her promise to help her spot questions for the college entrance examination so that she could do well in the exams.

    Qiao Nan gestured for Tang Mengran to move aside. ¡°You made it sound as if I have never spotted questions for you in the past.¡±

    She thought it was for something else. It turned out that it was for the college entrance examination.

    Tang Mengran paused momentarily and scratched her head. ¡°You are right.¡± Nan Nan had never shortchanged her. ¡°I have turned into a fool after a summer break.¡±

    ¡°Are you unwell due to the hot weather or having eaten too much food?¡± He Yun made a dig at Tang Mengran, who had gained weight after the summer break.

    Tang Mengran pouted, covering her face with her hands and leaning toward Zheng Lingling. ¡°League branch secretary, you must have seen how He Yun bullied me. You must seek justice for me. Today, He Yun bullied me. She may target the rest of you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zheng Lingling pushed at Tang Mengran¡¯s forehead. ¡°How dare youpare with us? You asked for it. If He Yun didn¡¯t bully you, we would bully you. We have been in the same dormitory with Nan Nan for two years. Why would you panic at small things? Aren¡¯t you worried that Nan Nan willugh at you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If we were Nan Nan, we would have ignored you ages ago. You are such an annoying fool,¡± Tao Zhenqin said helplessly while tidying the bed.

    Tang Mengran was a big fool.

    If they had not been staying in the same dormitory for years, and if she was given a choice, she would not have gotten close to Tang Mengran.

    ¡°All of you are bullying me.¡± Tang Mengran was upset that her roommates seemed to shun her. She was just joking. Why was everyone being so serious?

    Qiao Nan looked exasperated. ¡°I think it¡¯s good that Tang Mengran is in our dormitory. After all, there are many people who are more exaggerated than her. Tang Mengran is indeed foolish at times, but she knows her limits. With her around, she can uplift the atmosphere in the dormitory.¡±

    ¡°Listen to what Nan Nan said. She is such a fair person. Without me, all of you would be nerds and Nan Nan would feel bored.¡±

 Chapter 717 - Teacher Xiao Qiao, Double the Fee

    <h4>Chapter 717 Teacher Xiao Qiao, Double the Fee</h4>

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are the best. I love you the most! Let me give you a kiss.¡± Tang Mengran puckered up and leaned toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was speechless. She raised her hand and covered Tang Mengran¡¯s mouth without another word. ¡°I am not a man. I don¡¯t need you to give me kisses. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    The four of the girls broke intoughter at the scene. Nan Nan was right. It was fun to have Tang Mengran, the foolish girl, around.

    Of course, if Tang Mengran changed from a small fool to a big fool, they would not be able to withstand her.

    Qiao Nan was in her third year now, and the learning atmosphere became tense.

    Ever since school reopened, Qiao Nan and the rest of them could feel the tension and pressure.

    Tang Mengran would moan and groan every day. She used to be full of energy, but now, she was no longer in high spirits when she reached the dormitory. Instead, she would be tired to the bone. She would fall asleep as soon as shey on the bed.

    The pace of learning was fast, and there was a lot of revisions to be done. One was highly worn out in such a learning environment. All these resulted in Tang Mengran feeling more and more somnolent.

    Of course, other than Tang Mengran, all the other girls in the dormitory, including the entire batch of third-year students, were in the same condition. They wished they had forty-eight hours a day so that they could have thirty-eight hours for their studies and ten hours for sleep.

    One month after school reopened, Qiao Nan went back home with Shi Qing after finishing her exams.

    The two of them had yet to reach the doorway to the small quad when they saw a big crowd in front of the Qiao family¡¯s residence. It seemed as if they were after the Qiao family to return their debts. They kept pushing toward the house.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were startled. ¡°Qiao Nan, does your family owe the loan sharks? Why are there so many people who seem to be after money?¡± What was the matter? Why did they borrow from the loan shark? She and her father had not heard about it.

    ¡°If you are short of money, you can tell us. I don¡¯t have a lot of money, but we still have some money to lend should you need to settle urgent needs.¡±

    Judging from the current situation, if the neighbors were to witness the scene, the Qiao family might not be able to continue to live in the small quad.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She was worried sick. ¡°You have been with me every single day. Do I seem like I need arge sum of money and that I owe so much money that such a big group of people will be here to collect debts?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Who would it be? Why would theye to your house to collect debts?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that apart from my father and me, there are other people in the Qiao family. I am not the only daughter. Given my dad¡¯s temper, he will not borrow from the loan shark.¡±

    This was what Qiao Nan was most baffled about.

    Her father was a soldier. He would always abide by a certain code of conduct.

    Her father would never break thew or borrow money from loan sharks.

    He would not go against his principles and make such mistakes even if it was for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Wait, these people look familiar though?¡± Qiao Nan walked closer to take a look and realized that she seemed to have seen these ¡®debtors¡¯ before. ¡°They seemed to be the parents of the students whom I have taught during the summer break.¡±

    ¡°Ah, the parents of your students. Why are they here at this time of the day? You no longer conduct any sses.¡± Shi Qing was relieved. It was fine as long as they were not triads who were here to collect debts.

    The people from the secret society would not dress up like normal citizens would.

    ¡°I have no idea. Let¡¯s go and take a look.¡± Qiao Nan had to pass by them in order to go home.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao is back. Teacher Xiao Qiao!¡± When the parents heard footsteps, they turned and realized that it was Qiao Nan. All of them rushed toward Qiao Nan at one go. Qiao Nan was overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.

    If Shi Qing did not support her from the back, Qiao Nan might have been knocked sideways by one of the mothers.

    ¡°Nan Nan!¡± Qiao Dongliang was worried about his daughter. Had he known that this would happen, he would not allow Qiao Nan to conduct any sses in the first ce.

    What kind of neighbors were they?

    They knew that Nan Nan was in her third year and she had to focus on her studies.

    Nan Nan¡¯s performance in the college entrance examination was more important than the results of the children from the other families.

    ¡°Please give way. Nan Nan has juste home from school. Can you let here into the house to put aside her schoolbag? If there¡¯s anything, you can wait for a while.¡±

    ¡°No. Teacher Xiao Qiao, can we send our child to your ss during the seven-day holiday for this year¡¯s National Day? Since it¡¯s a holiday, I will give you double the tuition fee.¡± In this case, her children would be studying while the other children were ying. Their results would definitely be better than the other students¡¯!

    ¡°Yes, we will pay you double the tuition fee. Teacher Xiao Qiao, you can feel free to decide what to teach during the seven days. We do not have any opinions.¡±

    Shi Qing, who was pushed by the parents to a side, was bbergasted at the conversation.

    Qiao Nan had yet to say anything and they had already decided to offer her double the tuition fee?

    ¡°N-national Day?¡± Qiao Nan was too busy to keep track of time. It was indeed the National Day. ¡°Sorry, there are only seven days of holiday for the National Day. I don¡¯t intend to conduct any sses.¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, there are seven days of holiday. If you don¡¯t conduct sses, our children will y all day. They will lose the focus of their studies and it may affect their results.¡±

    One of the parents was too anxious that he blurted out his concern.

    ¡°Affect their results?¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. It seemed to suggest that their children had made an improvement in the first important exam since school reopened?

    ¡°I have to rest and study during the seven days of holiday as well. How about you look for someone else?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s habit was to take a ss of a maximum of ten students. There were only seven days of break during the National Day. There was not enough time for her to finish one series of lessons. Qiao Nan had no intention to make use of every single minute to earn money.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, this won¡¯t do. Since you have to study as well, how about allowing my child to do his homework by your side while you study? I will still pay you the money. I will pay you double!¡± He could not let his child fool around outside during the holiday.

    It was alright if they did not improve their academic performance after attending the ss. He felt that it was good enough to supervise the little brat and keep him in check, making sure that he finished all his homework for the seven days instead of ying around only to copy from his friends at thest minute.

    They worked so hard to earn money so that they would be able to provide for their children when they had the need for money in the future. They would not shortchange them or hold back their future.

    Whatever they earned was to be spent on their children.

    At least, the current situation proved that it was worthwhile to spend money on tuition during the summer break!

 Chapter 718 - All of Them Came to Express Gratitude

    <h4>Chapter 718 All of Them Came to Express Gratitude</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Please let our children do their homework by your side so that they will not fool around or y dangerous games.¡± During the seven days of holiday for the National Dayst year, their child insisted on learning to cycle from his ssmates and master drifting.

    And what was the final oue?

    He had a bad fall and broke his leg. His leg had to be encased in ster and it took a few months before he recovered.

    The parents were more than willing to spend money for their children to study at the Qiao family¡¯s residence rather than spend it at the hospital. At least, their son would not be in pain.

    Shi Qing touched her chin, deep in thought. She did notck money, but it seemed to be easy money.

    If Qiao Nan had no intention to conduct the ss, she could be Teacher Xiao Shi and conduct sses during the seven days of the National Day holiday.

    Qiao Nan was not really eager to conduct a ss, but the parents were very persistent. They crowded around her such that she could not even get close to her house. ¡°Well, why not let me think about it? During the summer break, it was my first time to conduct sses. All of you must have known that I did not take in arge number of students. Therefore, I have to consider whether to conduct a ss. I have to think about how many students to take in. How should I select the students so that it will be fair to everyone? There are so many of you here, while there are only seven days of holiday. I can only have one ss in this short period of time.¡±

    Qiao Nan decided toe up with an excuse to dismiss the parents. Otherwise, she would never be able to get inside her house.

    ¡°You are right.¡± The parents agreed. It was true that many parents had the same idea as them¡ªto ask Qiao Nan to tutor their children. Hence, it was better to leave first for Qiao Nan to think it through. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, the National Day is a week away. You have to let us know as soon as possible.¡±

    All the parents could not bear to leave Qiao Nan¡¯s house. They turned back several times on their way back. They were hoping that Qiao Nan would be softhearted and decided to agree to their request right away.

    ¡°Hey, I finally reach the doorway of your house. It is too tiring.¡± Shi Qing let out a long sigh. She was about to enter the house when she noticed that there were fruits, health supplements, and a chicken outside the door.

    The old hen pped its wings around the courtyard of the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Shi Qing could not help butugh at it.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t have to buy any food or fruits.¡± Shi Qing bent down to take one of the apples and took a big bite unabashedly.

    Qiao Dongliang was in a difficult position. ¡°Nan Nan, I refused to ept their kind intentions, so they left them on the ground. I intended to give it back to them, but they have all left.¡± Since Nan Nan had epted the food, did it mean that she had to start a ss during the short break for the National Day?

    Qiao Dongliang was full of regrets. Had he known things would turn out to be like this, he would not have agreed to let Qiao Nan conduct sses during the summer break.

    He did not care that those students would be sitting for their middle school examination or college entrance examination. What was important was that Nan Nan¡¯s studies must not be affected.

    ¡°Nan Nan, listen to me. You are still young. You are a student, and your most important task is to study hard. As a father, I will be responsible for making money. Don¡¯t worry. I promise you that I will be able to pay for your college tuition fees. If you are interested in making money, you can wait until you graduate. By then, you will have the time and opportunity to earn money. Right now, you just need to do a good job, studying hard and maintaining your standard.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you can rest assured that if I really start a ss, I know what I am doing. It will not affect my studies.¡±

    She had been through rebirth. It was impossible for her to lose herself in making money. Initially, she was worried that Qiao Dongliang would be affected. Now, she realized that she did not need to worry about that.

    ¡°It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t hold any more sses.¡± Qiao Dongliang waved his hands again and again. If this continued, Nan Nan would not have enough time for her studies. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to consider carefully. Once you hold a ss during the seven days of the National Day holiday, you will have to do so during the winter break as well. You will be sitting for your college entrance examination in theing summer break. Nothing is more important than the college entrance examination. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I understand. Dad, let¡¯s go in. If we don¡¯t enter the house now, Shi Qing will eat all the food.¡± Shi Qing would not stand on ceremony with them. She did not care that all the food was given by the parents. She was such a foodie and a glutton. She would eat anything that was edible.

    Qiao Dongliang jumped up anxiously. ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t eat it all in one go. How can you behave in such a manner? You are a youngdy. If you have all the food, your body will not be able to take it!¡±

    If Tang Mengran was the funny girl at school, Shi Qing would be coined the foodie.

    In fact, aside from Shi Qing, her father, Shi Peng, was a foodie as well.

    Otherwise, both of them would not being to the Qiao family¡¯s residence for meals.

    Qiao Dongliang was worried that Shi Qing would stuff herself with food and get a stomachache.

    Shi Qing was about to reach for another fruit when she was stopped by Qiao Dongliang. Shi Qing looked at the fruits that were before her yet out of her reach. She was dying to have more of them. ¡°Uncle Qiao, as I have said, I am young and I exercise a lot. Therefore, I will digest the food well. I am really hungry. I can have them just well. I will not have indigestion.¡±

    ¡°You have eaten enough.¡± Nan Nan did not eat as much as Shi Qing, yet she did not feel hungry.

    The amount of food Shi Qing consumed all by herself was equivalent to two to three meals of Nan Nan¡¯s portion.

    As a result, Qiao Dongliang would be very mindful of the amount of food Shi Qing had at his house. If she had too much and was way over her limit, he would stop her right away.

    ¡°Dad, do you know why those people crowded outside our house?¡± Qiao Nan helped Qiao Dongliang bring all the food that was piled outside into the house. As for the chicken, she would ask her father to ughter it and prepare some chicken soup.

    It was impossible to return the food that the parents left for her.

    Instead of letting them go to waste, Qiao Nan decided to take it as a form of gratitude from her students.

    ¡°I heard that there was a monthly exam recently. I suppose the children had good results, so all the parents came looking for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. Having an extremely capable daughter was also a headache.

    Nobody would have expected that a student like Nan Nan would be able to teach the students well and help them improve their results. Hence, all of them gave money and food to Nan Nan, hoping that she would continue to tutor their children.

    Qiao Dongliang fully realized the true meaning of the saying that knowledge could change one¡¯s fate.

    As long as she had the knowledge and ability, even though Nan Nan was only a high school student, she was as good as grown-up men when it came to earning money.

    While the children in other families only knew to spend the money earned by their parents, his child was able to earn money in a rtively easy way.

 Chapter 719 - Soldiers Are Handsome

    <h4>Chapter 719 Soldiers Are Handsome</h4>

    In this way, she could help lighten his burden. It made a lot of difference.

    ¡°All of them acted wisely after seeing the results.¡± During summer break, the parents were full of worry when they sent their children to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s ss. Some of them even hinted to Qiao Nan to prepare homework for their children.

    They were worried that their children might forget everything that they had learned at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. ¡°By the way, given today¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan, are you sure you are not going to change your career path to be a teacher? Even if you find being a teacher at school tiring and troublesome, what you are doing now will work as well. You can be a private tutor. In my opinion, you can earn more as a tutor than a teacher at school if you are good.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to lure me into being a tutor. I am not merely after money.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head firmly. Tutoring others was only a way to earn her university tuition fees. It was just a transition period.

    She would never change her career aspiration.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you and Shi Qing can do some reading first. There is no way to rear chicken at home. I have to ughter it now. We will have dinnerter than usual tonight.¡± Qiao Dongliang was already dripping with sweat from bringing in the food. He wielded a knife in his hand and charged toward the chicken.

    Qiao Nan said, ¡°Okay, Dad. You can take your time. I suppose Director Shi will bete today. Shi Qing and I... I am not hungry.¡± Shi Qing just had two apples. She must not be feeling hungry. She only needed to let her father know that she was not hungry.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t waste your time here. You should do your reading.¡± Qiao Dongliang went to ughter the chicken after replying to his daughter.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Shi Qing, who had already entered Qiao Nan¡¯s room, had some papers with her. After checking that Qiao Dongliang was not around, she came out of the room to show Qiao Nan the papers.

    ¡°Have you forgotten about it? These papers were sent to my housest time by Zheng Liang. Fortunately, you are the one, instead of my father, who noticed them today.¡± Otherwise, there would be trouble.

    Shi Qing nodded to show that she understood. ¡°Well, where did Qiao Zijin get so much money to enroll in college? I always thought that Qiao Zijin and your mother were so poor that they did not even have money for their underwear.¡±

    ¡°She is lucky.¡± In the previous life, she toiled her guts out for Qiao Zijin. She wondered who rendered help to Qiao Zijin and gave her financial aid in this life.

    ¡°Did Brother Zhai order Zheng Liang to continue with the investigation?¡±

    ¡°I told Brother Zhai there is no need for that. Now that I know that Qiao Zijin has enrolled in a college and has paid the tuition fees, I do not wish to care or ask about other matters.¡± If she knew, she would be bothered by it constantly.

    Actually, Qiao Nan still felt uneasy about things rted to Qiao Zijin. It seemed that she was still affected by what happened in her previous life. Her name alone, ¡®Qiao Zijin¡¯, seemed to be like a yoke on her shoulders. Even though it was nonexistent, she could feel its weight on her shoulders all the time.

    Once it was tugged, it would be terrible.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know what you are doing.¡± Shi Qing no longer made otherments. ¡°It¡¯s better to burn these papers. If Uncle Qiao reads them, it may stir up trouble. Uncle Qiao has never given up on these two people. He still treats them as his family.¡±

    It was better for Qiao Nan that Uncle Qiao did not know anything about Qiao Zijin¡¯stest news, no matter whether it was good news or bad news.

    ¡°That may not be the case. Let¡¯s keep it.¡± Qiao Nan chuckled. Her father might think differently from others.

    Although Qiao Zijin had settled her tuition fees, her father would not ept the fact that an unknown person paid for the tuition fees.

    Qiao Nan tidied up and put aside the information regarding Qiao Zijin. It was Zhai Sheng who instructed someone to do some investigations.

    She would leave it to destiny as to when her father would notice them.

    If Qiao Zijin was smart enough to never appear before her again and minded her own business, she would ensure that her father would never know of this information in his life.

    In the blink of an eye, it was the National Day.

    During the seven days of the National Day holiday, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua went back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. But they did not look to be in a good mood.

    Because of Wei De, both of them ended up in quarrels and serious conflicts.

    Zhai Sheng went to the Qiao family¡¯s residence to look for Qiao Nan and saw ten young children sitting at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, this is...¡± They had been taking lessons at the Qiao family¡¯s residence for a long time. This was the first time they saw this man. ¡°Is he a soldier?¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who looked smart in his military uniform, was the envy of all the boys. They could not wait for Zhai Sheng to lend them his uniform and hat to wear.

    ¡°My... friend.¡± Qiao Nan blushed.

    ¡°Boyfriend?¡± The children at this age were most imaginative; they were at a sensitive age. Therefore, at the mention of friends, they all had the look as if they knew what was going on.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned grim. The children nowadays were too mature for their age. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am giving lessons to the students. There is half an hour before the lesson is over.¡±

    ¡°I will take a stroll ande back half an hourter. I have something to tell you,¡± Zhai Sheng replied solemnly. The junior high school students dared not behave impudently in front of him.

    The boy who teased Qiao Nan sat upright. He held his breath, fearing that he would garner Zhai Sheng¡¯s attention.

    After Zhai Sheng left, several students patted their chests out of fright. ¡°It¡¯s frightening. Are all the soldiers so grim-looking? It¡¯s as if they can silence the enemies with a nce.¡± It was unbelievable.

    ¡°Now you know to be fearful. Watch what you say in the future.¡± Qiao Nan gave them a lecture. ¡°I believe all of you should have heard that soldiers are the most adorable people in the world. All of you must show respect for them. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan realized that not only must she impart knowledge to the students, but she must also teach them the right way of thinking and conduct, as well as talk to the students about politics.

    The boy came to his senses after a while. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, the big brother from the People¡¯s Liberation Army is so handsome. When I am older, I want to be a soldier. The military uniform is awesome.¡± The most important thing was that the big brother of the People¡¯s Liberation Army had a cool and suave expression!

    He was the masculine image that all the boys had been looking up to.

    He had steely body and eyes as cold as the guns. He was swift as the leopard as well. He was simply dashing!

    Qiao Nan sped her forehead in exasperation. It seemed they did not hear a single word that she had said just now.

 Chapter 720 - Not Afraid of Being Blacklisted

    <h4>Chapter 720 Not Afraid of Being cklisted</h4>

    These children were not taken aback by Brother Zhai¡¯s cold demeanor. Instead, they were all the more interested in the army.

    Brother Zhai was indeed charismatic.

    In the future, the army should send Brother Zhai to recruit new soldiers. They might have an unexpected oue.

    ¡°Goodbye, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± Qiao Nan went looking for Zhai Sheng after she finished thest half an hour of the ss. ¡°Brother Zhai, what brings you here today?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay at home. I want to see you.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded slightly annoyed. This feeling of annoyance and unease could only go away after seeing Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Let me pour you a cup of tea first.¡± Qiao Nan thought hard. Brother Zhai was definitely not feeling vexed because of the army. The only thing that would unsettle him must be...

    Qiao Nan ced the tea in front of Zhai Sheng before sitting down. ¡°Is it because of Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    ¡°What else could it be?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had a sullen expression on his face at the mention of Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    Though he was hurt, Wei De carried out the mission and returned in glory. However, it was through this mission that Zhai Sheng realized that Wei De was indeed not a good man.

    He was only an outsider, but he kept on encouraging Zhai Hua to interfere with the Zhai family¡¯s affairs.

    This happened three days ago.

    Wei De failed to form an alliance with Qiao Nan and was helpless. Therefore, he could only treasure the chance that Zhai Sheng gave him and carried out the anti-drug mission.

    Zhai Sheng had set a few conditions for Wei De for this mission. First, the mission required teamwork. He must not be individualistic.

    If Wei De did not obey themand and undermined the unity of the group, he would be penalized for that.

    Second, since it was a group mission, Wei De had to work together with the team and serve with distinction if he wanted to be promoted.

    Wei De did not have to worry about this. After the mission, Zhai Sheng would find out from other teammates about Wei De¡¯s performance. As long as he contributed to the team¡¯s sess, even if it was a minor effort of his, Zhai Sheng would not let it go unnoticed.

    This was the best leeway that Zhai Sheng was able to promise Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng had made himself very clear. Unless he was hard of hearing or could not understand simple words, Wei De should know very well what was required of him.

    It was a pity that although Zhai Sheng might have made himself very clear, he did not take into ount that Wei De was unreliable.

    In group missions, one must not be individualistic and there was no room for selfish heroism. Zhai Sheng had stressed its importance time and again to Wei De. Yet, when they were carrying out the mission, Wei De stillmitted this crucial mistake.

    In order to take the credit and prove himself, Wei De disobeyed orders at the crucial moment and rushed to the fore.

    In the end, not only was he injured, but he also implicated one of therades who carried out the mission with him. He was still in critical condition. Even if he managed to survive, one of his legs had to be amputated. He had to wear a prosthetic leg henceforth.

    How was it possible for a soldier who had to wear a prosthetic leg to stay in the army?

    In other words, Wei De sacrificed the future of others to gain military credit.

    Zhai Sheng red up because of this.

    Given that things had turned out to be like this, it was without a doubt that Wei De hadmitted mistakes and should be given a warning

    However, Wei De came back injured as well and was still recovering in the hospital. However, his injuries were not as serious as those of the other soldier. His condition had stabilized and he had regained consciousness.

    Zhai Sheng wanted to give Wei De a demerit, but Zhai Hua refused. She insisted that Wei De was injured as well.

    Zhai Hua could not ept that Wei De was not given merits but had to be given demerit instead after risking his life.

    In the end, the siblings ended up in a quarrel.

    Qiao Nan massaged her temple. ¡°I have heard a lot about Wei De. What about the toon leader who was implicated by Wei De and has lost a leg? Is he still receiving emergency treatment? What do you intend to do with the toon leader? What is Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s view on this?¡±

    Sure enough, Wei De did not deserve any chance at all.

    Wei De was eager to make contributions and achievements and to be promoted as soon as possible so that he could marry Sister Zhai Hua. This attitude of his made it such that he was unsuitable to carry out risky missions. He would only jeopardize the situation at hand, resulting in a serious disaster.

    ¡°What thoughts does she have?¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Zhai Hua knows that Wei De is in the wrong, and she dared not bring up the toon leader. After being with Wei De, not only has Zhai Hua gone against our family¡¯s code of conduct, but she is also without any principles now. Wei De is just a man. It¡¯s just a rtionship, but she has gone crazy for that man!¡±

    ¡°Dared not bring it up? This is a joke. Even if she keeps silent, does it mean that nothing happened? Does it mean that she can ignore it?¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. ¡°We have implicated the toon leader.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not push all the responsibilities to Zhai Hua and Wei De. If she and Zhai Sheng did not interfere, Wei De would not have the chance to participate in this mission and implicate the toon leader.

    Wait a minute, toon leader?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, ording to Wei De¡¯s situation, he must be promoted to toon leader first. It is impossible for him to be promoted topanymander directly. From what I heard, there is no opening for Wei De at all. Do you think he did it on purpose?¡±

    Since the toon leader was injured and had to wear prosthetic limbs, he could no longer be a soldier.

    After the toon leader left, there would be vacancies in the army. If Wei De performed well, he would have a higher chance of being promoted.

    ¡°Would he go to that extent?¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. He might have said so, but he was deep in thought.

    Zhai Sheng wanted to believe that his soldiers had been of high caliber all these years. But no matter what, it proved that there were people like Wei De in the army.

    In order to be promoted, Wei De indeed had the motive to implicate the toon leader on purpose.

    If the toon leader was not injured, it would be a long time before there would be any vacancies.

    Once the toon leader left the army, the position would be open. As long as Wei De performed well, and with Zhai Hua¡¯s influence, it was possible for him to be promoted to toon leader within this year.

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows. If this was the case, Sister Zhai Hua would be plotted against by Wei De in the future. ¡°Brother Zhai, since you think it may be possible, should we remind Sister Zhai Hua? Wei De seems to be a very dangerous person.¡±

    He was capable of doing anything in order to seed.

    Previously, she had thought that Wei De was a coward, and that he would not dare to participate in the mission. Even if he did, he would return empty-handed.

    To her surprise, he created such big trouble.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, isn¡¯t Wei De worried that he would be cklisted after what he did?¡±

 Chapter 721 - Zhai Huaâ€™s Excessive Requests

    <h4>Chapter 721 Zhai Hua¡¯s Excessive Requests</h4>

    This was a serious matter. Once the people from the Zhai family, especially Chief Zhai, knew about this, regardless of whether he knew of the rtionship between Wei De and Sister Zhai Hua, Wei De would be cklisted by the Zhai family without another word.

    The Zhai family disliked it the most when people practiced individualism and selfish heroism when they were in a team.

    ¡°Zhai Hua has been carried away by love. Therefore, Wei De bes fearless.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered, pushing all the responsibilities to Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua was too devoted to Wei De. She would do things that she would never do in the past for his sake. Because of this, Wei De was confident and had be emboldened!

    To Zhai Sheng, nobody was to be med other than Zhai Hua.

    Without Zhai Hua, what happened with Wei De would not have happened. ¡°Not only has she been carried away by love, but she is blind as well.¡±

    Zhai Hua was his only sister, yet she was in love with such a man. Zhai Sheng felt frustrated that he could do nothing to stop it. He was like a panther that was congested with anger and kept pacing around. There was a ferocious re in his cold eyes.

    This time, Zhai Sheng was going to direct his anger at both Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    Both of them had to be held responsible this time.

    ¡°What does Sister Zhai Hua mean by that?¡± Qiao Nan could not think of what to say tofort Zhai Sheng. If she were him, she would not be able to stand it as well.

    ¡°Her?¡± Zhai Sheng felt anger bubble up inside him. ¡°Ever since we started earning money, the family no longer controls us. Given our lifestyle, we seldom spend money. She has decided to give the toon leader all her savings.¡±

    ¡°Does Sister Zhai Hua want to use the money to buy the position of toon leader?¡± Qiao Nan understood right away what Zhai Hua¡¯s real intention was.

    The toon leader had broken his leg, but he would still be awarded military achievements. However, there was no way that he could stay in the army. The army might arrange a job for him aspensation so that his life would not be a problem now that he had broken his leg.

    If this matter was investigated, Wei De would be unable to bear the consequences of failure.

    If the toon leader and his family epted Zhai Hua¡¯s money, it would mean that they had expressed implied consent toward the army¡¯s arrangement and would not bring up what Wei De did in the future.

    As long as the parties concerned kept silent and nobody made noise about it, Wei De¡¯s mistakes would be covered up and nobody would find out about it.

    What Zhai Hua did might be expensive, but it was indeed useful.

    The toon leader had lost his leg and he could no longer stay in the army. Rather than offending people to seek justice¡ªthough it would not be helpful to his situation-he might as well choose to ept the money so as to solve the problem of livelihood.

    Qiao Nan looked sullen. ¡°This is simr to using money and power to force others to give in.¡±

    It was no wonder that Brother Zhai said that Sister Zhai Hua had changed ever since she dated Wei De.

    Judging from the fact that Sister Zhai Hua had adopted all the bad habits after dating Wei De, she only had dislike for Wei De. ¡°It is lucky if she does a clean job. If there is anything that is not well taken care of, the reputation of the Zhai family may be affected. Has Sister Zhai Hua thought it through? Is she going to take such a big gamble?¡±

    The toon leader was definitely not the only person who was sabotaged by Wei De. If he receivedpensation, then what about others?

    Once someone heard of this, they might be displeased that they were shortchanged. The toon leader might not say anything, but if there was a chance, the rest of the soldiers might escte it to Chief Zhai. By then, the consequences would be severe.

    Zhai Sheng drank some tea. He felt so infuriated that his voice seemed to have turned hoarse. ¡°Of course she has thought of it. She knows of this problem, hence she wants me to help cover it up for her. Apart from the toon leader, the rest of the soldiers are in better condition.¡±

    Zhai Hua only had enough money to appease the toon leader and his family. She was unable to take care of other people.

    For those that were beyond her abilities, she could only rely on Zhai Sheng¡¯s authority to cover it up. By taking the two-prong approach, she would be able to cover up the mess that Wei De created.

    Qiao Nan tapped her fingers on the table, forming a fast and urgent rhythm. ¡°Brother Zhai, under Wei De¡¯s influences, Sister Zhai Hua has grown to turn to money and power to solve her problems.¡± It was too terrifying.

    Qiao Nan had no need to ask and she knew what happened thereafter.

    It was impossible for Brother Zhai to agree to Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s request. They were bound to break into a quarrel for this matter.

    In order to settle Wei De¡¯s problem, Sister Zhai Hua would keep on pestering Brother Zhai. Brother Zhai was unwilling to stay at home and face her. Therefore, he came to her house to take refuge.

    ¡°If I allow the two of them to be together, my name will be written backwards!¡± Zhai Sheng always thought that Zhai Hua knew her limits. He knew long ago that Zhai Hua was in a rtionship and had been keeping it from her family. He never intended to investigate or keep a check on them.

    Zhai Hua was an adult. She should have her own private life.

    But right now, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to be strict toward Zhai Hua.

    Wei De¡¯s problem had grown beyond one¡¯s imagination.

    Zhai Sheng could no longer trust Zhai Hua to know her limits. She might behave with propriety in other circumstances, but when it came to Wei De, she would lose her rationality.

    ¡°But it¡¯s impossible for you to stay here. I suppose Sister Zhai Hua will not give up if she is unable to get you to help her. Wei De is already awake, and he knows very well what is most important at the moment. Wei De may be the one who told Sister Zhai Hua not to stay by his side but to pester you all the way to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.¡± Qiao Nan was anxious for Zhai Sheng. This matter seemed to be never-ending

    Zhai Sheng smirked. ¡°Zhai Hua and Wei De no longer have that chance.¡±

    ¡°No chance?¡± Qiao Nan was baffled.

    ¡°This wille to a conclusion in a short while.¡± Zhai Sheng leaned against the sofa. He closed his eyes to rest. Today, he came to the Qiao family¡¯s residence not only to see Qiao Nan and to calm himself down, but he was also giving some time for things to develop on its own. It seemed that it was about time.

    Ten minutester, the phone rang loudly. ¡°Hi, hello. Yes, Auntie Miao... Yes, he¡¯s here.¡±

    Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that her son was indeed at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, should I put Brother Zhai on the phone?¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay, I will tell Brother Zhai right now... You are wee. Auntie Miao, goodbye.¡±

    Qiao Nan hung up the phone. ¡°Auntie Miao seems to be very anxious. She wants you to hurry back home. Chief Zhai is blowing his top. Now he knows about Wei De¡¯s incident?¡± Otherwise, why would Chief Zhai be so angry that he wanted Auntie Miao to make a phone call to get Brother Zhai to go back home?

    Besides, Zhai Sheng just told Qiao Nan that there was no more chance, and the phone call came right then.

 Chapter 722 - To Everyoneâ€™s Delight?

    <h4>Chapter 722 To Everyone¡¯s Delight?</h4>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng admitted. ¡°I will go back to take a look.¡±

    tas

    ¡°Do pay more attention to it.¡± There was nothing that Qiao Nan could say. Now that this was out in the open, it meant that Brother Zhai had not helped cover up for Wei De. After Sister Zhai Hua was reprimanded by Chief Zhai, she might be so enraged that she pushed all the responsibility to Brother Zhai.

    Qiao Nan was worried for Zhai Sheng now that things had developed to such a stage.

    The Qiao family might have a lot of issues, but those were conflicts and issues within the four of them. They would not have any impact on others.

    It was different for the Zhai family. Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, any problem within the family would have a far-reaching impact and had to be dealt with seriously.

    Just as what Qiao Nan was worried about, by the time Zhai Sheng reached home, his family had broken out in quarrels.

    Zhai Sheng had not agreed to Zhai Hua¡¯s request to cover up for Wei De.

    In the end, one of the soldiers reported the issue to the politicalmissar.

    It was reported that Wei De had an unusual rtionship with a battalionmander in the army. During the mission, Wei De made a big mistake and implicated his toon leader. Thetternded in the hospital and was in critical condition.

    The battalionmander concerned had the intention to cover up for Wei De. The battalionmander did not intend to mete out any punishment to Wei De and wanted to promote him instead. The soldier hoped that the higher-ups would investigate the matter thoroughly and give an exnation to the soldiers.

    The politicalmissar knew that this could be a serious matter.

    There were only a few battalionmanders in the army, and the politicalmissar had heard that things were going on between Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    From the report, it was obvious who the battalionmander that covered up for Wei De was.

    Everyone was smart, so some things did not need to be spelled out clearly. The politicalmissar had figured out what Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude toward this matter was.

    Since Zhai Yaohui was not around, Zhai Sheng was the person in charge in the camp.

    Now that things had been blown up, it was impossible that Zhai Sheng was kept in the dark. Zhai Sheng did not give any instructions when he left the camp. It was obvious that he had no intention to cover up this matter.

    The politicalmissar thought about it and decided to make a phone call to Zhai Yaohui to know his views on this matter.

    It was as if somebody had set off firecrackers at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    For the past twenty years or so, Zhai Yaohui rarely disciplined his children and he rarely spent time at home. These days, he finally had more time to stay at home. However, his children had grown up into good-tempered and well-behaved adults. There was no need for him to lecture or discipline them.

    But everything had an exception. Without a word, Zhai Yaohui punished Zhai Hua to kneel down.

    At the request of Old Master Zhai, there was a room in the Zhai family¡¯s residence that was empty except for the painting of Chairman Mao.

    Zhai Yaohui made Zhai Hua kneel in that room. ¡°Zhai Hua, you have grown up and have learned to use your surname to bully people. Is this how you treat your revolutionaryrades in the army?¡±.

    Zhai Hua bit her lips. ¡°Dad, I didn¡¯t want to bully them. It¡¯s just that things had happened. Even if someone is to be held ountable for it, it is a fact that the toon leader has lost his leg forever. I just want to minimize the impact done and hope for the best oue for everyone.¡±

    Even if Wei De was punished, the toon leader could neither save his leg nor stay in the army in the end.

    On the contrary, if the toon leader decided not to take issue, she would give him all her savings and made sure that he was awarded military achievements for his mission. He would be able to receive subsidies and other practical help. This was considered a good oue for him.

    Everyone would be happy!

    ¡°Satisfactory result? Are you referring to the toon leader who lost his leg or Wei De and you? You are a soldier. I am surprised that you have learned to use your authority to overpower others. What is more shocking is that, to you, everything can be resolved using money. Zhai Hua, how did your way of thinking be so corrupted?¡± Zhai Yaohui had a chilling look, his tone turning solemn.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± She did not say that everything could be solved in the world.

    ¡°Then, let me ask you. If you are implicated by others and have lost a leg and I give you 100,000 yuan instead of 10,000 yuan, will you ept the money happily and leave the army?¡±

    ¡°How could it be...¡± Zhai Hua looked upset. She might be a woman, but she had be one with the army. It was sheer torture to ask her to leave the army.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you continue your sentence? Do you realize that you are in the wrong?¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted. ¡°You are unwilling to leave the army, yet you want other people to smile and ept your unfair treatment? Zhai Hua, when did you start to have this wrong mindset? The Zhai family will never bully others because we have the power and connections. Zhai Hua, I am so disappointed in

    you!¡±

    ¡°Disappointed? Of course you are. Zhai Sheng is the only one whom you are proud of.¡± Zhai Hua was so furious that she let slip of the words that she had been feeling deep down inside her heart.

    Zhai Sheng, who came back at the right time, heard Zhai Hua¡¯s words. His footsteps halted and he frowned. He had never thought that Zhai Hua would have this mentality. He used to think that she was just joking.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Hua heard footsteps and turned to see who was there.

    Zhai Hua pursed her lips when she saw Zhai Sheng walk into the room. She turned sideways stubbornly, refusing to look at him. Her words might be harsh, but it was the truth.

    Zhai Yaohui let out a sigh. ¡°When did you start feeling this way? Or have you been harboring such thoughts since a young age?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Hua hesitated. ¡°Since a young age, I feel that grandpa values Zhai Sheng more than

    me.¡±

    But back then, she did not feel as disgusted and unjust over the way she was being treated.

    The smile on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned colder. ¡°Since you harbor such an idea from a young age, why didn¡¯t you say so? Even if you didn¡¯t want to tell us, what about your behavior? As a child of the Zhai family, why didn¡¯t you strive to be the best and do better than Zhai Sheng if you feel unjust? If Zhai Sheng achieves second-ss merit, you should go for the first-ss merit. If Zhai Sheng has been given ten merits, you should work hard to be given fifteen merits!¡±

    ¡°Why do I have to work so hard?¡± Zhai Hua was unconvinced.

    ¡°Because you are a girl, because we did not ce our hopes on you, because you are not as good as Zhai Sheng. For these three reasons, you should know that you are disadvantaged by birth and therefore should work harder. If not, your political status will not be higher than that of Zhai Sheng. What¡¯s wrong with

    it?¡±

    ¡°What about it? You know that you are not as important to us as Zhai Sheng, but when Zhai Sheng achieves second-ss merits, you will achieve third-ss merits; when he is given ten merits, you will only work to achieve eight merits. You joined the army two years earlier than Zhai Sheng, but you did not make use of the two years to widen the distance between the two of you. On the contrary, it was only when Zhai Sheng joined the army and had brilliant performance did you buck up and disy better performance.¡±

 Chapter 723 - Unworthy to Be a Child of the Zhai Family

    <h4><strong>Chapter 723</strong> Unworthy to Be a Child of the Zhai Family</h4>

    ¡°Back then, the old master joked with me that his experience of rearing pigs in rural areas was quite useful. If he reared two piglets, they would not bezy. If you have two children, they will strive to be the best. Zhai Hua, without Zhai Sheng and his good performance in the army, do you think you will be able to be promoted to battalionmander with the Zhai family¡¯s help?¡± Zhai Yaohui stared at Zhai Hua, his gaze sharp and piercing like the eagle. Zhai Hua has nowhere to hide.

    Zhai Hua might be the child of the Zhai family, but she waszy from a tender age.

    Old Master Zhai had noticed that and had talked to Zhai Yaohui and his wife about it.

    Old Master Zhai felt that Zhai Hua was a girl and she should be pampered like a girl.

    If Zhai Hua was interested in the army in the future, they would not stop her from joining the army. They should not stop her from developing her interests just because of her gender.

    Simrly, if Zhai Hua was not interested in the army, they would allow her to choose the path that she was interested in by herself.

    Thankfully, Miao Jing gave birth to a boy thereafter. The Zhai family pampered Zhai Hua even more while Zhai Sheng had to bear the responsibility of taking care of the Zhai family.

    Although he was the younger brother, as a man, he had to lighten Zhai Hua¡¯s load and take on more responsibilities.

    The strange thing was that, after Zhai Sheng joined the family, Zhai Hua¡¯s personality changed. She was still aszy as before, but she would strive to work harder.

    Since a young age, Zhai Sheng was particrly interested in the military and the army. He liked to spend time in the army and familiarize himself with the people in the army. They were close to him and would call him Younger Brother Zhai.

    When Zhai Sheng began to show his talent and passion for the army, Zhai Hua, who did not want to lose out, began to spend her time in the army as well and grew to be interested in army life.

    Zhai Hua was two years older than Zhai Sheng. Thus, she joined the army earlier than him.

    Before Zhai Sheng joined the army, Zhai Hua did not have any remarkable performance in the army. But she was not among the bottom few either.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui did not feel the need to push Zhai Hua to work hard as they felt that it was more important if Zhai Hua was happy.

    After Zhai Sheng joined the army, he became famous among the recruits because of his outstanding performance. Zhai Hua, who did not wish to be outshone by him, unleashed her full potential and performed much better than before.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui understood that Zhai Hua was pushing herself to the limits to be better than Zhai Sheng.

    They encouraged such healthypetition.

    However, now that Zhai Hua used him of being biased and favoring boys over girls, Zhai Yaohui had no other choice but to rake up the past. ¡°Your performance is not as good as Zhai Sheng¡¯s, yet you use your grandpa and me of not valuing you and that we favor boys over girls? Zhai Hua, ask yourself, how have we been treating you? Are you blind in the eyes and blind at heart?¡±

    This was not the first time that Zhai Hua heard such words. Zhai Sheng had told her the same words in the past.

    Zhai Hua was not as good as others, yet she pushed the me on her family for favoring boys over girls and valuing Zhai Sheng instead of her.

    ¡°Old Master Zhai brought up Zhai Sheng and you. Before Zhai Sheng was born, you were the only grandchild in the family. Old Master showered you with all his love and attention for two years. When Zhai Sheng was born two yearster, he was not able to take away the two years of dedicated love and attention that Old Master gave you. Both of you have been brought up by the old master. Are you sure that gender is the only difference between the two of you?¡±

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui did not like the fact that Qiao Nan came from a humble background. However, since Qiao Nan was hardworking and strove for excellence, he was willing to give implied consent to Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    Now that there was Wei De, Zhai Yaohui was very satisfied with Qiao Nan.

    Ever since Qiao Nan started to be in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she had never caused any trouble to Zhai Sheng or the Zhai family. On the contrary, Qiu Chenxi made trouble for Qiao Nan on several asions because of Zhai Sheng.

    After being with Qiao Nan, it had never affected Zhai Sheng¡¯s performance in the army.

    As for Zhai Hua, ever since she was with Wei De, she became too radical in her way of thinking. She was not willing to put in any effort but kept feeling that she had been shortchanged.

    Inparison, Qiao Nan was definitely much better than Wei De.

    Withoutparison, there would be no harm done.

    Now that Wei De had created such a big mess, he failed to leave a good impression on the Zhai family. On the contrary, he left a bad impression and made Qiao Nan look good in front of the Zhai family instead.

    ¡°I... I don¡¯t ept it!¡± Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. ¡°He is a man, and I am a woman. I won¡¯t admit that I am not as good as him in other aspects, but in terms of physical fitness, I am not as good as him.¡± One needed to have strong physical abilities when carrying out missions.

    ¡°If you keep using the fact that you are a female as an excuse, Zhai Hua, let me tell you, you are unworthy to be a child of the Zhai family!¡± All those talks about gender and physical abilities were all excuses!

    ¡°So be it!¡± Zhai Hua was stubborn. She knew that, to her grandpa and everyone else, she could not bepared to Zhai Sheng.

    She was indeed not as outstanding as they had expected. Even without what happened with Wei De, she supposed everyone would feel that she was unworthy of being a child of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Stop it.¡± Miao Jing was anxious. The argument grew more and more heated. It seemed never-ending.

    Miao Jing darted a look at Zhai Sheng, hinting at him to step in and mediate.

    From the bits and pieces of the conversation, she understood that Hua Hua had a boyfriend who was from the army and he came from humble family background. Not only that, he seemed to have gotten into trouble in the army and Hua Hua had to clean up the mess for him.

    Miao Jing disapproved of the current situation.

    She had her reasons for not agreeing to her children to date someone whose social status was too far apart from them.

    Everyone would have rtives. Among them, there might be some who were more troublesome and would stir up trouble.

    Even Miao Jing herself had encountered such incidents. Thankfully, the other party had not done anything that was way overboard and she never saw him again. As such, she gradually forgot about what had happened in the past.

    Hua Hua was different. Her boyfriend was the cause of trouble. Needless to say, his rtives would be simr as well.

    Zhai Sheng had calmed himself down. He looked as if he did not overhear Zhai Hua¡¯s words.

    Zhai Hua was anxious and uneasy at the calm and peaceful expression on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. ¡°Dad, now that things have developed to this state, it is useless to say further. We should think about how to resolve this so as to minimize the impact.¡±

    What Zhai Sheng meant was that Zhai Hua was beyond reasons now, only having Wei De in mind. No matter what they said, she would not be able to take them in.

    Instead of wasting their time and efforts, they should work to resolve the problem at hand.

    ¡°What are your thoughts on this?¡± Zhai Yaohui calmed down slightly. At least, he could rely on his son. ¡°The politicalmissar is waiting for our phone call.¡±

    ¡°We will do as per what you told the politicalmissar on the phone.¡± Zhai Sheng did not have any slight hesitation. He no longer needed to waste any effort on this.

 Chapter 724 - The Zhai Familyâ€™s Strength of Character

    <h4>Chapter 724 The Zhai Family¡¯s Strength of Character</h4>

    Zhai Yaohui curled the corners of his lips. His son was indeed crafty. ¡°Right, the Zhai family does not have the habit of using their power to force others. What needs to be done shall be done.¡±

    ¡°No, I... I have given the money to him!¡± Zhai Hua, who was still kneeling on the floor, refused to give in. She had given all her savings to the toon leader. How could he take her money and go back on his word to insist that Wei De be responsible for what he did?

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Zhai Yaohui sneered. ¡°Your boyfriend caused someone to lose his leg. Shouldn¡¯t you pay the money for that?¡±

    Everyone in the army would rather have a pair of strong and healthy legs than to ept the money.

    Zhai Hua was hesitant and unsure. ¡°Dad, are you saying you do not object to Wei De and

    me?¡±

    ¡°No objection.¡± Would she listen to him if he objected?

    ¡°Dad, thank you!¡± Zhai Hua never imagined that this would happen. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining.

    She had thought that once this incident was blown up, her father and her grandpa would never ept Wei De. Therefore, she requested Zhai Sheng to cover it up for her.

    Initially, there was no way that she could reveal her rtionship with Wei De. She did not expect that what happened this time would result in her father¡¯s implied consent to her rtionship with Wei De.

    Zhai Yaohui lowered his eyes. Hua Hua could never match up to Zhai Sheng. This had nothing to do with gender. ¡°No need to thank me. It¡¯s good that you are happy.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what about Wei De¡¯s matter¡± Zhai Hua was still worried about Wei De¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Zhai Hua, one should not be greedy. Since Wei De has made a mistake, shouldn¡¯t he bear the responsibility for it?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked coldly.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Actually, Zhai Hua did not wish for the matter to blow up. However, her father finally gave his implied consent to her rtionship. Zhai Hua was worried that if she asked for too much and provoked her father, he might go back on his word and object to her rtionship. By then, she would lose more than she gained.

    As for other issues, she had to leave it for the time being. As time passed by and after she married Wei De, the situation would improve.

    ¡°Go back to your room.¡±

    ¡°Dad, thank you, thank you very much. Never were you so good to me since young. You are the best today!¡± Zhai Hua was moved. She had thought that they would break up in a heated argument, but it ended up being much cry and little wool. She had never expected her father, who was very strict and stern, to be so kind to her. He was like a caring father who was willing to forgive her every mistake.

    She was wrong. Her father cared for her and loved her.

    ¡°Alright, go back to your room.¡± Zhai Yaohui repeated twice for Zhai Hua to go back to her room. He had no wish to see her right now. She would only infuriate him further.

    Hua Hua, who was overjoyed, did not notice her father¡¯s expression at all, thinking that he was worried because she had been kneeling for a long time. She left happily without realizing that something was amiss.

    Zhai Hua did not feel that it was humiliating to kneel down. Since young, her grandpa would punish her to kneel down in front of the painting of Chairman Mao whenever she was mischievous. It was a tradition since ages ago.

    Miao Jing watched on as her daughter left happily. She was not as relieved as Zhai Hua. ¡°Will your father not do anything about this?¡±

    They might be able to disregard the fact that the soldier, namely Wei De, came from a humble background, but they could not disregard the fact that he hadmitted a grave mistake during the mission, breaching the military codes of ethics and conduct.

    Given her understanding of Zhai Yaohui, he would not ept Wei De unless hell froze over. Hua Hua had rejoiced too early.

    ¡°Is there any other way otherwise?¡± Zhai Sheng answered her with a question. ¡°Zhai Hua is obstinate. She would not listen to our advice.¡±

    Zhai Hua only had Wei De in mind. No matter who gave her advice, she would not be able to take them in. Instead, she would turn angry at their criticism of Wei De and stood on his side.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time. Miao Miao, you should prepare the meals.¡± Zhai Yaohui sent Miao Jing away as well.

    Zhai Yaohui agreed with what Zhai Sheng said. No matter how lousy Wei De was, Zhai Hua would not be able to take in any advice.

    Zhai Yaohui did not mean to give his implied consent to their rtionship. It was just that he knew Zhai Hua¡¯s temper very well and had no wish to waste his time to persuade her. ¡°I have told the politicalmissar to go by the books. Wei De has to leave.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Because it was impossible for Wei De to continue to stay in the army, his father acted as if he had given his implied consent to Wei De and Zhai Hua to calm Zhai Hua down.

    Zhai Yaohui rxed slightly. ¡°Handle this matter well. Go back to the army early next morning. Make sure that everything is done properly.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± As long as they had the consensus on how to deal with Wei De, nothing else mattered to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Sly little fox!¡± Zhai Yaohui snorted in displeasure. He kept his silence previously as he did not want to expose Zhai Sheng in front of Zhai Hua. Of course, he had no wish for the siblings to quarrel and bear grudges against each other. Therefore, he took the responsibility for meting out punishment to Wei De.

    However, now that Zhai Hua was no longer here, Zhai Yaohui was not as polite.

    Zhai Sheng did not deny. ¡°The sly old fox will only give birth to a sly little fox. Dad, are you insulting yourself or insulting my mom?¡±

    Unless there was a problem in between, he could only be a sly little fox.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you have grown up and I can no longer give both of you a thrashing!¡±

    Zhai Sheng moved slightly to the side. He was not afraid of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s threats at all. ¡°It¡¯s good that you still remember that you are our father. Aren¡¯t you the best person to deal with this today? As a father, you have been idle for more than twenty years. In the first two decades, you have no worries. Now is the time for you to be worried. Don¡¯t owe others too much. By the time you want to pay the debts, you may no longer have the chance. You should do so when there¡¯s still some time.¡±

    His father had never disciplined Zhai Hua and him. Given Zhai Hua¡¯s current situation, he would not have the chance to do that anymore if he did not discipline her at this point in time.

    There was nothing wrong of him to let his father settle the problem between Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    When it came to Wei De, Zhai Sheng would only go by the books. He would punish, reward, and reassure ordingly.

    He would never cover up for Wei De or make use of this opportunity to leave the position of the toon leader open so that Wei De would be able to be promoted to said position.

    If he were to deal with it directly, given Zhai Hua¡¯s temper and personality, there would never be peaceful days in the future. He did not mind being at loggerheads with Zhai Hua. But if Qiao Nan was implicated, then the conflict between Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua would only worsen.

    It was inconvenient for Zhai Sheng to deal with Wei De¡¯s matter. However, Zhai Yaohui was the elder, the most suitable candidate.

    Take for instance what happened just now. Zhai Yaohui wanted to go by the books to deal with Wei De. However, Zhai Hua did not dare to direct her anger or bear a grudge against Zhai Yaohui. She would not direct her anger at her father for not helping her. Instead, she was overjoyed as Zhai Yaohui had given his implied consent to her rtionship. She was not the least unhappy with her family.

 Chapter 725 - Confirmedâ€™ to Be Awarded Military Achievements

    <h4>Chapter 725 Confirmed¡¯ to Be Awarded Military Achievements</h4>

    Zhai Sheng hurried back to the camp to settle this matter early next morning.

    Before he left, he made a phone call to Qiao Nan to inform her of his whereabouts.

    Although it was not a perfect oue, Qiao Nan could finally rest assured that the matter had been resolved.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that she was the main reason for Zhai Sheng to do all these to deal with Wei De. Zhai Sheng allowed the politicalmissar to escte the problem to Zhai Yaohui and made sure that Wei De could no longer stay in the army on ount of his rtionship with Zhai Hua.

    Ever since Zhai Hua made known that she was dating Wei De and wanted Zhai Sheng to help him get in through the back door, Zhai Sheng had been keeping an eye on Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng had to find out everything about Wei De since he was the boyfriend of his only sister.

    Furthermore, from his investigation, Zhai Sheng had only bad impression of Wei De.

    He made use of the chance when Wei De was away to carry out his mission to conduct a thorough check on Wei De¡¯s life in the army.

    Zhai Sheng grew to dislike Wei De as he learned more about him. In the end, he could no longer tolerate this person in the army.

    Wei De and Zhai Hua were only in the dating stage, yet he had started to interfere in the Zhai family¡¯s affairs through Zhai Hua. Particrly, what infuriated Zhai Sheng the most was that Wei De had meddled in his private affairs.

    It was under Wei De¡¯s influence that Zhai Hua used different attitudes on Qiao Nan when she met her.

    Wei De did note from good family background, yet he despised people who were of a simr background as him.

    He heard from Zhai Hua that Zhai Sheng was in a rtionship and that his girlfriend had a simr family background as his own.

    If Zhai Sheng was able to marry the youngdy, the Zhai family would agree to Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with Wei De as well.

    Wei De was pleased that his marriage with Zhai Hua would be able to proceed smoothly.

    But Wei De was unhappy at the thought that his promising and capable brother-inw would marry ady who could not offer any help to the Zhai family and his career.

    Furthermore, everyone had believed that Zhai Sheng would choose Qiu Chenxi, the daughter of the Qiu family, back then.

    He must be out of his mind to marry the daughter of an ordinary family instead of the daughter of the established Qiu family.

    On one hand, Wei De hoped that the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan would help him get the consent of the Zhai family to be with Zhai Hua. On the other hand, he did not wish for Qiao Nan to be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, leaving the Zhai family with one less powerful connections like the Qiu family. Therefore, when he was discussing Qiao Nan with Zhai Hua, he would reveal his doubts and worries, remarking that he was worried that Zhai Sheng would be hurt as there was a huge gap between the two of them.

    Zhai Sheng was stubborn. Back then, he did not fall for Qiu Chenxi. Now that he was with Qiao Nan, he must be serious about her.

    If there was anything wrong with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would be the only one who was hurt in the rtionship.

    It was not surprising that Zhai Hua would be wary of Qiao Nan when she heard that Qiao Nan might hurt her brother.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua knew her limits. Although she was doubtful of Qiao Nan, she did not make a move against Qiao Nan since thetter did not do anything to hurt Zhai Sheng

    But for that alone, Zhai Sheng was unable to forgive Wei De.

    Wei De was the kind of person who would abandon one¡¯s benefactor upon achieving one¡¯s goal.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, you are back. Have you decided on how to deal with Wei De¡¯s matter?¡± The politicalmissar was not surprised that Zhai Sheng was back at the army camp.

    ¡°Go by the books. Everything will be done ording to the regtions. Go ahead and do whatever that is necessary. There is no need to be concerned about other matters.¡± Wei De had implicated his revolutionaryrade, causing thetter to lose a leg because of his individualistic course of action. This was a serious matter. It was not difficult to kick him out of the army because of the grave mistake that hemitted.

    If Wei De realized his mistake, the army could give Wei De another chance.

    However, judging from Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude, Wei De had not realized his mistake.

    It might be true that Wei De had no intentions for the toon leader to lose his leg.

    But after learning that the toon leader had lost his leg, Wei De was keen on his promotion and made use of Zhai Hua to try to aplish that.

    There was no way that Zhai Sheng would give Wei De another chance.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± The politicalmissar was quite surprised. Did the Zhai family really intend to go by the books this time?

    He heard that Zhai Hua liked Wei De very much and that both of them had been discussing marriage. Did the Zhai family have no intention to protect their son-inw?

    ¡°I am sure. If not, I wouldn¡¯t have toe back.¡± Since Wei De wanted to be with Zhai Hua and marry her, not only would he not be given special treatment, but the army would also be stricter to him than to the rest of the soldiers. This was the price he had to pay to be rted to the Zhai family.

    This was the usual working style of the Zhai family.

    If Wei De had other thoughts, he could only say that he must be dreaming.

    ¡°Alright, I will make the necessary arrangements.¡± Without another word, the politicalmissar worked to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.

    Within half a day, the people in the army knew that Wei De had received a serious demerit and was removed from the army as he hadmitted a grave mistake.

    As soon as the news was released, those people who were indignant felt much better.

    The army could not be lenient to Wei De just because he was rted to the Zhai family.

    While most people knew about the news, the party concerned was lying in the bed,pletely oblivious to what was going on in the army. He was humming a tune, biding his time for the toon leader to leave the army so that he could be promoted to toon leader because of the military achievement from histest mission.

    This year, he would be promoted to toon leader, and in less than two years, he would be apanymander!!

    ¡°It¡¯s time for meals.¡± A young nurse, pushing a trolley, delivered meals to Wei De.

    The young nurse gave him a strange look. ¡°Everyone who was sent here will have someone to take care of them. Don¡¯t you have anyone to take care of you?¡±

    The other patient who was admitted to the hospital with this patient was seriously injured. He had people around to take care of him, though all of them were men.

    ¡°I...¡± Wei De wanted to say that he did not need anyone to take care of him. Yesterday, he had told his girlfriend to go home. Even if he really needed someone to take care of him, he did not want to be taken care of by the rough men in the army. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. My hometown is far from Ping Cheng, and my parents can¡¯t rush their way here. I also feel that making a trip here will be too tiring on them. If they know that I suffered serious injuries during the mission, it may give them a big shock. They did not expect me to have military achievements or to be promoted to a senior position. Their only hope is that I will be safe and sound.¡±

    ¡°Did you manage to gain military achievements?¡± The young nurse was shocked. ¡°Your injuries are quite serious. Are you sure you don¡¯t need anyone to take care of you?¡±

    ¡°It is nothing much. I have yet to receive the notice.¡±

 Chapter 726 - Wei Deâ€™s â€˜Gratitudeâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 726 Wei De¡¯s ¡®Gratitude¡¯</h4>

    ¡°The mission was quite difficult. There¡¯re so manyrades. Many suffered injuries and one of therade¡¯s life is still in danger. If I were truly capable, I should not have let myrades bleed and suffer injuries.¡± Wei De was seemingly guilt-ridden. He disyed a sense of self-righteousness and empathy with the pain and suffering of hisrades.

    The young nurse was so pleased with and stunned by Wei De¡¯s words. ¡°You have such high moral values and self-awareness. Nevertheless, injuries are unavoidable when you carry out such missions. It also depends on one¡¯s luck and ability. You shouldn¡¯t bear all the responsibility alone. Why don¡¯t we do this? If you need any help, ask for me. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    She could take more care of a hero with military achievements.

    ¡°Youngrade, thank you.¡± At the sight of the tender and young face of the nurse, Wei De felt extremely soothed at heart.

    Women-it was true that the younger they were, the better. They were akin to fruits. When you picked fresh fruit from a tree, it was fresh, tender, and juicy. The taste was delicious.

    An old woman was like dehydrated fruit. The skin was wrinkled and the flesh rotten. Consuming such fruit was akin to chewing wax. It would be tasteless.

    After the young nurse left, Wei De nced at the injury in his leg. His situation was different from that of his toon leader. His toon leader lost a leg. At most, he just had some bruises and would be able to get up from the bed and walk with a crutch after a few days of rest.

    He did not know if Zhai Hua had managed to settle that issue.

    No, he was being paranoid. Zhai Hua was the chief¡¯s daughter and Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s biological sister. Zhai Hua would certainly be able to settle the manner properly.

    As long as Zhai Hua could settle this, he would be recognized as the hero after he returned to the camp. He could just wait for his promotion to toon leader.

    The three major things that he did right in his life was joining the army, having connections in his hometown, and having wooed Zhai Hua and made her his girlfriend.

    ¡°I¡¯m burning at the sight of hiscent behavior. Don¡¯t tell me that the army belongs to Wei De alone, that he can have no regard forws and regtions!¡± Two soldiers who were attending to the injured toon leader coincidentally walked past Wei De¡¯s ward and overheard Wei De whistling and humming songs in a good mood. He looked socent and rxed. The two soldiers were so furious that they very much felt like ignoring Wei De¡¯s injuries. They simply wanted to open the door, enter the ward, hold Wei De down, and beat him up.

    They had also heard the rumor that Wei De might possibly rece the toon leader who would be stepping down.

    The more that was the case, the more they felt the injustice.

    How could there be a situation whereby one, aftermitting a mistake, would be rewarded instead of receiving any punishment? There was now and justice in this world then.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. He won¡¯t be pleased for too long.¡± Another soldier stopped hisrades.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The person who had been held back was stunned. ¡°Isn¡¯t he going to rise up in the ranks rapidly?¡±

    Wei De¡¯s girlfriend was the army¡¯s Battalion Commander Zhai, Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s biological sister.

    With the protection of these two prominent characters, Wei De could really have his way in the army.

    The soldier who had been questionedughed. ¡°We¡¯ve been in the army for so long. Don¡¯t we know what kind of person Regiment Commander Zhai is? Regiment Commander Zhai is not one who can¡¯t differentiate between work and personal matters. I heard that Regiment Commander Zhai had already openly expressed that Wei De¡¯s matter has to be dealt with by the books. Punishment should be meted out ordingly even if the party involved is Wei De. In fact, they should be stricter if that¡¯s the case!¡±

    ¡°However, Battalion Commander Zhai is Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s biological sister.¡±

    ¡°So what? Everyone is equal! Regiment Commander Zhai is very fair and will definitely not condone a viin like Wei De. There are no siblings in the army. There is only a supervisor-subordinate rtionship.¡± Wei De wished to rely on his rtionship with Battalion Commander Zhai to fearlessly have this way in the army. He would be better off dreaming about it.

    ¡°Is it true?!¡± The toon leader was such a good person and he was now in such a pitiful state because of Wei De. If Wei De were to really take over the toon leader¡¯s position, then he would also lose confidence in the army and the country.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? If you don¡¯t believe me, wait and see. After he can get out of the bed, I want to see if his mood will still be as good as today.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then. I feel more assured now. Come on, let¡¯s go and see the toon leader. I think the toon leader will feel happy when he hears about this.¡± Regarding the sum of money that they wanted to give the toon leader, the two soldiers started to feel bad again.

    The toon leader deserved that sum of money.

    However, that sum of money was in exchange for one limb of his. It was not worth it!

    ¡°Hello, good day?¡± In the house of the Qiao family in Ping Cheng, just as Qiao Nan sent her students off, the phone in the house rang.

    At the sight of the unfamiliar phone number, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. However, the phone rang continuously. Qiao Nan then picked it up.

    ¡°Hi, good day, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    After a long time, Qiao Nan almost could not recognize the voice.

    However, when a mature man addressed her as Teacher Xiao Qiao, he could only be people from the army in Ping Cheng. Amongst these people, there were not many who would have the ability to find out the telephone number of her house and called her at this hour. ¡°Wei De?¡±

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao is very blessed and busy. You can still remember my name. It¡¯s not easy.¡± Wei De sounded verycent and arrogant.

    Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders, feeling very helpless. ¡°So you made this call just to confirm if I still remember you?¡±

    It was difficult for her not to remember a ¡®talent¡¯ like Wei De.

    ¡°Surely not. We¡¯re also considered as old acquaintances. I encountered something good recently and wish to share my joy with Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? What¡¯s the good news that made you so happy?¡± Qiao Nan was a little sullen. Shouldn¡¯t Wei De feel depressed and angry at this point in time?

    Wei De raised his voice. He could not hide and control his joy and arrogance. ¡°After hearing your views, I participated in the mission this time. Fortunately, I did not lose my life and I did not let down Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s expectations and hopes on me. I consider myself returning in glory. I¡¯m not well-educated and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve put it across correctly. As a gifted student, you have to guide me if I make a mistake, Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

    He was going to be a toon leader soon, then apanymander, or even a battalionmander. His literacy and cultural standards certainly had to improve as well.

    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re too modest, Comrade Wei. What you said is correct and you have a good gift of gab. I admit that there¡¯s nothing that I can teach you. As for the happy matter that you mentioned, I would like to congratte you.¡± Did this mean Wei De had been hospitalized all this while and did not know what was going to happen next?

    Congrattions. She really wanted to congratte Wei De and his whole family.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Wei De, who was high-spirited and thinking that his life was going uphill, did not sense the oddity in Qiao Nan¡¯s tone at all. ¡°What I have today is all thanks to Teacher Xiao Qiao. I didn¡¯t know that I could also have such results if I work hard properly.¡±

 Chapter 727 - Zhai Huaâ€™s â€˜Heart of a Princessâ€™

    Chapter 727 Zhai Hua¡¯s ¡®Heart of a Princess¡¯

    ¡°I know myself better now. Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you for making me discover myself again. I believe that I will be increasingly better in the future. I¡¯ll definitely not let down that previous ¡®well-meaning intention¡¯ of

    yours.¡±

    Didn¡¯t ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ refuse to help? No issue. He did not need it anymore.

    He had seeded this time and he would certainly continue to seed in the future.

    Without the help of Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯, he seeded all the same. When he openly stood in front of the Zhai family with the identity of Zhai Hua¡¯s other half, ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ might not even have graduated from school

    yet.

    He wanted to see how Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ would then repent and plead for his help!

    Qiao Nan was amused as she could tell that Wei De was deliberately boasting to her. ¡°Is that so? Then, I have to congratte you once again. Congrattions to you for having such progress and results. Comrade Wei, do you still have any other matter?¡±

    How much assurance did Zhai Hua give Wei De to make him so arrogant?

    There was no ce for Wei De in the army anymore. He had not even known the situation that he was in before giving such an arrogant phone call. When Wei De knew the truth of the matter, she did not know how Wei De would take the conversation between them today.

    ¡°Then, I will also say it again. Thank you, ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. You¡¯re the one who made me realize that I can actually have such a different life.¡± He no longer needed Regiment Commander Zhai to pull strings for him. He was capable. It was just that hecked luck and had not met the right opportunities earlier.

    This matter was sufficient to prove that he was, in fact, a sturdy horse that previously had no opportunity to showcase his talent.

    Fortunately, with the spur of the momentum of this matter, the road ahead of him would still be smooth sailing without the help of the Zhai family and Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll congratte you on having a second ¡®life¡¯,¡± Qiao Nan said as if she was implying something else. ¡°It¡¯ste. I remember that you¡¯re injured. I won¡¯t disturb you from your rest. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wei Deughed scornfully. This was just a woman who relied on her beauty to seed and she dared to be so arrogant and boastful to him.

    Just wait and see. Three yearster, his status in the Zhai family would be firmer. Three yearster, he wanted to see what Qiao Nan, who would have lost some of her youth, could rely on to hold on tightly to Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s heart.

    With a heart filled with ambitions, Wei De limped back to his ward andy on the hospital bed as he fantasized about his grand ns for the future.

    He did not rely on women or connections. He only relied on his own pair of hands as well as motivation and effort to build a splendid and glorious life!

    ¡°Wei De?¡± Shi Qing, who was by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, blinked when she heard the conversation ¡°He¡¯s showing off to you? Is he an idiot? Isn¡¯t it true that he won¡¯t be able to remain in the army anymore?¡±

    ¡°Obviously, he has been staying in the hospital and no one has notified him about it. Hence, he doesn¡¯t know anything yet.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips and smiled. She was not bothered.

    ¡°How about Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Sister Zhai Hua had not told Wei De the situation. If this were to drag on longer, Wei De would most likely feel worse.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I didn¡¯t contact Brother Zhai after he left for the army camp yesterday. Brother Zhai was the one who gave Wei De this opportunity, and Wei De got into such serious trouble. Although he can no longer remain in the army, Brother Zhai still has to clean up the mess that he had created, right?¡± Hence, he had not received a call from Brother Zhai until now. Instead, she got a call from Wei De.

    Shi Qing¡¯s lips curled. She doubted once again how blind Zhai Hua was to be able to take a liking to Wei De. ¡°I guess Sister Zhai Hua will probably visit Wei De at the hospital. Do you think she will tell Wei De the truth immediately?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua is someone who¡¯s straightforward and she doesn¡¯t drag her feet. However, in the face of love, a woman will always be undecided. Regardless of the severity of Wei De¡¯s injuries, he won¡¯t be discharged from the hospital in these few days. Seeing that Wei De is in such a good mood, do you think Sister Zhai Hua could bear to tell Wei De such a mind-blowing truth?¡±

    Promotion?

    There was only expulsion for Wei De.

    This was basically the difference between heaven and hell.

    Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t think about these matters anymore. Wei De is Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend and not someone that I have blindly taken a liking to. This big worry belongs to Sister Zhai Hua, no matter if she tells him or not. But ording to what Brother Zhai told you yesterday, Chief Zhai is prepared to be in for a good show? Until when? He already saw Wei De¡¯s true colors. He can¡¯t possibly continue to let him be together with Sister Zhai Hua or even let him marry her and give birth to his child, right?¡±

    It would be toote if that truly happened.

    Also, Sister Zhai Hua was twenty-seven years old this year.

    Not to mention other matters, Sister Zhai Hua would be twenty-nine and thirty years old respectively in two and three years¡¯ time respectively.

    Shi Qing had not seen anyone who was not married at that age.

    Wei De was a man and could afford to dy marriage, but not Sister Zhai Hua.

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Qiao Nan said with certainty. ¡°Given the family rules and situation in the Zhai family, they will not ept Wei De. As to when, I can¡¯t be certain either. Sister Zhai Hua is very stubborn and at the peak of her temper now. If the Zhai family objects to the rtionship now, the effects will be counterproductive. Therefore, Chief Zhai quietly acquiesced first. After Wei De is expelled from the army, Wei De will realize that he may be able to gain as much as he expected from being together with Sister Zhai Hua. With many conflicts happening at the same time, as time goes by, the rtionship between the two of them may deteriorate. Now, Wei De fully believes and hopes that he can rise through the ranks with the help of Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s connections. Hence, Sister Zhai Hua is enjoying a treatment akin to that of a princess from Wei De. Tell me, which woman doesn¡¯t like this kind of treatment?¡±

    ¡°Princess treatment?¡± Shi Qing was now a little enlightened about why Zhai Hua chose Wei De.

    ¡°You should know a little about the situation of the Zhai family. When they were children, Sister Zhai Hua and Brother Zhai were under Old Master Zhai¡¯s care without their parents by their sides. Such children will more or less have some ws in their characters. The only difference is the degree of severity. When Sister Zhai Hua was a child, she did not get to enjoy the feeling of being doted on by her parents. Hence, when she¡¯s older, she especially cherishes the affection and love from her partner. When Sister Zhai Hua can¡¯t feel this kind of love from Wei De anymore, they will break up sooner orter without the need for others to advise her. The only thing that I am worried about is when and in what circumstances will Wei De give uppletely on Sister Zhai Hua and choose another target to rece her.¡±

    The status and power of the Zhai family were too enticing

    Wei De was quite street smart. It would not be easy to make Wei Depletely give up on Sister Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 728 - Double-Crossing

    <h4>Chapter 728 Double-Crossing</h4>

    Shi Qing lifted the corners of her lips. ¡°Unless Sister Zhai Hua was not an offspring of the Zhai family, or if the Zhai family disowns Sister Zhai Huapletely? Even if Sister Zhai Hua is willing to, Wei De will not agree.¡± Wei De had been targeting Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionships and connections. With Wei De¡¯s influence, Sister Zhai Hua would most likely not make such an extreme decision.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s hard to say. I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t be able to know for certain in these few years.¡±

    Wei De was still unaware that he had been expelled from the army. If he were to find out, he would definitely bear a grudge and create another scene.

    If Wei De kicked up a fuss with Sister Zhai Hua, Sister Zhai Hua would definitely do the same to the Zhai family. It would basically be a vicious cycle.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. The National Day holiday ising to an end. We will need to return to school the day after.¡± There were only seven days of holiday for National Day. It was almost the end of the tuition period for the current batch of Qiao Nan¡¯s students. Qiao Nan perked up and did not forget about her studies.

    ¡°When school reopens, you can¡¯t continue to teach the students anymore.¡± Shi Qing raised her brows. ¡°Qiao Nan, you really don¡¯t want to be a teacher in the future?¡±

    Based on her observation, Qiao Nan was much more popr than typical school teachers.

    Regardless of what kind of student, they would be very obedient in front of Qiao Nan.

    If every teacher could have it as easy as Qiao Nan, whereby the students were obedient and good in both their studies and character, it was, in fact, quite good being a teacher.

    Qiao Nan wanted tough at Shi Qing. ¡°Being a teacher is not as easy as you imagine. Think about it. Don¡¯t talk about other teachers. Can you recall that amongst all your teachers since you¡¯re a child, who had it easy and who made you feel that it¡¯s quite easy to be a teacher?¡±

    It was difficult to manage students. In addition, students of future generations would be even more difficult to manage. It was too tough being a teacher.

    Shi Qing knitted her brows and thought about it seriously. In the end, she realized that being a teacher was really not as good as she had imagined. ¡°However, it¡¯s different. You¡¯re different. Look, I¡¯ve been observing you teach your three batches of students. Those teachers of mine did not teach the students the way you did.¡±

    It was a joyful style of teaching.

    When the other teachers were giving lessons, the students always wore painful expressions on their faces.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan¡¯s students would always leave with a smile.

    There was another point that was also the most obvious.

    It was almost inevitable for students to bete for sses.

    However, amongst the three batches of students taught by Qiao Nan, none of the students werete. Most arrived early for the lesson.

    Just from this point alone, it was not difficult to tell that, in fact, all the students of Qiao Nan were very supportive of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Are you trying to persuade me into bing a teacher?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I go by unorthodox and unconventional ways. Furthermore, I¡¯m really not interested in being a teacher. Children of this age are very sensitive and stubborn. When did I put on airs of a teacher in front of them? If not for this, they might not even give me face. However, if I really be a teacher, it won¡¯t be appropriate to use this unorthodox way of mine.¡±

    The teaching style should be catered to the students.

    It was too hard to be a teacher. Moreover, she had too little knowledge and it certainly would not do.

    There were different psychological developments in each age group. To be a good teacher, one needed to have a good grasp of the various psychological stages of different age groups.

    It was also because of this that Qiao Nan adopted an entirely different teaching method for the people in the army and the junior high school students. Even when she was at school, Qiao Nan had never put on airs of a teacher before the students in her cohort.

    ¡°I think you know a lot too.¡± At the very least, it would not be a major problem for Qiao Nan to teach students from junior high school, senior high school, and adults.

    Qiao Nan took out two ice pops from the refrigerator and passed one of them to Shi Qing. ¡°How so? Speaking of which, you¡¯re so interested in whether I¡¯ll be a teacher. Why don¡¯t you give my master a call to talk about this?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing, who had just taken a big bite of the ice pop, froze. ¡°Please, please don¡¯t tell Elder Lin what I said earlier. I don¡¯t wish to memorize the English dictionary.¡±

    Shi Qing usually seemed like a fearless little bully but she would asionally meet formidable characters and Lin Yuankang was one of them.

    Lin Yuankang loved to look for intelligent children to test them on their innate ability to learn English.

    Who in the political circle did not hope that their children could be Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple? China had already bridged itself with the world and English was apulsory subject.

    It would be best to learn from Lin Yuankang than other people.

    Many years ago, Old Master Shi had intended to send Shi Qing to Lin Yuankang.

    Shi Qing was an intelligent child but she did not have a passion fornguage since she was born. Her learning attitude toward English was akin to that of a coping mechanism to fulfill her studies.

    Hence, Shi Qing could not tolerate Lin Yuankang¡¯s training style at all.

    Qiao Nan memorized the dictionary on her own initiative. When Shi Qing was a child, Lin Yuankang looked at those clever and mischievous eyes of hers, and then the scheming look in Elder Shi¡¯s eyes. Without a word, he threw a small dictionary to Shi Qing. ¡°When Shi Qing is able to memorize all the words in this dictionary, I can take her under my wing.¡±

    Lin Yuankang simply scared Shi Qing away with a dictionary. That was also the first time that Old Master Shi expressed dissatisfaction with Shi Qing

    It was also because of that incident that whenever Shi Qing saw Lin Yuankang, she was like a mouse seeing a cat. She would shrink her neck and disappear at the fastest speed from Lin Yuankang¡¯s sight, in case Lin Yuankang caught hold of her.

    Of course, Shi Qing knew that Lin Yuankang was nurturing Qiao Nan as his sessor and that Qiao Nan was Lin Yuankang¡¯sst disciple.

    Shi Qing expressed that she did not have the guts to poach someone from Lin Yuankang. ¡°Do you know how stressed I feel to be your friend because you¡¯re Elder Lin¡¯s disciple? When I was a child, my grandpa brought me to acknowledge him as a master. Elder Lin didn¡¯t like me and chased me away with a dictionary. Now, because of my rtionship with you, Elder Lin is so friendly to me. He even asked me if I wish to learn English again. Ah, I¡¯m already so traumatized. I would rather be a rock than an unpolished jade in his eyes.¡±

    She truly did not have any interest in this subject. Elder Lin should not waste his good intentions on her.

    There were many people who wished to seek advice from Elder Lin. There was simply no need for Elder Lin to waste his effort on her.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hoping that I will be a teacher? He¡¯s my master after all. I have to seek his opinion, don¡¯t I? You have a gift of gab. Maybe my master will agree after you talk to him.¡± Qiao Nan was extremely amused. Even a top student like Shi Qing would have a teacher that she was fearful of. It was rare.

    ¡°Enough. It¡¯ll be strange if Elder Lin agrees to it.¡±

    ¡°Not really. You can convince him to let me be an English teacher. I won¡¯t waste the skills that he imparted to me then, right?¡±

    Qiao Nan was truly busy. Besides teaching two groups of students, she also had to find time to learn English from Elder Lin during the summer break.

 Chapter 729 - Qiao Nan Gave Herself Away

    <h4>Chapter 729 Qiao Nan Gave Herself Away</h4>

    During thest ten days of the summer break, Qiao Nan had followed Elder Lin to an asion and put her knowledge and skills into practice.

    A few foreigners who saw the potential to develop their businesses in Ping Cheng visited the ce.

    The mayor in Ping Cheng considered this asion as one of his priorities and specially invited Elder Lin to help. Elder Lin simply brought Qiao Nan along to be the on-site interpreter.

    As such, while Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates were unaware, Qiao Nan had already gotten to know and interact with the mayor in their town for some time.

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you about this. You¡¯re clearly aware that I¡¯m most afraid of Elder Lin. If Elder Lin finds out about my earlier conversation with you, he¡¯ll definitely think of a way to torture me till I die.¡± At the thought of how Elder Lin dealt with her in the past, Shi Qing was so frightened that she could feel chills down her spine.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Obviously, you¡¯re very scared of my master. Then, why do you keep poaching me? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°I just can¡¯t control my mouth.¡± Shi Peng, who rarely knocked off early, was home earlier today. When he heard the conversation between his daughter and Qiao Nan, he interrupted and made use of the opportunity to chide her daughter. ¡°You¡¯re so scared of Elder Lin and yet you dare to test his limit. Qing Qing, you¡¯ve grown bolder recently.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you came back so early? You¡¯re deriding your own daughter once you¡¯re back. Is that appropriate?!¡± Shi Qing was angered. This father must be an impostor. ¡°You didn¡¯t work overtime today?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the National Day. I also wish to take a break and rest.¡± Drinking the cup of tea prepared by his daughter, Shi Peng found it vorful even if it was nd. ¡°Recently, most of the proposals for the major projects have been put up on the agenda. Progress has been quite smooth currently. My hard work for the past six months has not been in vain. After a few years, Ping Cheng will definitely be able to develop well.¡±

    At the mention of this, Shi Peng was in an extraordinarily good mood.

    ¡°A few years?¡± Qiao Nan was more sensitive to this figure. ¡°I heard that some ces will develop quite quickly.¡± A few years is considered slow?

    Shi Peng took a sip and said smilingly, ¡°You youngsters nowadays are a little too impatient. Take a step at a time. It¡¯s better to be slow and steady in certain things. If the foundation is not good, there¡¯ll be more repercussions in the future. We can¡¯t just focus on the short-term interest before us and ignore the rest. Ping Cheng¡¯s sceneries are very beautiful. Its hills are green and waters are clear. If we ruin the environment and disrupt ecological equilibrium for the sake of developing the ce, we will eventually receive retribution from mother nature.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was taken aback as she looked at Shi Peng.

    Of course, Qiao Nan knew what Shi Peng was referring to.

    In her previous life, after the 21st century, the various cities in China developed very quickly at a rapid pace. Amidst this, environment protection and ecological equilibrium were the major areas that were most often neglected.

    The consequences were reflected in the future, when the greenhouse effect worsened, resulting in problems such as global warming, air pollution, ozone hole, and many others.

    As someone who was reborn, Qiao Nan knew that not only China but also all the countries in the world faced severe environmental pollution issues.

    However, this was a macro issue. Qiao Nan alone would not be able to change anything.

    In particr, everyone in China was thinking of ways to develop and grow during this period. There was an advocate of economic efficacy. If the city did not develop as quickly as expected, the officials might lose their jobs.

    As such, it only focused on rapid but not bnced developments.

    Qiao Nan knew that if she were to voice out any views in public at this point in time, it would be lost in the sea. There would not be any impact. This behavior might even be perceived as anti-socialism.

    How could Qiao Nan not feel surprised and shocked by that advanced foresight, scientific knowledge, and incremental thinking of Shi Peng?

    If China had more people like Shi Peng, then at the very least, the environmental pollution issues in China would be better controlled. The situation of the government focusing on development initially before dumping huge sums of money to treat the side effects of development, such as environmental pollution, thereafter would not even ur.

    ¡°Director Shi, you¡¯ll definitely be the best director in Ping Cheng.¡± In this lifetime, Ping Cheng had a Director like Shi Peng. Could they avoid the unhealthy cycle of rapid development and prevent pollution as best as they could?

    ¡°Hahaha! Qiao Nan, did I just receive high praise and affirmation from you?¡± Shi Pengughed. ¡°Thanks for your affirmation. I¡¯ll definitely work harder and strive for Ping Cheng to develop well and let all the citizens in Ping Cheng lead a good life. Economic growth is important but Ping Cheng is our home. All the more we should protect it well. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan nodded vigorously.

    Shi Qing knitted her brows. She looked at her father and Qiao Nan, feeling puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t you talking about the development of Ping Cheng? What did it have to do with environmental protection? If I don¡¯t remember wrongly, the leaders of the country are now looking at production efficacy as well as economic growth and its benefits. Dad, you doing this is like subjecting yourself to endless days of hard work only to remain as a director in Ping Cheng, isn¡¯t it?¡±.

    Her father¡¯s concerns and priorities were different from and not aligned with those of the country.

    Qiao Nan smiled mysteriously. ¡°Manage the economic development in one hand and environmental protection on the other. Both have to be managed in strong ways.¡±

    ¡°What Qiao Nan said is right. We can¡¯t be content with staying where we are now. We need to have foresight when viewing every matter. Environment protection will be one of the priorities in the political arena sooner orter. Economy ranks first and the environment second. Simultaneously, we have to advocate a change of mindsets.¡± At the mention of Ping Cheng¡¯s future progress, Shi Peng went on enthusiastically. That excited manner of his seemed as though he was in the office and meeting room and not the house of the Qiao family, a ce for resting.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that the topics of your conversation are getting strange? Qiao Nan, do you really understand them?¡±

    ¡°I have asked you to learn more from Qiao Nan. Do you think I said it just for the sake of chiding you?¡± Shi Peng looked at his daughter in a disapproving manner.

    Logically speaking, Qing Qing grew up in the Shi family and received much more influence in politics than Qiao Nan. Most importantly, with the situation of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan would not have any chance to be exposed to such political matters.

    Why was it that Qiao Nan understood this but Qing Qing had absolutely no idea what they were referring to?

    Shi Peng certainly would not admit that the family education of the Shi family had failed. Shi Peng was well aware of the kind of people and elders in the Qiao family.

    That mother of Qiao Nan whom he had not met before could not possibly have such influence on her.

    Qiao Dongliang was quite a good person, but besides his passion for the army, he did not have many thoughts and ideas regarding the development and progress of the nation.

    As such, the two elders in the Qiao family could not guide Qiao Nan in the right direction at all. Then, how did Qiao Nan ¡®grow up¡¯?

    Sensing the curiosity and probing from Shi Peng, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart jumped. She felt that she had been toocent earlier.

    She was not Shi Peng. Hence, she could not possibly possess that advanced foresight of his. All that she knew was based on her experience in the ¡®future¡¯.

    Given her situation, it would certainly arouse suspicions if she seemed to know too much.

 Chapter 730 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Profound Insights

    <h4>Chapter 730 Qiao Nan¡¯s Profound Insights</h4>

    This situation had happened once before with Zhai Sheng. At that time, Qiao Nan was scared out of her wits.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng had always been very forgiving toward Qiao Nan. He had never forced Qiao Nan to tell him something that she did not wish to. Gradually, Qiao Nan had also let down her guard regarding this.

    This time, she was so careless for having slipped so badly in front of Shi Peng. This perked Qiao Nan up and made her more alert. She definitely would not let it happen a third time.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was thumping rapidly but she gradually managed to calm herself down. ¡°It¡¯s not about whether I understand the situation or not. You¡¯re from Mo Du while I grew up in Ping Cheng. Hence, I understand Ping Cheng¡¯s situation more than you. Three years ago, at the east of Ping Cheng, there was a stream with water so clear that you could see the bottom of it. That crystal clear water even had a sweet taste to it. It was also easy to small fishes and shrimps from the stream. Especially during summer, if the rain was not heavy, many would go there to catch fishes and shrimps. The beauty of that stream was as per every description of it in school textbooks. However, two years ago, a factory was built on the barend in front of the stream. As a result, the flow of water to the stream was cut off. That stream has turned stagnant now. It first turned smelly and dried up thereafter. If you visit it now, you could see that the stream has already be a path.¡±

    ¡°This is just one of the examples. You came herete and don¡¯t know that much. Such situations are not umon in Ping Cheng. There¡¯re some parts of China with adequate water supply while some facing a serious shortage of water. A source of water is so important to a ce that faces a shortage of water. It¡¯s not something that people like us, from ces that do not face such problems, can understand. One may not feel much initially regarding the damage and pollution of the environment. When the problem is visible, it¡¯ll most likely be toote then. Why is it that when the west areas gued with severe desertification are furiously nting por while ces like ours with green hills and clear waters are chopping the trees tantly? With fewer nts and trees, the biggest problem is the loss of soil. The trees are gone but thends are still around. Once the rainy season of June arrives, with heavy storms and rains, there will bendslides. It¡¯s so dangerous for those who live near the hills. You can¡¯t imagine it at all. They¡¯re staying near the gate of hells!¡±

    Upon hearing this logical and lengthy speech of Qiao Nan which made every sense, Shi Qing looked wide-eyed and tongue-tied. She could not utter a word for some time.

    Even Shi Peng was silent for some time. He was deep in thought about what Qiao Nan said.

    Regarding the problem of water supply, as a government official, Shi Peng was aware that the country had already researched and evene up with a project to divert water from the south to the north.

    It could be said that this major project took more than ten years of meticulous efforts toplete, from its initial proposal and step-by-step detailed research until the final execution.

    Rtively, the country spent so much effort, hard work, and mary resources to support the project of diverting water from the south to the north. It was thus really bad to have a cutoff of water supply in ces with adequate water supply.

    Water is a source of life. If he really wished to protect the environment from pollution, the development and building of water supply was a major theme and project. He had neglected this point earlier.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan brought this up today. Otherwise, just as Qiao Nan said, by the time he realized, it would have been toote as the problem had urred.

    Right from the beginning, his objective was to stop all the environmental pollution and potential lurking perils caused by economic development as soon as it spelled trouble.

    The most frightening words that he heard from Qiao Nan was about the monsoon season.

    Although there were nondslides in Ping Cheng now, there were cases of many rocks of various sizes sliding down the hills during the monsoon season, causing idents and deaths.

    It was just that there were not many such cases, and most resulted in injuries, not deaths. The probability of urrence was not high either. The final precaution that the government and the local departments administered after some short discussion was to put up warning signs near the areas with frequent incidents.

    If a major natural disaster, such asndslides, were to ur, these small warning signs would be totally useless.

    What Qiao Nan said were all false but there were many issues in it that Shi Peng needed to think about. Shi Peng was thus totally silent as he pondered deeply over the problems brought up by Qiao Nan.

    As for Shi Qing, she understood some of it but not all.

    Of course, she understood literally what it meant as well as its implications.

    However, was it really so easy to resolve such a major issue?

    ¡°This, what¡¯s happening?¡± When Qiao Dongliang was back, he saw the three of them surrounding the table in silence and no one was speaking. The house was as quiet as the library. ¡°You are...¡± Discussing some issues? There should be some noise if that was the case, no?

    Reading?

    No one was holding a book in their hands.

    Then, they were in a daze together?

    Nan Nan had beenmenting that she did not have time to study. How was it possible that she would do something so useless? Shi Qing was not that kind of person either. As for Director Shi, for the sake of reforming and opening up Ping Cheng, he was an extremely busy and hardworking man who was always running about and did not have any minute to waste.

    With such abination, they were actually sitting around together in a daze. Qiao Dongliang did not think it was possible no matter how he thought about it.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back. It¡¯s already sote!!¡± Qiao Nan lifted her head. Ah, it¡¯s half-past six in the evening!

    ¡°I have not prepared dinner.¡±

    ¡°No issue. We¡¯ll prepare them together. It¡¯ll be faster that way.¡± Seeing that Shi Peng was still deep in thought, Qiao Dongliang dared not disturb him. A character such as Shi Peng, who was a leader at the forefront regardless of whether he was in the army or the government sector, was different from ordinary people like him.

    They were worried about daily necessities while Shi Peng was worried about the major affairs of the country and the livelihoods of the citizens.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and cast a weak nce at Shi Peng.

    Fortunately, she managed toe up with this information to divert Director Shi¡¯s attention from her. Otherwise, she would be in trouble in the future.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help too!¡± Shi Qing could not provide much help anyway. She only understood about fifty to sixty percent of Qiao Nan¡¯s conversation. Although she understood, it did not mean that she could participate in the discussion and help think of solutions, not to mention that she did not even understand it fully.

    After entering the kitchen, Shi Qing asked Qiao Nan secretly, ¡°Do you have any solutions to the problems that you mentioned just now?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Upon hearing this answer, Shi Qing felt very disappointed.

    If so many problems were to ur, given her father¡¯s character, he would start to give his all to his work again. He would work overtime and stay upte for endless nights until the problems were resolved and the citizens in Ping Cheng could lead peaceful lives.

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°But I know of a way that can prevent the urrence of such severe situations and let your dad work less.¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. ¡°I know that you will have a way!! Quickly tell me.¡±

    ¡°Very simple. The problems that I mentioned earlier are not that serious in Ping Cheng. Since the problems have not urred, what we should be thinking about now should not be how to resolve them but to protect and avoid such situations. That¡¯s in ordance to your dad¡¯s earlier thoughts and ns.¡±

 Chapter 731 - The Zhai Family Wants to Have a Good Daughter-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 731 The Zhai Family Wants to Have a Good Daughter-In-Law</h4>

    ¡°Since the sources of water supply are critical, at the very least, the future developments in Ping Cheng must not affect water supply and cause water pollution. Once such projects appear, we must ban and put an end to them. Regarding the loss of soil, the crux of this problem is with the trees and nts. As long as deforestation is controlled and Ping Cheng¡¯s greeneries are protected, none of these problems will ur in the future.¡±

    The current ecology system of Ping Cheng was fine. It was not as bad a situation as the time after the year 2010.

    The difference in ten years was not only the economy but also the environment.

    As long as Shi Peng paid attention to these issues at this point in time, Ping Cheng could definitely be one of the most unpolluted ces in China.

    In short, it was necessary to prevent those issues from urring.

    Solving the problems after urrence would be difficult. Inparison, it was easier to ensure good management and control practices.

    ¡°Right, I¡¯m so muddleheaded!¡± She had been thinking about what to do if the problems were to ur but had forgotten that these issues had not even materialized. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go and tell my dad...¡±

    ¡°No need. Your dad doesn¡¯t need your reminder. He¡¯ll be able to think of it himself.¡± Director Shi was a qualified and outstanding party member. He would do all he could for the country and the people.

    With Director Shi as a government official in Ping Cheng, she felt quite assured.

    Each time Shi Peng had a meal at the house of the Qiao family, he would derive a sense of satisfaction. Today, he felt extraordinarily satisfied in both psychological and physiological aspects.

    ¡°Dad, what are you doing? Quickly go to bed.¡± Shi Qing, who had just finished bathing, was drying her hair and yawning at the same time. She then searched out the hairdryer at home and was prepared to go to bed after drying her hair.

    ¡°Nothing. Rest assured. I won¡¯t sleepte. I¡¯m just going to make a call before I sleep.¡± Shi Peng picked up the phone.

    ¡°Who are you calling?¡± Shi Qing sat down, feeling curious. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. You have not slept but others may be sleeping.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m sure they haven¡¯t gone to sleep yet.¡± Shi Peng dialed a phone number swiftly. Before two rings, the other side picked up the phone. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Old Zhai, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s aloof voice could be heard from the other side of the phone.

    Shi Qing, who was sitting by his side, widened her eyes. She mouthed, ¡°Why did you call Uncle Zhai?!¡±

    At the sight of his daughter, Shi Pengughed. ¡°There¡¯s something about Qiao Nan today which I feel the need to tell you to deepen your understanding of her. After all, this is the mission that you assigned to me. I can¡¯t let down the trust that the leader ced on me, right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing¡¯s face turned ck. Her father actually became Chief Zhai¡¯s spy. Moreover, it was to specifically spy on Qiao Nan.

    Wasn¡¯t her father being too much by doing this? Uncle Qiao and Qiao Nan were so good to them and her dad still wanted to tell on Qiao Nan.

    Shi Peng was amused when he saw the anger in his daughter¡¯s eyes rising. He was not telling on Qiao Nan. He was helping Qiao Nan to improve Zhai Yaohui¡¯s impression of her. ¡°This is what happened... Old Zhai, your family is so blessed. Zhai Sheng¡¯s judgment of character is better than yours.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui, who was on the other side of the phone, was silent for a while. However, he did not agree readily with Shi Peng.

    If the woman that Shi Peng was referring to was Qi Min, then he would admit that his sense of judgment was not better than that of his son. But if he was referring to Miao Miao, he did not think so.

    Both Miao Miao and Qiao Nan had their own merits. Moreover, they would be mother and daughter-inw in the future. Hence, there was no need topare them.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, thisdy, is incredible. Your previous fears arepletely unfounded. She is certainly qualified to take on the role of the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. She won¡¯t make the Zhai family lose face. Maybe your Zhai family will even rise further in your reputation with such a capable and forward-thinking daughter-inw.¡±

    The hero¡¯s origin did not matter. Since ancient times, the emperor had the habit of giving high regard to his people with humble backgrounds. It was the same situation in China now.

    The more ordinary one¡¯s background was and the more sessful one became, they would be highly regarded by the country and leaders as role models.

    Qiao Nan, this youngdy, was truly incredible.

    ¡°Unfortunately, Qing Qing is also ady. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Perhaps this was Zhai Sheng¡¯s blessing too. When Qiao Nan was still a in and unpolished jade, he had already taken a liking to her.

    When Qiao Nan was polished, she would be shining in dazzling splendor and exuding inner grace and charisma. Countless gentlemen who noticed Qiao Nan¡¯s positive qualities would be more than willing to woo the fairdy.

    It was a matter of timing and opportunity.

    Zhai Yaohui snorted. ¡°The problem is that you only have one daughter.¡± Regardless of whether it was a pity, it was impossible for Qiao Nan to be part of the Shi family. She belonged to his son.

    If not for Zhai Sheng, the Shi family might not even have an opportunity to meet Qiao Nan in their entire lifetime.

    At the end of the day, Zhai Sheng was the only person with a good sense of judgment. The father-daughter of the Shi family owed it all to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Do you mean that you¡¯re more approving of Qiao Nan and are agreeable to their rtionship now?¡± This was the first time that Zhai Yaohui spoke to Shi Peng in such a proud andcent manner. Therefore Shi Peng did not dispute him. He even allowed Zhai Yaohui to gloat about it.

    He was returning favor with favor.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is certainly not bad.¡± As his understanding of Qiao Nan grew, he also agreed that Qiao Nan was bing more and more outstanding and dazzling. She waspletely worthy of Zhai Sheng.

    One of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s requirements for the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family was for her to have some sensitivity to political issues. At the very least, she must not be an idiot in politics.

    This was also the reason that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing wanted to find Zhai Sheng a wife with a simr family situation as the Zhai family.

    Given the reputation and status of the Zhai family, they needed to have certain considerations and reservations.

    Love was, of course, important, but not as much as suitability.

    If they could meet one that their son loved and was also suitable for the Zhai family, that would be a happy ending for all.

    Thinking about that stubborn character of Zhai Sheng now, Zhai Yaohui let out a huge sigh of relief. Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was lucky and Qiao Nan was outstanding enough. There was nothing that he could pick on regarding her. This was the fortune and luck of both the Zhai family and Qiao Nan.

    ¡°But you have not settled your wife¡¯s end, have you?¡± Shi Peng wasughing at Zhai Yaohui. Clearly, he had acknowledged Qiao Nan as his daughter-inw but this matter was still stuck at Miao Jing¡¯s end.

    ¡°It¡¯s not an issue.¡± Zhai Sheng was good at nothing except for smoking his way through others.

    Given Miao Miao¡¯s temper, it was really not difficult to let Miao Miao ept Qiao Nan as long as Zhai Sheng put in some good words and both he and Qiao Nan worked on it together when the time came.

    Shi Pengughed. ¡°How was it? Have Ipleted my mission beautifully? It¡¯s fortunate that I did not fail.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui snorted at Shi Peng¡¯s ims. ¡°Didn¡¯t you gain much from this as well?¡±

    All of what Qiao Nan said was constructive and meaningful. It gave Shi Peng so much inspiration and guidance on his future ns. Shi Peng was the one who benefited much. In fact, Shi Peng was the one who took his undeserved gains for granted.

    Zhai Yaohui did not have the habit of pampering his long-time opponent.

 Chapter 732 - Shi Peng Was a â€˜Spyâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 732 ¨C Shi Peng Was a ¡®Spy¡¯</h4>

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Shi Peng was amused. Certainly, he had received much inspiration from Qiao Nan. This was a fact that he did not deny. ¡°When can you let the two children feel assured? Don¡¯t tell me you want to let your son and Qiao Nan continue to keep their rtionship in the dark.¡±

    ¡°Does it make a difference? Thatd of mine is already enjoying himself.¡± Zhai Yaohui was not anxious at all. ¡°Qiao Nan is only in her third year of senior high school. If she really goes to college, she will need at least four years to graduate, not including doctorate and master¡¯s studies. Telling them so soon is not meaningful. Her current mission is to do well in her studies.¡±

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan had been clear of her priorities all this while. Despite being with Zhai Sheng for over a year, he had never seen Qiao Nan¡¯s grades slip.

    Having seen Qiao Nan¡¯s self-discipline and self-control, Zhai Yaohui was more than satisfied with her.

    Shi Peng nced at the time. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve already reported the situation to you. How you wish to manage this is the business of your Zhai family. I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After a short acknowledgment, Zhai Yaohui hung up the phone before Shi Peng.

    At the sound of the beeping tone, Shi Peng was speechless as he looked at the phone. He then hung it up properly.

    Shi Qing, who had been enduring for some time, finally could not take it anymore. She grabbed her father¡¯s hands and asked, ¡°Dad, what¡¯s happening? Why did you tell Chief Zhai about Qiao Nan¡¯s matters? You betrayed Qiao Nan?!¡±

    ¡°Child, don¡¯t talk nonsense. Am I betraying her? I am helping her.¡± Shi Peng looked at his daughter from the corners of his eyes. It was fine that she was not as smart as Qiao Nan but she did not even know how to talk nicely. ¡°Zhai Yaohui knows that our house is situated near the house of the Qiao family. He thus specifically asked me to observe Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure this is a request and not an order?¡± Shi Qing expressed her doubt.

    ¡°...¡± It was so annoying when his daughter¡¯s words were sharp. ¡°Zhai Yaohui is paying so much attention to Qiao Nan. It can only mean that he¡¯s quite satisfied with her. That¡¯s why he wishes to have a deeper understanding of Qiao Nan and confirm her character. What I did is not considered as a betrayal but a helping hand. As long as Zhai Yaohui finds out more about the outstanding qualities of Qiao Nan, will anything go wrong for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng?¡±

    If Zhai Yaohui did not take a liking to Qiao Nan, he would not even spare this effort.

    Just take Wei De¡¯s matter as an example, Zhai Yaohui only needed to express that work should be separated from personal matters. All the little tricks up Wei De¡¯s sleeves had been destroyed by Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui and Shi Peng had seen many people like Wei De.

    Wei De wished to rise in the ranks but he did not even have the opportunity to try now. This was the biggest punishment for him.

    It was thus true that, sometimes, people like Zhai Yaohui could make a person disappear before his eyes with just one word if he could not see eye to eye with him.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re saying that Chief Zhai wished to have a deeper understanding of Qiao Nan because he starts approving of her?¡± If that was the case, it was good news.

    ¡°Otherwise? Do you think I have so much spare time to make frequent calls to Zhai Yaohui and tell him about Qiao Nan?¡± He was a busy man who found twenty-four hours a day insufficient. How could he waste his time to report to Zhai Yaohui about Qiao Nan? ¡°I¡¯m helping them so that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng can take some shortcuts.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re so good!¡± Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up as she clung to Shi Peng¡¯s arms. ¡°Dad, I know that you¡¯re the most sentimental person in this world. Based on the current situation, does it mean that Chief Zhai will not object to the marriage of Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai? Instead, he¡¯ll agree and help them convince Auntie Miao?¡±

    ¡°Why are you bootlicking me? Qiao Nan is the one who will be having inws, not you. Qing Qing, you really don¡¯t like Zhai Sheng and have no feelings for him at all? When you hear that things will be smoother for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, do you sincerely feel happy for them?¡± One year ago, his daughter was so infatuated with Zhai Sheng. As the father, this often made him jealous.

    Qing Qing had feelings for Zhai Sheng for many years. It was just one year. Could Qing Qing really forget about Zhai Shengpletely and feel happy for Zhai Sheng and another woman, congratting them wholeheartedly?

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t underestimate my thoughts and self-awareness. Brother Zhai is still my idol. It¡¯s just that he¡¯s beyond my reach. As for Qiao Nan, she is already at a stage where I can¡¯t reach. There¡¯s no one morepatible than the two of them. Now, I¡¯m good friends with Qiao Nan, and I see Brother Zhai as my elder brother. I no longer have any feelings for Brother Zhai.¡± When Shi Qing said this, a determined face shed across Shi Qing¡¯s mind.

    During her entire second year of high school, Zhu Baoguo rarely mentioned Qiao Nan in front of her. Instead, he was more focused on improving his own abilities.

    Could it be that Zhu Baoguo had sorted out his thoughts and did not like Qiao Nan anymore?

    ¡°Qing Qing, I¡¯m talking to you. Why aren¡¯t you responding to me? What are you thinking of?¡± At the sight of Shi Qing not budging for some time, Shi Peng frowned. ¡°Do you feel unwell or tired?¡±

    Shi Qing was surprised when she realized that she was lost in her thoughts about a young man in front of her father. She blushed instantly. ¡°No, my health is quite good. No, it¡¯s just... I¡¯m just a little tired. Qiao Nan said that the National Day holiday ising to an end. She asked me to prep myself in case I have difficulty adjusting when school reopens.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is right. You should certainly do that.¡± After a short holiday, Shi Peng knew that it was not umon for many children to have excessive fun during the holiday.

    Shi Peng was not from the education sector. Hence, he could not discipline other people¡¯s children. However, he was very strict with his only child. ¡°Alright, quickly go to sleep. Don¡¯t pick up the bad habit of sleepingte, in case you can¡¯t change it when you return to school.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I know. Dad, I¡¯m going to bed. Don¡¯t stay upte. Quickly go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Peng smiled bitterly. Did he dare to stay upte when Qing Qing was at home?

    ¡°Right.¡± Shi Peng called Shi Qing back. ¡°I need to discuss something with you. Can you take back the sound tape that you gave to my secretary?¡±

    He had been hearing various versions of voice recordings which requested him to have lunch for a month. Now, to Shi Peng, Shi Qing¡¯s voice was simply akin to a demon¡¯s haunting. He did not wish to listen to it again starting next month.

    Shi Qing raised her brows. ¡°You don¡¯t want to listen to it anymore?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t, then be more self-aware. As long as you take your meals on time, will the secretary have the chance to y the tape? Dad, try harder next month. I believe you can definitely cultivate the good habit of taking your meals on time. Before long, that sound tape of mine should be able to retire.¡± Shi Qing patted Shi Peng¡¯s shoulders and then happily returned to her bedroom.

 Chapter 733 - Offended Someone

    <h4>Chapter 733 Offended Someone</h4>

    ording to what her father said, Qiao Nan would be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon.

    It was great today. All her wishes came true.

    Qiao Nan sneezed. She rubbed her nose that suddenly itched.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you sneezed? Don¡¯t tell me that you caught a cold.¡± Qiao Dongliang was very anxious when he heard Qiao Nan sneeze. ¡°Why don¡¯t you drink a cup of indigowoad root[1] herbal tea?¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t, I¡¯m not drinking it.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head quickly. ¡°My nose just feels itchy. I didn¡¯t catch a cold. Taking too much medicine is not good. It¡¯s not good to keep drinking herbal teas either. Dad, it¡¯ste. Quickly go to bed. There¡¯s nothing wrong with me. I¡¯ll sleep after I memorize a few pages of the dictionary.¡± It was already half-past nine and she also did not n to stay upte.

    ¡°Fine, as long as you know what you are doing. I¡¯m going to bed.¡± After a long day at work, Qiao Dongliang was exhausted too. He was, in fact, also trying to perk himself up as he talked to Qiao Nan.

    Once the National Day holiday ended, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing resumed to their normal lives, juggling between school and home.

    However, due to the National Day break, a sudden rumor regarding Qiao Nan urred at Ping Cheng High School: Qiao Nan made use of her status as the top student of the cohort in Ping Cheng High School to open tuition sses and collect exorbitant fees.

    In other words, Qiao Nan was earning money illegitimately using Ping Cheng High School¡¯s name.

    ¡°Damn, who¡¯s so mean?!¡± Upon hearing this news, Shi Qing¡¯s eyes widened, looking as fierce as a tigress. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t worry or be distracted. I think someone did it on purpose. They think they can affect your learning and confidence with such despicable methods so that you will lose the ce as the top student in the cohort. Damn, they¡¯re too stupid. I¡¯ll help you settle this.¡±

    She did not believe that she could not find out who started this.

    ¡°What you said is also what I wanted to tell you. Don¡¯t get distracted because of that kind of person. They can¡¯t stir up much trouble. You¡¯ll be wasting your time and effort if you deal with such people.¡± It had been four years since her rebirth. She encountered many matters and this was not her first time seeing people adopt such means.

    Now, to Qiao Nan, these were just little tricks that would not hurt her at all.

    To get angry and take issue with these people would be a true loss to her-loss of time and energy.

    As such, after arriving at school, she could not be bothered and was expressionless when she heard such adverse rumors about her.

    At the sight of Shi Qing feeling angry and unjustified, Qiao Nan expressed that it was not necessary. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going back to my ss. If you trust me, don¡¯t intervene in this matter. Nothing much wille out of it.¡±

    She was the reason Ping Cheng High School received sponsorships. Moreover, she had just be the owner of the small courtyard that she was currently living in.

    To put it bluntly, from a practical perspective, it was all or nothing, Principal Meng would not doubt or criticize her because of these rumors. Instead, he would try hard to think of ways to dispel them.

    Furthermore, the rumors did reflect some of the truth.

    She had never made use of the fact that she was one of the top students in Ping Cheng High School to attract students. She just could not reject those students.

    As for the tuition fees, the students¡¯ parents discussed and agreed on it on their own.

    Although it was a little shameless to do that, Qiao Nan passed all the decision rights to the parents and students, refraining from intervening in any area.

    ¡°Your temper is so good. If anyone dares to poop on my head, I certainly won¡¯t endure it. Alright, I know what to do regarding this. You just need to study well. Don¡¯t be affected. As for me, I know my limits and won¡¯t go overboard.¡±

    No matter what, she could not choose to do nothing.

    Qiao Nan shook her head and let Shi Qing be.

    They were not kids anymore. She believed Shi Qing knew how to strike a bnce.

    When Qiao Nan arrived at her ssroom, her dormitory mates were very concerned. ¡°Nan Nan, did you offend anyone recently?¡± If Nan Nan did not offend anyone, why were there such adverse rumors about Nan Nan in the school? ¡°Have you thought of any solution to this? Do you want to exin this to the form teacher and principal?¡±

    ¡°No need. You don¡¯t need to care about those rumors. Let them spread. We¡¯re already in our third year and we barely have enough time to study. It doesn¡¯t matter who has the time and energy to stir things up at such a critical time. Just let them be. Let¡¯s hope they don¡¯t regret it and cry miserably after the college entrance examination ends.¡±

    Qiao Nan very much wished that she had forty-eight hours a day for her utilization. As a third-year student, anyone who hoped to achieve outstanding grades for the college entrance examination would feel as anxious as Qiao Nan about theck of time to study.

    Usually, no one would stir up this kind of matter. It was a waste of time and would not help them in the college entrance examination.

    If they dwelled on it for too long, it might even dy their own learning progress.

    Hence, they would be a fool if they impeded their own learning progress for the sake of these rumors.

    When Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates heard what she said, they immediately sorted out their thoughts despite being previously distracted a little by these rumors.

    Nothing was more important than studying and the college entrance examination at this point in time.

    They did not even have enough time to study. They must have been too muddleheaded to have bothered about these rumors. They nearly lost their priorities.

    Fang Fang adjusted her sses. ¡°Maybe that person did it on purpose. Thepetition for the college entrance examination is so harsh. If the students in the same stream fared badly, that person can do better and score closer to the college admission score. Some just like to specifically do things that deride others and benefit themselves. It¡¯s ridiculous that many people foolishly fell into the trap.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Zheng Linglingughed mockingly. ¡°Who asked Qiao Nan to be the ¡®living treasure¡¯ of third-year ss one and even the entire cohort? They are trying to sow discord between Qiao Nan and us so that Qiao Nan will be angered and not spot questions for us. This person must be very proud because what they did implies that they don¡¯t care about Qiao Nan¡¯s questions and have no qualms about using such despicable tricks behind one¡¯s back. Whoever falls into their trap is a fool.¡±

    Undoubtedly, there were not many people who would spread such rumors in Ping Cheng High School.

    One must know that Qiao Nan was the famous and highly respected Teacher Xiao Qiao to the students of the second-year and third-year cohorts.

    Even the new students who had just joined the school heard about Qiao Nan.

    In normal circumstances, who would do something so mean to Qiao Nan when it would not benefit Ping Cheng High School? There would only be two people no matter how one looked at it.

    At the thought of Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu whining and appearing like a fly from time to time to prove their existence, Zheng Lingling felt very annoyed.

    Why was it that the world did not have a huge fly swatter so that she could swat annoying flies like Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu to the wall swiftly in one go such that they could not even drop from the wall? There would be world peace then.

    [1] Indigowoad root is a traditional Chinese herb

 Chapter 734 - Plead for Forgiveness

    <h4>Chapter 734 Plead for Forgiveness</h4>

    Zheng Lingling had put her words so bluntly that any normal person would understand.

    This was not the first time such things happened in the cohort. Almost no one doubted the truth of Zheng Lingling¡¯s words. Instead, most believed herpletely.

    ¡°This kind of people is just too annoying.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°Will those capable of saying such things dare to touch the question papers set by Qiao Nan? Will their fingers be chopped off instantly when they do? There should be a limit to one¡¯s ill intentions. All of us are rtively young, but some people are already so mean. What horrible characters.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Some people are really annoying. Why can¡¯t they stop doing all this? Since they have time and energy for such crap, why don¡¯t they find peace and focus on their studies instead? With this kind of learning attitude, they still wish topete with Qiao Nan? It¡¯ll be faster to dream about fulfilling their wishes.¡±

    If one wanted to be at odds with Qiao Nan due to personal feuds, no one would care.

    However, if someone deliberately wanted to sow discord between Qiao Nan and the entire third-year cohort, then that would definitely not do!

    The previous batch of seniors received excellent grades. As such, the enrollment rate of Ping Cheng High School this year had reached a record high.

    As a student from Ping Cheng High School taking the college entrance examination soon, who would not hope that they could sustain or improve the outstanding results of this year¡¯s third-year cohort? This was so that they could be like one of them and be admitted to the college of their choice.

    At this juncture, whoever dared to thwart this n was simply akin to the enemies who murdered their parents. They would make others feel hateful to the core such that there was absolutely no way they would be let off.

    The materials from Qiao Nan were precious things that could help them take the college entrance examination sessfully.

    If someone wanted to harm Qiao Nan, sure. Next time, these people could forget about lifting a finger to touch the materials shared by Qiao Nan.

    When that time came, these people could kick up a fuss as much as they wished to. They could not be bothered and would not care as well.

    Everyone was aware that there were only two possible candidates who were at odds with Qiao Nan and would create such a fuss in the entire third-year cohort. One was Xu Tingting and the other was Zhao Yu.

    The third-year students basically did not inquire which of the two did this or whether the two were in it together. They simply put the entire me of this matter on the two of them.

    As long as the revision materials and lesson notes were given by Qiao Nan, everyone in the third year would receive them except for Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu.

    If the two of them were to ask for the notes, the student distributing the materials would simply tell them that he only had a certain quantity on hand and was short of one copy. Thus, he was helpless even if they requested it.

    When Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu did not ept the exnation and said that they would tell the teachers, the rest would be gracious about it. ¡°You want to tell the teachers? Go ahead. You can tell them whatever you like. Whoever stops Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu from doing so is not born to your own parents!¡±

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu had no alternative but to seek the teachers¡¯ help.

    The two of them had now been boycotted quite badly by the rest of the third-year students. Even those who followed closely by Xu Tingting¡¯s side and followed her lead in the past also stayed away from her.

    In these two years, the only one that was by Xu Tingting¡¯s side was surprisingly the one whom Xu Tingting had previously boycotted and schemed against, and ended up in doldrums together: Zhao Yu.

    The two of them, who temporarily got together, went to look for the teachers to request for the revision materials.

    The form teacher expressed without reservation that there were no excess copies as everyone had a fixed number of sets of revision materials.

    If Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu really needed them, the best way was to borrow from their ssmates. Thereafter, they could copy the notes or make photocopies outside the school. The school would not interfere.

    The teachers had already said their piece. Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu could only return to the ss again to borrow the materials from others so that they could make copies of them.

    They did not expect that, after a round of requests to all the ssmates, no one expressed willingness to lend the materials to them. All expressed with no hesitation that they needed to use the materials at all times.

    As to whether these were lies, both Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu did not have the energy to expose them anymore. The oue would be the same whether they did or not.

    Unknowingly, with Qiao Nan as the main party concerned, a boycott that was not extraordinarily mean or serious urred in the school. Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu were the ones who brought all these troubles upon themselves.

    As the main party concerned, Qiao Nan was nonchnt about this until Zhao Yu came crying to her. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m innocent. This matter really did not have anything to do with me. This was done by Xu Tingting alone. Actually, I tried to advise her not to, but I didn¡¯t dare to tell this to anyone. Qiao Nan, I¡¯m really innocent.¡±

    No one hit or scolded Zhao Yu. Everyone gave Zhao Yu cold shoulders and Zhao Yu could not get hold of any materials from Qiao Nan.

    The problem was that Zhao Yu wanted to study hard. She also wanted to perform exceedingly well during the college entrance examination so that she could attain good grades and get into a good college.

    The materials that Qiao Nan provided for the third-year students were everything that Zhao Yu needed badly.

    This path had now been destroyed. Zhao Yu felt like crying but no longer had any tears.

    It would be her karma if she had participated in the wrongdoing. However, she really did not do anything this time.

    Three years had passed. Zhao Yu had long acknowledged the gap between Qiao Nan and her. Regardless of how unjustified and unhappy she felt, the gap between Qiao Nan and her had increased greatly. She could only watch Qiao Nan from afar. This was the truth. Not admitting it did not mean that it did not exist.

    Not to mention the third-year, in their second-year, Zhao Yu had already dropped the intention of dealing with Qiao Nan. She had been abidingly minding her own business. She was focused on her studies and no longer saw Qiao Nan as her enemy.

    In their third-year, as Zhao Yu did not have a very solid foundation in her studies, she had already fallen behind in her grades. She thus further did not have the mood to think about how to deal with Qiao Nan. She only resented that she did not have enough time to make up for the basic knowledge that she did not learn well in the past.

    Having been given cold shoulders and being boycotted by others, Zhao Yu felt wronged but she had no ways to vent.

    Zhao Yu had already exined to many ssmates that she did not have anything to do with this matter. She did not do this but no one believed her. Hence, the cold shoulders and boycotting continued. Zhao Yu was nearly driven mad.

    Having nowhere else to turn for help, Zhao Yu could only look for Qiao Nan, the main party concerned. ¡°Qiao Nan, can... can you let me off, please? I admit that I was wrong. Yes, I disliked you in the past and always wanted to find trouble with you. But these are things of the past. I can swear that I have not done anything that let you down since our second year. I, I admit that I, I was the one who smashed and broke all your pens during the essay writingpetition in secondary three. However, I¡¯ve changed now. I really didn¡¯t do this... Qiao Nan, let, let me off, please. I can apologize to you. Just tell me what you want.¡±

 Chapter 735 - More Precious than Gold

    <strong>Chapter 735 More Precious than Gold</strong>

    ¡°As long as you are willing to let me go, I will do whatever you want.¡± In the end, Zhao Yu was all tears, having an emotional breakdown.

    Qiao Nan believed that if she pressed her further, Zhao Yu, who was very tensed, might just snap. ¡°Don¡¯t cry...¡±

    Where was the proud and arrogant Zhao Yu who used to strut around like a rooster in junior high? Right now, she seemed to have caught the epidemic and was shunned by everyone. Qiao Nan did not know what to say. ¡°I have neverined about you or told anyone to deal with you. I didn¡¯t know about your situation.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡± Why did all of her ssmates shun her? Was it not due to Qiao Nan?

    ¡°It has nothing to do with me.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Do you think that it¡¯s so easy to be the first ce in the cohort? Some of the rumors are indeed true. Several parents came looking for me and wanted me to tutor their children. Initially, I refused to tutor them as I don¡¯t have enough time for my studies. I spotted the exam questions for the third-year students in the first half of the year. I also spotted the questions for our batch. I am sure you have done the test papers that I prepared in the first half of the semester. I have to juggle between my studies and so many other tasks. I don¡¯t possess remarkable abilities. I don¡¯t have any time or effort to care about Xu Tingting and you.¡±

    ¡°If so, why...¡± Zhao Yu was startled. It had nothing to do with Qiao Nan? She had thought that Qiao Nan was taking revenge on her.

    ¡°No, it has nothing to do with me. I didn¡¯t say anything and I do not have that much influence in the school. I can¡¯t control my ssmates or the entirety of third-year students. However, ording to your words, it must be due to me that they treated you in such a manner.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no idea why the third-year students targeted Zhao Yu without an apparent reason.

    ¡°Then... then, what should I do?¡± Zhao Yu was in a panic. She looked pitiful as she wiped away her tears.

    Qiao Nan was not behind it. If Qiao Nan could not put a stop to it, did it mean that she would be bullied until she graduated from high school?

    ¡°It all depends on you. Do you hope to have ssmates who get along well with you or do you want the revision materials that I provided?¡± Qiao Nan asked a practical but harsh question.

    If what Zhao Yu wanted were friends, then there was nothing that Qiao Nan could do. She did not tell anyone to shun Zhao Yu. Therefore, it was entirely up to the students how they wanted to treat Zhao Yu. She had no right to interfere.

    But if it was thetter, Qiao Nan could do something about it.

    It took Zhao Yu a long while before she replied in embarrassment. ¡°They refused to give me the revision materials you provided. They would always say that they were short of one and that the teachers did not print enough. They told me to borrow from other ssmates, but no one was willing to lend me their materials.¡±

    Friends?

    Zhao Yu had known all along that she did not have any true friends in Ping Cheng High School.

    When they had something to gain from her, they would be close to her; when she was in trouble, they were nowhere to be found.

    In herst year of high school, she had no wish to care about all these. Her only thought was to focus on her studies and to get into a good university. Nothing was more important than that.

    Zhao Yu was not worried that she was shunned by others and that she had no friends.

    However, to all the third-year students, the revision materials provided by Qiao Nan were more precious than gold. She could not afford to go without them.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I... I can give you money. Tell me an amount and I will give it to you!¡± She knew that Qiao Nan must be in dire financial straits such that she had to give tuition. Hence, she decided to offer Qiao Nan money in exchange for the revision materials. She would not get it for free.

    Qiao Nan fiddled her own hair. ¡°If you were from another school or from another batch, I would be able to take your money. But you are not. In fact, you came from the same junior high school as me. Alright, when the teachers give out revision materials in the future, you cane to look for me. Before long, your ssmates will start to give you a copy of the revision materials.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes lit up, full of hope. She did not expect Qiao Nan to help her so easily.

    Before looking for Qiao Nan, Zhao Yu had thought of all kinds of possible scenarios wherein Qiao Nan would make things difficult for her. She even imagined Qiao Nan to act in a way that was simr to what the television dramas¡¯ scripts dictated, asking her to kneel down and admitting her mistakes. She had no idea if she should kneel or not.

    To her surprise, Qiao Nan did not ask Zhao Yu to apologize to her. Instead, it did not take Zhao Yu much effort before Qiao Nan forgave her for what she did previously and was willing to give her the revision materials. ¡°Qiao Nan, are... are you lying to me? I... I used to treat you badly... I am really the person who broke your pens when you sat for the essaypetition in junior high!¡±

    Zhao Yu could not believe that happiness woulde so easily and that Qiao Nan was so easy-going

    If it were her who had the upper hand, and Qiao Nan came begging her for help, she would make use of the chance to take revenge on Qiao Nan and humiliate her.

    However, Qiao Nan had no intention of doing that.

    Right then, Zhao Yu¡¯s eyes turned red again. She broke down into tears and lost herposure totally. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am sorry, I am sorry. I am really sorry.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I have heard enough of your apologies. Let me know which revision materials youck. I will tell Tang Mengran to pass them to you.¡± Tang Mengran was the most ¡®heartless¡¯ person in their dormitory. If she asked the other roommates to pass the materials to Zhao Yu, Qiao Nan was worried that they would make things difficult for her.

    Since Qiao Nan was willing to give the revision materials to Zhao Yu, she had no intention to take issue with what she did to her in the past. It was unnecessary to make things difficult for her.

    Zhao Yu understood the reason why Qiao Nan asked Tang Mengran to pass the information to her.

    Zhao Yu took a deep breath and sniffed. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m sorry, and thank you.¡±

    Zhao Yu ran away afterward.

    After Zhao Yu left, Qiao Nan exercised her stiff neck. She could hear cracking sounds as she twisted her neck.

    ¡°ying the good guy.¡± Shi Qing leaned against one of the trees. She did not agree with what Qiao Nan did. ¡°Zhao Yu used to make trouble for you. It is not your fault that she is in such a situation now. Her ssmates decided to do this to her. It has nothing to do with you, so why did you bother?¡±

    It was meaningless to requite evil with good.

    They should only treat people who deserved it with kindness. Being kind to people like Zhao Yu was simply a waste.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°This is not the first time someone said this to me. Zhao Yu is just a child. The most important thing is that as long as she does not provoke me, I don¡¯t care what kind of person she is.¡±

 Chapter 736 - Donâ€™t Even Think about it

    <strong>Chapter 736 Don¡¯t Even Think about it</strong>

    ¡°Besides, all third-year students will have ess to the materials that I provide. If Zhao Yu uses her wits, she will be able to get it.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The Zhao family has the money.¡± Qiao Nan chuckled. In this world, no one would say no to money.

    In fact, Zhao Yu only needed to spend some money and ask around secretly. Someone would certainly lend her the materials.

    To Qiao Nan, it was good for her that Zhao Yu backed down and promised that she would not give her any trouble in the future. It was better to have one less enemy. ¡°People like Zhao Yu may not be able to stir up big trouble for me, but you can¡¯t deny that it is quite annoying when she is constantly on your back. I hope that this year will pass by peacefully. After I graduate, it is impossible that we will end up in the same college.¡±

    They had been in the same school for twelve years. Qiao Nan had no wish to be so ruthless in theirst year together.

    ¡°As you wish.¡± Shi Qing did not deny that she was right.

    Take for instance what happened this time. The rumor might not have any impact on Qiao Nan, but one could not help but be annoyed.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan could take it in stride.

    Other people might sumb to the stress and would not be able to focus on their studies. They would then fall for the trap of the person who spread the rumor.

    After Qiao Nan went back to the ssroom, she asked Tang Mengran to pass the revision materials to Zhao Yu.

    When Tang Mengran came to look for Zhao Yu, all the ssmates in Zhao Yu¡¯s ss kept staring at the two of them.

    All the third-year students knew that Qiao Nan was on good terms with her roommates. Since Tang Mengran was here, she must have obtained Qiao Nan¡¯s consent. ¡°Here, Nan Nan told me to pass this to you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Zhao Yu turned red. She lowered her face in embarrassment and dared not meet Tang Mengran¡¯s gaze.

    Tang Mengran twitched the corners of her lips. When she first met Zhao Yu, they were in their first year of high school. Her temper was just as bad as Xu Tingting¡¯s, haughty and arrogant. Now, she seemed to be like a young daughter-inw who was afraid of making mistakes. She looked pitiful. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. It¡¯s Nan Nan who asked me to pass it to you. Nan Nan is good-tempered and kind. You have been ssmates with her for years. You should know your limits. She has her temper as well. This could be thest chance that she will give you.¡±

    ¡°I... I understand.¡± Zhao Yu nodded hard. She would be crazy if she continued to make things difficult for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was the first ce in the level whereas she already fell outside the top hundred ces. She did not have the ability and self-confidence to make trouble for Qiao Nan. She only wanted to focus on her studies and get into a good university. She had no time and energy for other things.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Tang Mengran gave a faint reply. ¡°Now that I have passed them to you, I¡¯ll be leaving. Conduct yourself well.¡±

    Tang Mengran had a good temper. Since Zhao Yu epted her reminder, she did not say other nasty words and turned to leave.

    Once Tang Mengran left, Xu Tingting, who turned green from anger and had crushed her papers into a ball, stood up, stopping in front of Zhao Yu. ¡°Xiao Yu Yu, can I borrow these materials to make a copy?¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Zhao Yu gritted her teeth and hid the copies behind her. ¡°Xu Tingting, I have told Qiao Nan everything. In the future, let¡¯s mind our own businesses. I will not mix with you anymore. Don¡¯t think of asking me to join you in your silly acts. Qiao Nan is, in fact, a good person. Why do you insist on bullying such an honest and good person like her?¡±

    ¡°What a bootlicker. Are you trying to be wise now?¡± Xu Tingting turned purple from anger.

    Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting always seemed to be in cahoots with each other to bully Qiao Nan.

    Whenever there were any rumors about Qiao Nan, it was most probably started by the two of them.

    Since their ssmates shunned Zhao Yu, they were not nice to Xu Tingting as well.

    Therefore, Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting were the only two students among all the third-year students who did not have ess to Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials.

    Zhao Yu was repentant, but Xu Tingting was haughty.

    Her results had been good enough for her to be allocated to the humanities¡¯ ss one.

    But Xu Tingting felt that it would be just as well if she was not in ss one. Now that she was in a different ss from Qiao Nan, although she could not be the best among all the third-year students, she would be able toe in first ce in her ss.

    Although she did not rank first in the cohort, she was able to be in the top three or top five ces.

    Knowing that she was smart, Xu Tingting felt that she was above others and looked down on them.

    But the problem was that with Qiao Nan¡¯s help, the humanities¡¯ ss one did better in their exams. In particr, Fang Fang and Zheng Lingling woulde in the top five ces in the cohort; and He Yun and Tao Zhenqin would make it to the top twenty ces in the cohort. Even for Tang Mengran who had the worst grades among all of them, she could still make it to the top fifty ces in the cohort.

    Now that Fang Fang and Zheng Lingling were in the top five rankings, Xu Tingting found it difficult to maintain her ranking in the top five ces.

    In the beginning, Xu Tingting was very full of herself. She felt that she had no use of Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials and believed that she would do just as well without them.

    Other people might not be willing to share Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials with her, but she had no use of them as well.

    However, Xu Tingting began to panic when Fang Fang and Zheng Lingling came in the top five ces in the level. She was no longer as confident and sure of herself.

    She found Qiao Nan to be an eyesore, especially since she always ranked first among them all. It infuriated her further that the revision materials that Qiao Nan prepared were so useful that not only had the humanities¡¯ ss one and Qiao Nan¡¯s roommates improved in their results, but Xu Tingting¡¯s ssmates had been doing well in the exams as well.

    Although they only made slight improvements, it was a fact that they had been making steady improvements.

    They would do better each time for the exams. If one was topare the results of the most recent exam with those of the first exam that they took when they had just advanced to the third year, it could be seen that they had made tremendous improvements.

    Xu Tingting was the first ce in her ss. What was most intolerable was that the gap between the second ce in her ss and her was getting smaller and smaller. In the past, there used to be a difference of more than ten marks. Now, there was only a difference of less than ten marks.

    At times, studying was akin to sailing against the currents. If one did not improve, one would fall behind.

    Xu Tingting had maintained her standard. However, her ssmates had been improving day by day. Soon, she would no longer be the first ce in her ss.

    Therefore, Xu Tingting tried means and ways to make trouble for Qiao Nan to affect her studies.

    If Qiao Nan was affected and lost her focus on her studies, not only would her results be affected, but all of the third-year students, including her ssmates, would be affected as well.

    By then, she would be able to widen the gap between her ssmates and her and close the gap between Qiao Nan and her.

    This was killing two birds with one stone. Xu Tingting hade up with a brilliant n.

 Chapter 737 - Your Father Worked for a Living under My Father

    <strong>Chapter 737 Your Father Worked for a Living under My Father</strong>

    However, Xu Tingting did not expect that Zhao Yu would behave in such a way.

    Her intention was for Zhao Yu to join her in what she did. ¡°Zhao Yu, it has been two years. We have been bullied by Qiao Nan for two years. We finally have the chance to get back at her. This time, we must make sure that she suffers!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t do it.¡± Zhao Yu did not have the slightest hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t have so much time and energy to be doing all these. I just want to study hard. Xu Tingting, you should do the same. I have been in a different ss from Qiao Nan for the whole second year. I have been doing a lot of thinking. In retrospect, Qiao Nan has never provoked me or bullied me. I just couldn¡¯t stand it that she is better and more popr than me. I was doing myself in.¡±

    In the past, Zhao Yu felt that Qiao Nan was a bad person and that she had suffered because of Qiao Nan.

    But after a year apart, she had sorted out her thoughts. What happened had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. It was her fault.

    When she was in her third year of junior high school and the first year of senior high school, she could not think properly and worked herself into a dead end. She did not focus on her studies and spent all her time making life difficult for Qiao Nan. She could not understand her behavior back then. It was as if she was out of her mind.

    But right now, Zhao Yu no longer harbored such thoughts. She was not willing to mix with Xu Tingting anymore. ¡°Xu Tingting, since we have been ssmates for three years, let me give you a piece of advice. This is our third year. We should pay attention to our studies. There is already not enough time for our studies, let alone toe up with all these cheap tricks. Doing all these won¡¯t do you any good. Stop now.¡±

    Xu Tingting had gradually lost her ce as the most outstanding student in the ss and in the cohort.

    If she were her, she would be in a panic and she would spend all her time on her studies in order to improve her performance. Unlike Xu Tingting, she would not have the time to dig up rumors about Qiao Nan.

    What Zhao Yu did not know was that Xu Tingting was, in fact, concerned about her studies. However, she used the wrong method to improve her results.

    Xu Tingting did not have a good temper. Since Zhao Yu had no intention of helping her, she did not share the scandal about Qiao Nan, lest Zhao Yu betrayed her and told others of the scandal. ¡°Fine. But let me warn you. If you dare to tell others about this, even though I can do nothing to Qiao Nan, I will make sure you will not have a good time!¡±

    Zhao Yu¡¯s face turned pale. Xu Tingting had been bullying her in the past year. ¡°Don¡¯t be too smug. It won¡¯t do you good to make life difficult for Qiao Nan. As for me, given my rtionship with Qiao Nan, even if I tell others about this, no one will believe that I¡¯m helping Qiao Nan.¡±

    Those were groundless concerns.

    In the end, the rumor was spread around the school. Zhao Yu, who did not do anything and instead tried to persuade Xu Tingting to stop making trouble for Qiao Nan, was implicated because of her past bad records.

    Zhao Yu regretted what she did in the past and she also hated Xu Tingting for implicating her.

    In the two years that they had been ssmates, Xu Tingting did not treat her nicely and yet she was implicated by her. There was no justice in the world. ¡°Xu Tingting, don¡¯t think that you can continue to bully me. You¡¯d better watch out. Don¡¯t forget, even a worm will turn. I will not go easy on you if you provoke me!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Xu Tingting¡¯s countenance changed.

    Zhao Yu took a deep breath. The tables were turned on Xu Tingting. ¡°I just found out that your dad is a worker at my dad¡¯s factory. I heard from my dad that your parents... no... I mean, your father is an honest man. As for your mother... you know very well what kind of person she is. Your dad works at the factory to earn your school fees. If my dad is unhappy, he can always fire your dad. If you continue to bully me, don¡¯t me me for being vicious!¡±

    She was the daughter of the boss, yet she was bullied by the daughter of her father¡¯s worker.

    Zhao Yu turned green in anger when she found out the truth by chance.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Xu Tingting gritted her teeth.

    Zhao Yu might not have known about this, but Xu Tingting had known about it since the first semester of their first year in high school.

    At times, Xu Tingting would visit her father¡¯s workce to bring him his meals.

    As a result, she found out that, like her case, her father¡¯s boss had an only daughter as well.

    The boss liked daughters and pampered his daughter.

    On several asions, when Xu Tingting delivered meals to her father, the boss would drive his car to fetch his daughter. She would catch a glimpse of a figure in the car, but she did not manage to see the person inside the car.

    It was only when they studied at the same high school, and Zhao Yu¡¯s father came to school to fetch Zhao Yu in the same car, did she realize that the daughter of her father¡¯s boss whom she had been curious about was Zhao Yu.

    Qiao Nan was not as good as her, but there were many people who liked and defended her. Simrly, Zhao Yu was not as good as her, but she had such a good father. Why was it that she was outstanding in every aspect but her family was not rich and she could only pin her hopes on finding a good husband? As a result, her ssmates would always ridicule her for being a vixen as she was always on the lookout for good men.

    Xu Tingting felt wronged for being treated unfairly. Therefore, she turned to bullying Zhao Yu to gain a sense of aplishment.

    After finding out that Zhao Yu was the daughter of her father¡¯s boss, Xu Tingting stopped delivering meals to her father, lest Zhao Yu bumped into her at the factory.

    She did not expect that after two years of hiding the truth from Zhao Yu, she would find out about it in her third year of high school.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if I dare to do it or not!¡± Zhao Yu shook with anger. ¡°My dad feels sorry for you and your dad who have been bullied by your mom. If he didn¡¯t give him a job, you wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to study. However, you used the money that was earned at my family¡¯s factory to go to school and bullied me. Xu Tingting, such people like you will never be able to surpass Qiao Nan or lead a better life than her!¡±

    She used to bully Qiao Nan in the past. However, Qiao Nan did not take issue with her even when she confessed to Qiao Nan that she broke her pens when they took part in the essaypetition in their third year of junior high, almost causing Qiao Nan to be unable to participate in thepetition.

    As for Xu Tingting, she did not know to be grateful. Such people were the most annoying.

    In the past, she was blind to be in cahoots with Xu Tingting and bully honest people like Qiao Nan.

    Xu Tingting¡¯s face turned red when she noticed that everyone in the ss was looking in their direction. She ground her teeth and lowered her voice. ¡°Fine, I will not provoke you in the future, and you shall not bother me as well. Don¡¯t make my father lose his job. And don¡¯t tell anyone in school about my family, not even a word!¡±

 Chapter 738 - Unintentional Bullying

    Chapter 738 Unintentional Bullying

    ¡°Do you think I care?¡± Zhao Yu snorted disdainfully. She went back to her seat with the materials that Tang Mengran gave her just now.

    If possible, she did not want to talk to Xu Tingting, lest other people misunderstood that Xu Tingting and her were in cahoots and that they started the rumor about Qiao Nan.

    Xu Tingting noticed the disdainful look on Zhao Yu¡¯s face. She was so angry that her teeth hurt.

    Xu Tingting did not know that there were more toe.

    During the self-study session at night, Xu Tingting had just finished ¡®chatting¡¯ with the boy from the next ss who came from a good family background. She passed by a corner and was about to go back to her dormitory when a sack was put over her head. Everything turned ck in an instant.

    ¡°I have beaten you up previously. You must have forgotten about it.¡± Zhu Baoguo threw punches at Xu Tingting with a sullen expression.

    Despite taking his punches, this woman could only behave well for a year.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother to talk sense into her. Let¡¯s beat her up. It is no use to talk reason with her. It is a waste of our time.¡± Shi Qing was more straightforward. Her only purpose today was to give Xu Tingting a beating.

    Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo had spent enough time in the army to know the trick to beating people such that it would be painful but would not leave many bruises.

    Xu Tingting was lucky enough for them to use what they had learned in the army on her.

    ¡°Xu Tingting, let me warn you. Since you like to use your mouth, we will use our hands on you. In the future, we will give you a beating every time you use that mouth of yours. I don¡¯t believe that you will not admit defeat.¡± To them, it was merely having a few more sandbags to y with.

    ¡°I don¡¯t dare to do it anymore.¡± Xu Tingting might be reluctant to admit her mistakes, but she could not stand the punches.

    That was why she behaved herself after she was beaten up by Zhu Baoguo a year ago. However, she only did so for a year before she went back to her old ways.

    Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing stopped the beating. They were not worried that Xu Tingting would go back on her words. After all, if she stirred up trouble again, they would just have to beat her up again.

    Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing left at the fastest speed afterward.

    It was gettingte. It was time for all students to return to their dormitory. The person-in-charge would be on their way to check the rooms.

    Xu Tingting freed herself from the sack after she could no longer hear any footsteps. She rubbed at the ces that were aching. There were tears and snot all over her face.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I am not finished with you!¡± She did not believe that Qiao Nan would be so lucky all her life, and that there would always be someone to protect her. She would not stop until she defeated Qiao Nan.

    Xu Tingting was given a beating. Naturally, she wanted to get back at Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo.

    Xu Tingting went to the hospital after being beaten previously, but the doctor said that there were no bruises, wounds, or even parts that were swollen. Although sheined that she was in pain and had been beaten by others, the doctors could not tell from his observation. Hence, he could not give the diagnosis that she had been beaten.

    When Xu Tingting refused to ept the doctor¡¯s diagnosis, the doctor suggested for Xu Tingting to have an X-ray.

    In the end, Xu Tingting gave up proving that she had been beaten.

    This time, Xu Tingting knew that her condition was simr to what happened previously.

    Xu Tingting limped back to her dormitory and took off her clothes. True enough, like what the doctor saidst time, there was no wound or bruise on her fair skin. If she were to say that she had been beaten by people, no one would believe her.

    Xu Tingting might have maintained her results, but she was no longer the leader in the dormitory.

    She had no idea what exactly had happened. However, all of the third-year students and her own ssmates, including her roommates, alienated her and ignored her.

    As a result, although she limped around in the dormitory, the seven people in the dormitory did not bother to show concern for her.

    Xu Tingtingy down on the bed and covered herself with the nket. She whimpered under the nket, feeling wronged and sorry for herself.

    Qiao Nan was being too aggressive. Qiao Nan already had everything she wanted, yet she ganged up with everyone to bully her.

    The next day, Xu Tingting woke up feeling tired. She had a date with her ¡®new friend¡¯ around noontime, thinking that she could pour her grievances to him.

    In the end, she did not have the chance toin to her friend before he told her a piece of shocking news. ¡°Xu Tingting, I... I can¡¯t be friends with you anymore. Please return the revision materials to me.¡±

    ¡°W-why?¡± When Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting were ostracized by their ssmates, Zhao Yu had tried to get the revision materials from the teacher, but Xu Tingting did not. Xu Tingting behaved as if she had no use for the revision materials. She never asked around in the ss either.

    Actually, Xu Tingting was bothered that she did not have the revision materials. She only pretended not to care. She would get her hands on the revision materials through her new ¡®friends¡¯. Some of them even volunteered to make a copy for her.

    Xu Tingting was not stupid. She would not shortchange herself or do anything that would affect her results.

    The only thing that set her apart from other beautiful girls was her performance in school.

    Xu Tingting was in a panic now that her new ¡®friend¡¯ would not provide her with the revision materials anymore. He would not make a copy for her as well.

    ¡°If I continue to give you the information and to be friends with you, it will be my turn to be without these revision materials,¡± the boy said resentfully.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is too overbearing! You are innocent. You have done nothing. Why did they bully you as well? They should juste after me. This is not the first time that I am being bullied. What do they want now? Wasn¡¯t it enough to give me a beating? Must they implicate my friends as well?¡± Xu Tingting was filled with indignation.

    This ¡®friend¡¯ of hers did not notice that Xu Tingting gave the impression of weakness and did not read between the lines. ¡°Xu Tingting, I am really sorry. My family ces more importance on my studies. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, we can still be friends. But now that we are in our final year in Ping Cheng High School, you... you must note looking for me anymore.¡±

    His father said that this year was the most crucial year. If he did not do well in the exams and was unable to go to university, he could give up his dreams of having his own house and car by then.

    Xu Tingting was not the most beautiful girl in school, and her results were not among the top as well. On the contrary, Qiao Nan had the looks and the brains.

    He did not really like Xu Tingting. But seeing that she was ostracized by others, he felt attracted to her as forbidden fruit was the sweetest. He was not serious about her.

    He did not intend to sacrifice his results for Xu Tingting:

    When he had his house, his car, and money, and he was in the university, he would be able to have any kind of girlfriend that he wanted. He did not need to waste his time on Xu Tingting.

 Chapter 739 - Not a Conspiracy but a Strategy

    <strong>Chapter 739 Not a Conspiracy but a Strategy</strong>

    Xu Tingting pretended to show her weakness. However, she did not seed in getting her ¡®new friend¡¯ to stand up for her. Instead, he acted like a coward and ran off. Xu Tingting had nothing but anger for him.

    ¡°Useless scoundrel.¡± He cowered in fear under the threats of others. She had been beaten up by other people, but she did not act like a coward. She had made the wrong judgment. He was clearly a jellyfish!

    No matter how angry Xu Tingting was or how she stomped her feet, the boy left without turning back. Even when he received new revision materials, he would not give them to her or make copies for her.

    Xu Tingting knew very well that the revision materials Qiao Nan provided were very important to her studies. She wanted to sit for the college entrance examination and do well in the exams. Therefore, she was not willing to go without it.

    Xu Tingting tried to find ways to get her hands on the revision materials. In the past, they might be free. However, she believed that if she was willing to pay for it, she would be able to get the materials.

    Xu Tingting tried means and ways to get the revision materials but everyone refused to lend her. She had no idea that this had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. In fact, someone had controlled the public opinion in the school.

    Shi Qing sneered at Xu Tingting¡¯s futile attempts to get back at Qiao Nan. She was bound to fail but she was clueless of her predicament. ¡°I wonder what else she is capable of?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo stared at Shi Qing with mixed emotions. ¡°You are quite insidious to havee up with something like that.¡±

    Shi Qing was the person who was behind the change in public opinion in the school while Zhu Baoguo was her assistant. Both of them felt that it was not enough to give Xu Tingting a beating; they had to give her a harsh lesson.

    Not only did she scheme against Qiao Nan, but she also spread false rumors about her. How could such people be able to use Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials! It was unreasonable!

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°If you are stupid, you shouldn¡¯t me others for being too clever. This is not being insidious. This is called strategy. Don¡¯t think that you can speak indiscriminately and use inappropriate words just because you are from the science ss. I reserve the right to pursue legal actions and I will sue you for defamation anytime. Do you understand?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was silent. He had to admit that Shi Qing¡¯s method was much better than his original method.

    Xu Tingting had only one purpose in mind in everything that she did it was to destroy Qiao Nan and get rid of her.

    Right now, what they did was to give her a taste of her own medicine. Since Xu Tingting wanted to get rid of Qiao Nan, they would get rid of Xu Tingting for Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Baoguo grew silent as he thought of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s words to him.

    Xiao Qiao was in her third year of high school. It was the most intense and stressful time in her three years of high school.

    Xiao Qiao was different from him. Xiao Qiao desperately needed to change her destiny through education. If he really liked Xiao Qiao, all the more he could not be a trouble or a distraction to her at this time.

    He would wait until she went to university to confess his love for Xiao Qiao and ask her to be his girlfriend.

    Before that, what he needed to do was to get rid of Xu Tingting and all sorts of trouble for Xiao Qiao so that she could have a good and peaceful learning environment. This was his disy of love and protection for Xiao Qiao.

    Shi Qing felt guilty at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s silence. ¡°Do you intend to follow in your father¡¯s footsteps and join the army as a soldier? In the future, you will learn of such a strategy in the army. Right now, you can take it as a hands-on demonstration in advance. You can have a go at it and you will better understand it when you join the army. Given the Zhu family¡¯s status, you will not always be an ordinary soldier in the army. Eventually, you will need to take on leadership positions in the army. There will use a lot of such strategies in the future. You must take this chance to learn them.¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± Zhu Baoguo let out a long breath. ¡°Yes, I really need to work hard.¡± If he was not powerful and strong, how could he protect Xiao Qiao in the future? Xiao Qiao would not be able to live freely and would be schemed or harmed by other people.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You must learn them well.¡± Shi Qing turned to the side, avoiding Zhu Baoguo¡¯s gaze.

    It might seem like Shi Qing was the leader while Zhu Baoguo was the assistant.

    However, Shi Qing knew that she was just an intermediary and someone had been giving her instructions remotely.

    Shi Qing was troubled with the awkward position that she was in. Why did she have to be embroiled in this? It was Brother Zhai who was in a rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    Anyway, Xu Tingting¡¯s problem had finally been solved. Wait a minute. She had to make a call to Brother Zhai to report to him.

    Shi Qing felt guilty. Her father was the spy that Chief Zhai ced by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, whereas she was the insider who helped Brother Zhai with Qiao Nan¡¯s problems. ¡°Hello, Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with this tone?¡± Zhai Sheng sounded sullen. ¡°Zhu Baoguo and you have yet to settle the problem?¡± Had he thought too highly of Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo?

    ¡°No, it¡¯s settled!¡± Shi Qing felt unjust. ¡°You have made your words clear. I am not stupid. There was no way that I couldn¡¯t settle it. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t look down on people!¡±

    ¡°If that is the case, what¡¯s wrong with your voice?¡±

    ¡°I just felt sorry toward Zhu Baoguo. Zhu Baoguo has been thinking of confessing to Qiao Nan when she goes to university.¡± But right now, she was making use of Zhu Baoguo to help her implement Brother Zhai¡¯s ploy. No matter how she thought about it, it was not right of her to do that. ¡°Brother Zhai, you can let Qiao Nan handle it by herself. She has the ability.¡±

    ¡°As I have said, this is not the right time.¡± There was only one year left until the exams. It might be easy for Nan Nan to deal with Xu Tingting, but it was tricky to find the most suitable way to deal with her.

    He did not want Nan Nan to be distracted at this crucial time. ¡°If Zhu Baoguo and you control the public opinion in the school, Xu Tingting will not be able to stir up trouble in the final year.¡±

    Now that Zhai Sheng controlled the public opinion in the school, there was no way that Xu Tingting coulde up with other tricks.

    Not only was Qiao Nan clueless, but Xu Tingting, who had been ostracized by the rest of the students, did not know what was going on among the third-year students in Ping Cheng High School.

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu, who were in their third year, could not get along with Qiao Nan and they would badmouth her. Why was it that the two of them could have ess to the revision materials provided by Qiao Nan?

    This was a psychological tactic. When someone felt that there was unfair treatment, they would find a way to correct the situation.

    Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu would always bully Qiao Nan, yet they could use Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials. It was impossible for them to follow suit and bully Qiao Nan. The only oue would be that no one would be able to have ess to revision materials provided by Qiao Nan.

    After all, Qiao Nan had no obligation to provide her personal revision materials. She was not paid by Ping Cheng High School to do that. She was not a teacher, and she did not have the responsibility to teach the students and improve their results.

    Since they could not bully Qiao Nan to correct the situation, the only way was to ostracize Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu so that everyone would receive fair treatment.

    This tactic was easy toprehend, but it was difficult to execute. It required skills and nning, and all of these were done by Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 740 - Shi Qing Is Also a Spy

    Chapter 740 Shi Qing Is Also a Spy

    ¡°I know. She can¡¯t be jumping in high spirits now.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials were akin to a cheating tool. It could help one revise the important pointers in a systematic way in the shortest time possible.

    Without this hack from Qiao Nan, one had to arrange and tidy up the notes on their own. Much time would be needed to do all these.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s revision was so structured since she had never cked off during the holidays. She studied until ten in the evening every day.

    Qiao Nan did all these-sleptter than a dog, woke up earlier than a chicken, ate worse than a pig, and worked harder than a cow¡ªbut it benefited Xu Tingting who did nothing. Xu Tingting utilized Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials and saved her time, but she used the time to make trouble for Qiao Nan instead. At the thought of all these, Shi Qing fumed with anger.

    It could benefit anyone else but not Xu Tingting.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials were that useful, Xu Tingting would not have so much spare time and would be very tied up. Xu Tingting would be studying and too busy to attend to any other matters.

    Now, with the loss of Qiao Nan, this effective hacking weapon, she would like to see if Xu Tingting would still be able to lift herself up.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry. This is ourst year of high school studies. I will not let Xu Tingting have any chance. A woman like this deserves a lesson!¡± Shi Qing snorted. That round of beating yesterday was not enough to alleviate her anger. She should have given her a few more beatings.

    Zhai Sheng put away the materials on hand properly. ¡°Very good. Then, I¡¯ll continue to leave it to Zhu Baoguo and you to manage Xu Tingting¡¯s matter. You and your father have been taking free meals for so long in the Qiao family. It¡¯s certainly time for you to do something to repay the Qiao family.¡±

    As such, Zhai Sheng did not feel apprehensive about ¡®enving¡¯ Shi Qing at all.

    ¡°...¡± Must Brother Zhai be so hurtful when he spoke?

    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡± Zhai Sheng behaved like a superior. After finding out the situation, he hung up the phone swiftly. ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Zhou Jun walked in. ¡°I¡¯ve made arrangements for Wei De¡¯s expulsion from the army. Would you like to take a look?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng took over the documents. The administrative matters were done in a veryplete manner. There was no issue with it. ¡°Okay, this is fine. Find a time to send this over to Wei De.¡±

    ¡°Wei De is still in the hospital. Do we still send it over to him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve checked on his condition. Actually, Wei De¡¯s injuries are not considered very serious. At most, he sustained some external injuries. Hence, you can simply send it over. Otherwise, you can also pass them to Zhai Hua. It¡¯ll be the same.¡± Zhai Sheng frowned at the thought that Zhai Hua had specifically applied for ten days of leave to take care of Wei De when he was in the hospital.

    Zhou Jun gave a nod. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll send it over.¡±

    Now, in the army, the matter between Wei De and Zhai Hua had already been known to others.

    No one could gossip about Zhai Hua but they could do so about Wei De.

    Many were overjoyed to know that Wei De would be expelled from the army. Regiment Commander Zhai was very impartial. He did not y favorites ormit any irregrities at all. One would be rewarded or punished ordingly.

    Wei Demitted a mistake. He must be dreaming if he still wished to be promoted to a toon leader.

    After Wei De¡¯s case, the morale in the army had been affected. Once the announcement of Wei De¡¯s expulsion was official, the situation in the army immediately stabilized and the atmosphere was even better than before.

    After Zhou Jun left, Zhai Sheng took a breather and drank some water.

    After Shi Peng left the army, the new officer had to familiarize himself with things. At this juncture, besides the politicalmissar, Zhai Sheng was the one who had to handle most of the matters. In particr, Zhai Sheng had to manage Wei De¡¯s matter from the start to the end.

    Everyone in the army now knew that Wei De was Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.

    Zhai Sheng could administer severe punishment to Wei De, but not others. Other peopled dared not do so as they might think that Zhai Sheng was just pretending to punish Wei De.

    If this was not handled properly, Wei De¡¯s expulsion might even lead to the end of Zhai Sheng¡¯s career in the army.

    Hence, a typical person in the army would not be able to handle Wei De¡¯s matter properly, let alone go by the books regarding this matter. In the end, Zhai Sheng had to take over the matter and settle it.

    Zhai Sheng couldpletely imagine Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction when she received the document.

    It was just that this matter had exposed the rtionship between Zhai Hua and Wei De. Zhai Hua should feel contented.

    Zhai Sheng was drinking from the cup that he was holding. His eyes narrowed but there was a glint in them, as if he had deliberately done something

    Zhai Sheng made Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo secretly deal with Xu Tingting, this big troublemaker. As such, the rumors died down within a couple of days.

    It was just that the third-year cohort did not change their attitude toward Xu Tingting at all.

    Initially, Zhu Baoguo believed that Zhao Yu was also involved in this matter. Zhao Yu¡¯s sudden realization was not something that Zhu Baoguo had expected.

    Since Zhao Yu wanted to abidingly be a third-year student now, Zhu Baoguo could not be bothered to deal with her. Hence, Zhao Yu¡¯s situation in the ss eased very quickly, and she was not ostracized by the rest any longer.

    In that case, Xu Tingting was the odd one out in the entire third-year cohort.

    Without Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials, Xu Tingting became busier than before. At the same time, she could no longer spare some time to get to know male ssmates with good family backgrounds. She was abidingly studying and attempting revision questions every day.

    Logically, the teachers in the school should intervene when such a matter urred. However, many teachers expressed that they really could not interfere in this matter.

    First, Xu Tingting was the one in the wrong. There were some truths in the rumors, but some of the information was otherwise conjured.

    In fact, the school should report and criticize such a student.

    However, Xu Tingting was good in her studies and she was in her third year now. It would not be beneficial to anyone if they made a fuss out of it at this point in time. Furthermore, the rumors had died down subsequently and Xu Tingting had stopped stirring things up.

    Secondly, the materials were provided by Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was not obligated to provide materials to every student.

    One should be grateful to Qiao Nan if she was willing to provide. It was not within her obligation to provide. No one could force Qiao Nan to be Virgin Mary and request Qiao Nan to do all these.

    Moreover, Xu Tingting had been creating troubles for Qiao Nan. The teachers in Ping Cheng High School did not have the shame to ask Qiao Nan to provide Xu Tingting with the revision materials.

    Xu Tingting was not afraid of offending people because her grades were quite good. Since they could not take in hand both of them, the teachers simply washed their hands off the matter. Anyway, the matter was not blown up, seemingly fine on the surface.

    If other students went overboard in ostracizing Xu Tingting, the teachers would then intervene.

    This matter gradually quieted down.

    Qiao Nan was not bothered about this, but she could also feel the change after some time. ¡°Tang Mengran, how did the rumors in the school die down so quickly?¡±

 Chapter 741 - Become the Scapegoat Again

    <h4>Chapter 741: Be the Scapegoat Again</h4>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it good that things have quieted down?¡± Tang Mengran asked, looking baffled.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s good. It¡¯s just that it seems to have died down faster than expected.¡± Qiao Nan touched her chin. Unless Xu Tingting had been dealt with some blow, she would not have stopped so soon.

    ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered. She¡¯s sick in the mind if she wants to continue to stir up troubles. I heard that she is very close to a male student from another ss and they have intentions to be a couple. She then requested the other party to help her photocopy your revision materials. Now, that student doesn¡¯t seem to dare to bother about Xu Tingting anymore. In the future, she really won¡¯t have any materials to study anymore. She deserves it!¡± At the mention of Xu Tingting, Tang Mengran was full of gloating in her tone. ¡°Right. There¡¯s a new rumor in the school. Have you heard of it?¡±

    ¡°New rumor?¡± It should have nothing to do with her. ¡°What rumor?¡±

    ¡°Someone said that Xu Tingting¡¯s family background is not as good as it appears to be. Her father works for Zhao Yu¡¯s family. As for her mother, it¡¯s rumored that she¡¯s a loose woman who has messy romantic rtionships outside. No wonder Xu Tingting¡¯s temperament is like that. So, she took after her mother. In the past, she seemed so arrogant. I thought she came from a good family. It¡¯s all her pretense.¡±

    Upon hearing what Tang Mengran said, Qiao Nan could figure out roughly what had happened.

    There was a problem with Xu Tingting¡¯s mother. So, most likely, those pretty clothes worn by Xu Tingting were paid by her mother¡¯s boyfriends.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Nan never expected that Xu Tingting¡¯s father was working at the factory that belonged to Zhao Yu¡¯s family.

    In their first year, Xu Tingting bullied Zhao Yu to the extent that thetter could not even stay in the dormitory, and Zhao Yu had wanted to transfer to Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory. At this moment, Qiao Nan was at a loss of what to say.

    ¡°I¡¯m not clear about Xu Tingting¡¯s family situation. I also don¡¯t know if the rumors are true. However, I know that Xu Tingting seemed she couldn¡¯t lift her head in the school recently. She has been avoiding everyone. Her situation is quite pitiful.¡± At the thought that Xu Tingting had fallen from grace after two years of arrogance, Tang Mengran felt proud and ted.

    In the past, Xu Tingting looked down upon and bullied her. She had thought that Xu Tingting was very capable. In the end, she was just a fox in a tiger¡¯s clothing, pretending to be fierce and powerful.

    Qiao Nan closed her book and stopped writing. ¡°Do you know where this rumor came from?¡±

    It was no wonder Xu Tingting did not have time to deal with her. So, Xu Tingting had brought trouble upon herself and could not even take care of herself now.

    Tang Mengran snorted. ¡°Her temper has never been good. She has also offended many people. I¡¯m not sure who¡¯s making fun of her now. I can only say that it has nothing to do with me. If I had known about Xu Tingting¡¯s family situation earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have allowed her to be arrogant for so long. With her attitude, I had believed that she was a little princess at home.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°If you don¡¯t know, so be it. What¡¯s the point of saying so much?¡±

    So, this disaster was brought upon Xu Tingting because she had really offended someone?

    Qiao Nan was someone who was reborn. Her mental adaptability was certainly better than those of the ¡®same age¡¯ as her. She could withstand malicious gossip but that did not mean that Xu Tingting would be able to endure such stress.

    ¡°You sympathize with her?¡± Tang Mengran held her face and looked at Qiao Nan in disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s been so mean to you. She¡¯s always at odds with you and even talked bad about you. Most likely, eighty to ny percent of those adverse rumors about you were spread by her. The remaining ten or twenty percent were spread by Zhao Yu. Why do you pity this kind of person? They deserve it.¡±

    ¡°Sympathize? I don¡¯t have so much excess sympathy.¡± Qiao Nanughed. She opened her book again. Just like what Shi Qing said, if one repaid injustice with kindness, then what did one repay kindness with? Requite injustice with honesty and fairness and requite kindness with kindness.

    This should be the right way.

    ¡°Then, why are you asking so much?¡± Tang Mengran expressed her doubtfulness. Nan Nan had always been so gentle. She had not seen her lose her temper or vent her frustration on anyone. It was as if she did not have any temper. ¡°Nan Nan, let me advise you. Don¡¯t sympathize with Xu Tingting just because she¡¯s in a lot of trouble. If you¡¯re in her shoes, she¡¯d definitely stand aside and watch you be aughingstock while she snacked on her melon seeds.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s only one reason why I have so many questions. Because like you, I¡¯m a busybody. She has harmed me so many times. It¡¯s rare that something has happened to her once, so shouldn¡¯t I find out more?¡± Sympathize with Xu Tingting and soften her stance toward her?

    She really did not intend to do so.

    Otherwise, if anyone utilized the tactic of self-torture to gain pity on her, she would fall into the trap.

    At the thought of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s tricks, Qiao Nan had long dismissed all her excess feelings of sympathy since the day she was reborn.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time to study. We¡¯ll be taking the college entrance examination soon. If we don¡¯t study hard now, it¡¯ll be a tragedy during the college entrance examination.¡± Qiao Nan stuffed the book in front of Tang Mengran and reminded her to study and that it was useless looking at her. She did not have any exam questions written on her face.

    ¡°Really going to study?¡± There was a loud sound of Qiao Nan writing furiously. Her speed was fast but the handwriting was still as beautiful as her usual one. Tang Mengran then felt more at ease. ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk, your reaction is too cold and quick. It¡¯s over so soon.¡±

    She had thought that Nan Nan would at least gloat over this news even if she did not sympathize with Xu Tingting. She did not expect that Nan Nan did not have any further reaction after questioning her.

    There was no kick.

    Ever since such a rumor appeared in Ping Cheng High School, Xu Tingting had changed a lot, bing very aloof. When she was alone, she seemed extremely quiet.

    However, each time she bumped into Qiao Nan identally at school, she would definitely disappear from Qiao Nan¡¯s sight at her fastest speed.

    ¡°Nan Nan. Xu Tingting is so frightened of you now that she has to hide from you.¡± At the sight of this situation, Tang Mengran was overjoyed. It was as if Xu Tingting was avoiding her and not Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was not pleased. She knitted her brows. ¡°Why is she avoiding me?¡±

    ¡°What can it be? Most probably, she thinks that you were the one who spread those rumors in the school.¡± Fang Fang wiped her sses.

    In the entire school, Nan Nan had the greatest enmity with Xu Tingting. When something happened to Nan Nan, Xu Tingting was most likely the one who did it. In the eyes of a typical person, if the situation was reversed, Nan Nan must be involved too if something happened to Xu Tingting.

    ¡°Uh...¡± Qiao Nan was dumbstruck as she opened her eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°So, unknowingly, I¡¯ve be the scapegoat again. Moreover, I don¡¯t even know whose scapegoat I have be.¡±

    ¡°Very sorry to tell you this. Yes, Nan Nan, I send my condolences.¡± Tao Zhenqin patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. This misunderstanding was irreparable. ¡°Don¡¯t feel disheartened, and don¡¯t feel disappointed either. We will definitely believe you even if no one else does. This matter definitely has nothing to do with you.¡±

 Chapter 742 - We Are Pure and Innocent

    <h4>Chapter 742: We Are Pure and Innocent</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Qiao Nan heard Tao Zhenqin¡¯s words, she felt quite happy. However, Tao Zhenqin¡¯ster words made Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°If you¡¯re hard-hearted enough to be able to use such means, you would have dealt with Zhao Yu and Xu Tingting when you¡¯re in your first year. Do you still have to wait until today to do it? Those who think that way have overestimated you. Damn. Are they blind?¡±

    Qiao Nan was speechless as she curled the corners of her mouth to express that she did not feel like saying anything. ¡°I want to seek redress. I want to capsize the boat!¡±

    ¡°We have six passengers on this boat. Capsize the boat? With those little limbs of yours, unless you jump into the water yourself, tough.¡± Zheng Linglingughed at Qiao Nan as she pinched thetter¡¯s skinny arms. It was not so easy to capsize the boat.

    ¡°There¡¯s no love anymore.¡± Qiao Nan wailed. These women from her dormitory almost became old-timers. They knew her so well that she did not have any ways to retort them anymore.

    After joking with her dormitory mates, Qiao Nan felt more at ease.

    However, Xu Tingting, who should have stayed away from them, had been watching her secretly. At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s smile that was as pretty as a flower, Xu Tingting had a sinister look in her eyes. It was as if she was a poisonous snake ambushing in a dark area, reaching out that cold tongue of hers and watching her prey coldly. She was waiting for an appropriate time to give her enemy a deadly strike such that thetter would never get up again.

    ¡°Hurry, I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡± Shi Qing, who had been leaning against the door for some time, said impatiently. ¡°Does humanities course have so many sses? Why were you dismissedter than us?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re so impatient, you can wait for me in the ssroom. It¡¯s not as though you don¡¯t know the way.¡± Qiao Nan stopped running. She did not know what was wrong with Shi Qing. She would always wait for her at the entrance of the school instead of the ssroom.

    Could it be that the scenery and geomancy of the school¡¯s entrance were better?

    Shi Qing lifted her chin. ¡°I won¡¯t go.¡±

    Whenever she went to Qiao Nan¡¯s ss, she would see Qiao Nan getting along very well with others of the same age as them.

    On the contrary, when she was previously in Mo Du, she was alone all the time. When she came to Ping Cheng, it was rare that she had found a friend, Qiao Nan. However, they had to study in separate sses just after being one month of ssmates.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan getting along very well with her ssmates, Shi Qing did not feel good.

    She was not a child and she would not be possessive toward Qiao Nan and not let Qiao Nan make other friends. What somebody doesn¡¯t know can¡¯t hurt them. Hence, the best way was to avoid the situation and pretended that nothing happened.

    ¡°If you won¡¯t go, so be it. Right, can I ask you something about the rumors regarding Xu Tingting in the school? Do you know who spread those rumors?¡± Qiao Nan stared at Shi Qing. She kept having the feeling that although no one knew, Shi Qing should know.

    It was obvious from the various clues that these rumors came from the science ss.

    If she was not wrong, Xu Tingting¡¯s matter must have been spread by either Zhu Baoguo or Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing was momentarily stunned. She quietly moved her hands behind her back and ced them on her waist. She lifted her chest and chin. ¡°How will I know? The exam papers for the science ss are piling up like a mountain. The good thing is that I don¡¯t attempt every question. If I¡¯m as conscientious as you, I think I won¡¯t get any sleep at all for the entire third year. I will have to fight with the exam papers and war with them till dawn every day.¡±

    ¡°Then, what¡¯s happening with Zhu Baoguo recently?¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo? What could be happening with him recently? I don¡¯t know what Uncle Zhu has been teaching him. He not only has to learn the science curriculum but also likes to read books such as ¡®The Art of War¡¯ and ¡®Romance of the Three Kingdoms¡¯. He¡¯s not less busy than the people from the humanities ss. Why? Are you suspecting that Zhu Baoguo and I have something to do with Xu Tingting¡¯s matter? You are overestimating us. How would Zhu Baoguo and I know the family situation of Xu Tingting? If we had known, Xu Tingting¡¯s scandals would have been exposed long ago.¡±

    Of course, if not for the fact that someone told Zhu Baoguo about that conversation between Xu Tingting and Zhao Yu, they would not have found out that there were so many problems in the Xu family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. I¡¯m just asking casually. Given those annoying things that Xu Tingting did previously, will I seek justice for her when she has encountered problems? I¡¯m just asking.¡± Qiao Nan smiled deeply. She did not continue further with this topic of conversation.

    At the sight of the deep and unfathomable Qiao Nan, Shi Qing felt uncertain at heart. She was not sure if Qiao Nan had guessed it or not.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper.

    When did Nan Nan pick up the bad habits of Brother Zhai? She seemed to be keeping something from her. Shi Qing was like ants on fire.

    However, Shi Qing was also afraid that she would say something wrong if she talked too much. Finally, Qiao Nan stopped asking. There was thus no need for her to continue with this topic. ¡°Qiao Nan, what nice food do you think Uncle Qiao will prepare for us when we go home?¡±

    ¡°Chicken. Very nutritious old mother hen. To make soup,¡± Qiao Nan said with certainty.

    At the sight of the skinny Qiao Nan, Shi Qing understood. ¡°That¡¯s right. We should nourish our bodies. If we don¡¯t, there won¡¯t be any more meat left on our bodies. Fortunately, I¡¯m not fat. The old mother hen is very oily but it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll apany you and finish it. But then again, Qiao Nan, after one summer, your waist and legs have grown thinner. Your arms are like poles but why didn¡¯t your boobs shrink?!¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s tall and towering ¡®C¡¯ cup and the two little ¡®rabbits¡¯ bulging in front of her chest, and then staring down at her own chest that looked like an airport runway, Shi Qing was so depressed that she wished to vomit blood.

    Qiao Nan used a p to move away Shi Qing¡¯s eyes that were staring at her boobs. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you can y rogue just because you¡¯re a girl. I can also shout having been molested. There should not be any physical contact between women too. Did you hear that?¡±

    ¡°I only know the saying that there should not be any physical contact between man and woman. You can have no physical contact with me but can you do so with Brother Zhai?¡± Shi Qing blurted in disdain. Brother Zhai could look at something that she could not. Most probably, Brother Zhai had even touched it. One that favored boyfriend over friend!

    Shi Qing had a look of discrimination in her eyes. Qiao Nan suddenly gave Shi Qing¡¯s head a hard p. ¡°Don¡¯t make a guess without any grounds. Brother Zhai and I are chaste and innocent. He respects me very much. I¡¯m still very young. It¡¯s not what you think.¡±

    ¡°Really? You didn¡¯t touch, hug, and kiss? Where did all the kisses go?¡± Shi Qing did not believe it.

    In Mo Du, although people of Qiao Nan¡¯s age were considered as being involved in a romantic rtionship at an early age, there were still many who went to bed together.

    Brother Zhai was already so ¡®old¡¯. Although Qiao Nan did not have much desire, could Brother Zhai, this ¡®old man¡¯, not touch Qiao Nan, such a big and juicy piece of fragrant meat?

    Qiao Nan was bluffing her. How would she believe this nonsense?

    ¡°It was purely hugs, kisses on the face, and touching of the waist. Nothing more.¡± Qiao Nan was also honest. After Shi Qing queried, she simply confessed everything in order to prove that she and Brother Zhai were as pure and innocent as water.

 Chapter 743 - Dad, Seriously, Are You Praising Me?

    <h4>Chapter 743 Dad, Seriously, Are You Praising Me?</h4>

    Shi Qing stared at Qiao Nan, looking bizarre. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    ¡°Woo! With this figure and face of yours, Brother Zhai could actually hold himself back. Is it because he can¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who can¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai can, yet he has so little physical contact with you... I¡¯m confused by the two of you.¡± Shi Qing flung her head. ¡°Is Brother Zhai Liu Xiahui?[1] It can¡¯t be. Each time he looks for you, his eyes are on fire. It is as if he can¡¯t wait to open his mouth widely and devour you. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t find me such an eyesore and try ways and means to make me stay away from the two of you. He shuns me being the light bulb.¡±

    With the way Brother Zhai looked at Qiao Nan, she had been worried that the two would cause ¡®a human life to be at stake¡¯ before Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination if they were not careful. It would be so embarrassing if that were to happen.

    ¡°I think you wish to be pped.¡± Qiao Nan, who felt the urge to p someone, had wanted to ce her hands on Shi Qing¡¯s face. What kind of lousy description was that?

    Shi Qing was unconvinced. ¡°If you think I¡¯m wrong, don¡¯t blush!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quarreling?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who heard themotion, stopped cooking and ran out to take a look. True enough, it was Shi Qing and his daughter.

    These two youngdies had been getting along very well with each other. It was as if they were biological sisters. This was the first time Qiao Dongliang saw the two of them bickering.

    OU

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t misunderstand. I was just discussing a math question with Qiao Nan. Our answers and thoughts about this question are different. There¡¯s no teacher around and the two of us were just discussing between ourselves. We have our own views and couldn¡¯t help debating a little. It may seem like we¡¯re quarreling but we¡¯re not. You have not seen it. When those scientists from the science centers debated and discussed with one another, all of them were flushed with excitement. They were fiercer than the typical people who were quarreling.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Was that the case?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the case.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    Qiao Dongliang felt assured. ¡°Then, alright, a discussion is a discussion. Don¡¯t be so loud. I have even misunderstood. Others must have felt the same. Even if you¡¯re discussing a question, you should be more polite with each other. Both of you, sit down, drink some tea, and have some fruits. There¡¯s still a while to go before you can have your meal. Right, Shi Qing, call your dad and ask him what time he ising home for dinner.¡±

    The foodstuff of both the Shi family and Qiao family were stored at the same ce. For lunch, both Qiao Dongliang and Shi Peng would not eat at home.

    Shi Peng often gave Qiao Dongliang money for the foodstuff. Initially, Qiao Dongliang declined but did not do soter on.

    It was not just two more bowls of rice when two more people had meals with them.

    Given Shi Peng and Shi Qing¡¯s health, Qiao Dongliang could not possibly prepare simple meals like he did in the past, or rather, he could not only change the menu during the two days that Qiao Nan was at home.

    It was fine for one or two days, but in the long run, given the financial situation of the Qiao family, the Qiao family would have to spend all his earnings on three meals per day.

    Hence, he could not choose not to ept the living allowances from Shi Peng.

    With the sum of money from Shi Peng, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s finances had improved. Hence, he even prepared fresh fruits at home to let Shi Peng and the two children eat more.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll call my dad and ask him.¡± Shi Qing picked an apple and took a loud bite on it. The juice filled Shi Qing¡¯s mouth and livened up her mood: It was obvious that the apple was an imported good. It seemed like a welfare item from her father¡¯s office.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m already home. When are youing back? Uncle Qiao is almost done with preparing the food. You can¡¯t possibly let your precious daughter go hungry and wait for you toe home, right?¡± Shi Qing took another huge bite. ¡°You know that I¡¯m at my puberty stage and can¡¯t tolerate hunger. Dad, quicklye back.¡±

    When Shi Peng, who was at the other end of the phone, heard this, he did not know whether tough or cry. With the sound of Shi Qing gnawing on an apple, Shi Peng could not choose not to believe that Shi Qing was really hungry. ¡°Okay, I know. I¡¯ll be back in about half an hour¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll wait for you toe back.¡± Upon receiving a reply, Shi Qing swiftly hung up the phone. With a few loud bites, she used the fastest speed to finish off the apple that was even bigger than the size of a grown-up man¡¯s fist until only the apple¡¯s core was left. She then threw it into the dustbin. It was a clean shot!

    In Shi Peng¡¯s office, the secretary smiled when he saw Shi Qing packing up and leaving. ¡°Shi Qing is back today?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My daughter gave orders for me to go home before she will have her meal. I can¡¯t stay any longer.¡± Shi Peng revealed a proud yet burdened smile. He did not slow down on his packing. ¡°Go home earlier as well today. Keep your wife and childrenpany. Don¡¯t work too much.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Director Shi.¡± There was no reason for the secretary to decline. He wished more than Shi Peng to go home earlier.

    However, at the thought of what Shi Peng had just said, the secretary hesitated for a moment.

    Having worked with Director Shi for a few months, he was aware that Director Shi had a spouse. However, it had been such a long time and he had never seen this person. Wouldn¡¯t Director Shi need to keep his spousepany?

    Nevertheless, he could not care too much either. It was rare that he could leave work earlier, just like today. Certainly, it was important to keep his wife and sonpany. As for other matters, he could think about it at work tomorrow.

    When Shi Peng arrived home, he heard from Shi Qing about Xu Tingting¡¯s situation. ¡°Those abilities that I imparted to himst time, he¡¯s so capable to use it on a female high school student. Nevertheless, the Zhai family is known for siding with the weaker ones. This student should feel lucky that she¡¯s just a high school student. If not, this matter will not end as such.¡±

    The Zhai family would not use detestable means to deliberately conjure something to destroy someone.

    Nevertheless, if the objective truth was present, the Zhai family would not hesitate to spill the beans and use the truth to deal with and destroy the person.

    No one is perfect. Hence, it was not difficult for the Zhai family to use the second method to finish off someone at all.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. That student really deserved it. On one hand, she reaped benefits from Qiao Nan. On the other hand, she stirred up troubles for Qiao Nan after making use of thetter. This kind of person is sick in the mind. She doesn¡¯t deserve our sympathy.¡± She even felt that Brother Zhai was not harsh enough. If Xu Tingting were to transfer to another school just like Qiao Zijin, it would be great as they would not have to see each other in the future.

    ¡°Why would I be angry? The two who were bullied are not my daughters. On the contrary, my daughter was the one that bullied. I¡¯m not angry. I even feel pleased.¡± Qing Qing¡¯s tendency to retaliate was much higher than that of Qiao Nan. In this society, females still needed to have a tough side at appropriate times.

    ¡°Dad, you made it sound as if I¡¯m as fierce as a tigress.¡± Shi Qing did not feel the happiness of having received praises at all. On the contrary, she was pulling a long face.

    Was her father praising her from his heart?

    [1] Liu Xiahui was an ancient Chinese politician. He was a man of eminent virtue, and is said on one asion to have held ady in hisp without the slightest imputation on his moral character.

 Chapter 744 - Ideals and Reality

    Chapter 744 Ideals and Reality

    Why couldn¡¯t she feel it at all?

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m praising you.¡± Shi Peng was amused. ¡°When you step out into society in the future, I would rather you bully others than the other way round.¡± One would dote on their own child. Shi Peng had never changed his perspective regarding this. ¡°Right, you can learn from Qiao Nan about everything but this. If you really live in this way, I will have to grieve for you until I die.¡±

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t say that. Qiao Nan grew up in such an environment. With such a mother and sister, she wouldn¡¯t be able to continue living without such a character. She¡¯s considered not too bad. She knows how to retaliate to reduce bullying.¡± Shi Peng wasmending Shi Qing, yet Shi Qiao Nan now felt embarrassed and started to put in good words for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you know.¡± Shi Peng smiled.

    ¡°Dad!¡± So, her father was not speaking from his heart earlier. He was trying to avoid making her feel unhappy about Qiao Nan out of a moment of spite. ¡°Dad, am I really your daughter? Or is Qiao Nan your daughter?¡±

    ¡°Ideally, Qiao Nan is. But in reality, you are.¡±

    ¡°Dad, will you feel unwell if you don¡¯t tease me for a day!!¡± Shi Qing was nearly jumping.

    The stronger his daughter reacted, the wider the smile on Shi Peng¡¯s face was. ¡°I won¡¯t feel unwell but I won¡¯t be able to sleep at night. I can only tease you once or twice in half a month¡¯s time. If I miss this week, I will have to wait for half a month again. It¡¯s an opportunity that can¡¯t be missed. Once it¡¯s gone, it¡¯s gone. Don¡¯t you know this?¡±.

    ¡°I have a fake father.¡± Shi Qing, who had been pierced in the heart, felt extremely sore. Was this really her biological father? He would feel so bad and suffer from sleepless nights if he did not chide or tease her every half a month. The one who was feeling depressed now was her!

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m content with having a real daughter.¡± Since he left the army, Shi Peng¡¯s mindset became increasingly younger. He was able to understand and follow what Shi Qing was referring to. There was no sense of a generation gap at all.

    Shi Qing was furious. ¡°It¡¯s Qiao Nan who has led you astray!¡± Where did Qiao Nan hide his father who was full of a sense of righteousness, justice, and military manners? Return him to her!

    ¡°There¡¯s still room to be more astray,¡± Shi Peng said humorously. He was already a few decades old, yet instead of influencing his junior, he was influenced by her.

    Three years ago, if anyone were to tell him that this day woulde, Shi Peng would express that it was a joke. He would not believe any of it.

    However, three yearster, the reality was as such.

    He was even feeling quite good about it. It was as if he had turned back in time, more than a decade at that. He felt wonderful.

    ¡°Alright. Hurry. Others are waiting for the two of us to have dinner. Let¡¯s wash our hands.¡± After discussing the main topic, Shi Peng had not forgotten that they had not taken their dinner. The father-daughter of the Qiao family must have been sitting and waiting for them.

    Shi Qing jumped. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. I¡¯ve forgotten about it while chatting with you. Hurry. The summer vacation is over and Qiao Nan has lost quite a lot of weight. Uncle Qiao has been thinking about how to nourish Qiao Nan¡¯s health to make her put on weight. If Qiao Nan starves and bes thinner, Uncle Qiao won¡¯t let us join them for meals then.¡±

    ¡°The two of you can take your meal first. It¡¯s rare that Qing Qing is back. We had a longer chat than usual. Please don¡¯t mind us.¡± True enough, when Shi Peng and Shi Qing arrived, the table was already full of rice and dishes. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang had not touched any of them.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked a little embarrassed.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because he and Qiao Nan did not interact much when Shi Peng and Shi Qing were chatting so enthusiastically until they forgot about dinner. The television was switched on and they madements about the show once in a while.

    The more detailed interactions were limited. Qiao Dongliang asked a couple of times about how Qiao Nan was doing in her studies, whether she found it tiring or tough, or if she were getting along fine with her ssmates.

    He had been asking and chatting about the same thing all the time. As the frequency increased, Qiao Dongliang did not know what to say either.

    At the thought that Shi Peng and Shi Qing were so close to each other, Qiao Dongliang felt very envious.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, quickly have your meal. I¡¯m hungry too.¡± Shi Qing naturally sat beside Qiao Nan and pushed a bowl of rice before Qiao Nan. She then picked up the bowl and started to eat.

    ¡°Right, have your meal, everyone.¡± Qiao Dongliang was holding on to his bowl of rice and looking at Qiao Nan from the corners of his eyes. He did not feel good in his heart.

    He had thought that he was on quite good terms with Nan Nan, but it was not really so. Director Shi and Shi Qing were the ones who truly had a close rtionship.

    After dinner, while clearing up the table, Qiao Nan reminded Shi Qing. ¡°Watch your behavior with your dad. Your father is in a younger mindset nowadays whereas my dad is feeling more sensitive. Don¡¯t deliberately show off your deep father-daughter rtionship in front of us. It¡¯s too much.¡±

    Qiao Nan was so sharp. When Qiao Dongliang moved his eyes, she could guess his thoughts.

    ¡°Too much?¡± Shi Qing refused to admit.

    ¡°Do you want to cause another family dispute in my family?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes hard. Humans were always like that. Clearly, they had not done well enough but they still wished that they could receive simr or better treatment than others.

    Shi Peng only had Shi Qing as his daughter. He treated Shi Qing as his precious treasure as he doted on, pampered, and protected her.

    She was different. It had been two lifetimes. If she did not fight for it herself, her father¡¯s love and protection for her were only so much.

    Whenpared to her mother, her father was considered better. However, inparison to other fathers, his performance was, at most, below average.

    He was clearly below average as a father, yet he wished to receive a treatment that belonged to an excellent father. Qiao Nan sighed. It was also difficult for her.

    Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders smilingly. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it too much. At most, my dad and I will pay more attention in the future. We will restrain ourselves a little. Will that do? I really can¡¯t tell that Uncle Qiao has this kind of mindset as if he¡¯s a king.¡± In the past, she did not really understand what Qiao Nan meant when she said that.

    However, when she saw Uncle Qiao¡¯s behavior today, she finally understood. He really had the mindset of a ¡®little king¡¯.

    ¡°Since you know now, pay more attention in the future.¡± After Qiao Nan dried the utensils, she put them away in the cupboard.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s actions, which were even swifter than that of her housekeeper, Shi Qing said with empathy, ¡°Qiao Nan, it must have been quite tough on you in the past, right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan paused what she was doing. ¡°The past is not important. The present and future are more important.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Brother Zhai sides with and protects you so much. I don¡¯t need to worry about your present and future.¡± No wonder Brother Zhai did not want Qiao Nan to know about Xu Tingting. So, it was because of this.

    With Brother Zhai, Xu Tingting could not bully Qiao Nan. It would also be impossible for others to bully Qiao Nan.

    At the thought of this, Shi Qing could not understand why some people wanted to test their own limits even though they knew that they could not do certain things? The problem was, what if they seeded eventually?

 Chapter 745 - The Affectionate Parents of Her Students

    <h4>Chapter 745 The Affectionate Parents of Her Students</h4>

    It was the end of spring in March. The scenery was exuberant with lush greeneries and flying nightingales.

    Having gone through two years of life without Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan only felt that life was unbelievably peaceful.

    Qiao Zijin hadpleted her college entrance examination. Her grades were not good and she was only admitted to diploma studies. The problem was that the expenses for diploma studies were not little.

    This was already the second semester of Qiao Zijin¡¯s diploma studies. Qiao Nan was very surprised that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had refrained from appearing during the Moon Cake Festival and the Spring Festivalst year.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you seem to be in a good mood recently.¡± Shi Qing nudged Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder.

    Qiao Nan put away the passbook in her hands. ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy. I¡¯ve already earned most of the tuition fees for my first year of college studies.¡± Qiao Nan did not expect that she had really managed to save up enough money for her first year of college studies just from relying on her own efforts.

    Shi Qing¡¯s jaws dropped. ¡°So fast?¡± The college tuition fees were not cheap and Qiao Nan managed to save them up. She was amazing. ¡°It seems that you earned quite a lot when you provided tuition to others during the vacation.¡±

    It was true. There were times when Qiao Nan rejected those batches of students. She did not see her have any spare time during that period.

    ¡°Yes, and your family also paid for the meal expenses at home. Early this year, we couldn¡¯t even finish the foodstuff given by the parents. This saved us a lot of expenses. Hence, my small gold chest has been umting.¡±

    In short, expenses had reduced and earnings had increased for the Qiao family. Qiao Nan had also saved up all her earnings and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sries.

    Having worked hard for one and a half years, of course, the numbers on the passbook had increased.

    Shi Qing was happy for Qiao Nan too. ¡°In this case, you just have to work hard for your examinations to get satisfactory grades and fight for the opportunity to receive various schrships. You don¡¯t have to bother about other matters anymore.¡±

    Initially, the situation of Qiao Nan¡¯s tuition fees was critical. Besides studying, she still had to worry about the fees. Shi Qing intended to have the Shi family sponsor Qiao Nan for her college education since her family did notck money.

    If Qiao Nan found it inappropriate, the Shi family could also lend her money for her studies. When Qiao Nan stepped out into society and earned money in the future, she could then pay them back. It would be the same.

    Furthermore, in Shi Qing¡¯s views, even if Qiao Nan did not ask the Shi family for money, Zhai Sheng would not sit and do nothing, letting Qiao Nan, who was so good in her studies, lose the opportunity to study because of money.

    Besides the Shi family and the Zhai family, the one that would be most willing to help Qiao Nan was her master, Lin Yuankang.

    However, Qiao Nan expressed subsequently that help should be rendered in times of urgency and not poverty. Moreover, she felt that she would be able to save up the college tuition fees if she and her father were to try hard enough.

    If it was still insufficient, she would not decline others¡¯ help. Nevertheless, prior to that, she had to give it a try with her own efforts.

    ¡°Yes, cheers! Work hard! During thest winter vacation, I¡¯ve already told my students¡¯ parents clearly that I¡¯m not taking in any students during the May Day holiday.¡± Qiao Nan was also in a difficult position when she faced those enthusiastic parents.

    When Qiao Nan was giving the students¡¯ tuition, everyone¡¯s performance was average during the tuition period. Besides not skipping sses and not feeling annoyed about attending tuition sses during vacation, most parents did not feel that there was much difference.

    Nevertheless, examinations were often a very good channel to test the learning and effort put in by the students during a certain period.

    Since Qiao Nan had provided tuition for these childrenst summer, those who had attended her sses improved tremendously in their grades.

    It might be a coincidence if there were just a couple of cases. With three or four cases, almost everyone who had attended Qiao Nan¡¯s sses showed improvements in their grades. Hence, ¡®coincidence¡¯ was certainly not the word to describe this situation.

    In particr, during the final term examinationst winter, one of the students who had attended Qiao Nan¡¯s sses came in top in the ss and eighth in the cohort in that examination.

    One must know that this student¡¯s best results thus far were top eight in the ss and top hundred in the cohort.

    The student¡¯s parents had never dared to imagine their child getting into the high ranks of top in the ss and eighth in the cohort.

    The thing was that his grades had been skyrocketing since he started learning from Qiao Nan.

    This student was a third-year junior high school student. Qiao Nan was going to take the college entrance examination and he was going to take the middle school examination. The grades in his third year were thus very critical to this male student.

    The son had achieved such groundbreaking grades. During the Lunar New Year, his family had celebrated with the lighting up of many firecrackers.

    Besides setting off firecrackers, the other thing that they did was to gift a lot of stuff to the Qiao family. Qiao Dongliang wanted to decline but the parents simply ran off after leaving the stuff behind.

    It was not only the parents of this student. Those of a few other students whose studies had improved significantly also did the same.

    It was also a coincidence that those few batches of students that Qiao Nan taught were all students who were about to take the middle school examination. The students could improve their grades in such a critical year. This was something that could not be achieved even with lots of money.

    Looking at their children improving gradually each time, as parents, the happiness they felt was indescribable.

    The parents who had signed up for Qiao Nan¡¯s sses were very d. They were very certain that the decision they had made one year ago was absolutely right. Their money was well spent.

    How much money could the tuition fees be?

    However, if the child were to flunk the examination and miss one or two marks from the admission score, the money that was needed to admit the child to a better high school could even buy a house.

    Those who were admitted to a good school were happy while those who did not would be furious.

    Until now, Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation as a tutor had risen. Even the colleagues and friends from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s factory pleaded with him to persuade Qiao Nan to take in another child, saying that it was a child of their rtives who were in their third year of junior high school. Hence, their studies could not be neglected.

    Each time this happened, Qiao Dongliang was both proud and troubled. So what if the child was in their third year of junior high school? His Nan Nan was in her third year of senior high school and had to participate in the college entrance examination this year. Would he ruin Nan Nan¡¯s studies for the sake of this meager sum of money?

    Regarding this, Qiao Dongliang bnced it very well. It was useless to plead with him. They could seek Qiao Nan¡¯s agreement and if Qiao Nan did not agree, he would never plead for them on their behalf.

    Nevertheless, asionally, Qiao Nan would also give Qiao Dongliang some face. Based on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s information, Qiao Nan would pick one or two children to join her ss midway as ¡®new students¡¯.

    It could be said that most of the tuition fees for Qiao Nan¡¯s entire first year in college were earned by her alone.

    ¡°Hahaha. Are these parents going to tear down the house of your Qiao family?¡± At the thought of the crowd at the entrance of the house of the Qiao family during each vacation, Shi Qing felt so amused.

    The most exaggerated time was when Qiao Nan hid at the house of the Shi family as she could not go home.

 Chapter 746 - Bad News and Good News

    <h4>Chapter 746 Bad News and Good News</h4>

    Later, Qiao Dongliang came up with a lie, saying that Qiao Nan had something on and was not at home.

    The parents of the students blocked the entrance of the Qiao family¡¯s residence for two days. After confirming that Qiao Nan had not been back, they finally decided to go home.

    There were a total of seven days of holiday. Now that two days had passed, they felt that their children could not learn much in the remaining five days. Compared to their usual sses, they felt that they were shortchanged.

    ¡°By the way, I heard that Sister Zhai Hua intends to bring Wei De back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence during the holiday. What do you think is the situation over there?¡± It had been half a year. It was weird that Sister Zhai Hua had not noticed that Wei De was problematic.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua intends to bring Wei De to the Zhai family¡¯s residence?¡± Qiao Nan widened her eyes in shock. ¡°There is no news more shocking than this.¡± But she had to hand it to Wei De to be able toe to this stage.

    Wei De might have nned everything during his mission in the second half ofst year. What he did not expect was that Sister Zhai Hua alone was not able to cover up for what had happened to the toon leader.

    When Wei De felt slightly better and the doctor had said that he could be discharged, the army sent an expulsion notice that Wei De was expelled from the army.

    However, Qiao Nan heard that the notice was not delivered directly to Wei De. Instead, it was with Zhai Hua.

    After Wei De was discharged from the hospital and returned to the army to recuperate, he noticed that hisrades cast him strange nces and looks of contempt. Wei De felt that something was wrong. ¡°Hua Hua, why do I feel that those people cast strange looks at

    me?!

    If everything went ording to his n, he should be promoted to toon leader, and all of hisrades would be under his supervision.

    Hisrades should be sucking up to him, congratting him. Their attitude was weird.

    Zhai Hua stiffened and sighed. ¡°Wei De, there is something that I have been keeping from you. You must not get worked up when you see itter.¡± It was impossible for her to put it off any longer.

    Zhai Hua knew that she could no longer keep it from Wei De when the doctor said that he could be discharged today.

    She could have kept it from him, but once he returned to the army, the soldiers would tell him the truth.

    Wei De was no longer a soldier in the army. He no longer had the right to stay in the army.

    After collecting his belongings, Wei De had to leave the army right away. He could not stay for a minute longer. This was the hard rule in the camp.

    Until now, Zhai Hua was perplexed at Wei De¡¯s actions. Since he knew that there were tight rules to follow in the army, why would hemit such a mistake identally and implicate the toon leader, breaking his leg, such that he could only leave the army to run a small shop for a living?

    Wei De was delighted. He thought that it was regarding his promotion. He tried to contain his smile, not noticing that Zhai Hua did not seem to be happy. In fact, she looked downcast. ¡°What is the matter? You can tell me directly. Don¡¯t worry about my injuries. You should know that I only sustain some external injuries. Since the doctor allowed me to be discharged, it means that I am fine.¡±

    He was recovering well. It was impossible for him to faint out of happiness over such a small piece of news that he was promoted to toon leader.

    Hua Hua must have taken him as an elderly in his seventies or eighties.

    Zhai Hua lifted the corners of her lips. ¡°Forget it. You can look at it yourself.¡±

    Wei De had dreamed of being promoted to toon leader, but the army sent him a notice that he was expelled from the army instead. Zhai Hua did not have the courage to read him the notice.

    ¡°Alright, give it to me.¡± Wei De nodded quickly and took the notice from Zhai Hua, who had a stiff expression. His smile froze on his face when he read the notice. ¡°E-expelled?¡±

    ¡°Yes, take a look for yourself.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to look at? I won¡¯t read it!¡± Wei De hurled the notice to a side. ¡°This is definitely not for me. Hua Hua, did you give me someone else¡¯s notice?¡±

    Hua Hua was too careless to have given him someone else¡¯s expulsion notice. He was almost given a big shock. ¡°Hua Hua, don¡¯t joke around. Give me my notice. I have been in the army for so many years. My parents¡¯ only hope is that I can do well in the army. I am not a filial son. I am already at this age, yet I took such a long time to make them proud. I believe if my parents, particrly my mom, know that I have been promoted to toon leader, they will be happy. She will have a good appetite and will be able to have two bowls of rice. Her illness will definitely get better. Hua Hua, you should understand that I am so eager to be promoted to toon leader and thenpanymander so as to do my mom proud and that the two of us can have a bright future. I am not doing all these for myself.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes turned red at Wei De¡¯s words. ¡°Wei De, I am sorry. The notice is really for you. I have tried very hard, but you should know my dad¡¯s temper. He always goes by the books. He didn¡¯t budge even when I begged him to help me. Besides, what happened has been blown up and it is known by quite a lot of people in the army. Some of them reported it to the politicalmissar. The politicalmissar had no choice but to tell my dad. But something good dide out of this. My dad knows about our rtionship and he doesn¡¯t object to it.¡±

    ¡°Report?¡± Who was so against him that they reported him?

    ¡°The toon leader who broke his leg because of a small mistake of yours is quite well-liked by the soldiers in the army. They heard that he broke his leg and has to leave the army, and the army did not give any further exnation. Therefore, they...¡±

    Speaking of which, Zhai Hua was flustered.

    When she used her authority and money to force others to do ording to her wishes, she did not feel that she was in the wrong. But when she calmed down and reflected on her actions, she knew that she was guilty of overpowering the soldiers with her money and power.

    Although she was unwilling to exert her influence as a member of the Zhai family, if any soldiers who worked under her encountered such incidents, she would be willing to make use of her father¡¯s authority to get back at the person.

    People in the Zhai family had the authority and money to retaliate.

    ¡°Wei De, there is no room for discussion. The notice was issued half a month ago. You have to ept reality.¡± Zhai Hua picked up the notice and handed it to Wei De.

    Wei De pulled a long face. This time, he did not intend to throw the notice away. Instead, he wanted to tear it apart and throw it away so that it would not be an eyesore. ¡°Does the chief know about it?¡±

    Wei De spoke the words through gritted teeth.

    Those soldiers who reported the matter to the chief must have deep animosity for him!

    Did he murder their father or sexually assault their mother in his previous life? If not, why would they take revenge on him and ruin his future?!

    ¡°He knows about it. But you don¡¯t have to worry. As I have said, my dad does not object to our rtionship. Like the case of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, he has given us his implied consent.¡±

 Chapter 747 - Seek Another Way Out

    <h4>Chapter 747 Seek Another Way Out</h4>

    Zhai Hua could not possibly lie to Wei De that her father was happy about their rtionship.

    When Wei De¡¯s incident had been escted to Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Hua got a foreboding that it was the end of her rtionship with Wei De. She thought that her father would never agree to their rtionship. He might even get Old Master Zhai toe to Ping Cheng, and the two of them would heartily criticize her and force her to leave Wei De and never to see Wei De again.

    Zhai Hua had evene up with ways to defend her love for Wei De and to withstand the pressure that her family gave her.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua was full of gratitude that Zhai Yaohui only ordered Zhai Sheng to expel Wei De from the army. He did not force Zhai Hua to leave Wei De. Though he did not agree to their rtionship, he did not object to them as well.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua could not lie to Wei De that Zhai Yaohui agreed to their rtionship

    ¡°Simr to the case of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan?¡±

    It was definitely far off!

    Wei De had a creepy smile. He knew that Chief Zhai did not really approve of Qiao Nan as well.

    If Qiao Nan performed badly, even if Regiment Commander Zhai liked Qiao Nan, she would stand no chance as well.

    Right now, he hadmitted such a grave mistake. Even if Hua Hua could not tell that he had nned it in advance and was taken in by him, Chief Zhai could tell through his lies right away.

    Chief Zhai had such a bad impression of him, so how could he possibly agree to allow his precious daughter to marry him?

    Wei De knew very well that although Zhai Yaohui did not stop them from being together, Zhai Yaohui was more likely to agree to Zhai Sheng marrying Qiao Nan, than him marrying Zhai Hua.

    He tried his best to be promoted topanymander as soon as possible so that he could have the confidence to hold his head high in front of the Zhai family.

    His position in the army might be lower than that of Zhai Hua, and he came from a humble family, but he had the talent and abilities.

    As long as he was given the time, he would prove to the Zhai family that Zhai Hua had made the right choice. His capabilities would make him a good match with Zhai Hua. The Zhai family would be proud of a son-inw like him.

    Now that this had happened, it would not be easy to get the Zhai family¡¯s approval to marry Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Wei De?¡± Zhai Hua panicked when she saw that Wei De sat by the side, smiling without a word. ¡°Are you angry? I have tried my best, and to tell you the truth, Wei De, you were indeed in the wrong.¡±

    Since he was in the wrong, he should be punished instead of being promoted.

    Zhai Hua could tell right from wrong, but Wei De was her boyfriend, someone whom she wanted to get married to. Therefore, she would side with him and help him solve his problems to the best of her ability so that everything would go well for him.

    Wei De, who was already in a bad mood, grew even more annoyed when Zhai Hua reprimanded him and told him off, saying that he was in the wrong.

    However, he suppressed his anger at the sight of the expulsion notice. ¡°Hua Hua, I am not angry with you. I am angry with myself. I know that you have tried your best to negotiate with Regiment Commander Zhai so that I could participate in the mission this time. I was too anxious. My only focus is to attain military achievement so that I can marry you. I have neglected that there are discipline and strict rules in the army. I implicated therade, causing him to break his leg. Although I am expelled, inparison to therade who broke his leg, my punishment seems very light. Hua Hua, I have let you down, and I have disappointed my parents as well.¡±

    ¡°No, Wei De, don¡¯t say this. I am not disappointed. After listening to your words, I am very proud of you.¡± Zhai Hua was relieved and moved by his words. She knew that Wei De was a good man. In fact, she did not mind that Wei De did not have much military achievement. What was important to her was that he treated her well and that he had good virtues.

    Wei De smiled bitterly. ¡°Hua Hua, you are good to me, so you are touched by my words. However, Chief Zhai and Regiment Commander Zhai must not have a good impression of me. I have to be promoted topanymander in order to have the confidence to ask for your hand. But I am no longer a soldier now. How can I hold my head high and ask for your hand in the future? You may not mind, but I do. Other people will take issue as well. I don¡¯t want to marry you when I have not achieved anything in life. Don¡¯t tell me that you will support the family after we get married and I will stay at home to take care of the children. If so, am I still a man? Hua Hua, I have my pride and self-esteem.¡±

    Zhai Hua sighed. She knew that Wei De was telling the truth. ¡°Things have alreadye to this stage and you have to leave the army today. I have already packed your belongings for you. Then, what do you intend to do next? What should we do next?¡±

    Wei De frowned, deep in thought. ¡°I heard that the world is changing and technology is developing rapidly. Shall I start a business? In fact,pared with being a soldier, I may be able to do well in business if I am lucky, and I will be able to marry you soon.¡±

    ¡°Run a business?¡±

    ¡°Do you object to it?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Previously, she had some money with her. She could use the money to support Wei De in his business.

    She did not mind if Wei De was a soldier or a businessman. She liked him as a person.

    However, she had given all her savings to the toon leader. She had no more money to support Wei De in his business.

    As far as she knew, Wei De had sent most of his meager sry to his hometown. He did not have much savings with him.

    Even if Wei De wanted to start a business, he did not have the capital. His hometown would not have money to support his business as well.

    Without a start-up fund, it would not be easy for Wei De to start a business. It was not something that could be done easily.

    ¡°What is the problem?¡± Wei De looked at Zhai Hua. Could it be that Zhai Hua stopped liking him as he was no longer a soldier?

    Zhai Hua smiled reluctantly. ¡°It is good that you want to start a business. Have you thought of what kind of business you want to do? Different businesses would require a different amount of start-up funds.¡±

    Zhai Hua tried to give Wei De a tactful reminder that one would need money in order to start a business and different businesses would require a different amount of start-up funds.

    However, as far as Wei De¡¯s situation was concerned, he did not even have a small amount of savings. How could he start a business?

    Wei De pulled a long face. True enough, he did not have the authority and the money. There was no way that he could start a business.

    ¡°Wei De, don¡¯t worry. I am sure we cane up with something. If we put our heads together, there will definitely be a solution. Among those people who grew up with me in the quad, many of them joined the army like Zhai Sheng and me, but there are also many of them who did not join the army.¡±

 Chapter 748 - Makes Lots of Money

    <h4>Chapter 748 Makes Lots of Money</h4>

    ¡°I heard that many of them are running their own businesses, doing very well. Perhaps I can seek help from them. It will not be difficult.¡±

    Zhai Hua sighed. This was indeed a good idea.

    In this way, Wei De would have his start-up fund and he would have the businessworks and connections that he needed to start a business.

    ¡°Hua Hua, I know that you are the one who knows me the best. You will definitely support me!¡± Wei De looked thrilled as he grabbed Zhai Hua¡¯s hands in excitement.

    ording to what Zhai Hua said, she would be asking help from her friends and they would help her on ount of her family. He would have the money for his business and the businessworks and contacts at no cost.

    In other words, apart from putting in effort for the business, he did not need to think about money or connections. It was simr to carrying out missions with Zhai Sheng and to be credited military achievements while not making any contributions.

    This was the ideal situation for Wei De. Now that Zhai Hua brought it up, he was all the more delighted at her suggestion.

    Therefore, Wei De left the army and started a business half a year ago.

    As Wei De had just started a business and was very busy with his business, it had been a long while since Qiao Nanst heard about Wei De from Zhai Sheng or Shi Qing. To her surprise, Shi Qing told her today that Wei De was going to the Zhai family¡¯s residence with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Why is Sister Zhai Hua bringing Wei De to the Zhai family¡¯s residence? Didn¡¯t Wei De used to say that he would visit the Zhai family and ask for Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s hand in marriage only when he was apanymander in the army?¡± Since he was expelled from the army, there was no way that he could be apanymander in this life.

    ¡°I heard that Zhai Hua introduced a lot of friends whom she grew up with in the quad to Wei De. She borrowed the funds and made use of their contacts andwork to help run Wei De¡¯s business. It has only been half a year and Wei De has the confidence to visit the Zhai family.¡± Shi Qing was part of that social circle. Hence, although Qiao Nan was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing was privy to what was going on in her social circle. She would learn of new developments faster than Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan gulped a mouthful of water. ¡°Is his business making money? True, there is a saying in the ancient times that having a friend at court who has the status and power helps an official do well. At times, businessmen and officials are closely connected.¡±

    The Zhai family would be privy to the national policies that the government would be implementing. Sister Zhai Hua only needed to ask around and she would have an idea of the future ns and projects that the government had in mind.

    With Sister Zhai Hua as his external support, Wei De had an easier time doing business. It was as if he was the god of gamblers. All the stocks that he invested in would do well in the stock market, and all the businesses that he invested in would have good profits as well.

    As such, there was no way that Wei De would be doing badly in his business.

    Shi Qing could not refute Qiao Nan¡¯s words. In fact, Shi Qing knew more insider information than what Qiao Nan had said. ¡°Let¡¯s see. When Brother Zhai is annoyed by Wei De¡¯s behavior, he wille looking for you.¡±

    Shi Qing was spot on this time, and Zhai Sheng was not the only one who came looking for her. Miao Jing came with him as well.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao, all of you are here?¡± Qiao Nan had a shock when she opened the door to the pair of mother and son. ¡°What is wrong?¡± The pair of mother and son seemed as if they escaped to her house.

    ¡°It is too vulgar.¡± Miao Jing shot a disdainful look at Qiao Nan. She was fuming mad. At the moment, she did not have the grace of the wife of the chief. ¡°When I just came to the city from the countryside, I might have been a country bumpkin who did not know what it was like to have lots of money, but I have never done such stuff. Forget it, don¡¯t mention it anymore. The mention of it brings me heartache.¡±

    Hua Hua might not be very young, but no matter what, she should not have such a man as her boyfriend!

    Hua Hua was good in all aspects. If Hua Hua was willing, she would arrange for her to meet young and promising talents tomorrow. Why did she have to be with an unbearably vulgar and mercenary man?

    Zhai Sheng seemed to be muchposed. When he knew that Zhai Hua was going to bring Wei De home, he knew that this would happen. ¡°Nan Nan, prepare some food for us.¡± He and his mother left the house with an empty stomach.

    ¡°The two of you have not eaten?!¡± It was already half-past one in the afternoon. It seemed like Brother Zhai and Auntie Miao had not had their lunch. Qiao Nan prepared sugar drinks for the two of them before she hurried into the kitchen to make fried rice with fresh meat and vegetables for them. ¡°Just make do with it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, it is better than going hungry.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s stomach started to grumble when Qiao Nan came out with the fried rice.

    Qiao Nan prepared preserved vegetables fried rice. She also fried some fresh vegetables and eggs. It was fragrant.

    Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing were starved. Although they were people of a certain social status and the preserved vegetables fried rice was only an ordinary home-cooked meal, they enjoyed the meal and ate to their hearts¡¯ content. Miao Jing had more than half a bowl of rice before she stopped to have a drink.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Auntie Miao, you are...¡± Was there a famine at the Zhai family?

    Auntie Miao seemed as if she had not had meals for a long while, but in fact, she only skipped her lunch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up.¡± Miao Jing had calmed down slightly after her meal. ¡°When Hua Hua called to say that she would bring the man to the house, I was fuming in anger and had not had any meals since then.¡±

    ¡°...¡± That exined her behavior.

    Qiao Nan looked toward Zhai Sheng. It could not be that Brother Zhai did not have any meals because of Wei De as well?

    Zhai Sheng took his time to finish a bowl of rice before scooping another bowl of rice for himself.

    He had already expected that this would happen. He could not possibly starve himself like his mother, but as a soldier who had to go through tremendous exercises, he had a fast metabolism, and therefore, he had a huge appetite.

    ¡°I will bring some fruits for you.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and washed some fruits in the kitchen. These fruits were given by the parents of the students. They had given them a lot of fruits. Thankfully, they were still fresh. Hence, Qiao Nan had fruits to serve them.

    Miao Jing had strong willpower. Though she was starving, she stopped herself from having too much food at one go. She stopped eating after she was around half-full. She drank some tea and ate fruits. ¡°Nan Nan, you seem to be leading a good life. How are the tuition sses going?¡±

    Since Qiao Nan had tuition sses, Miao Jing could note over to her house as frequently as she wanted to.

    ¡°Looking at the parents¡¯ responses, it should be considered pretty good,¡± Qiao Nan said modestly. ¡°Is Chief Zhai the only one who is at home right now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Miao Jing did not feel guilty at all. ¡°He has to stay at home. That is his precious daughter!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had to bear the responsibility that Hua Hua had such a man as her boyfriend.

    Zhai Sheng, sitting by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, remained silent. But his silence implied that he agreed with Miao Jing.

    When Zhai Hua and he were young, their parents never disciplined them. One must reap what one sowed.

    His parents did not discipline Zhai Hua when she was young. As a result, she ended up being so stubborn and refused to listen to reason when she grew up. His father had topensate for his mistakes in the past.

    He could not possibly want to repay his debts in his next life, right?

 Chapter 749 - Full of Admiration for Herself

    <h4>Chapter 749 Full of Admiration for Herself</h4>

    Qiao Nan took a breath. It seemed as if Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng had decided that Chief Zhai had to settle the problem by himself. She silently mourned for him. ¡°Will you be going back at night?¡±

    In other words, would Wei De be having dinner at the Zhai family¡¯s residence tonight?

    Since Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing were not at home, Chief Zhai was the only one left at home. Even if she was to take into ount Old Master Zhai, half of the people in the Zhai family were not at home.

    It was obvious how the Zhai family viewed Wei De.

    Under normal circumstances, people who encountered such a situation would either beat a retreat in the face of difficulties or leave out of humiliation. But since it was Wei De, Qiao Nan could not tell for sure what would happen at dinnerter.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be worried about. I can just make a call to check. Since today is Saturday, not Sunday, I will go back with Zhai Sheng if they have left. If they are still there, I will have a sleepover at your house. I remember you have one more bed in your room.¡± Miao Jing had it all nned out.

    ¡°What about Brother Zhai?¡± Auntie Miao did not mention where Brother Zhai was going to sleep tonight.

    ¡°You have a big living room. You can just make a makeshift bed and he can sleep for a night. It will not be a problem, right?¡± Miao Jing turned to look at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng curled the corners of his lips and nodded right away. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Qiao Nan who sat by the side was speechless at Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng, who had already decided for themselves where they would be sleeping for the night. Qiao Dongliang, who just came back, pulled a long face at their conversation.

    Should not be a problem?

    It was a big problem!!!

    Zhai Sheng was a man, so it was fine to sleep in the living room. But Nan Nan was a girl. It was a big problem!

    He believed that Madam Zhai would not be so nonchnt if a man slept over at her living room while Zhai Hua was at home.

    She must be kidding!

    Qiao Nan was silent. She stood up to pour a cup of water for Qiao Dongliang, who just entered the house, trying to calm him down.

    It was indeed a coincidence. If she was not in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she would never agree to letting someone that she was not familiar with to sleep in the living room.

    Since the Shi family¡¯s residence was right next door, if Brother Zhai insisted on staying for the night at her house, she and her father could stay at the Shi family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Dongliang had mixed emotions as he drank the water poured by his daughter. He wanted to follow his heart to send Zhai Sheng, the ck wolf who was out to get his daughter away. But on the other hand, Miao Jing was clueless about everything, so he could not expose their rtionship right in front of her.

    He might be unhappy, but Qiao Nan was happy in this rtionship.

    Unless Zhai Sheng went overboard or the two of them broke up for some other reasons, even though Qiao Dongliang did not like it, he could not do anything to break them up as it would only upset Qiao Nan.

    Since Miao Jing was kept in the dark, Qiao Dongliang could not be a hindrance to Qiao Nan. He had to help his daughter hide it from Miao Jing

    Qiao Dongliang red at Zhai Sheng unhappily. If he intended to stay for the night, he had better behave himself.

    Zhai Sheng nodded at Qiao Dongliang. His mother wanted to share a room with Nan Nan. There was no way that he could misbehave.

    ¡°Dad, why did you knock off at such an early time today?¡± It was only three o¡¯clock now. Qiao Nan was surprised that her father was back at this time.

    ¡°Well, we rushed to finish a batch of work recently. Today, I was able to knock off two hours earlier than usual.¡± He had intended to make use of the two hours to spend some time with Nan Nan so that they could grow closer to each other. He was envious of the close rtionship that Director Shi had with Shi Qing

    Qiao Dongliang knew that it was impossible when he saw Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing at his house.

    ¡°Dad, you must be tired. Sit down and rest.¡± As long as Brother Zhai was around, her dad would behave like a kid. She had to coax him, lest he quarreled with Brother Zhai. ¡°Dad, is Shi Qing at home? Usually, she wille over to my house at this time. It¡¯s unusual.¡±

    In the past, Shi Qing woulde over to her house at around one o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    ¡°I have no idea. I did not see her at the doorway. Shall I check next door?¡± Instead of being with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang preferred Shi Qing and Qiao Nan spending more time together.

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were both girls and of a simr age. They had good results as well. They could be best friends!

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She would have gone next door to check if not for Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai who were at her house. It would not be good to leave them by themselves.

    Miao Jing raised her eyebrows. She did not really wee Shi Qing.

    Qiao Dongliang came back with Shi Qing after a short while.

    Shi Qing, who followed right behind Qiao Dongliang, looked reluctant. She seemed as if she was dying to leave right away. ¡°A-auntie Miao, Brother Zhai, how are you? Qiao Nan, I am here...¡±

    Qiao Nan covered her face. Her reply sounded very strained. She seemed as if she was going to break out in tears.

    When Shi Qing walked over to sit down beside Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan lowered her voice. ¡°Have you seen it?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    Shi Qing slept a little longer for her afternoon nap today. It waster than usual when she woke up.

    She had juste out from her house and closed her door when she saw Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai enter the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    She turned right back into her house and shut the door.

    If Uncle Qiao had not asked her toe over, she would not have stepped into the Qiao family¡¯s residence when Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai were still there.

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan might be whispering, but Zhai Sheng could hear them clearly.

    Zhai Sheng crossed his legs. He was d that Shi Qing knew how to behave appropriately in different situations.

    ¡°Shi Qing, you seem to have a good rtionship with Nan Nan?¡± Miao Jing was slightly surprised. ¡°Have you been... in touch with Qiu Chenxi recently?¡±.

    Shi Qing smiled cautiously. ¡°Auntie Miao, the Shi family no longer keeps in contact with the Qiu family ever since they moved away. They may be busy after moving to a new ce.¡± Was Auntie Miao suspecting that she would be targeting Qiao Nan because of what happened to the Qiu family?

    Did she need to do that?

    Qiu Chenxi was crazy. She did not know of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Brother Zhai, but she would make trouble for Qiao Nan. As for her, she knew of their rtionship, but she had never made troubles for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I see.¡± Miao Jing nodded. ¡°You are more sensible than Qiu Chenxi.¡± She would not create a fuss. She was not such an eyesore aspared to Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°You are in the science ss whereas Nan Nan is in the humanities ss? Congrattions to you.¡± There was one less person topete with her for the first ce in the level.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing was exasperated. She did not know how she should react.

    In fact, Auntie Miao had always treated her with this ambiguous attitude. She was full of admiration for her former fearless self who conducted herself well in front of Auntie Miao. In the past, she was able to do so as she liked Brother Zhai.

 Chapter 750 - Shi Qingâ€™s Life as a Spy

    <h4>Chapter 750 Shi Qing¡¯s Life as a Spy</h4>

    Right now, she could no longer do it. When Auntie Miao used such an attitude on her, not only did she want to hide, but she had goosebumps all over her as well.

    Shi Qing looked at Qiao Nan with admiration. How did she get along with Auntie Miao? She was so courageous and capable!

    Qiao Nan stuffed a piece of fruit into Shi Qing¡¯s mouth. It was better to talk less and to eat more so as not to make any mistakes.

    Back when Qiao Nan first saw Auntie Miao, her attitude was worse than how she was to Shi Qing right now.

    Shi Qing was conscious of the awkward atmosphere and could not find any topic to talk about. It was just nice that Qiao Nan gave her a piece of fruit. She lowered her head and focused on eating her fruit.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you been getting along well with Shi Qing recently?¡± Did Nan Nan know Shi Qing well enough? Was she sure that she would not be another Qiu Chenxi? If not, it would spell trouble.

    Zhai Sheng woulde over to the Qiao family¡¯s residence asionally because of the Zhai family¡¯s rtionship with the Qiao family.

    Did Shi Qing have an ulterior motive by being good friends with Nan Nan? Was she nning to drop by the Qiao family¡¯s residence often so that she would have more chances of seeing Zhai Sheng?

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing did not know whether tough or cry at Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    Shi Qing felt gloomy and inched closer to Qiao Nan, widening the gap between Zhai Sheng and her. She wanted to prove to Miao Jing through her actions that she was not interested in Zhai Sheng.

    However, the harder Shi Qing tried to show that she was over Zhai Sheng, the more Miao Jing felt that Shi Qing was trying to hide her feelings but had made matters worse. She was on the guard against Shi Qing.

    She had to find a chance to remind Nan Nan.

    Nan Nan was inexperienced and soft-hearted. She would believe other people easily and would be made use of by them.

    Qiao Nan was treated as if she was the innocent kids in the ivory tower. She sped her head in exasperation. Now that Auntie Miao was at her house, there might not be peace here.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I... I will give my dad a call.¡± Shi Qing felt ufortable under Miao Jing¡¯s stare. She turned her back to her and made a phone call to Shi Peng¡¯s office. ¡°Hello, Dad. Today, Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai are at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Perhaps you can buy dishes back with you, just in case...¡±

    In case Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai were staying over for the night and she might suffer indigestion from dinner.

    Auntie Miao was the future mother-inw of Qiao Nan. As a good friend of Qiao Nan, she had to have Qiao Nan¡¯s best interests at heart and help her show due respect to Auntie Miao, lest Auntie Miao made it difficult for Qiao Nan in the future.

    ¡°Foolish child.¡± Miao Jing stared at Shi Qing intently. She seemed to be a hen that was guarding her chicks. Qiao Nan silently mourned for Shi Qing.

    Auntie Miao was already wary of Shi Qing. Shi Qing¡¯s original intention might be to show due respect for her, but to Auntie Miao, Shi Qing had not given up her feelings for Brother Zhai and prepared a sumptuous meal as gifts would blind the eyes.

    Shi Qing, who had done herself in unknowingly, was puzzled that the atmosphere seemed to have be more awkward than before.

    Miao Jing shot a nce at Zhai Sheng, hinting for him not to be too close to Shi Qing. ¡°Shi Qing, I am going to have a chat with Nan Nan in her room. Do you mind if you sit here and watch the television?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind. I don¡¯t mind at all. The two of you can have a good chat.¡± Shi Qing almost wanted to stand up to send the pair of daughter-inw and mother-inw into Qiao Nan¡¯s room to have a good chat.

    Miao Jing curved the corners of her lips. She might not be able to discipline someone else¡¯s daughter, but she could still take her son in hand.

    She shot a few warning nces at Zhai Sheng before she held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and went into her room. ¡°Nan Nan, I have a lot to tell you. It is such a good chance today for us to have a good chat.¡±

    ¡°Well... sure.¡± Qiao Nan felt slightly ufortable and awkward that Miao Jing held on to her hand.

    After Miao Jing and Qiao Nan entered the room, Shi Qing sat upright as if she was a soldier who hadmitted a mistake and stole furtive nces at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng rested his feet on the floor. He straightened his face and looked serious. This was the Qiao family¡¯s residence, but Shi Qing felt as if she was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s office at the army camp. She was so nervous that she had sweaty palms. ¡°Is everything okay at Ping Cheng High School recently?¡±

    ¡°Everything is fine. Xu Tingting has been behaving herself recently. She no longer dares to provoke Qiao Nan. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials, if Xu Tingting wants to do well in the college entrance examination with her own efforts and the revision outline provided by the teachers, she will need to put in double the effort.¡± In other words, Xu Tingting was too busy to scheme against Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What about Zhao Yu?¡±

    ¡°Zhao Yu is more well-behaved than Xu Tingting. After she apologized to Qiao Nanst year, she was not up to any cheap tricks. Previously, I overheard her conversation with Xu Tingting. It turned out that Xu Tingting wanted to work with Zhao Yu to spread rumors about Qiao Nan. Zhao Yu refused and tried to stop Xu Tingting from doing it. No matter whether there is Xu Tingting or not, Zhao Yu will not make any trouble for Qiao Nan in the future.¡±

    If her observations were correct, ever since school reopened this semester, whenever Zhao Yu met Qiao Nan at school, she would blush as if she was a shy youngdy.

    If she was not one hundred percent certain that Qiao Nan was a girl, she would suspect that Qiao Nan was a boy and Zhao Yu was interested in Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng nodded in satisfaction at Shi Qing¡¯s detailed report of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation at school. ¡°You have done a good job. In your opinion, Zhao Yu is no longer a threat. How about Xu Tingting...¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you can rest assured that I will not allow Xu Tingting to create any trouble for Qiao Nan when she sits for her college entrance examination. If she dares to scheme against Qiao Nan, I will make sure to throw her out of Ping Cheng High School. She will never be able to sit for the college entrance examination this year!¡± Shi Qing stood up right away. She stood at attention and saluted Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng nodded. ¡°Well, I will entrust you with the task of taking care of Qiao Nan. If you fail toplete this mission, you should know that punishment awaits you.¡±

    ¡°I will definitelyplete the mission!¡± Was Brother Zhai treating her as soldiers under hismand?

    Qiao Dongliang, who came out from the kitchen with a te of stir-fried dishes, was stunned momentarily at the scene that he witnessed. He lifted the corners of his mouth. He knew that Zhai Sheng was the regimentmander, but when did Shi Qing be soldiers under hismand?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, I... I will help you with the dishes.¡± Shi Qing blushed. She jogged over to take the dish from Qiao Dongliang and brought it out to the living room.

    This was a cold vegetable dish. It was alright to bring it out before dinner started.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang was about to head back into the kitchen when Shi Qing followed right behind him. ¡°Uncle Qiao, I... I will help you.¡± She felt nervous when she was around Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai.

 Chapter 751 - It Is a Matter of Getting Used To It

    <h4>Chapter 751 It Is a Matter of Getting Used To It</h4>

    At the sight of the usually uninhibited Shi Qing revealing a sense of panic, although Qiao Dongliang was not very sure of what was happening, he nodded. ¡°Fine,e in and help me wash the vegetables. Zhai Sheng, watch television on your own. You don¡¯t need me to entertain you, right?¡±

    Sensing that Qiao Dongliang sounded a little sour in hisst few words, Zhai Sheng gave a nod. He then took the remote controller, switched on the television, and lowered the volume. ¡°We¡¯re one family. Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t need to be so polite. Let me know if you need my help with anything.¡±

    If Shi Qing did not enter the kitchen, Zhai Sheng would surely show his filial piety and try to improve his father-inw¡¯s impression of him.

    However, Shi Qing was a step quicker than him in stepping into the kitchen. Hence, it was no longer appropriate for Zhai Sheng to do that. He might as well remain in the living room to watch television so that there was no reason to pick on him.

    Qiao Nan was keeping Miao Jingpany and listening to thetter¡¯s woes. Miao Jing said that Zhai Hua was not sensible and Wei De was not presentable. On the other hand, Shi Qing was carefully threading and following behind Qiao Dongliang to avoid being alone with Zhai Sheng, whereby she would feel uneasy.

    Soon after, one hour had passed and Shi Peng was back home, bringing some food with him. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re here?¡±

    Zhai Sheng could not hide his thoughts from Shi Peng. Hence, he did not need to put up any pretense in front of Shi Peng at all. ¡°It¡¯s not strange that I¡¯m here. I have to keep a tighter rein on my wife.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have confidence anymore?¡± Hearing this, Shi Peng felt that it was so rare. Since the first day he met Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng was such a blessed child. Hence, he was so proud. Although he did not look extremely snobbish on the outside, that cold and aloof look in his eyes distanced him from others and exuded a sense of nonchnce. He was indifferent to others.

    Hence, it was rare that Zhai Sheng would be so concerned about someone. Shi Peng could not help feeling that this was hard toe by.

    ¡°That¡¯s because I didn¡¯t meet someone that I like previously.¡± Zhai Sheng did not have any sense of embarrassment at all. He seemed so frank and fearless. ¡°Nan Nan is very good. I like her very much. If I let Nan Nan slip away, I most likely can only be a monk in this life.¡± Precisely, it was because she was the only one. There would be something wrong with his brain if he did not keep a tighter watch.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng looked so decent as he was saying these mushy words. Shi Peng shivered and had goosebumps all over.

    The more Shi Peng was affected, the more enthusiastic Zhai Sheng was. He was sitting in a rxed manner. ¡°Zhai Hua is muddleheaded now. She found someone that could not make it. So, the Zhai family has to depend on me for the next generation. Without Nan Nan, this mother, it¡¯s useless with just me, the father, alone.¡±

    ¡°Enough.¡± The corners of Shi Peng¡¯s mouth stiffened and curved. ¡°I¡¯m your master, not Qiao Nan. Leave these words for Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not my master, I couldn¡¯t even be bothered to tell you these. This is to make sure that you¡¯re clear about Nan Nan¡¯s importance to me. It¡¯s also to let Shi Qing understand the situation. Shi Qing has to be in the same school as Nan Nan when they apply for admission to college.¡±

    They could be in a different course or major but they had to be in the same college and in the same location!

    Shi Peng immediately spat out that mouthful of water that he had just drunk. ¡°Why are you so confident that Qing Qing and I will definitely agree to this unreasonable request of

    yours?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was smiling with certainty. ¡°Didn¡¯t Shi Qing grow up much when she¡¯s with Nan Nan? But it¡¯s still not enough, right? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t have such ns. We¡¯re master and disciple. I may not be able to guess other people¡¯s thoughts but I¡¯m still able to guess that of yours. Nevertheless, out of the traditional virtue of respect for master, I don¡¯t mind bringing this matter up first to let master have a way out. Take it that I, your disciple, am asking you for a favor.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Peng was both angry and pleased. He was pleased that Zhai Sheng, this disciple, was truly outstanding. He was the best amongst all the soldiers that he had taken under his wing. There was no other like him.

    Undeniably, Shi Peng did have such intentions.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were good and his family¡¯s Qing Qing¡¯s grades were on par as well.

    Given the situation of the twodies, it was not difficult for them to be admitted to the same college but study different courses and majors.

    Anyway, a good college offered much flexibility in the selection of courses and majors. This intention was not forced and not hard to realize. Shi Peng had been considering for some time the most suitable college that was in ordance with the two children¡¯s interests and future careers.

    At this juncture, Shi Peng already had an answer in his heart.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been master and disciple for years. I think we do have this little bit of chemistry.¡± Zhai Sheng gave a toast to Shi Peng with the cup of water in his hands.

    ¡°I guess so.¡± Shi Peng returned the toast to Zhai Sheng, implying that he agreed with Zhai Sheng¡¯s words.

    The reason he let his daughter follow Qiao Nan closely was to let her learn more from Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng wanted Shi Peng¡¯s daughter to be admitted to the same college as Qiao Nan as he wanted her to help keep a watch on Qiao Nan. This was in case there were too many ¡®wolves¡¯ that were simr to him at college. If there were any hups, Qiao Nan would be taken away by another ¡®wolf¡¯.

    At that time, just as what Zhai Sheng had said just now, he would have to be a monk for life.

    This was the disciple that he liked most and was proudest of. Shi Peng felt that he had to do Zhai Sheng this favor.

    Anyway, Qing Qing did not have the slightest feelings for Zhai Sheng anymore. Qing Qing would not feel troubled at all to help keep a watch on Qiao Nan on behalf of Zhai Sheng.

    Most likely, without their conversation, given how much Qing Qing liked Qiao Nan, she might even take the initiative to do that. ¡°When Qiao Nan and you are really married, remember that you owe my family¡¯s Qing Qing a big red packet. She can¡¯t do this for you for nothing.¡±

    Shi Peng spoke out to request for benefits for Shi Qing.

    ¡°This is not an issue. When Shi Qing has decided about her future career path, I will certainly not refuse to help her as long as it¡¯s within my means. The day that Nan Nan and I get married, the big red packet will not be missing. At most, we¡¯ll double the amount.¡±

    ¡°Settled.¡± There was a red packet. The talks were easier.

    Qiao Dongliang and Shi Qing, who were bringing the dishes out, were speechless with anger once again. In particr, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned green, as if he had stepped on dog poop.

    He, the father, had not even spoken out about who his daughter was going to marry in the future. Why did these two ¡®outsiders¡¯ have to make the decision first?

    If he could do so, Qiao Dongliang wanted to chase not only Zhai Sheng but also Shi Peng out of the house. All of them did not have any self-awareness at all!!

    Shi Qing, who had been ¡®abandoned¡¯, consoled Qiao Dongliang with empathy. ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t be angry. You¡¯ll be fine after getting used to it.¡± She, too, was not aware that the college entrance examination had yet tomence, but there was already a direction in her college studies. She only had one direction: Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang was quietly angry as he let out a sigh. He was holding himself back from sshing the tes of cooked dishes on those two ¡®outsiders¡¯. ¡°You¡¯re used to it?¡± Could one be used to this kind of thing?

 Chapter 752 - Can You Give Me Some Face?

    <strong>Chapter 752 Can You Give Me Some Face?</strong>

    ¡°I have to get used to it even if I don¡¯t want to.¡± Shi Qing smiled bitterly. She had a cunning father and Uncle Qiao had the shrewdest future son-inw ever. They were in the same boat.

    Not used to it?

    It would not do!

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry?¡± Shi Qing had to follow Nan Nan¡¯s decision in opting for a college. This was not fair to Shi Qing. He doubted what kind of father Shi Peng was.

    Shi Qing shrugged. ¡°Not really.¡±

    Shi Qing was still receptive to this. She was not going to major in some niche areas. Her grades would enable her to get into the same college as Qiao Nan. Moreover, she would certainly be able to choose a major that was suitable for her.

    If Qiao Nan was to attend some unknown college, of course, she would not be so agreeable then.

    ¡°It¡¯s tough on you.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt unjustified for Shi Qing. The selection of college was such an important matter. How could he let his own daughter go with the expectations of someone else¡¯s daughter?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, if you feel that I¡¯m shortchanged, prepare more nice food for me. Most probably, I would have starved to death if I just mixed around with my dad.¡± Shi Qing took the opportunity to put up her request to Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Nan needed to nourish her health, and so did she.

    Qiao Dongliang quietly took a nce at Shi Qing whose tummy had apparently be rounder after spending her Lunar New Year at Mo Du. ¡°Shi Qing, if you have a need for it, I can do that too.¡±

    However, he had been hearing from others recently that women loved to look pretty and always wanted to lose weight. Compared tost year, Shi Qing seemed to have put on a round of weight. Did she really want to have more nourishment?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, let¡¯s bring the dishes out. It¡¯s almost time. I¡¯ll ask Qiao Nan toe out for dinner.¡±

    Shi Qing expressed that if they were to allow those two to continue chatting, more shocking topics mighte out of the conversation. ¡°Qiao Nan, the dishes are ready. Can Auntie Miao and youe out to have your meal?¡±

    Miao Jing, who had been interrupted, did not look too happy. After having a long chat with Qiao Nan, Miao Jing increasingly could not understand why her own daughter was so outstanding yet so blind and took a liking to someone like Wei De.

    Even when she was farming in the countryside in the past, she would not ept someone like Wei De as well.

    Miao Jing had repeated to Qiao Nan many times that she felt uneasy all over at the sight of Wei De. She did not feel assured and could not feel the sense of integrity that a soldier should have from Wei De.

    If not for the fact that she was an ¡®outsider¡¯, and it was not appropriate for her to speak too much about this, Qiao Nan wanted to express that, she felt the same way as Miao Jing when she was with Wei De. Wei De did not even seem to possess the sense of integrity of an ordinary man, let alone the sense of righteousness belonging to a soldier.

    Just based on what happened six months ago, when Wei De caused a toon leader who had a bright future to lose one of his legs because of Wei De¡¯s own selfishness, it was sufficient to tell his selfish nature. He would utilize all means and tricks to achieve his objective and had no qualms about sacrificing the interests of others at all.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, even if you¡¯re not hungry, should we get some water? It¡¯s my fault that I have not hosted you properly. After you came in for so long, I didn¡¯t even get you a cup of water.¡± Actually, it was not that Qiao Nan did not want to get Miao Jing some water. Hearing so much from Miao Jing, she had wanted to get up a few times to get Miao Jing some water.

    It was just that Miao Jing had been holding Qiao Nan back and did not allow her to leave as she was anxious to confide in Qiao Nan about Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s matter.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Miao Jing smacked her mouth and felt that it was very dry. Moreover, if she was not leaving the room, the hosts might feel embarrassed to start eating even if they were hungry. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go out.¡±

    ¡°Madam Zhai.¡± When he saw Miao Jing, Shi Peng smiled and greeted her.

    ¡°Director Shi.¡± Miao Jing was very polite and respectful toward Shi Peng. She was well aware how Shi Peng took care of and nurtured Zhai Sheng

    Two years ago, Shi Peng was an important factor why Miao Jing would acknowledge Qiu Chenxi as her daughter-inw.

    Initially, when the agreement between the two families was called off, Miao Jing was even worried that Shi Peng would pay a visit to the Zhai family and reprimand the Zhai family for repaying kindness with injustice. She was afraid that he would use them of kicking someone to the curb after they¡¯d outlived their usefulness or that he would stack the deck against Zhai Sheng in the army in the future.

    SO

    Fortunately, none of these things happened. Hence, Miao Jing appeared more natural when she met Shi Peng again.

    At the sight of Miao Jing sitting down, Shi Peng smiled. ¡°The meals in the Qiao family are very delicious, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not bad.¡± Miao Jing did not deny. The two of them understood in their hearts that they were not referring to the taste but the atmosphere.

    Of course, this kind of atmosphere would only be present when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were not around.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, Brother Zhai, have your meal.¡± Qiao Nan had taken out the bowls of rice and ced them before the respective individuals.

    The phone in the house of the Qiao family rang.

    At this juncture, everyone was looking at the phone. Besides Qiao Dongliang, everyone else, especially Miao Jing, was wearing a strange expression on their faces.

    SV

    When everyone¡¯s gaze was still and focused on the phone, Qiao Nan calmly stood up. She walked over and picked up the phone. ¡°Hello, good day. This is the Qiao family.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s me. Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°Are my mom and Zhai Sheng at your house?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Wei De is driving and is on his way to fetch them. I hope you can let Zhai Sheng and my mome home.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I didn¡¯t stop Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua took a deep breath. She was confused by fury today. She had forgotten that although Qiao Nan looked soft and tender, she was never a lump of flour that would not retaliate if she were bullied or rolled around by others. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t make myself clear. No, there¡¯s something wrong with the way I expressed myself. Qiao Nan, can you do me a favor? Can you help persuade my mom and Zhai Sheng toe back?¡±

    nom

    This was the first time that Wei De came to her house and had a meal.

    When lunchmenced, her mother and Zhai Sheng did not eat anything. One hour after lunch, Wei De had wanted to greet her mother and pass her some gifts to show his appreciation, but her mother immediately shouted for Zhai Sheng to send her to the house of their rtives, saying that it was a prearranged date.

    The Zhai family did not have so many rtives in Ping Cheng. Wasn¡¯t her mother going to the house of the Qiao family?

    This was the first time Wei De visited them for a meal, yet her mother and Zhai Sheng left for the house of the Qiao family. Wasn¡¯t it clear that they did not wish to see Wei De and did not ept Wei De?

    When Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng left, Zhai Hua felt extremely embarrassed. She was really afraid that Wei De would simply leave out of anger.

    Fortunately, Wei De was not angry. He even sat down and chatted with her father in a harmonious manner. He even stayed for dinner so that ¡®everyone¡¯ could have a meal together.

    Seeing that it was almost dinner time and Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng did not seem to being back, Zhai Hua quickly gave Qiao Nan a call. Moreover, Wei De was already driving the four-wheeled car that he had bought on his own to fetch Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng. ¡°This is the first meal that Wei De will be having with our family. You... Can you do me a favor and give me some face?¡±

 Chapter 753 - Get Married by Thirty Years Old

    <h4>Chapter 753 Get Married by Thirty Years Old</h4>

    ¡°Wei De is quite good. He has been putting in efforts and working very hard for my sake.¡±

    Today¡¯s meal was a form of affirmation for Wei De¡¯s hard work all this while. Her family should give her and Wei De some face by having this meal.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, do you think they could be persuaded to go home?¡±

    ¡°Others can¡¯t do it but you can,¡± Zhai Hua said this with certainty.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, firstly, I don¡¯t think I have the capability to do so. Secondly, if I can do it and I do persuade them to do so, do you think Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai deserve this? You¡¯re asking me to make use of their trust in me to force them to do something that¡¯s against their wishes. Sister Zhai Hua, no wonder Auntie Miao and Brother Zhai are not willing to go back. You¡¯re forcing one to do things that they¡¯re not willing to. Don¡¯t sound so bold and righteous about it.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not feel pleased orcent by Zhai Hua¡¯s words at all. She also did not forget who she was and thus did not poke her nose into the affairs of the Zhai family.

    Regardless of the conflict in the Zhai family, it was not appropriate for her to intervene or speak out about this matter.

    ¡°I, I¡¯m not...¡± Zhai Hua was at a loss for words. ¡°I¡¯m asking you for a favor.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, if you put it this way, I really don¡¯t know what to say. Since you¡¯re asking me for a favor, I have the right to reject it. Auntie Miao is your biological mother and Brother Zhai is your biological younger brother. You¡¯re on much closer terms with them. If these are your thoughts, I can pass the phone to them and let them listen to you so that you can speak to them directly. What do you say?¡±

    There was a difference between next-of-kin and outsiders. What Sister Zhai Hua said was reversed.

    Zhai Hua gave a sigh. In terms of eloquence, she waspletely not Qiao Nan¡¯s match. Moreover, Qiao Nan said it with such logic and reasoning that Zhai Hua could not retort her. ¡°Alright, pass the phone to Zhai Sheng. I¡¯ll talk to him. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan, who washed her hands off this matter, was very pleased. She shot Zhai Sheng a nce and lifted the phone. Zhai Sheng naturally walked over and took over the phone from Qiao Nan.

    The familiarity of their actions resembled that of a couple who had been living together, as if they were well aware of and used to each other¡¯s habits.

    When Miao Jing first saw this, she was momentarily stunned.

    At the sight of Miao Jing, Shi Qing¡¯s heart quivered. Was Auntie Miao going to discover it?

    Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai were too daring. Auntie Miao was alive and kicking before them and the two of them dared to disy such chemistry through their actions. It was hard for sharp-eyed individuals not to discover what was happening between Qiao Nan and Brother Zhai.

    Shi Qing quietly observed Miao Jing¡¯s reactions. This was in case Miao Jing went mad all of a sudden and the situation became out of control.

    Miao Jing was definitely stunned for a moment but she was smiling thereafter. ¡°Nan Nan and Zhai Sheng get along quite well. They seem more like a family than when Zhai Sheng is together with Hua Hua.¡±

    The other three people in the room who were seated looked dumbstruck.

    Shi Peng was having difficulty swallowing the rice in his mouth. He very much doubted how slow Miao Jing could be regarding the matter about Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. This wife that Zhai Yaohui married was simply ¡®amazing¡¯.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, have some water.¡± Shi Qing poured a cup of water for Qiao Dongliang, in case Qiao Dongliang choked when he was taken aback by Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    It was also good that Auntie Miao did not discover anything odd, in case she kicked up a fuss.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was swollen and red. He drank a huge mouthful of water before he could swallow the rice in his throat. ¡°Cough, cough, cough...¡±

    Nearly. He was nearly choked to death by that mouthful of rice.

    Madam Zhai was truly very, very humorous.

    At the thought that Miao Jing was not aware of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship and that these two kids had to behave in this way in front of Miao Jing, Qiao Dongliang felt his head ache. He was at a loss of what to do.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡±

    Zhai Hua had a lump in her throat and she was speechless for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t go overboard. Why are you speaking in the same tone as Qiao Nan?¡±

    With the situation today, what could be the reason for her calling Zhai Sheng? Why were there so many ¡®then!?

    ¡°Quickly bring Mom back. We¡¯re waiting for you all to have our meal.¡±

    ¡°Mom is already having her meal. Also, Mom said that she won¡¯t go back if Wei De is there. She feels that you¡¯re right when you told her that she should not force herself and make herself unhappy when she meets someone that she doesn¡¯t like. She can¡¯t chase people out, so she¡¯ll leave the house to avoid them. Hence, Mom went out.¡±

    These were Zhai Hua¡¯s advice to his mother previously.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s lungs were in pain due to anger. ¡°It¡¯s not the same. I advised Mom earlier because it¡¯s Qiu Chenxi.¡± But Wei De was the one who came today!

    ¡°Is there a difference between Wei De and Qiu Chenxi? One is a female partner, and the other is a male partner that has not been confirmed.¡±

    ¡°Can you take it that you¡¯re giving me face and doing me a favor? Mom has not even interacted with Wei De. Her impression of Wei De is only on the surface. As long as Mom interacts more with him and knows him better, she will definitely ept Wei De. However, prior to this, Mom has to try to ept Wei De and let Wei De have an opportunity to prove himself. Isn¡¯t it too unfair for Wei De if we reject Wei De thoroughly because of an initial impression that is superficial?¡±

    She and Wei De did not expect too much. She further believed that her mother would know what kind of person Wei De was and would be willing to ept him as long as she was willing to chat a little more with him.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, Mom rejects Wei De from the bottom of her heart now. I¡¯m your only sister. Don¡¯t you wish for my happiness? Give us one chance. You¡¯re also giving yourself a chance.¡±

    Zhai Sheng fell silent for a moment. Of course, it was not that he was swayed by Zhai Hua¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯s not possible for us to go back for dinner. When Mom knew that you¡¯re going to bring Wei De home today, she was so angry that she did not eat anything yesterday. Even if you want Mom to ept Wei De, you can¡¯t possibly let Mom starve until her health suffers due to agitation before that happens, right? After finishing the meal, i¡¯ll bring Mom back earlier. Also, give Wei De a call and ask him to go back. Don¡¯t let hime to the house of the Qiao family to fetch us. Of course, if you¡¯re not afraid of causing more unhappiness to Mom and increasing her dislike for Wei De, Wei De and you can do as you wish.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Zhai Hua continued anxiously. ¡°I just gave a call to Wei De and asked him toe back.¡±

    ¡°Dad has a good sense of judgment of character. How was it? If Wei De is as good as what you said, did Dad open his mouth and address Wei De as ¡®Xiao Wei¡¯ after interacting with him for some time?¡±

    ¡°... There are times when a tiger takes his naps too. No matter how good Dad¡¯s judgment is, he will also asionally make mistakes. Time will prove everything. I believe that you will definitely ept the fact that I¡¯m together with Wei De.¡± Wei De did not rely on anyone to start from scratch and achieved the sess he had today all by himself. She was aware of Wei De¡¯s ability and diligence.

    She did not believe that the love between Wei De and her could not move the hearts of her family.

    At the thought that she was almost thirty years old, Zhai Hua expressed that she must get married to Wei De before thirty and then give birth to Wei De¡¯s child to please her mother-inw.

 Chapter 754 - Shamed

    Chapter 754 <strong>Shamed</strong>

    After hanging up the phone, Zhai Sheng returned to his seat. He picked up his bowl of rice and resumed eating.

    Miao Jing could no longer hold herself back. ¡°What did Hua Hua say? Has that Wei De left?¡±

    ¡°No, he wants to stay at home for dinner. We¡¯ll go back at around half-past sixter.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing frowned. Reluctance was written all over her face. ¡°There are two beds in Nan Nan¡¯s room. Can I not go back?¡± It was not like she had not slept over at the house of the Qiao family before. There should not be any issue.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Zhai Sheng only said it once and Miao Jing did not protest further.

    However, also because of Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Miao Jing took her time to finish the remaining half bowl of rice. She nearly ced the grains of rice into her mouth one by one.

    While Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng were having their meals, Wei De, who was determined to bring out his utmost sincerity to move Miao Jing, was driving and on his way to fetch them. In the midst of the journey, he received Zhai Hua¡¯s call to request him to go back, saying that Zhai Sheng would send Miao Jing back.

    Because of this phone call, Wei De drove his car to the roadside and stopped there for a long time.

    It was only when a loud vulgarity could be heard from the car that the car started to move again. This time, instead of the house of the Qiao family, it headed back to the direction where it came from.

    ¡°Dad, have some tea.¡± In the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Zhai Hua looked at Zhai Yaohui with unease. Zhai Yaohui stayed behind today but his attitude toward Wei De was indifferent. Zhai Hua was aware of the truth that her father did not like Wei De. It was just that he did not make it so obvious.

    ¡°Dad, Wei De...¡±

    Just as Zhai Hua said this word, Zhai Yaohui put down the cup in his hands and looked at Zhai Hua in a serious and solemn manner. ¡°Zhai Hua, do you really think that the Zhai family can ept a soldier who sold hisrade out? Although he is a former soldier?¡±

    ¡°No, no. He didn¡¯t sell him out!¡± It was too severe to term it as such.

    ¡°Then, he deliberately harmed him?¡±

    ¡°... That¡¯s just an ident. Wei De didn¡¯t do it on purpose,¡± Zhai Hua said in an awkward manner.

    The end of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s brows curved. ¡°I¡¯ve said before that I¡¯ve never epted this kind of exnation. You¡¯re willing to fool yourself and others with such a reason, but our Zhai family and others are not willing to ept it. Last year¡¯s matter created a lot ofmotion and Wei De was even expelled by the army. I know your temper and that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t express my views regarding Wei De and you. You then tried your luck and held the belief that I¡¯d quietly approve Wei De, like what I did to Qiao Nan. However, I can tell you with certainty today that Wei De¡¯s character is wed. You¡¯re an adult and have the right to choose. If you really want to be together with Wei De, I won¡¯t stop you. This is your life. You will bear the responsibility regardless of whether the oue is good or bad. Your mom and I have fulfilled our responsibility toward you. Even if we did not, we have also missed the time to do so.¡±

    In his heart, Zhai Yaohui felt guilty toward Zhai Hua, this daughter.

    The Zhai family usually had more sons than daughters. It was rare that they had a daughter and they should dote on her well.

    However, for the sake of the country and the army, he had been traveling and away from home most of the time. Hence, he and Miao Miao simply dumped their two children to his father to take care of.

    He did not let down his country, the army, the party, and the citizens. However, he had let down his two children.

    ¡°Dad...¡± Upon hearing Zhai Yaohui, unknowingly, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was filled with panic.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Finish listening to me first. If you really wish to be together with Wei De, I will respect your decision but I will not agree with it. You can treat Wei De as your husband but don¡¯t expect me to treat Wei De as my son-inw. This person will never receive our approval. You¡¯re wasting your time in all that you¡¯ve done today. You¡¯d only increase Wei De¡¯s resentment toward the Zhai family. Last year, Wei De was bent on rising in the ranks to be apanymander before asking us for your hand in marriage. Is promotion or marriage more important to him? To each their own. Undeniably, he ced great importance in his army career. Hemitted a mistake but did not receive the protection of the Zhai family. He had been expelled. What would he think of the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°No, it won¡¯t. Dad, you¡¯re being paranoid. When he left the armyst year, Wei De told me that he, in fact, was aware that this matter was his fault. He had let down that toon leader and felt very sorry toward our family too. As for the resentment that you mentioned, how could Wei De feel resentful toward the Zhai family?!¡± Clearly, whenever Wei De mentioned the Zhai family, he was full of hope and wholeheartedly wanted to be one of the family members.

    Zhai Yaohui gave a gentle yet mocking smile. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to believe his words, so be it. Zhai Hua, you have to remember, I won¡¯t change your choice. Simrly, your thoughts can¡¯t influence the perceptions of others.¡±

    It had been too smooth sailing for Hua Hua in her life. Although she was ady that was reaching thirty years of age, she had too little experience in society.

    He had to pay back what he owed. He did not teach Hua Hua when she was a child and she was almost thirty years old now. He now had the chance to teach Hua Hua under such circumstances.

    Undoubtedly, Wei De and Hua Hua would either not fall, or if they were to fall, they would be badly bashed and battered. If the lesson was not hard enough, it was only fearful that Hua Hua would not remember it for life.

    Zhai Hua gave a grim smile. With her father¡¯s words, she did not even have an excuse or reason to re up or argue to fight for Wei De.

    Zhai Yaohui had already made himself so clear. He did not object to but he would never support this matter.

    If Zhai Hua really wanted to get married to Wei De, he would not say ¡®no¡¯. However, to outsiders, Zhai Hua could forget about asking Zhai Yaohui to acknowledge Wei De as his son-inw.

    This was an important matter of a lifetime. Regardless of how strong-tempered Zhai Hua was, she also wished for her family¡¯s support and sincere blessings.

    Moving forward, if the Zhai family would not admit Wei De¡¯s identity as the son-inw of the Zhai family, then this marriage would not be meaningful at all.

    The calmer Zhai Yaohui was, the more Zhai Hua had no means to counter. If she were to make this big with Zhai Yaohui, this would only put Wei De in a more difficult position in the Zhai family. Moreover, Zhai Hua would not be able to stand firm on her grounds too.

    Just as Zhai Sheng said all the time, Zhai Yaohui was an old and cunning fox.

    Zhai Yaohui had never been soft in dealing with others. Now, he had to deal with his biological daughter and a stranger that he did not approve of. This was basically a piece of cake for Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Hua was not half as capable as Zhai Sheng. In front of Zhai Yaohui, she had nothing worthy of disy.

    At this moment, the sound of a car engine being turned off could be hearding from the entrance.

    At this time, Wei De was the only one who could possibly be back now. Although Zhai Hua still wished to help Wei De, she could only shut up obediently at this moment.

    Zhai Yaohui quietly took a nce at his watch. He realized thatpared to the usual timing, Wei De waste by ten minutes.

    It seemed that Wei De had been infuriated because Zhai Sheng did not allow him to fetch them. He thus found a ce to calm himself down. In the end, he only had so much endurance.

    ¡°Old Chief, Hua Hua, I¡¯m back.¡±

 Chapter 755 - Letâ€™s See Who Is More Anxious

    <strong>Chapter 755 Let¡¯s See Who Is More Anxious</strong>

    Wei De was full of smiles as he held the keys in his hands. He sounded even more amiable. ¡°Sorry to have kept the two of you waiting for so long. Old Chief, you must be hungry. Why don¡¯t we have our meal first?¡±

    ¡°Let auntie serve the dishes.¡± Toward this, Zhai Yaohui did not intend to make things difficult for Wei De at all.

    Hearing Zhai Yaohui speak, Zhai Hua let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Let¡¯s quickly have our dinner.¡±

    After all, there were only three people having a meal in the Zhai family tonight. The family did not have the habit of wasting food. Hence, the dishes prepared were very ordinary andmonce.

    Soon after, the auntie brought out three dishes and one soup to the table.

    At the sight of these three dishes and one soup, Wei De was full of disdain.

    He had not been doing business for a long time. One year had not even passed. However, since he started doing business, he had not taken any food that was worse than this.

    This was the home of the prominent old chief, yet the dishes were so distasteful. They were just a little better than that of his home in the countryside. It was so shabby.

    Did they want to use such means to force him to stay away from the Zhai family?

    Did they treat him as a youngd that had not seen the world?

    The more the Zhai family utilized such means against him and underestimated him, the more he had to persist. He wanted to let the Zhai family see the sincerity and determination that he had toward Zhai Hua.

    He did not believe that he would not receive approval from the Zhai family in his lifetime.

    He was a man. He could drag his feet but not Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua was almost thirty years old now. If the Zhai family was not anxious, he would not be anxious either. When Zhai Hua was forty, fifty, or even sixty years old, he wanted to see if the Zhai family would be anxious.

    When Zhai Hua was so old that she could not even give birth to a child, the Zhai family could then wait for Zhai Hua to feel resentful toward them.

    ¡°Old chief, eat more.¡± The resentment in Wei De¡¯s heart was now as deep as that of a scorned woman. Nevertheless, the smile on his face was still as sunny and bright as the April <b>sun.</b>

    ¡°Help yourself.¡± Zhai Yaohui was not willing to ept the dishes that Wei De picked up for him at all. It was all thanks to Zhai Hua that he could have a meal at the same table with Zhai Yaohui.

    Only someone as shameless as Wei De could still act as though he was very close with the Zhai family. He was so enthusiastic and affectionate.

    At the sight of Wei De fawning on her father despite thetter¡¯s cold shoulders, all of a sudden, Zhai Hua was torn. Should she feel bad for Wei De or should she feel bizarre by his capability of acting dumb andpletely ignorant of other¡¯s feelings?

    The stance of the Zhai family was too obvious. Zhai Hua could not find any excuse for their behaviors even if she wanted to. Nevertheless, without any constion, Wei De could still continue to behave as if the Zhai family was his inws...

    After some time, Zhai Hua sighed as she felt disheartened.

    Clearly, the Qiao Nan that Zhai Sheng had found was not any better. Her parents also felt revulsion toward her on a few asions. Why was it that her parents¡¯ attitudes were not so detestable during their interactions with Qiao Nan?

    When this much-dyed dinner ended, Wei De had finished about three cups of tea before Zhai Sheng finally brought Miao Jing home.

    At the sight of Wei De still at her home, the corners of Miao Jing¡¯s mouth drooped.

    ¡°Madam Zhai, Regiment Commander Zhai, you¡¯re back.¡± At the sight of the two of them, Wei De was full of smiles. He courteously and respectfully stood up to wee them.

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips and acknowledged coldly. That attitude was as though Wei De was still an unknown junior soldier in his army. Those nted eyes of his when he looked at Wei De made thetter feel that he was looked down upon so much as if he was dust.

    ¡°Hua Hua, you¡¯re too insensible. It¡¯s already sote and you still let Boss Wei stay in the house. Boss Wei is very busy with his business. His time is very precious.¡± Miao Jing started to nag at Zhai Hua. ¡°Boss Wei, sorry. Please excuse us.¡±

    The address ¡®Boss Wei¡¯ simply distanced Wei De from the Zhai family as far as it could.

    Upon hearing the address ¡®Boss Wei¡¯, Wei De¡¯s expression did not change. ¡°Madam Zhai, please don¡¯t say that. Hua Hua is a good woman. How would she not know? If she really doesn¡¯t, that means you¡¯ve indulged her too much. There¡¯s too little time today and I did not even chat much with Madam Zhai. I¡¯m the one who has been impolite. It¡¯ste. I shall not disturb you. I¡¯ll visit you again next time.¡±

    Miao Jing was pleased that Wei De was willing to leave. She had dawdled for so long after dinner before making her way back as she wanted to see less of Wei De.

    However, when she heard Wei De saying that he would visit another time, Miao Jing¡¯s expression froze and it looked extremely ugly.

    Miao Jing¡¯s immediate change of expression made Wei De feel that he was the victor for this round.

    This time, Wei De gave the first and the most sincere smile that he had at the Zhai family today. ¡°Old chief, Madam Zhai, Regiment Commander Zhai, I won¡¯t disturb you further today. I¡¯ll see you again next time.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you off!¡± As a girlfriend, Zhai Hua immediately stood up, caught up with, and followed Wei De out.

    ¡°This is really...¡± That genuine smile of Wei De gave Miao Jing a great blow. ¡°Hua Hua has so many options. Why did she pick someone like that? If I had known that this would be the case, I would have forced Hua Hua to find a marriage partner when she was twenty-five years old. It has been so many years. I¡¯ve introduced so many good men to her but she rejected them all. She did not want any of them. Now, she¡¯s already twenty-eight years old and she brought back such a man. I¡¯m going to be driven to an early grave.¡±

    Which of those men whom she had arranged blind dates for Hua Hua with previously were not better than Wei De?

    Hua Hua picked the bad ones instead of the good ones. Was Hua Hua¡¯s brain kicked by a donkey?

    ¡°We have expected this long ago. It¡¯s not surprising, right?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked the auntie to make another cup of tea. However, Zhai Sheng took it away before he could take a few sips. ¡°Nan Nan is right. Having too much tea will affect your sleep.¡±

    His son had taken away his freshly brewed cup of tea. Zhai Yaohui did not insist. ¡°Nevertheless, he¡¯s young and aggressive and will lose his cool. That smile of his when he left made me feel more assured. I¡¯m not afraid of other matters. I¡¯m just afraid that he¡¯s too deep and scheming and Zhai Hua will be coaxed and taken in by him for life. Since Wei De is so sensitive and retaliates so easily upon provocation, there¡¯s always a chance to let Hua Hua see for herself clearly what kind of person he is.¡±

    ¡°When will that be?!¡± Miao Jing was unconvinced. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Hua Hua is already twenty-eight years old this year. Wei De and Hua Hua have been together for more than one or two years. When Hua Hua finds out what kind of person Wei De is, she will already be thirty years old. What should we do?¡±

    ¡°The daughter of Zhai Yaohui will worry about being left on the shelves?¡± What a joke!

    ¡°There¡¯s certainly no hurry.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed with Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words.

    ¡°You...¡± Miao Jing was angered by the words of the father-son pair. ¡°You¡¯re not women. What do you know? Women are different from men. A man can still make a woman pregnant when they are fifty or sixty years old. However, there¡¯s an age limit for a woman to give birth. After a certain age, she can¡¯t conceive anymore.¡±

 Chapter 756 - The Daughter of the Zhai Family Does Not Have to Worry About Marriage

    Chapter 756 The Daughter of the Zhai Family Does Not Have to Worry About Marriage

    ¡°Even if one bes pregnant, it¡¯s considered advanced maternal age. The risks associated with pregnancy will be higher. After giving birth, she may not recover so easily. It¡¯s also easy to contract various ailments thereafter...¡±

    In short, there were countless disadvantages to a woman who gave birthte.

    Regarding what Miao Jing said, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were certainlyymen in this aspect.

    After thinking, Zhai Sheng said, ¡°First, most likely, Wei De can¡¯t hide his true colors for that long. He almost couldn¡¯t contain himself today. Second, even if Zhai Hua is forty years old, I still have a way to let her get married, and even marry into a good family. The one thing that we need to do now is to kick Wei De out of Zhai Hua¡¯s life as soon as possible in the twelve years before Zhai Hua reaches forty years old.¡±

    Daughters of the Zhai family did not need to worry about being left on the shelves.

    Age was not a concern. Even a second marriage was not a concern.

    ¡°The two of you. Forget it. You¡¯re so rxed. Am I the only one who¡¯s being anxious for nothing? I¡¯m going to bathe!¡± Miao Jing, who was angered, went to the bedroom, panting heavily.

    As Miao Jing returned to the bedroom, Zhai Yaohui also retracted his steps and walked toward the room.

    ¡°Entering the room outright.¡± Zhai Sheng snorted. The old fox was quick in his actions. He was eventually able to return to his original bedroom.

    Zhai Yaohui turned his head and cast a cold look at Zhai Sheng. If he did not even have such little capability, how could there possibly be Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng today?

    The first visit by Wei De to the Zhai family ended up with him parting unhappily.

    Having been through this experience and learned his lesson, Wei De was now aware that it was not the right time for him to join the Zhai family.

    Anyway, Zhai Hua loved him and was willing to wait for him. He was not anxious. He could focus on his business for the time being.

    When Zhai Hua was over thirty years old, he would then pay another visit to the Zhai family and assess their reactions.

    If the Zhai family still did not wee him, then he would visit them once every five years.

    In short, if the Zhai family was not afraid that Zhai Hua would be childless for life, there was nothing that he, Wei De, would be afraid of. Anyway, he already had a sessor.

    The ¡®gathering¡¯ between Wei De and the Zhai family this time did not cause muchmotion. On the contrary, something that happened to Qiao Nan next caught everyone off guard.

    In the blink of an eye,st year, Qiao Nan was still helping others to spot questions. This time, it was early July and it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to take the college entrance examination.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t feel anxious or nervous. Water, pens... Have you brought everything that you need?¡± Today, Qiao Dongliang specifically applied for two days of leave from the factory to keep Qiao Nanpany for the college entrance examination.

    Qiao Nan had already checked all these items before. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t feel nervous.¡± On the contrary, why did her father seem more nervous than her?

    ¡°That¡¯s good then. Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll bete if we don¡¯t leave now.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t.¡± At the sight of the wall clock that showed that it was not even seven o¡¯clock yet, Qiao Nan was puzzled too.

    Qiao Nan was quite lucky. Ping Cheng High School was her examination hall. It would take only a ten-minute walk to reach Ping Cheng High School from her house. When Qiao Nan arrived at school, there would be about half an hour¡¯s time left before they could enter the examination hall. Hence, how could she bete?

    ¡°This kind of thing, it¡¯s better to y safe as you can¡¯t afford a single mishap. What if there¡¯s a jam due to high human traffic?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked.

    ¡°This... There shouldn¡¯t be too many people who take the route from our house to school. Hence, there won¡¯t be a jam.¡± It was not the main road and it was already summer vacation. Besides the students, who were taking the college entrance examination, and employees, who would leave the house during this time? Wouldn¡¯t they be afraid of the heat from the sun?

    ¡°Have you brought along medicated oil?¡± Nan Nan suffered from some ailments during summer. Would she simply faint because it was too hot in the examination hall?

    ¡°Dad, have you forgotten? You have bought me a box of medicated oil just in case.¡± If she did not stop him, her father might really want to put at least five bottles of medicated oil in her schoolbag. He looked as though he could not wait for her to bring the whole box of medicated oil along.

    She was going to take the college entrance examination and not sell medicated oil. Her father was really too exaggerating.

    ¡°It¡¯s always better to be prepared. Alright, let¡¯s go to school.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not feel nervous at all throughout the period leading to the college entrance examination. The rare thing was that the summer ailments that Qiao Nan suffered from seemed to have gone away during these few days. She did not have any issues with them at all.

    On the contrary, Qiao Dongliang had tossed and turned for an entire night yesterday because Qiao Nan had to take the college entrance examination today. He had not slept a wink.

    When it was two or three o¡¯clock in the morning, he even got up to check on Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan suffered fewer summer ailments this year. If Qiao Nan did not get enough sleep due to the weather, Qiao Nan would jump in shock when Qiao Dongliang opened the door.

    When they left the house, they met Shi Qing who came out alone.

    Shi Qing was holding a fitter in her mouth. ¡°So early. Qiao Nan, I thought that given your character, you will appear only about twenty minutester.¡± Given Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament, it was normal if she was still sleeping at this time.

    Shi Qing was not feeling nervous about the college entrance examination. However, she was a little excited. Hence, she woke up earlier today.

    Shi Peng was a father but he was a director in Ping Cheng now. He had been nning for the future developments of Ping Cheng for the next few years.

    Hence, it was destined that he could not be like an ordinary father who could show more care and concern for his daughter during her college entrance examination. He could not keep his daughterpany for so long.

    Initially, Shi Qing¡¯s mother shoulde and keep Shi Qingpany at this time. The problem was that Shi Qing¡¯s grandmother was sick and hospitalized. Shi Qing¡¯s mother could only travel to the capital to take care of her biological mother who was in the hospital.

    However, the family of Shi Qing¡¯s mother was unaware that, when she returned to the capital to take care of her biological mother, Shi Peng made use of some of his connections to change the location of his wife¡¯s job from Mo Du to the capital. In this way, his wife could remain in her maternal home in the capital and did not need to face the elderly Shi couple anymore.

    Shi Peng had not been acting in ordance with the wishes of Old Master Shi. Old Master Shi could not have his way with his only son, Shi Peng. Hence, more or less, he would vent his frustration on his daughter-inw.

    Fortunately, Shi Peng had left the army. Also, Shi Qing¡¯s mother came from a good family background that had some power. Otherwise, Shi Qing¡¯s mother would not have it so easy.

    Even if that was the case, Shi Peng was not willing to let his wife suffer so much in the Shi family.

    If not for the sake of taking care of her inws, she could return to the capital and stay in her maternal home and be a rich man¡¯s daughter. Alternatively, she could follow him to Ping Cheng. After all, both her husband and daughter were at Ping Cheng. As a woman, she would certainly change her work location to amodate these two most important people in her life.

    It was a pity that Old Master Shi did not know what was good for him.

    Through his good friends in Mo Du, Shi Peng received news that his wife had suffered much in Mo Du. Nevertheless, his wife did not voice out a single word of grievance to him each time he called her during this period, let alonein to him. It was as if she had never suffered.

 Chapter 757 - Happy Collaboration

    <strong>Chapter 757 Happy Coboration</strong>

    He was already not a good husband. Of course, he could not let his wife continue to suffer badly.

    Nevertheless, it was Shi Peng who discussed and coborated with his mother-inw to feign thetter¡¯s illness at this point in time. They were keeping the truth from the Old Master Shi trio in Mo Du.

    Shi Peng even assured his mother-inw and family that Shi Qing had been in excellent shape recently. There would certainly not be any problem with her college entrance examination. She was well-prepared to get into the top tier key university in the capital. His inws were then willing to cooperate with the son-inw to put up with the pretense and cajole their daughter back. At the same time, their granddaughter learned how to be resilient and strive for excellence in life.

    During the preliminary examination, Shi Qing performed to her usual standards. However, as she was feeling excited today, she woke up a little earlier than usual.

    When she heard movements from the Qiao family, she came out to take a look.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang gave a hard pat on his forehead. He was too anxious about Nan Nan earlier and simply forgot about Shi Qing¡¯s existence. ¡°Shi Qing, Nan Nan is ready. Are you ready? It¡¯s definitely better to be early thante. Shall we leave soon?¡±

    Fortunately, Shi Qing was already having breakfast. It would be embarrassing if she was only brushing her teeth at this point in time.

    ¡°Fine, wait for me. I¡¯ll bring over my schoolbag.¡± Shi Qing did not think much. She finished her fritter in a few bites. She then brought over the schoolbag that Shi Peng personally prepared for her and ran over to Qiao Nan. ¡°You woke up so early today.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nanughed. It was not that she woke up early. Obviously, her father had not slept for the whole night and woke her up at 6:20 a.m.

    Fortunately, she slept at eight o¡¯clockst night. As such, she had a full eight hours of sleep. Otherwise, she would be the one feeling sullen now.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯sughter, Shi Qing sized up Qiao Dongliang. He looked flustered and bright-eyed and was in a more excited state of mind than Qiao Nan, the party concerned. She then realized what was going on.

    Along the way, Qiao Nan would have asional discussions with Shi Qing. Qiao Dongliang was behaving like a bodyguard throughout the journey He was circling the two youngdies and staring around in an alert manner, in case a bicycle or something were to spring out and collide into Qiao Nan or Shi Qing.

    A pair of eyes that had returned to Ping Cheng for some time since the start of the summer vacation was hiding in a dark spot, staring intensely at this scene.

    The intensity of her stare was as great as the pain in her heart at this moment.

    She was also having her college entrance examination during this timest year but that person was not even so nervous. Perhaps he might have even forgotten about this matter. At the thought of this, there was an immediate blood-shot in the pair of eyes hidden in the dark spot, and red strings of blood were climbing onto the whitish eyeballs like a spiderweb. It looked horrifying.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s fingernails had been digging at the wall. Qiao Nan was socent and happy, right? She would just wait and see if Qiao Nan¡¯s smile would still be as bright and clear as the sunshine a whileter.

    With these thoughts in mind, Qiao Zijin took out the cell phone given to her by that person and dialed a number. ¡°You didn¡¯t forget about today¡¯s n, right? I¡¯ve already lured my mom over. I¡¯m leaving the rest to you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as your mom is at the scene, leave the rest of the matters to me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Happy coboration.¡±

    ¡°Happy coboration.¡±

    After confirming this, Qiao Zijin then ced the cell phone back into her bag.

    It had been almost a year. She had not appeared in her father and Qiao Nan¡¯s life during this period. Obviously, she had not disappeared. She only went to make herself stronger.

    Qiao Nan wished to take part in the college entrance examination and be a university graduate. She must be dreaming!

    Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan, and Shi Qing were approaching Ping Cheng High School. At this juncture, someone appeared at the junction of the main road. It was Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi, who had not appeared for two years, had be extremely haggard. The clothing on her was considered neat but they had already been washed-out badly.

    Most importantly, her previously rosy cheeks were now pale and yellowish. She had lost a lot of weight. At one nce, it was obvious that inparison to life with Qiao Dongliang, she had not been living well during the past two years.

    At the sight of the heavy human and vehicle traffic at the main road, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart was filled with fear and panic.

    She was not sure why. In particr, when those cars passed by her, Ding Jiayi felt suffocated. She felt so panicky that she had to clutch on to her chest. Her mouth was wide open, as if she was a fish that had to swim to the surface of the water to catch little mouthfuls of oxygen on the eve of a rainy day in June.

    Subconsciously, Ding Jiayi retracted her limbs that were already out on the zebra crossing and took a step back.

    At the sound of the sharp and piercing horns from the cars, Ding Jiayi frowned. She felt so uneasy that she wanted to turn and leave.

    She knew that Zijin did not do well in her studies and could at most be admitted to diploma studies. Moreover, she was not capable and could not earn enough to pay for Zijin¡¯s school fees.

    It was rare that someone was willing to buy their small courtyard in the quad. They could get as much money as they could with this sale to solve the current crisis first. The important thing now was to let Zijin smoothlyplete these few years of studies.

    However, at this moment, seeing lines of vehicles that were as long as a dragon and the sound of the never-ending horns, Ding Jiayi felt so much panic that she could not stand properly. She felt like running away to a ce that was rtively safer or with lesser vehicles.

    She did not understand. If the other party really wanted to buy their house, why would he need to arrange a meeting at this kind of ce? What were his thoughts?

    Shouldn¡¯t they find a quieter ce to discuss the sale and purchase of a house?

    Furthermore, this ce was near to the school that the wretched girl was studying at. Come to think of it, that wretched girl was taking college entrance examination today. She would rather not bump into her. After settling the matter quickly, she would bring the money home as soon as possible and pass it to Zijin so that she could hand in the school fees.

    Ding Jiayi, who was lost in her own thoughts and was bent on avoiding Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang, did not seem to notice that a pair of hands had quietly moved behind her. Taking the opportunity as a crowd formed, this pair of hands simply gave her a hard push on her back in the split of a second.

    With this push, Ding Jiayi, who was already distracted, did not have the ability to resist at all. Her body lost control and fell toward the main road.

    Next, she heard sounds of worries andmotion on the crowded street. The screeching sounds of emergency brakes of the vehicles were tearing her emotions apart. It felt as though someone had scratched a fabric with scissors. Then, people started screaming, ¡°Someone has been hit by a car.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. It has nothing to do with me. This woman rushed out all of a sudden and fell onto the main road. It¡¯s the green light and I was driving as per normal. It has nothing to do with me at all. She was the one who fell toward me! I¡¯m innocent. Hello, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re faking an ident to impensation. You¡¯re toying with your life.¡±

 Chapter 758 - Stealing of the Exam Admission Ticket

    <strong>Chapter 758 Stealing of the Exam Admission Ticket</strong>

    The driver who knocked Ding Jiayi down just felt that he had met with a sudden misfortune. He did not check the Chinese calendar when he left the house today and had thus encountered such an unlucky incident.

    ¡°Faking an ident to impensation? Sir, don¡¯t mess around. You¡¯re the one who knocked down this person and she¡¯s bleeding. If she wants to fake an ident to impensation, she will also not toy with her life in this way.¡±

    Someone saw Ding Jiayi clutching her stomach as shey on the ground. Blood was oozing from her mouth. He quickly realized the severity of the situation. ¡°Hurry, if anyone has a cell phone, please take it out immediately and dial 120 for an ambnce! I¡¯ll call the police!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll call 120.¡±

    ¡°Anyone? Does anyone know how to perform emergency first aid? This won¡¯t do!¡±

    Due to the urrence of this ident, many were in a panic. The traffic on the street was also in a big mess. There was a huge crowd that was imprable.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Coincidentally, the crowd was blocking Qiao Dongliang¡¯s way. Qiao Dongliang knitted his brows. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that it¡¯s the college entrance examination today? He¡¯s asking for trouble by blocking the way. Is this on purpose?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Shi Qing was stretching out her neck as if she was in for a good show.

    Qiao Nan took a sip of water. ¡°There¡¯s the college entrance examination today. At this time, the students who are taking the examination at Ping Cheng High School most likely have not reached the school yet. Now, the road is congested so badly. How are students like us going to enter the school? The examination will not wait for us.¡±

    ¡°Uh, will the police take care of this?¡± Shi Qing asked, sounding doubtful. One must know that she was also stuck at the area outside the entrance of the school.

    ¡°The situation seems to be quite serious. It¡¯s hard to say. Shi Qing, quickly give your dad a call. I¡¯m afraid that even if the police really arrive, they may handle the car ident first and neglect the fact that we need to take the college entrance examination.¡±

    There were specific timings for the college entrance examination that applied to everyone. One would not be allowed to enter the examination even if they werete for just one minute.

    Others could take it easy but not Qiao Nan. She dared not feel rxed about it at all.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll call my dad immediately and reflect the situation to him so that he can quickly settle this and send more people here.¡± Upon hearing what Qiao Nan said, Shi Qing also started to pay attention to this matter and dared not dy any further.

    When Shi Qing returned after finishing the call, Qiao Dongliang started to move people away. ¡°Please excuse us. I have two students with me who need to take the college entrance examination urgently. I hope everyone can give way.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was a grown-up man and a former soldier. Hence, his physique was better than an ordinary person. Although he had met with a car ident previously, his health had recovered after three years of rest.

    However, in such a situation, Qiao Dongliang was still unable to make way and send Qiao Nan and Shi Qing into Ping Cheng High School. Instead, he was pushed and bumped around by others. They could not proceed at all.

    They were not able to make their way through the crowd. At this moment, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shirt had been pulled to the side and a button even fell off from it. He was full of sweat!

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were protected by Qiao Dongliang behind his back and were in a better state. Both their clothing and hair were not messed up but they were also perspiring as much as Qiao Dongliang.

    Xu Tingting, who had been feeling bored staying in school, happened to see this when she came out to take a breather. She was standing within the schoolpound and was initially stunned. When did so many people appear in front of the entrance of Ping Cheng High School? It was as if everyone in Ping Cheng came here. It was so dense and crowded.

    It was then that she saw Qiao Nan and Shi Qing stuck in the crowd, unable to move at all. They were in such an embarrassing state. Xu Tingting, who had been hiding her tails for some time, could no longer control herself. The corners of her lips curled into a smile. Sheughed. Herughter was socent and tant.

    Xu Tingting narrowed her eyes and smiled. She seemed to be saying, ¡®Qiao Nan, why are you so proud? When everyone is obediently studying in school, you have to do something special to differentiate yourself from others and take a leave to revise at home. Is this your karma?¡¯

    After a few nces, Xu Tingting rolled her eyes and returned to the building. She did not continue to study. She was staring in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction from afar and waiting for the examination tomence.

    If Qiao Nan could not enter the school and the examination hall due to the congestion, that would be interesting.

    Qiao Nan, who had been stuck outside, did not know Xu Tingting¡¯s thoughts. She was having a headache. What should she do about the current situation?

    There was only one reason why she had wanted to go home to revise. Her dormitory mates were too nervous. All of them had to turn on their torchlights till one o¡¯clock in the morning every day.

    Most importantly, they were not only studying by themselves. They would discuss if they were to meet with any doubt. Especially when they encountered a problem that they could not solve despite much thinking, they would wake Qiao Nan up and check with her. With this, Qiao Nan, who had ignored the five rays of torchlights, neglected the frequent discussions among her dormitory mates, and was sleeping soundly alone, could not take it anymore. She could only apply for leave to go home and ¡®revise¡¯.

    Given the circumstances today, the originally good n of Qiao Nan had be a bad one.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± As Qiao Nan was having a headache, she could hear Shi Qing¡¯s shout from behind. Then, she heard a man screaming in pain.

    Qiao Nan turned her head and saw Shi Qing twist the man¡¯s arm behind his back strongly, looking sullen. She had a murderous look in her eyes and she was pursing her red lips with obvious anger. That man could neither take it nor retaliate and could only scream in pain.

    ¡°Speak. Who are you? What are you trying to do?¡± Shi Qing was infuriated that the man did not exin himself besides screaming in pain. ¡°I¡¯ve already caught you red-handed. Do you still think that you can escape?!¡±

    ¡°I, I, I¡¯m just a passerby. There¡¯s an ident here and someone has been knocked down by a car. She vomited a lot of blood. I, I, I can¡¯t move out of the crowd too. I didn¡¯t do anything.¡± That man refused to admit that he had done something bad. He stood by the guns that he was also stuck in the crowd and could not move at all.

    ¡°Pey.¡± Shi Qing gave the man a hard kick in the knee without hesitation. ¡°I clearly saw you open the zip of Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag. You even reached your hand in. If I had not caught you, you would have stolen something! Do you believe that I¡¯ll send you to the police station

    now?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t. I didn¡¯t steal anything. You¡¯re talking nonsense. You¡¯re just a high school student and you¡¯re telling lies. Is that good?¡± The man revealed a moment of panic in his eyes but he calmed down very quickly thereafter.

    When Qiao Nan heard what Shi Qing said, she was so scared that she moved her schoolbag in front of her. When she looked down, her schoolbag was unzipped by quite a fair bit. It was enough for a grown-up man to reach his hand into it.

    Qiao Nan opened her schoolbag and found that she had not lost anything. It was just that the position of her examination admission ticket had been moved. It was now nearer to the zip.

    In other words, if Shi Qing had not caught that man, Qiao Nan would have lost her exam admission ticket!

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you lose anything?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked nervously.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t lose anything but this is also stealing. We must send him to the police station!¡±

 Chapter 759 - Directed at Qiao Nan

    <strong>Chapter 759 Directed at Qiao Nan</strong>

    Shi Qing was unwilling to let the man go. As a descendant of the soldiers, she could not stand people who stooped to stealing.

    ¡°Shi Qing, don¡¯t be impulsive. Right now, the most important thing is for you and Nan Nan to... This person... Why not leave him to me? I will not let him get away. Once the two of you enter the school, I will bring him to the police station. What do you think?¡± Nan Nan and Shi Qing had to focus on getting to school and sitting for the college entrance examination. Nothing was more important than that.

    Shi Qing checked the time and nodded. ¡°Alright, but it is best to find a rope to tie him up. I am afraid he will try to escape!¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Qiao Nan took a step forward. ¡°We are not in our school uniform. How do you know that we are high school students?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right...¡± Shi Qing was stunned. When the thief maligned her for telling lies, he had indeed mentioned that she was a high school student.

    ¡°I... di... didn¡¯t...¡± The thief looked guilty.

    Qiao Nan frowned and looked at Qiao Dongliang and Shi Qing. She then checked herself out. She looked serious and grim. ¡°Among the three of us, I am not as well-dressed as her. Besides, my dad is an adult and he is standing in front of me. Under normal circumstances, you will not target people like us. Even if you really do, you should not be stealing from me.¡±

    Since the child was with the parent, the child must not have any money with her. The money would be with the parent.

    Simrly, Shi Qing was more well-dressed than her. Her clothes were of better quality than hers. If the thief felt that children were easy targets, he would be targeting Shi Qing who was well-dressed.

    She did not believe that the thief would not understand such simple logic.

    ¡°I...¡± The thief became more and more flustered. He darted his eyes to a side and did not dare to meet Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°So your target is me and you are after my exam admission ticket!!!¡±

    If the thief had not been caught by Shi Qing, she would have lost her exam admission ticket. In that case, even if she made it to school on time, without her exam admission ticket, she would have lost her right to sit for the college entrance examination!

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What!¡±

    Shi Qing and Qiao Dongliang were shocked. They had thought that he was just like any other thief who wanted to take advantage of the crowd to steal money. They did not expect that the thief was after Qiao Nan and her exam admission ticket.

    Since ancient times, people would steal money or valuables. No one would steal an exam admission ticket that was worthless to an outsider.

    ¡°Tell us, who sent you here?!¡± Shi Qing was no longer lenient to the thief. She kicked him in the stomach. ¡°How much money were you paid to beard the lion in his den? If I don¡¯t make sure that you behave, I am no longer called Shi Qing!

    Knowing that his daughter ran into trouble on the day of the college entrance examination, Shi Peng rushed to Ping Cheng High School right away.

    This was not only because his daughter was sitting for the college entrance examination. It was also because many other students would be sitting for their college entrance examination at Ping Cheng High School.

    Shi Peng had a sullen expression upon seeing that the street in front of Ping Cheng High School was packed with people. ¡°Today is the college entrance examination. There are still many candidates who have not entered the school. Mobilize some people to direct the traffic. We have to ensure that the injured gets to the ambnce and all the candidates to enter the exam hall before the exam starts. Hurry. If it can¡¯t be done, we will get more cars toe. We must make sure that they make it in time for the exams. Even if we have to send them to school, we still have to do it!¡±

    ¡°Yes, director!¡± Shi Peng¡¯s subordinates hurried to work.

    However, the street had been blocked for close to eight minutes. It was impossible for them to clear the crowd immediately.

    The secretary knew that Shi Peng¡¯s daughter was among the exam candidates today. ¡°Director Shi, do you want to check where Shi Qing is and find a way to send Shi Qing to school first?¡±

    ¡°Every child is the same. Qing Qing is athletic and physically fit. If she wants to climb over the wall, it will be a much easier task to her than the average students. I have to take care of other children first.¡± Shi Peng refused. He rushed to the scene right away after receiving the call from his daughter as he was concerned for other candidates as well.

    As Shi Peng¡¯s daughter, Shi Qing already knew that her father would not give her special treatment.

    ¡°Director, this won¡¯t do. The traffic jam is very serious. Notwithstanding sending the injured to the ambnce, the hospital staff cannot bring the stretcher to the scene of the ident. What should we do? I heard that the person who was hit by the car sustains serious injuries. There was a pool of blood on the road. If we don¡¯t send the injured to the hospital for emergency treatment, she may die due to loss of blood.¡±

    The candidates sitting for the college entrance examination were important, and so was the life of the woman who was injured in the ident.

    There was something weird about today. Although there was arge poption in Ping Cheng, it was rare that all of them would be at the same ce at the same time today.

    Today was the day the students would sit for their college entrance examinations. The current batch of third-year students and their parents might amount to arge number of people, but it would not result in such a big jam. It was as if there was arge scale and exciting event ongoing which attracted the attention of all the people in Ping Cheng. Could it be that every one of them came because of the event?

    As Shi Peng had said, there might be a huge crowd, but Shi Qing had the capability to get herself into the school.

    Shi Qing calmed herself down. She stretched her hand for Qiao Nan to step on. ¡°You cane up first. We will make our way slowly to the wall and climb over it to get into the school. Given today¡¯s situation, I don¡¯t think it is possible to get in through the front gate.¡± If Shi Qing was by herself, she would have already slipped into the school.

    ¡°Are you sure it can be done?¡± Qiao Nan was physically weak. She had never tried to climb over the wall. ¡°Alright, no matter what, we have to try it out.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hurry up.¡± Qiao Dongliang was drenched in sweat. He was anxious and worried. If they dyed any longer, Qiao Nan might miss the college entrance examination.

    If he knew this would happen, he would have woken Nan Nan up earlier in the morning so that Nan Nan and Shi Qing would arrive at school earlier.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for more than a year, and you seem to be quite agile.¡± Qiao Zijin sneered. Qiao Nan was frail and thin, but she seemed to be quite agile and fit. Qiao Nan trailed behind Shi Qing and made their way through the crowd and toward the external wall of Ping Cheng High School. ¡°Today, I have squandered so much money and created this full-scale drama. It will be a pity if Qiao Nan leaves like this! Don¡¯t be in a hurry. The best is yet toe!¡±

    In fact, Qiao Zijin did not know the actual n for today. The only thing that she knew was to get her mother toe to the school gate of Ping Cheng High School at this timing while hiding in a corner, watching and monitoring as the events unfold.

    Qiao Zijin was not worried about Ding Jiayi who was hit by a car and was lying on the road in a pool of blood.

    She had long known that there would be a car ident today, and the victim of the car ident would be Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 760 - Send Your Mother to the Hospital

    <h4>Chapter 760 Send Your Mother to the Hospital</h4>

    But the man promised her that her mother would only sustain minor injuries. At the very least, it would not be life-threatening.

    The man would pay for all of her mother¡¯s hospitalization fees as well as Qiao Zijin¡¯s second-year tuition fees. He would also spend money to hire someone to take care of Ding Jiayi, who had to stay in the hospital but had no one to take care of her when Qiao Zijin was in school. He had settled everything for Qiao Zijin, making sure that she would have no worries.

    Her mother did not need to work and she would be paid a sum of money. She was in the hospital and would have someone to take care of her. It was the dream life her mother had been yearning for.

    Even though she had yet to earn any money, she could help her mother realize her dream in advance.

    Since she helped her mother realize her dreams, what she wanted to do next was to realize her own dreams.

    There was only one student and one college student in the Qiao family, and that was Qiao Zijin. There would never be another student named Qiao Nan!

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were still very far away from school. They tried to inch further when a hand grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag from behind. Qiao Nan was already halfway up the wall when she was pulled down by the person behind her. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s really you. No wonder I found you look familiar from the back. The situation is very serious here. Do you know that the traffic jam is due to a car ident?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s upper arm ached at the hard pull by the man behind her. She swallowed her anger and turned to check who was behind her. It was the uncle from the quad that they used to live in. ¡°Uncle, I know there is a car ident, but I am sorry. I¡¯m sitting for the college entrance exam today. I have to go to school ahead of time to get ready. Can you let go of my hand?¡±

    Someone was in an ident, but what did it have to do with her? This neighbor of hers was such a busybody. It was fine if he wanted to meddle in other people¡¯s affairs, but why did he pull at her when she had to sit for the college entrance examination today?

    Qiao Dongliang seemed to be angry. ¡°Excuse me, would you please let go? Nan Nan is sitting for the college entrance examination, and there is no time to waste. As for the car ident, can we talk about itter?¡± Qiao Dongliang was dying to send everyone in front of them flying to the ground so that Qiao Nan could enter the school.

    Unfortunately, he was not able to maneuver around all of them and send Qiao Nan to Ping Cheng High School. Moreover, he had to keep a guard on the thief. There was nothing that he could do.

    ¡°Hey, Old Qiao is here as well. I am foolish not to have recognized you. Old Qiao, Nan Nan, do you know that the person who was knocked down by a car and is bleeding profusely is none other than Ding Jiayi!¡±

    ¡°My mom?¡± Qiao Nan widened her eyes in shock. ¡°That is impossible. My mom hasn¡¯t been back to Ping Cheng for two years!!¡± She had no idea where her mother was staying now. Why would her mother turn up somewhere near Ping Cheng High School all of a sudden?

    ¡°Nan Nan, it is not right of you to say that. Today, you are sitting for your college entrance examination. Your mother cares about you. She must havee here to take a look. But man proposes, God disposes. She is only here to show her concern for you and to stay around while you sit for the college entrance examination. She did not expect that she would be hit by a car. Your mother has lost a lot of blood. She is ced on a stretcher and is about to be sent to the hospital. Why don¡¯t you go to the hospital with her? Given your mother¡¯s situation, she will need a lot of blood when she goes to the hospital. Your family¡¯s conditions are not good. Instead of piling a huge amount of debts, it¡¯s better that you go along to donate your blood to your mother. It will save arge sum of money and it is an act of filial piety as well.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Dongliang was very surprised. He did not expect that the person who caused the traffic jam was actually Ding Jiayi, whom he had not seen for more than two years.

    However, notwithstanding the car ident, nothing was more important than Nan Nan¡¯s college entrance examination.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry about anything. You should sit for the college entrance examination. If the person who is in an ident is really your mother, I... I will take care of it!¡± Qiao Dongliang ground out the words between clenched teeth. Ding Jiayi had disappeared for two years. But when she appeared in front of them, it was to bring such a disaster to Nan Nan and him. She was indeed a source of trouble!

    If he knew this would happen, he would rather never see Ding Jiayi in his life again. He would not wish for her to appear in front of them again-be it unintentional or intentional¡ªand to bring disaster to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad?¡± She was not certain that her father would be able to deal with this matter.

    The person in the car ident was Ding Jiayi. After hearing this news, Qiao Nan was full of trepidation. She felt as if it was two years back when she learned that Qiao Dongliang was in a car ident.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste any more time. Qiao Nan, we have to hurry up.¡± Shi Qing shot a nce at the busybody. ¡°You have sharp eyes. The sun is up. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at work? Why did youe to Ping Cheng High School at this time? We don¡¯t even know what happened, yet you are so well-informed and know that Qiao Nan¡¯s mother is in a car ident. You even managed to squeeze through the crowd to where we are and recognize Qiao Nan. It takes us so much effort and strength to move one to two meters in this big crowd. How did you manage to make your way through the crowd?¡±

    Shi Qing did not know that herints had hit the nail on the head. The neighbor sweated profusely under her gaze.

    It was July and the sun was ring. If not, one must be too nervous and have a guilty conscience to be drenched in sweat.

    ¡°Oh, huh, huh...¡± The neighbor who could not give an exnation could only give a dry smile.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Shi Qing is right. The two of you have to hurry to school. I have not divorced your mother yet. I have to be in charge since she is in an ident.¡± Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth. He hoped for nothing but to push Qiao Nan into the school and then settle Ding Jiayi¡¯s problems.

    The neighbor heard their conversation and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag. ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t be muddleheaded. This won¡¯t do. I heard that it¡¯s rare that husband and wife have the same blood type. But in general, children can donate their blood to their parents. Don¡¯t underestimate this issue. It will cost you a lot of money. You have raised Nan Nan to a big girl now. It¡¯s time for her to repay you. The college entrance examination is important, but her mother¡¯s life is more important. Even if you miss the college entrance examination this year, you can sit for it next year. If Old Ding is gone, Nan Nan and Zijin will be without a mother and you will be without a wife.¡±

    ¡°Hey, why are you being so obnoxious? Let go!¡± Shi Qing pped on the neighbor¡¯s hand that was grabbing on to Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag. The neighbor felt a sharp pain shooting up his palm. But even so, he had a death grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag, refusing to let go.

    Qiao Nan was displeased. ¡°What traffic ident was that? Why would there be such a huge crowd all of a sudden? Why would a thief go after my exam admission ticket? I think someone is out to stop me from sitting for the college entrance examination. I don¡¯t know who has so much money to spend just to stop me from taking the exam. But dream on!¡±

 Chapter 761 - Unable to Disperse the Crowd

    <h4>Chapter 761 Unable to Disperse the Crowd</h4>

    She had finally understood. Today¡¯s matter was arranged by someone. ¡°My mom doesn¡¯t only have me as a daughter. These two years, my mom didn¡¯te back. She only raised Qiao Zijin up and not me. My mom met with a car ident but where is Qiao Zijin? Why didn¡¯t Qiao Zijin care? When my dad had a car ident two years ago, both Qiao Zijin and I drew our blood for him. If my dad¡¯s blood type is suitable for my mom, it doesn¡¯t matter if I don¡¯t go. On the contrary, if my dad¡¯s blood type is not suitable for my mom, we will only be waiting anxiously for nothing if Qiao Zijin and I drop everything and proceed to the hospital!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t put it that way. Your mom had an ident and her life is at stake. You¡¯re her daughter and yet you¡¯re so cold-blooded and aren¡¯t concerned at all. I¡¯ve already told you. You can take the college entrance examination many times but you only have one biological mother.¡± The neighbor was anxious too. If this were to continue, Qiao Nan would enter the school soon.

    ¡°That¡¯s my mom, my biological mother. I can¡¯t help when she got into a car ident. If my mom dotes on me, do you think she will insist that I visit her after my college entrance examination or let me wait by the side at the hospital for nothing? You¡¯re also an uncle from our quad. Don¡¯t worry. Regarding your ¡®extreme kindness¡¯ today, I will definitely remember you forever!¡±

    There were so many coincidences today. Her mother met with a car ident in front of Ping Cheng High School¡¯s entrance. This should also be part of the ¡®coincidences¡¯, right?

    ¡°Why are you talking so much nonsense!¡± Nan Nan was a child and it was not appropriate for her to be rude to the elder. Nevertheless, he was of the same seniority as the neighbor. The neighbor was holding Nan Nan back from taking the college entrance examination. Did he have the gall of a leopard?

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned sullen. With a twist, he mped the neighbor down, just like how Shi Qing dealt with the thief earlier.

    Everyone was not young and the joints were no longer that flexible. The neighbor¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet immediately and he screamed in pain. The thief shrank his neck as he couldpletely empathize with this. He dared not even try to recollect the feeling. It was akin to losing his soul.

    ¡°Old Qiao, we¡¯re long-time neighbors. Can you go easy on me? Clearly, you¡¯ve always been so polite.¡± Even gentle and indecisive.

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°You are taking my politeness as your fortune. You seem to have forgotten that I was from the army. I can¡¯t deal with too many people. Nevertheless, it¡¯s a piece of cake for me to deal with one or two of you. The thief won¡¯t be able to escape. You¡¯re someone from the quad. After today, I will definitely pay you a visit to ¡®thank you¡¯ properly next time!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang kicked away the old neighbor. He then took off his outer shirt and tied the thief up.

    After knowing that something was amiss with today¡¯s matter, would Qiao Dongliang still be so polite to others?

    That aura of his seemed like he would chase after anyone and kill them regardless of who they were.

    The neighbornded on his buttocks with a hard fall and the end of his spine felt a little painful. He was so furious and he grimaced in agony. Suddenly, he shouted loudly, ¡°The family of the woman being knocked down is here. Here are her husband and daughter. Hurry, the family members have to keep the victimpany. The victim is badly injured.¡±

    ¡°Where are the family members? Quickly get into the car!¡± The doctor and nurses also broke out in a sweat. At the sight of the victim who was seriously injured, they quickly tried to stop the bleeding for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Hurry, Old Qiao, quickly bring Nan Nan over. Can everyone please make way? Make way, please? Saving a life is akin to putting out a fire. Let the victim¡¯s family go over.¡± As the neighbor talked, he even dragged Qiao Dongliang toward Ding Jiayi¡¯s direction with strength, and the swarming crowd also pushed Qiao Dongliang and Shi Qing in that direction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t squeeze. Everyone, please don¡¯t squeeze and step on others. Take your time!¡± When Shi Peng saw the situation, twenty minutes had already passed. However, the size of the crowd on the street had not reduced at all. What was happening? ¡°Secretary Feng, what is happening? Why isn¡¯t the crowd on the street dispersing? How are we going to resume the traffic?¡±

    Secretary Feng was continuously wiping away his sweat. ¡°We are already giving directions to disperse the crowd. The strange thing is that these people seem as though they are in for a good show. They refuse to move away. Our people have no way with them too.¡±

    ¡°Then, where¡¯s the police?¡±

    ¡°A few came just now. As the police are here, they managed to disperse a few people. Fortunately, this is not a key traffic area. Otherwise, there would be greater issues.¡±

    Ring! Ring! Ring! The people around the school could clearly hear the anxious ring of the bell in Ping Cheng High School.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing¡¯s expressions changed greatly. Shi Qing said anxiously, ¡°Qiao Nan, this is the first bell!¡± If they did not manage to enter the examination hall in ten minutes, they would have to take the examination next year.

    Upon hearing what Shi Qing said, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were red with hatred.

    He could not think of who the Qiao family had offended that the other party had to be so merciless in harming Qiao Nan such that she could not take the college entrance examination this year.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Dongliang had been a soldier and had been restraining himself with the sense of justice that told him not to act rashly, Qiao Dongliang would have liked to go crazy for once at this moment. He wanted to beat down everyone that was standing in Qiao Nan and his way. Why were they so noisy?

    ¡°Wow, a green jeep?!¡±

    Shi Qing was so anxious that she was perspiring badly. Beads of sweat were dripping from her head, drenching her clothes and blurring her eyes.

    Fortunately, although her eyes were flooded by tears, her eyesight was still as good. Hence, she could clearly see two green jeepsing toward them on the road. On each jeep, there were more than ten soldiers wearing the camouge army uniform.

    These soldiers¡¯ uniforms were straight and neat; the cors also seemed quite stiff.

    The first one that came down from the front passenger seat was Zhai Sheng. He was wearing the green camouge army uniform and a green military cap. His eyes were strict and his expression solemn. Those thin lips of his were pursed and the thick and dark eyebrows knitted, expressing his state of mind and the severity of the current situation.

    As Zhai Sheng alighted from the green jeep, that unique aura and murderous feel of a soldier immediately made the few who were near him as silent as the cicadas during the winter. They shrank their necks like small quails and abidingly moved out of the way for Zhai Sheng.

    At one nce, Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan, who was looking anxious. His frown deepened. ¡°Where¡¯s the police?¡±

    ¡°Here, here!¡± When those from the police station saw that the officer from the army was also here, their previously warm sweat turned into cold ones.

    ¡°Summon all the policemen from the nearby stations.¡±

    ¡°Reporting, officer, they¡¯ve already been summoned. See, they are here!¡± Fortunately, at this time, the sirens of police cars could be heard as they arrived. The chief of the police station wiped his sweat as he heaved a sigh of relief.

    Zhai Sheng took a nce. ¡°Now, how many people do you have? To disperse a small group each.¡±

    ¡°We are unable to disperse them!¡± The chief of the police station was also in a difficult position. These people seemed to be ying a game, or rather, they were in guerri warfare with them.

 Chapter 762 - Zhai Sheng Saved the Day

    <h4>Chapter 762 Zhai Sheng Saved the Day</h4>

    When they dispersed a group of people, the same group moved to another ce in the crowd. When the group was dispersed again, they returned to the original ce where they were first dispersed.

    ¡°They can¡¯t be dispersed? These people are disrupting the safety and order of society. They should be arrested to teach them a lesson!¡±

    ¡°Thew cannot be enforced when everyone is an offender.¡± The chief of the police station revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry.

    Upon hearing the words of the chief of the police station, the slight fear that the ordinary citizens felt when they heard that they would be detained bymitting such acts vanished. They became more arrogant instead.

    Wasn¡¯t that so? There were so many people. How were they going to arrest them all?

    Zhai Sheng shouted coldly, ¡°Thew cannot be enforced when everyone is an offender? It also doesn¡¯t mean that they should not be punished. Disperse immediately. The initial action is to disperse. Those whom you have dispersed earlier but appear again, each police officer will simply arrest five of them and fine them 300 yuan each. For those who resist, each police officer will arrest two of them and fine them 500 yuan each. If anyone retaliates or attacks the police officers, they should be detained for a period and fined an amount in ordance with thew. Also, if these people are employees, simply report this matter to their respective employers. Intentionally stirring up troubles, disrupting the peace of the society, refusing to obeyw and regtions, and going against thew by attacking the police¡ªall these will result in severe punishments. Police officers, army officers, andw are meant to protect and defend the interests of legitimate citizens who arew-abiding. These resources are not for these mobs to abuse!¡±

    ¡°Yes, officer!¡± Earlier, the chief of the police station did not dare to do this as they were afraid of bearing the responsibility. If the matter were to blow up, they would be easily used by public opinions, saying that they had gone overboard or something.

    Now, this officer had given orders and he would bear the consequences if there were any issues. He just had to follow the orders and carry out the tasks ordingly.

    The police officers who had just arrived happened to hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s orders. Hence, without any word, they started to deal with the traffic flow.

    More than ten people who were standing around Zhai Sheng ran away in fear when they heard clearly what Zhai Sheng said.

    They were paid at most fifty yuan for theirbor to stand here for half a day. If they were arrested, taken to the police station, and fined hundreds of yuan, the money that they earned was not even enough to cover their fine. In addition, they had to bear the heat of the sun for half a day. After suffering, they still had to pay for it. Only a fool would continue to stay.

    ¡°Make way.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Thirty soldiers alighted from the jeeps. Under the orders of Zhai Sheng, they formed two lines with a distance of about two meters between every two soldiers. If anyone dared to break through the soldiers¡¯ line of defense, thetter could easily grab the cor of the offender with one hand and fling them to the police without a word.

    The police officers also understood what was expected. Without any words of exchange and without giving a second chance, they would catch hold of the offender and immediately push them into the police car.

    It was not only that. There were many police officers but very few police cars.

    Hence, the police officers even mobilized the four-wheeled cars of families nearby who were not involved in themotion to help them send the people to the police stations for fining.

    With one wave, Zhai Sheng offered the green jeep.

    A typical car could at most sit a few people while there was no problem at all for the green jeep that Zhai Sheng drove here to sit ten or twenty people. Its one trip was equivalent to four or five trips with the police car.

    Killing one to cause fear in the rest.

    With this kind of swift and sweeping action, within five minutes, thirty soldiers had immediately paved two ways out.

    One path was a direct route to the entrance of Ping Cheng High School, while the other path was to the scene of the car ident.

    If there were any areas with insufficient manpower, those men brought by Shi Peng immediately made up for it. Under the coborative efforts of government, police, and the army, the entrance of the school that was disorderly and messy a second ago quieted down immediately.

    ¡°Students who are taking the college entrance examination, please enter the school now!¡±

    Under the order of Zhai Sheng, the students, including Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, immediately entered the route for the students.

    After all, the first bell had already rung. Many students from other schools who were stuck at the entrance had been crying due to anxiety. Without a word, they rushed into the school and hoped to reach the examination hall within the remaining period of ten minutes.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Shi Qing, quickly, the two of you.¡± Qiao Dongliang heaved a sigh of relief as he hurried the two youngdies into the path for the students.

    ¡°Aye.¡± Shi Qing wiped the sweat off her face and pulled Qiao Nan along as she ran. She had nced at the time. There were only three minutes left.

    Fortunately, all the students had already familiarized themselves with the location of the examination hall before the examination. They ran toward their respective examination halls without the need to search for them. Otherwise, these three minutes would be terrible.

    At thest minute, Qiao Nan managed to rush to the examination hall with her hair drenched and stered to her face.

    ¡°You¡¯ve finally arrived. Fortunately, fortunately. Hurry,e in!¡± The invigtor was apparently aware of themotion at the school¡¯s entrance. The people in the school had also tried to make arrangements for the students toe in but to no avail.

    Notwithstanding the students, the teachers in the school were also anxious.

    Fortunately, with the group of students that streamed in, many teachers heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    If the students taking the college entrance examination at Ping Cheng High School this year did not do well as they lost the rights to take the examination, there would be major implications. It would be a big issue and many people would be criticized, punished, and even demoted.

    ¡°Thank you, teacher.¡± Qiao Nan gasped. She could feel her heart thumping loudly in her chest.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Calm down. Don¡¯t be nervous and don¡¯t panic. When you receive the paperster, review the questions carefully and don¡¯t be anxious to attempt the questions.¡± Toward those with special circumstances and had just arrived at the examination hall, the invigtors were more lenient.

    Ten minutes ago, the number of students who did not turn up was not just one, two, three, or four. The head of the invigtors at Ping Cheng High School had contacted the Education Bureau immediately to check with the director of the Education Bureau on how to resolve the problem.

    After taking out the exam admission ticket and the basic stationery, Qiao Nan put down her schoolbag. She then took out her little handkerchief and the medicated oil before she walked back to her seat at the fastest speed.

    Qiao Nan first used the water to wet the handkerchief and wiped her sticky and wet face three times.

    Coincidentally, the bell rang to signal the start of the examination!

    Qiao Nan patted her face a few times to calm herself down, perking herself up and regaining her senses so that she could feel energized to deal with the examinations.

    Xu Tingting, who was in the same examination hall as Qiao Nan, was wide-eyed as she stared at Qiao Nan in disbelief. When the first bell rang, she had thought that there would be no chance for Qiao Nan to enter the examination hall. How did shee in?

    Compared to Qiao Nan who was gradually calming down, Xu Tingting was feeling both angry and resentful.

    There is a saying which suggested that there¡¯s an asion of reaching a state where there are favorable climate and geographical position and the support of the people.

    Xu Tingting had felt that today was the day that all things were in her favor. Qiao Nan, this arrogant and boastful woman, was finally having her well-deserved retribution and could not participate in the college entrance examination anymore.

    With one less major opponent such as Qiao Nan, it did not matter even though she might not fare better than others.

 Chapter 763 - Arrived in Time

    <h4>Chapter 763 Arrived in Time</h4>

    As long as she could get into a top tier key university earlier than Qiao Nan, she would have won against Qiao Nan in this lifetime. Qiao Nan would not be able to make aeback anymore.

    In the heat of things, who would have expected that Qiao Nan would rush in during thest three minutes?

    When Qiao Nan received the examination papers and was reviewing the questions, Xu Tingting was still in a daze. She was thinking about how Qiao Nan managed to enter the school when so many people did not manage to do so. Had wings grown on Qiao Nan and so she flew into the school?

    When the teacher announced that they could start to attempt the questions, Xu Tingting was not even holding her pen.

    When the examination began, the invigtor paid more attention to those students who came in during thest three minutes. They were observing their state of mind and if they were calm enough to take the test.

    After confirming the extent to which these students were affected, they then began to invigte the rest of the students in the entire ssroom.

    After one round of invigtor, five minutes had passed and the teacher discovered that Xu Tingting had not penned anything despite having held the examination paper for five minutes.

    The teacher knocked on Xu Tingting¡¯s table with his finger. ¡°Student, please quickly make use of the limited time to attempt the questions.¡±

    After saying that, the invigtor left.

    Xu Tingting jumped in shock. Panic filled her eyes as she quickly lifted her pen and attempted the papers directly without even reviewing first.

    During the college entrance examination, gel pens were used. They were different from pencils in which the writings could be erased with an eraser and rewritten.

    The more Xu Tingting panicked and answered the questions without preparation, the more hups urred. She had already made a few mistakes in her writing after answering a few questions.

    For the humanities examination, there were marks awarded for keeping the handwriting neat and papers tidy. One could attain about two marks if they were neat when attempting the questions.

    People like Xu Tingting who made many corrections would no longer be able to receive any of such marks.

    When Qiao Nan was working hard in the examination hall, Shi Peng and Zhai Sheng were also busy. Qiao Dongliang pulled that thief caught by Shi Qing directly to Shi Peng and Zhai Sheng. ¡°He is a thief. He only tried to steal from Nan Nan and not anyone else.¡±

    As soon as they heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, both Shi Peng and Zhai Sheng felt that something was amiss.

    Undoubtedly, Qiao Dongliang was the one who sent Qiao Nan and Shi Qing to school for the examination.

    With this trio, it was impossible that the thief would set his eyes on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°If Shi Qing had not caught him, he would have stolen Nan Nan¡¯s examination admission ticket!¡± At the mention of this, Qiao Dongliang could not help giving the thief a few punches. The thief simply wailed in pain.

    ¡°Arrest him and interrogate him thoroughly.¡± Zhai Sheng already sensed that this so-called incident was clearly a masterminded livity.

    If he had not given the orders for those who were caught twice to be fined, those people would not even be willing to leave. It was not because they wanted to join the crows. They would simply refuse to leave.

    Who would one drop one¡¯s proper work ande here to ¡®sunbathe¡¯ in such hot weather?

    Fortunately, the people who were involved in themotion today were ordinary citizens. After arresting a group of them, it would not be difficult to investigate this matter thoroughly.

    ¡°Rest assured, officer. We will definitely ¡®entertain¡¯ them properly. They actually harbored ill intentions on the buds of our mothend. In particr, it¡¯s the college entrance examination today. We definitely can¡¯t spare them lightly.¡± The chief of the police station nearly rolled up his sleeves and expressed that he would definitely go all out regarding this.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t...¡± The thief was very frightened. ¡°I, I¡¯m not going to the police station. I, I didn¡¯t steal anything.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯ve been caught red-handed. There are both a witness and proof. Be more honest. You can¡¯t escape from this!¡± The chief of the police station got someone to cuff the thief up immediately. ¡°Officer, please rest assured. We will definitely get to the bottom of this matter. Once we have the findings, we will report to you immediately.¡±

    ¡°Call this number.¡± Zhai Sheng passed his office number to the chief.

    The chief took a nce and straightened himself respectfully. ¡°Officer, please rest assured. I will certainly do.¡±

    ¡°Be honest and get into the car now.¡± The police officer immediately shoved the thief into the police car. ¡°You dared toy your hands on a student taking the college entrance examination. You¡¯re so daring. You¡¯re of this age and not married yet, right? You did something so mean. When you are married and have kids in the future, and your kids encounter the same thing during their college entrance examination, that will be your retribution!¡±

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, Officer Shi, I, I¡¯ll make a trip to the hospital.¡± After handing the thief to the police officer, Qiao Dongliang certainly felt more assured. However, he had not forgotten about the person who had caused this traffic jam today. It was Ding Jiayi, the wife that he had separated from for two years.

    After the crowd was dispersed, Qiao Dongliang could clearly see a pool of red and eye-catching blood on the ground.

    They had been married for more than a decade. Even if Ding Jiayi did not have any conscience, Qiao Dongliang could not bring himself to helplessly watch Ding Jiayi die.

    Shi Peng knitted his brows and took out two hundred yuan immediately. ¡°I only have this much on me. Take them first. If it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll send you moreter.¡±

    Shi Peng had already heard that the woman who was sent to hospital was the ¡®masked¡¯ Ding Jiayi of the Qiao family, the wife of Qiao Dongliang whom he had not met.

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face swelled and turned crimson immediately. He felt ashamed to take these two hundred yuan from Shi Peng or wait for Shi Peng to send him money. Even if the money was borrowed, he did not have the shame to take them.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was obvious that everything that happened today was targeted at Qiao Nan. Someone wanted to harm Qiao Nan and make her miss the college entrance examination.

    As Shi Qing was always together with Qiao Nan, Shi Qing was directly implicated and nearly could not make it in time for the college entrance examination. At this juncture, Qiao Dongliang just felt ashamed when he saw Shi Peng.

    In addition, Ding Jiayi¡¯s ident was used by someone as an excuse to drag down Qiao Nan and they insisted that she followed Ding Jiayi to the hospital.

    It was obvious from various clues that Ding Jiayi¡¯s appearance itself entailed a very big problem.

    After connecting the dots and recollecting all the previous deeds of Ding Jiayi to make Qiao Nan quit school, Qiao Dongliang felt that he had a reason to suspect that it was highly probable that Ding Jiayi was the mastermind behind all that happened today.

    If he had guessed it correctly, if those who had been arrested earlier only needed to pay a fine and leave the police station thereafter, then, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s crime, she must be detained at the police station for at least a few days.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Hurry and take it. I will get someone to help at Qiao Nan and Shi Qing¡¯s side. Do whatever you should now. Qiao Nan is a sensible and obedient child. She won¡¯t be unhappy that you¡¯re not around. Furthermore, she should have already been used to such situations.¡± The ring Shi Peng also put all the me on Ding Jiayi.

    For the sake of letting Qiao Nan miss taking the college entrance examination, Ding Jiayi, this mother, could use all ways and means. These methods made people boil with anger!

    Regardless of how angry he was, on the ount of giving Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang face, Shi Peng had to offer the money.

    He could not possibly let the reporters make news headlines such as a heartless daughter did not care about the life and death of her mother, choosing her future over her dying mother by taking the college entrance examination. This kind of news had an adverse influence on society.

 Chapter 764 - Indeed, It Was Him

    <h4>Chapter 764 Indeed, It Was Him</h4>

    As a government official of Ping Cheng, of course, Shi Peng had to think of ways to prevent such untrue and adverse news at all means.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Indeed, Qiao Dongliang did not bring much money with him. In order to save up for Qiao Nan¡¯s college fees, Qiao Dongliang never carried more than twenty yuan with him.

    After taking the money from Shi Peng, Qiao Dongliang rushed to the hospital immediately. He then paid to the hospital the two hundred yuan that Shi Peng lent him for Ding Jiayi¡¯s medical expenses.

    Obviously, if Ding Jiayi¡¯s injuries were very severe, two hundred yuan was grossly inadequate.

    When Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized for a simr situation previously, the expenses were about a thousand to two thousand yuan.

    After Qiao Dongliang left, Shi Peng then looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°What are your thoughts on this matter?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not done by Ding Jiayi.¡±

    ¡°What proof do you have?¡± Why did he sound so certain?

    ¡°Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t run to the main road alone to be knocked down by a car just to let Nan Nan quit school. In her eyes, she¡¯s the jade and Nan Nan is the tile.¡±

    ¡°...¡± All of a sudden, Shi Peng felt that he could not refute this. ¡°If it¡¯s not Ding Jiayi, then who would stir up so much trouble just to deal with one Qiao Nan?¡±

    Given today¡¯s situation-manpower, resources, finance-none of these was dispensable.

    In other words, the person who wanted to deal with Qiao Nan was not a simple figure.

    ¡°Have you forgotten? Among the people that you know, one of them is capable of doing so.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes looked very gloomy and dark. He had many suspects in his mind.

    ¡°Who?¡± It did note to Shi Peng¡¯s mind initially but he had a realization thereafter. ¡°Are you saying that it¡¯s Qiu Chenxi?!¡±

    Certainly, if it was Qiu Chenxi, she would certainly be able to do this if she was willing to.

    Ring! The cell phone in Shi Peng¡¯s pocket rang. Secretary Feng was the one who made the call. ¡°Director Shi, we¡¯ve already interrogated them. All of them gave the same statement. They said someone paid them fifty yuan and told them that they had to stand in front of Ping Cheng High School¡¯s entrance no matter what, and they could only leave after half-past nine.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I got it. You¡¯ve worked hard. You cane back.¡± Shi Peng was not surprised by this answer. ¡°Secretary Feng called and said that these people were indeed paid to do this. The average monthly wage of an individual is only a hundred or two hundred yuan. Someone is willing to pay them half a month¡¯s wages to invite them to stand under the sun for half a day. It¡¯s no wonder so many people came.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Counting the number of people present earlier, the money dumped in today was enough to buy more than one house in Ping Cheng. This person had really gone all out. ¡°Besides Qiu Chenxi, there¡¯s another person who is very suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, Nan Nan¡¯s biological sister. She has been living together with Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi has not appeared for more than two years and Qiao Zijin not more than a year. Last year, Qiao Zijin took the college entrance examination for college admission but she didn¡¯t once look for Uncle Qiao. With Ding Jiayi one woman alone, it¡¯s very tough to raise Qiao Zijin and herself, let alone let Qiao Zijin continue her studies in a college. It is already strange enough that Ding Jiayi, after disappearing for more than two years, appeared today in front of Ping Cheng High School. Nan Nan told me before that Ding Jiayi listens very much to Qiao Zijin. Hence, the reason that Ding Jiayi woulde here should be rted to Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t appear...¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s hiding in a dark spot then?!¡± Shi Peng narrowed his eyes. His sharp eyes that resembled those of an eagle were scanning the dead-end corners surrounding the main street, wanting to search out Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was so frightened by those extremely sharp eyes of Shi Peng that her heart almost jumped out of her chest.

    Qiao Zijin squatted down. She dared not peek at Shi Peng and Zhai Shen anymore. Instead, she waited quietly for these people to leave.

    After some time, Qiao Zijin then took out her cell phone and redialed a certain telephone number. ¡°Our greatest fear hase true. My mom has been sent to the hospital by someone else. Now, my dad is bringing some money to the hospital to see my mom. As for Qiao Nan...¡±

    Clearly, they had spent so much effort. How was it possible that Qiao Nan could still enter Ping Cheng High School and participate in the college entrance examination?!

    ¡°Zhai Sheng appeared?¡± Chen Jun sneered. Among the people that Qiao Nan knew, Zhu Baoguo was a kid that had not grown up. He even needed Qiao Nan to help him. Hence, Zhu Baoguo did not have the capability to help Qiao Nan resolve any real problems.

    Besides Zhu Baoguo, Chen Jun could only think of Zhai Sheng, who had both the capability and resources.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just Zhai Sheng. There¡¯s another person who¡¯s a government official. I heard them address him as Director Shi or something. Who is he?¡± One year ago, she had never seen this man when she went to the small courtyard of the Qiao family. ¡°This man is the one who gave my dad the money for my mom¡¯s hospitalization expenses. He¡¯s so generous. He offered two hundred yuan just like that.¡± Her mother worked hard during the day and stayedte at night. Despite this, she might not even earn two hundred yuan a month.

    ¡°Someone with the surname Shi?¡± Chen Jun hesitated for a moment. ¡°How do you feel about this person?¡± Although Chen Jun had someone in mind that fulfilled Qiao Zijin¡¯s description, he stubbornly refused to acknowledge it and wanted to confirm.

    ¡°He gives me the feeling that he¡¯s simr to my dad. Right, oh, I know. Is this person previously from the army?¡± The charisma that a soldier exuded from his inner self could not be easily emted by others. It was also something that a soldier himself could not hide.

    ¡°True enough, it¡¯s him.¡± Chen Jun sighed sullenly. ¡°The money that he gave your dad, do you think it¡¯s purely because he¡¯s a government official or...¡±

    ¡°He seems to be on quite good terms with my dad and Qiao Nan. There¡¯s a youngdy by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and she¡¯s the daughter of this Director Shi.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Chen Jun felt extremely sore and regretful. The remorse in his heart hit him like huge and raging waves, almost drowning him.

    From the moment that he met Qiao Nan, he already knew that she was a useful woman.

    Qiao Nan was ultimately a great master. Zhai Sheng took a liking to her, and even a character such as Shi Peng was rted to her.

    If his n two years ago was sessful, making Qiao Nan his girlfriend, he would have the help of not only the Zhai family but also the Shi family. Did the Chen family still have to worry about their future?

    If he had known that today woulde, he should have been more caring and meticulous toward Qiao Nan in the past. A stubborn woman would eventually sumb to a persistent man. He should not have simply given up after his thoughts had been exposed by Qiao Nan just once or twice.

    If there was another chance, he would definitely use his utmost sincerity to make Qiao Nan be his girlfriend and even his wife!

    Qiao Zijin did not know who Shi Peng was but Chen Jun knew.

    Chen Jun was even aware that Shi Peng was indispensable to Zhai Sheng, who, despite his young age, could be so sessful today.

    Shi Peng could nurture another Zhai Sheng as long as he was willing to. Even if Chen Jun could not be the second Zhai Sheng, at the very least, he would only be slightly worse than Zhai Sheng and also be an outstanding soldier or politician!

 Chapter 765 - Has Not Failed Completely

    <h4>Chapter 765 Has Not Failed Completely</h4>

    It was a sheer pity that all these slipped away from him just because Qiao Nan did not be his girlfriend.

    If he had known that today woulde, he should have learned from Wei De, that son-inw of the Zhai family. He should have spent more time and effort to sweet-talk Qiao Nan into believing him. After some time, everything would have belonged to him no matter what!

    Qiao Zijin broke out in a cold sweat. ¡°You... Why are youughing?¡±

    The n was a fiasco. Those people whom they had hired were arrested. Upon interrogation, the truth of the matter would definitely be revealed. After half an hour of torture, Qiao Nan still entered the school eventually and took the college entrance examination.

    They had not achieved any of the objectives that they had set out to do. On the other hand, her mother had really been hit by a car and was admitted to the hospital lying down.

    At the thought of that pool of blood darkening by the street, Qiao Zijin could not help feeling panic.

    Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be a minor injury? Why was there so much blood? Would anything happen to her mother?

    ¡°I¡¯m notughing at anything.¡± Qiao Nan did not have that kind of feeling for him and yet was outstanding beyond his imagination. In fact, she was more stunning than the wife that he had imagined and wished for. Then, at the sight of the Qiao Zijin before him who had feelings for him but performance-wise could not bepared to a single strand of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair, Chen Jun felt that destiny was fooling with him.

    If these two people¡¯s situations were reversed, how great that would be?

    ¡°Right, Brother Chen, didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ll only let my mom suffer some minor injury, that you¡¯ll find someone to look after her and not let anything happen to her? Today, it seems that...¡± Her mother¡¯s condition was more serious than she had imagined.

    ¡°Of course, I will do as I promised you. Why are you interrogating me in this way? Is your mom dead?¡± He was already annoyed and angry that he let slip such a gooddy like Qiao Nan. After all, Qiao Nan¡¯s qualities and conditions were exactly the same as the bride that he had wished for. She was even a little better.

    Hence, his temper simply exploded when Qiao Zijin spoke.

    ¡°No, Brother Chen, don¡¯t be angry. I know that you¡¯ll definitely be able to carry out what you have promised me. I don¡¯t doubt you. That¡¯s my biological mother after all. At the sight of her lying in a pool of blood and not moving, I, wouldn¡¯t I panic and feel my heart ache?¡±

    In fact, after Ding Jiayi had the car ident, Qiao Zijin had been refraining herself from looking at the scene where Ding Jiayi was lying down and bleeding. She was fearful that it would leave a phobia on her.

    ¡°Your heart aches now? You¡¯re panicking now? Before the n started, I¡¯ve already made everything clear to you. I didn¡¯t lie to you, right?¡± Chen Jun was full of disdain. Wasn¡¯t this considered shedding crocodile tears? He would not buy this kind of tactic.

    If Qiao Nan was the ideal bride in his heart, Qiao Zijin was someone of his kind or even more vicious than him.

    Knowing that there would be a car ident, not everyone would dare to lure her own biological mother out for the sake of her own interest. Before the biological mother was going to be knocked down by a car, she did not even remind her mother to be careful on the road or something.

    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t lie to me. I, I know all these.¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to cry but there were no tears. She did not intend to me Brother Chen. She was just worried about her mother and was frightened by what happened today. She was hoping that Brother Chen would say something nice to console her.

    She was not expecting too much. Why did Brother Chen re up so badly?

    ¡°Brother Chen, are you unhappy because all the ns have failed?¡± Qiao Zijin asked in a cautious manner.

    ¡°Partially.¡± Chen Jun leaned back against his chair. ¡°The n is not sessful. Who can feel happy? Nevertheless, we may not have failedpletely. Just wait and see. The show has not ended.¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng caused him to be in such dire straits. Zhai Sheng¡¯s status and reputation were too high and he could not deal with or be on par with him. However, who was Qiao Nan? She was a nobody and yet she dared to destroy his many years of effort and hard work.

    Qiao Nan made him lost everything painfully. She also caused his father to lose the results of half his lifetime. Therefore, he also wanted to let Qiao Nan experience the same pain and despair of having someone suddenly take away all the interests and good things that were already before one¡¯s eyes!

    His admiration for her was a separate issue. He still had feelings of anger and annoyance.

    Whether it was the new scores or old hatred, Chen Jun had never forgotten about it for a moment.

    Although Qiao Nan had already taken the college entrance examination, he had a backup n that could make her pay a high price and experience the pain of beingpelled to do something against her wishes.

    ¡°Brother Chen, so you do have a way. I know that Qiao Nan can forget about being happy again with you around.¡± When she heard what Chen Jun said, Qiao Zijin felt more assured. She was afraid that Qiao Nan would not lose anything in the end after they had gone through so much trouble. All her effort and hard work would be in vain then. Her mother would have been knocked down by a car for nothing. ¡°Brother Chen, what should I do next?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything. Find a ce to hide. Unless your mother recovers and can defend you in front of your father, you just have to hide abidingly. The good thing is that it¡¯s summer vacation now and you don¡¯t need to go out. If you don¡¯t listen to me and pretend to be a filial daughter to sabotage Qiao Nan, I can¡¯t guarantee you the final oue. If any unexpected circumstances arise because of this, you have to be responsible for it too. Understand?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s lone appearance had already exposed Qiao Zijin, this pawn.

    If Qiao Zijin wanted to remain peaceful and well in the hands of Qiao Dongliang without being beaten to death, she would have to wait for Ding Jiayi to regain consciousness to defend her.

    Although the n this time was not sessful -in fact, it was not close to perfect at all Qiao Zijin was still of some use at this point in time.

    Before Qiao Zijinpletely lost her worth and usefulness, of course, he had to protect this pawn.

    ¡°Brother Chen, don¡¯t worry. I, I will certainly not do that.¡± Those little thoughts and cheap tricks of Qiao Zijin which had just arisen in her mind were immediately wiped out by Chen Jun¡¯s words.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Chen Jun sneered. In this world, an intelligent woman was not scary. In fact, she was adorable. However, a woman who was not intelligent but believed herself to be was more scary and detestable!

    Upon hearing Chen Jun¡¯s sneer, Qiao Zijin felt her goosebumps rose immediately. She had a feeling that Chen Jun had seen through her mind. ¡°Brother Chen, I...¡±

    ¡°Regardless of what you have been thinking, I only look at what you will do in the future. Understand?¡± Chen Jun interrupted Qiao Zijin¡¯s words as he could not be bothered to listen to Qiao Zijin¡¯s exnation.

    ¡°Brother Chen, rest assured. You... you just have to wait for me to perform.¡± At this juncture, Qiao Zijin dared not have any further thoughts of her own. She would act ording to Chen Jun¡¯s every order. Despite her good intentions, she might end up making more mistakes if she did more things. Chen Jun would feel more annoyed then.

    After hanging up the phone call with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin breathed a sigh of relief.

    In the past, when she did not know Chen Jun well, she was full of hope and longing for him. However, after more interactions, Qiao Zijin always felt that she no longer had those initial feelings.

    Moreover, she would often fear facing this man whose exterior seemed as warm and sunny as the April sun in spring. It was just very strange.

 Chapter 766 - Whose Side Are You On?

    <h4>Chapter 766 Whose Side Are You On?</h4>

    Among all the men of high social status that she met, Chen Jun had the best temper and the brightest smile. Why would she be fearful of him?

    In the meantime, after ending the phone call with Qiao Zijin, Chen Jun dialed another number right away to report the progress. ¡°This is the case... There is no need for you to be angry. Things have note to an end. We are not defeated. Ding Jiayi is already in the hospital. Her medical fees will cost a lot. But do the Qiao family have the money? Regardless of how close Ding Jiayi is with Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan, if they leave Ding Jiayi in the hospital and do not take care of her, all I have to do is to tell a reporter about this and their reputation will be tarnished. They can no longer stay in Ping Cheng. By then, you will attain your goal. Even if Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang have no choice but to take care of Ding Jiayi, the problem is, do they have the ability to take care of her?¡±

    The other party seemed to be appeased for the time being at Chen Jun¡¯s words and was not as agitated as before.

    ¡°Yes, you can rest assured that Qiao Nan is ourmon enemy. You will not let her off, while I will make sure that she suffers. In fact, apart from Qiao Nan, we have many other things to talk about.¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s tone changed. There was a hint of romantic feelings in his tone.

    No matter how outstanding or brilliant Qiao Nan was, she was his enemy and he could never marry her.

    What he wanted was a wife who would be helpful to him and the Chen family. Furthermore, Qiao Nan was guarded closely by Zhai Sheng. He might be daring, but he would never dare to have designs on Qiao Nan. He had already learned his lesson from what happened previously.

    Qiao Nan was his first choice as a future wife. It was such a coincidence that now that it was no longer possible to be with her, his second-best candidate appeared right before him.

    In the past, she would never take a fancy to him given her social status. However, that was in the past. Right now, if he put in more effort, things might work out between them.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiu Chenxi smiled dryly. Chen Jun, who was on the other end of the phone, was dealt a harsh blow by her fake smile. ¡°Chen Jun, don¡¯t think of having things that do not belong to you. Don¡¯t make me regret to work with you.¡±

    He was thinking of punching above one¡¯s weight. He must be dreaming!

    ¡°Were you the one who looked for me? Why do I remember that I was the one who approached you?¡± Chen Jun corrected her on purpose.

    ¡°Fine! From today onward, I will deal with Qiao Nan by myself. This is the end of our deal!¡± Qiu Chenxi did not have a good temper. Furthermore, what Chen Jun said was equivalent to poking at her weakness.

    Qiu Chenxi had left Ping Cheng for a year. Although she had been behaving herself, she had no intention of giving up on Zhai Sheng. She was merely waiting for the best chance to strike.

    Two months ago, Chen Jun went to look for Qiu Chenxi and told her a fact-Qiao Nan was the poor and young girlfriend of Zhai Sheng.

    It was conceivable that upon hearing the news, Qiu Chenxi felt as if she was struck by lightning. She took a long time to react.

    She had never expected that the vixen whom she had been dying to winkle had been around her all along. In fact, she was the bait that she had been using to lure the vixen!

    Therefore, whenever she went to look for Qiao Nan, asking her to tell her who the vixen was, Qiao Nan must beughing at her foolishness and stupidity.

    Right now, Qiu Chenxi recalled that all the information that Qiao Nan had revealed about the vixen matched Qiao Nan very well.

    If she had known that Qiao Nan was the vixen, when she treated Shi Qing to a meal, she should have gone all out to destroy Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Don¡¯t... don¡¯t be angry. You must know that gentlemen will look for gentle and graceful youngdies to be their wives. It is my right to pursue you, and you can choose to ignore me. It has nothing to do with our coboration. If you are not willing, I will not bring it up again. Is that alright?¡± It would do no good for Chen Jun to provoke Qiu Chenxi.

    Furthermore, he was not joking. He was serious about marrying Qiu Chenxi in order to have a brighter future.

    He had learned from his experience with Qiao Nan that when pursuing ady, he must not be impatient. He must put in more effort and show the other party his sincerity.

    He had not seeded in wooing Qiao Nan, let alone Qiu Chenxi, who had always been haughty and arrogant as if she was high up in the air.

    No matter whether it was Qiu Chenxi or Qiao Nan, they were not the girls that he used to be with in the past. Those tricks that he used to coax them would not work anymore.

    It was true that he had failed to win Qiao Nan¡¯s favor. However, if he was able to learn his lessons and seed in pursuing Qiu Chenxi, then his failure would be worthwhile. It was a chance for him to learn and understand how to seed in wooing Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°What should we do next!?¡± Qiu Chenxi had only one goal in mind when she contacted people like Chen Jun¡ªthat was to destroy Qiao Nan-so that she could no longer fight with her for Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng was such a good catch. She could never shortchange herself to be with Chen Jun, who was in all ways worse than him.

    Qiu Chenxi used to be with Zhai Sheng, the perfect man. She would never take a fancy to people like Chen Jun. If not because of Qiao Nan, she would never be in touch with people like him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. ording to what I have said just now, Qiao Nan is in deep trouble now. You should understand that money is not everything in this world, but one cannot do without money. Ding Jiayi¡¯s medical fees would amount to a huge sum. With that, Qiao Nan will not have the money to go to college.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng will not leave her in the lurch...¡± Qiu Chenxi bit her lip. She was very reluctant to admit this fact.

    Zhai Sheng really liked Qiao Nan. He would help her in everything that she did.

    It was no wonder that when she used to find trouble with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would always arrive in time to help her. It turned out that Qiao Nan was the vixen that she was looking for.

    All along, she had been fooled by Qiao Nan¡¯s good results!

    ¡°Help her? It is best that he helps her!¡± Chen Jun narrowed his eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s social status and family background are so far off from Zhai Sheng. She must have high self-esteem. If Qiao Nan is willing, Zhai Sheng will definitely help her.¡±

    The Zhai family had nock of money. It was easy for Zhai Sheng to provide for Qiao Nan.

    As long as Qiao Nan was willing, she could lead an easy life. But what happened was the opposite.

    Qiao Nan had been studying hard and working hard, tutoring students, in order to earn money for her school fees. She was trying her best not to rely too much on others.

    Qiao Nan might seem to be frail and weak, but she was still young. She had high self-esteem and was eager to seed.

    ¡°Are you on my side or on Qiao Nan¡¯s side? Why are you saying all these to hurt me?¡± Why was it that after being with Zhai Sheng for so many years, he was not the slightest bit concerned about her?

 Chapter 767 - Blood Transfusion at No Cost

    <h4>Chapter 767 Blood Transfusion at No Cost</h4>

    In the blink of an eye, Zhai Sheng showered Qiao Nan with love and concern, shielding her from all worries and problems, helping her whenever she needed him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I am just telling the truth.¡± Chen Jun was both amused and exasperated at her words. Qiu Chenxi had a nasty temper. Zhai Sheng, who came from a better family background, must have a temper as well. There was no need for him to tolerate her temper.

    It was no wonder that although Qiu Chenxi knew Zhai Sheng before Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan, the ¡®Cindere¡¯, won Zhai Sheng¡¯s affection in the end.

    ¡°You should know very well that Qiao Nan is very smart. If you want to deal with her, you must not be anxious. You must maintain your calm andposure. What I mean is that it is to our advantage that Zhai Sheng will do his best to help Qiao Nan. Two years ago, Qiao Dongliang was sent to the hospital after he got into a car ident. Back then, the medical fees were paid by Zhai Sheng. Although it was said that Zhai Sheng lent them the money, it has been two years and Qiao Nan has not returned the money to him. If my source is correct, Zhai Hua even made use of this to dig at Qiao Nan.¡±

    Of course, after which Zhai Sheng got back at Zhai Hua on behalf of Qiao Nan.

    However, Chen Jun kept this from Qiu Chenxi, lest she blew her top and lost her sanity.

    When Qiu Chenxi heard that Zhai Sheng went to Ping Cheng in two military cars today and had with him thirty soldiers to control the situation and make the way for Qiao Nan to enter the school, she was so furious that she smashed the phone.

    There was a buzzing sound before the phone went dead.

    When Qiu Chenxi reconnected the call, she had switched to a cell phone.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the cell phone. ¡°I understand what you mean. Alright, we will continue with our coboration.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you feel that we can continue with our ns. I will hang up first. I will contact you if anything crops up.¡± It would take time to win Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affection. Since she disliked the sight of him right now, it was best that he did not push her too hard.

    Chen Jun knew that Qiu Chenxi did not like him; in fact, she hated him. He was the person who told her the truth and made her suffer in embarrassment.

    Since she was disgusted by him, he was not in a hurry to pursue her.

    No matter what, it was impossible for Zhai Sheng to like Qiu Chenxi and she would not like anyone besides Zhai Sheng. Therefore, he had lots of time to move Qiu Chenxi with his sincerity.

    Qiu Chenxi hung up the phone on him.

    Chen Jun smiled at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ruthlessness and heartlessness. He had already failed to win Qiao Nan¡¯s affection. He would not fail the second time. He would make Qiu Chenxi fall in love with him.

    No matter how arrogant and haughty Qiu Chenxi was, he would make her fall for him sooner orter!

    Chen Jun¡¯s expression turned cold at that thought. ¡°Come in.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Go to the hospital and keep an eye on Ding Jiayi. I want you to give me a detailed report of her injuries. You have to bear in mind that if her injuries are not serious, try to make sure that she spends a longer time in the hospital. I want her to spend a bomb on her hospital bills. Do you understand my meaning?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± What he meant was to aggravate Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition on the premise that she would not die.

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    While Chen Jun carried out his n with Qiu Chenxi on the sly, Qiao Nan had finally finished her first exam.

    When Qiao Nan came out of the examination hall, her clothes were so wet that they were stered to her back.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, how did you do for the exams?¡± Shi Qing had already been waiting for Qiao Nan at the exit.

    ¡°Judging from your looks, you were not affected by what happened this morning?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. Indeed, Shi Qing could withstand mental stress. But she had implicated the rest of the candidates.

    ¡°Of course not. I am my dad¡¯s daughter, and I grew up in the army since a young age. I have seen lots of more intense and chaotic situations in the past.¡± Shi Qing patted her chest with a look of pride on her face.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go to have our meals. There is another exam in the afternoon.¡± Qiao Nan urged Shi Qing to stop thinking about it. Since it was over, they should not think about it or check the answers. It was more important to calm oneself down and prepare for the next exam.

    When Shi Qing and Qiao Nan came out of the examination hall, both Qiao Dongliang and Shi Peng were not around.

    If not for the sudden and urgent situation today, Shi Peng would not hurry to the school.

    Since the crowd in front of Ping Cheng High School had been dispersed, Shi Peng had to return to his work and continue with his duties. He was a government official. As a party member, he had to serve the people.

    Therefore, they were not surprised when they did not see their fathers. They had intended to have their lunch together.

    Perhaps it was due to what happened in the morning. Although the crowd was dispersed, there were a few security officers at the school entrance.

    Other than Ping Cheng High School, the government had sent people to be on guard at the other examination venues in all districts. This was to prevent the incident at Ping Cheng High School this morning from happening again.

    ¡°You are here.¡± The two of them were about to walk toward the canteen when they saw Zhai Sheng. He had changed out of his military uniform into casual clothes.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, why have you not gone back?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised. ¡°I suppose the soldiers have already left?¡± She thought that Brother Zhai had left with the soldiers.

    ¡°As a family member of the exam candidate, I certainly have to stay.¡± Zhai Sheng took the schoolbag from Qiao Nan. ¡°Are you on the way to the canteen to have your meal?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing had enough of their public disy of affection. She was so full that she did not need to have her lunch.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan replied. ¡°My dad...¡±

    ¡°He has gone to the hospital to check on Auntie Ding. Her injuries are quite serious.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan sped her forehead in exasperation. Her mother was hurt badly. She would need a lot of money for her operations, medicine, and blood transfusion. It would be simr to the amount of money that they spent when her father was hospitalized back then.

    But somehow, when she was spotted by the neighbor and was almost being dragged to the hospital in the morning, she felt particrly assured that her mother was not in a critical condition.

    She knew that no matter how serious her mother¡¯s injuries were, it would not be life-threatening.

    Since her mother was not in a critical condition, she could sit for her exam with a peaceful mind.

    Now that she had finished the exams, she had the time to worry about the huge amount of money that they needed to spend this time.

    It was no wonder that it had been more than a year but Qiao Zijin never appeared to ask her father for money. She had nned to use this money for her mother¡¯s medical bills...

    ¡°Do not worry.¡± Zhai Sheng touched Qiao Nan¡¯s ponytail lightly. ¡°When the thirty soldiers that I brought with me today heard that Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s mom was in a car ident and needed a blood transfusion, all of them went to the hospital to donate blood before going back to the camp.¡±

 Chapter 768 - Zhai Sheng Was the Powerful Assurance

    <h4>Chapter 768 Zhai Sheng Was the Powerful Assurance</h4>

    ¡°Really?!¡± Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. She was more excited than Qiao Nan. ¡°In this case, no one can say that Qiao Nan is cold-blooded. Do you know that the former neighbor we caught was so terrible to say that Qiao Nan disregarded her mother¡¯s condition and insisted on sitting for the college entrance examination? He insisted that Qiao Nan went to the hospital to donate blood to her.¡±

    Today was the day they had their college entrance examination. If Qiao Nan went to the hospital, she would not make it in time for her exams.

    If she donated blood to her mother, not only would she miss two subjects today, but she would also not be in her best condition to sit for the two other subjects¡¯ exams tomorrow.

    ¡°I know.¡± There was a cold glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Other people will always protect their children. In the Qiao family, it is Qiao Nan who helps her mom. Argh...¡± Shi Qing felt unjust on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf. The Qiao family¡¯s situation was indeed rare.

    In general, other people would render their help to someone else¡¯s children on ount of their parents.

    But for the case of the Qiao family, people rendered help to Qiao Nan¡¯s mother on ount of Qiao Nan.

    It was the other way round.

    ¡°Alright, say no more lest we lose our appetite.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved that the soldiers donated blood to Ding Jiayi on ount of her.

    At the very least, she had done what she should be doing as a daughter.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, what happened today was very strange. Have you made a thorough investigation? My dad will not just brush it off, will he? If he does that, I will settle with him at home!¡± Her father was supposed to serve the people. Qiao Nan was part of the citizens of China. Her father had to serve her as well.

    Her father had to defend the people¡¯s interests!

    ¡°Does Director Shi need his daughter to remind him?¡± Zhai Sheng nced askance at Shi Qing. ¡°We have already started to conduct the investigations. Most of the people were dispersed, but we have caught several of them, especially the thief. We will focus our investigations on him. He will not get away.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, all of them are after you. Do you have any suspects in mind?¡± The three of them took their meals and sat down. Zhai Sheng took two bowls of soup for Qiao Nan and himself. As for Shi Qing, she had to take care of herself.

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes at Zhai Sheng, but she still went to take a bowl of soup for herself. She did not harbor any hopes that Zhai Sheng would remember that she was his younger sister and his little junior.

    ¡°There are only those few people who want to get back at me.¡± Qiao Nan drank the soup that Zhai Sheng took for her to hydrate herself.

    Zhai Sheng made use of the time to refill Qiao Nan¡¯s drinking cup with warm water and ced it next to her. She had finished the water in the morning.

    ¡°Since your mom is here, what about your sister?¡±

    ¡°She must be here to watch the show. If not, my mom would not be here at Ping Cheng High School at this timing. In this world, Qiao Zijin is the only person who can order my mom around. I can¡¯t do it, and my dad can¡¯t do it as well.¡± After finishing the soup, Qiao Nan started to eat her rice. ¡°However, there are so many people this morning. They would not have followed the orders to block the streets for nothing. They must have stood to gain from this. Qiao Zijin does not have so much money, and she may be ruthless, but she is timid. Although she doesn¡¯t mind that Mom gets into an ident, she will not be so vicious to arrange for the ident to happen.¡±

    Of course, if someone else arranged the ident, or if it was really an ident, Qiao Zijin was someone who would watch by the side and pretended that she knew nothing.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin is working with someone.¡± This person was very rich.

    Shi Qing stared at Zhai Sheng after figuring that out. ¡°Brother Zhai, after spending so much time to interrogate the people that you have caught, have you found out anything from them?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng stretched out his hand with an open palm.

    cro11.

    ¡°Fifty yuan? The person is very generous.¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. It seemed that Qiao Zijin was working with a tycoon.

    If it was the year 2000, people would generally have a pay of around a few hundred yuan. Today, they only needed to crowd around on the street and they would be awarded half a month of sry. It was no wonder that so many people turned up on the street.

    ¡°...Fifty. The person is very generous.¡± Shi Qing had to admit that the mastermind must be a tycoon.

    Qiao Nan could not help but yawn. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about this. We will do a thorough check. When we finish the college entrance examination, we can do investigations. I have finished eating, but I feel sleepy.¡±

    ¡°You should go back to your dormitory to have a nap.¡± Zhai Sheng suggested.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Boys were forbidden from entering the girls¡¯ dormitory. Even if Brother Zhai said that he was one of the parents of the exam candidates, he would not be allowed entry. There were many other students at the school now.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I can find a ce to rest.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded as if he was very easy-going and could rest anywhere.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go back to the dormitory to take a nap. Now that you have mentioned it, I feel sleepy as well. Those exam candidates who are assigned to our school could only rest in the big ssroom. Since this is our school, we can rest at our dormitory.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt sorry that there was no ce that Brother Zhai could rest at. ¡°Brother Zhai, how about you go back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence? You have nothing to do but wait here. You can wait at your house as well.¡±

    Zhai Sheng cleared the table for Qiao Nan. As for Shi Qing, she had to clear them by herself. She had to me herself for not having a boyfriend. ¡°No, I have to stay at Ping Cheng High School. Alright, since you are sleepy, you should hurry back to the dormitory to rest. As for me, you are not the only reason that I stay behind. I have to stay in case anything happens in the afternoon. I will then be able to deal with it right away.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Qiao Nan, hurry up. Let¡¯s go back to the dormitory to take a nap.¡± Shi Qing caught Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. She dared not waste any more time. She pulled Qiao Nan in the direction of the dormitory.

    Previously, it was Zhai Sheng who carried Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag. Right now, Shi Qing carried her bag under Zhai Sheng¡¯s supervision.

    Shi Qing did not know what to say in this awkward situation. ¡°Stop being so long-winded. With Brother Zhai around, do you feel more assured when you sit for the exams? Do you feel that Brother Zhai will definitely settle it for you no matter what happens?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    What happened in the morning was indeed dangerous. Someone spent a huge sum of money to create trouble for her. Although she had been through rebirth, it was normal for her to feel apprehensive.

    But Zhai Sheng made her feel at ease. He was a powerful assurance to her. She could take the exam with a peaceful mind and focused on the exams.

    If Zhai Sheng did not turn up today, Qiao Nan was not confident that she would be able to maintain her standard or do better than usual.

 Chapter 769 - Could Not Stand Others Doing Well

    Chapter 769 Could Not Stand Others Doing Well

    Without Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan might do badly for the important college entrance examination this time.

    ¡°It seems that Brother Zhai has a great influence on you.¡± Shi Qing gently pushed Qiao Nan. ¡°Since he is willing to stay to give you moral support, why do you insist on pushing him away?¡± Though Brother Zhai said that he stayed behind in case something would happen, Shi Qing did not believe a single word he said.

    Those people were after Qiao Nan. What happened in the morning was very serious. It would definitely be on the news today and on the headlines for the newspaper tomorrow.

    Even if someone nned this deliberately, they would be fearful of the consequences. They would not have nned another simr event in the afternoon.

    The reason why Brother Zhai stayed behind was so that Qiao Nan would be assured and could sit for the college entrance examination with a peace of mind. It was important to have the correct mentality when sitting for the exams. If one had the correct mindset, one might be able to perform better than usual.

    Because of what happened today and the issue of whether Zhai Sheng should stay, Shi Qing realized that Zhai Sheng was a powerful assurance to Qiao Nan. This was the first time that she felt that Zhai Sheng was not the only person who cared very much for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan might seem to be tough on the outside, but in fact, she was very attached to Zhai Sheng. She relied on him and had the utmost trust in him.

    Brother Zhai was like an anchor that provided assurance and confidence to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai is an adult. He can decide for himself what to do. You do not need to worry about him. Alright, I have to sleep. I am very sleepy.¡± Shi Qing pushed Qiao Nan back to the dormitory.

    ¡°I feel sleepy too.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. Fang Fang and the rest of them had already returned to the dormitory. All of them were busy reading and revising.

    ¡°Well, since you are going to sleep, I will sleep as well. I will wake you up before the exams.¡± Shi Qing felt well-prepared for the exams as well. There was no need for her to do ast-minute reading. She was indeed sleepy and was not merely coaxing Qiao Nan. Upon returning to her dormitory, shey down and fell asleep.

    It was the same for Qiao Nan. She went back to her dormitory, took off her shoes, and went to sleep.

    Tang Mengran turned to look at Qiao Nan after she had fallen asleep. ¡°Nan Nan seemed to be very tired.¡±

    ¡°She is not tired but in a shock. Anyone would feel this way after what happened outside the school this morning.¡± Tao Zhenqin had a terrible headache.

    The five of them had agreed that if Nan Nan came back for a nap in the afternoon like usual, they would not bring up what happened in the morning, lest they reminded her of it and she was scared once again after recalling it.

    ¡°I...¡± Zheng Lingling hesitated. She heard that the person who was hit in the traffic ident this morning seemed to be Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. She had been away for two years.

    Fang Fang pulled Zheng Lingling¡¯s sleeves, gesturing for her to say no more. Did she not see that Qiao Nan had fallen asleep?

    It would upset Qiao Nan further to talk about the ident in the morning.

    ¡°I really envy her.¡± He Yun bit on her small handkerchief. ¡°I feel like sleeping as well. I am tired.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead to sleep. No one is forcing you to revise.¡± Fang Fang pushed her sses. She turned and focused on her books.

    He Yun sighed. ¡°I feel like sleeping too, but we do not have the same confidence as Qiao Nan. I am reading as much as I can now.¡±

    Zheng Lingling smiled. ¡°Since we are not as confident as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, stupid fools like us will have to study hard now.¡±

    The five of them in the dormitory looked at Qiao Nan, who was sleeping soundly. They were envious of her. To think that they were worried that Qiao Nan would still be in shock after what happened in the morning.

    She was indeed the top student. She was stronger than everyone in this aspect. They were worried sick for Qiao Nan, yet she behaved as if nothing had happened.

    Fang Fang did not let Qiao Nan sleep for too long. She woke her up one and a half-hourter.

    After looking at the time, Qiao Nan took a set of clothes and took a shower at the bathroom to wake herself up.

    When Shi Qing came looking for Qiao Nan, she had already changed into a new set of clothes, looking refreshed from her shower and was waiting for Shi Qing in her dormitory. ¡°Crap. I feel I should take a shower as well.¡± She had been drenched in sweat this morning.

    Shi Qing did not feel any difort when she was sleeping, but she felt ufortable in her smelly clothes. ¡°Why not you wait for me while I change my clothes?¡± Even though she did not shower, she could change into a new set of clothes.

    ¡°Okay, be fast.¡± Qiao Nan felt much morefortable after the shower. She had put Ding Jiayi¡¯s ident at the back of her mind for the time being.

    After Shi Qing returned in a new set of clothes, the seven girls brought their stationery, water bottles, and exam admission tickets and exited the dormitory building to head to their respective examination halls.

    Qiao Nan had finished the exam in the morning with a peace of mind. As for the exam in the afternoon, Qiao Nan was not the least worried. She looked through the exam papers before she started to write on the exam papers.

    ¡°We have finally finished the exams for the two subjects.¡± After handing in her exam papers, Qiao Nan stretched herself. She had no intention ofparing her answers with other students. She let out a sigh. Her day that was filled with troubles was finally over.

    Right then, Qiao Nan had goosebumps. She had a strange feeling that someone was staring at her.

    Qiao Nan turned and looked around. Her gaze dropped on Xu Tingting, who was in the same ssroom as her. Her eyes were full of hatred. She gave her vicious stares through her reddened eyes.

    Qiao Nan arched an eyebrow. ¡°Xu Tingting, why are you staring at me? Did you get bitten by a dog today?¡± Xu Tingting looked ferocious. It was as if she had rabies.

    The students who had yet to leave the ssroom smiled at Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, stop being so smug. There will be a day when you will fall from grace!¡± Xu Tingting ran off with red eyes after cursing at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. She was certain that Xu Tingting was bitten by a dog.

    Right then, someone came close to Qiao Nan. This person seemed to be a student from Ping Cheng High School as well. Qiao Nan had some impression of this person, but she did not know the person¡¯s ss and name. ¡°Qiao Nan, you may not know about it, but during noontime, Xu Tingting cried for half an hour in the dormitory. It seems like she did not do well in the exam this morning. From the looks of it, she did not do well for the exam in the afternoon as well.¡±

    Xu Tingting¡¯s grades were considered to be among the top in Ping Cheng High School.

    Now that Xu Tingting might have had a slip-up in one or two of the subjects, many of the students were waiting to see a good show unfold.

    ¡°What has that got to do with me?¡± Qiao Nan was baffled. It was Xu Tingting¡¯s problem that she did not perform well in the exams. Why would she lose her temper at her?

    ¡°Do you know that when one stands on the balcony of the ssroom building, one can have a clear view of the school entrance? Before the bell went off to signal that the students had to enter the examination hall within ten minutes, I noticed that Xu Tingting stood on the balcony with a book in her hand. She was not looking at the book. Instead, her gaze was fixed on the school entrance. She stared at it whileughing happily to herself. It was as if there was a treasure at the school gate. Initially, I was puzzled. But then I knew what was going on when you came into the school at such ate time.¡±

 Chapter 770 - Must Not Agree Readily

    <h4>Chapter 770 Must Not Agree Readily</h4>

    ¡°However, you should know as well what Xu Tingting wasughing about then. Do you know that Xu Tingting pulled a long face when you made it to the examination hall in thest three minutes? Do you know why would the invigtor remind us to make use of the time to answer the questions during the exam in the afternoon? That was because Xu Tingting stared at the exam papers for a long time without writing anything.¡±

    This ssmate was someone who liked to gossip. It was the college entrance examination, yet she had the time to observe Xu Tingting for her reactions and could remember them clearly.

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± The ssmate was amused.

    Those who enjoyed watching the show would never find it a bother.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan let out a breath, indicating that she understood.

    ¡°There is no need to thank me. Instead, I have to thank you.¡± The female student patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder. ¡°The revision materials that you gave us were very helpful. Our school will definitely do better than The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China in this year¡¯s college entrance examination. Qiao Nan, you are awesome!¡± She benefited from Qiao Nan¡¯s revision materials. Unlike Xu Tingting, she was well-prepared for the exams and knew the answers to the exam questions.

    She sat behind Xu Tingting and could hear the sounds of the correction tapeing from Xu Tingting¡¯s table. She must have written the wrong words, and she kept using the correction tape to correct them.

    She had been wondering whether Xu Tingting would use the correction tape all over her exam papers.

    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± The student seemed to feel even much better after speaking her piece. She left while humming a song.

    ¡°You are here.¡± Zhai Sheng walked forward upon seeing Qiao Nan and Shi Qing. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan seemed to hesitate upon hearing that. Her house was very near to Ping Cheng High School. This was the reason why the teacher allowed her and Shi Qing to stay at home to revise and rest. After all, not every student would be able to have a good sleep during the college entrance examination.

    The rest of the students had simr studying pace and habits.

    However, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were the oddballs.

    Before the school allowed Qiao Nan and Shi Qing to study at home, the whole of Ping Cheng High School would be uptight about the uing college entrance examination. Everyone could not wait to have more time for their studies.

    But Qiao Nan and Shi Qing would behave differently from all of them. They would go to the physical education room to borrow badminton rackets to y badminton or to borrow a table tennis ball to y table tennis.

    On top of that, everyone would stay in the ssroom under the electric fan to revise after dinner, whereas Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were the only two students who had the time to stroll around the field to aid in their digestion.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s behavior had garnered the ruthless stares of all the other third-year students.

    In order to prevent these two groups of students from affecting each other, and since Qiao Nan and Shi Qing stayed close to Ping Cheng High School, Principal Meng allowed the two of them to revise at home.

    But no one would expect that a full-scale drama would unfold at Ping Cheng High School today. The school used to be a quiet and good environment for study.

    Previously, Qiao Nan was relieved at Principal Meng¡¯s special arrangement. Now that this had happened, she was somewhat worried.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will send you to school tomorrow.¡±

    Shi Qing was hoping that Zhai Sheng would send her to school as well. But he did not make the offer.

    ¡°My dad sent Shi Qing and me to school today.¡± If something cropped up, one person alone would not be able to cope.

    Zhai Sheng arched his eyebrows. How could shepare him to his father-inw? ¡°It is different. Alright, go back home now.¡± He took everything from Qiao Nan and started to move toward the school gate.

    ¡°Hey, wait for me.¡± Qiao Nan could not help but follow him. Shi Qing had no choice but to go after them as well.

    Of course, she had to carry her schoolbag by herself.

    Nothing happened on their journey back home.

    Zhai Sheng returned the schoolbag to Qiao Nan. ¡°Shi Qing, you will stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence tonight. You may not be highly skilled, but you should be able to take down the average person.¡±

    Shi Qing was pleased when she heard that she could stay with Qiao Nan tonight. However, her face fell when Brother Zhai belittled her with his words. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you sure it is okay to say that? Aren¡¯t you worried that I will not do my best to protect your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Wrong, she is my fianc¨¦e.¡± Zhai Sheng corrected. ¡°I have filed the marriage report. We will be engaged after Qiao Nan finishes the college entrance examination. Qiao Nan, once you are of the legal age, we will collect the marriage certificate.¡± In the future, he would be able to have the right to meddle in Nan Nan¡¯s affairs.

    Shi Qing gaped in shock. She was in a bigger shock than the party concerned. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you intend to turn Qiao Nan into a married person with that little sincerity?¡±

    ¡°What else do you want me to do?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t give your consent. I have seen a lot of marriage proposals. This is the first time that I have seen one that is without any sincerity. You have given her nothing. You simply tell her that you want to marry her? There is no free lunch in this world!¡± How could he possibly think that he would be able to get a wife by doing nothing? If this was possible, all men in the world would be thrilled. It was such an easy task to be married.

    ¡°Shi Qing...¡± There was no need for Zhai Sheng to say anything else. He called her name lightly and stared grimly at her. Shi Qing seemed to shrink under his gaze and hid behind Qiao Nan. Gone was the courage she had when she talked back to him.

    Qiao Nan sped her head in exasperation. ¡°Alright, the college entrance examination is not over yet. No matter what, let¡¯s wait until the exams are over.¡± Qiao Nan was amused and exasperated. She had known all along that Shi Qing was a funny fellow.

    But she did not expect that Brother Zhai, who was reserved and reticent, to be so funny. He sounded serious and he did not seem to be exaggerating, yet he was so amusing. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about me. I am in a good mood now. I would have to trouble all of you for what happened this morning. There will be more toe. However, I will never be affected by these people and perform badly in the college entrance examination. If so, those people who are after me will be thrilled.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that someone had been squandering money to stop her from sitting for the college entrance examination. The amount of money was enough to buy two houses.

    If she was in a bad mood and was affected badly by this matter, the person behind the whole incident would be overjoyed.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths. She suppressed the anger that she felt at the thought of this lest she was affected. ¡°Alright, say no more. It will take some time to straighten this out. I have to clear my mind of every distraction during the college entrance examination.¡±

    ¡°You are right.¡± Shi Qing sighed. Her heart ached for Qiao Nan. Why did Qiao Nan encounter every such annoying matter?

    ¡°Nan Nan, I think it is better that you stay at the Shi family¡¯s residence.¡± Zhai Sheng changed his mind.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She could share a room with Shi Qing. It was more reassuring that there was an adult at home.

    Now that everything was settled, Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Nan to the Shi family¡¯s residence. He made sure that they had entered the house before he left, feeling assured.

 Chapter 771 - There Must Be a Representative from Her Parental Family

    <h4>Chapter 771 There Must Be a Representative from Her Parental Family</h4>

    After Zhai Sheng left, he did not go back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Instead, he went to the hospital.

    When Zhai Sheng reached the hospital, he saw Qiao Dongliang sit quietly by himself. He lowered his eyes and was silent. He was deep in his thoughts as if he were pondering some important issues. He was so still as if he was not there. However, everyone that had seen Qiao Dongliang could feel that he seemed to be deeply troubled.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao.¡±

    ¡°You are here.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked up and noticed the stiffness in his neck. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°I have sent Nan Nan back home. I have arranged for her to stay with Shi Qing for the time being.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a reluctant smile on his face. ¡°You have taken care of Nan Nan much better than me. I can feel assured with you by her side.¡±

    Although he was not used to having him by his daughter¡¯s side, Qiao Dongliang had always been approving of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Do you know what I was thinking just now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhai Sheng did not say anything else apart from sitting down quietly beside Qiao Dongliang. Ding Jiayi¡¯s ward was right in front of him.

    After four hours of emergency treatment, Ding Jiayi¡¯s life was no longer in danger. But two of the ribs at her abdominal cavity were broken. One of them even pierced her lungs. Thankfully, the wound was not too deep and it did not go through it.

    Even so, Ding Jiayi was rescued from the brink of death.

    ¡°I was reminded of what happened three years ago. Three years ago, it was also about this time of the year. You brought Nan Nan, who was covered in blood, to the factory to look for me. That day, Nan Nan cried very badly. I took her to the hospital. It was then that I realized that even though the society was well-developed, Nan Nan had been suffering from malnutrition...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang let out a deep sigh. ¡°In fact, I still have that outdated way of thinking. I feel that sons are better than daughters as they can carry on the family line. Therefore, I have not treated Zijin or Nan Nan well. I have lost the right to be a soldier because I have two children. I feel that I have sacrificed more than enough for them. Every day, I will lead a mundane life, shuffling between work and my house. I work hard to support my family and to provide my children through school. As a father of two children, I have a clear conscience.¡±

    ¡°It was until then that you realized that you are wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng asked.

    ¡°Yes, until that time.¡± Qiao Dongliang covered his face with his hands, as if he was too ashamed to face others. ¡°That time, I realized that because of my hands-off approach and Ding Jiayi¡¯s biased attitude toward Zijin, Nan Nan suffered a lot of injustice all these years. But over the years, Ding Jiayi had been brainwashing me that Zijin was better and she would have a brighter future. As such, I even thought of getting a husband for Zijin and for him to take our surname. I knew that Nan Nan had suffered injustice, but I did not seek justice for her. Instead, I asked Nan Nan to give in andpromise. I am only good with words, but I did not follow through with actions.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng knew that it took a lot of courage for Qiao Dongliang to admit his mistakes that he oncemitted. Not every man had the courage to do that.

    The child would not point out his father¡¯s mistakes. A father¡¯s pride did not allow him to admit his own mistakes as well.

    Thereafter, Zhai Sheng remained silent throughout. He did not make a singlement or say a word. He sat by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side as he listened to him quietly.

    ¡°I was going around in circles. Although Nan Nan refuses to be too harsh, some people are out to drive her to a dead end. Even if she owes Ding Jiayi and me in previous life, she has repaid her debts in this life. But there will be more in store for Nan Nan. Zhai Sheng, you know Nan Nan¡¯s temper. No matter whether she has self-confidence or not, there is no way that she will not mind that youe from an established family. Even if you feel that whatever you do is for her own good, don¡¯t you think you should control yourself? Perhaps you should take a step back and consider whether what you have done is really what she needs.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, you don¡¯t have to worry. I understand what you mean.¡±

    ¡°You are a smart person. Unless you are not willing, I know that you will understand my meaning.¡±

    ¡°Has Uncle Qiaoe to a decision?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded.

    ¡°You told me to consider whether what I did for Nan Nan is really what she needs. Uncle Qiao, you should know best how Nan Nan¡¯s personality is.¡±

    ¡°You can be assured that my decision has nothing to do with Nan Nan. It is for my own sake. I am an ordinary person. I just want to lead a simple and peaceful life. I cannot stand so many ups and downs. Since she cannot lead a simple life, it only goes to show that we are not meant for each other. Although we have once been together, we will have to go our separate ways sooner orter. Right now, it is time to part.¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang had really made up his mind.

    It had dragged on for three years. Qiao Dongliang was exhausted.

    Unlike the hesitation that he felt previously, he felt as if a load was being lifted off his shoulder when he thought of ¡®divorce¡¯ this time. He felt relieved.

    ¡°I am d that you have made up your mind.¡± Zhai Sheng did not express any opinions. ¡°Uncle Qiao, this is for you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took out a passbook from his pocket. ¡°Nan Nan passed this to me when I sent her home. In fact, Nan Nan is prepared.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang bent forward and broke into tears when he looked at the numbers in the passbook

    It had been more than a year since hest saw Qiao Zijin. She did not ask him for a single cent for her school fees. On one hand, he was worried, but on the other hand, he felt reassured.

    Over the past decades, he had spent all his hard-earned money on Qiao Zijin. Now that Qiao Zijin had been out of his life for more than one year, he could spend all his money that he earned in this one year on Qiao Nan.

    What he had given Qiao Nan was so much lesser than what he had given Qiao Zijin.

    No matter how much he had given her in this one year, it was his love for his younger daughter. It was also a form ofpensation for her.

    To his surprise, Nan Nan did not spend a single cent of the money that he gave her. In fact, she even saved up the money that she earned from giving tuition to the children. She gave him all her hard-earned savings that was meant for her college fees.

    Qiao Dongliang felt so bitter inside. He was rendered speechless!!!

    Qiao Dongliang cried silently beside Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng sat quietly beside him. When Qiao Dongliang finally stopped sobbing and calmed himself down, Zhai Sheng passed him a cup of water. ¡°The weather is hot. have some water.¡±

    Zhai Sheng could tell from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s chapped lips that he had not had a sip of water or taken any food since this morning when he sent Ding Jiayi to the hospital. It had been a whole day. ¡°Uncle Qiao, I will check around and get you some food. Nan Nan will no longer have a good mother in this life. But at the very least, she must not lose her father. On the day that I marry Nan Nan, she cannot possibly do without anyone from her family.¡±

 Chapter 772 - End of College Entrance Examination

    <h4>Chapter 772 End of College Entrance Examination</h4>

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Dongliang rubbed his face with his hands, wiping away his tears. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng stood up to buy some food for Qiao Dongliang, while thetter finished the water in one go.

    Since it had already been decided, there was nothing to hesitate or to have regrets.

    In fact, he had no regrets about making this decision. His only regret was why he did not make up his mind two years ago.

    Qiao Dongliang felt much better after drinking some water and having some food. ¡°I have to thank you for what happened today. I believe you will apany Nan Nan to school tomorrow. It is gettingte. You should go back to rest. You have to rest well in order to take good care of Nan Nan. I am fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will make a move first.¡± Zhai Sheng did not decline. He stood up, hailed a car, and went back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    It waste by the time he reached home. Everyone should have been asleep.

    However, Zhai Sheng had just entered the door when Zhai Yaohui came out in his pajamas. ¡°How is the situation at Ping Cheng High School?¡±

    ¡°It has been under control. We have caught several suspects and have sent them to the police station. We will take the time to interrogate them.¡± Zhai Sheng changed his shoes.

    ¡°We must get to the bottom of this matter!¡± Zhai Yaohui looked sullen. Regardless of whether what happened was an ident or not, he would not allow such an incident to happen again.

    The students were the hope and future of the country. They were the future leaders of the country and they were the ones who would help the country to develop and grow in the future.

    Whoever stopped the students from sitting for their college entrance examination on a personal level would be personal vendetta, whereas on a bigger level, it would be going against the people and the country!

    As a national soldier, Zhai Yaohui would not let off such enemies of the national level. Notwithstanding that the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family was the target of the whole matter.

    On a national level and personal level, this matter had to be dealt with seriously so as to set a good example!

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°How is Qiao Nan¡¯s mother?¡± Obviously, Zhai Yaohui knew what exactly was going on.

    ¡°Have you spoken to my master?¡± Zhai Sheng asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then, you should have known that she had a car ident and was sent to the hospital. She broke two ribs; one of them pierced into her lungs. But she is no longer in a critical condition.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded as if he was making a report. He was devoid of any emotions.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui was annoyed at his son¡¯s behavior. ¡°Okay, you should go to sleep.¡±

    He had been back from the army for a whole day but he only came back home sote into the night. He had spent the whole day being with someone else¡¯s daughter. From the way he behaved, he must be thinking of having an early rest and to continue to apany thedy tomorrow.

    ¡°Dad, good night.¡± Zhai Sheng turned and returned to his room without another word. He had been waiting for his father to dismiss him so that he could go back to his room.

    ¡°Young brat!¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression darkened. He took off his slipper and threw it toward Zhai Sheng¡¯s back.

    Unfortunately, Zhai Sheng was young and agile. He had already closed the door to his room.

    Bam! Zhai Yaohui¡¯s slipper hit Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and fell to the floor.

    Click! Right then, Zhai Sheng opened the door. He squatted down to pick up the slipper and threw it urately back to where Zhai Yaohui¡¯s feet were. ¡°You are no longer young. You should watch what you are doing. Don¡¯t overexert yourself.¡±

    With that, Zhai Sheng closed the door again. He had no intention to open it. Zhai Yaohui was fuming in anger at his words.

    His son only had eyes for someone else¡¯s daughter, while his daughter fell head over heels for someone else¡¯s son.

    Zhai Yaohui could not help but frown at the thought of his children. He wished that he could turn back time to when they were just born.

    This time, no matter what, he would raise them up by himself!

    Like Zhai Yaohui, who felt vexed with his children¡¯s problems, Qiao Dongliang, who hade to a decision, had been sitting at the hospital¡¯s corridor for a long time. It was about midnight when he finally walked into Ding Jiayi¡¯s ward and sat by her bed.

    Ding Jiayi was hurt badly due to the ident. She was so swollen and bandaged that only her loved ones would be able to recognize her from her injuries.

    Ding Jiayi had many tubes attached to her body. Qiao Dongliang was in a simr state when he was in an ident two years ago. ¡°Ding Jiayi, I don¡¯t know if you can hear what I am saying now. But I still want to say them. Ding Jiayi, we brought Nan Nan to this world, but she has repaid her debts to us. In the future, please let her off. Whether you admit it or not, Nan Nan is the only one who takes care of you when you are in trouble. I have no idea where Zijin is now. I believe you have no idea as well. As for the rest, we will have a good talk after you wake up.¡±

    After finishing his words, Qiao Dongliang had no wish to sit by her bedside. He would rather keep a distance between the two of them. Therefore, he chose to sleep while leaning against the wall.

    Early next morning, Zhai Sheng brought breakfast to the Shi family¡¯s residence and picked up Qiao Nan along with Shi Qing.

    The evening news on the same day had reports regarding the incident that took ce at Ping Cheng High School during the college entrance examination. It was also on the headlines of various newspapers the following morning.

    Today was the second day of the college entrance examination. Because of what happened yesterday, there were a lot of police officers and security officers who stood guard at all the exam venues to maintain order.

    ¡°Both of you should go in.¡± Zhai Sheng stood at the entrance to wait for Qiao Nan to finish the exam.

    Usually, the parents would stand guard outside the examination hall to wait for their children to finish the exams. Zhai Sheng stood out as the only young person who waited in the crowd.

    Some of them could not help but ask him out of curiosity. ¡°Are you here to send your younger sister to sit for the college entrance examination?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrows. ¡°No, it¡¯s my loved ones.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The parent paused momentarily. One¡¯s younger sister should be considered one¡¯s loved ones, right?

    The next few exams went well for Qiao Nan. However, since she was in the same examination hall as Xu Tingting, Xu Tingting would cast her resentful look whenever she had the chance.

    Xu Tingting might have wanted to affect Qiao Nan with her res, but Qiao Nan was indifferent to her gimmicks.

    In the end, Xu Tingting failed to disturb Qiao Nan, and she was enraged by Qiao Nan¡¯s nonchnce instead.

    ¡°We have finally finished the exams. It seems as if we are released from prison.¡± Shi Qing stretched herself. ¡°I feel that I am so exhausted and drained after the college entrance examination.¡±

    The five girls in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory overheard Shi Qing¡¯s shameless words. They stared at Shi Qing¡¯s round face with contempt in their eyes.

    Compared with Qiao Nan and Shi Qing who looked radiant and fresh, they had turned skinny and had a paleplexion. They were the ones who had suffered from sitting for the exams!

    ¡°No matter what, we have finally finished the exams. After half a month¡¯s time, we will know our results.¡± Zheng Lingling stretched herself as well.

 Chapter 773 - Strict Parenting

    <h4>Chapter 773 Strict Parenting</h4>

    Unlike Shi Qing and Nan Nan who were able to sleep well and eat well during the three days of exams, these three days were sheer torture to them.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. My parents are here to pick me up. Once I reach home, I will have a good rest before eating anything. Whoever dares to wake me up before noon tomorrow will get it from me!¡± Tang Mengran barked and ran toward her parents like a tired dog. She got into the car and slumped in the seat.

    ¡°My parents have arrived. I will get going. See all of you half a monthter when we go back to school to get our report card.¡± People like Fang Fang were tired from the exams as well.

    Qiao Nan was surprised that it was her parents instead of her childhood sweetheart who picked her up.

    Within five minutes¡¯ time, all of the roommates left with their parents.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were the only exceptions.

    It was not their parents, but someone was here to pick them up, though the person was only here for Qiao Nan and Shi Qing was just tagging along

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± Even though her parents were not here, Qiao Nan was just as happy to see Zhai Sheng. ¡°Won¡¯t you feel too hot from standing under the sun?¡±

    ¡°Do you think Brother Zhai is a fool? It¡¯s July and the weather is scorching. He will definitely wait in the shade.¡± Shi Qing interrupted.

    Zhai Sheng, who was about to answer, pursed his lips and shot a cold look at Shi Qing. Shi Qing caught his eye and shut up right away. Zhai Sheng took Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings from her and passed her a bottle of cold mineral water. ¡°Drink some water. The summer is too hot. Be mindful not to dehydrate and suffer from heatstroke.¡±

    Qiao Nan took the bottle of mineral water from Zhai Sheng after emptying her hands. It was cool to the touch but not too cold for her. She smiled and had a drink. ¡°This brand of mineral water is very tasty. It has a sweet taste to it.¡±

    Shi Qing pouted her lips and turned sideways. Since Brother Zhai had bought water, he should have bought one more bottle of water for her. He was so mean to care for his girlfriend but to disregard his sister.

    What did she mean that the water tasted sweet? She might not have been in a rtionship but she was not a fool. The water did not taste sweet. It was Qiao Nan who felt sweet inside.

    Hey, they were without a conscience to show affection for each other in public!

    After reaching home, Qiao Nan had intended to take a shower and change her clothes. After all, one would be sweaty in summer. It was very ufortable to wear clothes drenched in sweat. It was simr to those dried and crumpled preserved vegetables.

    But Zhai Sheng stopped her. ¡°I bought dinner for you. After you have eaten, I will send you to the hospital.¡±

    Now that Zhai Sheng brought this up, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were reminded of something that they had intentionally ignored these two days

    ¨C Ding Jiayi was in a car ident and was hospitalized.

    ¡°Okay.¡± There was an indifferent look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. She ate a few mouthfuls of the rice that Zhai Sheng bought for her. They were tasteless to her. She put them aside. ¡°Brother Zhai, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you want me to apany you?¡± Shi Qing had an awkward look on her face.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± It was unsuitable.

    ¡°What if your mom bullies you!¡± If I am there, I could protect you.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Three days have passed. My mom must have woken up. I cannot say for sure if she will bully me. But don¡¯t forget, my mother has suffered serious injuries. Even if she wants to bully me, she has no strength to do that. It will be best if she is asleep now. If she is awake, she will re at me and scream at me at most, but she will not be able toe close to me.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Shi Qing, you should stay at home and rest. If you are bored, you can read books or watch television. I will send Nan Nan to the hospital.¡± If they dyed any further, it would bete.

    Zhai Sheng knew that there were people who were watching Qiao Nan. He would not allow them to get hold of the chink in Qiao Nan¡¯s armor.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, let¡¯s go.¡± Even if her mother was no longer in a critical condition, Qiao Nan knew that as a daughter, it would not be good if she did not visit her mother. It was still alright for her not to visit her during the three days of the college entrance examination. However, now that exams were over, she had to make a trip to the hospital.

    ¡°Go ahead. I will watch the house for you.¡± Shi Qing suppressed her anger. She had no wish to add to Qiao Nan¡¯s burden.

    She waited until Zhai Sheng left with Qiao Nan to make a call to Shi Peng¡¯s office toin. ¡°Dad, regarding the people who created a fuss the day before yesterday, how¡¯s the interrogation going?¡±

    During the college entrance examination, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had never discussed that incident.

    Now that exams were over and Shi Qing had lots of time, she had to get to the bottom of this matter. She had to find out who was the heartless person who almost caused Qiao Nan and her to miss their college entrance examination.

    It must be done on purpose!

    ¡°There are some clues.¡± Shi Peng stopped writing and closed the file. He motioned for Secretary Feng to go out first. ¡°The majority of the people who appeared that day were hired by someone. But some of them were asked to join by their friends.¡±

    Among the people who were present, there were two groups of people. The first group had been in direct contact with the person who paid them to go.

    The first group of people was only in contact with the pawns that were hired by the mastermind. The first group of people would be paid fifty yuan by the pawns. The mastermind would tell the pawns to look for people to join them.

    He would pay the pawns ording to the number of people they managed to get. It all depended on their abilities. He would give them fifty yuan for every single person that joined them.

    He would not care how much money the pawns would give to the people that they asked to join them.

    The fifty yuan that he gave would be a down payment. After everything was over, he would pay them money based on the total number of people.

    The second group of people were those that were persuaded by the first group of people to sign up for the job. These people would only be paid forty yuan.

    One could not get much information from the second group of people. But for those who cooperated with the police officers, the police would not give them too harsh a punishment. They had wanted to earn forty yuan from the job. Therefore, the police officers would give them a fine of forty yuan. It was tantamount to their pay for ten days.

    These people did not earn any money. Instead, they were fined ten days¡¯ worth of pay. All of them were full of regrets.

    As for the first batch of people, the police officers kept a tight watch on them and interrogated them for details.

    ¡°What else? Have you found out who is the person who hired them?¡± She only cared about important developments. She was not concerned about the investigation details. She would leave it to the police officers.

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Shi Peng tapped his pen against the table. ¡°If this matter could be solved so easily, we would have already got to the bottom of it. Do you think that the person behind all this is a fool? Do you think it is that easy to be a police officer and that the case could be cracked so easily?¡±

    Talk was cheap.

    Shi Qing calmed herself down. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. I don¡¯t mean it that way. I am just anxious.¡±

    ¡°Even if you are anxious, you should be careful with your words. Have you forgotten how I used to teach you?¡±

    ¡°I still remember.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Remember, you must notmit this mistake again.¡± Shi Peng was very strict in disciplining Shi Qing. ¡°Do not worry. I will handle this matter well.¡±

 Chapter 774 - Qiao Nan, You Have to Learn from Your Elder Sister

    <h4>Chapter 774 Qiao Nan, You Have to Learn from Your Elder Sister</h4>

    ¡°Dad, you have to make sure that the police officers work harder. Qiao Nan went through painstaking effort to save the money for her college fees. But after what happened the day before yesterday, she gave all the money that she saved for a year to Uncle Qiao. It is to pay for the medical fees for the woman by the surname Ding.¡± At the thought of this, Shi Qing¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was not used to mixing with strangers. She was not interested in being a teacher as well.

    Instead of tutoring the students, Qiao Nan would rather spend time on her studies.

    However, in order to lighten Uncle Qiao¡¯s burden and realize her dream of studying in college, Qiao Nan overcame her fears and worked hard to earn the money. Right now, all her money was used on Ding Jiayi. Shi Qing felt unjust for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is very sensible. She has to do this.¡± Otherwise, Qiao Nan would be criticized by others.

    ¡°It is not worth it!¡± Qiao Nan was about to turn twenty years old. The money that Ding Jiayi spent on Qiao Nan in the past twenty years might not be as much as the amount of money that Qiao Nan spent on her this time!

    ¡°You can¡¯t measure it like that. Ding Jiayi gave birth to her. Qiao Nan has to spend this money.¡± China ced importance on filial piety. Even if one should not practice unquestioning filial piety, one could not be unfilial.

    Ding Jiayi was hit by a car and was on the verge of death. Unless Qiao Nan did not have the ability, she could not watch by and do nothing

    ¡°Qiao Nan earned this money with her own effort. She was willing to give the money to her father. It proves that she has thought it through. I try to make you see reason, but why is it that you are not as sensible as Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Indeed, one had to be sensible enough to use one¡¯s hard-earned savings on one¡¯s heartless mother. ¡°Zhu Baoguo told me that Qiao Nan is too soft-hearted. She has suffered many grievances, but she will keep quiet about it. Those who are around her feel the pain as they watched her suffer in silence.¡±

    She understood that Qiao Nan had to do that. However, she could not take it lying down.

    ¡°If you feel so vexed about it, how about I assign you a task? I will get Secretary Feng to make a call to the police station. You can learn your ways there. Of course, if you have a way to get some answers from the culprits, you can drop a reminder to the police officers.¡± Shi Peng knew that since the college entrance examination was over, there was no one to make sure that Shi Qing studied and did her reading. Shi Qing had too much time on her hands. It was also such a coincidence that Ding Jiayi was in an ident. Qiao Nan had too many things on her hands. Shi Qing could not spend her time with her and learn from her.

    Shi Peng decided to assign a task to Shi Qing before she stirred up any trouble.

    ¡°Deal!¡± Sure enough, Shi Qing, who was bored with nothing to do, agreed to her father¡¯s suggestion right away.

    In fact, if she really went with Qiao Nan to the hospital and watched as Qiao Nan waited on Ding Jiayi, given her temper, Shi Qing would be bursting with anger to the extent that she felt like killing someone.

    Instead of seeing such a painful scene, she would rather use her time to help Qiao Nan get to the bottom of this matter.

    Shi Qing rushed to the police station, while Qiao Nan went with Zhai Sheng to the hospital that Ding Jiayi stayed in.

    Qiao Nan panicked when she saw the white exterior of the hospital. She took a few deep breaths at the entrance. ¡°Brother Zhai, how about you tell me the ward that my mom is staying in and I will go there by myself?¡±

    Qiao Nan had not seen Ding Jiayi for more than two years. Qiao Nan was slightly nervous and full of fear and trepidation now.

    ¡°No, I will apany you.¡± Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and stood by her side steadfastly. ¡°My marriage report has been approved.¡± In other words, as long as Qiao Nan was willing, they are considered to be engaged. By the time Qiao Nan reached the legal age, they would be real married couples.

    He had to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and face whatever hardships with her.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She was not the least touched when she heard this piece of news today. ¡°Then, let¡¯s go in now.¡± Indeed, she needed support from Brother Zhai in order to face her mother.

    The smell of formalin wafted toward Qiao Nan. She turned pale. Beads of perspiration broke out on her forehead.

    Zhai Sheng noticed that Qiao Nan looked unwell. He tightened his grip on her hand, transmitting his warmth to her through their sped hands.

    ¡°Dad...¡± The first person that Qiao Nan saw when she walked into the ward was Ding Jiayi. She was bandaged like a steamed rice dumpling. However, the first person that she called was her father. ¡°Mom...¡±

    ¡°Humph... Do you still remember that I am your mom... argh ...¡± As Qiao Nan had expected, Ding Jiayi, who was brought back to life, was used to treating Qiao Nan harshly. She started to scold Qiao Nan as soon as she saw her. ¡°You are such a wretched girl! You are without a conscience. I am almost killed by a car, yet you wait until today to visit me. Do you wish that I would die from the ident? Is the exam more important than your mom?!¡±

    When Ding Jiayi first woke up in the hospital, she was greeted by a cold and indifferent Qiao Dongliang. He was very distant toward her. This did not seem like the reunion that she was expecting. He did not seem to miss her or yearn for her after separating from each other for two years. Ding Jiayi could only sigh that her life was full of hardships and misfortunes.

    They had not seen each other at all for two years.

    There were many times when she thought ofing back to take a look at Old Qiao and to have a long chat with him. She wanted to tell him that she was willing to change and she hoped that Old Qiao would give her a chance to change. The four of them would be able to lead a happy and peaceful life together.

    But Zijin stopped her and advised her to wait a while longer.

    Zijin said that after being apart for so many years, she was not the only person who missed Old Qiao. Old Qiao would have missed her as well.

    Therefore, as long as she could wait a while longer, when they finally reunited with each other, she would not need to give in to Old Qiao. Instead, Old Qiao would be willing to let her be in control of the family¡¯s finances and he would no longer side with the wretched girl.

    Ding Jiayi stopped herself from going back to Old Qiao. She had finally waited until the day that they would be reunited. However, it was unlike the reunion that she had imagined.

    Ding Jiayi woke up yesterday. After she woke up, Qiao Dongliang took care of her and attended to her needs. However, he would only render his help when she needed. Apart from that, he was cold and reserved.

    Ding Jiayi had no one to talk to despite waking up from her sleep in the hospital.

    Now that Qiao Nan was here, Ding Jiayi directed all her anger and unhappiness at Qiao Nan!

    Qiao Nan had expected her mother tosh out at her. She gritted her teeth and was about to rebut her.

    Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan to stand behind him. Qiao Dongliang, who had been sitting down by the side, broke his silence. ¡°Nan Nan, did you hear what your mother say? Your mother is hospitalized for three days and she has been through four hours of operation. Her medical bills amount to 2,357 yuan. You are without a conscience to borrow such a huge sum of money to pay for her medical bills. You are such a wretched girl. You should learn from your elder sister. She has not been in sight until now. She has not fork out a single cent as well. This is what we call being filial. She must have her reasons. Do you understand?¡±

 Chapter 775 - A Sharp-Tongued Qiao Dongliang

    <h4>Chapter 775 A Sharp-Tongued Qiao Dongliang</h4>

    ¡°Bring me the IOUter. Pass it to your mom so that she can leave her thumbprint on it. As a daughter, you have to be like your elder sister. You have to be as filial as her. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan took a breath before she responded.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi had sustained serious injuries. She was in a worse situation than Qiao Dongliang when he was in a car ident two years ago.

    During the two months when Qiao Dongliang was in the hospital, she and her two daughters waited on him and catered to his every need. In particr Qiao Nan, she would bring all the nutritious food and tonics to the hospital for Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi felt that since she was in a worse situation than him, she would have the same treatment as well. In fact, judging from her injuries, she should be treated much better than Qiao Dongliang.

    However, Qiao Dongliang was cold as ice to her. She was angry that Qiao Nan only cared for her exams and did not bother to visit her. She suppressed her anger for two days, with no one toin to.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang made such remarks, Ding Jiayi, who was infuriated, felt immense pain at the abdominal area where her rib bones were broken. She rolled her eyes in pain and anger.

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, telling them to ignore Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi had to be in great pain after breaking two rib bones.

    She had hurt her lungs. There was nothing wrong with her heart. She might have faster blood cirction from being angry. However, apart from feeling the pain, her life would not be in danger.

    Ding Jiayi had juste back from the brink of death. However, nothing good came out of her mouth. She deserved to suffer in pain!

    Ding Jiayi kept silent for a good whole ten minutes. She must have felt the pain from overexerting herself. By the time the pain subsided, her eyes were teary. ¡°Do you and your daughter intend to gang up and anger me to death? Don¡¯t forget, I am a patient. I am seriously injured and I almost died. I am your wife, and I am her mother. Is that how you should be treating me? Do you really can¡¯t wait for me to die?¡±

    ¡°In this world, there are people who are smart and people who are stupid. When a person is stupid, they will be so stupid that it will result in their own demise.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone turned icy cold at Ding Jiayi¡¯s words of censure and me.

    Nobody wished for her to die. Ding Jiayi alreadynded herself in this state, yet she still could not figure it out. She had wasted her time in this world!

    Qiao Dongliang noticed that Ding Jiayi still had more to say. He raised his voice to stop her. ¡°Over the years, you haven¡¯t been disciplining or caring for Nan Nan. You do not have the right to scold her. You are a patient. You need lots of rest now. I have already checked with the doctor. If you keep seeing people who will anger you, it will not aid in your recovery. You shouldn¡¯t be unhappy or keep losing your temper. Nan Nan, you should hurry back. Unless your mom has recovered, you should not see her. This is for her own good. You have your reasons like your sister. You are being filial to your mom by not visiting her.¡±

    Since Ding Jiayi always drove people up the wall, Qiao Dongliang decided to learn from her.

    ¡°Okay.¡± With Zhai Sheng by her side and the protection of Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan, who was afraid of seeing Ding Jiayi, grew to be more courageous. She even yed along with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi grew even more furious. ¡°I am not expecting you to help mediate when your parents are arguing, but how can you add fuel to the mes? You have been studying for so many years. Is that what the teachers have been teaching you? Do you still treat me as your...¡± My goodness, she was in immense pain...

    ¡°Nan Nan, look at your mom. In order for her to make a quicker recovery, you should not visit your mom in the hospital. You have to wait until she is discharged.¡± Since Ding Jiayi was being stubborn, Qiao Dongliang had no wish for his daughter to be scolded by Ding Jiayi and to suffer under her hands.

    ¡°Okay. Dad, Mom, goodbye.¡± Qiao Nan had no wish to visit Ding Jiayi. She agreed readily. ¡°Mom, before you make a full recovery, I will not be here to anger you further. Mom, you must rest well. As for the IOU, I will get someone to bring it to you.¡±

    The money that she gave her father to pay for the medical bills belonged to the family. She did not understand why her father said that the money was lent by someone else. However, she believed that her father must have done that for her sake.

    ¡°Wait...¡± Ding Jiayi was unwilling to let Qiao Nan leave. She was hospitalized. As her daughter, Qiao Nan should stay by her side and wait on her like her servant. How could she let Qiao Nan off so easily?

    However, Ding Jiayi had forgotten that she was injured in her rib bones. If she exerted force to her abdominal cavity, she would be in great pain.

    Therefore, whenever she was angry, her chest movements would result in immense pain at her rib bones.

    By the time the pain subsided and Ding Jiayi had the energy to speak, Qiao Nan had already left with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Old Qiao, are you doing this on purpose? You have been pampering that wretched... Qiao Nan. I am her mother. She should stay to take care of me now that I am heavily injured.¡±

    ¡°I have already said that I want Nan Nan to learn from Zijin. All along, you like Zijin and dislike Nan Nan. It must be that she has been doing a better job than Nan Nan to be able to please you. Isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Zijin was good at everything that she did!

    ¡°Since this is the case, Nan Nan will treat you in the same way as to how Zijin treats you. Nan Nan is learning from Zijin, who has been doing a good job. It will not go wrong. You have not been home for three days. Zijin must have her reasons for not visiting you. It is not possible that she is out ying and has no idea that you are ¡®missing¡¯, is it?¡±

    ¡°Zi... Zijin is participating in a... she is on a trip with her ssmates!¡± Ding Jiayi would not admit that Qiao Zijin had not been treating her well. She would not spoil Qiao Dongliang¡¯s impression of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiao Dongliang pretended to believe her. Ding Jiayi felt a burst of joy. She knew that she still had her influence on Old Qiao.

    However, Ding Jiayi¡¯s smile froze on her face when Qiao Dongliang continued with his sentence. ¡°It turns out that the reason you find Nan Nan a nuisance is that she did not go on a trip. Alright, I will borrow a hundred yuan so that Nan Nan can go on a trip with the youngdy who lives next door. The youngdy has good results and she is from Mo Du. Her grandparents are from the capital. More importantly, she is athletic and knows some martial skills. If Nan Nan travels with her, I do not have to worry about her safety. You are right. Nan Nan just finished her exams and should rx. You are indeed her mom. You care so much for her. You can rest assured that I will make a phone call to Nan Nan tomorrow morning, telling her not to worry and to borrow money from her neighbor so that she could go on a trip. We will help her repay the money that she owes. We are still around. We cannot possibly ask her to pay for the debts. Is that right, Old Ding?¡±

    There were censure and resentment in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone. His words were harsh and blunt. Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned red at his words. Her hands that were ced on her wounds shook in anger.

 Chapter 776 - Creating Gossip

    <h4>Chapter 776 Creating Gossip</h4>

    Ding Jiayi was most reluctant to give Qiao Nan money to spend. She already could not bear to do so with the money that she had on hand. If she were to borrow money that was initially nonexistent for Qiao Nan to spend, wouldn¡¯t that be akin to digging a piece of flesh from Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart or liver?

    ¡°Old Qiao, you know very well that... Are you doing this on purpose to anger me? I¡¯m already so badly injured. Don¡¯t you feel the slightest heartache for me? After all, we¡¯re a married couple. Can you talk to me nicely? How are we going to live on like this?¡± Ding Jiayi felt very sad. She nearly died, yet she did not receive any words of love and encouragement from her husband when she regained consciousness. Instead, he spoke in a cold and sarcastic manner to her all the time.

    Having been hurt deeply, beads of tears akin to the rain in June rolled down one by one from Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Whether life goes on or not... We can take our time to discuss this after you recover from your injuries. There¡¯s no hurry,¡± Qiao Dongliang said coldly. That simply made Ding Jiayi dumbstruck.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you, what do you mean by this?¡± Ding Jiayi was not stupid. She naturally understood the underlying meaning in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to sit up. However, as she exerted pressure on her waist, she felt great pain in her chest. Ding Jiayi¡¯s forehead broke out in a cold sweat.

    At the sight of this, Qiao Dongliang did not move at all. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We can talk again when your injuries are better.¡±

    ¡°Talk about what? When my injuries are slightly better, you¡¯re going to divorce me immediately?¡± Ding Jiayi held on to her tummy and looked at Qiao Dongliang tearfully. ¡°When I married you in the past, I had nothing. I¡¯m old and no longer good-looking now. After I have gone through tough times with you, you don¡¯t want me anymore? Qiao Dongliang, you still call yourself a soldier. Why are you abandoning your first wife in this way? Has your conscience been eaten by a dog? You don¡¯t want me anymore just because I¡¯m hospitalized because of a car ident? You only have money in your mind now!¡±

    Qiao Dongliangughed coldly. ¡°Of course, my conscience has been eaten by a dog. You should know very clearly who was the one who had taken away my ten years of hard-earned sry. When you married me, yes, I was poor and had nothing. Then, why don¡¯t you tell me? After being married to you for more than ten years, do I have anything more?¡±

    ¡°I....¡±

    ¡°When others marry a wife, their family life improves as time goes by. I married a wife too. Is there a difference whether I married a wife or not? Although these are feudal mindsets and superstitious beliefs, you¡¯re different from other wives. You don¡¯t bring luck to your husband. Moreover, you also don¡¯t even have the capability to manage the household. If I only cared about money, do you think you would have the chance to spend my savings of more than ten years without sounding me out where I was keeping it? I only found out about it half a year after you spent the money.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice was too loud. Moreover, everyone had a tendency to join where the crowd was.

    When they heard sounds of arguments from the ward next door, a few people had already crowded the entrance of Ding Jiayi¡¯s ward to eavesdrop on what was going on.

    Initially, when everyone heard Ding Jiayi mention that that man was going to divorce her as he was unwilling to spend money due to her car ident and hospitalization, those people who were listening looked down on Qiao Dongliang and felt that he was not a good <b>man.</b>

    As the saying goes, husband and wife might be living in the same forest, but when faced with adversity, they would fly away in different directions.

    This saying reflected reality too well.

    Inparison to Ding Jiayi¡¯s shouting, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s extraordinary calm words revealed more information.

    Upon hearing that Ding Jiayi finished spending more than ten years of savings of the Qiao family without breathing a word and the head of the family, Qiao Dongliang, only found out half a yearter, they felt that this woman was clearly the most daring prodigal wife.

    With this kind of wife, if the man did not look after his own money, then they could forget about having any family savings.

    As a man, who would dare to have such a wife? His own earnings would not be enough for her to squander away.

    At the mention of this matter, Ding Jiayi did feel guilty. ¡°Don¡¯t say such words that can easily cause a misunderstanding. Yes, I spent the money but I didn¡¯t spend it on myself. I did that because I wanted our daughter to have a better future, to let her study in a better school. However, I didn¡¯t spend a single cent of it on myself.¡±

    Ding Jiayi expressed that she was not willing to be the scapegoat for this.

    ¡°Yes, in our family of four, you dumped all our family savings for the sake and future of one person, Zijin. You don¡¯t care about the life and death of Nan Nan and me anymore, right? You gave birth to Nan Nan, yet you spent all my savings to pay for Zijin¡¯s tuition fees, and then, you wanted Nan Nan to discontinue her studies to work and earn money to support Zijin. Fine. Two years ago, when I met with a car ident, we didn¡¯t even have any money avable for my hospitalization. If Nan Nan, who was just a child, had not been thick-skinned enough to borrow money for my surgery, I would have be ashes now. You? What did you do when Nan Nan went to borrow money? You were just sitting along the corridors of the hospital, pping your thighs and crying. Youmented that you were penniless, the hospital was unkind, and that they were robbing lives and money if they refused to save me. Then, all the debtors whom you previously borrowed money from came looking for you at that moment.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, fortunately, I still have Nan Nan, this daughter. If I relied on Zijin and you, I would have died eight or ten times. Yes, I don¡¯t have a conscience. I nearly died a few times in your hands because I didn¡¯t have a conscience. If I had conscience toward you, Nan Nan and I would have died long ago!¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted to bring up old scores. Then, the old scores umted in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tummy could be told until tomorrow or even the day after.

    ¡°I...¡± At the mention of that car ident from two years ago, Ding Jiayi really could not find any words to defend herself with. Well, what Qiao Dongliang said was the truth.

    ¡°You¡¯re speechless now? You don¡¯t have anything to say but I do. After Nan Nan borrowed the money and saved my life, you even let Nan Nan repay that sum of money alone. You said it did not have anything to do with our family; who had asked Nan Nan to borrow the money to save me? So, I¡¯m only Nan Nan¡¯s father. I¡¯m not your husband and not Zijin¡¯s father? Fine. You¡¯ve taken the initiative to separate our family of four into two households. What can I say? Aren¡¯t I granting you your wish now?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words made those who were eavesdropping outside dumbfounded. ¡°What kind of person is this? With this kind of wife, he may as well remain a bachelor for life.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? She has such an evil heart.¡±

    ¡°This man must have been down on luck for eighteen lifetimes to be involved with such a woman.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Dongliang, who do you mean when you said all these?¡± Ding Jiayi could clearly hear the heated discussions among those people outside. She was thus very embarrassed. She was so angry that she could feel smoke rising from her head.

    Qiao Dongliang was as calm as before. ¡°Nothing. I just hope that you will know your own limits. You¡¯re a patient who had a car ident, so don¡¯t be a nuisance and don¡¯t always treat Nan Nan and me as eyesores. If you scold Nan Nan again, don¡¯t me me for being unruly. When I met with a car ident two years ago, Nan Nan was the one who borrowed money and saved me. Two yearster, you met with a car ident, and Nan Nan was also the one who supported you. We have Nan Nan, such a good daughter. It¡¯s our blessing due to the good deeds that we did in our previous lives.¡±

 Chapter 777 - Is That Your Mother or Auntie?

    <h4>Chapter 777 Is That Your Mother or Auntie?</h4>

    ¡°Taking into ount our over ten years of rtionship as a married couple, let me advise you. Even if this is your good fortune, you shouldn¡¯t go overboard in your doings. You have squandered away this good fortune!¡±

    He could already tell since long ago that besides addressing Ding Jiayi as ¡®mom¡¯, in her heart, Nan Nan was, in fact, no longer willing to treat Ding Jiayi as her mother.

    Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi was still so full of herself and thought that Nan Nan was in her clutches and had to obey her words for life.

    If she wanted to scold or hit Nan Nan, Nan Nan could only endure it obediently without resisting

    ¡°Nan Nan had just finished her college entrance examination. Given Nan Nan¡¯s grades, it¡¯s not difficult to be admitted even into a top tier key university in the capital. As a mother, you¡¯re of no help but you should refrain from causing harm to Nan Nan. Understand?¡±

    ¡°I, as a mother, will I harm her? I¡¯m her biological mother!¡± When had she caused real harm to Qiao Nan? If she had really wanted to harm her, would Qiao Nan have grown to this age?

    ¡°You still don¡¯t believe it when I say that you¡¯re dumb. Rest well to recover from your injuries. Regardless of the situation of our rtionship, it shouldn¡¯t affect our children. When you have recovered, we can talk about other matters again.¡± Having finished his words, Qiao Dongliang shut his eyes and declined to have any further conversation with Ding Jiayi.

    There was no longer any show to watch. All of a sudden, the crowd at the entrance of the ward was gone.

    Ding Jiayi, who was lying on the bed, dug her fingers hard on the headboard of the bed. Her heart was filled with anger.

    After saying so much, it was all because she had given that wretched girl a few scoldings earlier. Hence, Old Qiao deliberately made things difficult for her to take revenge on behalf of that wretched girl!

    Just wait and see. Two years had passed. Did Old Qiao still think that she was that timid woman in the past who he could threaten with a divorce?

    She was sick of this tactic.

    Unless Qiao Nan did not appear, she would continue to torture Qiao Nan.

    She wanted to see what else Old Qiao could do besides having all talk and no action toward her.

    Divorce... This had been on the talks for two to three years. He had not even brought her to the Civil Affairs Bureau to settle the administration matters of a divorce. Was he bluffing her as if she was a three-year-old child?

    Ding Jiayi, who had stayed separately from Qiao Dongliang for two years, was so certain that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s threat of divorce was just one of his means to threaten her, that it was not true that he wanted to divorce her. Hence, in Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart, she had nothing to fear even if she were to do anything to Qiao Nan.

    She evencently thought that Qiao Dongliang was not the only one who knew this tactic. She knew as well.

    She could forget about this asion where Qiao Dongliang badly defended Qiao Nan in front of her. However, if Qiao Dongliang dared to do that in front of Qiao Zijin, she would initiate talks about divorce without the need for Qiao Dongliang to do so.

    At that time, she wanted to see if Qiao Dongliang would dare to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to settle the divorce administration matters with her.

    If Qiao Dongliang dared not do so, then she would be the one calling the shots in this family in the future!

    On the other hand, after Qiao Nan heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, she left swiftly without any hesitation.

    When she was downstairs and passing by the lobby, Qiao Nan knitted her brows.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve seen wrongly?¡± Qiao Nan was not quite sure too. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    It was only when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan left the lobby did Qiao Zijin, who was hiding, heave a sigh of relief. She then walked to the reception counter to inquire about Ding Jiayi¡¯s medical condition. ¡°Nurse, could you please help me check something? Three days ago, a woman surnamed Ding was admitted here due to a car ident. How is she now?¡±

    ¡°Are you referring to Ding Jiayi?¡± The nurse flipped her records and asked.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s her!¡± Qiao Zijin let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the information that Chen Jun provided her was correct. Her mother was really staying in this hospital. ¡°May I ask how her condition is? Is it severe?¡±

    ¡°After going through the surgery, her life is no longer in danger. She broke two ribs and hurt the lobes of her lungs. Most likely, she will take a long time to recover. How are you rted to the patient?¡± Why was she asking so many questions?

    ¡°Oh, I, I am her neighbor¡¯s child. My mom is on very good terms with her. My mom is worried about Auntie Ding but she doesn¡¯t have the spare time toe as she is tied up recently. Hence, she asked me to inquire about this. The good thing is that it¡¯s summer vacation now and I don¡¯t need to go to school. I, I¡¯m running an errand for my mom.¡± Of course, Qiao Zijin dared not say that she was Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter.

    Her biological mother had been hospitalized for three days and she only appeared now. This was abnormal.

    She was not Qiao Nan and did not have a valid excuse for participating in the college entrance examination.

    ¡°Oh, is that so? When did Mom be an auntie from your neighborhood? When did you have another mom? Is that your biological mother or godmother?¡± That cold-sounding voice of Qiao Nan rang behind Qiao Zijin¡¯s back. ¡°Mom has been hospitalized for three days. I really can¡¯t visit her because of the college entrance examination. Qiao Zijin, where did youe from? You even said that you¡¯re a child of Mom¡¯s neighbor and you¡¯re here to inquire about Mom¡¯s condition?¡±

    True enough, her eyes were not ying tricks on her. Qiao Zijin really came to the hospital!

    ¡°I...¡± Upon hearing this voice, Qiao Zijin was shocked. She was so frightened that she nearly ran away like a rabbit immediately.

    ¡°...¡± The nurse who had been inquired by Qiao Zijin earlier was dumbfounded. She blinked her eyes. ¡°The both of you are...¡±

    ¡°Thedy who was sent to the hospital due to a car ident the day before is our mother.¡±

    ¡°Ah?!¡± The jaws of the nurse dropped in shock. ¡°But she clearly told me that her mom is good friends with your mom, that she¡¯s the daughter of your mom¡¯s good friend...¡± At the end of the speech, the nurse nearly bit her own tongue.

    She really took her hat off this girl. She had told so many lies earlier but did not seem to be having any difficulty doing that at all. ¡°How are the two of you rted to each other exactly?¡±

    ¡°Sisters, biological sisters. She¡¯s older than me by two years.¡± This was the first time that Qiao Nan did not shun away from her rtionship with Qiao Zijin. Instead, she enthusiastically told others about the rtionship between them.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was turning redder. She could not lift up her head as many passersby were casting strange looks at them.

    ¡°Is it enough?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Mom dotes on you most. She gets angry whenever she sees me. You¡¯re so filial. Since you¡¯re here, aren¡¯t you going to visit Mom? Or do you intend to continue to address Mom as auntie?¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to be a busybody. I already came to the hospital. Of course, I¡¯ll definitely go and see Mom.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really your mom!¡± The young nurse seemed to be holding a knife and adding another stab viciously at Qiao Zijin. ¡°That person is clearly your mother, then why did you address her as your auntie in front of me?¡±

    The voice of the young nurse was not soft and there were many people in the lobby. Hence, many became aware that a patient¡¯s biological daughter came to the hospital and addressed her own mother as her auntie. She seemed to have something to hide or was unwilling to acknowledge her biological mother.

    What kind of daughter was this?!

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was so flustered and red as if it was going to bleed anytime. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back? I can look for Mom myself.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m going back.¡± She could not be bothered to lead the way for Qiao Zijin anyway. She was purely here to catch Qiao Zijin red-handed and make thetter feel bad.

    Qiao Zijin appeared at the hospital at this time. Obviously, Qiao Zijin must have been involved in their mother¡¯s car ident that happened three days ago during her college entrance examination.

 Chapter 778 - The Dumbfounded Ding Jiayi

    <h4>Chapter 778 The Dumbfounded Ding Jiayi</h4>

    In her previous life, her mother wanted her kidney to save Qiao Zijin and caused her death in a car ident. In this life, to prevent her from taking the college entrance examination, Qiao Zijin nearly caused her mother to die under the wheels. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan suddenly felt that they were very ludicrous.

    Heaven has justice and one will not be able to escape from their retribution.

    When Qiao Zijin did this, she felt that her grievances had been redressed and her mother had received her retribution. ¡°Brother Zhai, let¡¯s go back?¡±

    ¡°Wait. You... How are the two of you rted to each other?¡± At the thought that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were holding hands as they walked out, and also Zhai Sheng¡¯s reputation and status, Qiao Zijin reached out her arms and blocked Qiao Nan¡¯s way, refusing to let her leave.

    ¡°What do you think?!¡± Qiao Nan raised her hand that was holding on to that of Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Zijin bit her lips so hard that it nearly bled. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are not doing the right thing. You¡¯re just a student and shouldn¡¯t be involved in a romantic rtionship at such a young age. I¡¯m your sister, your biological sister. I¡¯m saying this for the sake of your own good.¡±

    Qiao Nan actually had connections with the Zhai family. She was together with Zhai Sheng, who was the most promising individual in the quad. How was that possible? How could she do that!

    The term puppy love was sensitive in China. Previously, those people who were staring at Qiao Zijin now turned their nces toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan chuckled. ¡°Sister, you seem to have forgotten. I have just finished taking my college entrance examination today.¡±

    Thepletion of one¡¯s college entrance examination was considered a milestone in one¡¯s life. The things that could not be done before the college entrance examination were mostly allowed after the examination.

    ¡°Sister, if you have nothing else to say, I¡¯ll go home first. Right, if you don¡¯t know which ward Mom is staying at, you can find someone to help you lead the way.¡±

    ¡°Coincidentally, I¡¯m going to your mom¡¯s ward to send her medication. I can lead the way for you.¡± At this juncture, another nurse who had been standing by the side and listening in on the conversation stood out with a ¡®friendly¡¯ smile.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± At this moment, Qiao Zijin was put in a spot. She could not leave even if she wanted to.

    She had just addressed her biological mother as auntie and was immediately exposed by Qiao Nan. If she was to say that she had to leave as she was tied up now, how would others view her?

    In short, after being exposed on the spot by Qiao Nan about her rtionship with Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin felt so ashamed that she wanted to find a ce to hide. She just wished to leave the lobby as soon as possible.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go?¡± The young nurse smiled and took the initiative to lead the way for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go too.¡± During the whole process where Qiao Nan was dealing with Qiao Zijin, Zhai Sheng stood quietly beside Qiao Nan, giving her his support silently. ¡°You¡¯re letting her off so easily?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°She¡¯s my sister, my closest kin.¡±

    ¡°I can help you.¡±

    ¡°No need. You¡¯re a soldier!¡± Qiao Nan rejected. She was very insistent on this. ¡°If you really help me with this, Chief Zhai won¡¯t be happy about it. Moreover, it¡¯s not necessary to teach them so many lessons. My sister and my mom share the same temperament. The fox may grow but never good. They¡¯re the best examples for this saying.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Zhai Sheng gave augh. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be too worried. You¡¯ll be released from all these soon.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not understand. ¡°Released from what?¡± Her mother met with a car ident but her life was no longer in danger. She wished to be relieved?

    Unless her mother had passed away naturally many decadester and Qiao Zijin died as she could not be saved in time after contracting uremia again, how could she be relieved?

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. You¡¯ll understand after some time.¡± Zhai Sheng was not telling Qiao Nan something yet. Qiao Nan had been shunned away after only taking a nce at Ding Jiayi in the hospital. That was something to be happy about. Of course, that excluded the verbal abuses that Ding Jiayi let out during the meeting.

    Due to this, Zhai Sheng had a better understanding of how hard Qiao Nan¡¯s life had been in the past.

    ¡°I hope so, Brother Zhai. I¡¯m tired. I wish to go home to rest.¡±

    The college entrance examination had ended. Clearly, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had rested well during the few days of the examination.

    However, after meeting Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan¡¯s state of mind became extremely exhausted. She just wished to have a good rest.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao is still taking care of your mom in the hospital. You should continue to stay with the Shi family during these few days. Don¡¯t stay alone. Understand?¡± Zhai Sheng still did not feel at ease to let Qiao Nan stay alone at home. No one could guarantee that those people who created the trouble during the day of the college entrance examination would give up on or postpone dealing with Qiao Nan after that failure.

    Given his current identity, Zhai Sheng was unable to keep Qiao Nanpany by her side.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng could only endure it and let Qiao Nan stay at the Shi family. He would feel more at ease then.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good too. However, Qiao Zijin bumped into the two of us directly today. We don¡¯t know when she may tell Auntie Miao about us directly.¡±

    After enduring for two years, Qiao Nan felt that perhaps it was time to exin to Miao Jing.

    The two of them could not possibly keep the truth from Auntie Miao until the moment that they get engaged, right?

    ¡°Okay.¡± It was not easy for Qiao Nan to agree to reveal their rtionship to his mother. Zhai Sheng smiled satisfactorily. ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s already veryte.¡±

    When Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Nan to the house of the Shi family, Shi Qing happened to arrive home.

    The two youngdies went marketing and then cooked together. After finishing their meals, they bathed and slept. They fell into a deep sleep at the same time.

    Qiao Nan felt morefortable and rxed thereafter. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi was beginning to feel ufortable.

    After having an argument with Qiao Dongliang, the injured Ding Jiayi felt weak and soft at this moment no matter how she consoled herself. As an ordinary woman, she hoped that she could receive the care and love of others, especially her husband, at this point in time.

    Qiao Dongliang had been giving her cold shoulders. He even brought up old scores in front of outsiders and let people in the hospital misunderstand that she was a vicious and wastrel wife. Only Ding Jiayi herself knew how much humiliation and pain she felt in her heart.

    ¡°Ah, has your other daughter, the elder one, gone back?¡± The young nurse who was going to change the drip for Ding Jiayi came in. She felt strange when she saw that only Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were left in the ward. ¡°She left so quickly?¡±

    ¡°Which other daughter?¡± Qiao Dongliang narrowed his eyes while Ding Jiayi perked up and straightened her ears to hear.

    ¡°The one that came earlier. That¡¯s your family¡¯s younger daughter right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Thereafter, ady who¡¯s slightly older came to the hospital. She seems to be your elder daughter. I even led the way here for her. It¡¯s just that the senior nurse asked me to attend to some matters while we¡¯re on the way. Hence, I asked her to bring the medicine over to you. You have taken the medicine for tonight, right?¡± The young nurse blinked. The daughter had left after just half an hour. Wasn¡¯t that a little too fast?

    ¡°No.¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbstruck.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s chest lifted gradually. ¡°She had taken the medicine for the night but it was sent over by another nurse.¡± And not the other daughter who was the elder one.

    Zijin came to the hospital today. In that case, she was definitely aware that Ding Jiayi was hospitalized due to a car ident!

 Chapter 779 - Would Not Relent

    <strong>Chapter 779 Would Not Relent</strong>

    ¡°Ah?¡± This time, it was the young nurse¡¯s turn to be dumbstruck. She suddenlyughed. ¡°I say, the two daughters from your family are both quite strange. It¡¯s fine that the younger daughter couldn¡¯t visit you at the hospital because she had to take the college entrance examination. Isn¡¯t your elder daughter studying in college? The funny thing is... When your elder daughter came to the hospital to enquire about your condition, she actually said that she¡¯s your neighbor¡¯s daughter and even addressed you as her auntie. Your family¡¯s situation is soplicated. Did you pass this elder daughter for adoption?¡±

    Otherwise, which daughter would address her own mother as auntie?

    Wasn¡¯t that amusing?

    After dumping these words that were as powerful as a bomb, the young nurse pushed the trolley and left after changing the drip for Ding Jiayi.

    She left behind Ding Jiayi, who was filled with anxiety and seemingly struck by lightning, and Qiao Dongliang, who became even more silent as fumes of anger seemed to be building up in him.

    After some time, Ding Jiayi then gave an unnatural smile. ¡°Maybe, maybe it¡¯s a misunderstanding, or maybe they have mistaken someone¡¯s identity.¡± If the nurse was really referring to Zijin... If Zijin were to find out that she had met with a car ident, she would certainly feel very worried. How could she pass the medicine to someone else, asking them to bring it to her, and did not even leave her any messages? No, this was certainly not the case.

    ¡°Since she was a child, Zijin has a good temper and a glib tongue. Would she address me as auntie in front of outsiders? What a joke. That nurse was talking nonsense. But she shouldn¡¯t do so about such things. She¡¯s too hical.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Really? I find it strange. If that youngdy was not Qiao Zijin, then why would others say that she¡¯s our other elder daughter? This happened in such a short time. When Qiao Zijin appeared, coincidentally, it was around the time Nan Nan left.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean to say that when Zijin pretended to be my neighbor¡¯s child and addressed me as auntie, she coincidentally met Qiao Nan and was exposed by thetter? Impossible. It¡¯s absolutely impossible! Zijin is such a good child. Could she address me as her auntie? I don¡¯t believe this. I definitely won¡¯t believe this!¡± Ding Jiayi frowned badly and refused to admit the truth.

    Qiao Dongliang snorted softly. His eyes were full of disdain and mockery. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? The nurse who came earlier has such a deep impression of this matter. If Zijines again next time, do you think she will be able to identify whether Zijin is the youngdy that she was referring to today?¡±

    That was self-denial.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe this. Anyway, I won¡¯t believe this. I, I¡¯m tired.¡± Ding Jiayi covered herself with a nket. She just wanted to cover her head and sleep to avoid the look in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes and his interrogations.

    She had been hospitalized for three days. Ding Jiayi was, in fact, happy that the first person that she saw when she opened her eyes was Qiao Dongliang.

    It was just that when she gradually regained her consciousness, she had not fulfilled her wish to see Qiao Zijin, the second person that she wanted to see. Ding Jiayi thus felt uneasy at heart. She then tried to find various excuses for Qiao Zijin in front of Qiao Dongliang.

    It was all excuses when she said that Qiao Zijin went traveling with her ssmates.

    Ding Jiayi was well aware that Qiao Zijin had returned to Ping Cheng as soon as the summer vacation started.

    If Qiao Zijin had not returned to Ping Cheng and told her that the economy was bad, that she had to continue her studies but the money at home was really insufficient...

    She also said that she happened to know someone who needed to buy a house. That person was willing to pay a high price to buy over their small courtyard in the quad. With this sum of money, the mother-daughter pair could have a more generous lifestyle for a longer period in the future.

    After they finished spending the money, it was almost time for Qiao Zijin to graduate from school then. She could then work to earn money and support Ding Jiayi and herself.

    Without these words of Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi would not have returned to Ping Cheng and passed by Ping Cheng High School.

    In the absence of this premise, Ding Jiayi would not have met with a car ident.

    At the moment she was knocked down by a car, Ding Jiayi really believed that she was going to die.

    When she still had a little sense of consciousness, Ding Jiayi could feel that the ribs in her tummy were broken. Her chest felt so painful that she could not say a word. Once she opened her mouth, she vomited immediately instead of saying a word.

    Until that moment, Ding Jiayi still did not me Qiao Zijin for the car ident.

    If Qiao Zijin really came to the hospital today, did not visit her, and even told others that she was her neighbor¡¯s daughter, Ding Jiayi felt consistent quavers in her heart. She really could not ept such an oue.

    Regardless of the excuses she made for Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi could not ept that the daughter she loved most did note and visit her for the entire three days when she was fighting for her life. Then, when her daughter appeared, she imed that she was not her daughter.

    How could this be possible?

    That young nurse must have been talking nonsense. She was weaving lies without a basis.

    Right, that must be the case.

    Didn¡¯t Old Qiao say that Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, had just left during that time?

    Perhaps that wretched girl gave money to and bribed the nurse to deliberately tell such a lie to sow discord between Zijin and her.

    It was fine that that wretched girl was mean. She did not expect the nurse in this hospital to be as hical and did such a mean and shameless thing!

    After a round of self-constion, Ding Jiayi¡¯s anger eased a little and she gradually fell asleep.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had been by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side and watching Ding Jiayi sleep with her head covered despite the hot weather,ughed mockingly before he turned and continued to sleep.

    As expected by Qiao Dongliang, when Ding Jiayi woke up the next day, she had a body full of rashes due to the fact that she had covered herself for the entire night.

    It was the summer period. The wards in the hospital only had fans. Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi was severely injured and had many bandages on her body. Especially for the first few days, they could not even wipe away her sweat. She could thus only endure the suffering

    Ding Jiayi had been covering herselfst night and perspiring nonstop. It would be strange if she did not break out in rashes.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi, who was full of rashes on her face and head, Qiao Dongliang stared coldly by the side. He was not willing to bother much about her. She allowed Ding Jiayi to wail andin that the rashes were itchy and painful. Qiao Dongliang refused to respond to Ding Jiayi or even console her.

    Hearing Ding Jiayi wail, the nurse who was changing medication for Ding Jiayi also frowned. ¡°Can you stop shouting?¡± If this continued, Ding Jiayi might hurt her own throat. ¡°Ask your loved one to prepare some Florida water and rashes powder. When your injuries and skin are better, they will be of some use.¡±

    Covering one¡¯s head to sleep during summertime and thus broke out in rashesthis was the first time the nurse heard such a joke. She had really widened her horizons.

    Hearing what the nurse said, Ding Jiayi, who was wailing from time to time, cast nces at Qiao Dongliang. If Qiao Dongliang did not respond, she would wail louder. She had the intention to torture Qiao Dongliang into a reaction and agree to buy these items and take care of her.

    However, this time, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have made up his mind firmly. He refused to soften his heart for Ding Jiayi at all.

 Chapter 780 - What a Huge Temper

    <strong>Chapter 780 What a Huge Temper</strong>

    Due to what the young nurse said yesterday, Qiao Dongliang had been thinking for the entire night.

    He suddenly realized that he not only had to be hard-hearted to Ding Jiayi but also must change his attitude toward Qiao Zijin, this daughter.

    Of course, he wished that his daughter was the most adorable and kind as well as the best daughter in the world. However, the truth was undeniable.

    So many things had happened. Even if Qiao Dongliang still had the benevolence of a father, he could no longer treat Qiao Zijin as a simple and innocent child who had not stepped into society.

    When he met with a car ident years ago, he could, in fact, already tell the realistic and selfish nature of Qiao Zijin. It was just that he was unwilling to admit it at that time.

    ¡°Good day, may I ask if you are Comrade Qiao and Madam Ding?¡±

    ¡°Good day.¡± Seeing that the other party was also a young nurse in the hospital, Qiao Dongliang stood up. His attitude waspletely different from the tough demeanor that he had when he faced Ding Jiayi. Looking at this, Ding Jiayi felt her heart soured.

    The young nurse smiled. ¡°These items are delivered to you by your daughter. Quickly eat them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang took over the lunch boxes from the hands of the young nurse.

    The moment she heard this, Ding Jiayi, who was still listless a second earlier, suddenly seemed to have been injected with chicken blood. ¡°Did you see that? I¡¯ve already said before that Zijin is the best child in this world. Yesterday¡¯s matter must have been a misunderstanding. That woman is definitely not Zijin. Isn¡¯t this... Zijin directly sent us food!¡±

    She was unlike Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, who only had the father in heart and treated her, the mother, like she was dead.

    ¡°If the one who came to the hospital yesterday was not Zijin, how was she able to deliver food to your ward today? I think your brains are the organs that were hit that day.¡± She could even say such contradictory things. Her brains had really been damaged.

    After opening the lunch box, Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Qiao Zijin has been raised by you such that she never does any household chores. Even if she has changed that habit, most of the food that she prepared is not nice. This culinary skills-only Nan Nan has it.¡±

    Qiao Nan delivered two kinds of lunch boxes. One of them contained in white porridge that was as white as a sheet, whereas the other contained rice, meat, vegetables, and also an egg that was cooked sunny-side up.

    Undoubtedly, the one with rice, vegetables, and meat was prepared for Qiao Dongliang. As for the in and nd white porridge, it must be for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Oh, this smells really fragrant. The two of you are so blessed. The youngdy looks so obedient and sensible. She¡¯s also very polite when she speaks. I didn¡¯t expect her to be able to cook so well at such a young age.¡± Smelling such fragrant food, the youngdy was also feeling hungry.

    However, she was embarrassed to share the patient¡¯s food. She thus quickly left and got her meal at the canteen.

    Smelling the fragrance of the food, Ding Jiayi had to consider the capability of Qiao Zijin even if she had wanted to do something against her conscience such as helping Qiao Zijin redeem herself.

    After taking a few deep breaths, Ding Jiayi was angry. ¡°Why did she have to trouble others with small matters such as delivering food? Are her limbs broken or she can¡¯t move as she¡¯s lying on the bed like me due to a car ident? You told me that Qiao Nan is good. In what way is she good? Why can¡¯t I tell?! She has no manners. Is that young nurse who came earlier blind? She described such an ill-mannered child polite. She has not seen Zijin before. After seeing Zijin, she will know who the best child in this world is.¡±

    ¡°Ha.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not be bothered to argue with Ding Jiayi on this. Who was the blind one? One should know in their heart.

    Qiao Dongliang ced the in porridge in front of Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi¡¯s ribs and not hands were broken. Hence, Qiao Dongliang only set up the small table on the bed for Ding Jiayi and ced the porridge and spoon on it. Next, hepletely ignored Ding Jiayi and let her take the food on her own.

    After ¡®taking care¡¯ of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang returned to his seat. He then opened the lunch box and took a huge mouthful of rice, followed by another huge mouthful of vegetables. The food seemed so delicious.

    During the first three days when Qiao Nan was taking the college entrance examination, Qiao Dongliang was not picky and he bought food from outside to satisfy his hunger.

    Ding Jiayi was seriously injured and someone had to stay by her side. Qiao Dongliang was the only one from the Qiao family who could watch after Ding Jiayi. Hence, when Qiao Dongliang went to get food, he dared not go too far away. He headed directly to the hospital¡¯s canteen and ate poor and expensive food.

    Qiao Dongliang had suffered much, both psychologically and physiologically, during the past few days.

    While consuming the food with a familiar taste, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s spirit lifted. He had a feeling that he was reborn.

    Qiao Dongliang was happily eating while Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned cker with every mouth of the porridge that she took.

    It was undeniable that, although it was in porridge, Qiao Nan had cooked it very well. It was fragrant and thick andpletely iparable to what was sold at the hospital canteen.

    However, humans are always insatiable.

    Clearly, she had been taking in porridge that tasted like dog food for the past two days. As such, the quality of her food was considered to have improved today, but she was dissatisfied all the same.

    She could smell the fragrance of the rice and dishes that Qiao Dongliang were having, especially the fragrance of that braised red meat. It smelled so good that Ding Jiayi was drooling. Her eyes were filled with greed.

    Compared to that lunch box that smelled, tasted, and looked good, that in and nd porridge of hers was thrash.

    After taking only a few mouthfuls, Ding Jiayi red up and pped the bowl of porridge, causing it to spill onto the floor. ¡°What kind of thing is this? Does she want to starve me to death? Where¡¯s the promised chicken shredded porridge? She¡¯s using such cheap and insincere stuff to deal with me. True enough, she doesn¡¯t have me this mother in her heart. Old Qiao, tell Qiao Nan now that even if I can¡¯t take rice, I want to eat shredded chicken porridge. I suffered many serious injuries and bled so much. I want to nourish my body well. Ask her to prepare all these things one by one!¡±

    The treatment that Old Qiao received when he was previously hospitalized-she wanted all of them!

    Qiao Dongliang did not utter a word. After finishing his food, he washed the empty lunch boxes.

    Ding Jiayi was enduring her anger. She believed that Qiao Dongliang would definitely listen to her and instruct Qiao Nan after he finished washing the lunch boxes.

    She was the injured one. She was hospitalized. Therefore, she was the one who had the biggest say in the Qiao family now!

    Ding Jiayi quietly waited for Qiao Dongliang toe back. She would never have expected that, when the door was opened again, the doctor and nurses doing their rounds around noon were the ones who entered. It was not Qiao Dongliang

    When the doctor and nurses came in, they saw the porridge sttered by Ding Jiayi all over the floor. The few were dumbstruck. They blinked their eyes and did not understand what was happening.

    It was only until this moment that Qiao Dongliang entered the ward. ¡°Sorry, please excuse us. Her temper is not very good. She also doesn¡¯t like our younger daughter. This porridge was prepared by our younger daughter. Don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯ll clean them up immediately.¡±

    If there was a younger daughter, it meant that they had an elder daughter.

    Oh, so it was the news that was spread in the hospital today. It was thatdy who addressed her biological mother as auntie, saying she wanted to visit her mother but ran off half-way and even passed her biological mother¡¯s medicine to someone else to send <b>over.</b>

    It was a true story!

    She must have so much dislike for the younger daughter to be able to smash the bowl porridge that her younger daughter had painstakingly prepared to floor. What a huge temper.

 Chapter 781 - Asking for It

    <h4>Chapter 781 Asking for It</h4>

    ¡°No, no issue. The weather is hot and food turns bad easily. It¡¯s better to clean up as soon as possible. It will prevent the floor from being slippery too. If the food turns bad, the smell won¡¯t be good.¡± The doctor smiled gently and consoled Qiao Dongliang instead. He asked Qiao Dongliang not to be anxious. They would not take issue with this.

    Anyway, they were not the ones who painstakingly prepared that bowl of porridge toppled by the patient.

    When the doctor was checking on Ding Jiayi¡¯s medical condition, Qiao Dongliang, a 1.8-meter-tall grown-up man, did not disy any signs of bad temper at all. He was enduring all the hardship and cleaning up the porridge spilled by Ding Jiayi bit by bit with the broom provided by the hospital.

    The porridge cooked by Qiao Nan was good. It was extremely fragrant and thick. However, the more the porridge was as such the more difficult it was to clean it up. Qiao Dongliang was not good at household chores. Hence, he took some time to clean up.

    At the sight of such a good man like Qiao Dongliang, both the doctor and nurses were filled with awe.

    As a male, the doctor could not help putting in good words for Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan. ¡°Actually, the patient¡¯s mood affects the recovery time. One has to be contented. When your mood improves, your illness will recover more quickly. You¡¯ll then be discharged earlier. That surgery of yours alone spent a lot of money.¡±

    The wife had a car ident and had to spend a big sum of money. The husband also did not hesitate to fork out the money to treat his wife¡¯s condition.

    As a grown-up man, although he was quiet, he had been guarding his wife silently by her side. This was already the fourth day.

    Where could you find a husband who was willing to do all these in the world? One had to be contented and know how to count her blessings.

    Ding Jiayi pulled a long face. It was only when the doctor and nurses left did she ask. ¡°Did you do that on purpose just now?¡±

    He deliberately came back sote. He deliberately waited for the doctor to do his rounds beforeing back to the ward. He then cleaned up the porridge that she had spilled on the floor bit by bit in front of the doctor and nurses.

    Having been a married couple for twenty years, this was the first time Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Dongliang could be such a scheming man when he was serious about being so. He was so scary!

    She had been plotted against. Her reputation had been totally ruined. It was only then that she realized that she had been tricked by Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang put away the broom and wiped the sweat on this forehead. He then replied nonchntly, ¡°Nan Nan and I have been taken in by you both so many times. We have been plotted against so many times. If we don¡¯t improve, I¡¯ll be ashamed to call myself a soldier. No matter what, I still need your cooperation in this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were too maligning.

    The two had been a married couple for so long. If Qiao Dongliang was so scheming, would Ding Jiayi still be able to take all the family savings to enroll Qiao Zijin in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China? Furthermore, he only found out about it half a year after it had happened.

    If Ding Jiayi had not acted up and insisted on finding fault with Qiao Nan, treated Qiao Nan like a ve and bossily ordered Qiao Nan to prepare many things¡ªfurthermore, they were things without mary gains and only mary loss¡ªthe idea of conveniently making use of this matter would not have shed in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind.

    The more arrogant Ding Jiayi was, the more hard-hearted Qiao Dongliang became. ¡°The doctors in this hospital are really skillful. It has just been four days and your spirits are already so good. I feel more at ease now.¡±

    In about one month¡¯s time at least, when Nan Nan was pursuing her college studies, he couldpletely settle his marriage problems with Ding Jiayi.

    Without the burden of being rted to her, he believed that Nan Nan would certainly be able to focus more on her studies.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was panting with anger. Given this attitude of Qiao Dongliang, she knew that Qiao Dongliang would definitely not pass her earlier message to Qiao Nan or request Qiao Nan to do as she said.

    She could not understand. Why was it that other people¡¯s husband doted on their wives so much but this wooden block in her family doted on her child more than his wife?

    After about half an hour, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tummy started growling continuously as if it was drumming. ¡°Old Qiao, I am hungry...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang lifted his eyelids. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll have things to eat when you wish for them? There¡¯s definitely nothing-not even g-left in the hospital¡¯s canteen at this hour.¡± The food in the hospital was not tasty but there were never leftovers.

    Ding Jiayi could no longer endure the hunger. She could not care less about the weird and mocking tone of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°The canteen is not the only ce that sells food in the hospital. I¡¯m fine with whatever you buy back for me. I¡¯m hungry.¡± If she still did not eat, she would be starving badly soon.

    Qiao Dongliang nted his eyes and looked at Ding Jiayi. ¡°The food in the hospital is expensive. It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know. If you wish to have something to eat, fine, give me the money.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi gave a re. ¡°We¡¯re husband and wife. Do you still need to ask me for money when you buy some food for me? Old Qiao, there¡¯s really only money on your mind

    now?¡±

    ¡°All the money that I have earned had been spent by you. I¡¯m penniless. I don¡¯t have a choice either.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about the money that you have earned in recent years?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t your hospitalization this time cost money? Will the hospital operate on you and feed you medicine at no cost?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was panting with anger. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that all the money spent on my hospitalization was borrowed by that wretched... Qiao Nan?¡± Then, the money that Old Qiao had earned during the past two years should still be in his own pocket.

    ¡°You¡¯re really good. The money spent on your hospitalization was all borrowed from others and you guard the money in your own pocket badly. With your borrowing habits, why don¡¯t you go and borrow and see how many people will be willing to lend you money?¡± Qiao Dongliang could not understand what he saw in Ding Jiayi many years ago, that he even married this woman.

    Although his qualities were not very good previously, it was not like there were no other women who were willing to be with him besides Ding Jiayi.

    He had used half of his lifetime to learn that he had to look for character and not superficial qualities in a woman!

    Ding Jiayi, who was starving, did not even have the energy to be angry. ¡°Then, tell me, what to do? I¡¯m really very hungry.¡±

    ¡°What to do?¡± Qiao Dongliang smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t you have two daughters? Nan Nan has delivered one meal. If you really want to have some rice, you can pray silently that that elder daughter of yours is really as good as you made her out to be. No, she¡¯s better than Nan Nan. Nan Nan sent you some in porridge. If you wish to have some shredded chicken porridge, you will certainly be able to get them from Qiao Zijin. Of course, if Qiao Zijin doesn¡¯t deliver it here, you can wait a few more hours and look forward to the meal at dinnertime. Even if Nan Nan is not good and can¡¯t care much about the taste of the dishes, she will still ensure that the quantity is met.¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang behaved in this way, Ding Jiayi had no choice. Instead, she was at the beck and call of Qiao Dongliang.

    At this juncture, Qiao Dongliang then understood that he was the one who indulged Ding Jiayi and condoned her ill-disciplined, tant, arrogant, and domineering manners in the past.

    One would only create troubles in two kinds of situations. First, they were too full after having eaten their fill. Second, they had nothing to eat and were dying of hunger, so they had to create a nuisance for the sake of survival.

    Having missed two meals, Ding Jiayi was as listless as a frosted eggnt.

    When it was mealtime at six o¡¯clock in the evening and Qiao Nan asked the young nurse to help deliver the food to the ward, Ding Jiayi took the spoon and started to eat the in porridge without a word as soon as Qiao Dongliang ced it before her. It was so delightful and fragrant.

 Chapter 782 - Nurtured a Top Student in Middle School Examination

    <h4>Chapter 782 Nurtured a Top Student in Middle School Examination</h4>

    It was human nature not to know what was good for oneself. She deserved it!

    Qiao Nan, who had been staying in the house of the Shi family and studying English, was not aware of all these happenings at the hospital. She further did not know that her fickle-minded father could, in fact, be so awesome when he set his heart out to do something.

    She was quietly reading in the house of the Shi family and waiting for the results of the college entrance examination.

    There were still ten days before the results of the college entrance examination would be out. Nevertheless, the middle school examination results of the third-year junior high school students whom she had previously given tuition to were already announced.

    Suddenly, without prior warning, the loud sound of firecrackers could be hearding from the entrance of the house of the Shi family. Qiao Nan jumped in shock and the English dictionary that she was holding dropped to the floor.

    ¡°The entrance of your house?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing shrugged. ¡°Impossible. My dad is the type who works behind the scene. He¡¯s not into such fanfare.¡±

    ¡°Lei Feng[1]¡ªnot leaving a name behind even after doing a good deed?¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Shi Qing pped. ¡°So, these firecrackers are most likely set off at another house and not mine. Don¡¯t need to bother.¡±

    Qiao Nan picked up the dictionary. She wanted to continue reading it but she felt that the noise of the firecrackers was too close to them. ¡°I think something is not right. Shi Qing, why don¡¯t you take a look at the entrance? When are they going to finish setting off these firecrackers? It¡¯s too disturbing.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± With Qiao Nan¡¯spany, Shi Qing was more inclined to stay at home. She had transformed into a youngdy from a faked. ¡°Ah, Qiao Nan, quicklye and see. It¡¯s not at the entrance of my house but yours. Those people look quite familiar. That young one is probably one of the students that you have taught!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Qiao Nan was dumbfounded. She stood up and walked out to take a look. Was that

    so?

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao!¡± The child was more sharp-eyed than adults. As soon as the young boy turned, he saw his own young teacher at the entrance of the house of the Shi family. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, the results of my middle school examination are out!¡±

    ¡°Ah? Judging from what I see, you must have done well.¡± Qiao Nan looked at the boy smilingly. ¡°Congrattions to you for faring so well. With this, you will be able to enroll in your favorite high school ¡ª The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.¡±

    The boy shook his head. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I¡¯ve changed my aspirations. One year ago, I was foolish. Now, I don¡¯t want to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China anymore. I wish to study at Ping Cheng High School!¡± With this, he would then be considered as schoolmates with Teacher Xiao Qiao.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows. Was this due to her influence?

    After thinking, Qiao Nan then said, ¡°This is your own life. Of course, you can decide for yourself. However, you can¡¯t choose to ignore your parents¡¯ opinions at times. You have to listen to them and respect your parents. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Although the results of Ping Cheng High School were much better than those of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of Chinast year, it was just for that one time. Hence, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was still the best school in Ping Cheng and the top-tier high school in the province.

    If the student were to study at Ping Cheng High School and give up studying at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China due to her influence, his parents might feel resentful. Qiao Nan expressed that she could not afford to have this happen.

    ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t worry, Teacher Xiao Qiao. As parents, we¡¯re actually very open-minded. As long as the child has considered seriously and knows what he wants-as long as he¡¯s not making a decision out of impulse-we, as parents, certainly have to respect their opinion, no?¡± The parent of the child was immediately smiling like flowers. That bright and dazzling look nearly made Qiao Nan unable to open her eyes.

    Shi Qing walked out curiously.

    What kind of results did this child obtain in the middle school examination that could make the child¡¯s parents give up the top school in Ping Cheng, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, and let him wilfully study at Ping Cheng High School instead? ¡°May I ask how your child fared in the middle school examination this time?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the top in Ping Cheng!¡± The child¡¯s father was all smiles.

    Excluding the time when he was promoted to a father, from the time that he was born, he had never been in so much limelight!

    ¡°Top student in Ping Cheng? That¡¯s such a great improvement.¡± Qiao Nan was well aware of the grades of her own student. Previously, this student was the one whose grades improved most rapidly. He even ranked first in the ss and eighth in the cohort during the preliminary examination.

    With such grades, it was certainly not difficult to get into Ping Cheng High School. It was also not difficult to get into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China if he were to be more conscientious during the examination.

    However, to Qiao Nan, ranking first in the whole of Ping Cheng was something unexpected. ¡°Congrattions. You have worked very hard during this period. Although I didn¡¯t teach you for that long, I am very proud of you. Nevertheless, when you attend high school, you must remember to maintain the same learning habits. Learn humbly. Don¡¯t let your own ego be inted and forget what your surname is. If you really can¡¯t do that, return to your junior high school and ask for all the formal examination papers that you have taken during the past three years. Store them away properly. When you feel that you are feeling a little light in your head, take them out and flip and read it.¡±

    There were many intelligent students but also many more were bingcent and arrogant because of the good grades that they had attained.

    Once this situation urred, the originally good grades would slip and it would be difficult to revert. After all, the up and down changes were not only the grades but also the sensitive self-esteem of a teenager in his adolescence.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t worry. I remember all that you have taught me previously. I¡¯ve also written down some of the words. Before the middle school examination, I read through your words. I was thus able to quiet down and revise. Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you. I was not nervous at all during middle school examination. My brains were extremely alert. If not, I wouldn¡¯t be able to fare so well during the examination. Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you. Really, thank you so much.¡±

    It was not just the parents of the students. Even the boy did not expect that he would be the top student in Ping Cheng one day, and it was for the middle school examination!

    When he came in eighth in the cohort previously, he believed that was his greatest limit of achievement.

    After he read through Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s words, he rxed his mood during the middle school examination, made himself feel less nervous, and did not give himself so much pressure. He only quietly told himself that it was also to maintain his current grades.

    Who would have expected that, in the end, he had not only attained top in the cohort but also top in Ping Cheng.

    When he first knew about this, the boy was so ted that he almost cried.

    His previous grades were only above average. He had never been a teacher¡¯s pet. It was only until he joined Qiao Nan¡¯s vacation ss that his status in the teachers¡¯ hearts started to rise. He finally knew how it felt like to be an outstanding student in the ss.

    At the thought that the school had a huge banner with his name printed on it when he went to receive his report card today, the boy felt so emotional that he did know what to say!

    Tears welled up in his eyes. He felt embarrassed as he stubbornly sniffed. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, I feel that the most correct thing I have done in my life is to learn from you during the summer vacationst year!¡±

    [1] Lei Feng was a soldier in the People¡¯s Liberation Army and is amunist legend in China. After his death, he was characterized as a selfless and modest person devoted to the Communist Party, Mao Zedong, and the people of China.

 Chapter 783 - Received a Pile of Red Packets

    <h4>Chapter 783 Received a Pile of Red Packets</h4>

    It was the third year of his studies in junior high school. It was only until the first semester that his grades started to improve tremendously!

    He had to thank Teacher Xiao Qiao for it. If he had not met Teacher Xiao Qiao, he dared to say with certainty that he would not achieve such grades today regardless of how well he performed on his own.

    At the sight of the boy¡¯s attitude, Qiao Nan was at a loss of what to do. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You have achieved such grades because you have worked hard. Your junior high school teachers had also put in a lot of effort during the past three years. Such good grades are hard toe by. Remember to go back to school and thank the subject teachers who taught you during your three years of studies.¡±

    It was rare that they had nurtured a top student in Ping Cheng. If all the credit were to go to someone else, Qiao Nan knew that the teachers from the student¡¯s junior high school would vomit blood due to anger.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t worry. As parents, we know what to do regarding this.¡± The father proudly patted the shoulders of his son, who was almost as tall as him now.

    The son could achieve such good grades. Of course, they could not allow him to choose his high school without careful consideration.

    Treating the teachers to meals for taking care of his son during the past three years was not a big deal. It was just a small matter. If he was happy and willing, he could not wait to arrange a banquet to tell everyone he knew that his son was Ping Cheng¡¯s top student during the middle school examination.

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, thank you. We must really thank you.¡± The student¡¯s mother sounded more sincere. ¡°To put it bluntly, I was just following the crowd in the past. I did not expect...¡± Did not expect that the oue would be so good!

    The child¡¯s mother stuffed a pile of things into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao, take these foodstuffs. Treat it as a form of appreciation from our child and us, parents.¡±

    Teacher Xiao Qiao did not im all the credit. She even mentioned the teachers from the junior high school of her son.

    It was rare as Teacher Xiao Qiao was only two years older than his son!

    It was no wonder that each time his son mentioned Qiao Nan, who, in fact, could be his elder sister since she was older than him by two years, he would respectfully address her as Teacher Xiao Qiao. It was as if he was referring to his idol.

    In one¡¯s lifetime, it was extremely important to have a mentor who could guide and lead you in the right direction.

    ¡°No, no need. No need to be so polite. It¡¯s due to his own hard work that he had done well.¡± In front of so many people, Qiao Nan was also embarrassed to ept all these gifts. Furthermore, she had epted quite a lot of them during the Lunar New Yearst year.

    Many families behaved this way. Each time their child took an examination and improved in their grades, they would send gifts to her house.

    She was obviously paid to provide tuition for the children. It was a form of trade.

    If she were to take so many things from them, Qiao Nan felt that she was not being very ethical.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, you have to. You have to.¡± The parents were so enthusiastic. Qiao Nan could not even reject them.

    In the end, the parents simply said that they had to go to school to thank the child¡¯s other teachers and could not stay longer. As for the gifts, they simply piled them up at the entrance of the Shi family and ran off.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Qiao Nan waved her hand with all her might to get them toe back but it was toote.

    The results for the middle school examination were out and it was not just one person who received the results.

    Hence, the small courtyard was extraordinarily lively today. In particr, the entrance of the house of the Shi family was so crowded. That family earlier seemed to have set the stage with an opening performance for today¡¯s show. The number of people who came to thank Qiao Nan was streaming in continuously, forming long queues.

    One by one, all the families of the children who had been taught by Qiao Nan during the past one and a half years visited her.

    It was only when the sun was setting in thete afternoon did the entrance of the Shi family quiet down.

    They had finally sent off everyone. Shi Qing, who was already considered a strong one, had wobbly legs and nearly slumped at the entrance of her own house.

    At the sight of the piles of items at the entrance, her father would not even have a ce to stand when he arrived home after work. Shi Qing tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll persuade you again. Just quit school and be a teacher. Do you believe that when the results of our cohort are out, Principal Meng will surely be willing to obtain a pass to certify you as a qualified teacher and then make you work for the school as a teacher? It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t teach during normal times. As long as you spot questions for the third-year students before they take the college entrance examination, Principal Meng will also treat you the same way as he prays to the Buddha.¡±

    As long as Qiao Nan was around, she could attract outstanding junior high school graduates for Ping Cheng High School and also help the school nurture outstanding senior high school graduates. Amazing!

    ¡°No room for talks on this.¡± Qiao Nan was dying from exhaustion. Of course, she could not ignore the satisfaction that filled her heart. ¡°There are so many things. Quickly bring them in. Otherwise, when your dades home after work, how is he going to enter the house? Also, I still have to prepare meals for my dad and momter.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still sending in porridge to your mom?¡± Shi Qing squinted and made faces at Qiao Nan.

    During noon, when Qiao Nan was preparing meals for Ding Jiayi, Shi Qing was unhappy and deliberately disturbed Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing was very healthy. Although she had known Qiao Nan for two years, there was never a time that she was so sick that she required Qiao Nan to take care of her. At the sight that Qiao Nan was spending so much time and effort to prepare a pot of porridge for Ding Jiayi, Shi Qing so angry that she felt pain in her lungs.

    She only felt more at peace when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s exnationter.

    Having been mother and daughter for two lifetimes, Qiao Nan understood Ding Jiayi too well.

    Ding Jiayi could treat her badly but she had to treat Ding Jiayi perfectly well.

    Her mother would expect her to treat her simr to the treatment that her father received in the past-not just the same but better. Even if she did that, her mother would still be dissatisfied. She would only think it was expected of Qiao Nan.

    Although Shi Qing felt that she had sincerely prepared the fragrant and thick porridge out of foolish filial piety, in her mother¡¯s eyes, she was being extremely unfilial and thus had to be struck by lightning and thunder.

    It would be a ghostly encounter if her mother was willing to eat the porridge that she sent to her.

    Sending this porridge would make her mother feel worse than if she did not. Moreover, not to mention that there were also the rice and dishes that she sent to her father asplements.

    Qiao Nan knew that she was not sending a bowl of porridge but a bowl of oil.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll send in porridge.¡± Anything more?

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll help you!¡± After knowing how ¡®meaningful¡¯ the porridge was, Shi Qing was still quite happy to join in the fun.

    Qiao Nan had little strength and she was not as physically strong as Shi Qing. Shi Qing¡¯s physique was very strong andparable to that of a youngd. Within a short time, she had already shifted everything into the house. ¡°Qiao Nan, take a look. Is this a red packet?¡±

    When they were shifting the items, Shi Qing found a red packet in the pile of items. When she opened it, there was quite a lot of money ¨C fifty yuan.

    ¡°Quickly help search and see if there¡¯s more. Don¡¯t miss anything.¡± Qiao Nan had just forked out all her savings for her mother¡¯s medical condition. This sum of money... Although it was not enough for Qiao Nan to pay the college tuition fees, it was better than nothing. Regardless of how small the mosquito was, it also had some meat.

    Qiao Nan looked a little uneasy. To her surprise, these parents not only gifted her things but also red packets. If Shi Qing had not discovered it, she would have beenpletely unaware.

    After a round of search, the biggest red packet was fifty yuan and the smallest was about twenty yuan. There were actually not many big red packets with fifty yuan.

 Chapter 784 - Very Harsh on Herself Too

    <h4>Chapter 784 Very Harsh on Herself Too</h4>

    ¡°Hurry up and take them. There¡¯s living allowance now.¡± As for the tuition fee, it was far from sufficient.

    Qiao Nan grasped her head. ¡°Can I say that I don¡¯t really feel like taking them?¡±

    Unfortunately, many people visited at the same time. It was so crowded and many just left behind the gifts and ran off.

    As such, Qiao Nanpletely did not know the corresponding families that gifted the respective items. She could not return them even if she wanted to.

    ¡°What do you intend to do then?¡± Shi Qing was aware that they could not return the money even if they wished to. They were unable to find out clearly the amount of money given by the respective parties. If they were to check with them, would these people, who were determined to give away the money, respond and take the money back?

    The reason they gave these red packets was that their children fared so well and could get into the senior high school of their choice.

    Compared to the money that was needed to bribe the school into epting their child as a student, the red packet given to Qiao Nan was really of a negligible amount. Spending a small sum of money to avoid huge expenses, these parents had, in fact, gained a lot.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan said, ¡°There¡¯s only one way. Simply photocopy the notes that I made during my normal lesson time and send them to the students.¡±

    The streaming to humanities and science sses would only happen in the second year. Hence, Qiao Nan¡¯s notes of the first year of her high school studies would still be of use to these students. It could also be considered as returning the favor for the red packets.

    ¡°I think this method works. They¡¯re going to gain a lot more!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s notes were much more useful than those textbooks and practice materials sold at bookstores. Any parents who were polite this time were smart. Coincidentally, all of the parents were smart!

    Qiao Nan tidied up the money and ced it on Shi Qing¡¯s study table. She then started to prepare meals for Qiao Dongliang and Ding

    Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s dinner was of enough portions for him and there were a variety of dishes. It was also well-bnced in nutrition with both protein and vegetable dishes. It was excellent in terms of smell, look, and taste.

    As for Ding Jiayi, it was the same hundred-year-old menu-a bowl of in porridge that was so fragrant and thick!

    ¡°It¡¯s settled.¡± After packing the rice, dishes, and porridge into the lunch boxes, Qiao Nan let out a sigh of relief.

    Shi Qing wrung a handkerchief and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    ¡°No need. It¡¯s broad daylight. There¡¯s no need to be so exaggerating.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. The hospital was not that far away. It was embarrassing to keep troubling Shi Qing in this way.

    ¡°It¡¯s decided then. It¡¯s better to y safe as you can¡¯t afford a single mishap. If a single strand of hair of yours goes missing, Brother Zhai will chop my head off.¡± Brother Zhai was busy investigating the matter regarding the college entrance examination. He did not have time to take care of Qiao Nan currently.

    If she did not take good care of Qiao Nan during this time, Brother Zhai would certainly not let her off.

    For the sake of her own little life, Shi Qing had to follow Qiao Nan closely. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the incident of Qiu Chenxi earlier. Both of us have encountered such exaggerated acts before. You have to learn to be obedient. Understand?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a free bodyguard for me to utilize, so how can I say no?¡± Qiao Nan smiled but there was a tinge of worry in her eyes.

    Undoubtedly, Qiao Zijin was certainly involved in the matter that happened during the college entrance examination.

    Besides Qiao Zijin, there had to be someone else. Qiao Zijin had joined forces with outsiders to deal with her.

    All of a sudden, Qiao Nan did not know what to say. What great sin had shemitted that Qiao Zijin had to deal with her jointly with outsiders? Were Qiao Zijin¡¯s brains leaking?

    ¡°Right, it has been two days. Have you thought about it? Who do you think is likely to have arranged what happened during the college entrance examination? My dad suspects that it has something to do with Qiu Chenxi.¡± Someone who was so wealthy and petty¡ªQiu Chenxi was the only one with such an extreme character. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible that Qiu Chenxi found out about your rtionship with Brother Zhai, and that¡¯s why...¡± She spent so much money to deal with Qiao Nan. It was worse than the earlier asion where she hired a group of people to bash Qiao Nan up.

    ¡°But Qiao Zijin doesn¡¯t know Qiu Chenxi.¡± Qiao Nan looked grim. ¡°Undoubtedly, Qiao Zijin had certainly done something about this matter. When Qiu Chenxi was creating trouble for me, Qiao Zijin had already left Ping Cheng for some time. These two women did not even have a chance to meet each other, not to mention talking about my matters and dealing with me as they were bound by hatred for amon enemy. When I think about it, it¡¯s more probable that Qiao Zijin would coborate with Chen Jun and plot this.¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s father had not been promoted to policemissioner. Instead, he was stripped off his post as the deputymissioner. Given Chen Jun¡¯s temper, he must be filled with hatred. He would investigate to the bottom of the matter the reason his father had been stripped off his post.

    Chen Jun had always known how to build connections with others. As long as someone could be of help to the Chen family, he would have the intention to befriend them. He would also not offend them.

    After assessing, she was the only one who had a greater conflict with Chen Jun.

    ¡°This... It¡¯s also true. Chen Jun knows the rtionship between Brother Zhai and you, so he is well aware that you don¡¯t have the ability to do anything to his father. But Brother Zhai has. Ah, I feel depressed. Chen Jun¡¯s father had been stripped off his post due to valid reason and proof. Her father was so daring to ept bribes. If they didn¡¯t take his post away from him, whose posts were they going to take away? The Chinese government would not allow such a greedy woodworm to remain in the party. He was in the wrong, yet he still med it on others. Given the Zhai family¡¯s style of doing things, if the Chen family was open and honest in their dealings, Brother Zhai would definitely not do anything to malign others.¡±

    Shi Qing was not pleased. There was a problem with the Chen family themselves and the oue would be the same regardless of who investigated them.

    Having a woodworm such as the Chen family would only smear the country¡¯s name and image.

    Brother Zhai discovered and destroyed them early. He had done a good deed for the party, citizens, and country.

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°If the Chen family had self-awareness and self-realization, would they be caught? Theymitted wrong as that was the general trend of events. They were going with the flow. These officials help and protect one another. If everyone did the same thing and the Chen family insisted on honest dealings, they would be ostracized in the end. Since everyone did the same, why did they seek trouble with the Chen family and not others? Of course, the Chen family and Chen Jun were unhappy with this.¡±

    There were certainly other government officials who were simr to the Chen family.

    The others had not fallen off the horse but Chen Jun¡¯s father did. Would the Chen family feel at peace with this?

    ¡°Previously, Chen Jun wooed me because of ulterior motives and Qiao Zijin had met him before. She even addressed him as Brother Chen affectionately then. Qiao Zijin knows that Chen Jun is the son of the deputy policemissioner and she¡¯s quite interested in Chen Jun. Without me as the middleman, Qiao Zijin will certainly be able to find ways to get close to Chen Jun. I¡¯m not surprised if the two of them join forces to deal with me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s soplicated. Don¡¯t worry. Brother Zhai is investigating this. Anyone who did such things can¡¯t run away.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s mind was getting entangled. There were too few clues and too many troubles. She could not find a clear line of thought. ¡°Right, you¡¯re so sure that Qiao Zijin was involved. How about your mom? She¡¯s so harsh on you. She¡¯s also harsh enough on herself.¡±

    It was such a close shave and that woman with the surname Ding would have died under wheels immediately. She would really have kicked the bucket!

    To use her own life to stop Qiao Nan from taking the college entrance examinationwhat kind of courage, and what kind of extreme lunacy was that?

 Chapter 785 - Tell Me Nicely. I Will Listen

    <h4>Chapter 785 Tell Me Nicely. I Will Listen</h4>

    ¡°You think too much. My mom would definitely not jump in front of a moving car. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it. Qiao Zijin is still a student. She is in school and she has yet to have a boyfriend. She has not married nor does she have any children. My mom couldn¡¯t bear to die.¡±

    ¡°...Are you saying that your mom has got nothing to do with this incident, or at least, she did not take the initiative toe up with this n?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but she may have yed a passive role.¡±

    ¡°...Qiao Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Ruthless!¡±

    Shi Qing gave Qiao Zijin a thumbs-up. She was ¡®full of admiration¡¯ for Qiao Zijin. ¡°Does she want her mom to die?¡±

    Her final goal was to stop Qiao Nan from sitting for the college entrance examination. Was her mother¡¯s life worthless to her?

    ¡°No, my mom has a higher value alive than being dead. You should have seen that my mom is still alive.¡±

    ¡°No matter what, I just don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°By the way, how is the police investigation going regarding my mother¡¯s car ident?¡±

    ¡°We have asked everyone involved. The owner of the car who hit your mother seems to be innocent. He did not speed, drive the reverse direction, or take the otherne. He owned a driver¡¯s license. Somebody reported that your mom dashed out onto the road and was knocked down by the car. The police officers spoke to your mom after she woke up. She said that when she was on the streets, she felt giddy from standing under the sun. Right before the ident, she felt as if she was pushed by someone from behind. That was how she ended up dashing onto the road.¡±

    ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s analysis, instead of dashing out onto the road, she believed it was more probable that Ding Jiayi had been pushed by someone.

    ¡°Although the owner did not vite the traffic rules, the ident did ur. The owner of the vehicle had to bear the responsibility. The driver¡¯s license was revoked and the vehicle was detained. He had to pay a fine of a thousand yuan. It was sent to Uncle Qiao, who was at the hospital.¡±

    However, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s injuries, a thousand yuan was insufficient to cover for half the amount of her medical bills.

    ¡°It is better than nothing. Back when my dad was in a car ident, he did not receive anypensation. Although there is no way that I can get back the money that I gave to my dad, with this one thousand yuan, our finances will not be so tight. At the very least, we do not need to fork out more money.¡¯

    Qiao Nan was optimistic. She was not as gloomy as Shi Qing. Instead, she was able to look on the bright side of things.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Shi Qing smiled reluctantly. Under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, she was not as gloomy and unhappy as before.

    Qiao Nan did not send the meals to Ding Jiayi¡¯s ward. Like what she did in the noontime, she asked a young nurse to pass the lunch box to the ward for her before leaving

    Before she left, she took with her the lunch box that Qiao Dongliang left downstairs previously.

    Given Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude, both Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan knew that Qiao Nan no longer wished to face Ding Jiayi or wait on her nicely while enduring her insults.

    The young nurse brought the lunch box to the ward. However, she felt that the food was wasted on Ding Jiayi. ¡°This porridge smells nice. It is better than the food at the hospital. Do you feel that it is a waste to give this good food to a mother like her?¡±

    The other young nurse on the same shift smiled. ¡°Yes, indeed. However, it is their family affairs. That woman may not be a good person, but she is still the mother of that youngdy. But it is indeed a waste of food as the mother wouldin and pick on the food. It¡¯s a shame.¡±

    Everyone in the hospital was busy.

    However, they were d that Ding Jiayi, who was so good at creating news, was at their hospital. With her around, they would be able to listen to a lot of gossip. It was fascinating to them.

    Therefore, although it was only Ding Jiayi¡¯s fourth day at the hospital, the doctors, nurses, and even the patients had heard about a lot of gossip regarding the Qiao family.

    What was interesting was that quite a lot of female patients or family members would use Ding Jiayi as an example to make their husbands see reasons. ¡°Look, that family has such a wife, yet the husband still treats the wife so nicely. The wife is in hospital and the husband still has to wait on her. You should count your blessings. If you married such a woman, you would not want to stay married to her!¡±

    Perhaps Ding Jiayi served as a very good example. All the men who heard of her were thankful that their wives were unlike her. ¡°You... you are quite good to me. Let¡¯s lead a happy life from now on.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was the only unlucky person. His misfortune had helped all the other women in the hospital.

    However, the young nurse was wrong this time around. She had thought that Ding Jiayi would be picky with food, but she was wrong.

    When she handed the lunch box prepared by Qiao Nan to Qiao Dongliang, and he ced it in front of Ding Jiayi, not only did she not throw her temper or pick on the food, she even ate the food heartily. She finished the food quickly as if she was a pig that was reared in the pigsty. The nurse was stunned at this sight.

    Ding Jiayi finished the porridge in less than a minute. ¡°Old Qiao, I... I am still hungry. Can you give me some of your rice?¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who had been hungry for a day, could finish one pig by herself. The small amount of porridge was insufficient for her. She kept staring at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rice.

    ¡°You are still recovering from your injuries. The doctor and nurse have reminded me to give you light meals. You may not feel full now, but in a while, you will feel bloated.¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to share with her the tasty dishes that Nan Nan prepared for him. He would never give her such tasty dishes.

    He remembered that back then, Ding Jiayi would always starve Nan Nan. She refused to give her nutritious food and would let her go hungry. Nan Nan suffered from malnutrition because of that.

    Now he could make use of this chance to make Ding Jiayi go through the same ordeal. She would not be given meat dishes and she would not be fed until she was full.

    ¡°I see, so this is the case.¡± The young nurse came back to her senses. ¡°Alright, I will make a move. Since you have had your meal, you must hurry to take your medicine for the night.¡± It turned out that she was too hungry and had been starving. She had no strength to lose her temper. Hence, she had no choice but to finish the porridge.

    She almost thought that the patient had a change for the better and no longer had a nasty temper.

    ¡°Comrade nurse, I will wash the lunch box and leave it at the lobbyter. Sorry for bothering you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± The young nurse was being very nice. She did not find it troublesome at all.

    After all, the lunch box had been washed and it no longer smelled of food. It would be ced in the lobby. It only took up a small corner of the ce that they worked at. It did not take up a lot of space.

    As medical personnel, it was their job to serve people. They would be d to do the patients a favor as well.

    After the young nurse left, there was only dead silence in the ward. It was quiet between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Dongliang several times. ¡°Old Qiao, do you intend to keep ignoring me? It ismon for couples to quarrel. We can resolve our differences through moremunication. If you feel that I have any shorings, you can tell me and I will change. What do you think? Couples may have quarrels but they patch up easily as well. We¡¯ve been quarreling for more than two years. No matter how angry you are, you should have been appeased. I am not that unreasonable. You can tell me nicely I will surely listen to what you have to say.¡±

 Chapter 786 - Appeared at the Right Time

    <h4>Chapter 786 Appeared at the Right Time</h4>

    Ding Jiayi pondered throughout the night. She felt that Qiao Zijin must have her reasons foring to the hospital but not visiting her and addressing her as her auntie.

    The reason why she was in a car ident was that Zijin wanted to sell the house.

    She and Old Qiao were still married. The house belonged to the two of them. It was not suitable for her to sell the house by herself.

    If Old Qiao learned about it, he would be angry at her again.

    If she brought this up, it would seem as if it was Zijin¡¯s fault that she was in a car ident.

    If Zijin was to appear right now, how was she going to exin to Old Qiao?

    Old Qiao was biased toward that wretched girl. If he heard about this, Zijin would no longer have any ce in Old Qiao¡¯s heart.

    No matter what, Zijin still cared for her. Zijin was worried that Old Qiao would me her for the ident. If she was not worried about her, she would not havee to the hospital to check on her injuries.

    Ding Jiayi believed that Qiao Dongliang was the reason why Qiao Zijin did not visit her. Being the ¡®good¡¯ mother that she was, Ding Jiayi had to think of ways to help Qiao Zijin solve her problem.

    In fact, Ding Jiayi meant what she said. Every woman in the world hoped that they would be able to lead a good life. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang had been good to Ding Jiayi for the past twenty years. He would give her all the money that he earned, leaving nothing much for himself.

    In the past two years, Ding Jiayi had heard a lot about other people¡¯s married lives. She realized that Qiao Dongliang had been very good to her. There were not many good husbands like him anymore.

    Therefore, Ding Jiayi was sincere in patching up with him.

    ¡°Look, Zijin is in her second year, while Qiao Nan will be in her first year of college when school starts. Our two daughters will soon marry in two years¡¯ time. As the elders, it will not be nice for us to keep on quarreling. If our inws see this, they will have a wrong impression of our family. Do you want to stand in the way of Zijin¡¯s and Nan Nan¡¯s future happiness?

    ¡°You are right. I really should think of Nan Nan¡¯s future.¡± Nan Nan had a troublesome mother like Ding Jiayi. It would be very difficult for Nan Nan to be with Zhai Sheng in the future.

    If he divorced Ding Jiayi, Nan Nan would stay with him and Ding Jiayi would definitely choose to stay with Qiao Zijin. By then, Ding Jiayi would not bring as much trouble to Nan Nan.

    ¡°Do you share my sentiments? There you go. I have said that I am not unreasonable. Old Qiao, let¡¯s make up. Zijin and Nan Nan will be going to college. They will not stay in Ping Cheng. As the saying goes, when young couples turn old, they will be each other¡¯spanion. Our situation is the opposite. What¡¯s wrong with us? Let¡¯s stop our quarrel, shall we?¡±

    Ding Jiayi no longer felt like staying angry with Qiao Dongliang.

    No matter how angry she was, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were not the ones who took care of her when she was injured and hospitalized.

    When dawn broke, Ding Jiayi gazed at Qiao Dongliang, who was dozing off by the side. It dawned on her that the person who would spend the rest of their life with her would not be Qiao Nan or Qiao Zijin. It was Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Zijin was a good daughter and she would be filial to her.

    However, after Qiao Zijin was married, she would have her own family and children. By then, Qiao Zijin would not possibly neglect her husband and children for her sake.

    Qiao Zijin might be filial, but Qiao Dongliang was the only person who would stay by her side, leading a simple life with her and taking care of her when she was sick.

    It was too much to lose to give up her husband for Qiao Nan, that unfilial wretched girl.

    At most, she would keep quiet when Old Qiao was being nice to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan would no longer be an eyesore to her after she married and left the family. They would not get to see each other often.

    In that case, it would not be long before she would no longer have to live with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Stop making trouble?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked sarcastically. Ding Jiayi thought that Qiao Dongliang was asking for her affirmation. ¡°Yes, I will not make any trouble for her again. I promise you I will really behave myself. Nan Nan is my daughter. I am... I love her deeply. That is why I want to correct her when she is in the wrong. It is just that I have high expectations of her. Didn¡¯t you use to say that spare the rod and spoil the child? Look at how outstanding Nan Nan is now. It proves that we are right to be strict with her.¡±

    ¡°Alright. It takes at least three months for the injuries to the bones and tendons to recover. You should be resting instead of talking. You should lie down on the bed.¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted Ding Jiayi to rest more lest she made more shameless and outrageousments.

    Ding Jiayi blushed. ¡°Old Qiao, are you concerned for me?¡±

    ¡°I am worried about your injuries. You should rest so that you can recover soon.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, you are very kind to me. You can rest assured that I will definitely have a good rest. If Qiao Nan is here, I will not pick on her anymore.¡± She had just reconciled with Old Qiao. She would not quarrel with Old Qiao because of that wretched girl. She did not want to threaten each other with divorce anymore.

    Now that Ding Jiayi decided to behave herself, Qiao Dongliang, who had been suppressing his anger, went to the corridor to take a walk.

    He hoped Ding Jiayi would make a speedy recovery so that he could bring up divorce to her.

    Qiao Dongliang was very clear that it would be difficult to keep Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng from Miao Jing for long.

    Miao Jing rarely chatted with Qiao Dongliang, but during the times when they had a chat, he could tell that Miao Jing did not like Ding Jiayi.

    Undoubtedly, Ding Jiayi would be the stumbling block to the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. It would be harder for them to get Miao Jing¡¯s approval.

    Qiao Dongliang felt vexed at the thought of that. Although he did not have the habit of smoking, he wished to smoke like what others did to drive his worries away.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly at himself. When the family was in better financial condition, he did not have the habit of smoking. Right now, he did not even have the money to send Nan Nan to college, yet he was thinking of smoking. How ridiculous he was.

    Qiao Dongliang could feel the heavy burden on his shoulder. He used to have a tall and upright frame. Although he was only in his early forties, he seemed to be hunching under the immense pressure, looking deste from the back.

    It was the fifth day since the incident that happened during the college entrance examination. Zhai Sheng went to the Shi family¡¯s residence to look for Qiao Nan.

    As soon as Shi Qing saw Zhai Sheng, she took an apple and was about to walk away.

    Zhai Sheng stopped her. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I will chat with Nan Nan next door.¡± The Qiao family¡¯s residence was right next to the Shi family¡¯s residence.

    Shi Qing, who had already taken a bite of the apple, watched helplessly as Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan away. After a long while, she ranted in anger. ¡°Hey, you are not even giving me a chance to eavesdrop, are you?¡±

    Back at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, Qiao Nan poured water for Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, you havee at the right time. Actually, I always wanted to ask how you managed to be there in the nick of time. I remember you had many soldiers with you as well.¡±

    If Brother Zhai waste by three minutes, she would not be able to enter the examination hall. Xu Tingting would be thrilled.

    The journey from the army camp to Ping Cheng High School was quite long. It would take more than an hour¡¯s drive.

 Chapter 787 - Could Have Been Someone Else

    <strong>Chapter 787 Could Have Been Someone Else</strong>

    Therefore, even if Zhai Sheng rushed to Ping Cheng High School as soon as he received the news, it would be impossible for him to reach the school before the college entrance examination started. He would not be able to make way for Qiao Nan so that she could be in time to sit for the college entrance examination.

    Qiao Nan was d that Zhai Sheng arrived in the nick of time. He was like her guardian angel. Whenever she was in trouble, he would show up at the right time, saving her from the crisis.

    However, there were more troubles toe.

    ¡°I have indeed received some information ahead of time.¡± Zhai Sheng did not intend to keep it from Nan Nan. She was a sensitive person. Except for being perceptive in rtionships, she was very much aware of what was going on around her. Zhai Sheng had never thought of keeping things from her. ¡°Someone in the army told me.¡±

    ¡°In the army?¡± Qiao Nan was baffled. Why would someone in the army know about something that happened in Ping Cheng and was able to tell Brother Zhai in advance? ¡°It is impossible for people in the army to be involved in this matter. That could not be!¡±

    The people in the army would never do anything that would endanger the stability of the country and disrupt the social order.

    ¡°Of course. No one in the army participated in this incident. It is just that someone received news of it in advance.¡±

    ¡°Who?!¡±

    Now that Qiao Nan knew more about it, she was all the more curious about who informed Zhai Sheng in advance.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you have any impression of Qian Yanyan.¡± In fact, if not for this matter, Zhai Sheng would not have known Qian Yanyan. There were so many people in the army. Zhai Sheng was not responsible for training all the soldiers, let alone the female soldiers that were the military performers in the army.

    ¡°I have no impression of her.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Apart from Song Yin, she had no impression of other soldiers in the army.

    ¡°When you went to the army camp to conduct English sses, she only attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ss. She even acted as Qiu Chenxi¡¯s teaching assistant.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I have some impression of her!¡±

    ¡°She was the person who gave me the information.¡± Zhai Sheng continued. ¡°Not only did she tell me that something would happen during the college entrance examination, but she also confessed her wrong deeds in the past. She was the one who stole your lesson ns and gave it to Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    ¡°Does it mean Qiu Chenxi had something to do with what happened this time?¡± Qiu Chenxi must have found out about her rtionship with Brother Zhai!

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes like a predatory bird at the mention of Qiu Chenxi. He was worried that he would scare Qiao Nan off with the ferocious look in his eyes.

    He had already taught the Qiu family a harsh lesson. It was a pity that Qiu Chenxi had yet to learn how to behave herself. She was still not content with what she had.

    ¡°Who was the person who told her?¡± The first thing that Qiao Nan thought of was who told Qiu Chenxi of her rtionship with Zhai Sheng. If no one had not told her, she would not have known the truth.

    When she was in high school, she did not have much contact with Brother Zhai. She had to study whereas Brother Zhai spent a lot of time in the army. During the rare times that they met, they never showed any affection for each other in public.

    ording to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s and her mother¡¯s mentality, as long she maintained her standards and had good results, Qiu Chenxi would never suspect that she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend.

    ¡°Wait a minute. Among those who know that we are together...¡± Qiao Nan had a sudden headache.

    There were not many people who knew that she was in a rtionship with Brother Zhai. Most of them were on good terms with her...

    ¡°Who do you have in mind?¡± Zhai Sheng had the same sentiments. He felt that someone must have told Qiu Chenxi about his rtionship with Qiao Nan. That was why Qiu Chenxi took things so far this time.

    Previously, Qiu Chenxi had always thought lightly of Qiao Nan. She did not see her as her opponent.

    If she found out that the person whom she despised had the man that she desperately wanted, a haughty Qiu Chenxi would not be able to take it lying down. She would not let Qiao Nan off. She would use all means and methods to hurt Qiao Nan. She would not care that she would be in a dire situation. She would do all she could to bring about Qiao Nan¡¯s downfall.

    Qiao Nan sped her forehead, thinking hard. ¡°Let me think about it. Let me think it through.¡± Her father and Chief Zhai would never do such things. As for Shi Qing and her father, it was impossible for them to hurt her as well. ¡°Oh, yes, I remember! There is another person who knows our rtionship!¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Chen Jun?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Chen Jun!¡± Qiao Nan mmed the table. ¡°When Shi Qing asked me if I have any suspects in mind, I never thought of Qiu Chenxi. That was because she did not know Qiao Zijin. But it is a different story with Chen Jun. Qiao Zijin knows Chen Jun. Chen Jun¡¯s father used to be the deputy policemissioner at the police station. However, he has been stripped off that position because of the two of us. If Chen Jun knows the truth, although he may not be able to deal with you, he is able toe at me. Given the social standing that the Qiu family used to have, it is easy to contact Qiu Chenxi. Besides, Qiu Qin has been transferred to a faraway ce, taking up the position of a low ranking official.¡±

    On top of that, Zheng Chenggong and his son, Zheng Liang, had been transferred to Ping Cheng. They had taken up the positions that Qiu Qin and Chen Jun¡¯s father used to hold.

    Therefore, even if Qiu Qin and Chen Jun¡¯s father had outstanding performances and were able to transfer back to Ping Cheng, there were no more suitable positions for them. They had no intention to take up other positions as well. They were in an awkward situation.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you think that it could have been Chen Jun?¡±

    ¡°There is a possibility that it was him.¡± Zhai Sheng sighed helplessly. Nan Nan was trying to absolve Zhai Hua from guilt.

    Zhai Hua had been in a strained rtionship with the Zhai family because of Wei De. Due to her job, she had to spend a lot of time in the army. On the rare asions that she was back, she would not go back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Instead, she would stay at the house that Wei De bought.

    Wei De paid for the house. However, the property title deed had Wei De¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s names on it.

    To Zhai Hua, the house belonged to Wei De and her.

    In this case, Zhai Hua might have been the person who told Qiu Chenxi the truth.

    ¡°I believe it should be the case. Brother Zhai, you can do some investigations. If Chen Jun is involved, it will not be difficult to find out if he has been contacting Qiu Chenxi. I know what you are thinking of. There was a moment I doubted her as well. It is true that Sister Zhai Hua used to target me because of Wei De. However, Sister Zhai Hua will always tell me in the face if she is angry or dissatisfied with me. It is unlike her to do things in the dark.¡± If Sister Zhai Hua was the person who told Qiu Chenxi the truth, it would mean that Brother Zhai had been betrayed by his sister.

    If this was the truth, it would only drive a wedge between Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua.

    ¡°I believe that Zhai Hua would not do that in the past.¡±

    However, Zhai Hua was no longer the Zhai Hua that he knew. She had changed a lot because of Wei De. He could hardly recognize her anymore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. No matter what, you should start investigating Chen Jun. It could have been our groundless worries.¡± Qiao Nan patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands, trying tofort him.

    ¡°I hope so.¡±

 Chapter 788 - Cause the Downfall of Oneself

    <strong>Chapter 788 Cause the Downfall of Oneself</strong>

    It would be best if it was Chen Jun. He could go all out to deal with him. But once Zhai Hua was embroiled into this, it would be troublesome andplicated. Things would be sensitive.

    Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Sheng was in a bad mood. She hurried to change the topic. ¡°I don¡¯t have much impression of Qian Yanyan, but I remembered that she would always be by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s side. I heard from Shi Qing that she had asked to get Qiu Chenxi¡¯s belongings from the army?¡±

    The military performers were considered soldiers as well. If not, Qiao Nan had wanted to describe Qian Yanyan as Qiu Chenxi¡¯sckey. Besides, it was Qian Yanyan who informed Zhai Sheng of what was going to happen at Ping Cheng, and hence he was able to reach in time and help Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi let slip of her tongue.¡±

    Qiao Nan only spent less than a month during the summer break to conduct English sses at the camp. However, even after she left the army camp, the soldiers would still bring up ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡± in their conversations. This was due to the great sess of Song Yin.

    After Song Yin aplished military achievements, he was promoted to toon leader.

    The politicalmissar felt that Song Yin was a talent, was conscientious, and had a good learning attitude. He helped him apply a year off to participate in training courses to upgrade his skills.

    In addition to his interests in English, Song Yin was very skilled in shooting. His aim was very urate.

    Song Yin¡¯s proficiency in English improved greatly after taking part in the training courses. He was able to read foreign publications with the help of a dictionary.

    Since Song Yin had outstanding performance in shooting and firearms, and he had the abilities and intelligence, he became the new blood in the camp.

    In addition, the army had the intention to train and groom new talents. Since Song Yin had outstanding performance, he was one of the soldiers that the army was going to groom.

    In the past, Wei De used to dream of rising through the ranks in the army. It only took Song Yin more than one year¡¯s time to attain half of his unachievable goals. He was almost promoted to deputypanymander already.

    It was because of Qiao Nan who changed the trajectory of Song Yin¡¯s life. Although Qiao Nan only taught him for less than a month, it was Qiao Nan who introduced him to the Englishnguage, and it was because of her that Song Yin could have the chance of a lifetime.

    As Song Yin¡¯s sess story became widely known in the camp, ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯ would alwayse up in the soldiers¡¯ conversations.

    All of the soldiers were proud that they were taught by Teacher Xiao Qiao and had attended her sses.

    Usually, when peoplemitted mistakes, they would have a guilty conscience.

    Qian Yanyan might have a guilty conscience, but if Qiao Nan was no longer brought up in the army, she would have forgotten about what she had done in a few months¡¯ or a few years¡¯ time.

    However, the soldiers kept bringing up ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯. As a result, Qian Yanyan was tormented by the mistakes she hadmitted in the past. She was worried that someone would discover what she had done and bring up the old scores again. If the army discovered it, they might kick her out of the camp.

    Back then, Qiu Chenxi would use this to threaten Qian Yanyan. It had be a nightmare to Qian Yanyan.

    Whenever she heard the mention of ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯, Qian Yanyan would be very sensitive and she would be on tenterhooks. Those around her noticed that she was behaving strangely. But whenever they asked her about it, she would keep her silence.

    Qian Yanyan could not wait to forget everything that happened in the past. She hoped that she could turn back time and stop herself from doing such silly stuff.

    But her wish did note true. Instead, she received a call from Qiu Chenxi.

    When Qian Yanyan learned that the phone call was from Qiu Chenxi, she almost pretended that she was sick. ¡°What is... Is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°Why do you sound strange? Are you sick?¡± Qiu Chenxi had no idea that Qian Yanyan was trying to distance herself from her, and that she was unwilling to answer her phone call. She thought that Qian Yanyan was unwell.

    Qian Yanyan cleared her throat. ¡°I am slightly unwell, so I have to go back early to rest. What is the matter?¡±

    During the conversation, Qian Yanyan covered the mouthpiece of the phone for fear that Qiu Chenxi would say anything outrageous and it would be overheard by someone else.

    ¡°How is Brother Zhai recently? Is he... in the camp? Will he go back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence tomorrow?¡± Qiu Chenxi wanted to be sure of Zhai Sheng¡¯s whereabouts before she started her n.

    She knew that Qiao Nan would sit for the college entrance examination tomorrow. Since Zhai Sheng valued Qiao Nan so much, he might go back to Ping Cheng to provide moral support for her while she sat for the college entrance examination.

    If this was the case-regardless of Chen Jun¡¯s n-Zhai Sheng would have a way to make sure that Qiao Nan sat for the college entrance examination.

    In the beginning, Qian Yanyan still did not understand what Qiu Chenxi meant. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai is in the army. I have not heard of any news that he is taking leave.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s good.¡± This meant that even if Brother Zhai received wind of what happened in Ping Cheng, it would be toote by the time he arrived at Ping Cheng.

    Qiu Chenxi only had one simple goal. Qiao Nan had good results, and she usually scored full marks for most of her subjects. To Qiu Chenxi, this was the best scenario.

    Regardless of Qiao Nan¡¯s good performance, if she missed the exam for one of the subjects, she would not be able to get into a good college.

    On the other hand, if Qiao Nan did very well for all the other subjects, she would feel all the more dejected and angry at failing to qualify for the good colleges.

    Therefore, Qiu Chenxi had made up her mind. She would use the morning to stop Qiao Nan from sitting for the exam of one of the subjects.

    People believed in having a good start to things.

    If Qiao Nan could not start off well for the exams and even failed to sit for the exams, no matter how much effort she put in for the remaining subjects, her performances would definitely be affected.

    ¡°What is good about it? Qiu Chenxi, what are you up to again? Do... do you want to scheme against Teacher Xiao Qiao?!¡± Qian Yanyan was truly fearful of Qiu Chenxi. Why did she keeping after her?

    ¡°Teacher Xiao Qiao? Didn¡¯t you use to say that she is merely a high school student? She is not qualified to be a teacher! She is not even qualified to study in a good college. How can she be someone else¡¯s teacher? It¡¯s ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°Impossible. I heard from other people that Teacher Xiao Qiao has good grades. She alwayses in the first ce in the level at her school. She should have no problem in going to one of the colleges in the capital.¡± Even if Qiu Chenxi did not like Teacher Xiao Qiao, she should not fabricate lies about her. ¡°Don¡¯t say this to other people in the army. If they hear of this, you will get into trouble.¡±

    ¡°Humph! What is wrong? Don¡¯t you believe me? If you don¡¯t believe it, we shall see if I am telling the truth. You must keep a lookout for the news the day after tomorrow. You will understand and believe what I said. Alright, I have nothing else to say. I will hang up now. But before I hang up, let me remind you. Don¡¯t address Qiao Nan so affectionately as Teacher Xiao Qiao.¡±

 Chapter 789 - Outsmart Oneself

    <h4>Chapter 789 Outsmart Oneself</h4>

    ¡°She has never taught you. Instead, you have stolen from her. If someone else or Qiao Nan knows about it, you should know what will happen. You treat her as a teacher, but will she treat you as her student?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi felt annoyed that Qian Yanyan addressed Qiao Nan as ¡®Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯.

    Since she was annoyed, other people had to suffer with her. The first person would be Qian Yanyan.

    ¡°I...¡±

    Beep. Beep. Beep.

    Qian Yanyan wanted to rebut her. She wanted to tell her not to go overboard. Back then, she stole Teacher Xiao Qiao¡¯s lesson ns for her sake. How could she be so ungrateful?

    However, before Qian Yanyan had the chance to speak, the arrogant Qiu Chenxi had hung up on her.

    After hanging up the phone, Qian Yanyan felt extremely uneasy. From the conversation just now, she felt that Qiu Chenxi seemed to be after Qiao Nan again.

    She knew that it was not a secret that Qiu Chenxi called her today.

    Regiment Commander Zhai and Teacher Xiao Qiao were on good terms. Even if Qiu Chenxi seeded with her ns, Regiment Commander Zhai might find out that she was behind it.

    Qiu Chenxi had the Qiu family to help her while she had no one on her side. If Regiment Commander Zhai found out about her conversation with Qiu Chenxi today, and that she hid important information from him, he might give her a demerit and asked her to leave the army!

    Qian Yanyan was in a fix. She did not know if she shoulde clean with Zhai Sheng.

    The next morning, when the sky was still dark, Qian Yanyan was startled awake by a nightmare. She hurried to wear her clothes and dashed to Zhai Sheng¡¯s dormitory. She told him everything and confessed to him that she stole Qiao Nan¡¯s lesson ns and gave them to Qiu Chenxi.

    Instead of being threatened by Qiu Chenxi, she would rathere clean and ask that he gave her a second chance.

    Qiu Chenxi made the phone call so as to check with Qian Yanyan regarding Zhai Sheng¡¯s whereabouts. She wanted to be sure that Zhai Sheng would not disrupt her ns or help Qiao Nan so that she could make ns in advance.

    She did not know that she had outsmarted herself in the end because of that phone call and Zhai Sheng came to know about her n in advance.

    She did not expect that Qian Yanyan would decide toe clean because of her constant threats.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°In the end, it was because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s phone call that I was able to sit for the exams for all the subjects without any hitches. She might have plotted against me, but she has helped me inadvertently as well. If she knows about it, will she boil in anger?¡±

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°She asked for it.¡± He was going to make her pay double, or even triple for it!¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qiao Nan did not deny it. Qiu Chenxi had used all means and methods to seek revenge on her. ¡°How much money has she spent in order to stop me from sitting for the college entrance examination?¡±

    ¡°If we do not count those that did not get paid, she has probably spent two to three thousand yuan.¡±

    One would need money to hire people to help her. The first group of people was hired by her henchmen. The second group of people was gathered by the first group of people. Everyone in the second group would be paid ten yuan of down payment in advance.

    The first group of people gathered a lot of people to join them. Every one of them would at least gather five other people. The fifty yuan that they received would not be enough for them to use. Therefore, they would ask for more money from Qiu Chenxi¡¯s henchmen.

    Qiu Chenxi was bent on stopping Qiao Nan from sitting for the exam. She was not concerned about the money that she had to pay them. She had given everyone in the second group a down payment of ten yuan.

    Apart from giving ten yuan to the second group of people as down payment, the first group of people also demanded a down payment of twenty yuan.

    As a result, Qiu Chenxi had spent a huge sum of money even before the actual day.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s good to have money.¡± She was worried sick for her college fees, yet Qiu Chenxi had so much money to squander. Everyone has a different life. It is no use to envy others. ¡°I have checked with the nurse. On the day we saw Qiao Zijin, she did not visit my mom and dad. She slipped away halfway.¡±

    From Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior, it proved that she knew beforehand that her mother would be in a car ident.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°What about your mom?¡±

    ¡°In my mother¡¯s eyes, Qiao Zijin will always be the best child in the world. She is the most obedient, sensible, and caring daughter. The car ident is just an ident. How can she me it on the ¡®innocent¡¯ Qiao Zijin? Even if you presented her with a lot of evidence, she will say that you have fabricated the evidence!¡±

    This was her mother.

    Zhai Sheng sneered. He tightened his grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Never twice without three times. Even if she did not die from the ident that Qiao Zijin nned, she has suffered greatly because of her.¡± Her rib bones had pierced into her lungs. It was sheer torture.

    ¡°This time, she was seriously injured. If something simr happens again, she may not be so lucky. She may die in the hands of Qiao Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Believe it or not, if my mom is really dead and it is true that one will turn into a ghost after one dies, she wille into my dreams and me me for her death.¡± Qiao Nan knew Ding Jiayi very well and she had lost all hopes that Ding Jiayi would change for the better.

    She did not care what her mother and Qiao Zijin were up to. They had better not implicate others, and in particr, it was best that they left her alone!

    Qiao Nan brushed over the topic of her mother and her sister as if they were not rted to her. Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached that she had to go through all these sufferings. He wished that he could gift Qiao Nan with his sincerest heart.

    He held her in a tight embrace, showing her that he was willing to do anything for her.

    Qiao Nan felt a chill inside her at the mention of her mother and her sister. However, now that Zhai Sheng held her in his embrace, the chill was gone. She blushed and buried her head in his embrace, feeling safe and assured in his arms.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, thankfully, you stayed by my side to support me and take care of me. Otherwise, I really don¡¯t know whether I couldst until today. I often wonder whether I have be weak and delicate with you by my side. You have been helping me and sheltering me from hardships. Without you, would I be able to shrug it off and study for another year should I not make it in time for the college entrance examination? But no matter how I think about it, I would rather that I am weak so that you will always be by my side.¡±

    Only one in love would feel this sense of vulnerability and uncertainty.

    She always knew that no matter what difficulties and troubles she encountered, Brother Zhai would always stand by her side. He would be like a towering tree that sheltered her from the wind and rain. He would be her pir of support, and he would not allow anyone to bully her.

 Chapter 790 - Zhai Sheng Is a â€˜Veteranâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 790 Zhai Sheng Is a ¡®Veteran¡¯</h4>

    This kind of happiness was something that she had never experienced in her previous life.

    Qiao Nan felt especially grateful and blessed to experience it in this lifetime, and she cherished it very much.

    ¡°Are you really that grateful to me?¡± There was a sparkle in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. One of his hands was around Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and the other was holding on to her tiny waist. It was seldom that Qiao Nan was willing to hug him on her own ord. This was something that Zhai Sheng had been yearning for all this while.

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s mood was not particrly good at this moment, Zhai Sheng did not decline. One would not be a man if he were to reject during such times.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Nan replied with certainty. Her tiny head even gave Zhai Sheng a nudge while she was in his arms.

    This movement nearly unleashed that evil gush of fire that had been deeply contained in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart.

    Zhai Sheng took a deep breath as he breathed in the fragrance of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair that was uniquely hers. ¡°If you are really that grateful to me, then promise me one thing.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Let me give you a kiss!¡±

    Over these three to four years, he had watched the fruit that he had been guarding mature gradually day by day. It had be fragrant that it could overwhelm one¡¯s senses. That fruity smell of it was so tempting and it exuded an irresistible charm all over, as if sweet and fragrant juice would drip out of it at any point in time.

    Zhai Sheng had been thinking every year, month, and day of his life when he could pounce on and take a real bite out of it to relieve his temptation.

    Qiao Nan had not reached eighteen years of age back then and was only a senior high school student. Certainly, as a soldier, Zhai Sheng could not bring himself toy his hands on her.

    Now, Qiao Nan was an adult and her nominal age was almost twenty years old. In Chinesew, she was an independent individual who was allowed to act on her own legally.

    That ¡®wolf heart¡¯ of Zhai Sheng that had been tempted for many years could not wait any further. He held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s neck and immediately kissed her.

    This was the second kiss between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. There was a gap of two years between this and their earlier kiss.

    In consideration of this, it was not wrong to say that Zhai Sheng had been a gentleman and he was akin to Liu Xiahui.

    Only heaven knew the countless times Zhai Sheng had dreamed about that sweet moment during these two years. He was so immersed in the dream each time that he was reluctant to wake up.

    However, when the sun was up the next day, Zhai Sheng¡¯s biological clock did not allow him to wake upte. At those moments, Zhai Sheng had to face an embarrassing situation whereby his pants needed a wash as they were stained with countless seedlings of his offspring...

    Today, it was seldom that Qiao Nan would express so much of her feelings. As an observant and sharp soldier, Zhai Sheng¡¯s advances were as strong and rapid as a leopard. He gave a firm bite on his prey first to satisfy his ¡®hunger¡¯.

    There was a buzzing sound in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind and she could not regain her senses for a long time.

    This was the house of the Qiao family and only Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were in the house. It was unlike the previous time whereby there were concerns about being discovered by others. Hence, Qiao Nan did not have any intention to struggle.

    That searing and hot kiss of Zhai Sheng seemed like it could devour a human. It made Qiao Nan feel as if she would be eaten alive by Zhai Sheng at any point in time.

    Clearly, during the first time, Zhai Sheng¡¯s kiss also felt like it could devour a human but it was so amateurish and shy. This time, his skills were simply akin to a veteran yer that had yed many games with no strings attached.

    Faced with such a situation, Qiao Nan, who did not have much of such experience in her two lifetimes, failed and surrendered repeatedly. She waspletely defeated.

    With those superb skills of Zhai Sheng, it was only until when Qiao Nan felt a tear and slight pain in her mouth that she came to her senses and pushed him away.

    When Zhai Sheng let go of Qiao Nan, he was panting heavily.

    As a soldier, it was needless to say that Zhai Sheng¡¯s lung capacity was strong. He would not feel breathless even if he were to hug and kiss Qiao Nan for another hour. At this moment, he was overwhelmed by the feeling of his body¡¯s little soldier troops standing.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you, you¡¯re too exaggerating.¡± Qiao Nan nced at the clock on the wall. Her face, which was initially flustered, turned even redder.

    It was just a kiss but itsted twenty minutes...

    At the thought of this duration, Qiao Nan bit her lip shyly. It felt so painful that she had to continuously take deep breaths. ¡°Tsk...¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zhai Sheng, who had been taking a few more deep breaths to extinguish that ¡®inner fire¡¯ of his, rushed over when he heard Qiao Nan panting.

    Qiao Nan wanted to cry but she had no tears. ¡°My lips are broken!¡± What else could it be?

    Not only her lips were broken but Qiao Nan also felt that both her lips and tongue did not belong to her. That feeling of numbness could not seem to go away.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. That pinkish, tender and tiny mouth of Qiao Nan was swollen and red currently. The skin on the lips was torn.

    Zhai Sheng smiled proudly and pulled Qiao Nan into his arms firmly. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll take note in the future. After all, I¡¯m not experienced in this and there will be inevitable misses where I don¡¯t use the correct amount of strength. It won¡¯t be like this after a few more tries.¡±

    ¡°A few more tries!!¡± Did she still want her mouth?

    ¡°You nominal age is twenty years and you¡¯re eighteen years old now.¡± In other words, let alone a few more kisses, it should not be a problem even if he and Qiao Nan were to do something that adults do.

    Qiao Nan was so furious that she banged her head onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest. ¡°You know that I¡¯m not thick-skinned but you deliberately said all these. Do you believe that I won¡¯t let you do this again?¡±

    Zhai Sheng raised his brows and did not retort.

    One must know that, to him, ¡®talks¡¯ were never better than ¡®actions¡¯. Instead of ¡®talking¡¯, he would prefer ¡®doing¡¯.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes badly. Was it true that, regardless of how gentle a man was, he would be indecent in front of the woman that he loved? ¡°Brother Zhai, I can¡¯t continue to chat with you. Regardless of whether I¡¯m happy or willing, the one lying in the hospital is my mom. I can¡¯t ignore this. Moreover, I definitely can¡¯t let my dad starve.¡±

    It was time for Qiao Nan to prepare lunch for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Fine, go ahead and prepare the meals. Remember to prepare for the two of us as well. I¡¯ll send you to the hospitalter.¡± Zhai Sheng let go of his hands and Qiao Nan finally left Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°But the ingredients are in the house of the Shi family. I don¡¯t have them here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too. Then, prepare the meals at the Shi family¡¯s residence.¡± Zhai Sheng stood up and led Qiao Nan to the house of the Shi family, which was located next door.

    Shi Qing, who happened toe out while chewing an apple, arched her brows in puzzlement when she saw that the two of them hade back before an hour.

    It was only when she saw Qiao Nan enter the kitchen to prepare food and Zhai Sheng sitting in the living room and watching the news on television that she lifted the corners of her lips. So, they treated the house of the Shi family as the kitchen.

    Unfortunately, with Zhai Sheng around, Shi Qing dared not say anything despite her anger. She had to abidingly shrink her shoulders and continue to chew on her apple. Even though the news channel was obviously something that she did not like, she could only sit by the side and pretended to watch it.

    The only one who could turn Shi Qing the tigress into a house cat was Zhai Sheng. It was hard to find the second person who could do so in the world.

    Ring! Ring! Ring! The phone in the Shi family rang and Shi Qing picked it up. ¡°Hello, good day. I¡¯m Shi Qing. Who are you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me...¡± A sullen and depressed voice of a man could be heard from the other side of the phone. Obviously, he was in a very bad mood.

 Chapter 791 - Not Too Positive

    <h4>Chapter 791 Not Too Positive</h4>

    Shi Qing quickly came to her senses about the identity of the caller. ¡°Why did you...¡± Call only after such a long time? It had been five days since the incident.

    Given the time, Shi Qing had doubted countless times if this man loved or had ever loved Qiao Nan, and whether he had given up on Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Baoguo sounded mncholic as he said, ¡°I took the college entrance examination in a different school from you all. In order not to feel nervous and to focus on the examination, I didn¡¯t watch the news or read the newspapers during those three days. On the afternoon of the seventh, I left for my dad¡¯s camp immediately...¡±.

    He hoped that he could be stronger as soon as possible so that he would have the ability to protect Xiao Qiao.

    Unexpectedly, the more he cared about something, the more easily he made mistakes.

    He wished to have the strength and power to prove to Xiao Qiao that he was not only a mature man but also someone who knew his own feelings. In addition, he was someone capable of giving her happiness.

    Who would have known that each time Xiao Qiao met with difficulty or encountered serious trouble, he was never by her side to protect her and not let her suffer any harm.

    Even Zhu Baoguo could not figure out why the reality was always against his wishes.

    ¡°No wonder...¡± It was no wonder that Zhu Baoguo had not responded for so many days since the incident. He did not even appear at all and only phoned her now. ¡°What are your thoughts now? I¡¯ve already told you that Qiao Nan is in a romantic rtionship long ago, right? Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend is great. Whenever Qiao Nan needs help, he will always appear by her side. Given your situation now, how are you going topete with him?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was not as good looking as Brother Zhai. His status was also lower than that of Brother Zhai. Even in terms of protecting and caring for Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo was not qualified topete with Brother Zhai.

    Sigh. From her perspective, Zhu Baoguo should just give up.

    Qiao Nan was a good person. Precisely because Qiao Nan was good, she deserved a better man who could treat her well.

    Zhu Baoguo was too young and green and could not achieve this.

    ¡°How do you know that I won¡¯t be his match before I even try? Unless Xiao Qiao is married to that man, I still have a chance!¡± Zhu Baoguo was stubborn and unwilling to give up.

    Shi Qing turned away such that she had her back facing Zhai Sheng. ¡°As you wish. This is your problem and it¡¯s up to you. I¡¯m telling you this because we are deskmates after all. I won¡¯t interfere in what you want to do.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I have a guest in my house and it¡¯s not convenient for me to chat too much with you. I¡¯ll hang up first.¡±

    ¡°Wait, I wish to know how Xiao Qiao is doing now. I called the house of the Qiao family but no one picked up the phone. Is Xiao Qiao alright?¡± During the day of the college entrance examination, there was a huge traffic jam. Moreover, her mother was also hospitalized due to a car ident that happened in front of Ping Cheng High School.

    At the thought of this matter alone, Zhu Baoguo felt that it must have been a truly miserable and tough day for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°How should I say this? Someone wants to deal with Qiao Nan, so Qiao Nan has been staying at my house recently. She¡¯s preparing lunch for her parents in the kitchen now. After Qiao Nan¡¯s mother is hospitalized, Qiao Zijin ran away after appearing once. Uncle Qiao has been taking care of Qiao Nan¡¯s mother all this while. You should understand.¡±

    ¡°I know...¡± Qiao Zijin. So, it was Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi again!

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± If she did not do so soon, she would be dead first because of Brother Zhai.

    After hanging up the phone, Shi Qing felt extremely guilty. She looked at Zhai Sheng, who was ncing coldly at her, and simplyughed continuously in a silly manner. Sheughed until her face and mouth turned stiff.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan brought out the rice and dishes at this moment. ¡°Quick. Have them while they are hot. I¡¯ve already packed my parents¡¯ shares. After we finish our meal, Brother Zhai will send me to the hospital. Shi Qing, you can have a day off today.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. It¡¯s so hot today. I really don¡¯t feel like going out.¡± The weather was hot enough. She would die from heatstroke if she remained a light bulb.

    The three of them were quick in having their meals and finished in five minutes.

    ¡°Alright. Both of you, go ahead. I¡¯ll clean up the things on the table,¡± Shi Qing said graciously.

    ¡°Right, I forgot to tell you that I have prepared one more lunch box. It¡¯s in the kitchen. Take it and send it to your dad.¡± Who said that Shi Qing would have nothing to do if she did not send Qiao Nan to the hospital? It was a day off for her in that sense but it was only right for her to send meals to Director Shi. ¡°Recently, your dad has been very tied up because of the incident that happened during the college entrance examination. He¡¯s definitely not going to take his meals on time. It¡¯s good that it¡¯s summer vacation now. You have more time to keep a watch on your dad.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m going out then,¡± Shi Qing replied. It was seldom that she had spare time. Of course, she had to care more about her biological father and ¡®conveniently¡¯ inquire about the progress of his investigation on Qiao Nan¡¯s matter.

    After agreeing on the arrangements, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing went on their ¡®separate ways¡¯ and sent the meals to their respective fathers.

    ¡°You¡¯re delivering the meals again?¡± The young nurse in the hospital was already familiar with Qiao Nan. At the sight of Qiao Nan, she recalled thetter¡¯s objective ofing to the hospital. ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t need to worry. Your mom is starving now and her temper is not as bad as before. She will finish the porridge that you send. Do you wish to deliver them yourself today?¡±

    It should be a form of happiness to watch her biological mother finish drinking the porridge that she had painstakingly prepared, no?

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. She was very grateful to the young nurse for her kindness. However, she really had no use for it. ¡°My mom¡¯s health is not good. I¡¯m afraid she will get angry when she sees me. She¡¯s willing to eat my porridge, but it doesn¡¯t mean that she¡¯s willing to see me. When her health is better, I¡¯ll visit her again.¡±

    She did not wish to receive an unreasonable scolding from her mother.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too. I¡¯ll send them to her for you. Pass them to me. I believe this is yours?¡± The young nurse returned the lunch box that Qiao Dongliang had sent down to Qiao Nan. ¡°You are so well prepared. There are two lunch boxes?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan did not exin further. These two lunch boxes were purchased when her father was hospitalized due to a car ident two years ago.

    At the thought that she died due to a car ident and both her parents encountered car idents as well, she realized that only Qiao Zijin had not met with such a situation among their family of four.

    ¡°Sorry to trouble you today. Thank you. Bye.¡± Qiao Nan was very polite in her manners. She then left with Zhai Sheng.

    The young nurse held her chin. ¡°Wow, that man is so dashing. Could it be her elder brother or something?¡± If that was the case, then she would have the chance to woo the handsome man?

    The atmosphere was not bad when Zhai Sheng was with Qiao Nan. Besides those who knew Zhai Sheng, anyone who saw that emotionless and icy cold expression of Zhai Sheng at this juncture would have their romantic dreams dashed.

    Inparison to Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, when Wei De and Zhai Hua were together, the difference was that the atmosphere on Wei De¡¯s side did not seem too positive.

 Chapter 792 - In a Bad Mood

    <h4>Chapter 792 In a Bad Mood</h4>

    Previously, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had been analyzing who was the one who told Qiu Chenxi about their rtionship, which caused Qiu Chenxi to vent all her frustration on Qiao Nan.

    Their suspicion of Zhai Hua disappeared in the blink of an eye. However, they suspected everyone except for one person-Wei De.

    Besides their own family and friends, Chen Jun was not the only outsider that knew about Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship. There was Wei De as well.

    One must know that once Zhai Hua was aware that her younger brother had that kind of feelings toward Qiao Nan, she immediately shared this ¡®gossip¡¯ with the one that she loved most-Wei De.

    All the while, Wei De had been reluctant to ept Qiao Nan as his ¡®sister-inw¡¯. Only someone ofparable status and family background such as Qiu Chenxi was qualified to be married into the Zhai family and fit for him to address as sister-inw.

    It was just that Zhai Sheng was willing and Zhai Hua did not object. Old Chief had also quietly acknowledged this. The only one left was Madam Zhai who was quite useless. As such, Wei De decided to rely on himself regarding this matter.

    He would resolve it ¡®in a satisfactory and proper manner¡¯.

    On a random asion, Wei De heard from Zhai Hua about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s temperament and found out that Qiu Chenxi, who was always trying to be smart, never once suspected that Qiao Nan was the ¡®vixen¡¯ that she had been looking for. A bright idea thus shed in Wei De¡¯s mind. He immediately asked someone for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s telephone number and gave her a call.

    During hisst visit to the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing did not give him any face. Wei De did not show any displeasure but that did not mean that he did not take it to heart or bear any grudges.

    All men are the same. They bully the weak ones over the strong ones.

    Wei De, who felt humiliated, dared not vent his frustration on Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing, the two parties concerned. He simply pushed all the me to Qiao Nan.

    Clearly, he visited the Zhai family for a meal as the marriage partner of Zhai Hua. If Qiao Nan was clear-minded and understanding, she should have known better and not let Regiment Commander Zhai and Madam Zhai remain in the house of the Qiao family for dinner. She had to make them leave even if she had to chase them away.

    Clearly, he and Qiao Nan were in a simr predicament. It was hical of Qiao Nan to have done that. Hence, she could not me him for being heartless and unruly.

    Wei De temporarily vented part of his resentment and anger caused by the Zhai family on Qiao Nan. He spent money to get someone to specifically investigate Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    It was also at this juncture that Chen Jun appeared before Wei De. Wei De felt that this person by the name of Chen Jun would be useful to him.

    It could be said that Wei De had not only told Qiu Chenxi about the true rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, but he even personally linked up Chen Jun and Qiu Chenxi.

    Without Wei De, Qiu Chenxi would not even have known that an individual like Chen Jun existed in Ping Cheng.

    Wei De thought that, notwithstanding Qiu Chenxi, even Chen Jun¡¯s status and reputation were much better than that of Qiao Nan. How could Qiao Nan, who was just a daughter of a poor and ordinary former soldier, win against Chen Jun? Furthermore, there was Qiu Chenxi providing him with such fabulous help.

    It was a pity that this fabulous help was notparable to another fabulous help.

    It was all thanks to Qiu Chenxi that Qiao Nan could take the college entrance examination sessfully.

    Wei De was the one who took the lead in this matter. Hence, Wei De paid more attention to the development of this matter more than anyone else.

    When the news was out that day, Wei De¡¯s face turned ck.

    After hiring many people and dumping in so much money, there was not a single student who waste for the college entrance examination. In other words, Qiao Nan sessfully entered the examination hall and took the college entrance examination?

    Due to this matter, despite learning how to put on a false front after starting a business, Wei De pulled a long face for the entire day. Even his secretary dared not enter his office.

    Having thought about what Zhai Hua said to him about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Wei De¡¯s expression turned even more solemn.

    There was nothing great about the Qiao family but Qiao Nan was different from him. He was the only one from the lower n.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s parents were not capable but she had a formidable master-Lin Yuankang. He was once China¡¯s leader in foreign affairs.

    With such a capable master, how could one say that Qiao Nan did not have any political background?

    After knowing this fact, Wei De¡¯s worries increased.

    Qiao Nan had a master that far exceeded him. If it was as per what Zhai Hua said, Qiao Nan was very intelligent and she was good in her studies. If she were to get into a top tier university, she would have a bright future ahead even without a master like Lin Yuankang.

    At the thought that he only graduated from junior high school, Wei De felt so embarrassed and anxious.

    The reason Wei De took the lead and initiative this time was that he wanted to stop Qiao Nan from taking the college entrance examination so that her name would be dropped from the roll of honors and she could not further her studies. She would then break up with Zhai Sheng. That would be the best oue.

    Taking a step forward, even if this matter could not make Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng break up, as long as Qiao Nan did not graduate from a prominent school, he could still ept Qiao Nan addressing him as brother-inw.

    The Zhai family members were all giants among men. Their status and reputations were high. Wei De did not want to be the only one in the family whose identity was the most debatable after he married Zhai Hua.

    In short, he wanted to drag Qiao Nan down to be his ¡®cushion¡¯.

    After the matter failed, Wei De¡¯s biggest worry was the extent of Zhai Sheng¡¯s investigations in this matter and whether he would be discovered and implicated.

    Although he had a little sess in his career now, the attitude of the Zhai family toward him was not just neither hot nor cold. Theypletely ignored him.

    If the Zhai family found out that Qiao Nan¡¯s matter had something to do with him, Wei De was aware that Zhai Sheng would certainly not acknowledge him as his brother-inw, let alone Miao Jing.

    Looking at the bright and spacious office with top-notch renovations, cow leather sofa, and red office table, all these were things that he dared not wish for in the past.

    He wanted to be sessful in the army. Never did he expect that he would have some achievements in business.

    Smart Wei De was clearly aware of this point. All that he had today was not reliant on his own effort alone. If he did not ride on Zhai Hua¡¯s connections and the identity as the future son-inw of the Zhai family, given his situation, he could, at most, carry bricks at the construction site. He would not be a boss.

    Hence, power and influence were so important. With power and influence, getting money was as simple as just talking.

    ¡°Wei De, what¡¯s wrong with you recently?¡± Zhai Hua, who just came back from the army simply entered Wei De¡¯s office without knocking on the door. ¡°I heard from the secretary that you¡¯re in a bad mood. Did you encounter any difficulties in your business?¡± Logically, it should not be. She clearly heard from her few childhood friends that business had been quite smooth recently.

    ¡°No, it has nothing to do with the business.¡± Wei De¡¯s heart leaped. ¡°Why did youe?¡± Shouldn¡¯t you be in the army?

    ¡°You should have heard about the matter that happened during Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination. I came back to take a look at the situation.¡± Zhai Hua frowned. ¡°Ping Cheng has always been quite a safe ce. I¡¯m quite surprised that this happened.¡±

 Chapter 793 - You Are Very Pleased

    <h4>Chapter 793 You Are Very Pleased</h4>

    ¡°I heard that it¡¯s not just the education department in Ping Cheng. Even the education department in the province is anxious and paying great attention to this matter.¡±

    Wei De lighted a cigar and took a deep smoke. ¡°This matter is... so serious? For how long are they going to investigate this? And to what extent are they going to mess with this?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? If the government sectors do not care about this matter, how can they say that they¡¯re serving the people? This matter has an adverse impact. Moreover, I believe there will be many repercussions. How long? We¡¯ll have to see ten dayster.¡± Zhai Hua felt troubled and vexed. In fact, she should feel happy that Qiao Nan encountered this.

    If Qiao Nan was too outstanding, Wei De would seem too useless inparison.

    However, everyone had known each other for so long. It was unreasonable for Zhai Hua to hope for Qiao Nan to fare badly in the examination.

    There more outstanding Qiao Nan was, the prouder the Zhai family would feel when Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan, no?

    ¡°What do you mean? Why do we have to wait for ten days?¡± Wei De felt his heart tightened. Could it be worse?

    Zhai Hua gave a bitter smile. ¡°Zhai Sheng really has good judgment. Without Zhai Sheng¡¯s help, Qiao Nan¡¯s future will not be that bad either. I heard from my mom that Qiao Nan has always been the top student of the cohort in the school. All the teachers in the school said that it¡¯s very likely that Qiao Nan will be able topete for the ce of the top humanities student of the province this year.¡±

    The words that followed next... Wei De understood even without Zhai Hua saying it.

    Once Qiao Nan became the top humanities student of the province, all of those who caused her to nearly miss the college entrance examination or robbed her of this honor would immediately be Ping Cheng¡¯s enemies!

    The top humanities scorer of the province, how could the education departments of Ping Cheng as well as the province not pay great attention to this matter?

    There was a top scorer in the province every year, but to Ping Cheng, a top scorer in the college entrance examination was a great fortune that would only happen once in a blue moon!

    Clearly, the sun outside was scorching to one¡¯s eyes but Wei De¡¯s forehead started to break out in cold sweat. ¡°Although she usually did well in her examinations, it doesn¡¯t mean that she would necessarily do so in the college entrance examination. She was only the top student of the cohort in Ping Cheng High School. Why are they so certain that she would achieve such good grades and be the top scorer of the province?¡± Top humanities student of the province?

    To a cker in studies like Wei De, that was a term that was beyond him.

    When he was schooling, Wei De¡¯s grades were not good but he was very envious and respectful of his ssmates who were good in their studies.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to curse Qiao Nan. I heard that she entered the examination hall during thest three minutes. How old is Qiao Nan? This is the first time that she encountered such a matter. Even as adults, it¡¯s impossible for us not to be affected, let alone youngsters. Her mind would be in a mess. In such a situation, would Qiao Nan be able to do well? If she fares badly in just one of the subjects, it will be difficult for her to adjust her mindset and take the examination for the rest of the subjects properly.¡±

    Right, that would certainly be the case.

    In a situation filled with fear and panic, how was it possible for Qiao Nan to achieve the grades of the top humanities student of the province?

    At this juncture, the badly shaken Wei De was no longer praying that Qiao Nan would fall through the ranks or could not enter a top tier university in the capital. He only wished for one thing¡ªthat Qiao Nan did not be the top scorer of the province.

    Wei De totally did not expect that such a small and obscure matter of stopping Qiao Nan from sessfully taking part in the college entrance examination could kick up such a hugemotion.

    He wanted Qiao Nan to fall into the water but definitely did not n to make his shoes wet in the process.

    ¡°It¡¯s tough but it doesn¡¯t mean that there¡¯s no hope of it happening. If Qiao Nan really bes the top humanities student in the province, Zhai Sheng will be overjoyed.¡± At the thought that the road ahead for her younger brother would be smoother on this matter, Zhai Hua was, in fact, happy for Zhai Sheng.

    Furthermore, with this glory, Qiao Nan could reduce the gap between her and the Zhai family, bing morepatible with the family.

    Naturally, Zhai Hua would feel happy to see oues that were beneficial to the Zhai family.

    Yes, there would be joy. Zhai Sheng would be overjoyed but he would be very miserable!

    At the thought that he could not even bepared to a young girl, that he would be under her mercy as he would be the lousiest one in the Zhai family¡ªthe lowest one in the food chain-Wei De felt so bad. It was as if a thousand ants were crawling in his heart and biting him from time to time.

    Wei De endured the impulse to vomit blood as he looked at Zhai Hua, who was smiling gently. ¡°You¡¯re quite happy?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had not been giving Zhai Hua face. He had been objecting to Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with him. Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend was going to do well and be the top humanities student of the province. Why was Zhai Hua so happy? Were her brains damaged?

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy. Qiao Nan could achieve such good grades. Coupled with a master such as Lin Yuankang, this is a great matter for the Zhai family,¡± Zhai Hua said honestly.

    Wei De smoked the cigar deeply again. That fishiness and spiciness of the cigar were tossing in his lungs. ¡°If Qiao Nan really bes the top scorer in the province, your younger brother and Qiao Nan will be happy. But when will it be our turn to be happy?¡±

    They had not even resolved their own issues. How could Zhai Hua still have the mood to feel happy for others?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. If Zhai Sheng is happy, perhaps he¡¯ll soften his stance and change his attitude toward you. It¡¯s not that you¡¯re not aware. In the past, Zhai Sheng has always been a very principled man. But there are always exceptions. He¡¯s different toward Qiao Nan.¡± If Qiao Nan were to meet with something good, Zhai Sheng would definitely be more easy to talk to and more benevolent.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Wei De sneered. He had already heard about this long ago. It was a pity that Qiao Nan was so snobbish. She thought that she had yed up to people of power and influence and she could look down on him or ignore him. Her attitude toward him was extremely detestable and arrogant.

    She was such an individual. Even if she could influence Zhai Sheng, he could not possibly wish for her to help him.

    Furthermore...

    ¡°Right, after so long, you have not told me why you are unhappy. Even the secretary is afraid of you.¡± Zhai Hua reverted to the topic. The matter that happened during Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination did not have anything to do with them. When the results were out, they just had to send their congrattions over.

    Wei De helplessly gave a sigh. ¡°Nothing. Perhaps the weather is too hot recently. I¡¯m not in a good mood. I¡¯ll be better after a few days.¡±

    Having found a partner like Zhai Hua, was it his fortune or misfortune?

    Why did Zhai Hua¡¯s thoughts never align with his? Why was it that Zhai Hua could not understand him no matter how much he hinted? She had never sung the same tune as him before.

    If Zhai Hua were to think alike as him, she would be able to understand his thoughts and he would not have left the army. Moreover, the two of them should be getting married this year.

    Wei De left the army but his heart was still with it. He had been keeping in contact with his formerrades.

    When he heard from his formerrades that Song Yin had already been promoted to deputypanymander this year, Wei De¡¯s mood was as gloomy as the dark clouds.

    It was also Song Yin¡¯s promotion that ignited Wei De¡¯s dissatisfaction with Qiao Nan, which led to the series of events pertaining to the college entrance examination.

 Chapter 794 - Aged in Vain

    <h4>Chapter 794 Aged in Vain</h4>

    Wei De always felt that Song Yin progressed so quickly and achieved what he had once set for himself not because he was mentored by Qiao Nan. It was purely because he was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s team and thus had higher chances and probability to gain credit. That was the reason that he was promoted so quickly.

    Hence, if he was the one who followed by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side, he, and not that lousy Song Yin, would be the one bing the deputypanymander today!

    Having said so much, Qiao Nan was a troublemaker, and Zhai Hua was not true enough to him. She did not love him that much.

    As the only daughter of the Zhai family, if Zhai Hua had deployed all tricks and means such as crying, kicking up a fuss, and even threatening tomit suicide, he could be thepanymander too!

    Wei De, who was dissatisfied at heart, could not see eye to eye with Zhai Hua at this point in time. ¡°Alright, I have to handle some work. You¡¯re seldom back, so you should go home. It¡¯s not good for you to alwayse over to my side. If your parents know about this, their impression of me may worsen. It¡¯ll be more difficult for them to ept the matter regarding us.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua was confused. Wasn¡¯t Wei De the one who had asked her to look for him more often here whenever she had the spare time? Why did he change his mind today?

    What did he mean by ¡®his side¡¯? The house that they bought and thepany that they set up¡ªhad they not always been jointly owned by the two of them?

    There was now a distinction between him and her?

    Zhai Hua felt that Wei De¡¯s words were a little unexpected but she consoled herself soon after. She felt that she must have been paranoid. Wei De was in a bad mood and he probably did not choose his words properly.

    As lovers who would have to live with each other for the rest of their lives, naturally, there had to be situations of give and take. ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll go home. If you feel warm...¡± She would think of a way to get her childhood friend to install two units of good air-conditioners.

    She heard that centrally controlled air conditioners were quite good.

    ¡°Alright, you should go back.¡± Wei De interrupted Zhai Hua¡¯s words and repeatedly asked Zhai Hua to leave.

    If there were a third party at the scene, he would definitely be able to tell that Wei De was not asking but chasing Zhai Hua to leave.

    Of course, Zhai Hua, who was totally blinded by love, could not tell. She even stood up patiently and prepared to leave. It was as if she was on Wei De¡¯s beck and call.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a rare visitor.¡± When Miao Jing saw Zhai Huaing home, she was both happy and angry.

    Her daughter had not gotten married but she seemed to belong to another family. Since thest din, this was the first time that Zhai Hua came back to the Zhai family since the Lunar New Year.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re not pleased to see me? Why don¡¯t I leave then?¡± Zhai Hua gave a cheeky smile and pretended to be a rogue.

    ¡°You¡¯re really...¡± Miao Jing was so angry that she could not say a word. She sat on the sofa with all her might and was unwilling to look at Zhai Hua any longer. Zhai Hua had to anger her biological parents in such a way for the sake of a man. That was so capable of her.

    Zhai Hua was amused as she moved to sit beside her mother. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Women tend to age faster when they are angry. Wasn¡¯t I just joking with you? Earlier, there were many newbies in the army and I didn¡¯t have time toe back. I finally have some spare time now, so how can I leave home?¡±

    Previously, Zhai Hua was unhappy that Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng did not give Wei De any face.

    Nevertheless, they were family members. How long would Zhai Hua feel angry at Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng?

    In fact,st year, Zhai Hua was no longer angry within a month. After all, Zhai Yaohui had said a lot to her.

    Besides not giving Wei De any face, the Zhai family had not done anything extreme.

    Compared to other families, the Zhai family was truly considered gentle.

    Without Wei De holding her back, the number of times that Zhai Hua was home would be at least twice or three times more.

    The corners of Miao Jing¡¯s lips curled up into a smile. She was not speaking from her heart. ¡°How would I know if you are telling the truth? You cane back if you want. If you don¡¯t like toe back, it¡¯s up to you wherever you want to go.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I wish toe back to Mom¡¯s side and am sitting by your side obediently now?¡± Zhai Hua leaned her head against Miao Jing¡¯s shoulders and pouted.

    At that moment, Miao Jing felt extremely perplexed.

    Zhai Hua was ady and she was almost thirty years old. This was the first time Miao Jing experienced her daughter¡¯s coquettish behavior on her.

    Zhai Hua knew how to bicker with Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing but she never behaved in this manner before.

    Undoubtedly, Wei De was the one who caused Zhai Hua to have this habit.

    All of a sudden, the happiness of seeing her daughter went away as Miao Jing clutched her forehead in pain due to a headache. She was having mixed feelings in her heart.

    ¡°The weather is so hot. Why are you sitting so near your mom? Even if you don¡¯t mind the heat, your mom does.¡± Zhai Yaohui knew best what Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts were. He ordered Zhai Hua to sit further away from Miao Jing so that Miao Jing would have some time and space to calm down.

    ¡°Humph.¡± Zhai Hua snorted proudly. It was summer and her mother shunned her for making her feel warm. Nevertheless, in this world, there was someone who would not shun her at all times!

    Zhai Hua was neither sad nor angry because of the existence of this person. ¡°Mom, the weather is so hot. I¡¯m perspiring all over. I¡¯ll go and wash up. Chat with youter.¡±

    At the sight of Zhai Hua having the coquettish manner of a daughter and hopping like a girl instead of walking straight like a soldier, Miao Jing felt even more worried. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face also turned darker.

    Miao Jing took out a bottle of medicated oil and applied some of it onto her temple. Zhai Yaohui sat over and helped Miao Jing massage them.

    Miao Jing let out a sigh and said worriedly, ¡°Zhai Yaohui, this is our only daughter. Are you really not going to think of a way? She¡¯s a woman. Even if she¡¯s of an older age, she¡¯s also a woman. She keeps staying at someone else¡¯s home and that ce belongs to a man... Our Zhai family does not ept this kind of new trend. Tell me, if Hua Hua...¡±

    Her daughter was not a child and Wei De was a man. A man and woman together alone. Even if Hua Hua did not wish to, could Wei De control himself?

    If something really happened, Hua Hua would be the one losing it big time!!!

    At the thought of such a possibility, Miao Jing felt so painful in her heart as if a piece of her flesh had been taken away from her.

    For the sake of Zhai Hua, this daughter, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had been so worried. Miao Jing could not even be bothered about Zhai Sheng¡¯s matter because of this.

    Miao Jing had never approved of the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and that ¡®youngdy¡¯. Nevertheless, Zhai Sheng and that youngdy had not behaved strangely or gone overboard in their actions.

    Zhai Sheng was always in the army. When he was back, he would sleep in the house of the Zhai family every night. Miao Jing had never seen Zhai Sheng¡¯s career impeded by thatdy for any matter. Clearly, his son was not that young anymore but the two of them did not even seem to be in a romantic rtionship.

    With this point alone, Miao Jing had some positive feelings towards that ¡®youngdy¡¯ whom she ¡®had not met before¡¯. Thedy was not the clingy type and she was very supportive of Zhai Sheng¡¯s career.

    If not for this, the youngdy could have easily threatened to break up with her son with the reason that her son did not have time to keep herpany or something. Her son would not have been behaving so normally.

    In addition, logically, this ¡®youngdy¡¯ that Zhai Sheng fancied was younger and should not be that sensible. Nevertheless, she never caused any trouble.

    On the contrary, the one that Hua Hua found was already over thirty years old, an age where he could stand on his own feet and be independent on all matters. However, after Hua Hua was together with him, Miao Jing had never worried less about her.

 Chapter 795 - Worried That She Would Be Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 795 Worried That She Would Be Pregnant</h4>

    Although she was not pleased with both of her children¡¯s partners, Hua Hua¡¯s boyfriend was being too much!

    She remembered that not too long ago, one of the youngsters from the quad got his girlfriend pregnant. In the end, he had to marry her in a hurry.

    The quadughed about it for a while.

    Miao Jing was worried that Zhai Hua might be pregnant. By then, what should she do?

    ¡°Zhai Yaohui, I... I feel uneasy. I am worried that Hua Hua...¡± Miao Jing pointed to her stomach and hammered her chest. She felt gloomy and had difficulty breathing.

    Zhai Yaohui did not feel that Miao Jing had groundless worries. ¡°I believe Hua Hua would not do such things given our family upbringing. But if it really happens, we can only say that we have failed in educating her. At the same time, it is time for Hua Hua to be responsible for every decision that she makes in her life.¡±

    Although Wei De had caused a huge change in Zhai Hua, Zhai Yaohui did not feel that Zhai Hua and Wei De wouldst for long.

    If two people were not suitable for each other, their rtionship mightst for one to two years, or even seven to eight years under the constant giving in andpromises made by one party. However, it would notst forever.

    When they finally broke up, Zhai Hua would have to pay the price for making the wrong decision.

    Zhai Yaohui could tell that Miao Jing was deeply perturbed by her daughter¡¯s problems. He frowned and there was a stern look in his eyes. Something had to be done. ¡°We will let nature takes its own course. There will definitely be a solution to it.¡±

    ¡°When would it be?¡± Miao Jing needed to have a clear answer.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled. ¡°Being anxious won¡¯t help. You will only worry yourself sick. Will Wei De break up with Hua Hua just because you are worried? Perhaps if you stop nagging at Hua Hua, she may not do the things that you dread.¡±

    Miao Jing mmed her palm on the sofa. ¡°This won¡¯t do!¡±

    Qiao Nan was right. She did not discipline Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng when they were young. Now, she was worried sick for her children. She indeed had to pay for all her debts!

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®this won¡¯t do¡¯?¡± Zhai Hua changed her clothes and walked out of her room. She wrapped her dripping hair in a dry towel.

    She had a sullen expression on her face. She must have heard Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    Were her father and mother talking about her rtionship with Wei De? Was her mother saying that she would never allow them to be together?

    Zhai Yaohui said in a low but angry voice, ¡°I can tolerate you seldoming home as you have your ownmitments. When Zhai Sheng and you were at a tender age, we seldom stayed at home as well. However, one must have principles and abide by a code of conduct. What is with your behavior now?!¡±

    Zhai Hua looked around herself. Her dripping hair had left drops of water on the floor. She realized btedly that this was the Zhai family¡¯s residence. It was not the house that she had been staying with Wei De in.

    Back at that house, whenever Zhai Hua came out of the shower, Wei De would dry her hair with a towel.

    Zhai Hua had been used to it that she forgot that she was at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. It was no wonder that Zhai Yaohui was angry at her.

    ¡°The old master has spent so much effort to make sure that Zhai Sheng and you would develop good habits, yet you change so easily under other people¡¯s influence?¡± Zhai Yaohui was enraged. ¡°Come back only if you want to. Don¡¯t force yourself toe back and disy such an attitude in front of us. It¡¯s fine if you are not back at home. Your heart is not with us. It is useless even if you are here. Zhai Hua, I can¡¯t be bothered to tell you that I am disappointed with you. Given your performance, do you still want me to agree to your rtionship with Wei De? Don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s ridiculous?¡±

    Zhai Hua used to be someone who had discipline and good habits. She was a good daughter of the Zhai family, yet she was led astray by Wei De.

    Regardless of whether Wei De was a good person or not, this alone made it impossible for him to ept Wei De as his son-inw!

    One¡¯s behavior was a reflection of one¡¯s personality.

    Sometimes, a man might dote on a woman excessively. This might not be due to love. It could be overindulgence and would cause her to fail due to excessive praise!

    Zhai Hua had lost reasons this year. If not, Zhai Yaohui felt like giving her a round of beating to knock some sense into her.

    To put it bluntly, if Zhai Hua was not without reason, Zhai Yaohui would be willing to beat some sense out of her as she would feel ashamed and realize her mistakes.

    On the contrary, Zhai Hua had lost all reasons. Even if he beat her, scold her, or punish her to kneel down, she would not listen to what he said. He would only be wasting his efforts.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is back.¡± Zhai Hua felt wronged. Why was it wrong of her toe back home?

    She had merely forgotten that she had not dried her hair. It was nothing serious. Why did he make it sound as if she hadmitted a serious crime and implicated Wei De? She felt wronged for Wei De as well.

    If it was Miao Jing who reprimanded her, Zhai Hua would definitely rebut her.

    But it was Zhai Yaohui who scolded her. She was fearful of him and dared not rebut him. Instead, she diverted everyone¡¯s attention to Zhai Sheng, who just came back.

    It proved that Zhai Yaohui was the master in the house. Whenever there was any conflict in the house, he was the one who had the final say.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for me to be back at home?¡± Zhai Sheng changed into another pair of shoes while making a double-edged remark.

    It was normal for him toe back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Instead, it was strange that Zhai Hua was at home today.

    Zhai Hua was angry. Why was it that everyone at home was targeting her?

    Wei De told her that since she seldom went home, her family would treat her nicely. However, the situation was the opposite. Why was that?

    Miao Jing, who felt much better, looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°How is it over at Nan Nan¡¯s? I hope you did not ask her how she did for the exams. Since the exams are over, if her performance was affected, she can study for another year and retake the exam next year.¡±

    Miao Jing felt her anger rising at the thought that Qiao Nan could have been the top student, but her performance could have been affected by the ident.

    Nothing seemed to be going well for the Zhai family this year. Could they have run into some bad luck?

    Miao Jing had, in fact, treated Qiao Nan as part of the Zhai family.

    There was a look of pride on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face at the mention of Qiao Nan. However, Miao Jing, who was concerned about Qiao Nan, did not notice it. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. Nan Nan said that she cannot say for sure if she did better than usual. However, she maintained her usual standard.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui turned his head at the prideful gleam in his son¡¯s eyes. But then again, he was pleased to hear that.

    It was not easy for Qiao Nan to keep her cool and maintain her standard. She had extraordinary courage and sheposed herself well in difficult situations. She was impressive!

 Chapter 796 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Advice

    <h4>Chapter 796 Zhai Sheng¡¯s Advice</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. This was the best thing that happened to them this year.

    ¡°Is Qiao Nan that confident?¡± Zhai Hua dried her hair with the towel and sat down to join in the conversation. ¡°Actually, Mom is right. You should not put too much pressure on Qiao Nan. With her results and ability, it will not be a problem to retake the exam next year.¡±

    Instead of going to a school that was not to one¡¯s satisfaction, it would be better to retake the exam and go to the first-tier university in the capital.

    ¡°It will be a problem to me,¡± Zhai Sheng replied bluntly. If Nan Nan was to retake the exam next year, it would mean that his engagement ns would have to be postponed for at least a year.

    There was a huge difference between a boyfriend and a fianc¨¦.

    Zhai Hua shot Zhai Sheng a disdainful look. ¡°That is so pitiful of you.¡± Zhai Hua had to admit that it was right of her brother to be anxious.

    Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrows. It was kind of him not to bring up Wei De right now. He would let her have her way this time.

    ¡°Why will it be a problem to Zhai Sheng? What is he anxious about?¡± Miao Jing blinked, perplexed.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhai Yaohui passed a piece of watermelon to Miao Jing. ¡°This is between the siblings. They will settle it by themselves.¡±

    Ever since Zhai Hua knew Wei De and was in a rtionship with him, her behavior only served to disappoint Zhai Yaohui. However, he felt slightlyforted that she helped Zhai Sheng keep his rtionship with Qiao Nan a secret.

    But Zhai Yaohui did not know that Zhai Hua had told Wei De about Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship and Wei De had made use of this information toe up with all sorts of troubles for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. It was just that he had not seeded until now.

    Miao Jing ate the watermelon while she wondered what was going on between the siblings. She did not understand their conversation.

    After Zhai Sheng returned to his room, Zhai Hua came looking for him. Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±. If it was regarding Wei De, there was nothing to say between them. In fact, there was nothing much to be said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of the weather, troubles seem never-ending. You are upset because of what happened to Qiao Nan. I heard that Wei De is not in a good mood recently. Wei De is under immense stress due to our family. At times, I hope that I was born into a simple family. But then again, I should be seen as an individual. You should not lump me with my family. I have always hoped that all of you and Wei De will not view the Zhai family and me as one whole. If you are to disregard that I am from the Zhai family, will it be easier for all of you to ept Wei De?¡±

    Zhai Hua wanted to find a way to their problem. She wanted her family to abandon any prejudices of Wei De.

    ¡°Has Wei De been under immense stress recently or has he always been under immense stress?¡± Zhai Sheng was quick to catch on to a piece of important information from Zhai Hua¡¯s words.

    ¡°Well...¡± What was the difference? Wei De had been under huge stress ever since he started to date her. ¡°It may have been due to the recent weather. He is vexed nowadays. Ever since he dated me, he is under immense stress.¡±

    ¡°In the end...¡± During his analysis of the ident near Ping Cheng High School with Qiao Nan, there was a brief instant when he suspected Zhai Hua. But both of them hoped that Zhai Hua had nothing to do with Qiu Chenxi.

    But they had forgotten about one other person-Wei De.

    Zhai Hua had told Wei De everything. Therefore, Wei De knew very well what was going on between Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan.

    Wei De also knew that Qiu Chenxi had some rtions with Zhai Sheng.

    It seemed that apart from Chen Jun, there was one other person that he had to investigate.

    Given Wei De¡¯s personality, Zhai Sheng felt that he had reasons to suspect and investigate him.

    ¡°What are you thinking about? Why do you ignore me when I am talking to you?¡± Zhai Hua, who had calmed down, felt that it was better for her to use the soft approach. She had no confidence in winning by staying at loggerheads with her family. She also felt that there was no need to take things so far.

    Zhai Sheng sat straight. ¡°What else could I be thinking of but about what happened to Nan Nan. You should know the seriousness of the matter. Once I find out who is behind thiseven if the person is not the mastermind-I will not let the person off.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure!¡± Zhai Hua pped her thigh. ¡°What happened this time was way overboard. Someone is out to destroy Qiao Nan. I feel that instead of destroying Qiao Nan, the person seems to want to ruin your rtionship with Qiao Nan.¡±

    If Qiao Nan failed to do well in the college entrance examination, it would be more difficult for her to be with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I have the same sentiments.¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua did not avoid the topic and gave him a positive answer, Zhai Sheng felt much better inside.

    If this had to do with Wei De-unless he made sure to leave no clues behind-he would definitely find a chance to deal with Wei De.

    In any case, he would not make life easy for Wei De.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua had not turned into a different personpletely and still had her principles. ¡°Alright, you have said your piece. You can leave now. I need to read over some information.¡±

    ¡°Crap, you have no time for your family now that you are dating.¡± Zhai Hua knew that Zhai Sheng must have spent a lot of time at the Qiao family¡¯s residence with Qiao Nan to havee back at such a time. ¡°You seem to be in high spirits today. Have you taken advantage of Qiao Nan?¡±

    It was rare that there was a flicker of emotions on Zhai Sheng¡¯s usual indifferent face. It must have to do with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You should not stick your nose into this.¡± Zhai Sheng shot Zhai Hua a disdainful look, but he did not rebut her words.

    ¡°Hehehe, Qiao Nan is still so young. How could you do that to her?¡± She wondered how things were going on between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. She blushed when she thought of her rtionship with Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng did not feel guilty at all. He replied steadfastly, ¡°Nan Nan is an adult. I am in the midst of arranging for us to be engaged this year.¡±

    After the engagement, it would be legal for him to be on intimate terms with Nan Nan.

    ¡°Crap. Don¡¯t tell me you have filed your marriage report?!¡± To soldiers, filing the marriage report is tantamount to marriage. After filing the report, the two of them would be considered as married and they could do what married couples do. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit too early? Qiao Nan is still not of the legal age. Do you want to go against thew?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will not do anything to shame the Zhai family.¡± He was not Zhai Hua. ¡°After filing the marriage report, I will be engaged to Nan Nan. By the time she is of the legal age to marry, we will collect the marriage certificate.¡±

    ¡°You are really fast.¡± His situation was unlike Wei De and her. Although they were of legal age, they could not get married.

    ¡°True blue will never stain. If Wei De is true to you, what are you afraid of? If he is as good as you have made him to be, you don¡¯t have to worry or be anxious. The Zhai family has no reason to reject such a good son-inw. We hope that you will find your true happiness.¡±

 Chapter 797 - Suspect Wei De

    <h4>Chapter 797 Suspect Wei De</h4>

    Zhai Sheng set a trap for Zhai Hua. She was oblivious to it as she was thrilled by what Zhai Sheng said.

    Zhai Hua could only marry Wei De if he was true to Zhai Hua and was a good man like what Zhai Hua had said. He had to meet these conditions in order to be a good son-inw.

    However, from his choice of words, Zhai Sheng did not agree with Zhai Hua that Wei De was the kind of person as she had described.

    ¡°Rest assured. I understand that these are required of him. You are a good judge of character to have chosen Qiao Nan as your girlfriend. I am just as good as you. I admit that Wei De did not do as well in the army. But he is good at running business. Every trade has its master. I believe Wei De will be able to seed in running a business and his efforts will be recognized by all of you and you will agree that he is a good person.¡±

    Zhai Hua was full of confidence and downright naive when she made these remarks.

    ¡°I am relieved that you think this way. In fact, you don¡¯t have to care about our attitude toward Wei De. If he is a good man, you don¡¯t have to insist that we ept him right away. You never know what you can until you try. Although we cannot ept Wei De, our parents did not insist that you break up with him. Simrly, even if you want us to ept him, you must not do so in a hurry. You must take things slowly. You have a temper, and so do we. The more you force us to ept him, the more we will feel repulsive of him. Give us some time. We will eventually realize that Wei De is a good man. Perhaps with time, when conditions are ripe, your rtionship will be epted by the family and you will not hurt anyone¡¯s feelings. Do you understand?¡±

    Zhai Sheng changed his tone and turned to give Zhai Hua advice.

    Since Zhai Hua wanted to use the soft approach on him, Zhai Sheng would set her own spear against her own shield.

    As expected, Zhai Hua softened her tone as well. ¡°This...¡± It seemed to make sense.

    She had total confidence in Wei De. She absolutely believed in his personality and ability. Sooner orter, he would get her family¡¯s approval.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. When I came back today, I noticed that mom doesn¡¯t look too well. I suppose it has to do with Wei De and you. I won¡¯t say that mom is more important than Wei De and she is your only mom in the world while you can find other men. This is ridiculous. What I want to say is that she is your only mom and Wei De is your only man. However, Mom is not as strong as Wei De. You have to take considerations of her health and feelings. Why do you think I keep my rtionship with Nan Nan a secret for such a long time? It is because we are worried that Mom will not be able to take it if we break the news to her. Given her temper, she may go down a dead end. Whenever she was in a dead-end in the past, she could chat with Nan Nan. If we tell her the truth, she will have one less person to talk to.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was telling Zhai Hua that he had been setting an example for her. He had been considerate of his mother¡¯s feelings all along.

    He practiced what he preached.

    Zhai Hua could not rebut him. What Zhai Sheng said was the truth. He was not lying.

    Zhai Hua knew her brother well. It was unlike him to keep his rtionship with Qiao Nan a secret. Back then, he was very honest about his dislike for Qiu Chenxi.

    It turned out that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were worried about Miao Jing.

    It was easy to give advice while it was difficult to practice what one preached.

    ¡°Well, I understand what you mean. I will think about it. You are not the only person who is worried about Mom. I love her as well. In the future, I will not do so anymore...¡± Zhai Hua stood up awkwardly. She had created a lot of trouble for her parents because of her rtionship with Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng was smarter and more tactful than her.

    Her mother had always objected to the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. But Zhai Sheng was not in a hurry to gain her approval. They had been in a rtionship for two years and her mother had no idea that Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend. He had been waiting patiently for the right time to disclose their rtionship.

    Unlike her...

    Furthermore, their rtionship was discovered by the family under very awkward circumstances.

    The family had found out about her rtionship at a bad timing. Wei De left a bad impression on them. Her bad attitude also made matters worse. Everything just turned from bad to worse.

    She could only sum it up in one sentence: It was an indescribable mess!

    Zhai Hua left Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. She had a vague feeling that something seemed to have happened, but she had no idea what it was.

    Wei De, who was in a bad mood, did not know that his efforts of brainwashing Zhai Hua for half a year would be wasted. He tried to convince Zhai Hua to use all means and methods so that the Zhai family would agree to their marriage ns and that they could marry and have children soon.

    However, Zhai Sheng was smarter than him. He made Zhai Hua change her mind within three minutes. All his efforts had gone down the drain.

    That was why when Wei De was still in the army, he was only an ordinary soldier while Zhai Sheng was the regimentmander.

    Wei De could not win against Zhai Sheng. He was merely older in age, but he was not smarter than Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng felt much at ease after settling Zhai Hua¡¯s problem.

    While Zhai Hua slept soundly, Zhai Sheng went to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s study room.

    Zhai Yaohui put down his reading sses. ¡°What are you doing here sote into the night?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to send someone to investigate Wei De?¡±

    ¡°Is there such a thing?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked to be unaffected.

    ¡°Do some investigations. I suspect that Wei De may have something to do with what happened to Nan Nan during the college entrance examination.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui frowned slightly. ¡°What¡¯s the proof?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua said that Wei De is in a bad mood recently.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Wei De had been onto Zhai Yaohui¡¯s cklist. He had a lousy personality.

    Zhai Sheng worked very hard in order to find out the truth behind what happened during the college entrance examination. He would investigate every single clue that he had.

    On the same night, Zhai Sheng had received evidence that Qiu Chenxi had transferred arge sum of money to an unknown ount recently. ording to the police officers¡¯ deduction and investigation, the sum of money matched the amount of money that the mastermind paid the helpers.

    Without a doubt, Chen Jun was involved in the matter.

    Zhai Sheng did not forget about Qiao Zijin either. She had used his money andpleted her high school with his help. Not only was she not grateful, but she also turned against Qiao Nan.

    He would not let all these people off.

    Fifteen days had passed since Ding Jiayi was hospitalized. Her injuries had begun to heal but she was still unable to exert her strength. However, she was able to sit up by herself and to take a few steps.

 Chapter 798 - Would Not Be So Kind-Hearted

    <h4>Chapter 798 Would Not Be So Kind-Hearted</h4>

    The doctor told Ding Jiayi that there was no hurry for her walk by herself. The priority now was for her wounds to heal and recover.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you haven¡¯t been home for a long time. I am feeling much better now. Why don¡¯t you take a rest at home ande back tomorrow?¡±

    It had been half a month. Qiao Dongliang was the only person who stayed by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side.

    Although Qiao Nan would bring clothes for Qiao Dongliang to change during this half a month¡¯s time, it was, after all, the hospital. He had to live and eat simply and could not sleepfortably like when he was at home. Qiao Dongliang looked haggard and had lost a lot of weight.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes grew dark and he looked at Ding Jiayi intently. ¡°How can you be so kind-hearted?¡±

    A few days ago, he had only been away for a while and Ding Jiayi made a fuss about it, saying that he felt it was a hassle that she was hospitalized and that he had to spend a lot of money on her.

    ¡°I... I was just talking nonsense. You must know that if one is bored for a long time, one will think too much. I must have been out of my mind. But I have calmed down now. I heard from others that women will go through meno... yes, that¡¯s right, menopause. Women will lose their temper easily during this time. Rest assured. I will try to calm down and will not create any trouble for you. Old Qiao, go back and have a good sleep. I still have to rely on you to take care of me.¡±

    As for Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, she harbored no hopes that she would take care of her.

    She was an adult, yet she had been drinking in porridge for almost two weeks. Qiao Nan might have been good at cooking in porridge, but Ding Jiayi was sick and tired of having in porridge.

    Qiao Nan was vicious. She knew that Ding Jiayi could not fault her for cooking in porridge. She also knew that Ding Jiayi preferred savory food. In fact, Ding Jiayi had been very patient to eat in porridge for three consecutive days.

    Ding Jiayi, who could no longer bear the taste of in porridge, insisted that Qiao Dongliang bought some savory food at the small retail stall near the hospital for her to go with the porridge.

    Qiao Nan came up with a solution after she learned about this.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan had been skilled in doing household chores under Ding Jiayi¡¯s strict training.

    Qiao Nan bought fresh cucumbers and pickled mustard at the market and went back home to pickle them.

    Qiao Nan did not spend a lot of money, but the pickled dishes were more than enough for Ding Jiayi. She could have it if she was hospitalized for the second and third time.

    In the previous life, whenever Ding Jiayi took all her money and left her without any money to buy food for herself, Qiao Nan would prepare pickled dishes for herself.

    In this life, it was rare that she had the chance to let Ding Jiayi have a taste of her own medicine. She was using what Ding Jiayi taught her on Ding Jiayi herself.

    With the pickled vegetables as side dishes, Ding Jiayi was able to have the in porridge for a few more days. But it was not too long before she grew sick of the dishes. However, Qiao Dongliang no longer gave in to her requests. When she asked him to buy some dishes for her-especially those that were expensive¡ªhe would ignore her pleas.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood changed like the weather. At times, she repented her past deeds and promised to behave herself in the future.

    At times, she would throw her tantrums and pick on everything that he did. It really seemed as if she was undergoing menopause.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt exhausted to the bones after taking care of Ding Jiayi for half a month. He might be a man, but he was drained as well.

    Qiao Dongliang stood up slowly. ¡°I will go back first. I will visit you tomorrow morning.¡± The only thought that Qiao Dongliang had in mind right now was to go back home to have a bath. After scrubbing himself clean, he wanted to have a good sleep right away. He had no ns to eat dinner.

    ¡°Dad, howe you are back?¡± Qiao Nan was cleaning the house. She had finished washing the bedsheets and quilt cover in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. She had justid out the dried bedsheets when Qiao Dongliang was back at home. ¡°Mom...¡±

    ¡°Your mom is much better now. She can take care of herself. Therefore, I cane home to rest for a night and go back tomorrow.¡± It was summer now. The freshly washed nket gave off a nice soapy smell. It felt fluffy and warm to the touch. Although Qiao Dongliang felt tired to the bones from taking care of Ding Jiayi, he felt much refreshed at the warm and clean sheets.

    That was what a house should be like.

    ¡°Dad, there is hot water at home. Do you want to take a shower and have a nap?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached at the sight of Qiao Dongliang. He looked listless and was so tired that he did not wish to engage in a conversation.

    Qiao Nan spread the nket that she had just folded deftly on the bed. She did it so that the heat from the nket would dissipate. She made use of the time while Qiao Dongliang showered to use the water from the well to wipe the mat that Qiao Dongliang would be sleeping on. She repeated it several times to cool it down, making sure that Qiao Dongliang could have afortable sleep.

    By the time Qiao Dongliang came out of the bathroom feeling refreshed, Qiao Nan had finished cooling down the mat. Her face was flushed red and she broke out in a sweat. ¡°Dad, I have switched on the electric fan in the room. You can take a nap now. It is five o¡¯clock now. Director Shi will only be back at half-past seven. Shall I wake you up at eight to have dinner?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s neck felt stiff. He nodded slightly. ¡°I will go to sleep. If you can¡¯t wake me up at eight, all of you can go ahead to have dinner. Don¡¯t wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was too tired to think of anything else. He opened the door and windows, took off his shirt, and fell right onto the bed. The bamboo mat felt cool to the touch. Qiao Dongliang smiled. Nan Nan must have wiped it with the water from the well.

    Qiao Dongliang had one thought in his mind before he drifted off to sleep: Such a good child...

    Qiao Nan had just finished with her chores when Shi Qing came over. ¡°Why are you taking your time today? Aren¡¯t youing over to my house?¡±.

    ¡°I can¡¯t go to your house today. My dad is back. He will go to the hospital tomorrow. Tonight, I will stay at my house. When it¡¯s dinner time, Director Shi and you cane over to my house for dinner.¡± No matter where they had dinner, she would be in charge of preparing dinner.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao is back! How is he?¡± Ding Jiayi was very good at tormenting people. It was lucky that Uncle Qiao came back alive.

    ¡°He is okay, but exhausted. Even saints would be tired from taking care of people like my mom.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi was temperamental and Qiao Zijin was not by her side to cajole her.

    As long as Qiao Zijin was around and did not egg Ding Jiayi on to be up to no good, thetter would not throw her tantrums easily.

    Shi Qing was full of sympathy for them. ¡°It must have been hard on Uncle Qiao and you. Why did both of you end up with such a person?¡±

    ¡°What was done could not be undone. It is useless toin further. Let¡¯s not think about it lest we are upset by it.¡± Qiao Nan was able to take things in stride and did not continue to dwell on this matter.

    Qiao Nan turned silent afterward. She seemed to be thinking about something. Shi Qing tapped her on the shoulder. ¡°Uncle Qiao is back. What is on your mind? Could it be about the college entrance examination?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I am wondering why my dad came back today. What is my mom up to this time? I feel that something is wrong.¡±

 Chapter 799 - Give Her a Thrashing

    <h4>Chapter 799 Give Her a Thrashing</h4>

    ¡°What could be wrong?¡± Shi Qing was puzzled.

    Qiao Nan reorganized her thoughts. ¡°How should I put it? It is not without reason that my mom dotes on Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin has a sweet tongue but a bitter heart. On the surface, she would treat my mom like a princess. Over time, my mom feels like a princess. She feels that the world should be centered around her. If she is in trouble, everyone must wait on her. Otherwise, it will be our fault. My mom was in a car ident, and she has been hospitalized for half a month. She also has difficulty in walking. Given her condition and her temperament, she would want everyone to put aside whatever they are busy with and to wait on her by her bedside.¡±

    ¡°The reason why my mom would always lose her temper at me was that I did not give her my utmost attention. Back when my dad was hospitalized, I took good care of my dad, giving him nutritious food and tonics. My mom feels that now that she is hospitalized, I have to treat her twice as well. This is what a daughter should do. As a mother, she has the right to be treated as such. But I did not visit her at the hospital, and neither did Qiao Zijin. My dad is the only person who stays by her side. Therefore, how can my mom possibly allow him to go back home and rest?¡± Her mom had no one by her side. If she acted up in the middle of the night, there would be no one to take care of her.

    This was unlike her mother¡¯s usual behavior.

    ¡°Then...¡± It was impossible for that woman to turn kindhearted all of a sudden. She could not possibly have felt that on ount they had been married for years and Uncle Qiao was exhausted, thus he should have a good rest at home. ¡°Your mom... What do you think is the reason behind her behavior?¡±

    There was definitely something fishy. The way her mother behaved was unlike her usual self.

    ¡°Goodness!¡± Qiao Nan cursed in a low voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Shi Qing jumped in shock.

    Qiao Nan looked to check if Qiao Dongliang had been woken up by them. Thankfully, he was sleeping soundly. She then lowered her voice. ¡°If I am not wrong, the reason why my mom allowed my dad to go home is to meet Qiao Zijin!¡±

    As long as her father was around, Qiao Zijin would not dare to appear.

    Her mother was willing to be fooled by Qiao Zijin. She would never associate any bad deeds with Qiao Zijin. However, that was not the same for her father.

    Qiao Zijin might be crafty, but it was useless in front of her father.

    Qiao Zijin must have informed her mother. Therefore, she allowed her father to go back home...

    ¡°If we rush over to the hospital, will we be able to catch Qiao Zijin?!¡± Shi Qing rolled up her sleeves at the mention of the infamous Qiao Zijin. She had decided to go all out to get her.

    ¡°What can you do to her after catching her?¡± There was a moment where Qiao Nan had the impulse to hurry to the hospital to catch Qiao Zijin.

    But she dismissed the notion after hearing what Shi Qing said thereafter.

    ¡°Give her a beating!¡± She was her sister, yet she was capable of such things. She deserved a beating!

    ¡°Beating her up?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t bear to beat her up?¡±

    ¡°How could it be? Shi Qing, I have to remind you that you are already eighteen years old. If you beat Qiao Zijin in public, you will be taken to the police station right away. Our results for the college entrance examination will be out in two days. Do you want to leave a criminal record when you go to the new school? Are you kidding?¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± Shi Qing was embarrassed.

    ¡°And Qiao Zijin will be alive and kicking days after you beat her. She will never be defeated. Even if you beat her, she will continue with her ways. She will not change. Do you believe me? By then, you will suffer a double loss and implicate yourself.¡±

    Besides, they did not have any evidence to prove that Qiao Zijin was involved. They merely had their doubts about her.

    If there was evidence to prove that Qiao Zijin was rted to what happened moments before the college entrance examinationmenced, Qiao Zijin would be charged for stirring up trouble and disrupting the peace of the society at the very least.

    ¡°In that case, does it mean that we should let her off?¡± Shi Qing was upset. The good should be well rewarded and the bad should be punished.

    How could she escape without any punishments after doing bad deeds?!

    ¡°Actually... Brother Zhai told me something a few days ago. I think this will have a certain impact on Qiao Zijin.¡± Qiao Nan cupped her chin. She was still pondering about what Zhai Sheng told her previously.

    She did not expect that after dragging on for two years, her father woulde to his decision now.

    ¡°What is it? Don¡¯t leave me hanging. If not, I will force you to tell me. Hey, Brother Zhai drops by my house often. Why did he tell you everything but did not even give me any heads-up?¡± Qiao Nan was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. Since Qiao Nan stayed at her house, it could be said that Brother Zhai left his girlfriend and fianc¨¦e at their house.

    Brother Zhai was too heartless. He should be worried that he might anger her and she would wash her hands off them!

    ¡°My dad wants to divorce my mom. Brother Zhai said that my dad will wait until my mom is better before he brings up divorce. He doesn¡¯t seem to be threatening my mom this time. He isn¡¯t joking as well.¡± Qiao Zijin and her father had to bear the responsibility that her mother had such a nasty temper.

    Once her parents divorced, her mother had no one to rely on and she would no longer be so stubborn to admit to her mistakes.

    They had only been apart for two years. Two years ago, her mother still looked to be in her thirties, but she seemed to be in her forties now. Qiao Nan was certain that in the two years that they left Ping Cheng, her mother and Qiao Zijin did not lead an easy life.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Uncle Qiao intends to divorce your mom?! This is good news. If they divorce, you will be with Uncle Qiao while Qiao Zijin will go with your mom, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Her mother would not want anyone besides Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°My mom has a deep-set notion since we were young that Qiao Zijin is smart and she will be sessful in the future. My father used to tell me not to harbor grudges for what my mom said because she had led a harsh life when she was young. She sees Qiao Zijin as herself when she was young. Hence, she is particrly good to Qiao Zijin.¡± Her mother would never give up being with her ¡®former self¡¯.

    Shi Qing waved her hand. ¡°Regardless of what happened, it is good news that they are thinking of divorce. I don¡¯t care about the rest. By the way, will your mom agree to it?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was not sure. If her mother had been repulsed by the idea, she would not have left for two years withouting back. But she was not sure of her mother¡¯s attitude toward her marriage. She felt that her mother would not bear to part with her father no matter what.

    Qiao Nan was uncertain, but Ding Jiayi was sure of what was on her mind. ¡°Zijin, you are finally here. Half a month has passed. Where have you been? Why did you wait until now to visit me?¡±

 Chapter 800 - Strive to Maintain the Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 800 Strive to Maintain the Rtionship</h4>

    At the sight of her most beloved daughter, all the suffering, fear, and pain that Ding Jiayi had umted over the past two weeks gushed out immediately. She hugged Qiao Zijin and started to cry. ¡°Do you know that Mom nearly died in a car ident in order to support you in your studies by selling the house? Mom nearly couldn¡¯t see you anymore!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had been hugged by Ding Jiayi, felt stiff all over. She waspelled to reach out and pat Ding Jiayi¡¯s back. ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t I¡¯m here now? Previously, I... I was tied up with some matters and I couldn¡¯te over. I found out about this after I read the news of Ping Cheng. I also know that you wouldn¡¯t have a car ident if not for the selling of the house. Mom, I have let you down. I didn¡¯t dare toe and visit you. I¡¯m even more afraid of facing Dad. If Dad knows that I¡¯m going to sell the house, I¡¯m afraid he will look down on me and treat only Qiao Nan as his daughter. Mom, I still wish to have this father.¡±

    ¡°About this matter...¡± Ding Jiayi pushed Qiao Zijin away at one go. ¡°You still want to have this father. I still want to have this husband too. During the past two weeks when your dad was taking care of me, he behaved strangely. I nearly died but he did not even say a word of concern or care about me. I keep having the feeling that your dad wants to divorce me. Zijin, what should I do? I don¡¯t wish to get a divorce. If your dad divorces me, I may not be able to support you throughout your college studies even if we sell the house. Furthermore, you also won¡¯t be able to find a job and earn money immediately after you graduate. I¡¯m only afraid that the two of us may not even have a ce to stay.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was a little woman. She subjected to the belief that a house and a family coexisted.

    If she had not been brainwashed by Qiao Zijin for three days before the car ident, given her temperament, it would have been very difficult for her to make the decision to sell the house.

    If she was truly willing to sell the house, the small courtyard of the Qiao family would not have been empty for two years.

    Now that she hade to her senses, Ding Jiayi was certainly unwilling to do so.

    ¡°Mom, I know. Don¡¯t be anxious. The small courtyard of the Qiao family was a ce that you stayed with Dad since both of you got married. It¡¯s also a ce where I grew up in. I also feel a lot for that home and can¡¯t bear to sell it. Mom, back to the topic, do you really think that Dad is going to divorce you?¡± If that was truly the case, it would be horrible!

    ¡°Your dad... The second day after I woke up, he said that he would like to have a thorough discussion with me about the matter between him and me when my body is better. Listen, doesn¡¯t this sound like he wants to divorce me? Initially, I thought that he was threatening me so that I would treat Qiao Nan better. However, Qiao Nan did not appear anymore thereafter, but your dad¡¯s attitude toward me remained the same. He¡¯s always looking so cold every day. Unless he needed to take care of me, he wouldn¡¯t even take one nce at me, let alone speak to me. No matter what I said or how I red up, your dad really... just ignored me!¡±

    Half a month had passed. Ding Jiayi was not as confident as before that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words were just a form of threat.

    If she was not fearful, she could still reflect the threat and then grab hold of the authority in the family again.

    At this juncture, she was more concerned about whether Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words were just words of threat.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be anxious. There will be a way.¡± Qiao Zijin was panicking too. Her mother had already been injured to this extent by the car ident. Her father was too hard-hearted. He not only did not cherish and take good care of her mother but also wanted to divorce her. What kind of person was that?

    The reason Qiao Zijin would agree to Chen Jun to act in this true drama was that, besides stopping Qiao Nan from taking the college entrance examination, she also wanted to make use of Ding Jiayi¡¯s car ident to bring out true love in the midst of adversity.

    At the sight of her mother¡¯s miserable state because of the car ident, her father would feel that life was fragile and many idents were possible. If he did not cherish the marriage and love between her mother and him properly, they might be separated by life and death at any point in time.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to make us of this car ident to make Qiao Dongliang realize the importance of Ding Jiayi so that his heart would soften. He would then forgive the mistakes that Ding Jiayi hadmitted and understand the meaning that nothing was more important than one being alive.

    Unfortunately, out of the many objectives that Qiao Zijin had in mind, she did not achieve any of it. Qiao Dongliang did not bury the hatchet and reunite with Ding Jiayi because of this car ident. Instead, they were going to divorce each other.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s brows were so distorted that they were almost bing a butterfly knot now. She did not understand which step of the n was missing to have caused such a different, reversed even, oue.

    ¡°What way?¡± Ding Jiayi asked anxiously. ¡°This hospital is not bad. Only two weeks have passed. Besides my bones, there aren¡¯t many issues with the rest of my injuries. Now, I can still lie in bed and ask your dad to take care of me. After some time, I won¡¯t be able to do so anymore.¡±

    ¡°Mom, this method is actually quite simple. Didn¡¯t Dad say that he will settle the matter between the two of you when you¡¯re better? What if you ¡®don¡¯t recover¡¯ and need someone to take care of you as you are not independent in your daily needs? If the pretext that Dad mentioned does not exist, he can¡¯t possibly strike a man when he is down and divorce you at this juncture? Right, you should do this!¡±

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Ding Jiayi still did not understand.

    ¡°You do this...¡± Qiao Zijin leaned closely to Ding Jiayi¡¯s ear and whispered something into it.

    Ding Jiayi was feeling apprehensive. ¡°Will this work? Don¡¯t forget that this is a hospital. They have a bunch of doctors and equipment. Will we be able to put up with such a pretense as we wish?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Don¡¯t think that the hospital is very great. Many medical conditions and sickness in the hospital can¡¯t be exined or treated by the doctors. This is just one of the special circumstances. Who says this won¡¯t do?¡± Qiao Zijin insisted. ¡°Anyway, this is the only way out. If you don¡¯t try and Dad really wishes to divorce you, don¡¯t look for me to give you suggestions. I can onlye up with this.¡±

    ¡°You, you let me consider it carefully.¡± Ding Jiayi was hesitant. She was torn between doing it or not. ¡°Zijin, in order to see you, I asked your dad to go home. Why don¡¯t you stay at the hospital to keep mepany tonight? I, I¡¯m by myself. There¡¯s no familiar kin by my side. I, I won¡¯t be able to sleep at night.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was both angry and amused. She was already of such an age and a mother of two children, yet she did not even have such courage. It was ludicrous. ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t. I have to go back. The house cannot be empty.¡± Moreover, she still had to meet Chen Jun early tomorrow morning to understand the current situation.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you? Can that be called your home? It¡¯s a rented apartment and there are not many things inside either. What¡¯s there to be anxious about? Moreover, if you make a trip to and fro, you¡¯ll waste a lot of time. I¡¯ve been staying at the hospital for two weeks. Are you not concerned about me at all? It¡¯s so difficult for you to be here, and your Dad is away. Who is going to take care of me if you don¡¯t? You even said that you will be filial to me after you be sessful? Zijin, were you just sweet-talking me?¡± Ding Jiayi held on to Qiao Zijin and refused to let go because she was truly afraid of staying alone in the hospital.

 Chapter 801 - Donâ€™t Think of Making a Fuss

    <strong>Chapter 801 Don¡¯t Think of Making a Fuss</strong>

    In the past, Qiao Zijin was only responsible for cajoling Ding Jiayi with her words. Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang were the ones who respectively took on seventy and thirty percent of the actual work.

    Today, these two people were not by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. Qiao Zijin could not behave in the same way as she did before¡ªto only pay lip service without any action.

    Qiao Zijin, who had shot herself in the foot, was so angry that her liver felt unwell. If she had known earlier that her mother would do this, she should have sweet-talked her mother less in this aspect. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll stay back and keep youpany, okay?¡±

    She recalled that her mother could not wait to let Qiao Nan keep vigil for her father every night two years ago. It would do as long as she remainedfortably at home to study.

    Looking at the situation now, true enough, her mother loved herself and not her, the elder daughter, most.

    ¡°Okay. Normally, your dad sleeps over there. You can do the same for one night. Don¡¯t shun that ce. Your dad has slept there for two weeks. Mom is just letting you sleep there for one night.¡± Knowing that her pampered elder daughter had not been through too many hardships, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone was good and she was also fawning a little on Qiao Zijin.

    The more gains that Qiao Zijin had in the future represented how much enjoyment Ding Jiayi could have when she was old.

    ¡°Alright, I know. I only have one mother. How would I mind staying back to take care of you? It¡¯ste. For the sake of your health, quickly lie down and sleep. I heard that one¡¯s body will repair itself during sleep. You¡¯ll recover faster if you sleep more. Hurry, go to sleep.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was a little stubborn and did not let Ding Jiayi refuse. She held on to Ding Jiayi, made her lie down on the bed, and insisted that she went to sleep.

    Seeing that it was only seven o¡¯clock now, Ding Jiayi wanted to voice out that she was starving because she had not taken her dinner.

    The reason Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin would definitelye and visit her today was because of a ¡®ward mate¡¯.

    That ¡®ward mate¡¯ dropped in to visit Ding Jiayi. Initially, Ding Jiayi was unwilling to bother about that person. She turned her face and body away and simply faced the ¡®ward mate¡¯ with her buttocks.

    The temper of the ¡®ward mate¡¯ was extraordinarily good. When Qiao Donglian apologized to her, the ¡®ward mate¡¯ even waved goodbye to Qiao Dongliang smilingly to express that she did not mind.

    Next, Ding Jiayi felt that person press her forehead once with her finger. Subsequently, her pillow seemed to have lifted a little. It was as if that person had reached under her pillow.

    When the pillow was back to its original position, that ¡®ward mate¡¯ then left.

    Ding Jiayi found it strange. She turned over and ced her hands under the pillow. She then felt a small slip of paper.

    When Qiao Dongliang went to the toilet thereafter, Ding Jiayi opened the slip of paper and read it. It was a note written by Qiao Zijin to her, saying, ¡®Mom, I¡¯ll visit you tonight. Think of a way to make Dad leave the hospital. Otherwise, I can¡¯t appear.¡¯

    It was because of this slip of paper that Ding Jiayi restrained her ¡®princess-like syndrome¡¯ and was even so ¡®caring¡¯ to let Qiao Dongliang go back and rest for one night to replenish his energy and return tomorrow to take care of her.

    wing that Qiao Zijin would being, Ding Jiayi was overjoyed. She allowed Qiao Dongliang to go home when it was only four o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    She had totally forgotten that Qiao Nan delivered all the meals to her on the ount of Qiao Dongliang. She was given the meals out of convenience.

    Qiao Dongliang had already gone home for dinner. As such, Qiao Nan had ¡®automatically¡¯ neglected this meal of Ding Jiayi, who was in the hospital.

    It was fine if Qiao Nan did not prepare anything for her. She had thought about it when she was beginning to feel hungry. Qiao Nan, this wretched girl, only gave her porridge to eat. Two weeks had already passed. When Qiao Zijin was here, she could definitely have some meat to eat!

    It was a pity that the imagination was voluptuous but the reality bony.

    Qiao Zijin came but the reality was that Ding Jiayi did not even have any porridge to eat, let alone meat.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude was too stubborn and Ding Jiayi was not good at rejecting Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. In the end, Ding Jiayi could only force herself to go to bed with an empty stomach.

    If she was asleep, she would not feel hungry. If she was awake, the feelings of hunger would only be more apparent and hard to bear.

    Ding Jiayi had no choice but to use such a silly method to make herself forget her hunger.

    Just as Ding Jiayi was in a daze and falling asleep, she suddenly thought of a problem. She had not eaten, so Qiao Zijin had not taken her dinner too. She could not possibly starve together with her, right?

    Ding Jiayi, who was falling asleep, was indeed letting her thoughts ¡®run wild¡¯. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, would she let herself go hungry?

    If she had not eaten, even if Ding Jiayi had already eaten, she would also make Ding Jiayi give her money and feed herself.

    With the strong antiseptic smell in the hospital, Qiao Zijin kept feeling that the temperature in the hospital seemed to be colder than outside.

    Clearly, it was the hot summer of July. Although they were just relying on an old fan, Qiao Zijin could also sense that chilliness and coldness. There were even goosebumps on her bare arms.

    Qiao Zijin did not have a good impression of the hospital. She kept feeling she would be unlucky if she were to stay in the hospital for a long time.

    Two years ago, she was willing to keep Qiao Dongliangpany by his bedside because she felt safe when she was apanying Qiao Dongliang.

    However, she was keeping Ding Jiayipany by her side now. During the entire night, Qiao Zijin did not even sleep properly for an hour.

    The next morning, Qiao Zijin nced at the time and it was already five o¡¯clock. The sun was rising. Without a word, Qiao Zijin stood up and leaned at the side of Ding Jiayi¡¯s bed. Using a voice that was extremely soft, one that was only audible to herself, she asked, ¡°Mom, Mom? It¡¯s already five o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll go back first. When I¡¯m avable, I¡¯ll visit you again. Then, I¡¯m leaving...¡±

    Although Ding Jiayi did not respond, Qiao Zijin had already finished talking to herself. Next, she left without any feelings of reluctance.

    She had not forgotten that she had a date with Chen Jun today.

    As such, when Ding Jiayi woke up, how could Qiao Zijin still be around? Qiao Dongliang was the only one who sat there like a stone statue without a sound. ¡°Old, Old Qiao, you¡¯re here? Did you see anyone here when you came?¡±

    Could it be that Old Qiao had chased Zijin away?

    ¡°What? Who?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not understand. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re trying to look for trouble again when all is well?¡± When he came, Ding Jiayi was the only one in the ward. There was no one else present. ¡°Let me tell you. There is ack of beds in the hospital now. You had a car ident and your injuries are more serious. That¡¯s why you are allowed to stay in a room by yourself. Today, you will definitely have one more ward mate. Even if you mind, I have no choice as well. Anyway, the money in our family has already been squandered away by Qiao Zijin and you.¡±

    She was not honest even after she was hospitalized due to a car ident. She made many requests, thinking that she was a rich man¡¯s wife. Would all of her wishes be granted?

    ¡°No, no. Old Qiao, why would I think of it that way?¡±

 Chapter 802 - If You Want Food, Give Me the Money

    <strong>Chapter 802 If You Want Food, Give Me the Money</strong>

    Ding Jiayi gave a sheepish smile. In that case, Zijin was no longer around when Old Qiao came. She was not chased away by Old Qiao.

    If Old Qiao was aware that Zijin hade, he would not have reacted in this way. ¡°Old Qiao, what time did you arrive?¡±

    ¡°Around half past six.¡± Yesterday, Qiao Dongliang reached home at five o¡¯clock in the afternoon and immediately hit the bed. He did not wake up to have dinner at all.

    It was only until five o¡¯clock this morning that Qiao Dongliang woke up. He felt extremely energized and hungry after sleeping for twelve full hours. He then warmed up the leftover rice and dishes in the fridge and ate them before he made his way to the hospital so that Qiao Nan did not need to prepare food for him when she woke up.

    ¡°Half past six?¡± Zijin left before half past six. So early?

    When Zijin left, why didn¡¯t she call her? She did not even know when Zijin left.

    All of a sudden, a growling sound could be heard in the ward. The sound of Ding Jiayi¡¯s stomach grumbling was so loud and clear. Unless one was dumb, they would be able to hear it.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned red. She recalled that she only took two bowls of porridge yesterday to tide over the entire day. ¡°Old Qiao, I¡¯m starving. Why don¡¯t you go to the canteen now and buy me a few buns?¡± Her health would suffer if she were to continue starving.

    ¡°Where is the money? Don¡¯t tell me you think that others will give me freebies each time I go to the canteen?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. He was asking her for money. ¡°We¡¯re a married couple. We¡¯re one family. We shouldn¡¯t draw such a clear line. It¡¯s just a few buns, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t draw such a clear line with each other. I¡¯ve not spent a single cent of your earnings for the past two years. On the contrary, Nan Nan and I paid for all your hospitalization expenses.¡± At the thought that the college entrance examination results would be out soon but the family did not have any money, how was Nan Nan going to pay for the tuition fees then? ¡°You dote on your precious Qiao Zijin so much. Did she prepare any nice food for you when she visited youst night? When I left, it¡¯s not toote. It¡¯s impossible that she left only after taking one nce at you, right? You have such a good daughter. How is it possible that she can¡¯t even bepared to Nan Nan? After all, Nan Nan has sent you twenty to thirty bowls of porridge. So, you didn¡¯t even manage to get a bowl of porridge from Qiao Zijin?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± How did Old Qiao know that Zijin came?

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered continuously. ¡°It¡¯s so obvious. Do you think that my eyesight is poor and can¡¯t see? Qiao Zijin is so generous. She only paid someone two yuan to pass you a slip of paper. When she visited you, she couldn¡¯t even bear to give you a bowl of porridge, let alone fruits or nutritional supplements. This daughter of yours... Ding Jiayi, congrattions. You have raised her up well.¡±

    Yesterday, when that ¡®ward mate¡¯ dropped in to visit, Qiao Dongliang already felt that it was strange. They usually did not interact or chat with each other much. Also, despite Ding Jiayi¡¯s unfriendly demeanor, the other party was not angry at all.

    Thereafter, the ¡®ward mate¡¯ seemed to have tucked something under Ding Jiayi¡¯s pillow. Qiao Dongliang vaguely saw this but he did not think much of it.

    It was only when Ding Jiayi insisted that Qiao Dongliang went home to rest did Qiao Dongliang connect the dots and feel strange about this.

    When he was leaving the hospital for home, Qiao Dongliang coincidentally met that ¡®ward mate¡¯.

    Hence, Qiao Dongliang conveniently questioned her in a harsh manner and that ¡®ward mate¡¯ confessed everything. ¡°There¡¯s ady who gave me two yuan and asked me to pass a slip of paper to your wife. Comrade, don¡¯t misunderstand. I definitely didn¡¯t do any bad things. I don¡¯t have any evil intentions toward your family members as well.¡±

    She was just making some quick bucks by taking the two yuan to have a good meal.

    ¡°Okay, I know. Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not even ask the ¡®ward mate¡¯ how thedy that she mentioned looked like. He left the hospital thereafter.

    Qiao Zijin was avoiding Qiao Dongliang. Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang might not be willing to face this daughter that he hadpletely thought wrongly of.

    The more he knew, the more disappointed Qiao Dongliang was at Qiao Zijin.

    At this juncture, when he saw that Ding Jiayi did not even manage to get a full meal when she was with Qiao Zijin, he had totally given up his hopes on this daughter.

    There is a saying that there is no unfilial child before a sickbed.

    Ding Jiayi was not even suffering from a long-term illness and Qiao Zijin was already behaving in this way. This was bitterly disappointing.

    Now, he and Ding Jiayi were both young and strong. They not only could earn their own livelihood but also could give Qiao Zijin tuition fees. Qiao Zijin was already so selfish that she was only willing to take without giving

    When he and Ding Jiayi were old and could not move or earn any money, would Qiao Zijin feed them and treat them well?

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang was no longer hoping for this.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. Zijin just didn¡¯t think of it. You¡¯re the one who usually takes care of me, including providing for my three meals. She, she thought that you had already given me food before you left.¡± Ding Jiayi, who was badly starved for the whole night, was still making excuses for Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°Your daughter is so good, yet she made such a big blunder. Nan Nan and I don¡¯t care enough for you. In that case, you shouldn¡¯t expect Nan Nan and me to take care of you better than Qiao Zijin did. Ding Jiayi, believe me. You have ¡®great blessings¡¯ ahead of you and they will alle to you in the future!¡±

    Given that kind of behavior by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi could still find so many excuses and reasons for Qiao Zijin. He did not want to think about Qiao Zijin anymore. He also took his hat off to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I¡¯m still sick. I¡¯m suffering from so many injuries and I¡¯m not well yet. Do you have to say all this to anger me?¡± Ding Jiayi was vexed and anxious. She refused to admit that Qiao Zijin was unfilial to her. Qiao Zijin neglected all those things as they momentarily slipped her mind.

    However, she could not bear to forgo the care given by Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan. Regardless of how poor the care from the father-daughter pair was, at the very least, Ding Jiayi got to lie on the bedfortably for two weeks.

    In the past two years when she was living together with Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had not even enjoyed such treatment for one day.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I, I¡¯m really hungry. There¡¯s one yuan here. Help me buy two meat buns back.¡± Ding Jiayi had no choice but to take out one yuan from the dirty clothes that she had previously worn and passed it to Qiao Dongliang

    After taking the money, Qiao Dongliang sneered sarcastically.

    Since she was hospitalized, all the expenses were paid by Nan Nan and him. Clearly, Ding Jiayi had twenty yuan in her pocket but she had been hiding and refusing to use them.

    She still talked about being one family. In Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart, they were two separate families since long ago.

    When Ding Jiayi was hospitalized, she was not hesitant in maximizing the amount of money that she could utilize from Nan Nan and him. However, she secretly stored away her own money and was prepared to leave it for Qiao Zijin!

    Qiao Dongliang was the only one taking care of Ding Jiayi. During noon yesterday, when Ding Jiayi was sleeping after her lunch, the dirty clothes that she had worn on the day of the car ident coincidentally fell to the floor. Hence, Qiao Dongliang picked it up conveniently.

    It was also because of this that Qiao Dongliang found out that Ding Jiayi actually had twenty yuan hidden in the pocket of her clothes.

 Chapter 803 - Beautiful Retaliation

    <strong>Chapter 803 Beautiful Retaliation</strong>

    Recalling how Ding Jiayi keptmenting that in porridge was tasteless and requested him to buy this and that but did not mention anything about money for the past few days, Qiao Dongliang fumed with anger.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s hospitalization expenses were huge. It was good to have an additional yuan. Ding Jiayi had hidden more than twenty yuan in her pocket but she did not even mention it. This was the so-called being one family? And they wished to lead a good life together?

    Money was truly the best item to test someone¡¯s heart!

    As a mother, she had more than twenty yuan but refused to take them out. She continuously spent money from other people¡¯s pockets.

    The daughter would rather pay outsiders two yuan than to buy one dinner for her mother. Truly, this mother-daughter pair was extinct and one of a kind.

    It was right for this pair to lead a life together. Whoever lived with them was superfluous.

    The ridiculous thing was that he actually took twenty years to understand this!

    If not for all these, Qiao Dongliang would not insist that Ding Jiayi forked out money just to buy two meat buns.

    Since Ding Jiayi had something up her sleeves, of course Qiao Dongliang had to improvise too. He could not possibly foolishly continue to be schemed against and taken advantage of, right?

    After Qiao Dongliang bought two meat buns back for Ding Jiayi, he returned to his seat. ¡°Right, I¡¯ll tell you one more thing. I¡¯ve told Nan Nan that Zijin came to visit you. From today onward, Nan Nan won¡¯t prepare your meals anymore.¡±

    ¡°Ah...¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded while she chewed her meat bun. ¡°On what grounds?¡±

    ¡°On the grounds that you love Qiao Zijin most? Previously, you said that she went for an overseas learning trip with her ssmates. Yesterday, she came to visit you. This clearly shows that she is already back. The mother is hospitalized due to a car ident. She can¡¯t possibly travel again under such circumstances, no? You have such a good daughter. How could she not prepare anything for you? The food that Nan Nan prepared-didn¡¯t your throat feel irritated whenever you took them?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zijin was so delicate and precious. She was not born to do rough chores. How could Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, bepared to her?

    ¡°Zijin... Zijin is not someone who does such chores.¡±

    ¡°Neither is Nan Nan! Do you take my daughter as your maid?¡± Qiao Dongliang shouted loudly!

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi had a headache. ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re a grown-up man. When did you be so petty? We are one family. Qiao Nan knows how to do more things. Why can¡¯t we let her do it? Zijin doesn¡¯t know how to do so. Qiao Nan takes more care of Zijin now. When Zijin bes wealthy in the future, she will definitely take care of Qiao Nan. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t wish that the two sisters will be so distant that they won¡¯t help each other, right?¡± In the future, there were many areas that Qiao Nan would need to depend on Zijin.

    Qiao Nan doing more now could be taken as the repayment to Zijin when she needed to rely on Zijin in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang crossed his arms and declined to converse further with Ding Jiayi.

    She pushed everything to Qiao Nan because she wanted to improve the sibling rtionship between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin so that the family would be more united.

    When Qiao Dongliang asked Qiao Zijin to share the burden equally with Qiao Nan, it was to distance the rtionship Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan.

    She was so good at finding excuses for herself. There was no need for Qiao Dongliang to continue his conversation with Ding Jiayi anymore!

    ¡°Old Qiao, what do you say? If this is fine, quickly call home and tell Qiao Nan not to forget to prepare my meal.¡± As Qiao Dongliang was silent, Ding Jiayi thought that he had agreed with her views. She was still thinking about hering lunch.

    Qiao Dongliang sat down, shut his eyes, and rested, not uttering a word.

    What did he say?

    There was nothing to say!

    Make a phone call?

    Dream on!

    When it was lunchtime, the food that Qiao Nan asked someone to send over was just the portion for Qiao Dongliang alone. She obeyed Qiao Dongliang very much and did not prepare Ding Jiayi¡¯s share.

    In the morning, Qiao Nan was quite surprised when she heard Qiao Dongliang tell her that.

    Qiao Dongliang said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Your mom has more than twenty yuan with her. She won¡¯t die of hunger. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin came to see your mom. Your mom did not only give birth to you. You have also taken care of her for two weeks. It should be Qiao Zijin¡¯s turn now. Remember, just prepare my portion. Don¡¯t need to prepare anything more. in porridge? Even in porridge is too good for her!¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang was more determined than Qiao Nan.

    With just two meat buns in the morning, Ding Jiayi was not full at all. She was yearning for the meal that Qiao Nan would send over during lunch so that she could eat her fill.

    The things sold in the hospital were expensive. She needed to spend a lot of money to fill her tummy. The food that Qiao Nan prepared would cost her nothing and it was much cheaper than what was sold at the hospital. Smelling the fragrance of the dishes and looking at Qiao Dongliang enjoying his food, Ding Jiayi was drooling nonstop. ¡°Old Qiao, can you share some with me? Anyway, preparations are needed whether it is for one or two people. You give a call home and tell Qiao Nan to prepare two portions. My health is better now and I don¡¯t have to eat in porridge anymore. Get her to prepare rice directly for me. That will do. She can cook it in the same pot that she cooks yours. Right, tell her to buy vegetables that are fresh, and there should be meat in every meal. I need to nourish my body more. Actually, if that really can¡¯t be done, she can prepare what she did for you. That¡¯s fine too.¡±

    After suffering a few setbacks, Ding Jiayi was fearful of being rejected when she made a few requests that were overboard. She thus pleaded and expressed that she could also ept having food that was the same as what Qiao Dongliang was having.

    Qiao Dongliang was focused on having his meal. He just let Ding Jiayi continue with her monologue.

    When he had eaten his fill, Qiao Dongliang washed and put away the lunch box. Although Ding Jiayi had said so much, Qiao Dongliang did not even respond with a ¡®yes¡¯.

    It was only when Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth and tongue were so dry and that her voice sounded hoarse did Qiao Dongliang do something. He stood up and poured a cup of water for Ding Jiayi.

    When evening arrived, Qiao Nan continued to send over one portion of food for Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi could still endure missing the meal at noon. When it was night time, Ding Jiayi could not tolerate further. She gave Qiao Dongliang another one yuan and requested him to buy buns for her.

    ¡°Hurry. I¡¯m starving to death. If you are slower by a bit, they may not even have buns anymore.¡± Ding Jiayi urged Qiao Dongliang continuously. ¡°Just ce your lunch box here. You can continue eating them after you buy the buns.¡±

    She could not take it anymore. She was really going to die of hunger if she did not eat.

    She was a patient. With only in porridge or buns, there was not enough nutrition.

    Even if she had to let down Old Qiao, she had to do this once. However, if she seeded today, she would not be able to con any more rice and meat from tomorrow onward.

    Ding Jiayi was staring at his lunch box and her eyes were green with envy. Qiao Dongliang first took over the one yuan from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands. When he saw the corners of Ding Jiayi¡¯s lips curl up into a smile, he nearlyughed out loud.

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang reached out and lifted up his lunch box. He opened his mouth wide and consumed the rice in two to three big mouthfuls. He then finished up all the meat with the rice. ¡°Nan Nan has been telling me to chew meticulously and swallow slowly during meals as that¡¯s good for health. I seldom do this. It should be fine.¡±

 Chapter 804 - Where Did You Get That Confidence From?

    <strong>Chapter 804 Where Did You Get That Confidence From?</strong>

    After finishing the meat, Qiao Dongliang put down the lunch box. He then took the one yuan given by Ding Jiayi to buy four buns.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbstruck throughout. When Qiao Dongliang was filling his mouth with the meat, she could not wait to jump out of her bed so that she could cover Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mouth and stop him from eating.

    Qiao Dongliang had finished the food. What was she going to eat?!

    After leaving the confused Ding Jiayi behind, Qiao Dongliang left calmly. When he was back, Ding Jiayi was still looking as dumbstruck as before. ¡°Old Qiao, did you do that on purpose? Two years ago, you met with a car ident too and you ate so well. Now that I¡¯ve be like this, do you have to treat me in this way? Do you still hope that I can recover faster from my injuries?¡±

    After some time, when Ding Jiayi came to her senses, she realized that Old Qiao must have seen through her mind. He thus did this deliberately and refused to let her have a mouthful of meat!

    It was an afternoon in summer. After eating and drinking to one¡¯s fill, it was especially easy to snooze.

    In contrast to Ding Jiayi¡¯s furor, Qiao Dongliang looked rxed and casual. ¡°Do you feel that you¡¯re suffering?¡±

    That was an understatement. Who would not feel unjustified after encountering such a matter?

    ¡°Do you feel that you¡¯re pitiful?¡±

    Of course!

    She was afraid that there was no other woman who was more miserable than her in this world.

    ¡°Watching others enjoy delicious food while you can¡¯t even taste any of it. I suppose your heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and kidney feel unwell?¡±

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. ¡°Old Qiao, what exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    Every word that Old Qiao said at this moment was spot on. Every word was akin to a pierce in her heart.

    As such, Ding Jiayi felt even more unjustified and pitiful. She was uneasy all over.

    ¡°It¡¯s right that you are feeling and thinking this way. It means I have done it correctly.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked cold and icy. Ding Jiayi could not help shivering when she saw the chilliness in his eyes. ¡°Three years ago, when I brought Nan Nan to the hospital, the doctor told me that Nan Nan was malnourished. Do you know how I felt then?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi stiffened. Her jaw dropped and her mind simply went nk.

    ¡°At that time, the money for Nan Nan¡¯s meals and living expenses came from me. Didn¡¯t you treat Nan Nan this way? In your hands, Nan Nan had lived in this way for seventeen years. You have only been through this for two weeks and you can¡¯t take it anymore?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not bring up some things but it did not mean that he had forgotten about them.

    ¡°I was aware of how Nan Nan became malnourished in the past. I gave you face and didn¡¯t quarrel badly with you. Thereafter, I discovered that, as an adult, you don¡¯t even have the basic self-awareness and shame. I don¡¯t know where your moral values have gone to. You actually don¡¯t feel that you¡¯re wrong to have done that. So, I¡¯m the one who intervened too much, was too harsh to you and too indulging toward Nan Nan. Fine, let¡¯s put you in other¡¯s shoes now. I want to see what your reaction will be.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really taking revenge on me because of Qiao Nan, that wretched girl?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned crimson. That face was as swollen as a pufferfish.

    ¡°Revenge?¡± Qiao Dongliang chuckled. ¡°You seldom use such an urate description. This kind of treatment can be considered retribution.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet. She was unable to speak for a long time.

    If Qiao Dongliang¡¯s actions were considered as a form of revenge for Qiao Nan on Ding Jiayi, then what could be said of the way Ding Jiayi had treated Qiao Nan for over ten years?

    It was intended torture!

    Next, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi did not speak a word to each other. Both maintained their silence. They did not look at each other anymore. Ding Jiayi simply turned her back to Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi bit on to her clothing. Old Qiao was resolute in divorcing her. He even wanted to seek justice for Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, before the divorce.

    For the past two years, that wretched girl must have been continuously badmouthing Zijin and her in front of Old Qiao. This wretched girl was too evil at heart!

    If she were to truly divorce with Old Qiao, that wretched girl would be ted. She was not going to grant that wretched girl her wish of monopolizing Old Qiao.

    Shi Qing had been watching Qiao Nan prepare meals every day.

    When she heard that Qiao Dongliang had asked Qiao Nan to prepare only a set of meal without that of Ding Jiayi, Shi Qing was happy. ¡°Ah, Qiao Nan, Brother Zhai has not returned to the army camp. You¡¯ve not seen him for almost two weeks. Don¡¯t you feel worried or anxious? Don¡¯t you wish to know what Brother Zhai has been busy with recently? Maybe there will be good news.¡±

    All the unlucky matters were things of the past. Qiao Nan¡¯s good fortune wasing and good things woulde rolling in. One had to trust her. She was having such a premonition.

    When Qiao Nan was bringing out the dishes for dinner, Shi Peng was almost home. ¡°There¡¯s only one or two matters that Brother Zhai will be busy with recently.¡± Brother Zhai had not returned to the army camp because of the matter that happened during her college entrance examination. Was that appropriate?

    Qiao Nan was worried that if the investigation was to drag on, it would be disadvantageous to his situation in the army. At this very moment, another woman was feeling deeply jealous of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, we have known each other for so many years. We¡¯re childhood sweethearts. Do you have to be so harsh on me?¡± Qiu Chenxi said this through the cracks of her teeth. Before she could cause any harm to Qiao Nan, she had got herself implicated.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiu Chenxi coldly. ¡°Childhood sweethearts? Where did your confidencee from?¡± Toward these two words, Zhai Sheng had never admitted them.

    ¡°Fine. We grew up together. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Zhai Sheng had gotten a handle on Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi could not afford to go tough on Zhai Sheng. ¡°This time, can you let me off? Let our Qiu family off. I can promise you that I won¡¯t intervene in Qiao Nan and your matter anymore. I won¡¯t go and harm Qiao Nan anymore.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng rejected her immediately. ¡°What we¡¯re talking about now is not just the grievances between us. It is a grave matter that involves the interests of the nation, albeit you dealing with Nan Nan is part of the issue. Since I have found out about this, I can¡¯t take my hands off it. Your dad and your Qiu family has eroded national interests and forsaken the trust that the party and country ced on you. This matter certainly can¡¯t be condoned!¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not because of Qiao Nan, would you pay so much attention to our Qiu family and me?!¡± Qiu Chenxi felt extremely angry and resentful.

    If Brother Zhai had not been keeping a watch on the Qiu family for so long, how could such a thing happen?

    Her father was audacious. In order to return to Ping Cheng earlier and move to the capital, he could do anything!

    ¡°Talking about this matter, I really have to thank you. If you hadn¡¯t said those words, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to prevent so much damage to the country in time.¡± Qiu Chenxi was truly a daughter that could do her father in. Without Qiu Chenxi, Zhai Sheng would not have discovered that Qiu Qin was so audacious. He dared to steal the cultural relic that belonged to the country and sold them to overseas buyers.

    At the thought of this situation, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes became much sharper. ¡°You should be very clear that, by doing this, your father is no different from a national traitor.¡±

 Chapter 805 - Unusual Good Fortune

    <h4>Chapter 805: Unusual Good Fortune</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    That ancient tomb was discovered in the territory under Qiu Qin¡¯s management. Qiu Qin had also reported this to his superiors at the time of the discovery.

    In the face of these priceless cultural relics that were unearthed, Qiu Qin actually stole what was entrusted in his care, ignored national interests, and sold them for profits to fatten up his own wallet.

    ¡°!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned both red and crimson. She was shaking all over.

    Who would have imagined that everything happened so coincidentally?

    It was the truth that Qiu Qin had discovered the ancient tomb within the territory under his care. However, initially, Qiu Qin did not think of reporting this matter or telling the government.

    Qiu Qin was well aware of what an ancient tomb excavation would trante to.

    During the 1970s, the country discovered life-size terracotta horses and armored warriors from sites near the tomb of Qin Shi Huang<sup>1</sup>. Someone wanted to smuggle one of the warriors¡¯ heads overseas but was discovered during the security checks.

    ording to that person, foreigners were willing to pay a few tens of thousands of yuan for that one y head alone.

    That was something that happened twenty to thirty years ago. It was the 21st century now. Due to economic development and intion, that sum of money back then was not worth that much in present times. If it was an authentic antique, the selling price would be even higher.

    Qiu Qin did not n to hide the discovery forever. He was nning to steal a few valuable items before reporting to the government. By reporting this, he could gain another achievement in his political career.

    At that time, he would have both political achievements and money. He could not be bothered with a small Ping Cheng. He, of course, wanted to go to the capital and be a government official there!

    There was an ancient tomb in his territory that might be a second ce simr to the tomb with warriors and horses of the Qin dynasty. Qiu Qin wanted to hide this but the native citizens could not. Within a day, news spread and it became the talk of the town. Everyone nearby knew about it.

    The situation was already as such. If Qiu Qin were to dy reporting any further, it would be a fault instead of contribution.

    Qiu Qin had no choice but to report this matter while pondering over how he could continue with his n to get hold of one or two pieces of valuable relics and directly exchange them for cash.

    The Qiu family had been in this line for so many years. They had some connections.

    The foreigners had an extraordinary interest in the cultural relics of China and were more willing to pay a high price for them.

    Qiu Qin had just gotten hold of a piece porcin jar that did not look eye-catching and someone immediately helped connect him with the buyer who bought it at a price of 2.5 million yuan.

    This was the first time in Qiu Qin¡¯s life that so much money was transmitted into his bank ount. The amount was more than the aggregate sum of money he had earned previously using all ways and means.

    Of course, it was impossible that Qiu Qin, who just had a sweet taste of something good, would stop after earning 2.5 million. He was still pondering over how to get a hold of a few more items.

    Qiu Qin only cared about getting more relics and selling them. As to who the buyers were and how they moved the relic out of the country, it was not of his concern. After the trade, they would not know each other even if they were to meet.

    When Qiu Qin was doing this, more or less, the Qiu family could sense that something was going on.

    If the Qiu family did not have such illegal ie, it would not be possible for Qiu Chenxi to be willing to spend so much money to hire people just to stop Qiao Nan from taking the college entrance examination.

    Qiu Chenxi expressed that she was rich. She was willful. So what?

    Qiu Chenxi unintentionally discovered this matter. She then requested money from Qiu Qin. Qiu Qin refused initially but Qiu Chenxi simply said, ¡°If you don¡¯t give me money... Dad, you know how I feel toward Brother Zhai. Tell me, if Brother Zhai finds out about this matter and gains credit for this, will Brother Zhai change his views toward me?¡±

    ¡°Are you mad? I¡¯m your biological father. You¡¯re my daughter and I raised you up!¡± Qiu Qin was furious.

    ¡°So what? Before you left Ping Cheng, all that you¡¯ve got was from Mom and me. It¡¯s impossible between Brother Zhai and me now. You¡¯re good. You not only did not console me but also used my marriage agreement with Brother Zhai to exchange for an opportunity to be promoted. My happiness has been destroyed by you and you still have the shame to *** outside. You even found a woman that¡¯s beneath Mom in so many ways. You¡¯re really my great dad. I learned a lot of things from you. What is kinship? It¡¯s not important at all. Only wealth is most important as it¡¯s practical and useful. In short, are you giving me this sum of money? I remember that 2.5 million yuan was transferred to your ount. Now, I¡¯m asking you for ten thousand yuan. I may go back on my words at any point in time and ask you for fifty or a hundred thousand yuan instead. Your moneyes in so quickly and easily anyway.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had given out such extensive threats. Unless Qiu Qin was prepared to silence someone with murder, he could only give out this sum of money.

    He had thought that after getting this sum of money, Qiu Chenxi, like in the past, would buy some jewelry, pretty clothes, or some cosmetics that she liked. In other words, she would doll herself up.

    How would he know that Qiu Chenxi already found out who the ¡®vixen¡¯ who hooked away Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart was and that she was prepared to use this sum of money to do that ¡®vixen¡¯ in?

    Of course, Qiu Chenxi had offended Zhai Sheng thoroughly with her actions.

    If the matter this time had not been associated with such a grave affair of Qiu Qin selling the cultural relic, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s capability, he would have resolved it long ago.

    First, Zhai Sheng had to protect and safeguard the cultural relics excavated such that the people hired by Qiu Qin would not have a chance to touch and steal them again. He also had to find ways to investigate clearly the number of items that Qiu Qin had stolen or sold, what was sold, and who they were sold to.

    He had to stop the people and items from leaving the country and detain them ording to thew.

    As such, this matter had widespread implications.

    The time taken to resolve such cases could exceed one month, a few months, even one year or more, let alone just two weeks.

    The painful regret was that as the time lengthened, it meant that the possibility of retrieving the cultural relics would be lower.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s current situation, he did not take a long time and this proved that the two cultural relics sold by Qiu Qin had already been retrieved.

    Fortunately, the ancient tomb was evacuated very quickly. Moreover, the money spent during the incident pertaining to the college entrance examination exposed Qiu Qin very soon. Otherwise, by the time one discovered that something was amiss, there would definitely be a few cultural relics that could not be retained and lost to overseas countries.

    When Zhai Sheng told Zhai Yaohui this situation, Zhai Yaohui was stunned for a long time.

    After some time, Zhai Yaohui then said, ¡°Qiao Nan is quite blessed.¡± Especially in the aspect of bringing luck to her spouse!

    She was participating in the college entrance examination just like everyone else.

    When this matter first surfaced, Zhai Yaohui had thought whether Qiao Nan was destined for hardships. Just like the story of ¡®Journey to the West¡¯, she had to endure eighty-one ordeals before everything would go smoothly in her life.

    In the first half of her lifetime, Qiao Nan had to suffer all the hardships including those of her remaining lifetime. As such, she could then lead a smooth, safe, and blessed life in her remaining lifetime.

    The problem was that this time, the trouble regarding the college entrance examination that Qiao Nan met with even involved a major case of a junior government official in a small town stealing and selling cultural relics. Furthermore, such a major case was discovered and uncovered by his son. His son safeguarded the ancient tomb and retrieved the cultural relics.

    This...

 Chapter 806 - Quickly Marry Her

    <h4>Chapter 806: Quickly Marry Her</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yaohui put down the newspapers in his hands. ¡°Cough... Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan and you have a promise with each other to be engaged after her college entrance examination and when she enrolls for college? Have you fixed the date? We¡¯ll just make adequate arrangements. Before this, invite Qiao Nan¡¯s father to our house. When children of two families are getting engaged, the parents of both families have to meet and discuss. It¡¯s not appropriate for our family to make all the decisions.¡±

    A woman bringing good luck and fortune to her husband¡ªZhai Yaohui did not know if such a fictitious thing existed.

    Zhai Yaohui only knew that since Zhai Sheng had been together with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had performed very well and increasingly so. His opportunities increased and he gained achievements more smoothly.

    From a scientific perspective, at the very least, Qiao Nan¡¯s aura waspatible with that of Zhai Sheng.

    It was not easy to be able to meet such a ¡®suitable¡¯ daughter-inw. Since they had met her, there was no reason to let her slip away from his son.

    ¡°How about my mom¡¯s end?¡± Zhai Sheng was concerned about his mother, Miao Jing.

    Earlier, Qiao Nan had agreed to tell Miao Jing about their rtionship. Unfortunately, Zhai Sheng was too busy. He had just uncovered a huge case andpletely did not have the time. He could not find a good and appropriate opportunity to tell Miao Jing about this.

    At the mention of Miao Jing, even Zhai Yaohui, this heroic figure, turned a little cowardly. ¡°You still have to carry on investigating this case. Why don¡¯t we do this? You¡¯ll continue with the investigation. Regarding your mom, I¡¯ll think of a way. Your mom is usually quite good to Qiao Nan and she has been treating her as part of the family. Qiao Nan is quite diligent and she strives to excel. She¡¯s also morally upright and honest. I think it won¡¯t be difficult.¡±

    Compared to Wei De particrly, Qiao Nan¡¯s rare and positive qualities were more obvious.

    Both had poor family backgrounds. At the very least, the support that Wei De received at home was much better than that of Qiao Nan. No one from Wei De¡¯s family in his hometown would backstab or harm him. They had been encouraging Wei De to do well in the army.

    It was different for Qiao Nan. She not only had one family member dragging her down but two.

    Qiao Nan and Wei De met Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua respectively. Both were children from the Zhai family. Qiao Nan had never made use of Zhai Sheng to achieve anything or change her life.

    The youngdy was independent and resilient. She had been relying on herself to improve her life. With her spirit of resilience and continuous strive for excellence, she would easily gain the admiration of others.

    Qiao Nan was just a youngdy and she could achieve this. Wei De was a grown-up man that was older than Qiao Nan by over ten years, yet he did such distasteful things. Until today, Zhai Yaohui could not understand or ept why her daughter had picked such a man among the many options avable.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words had given Zhai Sheng a form of assurance. It allowed Zhai Sheng to be able to focus on his investigation of Qiu Qin¡¯s case wholeheartedly.

    This was also the first time that Qiu Qin did something audacious and illegal. He felt guilt-stricken too. He thus became more cautious and alert. Any small issue could give him a big scare.

    Convinced by the saying the timid dies of hunger and the bold dies of fullness, no matter how much fear Qiu Qin had, he would shoulder it.

    Qiu Qin received news that the two buyers of his cultural relics had been arrested before they could leave the country. They asked if Qiu Qin had any ways to release them. Qiu Qin then felt that something was not right.

    He had only sold two items. The two buyers that he had respectively sold the two items to were all arrested. Had the matter been exposed?

    Qiu Qin immediately expressed that this was just a transaction and whatever happened to the buyer did not have anything to do with him. It would be better if they did not contact each other regarding this kind of matter again.

    After hanging up the phone, Qiu Qin called Qiu Chenxi over as he felt that something was amiss. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell any outsiders or Zhai Sheng about my deals, did you?¡±

    As long as no one betrayed him, it would not be possible for such a small matter to be discovered so quickly.

    The ancient tomb was evacuated in stages, and the cultural relics were also unearthed one by one.

    No one could aggregate the exact quantity of the cultural relics that were in the ancient tomb. Basically, no one would be able to find out how many items he had gotten hold of.

    Qiu Chenxi looked at Qiu Qin in surprise. ¡°Dad, did something happen? It can¡¯t be discovered so soon, right? Is there a problem with those people that you hired?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you now. Did you tell Zhai Sheng about me?!¡±

    ¡°Certainly not!¡± It was not as if her brains were damaged. ¡°Dad, as long as you still see me as your daughter, will other men outside be more reliable than my biological father? To put it bluntly, Dad, what do I gain if something happens to you? We came to this lousy ce from Ping Cheng. Hadn¡¯t I learned enough lessons from that?¡±

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t?¡± Qiu Chenxi was certainly quite smitten with Zhai Sheng. She yearned to marry Zhai Sheng since she was a child. There was nothing that Qiu Chenxi would not do to please Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi sneered. Her father only had the mistress in his heart now. In the whole world, only that mistress was true to him. ¡°Dad, since you¡¯ve already said so, I¡¯lly my cards on the table as well. If telling Brother Zhai about you can make him agree to marry me without hesitation, I will certainly tell him. You don¡¯t need to doubt this. However, Brother Zhai is getting engaged with that vixen. I heard that he had already prepared and submitted the marriage report. If I told him about you, wouldn¡¯t that be giving him a wedding gift? Tell me, would I do this kind of thing? Would I be willing to do so?¡±

    If Qiao Nan were to die, she would certainly be happy to send a gift.

    As for the rest, no way!

    Qiu Qin slumped on the chair. ¡°You might not have told him, but I sensed that Zhai Sheng may have found out and he¡¯s already checking on me. You... After all, you are friends with him. Why don¡¯t you meet up with Zhai Sheng? Remember, please don¡¯t bring up the matter about his partner and also don¡¯t show that you¡¯re unhappy that he is going to be engaged. Didn¡¯t you also say that other men outside will not be as reliable as your own father? Rest assured. If you can think of a way to resolve this matter smoothly and peacefully, regardless of who you will marry in the future, I will provide you with a bountiful dowry. If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll open a bank ount under your name with 100,000 yuan and immediately pass this passbook to you for safekeeping. I don¡¯t even give it to your mom.¡±

    100,000 yuan was not a small sum of money. Of course, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s heart was moved. ¡°If I look for Brother Zhai... What if he has not discovered anything? We will be exposing ourselves and this will arouse his suspicion, no?¡±

    ¡°Listen to me. It won¡¯t be wrong. After interacting with the Zhai family for so long, I know their temperaments very well. Those two buyers had already been arrested. Isn¡¯t this telling enough? Tell Zhai Sheng that I have already stopped. He can also voice out any thoughts or request what he has in mind. Of course, before you are sure that Zhai Sheng is aware of this matter, you don¡¯t need to mention anything. You¡¯re very smart. In fact, you should know how to handle this even without the need for me to teach you. Chenxi, our Qiu family has to depend on you this time.¡±

 Chapter 807 - There are only Two Options

    <h4>Chapter 807 There are only Two Options</h4>

    Qiu Qin was clearly aware that the party and country would definitely not spare him or let him off regarding this matter.

    Once he was found guilty, a dignified government official like him had to be imprisoned for more than ten years!

    Qiu Qin could not endure this kind of shame and crime.

    At the sight of how anxious Qiu Qin was and that this matter concerned the rise and decline of the Qiu family, Qiu Chenxi could not wash her hands off this even if she wished to.

    Shi Peng, that biological uncle of hers, seemed to be doing well. After leaving the army, his work performance was even better than before. However, Qiu Chenxi was aware that Shi Peng disliked her mother and her. He was quite distant to and not on good terms with them.

    In the past, when Shi Peng was severely ill and said that he needed a load of good food to nourish his body, her mother had turned her back on him. In the end, they did not even send him a short branch of small ginseng. Qiu Chenxi had not forgotten about this.

    If something were to happen to the Qiu family, it was not possible that she could rely on Shi Peng for a good life.

    Hence, Qiu Chenxi still had to work on Qiu Qin.

    Qiu Chenxi wanted to destroy Qiao Nan such that it would be impossible between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. She then wanted to appear as a victor in front of Zhai Sheng. Now, before she could do so, she waspelled to appear as the loser in front of Zhai Sheng first.

    As soon as she met Qiu Chenxi, Zhai Sheng was extremely blunt. ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything. You just have to listen to me. Go home and tell your dad that he only has two options now. First, be honest. Confess and exin everything to the government and party, and then take the initiative to solve the case and hand over the stolen items and money. Perhaps the country will consider being lenient and generous to him. Second, if your father insists on being stubborn, his punishment will be harsher when I pay your house a visit.¡±

    These words of Zhai Sheng simply stunned Qiu Chenxi with fear. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... What are you talking about? Why don¡¯t I understand any of it?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand?¡± Zhai Shengughed. ¡°Do you know why I agreed to meet you today? The Qiu family even dared to take that kind of money. Don¡¯t you find it difficult to do so? You are the most daring one. The fresh smell of that money has not even gone away and you had the gall to spend it! That being said, it¡¯s all thanks to your cooperation. Without you, no one can guess how much loss the country would suffer.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi clenched her teeth. Her gums almost bled. ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re joking with me, right?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhai Sheng just stared at Qiu Chenxi. ¡°If I¡¯m joking, don¡¯t you find that I know too much and too many details? That I have guessed it too urately?¡±.

    Could this kind of matter be guessed without any basis?

    Qiu Chenxi had been clenching her teeth so hard that she felt pain now. The actions that she took against Qiao Nan had unintentionally dug such a big hole for the Qiu family, a hole that was equivalent to a grave. ¡°Brother Zhai, what can we do to make you let us off? Tell us your conditions. We will agree to all of them.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had dered himself the host in the meeting even before Qiu Chenxi made herself clear. He took away all the initiative.

    She was like a cow ormb on the chopping board that could only await its ughter.

    ¡°Conditions? There isn¡¯t any. I only provided two honest and sincere options.¡± Zhai Sheng smirked. ying dumb did not work, so it became dangling of carrots?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, after all... the two of us are childhood...¡±

    The conversation that came up after was simr to what they had before.

    ¡°You still have the shame to mention Nan Nan. I can only say that you¡¯re very daring.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Yes, without Nan Nan¡¯s matter, it¡¯s definitely impossible for me to notice the movements of the Qiu family so quickly. Nevertheless, this only goes to show that Nan Nan is the most suitable woman for me. And you... no, don¡¯t mention that we¡¯re childhood sweethearts. The Qiu family actually did something like that. I believe everyone in the quad will feel ashamed for the Qiu family.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really not willing to let us off?¡± Qiu Chenxi could not bring herself to say anything else. If pleading was of use, she would have already done so. However, she knew that it would not work. ¡°Besides the options that you have mentioned earlier, as long as you give the Qiu family a third option, I won¡¯t pester you anymore from now onward. I will also not bother Qiao Nan anymore!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had a lot of difficulties saying the second part of her sentence.

    ¡°There is no third option!¡±

    ¡°If, I¡¯m saying if, if my family is willing to hand over all those items, can you let us off?¡± If they handed over all the items and money, as long as her father was still around... If the matter was not blown up and her father was still a government official of a small town, he would still have the opportunity to rise in the ranks if he were to do well in the future.

    If they could not bear to part with these items and money, her father would definitely be imprisoned when Zhai Sheng went by the books in handling this matter. Then, the Qiu family would be nonexistent.

    At such a critical juncture, Qiu Chenxi was clearly aware that she had to save the people and not the items.

    ¡°Will the Qiu family still be able to make up for the sum of money?¡± Zhai Sheng threw a stack of documents toward Qiu Chenxi. After receiving this sum of illegal money, Qiu Chenxi squandered some of it. Even Qiu Qin did not keep a reign on them.

    ¡°He lied to us!¡± Although she had always known that it was not quite possible to believe it when her father said that he had broken up with that mistress, she did not know that her father actually bought a house for that mistress after he received the money.

    She could let that go. That mistress was from the countryside, and she had elderly parents in her hometown. Using the identity as their son-inw, he actually spent two thousand yuan to renovate the old house of that woman¡¯s parents!

    In short, her father had dumped a lot of money on this woman!

    Qiu Chenxi had heard her mother mention how much wealth the Qiu family had.

    Given her father¡¯s spendthrift ways of buying houses andnd, obviously aiming to be major property owners, the Qiu family did not have that much wealth for her father to squander.

    Even if they wished to make up for this sum of money, it would not be enough even if her mother was willing to withdraw all the money that she had on hand.

    ¡°The information is all in your hands. What if my dad is willing to hand over these assets? As for that woman... That property of hers can also be handed over. The money that her countryside parents spent... I, I can make up for it!¡± Qiu Chenxi felt the taste of iron in her mouth.

    Zhai Sheng couldpletely empathize with the injustice and rage that Qiu Chenxi was experiencing

    Both Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi, this mother-daughter pair, were very headstrong andpetitive.

    Qi Min already felt unfair that her husband who relied on her to rise through the ranks dared to have a woman outside. Now, she even had to use her own money to make up for the shortfall that Qiu Qin spent on that woman¡¯s parents. Any woman in her shoes in this world would not be willing to do so.

    However, she could only save the overall situation and forgo the small stuff.

    It was rare that the willful Qiu Chenxi would make such a decision that took into ount therger issues. Zhai Sheng was straight to the point as well. ¡°My dad is aware of this.¡±

    The Zhai family had always been scrupulous in separating public from private interests. They had never done anything that was illegal for the sake of private gain.

    One year ago, Wei De¡¯s matter was a very good example to prove this. Everyone had a renewed understanding of the character of the Zhai family then.

 Chapter 808 - Youâ€¦ Have Agreed

    <h4>Chapter 808 You... Have Agreed</h4>

    Qiu Chenxi could not even handle Zhai Sheng, let alone an additional person-Zhai Yaohui. There was basically no hope for her. ¡°As I have said earlier, there are only two roads ahead for your dad. First, confess. Second, arrest.¡±

    If Qiu Qin would like to reduce the term of imprisonment, he had better be honest.

    If he were to try his luck, then he would only increase his jail term by two to three years.

    On the ount that the two families frequently interacted with each other in the past, Zhai Sheng could only provide the Qiu family with this ¡®special care¡¯.

    ¡°We will end the conversation here. It is up to the Qiu family now. Whether it will work or not... Certainly, there will be an oue when the summer vacation ends.¡± The utmost priority at this point in time was to safeguard the cultural relics. Afterward, it would be time for the government to settle the scores with Qiu Qin.

    Without looking at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s reaction, Zhai Sheng paid for the bill and left.

    After Zhai Sheng left, Qiu Chenxi remained in her seat for a very long time. The sky had turned dark but she had not regained her senses.

    At this moment, Qiu Chenxi regretted it very much. If she had known thatying her hands on Qiao Nan would make Zhai Sheng so furious that he would keep such a tight watch on the Qiu family, she would not have allowed the downfall of the Qiu family just because of one Qiao Nan.

    Now, well, she had provoked the king of the mountain.

    How was she going to exin to her father when she was back? Was she to tell him that after she found out that Qiao Nan was her rival-in-love, she used all the money from him to deal with her, and as a result, triggered a major crisis in the Qiu family?

    If that was truly the case, regardless of whether that mistress existed, her father would most probably be unwilling to acknowledge her as his daughter anymore.

    It was because of her the first time. It was also because of her the second time.

    At this juncture, not to mention Qiu Qin, even Qiu Chenxi hated herself to the core for her arrogance and having disregarded the consequences of her actions.

    It was obvious that when she was not certain that Qiao Nan was her rival-in-love before, her father¡¯s position in Ping Cheng had already been stripped off after she hired people to teach Qiao Nan a lesson.

    Actually, from that asion, she should have been able to tell how much Brother Zhai cared about Qiao Nan. How could she be so foolish and make the same mistake twice?!

    If this matter was not resolved properly, the Qiu family would most likely not be able to get up again!

    After thinking for some time, Qiu Chenxi took out her cell phone and called Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°You¡¯ve thought about it?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you curious about how I found out about your rtionship with Qiao Nan? You can ask Qiao Nan. As Qiao Nan¡¯s grades have always been very good, when she admitted to me that she was the one, I did not even believe her. I didn¡¯t believe her even when she confessed to me personally. How did Ie to believe it then?¡±

    Didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng care very much about Qiao Nan? There was a person who wished to scheme against Qiao Nan at all times hiding by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side. She did not believe that Zhai Sheng would not be concerned.

    ¡°Conditions?¡± Qiu Chenxi would not render this help for nothing.

    ¡°Regarding the issue, what is the best that you can do to help?¡± She had to think of a way to preserve the strengths of the Qiu family as much as possible.

    ¡°Three years.¡± The most that he could do was to help Qiu Qin be released from prison three years earlier.

    Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t want these three years. I just have one request. My mom and my money have nothing to do with the Qiu family, so...¡¯

    If her father had to go to jail, she would not be able to protect him anymore. It was not possible for him to resume his position after he was released from jail.

    While she would lose a father who was a government official, she could not lose her mother and her money simultaneously.

    Qiu Chenxi had already spent most of the money that Qiu Qin gave her previously. Nevertheless, soon after, Qiu Chenxi got another 100,000 yuan from Qiu Qin again.

    That 100,000 yuan was now very important to Qiu Chenxi. It was so important that she could buy a good house when she returned to Ping Cheng. She would still be quite rich thereafter.

    Furthermore, Qi Min was richer than Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°In that case, I can give you another month. Do you know what you need to do?¡± After thinking, Zhai Shengpromised.

    As long as he did not need to help Qiu Qin get away from the crime and the punishment that he deserved, Zhai Sheng could promise Qiu Chenxi other matters and dy the time.

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Then, what¡¯s your answer?¡±

    ¡°Wei De, Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.¡±

    Indeed, it was him!

    Zhai Sheng did not say a word. There was not even the sound of a pant due to anger. Qiu Chenxi asked sullenly, ¡°You¡¯ve guessed it long ago?¡±

    ¡°There are not many people who know about my rtionship with Nan Nan.¡± Among them, Wei De had the worst character. He had also been on the worst terms with Nan Nan.

    ¡°It¡¯s your business that you have guessed it. But I did give you a certain answer. I have known you for so many years. I believe in your integrity. In order to prove that I¡¯m telling the truth, I will send something to the Zhai family tomorrow. Remember to receive it personally. If this itemnds in Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s hands, don¡¯t me me then.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± After getting the answer that he expected, Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice did not sound affected but the emotional impact on him was great.

    Today, Zhai Sheng utilized the diversion tactic when he met up with Qiu Chenxi.

    If he had taken the initiative to ask Qiu Chenxi the question, given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s character, she would not know what was good for her. She would ask for the sky as she would think that he was asking her for a favor.

    On the contrary, if Qiu Chenxi was the one who used this truth as a bargaining chip to initiate a transaction with him, then he could control the extent of the transaction.

    In the face of the current situation, Qiu Chenxi did not have any other choice. She could only use this as a bargaining chip.

    The next day, Zhai Sheng did not leave the house of the Zhai family. It was one of the rare times where he very patiently stayed at home. Miao Jing felt strange. ¡°People say that children are like birds after they grow up. They will fly outside when their wings harden. The situation in our family is so rare, though?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui flung his newspapers. ¡°It¡¯s very seldom that our son keeps youpany at home for the whole day. Isn¡¯t that good?¡±

    ¡°Good, of course, it¡¯s good. But...¡± Her son was already of this age. If he really had spare time, he should also get to know a few friends, especially female ones, if he was not going to apany his young girlfriend.

    When you were in love, of course you have to find someone of apatible age.

    Zhai Yaohui nced at Miao Jing so that she would think before speaking. ¡°Think more about the one that Hua Hua is with now.¡±

    ¡°...¡± At this juncture, Miao Jing could not bring herself to speak despite having so much to say.

    Miao Jing was really scared of that Wei De.

    If her son were to break up with his young girlfriend and find someone like Wei De, Miao Jing felt that she would consider dying.

    Given that when Zhai Sheng was not in the army, he was always home at night and had never spent a night outside, Miao Jing had nothing else to say.

    She could only keep mum. However, was this matter decided then?

    Miao Jing sat down beside Zhai Yaohui. ¡°You... have agreed?¡± Actually, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expectations of the two children¡¯s partners were quite high. For example, Zhai Yaohui had never approved of or looked up to Wei De.

    Nevertheless, judging from his earlier words, Zhai Yaohui seemed to have approved the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and the youngdy.

 Chapter 809 - Do Not Deceive Me

    <h4>Chapter 809 Do Not Deceive Me</h4>

    No way!

    ¡°I have agreed to it. I feel that she is a good youngdy. I am quite pleased with her.¡±

    ¡°Being good is not enough. You should know better than me what it is like to be part of the Zhai family. Not everyone is qualified to be our daughter-inw or would be able to adapt well. I am not being snobbish. I just hope that the other party and Zhai Sheng will not have to walk the difficult path like we did.¡± Miao Jing was anxious.

    Zhai Yaohui tried to put it in another way. ¡°The youngdy may note from an established family, but she has a good personality and courage. She is dignified and has the bearing of a well-breddy. She is not small-minded. She is bold but cautious and she won¡¯t make mistakes even when she is in a hurry. Although she won¡¯t be able to adapt right away to our family when she married Zhai Sheng, she is a fast learner and will adapt easily. Both the youngdy and Zhai Sheng will not have a difficult time. You should trust Zhai Sheng and his judgment. He would not take a fancy to girls who cannot rise up to the asion.¡±

    Back then, he had a good judge of character as well.

    Miao Miao was quick to adapt and she learned to be a dignified Mrs. Zhai in a short time.

    His son had inherited his positive qualities.

    Miao Jing was stunned momentarily. ¡°Really? Are you helping Zhai Sheng to deceive me?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I mentioned it before that the child is very simr to Qiao Nan? What do you think of Qiao Nan¡¯s courage and manners?¡±. Zhai Yaohui made use of the chance to hint at Miao Jing, hoping that she would be able to read between the lines.

    ¡°Nan Nan is very good, but she is Zhai Sheng¡¯s younger sister. These are two different matters.¡±

    ¡°What I am saying is that the person is very simr to Nan Nan. She is as brave as Nan Nan and her manners are like hers. Do you think she is qualified to be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw?¡± Why was Miao Miao so dead-set in thinking that Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister? She did not give birth to her. It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng felt so helpless and had to ask him for help.

    ¡°If she is as good as Nan Nan, then she can more or less meet my requirements.¡± Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°But she really must be as good as Nan Nan. Don¡¯t underestimate Nan Nan. Even if Nan Nan¡¯s father is a retired soldier, not everyone will be as courageous as her. Anyway, I will never ept those who are calcting, scheming, and indecent.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She will be as good as Qiao Nan. In fact, she may be better than her.¡± Qiao Nan was improving by the day. Her results for the college entrance examination would be out in a few days.

    It would be better if Qiao Nan studied in the first-tier university.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but doubt the words that you and your son are saying. They may not be true. I won¡¯t be taken in. I will have to see for myself if the youngdy is really that good.¡± Miao Jing was saying that she was willing to meet the youngdy.

    ¡°You can be assured that both of you will meet very soon.¡± When the results for the college entrance examination were out, Qiao Nan would be introduced as Miao Miao¡¯s daughter-inw to her.

    ¡°Excuse me, is there anyone in Chief Zhai¡¯s house? There is someone at the door. He is here to deliver a parcel.¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who had remained silent all the while, stood up and walked toward the door.

    ¡°Does the parcel belong to him?¡± Miao Jing blinked. ¡°Who would send a parcel to Zhai Sheng? We do not ept gifts.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s definitely not rted to that.¡± There was a glitter in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes. It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng stayed at home today. It turned out that he was waiting for the parcel.

    Zhai Sheng had just reached the door when Zhai Hua came back from Wei De¡¯s house. She was chatting with the person who delivered the parcel. That person had reached out and was about to pass a yellow envelope to Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Sorry, this is mine.¡± Zhai Hua was just about to take the yellow envelope when Zhai Sheng snatched it away. ¡°I am Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Oh, since I have delivered the parcel, I will be on my way.¡± The person who delivered the parcel was frightened at the cold, hard look on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face.

    Since he had delivered the parcel, he turned to leave in a hurry.

    ¡°Look at you. You have given him a scare. Since it is yours, I have no wish to snatch it from you. It is just that he had stood at the doorway to the quad for such a long time. He must be tired. I was only thinking of taking it on your behalf.¡± Zhai Huaughed dryly. It was just a parcel. She would not keep it from Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°It is very light. I don¡¯t think it contains anything valuable. Why are you so nervous?¡± It did not cross Zhai Hua¡¯s mind to open the envelope to take a look. But she was curious at Zhai Sheng¡¯s uptight expression.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng knew that Zhai Hua was teasing him. He took the envelope and walked back to the house.

    ¡°Hey, wait for me. Tell me what it is. I am curious...¡± Zhai Hua broke into a jog to trail behind Zhai Sheng. She followed him all the way into the house but he refused to give her an answer.

    ¡°I will go back to my room.¡±

    ¡°You have yet to give me an answer, and now you are going back to your room...¡± Zhai Hua refused to give up. She trailed right after him. Zhai Sheng mmed the door shut on her. There was no way that she could follow him into the room. ¡°What is with that temper of yours? It is not anything precious. Why do you need to hide it? Mom, Dad, do you know what Zhai Sheng has with him? Someone delivered it to him. He is upset that I tried to collect the parcel on his behalf.¡±

    Miao Jing stared at Zhai Hua, feeling exasperated. ¡°You came back with him. You were the one who was in contact with the parcel. How would your dad and I know what is in it?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui gave Zhai Hua a meaningful look. ¡°Since Zhai Sheng forbids you from looking at it, it means that it is not suitable for you to look at it. You should understand that curiosity killed the cat.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Hua snorted unhappily. Anyway, she was not dying to take a look.

    Even so, Zhai Hua would steal nces at Zhai Sheng¡¯s door. Zhai Yaohui knew that she was still very curious about it.

    Qiu Chenxi had asked someone to deliver a recorded cassette tape to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng put the cassette tape into a walkman and put on the earphones.

    When he recognized the voice that belonged to Wei De, he knew what was going on.

    It turned out that when Wei De went to look for Qiu Chenxi to tell him that Qiao Nan was the woman she was looking for, Qiu Chenxi had recorded their conversation secretly.

    In fact, Qiu Chenxi was scheming against Wei De.

    Zhai Hua brought Wei De back to the Zhai family in the second half ofst year. Everyone in their social circle knew about that.

    Qiu Chenxi was worried that Wei De might turn on her in order to please the Zhai family. Therefore, she recorded their conversation in secret. If anything happened in the future, she could use this as evidence.

    Initially, when Wei De told her that Qiao Nan was the person she was looking for, Qiu Chenxi had thought that he was lying to her. She had the idea that he did that so as to prevent her from finding out who Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend really was, whereas Qiao Nan would be the scapegoat.

 Chapter 810 - Made It Clear Right Away

    <h4>Chapter 810 Made It Clear Right Away</h4>

    Unexpectedly, Wei De¡¯s actions had helped Qi Min and her win one more month for themselves.

    It was obvious from the cassette tape that Wei De was full of admiration for Qiu Chenxi. He seemed to be pleasing her. Zhai Sheng¡¯s face darkened when he heard the recording.

    It seemed that the reason why Wei De only attended Qiu Chenxi¡¯s sses during summer break two years ago was not that she had some rtions with the Zhai family. Instead, it was because he liked dainty girls who dolled themselves up like Qiu Chenxi.

    Zhai Sheng grew even more furious when he thought of the marked change in Zhai Hua. Not only was Wei De influencing Zhai Hua, but he was also changing Zhai Hua to be the type of girl that Qiu Chenxi was!

    Zhai Sheng had the urge to shatter things in his room to let off steam.

    Zhai Sheng took a few deep breaths to calm down. He felt sorrowful at Zhai Hua¡¯s misery, but at the same time, her disappointing behavior made him more furious!

    By the time Zhai Sheng came out of the room, he was back to normal.

    Despite that, Zhai Yaohui took a few nces at him. After dinner, Zhai Yaohui called him to his room. ¡°Zhai Sheng,e to my study room for a while.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Both of them entered the study room one after the other. Zhai Hua sat close to Miao Jing and whispered. ¡°Mom, what does Dad have to say to Zhai Sheng? Is there anything in the army?¡±

    In the past, her daughter would treat her coldly. She would be all smiles when she was talking, but she would not be affectionate with her. Miao Jing was upset that their rtionship was so distant.

    However, now that her daughter would sit close to her and behave affectionately to her like how mothers and daughters would, Miao Jing could not help but feel ufortable. ¡°Hua Hua, the weather is so hot. We should not sit too close to each other. I... I will have heat rashes.¡±

    ¡°Well, I will sit slightly further.¡± Zhai Hua moved to widen the space between the two of them. The distance between them was about half a person¡¯s wide.

    Miao Jing felt better as soon as there was some distance between them. She was not as uneasy as before. ¡°Your dad has a lot to talk about with your brother. This is not the first time that they have small chats together. Why would you care? It may not have to do with the army. Do you know that your dad told me not long ago that he approved of the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and his girlfriend? Hua Hua, do you think your dad knows who the girl is?¡±.

    ¡°Mom, has Dad said that he agreed to it?¡± Zhai Hua was surprised. She was only back slightlyter than normal today and Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had made such a huge progress. ¡°Mom, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°I have no other choice. Your dad has already agreed to it. Besides, if your dad was telling the truth, I can ept that the girl is not from an established family.¡± The weaker ones could never win against the stronger ones. It was obvious that everyone in the family stood on Zhai Sheng¡¯s side. One person alone would not be able to change the situation. She could only go with the majority.

    Zhai Hua shouted ¡®YES¡¯ silently inside her heart. Zhai Sheng¡¯s sess set a good example for her. If she worked at it, sooner orter, her parents would ept Wei De just like how they epted Qiao Nan.

    It was a boost of confidence to Zhai Hua. She could not wait to spend more time to chat with Miao Jing to be closer to her.

    There was an odd expression on Miao Jing¡¯s face. However, she continued to chat with Zhai Hua. Nevertheless, her thoughts had drifted off to somewhere else.

    ¡°This is what happened.¡± In the study room, Zhai Sheng yed the cassette tape for Zhai Yaohui. He had no intention of keeping it from him.

    All of them were men. Judging from Wei De¡¯s tone when he spoke to Qiu Chenxi, they could tell that he was not really in love with Zhai Hua and that he had eyes for other women.

    ¡°This is the information that I have gathered about Wei De. Take a look.¡± Zhai Yaohui passed a stack of information to Zhai Sheng. There was a grim look on his face.

    Zhai Sheng looked through the information. Wei De came from a simple family. There was nothing out of the blue about him except for one thing.

    Wei De had a younger sister who had a son and he was born out of wedlock.

    The younger sister lived with her son at the Wei family¡¯s residence. The Wei family did not intend to find a husband for the daughter.

    The Zhai family was repulsed at the thought of premarital pregnancy.

    Miao Jing had been worried sick about Zhai Hua and she could not sleep a wink. She was worried that Wei De and Zhai Hua would taste the forbidden fruit and resulted in a premarital pregnancy. In the end, the Zhai family would have no other choice but to agree to let Zhai Hua marry Wei De.

    If other people heard of this, the Zhai family would be totally disgraced!

    Miao Jing was worried that this would happen. It turned out that the Wei family had been through this. How could Zhai Yaohui possibly ept such a situation?

    Zhai Sheng ignored what happened to Wei De¡¯s younger sister. After knowing Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, premarital pregnancy was no longer shocking to him.

    The Zhai family might not be able to ept premarital pregnancy, but as the society developed and lifestyle changed, premarital pregnancy was not rare now.

    ¡°Is there anything wrong with Wei De himself?¡± He could hardly believe that people like Wei De would be so down-to-earth during the twenty years in his hometown.

    ¡°Can you tell whether he has any problems?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked.

    ¡°Not for the time being.¡± Zhai Sheng sighed. If he had spotted problems with him, he would not have asked. He would have gotten him off Zhai Hua right away.

    Zhai Yaohui had a splitting headache upon knowing Wei De¡¯s problem. ¡°We have to work on Hua Hua. Before she sees Wei De¡¯s true colors, we have to think of ways to stop her from marrying Wei De.¡±

    ¡°What if Zhai Hua is pregnant?¡± They were adults. They could not stop them from being intimate with each other. Besides, Wei De had ulterior motives. He would try to be intimate with Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Yaohui said loudly, ¡°Since we know there may be chances of it happening, we have to make sure that it never happens!¡±

    Previously, it was his oversight to allow Zhai Hua to do whatever she wanted.

    Although he did not stop Zhai Hua, she should not stay at Wei De¡¯s house. He had been too lenient with her. ¡°From now on, besides staying in the army camp, the two of you have to stay at home. If she stays with Wei De, I will break her legs!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui could no longer keep his calm. Zhai Sheng grew serious as well. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be too agitated. Old master has been very strict with Zhai Hua and me since a young age, especially with Zhai Hua, who is a girl. Old master put extra effort in teaching her. I still believe that Zhai Hua will not do such a thing. She will not cross the line. I will talk to her so that Mom and you can stop worrying about her.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Find a time to talk to Zhai Hua as soon as possible. Your mom is worried sick because of this. She has been tossing and turning throughout the whole night yesterday. She did not have any sleep.¡± Zhai Yaohui felt that this method might work. ¡°I will keep the cassette tape with me for now.¡±

 Chapter 811 - Women Should Have Physical Strength

    <h4>Chapter 811 Women Should Have Physical Strength</h4>

    When Zhai Sheng came out from the study room, Zhai Hua¡¯s first reaction was to look at him.

    Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°Zhai Hua,e to my room. I have something to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± This was the exact tone and words that her father used when he told Zhai Sheng to go to his study room.

    In the end, Zhai Hua still went to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. ¡°What do you want to talk to me about?¡±

    ¡°Mom has not slept a wink yesterday because of you.¡±

    ¡°What about me? It is no wonder that Mom does not look good today.¡± She had been dating Wei De for some time. Her mother should not have been losing sleep because of this, right?

    ¡°You are asking me what it is!? Previously, when you did not stay at home or at the army camp, where had you been?¡±

    ¡°One thing that our parents are most worried about right now is whether they will be grandparents unknowingly. Therefore, Zhai Hua, should you give them a surprise or shock? You should know the old master¡¯s temper. He may seem tough and healthy, but he cannot take shocks. This may happen in other families, but it will never be allowed in the Zhai family. Let¡¯s not talk about our parents. If you are pregnant, do you believe that the old master will be the first to rush back to skin you alive?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua blushed at the topic that her brother was talking to her about. She could not imagine that her brother would talk to her about the intimacy between her and Wei De. She did not have the courage to answer him.

    It was only when he mentioned the old master that she looked up to deny. ¡°I have never forgotten how grandpa used to teach me when I was young. All... all of you have been thinking too much. We only held hands. We did not do anything else.¡±

    Of course, it was not that Wei De had no intention to take the rtionship further. It was Zhai Hua who refused his moves.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zhai Sheng rxed slightly.

    ¡°Of course. Do you think that I am someone to be trifled with? I may not win in a fight against you, but I can knock other people down easily.¡± Zhai Hua bragged about her physical strength, but she had also revealed important information unknowingly.

    True enough, Wei De had the intention to take things further.

    However, Wei De was not physically stronger than Zhai Hua. He must have been kicked out of the bed by Zhai Hua and ended up in failure.

    For the first time, Zhai Sheng felt that it was a good thing fordies to be physically strong

    He was even happier that Wei De did not really participate in the training when he was in the army.

    Otherwise, a sturdy man like Wei De would not be overpowered by Zhai Hua.

    After all, men were physically stronger than women.

    ¡°Very good. I think Dad and Mom can sleep with peace of mind tonight. Zhai Hua, as your family, I have to remind you of one thing. You have to stand firm with regard to the intimacy level between you and Wei De. You must not allow him to overstep the boundaries. You should know our parents and grandpa well. You must not listen to what other people say and do something that cannot be undone in a moment of urgency. The idea ¡®what¡¯s done is done¡¯ does not work in our family and it is too despicable.¡± After affirming that nothing had happened, Zhai Sheng wanted to make sure that it would remain status quo.

    If Zhai Hua was pregnant, Wei De would have the means to threaten the Zhai family to agree to his terms.

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure. I will never resort to that.¡± If she wanted to do that, she would have done it long ago. Wei De had thought of this idea a year ago.

    It was also because Zhai Hua was concerned about her family¡¯s feelings that she rejected Wei De¡¯s suggestion time and again. As time passed, Wei De grew to be more and more dissatisfied with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Alright, then I have no more to say.¡± Since Zhai Hua started to date Wei De, this was the first time that she looked pleasing to the eye. ¡°I will talk to Dad so that he can tell Momter. She will be able to sleep well tonight. If not, she will have darker eye circles when she wakes up tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua blushed. She did not have the courage to exin to Miao Jing.

    In the past, Zhai Hua would address Miao Jing affectionately. Now, she was able to behave affectionately to her. However, she still felt distant to her.

    Zhai Yaohui rxed when he learned that Wei De was not as physically strong as Zhai Hua, and therefore, he did not seed in bringing things further. ¡°If you have a daughter with Qiao Nan in the future, you must make sure to train her as well.¡±

    It was very important for women to have the upper hand at a critical moment.

    At the very least, it would work when faced with people like Wei De who had ulterior motives.

    ¡°Of course.¡± He had already thought of ways to train his daughter.

    It waste in the night and Qiao Nan¡¯s nose felt very itchy all of a sudden. She sneezed quite loudly.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I heard that people are down with pyretic cold recently. Have you been infected as well?¡± Ever since Qiao Zijin¡¯s visit, Qiao Dongliang would stay at home every night. He would not stay with Ding Jiayi at the hospital.

    Since Ding Jiayi could walk by herself and take care of her own needs, Qiao Dongliang could not be bothered to stay at the hospital throughout the night.

    Qiao Nan sniffed. ¡°My nose feels itchy. I¡¯m in good health. I am certain I have not caught a cold.¡± It was just that someone was thinking of training her future daughter into a Muscle Babe.

    Qiao Dongliang breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Since it is the summer break after the college entrance examination, you should not tire yourself out from too much reading. It is sote. Shouldn¡¯t you turn in for the night?¡± Qiao Dongliang put aside the Oxford Dictionary that Qiao Nan had in her hands.

    Qiao Nan had spent two years reading through the Oxford Dictionary that Shi Peng gave her. It was used so often that some of the pages hade out.

    Since this dictionary was torn, Qiao Nan turned to the dictionary that her master, Lin Yuankang, gave her.

    As the curriculum in the college was different from high school and students would need to choose their major, Qiao Nan did not do any studying in advance. However, that did not mean that she had nothing to study.

    Now that she no longer needed to do her reading for different subjects, Qiao Nan would focus her attention on the Oxford Dictionary. She spent so much time on it that it might end up like the previous dictionary that she had-torn and tattered.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had put aside the Oxford Dictionary, she could not study in secret.

    Qiao Nan smiled sweetly. ¡°Alright, I will sleep slightly earlier today. Dad, you should have an early rest as well. My mom... Did she make things difficult for you?¡±

    At the mention of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned cold in an instant. There was a look of repulsion in his eyes.

    ¡°My mom... Did shee up with new tricks again?¡± Qiao Nan sighed. Her mother must be up to something for her father to have that expression. Was it necessary for her to do that?

    Her father had said that her mother wanted to stay as a family and for them to lead a happy life together. Why would she be up to tricks again?

    ¡°Come up with new tricks?¡± She was indeed up to something again!

    ¡°I suppose your mom does not want a divorce, so she is up to something again. Let her be. I will not change my mind this time,¡± Qiao Dongliang said resolutely.

    Ding Jiayi came up with something unexpected on the second day that Qiao Zijin visited Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 812 - An Ineffective Method

    <h4>Chapter 812 An Ineffective Method</h4>

    Ding Jiayi seemed to havepses in her memory. She could only remember that Qiao Dongliang was into an ident and was hospitalized two years ago. She did not remember what happened after he was discharged and the incidents within those two years.

    ¡°Old Qiao, w-what¡¯s wrong with me? This is wrong. You should be the one resting on the hospital bed. Old Qiao, since you were hit by a car, it is more important for you to rest. I am merely taking care of you. It is not an issue that I tire myself out for one or two days. Why do you insist that I sleep on the bed while you sit by the side? It is unsuitable. Come on. Lie down on the bed. I will take a seat over there.¡± When Ding Jiayi woke up, gone was her temper, she was very nice to Qiao Dongliang.

    However, when Ding Jiayi tried to sit up from the bed all at once, she exerted herself and felt pain in her ribs. She turned pale in pain. ¡°W-what is wrong with me? Why do I feel pain in my abdomen? It is as if I broke the rib bones.¡±

    ¡°You have indeed broken your bones.¡± Qiao Dongliang narrowed his eyes at Ding Jiayi. It was strange that she uttered a bunch of iprehensible words as soon as she woke up. ¡°Ding Jiayi, what are you up to today?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Old Qiao, I don¡¯t seem to understand your words. Moreover, didn¡¯t you suffer injuries from the ident? Why have I broken my bones?¡± Ding Jiayi looked confused and perplexed. ¡°Old Qiao, where is Zijin and Qiao Nan? Shouldn¡¯t they be in the hospital to take care of you? What is going on? I remember you don¡¯t stay in this ward. Why is it that everything is so messed up?¡±

    Ding Jiayi woke up and realized that Qiao Dongliang had changed his ward. Moreover, she was injured and felt pain all over her body. She felt perplexed and baffled.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. He stared at Ding Jiayi intently, refusing to y along with her.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. Old Qiao, I feel dizzy all of a sudden. Let me rest for a while.¡± Ding Jiayi sped her forehead, lying down in agony. She fell asleep and started to snore within three minutes.

    Now that Ding Jiayi was asleep, she no longer made any noise. Qiao Dongliang could not be bothered with her. He did not pay attention to what she had said just now.

    The doctor came to the ward to check on the patients and asked about Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition at about eight o¡¯clock in the evening. Ding Jiayi shouted loudly at the sight of the doctor. ¡°This is not right. You are not the doctor who tended to Old Qiao. Who are you? Old Qiao, when did you change the doctor? Why didn¡¯t I know about it? This is Doctor Wang. I remember that the doctor who treated you is Doctor Zhou!¡±

    ¡°This patient over here, don¡¯t be agitated. You must not be agitated.¡± Ding Jiayi struggled to get out of bed, saying that the doctors and nurses were not the same as before. The doctor and nurse hurried to each of her sides to hold her down. They were worried that she would tear her wounds by moving about.

    ¡°Comrade Qiao, what is wrong with your wife?¡± Doctor Wang was in a difficult situation. When women acted in frenzy, they would have a lot of physical strength. Besides, he was a man. It was not suitable for him to get too close to Ding Jiayi. He seemed to be at a loss.

    Luckily, Qiao Dongliang stepped in to help and calm her down finally.

    ¡°Patient, I am not your doctor in charge. Comrade Qiao, have you ever been hospitalized? If so, your wife may be suffering from memory problems. If not, your wife...¡± She might suffer from delusions.

    ¡°I have an ident and was hospitalized in this hospital three years ago. At that time, it was indeed a doctor by the surname Zhou who attended to me.¡±

    ¡°Three years ago?¡± Doctor Wang was startled. ¡°Comrade Ding, do you remember what year it is now?¡±

    ¡°1997.¡± Ding Jiayi answered matter-of-factly.

    ¡°No, how could it be in 1997...¡± Doctor Wang frowned.

    Ding Jiayi refused to believe the doctor. ¡°Why is it not in the year of 1997? I remember clearly about it. I know who I am. I have a husband and two daughters. Are you lying to me? Old Qiao, the new doctor is not as good as Doctor Zhou. He makes strangements.¡±

    ¡°It is wrong.¡± Doctor Wang shook his head right away. ¡°Comrade Qiao,e out with me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang nced at Ding Jiayi before following after Doctor Wang.

    Doctor Wang thought for a moment. ¡°On the surface, it seems as if your wife... is suffering from amnesia.¡±

    ¡°And the truth is?¡± He did not believe that she would wake up suffering from amnesia after one night of sleep.

    ¡°If your wife suffered a concussion from the car ident, it is possible that she suffers from partial memory loss. However, when she was sent to the hospital, she sustained injuries to her chest and abdomen areas. There was no lump on her head. Besides, in general, if one is to suffer from amnesia, they will show signs of memory loss on the first day they wake up. This is the first time that someone suffers from amnesia after being in the hospital for half a month and being transferred to the normal ward.¡±

    It could not be exined from a doctor¡¯s point of view.

    Could it be that she was not only injured in her chest and abdomen, but her brain also suffered from a concussion? However, it was strange that the symptoms only appeared half a monthter.

    Could she be ying a joke on them?

    ¡°Doctor Wang, I understand what you mean.¡± What the doctor meant was that Ding Jiayi had pretended to be suffering from amnesia.

    ¡°I have heard about your family situation. After all, she is a patient. Don¡¯t give her too much stress.¡± She had resorted to feigning amnesia. Doctor Wang felt helpless. He was not a quack. He had been giving her proper treatment. It was just that the patient¡¯s condition was quite peculiar. She woulde up with illness by herself. There was no doctor who could cure her.

    In order to ensure that his diagnosis was correct, he made a thorough check on Ding Jiayi¡¯s head area when he was holding her down just now. He was certain that she did not have any lumps on her head.

    In short, she did not sustain any injuries to her head. In fact, her head did not suffer any blows in the ident.

    He heard that after the patient was knocked down by a car and she fell backward into the arms of someone. The person was shocked and he helped the patient lie down slowly.

    Doctor Wang thought of all possibilities that might have resulted in the patient suffering from a concussion and amnesia.

    If it was not due to a medical condition, it must be the act of man.

    ¡°Doctor Wang, it is really hard on you.¡± Doctor Wang had made himself clear. Besides, Qiao Dongliang never believed that Ding Jiayi really suffered from amnesia.

    Now that Doctor Wang had said this, he knew what Ding Jiayi was up to.

    Ding Jiayi insisted that her memory was only until the year of 1997. Therefore, she had no memory of what happened in the following three years and felt that Doctor Wang was lying to her.

    As a result, Ding Jiayi had been treating Qiao Dongliang with the same attitude that she had two years ago. She was no longer distant and cautious when she spoke to Qiao Dongliang. Instead, she seemed to be on close terms with him.

 Chapter 813 - Did Not Need Someone to Tend to

    <h4>Chapter 813 Did Not Need Someone to Tend to</h4>

    Outsiders could tell from the way Ding Jiayi treated Qiao Dongliang that the couple had a good rtionship two years ago.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you haven¡¯t told me where Zijin and Qiao Nan are. Why do I have no memory that I was injured? Why aren¡¯t Zijin and Qiao Nan here to visit me?¡± When it was around eleven o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Ding Jiayi touched her stomach. ¡°Old Qiao, I am hungry. Why aren¡¯t Zijin and Qiao Nan here to deliver my lunch?¡±

    Three years ago, Qiao Dongliang did not quarrel as much with Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi did not disappoint and upset Qiao Dongliang. Back then, when they encountered difficulties, they would still discuss with each other toe up with solutions. Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi still lived in the same house and in the same room.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were still close to each other back then.

    ¡°Do you want to have some food?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi yed the coquette. ¡°Yes, I am hungry.¡±

    ¡°You have money with you. What do you feel like having? Give me the money and I will buy it for you.¡±

    ¡°There is no need to buy lunch. Zijin and Qiao Nan will bring us lunch. Zijin will not bezy and Qiao Nan is very diligent. The food in the hospital is very expensive. The money in our house... Old Qiao, are you still angry with me? Are you angry that I spent the money so that Zijin could study in high school without telling you and we don¡¯t have any money to pay for your hospital bills when you are hospitalized? Fortunately, Qiao Nan has not let us down and has borrowed money to pay for the bills. Shall I look for a permanent job? We will work hard to repay the money that Qiao Nan borrowed. I feel uneasy that we owe others so much money.¡±

    Ding Jiayi said those words in a gentle tone and her words made sense. It was unlike her behavior previously where she would be unreasonable and insisted that Qiao Nan be responsible for the money that was used to pay for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hospital bills.

    Even when it was three years ago, from the time Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized until he was discharged, Ding Jiayi never said that she and Qiao Dongliang would repay the money that Qiao Nan borrowed.

    Not only had Ding Jiayi suffered from ¡®amnesia¡¯ and lost her three years of memory, but she also had a change of temper.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I am talking to you. Can you hear me? Zijin and Qiao Nan will go to college eventually. That is arge sum of money that we have toe up with. We have to work hard to earn more money. We must stand united as a family. When we clear our debts, we can put aside our savings for the two of them to go to universities. Come to think of it, there is no time to dy. By the way, why am I injured? You have just recovered and I am injured. When will we be able to work to repay the debts?¡± Ding Jiayi felt anxious and worried.

    Qiao Dongliang shut his eyes to organize his thoughts. He opened his eyes when he was ready. ¡°You should know why you ended up in the hospital as you were the one in an ident. Ding Jiayi, let¡¯s say that you suffered from amnesia. Let me tell you, we are in the year 2000 now, not in 1997. Qiao Zijin has been studying in college for a year and Nan Nan has just finished her college entrance examination. We are filing for divorce. No matter what tricks you are up to, let me be frank with you, I don¡¯t have the time and the mood to y along with you. You are right about something. I am very busy. It will cost a lot of money for Nan Nan to go to college. We have owed a lot of money because of your ident. If you want to fool around, do so with Qiao Zijin. We will definitely file for a divorce. It will not be postponed because of your amnesia.¡±

    ¡°If this is what you have in mind, then let me tell you that it won¡¯t work. Regardless of whether you suffer from amnesia or not, we will go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to file for divorce before the end of August. Of course, it is alright if you refuse to go. I do not need you to be present. I can file for divorce by litigation. At most, it will take more time. You should know very well that we do not have many belongings at home. After the divorce, we will not have to go through so much trouble like other people do or to divide our assets. I will not take back what I promised to give you when you left two years ago. But you have to pay for half of your medical bills this time.¡±

    This was thest thing that he could do for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Old Qiao, are you crazy? Why are you talking about divorce? As husband and wife, it is normal to quarrel. We have not gotten to the extent of bringing up divorce. We still have two daughters. Aren¡¯t you worried that you will give them a scare by bringing up divorce without any apparent reason? If we really end up divorcing, how should they face others at school? Is it good for them that their parents are divorced?¡± There was a flicker of panic in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes. But she continued with her pretenses.

    ¡°Old Qiao, I know that you are unhappy because of what happened with the five thousand yuan. I have admitted my mistake to you. I promised it will never happen again. Nan Nan and Zijin need to go to high school and college. It adds up to a huge sum of money. Can we work on earning money and nurturing our daughters? You are making a mess of everything right now.¡± Ding Jiayi thought for a while before clenching her fists that were on herp. ¡°Old Qiao, I promise that this is for real. Will you give me onest chance? It will be a great honor if we have two college students in our family. Zijin and Nan Nan are our daughters. Shouldn¡¯t we take into consideration their feelings?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Actually, I am d to hear this from you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes lit up. Had Old Qiao been touched by her and agreed not to file for a divorce?

    ¡°However, I don¡¯t harbor much hope that you are sincere and that you will make good on your promise. If you told me all these three years ago, I would feel slightly better. I would not be as bitterly disappointed as today. I feel that it is no longer possible between the two of us. You are right. It is an honor to have two college students in the family. I have to file for a divorce in order to realize this dream. Ding Jiayi, you do not do what you preach. You won¡¯t be fair to Nan Nan. Even if youpromise for the time being, you will revert to your old ways as time passes. You will be hard on Nan Nan in order to help Qiao Zijin. You will disregard the fact that both of them are your daughters.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had zero confidence in Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You said that we should not divorce for our children¡¯s sake. However, I beg to differ. Qiao Zijin has been led astray by you. Of course, you suffered for what you have done as well. You have ruined Qiao Zijin. I cannot allow Nan Nan to be destroyed by you. Since you have the energy toe up with the idea of suffering from amnesia, it seems that you don¡¯t need people to take care of you anymore.¡±

 Chapter 814 - The Newly Announced Top Scholar of the College Entrance Examination

    <h4>Chapter 814 The Newly Announced Top Schr of the College Entrance Examination</h4>

    ¡°I will go back now. You can make a fuss as much as you like. Anyway, you have an inept adviser who gave you this lousy idea.¡±

    The doctors did not fall for her tricks, yet she dared to use it to trick him!

    He would only believe Doctor Wang¡¯s diagnosis on whether Ding Jiayi was sick or not.

    Qiao Dongliang headed back home afterward.

    Ding Jiayi only suffered from amnesia after Qiao Zijin visited her. Qiao Dongliang believed that Qiao Zijin gave her this idea. Besides, the timing was right as well.

    If Ding Jiayi behaved as such right after she woke up, not even Doctor Wang would be able to tell whether she was faking it or not.

    Although Qiao Nan mentioned about Ding Jiayi today, he did not tell her that she was pretending to suffer from amnesia, lest she was as vexed as he was.

    Now that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin came up with such a trick, Qiao Dongliang was even more determined to file for divorce.

    Since Qiao Dongliang did not borate further, Qiao Nan did not press on. ¡°Dad, Director Shi should be back soon. Let¡¯s bring out the dishes.¡±

    Nowadays, Qiao Dongliang would stay at home instead of at the hospital for the night. He would have his own lunch outside as well. In that case, Qiao Nan would not feel awkward at going to the hospital to deliver meals to him.

    Shi Peng and Shi Qing arrived just then. They seldom asked Qiao Dongliang about Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition. However, Shi Qing would find out from Qiao Nan when they were alone. She was curious about what Ding Jiayi was up to.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are the results of the college entrance examination out yet? Can we call to check now?¡± Shi Qing had not forgotten about the college entrance examination.

    Qiao Nan finished her meal before answering her question. ¡°Can we check it now? Can I say that I am not sure?¡± This was the first time that she sat for the college entrance examination. She did not know all the details about the exam. She had no idea when the results would be out and the way to check the results. In her previous life, she did not even sit for her middle school examination.

    ¡°Will you wait for the results to be out?¡± It might be possible that the results would be out in the middle of the night and they could check it by then.

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Nan gave a resolute answer. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that the liver detoxification process is from ten o¡¯clock to eleven o¡¯clock at night? Staying upte is not good for the body, especially for women. We will age faster.¡± Since the exams were over, they should no longer be worried about it. No amount of worry would change their results.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Indeed, women with boyfriends acted differently. They were particrly concerned about their appearances. ¡°Age faster? Qiao Nan, you do not have to worry about that. You have already gotten yourself a boyfriend!¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing.¡± Shi Peng noticed that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression darkened. He stopped Shi Qing from speaking further and to watch her words. As a father, he could understand Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings.

    Regardless of how outstanding Zhai Sheng was, Qiao Dongliang would hate to part with his daughter. Besides, his daughter was still very young.

    His daughter already had a boyfriend at such a young age, and her boyfriend was eager to marry her as soon as she reached the legal age. All fathers would be unhappy at the thought of that.

    Shi Peng¡¯s daughter used to like Zhai Sheng. She was very devoted to him as well. Shi Peng could not help but feel relieved that things did not work out between them.

    At least, Qiao Nan still stayed at home and would only marry Zhai Sheng when she was of legal age.

    If it was Qing Qing who was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she might already have moved into the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    At the thought of this, Shi Peng felt upset as well.

    Shi Qing stuck out her tongue and turned to have her dinner. ¡°Uncle Qiao, is it alright that you have dinner at home every day?¡± Qiao Nan told her that Uncle Qiao knew that Qiao Zijin visited Ding Jiayi when he was not around.

    What happened at the college entrance examination was a serious matter. It was obvious that Qiao Zijin yed a part in it. Uncle Qiao should catch hold of Qiao Zijin and give her a lesson, shouldn¡¯t he?

    ¡°It is alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang had washed his hands off them. He had already made it very clear to Ding Jiayi. He would not worry about them anymore.

    He could not be bothered about the tricks that Qiao Zijin, the inept adviser, would give Ding Jiayi. That was their business. He had no wish to be involved or to see Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin would visit Ding Jiayi. However, not only did he not go after Qiao Zijin, but he would even avoid her at all costs. Shi Qing did not know that Qiao Dongliang was determined to divorce Ding Jiayi and had given up all hopes on his daughter, Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang was forced into it. Qiao Zijin had gone way overboard.

    Everyone had a chance to live. Ding Jiayi had almost died in the hands of Qiao Zijin.

    Back then, Qiao Dongliang nursed his health back from the car ident. He was on the brink of death from the ident. Unless it was due to natural aging, he had no wish to go through all that again.

    In order to scheme against her own sister and to stop her from sitting for the college entrance examination, Qiao Zijin resorted to hurting her mother. Inparison to Ding Jiayi, he did not treat Qiao Zijin as well. Qiao Dongliang was worried that if circumstances dictated that she had to sacrifice him to reach her goals, Qiao Zijin would not hesitate to push him in front of a moving car.

    No parents would want such a daughter.

    Ding Jiayi was the only person who continued to deceive herself and treat Qiao Zijin as her precious daughter. Right now, Qiao Dongliang wanted to avoid Qiao Zijin at all costs. He had no wish to admit that she was his daughter.

    It was not surprising that Shi Qing did not understand what was on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind. However, Qiao Nan knew his concerns.

    On the day of the college entrance examination, Qiao Dongliang had a big scare at the sight of Ding Jiayi, whoy motionless in a pool of blood, with blood spewing out of her mouth.

    People who had been in car idents might not feel it, but those who witnessed the scene would be in a terrible shock. It was a nightmare to them and the images would keep popping in their minds. To them, the pain and shock would linger for a long time.

    Qiao Zijin was so ruthless that Qiao Dongliang had no other choice but to give up on her. Qiao Nan had to hand it to Qiao Zijin for causing her own downfall.

    Qiao Nan was not worried about her results. She felt very rxed.

    She did not stay up to wait for the results. Instead, she slept soundly at around nine o¡¯clock, with the sound of the electric fan buzzing in the background.

    Qiao Nan might have been asleep, but there were a bunch of people who lost their sleep because of Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination results.

    It was actually not difficult to find out Qiao Nan¡¯s exam admission ticket number.

    Most importantly, these people had the means to find out the results of the students way earlier than others.

    For instance, the Zhai family, the Shi family, and... the Qiu family.

    Qiu Chenxi was born in Ping Cheng and she had been through the college entrance examination. She still remembered her results for the college entrance examination

    Qiu Chenxi was quite pleased with her results then.

    However, Qiu Chenxi seemed to be in shock after finding out Qiao Nan¡¯s results. She was in a trance that she had no idea when she ended the call. ¡°How could it be...¡±

    Even if their n failed in the end, and Qiao Nan made it to the examination hall in thest three minutes, she could not have scored such a crazy score after the series of events that happened previously. Was she human?!

 Chapter 815 - Give Me Money If You Want a Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 815 Give Me Money If You Want a Divorce</h4>

    Qiao Nan was supposed to be dating Zhai Sheng. That day, Qiao Nan had seen for herself that Ding Jiayi had a car ident. She was also trapped in the crowd for half an hour outside of Ping Cheng High School. She should have panicked, bing anxious, and worried, no?

    Qiu Chenxi was baffled. She could not understand why Qiao Nan was able to maintain her usual standard and achieve such good grades! Even if other students had extraordinary performances, they would not be able to achieve results like hers!

    At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s results for the college entrance examination, Qiu Chenxi could not help but feel that she had suffered a crushing defeat. She felt as if she had no hopes of challenging her again.

    Qiu Chenxi sat quietly for an hour. She then stood up and went into Qi Min¡¯s room. ¡°Mom, you have to divorce Dad as soon as possible. You only have one month¡¯s time to solve this problem. If not, we will be left with nothing.¡±

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± Qi Min was shocked. Why would her daughter want her to get a divorce for no apparent reason? ¡°If I divorce your dad, his woman outside will stand to gain!¡±

    Back then, she did not marry Qiu Qin out of love. Now that Qiu Qin had no use of her, he wanted to kick her away and be with another woman. She would not allow him to abandon her after making use of her.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know for sure who will stand to gain from the divorce. I heard that uncle has been doing well in Ping Cheng. His prospects are as good as when he was in the army. Mom, let¡¯s go back to Ping Cheng and seek refuge from uncle.¡± It was normal for the daughters in the family to seek refuge from their parents after they divorced.

    Therefore, Qi Min and Qiao Dongliang made up their minds to file for a divorce on the same day and time. They handed the divorce agreements to their partners. ¡°Sign it!!

    ¡°I won¡¯t sign it!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi could no longer put up with her pretenses. She tore the divorce agreement to pieces. ¡°Qiao Dongliang, you are heartless. I have turned from ady to a faded old woman because of you. You must be having a happy time. Have you taken a fancy to other women and thus want to abandon me? Let me tell you, I will not make it easy for you. If you want a divorce, fine! But you have to give me fifty thousand yuan!¡±

    Despite having worked for so many years, Qiao Dongliang only saved five thousand yuan, and that had been used up by Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi decided to demand an exorbitant amount of money from the divorce. She wanted Qiao Dongliang to pay her fifty thousand yuan as divorce fees. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you borrow the money or get it through some other means. You have to give me fifty thousand yuan, and the Qiao family¡¯s residence will be mine. Only then will I agree to a divorce. Since I can¡¯t keep you with me, I will keep your money. I won¡¯t pay a single cent of the money that I spent during the hospital stay. You will have to pay the full amount!¡±

    It was fine that Qiao Dongliang wanted a divorce. She would wait to see if he would agree to her conditions.

    If he decided to divorce her, she would have fifty thousand yuan. She had nothing to lose!

    When Qiao Dongliang was at his prime, he took ten years to earn five thousand yuan. Now that she asked for fifty thousand yuanwhich was ten times of five thousand-it would be equivalent to all the money that he could earn in this life.

    ¡°Is this what Qiao Zijin and you have discussed ande up with yesterday?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt bitterly disappointed. Ding Jiayi had a ¡®good daughter¡¯ indeed, and she was his daughter as well!

    ¡°Fifty thousand yuan! Ding Jiayi, where do you have the guts to ask for such a huge sum of money?!¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled coldly at Ding Jiayi. ¡°You must be crazy to ask for fifty thousand yuan.¡±

    ¡°You may not have the money, but the Zhai family is loaded. You have such a powerful family as your inws. It should be easy for you to ask for fifty thousand yuan as the bride price. It is no wonder that you are so nice to Qiao Nan, that wretched girl. It turned out that she has seduced a big shot. She is still young, yet she is so shameless and seduces men. You keep picking on Zijin and me. However, Qiao Nan, who lives with you, is, in fact, a shameless and cheap girl who doesn¡¯t know how to treasure herself. Crap!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was enraged that Qiao Dongliang wanted a divorce. She vented her frustration on Qiao Nan. She used all the uncouth words that she knew on Qiao Nan.

    Zijin was right. If not for Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, old Qiao would not ask for a divorce.

    To put it bluntly, Qiao Nan hadtched onto an established family like the Zhai family. She was fearful that she and Zijin would make requests of her.

    Even if she and Old Qiao really ended up in a divorce, she was still Qiao Nan¡¯s mother in this life. Qiao Nan had to ede to her requests and help her no matter what she wanted. There was no running away from it!

    Ding Jiayi had it all nned. She would get the money, and she and Qiao Zijin wouldtch on to a powerful family like the Zhai family!

    She would not miss out on any benefits.

    Qiao Dongliang gave Ding Jiayi a tight p on her face. ¡°It seems that you need someone to knock some sense into you. If you dare to use those filthy words to scold Nan Nan again, I will make sure that you suffer!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi covered the side of her face that was pped. She was panting rapidly due to anger, but she dared not scold Qiao Nan anymore.

    She did not want a divorce. But if she had to divorce, she had to get her hands on the money. She did not wish to quarrel with Qiao Dongliang and to be beaten by him.

    Qiao Dongliang could not bear the sight of Ding Jiayi. He felt that his hand was dirty from pping her. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want a divorce and that you want fifty thousand yuan? Let me tell you, dream on! If you don¡¯t agree to the divorce, I will file for divorce by litigation. It is no big deal. Ever since I married you, I have been embarrassed thoroughly. I believe that thew will protect its people. It will not be used on scoundrels like you. I will not fork out fifty thousand yuan. Let¡¯s see whether we can be divorced or not!¡±

    ¡°Qiao Dongliang, let me warn you, if you dare to make use of the Zhai family¡¯s connections to divorce me, there will be no end to this. He may be the chief, but he has to obey thew and the country as well. If the Zhai family dares to bend thew for selfish ends, I will take it to the court. I will escte it to the capital and to the president. I don¡¯t believe that the Zhai family will destroy their future and ruin their reputation for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. Without fifty thousand yuan, there is no way that you can divorce me!¡±

    ¡°Very well, very well!¡± Ding Jiayi had even thought of their connections with the Zhai family. Needless to say, Qiao Zijin must have taught her what to say.

    If Ding Jiayi had not brought this up, Qiao Dongliang had never thought of asking the Zhai family to help him with his divorce.

    Although he knew it by now, he did not intend to ask them for help either. ¡°Is that so? We shall see if we can divorce without fifty thousand yuan. As for the Zhai family, do you think that everyone is like you and that they would want to rely on others to help them?¡±

    Ding Jiayi panicked at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s firm and steadfast attitude. ¡°Zijin, you have heard my conversation with your dad. W-what should we do? Do you think your father has abandoned the thought of divorcing me or does he intend to give me fifty thousand yuan? It has to be one of the two.¡±

    If she could not get the money and she ended up in a divorce, she would be left with nothing!

    It would never do!

    ¡°Zijin, you are the one who gave me the idea. Say something now.¡±

 Chapter 816 - Fight for a Man

    <h4>Chapter 816 Fight for a Man</h4>

    ¡°There is nothing to be afraid of. The person who should be anxious is my dad, not you.¡± Qiao Zijin walked out with a cold expression on her face. She knew that her father¡¯s attitude was vastly different from the past. He was very heartless to them, leaving no room for negotiation.

    Qiao Zijin knew that back then, whenever Qiao Dongliang brought up divorce, it was just to frighten Ding Jiayi and her into obedience.

    However, Qiao Zijin felt that her father was serious this time.

    Not only was her father serious about divorce, but he also wanted to use the quickest possible way to divorce her mother. He had no wish to drag any longer.

    ¡°The reason why my dad is so anxious to divorce you must be because he does not want the two of us to cause any more trouble to Qiao Nan or to disgrace her in front of the Zhai family. But you are her mom, and I am her sister. It will not be easy to cut all ties with us.¡± If Qiao Nan did not make sure that she had a good life, married to a good husband, and that her life was well-taken care of, she could never think of severing ties with her.

    Zhai Sheng was the most outstanding man in the quad. He had the brightest future and he was beyond the reach of the Qiao family.

    She had never expected that Qiao Nan would be able to snare such a man and be his girlfriend.

    It would be a dreame true if she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend. If so, her father would not dare to bring up divorce.

    Qiao Nan would act affectionately to her and she woulde begging her for help.

    It was such a wonderful thing to be dating someone who was capable and had authority.

    ¡°Yes, it will not be that easy!¡± In this life, there was no way that Qiao Nan could cut ties with them. She had given birth to her. Qiao Nan had to be filial to her and obey her words.

    Since Qiao Nan was the reason Old Qiao wanted to divorce her, if she really ended up in a divorce, Qiao Nan would not be able to lead a peaceful life. Whenever she encountered any problem, it would be Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibility to settle it for her. ¡°But the problem right now is my marriage with your dad!¡±

    ¡°As I have said, Dad should be the one who is anxious. You have made it very clear just now. If he wants a divorce, he has to give you fifty thousand yuan. With this sum of money, you have nothing to worry about. People used to say that sons are no better than money. Indeed, sons are unreliable, and so are men in general. Qiao Nan is only in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng. She has yet to marry him. If my dad does not want to affect Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship, he will not allow us to make a fuss. However, I believe he will not ask the Zhai family for money. He feels too embarrassed to do that.¡±

    If he asked for money, it would mean the end of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is so outstanding and the Zhai family has a high social status. Zijin, tell me, why didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng take a fancy to you? If so, it would be wonderful! Do you think it is possible?¡± Could it be possible for Qiao Nan to break up with Zhai Sheng and for thetter to date Zijin instead?

    ¡°He...¡± Qiao Zijin smiled coldly, mockery evident in her tone.

    She wished for such good things to happen.

    After seeing Zhai Shengst time, Qiao Zijin had done a detailed background check on Zhai Sheng. She then realized that she had missed out on such a golden opportunity.

    Qiao Zijin was attracted to his handsome face the first time she saw Zhai Sheng.

    It was a pity that Zhai Sheng treated her coldly. Qiao Zijin was frightened off by his icy cold demeanor.

    When she found out that the man that she was once attracted to was the legendary Zhai Sheng that the people in the quad would talk about, Qiao Zijin was tempted to know him better.

    At that time, she still did not know that Zhai Sheng was in a rtionship with Qiao Nan. Having met him once, and being Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister, she could address Zhai Sheng like how Qiao Nan did-calling him as Brother Zhai.

    She might be able to get closer to Zhai Sheng because of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtion to the Zhai family.

    However, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi failed in trying to be friendly to Miao Jing.

    Since Qiao Zijin had failed in pleasing Miao Jing, she could only give up her dreams of being with Zhai Sheng.

    Without Qiao Nan, she could not even get to see Zhai Sheng, let alone to address him as Brother Zhai or to make him fall in love with her.

    Zhai Sheng was like the moon that was high up in the sky. It was beautiful and Qiao Zijin yearned to be closer to it. However, she knew that it was beyond her reach.

    They were miles apart and there was no way that their paths would cross. Over time, Qiao Zijin eventually gave up on her fantasies. ¡°Mom, you should abandon this idea. Do you remember Madam Zhai¡¯s attitude toward us back then? To her, we are like insects that she cannot wait to be rid of. Back when Dad was hospitalized and Zhai Sheng visited him at the hospital, Qiao Nan already addressed him as Brother Zhai. He even took off his jacket for Qiao Nan to wear. From the looks of it, Qiao Nan had already set her sights on Zhai Sheng before Dad was hospitalized. With Qiao Nan around, Zhai Sheng will not have a good impression of me.¡±

    ¡°That is because Qiao Nan badmouths you in front of Zhai Sheng. It is not the truth. What are you scared of?¡± Zijin was such a gooddy. If Zhai Sheng got to know her, he would realize that she was more suitable for him than Qiao Nan was.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath.

    In the eyes of Ding Jiayi, she was the perfect daughter in the world. Actually, Qiao Zijin felt good that her mother would sing her praises.

    However, Qiao Zijin knew very well that in the eyes of others, she might not be as good as Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was aware of that, so she felt embarrassed when Ding Jiayi kept singing her praises. ¡°That is not the truth? Was Qiao Nan telling lies? She might have been exaggerating, but there is truth in her words. You want to sacrifice Qiao Nan for my sake. However, in the eyes of others, we are always the ones at fault. Dad¡¯s attitude is enough to exin everything. Mom, do you really think that it is alright to treat Qiao Nan with that attitude of yours? Do you think that Qiao Nan is to be med for everything? It is okay if you tell this to other people, but you can be frank with me.¡±

    Ding Jiayi looked embarrassed. ¡°Don¡¯t your teachers teach you that the child should not point out the father¡¯s mistakes? I am her mother. Why can¡¯t I be willful? She has to obey me because I have given birth to her!¡±

    ¡°If Zhai Sheng hears of this, he will believe in everything that Qiao Nan said to him. Zhai Sheng has known Qiao Nan for three years, whereas I have not spoken a word to him. Qiao Nan has good results, but what about me? I heard that Madam Zhai once thought of acknowledging Qiao Nan as her goddaughter. But Madam Zhai can¡¯t wait to avoid me. How can I fight with Qiao Nan to win Zhai Sheng¡¯s affection? Don¡¯t embarrass yourself.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was furious.

    When she was at a young age, she was better than Qiao Nan in all aspects. Why was it that when they grew up, she was so far behind Qiao Nan?

    If she was outstanding, and Zhai Sheng decided to be with a lousy Qiao Nan instead of choosing her, she could at least smile it off and say that it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s and the Zhai family¡¯s loss.

 Chapter 817 - Passed Out from Overwhelming Joy

    <h4>Chapter 817 Passed Out from Overwhelming Joy</h4>

    But she was not that shameless and tant.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not think about this. Let¡¯s think about something else.¡± Qiao Zijin was impatient. Her mood went from bad to worse. ¡°Since Dad won¡¯t borrow the money from the Zhai family, he will definitely not be able toe up with the money. He has no money to divorce you. In the end, you will reach your goal. Therefore, there is no need to be anxious. Dad is the one who should be anxious. If hees up with the money, you will agree to the divorce and have the money; if not, the two of you will still remain as husband and wife. No matter what, you won¡¯t stand to lose.¡±

    Ding Jiayi nodded in agreement, but she seemed to be upset. ¡°Zijin, do you feel that this sounds very familiar?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin pursed her lips.

    Familiar?

    Of course it sounded familiar.

    She and her mother used this tactic two years ago to force her father not to bring up divorce again. However, back then, the amount of money they asked for was not as high as fifty thousand yuan.

    Ding Jiayi also remembered what happened back then. ¡°Do you think we will enrage your dad further by asking for fifty thousand yuan this time?¡± Would he be so angry that he bes more determined to divorce her?

    ¡°What about fifty thousand yuan? You should have known that prices have gone up in thest two years. It is not easy to earn a living and everything requires money. We asked for a higher amount as the circumstances have changed. Alright, if you are worried, here is another idea. You can continue to y the fool and create a ruckus, using all means to pester Dad so that he will not divorce you. It is totally up to you if he divorces you or not!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes turned red and she broke into tears. ¡°If this method is feasible, I would have done it long ago.¡± She really did not want a divorce. Instead of having fifty thousand yuan, she would rather keep Qiao Dongliang with her and be with her family.

    She did notmit any serious crimes. Why was Qiao Dongliang so vicious to insist on a divorce?

    ¡°Zijin, do you think Qiao Nan will help me put in a good word in front of Old Qiao if I beg her for help?¡±

    ¡°You can have a go at it. Remember, you have to go on your knees. Qiao Nan is not a soft-hearted person. You have to go all out to beg her. Perhaps she will agree to help you.¡± A thought crossed Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind. ¡°Now that the results for the college entrance examination are out, you must hurry to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. I will send you there. Remember, you must go on your knees to beg Qiao Nan for help!¡±

    Qiao Nan must have done well in the college entrance examination and she had someone as capable as Zhai Sheng to be her boyfriend. Why diddy luck keep shining on her?

    In short, she could not stand it that Qiao Nan was doing well. She must create trouble for her and irritate her.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was merelying up with possible ways to salvage her marriage. However, Qiao Zijin, who was onto the idea, pushed her out of the ward.

    Qiao Zijin talked to the nurse about bringing her mother out of the ward. Ding Jiayi was feeling much better and she did not injure her legs. It would not be a problem for her to leave her ward for a short while.

    Qiao Zijin told the nurse that she was going to support Ding Jiayi to the garden to take a walk. She did not tell her that they would be leaving the hospital.

    Fortunately, Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin to bring a set of casual clothes to the hospital. The clothes that she wore when she was in an ident were stained with blood. It was unlikely that the blood woulde off. She might have to throw them away.

    If Qiao Zijin did not bring clothes with her, she might have nothing to wear when she was discharged.

    The clothes came in handy now.

    On the other hand, Qiao Dongliang left in anger, returning to the Qiao family¡¯s residence after telling them that he would definitely file for a divorce.

    By the time he reached his house, there was a huge crowd outside his house. It was simr to the crowded situation during summer breakst year when a lot of the parents came to their house to ask Qiao Nan to tutor their children. However, the crowd was muchrger than the previous time.

    Qiao Dongliang could tell that other than the parents of the students, there were also the parents of Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates in the crowd. He had been to several parent-teacher conferences and he had some impression of them.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you are back. Congrattions.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, you have such good fortune to have a brilliant daughter.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao...¡±

    The neighbors noticed that Qiao Dongliang was back. All of them gathered around him to congratte him. Qiao Dongliang felt confused at their congrattions. ¡°What is the matter?¡± Why would they congratte him?

    ¡°Nan Nan hase in the first ce in the college entrance examination. She is the top humanities student of the province!¡±

    The top scorer!

    He had never seen the top scorer of Ping Cheng, let alone the top scorer of the province.

    He had heard that the youngdy who stayed in the neighborhood was very smart and had good grades. One of the students that she tutored was the top scorer in the middle school examination.

    He only heard it from others and had never seen it for himself. Therefore, he had a surreal feeling about it.

    But today was different. One of his neighbors was the provincial top humanities scorer of the college entrance examination. She was the pride of theirmunity and the entire Ping Cheng!

    ¡°Are the results of the college entrance examination out?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. He was so upset with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin that he had forgotten about it. Did Qiao Nan manage to get into one of the first-tier universities in the capital? ¡°Does Nan Nan have any chance of going to Tsinghua University or Peking University?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not know much of the famous universities, but he had heard of two of the best universities in the country. He knew them by heart.

    ¡°Of course! She can make her choices among them!¡±

    ¡°Oh, Old Qiao, Old Qiao...¡±

    While everyone was thrilled, Qiao Dongliang cked out and fell backward.

    ¡°My goodness, Old Qiao has passed out from overwhelming joy!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had tired himself out from taking care of Ding Jiayi during this period of time. Besides feeling weak, he was also angered by Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. He was overwhelmed with joy at the news. He could not catch his breath and passed out right then and there.

    ¡°Make some space. The top scorer¡¯s father is back. He is so happy that he fainted. Make way. Let him into the house so that he could take a breath and rest.¡±

    Everyone moved to a side when they heard that the father of the top scorer had fainted.

    Some peopleughed at Qiao Dongliang. But on second thought, if their children were the top scorer, they would pass out as well. They were more than happy to pass out from joy.

    ¡°Everyone is here. Light the firecrackers!¡± A few of the neighbors had bought firecrackers beforehand. They waited until Qiao Dongliang went into the house to set off them. The cracking sounds of firecrackers livened up the whole neighborhood. It was livelier than during the Lunar New Year!

    ¡°Dad?¡± Qiao Nan was anxious. She pinched at his philtrum. ¡°Dad, wake up.¡±

    Her father used to be a soldier. How could he possibly faint from overwhelming joy?

    ¡°I suppose Uncle Qiao must have been exhausted from taking care of your mom at the hospital.¡± Shi Qing sat with her legs crossed at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Perhaps... Hurry, get a bowl of sugar water for my dad. I suppose he came back from the hospital in a bad mood.¡± Qiao Nan ordered Shi Qing around.

 Chapter 818 - Performances Were Beyond Imagination

    <h4>Chapter 818 Performances Were Beyond Imagination</h4>

    Shi Qing did not take issue with her. She prepared a bowl of sugar water and fed it to Qiao Dongliang

    He Yun¡¯s father was shocked. ¡°Qiao Nan, is your father not feeling well recently?¡± He then helped take care of Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Not really. It is just that he is busy recently. He must be exhausted.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    ¡°Look, Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School is here?!¡± The people who crowded outside the Qiao family¡¯s residence saw that a car stopped in front of the house, and out came Principal Meng.

    The people in this area stayed close to Ping Cheng High School. All of them knew who Principal Meng was.

    ¡°Hello, how are you doing? I am here to look for Qiao Nan.¡± Principal Meng was all smiles. He walked with a spring in his step.

    Not only was Principal Meng here, but Teacher Liu, who once taught Qiao Nan and was her form teacher for a year, was here as well. Of course, Qiao Nan¡¯s current form teacher was here as well. In an instant, there were three more adults at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, congrattions. Congrattions on bing the top humanities scorer of the province. The director of the Ping Cheng Education Bureau is very pleased with your results. He is all praises for you. He said that you have broken the record. You have the highest score in the province. Your results are higher than the previous record by twenty-seven points!¡± Principal Meng could not hide his excitement.

    This meant that Ping Cheng High School held the record of the provincial highest score in the college entrance examination¡¯s humanities subjects.

    Every year, the top scorer of the college entrance examination would have exceptionally high results. Some of them would be a few marks short of full marks.

    Qiao Nan was different. Not only had Qiao Nan performed well, but there were also a lot of points that were added to her total score.

    It was very fitting of her situation to say that her performance was beyond imagination!

    For that alone, there was no way that The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China could bepared to Ping Cheng High School.

    ¡°Shi Qing, I know that you must be here too. Congrattions to you as well. This year, you are the provincial top scorer for the science subjects. You have done very well. I am proud of having students like the two of you in Ping Cheng High School!¡±

    The top humanities scorer and the top science scorer were from Ping Cheng and from his own school. After learning of this news, Principal Meng was so ecstatic that he was almost dizzy with joy.

    It was indeed two joyous events at the same time.

    Oh, my goodness! Was there anything that was more overwhelming than this?

    Principal Meng suddenly felt that the best thing that he had done in his life was to be a teacher and principal of Ping Cheng High School. He made the right decision by epting Qiao Nan as his student. With her at Ping Cheng High School, Shi Qing transferred to the school as well without him doing anything

    Qiao Nan was the reason why Shi Qing transferred to Ping Cheng High School. Only a few schools would allow good students who might be the top scorers to transfer out of their schools. They would not be able to scout and ask such students to join their schools as well!

    He did nothing, yet he stood to benefit from

    it.

    If Principal Meng was to fall asleep, he would be smiling in his dreams!

    ¡°Do we have two top scorers in this neighborhood?¡±

    ¡°That is such a blessing!¡±

    ¡°Luck is on our side!¡±

    ¡°Is it the trend for good students to stay in the same area?¡±

    Undoubtedly, thismunity had two top scorers. In the future, everyone would view this ce to be of good geomancy.

    ¡°Principal, thank you for making the trip here.¡± Qiao Nan was worked up as well. But she had to calm down and take care of her father who had fainted. ¡°Dad, are you okay?¡± Qiao Nan was relieved that Qiao Dongliang had woken up.

    ¡°Comrade Qiao, you have good fortune!¡± Principal Meng looked at Qiao Dongliang and gave his hand a forceful shake, expressing his joy and excitement at the news.

    He almost wanted to say something to Qiao Dongliang straight to his face: We have to thank you for having such a bright child and that she was able to study at Ping Cheng High School. You have given us a new lease on life!

    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had just woken up, felt confused and disoriented. He had missed what Principal Meng first said when he came into the house. ¡°Principal Meng, what brings you here?¡±

    Principal Meng understood that he had just woken up from his fall. ¡°It seems that Comrade Qiao is overjoyed. I am here to congratte you. Qiao Nan is the provincial top humanities scorer, and Shi Qing is the provincial top science scorer. Your ce has garnered all the attention of Ping Cheng!¡±

    ne

    Principal Meng was very pleased at the mention of the small quad.

    Thankfully, he found out that Qiao Nan and her father were in a dire financial situation back then and thought of allowing them to stay in this small quad.

    If they had not had a roof over their heads, Qiao Nan might have discontinued her studies at the Ping Cheng High School. It would have been impossible for her to concentrate on her studies.

    Ping Cheng High School might have lost the chance to have Qiao Nan, the newly announced top humanities scorer as their student. As the principal of Ping Cheng High School, he had the foresight to keep such a good student in Ping Cheng High School!

    Principal Meng felt that he would definitely be hailed as the wisest principal in the school magazine of Ping Cheng High School in the future. He would be the principal who made the most significant and greatest contribution to Ping Cheng High School.

    This was why Principal Meng looked at Qiao Nan as if he was looking at his own daughter. ¡°The school knows the situation that your family is in. Don¡¯t worry. You are the top humanities scorer who has the highest score in the whole province. The school will definitely reward you with a sum of money. The mayor in Ping Cheng will reward you as well. By the way, do you know the mayor? When he gave me a call today, he kept mentioning Comrade Qiao Nan, and he seems to be quite close to you.¡±

    ¡°We met a few times in the past.¡±

    ¡°Haha. Qiao Nan knows a lot of people.¡± Since she knew Zhai Sheng, it was not surprising that she would have seen the mayor of Ping Cheng in the past. In the future, she might even have the chance to see the president of the country. ¡°Since you are the provincial top scorer, the government will provide you with schrship. The director of the Education Bureau of Ping Cheng has also said that we must encourage and help students like you. We should never let talents like you give up on their studies because of financial issues. It will be a huge loss to Ping Cheng and the country. Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t have to worry. You can concentrate on your studies in college like how you used to do in the past. The Education Bureau will help you with the tuition fees in college.¡±

    All the schrships would amount to arge sum of money.

    Other people might not know Ding Jiayi, but Principal Meng knew her very well.

    He told the neighbors the situation about the Qiao family. He also told them that Ding Jiayi spent all the savings at home in order to enroll the elder daughter into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. When Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized due to a car ident, Qiao Nan had to borrow money for his medical fees, and she had yet to repay the money even now.

    The child had a difficult life. Misfortunes befell her one after another.

    During the college entrance examination, something cropped up in front of the school and Qiao Nan almost missed the chance to sit for the exams of the first subject. Her unreliable mother was in a car ident at the entrance to the school.

 Chapter 819 - I Am the Top Scorerâ€™s Mother

    <h4>Chapter 819 I Am the Top Scorer¡¯s Mother</h4>

    If it had been somebody else, they would not have been able to focus on the exams.

    Undoubtedly, they would need a lot of money as the mother was in a car ident. This only made matters worse for the Qiao family that was already in a dire financial situation. They had yet to pay their debts, and now they had another expense to take care of.

    In the future, it would be more difficult for Qiao Nan to concentrate on her studies in college.

    Qiao Nan did really well in the exams. Ever since the college entrance examination was resumed in China, she had the best results. It helped Ping Cheng High School win credit in the province.

    As a result, all of the relevant departments and officials in Ping Cheng ced great importance on Qiao Nan who had such good potential. They tried to help her apply for some subsidies.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was rare. He had yet to divorce his wife but was already left with no possession or property.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had done Ping Cheng High School proud. No matter what, Principal Meng was willing to try his best to arrange for subsidies so that Qiao Nan could finish her college.

    As for Zhai Sheng, Principal Meng knew that if Qiao Nan was willing to ept Zhai Sheng¡¯s help, it would never be his turn to help Qiao Nan make studying arrangements.

    ¡°Principal, thank you. Thank you very much.¡± To Qiao Nan, Principal Meng¡¯s promise was timely assistance. It came at the right time.

    They had spent all their savings on Ding Jiayi¡¯s hospitalization fees. Qiao Nan did not have any money for her college fees.

    Now that the results were out, even if Qiao Nan could apply for schrships, it was not enough to cover for her school fees. Qiao Nan was worried sick about her school fees. Principal Meng provided help in her hour of need.

    ¡°This is what I should be doing. Qiao Nan, you must study hard in the future. If you have the chance, you muste back to Ping Cheng. You must make contributions to your hometown.¡± The mayor wanted Principal Meng to convey this to Qiao Nan. She was a talent. If she stayed in Ping Cheng, she would do good for the future development of Ping Cheng

    ¡°Rest assured, Principal Meng. I will definitely do that. My roots and my family are here. I will definitelye back.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were red.

    ¡°Shi Qing, what about your parents?¡± It was not surprising that Shi Qing was at Qiao Nan¡¯s house. But Principal Meng found it strange that Shi Qing¡¯s parents were not around. The daughter had performed so well in the college entrance examination, yet the parents were not here to share the good news with her?

    But then again, during the two years that Shi Qing was in Ping Cheng High School, he had never once seen her parents. Her parents did not turn up for the parent-teacher Conference either.

    Although Shi Peng did not turn up for any of the parent-teacher conferences, Shi Qing did not behave oddly. She carried on with her studies and it did not seem to bother her at all.

    Teacher Liu had asked Shi Qing to pass a message to Shi Peng, hoping that he would turn up.

    However, Shi Qing had rejected Teacher Liu¡¯s request right away. ¡°Teacher Liu, forget it. My dad is very busy. Instead of attending the parent-teacher conference, I would rather he stay at home to rest. He is not in good health and should skip all these unimportant events. Anyway, I don¡¯t mind at all.¡±

    The reason why Liu Neng wanted Shi Peng to attend was for Shi Qing¡¯s sake. He was worried that Shi Peng¡¯s absence would make Shi Qing be seen as the oddball and that she was anti-social. He did not want her to be upset, affecting her studies.

    However, Shi Qing did not feel that it was important. She even spoke up for Shi Peng. In that case, Liu Neng had nothing much to say.

    Although Shi Qing¡¯s parents did not attend the parent-teacher conference, she was in good mental health and strove for excellence in her studies.

    ¡°My dad? He is at work. He has no time.¡± Shi Qing gave Principal Meng the same answer. Liu Neng was used to her reply, but Principal Meng felt perplexed that the parents were not present.

    ¡°Is your father that busy?¡± Why would he not show concern and support when his daughter was the provincial top science scorer?

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s father was so excited that he fainted and seemed to be very weak, he was better than Shi Qing¡¯s father who was absent.

    ¡°Principal Meng, Shi Qing¡¯s father is a busy man.¡± It seemed that the teachers of Ping Cheng High School still did not know who Shi Qing¡¯s father was. ¡°But Shi Qing, have you told your dad the good news?¡±

    ¡°Is there a need?¡± Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly. ¡°It is expected of me to do well. I don¡¯t have to tell him and he knows that I will definitely perform well.¡±

    If she was not the provincial top scorer in the college entrance examination, she would be too ashamed to face her father. ¡°How about you? Have you forgotten to share the good news with someone?¡± Brother Zhai must be waiting for the good news.

    ¡°In a while.¡± Qiao Nan blushed. It was without a doubt that she had to share such a good piece of news with Brother Zhai.

    When Ding Jiayi arrived, it was very crowded at the entrance of the small quad. Everyone was praising Qiao Nan for being so smart. Not only did she do well in the exams, but the students that she had tutored had good grades as well.

    Ding Jiayi finally realized why Qiao Zijin wanted her to go to the Qiao family¡¯s residence today.

    Ding Jiayi thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s words and gritted her teeth. She did not mind that she would disgrace herself. Her only aim was to keep the family together. If she failed at doing that, the least she could do was to get the money!

    With that in mind, Ding Jiayi steeled herself and walked toward the Qiao family¡¯s residence. ¡°Please let me pass. I am Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. I am looking for Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Hey, who are you? Does Qiao Nan have a mother? Qiao Nan has been staying here for almost three years. Why is it that we have never seen you before? Qiao Nan and Old Qiao never mentioned you as well. Don¡¯t try to lie that you are their rtives.¡±

    The neighbors crowded the pavement to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. There were a lot of people who tried to squeeze their way into the house but to no avail. Some of them thought of lying that they were their rtives so as to squeeze through the crowd into the house.

    It happened so often that most people refused to believe it anymore.

    ¡°I¡­ I am really Qiao Nan¡¯s mom. I am Old Qiao¡¯s wife. Let me go in. I got into a car ident recently. Previously, Old Qiao went out early in the morning and only came homete in the evening so as to take care of me. I have something to tell Qiao Nan.¡±

    There were too many people outside the door and there was no way that she could squeeze herself through. Ding Jiayi decided to go all out. She raised her voice and shouted toward the house. ¡°Old Qiao, Qiao Nan, I am back. I can¡¯t get into the house. Come out now! I have something to tell you!¡±

    Ding Jiayi could be heard clearly even in the noisy surroundings.

    She gave all her best to shout across the people. She felt as if her voice had turned hoarse.

    Minutes ago, everyone in the house was in high spirits from the news. Minutester, they turned somber at Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice.

    Qiao Dongliang, in particr, turned grim when he heard her voice. ¡°She should be at the hospital. Why did she run out to make a fuss? Did she feel that I am taking too long to get the money?¡±

    He knew that Ding Jiayi could never behave herself or treat Qiao Zijin and Nan Nan equally. Unless she was no longer Ding Jiayi and had changed to another person, she would never be able to do that.

    Look, Ding Jiayi could not keep still for a day and was up to something again!

 Chapter 820 - Miao Jing Blacked Out from Rage

    <h4>Chapter 820 Miao Jing cked Out from Rage</h4>

    If he knew that Ding Jiayi would create trouble for Nan Nan as soon as she could walk by herself, he should not have put in so much effort to take care of her. At least, he should have made sure that she would not be able to turn up today to ruin the happy atmosphere and create a ruckus.

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°Principal Meng, one should not wash dirty linen in public. But this is not the first time that you have witnessed something like this. Please take care of Nan Nan while I settle the problem outside.¡±

    If the teachers and the principal of Ping Cheng High School were not here, Qiao Dongliang would ignore Ding Jiayi¡¯s shouts and take it that some mad woman had lost her mind.

    By the time Ding Jiayi was tired and thirsty, or perhaps when she suffered from heatstroke, he would make a phone call and send her to the hospital.

    The people in the small quad had never seen Ding Jiayi. It was alright for him to pretend not to know Ding Jiayi.

    However, Principal Meng and the teachers were here to congratte Qiao Nan. It was such a sticky situation. Qiao Dongliang could not possibly ignore Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Principal Meng and the two form teachers felt awkward as well.

    They had taught many students. If they were able to secure a ce in a good school¡ªlet alone being the top scorer in the college entrance examination¡ªthe parents would usually treat the teachers to a meal to thank them.

    However, the Qiao family was peculiar, especially Ding Jiayi, who was one of a kind. She was a fright.

    She had been in an ident and was hospitalized, yet she could still make a fuss!

    Ding Jiayi could not get into the house, but Qiao Dongliang could go out of the house.

    Qiao Dongliang came out and saw that Ding Jiayi was kneeling on the ground. His face darkened and he pulled Ding Jiayi up. She shouted out in pain. ¡°Do you know what day it is today? Why are you here to make a fuss?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I am here to look for Qiao Nan. I am here to beg Qiao Nan to let me off,¡± Ding Jiayi said through clenched teeth.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang let out a long breath. ¡°It is Nan Nan¡¯s and my misfortune to marry a woman like you and to have a mother like you. I will never allow you to harm Nan Nan again. I know it is your n for Nan Nan to quit school to support Qiao Zijin. But let me tell you, no way! I am definitely filing a divorce. I have no more feelings for you. I am utterly disappointed in you. No, you are totally hopeless!¡±

    ¡°I¡­ am not¡­¡± Ding Jiayi panicked.

    Qiao Nan was the newly announced provincial top scorer of the college entrance examination. She was the pride of Ping Cheng High School, the small quad, and the entire Ping Cheng.

    Everybody would be angry if they knew that someone was out to stop Qiao Nan from continuing her studies and to quit school to support someone else.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin and Nan Nan are my children. It¡¯s fine that you don¡¯t treat her as your daughter. I will treat her as my daughter. Since you dote on Qiao Zijin, after we divorce, Qiao Zijin will stay with you while I will take care of Nan Nan. If you dare to make a fuss and disgrace Nan Nan or affect her, I will go all out to deal with you. Since you have disgraced yourself and made a fuss, there is no need for me to care about preserving your dignity. Let¡¯s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau toplete the divorce procedure.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang roughly dragged Ding Jiayi with him and walked forward, nning to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau. He did not care that Ding Jiayi was injured.

    Ding Jiayi had injured her bones in the ident. She felt immense pain upon being pulled by Qiao Dongliang. It was as if she had gone through the ident for another time. ¡°Old Qiao, you¡­ let go. I am in pain. I am still recovering from my injuries.¡±

    ¡°I did not forget that you are injured. You are the one who has forgotten about it. You don¡¯t care that you are hurt, while my biggest problem is being too nice to you. I am not willing to speak of all those bad deeds that you have done. Let¡¯s get a divorce so that we will be rid of each other!¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I have said that I am not looking for you. I am here for Qiao Nan. I gave birth to her and raised her. She is indebted to me. How can she allow you to divorce me and for us to part ways? How cruel is she!¡± Ding Jiayi changed the topic quickly lest the people around her knew what she had done previously and sided with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I don¡¯t care that she has a close rtionship with you. She cannot go overboard and treat her mother in such a manner. Aren¡¯t she afraid of being struck by lightning?¡±

    If she was to be med, so was Qiao Nan.

    No child would keep urging her parents to divorce. Qiao Nan had to be med. Everyone here had been deceived by her.

    ¡°As long as she does not insist that you get a divorce, I can kneel down and beg her. In the future, I will obey her. Will that do?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had gone way overboard in what she said, especially thetter part of her sentences.

    What did she mean when she said that Qiao Nan was close to Qiao Dongliang?

    Those who knew what was going on would understand that Ding Jiayi meant that Qiao Nan was close to her father.

    Those who did not know what was going on would have the impression that Qiao Nan hade between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang.

    The Zhai family who specially came to congratte Qiao Nan witnessed the scene. They could not help but frown at Ding Jiayi¡¯s use of words, except for one person who was trying hard to be part of the Zhai family -Wei De.

    Miao Jing patted her chest. ¡°I thought this woman is gone for years. Why is she back today? She is bent on giving Nan Nan a difficult time bying back on such a day. If she does not want such a good daughter, I will take her as my daughter!¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not know to cherish what she had.

    Wei De, who had a smile on his face, turned sullen. He was upset with what she said.

    Qiao Nan came from such aplicated family background. How could she be considered as a gooddy? It was absurd that Madam Zhai wanted to take her as her daughter¡­

    Zhai Sheng cast a cold, icy stare at Wei De. Wei De caught his gaze and his smug expression froze on his face.

    Wei De tried not to stand out in the crowd and kept his expression under control.

    He came to ¡®congratte¡¯ Qiao Nan and to be in the good books of the Zhai family. He never expected that Regiment Commander Zhai, his future brother-inw, would catch him with a smug expression on his face. He should have paid more attention.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, does Qiao Dongliang intend to divorce Ding Jiayi? If so, help him in whatever ways that you can so that it will be settled as soon as possible. In that case, Qiao Nan can go to college with a peace of mind.¡± Otherwise, no one would be able to concentrate on their studies with such a mother. It was sheer torture.

    ¡°Miao Miao.¡± Zhai Yaohui wanted Miao Jing to be careful with her words. At the very least, no matter how angry she was, she should keep those remarks within the house

    However, Zhai Yaohui really could not stand the sight of Ding Jiayi, especially when she made such outrageousments.

    Zhai Sheng thought for a while before saying, ¡°I will think of a way. It seems that today is a bit inappropriate. Dad, do you want to bring Mom back first?¡± Ding Jiayi was a person who would shoot her mouth off. Qiao Zijin knew of his rtionship with Nan Nan. Therefore, Ding Jiayi must have known about it as well.

    Zhai Yaohui had been giving Miao Jing hints about Nan Nan¡¯s identity. Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng had decided that today would be the day that they would introduce Qiao Nan as the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family to Miao Jing.

 Chapter 821 - Letâ€™s Die Together

    <h4>Chapter 821 Let¡¯s Die Together</h4>

    Qiao Nan was the provincial top humanities scorer. It was such a glorious feat and a golden opportunity for them.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng felt that time was ripe and that they could reveal Qiao Nan¡¯s identity. However, their ns had been destroyed by Ding Jiayi.

    Zhai Sheng had no other choice but to arrange for his family to return home. He could only postpone his original n.

    Zhai Yaohui understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s concerns and worries. He also agreed with Zhai Sheng and was about to bring Miao Jing back home.

    There was a glitter in Wei De¡¯s eyes. He thought of a ¡®good¡¯ idea. ¡°Madam Zhai, don¡¯t be in a hurry to leave. Look, that woman seems to be very feisty. What if the man could not hold her down and Teacher Xiao Qiao suffers because of her?¡¯

    Seeing that the old chief and Regiment Commander Zhai were in a rush to leave, he knew that things were getting to be interesting.

    He wanted to know what would happen if Madam Zhai stayed behind.

    The two men in the Zhai family turned grim at Wei De¡¯s remarks. However, Wei De was oblivious to them. He felt that what he said was appropriate and at the same time, he could make things difficult for Qiao Nan. It was killing two birds with one stone.

    Zhai Hua, who was enraged by his words, stepped on Wei De¡¯s foot to shut him up. Usually, he was very good with his words. Why did he fumble the ball at such a critical juncture?

    Zhai Hua knew that the Zhai family had been waiting for this day and she could roughly guess what was on Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind.

    If Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan would be able to get her mother¡¯s approval, she and Wei De would have an easier time to get her family¡¯s approval. She never expected that Ding Jiayi would destroy everything.

    Instead of helping out, Wei De was more of a hindrance than a help. He must be a fool!

    Wei De, who felt a sharp pain in his feet, noticed btedly that Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were casting angry stares at him. It was frightening to be stared down by the two important figures in the Zhai family. He shut his mouth quickly.

    His only thought was to foil the n of Regiment Commander Zhai and Qiao Nan. He did not mean to affect his rtionship with Zhai Hua.

    He wondered how the old chief felt about his remarks. Would he leave a bad impression on him because of that?

    This would not do. When he went back hometer, he must ask Zhai Hua about the old chief¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng. He hoped that the old chief would not give his consent to having Qiao Nan as his daughter-inw.

    Recently, Zhai Hua had been staying at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. With Zhai Sheng as her example, she tried not to be in close contact with Wei De. Instead, she would spend more time during her leave to stay at home. She wanted to work hard for her future with Wei De.

    Because of this, Zhai Hua did not tell Wei De in time about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan. Wei De had no idea that Zhai Yaohui had already approved of Qiao Nan being his daughter-inw.

    What he did right now was tantamount to destroying his future.

    Regardless of whether Wei De regretted his remarks or not, Miao Jing had taken in what he said. ¡°You are right. Nan Nan has suffered a lot in this woman¡¯s hand. What if Nan Nan is bullied again? She should know that today is an important day. There is no way that surnamed Ding woman could have her ways!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had wanted to drag Ding Jiayi with him and settle the divorce procedures.

    He looked up and was stunned to see that the Zhai family was right in front of him.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was distracted, Ding Jiayi gave out a loud shout. ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t be too much. You must have felt that Qiao Nan has better prospects than Zijin since she is in a rtionship with the son of the chief, and that is why you keep siding with her. Do grades equivalent to one¡¯s personality? Qiao Nan is clearly going against me and is happy to see me in a miserable state. Moreover, she fawns on such a prominent family! She must have wanted to abandon her poor mother, so she urged you to divorce me. I came here today to beg her to let me off. Is she bent on driving me to a dead end? A mother never looks ugly to her child. Even if she is dating the son of the chief, I am still her mother. How can she shun me and try means and ways to get rid of me?!¡±

    If Qiao Nan was not in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, she would not be emboldened to urge Qiao Dongliang to divorce her.

    Qiao Dongliang was not in time to stop Ding Jiayi from sputtering nonsense.

    An audacious Ding Jiayi continued with her nonsense. ¡°Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, has yet to graduate from junior high school when she got to know Zhai Sheng. She is so young, yet she goes astray and is already in a rtionship. You me me for not being good to Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan is not a good child. She did such shameful things, yet you med me for disciplining her? I was not strict enough with her and that is why she is in a rtionship when she is still in school. Now that she is sessful, she is so heartless to abandon her mother and toe between her parents. This won¡¯t do!¡±

    How dare Ding Jiayi spewed nonsense in front of the Zhai family! Qiao Dongliang, who was already feeling unwell, almost fainted out of anger at her outrageous remarks!

    ¡°Uncle Qiao!¡± Zhai Sheng rushed forward to support Qiao Dongliang, a grim expression on his face. ¡°Uncle Qiao, you must calm down. Nan Nan has lost her mother. She cannot do without you. If anything happens to you, there will be no one to protect Nan Nan.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang calmed himself down at Zhai Sheng¡¯s reminder. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I don¡¯t wish to say anything else. I must divorce her today.¡±

    If he stayed married to such a woman for another day, he might be angered to death and would not live past tomorrow.

    Ding Jiayi looked guilty at the sight of Zhai Sheng. She hurried forward when she saw Miao Jing. ¡°Madam Zhai, I was not strict enough with Qiao Nan. She goes astray at such a young age and Regiment Commander Zhai is also led astray by her. You have seen it for yourself. Old Qiao pampers her and does not care if she does the wrong things. Please ept my apology. I know Qiao Nan is unworthy of Regiment Commander Zhai. Don¡¯t worry. I will think of ways to break them up. I will not put you in a difficult position. I did not expect that my younger daughter, Qiao Nan, will have such a bad personality and refuses to listen to us. I did not know that she would do such shameless things...¡±

    Ding Jiayi kept on bbering. Even though the people who gathered around the house had different reactions, every one of them had the same expression in their eyes: Was she a big fool?

    Miao Jing could not help but raise her hand and give Ding Jiayi a tight p. ¡°I will not p anyone under normal circumstances. However, today is a special situation and you are out of the ordinary! Hey, you are the person who made a spectacle of yourself and has a bad personality. You are the one who is hard to discipline. You are the one who is shameless!¡±

    Miao Jing raised her voice at Ding Jiayi. She then turned to look at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Are... are you really dating Nan Nan? Is Nan Nan the young girlfriend that you mentioned previously?¡±

    Zhai Sheng wanted to take another time to tell Miao Jing the truth. However, his n could not keep up with the changes. Zhai Sheng had to admit the truth. ¡°Nan Nan said that she is still young and wants to concentrate on her studies. She does not want to be distracted by this rtionship. We nned to wait until she finished her college entrance examination before telling you of our rtionship.¡±

 Chapter 822 - The Zhai Family Was Mad

    <h4>Chapter 822 The Zhai Family Was Mad</h4>

    Everyone present had overheard Ding Jiayi¡¯s shocking description of Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng said those words so as to tell them that Qiao Nan had a good personality. She was unlike the person that Ding Jiayi made her to be. She did not start a rtionship when she was young or did anything that was shameless.

    All of those did not happen.

    Ding Jiayi was the only mother in the world who would speak ill of her own daughter without getting the facts right.

    In fact, if Ding Jiayi had spilled the beans about Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng earlier, the oue might be slightly different. Right now, Qiao Nan¡¯s neighbors were not taken aback by her words.

    They had heard of many cases where the children from other families did badly in their exams because of being in a rtionship.

    They had never seen someone who would be so self-disciplined when in a rtionship. She did so well in the exams and was the provincial top scorer.

    She was indeed the provincial top scorer. She was disciplined despite being in a rtionship and remained focused on her studies. Other children would not have such awareness and ability.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan was the top humanities scorer in the province. As her parents, there was nothing more to ask for. There was no need to berate her for what happened in the past.

    To put things bluntly, if being in a rtionship would aid their children in doing well in their studies and help them be the top scorer, they would not stop them from dating.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi felt that her teeth hade loose after being pped by Qiao Dongliang and Miao Jing. She was especially in a daze by Miao Jing¡¯s words. Did it mean that Madam Zhai was not angry at Qiao Nan for being in a rtionship with Regiment Commander Zhai?

    Could it be that Madam Zhai had already epted Qiao Nan? It could not be!

    If she had a high social status like Madam Zhai and had an outstanding son like Regiment Commander Zhai, she would not allow her son to marry Qiao Nan who came from a poor family.

    After getting a positive answer from Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing looked toward Zhai Yaohui.

    It suddenly dawned on her why Zhai Yaohui wouldpare Qiao Nan with Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend and asked her whether she would ept it if the girlfriend was like Qiao Nan. ¡°Did you know about it long ago?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui did not make any move to deny.

    Miao Jing turned to look at Zhai Hua, who did not seem to be taken aback. ¡°Hua Hua, did you know about it as well?¡±

    Wei De felt that there was something going on, and he hurried to say, ¡°Madam Zhai, in fact, everyone in the family knows about it except for you. Hua Hua kept it from you for the sake of Zhai Sheng. Although Hua Hua knew about it from the start, she had her reasons for keeping it from you.¡±

    The whole family knew about it but they kept it from Madam Zhai. If Madam Zhai knew that she was being kept in the dark, she would be furious and dislike Qiao Nan because of that.

    Since the whole family kept it from her, it showed that the Zhai family ced importance on Qiao Nan.

    It was impossible for Madam Zhai to be pleased that her family kept it from her so as to help an outsider.

    Miao Jing was all the more furious that Wei De knew about it as well. She could not catch her breath and fainted.

    ¡°Miao Miao!¡± Zhai Yaohui rushed forward to catch hold of Miao Jing who had passed out.

    ¡°Old Chief, let¡¯s send Madam Zhai to the hospital!¡± Look, Madam Zhai was so angry that she had fainted. She was the only person who was clear-minded in the Zhai family. She knew that Qiao Nan, who was of humble background, had no right to be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Scram.¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Wei De in disgust. ¡°As a man, you are such a big mouth. You should fight for the job with the matchmaker. It has been a waste of your time to stay in the army for so many years.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zhai Hua was angry as well. Wei De was adding fuel to the mes. Did he intend to anger her mother to death?

    Wei De made countless blunders today. Whatever that he said only made matters worse.

    If she had known that he would behave in such a manner, she would not have brought him with her.

    They were here to congratte Qiao Nan for being the top humanities scorer of the province. They had yet to congratte her and Wei De was in a hurry to badmouth her. Zhai Hua was boiling with anger.

    Wei De must be crazy. Did he know that besides ruining the ns of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, he had also ruined his future with Zhai Hua?

    ¡°Dad, Mom...¡± Zhai Hua looked worriedly at Miao Jing, who had yet to wake up. She was too angry to spare another nce at Wei De.

    ¡°There is no need to go to the hospital. Your mom only fainted in a rush of anger. It is too crowded here. It is not suitable for her to take a rest here. Let¡¯s go home first. As for other things, we will talk about itter.¡± Zhai Yaohui carried Miao Jing by the waist and put her into the car.

    ¡°I will drive you back.¡± The Zhai family came without a chauffeur. There were a total of five of them, including Wei De.

    Zhai Hua arranged for Wei De to drive the car on the way here so that he could have the chance to please her family. But now, it was impossible for him to drive them back. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy in the office and have a lot of things to attend to? Alright, you should tend to your business. My family is fine now.¡± She had to consider whether to allow Wei De to join them on other asions. Judging from his behavior today, he was being too meddlesome. He was in annoying.

    ¡°Hua Hua...¡± Was Zhai Hua going to leave him here? Did she want him to walk all the way back to thepany?

    On what grounds?!

    Wei De could understand that the old chief and Regiment Commander Zhai were annoyed at him for making honest remarks. However, Zhai Hua had no right to treat him in this manner!

    She must have been used to being coaxed by him. She no longer took him seriously and dared to treat him in such a manner now.

    ¡°Alright. If you don¡¯t want my dad to blow his top, it is better that you leave now. What you have done today...¡± She had no idea how Wei De conducted his business with that attitude of his.

    If this was how he had behaved all this while, she wondered how he had managed to clinch those business deals. He did not know how to behave ording to asions and to make appropriatements.

    Since the old chief was brought up, Wei De had no other choice but to suppress his anger. ¡°You cannot me it all on me that Madam Zhai fainted.¡± He did not encourage Regiment Commander Zhai to date Qiao Nan. That was the main reason why Madam Zhai fainted.

    If the old chief was really furious, he should direct his anger toward Regiment Commander Zhai and Qiao Nan. He was innocent.

    ¡°You... Forget it. I will talk to youter.¡± Wei De still did not realize his mistake. Zhai Hua was too angry to speak.

    ¡°Zhai Hua! Is an outsider more important than your mom?!¡± Zhai Yaohui blew his top, seeing how Zhai Hua wasted her time to talk with Wei De.

    Zhai Hua red at Wei De and got into the driver¡¯s seat. She mmed the door shut and drove the car away.

    Aside from Wei De, who was left behind, Zhai Sheng did not leave as well. He had to help the Qiao family settle Ding Jiayi¡¯s problem.

    Wei De pulled a long face as the Zhai family¡¯s car that bore a special license te number left.

 Chapter 823 - Divorce!

    <h4>Chapter 823 Divorce!</h4>

    There would be a day where the Zhai family dared not give him the cold treatment!

    After being pped by Miao Jing, Ding Jiayi watched as an unconscious Miao Jing was taken away. She dared not even make a sound.

    When she came back to her senses and turned to look at Qiao Dongliang, she noticed that Qiao Dongliang looked at her as if she had murdered his father. Ding Jiayi was shocked and felt like hiding from him.

    ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± Qiao Dongliang could not wait to kill Ding Jiayi. ¡°Do you know what I want to do most right now?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked so ferocious as if he wanted to eat her alive. Ding Jiayi had no other choice but to hide behind Zhai Sheng. ¡°Qiao Dongliang, don¡¯t be reckless. The People¡¯s Liberation Army is here. If you dare to do anything, he will not sit by and do nothing. Besides, murder is illegal!¡±

    ¡°You seem to know that I can¡¯t wait to chop you into pieces now!¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled grimly. ¡°I really feel like killing you and paying a life for a life. In that case, Nan Nan will have an easier life in the future. Ding Jiayi, you are too much!¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t be foolish.¡±

    He Yun¡¯s and Zheng Lingling¡¯s parents approached Qiao Dongliang and pulled at him, trying to stop him. ¡°If anything happens to you, what about Nan Nan?¡±

    Given what Ding Jiayi did just now, nobody wished to side with her. They had never seen anyone who would harm their own daughter.

    It was true that they did not allow their children to be in a rtionship when they were still in school. They had told their children that even when they could start dating in college, as girls, they had to be mindful and to concentrate on their studies. As for other matters, they would stop being so strict with them.

    Speaking of it, Qiao Nan had been doing it all this while. She was aware that she was a student and had to concentrate on her studies. She had fulfilled her duties as a student. This woman did not count her blessings despite having such a well-behaved daughter.

    A few of the parents could tell that the Zhai family had a high social status. Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend was very outstanding. Not only was he a soldier, but he was already a regimentmander at such a young age.

    Although they did not understand the operation of the army, they could tell that Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend was very capable.

    Qiao Nan had good results and was pretty. Her boyfriend was outstanding and came from a prominent family. The Qiao family should be happy thatdy luck was smiling on them. Why would someone be out to destroy Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with her boyfriend? She must be out of her mind.

    In short, everyone felt that Ding Jiayi must be crazy or foolish to have behaved as such.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, do you want to get a divorce?¡± Zhai Sheng felt that there was really no need for Qiao Dongliang to kill Ding Jiayi and to ruin his life.

    The society was ruled by thew. If anyonemitted a crime, he would have to pay for it.

    It was not worthwhile to ruin Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life because of Ding Jiayi. ¡°If you want a divorce, let¡¯s do so now.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± It was a happy event for Qiao Nan, yet Ding Jiayi had spoiled the mood and turned it into a disaster. They had be theughingstock of the small quad. All the neighbors also misunderstood Qiao Nan because of Ding Jiayi. Qiao Dongliang felt that there was no need to give Ding Jiayi a second chance. He felt disgusted by staying as husband and wife with her!

    ¡°I won¡¯t go! I won¡¯t agree to a divorce!¡± Ding Jiayi, who hid behind Zhai Sheng, dashed toward the wall and held tightly to it. She was worried that Qiao Dongliang would pull her by force like what he did just now. ¡°Qiao Dongliang, let me tell you. You can give up on getting a divorce. Do you think that you can get rid of Qiao Zijin and me now that you have the Zhai family on your side? It won¡¯t work! Even if you make it rich, we will enjoy the glory with you.¡±

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng refused to leave and addressed Qiao Dongliang affectionately as uncle, Ding Jiayi knew that he would not break up with Qiao Nan, that wretched girl.

    Since Zhai Sheng was determined to be with Qiao Nan, she could never allow Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan to have an easy life. She would stay as Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife and Qiao Nan¡¯s mother forever!

    Qiao Dongliang rolled up his sleeve, getting ready to catch hold of Ding Jiayi. However, Zhai Sheng stopped him right then. ¡°Uncle Qiao, since she doesn¡¯t want to go, let her be. You can file for divorce by litigation. You do not need her consent.¡±

    ¡°Can I divorce her even if she doesn¡¯t agree to it?¡± Qiao Dongliang stopped in midway. ¡°You should know the situation. If you really love Nan Nan, don¡¯t stop me. I have to divorce her today. Although I will be shamed, it is better than keeping her by my side. She will be a disaster to Nan Nan this entire life. There will definitely be more instances where she will disgrace us.¡±

    ¡°I understand and I don¡¯t want Nan Nan to go through so much suffering as well.¡± Zhai Sheng would never side with Ding Jiayi. ¡°Without her around, you can still get a divorce. The procedures are simple.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to abuse the Zhai family¡¯s power for personal gains and go against thew? Let me warn you. There are so many people around. If you abuse your power to file for a divorce, I will definitely sue you!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. This was what she feared the most.

    If the Zhai family helped Qiao Dongliang get a divorce, she had no choice but to divorce him. By then, she would not even get a penny from him.

    ¡°...¡± The people who crowded around them sucked in their breath, looking uncertain.

    As citizens of the country, they were displeased that the government officials abused their authority. They panicked and were worried that they might be the victims of such cases, wherein they did not need to be present, and documents that were against their interests could be signed and approved.

    ¡°The Zhai family never goes against thew. We will not take the lead to do that as well. There is a loss of mutual affection between Uncle Qiao and you. The two of you have lived separately for two years. ording to the provisions of the marriagew of our country, if there is a loss of mutual affection between a husband and wife and they have lived separately for over two years, either party can file for divorce by litigation and the other party¡¯s consent is not required. The court will make the final decision ording to thew.¡± Zhai Sheng was a soldier and he knew thew well. ¡°Uncle Qiao, the people at the court has yet to knock off. I will get awyer to prepare the documents and we will go to the court directly. We can only go to the Civil Affairs Bureau after a few days.¡±

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng would not abuse his authority. He would go by thew to settle disputes.

    The people who crowded around were full of respect for the impartial and just ways that he dealt with the divorce. This left them with a good impression of the soldiers.

    ¡°Okay, then I will have to trouble you.¡± Qiao Dongliang had mixed emotions. He felt relieved and poignant. Did it mean that he and Nan Nan could finally be rid of Ding Jiayi?

    ¡°Yes, there is indeed such marriagew in our country.¡± Fang Fang¡¯s father nodded. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe it, you can ask around. If not, you can watch the news. The television mentions it asionally.¡±

    ¡°Divorce. Since the country has thisw, it means that the country supports Old Qiao to divorce that woman. He has to divorce her as soon as possible!¡±

    The country had thisw for the interest of the majority of its citizens.

    ¡°They have to divorce!¡±

    ¡°Yes! Do so as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°She is such a lousy person. You must be rid of her.¡±

    Everyone supported Qiao Dongliang to divorce Ding Jiayi. It was no longer a simple matter between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 824 - Bring the Patient Back to the Hospital

    <h4>Chapter 824 Bring the Patient Back to the Hospital</h4>

    Themon practice in China was to persuade couples to stay together instead of getting a divorce. Furthermore, even an honest and upright official would have difficulty resolving a family dispute. But in this case, everyone felt that it was best to get a divorce.

    ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t worry. Go ahead and hire awyer. If you need witnesses, we can be your witnesses. Your daughter and you have moved here for more than two years. I have never seen this woman before. The two of you have celebrated three Lunar New Years in the small quad, but this woman has never joined you.¡± Back then, they had thought that Old Qiao¡¯s wife had passed away and that he brought up his daughter by himself. It turned out that the wife was still alive but she refused to show up.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. All of us will be your witnesses.¡±

    ¡°She did not even show up during the Lunar New Year. It shows that they no longer have mutual affection for each other. We are the witnesses!¡±

    Everyone in the small quad joined in to say that they could be the witnesses. Ding Jiayi had got on the tails of everyone.

    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Qiao Dongliang wiped his eyes. Since he no longer needed Ding Jiayi¡¯s consent and could file for a divorce by himself thanks to the marriagew in the country that allowed him to file for divorce in such a situation, he did not care whether Ding Jiayi was willing to go with him or not. He did not bother to cast her another nce. ¡°Everyone must have seen what just happened. This woman... She is our misfortune. She has been bullying Nan Nan since she was a child. After I leave, I hope that all of you will stop her from entering my house and bullying Nan Nan. When she married me, she came empty-handed. She spent the money that I had been saving for ten years and I even gave her the house that I used to stay in. Since I am filing for a divorce, we will go our separate ways in the future. She will not be allowed into my house.¡±

    Although the house belonged to the school, he did not want Ding Jiayi to enter the house and dirty it!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There are so many of us here. We will not allow the woman to bully Qiao Nan.¡±

    Many hands made light work. Ding Jiayi would not be able to deal with all of them. Besides, there were a lot of adults in the Qiao family¡¯s residence. There was no way that she could get close to the small quad.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t agree to a divorce! I won¡¯t!¡± Ding Jiayi panicked. She tried to catch hold of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I have said that you have to give me fifty thousand yuan if you want a divorce. By then, there is no need for awsuit and I will agree to a divorce immediately.¡±

    Ding Jiayi could not help but be flustered. ording to Qiao Zijin, she had two ways out. One of the options was to stay married to Qiao Dongliang. With Qiao Nan around, she would be able to lead a good life in the future.

    If she could not stop Qiao Dongliang from filing for a divorce, she had to get the fifty thousand yuan so that she would not have to worry about money in the future.

    She had to get her hands on either the man or the money.

    However, if what Zhai Sheng said was true, Ding Jiayi could not keep the man with her and she would be without the money as well. Her attitude toward the divorce would not change the oue. It would mean that Ding Jiayi would be left with nothing!

    ¡°She must be crazy!¡±

    ¡°This woman is crazy! She is beyond help!¡±

    She demanded fifty thousand yuan to agree to a divorce. It was no wonder that Old Qiao was so harsh toward the woman and that they did not see each other after living separately for two years.

    Nobody could stand a woman like her. Fifty thousand yuan was a huge sum. They had never seen so much money until now.

    ¡°Everyone must have heard it. As long as she has fifty thousand yuan, she is willing to take the initiative to divorce Uncle Qiao. This shows that this woman only has eyes for money. She does not love Uncle Qiao. This is proof that they no longer have mutual affection for each other.¡± Zhai Sheng made use of the opportunity to shut Ding Jiayi up, leaving her with no chance to retort.

    Since Ding Jiayi showed that she had no more feelings for Qiao Dongliang and only wanted to have fifty thousand yuan, it would make it easy for Qiao Dongliang to divorce her. Everyone present who heard it could be his witnesses as well!

    Ding Jiayi had done herself in.

    There was no way that Ding Jiayi could stop Qiao Dongliang and Zhai Sheng from leaving.

    Despite her screams, Zhai Sheng hailed a car and left with Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi cried uncontrobly as the taxi left the small quad.

    Wei De cast a disdainful look at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Indeed, the daughter follows after the mother. But your daughter is more capable than you.¡± He did not expect this woman to be so useless. Zhai Sheng did not give up on Qiao Nan. Instead, she ended up in a divorce with her husband.

    Although this was the first time they met, Wei De knew that if Qiao Nan had a mother like Ding Jiayi, she would be shunned by the Zhai family sooner orter. Nobody would want to be inws with someone who was up to no good. Things would only be more difficult between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    However, if the two of them really ended up getting a divorce, she would not be able to give Qiao Nan as much trouble in the future.

    It was true that no daughters would abandon their mothers after they seeded. But simrly, if the mother was being outrageous, the daughter did not need to practice unquestioning filial piety and to be implicated by the mother.

    Wei De left after saying his piece. He would wait for Zhai Hua to exin about what happened today to him.

    Ding Jiayi did not expect that things woulde to such a state. This was thest thing that she hoped to see.

    Ding Jiayi had wanted to beg Qiao Nan to help her. In the end, she did not get to see Qiao Nan, and Qiao Dongliang was on his way to the court to file for divorce. Ding Jiayi felt like crying. ¡°Qiao Nan,e out,e out right now. You have to get your dad toe back immediately. Tell him not to divorce me. Do you hear me? If you still treat me as your mother,e out right now!¡±

    Old Qiao only had eyes for his daughter, Qiao Nan. As long as Qiao Nan was willing to help her, Old Qiao would change his mind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her! Don¡¯t go out.¡± Shi Qing had a tight grip on Qiao Nan. ¡°Your mother is known for pestering and creating a ruckus. If you show up, even if it is not your fault, she will tarnish your reputation. Let her scream for all she wants. Everyone knows what is going on. They will ignore her.¡±

    Things had already reached this state, yet Ding Jiayi still ordered Qiao Nan toe out. She was indeed obnoxious.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It is better that you don¡¯t go out.¡± Principal Meng also agreed with Shi Qing. Ding Jiayi was a disaster. One had to cut the Gordian knot to deal with people like her.

    Qiao Dongliang had already made a decision. As a child, Qiao Nan should not interfere in the adults¡¯ affairs.

    ¡°You should stay at home. There are so many people around. She won¡¯t be able to get in.¡± Liu Neng sighed. It had been close to three years, but Ding Jiayi still continued with her crazy behavior.

    ¡°Telephone!¡± Qiao Nan grabbed the phone in the house and called the hospital that Ding Jiayi was staying at. ¡°Hello, the patient from ward 503 of your hospital is not in the hospital. She has sneaked out of the hospital. Can you send someone to bring her back?¡±

 Chapter 825 - Do Not Poke Your Nose in Other Peopleâ€™s Affairs

    <h4>Chapter 825 Do Not Poke Your Nose in Other People¡¯s Affairs</h4>

    Ding Jiayi had not been discharged from the hospital. If she were to leave the hospital at this time, it would not be beneficial for the recovery of her injuries.

    The hospital had also neglected their duties by allowing a patient to leave in such a way.

    Of course, at this point in time, Qiao Nan would not pursue the matter with the hospital. After all, if Ding Jiayi wished to leave the hospital, would they be able to send someone to keep a watch on her twenty-four hours a day?

    It would do as long as the hospital quickly took Ding Jiayi away. Qiao Nan did expect anything else.

    When the hospital received Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call, they went to check the ward as soon as possible. True enough, Ding Jiayi, who had gone for a stroll, had note back after an hour. They could not find her in all the gardens situated in the hospital.

    On the contrary, the hospital¡¯s security guard recalled seeing Ding Jiayi and said that she had left the hospital. When Ding Jiayi left, she was not wearing the patient¡¯s robe. As such, he had thought that she was a visiting family member of one of the patients in the hospital.

    After confirming that the information provided via the phone call was real, the hospital could only try to find ways to bring Ding Jiayi back. Ding Jiayi¡¯s health was just getting better. If she wanted to be discharged, she would need to wait for at least another half a month.

    At this moment, if anything were to happen to Ding Jiayi, the hospital also had to bear part of the responsibility.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back. I still have something on. Don¡¯t stand in my way!¡± At the sight of the people from the hospital, Ding Jiayi wanted to run away. She was going to have a divorce soon. She would not have a family soon. So what if she were to break a limb?

    After leaving the hospital for such a long time, her clothes were now drenched. She had not even seen Qiao Nan, let alone to pose her requests to Qiao Nan and make thetter fulfill them.

    ¡°The patient is a little emotional. If she continues to resist in this way, her injuries will worsen. Let¡¯s inject some sedative into her.¡± The doctor observed that Ding Jiayi seemed emotionally unstable. Her eyes were red and strings of red blood vessels could be seen on her yellowish eyeballs. No matter how he looked at it, Ding Jiayi was not in the right state of mind.

    As a precautionary measure, the doctor instructed the nurse to inject Ding Jiayi with a small amount of sedative to let her quiet down.

    After one injection, not to mention a tigress like Ding Jiayi, even a real tiger could only quiet down and let the people from the hospital bring it back.

    It was only when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang finally got a divorce that this edy¡¯ of the Qiao family came to an end.

    Qiao Zijin had been covering her mouth and holding the equipment provided by Chen Jun in her hands. She filmed the entire process of Ding Jiayi making a ruckus right from the start.

    As soon as Ding Jiayi was lifted into the hospital¡¯s vehicle and left, Qiao Zijin walked to a dark spot. With trembling hands, she switched off the equipment and took out her phone to call Chen Jun. ¡°I, I listened to you and took a video of everything. You... What exactly do you intend to do? My dad is really going to divorce my mom. My mom can¡¯t even object to it.¡±

    Earlier, Qiao Zijin was very shocked as well when she heard the marriagew mentioned by Zhai Sheng. She did not expect that there was such aw that coincidentally matched the situation of the Qiao family.

    She had refused to let her mother look for her father all this while as she wanted to take the chance to let her father know her mother¡¯s attitude. She wanted to make known clearly to her father that he should not always think that he could be fearless.

    He was not afraid of her mother and had been using divorce as a threat. It was not true that her mother might not be able to live on after the divorce.

    This n was not sessful. A woman¡¯s independence had not been well established. Qiao Dongliang did not feel the charm and beauty of a woman¡¯s independence from Ding Jiayi. On the contrary, the two older ones in the family were really going to go through a divorce.

    Did it mean that she would have to follow her mother and lead a life without a father from today onward?

    ¡°You can¡¯t bear to do so now?¡± Chen Jun sneered. ¡°Whenever I heard you talked about your father, you seemed to hate him and expected better from him. You talked as if you looked down on him and didn¡¯t care whether you have this father. Now that your parents are getting a divorce, you can¡¯t bear to see it happen?¡±

    ¡°This... It¡¯s better to have something than nothing,¡± Qiao Zijin said resentfully. Her parents were getting a divorce. No matter what, she did not feel that this was right.

    ¡°Alright, the divorce has already been finalized. There¡¯s no use even if you think too much about it. Since you have filmed it, send it over to me.¡± Chen Jun could not be bothered about these messy matters in the Qiao family. Whether it was Qiao Dongliang or Ding Jiayi, they were secondary. He only wanted to deal with one person-Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin had always obeyed Chen Jun. ¡°Oh, but Brother Chen Jun, will my mom be fine?¡± Her mother already had a car ident and could not go through another round of torture.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She can be discharged from the hospital after half a month. I guarantee you that your mom will be in very good spirits in half a month¡¯s time,¡± Chen Jun said, trying to smoke his way through.

    After Qiao Zijin sent over the video, Chen Jun watched it from the start until the end carefully. Upon confirming that there was nothing wrong with the content, he then stored it away as if it was a treasure.

    ¡°Brother Chen Jun, what is the use of this thing?¡± Qiao Zijin did not understand. Qiao Nan was really bing increasingly powerful. She now had Zhai Sheng backing her. What did Qiao Nan need to be afraid of in the future?

    At the thought that Chen Jun had not seeded at all despite his previous attempts to deal with Qiao Nan, now that the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng was going to be out in the open, Qiao Zijin doubted whether she and Chen Jun would still have the chance.

    ¡°Right, didn¡¯t you say that the Zhai family is already aware of the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng? What¡¯s the attitude of the Zhai family¡¯s old chief and his spouse about this?¡± He did not believe that the old chief and his wife would be able to ept a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan.

    The Zhai family was not the Chen family. Their requirements were not going to be as low as that of the Chen family.

    ¡°This... It¡¯s hard to tell...¡± Qiao Zijin seemed to be in a tight spot. ¡°Madam Zhai fainted from anger. But before she fainted, she gave my mom a p and evenshed out at my mom with all the words that my mom had used to scold Qiao Nan. Judging from this, even after she found out that Qiao Nan is with Regiment Commander Zhai, she did not seem to hate Qiao Nan very much. As for the old chief, I can¡¯t tell.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I am aware of this now. Go back to the hospital and take care of your mother. There are fifty yuan here. Take it.¡± Chen Jun casually threw fifty yuan to Qiao Zijin. Before Qiao Zijin could reach out for the money, it had already dropped to the ground.

    Qiao Zijin tugged the corners of her lips but she still bent down and picked up the money.

    It was not the first time that this had happened. Qiao Zijin was not sure if Chen Jun did it on purpose. However, she felt uneasy each time it happened. ¡°Brother Chen Jun, you have been dealing against Qiao Nan all this while. What are your thoughts exactly?¡±

    The reason she did not wish that Qiao Nan would lead a good life was that she wanted to be better than Qiao Nan. Then, was Chen Jun¡¯s reason also purely because he did not want to see Qiao Nan lead a good life?

    After a period of interaction with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin felt that his motive was definitely not that simple. He spent so much time and effort to arrange all these. He must have wanted to gain something much more than what she had imagined. It was just that she could not guess Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts.

    Chen Jun raised his brows. ¡°This has got nothing to do with you, so you don¡¯t need to bother. Don¡¯t forget that you still have to go to school in over a month¡¯s time. Do you think that I¡¯m giving you money for no reason? No household will have extra money to raise and support outsiders or idlers, understand?¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not seem to be a very useful person either. It was just that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. Qiao Zijin was then able to ¡®get rich¡¯ with thisyer of connection.

 Chapter 826 - Fortunately, There Is Zhai Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 826 Fortunately, There Is Zhai Sheng</h4>

    He could only make use of Qiao Zijin to plot against Qiao Nan. Otherwise, he would even deal with Shi Qing, who was always by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, let alone Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I... I know.¡± Qiao Zijin could continue with her studies due to Chen Jun and not Ding Jiayi.

    At the mention of money, Qiao Zijin could not lift up her head in front of Chen Jun. This was because she did not have any source of ie at all. That hard-earned money of Ding Jiayi was only sufficient for Qiao Zijin¡¯s living expenses.

    She watched on as Qiao Nan¡¯s life turned increasingly better. Her mother had created a fuss today but Qiao Nan was still the provincial top scorer in the college entrance examination. Qiao Nan could choose to go to any top tier university of her choice.

    On the contrary, she was just a student undergoing her diploma studies. If she could not even graduate from the diploma studies, she could no longer visualize the gap between Qiao Nan and her.

    en

    With Qiao Nan being the top scorer in the college entrance examination, Qiao Zijin was not even willing to mention to others that she was going through diploma studies.

    ¡°Since you know, you can leave now. You should understand. After your parents are divorced, your mom is still Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. Be a little smarter on this. Don¡¯t disappoint me.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m leaving then.¡± When Chen Jun requested her to leave, Qiao Zijin dared not remain behind.

    When she left, Qiao Zijin took a nce at Chen Jun¡¯s back. She initially had some thoughts in mind but she now felt very lost about her future.

    However, even Qiao Nan could find someone like Zhai Sheng. No matter what, she had to find someone that could not be too worse off than Zhai Sheng. Regardless of what happened, she would grab all the opportunities avable to realize this goal.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you so much for today. If you are not around, most probably, my dad couldn¡¯t handle it alone.¡± When Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Dongliang home, most of the crowd at the house of the Qiao family had dispersed. However, Qiao Nan did not look any better.

    No one would have expected that, of all times, Ding Jiayi had to pick such a moment to embarrass herself and also conveniently embarrass everyone around her.

    A muddleheaded person would do muddleheaded things. She did not know when Ding Jiayi woulde to her senses in this lifetime. At the very least, she should not always drag others down.

    ¡°No problem. There will be an oue of your parents¡¯ matter very soon.¡± Zhai Sheng certainly did not need to use his own power to influence the decision of the court. However, he had never said that he would definitely not use his family¡¯s connections to speed up the development of the matter and let this divorcewsuite to a closure earlier.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao, she...¡± At the thought that Miao Jing fainted from anger today, Qiao Nan was both sad and unhappy. ¡°Auntie Miao still can¡¯t ept me?¡±

    ¡°No, it has nothing to do with this. It should be that my mom did not find out about this at the right time, and it was under such circumstances. Zhai Hua called me and told me that Mom is now awake. Don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be any issue.¡± Zhai Sheng consoled Qiao Nan and asked her not to overthink. The situation was not as horrible as it seemed.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go back home and take a look at Auntie Miao? If you don¡¯t go home, I am certain that Auntie Miao¡¯s impression of me will worsen.¡± The main reason that the mother-inw could not get along with the daughter-inw was that the former felt that the appearance of thetter had taken away the existence of the son.

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Zhai Sheng had also wanted to return to the house of the Zhai family. ¡°Watch after Uncle Qiao more. I¡¯ll make a trip home and call youter. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be here no matter what happens.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan could only say ¡®okay¡¯. ¡°Brother Zhai, if Auntie Miao really can¡¯t ept me at this point and ask you to break up with me, don¡¯t be too harsh or go against her when you speak to her. At most, you can postpone the day of our engagement.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be postponed.¡± After giving Qiao Nan a hug, Zhai Sheng then went home. Even if his mother did not agree, he would also think of ways to let his mother nod so that he and Nan Nan could be engaged.

    After Zhai Sheng left, Shi Qing appeared. ¡°See, I already told you that you don¡¯t need to be so worried. Brother Zhai is around. He will definitely settle it for you.¡±

    ¡°This is ultimately a matter that concerns the two of us. He has been settling the problems for me but I can¡¯t seem to help him in any way. I¡¯m just worried that there will be too much burden on Brother Zhai.¡± At the same time, she was also worried whether her rtionship with Zhai Sheng could continue should she depend on Zhai Sheng in everything

    ¡°That¡¯s true too.¡± Shi Qing had to admit. ¡°If Brother Zhai was not here today, your mother would still be fearless. She thought that the divorce could not proceed as long as she did not agree. Your father was not clear about it either. It was only when a high-status figure such as Brother Zhai stepped out to say something that your mother finally felt frightened and believed his words. Fortunately, Brother Zhai came today and gave you support. Otherwise, even if this matter was forcibly resolved today, it would most likely look quite bad in the end.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had toe and make a fuss on the joyous day that Qiao Nan was announced as the provincial top humanities student in the college entrance examination. Even a happy asion could be a funeral.

    That being said, Ding Jiayi was prepared to be at odds with Qiao Nan during the period before and after her college entrance examination?

    Ding Jiayi came here to create a scene today and she would listen to no one. Zhai Sheng was an exception. After all, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s status, Ding Jiayi was deemed as someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong

    If the person who spoke out was not powerful enough, she would totally ignore them.

    ¡°I hope that everything will be smooth sailing.¡± Shi Qing was also worried. ¡°I think you have some hope in this matter as Auntie Miao pped your mother for you. Auntie Miao likes you so much usually. Why would she reject you just because you have be Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°I hope so.¡± Qiao Nan felt very unsettled and worried at heart. Given the edy¡¯ today, she had to prepare herself for the worst.

    When Zhai Sheng arrived home, fortunately, there were only the Zhai family members at home. He did not see Wei De, who was an eyesore to him. ¡°How¡¯s Mom?¡±

    Zhai Hua said helplessly, ¡°Once Mom woke up, she chased Dad and me out. Mom has been staying in the bedroom and has note out until now.¡±

    In the past, her mother would look for Qiao Nan whenever she encountered any matter that bothered her. It was an awkward situation. Her mother could not even look for Qiao Nan now.

    ¡°How¡¯s the situation at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side?¡± Zhai Yaohui enquired about the situation at the Qiao family first. ¡°Your mom¡¯s temper is like that. She will be fine after a while. Tell me about the situation of the Qiao family first. Since Ding Jiayi had left the Qiao family for two years, ording to thews in our country, it¡¯s not difficult if Qiao Dongliang wants to get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°Not difficult. The divorce will be sessful. Furthermore, there will most likely be an oue within these few days.¡± Zhai Sheng drank two cups of water before he could quench his thirst.

    Zhai Yaohui nodded. ¡°Did Qiao Nan have a fright?¡± Zhai Yaohui truly felt his heart ache for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan is already used to that kind of behavior from Ding Jiayi. She is more worried about Mom¡¯s condition.¡±

 Chapter 827 - The Biological Mother Double-Crossing Her Own Son

    <h4>Chapter 827 The Biological Mother Double-Crossing Her Own Son</h4>

    A beautiful day had turned into a horrible one. After such an encounter, no one would feel happy.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about me? That pile of lousy matters in her family is enough for her to worry.¡± At this moment, Miao Jing came out of her bedroom. She wore a stiff expression as she said this in a rather unhappy manner.

    When Miao Jing said this, the father and children trio had some doubts. They were unsure of Miao Jing¡¯s stance.

    When one first heard Miao Jing¡¯s words, one would feel that she was quite mean. Qiao Nan was pitiful enough to have encountered such a matter and Miao Jing had to say such things on top of that.

    Nevertheless, upon careful thinking, these words of Miao Jing seemed to carry some feelings of concern for Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua looked at each other as they did not understand their mother¡¯s words. ¡°Mom, although it¡¯s a littlete, I¡¯m reporting a situation to you today. I have loved Nan Nan since she was in her third year of junior high school. I confessed to her but she did not agree. Thereafter, Nan Nan said that she¡¯s still too young and her studies are more important. She said that we could discuss the matter between us further after she graduates from senior high school and is eligible to go to college. One month ago, I have already submitted my marriage report and it has been approved by the organization. My initial n is to make use of the time during this summer vacation to be engaged with Nan Nan first. When Nan Nan reaches the legal age of marriage, Nan Nan and I will then collect the marriage certificate.¡±

    Miao Jing was so angry that her lips almost formed a straight line. ¡°Since you have gotten it all nned, then why are you telling me this now? You¡¯re just notifying me, right?!¡±

    What kind of lousy child was this? He was not eloquent at all. Wouldn¡¯t she be angrier if he said all these?

    Did Zhai Sheng still want to be engaged with Nan Nan? Did he still wish to make Nan Nan part of the Zhai family?!

    ¡°However, before I came back, Nan Nan instructed me to take your views seriously. If you¡¯re unhappy, we can dy our matter. We are still young and are not in a hurry. We can talk about engagement after you ept us. Nan Nan also said that those are just our previous and initial ns. If you are willing to ept her, and as engagement and marriage are not small matters, we have to defer to the views of both respective families¡¯ parents.¡± In contrast to his earlier words, Zhai Sheng¡¯s words were much more positive-sounding. Miao Jing¡¯s expression finally looked more at ease now.

    Nevertheless, Miao Jing snorted unhappily. ¡°I believe that those polite words in the second part of your speech were from Nan Nan. I don¡¯t believe that Nan Nan and you have discussed getting engaged after her college entrance examination. Nan Nan is not that kind of child. You must have been the one who decided on that. Nan Nan was not even allowed to reject.¡±

    She gave birth to her son. Even if she was not the one who brought him up personally, could she not know how domineering her son was toward the people and matters that he cared very much about?

    Nan Nan was still young and had just reached eighteen years of age. In addition, she had ns for her studies. How could Nan Nan possibly think of marriage at this juncture? Certainly, Zhai Sheng must have been the one who thought of this!

    When she heard that Miao Jing¡¯s tone had obviously turned better and she even praised Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua¡¯s mouth formed an ¡®o¡¯ shape, expressing that she had widened her horizons.

    It was no wonder her parents became increasingly unhappy each time she put in good words for Wei De in front of them. It turned out she had utilized the wrong method.

    She had to learn from Zhai Sheng. She had to be the bad guy first, and thereafter, brought out the positive qualities such as the understanding and polite nature of her partner. Yes, she had to do it that way!

    If she had known things would turn out this way earlier, she would have sought Zhai Sheng¡¯s advice long ago.

    But it was strange. She was the elder sister and Zhai Sheng was the younger one. Why was it that she did not know what he did? It was fine that she did not know. However, she still had to go and consult him!

    ¡°So, Mom, how do you view this? What are your thoughts on this?¡± After coaxing his mother sessfully, Zhai Sheng had not forgotten the main topic.

    Miao Jing took a deep breath. She then looked at Zhai Sheng, seemingly a little helpless. ¡°Zhai Sheng, tell me. Are you serious about Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± He had always very serious in everything that he did, including his rtionship matters.

    ¡°Guess. When I found out that Nan Nan is that young girlfriend of yours, what was my first reaction?¡± Miao Jing gave a bitter smile. The three of them-Zhai Yaohui and the children-were all worried that she would object to Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan being together. In fact, it was true that she was a little against it but the reason behind it was different from what they were thinking.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng fell silent for a while. At this moment, they were not sure what to infer from Miao Jing¡¯s current reaction and what her thoughts were when she first heard about this piece of news.

    Zhai Hua was the only one who shook her head honestly as if she was an obedient baby.

    It was seldom that Zhai Hua would disy such a dimwitted side of hers. Miao Jing smiled with some bitterness. ¡°Then, do you know that I actually have already considered what kind of person Nan Nan should be married to in the future?¡±

    Zhai Huaughed as she moved closer to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Mom is saying that she has thought of double-crossing you before.¡±

    It was a rare urrence that a biological mother would double-cross her own son. However, it happened in their family.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. He asked Zhai Hua to shut up and continue to listen to Miao Jing.

    When his mother said this, it meant that she had already put away with this initial thought.

    ¡°I know that Nan Nan likes soldiers very much. She said that soldiers exude a sense of justice that will make her feel very safe. I have been thinking. Given our family¡¯s situation, won¡¯t it be easy to help Nan Nan find a soldier to marry? We don¡¯t want the lousy ones or those who are not good enough. Anyway, Nan Nan is still young. When she is of marriageable age, Zhai Sheng will no longer just be a regimentmander. At that time, I will get Zhai Sheng to find a better regimentmander and let him interact with Nan Nan. If this person dares to bully Nan Nan, given the capability of the Zhai family, it¡¯s not difficult to deal with him and seek justice for Nan Nan. Since ancient times, the perspective is that a woman should marry someone of higher status while a man should marry someone of lower status. However, from my perspective, there¡¯s nothing disadvantageous for a woman to marry into a family with lower status. At the very least, the maternal family can subdue the inw family...¡±

    The faces of Zhai Yaohui and children trio turned ck simultaneously. They did not really agree with what Miao Jing said.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s status, was it considered marrying into a family of lower status if she were to marry a regimentmander?!

    Zhai Hua was the first one that wanted to jump out and expressed that she was only a deputy battalionmander while Wei De was just a small squad leader when he was in the army.

    In that case, if she were to marry Wei De at that time, was she not considered marrying into a family of lower status?

    On the other hand, Zhai Yaohui understood that Miao Jing had truly seen Qiao Nan as her own daughter.

    If she was the daughter of the Zhai family, it was not considered a big deal to be married to a regimentmander.

    Hence, it could be said that his wife had nearly double-crossed their son by introducing a marriage partner to their daughter-inw?

    Zhai Sheng, who had the same thought, undoubtedly looked the most sullen. He even felt a cluster of green clouds above his head, and these green clouds were formed by his biological mother. She was indeed his biological mother!

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me in this way. This is the truth. As long as our family is around, I don¡¯t need to worry that Nan Nan will be bullied. All this while, to me, Zhai Sheng had been treating Nan Nan as his biological younger sister...¡± So, even when she and Zhai Yaohui were no longer around one day, she also believed that Zhai Sheng would continue to treat Nan Nan as his biological younger sister and take care of her.

    Who would have known that...

    Zhai Yaohui smiled. He conceded defeat regarding his own wife¡¯s intelligence.

 Chapter 828 - Is Qiao Nan a Willing Party?

    <h4>Chapter 828 Is Qiao Nan a Willing Party?</h4>

    Which man would look at his biological sister in that way?

    Furthermore, which man would visit his biological sister every day and ignore the woman who could possibly be his fianc¨¦e or future spouse?

    Miao Miao did not even think about the fact that Zhai Sheng had insisted on rejecting the wedding arrangement between Qiu Chenxi and him only after Qiao Nan appeared.

    If Zhai Sheng had not met the right person, how could he possibly confirm that Qiu Chenxi was definitely the wrong one and could say with certainty that it was impossible between Qiu Chenxi and him?

    All of a sudden, Zhai Yaohui did not know whether to say that Qiao Nan had a good mother-inw or a ¡®good mother¡¯.

    Miao Jing gave a long sigh. ¡°If Nan Nan is really together with you, and if you bully Nan Nan, how are we going to help Nan Nan?¡±

    In the past, Miao Jing¡¯s stand had never wavered. If Qiao Nan suffered in her marriage, she would only stand on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. However, the person that was going to marry Qiao Nan had now be her son. What should she do? Was she going to be a good mother-inw or a good mother?

    Putting aside being a good mother-inw or a good mother, Miao Jing could not help Qiao Nan even if she was willing to do so as she could not subdue Zhai Sheng, this son of hers!

    ¡°Mom, you fainted just because of this?¡± Zhai Hua looked at Miao Jing in disbelief. She had thought that her mother had been furious. Instead, it was because she was too anxious

    -anxious that she could not help Qiao Nan stand up for herself when facing her husband¡¯s family!

    ¡°Mom, I think Dad and you picked Zhai Sheng and me up from streets, didn¡¯t you?¡± Otherwise, why would her mother first consider the problem that Qiao Nan would face and not whether it was appropriate for Zhai Sheng to marry Qiao Nan? The focus waspletely different.

    ¡°You must have been picked up from the streets. Otherwise, why are all of you angering me!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face turned red as she gave Zhai Hua a re.

    If they were not her biological children, would she be so angry at them?

    Zhai Hua shrank her neck. Alright, she spoke some nonsense that provoked her mother¡¯s anger again.

    Zhai Sheng tried hard to chase away that cluster of green clouds above his head and asked in a forthright manner, ¡°Mom, in that case, you agree to the matter between Nan Nan and me?¡±

    ¡°Is Nan Nan a willing party in this?¡± Miao Jing asked with some doubt. ¡°You¡¯re quite outstanding but you¡¯re much older than Nan Nan. I heard from others that there will be a generation gap for every three-year difference in age. Nan Nan and you already have two generation gaps, no?¡±

    In other words, could Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nanmunicate when they were together?

    Could it be that Qiao Nan was too young and did not know Zhai Sheng¡¯s intentions? Or could it be that Zhai Sheng took advantage of Qiao Nan¡¯s age and *** Qiao Nan to agree to this?

    Marriage was between two individuals and involved two families. Both individuals had to be willing parties.

    Upon hearing such heart-piercing words from Miao Jing, Zhai Sheng threw a look at Zhai Yaohui as if to say, ¡®This is your wife. Settle her.¡¯ He then stood up and returned to his bedroom.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng was certainly happy that Miao Jing could agree to the matter between Nan Nan and him so swiftly. It was just that Miao Jing did not seem to be clear whose mother she was. This attitude was a little intolerable.

    Now, even Zhai Sheng wanted to question if he was her biological son and was not picked up from who knows where.

    Why was it that her mother had to continuously double-cross him and yearn that it would not be sessful between Nan Nan and him?

    ¡°Spoiled.¡± Zhai Hua was not pleased. Her mother¡¯s attitude was a little strange. Nevertheless, after all, she did not intend to object to it.

    At the thought that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s matter was proceeding so smoothly, and that even Miao Jing¡¯s fainting episode earlier was just a false rm, Zhai Hua felt sad for Wei De and herself.

    Then, as she thought of Wei De¡¯s performance today, Zhai Hua was very dissatisfied.

    There were not many opportunities for Wei De to perform in front of her parents. There was such a rare chance today and Wei De actually let it slip.

    If her parents had not long received news that Qiao Nan had be the provincial top humanities student and everyone was in a good mood to congratte Qiao Nan together, Wei De would not even have the chance to make the trip together with her family.

    It was not easy for her to finally have such a good opportunity for Wei De appear so that he could leave a good impression on the Zhai family. In the end, he caused much revulsion to the Zhai family instead.

    Given the current situation whereby Wei De seemed so ipetent that everything he touched would turn to dust, Zhai Hua felt disheartened too. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going back to my bedroom to rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Once Zhai Hua left, Miao Jing exploded. ¡°What rest? She must be giving a call to Wei De. Hua Hua was not pleased that I don¡¯t like Wei De. She insisted that Wei De is good. After so many encounters, why is it that I couldn¡¯t see anything good about that person? Today, he didn¡¯t even look at the situation. He looked down on Nan Nan and deliberately hoodwinked me so that I would look down on Nan Nan, right!¡±

    Miao Jing was sensitive. Many years ago, she had been treated in the same way by Qi Min. Therefore, she was able to see through this cheap trick of Wei De at once.

    It was precisely because of this that Miao Jing was furious.

    Her daughter was so smitten with such an individual. Until now, she was not willing to listen to their advice to let go of him. All of Miao Jing¡¯s frustration was now directed at Wei De.

    An individual like Wei De, who, instead of helping, added salt to the injury when his family members were in trouble, Miao Jing expressed that if she really could not stop Zhai Hua from getting married to Wei De, after her death, she did not want Wei De to kowtow to her at her grave, and neither would she ept the money that Wei De burn for her!

    To Miao Jing, even Zhai Sheng, this biological son, had to stand aside, let alone Wei De, an outsider.

    Wei De was only concerned about boycotting Qiao Nan but he had forgotten Miao Jing¡¯s usual attitude toward Qiao Nan. At this juncture, he had tried to gain an advantage only to end up worse off. He had increased Miao Miao¡¯s annoyance and despise toward

    him.

    ¡°This person definitely cannot make it.¡± Zhai Yaohui very much agreed to Miao Jing¡¯s views on this. ¡°The good thing is that Zhai Sheng has a way and managed to persuade Zhai Hua. Hence, she didn¡¯t continue to be so stubborn with us. It¡¯s just that we have to spend more time and effort in this matter.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui could not understand as well. His daughter was not extremely intelligent but was also not someone that could be misled so easily.

    Why was it that Wei De had so many demerits and poor qualities, but his daughter seemed to be blind and oblivious to all his shorings? She did not mind or speak about it and was so devoted to Wei De.

    ¡°Nan Nan said that no one is perfect. Zhai Hua¡¯s expectation of Wei De is not high and it¡¯s enough as long as Wei De is good to her. She found all the care and doting that she did not enjoy from the both of us previously from Wei De,¡± Miao Jing said angrily. ¡°I want to care and dote on Hua Hua. But now, Hua Hua favors her partner more than her family. She doesn¡¯t want my love and doting. She only wants Wei De to be good to her!!!¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan really said that?¡± He did not know that Zhai Hua possessed such psychology when she was with Wei De.

    It was no wonder Qiao Nan always told Miao Miao that debts would always have to be repaid one day.

    As for what they had owed Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui was aware that regardless of the magnitude of the debt, they would certainly be able to repay him as long as they could let him marry Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to worry. After Qiao Nan is engaged to Zhai Sheng, you can not only go to the house of the Qiao family but also let Qiao Nan stay at our house when she has spare time. At that time, you can then have a good talk with Qiao Nan on this. Qiao Nan is knowledgeable in this area.¡±

 Chapter 829 - Everyone Has Agreed?

    <h4>Chapter 829 Everyone Has Agreed?</h4>

    Regarding Zhai Hua¡¯s psychological state, Zhai Yaohui did not have a single idea of what was going on in her mind.

    Nevertheless, after hearing these words from Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui thought about it carefully and felt that there was such a possibility.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Nan Nan is going to be engaged to Zhai Sheng and will be part of our family soon. I can ask Nan Nan to stay over at our house.¡± In the past, Zhai Yaohui would never allow her to stay over at the house of the Qiao family unless she had a conflict with their family members.

    There was no choice as Qiao Nan was not the only one staying at the house of the Qiao family. There was also Qiao Dongliang.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang was not divorced, it was the truth that Ding Jiayi was not around. It was also the truth that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rtionship with Ding Jiayi was broken.

    At the thought that his wife would be staying in a house with the presence of another man, Zhai Yaohui would feel uneasy all over. He would never agree to it.

    Now, the situation was different. If Qiao Nan could stay over at the Zhai family, Zhai Yaohui did not have a reason to stop her anymore.

    It seemed that Zhai Sheng was not the only one who would benefit from his engagement with Qiao Nan.

    No one would have expected that Miao Jing, who should be the one that was the most difficult to tackle, was, in fact, not a problem at all. Zhai Sheng did not even need to persuade Miao Jing. On the other hand, Miao Miao nearly sold out her own son and double-crossed him by introducing thedy that he loved to another man as a potential wife.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng further did not expect that, in fact, Miao Jing already had someone in mind: Zhou Jun.

    Zhou Jun was certainly much older but Miao Jing had checked the situation of Zhou Jun¡¯s family. Zhou Jun and Qiao Nan knew each other and Zhou Jun also had positive feelings toward Qiao Nan.

    The timing was just right. While Qiao Nan was studying, Zhou Jun could work hard to rise in the ranks under the leadership of Zhai Sheng.

    When Zhou Jun was promoted to regimentmander, Qiao Nan would have graduated from college and bepatible with Zhou Jun. Was this not killing two birds with one stone?

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was not aware of this. Otherwise, he would really vomit three liters of blood due to anger.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng had been prepping Miao Jing mentally for this and it was not entirely futile. Miao Jing spent a slightly longer time thinking about this in her bedroom but she epted this reality in the end.

    Everyone in the family but her knew about this. From the situation, Miao Jing knew that her objection would be useless as Zhai Yaohui was the true decision-maker in the family.

    Thereafter, Miao Jing thought about it again. She had always felt that Qiao Nan was a gooddy, one that made people¡¯s heart ache for her. Why didn¡¯t she think of the saying ¡®one does not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others¡¯ before and let Qiao Nan be married to her own son?

    She did not know other youngdies well but she was extremely familiar with Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Nan were to be with Zhai Sheng, she no longer needed to worry about finding the right man that would be most suitable for Qiao Nan. She also did not need to worry whether that young girlfriend of Zhai Sheng was suitable for him and that they would be suffering in pain if they were to force themselves to be together.

    It could be said that the reunion of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had, at once, resolved the two major problems that Miao Jing always had on her mind.

    As such, Miao Jing felt that she also did not seem to have a reason to object to this.

    Just as Miao Jing sorted out her thoughts, coincidentally, Zhai Sheng arrived home. Miao Jing then came out of her bedroom and expressed her thoughts in case Qiao Nan could not let down her worries.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re not lying to me, right? Auntie Miao agreed without hesitation? Impossible! Didn¡¯t Auntie Miao faint from anger?¡± Upon hearing this piece of good news, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. She felt more emotional and had more difficulty controlling her feelings than when she heard that she had be the top scorer in the college entrance examination.

    Initially, when she heard that Miao Jing had fainted, Qiao Nan thought that her matter with Zhai Sheng was going to be unsessful. She was already mentally prepared for it.

    Unexpectedly, such a huge and pleasant surprise dropped from the sky and hit Qiao Nan. She almost fainted. ¡°Auntie Miao really agreed to it? Then, why did she faint from anger?¡±

    ¡°I feel that my mom fainting did not have anything to do with us. She fainted as she was too angry with Wei De.¡± Zhai Sheng had no reservation about pushing all the me to Wei De.

    Even if the news of their rtionship had affected Miao Jing greatly and Wei De was just part of the reason for the fainting episode, Zhai Sheng did not hesitate to let Wei De be the scapegoat. He would coax Qiao Nan to make her happy first.

    ¡°What¡¯s with him?¡± Qiao Nan wiped her eyes. She had finally let down the worries that were with her for the whole afternoon.

    ¡°Anyway, there¡¯s nothing good to say. You should have already guessed it. We don¡¯t need to talk in detail lest we feel unhappy. I believe that Zhai Hua is calling Wei De now to scold him.¡± Zhai Sheng was not willing to bring up those few words of Wei De in case of affecting their mood. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom said that she will arrange a meet up with Uncle Qiao within these few days. Even if we n to be engaged, the two families need to have a proper discussion on whether to have a small banquet or something. Most likely, my dad will give a call to my grandfather and ask him to make a trip home. The old master is going to have a granddaughter-inw soon. He has to get to know her.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, are you saying this just to coax me?¡± Qiao Nan sniffed. Why did she feel that her happiness had arrived too sudden and was a little unreal?

    ¡°You will know within these two days whether I¡¯m just coaxing you. It¡¯s better that you inform Uncle Qiao first, lest Uncle Qiao is totally unprepared like you.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re really going to tell him about this?¡± If she were to inform her father, it would mean that the two families would meet formally. It was fine for Brother Zhai to console her with this, but it would be overboard to console her father in the same way.

    ¡°You can go ahead to tell him that. Don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan smiled with relief.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk, look at your smile. It¡¯s sweeter than when you¡¯re eating sweets. There¡¯s no issue with Madam Zhai¡¯s side? Brother Zhai is so capable to have resolved it so quickly!¡± Shi Qing dared not believe it. This good news came too quickly and there was no conflict at all.

    She had thought that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had to go through a fight to get Miao Jing¡¯s approval.

    ¡°I¡¯m not very sure too. Brother Zhai didn¡¯t give too many details. He just told me that Auntie Miao did not object and even wants to meet my dad to discuss.¡± Qiao Nan was still in a daze at the moment. She could only repeat what Zhai Sheng had said.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had just stepped out of his bedroom, was very surprised to hear this. ¡°The old chief¡¯s family has all... all agreed?!¡± Was this possible?

    ¡°Hmm, actually, Chief Zhai knew about the matter between Brother Zhai and me long ago. He has known about it for about two years. Auntie Miao was the only one who found out about it today. Nevertheless, just as Brother Zhai said, Auntie Miao has agreed.¡± At the mention of this, Qiao Nan felt quite shy.

    In her previous life, she was a forty-year-old woman. She did not even have a boyfriend, let alone talks about marriage.

    In this life, she was going to have a fianc¨¦ as soon as she reached the age of an adult. The difference between the two lifetimes was so extreme.

    Qiao Dongliang heaved a sigh of relief. The old chief had known about this matter for so long but he had never expressed anything. This clearly showed that he had agreed. However...

 Chapter 830 - Oh No, Something Is Happening

    <h4>Chapter 830 Oh No, Something Is Happening</h4>

    ¡°Madam Zhai fainted today.¡± Simrly, Qiao Dongliang cared very much about the fact that Miao Jing had fainted. This reaction did not seem like she would agree to the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. ¡°That meal... Don¡¯t you think it will be a meal in disguise of some plot?¡±

    ¡°No, it can¡¯t be.¡± Before Qiao Nan could reply, Qiao Dongliang rejected this notion. ¡°Soldiers are always true to their words. They won¡¯te up with such things. Then, Nan Nan, you have truly been epted by the old chief¡¯s family? This won¡¯t do. Why do I feel so dizzy? I... I¡¯ll go back to my room to lie down for a while.¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Dongliang returning to his bedroom feeling heavy-minded and light-footed, both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were amused. ¡°Qiao Nan, your father is so funny. But that¡¯s for sure. Anyone who hears this piece of news will be so happy that they can¡¯t differentiate between reality and false imagination. Qiao Nan, congrattions. You¡¯ve finally seeded after going through so many hardships.¡±

    She was all set to get into a top tier university and was going to get such an outstanding fianc¨¦ soon on top of that.

    Perhaps Ding Jiayi had created too many troubles and difficulties for Qiao Nan. Hence, Qiao Nan was rewarded after enduring all the hardships and was now on the momentum to be a big winner in life.

    Qiao Nanughed but she did not agree with Shi Qing¡¯s words.

    A woman was considered to have be sessful after finding and marrying a good man?

    No, Qiao Nan felt that a woman¡¯s lifetime should not only amount to that.

    When she received Brother Zhai¡¯s phone call, she was truly overjoyed. She was happy not because she seeded. She was happy because there was an opportunity that her rtionship with Brother Zhai would ¡®bloom¡¯ soon. ¡°Shi Qing, you have to remember that a woman¡¯s life is not all about a man. What I¡¯m happy about is that my rtionship can have a good ending.¡±

    She was not that kind of woman and did not hope that Shi Qing would be like that.

    Shi Qing was stunned. ¡°Have you thought about what you want to do in the future?¡±

    ¡°No, but I will definitely not be a housewife.¡± She would not remain at home. Although Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun¡¯s example in her previous life was a little special, however, if Qiao Zijin had not been idling too much at home, why would she think of having an extramarital affair?

    Since Qiao Zijin had been thoroughly dependent on Chen Jun for her living expenses, why would she leave the marriage without any maintenance or maritalpensation after divorcing Chen Jun? She could not even fork out any money for her own medical and hospitalization fees. Qiao Nan was the one who coughed out every cent.

    It was all because Qiao Zijin felt that she had married well and could be the ¡®rich youngdy¡± who was free of worries for her entire life.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Shi Qing replied. ¡°I think I won¡¯t either. I can¡¯t stay at home.¡±

    ¡°Right, Qiao Nan, I have to tell you something. It¡¯s not any good news. Initially, I wanted to tell you a few dayster in case you feel unhappy about it. Nevertheless, given what happened today, I think nothing else can deal you a blow. That matter which happened during the college entrance examination is a little bizarre. They won¡¯t be able to find out more even if they proceed with the investigation.¡±

    It was a man who paid the money for the arrangements. Almost all of those people at the ¡®frontline¡¯ pointed their fingers to the same man.

    The problem was that this man did not seem to be from Ping Cheng. He was someone from another ce and did not seem to be in Ping Cheng now.

    Without this middleman, it was impossible to find both proof and witness.

    Government officials had to act ording to thew. They could not convict someone of guilt based on a groundless guess.

    As such, they could not find out much regarding the matter pertaining to Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination despite having fined and imprisoned a few ordinary citizens for twenty-four hours.

    In other words, they most likely could not seek justice for Qiao Nan for the suffering that she had gone through.

    ¡°So it¡¯s about this matter.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression did not change, but the corners of her lips, which were curled into a slight smile, remained. ¡°I¡¯ve already guessed the oue of this matter. Even Qiao Zijin did not appear. The one who coborated with Qiao Zijin, no, I should say that the one who made use of Qiao Zijin won¡¯t possibly appear so easily. Brother Zhai told me that he will deal with these people.¡±

    At most, he would not deal with these people with this matter. He would deal with them using other means. As long as it was not illegal, nothing was impossible.

    ¡°Brother Zhai knew who did it?¡±

    ¡°He knows.¡±

    ¡°Who?!¡± Her father had not even found out and Brother Zhai already knew about it. That was quick.

    ¡°That cousin of yours is one of them. My biological sister is another one. There¡¯s another one-Chen Jun. As for...¡± Wei De that did not dirty his hands but was the cause of all the problems, Qiao Nan did not really wish to mention him at this point in time.

    ¡°What? Qiu Chenxi really has something to do with this! It¡¯s not right. The Qiu family is not poor but they are not that generous. Where did she get so much money? Regardless of how much my auntie dotes on her, it¡¯s good enough that she has a few hundred yuan in her hands. It¡¯s not possible for her to give out tens of thousands of yuan.¡±

    The situation of the Qiu family was not that good. Unless Qiu Qin took bribes or did something illegal...

    ¡°This issue... Brother Zhai said it¡¯s rted to a highly confidential matter of our country and it¡¯s not convenient to let me know about it. Hence, I¡¯m not very clear about the actual situation. Nevertheless, it seems that something major is going to happen to the Qiu family in the near future. It won¡¯t be as simple as a change in designation like before.¡± Qiao Nan told Shi Qing because she wanted to alert Shi Qing and Shi Peng, lest Shi Peng became implicated negatively if anything were to happen to the Qiu family.

    Unfortunately, Qi Min was Shi Peng¡¯s biological sister and Qiu Qin was his brother-inw.

    If the Qiu familymitted wrongdoings and something happened to them, perhaps some scheming individuals would drag Shi Peng into this and said that Shi Peng was in cahoots with the Qiu family, that Shi Peng was involved in all the wrongdoings that were done by the Qiu family

    One did not necessarily need to be overly anxious about this kind of matter but should be prepared in advance just in case.

    ¡°I understand what you mean. Don¡¯t worry. Our family does not have much connection or interaction with the Qiu family. If something really happens to the Qiu family, it has got nothing to do with my family and my father at all.¡± During the Lunar New Year for the past few years, she and her father had always gone back to her maternal grandfather¡¯s house in the capital. She would go to her paternal grandfather¡¯s house on the first day of the Lunar New Year and leave on the third day.

    Not to mention the Qiu family, even their interaction with Old Master Shi¡¯s family had also dwindled.

    However, if someone truly wanted to put the me of the Qiu family¡¯s matter on her father, it would be better if her father had some n in mind.

    Back to the topic, what major issue was going to happen to the Qiu family this time that required Qiao Nan to alert her father?

    Could it be that the money that Qiu Chenxi used did note from legal sources?

    If that was truly the case, Qiu Chenxi was really too audacious. The Qiu family was daring enough to take such money and Qiu Chenxi even dared to spend them to attract attention. She was not fearful of dying!

    Shi Qing did not understand why Qiu Chenxi was so full of herself. Previously, she did not believe that Qiao Nan was that vixen hidden by Zhai Sheng. Naturally, she felt that no one would suspect her for what she did this time. Well, did she really not know that Qiao Nan was the vixen that she had been looking for?

    Unfortunately, the first person that Zhai Sheng targeted was her.

    Everyone was in the same social circle. Zhai Sheng would not know for sure how wealthy the Qiu family was but he could estimate it.

 Chapter 831 - Are You That Kindhearted?

    <h4>Chapter 831 Are You That Kindhearted?</h4>

    The Qiu family built their wealth from scratch. Basically, they did not have any inheritance from their previous generations. Hence, it was impossible for the Qiu family to be so wealthy all of a sudden and even so generous to Qiu Chenxi by giving her tens of thousands of yuan.

    The source of ie of the Qiu family was clearly illegal.

    With this clue, it was much easier for Zhai Sheng to continue with the investigation.

    Hence, none of the wrongs that Qiu Qin hadmitted could be covered up at all. All of them had been resolved by Zhai Sheng in the shortest time possible. He retrieved all the cultural relics and safeguarded the ancient tomb.

    This matter had not beenpletely resolved. Hence, Zhai Sheng had to be a little evasive when he spoke to Qiao Nan about this.

    ¡°I¡¯m just afraid that when something happens to the Qiu family, Director Shi will be the scapegoat when he clearly did not do anything.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. Her family wanted to favor the male over the female but did not manage to do so, whereas the Shi family sessfully favored the female over the male.

    ¡°It won¡¯t,¡± Shi Qing said confidently. ¡°The Qiu family is going downhill. If news of your engagement with Brother Zhai spreads to outsiders and my grandpa still sides with my auntie and Qiu Chenxi wholeheartedly, I will be more willing to be closer to my grandpa. At the very least, it proves that my grandpa is true to them previously, that it was purely out of kinship that he was good to them.¡± However, Shi Qing was very sure that her biological grandfather was good to Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi because of other reasons.

    Zhai Sheng had now be someone else¡¯s fianc¨¦. Unless Old Master Shi wished to let his own granddaughtermit the crime of breaking up a military marriage, he had to move aside.

    A marriage report that had been approved by the army was considered a military marriage albeit it was only an engagement. It was protected by thews of the country. Breaking up a military marriage was a crime!

    Old Master Shi wanted to benefit from this, but he, this elderly man, certainly did not have the guts to do such a thing that was against thew and regtions.

    ¡°Brother Zhai belongs to someone else now. Without this glory, Qiu Chenxi won¡¯t be so carefree wherever she goes now.¡± Shi Qing was very sure about this. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. I already know the situation now and will tell my dad about it so that he can pay more attention. It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock. You should sleep in an hour¡¯s time. We have to go to school tomorrow to take the application form for college enrollment. I¡¯m feeling tired too.¡±

    Shi Qing did not expect that the announcement of the college entrance examination results would make one feel so exhausted. Of course, the most tiring things were the appearance of Ding Jiayi and the fainting of Miao Jing.

    Shi Qing yawned and stretched herself before returning to her own house to sleep.

    ¡°...¡± It was already sote and Director Shi had not returned home. Shi Qing did not know how to show her concern and urge Director Shi toe back quickly.

    Seeing that Shi Qing did not make a phone call, Qiao Nan did.

    ¡°Oh, okay. Thanks. I know.¡± When Shi Peng received Qiao Nan¡¯s phone call, he was quite obedient. He left the office for home after packing up. It was fine that he worked overtime by himself but he could not always drag Secretary Feng to work overtime with him, right?

    When Shi Peng arrived home, Shi Qing was already sleeping like a log.

    However, Shi Qing had pasted a slip of paper on the door of Shi Peng¡¯s bedroom. She wrote all of what Qiao Nan had told her on the paper.

    It was the second time that he heard about this. Hence, Shi Peng smiled and removed the paper. He stored it away instead of discarding <b>it.</b>

    His daughter had shown some progress. She knew that she could not wait for him to return home and knew how to leave a message for him on his bedroom door lest she forgot or he did not see the message.

    In fact, Shi Peng already knew a little about Qiu Qin¡¯s case. Zhai Sheng was the one who let this out to Shi Peng.

    After all, Shi Peng was Zhai Sheng¡¯s master. In addition, this matter did not have anything to do with Shi Peng. Zhai Sheng had to tell Shi Peng this on ount of their master-disciple rtionship, in case his master, Shi Peng, was ambushed by others.

    Shi Peng bathed before he went to bed. While thinking of the Qiu family¡¯s matter, he fell asleep very soon.

    Whoever wanted to make use of the Qiu family¡¯s matter to deal with him¡ªhe wanted to see who would be in for a good show in the end.

    Qiao Dongliang had divorced Ding Jiayi and thetter did not have any grounds of objection. Her past behavior had already shut all her way out. Qiu Qin was the other one who had a simr situation to Ding Jiayi.

    When Qi Min threw the divorce agreement at Qiu Qin, he did not manage to react in time. ¡°What do you mean by this?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean?¡± Qi Min questioned him back. ¡°What can I mean? All this while, hasn¡¯t it always been ¡®what do you mean? You have a woman outside. This proves that our rtionship is already broken. We can¡¯t be together anymore. Your heart is not with me and I¡¯m not bothered about making you stay physically with me either. We¡¯ll get a divorce. The marital estate will be allocated based on earlier arrangements. Quickly sign this. After signing this, I will bring Chenxi along when I leave. You can then openly fetch that woman back and get married officially. She can give birth to a fair and chubby grandson for your parents. Isn¡¯t this the life that you all have been yearning for? Can¡¯t I grant you your wish?¡±

    ¡°Will you be so kindhearted?¡± Qiu Qin did not believe it. If Qi Min was someone that was so easy to talk to, she would have divorced him long ago when she found out that he had a mistress. She would not wait until today. ¡°Did you hear any news or did Chenxi find out anything?! Where is Chenxi? Ask her toe here. I have something to ask her!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had always been closer to Qi Min. She was not close to him, the father, at all.

    Qiu Chenxi must have been keeping something from him after she met Zhai Sheng thest time. Could it be that Zhai Sheng did not intend to let him off about the matter regarding the cultural relics?

    Besides this exnation, Qiu Qin could not think of any other possibility.

    ¡°No need to call Chenxi. She met up with Zhai Shengst time. Therefore, she knows that Zhai Sheng will be getting engaged with another woman. She¡¯s still feeling sad over this. I have thus asked her to go overseas to heal her heart. After you sign the agreement, I will move out immediately and leave a space for that mistress of yours. Maybe your son wille then. If you don¡¯t sign today, it¡¯s fine too. I have many photos and other evidence of you being together with that woman. When the timees, I will hand them to the court. The oue will be the same.¡±

    After saying her piece, Qi Min simply returned to her bedroom. She carried the luggage that she had already packed and went down the stairs. ¡°Consider carefully whether you want to break up with me on a good note. Your parents have been yearning for a grandson for so many years. I¡¯ve had enough of my life these past two years. You don¡¯t love Chenxi but I¡¯m her mother and I love and want her! What¡¯s with a son? Damn, I love daughters!¡±

    Qi Min said some equivocal words and mmed the door hard before she left.

    After being transferred to this ce, the elderly couple of the Qiu family had more interactions with that woman outside, wanting to know if that woman was pregnant. If she was, she could then quickly do a scan so that they could see if their grandson wasing.

    The elderly couple knew that it was not easy for this woman to be pregnant, let alone a second pregnancy.

    Hence, either she did not get pregnant or she had to be pregnant with a grandson for the Qiu family.

 Chapter 832 - There Is Still a Brother-in-Law

    <h4>Chapter 832 There Is Still a Brother-in-Law</h4>

    It was thus not exaggerating to say that Qi Min had suffered a lot because of this.

    As Qiu Qin¡¯s wife, Qi Min had been staying at home every day, but one had never seen the elderly couple treat her amiably.

    On the contrary, they, especially Old Mrs. Qiu, was ¡®serving¡¯ that woman outside with good soup and beverages every day. Old Mrs. Qiu said that she wanted to nourish that woman¡¯s health so that thetter could give birth to a healthy and intelligent grandson for the Qiu family in the future

    Besides entering the house of the Qiu family openly and staying there, the position, status, and treatment that Qi Min should enjoy had all been taken away by that woman.

    Qi Min did not make a fuss because she had no backing from Shi Peng However, this did not mean that she did not have any ability to retaliate.

    Qi Min had noted down in a little notebook the number of times and frequency that Qiu Qin and the elderly Qiu couple visited the residence in which the mistress was staying at and what they brought with them each time.

    She did not care whether Qiu Qin was willing to get a divorce. She only knew that she had already told Qiu Qin about this. If he refused to get a divorce, she would then insist on having one.

    Anyway, the situation was already as such. Within a few days, Qiu Qin would fall from grace and revert to his original state¡ªthe moment before he had relied on her to climb up the ranks in the past. In fact, he would have a greater and more severe fall.

    With this point alone, Qi Min would leave as fast as she could with no feelings of reluctance at all.

    The more Qi Min behaved this way, the more worried Qiu Qin was. They had been married for so many years. In the absence of a special reason, Qi Min was capable of behaving distastefully by being a dog in the manger given her character.

    Furthermore, the status of his wife was not sometrine but a big gold basin!

    Unfortunately, Qiu Chenxi was not at home now. Qiu Qin could not even find a person that he could enquire about this.

    Qiu Qin had no choice but to give a call to his old friend in Ping Cheng. ¡°Good day, it¡¯s me, Old Qiu. Right, can I ask you something? I heard that Zhai Sheng is going to be engaged soon. Do you know which family¡¯sdy? Ah? You don¡¯t know too. Oh, okay. Then, goodbye.¡±

    Qiu Qin made a few phone calls before he managed to find out from one of the neighbors of the Zhai family that the Zhai family seemed to have such an intention.

    He was still puzzled. Zhai Sheng was usually in the army camp. He also did not see him being romantically involved with anyone. Why was it that when there was news, it was already pertaining to his engagement? Who was that lucky youngdy who had been chosen by the Zhai family and would be engaged with Zhai Sheng?

    That neighbor even questioned Qiu Qin back.

    After verifying that this news was true, Qiu Qin still felt worried.

    That eye-striking divorce agreement that Qi Min left behind was still lying t on the table.

    More than one year ago, he had been pining for the appearance of this piece of divorce agreement but Qi Min disagreed. Today, Qi Min had taken the initiative for the divorce but Qiu Qin felt insecure suddenly.

    ¡°What exactly is the matter? Why did Qi Min leave? Who did you call just now? Zhai Sheng is going to be engaged? With whom?¡± It was certainly not his granddaughter, Qiu Chenxi. Otherwise, as the grandfather, why was he unaware of it?

    Old Master Qiu asked a few questions simultaneously. ¡°Didn¡¯t we tell you clearly about the divorce agreement long ago? Don¡¯t take it out to agitate Qi Min. Your matter with Xiao Liu still needs to be kept a secret. If she really sues you, you can¡¯t even remain in your current position. Why is there a need to do that?!¡±

    There was no point in fighting in a momentary fit of anger. It was meaningless. ¡°Qiu Qin, don¡¯t be anxious. Xiao Liu is a sensible child. She did not force you either. If Xiao Liu is really pregnant with your child, it will be fine. When the timees, we can make some under-the-table arrangements and simply register the child¡¯s name under Qi Min. It¡¯s not difficult to do so.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you made a wrong guess this time. I¡¯m not the one who gave Qi Min the divorce agreement. She was the one who gave it to me.¡± Qiu Qin gave a sarcasticugh. ¡°Dad, I feel strange about this matter. How is it possible that Qi Min will be willing to initiate a divorce with me? Dad, tell me, is it because...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Old Master Qiu knew about the matter of the ancient tomb¡¯s cultural relic after it had urred but he silently agreed to what Qiu Qin did. ¡°Besides the two of us, no one in our family knows about this. As for Qi Min, this woman who won¡¯t do anything without any gain, she will stick to you more if she knows that you have such an avenue. Even if she wants to divorce, will she be willing to leave without making you pay a hugepensation? It shouldn¡¯t be the case.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Qin hesitated whether he should mention the situation regarding Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Dad, do you think I should sign the divorce agreement?¡±

    ¡°Logically, I hope that you will sign this long ago. Compared to you, Xiao Liu is considered young. However, in terms of age, she is not that young anymore. One has to give birth to a child as early as possible. It¡¯s just right if Xiao Liu gives birth now. I don¡¯t wish that the grandson of our Qiu family can¡¯t lift up his head in front of others too. However... I heard that Shi Peng is doing quite well as a director in Ping Cheng. In just a short period of two years, he has achieved a lot and got promoted very quickly.¡±

    With this brother-inw, this marriage could not be ended so casually.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? Try to dy this matter as much as possible. We don¡¯t know what Qi Min is up to. Perhaps she wille back on her own ord after kicking up a fuss for a couple of days. If it really won¡¯t do, you can spend some money to appease her. That kind of woman is easy to coax with a little money. For the sake of your future, what¡¯s a small sum of money? Why did we earn so much money? It¡¯s to find alternative routes in life in times of need and to avoid dying your future due tock of money.¡±

    Whether they gave the money to others or Qi Min, it was also considered as a form of spending. After all, Qi Min had given birth to a granddaughter for the Qiu family.

    Although it was not possible for Qiu Chenxi to be married to Zhai Sheng anymore, given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s look, it would not be too difficult to marry someone who was slightly worse off than Zhai Sheng but much better than an average person. This son-inw would also be of help to the Qiu family.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do that.¡± He had initially assumed that Shi Peng would not have great achievements after leaving the army and that he would lead a mediocre life and take care of his health while awaiting his death.

    Due to this situation, Qiu Qin waspletely disappointed with Shi Peng and did not pine any hopes on him.

    Unexpectedly, within a short time span of two years, Shi Peng had performed so well and shown great achievements in that role of his. He was truly capable and hands-on.

    For the sake of Shi Peng, this brother-inw, he certainly could not get a divorce with Qi Min so easily. If he really had to divorce her, fine. He had to receive some benefits before he would even consider it.

    With this thought in mind, Qiu Qin was unaware that Qiu Chenxi did not go traveling overseas. Instead, she had returned to Ping Cheng early in the morning and rented a ce to wait for and reunite with Qi Min.

    As for Qi Min, after she arrived in Ping Cheng, she and Qiu Chenxi stayed in a hotel for one night.

    The two of them dared not return to their house in the Ping Cheng yet. They were afraid that Qiu Qin would receive news once they were back. Hence, they could only waste some money to stay in a hotel for one night first before deciding on what to do.

    ¡°Mom, have you brought everything?¡± Qiu Chenxi asked Qi Min anxiously.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve brought everything. Fortunately, you told me about this. Otherwise, if I continue to be with your dad, I have yet to enjoy any good fortune, I will suffer badly.¡±

 Chapter 833 - We Are Biological Siblings

    <h4>Chapter 833 We Are Biological Siblings</h4>

    Qiu Qin was truly audacious. He dared to find someone to steal from the ancient tomb and then sell the cultural relics. He was breaking thew despite knowing it. That would be a more serious crime!

    At the thought that she did not spend a single cent of the proceeds that Qiu Qin received from the sale of the cultural relics and that woman outside must have benefited from it, Qi Min had absolutely no hesitation about getting a divorce.

    Qiu Chenxi heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Mom, do you think uncle will be willing to help us this time?¡±

    Zhai Sheng only gave her one month of time. In her opinion, it would be better if her mother got a divorce as soon as possible, lest the two of them, mother and daughter, became implicated in the matter.

    ¡°I think so...¡± When Qi Min said this, she sounded very doubtful. She had not forgotten what she had done. Previously, in the army camp, she just left and never turned back. Two years had passed and she, as the biological sister, had never visited Shi Peng. They were not even as close as acquaintances, let alone rtives.

    Now, she was going to appear before Shi Peng only when she needed his help for something. Qi Min looked flustered and nervous.

    The situation was already as such and Qi Min did not have any choice. There was no one else that she could plead with except for Shi Peng.

    All the while, everyone kicks a man who is down. The situation of the Qiu family was not as good as before. She could only rely on her status as the biological sister of Shi Peng now. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this matter. I will go and look for your uncle. If he is angry and res up with me, he can vent it all on me. Mom won¡¯t let you suffer. At most, I¡¯ll be given a few scoldings. It¡¯s better than nothing. Even if he is too much, he is also your uncle and my elder brother. Compared to outsiders, your uncle is definitely better.¡±

    At this moment, Qi Min remembered that Shi Peng was her next-of-kin and that he would certainly treat her much better than outsiders would.

    Humans would remember the ones who were best to them only when they were in some trouble.

    It was just that when one was enjoying good fortune, would they still remember the ones who were willing to lend them a helping hand in times of danger and trouble? This was a great test of one¡¯s character.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiu Chenxi really did not have the shame and courage to face Shi Peng and Shi Qing. The father-daughter pair had been living in Ping Cheng for so long and the Qiu family did not even interact with them at all.

    Today, they came forward only when they needed a favor. Qiu Chenxi wanted her pride and she could not bring herself to do this.

    Furthermore, Shi Qing¡¯s good friend, Qiao Nan, was the one who was going to be engaged to Zhai Sheng.

    At the thought of how she had boasted to Shi Qing before, Qiu Chenxi was more reluctant to appear before Shi Qing in case thetterughed at her.

    ¡°Director Shi, there¡¯s a woman outside by the surname of Qi. She said that she¡¯s your sister. Do you wish to let her in?¡± Secretary Feng looked at Shi Peng curiously. He had been working with Director Shi for one year and this was the first time that he heard that Director Shi actually had rtives in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°I¡¯m not avable now.¡± Shi Peng, who was attending to some matters, replied without even lifting his head. ¡°You can ask her to leave her contact number and I will call her when I have the time.¡±

    Shi Peng knew that it was not possible for Qi Min to look for him due to work-rted matters. It would only be for personal matters.

    How could an individual¡¯s personal matter be more important than the official matters of the citizens of the whole Ping Cheng? Hence, Shi Peng simply put Qi Min¡¯s matter at the bottom of the to-do list. One day of dy would not make much of a difference.

    Upon hearing this, Qi Min, who was standing outside, fell silent for a while. Her brother was purposely making things difficult for her as he was still angry about her previous doings.

    Nevertheless, she had already guessed that this would happen. In fact, she would feel strange if her brother did not have any reaction. ¡°No issue. I¡¯m not in a hurry. I can wait. He can see me when he has the time to do so.¡± She did not believe that Shi Peng was so busy that he did not even have time for lunch.

    When Shi Peng was going to have lunch, she would then make use of lunchtime to talk to Shi Peng. It was not such a difficult matter. It was just regarding her divorce with Qiu Qin. She hoped that Shi Peng could help speed up the progress.

    It was not something illegal. Hence, Shi Peng would not reject her.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qi Min did not disturb him in his work. Secretary Feng then allowed Qi Min to sit and continue to wait.

    Secretary Feng was quite curious about Qi Min. She imed that she was his director¡¯s biological sister but the two of them did not bear the same surname.

    The strangest thing was that she was the biological sister, but today was the first time that this ¡®member of the royal family¡¯ came to look for Director Shi. Was this ¡®member of the royal family¡¯ authentic or fake?

    Facing Secretary Feng¡¯s curious gaze from time to time, Qi Min straightened her back so that Secretary Feng would not see through her thoughts and embarrassment.

    She had sat for the entire morning.

    It was only when it was half-past noon that Shi Peng started to have his lunch.

    At the sight of the lunch box, Qi Min was quick in her actions as she immediately followed Secretary Feng and squeezed into Shi Peng¡¯s office. Her actions were so swift that Secretary Feng did not even have the chance to stop her.

    Secretary Feng was wide-eyed and tongue-tied as he helplessly watched Qi Min enter Shi Peng¡¯s office like a robber. He then followed closely behind.

    ¡°You¡¯re having lunch now. You should have some time to listen to a few words of mine.¡± Qi Min was extremely anxious as she spoke first.

    ¡°Listen to you about what? Are you going to tell me that you have finally finished preparing the ginseng and deer antler that you should have prepared for me when I was ill, and you are going to give them to me now? It didn¡¯t seem so... You came empty-handed.¡± Shi Peng requested Secretary Feng to bring over his lunch box. ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed and approved these documents. You can send them down. There are also a few questions on some segments. Get someone to check them out. If they don¡¯t exin them clearly, we¡¯re not going to use any of them.¡±

    ¡°Will do, Director Shi.¡± Secretary Feng carried a huge stack of documents out. Those documents were piled up like a little hill and they nearly drowned Secretary Feng.

    At the sight of the office table filled with official documents, Qi Min¡¯s expression looked more at ease. It seemed that Shi Peng was truly busy. It was not that he deliberately refused to see her, this sister. ¡°Brother, I really have something urgent that I need your help with.¡±

    ¡°Do you? When I needed help, my sister went hiding. When my sister needs help, she will then remember the existence of her only brother. It¡¯s so good to be a younger sister.¡± Shi Peng sneered. During the time when his health was the poorest, the concern and care given to him from outsiders were a thousand times more than that of Qi Min.

    On the contrary, Qi Min, his biological sister, was deeply afraid that his health was truly poor and needed a lot of money. Despite living in the same city for two to three years, she had never contacted him. During Lunar New Year or festive seasons, she did not even send him any greeting. She was so distant that she could not even bepared to his neighbors.

    ¡°Brother, do you have to bring up the old scores with me?¡± At the mention of these past matters, Qi Min did not even have any exnation. She really could not smoke her way through. ¡°I can understand that you are still angry about what happened previously. If you want to scold me to vent your anger, I will ept it. You are also aware that I¡¯m the daughter-inw of the Qiu family once I¡¯m married. The Qiu family...¡±

    Qi Min wanted to say that the money of the Qiu family was not with her. When she wanted to buy some good stuff to show her concern for Shi Peng, the Qiu family was heartless and disloyal and refused to let her do so. Did she have a choice?

    Hence, she had not contacted Shi Peng and his daughter in these few years. The Qiu family was to be med for this. It did not have anything to do with her. She was innocent.

 Chapter 834 - Chapter 834

    <h4>Chapter 834c</h4>

    Qi Min was thinking that if she were to put all the me on the Qiu family, Shi Peng would be more willing to quickly agree to her request when she told him that she was going to divorce Qiu Qin.

    ¡°Fine. How can I not know what kind of person you are? Since you were a child, you have never allowed yourself to be shortchanged. Speak if you have any matter. I still have a lot of work to do. If you can¡¯t finish what you want to say before I finish my meal, you will have to go back and talk to me again when I have time. It¡¯s not possible for me to put aside the citizens¡¯ issues and bother about a lousy matter of that small family of yours.¡± Her husband had a mistress but she turned and gave her brother a scolding. He could not afford to have either such a sister or father.

    ¡°Brother, I¡¯ll be getting a divorce with Qiu Qin. Help me settle this as soon as possible.¡± She did not need so much time. Before lunchtime was up, Qi Min finished what she wanted to say within the time taken for taking a few breaths.

    At this moment, Shi Peng had already finished half the contents in the lunch box. ¡°This ce is not the court. We don¡¯t intervene in such matters. If you want to get a divorce, you should hire awyer directly and file a divorcewsuit. That will do. Since you have such an intention, you should have a lot of evidence in your hands. Why are you in such a hurry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry. Of course I am in a hurry!¡± If she did not divorce with Qiu Qin soon, the money in her hands that she had painstakingly gotten from the Qiu family over the years would all be gone.

    If that truly happened, she would lose her youth, feelings, and man. If she could not even hold on to her money, what else would be left of her?

    All of a sudden, Qi Min pounded on Shi Peng¡¯s office table. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t know about the illegal things that Qiu Qin had done recently? He¡¯s going to be in trouble. I¡¯ve been married into the Qiu family for so many years and I have given birth to a child for them. They never understand the hardships that I¡¯ve gone through. Qiu Qin even found a mistress outside. Brother, are you willing to help me only after you watch me, who is already in my middle age, lose everything such that I will even have difficulty in having a full meal? I¡¯m your biological sister!¡±

    ¡°When I was about to die, I did not see you remember that I¡¯m your biological brother.¡± Thest sentence of Qi Min¡¯s speech was what Shi Peng hated to hear most. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the old master dote on you very much? Why don¡¯t you look for the old master instead of me regarding this matter? He still has some connections. I¡¯m not familiar with anyone from the court but he is. When I am able to spare the time to help you say something, it will definitely not be the ¡®as soon as possible¡¯ that you wish for. The old master has a lot of time. With one phone call, and as long as the evidence that you provide is sufficient, the court case and trial will be over very soon. He is certainly going to be more effective than me.¡±

    It was not that Shi Peng was not willing to help. He was telling the truth.

    Shi Peng had relied on himself all this while. He took one step at a time to gradually achieve everything that he had today.

    Those few contacts that old Master Shi had, Shi Peng had never utilized or enquired about them before. Old Master Shi was free to give them to whoever he wished to. That was up to the old master and he could not be bothered with it.

    ¡°Really? You¡¯re not purposely brushing me off, are you?¡± Qi Min was a little doubtful. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I know that Dad has such connections?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, you shouldn¡¯t ask me. You should ask the old master. Doesn¡¯t he dote on you the most?¡± Shi Peng said without any reservation.

    Old Master Shi was very scheming but he was not that capable. The valuable resources that he had on hand were limited.

    As he only had so little resources, Old Master Shi treated these like treasures and clutched them in his hands. He was unwilling to give them to his son or daughter. It was not sure what he had been waiting for all this while.

    Shi Peng did not care for these little things that the old master had. It was the same and even more so for Shi Qing. She would rather be like her father and create everything through her own effort and hard work.

    Qi Min would definitely be interested in the things that Shi Peng and his daughter did not care about.

    Today, Shi Peng ¡®sold¡¯ this news to Qi Min as he hoped that Qi Min would ¡®pester¡¯ the old master more instead of pointlessly targeting him, her brother, after she was divorced with Qiu Qin.

    It would depend on Qi Min¡¯s capability on whether she would eventually be able to ¡®get hold of¡¯ those little things in the old master¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Alright, I know now!¡± Shi Peng was not willing to bother about her and Qi Min had found a new way. She was also decisive and did not continue to pester Shi Peng. Instead, she left without further ado and returned to the hotel.

    ¡°Mom, you came back so soon? Did uncle agree?¡± It was just one morning and Qi Min was back. Qiu Chenxi was quite surprised. ¡°It seems that uncle is quite good to you.¡± It was unlike what her mother told her previously, that her maternal grandfather¡¯s family did not treat her that well or amicably. They shunned her mother for being ady and not a son.

    Qi Min took a deep breath. ¡°Chenxi, we will depend on it this time and see whether you can be a politician!¡± It was fine that she did not have a son. As long as she could raise and support her daughter, that would be stronger than anything else.

    This matter made Qi Min understand why she was always the one pleading with others instead of the other way round whenever she encountered any problems. Wasn¡¯t it because she had never personally assumed that role?

    She did not have any more hopes to do so in this lifetime. Nevertheless, her daughter was still young and intelligent. Thus, shepletely had the chance to take another path in her life.

    Qi Min was full of fighting spirit as she gave a call to her maternal family in Mo Du. Coincidentally, Old Master Shi was the one who picked up the call. ¡°Dad, I would like to seek your help in something. You have to help me. You¡¯re the only one who can help me now.¡±

    Qi Min knew that Old Master Shi was different from Shi Peng. He loved to listen to good words and he was very pleased when someone curried favor with him.

    Shi Peng did not have the habit but Qi Min did. Hence, she put her words in such a way as if Old Master Shi was the only one in the whole world who could help her.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Tell me directly.¡± Although Old Master Shi loved words that were pleasing to his ears, he would not be cajoled so easily. If he was willing to help every time after just listening to some good words, there would have been chaos in the Shi family since long ago.

    ¡°Dad, I will be getting a divorce with Qiu Qin. If I don¡¯t divorce him soon, our whole Shi family is going to be implicated by the Qiu family soon.¡± Qi Min did not keep the matter from Old Master Shi. She spilled out all the ¡®good things¡¯ that Qiu Qin had done to Old Master Shi.

    After Old Master Shi heard that, he fell silent for a long time. ¡°Thatd in the Zhai family is willing to tell Chenxi about this news. This means that he still has some feelings toward Chenxi. After so many years of ¡®torture¡¯, Chenxi is not young anymore. Thatd in the Zhai family is also of the age such that he can let the Zhai family carry grandsons. The matter between the two of them has not been finalized?¡±

    Old Master Qiu had not brought up the matter between Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng in front of Qi Min for a very long time. After all, this matter turned very ugly previously.

    Qiu Qin sacrificed his own daughter¡¯s happiness in exchange for a good role for himself. Old Master Qiu was aware of this matter.

    He did not wish to bother about Qiu Qin, this son-inw, because thetter had ¡®spoiled the ship for a halfpennyworth of tar¡¯ and he had a very ¡®short-term thinking¡¯.

    When Qiu Chenxi married into the Zhai family, they could gain whatever benefit that they wished for. Qiu Qin had to give up so many things for the sake of one role. He had forsaken the watermelon for the sake of sesame. It made no sense.

    If he had known that Qiu Qin was such an individual whocked foresight, he would not have married his daughter to him in the past.

 Chapter 835 - Still Dreaming

    <h4>Chapter 835 Still Dreaming</h4>

    His maternal granddaughter was the only person who was qualified to be engaged to Zhai Sheng. No other person¡¯s granddaughter could be engaged to him.

    ¡°...¡± It was Qi Min¡¯s turn to be silent. She did not know what to say.

    She did not know how she should put it across that Zhai Sheng was indeed getting engaged, but the youngdy was not her daughter. Instead, it was someone whom they had the least suspicions and that she came from a humble background.

    Qi Min was not willing to say all these as it would mean that Qiu Chenxi had lost to someone who was not as good as her. It was too shameful.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Hasn¡¯t Chenxi made up with the son of the Zhai family? If that is so, Chenxi is not moving fast enough. It¡¯s been more than two years. I know that there isn¡¯t any girl around that man. As long as Chenxi works on it, their rtionship will work. Tell Chenxi to put in more effort.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what I am telling you now is regarding my marriage to Qiu Qin. Do you think I should get a divorce?¡± Qi Min directed the conversation back to her original topic.

    She also wished for her daughter to be engaged and to marry Zhai Sheng, but it was impossible.

    Zhai Sheng had filed the marriage report. He would be engaged soon. In the past, he did not like her daughter, and it was all the more impossible now.

    Qi Min knew that it was impossible to create a done deal.

    The men from the Zhai family were blockheads. They would never be intimate with any otherdies. Back then, Zhai Yaohui did not do so, and now, Zhai Sheng would not do so as well.

    Otherwise, her daughter would have been pregnant with Zhai Sheng¡¯s child, and Qiao Nan could have never got in the picture.

    ¡°You definitely have to get a divorce.¡± old Master Shi sighed. ¡°He has done such illegal things. Like you said, if you don¡¯t get a divorce, it would implicate Shi Peng.¡±

    ¡°...¡± She meant that she would be implicating the Shi family, while her father said that it would implicate Shi Peng alone. Could it be that to her father, Shi Peng was equivalent to the entire Shi family?

    No, it could not be. Shi Peng said that her father had some connections. Therefore, her father must be the person who was in charge of the Shi family.

    Although Shi Peng was not a good brother, he never lied to her. ¡°Dad, you have to help me. I have to get a divorce as soon as possible. We cannot allow things to drag any further. Zhai Sheng only agreed to give Chenxi one month¡¯s time. I feel that it is better that we settle everything within this week. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Look, Zhai Sheng still treats Chenxi very well. He is a sentimental man. Since he can give her one month, it proves that he is fond of her.¡± Therefore, it was highly likely that they could be inws with the Zhai family.

    It was useless to discuss it. As long as Zhai Sheng liked Chenxi, nobody would be able to object to it.

    ¡°...¡± Qi Min, who initially had a bad temper, felt like mming the phone. Why did her father insist on talking about Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi? ¡°Dad, when will you talk to your connections? I have all the information with me. I will hire awyer to prepare the documents and I will submit it right away. How about things at your side?¡±

    ¡°Do you still need my help? Zhai Sheng is being very obvious. The Zhai family has connections as well. Tell Chenxi to use this as an excuse to ask Zhai Sheng for help. You are such an insensible mom. This is a great opportunity, yet you don¡¯t know how to make use of it. The Zhai family has power and authority. Yes, Zhai Sheng is interested in Chenxi, but you cannot possibly want Zhai Sheng to take the initiative to offer his help. He has already extended an olive branch. Why are you being so insensible?!¡±

    ¡°Dad, Zhai Sheng is getting engaged...¡±

    ¡°Is Zhai Sheng getting engaged to Chenxi? Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier? Do you intend to tell me on the day before the engagement? When is it? I will buy a ticket now!¡± Old Master Shi stood up in excitement. It took so many years for the Shi family to get back what was supposed to be theirs originally.

    Even if the future chief would not be his son or his maternal grandson, it was eptable to him that the husband of his maternal granddaughter was the chief.

    ¡°Chenxi is not getting engaged to Zhai Sheng. It is another youngdy from the quad.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Old Master Shi, who was getting ready to put on his shoes and order someone to book tickets for the earliest flight, almost slipped and fell. ¡°I am hard of hearing. Did you say that Zhai Sheng is getting engaged to Chenxi?¡±

    ¡°He is getting engaged, but not to Chenxi.¡± Qi Min repeated her words reluctantly.

    If Zhai Sheng was getting engaged to Chenxi, she would have no need to ask her father for help.

    More importantly, if Zhai Sheng was interested in Chenxi, Qiu Qin would not have suffered setbacks in his career.

    As long as Zhai Sheng was willing to help, he had the authority while Qiu Qin had the ways to make money. With the money and authority on their hands, the Zhai family and the Qiu family would strike it big in the future.

    If not for Zhai Sheng, nobody would find out what Qiu Qin was up to.

    If Zhai Sheng was getting engaged to Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Qin would not dare to have another woman outside. There would not be any upheavals in her life as well. She would not be in such a miserable state, having to seek help from her parents.

    ¡°Dad, does it mean that if Chenxi is not engaged to Zhai Sheng, you will not help me but watch me die? The Qiu family will run into big trouble very soon. You should know my inws well. If I am still married to Qiu Qin, they will definitely ask you or my brother for help. My brother just got a new job and he is starting to do well in his work. However, he is not in good health. If my inws pester him, it will affect his work and health. I have been to see my brother. He was busy with work and he only had time to eat his lunch box at around half past twelve. He only took less than five minutes to finish his meal.¡±

    Qi Min used what she knew to her advantage. She made it sound as if she was very close to Shi Peng and visited him frequently. Hence, that was why she knew about his condition.

    ¡°Dad, as his sister, I cannot render him any help. Now that he is doing well in his job, I cannot implicate him. If so, it will be implicating the entire Shi family. I am not that shameful. Now that the Qiu family is still kept in the dark, I must hurry to get a divorce as soon as possible before the truth is out.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Old Master Shi did not intend to sit by and not do anything. No matter what, she was his daughter and Chenxi was his granddaughter. But it was indeed a pity that the Shi family was not destined to be the chief. It pained him that the Shi family missed the chance to be the chief time and again. ¡°Alright, after you get thewyer to prepare the documents, you should go to the court directly. If you want to get a divorce as soon as possible, you need to have all the evidence that you can get.¡±

 Chapter 836 - Please Pay Attention to Safety

    <h4>Chapter 836 Please Pay Attention to Safety</h4>

    Qi Min was telling the truth. It was easy for her to get a divorce.

    Not only did Qiu Qin have an affair, but he also spent the money that belonged to both of them on the woman. He had gone overboard.

    In particr, the elderly couple in the Qiu family wanted his mistress to bear them a grandchild. If so, Qiu Qin might evenmit the crime of bigamy.

    It was easy to get a divorce now that things hade to this state.

    ¡°Rest assured, Dad. I am telling the truth. Dad, I will hurry to prepare the documents, This has to be settled as soon as possible so that I can set my mind at ease.¡± Now that Old Master Shi had promised to help, Qi Min did not waste any more time.

    When she finished the conversation, thewyer that she had made an appointment with yesterday arrived.

    Thewyer had drafted the documents for the divorce by litigation. He brought them over for Qi Min to take a look today. As long as nothing was wrong, they could head to the court.

    Qi Min was not familiar with thew. She scanned through the documents to check that it was as she had said previously before they left for the court.

    Actually, a smallwsuit like this would take some time to be processed.

    However, after Old Master Shi had contacted the relevant departments and asked them to help, Qi Min was shown the way as soon as she arrived. The processes were simplified for her and she was able to process her divorce faster.

    Qiu Qin received the court summons three dayster, asking him to go to the court.

    Grandma Qiu did not quite understand what that was. She thought that someone had pulled a prank. But she still brought it inside for Old Master Qiu and Qiu Qin to take a look

    Qiu Qin saw the official embossed seal on the documents. He did not make the same mistake like his mother and knew what it was right away. ¡°Qi Min is bent on getting a divorce. The court session will begin today. It is too fast!¡± Qiu Qin had not been through a divorce, but he knew that it was too fast for the court sessions to start in three days. He did not know that the court was so efficient.

    There should be a few summons after the documents for divorce by litigation were submitted, should there not? Why did he have to go to court straightaway?

    ¡°It seems like Old Shi has a hand in this matter.¡± Old Qiu frowned. ¡°Qiu Qin, is it possible that your secret is out? If not, Elder Shi would not meddle in this.¡±

    Qi Min was not young anymore. She had a daughter with his son. If she were to divorce, the Shi family would have to support a divorced daughter. It would do no good to them.

    The Shi family would not do things that harmed others without benefiting themselves.

    ¡°Dad, this won¡¯t do. I have to go to Ping Cheng now. ording to what you said, with my father-inw¡¯s help, Qi Min will divorce me without me being present!¡± Qiu Qin felt that something was wrong, but it was toote for him to react.

    ¡°You¡¯d better hurry. Have a good talk with Qi Min. Our worries may prove groundless, but no matter what, it is better to be careful. You must not get a divorce for the time being.¡± Shi Peng was doing very well in Ping Cheng. A few days ago, he was even nning for his son to appease Qi Min and to stay in close contact with Shi Peng. He might be able to help Qiu Qin in his career.

    Now that Qiu Qin was involved in the excavation of the ancient tomb, if he divorced Qi Min, the Qiu family would not be able to make use of their connection to Shi Peng.

    ¡°I know.¡± There was no way that he would agree to a divorce with Qi Min now.

    Unless he was able to escape unscathed from his involvement in the excavation of the ancient tomb, and Shi Peng helped him take up a position at Ping Cheng, he would never divorce Qi Min.

    Qiu Qin, who was driving to Ping Cheng, had this thought in mind. However, it never crossed his mind that if he could cover up his involvement with the cultural relics and was transferred back to Ping Cheng, Qi Min would not need to go through all the troubles to divorce him.

    Since it was a trial, Qiu Qin was clever enough to bring awyer with him.

    Of course, he had some dealings with thewyer in the past. He had worked with thewyer when he was in Ping Cheng. He knew that he was a capablewyer.

    On the way to the court, thewyer exined the case in detail to Qiu Qin. ¡°Director Qiu, are you sure that you have told me everything? Have you made any mistakes in principles in the past? Or have you done anything that vites the marriagew in China?¡±

    As awyer, he had seen all kinds of situations.

    People like Qiu Qin might seem to be an honest and upright gentleman, but nobody knew how he was truly like in private.

    As a wife of a government official, she would not file for a divorce without an apparent reason. At the very least, among all the cases that he had worked on, most of the time, the husband would insist on a divorce because of his affair. He rarely saw cases whereby the wife was determined to get a divorce just because the husband had an affair.

    Moreover, he had never seen any cases whereby the wife filed for a divorce even though the husband did not have an affair.

    He believed Qiu Qin¡¯s case would not be the exception. ¡°Director Qiu, you have to tell me the truth. If I know nothing when we go to court, I will not be able to help you when the other party submits their evidence. Director Qiu, I hope you are not trying to test my reaction.¡±

    Since thewyer had said so, and Qiu Qin knew that Qi Min was bent on divorcing him, he had no other choice but to tell him everything

    Thewyer almost wanted to get out of the car after Qiu Qin confessed the truth to him. There was no point in fighting the case.

    In general, the court would take one to two months before they would have a court session for this type ofwsuit.

    However, thiswsuit was not an ordinarywsuit. Qiu Qin used to be an official in the city, and he was an official in the town now. As for his wife, she was the daughter of a government official. She also had a strong family background. Now that they ended up in awsuit, it would have to depend on which side had the most valid reasons.

    But right now, Qiu Qin was on the losing end. He was not able to go against the strong family background of his wife, and he was the person who hadmitted mistakes in the first ce. Thewyer was helpless. He was not even able to take advantage of the legal loopholes.

    ¡°Director Qiu, to be honest, I can¡¯t do much about thiswsuit. If you don¡¯t want to get a divorce, you can only try to have a good talk with your wife and make her change her mind. If you fight the case and leave it to the court to make a decision, you will most probably end up in a divorce.¡± There was no other way.

    ¡°Is there really no other way?¡± Qiu Qin was anxious.

    Thewyer had a big shock. ¡°Director Qiu, we are on the road. Please watch the traffic condition. We still have some time. Let¡¯s discuss this when we are at the court.¡± Thewyer broke out in a cold sweat. Nobody would be responsible for his life. He did not want to die in an ident because of awsuit.

 Chapter 837 - Second Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 837 Second Rtionship</h4>

    ¡°There is no time for this. Lawyer Wang, you¡¯d better hurry to think of a way. Apart from persuading my wife, is there really no other way?¡± Qiu Qin was anxious. He knew that he would not be able to persuade his wife. Even if he pleaded with her, she would not change her mind.

    If what happened at the ancient tomb could not be kept a secret, Qi Min would definitely want to get a divorce and sever ties with him. She would not change her mind.

    Lawyer Wang was put in a difficult spot. ¡°You are her husband. If you can¡¯t make her change her mind, as yourwyer, I can only use legal means to protect your interests as much as possible. But you are the party in the wrong in this marriage. Thew will not protect the party who is in the wrong.¡±

    By the time they reached the court, they still had not reached a conclusion.

    After listening to Lawyer Wang¡¯s advice, Qiu Qin went to smoke at the toilet. He finished half a pack of cigarettes in no time. He had no say in this marriage. It was totally up to Qi Min whether she wanted to bring up divorce.

    Therefore, if he did not want a divorce, he had to work on her.

    Thankfully, he still had two hours before the court session started. After getting ready and getting rid of the smell of cigarettes on him, he dashed to the florist and bought ny-nine red roses. He had a huge bouquet of roses when he came back to the court.

    Unlike Qiu Qin who was early, Qi Min took her time and only arrived at the court half an hour before the court session started.

    She had just gotten off the car when someone handed a bouquet of red roses to her. It was red and alluring. She was captivated and touched by it.

    Qi Min patted her chest. ¡°Have you sent it to the wrong...¡±

    She sneered when she realized that it was Qiu Qin who was holding the bouquet of flowers. ¡°Have you sent the flowers to the wrong person?¡± Should he not give these flowers to his mistress?

    It was such a waste to give them to an old and haggard woman like her!

    ¡°No, Min, this is for you. In another month¡¯s time, it will be our 25th wedding anniversary.¡± In the past, Qiu Qin would not remember any of the dates or anniversary. Qi Min felt rare that he would bring up the anniversary today.

    ¡°Alright. Give these flowers to your mistress. I don¡¯t need them. As for the anniversary, we have not celebrated it in the past twenty years. There is no need for a celebration this year as well. The court session will start in twenty minutes. It will not be good to bete. Let¡¯s go.¡± Qi Min smirked. Now, he knew to remember the dates and to give her flowers.

    What nonsense was that?

    It was toote!

    ¡°Min, I don¡¯t want a divorce. Actually...¡±

    Qiu Qin had yet to say his honeyed words and Qi Min had walked off in her high heels. She bypassed Qiu Qin and went in the direction of the court. ¡°Leave all those honeyed words to your mistress. I have no need for them. We have spent half of our lives together. After Chenxi turned five years old, this is the first time that you said these gentle words to me. Do you think I will fall for it after such a long time?¡±

    Did not want a divorce?

    Fat hope!

    ¡°Qi Min, what do you want so as not to file for divorce?!¡± Qiu Qin had been given the cold shoulder time and again. He was so furious that he threw the flowers onto the ground and stomped on them.

    To Qiu Qin, the bright and red roses were like the bossy smile on Qi Min¡¯s face. It was detestable.

    When Qi Min was on the way to the court, she saw Qiao Dongliang, who was on his way out.

    Qi Min¡¯s bright smile disappeared from her face. There was a dark look on her face. Why did she have to run into detestable people even when she was at the court?

    Why did Qiao Nan¡¯s fathere to the court?

    Qi Min noticed that there was a small red notebook in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands. On it wrote ¡®divorce certificate¡¯. Qi Min was surprised.

    The daughter was about to be engaged, yet the father got a divorce at this time. The family was indeed odd.

    Qi Min knew who Qiao Dongliang was, but Qiao Dongliang did not know Qi Min. He walked past her without looking in her direction.

    Qiao Dongliang felt relieved that he was finally divorced. A heavy weight was lifted off his heart.

    ¡°Qi Min...¡± Qiu Qin followed right after Qi Min.

    Qiu Qin wanted to stop Qi Min from entering the court, but there were people on duty outside the court. If he did anything to Qi Min, he would be stopped by them.

    Lawyer Wang witnessed this scene and was exasperated.

    As the party who was in the wrong, what Qiu Qin and the Qiu family did was sufficient proof for them to be divorced.

    Now, he was caught using force on his wife outside the court by the security on duty. It could be viewed as domestic violence.

    It was a disaster to have such a client. It was worse because he did not understand thew.

    ¡°Director Qiu, stop it, stop it. If you continue to do so, there is no need to go to court.¡± Lawyer Wang ran toward Qiu Qin and pulled at him.

    In the end, although Qiu Qin did not agree to it, Qi Min had sufficient evidence to prove that Qiu Qin had betrayed Qi Min¡¯s trust in the marriage and he was also caught using force on her outside the court.

    Since they no longer had a mutual affection for each other, thew in China would not insist that they stayed as a couple. The court ruled that they could divorce each other.

    By the time they walked out of the court, each of them had a newly issued divorce certificate in their hands.

    ¡°Qiu Qin, we will no longer have any rtions to each other in the future. I will not see you again. Make sure you don¡¯te looking for me. It¡¯s useless even if you look for me!¡± Qi Min was still angry about what happened regarding the ancient tomb.

    Qiu Qin earned a huge sum of money from the excavation of the ancient tomb. However, Qiu Qin did not give her a single cent and only used them on his mistress, yet he did not want to divorce her today and wanted to implicate her. He was such a heartless man.

    Qiu Qin had a sullen look on his face. ¡°I can understand that husband and wife might be living in the same forest, but when faced with adversity, they would fly away in different directions. I have no wish to bring up the unhappiness in the past. At the very least, we used to be husband and wife. I have agreed to all your requests on the divorce agreement today at the court. I only have one question to ask of you and I hope that you can tell me the truth. Am I going to be in trouble?¡±

    Qi Min hesitated slightly at his words. She did not refuse him outright.

    After a long while, Qi Min sucked in her breath. ¡°Touch pitch and you shall be defiled. Be careful. This is all that I can say.¡±

    Qiu Qin should be clear what he had been up to. He should know very well what would happen to him as well.

    After saying that, Qi Min walked off without looking back.

    Qi Min had most of the money that Qiu Qin and Qi Min earned through legal means.

    Qi Min did not ask for the Qiu family¡¯s residence at Ping Cheng. If Qiu Qin was caught, at the very least, the elderly couple of the Qiu family would have a roof over their heads.

    Qi Min had no wish to tarnish her reputation because of her divorce with Qiu Qin.

    Qi Min was not too young, but she was not old either. She looked pretty as well. She might have a second rtionship and another chance at marriage.

 Chapter 838 - I Have Seen This Person on Television

    <h4>Chapter 838 I Have Seen This Person on Television</h4>

    Furthermore, Qi Min was still considering whether she should continue to stay at Ping Cheng or to go to Mo Du after her divorce.

    ¡°Mom, have you gotten a divorce?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qi Min shook the divorce certificate in her hands. ¡°Chenxi, should we go to Mo Du? Once what your dad did is exposed, we will be implicated if we stay in Ping Cheng. Although we are divorced, if I don¡¯t lend a helping hand, people will say that I am heartless. It is better that we stay away from trouble.¡± She had already reminded Qiu Qin. It was up to him to save himself.

    In the meantime, another pair of father and daughter was discussing the same topic. ¡°Nan Nan, there is no need to be afraid anymore when you are with Zhai Sheng in the future.¡±

    Looking at the divorce certificate, Qiao Nan did not know what to say. She had mixed emotions, feeling bitter and uneasy. ¡°Dad, are you sure you have no regrets?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have no regrets. Besides, I did not get a divorce because of you. I made the decision for myself. Your mom could not bear to leave Qiao Zijin, while Qiao Zijin cannot stand the sight of you... Given what your sister has done-unless we are millionaires, we do not have the money for her to squander away. Not only is she squandering money, but she almost caused your mom to lose her life too!¡±

    This time, it was Ding Jiayi who was pushed onto the path of a moving car. Qiao Dongliang really feared that he would be the next victim. He even dreamed of it yesterday.

    Now that Ding Jiayi was in an ident, the police officers would definitely investigate.

    During the investigation, the police officers asked the witnesses what exactly had happened.

    Many people could prove that the ident was not caused by the driver. In fact, it was Ding Jiayi who dashed out to the road.

    However, after Ding Jiayi woke up, she insisted that she was pushed by someone.

    Qiao Dongliang believed her words.

    He had said long ago that Qiao Zijin¡¯s n this time was too dangerous. There was no way that Ding Jiayi would take part in her n. Since she did not y a part, it would not be possible for the car to run into her. There was only one possibility-she was pushed.

    Qiao Dongliang could feel the shivers at the thought of that.

    It was such a dangerous move to push Ding Jiayi onto the path of a moving car. Why was Qiao Zijin so certain that she would not die?

    Would Qiao Zijin not be anguished at the sight of Ding Jiayi lying prone in a pool of blood? Would she not be worried and scared?

    Qiao Dongliang could not understand why Qiao Zijin would be so vicious. Why would she do all these just to stop Qiao Nan from sitting for the college entrance examination?

    Could it be that to Qiao Zijin, it was alright to sacrifice Ding Jiayi for an exam?

    Qiao Dongliang had no wish to ponder further. The more he thought about it, the more he felt the shivers despite the hot summer in July to the point that he would have to use a nket at night. ¡°Nan Nan, have you filled in your aspiration and the college that you are going to?¡±

    ¡°The college in the capital,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    In the previous life, she did not have the chance to go out of the province, let alone the country.

    Now that she had the chance, Qiao Nan wanted to visit the capital. As for her college, both she and Shi Qing were not given the choice to choose their own school. Her master, Lin Yuankang already picked a school for Qiao Nan. He also contacted the personnel at the school, saying that his disciple would be studying at the school.

    As for Qiao Nan¡¯s teachers... her seniors...

    Lin Yuankang had ordered his disciples to coach Qiao Nan. It was brilliant of him to do that.

    ¡°Peking University?¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan was interested in humanities. He had heard that Peking University¡¯s humanities courses were good.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°In fact, Peking University¡¯s humanities and science courses are good. Therefore, Shi Qing is going to Peking University as well.¡±

    ¡°Can she not go...¡± Qiao Dongliang remembered the conversation between Zhai Sheng and Shi Peng.

    Shi Qing was given no choice as to which school she was going to.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. Brother Zhai was too much. Why did he insist that Shi Qing went to the same school as her to keep a watch on her?

    Qiao Nan knew very well what was on his mind. He wanted Shi Qing to keep a watch on the boys at the school.

    ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t be upset. Peking University is indeed a good school. No matter what, you won¡¯t suffer with Shi Qing around.¡± It was great that they could study at Peking University together.

    There were a lot of students who sat for their college entrance examination every year. Only a few of them would be able to get into a good school.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang felt that it was fine as long as his children could get into a college. Peking University and Tsinghua University were just like a dream to him.

    Their financial situation did not allow them to dream of going to such schools. It was beyond their reach.

    One should not be too hard on oneself. It was fine as long as they could get into a college.

    To Qiao Dongliang, the dream that used to be beyond his reach hade true. There was nothing more joyous than that!

    After he was utterly disappointed by Qiao Zijin-if not for Qiao Nan who stayed by his side-Qiao Dongliang might not be able to recover from the hurt.

    Because of Qiao Zijin, he doubted his ability to educate and nurture a child. What had he done to raise a child like Qiao Zijin?

    Furthermore, he was slowly getting to know Qiao Zijin better. Ding Jiayi, who was with her every day, was hoodwinked by her. Who exactly was the mother and who was the daughter?

    Qiao Zijin was very young, but she was able to control Ding Jiayi.

    No matter how hard Qiao Dongliang thought about it, he could not understand how Qiao Zijin turned out to be like this. Why did she have such a deformed rtionship with Ding Jiayi?

    ¡°Hey, I have seen him before.¡± The Ping Cheng news was on television.

    An ancient tomb was discovered in the countryside of Ping Cheng. The tomb owner came from a prominent family and many treasures were buried with him. However, this had already been on the news previously.

    Since part of the ancient tomb had been discovered and more would be excavated, it was on the news again to highlight the cultural heritage of Ping Cheng.

    As the person who was in charge of the town, Qiu Qin had to go on television as well. He had to talk about how they discovered the ancient tomb and the preservation work that was to be done.

    Qiao Dongliang pointed toward Qiu Qin, remembering that he had seen him before. ¡°It turns out that he is the person who discovered the ancient tomb.¡±

    ¡°He did not discover the ancient tomb. He is the director of the town. The vigers at the town discovered the ancient tomb and reported it to the authorities. As the director of the town, he has to be responsible and attend such events.¡± Qiao Nan knew thatpared to the other officials in the town, Qiu Qin, who used to be in Ping Cheng, held a higher position.

    Qiu Qin was more adept and experienced at handling such events. Therefore, he had the chance to be on television.

    ¡°Wait a minute...¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. Qiu Qin was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father. Her father did not know Qiu Chenxi, so how would he know Qiu Qin? ¡°Dad, when did you see him before? Was it on television?¡±

    If her father saw him on television, he should not be so surprised.

    ¡°No, I just saw him today.¡±

 Chapter 839 - Reminded In Time

    <h4>Chapter 839 Reminded In Time</h4>

    If he had not seen the person that he met in real life on television in the evening, he would not have such a strong impression of him.

    ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°The court,¡± Qiao Dongliang said. ¡°Didn¡¯t I get a divorce with your mom today? Your mom did not appear but the court dered the divorce sessful given that there is sufficient evidence. After I collected the divorce certificate, just as I came out, I saw a huge bouquet of red flowers that were quite nice-looking. The director was holding it in his hands. However, very soon after, he smashed the flowers to the ground.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had not bought any flowers before but he knew how much these things cost.

    That was such a huge bouquet of flowers and it would not be cheap. However, they had been smashed to the ground just like that. At the thought of the sum of money spent on these flowers, Qiao Dongliang felt his heart ache.

    It was also because of this that Qiu Qin left a very deep impression on Qiao Dongliang. He was thus able to recognize at one look that the person in the television show was the one that he saw during the daytime.

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t guess wrongly, he also went there to get a divorce. It seemed that he was the disagreeing party. He was running and chasing after a woman.¡± Perhaps because he felt more relieved now, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s willingness to gossip leaped a little and he even shared such news with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Woman... The more Qiao Nan thought about it, the more she felt that something was amiss. ¡°Dad, wait for me for a while.¡±

    Qiao Nan first knocked on the main door of the house of the Shi family and then asked Shi Qing toe out. ¡°Why did youe at this time? Shouldn¡¯t you be sleeping soon?¡± Shi Qing had already finished bathing and she was in her pajamas.

    ¡°Shi Qing, do you have a photo of your auntie at home? Quickly look for it now. Pass me one of the photos if you have it. It¡¯s quite important. I¡¯m worried that something bad is going to happen again!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face was red with anxiety and she was sweating profusely. The earlier shower that she took was all wasted now.

    Initially, Shi Qing even wanted to shoot a few questions. After all, how was Qi Min rted to Qiao Nan?

    Nevertheless, she seldom saw Qiao Nan behave in this way despite having known her for such a long time. Half a month ago, when Qiao Nan was held back while she was on her way to the college entrance examination, she only saw a determination in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She did not even seem as nervous as now. ¡°You... you wait a while. You also know that my dad and I have only moved to Ping Cheng for slightly more than two years. I¡¯ve also shifted more than once. I¡¯m not sure if I have her photo at home. I¡¯ll go and see if I can find

    any.¡±

    After spending a lot of effort, Shi Qing finally managed to find one photo. ¡°Qiao Nan, take a look and see if this one is fine. Actually, this photo belongs to my dad. My mom felt that my dad looked extremely energetic when he was young and insisted that he brought this to Ping Cheng. She hoped that my dad would reminisce more about how he was like when he was young after he saw the photo.¡±

    It was a ck and white photo. As it was well kept, the people in the photo could be seen very clearly.

    ¡°Fine, this one then. Thank you very much.¡±

    Qiao Nan left with the photo in her hand.

    ¡°Ah, can you at least give me an exnation?¡± Why did she suddenly ask for her auntie¡¯s photo? Moreover, something bad? What was the bad thing that was going to happen?

    Shi Qing went back into the house. She called her father as she changed her clothes. ¡°Dad?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Dad, Qiao Nan insisted on asking me for a photo of my auntie just now. I found one photo that you took with her when you were young. Qiao Nan told me that something bad is going to happen. I¡¯m a little worried, so I¡¯m going next door to the Qiao family. I¡¯m just telling you this first.¡± After the phone call, Shi Qing had also finished wearing her dress.

    ¡°Your auntie had a divorce with Qiu Qin today.¡± Shi Peng told her clearly. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s worries may indeed happen. I¡¯ll get someone to check on it.¡±

    ¡°Divorce?¡± Shi Qing only came to her senses after the phone was hung up. ¡°What? Something bad is really going to happen!¡±

    When Shi Qing ran over to the house of the Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang had already finished with the recognition ¡°Tsk... she resembles her slightly but she¡¯s much older than her. This is the daughter of the woman that I saw today?¡±

    ¡°Woo...¡± Qiao Nan let out a breath and quickly gave Zhai Sheng a call. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m looking for Brother Zhai. I¡¯m Qiao Nan. Hello, Brother Zhai. Today, Qi Min and Qiu Qin divorced sessfully. They divorced so quickly. I¡¯m worried that Qi Min may say something.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not very clear about the situation of Qiu Qin¡¯s family because Zhai Sheng had not told her specifically what had happened.

    She only knew that Zhai Sheng was keeping a watch on the Qiu family and there was definitely something wrong with Qiu Qin.

    Besides this, Qiao Nan also knew that Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi had a transaction with each other.

    Qiu Qin had a mistress outside. In addition, he was getting into some trouble. Hence, Qiu Chenxi would certainly not follow Qiu Qin.

    Qi Min must have known about Qiu Qin¡¯s situation through Qiu Chenxi to be able to get a divorce with Qiu Qin so swiftly and without much hesitation.

    She was also a woman. A marriage may be short-lived but the couple¡¯s affection may continue to run deep. At the moment when they parted with each other, what if Qi Min¡¯s heart softened and she gave Qiu Qin a reminder? What should they do if Qiu Qin were to escape?

    Qiu Qin must havemitted a huge crime if Zhai Sheng had to be involved in the case. As such, Qiao Nan had to be very careful.

    ¡°Okay, I know now.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression changed greatly. After hanging up the phone call with Qiao Nan, he made a few more calls.

    When he heard themotion in the house, Zhai Yaohui came out to take a look. He did not immediately ask what was happening. Instead, he quietly waited for Zhai Sheng to finish making a few phone calls.

    After he finished making the calls, Zhai Yaohui already knew roughly what had happened. ¡°You¡¯ve been careless.¡±

    ¡°It should be that... I did not guess it right.¡± He had thought that Qiu Qin had a woman outside. Be it Qiu Chenxi or Qi Min, both should hate Qiu Qin to the core. Who would have known that a woman would be so irrational when they were emotional?

    Clearly, after knowing that Qiu Qin would be in trouble soon, Qi Min could decisively choose to divorce him without any hesitation. However, at thest moment, she gave Qiu Qin a ¡®kind¡¯ reminder. This had increased the difficulty of his mission.

    Ring!

    At this moment, the phone in the Zhai family rang in a hurried tone again. ¡°Hello, how is it? Okay, immediately stop him. Don¡¯t let him leave Ping Cheng. More importantly, don¡¯t let him leave the country. ording to my investigation, he still has a few cultural relics in his hands.¡±

    Regardless of whether these cultural relics were valuable, they were assets of the country and not Qiu Qin¡¯s personal belongings. He could not just sell and take them as he wished.

    ¡°Okay, keep a tight watch on him. Don¡¯t forget.¡± After hanging up the phone, Zhai Sheng looked a little sullen. ¡°True enough, Qiu Qin tried to escape.¡±

    He tried to do so with both the money and cultural relics.

    ¡°Double crime.¡± Zhai Yaohui gave a sneer. Could he still escape at this point in time? ¡°You discovered it quite in time.¡±

    Just as Qiu Qin was taking action, Zhai Sheng had already received the news?

    ¡°...¡± There was a sh of embarrassment on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. ¡°Speaking of which, it¡¯s also a coincidence. Today, the court has dered Uncle Qiao and Ding Jiayi officially divorced. When Uncle Qiao came out of the court, he coincidentally bumped into Qiu Qin, who was trying to win back Qi Min¡¯s heart. He was giving her flowers. Tonight, there¡¯s news of Qiu Qin appearing on television. Uncle Qiao recognized him when he watched television. Nan Nan asked him more and felt that something was amiss. She then gave me a call.¡±

    In the past, Zhai Sheng did not believe that a woman would bring luck to her husband. It was superstitious, a feudal belief. As part of the generation of the new century, how could they hold such beliefs?

 Chapter 840 - I Wonâ€™t Care About Your Matters Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 840 I Won¡¯t Care About Your Matters Anymore</h4>

    However, sometimes, one could not choose not to believe it when such things happened.

    At this moment, Zhai Yaohui took a nce at Zhai Sheng but he did not say anything.

    It was only until five minutester that Zhai Yaohui reminded him. ¡°Qiao Nan should have already decided on her choice of college. When you have resolved Qiu Qin¡¯s case, arrange a meet up with Qiao Nan¡¯s father so that our two families can meet.¡±

    What he meant was that they had to firm up the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay!¡± All of a sudden, Zhai Sheng felt high-spirited and energized. The earlier that he could resolve Qiu Qin¡¯s matter, the earlier he could firm up his marriage with Qiao Nan.

    He had been longing badly for this. It had been four years since he first had feelings toward Qiao Nan. It was when she was still in her third year of junior high school. Zhai Sheng, this ¡®over-aged bachelor¡¯, felt tearfu just thinking about the pain and heartaches that he had gone through in this journey. It had been so tough.

    To sell what was entrusted in one¡¯s care¡ªthe crime of selling cultural relics was not a minor one.

    After being reminded by Qi Min, Qiu Qin went home and informed Elder Qiu. He then immediately took the proceeds from his earlier sales of the cultural relics and the remaining three pieces of unsold cultural relics and left hurriedly.

    Qiu Qin knew that if he wanted to protect himself, he had to bring these items and leave China as soon as possible. He would only be safe after leaving China.

    However, before that, he had to leave Ping Cheng first as soon as possible and he could not be caught. Thereafter, he would disguise himself, gather some false identity documents, and leave China.

    Having been a government official for many years, Qiu Qin had sent people to jail before but he had never been imprisoned. He did not wish to be imprisoned.

    Furthermore, given his current situation, he couldpletely take a gamble. What if he could sessfully escape overseas? He could make use of this sum of money and the three pieces of cultural relics to start afresh and do something big in foreignnds.

    In short, he would definitely not sit and wait for his death toe.

    When Qiu Qin was escaping, he was especially grateful to Qi Min for saying those words to him. If not for her, he was afraid that he would not even know that he had let the cat out of the bag even if he were to be caught. He would be confused.

    It seemed that Zhai Sheng was already aware of his doings when he asked Qiu Chenxi to look for Zhai Sheng previously. It was probable that Qiu Chenxi even had a transaction that he was unaware of with Zhai Sheng

    Otherwise, Qi Min would not find out about this matter, and she would not have divorced him.

    He had been caught by Zhai Sheng, this junior. In addition, he was also led around by his own daughter, who nearly caused him to be jailed!

    As for the woman that he had found outside, Qiu Qin was not able to care about her at this point in time. Old Master Qiu was aware of his situation. Hence, hepletely entrusted that woman under his father¡¯s care.

    When he arrived overseas and settled down, he would first fetch that woman followed by his parents over.

    In short, if he could not remain in China, he would go overseas and develop there!

    The imagination was beautiful but the reality was merciless.

    Regardless of the number of possibilities that Qiu Qin had in mind, the reality was that he had been caught red-handed before he could even leave the grounds of Ping Cheng.

    Zhai Sheng did not give orders to set up checkpoints along the road. He just got people to guard the few main exits of Ping Cheng

    Given the crime that Qiu Qinmitted, unless he could hide overseas, he could forget about seeing the sun and reuniting with his family for the rest of his life.

    There were only a few cities in China that allowed people to travel overseas. There were also only some routes in Ping Cheng that would lead to these few main cities. It was unnecessary for Zhai Sheng to waste manpower and resources to block all the routes.

    As such, Qiu Qin had been arrested even before he left Ping Cheng. He was pulled down from the car. ¡°Qiu Qin, I¡¯m a police officer of China. In line with thew, I¡¯m arresting you due to the various crimes that you havemitted that are associated with illegally stealing and selling of cultural relics. You have the right to maintain silence. However, whatever you say will be deemed as evidence to be presented in court!¡±

    A pair of silver handcuffs cuffed the hands of Qiu Qin. The chauffeur who was driving Qiu Qin was so scared that his face turned as white as a sheet.

    He had been driving a criminal who would be imprisoned soon. ¡°Police, Mr. Policeman, I¡¯ve been wronged. I¡¯m just a driver. I¡¯ve not done anything wrong.¡±

    After much difficulty, they finally managed to arrest Qiu Qin and retrieved the money proceeds from the sale of the cultural relics as well as the stolen relics from the bags that Qiu Qin brought with him. The police officer heaved a sigh of relief.

    When the police officer heard the driver¡¯s words, he was amused. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re just acting ording to thew. We don¡¯t intend to arrest you. You can go back now. As for the fees of this trip, you will have to seek from his family if you really want to have them.¡± The police officer pointed at Qiu Qin.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want them anymore.¡± The driver quickly waved his hands. As long as they did not arrest him and take him to the police station, he did not mind losing this sum of money. He was scared.

    Qiu Qin had been arrested and the stolen cultural relics were sessfully retrieved without one item less. Of course, most of the money proceeds from the sale of the cultural relics had been retrieved as well. It was naturally a happy matter for both the party and the country. It was really very fortunate that the cultural relics of China would not be lost to foreignnds.

    Needless to say, regarding this matter, Zhai Sheng had disyed keen observation skills as well as strong leadership and organization skills. He had discovered and stopped Qiu Qin¡¯s illegal actions in time. He had retained the precious cultural relics excavated from the grounds as well as the huge expression of the country¡¯s spiritual wealth. This was, of course, another great contribution.

    When Qiu Qin was in his most embarrassing state, Zhai Sheng was in the limelight.

    If not for the fact that the Zhai family did not like to appear on the screen and it was also inappropriate for them to appear as public figures, the number of people who wanted to interview Zhai Sheng could form a queue as long as eighteen streets.

    Miao Jing only came to know about this matter after it had been resolved. Her eyes widened and she was stunned many times as she listened to it. ¡°Qiao Dongliang made some contribution just by divorcing?¡±

    ¡°Wrong. This matter could be resolved because Qiao Nan is smart and sensitive enough.¡± Zhai Hua spoke matter-of-factly. It was no wonder Zhai Sheng loved Qiao Nan so much and even her parents hadpletely epted Qiao Nan. They even fetched the old master back.

    Even for a family like theirs, although Qiao Nan did not have a good family background, it was more than enough that she was smart and capable.

    It was so unlike...

    At the thought of Wei De, Zhai Hua felt gloomy.

    Regarding the incident that happened when Qiao Nan was announced as the top scorer in the college entrance examination, Zhai Hua had mercilessly given Wei De a scolding. She had said to Wei De clearly, ¡°If you want us to have a good oue, don¡¯t hit your ideas on Qiao Nan in the future. Qiao Nan is my sister-inw. This matter won¡¯t change. My mom has already agreed. Only the old master in my family has not formallye into contact with Qiao Nan. Given my understanding of him, he will not reject someone that Zhai Sheng likes.¡±

    ¡°That may not be true. I heard that the old chief seems to like someone else many years ago, no?¡± However, didn¡¯t he also marry this muddleheaded Madam Zhai in the end?

    ¡°Wei De, I am finally able to tell. You¡¯re going to be at odds with Zhai Sheng?¡± Zhai Hua was so angry that she was holding on to her waist to support herself. ¡°Fine, you can continue to be at odds with him. I¡¯ve been worrying about whether there will be a way to let Zhai Sheng ept you first. Given this attitude of yours, I can stop worrying now. He definitely won¡¯t. In my family, I¡¯m on best terms with Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng is already the person that we can bring on our side most easily. You can do it your way. I won¡¯t care anymore!¡±

 Chapter 841 - How Dare He Be At Odds?

    <h4>Chapter 841 How Dare He Be At Odds?</h4>

    Zhai Hua almost fainted from anger. Each of her family members was more stubborn than each other. If they said that they disagreed, it meant that they really did.

    Many years ago, the old master disagreed letting her father marry Qi Min. In the end, was it not true that Qi Min was not qualified to marry into the family?

    It was already such a tough journey for them and Wei De had to increase the level of difficulty on his own ord. ¡°If you don¡¯t wish to be together with me or if you¡¯re sick of this, tell me earlier. I won¡¯t waste your time too. Your mom¡¯s health is poor and she has been pining for a grandson. After we break up, given your current situation, it¡¯s still quite easy for you to marry another woman. Maybe both of us will feel more relieved thereafter.¡±

    Zhai Hua gave a mockingugh and simply hung up the phone.

    Thereafter, Wei De made over twenty phone calls before Zhai Hua was willing to pick it up. ¡°Hua Hua, why did you say that? You¡¯re the only woman that I want to marry in my entire life. Don¡¯t you understand my feelings for you? Since I¡¯ve been in business, I can¡¯t help but attend some entertainment events. Nevertheless, haven¡¯t I always been disciplined and have nevermitted the mistakes most easilymitted by men? Of course I want to marry you. I... I admit that I am wrong in Qiao Nan¡¯s issue. I didn¡¯t handle it well enough. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m biased against Qiao Nan. Perhaps I feel a little awkward toward Regiment Commander Zhai because of what happened when I left the army previously. If I marry you, he will be my brother-inw and vice versa. We will be one family. He didn¡¯t help me even with such a small matter and caused me regrets in life about my time in the army.¡±

    Break up?

    How was that possible?!

    His life had just picked up and this tform was given to him by Zhai Hua.

    It had been so easy for him to start a business previously. He had amassed so much wealth in just one year.

    If Zhai Hua was gone, the extent of the difficulty that he would face doing business now would be the same extent as the ease that he had when he first started out.

    The money that he had earned in his entire life would be reduced to nothing, not even a single cent, within a month.

    Wei De was clearly aware of the importance of Zhai Hua for hispany¡¯s existence.

    He had not gained a strong footing and did not have sufficient connections and capital. He was not even experienced in business, and neither did he possess any investment sense.

    If he were to leave the widework of connection given to him by Zhai Hua, Wei De was still Wei De. He would still be that poord that came out of the poor ravine, one that was a good-for-nothing.

    ¡°Then?¡± Zhai Hua did not ept any of the many reasons mentioned by Wei De. ¡°Wei De, I always thought that you¡¯re quite reasonable, that you¡¯re a true man. Why couldn¡¯t I tell that you also have such a petty side in you?¡±

    In front of the Zhai family, Zhai Hua would always try her best to put in good words for Wei De. That was because Wei De had not been epted by the Zhai family. However, this did not mean that Wei De only had merits and no demerits.

    When she was alone with Wei De, Zhai Hua would never only say the good things and omit the bad ones. ¡°Clearly, one year ago, you told me that, in fact, you were in the wrong and left the army. However, that toon leader not only left the camp but also broke a limb. Didn¡¯t you say that you felt quite guilty toward him?¡±

    If he truly felt guilty about it, why did Wei De still put the me of this matter on Zhai Sheng?

    That was fine. If he was resentful toward Zhai Sheng, Wei De should be at odds with Zhai Sheng directly and not bother Qiao Nan. ¡°Wei De, you didn¡¯t fight with Zhai Sheng directly but youid your hands on Qiao Nan. Why do I feel that you¡¯re afraid of the strong and choose to bully the weak? You¡¯re just picking on the opponents who are easier to bully!¡±

    Wei De knitted his brows, feeling a little sullen. ¡°Isn¡¯t Zhai Sheng your younger brother? If I reallyy my hands on him, can you bear to see it happen? I didn¡¯t do that because of you.¡±

    Wei De had been pretending too much in front of Zhai Hua normally. At this juncture, he had gone overboard in his pretense.

    ¡°What¡¯s so unbearable? I¡¯ve already told you long ago that our Zhai family favors the strong ones. If you really have the courage to be at odds with Zhai Sheng or even win against him, maybe it¡¯ll be easier for the two of us to be together. Do you want to give this method a try?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De had a headache and he rubbed his temple. He was very speechless at the serious attitude of Zhai Hua when she gave this suggestion.

    Being at odds with Regiment Commander Zhai?

    If he truly had this capability, he, and not Zhai Sheng, would be the one assuming the regimentmander role now.

    As humans, who would not pick the weaker ones to bully? Who would be foolish enough to go head-on with the stronger ones? Could Zhai Hua not be so naive?!

    It was fine that she pretended to be righteous in front of outsiders. There were only the two of them in a private setting now. Sometimes, he really did not know how to respond to these unrealistic words of Zhai Hua.

    Wei De was unhappy, and Zhai Hua felt more depressed. ¡°Wei De, my parents told me that I have not seen your true side. Tell me, have I really not seen that true side of you?¡±

    After knowing each other for a few years and dated, Wei De did not have any demerits in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. He was conscientious during training sessions in the army, was good to hisrades and filial to his parents. After he was together with her, he was very caring and would not expect her to take more care of him just because she was the deputy battalionmander.

    However, when Wei De came into contact with her family, the number of conflicts increased. Hence, Zhai Hua¡¯s opinions of Wei De did not always remain the same.

    For example, at this moment, Zhai Hua was very doubtful.

    Clearly, he was someone quite smart but he had to fumble the ball and perform very badly at critical times. He even caused her mother to faint from anger.

    The Wei De in the past had backbones and was only willing to rely on his own capability. However, it was the truth that he had wanted to get in through the back door one year ago. Although it was for the sake of his bed-ridden mother, it could not change the fact that Wei De had wanted to get in through the back door and be in Zhai Sheng¡¯s team.

    Moreover, he was not familiar with Qiao Nan and thetter had not offended him before.

    Anyone who saw a stranger being bullied by such a muddleheaded mother would step out to voice justice and help her. However, Wei De did the exact opposite.

    The more she thought about it, the more confused Zhai Hua felt. ¡°Wei De, what kind of person are you exactly? Is my impression of you right or wrong?¡±

    When Zhai Hua said this, Wei De then truly panicked.

    Wei De had been pretending in front of Zhai Hua most of the time.

    Besides, Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan had the same problem. They assumed that someone in a soldier¡¯s uniform was definitely the most adorable person, righteous, and responsible person on earth.

    This was the first impression that Qiao Nan had toward soldiers. However, after some interaction, Qiao Nan could also have a change of her first impression very easily.

    Zhai Hua wascking a little in this aspect. Given that Wei De was a soldier, she admired a man such as Wei De very much. Naturally, she transformed all her admiration and approvals into love after they became a couple.

    Wei De was someone who was good at currying favor. When they were first together, Wei De dared not reveal too much of his character. Thereafter, he had been observing Zhai Hua and found out what kind of man she liked.

    In the end, Wei De worked on transforming himself toward the kind of man that Zhai Hua liked.

    The truth was unquestionable, and so were lies.

    As time passed, Wei De would eventually let the cat out of the bag in front of Zhai Hua.

    Once Wei De was not the man that Zhai Hua had wished for, this rtionship would not be able to proceed.

 Chapter 842 - What Kind of Logic Was That?

    <h4>Chapter 842 What Kind of Logic Was That?</h4>

    How Wei De had relied on Zhai Hua to rise previously, he would definitely fall in the same way.

    ¡°Alright, Hua Hua. I admit that I¡¯m in the wrong in this matter. I didn¡¯t handle it well enough. I apologize to you. Actually, I didn¡¯t target Qiao Nan because of Zhai Sheng. I¡¯m afraid that you willugh at me if I tell you. Qiao Nan¡¯s background is not much better than mine but she¡¯s smart and your mother treats her like her own daughter. I¡¯ve been thinking. Why do humans have different fate? I¡¯m jealous of her. She can easily receive your family¡¯s affirmation while your parents are not even willing to address me as Xiao Wei after I tried so hard for so long.¡±

    Once Wei De acted pitiful, Zhai Hua really could not bring herself to re up. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this. Inparison, Qiao Nan has worked harder than you. She has known Zhai Sheng for more than four years. My mom has also known her for more than four years. In the initial few years, my mom clearly expressed that she would not ept a daughter-inw such as Qiao Nan. Nevertheless, it has not even been two years since I first brought you to see my parents. Qiao Nan did not have it easier than you.¡±

    The only edge that Qiao Nan had over Wei De was that she appeared early and she was young when she did. She did not miss out on much of her youth during these four years.

    Even if it was another four years, Qiao Nan could also afford to go through them.

    She was different from Wei De. She was already thirty years old and Wei De was older than her by a couple of years. At the thought that very few people at this age were not married or did not have kids, Zhai Hua felt very vexed too. ¡°How is auntie¡¯s health recently?¡±

    ¡°How else can she be? Yearning for a grandson has almost be her psychological problem. Actually, my parents prefer grandson to granddaughter but I¡¯m already at this age. A few days ago, they called me and told me to quickly give birth to a grandchild, be it a grandson or a granddaughter, for them. There are so many people in the countryside. Peers of my age already have kids who are schooling. I¡¯m the only one left. Clearly, I¡¯m the most sessful one but I have not married, let alone have kids.¡± Wei De smiled grimly and he sounded very pitiful.

    ¡°Since auntie has already said that, why didn¡¯t I see you try harder? Instead, you keep provoking my parents, testing their limits. Even Zhai Sheng is annoyed with you now. Everyone says that he that loves the tree loves the branch. You know that Zhai Sheng loves Qiao Nan. Although you shouldn¡¯t be the one currying favor with Qiao Nan, you¡¯re in a rtionship with me and my parents approved of Qiao Nan earlier. You can¡¯t be jealous of her. We will be one family eventually. If you can gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor earlier and let Qiao Nan help you put in a few good words in front of Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s much more useful than you doing ten things.¡±

    If they could not seed by working on Zhai Sheng first, then they would work on Qiao Nan first.

    If Qiao Nan was willing to acknowledge Wei De, this brother-inw, Zhai Sheng would certainly silently approve of him as time passed.

    After winning over Zhai Sheng, as long as he nodded in front of their father asionally, her father¡¯s attitude would soften and her mother would not be a problem anymore.

    This was a chain with links. It was just that from now onward, Qiao Nan was the first link in their family!

    It was fine that Zhai Hua did not mention this. Once she talked about it, Wei De¡¯s face turned ck. It was not as if he had not tried it before. In the beginning, he had tried to work on Qiao Nan but failed.

    Now, in hindsight, Wei De admitted that he had looked down on Qiao Nan being just a senior high school student then. He felt that with the existence of Qiu Chenxi, this bright pearl, the Zhai family would not be so muddleheaded to really allow Zhai Sheng marry Qiao Nan. At most, he would date Qiao Nan to pass time.

    Who would have expected Qiao Nan to have such great capability? She actually sweet-talked Zhai Sheng into marrying her and even the two main elders in the Zhai family had agreed.

    If he had known that there would be today, he would have treated Qiao Nan with a better attitude during that time. At the very least, he would not act and think so highly of himself.

    Between Qiao Nan and him, whoever entered the Zhai family first had won. Qiao Nan was the victor. He had to concede defeat even if he did not wish to do so.

    ¡°Qiao Nan... Teacher Xiao Qiao is not old but she¡¯s quite mature. Most likely, she won¡¯t be cajoled so easily. After much difficulty, she has finally been acknowledged by the old chief and Madam Zhai. Once she knows that the old chief and Madam Zhai did not acknowledge me, will she be willing to care about or even help me?¡± If it were him, he certainly would not lest he became implicated in the end.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is quite a good person. She¡¯s different from those mercenary people. Shi Qing, the daughter of your former Officer Shi in the army, actually likes Zhai Sheng since she was a child. Initially, she was studying at Mo Du but she specially transferred to Ping Cheng High School topete with Qiao Nan for Zhai Sheng. It is just that Shi Qing is a gooddy. Even if she needs topete, her methods are open and honest. She never uses underhand methods. Qiao Nan is so big-hearted. She became good friends with Shi Qing. Now, Shi Qing has forgotten me, her sister. She sides with Qiao Nan so much. As such, one can definitely trust Qiao Nan¡¯s character.¡±

    How many women had the capability to transform her rival-in-love to friend, let alone best friend?

    When she thought about how much Shi Qing sided with Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua still felt so jealous even today.

    The praises that Zhai Hua had for Qiao Nan angered Wei De so much that he rolled his eyes. ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll give a good thought on how to make Qiao Nan affirm me and be willing to help us.¡±

    Shi Qing was the good one, so although she was Qiao Nan¡¯s rival-in-love, she could receive Qiao Nan¡¯s affirmation.

    That said, he had looked for Qiao Nan twice but she rejected by him without any hesitation or giving him any face. That meant that he was the bad one?

    What kind of great logic was that?!

    After Wei De hung up the phone, Zhai Hua frowned and continuously stared at the phone.

    Qiao Nan had guessed one thing correctly. Zhai Hua liked Wei De so much because she experienced from Wei De all the love, care, and concern that her parents did not give her sufficiently during her childhood.

    Wei De, who was usually cared for and doted on her in all ways, now treated her like any otherdy and hung up the phone first. How would Zhai Hua feel in her heart? Furthermore, Wei De was the one who was in the wrong.

    Since that phone call until today, Zhai Hua had not contacted or even met Wei De.

    Since the two had been in a rtionship, this was the first time that Zhai Hua had not contacted Wei De for such a long time. On the other hand, Wei De wanted to let Zhai Hua use this period of time to calm down and think carefully about their future.

    Given such thinking and behavior of Zhai Hua, god knows when he would be able to marry Zhai Hua. One could not always be so inflexible. She should know how to improvise.

    As such, the situation between the two became somewhat stagnant. Undoubtedly, the Zhai family was very pleased to see such a scene.

    Marriage was not dating. There were many opportunities to quarrel in the future because of matters pertaining to daily necessities or even children.

    During dating, before a couple was married, the couple should quarrel more. After more quarrels, they would have an idea on whether they were suitable for each other without the need for others to advise them.

    Zhai Hua did not mention Wei De in front of the Zhai family members. The atmosphere in the Zhai family became more harmonious. ¡°I think when the old master knows about this, he will be quite happy. The old master should arrive tomorrow, right?¡± Zhai Hua reminded them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and fetch him,¡± Zhai Sheng immediately replied.

 Chapter 843 - Zhai Hua Came Looking for Qiao Nan Too

    Chapter 843 Zhai Hua Came Looking for Qiao Nan Too

    Zhai Hua snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. I have no intention to have Wei De pick up the old master.¡±

    As far as Wei De¡¯s situation in the army was concerned, unless Old Master did not ask, he would either be angered by what Wei De had done and be sent to the hospital, or he would beat Wei De to a pulp such that thetter was sent to the hospital.

    ¡°Thankfully, you know your own limitations,¡± Zhai Sheng said with satisfaction. It was rare that the atmosphere was jovial in the house. She must not spoil the mood by bringing up Wei De.

    Looking at the gloomy look on Zhai Hua¡¯s face, Zhai Sheng swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue: Time was the best inspector. Time revealed a man¡¯s heart.

    However, seeing that Zhai Hua was troubled by Wei De¡¯s problems, Zhai Sheng could not bear to nag at her further.

    Miao Jing let out a long sigh. They had quarreled for days, but Wei De had yet to make a single call to pacify Hua Hua.

    Some women needed time to calm down, but that tactic was unsuitable for the women in the Zhai family. Time would not help them calm down. Instead, the sparks would gradually fade!

    True enough, Wei De did not really like Hua Hua. After being together for some time, he still did not know her temper.

    Zhai Hua, who felt gloomy, went out early the next morning. Everyone in the Zhai family felt that she must have gone to look for Wei De. If this went on and she was always the first person to give in and look for him, there would only be two oues ¡ª Zhai Hua would eventually be under Wei De¡¯s control or she would call off the rtionship.

    However, the Zhai family did not know that the person whom Zhai Hua looked for was not Wei De. In fact, the person was taken aback when she saw Zhai Hua. She widened her eyes in surprise, looking as if she was a frightened squirrel. ¡°Sis... Sister Zhai Hua, what brings you here?¡±.

    ¡°Am I not allowed to be here or am I not wee?¡± Zhai Hua pulled a long face and walked impolitely into the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Dongliang had already left for work. He had divorced Ding Jiayi and there was no need to divide their money and properties. No matter whether it should belong to her or not, Ding Jiayi had either spent all the money or she had already gotten her hands on them.

    Qiao Dongliang was left with no possessions or property. What he had to do now was to preserve the status quo. As for Ding Jiayi, who was still hospitalized, she still had her elder daughter to look after her.

    He had to support his daughter who was in college. If he did not work, no one would help him provide for her.

    Therefore, when Zhai Hua reached the Qiao family¡¯s residence, Qiao Nan was the only person at home. ¡°Where¡¯s Shi Qing? Didn¡¯t she follow you around, refusing to leave your house? I heard that she is too close to you that Zhai Sheng is jealous. He finds her an eyesore.¡±

    After entering the house, Zhai Hua scanned the house thoroughly.

    The Qiao family¡¯s residence was quite old. It had not been renovated, so it was not in good condition. The house had cemented floor, which was miles apart from the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    However, those who had been to the Zhai family¡¯s residence would not feel ufortable when they visited the Qiao family¡¯s residence. The reason was simple. It had been kept very clean.

    Those who entered the house would feel particrlyfortable in the clean environment.

    There was a saying that even if something was small, it could still contain the essentials. This was an apt description of the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    The house, though small and in, exuded a warm andfy feeling. Visitors would feel peaceful and at ease.

    Compared with mansions that were as luxurious as the pce, the Qiao family¡¯s residence gave off thefy feeling of home.

    It was no wonder that for the past three years, Zhai Sheng and her mother liked to visit the Qiao family¡¯s residence and her father did not object to it. This ce made people feel at ease. She sat down and could not help but rx.

    Zhai Hua, who had been tensed for all sorts of reasons, rxed and started to feel sleepy. She yawned and leaned on the bamboo mat on the floor of the living room, mumbling to Qiao Nan, ¡°I am tired. Let me rest for five minutes.¡±

    Zhai Hua drifted off to sleep right away. Her even breathing sound could be heard in the living room.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who had yet to say another word, widened her eyes and stared at Zhai Hua, who had taken her spot on the bamboo mat and was fast asleep. Even though she said she would sleep for five minutes, shey sprawled on the matfortably.

    Qiao Nan sped her forehead. What did Sister Zhai Hua mean bying over here today?

    Shi Qing, who leaned on the wall next door, tried to listen to what was going on, but she could not hear any more voices. She decided to climb over the wall to take a look. ¡°Why is Sister Zhai Hua here? I didn¡¯t hear any conversation between the two of you.¡±

    ¡°Why did you climb over the wall again?¡± Qiao Nan lectured Shi Qing. ¡°Is everyone who has been through military training addicted to climbing over the wall? Look at you. Ever since you moved to the house next to mine, how many times did youe into my house through the front door?¡± What Qiao Nan could not ept was that Shi Peng did not seem to mind that his daughter had the habit of climbing over the walls.

    Instead, in order for her to climb over the wall with ease, Shi Peng not only repaired the connecting wall for it to be sturdy and solid, but he also made an opening such that the protruding stone tiles would not make a tear in Shi Qing¡¯s blouses or pants.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was so exasperated that she felt like buying cement and stone tiles to fill up the opening.

    The pair of father and daughter was too willful!

    ¡°Don¡¯t take issue with this. We are so close with each other.¡± Shi Qing did not take Qiao Nan¡¯s words to heart. She ced her hand on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder and walked into the house. ¡°Hey, Sister Zhai Hua of the Zhai family has her bed to sleep on, so why did shee to your house to sleep? Could it be that she is sent out of the house because of her rtionship with Wei De? Could it be that she is here to plead with you to take her in? If so, things are getting interesting.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make matters worse without getting the facts right.¡± Qiao Nan pped Shi Qing¡¯s hand away. ¡°It¡¯s so warm. Upon arriving here, Sister Zhai Hua asked about your whereabouts. She feels that it is rare that you are not here. To her surprise, you came over five minutester.¡±

    Shi Qing lifted her chin. ¡°I have been selected by Brother Zhai to protect you during the four years in college. It is nothing wrong for me to stick close to you.¡±

    If she did not dirty her blouse when she ate the watermelon just now and needed to go back to change her blouse, she would have been at the Qiao family¡¯s residence no matter what time Sister Zhai Hua arrived at the house.

    ¡°Alright, stop saying nonsense. Hurry, help me analyze the reason why Sister Zhai Hua is here.¡± No matter how Zhai Hua treated her, Qiao Nan was able to figure out her intention and to be mentally prepared. However, she could not tell what she meant by falling asleep at her house. She felt clueless and worried.

    On the other hand, Shi Qing looked particrly rxed. It could be that because this had nothing to do with her, so she did not feel burdened.

    Qiao Nan always kept the house sparkling clean. Especially the area where they had their meals and watched television, Qiao Nan would use the cooling water from the well to wash two to three times. After which she would wipe them dry.

    By the time the floor was dry, she would use the water from the well to wipe the bamboo mat several times before cing it on the floor.

    Their house had the best venttion among all the other houses.

    If one was to sit down on the floor during the summer, it felt cool andfortable. Therefore, Shi Qing would drop by the Qiao family¡¯s residence whenever she was free. She felt that it was too troublesome to do it herself at home. She would rather enjoy the effort of others.

 Chapter 844 - The Problem Was with Wei De

    <h4>Chapter 844 The Problem Was with Wei De</h4>

    In 2000, the size of the bamboo mat was usually 1.2 meters or 1.5 meters. The bamboo mat at the Qiao family¡¯s residence was 1.5 meters wide. After Zhai Huay down to sleep, there was still a wide empty space on the mat.

    Without another word, Shi Qing found afortable spot and sat cross-legged on the mat. She switched on the television and turned to the channel that she was interested in. It was a special program that was shown during the summer break. ¡°Qiao Nan, I feel that you are being overly anxious. After being with Wei De, Sister Zhai Hua has changed a lot. But I feel that there are some habits that would never change. If there was anything that she was unhappy about, she would have blurted it out the moment she entered the house. Now that she is asleep, I don¡¯t think it is anything serious. It could be that Wei De did something to upset Sister Zhai Hua. She is thus troubled and wants to take a walk. She is here to have a peace of mind.¡±

    Shi Qing took a bite of a peach. It had a nice aroma and it was delicious, soft, and juicy. Shi Qing devoured it in no time.

    ¡°Do you really not intend to take any sses this summer break? The parents offer you very good prices.¡± This was the only issue that Shi Qing was curious about.

    Qiao Nan took a seat on the mat, watching television with Shi Qing. ¡°No, ever since... my third year in junior high school, I feel like a wound-up spring. My results have always been so much better than my sister¡¯s. However, my mom does not allow me to study, whereas my dad likes people who study well. During the summer break of my second year in junior high school, I found out that my mom wanted me to quit school to finance my sister through school. I told myself that I have to fight for the opportunity to study. It was useless to talk reasons to my mom. Therefore, I had to prove to my dad that I am capable so that he would be on my side. If my dad did not allow me to continue with my studies, it would only mean that my results were not good enough.¡±

    In fact, Qiao Nan felt that she had indeed tired herself out these past four years.

    She was not a robot. She would definitely feel tired following such tight schedules and timetables.

    However, these four years were very crucial to her. She did not dare to rx. She was worried that if she rxed slightly, she would not be able to get back to momentum.

    ¡°In order to score exceptionally good grades such that my dad would stop being biased toward my sister, I had to work extra hard. I know that my dad feels the burden of supporting my sister and me through school. It is indeed tough on him. Besides, my mom has spent all the savings on my sister. Therefore, if I want to continue with my studies, it is not good enough that I have good results. My dad has to pay the school fees for the two of us. I have to lighten his financial burden as well. If I cannot meet either requirement, I may have to quit school.¡±

    Therefore, she tried to think of ways to earn money. If the parents wanted her to tutor their children, she would try to offer a price that was slightly higher than the other tutors.

    If she did not work hard, she might have to quit school anytime.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it is so tiring on you.¡± Shi Qing gazed at Qiao Nan. Uncle Qiao seemed to dote on Qiao Nan. She had no idea that he had given her tremendous pressure and stress.

    ¡°Tiring?¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°If you want to study but everyone forbids you to study and wants you to take a totally different path that will destroy your future, you won¡¯t be feeling tired. You will only feel scared! I thrive in cmity and perish in soft living. Now that my parents have gotten a divorce, and Principal Meng has helped me to apply for a few schrships which will be awarded to me before school starts, together with the government subsidies that I have, I can finally study in college with a peace of mind. I am freed of all burdens. Of course, I hope that I can lead a simple and carefree life. I don¡¯t wish to be tired to the bones.¡±

    Qiao Nan had suffered in the past four years in order to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet

    now.

    If one could lead an easy life, no one would wish to be dog tired.

    There was no such person in this world.

    ¡°True...¡± Shi Qing did not know what else to say tofort Qiao Nan. After all, Qiao Nan had a thorough understanding of her situation. There was no need for her to advise or console her.

    Given that she lived in such a family, Qiao Nan had to think for herself and work hard. If not, among the two children in the Qiao family, she would be the child that was to be sacrificed.

    Since Qiao Nan already knew what she wanted, she had to put in ten times the effort and hard work of others in order to get what she wanted.

    At least for now, Qiao Nan was sessful. All her hard work in the past was worthwhile.

    In the past, Shi Qing might not understand the situation that Qiao Nan was in as well as the mentality of the Qiao family. However, under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, Shi Qing began to understand the workings of society and theplicated and changing rtionships between people.

    She was fortunate that she was an only child. She was able to get all the love and attention of her parents.

    As for her grandparents, apart from being slightly biased toward Qiu Chenxi when she was around, they were good to her.

    Zhai Hua, whoy on the floor, had, in fact, woken up from the time Shi Qing entered the house. She grew silent at the conversation between Shi Qing and Qiao Nan.

    One must know oneself well. This was very true.

    If one knew themselves well, they would work harder to get what they wanted.

    It was useless to sit and wait for good things toe their way. Nobody could gain anything without putting in any effort!

    She seemed to understand the reason why her parents and Zhai Sheng was so against Wei De. What Wei De did a year ago indeedcked self-awareness.

    Qiao Nan was so young and she was a youngdy, but she knew and understood such profound logic, while Wei De, who was no longer young, did not seem to know.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan knew that her parents were biased toward her sister. Therefore, she had to work harder to prove that she was capable. Wei De knew that her parents did not like him. Should he not put in extra effort to perform well and show them his abilities, so as to change her family¡¯s opinions of him?

    For a long time, Wei De kept telling her what she should do so that they could have a brighter future.

    Wei De seldom said that he wanted to work hard so that her parents would ept him and to work hard for their future...

    Zhai Hua came to the Qiao family¡¯s residence today as she had no other ce to go to. She came out from the Zhai family¡¯s residence but she could not go to Wei De¡¯s house. She had no other ce where she could rx and feelfortable.

    Zhai Hua remembered that Miao Jing loved going to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Therefore, she decided to go there.

    Perhaps she should have a heart-to-heart talk with Qiao Nan so that she would not feel so depressed.

    However, to Zhai Hua¡¯s surprise, she had yet to ask to speak with Qiao Nan, and she was already enlightened by the conversation between Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    There was no need to be doubtful or to hesitate. The problem was with Wei De!

 Chapter 845 - Much Worse Than Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 845 Much Worse Than Qiao Nan</h4>

    After figuring out this, Zhai Hua was able to rx totally and she fell into a deep sleep. She did not hear a single word of the remaining conversation between Shi Qing and Qiao Nan.

    By the time Zhai Hua woke up from her sleep, it was already five o¡¯clock in the afternoon. There was a fragrant smell of food in the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Shi Qing¡¯s voice could be heard in the distance. ¡°Qiao Nan, hurry up. I am starving! I am still growing and developing. I have to eat a lot every day. If not, I will not grow up well.¡±

    ¡°Developing? Do you think you are going through another round of development? Your digestion and metabolism are too good. I have to prepare six meals a day for you! You have your snacks in the afternoon, but now you are hungry again...¡± Qiao Nan was close to tears at the number of times that she had to serve food for Shi Qing. She had never seen a youngdy who had such a good appetite. No matter how much she ate, she would not put on weight. It was so irritating!

    If Shi Qing would put on weight from eating too much, she would want to lose weight and cut down on her food intake. In that case, she did not need to prepare so many meals for her.

    ¡°Are the meals ready? I am hungry as well.¡± Zhai Hua yawned and walkedzily toward them. ¡°Egg fried rice? Alright, I will make do with it.¡±

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan rolled their eyes. Nobody intended to invite Zhai Hua to join them to have the egg fried rice. How dared she find fault with the rice! Zhai Hua behaved like Miao Jing when she first came to her house. They were indeed mother and daughter.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you are the deputy battalionmander. People like you should have the best. The egg fried rice is mine. Maybe you can go back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. There will definitely be fish and meat dishes waiting for you!¡± Shi Qing was famished, yet she still had to share her food with Zhai Hua. Besides, since Zhai Hua seemed to disapprove of the food, Shi Qing had no wish to give her any.

    Since she did not like the food, she should not have them. She already did not have enough to eat!

    ¡°A guest should suit the convenience of the host. I will have whatever the host prepared. I should not be picky. Isn¡¯t this how a soldier should behave?¡± Zhai Hua was unhappy. Did Shi Qing, the little girl, intend to have all the food to herself? Even if the food was not nice, she would not let Shi Qing have them all to herself. Shi Qing had to pay for badmouthing her just now.

    Shi Qing watched helplessly as half of her food was given to Zhai Hua. She red at Zhai Hua angrily. ¡°Why are you here? You slept the whole afternoon away at the Qiao family¡¯s residence and now you snatch my food from me. Let me warn you. Don¡¯t go overboard!¡±

    ¡°What can you do to me?¡± Zhai Hua acted like a hooligan. ¡°Let me give you a piece of advice. You should dig in. If I feel hungry after finishing my food, I will have yours.¡±

    ¡°Crap...¡± Shi Qing was anxious. She had no time to waste. She devoured her rice quickly.

    She had no way to get her food back if it was indeed snatched away from her.

    Zhai Hua sipped some green tea after filling her stomach. She burped slightly, satisfied with the meal. ¡°Was this the fried rice that you prepared for my momst time? After going back home, she asked the helper to prepare it in the same way. It was a pity that the helper could not get the taste right. My mom got tired of it after trying a few times. It tastes different from the fried rice that is sold outside. Did you add preserved vegetables?¡±

    It was obvious that the fried rice had preserved vegetables.

    ¡°Yes. I like to prepare it in this way.¡± Qiao Nan would prepare it ording to her preferences. ¡°I prepared the preserved vegetables by myself.¡±

    ¡°You are indeed virtuous.¡± A lot of effort was put into preparing the egg fried rice. Qiao Nan prepared everything by herself. Perhaps men would want to look for wives like Qiao Nan. ¡°Zhai Sheng is fortunate. Old Master will reach Ping Cheng soon. It¡¯s time to settle the engagement between the two of you.¡±

    ¡°This is a good piece of news. Sister Zhai Hua, it is rare that you bring good news with you when you visit the Qiao family¡¯s residence. You left me with a bad impression after what happenedst time.¡± Shi Qing smiled. She would wee Sister Zhai Hua if she would bring good news with her every time she was here.

    ¡°It has been one or two years ago, yet you remember them so clearly. You are so petty.¡± Qiao Nan was the person who was bullied, not Shi Qing. Why did Shi Qing bear grudges against her? ¡°Qiao Nan, I am sorry for what happened in the past.¡±

    Zhai Hua had owed her an apology for years. Zhai Hua felt more at ease now that she had said her apology.

    ¡°Actually, I came here today for a reason. Whenever my mom is in a bad mood, she will feel better after she goes to your ce. Can you have a talk with me? If not, I may fall sick from being so vexed. One should be happy when in love, so why is it that I feel so vexed?¡±

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing turned silent. Sister Zhai Hua was indeed here because of Wei De.

    The difference was that this time, Sister Zhai Hua did not ask Qiao Nan for help. Instead, she was here to seek her advice.

    Qiao Nan thought for a while. ¡°Shi Qing, bring me the Chinese chess set that your dad gave to me. Sister Zhai Hua, I suppose you know how to y Chinese chess?¡±

    ¡°Of course. The old master brought me up. Even if I do not know how to y Go, I definitely know how to y Chinese chess.¡± Since a young age, she was ¡®trained by the old master. How could she not know how to y?

    ¡°Alright. Shall we y a game of Chinese chess to clear our minds?¡± Qiao Nan took the Chinese chess out of the box. ¡°Do you want to go first or shall I go first?¡±

    ¡°You can go first, lest you say that I bully you,¡± Zhai Hua said proudly.

    Qiao Nan epted it smilingly. She took out the red chess pieces and ced the chess pieces on the chess paper. Zhai Hua took out the ck chess pieces. The red pieces would make the first move.

    Qiao Nan started the game by moving her cannon.

    Zhai Hua then moved her horse.

    Qiao Nan took the offensive from the start of the game. She used the strategy of Pan Tou Ma.[1] The game started off quickly.

    In the blink of an eye, Zhai Hua felt that her chess pieces seemed to be trapped.

    ¡°Who taught you how to pay the Chinese chess? Is it your dad?¡± Zhai Hua thought that it would be easy to defeat Qiao Nan. Even if she allowed Qiao Nan to have a huge advantage over her, Qiao Nan would not be able to defeat her, let alone letting her take the first move.

    However, Qiao Nan was pretty skilled. She did not seem like ayman in Chinese chess.

    ¡°In the past, Elder Lee would y chess with me. I have some interest in it. Whenever I am free, I will borrow some books rted to Chinese chess from Elder Lee.¡± Qiao Nanmented as she made her move.

    ¡°...¡± From what she knew, Qiao Nan was very busy. Apart from coping with the hectic life in high school, whenever Qiao Nan was on holiday and was free, Elder Lin would bring her around for her to hone her skills and to gain relevant experience.

    Qiao Nan had been busy like a bee, yet she still had the time to learn Chinese chess and enrich herself.

    Unlike Wei De...

    She had told Wei De long ago that the old master loved ying Chinese chess. If he was able to y chess with the old master, he would at least be able to leave a good impression on him.

    She even taught Wei De briefly about Chinese chess.

    However, after learning the different moves in Chinese chess, Wei De gave up learning Chinese chess. He felt that it was too difficult and taxing on the brain, and that he could not master it.

    [1] One of the offensive strategies in Chinese chess that allows the yer to y by ear and change one¡¯s strategy flexibly in order to counterattack the opponent.

 Chapter 846 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Doubts

    <h4>Chapter 846 Qiao Nan¡¯s Doubts</h4>

    Actually, it was fine as long as he knew the moves and the rules.

    He did not need to defeat the old master. In fact, if he defeated the old master, he might be angry and would have a bad impression of him.

    Wei De was just ayman in Chinese chess. Apart from the moves, he knew nothing about it.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, who was very skilled at it.

    Although Old Master Zhai had not reached Ping Cheng, Zhai Hua was certain that he would definitely ept Qiao Nan as his granddaughter-inw.

    Old Master Zhai liked women who were down-to-earth and hardworking. She heard that he used his wife as a yardstick to choose his daughter-inw and granddaughter-inw.

    Household chores...

    Her mother was better in farming than Qiao Nan. Apart from that, they were both skilled in household chores. As for culinary skills...

    Back when Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized, Zhai Sheng had put on weight from eating the food that Qiao Nan prepared. Zhai Hua had a share of the food as well.

    As a result, Zhai Hua knew that Qiao Nan was better in culinary skills than her mother.

    She had good results and she managed the house well. Furthermore, she knew how to y Chinese chess. She had a lot of positive traits. The old master might be much more pleased at Qiao Nan than when he first saw her mother.

    Zhai Hua would always worry that when Old Master Zhai was here, he might have the same reaction as the Zhai family, or perhaps reacted even more strongly, objecting to her rtionship with Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng did not have to worry about this at all. If the full score was one hundred marks, the old master might even give a hundred and two points to Qiao Nan when he was in a good mood.

    Why was there such a big difference between people?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, if you continue to be in a daze, you will lose half of your army.¡± After Qiao Nan captured another soldier in Zhai Hua¡¯s army, she was left with half of the army.

    As for Qiao Nan, she only lost one horse and two soldiers.

    ¡°!¡± Zhai Hua was shocked. She took a closer look at the chess set. Half of her army was gone.

    Zhai Hua focused her full attention on the game. Her intention was to prove to Qiao Nan that she was good at the game. She did not want to look like a fool in the end.

    Zhai Hua concentrated on the game and dared not let her thoughts wander off. Her moves became more and more lethal.

    Even so, Zhai Hua had lost half of her army. She was not Qiao Nan¡¯s opponent. Within a minute, Qiao Nan shouted loudly. ¡°Checkmate.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s have another game!¡± Zhai Hua did not like to make the final struggle. This was just a game of chess. If she lost, she could y another game. She would not underestimate Qiao Nan in the next game. ¡°You can take the first move.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan ced the red pieces on the chess paper again. She started with Pan Tou Ma[1] again.

    Zhai Hua believed that she was very serious in the second game and that she would never lose to Qiao Nan again.

    A lot of the red pieces and the ck pieces were being captured. However, Qiao Nan was the final winner. ¡°Checkmate.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua threw the pieces away. ¡°Three games, two wins. You keep winning. I shall not y anymore!¡±

    Since Zhai Hua said that she wanted to y no more, Shi Qing kept the chess pieces immediately. Whenever Qiao Nan was free, she would y Chinese chess with her father. Sister Zhai Hua might not know, but Qiao Nan was being easy on her.

    Forget it. She had to preserve Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s dignity, lest she felt too depressed.

    Zhai Hua sat on the floor and took a peach that Qiao Nan had washed from the table beside her. She took a bite and said, ¡°I am here because I want to lighten my mood. Are you sure you should be doing this to me?¡± She felt more depressed than before.

    ¡°Shall we have another game and I will go easy on you?¡± Should she let her win?

    ¡°No!¡± Zhai Hua refused. Went easy on her? What was the point in that?

    Qiao Nan ate a peach and watched the television after being rejected by Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t me me for being a busybody. I heard that Wei De has a younger sister who has a child out of wedlock. Is that true?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua blushed. This was not something to be proud of. ¡°Yes. The sister is not blood-rted to them. The family took her in and took care of her as if she were their daughter. Wei De told me that the child was abandoned by her parents at a young age. They left her outside their house. Actually, nobody knows who her biological parents are. Many people said that somebody must have passed by the vige and left the child randomly outside the Wei family¡¯s residence. Wei De¡¯s parents feel sorry for the child. Therefore, they decided to take her in.¡±

    ¡°Is it that easy to adopt her?¡± Qiao Nan took another bite of the peach. ¡°I remember that the country implemented family nning in the 70s. However, many ces still feel that it is a good fortune to have lots of children. Although the first child is a boy, I find it strange that the Wei family only has one child, and that the second child is an adopted child.¡±

    ¡°Wei De said that... his mother has been in poor health ever since giving birth to him. She could no longer bear another child.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that the reason for not having another child is not due to poverty?¡±

    ¡°It could be part of the reason.¡± The Wei family was not doing well. Before Wei De joined the army, they had difficulties to make ends meet.

    ¡°Even if they could no longer have children, they may not necessarily adopt another child. Besides, the Wei family is not doing well. Since they have difficulties to make ends meet, why were they willing to adopt a child whose parents they know nothing about? Furthermore, the child is five to six years younger than Wei De. Back then, given the Wei family¡¯s situation, how could they have the ability to adopt a child? How did theyplete the procedures?¡±

    The Wei family already had Wei De as their son. Since it was not allowed to have a second child, they could not adopt a child as well.

    However, the sister was not an unregistered resident under the household.

    No matter what, if the sister was to be registered under the household, they would be fined a huge sum of money.

    In order to register the child under the household, the Wei family would have to pay the fines. Besides, it would be another expense to take her in and raise her up. The Wei family was not doing well, so why would they do that?

    ¡°I am sorry. I am used to being frank and straightforward. You should know the situation in my family. I may not understand theplicated issues, but I pay a lot of attention to details. There are some problems that have been bothering me. Since you are here, I decided to check with you. If you are unhappy, you can choose not to answer.¡±

    The Zhai family was a political and military family. Furthermore, Zhai Hua was born during that time. She knew very well about the policies back then.

    Take for instance the Zhai family. They went through a lot to have Zhai Sheng.

    If the Zhai family was a family of farmers and the first child was a girl, they would be allowed to have another child.

    However, the Zhai family and the Qiao family were ssified as non-agricultural household registers. Therefore, they were not allowed to have another child. Qiao Dongliang had to leave the army and pay a fine to have a second child and to register Qiao Nan under his household.

    Therefore, after having Zhai Hua, the Zhai family was not allowed to have a second child.

    However, Miao Jing was pregnant with another child.

    Old Master Zhai felt that it was a pity, but he could not take the lead to go against the national policy as well. His intention was for Miao Jing to have an abortion at the hospital.

    [1] One of the offensive strategies in Chinese chess that allows the yer to y by ear and to change one¡¯s strategy flexibly in order to counterattack the opponent.

 Chapter 847 - The â€˜Greatâ€™ Mother

    <h4>Chapter 847 The ¡®Great¡¯ Mother</h4>

    Old Master Zhai had given the order. Even if the people from the Zhai family did not take the lead to follow the national policy, they could not go against it openly and set a bad example. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could not bear to part with the child, but they had no choice but to go to the hospital.

    After examining Miao Jing, the doctor told her that she did not have enough nutrition when she was young. She might look healthy, but she had a weak constitution. Furthermore, she had a second child soon after she had her first child, causing her to be weaker.

    Under normal circumstances, it would be good for the pregnantdy to abort the unborn child.

    However, Miao Jing¡¯s condition was different. If she aborted the baby, she might endanger her life. Therefore, the doctor rmended her to give birth to the baby.

    Miao Jing went to several hospitals to seek advice, and all the doctors gave her the same rmendation.

    Zhai Yaohui submitted the report and the higher-ups allowed them to have a second child.

    Although the government implemented family nning, they could not disregard human lives. Miao Jing¡¯s condition was a special case. Therefore, it had to be handled differently.

    As a result, Miao Jing was able to give birth to Zhai Sheng

    The Zhai family had been through a period of stress and anxiety because of this. Although Zhai Hua was still very young, she had some recollections of it till today.

    The Zhai family got into a lot of trouble because of having a second child. Although the Wei family merely adopted a child, it would not be easy on them as well. Even if they were from the countryside, they still could not go against the policy.

    Unless Wei De¡¯s sister was unregistered in the household.

    But it was a fact that his sister was registered under the household. If so, how did the Wei family settle their problem back then?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange?¡± Zhai Hua blinked rapidly, but she could not answer the question. Qiao Nan threw the seed into dustbin easily and washed her sticky hands in the toilet. ¡°I keep hearing that both of you have been talking about marriage. Wei De knows very well about the situation in the Zhai family. But Sister Zhai Hua, you don¡¯t seem to know much about the Wei family. Even if both of you are to stay in Ping Cheng after marriage, you still have to take care of matters rted to the Wei family. As I have said, dating only concerns two persons, while marriage involves two families. Actually, you should know why my dad is in a hurry to divorce my mom.¡±

    Zhai Hua knew nothing about the Wei family as they lived far away from Ping Cheng. She heard everything about the Wei family from Wei De, but nobody knew whether he was telling the truth.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua was silent. ¡°Will this have any impact on my life with Wei De in the future?¡±

    She had no contact with people from the Wei family. She only learned about them through Wei De. Now that Qiao Nan mentioned it, Zhai Hua felt a sense of panic that she knew nothing about them.

    ¡°Let me put it this way. We know that his sister has a child that is born out of wedlock. She must be very brave to do so in a rural vige where it is very conservative. She has to be very capable as well to continue to make a living there. In fact, the sister has good fortune. She was abandoned by her family, but she was adopted by another family right away. As a woman, she has an illegitimate child, but she still has a good life in the vige. She is a special woman.¡±

    ¡°Do the vigers take pity on the youngdy?¡± Shi Qing interrupted.

    ¡°I suppose. Let¡¯s get back to the topic. The sister has always been staying in the vige. The vige will grow their own crops and vegetables. It is sufficient for them to survive, but they are unable to make money from farming. I am sure Wei De used to take care of this child. Perhaps it is due to the family environment that I grew up in, or that I am selfish and narrow-minded, but undoubtedly, Wei De will have to take care of the child for three to five years. He may even be responsible for the child even when the child graduates from school and has a job. Perhaps Wei De will earn the money to buy him a house and a car so that he can get married. I heard that the child takes Wei De¡¯s surname, no?¡±

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°That is such an exaggeration.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡± Qiao Nan shut Shi Qing up. In the future, the economy would be booming and the price of housing would increase tremendously. If a man wanted to get married, the first question that he would be asked was whether he had a house.

    China was a nation with a vast amount ofnd and a veryrge poption. Every ce had their own cultures and customs. She also heard that in some ces, if the men did not have a house, a car, or money, they could never find a wife.

    ¡°Wei De is running a business. He... he does notck money.¡± It was nothing much to raise a child.

    ¡°Let me ask you. If both of you arrange for the child to study in Ping Cheng, and you have your own children and you need to go to a parent-teacher conference, who will attend whose parent-teacher conference?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua will attend the parent-teacher conference of her own child while Wei De will attend the parent-teacher conference of his sister¡¯s child, right?¡± Shi Qing was confused. She had no idea how this was rted to their topic.

    ¡°If so, I feel so sorry for Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s child. The child has a father, but the father has no chance to attend the parent-teacher conference.¡±

    ¡°I can go as the child¡¯s aunt!¡± That would not be a problem. ¡°Qiao Nan, the child is innocent.¡±

    Qiao Nan was exasperated. She looked upward and gave Zhai Hua a thumbs-up. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you are so great. You are truly ¡®the most adorable¡¯ person in the world. Our fingers have different lengths, and Zhai Sheng is your brother. However, you alwaysin that Old Master Zhai and the old chief value Brother Zhai more than you, and that they underestimate you as you are a woman. But right now, you are telling me that the child is innocent, and you intend for your child to watch helplessly as someone else¡¯s child gets the love and attention of the parents? I have to thank you on behalf of your future child, for teaching the child since young to share the parents¡¯ love and not to be selfish.¡±

    Zhai Hua was jealous of her brother and bore grudges because of that. Whenever she felt unhappy with her elders at home, she would bring that up andin that she had suffered all these years.

    She could not do what she preached, yet she wanted her child to be able to share the love with someone who was unrted.

    It was the child¡¯s luck to have such a mother. Qiao Nan could only feel sorry for the future child. The child was so pitiful.

    ¡°Yes, it can be done. When you have a child with Wei De in the future, you can teach your child to share the parents¡¯ love with someone else. This is what you can tell her: When I was young, I was jealous of my own brother. I am being foolish and I have yet to sort out my thoughts even today. Therefore, as my child, you must do what I am unable to aplish. Look at your cousin. He is so pitiful. He does not have a father since he was born. You must not be unhappy that your parents treat him well. You must agree to your parents treating him like their own.¡± Qiao Nan showed Zhai Hua how she should teach her child, imitating the way she spoke. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think? I havee up with a way to teach your child. Is it touching? Will your future child be moved by what you say?¡±

 Chapter 848 - Brainwashing Zhai Hua

    <h4>Chapter 848 Brainwashing Zhai Hua</h4>

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face turned ck instantly. She was not angry at Qiao Nan for being too mean in her words. She was angry at herself for what she had said as it was too high-sounding and unrealistic. She felt like giving herself a p.

    She was on such good terms with Zhai Sheng, yet they would be jealous of each other from time to time. If her baby had to lead such a life, she would rather not give birth to one!

    She had told herself as well as Wei De countless times that unless she was childless in the future, she would definitely give all her love to her own child.

    Certainly, she would not be like her parents who were so irresponsible to have ¡®dumped¡¯ their children to the elders. This had caused the children tock paternal love and care since they were young.

    At this moment, Zhai Hua felt that she was hitting herself in her own face. ¡°You¡¯re not selfish. All humans are selfish.¡±

    Shi Qing shook her head, feeling confused. ¡°No, I think Qiao Nan exaggerated a little. Since this is a problem that can be resolved with money, it is not much of a concern. Think about it. This child doesn¡¯t have a father but he has a biological mother. At most, you can ask Wei De to give more money to his younger sister and let them move out of the countryside to let the child receive a better education. Won¡¯t that do? Why do Wei De and Sister Zhai Hua have to bring that child along and raise him up?¡±

    This was not right. Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan persuade Sister Zhai Hua to leave Wei De? Why did she talk about Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s child?

    ¡°It¡¯s not exaggerating.¡± Zhai Hua let out a frustrated sigh. ¡°Qiao Nan is not exaggerating. I¡¯ve been too naive.¡±

    ¡°Wei De had brought his up?!¡± Qiao Nan looked stupefied. ¡°The two of you have not even sorted out your rtionship?!¡±

    ¡°I want to wash my face.¡± Zhai Hua stood up silently. She went to the toilet and sshed water onto her face so that she could sober up.

    Why was it that Qiao Nan, who was at such a young age, could foresee a problem that she had not even thought of? This was despite that she was much older than Qiao Nan. Moreover, she had neglected this issue again and again.

    Wei De not only brought up the matter about this child but also thought of bringing the child here after this summer vacation to take care of him.

    That child was already four years old this year. Wei De said that children nowadays had to receive a better education so that they would not lose out from the start.

    There were many children of wealthy families in Ping Cheng who went to nurseries and hopped around lessons to learn many things at the age of two or three.

    As this child bore the surname of Wei, Wei De¡¯s parents treated him like their biological grandson. Hence, as the child¡¯s uncle, Wei De certainly could not shortchange him and wished to nurture him.

    Zhai Hua had been together with Wei De for a long time and the Zhai family had not even approved of their rtionship. Hence, it was still too early to have a child.

    Nevertheless, they would be parents eventually. It was also good to have some practice beforehand.

    Zhai Hua was a woman. Now that she was of this age, she was yearning for children as well. Thinking that Wei De¡¯s words were right, she had nodded and agreed to Wei De¡¯s request.

    Wei De not only wanted to spend money to rear the child but he also wanted to take care of and raise him up on his own. He even wanted Zhai Hua to help him along!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I would like to ask you a question. Help me analyze it.¡± After washing her face, Zhai Hua walked out and sat opposite Qiao Nan. ¡°Perhaps I am naturallycking in this aspect. I didn¡¯t consider too clearly or thoroughly on some real-life issues.¡±

    ¡°No, you are not objective because you¡¯re the party involved.¡± Most would think that she was with Brother Zhai as she was lusting after the Zhai family¡¯s wealth. That was amon reaction by a typical person, and so did Sister Zhai Hua. That went to show that Sister Zhai Hua was actually conscious of such details in life. ¡°Nevertheless, please continue.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like that. Wei De wants to make a trip back to his hometown next month and bring this child over. He hopes that I will be able to nurture a rtionship with this child. Wei De said that that child is quite smart, good-looking, and very obedient. He said that when the child is able to behave better and not so mischievous, he will let me bring him back to the Zhai family for my parents to look after and relieve their boredom. He said that a child will definitely bring a lot of joy andughter to a family. After getting along with this child for some time, my parents may wish that our future child will be as adorable. Their hearts may soften and they will agree to our rtionship. Do you think this situation is simple?¡±

    Simple?

    Not at all!

    Qiao Nan simply told Zhai Hua about the situation between Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, do you think that Wang Yang is simple?¡±

    Wang Yang ostracized Zhu Baoguo from Elder Zhu. He then tried to get close to and gain favor from Elder Zhu every day. Did Wang Yang purely want to be a good grandson to let Elder Zhu enjoy the joy of having his family and grandchildren close to him?

    He must be kidding!

    ¡°This is just the son of his adopted younger sister, not even his biological nephew. Why is he taking care of him and making arrangements as if this is his own son?¡± Shi Qing asked, speechless.

    Zhai Hua had a headache and she scratched her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t think that this matter would be soplicated earlier. I have already agreed to this. If I tell him not to let that childe now, it¡¯s not that good, right?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, since you look for me today, I will be blunt with my words. If Wei De wants that child toe, that¡¯s fine. You can also take the chance to make more observations. You¡¯re a soldier and you don¡¯t spend a lot of time at home. How will you have so much time to spare to help them take care of the child? You don¡¯t need to intervene in how he brings up this nephew. Let Wei De arrange it on his own. If Wei De wants you to bring that child to the Zhai family, you can just decline. Without much thinking, you should understand that the old chief and Auntie Miao may not wee the child even if he is Wei De¡¯s biological nephew, let alone the fact that the identity of this child is a little awkward now. You don¡¯t need to make it too obvious. You can just say that Auntie Miao¡¯s health is not very good and can¡¯t be disturbed by the noise of children. Furthermore, this matter is in your hands. If you don¡¯t wish to, will Wei De have the capability to bring the child to the Zhai family on his own?¡±

    If Wei De really had the capability, he would not have pleaded with Sister Zhai Hua.

    Sister Zhai Hua was the prerequisite for Wei De to enter the door of the Zhai family. Regardless of what Wei De had in mind, he would not be able to aplish anything without Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s help.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do that.¡± Zhai Hua immediately pped her hand on the floor. ¡°My parents have not even epted the matter between me and him. It¡¯s definitely not appropriate for the nephew toe into the picture at this point in time. In the future, I won¡¯t be cajoled in this way by Wei De anymore. Why have I been coaxed into a brainless person?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t get too worked up. Remember that a woman in love is blind. If you can¡¯t decide or feel that it¡¯s not appropriate to tell me, I think you can look for Shi Qing. Shi Qing will still be able to give you a few earnest opinions.¡± Qiao Nan pushed Shi Qing out and let Shi Qing be her scapegoat.

    It was tough being a good person. In particr, it was tougher to be a ¡®good person¡¯ that was in between lovers.

    If this was not handled properly, perhaps Zhai Hua would put all the me on Qiao Nan. It would be so awkward for the two of them to live under the same roof in the future.

    Shi Qing, who had been ¡®pushed forward¡¯, did not re up either. Anyway, she did not see eye to eye with Wei De. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Sister Zhai Hua. You helped me in the past. Now, I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    Zhai Hua gave a nod and agreed. She really could not do this alone.

 Chapter 849 - Could Not Bear To Do So

    <h4>Chapter 849 Could Not Bear To Do So</h4>

    Just as Zhai Hua arrived home, Wei De¡¯s phone call came.

    The auntie told Zhai Hua in a hushed tone, ¡°That Mr. Wei has called for the fifth time today. Miss, do you want to take the call?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Hua declined tly. ¡°If this really won¡¯t do, you can hang up the phone and leave it aside. Don¡¯t bother about this.¡±

    He had been keeping mum and did not call her for so many days. Today, he made five phone calls. He must be looking for her to talk about that child¡¯s matter.

    So, Wei De was only willing to look for her when he had some issues. In the absence of any matter, there was not even a call from him for so many days.

    ¡°Oh, okay, miss.¡± The auntie knew that this partner of Zhai Hua was not very well-liked by the Zhai family. She was thus very frightened and careful whenever she picked up Wei De¡¯s call. The auntie felt more relieved when she heard Zhai Hua¡¯s words.

    Without a word, the auntie acted ording to Zhai Hua¡¯s instructions. She picked up the phone and immediately hung it up. She then put the phone aside. In this way, one could no longer get through the phone line directly.

    ¡°Hello...¡± When the call got through, just as Wei De wanted to ask if Zhai Hua was back, unexpectedly, the other party simply hung up the phone.

    Wei De was so angry that he smashed a cup. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just a housekeeper of the Zhai family? You dare to hang up my phone? When I manage to contact Zhai Hua, I¡¯ll make things difficult for you!¡±

    After the smashing, Wei De looked a little sullen. He had been in some business talks recently. He did not contact Zhai Hua deliberately these few days as he hoped that Zhai Hua could restrain her temper a little.

    If she really wished to be together with him, she had to spare more consideration for him, think in his shoes, and affirm his views. She should not always restrict him as she always did. Was that meaningful?

    However, Wei De had a phone call with his family yesterday and his parents urged him to bring Wei Wei here as soon as possible. Wei De had no choice but to make this call.

    That child¡¯s name was not under Ping Cheng¡¯s household register. If they wished to change it, it was quite cumbersome and there would be a lot of administration work.

    In particr, Wei De wanted to let Wei Wei study in a better kindergarten but he did not have any resources in this area. He tried to seek help from the friends introduced to him by Zhai Hua but they declined. They said that it would be more convenient for the Zhai family to handle this.

    These people were all childhood friends of Zhai Hua. They helped Wei De on the ount of Zhai Hua. Of course, they would be on Zhai Hua¡¯s side.

    Wei De wanted to bring his nephew over. Were his brains damaged?

    If they were to participate in this matter, they could forget about being friends with Zhai Hua in the future.

    Hence, besides Zhai Hua, no one dared to poke their nose in this matter.

    Hence, Wei De could only look for Zhai Hua as he hoped that Zhai Hua could help him resolve all these problems.

    Before bringing the child over, he certainly had to rify all these matters. Otherwise, if he was clueless and did not have any idea about what to do when the child arrived, August would be over in the blink of an eye and Wei Wei¡¯s admission to kindergarten would be dyed again by six months.

    Zhai Hua would not pick up his call. Wei De did not have a way either.

    He lighted up a cigarette and started smoking. He had gotten used to smoking cigar previously but had spent a long time to quit the habit and return to smoking cigarettes. This was because Zhai Hua said that her family did not need people who appeared ¡®corrupted¡¯ and smoking cigars was too eye-catching.

    Now, he could not get in touch with Zhai Hua. It seemed that he had to look for her personally in the quad.

    At the thought that the Zhai family did not like him at all, and perhaps the auntie dared to hang up his call as she was acting on the Zhai family members¡¯ instructions, Wei De was so furious that his face turned gloomy.

    What was not good about him that the Zhai family did not look up to him?

    Furthermore, Zhai Hua was an ¡®old woman¡¯ that was almost thirty years old. The Zhai family should feel fortunate that he was willing to marry her. Why were they putting on airs?

    However, Wei De only dared to think about these words. He dared not voice them out. Regardless of how old the women in the Zhai family were, there would be people who were willing to marry them. Furthermore, they might even possess better qualities than him.

    It was only when Wei De was alone that he dared to say such words to himself to deride Zhai Hua. He consoled himself for being so benevolent that he was able to ept Zhai Hua, this ¡®olddy¡¯.

    After finished smoking his cigarette, Wei De stomped his feet and could only drive to the quad to look for Zhai Hua. ¡°Comrade, good day. I am Zhai Hua¡¯s partner. I am here to look for Zhai Hua. We met before. Can you let me go in?¡±

    The youngrade was very insistent. ¡°This won¡¯t do. I have to either ask the family members of the old chief or ask Zhai Hua toe out and meet you. You can¡¯t drive your car in like that.¡±

    On the previous asion, Zhai Hua was sitting beside Wei De. Of course, Wei De could drive his car in. However, today, without Zhai Hua, Wei De could not even enter the entrance of the quad.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go in then. Can you help me pass a message to Zhai Hua?¡± Wei De did not throw a temper at the youngrade. This was because he would only embarrass himself if he did so. The regtion of the quad was as such.

    ¡°Fine, you can wait here,¡± the youngrade replied and then passed Wei De¡¯s message to the Zhai family.

    After thinking, Zhai Hua decided to go with the youngrade to meet Wei De.

    At the sight of Zhai Hua, Wei De¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Hua Hua, maybe you should tell the youngrade not to do this when he sees me in the future. It¡¯s so inappropriate and it makes people feel embarrassed.¡±

    Zhai Hua pursed her lips. ¡°This is the regtion of the quad. I don¡¯t have a choice as well. When my dad is willing to give an instruction, even without the need for me to say, this kind of embarrassing situation won¡¯t ur anymore.¡± They could not just allow Wei De to enter or leave the quad as he wished.

    If Wei De was given this right, in other words, Wei De could bring the child here even if Zhai Hua did not want to.

    At the thought that Miao Jing¡¯s health was really not too good, Zhai Hua could not possibly let such a matter ur. ¡°Alright, why did youe here? Is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it regarding that nephew of mine? My parents insist that I bring him here personally. But when the childes over, his household register, where to study at-all these are problems. Hua Hua, can you see if you can help me settle these matters? You handle these while I go and fetch the child over. We can split the work.¡± He could not enter and leave the quad as he wished now. Well, he would be able to do so one day.

    Zhai Hua sighed. ¡°You did not contact me for a few days. Today, you look for me just because of this matter. Without the matter about your nephew, you would still be busy with your business, right? That child belongs to your family. He does not have anything to do with me. You can make your own arrangements as you wish. It¡¯s not convenient for me to intervene.¡±

    ¡°Hua Hua, didn¡¯t you...¡± Wei De was anxious now. If he was able to resolve this problem, he would not need to look for Zhai Hua and embarrass himself. ¡°Hua Hua, didn¡¯t we agree on this? Please consider. Do you want toe out? We can find a ce to have a good talk about this. Let¡¯s go home, okay?¡±

    Clearly, he was not that physically distant from Zhai Hua. One was residing in the quad and one was just outside the quad. However, albeit the short distance, Wei De felt that the Pacific Ocean was in between Zhai Hua and him. Due to this distance, Zhai Hua was not as easy to talk to as before.

    ¡°Okay.¡± At the sight of Wei De looking so anxious and sweating badly, Zhai Hua ultimately could not bear to see him in such a state. She thus agreed to go to a caf¨¦ with Wei De.

 Chapter 850 - Learnâ€™ from You

    <h4>Chapter 850 ¡®Learn¡¯ from You</h4>

    As soon as he sat down, Wei De was anxious. ¡°Hua Hua, haven¡¯t we talked about Wei Wei¡¯s matter long ago? You have also agreed to it, no? Why are you reluctant now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m reluctant. You can still bring the child here. I¡¯m not stopping you from doing that.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about Wei Wei¡¯s household register and school?¡±

    ¡°You can settle that on your own. You¡¯re his uncle. I¡¯m not rted to him in any way. Hence, as I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s not convenient for me to interfere.¡± Zhai Hua declined.

    ¡°How is he not rted to you? You¡¯re the biological aunt-inw of Wei Wei. Can this have nothing to do with you?¡± Wei De was sullen. Why did Hua Hua¡¯s attitude change? Clearly, Zhai Hua was still very happy when he brought up Wei Wei¡¯s issue previously. At that time, she seemed to be very fond of Wei Wei.

    ¡°Biological aunt-inw?¡± These three words made Zhai Hua feel most sullen. ¡°Truly biological? You¡¯re his biological uncle?¡±

    Even if it was a biological one, just as Qiao Nan said, children would stillpete with and throw tantrums at each other. The problem was how was this child ¡®biological¡¯?

    Zhai Hua had heard Shi Qingin about Qiu Chenxi more than once. At that time, she also felt unjustified for Shi Qing and had been consoling her.

    The more she recollected on past matters, the more regretful Zhai Hua felt about agreeing to this matter too soon previously.

    ¡°Hua Hua, he¡¯s no different from a biological one. Haven¡¯t I told you before? Please don¡¯t mention this in front of the child. The child is innocent, and so is my sister. We can only me it on them not encountering good parents. Since my family has epted her, we should not think about all this. If Wei Wei hears it, he will feel very sad. He¡¯s already four years old and knows how toprehend.¡± Wei De¡¯s eyes were filled with awkwardness. ¡°Hua Hua, you can¡¯t think in the same way thatmon folks do. You¡¯re a soldier. Why do you have such thoughts? Where¡¯s your cognitive awareness?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been eaten by a dog!¡± Zhai Hua said without hesitation. ¡°Wei De, do you still remember... I have said before that if I have a child in the future, I will definitely give all my love to my child?¡±

    ¡°Remember, of course I remember. How will I not dote on our own child?!¡±

    ¡°If you keep your ¡®biological¡¯ nephew by your side all the time, will you not have any feelings toward him? Our children will you still be able to give all your love to them?¡±

    ¡°...¡± At this moment, Wei De was at a loss for words.

    Since he wanted to take good care of Wei Wei, how was it possible that he would not have any feelings for him? As long as the child was by his side, it would not be easy to retract his feelings as he wished.

    ¡°See, you can¡¯t do it. Don¡¯t use the benchmark of a soldier to bind me. If I really use the soldier¡¯s benchmark as a reference, I would have listened to my family and broke up with you.¡± Based on the requirements of the Zhai family, Wei De did not pass!

    Wei De was so furious that he was clenching his fists. The veins on his neck were on the brink of exploding. ¡°Hua Hua, what do you mean? So, you¡¯re prepared to listen to your family and break up with me?¡±

    If that was truly the case, then what would happen to him?!

    No, they must not break up!

    If he had known that the oue would be as such by letting Zhai Hua calm down for four to five days, he would have given Zhai Hua ten phone calls a day.

    He just did not contact her for a few days, and she had undergone great changes.

    Break up?

    Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. She really could not bear to do so. She still had a lot of feelings for Wei De. It was just that she could not ept Wei De¡¯s attitude all this while.

    Zhai Hua was gritting her teeth. Wei De really believed that Zhai Hua was going to break up with him. He quickly grabbed Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. ¡°Hua Hua, you clearly know that I only want to marry you in my lifetime. Besides you, I don¡¯t want anyone else. For your sake, I have worked so hard for so long. I¡¯ve be an oldd of thirty years old. You¡¯re breaking up with me now. Are you trying to take my life? I¡¯ve been together with you for so many years. I treat you as my precious one and my life. If you break up with me, I¡¯ll lose my life!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m wrong. I¡¯m really in the wrong. If there¡¯s something that you don¡¯t like, I¡¯ll change. Won¡¯t that do? I won¡¯t break up. I won¡¯t break up with you. If you don¡¯t like Wei Wei, I... I¡¯ll give my mom a call to tell her that we¡¯re not bringing Wei Wei here anymore. Wei Wei is already four years old and he has not seen his dad before. I just feel that he is very pitiful and want to treat him better. I¡¯m good to him but it won¡¯t possibly exceed my love for our children in the future. Every time I was in a phone call with him, I felt bad when Wei Wei asked me how his father looked like. Sometimes, Wei Wei would say ¡®I have never seen my dad before, but can I see you?¡¯ When I heard that, I felt even sadder. The child is still so young...¡±

    ¡°Stop saying all these.¡± Zhai Hua was in a dilemma. When she heard Wei De¡¯s description of Wei Wei, her heart could not help softening. ¡°You¡¯re a man. You have to call the shots for the Wei family. When the two of us are together, you also need to make a decision for many things. If you feel that Wei Wei is very pitiful, just bring him here. It¡¯s just that you have to settle all his matters in Ping Cheng on your own. I can¡¯t help you. You feel that Wei Wei is pitiful but I also have to spare a thought for my parents. They have not even epted you, and yet, I continuously help you till today. I have to exin to my parents as well. Now, I even have to bother about your non-biological nephew. When others look at it, won¡¯t it seem that I¡¯m at odds with my parents? You¡¯ve done better than me in this aspect. You care very much about your family¡¯s feelings, whereas I¡¯ve been willful.¡±

    She had always felt that her parents and grandfather treated Zhai Sheng better than her. Hence, she had to take charge of her lifetime happiness. She had to find someone that she truly liked.

    Zhai Sheng was more strong-tempered than her. Nevertheless, didn¡¯t he and Qiao Nan also work hard together to gradually let their family ept them?

    It was so unlike her. All of a sudden, she brought Wei De and appeared. Her family was caught off guard. Unfortunately, Wei De also had to fumble the ball several times.

    Inparison to Qiao Nan¡¯s outstanding qualities, if it were her, she would also ept Qiao Nan and not Wei De.

    ¡°I have to learn from you and consider more of my family¡¯s feelings. Your mother is not in good health and she has to take medicine regrly. Actually, my mom¡¯s health is also not that good. Her life had been in danger previously when she gave birth to Zhai Sheng. We have to be married eventually but we certainly need to take good care of our family members. This matter is decided as such then. I¡¯m going home. You can decide on Wei Wei¡¯s matter on your own.¡±

    As for breaking up, Zhai Hua eventually could not bring herself to say that.

    However, Zhai Hua felt very uneasy about Wei De¡¯s insistence to bring Wei Wei over.

    Today, after chatting with Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua became a lot calmer. She began to think about the meaning behind every word that Wei De said to her.

    Wei De was clearly aware that at her current age, she was pining for children. He continuously described to her how pitiful Wei Wei, who was fatherless, was. It was hard for her not to soften her stance.

    Wei De said all that to aim at this weakness of hers so that she would agree to let Wei Weie to Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan was right. If Wei De wanted to let that childe, so be it.

    Her rtionship with Wei De had not yet been acknowledged by her family. Wei De wanted to take care of this nephew who was not rted to him by blood. However, she did not need to do so.

 Chapter 851 - As Humans, Donâ€™t Go Overboard

    <h4>Chapter 851 As Humans, Don¡¯t Go Overboard</h4>

    Wei De doted on his child so much. She would not be able to stop him even if she wanted to. If that child did not do well in the future, Wei De would definitely resent her for life. If that was the case, was there still a need to lead this kind of life?

    Zhai Hua felt that moving forward, she needed to calm down more when she was with Wei De. She could not remain as she was, agreeing with Wei De¡¯s reasoning all the time.

    Wei De should not be the only person who had all the reasoning.

    ¡°Hua Hua, you...¡± Wei De chased after her quickly.

    That Zhai Hua in the past whom he had in his clutches had really changed after the past few days of cooling-off period. The more this was the case, the more nervous Wei Wei felt. He started to regret his decision to bring Wei Wei to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have not thought of breaking up with you. I just feel that I really need more time to cool down. I will cancel my leave tomorrow and return to the camp directly. I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll be back too. We¡¯ll contact each other again when I have the time.¡± Zhai Hua asked Wei De to let go of her. Thereafter, with a phone call, Zhai Hua really canceled her leave and ran back to the camp.

    Zhai Hua applied for a leave toe back this time because she wanted to make use of the good news regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s college entrance examination to ease the rtionship between Wei De and the Zhai family. This was a time when everyone was feeling rxed and happy.

    Of course, in the end, Wei De himself had wrecked the ns that Zhai Hua had made painstakingly.

    In fact, Zhai Hua had also thought of how to work hard on this thereafter.

    Wasn¡¯t Zhai Sheng going to be engaged with Qiao Nan? She could bring Wei De along to the event and let hime into contact with people rted to the Zhai family so that they could be familiar with him. She would start with these little moves regarding her rtionship with Wei De.

    However, at this moment, Zhai Hua no longer felt like doing so.

    §ä§Ñ

    She made such ns only because that was a joyous day for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Regardless of how unhappy her parents were, they could not possibly make a scene, ask Wei De to leave, or refuse to openly admit Wei De¡¯s status or something.

    This method was rather rogue but it was useful.

    However, at this moment, at the thought of how furious her parents would be if she were to do that, Zhai Hua felt guilt-stricken. She was full of self-me.

    She was not just paying lip service when she said that she wanted to learn from Wei De and spare more thoughts for her family¡¯s feelings. She really had such an intention and wanted to do that.

    With these thoughts in mind, Zhai Hua immediately stroke off the initial n from her schedule.

    was

    OWL

    Zhai Hua was very conscious of her own temper. She could not help changing her stand if Wei De were to pester and sweet-talk her more.

    Knowing her own weakness well, Zhai Hua might as well hide in the camp. As long as she was not carrying out any mission, at most, she would go home on the day that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan was engaged.

    Zhai Hua had left. Wei De did not have any way out then.

    When Wei De arrived home, Wei De¡¯s family happened to call him. ¡°Ah De, when are you going to bring Wei Wei over? Wei Wei is your... You have to keep Wei Wei¡¯s matter at heart. In the past, you didn¡¯t have the ability. Now, you have money and we can¡¯t shortchange Wei Wei. We are holding tightly to the money that you have transferred to us. We have built a house and we¡¯ve always been quite good to Hua Er. Wei Wei, this child, has to get out of the countryside. Like you, he will be very sessful in the future. He will have to grow up outside, in the city.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. How can I not be good to Wei Wei? Rest assured. I¡¯ll drive back to the countryside to fetch Wei Wei personally tomorrow. Mom, I¡¯m really going to fetch Wei Wei. Don¡¯t miss Wei Wei. I¡¯ve already told you about my situation here. It¡¯s not appropriate for Dad and you, especially Hua Er, toe here. I¡¯ve been through many difficulties to achieve what I have today. I can¡¯t ruin it.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De¡¯s mother sniffed. ¡°Yes, the daughter of the great chief is very capable, and her status is so high. I¡¯m just a countryside bumpkin. How will I dare to provoke her? But, Ah De, when you have the spare time, bring Wei Wei home more often. If you have children with the chief¡¯s daughter, you also have to bring them back for Mom to see. When Mom and Dad leave the world, you have toe back too. It¡¯s just that, at that time, Hua Er...¡±

    ¡°Mom, what inauspicious things are you talking about? Dad and you will live to a ripe old age. No matter what, I will make good arrangements for Hua Er.¡± Unknowingly, Wei De felt a little vexed. ¡°Mom, it¡¯ste. Quickly go and rest. I¡¯ve said that I will go and fetch Wei Wei tomorrow and sleep over for one night at the hometown. If you want to tell me anything, you can do so tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Aye, okay.¡± When she heard that her son wasing home, Mother Wei hung up the phone happily.

    On the contrary, Father Wei, who was sitting by the side, continued to smoke as he looked at Mother Wei. ¡°hical. This matter is so hical. The other party is the daughter of the old chief. You are too audacious!¡±

    ¡°What do you know? Didn¡¯t I tell you long ago? This kind of situation is quitemon nowadays. Look at how good Wei De is to the old chief¡¯s daughter. For the sake of the daughter-inw, he doesn¡¯t even want his mom anymore. Did Iin? Where can she find a man as good as our family¡¯s Wei De and a mother-inw as good as me? I heard that the old chief¡¯s daughter is not young anymore.¡± If she were in the countryside, she would be shunned and left on the shelves. Their Wei family did not even shun her. What did the other party have toin about?

    ¡°Ha.¡± Father Wei sneered. ¡°If this is truly the case, when you have the chance to meet the old chief¡¯s daughter next time, do you dare to say this to her or even the old chief?¡±

    ¡°You... This old man is really... Wei De is our son. Don¡¯t favor an outsider instead of someone on your own side. Alright, our son ising home tomorrow. We only have one son. If our son brings that woman home one day, don¡¯t spout nonsense. If you destroy our son¡¯s future, I won¡¯t continue to live with you anymore. Your old Wei family is so poor. I¡¯m the only one who was willing to marry you and live with you in the past,¡± Mother Wei said without any reservation.

    ¡°...¡± Father Wei fell silent. If not because of this reason, Father Wei would not let Mother Wei and Wei De do this.

    However, it was still a problem whether Wei De¡¯s rtionship with the old chief¡¯s daughter would be sessful. Hence, it was useless for him to think about it.

    The next day, true enough, Wei De made a trip back to the hometown and slept over.

    Initially, the Wei family was the poorest in the countryside. However, now, all the vigers knew that the son of the old Wei¡¯s family was sessful. The house of the old Wei family was now the best house in the countryside.

    On the third day, Wei De then brought the four-year-old Wei Wei and left the countryside to return to Ping Cheng. It could be said that he spent a lot of money instead of making use of connections. After much spending and hard work, he finally settled Wei Wei¡¯s household register and schooling issues.

    It was just that Wei De felt that the kindergarten that Wei Wei would be studying at was far from satisfactory. Unfortunately, with his ability, those good kindergartens were not willing to ept Wei Wei.

    Wei De knew that he still had to seek Zhai Hua¡¯s help eventually in this matter.

    When Zhai Hua¡¯s anger had subsided, he would appease her more. This matter had to be sessful. He was bent on manipting his woman.

 Chapter 852 - When You Are Tough, I Will Be Soft

    <h4>Chapter 852 When You Are Tough, I Will Be Soft</h4>

    Before Wei De could settle Wei Wei¡¯s matter, Zhai Sheng had already fetched Old Master Zhai home on the day before Wei De brought Wei Wei back. ¡°Where¡¯s the youngdy?¡± He had thought that there was still a long time before he could have a granddaughter-inw. Unexpectedly, Zhai Sheng really found one back when he was still alive. ¡°Right, why didn¡¯t I see Zhai

    Hua?¡±

    ¡°She went back to the camp.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is getting engaged. Why did she go back to the camp? Is she throwing tantrums at Zhai Sheng or you both?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Old Master Zhai. ¡°You really understand this granddaughter of yours very well. She did not quarrel with us, but she had one with that boyfriend of hers. I think it¡¯s quite good that she went back to the army camp at this time.¡± While saying this, Zhai Yaohui took a nce at Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng straightened his back and he wore a proud expression on his face.

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing rolled her eyes as she had enough of this stupid father-son pair. ¡°Most likely, she sorted out some of her thoughts after chatting with Nan Nan. So, she purposely went hiding in the army. She¡¯s afraid that her heart will soften and she will be cajoled by someone again.¡±

    ¡°You all have indulged Hua Hua too much such that she took a fancy to that kind of person.¡± Old Master Zhai was not pleased. In fact, he had long heard about Wei De¡¯s matter. He was enduring the urge to return to give Zhai Hua a beating. He dared not believe that Zhai Hua, this foolish child, was brought up by him. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about

    Where¡¯s that granddaughter-inw of mine? This marriage can¡¯t proceed if she doesn¡¯t pass my judgment.¡±

    Old Master Zhai was aware that it was certainly because when Zhai Hua was a child, he had been raising her up like a grandson instead of a granddaughter. She even grew up among the opposite gender.

    This was the first time that a man treated, cajoled, and doted on her like a real woman. Despite his granddaughter being almost thirty years old, her experience in the romance area was as clean as a piece of white paper. It was no wonder that she would fall into other people¡¯s trap.

    Old Master Zhai had even shouted for his ¡®granddaughter-inw¡¯. Hence, hisst sentence could threaten others but not anyone from the Zhai family.

    ¡°We have invited them to our house tomorrow. The Qiao family doesn¡¯t have many rtives. Nan Nan only has her father. Tomorrow, only the father-daughter pair will be here,¡± Miao Jing quickly said. She seemed to be protecting Qiao Nan and hoping that Elder Zhai would not make things difficult for others when the time arrived.

    Zhai Sheng had already briefed Old Master Zhai about the situation of the Qiao family long ago.

    Old Master Zhai was not someone who favored males over females. Otherwise, he would not have raised his granddaughter like a grandson. His initial thoughts were to find ways to nurture Zhai Hua to be sessful. Old Master Zhai was the one who gave Zhai Hua her name.

    Unfortunately, before Zhai Sheng was born and aware of what was happening, Zhai Hua¡¯s temperament was toozy. Old Master Zhai thus dropped his ns.

    When Zhai Hua finally became diligent under the stimtion of Zhai Sheng, unfortunately, she could not win against Zhai Sheng.

    Hence, since he could ept Qiao Nan, whose family background was not that good, old Master Zhai would not object to Zhai Hua being together with Wei De too if thetter did not have any problem with his character.

    If Old Master Zhai was concerned about family status, would Miao Jing be able to marry into the Zhai family in the past?

    Hence, Old Master Zhai was willing to address Qiao Nan as ¡®granddaughter-inw¡¯, but he was full of disappointment when he mentioned Zhai Hua. It was enough to tell that Old Master Zhai was very dissatisfied with Wei De.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve heard about the situation. I won¡¯t judge that youngdy based on her family background. I only look at the individual.¡± This was the promise that Old Master Zhai gave to Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua.

    Wei De was frequently in contact with Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends. Within a few days, Wei De heard the news that Old Master Zhai was back.

    At that juncture, Wei De quickly gave a call to Zhai Hua, who was in the army camp. ¡°Hua Hua, the old master is back. Why didn¡¯t you tell me so that I could fetch him?¡± The old master was from the older generation and he should prefer people from the countryside. Didn¡¯t Madam Zhai marry into the family because of that?

    Other people in the Zhai family would look down on him but not Old Master Zhai.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng will go and fetch the old master.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De fell silent. Even if Regiment Commander Zhai was going to fetch him, if Zhai Hua had told him earlier, he could go and ¡®snatch¡¯ the person. ¡°What should I bring along to see the old master?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that you want to meet the old master?¡± Zhai Hua questioned back.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I have not mentioned much to you about the old master. Since the old master is back, I¡¯ll tell you the situation. You have been feeling inferior about your status and worrying about this and that. Our family¡¯s old master does not judge a person by their status. He pays more attention to the character.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that I have a poor character?¡± Wei De raised his voice. The secretary outside his office also had a shock.

    Zhai Hua sighed helplessly as she swapped the phone receiver to her other ear. Her ear had been agitated by Wei De¡¯s voice earlier. ¡°Old Master Zhai is someone who had been on the battlefields and fought against the Japanese. What he hates most was those who leave theirrades in the lurch on the battlefields. Think about what happened previously. You caused a toon leader to lose one of his limbs because of your own risk-taking and self-heroic actions. With this matter alone, the old master already has a negative impression of you in his heart.¡±

    At this point in time, none of the four family members of hers had a good impression of Wei De.

    Was it because her family members were biased against Wei De or that Wei De really had too many shorings?

    In the past, Zhai Hua felt that it was the former. Zhai Sheng was allowed to find someone that he liked regardless of the other party¡¯s status while she was not. Her family members insisted that she had to find someone with status. Who would know what they were thinking of? It could not be just for her own good, right?

    Now, Zhai Hua had to admit that the probability of thetter reasoning was higher.

    ¡°He simply shot me to death because of this one matter? He¡¯s not giving me any chance?¡± Wei De felt that this was unbelievable. The matter regarding the toon leader... That toon leader was just an outsider. He was the one who was part of the Zhai family.

    Was it not enough that he was good to his own family members?

    ¡°I have also paid a price for that matter, haven¡¯t I? Didn¡¯t they say that learning from one¡¯s mistake and changing for the better is the most important? Why are your family members all like that? All of them deny me because of that matter. Will your family only ept me if I break a limb and repay it to that toon leader?¡± Sick in the mind!

    ¡°What can I say if you want to put it this way? I¡¯m hanging up!¡± Zhai Hua was not pleased. Clearly, Wei De was the one in the wrong regarding this. Why was it that besides admitting to his mistake initially, each time she brought up this matter, Wei De behaved as though her Zhai family had been using this as a handle against him? It was as if Wei De felt that he was never in the wrong.

    Someone had broken a limb and was forced to leave the army. Would the matter be considered as resolved just because Wei De said ¡®I¡¯m in the wrong¡¯?

    Why did Wei De keep thinking that hemitted a mistake and left the army because Zhai Sheng did not help him? As such, he could not see eye to eye with Zhai Sheng

    When Zhai Hua calmed down, it was not difficult to discover the ws in Wei De¡¯s character.

    Once Zhai Hua was tough, Wei De would soften his attitude, but he was, in fact, not feeling fearful at heart.

 Chapter 853 - I Will Definitely Change

    <h4>Chapter 853 I Will Definitely Change</h4>

    After all, they had dragged on until Zhai Hua was already at this age. Wei De felt that Zhai Hua would definitely not marry someone else given the past few years of effort that he had put in.

    Sooner orter, Zhai Hua would be his Mrs. Wei. He thus did not need to keep up with some of the pretenses as much as when they were dating.

    ¡°Hua Hua, don¡¯t be angry. I don¡¯t mean to vent my frustration on you. I just feel that they can¡¯t give me a death sentence just for the one mistake that I havemitted. This is so unfair to me. I¡¯m also changing for the better.¡± Wei De softened his tone. He dared not continue to be as fierce and aggressive as before.

    ¡°You¡¯re changing for the better? In which way? Give me an example. I only know that a few days ago, you made use of Qiao Nan and caused my mom to faint from anger. My family¡¯s old master has not even seen it. You¡¯ve changed?¡± Zhai Hua raised her voice. She sounded very sarcastic.

    ¡°Hua Hua, what do you mean?¡± A woman was a woman. How could she be so unreasonable in front of a man!

    In the past, when they were together, Zhai Hua had never disyed such a tough attitude in front of him. She was increasingly unbing of a woman.

    ¡°I had just wanted to ask you what you mean. As a man, youin to me every day about this and that and request me to solve many problems for you. Wei De, so, our marriage is just my problem alone? I should settle everything by myself? Wei De, I¡¯m exhausted too. If you don¡¯t wish to get along, we can choose not to.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was also dating. It was not as if she had not seen how Zhai Sheng behaved when he was with Qiao Nan.

    This was the first time that she was dating but it did not mean that she did not know how a man behaved when he was in love.

    No matter what, one could not possibly behave like Wei De, who just knew how to voice out and then dump everything to the woman to resolve.

    As time passed, who would not feel annoyed with this kind of rtionship? Furthermore, Wei De was the type of person that would push his responsibility to others. No matter how patient Zhai Hua was, there was a limit to that patience.

    In the fit of pique, Zhai Hua had even thought of simply breaking up with Wei De. Anyway, everyone around her, including Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, did not agree to her rtionship with Wei De. After the breakup, Wei De would not suffer so much pain, and she would also not feel so troubled.

    Wei De could just find any other woman to quickly give birth to a grandson and console his old-aged mother. Even if she was not in a hurry for marriage, she could take her time to look around lest people around her kept telling her that she had a poor sense of judgment.

    Seemingly, in this way, both she and Wei De would be relieved from this ordeal.

    When one was feeling vexed, they could really spout any words.

    Zhai Hua waspletely saying these words in a fit of anger but Wei De had a great shock. ¡°Hua Hua, you¡¯re really going to break up with me?¡± Could it be that he had gone overboard in his doings and had cornered Zhai Hua that badly?

    Having been together for many years, although he did not achieve much in the army and he was also left with nothing after he left the army, Zhai Hua had never shunned him or talked about breaking up.

    Could it be that the Zhai family had been secretly introducing partners to Zhai Hua as they did not want Zhai Hua to be with him, so Zhai Hua was preparing to dump him as she felt that the other party was suitable?

    How could this happen?!

    ¡°Hua Hua, I... I know that I¡¯ve given you a lot of pressure since we¡¯re together. Actually, I¡¯m also under a lot of pressure. I definitely won¡¯t break up with you. However, I should also reflect deeply on the situation that you have reflected to me. Perhaps my feelings and bond for you have grown deeper as our time together increases. No matter what I encounter, I want to discuss them with you. I¡¯m different from other men. Even if I don¡¯t really respect women, I respect you very much. I want to hear your views on every matter and hope that you can give me some suggestions. But you may not be used to this. Hua Hua, I definitely don¡¯t have the intention to push all the responsibility of our matter to you. Anyway, I think the old master won¡¯t leave so soon since he just arrived.¡±

    Wei De let out a long sigh. ¡°What you said is right. I didn¡¯t perform well previously. If I appear before the old master now, the old master can¡¯t possibly ept me. Perhaps you will be in a difficult position as well. I¡¯m too anxious. I panicked because I¡¯m anxious about your family. I will fight for a chance to perform. After changing your family¡¯s impression of me, I will then pay a visit to your house. There has to be a process in this matter. I... I wish so much to form a family with you and have our own children as soon as possible. You like children. I¡¯m of this age. How can I not like children? I¡¯m good to Wei Wei because I¡¯m already thirty years old. I don¡¯t even have a daughter, let alone a son. Wei Wei¡¯s situation is also as such. Before we have any children, I can only focus my feelings on Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°...¡± As Wei De¡¯s tone eased, Zhai Hua also felt more rxed.

    Sometimes, Zhai Hua could be rather impulsive too. When she mentioned break-up, she was, in fact, uneasy at heart, but at the same time, she felt a sense of relief.

    At this juncture, if Wei De had been stubborn with Zhai Hua and were to say ¡®let¡¯s break up then¡¯, regardless of how much Zhai Hua could not bear to do so, she would also drop her feelings for Wei De, just like undergoing drug rehabilitation.

    It was not without a reason that Zhai Hua would fall into Wei De¡¯s trap.

    At the very least, when it was time to soften his attitude, as a man, Wei De did not have that backbone not to do so.

    ¡°I will take care of Wei Wei¡¯s matters. Don¡¯t worry about what you just said as well. I will seek a bnce. If you¡¯re really worried, when Wei Wei is older and more familiar with this city, I can also bring Wei Wei¡¯s mother over and find a house for them. I will only give them money and let Wei Wei¡¯s mother take care of him. It will certainly be better than me, this uncle, taking care of him. It¡¯s just that that won¡¯t do now.¡±

    It was true that it was a problem to continue letting Wei Wei stay by his side. He had to think in the long term.

    ¡°Okay...¡± Hearing this arrangement of Wei De, Zhai Hua finally felt more at ease.

    Precisely. That child did not have a biological father but he had a biological mother. Why did Wei De, this uncle, have to raise that child by his side every day?

    Zhai Hua would not mind at all for Wei De to spend more money and rent a house for that mother-son pair.

    She did not mind losing some money. She was only concerned about whether Wei De would wholeheartedly treat her and the children that she gave birth to in the future well.

    ¡°When are youing out from the army camp? Give me a call. At least, before I bring Wei Wei¡¯s mother over, Wei Wei can meet up with you, his auntie-inw.¡± After hearing that Zhai Hua¡¯s tone did not sound that angry anymore and she seemed to have softened, Wei De then heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    Just a while ago, he had really believed that Zhai Hua was going to break up with him.

    They had been together for so many years. Wei De understood one thing. Zhai Hua was different from other women. She would not talk about breaking up from time to time for no reason.

    When Zhai Hua opened her mouth and said this, she must have been very annoyed and thus, such thoughts surfaced.

    Wei De went through so much to have sessfully wooed Zhai Hua and be her boyfriend. He had also received so much help from Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 854 - Finally Engaged

    <h4>Chapter 854 Finally Engaged</h4>

    He was still far from being sessful. If he were to break up with Zhai Hua now, all his previous efforts would be in vain.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see when the timees.¡± True enough, the affections of Zhai Hua toward Wei Wei had vanished to the point of no return. All her longing for Wei Wei waspletely gone.

    Hence, when Wei De brought up Wei Wei¡¯s matter, Zhai Hua could not bring herself to sound happy. ¡°I have some matters to settle in the army. I won¡¯t chat with you further.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and fetch you when you¡¯reing back, okay?¡±

    ¡°...Wei Wei is just a child. It is not safe for him to be at home alone. Since you wish to be a good uncle, you should spend more time to keep himpany,¡± Zhai Hua said. She was feeling very perplexed.

    Wei De smiled. ¡°This auntie-inw is really very good to Wei Wei. If Wei Wei is not filial to you when he grows up in the future, I¡¯ll definitely smack his backside. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m a grown-up man and I have never been a father. How will I possibly know how to take care of a child? So, I simply hired a nanny to take care of Wei Wei. Wei Wei won¡¯t have the opportunity to be alone at home. You don¡¯t need to worry about Wei Wei. Wei Wei is only my nephew but you are my wife, the mother of my future children. To me, only you are the most important.¡±

    ¡°Humph, who knows if what you¡¯re saying is true or false.¡± Zhai Hua finally smiled.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s real. It¡¯s more authentic than gold.¡±

    After appeasing Zhai Hua and hanging up the phone, Wei De experienced cramps in the three veins on his forehead.

    Even though he had sessfully appeased Zhai Hua, the mention of ¡®break up¡¯ by Zhai Hua this time was a warning bell for Wei De.

    True enough, after being separated for some time, Zhai Hua seemed to be on the momentum to kick up a ¡®family dispute¡¯.

    It was just that unlike in the past, he could no longer stay in the army camp, where he could be together with Zhai Hua all the time as long as he did not have to attend any training sessions.

    Zhai Hua spent most of her time in the army. When she was asionally on leave, she still had to consider the situation at the Zhai family. The time that the two spent together was thus greatly reduced. This was only the first year and there were already talks about breaking up. He was fearful that if he had not married Zhai Hua in the second year, instead of talking about breaking up, Zhai Hua would just notify him directly that it was ¡®game over¡¯ for the two of them.

    However, what could he do to let the Zhai family approve of their rtionship within one year such that he could marry Zhai Hua?

    Despite dating Zhai Hua so many years, they were purely dating. He had always relied on his five fingers to relieve his sexual desire. Zhai Hua not only did not help him but also refused to give herself to him. At the thought of this, Wei De felt more sullen.

    If Zhai Hua had be his woman long ago, given his ability, she would have been pregnant with his child.

    He did not believe that those in the Zhai family could bear to let the child in Zhai Hua¡¯s womb be one that did not have an official father.

    The Zhai family was a family of soldiers. How could they do such a thing?

    At the thought of this issue, Wei De felt troubled. Was this the only way out for him?

    After it happened, what if Zhai Hua were to re up at him for scheming against her and wanted to break up with him?

    Wei De was scratching his head hard and he simply tugged a few strands of hair off. ¡°This won¡¯t do. I really have to think of a way to marry Zhai Hua this year and let Zhai Hua give birth to a child as soon as possible.¡±

    Once there was a child, the Zhai family had to ept him. They would also gradually treat him better because of the child.

    Zhai Hua loved children very much now. When they were out dating, Zhai Hua always liked to tease other people¡¯s children that she saw on the streets. If he could teach Wei Wei well such that Wei Wei would be sweet and affectionate to Zhai Hua, it might be a solution too.

    Zhai Hua was totally unaware that Wei De had thought of so many scenarios after she hung up the phone.

    A few dayster, Qiao Nan did not expect that she would really meet the legendary hero of the wartime, Old Master Zhai, who was still as hale and hearty as before.

    Even Qiao Nan felt a little uneasy. Qiao Dongliang felt even more awkward and he did not know where to ce his hands and legs.

    ¡°O-old Chief Zhai, good day.¡± At the sight of Old Master Zhai, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face swelled in red. He stood courteously and gave a ny-degree bow to Old Master Zhai.

    With the presence of Old Master Zhai, only Old Master Zhai was qualified to be addressed as the old chief.

    ¡°Comrade Qiao, good day.¡± Old Master Zhaiughed. ¡°We¡¯re going to be a family soon. Don¡¯t need to be so nervous. This is not the army. It is just an ordinary family gathering. Why do you need to be so nervous? I heard that you have left the army for a long time. Nevertheless, your bow still meets all the criteria.¡±

    Only someone who had been thinking of and missing the army would maintain this kind of state after leaving the army.

    Okay, not bad.

    ¡°I¡¯m nervous to meet you.¡± At that moment, Qiao Dongliang said honestly as he could not contain himself.

    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t be nervous, don¡¯t be nervous. If you meet me in the future, you can address me as uncle.¡± Old Master Zhai was very approachable. He did not have any intention of making things difficult for Qiao Dongliang.

    Zhai Sheng secretly squeezed Qiao Nan, who was sitting beside him and having sweaty palms, to calm her down. ¡°The old master is quite a good person. You should know when you see how carefree my mom has been these past few years.¡±

    ¡°It is normal for me to feel nervous at this time.¡± Emotions were not something that could be controlled as one wished. If Brother Zhai was not by her side, Qiao Nan might even tremble.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be polite, everyone. Quickly sit down.¡± This was Old Master Zhai¡¯s first impression of the Qiao family. He did not feel any revulsion toward the father-daughter pair of the Qiao family. ¡°I heard that your daughter has just be the top scorer of the college entrance examination? She¡¯s a talent.¡± Her grades were excellent. It was stillpatible with that of his grandson.

    ¡°Luck, it was luck. My family¡¯s Nan Nan doesn¡¯t have a lot of hobbies. She just likes to study.¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted to be modest but he also wanted to express Qiao Nan¡¯s willingness to learn. In the end, he said something where the first half of the sentence contradicted with the remaining half.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, have some tea.¡± Seeing that beads of sweat were dripping from the side of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s cheeks and him looking embarrassed and awkward, Zhai Sheng stood up and poured everyone a cup of tea.

    Qiao Dongliang was also aware that he did not perform very well. He quickly moved the cup of tea before him and took a sip of it. He almost burned his tongue. In the process, he also wet his shirt.

    Facing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s loss ofposure, Qiao Nan did not have much reaction. She calmly took out her handkerchief and passed it to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, wipe yourself. Although it¡¯s summer now, you¡¯ll still feel ufortable. You can drink the tea when it¡¯s cooler. No hurry.¡±

    ¡°Aye.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt so embarrassed but he listened to his daughter. He briefly wiped the tea on his shirt. When he took a sip of the tea when it turned cooler, he seemed to have calmed down a little.

    Old Master Zhai nodded quietly. Not to mention Qiao Dongliang, he had seen many soldiers of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s generation behaving in this way in front of him. It was not strange. Old Master Zhai was already used to it. Instead, he termed the reactions of these people as honest and forthright.

    Qiao Dongliang had embarrassed himself in front of others, yet Qiao Nan was so patient. She not only did not me Qiao Dongliang but also consoled him with usual words and calmed Qiao Dongliang down. This was hard toe by.

 Chapter 855 - Invitation to the Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 855 Invitation to the Banquet</h4>

    At this moment, if Qiao Nan revealed even a tinge of scorn and me at Qiao Dongliang, he would only feel more nervous.

    Zhai Yaohui did not lie to him. This youngdy certainly exuded the charisma of a well-bred individual. If they were to nurture her properly, she would not be weak.

    She was a good seedling!

    The first impression of Old Master Zhai on Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan was not bad. ¡°The two children have known each other for a long time. That said, your family¡¯s daughter is actually very young. It¡¯s my family¡¯s grandson who is thick-skinned and shameless. Nevertheless, since the children have already decided, Comrade Xiao Qiao, what¡¯s your view regarding the matter regarding the two of them?¡±

    Old Master Zhai did not give any face to his grandson when he derided him. Anyway, he was telling the truth.

    The other party was just a youngdy at a nominal age of twenty years old. His own family¡¯s grandson was already of a nominal age of twenty-six years old. ording to the time, when his grandson had his eyes on the youngdy, she was only a teenager who was less than her twenties.

    Zhai Sheng had given his promise to Old Master Zhai previously. Hence, Old Master Zhai knew that Zhai Sheng would not do anything to Qiao Nan even if he liked her. Otherwise, when Old Master Zhai heard such a matter, instead of feeling happy, his first reaction would be to catch hold of Zhai Sheng and give him a beating.

    It was too shameless!

    ¡°This... I will obey the orders of Old Chief Zhai,¡± Qiao Dongliang said forthrightly without thinking. As long as the Zhai family made the proper arrangements, he did not have any opinion. Everything was good.

    Old Master Zhai turned his nce toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Daughter, do you have any opinion on this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Brother Zhai.¡± As she felt her hand being grabbed tightly by Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could only respond with this in an abiding manner.

    In fact, even if Zhai Sheng did not remind her, Qiao Nan was prepared to say this. Zhai Sheng had been anxious for nothing.

    It was just an engagement. She would not dy it.

    Old Master Zhai stared at his grandson from the corners of his eyes. Do not think that he was long-sighted and could not see his grandson¡¯s cheap trick under the table. He even threatened other family¡¯s young daughter. He was bullying the young as he was older. He was too shameless.

    Facing the look of me from Old Master Zhai, Zhai Sheng not only did not nt his eyes but also looked so righteous and full of justice. It was as if he was not the one who squeezed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands earlier.

    As for the nce of Old Master Zhai, Zhai Sheng simply ignored it.

    At this juncture, he would put everything, including his grandfather, aside temporarily. His daughter-inw was the most important.

    ¡°When school reopens, Nan Nan will have to study at the college in the capital. Why don¡¯t we let them get engaged in early August next month?¡± Miao Jing, who had epted this matter, considered the practical issues well. They had to find a suitable date that matched Qiao Nan¡¯s schooling schedule.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Zhai Yaohui made the final call on this. ¡°We can fix it on 1 August. It¡¯s the Army Day[1]. It¡¯s a good day.¡±

    ¡°...But it¡¯s the end of July now...¡± Qiao Nan could not help but interrupt with one sentence.

    In other words, if she really wanted to be engaged with Brother Zhai, there was only less than a week of preparation time left.

    ¡°If we arrange a simple event, it can actually be done in time. It¡¯s basically engagement and it doesn¡¯t need to be soplicated. 1 August. This date is good. It¡¯s excellent and meaningful. We¡¯ll fix it on that day then.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was emotionally affected when he saw the old chief, did not have any stand at all. He agreed to whatever the Zhai family proposed.

    ¡°Not bad. If we wish to make it a major event, we can wait until their formal wedding.¡± Old Master Zhai also agreed on the date fixed by his son. ¡°1 August then. Miao Miao, work harder and quickly make arrangements for this. Of course, if you can¡¯t handle this alone, you can get Zhai Hua toe back from the army. I heard that she is not carrying out any mission now. She¡¯s just training some new recruits in the army. There are many people who can do this in the army. We can ask her toe back and help with Zhai Sheng¡¯s matter first.¡±

    She was willing to spend so much time on outsiders. However, she hid herself so far away when her brother was getting engaged. Where was the logic in this?

    ¡°Fine.¡± Miao Jing agreed swiftly. After waiting for so many years, she had finally toughed it out and was going to have a daughter-inw. Most unexpectedly, after going in circles, her son actually liked Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan became her daughter-inw instead of goddaughter. Not bad. This oue was more wonderful.

    Hence, with one phone call from Miao Jing, Zhai Hua, who had just returned to the army for a few days, abidingly returned to the Zhai¡¯s residence in the quad.

    No matter how simple an engagement event was, they had to set up a banquet and invite some people to witness the event.

    The Qiao family did not have any rtives. Initially, the Qiao family could still invite some of the neighbors in the quad.

    However, after Qiao Nan encountered the matter on the day of her college entrance examination, whereby one of the neighbors took someone else¡¯s money and tried to stop Qiao Nan from entering the examination hall, and he even wanted to force Qiao Nan to go to the hospital...

    If they really had to invite people, Qiao Dongliang had to consider very carefully which families to extend the invitation to.

    At the very least, they would definitely not invite the one that he had just mentioned. He lived very close to the small courtyard of the Qiao family and previously, they greeted each other whenever they met and they were on very good terms.

    Despite being on good terms, at critical times, the neighbor took other people¡¯s money and harmed Qiao Nan. Why would they want to invite this kind of neighbor?

    Anyway, the Zhai family had already made themselves clear that they would not ept red packets for the engagement event.

    Hence, the other party would being to have free meals and drinks. At the same time, they could widen their horizons and see some prominent figures.

    Where could they find such a good deal in the world?

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang invited a few families of those neighbors who were truly close to them.

    It could be said that besides the family that harmed Qiao Nan, he invited all those neighbors whom he was on very good terms with in the past twenty years. After all, they had watched Qiao Nan grew up. Everyone should celebrate the joy together in such a good asion.

    As such, the guest list from the Qiao family had been finalized most quickly.

    As for the situation at the Zhai family¡¯s side, Qiao Dongliang could not and did not have the ability to intervene. Qiao Dongliang would only enquire if the Zhai family had finalized the list.

    When those few neighbors of Qiao Dongliang received the news, they were extremely surprised. ¡°Nan Nan is getting engaged at such a young age?¡±

    ¡°Of course, the engagement has to be early. After all, the old chief¡¯s son is not young anymore. Nan Nan has been very sensible since she was a child. She is good-looking and also good in her studies. I know that she will definitely be a blessed child when she grows up. See, she¡¯s going to be engaged with the old chief¡¯s son this time. When Nan Nan graduates from college, she can immediately get married.¡±

    ¡°Haha, the reason why we¡¯re staying here is mostly because of the opportunities left for us by our elders. As such, wouldn¡¯t we have the chance to see the old chief too?¡±

    It was not just the old chief. The Zhai family was organizing an engagement banquet. Either no one or only the prominent figures would attend it.

    At the thought that poor ordinary citizens like themselves could also see the prominent figures, those who were invited by Qiao Dongliang felt extremely proud and honored.

    Only that one family, who was not invited and also felt guilty-conscious, twisted their lips unhappily and said, ¡°What¡¯s there to be happy about? They are not getting married. It¡¯s just an engagement banquet. It¡¯s not as if we have never been to one before.¡±

    [1] Army Day: The anniversary of the founding of the people¡¯s liberation army

 Chapter 856 - Blame Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 856 me Each Other</h4>

    So what if they were engaged? There were also many people who divorced after marriage.

    Having said that, this person was given a round of scolding by his own elderly father after he arrived home.

    The Qiao family of four was considered good-tempered and quite reasonable. This included Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior when she was with outsiders. Everyone would see each other frequently. Hence, they got along quite well.

    From all perspectives, as a neighbor, no one would behave like his son who harmed his neighbor for the sake of a few yuan. It was too embarrassing.

    This elderly man used to serve in the Red Army. After he retired from the army, he had seen less of his formerrades, let alone meeting a character like the old chief.

    This was a good opportunity and his only one but it had been ruined by his son for the sake of a meager sum of money. How would this elderly man not feel angry?

    He was so furious that he wanted to search out that rattan cane that he had used to discipline his son thirty years ago so that he could give him a good beating. His son was really too materialistic.

    Fortunately, the Qiao family was very benevolent. Clearly, his son had done something so mean but the Qiao family had never spread this incident to others in the quad. At most, they just did not invite his family when Qiao Nan was getting engaged with the chief¡¯s son this time.

    At the thought of this matter, the elderly man felt so flustered and embarrassed that he did not have the shame to go out and meet anyone.

    On the second day, the elderly man was simply taken ill. He spent a lot of money after visiting the hospital.

    This neighbor then pulled Qiao Nan aside and spoke to her briefly. He told her that he only earned fifty yuan but he spent two hundred and fifty yuan for his father to seek medical consultation at the hospital.

    Hearing this figure, the neighbor kept having the feeling that he was pping his own face.

    It was just that it was toote for regrets now.

    This was not the only family that had a dispute because of Qiao Nan¡¯s engagement.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had gotten a divorce. Although Ding Jiayi did not appear throughout the entire divorce process, the divorce certificate still reached her hands.

    Holding the divorce certificate, Ding Jiayi seemed very out of sorts. Tears rolled down her eyes uncontrobly and she did not eat for the whole day.

    They had divorced. They were truly divorced. From today onward, Ding Jiayi was really no longer Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife.

    At the thought that she lost her husband despite the fact that she was already not young, Ding Jiayi even thought of dying. ¡°Look, it¡¯s all your fault. You kept asking me to make a fuss. Your dad has divorced me. Are you happy now? The court has awarded me custody of you and your dad custody of Qiao Nan. I... Your dad and I will be considered as two separate families from now onward!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was simrly feeling angry and sullen, did not like to hear this from Ding Jiayi most. ¡°Can you me me? I gave you a suggestion but look at what you have done. You clearly know that my dad is still angry and that he cares most about Qiao Nan, yet you had to be at odds with him in front of the Zhai family. It¡¯s no wonder that Dad would divorce you.¡±

    At the thought of Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior that day, Qiao Zijin was enduring a tummy full of anger.

    If Qiao Zijin had not yed a part in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hospitalization-she was the one who asked Ding Jiayi to appear at that ce that day-given Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, she would have red up badly at Ding Jiayi long ago for the incident that happened on the day that Qiao Nan became the top scorer in the college entrance examination.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget. You, and not Dad, Qiao Nan, or me, are the one in the wrong for matters in the past. Clearly, you have such good requisites...¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Ding Jiayi, who was covered with injuries and bandages from tip to toe. ¡°Humans will always sympathize with the weaker ones. You can kneel down, and you can cry. If Dad dares to pull you up, you can simply pretend to faint on the ground. No matter what, there will definitely be someone who will be willing to help you. Who would know that you¡¯re so stupid? You are so fierce and aggressive to Dad. You¡¯re afraid that no one will know that you call the shots in our family.¡±

    If public opinion had sided with them, Qiao Nan would not even have had a chance to win.

    However, her mother simply made a mess out of such a good opportunity. Today, her mother still had the cheek to throw tantrums at her?

    ¡°Do you know that Qiao Nan is going to be engaged with the son of chief today! From today onward, Qiao Nan will be the fianc¨¦e of the regimentmander. She¡¯s the future daughter-inw of the chief!¡±

    At the mention of this, Qiao Zijin was so resentful that she nearly broke all her teeth from the grinding.

    She was already in the second year of her diploma studies but she could not even find a decent boyfriend. The Chen family seemed to have been defeated but Chen Jun was still very capable and resourceful. She had the intention but Chen Jun did not. He purely saw her as someone who could coborate with him to deal with Qiao Nan.

    She could not even deal with someone like Chen Jun and Qiao Nan had be the wife of a regimentmander!

    In the past, Qiao Zijin really did not look up to Zhou Jun. She disliked soldiers and shunned the Zhou family for being farmers. It was not easy for Zhou Jun to have to rely on his own effort to climb up the ranks. She shunned Zhou Jun for being promoted too slowly, that his rank was too low.

    However, the wife of a regimentmander or the future wife of a chief-Qiao Zijin was interested in these two positions not only in reality but also in her dreams!

    She had not assumed these roles but Qiao Nan had done so easily. Why was this world so unfair to her?!

    ¡°Is the Zhai family still willing to ept her? That day, I saw that Madam Zhai fainted when she knew about the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Regiment Commander Zhai.¡± Ding Jiayi was very surprised. She thought that the matter between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng would be a fiasco because of that day¡¯s matter.

    ¡°However, don¡¯t also forget that Madam Zhai gave you a p before she fainted. She even retorted, scolding you back on Nan Nan¡¯s behalf.¡± Judging from this point alone, Madam Zhai did not seem to detest Qiao Nan very much.

    ¡°This...¡± Ding Jiayi felt depressed. The situation had escted so badly. Regiment Commander Zhai could not find a wife and wanted someone like Qiao Nan. The Zhai family had such poor taste. They had to take in a jinx and ignore Qiao Zijin who was the good one. ¡°Something is not right. How did you know about that day¡¯s matter? I didn¡¯t mention it to you before. You described it in such detail. It was as if you were present and had seen it for yourself on that day.¡±

    IIII

    ¡°You were present that day!¡± At this moment, Ding Jiayi came to her senses. ¡°You were there that day. You went there. You saw me being hit by others. You saw your dad dragging and pulling me. My injuries almost came apart. You saw them. Why didn¡¯t youe out and help me? You allowed others to bully me? You even saw the doctors treating me like they would a madwoman and injecting sedatives into me. Zijin, what do you mean by this?¡±

    At the thought of the humiliation she suffered that day, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned crimson.

    What happened that day was the most embarrassing moment in Ding Jiayi¡¯s life.

    The look of despise, the words of sarcasm of those people, and the cold and aloof demeanor as they stood aside and watchedhow could Ding Jiayi not feel embarrassed and upset? It was not as if she did not have a heart.

    It was just that as a mother, she was putting on a false strong front before Qiao Zijin, lest Qiao Zijin also became sad and angry along with her.

    Who would have known that there was no need for her to keep the matter a secret? Qiao Zijin basically followed her there but did not tell her. She had been watching others bully her and ignoring it. She refused to help her.

    ¡°The situation that day was soplicated. Would there be any use if I stepped out? Would I be of any help?¡±

 Chapter 857 - You Canâ€™t Shut Me Off From Your Life

    <h4>Chapter 857 You Can¡¯t Shut Me Off From Your Life</h4>

    ¡°You made a mess and hope that I will clean it up for you? Do you know that I didn¡¯t step out for your own good? If I appeared in such an awkward moment, wouldn¡¯t you feel embarrassed? Those present that day were all my elders and I¡¯m just a junior. If I shouted at the group, would I be able to ovee them? I would be badly bullied too, no?¡±

    Stepping out? She would be a real fool if she were to appear before others on that day.

    ¡°...¡± Once Qiao Zijin was fierce, Ding Jiayi fell silent. This was because she knew that Qiao Zijin¡¯s appearance certainly would not change anything. At most, there would only be one person to keep herpany by her side.

    ¡°Mom, I say, why are you standing there in a daze?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Ding Jiayi unhappily.

    ¡°What else can I do?¡± Ding Jiayi lifted her half-crippled body. ¡°With my current state, what else can I do if I don¡¯t stay in the hospital abidingly?¡± Ding Jiayi had a car ident. She had been knocked by a four-wheeled car and not a two-wheeled bicycle. Her injuries were not light and she should not have been discharged at all.

    That day, she left the hospital on her own ord. With that round of torture, Ding Jiayi¡¯s injuries simply deteriorated and she had to lie in bed for a few days before she could get up.

    ¡°Your daughter is getting engaged today. You¡¯re the mother but you¡¯re not going to appear?¡± Those guests who would be attending the event at the Zhai family would not be ordinary folks. Some were prominent figures whom she could only see on television. At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin felt tempted again.

    Qiao Nan was going to be engaged with Zhai Sheng. That meant that she would have a brother-inw who was a regimentmander.

    If Qiao Nan could show more concern on her matters, it was, in fact, not difficult for her to be the wife of a regimentmander. At most, she would not be as blessed as Qiao Nan who would eventually be the wife of a chief.

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan is getting engaged today. You¡¯re her mother and I¡¯m her sister. As her next-of-kin, we certainly have to be present to give our blessings. You dote on her so much all this while. She has found a man who can take care of her now, so shouldn¡¯t you feel d and relieved?¡± Snatch? She would not be able to snatch over a man like Zhai Sheng.

    Hence, she could only plead with this brother-inw to take good care of her, this sister-inw. At the very least, she could enjoy her remaining lifetime.

    Obviously, Qiao Nan was not as good as her but she could marry so well¡ªso well that she had far exceeded her. Now, she even had to bask in Qiao Nan¡¯s glory and seek her help to find a good marriage partner. At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin did not feel too happy.

    Qiao Zijin kept having the feeling that Qiao Nan¡¯s and her life had been reversed.

    She should be the one leading a life that others would be envious of, and Qiao Nan was the one that had to be looked down upon by others and live a shabby life.

    ¡°She caused your dad and me to have a divorce. Why should I feel d and relieved that she has someone to take care of her now! In addition, given my current condition, can I leave the hospital? Not going! Today, Qiao Nan is going to be engaged with Zhai Sheng. Last time, your dad treated me that way and caused me to stay in the hospital for a longer time. If I really dare to go today, your dad may chop me with a knife before I can even say anything. He is bent on raising this daughter. Now, your dad only has Qiao Nan, this daughter, in his heart. He doesn¡¯t have you or me, his wife, in his heart. I don¡¯t want to go.¡±

    During thest incident, Ding Jiayi already had a feeling that Qiao Dongliang could not wait to kill her.

    Until now, whenever Ding Jiayi recalled the look in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes at that time, she could still feel fear and trepidation.

    They had said that a marriage might be short-lived but the couple¡¯s affection might continue to run deep. She had been a couple with Qiao Dongliang for twenty years but Qiao Dongliang now had thoughts about killing her because of one Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi felt very disheartened.

    She was the one who apanied Qiao Dongliang through the most difficult times of his life.

    ¡°He won¡¯t.¡± Qiao Zijin refused to give up. The people that she could meet today were those that she might not have the chance to see again for the rest of her life. If she were to miss this opportunity, she would have to wait a few yearster when Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng got married and after Qiao Nan graduated from college.

    If she did not attend this event this time, when Qiao Nan was going to be married next time, was she certain that she could attend the event?

    At this moment, the most important thing to her was to salvage the rtionship between Qiao Nan and her.

    After the engagement, when Qiao Nan said one word, it would be more effective than her doing a hundred things.

    ¡°If you feel that it won¡¯t happen, you can go by yourself. Anyway, no matter what, I won¡¯t attend her engagement event. I want to see... I¡¯m not dead yet. If someone asks her where her biological mother is during the engagement, how is she going to respond? Just wait and see. Without me, she will beughed at. If I go now, I will really be saving the face of that wretched girl.¡±

    If she did not appear, the Zhai family would definitely not be pleased with Qiao Nan. They would feel that Qiao Nan did not respect the Zhai family.

    Who had asked the Zhai family to be so blind to take a liking to Qiao Nan? She would not give the Zhai family any face. The Zhai family could just wait to be aughingstock.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Why was it, no matter what she said, that she could not make her mother understand?

    ¡°Alright, I know what you want to say. Regardless of whether I turn up or not, I¡¯m still that wretched girl¡¯s mother. As long as I¡¯m alive, she can forget about dumping me. She has to give me a good life. Since that is the case, why should I make myself suffer? Alright, I am tired and want to sleep.¡± Ding Jiayi turned her body and refused to continue this conversation with Qiao Zijin. She then fell into a slumber.

    As the mother, she was certain that Qiao Nan would have to yield to her for life.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin stomped her feet in fury.

    She had heard of a child supporting their parents for life. However, she had not heard of people supporting and caring for their biological sister for life.

    Qiao Nan could not shut her mother off from her life but she could do so to her.

    This would not do. She had to think of more ways to make her mother listen to her. She must not let Qiao Nan off. She could not let her off in the past; the more she could not let her off now.

    Ding Jiayi insisted that she would not go. Qiao Zijin felt very unfair. She thus quietly returned to the quad. She had to be involved in such a bubbly asion.

    However, it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s engagement today and the event would be held at home. They only invited people who were close to them. The simpler the arrangement was, the harder it was to enter the ce.

    Qiao Zijin was not on the guest list at all. Although Qiao Zijin said that she was the biological elder sister of one of the couple, Qiao Nan, the guard did not listen to her. He just told her that he did not receive any instructions about her.

    The security guard even had a gun. He was looking tall and impressive at the entrance. In particr, that formal and serious expression on his face, which warned one not to offend, made Qiao Zijin, this kind of scheming people, feel frightened. She dared not go near him.

    This was simr to when a thief saw a policeman in his uniform. He would definitely avoid him like a mouse that saw a cat. Otherwise, he would be courting his own death.

    The other party had made himself very clear. He would not let Qiao Zijin enter the ce. This was the quad and there were people around who knew her. Qiao Zijin really could not bring herself to kick up a big fuss to embarrass Qiao Nan and insist that she be invited to the event.

 Chapter 858 - The Old Generals Who Could Stop a Child from Crying

    <h4>Chapter 858 The Old Generals Who Could Stop a Child from Crying</h4>

    As such, in the end, despite rushing over and drenching most of her clothing, Qiao Zijin could only return home empty-handed.

    Just as Qiao Zijin left, news that she came had reached Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng had longed guessed that Qiao Zijin was the kind of person that would refuse to give up. In normal times, she could not bear to see Qiao Nan do well. When Qiao Nan was really doing well and she could rely on her to benefit from it, Qiao Zijin would definitely not let this chance slip.

    Hence, Qiao Zijin was someone that Zhai Sheng paid ¡®special care¡¯ to.

    If other people hade today, the guard might have to enter the house and check with them. However, once he heard that it was Qiao Zijin, the biological sister of one of the couple, the security guard held Qiao Zijin back firmly without a word.

    Zhai Sheng was certain that since they were in the quad and given Qiao Zijin¡¯s age, she would want to save some face. Hence, she would not do those shameless things that Ding Jiayi would do.

    The engagement that he had been pining for was finally happening. How could Zhai Sheng let a small fry like Qiao Zijin ruin it?

    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡±

    As one of the hosts from the Zhai family, Zhai Hua had been busy walking in and out of the venue. She was busier than Zhai Sheng, the one who was getting engaged.

    Zhai Hua was already so tied up, yet someone had to add on to her troubles.

    ¡°Hello? Haven¡¯t I told you that my family is

    very busy today? It¡¯s not convenient for you toe.¡± As soon as she picked up Wei De¡¯s phone call, Zhai Hua could feel a headache. ¡°I¡¯ve said this countless times. If my family epts you, you will certainly have a ce here today. But the problem is that they have not. If I let youe now... Are you trying to anger my mom or my family¡¯s old master?¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m your boyfriend. Haven¡¯t we been dating for many years? You can¡¯t possibly hide me away all the time, right?¡± Wei De was anxious. Those who were going to the Zhai family today were mostly prominent figures with brains and status. There would be old chiefs. If not, they would also be formerrades of Old Master Zhai, who held atypical statuses.

    In fact, until today, Wei De still held the dream of returning to the army as a soldier and being promoted to regimentmander thereafter.

    was

    When Wei De was a child, his family situation was not good and they could not afford to enroll him in college studies. Wei De was also very passionate about being a soldier. Hence, he joined the army immediately after he quit school.

    The Zhai family did not see anything good about him. It could only mean that the Zhai family was not the lucky star that could tell and acknowledge that he was a prodigy.

    The Zhai family was not his lucky star but others might be.

    As long as there was a chance, he still wished to return to the army and continue to be a soldier. He did not want to do business. He had topletely listen to a few youngsters¡¯ bidding and could not make his own decisions at all.

    Wei De waspletely ayman in doing business. Besides, this kind of knowledge could not be picked up all at once.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friend was very good to Zhai Hua. They had never plotted against Wei De. Whenever they let Wei De be involved in a business, it was guaranteed that Wei De would make a little money.

    This was actually the same situation and logic whereby Wei De wanted to be a soldier in Zhai Sheng¡¯s team so that he could follow him and pick up military achievements behind Zhai Sheng.

    Someone else would do the work and Wei De just needed to pick up the fruits of thebor.

    The only difference was that military achievements were what he truly desired. Now, other people were bringing him along to pick up the money. Wei De actually shunned the value of money as this was not what he wanted most.

    ¡°You know how to feel anxious now. What have you been doing previously? When I say no, it means no!¡± Zhai Hua was fuming with anger. ¡°Wasn¡¯t everything fine during my previous phone conversation with you when I was in the camp? You said that you wanted to perform well and worked hard to receive my family¡¯s affirmation. Just a few days have passed and you have forgotten what you have said. You have not shown any results but you want to take a shortcut again?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De refused to admit. ¡°When did I think of taking a shortcut? I value our rtionship and see Regiment Commander Zhai as my brother-inw. Since my brother-inw is getting engaged, of course I have to appear to give my blessings.¡±

    ¡°Since I¡¯m so important to you, why don¡¯t you care whether I feel happy or not? If you really want toe, fine, I won¡¯t stop you. But I don¡¯t have a way to let youe in. If you are capable, you cane in yourself!¡± Zhai Hua mmed the phone with a loud bang.

    Zhai Hua was not stupid. Earlier, Wei De insisted that he wanted to fetch the old master. Today, he kicked up a fuss and insisted that he wanted to attend the banquet. How could he being just because of the Zhai family and her? He wanted toe because of the uncles and granduncles sitting on the few tables outside.

    Precisely, as she was well aware of this, Zhai Hua felt more reluctant.

    It was no wonder that her parents did not take a liking to Wei De. Even the old master was not satisfied with Wei De when he first heard about Wei De¡¯s matter. He was too impatient on material gains.

    In particr, when Wei De said that he saw Zhai Sheng as his brother-inw, Zhai Hua nearly retorted him by asking him whether Zhai Sheng was willing to treat him the same way.

    as

    ame

    By saying that, Wei De was praising himself tantly.

    After hanging up the phone, Zhai Hua hid her anger and went out again to entertain the guests who came to give their blessings.

    ¡°Congrattions, Old Zhai. In the blink of an eye, you even have a granddaughter-inw now. This little child is really not bad-looking.¡±

    ¡°She is already engaged. What little child?! Old Master Zhai felt sore. These few old friends were really badpany.

    Zhai Sheng was not young anymore. It was not considered early to be married, let alone engaged. They even purposely addressed his granddaughter-inw as a little child. It would only make his grandson seemed old. Old Master Zhai felt very disappointed.

    ¡°Hahaha, alright. Old Deng, you have been bickering with Old Zhai for life. Haven¡¯t you had enough? It¡¯s such a joyous asion today. Don¡¯t anger Old Zhai. Look at how good-looking the youngdy is. If you scare her away, you can forget about drinking that cup of tea in your hands.¡±

    Someone became the mediator.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. These formerrades of the old master are used to joking with one another in this way.¡± Zhai Sheng had been keeping Qiao Nanpany by her side, in case Qiao Nan felt nervous.

    Nevertheless, undoubtedly, Qiao Nan performed quite well. Facing the gazes of these ¡®big bosses¡¯, Qiao Nan did not avert her gaze. Instead, she looked at them in the eye graciously.

    While her bright and starry eyes were blinking, her long and ck eyshes were like a pair of tiny wings. A peachy blush could be seen through that fair-skinned face of hers. Complimenting this was the red wedding dress. She looked so pretty.

    Such a good-looking child was staring at them. As ¡®big bosses¡¯ who were already in their old age, how would they not like it?

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan was all smiles to whoever she looked at. Some of the ¡®big bosses¡¯ had very dark and tanned faces. This was because they had fought on the battlefields before during wartime. All of them had one thing inmon: they exuded a much stronger feel of a murderous aura than a typical soldier.

    When a crying child heard that they wereing, the child would be so scared that they would stop crying. ¡®They¡¯ referred to these old generals.

    Any young and tender children who saw these tough and burly elders would cry or run away. This was notwithstanding their own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When one was carrying these little ones and ying with them, the old generals dared not go near them. The little ones would cry as soon as they approached.

    For young, smiley, and good-looking youngsters such as Qiao Nan, even if they were able to refrain from crying when they saw the old generals, their gaze would be evasive and they would turn miserably pale. At the sight of this, the old generals would already feel bad, let alone be in a good mood.

 Chapter 859 - This Is a Good Lady

    <h4>Chapter 859 This Is a Good Lady</h4>

    As such, as long as that Qiao Nan continued to carry that happy smile on her tender face when she looked at them, the old generals felt much more at ease. It was as if they had taken strong alcohol. Their whole body became more rxed.

    ¡°Old Zhai, you¡¯re so blessed. This little child is so brave. At the sight of us, she is still able to walk and smile.¡± Some of Old Master Zhai¡¯s formerrades patted his shoulders with envy. In fact, they had been worried that the atmosphere would not be good if they were to attend the event.

    That grandson of Old Zhai was not young anymore. However, thedy that he was engaged with was so young. She had just reached adulthood. There were still a few years to go before their marriage.

    The old generals had been veteran revolutionaries all their life. They loved their soldier attire the most.

    For grand events that they valued, they would attend them in their soldier attire. When they were in their soldier attire, they were giving their utmost importance and respect.

    These old generals already looked scary when they were in casual clothing. When they were in their army attire, they looked even more frightening. It was as if they were attending some major national events.

    Not everyone could handle such utmost respect from the old generals.

    The awesome thing was that Qiao Nan was able to do it.

    During this period, there was already a rising overseas influence in China. Many people would wear a white bridal gown during their engagement or wedding. However, the old generals preferred traditional Chinese stuff.

    Today, Qiao Nan was wearing a bright fiery red cheongsam that had been modified.

    The fabric of a cheongsam was usually quite thick. The weather was hot and there was no air-conditioner. Qiao Nan could not take the heat.

    As such, Qiao Nan brought into y her talent. She chose her own fabric and tailor-made a modified wedding cheongsam for herself.

    She could not possibly just utilize the sewing machine gifted by Shi Qing once and let it retire thereafter. That would be too wasteful.

    Of course, Shi Qing was also a ¡®vicious¡¯ woman. Initially, she was not very interested in the so-called modified cheongsam. However, when she saw that the one that Qiao Nan made for herself looked good, she pestered Qiao Nan to make one for her.

    On this joyous asion today, Shi Qing was openly unting the modified cheongsam that Qiao Nan made for her continuously before the eyes of Zhai Hua. She was enjoying herself and immersed in that envious look of Zhai Hua. She then received praise from the countless uncles that she knew or were familiar with. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? The things from China are so good. The clothes are pretty too. Why are people learning those things from foreigners? What bridal gown? They look so white. It is as if someone from the family had ¡®left¡¯. This one is pretty. It¡¯s pretty!¡±

    It could be said that the modified cheongsams on Qiao Nan and Shi Qing received countless good reviews from the group of old generals. They were full of praises for them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. She is still young and doesn¡¯t have enough training. She also has very little experience.¡± Old Master Zhai, who was also looking very proud, simply grinned like a flower. ¡°I heard that my granddaughter-inw made the dress that she is wearing now herself. Her skills are So-so. It is still passable.¡±

    ¡°Oh, she also knows how to tailor-made clothes. What a gooddy.¡±

    The old generals gave sincere praise.

    Different from the current youngsters, the old generals did not subject to the habit of buying their daily food and household necessities. They believed in homemade and homegrown stuff.

    Until today, the old generals seldom wore leather shoes. They wore cloth shoes most of the time. Moreover, they wore the kind of cloth shoes that had to be sewn using pieces of fabric. They felt morefortable wearing them on their feet.

    As for those so-called exercising shoes that were manufactured by the foreigners, the old generals would not wear them again after trying them out once. They would feel ufortable all over just wearing them. This was despite the good quality of the shoes bought for them by their filial children.

    The things in their own country were so good. Why did they have to wear those from the foreigners¡¯ countries?

    Due to this, they took a liking to youngdies such as Qiao Nan with such skills and who knew how to DIY.

    ¡°Do you know that this child is very young but she¡¯s very filial? She knows that I like to wear Mao suit[1] and insisted to make one set for me. The two of them were already very busy with their engagement. There¡¯s no need to do so! After a long round of persuasion, that child finally agreed to make me one only after this period and before the school reopens, so that I can wear it and walk around.¡±

    At this moment, Old Master Zhai was getting the kick out of showing off.

    It was already the 21st century. It wasmon to hear the youngsters buying instead of making them something. This batch of old revolutionary veterans still preferred handmade instead of ready-made stuff.

    As such, it was obvious that Old Zhai was showing off when he said this.

    It was true. So what if one was young? It was fine as long as she was sensible.

    The granddaughters-inw of their family were all much older than this youngdy before their eyes. They had not even made them a pair of socks, let alone a Mao suit.

    It was so different from the times when they were a child. When ady was getting married, she had to make so many pairs of shoes for the husband¡¯s family as meeting gifts. Without these, they would bebeled as azy daughter-inw that was not presentable.

    ¡°Go, go, go.¡± After much boasting, he had attracted some annoyance. ¡°Move aside. Get the youngdy to serve us some tea.¡± This old man was too annoying.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Old Master Zhai was not angry. Instead, he was smiling with joy. ¡°When that set of clothing is ready, I¡¯ll wear it back for all of you to see.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Facing the enthusiasm of Old Master Zhai, the old generals rolled their eyes continuously. His grandson was already engaged and he did not know how to restrain himself despite his age. Childish!

    ¡°Did you hear that? Words that have been spoken are like water that has been spilled. The old master has in mind this set of clothing. You¡¯d better get it ready for him before he goes back. Otherwise, if he has boasted about it today and you don¡¯t make it for him, do you believe that he won¡¯t leave?¡± Zhai Shengughed. He seldom saw the old master behave in this way. It seemed like the old master was genuinely happy today.

    Qiao Nan turned red. ¡°Actually, I have already made the measurements. Once I finish cutting the fabric, I just need to spend one day to make it.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not expect that the ¡®cheap¡¯ design that she came up with was a hit among these old generals. Was this considered hitting the mark by a fluke?

    The family situation of the Qiao family was not good. They had to cough up the tuition fees from various ways and sponsorships. This was just the engagement and Qiao Dongliang felt shy to ept too many things from the Zhai family. It would seem that he was selling his daughter.

    To give face to both Qiao Dongliang and the Zhai family, she certainly had to make proper preparation for the engagement gown. She could not afford an expensive one. Therefore, she could only rely on herself to make something different.

    Who would have thought that these old generals would like it so much?

    The money in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands was enough to buy the fabric to make one set of clothing for Old Master Zhai. However, if she really wanted to buy something of good quality at the mall, she could not even afford to buy the upper or lower piece of the clothing, not to mention the whole suit.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°If the old master knows about this, he will boast to his formerrades again.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan looked very shy. ¡°It¡¯s good that the old chief doesn¡¯t mind.¡± Fortunately, these veteran revolutionaries were so down-to-earth and adorable. Otherwise, given her preparation today, it would, at most, be considered presentable. Those who were mean might say that she reeked of poverty or give even worsements.

    [1] A type of suit that was named after Mao Zedong because it became closely associated with him in the Western imagination

 Chapter 860 - Call â€˜Momâ€™ Instead

    <h4>Chapter 860 Call ¡®Mom¡¯ Instead</h4>

    Qiao Nan felt very fortunate that the Zhai family and these veteran revolutionaries were the ones that she had met.

    ¡°You should change your address to grandpa.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded. ¡°If you call him old chief again, the old master won¡¯t be pleased.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips but she was too shy to address the old master as such.

    Qiao Dongliang, including the neighbors and friends that he had invited, appeared more reserved than one another. Everyone was sitting in a prim and proper way. It was as if this was the first day of school and they were carrying their schoolbags for studies. Their two hands were ced properly by the side of their body. They dared not move their pair of eyes much and they sat in a stiff and straight manner as if they were being punished.

    Facing these veteran revolutionaries, these people really could not bring themselves tough. It was not easy for them to sit down in a calm and proper manner.

    At this moment, everyone began to take their hats off Qiao Nan. It was no wonder she could be engaged with Regiment Commander Zhai. She had such extraordinary courage.

    Even uncles and aunties like themselves were not as brave as Nan Nan.

    The neighbors and friends invited by Qiao Dongliang usually behaved with propriety. Besides feeling nervous, they did not make any mistakes or do anything wrong. At the very least, they managed to go through this engagement with no hups.

    The event was not especially grand. They did not hold a huge banquet at the hotel. It was just an ordinary banquet held at home. Nevertheless, to Qiao Nan, all these were more than sufficient.

    Although Qiao Nan did not interact much with politicians, after hearing Lin Yuankang¡¯s exnation, she knew that, in fact, the simpler the arrangements were, the more they approved of and respected her. When Qiao Nan knew about it, she was extremely touched.

    As a formerrade of Old Master Zhai, of course, Lin Yuankang was one of the guests.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s master, Lin Yuankang also had to attend the event.

    It could be said that Lin Yuankang¡¯s support had made it even easier for these veteran revolutionaries to ept Qiao Nan.

    As such, although there were no shing gown, pce-like venue, colored ribbons, fresh flowers, and champagne, Qiao Nan had already received the greatest affirmation and respect from the Zhai family.

    The value of these thoughts and considerations could not be measured by materialistic means.

    One just had to think about it. There were so many veteran revolutionaries who attended the event. At what kind of event would one normally see this happening?

    It would only ur at very important and major events concerning the country!

    Ordinary folks had no chance to meet or invite these veteran revolutionaries, not to mention the current situation whereby they were all gathered at the same ce. In the whole of China, most likely, it would only be possible for the nation¡¯s leaders to make this happen. Even when the nation¡¯s leaders met them, they had to show much respect and tribute to them.

    Qiao Nan was just a youngdy from an ordinary family but she had received a treatment that was simr to that of the nation¡¯s leaders. The Zhai family had ttered her so much.

    Nothing was parallel to such an honor!

    ¡°It has been hard on you all. It¡¯s just an engagement and I have to trouble you all to make the trip.¡± When the banquet ended, Old Master Zhai sent his formerrades off one by one.

    The formerrades were all quite happy. ¡°You¡¯ve finally fulfilled this wish of yours. This time, you¡¯re having the engagement banquet. Next time, you have to invite us to the wedding banquet. But there are some conditions. We are also the youngdy¡¯s elders from her grandfather¡¯s generation. You can¡¯t possibly be the only one receiving gifts. We want them as well. We are not expecting much. Just some items personally made by the youngdy will do.¡±

    ¡°To hell with you all! Do you want to tire my granddaughter-inw out? She has justpleted her college entrance examination this year. She is the top humanities student of our province and has enrolled in Peking University. She will be very busy with her studies in the future,¡± Old Master Zhai said this in both a serious and proud manner.

    The few veteran revolutionaries were speechless. They could not remember how many times Old Master Zhai had mentioned that the youngdy was the top scorer in the college entrance examination. ¡°You¡¯re such an old man, yet, you¡¯re not as stylish as the youngdy in your manners.¡±

    The youngdy did not even mention it once. On the contrary, Old Zhai had been talking about it umpteen times. Didn¡¯t he find it exhausting?

    ¡°Haha, you all are just jealous.¡± Old Master Zhai lifted his chin. He was still as fearless as ever.

    The people from their generation did not have many opportunities to study. Their family conditions were not good either.

    Thereafter, they were not sure why, but not many offspring of soldiers like them were good in their studies.

    In the past, when Zhai Sheng¡¯s grades were good, old Zhai talked about it in front of his formerrades all the time. Now, there was a fresh top student from Peking University. Of course, Old Master Zhai had new things to boast about before his formerrades again.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you must be exhausted, right?¡± Today, Miao Jing was overjoyed but it had been hard on her. At the sight of the guests leaving, she then went closer to Qiao Nan and asked her.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. Auntie Miao, you must be feeling tired.¡± Seeing that Miao Jing did not look too good, Qiao Nan felt very bad. It was just an engagement and they had to tire out so many people.

    Qiao Nan must be feeling exhausted as well. The problem was that she was in the lead role today. Most importantly, she received a huge pile of red packets and praises, such as ¡®handsome couple¡¯ and ¡®perfect match in heaven¡¯. Qiao Nan¡¯s hardship and fatigue were in exchange for a bucket full of returns.

    ¡°You¡¯re still calling me auntie?¡± Zhai Sheng knitted his thick brows and said in a cajoling tone. ¡°Call mom.¡±

    The corners of Miao Jing¡¯s lips curled up and she revealed a huge smile. ¡°Right, although it¡¯s the engagement and not wedding today, it¡¯s also a marriage. Call mom, call mom!¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was as small as the buzz of a mosquito. It was so different from the graciousness that she disyed when she was in front of the veteran revolutionaries earlier.

    Nevertheless, such a soft and inaudible ¡®mom¡¯ made Miao Jing overjoyed. ¡°Aiyo, I don¡¯t feel tired anymore at the sound of this ¡®mom¡¯. Nan Nan, you have to call me mom, alright?¡±

    Miao Jing was not the only one feeling happy. Zhai Sheng was so happy that he pulled Qiao Nan into his arms in front of Miao Jing.

    If Miao Jing was not present, Zhai Sheng would have already thought of giving Qiao Nan a good kiss as a form of encouragement and reward.

    It was just that the good mood did not sustain for too long. Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui, who were sending the guests off, came back pulling long faces.

    Shrinking her shoulders like a little wife, Zhai Hua dared not utter a word as she silently sought help from Qiao Nan with her eyes. As for Wei De, who was following behind, and the child that he was carrying in his arms, Zhai Hua did not even look at them.

    Qiao Nan did not know who the child in Wei De¡¯s arms was but she knew who Wei De was.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s good mood vanished into thin air. She just felt her heart sank. ¡°Where did this childe from? Can it be...¡±

    Could it be that the thing that she was most worried about had happened? Furthermore, this was already the truth a few years ago?!

    ¡°Mom!!¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    The emotional-sounding word was from Zhai Hua, and the calm-sounding one was from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and asked him to let go of her. She then walked over to Miao Jing and held her hands to calm her down. ¡°Mom, this child should be that nephew of Comrade Wei. He¡¯s the son of his younger sister.¡± It did not have anything to do with Sister Zhai Hua.

    The child was already four years old. If one were to include the period of pregnancy, it would be about five years.

 Chapter 861 - What Kind of Taste Is That?

    <h4>Chapter 861 What Kind of Taste Is That?</h4>

    Five years ago, Sister Zhai Hua had juste into contact with Wei De. At most, they just began to have positive feelings for each other and were in the midst of confirming their rtionship as a couple. How could they possibly have a child then?

    ¡°I see...¡± Miao Jing heaved a sigh of relief. It was fine as long as it was not Hua Hua¡¯s child.

    As to whether this child was Wei De¡¯s nephew, Miao Jing did not care. Of course, if this child was Wei De¡¯s son, her reaction would be much stronger. This was because, in that case, Zhai Hua could just directly break up with Wei De.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, good day.¡± Wei De could only address Miao Jing as ¡®auntie¡¯ in front of Qiao Nan. On the contrary, Qiao Nan could now openly address Miao Jing as ¡®mom¡¯, and Miao Jing smiled happily when she heard that. He thus felt very unhappy. ¡°I heard that Regiment Commander Zhai and Qiao... Teacher Xiao Qiao are engaged. I came here specially to congratte them. Wei Wei, greet everyone.¡±

    Wei De put Wei Wei down on the ground and then gently waved Wei Wei¡¯s hands.

    Wei Wei, who was dark-skinned and quite sturdy-looking, lifted his tiny head and called ¡®maternal grandma¡¯ with his baby voice.

    At the sound of this ¡®maternal grandma¡¯, Miao Jing nearly fainted.

    Wei Wei was just a child and could not read the change in Miao Jing¡¯s expression. He then turned his tiny head and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Little auntie-inw?¡±

    Qiao Nan nearly spat out her saliva. Wei De really knew how to teach Wei Wei. Wei De had really assumed that he was the son-inw of the Zhai family. He had taught the child to address them directly as such. ¡°Little friend, what is your name?¡±

    ¡°Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°Oh, how old are you this year?¡±

    Wei Wei showed three of his fingers but said, ¡°Four years old.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Wei Wei is already four years old. Wei Wei, are you going to study here in the future?¡±

    Wei Wei nodded honestly.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°If Wei Wei is going to study at the school here, when you see someone like her in the future, you should call ¡®grandma¡¯, and when you see someone like me, you should call ¡®sister¡¯. In this way, people will adore Wei Wei.¡±

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s age, she was not pretending to be young when she asked the children to address her as sister.

    With Wei De¡¯s teaching, was he not afraid that the child would address others wrongly at school? He would be a joke.

    In the eyes of a child, one form of address represented a category of people. Depending on how the adults taught him, he would simply categorize the same kind of people and address them in the same way.

    ¡°Grandma? Grandma is at home.¡± At the thought of Mother Wei, Wei Wei said with some longing, ¡°Uncle, I miss grandma. I miss Mom. I miss home.¡±

    In this ce that was full of strangers, there was no one familiar by his side. Actually, Wei Wei could not adjust well at all. He had been crying every two or three days. He had even lost weight.

    One week ago, when Wei De just brought Wei Wei to Ping Cheng, Wei Wei was truly a little dark-skinned and plump boy.

    As Wei Wei said that, he started to cry and throw tantrums. His two legs were kicking nonstop. The sound of wailing made people feel like they were going to have a headache. The sound of the cries proved that Wei Wei must be a very healthy and lively child at normal times. His lung capacity was quite huge.

    ¡°Wei Wei, how did uncle teach you before you came here?¡± Wei De was so angry that his face looked scrunched up. Clearly, he had taught Wei Wei so many times at home. In order to coax Wei Wei to be obedient, he had even bought many toys and mini cars for Wei Wei.

    At home, he had agreed to be obedient. However, he had to fumble the ball at the most critical juncture when he was at the Zhai family.

    Wei De, who had initially wanted to make use of Wei Wei to gain favor, was extremely angry. He felt the child had dragged him down instead.

    Miao Jing¡¯s expression turned increasingly sullen. Finally, she could not endure it any longer. She could not even be bothered to ask what had happened at the entrance to make the old master and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s faces looked so ck. She simply said, ¡°I¡¯m exhausted today. I¡¯m going back to my bedroom to rest.¡±

    After saying that, Miao Jing simply passed the authority of controlling the situation to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, take care of the guests in the house.¡±

    In short, the difference between Qiao Nan and Wei De was akin to the borders of two opposing powers. There were very clear boundaries drawn.

    The Wei family was just an unwee guest in the Zhai family whereas Qiao Nan was part of the family.

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to take over this mess. She grabbed a few sweets that were beside her and squatted in front of Wei Wei. ¡°Wei Wei, right? You¡¯re already four years old. You¡¯re a big boy now. Let¡¯s not cry. As long as you don¡¯t cry, sister will give you these sweets, okay?¡±

    A child was always like that. They became content very easily. When they heard that there were food and toys, they would be distracted very easily.

    Seeing that the sweets in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands looked nice and seemed delicious, Wei Wei really stopped crying. He even nodded.

    As promised, Qiao Nan passed the sweets to Wei Wei. She even unwrapped one of the sweets and ced it in Wei Wei¡¯s mouth. At this moment, Wei Weipletely quieted down. He was no longer kicking up a fuss. This also gave the adults an opportunity to talk.

    IIONI

    Once Miao Jing left, Zhai Sheng dominated Qiao Nan again.

    At the sight of this scene, Zhai Sheng whispered into Qiao Nan¡¯s ears. ¡°Next time, when we have children, you will definitely be able to raise them up well.¡±

    Zhai Sheng looked forward to how Qiao Nan and their children would look while they were standing together. Of course, he was looking forward more to when the child would arrive and the process of having one.

    Qiao Nan blushed. She shot Zhai Sheng a re before she said to Wei De, ¡°Keeping the guests standing is not a practice of our Zhai family. Everyone, please have a seat. Grandpa, don¡¯t forget that your legs are not good. You can¡¯t stand for too long. Auntie, make some tea and also bring some cakes and pastries out. It¡¯s not good if the child bes hungry.¡±

    Those guests had left after eating at the banquet. Although Qiao Nan was still around, Qiao Dongliang and Shi Qing had already gone home first.

    Zhai Sheng said that he would send Qiao Nan home.

    The two of them were engaged today. The couple also needed some private time together. This time, Qiao Dongliang could not stop them anymore. They were already an official couple. He could not possibly forbid them from having some time together, right?

    Judging from the way Wei De and Wei Wei looked, they must have been waiting outside for a long time. It was just that they did not have a chance to enter the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    They had waited for such a long time. The adults could endure hunger but the child could not.

    True enough, just as the auntie served the cakes and pastries, Wei Wei¡¯s eyes lit up. Without the need for anyone to prompt him, his two little hands grabbed the cakes and stuffed them into his mouth. Wei De could not even stop him.

    ¡°Auntie, could you get a cup of warm water for the child, please?¡±

    ¡°There is a lot of fruit juice at home. Do you want that?¡± There was a lot of fruit juice leftover after the banquet today. The auntie asked as she did not want to waste them.

    ¡°No need. Just get some in water.¡± Qiao Nan did not like the packaged juices nowadays as there was too much artificial sugar and voring in them. If they had too much of it, it was not good for the health of an adult, not to mention that of a child.

    In fact, Qiao Nan meant well but Wei De was not aware. He thought that Qiao Nan was petty and could not even bear to let Wei Wei drink some fruit juice. His expression turned ck on the spot.

    Old Master Zhai snorted in displeasure. ¡°Hua Hua, what kind of taste of yours is this?!¡± There were some people who looked good but had no substance. At the very least, they were good-looking. However, the Wei De before him should be described as someone who had neither looks nor substance.

    His looks were average but he was not down-to-earth at all.

 Chapter 862 - Zhai Hua Refused To Get Married

    <h4>Chapter 862 Zhai Hua Refused To Get Married</h4>

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s a good habit of yours to drink in water. Nowadays, there are all types of fruit juices and coke, but they are not healthy for the body. in water is the best.¡± Old Master Zhai either drank in water, tea, or wine. He would not drink other drinks.

    ¡°Grandpa, I have the same sentiments. The fruit juices are not a hundred percent pure juices. They are not as good as those that we blend by ourselves. As for coke and soda, they have high sugar content. It is not healthy for the body.¡± In the previous life, Qiao Nan was too poor to have these drinks. She remembered that these drinks were unhealthy. Hence, she did not have them in this life.

    Zhai Hua pulled a long face. ¡°Auntie, please give me a ss of boiled water as well. When I was young, grandpa only allowed me to drink boiled water. I would only drink boiled water when I go to the Qiao family¡¯s residence or at my house.¡± Wei De was too narrow-minded. Qiao Nan would never be stingy with a child. It was just a ss of juice or coke. It was not an expensive drink.

    The child liked it, but the adults did not know how to teach the child and taught him the wrong ways.

    Wei De felt embarrassed. He did not know that there were so many stories behind a ss of drink.

    When he first came to Ping Cheng, he knew that a small ss of soda would cost a few yuan. Therefore, he could not bear to spend money on soda. He could only have boiled water which was much more hydrating and cheaper.

    Who would have expected that these expensive drinks were unhealthy. But everyone kept drinking them.

    Qiao Nan was too much. She should have said it directly to avoid causing a misunderstanding. He would not have embarrassed himself in front of the Zhai family.

    This must be Qiao Nan¡¯s motive. The more mistakes hemitted in front of the Zhai family, the better it would look on Qiao Nan. She was too despicable.

    Wei Wei did not understand what was going on between the adults. He only knew to keep his stomach full. Since he was thirsty, he gulped the water down happily. He did not stand on ceremony with them. There was no need for anyone to feed him as well. He was considered a very well-behaved child.

    ¡°Are you here to see the old master?¡± Zhai Yaohui, who had been silent for a long time, spoke up.

    ¡°Yes... yes.¡± Wei De pulled Wei Wei, who had eaten to his heart¡¯s content, to stand beside him. He stopped him from moving around.

    Wei De felt somewhat embarrassed and disgraced that the Zhai family witnessed the scene just now. But he had no other choice.

    Almost all of the guests who left the Zhai family¡¯s residence saw Wei De with a child, hovering around the doorway as if he was very close to the Zhai family. He would address the guests as ¡®uncles¡¯ as if he was their rtives. He also said things that would lead to misunderstandings. For instance, he told them that Hua Hua would mention them to him and he knew that they watched her grow up.

    What was worse was that Wei De carried Wei Wei in his arms. Everyone whom Wei De greeted looked awkward and confused. They did not know who Wei De was and what his rtionship with Zhai Hua was.

    Today was Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s engagement ceremony. Zhai Hua was a few years older than Zhai Sheng. If Zhai Hua had ns of marriage, the Zhai family would have told them.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui noticed what Wei De was up to. Of course, Zhai Hua was present at the scene as well.

    If not, Zhai Hua would not have the guilty look as if she had done something wrong and trailed behind Zhai Yaohui and Old Master Zhai. Zhai Hua could not ept what Wei De had done this time.

    She had told Wei De that if he wanted toe to the ceremony, she would not help him, and he had to think of ways by himself. She did not expect that he would really turn up, and with Wei Wei as well. She also did not expect that he would sputter nonsense to the Zhai family¡¯s guests.

    Zhai Hua was so angry that she felt like punching Wei De. All the uncles that left just now darted their nces over her and Wei Wei. It was as if Wei Wei was the child of Wei De and her.

    She was a decent unmarried youngdy. In all the years that she had been with Wei De, she did not do anything that overstepped the boundaries. How would she have such a big son like Wei Wei?

    Initially, Zhai Hua had a good impression of Wei Wei. After what happened today, she had no liking for him anymore.

    Wei De wanted to make use of the opportunity today so that the friends and rtives of the Zhai family would know of his rtionship with Zhai Hua. Once words of their rtionship spread-unless the Zhai family did not care about their reputationZhai Hua would have to marry him sooner orter. They might get married earlier than Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    Although Zhai Hua was the elder sister, it was a new age now. No one followed the old tradition that the elder sister had to get married before the brother could marry.

    However, since Zhai Hua had a boyfriend, they could either hold the marriage ceremony together or for Zhai Hua to marry Wei De first. After all, they were older than Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    Wei De wanted to make use of public opinion to force the Zhai family to agree to the marriage.

    ¡°Hua Hua, what are your thoughts?¡± Old Master Zhai had a sullen expression on his face as he stared at Zhai Hua. He did not care what Wei De¡¯s attitude toward this matter was. ¡°Have you thought about how you want to handle this? I will give you a chance. Tell me what you want to do with today¡¯s situation and I will agree to whatever that you say.¡±

    Old Master Zhai was waiting to see if Zhai Hua would take the bait and say that since things hade to such a state, she would go along with it and get married to Wei De. If she really said that, Old Master Zhai would agree to it.

    But there was no doubt that after this incident, Old Master Zhai would be very disappointed with Zhai Hua. He would not attend her marriage ceremony. He would take it that he did not spend all those years to nurture and raise her.

    Wei De¡¯s eyes lit up. He looked at Zhai Hua with anticipation. He wished that she would say the answer that he had been longing to hear.

    Zhai Hua gulped a mouthful of water. She looked at Qiao Nan to calm herself down. ¡°What is there to think about? Things are simple. I am in a rtionship, and my boyfriend is here at the Zhai family¡¯s residence with his nephew. It is just a misunderstanding. I am an unmarried youngdy. How would I have such a big son? Rumors stop at the wise. It is foolish to waste time and effort to clear up misunderstandings. There is no need to bother about it. Perhaps it will die off after a while. Besides, the guests that came to our house have close rtionships with us. We only need to give them a brief exnation at the right time and they will definitely believe us. They will not spread any rumors. Therefore, what happened today is not serious. Just let it be.¡±

    Marriage?

    No!

    She would never agree to marry Wei De under today¡¯s circumstances.

    A few months ago, she really wished to marry Wei De as soon as possible and to bear him a child so that he could answer to his aging parents.

    Right now, the more that she was driven into a corner, the more she would not agree to a marriage. She had this unexinable fear at the thought of marrying Wei De.

    Many people would have gamophobia before marriage. Zhai Hua might be emotionally strong, but she had gamophobia as well after what Wei De did.

 Chapter 863 - Made the Move Too Early

    Chapter 863 Made the Move Too Early

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Old Master Zhai, who frowned deeply, rxed at Zhai Hua¡¯s words.

    He was not very satisfied with this answer, but at least, it did not disappoint him terribly. It was better than Hua Hua saying that she would marry Wei De.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then it is settled.¡± Zhai Yaohui made the final decision. It was rare that his daughter was not muddleheaded. Given the way she behaved in the past year, Zhai Yaohui did not have high expectations of her.

    Zhai Sheng raised his hand to make his stand. ¡°I support it.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± Qiao Nan followed suit, standing on her husband¡¯s side.

    ¡°Alright. The Zhai family has always been democratic. Everyone has voted to go ahead with it.¡± Old Master Zhai felt much better now. ¡°Comrade Wei, I am sorry. We are having a personal gathering today. It is inconvenient to invite you. It iste, and the child is tired after eating his fill. You should go back now.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I should go back too.¡± Qiao Nan pulled at Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes.

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s disturbing hands. ¡°You can stay.¡± Now, Nan Nan could stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence openly. Nobody would dare to gossip about her.

    ¡°No, I have to go back.¡± Qiao Nan insisted. ¡°My dad is waiting for me at home.¡± The most important thing was that Shi Qing might be waiting for her as well.

    If she did not go back today, Shi Qing would tease her even if nothing happened between her and Brother Zhai. She would let her thoughts wander.

    Qiao Nan could not afford to be misunderstood.

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan¡¯s attitude is right. Even if the two of you are engaged, you cannot do as you wish.¡± Zhai Yaohui had to set the rules straight for Zhai Hua. ¡°Unless you are married, it is wrong for a single man and a woman to stay together. You can¡¯t me other people for misunderstanding you. You have to behave with propriety. Particrly for girls, you have to learn to protect yourself. I don¡¯t care what the social norms are. In the Zhai family, you have to follow the rules and be conservative. We do not ept the so-called modern andtest trends.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui used Zhai Sheng to set a good example for Zhai Hua. Qiao Nan smiled secretly at Zhai Sheng. She did not insist on it. It was Chief Zhai who said so.

    Zhai Sheng gave Qiao Nan a pinch. She could keep the smug expression to herself. His father might have said that, but he would do as he pleased. If anyone provoked him, he would make Qiao Nan stay by force. No matter what, Uncle Qiao could not object to it from today onward.

    However, since there were outsiders around, Zhai Sheng preserved Zhai Yaohui¡¯s dignity and listened to him.

    Zhai Sheng could not be bothered to feign civility with Wei De. He did not deserve it.

    Zhai Sheng stood up and reached out his hand to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan blushed slightly. She sped Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand as he helped her up. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I will send you back.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan replied softly.

    The man had a tall and upright frame, looking righteous and strong in his green military uniform.

    The woman was petite, looking feminine and delicately pretty in her bright pink cheongsam that reached her knees.

    True enough, they were a perfect match.

    On his way out, Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Hua a meaningful nce as if to say, ¡®It is your fault that I have to send Nan Nan home today. I will remember this and settle it with you in the future.¡¯

    Zhai Hua¡¯s scalp felt tight. Her brother was good at bearing grudges. He was not young anymore and he had a girlfriend, yet he could not do what he wanted as she was still young.

    He had waited for four years before they were finally engaged. But he was implicated by her and now, he had to behave properly toward Nan Nan.

    As his sister, Zhai Hua felt sorry that Zhai Sheng had such a difficult love life.

    But she could not help it as well. She did not ask for things to turn out like this.

    If it was up to her, she would forbid Wei De from showing up with Wei Wei.

    Zhai Hua could sense Zhai Sheng¡¯s warning stare, but she felt that she was an innocent victim as well. She was misunderstood by so many people today. They thought that Wei Wei was her son with Wei De.

    Zhai Sheng ignored the distressed expression in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. Since Zhai Hua was ready to ignore what happened today, Zhai Sheng would not breathe down her neck anymore. It was more important to send Qiao Nan home.

    As for Wei De, Zhai Hua had made her decision. Without her support, Wei De could note up with any more tricks.

    Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Nan back home in the car. Perhaps they were perturbed by Wei Wei and Wei De, keeping their silence on the way back. They had their thoughts on the Zhai family.

    During the journey, Qiao Nan was the one who broke the silence. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you find that Wei Wei bears a resemnce to Wei De?¡±

    If Wei Wei did not resemble Wei De, why would Auntie Miao... her mother suspect that Wei Wei was the child that Sister Zhai Hua had with Wei De when she saw him for the first time? All the outsiders thought so as well.

    It was not a given that the person who carried the child must be the parent of the child. If not, human traffickers would have an easy time abducting children.

    There was a flicker in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°I did not pay attention just now.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it could be a woman¡¯s intuition. If possible, can you send someone to check on Wei De¡¯s hometown and keep an eye on Wei Wei¡¯s mother?¡±.

    Upon seeing Wei Wei for the first time today, Qiao Nan observed that Wei Wei was wearing new cotton clothes.

    In general, men would not know how to take care of children and they would not pay attention to small details. Besides, there was no one to guide Wei De. He must have learned from others that it would be better for children to wear cotton clothes.

    Moreover, Wei De had been carrying Wei Wei all the time. He only allowed him to walk by himself when they were at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Wei De was furious when she gave in water to Wei Wei. He was not merely angry at her for being stingy. There seemed to be other reasons as well.

    In general, people would be angry under such circumstances. They felt furious as they were being looked down upon and not recognized by others.

    It was different in Wei De¡¯s case. He seemed to be angry because she was stingy with a small child like Wei Wei. He felt angry that she did not want to offer the child a ss of juice or soda.

    There seemed to be a different reason behind his anger. There were so many possibilities behind it.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Even if Qiao Nan did not say anything, Zhai Sheng could sense that Wei De seemed to value Wei Wei very much.

    Wei De had yet to be approved by the Zhai family. To put things bluntly, if Wei Wei was the child between Wei De and Zhai Hua, he might be able to make use of the child to gain the approval of the Zhai family.

    However, the Zhai family had not epted Wei De. It was unsuitable for him to bring Wei Wei to the Zhai family at this time.

 Chapter 864 - Wished to Throw Wei De Out

    Chapter 864 Wished to Throw Wei De Out

    Wei De seemed to be anxious for the Zhai family to ept Wei Wei. He had gone overboard this time.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua told me that Wei De asked her to find a good kindergarten for Wei Wei and decide on a good elementary school, junior high school, and high school for him. Not only that, Wei De seems to have asked Sister Zhai Hua if my master can give him an early education in English.¡±

    ¡°Does Zhai Hua look for you often?¡± Nan Nan seemed to know more about Zhai Hua and Wei De than him.

    ¡°Not really. Sister Zhai Hua likes the egg fried rice at my house. Therefore, she wille by asionally. When she does, she will chat with me about her situation.¡±

    ¡°It is no wonder...¡± It was no wonder that Zhai Hua canceled her leave briskly previously and went back to the camp. It turned out that it was rted to Nan Nan. ¡°Zhai Hua is your sister. You must pay more attention to her. She is the type of simpledy whose intelligence level will drop to zero when she is in love. You must look out for her. If not, it will be a problem in the future.¡±

    Her intelligence level did not drop to zero. It dropped to a negative value.

    ¡°Well, in short, Wei De is definitely not suitable for Sister Zhai Hua. Sister Zhai Hua has an idealistic view of love and she is hoping to have someone who loves her for herself. Wei De is after material gains. He does not really love Sister Zhai Hua. He is most probably faking his love for her. This is not what Sister Zhai Hua is after. By the time she discovers it, they will still have to go their separate ways. However, it is difficult to predict when that will be. Wei De is too good at putting up pretenses in front of Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    Qiao Nan could tell from her conversations with Zhai Hua that Wei De would say honeyed words to her.

    Every woman in the world loved to listen to sweet, honeyed words. They were eager to listen to mushy and endearing words.

    Shi Qing, who was full of anticipation for a good show, looked disappointed when Qiao Nan got down from Zhai Sheng¡¯s car. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t be back today. I was about to tell Uncle Qiao to go to sleep. Is Brother Zhai a man? He is finally engaged to you. Why would he allow you to go back home? Is he Liuxia Hui[1]? He doesn¡¯t look like it!¡±

    Whenever Brother Zhai came to the Qiao family¡¯s residence and she was around, Brother Zhai would give her a death stare, telling her to leave them alone to have their private time.

    She had thought that Brother Zhai would be like a ravenous wolf that could no longer wait to be intimate with Qiao Nan.

    Actually, it was fine as long as it did not result in a pregnancy.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen it?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Wei De carried Wei Wei in his arms and stood at the entrance of the Zhai family¡¯s residence today. He greeted everyone that he saw. Every rtive and friend of the Zhai family must have known by now that Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend is Wei De.¡±

    ¡°Crap, when did it happen? Why did I not see such an ¡®interesting¡¯ scene?¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes. ¡°Did I go to another Zhai family¡¯s residence? Why is it that everyone has seen it except for Uncle Qiao and me?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan touched her chin, deep in thought. ¡°You know about Wei De and his rtionship with Sister Zhai Hua. You will definitely not have any misunderstanding about their rtionship. Perhaps, if you see him, you will say the truth out loud and clear everyone¡¯s doubts and misunderstandings. Therefore, if you were Wei De, would you let yourself be seen by someone who knows you and will thwart your n?¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Are you saying that Wei De was hiding from me when I came out? It is indeed possible that he was hiding from me!¡±

    She would have known that the child that Wei De carried did not belong to Sister Zhai Hua. He was the child of Wei De¡¯s adopted sister.

    ¡°Wei De and Wei Wei were still at the Zhai family¡¯s residence when I left.¡±

    ¡°It is no wonder that you were able toe back today. Wei De is too thick-skinned. You have alreadye back home, yet he still refuses to leave the Zhai family¡¯s residence. I have to hand it to him to be so thick-skinned.¡± Shi Qing finally understood why Qiao Nan was able toe back home today.

    With Wei De around, it was inconvenient for Qiao Nan to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. ¡°Is Wei De still at the house?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I set an example for Wei De by leaving. After I left, I have no idea whether he gets the drift and leave as well.¡± Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I am so tired. I have perspired a lot. I have to bathe and sleep. You can do as you please.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. The engagement ceremony was already so tiring. She could not imagine what it would be like when she married Zhai Sheng a few yearster.

    ¡°The good show is over. I have to go back home.¡± Shi Qing felt very tired being the bridesmaid today.

    When Zhai Sheng reached home, he was able to find out the answer to the question that both Qiao Nan and Shi Qing did not know the answer to.

    Zhai Sheng was not the least surprised that Wei De was still at his house.

    However, Wei Wei must have been tired. Hey in Wei De¡¯s arms like a shrimp that curled its body, fast asleep.

    ¡°Have you sent Nan Nan back home?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked grim. He did not know that Wei De could be so tactless. The child was asleep, yet he refused to leave. This was the first time that he saw such shameless ¡®guests¡¯.

    Zhai Hua took a very long breath. It was as if she was filling her lungs to its maximum capacity. ¡°Wei De, it iste. Bring Wei Wei back with you. The child needs his rest.¡±

    Previously, Wei Wei felt sleepy and grumpy. Wei De simply coaxed the child at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, refusing to leave.

    In this case, no one in the Zhai family could make him leave. They could not send them away just because the child was wailing.

    If they did that, it would tarnish the Zhai family¡¯s reputation.

    Now that Wei Wei was fast asleep, Zhai Hua had no wish to be polite to Wei De.

    ¡°...¡± Wei De had no wish to leave without aplishing anything. In the beginning, he felt smug that he was close to aplishing his goals. However, in the end, he did not get what he wanted. Wei De did not want to leave under such circumstances.

    Furthermore, Wei De could sense that Zhai Hua was being cold toward him. She was no longer deeply in love and attached to him.

    Regardless of the method that he used, he had to think of a way to marry Zhai Hua as soon as possible.

    Everyone could tell that Wei De had no intention of leaving.

    But it was impossible for Wei De to be the son-inw of the Zhai family because of a child.

    If it was long ago, when Old Master Zhai was still young and had a bad temper, he would have exploded at Wei De¡¯s rascal behavior and grabbed him by the cor, throwing him out of the house.

    However, it was the civilized society and Wei De was quite tall. Even though he wished to send him away, Old Master Zhai was getting on in years. He no longer had the strength to do that.

    [1] He was governor of the District of Liuxia in the Lu State in ancient China. He was a man of eminent virtue, and was said on one asion to have held ady in hisp without the slightest imputation on his moral character.

 Chapter 865 - Donâ€™t Understand what You Are Saying

    <h4>Chapter 865 Don¡¯t Understand what You Are Saying</h4>

    Zhai Sheng stood up and leaned close to Wei De, whispering three words to him.

    Wei De¡¯s countenance changed instantly. He carried Wei Wei in his arms. ¡°Hua Hua is right. It iste. I won¡¯t disturb you. When there is a chance next time, I will visit again. We can have a meal and a good chat then.¡±

    What was there to chat about?

    It had to be about his rtionship with Zhai Hua.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Hua were surprised that Wei De was willing to leave. Zhai Yaohui was the only person who knew what Zhai Sheng told him just now to make him leave.

    ¡°Hua Hua, can you walk me to the door?¡± Wei De did not dare to ask Old Master Zhai or Zhai Yaohui to walk him to the door, but it was embarrassing for him to leave by himself. He had to get Zhai Hua to send him to the door.

    ¡°Alright...¡± Zhai Hua stood up. As long as Wei De was willing to leave with Wei Wei, she would not mind amodating him.

    ¡°There is no need for that.¡± Zhai Sheng reached out to stop Zhai Hua. He had yet to change out of his shoes after he came back home from sending Qiao Nan. ¡°I will walk him to the door.¡±

    ¡°You?!¡± Zhai Hua was shocked. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had better not start a fight with Wei De as soon as they left the house.

    Wei De could not defeat Zhai Sheng. He would definitely be on the losing end. More importantly, Wei De carried Wei Wei in his arms. He had no way to fight back.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Wei De knitted his brows unwillingly, but he did not say anything. ¡°Then... then I will have to trouble Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    Zhai Sheng pursed his lips, an icy cold expression on his face. ¡°You are wee.¡±

    Wei De had a lot to tell Zhai Hua, but he could not say anything to Zhai Sheng. He carried Wei Wei in his arms, trying not to feel so awkward.

    They walked in silence until they stopped at Wei De¡¯s car.

    Wei De carried Wei Wei in his arms and smiled reluctantly. ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, my car is here. There is no need to send me further. We will have lots of chances to meet in the future. I hope that Regiment Commander Zhai will look out for me in the future.¡±

    Under the cold moonlight, Zhai Sheng seemed to be as cold as snow. The hard stare in his eyes was like an unsheathed de, giving off chilling stares. ¡°Do you still remember the name that I said to you in the house just now?¡±

    ¡°Yes... yes. She is one of therades in the army. She used to be Regiment Commander Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e...¡± What did Regiment Commander Zhai mean by mentioning Qiu Chenxi now?

    He should not have panicked just now and should have maintained hisposure. No matter what, no one would find out what happened.

    He heard that Qiu Chenxi would be leaving Ping Cheng soon. By then, nobody would know what happened.

    ¡°She is never my fianc¨¦e. You should have heard that Qiu Qin was arrested. Before that, Qiu Chenxi met me and told me something very interesting. Do you think I should tell Zhai Hua about that?¡± He did not know his limitations. How dared he appear at the Zhai family¡¯s residence without the slightest scruple? He was extremely daring!

    ¡°You should know better than me what kind of man Zhai Hua has fallen in love with. I will not say further. You should know what I mean.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De wanted to say that no matter what Qiu Chenxi told Zhai Sheng, they were all lies. She was ndering him.

    However, Zhai Sheng did not make things clear. If Wei De really said so, he would be exposing himself. Therefore, he did not dare to im that he was innocent or to make a confession without duress.

    ¡°Regiment Commander Zhai, I don¡¯t understand what you are saying. I don¡¯t know what you mean by saying this.¡± In the end, Wei De had no other choice but to deny everything.

    Back then, he merely told Qiu Chenxi about Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Regiment Commander Zhai. He did not do anything else.

    Qiu Chenxi targeted Qiao Nan because of her own reasons. It had nothing to do with other people.

    Besides, there was no evidence to say that he was the person who introduced Qiu Chenxi and Chen Jun to each other. No one would dare to malign him without any proof. He could sue the other party for defamation!

    Zhai Sheng was not surprised that Wei De would deny everything. There was no way that he would admit his involvement in everything

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly. There was a flicker in his eyes. ¡°It is alright that you do not understand. I will discuss with Zhai Hua to see what her views are on this. Qiu Chenxi is still alive. Even if she leaves Ping Cheng, it is not difficult to find her. We can always confront her about what happened.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not reveal that he had the cassette tape which was the crucial evidence.

    Zhai Sheng did not really want to frighten Wei De or for him to ask for forgiveness.

    If he really admitted his mistakes and confessed everything, it would be even more difficult for Wei De to break up with Zhai Hua.

    He wanted Wei De to know that he was aware of what he had done and to alert him so that he would be in a fluster. People would usually make mistakes when they panicked and were in a hurry to defend themselves.

    By then, it would be the right timing to deal him a serious blow.

    Zhai Sheng had read a lot of books on psychology. He was happy to use psychological tactics on Wei De. He wanted to know how determined Wei De was in getting in through the back door with the help of the Zhai family.

    ¡°It iste. You should leave.¡±

    After sounding him out and aplishing what he had in mind, Zhai Sheng had no wish to waste his time on Wei De. He turned and walked off briskly, leaving Wei De to ponder over what happened.

    Wei De locked his dark gaze on the back of Zhai Sheng as he walked off, his heart thumping loudly. He was shocked by Zhai Sheng¡¯s words.

    If it was in the past, he did not have to worry about Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction to what Zhai Sheng said. She would not be suspicious of him. But he was not too sure of what Zhai Hua would think right now.

    If Zhai Hua discovered that he was not the type of man that she was looking for and was the exact opposite instead, his road to sess would be cut off forever.

    Wei De put a sleeping Wei Wei on the back seat. His thoughts were racing as he made his way back home.

    He remembered that a month ago, whenever Zhai Hua returned to Ping Cheng, although she did not share his bed, she would always stay with him in the house. Wei De felt gloomy that things had changed so much now.

    There was no other road left for him now. If he wanted to seed as soon as possible, the only method was to be intimate with Zhai Hua, and if possible, for her to be pregnant with his child!

    At the thought of this, Wei De quickly made a call to his secretary. ¡°Get me a few boxes of those sweet and sour wines that have a simr taste to juices but have a higher concentration of alcohol. They should make one drunk even from taking a small amount. Remember. You have to find it ording to my requirements. If you do this well, I will give you a five hundred yuan red packet during the Lunar New Year.¡±

 Chapter 866 - Zhai Sheng Was Without Any Flaws

    <h4>Chapter 866 Zhai Sheng Was Without Any ws</h4>

    ¡°Thank you, boss!¡± The secretary was overjoyed when he heard that he would have a five hundred yuan red packet during the Lunar New Year. He epted the task with joy.

    Anyway, he only had to make sure that the wine met all the requirements of his boss. It did not matter how much they cost. The boss would pay for them.

    However, Wei De might havee up with a n, but God had other ns.

    The day after Zhai Sheng was engaged with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were called back to the camp for a secret mission.

    The day after Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Nan received someone¡¯s invitation to have tea with her.

    Shi Qingughed at Qiao Nan. ¡°What do you think? Are you going to ept the invitation? It is not easy to have tea with her. Thest time she treated us to a meal, we had yet to finish the meal and we almost ended up being punched by them. Back then, she did not know that you are Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend. But right now, everyone knows that you are Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e.¡±

    Everything that was rted to Qiu Chenxi ¡ª regardless if it was treating her to tea or to a meal-came with the risk of being punched by her henchmen.

    ¡°Do I seem like someone who is starving and thirsty?¡± Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at Shi Qing. ¡°If not for Brother Zhai and my master, there was no way that I would be acquaintances with people like Qiu Chenxi. After all, we are from two different worlds and we do not havemon topics to talk about. Now that I am engaged to Brother Zhai, if I meet her now, Qiu Chenxi may feel that I am mocking her. No matter what I do now, I will be in the wrong.¡±

    If she agreed to having tea with her, it would be like showing off her new status; if she did not agree to it, it would seem as if she ignored her and was arrogant.

    When dealing with such troublesome matters, Qiao Nan was used to ignoring it. People could interpret it in whichever way they liked.

    However, Qiu Chenxi was determined to meet Qiao Nan. There was no way that Qiao Nan could refuse to see her.

    ¡°Hey, she is here looking for you?!¡± Shi Qing, who idled around at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, heard a knock at the door. She opened the door and found her cousin at the entrance.

    ¡°I am here to look for Qiao Nan.¡± Qiu Chenxi was slightly surprised at seeing Shi Qing. But she felt it was expected of her to be here. ¡°Your rtionship with Qiao Nan is really beyond the ordinary. You are so... beyond words.¡±

    Back then, Shi Qing liked Zhai Sheng very much and she even wanted to vie with her for his affection.

    But right now, Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e and Shi Qing became good friends with her.

    She had never seen rtives like Shi Qing who bit the hand that fed her. She could not tell her rtives apart from the outsiders. She was aplete fool.

    There was one thing that Qiu Chenxi felt most jealous about: Qiao Nan used to be Shi Qing¡¯s love rival, but she became close friends with Shi Qing and was engaged to Zhai Sheng. Yet, Shi Qing had no issue with them being together.

    Shi Qing was her rtive. Back when she was still with Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing would not give up her affection toward Zhai Sheng. She insisted that it was her right to like Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Did you tell Qiao Nan the words that you used to tell me? Did you tell her that you love Zhai Sheng and you will never give up?¡± Qiu Chenxi could not help but ask.

    Shi Qing leaned against the door and answeredzily, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡±

    ¡°Because of Brother Zhai.¡± Shi Qing smiled. ¡°When you were with Brother Zhai in the past, you would brag about Brother Zhai to me, making it difficult for me to forget him. I know that instead of being angry at me, you felt smug and happy at that time. You must have felt smug that the man that I couldn¡¯t have was your fianc¨¦ and that he would marry you in the future. However, do you know how terrifying Brother Zhai has turned into after telling me that he is in a rtionship with Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Terrifying?¡±

    ¡°Yes, terrifying!¡± Shi Qing could not help but widen her eyes. ¡°Whenever he goes to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, he will give me the murderous stare when he sees me. He does not need to say anything and I understand what he means. He wants me to leave right away. He does not want me to be their third wheel. If I am tactless, he will make sure that I leave right away. You spent more time with Brother Zhai than me. You should know better than anyone else that Brother Zhai is cold and indifferent toward everyone. However, Qiao Nan is the only special person in his eyes.¡±

    As a woman, Shi Qing knew very well that if Zhai Sheng saw her around when he came looking for Qiao Nan, he hoped for nothing but for her to leave right away.

    All these years, even without Qiu Chenxi, Shi Qing also had other chances to be in touch with Zhai Sheng.

    However, whenever she was around Zhai Sheng, he would treat her indifferently.

    But when there was Qiao Nan around, Zhai Sheng would only have eyes for her. He felt that others were redundant and wished for them to get as far away as possible.

    He loved Qiao Nan wholeheartedly and there was no need for him to express it in words. People around him could feel his deep love for her.

    Zhai Sheng had put his whole heart into loving Qiao Nan. Shi Qing was envious of the affection that he had for her and she gave her blessing to them. She knew that no one could be able toe between them. If she tried to intrude on their private moments, she would be sent away by Zhai Sheng.

    One would bring bad things upon oneself as a result of one¡¯s bad character.

    But Zhai Sheng had no ws!

    ¡°Qiu Chenxi, do you know what it takes for a woman to give up on a man? It is not the presence of another woman, but the man himself. Qiao Nan did not do anything to me or say anything to me. It was Brother Zhai¡¯s attitude that made me give up thoroughly and willingly!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi tried toe up with ways to rebut Shi Qing, but she could think of nothing to say.

    Qiu Chenxi thought hard about what Shi Qing said, especially the part about the attitude of the man that made a woman give up on him. She was rendered speechless. ¡°Can... can you really take it lying down?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi could not understand why Shi Qing could be so unaffected.

    Could it be that Shi Qing was not serious about Zhai Sheng? Could it be that she was pretending and lying to her all the while?

    If not, why was it that she felt heartbroken upon learning that Zhai Sheng was engaged to Qiao Nan and could not sleep for nights, whereas Shi Qing slept soundly and continued to be friends with Qiao Nan?

    If not for Shi Qing who helped Qiao Nan a year ago, even if she had yet to find out that Qiao Nan was the vixen that Zhai Sheng had been protecting, she would have already sent her men to give her a thrashing.

    Shi Qing shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Did I not make myself clear enough?¡±

    ¡°I want to see Qiao Nan!¡± Qiu Chenxi had no wish to speak to Shi Qing any more. She peered into the house. ¡°This is the Qiao family¡¯s residence, not the Shi family¡¯s residence. I am here to look for Qiao Nan. I am not here to look for you. Please stand aside.¡±

 Chapter 867 - You Would Not Be Smug for Long

    <h4>Chapter 867 You Would Not Be Smug for Long</h4>

    ¡°As you have said, this is the Qiao family¡¯s residence. You may be looking for Qiao Nan, but it depends on whether she wants to see you or not. Rest assured. I will not shut you outside the door. At the very least, I will pass the message for you. Wait here.¡± Shi Qing smiled dryly at Qiu Chenxi before she mmed the door on her, almost knocking her nose.

    There was a strange and terrifying woman at the door. She had to close the door for her safety.

    The woman might sneak into the house to steal or hurt someone while she turned to call for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan stopped what she was doing, turning to face Shi Qing. ¡°Did you say... that Qiu Chenxi is here?¡±

    Qiao Nan scanned the surroundings. There were not many defensive weapons in her house. ¡°How many thugs did Qiu Chenxi bring with her? Shall we call the police? Otherwise, by the time the police officers are here, we may already be dead.¡±

    ¡°Stop teasing. Qiu Chenxi is alone. She did not bring any hatchet man.¡±

    ¡°How could it be!¡± Previously, when she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, Qiu Chenxi was already dying to destroy her. Now, she was Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Qiu Chenxi should be dashing to her house with a knife, no?

    ¡°You can see it for yourself.¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°You are too timid. If Qiu Chenxi brings thugs with her, do you think this house of yours will be able to keep them out? If Qiu Chenxi was so vicious, would I pass the message for her? Do you take me for a fool? By the way, even if she wants to see you, you can choose not to see her. There is no need to be so afraid.¡±

    ¡°It is better that I don¡¯t see her. We are not friends. We have nothing to say even if we meet.¡± Qiao Nan refused outright.

    Shi Qing had meant to pass Qiao Nan¡¯s message to Qiu Chenxi, telling her to leave. But in the end, she brought Qiu Chenxi into the house for them to have a talk.

    ¡°Alright, hurry up to say whatever you want to say. I will send you out afterward.¡± Shi Qing looked unhappy. She crossed her hands, looking like a big shot, standing between Qiu Chenxi and Qiao Nan. She shot cold looks at Qiu Chenxi, telling her to say whatever that she wanted to say.

    Qiao Nan nced at Shi Qing, askance, reminding her that since she dared to let Qiu Chenxi in today, Brother Zhai would settle scores with her next time.

    ¡°I will be going to Mo Du tomorrow. Before I leave, I want to see you.¡± Qiu Chenxi sat down impatiently.

    Qiao Nan drank some water. ¡°Fine, as long as you don¡¯t get someone to beat me.¡±

    ¡°If you are afraid of being beaten, you should leave Zhai Sheng for good. I don¡¯t deny that Zhai Sheng has chosen you. You have won, but I did not lose to you. It is just that Zhai Sheng is not the person that I want. But Zhai Sheng is such a good catch. Do you think you can sit back and rx after I am out of the picture? Impossible! There are a lot of women who like Zhai Sheng. I have heard that one of the female doctors in the military hospital is particrly fond of Zhai Sheng. In the past, with me around, the woman may have a good impression of Zhai Sheng, but she did not dare to confess her love for him. Now that Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e is someone like you, do you think that the female doctor will suppress her affection for Zhai Sheng?¡±

    Qiao Nan snatched Zhai Sheng away from her. There would be a day where another girl would appear and snatch Zhai Sheng away from her.

    Justice had long arms.

    Qiao Nan would not be smug for long.

    Qiao Nan was surprised to hear this piece of news from Qiu Chenxi. ¡°I did not know of such things and Brother Zhai did not mention it to me. When he is back, I will ask him if he knows such a person.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi pulled a long face, while Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. Qiao Nan¡¯s reply was brilliant.

    It seemed like Qiu Chenxi did not understand what she had said just now. If not, she would not have made such foolishments.

    Qiu Chenxi took a few deep breaths. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too cocky. Do you really think that everything will go smoothly for you now that you are engaged to Zhai Sheng? Even if I leave Ping Cheng, I will keep a watch on the two of you. I will wait to see whether you will really get married to Zhai Sheng when you graduate from college!¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend, Wei De, had a strong objection to Qiao Nan, his sister-inw.

    With Wei De by Zhai Hua¡¯s side, Zhai Hua would definitely be influenced by him.

    She would wait to see what Wei De would do to make Zhai Sheng abandon Qiao Nan.

    Whatever humiliation that she had suffered now, Qiao Nan would have to suffer twice the amount yearster.

    ¡°I have taken note of your ¡®advice¡¯. Is there anything else that you want to say? If not, bon voyage.¡± Qiao Nan was not affected by Qiu Chenxi at all. To her, Qiu Chenxi was like a three-year-old kid who was throwing tantrums. She did not take the vicious words that she said to heart.

    Qiu Chenxi was all too familiar with Qiao Nan¡¯s overly calm and nonchnt look.

    It made her feel all the more humiliated. This was the expression that Zhai Sheng always had. Apart from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was the second person who had that look in her eyes.

    Qiu Chenxi stood up. ¡°Qiao Nan, I grew up in Ping Cheng as well!¡±

    With that, Qiu Chenxi left the house.

    ¡°Hey, what was she trying to do? She insisted on seeing you just to say those nonsensical words? Did she think that you would behave like her and go crazy when you learned that someone else likes Brother Zhai? Is she sick in the mind?¡± Qiao Nan could not be bothered with Qiu Chenxi, while Shi Qing was fuming mad. ¡°If I had known that she would behave in such a manner, I would not have let her in. What did she mean by saying these?¡±

    ¡°She did not mean anything. But it is you who is more interesting.¡± Qiao Nan cupped her chin and looked at Shi Qing.

    ¡°What... what about me?¡± Shi Qing did not understand. She shifted further away from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I am curious about what Qiu Chenxi said just now in order for you to let her in. Do you think this is interesting?¡± Qiu Chenxi was capable enough to make Shi Qing open the door for her.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Shi Qing could not deny that she had indeed opened the door for Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing. Didn¡¯t you see that I stayed by your side all the while? If she dared to harm you, I would run to your rescue and kick her out of the house right away.¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned on the sofa, acting like she was the master in the house. ¡°I am thirsty.¡±

    ¡°I will get you some tea right away.¡±

    ¡°My shoulders feel sore.¡±

    ¡°I will massage it for you.¡±

    ¡°Are you willing to go now?¡± Qi Min had packed her luggage and was waiting for Qiu Chenxi in the hotel. Qiu Chenxi could not bear to leave.

 Chapter 868 - Did Not Care About It

    <h4>Chapter 868 Did Not Care About It</h4>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiu Chenxi came back to the hotel. She bit down hard on her lip, her eyes brimming with tears.

    Qi Min sighed. Her heart ached for her daughter. ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. You are very outstanding. Zhai Sheng may have been engaged to another woman, but one day, he will regret choosing Qiao Nan over you. Hecks discerning power for not choosing you. He mistook the fish eyes for the pearls. He will pay a price for his foolishness. What you have to do now is to live your own life and do so much better than Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Qi Min felt bitter as well.

    Back then, although it was her family who arranged for her to marry Qiu Qin, she was the one who agreed to the marriage.

    When she married Qiu Qin, she told herself that she must live a better life than Zhai Yaohui so that he would regret his wrong decision for having married Miao Jing instead of her.

    She wanted to be the greatest regret in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s life.

    She had thought of many ns and had sworn to be happier than him. But in the end, it was Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing who led a blessed life, while she was the one who was sorrow-stricken and full of regrets.

    Zhai Sheng was as good as the young Zhai Yaohui back then. In other words, like Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Sheng would have great achievements in the future.

    It was not easy to find someone who was better than Zhai Sheng and to lead a better life than the Zhai family.

    Qi Min was a very good example.

    Qiu Chenxi let out a breath. ¡°Mom, I will. I understand your words. It is difficult to find someone who is better than Zhai Sheng, but it is easy to be more capable than Qiao Nan. I will be stronger. I want Zhai Sheng to know that he has made a wrong decision. I am the pearl while Qiao Nan is just a fish eye. He has given up on the pearl for a simple fish eye. He will regret it!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Chenxi, I am relieved that you have sorted out your thoughts. Let¡¯s go to Mo Du now. Your grandparents are waiting for us.¡± In the end, her parents were the only people that she could rely on.

    ¡°What about Dad?¡± Qiu Chenxi frowned at the thought of Qiu Qin, who was arrested.

    ¡°Regardless of what happens to your dad, it has nothing to do with us anymore. We are divorced. Besides, he has a mistress. As the saying goes, husband and wife might be living in the same forest, but when faced with adversity, they would fly away in different directions. Some say a friend in need is a friend indeed. I have left him. Let¡¯s see if your dad has good judgment and whether the woman will face hardships with him. It is a pity that I will not be able to know the oue.¡±

    There was resentment in Qi Min¡¯s words. It was an insult to her that the man that she had never liked would dare to betray her.

    ¡°Mom, are you no longer angry at Dad?¡± If not, why did her mother tip her father off on the day they divorced each other? Why would she help her father such that he was almost able to get away?

    Qiu Chenxi still felt uneasy at the thought of that.

    The first thought that crossed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mind when she learned that Qiu Qin had fled was whether Zhai Sheng would give her any trouble.

    After all, she had all the information. She told her mother everything and therefore, she had the chance to tip her father off.

    ¡°How could it be possible that I am no longer angry with him? Your dad is the one person that I hate the most in this life. Back when your grandparents gave me to another family and I changed my surname to Qi, I did not feel as much hatred toward them.¡± She was betrayed and her dignity was trampled by the person that she spurned the most. Qiu Chenxi, who was still young, would not be able to understand her hatred. ¡°Do you know why I helped your dad when he asked me for help outside the court?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± It seemed to be for another reason that she had not thought of. Her mother should no longer have any feelings for her father. If so, what could be the reason?

    ¡°Because I want him to have a taste of being disowned dogs. The Qiu family has me to thank for their sess today. He owes it to me for what the Qiu family has today. Without me, the Qiu family would not be what they are today. Your dad did not know what it is like to lose one¡¯s house. That¡¯s why hemitted such mistakes. We all know what Zhai Sheng is like. If he has targeted someone, there is no way that one can get away from him. At most, your dad will be on the run for a few more days before he is arrested by Zhai Sheng. Do you think it is easy to be on the run? Even if he has a lot of money with him, he has no ce to spend them. Do you think I am really helping your dad?¡±

    The most ridiculous thing was that she treated Qiu Qin quite well, yet he dared to have another woman.

    She schemed against him and set a trap for him when they filed for divorce. Qiu Qin was so stupid to fall for her trick and to be moved by her, believing that she was sincere in helping him.

    Qi Min had a chilling look on her face.

    It seemed that she had been too nice to Qiu Qin in the past. This was the reason why he dared to have another woman. He wanted a woman who was honey-mouthed and stone-hearted.

    Qiu Chenxi sighed. It turned out that this was her mother¡¯s real intention. ¡°Mom, say no more. Let¡¯s go. You have to keep this to yourself. If Dad learns about it...¡± If he knew the truth, he would hate Qi Min to the core.

    Qiu Chenxi knew that it was sheer torture to be on the run.

    ¡°He will never know about it.¡± Qi Min smiled confidently. ¡°This is the present that I leave for the woman. Since she dares to snatch your father from me, she has to pay a price for it.¡±

    The woman had just started going out with Qiu Qin and he was sent to the prison. Qi Min wanted to know what the woman would do now that Qiu Qin was in prison.

    She wondered whether the elderly in the Qiu family would be able to realize their dreams of having a grandson or not.

    Shi Qing told Shi Peng that Qi Min was leaving with Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Dad, Auntie is back to lick grandpa¡¯s boots. What are your thoughts on this?¡± Shi Qing just realized that her grandpa who was concerned about keeping up appearances had some connections and influence.

    Shi Qing was upset that her grandpa who liked to boast never brought this up to her. ¡°Does he have to guard against me just because I am a granddaughter? He did not tell me all these but he was willing to tell them.¡± Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were not better than her. Qi Min was his daughter while Qiu Chenxi was his maternal granddaughter.

    ¡°No, your grandpa did not share this with Qi Min. I was the one who told her. In this aspect, your grandpa treats everyone equally.¡± Shi Peng shook his head, clearing the misunderstanding for his father.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Shi Qing sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t care at all!¡±

    Her father knew about her grandpa¡¯s connections and influence, but he never once used them. It turned out that her grandpa might have shared it with her father, but it was never her father¡¯s turn and right to make use of the connections.

    Since her father was willing to tell her auntie, it meant that her father did not care about the influences that her grandpa had. He was willing to give the chance to his sister and Qiu Chenxi.

 Chapter 869 - Have Confidence in Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 869 Have Confidence in Qiao Nan</h4>

    ¡°Although you don¡¯t care about it, there will be someone who does. Actually, you should tell Qiao Nan that Qiu Chenxi went to Mo Du to ask for help from your grandparents. Qiu Chenxi bears a grudge and her only target is Qiao Nan. The connections that your grandpa has are very helpful to Qiu Chenxi.¡± Qiu Chenxi was Qi Min¡¯s daughter. Shi Peng knew Qiu Chenxi¡¯s personality very well.

    The mother and daughter had a simr personality.

    ¡°What is there to be scared of?¡± Shi Qing lifted her chin proudly like a rooster. ¡°Even if Qiao Nan does not have the backing of the Zhai family, she still has Elder Lin. With his help, Qiu Chenxi can never dream of winning against Qiao Nan.¡±

    If Elder Lin did not have the ability, her grandpa would not send her to learn from him when she was at a young age.

    She was certain that Elder Lin had as many connections as her grandpa.

    If Qiu Chenxi wanted to make use of the Shi family¡¯s connections to turn defeat into victory and defeat Qiao Nan, she had a long way to go.

    ¡°In terms of backing and support, Qiao Nan is the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family as well as Elder Lin¡¯s disciple. In terms of capabilities, Qiu Chenxi is no match for Qiao Nan right now. In terms of aptitude, Qiu Chenxi suffers a crushing defeat under Qiao Nan. In terms of who is more hardworking, Qiao Nan is the winner once again. No matter how much effort Qiu Chenxi puts in, I don¡¯t believe that she can overtake Qiao Nan.¡±

    Shi Peng was amused. ¡°Do you have that much confidence in Qiao Nan?¡± She was not so confident of herself.

    ¡°Yes!¡± She had total confidence in Qiao Nan.

    If Qiu Chenxi refused to give up and wanted to fight it out with Qiao Nan, she would wait to see if Qiu Chenxi would be able to get a new lease of life in a few years¡¯ time and defeat Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Dad, have you really made up your mind not to go?¡± It was August now. The weather was very hot and stuffy. She felt as if she was a candle, melting under the hot sun. Qiao Nan, who was about to go to college, could not help butin about the ridiculous weather.

    As a new first-year student in college, Qiao Nan still had to go through a long period of military training.

    It was a hot summer day. Qiao Nan began to pack her belongings that she would need when she reported to the school.

    Qiao Dongliang helped Qiao Nan pack her belongings. In no time, he was drenched in perspiration. He took the towel that he draped over his neck to wipe his face. ¡°No, you are going to the capital to study. There is no need for me to go and increase your burden.¡±

    He heard that the prices of housing in the capital were rmingly high. It would cost a lot to buy houses or even to rent houses.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang had the intention to go to the capital with Qiao Nan. That was because he felt insecure.

    But right now, Qiao Dongliang felt more at ease. He felt that there was no longer the need for him to apany his daughter to the capital as it would only add on to her burden. This was not what a father should do. Besides, he was a man. How could a man be so clingy to his daughter?

    ¡°When you are in the capital, study hard and don¡¯t worry about me. If I run into any problems, I can discuss it with Director Shi. There will not be any problems. As for your mom and me, we are divorced. Apart from you and Zijin, we are not any different than strangers. Moreover, now that your school is starting soon, Zijin will have to go to school as well. I will have a lot of free time.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang straightened his back after packing everything for Qiao Nan. ¡°Have you kept the money?¡±

    ¡°I have deposited them into the bank. When I reach the capital, I can withdraw the money at the bank. I don¡¯t feel safe carrying so much cash with me.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She might have heard too many stories from other people. Therefore, she did not have the habit of carrying too much cash with her.

    Now that she had deposited the money in the bank, when she reached her school, she only needed to go to the bank to withdraw the money. It was safer to bring the passbook than to bring the cash with her on the journey.

    If a thief stole her money during the journey, she would have no way to get the money back.

    ¡°This is a good idea.¡± Qiao Dongliang praised her. ¡°You are indeed someone who is going to college. You have considered everything thoroughly. Nan Nan, you are really an adult now. Unlike me, you have thought of everything. Did you share this method with Shi Qing?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang treated Shi Qing like his niece. He would share every good food and stuff with her.

    ¡°There is no need to teach her this method.¡± Qiao Nan snorted. ¡°Given her physical strength, one will be courting death to steal money from her.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang drank some water and smiled helplessly. ¡°But she still has to be careful. No matter how powerful she is, she will let her guard down at times.¡±

    ¡°I have told her the method long ago. That was what she told me. If not, how about you try talking to her?¡± Qiao Nan blinked. Shi Qing was confident in her physical strength, and she would not listen to her words.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang drank some more water. He turned silent before saying, ¡°It¡¯s alright. There is still Director Shi.¡±

    As Qiao Dongliang had expected, Shi Qing was confident of herself, but Shi Peng was worried about her.

    After Shi Peng found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s method, he felt that it was indeed a good idea. He did not discuss with Shi Qing. Instead, he took all her cash from her and handed her a passbook instead. It was obvious what he meant by that.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you sure you want to take the train with so many people?¡± It was the day where Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had to report to their school at the capital. Miao Jing came to send Qiao Nan off personally.

    Two days after Zhai Hua went back to the camp, Zhai Sheng was asked to go back as well. Otherwise, he would be the one who sent Qiao Nan to school today. After all, they were already engaged.

    ¡°Actually, I can get someone to send you to school.¡± Miao Jing shot a worried nce at the train that was packed with people. She had a terrible headache. ¡°I heard from Zhai Sheng that you will lose your appetite and weight in summer. It is such a hot, sunny day. It is torturous to be cramped in the train cabin.¡±

    Miao Jing took a look at the train and she felt that she could not tolerate the heat. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the ne? Although it is more expensive, it is faster and you do not have to go through all these troubles.¡±

    ¡°Mom, there is no need for that. I will get used to it.¡± Qiao Nan looked toward the train. In fact, she felt uneasy and worried. However, she had to encourage herself to get used to it. ¡°Everyone takes the train. I... I can endure hardships.¡±

    Shi Qing checked the time. ¡°Auntie Miao, if we don¡¯t get on the train, it will leave soon.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get on the train. When I reach the capital, I will give you a phone call to tell you that I am safe.¡± Qiao Dongliang stood beside Miao Jing. Qiao Nan could not address them as her mother and father, lest other people thought that they were a couple.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°Alright. The two of you should get on the train. When you reach the school, if youck anything, don¡¯t be stingy with the money and buy whatever that you need. You must also have proper meals. Don¡¯t worry. I will be able to finance you through college!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Nan Nan, your dad is right. Money is not an issue. After you reach the school, you only have to concentrate on your studies.

 Chapter 870 - Maintain His Pride

    <h4>Chapter 870 Maintain His Pride</h4>

    ¡°As for other matters, the adults will handle them,¡± Miao Jing replied. She ced more importance on Qiao Nan¡¯s studies than Qiao Dongliang. She hoped that Qiao Nan could focus on her studies.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Qiao Nan replied. She carried her luggage onto the train with Shi Qing¡¯s help. She waved at them as the train started to move. She watched as their figures looked smaller as the train moved further away till she could no longer see then.

    It was summer now. It was not the Spring Festival travel season, but it was a time where many students returned to their schools. Hence, it was very crowded on the train.

    Thanks to Shi Qing, she and Shi Qing were able to purchase two tickets to two sleeping berths. Therefore, they could lie down to rest.

    Both of them bought the lower deck berth tickets and their berths faced each other. They did not need to go to the trouble of climbing onto the upper deck.

    Shi Qing put her luggage aside and sat downfortably. ¡°Why do I feel that Uncle Qiao behaves strangely today? Is he in a bad mood because he could not bear for you to leave?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°It is a miracle if he is in a good mood.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Shi Qing did not understand. ¡°Is your mom or Qiao Zijin back? It cannot be. I did not hear any news. Did you encounter any problems recently? Why is Uncle Qiao unhappy?¡±

    ¡°Because of the Zhai family.¡± Qiao Nan massaged her temples. ¡°Ever since I am engaged to Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao wants to take care of everything for me. After knowing that I am going to a college in the capital, she has taken care of the clothes, luggage, and everything else for me. Look, if I did not insist, Auntie Miao would want me to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence during the past half month. If it was up to Auntie Miao, she would ask someone to send me personally to the capital or buy air tickets for me to fly to the capital. She is simply a richdy.¡±

    Shi Qing widened her eyes. ¡°Why would Uncle Qiao be unhappy that Auntie Miao treats you so well? Would he be happy if Auntie Miao treats you badly?¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed once again. ¡°To put it bluntly, it is because of his pride. My dad has divorced my mom. I am his only rtive. My dad is unhappy that I am engaged to Brother Zhai at such a young age. You should know that given my dad¡¯s abilities, it is not even easy for him to buy a regr seat ticket for me. It is thanks to your family that I have a sleeper seat. If the Zhai family is to take care of my expenses, they will send me to college in a private car or by ne.¡±

    Her father was not able to afford all of these.

    No one would be happy or be able to ept the fact that he could not provide for his own daughter and she was being provided for by someone else.

    At the very least, a prideful Qiao Dongliang was not able to stomach it.

    It finally dawned on Shi Qing what Qiao Dongliang was unhappy about. ¡°No wonder you insist on taking the train. It turns out that it is for Uncle Qiao¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°He is my dad. I have to consider his feelings.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s throat was hoarse. She drank some cool water to soothe it. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s bear with it for a while. Once I reach the capital, I will be a student at Peking University. I can endure all kinds of hardships!¡±

    In the previous life, going to university was her dream. Qiao Nan was ecstatic that she was able to realize her dream in this life. She was full of excitement at the thought that she was going to Peking University in the capital.

    ¡°Bute to think of it, Qiao Nan, this won¡¯t do. No matter how much effort Uncle Qiao puts in, he will not be able topare to the Zhai family. What if he is not able to ovee his psychological barrier? It won¡¯t do to be so amodating in the long run.¡± Shi Qing took out the boxes of fruits that Qiao Nan had prepared beforehand. It had been kept in the fridge before they brought it with them on the journey. She took out a cherry tomato and ced it into her mouth. It was very juicy and cooling.

    Qiao Nan let out a breath before she smiled at Shi Qing. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. We have your dad to count on.¡±

    ¡°My dad? What does he have to do with this?¡±

    ¡°My dad¡¯s initial n was to go with me to the capital, and I agreed to it.¡± However, her father changed his mind recently. He took the initiative to tell her that he was not going to the capital anymore and would continue to work in Ping Cheng.

    Shi Qing pointed at her nose. ¡°Do you mean it was because of my dad that Uncle Qiao changed his mind?¡± When did this happen? Why did she know nothing about it?

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°It must be Director Shi who persuaded my dad.¡±

    ¡°Since Director Shi persuaded my dad to stay, he must have known about my dad¡¯s feelings toward the Zhai family. With your dad around, I feel assured. My dad will be alright. My dad has one positive w-if he feels that what one says makes sense, he will be willing to listen to their advice.¡±

    Back then, her father used to believe everything that her mother said. Right now, her father was beginning to listen to Director Shi¡¯s advice.

    He was used to being a soldier. He had the habit of listening to what the leader said.

    Shi Qing arched her eyebrows. ¡°Did you talk to my dad?¡±

    ¡°There is no need for me to say anything. I know Director Shi¡¯s personality.¡± Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°I am in charge of taking care of his daughter, while he will help give advice to my dad.¡± This was a tacit understanding between the two of them.

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing pursed her lips. ¡°We still can¡¯t say for sure who is taking care of whom. Perhaps my dad and I will have to take care of your dad and you. Don¡¯t forget that my maternal grandparents and my mom are in the capital. I am returning to my base camp.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not angry. Instead, she said lightly, ¡°Well, then, since you are the host, please take good care of me when we reach the capital.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing was angry at her teasing. ¡°You are very good at ying along.¡±

    ¡°There is no need for the two of us to be so calctive. I did not take issue with you and told Brother Zhai that you allowed Qiu Chenxi to enter my house that day.¡±

    Shi Qing leaned back onto the bed. She refused to talk with Qiao Nan anymore.

    It was too annoying tomunicate with such smart people.

    Shi Qing closed her eyes to rest while Qiao Nan stared at the book that she had with her.

    There was something else that Qiao Dongliang was unhappy about. Qiao Nan did not tell Shi Qing but kept it to herself.

    Her father was unhappy because Brother Zhai did not send her off today.

    Her father used to be a soldier. He understood that Brother Zhai had to carry out his mission, and hence, he was unable to send her off. But as her father, he could not help but feel angry. It would be some time before her father would be able to sort out his thoughts.

    Fortunately, there was Shi Peng around. Qiao Nan was able to leave with a peace of mind. Qiao Nan was certain that if Qiao Dongliang was upset or troubled, Shi Peng would be a positive influence on him.

    As the party concerned, Qiao Nan was slightly disappointed that Zhai Sheng did note to send her off. However, she hid her emotions well.

    Qiao Nan knew right from the start what Zhai Sheng¡¯s job was and the nature of his work. Since a young age, Qiao Dongliang had told her about the life of a soldier.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan did not appear to be upset that Zhai Sheng did not turn up today. She was able to take care of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings and insist on taking the train to school so as to maintain Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pride in front of the Zhai family.

 Chapter 871 - Cowardly Son

    <h4>Chapter 871 Cowardly Son</h4>

    Qiao Nan smiled softly at Shi Qing, who was resting. She insisted on taking the train as she had to be considerate of her father¡¯s feelings. Shi Qing, who was the daughter of a rich family, could have her pick of going by private car or ne. However, she chose to be cramped inside the train with her.

    ¡°What is there to look at? Will you feel cooler by looking at me?¡± Shi Qing sensed that Qiao Nan was looking apologetically at her. She opened her eyes and turned to the other side. ¡°Alright, if you feel apologetic, you should treat me better in the future.¡±

    What was wrong with Qiao Nan? They were close friends. It did not matter to sit on a train with her.

    In the past, when she was in the army with her father, she had been through all kinds of hardships.

    She remembered that she had to wear long cotton shirts and pants during the hot summer. It was so warm that her clothes were drenched. If she tried harder, she would be able to wring droplets of perspiration from her clothes. She had been through all of these.

    To her, taking a ride on a train was nothing.

    Qiao Nan cupped her chin. ¡°Okay, I will be better to you in the future.¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t read on the train. It is not good for the eyes. When you reach the school, I am sure that given your personality, you will make use of every chance to study without stopping to rest. You should rest as much as you can now.¡± Shi Qing sat up, giving Qiao Nan a piece of advice. ¡°Regardless of whether you do it for yourself or for Brother Zhai, you must not give yourself too much pressure. You are still young. If you want to spend more time learning, you still have lots of time. I don¡¯t understand. Why are you so hard on yourself every day?¡±

    Qiao Nan was about to be the perpetual motion machine of learning. Qiao Nan might not feel exhausted, but she felt uneasy on her behalf.

    ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t worry. I know.¡± Qiao Nan smiled heartily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t brush me off!¡±

    ¡°I am not.¡±

    ¡°If not, why did you agree so readily?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan narrowed her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that after we go to college, there will be a lot of social practice activities? In order to have good results, I must not spend all my time at school, poring over the books. Instead, I have to find the right opportunity to explore and participate in all kinds of social activities.¡±

    Shi Qing pursed her lips. ¡°Have you already decided on the social practice activities that you want to take part in?¡±

    ¡°More or less.¡± Qiao Nany down like Shi Qing. ¡°You should know what my interests and strengths are. We will be studying at a college in the capital. You should know better than me about the situation in the capital.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s interest and strength were in Englishnguage.

    City B was the capital of China. There were a lot of ces of historic interest and scenic beauty that were worth visiting.

    Besides domestic tourists, many foreigners would visit these ces. There was a high demand for English-speaking interpreters and temporary guides.

    It was indeed a good opportunity for social practice. It was very suitable for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had already decided on what she was going to do in her four years in college. What about her?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You may not be as good as me in English, but your English standard is pretty high. If you don¡¯t have any ideas, you can join me.¡± Qiao Nan asked Shi Qing to join her in her social practice activities. She always felt that Shi Qing was not the kind of girl who would take the usual path. College was merely a transition period for Shi Qing to calm down and to have a clearer idea of the path that she wanted to take in life.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, can you tell?¡± Shi Qing lowered her voice.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell, but I can sense it,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°I am unconvinced. So what if I am a girl? Why am I being looked down upon by others?¡± Shi Qing continued. Qiao Nan was indeed her bosom friend. Qiao Nan was aware of what was on her mind. She only came to realize it recently and gradually figured out which path she wanted to take in the future. ¡°Qiao Nan, I know that this is not an easy path and that it bristles with thorns. Perhaps many people will be waiting to watch my failure as I walk down this path. But I won¡¯t give up without trying. I know what my interests and strengths are!¡±

    Qiao Nany on her side and looked at Shi Qing¡¯s profile. There was a sorrowful but determined expression on her face. ¡°You are still young. You have the opportunity to make mistakes and fail. If you have thought it through, just go ahead and do it. Don¡¯t hesitate, and don¡¯t have any regrets. It is good to act impulsively once in a while. Why

    not?!

    ¡°Is that why you want me to join you in your social practice?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It will save you some effort.¡± Qiao Nan let out a long sigh. ¡°Actually, you should not be going to Peking University. You should go to a military academy. Your results are good enough to go to a military academy. I am sorry that you have to waste four years of your time because of me.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t apologize to me. It was my dad who promised Brother Zhai that I go to Peking University. My dad and Brother Zhai are jackals of the same tribe. They are not innocent folks.¡±

    Brother Zhai wanted her to keep a watch on Qiao Nan so that she would not fall for other men¡¯s tricks. Her father must be aware of what was on his daughter¡¯s mind. He decided to cut the Gordian knot and make a decision for her, thinking that it was for her best interests.

    Unfortunately, she was not someone who would go ording to other people¡¯s wishes.

    This time, her father was wrong.

    Shi Peng was bent on choosing a bright and easy path for his daughter. But he did not know that the two youngdies had conspired for his daughter to take the difficult military path!

    As soon as Shi Qing got down from the train, the first thing she did was to look for a public phone. ¡°Crap, you are a man. Why are you so wishy-washy in picking up the phone?!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Baoguo turned grim. If the phone belonged to him, he would smash the phone in his hand. ¡°Do you still have the cheek to give me a call?!!!¡±

    They were deskmates in their final third year. They got to know each other and became friends through their fights with each other.

    Shi Qing knew that he liked Xiao Qiao, but she never expressed openly or hinted to him that Xiao Qiao had a boyfriend and that he was Zhai Sheng!

    It was only until the college entrance examination ended and Xiao Qiao was getting engaged to Zhai Sheng did he know the truth.

    The one thing Zhu Baoguo resented and detested the most was that he did not have a chance to fight for the first love that he realized btedly, and he was taken to the car and sent to the army for a month under his father¡¯s orders.

    By the time he left the army, it was the time where the military academy started school.

    Zhu Baoguo was sent to different ces by his father right from the start. He did not have any freedom.

    ¡°It is useless to be angry. If you dare to do anything now, it will be destroying a military marriage. Not only will you destroy your future, but you will implicate your dad as well. He is a hero in the army.¡±

 Chapter 872 - An Unexplainable Feeling of Dislike

    <h4>Chapter 872 An Unexinable Feeling of Dislike</h4>

    ¡°But it is already a disgrace for your dad to have such a cowardly son.¡± Zhu Baoguo might have a big temper, but Shi Qing had a nasty temper as well. ¡°Don¡¯t try to act fierce in front of me. You do not know your limitation, yet you dare to yell at me. Stop disgracing yourself!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me your dad did not have a talk with you. Brother Zhai has stronger feelings for Qiao Nan than you do. He is more capable than you and he has a higher position than you. In terms of looks, built, and character, there is no way that you can bepared to Brother Zhai. I am not trying to put you down. But given your qualifications, how are you supposed to vie with Brother Zhai? You are simply selfish. Qiao Nan has such a difficult life. Ever since she knows you, she helps you in every way that she can. But what can you help her with? You can¡¯t help her at all and you don¡¯t want her to find a man who can help her. You are unreasonable.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo clenched his teeth in anger. ¡°I may not have the ability right now, but it does not mean that I will not be capable in the future!¡±

    How could his father and Shi Qing look down on him!

    He was a man, and he was working hard to grow into a stronger person. One day, he would be able to be the man who could shelter Xiao Qiao from the harsh world, not letting any harm befall her.

    ¡°Yes, you will be able to do all these in the future. But can Qiao Nan wait until then?¡±

    ¡°If she is to rely on you, today, Qiao Nan will not be getting off the train, getting ready to go to school. Instead, she will be poring over her third-year books, preparing to retake her exams!¡±

    ¡°You said that you like Qiao Nan, but is that how you like her? You did not know that Qiao Nan was being bullied. After she was bullied, you could only watch helplessly as she missed the most important exams of her life and had to waste another year to retake it. Qiao Nan has no other choice but to be plotted against and bullied by others. Is it right that she suffers with you? Is it wrong of her to be with others who can help her walk an easier path? Why are you so shameless?¡±

    It was a pity that Zhu Baoguo was not right in front of her. Otherwise, she would give him a thrashing.

    His brain must have been damaged!

    ¡°...¡± What Shi Qing said was the cold, hard truth. Although Zhu Baoguo turned green with anger, he had no way to rebut her.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t waste my time on you. Give me a copy of your study materials. I also want a copy of your lesson notes. I don¡¯t care if you copy it by hand or photocopy it. I just need the lesson notes. Send them to me after you are done. By the way, take down my address. Don¡¯t send it to the wrong address. Lastly, make sure that the lesson notes areprehensive. If you are toozy to take notes, just get me someone else¡¯s notes!¡±

    ¡°On what grounds? Just because you gave me ashing and I am supposed to listen to you?¡± Zhu Baoguo sneered.

    He had fallen out of love. He was unhappy and unwilling to do these. He was particrly unwilling to help Shi Qing!

    Shi Qing smiled grimly. ¡°Refuse to cooperate?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t cooperate!¡± Although it was the hard truth, he was upset and heartbroken.

    These people caused him to lose the chance to fight for Xiao Qiao¡¯s love, yet they wanted his help. Shi Qing scolded him for being shameless. He felt that Shi Qing was the most shameless person in the world!

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s wait and see!¡± Shi Qing mmed the phone.

    Qiao Nan, who kept a watch on their luggage, wiped her beads of perspiration. ¡°Do you intend to force Zhu Baoguo to help you after being so selfish toward him?¡±

    Shi Qing flicked her hair confidently. ¡°It may not be easy to get other people to obey me, but it is simple to make Zhu Baoguo submit to me. I will give Chief Zhu a call to get hold of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s school address and ss. By then, I will show him who the boss is!¡±

    ¡°When did you be so close with Chief Zhu?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised. Shi Qing sounded as if she was Chief Zhu¡¯s daughter, while Zhu Baoguo was an outsider.

    Shi Qing smiled cockily. ¡°This is my charm. You won¡¯t understand.¡±

    Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing a thumbs-up. ¡°You are fabulous. But shall we report to the school right now?¡±

    After Shi Qing solved her problem, they did not dy any further. They used the fastest speed to go to Peking University.

    Since it was the day the freshmen would report to the school, there were a lot of male and female seniors who stood at the entrance of Peking University to wee their juniors.

    ¡°No thanks.¡± Many seniors offered to help Shi Qing with the luggage, but she rejected all of them. She acted like a toughdy who carried two people¡¯s luggage all by herself, walking steadily toward the teaching block. ¡°Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go to pay our school fees.¡±

    Qiao Nan wiped the sweat off Shi Qing¡¯s forehead. ¡°Give me the luggage. I can pull it by myself. Do you see yourself as a bull?¡±

    Miao Jing bought the luggage for Qiao Nan. It had two wheels at the bottom. Although Qiao Nan did not have the strength to lift it, she was able to pull it along with her.

    ¡°Alright, the path over here is slightly smoother and there are no stairs. You can pull it by yourself.¡± The pavement at the school was not as rough and there were not many staircases. She thus returned the luggage to Qiao Nan. ¡°Have you checked out where to pay the school fees?¡±.

    ¡°Yes. Shall I lead the way?¡±

    ¡°Sure. You can walk in front. I will follow behind.¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing!¡±

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan had only walked a few steps before someone called them out loud, stopping Shi Qing in her tracks.

    The two of them turned and Qiao Nan saw three unfamiliar faces looking at her. There were an elderly couple and a middle-aged woman.

    The three of them had the same expression on their faces¡ªdissatisfaction and heartache.

    Qiao Nan sensed that they were dissatisfied with her, while their hearts ached for Shi Qing.

    The elderly couple walked quickly toward them. ¡°Qing Qing, it is good to be helpful, but we should act ording to one¡¯s ability. It is such a hot day. You will get sunburns from standing under the sun. My heart aches for you. Look at you. You are drenched in perspiration. Your dad is too much. Why did he insist to let you go through all these sufferings? He wouldn¡¯t listen no matter what I said.¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing, let grandpa carry them for you.¡± ¡°Have some drink first.¡± Feng Cheng helped Shi Qing put down the luggage before opening a bottle of water and passing it to Shi Qing to hydrate herself. Although she lookedposed, she seemed to be checking out Qiao Nan. There was a glint of displeasure in her eyes.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, Mom, why are all of you here?¡± Shi Qing drank a few mouthfuls of water before she greeted her family.

    ¡°Hahaha, my granddaughter is the top science scorer in the college entrance examination this year. How can we not be present on the day she reports to Peking University?¡± Old Master Feng smiled. He looked to be in good health. At the mention of Shi Qing¡¯s results, pride and satisfaction were evident in his tone.

    ¡°Qing Qing, why didn¡¯t you give us a call beforehand?¡± Grandma Feng looked at Shi Qing with an incredulous look on her face. ¡°If you gave us a call beforehand, we would get the chauffeur to fetch you. It is such a hot day. There is no hurry to go to school. You should rest for a night at home before reporting to school tomorrow. Qing Qing, how about you go back with us now and I will make good food for you?¡±

 Chapter 873 - How Could It Be the Same?

    <h4>Chapter 873 How Could It Be the Same?</h4>

    As soon as Shi Qing¡¯s family appeared, they surrounded Shi Qing and pushed Qiao Nan away from Shi Qing quietly.

    The Feng family inquired after Shi Qing¡¯s well-being one after another. Qiao Nan stared at the sunny weather. She blinked and walked quietly to the side, finding shelter under the tree. She took out a scented paper fan and started to fan herself.

    Why was the Feng family displeased with her?

    Shi Qing drank a few mouthfuls of water and seemed to be recharged. ¡°Grandpa, grandma, Mom, there is no need to be worried. I am fine. Since I have reached the school, I have to go directly to the office to report. I won¡¯t be going home for the time being. I will go back during the National Day holiday.¡±

    ¡°Why are you in such a rush?¡± Grandma Feng was upset. ¡°You finally returned to the capital and you will be studying in the capital for four years. There is no need to hurry to report to the school. Stay at my house for a night. I will make good food for you.¡±

    The elderly couple in the Feng family had more than one child, but Feng Cheng was their only daughter. She was treated very well in the Feng family.

    Feng Cheng had two elder brothers. They each had a son.

    Feng Cheng and Shi Qing were the only two females in the entire Feng family. Everyone in the family, including the elderly couple and the cousins, doted on Shi Qing very

    much.

    ¡°Grandma, I am already in the capital. I will have lots of time to apany you. One or two days will not make a difference.¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Grandma, it is such a hot day. I should hurry to report to school and then take a rest in the dormitory.¡±

    It was too hot standing under the sun. Qiao Nan was already standing in the shade of a tree.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are such a disloyal friend. Hurry up, let¡¯s go.¡± Shi Qing waved for Qiao Nan to stand next to her. ¡°Grandpa, grandma, Mom, this is my best friend-Qiao Nan. I will bring her home next time and I will introduce her to all of you formally. I have to report to school with her now.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no choice but toe out from the shade. She bowed to the three elders. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°Alright. Since you want to report to the school, we will apany you. Let grandpa carry the bag for you.¡± The Feng family refused to leave. Since Shi Qing insisted on not going home, they had to apany her to report to school and check out the dormitory that she was staying in.

    If it was unsatisfactory, given the Feng family¡¯s status in the capital, they would be able to make some other arrangements before school started.

    To other people, the capital had steep housing prices. Students had no ce to go and had to stay in school.

    The rental fees were a high expense for students as well as the Beijing drifters[1] who already had a job.

    Shi Qing was different. As long as she wanted to live somewhere else, the Feng family was able to find her a morefortable ce near Peking University for her to freely live in.

    Among all the elders that Qiao Nan had seen, Old Master Feng was the only one who was less ferocious but more schrly.

    Old Master Feng pulled the luggage from Shi Qing, insisting on carrying it for her.

    Grandma Feng did not idle around as well. She noticed the bags that Shi Qing had been carrying and she felt sorry for her. ¡°Look at the small hands of yours. They have turned red from carrying the bags. Your dad is too much. Why would you need to bring so many things with you to study at Peking University? You only need to bring yourself along. If there is anything that you need, we will get them ready for you! No matter how rare the item is, your two uncles and two elder brothers will be able to get them for you!¡±

    Qiao Nan smoothed her hair. She had confirmed once again that the Feng family was very displeased with her. ¡°Shi Qing, you can have a good chat. I will report to the school first. All of these are mine. It has been hard on you.¡±

    Given Shi Qing Qing¡¯s family background, the Shi family or the Feng family had more than enough money to provide for her.

    Most of the bags belonged to Qiao Nan. They did not belong to Shi Qing

    Qiao Nan was certain that the Feng family knew it as well.

    Therefore, the Feng family said those words on purpose.

    ¡°Shi Qing, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan took her bags from Shi Qing. She smiled politely at the Feng family before leaving without any hesitation.

    The Feng family did not like her, and she would not get in their way either.

    The Feng family did not expect that Qiao Nan would admit that those were her bags and leave right away. They thought that Qiao Nan would be embarrassed by their words or ashamed and thus unable to show her face. They did not expect her to be so calm andposed.

    Old Master Feng frowned. His heart sank.

    It was no wonder that Zhai Sheng was engaged to this youngdy. She was a smartdy. Qing Qing was not her match.

    ¡°You are such a foolish child. You don¡¯t even know that you have been bullied by her!¡± As soon as Qiao Nan left, Grandma Feng made known her displeasure toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Since a young age, we never allow you to do these manual chores. We doted on and pampered you, yet you are treated like a coolie by an outsider. Aren¡¯t you a fool?¡±

    With that, Grandma Feng grabbed Shi Qing¡¯s hands and massaged them. ¡°Are you in

    pain?¡±

    ¡°Hey...¡± Shi Qing finally came back to her senses. ¡°Were those words directed at Qiao Nan? Why?¡±

    This was the first time that her grandparents and her mother saw Qiao Nan. Why would they be so displeased with her?

    ¡°Why? Because of this!¡± Grandma Feng pinched Shi Qing¡¯s palm that had turned red.

    Feng Cheng frowned. ¡°Did your dad teach you all this?¡±

    Did he teach his daughter that soldiers must serve the people and work hard for the people?

    As his wife, she would support everything that Shi Peng did, but she would not allow him to teach her daughter the same ways!

    ¡°It has nothing to do with Dad. Mom, you sound as if you are displeased with Dad.¡± Shi Qing was unhappy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? When I trained in the army, my arms turned redder than this before. Back when Qiu Chenxi went to Mo Du and insisted that I went as well, I was the one who helped carry her bags.¡±

    It was just that back then, Feng Cheng did notin in front of Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min that Shi Qing had hurt her arms from carrying the bags. She only helped massage Shi Qing¡¯s hands when they were not around.

    Shi Qing was younger back then and did not have as much physical strength as now. She had not gone through the training in the army and her hands were small and smooth. There were no calluses at all.

    Now, although Shi Qing had helped Qiao Nan carry her bags, her hands were not painful. It was not a big deal to carry these bags.

    ¡°It is not the same.¡± Feng Cheng looked awkward and stiff.

    [1] A term used to describe people without Beijing registered residence who have migrated to Beijing from other ces in China seeking opportunities and a better life.

 Chapter 874 - The Silver Ring That Was Looked Down Upon by Others

    <h4>Chapter 874 The Silver Ring That Was Looked Down Upon by Others</h4>

    ¡°No matter what, Qiu Chenxi is your cousin. We are rtives. It is okay to help the family, but it is foolish to help outsiders.¡±

    ¡°Alright, what you said can only deceive a three-year-old kid. There is no way that I will be cajoled now.¡± Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°It is gettingte. I have to report to the school and pay the school fees.¡±

    The two elderly of the Feng family sighed. Their granddaughter was great except that she was too upright and was influenced by their son-inw. She refused to listen to the family. ¡°Come. Let¡¯splete the procedures for admission. We drove the car here. Although you won¡¯t be going home for the night, how about having a meal at home?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    With her family around, particrly Elder Feng, Shi Qing took a shorter time toplete her admission procedures.

    Other freshmen needed to queue up, while Shi Qing could skip the queue.

    Therefore, by the time Shi Qing hadpleted the admission procedures, Qiao Nan was only halfway through.

    Although they did not belong to the same course, they still bumped into each other along the way.

    Qiao Nan passed some brochures to Shi Qing. ¡°Take a look at this. When the military training is over, various clubs and unions in the school will start to recruit new members. Participating in clubs is considered part of social practice as well. Take a good look and see which interests you the most. I have highlighted several of them in red just now. You can use it as a reference.¡±

    ¡°Have you made a decision?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan did not intend to join a lot of clubs. After all, no one would have so much time and effort to join so many clubs.

    ¡°Sure, I will...¡± Shi Qing was about to say that she would choose those clubs that Qiao Nan had highlighted for her.

    However, she was reminded that her family seemed to have some misunderstanding toward Qiao Nan and stopped herself immediately. ¡°Alright, I will consider carefully.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After passing the brochure to Shi Qing, Qiao Nan nodded politely to her family and went off without another word. She did not even ask whether she hadpleted her admission procedures or what she intended to do next.

    Grandma Feng seemed to be slightly displeased. ¡°No matter how emboldened she is, she has to owe it to others for having what she has today. The teenagers nowadays...¡± They only thought of getting in through the back door and did not understand that they must be down-to-earth.

    Shi Qing massaged her temples. ¡°Didn¡¯t we say that we are going back for dinner? I am hungry. Shall we go now?¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s initial n was indeed to go back to the Feng family¡¯s residence today.

    She had two cousins, and both were males. One of them had a career in politics while another was a businessman. They had connections andworks in the capital.

    Shi Qing¡¯s intention was to bring Qiao Nan to the Feng family¡¯s residence and introduce her to them. If anything happened while she was not around, and Qiao Nan could not solve it by herself, the Feng family could help her with it.

    However, Shi Qing did not bring up her n of bringing Qiao Nan with her. At the very least, before she found out the reason behind the Feng family¡¯s animosity toward Qiao Nan and had a solution to it, she could not bring her home.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go back now. You can take a shower and change into new clothes. Look, you are drenched in perspiration.¡± The elderly couple in the Feng family were d that their maternal granddaughter was going back home.

    Feng Cheng drove the car to the school today. Therefore, she was in charge of driving all of them back to the Feng family¡¯s residence.

    The elderly couple of the Feng family doted on Shi Qing. They sat in the back seat of the car, on each side of her, asking about her life in Ping Cheng for the past two years. They wanted to know whether she led a good life and whether she ate well and slept well.

    Shi Qing answered each of their questions patiently, but she was actually wondering about the reason behind her family¡¯s animosity toward Qiao Nan. They were, in fact, impolite toward Qiao Nan. This was not what someone would do to an ordinary stranger.

    Shi Qing told herself that she must get to the bottom of it. As for Qiao Nan, she had forgotten about the matter.

    Qiao Nan had finally settled everything and wiped her dormitory clean. She was drenched in perspiration from doing all the chores.

    The electric fan on the ceiling made buzzing sounds in the background, blowing warm air into the room.

    Qiao Nan took out some new clothes. She turned on the tap and started to bathe.

    By the time Qiao Nan came out from her shower, the three other roommates that she would be sharing the dormitory with for the rest of her four years of college had arrived.

    ¡°Hi, you are early. You have already taken your shower.¡± One of them wore a floral print dress. She looked cheery as she took the initiative to talk to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hi, I am from Jiang Chuan. I am Yu Xiaoxiao. Let¡¯s look out for each other in our four years in college.¡±

    ¡°I am L¨¹ Yan.¡±

    ¡°I am Tang Jiayun.¡±

    ¡°Hi, I am Qiao Nan.¡±

    The four of them began to tidy their luggage after introducing themselves.

    Thankfully, each bed had one name pasted on it, so no one would fight for the bed that they wanted. Everyone was orderly and behaved properly. At least, on the first day that they met, no one threw any tantrums orined about the living conditions in the dormitory.

    Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. She hoped that in her four years in college, the four of them would be able to get along peacefully with one another. She did not harbor any hopes that they would be able to get along as well as when she was in high school.

    ¡°Hey, Qiao Nan, you are wearing a ring. Is that an essory?¡± Tang Jiayun had sharp eyes. She noticed that Qiao Nan wore a ring on the ring finger of her left hand. ¡°The ring looks beautiful and shiny. Is it a tinum ring?¡±

    There was a flicker in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She did not rush to deny it. ¡°No, it is a silver ring.¡±

    ¡°Silver rings may not be as expensive as tinum rings, but it is still very beautiful.¡± Tang Jiayun smiled. ¡°Can you take it out so that I can have a look?¡±

    Tang Jiayun liked to doll herself up. She loved to look at beautiful things. She knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s ring was different and her attention was centered on her ring.

    Qiao Nan refused with a smile. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I promised someone else that I will never remove this ring.¡±

    The silver ring was Qiao Nan¡¯s engagement ring. Zhai Sheng specially entrusted a veteran master to custom-make the one-and-only ring in the world.

    Diamond tinum rings were, in fact, very popr nowadays.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s initial n was to custom-make a one-and-only diamond tinum ring for Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan opposed it.

    To Qiao Nan, since it was an engagement ring, she would not remove the ring once she put it on. She would only remove it in order to wear her wedding ring.

    However, she was a student, and she had to go through four years of college. She was there to study, not there to unt her wealth. If she wore the one-and-only diamond tinum ring to school, she would worry that her ring might be stolen.

    The discerning buyers would be able to tell what the good stuff was.

    Qiao Nan did not want to be well-known in school because of her ring.

    Zhai Sheng wanted Qiao Nan to have the best in the world, but Qiao Nan¡¯s words did make sense.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng changed his mind and amodated Qiao Nan¡¯s wishes. Instead of a diamond tinum ring, he gave her an ordinary pure silver ring.

 Chapter 875 - I Am Taken

    <h4>Chapter 875 I Am Taken</h4>

    ¡°Promised someone? Why did that person forbid you from taking it off?¡± Tang Jiayun seemed to have a brighter smile on her face.

    Qiao Nan turned to organize her belongings. ¡°I am engaged. This is my engagement ring. Therefore, I cannot take it off.¡± Since Tang Jiayun wanted to know, she would tell her the truth. She had no intention of hiding the fact that she was engaged.

    Tang Jiayun knew that it must be the case. She seemed more sincere in her next question. ¡°Why are you engaged at such a young age? Did your parents arrange it for you?¡±

    ¡°No, I got to know the person myself.¡± ¡°You are so capable!¡± Tang Jiayun made a double-edged remark.

    Since Qiao Nan was already engaged at such a young age. It meant that she had known that person a long time ago and was in a rtionship during her years in high school, which was a crucial period for students. She was able to get the blessings of the two families and became engaged. She was indeed capable.

    Tang Jiayun even suspected that Qiao Nan might have been intimate with that man. If not, there was no need for her to find someone from her hometown who was not as good as her. She was already a student at Peking University. She would be able to get a good job after she graduated and she would have lots of suitors.

    Of course, what was most capable about her roommate was that she was able to be in a rtionship during the hectic years in high school and was able to do well and get into a good school like the Peking University.

    She barely survived the three years in high school. She was jealous of Qiao Nan who had such different life experiences.

    ¡°But then again, Qiao Nan, don¡¯t me me for being a busybody. If you don¡¯t like what I said, just take it that I didn¡¯t say it.¡± Tang Jiayun could not help but ask, ¡°Now, you are a student at Peking University. I suppose your fianc¨¦ is not as capable as you. Why are you willing to be engaged to him? His family must be blessed with good fortune. Their son is engaged to you with something as simple as a silver ring.¡±

    Silver ring was not as valuable. She might not have a fianc¨¦, but she had lots of silver essories at home.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ might not be able to afford a diamond tinum ring, but he should have bought her a gold ring at least.

    Could it be that it was so easy to get a wife nowadays?

    ¡°It is already five o¡¯clock. Shall we have dinner?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao interrupted Tang Jiayun. ¡°I heard that the canteen serves delicious dishes. I am starved.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± L¨¹ Yan added.

    ¡°Me too.¡± Qiao Nan joined in the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner. Are you going as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Tang Jiayun took her meal ticket, not to be left behind by her roommates.

    School just started and the students had more free and easy time. Most of them would stick with their dormitory roommates at the beginning of the school year. Tang Jiayun did not want to be a loner and joined her dormitory roommates for dinner.

    Yu Xiaoxiao walked beside Qiao Nan, whispering softly to her. ¡°Don¡¯t take what Tang Jiayun said to heart. Your ring is beautiful. The ring is not important. What matters is the person who gave you the ring.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled lightly at the words of constion. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Tang Jiayun might have looked down on the ring that Brother Zhai gave her, but in fact, it was more expensive than a normal gold ring. Qiao Nan smiled but did not say anything. She was relieved that she told Brother Zhai to give her a silver ring instead of a diamond tinum ring

    Qiao Nan could tell that Tang Jiayun not only liked to look pretty, but she also liked to lean on moneybags.

    Qiao Nan looked toward L¨¹ Yan. She was quiet and seldom talked. Qiao Nan had no idea what type of person she was.

    It seemed that Yu Xiaoxiao was slightly easier to get along with.

    Once she reached Peking University, Qiao Nan made phone calls to everyone concerned to assure them that she had reached safely. She bought a telephone card that came with arger amount of stored value so as to make the phone calls.

    After she had called everyone, Qiao Nan hesitated slightly. She was thinking of making a phone call to Zhai Sheng¡¯s office. She was still hesitating when the phone rang.

    She looked at the familiar number and answered the phone in surprise. ¡°Brother Zhai, how do you know...¡±

    ¡°I have checked the days and know that you must have reached the school. Therefore, I made a call home first.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded tired. His voice was hoarse and he seemed to be in pain. ¡°How is it at school?¡±

    Qiao Nan tensed up. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you injured again?¡±

    Zhai Sheng sounded different from usual. Qiao Nan was reminded of the time when he was injured.

    ¡°It is a small injury. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? If so, do you want toe back to Ping Cheng to take a look?¡± Zhai Sheng smiled softly. Qiao Nan blushed at his words.

    Qiao Nan massaged her ears that felt numb. She took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Brother Zhai, stop ying dumb. There is no way that I can go back. But Mom is in Ping Cheng. She can check on you. Besides, I am at school. Peking University is one of the top schools in China. Everything is good over here. If you are unwell, you should rest more. I am doing fine.¡±

    ¡°I may not be able to join the military training this time.¡± Zhai Sheng felt reluctant. ¡°I have some matters to handle. It is a knotty problem. I won¡¯t be able to leave for the time being.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could not help but roll her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s fine that you cannot make it.¡± She did not insist that Brother Zhai must go to all of her military training.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel sad?¡±

    ¡°...Of course.¡± Qiao Nan lied tantly. After being with Zhai Sheng for such a long time, she knew his temper well. Instead of falling for his trap, she would rather behave herself. ¡°If you are here, we can spend more time with each other. Brother Zhai, I miss you. You must take care of yourself and rest well so that I can have peace of mind and concentrate on my studies. You must also be extra careful when you go on missions in the future. Try to minimize the chances of being injured.¡±

    Qiao Nan would say whatever that Zhai Sheng liked to hear.

    Zhai Sheng was a patient. No matter what, the patient¡¯s needs were the top priority. It was important to pacify and appease Zhai Sheng

    ¡°Don¡¯t think of taking off the ring.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I did not take it off. It will not be long before everyone knows that I am taken.¡± Qiao Nan was engaged. She had no wish to waste any more time on other men.

    If Tang Jiayun was willing to spread the word for her, she would be d as lesser people would pester her.

    Qiao Nan still remembered that when she went through the admission procedures this morning, several seniors wanted to help her with her luggage and asked about her course of study, which ss she was in, and her name.

    The seniors who helped her might not be interested in Qiao Nan, but there was still the possibility that some of them had other agendas.

 Chapter 876 - Ask Qiao Nan for Help

    <h4>Chapter 876 Ask Qiao Nan for Help</h4>

    Zhai Sheng turned solemn. ¡°It is better to distance yourself from such a person. Don¡¯t get too close with her.¡±

    ¡°We are in the same dormitory. How do I distance myself from her?¡±

    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t hinder her way, there is no need for you to keep a distance. She will not be close to you when there is not a necessity.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew right away from what Qiao Nan said that there was someone who had a desire to beat others and vie with each other for mor.

    Their engagement was a personal matter. Qiao Nan did not have other hidden agendas. Other people should not spread information about someone else¡¯s privacy as well.

    Although Zhai Sheng had no experience in dealing with such people, it was easy for him to figure out their mindsets. Zhai Sheng had a rough idea of what was on these people¡¯s minds.

    ¡°Alright, I will listen to you.¡± Qiao Nan agreed readily. ¡°I have told you about my situation at school. Shouldn¡¯t you have a good rest now? You are injured. How about Sister Zhai Hua? Is she alright?¡±

    Zhai Sheng shot a cold look at Zhai Hua, who was beside him. She looked guilt-stricken as if she was a dog that was abandoned, a pitiful look on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She is alive and kicking. She is very energetic.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Have a good rest. I will hang up now.¡± Qiao Nan knew that if she did not take the initiative to end the call, Zhai Sheng would keep on chatting with her and it would hinder his recovery. Therefore, she hung up the phone right away. Zhai Sheng did not have a chance to say anything else.

    Zhai Sheng hung up the phone when he heard the dial tone on the other side of the phone.

    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Zhai Hua said immediately. ¡°If not for me, you would not be hurt.¡±

    ¡°Go out to write a letter of repentance. Zhai Hua, if youmit the same mistake again, my camp will not have such a soldier like you.¡± Zhai Sheng was very serious. Back then, he did not give any leeway to Wei De, and now, he would not be lenient to Zhai Hua either.

    His family and the camp were two different matters.

    Zhai Hua affected the camp because of her personal reasons. Zhai Sheng could never tolerate or forgive her.

    ¡°Zhai Hua, if your stand is not firm, and you are not determined, you are not suitable to continue being a soldier. Take off your military uniform. I will not stop you from doing whatever you want in the future. I will not care how well you perform either. It is not up to me to do that. But right now, you are still in your military uniform. You are still a soldier. Therefore, I will never allow you to make such a stupid mistake!¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°I... I understand.¡±

    ¡°Write the letter of repentance now and receive your punishment afterward. Do you need me to state the amount of physical exercises that you have to do for your punishment?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then, what are you waiting for? Unless you finish the physical exercises, you won¡¯t be having dinner today. Zhai Hua, as your superior, let me warn you again. If you behave in such a manner again, scram before I lose my temper.¡± Zhai Sheng was worried that there would be a day he would not be able to control his temper and would give Zhai Hua a good thrashing.

    ¡°I know.¡± Zhai Hua sniffed. There was no need for Zhai Sheng to reprimand her. She was shocked at what happened this time.

    She had exposed her location because of her negligence and was discovered by the enemy.

    The bullet made a sound when it flew past her ear. Zhai Hua still remembered that sound until now.

    If Zhai Sheng did not leap forward in the nick of time to save Zhai Hua, she would be the one lying on the bed now. If she had been hit by the bullets, it would have cost her her life.

    Zhai Hua was afraid of death like any other people.

    Apart from putting herself in danger, she had exposed her position because of such a small blunder and put herrades in a dangerous situation.

    If not for Zhai Sheng, who reacted quickly such that the enemy had no time to n an attack, Zhai Hua and therades that were near her would have perished together.

    Even if Zhai Sheng did not lose his temper this time, Zhai Hua was aware that she hadmitted a very serious mistake.

    When she was carrying out the mission, she was in a daze because she was thinking about her rtionship with Wei De. In the end, it resulted in such grave circumstances. Zhai Hua had turned green in fright. Even if Zhai Sheng did not punish her, she would not be able to forgive herself. She was unable to shirk responsibilities and receive political cover from Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng frowned as Zhai Hua went out to receive her punishment. He made a phone call to Zhai Yaohui. ¡°The mission was halted. Are we putting off the ns for now?¡±

    ¡°Haste makes waste. This has been dragging on for a long period of time. It is expected that the mission would fail this time.¡± It was a pity that they missed such a good opportunity. It would be a surprise if they seeded. However, he was still disappointed that they had failed the mission.

    ¡°Chief, I am willing to take full responsibility for the failure in this mission. It is my fault for not disciplining my subordinates well andmitting such mistakes, affecting the entire n. Therefore, I am willing to ept any punishment that the party or the organization metes.¡± Someone had to take responsibility for this incident.

    ¡°We are in a discussion. When there is an oue, I will notify you.¡± Even though Zhai Sheng was his son, Zhai Yaohui still went by thew.

    ¡°Yes, chief.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you should work on nursing your injuries. Before the results are out, the only thing you have to do is to nurse yourself back to health.¡± Zhai Yaohui understood that his son had taken the rap for his daughter. However, both his son and daughter had to bear responsibility for what happened this time.

    ¡°Yes, chief.¡± Zhai Sheng finallyy down to rest after ending the call.

    As he was exhausted and had lost a lot of blood due to his injuries, Zhai Sheng fell asleep in no time.

    ¡°Hello, Qiao Nan, it is me.¡± Zhai Hua called Qiao Nan to tell her what happened to Zhai Sheng. Of course, her main purpose was to talk to someone and to ask Qiao Nan for help. ¡°I havemitted a grave mistake...¡±

    Qiao Nan looked grim after Zhai Hua told her everything. It was no wonder that Brother Zhai kept quiet about his injuries. It turned out that it was Sister Zhai Hua who caused him to be injured. ¡°Are his injuries serious? Where did he hurt himself?¡±

    ¡°His arms. The bullets were meant for me. Zhai Sheng used his arms to wrap around my head. Therefore, his arms were hit by the bullets.¡±

    ¡°Has he undergone surgery?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Hua choked up with tears. ¡°I am sorry.¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°There is no need to apologize to me or Brother Zhai. As yourrade, even if you make a mistake, Brother Zhai won¡¯t leave you in the lurch. Moreover, you are his sister. However, you can nevermit this mistake again. Luckily, Brother Zhai only injured his arms. His arms will recover in no time after the surgery. But if... if he is seriously injured and there are otherplications, there is no use in giving me a call. Unless you give the deities a call, everything that you do will be useless.¡±

 Chapter 877 - Hope That You Can Do It

    <h4>Chapter 877 Hope That You Can Do It</h4>

    Needless to say, what happened this time was definitely due to Wei De.

    Zhai Hua was not a new recruit who carried out her first mission. She definitely did not make such mistakes because of anxiety or nervousness.

    Brother Zhai told her that on the day they had their engagement dinner, Sister Zhai Hua refused to marry Wei De. Although she seemed to be very firm, she was, in fact, indecisive and full of hesitation.

    If Sister Zhai Hua had a firm attitude, Wei De would have been out of the picture long ago.

    ¡°I know.¡± Zhai Hua took a few deep breaths. She had yet to recover from her shock.

    She would regret it for the rest of her life if she had caused the death of herrade. Since it was her brother that was implicated this time, she was all the more remorseful.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, the nature of your work is different from others. If you try to upy yourself with work so as not to think about Wei De, you can¡¯t carry out missions wholeheartedly. It is better that you don¡¯t carry out any mission. It¡¯d be better to spend time training in the army than carrying out missions.¡± Given Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s condition, she was risking herrades¡¯ and her life!

    Workaholics would only exhaust themselves, but for people like Zhai Hua who had special careers, if anything went wrong, it would cost the lives of many otherrades who were with her.

    ¡°You can rest assured. I understand.¡±

    Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua was frightened and full of remorse from her heavy breathing that was heard over the phone. Since Zhai Hua was already very apologetic and Zhai Sheng, the party concerned, did not take issue with her, Qiao Nan had no right to be brusque with her. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, habits could be worrisome at times. You are used to having Wei De in your life and you can¡¯t stop thinking about him. It is difficult and painful to stop this habit of yours. At times, the more that you want to stop thinking about something, the more you will think of it. Perhaps humans just have this w. But you have to get through the difficult times. Once you have calmed down, you will be able to stay objective when you consider your rtionship with Wei De.¡±

    ¡°But before that, it is unsuitable for you to do other tasks, particrly the missions in the army.¡±

    Because of Wei De, Zhai Huamitted a serious mistake and caused Zhai Sheng to be injured.

    Zhai Hua was her sister-inw and she was already full of regrets. Qiao Nan could not reprimand her further.

    Although she could not lecture Zhai Hua, she could vent her anger on Wei De.

    It was necessary for couples to have some time to think over their rtionships. But if they spent too much time apart, it would eventually lead to their break up. After all, love was always a moment of passion and impulse, and as time passed, the strong feelings would fade, and in rece would be feelings of kinship.

    Qiao Nan decided to douse the mes of love between Wei De and Zhai Hua even before they had been ignited!

    Once Zhai Hua was serious about breaking up with Wei De, there was no way that Wei De could have his way in front of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan did not persuade Zhai Hua to give up her love for Wei De. She knew that although Zhai Hua was displeased with Wei De, she still could not bear to leave him. They had been together for years. It was no wonder that Zhai Hua could not make up her mind.

    ¡°Alright...¡± Zhai Hua agreed readily.

    Right now, she still liked Wei De and could not stop thinking about him.

    But Zhai Sheng was injured. Zhai Hua knew that she hadmitted a grave mistake. Furthermore, Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Therefore, Zhai Hua would agree to anything that Qiao Nan asked of her so as to make up for the injuries that Zhai Sheng sustained.

    Zhai Hua would do whatever she could to make up to him. It was better than not being able to do anything.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I am a woman as well. I understand how you must be feeling right now. Don¡¯t be angry with me for being a busybody. If you really want to calm down, here are some other suggestions. I suppose there will be new recruits at the camp this year. Firstly, concentrate on training the new recruits. Secondly, before you have calmed down, don¡¯t go back to Ping Cheng or go home. No matter what happens at home, Brother Zhai will be able to handle it. Thirdly, cut off all contact with Wei De during this period of time. Don¡¯t look for Wei De. If he goes to the camp to look for you, don¡¯t meet him. Are you able to do all of these?¡±

    ¡°What if he makes a phone call?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t answer!¡±

    Qiao Nan realized that she was being too brusque. She took a deep breath. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, Wei De is a man, and he is thirty years old. No matter what happens, can he not handle it by himself? He should handle anything that happens by himself. Sister Zhai Hua, if you have to settle everything for him, is he your boyfriend or your son? As for other matters, there is no need to bother about it. Wei De keeps using Wei Wei as an excuse. Wei Wei is his nephew. Besides the ¡®son¡¯ that you will have, you can¡¯t possibly have another nephew to take care of!¡±

    Sister Zhai Hua had too much on her mind. She could not bear to part with Wei De and she had her mind on Wei Wei. It was no wonder that she would make such a grave mistake during her mission.

    If Qiao Nan had not spoken to Zhai Sheng on the phone and knew that he had just had surgery, she would definitely make a phone call to Zhai Sheng to give him a lecture

    As the regimentmander in the army, Zhai Sheng was too daring to allow Zhai Hua to carry out the mission given that she was in such a mental state!

    ¡°Alright, I will try to do it.¡±

    ¡°I want you to be certain. I don¡¯t want you to be unsure!¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Hua gritted her teeth at the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bloodied arms. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely do it. If Wei Dees to the army camp, I will not see him. I will not answer his phone call as well. I promise that I will not leave the army camp to go to Ping Cheng unless I am in a better mental state.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt slightly better that she had the answer she wanted. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be too reproachful on yourself. I believe that by the time you areposed enough to handle your rtionship with Wei De, you will be able to return to the army to carry out missions. As for the training of the new recruits, just take it as a break for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Hua let out a long breath. What worried her most was that Qiao Nan kept silent and did not request anything of her.

    Now that Qiao Nan had requests of her, Zhai Hua did not feel as stifled as before.

    Of course, she had to fulfill her promise to Qiao Nan in order to feel better.

    ¡°Qiao Nan I won¡¯t keep you from your studies. Do I dial this number if I want to contact you in the future?

 Chapter 878 - Not Curious At All

    <h4>Chapter 878 Not Curious At All</h4>

    ¡°Yes, you can call me on this number.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She was worried that Zhai Hua¡¯s resolve would be shaken if Wei De went looking for her. If there was no one for her to discuss with or to give her a reminder, Zhai Hua might be confused again.

    Now that she thought of it, Qiao Nan began to feel anxious.

    She was a student. If Zhai Hua called her, she might not be able to be on standby twenty-four hours a day to answer her call and remind her to stand firm.

    ¡°Okay, goodbye.¡± Zhai Hua was unaware of Qiao Nan¡¯s concerns. After listening to her suggestion, she hung up her phone and immediately volunteered to take part in the training of the new recruits for this year. She was afraid that if she dyed further, she would have second thoughts.

    Given Zhai Hua¡¯s position in the army, the higher-ups usually would not allow her to take part in the training of new recruits. It would be a waste of her talents.

    However, Zhai Hua could not be bothered with that.

    She might have to take responsibility for her failure in the mission and be demoted to the position where she needed to train the new recruits. She was simply getting ready for the tasks in advance.

    Qiao Nan still looked sullen even after speaking with Zhai Hua.

    When Shi Qing came looking for her at night, she still had the same expression.

    Shi Qing grew cautious upon seeing Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you angry at my family...¡±

    ¡°I am indeed in a bad mood, but it is not due to your family. I just spoke to Brother Zhai. He was shot in the arms because of Sister Zhai Hua.¡± Qiao Nan lowered her voice. Thankfully, her three roommates had yet to return to the dormitory. She was still not quite used to talking about Zhai Sheng openly.

    ¡°Why did this happen?!¡± Shi Qing turned serious at the mention of Zhai Sheng¡¯s injuries.

    Qiao Nan reiterated Zhai Hua¡¯s words to Shi Qing. ¡°This is what happened.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua is too... Are Brother Zhai¡¯s injuries serious?¡±

    ¡°He was shot in the arms. The bullets have been removed. He should be alright.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. Brother Zhai did not tell you anything as he did not want you to worry or have conflicts with Sister Zhai Hua. Did the old chief and Auntie Miao know about it?¡± Shi Qing did not know what else to say. She had nothing to say about Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua had lost her senses because of Wei De.

    She had known Sister Zhai Hua for a long time. This was the first time that shemitted such a stupid mistake.

    ¡°I am not sure. I have no time to care about this. I suppose they will not tell me even if they know about it.¡± Brother Zhai was worried, and so were the old chief and Auntie Miao. They would certainly favor their daughter over their daughter-inw.

    They must be worried that she would have some misgivings toward her sister-inw because of what happened. ¡°Have you tidied your dormitory?¡± Shi Qing had not been to her dormitory before going to the Feng family¡¯s residence. ¡°Moreover, do you intend to stay in school or the Feng family¡¯s residence?¡±

    The Feng family had more than one car. It would not be a problem to send Shi Qing to school and pick her up daily.

    ¡°No, I will stay in school.¡± The Feng family wanted her to stay at home, but Shi Qing was unwilling

    It was okay to fetch her to and fro for a few days. But it would be a hassle to do that for four years.

    Shi Qing understood that keeping a proper distance from others would be a way to maintain a good rtionship with them. She must cherish the fact that her two uncles and aunties treated her well. She must not take it for granted that she was the only youngdy at home and felt too smug about it. If she was not careful, they might end up in a bad rtionship.

    Shi Qing would not do the same things ormit the same mistake that Qiu Chenxi had made.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nany on the bedzily. The new semester had yet to start, but she already felt very tired. She did not feel like sitting up once shey down on the bed.

    ¡°Oiao Nan, today...¡± Shi Qing hesitated slightly. She wanted to exin to Qiao Nan regarding the Feng family¡¯s attitude toward her today.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s head was pillowed on her hands. She said softly, ¡°There is no need for any exnation. I am not Grandpa Mao. I do not need to be liked by everyone. Don¡¯t worry. Regardless of the reason, I will not be bothered by it.¡±

    They were Shi Qing¡¯s rtives, not hers.

    It was only by pure coincidence that they met today. Of course, from today onward, she would try her best to avoid such encounters.

    Shi Qing did not feel better at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Instead, she felt worse.

    She had tried hard to sort out the misunderstanding today, but none of her rtives would believe her.

    This time, she had meant to work on Qiao Nan, hoping that she would show the Feng family through actions that she was as good as what Shi Qing had said to clear up the misunderstanding.

    However, Qiao Nan did not seem to care about the Feng family¡¯s attitude toward her. She had no intention of changing their attitude toward her. She was fully at ease. Shi Qing was the only one who was upset.

    Shi Qing looked gloomy. ¡°Qiao Nan, I know that this is unfair to you. They don¡¯t know you. They shouldn¡¯t have judged you in such a way. But discretion is the better part of valor. The Feng family has a lot of influence in the capital. If I have to transfer to another school or something else happens, I will be more assured that my grandparents will take good care of you.¡±

    Qiao Nan propped her head on one hand and looked at Shi Qing. ¡°Have you been brainwashed by your dad and Brother Zhai? There are a lot of new recruits at Peking University this year. I am here to study. I am not here to create havoc or invite troubles. ording to what you said, all of the new recruits this year have strong backing like the Feng family?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. At times, you may not seek trouble, but trouble wille looking for you.¡± Shi Qing sounded like her nanny.

    Qiao Nan chuckled. ¡°I appreciate your kind intentions. You can rest assured that this will not happen. On the other hand, if you keep putting in a good word for me in front of the Feng family, asking them to take good care of me, given their attitude today, your n may backfire on you. People from the Feng family will create trouble for me instead.¡±

    Shi Qing paused momentarily. She scratched her head in agony. ¡°Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you curious about why they treated you in such a manner?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Nan replied coldly.

    Shi Qing seemed to be upset at her reply. Qiao Nan gave in and pacified her. ¡°But I can tell that it is due to my engagement to Brother Zhai and that you are on close terms with me, helping me carry my bags.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shi Qing replied sullenly. ¡°There is another reason that you must not have thought of. Qiu Chenxi is out of her mind. She called the Feng family and sputtered nonsense to them.¡±

 Chapter 879 - Are You Not Angry?

    <h4>Chapter 879 Are You Not Angry?</h4>

    ¡°They thought that... forget it. I don¡¯t feel like repeating her words. It will upset me further.¡±

    ording to her mother and her grandparents, she was too young and simple. She could not tell evil from the good. She had been betrayed by others, yet she still treated them like her friends.

    Shi Qing grew annoyed at the Feng family¡¯s perception of her.

    That was not being simple and innocent. They thought that she was being stupid.

    Qiao Nan finally understood why Shi Qing was so frustrated. She seemed like a restless lion that bared its teeth, letting out guttural snarls and threatening growls.

    Shi Qing abhorred what Qiu Chenxi had done. As an outsider, Qiao Nan knew and understood Shi Qing. However, the Feng family chose to believe Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words instead of listening to Shi Qing¡¯s exnation. It was no wonder that she insisted on staying in school.

    Shi Qing might spurt blood out of anger if the Feng family kept nagging at her.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright that my grandparents believed her words. But I don¡¯t understand why my mom behaves like them. She has seen it for herself how Qiu Chenxi bullied me during all those years in Mo Du when Qiu Chenxi and my aunt visited my grandparents, yet she believes in an outsider instead of her daughter. Qiao Nan, I am very disappointed in my mom.¡± Shi Qing choked back her tears.

    Qiao Nan wrinkled her eyebrows. Why did all of theme sobbing andining to her?

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. As you have said, she is your mom, not Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mom. I suppose she is anxious for you and cares a lot for you. One can never be too careful. What if I am really a bad person and you are deceived by me? You have been staying in Ping Cheng for the past two years. You did not spend a lot of time with your mom. Initially, the reason why you did not want to go back to the Feng family¡¯s residence must be due to the fact that you have mixed emotions now that you are back in the capital, the ce you call home. Your mom feels simr emotions as well. She wants to treat you well and wants to show it through her actions. However, you have always been independent. She does not have the chance to show her concern for you. Therefore, she sees this as a good chance to show her concern for you.¡±

    Shi Qing merely had a small misunderstanding with the Feng family.

    Shi Qing wiped her eyes. ¡°My mom dislikes you. How can you be so calm? Aren¡¯t you angry?¡±

    ¡°I am d for you that you could have what I don¡¯t have and I hope that you can cherish it. To put it bluntly, many people dislike me. Your mom is merely one of them.¡±

    Shi Qing burst out inughter. She was amused. ¡°No matter what, I am relieved after hearing what you said today.¡± After talking to Qiao Nan, Shi Qing knew how she should handle Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Feng family.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you are relieved. It is ten o¡¯clock. Before wee to the capital, we have promised our dads that we will not develop the habit of staying outte into the night. You should go back to sleep.¡± Qiao Nan stretched herself. If not for Shi Qing, she might have already fallen asleep.

    Qiao Nan already had a lot to worry about. She had no wish to bother herself with such matters.

    When one had too many worries, one simply stopped worrying about them.

    She had too many worries and concerns that she simply gave up troubling herself with finding a solution. It was such a hot day. She might as well sleep so that she would not feel the heat anymore.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Shi Qing stood up. ¡°Aren¡¯t there a total of four people in the dormitory? Why are you the only one here? Where are the other three girls?¡±

    ¡°They must be having fun outside.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you joining them?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t fool around. I am attached.¡± Qiao Nan raised her left hand where her ring was. They were in college and their parents were not around to discipline them. Many college students would take the opportunity to indulge themselves.

    Particrly Tang Jiayun, who dressed up and encouraged her roommates, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, to put on makeup and participate in a get-together with her. They sauntered out of the dormitory after dressing up to meet the good-looking male students from theputing faculty.

    Qiao Nan rejected Tang Jiayun¡¯s invitation to go along with them.

    The male students from theputing faculty must be nerdy.

    Good-looking?

    Hopefully, Tang Jiayun and the two of them would not return in disappointment.

    Shi Qing pursed her lips. ¡°You are right. If you fool around, Brother Zhai will make life difficult for me. Let¡¯s keep a watch on each other. We shall not participate in those activities that we are not supposed to take part in. I am sleepy as well. I will take a shower and sleep.¡±

    ¡°Good night.¡±

    ¡°Good night.¡± Shi Qing yawned on her way back to her dormitory. After a shower, she ced her clothes in the basin, intending to wash them tomorrow, when her cell phone rang.

    Feng Cheng bought a new cell phone for Shi Qing this afternoon. She told Shi Peng of Shi Qing¡¯s new cell phone number, lest Shi Peng could not reach her. ¡°Qing Qing, it is me.¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Qing Qing, are you still angry?¡± Feng Cheng knew that her daughter had left the house in anger.

    They had been separated for so long. As her mother, she did not get to see her daughter often. Now that she finally came to the capital to study and they had more chances to see each other, she did not get to have a good chat with her daughter before she left in anger.

    Feng Cheng felt as if she was on pins and needles.

    It was unnecessary to anger her daughter because of an outsider.

    ¡°I am no longer angry.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Feng Cheng was surprised. She had thought that Qing Qing would stay angry for quite some time. Since a young age, Qing Qing was stubborn like Shi Peng.

    ¡°Yes. I have thought it through. You should know Qiu Chenxi¡¯s personality as well. Since you believe her instead of me, it only goes to show that weckmunication. I am not in a hurry to get you to change your mind. As distance tests a horse¡¯s strength, time reveals a person¡¯s heart. Mom, I have grown up. I am able to judge for myself. I can understand your worry and concern for me. I will be studying in the capital for four years. There are bound to be more interactions in the future. You will eventually know whether it is a misunderstanding or not. There will eventually be an answer. Mom, the school has arranged for us to go through military training. I will have to turn off the cell phone tomorrow. By then, you will not be able to reach me. Don¡¯t let your thoughts run wild and doubt that I am angry and hence I don¡¯t answer your call. It is the instructor who does not allow us to use the cell phone.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure. When will the military training end?¡± Feng Cheng was more than happy that her daughter did not throw tantrums and talked nicely to her.

    ¡°It will take ten days to half a month. When it is over and I can turn on the phone, I will give you a call.¡± Shi Qing could not help but yawn. ¡°Mom, it iste. I am exhausted after taking a long train ride. I will go to sleep first. Mom, good night. Please say good night to my grandparents.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Mom, Qing Qing says her good night to you.¡± An honest Feng Cheng ryed Shi Qing¡¯s words without another thought. Shi Qing and the two people on the other end of the phone rolled their eyes. They were rendered speechless by Feng Cheng¡¯s words.

    In the end, Old Master Feng cleared his throat, raising his voice slightly. ¡°Qing Qing, since you are tired, you should go to sleep. We will talk after your military training is over.¡±

 Chapter 880 - Letâ€™s Meet Her Next Time

    <h4>Chapter 880 Let¡¯s Meet Her Next Time</h4>

    ¡°Sure, grandpa. I will go to sleep first. Goodbye.¡± Shi Qing ended the call after saying her greeting.

    Grandma Feng said softly, ¡°Isn¡¯t Qing Qing angry that we eavesdropped on her conversation?¡±

    ¡°Not angry.¡± Old Master Feng was certain. ¡°But she should have been angry.¡± Qing Qing did not like this kind of behavior. ¡°Alright, Cheng Cheng, Qing Qing is asleep. You should sleep too. You are already a mother, yet you are not as gracious as your child.¡±

    ¡°I am relieved that Qing Qing is not angry with me. Dad, Mom, I will go to sleep. Both of you should sleep as well. You are usually asleep by now.¡± Feng Cheng looked happy now that she had set her heart at ease.

    Grandma Feng felt at ease as well. ¡°Old man, let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Unlike Feng Cheng and Grandma Feng who had set their hearts at ease, Old Master Feng narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

    Hey down on the bed and made a randomment. ¡°If Qing Qing wants to bring the youngdy to our house next time, just let her do so.¡±

    Grandma Feng, who was about to drift off to sleep, sat up, shocked. ¡°Old man, did you say wrongly or have I heard you wrong? Why will you allow such a youngdy to our house? I disagree.¡±

    Qing Qing was a good child, unlike other people who were scheming. She could not feel reassured that Qing Qing was friends with someone who was soplicated.

    Old Master Feng took off his shirt andy on the bed. He did not say anything else, ignoring Grandma Feng who was sitting on the bed.

    Grandma Feng could tell from her husband¡¯s attitude that he was serious. There was no room for discussion.

    Old Master Feng had years of experience. He understood that one could not judge someone based on their looks.

    It was not urate to judge someone based on their looks, and neither was it right to judge someone based on what other people said.

    Old Master Feng could see the changes in his granddaughter as well as her firm attitude. He felt that it would be worth it to get to know Qiao Nan better.

    old Master Feng was not really fond of Qiu Chenxi. If his precious granddaughter was not seen carrying the bags for someone else today, he would not have such a strong dislike for Qiao Nan.

    Now that he had calmed down slightly and his granddaughter did not kick up a fuss over what happened today, Old Master Feng knew that it must be under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence that his granddaughter could be so reasonable and calm. She could not have sorted out her thoughts by herself.

    However, he did not have any interaction with Qiao Nan. Hence, he could not judge her person. Therefore, he did not tell his wife what was on his mind.

    Since Old Master Feng had already said so, even if Grandma Feng did not understand his intention, she could not go against his wishes.

    Furthermore, Grandma Feng knew that Qiao Nan would be taking part in the long period of military training with Shi Qing.

    Nobody knew if Shi Qing would bring Qiao Nan to the Feng family¡¯s residence or not. Grandma Feng did not wish to quarrel with her husband because of something that might not take ce. Therefore, shey on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that the Feng family was troubled because of her. She had no intention of gaining their approval or clearing up the misunderstanding. However, those around Shi Qing could tell that Qiao Nan had a positive influence on her. Although Qiao Nan did not bother to speak up for herself, discerning people would be able to tell the truth from the lies.

    After the admission exercise waspleted, the new batch of freshmen had to go through military training.

    Before the start of the military training, there was a minor incident in the school. Every student who stayed in the dormitory had to go through door ess to get into the dormitory.

    The three roommates in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory had too much fun outside. They must have drunk too much wine and returnedte to the dormitory. Moreover, they also caused a ruckus when they returned to their dormitory.

    Students had to go through door ess to get to the dormitory. However, since the school term had yet to start, the life counselor had intended to turn a blind eye to those students who werete.

    But the threedies had too much to drink. They were not fearful of beingte and they kicked up a ruckus at school. The life counselor told them to keep their volumes down and to hurry back to the dormitory to wash and rest. But having been unbridled from having too much wine, Tang Jiayun shouted back at the life counselor without any fear of disturbing other students.

    The three of them made such a din that the life counselor had no choice but to be strict with them and show them who was in charge. If she was lenient with them, they might not be fearful of her and would not listen to her instruction in the future!

    One could imagine what happened thereafter.

    School had just started and the three roommates from Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory had be ¡®famous¡¯ in school for being rude and impolite to the life counselor. They became widely-known figures in the female dormitory.

    During the military training, Tang Jiayun and the two of them hung their heads in embarrassment. They trailed behind Qiao Nan as if they were her tails.

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan had learned their lesson. They stopped being so close to Tang Jiayun. Instead, they were more willing to hang out with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, the weather is so hot, yet we still have to go through military training. Don¡¯t you think that the school is too inhumane?¡± Tang Jiayun behaved herself during the military training. She would join her roommates and participate in school activities with them. ¡°I will be a few shades darker after the military training.¡±

    Tang Jiayun felt like crying at the thought that she would be short, ugly, and had a darkplexion.

    ¡°You will be fair after winter.¡± Qiao Nan hydrated herself. ¡°Every batch of freshmen has to go through military training during the same time of the year.¡± The school did not give anyone preferential treatment. What was there for Tang Jiayun toin about?

    ¡°Forget it.¡± Tang Jiayun knew that the school would not change the timing for the military training no matter how upset she was. However, she was unhappy and wanted to find someone toin to. But Qiao Nan was indifferent to herints. Tang Jiayun was unhappy that she had no one to rant to.

    Women would forge friendships through gossiping and they would also sever ties because of gossip.

    There was nothing to gossip about between Qiao Nan and Tang Jiayun. Therefore, there was no way that they could be close to each other.

    ¡°Look, do you think what I said is true?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it seems like it. The instructor seems to be sneaking nces at Qiao Nan.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were whispering to each other. ¡°I notice that the instructor has been casting several nces in our direction. But, are you sure he is looking at Qiao Nan?¡± She only knew that the instructor was indeed looking toward their ss. However, she was not sure who the instructor was looking at.

 Chapter 881 - Coming for You

    <h4>Chapter 881 Coming for You</h4>

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s discussion crept into Qiao Nan¡¯s ears. Tang Jiayun also heard them.

    Tang Jiayun nced toward the instructor that they were referring to and said mockingly, ¡°Don¡¯t imagine things anymore. We are all freshmen and don¡¯t know one another. The instructor is just casually turning his head. He is not looking at anyone in particr. Don¡¯t talk nonsense, lest our ss bes theughingstock of others.¡±

    That instructor was looking at Qiao Nan? How could Qiao Nan possibly warrant that?

    If she had not made a mistake, that instructor¡¯s badge stated that he was an officer in a leadership position and not just any ordinary soldier in the army.

    Qiao Nan was just ady from the countryside. How could she get to know such a character?

    What a joke!

    Tang Jiayun herself did not even have a chance to get to know such individuals.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan did not give any reaction. Otherwise, it would be obvious that these words of Tang Jiayun were directed at Qiao Nan.

    Tang Jiayun looked at the long-sleeved camouge shirt and trousers that she was wearing. They had already stered to her body as she was drenched in her own sweat. She looked disheveled, as if she had just fallen into the waters ande out of it.

    Facing such a situation, Tang Jiayun dared not apply any makeup regardless of how vain she was.

    To Tang Jiayun, who had recently be a fan of makeup, she felt very depressed that she had to face these instructors, who were brimming with male hormones, with a bare face directly.

    If she could wear a figure-hugging and low-cut dress as well as apply light makeup, it was definitely possible that those few instructors would look in the direction of their ss continuously. Most importantly, she was certain that their eyes would be on her.

    At the thought of this, Tang Jiayun felt that it was a sheer pity.

    ¡°Right, Qiao Nan, when the military training ends, should we organize a farewell event for the instructors?¡± At that time, the instructors and school could not possibly force them to wear these ugly camouge clothes. She would then be able to change into her dress, wear high-heel shoes, and doll herself up beautifully with makeup so that she could have a good bonding session with these instructors.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We have to see if anyone in the ss could organize this.¡± Qiao Nan was wiping her sweat. She felt much morefortable after drinking sufficient water.

    As for Tang Jiayun¡¯s suggestion, Qiao Nan did not have anyment.

    Tang Jiayun sized up Qiao Nan and even went to sit beside her deliberately. This made Qiao Nan pull a long face. The weather was so hot Did they have to sit so close together to make themselves suffer?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, there are so many instructors. What are your thoughts when you see them?¡± In the past, she had also participated in military training. However, the ¡®quality¡¯ of the instructors that she had previously met was not as good as the batch of instructors today. At that time, she thought that the so-called soldiers were all short and dwarf-like. However, this year, although the instructors were a little too tanned, they were all tall, big, and charismatic.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Facing the dis-enlightened Qiao Nan, Tang Jiayun borated. ¡°The one in your family-how is he inparison to these instructors?¡±

    ¡°Of course mine is better!¡± It was needless topare.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Tang Jiayun expressed disbelief. She felt that either Qiao Nan was boasting or it was purely because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    These instructors, especially the one that L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao mentioned, had bright and promising futures ahead. They were all holding leadership positions. Could ordinary folks bepared to them?

    ¡°Gather!¡± At this moment, the instructorsmanded the students, who were scattered around and resting, to gather immediately and continue the merciless physical training.

    The first day of the military training simply caused the students to feel as exhausted as dogs. To Qiao Nan, who suffered from some ailments during summer, it was even more terrible.

    After forcing herself to fill her tummy with quite a fair bit of food from the canteen, Qiao Nan then dragged her exhausted body and hurried to the dormitory to wash up and go to bed. She wanted to have more time to sleep and replenish her energy so that she could cope with the military training session tomorrow.

    Unfortunately, in less than five minutes after she hit the bed, Qiao Nan was pulled awake by someone.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was on fire. She nearly scolded the person who pulled her up.

    It was only when Qiao Nan opened her eyes and saw that Shi Qing, and not the three dormitory mates, was the one who came to look for her that she suppressed her anger. ¡°It is best that you give me a good exnation for this. Otherwise, look at how I will deal with you!¡±

    Shi Qing was taken aback. This was the first time that she saw Qiao Nan angry when thetter woke up. ¡°Do you know who the instructor that trained my ss today was?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± There were so many soldiers in China. The number of soldiers that she knew by names could be counted with one hand, let alone two. How would she possibly know who the instructor who trained Shi Qing¡¯s ss was?¡±

    ¡°Zhou Jun!¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhou?¡± At this juncture, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind sobered up a little. At the sight that they were the only ones in the dormitory, the three dormitory mates had not returned for whatever reasons-Qiao Nan then felt more at ease. ¡°Brother Zhai told me that he¡¯s noting.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯te. Zhou Jun was the one who came.¡± Brother Zhai was not wrong.

    ¡°This is not Ping Cheng but the capital. The instructors who provide military training to the college students are from Ping Cheng and not the capital. Are you trying to give me a fright?¡± Qiao Nan did not believe Shi Qing. ¡°Did you make a mistake?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not as if I¡¯ve known Zhou Jun for only one or two days. How would I make a mistake? The strange thing is why did he teach my ss instead of yours? Besides, I¡¯m very certain that my ss instructor was Zhou Jun. I also observed that he had been looking in the direction of your ss during the break time today.¡±

    Shi Qing did not study at Ping Cheng High School during her first year of high school studies. Nevertheless, she had long heard from Tang Mengran about the glorious history of Qiao Nan knowing two military training instructors of ss one who consecutively came to teach them.

    They were already college students now. Shi Qing had also had a secret crush on someone before. How would she not understand how Zhou Jun felt toward Qiao Nan?

    Hence, she came to tell Qiao Nan and share with her this big gossip.

    ¡°Tell me, did Zhou June for you?¡± Since that was the case, why did Zhou Jun train her ss instead of Qiao Nan¡¯s?

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Let me tell you. Don¡¯t spread this around. I¡¯m already engaged to Brother Zhou and many people in the army know about this. I don¡¯t believe Brother Zhou doesn¡¯t know. Furthermore, this is a college. Interpersonal rtionships are moreplex than those in junior and senior high schools. That Tang Jiayun from my dormitory is one of those who are not easy to deal with. Don¡¯t create troubles for me.¡±

    It was obvious at first sight that Tang Jiayun was one that had matured early. In particr, toward the area of romance psychology, she was not less knowledgeable than the Xu Tingting in the past. ¡°Today, Tang Jiayun was already thinking of organizing a farewell party for the instructors. You have also seen for yourself. Tang Jiayun¡¯s means are more sophisticated than that of Xu Tingting. Because of Tang Jiayun, the other two of my dormitory mates had been criticized by the counselor just two nights ago. The military training made us as lethargic as a dog, yet they can still have fun outside instead ofing back. I don¡¯t know what they are doing.¡±

    In terms of winning over people¡¯s hearts, Xu Tingting should acknowledge Tang Jiayun as her master.

 Chapter 882 - A Wanton College Life

    <h4>Chapter 882 A Wanton College Life</h4>

    After they wrote the self-reflection letter, L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao had been sticking to her in the morning to distance themselves from Tang Jiayun.

    When it was afternoon, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan actually congregated with Tang Jiayun again.

    Shi Qing gave a thumbs-up. She also took her hat off Tang Jiayun regarding this aspect. Thetter was truly a ¡®talent¡¯. ¡°Rest assured. I know what to do regarding this matter. If you¡¯re not alone in your dormitory when I came in, would I tell you about this directly?¡±

    At the thought of Zhou Jun¡¯s situation, Shi Qing pitied him very much. ¡°Brother Zhai is really vicious. He snatched you away first. Skillful.¡±

    ¡°I see Brother Zhou as my elder brother.¡± Qiao Nan could feel a headache as she said this. It had note to her mind that Brother Zhou would like her or have feelings for her.

    Toward this matter, Qiao Nan found out about it only after some time and realization.

    Hence, when she first heard that Zhou Jun was the instructor who was training Shi Qing, Qiao Nan had a great shock. After all, she could still remember the conversation between L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao during the daytime.

    Shi Qing gave a three-minute mourn for Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you want to meet Zhou Jun?¡± At the same time, Qiao Nan could ask Zhou Jun why he came to the capital although he was a soldier from Ping Cheng¡¯s army. It could not be so coincidental, right?

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan declined. ¡°It¡¯s too awkward. I think Brother Zhou may not know how to face me at this point in time.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not willing to meet him, so Shi Qing would not press on anymore. ¡°Alright, I know. I won¡¯t talk about it anymore. It is already half past seven. Perhaps those three dormitory mates of yours will being back soon. I¡¯m going back to my dormitory to sleep. Quickly go to bed if you are feeling tired.¡±

    What if the instructors were to call for a sudden gathering tomorrow morning? It would be best that Qiao Nan slept as early as possible, in case she ** again if she could not restore the strength and energy that she had lost today.

    ¡°Okay.¡± As soon as Shi Qing left Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory, Qiao Nantched the door. Thereafter, she leaned back and slept within seconds after her head hit the pillow. She went into such a deep slumber that she did not even sense anything when the Tang Jiayun trio came back.

    When the three of them returned to the dormitory, they obviously felt more exhausted than Qiao Nan. After all, they participated in some extracurricr activities.

    There was a sh in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes and she gathered her pieces of clothing at lightning speed. ¡°I¡¯ll go and bathe first.¡± She then squeezed into the toilet and quickly washed up so that she could go to bed.

    When she was bathing, L¨¹ Yan felt extremely regretful. Clearly, she had already suffered once yesterday. Why did she fall into the trap again today? She was already exhausted beyond words due to the military training during the day and she still went out with Tang Jiayun to have fun. She was in such fatigue that every piece of her muscle felt so numb; they did not seem to belong to her anymore.

    L¨¹ Yan felt so exhausted that she could barely open her eyes.

    When L¨¹ Yan finished bathing, she ced the dirtyundry in the sink. She could not even be bothered to wash them as she had depleted her energy. She theny on her bed as soon as she could

    Next, Yu Xiaoxiao and Tang Jiayun washed away the sweat from the body at their fastest speed. Like L¨¹ Yan, they also ced their clothing in the sink. They would wash them tomorrow when they had regained their senses. All of them fell on their beds, feeling exhausted.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, the three of them were obviously worn out but they could not sleep immediately due to the activities that they had after the military training. They could still feel much excitement.

    Hence, when the trioy in bed without many movements for one hour, they discovered that they were suffering from insomnia despite being so exhausted!

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan saw iting and fell asleep very soon at half past seven after Shi Qing left, when the dormitory was very quiet.

    The next day, when sounds of the whistle could be heard at five o¡¯clock early in the morning, Qiao Nan, who had slept for a full nine to ten hours, woke up feeling very energized. She then brushed her teeth and washed up withbat speed, took down the camouge uniform that she had washed yesterday, and wore them. ¡°That¡¯s the sound of the whistle for us to gather. The three of you, quickly wake up.¡±

    As Qiao Nan was wearing her clothes, she even tugged at the trio who was sleeping very soundly in bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be noisy. I¡¯m so tired.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m exhausted. Let me sleep for another half an hour.¡±

    ¡°Tired!¡±

    When the three of them returned to the dormitory yesterday, it was almost ten in the evening. Coupled with insomnia due to feelings of excitement, they only fell asleep when it was about midnight.

    The extreme physical training coupled with such a short sleeping time made the trio feel so bad they could not get up. They were lying on the bed and snorting when Qiao Nan tried to wake them up.

    Again, Qiao Nan patted the bed frames of the three of them with might. ¡°Quickly wake up. The instructor must be waiting for us at the field now. I¡¯m going off first!¡± Qiao Nan could not possibly continue wasting her time to wake her three dormitory mates up and cause herself to bete.

    After leaving behind these words, Qiao Nan ran toward the field to gather with the rest at lightning speed.

    When Qiao Nan arrived, she saw that the instructor had a digital watch in his hand.

    Qiao Nan was not the first one that arrived. However, she saw that there were only four people from the ss who were already present. Hence, Qiao Nan¡¯s speed was still considered eptable. Qiao Nan stood with a prim and proper posture as she looked at the instructor with her pair of eyes.

    When about ten ssmates had arrived, Qiao Nan estimated the time in her heart. About fifteen minutes had passed since the instructor first blew the whistle. At this moment, the instructor pressed his digital watch once.

    At the sight of the instructor¡¯s action, the ssmates who had already arrived took turns to heave sighs of relief. They were d and relieved that they had slept early the night before and could get up from bed today.

    It was uncertain how the instructor would punish those who werete.

    In the end, when everyone had arrived, almost an hour had passed since the instructor first blew the whistle.

    Those who werete looked apathetic and low-spirited. Some even had unkempt and untidy appearances.

    The most uneptable thing was that there was a faint smell of sweat spreading. This smell could truly drive one out of their mind. It was overwhelming!

    ¡°Those who werete, run ten rounds in the field.¡± The instructor¡¯s face was strict and solemn as if he was the King of Hell. ¡°Do it now!¡±

    ¡°Ah!!¡± The ssmates who werete all took turns to let out sighs of fear and shock. ¡°Ten... ten rounds... Is this the start of the momentum that will tire us to our death?¡± It might even be a problem for them toplete five rounds, let alone ten.

    ¡°Those who don¡¯t do it properly, fifteen rounds. Those who refuse to be punished, twenty rounds. Those who were notte, we will immediately start the military training session. Those who are punished to run, after you have finished your rounds, you have to catch up with the speed of the training session. You can have lunch after youplete the training session.¡±

    The instructor¡¯s tone was extremely serious and strict. That firm and resolute tone made these students feel fearful although they could not ept this. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you can let yourself loose and live in a carefree manner. This is a school. It is a ce for you to learn and pick up knowledge. Now, you are undergoing military training. You have to be organized and self-disciplined. Today, you are only given a small punishment for major wrongdoing. If youmit the same mistake again, you will be asked to run twenty rounds immediately!¡±

    Many students thought that they had reached a major milestone in life after they had entered college and could bid farewell to the long and suffering student life, that they could now live a carefree adult-life.

    Even the requirement set by their parents that did not allow their schooling children to be involved in puppy love before they graduated from high school studies had been withdrawn.

 Chapter 883 - She Was the One Who Caused This

    Chapter 883 She Was the One Who Caused This

    It was precisely because of such an incorrect mindset that these freshmen who had worked hard and finally entered college overindulged, making all sorts of mistakes and bad habits. The school hoped to cure and change these freshmen¡¯s poor habits and thinking through the military training given by the instructors.

    As such, after the military training ended yesterday, the school did not impose strict disciplinary rules or restrictions on the freshmen. They were free to do whatever they wanted after the training.

    There were many like the Tang Jiayun trio who dolled themselves up and went out to have fun after the military training.

    The school only issued each person one set of camouge uniform that was required to be worn during the military training. The training was conducted during the daytime. Given the current weather and temperature, students could immediately wash their clothing on the same day after the military training ended. As long as they did that, the next day, regardless of whether the instructor brought forward the gathering time, the uniform would definitely be clean and ready to be worn.

    The camouge uniform had been drenched in sweat for the entire day, but people such as Tang Jiayun did not wash it yesterday.

    During military training, it waspulsory to wear this set of uniform. Hence, regardless of how much they shunned the smell of it or how particr they were about cleanliness, Tang Jiayun and people like her had no choice but to pinch their nose and wear their uniform.

    The rules set by the instructor were also very simple and concise. It could also be said that they were obvious at one sight. They were instructors and they were tasked to conduct physical training for and instill discipline in these students. They were not teachers and giving guidance systematically and patiently was not their job. As such, the instructors certainly would not teach patiently, persuade relentlessly, emphasize the need to maintain self-discipline, or even give any pointers during the military training period.

    When they reported to the school, each freshman had been issued with the information on the military training. As top students studying at Peking University, they would not have any problem reading the information.

    The instructors¡¯ style was simply open, honest, and direct. Those who adhered to the rules would proceed with the normal training routine. There was only one word for those who ignored the rules: punishment!

    Even if it was a stubborn mule, the instructors would also take them in hand!

    Under the extremely hot weather in summer, just on the second day, the instructors had already let the freshmen experience and understand what was the so-called winter-like cold and strict attitude and iron-like hard and stiff discipline.

    Words of persuasion like those from a mother would definitely note from the instructors. The freshmen were not even qualified to choose not to listen.

    This sweeping style adopted by the instructors made many students grieve loudly in pain.

    ¡°Those who have been punished to run, step out. Ready, get set, go!¡± The instructors ignored the wailing of the freshmen.

    This was not the first time that such a situation urred and it would not be thest time. These few soldiers had been to Peking University more than once as instructors and they were already used to such situations. Everyone was a ¡®veteran¡¯. No matter how miserable the freshmen seemed to be, these instructors were as calm and steady as the mountains. They were extremely firm and determined.

    Amongst the people who were wailing, most weredies, especially Tang Jiayun. The moment she heard that she had to run ten rounds, she wished so much that she would faint on the spot and remain unconscious for the entire day.

    Tang Jiayun had wanted to plead with the instructor and request for a lighter punishment.

    However, when she saw how ck the instructor¡¯s face was, she shrank her neck and did notmit the mistake that Xu Tingting did in the past. She very abidingly stepped out and ran. It was just that when she stepped out, she red at Qiao Nan unhappily and even resentfully. It was obvious from her eyes that she was ming Qiao Nan for this.

    It was not just Tang Jiayun. Even Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan cast simr looks at Qiao Nan. They were also experiencing some internal conflicts. There was a continuous battle between logic and feelings in their minds.

    Having been ¡®baptized¡¯ with such nces from all three of her dormitory mates, Qiao Nan first felt sullen. Why did the three of them look at her like that? She then gently sighed. In theing four years of college, she could no longer wish for a good atmosphere among dormitory mates that was simr to that of her three years of life in senior high school.

    Her only wish now was that the Tang Jiayun trio would not go overboard in ostracizing her. She could ept that. If there were bigger issues, she could only find ways to move out of the dormitory.

    Staying in school was the most economical. In the capital where every inch ofnd was equivalent to gold, one could not move out of the dormitory and find another ce to live so easily. It was a task as arduous as going to heaven.

    The school term had just begun and such a conflict had urred. All of a sudden, ayer of gloom shrouded Qiao Nan¡¯s good mood of finally being able to study in college.

    On the second day, due to disciplinary issues, many freshmen from all the sses had been punished to do the runs.

    As such, odd phenomena urred. The number of students who were participating in formal military training was lesser than the number of students who were running around the fields.

    The instructors walked the talk. Anyone who dared to cheat or smoke their way through under their noses would receive additional punishment after the initial ten rounds ording to the rules that they had openly established earlier. The students were all feeling depressed. So many ¡®ck sheep¡¯ were running at the same time. How could the instructors remember so clearly the number of rounds made or missed by each of them?

    Those students who had abidinglypleted their ten rounds of run quickly returned to the group and fought for the time to catch up with the rest of the students who were undergoing the training.

    Of course, those who finished off the runs earlier had dyed their lunchtime by at most one to two hours, while those who were slower or given additional punishment simply fell behind by half a day.

    Simr to yesterday, Qiao Nan had washed the camouge uniform that reeked of sweat and left it to dry outside. She had also freshened herself up and was ready to lie on the bed to rest. It was then that the Tang Jiayun trio came back, holding on to one another. They were drenched in sweat and smelled like beggars who had squatted overnight beside rubbish bins.

    Tang Jiayun could not stand that disheveled look of herself. At the sight of Qiao Nan restingfortably, she exploded immediately. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you still have any love for your ssmates? Don¡¯t you think your expression was too stoic today? I really didn¡¯t expect that you¡¯re this kind of person. The three of us were really mistaken about you!¡±

    ¡°Tang Jiayun, forget it.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao held on to Tang Jiayun. ¡°Actually, this matter does not have anything to do with Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Agree,¡± L¨¹ Yan said with conscience although she, too, felt unhappy.

    Having been a top-performing student all this while, L¨¹ Yan had always been the teacher¡¯s pet and the most trusted student. She had happily be a student of Peking University. Who would have known that she would embarrass herself twice just after entering Peking University for two days? First, she had been punished by the counselor to write a self-reflection letter. Today, she was punished by the instructors to run.

    All the punishment and scolding that she had experienced from the day she became a student-two years in kindergarten, six years in primary school, three years in junior high school and senior high school respectively-a total of 14 years¡ªwere not more than those that she had experienced during the past two days!

    How could a typical person ept such a difference?

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t it have anything to do with her?!¡± Tang Jiayun was not pleased. ¡°If not for her, would we be punished to run today?!¡±

    Fortunately, many people had been punished to run today. If she was only one of those few who were being punished, Tang Jiayun, who was particr about her pride, might lose her confidence to study at Peking University afterward.

 Chapter 884 - Get a Clue

    <h4>Chapter 884 Get a Clue</h4>

    Even so, Tang Jiayun also felt that today¡¯s matter was too embarrassing.

    What if she were to find a boyfriend in school in the future? When she was dating, what if someone were to suddenly tell her boyfriend that she was once punished to run during military training? Would she still be able to continue with the rtionship?

    If she could not find herself a good boyfriend and let slip her prince charming because of this blemish in her life, who was to be med? Could Qiao Nan afford topensate her?!

    Having listened to such ridiculous reasoning from Tang Jiayun, Qiao Nan twitched the corners of her lips. She looked at Tang Jiayun in shock and disbelief. ¡°I have understood most of your words. Can I please ask how you got into Peking University with that intellect of yours?¡±

    Tang Jiayun was unreasonable. She could not me Qiao Nan for speaking out so harshly.

    ¡°You...¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao held on to Tang Jiayun swiftly. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you wish to create trouble again and be punished by the instructors, offending the counselor? The school term has just started for two days and you wish to write a second self-reflection letter? L¨¹ Yan is right when she said that this matter does not have anything to do with Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had already tried to wake us up when she got up this morning. She had urged us more than once.¡±

    They were the ones who had been too exhausted from the fun yesterday. Due to feelings of excitement, they not only sleptte but also had difficulty falling asleep. As such, they could not get out of bed today and as a result, they were punished by the instructor to do the runs.

    ¡°As dormitory mates, she ran off just after trying to wake us up twice. Is that correct?¡± Tang Jiayun would not concede defeat. ¡°If she had tried a few more times, perhaps we wouldn¡¯t have beente. Furthermore, we are going to be four years of dormitory mates in college. We should love and care for one another. We should feel proud as a team. I am ashamed of her behavior which abandoned us halfway! There are only four people in the dormitory. Three of us were punished and only one individual did not face any problem, yet she still thinks that she has done well? This is not being sociable!¡±

    ¡°Tang Jiayun, you have gone overboard.¡± L¨¹ Yan took a deep breath. ¡°Alright, we have been punished today. Quickly bathe and go to sleep to replenish yesterday¡¯s loss. Anyway, I certainly don¡¯t want to be punished to do the runs again tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°What do the two of you mean by this? Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t me Qiao Nan in your heart at all. Your expressions say otherwise.¡± Tang Jiayun was displeased that Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan put her down and did not stand by her side when she was criticizing Qiao Nan.

    Yu Xiaoxiao let out an exasperated sigh. She could not be bothered to waste her breath on Tang Jiayun anymore.

    There were only four people in the dormitory and Qiao Nan was the only one who was not punished. Yu Xiaoxiao also felt extremely embarrassed about being punished. She also took a little issue to and felt uneasy toward Qiao Nan. However, this was a separate matter altogether.

    Since Qiao Nan could not wake them up, she should have stayed behind and waited for them such that they would bete and punished together? Yu Xiaoxiao was unable to agree with these words of Tang Jiayun.

    Anyway, if she were in Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes, like Qiao Nan, she would definitely proceed to the gathering area first. After all, she had already tried but others would not get up.

    To stay behind, bete, and be punished together because of dormitory team spiritshe did not believe that Tang Jiayun would be able to do this if she were Qiao Nan. Was she trying to scare a fool?

    Since she was unable to reason out with Tang Jiayun, Yu Xiaoxiao kept mum. Like what L¨¹ Yan said, she could notmit the same mistake again. It was impossible for her to continue to fall in the same ce. She had to get up quickly.

    Although she was unhappy that Qiao Nan was the only one from the dormitory that was not punished, Yu Xiaoxiao was smart enough to follow the footsteps of Qiao Nan. She no longer dared to listen to Tang Jiayun¡¯s cajoling¡ªthat they had to rx a little, have more fun, and widen their horizons since they were now in college.

    Students were students after all. At the very least, during the military training period, the rules were stricter than before.

    It was not just Yu Xiaoxiao. L¨¹ Yan was silent but she was also prepared to do so.

    They had not slept well at allst night. At this juncture, L¨¹ Yan just wished to lie on the bed and sleep as soon as possible. However, she had to wash the clothing that she wore during the military training. If she did not do so, it would be moldy vegetables soon.

    It takes two hands to p. Qiao Nan just took it that Tang Jiayun was crazy while Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan decided not to join Tang Jiayun in her fun endeavors anymore. Tang Jiayun, who had been punished and embarrassed for the whole day, also did not wish to make the same mistake again. Hence, the topic that was clearly very intense and shameless ceased.

    When the three of them started to wash up, Qiao Nan simply took out a book, covered her face, and went to sleep.

    No matter how unhappy Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were, they knew the limits. However, it was different for Tang Jiayun. She deliberately made a ruckus when she was taking a bath and washing her face and clothes to disturb Qiao Nan such that thetter could not sleep.

    On what grounds could Qiao Nanfortably sleep when she could not even lift her hands after being worn out by such a long punishment?

    Tang Jiayun intended to take revenge on Qiao Nan but Yu Xiaoxiao stopped her. ¡°Tang Jiayun, enough. This is the school dormitory, not the house of your Tang family. With the noises that you¡¯re making, do you think the schoolmates staying upstairs, downstairs, and all around us will not have any views on this? Are you trying to provoke the counselor toe over?¡±

    Due to the military training, who did not be as exhausted as a dog? Who did not wish to sleep immediately once they had the time to do so?

    With Tang Jiayun making such a din, she might not manage to disturb Qiao Nan. Instead, she might wake others up.

    If the counselor were to pursue this matter, the whole dormitory and not just Tang Jiayun would be down on luck. They would have to be punished together!

    Yu Xiaoxiao was very fearful of being tricked by Tang Jiayun again. Once bitten, twice shy. This time, Yu Xiaoxiao was not willing to let Tang Jiayun make a din. ¡°I think Qiao Nan is right in something that she said.¡±

    How did Tang Jiayun get into Peking University with that intellect of hers?

    Tang Jiayun was not afraid of offending Qiao Nan but she was a little worried about falling out with other schoolmates.

    Having been chided by Yu Xiaoxiao, Tang Jiayun also did not continue to foolishly make a din. She became more abiding.

    When the three of them had finished drying their clothes, they fell onto the bed and slept. In fact, they did not even take their dinner. It was not because they did not manage to buy anything. They were just so exhausted that they lost their appetite.

    Tang Jiayun¡¯s temper was certainly not good. She had been punished and embarrassed herself. She thus wanted to save herself some face. Therefore, she had wanted toy her hands on Qiao Nan.

    Unfortunately, the strength of the military training was too great. Tang Jiayun had the intention but did not have the strength to do so. Not knowing why, Tang Jiayun seemed to have be the target of the instructor¡¯s ¡®special care¡¯. It waspleting the same mission. Others managed toplete them sessfully but Tang Jiayun had to be ¡®picked on¡¯ for her mistakes, and it urred for every mistake that shemitted.

    When Tang Jiayun made a mistake, what was needed to be done? She had to be punished. She had to do the action again until she got it right.

    Under such ¡®special care¡¯, at the end of the military training, Tang Jiayun had lost all her strength despite her ¡®thoughts¡¯. That little strength left of hers was saved to pine for the military training to end soon so that she could escape from all the pain and suffering.

    It was not that Qiao Nan, who had been ¡®remembered¡¯ by Tang Jiayun, did not sense anything. Now, their dormitory had been divided into three groups. Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan belonged to one group. They ostracized her and distanced themselves from Tang Jiayun. Both she and Tang Jiayun were on their own.

    Qiao Nan sighed. Was she going to trouble Brother Zhai again for this?

 Chapter 885 - Could Not Be Compared to Zhai Sheng in Every Way

    <h4>Chapter 885 Could Not Be Compared to Zhai Sheng in Every Way</h4>

    However, before she went to ¡®trouble¡¯ Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan went to see someone.

    After confirming that Zhou Jun was really the training instructor for Shi Qing¡¯s ss, Qiao Nan gave a sigh. ¡°Brother Zhou.¡±

    When he was called, Zhou Jun¡¯s body stiffened. He did not expect to bump into Qiao Nan after avoiding her for so long. The military training wasing to an end and he was going to leave afterpleting the mission. ¡°Nan Nan... Qiao Nan, good day.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhou, thank you.¡±

    Zhou Jun gave a bitter smile. ¡°Don¡¯t need to thank me. These are all arrangements by Regiment Commander Zhai.¡±

    Of course, Regiment Commander Zhai could note to Peking University himself. In fact, he had wanted to arrange someone else toe. However, Zhou Jun took the initiative to find a way toe. His purpose was to see Qiao Nan one more time.

    Zhou Jun was aware that Qiao Nan was engaged to Zhai Sheng. It was also because of this that Zhou Jun knew that he had to address the other party as Mrs. Regiment Commander the next time he were to meet Qiao Nan in public.

    At the thought of this address, the bitterness in Zhou Jun¡¯s heart was ten times more than that of a bitter gourd.

    He had initially wanted to marry Nan Nan after shepleted her college studies. Who would have known that Regiment Commander Zhai would be so quick in his action? He had already gotten engaged with Nan Nan.

    He should have guessed it long ago. Nan Nan was so good and she grew up in the quad together with the regimentmander. They lived very near each other. They had gotten along for a longer time and their feelings for each other were deeper. Nan Nan was such a gooddy. Even a blind person could tell the good qualities of Nan Nan.

    Furthermore, Regiment Commander Zhai was never blind. How would he miss Nan Nan, this bright pearl? He was the one who was too slow in his action.

    Zhou Jun had always known that his own regimentmander had liked someone since three years ago. However, he had never asked him who thedy that he liked was.

    Although he had expressed to the regimentmander that he had also taken a liking to a youngdy, unfortunately, he had never mentioned Nan Nan¡¯s name right from the beginning.

    Due to the fact that Nan Nan¡¯s name had never been mentioned by both the regimentmander and him, now that Nan Nan was engaged with the former, Zhou Jun was not even qualified to say that Zhai Sheng had snatched Qiao Nan away from him.

    Who would have known that thedy whom Zhai Sheng liked, that Zhou Jun was extremely curious about, was, in fact, the one that resided in his own heart?

    ¡°Brother Zhou, you will definitely find someone that you will like more.¡± The once bright and sunny elder brother looked so gloomy now. Although she did notmit this sin, she somehow had a part in it.

    Brother Zhou was older than Brother Zhai by a few years. Initially, she also saw Brother Zhai as her elder brother in the past. Hence, it had never urred to her that Brother Zhou had such feelings toward her.

    Zhou Jun gave a bitter smile but did not reply.

    Before he came to Peking University, he had already written home to ask his mother for help in organizing match-making sessions.

    The one that he had been waiting for belonged to someone else now. He was already thirty years old. He should also form a family and have children soon. He had to be responsible to his parents as well. ¡°When the timees, I will invite you to my wedding.¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Brother Zhou already had someone in mind?

    ¡°Brother Zhou...¡± Given Zhou Jun¡¯s expression alone, Qiao Nan did not believe that the partner that Zhou Jun was with now was someone that he liked. ¡°No matter what, I hope that you can take action after careful consideration. You¡¯re a soldier. The mistake that you shouldn¡¯t make most is to lose your cool and be impulsive.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have thought about it.¡± Zhou Jun tried hard to smile. ¡°My Mom wishes to carry a grandchild as soon as possible. I have also considered it for a long time. I will be responsible not only to my parents but also my other half in this marriage.¡± He was a man. He knew the responsibilities that he had to fulfill after making a decision.

    ¡°Congrattions then.¡± Since Zhou Jun had already decided, as outsiders, it was not good for Qiao Nan to speak further on this. If she did, it would seem that she had a personal agenda.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Zhou Jun¡¯s smile still did not look natural. ¡°You should already know why I came to Peking University to be an instructor. I hope you don¡¯t mind me being a busybody. I have told Regiment Commander Zhai about your situation. I came to Peking University for this mission.¡±

    It was too obvious that Tang Jiayun was targeting Qiao Nan. Although Zhou Jun was not the instructor of her ss, he had already discovered this issue.

    Zhai Sheng was worried that Qiao Nan would encounter any trouble at school. In order not to disturb her, he simply kept silent and sent someone from his side to find out the situation.

    Having stepped out into society for so long, Zhai Sheng had encountered many kinds of nuisance and troubles before he became a regimentmander. They urred even in the army, let alone school.

    Furthermore, when they attended college, humans tended to be moreplex. They would not be as simple as before.

    There are all kinds of fish in the sea. Zhai Sheng had to be prepared for contingencies.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± After thinking, Qiao Nan only thanked him.

    Having met such a troublemaker like Tang Jiayun, Qiao Nan was quite hesitant as well.

    However, everyone lived in the same dormitory. Given that behavior of Tang Jiayun alone, Qiao Nan had to face a lot of problems in the future. To put it bluntly, it was much easier for Tang Jiayun to do anything to her given that everyone stayed in the same dormitory.

    It would not do if she did not tell Zhai Sheng. It was not good to tell him either. The military training had ended and Qiao Nan had not decided whether she should give Zhai Sheng a call.

    Now that Zhou Jun had already helped her inform Zhai Sheng about the situation, naturally, Qiao Nan did not need to hesitate any further.

    Zhou Jun rxed his shoulders. ¡°Thank you is better than sorry. Nan Nan, Regiment Commander Zhai is quite good. No, he is very good. You are a gooddy. Certainly, you deserve to have such a good future. I give you my blessings.¡± If he had lost to others, he would definitely not concede defeat. However, he had lost to Regiment Commander Zhai. He could not refuse to concede defeat.

    Zhou Jun was well aware that he could not bepared to Zhai Sheng in every way. This even applied to Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for Qiao Nan.

    After he found out that Qiao Nan was the one who was engaged to Zhai Sheng, Zhou Jun then seriously recollected Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior over the past few years. He then discovered that while he had been thoroughly focused on doing well in the army so that he could be promoted and could give Qiao Nan a better status, Zhai Sheng had already given Qiao Nan much practical help since a long time ago.

    It was not enough to dote on and protect Qiao Nan just by paying lip service.

    At the very least, all the troubles that Qiao Nan had encountered over these few years were resolved with Zhai Sheng¡¯s help.

    He was a busy man but Regiment Commander Zhai was not any less busy.

    Hence, the difference was obviously telling. His care and concern for Nan Nan were not more than that of Regiment Commander Zhai.

    Facing such a strong and formidable love rival, Zhou Jun was aware that he did not even stand a chance topete.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Certainly, Brother Zhai is very good.¡± Choosing to be with Brother Zhai was the most correct decision that she had ever made in her life.

    In the face of Qiao Nan smiling brightly like a flower, Zhou Jun could not help but say, ¡°You¡¯re very good too!¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Zhou Jun felt dejected. Besides saying ¡®thank you¡¯ to him, did Nan Nan not have any other topics of conversation?

 Chapter 886 - Eating Out Of Hand

    <h4>Chapter 886 Eating Out Of Hand</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯ste. I shall not disturb you then. Bye.¡± The military training had ended. He had to resume his usual duties as soon as possible.

    Regiment Commander Zhai was injured. At the thought that there were many issues to handle in the army, he could not continue to ck off outside.

    ¡°Goodbye, Brother Zhou.¡± Qiao Nan had only met Zhou Jun for a few times but she had quite a good impression of him. In the end, their rtionship became so awkward. This was something that Qiao Nan had not expected.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    Zhou Jun forced a smile. He turned his back earlier than Qiao Nan. He then moved forward inrge strides. He dared not stayed behind until thest minute. He also dared not look at the back of Qiao Nan as she walked further and further away from him. This time, he would be the first to turn away.

    At the sight of Zhou Jun leaving, Qiao Nan let out a sigh of relief. She then returned to her dormitory.

    After returning to the dormitory, Qiao Nan immediately gave Zhai Sheng a call. ¡°Brother Zhai, I say, you¡¯re really too... Have you known about Brother Zhou¡¯s thoughts since a long time ago?¡±

    ¡°Miss Nurse, can I trouble you to use less strength when you change the bandage for me?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s unhappy and sullen tone could be heard from the other side of the phone. It seemed as if Zhai Sheng deliberately covered the phone receiver and lowered his volume to avoid Qiao Nan from hearing that. ¡°Hello, Nan Nan, are you still around? What did you say? I did not hear that.¡±

    The junior soldier who had been addressed as ¡®Miss Nurse¡¯ widened his eyes. He pointed at his nose with his fingers, seemingly asking Regiment Commander Zhai silently if thetter was really referring to him just now. When did he change his gender to be a ¡®woman? When did he transform from a soldier into a nurse?

    Although he was filled with questions, the junior soldier did not utter a word as he abidingly continued to change the bandage and medicine for Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, how are your injuries? You still have to apply medication? When can the stitches be removed?¡± Qiao Nan became anxious. She had heard from Sister Zhai Hua that Brother Zhai had injured his right arm. Most likely, it would not be very convenient for him to go about with his daily needs such as eating and changing clothes. He would need people to take care of him in many ways.

    At the thought that the people in the army once told her that Zhai Sheng had the problem of disliking having outsiders to take care of him when he was injured, Qiao Nan felt anxious. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s already half a month. During this period, don¡¯t tell me that you didn¡¯t let anyone take care of you?¡± That would be too stubborn of him!

    ¡°There is someone taking care of me,¡± Zhai Sheng said. ¡°I still remember what you told mest time. Right, what were you telling me just now? I didn¡¯t hear that. Can you repeat? I will definitely listen to it clearly this time.¡±

    Qiao Nan rxed the corners of her lips that were pursed earlier. She felt extremely disheartened. ¡°I didn¡¯t say much just now. I was just asking about your injury.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m recovering quite well.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was slightly raised. His mood seemed to have improved by a lot. ¡°How is your life in college?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you already know?¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. Brother Zhai was asking the obvious. ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re so stubborn. You hired two orderlies to stay by my side. Others won¡¯t know about my situation, but would you not know?¡±

    Brother Zhou clearly told her that he had already told Brother Zhai about her situation. Brother Zhai was still pretending in front of her!

    ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Jun was actually the one who went eventually. Having met your old friend, are you happy?¡± Zhai Sheng said, sounding jealous. Zhou Jun was, in fact, not the one that Zhai Sheng had arranged for this task.

    Zhou Jun seemed so foolish at normal times, and he only found out about his rtionship with Nan Nan only after the engagement. Moreover, Zhou Jun had to y such ¡®cheap tricks¡¯ before his eyes this time. Facing Zhou Jun that was sometimes smart and sometimes not, Zhai Sheng did not know what to say.

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. ¡°Do you think what you have said is meaningful? Right from the start, I have always seen Brother Zhou as my elder brother. I didn¡¯t even know that Brother Zhou felt that way toward me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng had diverted the topic and had long extinguished that anger in Qiao Nan Nan¡¯s heart. Zhai Sheng always had a way to diminish Qiao Nan¡¯s anger without her knowing it. Hence, in this lifetime, it was impossible for Zhai Sheng not to have Qiao Nan eat out of his hands. ¡°Do you wish to change dormitory or stay outside?¡±

    After diminishing Qiao Nan¡¯s anger, Zhai Sheng reverted to the main topic.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders drooped. ¡°I can¡¯t decide at this point in time. Moving out is, of course, the most direct and clean-cut way. The problem is that property prices are high in the capital. The rental fee is already shocking enough for a ce that is only as big as a block of tofu. As to changing the dormitory, this time, there is a Tang Jiayun. Perhaps there will be a Zhang Jiayun or a Lee Jiayun next time. It¡¯ll be a headache.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to. I have already found a way for you.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s problem was never seen as a problem in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you know...¡± She was not very willing to ept too much help from Brother Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng said stubbornly and firmly, ¡°Nan Nan, have you forgotten? We are already engaged now. We no longer need to draw such a clear line for some matters like we did in the past, do we?¡±

    The fianc¨¦ wanted to buy something or spend money on the fianc¨¦e¡ªthis was normal. No one could refute that.

    There was a huge difference between being engaged and not.

    ¡°I¡¯m still not quite used to it.¡± Qiao Nan held her forehead. ¡°Most probably, my self-esteem and pride are too strong. I have not changed.¡± Qiao Nan was aware of her own problem. She also did not run away from it. It was just that this was a habit that had persisted for many years. Qiao Nan nearly forgot that, in fact, she did not need to be so careful after getting engaged to Brother Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng was a little surprised that Qiao Nan would admit her own psychological issue so honestly. He thenughed proudly thereafter. This was certainly thedy that he had taken a liking to. ¡°Rest assured. Resolving your housing issue this time does not have much to do with the Zhai family. Tomorrow, someone will send you the keys and bring you to see the house.¡±

    ¡°It does not have anything to do with the Zhai family? Then, who has something to do with this?¡± Besides Brother Zhai and Shi Qing, she did not know anyone else that was wealthy in the capital.

    Zhai Sheng smirked. ¡°My precious Qiao, have you forgotten that you still have a master? Do you think it is so easy to be a master? Elder Lin has houses in the capital but he doesn¡¯t have the time or energy to live there. Elder Lin has already thought of passing you the keys earlier but he also guessed that you would be too stubborn. Most likely, you wouldn¡¯t ept this kind of assistance if you did not encounter any problems. When you have hit your head and know that it hurts, you will then be willing to ept it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Elder Lin is only lending his house for you to stay. He doesn¡¯t intend to gift it to you. During your stay, you have to keep a good watch on the house and ensure its cleanliness. If you mess up the house, be careful that Elder Lin will settle scores with you.¡± Knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament well, Zhai Sheng was willing to indulge Qiao Nan temporarily.

    Most importantly, without Zhai Sheng, how could Qiao Nan find and acknowledge a master like Lin Yuankang who had a good family background, reputation, and status?

    If Lin Yuankang¡¯s qualities were not good enough, he could not possibly have let him be Qiao Nan¡¯s master either.

 Chapter 887 - Anxious. I Am Old

    <h4>Chapter 887 Anxious. I Am Old</h4>

    If he did not have any substance, one would feel ashamed to address him as master!

    Regarding this point, Qiao Nan was aware even if Zhai Sheng did not say it.

    Zhai Sheng used this kind of indirect way in consideration of that pitiful pride of hers. He then spoke the truth. As such, Zhai Sheng was still the one who took care of her the most in the end. ¡°I¡¯m going to stay alone?¡± Qiao Nan was no longer declining.

    ¡°When the timees, Shi Qing will also go through the administrative procedures to move out of the school.¡± How could he possibly let Nan Nan stay alone outside? It would be unsafe.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Nan smiled with ease. If she had Shi Qing by her side, she would feel much more assured. ¡°Does Shi Qing know about this?¡±

    ¡°She knows.¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯m the only one who doesn¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you will be stubborn.¡± As such, right from the beginning, Zhai Sheng did not intend to persuade Qiao Nan. When Qiao Nan had sorted out her thoughts, this matter would be easier to settle.

    Qiao Nan pouted. ¡°Do you have divine foresight?¡± It sounded as if she was in Brother Zhai¡¯s clutches, like the Great Sage Heaven¡¯s equal, who could not escape from the Wuzhi hill of Gautama Buddha. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you utilize all your war tactics on

    me?¡±

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t use them on you, would I be able to be engaged with you sessfully?¡± Zhai Sheng said, sounding helpless. It was not so easy to get a wife. If it were others who werepeting with Zhou Jun, the children given birth by Nan Nan in the future would bear the surname of Zhou then.

    Qiao Nan felt unjustified. ¡°Why are you exaggerating? I¡¯m very easy to woo!¡± She did not have any extraordinary requirements for her other half. She only wanted the other party to be down-to-earth. House, car, and money-she was not particr about any of them at all.

    Zhai Sheng smiled gently. ¡°Regardless of whether you are easy to woo, it is fine because you are my fianc¨¦e now.¡± Easy to woo? She was not easy to woo at all.

    Before he had taken action, there were already a few people hitting on Nan Nan.

    At the thought of Chen Jun¡¯s current situation, there was a flicker in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin have be a couple. I heard that Chen Jun was the one who wooed your sister first. You should know that half a year ago, Chen Jun was hitting on Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    At that time, Chen Jun simply did not take a liking to Qiao Zijin.

    Who would have known that in less than half a year¡¯s time, Chen Jun would change his mind and take the initiative to woo Qiao Zijin. Was Chen Jun willing to give up on Qiu Chenxi?

    Qiu Qin had been imprisoned and the Qiu family had fallen. The problem was that although Qiu Chenxi did not have the support and backing from the Qiu family now, she still had the Shi family. The things in Old Master Shi¡¯s hands had all been passed to Qiu Chenxi. Even if Qiu Chenxi did not be very sessful, given her future achievement and status, she would still be a very difficult target for Chen Jun to reach in this life.

    Qiao Nan gave a sarcasticugh. ¡°He gave up on a difficult target and took whatever he had on hand, lest he ended up empty-handed.¡±

    ¡°He wishes to be your brother-inw?¡± Upon Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Zhai Sheng, who had never treated Qiao Zijin as part of Qiao Nan¡¯s family, now understood Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Wishful thinking.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a saying that the ligaments are still intact although the bones are broken. Not to mention Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin certainly bears such thoughts too.¡± In particr, her mother was so certain that she would always remain as her mother. Regardless of how much her mother had let her down, Qiao Nan still had to abidingly obey her without any defiance and be filial to her in the future.

    Qiao Nan only wished to say one thing: Why was she so shameless?

    She did not have any feelings for Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan felt that even though Ding Jiayi had given birth to her, she had repaid her in her previous life. Ding Jiayi gave birth to her but Ding Jiayi also caused her death. A life in return for a life. Hence, she did not owe her mother anything.

    When Ding Jiayi was old, Qiao Nan would definitely not shirk the responsibility of giving her living allowances.

    If Ding Jiayi wanted more or intervened in her life, Qiao Nan would just take it that Ding Jiayi was singing a song.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Chen Jun-no, the whole Chen family is good at scheming. If he really bes Qiao Zijin¡¯s boyfriend, I¡¯m worried that Chen Jun will make use of you or the Zhai family to do things. Brother Zhai, pay more attention to this.¡± If that was truly the case, she would also be ruined by Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin.

    Zhai Sheng asked the junior soldier who was taking care of him to leave. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since I already know about Chen Jun¡¯s n, I won¡¯t let him create any waves. Nan Nan, you seem to have a good understanding of the matters of the Chen family?¡±

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°I was targeted by Chen Jun. Hence, I did a lot of homework on Chen Jun¡¯s family. At the very least, when Chen Jun started to woo me out of the blue, I started feeling suspicious of him.¡±

    Qiao Nan had long told Zhai Sheng that Chen Jun had wooed her before. Chen Jun wooed her because he was under Wang Yang¡¯s orders. Wang Yang¡¯s real target was everything that belonged to the Zhu family.

    How could Zhai Sheng believe these words of Qiao Nan? If investigations alone could reveal a family¡¯s character so clearly, why would they need the police?

    ¡°The matter regarding the Chen family and Chen Jun should be settled by me. You should focus on your studies without worries. Of course, you will also let me feel assured, right?¡± Zhai Sheng did not hold on to the matter of the Chen family. As long as Qiao Nan did not have any positive feelings toward the Chen family, Zhai Sheng was not willing to dig too deep either.

    ¡°I will make you feel assured. If I have not told Tang Jiayun that I am already engaged, would she bully me in such a bold and fearless way?¡± Tang Jiayun felt that she belonged to someone else. Therefore, even if she bullied her, at the very least, the male students would not jump out to defend her. There was no ¡®market¡¯ for people who were already engaged.

    Zhai Sheng said bluntly, ¡°Even if you are not engaged, you won¡¯t be able to get along harmoniously with people in this dormitory.¡±

    Despite being engaged and not being a threat, Tang Jiayun bullied her. If she was not engaged, she might snatch away the limelight and pursuers. As such, it was only fearful that Tang Jiayun would attack Qiao Nan with more vicious means.

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s analysis, Qiao Nan admitted that it was true. However, she was also both angry and amused. ¡°So, I still have to thank you. Fortunately, I have gotten engaged to you. This has greatly reduced the intensity of attacks from Tang Jiayun.¡±

    Toward Tang Jiayun, this kind of people, Qiao Nan really felt very vexed and annoyed.

    ¡°Naturally, a lot of your troubles have been lessened with me around. So, Nan Nan, you werete in being engaged to me.¡± When Qiao Nan was in high school, he had long wanted to put a stamp on Nan Nan, lest Zhou Jun had to mention to him from time to time over the past three years about what that ¡®young partner¡¯ of his was doing, etc.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°Did we go through too many unnecessary routes? Aren¡¯t I already wearing the ring on my finger?¡± Brother Zhai was still harping on stubbornly that she should have worn them a few years ago. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you very anxious?¡±

    Zhai Sheng sighed gently. ¡°Anxious. I¡¯m already old.¡± Given his age, not to mention engagement, he should have gotten married long ago. A little kid would already be running around his legs and calling him father.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Nan was amused by Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone that was full of resentment. ¡°Why did you say that you are old? You¡¯re still young, okay? You skipped grades because you are smart. Others of your age have just graduated from college.¡±

 Chapter 888 - The Innocence That Is Hard to Come By

    <h4>Chapter 888 The Innocence That Is Hard to Come By</h4>

    Brother Zhai had already graduated for a long time. Most importantly, he also had his own career.

    ¡°Is that so? You won¡¯t regret getting engaged to me.¡± Zhai Shengughed in a low and deep voice. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m afraid that our child will graduate even earlier than me and be more sessful.¡±

    Child.

    At the sound of this word, Qiao Nan blushed. Her heart was filled with hope and expectation. ¡°I have just started studying in college. Where will the childe from? I¡¯m not talking to you anymore. It¡¯ste. Goodbye, Brother Zhai.¡±

    Child-one that resembled Brother Zhai or her.

    The forty-year-old Qiao Nan in the previous life did not even have a man, let alone a child. Her longing for children was more than anything else. It even exceeded her longing for marriage and a man that loved and doted on her.

    At the sound of the beeping tone, Zhai Sheng did not feel angry. On the contrary, he smiled. Nan Nan hung up so anxiously. Clearly, she was feeling shy as she also wanted to have children with him.

    Having a child with both of their bloodlines was a very wonderful matter. However, as he thought about the process of having a child, as an ¡®old man¡¯, Zhai Sheng¡¯s body could not help but react strangely.

    Zhai Sheng took a deep breath as he subdued his extremely restless body. Wasn¡¯t there a saying that the ¡®process¡¯ was more important than the oue? This saying was very right!

    After the phone call, Qiao Nan returned to the dormitory and found that she was alone.

    Qiao Nan did not use the phone in the dormitory to make the call because she was afraid that the conversation between her and Zhai Sheng would be heard by others. However, she was surprised that Tang Jiayun possessed such an extraordinary capability. She was actually able to ¡®kidnap¡¯ both Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan again despite having gone through two negative experiences.

    Qiao Nan could not help ¡®cheering¡¯ for Tang Jiayun. ¡°Woo!¡±

    At the thought that she should be able to move out tomorrow, she was not willing to bother much about Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s matters. It was also possible that Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan followed Tang Jiayun for their own reasons.

    Everyone was admitted to Peking University through their own merits. There was certainly no issue with their intelligence. If it were due to other issues, then, they were not something that Qiao Nan had to be concerned about.

    At the thought that she would move out tomorrow, she might as well pack her luggage.

    When Shi Qing arrived, naturally, she saw the luggage that Qiao Nan had packed. ¡°Brother Zhai told me that you¡¯re prepared to move out tomorrow. I thought he was joking with me. Not easy. How did you sort out your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°I am just enlightened suddenly.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. She did not tell Shi Qing about Tang Jiayun¡¯s situation, lest Shi Qing red up and fought directly with Tang Jiayun. It was not necessary. She was moving out soon.

    ¡°Brother Zhai is too resourceful. Why is it that you will listen to him once he persuades you? Qiao Nan, tell me honestly. Do you favor your boyfriend over your friend? You only listen to Brother Zhai.¡± It was not as if she had not stayed in a school before. Shi Qing did not feel very positive about it. College life was obviously more carefree, so why should they live in the school?

    On the pretext that one could afford it, why was there a need to insist on living ufortably when you could have a better life?

    Shi Qing had the confidence to say this but she knew that Qiao Nan did not. At the very least, Qiao Nan herself did not have the financial means. As such, she had been prepared to apany Qiao Nan and suffer by staying in school.

    ¡°If I really favor my boyfriend over my friend, I would have moved out long ago. Do I still need to wait until tomorrow? I¡¯m worried. If we tell the school tomorrow that we¡¯re no longer staying here, will the school agree to it? Will it be very troublesome to settle the paperwork?¡± Qiao Nan was also someone who was afraid of cumbersome matters at times.

    Shi Qing patted her own chest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll settle this.¡±

    ¡°Is it going to be you or the Feng family settling this?¡± Qiao Nan was not tricked by Shi Qing. At the thought that the Feng family did not have any positive feelings toward her, Qiao Nan could feel a headacheing.

    She did not wish to trouble others but in the end, she did. Clearly, she knew that others disliked her but she had to annoy them with such things.

    Shi Qing leaned on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. Yesterday, I received grandpa¡¯s call. He asked me to go home for a meal.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°My grandpa said to ask you along.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°When your grandpa finds out that I still need the Feng family¡¯s help, he won¡¯t treat me to a meal anymore. It will be a meal cum treacherous plot.¡± This time, the Feng family would certainly look down on her. ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? You can seek the Feng family¡¯s help, whereas I will look for my master to help with mine.¡± Brother Zhai was right. It was not that easy to be a master.

    In reality, Qiao Nan felt that she would rather inconvenience herself than others.

    She felt more at ease to seek her master¡¯s help.

    ¡°Aiyo, my Sister Qiao Nan, it is just a small matter. Release one or two sheep, it won¡¯t make a difference. My grandpa¡¯s family won¡¯t take issue with this.¡±

    ¡°Have you already told the Feng family?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned ck for a moment.

    Shi Qingughed guilty. ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned it to them. Brother Zhai told me that it is almost time that you will move out. I then told my grandpa and sought his help. As for the rest, you don¡¯t need to worry. My grandpa is aware that you are the disciple of Elder Lin.¡± The Feng family would not make a mountain out of a molehill regarding this matter. They knew the rtionship between Elder Lin and Peking University. This matter was not much of an issue.

    Of course, to the Feng family, this kind of matter would be resolved by just one phone call.

    ¡°When I listen to you, why do I feel that you seem to be in cahoots with Brother Zhai? Brother Zhai is so capable!¡± Brother Zhai had a way to ¡®subdue¡¯ thedy. Shi Qing had once liked Brother Zhai before. To put it nicely, Shi Qing was helping Brother Zhai this time. To put it bluntly, she was like his henchman.

    Shi Qing was not shy about it. ¡°Well, I¡¯m Brother Zhai¡¯s godsister now. You will be my sister-inw in the future.¡± She had some feelings for Brother Zhai but it was not considered love at all. At most, it was the persistence that arose out of her beautiful imagination for love during her puberty time

    So what if they could not be lovers? Being rtives was also quite good.

    Qiao Nan smiled helplessly. ¡°Most likely, the good fortune that Brother Zhai and I have in meeting people is shown through you.¡± Shi Qing had such a pure and good heart and was a little too naive. It was hard toe by.

    Qiao Nan had met a number of people. The ¡®top-notch¡¯ dormitory mate, Tang Jiayun, was one of the ssic examples.

    As for her dormitory mates in senior high school, although they got along very well and were rather close, Qiao Nan knew in her heart that Tang Mengran and the few of them were good to her because she was good in her studies. She could lead and spur them on.

    There was also one more thing. She would always help them spot questions and revise their homework.

    During the college entrance examination this time, the six of them went to different schools. Nevertheless, all the colleges that they got into were first-tier key universities. None of them was lousy.

    Due to this reason, the dormitory the six of them had stayed in previously had already be a preciousnd of geomancy at Ping Cheng High School.

 Chapter 889 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Long-Term Plan

    <h4>Chapter 889 Zhai Sheng¡¯s Long-Term n</h4>

    When the school termmenced, many students¡¯ parents insisted that they want their daughters to stay in that dormitory of Qiao Nan.

    Toward these parents, Principal Meng did not know whether tough or cry. In the end, he stated that that dormitory belonged to ss one. In other words, the female student had to be admitted to the top ss before she had a chance to stay in that certain dormitory.

    After entering the top ss, whether she could stay in that certain dormitory would depend on her luck. School had just started. In order not to give the students too much pressure, the matriction numbers of students were issued randomly instead of ording to their grades.

    It would depend on one¡¯s luck as to whether they could stay in that particr dormitory.

    Zhai Hua was the one who told Qiao Nan about this situationter on.

    Putting this aside, Qiao Nan was aware that the rtionship of the six dormitory mates was one of the purest. Otherwise, they would not have targeted and ostracized her together initially.

    Qiao Nan expressed that she would most likely only encounter one friend like Shi Qing in her entire life. Of course, it was already very fortunate that she could meet one such friend.

    Shi Qing was not shy about being praised. She said in a thick-skinned manner, ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? Brother Zhai and you could meet such a good sister like me. It is really the good fortune that you have umted over the past few lifetimes.¡±

    ¡°Has Zhu Baoguo sent you the materials and books that you asked for?¡± Sulking, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Shi Qing. Once Shi Qing was mischievous, all the touching feelings in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart disappeared.

    Shi Qing waved her fists. ¡°Will he dare to not send them to me? I¡¯ve already received the items. So, when I move tomorrow, I will have more items than when I did when school started. Many more items.¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed Shi Qing¡¯s ¡®puppy head¡¯. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There is nock of coolies in the Feng family. You just have to ask a couple of them toe.¡±

    Shi Qiao Nan pped away Qiao Nan¡¯s hands swiftly. ¡°You really treat me as your sister. Scram. Of course, the coolies from the Feng family have to be here.¡±

    Since the first day of school, the Feng family had already expressed that given Shi Qing¡¯s family background, there was no need for her to squeeze with a few people in a small living space. Why should she shortchange herself?

    The Feng family could immediately arrange amodation for Shi Qing. Regarding the administrative matters and moving of the items, Shi Qing did not need to worry about it as well. The Feng family did have people to handle this.

    If not for the sake of keeping Qiao Nanpany, Shi Qing would be able to live in a ce all by herself as long as she nodded in agreement.

    In the end, Shi Qing was the one who persuaded the Feng family that she was not anxious about this matter. When formal ssesmenced, she could stay outside. However, during military training, students were not allowed to leave the school. They could not contact anyone outside the school as well.

    Since that was the case, it would not be toote to discuss further after the military training ended.

    Shi Qing insisted on this and she sounded logical. As such, the Feng family did not continue voicing out their opinions. Instead, they respected Shi Qing¡¯s decision and would talk about it again after the military training ended.

    Of course, Shi Qing also mentioned Qiao Nan. She said that Qiao Nan would definitely follow her when the time came.

    The Feng family found outter that Qiao Nan was not only Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e but also the disciple that Lin Yuankang had taken a liking to.

    Who in the Feng family did not know who Lin Yuankang was?

    Many years ago, Old Master Shi insisted on bringing Shi Qing to see Lin Yuankang to let thetter ept her as a disciple. The Feng family even said that it was seldom that Old Master Shi would do something right as he was usually muddleheaded.

    Unfortunately, this matter was not sessful in the end.

    Lin Yuankang was very famous for being strict when epting disciple and he did not bother about the family background. He ced more emphasis on one¡¯s character and talent.

    The fact that Qiao Nan could be Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple meant there was no problem with her character and she was also smart enough. Of course, the fact that Qiao Nan became a student of Peking University was enough to prove that she certainly did not have a low IQ.

    After knowing many glorious matters of Qiao Nan and confirming that Qiao Nan was not ady who solely relied on the Zhai family to be sessful, of course, the Feng family¡¯s feelings of revulsion toward Qiao Nan were not as strong as before.

    Even Old Master Feng opened his mouth to let Shi Qing bring Qiao Nan home for meals when they had the time. She was the best friend of his granddaughter. Of course, Old Master Feng had to interact more with Qiao Nan.

    If she was truly a good one, as a grandfather, he could not ruin their rtionship and let his granddaughter lose such a good friend. If she was a bad one, the more he could not let such a scheming woman stay by his granddaughter¡¯s side and make use of thetter because she could backstab his granddaughter at any point in time.

    Whether she was a good or bad one, he would only know after he came into contact with her.

    Once Old Master Feng disyed such an attitude, regardless of what the rest of the Feng family thought, none of them objected to it. As such, the Feng family agreed to this request of Shi Qing immediately without any struggle.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng spent so much effort to let Qiao Nan ept some trantion work from Lin Yuankang. Although Lin Yuankang admired this trantor very much, especially for her careful and meticulous nature, and had been asking Zhai Sheng about her identity, Zhai Sheng refused to tell him. This was because Zhai Sheng knew the time was not ripe then.

    Zhai Sheng did this as he was very clear that if Qiao Nan could be Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple, it would be equivalent to her holding a ck gold VIP card cum ess pass that would allow her to ess the whole of China, let alone Ping Cheng.

    Regardless of what the Feng family heard from Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words would be much less believable when they knew that Qiao Nan was Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple. This was regardless of how true she made them out to be and how she could talk about the living ones as though they were dead.

    Old Master Feng¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan had already eased a little. Now, with Lin Yuankang in the picture, it was needless to say.

    It could be said that Qiao Nan had the chance to have a ¡®meal¡¯ at the Feng family because of Lin Yuankang, this master.

    After knowing this, Qiao Nan did not know if she should feel angry or amused.

    She really did not know that there were so many benefits to having such a master. However, in the end, Qiao Nan could only confirm that Zhai Sheng and not her master was the most brilliant one.

    Many yearster, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were lying on the bed after just finishing their vigorous exercise, with his eyes closed and a look of satisfaction on his face, Zhai Sheng hugged the sweaty and soft body of Qiao Nan as he reminisced about it.

    Qiao Nan used her hands to lean on that hard and muscr chest of Zhai Sheng while she asked, ¡°Brother Zhai, let me ask you. When you let me acknowledge my master many years ago, were you already hitting on me?¡±

    Zhai Sheng concealed the shimmer in those sharp eyes of his. He did not look at Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Instead, he was staring with a greenish look in his eyes at the voluptuous buns on Qiao Nan¡¯s chest, which were visually erged with that earlier action of hers. In particr, those two little dots that were akin to tiny and delicious juicy fruits seemed to be giving out a mature fragrance. He then exuded an aura of evilness. ¡°Nan Nan is so smart. Does it mean that we have telepathy?¡±

    Qiao Nan shot Zhai Sheng a look. ¡°How old was I then? I was just a junior high school student. You don¡¯t have any shame... Old ruffian soldier! Do you deserve that soldier uniform of yours?!¡±

    ¡°In this family, I am not a soldier. I am your man. Nan Nan, you¡¯re in such good spirits. Let¡¯s do something that makes people happy again, in case you can¡¯t fall asleep and still have the energy to let your thoughts run wild. It seems like I have been too restrained. With the right exercises, I can let you sleep betterter.¡±

 Chapter 890 - You Are an Old Ruffian

    <strong>Chapter 890 You Are an Old Ruffian</strong>

    Qiao Nan, who was still lying in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, did not even have a chance to hide. The lower half of her body was already bare. As Zhai Sheng pressed on her, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red, her eyes seductive, voice whiny and body soft. She could not help giving Zhai Sheng a bite.

    That piercing pain on Zhai Sheng¡¯s body stimted him so much that his eyes turned red. The strength exerted from his waist was more ferocious than ever. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that you can¡¯t provoke a man in bed? It has been so many years and you have not learned your lesson.¡±

    After giving birth to children, Qiao Nan had reverted to her previous figure, which was simr to that of a teenager. She could not stop panting gently. Zhai Sheng was holding on so tightly to that slim and tiny waist of hers that she could not move an inch, let alone hide away. She could only be led by Zhai Sheng¡¯s strong movement as if they were a small ship rocking vigorously on a sea of heavy waves, a ship that could be torn to pieces at any point in time during this ferocious storm.

    Unable to endure that vigor of Zhai Sheng, the corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned red. Her voice even turned hoarse. ¡°Gentle, gentle, please... Ah, I still have to send the children to school tomorrow. Don¡¯t... don¡¯t embarrass me.¡±

    Panting heavily, Zhai Sheng, who had cornered Qiao Nan in his arms, continuously tossing her, gave Qiao Nan a kiss on the face dotingly. ¡°Be obedient. Tonight, it¡¯ll be tougher on you. I¡¯ll send them to school tomorrow.¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Sheng no longer gave Qiao Nan a chance to speak or be distracted. He lifted his neck and kissed Qiao Nan¡¯s lips. His tiger-like waist moved even more vigorously. Even the bed was creaking nonstop as it could not tolerate Zhai Sheng¡¯s movement.

    Early the next morning, Qiao Nan did not get up as promised to send the children to school. Instead, she slept until almost nine o¡¯clock before waking up.

    Holding on to her old waist that was nearly breaking, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°Old ruffian soldier! Old hooligan!¡± Many years ago, she was absolutely taken in by that gentlemanly and prim exterior of Zhai Sheng, who was a soldier. After both of them were done with it, how could one still find the aura of justice on his body? It¡¯s more like he exuded an evil aura!

    Every time she was tortured badly by Zhai Sheng in bed, she felt as though his heightened sense of pleasure was going to devour her such that she could not see the sun again tomorrow. Qiao Nan would always wonder whether it was because she had dated Zhai Sheng for too long in the past and had ¡®starved¡¯ Zhai Sheng to madness. As such, after marriage, even when their children could already overturn sauce bottles, Zhai Sheng still looked so murderous and vicious during those times. It was as if he wanted to peel and devour her alive.

    Thereafter, she thought about the time when Zhai Sheng introduced her to Lin Yuankang. He had already set his eyes on her although she was so skinny during that time. Qiao Nan was at a loss for words as she knitted her brows. Could those few years of dating be considered a process whereby Brother Zhai was ¡®fattening¡¯ her up and preparing her for ughtering?

    Of course, this happened a few yearster. At this point in time, Qiao Nan did not know that a fulfilling sex life was awaiting her after her marriage to Zhai Sheng.

    This was an old soldier who had an extremely strong waist and was always in the army camp, where he seldom even saw a female mosquito, let alone women. He was seldom home. If his wife was in his arms and he did not merrily dine and wine or feast on the ¡®delicacy¡¯, that would be deemed as pure self-torture.

    Nevertheless, at this juncture, Qiao Nan was not facing the situation of happy sex life but the issue of how to move out of the dormitory.

    Having contacted the relevant parties, the Feng family only had to make a phone call to the school and someone in the school would help Qiao Nan and Shi Qing settle the paperwork. Shi Qing and Qiao Nan just had to provide their signatures and go through the motion. They could take their bags and leave thereafter.

    After all, today was the first day of school after military training ended. There was a wee ceremony.

    After the ceremony, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing returned to their respective dormitories. They then pulled out their packed luggage from under the tables.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are...?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao had a look of surprise when she saw Qiao Nan upon returning to the dormitory. ¡°You are going to... change dormitory?¡± At the thought that the three of them had been participating together in the recent few activities and ostracizing Qiao Nan, Yu Xiaoxiao was quite ashamed. ¡°Qiao Nan, listen to me. It¡¯s not so easy to change the dormitory. The school is not so easy to talk to. Actually, Tang Jiayun is just someone who wants face. You can talk nicely to Tang Jiayun and both of you will be on better terms. Qiao Nan, I... Let me tell you. Actually, Tang Jiayun still has some capability.¡±

    She did not expect that despite being freshmen, Tang Jiayun knew so many male seniors in the school. Some of them were even prominent figures.

    Peking University was one of the best colleges in the country. The prominent figures in the school were thus truly the cream of the crop.

    Naturally, among these people, there were people who had both good grades and family background.

    The reason Yu Xiaoxiao worked so hard to get into a college in the capital was to leave her hometown and work toward having a family of her own in a prosperous city such as the capital.

    She used to have such thoughts when she was still a high school student. When she really graduated and became part of the many who came from other regions, Yu Xiaoxiao knew that life would not be as simple as she had imagined.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was well aware that she could not rx or afford to be careless during her four years of college studies. She had to do well in her studies. In addition, if she wanted to build a strong foundation in the capital, she definitely had to get to know more people who could help her.

    Tang Jiayun really had many friends. Amongst them, there were people that Yu Xiaoxiao had initially wanted to get to know. Otherwise, having been through two rounds of embarrassment, why would Yu Xiaoxiao still follow Tang Jiayun around?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, for the sake of a better future, it¡¯s not a big deal to endure the anger temporarily. Everyone is an adult. You should understand. This Tang Jiayun certainly is quite capable. We are not only ssmates but also from the same dormitory. Qiao Nan, please don¡¯t let slip this kind of opportunity. Have you registered for the clubs in the school? Amongst the people that Tang Jiayun knows are the chairmen of these clubs. If... if we handle these rtionships well, we won¡¯t be disadvantaged when ites to things such as social practice.¡±

    Everyone was from the same dormitory. Yu Xiaoxiao could sense that Qiao Nan was actually quite a good person although she was rather quiet.

    Given this situation of Tang Jiayun, their ssmates would most likely hear about it soon. Qiao Nan was not dumb. She would certainly hear about it.

    Instead of waiting it out for Qiao Nan to hear the news from others, Yu Xiaoxiao felt that she might as well gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor today by telling her this. As such, it would not be that awkward for them moving forward.

    Yu Xiaoxiao also wished to take on ssmittee roles. She heard that she would receive additional marks for doing so.

    For the sake of getting good results, Yu Xiaoxiao was well aware that she not only had to curry favor with Tang Jiayun but also win Qiao Nan over. An additional vote was still a vote.

    Qiao Nan, who was packing up, stopped what she was doing for a while. She then straightened her waist and said ¡®thank you¡¯.

    Regardless of what Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s thoughts were, it was a good thing that Yu Xiaoxiao was willing to tell her this. However, she did not need this piece of information.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. We are all from the same ss and should help one another. Actually, Tang Jiayun is not a bad person. Her temperament is quite easy to grasp. As long as you are able to coax her, there won¡¯t be many problems. Actually, it¡¯s quite easy if you want to appease Tang Jiayun.¡±

 Chapter 891 - Thank You for Your Well-Meaning Advice, I Donâ€™t Need It

    <strong>Chapter 891 Thank You for Your Well-Meaning Advice, I Don¡¯t Need It</strong>

    Yu Xiaoxiao gave her another piece of advice.

    After knowing Tang Jiayun for half a month, Tang Jiayun had asked Yu Xiaoxiao more than once if it was true that she was not prettier than Qiao Nan.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was a very intelligent person. She would always tell Tang Jiayun that both were beautiful in their own ways.

    Everyone had different perspectives in regard to beauty. Yu Xiaoxiao told Tang Jiayun that some people prefer Tang Jiayun¡¯s kind of look. Everyone had heard about the saying ¡®beauty is in the eye of the beholder¡¯.

    In the end, Yu Xiaoxiao expressed one thing: Regardless of who was prettier between Qiao Nan and Tang Jiayun, the problem was that Qiao Nan was already engaged. Moreover, Qiao Nan seemed to be in a stable rtionship with her fianc¨¦ from the countryside.

    Actually, whether Qiao Nan was pretty or not was meaningless to Tang Jiayun as it would not impact thetter at all.

    Of course, Tang Jiayun understood what Yu Xiaoxiao meant. She knew very well that a typical person would admire Qiao Nan more as thetter was slightly fairer than her.

    Certainly, regardless of how pretty Qiao Nan¡¯s face was, it was useless because she already belonged to someone else.

    Tang Jiayun took issue that Qiao Nan was prettier than her. She was worried that her limelight would be stolen away by Qiao Nan in front of the people that she knew, that those people would prefer to look at Qiao Nan and ignore her.

    As long as she was aware of Tang Jiayun¡¯s psychology, it was not that difficult for Qiao Nan to change her rtionship with Tang Jiayun.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan thanked her again. ¡°However, there is no need to do so currently.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very surprised by these words of Yu Xiaoxiao. Everyone had just been admitted to Peking University and had been undergoing military training. She really did not expect Tang Jiayun to be able to get to know so many people during this short period. Furthermore, she was on such good terms with them. She not only knew the chairmen of the various clubs and unions but could also pull strings for social practice arrangements of these clubs when the need arose.

    In such a short and limited time span, how did Tang Jiayun manage to do that? She was a social talent!

    Qiao Nan could not help taking her hat off Tang Jiayun regarding this. Thetter was certainly capable.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was stunned. ¡°Qiao Nan, then, why are you still...¡± Moving out. How could it be so easy to change dormitory?

    Yu Xiaoxiao was a little nervous. ¡°Actually, if we have any misunderstanding, we can resolve it internally. Many problems will not be problems after we thrash it out. Why don¡¯t I help you and be the mediator when Tang Jiayunes back today?¡±

    She could not let Qiao Nan leave. If Qiao Nan went to look for the counselor and request for a change of dormitory, the counselor would certainly ask for the reason. Even if Qiao Nan were to put all the me on Tang Jiayun, as one of the four dormitory mates, Yu Xiaoxiao was truly afraid that the counselor¡¯s impression of her would worsen.

    What if the counselor were to misunderstand that she was a troublesome student who did not know what was good for her? Then, in theing four years, how could she study well and graduate with outstanding grades and eventuallypete for a good job so that she could stay put in the capital?

    At this moment, Yu Xiaoxiao was filled with regrets. If she had known that this would happen, when Tang Jiayun ostracized Qiao Nan a few days ago, she should have analyzed the situation properly with Tang Jiayun.

    Tang Jiayun knew so many people. She certainly also ced great emphasis on her own studies and grades. She was definitely not willing to let the counselor form the impression that she was domineering and unreasonable.

    Qiao Nan took a nce at Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s hand that was holding on to her. She then patted it gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. I¡¯m not changing dormitory. I¡¯ll tell the school clearly that I¡¯m leaving due to personal reasons, and it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with my dormitory mates.¡±

    They had been ssmates for half a month. Of course, Qiao Nan could not possibly believe that Yu Xiaoxiao could not bear to part with her or was concerned about her, this dormitory mate. Such was the reality of life.

    In her previous life, Chen Jun befriended her because he coborated with Wang Yang to prevent Zhu Chengqi from acknowledging her as his goddaughter. It was to stop her from getting a big bargain after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    Wang Yang had already schemed against Zhu Baoguo and caused thetter¡¯s death. If Zhu Chengqi acknowledged her as the goddaughter, Wang Yang¡¯s painstaking hard work and effort would really benefit others then.

    Chen Jun found a girlfriend in this way. The situation of Yu Xiaoxiao was not unexpected either.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was very embarrassed. As she was too emotional, she unknowingly withdrew her hand that was grabbing Qiao Nan¡¯s luggage tightly earlier. ¡°Qiao Nan, I...¡±

    Qiao Nan would tell the school that she was moving out of the dormitory for personal reasons. As such, Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s desire to hold back Qiao Nan was not reduced. It waspletely lost. Regarding the matter that urred during the military training half a month ago, there was a knot in Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s heart regardless of whether Qiao Nan was in the wrong.

    All four of them were from the same dormitory. Besides Qiao Nan, the remaining three of them had been punished by the counselor to write self-reflection letters. They were also punished by the instructor to do the runs. In other words, Qiao Nan was the sore thumb in this dormitory.

    Qiao Nan was no longer going to be around. Yu Xiaoxiao knew that after some time, when the study load was heavier and school activities increased, she would certainly be able to gradually let go of this knot in her heart and forget about these two matters.

    However, if she were to continue to be dormitory mates with Qiao Nan and sleep and attend sses with her, at every sight of Qiao Nan, she would be reminded of how she had made a fool of herself when the school term had justmenced.

    Qiao Nan could still be a piece of pure and white paper just as when she first started school, but she had alreadymitted so many mistakes. This was simply a nightmare in Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s student life.

    Clearly, she was the model student praised by the teachers in the past. Why did it seem like she was going to drop into the poor students¡¯ group just as she entered college?

    Qiao Nan was still smiling. At the sight of that smile, Yu Xiaoxiao not only withdrew her hand but also could not help clenching her fists and cing them by her sides. She was subtly rubbing her hands on the skirt so that she could wipe away the sweat on them.

    ¡°See you in the ss when we have a chance.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao was tactful. Qiao Nan carried her luggage of various sizes and left the dormitory without turning back.

    The school had onlymenced for half a month and she had not spoken more than ten sentences with each of her three dormitory mates. How could they have so much love for one another?

    It was not necessary for Yu Xiaoxiao to behave in this way. It was hypocritical.

    ¡°Yo, you are finally out. I thought that I needed to go and fetch you. These are all your belongings?¡± At the sight of the many items in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Shi Qing felt d. Finally, she did not need to live in school anymore.

    Shi Qing already sensed that the dormitory mates in college were genuinely different from those in the senior high school.

    Official lessons would bemencing tomorrow. In the afternoon today, all the clubs in the school were recruiting new members. Her dormitory mates were inquiring about what was going on, pulling strings and trying to find out one another¡¯s background. Shi Qing was dying of annoyance.

    Was it not just registering for a few clubs? Did they need to spend so much effort?

    She heard that some of these clubs had entry requirements that were as high as that of Peking University. The higher the number of registrants, the more people the clubs¡¯ chairmen had to eliminate.

    Of course, if one could get into these clubs, the social practice scores for the final semester would certainly be higher. In this regard, choosing the type of club was connected to the chances of receiving schrships.

    For the people who wanted to continue to do well in their studies, the nerves in their brains were more than average.

    Over the past two days, Shi Qing¡¯s brains had grown twice in size as she was feeling troubled over this. She had also lost a big bunch of hair.

 Chapter 892 - Caught Red-Handed

    <h4>Chapter 892 Caught Red-Handed</h4>

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was willing to move out of the dormitory. Otherwise, Shi Qing would be scratching her ears and cheeks, thinking of ways to make Qiao Nan change her mind.

    Knowing Shi Qing¡¯s old habit, Qiao Nan had a look of disapproval on her face. ¡°I have already told you long ago. Life in the army is not as easy as you imagined it to be. The enemies are cunning and have bags full of tricks. You couldn¡¯t becking even a little in IQ and EQ. Otherwise, you will be full of ambitions and aspirations when you go there, only to end up as a frustrated warrior who has lost all ambitions when youe back.¡±

    ¡°Besides enemies of the country and the party, such a living thing called ¡®political opponent¡¯ also exists in that social circle of yours. There is one saying: There are no permanent friends. There are only permanent interests. In this regard, your political opponents will keep changing. When your intelligence is not on par for a while, just be prepared to be invited by others for tea the next day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s different.¡± Shi Qing refused to admit. ¡°The army is the army. This is the school. Shouldn¡¯t the school be a more innocent ce?¡± What was wrong with the youngsters nowadays? They had so much in their minds. It was so scary.

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°The school is a small society. For the younger ones, there are greater possibilities of havingmon grounds and interests. As they grow in age and be seniors, their mindset and psychology be moreplex. There is not much of a difference from the actual society then.¡±

    Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan, I have stayed in your house for half a year previously but I have not seen you read any books on psychology at home. I have not seen you make any notes either. Did Elder Lin counsel you on all these? Why do I feel that you seem to have ¡®cheated¡¯? Each time you talk about these matters, damn, I feel like an idiot in front of you. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t deal such blows to me. Can you save me some face?¡±

    Qiao Nan was thoroughly amused. ¡°I have asked you to read up more but you are not willing to. There are a lot of books on psychology in the library. Do you still need to buy them? These are all supplementary knowledge out of the textbooks. I read them out of interest. Take notes? There are already so many notes and homework from school. Do you really think that I am a robot that will never feel tired? Fine, I am not bickering with you anymore. I have more belongings than these and I have not taken my nket and stuff. I need to make two trips. It should be the same for you, no?¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s hurry then. I think the car is already waiting for us downstairs.¡± The car of the Feng family could enter Peking University but onlydies could enter the female dormitory. Non-females would have to wait downstairs.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move.¡±

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were like ants moving house as they made various trips up and down the stairs.

    When they came, they only brought clothing and simr items.

    After they arrived at Peking University, there were a lot of items such as thin and thick nkets, mattress covers, toothbrush, toothpaste, and various daily basic necessities. Naturally, the items that Qiao Nan and Shi Qing had to shift today were much more than when they first arrived at school.

    It was not an exception for Shi Qing who started school without bringing many items.

    Tang Jiayun, who was wearing a pair of thin high heel shoes and a flowery dress, tidied up her hair. Her eyes were looking downstairs from time to time.

    When she returned to her dormitory and sat down, Tang Jiayun sounded very excited. ¡°Hey, we have a student staying in our building who is looking for a big boss kind of boyfriend. I saw a Mercedes-Benz car downstairs. The speed at which she finds a boyfriend is really fast.¡±

    Tang Jiayun thought that she was already very formidable to be able to know so many important people in the school.

    Who would have known that someone else was more vicious than her? She had already found a long term meal ticket. Even Tang Jiayun herself had to concede defeat.

    ¡°Mercedes-Benz? Is it true?¡± L¨¹ Yan did not even bother to wash her clothes anymore. She leaned on the railing and looked down. ¡°I heard from my dad that this brand of car is very expensive. There are no cheap ones.¡± Their family did not even have a car. Others even casually drove a Mercedes-Benz car here. The gap between human beings was too great.

    V118

    ¡°Who is so shameless? The school has justmenced and she has to create such a scandal. Aren¡¯t she afraid of being expelled by the school?¡± L¨¹ Yan blinked. The college did not restrict students from having romantic rtionships but if they overdid some of these things, they would be punished too. ¡°Peking University is such a good school. There are also people who betray themselves to an old man for the sake of money?¡±

    To be driving such an expensive car, the car owner must be bald, right?

    What kind of psychology was that to find a father to be one¡¯s boyfriend?

    ¡°When I was studying in senior high school previously, I heard about such situations. However, why would this happen in our school? This is really a ck sheep that tarnishes the entire poption.¡± When she said this, L¨¹ Yan felt very shameful.

    Tang Jiayun looked disappointed. Why was it that the owner of the Mercedes-Benz downstairs was not her boyfriend? ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? I have seen him. The owner of the car is not some old man. He is a young and handsome guy who is at most slightly over twenty years of age. Most likely, he is one of the rich second-generation heirs.¡±

    ¡°Wow...¡± That was formidable. The ability to seduce people was stronger than that of Tang Jiayun. ¡°No matter what, I won¡¯t do something so shameless. My parents have said that one¡¯s conscience has to be clear.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun had been discussing for some time but they did not hear any noise from Yu Xiaoxiao. L¨¹ Yan turned back to look for Yu Xiaoxiao. ¡°Xiaoxiao, what¡¯s wrong with you? You¡¯re not muttering a word. Aren¡¯t you going to take a look? Aren¡¯t you curious who the girlfriend of that car owner is?!

    If this matter were to spread, the scandal of the three of them writing self-reflection letters and being punished to run would certainly be forgotten!

    ¡°Not looking.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao forced herself to shake her head. ¡°You all can see for yourself.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. At this moment, Qiao Nan¡¯s nket was not only folded but also rolled up. As for the cupboard that was assigned to Qiao Nan, it was also empty.

    L¨¹ Yan looked at Yu Xiaoxiao in puzzlement. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°As per what you have seen.¡±

    ¡°Tang Jiayun is right. She is bent on going against us. She wants to harm us. She still thinks that we have not been shamed enough? We are all ssmates and from the same dormitory. Does she need to harm us in this way?¡± L¨¹ Yan¡¯s face turned ck. Qiao Nan wanted to change dormitory. She was not sure what Qiao Nan would tell the counselor. Would she smear the names of the three of them behind their backs?

    Tang Jiayun, who walked in, looked sullen. ¡°How dare she!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry. Qiao Nan said that she will tell the school that she is leaving due to personal reasons. She won¡¯t drag us into this.¡±

    ¡°Do you believe what she said?¡± Tang Jiayun sneered.

    L¨¹ Yan was apprehensive for a moment. ¡°Is this true? Why do I feel that these words seem to be fake?¡± Having said that, L¨¹ Yan looked guilty.

    At the thought of what happened in this half a month, L¨¹ Yan was aware that if she were in Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes and had been ostracized by the other three dormitory mates, she would definitely feel upset too and want to change dormitory.

    Qiao Nan, who had been criticized by L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun, entered the dormitory with a stiff face. She silently took her nket from the bed. She was already going to leave soon but she heard such a conversation unexpectedly. It was really ¡®spectacr¡¯.

    They had been gossiping behind someone¡¯s back and they were caught red-handed by the party concerned. Even Tang Jiayun looked awkward, not to mention L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao.

 Chapter 893 - On the Way to Becoming â€˜Close Palsâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 893 On the Way to Bing ¡®Close Pals¡¯</h4>

    ¡°You... which dormitory will you be changing to? Is it going to be the dormitory of the one that alwayses here to look for you? Why I do remember that she is not studying the same course as us? Will you be able to move over? As a student, I advise you not to be so willful. Don¡¯t trouble the teachers so much.¡±

    At this juncture, Tang Jiayun was somewhat displeased with Qiao Nan. There were four people living in the dormitory. Qiao Nan was going to move out alone. She made it seem as though the three of them had joint forces and bullied her.

    If others were to think of it that way, it would not be fair to the three of them. In fact, the impact would be adverse.

    Qiao Nanughed it off. ¡°If this situation really urs, it is also my business. I don¡¯t need your concern.¡±

    The Tang Jiayun trio was so envious of the Mercedes-Benz car downstairs. However, Qiao Nan looked so unhappy and reluctant.

    If they were only carrying the belongings of one person, it did not matter whether a Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen car was here. However, the problem was that they needed to carry the belongings of two people, both Shi Qing¡¯s and hers. It was thus not so appropriate to drive such a small car here.

    If the Feng family was not willing to give her a ride, she would not force them to do so. At most, she would grit her teeth and spend some money to hire a trishaw. She would still be able to shift the items over.

    ¡°No sense of shame!¡± Tang Jiayun spat at Qiao Nan. ¡°She is not getting along well with people in the dormitory but she does not do self-reflect. She still has the shame to put on a strong front. I don¡¯t wish to waste my effort either.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan had just been caught red-handed by Qiao Nan. She was still feeling guilty. As some of Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings were still in the dormitory, it meant that Qiao Nan woulde back again to take the items. L¨¹ Yan was worried that she would be caught by Qiao Nan if she were to say anything else. That would be too embarrassing.

    Yu Xiaoxiao simply pursed her lips and kept mum. She did not respond to Tang Jiayun¡¯s words.

    Toward Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s attitudes, Yu Xiaoxiao snorted unhappily. She finally quieted down and did not continue to badmouth Qiao Nan behind thetter¡¯s back.

    However, after sitting down for ten minutes, Tang Jiayun could not control her urge again. She immediately walked out and leaned on the railing to stare at that Mercedes-Benz car. She was really curious as to which brave warrior had made it to the top rankings despite being a freshman.

    There was a saying that birds of the same feather flock together.

    This was a friend of the rich second-generation heirs. Then, he or she must also be a rich second-generation heir.

    The chairmen whom she knew could help her in some minor issues in the school. However, when she really stepped out to society, they would be useless! On the contrary, this brave warrior was more practical and smart. It was more important to be opportunistic in a realistic way.

    Tang Jiayun did not voice out her interest but she was already secretly forming ideas in her mind on how to get to know this ¡®warrior¡¯. Thereafter, through the ¡®warrior¡¯s boyfriend, she could also get to know a simr type of boyfriend.

    However, when she saw a familiar and annoying figure stepping toward the Mercedes-Benz car, Tang Jiayun¡¯s face immediately turned pale.

    Impossible!

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan say that she was already engaged?

    Right, the owner of the car was certainly not waiting for Qiao Nan. It had to be a coincidence.

    Tang Jiayun clenched her fists as she bit the finger of her right hand. At the sight of Qiao Nan stepping toward the Mercedes-Benz car and approaching it, the intensity of the unhappiness shown on Tang Jiayun¡¯s face increased, and so did the strength of the bite on her finger.

    When Qiao Nan really opened the car door and put in her belongings, Tang Jiayun could not tolerate further and made such a deep indent on her finger with her bite.

    If she were to use a little more strength, most probably, she would have broken the skin.

    L¨¹ Yan saw Tang Jiayun pull a long face and walk into the dormitory. ¡°Tang Jiayun, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Why was it that she felt that Tang Jiayun was making a louder noise than usual in her footsteps while she walked?

    Tang Jiayun gave a fake smile. ¡°Nothing. Maybe the weather is too hot and I¡¯m suffering from minor heatstroke. Or perhaps I was tired out due to the military training and have not regained my senses. Most probably, I will recover with more rest.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± L¨¹ Yan had a look of ¡®disbelief¡¯ on her face. It had been so tiring on the first day of the military training. Clearly, she and Yu Xiaoxiao did not wish to go out of school. Tang Jiayun was the one who said that she knew who could help them in the future. She and Yu Xiaoxiao then allowed Tang Jiayun to pull them out.

    That day, Tang Jiayun, who insisted on wearing high-heel shoes, was behaving like a butterfly. She was moving everywhere, looking so carefree and happy.

    She did not seem tired even during the period of the military training. Now that the military training had already ended, would Tang Jiayun feel tired?

    She must be kidding!

    When Qiao Nan¡¯s brisk footsteps could be heard again, L¨¹ Yan restrained her expression and sat beside Yu Xiaoxiao quietly. She looked as obedient as the great monkey sage wearing the magic yoke and sitting beside Tang Sanzang[1].

    No matter what, after Qiao Nan moved out, they would be freed. They would not need to endure the uneasiness in their hearts anymore.

    Although Qiao Nan was not very sociable, she was quite a nice person. Qiao Nan should be able to do as she promised when she said that she would inform the school that she was changing dormitory due to personal reasons.

    In her two lifetimes, Qiao Nan had seen most of such people like L¨¹ Yan who was an ass in a lion¡¯s skin. Facing the stark difference of L¨¹ Yan¡¯s behavior before and after, Qiao Nan did not look surprised at all. She only calmly carried her belongings down the stairs.

    Fortunately, this was thest trip that she would be making.

    Just as Qiao Nan thought that she could be freed from this dormitory, Tang Jiayun tugged the corners of her mouth and revealed a bright smile at Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re so capable. You are changing dormitory so quickly. I had thought that after you told the school, the school would need time to make arrangements even after agreeing. Regardless, they would need one or two weeks before they could settle this.¡±

    Peking University was such a big school. Whether it was the principal or teachers, they had many duties to juggle on hand.

    Even if Qiao Nan had reflected this to the ss counselor, could she change dormitory as she wished?

    Besides, if she were to change dormitory, it would certainly not happen in such a short time.

    It seemed that as soon as Qiao Nan had such an intention, the school had agreed immediately and made arrangements for her. Qiao Nan was just ady from the countryside. Why would she be so capable? All that said, wasn¡¯t she relying on the owner of that Mercedes-Benz car downstairs?

    She had really underestimated Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Although the school term has justmenced for half a month, your belongings now are much more than those when you first moved in. There are so many things and it will be too hard for you to move them alone. I will help you. There is greater strength in numbers. We are ssmates and also from the same dormitory. Of course we have to be united as a team and help one another. Actually, our dormitory is quite good and the four of us get along quite happily. Why don¡¯t you stay here? It is not a difficult matter for you whether to change dormitory or not. If it is not convenient for you, someone else can help you, right? Qiao Nan, we are so close. Can you bear to leave us and change dormitory?¡±

    Tang Jiayun was so affectionate that she even reached out to put her arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. Her tone was sweet and gentle. That demeanor of hers was as if she had known Qiao Nan since they were young, that they were close pals who grew up together and could talk about everything under the sun.

    Tang Jiayun was suddenly fawning aggressively on Qiao Nan and openly telling lies. At the sight of this, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were dumbstruck. Did Tang Jiayun take the wrong medicine? Or was she on the wrong nerves?

    [1] Tang Sanzang, based on the historical Buddhist monk Xuanzang, is a central character in the novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng¡¯en. He was the master of the great monkey sage in the novel.

 Chapter 894 - Climbing the Stairs and Taking the Elevator

    <h4>Chapter 894 Climbing the Stairs and Taking the Elevator</h4>

    Previously, Tang Jiayun led them to dislike Qiao Nan and even insisted that they ignored Qiao Nan. Looking at how affectionate she was to Qiao Nan today, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan almost could not recognize if this was the Tang Jiayun that could not see eye to eye with Qiao Nan previously.

    ¡°Tell me, what is happening?¡± L¨¹ Yan could not help but nudge Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s arms.

    Qiao Nan had already told us that she would inform the school that she was moving out of the dormitory due to personal reasons. She would not implicate the three of them. Given Tang Jiayun¡¯s character, she would certainly not worry so much. Instead, she could not wait for Qiao Nan to leave as soon as possible.

    Previously, when they attended two social events, a few seniors that Tang Jiayun looked up to had been asking about Qiao Nan. They even requested Tang Jiayun to pass messages to Qiao Nan. Tang Jiayun not only rejected but also expressed that she was not close to Qiao Nan and she was uncertain if there was such a student in the ss.

    Tang Jiayun washed her hands off all the matters that were rted to Qiao Nan. Now that Qiao Nan was going to move out, shouldn¡¯t Tang Jiayun feel happy? When those seniors made such requests in the future, Tang Jiayun would not feel so embarrassed to decline them.

    It should be a positive matter that Qiao Nan was moving out. Who would have known that at this juncture, Tang Jiayun would fawn greatly on Qiao Nan. She was even trying to stop Qiao Nan from leaving.

    Tang Jiayun and L¨¹ Yan wrecked the brains that admitted them to Peking University for a long time but could not figure out the current situation and what Tang Jiayun was trying to do.

    Tang Jiayun was the one who took the lead to ostracize Qiao Nan. She was also the one who was trying to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor now. Would there be a situation in the future whereby after Tang Jiayun appeased Qiao Nan to stay in the dormitory, she would then badmouth the two of them in front of Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan would believe that they were the ones who targeted her instead of Tang Jiayun, and Tang Jiayun was just a follower?

    If that was truly the case, they would be taking the me regardless of what happened.

    This Tang Jiayun was too mean!

    At the thought of all these, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were very anxious. They were afraid that Qiao Nan would be tricked by Tang Jiayun and as such, their reputations would be ruined.

    ¡°Thank you, but there is no need. I have already finished moving.¡± Qiao Nan lifted her hands and let go of Tang Jiayun. She refused to let Tang Jiayun touch her belongings. One who is unountably solicitous is likely to be harboring evil intentions. ¡°As for the issue regarding the dormitory, the paperwork has already been settled. If I change my mind now, I will have to trouble the teachers one more time. Forget it.¡±

    Tang Jiayun, jointly with Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, ignored her and gave her psychological abuse. In fact, Qiao Nan was not bothered and did not take it to heart at all. Qiao Nan wanted to move out because of Tang Jiayun¡¯s character. Tang Jiayun appeared to be ignoring Qiao Nan on the surface but she would torture her whenever there was a chance.

    Qiao Nan expressed that she wanted to focus on her studies and strive for progress. She could not endure this kind of torture from Tang Jiayun.

    All of a sudden, Tang Jiayun was so affectionate to her. Qiao Nan was taken aback greatly and she could not wait to leave. ¡°ssmate Tang Jiayun, can I trouble you to move away? You¡¯re blocking my way.¡±

    There was a flicker in Tang Jiayun¡¯s eyes as soon as she heard Qiao Nan mentioned that the paperwork of changing the dormitory had been settled.

    The changing of dormitory was a mundane andmon matter. However, given the nature of such matters, it was, in fact, quite cumbersome to settle.

    Why was that so?

    The teachers had other matters to attend to. Who would be willing to waste their time on such a mundane matter?

    Even if the school had agreed to the change in dormitory, they would certainly take some time to settle it.

    It was just the school¡¯s wee ceremony today and lessons had not even officially begun. So, Qiao Nan must have just informed the teachers that she wanted to change dormitory. Despite this, the administration matters had been resolved immediately. It seemed that the owner of that Mercedes-Benz car downstairs not only had power but also a strong interpersonalwork in a ce such as the capital.

    Qiao Nan was just a country bumpkin, yet she was so blessed. Her means were formidable. How did she manage to find herself such a boyfriend? Qiao Nan said that she was engaged. Could this individual downstairs be Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦?

    Although Tang Jiayun had wanted to plead Qiao Nan to let her ¡®widen her horizons¡¯, at the thought of this, Tang Jiayun felt so jealous when she looked at Qiao Nan.

    She was obviously better than Qiao Nan. She also had a way of building interpersonal rtionships. Why couldn¡¯t she find a fianc¨¦ that was so outstanding?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, is that person downstairs your fianc¨¦?¡± Tang Jiayun could not help asking. ¡°He is the one who helped you make arrangements to move out of the dormitory? Your fianc¨¦ is so capable. He is driving a Mercedes-Benz car despite being so young. He also managed to let you move out of the dormitory so soon. Your fianc¨¦ is brilliant and dotes on you very much.¡±

    Tang Jiayun sang many praises. She only did not ask what this fianc¨¦ of Qiao Nan did and how capable or formidable his family was.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. It was no wonder Tang Jiayun became so affectionate. So, Tang Jiayun was so experienced in socializing that she had found an avenue in this. She thought that Qiao Nan had found someone who had a formidable background. ¡°You have misunderstood. I have a fianc¨¦ but he is not the owner of the Mercedes-Benz car downstairs. This is my friend¡¯s cousin.¡±

    The one who came to fetch Qiao Nan and Shi Qing this time was the son of Shi Qing¡¯s uncle, Feng Meng.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Tang Jiayun was a little disappointed but she was also overjoyed. ¡°Which ssmate of yours? Is she from our ss?¡± Since it did not have anything to do with Qiao Nan, then that was great.

    Tang Jiayun was so practical and realistic that she let go of Qiao Nan. She was no longer helping Qiao Nan carry thetter¡¯s belongings. She was only focused on finding out more information about this ¡®friend¡¯. ¡°We are all from the same ss. It is fate that brought us together from various faraway ces. Introduce him to us, please? We can often go out to have fun together in the future.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan heaved sighs of relief. Tang Jiayun¡¯s target was the sister of the Mercedes-Benz car¡¯s owner and not Qiao Nan.

    At the point when they heard that the owner of the Mercedes-Benz car was possibly Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ and he had already helped Qiao Nan settle all the paperwork, even Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan realized that they had ¡®followed¡¯ the wrong person, let alone Tang Jiayun.

    They were following Tang Jiayun¡¯s lead as they wanted to get to know some people and blend into the life in Peking University as soon as possible. They could then pull strings and get into a club of their choice as well as take on a small leadership role. When the final school term came, they could then receive a beautiful report card.

    Having said all that countless times, the ultimate reason that they wanted to have a beautiful report card was to find a good job upon graduation and stepping into society.

    As such, the efforts that they put in now to follow Tang Jiayun was just the starting point of the journey to their future. It was simr to climbing the stairs. They had just skipped the first floor andnded on the second one.

    On the contrary, if they had gotten close to Qiao Nan, that would be akin to taking the elevator. With the press of a button, they couldfortably reach the top floor of the building just at the sound of a beep!

    If they could reach the top floor of the building directly, who would still care about Tang Jiayun, this ¡®second floor¡¯?

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s denial, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan felt both relieved and d. Their disappointment had been reduced to half. They were already on bad terms with Qiao Nan. Even if they were as thick-skinned as Tang Jiayun to try to mend the rtionship, Qiao Nan might not be agreeable.

 Chapter 895 - Had a Bad Fall

    <h4>Chapter 895 Had a Bad Fall</h4>

    Fortunately, the owner of the Mercedes-Benz car was not Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦. In that case, there was no need for them to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor.

    But they missed the chance to take the elevator which was the express and fastest route to a bright future.

    Qiao Nan motioned for Tang Jiayun to give way, but Tang Jiayun kept teasing her. She blocked the entrance, refusing to let Qiao Nan, who had her hands full of belongings, pass. ¡°Qiao Nan, make the introductions.¡±

    Tang Jiayun wanted to get to know the cousin of the Mercedes-Benz car¡¯s owner. If Qiao Nan did not introduce the cousin to her, she would not let Qiao Nan have a change of dormitory.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips in anger at Tang Jiayun¡¯s ruffian behavior. She was not a pushover. She was merely being polite to her. Since Tang Jiayun had taken her kindness for granted, she would not be nice to her anymore.

    Qiao Nan was about to shout at her to scram to a side when Shi Qing showed up. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are indeed taking your sweet time. Brother Feng Meng has been waiting for a long time downstairs. Do you have so many belongings? I have already offered to help you but you refused. Dawdling will only get on my nerves. Come. Pass your belongings to 1

    Shi Qing behaved as if she did not notice Tang Jiayun, who was blocking the door.

    In fact, Shi Qing really did not see Tang Jiayun. She was here to look for Qiao Nan and she did not care about other people around her. She saw Qiao Nan right away when she was reaching the dormitory. It was hard not to notice Qiao Nan who carried a lot of her belongings with her.

    Shi Qing was a tomboy who spent a lot of her time in the army. She was physically strong and was able to subdue Zhu Baoguo even when they were still in high school. Men would be fearful of Shi Qing, notwithstanding a dainty Tang Jiayun.

    Tang Jiayun had yet to introduce herself to the person that she was looking for, and she had been knocked sideways by Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan, who had her hands full, had her vision blocked. She could not tell that Tang Jiayun had lost her bnce after the bump that she had with Shi Qing. But she sensed that something was falling toward her. Therefore, she darted to a side deftly.

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan who witnessed Tang Jiayun¡¯s fall stood up immediately to stop her fall.

    It would be very painful to fall onto the tiled floor.

    ¡°My goodness!¡± Tang Jiayun, who lost her bnce, grabbed hold of Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s hand. Although she was able to break the fall, her knees still scraped against the floor. She yelled in great pain.

    Shi Qing rushed forward to help Tang Jiayun stand up. ¡°This schoolmate over here, I am really sorry. I didn¡¯t see you. It was an ident. Are you alright?¡±

    Tang Jiayun was in such pain that there were tears in her eyes. She reminded herself of the Mercedes-Benz car downstairs and stopped herself from shouting at Shi Qing. She smiled. ¡°I... I am alright. I know that you did not do it on purpose. I did not really hurt myself. You do not have to feel bad about it.¡±

    It was good for her that the person downstairs was not attached. Given some time and opportunity, she might be the person sitting in the passenger seat of the Mercedes-Benz car.

    Tang Jiayun wanted Shi Qing to know that she had a good temper and was gracious so that she could leave a good impression on her. She did not expect that Shi Qing was unlike the usual girls and that she behaved unlike them. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s good that you are alright. I am really sorry.¡±

    With that, Shi Qing was no longer bothered that she knocked into Tang Jiayun and caused her to fall. In fact, this was not a serious matter. If Tang Jiayun hurt herself, Shi Qing would not shirk responsibility. She would help dress her wounds.

    However, Tang Jiayun said that she was alright and she did not sustain any injuries. Shi Qing thus put this matter aside and went on to take Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings from her. ¡°I am faster than you. I will make a move first. You can catch up with me. We still have to clean the house.¡±

    The house that she and Qiao Nan would be living in belonged to Elder Lin. He seldom came to the capital and there was no one to tidy and look after the house. She and Qiao Nan would have to clean the house by themselves.

    Shi Qing moved very quickly. Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, who were in a daze, had yet toe back to their senses.

    Tang Jiayun knew that Shi Qing was leaving and wanted to stop her. However, she was still reeling in pain from her fall and she had to rest for the pain to ease.

    Seeing that she was about to miss her golden chance, Tang Jiayun rushed to catch up with Shi Qing. However, as she had yet to recover from her fall, her knees gave way and she plopped down on the floor.

    Tang Jiayun faced the entrance as she fell, and Qiao Nan happened to be standing at the entrance.

    Several ssmates passed by and witnessed the scene. They were taken aback by what they had seen. ¡°Tang Jiayun, who are you kneeling to? Or rather, is your dormitory preparing for a certain program? Are you seriously kneeling down on the floor?¡±

    Teenagers nowadays, especially students from Peking University, were prideful. They were not from the movie and theater faculty. Why would they kneel to someone else easily?

    Previously, Tang Jiayun was as proud as a peacock. They could never imagine that Tang Jiayun would sacrifice for the arts. ¡°What is the program? When will it be shown? Is it rted to the club? Remember to notify us before the actual performance. We will definitely be there to support you.¡±

    The two female students covered their mouths with books and leftughing heartily. ¡°Did Tang Jiayun join the drama club?¡±

    ¡°How will I know? The drama club is not our school¡¯s forte. The drama club at the Beijing Film Academy is the best. I thought that Tang Jiayun is very ambitious and she will only join the promising clubs in the school. Why would she join such an unknown club and put so much effort into it? She is so funny...¡±

    Qiao Nan cleared her throat upon hearing thements that the two female students made about Tang Jiayun. ¡°Well, you can continue with the rehearsal. I will make a move first. Goodbye.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan had no choice but to walk toward Tang Jiayun. It was obvious that Tang Jiayun had a bad fall just now. Her eyes had turned red and teary. ¡°Are you alright? Have a seat.¡±

    Tang Jiayun felt weak. She allowed Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan to help her up. ¡°By the way, do we have such a ssmate in our school? I have no impression of her despite having gone through half a month of military training.¡± If she knew that there was such a promising stock in the ss, she had no need to be saddled with Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan. It was a waste of her time and effort.

    Yu Xiaoxiao seemed to know what was on Tang Jiayun¡¯s mind. She pursed her lips, feeling displeased. ¡°Since you hate Qiao Nan and alienate her, you will definitely not know that schoolmate. She is not from our ss or our faculty. She is close to Qiao Nan because they are from Ping Cheng. They are from the same high school.¡±

 Chapter 896 - Feng Familyâ€™s Ill Feeling Toward Qiao Nan

    <strong>Chapter 896 Feng Family¡¯s Ill Feeling Toward Qiao Nan</strong>

    Yu Xiaoxiao had heard of Shi Qing from Qiao Nan, so she did not really take her seriously.

    Since Shi Qing was from a small city like Ping Cheng, she must be a small fry.

    Only now did she realize that she had missed out on a golden opportunity. Although Shi Qing was from Ping Cheng, this did not mean that she did not have any rtives in the capital. In fact, her rtives were influential and powerful.

    It was not easy to get to know Shi Qing. However, if she had a close rtionship with Qiao Nan, she would be able to get close to Shi Qing through Qiao Nan.

    Yu Xiaoxiao began to have regrets right now. Why did she stick close to Tang Jiayun and anger Qiao Nan?

    When Qiao Nan stayed at the dormitory, Shi Qing stayed at the dormitory as well.

    Everyone stayed in the same building. If Shi Qing came to their dormitory to look for Qiao Nan, she would have the chance to be on friendly terms with her. Right now, she had lost all chances.

    L¨¹ Yan was full of regrets as well. She felt that the arrogant Tang Jiayun was to be med for the current situation.

    Tang Jiayun, who used to be cocky, was in awe at the sight of the Mercedes-Benz car. She behaved as if she was theckey of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Former ssmate?¡± Tang Jiayun was perplexed. She had no recollection of Shi Qing.

    It was no wonder that Tang Jiayun was clueless. She hated Qiao Nan. During the military training, she would keep a distance from Qiao Nan, detesting the sight of her. Therefore, she was not there whenever Shi Qing went to look for Qiao Nan. Hence, she had no idea who she was. ¡°Which faculty and ss is she from?¡±

    i

    ¡°How could we know!¡± Yu Xiaoxiao was annoyed. Despite all her efforts, she ended up with a bicycle and had given up on the Mercedes-Benz car. She was in a bad mood.

    But Yu Xiaoxiao would not fall out with Tang Jiayun.

    Unless she could get on the Mercedes-Benz car, she would not fall out with Tang Jiayun. After all, she could still get to ride on the bicycle. If not, she would have to rely on herself.

    L¨¹ Yan had the same sentiments as well. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao and I spend more time with you than Qiao Nan. Therefore, we didn¡¯t know that her former ssmate has such influential rtives in the capital.¡±

    A few days ago, Tang Jiayun lost her temper at Yu Xiaoxiao and her for chatting with Qiao Nan. From then on, the two of them did not dare to talk to Qiao Nan in public or when Tang Jiayun was around.

    If she had known that things would turn out like this, she should have tried to get along with Qiao Nan.

    She believed that if she probed, Qiao Nan would tell her that her former ssmate had influential rtives in the capital and that she was very willing to help her. Qiao Nan would not be so smug of herself that she had kept it to herself.

    Qiao Nan had left the dormitory. Her bed, study table, and cupboard were cleared of her belongings.

    The three of them who were at a loss grew silent.

    It was dead silence in the dormitory. After a while, all of them could not help but breathe out a deep sigh of regret.

    Qiao Nan was clueless about their feelings. She had finally got into Feng Meng¡¯s car.

    There was without a doubt that Shi Qing would take the passenger seat, while Qiao Nan would sit in the back with a pile of luggage. Once Qiao Nan took her seat, she seemed to be dwarfed by the luggage. Shi Qing took pity on her and decided to exchange seats with her. ¡°Qiao Nan, it has been two years. Why didn¡¯t you put on any weight? When you marry Brother Zhai in the future, you will be on the losing end when he loses his temper. You will have no chance of fighting back.¡±

    Back when Shi Qing joined the army, Shi Peng said something to her.

    After Shi Qing went through physical training, she would no longer be bullied by others. More importantly, when she married in the future, she would not need to be fearful of her husband. It would be the other way round.

    Shi Qing felt that her father¡¯s words made a lot of sense.

    If Qiao Nan quarreled with Zhai Sheng, she would be at a disadvantage. Zhai Sheng would definitely win the fight. Qiao Nan had no way to overpower Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan blushed. She sneaked a nce at Feng Meng. She rxed slightly when she noticed that Feng Meng was not paying attention to them. At least, that was what she chose to believe. ¡°You are very right. Don¡¯t worry. I will consider it carefully. Before I can ascertain that Brother Zhai does not have the habit of hitting women, I will not collect the marriage certificate.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing turned pale. She realized that she was in trouble.

    Ever since Zhai Sheng was engaged to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was counting the days when Qiao Nan would reach the legal age to marry and they could collect the marriage certificate.

    If Zhai Sheng heard this, Shi Qing would be in deep trouble.

    Shi Qing smiled resentfully. ¡°I... I was just joking. Brother Zhai is such a good catch and he adores you. He would not quarrel with you. Don¡¯t take my words seriously.¡± Qiao Nan must not tell Brother Zhai that she put off collecting the marriage certificate due to her. If not, she would be in deep trouble.

    Shi Qing was worried that she would suffer in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands. But to Feng Meng, Shi Qing was upset as Qiao Nan showed off her affection with Zhai Sheng and had touched her sore spot.

    Feng Meng doted on his cousin from a young age. He could not tolerate that she was being bullied by others. He turned grim, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. Qiao Nan was fearless as she had a backing. Why would his grandpa say that she was a well-behaveddy and allow Qing Qing to bring her home for dinner?

    He would rather feed the dogs the food than serve them to such a shameless woman.

    Feng Meng stomached his anger. He had good self-discipline and would not lose his temper at Qiao Nan or throw her out of his car in the middle of the journey. He pulled a long face as he drove all the way to Elder Lin¡¯s house.

    No matter how oblivious one was, they could sense that Feng Meng was angry.

    Qiao Nan was an outsider. Although she was given the harsh treatment by Feng Meng, she could not say anything. No matter how displeased she was, Feng Meng was here to drive her to the Lin family¡¯s house.

    If it was somebody else, Qiao Nan would rather get off the car and hail a taxi.

    However, there was Shi Qing in the car as well. Shi Qing had done so much for her. She had to tolerate Feng Meng for her sake.

    Even so, Qiao Nan told herself that she would keep a distance from the Feng family in the future.

    She had no idea if the Feng family was displeased toward her and had changing attitudes because of the phone call that Qiu Chenxi made.

    If they were really unhappy, there was no need for them to fetch her. They could have discussed with Shi Qing and fetched Shi Qing only. She would not take issue with it and would be d with the arrangement.

 Chapter 897 - Pointless

    <strong>Chapter 897 Pointless</strong>

    It was pointless to promise Shi Qing to fetch her and toe up with such a cheap trick.

    In short, Feng Meng might be unhappy, but Qiao Nan was in a bad mood as well.

    It was inconvenient for Qiao Nan to say anything, but Shi Qing, who was used to express her displeasure, openly could not stomach her anger. ¡°Brother Feng Meng, if you are busy, there is no need to fetch me. We have a chauffeur at home. You could get the chauffeur to fetch me. I am unhappy that you behave in such a manner.¡±

    No matter the reason, if Feng Meng could not fetch her, Shi Qing would not be angry with him. But she was unhappy that he was here, yet he showed them his displeasure.

    ¡°You are such a stupid girl. You treat others like your friends but they have, in fact, betrayed you.¡± Feng Meng was annoyed and amused. He was upset because he could not stand Shi Qing being bullied. But it was heartless of her to lose her temper at him because of an outsider. If Qing Qing was still young, he would have given her a spanking on the butt. She needed some discipline.

    She had gotten out of control as her family doted on her.

    Shi Qing turned to face Feng Meng. ¡°Who are you referring to?¡±

    Making oblique usations?

    She would not allow that!

    Feng Meng had a bad headache. Qing Qing was hurt by Qiao Nan¡¯s words, yet she defended her the next instant. Did Qiao Nan bewitch Qing Qing such that she turned insane?

    ¡°No one in particr. I have said the wrong words.¡± The outsider was still in the car. Feng Meng did not want to lecture his sister and embarrass her in front of Qiao Nan. If there was anything, he would talk to her at home when the outsider was not around.

    Furthermore, Feng Meng might have said that he wanted to lecture Shi Qing for not being a good judge of people, but he could not bear to say harsh words to her. He doted on her too much to raise his voice at her.

    Feng Meng had had a bad impression of Qiao Nan. On the other hand, Qiao Nan did not have a good impression of the people from the Feng family either.

    Actually, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing belonged to two different worlds. It was impossible for Qiao Nan to know people like Shi Qing.

    But Zhai Sheng was the role model in the quad. Ding Jiayi would mention him from time to time, saying that one must have a child like Zhai Sheng.

    Most of the people in the quad knew that Shi Qing liked Zhai Sheng and almost quarreled with Qiu Chenxi because of that.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan knew some gossip about Zhai Sheng through Ding Jiayi, and she also learned about Shi Qing as well.

    However, Qiao Nan did not have much recollection of Zhai Sheng and Shi Qing right after her rebirth. She suspected that it might be due to the car ident and the rebirth.

    But as she got to know Shi Qing better, she gradually remembered bits and pieces of the rumors regarding Shi Qing.

    In the previous life, Shi Peng did not leave the army and was in bad health. He did not live long

    In the previous life, she did not get to know Zhai Sheng and had no idea who he married in the end. But she was certain that he was married in the previous life! ording to the series of events in this life, Qiu Chenxi might be the woman that Zhai Sheng married in the previous life.

    After knowing Shi Qing for such a long time, Qiao Nan knew very well the kind of person that Old Master Shi was. Before Qiu Chenxi was engaged to Zhai Sheng, he was already very biased toward Qiu Chenxi.

    After Qiu Chenxi married Zhai Sheng, and with Shi Peng not around to protect Shi Qing, Qiao Nan knew that Shi Qing did not have a good life living with Old Master Shi.

    Qiao Nan vaguely remembered that like her, Shi Qing was single even when she was in her thirties.

    The difference was that she was near her forties when she died because of her mother. She heard that Shi Qing was still single in her thirties and Old Master Shi tried to force her into a marriage.

    If the Feng family valued and doted on Shi Qing, why would she remain single at such an age to the extent that she was almost being forced into a marriage by Old Master Shi?

    Although her father was not around to protect her and she was being forced into a marriage by her grandpa, the Feng family should be able to render their help. But Shi Qing seemed to have a tragic life and Ding Jiayi would always gossip and joke about her. If the Feng family treated Shi Qing as their precious princess, where were the Feng family and Feng Meng in the previous life when Shi Qing needed their help?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression darkened at the thought of that. She looked more sullen than Feng Meng

    Feng Meng saw her expression through the rearview mirror andughed in exasperation. She had no self-awareness at all. How dared she show her displeasure at him! He doubted his uncle¡¯s judgment of character. Why did he insist that she was a gooddy and want Qing Qing to help her around? Such a bad-tempered and ill-disciplineddy like her did not have any positive traits.

    They rode on in silence until they reached the Lin family¡¯s house.

    Lin Yuankang knew how to enjoy life. Although the house was in the capital, it was still very big andfy. During the ten years of turmoil in China, Lin Yuankang spent the time studying overseas. During those ten years, the Lin family was in a precarious situation because of Lin Yuankang. He did not have many rtives because of the tumultuous times. He did not sever ties with them. Instead, it was his rtives who cut off all ties with him.

    The Lin family was a rich family. Back then, all of their properties were confiscated.

    After ten years of turmoil, the country needed talents like Lin Yuankang. He decided to give up his good life overseas and return to his homnd that was in a state of devastation.

    The country could not provide Lin Yuankang with the same promising conditions that he had enjoyed overseas. But at the very least, they returned all the confiscated properties to him and gave him a lot of subsidies.

    Take for instance the Lin family¡¯s small quad. The government furnished it before returning it to Lin Yuankang.

    Like Qiao Nan, Lin Yuankang was distant from his rtives. Therefore, he put in a lot of effort when choosing his disciples.

    The rtives of the Lin family all came looking for him after he came back to the country. Although Lin Yuankang did not refuse to see them, he only exchanged polite greetings with them, keeping them at arm¡¯s length.

    Lin Yuankang went overseas when he was very young. He did not marry or have any children. His parents died at an early age after being implicated by him. It was also due to this reason that Lin Yuankang was not on close terms with his rtives.

    Lin Yuankang had a firm attitude on this, and he did not give any leeway to the Lin family. Although they tried to make use of his reputation to seed, they did not achieve their motives in the end.

    Lin Yuankang had a small quad in the capital that was vacant, but he did not allow his rtives to stay in the house. They still lived in small houses that were only about ten to twenty square meters.

    On the contrary, as an outsider, Qiao Nan was able to enjoy what the Lin family was not able to enjoy. She moved into the small quad that the Lin family had been coveting!

    Qiao Nan moved her belongings into the Lin family¡¯s small quad when the phone in the small quad rang, shocking her. ¡°Hello, I am...¡±

 Chapter 898 - Zhai Shengâ€™s Remarkable Prediction

    <h4>Chapter 898 Zhai Sheng¡¯s Remarkable Prediction</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, how do you know that I have reached?¡± Qiao Nan was shocked. Zhai Sheng had the miracle of foresight. She had just reached and he called right then.

    Zhai Sheng smiled softly. As the regimentmander, he would not be able to carry out his missions if he was not able to predict the time urately. ¡°Have you moved all the belongings to the house? Don¡¯t tell me Shi Qing and you are doing the moving?¡±

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily at the mention of that. ¡°Someone is helping us move our belongings.¡± But it was better if said person did not help them. The person was unhappy at his task, and Qiao Nan was displeased as well.

    ¡°Did the people from the Feng family help you with it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Zhai Sheng could roughly guess what was going on.

    Zhai Sheng would have to be stationed at the capital in the future. But right now, he was not stationed there and Zhai Yaohui did not have any mission in the capital as well. It was beyond Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability to help her.

    If not, Zhai Sheng would not have gone to the trouble of arranging one of his armyrades to go to Peking University to take care of Qiao Nan, and Zhou Jun would not have been able to take advantage of it to see Qiao Nan secretly.

    There was silence on the other end of the phone. Qiao Nan was reminded of what happened with Zhou Jun and rushed to pacify Zhai Sheng. ¡°No matter what, this will not happen again. There is no need toe to the capital or to be troubled over this. I am here to study. The most important thing right now for me is to make full use of the four years here. I will try my best to avoid any other situations.¡±

    Shi Qing was the maternal granddaughter of the Feng family, while she was not.

    Shi Qing had many reasons to be in touch with the Feng family, but she did not.

    She could choose not to participate in every activity that was rted to the Feng family.

    Of course, Qiao Nan was in her territory. She had no need to hide from the Feng family, but she would not take the initiative to be close to the Feng family. She would behave as her usual self.

    Her biological mother hated her to the core and she died in her hands in the previous life. If it was someone else who was disliked by the Feng family, they might cry in grievances, as if they were bullied by their inws.

    Now that this happened to Qiao Nan, she was very cool and indifferent about it. There was no need for Zhai Sheng to sacrifice his time and make a trip to the capital to show his support for her. ¡°Brother Zhai, your injuries have not healed. You should make use of the time to rest well. Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De will not contact each other for the time being. However, you should find someone to keep a watch on Wei De. I feel that Wei De has a lot of chink in his armor. We must not allow Sister Zhai Hua to be bullied by him.¡±

    Instead of worrying about her, Brother Zhai should work on tackling the problem between Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    Wei De wanted to be part of the Zhai family. He carried Wei Wei with him to the Zhai family¡¯s residence and behaved as if they were very pitiful. Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing must feel frustrated.

    Qiao Nan did not hear this information from the Zhai family. She heard it from Qiao Dongliang.

    Zhai Hua had gone to the army to carry out missions. Wei De would not be able to find her for the time being.

    Wei De did not have any contacts. He was unable to send Wei Wei to study at the better-qualified kindergartens. He felt that other kindergartens were not as good. Those kindergartens simply took care of Wei Wei¡¯s daily needs, and Wei Wei was not able to learn much in such kindergartens.

    Wei De wanted to send Wei Wei to a good kindergarten, but he did not have any contacts. He ended up seeking help from Zhai Hua¡¯s close childhood friends.

    However, Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends were not foolish. They would not help Zhai Hua raise someone else¡¯s child. If things went wrong, it might affect their friendship with Zhai Hua and her family.

    Wei Wei had been in Ping Cheng for more than a month, but he still behaved coarsely like when he was in the countryside. Whenever Wei De fetched Wei Wei home and asked him what he learned in kindergarten, Wei Wei could not answer his question.

    Wei Wei would cry and throw tantrums when Wei De kept pushing him for answers. He would cry, wishing to go home and to look for his grandma and his mother. He did not want to be with his uncle.

    Back then, Wei De seldom visited Wei Wei. He would bring delicious food and toys with him whenever he visited Wei Wei. Therefore, Wei Wei liked his uncle very much.

    Right now, Wei De was fierce to Wei Wei and he was without his grandma and mother. He would be bombarded with questions and he could no longer y for as long as he liked.

    Wei Wei was yful and mischievous and he was used to behaving as he pleased. Staying with his uncle was like being in prison. It was torture.

    Wei Wei could not sit still in the kindergarten, and the teacher would scold him.

    Back when he was in the countryside, his grandma and mother would not stop him from doing whatever he liked.

    He felt scared and insecure at having to live in an unfamiliar environment. On top of that, Wei De kept scolding him and there was no one that he could seekfort from. There was only Wei De and him at home.

    In the two months that Wei Wei was in Ping Cheng, his temper had worsened and Wei De started to grow annoyed at him. Wei Wei used to be very well-behaved. Wei De never expected him to be mischievous and to have such atrocious behavior.

    Wei De had no experience in raising kids. He could not handle and take care of Wei Wei. Whenever Wei De came back home and saw Wei Wei run about the house, jumping on the expensive genuine leather sofa, his expression would darken.

    Wei De felt that women were better at disciplining children.

    If Zhai Hua stayed with him in his house and was willing to take care of Wei Wei, he would not be as mischievous and naughty. The kindergarten that he took great lengths to choose only served to take care of Wei Wei¡¯s daily needs.

    What troubled Wei De the most was that the kindergarten that Wei Wei had been going to was a summer school. Usually, school would be on break during summer vacation and children would not go to school. For those that still conducted sses during summer vacation, the fees would be high regardless of the teaching standard.

    If Wei De did not make money in his business, he would not have the money to pay for the school fee.

    Wei Wei¡¯s school fee was as much as the money that Wei De had to spend onworking with his business contacts.

    In short, without Zhai Hua to help him, Wei De was having a hard time taking care of Wei Wei, who was here in Ping Cheng. He hoped fervently for Zhai Hua toe back. He would use all means and ways for Zhai Hua to ept Wei Wei, teaching him and guiding him to be a highly-educated and well-behaved child in the city.

    This was what Wei De had been hoping for when he brought Wei Wei with him to Ping Cheng.

    It waste August. School would reopen in September. Wei De did not want to send Wei Wei back to the kindergarten that had not been teaching Wei Wei anything but charged him a lot for it. He had to transfer Wei Wei to a better kindergarten before school reopened.

    Since nobody was willing to help him, Wei De could only seek help from the Zhai family. He knew that they did not like him, but he was brazen and shameless enough to bring Wei Wei with him and stayed put outside the Zhai family¡¯s residence, asking them to help him find a good kindergarten for Wei Wei.

 Chapter 899 - Zhai Sheng Is Craving for â€˜Meat

    <h4>Chapter 899 Zhai Sheng Is Craving for ¡®Meat</h4>

    Anyway, Wei We would be Zhai Hua¡¯s nephew in the future.

    If Wei Wei were to study in a good kindergarten, he would learn how to be more self-disciplined and obedient. Naturally, when Wei Wei became sessful when he grew up in the future, he would trouble Zhai Hua and Wei De less then.

    In short, Wei De meant to say that he and Zhai Hua were inseparable. He even made it sound as if Wei Wei was the responsibility of both Zhai Hua and him.

    As long as Wei Wei was doing well, he and Zhai Hua would have less trouble in the future. If Wei Wei did not pick up the right values and trouble others, he and Zhai Hua would suffer when that time came.

    Of course, the Zhai family would not care whether Wei De was in any trouble but they would not be able to ignore it if Zhai Hua was facing problems in her life.

    In fact, Wei De was referring to two separate matters He brought Zhai Hua into the picture as he hoped that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s hearts would soften toward Wei Wei so that they could help him find a better kindergarten.

    For the sake of nurturing Wei Wei, Wei De had done all that he could. He had asked many of his business contacts before he made up his mind firmly that he had to give Wei Wei the best education since kindergarten.

    Wei Wei would have agging start for his future if he did not study in a good kindergarten, let alone a good primary school.

    Once, when he was attending a business meeting, Wei De saw with his own eyes the eloquence of the five-year-old son of his business partner. The child was speaking in anguage that waspletely alien to him: English.

    Due to this situation, Wei De realized for the first time that he could not be any less serious in providing quality education to his children. In fact, he had to begin it as soon as possible.

    Comparing Wei Wei to kids from other families, Wei De felt that he could not be any less strict on Wei Wei.

    Wei De had been considering the interests of Wei Wei wholeheartedly. However, his actions were too ugly. He had angered the Zhai family, especially Miao Jing, badly.

    Miao Jing was mad. Zhai Yaohui did not say anything but early the next morning, he brought Miao Miao along to Mo Du for a business trip!

    This business trip was optional for Zhai Yaohui. However, with Wei De stirring up trouble, Zhai Yaohui expressed that although the number of his business trips had significantly decreased this year, he brought Miao Miao and escaped this time!

    Zhai Yaohui had brought Miao Jing away for his business trip. As such, Wei De would make wasted trips even if he continued to go to the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    This matter made things difficult for the Zhai family. Wei De¡¯s behavior had simply turned into aughingstock in the quad. The ordinary folks in the quad could not even see eye to eye with such a son-inw, let alone a reputable family such as the Zhai family.

    Qiao Dongliang took this as a joke when he told Qiao Nan about it.

    Wei De had not even married Zhai Hua and he was shameless enough to act as if he was already part of the Zhai family. He would seek the Zhai family¡¯s assistance in all matters. If Zhai Sheng was not around, he would look for Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    He was so full of himself. Truly, this was something that a typical person would not be able to ept.

    The marriage was not even firmed up. How could Wei De have the shame to visit the Zhai family all the time and insist that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing help him

    Inparison to Wei De being so fearlessly unreasonable, Qiao Dongliang was more pleased when he looked at Zhai Sheng now.

    He was not as capable as Chief Zhai but who would not be afraid of troublesome rtives?

    ¡°On behalf of the organization, I would like tomend you for this matter.¡±

    ¡°Party organization?¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not the party¡¯s organization. It¡¯s the small organization of the Zhai family. It has been tough on Zhai Hua but she has been restraining herself well and giving training to the new recruits. She is serious in her work and does not have any contact with the outside world at all.¡± Zhai Sheng was aware that he owed it all to his own wife for Zhai Hua. ¡°Nan Nan, tell me. Should I find a way to marry you as soon as possible?¡±

    ¡°After I marry you, Mom will certainly be happy. When Zhai Hua is muddleheaded, you will be able to manage her too. There will be much less trouble in our family. Most importantly, Nan Nan, let¡¯s have a child. Of course, we have to adhere to the national family nning initiatives. If we can¡¯t give birth to more, we will provide better education and teaching. Regardless of whether it is a boy or girl, we have to teach the child well.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was still able to focus on the tasks on hand when he was on missions.

    However, whenever he had spare time, especially after he was shot in the arms and had to lie in bed for a long time, besides the necessary work-rted preparation, he would think of Qiao Nan the most.

    After theirst phone call, Zhai Sheng had been thinking about the most important process for having a child. Qiao Nan¡¯s figure had been appearing in Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind all the time.

    During his past few dreams, the Qiao Nan in his dreams was not wearing any clothes.

    The pretty figure that was as fair as snow, the soft and tender feel, and the tempting body fragrance...

    Having made such an alluring dream, undoubtedly, the twenty-over-year old Zhai Sheng had a wet dream.

    One could imagine how embarrassed and depressed Zhai Sheng felt after he woke up early and faced such a situation. Zhai Sheng could not figure out why his dreams had to be so real and tempting. Didn¡¯t they say that one would not be able to feel much while they were in the dreams?

    Subsequently, what was he going to do about his bed and his body?

    Certainly, Zhai Sheng could not let other people know about this matter. He would not seek the help of others either. Zhai Sheng had hurt his left arm so he could not move it.

    For consecutive few days, Zhai Sheng had found various excuses to order the junior soldier who had been assigned to take care of him early in the morning to stand and wait at his entrance.

    After Zhai Sheng fiddled back and forth until his body was full of sweat and when his wet boxers were hanging suspiciously in the toilet, he then allowed the junior soldier to enter the room.

    Naturally, since that day onward, the people in the army found out that Zhai Sheng had a ¡®new habit¡¯. Their Regiment Commander Zhai disliked very much for others to use the toilet in his room or ward.

    He would re at anyone who dared to enter his toilet!

    At the thought that he had done so many embarrassing things because of Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng swore that he would make Qiao Nan make it up to him properly after he married her. He would regain all his dignity and position of a man then.

    Hence, while counting down to the time at which Qiao Nan would move to the small courtyard of the Lin family, once Zhai Sheng opened his mouth, he was thinking of how to bring Qiao Nan back to his wolf¡¯s den. Then, he would do this and that and enjoy the feast without any inhibitions.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, didn¡¯t we agree that we have to wait until I reach the legal age for marriage?¡± Qiao Nan was a little puzzled. Why did Zhai Sheng bring up a matter that they had discussed long ago?

    Facing the naivety of his wife, Zhai Sheng swallowed. He then said in a deep and seductive voice, ¡°Because I hope that I can ¡®drive¡¯ with a license. Nan Nan, have you forgotten what I told you previously? My parents wish to carry grandchildren soon.¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed and gave a spat. ¡°Shameful. Brother Zhai, tell me. Why didn¡¯t I discover earlier that you¡¯re this kind of person? Where did your sense of justice go?¡±

    Although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig run away.

    Zhai Sheng had given such an obvious hint. Even a fool knew what could happen between a man and a woman, let alone Qiao Nan.

    ¡°A soldier¡¯s sense of justice cannot get me a wife or let me have some meat!¡± Zhai Sheng, who was over ¡®starved¡¯, was speaking without thinking much. He was truly craving for meat.

 Chapter 900 - Increasing Dislike

    <h4>Chapter 900 Increasing Dislike</h4>

    Despite Zhai Sheng¡¯s age, he had waited for Qiao Nan for four to five years. At most, the two of them had only held hands and kissed on the lips, and they had only kissed twice.

    As an able-bodied and healthy man of over twenty years old, Zhai Sheng¡¯s veins in his eyeballs were going to explode soon. ¡°Nan Nan, let me remind you. If you let me endure too much now, you have much to suffer in the future. This kind of matter is different from repaying a mary debt. The situation of the body remaining healthy despite increasing debts does not exist. If you deal with it separately and allocate time, it will be more beneficial to our minds and bodies.¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed fervently. At the thought that this was the small courtyard of the Lin family and there were other people present in the house, Qiao Nan lowered her voice. ¡°Brother Zhai, if you talk about driving each time we bicker, be careful that I may not pick up your call in the future.¡±

    Zhai Sheng sighed and said resentfully as if he was a sorrowful woman in the deep pce, ¡°Nan Nan, you should really consider my suggestion carefully. My body is very good. If I umte too much ¡®inventory¡¯, I am afraid you won¡¯t be able to take it in the future.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Facing such a Zhai Sheng that was beyond advice, smoke was almost rising from Qiao Nan¡¯s head. Was Brother Zhai a clown hired by the great monkey sage? She was angry with people from the Feng family earlier. Now, given what happened with Brother Zhai, she did not feel angry anymore. ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t support ¡®driving¡¯ without a license. As a soldier of the country and a party member, you should know how to be self-sufficient. Please don¡¯t waste your five-fingerdy and let it serve you well. I can guarantee you that you will find satisfaction in both your heart and mind such that you will be able to return to the army in your best condition.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I can¡¯t talk to you anymore. It¡¯s not convenient. If I continue to chat, most likely, someone will re through my back.¡± Feng Meng¡¯s sight seemed to be like two rays that wanted to shoot through Qiao Nan¡¯s body.

    Although Feng Meng did not hear the entire conversation between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, given the current time, he had guessed that Zhai Sheng was most probably the caller.

    Qing Qing had just fallen out of love and Qiao Nan could not wait to show off her love with Zhai Sheng. Wouldn¡¯t that make Qing Qing feel more unhappy and upset?

    Could this kind of person be considered a friend?

    Feng Meng was a man and he had dated many girlfriends before. As an individual who had stepped into the society, the things between a man and a woman¡ªthere was nothing that he had not done before.

    When Qiao Nan blushed, Feng Meng could sense that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng must be talking about something that was censored for those below eighteen years of age.

    The more that was the case, the cker Feng Meng¡¯s face turned. He was like Rakkhasa[1] and could scare a child into crying.

    ¡°Brother, why are you standing here in a daze? Are you helping or not?¡± Shi Qing was sweating after moving the items. When she saw Feng Meng standing at the entrance of the courtyard as if he was serving a punishment, she was so angry that she nudged him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that I¡¯m exhausted?¡±

    Even if it was September now, the weather at noon was terrible.

    At the sight of the silly-looking Shi Qing, Feng Meng could not help but feel his heart ache. ¡°You¡¯re tired. I have seen it. I just don¡¯t know if someone else has eyes. You¡¯re also too guileless. Can¡¯t you just move your own stuff? Do you know who she is talking to over the phone? It¡¯s good for her. She is dating over the phone while she let you be her coolie. My silly sister, what should I say to you?¡±

    Feng Meng felt his heart ache so much for Shi Qing.

    However, Shi Qing¡¯s heart did not ache for herself. It was obvious that Qiao Nan was in a phone call and not doing anything else. Shi Qing not only condoned such selfish behavior of Qiao Nan but also foolishly moved Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings down the car.

    If not because he knew that Shi Qing would stop him-although Feng Meng was a man who did not hit women usually¡ªhe would have thrown the carton in his hands at Qiao Nan.

    Feng Meng¡¯s voice was extremely loud. Zhai Sheng, who was on the other end of the phone, could also hear him, let alone Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. This time, he had truly felt how displeased the Feng family was toward Qiao Nan.

    Before Zhai Sheng red up and fought for her, Qiao Nan, who was starting to feel anxious, said hurriedly, ¡°Brother Zhai, I will chat with you again after I tidy up the house. Bye.¡±

    After putting down the phone, Qiao Nan did not even nce at Feng Meng or argue back. She only returned to her bedroom to take a look before doing the same at Shi Qing¡¯s bedroom.

    The small courtyard of the Lin family had been vacant for a long time. Moreover, no one was housekeeping it. Certainly, it was not in a move-in condition and they had to clean it up properly.

    Qiao Nan took out two sets of tools from her luggage and gave Shi Qing one set of them. She then wore the other set on her body. ¡°We will move the belongings to the courtyard temporarily first while making sure that they will not be damaged under the sun. Next, we will do a thorough cleaning. Judging by this, we will most likely have to clean up until night time.¡±

    In actual fact, it was good that they had not moved the items into the house. The house was considered quite empty and it was thus easier for them to clean it up.

    If there were too many things in the house, it would be troublesome to clean it up.

    ¡°What should we do next?¡± Shi Qing looked as if she was waiting for Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions.

    Qiao Nan, who was wearing a mask and covered from tip to toe, said, ¡°I will take down the curtains first and wash them. After I take them down, don¡¯t sweep the floor first. Pour some water at every ce of the house, and then wipe the floor with a cloth. Use a dry cloth for the first wipe. For the second and third wipes, I will do them with you using wet ones.¡±

    The small courtyard of the Lin family was vacant. There was only dust and not much thrash. Hence, there was only one task for Qiao Nan and Shi Qing: remove the dust.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Qing nodded and moved the stool for Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan could take down the curtains. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re a little shorter than me. Why don¡¯t I take them down while you wash the floor?¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was stepping on the stool and standing on tiptoe, it seemed tough and Shi Qing wanted to swap tasks with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Let me do it...¡± Feng Meng, who had been standing by the side for a while, rolled up his sleeves. Pulling a long face, he moved another stool and reached out to take off the curtains.

    Feng Meng would definitely not step on the stool that had been stepped on by Qiao Nan.

    If it had not been for the sake of Shi Qing, he would not have cared.

    It was just thatpared to just now, Qiao Nan did not refuse to clean up the ce. Even if she was the one allocating the tasks, the duties that she assigned for herself were not less than that of Shi Qing. As such, Feng Meng¡¯s anger subsided a little.

    Qiao Nan would not take the initiative to ask Feng Meng for help. Nevertheless, she would not stop Feng Meng from helping Shi Qing do the work.

    Once Feng Meng stepped up, Qiao Nan simply climbed down from the stool so that she could take over the curtains from him.

    When the curtains had been taken down, Qiao Nan did not mind the dirt either. Anyway, she was wearing an apron. She walked to the patio and threw the curtains into the big and red wooden pail. She then used the pulley to retrieve water from the well and poured it into the big wooden basin.

    The curtains were thick and huge. Although it was September now and the sun at noon was not as hot as that of July or August, it was vicious nevertheless.

    [1] A demon in Buddhism that eats human flesh

 Chapter 901 - Brother Zhai Is the Best

    <h4>Chapter 901 Brother Zhai Is the Best</h4>

    Qiao Nan was confident that if she could finish washing all the curtains at this point in time, they would have turned dry by night time.

    The curtains were dirty but there was no oil or moisture. As such, many thickyers of dust had umted on it. A small flick on the curtains would cause all the dust on them to fly all over the ce like snowkes, let alone washing them.

    Qiao Nan soaked the curtain in water. She had only stepped on it a couple of times and the water in the basin had turned grey.

    Without a word, Qiao Nan poured away the dirty water, replenished the basin with clean water, and continued washing the curtain. After repeating this step until the water was clear, Qiao Nan then dragged the thick curtain that was dripping with water and threw it on the existing long rows ofundry poles on the patio.

    After settling the curtain for one window, Qiao Nan then carried out the remaining three curtains that had been taken down by Feng Meng earlier. Using the same method, she stepped on these few pieces of curtains and washed them clean.

    After Qiao Nan hung the curtain of the second window up to dry, she turned back and squeezed with all her might the lower part of the first piece of curtain that she had hung earlier and water came sshing down.

    In less than five minutes, the first piece of curtain had been wrung.

    After two hours, when it was almost half past one in the afternoon, Qiao Nan had finished washing all the curtains. She then stepped into the house to help Shi Qing.

    While Feng Meng was helping Shi Qing with minor tasks, he was also secretly observing Qiao Nan. No, in fact, he was keeping his eye on Qiao Nan because he was afraid that Qiao Nan wouldze around and bully Shi Qing.

    After confirming that Qiao Nan had not stopped cleaning for the past two hours, and she went to help Shi Qing immediately after she finished washing the curtains, Feng Meng looked more at ease.

    After taking a nce at the room whereby the two youngdies were wiping the bed, tables, and chairs, Feng Meng went out of the house and stood in front of the four pieces of curtains that Qiao Nan had washed and inspected them.

    He recalled that Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier steps were a little special. Feng Meng had just reached out his hands when he saw that they were grey and ck.

    Feng Meng tugged the corners of his lips. He resisted the urge to wipe his hands on the curtains from Qiao Nan¡¯s room and consoled himself continuously. If he were to really dirty the curtains and Qiao Nan saw it, the arduous task of washing the curtains mightnd on Qing Qing next time.

    For the sake of Qing Qing, he held back from ying a prank on Qiao Nan.

    After washing his hands, Feng Meng then went to touch the curtains. He was shocked to discover that these curtains were half dry by then, especially the top parts. They were almost dry.

    It was not strange for the top parts of the curtains to be dry. As such, Feng Meng touched the bottom parts of them.

    Simrly, they were only slightly wet and no more water could not be wrung from it. They were in half-dry states.

    As long as they dried them under the sun for another two to three hours, these few pieces of curtains would be dry by today. It would not be difficult to hang them back in the rooms then.

    Feng Meng was a smart person. At the sight of this phenomenon and recalling what Qiao Nan had done earlier, he understood the reasons for Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier actions immediately.

    The top parts of the curtains were nearest to the sun and had more exposure to it. As such, the temperature would be the highest. In addition, due to gravity, all the water in the curtains would drip toward the ground. Hence, the top parts would certainly dry the fastest.

    Regardless of how dry they were wrung earlier, it was inevitable that the bottom parts of the curtains would umte many droplets of water from the hanging.

    As such, Qiao Nan might as well hang them up to dry immediately without wringing them. When the forces of gravity had taken effect and most of the water dripped to the bottom, Qiao Nan only needed to squeeze the lower ends of the curtains toplete the wringing process.

    The curtains were huge. Not to mention a youngdy such as Qiao Nan, even a grown-up man like him would need a lot of strength to wring them.

    By using such a small technique, Qiao Nan not only resolved the problem but also saved various resources.

    She had saved time and energy!

    To a businessman like Feng Meng, he was very willing to find an employee who was so smart and resourceful.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you looking at?¡± Shi Qing, who was conscientiously cleaning up the room, asked Qiao Nan curiously when she saw her looking outside.

    Qiao Nan retracted her nce and smiled nonchntly. ¡°See for yourself.¡±

    Shi Qing reached out her neck. Naturally, she saw Feng Meng, who was the boss of top enterprises, foolishly staring at the curtains that Qiao Nan had just finished washing. ¡°What is my brother doing?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Nan answered withughter instead of words.

    What was Feng Meng doing?

    He was checking on her and at the same time, he wanted to see her make a fool of herself.

    The curtains were huge. Not to mention wringing them, it was not easy for her to hang them up.

    Feng Meng was very certain that she would not be able to do it as she was just a petite youngdy who did not have much strength. As such, she would have to plead for his help. He could then reject her harshly and make her look bad.

    So sorry. In her previous life, she did not know anything. Under the continuous trampling of her mother, she had picked up various life skills. It was a guarantee that she would be able to rely on her own effort toplete any kind of problems in life that she faced.

    If she had to find a man to help her wring the curtains after she washed them, given her mother¡¯s temperament, she would have to endure even more suffering in her previous life.

    Qiao Nan had lived for two lifetimes. Amongst the people that she had met, there was never ack of people like Feng Meng who were waiting to see a good show and to see her embarrass herself.

    Qiao Nan could not let this kind of people fulfill their wish. If she did, she would have forsaken the great love that heaven had for her and wasted her two lifetimes of experiences.

    Shi Qing raised her brows. She was puzzled by Qiao Nan¡¯sugh.

    Qiao Nan ced the greyish cloth into the water to wash it. ¡°Don¡¯t look at your brother anymore. Quickly continue with the chores so that we can finish them in time and sleepfortably tonight.¡± It was terrible to clean up this small courtyard.

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips as she focused on the tasks at hand. It was just a few pieces of curtains. She did not know why her brother was looking at them so eagerly.

    Should she discuss with his uncle that her brother was already of this age and should marry a wife in case his hormones malfunctioned? He was bing abnormal.

    Qiao Nan was not experienced in other things except for doing household chores.

    Under the arrangements and delegations of Qiao Nan, she and Shi Qing were the ¡®main army forces¡¯ while Feng Meng asionally stepped in to help.

    Of course, Feng Meng would only help when Shi Qing was doing the chores. As long as it was something that Shi Qing needed to shift, Feng Meng would definitely step out to take on the chores. As for other mundane chores such as wiping, Feng Meng would never roll up his sleeves.

    Shi Qing was quite satisfied with this. ¡°Qiao Nan, this brother of mine is not bad, right? He dotes on me a lot all this while.¡±

    When she heard this, Qiao Nan, who had seen all that was happening, responded to Shi Qing with two words: Ha, ha.

    Such actions of Feng Meng were considered as doting? When she was doing household chores in Ping Cheng¡¯s house, Brother Zhai even helped wash the dishes and vegetables as well as served the rice. What would she say of that?

    Qiao Nan shook her head. Feng Meng was Shi Qing¡¯s rtive. Besides, the status of the Feng family was not low. She heard that Feng Meng was a businessman and a major boss of a bigpany. Feng Meng felt that he had already done enough. In addition, Shi Qing agreed that Feng Meng doted on her, this sister. However, Qiao Nan wanted to say that in this world, only her Brother Zhai was the best.

 Chapter 902 - Would Not Relent

    <h4>Chapter 902 Would Not Relent</h4>

    Shi Qing pouted her lips. ¡°Why are you shaking your head?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave a snort. ¡°If you can¡¯t figure it out yourself, forget it. I don¡¯t want to exin myself too clearly, lest someone will say that I¡¯m sowing discord in the future. It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t have a man in your family. Your dad is one of them. You have also seen how my dad behaves at home. Whether he is good or not, assess it for yourself. Don¡¯t need to boast to me.¡±

    So what if Feng Meng was a big boss? Brother Zhai was the regimentmander now and he would be the chief in the future. He would be a great hero that would capture the nation¡¯s attention.

    Many yearster, Qiao Nan dared not say with certainty about Brother Zhai¡¯s attitude toward her.

    Nevertheless, as a regimentmander, his status was much higher than that of Feng Meng. Regarding the protection and care that Brother Zhai had given to her during the past few years, Qiao Nan had always been aware and remembered them at heart.

    en aware

    Qiao Nan felt that in this lifetime, besides her father, Qiao Dongliang, who was willing to wash his hands and prepare soup for her, the only other person who was willing to roll up his sleeves, wash the dishes, and serve the meal for her was Zhai Sheng.

    Feng Meng was like an individual or a big boss who would always sit on the chair and wait for others to serve him a meal.

    In short, the tall and handsome CEO that the Tang Jiayun trio pined for not only fell short of Qiao Nan¡¯s liking but also left a bad impression on her.

    Fortunately, Feng Meng was only Shi Qing¡¯s rtive. As he was a big boss, he would normally be busy with his business and would only be able to help out like today asionally.

    If Feng Meng were to look for Shi Qing frequently, Qiao Nan really needed to know and avoid him when Feng Meng came the next time.

    It was also a form of redemption from God when two individuals who disliked each other meet less often.

    ¡°Brother is brother and father is father. Are you expecting my brother to treat me as well as my father does?¡± Shi Qing shook her head. She only had one father and vice versa. The rtionship between them was different. Her brother did not treat her as his own daughter anyway.

    ¡°Okay, you win.¡± Qiao Nan raised both her hands and surrendered. Shi Qing had already said so. What else could she say?

    Alright, Feng Meng was not bad toward Shi Qing. Whether it was good or not was a matter of opinion. If Shi Qing felt that it was good, then it was so. Furthermore, inparison to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family, Qiao Nan suddenly realized why Shi Qing would feel that the rtives from the Feng family were truly good to her. The Qiu family¡¯s contribution to this thinking was not minor.

    ere

    Qiao Nan gave Shi Qing¡¯s head a rub. Regardless of the truth of the gossip mentioned to her by her mother in her previous life, Shi Peng had already stepped down from his role in the army in this lifetime. He had also let down his worries and could already wash his hands off the matters of the Shi family and the Qiu family.

    As long as Shi Peng was alive, Shi Qing, this silly girl, did not need anyone else to be good to her. As long as Shi Peng was the one that did not harbor any selfish intention toward Shi Qing and was the protector who loved and protected Shi Qing wholeheartedly, the rest was all unimportant. ¡°How many times did you call your dad recently? Without you hovering over him, is his daily routine normal?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I give my dad a call every day now. If his secretary tells me that he is not eating properly, I will give him three calls a day. There are not many other benefits of studying in college except that I have a lot of freedom to make calls. If my dad doesn¡¯t want the phone in his office to be hoarded by me, he will have to take proper meals.¡± After hanging out with Qiao Nan for a long time, Shi Qing was quite experienced in this now.

    Shi Qing did not need Shi Peng to assume such a senior role and give her the status of the daughter of a senior government official.

    Nothing was more important than her father¡¯s health. It was more important for her father to live to a hundred years old.

    ¡°This one is worthy of teachings.¡± Qiao Nan felt assured now. In the future, she should not need to remind her regarding this matter anymore.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing nned to clean up their bedrooms first followed by the kitchen. Lastly, they would clean up the living room that they could live without.

    However, after cleaning up the bedrooms and kitchen, it was already four o¡¯clock in the afternoon when Qiao Nan took a nce at the time.

    Qiao Nan straightened her aching and stiff back and patted on it a few times. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s stop cleaning up. At the very least, the chores that we did today can let us stay here. As for the other areas, we can clean them tomorrow. Let¡¯s move the luggage into our bedrooms and tidy up our clothes and beds. Otherwise, we won¡¯t be able to sleep today.¡±

    The good thing was that the power supply of the small courtyard of the Lin family was never terminated. That well in the courtyard could also be used. As such, everything could function normally when Qiao Nan and Shi Qing moved in.

    Shi Qing used her fastest speed to move her luggage into the bedroom. She then put on the mattress cover on the bed and hung her clothes. Thereafter, she slumped on the chair. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m starving.¡±

    That meal during lunch had been fully digested. There was nothing left.

    ¡°Qing Qing, let¡¯s go. Let brother treat you to a feast.¡± At this moment, Feng Meng started appearing again.

    When Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were tidying up the ce, Feng Meng left the house for a while. When he was back, his hands were full of things, which he ced on the table. ¡°The two of you have to cook at home, right? You should need these items.¡±

    Feng Meng made a trip to the supermarket and sought the supermarket personnel¡¯s help to buy all types of seasoning and sauces needed for the kitchen.

    Shi Qing did not know how to cook at all. Qiao Nan was certainly the one who would use all these items after they were purchased.

    Shi Qing only needed to sit and eat while Qiao Nan prepared the meals. The Feng family was more willing to see such a situation.

    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re so good.¡± This would save her and Qiao Nan a trip. ¡°Qiao Nan, let¡¯s go and have a feast. My brother is treating us.¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not you. I don¡¯t have so much energy. I¡¯m dying of exhaustion. I¡¯m not going. You can go ahead. I will just cook a simple meal at home to eat.¡± She was really not willing to face the Feng family and also this Feng Meng.

    Shi Qing wanted to pull Qiao Nan along but thetter managed to avoid her. ¡°Exhausted? My brother has a car. You just need to sit in it.¡±

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. She shot a firm stare at Shi Qing with a sullen expression.

    It was now Shi Qing¡¯s turn to raise her hands and surrender. ¡°Alright, alright... It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t go. Take a rest at home. I will bring some nice food back for you.¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    Shi Qing, who felt helpless, went to tug at Feng Meng. ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go. I am so hungry that I can eat a cow.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I can even let you eat a pig or a tiger, let alone a cow. Brother will find them for you.¡± Qiao Nan was noting. Feng Meng felt quite happy. He was willing to feed his own family¡¯s sister but was not willing to treat his sister¡¯s rival-in-love, who had snatched away the one that his sister liked, to a meal.

    Qiao Nan, this youngdy, was certainly quite smart. She was also able to tell what others were thinking and knew her limits.

    If Qiao Nan was one that was oblivious to what was going on, she should not me him for being unruly to her. He would not give Qing Qing face and would take action against Qiao Nan.

    After Feng Meng left, Qiao Nan finally felt more rxed.

    After today¡¯s matter, Qiao Nan had confirmed one matter. She would definitely not visit the Feng¡¯s residence. As for the members of the Feng family, she would avoid meeting them as much as possible. It was the best that they did not meet at all.

    Even if Shi Qing was in the picture, she would not relent on this matter.

 Chapter 903 - Will Not Acknowledge the Fictive Kinship

    <h4>Chapter 903 Will Not Acknowledge the Fictive Kinship</h4>

    The Feng family was Shi Qing¡¯s maternal grandfather¡¯s family, not hers.

    She had a maternal grandfather¡¯s family too. However, her mother had already severed all ties with them.

    She was not even going to meet her own maternal grandparents who were still alive. Wouldn¡¯t it be funny if she were to meet Shi Qing¡¯s maternal grandparents instead?

    Qiao Nan went out and bought some basic necessities at a small stall nearby. She also bought a cup of instant noodles.

    When Qiao Nan was in Ping Cheng, she would dry and make preserved vegetables on her own. As she was going to study in college, Qiao Nan brought along a few bottles of such preserved vegetables. Now, it could be put to good use.

    After filling her tummy with a bowl of noodles, Qiao Nan then returned Brother Zhai Sheng¡¯s call. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Have you settled everything in the house?¡±

    ¡°Almost.¡± Qiao Nan was sitting down and resting

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Feng family?¡± At the thought of the words that he had heard before he hung up the phone, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned sullen. He did not sound happy either.

    Needless to exin, Qiao Nan was also aware that Zhai Sheng was not unhappy with her. ¡°That¡¯s Shi Qing¡¯s second eldest cousin. I think he is called Feng Meng. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t need to bother too much about it. The Feng family is Shi Qing¡¯s rtives, not mine. I won¡¯te into contact with the Feng family in the future.¡±

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looked more at ease. ¡°That¡¯s good too. The Feng family... is a littleplicated. Please don¡¯t be influenced by Shi Qing.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew a little about the Feng family. From a personal perspective, he could understand the Feng family¡¯s behavior. However, if he were close to them, he would not be able to understand or forgive them.

    One had to assess for themselves what was right and wrong.

    Zhai Sheng had never spoken about the Feng family in front of Shi Qing. However, he did not want Qiao Nan to be brainwashed by what Shi Qing said about the Feng family.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry. I know.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. It was expected that there was nothing pure and simple in the social circle that Shi Qing was living in.

    ¡°I may make a trip to the capital in the near future. I will look for you then.¡± Regardless, the Feng family¡¯s matter was a problem. Zhai Sheng would not feel assured if he did not go over and take a look at the situation.

    ¡°Is it because of work or personal matter?¡± If it was thetter, then there was no need for him toe.

    Whether the Feng family was good or not did not have anything to do with her. As long as she did not provoke them, they would not waste their time and energy to target a student like her who was still schooling.

    Zhai Sheng smiled gently. ¡°It¡¯s pertaining to work. Most likely, my parents will be going as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan counted her fingers. ¡°The bimillennium national day celebration?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The national day was a major asion. Of course, the Zhai family had to go to the capital.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng was injured and it would suffice that only Zhai Yaohui attended. Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence did not matter.

    In the past, in order to keep a low profile, Zhai Sheng never attended this kind of event unless it was necessary. The headquarters of the Zhai family was in Ping Cheng while that of the Feng family was in the capital.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng himself did note into much contact with the Feng family.

    This time, he wanted to attend because he wanted to give Qiao Nan backing and support.

    The reason the Feng family disliked Qiao Nan was not important. Most importantly, he had to make the Feng family understand that Nan Nan was his fianc¨¦e and she was the daughter-inw acknowledged by the Zhai family.

    If the Feng family¡¯s style of behavior had not changed, then could they please keep their feelings to themselves and hide them silently in their hearts? As long as they could bear in mind Nan Nan¡¯s status and treat her with due courtesy on the surface, that would be enough.

    Basically, the Feng family and the Zhai family did not have much interaction with each other and were on average terms. It was fine that they just maintain a ¡®hi and bye¡¯ rtionship.

    If the Feng family dared to bully the Zhai family because they were based in Ping Cheng and plot against or be rude to Nan Nan, then this time, the Zhai family would teach the Feng family a lesson.

    When he thought of Feng Meng¡¯s ugly words, Zhai Sheng still felt quite unjustified. He was trying to contain his anger.

    Feng Meng was a grown-up man, yet he was so petty and said such things to a youngdy. Feng Meng¡¯s attitude also represented the Feng family¡¯s attitude toward Nan Nan.

    The Feng family in Beijing had to target a youngdy who had just been admitted to college. If words were to spread around, wouldn¡¯t the Feng family be afraid of being aughingstock?

    The more that was so, the more Zhai Sheng had to go to the capital.

    Very soon, Shi Peng heard about this decision of Zhai Sheng.

    Shi Peng sighed. He had not advised Qing Qing much regarding the Feng family. He hoped that Qing Qing could sort out her thoughts on this through her own effort.

    The situation of the Shi family was already soplicated. The old master in his family was so muddleheaded. Would the clever Feng family not be aware of this?

    Regardless of how much the Feng family doted on Feng Cheng, this daughter, didn¡¯t they still marry Feng Cheng to him and let her be the daughter-inw of the Shi family? As such, the maternal granddaughter of the Feng family also became the granddaughter of the Shi family.

    The old master of his family was a little muddleheaded but the good thing was that the interpersonal rtionships of the Shi family were very simple.

    The difference between the Shi family and the Feng family was that the Feng family could be considered ratherplex and corrupted. It was like a huge vat of dye. There were diverse characters in the generations of the Feng family. There were all kinds of people.

    The most ludicrous thing was that the Feng family had been staying in the capital but they boasted that they were an affluent and powerful family with a profound and deep history. There was also a differentiation between their direct and secondary lines of descent. This resulted inplicated and confusing roots in the huge Feng family.

    The more people there were, the more gossip there would be. Naturally, the hearts of the people would be moreplex.

    Shi Peng had never told Shi Qing about these situations of the Feng family. It would certainly be a great blow to the child if he were to speak badly about her maternal grandfather¡¯s family in front of her. In particr, due to Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi, Shi Qing had always felt that the rtives from her maternal grandfather¡¯s family were very good.

    The rtives from the paternal grandfather¡¯s family were not good. Moreover, those rtives from the maternal grandfather¡¯s side were not good either. In addition, Shi Qing was the only daughter in the family. Since young, she was very smart but she hardly made any friends. Under the pressure of various factors, Shi Peng was worried that Shi Qing would be rebellious if she could not take this well.

    Now, Shi Qing had grown up and had the ability to assess for herself. She had also begun toe into contact with these matters where there was a fine line between right and wrong. Shi Peng might as well let go of his hands and take a gamble. He allowed Shi Qing to interact with the Shi family and grow up after suffering some setbacks.

    As a college student and an adult, it was also time for his daughter to grow up.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, are you really going to the capital? You should know that if both your father and you support Qiao Nan, the Feng family will change their attitude. Are you sure that this won¡¯t backfire?¡± Shi Peng gave Zhai Sheng a phone call and reminded him not to do the wrong things despite having good intentions.

    There would not be much impact if the Feng family continued to detest Qiao Nan. After all, the Feng family would not do any bad things to Qiao Nan.

    However, if the Feng family were to fully understand the status and influence of Qiao Nan in the Zhai family, they would certainly make use of Qing Qing¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan to get close to thetter. ¡°If we¡¯re careless, perhaps Qiao Nan will have another fictive family? Do you understand?¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who was in the midst of removing his stitches, replied nonchntly, ¡°Do you think that Nan Nan will be simr to your daughter? The people from your Feng family are toocent. They have forgotten the initial difficulties that they faced when they first started out in the capital. The saying of thriving in times of cmity and death in times of pleasure is very true. Now, the Feng family can only y such cheap tricks. It is hard to find someone that is truly capable and down-to-earth in the family.¡±

 Chapter 904 - The Feng Familyâ€™s Wish to Acknowledge Fictive Kinship

    <h4>Chapter 904 The Feng Family¡¯s Wish to Acknowledge Fictive Kinship</h4>

    ¡°I had a call with Nan Nan. Without the need for me to persuade her, Nan Nan expressed directly that she will avoid the people from the Feng family.¡±

    Feng Meng¡¯s behavior today had made the Feng family lose their footing

    Nan Nan was such a sensitive and cautious person. Given the Feng family¡¯s performance, if the Feng family wished to acknowledge a fictive kinship with Nan Nan, she had to be possessed before she would be willing to agree.

    Shi Pengughed. ¡°That¡¯s true. Nan Nan is entric and clever. She is obviously very young but she has a lot on her mind. Clearly, she does not belong to our social circle but she is very sensitive about what is happening. Your Zhai family will have fewer worries moving forward.¡±

    The Feng family was a family that one should keep out of reach. Qiao Nan had already avoided them without the need for others to advise her to do so. Qiao Nan seemed to be born to pursue good fortune and avoid disasters. She was always spot on in her foresight.

    He then thought of his own silly daughter. Shi Peng believed that she would eventually improve in this aspect if he let her mix around more with Qiao Nan.

    Besides Shi Peng, the Feng family also found out that Zhai Sheng would be going to the capital. That was because Zhai Sheng¡¯s striking name had appeared on the list.

    Despite being a soldier, Zhai Sheng was not willing toe previously. If his name appeared on the list, it meant Zhai Sheng would certainly appear in person when the time came.

    Old Master Feng called his elder son, who was a politician, over. His elder son was called Feng Liang. ¡°What do you think about this matter?¡±

    At one nce of the item on the table, Feng Liang knew what this was pertaining to. After all, he had received the news long ago. ¡°Dad, what are your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Old Master Shi¡¯s tone was apprehensive. ¡°This son of Zhai Yaohui is under a lot of limelight despite being so young. He understands this point very well. Hence, he never attends this kind of event.¡±

    To say that Zhai Sheng was very low profile was very true. Zhai Sheng rarely made an appearance in the capital.

    If he had not been clearly aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s valiant achievements, he nearly believed that Zhai Yaohui, this tiger dad, had given birth to a son that was as meek as a dog.

    The problem was that such a low profile individual was as fierce as an ancient beast in the army. His power and influence were unstoppable.

    Many years ago, although his son-inw had nurtured and guided Zhai Sheng, everyone could see for themselves Zhai Sheng¡¯s brilliant contributions. No one could deny that.

    It could be said that Zhai Sheng¡¯s own performance alone in the past would earn him a simrly bright future. Nevertheless, with Shi Peng¡¯s support coupled with Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability, all things were in Zhai Sheng¡¯s favor. As such, he went through promotions at the speed of a rocket.

    In our great and proud China, who had not reached the age of over forty years old when they assumed the role of a regimentmander? Where could you find anyone like Zhai Sheng who was under thirty years of age?

    Given the performance of Zhai Sheng, the word ¡®low profile¡¯ did not seem that suitable to describe him either.

    In the face of Zhai Sheng, a junior of his grandchildren¡¯s generation, Old Master Feng was having a headache too. He had always felt that this child was very unpredictable and not easy to manage.

    ¡°However, he ising this year.¡± Feng Liang sat down. ¡°So, Dad, you¡¯re suspecting that he ising because of that female college student?¡± The look of disdain in Feng Liang¡¯s eyes told Old Master Feng that he was in disbelief.

    Zhai Sheng was someone destined for big things. Unless there was a need to, he would not break his previous practice ande to the capital.

    Since Zhai Sheng wasing, it must be because of work-rted reasons. How could he be here for the sake of just a woman? Was this a drama whereby King You from Western Zhou Dynasty tricked the marquis with beacon fires just to make his concubine

    smile?

    Feng Liang was not this kind of person. Hence, he felt that Zhai Sheng was certainly not.

    It was just that the matter of the female college student gave Zhai Sheng one more excuse. Her existence had be a cover-up for Zhai Sheng toe to the capital to attend to work-rted matters.

    Instead of wasting his time and effort on that female college student, he would rather keep a watch on the actions of the Zhai family. He could then assess what was happening. In that way, he would be able to n his next steps.

    Old Master Feng gave Feng Liang a stare. ¡°Have you forgotten what I have told you? I said before that your greatest weakness is that you¡¯re too full of yourself. The situation of the Feng family in the capital now seems as though we are strong and impregnable. However, change is always constant here. Many people have been struck with sudden cmities. I have asked you to be more cautious when you do things. Think thrice before you act. Did you not take my words seriously?! Don¡¯t refer to her as the female college student. If others, especially your grandson, hear of this address and get into trouble, the whole Feng family will be implicated!¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re being too paranoid.¡± Was it that serious?

    ¡°You seem to have forgotten that that female college student is Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e. She is also the daughter-inw acknowledged by Zhai Yaohui.¡± There was a great difference between these two things.

    If Qiao Nan had only been approved by Zhai Sheng, then Qiao Nan was someone that did not matter much.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan was not only the wife selected by Zhai Sheng himself. She had also received Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing¡¯s affirmation.

    As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family was stable and secure. No one could make that waver.

    With the status of Chief Zhai¡¯s daughter-inw alone, countless people would be pleased to fawn on Qiao Nan.

    Although the Feng family did not go to such an extent, there was no need for them to be so bold and arrogant and offend others deliberately.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re worried that the Zhai family will deal with us if we have any conflict with that female college student?¡± Feng Liang had a look of ¡®Dad, are you kidding me?¡¯ written all over his face when he stared at his father. ¡°The Zhai family is very smart. Isn¡¯t she just a woman? They have not even collected the marriage certificate. The Zhai family won¡¯t spoil the ship for a halfpenny worth of tart. You have overestimated that female college student.¡±

    ¡°So, are you going to use the Feng family¡¯s future to gamble and find out the extent to which the Zhai family cares about that female college student?¡± Old Master Feng¡¯s face turned cold, bing unruly.

    He did not care about how much the Zhai family liked and approved of that female college student. The only thing that he was concerned about was how much benefit the Feng family could derive from this matter. He did not want the family to be implicated such that the Zhai family would target them. If that were to ur, the two families might be enemies.

    If the Zhai family were to be an enemy of the Feng family, then it would not be too long before the Feng family lost their hold.

    Old Master Feng was aware that the Zhai family was sessful based on their own merit and capability. It had been like that since the times of Old Master Zhai. Until Zhai Sheng, all three consecutive generations were alike.

    On the other hand, the Feng family belonged to the kind that would defend one¡¯s ground. They safeguarded the businesses passed down from their ancestors. It was easier to sustain a business than starting one. Hence, it had not been easy for the Feng family.

    Of course, Old Master Feng hoped that his grandchildren could bring the family to greater heights so that they could be a truly powerful and affluent family in the capital.

    However, before they could do so, Old Master Feng wanted his own children and grandchildren to be more abiding so that they would not ruin the family businesses that the ancestors had built over the years.

    Up to this day, the Feng family had been safeguarding the businesses well. It was certainly foolish to be at odds with the Zhai family, especially if they had to involve a female college student who was not even rted to the Feng family in any way.

    How much the Zhai family cared about Qiao Nan¡ªwhat did it have to do with the Feng family?

    Was there a need to ce the whole Feng family at stake to confirm his guess?

 Chapter 905 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Value Is at the Zhai Family

    <h4>Chapter 905 Qiao Nan¡¯s Value Is at the Zhai Family</h4>

    Seeing that Old Master Feng was truly angered, Feng Liang softened his attitude. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. Aren¡¯t you overthinking? She is just a female college student who is not rted to our Feng family in any way. The Feng family has a huge family business and there are many things to do every day. Why do we have to waste our time, effort, and energy on someone that doesn¡¯t matter? It¡¯s not possible for me to have so much spare time to idle around and purposely make things difficult for her.¡±

    He would, at most, retort his father with a few words. After all, he really could not agree with his father¡¯s guess.

    As a normal man, who would not like beautiful women?

    However, an individual like Zhai Sheng was certainly not the type that would fly into a rage just because of a beautiful woman.

    He was just refuting his father based on this reasoning. If he had the spare time to target a college freshman, he would rather spend more time and effort on his own political career.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Old Master Feng was slightly satisfied as he snorted. ¡°You¡¯re wrong. If Qiao Nan¡¯s status in the Zhai family is really so high, actually, it is also the Feng family¡¯s good fortune for Qing Qing to have such a friend.¡±

    Qing Qing¡¯s friend was akin to the Feng family¡¯s friend.

    Since they were rtives, after Qiao Nan was really married to Zhai Sheng, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan provide some help to the Feng family if they encountered any issues in the future?

    Moreover, if there were good things, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan also help and persuade the Zhai family to give the Feng family support?

    To put it bluntly, the Feng family was also drooling after the power of the Zhai family.

    Earlier, the Feng family heard that Qiu Chenxi had been engaged with Zhai Sheng.

    The Feng family was clearly aware that Shi Qing liked Zhai Sheng but they had never intervened in this. Why? That was because the Shi family was the Feng family¡¯s inws. When the granddaughter of their inws family was married to Zhai Sheng, wouldn¡¯t the Feng family benefit from it?

    Of course, if the one whom Zhai Sheng were to marry was Shi Qing, the Feng family would naturally be even closer to the Zhai family, who would be a huge backing for them.

    However, there was also another problem that woulde with it.

    At most, Shi Qing was only the maternal granddaughter of the Feng family. There was ayer of connection separating them. The marriage of the maternal granddaughter was as good as the marriage of the paternal one.

    Unfortunately, there was ack of female offspring in the Feng family. Shi Qing was their only maternal granddaughter.

    If Zhai Sheng had expressed the slightest feelings for Shi Qing many years ago, then the Feng family would have taken a gamble to snatch over Zhai Sheng for Shi Qing.

    However, the most annoying thing to the Feng family was that although Zhai Sheng seemed indifferent toward Qiu Chenxi, his attitude toward Shi Qing was not any better.

    At the very least, when the Qiu family and the Zhai family tried to arrange the marriage, Zhai Sheng did not express much revulsion. Hence, he seemed to have acquiesced to the marriage.

    With that attitude of Zhai Sheng, the Feng family could not help feeling hesitant.

    If Qiu Chenxi was truly the one that Zhai Sheng liked and the Feng family acted rashly to help Shi Qing grab the man-even if they did not seed¡ªthis might destroy the rtionships between the Feng family, the Shi family, and the Qiu family. They would also provoke the Zhai family.

    So to speak, when that happened, the Feng family would offend three families at the same time.

    The Feng family was worried about the Qiu family and the Shi family. However, they could not help being concerned about the Zhai family.

    As such, although they were clearly aware of how much their maternal granddaughter liked Zhai Sheng, the Feng family chose to do nothing and did not help Shi Qing at all. They also did not tell Shi Qing to take the initiative to fight for what she wanted. Instead, they had persuaded her to tolerate it.

    Without the Feng family¡¯s cajoling, it was not possible that under the constant stimtion by Qiu Chenxi, the strong-tempered Shi Qing would see Zhai Sheng as her own brother-inw just because Qiu Chenxi was her cousin. She would not have felt that she could notpete for Zhai Sheng and could only stand aside to give them her blessings.

    Each time Qiu Chenxi bullied Shi Qing, the rtives from the Feng family would console Shi Qing but they had never thought of teaching Qiu Chenxi a lesson. They also did not persuade Qiu Chenxi not to go overboard as everyone was rtives.

    Old Master Shi favored Qiu Chenxi. The Feng family was aware but they did not utter a word.

    The love that the Feng family had toward Shi Qing was always shown using their ¡®mouth¡¯.

    This attitude of the Feng family could deceive Shi Qing, who had been influenced by Feng Cheng and had always felt that her rtives from the maternal grandfather¡¯s family were good. However, they could not deceive Old Master Shi and Shi Peng.

    As inws, everyone had a tacit understanding on this.

    The only one who was unhappy with the Feng family regarding this matter was Shi Qing¡¯s father, Shi Peng.

    Many years ago, the Feng family had designs on Qiu Chenxi. Simrly, Old Master Feng now had designs on Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan is clever and she knows what to do. She¡¯s quite a good child. When Qing Qing is back next time, I will ask her to bring Qiao Nan along. For so many years, the Feng family doesn¡¯t have any otherdies besides Qing Qing. It¡¯s just nice. Don¡¯t you and Ick a daughter and granddaughter respectively? Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Initially, Old Master Feng purely wanted to let Shi Qing bring Qiao Nan back for a meal in the Feng family so that they could get to know what kind ofdy Qiao Nan was.

    Although the Feng family¡¯s feelings toward Shi Qing wereplicated, it was not that they did not love her at all.

    She was the onlydy in the Feng family. Of course, they doted on her. It was just that in their hearts, the only granddaughter in the Feng family was not more important than the family¡¯s future.

    In the absence of a conflict between the two, the Feng family¡¯s love for Shi Qing was pure.

    When there was a conflict between the two, without a doubt, the Feng family would choose to sacrifice Shi Qing for the sake of the Feng family.

    If the Feng family was sessful, naturally, they could use other ways to make amends to Shi Qing and let her lead a better life. In that case, they would not be considered shortchanging Shi Qing.

    Feng Liang knitted his brows. ¡°Dad, is there a need to do so?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Old Master Feng¡¯s tone was firm. There was no room for negotiation. ¡°I would rather acknowledge a thousand wrong ones than to let slip the right one. Furthermore, isn¡¯t there a high possibility for this to happen? It¡¯s not a big deal for the Feng family to acknowledge fictive kin. If we acknowledge the right one, it will be a big deal.¡±

    Anyway, before this youngdy called Qiao Nan came to the capital to study, Zhai Sheng seldom came here.

    With the change in Zhai Sheng now, he had a reason to suspect and guess that this was due to Qiao Nan.

    When this matter was confirmed, it would be toote.

    Hence, they would have to acknowledge this fictive kin before it was confirmed.

    It was easy to add brilliance to one¡¯s present splendor but difficult to provide help in one¡¯s hour of need.

    If the Zhai family had confirmed Qiao Nan¡¯s importance to them, not to mention the Feng family, many others would be willing to acknowledge her as their kin. When that time came, it would be toote if the Feng family wanted to make their move.

    ¡°When Feng Meng is back, ask him about today¡¯s situation. Focus on the important point. Is there any animosity between him and Qiao Nan?¡± Old Master Feng was aware that there was no conflict now. As such, the love that the Feng family had toward Shi Qing was real.

 Chapter 906 - The Feng Familyâ€™s â€œSugar Coated Bulletsâ€

    <h4>Chapter 906 The Feng Family¡¯s ¡°Sugar Coated Bullets¡±</h4>

    When they knew that Zhai Sheng had abandoned Qiu Chenxi, got engaged with another woman, and ¡®deserted¡¯ Shi Qing once again, everyone in the Feng family felt injustice for Shi Qing.

    Their own family¡¯s Qing Qing was such a fine and outstandingdy. Zhai Sheng was blind to let her slip away again and again.

    As for that friend of Qing Qing who snatched Zhai Sheng away from Qing Qing¡¯s hands despite being Qing Qing¡¯s friend, she was too shameless. Why was Qiao Nan so shameless and despicable, doing this to a friend?

    This was what Qiu Chenxi told the Feng family when she called them.

    Qiu Chenxi told the Feng family that she had always believed that if Zhai Sheng did not get engage to her, he would certainly be together with Shi Qing. She was aware that Shi Qing had liked and admired Zhai Sheng so much all these years.

    If she was the one that Zhai Sheng liked, she would certainly not withdraw from the rtionship.

    However, if Zhai Sheng did not look up to or like her, she would give up the rtionship and Shi Qing was the only one that she would concede defeat to thereafter. She felt that Zhai Sheng should choose Shi Qing. She would also give her sincere blessings to both of them.

    However, who would have expected Qiao Nan to suddenly appear and snatch Zhai Sheng away.

    Qiu Chenxi also told them many things about Shi Qing and Qiao Nan¡¯s friendship and emphasized how close they were. She said that Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were on such good terms that Shi Qing was very protective of Qiao Nan in front of her. She would re up at her, this cousin, because of Qiao Nan and conflicts would arise.

    In short, Shi Qing was so good to Qiao Nan as if thetter descended from heaven. She, as the cousin, totally could not bepared to Qiao Nan anymore.

    The most annoying thing was that despite Shi Qing being so good to her, Qiao Nan¡¯s repayment to Shi Qing¡¯s kindness was to snatch away Zhai Sheng. She even got engaged to him.

    Qiu Chenxi deliberately muddled the fact that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s romantic rtionship had started long before Qiao Nan and Shi Qing became good friends. She made it sound as if Qiao Nan had shamelessly and hypocritically snatched Zhai Sheng away from Shi Qing and got engaged to him in front of Shi Qing. This was despite Shi Qing always defended Qiao Nan and that Qiao Nan was aware of Shi Qing¡¯s feelings toward Zhai Sheng

    Unfortunately, Shi Qing was a silly girl who had been ¡®poisoned¡¯ by Qiao Nan. She had been trampled badly by Qiao Nan, yet she still treated the other party as a friend.

    Upon hearing all these, the Feng family was filled with anger.

    However, after they digested the information wherein Qiu Chenxi had purposely muddled the sequence of the events, did the Feng family not see through Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ploy or did they not bother to think over it? Only those few main characters in the Feng family knew the truth.

    The Feng old couple and Feng Cheng were already filled with anger. In addition, they saw Shi Qing help Qiao Nan carry many bags at the entrance of Peking University. The Feng family did not openly spit at Qiao Nan on the spot or call her full name, furiously scolding her for being shameless, as they felt that they were civilized people. How could they curse and shout in public?

    Besides, Shi Qing was the one who willingly carried the luggage for Qiao Nan. They were elders and Qiao Nan was a junior. If they spoke much, it would inevitably seem as if they were bullying the younger ones.

    The Feng family was very particr about their face. Naturally, they would notmit such a lowly mistake.

    The Feng family restrained themselves again and again. At most, they just made Qiao Nan feel the dislike and revulsion that they had toward her. The Feng family elderly couple and Feng Cheng really did not do anything else that was overboard.

    Feng Liang began to show his sense of reluctance. However, after some thinking, he seemed to be slightly enlightened. Feng Liang immediately felt more at ease. He even maintained a smile that was learned and refined. ¡°Dad, rest assured. I understand. Certainly, the Feng family doesn¡¯tck anything except for girls. Of course, we support national family nning policies. Now, heaven has certainly sent a daughter to the doorstep of our Feng family.¡±

    Regardless of the importance of Qiao Nan to the Zhai family, the fact that Qiao Nan was the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family would not change.

    Even if the Zhai family had settled for Qiao Nan due to some unspeakable reasons or even if Zhai Sheng did not have any slightest feelings for Qiao Nan, the Feng family would only stand to benefit if he were to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter. There was no disadvantage to the family at all.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan did not have the slightest idea that she had been ¡®epted¡¯ by the Feng family because of Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family. Clearly, the Feng family had shown their dislike of her so tantly. They were just short of detesting her looks.

    Once Old Master Feng and Feng Liang, the father-son pair, coborated, they had even decided to acknowledge her as their god granddaughter and goddaughter respectively.

    It was true that when one was sessful, those around them would ride on their sess.

    The Zhai family was a formidable one. As she was rted to the Zhai family now, even those who disliked her wanted to gain her favor and acknowledge her as fictive kin. One could imagine how much power and prestige the Zhai family had.

    This was something that Qiao Nan could have possibly contemted, while Feng Liang had already sorted out his thoughts on this matter.

    The Feng family would not suffer even if Qiao Nan¡¯s importance to the Zhai family was just a delusion. What if his father had guessed it right¡ªthat Zhai Sheng truly loved Qiao Nan and the Zhai family sincerely epted Qiao Nan as their daughter-inw?

    He would have gained much just by acknowledging this goddaughter.

    At the sight of Feng Liang¡¯s smile, Old Master Feng heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Have you sorted out your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Dad, there is still you in our family.¡± Feng Liang had to admit that the older ones were wiser. In certain areas, he did not think as thoroughly as his father.

    He would only stand to gain, so why would he not do it?

    Regardless of how the Feng family treated Qiao Nan, Qing Qing, this party concerned, was very close with Qiao Nan anyway.

    If the Feng family was willing to acknowledge Qiao Nan as their fictive kin, Qing Qing would certainly be overjoyed. Wouldn¡¯t that be a happy situation for all?

    ¡°However, Dad, there¡¯s one thing that I don¡¯t understand.¡± Feng Liang could not help frowning. The Feng family had met Qiao Nan twice. His nephew had not returned home. Feng Liang could also guess that the interaction between Feng Meng and Qiao Nan this time was certainly not better than the Feng family¡¯s first meeting with her.

    The Feng family had shown their displeasure to Qiao Nan twice. At this juncture, would Qiao Nan agree if the Feng family said that they would like to acknowledge her?

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Regarding this, Old Master Feng was not concerned at all. ¡°Women. Regardless of their age, they are always the same. You can¡¯t pamper them. If you do, they will be too arrogant. We will be courteous after being impolite. Qiao Nan has had a taste of being given cold shoulders by the Feng family. Next, we will divulge what Qiu Chenxi told us and express that all these are all a misunderstanding, that we have been misled by Qiu Chenxi.¡±

    After the exnation, the Feng family was willing to be good to Qiao Nan. Would Qiao Nan not ept that?

    Furthermore, the attitude of the Feng family was entirely caused by Qiu Chenxi. If Qiao Nan had any anger in her heart, naturally, she would direct it at Qiu Chenxi.

    The Feng family had foolishly believed Qiu Chenxi initially. Hence, after they acknowledged Qiao Nan, the more they should treat Qiao Nan well.

    With an array of sugarcoated bullets, Old Master Feng was not afraid that the twenty-year-old Qiao Nan would not be tricked. He was not concerned that she would not feel grateful for the Feng family¡¯s kindness and not treat them as her rtives.

 Chapter 907 - Everyone Has a Past

    <h4>Chapter 907 Everyone Has a Past</h4>

    Qiao Nan was not in their presence. If she was and heard these words of Old Master Feng, she would say, ¡°Does Old Master Feng want me to contract the Stockholm syndrome?¡±

    This tactic of Old Master Feng might be sessful if it was used on others.

    The problem was that the one that Old Master Feng encountered was Qiao Nan. She was not a real twenty-year-old youngdy who would be bribed by this method of ¡®giving a sweet date after a p¡¯ of Old Master Feng.

    When Feng Meng was home, Feng Liang summoned him to the study room and carefully questioned him. True enough, he received an answer that was simr to Old Master Feng Liang¡¯s guess. ¡°Feng Meng, next time, Old Master Feng will ask Qing Qing to bring Qiao Nan back for a meal. At that time, I will acknowledge her as my goddaughter. She will be your god cousin in the future. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Feng Liang knew that his nephew, Feng Meng, was very smart. He would certainly understand what he meant.

    Feng Meng knitted his brows. ¡°Is there a need to do so?¡±

    She was just a wild girl that sprang out of nowhere. Why did the Feng family have to acknowledge Qiao Nan as fictive kin and benefit her?

    ¡°A need to do so?¡± Feng Liang snorted coldly. ¡°Do you look down on the fact that Qiao Nan came from the countryside?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Feng Meng did not mutter a word, admitting to Feng Liang¡¯s words.

    Feng Liang sat down and leaned back on the chair. His eyes looked deep and profound. His tone was sullen. ¡°Do you know that the old master has actually toyed with the idea of acknowledging a god sister for me, a god aunt for you, thirty years ago? That person also came from the countryside. After all, Qiao Nan came from Ping Cheng while that girl was truly a country bumpkin who had not seen the world.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re referring to...¡±

    ¡°Have you guessed it? That¡¯s right. I¡¯m referring to Chief Zhai¡¯s wife, Miao Jing. At that time, when everyone knew Miao Jing¡¯s identity, no one believed that this couple¡¯s rtionship wouldst. They felt that given Zhai Yaohui¡¯s pride, he would divorce Miao Jing sooner orter. This woman from the countryside would then have to return to where she came from. Most importantly, Qing Qing¡¯s auntie was somehow involved romantically with Zhai Yaohui at that point in time. When this woman appeared, who would have expected Zhai Yaohui to abandon Qi Min because of her?¡±

    When Miao Jing appeared, no one really believed that she would make it. Moreover, no one felt that Miao Jing could really be married into the Zhai family, bing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s wife as well as giving birth to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s children.

    However, what was the oue?

    Qi Min lost!

    Miao Jing not only married Zhai Yaohui but also gave birth to one son and one daughter for him. Thirty years had passed and Zhai Yaohui would bring Miao Jing along wherever he went.

    Someone said that Miao Jing was the one who wanted to stick to Zhai Yaohui. However, given Zhai Yaohui¡¯s capability, it was not difficult at all for him to dump Miao Jing a hundred or a thousand times if he was not willing to let Miao Jing follow him around.

    One had to know that Zhai Yaohui was the king when he was in the army!

    The minds and ways of thinking of the Feng family wereplex. They had always hoped that Qi Min could safeguard the romantic rtionship between Zhai Yaohui and her.

    Thereafter, everyone received the Zhai family¡¯s wedding invitations. Old Master Feng then brought up the fact that Miao Jing did not have any rtives. In the happy event of a lifetime, it was not good that she did not even have a maternal family for her marriage.

    Since it was fate that brought them together, Old Master Feng was willing to acknowledge Miao Jing as his goddaughter. In the future, Miao Jing could visit the Feng family often. As such, Miao Jing would have a maternal family and it was a huge family.

    Of course, be it Miao Jing herself, Zhai Yaohui, or Old Master Zhai, all of them declined this suggestion.

    When some words were said at ater time, it was no longer worth anything.

    Hence, this time, the Feng family had revived their previous idea. They wanted to take advantage of the fact that Qiao Nan was young and inexperienced and let Qiao Nan acknowledge the Feng family as her fictive family.

    ¡°I think the situation is different.¡± Of course, Feng Meng was aware of Miao Jing¡¯s matter. ¡°Furthermore, this kind of situation may not ur again.¡±

    ¡°There is a second time.¡± Feng Liang let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Zhai Sheng will being to the capital for the uing national event.¡±

    ¡°!¡± Feng Meng was taken aback. ¡°Uncle, do you mean... I don¡¯t think so, though?¡±

    Zhai Sheng broke the tradition in order to give Qiao Nan his support? That was impossible. How could Zhai Sheng be this kind of person? Qiao Nan should not have such an important ce in the hearts of Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family.

    Feng Liang lighted a cigarette and smoked deeply. ¡°At the very least, before Qiao Nan became a college student in the capital, have you seen Zhai Shenging?¡±

    ¡°It may be a coincidence.¡± He was not sure why but Feng Meng was unwilling to admit that Qiao Nan was so important to Zhai Sheng and that Zhai Sheng cared so much about Qiao Nan. ¡°Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t seem like a muddleheaded man that willmit mistakes because of a woman.¡±

    Feng Liang gave a snort. ¡°The Zhai family is different from our Feng family. If they had as many considerations as us, do you think Miao Jing would be able to get married to Zhai Yaohui in the past? Like father, like son. Zhai Yaohui is very proud. Most likely, Zhai Sheng resembles him. They feel that the Zhai family doesn¡¯t need to have a marriage to unite two families. It is more important to find someone that they like.¡±

    When Feng Liang mentioned this, he felt very upset.

    When he was young, he had met someone whom he adored and liked very much. The two of them thus dated for a long time.

    However, when thedy chased for marriage, Feng Liang did not agree even after a long time.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because Old Master Feng had already found a woman for Feng Liang, this elder son, and wanted the two families to unite by marriage.

    This woman herself, as well as her maternal family, could help Feng Liang.

    Feng Liang was ambitious. He felt that Old Master Feng¡¯s arrangements were excellent. When thisdy whom he liked requested for marriage with Feng Liang, Feng Liang had already collected the marriage certificate and became an official couple with his fianc¨¦e. The preparation for the wedding banquet was almostpleted as well.

    Feng Liang was very clear that the woman whom he married was who he needed but the one before him was who he loved.

    Feng Liang hoped that this woman could understand his difficulties and support his career. One day, when he truly became powerful, he would definitely give the woman that he loved most a name. However, prior to that, this woman would have to endure and suffer a little for the time being.

    He swore to the woman that he only loved her. Besides a name, everything that he had would belong to her. The wife in his family would not get a single thing from him. That wife would not intervene in his matters outside the home as well.

    Feng Liang really loved this woman and had made ns. When he felt that the Feng family had achieved enough and his wife was no longer of help to him, he would then marry the one that he loved. Regardless of the number of years that it would take, his love for her would never change.

    Until today, Feng Liang knew that if that woman was willing to appear before him, he would immediately divorce his wife and marry her.

    Unfortunately, many years ago, when thatdy knew about this cruel truth, she ran away after giving Feng Liang a p.

    Feng Liang thought that the other party did that out of a fit of anger. After a few days, when her anger had subsided, he would appease her and his loved one would definitely understand his situation. Feng Liang did not expect that when he went to look for thatdy one weekter, she had already moved out. Moreover, she did not leave any message for him.

 Chapter 908 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Life Plan

    <h4>Chapter 908 Qiao Nan¡¯s Life n</h4>

    Many years had passed and Feng Liang had never seen that woman again.

    Perhaps the best things were always those that one could not get. As Feng Liang rose in his ranks and led an increasinglycent life, that woman was like a red mole in Feng Liang¡¯s heart that could not be erased.

    For the sake of his family and career, Feng Liang could only choose to sacrifice his marriage. He was almost fifty years old but he did not even know where the woman that he loved most was, how her life was, whether she married another man after leaving him and whether she gave birth to children with another man.

    Each time these thoughts came to his mind, Feng Liang could feel an inextinguishable fire burning his heart.

    In the past, when Zhai Yaohui was firm and resolute in giving up Qi Min and marrying Miao Jing, he ignored all consequences. He was so decisive that he was not influenced by external factors. There was not a single hesitation that arose out of him due to other considerations.

    Comparing himself to Zhai Yaohui, thetter not only married the woman whom he truly loved but also had a smooth and sessful career. He had be someone that the Feng family wanted to fawn on.

    On the contrary, he lost the love of his life. Every day, he had to sleep in the same bed with his sallow-skin wife. He did not feel happy about his life every day. Until now, he still had to think of ways to acknowledge that future daughter-inw of Zhai Yaohui as his goddaughter.

    Zhai Yaohui was the true victor in life. He was forthright and candid for half of his life, yet he was still so sessful.

    Feng Meng did not know about the sad past of his uncle, Feng Liang. Since Feng Liang had already told him this, of course, he had to listen to him. ¡°Uncle, I understand what you mean. Regardless of whether this will be sessful, as long as it will benefit the Feng family, we have to give it a try. If it is sessful, the Feng family will benefit tremendously. If it doesn¡¯t, we won¡¯t lose much either.¡±

    Feng Meng was a businessman. He could analyze the risks and returns of a matter thoroughly in the shortest time possible.

    A business like this, in which they would only earn and not lose, regardless of how much he detested Qiao Nan, he could tuck away all his feelings and affectionately address Qiao Nan as his sister. He would treat Qiao Nan as well as he treated Qing Qing.

    ¡°When you do things, I feel more assured. You have interacted with Qiao Nan today and have gained some initial understanding of her. What are your thoughts on thisdy?¡± After making up his mind, Feng Liang had to do a little homework as well.

    It was impossible for him to tell Qiao Nan ¡®I will acknowledge you as my goddaughter¡¯ once Shi Qing brought her back home. Who would agree when they encountered such a situation?

    Feng Liang had to understand Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament and likes before he could properly bond with her.

    Feng Liang was a politician while Feng Meng¡¯s father was a businessman. The reason Old Master Feng asked Feng Liang to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter was that Feng Liang could benefit directly from Qiao Nan.

    Old Master Feng had already spared so much consideration for him. Next, Feng Liang himself had to grab the opportunity and work on this.

    ¡°She is quite clever to be able to get into Peking University.¡± From this point, Qiao Nan was qualified to be fictive kin of the Feng family.

    Feng Liang was a little surprised. ¡°You have juste into contact with her. Moreover, you have not given her any pleasing looks right from the beginning. In the end, you even brought Qing Qing out for a meal. In such a short time, you¡¯re so certain that she is a smart person? Or is it just because she is a student of Peking University?¡±.

    ¡°No.¡± Feng Meng shook his head. He spoke about Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior. ¡°This may be a very small matter. However, from my perspective, Qiao Nan has saved a lot of time and energy resources. She has also increased the job efficiency. This made a great difference. If I have an assistant like Qiao Nan working alongside me, I think I will do better in my business.¡±

    Qiao Nan would be a very outstanding manager. She had a strong ability to make wholesome ns. She was even better at delegation and arrangement of duties.

    This was an all-rounder top talent!

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s identity was not as such and if Feng Meng had met Qiao Nan in an ordinary setting, he knew that he would utilize all ways and means to poach Qiao Nan over to be his assistant.

    Even if Qiao Nan did not study business, he was willing to invest in Qiao Nan and let Qiao Nan undergo a few years of professional education. After she hadpleted the learning, she could help him.

    He would not lose out in this kind of investment. Instead, he would receiverge returns with a little investment.

    As a shrewd businessman, Feng Meng had assessed Qiao Nan¡¯s value very clearly.

    Feng Liang was not a businessman. Initially, he did not understand why one could infer so many things with the hanging and drying of the curtains.

    After listening to the analysis of Feng Meng, Feng Liang understood. ¡°I see. No wonder...¡±

    So as to speak, if Qiao Nan was not capable herself, would the Zhai family be willing to let her get engaged to Zhai Sheng?

    ¡°Right, what is Qiao Nan¡¯s specialization in Peking University? Business?¡± It would be great if that was the case. After she acknowledged Qiao Nan as her goddaughter, once Qiao Nan graduated afterpleting her four years of studies, she could immediately work in the enterprises of the Feng family and help Feng Meng

    From this perspective, the value of Qiao Nan, this goddaughter, had far exceeded the considerations of the old master and him.

    Feng Meng shook his head. ¡°Foreignnguage.¡±

    Qiao Nan was clearly very talented. It was good whether she studied business or management. She was wasting away her talent. She was simply letting God¡¯s gift go to waste.

    ¡°Foreignnguage?¡± Feng Liang felt a pinch when he heard that. ¡°Forget it. She is young and insensible. That¡¯s right too. Now, many people think that it¡¯s better for girls to learn something quiet and gentle. What¡¯s so good about it? Not promising at all. When Qiao Nan bes my goddaughter, I will arrange for her to change her course of studies immediately. Feng Liang, which course do you think Qiao Nan should study?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not even Feng Liang¡¯s goddaughter yet and Feng Liang had already begun to take over and manage her life, nning for Qiao Nan¡¯s future.

    Of course, all these had to be in the interests of the Feng family.

    When Feng Meng calmed down and considered carefully, he then discussed with Feng Liang which course Qiao Nan should be transferred to so that she would be of greater help to the Feng family.

    In the small courtyard of the Lin family, Qiao Nan¡¯s nose felt extremely itchy. She kept sneezing until she had a headache.

    After Shi Qing and Feng Meng had their meal, Shi Qing brought back a lot of takeaways for Qiao Nan, all spread on the table. ¡°Qiao Nan, did you catch a cold? Why are you sneezing so much?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Qiao Nan denied. ¡°I don¡¯t feel feverish. Besides sneezing, I don¡¯t have any other symptoms. I¡¯m really just sneezing. I don¡¯t even have a runny nose. Most likely, there is too much dust in this house during the daytime and I¡¯m not used to it.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who came from the future, knew that if the house was too dusty, it was easy to breed a certain kind of living thing: dust mites.

    When those who suffered from a sensitive nose entered this kind of house, they would sneeze continuously and could only visit the hospital to stop the sneezing. Inparison, Qiao Nan was considered alright.

 Chapter 909 - Could Not Always Help for Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 909 Could Not Always Help for Nothing</h4>

    ¡°Most likely, wiping the ce another two or three times tomorrow will do.¡± Qiao Nan covered her nose. ¡°Let me tell you. I have already eaten. You have to finish all the food that you have brought back.¡± She had already decided to distance herself from the Feng family.

    Hence, she dared not consume anything from the Feng family.

    Shi Qing gave a scream in shock. ¡°I specially brought them back for you. It¡¯s a roasted duck, the most famous roasted duck in the capital. Are you really not eating?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m full. It¡¯s already sote. I¡¯m not eating. Moreover, I don¡¯t wish to be fat.¡± Qiao Nan turned her head. Not to mention eating them, she was not even willing to look at the roasted duck. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m exhausted. There are sr energy panels in my master¡¯s house, and I stoked the fire the moment we arrived today. Fortunately, there was no explosion. We can have warm showers now. Do you want to go first?¡±

    ¡°The weather is so hot. Why are you taking a warm shower? It feels better to have a cold shower.¡± Shi Qing was unhappy that Qiao Nan insisted that she bathed with warm water.

    ¡°Then, I will bathe first. Don¡¯t shower with cold water. If I find out... Haha, you will bear the consequences. You will have to settle your daily three meals yourself.¡± Shi Qing was more extroverted. She was like a faked. Qiao Nan could not be bothered to tell Shi Qing so much about feminine care. This was because she knew that Shi Qing might not care even if she did.

    What female ailments and cold uterus? At this point in time, Shi Qing could not register any of those words. Unless Shi Qing had suffered from these ailments, she would not understand them.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t. For the past few years, have I not listened to you every summer? Warm water... It¡¯sfortable to bathe with warm water! Especially when youe out of the toilet, you will feel much cooler. Your highness Qiao, go ahead and bathe first. I will batheter.¡± Shi Qing spoke as if she was ackey. If Qiao Nan did not cook for her anymore, she would have to starve to death. The food outside was not only expensive but also tasted awful.

    Qiao Nan patted Shi Qing¡¯s ¡®dog head¡¯ satisfactorily as she took her pajamas into the toilet. She then gave herself a good wash from head to toe.

    Although Qiao Nan had worn many precautionary gears during the daytime, Qiao Nan still felt that she was covered in dust. In particr, she felt that her strands of hair were sticking together.

    From this day onward, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing formally began their life in college.

    Qiao Nan copied the college timetable for Shi Qing and herself. She wrote a few copies and pasted them at various ces lest she forgot the schedule if she were to lose any piece of them.

    Besides attendingpulsory lessons, Qiao Nan began to spend her spare time in the library.

    As for the clubs, Qiao Nan had registered for a few of them.

    Qiao Nan thought it would be hard to get into the most popr clubs. After all, she was not Tang Jiayun and did not have thetter¡¯s social skills. Hence, she could only register for a couple of small and new clubs that were rted tonguage studies.

    It was easy to get into this kind of club. Besides, there would be fewer activities.

    Why were there fewer activities?

    It was a new club and there were only a few members. Hence, they would have an even lesser budget.

    Under the pretext of an insufficient budget, what were the major things that the club could do?

    Out of convenience, Qiao Nan naturally opted for such clubs.

    However, Qiao Nan was aware that this kind of club could not achieve anything great. Hence, to gain experience in social practice, Qiao Nan was very smart to look for the management of the Pce Museum. She volunteered to be a tour guide and interpreter for the museum.

    Of course, although it was voluntary work, there were also requirements in order to volunteer at such a ce.

    If one did not meet the requirements, others would not ept them even if they forked out money, let alone doing voluntary work.

    At this moment, as a student of Peking University, she seemed to hold a prerequisite certificate for the job. Once they heard that she was a student majoring in foreignnguage at Peking University, the management of the Pce Museum was willing to give Qiao Nan a chance.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s standard of English in both speech and writing was good.

    In addition, Qiao Nan was majoring in foreignnguage. She not only hade into contact with English but was also beginning to study other foreignnguages, albeit not as much as English and was not as fluent in them.

    In terms of internationalnguages, it was, in fact, sufficient for Qiao Nan to be familiar with English only.

    ¡°Student Qiao, we wee you to join us. Moving forward, unless you have lessons, you shoulde here during weekends or peak periods when there are many tourists. We are in desperate need of fresh blood and college students like you to help us.¡± Who would not be happy to get a top student of Peking University¡¯s foreignnguage department to help them at no cost?

    ¡°I appreciate your guidance.¡± Qiao Nan was happily smiling as well. After settling this voluntary job, Qiao Nan believed that she would do very well in her social practice.

    After shuffling for an entire day, Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes were drenched when she returned to the small courtyard of the Lin family.

    When Shi Qing saw Qiao Nan look so disheveled, she was puzzled. ¡°Where did you go? Why do you smell of sweat? Quickly go and bathe. Didn¡¯t you say that Brother Zhai will being to the capital soon? You are always out of sight. Aren¡¯t you afraid that Brother Zhai can¡¯t find you when he arrives in the capital? Moreover, with you looking like that, you will scare Brother Zhai away.¡±

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan¡¯s skin was very fair and it was not easy for her to be tanned.

    If others went out in this way like Qiao Nan, they would be little tanneddies.

    ¡°If a man will run away so easily, why do I still want him? Is Brother Zhai someone so superficial?¡± Qiao Nan snorted proudly. In her previous life, she was blind. In this lifetime, she wiped her eyes until they were so bright.

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Qiao Nan, why do I feel that you blindly trust and admire Brother Zhai most of the time?¡±

    No matter how outstanding or capable Brother Zhai was, he was an ordinary man. He would have to eat, drink, pee, poop, and sleep. He would reproduce. He would bleed like an ordinary man when he was injured.

    To put it in a clich¨¦ way, actually, Brother Zhai would also have themon habits that a typical person had.

    For example, Brother Zhai liked pretty girls.

    If Qiao Nan was not pretty enough, she did not believe that Brother Zhai would be able to see through that so-so looks of her and admire her inner beauty.

    Qiao Nanughed guiltily. She did not borate further.

    In actual fact, she did not only feel this way toward Brother Zhai. As long as it was soldiers wearing the army uniform, she would feel the same toward them.

    Of course, Wei De, that weird one, was an exception.

    Qiao Nan took a nce at the pile of materials on the table. She casually picked some of them up to read. Coincidentally, it was a book about guns. There were many pictures and exnations of various guns in it. It was very detailed. Qiao Nan flipped the book as she asked, ¡°You¡¯re reading these? These are what Zhu Baoguo sent to you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Shi Qing yawned. Qiao Nan was busy today but Shi Qing did not idle either. ¡°I borrowed some of them from the library. Brother Zhai got someone to help me find some of these.¡±

    Qiao Nan closed the book. ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Did she hear her correctly?

    Didn¡¯t Brother Zhai get Shi Qing to follow and protect her so that she would not be taken away by other ¡®wolves¡¯? Now, would Brother Zhai support Shi Qing in changing thetter¡¯s course of studies?

 Chapter 910 - Decline to Jump into the Pit

    <h4>Chapter 910 Decline to Jump into the Pit</h4>

    Shi Qing held her head and yawned. ¡°He can¡¯t possibly let me work for nothing. Furthermore, your suggestion is good. I will ponder over it for some time and then bring up the matter of changing the course of study. During this period of time, Brother Zhai still has to depend on me to take good care of his wife, right?¡±

    It had been so many years. One is marked by thepany one keeps.

    Ever since hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion, Shi Qing had already begun plotting on Zhai Sheng. She not only asked Zhai Sheng to keep this from her father but also requested Zhai Sheng to find information and materials for her.

    Shi Qing knew that Zhai Sheng was the best person to seek help from on this matter.

    The reality was as such. Zhai Sheng did not need to search for these materials at all. He only needed to casually throw a couple of those reading materials that he had used before to Shi Qing. That was enough to keep Shi Qing upied for some time, researching.

    Without any more romantic love, Shi Qing and Zhai Sheng should talk about something more practical. He could not just keep holding on to her and bullying her, this sister. Zhai Sheng should also behave like an elder brother. This would make her more willing to help.

    Zhu Baoguo was just a student. His materials were definitely notplete.

    Change was the only constant thing nowadays. The knowledge in this area was also advancing progressively.

    Given Zhu Baoguo¡¯s current situation, he certainly could not keep up with the progress. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng¡¯s research and studies in this area would definitely not fall behind.

    It was rare for Shi Qing to use some of her brains on this. As such, she had truly found herself an excellent and readily avable ¡®great master¡¯.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s great to have you around.¡± Countless people had once requested to borrow these notes and materials from Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Sheng had always said that he no longer kept them. In the end, theynded in her pocket. At the thought of this, Shi Qing was so d and grateful that she had met Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan chuckled. ¡°Alright, stop sucking up to me. I¡¯m going to bathe first. It¡¯s almost time for you to wash up and sleep. If you ruin your grades now, your dad will most likely dash to school before you can change your course of study. For the sake of your ambitions and hobbies, it will be tough on you.¡± Shi Qing was basically studying two courses simultaneously. Even if her grades for the main course of study were not too outstanding, it should not be too lousy either.

    Those who knew Shi Qing were aware that her grades had never fallen below those of the top three students in the ss.

    If there was a great disparity in her grades between now and before, given Shi Peng¡¯s sensitivity, how would he not suspect anything?

    ¡°I know.¡± Shi Qing was not angry. She knew that Qiao Nan was stating the facts and thetter was sparing a thought for her in all areas. ¡°Right, I¡¯m going back to the Feng¡¯s residence this weekend.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Qiao Nan took her clothes and went into the bathroom directly to bathe.

    Shi Qing was the maternal granddaughter of the Feng family. No matter how much Qiao Nan disliked the Feng family, she certainly could not show any slightest reluctance of letting Shi Qing keep in touch with the Feng family.

    When she heard the sound of water sshing in the bathroom, Shi Qing bit her books. This was not what she wanted to say. The sentence thereafter was what she wanted to say most.

    Having been friends with Qiao Nan for a few years, Shi Qing was aware of Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament.

    Her maternal grandmother¡¯s and mother¡¯s words put her in a difficult position.

    Earlier on, the attitude of the Feng family was too negative, but Qiao Nan neverined to her about it. She also did not distance herself from her or lose her temper over this. However, she was aware that Qiao Nan did not have any positive feelings about the Feng family. She only wanted to avoid them.

    Sigh...

    Her mother and maternal grandmother told her that this was all a misunderstanding, that they had been misled by Qiu Chenxi. Those things that happened earlier-could they smoke their way through just with the word ¡®misunderstanding? Would Qiao Nan be able to ept that?

    If it was her, Shi Qing would not be pleased, let alone Qiao Nan.

    Since they said that it was a misunderstanding, so be it. Anyway, they were not rted to each other and did not have any interaction. After the ¡®misunderstanding¡¯ was cleared, they could go on their separate ways. They did not need to keep in touch at all.

    Although she was aware of this, Shi Qing could notpletely pretend that she did not hear her biological mother¡¯s and maternal grandmother¡¯s words. Furthermore, one was her maternal grandmother¡¯s family and the other was her good friend. If these two parties could get along amicably, she would feel very happy.

    After thinking for some time and seeing that Qiao Nan hade out from the bathroom, Shi Qing mustered her courage and said, ¡°I will be going back to the Feng¡¯s residence this weekend.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was drying her hair, raised her brows. ¡°You told me about this just now, and I heard you clearly. Go back then. Right, are you nning to stay overnight at the Feng¡¯s residence that day? If you areing back, I will leave the door open for you. If you are not, I will lock it up.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Shi Qing wanted to say that she was noting back but she almost spat when she recalled that this was not her main point. ¡°My grandmother and my mom asked me to invite you toe along. I have exined to you about their previous attitude toward you. Qiu Chenxi was the one who sowed discord. Now, the misunderstanding has been cleared. They also know what kind of person Qiu Chenxi is. Her earlier phone call was made to smear your name. We wish to invite you back to have a meal and also apologize to you. Qiao Nan,e with me, please.¡±

    After this matter was resolved, perhaps she would be able to go everywhere with Qiao Nan again. They could return to the Feng¡¯s residence and the small courtyard together, just like they did when they were in Ping Cheng. That would be great.

    Qiao Nan stopped drying her hair for a moment. She then smiled casually. ¡°There is no need to apologize. They are all my seniors. I am just a junior. The misunderstanding has been cleared. That will do. They are even going to specially apologize to me. I will be shameless if I dare to think about getting an apology. You should stick to the n and don¡¯t mind me. I am not going with you. I have something on during the weekend.¡±

    She did not even want to eat the food from Feng Meng that Shi Qing brought home. Would she dare to eat at the family banquet in the Feng¡¯s residence?

    She did not know why the Feng family showed so much displeasure toward her initially. Now that the misunderstanding had already been cleared, they even enthusiastically invited her for an apology meal. Qiao Nan would like to say, ¡°So sorry, I¡¯m not avable!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any lessons this weekend.¡± Shi Qing was a little worried. ¡°Are you still angry?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, missy, have you forgotten? I am someone that needs to do social practice. It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know my family¡¯s situation. I have to continue to work hard to achieve good grades and obtain schrships. Otherwise, how would I graduate from college?¡±

    Angry?

    Why would she spend so much energy being angry at the Feng family? If she had the energy to do so, she would rather read one more book, memorize one more word, or understand one more phrase.

    ¡°You have decided on it?¡± Shi Qing recalled that Qiao Nan had told her about this before while they were on the way here. She had forgotten it for a moment.

    ¡°Yes. Otherwise, what do you think I was busy with today?¡± When she felt that her hair was half dry, Qiao Nan was not willing to waste her time anymore. ¡°I am tired and would like to sleep. You shouldn¡¯t sleep toote as well. Quickly wash up and go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When Qiao Nan closed the door of the bedroom, Shi Qing then recalled that she had to return to the Feng¡¯s residence during the weekend.

    Shi Qing sighed. She did not know whether her maternal grandmother and family would be able to ept it if she were to tell them Qiao Nan¡¯s reason. The problem was that Qiao Nan was merely stating facts. Between epting an apology and doing social practice to obtain good grades, which one was more important?

 Chapter 911 - Not Easily Bullied

    <h4>Chapter 911 Not Easily Bullied</h4>

    Qiao Nan could vaguely hear Shi Qing sigh in her room. She felt bad. Nevertheless, when she thought of what Zhai Sheng told her previously, she stood by her guns.

    Brother Zhai said that the Feng family was a huge pit. She must not jump into it!

    At the thought of Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan felt more level-headed. Shey on her bed and fell asleep soon after.

    Before Shi Qing went back during the weekend, Feng Cheng gave her daughter a call. ¡°Qing Qing, do we go over and fetch both of you on Friday night or Saturday morning?¡±

    When she heard her mother sound so confident, Shi Qing¡¯s expression was very awkward. Could she tell her mother that Qiao Nan did not even agree to go to the Feng¡¯s residence?

    ¡°Hello, Qing Qing. Did you hear me? When should I get someone to fetch both of you?¡± Feng Cheng asked again. ¡°Didn¡¯t they say that college studies are more rxed? Don¡¯t tell me you have been tired out? If that is really the case, when youe back this time, Mom will get people to prepare nice food for you so that you can nourish your body.¡±

    Due to the national family nning policy, Feng Cheng only had Shi Qing, one daughter. How could she not dote on her?

    Furthermore, Feng Cheng was treated very well by the family. Hence, she did not have the habit of favoring males over females. She thought that her daughter¡¯s reactions were slower as thetter had been exhausted from her studies.

    ¡°No need, Mom. I¡¯m doing quite well. I was distracted earlier because I was thinking about an academic question. Come and fetch me on Saturday.¡±

    Feng Cheng had been mentioning ¡®both of you¡¯. At this moment, Shi Qing only said ¡®me¡¯.

    Feng Cheng was very open and honest in front of her daughter. Furthermore, in Feng Cheng¡¯s opinion, given Qiao Nan¡¯s family background, Qiao Nan would only worry about not having a chance to fawn on the Feng family.

    Now, the Feng family was willing to extend an olive branch, how could Qiao Nan possibly reject it? Qiao Nan would certainly feel ted, as if she was floating in the air.

    ¡°Mom will get people to prepare a lot of delicious food for both of you then. Studies are important but your health is even more so. Don¡¯t pick up those bad habits from your dad. You¡¯re still young. You have to take good care of your health. Understand?¡± It was not that Feng Cheng did not wish to intervene in her husband, Shi Peng¡¯s matter. It was because she could not do so. After a long time, Feng Cheng had also given up on it.

    However, it was different for Shi Qing, this daughter. Feng Cheng not only could manage her but also seeded in doing so. No matter what, she could not let her own daughter be as bad as her husband.

    ¡°I know... Mom, I know my limits.¡± Her father was born with excellent health. It was just that he had been burdened by the Shi family¡¯s situation. Hence, she had also inherited good genes. Her mother was just being paranoid. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s not talk anymore. I will see you on Saturday.¡±

    As she had a guilty conscience, Shi Qing hung up the phone very quickly. She was afraid that Feng Cheng would suddenly pop a question such as ¡®how is Qiao Nan?¡¯. What if she could not answer it then?

    Qiao Nan did not wish to go to the Feng¡¯s residence. Shi Qing was also not willing to force her to do so. However, the Feng family seemed to be very serious in inviting Qiao Nan this time. Shi Qing, who was sandwiched between the two parties, was extremely depressed. Why did the situation be like that without an apparent reason?

    When it was Saturday, Qiao Nan went to the ce that she had registered as a volunteer guide interpreter.

    After Qiao Nan left, the car of the Feng family arrived at the designated location to fetch Shi Qing.

    When the chauffeur of the Feng family saw that only Shi Qing was present, he looked puzzled. ¡°Miss, the old master told me that I would be fetching two people today. Where is the other one? Do we still have to wait for a while?¡± If he were to wait for a while, that would mean that the Feng family had to do so as well. Who exactly was the person that would being home with the young miss?

    ¡°No need.¡± Shi Qing opened the car door and sat in it directly. ¡°Let¡¯s make our way back.¡±

    ¡°How about the other person?¡±

    ¡°She is not going.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± The chauffeur did not question further. He stepped on the elerator and headed toward the Feng¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Oh, my goodness. That Shi Qing who came with Qiao Nan from the countryside-what exactly is her background? She even had a chauffeur to fetch her. Didn¡¯t they say that she came from the countryside?¡± Coincidentally, the ¡®dormitory trio¡¯ who was left after Qiao Nan¡¯s departure bumped into this situation. All three of them were stunned.

    There was a shimmer in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Tang Jiayun, you have not found out who Shi Qing is?¡± How was it possible that Shi Qing came from the countryside? Clearly, she had rtives in the capital. She was from the capital.

    ¡°No,¡± Tang Jiayun said indignantly. After knowing that the owner of the Mercedes-Benz car was not rted to Qiao Nan, of course, Tang Jiayun wanted toy her hands on Shi Qing directly.

    Unfortunately, Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were staying outside the school.

    In addition, Tang Jiayun was not in the same course of study as Shi Qing. Hence, it was not so easy for Tang Jiayun to look for Shi Qing.

    One who knows his own strength and that of the enemy is invincible in every battle.

    During this period, Tang Jiayun spent much time and energy trying to find out Shi Qing¡¯s background. This was the only way that she could determine what she needed to do when she was with Shi Qing.

    However, to Tang Jiayun¡¯s surprise, although Shi Qing clearly had a powerful background, she usually kept a very low profile when dealing with people and things. She had never mentioned to others what her family did or who her next-of-kin was.

    If Tang Jiayun did not mention it, Shi Qing¡¯s ssmates would not even be aware that she had a rtive who drove a Mercedes-Benz car.

    Yu Xiaoxiao stood up straight as she took a nce in the direction of the car that left after fetching Shi Qing. ¡°If you really want to find out anything, you most likely have to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s help.¡±

    ¡°Crap!¡± Tang Jiayun refused to believe in fate. ¡°Shi Qing keeps such a low profile normally and does not tell others about herself. Are you certain that she will tell Qiao Nan? In my opinion, Qiao Nan and Shi Qing do not belong to the same social ss at all.¡±

    ¡°However, I found out that Shi Qing made arrangements to stay outside the school on the same day that Qiao Nan did. We saw Qiao Nan move out her luggage that day and Shi Qing was with her. That car left while carrying both Qiao Nan¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s daily living necessities. Tang Jiayun, tell me, would Shi Qing and Qiao Nan stay in separate ces?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s sixth sense told her that nothing would be so coincidental in this world. One was moving out and the other also followed suit.

    Furthermore, they had known for a long time that Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were good friends.

    Was it not normal for Shi Qing to tell her good friend, Qiao Nan, about her family situation?

    Most probably, the two of them not only made arrangements to stay outside on the same day but were staying together now as well!

    Every inch ofnd was gold in the capital. The rental fee for a basement the size of a nest was shockingly expensive. It was not something that students like them could afford. At the thought of this, Yu Xiaoxiao pondered deeply over where Shi Qing and Qiao Nan could possibly stay at in such a big city after they left the school.

    The two of them left the school and made arrangements to stay outside. They must be very confident to have taken this step.

    Qiao Nan was from the countryside but Shi Qing had rtives in the capital. In that case, Qiao Nan was the one who basked in Shi Qing¡¯s glory and relied on thetter to get a ce to stay in the capital.

    This was such a good matter. Although Yu Xiaoxiao was level-headed, she could not help feeling jealous of Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 912 - It Is All Tang Jiayunâ€™s Fault

    <h4>Chapter 912 It Is All Tang Jiayun¡¯s Fault</h4>

    Why didn¡¯t she have a good childhood friend that had rtives in the capital and could lend her a house to stay?

    Qiao Nan had taken a huge advantage from this.

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s eyes were red. She did not expect that the reality was contrary to her thoughts. Qiao Nan was not the one who basked in Shi Qing¡¯s glory. It was the other way round.

    Without Qiao Nan, Shi Qing could not stay in that small courtyard as well.

    At this moment, Tang Jiayun felt like biting her handkerchief. She could not refuse to admit that Qiao Nan was quite lucky. Actually, one did not have to know many friends. As long as they had one or two friends like Shi Qing, life would beplete.

    ¡°I still have something on today. I won¡¯t keep youpany then. I¡¯m leaving first.¡± Tang Jiayun¡¯s eyeballs swiveled. She bid goodbye to Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan and left.

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s faces turned ck. L¨¹ Yan bluntly said, ¡°That means she doesn¡¯t need us anymore? Is she dumping us?¡±

    ¡°Both,¡± Yu Xiaoxiao said rationally. ¡°Tang Jiayun¡¯s target is Shi Qing. She certainly needs Qiao Nan¡¯s help if she wishes to get close to Shi Qing. We won¡¯t meet Shi Qing but Qiao Nan will. I suspect Tang Jiayun will try to get close to Qiao Nan and treat thetter as a stepping stone.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s expression turned stiff. She then smiled. ¡°That¡¯s true. Tang Jiayun, this kind of person, will never do things without a purpose or gain.¡±

    ¡°However, Tang Jiayun should not be happy too soon. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t seem easy to manage at all. Although she is not the type who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance, she is certainly not good-tempered and easy to talk to. Don¡¯t treat someone quiet as one who doesn¡¯t have a temper. When this kind of person res up, it will be worse than when others do. Haha! Regardless of what Tang Jiayun has in mind, whether she can eventually fulfill her wish is going to be tough.¡±

    At this point in time, the phrase ¡®white lotus flower virgin Mary¡¯ was not popr. Hence, Yu Xiaoxiao did not use it.

    Nevertheless, she wanted to express the same meaning. Qiao Nan would not forgive someone without any principles or reasons. Simrly, she would not target someone just because of some trivial matters.

    The things that Tang Jiayun did previously were ugly and shameful. Most importantly, those who were not blind would think that Tang Jiayun had gone overboard.

    With that, Tang Jiayun still hoped to be good friends with Qiao Nan so that thetter would introduce her to Shi Qing? Tang Jiayun¡¯s brains were really soaked in water.

    After hearing Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s words, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s anger subsided a little. ¡°Back to the topic. Now that we know what is on Tang Jiayun¡¯s mind, are both of us still going to...?¡±.

    Shi Qing obviously had a powerful background. Certainly, they were first-year students in college now. However, they were also worried about the social practice required during their third-year studies. They had to make preparations as well.

    It was not that easy to get into a good career or department. Not everypany would be willing to open up such vacancies.

    If they truly encountered such a situation, they heard that one would be badly battered fighting for one such vacancy.

    Nevertheless, if they were sessful in grabbing it and performed well during the practice, they would be able to be a formal employee of such bigpanies. They could also pull some strings or pay some money to get in. They heard that these were all high-paying jobs.

    Upon reaching that stage, they could then truly be considered a golden phoenix that soared out of the chicken nest! After another ten years of hard work, they could most probably buy a house in the capital and be a resident there.

    L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao werecking most in connections. In actual fact, every student who had juste to the capital faced the same issue.

    The appearance of Shi Qing was undoubtedly a bright and dazzling ray of light that shot out from this dark truth.

    Anyone who was able to drive a good car in the capital was either a wealthy man or a government official. Regardless of which, as long as they could get close to the powerful Shi Qing, they would have a bright future ahead.

    Perhaps the most correct thing that they had done in this life was not that they had chosen to study at Peking University but having met a ssmate like Shi Qing!

    L¨¹ Yan was well aware of this point. Although sheughed at Tang Jiayun, she also wanted to give it a try and get into Shi Qing¡¯s good books, knowing that Shi Qing could be of some help in the future.

    Although all are humans, there are huge gaps between them. They could not achieve certain things despite working so hard, while others could do so with just a few words.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± After some time, Yu Xiaoxiao gave a sigh. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t wish to? Let me advise you. Forget it. Unless you can get to know Shi Qing directly and make her ept you, it certainly won¡¯t work even if you go through Qiao Nan. If Tang Jiayun won¡¯t be able to seed, we won¡¯t be able to either. Otherwise, why do you think Qiao Nan insisted on moving out?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was already very obvious.

    ¡°It¡¯s all Tang Jiayun¡¯s fault.¡± L¨¹ Yan was feeling increasingly unhappy. She vented all her resentment and anger on Tang Jiayun.

    Yu Xiaoxiao shook her head. Was it really all Tang Jiayun¡¯s fault?

    Not really...

    Everything was quite smooth for Qiao Nan on her first day at work.

    At this point in time, it was not somon for one to know English. The problem was that China was developing at a rapid pace. The economy had been developing and achieving favorable progress. As such, it had garnered the attention of many other countries.

    It was not strange that the Pce Museum, one of the major ces of interest in the capital, had numerous visitors every day.

    In particr, the foreigners were all aware that the capital had such a famous and prominent ancient archeology. The building structure was well-maintained and the style was bright and distinct. It also exuded a strong historic feel. Hence, any international visitors to the capital would definitely make a trip to the Pce Museum.

    In the past, whenever they had to manage so many tourists in a day, the personnel managing the Pce Museum would be anxious and at a loss of what to do.

    Even after the top made some arrangements, they were stillcking in manpower.

    It was truly very important to have one more volunteer such as Qiao Nan, who was proficient in English. In fact, the more the merrier.

    In order to let Qiao Nan assume the role well, the unit gave her some training before she took on the job. Mainly, they guided her on the rules and important things to note in the Pce Museum.

    Of course, to be a qualified guide and interpreter, Qiao Nan had to be very familiar with the various scenery and ces of interest in the Pce Museum. She had to fully memorize all the information such that they would be at her fingertips.

    After going through a round of training and test, Qiao Nan could then carry the shoulder emblem and badge of an employee.

    Qiao Nan had always been strong in humanities. Hence, to her, memorizing information was a piece of cake.

    When Qiao Nan registeredst week, the management unit had already given her all the information as well as what was required of a tour guide and things to note for the job.

    The other party had also strictly emphasized to Qiao Nan that she could be a volunteer only after she met all the requirements.

    She had one week to prepare. If she could not pass the test, she would be too embarrassed to tell others that she was a student from Peking University when she went out next time.

    When Saturday came, the management unit tested Qiao Nan¡¯s professional knowledge as soon as they could.

 Chapter 913 - Silver-Tongued

    <h4>Chapter 913 Silver-Tongued</h4>

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan came fully prepared. As a freshman who just finished college entrance examination this year, she was not afraid of sitting for tests.

    Qiao Nan finished her written test and oral interview in a very short period of time and she did very well in them. Right now, Qiao Nan was finally given the position that she had been waiting for a long time.

    Regardless of nationality, gender, or age, everyone enjoyed thepany of beautiful people.

    Not only was Qiao Nan beautiful, but she was also young and cheerful. She had a beautiful, sweet voice and a good temper. She was also fluent in English. The tourists found it a joy to speak with her and it left them a good memory.

    Several tourists were very satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s service. They offered to give her tips as this was what they did in their country tomend good service. However, Qiao Nan refused politely.

    Qiao Nan was a neer. She felt that it was not right of her to ept their tips.

    By the time Qiao Nan ended her day, she was still in high spirits although she felt tired to the bones. She reached the Lin family¡¯s small quad and to her surprise, Shi Qing was at home. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at the Feng family¡¯s residence, being treated like the heiress of the family? Why are you back so early?¡±

    Shi Qing propped her head on her hands, staring at Qiao Nan with a gloomy expression on her face. ¡°That¡¯s not it. They want me to bring you with me tomorrow. My grandpa said that if there is any misunderstanding, things will be fine once we meet up and exin clearly.¡±

    In short, the Feng family had yet to give up. They still wanted to meet Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°I am just an outsider to the Feng family. At most, I am your ssmate and your friend. I am not someone important. Even if we have any misunderstanding, so be it. I understand what they mean, but why do I have to join them for a meal? Doesn¡¯t this seem like a treacherous plot?¡±

    Shi Qing was put in a difficult position. ¡°Qiao Nan, how will I know? Do you know anything?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not someone who spoke indiscriminately. She must have known something to say that the meal was a treacherous plot.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Not for now. But the Feng family¡¯s attitude is indeed strange. They are elders, while I am their junior. ording to our Chinese customs, the elders would not apologize to me. Talking to me would be seen as giving in to me. If you were me, wouldn¡¯t you find it odd that the Feng family is so insistent on treating you to a meal?¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her chin. She was not so charismatic that it made the Feng family be interested in her.

    ¡°Shi Qing, let me ask you a question. If you feel that dirty linen should not be aired in public, you can choose not to answer. If you feelfortable, you can tell me as much as you like. How about that?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Shi Qing hesitated and thought seriously about it before she nodded.

    ¡°Back then, what was the Feng family¡¯s attitude when Qiu Chenxi said that she wanted to be engaged to Brother Zhai? The Feng family knew that Qiu Chenxi kept bullying you in the Shi family, and Old Master Shi was biased toward Qiu Chenxi. Did they say anything about that?¡± The more Qiao Nan thought about it, the more she felt that what the Feng family wanted had nothing to do with herself.

    Since the Feng family was not interested in her, it would only mean that the Feng family was interested in the people around her¡ªfor instance, Brother Zhai.

    ¡°Well...¡± Shi Qing thought about it carefully. ¡°They would be angry on my behalf whenever they heard that I was bullied by Qiu Chenxi and grandpa was biased toward her. They would feel wronged on my behalf. They said that my grandpa was blind to like Qiu Chenxi more than me, that I am actually so much better than her.¡±

    ¡°Then, did they teach you to fight for what you want? For instance, did they tell you to retaliate when bullied by Qiu Chenxi, or that when Old Master Shi was being biased, you had to point it out on the spot?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Shi Qing shook her head honestly. ¡°They told me that grandpa is old and muddleheaded, that I should not anger him since he is advanced in years. They also said that if I suffer any grievances, I should tell them instead. Since he is my grandpa, it is unnecessary for me to anger him and lose my temper. As for Qiu Chenxi, she was a guest at the Shi family and would have to leave eventually. My grandpa would not be biased toward her forever. I am the one who would have his love and attention in the end. Simrly, Qiu Chenxi would only bully me for the time being and would leave the house sooner orter. Since she is my sister, I couldn¡¯t provoke her. The only way out was to avoid her as it would be narrow-minded of me to take issue with her.¡±

    It turned out that it was because of the Feng family that Shi Qing was so tolerant of Qiu Chenxi.

    If not for the Feng family who persuaded Shi Qing to give in to Qiu Chenxi, causing her to develop the habit of tolerating Qiu Chenxi¡¯s obnoxious ways, given Shi Qing¡¯s temper and physical abilities when she fought with Zhu Baoguo back then, she would have duked it out with Qiu Chenxi long ago.

    Qiao Nan sighed. She patted Shi Qing on her head. True enough, the Feng family was insistent on apologizing to her and treating her to a meal because they were after Brother Zhai.

    She did not expect that after bing Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e, she would be given special treatment. The family who used to look down on her now treated her like a special guest.

    Qiao Nan had to admit that it was indeed good to have a capable fianc¨¦ like Zhai Sheng. It was no wonder that after learning about Chen Jun¡¯s family background, Qiao Zijin used all means and ways to gain Chen Jun¡¯s affection in the previous life, and her mother cooperated with her to help her achieve her goal.

    Having a capable and outstanding fianc¨¦ was so much more useful than working hard by oneself.

    As a student of Peking University, she was looked down upon by the elderly couple in the Feng family. However, as the fianc¨¦e of Zhai Sheng, the Feng family insisted on apologizing to her and treating her to a meal.

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Shi Qing stifled the bitterness in her heart and pped Qiao Nan¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Such a pitiful girl.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I am in no way pitiful. I admit that grandpa is muddleheaded and Qiu Chenxi is a bad person who is bent on bullying me. But my maternal grandpa and his family treat me very well. They have their difficulties as well.¡± Shi Qing refused to admit that she was pitiful. She was in Mo Du while the Feng family was in the capital. They had no way to help her.

    That must be the case.

    Qiao Nan could not stand that Shi Qing kept deceiving herself. ¡°Poor kid, let me tell you a story.¡±

    ¡°Tell me a story? Do you take me for a three-year-old kid?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt your intelligence. On the contrary, a three-year-old kid will definitely not understand my story.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Shi Qing took a few deep breaths. She knew that given Qiao Nan¡¯s personality, what she said right now would not be pleasing to the ears.

    Qiao Nan thought for a while, organizing her thoughts before she started. ¡°There were a mother and a daughter. The daughter grew up and had a job and a boyfriend. The mother asked the daughter about her boyfriend. The daughter said that her boyfriend was a good man.¡±

 Chapter 914 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words

    <h4>Chapter 914 Actions Speak Louder Than Words</h4>

    ¡°The daughter said that when she goes to work, he will wait to go home with her and to take public transport with her. When her boss is harsh toward her, he will join her toin about him. The mother thought about it and told the daughter that she would rather the daughter find another boyfriend who had a car so that he could drive her to work and fetch her after work. When sheined about her boss, the boyfriend could tell her to quit and he would provide for her.¡±

    ¡°What story is this?! My situation is different from the story that you mentioned. The mother was being too practical.¡± Shi Qing waved her hands. When in love, one was not after material gains butfort andpany.

    ¡°Look, you just refuse to admit that you are foolish. The moral of the story is that at times, actions speak louder than words, but you insist that I am talking about material gains. This is the reality. There is a saying in China: a wife who shared her husband¡¯s hard lot must never be cast aside. But the problem is that a lot of wives who suffered hardships with the husbands were ditched when the husbands made it to sess. Alright, my story is not good enough and is not relevant. Regardless, what you have to remember is that words of concern and kindness are not as good as helping you alleviate your situation.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that the analogy was not very appropriate. Therefore, the story was not as convincing. She would do better next time.

    As someone who was reborn, Qiao Nan suddenly turned obstinate and wanted to right her wrong. She took out a piece of paper and started to draw on it.

    Qiao Nan rarely drew in front of Shi Qing. Shi Qing sat by her side and watched her as she drew on the paper seriously. ¡°This is aic. What is the big pit supposed to mean?¡±

    Qiao Nan was silent and continued with her drawing. This was aic that was meant to be ironic.

    There was a huge pit in the picture and someone was standing in the pit. There was another person who was outside, sprawling t on the ground around the pit. He stretched his hands toward the person in the pit, wanting to pull the person out of the pit.

    But what was ironic was that there was adder that was ced beside the person who sprawled t on the ground.

    The drawing was much more straightforward. Shi Qing understood it right away. If she could not understand this simpleic, she was not qualified to study at Peking University.

    ¡°Shi Qing, let¡¯s look at it this way. When Qiu Chenxi bullied you in the past and Old Master Shi was biased toward her, what did your parents do about it?¡± Qiao Nan posed another question to Shi Qing. ¡°I am just asking. There is no need to give me an answer. I have worked for the whole day. I am so tired that my bones are breaking. I will go to sleep after a shower. You must not stay up toote.¡±

    The Feng family was too good at keeping up pretenses in front of Shi Qing. Unless Shi Qing suffered setbacks, she would not understand what the Feng family was up to.

    Of course, the Feng family was not as vicious to Shi Qing as what was illustrated in the drawing. But there was definitely something off about the Feng family¡¯s concern toward Shi Qing. They were silver-tongued, but they did not follow through with actions.

    Shi Qing was such a silly girl. If Qiao Nan did not give her any hints, Shi Qing might be kept in the dark forever.

    In the past, Qiao Nan used to think that she must be very unfortunate to have a mother like Ding Jiayi.

    She must havemitted a lot of evil deeds in her previous life and thus had to repay her debts for having such a mother. But no matter what, she had already repaid her debts.

    However, after getting to know Shi Qing, Qiao Nan realized that she was not the most unfortunate person.

    Her mother might not be good to her, but she did not hide her dislike of her. It was just that she was not able to sort out her thoughts in the previous life. Her mother made it very clear that she did not like her, yet she was bent on being a filial daughter to her. She thought that there would be a day when her mother would be touched by her actions.

    On the other hand, Shi Qing¡¯s rtives acted affectionately to her, but in fact, they might betray Shi Qing anytime and she would still be deceived by them thereafter.

    At the very least, Qiao Nan knew who her enemies were.

    But for Shi Qing, she did not even know who the real culprit who caused her misery was.

    Qiao Nan knew that the biggest reason why her situation was different from Shi Qing was that Ding Jiayi was an ordinary housewife. She did not understand what it was like to manipte and keep up with pretenses, treating her nicely on one hand while plotting and scheming against her on the other hand.

    If Ding Jiayi knew all these schemes, she might have done it to her.

    It was better to have rtives who were not as smart.

    Qiao Nan did not know that after she left, Shi Qing stared at theic for a very long time until midnight.

    Shi Qing rubbed her teary eyes under the yellow light. She could feel tears on her fingers. ¡°Let¡¯s change the light bulb. The yellow lights are too ufortable for me.¡± Her eyes were in pain from the lights.

    The next day, Shi Qing did not ask Qiao Nan to join her to go to the Feng family¡¯s residence. The Feng family¡¯s car arrived after Qiao Nan left the house. ¡°Miss Shi, howe you are by yourself?¡± The old master had mentioned that there would be twodies today and he told him to treat the otherdy well.

    ¡°I am by myself.¡± Shi Qing did not look too well. She had dark eye circles. It seemed that she did not sleep well yesterday. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The chauffeur dared not probe about his master¡¯s family affairs. It was a fact that Shi Qing was the only person around. Since she was pampered by those of the Feng family, the chauffeur had to give her the best treatment as well.

    By the time Shi Qing reached the Feng family¡¯s residence, everyone in the family was present. Like yesterday, all of them were in full attendance. Under normal circumstances, there was seldom full attendance of her family members even during Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

    Shi Qing turned teary-eyed. She sniffed, took a deep breath, and walked inside.

    Feng Cheng frowned when she noticed that her daughter was alone by herself like yesterday. Qiao Nan, the youngdy, was absent today as well. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to bring the person with you? Where is she?¡±

    ¡°I have said that she is busy. She may not be able toe today.¡± Shi Qing sat down.

    The Feng family was unhappy. ¡°Your friend is too much. She is on good terms with you, yet she has no respect for us and acts as she pleases. At the very least, we are her elders. She is too rude!¡± Feng Cheng was baffled. Why would the Zhai family approve of Qiao Nan, who was so ill-mannered and ill-disciplined? Qing Qing was so much better than her.

    Shi Qing sized up Feng Cheng. ¡°As I have said, she is busy. She asked me to tell all of you that she is busy. Therefore, she is unable to make it.¡±

    Did it mean that one must go whenever their elders invited them?

    To Shi Qing, the elders in the Feng family were not Qiao Nan¡¯s rtives in any sense.

    If other people ordered Qiao Nan around just because they were her elders, it would be better if Qiao Nan did not marry Zhai Sheng. She would have a lot of elders to entertain when she married Zhai Sheng. ¡°Mom, why do I feel that all of you are behaving strangely? Why do all of you insist that Qiao Nanes to the Feng family¡¯s residence? Besides, if Dad knows what you said just now, he will be unhappy. ording to what you said, does it mean that I have to visit Qiao Nan¡¯s house whenever her mom asks me to? Otherwise, I would be deemed as impolite?¡±

 Chapter 915 - One Does Not Allow Benefits Created by Oneâ€™s Own Work to Accrue to Others

    <h4>Chapter 915 One Does Not Allow Benefits Created by One¡¯s Own Work to rue to Others</h4>

    This was too ridiculous.

    Shi Qing would not do something like that.

    If Ding Jiayi dared to look for her, Ding Jiayi had to thank her lucky stars if she merely ignored her. If Ding Jiayi angered her, she would roll her sleeves and give her a round of beating. Given what Ding Jiayi had done to Qiao Nan, she totally deserved it.

    Shi Qing was thinking of giving Ding Jiayi a thrashing, yet Feng Cheng felt that Qiao Nan was being rude to her elders.

    Shi Qing was not as muddleheaded as she used to be in the past. She would not agree with what her mother said. She was simply being ridiculous and too sure of herself.

    ¡°Qing Qing, is that how you speak to your mom?¡± Feng Cheng was shocked. She did not expect that her daughter would use this attitude on her. ¡°Why do you favor an outsider instead of someone on your own side?¡±

    Shi Qing was upset. She seldom spent time with her mother. Since she was studying in the capital, her original intention was to be filial to her mother and spend more time with her before she changed her course of study. She did not expect things toe to this state. ¡°Mom, reasones before loyalty.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s mother was unreasonable and she was not a good person. Right now, her mother was acting unreasonably as well.

    Old Master Feng looked grim. He calmed himself before he looked at Shi Qing. ¡°Qing Qing, did Qiao Nan misunderstand us, or did you not ry my message clearly to her?¡±

    This should not be the case. It was impossible for Qiao Nan to refuse the Feng family¡¯s kind intention.

    Qiao Nan befriended Qing Qing simply because she wanted the Feng family to look after her on ount of Qing Qing. Regardless of the Feng family¡¯s attitude toward her initially, Qiao Nan had no reason to reject them now that they had changed their attitude toward her.

    Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°No. I have ryed your words to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan understood as well.¡±

    ¡°Then, why did she...¡± refused to have dinner at the Feng family¡¯s residence?

    Shi Qing mustered her courage and looked at Old Master Feng. ¡°Grandpa, there is something that I don¡¯t understand. Why did all of you have a bad impression of Qiao Nan after a phone call with Qiu Chenxi? Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up and I have ryed your words to Qiao Nan and she understood, why do you still insist that she joins us for dinner? If she is willing to join us, it will be on ount of our friendship. There is nothing wrong as well even if she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Most of the Feng family members were present yesterday and today. At times, she was not given such treatment when she was back at home.

    Previously, Shi Qing did not read too much into it. But right now, she wanted to have an answer. ¡°Grandpa, why do I feel that all of you are acting strangely? You seem to value Qiao Nan. Is it that important to treat her to a meal?¡±

    There was a glitter in Old Master Feng¡¯s eyes. Was Qing Qing trying to sound him out?

    ¡°Of course. You are my only granddaughter. Since you are friends with Qiao Nan, naturally, we value her as well. Previously, we were misled by rumors and misunderstood such a well-behaved child. We owe Qiao Nan an apology. If Qiao Nan was an ill-behaved child, we would definitely forbid you to befriend her. Now that we know she is a good child, we should express our sincerity by inviting her to a meal. If not, she might be angry at us and will ignore you in the future. Did you not tell me half a month ago that you have learned a lot after getting to know Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Qing Qing, you must understand that whatever your grandpa does is for your interests.¡± Feng Liang smiled, patting Shi Qing on her head. ¡°If Qiao Nan is not your friend, there is no need for the Feng family to do all these. Like you have mentioned, Qiao Nan is a good child, and we are reassured that she is your friend. You have been pampered by us and you are too innocent. Gifts blind the eyes. We must think of ways to ¡®bribe¡¯ Qiao Nan so that she will continue to keep a lookout for you.¡±

    Therefore, could it be that Qiao Nan told Qing Qing something, causing her to be full of doubts today?

    Shi Qing stiffened when Feng Liang patted her, but she recovered quickly and rxed. ¡°It turns out that you are worried about this. If so, there is nothing to worry about. We are very close to each other. There is no need to treat her to a meal. Qiao Nan did not find fault with me given how you treated her previously. Grandpa, you have been thinking too much.¡±

    Feng Meng kept silent all the while. At the thought of what Feng Liang told him yesterday, he pursed his lips and joined the conversation. ¡°One may know a person for a long time without understanding their true nature. You are not Qiao Nan. How do you know that she is not angry? You should know very well that women¡¯s biggest w is to say one thing and mean another.¡±

    Qiao Nan failed to appreciate their kindness.

    If Qiao Nan did not know Qing Qing, given her social status, she would never have the chance to get to know the Feng family. Now that she had a chance, she should count her blessings.

    Feng Cheng was confused about the situation, but she was used to siding with her family. She pulled Shi Qing¡¯s hands. ¡°Qing Qing, your grandpa and uncle are being reasonable. As the saying goes, nobody will find faults with extra courtesy. It will never be wrong to be on closer terms with her.¡±

    Shi Qing felt annoyed. There was simply no way to make them understand. ¡°You can¡¯t force your kindness on others. Since you have apologized and Qiao Nan has epted it and she has no misgivings about the Feng family, it¡¯s fine even if she is not here for a meal. In the past, she never came to my house either. It doesn¡¯t matter if she is here or not. Why do all of you take it so seriously?¡±

    Apart from Feng Cheng, all of the men in the Feng family were dumbfounded. They did not know how to answer Shi Qing¡¯s question.

    What was the reason?

    It was because of the Zhai family!

    Qiao Nan would marry Zhai Sheng in the future. For that reason alone, the Feng family had to make sure that Qiao Nan had a meal at their house.

    Feng Meng had the worst temper. He once met Qiao Nan and did not have a good impression of her. He could not help but say impolitely, ¡°This is your grandpa¡¯s house. We are being polite by inviting her over for a meal. If she really treats you as her friend, she should take the initiative to pay us a visit. She does not behave like a junior at all. Nevertheless, we do not take issue with her. But she still refuses toe. Qing Qing, there is no point in befriending her. She is not serious in being friends with you.¡±

    Feng Meng¡¯s motive was to agitate Shi Qing.

    Feng Meng watched her as she grew up. He knew that Shi Qing would be easily agitated and egged on by others.

    Given her temper, Shi Qing would definitely try all means to get Qiao Nan toe to the Feng family¡¯s residence.

    As long as Qiao Nan stepped into the Feng family¡¯s residence, by the time she left, he would make sure that the entire capital knew that Qiao Nan was the goddaughter of his uncle.

    By the time Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, everyone in the capital would know that the Feng family was inws with the Zhai family!

 Chapter 916 - Who Is Spouting Nonsense?

    <h4>Chapter 916 Who Is Spouting Nonsense?</h4>

    However, Feng Meng did not expect that under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, Shi Qing was no longer the ignorant girl in the past. ¡°Qiao Nan has to take the initiative to pay a visit to the Feng family just because she is my friend? Brother Feng Meng, you have a lot of friends and girlfriends. Why did you not bring them home for dinner? You sound as if Qiao Nan is not here for a meal, she is unappreciative of your kindness, and it is her great honor to be invited to the Feng family for a meal.¡±

    She had been away from the capital for many years. She had no idea that it was such an honor to dine in the Feng family¡¯s residence.

    Feng Meng pulled a long face. ¡°Qing Qing, we are a prominent family in the capital. Many people want to be associated with us. It is indeed Qiao Nan¡¯s honor to be able to join us for a meal.¡±

    Shi Qing could no longer hold herself back. ¡°The Feng family may be prominent, but Qiao Nan is Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. She is the future daughter-inw of Chief Zhai and Auntie Miao. If Qiao Nan¡¯s identity is exposed, many families will be queuing up to invite Qiao Nan to a meal! The queue will be as long as the Great Wall of China!¡±

    Qiao Nan had Brother Zhai. She did not need the Feng family¡¯s support.

    It was ridiculous!

    Shi Qing¡¯s outburst shut the mouths of everyone present. Everyone looked sulky.

    They wanted to befriend Qiao Nan before other prominent families knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s background. They wanted Qiao Nan to be their goddaughter and to act before other people did.

    If other people found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s identity, like what Shi Qing had said, people would be queuing to invite her to a meal.

    By then, Qiao Nan would not care about the Feng family anymore.

    Feng Cheng finally realized what her family was up to.

    She sat by her daughter¡¯s side and held her close to her side. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t be upset and don¡¯t be muddleheaded. You should know Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan. How can you tell everyone about their rtionship? This is your grandpa¡¯s house and we are your rtives. As the saying goes, one does not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others. With you around, you have to try your best to get Qiao Nan on our side.¡±

    She had almost forgotten that Qiao Nan was the one who snatched Zhai Sheng from her daughter. But Qiao Nan was on close terms with the Zhai family, so they could not afford to offend Qiao Nan.

    Initially, she felt angry on her daughter¡¯s behalf that Qiao Nan gained the affection of the man that she liked, and she was so shameless to befriend Qing Qing.

    On the other hand, although Zhai Sheng could not be her son-inw, he would be able to be the fianc¨¦ of her daughter¡¯s best friend.

    Feng Cheng knew that the Feng family wanted to be close to the Zhai family.

    Feng Cheng also knew that previously, Qiu Chenxi had been approved by Chief Zhai and Madam Zhai and she would be engaged to Zhai Sheng. Back then, the Feng family had wanted to make use of their rtion with the Shi family to be acquainted with the Zhai family once Qiu Chenxi was married to Zhai Sheng.

    Right now, it seemed to be easier for the Feng family to be acquainted with the Zhai family.

    Feng Cheng always put the Feng family¡¯s interests as her top priority. She came back to her senses and persuaded Shi Qing to get Qiao Nan on the Feng family¡¯s side.

    All the men in the Feng family were very pleased with Feng Cheng¡¯s words. This was how the women in the Feng family should behave.

    Shi Qing had her doubts previously. But from what Feng Cheng told her just now as well as the satisfied expression of the remaining family members, she had confirmed her doubts.

    Shi Qing bent down, cupping her face in her hands, seemingly in a dilemma.

    Feng Cheng tightened her grip on her daughter. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t think too much. You are not making use of Qiao Nan. After all, you are good friends. As long as she is sincere in being your friend, she will be happy for you. Even if she is not, you don¡¯t have to feel burdened. You have grown up. You should understand this. No matter what, you must remember that under all circumstances, you have to side with people who will benefit you the most.¡±

    Shi Qing felt bitterly disappointed at Feng Cheng¡¯s words.

    Perhaps the Feng family had always been used to choosing sides that were most beneficial to them. She had been foolish for not understanding them.

    Was getting Qiao Nan toe to the Feng family¡¯s residence beneficial to her?

    No, it was beneficial to the Feng family!

    Shi Qing behaved like how Qiao Nan used to do. She rubbed her face with force and felt much better. She was more determined now. ¡°Grandpa, it seems like instead of having a meal as a family, your goal is to invite Qiao Nan for a meal. I have had a meal here yesterday. It is gettingte, so I will go back now. Grandma, Mom, if there¡¯s anything else, you can call me.¡±

    Like what Qiao Nan had said, there was no need for one to spell things out clearly. It was fine as long as one understood what was going on. This was particrly so for her current situation.

    All of them who had vicious intentions were her close rtives. They used to dote on her and care for her when she was young.

    Shi Qing had no wish to find out whether they were genuine when they doted on and cared for her. She would take it that they were being true to her.

    The Feng family was her close rtives and she would treat them as her maternal grandparents forever. Qiu Chenxi and her family were her rtives as well. She would treat the Feng family simr to how she treated Qiu Chenxi and her family.

    ¡°Qing Qing?¡± Feng Cheng was dumbfounded. They were in the middle of a discussion about Qiao Nan. Why would Qing Qing leave all of a sudden?

    ¡°Mom, I will visit you next time.¡± Shi Qing was determined to leave. There was no way that Feng Cheng could stop her.

    Shi Qing used to be too innocent and simple-minded in the Feng family. But starting today, she was no longer her past self.

    Old Master Feng shot a nce at Feng Meng, and he stood up immediately. ¡°It¡¯s difficult to hail a cab, and there are not many cabs in this area. Let me send you back.¡± He wanted to check if Qiao Nan was really not at home, or whether she came up with an excuse just to reject the Feng family¡¯s invitation.

    Shi Qing wanted to reject his offer, but she noticed that there was a glitter of anger in Feng Meng¡¯s eyes. She knew that his real intention was not to send her back.

    Feng Meng would never act as such toward his family. Shi Qing suspected that his anger was directed at Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips. She decided not to reject his offer. ¡°Alright.¡±

    After Shi Qing left, Old Master Feng and Feng Liang went to the study room together. ¡°Dad, Qing Qing seems to know something. Perhaps someone has been spouting nonsense to her?¡±

    The father and son knew very well who the person Feng Liang was referring to.

    Apart from Qiao Nan, no one else could have influenced Shi Qing.

 Chapter 917 - Offer Her Some Favors

    <h4>Chapter 917 Offer Her Some Favors</h4>

    Qiao Nan was about the same age as Shi Qing. In fact, she was one year younger than the current batch of freshmen. Why she was so sensitive and perceptive?

    Shi Qing used to lead a simple and sheltered at the Feng family. Qiao Nan did not have much contact with the Feng family, but she was able to have a big influence on Shi Qing. Feng Liang could not help but be worried. ¡°Dad, Qiao Nan seems to be someone who is not easily manipted. Things may not be as simple as what we imagined.¡±

    Previously, Feng Liang could not be bothered with Qiao Nan. Although Zhai Sheng might be serious about Qiao Nan, Feng Liang felt that Zhai Sheng was purely after novelty and had thus taken a fancy to a girl like Qiao Nan.

    Feng Liang did not believe in love. This was something that youngsters would do.

    Old Master Feng was hesitant. ¡°She is only in her twenties. I don¡¯t think she is capable of that.¡±

    Old Master Feng pranced around the study room anxiously. He felt that Qiao Nan could not be that intelligent. But Shi Qing¡¯s attitude had alerted him and aroused his doubts. ¡°Women are not so perceptive and farsighted. What I am more worried about is that it may have to do with Zhai Sheng. You should know Qing Qing¡¯s feelings toward Zhai Sheng.¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you mean that Qing Qing is influenced by Zhai Sheng?¡± Did it mean that Zhai Sheng was on guard against the Feng family?

    If Zhai Sheng was on guard against the Feng family, what about the Zhai family?

    Feng Liang¡¯s expression darkened. His only brother-inw was Zhai Sheng¡¯s master and had guided him when he was in the army. How dared Zhai Sheng look down on the Feng family and told Qiao Nan to be on guard against the Feng family. He was the cause of Shi Qing¡¯s anger toward the Feng family.

    If the Feng family was powerful enough, there would be no need for them to fawn over the Zhai family and befriend a junior like Zhai Sheng.

    Feng Liang might have a bad temper, but the reality was harsh.

    All these years, he had tried his best for the Feng family to be stronger in order to avoid such situations.

    But before the Feng family seeded, there would bound to be a lot of simr situations like today. If Feng Liang could not stomach such anger, there would be a day where he would be angered to death.

    ¡°There is no hurry. This is just pure spection. Besides, Qiao Nan and Qing Qing are different from us. They are students and are more simple-minded. Perhaps we do not need to make thingsplicated. For all we know, Qiao Nan is really busy.¡±

    Although this seemed to be the least possible reason.

    Feng Liang lowered his voice. ¡°We will know once Feng Meng is back.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Feng Meng came back one hourter. He went into the Old Master Feng¡¯s study room right away. ¡°Qiao Nan is really not at the Lin family¡¯s house. I have asked around. Qiao Nan does not have any lessons today. She has not been seen going to Peking University.¡±

    IT ??

    Qiao Nan was nowhere to be found. It seemed that what Shi Qing told them was the truth. She was participating in activities for social practice.

    After affirming this, the men in the Feng family finally felt slightly reassured and were not as upset as before.

    If Qiao Nan was at the Lin family¡¯s house or at school, it would not affect the Feng family¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan. However, they would be angry as Shi Qing had helped an outsider like Qiao Nan to deceive her family.

    They would be bitterly disappointed in her if that was the case.

    ¡°Grandpa, uncle, I will go back to the office.¡± Feng Meng was furious. He was stood up by Qiao Nan two times in a row. He could have clinched many business deals and earned so much money if not for her.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Feng Liang stopped Feng Meng. ¡°You are closer to Qing Qing, and she is suspicious of us. You are the best candidate for this task now. There is no hurry, but find time to give Qing Qing a call. I want to know what kind of social practice Qiao Nan is participating in. It¡¯s good that Qiao Nan wants to strive to do better. If she wants to gain experience through social practice, yourpany should have a suitable position for her.¡±

    After calming down, Feng Liang felt that it was too much to ask the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family to acknowledge a fictive kinship with the Feng family just with a mere apology and a meal.

    Although Qiao Nan came from a humble background and did not have much social experience, she had the Zhai family as her backing

    Before Qiao Nan came to the capital, the Zhai family must have taught her a lot about the life in the capital.

    His father was right. The Zhai family valued Qiao Nan a lot. They had even educated her in the ways of the world.

    As an adult, Feng Liang knew that what they did previously was too small-minded. They wanted major returns but they could not bear to invest in their n. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan refused to take the bait.

    ¡°Dad, Feng Meng, Qiao Nan may not be as simple-minded as what we think her to be The college students nowadays are not as simple as before. But it is good that people are realistic. As long as we offer her some favors, our n may just work out smoothly. That¡¯s right. Nobody will be willing to do things that do not benefit them.¡±

    Feng Meng had a strange smile on his face. ¡°Do you mean that Qiao Nan feels that we are insincere?¡±

    ¡°The youngsters nowadays...¡± Old Master Feng sighed. ¡°This is the reason behind bad social norms. People of our generation treasure the rtionship with other people, but the younger generation, particrly our grandchildren, value their personal gains over other things. Alright, Feng Meng, I want you to get a thorough understanding of what kind of person Qiao Nan is. On ount that she is Qing Qing¡¯s friend, we will offer her some favors. Just don¡¯t go overboard.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandpa. I understand.¡± He would arrange an internship for Qiao Nan and give her some special privileges. This was not the first time that he gave special treatment to someone.

    Qiao Nan should have told them what she wanted long ago. She pretended as if she was not after material pursuits.

    ¡°You should go back to your office now.¡± His younger son and his grandson would have to work to support his elder son in his business. They could not put everything on hold for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that they were discussing her. She simply did not wish to be associated with the Feng family that was up to no good. But the Feng family had jumped to conclusions that she was after material pursuits.

    Qiao Nan was d that she could gain experience from her social practice. She jumped about like a rabbit.

    Qiao Nan had lessons on Monday morning, while Shi Qing did not have any lessons.

    Qiao Nan bought breakfast for Shi Qing and herself. She did not disturb Shi Qing from her sleep. Instead, she cycled to school for her lessons.

    It was good to have a dependable master. She had a ce to stay and she had the means of transportation.

    The Lin family¡¯s house was quite a distance from Peking University. If Qiao Nan did not cycle to school, she would have to wake up at an earlier time. It would be a hassle for her.

    By the time Qiao Nan reached the ssroom, half of the ssroom was filled with students.

 Chapter 918 - The Zhai Family Protecting Their Calf

    <h4>Chapter 918 The Zhai Family Protecting Their Calf</h4>

    School had just started and today¡¯s subject was one of the main subjects. Not many students dared to skip lessons.

    Qiao Nan found a seat and sat down to eat her breakfast secretly. She was afraid that she would bete. Therefore, she did not have her breakfast at the Lin family¡¯s house. Instead, she brought it with her to school.

    Qiao Nan, who was eating stealthily like a mouse, did not realize that three pairs of eyes were fixed on her as soon as she sat down. The three of them felt perplexed and were in a fix.

    It was only until now that Tang Jiayun and the two of them realized that Qiao Nan and Shi Qing did not have a change of dormitory. Instead, they stayed outside the school.

    In other words, Qiao Nan was able to move out because of Shi Qing.

    Previously, the three of them still had some doubts. However, they were very certain now.

    Shi Qing definitely came from a wealthy and powerful family. It was not surprising that she had houses in the capital. As for Qiao Nan, the freeloader, she was able to stay with her since she was her friend.

    Everyone hoped that they would have friends who were ballers, like Shi Qing.

    When they still had their doubts before, they had already felt upset and jealous of the lucky Qiao Nan. They did not expect that she would be able to befriend a true friend who was a baller back in the countryside.

    Now that they were certain that Shi Qing¡¯s family was rich, every one of them, particrly Tang Jiayun, felt anguished at missing such a good chance.

    For the first time in her life, Tang Jiayun realized what her blind spot was. She was only concerned about moving up the socialdder through dating men from good families, but she forgot that the powerful families had daughters as well.

    If she was in a rtionship, she would have to be taken advantage of to a certain extent. But if she had a friend like Shi Qing, she would be the only person who stood to gain from their rtionship.

    It was more cost-effective to befriend a female friend than to have a boyfriend.

    She always thought that she was smart and clever, but she did not expect that Qiao Nan was much better than her.

    If she had known that Qiao Nan was so smart, she should have been humble and learned from her.

    Qiao Nan disregarded Tang Jiayun and the two of them, focusing on eating her breakfast. She did not even lift her eyes off her breakfast to notice where they were seated.

    After she moved out of the dormitory, Qiao Nan treated Tang Jiayun and the two of them as ordinary ssmates. She merely nodded to acknowledge them when she saw them in school.

    Tang Jiayun and the two of them felt guilty. They wanted to befriend Qiao Nan, but they kept dawdling because they were embarrassed.

    The three of them took their time to make a move to sit beside Qiao Nan. By the time they made up their mind, a female student from the same faculty had taken the seat next to Qiao Nan. The three of them could not help but stare at her in anger.

    Yu Xiaoxiao gave a resigned sigh. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, I decided that I won¡¯t join the two of you. Qiao Nan is not a pushover. Since birds of a feather flock together, I don¡¯t think Shi Qing is a pushover either. Given that Qiao Nan moved out of our dormitory, and that Shi Qing is on good terms with Qiao Nan, do you think that Shi Qing will still help us?¡±

    It was already good enough that Shi Qing did not target the two of them as they had listened to Tang Jiayun¡¯s words and ostracized Qiao Nan.

    L¨¹ Yan looked listless. ¡°Are we really going to give up just like this? What about our internships?¡±

    ¡°The internship is two years from now. Nobody knows what will happen after two years. We shouldn¡¯t think too much. We are not on good terms with Shi Qing. Even if her family is powerful, they will not be easily bullied by us. Anyway, I will not fawn over Qiao Nan anymore. I have my pride.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao opened her textbook and focused her attention on her lesson, waiting for the professor to start the ss.

    Since a young age, she relied on her own efforts to study hard. She would do the same in the capital as well.

    Besides herself, there was no one that she could depend on forever. As for other ways to sess, it would have to depend on luck.

    L¨¹ Yan agreed with her. She had no wish to flunk her exams and fail to get in through the back door. She would lose more than she gained.

    After sorting out their thoughts, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan focused their attention on their studies and stopped worrying about the internship in the future.

    Putting that matter aside, let¡¯s talk about the other matter.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could not be bothered to argue with people like Wei De. Zhai Yaohui left with Miao Jing, saying that he had work to attend to.

    The couple had not been to many ces before they received a call from their son. Once Zhai Yaohui hung up the phone, Miao Jing moved to sit beside him. ¡°Are we going to the capital now to see Nan Nan?¡±

    Miao Jing was full of excitement.

    ¡°Do you hate the Feng family so much that you want to rush over to support Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Yaohui smiled. Miao Miao looked like how she was twenty years ago, full of zest and spirit.

    Miao Jing was unhappy. ¡°Nan Nan is my daughter-inw, the mother of my future grandson and granddaughter. I have to support her no matter what. As for the Feng family, I dislike everyone who is rted to Qi Min. True enough, they are birds of a feather!¡±

    Miao Jing hated everyone who had the least bit of rtion to Qi Min. There were times when Shi Qing would get on her nerves as well.

    However, one good thing about Miao Jing was that she would not force people around her to hate the people that she disliked.

    Miao Jing knew that Qiao Nan had a good rtionship with Shi Qing. Miao Jing never hinted or explicitly told Qiao Nan to stay away from Shi Qing or to cut off all ties with Shi Qing.

    Zhai Yaohui changed his position so that Miao Jing could lean on him morefortably. ¡°Your son is simply making use of us.¡± His son was not able to leave right now. Therefore, he wanted his parents to make the move for him so that the Feng family would not be up to anything and Qiao Nan would not suffer because of them.

    Miao Jing pped Zhai Yaohui on the back of his hand. ¡°One of them is my son while the other is my daughter-inw. I am willing to go to the extreme to support them. You can do nothing about it! It¡¯s fine if I don¡¯t know the situation about the Feng family, but now that I¡¯ve found out about it, I have to do something. We are the ones who implicated Qiao Nan and caused the Feng family to target her. She has helped persuade your daughter. You must return a favor with a favor. One must not be ungrateful.¡±

    Miao Jing was helpless that Zhai Hua insisted on being with Wei De. Of course, as the father, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s way of solving the problem was not effective as well.

    Although Qiao Nan was not able to persuade Zhai Hua to break up with Wei De, at the very least, Zhai Hua was willing to listen to Qiao Nan and had stopped contacting Wei De for the time being so that the two of them could calm down.

    Miao Jing felt that as they seldom contacted each other, her daughter would most likely break up with Wei De eventually. The most important thing was that she did not need to worry that her daughter would have a child even before marriage.

    Qiao Nan was such a darling daughter-inw. She had yet to marry Zhai Sheng and was already working to solve the Zhai family¡¯s problems. She could not help but dote on and protect her. There was no way that she would allow her to be bullied.

    Seeing that Miao Jing was getting agitated, Zhai Yaohui patted Miao Jing to reassure her. ¡°I didn¡¯t stop you from taking charge. Since Qiao Nan is already engaged to Zhai Sheng, in other words, she is Zhai Hua¡¯s sister-inw. Since her family is in trouble, it is right for her to help out. You have used the wrong words. I am not being ungrateful.¡±

 Chapter 919 - Seen by Others Again

    <h4>Chapter 919 Seen by Others Again</h4>

    Zhai Yaohui treated Qiao Nan as part of the Zhai family.

    They were one family. Qiao Nan had to help out when the Zhai family was in need of help. Now that Qiao Nan was in trouble, the Zhai family could not sit by, doing anything, and allowed her to be bullied.

    Zhai Yaohui sneered at the thought of the Feng family in the capital. It seemed that as the Zhai family seldom visited the capital, many of them had forgotten that the Zhai family was like a tiger with sharp ws.

    They thought that since the Zhai family was not in the capital, they could go overboard and create havoc under the Zhai family¡¯s nose. All of them had to pay for their recklessness and ignorance.

    Now that the Feng family had provoked the Zhai family, there was no way that they could escape from the Zhai family¡¯s wrath. It was no use even if they got Shi Peng to mediate.

    The Zhai family would do anything to protect their calf!

    Qiao Nan had no idea that Chief Zhai and Miao Jing had arrived in the capital ahead of Zhai Sheng. By the time she received news of it, her future father-inw was already right in front of her.

    Qiao Nan was reading in the library when a ssmate found her and told her that someone was looking for her. Qiao Nan was still puzzled over who would be looking for her at this time.

    W

    Those who wanted to look for her would usuallye straight to find her.

    Qiao Nan, who was clueless, went to take a look. She had a shock when she saw her visitor. ¡°C-chief Zhai?¡± Brother Zhai did not tell her that Chief Zhai would be in the capital.

    ¡°Chief Zhai?¡± Zhai Yaohui frowned slightly. ¡°It has only been a month and you don¡¯t recognize me anymore?¡±

    ¡°Dad...¡± Qiao Nan blushed, looking guilty. Qiao Nan changed her form of address on the day she was engaged. However, since she stayed far apart from the Zhai family and she wanted to differentiate between her father-inw and her biological father, she had reverted to her previous form of address gradually.

    Qiao Nan was still in shock over seeing Zhai Yaohui right in front of her today. She had yet toe back to her senses and thus used her previous form of address. ¡°Dad, are you here by yourself? Where is M-mom?¡±

    Since Qiao Nan had already addressed him as her father, she gave up on being shy and addressed Miao Jing as her mother. ¡°I thought that you would onlye to the capital half a monthter.¡± If Brother Zhai was here, he would havee to see her.

    ¡°Your mom has a slight cold. Do you want to pay her a visit?¡± This was the reason why Zhai Yaohui came to Peking University to fetch his daughter-inw.

    Miao Jing was sick. It was right for Zhai Yaohui to take care of her. However, Zhai Yaohui was the chief. Now that he was in the capital, he had a lot of appointments and social meetings to attend to.

    Zhai Yaohui did not have much time to take care of Miao Jing and he would not feel reassured if someone else took care of Miao Jing. Qiao Nan was the best candidate for this task.

    ¡°Mom has caught a cold? Is it serious? Has she been to the hospital?¡± Qiao Nan was very close to Miao Jing. Even if she was not her mother-inw, Qiao Nan was still very concerned that Miao Jing was sick. Moreover, she was her close rtive now.

    Zhai Yaohui was very satisfied with the look of concern on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. As long as she cared very much for them, it was alright that she was not used to the intimate form of address. ¡°She has been to the hospital. She has a slight fever. She has a saline drip in the hospital. Her fever has subsided, but she is still feeling weak. I may have to make trips outside. I have social meetings to attend to. Do you have any lessons today? If not...¡±

    ¡°I will take care of Mom. I have no sses today. I am only doing some self-study in the library.¡± Qiao Nan had no sses today. But since today was a weekday, Qiao Nan was to concentrate on her studies as per her schedule.

    If Qiao Nan did not have sses during the weekdays, she would be in the library the whole day.

    Zhai Yaohui rxed slightly, pleased with what he heard.

    Zhai Yaohui knew that Qiao Nan did not have any sses today.

    Before he came to Peking University, he had been to the Lin family¡¯s house. He saw Shi Qing poring over the materials that Zhai Sheng gave her.

    Once Shi Qing knew that he was here for Qiao Nan, she checked Qiao Nan¡¯s timetable without another word.

    If not for Shi Qing, Zhai Yaohui might not go to the library to look for Qiao Nan and be able to spot her right away. ¡°Qiao Nan, studies may be important, but you must remember that good health is a prerequisite for work. A strong and healthy body will bring you further. Don¡¯t forget to exercise when you are working hard.¡±

    His daughter-inw came to Peking University by herself at a young age. She had no elders to discipline her.

    Under such a situation, Qiao Nan had self-awareness and self-discipline to arrange her time efficiently. She did not indulge in herself or spend time fooling around.

    Zhai Yaohui was very d about that.

    He highly appreciated people who were very self-disciplined.

    If he had a grandson in the future, there was no need for him to be worried. He believed that Qiao Nan would definitely teach him well. He would be disciplined as if he was in the army.

    Actually, Zhai Yaohui had another concern which Qiao Nan did not know of.

    Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min were childhood sweethearts. When they were ying around at a young age, Qi Min always acted as Zhai Yaohui¡¯s bride and said that she wanted to marry him.

    Zhai Yaohui had a good impression of Qi Min. He was not averse to what she said.

    Instead of marrying someone that he was unfamiliar with, it was a good idea to marry a younger female friend who grew up with him.

    However, ever since Qi Min started school, especially when she advanced to higher levels, she became a different person.

    Qi Min used to be simple and innocent. However, when she was in high school, she was like a social butterfly. Her life was filled with a lot of social activities.

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui felt that Qi Min was still young and liked to have fun. However, when Qi Min told her ssmates that Zhai Yaohui was only her elder brother, Zhai Yaohui was certain that Qi Min had had too much fun at school and had changed.

    Qi Min was a real-life example. Zhai Yaohui could not help but be worried about Qiao Nan.

    But from today onward, Zhai Yaohui knew that he could be totally reassured.

    ¡°Get in the car.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan was dumbfounded at the Land Rover car that was parked at the entrance of Peking University. It was the legendary Land Rover car. Qiao Nan was baffled that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would drive the Land Rover all the way to the capital. It was impossible for them to borrow the car.

    There were three other people who were dumbstruck as well.

    L¨¹ Yan blinked furiously. ¡°That car seems to be different from the cars that we usually see. What car is that? It is very impressive.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao knitted her brows. ¡°I am not too sure. I am not into this.¡± What Qiao Nan did today was beyond one¡¯s imagination.

 Chapter 920 - Qiao Nan Was a Kept Woman

    <h4>Chapter 920 Qiao Nan Was a Kept Woman</h4>

    Qiao Nan could say that the younger man previously was Shi Qing¡¯s rtive. But what about the older man this time? She could not possibly say that he was Shi Qing¡¯s uncle.

    Shi Qing could not always be her shield!

    Qiao Nan was supposed to be engaged. She kept it from her fianc¨¦ to be in close touch with so many other men. Qiao Nan...

    People had the belief that college students nowadays were more open-minded. She thought that at the very least, students from Peking University would not behave that way. However, she was proven wrong by Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior. It was no wonder that she was able to be good friends with Shi Qing. It seemed that Qiao Nan had more tricks up her sleeves than Tang Jiayun did.

    ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, what is on your mind?¡± L¨¹ Yan had been talking to Yu Xiaoxiao, but she ignored her. L¨¹ Yan gave her a slight push.

    Yu Xiaoxiao forced a smile on her face. ¡°Nothing much. Perhaps we have misunderstood the situation.¡± She should not jump to conclusions.

    What was wrong with her recently? She was not like this previously.

    ¡°Crap! Misunderstanding? I don¡¯t believe it.¡± Tang Jiayun snorted. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, didn¡¯t you ask about the model of the car? Let me tell you. It is a Land Rover, and it is very expensive. I don¡¯t know the model of the car, but I know that this type of car is very expensive. If it is one of those that are very expensive, we won¡¯t be able to pay for a single car tire even if we work for our entire lifetime.¡±

    Even though Tang Jiayun was exaggerating, it was the truth that they could not afford to buy such a car.

    To them, a Land Rover car was a legendary car. Tang Jiayun was upset and jealous that Qiao Nan could get into such a car.

    Why was it that all the people that Qiao Nan knew were influential and powerful?

    Previously, the man drove a Mercedes-Benz, and right now, this man drove a Land Rover. Would another mane in an expensive car from an overseas brand next time?

    Life was unfair. She was concerned about finding a job four years from now, but someone was able to ride in a car that cost as much as the price of housing in the capital.

    One of them sucked in their breath.

    The other gasped!

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were in shock. ¡°Is it that expensive?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were such country bumpkins. They had not even heard of Land Rover. Tang Jiayun felt proud of herself that she knew about the car. But on second thought, she merely knew about the brand of the car. She did not know the details. Today was the first time that someone she knew had a ride in this type of car. Tang Jiayun realized that she had nothing to be proud of. ¡°Back then at my hometown, people used to say that there are college students who have no self-respect and have messy love rtionships. They are so shameless that they are willing to be the kept women of older men. I thought that it was merely hearsay. I did not know that...¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao pulled a long face. It might be due to Tang Jiayun that she always thought the worst of others. ¡°Tang Jiayun, you must be careful with what you say. This is purely your conjecture. Don¡¯t make it sound as if it is the truth. ording to thew, one could be charged for defamation.¡±

    With that, Yu Xiaoxiao pulled L¨¹ Yan away with her.

    If they kept on mixing with Tang Jiayun, they would be influenced by her.

    They must stay away from Tang Jiayun in order to lead a better life.

    No matter how doubtful she was, Yu Xiaoxiao was certain that she saw Qiao Nan with an unfamiliar older man. She even spoke to him and got in the car with him.

    But Qiao Nan kept a respectful distance from the man all the while. They were polite to each other, and they did not have any intimate or suspicious behavior.

    Tang Jiayun was simply badmouthing Qiao Nan. She would have to bear responsibility for making such viciousments.

    One should not make carelessments, saying that someone was a kept woman!

    L¨¹ Yan tried hard to keep up with Yu Xiaoxiao. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, slow down. I can¡¯t catch up with you. By the way, I feel that Tang Jiayun is behaving more oddly than before, and her words are very crude.¡±

    Although they were shocked and doubtful about what they saw, they should not specte about it.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is very smart. She moved out of the dormitory right after the military training. If not for the troublesome procedures, I want to move out as well. I have finally sorted out my thoughts. Regardless of whether Qiao Nan is a good person or not, or whether she has done any shameless behavior, Tang Jiayun is definitely a person with a bad personality. She will lead us astray. In the future, I will never mix with her. You can decide for yourself what you want to do.¡±

    She had already signed up for all the clubs that she was interested in.

    As for other matters, Tang Jiayun was not able to help her with it.

    This was the reason why she continued to be friends with Tang Jiayun. Now that she had achieved her aim, if she continued to mix with her, she might as well give up on her studies and specte and gossip with Tang Jiayun.

    ¡°I... I am with you. I won¡¯t mix with Tang Jiayun either.¡± L¨¹ Yan hurried to say.

    There were a total of four students in the dormitory. Qiao Nan liked to keep to herself. Besides the previous time when Tang Jiayun asked about her fianc¨¦, Qiao Nan did not engage in their conversation and would always keep a distance from them.

    Tang Jiayun was the exact opposite of Qiao Nan.

    Inparison, L¨¹ Yan felt that she and Yu Xiaoxiao had a simr personality. It would be better for her to befriend her in the future.

    Tang Jiayun did not stop Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan from leaving

    Tang Jiayun sneered at them as they left. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao is too realistic. She has signed up for all the clubs that she is interested in and left me now that she has no use of me anymore. How dare she pretend to be virtuous and say that I may be sued for defamation!¡±

    She dared Yu Xiaoxiao not toe begging her for help in the future. If not, she would make sure that she suffered.

    Although Tang Jiayun made harshments about Qiao Nan, she was determined to be friends with Qiao Nan.

    This was a world where it was better to get ahead in life by abandoning one¡¯s scruples than to suffer in poverty. Whoever had the money called the shots. Whoever was able to be acquainted with the big shots would be seen as capable.

    She never expected that she would meet someone who had the same views as her. In fact, Qiao Nan was way better than her. Qiao Nan had achieved the goals that she had in mind.

    Qiao Nan was clueless about the situation. Otherwise, she would not let her former roommates get away with ndering her.

    Although she harbored no expectation that she would have good roommates like the ones she had in high school, her roommates in college were too different from her roommates back then.

    The three of them had a bad personality. Therefore, they would think the worst of others.

    After Zhai Yaohui told her that Miao Jing was sick, Qiao Nan was only concerned about taking care of her.

    Qiao Nan did not know that the Zhai family had a property in the capital as well. In fact, like her master, their house was left vacant. The car belonged to the Zhai family, but it was actually assigned to them by the country.

 Chapter 921 - Caring For Miao Jing

    <h4>Chapter 921 Caring For Miao Jing</h4>

    Qiao Nan knew that regardless of the location, particrly in the capital and Mo Du, the price of housing would be very expensive in the future. Qiao Nan was envious of the Zhai family and the Lin family for having houses in more than one city.

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan worked her entire life but she was not able to have a house of her own in the third- or fourth-tier cities, let alone a small quad near the city center.

    She was reminded of the song ¡®Wu Huan Zhi Ge¡¯[1] by Xiao Yueyue[2]. She thought about his song and took a deep breath. Comparisons were odious.

    ¡°Dad, did Mom have any food today?¡± As someone who was through rebirth, Qiao Nan could not help but be concerned about housing. However, she did not forget that she was here to take care of Miao Jing today.

    ¡°She had some in porridge. She said that she was sleepy and did not have an appetite. She had half a bowl of porridge and refused to have any more of them.¡± Zhai Yaohui did not have much experience in taking care of Miao Jing. Moreover, he did not have much time to take care of her. Therefore, he felt helpless.

    He knew that Miao Jing was ufortable. Hence, he took her to the hospital once the nended and bought porridge home.

    But other than that, Zhai Yaohui did not know what else to do. He had no time to get other things for her as well.

    Qiao Nan gave Zhai Yaohui a resigned look. There was nothing that she could say about his inept way of taking care of Miao Jing. He was indeed inexperienced. ¡°Where is her medicine? Let me take a look. Some medicine has to be taken on an empty stomach while some have to be taken after meals, else it will be harmful to the stomach. Mom might not have an appetite, but in porridge won¡¯t do. A patient will have a bad appetite and finds everything tastes nd. Therefore, we need to prepare vorful and nutritious food for her. Since she is sick, all the more she must have her three meals. If she skips her meals, she will not have any strength, let alone be strong enough to fight the illness.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui calmed down upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words. He took out Miao Jing¡¯s medicine and ced them in front of her. ¡°These are her medicine. I am running out of time. This is the key. When you reach, tell the guard and someone will send you in. There is money in the second drawer on the left side of the long table in the living room. I will leave Miao Miao to you.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan agreed right away. Since Zhai Yaohui was the chief, it was not surprising that he would be upied with work now that he was in the capital. ¡°Dad, how about you? You have been here for half a day. Mom had half a bowl of porridge, but I suppose you haven¡¯t eaten yet, have you?¡±

    ¡°I am alright.¡± Zhai Yaohui shrugged off her concern.

    Qiao Nan was exasperated. ¡°Dad, you have to eat no matter how busy you are. People of your generation, especially those who are in this field, have sustained all sorts of injuries. You should not find it troublesome to have meals and starve yourself as a result. It will be another burden to the body. Why is it that Director Shi and you have the habit of skipping meals when you are busy? I hope that Brother Zhai does not have the same habit.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui paused momentarily at Qiao Nan¡¯s nagging. He then smiled, feeling reassured. ¡°Alright, stay home and take care of your mom. I will take care of my meals on the way.¡±

    Old Master Zhai was after all a rough man. His wife passed away at an early age. Zhai Yaohui had his ways since he was young. When he grew up, he had his own way of doing things.

    Zhai Yaohui was used to behave as he wished.

    It was only when his mother was around did she discipline him.

    His father never remarried. After he married Miao Jing, he had the final say at home and no one would dare to nag him. He never expected that several yearster, he would be disciplined by his daughter-inw.

    But it felt nice to be nagged at.

    Qiao Nan was used to nagging at others. She felt embarrassed at her outburst. Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui was not upset and she was able to rx. ¡°Dad, stay safe. Don¡¯t worry about Mom. I will take good care of her. I will give Shi Qing a callter. I will not go back today. I will tell her to bring my school bag to school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    After Zhai Yaohui left, Qiao Nan walked into Miao Jing¡¯s room. She was deep in her sleep and she had no idea that someone was in the house or that her husband hade back home and left for work.

    Qiao Nan touched Miao Jing¡¯s forehead. The saline drip was indeed useful. Her fever had subsided.

    Miao Jing had just disyed symptoms of a cold. Therefore, she might feel more ufortable today.

    After ascertaining that Miao Jing¡¯s fever had subsided, Qiao Nan covered her with a thin nket and opened the window slightly for venttion. She drew the curtains, leaving a small gap.

    She scanned the surroundings to make sure that everything was alright. Then, she took the money that Zhai Yaohui told her about and went out to buy ingredients to prepare food for Miao Jing.

    The small quad was well-equipped with furniture and it did notck kitchen utensils.

    But one could not make bricks without straw.

    The Zhai family seldom stayed in this house. Although the house was well-equipped with furniture and kitchen utensils, there was no food at home.

    Qiao Nan could not find any life¡¯s daily necessities, like cooking condiments, in the house as well.

    Qiao Nan did not ask the soldiers who were on duty to drive her around. Instead, she walked and asked around before she managed to find a nearby supermarket.

    In a first-tier city like the capital, there were all sorts of ingredients and cooking condiments that one could find. It was much more developed than all the other cities.

    Qiao Nan was able to enter and exit the quad in the military zone as and whenever she liked. Nobody stopped her to question her.

    That was because when Zhai Yaohui was with her just now, he had told the guards that she was his daughter-inw.

    As soon as they knew her identity, no one stopped her from entering and exiting the quad.

    Qiao Nan busied herself with cooking as soon as she returned to the house.

    Miao Jing, who had slept for long hours, woke up because she had to use the toilet. She heard soundsing from outside and thought that it must be Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Zhai Yaohui, it iste. Why are you still at home? Didn¡¯t you say that many people are looking for you? I am fine. I will be better after taking a rest. Just remember to bring some food for me when youe back in the evening.¡±

    Miao Jing woke up, wanting to go to the restroom. She was just about to take a step when someone rushed into the room. ¡°Mom, why are you up? Do you want something to drink?¡±

    Miao Jing heard someone address her as her mother affectionately. She thought that she must be dizzy from her cold and had heard wrongly.

    She raised her head. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    Qiao Nan came up to her with hurried footsteps. She noticed the direction that Miao Jing was heading toward and understood right away. ¡°Mom, let me help you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Miao Jing was slow to react as she was sick. By the time she came out from the restroom and sat on the bed, her hand came to rest on a cup of warm water on the bedside table.

    Since she had gone to the restroom, she had to hydrate herself.

    [1] A song about the 5th Ring Road in Beijing. This song is about the people who stay in the area as well as the mentality ofparing with others.

    [2] Yue Yunpeng is a Chinese actor and crosstalk performer.

 Chapter 922 - Good Outcome

    <h4>Chapter 922 Good Oue</h4>

    Miao Jing happened to feel thirsty and there was a cup of warm water by her side. She gulped down half a cup of water.

    Miao Jing was wide awake now. ¡°Nan Nan, why are you here?¡±

    Qiao Nan brought a bowl of porridge over to Miao Jing. There were beads of perspiration on her forehead. ¡°Mom, as there is not enough time, some of the ingredients are ready-made. It will not taste as nice as before. Please make do with it. I will prepare a tastier bowl of porridge tomorrow. It is still very hot. Take these two types of medicine before having the porridge. They have to be taken before meals.¡±

    Qiao Nan put the porridge aside. She counted the pills and took them out carefully, passing them to Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing swallowed the pills.

    ¡°Mom, have some porridge.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s specialty was shredded chicken porridge. Most importantly, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua loved the porridge that she prepared. Miao Jing would not dislike it as well. Moreover, Miao Jing liked the porridge that she cooked previously.

    There was no time to ughter a chicken. Qiao Nan bought a tender boiled chicken and asked for chicken soup from the boss. She then brought everything back with her to the house.

    If not for the ready-made ingredients, Qiao Nan would not have been able to prepare a pot of shredded chicken porridge in such a short amount of time.

    Miao Jing felt hungry. She blew on the porridge and ate it.

    In no time, she had eaten more than half a bowl of porridge before she stopped eating.

    Qiao Nan did not say anything. Instead, she took out the medicine that was supposed to be taken after meals and passed them to Miao Jing. ¡°Dad is busy with work. He will be homete today. But I will stay behind to take care of you. Mom, do you want to take a walk or sleep some more?¡±

    Miao Jing stretched her hands toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Help me walk around. I had been sleeping on the ne, and I slept as soon as I reached home. My bones are so stiff from sleeping for such a long time.¡± Miao Jing felt much better after having the porridge. She had more strength in her arms and legs. ¡°Nan Nan, aren¡¯t you supposed to be in school? Did your dad leave you to take care of me?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was a workaholic. He would ce the people and the country above everyone. The people that he had to meet and his work were of utmost importance. This was not the first time that she was sick. It was impossible for Zhai Yaohui to disregard his work and take care of her who had caught a cold.

    Miao Jing felt bitter and resigned. Back then, did she make the right decision by marrying this man?

    People would start to let their thoughts run wild when they were sick. They would feel insecure and mncholic.

    Qiao Nan might be young and inexperienced, but she was well-aware of the downcast feelings that patients would feel. One look at Miao Jing, she knew the reason behind Miao Jing¡¯s depressed look. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t think too much. Dad is a good man-no, he is a very outstanding man.¡±

    Qiao Nan was serious.

    In the previous life, Chen Jun was her boyfriend. He was unsatisfied with what he had. He dated her but impregnated Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan had real-life experiences and she had heard of simr stories as well.

    Once men had money and power, many of them would turn into a different person. When they made it to sess, they would abandon their old and haggard wives, who had gone through hardships with them, and marry younger women.

    These men were at fault, yet they insisted that women were vain as they wanted to find a partner who had the money, a car, and a house.

    Compared to these men, the men in the Zhai family were so much better. ¡°Dad is upied with work, so he could not take care of you. I believe if he has time, he would stay by your side even if you only had a minor cold. They have their difficulties. Mom, it has been so many years. You should know better than me.¡±

    Talk was cheap, but it was not so in the case of Qiao Nan. She knew that if she married Zhai Sheng, she would face the same situation as Miao Jing: at times, her husband would not be with her when she needed him the most.

    However, Qiao Nan did not regret her decision in choosing him and putting on the ring.

    Miao Jing smiled. ¡°I should be the one who consoles you. But now, it is the other way round.¡± Miao Jing felt much better after Qiao Nan¡¯s words of constion.

    There was something that was very true in what Qiao Nan had said. Miao Jing had been with Zhai Yaohui for so many years. She should know better.

    It was just that she was sick and thus felt vulnerable and mncholic. She was embarrassed that her daughter-inw had seen such a side of her. ¡°Nan Nan, Zhai Sheng and you... have been together since a long time ago. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Wei De might have a lot of ws, but he did one thing right

    ¨C it was because of him that she found out about Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan did not expect that Miao Jing would ask her this question. ¡°Back then, Mom disapproved of our rtionship. Therefore, Brother Zhai and I felt that it would be better for you toe to ept me gradually.¡±

    Miao Jing sighed. She knew that she was indeed very stubborn back then.

    She forbade Zhai Sheng and Hua Hua from having a rtionship with people that she disliked, but they went against her wishes. In the end, she sought sce in talking to Qiao Nan.

    The daughter-inw that Miao Jing had beenining to Qiao Nan about was, in fact, Qiao Nan herself. Miao Jing felt sorry for Qiao Nan. ¡°Back then, how did you handle all these?¡± If it was her, she would not be able to stand it.

    In the past, there were many things that she had not noticed. In retrospect, she finally realized the reason behind all these.

    Whenever she was unhappy with her son¡¯s girlfriend, and she wanted to chat with Qiao Nan, her children would behave strangely. They were unhappy that she wanted to chat with Qiao Nan.

    Any misgiving that Qiao Nan had vanished now that Miao Jing brought it up. She no longer felt upset about the past. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You told me your reasons back then. You did not look down on me. You simply do not want me to end up with the same fate as you and to go through the hardships that you have been through. Besides, have you forgotten the type of mother that I have? If I found you being displeased with me hard, how could I have survived all those years living with my mom?¡±.

    It was true. Miao Jing was so much better than Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan never felt that Miao Jing¡¯s disapproval of them back then was too much to bear.

    Miao Jing burst out inughter. ¡°You are the only person who will smile when speaking of this.¡± Everyone would be crying their guts out at having such a bad mother.

    ¡°No matter what, the oue is good.¡± Her future mother-inw had epted her and she was engaged to Brother Zhai. The two of them could finally be together openly.

 Chapter 923 - Stay in Sister-In-Lawâ€™s Bedroom

    <h4>Chapter 923 Stay in Sister-In-Law¡¯s Bedroom</h4>

    In her previous life, at the time of her death, she was still single and lonely. In this life, she already had a fianc¨¦ although she was only twenty years old. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan was overwhelmed with disbelief.

    When she was first reborn, due to what Chen Jun did to her before, she had thought that she would be unprepared to have a family of her own even if that was her wish. Each time she thought of Chen Jun, this malignant tumor, she felt so scared that she developed a phobia of males.

    Previously, if Zhu Baoguo had not been in a vulnerable position and had almost been beaten to his death, given Qiao Nan¡¯s state of mind at that point in time, she was really unwilling to go near to Zhu Baoguo. It was all because Zhu Baoguo was a male.

    As long as it was a male, Qiao Nan felt repulsive toward them.

    If not for this reason, Zhou Jun would certainly not be Zhai Sheng¡¯s only rival-in-love.

    Zhou Jun could receive Qiao Nan¡¯s affirmationpletely because of the soldier uniform that he wore!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words ¡®the oue is good¡¯ struck a chord in Miao Jing¡¯s heart. That was because this phrase seemed to be describing her entire life. Regardless of the process of it, the oue was good.

    ¡°It is already sote. Can you stay here for one night?¡± When she looked at the time, Miao Jing was quite worried for Qiao Nan. ¡°Or should I get someone to send you back?¡±

    ¡°No need. I will stay here tonight.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Her mother-inw needed someone to take care of her most today as it was the first day that thetter had been taken ill. She could not possibly leave. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I have given a call to Shi Qing. She will bring my books directly to school tomorrow. There won¡¯t be any problem.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± Miao Jing seemed to be in a difficult position. ¡°You are also aware that we just came back, and Old Zhai found someone to tidy up this ce in haste. Most probably, the other rooms are still quite dirty.¡±

    The Zhai family had a number of family members. Hence, there were certainly enough bedrooms in this small courtyard.

    However, vacant houses were always a little dirty.

    The small courtyard of the Zhai family was different from that of the Lin family. asionally, there would be someoneing there to clean it up. However, it would only ur once a month. Hence, the small courtyard of the Zhai family was not as dirty as or difficult to clean as that of the Lin family.

    However, if they did not clean it up, the bedroom would not be conducive to living.

    ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t need to worry. I have already tidied up one of the rooms.¡± Qiao Nan blushed as she said in embarrassment.

    There were five people, including Old Master Zhai, in the Zhai family, and four bedrooms in this house. Besides the Zhai Yaohui couple, the rest of the family would upy one room each.

    When they bought this property, the Zhai family did not know Qiao Nan at all. If Qiao Nan wanted to stay here, besides the Zhai Yaohui couple¡¯s room, she could only pick one of the three remaining rooms.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan blushing, Miao Jingughed. ¡°You have tidied up Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom? Do you know which room belongs to Zhai Sheng?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath as she tried to suppress her embarrassment. ¡°I... I have tidied up two bedrooms-Brother Zhai¡¯s and Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s. They are quite clean now. I know that Brother Zhai will being to the capital soon, so I helped him tidy it up first. I... I will stay at Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s bedroom.¡±

    In fact, when Qiao Nan was prepared to stay behind and take care of Miao Jing, she had already thought about the issue of amodation.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s initial reaction was to tidy up Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. However, after thinking, she felt that it did not seem quite appropriate to stay in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room so soon. She felt a little shameful about it.

    After all, Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence could be felt all over the room. There was even a photo of him on the table. The bed belonged to Zhai Sheng and the nket had been used by him.

    As she thought of this, she nearly hallucinated and felt that she could smell Zhai Sheng in the room despite it having been vacant for so long. At that moment, Qiao Nan felt even more embarrassed.

    She then ran over to tidy up Zhai Hua¡¯s bedroom before Miao Jing woke up.

    Fortunately, the small courtyard of the Zhai family was much cleaner than that of the Lin family. Hence, it was not a problem to clean up two rooms.

    As for the nkets, covers, and the others, Qiao Nan could tell that they had been aired in the sun before. They did not feel moist. There was also a faint tinge of detergent smell on them. Hence, she only needed to wipe the bed mat with hot water once and the few rooms in the house were ready for people to move in.

    Miao Jing was surprised. ¡°You have already finished tidying up two rooms while I was sleeping?¡±

    Miao Jing was really surprised that Qiao Nan was so capable. Miao Jing could understand it if people of her generation were able toplete household chores efficiently as they had gone through the most difficult times in history.

    However, most of the children from Qiao Nan¡¯s generation led afortable life.

    As the country developed rapidly, the situation of every household changed from starving to having food surplus. From the previous ¡®honorable family of a soldier¡¯ to the current family nning, although the household conditions had improved, there were fewer children in the family. As such, the children did not need to do any household chores at all. The parents could settle all the household work by themselves.

    Miao Jing was not aware of other things but surviving well in the army. The two children in her family were not very good atpleting household chores. At most, they were passable.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s capability and efficiency did not seemmon in her generation at all. On the contrary, she seemed to be from the same generation as her.

    After some time, Miao Jing grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands as her heart ached for Qiao Nan. ¡°In the future...¡± If Zhai Sheng dared to treat Qiao Nan badly, she would definitely help Qiao Nan deal with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan blinked. ¡°In the future? What about the future?¡±

    ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± Miao Jing sniffed and patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Nan Nan, perhaps all your good fortune wille in theter part of your life.¡± Nan Nan was who she was today because of the mother that she had.

    It was not important that her initial life was difficult. Most importantly, there would be people who would dote on her well in the future.

    ¡°Mom, do you want to watch television for a while?¡± After she discovered that Miao Jing was in much better spirits, Qiao Nan dared not let her sleep more in case she suffered from insomnia tonight. ¡°Watch some television. You can sleep again when it¡¯s about eight o¡¯clock.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too.¡± Miao Miao nodded. Qiao Nan then held her as she walked to the living room to watch television. ¡°I don¡¯t know when your dad ising back. Don¡¯t need to bother about him. You can go to bed first.¡± Miao Jing already knew that Zhai Yaohui would certainly be different once he arrived in the capital.

    When she was not following Zhai Yaohui, sometimes, when Zhai Yaohui was tied up, Miao Jing would already be in deep slumber when Zhai Yaohui returned home. When Zhai Yaohui left the house, Miao Jing had not even woken up.

    In the end, if not for the fact that she saw traces of someone sleeping on the ce beside her, Miao Jing dared not even be certain that Zhai Yaohui hade home.

    ¡°Alright, I know.¡± At the thought of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s identity, Qiao Nan suddenly shivered. It then came to her mind that this father-inw of hers was different from Chen Jun¡¯s father. In her previous life, besides in television shows, she would not have an opportunity to meet this father-inw at all.

 Chapter 924 - Brother Zhai, I Am Not Petty

    <h4>Chapter 924 Brother Zhai, I Am Not Petty</h4>

    So as to speak, those whom her father-inw were meeting were all senior leaders of the country.

    At around seven o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan gave Miao Jing another round of meal and medicine. Miao Jing then sat down and watched television while the food in her tummy was being digested. At around eight o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan switched off the television directly and asked Miao Jing to return to bed to rest.

    Although she was bossed around by a youngster, Miao Jing was not angry. Instead, she seemed quite pleased.

    After covering Miao Jing with a thin nket and cing a cup of in water by her bedside, Qiao Nan felt more at ease. She then turned off the lights so that Miao Jing could turn infortably.

    Miao Jing¡¯s cold was still quite serious. In addition, due to the effect of the medicine, she fell asleep soon after.

    Now, Miao Jing had fallen asleep. However, Qiao Nan did not have anything to do.

    When Zhai Yaohui came to fetch Qiao Nan, she told Qiao Nan that he needed her help to take care of Miao Jing as thetter was unwell. As Qiao Nan was anxious, she did not bring any book along

    Normally, during this time, Qiao Nan would be reading under the light. It was already sote. Qiao Nan could not possibly find a way to get a book.

    Ring! Suddenly, the phone in the house rang in a hurried tone. It sounded extraordinary loud in the quiet small courtyard, taking Qiao Nan by surprise.

    Miao Jing had finally managed to sleep and the sound of the phone ringing could awaken her. At the thought of this, Qiao Nan did not consider so much at that moment and just picked up the phone swiftly.

    ¡°Hello, is that Mom? Both of you have arrived in the capital for almost a day. Have you visited Nan Nan? How is Nan Nan now? Did the Feng family do anything foolish?¡± One could hear the anxiety and anger in that deep voice of Zhai Sheng

    Braving the risk for fortune-people like the Feng family who were so full of themselves would definitely utilize all ways and means to achieve their aims.

    If the Feng family was truly smart, Zhai Sheng would not need to worry for Qiao Nan. The ludicrous thing was that the Feng family yearned for instant sess but had low emotional intelligence.

    Zhai Sheng had suspected more than once that Shi Qing wascking in interpersonal skills as she had inherited some of the Feng family¡¯s genes.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Zhai Sheng was very eager to know Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. Otherwise, he would not have made a call to his father and insisted that the Zhai Yaohui couple go to the capital as soon as possible. This was in case the foolish Feng family was to bully Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, why aren¡¯t you talking? Is it because Nan Nan has already been bullied by the Feng family? How is the situation now? I will get someone to book a flight. I will go over tomorrow!¡±

    Zhai Sheng was frowning badly on the other side of the phone. Could it be that her father had been too abiding for too long that both his bones and brains had turned rusty? He could not even deal with a family like the Feng family?

    So, it was true that one would be useless when they were old?

    If he had known that this would be the case, he would not have asked his father to take care of Nan Nan. He might as well make the trip himself.

    Qiao Nan was dumbfounded because Zhai Sheng had been shooting questions at her like a machine gun. She nearly could not react. She finally made some noise when she heard Zhai Sheng saying that he would being tomorrow. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m doing quite well. You don¡¯t need to worry about me. The Feng family did not cause me any trouble. It¡¯s true that the Feng family invited me for a meal but I rejected them. Thereafter, the people from the Feng family did not appear again.¡±

    n

    Of course, she was not certain whether the Feng family would continue to use Shi Qing¡¯s name to get close to her in various ways or even give direct orders to Shi Qing to take her back to the Feng family. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m really doing quite well. I¡¯m clear about what is going on in the Feng family¡¯s minds. The more this is the case, the more I won¡¯t be cajoled and taken in by them.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you at...?¡± The small courtyard of the Zhai family?

    Even for Lin Yuankang¡¯s small courtyard, Qiao Nan had to encounter someone like Tang Jiayun before she was willing to move in. Naturally, Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament and thinking all along. Although the Zhai family also had a vacant house in the capital, Qiao Nan would not agree to go there.

    When Qiao Nan knew that the Zhai family also had a property in the capital, Qiao Nan did not force any such negative thoughts on Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan well. Qiao Nan also understood herself.

    ¡°Mom fell sick as soon as she arrived in the capital. She has caught a cold and a fever. Dad has brought her for a drip and she has taken two meals. She¡¯s much better now. Dad is too busy, so I am taking care of her.¡± Qiao Nan told Zhai Sheng briefly about the matter.

    Zhai Sheng was initially anxious but he felt more at ease now. ¡°I see. This father of mine really knows how to ck.¡± If he had not been engaged with Nan Nan this year, who was his father going to look for to take care of his mother?

    Zhai Sheng, who felt proud of Qiao Nan, did not even consider that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would not havee to the capital urgently if not for the fact that he had been engaged with Qiao Nan. They would have gone back to Ping Cheng first.

    If Miao Jing had taken ill in Ping Cheng, would they be afraid that there would be no one avable to take care of her?

    At most, due to work, Zhai Yaohui would take a flight to the capital a few days earlier. Miao Jing would then look for Zhai Yaohui when she was better.

    ¡°Back to the topic, Mom is unwell. Nan Nan, it will be tough on you these few days.¡± Zhai Sheng felt very proud when he said this.

    In the past, Zhai Hua had said some ugly words to Qiao Nan. She felt that Qiao Nan would be basking in the Zhai family¡¯s glory if she was together with Zhai Sheng.

    However, the current situation proved that the Zhai family was blessed by Qiao Nan and his rtionship. His mother could have a future daughter-inw to take care of her when she fell sick in the capital.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Those earlier words said by Zhai Sheng were all out of concern for Qiao Nan. At this moment, Qiao Nan felt so sweet in her heart. ¡°Right, Brother Zhai, you don¡¯t need to be anxious. First, you have to take care of your health and recover from your injury. Dad and Mom are already here. Regardless of the Feng family¡¯s actions in the future, as long as Dad and Mom are around, I will have a way to deal with them. You have to take care of yourself. Don¡¯t be like Mom who fell sick just as she arrived in the capital.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt that she had to bear some responsibility for her mother-inw¡¯s illness. She hoped that Miao Jing did not fall ill because she had rushed to the capital for her sake.

    She really did not expect that Zhai Sheng would be so anxious that he would make the Zhai Yaohui couple rush to the capital urgently to take care of her. This was to prevent her from being bullied by the Feng family, lest she was not their match.

    Previously, Qiao Nan was indifferent toward the Feng family. At most, she did not wish toe into contact with them.

    Now, at the thought of the Feng family, she felt that they were a little annoying.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng responded patiently. ¡°With Dad around, the Feng family will be more honest. This matter should be dealt with by the Zhai family. Nan Nan, do what you need to. You just have to pretend that this matter did not exist.¡±

    The minds of the Feng family members were too predictable. Why would the Feng family care about an ordinary college student? That was because the identity of Qiao Nan as the future daughter-inw of the Zhai family was too tempting

    Qiao Nan smiled gently. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t treat me as though I am a block of tofu. You don¡¯t need to worry about it. The matter of the Feng family does not have anything to do with you. Actually, I¡¯m dealing with it very well. Don¡¯t think that I am so weak. I am also not that petty.¡±

 Chapter 925 - Do Not â€˜Drive Casually

    <h4>Chapter 925 Do Not ¡®Drive Casually</h4>

    How could she possibly me Brother Zhai for the matter of the Feng family? ¡°Brother Zhai, to put it bluntly, if not for my rtionship with you, the Feng family may not even be willing to bother about me, let alone treat me to a meal. They would not care about how good my results are in Peking University and how close I am to Shi Qing.¡±

    The courtesy of the Feng family was something that she did not need at all. In fact, she could not wait to avert them.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s brows were now very rxed. ¡°I know that you won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯ste now. Don¡¯t forget the injury on your arms. Rest early. With Dad and Mom around, I believe that the Feng family will know our stand. Good night.¡± Qiao Nan had not forgotten about Zhai Sheng¡¯s injury. Hence, she dared not chat too long with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng was not very willing to hang up the phone just like that. ¡°Previously, you were in school. I let it go as I was afraid that you would be affected. Now, Nan Nan, should you give your fianc¨¦ a good night kiss?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt odd. She did not expect that Zhai Sheng, who was usually very formal and serious, would make such an ¡®indecent¡¯ request. ¡°You... didn¡¯t you say that you are afraid that you will affect me negatively?¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed and stammered. Actually, Qiao Nan was someone who was more introverted. She was not the affectionate type who would speak and do what was on their mind or express themselves openly.

    ¡°You are not in school now. You are in our house. We are on such good terms with each other. You give me a kiss and vice versa. This is verymon for husband and wife.¡± Zhai Sheng was very insistent. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t tell me you are not willing to be intimate with me because you don¡¯t treat me as your fianc¨¦?¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about kissing over the phone for just one night? You... It¡¯s not as if you have not kissed me before!¡± Their lips had been pressed to each other before and there were even exchanges of saliva**!

    ¡°Of course, a good night kiss over the phone cannot bepared to the real one. Precisely, I wish to relieve my longing in this way.¡± Zhai Sheng, who was on the other end of the phone, raised his brows. If Nan Nan was physically before him right now, would she be able to shoo him away with just a simple flying kiss?

    Wei De appeared on the night of their engagement. Thereafter, he received a notice to return immediately to the army for a mission. He then became injured when he protected Zhai Hua.

    Otherwise, even if he and Nan Nan were not officially ¡®husband and wife¡¯ yet, at the very least, he felt that their intimacy level should increase.

    Zhai Sheng was an extremely patient man. Before the engagement, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were still boyfriend and girlfriend, they would kiss and hug at most.

    Now, they were already engaged with each other. Zhai Sheng had been thinking about progressing further in their rtionship. Or rather, he was thinking ofing into contact with Qiao Nan ¡®directly¡¯, ¡®openly¡¯, and ¡®with nothing to hide¡¯.

    Qiao Nan was rendered speechless by Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. She could tell from Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone the gust of evilness and viciousness as well as his passion and yearning. Qiao Nan could feel smoke rising from her head.

    To prevent Zhai Sheng from speaking more embarrassing things, Qiao Nan shut her eyes tight and said ¡®muah¡¯ to the phone. Without waiting for Zhai Sheng¡¯s response, she hung up the phone immediately thereafter!

    Beep! The sound of the phone beeping made Zhai Shengughed out loud because the sound that he truly cared about was that ¡®muah¡¯ before the ¡®beep¡¯.

    Although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig run away.

    There were so many people in the army. There were those like Zhou Jun who was not married despite their age. There were also others whose children were already at the age when they could overturn sauce bottles.

    Before meeting Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng led a life with a pure heart and few desires. When he heard the ¡®veterans¡¯ in the army ¡®driving¡¯, he did not feel anything. When he heard it, he was indifferent.

    Although he faced the situation of erection, which wasmon for people of his age, every morning, Zhai Sheng would be fine after he took a bath and rxed.

    The problem was that since he had a young girlfriend like Qiao Nan, he knew that, true enough, a woman smelled so fragrant and felt soft when he hugged her. She did not seem to have any bones or flesh. She was so soft and tender when she was stered to him in his arms.

    Just the thought of it alone would make Zhai Sheng¡¯s spine and head feel numb and tingle. The feeling would then travel from his head to that part of his body below the waist. The feelings would intensify at that part and ¡®his little soldier would stand up¡¯!

    Facing the ¡®little brother¡¯ that greeted him-or rather, Qiao Nan-Zhai Sheng felt so sorry that he sighed. ¡°Nan Nan is not here. Not to mention meat, you don¡¯t even have any soup to drink. If you wish to have a ¡®feast¡¯, you will have to endure further.¡±

    The ¡®little brother¡¯ seemed to have understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. From the high spirited mood earlier to the listless mood now, it¡¯s lifted big head also drooped.

    In Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind, he could not help recalling what the ¡®veterans¡¯ said before. He then continuously used these words on both Qiao Nan and him.

    Hence, the poor ¡®little brother¡¯ became perked up then listless, listless then perked up again. This was a continuous cycle and Zhai Sheng nearly spoiled him.

    Qiao Nan, who was already lying down in Zhai Hua¡¯s room, did not know at all that one bored and restless man was feeling ¡®horny¡¯ as hey on his sickbed. His mind was filled with doing this and that to her.

    Qiao Nan, who had been exhausted, only wrapped herself with the nket and fell into a slumber.

    When Zhai Yaohui returned to the small courtyard, it was already about one o¡¯clock in the middle of the night. Zhai Yaohui looked tired. He felt so thirsty as he swallowed his saliva. When he wanted to pour himself a cup of water, he remembered that he had only boiled a little water and Miao Jing had used all of them.

    At this moment, there was probably no more water left in the hot sk, right?

    Zhai Yaohui gave a sigh. Even if he was not thirsty, Miao Miao, who caught a cold, still had to drink. Even if it was the wee hours of the night, as an old chief, Zhai Yaohui still had to boil water on his own for consumption.

    Nevertheless, when Zhai Yaohui held up the hot sk, he discovered that it was heavy and filled with water.

    Zhai Yaohui, who had been busy with work, then recalled that he had asked Qiao Nan to take care of Miao Jing before he left the house. It was no wonder that he could have water to drink at home.

    When Zhai Yaohui saw that there was not only hot water but also cool water that filled a metal cup on the table of the living room, he felt more rxed.

    Zhai Yaohui poured both hot and cool water into a cup. He then mixed them up and gulped them down. After drinking the second cup of water, he could feel the thirst and dryness in his throat go away.

    Qiao Nan, who came out as she heard noises, yawned and said in a muffled tone, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re back sote?¡± Seeing that the clock was already pointing to one o¡¯clock, Qiao Nan was very surprised.

    ¡°Did I wake you up?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Next, she saw Zhai Yaohui hold a cup. She also realized that half of the water in the big metal cup was missing. ¡°Dad, are you hungry?¡±

 Chapter 926 - Young but of Excellent Quality

    <h4>Chapter 926 Young but of Excellent Quality</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Save the trouble. How is your mom?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked.

    Qiao Nan yawned once again. She then patted her face gently. ¡°After I came, I let mom take two bowls of porridge and two rounds of medicine. At around six, seven o¡¯clock in the evening, she seemed to be in quite good spirits. Tomorrow-no, when she wakes up today, she should recover a lot from her cold. Dad, wait a while. There is a lot of leftover porridge that I made for Mom. You can have them. It¡¯s better than going hungry.¡±

    It was one o¡¯clock in the morning. Qiao Nan was feeling quite tired too. In the past, when she was in her own house, Qiao Nan would definitely not wake up during this time. She would be sleeping soundly.

    As such, although Qiao Nan was awake, she was not willing to do anything tooplicated as well. She thus scooped the porridge that was avable for Zhai Yaohui.

    The appliances in the house of the Zhai family were considered quiteplete. In case Miao Jing were to wake up in the middle of the night hungry and wanted to eat something, Qiao Nan had ced the cooked chicken porridge in the rice cooker to keep it warm.

    Hence, it was convenient and time-saving if she were to take them out for consumption now.

    Qiao Nan scooped out one big bowl and one small bowl of the porridge and ced them on the table. ¡°Dad, you can eat this. There is still some left in the rice cooker. If it is not enough, you can help yourselfter.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Initially, Zhai Yaohui did not wish to trouble Qiao Nan to prepare food for him in the middle of the night although his tummy was empty. However, since the food was ready-made, Zhai Yaohui would not shortchange his tummy then. After all, his daughter-inw was being filial to him. He did not have any reason to reject her, did he? ¡°Go back to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Dad. I¡¯m going to sleep.¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Nan did not decline further. She agreed readily and went back to her room to sleep.

    It was in the middle of the night. To Zhai Yaohui, who had expended much strength, these two bowls of porridge were nothing. However, he was not willing to be too full. He had to wash up and bathe after he finished the food. It was thus unhealthy if he was too full.

    As long as he had taken something, he felt at ease.

    Zhai Yaohui briefly washed up. He then returned to Miao Jing and his room andy beside her.

    When he heard that Miao Jing¡¯s breathing was not as heavy as before, and both her expression looked better, Zhai Yaohui thought as he covered himself with a nket, ¡®It was no wonder that the Chinese wish to give birth to a son so that he could marry a daughter-inw.¡¯

    It was quite good to have an addition to the family.

    The majority of the people in the Zhai family were not the type that would focus on the family. Miao Jing was not as ambitious as the other Zhai family members but she focused too much on her husband. As such, the family wascking someone as steady as Qiao Nan.

    Now that Qiao Nan appeared in the small courtyard of the Zhai family, she settled everything nicely. Not to mention Zhai Sheng, even Zhai Yaohui felt that this kind of life was quite good and such a change was for the better.

    On the second day, Qiao Nan woke up early. As she still had to go to school, she certainly did not have the time to make breakfast and could only buy them.

    After she bought breakfast and ced them on the table, Qiao Nan then discovered that Zhai Yaohui had already washed the two bowls that he used for the porridge yesterday. They were very clean and were ced neatly on the table.

    Qiao Nan felt much better. In her previous life, each time she returned home, as long as Qiao Zijin was there, she would have to serve Qiao Zijin as though she was thetter¡¯s mother.

    Her dishes could not be too salty or nd. As long as the taste was not right, she would have to redo them until Qiao Zijin was satisfied with them.

    Of course, Qiao Nan also had to pay for the wasted food. Qiao Zijin was only in charge of eating the food.

    Qiao Nan wanted to take away the food that Qiao Zijin was not satisfied with. Anyway, money had already been spent. If Qiao Zijin disliked them, she could save them and eat them for a week

    However, Qiao Zijin always threw them away in front of her. She would not even let Qiao Nan benefit from things that she did not want. This caused Qiao Nan to be financially tight and she could only eat instant noodles.

    After Qiao Zijin finished eating and drinking, she would sit and watch television like a big boss. Qiao Nan would have to do all the household chores. This was despite the fact that Qiao Nan still had to return to the rented apartment to do some manual work untilte into the night.

    At the thought of those times, Qiao Nanughed mockingly at herself. She really did not understand why Qiao Zijin would contract uremia when she had led such a good life. On the contrary, someone like her who had often consumed instant noodles and tea would be in such good health.

    Perhaps heaven could not see eye to eye with Qiao Zijin and felt that thetter was too evil. It then made Qiao Zijin fall ill and gave Qiao Nan a chance to restart and have a happy life

    now.

    From Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective, it was not scary to give and sacrifice. The terrible thing was that she not only did not receive any repayment for her sacrifice but also did not get any affirmation for them!

    After picking up her mood, Qiao Nan left a slip of note. She wrote on it clearly that she would be going to school. She then took the keys of the Zhai family and left quietly.

    When she came to the capital, it was seldom that Miao Jing would see her husband¡¯s face instead of an empty pillow when she woke up. She blinked. She thought that she was not yet awake, had not recovered from her cold, or could not see clearly due to her poor eyesight.

    ¡°You are awake? Are you feeling better?¡± When Miao Jing moved, Zhai Yaohui woke up. Zhai Yaohui reached out his hand and touched Miao Jing¡¯s forehead. He realized that Miao Jing¡¯s temperature did not rise again after it had subsided. ¡°You must be hungry. Take your medicine after you finish your breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Breakfast? Did you prepare it?¡± Miao Jing smirked. Like her, Zhai Yaohui had been sleeping until this moment. How could there be breakfast?

    Zhai Yaohui got up and dressed up. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that your capable son has found us a good daughter-inw. It¡¯s quite easy if you want to have some food.¡± Actually, Zhai Yaohui had heard Qiao Nan get out of bed.

    However, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s body could not take the toil of traveling from one city to another via the various transportations. In addition, he had a meeting thatsted until one o¡¯clock in the morning. Even a body that was as strong as iron would not be able to take it, let alone Zhai Yaohui who was already of a grandfather¡¯s age.Miao Jing then followed suit and got up. ¡°That¡¯s right. Nan Nan is the youngest but she is the most reliable among the three children. I think we should not only give birth to a daughter but also one that is like Nan Nan. Only this kind of daughter is good.¡±

    A daughter was the mother¡¯s little jacket. However, they had to have a character like Nan Nan to be a little jacket. If Hua Hua could be more obedient, she would thank heaven for it.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui, who always felt that his own children were the best, was at a loss for words. Zhai Yaohui had seen a lot of other families¡¯ daughters who were squeamish and pampered. All this while, he felt that Zhai Hua was great.

    However...

    As part of the Zhai family, it was certainly good to have someone like Hua Hua. However, as a daughter, someone like Qiao Nan would be more heartwarming. ¡°Anyway, your son will marry Qiao Nan soon. When that timees, she will belong to our family.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had objected before. However, after his understanding of Qiao Nan deepened, Zhai Yaohui agreed with Zhai Sheng¡¯s sense of judgment. Zhai Sheng was so certain that his wife was of excellent quality despite her young age.

    ¡°Right, she will be part of our family! Our family!¡± When she heard this, Miao Jing was overjoyed like a blooming flower. When Nan Nan married into the family, she would have three children then!

    After taking a nce at Miao Jing, who was smiling foolishly with happiness, Zhai Yaohui did not say anything that would ruin Miao Jing¡¯s good mood. He refrained himself from reminding Miao Jing that even if Wei De was not a good person, Zhai Hua was a daughter and she would be married to others sooner orter.

 Chapter 927 - Very Blessed

    <h4>Chapter 927 Very Blessed</h4>

    The Zhai family had kidnapped a daughter from the Qiao family, but their own daughter, after she met the right man, would also be kidnapped by others one day.

    ¡°Your book.¡± Shi Qing had been waiting for Qiao Nan at the entrance of Peking University for a long time. As soon as Qiao Nan arrived, she tucked all the books in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°How is Auntie Miao? Is she feeling better?¡±

    ¡°She has caught a cold. She had a drip and took medicine.¡± Qiao Nan flipped the books to confirm that Shi Qing had taken the correct ones before she let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Shi Qing deliberately gave a re. ¡°You actually don¡¯t believe me. Since you don¡¯t believe me, why do you still let me be your coolie? It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know. Thosenguage books of yours are so huge and thick, and they are extremely heavy.¡±

    ¡°Since you are avable, it¡¯s a waste not to use you. What kind of rtionship do we have? Why would you take issue with such a small matter?¡± Qiao Nan also imitated Shi Qing and said shamelessly. Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were ¡®hog and dog friends¡¯ that influenced each other.

    ¡°Right, I have to tell you something. Yesterday, my maternal grandfather¡¯s family came. Fortunately, you have already left with Chief Zhai during that time. Otherwise, it would be so embarrassing.¡± Shi Qing did not expect that the Feng family woulde to the house directly after they found out that Qiao Nan did not have any lessons on Tuesdays.

    ¡°Regarding the issue of the Feng family, you don¡¯t need to worry about it anymore. My inws are here. The Feng family can¡¯t stir up many waves. It is useless even if they round me up.¡± The Feng family wanted to curry favor with the Zhai family and be associated with the Zhai family.

    The water from afar quenches not fire. Nevertheless, her inws were already in the capital now. If the Feng family did anything to her, the Zhai family would definitely not be too far away to save her.

    It was toote for the Feng family to be anxious now.

    ¡°You don¡¯t mind?¡± When she heard Shi Qing discuss it in such a casual manner about the Feng family, Qiao Nan was quite surprised. ¡°You don¡¯t feel upset?¡± No matter what, the ones who did this were Shi Qing¡¯s biological maternal grandfather¡¯s family. The most awkward thing was that the one being schemed by the Feng family was Shi Qing¡¯s good friend. Shi Qing was ridiculously sandwiched in between them.

    Shi Qing gave out an exasperated sigh. ¡°I did feel upset initially. But after I sorted out my thoughts, I don¡¯t feel that way anymore. Yes, they dote on me. Yes, they also want to make use of me. If they don¡¯t mind my woes of being sandwiched, I will simply not make myself be in a difficult position. It¡¯s up to them what they wish to do. I can¡¯t intervene and I won¡¯t do so. Whatever your thoughts are, it¡¯s also up to you. I certainly won¡¯t influence you because of the Feng family. Whether they can fulfill their wish eventually will not have anything to do with me.¡±

    Anyway, her maternal grandfather¡¯s family did not tell her anything openly right from the start.

    Shi Qing was aware that the Feng family wanted face. They would not bluntly put such things in front of her.

    However, her mother was so clueless. She sided with her maternal family and spoke to her daughter without any reservation.

    After going through so many worrisome things in the Shi family and witnessing for herself the matters in the Qiao family, Shi Qing realized that her temper had improved tremendously. She felt more at peace and calm when she encountered people and problems. She was not as rude and impetuous as before.

    The Feng family¡¯s attitude happened to give Shi Qing an opportunity to find a bnce.

    After Shi Qing had sorted out her thoughts, her mood was very stable when she talked about the Feng family. She did not put herself in a difficult position or make herself suffer.

    Qiao Nan was happy. ¡°It has not been easy. My little friend has finally grown up.¡±

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t wake up, I would really be bullied until I die in the future. Perhaps, during the time of my death, I wouldn¡¯t even know how I died. Qiao Nan, is it always like that between rtives?¡± There were not many good people in her paternal grandfather¡¯s family. Her maternal grandfather¡¯s family was so focused on self-interest. The so-called kinship was totally different from what she learned from the school textbooks.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. Everyone will change after they form their own family. Who would not wish for their family to lead a better life? It is just that the people from your social circle are certainly a little moreplicated. Anyway, people in my social circle may not even have the kind of kinship that you mentioned. There is no certainty in this matter. It depends on the individuals.¡±

    Her mother¡¯s rtionship with her maternal family had been soured since a long time ago. It had been so many years. The Ding family had never been in contact with the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan really did not know the situation of her maternal grandmother¡¯s family.

    In her two lifetimes, she had never seen how her maternal grandparents looked like and which other rtives were in the family.

    ¡°I won¡¯t chat with you anymore. My morning lesson is starting soon. Don¡¯t think too much. You said that you have sorted out your thoughts, didn¡¯t you? If the Feng family wishes to stir up something, that¡¯s their problem. You just have to pretend to agree and smoke your way through. Since my inws are already here, there should not be any major issues.¡±

    The Feng family wanted to fawn on the Zhai family. Now, the Zhai family¡¯s heads were here. The Feng family did not need to involve her anymore.

    ¡°Okay, bye.¡± Shi Qing quietly took deep breaths. After she felt better, she then hugged her books and went to the library.

    Shi Qing did not have any lessons today. However, given yesterday¡¯s experience, Shi Qing was not willing to stay in the small courtyard of the Lin family in case the Feng family came to look for her because of Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, Shi Qing was very d that she had listened to Zhai Sheng in the past and stayed in the small courtyard of the Lin family ¡ªthat she did not stay in the house of the Feng family together with Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, they really could not resolve the problem with the Feng family.

    Shi Qing vaguely recalled that Brother Zhai insisted that she and Qiao Nan stayed in the small courtyard of the Lin family. In that case, he had already guessed the situation?

    She could understand why he did not ask Qiao Nan to stay in the small courtyard of the Zhai family. She always knew that Qiao Nan was a very strong-headeddy. In certain areas, Qiao Nan had her own principles.

    Although she met Tang Jiayun, this kind of top-notch product, Qiao Nan would rather endure it than to surrender and stay in the small courtyard of the Zhai family.The Feng family also had houses in the capital. Moreover, given the capability of the Feng family, it was also not difficult to rent a ce that was nearer to Peking University. She had thus proposed that she could resolve the issue of amodation.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng rejected her suggestion without hesitation. Or rather, he had never considered letting Qiao Nan and Shi Qing stay in the house of the Feng family.

    After eliminating the Zhai family and the Feng family, the house of Lin Yuankang in the capital became the best option.

    Shi Qing gave a bitter smile. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are really so blessed. Brother Zhai has already nned everything for you. As much as possible, he will help you avoid all troubles and provide you with a quiet learning environment. Although troublese knocking on your door, no matter what, you are still very blessed.¡±

    Brother Zhai truly protected Qiao Nan. He was meticulous and attentive in everything that had to do with her!

    When Qiao Nan arrived in the ssroom, the teacher was already there and the ss also seemed to have started.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was not veryte. She picked a seat nearer to the back of the ssroom which would not disturb others, sat down, and quietly listened to the ss.

    In the blink of an eye, the morning had passed. Qiao Nan twisted her neck and flung her hands. After tidying up her notes for the lesson, she wanted to solve the problem of her hunger.

 Chapter 928 - Kept Woman Scandal 1

    <h4>Chapter 928 Kept Woman Scandal 1</h4>

    Whenever people walked past Qiao Nan, they would point at her and whisper to each other.

    Qiao Nan could not hear what they were talking about, but she could tell clearly whether their intentions were good or bad.

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows, her expression turning cold. She grabbed her books and went to the canteen.

    Qiao Nan bought her meal and was getting ready to eat. She noticed that people around her still cast weird nces at her. She could not help but feel angry.

    The problem was those people only whispered behind her back. Qiao Nan had no idea what they were talking about.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, shall we eat together?¡± Tang Jiayun carried her te and sat down at the seat opposite Qiao Nan. ¡°All the other seats are upied. This is the only empty seat. I am sure you won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked up. The entire canteen was filled up with people except for the seats around her. It was as if she was a virus and was within an invisible quarantine area. ¡°This is a public space. It doesn¡¯t belong to anyone.¡±

    Qiao Nan threw in a reply. To put it bluntly, she did not care where she sat.

    Tang Jiayun arched her eyebrows. She noticed that several people cast weird nces at Qiao Nan. Tang Jiayun smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you go online?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°No wonder.¡± Tang Jiayun covered her mouth, acting as if she had said something that she should not have.

    Tang Jiayun hesitated for a while before she made up her mind. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know why many people cast weird nces at you today? Do you know what they are whispering about? Actually, I feel very angry on your behalf. This has nothing to do with them. Why do they spread the rumor? They must be sick.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Did Tang Jiayun mean that there was a rumor regarding her that was circting around the school? How did this rumor start?

    Qiao Nan put down her spoon and looked at Tang Jiayun. ¡°Are you here to tell me the reason? I am all ears.¡±

    Tang Jiayun was thrilled that Qiao Nan was very straightforward. She pursed her lips and sighed softly. ¡°Qiao Nan, you must not be angry or anxious. I believe the rumor must be false. Although we were roommates only for a short period of time, I believe you are not that kind of person.¡±

    ¡°What kind of person?¡± There was a flicker in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. School had only started for less than a month and she had be infamous in Peking University?

    She knew that college life was not as simple, but she did not expect that it would be soplicated.

    ¡°Someone uploaded a photo on the school forum. It says that you got into an old man¡¯s car and that you are his kept woman.¡± Tang Jiayun lowered her voice.

    Qiao Nan frowned. Could it be that someone saw her when her father-inw came to school to fetch her and the person took a picture of them and posted it online?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, as your friend, I must remind you that such rumors will have a negative influence on you. It is useless that I believe you. Other students and the school have to believe you as well. If youck moral integrity, it may affect your final results. Therefore, you have to think of ways to clear up the misunderstanding, and for the school to understand that the photo is false. Of course, if you need a witness, I can be one.¡±

    Tang Jiayun acted as if she had high morality and was willing to share weal and woe with Qiao Nan. ¡°The person was so mean and foolish to take the photo and smear your reputation, causing everyone to misunderstand you. Qiao Nan, who do you think is behind this? Let¡¯s fish out that person. The person who tells such lies is too much. The person is too ill-natured.¡±

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes, her long eyshes hiding the flicker in her eyes. Tang Jiayun, who was all pretenses, was unable to tell what she was thinking of right now.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be upset. I will help you.¡± When faced with such a situation, people would usually be anxious and feel angst. However, Qiao Nan seemed to be very indifferent.

    Could it be that Qiao Nan believed the saying that ¡®rumors stop at the wise¡¯?

    Tang Jiayun used to dislike and ostracize her. However, she was the only one who offered her help and told her what had happened. Qiao Nan curled her lips. ¡°How do you intend to help me?¡±

    One who was unountably solicitous must be hiding evil intentions.

    She was reminded of what Tang Jiayun had done previously. Qiao Nan¡¯s first thought was that the rumor might have to do with Tang Jiayun.

    Qiao Nan did not find it surprising that Tang Jiayun would resort to the trick of a thief crying stop thief. After all, sometimes, people were too clever for one¡¯s own good.

    ¡°Is it on the school forum?¡± Qiao Nan had yet to understand what was going on, so she could not jump to conclusions. However, she could not do nothing now that she knew that someone was out to harm her. She was particrly curious to see the picture that was being posted on the forum.

    ¡°Yes, do you want to have a look? Shall I go with you?¡± Tang Jiayun nodded. Regardless of the reaction that Qiao Nan had, she rose to fame in Peking University because of the forum. Everyone looked down on Qiao Nan and kept a distance from her. Everyone was dying to dig at her.

    Apart from her, no one was willing to go near her.

    She believed that Qiao Nan would not reject good friends who helped her out when she was in need.

    ¡°Qiao Nan!¡± Tang Jiayun was about to bring Qiao Nan with her when an anxious Shi Qing came running toward them.

    Shi Qing knew about the rumor surrounding Qiao Nan and she did not shout her name out loud. She looked for her in the canteen and caught sight of her, running toward her. ¡°Qiao Nan, look at this.¡±

    Shi Qing had heard of the rumors regarding Qiao Nan circting around the school. She went online to look at the threads and printed them out. She passed them to Qiao Nan. ¡°Who did this? Is the person courting death?!¡±

    Shi Qing was mad and anxious when she saw the photo in the thread. Who was so foolish to do something like this? The person was not afraid of death.

    Tang Jiayun heard the anger in Shi Qing¡¯s voice. She smiled scornfully in secret.

    Shi Qing might be domineering and acted brazenly at Peking University, but there was nothing she could do about the fact that someone was out to harm Qiao Nan. Even if Shi Qing managed to find out who the person was, she did not believe that Shi Qing would murder someone ormit a crime for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake!

    Go ahead to brag and boast!

    ¡°Since someone is courting death, there is no way to stop the person. Although school has just started and Peking University always has a good reputation, I suppose someone will be invited to the principal¡¯s office for a cup of tea.¡± Qiao Nan smiled contemptuously. In her previous life, the only time she heard of college students being kept women of older men was from the news. She did not expect that she would be the main character of such news in this life. It was thrilling!

 Chapter 929 - Kept Woman Scandal 2

    <h4>Chapter 929 Kept Woman Scandal 2</h4>

    Shi Qing grounded her teeth and red at Tang Jiayun. ¡°You are not on good terms with Qiao Nan. What are you doing here now? Are you here to make fun of her or are you the wicked person who is behind all this?¡±

    Shi Qing knew that there was a wicked ssmate in Qiao Nan¡¯s dormitory and the two other roommates in the dormitory would cooperate with her to ostracize Qiao Nan. This was why Qiao Nan moved out of the dormitory to stay at the Lin family¡¯s quad.

    On the day they moved out of the dormitory, Shi Qing had no idea which of them was Tang Jiayun. But she had given her a hard push.

    After moving to the Lin family¡¯s quad, Shi Qing found out from Qiao Nan that the person who was pushed by her was Tang Jiayun. She was the person who bullied Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing was full of regrets.

    If she had known that the person was Tang Jiayun, she would have given her a harder push. It was such a light push. It was too easy on Tang Jiayun.

    Since she had met her once, Shi Qing was able to recognize Tang Jiayun.

    ¡°ssmate Shi, d-don¡¯t misunderstand. This has nothing to do with me. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t stay in school, so she is clueless about the situation in school. The thread was created yesterday night and it was shared by many people. This morning, a lot of the students were discussing the thread. I was worried that Qiao Nan was kept in the dark. Therefore, I am here to notify her.¡± Tang Jiayun was shocked that Shi Qing would use force on her and grab her cor.

    Shi Qing seemed to be as frail as Qiao Nan. She did not expect that she was, in fact, very strong

    Tang Jiayun felt like a young chick that was being lifted by Shi Qing. If she did not stand on tiptoes, she would be lifted off the floor.

    Shi Qing was a woman, yet she had tremendous physical strength. Was she an Amazon?

    Tang Jiayun was being held by the cor and her feet could not reach the floor. She felt very ufortable. She was frightened by Shi Qing, who looked like a tigress. She turned to beg Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am telling the truth. Please help me exin to her. The thread has nothing to do with me.¡±

    Qiao Nan tapped Shi Qing on the back of her hand. ¡°She has been telling the truth until now.¡±

    Shi Qing finally let go of Tang Jiayun. ¡°Are you that warm-hearted?¡± Given Tang Jiayun¡¯s previous attitude toward Qiao Nan, she should be thrilled that Qiao Nan was in trouble. Why would she show her concern for Qiao Nan? She must be putting up pretenses.

    Tang Jiayun tidied her clothes and smiled guiltily. ¡°What happened in the past was a misunderstanding. Actually, I don¡¯t have any serious conflicts with Qiao Nan. Not only are we ssmates, but we used to be roommates as well. It is not surprising that I will help her when I know that someone is ndering her. If this happens to someone else and I am sure that the person is upright, I will definitely help the person as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not pay attention to Tang Jiayun. She looked at the thread seriously and sneered. ¡°This is asking for trouble.¡± The photo had captured her very clearly. Most importantly, it showed a clear profile of her father-inw.

    Those who did not know Zhai Yaohui, the famous chief, would not find it to be a problem.

    But those who knew Zhai Yaohui and how he looked would know right away when they looked at the photo that the person who was believed to be the sugar daddy of a female student of Peking University was, in fact, an important official of the country.

    It was tarnishing the reputation of the county, the army, and the party.

    If it was true, Zhai Yaohui would be severely punished. On the contrary, it was a serious offense to frame an important official of the country. In ancient times, if one defamed the royalty, one¡¯s entire n would be executed. Although it was the modern age and the society was ruled byw, one would still have to face awsuit and be jailed.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you going to do?¡± Shi Qing rubbed her forehead. ¡°I am very curious to know who is so daring and itching to be invited to a cup of tea with the police officers. The person is simply crazy.¡±

    The Feng family was considered as a rich and powerful family in the capital. But even so, the Feng family was respectful of the Zhai family and still had to fawn over them.

    Someone had the audacity to tarnish the reputation of the head of the Zhai family. The person must be a top warrior!

    Awesome!

    ¡°We have to talk to the principal.¡± Qiao Nan grabbed the documents that were printed by Shi Qing

    Peking University was a famous university in China. She had been dreaming ofing here for two lifetimes. She would not allow lies and sensational rumors to tarnish its reputation.

    ¡°Do you need help?¡± It was not that easy to request a meeting with the principal of Peking University

    ¡°It may not be easy, but we still have to do it. We cannot allow Peking University to be ruined by such untrue rumors. There is no way that the mastermind can run away from this.¡± Since it had been posted online, it would be easy to track and identify the person.

    The person who had gotten into serious trouble would not be able to run away from it.

    Qiao Nan grabbed the printed documents and dashed off. Tang Jiayun felt guilty. ¡°Are you bluffing?¡±

    Initially, Tang Jiayun thought that Shi Qing was bluffing when Shi Qing told Qiao Nan that the person who posted the thread was courting death. However, Qiao Nan made simrments as well, and Tang Jiayun started to believe them.

    She had been roommates with Qiao Nan for half a month. She had the impression that Qiao Nan was very quiet.

    Qiao Nan knew a lot of influential people and she had a lot of ways to get what she wanted. However, she did not mention any of them during her stay with them. Regardless of the reasons behind her behavior, it proved that Qiao Nan would not shoot her mouth off.

    Wordsing from a tight-lipped person would sound more convincing.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Even if the thread is false, and someone fabricated it to harm Qiao Nan, why do Qiao Nan and you keep saying that the person is courting death? You even say that this will implicate Peking University. Are the two of you...¡± trying to make something unnecessarilyplicated?

    There were lots of threads on Peking University¡¯s forum, and among them many were false.

    If a false thread would implicate Peking University and the person was courting death, how could Peking University survive until today? It would no longer be here.

    Shi Qing sneered. ¡°It is no wonder that you are clueless. Important figures seldome out in the public. The general public would not know them. Since you said that the thread has nothing to do with you, there is no need to worry. Even if the person has to die or go to jail, it doesn¡¯t concern you. Let me remind you again. If you know the person who sent the thread, you¡¯d better warn the person to n how to spend the next few years of life in jail.¡±

    In China, one could sue another person for defamation. Furthermore, the person being ndered was an important figure in the country.

    Shi Qing had no idea if Tang Jiayun was really not rted to the thread. She would not make any judgment as she knew that the mastermind would definitely be caught.

    The country would not allow its important officials to be defamed.

    It had better not be Tang Jiayun. Otherwise, it would be even more serious

 Chapter 930 - Kept Woman Scandal 3

    <h4>Chapter 930 Kept Woman Scandal 3</h4>

    With that, Shi Qing left, ignoring Tang Jiayun.

    Shi Qing heard from Qiao Nan about the incidents that happened in the dormitory. She found Tang Jiayun to be an eyesore. She did not believe that Tang Jiayun would turn into a good ssmate after Qiao Nan left the dormitory and show concern for her ssmate.

    Shi Qing walked away without any hesitation. However, Tang Jiayun was on pins and needles.

    Shi Qing said that Tang Jiayun might not know the man in the picture, but Qiao Nan knew him. Therefore, the problem was with the sugar daddy. Was he the reason why this would turn into something serious?

    Who was the man?

    Tang Jiayun walked listlessly back to the dormitory. Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were already there.

    Tang Jiayun nced at Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, clearing her throat. ¡°Do you know about the issue regarding the thread?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, who were writing, paused and nodded. But what did this have to do with them?

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to frighten you, but Qiao Nan knows about it. The strange thing is that Qiao Nan and Shi Qing told me just now that the thread will result in serious trouble. Whoever sends the thread will have to go to jail. Do you think they were telling the truth?¡± Tang Jiayun swallowed with difficulty.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± L¨¹ Yan was amused. ¡°Do they take us for three-year-old kids? It is just a thread. Regardless of whether the thread is true or false, even if Qiao Nan manages to catch the person, at most, the person will have to apologize to her. If she cannot find out who the person is, what¡¯s the point in bluffing us? Doesn¡¯t she find it ridiculous? Besides, if the thread is telling the truth, how could she have the audacity to send other people to prison?¡±

    Fortunately, it was not in ancient times and they were living in a civilized society. If not, Qiao Nan would be tied in a bamboo cage and submerged in water.

    It was lucky of Qiao Nan to be born in modern times. Instead of kicking up a fuss and using up all her good fortune, she must count her blessings.

    Yu Xiaoxiao put down her pen. She was not as optimistic as L¨¹ Yan. ¡°We seldom interact with Qiao Nan and she is a person of few words. She does not seem like someone who likes to bluff. Is it really that serious?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao believed that Qiao Nan would not bluff, but she could not imagine that one would need to go to jail because of a thread.

    Like what L¨¹ Yan said, if the thread was untrue, at most, the person would have to apologize, and the school would circte a notice of criticism and issue demerits to the person.

    But going to jail?

    The Qiao family was not in charge of the prison.

    What Yu Xiaoxiao did not know was that it was indeed true that the Qiao family was not in charge of the prison, but they were very much rted

    ¡°Shi Qing told me that the problem lies with the person in the picture.¡± Tang Jiayun pointed at the photo from the thread. ¡°There are two people in the photo. Qiao Nan...¡± She was just a country bumpkin. They knew that the problem was not with her.

    ¡°Who do you think the older man is?¡±

    L¨¹ Yan popped a sweet into her mouth. ¡°Who could that be? To put it bluntly, the man is simply a sugar daddy.¡± The man was older than all of them, and ording to Tang Jiayun, he had a very expensive car.

    The man was advanced in years and he was rich. She did not believe that he was single.

    Nobody would believe that.

    ¡°L¨¹ Yan!¡± Yu Xiaoxiao knitted her brows. ¡°Didn¡¯t I remind you not to specte and don¡¯t make it sound as if it is the truth? Qiao Nan is not that kind of person. Can you set your thoughts straight?¡±

    After calming down and putting her mind to her studies, Yu Xiaoxiao gradually sorted out her thoughts.

    To err is human. Everyone wanted to seed and to get in through the back door.

    People felt like having everything, but when they watched helplessly while people around them achieved what they wanted and they had nothing in life, they could not help but be jealous of them.

    As long as one had the correct mindset and stop thinking about the negative feelings, one would be able to stay rational.

    le

    Yu Xiaoxiao had sorted out her thoughts. However, she could not ept L¨¹ Yan¡¯s behavior today. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, what is wrong with you? It has only been a few days and now you made such radicalments?!¡± Could it be that L¨¹ Yan had really been led astray by Tang Jiayun? But Tang Jiayun did not make crude remarks like L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan pulled a long face, unhappy. ¡°What is wrong with my mindset? If I have the wrong mindset, at least, I am better than others who are morally wrong and act shamelessly. I am a down-to-earth student. Why am I targeted? I have checked online regarding the price of the car. Do you know that the car Qiao Nan got onto that day costs more than a suite in our hometown and its renovation cost?¡±

    Before L¨¹ Yan came to the capital, she was not interested in buying a house. Right now, it was still not popr for everyone to have their own house.

    But after she came to the capital, L¨¹ Yan realized that it was very difficult for her to realize her childhood dream of going to the capital to study and live there.

    She had to have her own house in the capital in order to be based in the capital.

    To L¨¹ Yan, who was still studying and would need to rely on the allowance sent by her parents, buying a house and living in the capital was a dream that was beyond her reach.

    L¨¹ Yan came to the capital and to Peking University with the dream of staying in the capital for good. But what she saw in the capital was a hard blow and cruel reality to her.

    She was still reeling in shock that her roommate was able to get a ride in a car that cost more than a house. No one was able to handle such a devastating blow.

    The car might probably cost as much as a suite in the capital.

    Nobody was able to tell how much L¨¹ Yan was affected by what she saw.

    Yu Xiaoxiao and Tang Jiayun paused momentarily at L¨¹ Yan¡¯s words. Tang Jiayun was somewhat surprised. ¡°That car is so expensive!¡± She only heard about the car from others, and she did not check the actual price.

    Yu Xiaoxiao recovered from her shock. ¡°So? What does the fact that someone drove a car that costs as much as a house has to do with you? What are you indignant about? There are a lot of rich men in the world. Are you going to be indignant about all of them?¡±

    To put it bluntly, this had nothing to do with L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan came back to her senses, realizing that she was being too agitated. ¡°N-nothing, I am just shocked. Perhaps I need to broaden my horizons. This was my first time seeing something like that, so I am slightly agitated and could not help but keep thinking about it. Indeed, it has nothing to do with me.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao frowned deeply. ¡°I remember that when Qiao Nan got in the car that day, there weren¡¯t many people around the area. What surprised me the most was the angle from which the photo was taken.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was right there at the scene. Therefore, she was very sensitive to the angle in the photo.

    It was obvious that the photo was taken on that day and from the location that they were at. The photo was the scene that they witnessed that day.

 Chapter 931 - Who Did It?

    <h4><strong>Chapter 931</strong> Who Did It?</h4>

    Qiao Nan got in the car and the car drove off.

    The three of them seemed to be the only people present when this happened. So the problem was who took the photo?!

    The more Yu Xiaoxiao thought about it, the more rmed she was. She tried to stop herself from gazing at L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun, but she could not stop herself from doubting them. ¡°Tang Jiayun, you seem to be the only person in our dormitory who owns a camera, no?¡±

    Tang Jiayun flicked her hair, giving her reply nonchntly. ¡°So what if I have a camera? You are not the only person to know that I have a camera. Someone has borrowed the camera from me. L¨¹ Yan, isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    L¨¹ Yan nodded.

    Tang Jiayun continued after receiving L¨¹ Yan¡¯s answer. ¡°Qiao Nan and Shi Qing made it sound as if it is very serious. But I am not sure whether they were telling the truth and I don¡¯t intend to find out. No matter what, this has nothing to do with me. I will not be sent to prison either. It is such a hot day. One feels sleepy after lunch. I will take a nap.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao could not set her heart at ease. ¡°Is Qiao Nan after the mastermind? It has been posted online and this happened yesterday. Is it possible to catch the person? This will affect the school. Even if Qiao Nan is innocent, at most, the school will clear up the misunderstanding. There is no way that it will be blown up. What did Qiao Nan mean when she said that someone will have to go to jail? I don¡¯t seem to understand.¡±

    If Qiao Nan was really a kept woman, she most probably would not be able to stay in Peking University.

    If the thread was untrue, the school would block the thread, find out who the sender was, and make the person apologized to Qiao Nan, giving them a demerit. If the school was unable to find out who the mastermind was, Qiao Nan would be forced to keep her grievances to herself.

    It was difficult to catch the culprit who uploaded the thread.

    Why did Qiao Nan sound so confident? What made her so certain that the school would take charge and get to the bottom of this matter?

    Yu Xiaoxiao and the rest of them were unfamiliar with the inte. They believed that it was difficult to catch the person who posted the photo online.

    L¨¹ Yan looked at Tang Jiayun. ¡°Tang Jiayun, you are the most knowledgeable person here. There are a lot of inte cafes nowadays. Is it easy to find out who posted the thread? Why do I feel that it seems to be finding a needle in a haystack? I am sure Qiao Nan was just bluffing.¡±

    Tang Jiayun flicked her hair. ¡°I don¡¯t care if Qiao Nan was bluffing or if it is finding a needle in a haystack. Qiao Nan is willing to go to all that trouble. It has nothing to do with us. Although one can hide one¡¯s identity online, I heard that professionals are capable of getting through all barriers. It depends on whether Qiao Nan is able to find an expert to solve her problem. I heard that hackers are good at this. If Qiao Nan is simply bluffing, she will be busying herself to no purpose. If she is not bluffing, the person who sends the thread will have to be careful.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao sized up a rxed Tang Jiayun. School had just started. Qiao Nan might have aplicated background, but she was very quiet in school and did not have any enemy in school.

    Come to think of it, Tang Jiayun was the only person in the entire school who was against Qiao Nan.

    The three of them used to ostracize Qiao Nan. Yu Xiaoxiao felt that Tang Jiayun seemed to be very suspicious.

    Tang Jiayun was drinking from a ss of water. She turned angry at Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s doubtful nces. ¡°Stop looking at me. This has nothing to do with me. I am different from all of you. It is rare that Qiao Nan has such opportunities. I won¡¯t do anything to offend her. One must be foolish to do that. Right now, not only will I not offend Qiao Nan, but I also want to befriend her.¡±

    Unfortunately, Yu Xiaoxiao was right about one thing. Qiao Nan did not have a good temper. She would not ept Tang Jiayun¡¯s apology and forget about what Tang Jiayun did to her previously or to be friends with her.

    No matter what, now was the chance for her to be close to Qiao Nan.

    The kept woman scandal would not die down easily. Right now, everyone avoided Qiao Nan and cast weird nces at her. She believed that if she provided help in Qiao Nan¡¯s hour of need, she would eventually warm up to her.

    Tang Jiayun hummed a song rxedly. She got onto the bed, getting ready for her afternoon nap.

    Yu Xiaoxiao sucked in her breath. Tang Jiayun did not give a direct answer to L¨¹ Yan¡¯s question. But from what she said, if Qiao Nan was capable, she would be able to find out who posted the thread.

    Despite knowing about this, Tang Jiayun was very rxed. Perhaps this really had nothing to do with Tang Jiayun.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was still puzzling over the matter when L¨¹ Yan sat close to her. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, I am puzzled. It is just a thread. Why does it seem to be a serious matter? If this is true, Qiao Nan will be too ashamed to stay in Peking University. She would not tarnish the school¡¯s reputation. Even if the thread is untrue, it is simply a misunderstanding. Why is Qiao Nan so wicked to say that the person is courting death? We are ssmates. We may be curious, but we do not have any malicious intentions. Her words were too harsh.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao shot L¨¹ Yan a disdainful look. ¡°Talk is cheap. If this is untrue and Qiao Nan is unable to clear up the misunderstanding, would she be able to study at Peking University? She has only been to Peking University for a month. If she is expelled, it will ruin her entire life. How can one simply say that it is a misunderstanding? Tell me, who is being wicked here?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao sighed. ¡°As her roommates, we should stand on her side. But after what happened previously, I will not do anything lest Qiao Nan misunderstands that I am gloating. Qiao Nan is really unlucky. I hope that she can clear up the misunderstanding and the truth wille to light. Who is so wicked to upload the thread? Isn¡¯t the person afraid of retribution?¡±

    No matter how she looked at it, Qiao Nan did not have any immoral or ambiguous rtionship with the older man.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan was full of respect when she saw the man. It was as if he was her elder. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, do you think that the man may be Qiao Nan¡¯s rtive or Shi Qing¡¯s rtive, and he was here to fetch Qiao Nan on behalf of Shi Qing?¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know.¡± L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes darted about. She was guilt-stricken.

    Both Yu Xiaoxiao and Tang Jiayun did not give her a definitive answer.

    What she did not understand was that it was just a thread. Why was there a need to mobilize everyone and kick up a fuss? One had freedom of speech in China. Everyone was simply making one¡¯sments. It was nothing much.

    That being said, Qiao Nan was too overbearing and bad-tempered.

    Yu Xiaoxiao widened the distance between L¨¹ Yan and her. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, when did you start to stutter? You have been stuttering all day. You seemed to be very concerned about this, particrly about the person who posted the thread. You...¡±

 Chapter 932 - Did Not Intend to Cause so Much Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 932 Did Not Intend to Cause so Much Trouble</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. This has nothing to do with me. I am just asking.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan shifted her chair to the original position, keeping a distance from Yu Xiaoxiao.

    ¡°Are you sure it has nothing to do with you?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao found it hard to believe. Initially, she thought that the culprit must be Tang Jiayun. However, Tang Jiayun behaved as if it had nothing to do with her and she did not care at all. On the contrary, L¨¹ Yan seemed to be very concerned about it.

    ¡°Of course. It has nothing to do with me.¡± L¨¹ Yan took out her book, grabbed a pen, and began to copy information into the book. ¡°I am concerned and curious because Qiao Nan used to stay in the same dormitory as us. It¡¯s alright if this is untrue. If not, I will be too ashamed to tell others that Qiao Nan has been staying in the same dormitory as me for half a month. You may feel that there is nothing wrong with Qiao Nan, but I think she is behaving weirdly. If the thread is true, the older man is Qiao Nan¡¯s financial backer. It is not surprising that Qiao Nan fawns over her financial backer. I feel that it is very normal. This shows that Qiao Nan has a guilty conscience.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan rattled on like a machine gun, dissing Qiao Nan. Yu Xiaoxiao gaped in shock. ¡°...¡±

    This was weird. Something was wrong about L¨¹ Yan.

    In the past, when Tang Jiayun egged them to ostracize Qiao Nan, L¨¹ Yan would not go to this extent to push all the me to Qiao Nan.

    Most importantly, Yu Xiaoxiao could not ept what L¨¹ Yan said.

    Yu Xiaoxiao let out a breath. She had no wish to talk to L¨¹ Yan and focused her attention on her textbooks.

    ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, are you angry?¡±

    After a long while, L¨¹ Yan felt embarrassed and asked Yu Xiaoxiao.

    Tang Jiayun had fallen asleep. L¨¹ Yan lowered her voice for fear that she would disturb Tang Jiayun and thetter would lose her temper.

    Yu Xiaoxiao did not look at L¨¹ Yan. ¡°I am not angry. There¡¯s nothing to be angry about. Now, Qiao Nan should be the person who is furious. I have no idea whether the thread is true or false, but the person who posted the thread had better pray that Qiao Nan was bluffing. If not, instead of Qiao Nan, the person who posted the thread will be expelled by Peking University.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan lost her grip on her pen and it made a long marking on the book. ¡°Is it that serious? Peking University does not belong to Qiao Nan. Why would she have the final say?¡±

    ¡°She may not have the final say, but the principal has the final say.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao sneered. ¡°There is more toe.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan thought that Tang Jiayun was fast asleep. To their surprise, she sat up suddenly andy on her stomach. She blinked at Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan. ¡°I finally figured out something.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± L¨¹ Yan paused and asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether the thread is true or false. The sender has to leave Peking University. The only difference is whether they will leave by themselves or Qiao Nan will leave school as well.¡±

    ¡°W-why?!¡± Why would Qiao Nan be able to stay while the sender had to be expelled?

    Both L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao were puzzled. ¡°That¡¯s right. What is the reason?¡±

    ¡°Are you a fool? L¨¹ Yan, didn¡¯t you check and find out that the brand of the car is very expensive? Do you think ordinary folks will be able to drive this type of car? The thread has caught Qiao Nan as well as the car owner in the photo. I have thought of a possibility. Qiao Nan kept saying that the sender is doomed. Perhaps it has nothing to do with her. She was referring to the man in the photo!¡±

    Tang Jiayun felt that she had made a very reasonable analysis. ¡°Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t have the habit of bluffing. I feel that the problem lies with the man. We are bound for a good show. I feel much better now that I have figured it out. I shall sleep now.¡±

    Hehehe. True enough, Qiao Nan had her ways. The people that she knew were rich and powerful. They were rted to the principal of Peking University and the principal had to expel the students for that reason.

    Awesome!

    Now that this had happened, Tang Jiayun was all the more certain that she had to win Qiao Nan¡¯s favor and mix with her.

    She had always thought that she was the leader in the dormitory. She did not expect that Qiao Nan turned out to be the hidden talent.

    Tang Jiayun felt better now that she had figured out the problem and was able to sleep well. But her words had given someone a fright.

    Man proposes, God disposes. L¨¹ Yan never expected that the problem was not with Qiao Nan but was with the man in the photo.

    The more L¨¹ Yan thought about it, the more fearful she was. She could not control her tears and they streaked down her face.

    ¡°You...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao knew right away from L¨¹ Yan¡¯s reaction to what was going on. She was exasperated that she was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Tang Jiayun, you can¡¯t sleep. Don¡¯t think that this has nothing to do with you. You are the one who lent me the camera. Without your camera, would I be able to take the photo? Therefore, if anything crops up, you have to bear responsibility as well.¡± L¨¹ Yan was not scared of Qiao Nan. But she was fearful of the owner of the Land Rover.

    It was not easy to get into Peking University and a new term had just started. If she was expelled by the school, her future would be ruined. L¨¹ Yan was scared stiff.

    ¡°You may be crazy, but you can¡¯t drag others down with you. So what if I lent you my camera? Did I tell you to take the photo? ording to what you said, does it mean that if a murderer uses a fruit knife to murder people, then the person who sells the knife has to go to jail? You must be crazy!¡± Tang Jiayun red at L¨¹ Yan and pped her hands away.

    L¨¹ Yan was the one whomitted foolish deeds, yet she wanted her to suffer as well. L¨¹ Yan must be out of her mind. She had confessed without being pressed. ¡°Let me warn you. I heard nothing of what you said just now. I don¡¯t know you have issues with Qiao Nan. Do you understand?¡±

    Tang Jiayun no longer felt sleepy after themotion that L¨¹ Yan made.

    It was true that she had a camera and had lent it to L¨¹ Yan.

    But it was L¨¹ Yan who wanted to take the photo and it was L¨¹ Yan who posted the thread secretly. She did not make anyments throughout. How dared L¨¹ Yan push the me on her?

    Qiao Nan must havee out from the principal¡¯s office by now. Tang Jiayun came down from the bed. She went to the restroom to remove her makeup.

    Her good friend was in trouble, so how could she put on makeup?

    It was rare that Tang Jiayun did not put on makeup. She hummed a song and left the dormitory in a happy mood. She did not care that L¨¹ Yan had cried so much that her eyes were swollen.

    ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, what should I do? Who do you think is the man in the photo?¡± L¨¹ Yan wiped her tears and looked toward Yu Xiaoxiao. ¡°I-I did not mean any harm. I just couldn¡¯t stand Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior. She has tarnished the reputation of Peking University.¡±

 Chapter 933 - Must Be Dealt With Immediately

    <h4>Chapter 933 Must Be Dealt With Immediately</h4>

    ¡°I-I only wanted everyone to know about it so that they would not be deceived by Qiao Nan. I mean no harm. It is the truth. I mean no harm.¡±

    Regardless of what she said, Yu Xiaoxiao did not believe L¨¹ Yan¡¯s words.

    Given what was written on the thread, she would not believe that she meant no harm. She was out to destroy Qiao Nan!

    Yu Xiaoxiao crossed her hands about her chest. ¡°What follows after?¡±

    ¡°Will you help me?¡± L¨¹ Yan looked at Yu Xiaoxiao through teary eyes. ¡°Please help me exin to Qiao Nan. I have good intentions, but it turns out the opposite way. I will delete the thread immediately. I will apologize to her. Can you persuade her not to blow things up or look into it?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao snorted. ¡°Qiao Nan has turned infamous in school overnight because of your thread. You should have seen everyone¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan. You have tarnished her reputation. Do you think things will be alright if you apologize to Qiao Nan?¡± She was not that shameless to make this request of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Xiaoxiao, y-you have to help me. Tang Jiayun was the one who lent me the camera. Why is it that she is absolved from this and I have to bear full responsibility? If not for Tang Jiayun, I would not be displeased with Qiao Nan.¡± Tang Jiayun was the person who started everything. She was influenced by her. Tang Jiayun had to bear a bigger responsibility.

    Yu Xiaoxiao let out a breath. ¡°It is no wonder that Qiao Nan wanted to move out of the dormitory. She is not foolish. She is smarter than me. L¨¹ Yan, we are roommates. If you really feel that reason is on your side and that the faults lie with others, you can sit here and pray that Qiao Nan could not find evidence of your participation. You can pretend that you have not done anything. If Qiao Nan finds out the truth and wants you to answer for it, try telling her what you said to me just now, and we shall see if she is willing to ept it or not.¡±

    ¡°Xiaoxiao?¡± L¨¹ Yan widened her eyes in shock.

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Yu Xiaoxiaoughed, a glint of mockery in her eyes. ¡°I suppose you know that what you said is totally absurd, yet you tried to coax me to exin to Qiao Nan on your behalf. Fine, you are vicious. Everyone is a fool while you are the only smart person. I am too foolish. I am fearful of being with such a smart person like you.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao walked off after that.

    The library was a better ce than her dormitory. Hopefully, there were empty seats there.

    Yu Xiaoxiao knew very well that she was not Qiao Nan and she did not have friends like Shi Qing. It was not an easy task to change her dormitory, and it was a faraway dream to think of moving out.

    Since she had two terrible roommates, the only thing that she could do was to follow in Qiao Nan¡¯s footsteps-keeping a distance from her roommates. It was better to be a loner than to mingle with evil-natured people.

    On the other hand, after the thread had been posted, the teachers at Peking University learned about it, knowing that it would have a bad impact on the school and they worked quickly to think of ways to resolve it.

    Unlike the other students, the teachers at Peking University would not sentence Qiao Nan guilty solely because of a photo.

    In the photo, Qiao Nan did not behave inappropriately, and the two of them kept a respectful distance from each other. Moreover, one could tell from Qiao Nan¡¯s expression that she was being prim and proper. Besides, Qiao Nan always had good results and she participated in the work-study program. The school had just started, but Qiao Nan did not once ck in her work.

    Qiao Nan had not been seen behaving abnormally in school. Her clothes looked simple and ordinary, definitely not branded. Her clothes did not seem to be brand new, but they were clean and tidy.

    In addition, Qiao Nan had not been seen wearing luxury goods or belongings that were beyond her financial circumstances.

    Many students had cell phones but Qiao Nan did not. She would use the phone when she needed to make a call.

    She was just an ordinary student. It was a serious matter to say that she was a kept woman. It was not something that could be said easily of someone.

    If the thread was true, the public would misunderstand that there was something wrong with Peking University. If the thread was untrue, the public would still feel that Peking University had bad school ethos as one of their students had maligned an innocent student.

    The teachers were concerned and worried that their students would malign their peers.

    Therefore, having heard about this incident, several teachers at Peking University had a discussion toe up with solutions.

    They were experienced in life and knew that students like Qiao Nan could not have behavioral problems.

    They could not find Qiao Nan guilty based on a photo. Simrly, they could not determine right away that Qiao Nan was innocent. The best solution was to talk to Qiao Nan and find out who the man in the photo was.

    Perhaps they would be able to tell whether the thread was true after finding out the man¡¯s identity.

    Before the teachers sent someone to look for Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan had alreadye looking for them. ¡°You must be Qiao Nan. You havee at the right time. We need to ask you some questions.¡±

    From Qiao Nan¡¯s anxious look, the teachers in the discussion group knew that Qiao Nan must have heard about the thread. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you tell us who the man in the photo is?¡±

    ¡°He is my elder.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± So he was her elder. ¡°Does your dad know this elder of yours?¡± The teachers could not take Qiao Nan¡¯s words at face value. They had to verify with Qiao Nan¡¯s parents.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Chief Zhai was her father-inw. How could he not know him?

    ¡°Then, what is your house¡¯s telephone number? If you don¡¯t mind, we want to...¡± The teachers at Peking University felt relieved at Qiao Nan¡¯s answer. It was good that she was not a kept woman. After all,pared to students who maligned their fellow ssmates, it was worse to have students who were a kept woman, and it would have arger impact on the school.

    ¡°Teacher, calling my dad to verify whether the man is my elder is not important right now. What is important now is to block the thread and delete the photo. The photo itself has arger impact than the contents of the thread! If possible, can you contact the principal?¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a hurry. If this was not put to a stop, Peking University and the government might step in.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The teachers did not understand Qiao Nan¡¯s meaning. ¡°Will the photo cause such dire consequences?¡±

    Qiao Nan hit her forehead. She did not let the teachers know of her rtionship with her father-inw. She only said that he was her elder. She dared not reveal her father-inw¡¯s identity anyhow. ¡°Teacher, you have to believe me. You have to deal with the thread right away. We must not allow the students at Peking University to keep discussing the thread, and they must not be allowed to forward it to the public. We have to delete the photo right away.¡±

 Chapter 934 - Method to Deal with It As Soon As Possible

    Chapter 934 Method to Deal with It As Soon As Possible

    Qiao Nan did not wish for this incident to affect Peking University or tarnish the reputation of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan looked anxious. She had already said that the man in the photo was her elder and her father knew about it. The teachers could verify with her father anytime.

    Since they were certain that the thread was untrue, even if Qiao Nan did not tell them of the serious consequences, they were willing to block and delete the thread.

    It was not difficult to delete the thread. What was difficult was to stop the students in Peking University from discussing this false thread.

    Among the teachers who were in the discussion group, one of them was from theputing faculty. After ascertaining that they could do so, the teacher clicked on the school forum to block and delete the thread.

    While the teacher was blocking and deleting the thread, other teachers went on to calm Qiao Nan down. ¡°The thread will no longer be an issue. Qiao Nan, there is no need to be so uptight about it or warn us about the serious consequences. Rest assured. We will not allow our students to malign other students. We will uphold justice. Our teachers will post on the school forum, proving to everyone that the man in the photo is your elder.¡±

    The teachers had the idea that in order to reduce the impact the thread had on her, Qiao Nan was exaggerating about the consequences.

    Qiao Nan felt like crying at the teachers who had kind intentions but were ignorant of the real truth. ¡°Teacher, to be honest, he is really my elder and my dad knows him. Back then, I stayed in the quad in Ping Cheng. My grandpa used to be a veteran revolutionary. This elder of mine is not an ordinary person. He came to the capital to attend a meeting in the central government regarding the National Day.¡±

    They should understand the severity by now!

    He must be an important figure to attend a meeting in the central government.

    Furthermore, most of the families who lived in the quad had revolutionaries background.

    Several teachers fell from their seats. Actually, several professors in Peking University were part of the central government. They even had connections with the central government. Their principal was one of them.

    The problem was that all of them present were not part of the central government!

    Besides, it was just a scandal regarding one of their students who was said to be a kept <b>woman.</b>

    There were many such incidents in other schools as well. Besides, this was not the first time that this had happened in Peking University, and all of the past incidents had been settled satisfactorily. But why was an official in the central government embroiled in this?

    ¡°Q-Qiao Nan, do you know what you are talking about?¡± This was a very serious matter. If the government official was really embroiled in the scandal, the culprit might have to face awsuit.

    The teachers could not help but berate Qiao Nan for her impulsiveness. ¡°Qiao Nan, we have already said that after verifying with your father, the school will uphold justice and let everyone know that the post is untrue. There is no need for you to...¡±

    Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face. The Zhai family was based in Ping Cheng. Her father-inw needed to travel around for his work, and he seldom stayed in a ce for long. He rarely spent time in the capital.

    In her two lifetimes, the Zhai family and her family stayed in the same quad and the people in the quad were familiar with the situation in the Zhai family.

    Otherwise, if she was to run into the Zhai family by chance, she would not have known that the Zhai family held very important positions in China and in the central government. At most, she would feel that the Zhai family seemed to exude the righteousness aura of a soldier.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan was not surprised that the teachers in Peking University could not recognize her father-inw in the photo.

    Qiao Nan believed that the teachers would not be able to recognize her father-inw, but she was certain that as the principal of Peking University, he must know about her father-inw.

    They needed someone who had connections to handle this matter.

    ¡°How about...¡± Qiao Nan seemed to be very serious. What she said might be true.

    ¡°Hurry, give the principal a call.¡±

    The teachers in the discussion group quickly made a phone call to the principal. Although it was hard to believe that a student in the work-study program would have a senior government official in the family, they could not take the risk.

    What if something happened? Who would take the responsibility?

    Qiao Nan waited while the teachers worked on this matter, hoping that they would make sure that nobody was affected. On the other hand, L¨¹ Yan waited anxiously for what was to happen.

    L¨¹ Yan never thought of achieving anything when she posted the thread. She never meant for Qiao Nan to be expelled because of the thread.

    She thought that once Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation was tarnished, Shi Qing would look down on her and stop being friends with her. By then, Qiao Nan would no longer be able to take advantage of Shi Qing.

    It took L¨¹ Yan a lot of hard work to get into Peking University. She was not evil-natured to the point of plotting against Qiao Nan such that she would be expelled.

    One could only say that L¨¹ Yan was too simple-minded. She did not expect that the post would result in such serious consequences.

    If the party concerned was someone else, L¨¹ Yan might be right to think that the scandal would die down eventually and nothing serious would happen.

    In fact, it would not turn serious if Qiao Nan was the only person who was implicated in this incident. However, the problem was that she had taken a photo of Zhai Yaohui and made untruements about the photo.

    In short, L¨¹ Yan had been blind to provoke people that she should not have provoked.

    Tang Jiayun and Yu Xiaoxiao were not in the dormitory. L¨¹ Yan did not dare to stay in the dormitory by herself. She found a ce and paid some money to go online to check thetest developments.

    After switching on theputer, L¨¹ Yan did nothing but stare at the thread that she posted, checking if there were anytest developments.

    L¨¹ Yan was not in the mood to read through thements that other people made regarding her thread. She wished that she could mute all those people whomented and were out to watch the show.

    If not for these people whomented on the thread, it would not have been among the widelymented threads. Things would not have blown up and she would not have been anxious and worried about the consequences.

    While L¨¹ Yan was looking through the forum, she realized that her thread was missing.

    L¨¹ Yan blinked several times. She used her mouse to refresh a couple of times. She was sure that the thread was still on the forum one second ago. However, it was gone the next moment.

    L¨¹ Yan refreshed several times, but she still could not find her thread. L¨¹ Yan returned to the first page of the forum to check. The thread was widelymented on. She remembered that it was on the first page of the forum and among the first few threads. It would not be difficult to find the thread.

    But even so, L¨¹ Yan could not see her thread.

    Initially, she refused to believe in fate. She tried to search for the thread but to no avail!

 Chapter 935 - Kick Out the Black Sheep

    <strong>Chapter 935 Kick Out the ck Sheep</strong>

    While L¨¹ Yan kept refreshing, she noticed that many other people had also noticed that the most talked-about thread had been deleted, and therefore, they opened another thread to discuss it.

    The strange thing was that once the thread had been opened, it would be deleted at the speed of light in the next second.

    Not only that, the person who started the new thread had been muted. He had to register for a new sockpuppet to post ament, asking what exactly was going on.

    This thread of his had not been blocked though.

    Every new thread thatmented about L¨¹ Yan¡¯s original thread was deleted instantly and the owner would be muted. Thereafter, the system would notify them of the reason for the actions.

    While the new threads were being deleted, the school sent a public thread. It stated that the contents of the previous thread were fabricated and untrue. The thread not only caused inconvenience for the people in the photo, but it also shamed the school.

    The school also criticized all the students who leftments in the thread. These people were ignorant and followed the herd despite not knowing the truth. The school could not believe that students of Peking University would have such bad behavior.

    The school stated briefly that one of the people in the photo was the elder of the other person in the photo. It then went on to lecture the students on their uncalled for behavior. Everyone whomented on the post felt ashamed and embarrassed that they had let the country down and wasted the country¡¯s effort to nurture them.

    All of the ounts that were muted received notifications that it was only a temporary measure.

    If the ount holder continued to engage in such discussions and had behavior that was not befitting of students of Peking University, the ount would be blocked permanently.

    The official thread lectured the students for their morally wrong behavior and it sent a strong signal that the school was serious about this matter. This was to intimidate those who had gone way overboard.

    This was Peking University after all. There were students who followed the crowd and there were students who were rational and calm.

    The ¡®kept woman scandal¡¯ died down in no time.

    To others, the scandal was finally over, but to certain students, the real storm had yet toe.

    After verifying with the principal of Peking University, the teachers in the discussion group knew about Zhai Yaohui.

    Qiao Nan also told the teachers on that day that Zhai Yaohui was her elder. He came to the capital with his wife, but his wife was sick, so she was asked to take care of her.

    No man would ask his kept woman to take care of his wife. It was ridiculous.

    When the teachers found out that Qiao Nan got into the car on Chief Zhai¡¯s request to take care of Madam Zhai, they felt like putting an end to the student who posted the thread.

    Thedy was the wife of the chief. They had just arrived in the capital. Now that Madam Zhai was sick, it was easy to hire someone to take care of her.

    Chief Zhai must have asked Qiao Nan to take care of his wife as the two families were close. Given that Qiao Nan had connections with such an influential family, there was no need for her to be someone¡¯s kept woman.

    Qiao Nan needed to work while she studied at Peking University. But given her rtionship with the Zhai family, as long as she worked harder in her studies, she would be able to gain so much more in the future.

    Regardless of how foolish someone was, they would not do such self-destructing and stupid behavior of being someone¡¯s kept woman. Students from Peking University would not do such things.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you have good writing skills. Why did you go to the foreignnguages faculty instead of our Chinese faculty?¡± Actually, it was Qiao Nan who posted the public thread online.

    Qiao Nan felt angry at her situation and she typed furiously on the keyboard.

    ¡°I am more interested in foreignnguages.¡± Qiao Nan took a breath. ¡°Did we manage to trace the ID of the person who posted the thread?¡± Qiao Nan wanted to know who uploaded the photo and made such harshments.

    Several teachers with relevant expertise were busy finding out the identity of the sender. ¡°The ID has been traced. It was sent using aputer in the inte caf¨¦ near our school. We should be able to determine which inte caf¨¦ it was. Anyway, everyone who goes online must use their identity card. It will not be difficult to check.¡± There was a record of everything. There was no way to escape.

    Since Zhai Yaohui was an important figure, the principal of Peking University was very serious about getting to the bottom of the matter.

    The principal of Peking University was upied with matters regarding National Day. If not, he would have made a trip to the school and made sure that the teachers did a thorough investigation. The school could not allow any of the people who were behind the scandal to get away with it.

    It was terrible of their students to malign their fellow peers. They had bad morals.

    What was worse was that it involved the country¡¯s important government official. This was no longer an issue of whether it was serious or not. Instead, it was a sensitive issue. More importantly, the principal of Peking University not only had to answer to Qiao Nan but also to Zhai Yaohui.

    After Qiao Nan managed to delete the forum thread, she made a report to Zhai Yaohui straightaway, lest he was caught off guard by unforeseen circumstances.

    Miao Jing, who had recovered from her cold, sat beside Zhai Yaohui. She heard the conversation and was boiling with anger.

    Her husband fetched her daughter-inw to take care of her who was sick. A student of Peking University was so wicked to fabricate lies and cause harm to Qiao Nan. The college students nowadays were terrible.

    Miao Jing was already in the capital. But even so, the principal of Peking University took a while before he figured out Zhai Yaohui¡¯s rtionship to Qiao Nan.

    The freshman of Peking University was already engaged and her fianc¨¦ was an important figure. The most ridiculous thing was that Qiao Nan¡¯s future father-inw was the subject of the first scandal surrounding Qiao Nan since she went to the school.

    The principal of Peking University felt like tearing apart the culprit after finding out Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship to the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan was being filial by meeting her inws and taking care of her mother-inw who was sick. But why did the thread make it sound so indecent and immoral?

    Since the principal of Peking University was bent on finding out the culprit, the teachers worked extra hard to think of ways to find out who the culprit was.

    The principal had issued strict orders. People who affected the unity of the students and defamed and framed one¡¯s fellow ssmates were unworthy to be a student of Peking University. They had to find out who the culprit was and remove the bad apple from the whole bunch!

    After tracing the ID, the teachers made a booking and rushed to the inte caf¨¦ at their fastest speed.

 Chapter 936 - Driven to Tears

    <h4>Chapter 936 Driven to Tears</h4>

    The programs in the inte caf¨¦ were all preconfigured. Regardless of what thisputer had been used for, many things could not be retrieved.

    Nevertheless, this kind of matter was difficult for others but not professional teachers like them.

    The thread about the kept woman was also posted in the forum with a new ID. It seemed that the ID was registered specifically for this purpose. Precisely, the profile and information of this ID were messy because of this reason. There was nothing authentic about them.

    After confirming theputer, the teachers in the school requested the boss of the inte caf¨¦ to do some investigations, especially on who came to the inte caf¨¦ in the middle of the night on the day before and used saidputer.

    Under the special request of Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was present to witness the entire process.

    When Qiao Nan saw the information on the identity card, she was stunned. ¡°I-impossible.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know this female student? Yu Xiaoxiao. The name is not bad but her behavior is too ugly.¡± The teacher shook his head continuously. He could not understand what was wrong with the students nowadays. They dared to make up a story without any basis. They also expressed their imagination with such reasoning and proof as though the story was true.

    ¡°Simr to me, she is from the Faculty of Foreign Languages. During the military training, we stayed in the same dormitory.¡± Although she did not interact with Yu Xiaoxiao much, it was hard for her to imagine that Yu Xiaoxiao was the one who posted that kind of thread.

    She was aware that for the sake of personal interest, Yu Xiaoxiao was selfish and had a certain mentality. However, she did not think that Yu Xiaoxiao was too much when she behaved that way.

    However, if this thread had been posted by Yu Xiaoxiao, she could only say that she had judged the person wrongly in the past. Yu Xiaoxiao was too good at putting up a false front.

    Upon hearing that this student by the name of Yu Xiaoxiao had such aplicated rtionship with Qiao Nan and recalling that Qiao Nan was now staying outside the school, the teachers¡¯ expressions looked more colorful than ever.

    The fewdies in this dormitory were already on bad terms previously and that was why Qiao Nan moved out? This student by the name of Yu Xiaoxiao could not take it lying down, so she acted foolishly and yed such a malicious and low-ss prank?

    ¡°Do you still wish to follow us?¡± The teacher sought Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion. If this had been done by her former dormitory mate, most likely, the other party would not have any good things to say if they were to question her in the face.

    The principal had given orders to allow Qiao Nan to participate in the whole process. Even if it was out of kindness, these teachers dared not casually decide on whether Qiao Nan should continue to follow through the case or not.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Of course, she had to go. She very much wanted to know what the truth of the matter regarding the thread was.

    Of course, at such a time, the teachers did not have to look for the student. They just needed to issue a notification and naturally, the student would report to the office abidingly.

    When she entered the office, Yu Xiaoxiao was wearing a puzzled expression. Why did the teacher summon her without an apparent reason? ¡°I am reporting.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    ¡°Counselor...¡± The counselor was not the only one present. The others in the office now were teachers. At this sight, Yu Xiaoxiao felt more confused. In particr, when she saw Qiao Nan sitting amongst them, two question marks nearly appeared in Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s eyes. ¡°Counselor, you requested my presence. Is there any matter?¡±

    As the counselor of Qiao Nan¡¯s ss, the expression of this teacher was very solemn. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, recently, there was a thread that gave rise to much discussion in the school. Do you know about it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao even gave Qiao Nan a nce.

    ¡°Let me ask you then. A few nights ago, did you go to this inte caf¨¦?¡±

    ¡°Go online? No, I don¡¯t have a habit of going online.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao denied it immediately. Unless the sses warranted it, she typically did not touch theputer, let alone go online at an inte caf¨¦.

    The counselor raised his brows. ¡°You didn¡¯t go to the inte caf¨¦?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Why did the inte caf¨¦ have records of your identity card registration and information then? See for yourself. The person who used thisputer to go online the day before... Is this your identity card?!¡± The counselor threw the evidence in front of Yu Xiaoxiao. ¡°Don¡¯t try to deny it. The information cannot be erased. If you have really done this, quickly admit to your wrongdoing. If you did not do it, it is best that you rify any misunderstanding and show us your evidence. The school is going to handle this matter strictly.¡±

    Having been reprimanded so strictly by the counselor, tears welled up in Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s eyes.

    This was the second urrence. Since Yu Xiaoxiao came to college, this was the second time that she had been reprimanded so fiercely by a teacher. As for the first time, it happened when the school term had just started.

    In the face of so many teachers, Yu Xiaoxiao dared not lose her temper. She also dared not treat the school as her home.

    Based on the counselor¡¯s words, he was open to listening to her exnation. Of course, Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to prove her innocence.

    She could not figure out why the counselor would say that the inte caf¨¦ had her identity card registration details. Clearly, she had not been to the inte caf¨¦.

    When Yu Xiaoxiao saw that the identity card on record truly belonged to her and the online timing, she pieced the puzzle and linked it to L¨¹ Yan¡¯s behavior for the past two days. Yu Xiaoxiao was driven to tears by anger. ¡°She¡¯s too much of a bully. No one will do this kind of thing.¡±

    She had confirmed through the horse¡¯s mouth that this thread regarding Qiao Nan being a kept woman was posted by L¨¹ Yan.

    However, Yu Xiaoxiaopletely did not expect that besides borrowing Tang Jiayun¡¯s camera to take that photo, L¨¹ Yan actually took her identity card in secret to go online!

    Clearly, she already knew that L¨¹ Yan did such a bad thing, but she did not intervene, and neither did she betray L¨¹ Yan and tell Qiao Nan about what L¨¹ Yan did. On the contrary, L¨¹ Yan was good. She simply took her identity card to go online and make the school catch her red-handed.

    At this moment, Yu Xiaoxiao regretted very much about not muttering a word regarding this yesterday after she knew the truth. She was thinking that, after all, L¨¹ Yan was her dormitory mate. She would leave it to L¨¹ Yan¡¯s fate whether she would be found out eventually.

    At this very moment, Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s condoning of L¨¹ Yan¡¯s acts yesterday was truly a shot in her own foot and a smash in her own face.

    If the counselor did not question her and give her a chance to exin, she would have already be L¨¹ Yan¡¯s scapegoat. ¡°Counselor, this matter was not done by me. However, this identity card belongs to me. Someone stole my identity card to go online and post that thread regarding Qiao Nan. This matter did not have anything to do with me. I know who did this!¡±

    Since L¨¹ Yan was not kind, Yu Xiaoxiao did not wish to be loyal to her as well.

    If she did not rify this matter, she would be in deep trouble because of L¨¹ Yan. ¡°Actually, this thread was posted by our dormitory mate, L¨¹ Yan. She borrowed Tang Jiayun¡¯s camera and took that photo. She also stole my identity card to go online to create the thread.¡±

    Having said that, Yu Xiaoxiao then realized that L¨¹ Yan, who seemed like a ¡®yes-man¡¯ and was most cowardly among the four dormitory mates, was so evil in her deeds.

    With this matter alone, L¨¹ Yan had smeared the names of all her three dormitory mates. None of them were spared!

    ¡°L¨¹ Yan?¡± Fine, another student had been implicated. ¡°Why did she do that? Are you certain that she was the one?¡±

 Chapter 937 - Refuse to Admit

    <h4>Chapter 937 Refuse to Admit</h4>

    Yu Xiaoxiao wiped away the tears on her face and said with certainty, ¡°She was the one who did it. She had also admitted it yesterday. She had thought that Qiao Nan was a kept... a kept woman. She said that she specially did a check on the car in the photo and the car is extremely expensive. It costs even more than the average price of a property. When we were in the dormitory, she bad-mouthed Qiao Nan. As to why she did this, I am not sure. However, she is certainly the one who did this.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao still had some sanity. Hence, she did not simply point out the reason for L¨¹ Yan¡¯s doing

    A guess could not be simply taken as the factthis was what Yu Xiaoxiao learned from this matter.

    As long as she could get herself out of the situation without any blemish, that would do.

    In the future, she would not get involved in all these lousy matters!

    Yu Xiaoxiao had it all nned. Nevertheless, the teachers in the office were also smart people and not stupid. The teacher asked directly, ¡°Since you already knew yesterday who posted the thread and were certain that L¨¹ Yan was the one, why didn¡¯t you tell your counselor about it?¡±

    Regardless of the authenticity of the content of the thread, a student should not judge this matter personally as their views might be subjective. This had stirred up such a huge storm.

    ¡°I...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao was at a loss for words. She did not know how to respond.

    Since this matter did not affect her personally, she had chosen to ignore it.

    This was despite Yu Xiaoxiao knowing in her heart that Qiao Nan was not that kind of person and that eighty to ny percent of the thread¡¯s content was false. She also expressed these thoughts in the dormitory yesterday.

    However, talk and action were separate matters.

    L¨¹ Yan was the one who posted the thread. After she found out about it, she had persuaded L¨¹ Yan but thetter refused to listen. What else could she do?

    As a dormitory mate, Yu Xiaoxiao felt that she would have betrayed L¨¹ Yan if she were to tell the counselor about this.

    In addition, if this matter could quietly pass and she were to tell the counselor that L¨¹ Yan was the one who posted the thread, most likely, the storm that had finally died down would return.

    In short, this matter had little to do with Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s personal interest.

    Since the matter had mostly died down, it was good for everyone.

    If it was unfair, the one who did this should bear the responsibility. Anyway, she was not the one who needed to apologize to Qiao Nan.

    Regarding a matter that did not involve her, of course, Yu Xiaoxiao would not treat it like one of her own. She would not feel anxious or eager to resolve it. She would rather watch the two parties concerned-Qiao Nan and L¨¹ Yan -fight it out themselves.

    Yu Xiaoxiao only needed to sit by one side and watch how the situation developed.

    However, now, L¨¹ Yan had silently smeared Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s name. Of course Yu Xiaoxiao had to tell the truth. At the very least, she would no longer help L¨¹ Yan cover it up.

    ¡°The students nowadays...¡± At the sight of Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s attitude, although the teacher in the office did not know Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s previous thoughts, she felt that this kind of behavior was too cold and indifferent.

    Initially, when they knew that Qiao Nan had settled the administrative arrangements to move out of the school, a few teachers inevitably wondered whether it was because Qiao Nan was too pampered and could not get along with her dormitory mates.

    However, at this moment, none of the teachers had such thoughts.

    First, there was L¨¹ Yan who posted the thread to smear Qiao Nan¡¯s name. Now, it was Yu Xiaoxiao who was cold and indifferent as she watched what was happening.

    Who would tolerate staying in such a dormitory? They would certainly move out.

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s face darkened, her head drooping badly. If there was a pit on the floor now, Yu Xiaoxiao would certainly crawl into it immediately.

    Yesterday, she did not feel that she was wrong not to speak out about Qiao Nan and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s matter. However, now, before the eyes of so many teachers, Yu Xiaoxiao was too shameful to say all these.

    ¡°Alright, you can stand aside.¡± Since Yu Xiaoxiao said that L¨¹ Yan was the one who did this, at the very least, they had to summon L¨¹ Yan and question her clearly in order to confirm this usation.

    Hence, L¨¹ Yan was the second one to be summoned to the office after Yu Xiaoxiao.

    Upon hearing that the teacher had summoned her to the office, especially after Yu Xiaoxiao had gone over, L¨¹ Yan was scared out of her wits. Her palms were perspiring nonstop.

    When L¨¹ Yan arrived at the entrance of the office, her face was as white as a sheet. She lifted her hand and knocked on the door. The sound of the knock was so soft that the teachers in the office nearly believed that the sound of someone knocking on the door had been their hallucination.

    ¡°Come in.¡± The counselor was a little uncertain when he shouted. After L¨¹ Yan opened the door, like a little daughter-inw, she kept her hands to herself as she threaded in step-by-step. ¡°Counselor...¡±

    Just as L¨¹ Yan wanted to ask the counselor why she was asked toe, she saw Yu Xiaoxiao standing by the side with an unfriendly face.

    Out of anxiety, L¨¹ Yan shouted guiltily. ¡°Counselor, I don¡¯t know what Yu Xiaoxiao told you. I just want to say that she was maligning me. I... I didn¡¯t do that. It did not have anything to do with me!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao, who was standing by the side and also feeling aggrieved, had been given a silent re by L¨¹ Yan. Moreover, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes were filled with usation. Yu Xiaoxiao was nearly driven mad by L¨¹ Yan: This was really a good-for-nothing. If she had known that L¨¹ Yan was someone like that, she would have helped Qiao Nan long ago.

    ¡°Oh, what do you think Yu Xiaoxiao said?¡± With L¨¹ Yan¡¯s self-confessing response, the counselor did not even need to differentiate whether Yu Xiaoxiao or L¨¹ Yan was telling the truth.

    If L¨¹ Yan had not done or admitted it in front of Yu Xiaoxiao-although Yu Xiaoxiao was present in the office¡ªwhy was she so anxious to deny something?

    0

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was cold. She cast a silent look at L¨¹ Yan for a long time.

    After all, Qiao Nan had stayed for less than twenty days in the dormitory. She had the least impression of L¨¹ Yan. Until the day she moved out, Qiao Nan did not even know what kind of person L¨¹ Yan was and how thetter¡¯s character was.

    L¨¹ Yan did not like to talk much. She did not seem to have any views normally. She would always agree with whatever Tang Jiayun said. She would stand beside Yu Xiaoxiao like thetter¡¯s shadow.

    It was certainly hard to know a person¡¯s temperament when she did not have a strong presence.

    The ludicrous thing was that although Tang Jiayun had made things difficult for her, she was not as malicious as L¨¹ Yan. It was fine that L¨¹ Yan did not open her mouth. Once she did, she wanted to bite off a huge piece of flesh from her thigh!

    Fortunately, she was wearing armor made of iron tes. L¨¹ Yan did not manage to bite off a huge piece of flesh from her thigh. Instead, L¨¹ Yan cracked all her own good teeth.

    She deserved it!

    Qiao Nan did not say anything. She just threw the piece of paper with the identity card information in front of L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan was frightened and shocked to discover that Qiao Nan was also in the office. At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s harsh words previously, L¨¹ Yan trembled with fear. She then falteringly squatted down and picked up the paper.

    When she saw the contents clearly, her pupils shrank. She then understood why Yu Xiaoxiao was in the office and why she was staring at her so fiercely. It was as if she wanted to fight it out with her.

    L¨¹ Yan took a deep breath. ¡°Counselor... Counselor, I don¡¯t understand.¡±

 Chapter 938 - Truly a Big and Silly Fool

    Chapter 938 Truly a Big and Silly Fool

    So what if they had this piece of information? This could only prove that Yu Xiaoxiao, and not her, was the one who went online. It did not have anything to do with her.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°Counselor, I have something on and will make a move first. I will have to continue to trouble you on the matter regarding the thread.¡± Given L¨¹ Yan¡¯s current attitude, Qiao Nan did not even have the mood to continue watching the show.

    At this moment, Qiao Nan already knew in her heart who posted the thread, and so did the counselors.

    Qiao Nan believed that as Zhai Yaohui was involved, the school would certainly not let L¨¹ Yan off easily. This matter had to be pursued thoroughly. Thus, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s denial was not important at all.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± The counselor regained his senses. ¡°You have suffered in this matter. Don¡¯t worry. The school will definitely settle this properly and give you a satisfactory oue.¡±

    The principal of Peking University did not tell Qiao Nan¡¯s counselor about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s identity and the rtionship between Zhai Yaohui and Qiao Nan.

    However, judging by the principal¡¯s tone, the counselor already knew that he could not look down on Qiao Nan just because she was participating in the work-study program. On the contrary, he had to take Qiao Nan seriously.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work then, counselor.¡± Seeing that the counselor was going to stand up and send her off, Qiao Nan shook her head. She then took her bag and left. ¡°Right, counselor, please help me cancel the request for the work-study program. I feel that it is not quite appropriate to do that now.

    Previously, she was staying in school and could still work and study at the same time.

    Now, she had already moved out. If she were to continue with the program, she would eventually be challenged by others.

    ¡°Not... Alright, don¡¯t worry. We will settle this for you.¡± The counselor initially wanted to say ¡®not a problem to continue¡¯. However, after considering it, he felt that Qiao Nan was quite right. Hence, he agreed.

    At the sight that Qiao Nan was going to leave the office and slip away from her, L¨¹ Yan could not help calling out to Qiao Nan to hold her back. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am innocent. Although we have not been dormitory mates for a long time, you should know the kind of person I am. Can you help me exin to the counselor? Really, this matter does not have anything to do with me.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes were filled with pleading. At this moment, she was caught in a dilemma. She could not admit it. She must not admit it.

    If she were to admit it, she would be ruined.

    The counselor had been lording over them but he behaved almost like a boot-licker in front of Qiao Nan. So, Qiao Nan was not threatening anyone. She was truly very capable.

    As such, she was definitely not the one who posted that thread!

    ¡°It is not easy for my parents to support me in my studies. In particr, they borrowed money from others to let mee to the capital to enroll in the school. Qiao Nan, can you help me, please?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that you want me to help you?¡± Qiao Nan halted her steps and looked at L¨¹ Yan straight in the eye.

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes lit up. She nodded hard. ¡°Qiao Nan, trust me. I didn¡¯t do any bad things at all. I have been wronged. Moving forward, let¡¯s be good friends.¡±

    ¡°Boo.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao was both amused and angry by L¨¹ Yan¡¯s words. The situation had be as such and she still wanted to be good friends with Qiao Nan. L¨¹ Yan was too shameless. That was simply wishful thinking!

    Qiao Nan looked at L¨¹ Yan in disbelief. At the sight of the serious look on L¨¹ Yan¡¯s face, Qiao Nan turned and said to the counselor, ¡°Counselor, after you have gotten to the bottom of the matter, issue the party with a demerit. We are ssmates after all.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are you certain about it?¡± The thread had smeared the name of a prominent figure. The principal said that they had to take this very seriously. Of course, the principal had also mentioned that they needed to respect the opinion of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I¡¯m certain.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The counselor nodded. Since the party concerned whose name had been smeared already said this, the school also had a direction on handling this matter. The counselor was easier to convince now.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words had such a great influence on the counselor. When she said to issue demerit for L¨¹ Yan, L¨¹ Yan would not have another form of punishment then. At the sight of this, both Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were wide-eyed and tongue-tied.

    L¨¹ Yan was stunned by Qiao Nan¡¯s capability. Qiao Nan had pleaded leniency for her. In addition, Qiao Nan did not reject her suggestion of bing good friends. At that moment, L¨¹ Yan suddenly had the feeling that she had risen to heaven from hell.

    Damn, if she had known that she would be able to hop onto Qiao Nan, this big ship, in this way, she would have posted the thread eight hundred years ago. So, Qiao Nan liked this kind of friend.

    Some abuse was healthy?

    Someone should have told her this earlier!

    ¡°Bye.¡± Ignoring that enthusiastic look on L¨¹ Yan¡¯s face as if she was a dog staring at a meat bone, Qiao Nan left without turning back. After this matter had been resolved, she still had to go to the small courtyard of the Zhai family to check on how much her future mother-inw had recovered from the cold.

    After Qiao Nan left, Qiao Nan did not know how the counselor made L¨¹ Yan admit to everything. It was not necessary for her to know either. She was only concerned about the oue.

    When Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan walked out of the office, L¨¹ Yan looked disheartened and depressed. Her eyes were filled with deep self-me. However, very quickly, L¨¹ Yan looked happy when she lifted her face.

    ¡°Stupid.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes sarcastically at L¨¹ Yan before she turned away and left.

    Thepetition in this society was so stiff. It was not easy for Peking University¡¯s top graduates who came to the capital from other ces to stay and be part of the working force.

    A college student with a resume that had demerit points, let alone stepping out into society, she may not even get into a favorable department for the social practice. In fact, L¨¹ Yan would simply be disqualified from the selection. Most likely, she would not even be qualified to apply for them.

    Moreover, after being issued with a demerit, L¨¹ Yan would have to abidingly carry her stool and sit by one side when the school reviewed the students¡¯ eligibility for awards.

    This demerit would not only mark L¨¹ Yan closely during the four years of her student life but it was also fearful that the demerit would be inseparable with her. It would follow her for the rest of her life.

    Regardless of thepany, when they saw that L¨¹ Yan had this demerit, they would think twice before hiring her. Only the daring ones would dare to recruit someone like L¨¹ Yan.

    At this juncture, to Yu Xiaoxiao, this was no different from L¨¹ Yan being dismissed from Peking University.

    L¨¹ Yan was still feeling so smug andcent. She thought that she had been very smart and had managed to convince Qiao Nan to soften her attitude, that it was a blessing in disguise and she could be friends with Qiao Nan, this powerful ssmate.

    If Qiao Nan was willing to be friends with L¨¹ Yan, Yu Xiaoxiao would write her name upside down!

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s face turned red. ¡°You¡¯re scolding me!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao halted her steps and sneered. ¡°So what if I am scolding you? Don¡¯t forget that you stole my identity card. I can sue you for this matter!¡± She was too shameless.

    After being bitten by the quiet L¨¹ Yan, Yu Xiaoxiao became more cautious. In particr, regardless of the circumstances, she would not let anyone secretly ¡®borrow¡¯ her identity card.

    Yu Xiaoxiao knew better. She stayed away from L¨¹ Yan as much as possible and did not continue to have fun with Tang Jiayun. On top of that, she did not have the shame to get close to Qiao Nan.

    Since Yu Xiaoxiao could not get along with her dormitory mates, Yu Xiaoxiao looked for other ssmates or people from her hometown. No matter what, she would not be alone.

 Chapter 939 - Soft or Vicious Heart

    <h4>Chapter 939 Soft or Vicious Heart</h4>

    ¡°Nan Nan, has the matter in the school been resolved?¡± When she saw Qiao Nan, Miao Jing asked as she was very concerned.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. It has been resolved.¡± Given that her father-inw was involved, Peking University would not dare to turn a blind eye. ¡°Mom, this matter is not difficult to handle. Certainly, many people have been misled by that thread. Nevertheless, many did not believe it. Think about it. What kind of ce is Peking University? However, there will always be a few exceptions in any ce regardless of how good the ce is.¡±

    In Peking University, most people were rational and logical. If that was not the case, Qiao Nan would not be able to ovee this so easily in three days.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Miao Jing understood and nodded. ¡°However, what was the person who posted that thread thinking?¡± A kept womanwas this something that could be casually said?

    Although gender equity was advocated nowadays, to Miao Jing, their society was still more benevolent towards males.

    Qiao Nan checked on Miao Jing and found that Miao Jing had almost recovered. She then replied, ¡°Humans are tooplicated. I can¡¯t figure out what they are thinking of.¡±

    ¡°How did the school settle it?¡±

    ¡°Issue demerits.¡±

    Miao Jing was a little displeased. ¡°This is such a serious matter and your school only issued demerit. Is the school siding with and covering up for that student? This will not do. I have to tell your dad and ask him to look for your principal. It is fine that they did not take the Zhai family seriously. However, do they not even have basic discipline and values?¡±

    This was heartwarming for Qiao Nan. Her mother-inw was trying to seek justice for her. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be anxious. Actually, issuing demerits for that person was my suggestion.¡±

    ¡°Your heart softened?¡± Miao Jing was puzzled. This matter had already implicated the Zhai family. It did not make sense for the school to settle this matter so easily by issuing demerit.

    ¡°Softened?¡± Qiao Nan gave aplex smile. ¡°I am not sure if my heart is soft or vicious. Mom, have you heard of the saying ¡®it¡¯s better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion¡¯? That person cannot get up anymore.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan had listened to Tang Jiayun initially mainly because besides Qiao Nan, the remaining three had been reprimanded on their first day of school. Of course, it was also because Tang Jiayun had connections and could help them get into the club of their choice. Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan felt that they had fallen short. That was why they listened to Tang Jiayun and ostracized Qiao Nan.

    Due to that matter, L¨¹ Yan already felt that she wasgging behind. Now, L¨¹ Yan had be the only student who had been issued demerit when the school term had just started. In the future, L¨¹ Yan would fall behind even more in Peking University.

    L¨¹ Yan would not be able to hide this matter. In particr, Yu Xiaoxiao, who had been deceived by L¨¹ Yan, would find ways to spread this matter to those who were unaware whenever she had the chance to do so.

    In this way, who would dare to get close to L¨¹ Yan? Wouldn¡¯t they be afraid to be harmed by her?

    Certainly, L¨¹ Yan could continue to study at Peking University, but it meant that all her social ties in the university had been severed due to this matter.

    Instead of staying, she might as well leave and transfer to a new ce to start afresh. Perhaps her future would be better in that way.

    On the contrary, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s development would be restricted from now on. In fact, it could be described as being cut off!

    As she was well aware of L¨¹ Yan¡¯s future situation, Qiao Nan really did not know how to reply to Miao Jing¡¯s question of whether she had softened her heart.

    Miao Jing smiled. ¡°It¡¯s good that you have a view on this.¡± After she knew that Qiao Nan did take some issue with the matter, Miao Jing naturally felt more assured.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, all sorts of people-fragrant or smelly, good or bad-as long as they encountered a problem, they woulde swarming to them like bees and make use of various connections to look for them. If Qiao Nan would relent and help these people when they acted pitiful, to Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family, this was definitely not a good thing. Miao Jing would have to remind Qiao Nan then.

    Suddenly, Miao Jing tugged at Qiao Nan and said, ¡°Don¡¯t go back tonight. Your dad is noting back and I am the only one at home. It¡¯s quite boring. Let¡¯s go marketing and prepare something nice?¡±

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°But when I came out, I didn¡¯t tell Shi Qing that I won¡¯t be back tonight.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that simple? Just give Shi Qing a call.¡± Without waiting for Qiao Nan to react, Miao Jing picked up the phone and dialed the number of Qiao Nan¡¯s residence. When Shi Qing picked up the phone, Miao Jing told Shi Qing about the situation.

    Shi Qing had always been quite scared of Miao Jing. In the past, she had to respect Miao Jing because she liked Zhai Sheng. It could be because she had been too used to this behavior. Although Shi Qing did not like Zhai Sheng anymore, as soon as she heard Miao Jing¡¯s voice, that cautious manner of hers was exactly the same as that in the past when she was hitting on Zhai Sheng.

    As one could imagine, once Miao Jing spoke, besides ¡®yes¡¯, Shi Qing could not say anything else. ¡°Thank you, then. Right, remember to help Qiao Nan bring her books to school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Auntie Miao. I will definitely help Qiao Nan bring the books to school.¡± Shi Qing, who was on the other end of the phone, not only agreed readily but also nodded repeatedly. Although she was doing so, Miao Jing could not see it at all.

    After hanging up the phone, Miao Jing raised her brows at Qiao Nan. ¡°Done. Come, let¡¯s go marketing.¡± Miao Jing held Qiao Nan¡¯s hands as if they were close pals. She then happily pulled Qiao Nan along to shop in the market.

    Naturally, the wife of the chief would be chauffeured when she went out.

    Hence, it only took a little more than an hour toplete the entire marketing trip and return to the small courtyard of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you will be the main chef. I will help you out, okay?¡± Miao Jing was bustling in the kitchen. Normally, she hardly cooked when they were in the capital. Now that Qiao Nan was around, of course, they could cook by themselves.

    Facing the huge pile of foodstuff on the table, particrly those with a lot of meat and protein, Qiao Nan felt as if she was in a difficult position. ¡°Mom, there is so much meat. There are only the two of us. Can we finish them? It¡¯s better to cook only the portion that we need and store the rest of the vegetables and meat in the fridge. It¡¯s not good for the body to consume overnight food.¡±

    When they were marketing, she had been trying to stop her mother-inw from buying too much. Unexpectedly, this mother-inw was an avid shopper. Shepletely could not stop.

    Not to mention half of the food, the two of them could not even finish a quarter of them.

    Was it because her mother-inw¡¯s appetite had improved so much after recovering from her cold and she was craving for meat now?

    ¡°No issue, no issue.¡± Miao Jing smiled and patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°If we can¡¯t finish them, there is still your dad. Your dad may not being back for dinner, but when he is back, he will feel hungry no matter how much he has eaten before that. Don¡¯t worry. Our Zhai family doesn¡¯t have the habit of wasting food. Your dad will definitely be able to finish the leftovers that we can¡¯t finish.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled her lips. To let the prominent Chief Zhai eat what was leftover by her... Why did her neck feel cold as if she had been held hostage by someone and there was a knife pointing at her throat?

 Chapter 940 - Touched a Wall of Meat

    <strong>Chapter 940 Touched a Wall of Meat</strong>

    In this world, the only one who dared to say things such as ¡®letting Chief Zhai eat the leftovers from their meal¡¯ was her mother-inw.

    Miao Miao was insistent. Qiao Nan had no choice but to do as she said.

    Miao Jing knew how to prepare dishes too. However, everyone¡¯s habits and mastery of cooking were different. Clearly, the ingredients and tools used were the same but the final taste would be different.

    The strange thing was that the Zhai family liked Qiao Nan¡¯s culinary style.

    Normally, in such times, Miao Jing would notpete with Qiao Nan for the role of the head chef. Instead, she would abidingly be an assistant to Qiao Nan and help Qiao Nan with the washing, cutting, and so on.

    Most likely, the only one in the whole world who could trouble the great wife of the chief to assist her was Qiao Nan.

    The two of them had been bustling in the kitchen for a long time. Finally, one by one, they finished preparing the dishes that Miao Jing listed out.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you smell of oil and smoke. Why don¡¯t you bathe first? The weather is so hot. You must have perspired much. You will feel morefortable after a bath.¡± Miao Jing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder and asked Qiao Nan to go and rest.

    ¡°That...¡± Qiao Nan looked embarrassed. Of course, she wished to bathe.

    However, the capital was not Ping Cheng. After she came to the capital, Qiao Nan felt that the most inconvenient matter was to bathe. When she was in the small courtyard of the Zhai family, it was even more impossible for her to bathe.

    Last time, to take care of Miao Jing, she had already stayed over at the ce for one night.

    However, she had been notified at the eleventh hour at that time. Hence, Qiao Nan came to the Zhai family without bringing anything. She had to have a change of clothes if she wanted to bathe. If she had to wear back the dirty clothes after bathing, she would feel weird. It would be quite unbearable.

    She was also carrying out a sudden order today. Naturally, Qiao Nan also did not bring along a change of clothing.

    There was a shimmer in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes. The corners of her lips curled up and she looked pleased. ¡°I didn¡¯t consider it well enough. You didn¡¯t bring any clothes, right? Hua Hua didn¡¯t leave behind any clothes in this house. Hua Hua¡¯s size is muchrger than yours. It¡¯s not suitable for you to wear Hua Hua¡¯s clothes regardless. Why don¡¯t we do this? I have a brand new set of lingerie. We should be about the same size. You can take mine and wear them. As for clothes... I recall that Zhai Sheng seems to have a few pieces of new white shirts in his bedroom. Why don¡¯t youpromise and wear them first? After the clothes that you have changed out of have dried, you can wear them back tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Nan said ¡®okay¡¯ suspiciously. She then looked at Miao Jing, feeling perplexed. ¡°Mom, why do I feel that you seem strange?¡±

    ¡°How am I strange? You, this child, are really...¡± Miao Jing turned away and smiled. ¡°Alright, quickly go and bathe. Anyway, the clothes are all new and they belong to Zhai Sheng. You definitely won¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°I certainly don¡¯t mind.¡± Qiao Nan nodded honestly. She might feel a little strange if she was to wear used clothing. It was not a big issue if they were new. However, she kept feeling that what was going to happen would be stranger than her wearing Brother Zhai¡¯s clothes. ¡°It is just that...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk anymore... Quickly go and bathe.¡± Without a word, Miao Jing pushed Qiao Nan into the bathroom and even conveniently closed the door for her.

    At the sight of the door shutting, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Fine, Mom. I will bathe. But where are the clothes?¡±

    Her mother-inw could not possibly let her walk out naked after she finished bathing, right?

    Although her future father-inw was not at home and only she and her future mother-inw were around, Qiao Nan really did not have such a strong heart to wander around naked ¡®blindly¡¯ in the small courtyard of the Zhai family. She could not do that.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? You can bathe first. After you finish bathing, I will get them for you.¡±

    Miao Jing, who was holding on to the door of the bathroom tightly to prevent Qiao Nan froming out said that. After thinking, Miao Jing changed her mind again. ¡°I will help you bring over your bra and panties first.¡± This was in case it would be too stimtingter. The situation could spiral out of control. That would not be good then.

    Facing the new bra and panties in her hands, Qiao Nan¡¯s face was as distorted as that of an old woman. What exactly did this mean?

    Where was the promised shirt?

    Was her mother-inw treating her as a model for a lingerie fashion show?

    There was no alternative. She had already been pushed into the bathroom. Qiao Nan did not have another option.

    During the day, the weather was extremely hot. In addition, Qiao Nan had been squatting in the kitchen for a long time. She smelled of sweat, oil, or smoke. Anyway, even Qiao Nan herself shunned thisbination of smell on her body.

    When she sessfully heard the sound of water sshing in the bathroom, Miao Jing smiled with relief. She hummed a short tune as she put all the tes of dishes properly on the table.

    Soon after, she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen voice. ¡°Mom, I have finished bathing. Where is the new shirt?¡±

    Miao Jing immediately perked up. ¡°You have finished bathing? I am busy now. I need to find something and can¡¯t go to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. Why don¡¯t we do this? Isn¡¯t there a big bath towel in the bathroom? You can use it first and then go to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room to take the shirt yourself.¡±

    After saying this, Miao Jing immediately disappeared into her own bedroom. She had to put on a full show.

    ¡°...¡± A row of ck lines appeared on the forehead of Qiao Nan, who was still in the bathroom. Why was her future mother-inw so unreliable?

    Qiao Nan had a good temper. Moreover, it was not something of a big deal. After facing the wall for three seconds, Qiao Nan gave a sigh. She could only do ording to what Miao Jing said, using the big towel to wrap herself first and then going to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room to find the clothes.

    Aftering out from the bathroom and looking at the empty living room and a table of dishes, Qiao Nan could not help feeling d and relieved that her father-inw was not at home. Otherwise, she would rather endure this in the bathroom and would never appear in ¡®public¡¯ with this look.

    With a sense of shame, Qiao Nan shrank her body. In quickened steps like a mouse, she found the doorknob of Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom door at her fastest speed.

    With the sound of a ¡®ka¡¯, Qiao Nan opened the door and went in.

    ¡°Who drew the curtains?¡± Qiao Nan had been to Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom before. In particr, after the Zhai Yaohui couple moved in, the curtains of both Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s bedrooms were all opened.

    As the curtains were drawn, Qiao Nan, who was used to a bright world, could not see anything all of a sudden. It was so dark that she could not see anything.

    Qiao Nan reached out for the wall. She wanted to turn on the lights in the room so that she would not search around like a blind man.

    Who would have known that Qiao Nan, who reached out her hands, did not manage to touch the wall but something that was as hard as the wall. However, the surface of this hard object seemed to be wrapped with ayer of soft body.

    The hard object felt warm and it even had lines on it. Squarish ones...

    Qiao Nan could feel all these when her hands only moved up and ced on it gently.

    When Qiao Nan realized that this was obviously not a wall but a man¡¯s chest, she wanted to scream, turn back, and run away.

    The other party grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s wrist and exerted a little strength. Due to forces of inertia, Qiao Nan, who wanted to escape, bumped hard into the arms of that person instead.

    With the sound of a bang, one could vaguely feel sparks flying between the two of them.

    ¡°Hmm...¡± The other party snorted in a deep voice. An iron-like arm that was as agile as a snake took the initiative to wrap around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist and tighten around it, locking Qiao Nan in tightly.

 Chapter 941 - The God of Waters and Fishing II (3/3)

    <strong>Chapter 941 Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®Big Feast</strong>

    His other hand was on Qiao Nan¡¯s back. When it slid up, he could feel a piece of skin that was as smooth as cream.

    At that moment, this person only had one thought: Tender, really tender. It was much tenderer than the tenderest tofu that he had eaten before.

    ¡°Not wearing any clothes?¡± The nudity that was stered on his chest was too obvious. Truly, the feeling of direct skin-to-skin contact without any hindrance felt extremely wonderful.

    ¡°Brother... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan was scared out of her wits. She heard the other party¡¯s voice and naturally shouted.

    ¡°Besides me, who dares to do this to you?¡± At this moment, Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice sounded extremely deep and hoarse. It also seemed to carry with it tones of fury and endurance.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s injury was almost recovered. Once the injury did not hinder his movement, he resumed his work and handled the matters of the army.

    Earlier, Zhai Sheng had been resting too much. As such, a lot of work had piled up. Naturally, he had to pick up all these pieces of work and conscientiously settle them. If the tasks were to umte further, Zhai Sheng would still have to handle them eventually. It was certainly better to settle them sooner thanter. These were tasks that Zhai Sheng could not neglect.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng could spend less time and effort during such time as Shi Peng, his master, was still around. Regardless of the situation, Shi Peng would settle most of them properly for Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng also trusted Shi Peng.

    Now, there was a neer who took over Shi Peng¡¯s responsibilities. Zhai Sheng had not nurtured this kind of chemistry and trust with him. Hence, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to work a little harder.

    After a few consecutive days of sleepless nights, Zhai Sheng finally managed to settle all of the duties within his job scope. Thereafter, Zhai Sheng rushed to the capital without taking any break.

    To put it bluntly, even if the Zhai Yaohui couple had already arrived at the capital, Zhai Sheng also did not believe that this pair of unreliable dad and mom would help him take good care of his good wife. He felt that his biological parents would not be moremitted than him in doing so. Thus, it was better that he came to the capital as soon as possible to protect and keep a watch personally. He would feel more at ease that way.

    It had been very rushed for him. In addition, Zhai Sheng¡¯s health was still on the road to recovery and his hands had notpletely healed.

    When Zhai Sheng arrived in the capital, naturally, he was exhausted.

    Without a word, Miao Jing got Zhai Sheng to return to his bedroom to nap. She would prepare a big feast for Zhai Sheng in the evening.

    Zhai Sheng was truly exhausted. Without thinking much, he agreed.

    The first person that he had wanted to see when he rushed to the capital was Qiao Nan. However, he had to consider the practicalities of the situation. Zhai Sheng was thinking that he could take a nap to replenish his energy. Before he looked for Qiao Nan at Peking University, he could tidy up his appearance and meet her with a good image. At the same time, he could wipe out anyone who could potentially be his rival-in-love.

    However, the n could not keep up with the changes. Zhai Sheng, whose thick and rough hands had been rubbing and touching the smooth and beautiful back of Qiao Nan, was already thinking about what his mother had said-that she would prepare a feast for him. Did this ¡®feast¡± include the tender baby that he was holding in his arms?

    With the fragrant and bare feel in his hands, coupled with the smell of water and fragrance after a bath, Zhai Sheng increasingly felt that the tender baby in his arms was his true ¡®feast¡¯ today!

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng was not wearing any more clothes than Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng only wore a pair of boxers to sleep. His upper torso was naked, and so were his body below his knees.

    Qiao Nan was not truly young. At most, she was just inexperienced. Under such circumstances, she could feel how ¡®dangerous¡¯ her predicament was. It was so easy for Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®gun¡¯ to go off by ident.

    For the sake of her own ¡®safety¡¯, Qiao Nan lifted her head. ¡°Brother Zhai... Mmph...¡±

    Qiao Nan just shouted two words ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ before her mouth was blocked by Zhai Sheng

    It could be because of too much longing or sperms getting into his head that Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan very tightly. The hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s back even pulled Qiao Nan towards him with all his might.

    Qiao Nan was caught off guard. Besides the thinyer of cloth on her body, the upper bodies of the two of them werepletely pressed together.

    At the same time, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng could clearly feel the two balls of tender meat, which were Zhai Sheng¡¯s favorite, on Qiao Nan¡¯s chest, being squeezed by the hard chest muscles. They were pressed together like a pancake.

    Due to this sense of touch, the two of them shuddered uncontrobly. Thereafter, Zhai Sheng opened his eyes and looked into that of Qiao Nan. He turned red all of a sudden!

    In the face of Zhai Sheng¡¯s increasingly aggressive advances and engulfment, Qiao Nan swallowed continuously. She was anxiously grabbing Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms with that little strength of her pair of hands.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips and tongue were scorching. It was hotter than the June sun. It was so hot that Qiao Nan felt that she was like an ice cream that was being feasted on mouthful by mouthful by Zhai Sheng. She was going to end up being thoroughly devoured in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tummy.

    This kiss of Zhai Sheng was extraordinarily fierce.

    That taste in his mouth which was as fragrant and sweet as honey made Zhai Sheng obsessed. Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings were right. At this moment, Zhai Sheng only had one thing in his mind, and that was to ¡®devour¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    The tender and nice-smelling tiny lips felt so full and bouncy. The taste made Zhai Sheng feel pitiful as he gently licked and meticulously traced them. However, that addictive sweetness filled Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart with a sense of exigency. He could not help sucking hard again.

    In the dark room, the sound of kissing could be heard. It made Qiao Nan feel so shy that even the tips of her toes curled up.

    Having been kissed so fiercely by Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s soul almost flew away.

    When Qiao Nan regained her senses, she had already been pressed on the bed by Zhai Sheng. As Zhai Sheng was pressing on to her, she felt that she was under a mountain and the oxygen in her lungs was all gone.

    Without the need for Zhai Sheng to use much strength, the towel that was already unreliable gave way with a gentle flick of a finger. It then revealed the chaste and attractive figure wrapped in it.

    Qiao Nan, who realized the situation that she was in, trembled badly. That tender look would make a man want to pity and also torture her!

    He had already reached the forbiddennd that he was yearning for. Zhai Sheng knew that he could go to heaven next.

    As a man, Zhai Sheng wanted very much to go in. He also wanted to do it viciously and strongly, not just with fingers.

    However...

    Zhai Sheng, who was both angry and annoyed, gritted his teeth. Qiao Nan, who was lying down and dared not move, could clearly hear the sound of Zhai Sheng grinding his teeth.

    Zhai Sheng was not moving anymore. All the more Qiao Nan did not dare to move. She was afraid that she would stimte Zhai Sheng again such that thetter could not stop.

    She could vaguely feel that Zhai Sheng¡¯s body was not only stiff and hard but also shockingly hot. Beads of sweat were sshing on her naked body. Qiao Nan felt her heart ache for Zhai Sheng because she knew that Zhai Sheng certainly did not feel good.

    After some time, Zhai Sheng¡¯s strange, hoarse, and deep voice could be heard. ¡°Nan Nan, is it because you don¡¯t love me?¡± Hence, she refused to give herself to him even though they were already engaged?

    At the thought of this answer, Zhai Sheng discovered that his heart felt more painful than his swollen body.

 Chapter 942 - She was Indeed His Biological Mother

    <h4>Chapter 942 She was Indeed His Biological Mother</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s not that...¡± Qiao Nan said softly. Her hands held on to Zhai Sheng¡¯s stiff arms that were by her side. ¡°Today... It is not appropriate today!¡± How could she not love Brother Zhai? If she did not love him, the moment Brother Zhai touched her, she would resist and punch him even if she did not have the strength to do so.

    However, her future mother-inw was in this house!!!

    At this point in time, Qiao Nan was beginning to understand that most probably, what happened today was all arranged by her future mother-inw. She was like a silly little sheep that fell into the pit dug by her mother-inw.

    She did not know that Brother Zhai had arrived in the capital but her mother-inw was certainly aware of it. Her mother-inw clearly knew that Brother Zhai was sleeping in his bedroom, yet she allowed her to go over in such attire.

    It was no wonder that Miao Jing insisted her to have a bath. Miao Jing also imed that she was busy and asked her to go to Brother Zhai¡¯s bedroom to take the clothes. She had said before that today, her mother-inw¡¯s behavior was too strange. So, that was the reason. ¡°Mom, Mom is outside.¡± Qiao Nan reminded softly. They were not the only people in this house. There was a ¡®third party¡¯.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was trembling more than her body. Anyway, she felt embarrassed and awkward. She could not get over this psychological barrier.

    If she really gave herself to Brother Zhai today, no matter what, she certainly would not be able to face anyone tomorrow, especially her mother-inw.

    At this moment, the sound of Zhai Sheng grinding his teeth grew louder

    One¡¯s sesses and failures were both due to the same person. Zhai Sheng was so enraged that he felt like vomiting blood.

    How could Zhai Sheng not understand what Qiao Nan had already figured out?

    Initially, Zhai Sheng still believed that the tender and soft thing in his arms was the ¡®big feast¡¯ that his mother had prepared for him. Zhai Sheng felt that this was truly his biological mother.

    When Qiao Nan¡¯s towel gave way and he saw that the lingerie on Qiao Nan was obviously new, he already knew that her mother had conned him.

    Indeed, she was his biological mother!

    If his mother really wanted to gift her daughter-inw as a ¡®big feast¡¯ to him, no matter what, she should let Nan Nan enter his bedroom without any lingerie.

    When they were stered together, Zhai Sheng had already discovered that Qiao Nan was still wearing two pieces of small **.

    Qiao Nan initially felt her heart ache for Zhai Sheng. He was already ¡®so old¡¯. It was fine when they were just dating. Now, they were already engaged. The arrow was already on the string but he could not fire it. He was enduring it badly and it was bad for his health. However, at this moment, Qiao Nan only felt that the situation before her was too amusing.

    Was her mother-inw¡¯s intention to help or harm Brother Zhai?

    With this smile, all of Qiao Nan¡¯s nervousness and fear disappeared.

    Qiao Nan mustered her courage and used one hand to quietly put the two ends of the towel together while her other hand hooked on Zhai Sheng¡¯s neck and lifted his head. She then urately nted a kiss on Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips that were tightly pursed currently due to anger. ¡°Next time. Next time, find a suitable time and ce.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? You won¡¯t regret it?¡± He had not feasted on meat but he had taken some of it. Furthermore, he had been promised a big feast the next time. Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood finally turned brighter.

    ¡°I am certain. I won¡¯t regret it.¡±

    ¡°Even if you are not certain and will regret it, you won¡¯t be able to run away next time.¡± He was not Liu Xiahui. He could not tolerate another urrence of this. Zhai Sheng felt that if this situation was to repeat itself, he would certainly burst into mes and kill someone.¡±

    A murderous and sinister aura could be heard in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone. Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Quickly get up now. Otherwise, you¡¯re the one who won¡¯t feel good.¡± In this aspect, women¡¯s endurance was much better than men¡¯s.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone changed. He pressed Qiao Nan, who had wanted to get up, back onto the bed.

    ¡°You...¡± Didn¡¯t he already promise her not to do it?

    Zhai Sheng did not speak. He told Qiao Nan what he wished to do with his actions.

    He was not only a man but also a very ¡®normal¡¯ man, a man that was much healthier than other men.

    His wife was in his arms. Although he could not truly ¡®feast¡¯ on her, he did not need to shortchange himself by enduring it or satisfying himself on his own to vent it out.

    After dawdling for half an hour, when Qiao Nan felt that the skin on her palms was almosting off, Zhai Sheng finally groaned. It was finally over.

    ¡°Cough...¡± Miao Jing had been waiting until the hot rice had turned cold. Finally, her son and daughter-inw were out. As the initiator, Miao Miao realized that she had actually done it now and was wondering what appropriate words to say.

    After all, Miao Jing was someone who had given birth to two children. At the sight of Qiao Nan¡¯s walking posture when thetter came out, Miao Jing knew that her son did not thoroughly ¡®bully¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    Regarding this, Miao Jing gently heaved a sigh of relief.

    Many years ago, when she was married to Zhai Yaohui, she gave birth to two children within three years. Miao Jing did not doubt the ¡®ability¡¯ of the men in the Zhai family at all.

    Qiao Nan was only in her first year of college studies. Regardless of how much Miao Jing wanted to have a grandchild, she could not allow her son to cause a ¡®life¡¯ to be at stake at this moment. Moreover, Qiao Nan had not reached the legal age of marriage.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s temperament, they would definitely not do anything illegal. Regardless of whether it was a grandson or granddaughter, they were all precious to them and she would not let the grandchild be unregistered in the household.

    As such, Miao Jing wanted to let her son ¡®have meat¡¯ to confirm that his son certainly loved the girl and that he did not have any problems with his health. However, she was also worried about Qiao Nan¡¯s age. Premarital pregnancy was certainly not so pleasant.

    As to contraceptive pills, Miao Jing was definitely not agreeable to taking them.

    Miao Jing, who was touching her chin, suddenly considered one issue. Why didn¡¯t her son use a condom next time?

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    There were two sounds of ¡®mom¡¯. The ¡®mom¡¯ from Qiao Nan felt high-spirited. As to the ¡®mom¡¯ from Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing could tell that it was filled with rage.

    ¡°Ah, both of you must be exhausted. Come, quickly eat.¡± The silly Miao Jing simply spoke from her heart. Qiao Nan¡¯s face was so red that she felt like leaving.

    What did she mean when she said ¡®both of you must be exhausted¡¯?

    Zhai Sheng was more at ease. He pulled Qiao Nan, who almost became a scaredy-cat, along with him and sat down in aposed manner. He then helped Qiao Nan scoop a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup and ced them before her. ¡°You must be hungry. Have some.¡± Nan Nan was certainly tired out.

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing could not take her son¡¯s shamelessness anymore. She picked up some vegetables with her chopsticks and ced them in Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl. ¡°Nan Nan, have some. It has been tough on you today. Eat more.¡± Most likely, it would only get tougher in the future.

    ¡°...¡± When Qiao Nan, who had just started eating, heard Miao Jing¡¯s words, she nearly buried her face in the bowl of rice and could not lift it up. Facing Miao Jing¡¯s words, Qiao Nan really did not have the courage to reply that it was not tough and not tiring.

    Zhai Sheng took a nce at Qiao Nan, whose head almost emitted smoke, and secretly made a decision on whether he and Nan Nan should buy another house and stay separately from his parents after they were married.

    Otherwise, given today¡¯s situation, it was not too convenient for him to ¡®have meat¡¯ after marriage.

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan is born on the month with thirty-one days?¡± While having his meal and facing the extremely quiet table, Zhai Sheng suddenly asked.

 Chapter 943 - His Wife Could Not Sleep in Someone Elseâ€™s Bedroom

    <h4>Chapter 943 His Wife Could Not Sleep in Someone Else¡¯s Bedroom</h4>

    Miao Jing looked puzzled as she turned to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan then blinked and looked at Zhai Sheng. What did Brother Zhai mean by these words?

    ¡°Nan Nan is born in a month with thirty-one days. I recall that she will be twenty years old in four months¡¯ time.¡±

    ¡°?¡±

    There were two question marks appearing in Qiao Nan and Miao Jing¡¯s eyes respectively. They seemed to be asking why Zhai Sheng said that without an apparent reason.

    In the end, Miao Jing was the first to react. ¡°Do you mean that since Nan Nan is born in the month with thirty-one days, she will be twenty years old in four months¡¯ time and the two of you can collect your marriage certificate then?¡± Ah, that was right. Why did she forget about this?

    Thosedies who were born in the months with thirty days would reach the legal age of marriage only when they were twenty-two years old. Nan Nan was born in the month with thirty-one days. Hence, they could collect the marriage certificate when she reached the nominal age of twenty-one years old. She could be part of the Zhai family then.

    Miao Jing counted with her fingers and said happily, ¡°In that case, even if the two of you do it, I don¡¯t even need to prepare condoms for you. Even if a ¡®life¡¯ is at stake, you will be able to collect the certificate in four months¡¯ time. My grandchild will not be unregistered in the household then!¡± Why had she forgotten such an important point?

    My goodness, if she had known that this was the case, she would not have given Nan Nan the new lingerie that she had specially bought for thetter.

    This set of lingerie was certainly Miao Jing¡¯s warning for Zhai Sheng that there should be a bottom line in everything. It would be too much if he were to go off-limits.

    ¡°!¡± With the sound of a pop, the chopsticks in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands dropped on the table directly. She was angered by Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng, this pair of mother and son.

    Zhai Sheng quietly helped Qiao Nan pick up the chopsticks and tucked them back in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. He then picked up a lot of meat with his chopsticks for Qiao Nan, rubbed her head, and hurried her to eat.

    At the sight of the heap of dishes in her bowl, Qiao Nan was briefly having an illusion that Zhai Sheng was fattening her up so that he could ¡®feast¡¯ on herter on.

    Could this be exined as ¡®you had eaten your fill now, so I could also eat to my heart¡¯s content next time¡¯?

    After the meal, Qiao Nan dropped her chopsticks. Without even watching television, she rushed into Zhai Hua¡¯s room at lightning speed. ¡°Mom, Brother Zhai, I¡¯m feeling sleepy. I will sleep first. Goodnight.¡± As to who would wash the dishes after the meal today, Qiao Nan was not the least concerned.

    Miao Jing rolled her eyes at Zhai Sheng, feeling slightly satisfied. ¡°See, you have scared her away.¡± Facing her son who was almost twenty-six years old, Miao Jing had been worried. She was happy that her son was not a loose person. However, he was too extreme and it seemed as though he was uninterested in women. Miao Jing had been too concerned.

    As a woman with traditional thinking, Miao Jing always felt that yin and yang was the bestbination and the way to go.

    However, after so many years, Miao Jing had seen the world and was also aware that there were some people who loved people of their gender. She did not discriminate against this type of people but she was reluctant for her son to be one of them.

    In the past, when Zhai Yaohui was with Qi Min, they had never held hands in front of others. Moreover, there would not be a situation whereby they would go out and stay outside overnight.

    At that time, Miao Jing told herself that Zhai Yaohui did not love Qi Min. Hence, he was not willing to touch Qi Min. There were also such situations.

    Later on, she found out that Qiao Nan was the one that her son loved. He had also gotten engaged with Qiao Nan but these two were still dawdling. They did not seem to have any actual progress. They were still purely holding hands after the engagement.

    Could Miao Jing, this mother, not feel anxious?

    Precisely, the show today came about because of that. Miao Jing wanted to confirm whether her son truly loved woman, was true to Qiao Nan, and could give Qiao Nan a happy sex life.

    If that was not the case, Miao Jing was not willing to dy Qiao Nan¡¯s life. It would be better for them to go their separate ways so that neither would dy each other¡¯s time.

    However, at this moment, all of Miao Jing¡¯s doubts and worries had disappeared.

    His little wife had returned to the bedroom with a red face. His biological mother was humming a small tune. As the only man in the house, Zhai Sheng had the self-awareness to start washing the dishes.

    However, when he saw the color of the white porcin tes was in stark contrast with the skin color of his hands, Zhai Sheng moved his hands and said, ¡°They are not as fair as Nan Nan.¡±

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was not present. Otherwise, she would definitely feel so shy that she felt like punching Zhai Sheng.

    Such an embarrassing thing happened today. After Qiao Nan returned to Zhai Hua¡¯s room, she could not fall asleep for a long time. This was also not her sleeping time based on her usual routine.

    However, she was really too embarrassed to leave the room. She could only toss and turn on the bed until she was tired out. Qiao Nan fell asleep in a daze thereafter.

    In the middle of the night, the doorknob of Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom door moved. One could hear the sound of a click. The door seemed to have been unlocked.

    Even if there was not a single ray of light in the room, the eyes of Zhai Sheng, who resembled that of a leopard, were not hindered at all. Without a miss, he urately zoomed in on Qiao Nan, who wasying and sleeping soundly on the bed.

    His white T-shirt was still on Qiao Nan. Although it was big, it could only cover Qiao Nan¡¯s round and tiny buttocks. It was above Qiao Nan¡¯s knees.

    As such, he could naturally see Qiao Nan¡¯s fair and smooth as well as straight and slender legs that were more beautiful than spring.

    When Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan up with his hands, he could not help but reach out to touch Qiao Nan¡¯s calves. The skin that did not greet the sun for many years was extremely smooth and tender. In addition, the muscles on the calves were firm and bouncy. That kind of touch-whoever touched it would know how it felt.

    Zhai Sheng did not understand. How did his little wife do that? She was so soft all over. It was as if she did not have any bones.

    Each time he came into physical contact with his little wife, he could not take his hands off her.

    After secretly having a kick, Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan up swiftly before she woke up. Zhai Sheng was very strong. Hence, when he lifted Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan did not feel much and also did not wake up from her dreand.

    It was only when Qiao Nan was sleeping in a different ce did she dream of a huge python surrounding her in circles and tightening itself on her waist. It seemed to have the intention to strangle her to death. Qiao Nan, who felt suffocated, woke up and broke out in a sweat. She was awakened from the nightmare.

    ¡°I...¡± The feeling of suffocation from the dream was still present. It did not disappear just because she woke up. Qiao Nan looked down. My goodness, the arms of a man were wrapped on her waist.

    After what happened during the day, Qiao Nan did not feel frightened now. She was very clear as to whose arms they were.

    The problem was that she was sleeping in Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s room. Before she slept, she remembered very clearly that she had already locked the door tightly.

    Zhai Sheng, who was hugging Qiao Nan and sleeping, exerted some strength. Thereafter, Qiao Nan¡¯s back and Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest were even closer to each other. Qiao Nan could feel the frequency of Zhai Sheng¡¯s heartbeat through this contact.

    ¡°Be good. Sleep.¡± Zhai Sheng pecked twice on the bare neck of Qiao Nan. His four limbs were tightly intertwined with Qiao Nan. Thereafter, he did not move. He had the intention to sleep.

 Chapter 944 - Did Not Learn to Be Good At All

    <h4>Chapter 944 Did Not Learn to Be Good At All</h4>

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who was in a daze, did not manage to figure out how Zhai Sheng got into her room. She was still in a confused state when she fell asleep again.

    Qiao Nan could not figure this out but Zhai Yaohui was well aware of what happened.

    After washing up, Zhai Yaohui returned to his room to change his clothes and sleep. ¡°That little brat. He used all the skills that he has picked up in the army to steal a beauty. That is so promising!¡±

    Early the next morning, Qiao Nan¡¯s first reaction when she woke up was to turn her body. She saw that the other side of the bed was empty.

    Qiao Nan blinked hard. Could it be that what happened during the daytime was too stimting and it caused her to have a ridiculous dream?

    When Qiao Nan found out that she was not sleeping in Zhai Hua¡¯s room and that she was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room, her face turned ck. True enough!

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Zhai Sheng, who had just returned from morning exercises, was perspiring badly. He only wanted to return to his bedroom to take his underwear before taking a bath. Unexpectedly, his little wife had a pleasant surprise for him early in the morning.

    Qiao Nan had just woken up. Her slightly tousled long hair that was below shoulder-length was fanned out in a sexy manner. It was a stark contrast with her fair and wless face.

    When the two of them were hugging and sleeping together the night before, Qiao Nan¡¯s shirt was buttoned properly.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng purely wanted to carry Qiao Nan over so that the two of them could sleep together.

    Qiao Nan was his wife. Why should they sleep separately? She even had to sleep in Zhai Hua¡¯s room?

    Zhai Sheng, who had a strong sense of territorial ownership, pried open the lock without a word and carried Qiao Nan back to his room.

    As for a discussion, Zhai Sheng expressed that it was not necessary. That was his wife. Where should she sleep if not in his room? At most, it was because Nan Nan was shy that his mother was around. As a true man, of course, he could not put his wife in a difficult position. He would carry Nan Nan over when she was sleeping. That was the most convenient way.

    However, it was a sweet, young thing that he had had in mind for four to five years. He had watched her grow better and better over the years. Regardless of how pure his intention was when he first carried her over, some matters were not so easily controlled when the two were lying down together.

    It was only until when he woke up in the morning that Zhai Sheng discovered that one of his arms was under Qiao Nan¡¯s neck for her to lean on like a pillow.

    As for the other hand that was initially around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist, it had not been so honest and abiding. It not only tore off the top two buttons of the shirt that Qiao Nan was wearing but also damaged the third one, which was swaying on Qiao Nan¡¯s chest with a bit of string left.

    The shirt on Qiao Nan had been pulled down by that hand. Zhai Sheng¡¯s big hands even took the initiative to reach into the new territory that he discovered, let alone revealing Qiao Nan¡¯s beautiful shoulder.

    When Zhai Sheng was awake, he was taken aback by the situation. It had felt too good.

    After withdrawing his hands, Zhai Sheng¡¯s sharp eyes looked a little perplexed.

    The eyes that were as sharp as an eagle looked at the beautifully-shaped cor bone of Qiao Nan and the skin so fair that it bedazzled the eyes. He quietly asked himself, ¡®Was I the one who did this?¡¯

    He was not considered a true veteran. Zhai Sheng did not know that he would behave in this way subconsciously when he was sleeping. This was the first time that he encountered this and he was taken aback. At that moment, he felt a slight sense of shame.

    When Zhai Sheng woke up, he still had some ¡®conscience¡¯ as he helped Qiao Nan adjust her clothing properly such that it covered her beautiful shoulder. He then got out of bed and went exercising as per his usual routine.

    Qiao Nan was not aware of this situation. She also did not know that the top two buttons of the shirt that she was wearing had already perished. The third one was also handicapped and could not survive anymore.

    In addition, due to Qiao Nan¡¯s movement when she was asleep, the shirt that Zhai Sheng had adjusted properly for Qiao Nan before he left had slipped to the side again.

    His beloved woman was looking at him softly with half-lidded eyes. The morning sun was shining on Qiao Nan and the shirt on her became slightly translucent. The curvaceous figure under the shirt that Zhai Sheng had felt for himself yesterday was partly hidden and visible now. This certainly caused a huge blow to Zhai Sheng¡¯s sight.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have to know that a man cannot be seduced in the morning. Are you ready for it?¡± Zhai Sheng, whose ¡®fire¡¯ had not gone down at all, revealed a dangerous shimmer in his eyes. His wolf-like eyes locked themselves on the translucent and tempting outline of Qiao Nan¡¯s figure.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was still in a blurry state and reacted only three secondster. Under the baptism of Zhai Sheng¡¯s hot and steamy eyes, Qiao Nan then shockingly discovered that her upper body felt a little cold.

    Qiao Nan let out a cold breath and then quickly adjusted the clothing on her. In particr, half of the beast that she had revealed earlier became the territory most guarded by her.

    Once Qiao Nan pulled the cor of the shirt, she felt that it did not feel right. She pinched it with her fingers and asked, ¡°Where are the buttons on my shirt?¡±

    ¡°I will go and bathe.¡± After feasting with his eyes early in the morning, Zhai Sheng, who had taken a lot of ice cream, suppressed his temptation. He took his clothing and left.

    Qiao Nan red at the door that had been shut by Zhai Sheng, speechless.

    Damn, why didn¡¯t she discover earlier that there was a gust of rogue manners in Brother Zhai¡¯s bones?

    Who was seducing who?

    Zhai Sheng did not add salt to the injury nor let Qiao Nan¡¯s anger and his desire growrger. Thereafter, he was very tactful to bring over the clothing that Qiao Nan had washedst night to her. They were already dry.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you have a good sleepst night?¡± Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan smilingly when thetter walked out of Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. She seemed to have predicted that this would be the oue in the morning. Unknowingly, her eyes were hovering around Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy.

    However, Miao Jing felt regretful once again by the walking posture of Qiao Nan which was more than normal. Her little grandchild had note yet.

    At this moment, Zhai Yaohui became the only person in the Zhai family that had a ¡®conscience¡¯. His son had already taken such a huge advantage of thedy, yet his wife was still putting on the attitude of watching a show. That was not very good. ¡°Alright, quicklye and eat.¡±

    Miao Jing rolled her eyes at Zhai Yaohui disdainfully. A crooked stick will have a crooked shadow. He was just pretending to be a good man in front of Nan Nan.

    ¡°Cough!¡± Completely understanding the despicable look in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes and at the thought of his action when he was young, Zhai Yaohui cleared his throat and reminded Miao Jing that she had to give him, this head of the family, some face in front of the children.

    Toward his parents¡±exchange of love nces¡¯, Zhai Sheng pretended that he did not see them. ¡°Nan Nan, finish this cup of milk. I will send you to schoolter. Tonight, do wee back to this house or go to your master¡¯s ce?¡±

    ¡°Go to my master¡¯s ce!¡± Qiao Nan replied without further consideration.

    Zhai Sheng gave Qiao Nan¡¯s hands a squeeze. He was very benevolent. ¡°Alright.¡± It was fine. He had just arrived in the capital yesterday and had been resting. From today onward, he basically could not ck off anymore. He was not any less busy than his father.

 Chapter 945 - Changed Real Fast

    <h4>Chapter 945 Changed Real Fast</h4>

    After eating breakfast, Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Nan to school in the Land Rover.

    Shi Qing arched her eyebrows at seeing Zhai Sheng getting off the car. ¡°Brother Zhai, you are really here in the capital!¡± She had known Zhai Sheng for many years, but she rarely saw him in the capital.

    Although she had heard of it previously that Zhai Sheng woulde to the capital, Shi Qing was skeptical toward this news. She had to see him for herself to believe it.

    People changed real fast, particrly Brother Zhai. He would change and do anything for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I will leave Nan Nan to you. Take good care of her.¡± Zhai Sheng opened the door for Qiao Nan personally and helped her get off the car. He waited until Qiao Nan stood in front of Shi Qing before he handed her belongings to her.

    As a soldier, Zhai Sheng never cared about gentlemanly behavior. But as a Chinese man, Zhai Sheng knew instinctively how he should care for the woman he loved.

    ¡°Remember to call me in the evening.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan before leaving in his car.

    Shi Qing watched as Zhai Sheng left. She sighed. ¡°I never expected that there would be a day where Brother Zhai would behave like a nanny and be so considerate to someone else. Qiao Nan, you must be lucky in this life for Brother Zhai to fall in love with you. Why do I have the feeling that Brother Zhai is treating you like his daughter?¡±

    Seeing how Zhai Sheng took great care of Qiao Nan, it reminded Shi Qing of the days back when her father sent her to school for the first time. It was no different from what she saw just now.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Both of us have lessons this morning. We must hurry or we will bete.¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait for me!¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes. She suddenly remembered that she had sses this morning. ¡°Oh, my goodness! The lesson this morning is conducted by the teacher well-known in our faculty for her fierce temper. If I amte for her ss, I heard that she will make life difficult for the students for three consecutive years!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s such a coincidence.¡± Tang Jiayun was amused as she witnessed Qiao Nan getting off the Land Rover once again. Like she said, she had an affinity with Qiao Nan. They would definitely be good friends.

    If not, why would she be present whenever something happened to Qiao Nan?

    Tang Jiayun flicked her hair. She had her high heels on and was getting ready to walk to the ssroom. She saw L¨¹ Yan who had a glum expression. ¡°Hey, have youe back from outside? Are you addicted to the inte? Have you been to the inte caf¨¦ again? Whose identity card did you borrow this time? Whose money did you use this time? Who is the unlucky one that you posted a thread about this time around?¡±

    Tang Jiayun was puzzled why L¨¹ Yan was able to remain at Peking University.

    Things had been rified, and demerit points were given. Why did L¨¹ Yan have the courage to stay at Peking University and to stay outside for the night? Tang Jiayun had to hand it to L¨¹

    Yan.

    Was L¨¹ Yan that strong emotionally and hence could ept everything?

    ¡°What does this have to do with you?¡± L¨¹ Yan retorted unhappily. ¡°It had only been a few days and it was a different man now. Back then, the man was her elder. I suppose the man just now is her elder brother?¡± Crap. Like her, Qiao Nan did note from a well-to-do family. How was it possible that her brother had such an expensive car?

    ¡°What a fool.¡± Tang Jiayun blew on her nails. ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice that the car was the same as the one from before? Therefore, the handsome guy must be rted to the man from thest time.¡±

    Even if they were not directly rted, they must be rtives.

    Initially, Tang Jiayun had her suspicions as well. She was not certain whether the older man was really Qiao Nan¡¯s elder. Perhaps it was because of the man that the incident regarding the thread was covered up.

    However, from what Tang Jiayun saw today, she felt that what happenedst time might be a misunderstanding. They had been thinking too much.

    The handsome guy bore a resemnce to the older man fromst time. They must be father and son.

    No man would help his father send his kept woman to school. It was simply ludicrous.

    L¨¹ Yan was in a daze upon hearing what Tang Jiayun said. She recalled what happened and realized that Tang Jiayun might be right.

    L¨¹ Yan had a sullen expression on her face. Not only was she issued demerits points, but Yu Xiaoxiao also kept ignoring her. She had no friends at school.

    L¨¹ Yan had no other choice but to consider being friends with students from the same hometown.

    It was a pity that they came from different faculties and their ssrooms and dormitories were far apart.

    Furthermore, L¨¹ Yan was capable of using cheap tricks on others, but it did not mean that other people would do so as well. Many students cherished their chances to study at Peking University. They wished that there were forty-eight hours a day so that they could study. They did not have the time to be up to no good like L¨¹ Yan.

    Moreover, what L¨¹ Yan did was indeed too lowly. People from her hometown disliked students who made trouble out of nothing.

    L¨¹ Yan tried to be friendly to them, but her warm feelings were met with cold rebuke. Eventually, she stopped being friendly to them.

    L¨¹ Yan was still upset about this when she saw a handsome man drove Qiao Nan to school early in the morning.

    Zhai Sheng was tall and upright. He had the looks and a righteous aura about him. People could not help but want to rely on him.

    L¨¹ Yan grew fond of him as well.

    But she was upset that the handsome man that she liked drove Qiao Nan to school early in the morning. She was jealous of Qiao Nan. She could not help butment that Qiao Nan was with an older man previously, and she was with a younger man this time.

    L¨¹ Yan kept staring at Zhai Sheng. Previously, when she wanted to teach Qiao Nan a lesson, she had also taken a close look at the photo.

    She might have overlooked it previously, but after Tang Jiayun¡¯s reminder, L¨¹ Yan thought about it and realized that the man who picked up Qiao Nan that day had a resemnce to the man who sent Qiao Nan to school today.

    ¡°You have sharp eyes.¡± Tang Jiayun used to hate Qiao Nan more than her. Why did she side with her now?

    Tang Jiayun could tell that L¨¹ Yan was puzzled. She hurried toward the ssroom while she ridiculed L¨¹ Yan. ¡°I may have sharp eyes, but you are a moron. You want to bask in Qiao Nan¡¯s light, yet you dare to act as if you are the boss. Do you think you own the world?¡±

    Tang Jiayun might have a bad temper and was after material gains.

    However, she understood what was good for her, and no matter how difficult it was, she was willing to do anything to get what she wanted.

    Tang Jiayun disliked people like L¨¹ Yan. She wanted to stand to gain but pretended to be prim and proper.

    She was so pretentious!

    ¡°Hmph!¡± L¨¹ Yan clenched her fists. Tang Jiayun knew that Qiao Nan was resourceful and wanted to suck up to her.

 Chapter 946 - You Are the Secretary

    <strong>Chapter 946 You Are the Secretary</strong>

    However, Qiao Nan would not be friendly to her ssmates. Tang Jiayun might be dead-set on being friendly with Qiao Nan, but she did not believe that Tang Jiayun would stand to benefit from this.

    Tang Jiayun looked down on L¨¹ Yan, while L¨¹ Yan ridiculed Tang Jiayun for being shameless.

    They were the same. Both of them tried to harm Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan would not ept her, and neither would she be friendly to Tang Jiayun.

    Did Tang Jiayun think that she was a fool?

    It was Tang Jiayun who gave her the idea that she could upload the photo and post the thread. If not for her, she would not have thought of exposing Qiao Nan on the inte.

    Moreover, she did not take the initiative to borrow the camera. It was Tang Jiayun who lent it to her deliberately.

    L¨¹ Yan was no fool. She had been given demerit points and like what Qiao Nan had been through previously, she was ostracized by other students. L¨¹ Yan calmed down and realized that she had fallen into Tang Jiayun¡¯s trap.

    Tang Jiayun wanted to suck up to Qiao Nan, but shecked the opportunity to do so. Therefore, she egged her on to deal with Qiao Nan and she was foolish enough to believe her.

    By the time everyone misunderstood Qiao Nan and ostracized her, Tang Jiayun behaved like a good ssmate and pretended that she was on her side. Qiao Nan would then be touched by Tang Jiayun who provided help in her hour of need.

    L¨¹ Yan heard that on the day she posted the thread, and when everyone ignored Qiao Nan, Tang Jiayun was the only person to talk to her. L¨¹ Yan knew that her guess was correct. She had fallen into Tang Jiayun¡¯s trap and been used by her.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was not fooled by Tang Jiayun. Until now, she still ignored Tang Jiayun like how she used to do in the past.

    Otherwise, her foolishness would help Tang Jiayun seed in her n. By then, it would be a fatal blow to L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan had thought of telling Qiao Nan about this. However, Qiao Nan ignored her as well, and Qiao Nan was not friendly to Tang Jiayun either. Therefore, L¨¹ Yan felt that there was no need for her to say anything.

    ¡°What! You want me to look for sponsors?¡± Qiao Nan had joined the club for half a month. She received notice that the club would be holding a meeting today and she definitely had to attend. However, Qiao Nan felt perturbed when she noticed that not many people turned up for the meeting. It seemed that not all of the members were there.

    Since the meeting was not meant for everyone in the club, why did they ask her to attend?

    Qiao Nan was dumbstruck when the president told her of the agenda for today¡¯s meeting. It was to look for sponsors. Crap. Why would she be given such a task?

    ¡°You are the secretary of the club. Is there anything wrong to work for the club?¡± The female vice president was unhappy. There were several simr clubs like them at Peking University. Their club was rtively new and was not as popr as the established clubs.

    As a specially privileged person, one was ambitious to have achievements in school. Although they were still in school, they hoped to graduate with high achievements.

    The established clubs started off as new clubs. If they worked on making the club a sess, it would be a much greater sess than the established club.

    ¡°S-secretary?¡± Qiao Nan felt dizzy. She merely registered to join the club. When did she be the secretary?

    Previously, Qiao Nan had been upied with being a voluntary guide. Therefore, she had neglected her work in the club. Qiao Nan had been outstanding in junior high school and senior high school.

    The teachers favored her and they would arrange for her to take up positions in the ssmittee where not much work was needed.

    Now that she was in college, being a secretary would add points to her academic performance. In other words, back then, people had no wish to be amittee member, but right now, everyone was vying to be one.

    Back then, she might stand out, but right now, she was in college.

    There were many outstanding students at Peking University. Qiao Nan dared not think too highly of herself. She was merely an ordinary student among the other students. Even if she had registered to join the club, she was just an ordinary member. She could never be the secretary.

    <b>ever</b>

    Qiao Nan had always thought and felt this way.

    However, the vice president sprung a surprise on her today and told her that she was the secretary of the club. Moreover, since she was the secretary and the club wanted to organize an event, she had to look for sponsors for the funds needed for the event.

    The reason why Qiao Nan became the secretary was that she had good results in the past. Qiao Nan was a provincial top scorer. Although she did not have the highest results in the country, her results were among the top ten in the country.

    Only specially privileged people would be able to make it to Peking University. Qiao Nan¡¯s results were the best among the best. For that alone, the president and vice president of the club valued Qiao Nan a lot.

    Previously, the female vice president was worried that the kept woman scandal that was fervently discussed on the school forum would have a negative impact on the club. She had even thought of appointing someone else as the secretary

    The club was rtively new and it could not bepared to the established clubs. If the secretary of the club was involved in such a scandal, there was no way the club would do well.

    Fortunately, the president decided to put it on hold. Thereafter, the scandal was cleared up and the president and the vice president forgot about it.

    Upon hearing what the vice president said, the president looked at Qiao Nan sympathetically.

    Perhaps opposite attracts and vice versa, or that the junior was too pretty-looking. The vice president seemed to dislike her.

    Everyone who used to be in a club or had held an event knew that it was the most difficult task to look for sponsors.

    It was simply to fundraise. If one did not have anyworks and went around blindly, those tycoons would not spend their money on the events held by a school club.

    In general, those clubs that needed to look for sponsors would appoint someone in the club as secretary to be in charge of securing funds.

    The secretary had toe from well-to-do families and the bare minimum condition was that the family had to run a business. Such a candidate usually did not do well in school and would usually rank in the bottom few.

    Since they did not have good results, it was impossible for them to be amittee member in the clubs.

    The clubs arranged such a position for them so that they could make use of the connections that their families had and raise funds.

    As a new club, it was very difficult to find someone like that.

    Students who had mediocre results but had connections were widely sought after by the clubs.

    There were not many such students in the school. Furthermore, there were many different clubs in the school. Therefore, it was even more difficult for new clubs to get these students to join them.

    In short, the female vice president assigned the most difficult task to Qiao Nan, the newly appointed secretary.

 Chapter 947 - Here to Poach Talent

    <strong>Chapter 947 Here to Poach Talent</strong>

    Qiao Nan frowned, revealing her reluctance. ¡°Is this how it works in other clubs as well?¡± Did they look for sponsors? Was money that important?

    ¡°Of course!¡± The female vice president rushed to speak steadfastly before the president. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe us, you can ask around. Whenever the club organizes events, the secretary in the club has to look for sponsors. Our club is rtively new. We have been established for two to three years. But the situation is simr to other clubs. We are not in any way different. Qiao Nan, we trust you. That is why we appoint you secretary of the club. In order for our club to grow and develop, we trust you to make sure that the event will be a huge sess.¡±

    The female vice president held in her anger. Their club was a new English club. There was another more established and popr English club at Peking University.

    When she was a freshman, the female vice president had wanted to join the established English club. She could not be bothered with the new English club that only had a few members.

    The problem was that the female vice president had her aspirations. She felt that she was outstanding and brilliant. Although she was just a freshman, she was more than qualified to be the secretary of the club, and she believed she could work her way up to be the president.

    However, the reality was far from what she imagined

    She believed she was the prodigy, but there were no discerning eyes who could tell greatness from mediocrity. After joining the club, she was merely an ordinary member.

    She would be able to take it lying down if all the freshmen who joined the club were ordinary members. However, her ssmate from the same ss was appointed secretary.

    In the end, the female vice president quit the club. She went through a lot of effort to join the new English club and became the secretary.

    In the next two years, she became the vice president as she wished. Unfortunately, until now, the new English Club did not do as well as the established English club.

    Right now, the club decided to organize events. The female vice president had taken it lying down for two years. She hoped that she could organize a grand event this year and realize her dreams.

    The problem was that if they wanted to organize a sessful event, they had to have interesting activities as well as sufficient funds.

    No one in the new English club was interested to take up the difficult position of looking for sponsors. Since they did not have enough funds, they could not organize the event. No one had any idea why the female vice president would set her designs on Qiao Nan this year.

    The president surmised that it could be due to the thread.

    As a man, the president had no need to look it up and he knew that the Land Rover was an expensive car.

    ording to the official statement of the school, the owner of the Land Rover was Qiao Nan¡¯s elder. Therefore, did it mean that Qiao Nan had ways of securing the funds?

    The female vice president¡¯s eyes lit up and she grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Qiao Nan, you must work hard this year to bring enough funds for our club. I believe you can definitely make it. The future of our new English club will depend on the event we organize this time.¡±

    The female vice president was already in her third year. She would have to start her internship very soon. She would spend most of her time on her internship when she was in her fourth year.

    In other words, this might be thest time the female vice president organized such events.

    If the club could not seed this time, the dream that the female vice president used to have would note true.

    Qiao Nan was flustered from being trusted with such a huge responsibility. ¡°Vice president, d-don¡¯t be too confident in me. I have no confidence at all. I won¡¯t be able to look for sponsors. It is such a difficult task.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not an arrogant person. Although she had zero experience, she knew that this was not an easy task.

    Looking for sponsorship?

    Apart from studying, the thing that Qiao Nan wanted most in life was money. Unfortunately, in order to study hard, she had no time to work to earn money.

    Qiao Nan could not imagine her own self speaking out those words, asking other people to take out their money to fund the club.

    ¡°No, others can¡¯t do it, but you can definitely do it. I will no longer be the vice president next year. By then, you will definitely be the vice president of our club!¡± The female vice president had thought about it. There must be a reason behind the animosity between females.

    But this time, the female vice president had put all her stakes on Qiao Nan. She hoped that Qiao Nan could help her realize her dreams in the university.

    She had already decided to step down next year. Since both of them were of the same gender, the vice president felt that Qiao Nan was very promising. If Qiao Nan was able to help the club secure funds this year and make the event a sess, bringing the new English club to new heights, Qiao Nan would be the biggest hero of the new English club.

    It was right for Qiao Nan to take up the position of the vice president once she stepped down. No one would have any objections.

    Qiao Nan was not thrilled with the female vice president¡¯s vote of confidence. She had a bitter smile on her face. There was no need to have so much trust in her. She was unworthy of it.

    No matter how she refused their offer, Qiao Nan was defenseless under the female vice president¡¯s continuous persuasion and bombardment.

    Qiao Nan pulled a long face at the thought of the funds that the vice president requested of her. She felt like crying.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths, wanting to concentrate on her studies. Unfortunately, it did not work. At this time, someone squeezed next to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hi, this ssmate over here, can you give up the seat to me?¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to refuse, but the person who sat next to her got up and left. Qiao Nan sighed to herself. She had been restless after the conversation with the vice president. She thought that the other person was talking to her.

    ¡°Hello, I heard that you are the secretary of the new English club and you are in charge of fundraising for the event this time, is that right?¡± The other party was a girl. Her voice was soft, and she sounded like the gentle girls from Jiangnan, the water town. However, her words were not as mild as how she sounded.

    Qiao Nan looked up from her book and stared at her with a nk look. ¡°You are...?¡± She did not know this student. She was not from her ss and she had not seen her before.

    ¡°I am Zou Wenxuan, a third-year student. I am the vice president of the English Club. Nice to meet you. In fact, I have heard of you long ago. You are a provincial top scorer and you are very outstanding. I always thought that I would have the opportunity to meet you in the club. Unexpectedly, you joined another English club and my wish did note true.¡± Zou Wenxuan sounded as if she was very disappointed. It was as if Qiao Nan was being heartless for joining the other English club.

    When she mentioned the English club, she had to be talking about the established English club.

    ¡°Perhaps you have just joined the school and you don¡¯t understand the situation here. Are you interested in joining our club? We are more than wee to have you.¡± Zou Wenxuan extended an olive branch to Qiao Nan, hinting to her that she could get in through the back door. ¡°I believe given your abilities, even if you are not the secretary this year, you will get the position next year.¡±

 Chapter 948 - Went Head To Head

    <h4>Chapter 948 Went Head To Head</h4>

    ¡°I believe you should understand that there is a difference between secretaries.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan was telling Qiao Nan that the established English club was in a higher position than the new English club. The secretary of the established English club would be deemed as a more important position.

    All the positions had been decided for this year. There was no way to make any changes.

    As long as Qiao Nan was willing to join their English club, Zou Wenxuan would help Qiao Nan be the secretary next year.

    She would have to wait a year to be the secretary. Many students could not wait to join the English club. However, Zou Wenxuan would not let Qiao Nan wait in vain.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and smiled. ¡°Is this considered poaching?¡±

    Zou Wenxuan paused momentarily. She did not expect that Qiao Nan would be so blunt.

    Zou Wenxuan schooled her expression and smiled gracefully. ¡°Yes, you are a talent. It is not surprising that one will want you to join them.¡± She admitted that she was indeed here to ask Qiao Nan to join her club.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Qiao Nan said politely.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled. ¡°I know you are a smart person.¡± Everyone who wanted to join their club would have to get in through the back door or to have exceptional performances. Qiao Nan should appreciate what was offered to her. The chance would not be offered to everyone. ¡°Well, wait a minute. I will get someone to send you the application form to join the club. You can fill it out just for the sake of filling it.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I am very grateful for your recognition. The school requires students to join a club, and I have already joined a club. As for other matters, I am not ambitious. I feel that it is not a good idea to do things this way, and it will put you in a difficult position.¡±

    She had no intention of joining the English club that the senior was in. Qiao Nan could not understand why the senior woulde looking for her.

    Qiao Nan did not believe her when she said that she recognized her talents.

    There were many talented students at Peking University. She was just a mediocre student. Furthermore, she was a freshman, not well-known in school.

    L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao had joined the English club with Tang Jiayun¡¯s help. They mentioned that there were no more vacancies and it was not easy to join the club.

    Qiao Nan did not join in the fun during the time for registration. The registration had ended long ago and yet someone came to offer her a vacancy in the club. Qiao Nan felt that something must be wrong.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, perhaps you would like to reconsider?¡± Zou Wenxuan was surprised that Qiao Nan would reject her. She thought that Qiao Nan would agree readily.

    As long as one had their wits about them, one would know which to choose.

    ¡°There is no need for that.¡±

    ¡°Are you really... not going to reconsider?¡± Zou Wenxuan frowned. Qiao Nan was too much. She was the vice president of the English club. She was being very nice to Qiao Nan by asking her personally.

    Qiao Nan must learn to know her limits.

    ¡°What is there to consider!¡± Xu Shengnan mmed her palm on the table. ¡°Zou Wenxuan, what do you mean by this?¡±

    Back then, Zou Wenxuan joined the established English club with her. She was not selected to be the secretary while Zou Wenxuan from her ss was offered the position.

    They had been ssmates for two years and Xu Shengnan found Zou Wenxuan to be an eyesore in the two years.

    Xu Shengnan[1] had a fiery temper and she was straightforward and impulsive. In short, she was like a tomboy. Her parents had given her a very apt name.

    Her parents hoped that she could do better than men. Of course, Xu Shengnan had the desire to excel as well. She would not lose to men, let alone women.

    Back then, they got into Peking University with the same results and they signed up for the English club at the same time.

    What made Xu Shengnan unhappy was that if a freshman like her was unqualified to be a secretary, how could Zou Wenxuan be a secretary?

    Xu Shengnan felt that the president of the English club back then looked down on her. Therefore, she sought opportunities in other ces and joined another club.

    Half a semester had passed. Xu Shengnan finally realized why she lost to Zou Wenxuan.

    Unlike Xu Shengnan, who was straightforward and behaved like a boy, Zou Wenxuan was gentle and soft-spoken. She gave others the impression of being a quiet and gracefuldy.

    Xu Shengnan heard from other male students that she was like a brother to them, but when they saw Zou Wenxuan, they wanted to protect and help her.

    Not long after entering college, Zou Wenxuan became known as the most beautiful girl in the faculty. She would be in close touch with the president of the English club back then, discussing their homework.

    Xu Shengnan finally realized that other people treated her like a man while they treated Zou Wenxuan as a woman. Men preferred Zou Wenxuan, who was not too straightforward, over her. This was the reason why she lost to Zou Wenxuan!

    Ever since she realized that she lost not because of her capabilities or her talents, but because of her looks and temper, Xu Shengnan bore grudges and was at loggerheads with the established English club.

    In fact, the reason why Xu Shengnan found Qiao Nan an eyesore right from the start was that Qiao Nan resembled Zou Wenxuan in terms of temperament. Actually, it was the president who suggested that Qiao Nan became the secretary. She had no choice but to respect the president¡¯s decision.

    This was the reason why Xu Shengnan gave Qiao Nan the most difficult and arduous task.

    She did want to make life difficult for Qiao Nan. But she also hoped that Qiao Nan could aplish the mission and she could realize her dream from long ago, bringing the club to greater heights.

    After talking to Qiao Nan and listening to what the president had to say, she had sorted out her thoughts.

    She hoped that Qiao Nan was her god of wealth and that thetter could assist her in realizing her dreams in university. However, she treated Qiao Nan harshly.

    Qiao Nan would not seek trouble for herself. She would not help her secure funds after being treated badly by her.

    if such things happened to him, the president would not help Xu Shengnan secure funds. This was even more so for women.

    Xu Shengnan was anxious after hearing those words.

    Qiao Nan was herst and only hope. If Qiao Nan refused to help her and yed some tricks with her, the event this year might fail and she would lose herst chance to realize her dream. This would mean that she had no way of winning against Zou Wenxuan in all her years in university.

    It was never toote to change.

    After listening to the president¡¯s advice, Xu Shengnan found out where Qiao Nan was and went looking for her.

    Xu Shengnan never imagined that Zou Wenxuan, her biggest enemy in the university, would sit next to Qiao Nan and engaged in a conversation with Qiao Nan.

    By the time she came near them, Xu Shengnan heard that Zou Wenxuan was trying to persuade Qiao Nan to join her club. Xu Shengnan was so furious that she wanted to hit Zou Wenxuan.

    ¡°ssmate Xu is here.¡± Zou Wenxuan felt particrly unhappy that Xu Shengnan red at her like a tigress.

    (1) Sheng means win in Chinese, while nan refers to men in Chinese

 Chapter 949 - Who Exactly Is Qiao Nan?

    <h4>Chapter 949 Who Exactly Is Qiao Nan?</h4>

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything. I just feel that Qiao Nan is a nice person and I want to know her better. As her senior, I should let her know everything about Peking University so that she will be able to n ahead for her four years in college.¡±

    Now that the two seniors had met, although one looked like a provoked tigress while the other looked like a leopard who had had her fill and could not be bothered, Qiao Nan was keen to catch on to the odd atmosphere between them.

    It turned out that it was due to Vice President Xu that Senior Zou asked her to join the club that she was in.

    Xu Shengnan always wanted topete with Zou Wenxuan and surpass her.

    Although Zou Wenxuan could not be bothered topete with Xu Shengnan, she found Xu Shengnan an eyesore.

    Xu Shengnan regarded Qiao Nan as herst trump card. Zou Wenxuan did not believe that Qiao Nan had the capabilities. However, she wanted to crush all hopes and dreams that Xu Shengnan had.

    Knowing that Xu Shengnan had put all the stakes on Qiao Nan, she could not help but join in the fun and poach Qiao Nan so that Xu Shengnan would lose all hope ofpeting with her.

    Qiao Nan had just entered college. She had done nothing, yet she was embroiled in the fight between her seniors.

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Zou Wenxuan smiled nonchntly. She behaved as if Xu Shengnan was kicking up a fuss and she could not be bothered to reason with her. However, this made Xu Shengnan want to bash her even more.

    The school stated clearly that students could not fight in school.

    Otherwise, given Zou Wenxuan¡¯s personality, Xu Shengnan would have given her many rounds of bashing. ¡°Qiao Nan is the secretary of our club. Don¡¯t even think of poaching her!¡±

    Xu Shengnan pulled Qiao Nan by the shoulder toward her. She wanted Zou Wenxuan to know that Qiao Nan belonged to her club.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled and turned to Qiao Nan. ¡°Is Qiao Nan really the secretary of your club? It¡¯s such a coincidence. I also think that Qiao Nan is very capable. It happens that our club has a vacancy for a secretary right now due to the event. Qiao Nan, are you interested?¡±

    ¡°!¡± Xu Shengnan widened her eyes in anger. ¡°You are pitting yourself against me!¡±

    They had a vacancy for a secretary?

    It was a pack of lies!

    Qiao Nan wiped the beads of perspiration on her forehead. Senior Zou was bent on getting her to join them.

    Now that Qiao Nan was being highly valued by two seniors, she was the least bit happy. In fact, she was at a loss. She had done nothing, yet she garnered the attention of two of her seniors. One insisted that she looked for sponsors, while the other wanted her to join the club and be a secretary.

    Whatever happened at Ping Cheng, so be it. But right now, how could she be highly sought after at Peking University?

    Qiao Nan wanted to ask the seniors whether they had got the right person. Perhaps they were looking for another person.

    ¡°ssmate Xu, you are too agitated. I am not going against you. Qiao Nan, I hope that you can consider what I said just now and let me know your answer.¡± Zou Wenxuan knew that Xu Shengnan had a bad temper and she had no wish to quarrel with her in public, lest it affect her reputation. Zou Wenxuan stood up and turned to leave.

    Xu Shengnan gritted her teeth and focused all her attention on Qiao Nan. She took a deep breath. ¡°Junior Qiao, my attitude was not good back at the club. This has all to do with me and nothing to do with you. I must apologize to you. The English club that Zou Wenxuan is in has a longer history in Peking University and is more famous than our club. However, we cannot look at the surface of things. The promise that Zou Wenxuan made may not be realized. Even if you are really the secretary, you may not be in the position for long.¡±

    Qiao Nan might take the position today, but she might be removed from the position the next day. What was the point?

    ¡°This may sound unpleasant but I still have to say it. I am not on good terms with Zou Wenxuan. I am not being narcissistic. The reason why Zou Wenxuan came looking for you at this time could be due to...¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that she knew that I have to raise funds for our club¡¯s events?¡± Qiao Nan pointed to herself.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Shengnan breathed a sigh of relief. Since Qiao Nan was able to continue her sentence, it meant that she was not angered by her words. ¡°We all know that if we want to do a good job organizing an event, not only must we have good activities, but we must have funds as well.¡± Sometimes, the avability of funds was more important than the event itself.

    One was not afraid ofpetition. One was only afraid of not being as good as thepetitors.

    Thepetitor had the funds and the props while they were in a miserable state.

    Given this situation, their club could not bepared to the established club.

    If they did not have any interesting events, the school would not pay attention to them. Come next year, they would not be able to recruit new members. They would not be able to have enough members or interesting events, and they could not match up to the established club as well.

    Furthermore, the school might send them a notice to disband the club.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Qiao Nan replied. But she was interested to know. Since funding was very important in organizing a club¡¯s event, why were the seniors so certain that she would be able to secure arge amount of funds for the English club?

    Her family was not in charge of the banks and she needed money desperately. How could it be possible that she could ask for money on behalf of the club?

    Qiao Nan was not the only person who thought so. People around Zou Wenxuan also had the same doubts. ¡°Senior Zou, aren¡¯t you being too anxious? We are an established club. We have always been doing better than the other English club. For us, getting sponsorship is an easy task. Qiao Nan is not capable of that.¡± L¨¹ Yan was like Zou Wenxuan¡¯sckey. She stood behind her, pouring tea for her.

    ¡°Nothing is absolute.¡± Zou Wenxuan drank the tea. She looked glum despite L¨¹ Yan fawning over her. ¡°Tang Jiayun, Yu Xiaoxiao, weren¡¯t you in the same dormitory as Qiao Nan? Are you certain about her family¡¯s situation?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. She had no wish to make anyments.

    Tang Jiayun smiled. ¡°Senior Zou, I have told you long ago that Qiao Nan is very quiet and she seldom mixes with us. She is very reserved. Despite staying in the same dormitory for such a long time, Qiao Nan never mentioned about her family¡¯s situation. When we kept probing, she said that her family¡¯s situation is verymon like the rest of us.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Senior Zou, you can rest assured. Qiao Nan is not capable of getting any sponsors. We shall watch as she works her guts out to raise funds.¡± L¨¹ Yan nodded. She must not let Qiao Nan join their club now.

 Chapter 950 - Ploys Were No Longer Effective

    <h4>Chapter 950 Ploys Were No Longer Effective</h4>

    Back then, she had run so many errands for Tang Jiayun and fawned on her. Only then did Tang Jiayun agree to help her join the English club.

    If Qiao Nan joined the club, she would be considered as her senior.

    However, she was angry that she was merely an ordinary member while Qiao Nan was the secretary.

    She could not match up to Qiao Nan in all aspects, and she was given demerit points because of her. If Qiao Nan became the secretary and had a higher position in the club than her, L¨¹ Yan felt like leaving the English club.

    L¨¹ Yan went through a lot to join the English club. She only said it in a pique of anger that she would leave the club. She could not bear to leave for real.

    Since L¨¹ Yan would not leave the club, the best solution was that Qiao Nan did not join the club in the first ce.

    ¡°Initially, I did not really care about Qiao Nan. However, look at the scandal that your dormitory had created.¡± Zou Wenxuan nced at L¨¹ Yan with a look of displeasure. ¡°What exactly is the rtionship between the person in the photo and Qiao Nan?¡±

    If not for this photo, would she have noticed a freshman and condescended to invite her to join the club?

    The ridiculous thing was that Qiao Nan was just a freshman, yet she was not satisfied with small gains. Zou Wenxuan felt annoyed at the thought of this. ¡°The reason why I asked the three of you for a talk is to ask you whether Qiao Nan is capable of getting sponsors for the shabby club. Give me an answer right now.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan had never taken Xu Shengnan as her opponent. She was unworthy of it.

    She knew that Xu Shengnan wanted to defeat her, but she would always mock Xu Shengnan for overestimating her capabilities and having wishful thinking.

    She used to think that Xu Shengnan would be straining her brain for nothing up until she graduated from college.

    Zou Wenxuan was already in her third year, and Qiao Nan appeared at this moment, bringing about uncertainty to their current situation. Zou Wenxuan was upset about it.

    Yu Xiaoxiao felt like leaving the discussion. She stayed until now all because of the club. ¡°Senior Zou, I am not close with Qiao Nan, so I am not clear about her situation. I can¡¯t give you any answer regarding this.¡±

    It was ludicrous. She did not expect that after joining the famous English club, the first activity organized by the club would be to discuss her former roommate. It was absurd!

    Tang Jiaxuan was cautious. ¡°Senior Zou, there is something strange about Qiao Nan. She seems to be a in and simple girl. However, she would do something out of the ordinary at the critical juncture. As far as I know, she is from Ping Cheng. She does not have any rtives or acquaintances in the capital. As for the elder in the photo, I have heard about it. Even though the person drove a Land Rover, he is not from the capital as well. He is not based here. Apart from that, Qiao Nan¡¯s only support was a freshman from another faculty

    ¡ªShi Qing. Shi Qing has rtives in the capital, and these rtives are very loaded.¡±

    Tang Jiayun did not know Feng Meng, but it was etched in her mind that he drove a Mercedes-Benz.

    ¡°Shi Qing?¡± Zou Wenxuan felt slightly better. Zou Wenxuan was not very pleased with the three newly recruited members, particrly L¨¹ Yan, who only knew to suck up to her, and Yu Xiaoxiao, who seemed to know nothing. Fortunately, there was Tang Jiayun. ¡°Do you know Shi Qing¡¯s situation?¡±

    Zou Wenxuan directed the question to Tang Jiayun instead of Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan.

    She had some impression of Tang Jiayun.

    She knew that among the three members, two of them joined the club on ount of Tang Jiayun. Tang Jiayun was the only one who was good atworking.

    ¡°Qiao Nan likes to keep to herself. It was onlyter that we found out that she has a friend like Shi Qing.¡± Qiao Nan seldom talked about her family. The same could be said about her friend¡¯s family as well.

    The only information Tang Jiayun could share was that Shi Qing had a brother who drove a Mercedes-Benz.

    ¡°It was no wonder Xu Shengnan was so confident.¡± One must be fairly rich to drive a Mercedes-Benz. ¡°Will you be able to find out how many sponsors Qiao Nan managed to

    get?¡±

    It seemed that the new English club might have a chance of sess after recruiting Qiao Nan.

    In the past, the new English club was low in funds and it was very difficult for them to organize events. Zou Wenxuan was annoyed that they had funds to organize events this time.

    ¡°There would be some difficulty.¡± Tang Jiaxuan shook her head. ¡°At least for the three of us, we were not able to get any information from Qiao Nan.¡± Tang Jiayun smiled at L¨¹ Yan, who looked unconvinced.

    If L¨¹ Yan told Senior Zou that she had a way of getting the information, she would definitely hand it to her for being so daring.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Zou Wenxuan turned to look at L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan wanted to say ¡®yes¡¯, but she was clear that if she had the ability, she would not be in such a situation now. She would already be good friends with Qiao Nan. ¡°I suppose it is impossible.¡±

    ¡°Alright, the three of you can leave. You are not needed here.¡± Zou Wenxuan felt impatient. They could not render any help. The new recruits this year were of no help to her.

    L¨¹ Yan cowered in fear like a young daughter-inw who was scared out of her wits. She stood up immediately and left with Yu Xiaoxiao and Tang Jiayun.

    Once they came out of the meeting room, Yu Xiaoxiao strode forward, widening the distance between L¨¹ Yan and her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had no wish to be friends with L¨¹ Yan.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was not the only person who kept a distance from L¨¹ Yan. Tang Jiayun stood to the side as well. ¡°I finally understand that biting dogs don¡¯t bark.¡± L¨¹ Yan was very scheming. She was barely her opponent.

    Back then, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan joined the famous English club with her help.

    However, L¨¹ Yan had turned to tter Senior Zou in no time. Senior Zou was the vice president of the English club and she would step down next year.

    Many people were eyeing her position and tried to gain her favor, hoping that she would help them be the next vice president.

    Simrly, Tang Jiayun had this n in mind and wanted to give it her best shot to get the position.

    But before she had made any moves, L¨¹ Yan had made use of her to impress the senior.

    Tang Jiayun sneered. She had failed miserably in a very easy task.

    Qiao Nan had never provoked L¨¹ Yan or badmouthed her, yet she created the scandal of her being a kept woman. At the thought of this, Tang Jiayun felt slightly better.

    Actually, Tang Jiayun did not realize that Qiao Nan had never been close to L¨¹ Yan. Instead, Tang Jiayun had rendered help to L¨¹ Yan.

    However, L¨¹ Yan disregarded the fact that she used to help her. In fact, Tang Jiayun should be reminded of ¡®The Farmer and the Viper¡¯ in Aesop¡¯s Fables.

    L¨¹ Yan looked grim after being ostracized by Yu Xiaoxiao and Tang Jiayun. She grounded her teeth and left after a while.

    L¨¹ Yan used to behave in this manner, but nobody would notice it.

 Chapter 951 - Who Was The Female Lead?

    <h4>Chapter 951 Who Was The Female Lead?</h4>

    To L¨¹ Yan¡¯s surprise, the ploys that were useful back then were no longer effective when she was in college.

    It was, after all, Peking University. Everyone was brilliant and difficult to deal with.

    L¨¹ Yan was after Zou Wenxuan¡¯s position-the vice president position. She snorted to herself. She was merely given some demerits.

    When she became the vice president of the English club, she would have the means to erase her blemish. Zou Wenxuan might seem to be gentle and have a good temperament. However, L¨¹ Yan knew that she might be more difficult to deal with than Tang Jiayun.

    Zou Wenxuan did not care what was on Tang Jiayun¡¯s and L¨¹ Yan¡¯s mind. Even if she knew about it, it did not bother her.

    When it was time for her to step down, it was up to her to pass the position to whoever that she liked. These juniors had no say at all.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you still troubled over it?¡± The president smiled lightly when he noticed that Zou Wenxuan was still in the meeting room. ¡°Have you been intimidated by the freshman that Xu Shengnan has with her? We are in the capital. It has not been easy for us to maintain our position all these years. She is merely a freshman. She won¡¯t be able to raise funds.¡±

    This was hisst year as president. He was no longer the ignorant freshman from back then who had an optimistic view of the future.

    Looking for sponsorship was simply asking for money. It was not an easy task.

    To people from other ces, the top students from Peking University were incredible.

    But in the capital, there were lots of freshmen every year. It was rare to see Peking University¡¯s students in other ces, but the streets of the capital were full of Peking University¡¯s students and Tsinghua University¡¯s students.

    Looking for sponsorship?

    Ignorant teenagers would suffer lots of setbacks when looking for sponsorships.

    ¡°I can¡¯t be sure. Someone told me that Qiao Nan has a friend at Peking University and her rtives drove a Mercedes-Benz,¡± Zou Wenxuan said lightly.

    ¡°Rtives of her friend?¡± The president was amused. ¡°This is the funniest joke that I have heard this year.¡±

    Rtives of her friend... It was not even her friends.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s rtives might not even be willing to give her money if she asked them for it, let alone the rtives of her friend.

    It did not matter if the person drove a Mercedes-Benz or a ne.

    It would be shameless of Qiao Nan to ask for money from them. Nobody would ask the rtives of one¡¯s friend for sponsorship.

    Zou Wenxuan thought about it and agreed with what the president said. She rxed and smiled. ¡°I may have been thinking too much. Xu Shengnan is too much. She is already in her third year, yet she keeps targeting me. We are ssmates. We should lead our own lives. She is in annoying topete with me in every way.¡± If not for Xu Shengnan, she would not have been intimidated by a freshman.

    Zou Wenxuan flushed red in anger at the thought that she had personally made a trip to talk to the freshman and offered her favors. The annoying thing was that she was rejected by the freshman. ¡°When can we get our funds?¡±

    ¡°It is a bit of a hassle and it will take a little effort.¡± The president rubbed his forehead. ¡°It is not that easy to get sponsorships from our seniors.¡± They did not know any big shots. Fortunately, many graduates of Peking University who were from other regions stayed and worked in the capital and had businesses here.

    He did not know about those graduates who worked for otherpanies. He was focused on contacting those who had their own businesses and made money out of it.

    Given that they were Peking University¡¯s students, it was easier for them to look for sponsors.

    Under such circumstances, most of the businesses were willing to provide sponsorships. However, they had just started their business, so they would not be willing to help if one kept asking them for sponsorships.

    Furthermore, the English club knew to make use of their identity as Peking University¡¯s students to get sponsors from Peking University graduates. Students from other clubs also knew of this method.

    Everyone worked hard to earn money. Seniors who graduated before them might be able to help when being approached for the first or second time, but they might not help if they were asked multiple times.

    Therefore, even though Zou Wenxuan had some connections since she was a third-year student, it was not easy to secure sponsorships.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the senior who led you to join Peking University has been very sessful in his business? How about we ask him for sponsorship? We haven¡¯t asked him in the past. If we are sessful, I suppose the amount will be fairly significant.¡± As long as they had the funds, the English club would be able to make sure that the event this year was much more sessful thanst year.

    ¡°He is doing well in his business.¡± The president smiled bitterly. ¡°However, the problem is that not everyone is easy-going. This senior is a tough nut to crack. Back then in school, he did not have a good temper. If I was not a freshman and he did not need to help me, I would not have the chance to know him.¡±

    He was not from the same faculty and he seemed to have the talent of running businesses even when he was still in school.

    Everyone would need to look for sponsorship when they organized events. However, the senior himself came up with ways to get the funds. He did not need to seek help from others.

    Because of this, the students seldom saw the senior when they organized events and looked for sponsorship.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled. ¡°I am very interested to know more about the person whom the president described as being challenging. Since this is thest time that I organize the event, shall I give it a try?¡± The president had mentioned more than once that the senior was young and capable.

    Given some time, the senior would be able to make his mark in the capital and be the young entrepreneur that made Peking University proud.

    He might be a tough nut to crack, but once she was sessful, he would not simply provide them with sponsorship. He would be a tremendous help to them!

    The president¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Yes, perhaps no man can resist the charms of a beautiful woman? Actually, the senior is willing to help us. After his business in on tracks, he is willing to help his alumnus. Zou Wenxuan, if you are able to work in hispany after you graduate, you will have a bright future. But let me say this beforehand. The senior has strict requirements. If you are not a good worker, it is useless to have the looks.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan had the looks and was good with her words. However, the president was not quite sure of her abilities.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled. ¡°President, thank you for the reminder. I am pretty confident in myself.¡± The more challenging the task was, the more eager she was to seed.

    She would not let such a good chance slip. He was such a capable senior. Perhaps they would end up in a romantic rtionship?

    Zou Wenxuan, who had this in mind, would never have expected that, indeed, it almost ended up in a romantic rtionship. However, the protagonist was Qiao Nan instead of her!

 Chapter 952 - The Opponent Was Too Formidable

    <h4>Chapter 952 The Opponent Was Too Formidable</h4>

    ¡°Right, how can I forget about it!¡± The president pped himself on the head. ¡°The senior wille to the school the day after tomorrow. I heard that the school invited him to give a talk to the juniors, sharing with them the current development and trends.¡±

    ¡°I understand!¡± There was no need for the president to say anything more. Zou Wenxuan understood what she should do next. ¡°I will definitely sit in to listen.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan went to listen to the talk. However, she did not expect to run into someone she least expected. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you interested in this?¡±

    Qiao Nan was also taken aback to see Zou Wenxuan. ¡°I...¡± Could she say that she was not interested but she received the invitation for no reason and she came out of courtesy to take a look?

    ¡°It is such a coincidence. Let¡¯s go together.¡± Zou Wenxuan smiled. She was not that surprised to see Qiao Nan there. Zou Wenxuan had heard a lot about the senior. He was what they called the top student.

    Senior Gao skipped the levels when he was in high school. He was in his second year for half a year before he took the college entrance examination with the other third-year students in the second semester of his second year in school. He scored flying colors and joined Peking University.

    Thereafter, the senior seemed to be on a roll. His progress was much faster than other students in the university.

    Of course, Zou Wenxuan also heard that the senior had some connections. He was capable and smart enough to sit for the college entrance examination when he was only in his second year in high school.

    In fact, when he was in high school, he was already learning the university sybus.

    Zou Wenxuan heard that the senior had a high IQ. He was a talent and was capable of skipping levels since a young age. But for certain reasons, he did not do so. However, he was able to make progress in his studies faster than other students.

    But it seemed that when he was in high school, he no longer wished to take the usual route like what he did in elementary school and junior high school. He skipped levels and cut down a lot of time.

    What impressed Zou Wenxuan the most was that the senior not only cut down the time that he had to study at the university, but he also took a double major. However, she was perplexed about one thing. He was a genius and had a good family background. He clearly had the ability to study overseas.

    However, he had no intention of doing that and started his own business as soon as he graduated.

    Back then, many people ridiculed the senior for letting go of the big prize while grabbing at trifles, saying that he should have gone for further studies since he was young. Why was he in a hurry to start his business?

    The senior was smarter and more capable than others. He took less time to graduate from university and was more sessful than others in doing business. It was not long after he graduated that he made it big in the capital and was deemed as the role model of his juniors.

    The school invited him to give a small talk this time. Zou Wenxuan knew that in another two to three years¡¯ time, the school would invite the senior back for a big scale lecture.

    The senior was talented, wealthy, and handsome. Many female students were interested in him. When Zou Wenxuan was in her first year, she used to like such influential figures like him. It was a pity that they did not have the chance to know each other.

    Zou Wenxuan gave Qiao Nan a scornful smile. Qiao Nan was from another faculty, yet she came to sit in for the talk. She was not as beyond material gains as what she seemed. She was simr to those infatuated fools. ¡°I am acquainted with the senior, and I want to talk to him regarding some matters. Why don¡¯t I introduce you to him? Hispany is doing very well. If we perform well enough, we may have the chance to work there. After all, we are from Peking University. We have an advantage over others.¡±

    ¡°Wow, Senior Zou is experienced and knowledgeable.¡± Qiao Nan knew that Zou Wenxuan was being boastful. She followed along to sing her praises.

    Although they were not from the same society, Qiao Nan sang her praises like she was her senior. After all, she did not do anything that was way overboard to her.

    ¡°Well, we are from the same faculty. I should look out for you. Senior Gao is very busy. In fact, he has to make time for today¡¯s talk. Remember to be careful with your words when you see himter. Even though he is an alumnus, he is, after all, a CEO. He is different from us. If you anger him, I will not be able to help you.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan dared not boast that given her friendship with the senior, she would be able to help Qiao Nan even if she caused any trouble.

    Zou Wenxuan was being smart about this.

    ¡°Thank you, Senior Zou.¡± Qiao Nan did not refuse her ¡®kind intentions¡¯. She merely frowned, showing that she was in a difficult position.

    The reason being she saw Xu Shengnan.

    Xu Shengnan pulled Qiao Nan aside. ¡°Senior Gao is here for a talk. Initially, I am worried about the funds. But this is a good opportunity for us. Hispany is doing very well. If you are able to get along well with him, you will be able to receive sponsorship from him. It will save you a lot of effort. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t leave everything to you. I will get you a ticket and I will be there as well. I will help you by the side.¡±

    Xu Shengnan felt that Qiao Nan was still a freshman. She was inexperienced and she might be shy.

    Senior Gao was already in the workforce. He would be more tolerant of a freshman like Qiao Nan who was ignorant of the ways of the world. He would not me her for it.

    Xu Shengnan left after that. Qiao Nan was at a loss.

    Qiao Nan was already troubled that the vice president entrusted her with the task of fundraising. She had no confidence inpleting the task and she was clueless as to how she should go about it.

    Right now, the vice president had directed her to someone that she could get sponsorship from. It pointed her in a certain direction. However, Qiao Nan had no idea what she should say or do to get the sponsorships. It did not help her much.

    In particr, she ran into Zou Wenxuan at the venue. Qiao Nan had an ominous feeling about it.

    Regardless of which club it was, unless the secretary¡¯s family was wealthy or had rtives who were businessmen, it would not be easy to secure funds to organize events.

    Furthermore, many students might meet the criteria of being the secretary. However, they did not know people in the capital. Theirworks were limited to those from their hometown.

    The school did not encourage students to ask their parents for money to sponsor the club or the events that were organized.

    Qiao Nan had been pondering about this. She knew that the vice president was not the only person who had the ns of getting sponsorships from the senior.

 Chapter 953 - Where Did You Get the Ticket?

    <h4>Chapter 953 Where Did You Get the Ticket?</h4>

    Under such circumstances where there were too many boats chasing too few fish, she was at a disadvantage.

    Furthermore, Zou Wenxuan said that she was acquainted with the senior and she seemed to get along well with him. Qiao Nan had reasons to believe that she was here to get sponsorship from him as well.

    Qiao Nan did not know the senior at all. On the contrary, Senior Zou knew him and they kept in touch.

    Qiao Nan sucked in a breath at the thought of this. Even if her vice president was willing to help her, she was doomed to lose. She was not Senior Zou¡¯s opponent.

    Zou Wenxuan had been staring at Qiao Nan. Even though Qiao Nan looked as per normal, Zou Wenxuan noticed the glitter in her eyes and smiled. ¡°Senior Gao is very popr at Peking University. If not for the fact that he keeps a low profile and graduated earlier than others, he would have been the most handsome boy at our school. This is only a small discussion. There are not many avable ssrooms. Therefore, limited seats are avable. It is not easy to get a ticket. Did Xu Shengnan give you the ticket?¡±

    Qiao Nan was just a freshman. She had no means of getting a ticket.

    There were limited seats for Senior Gao¡¯s talk. After catering to the students from his faculty, there were not many tickets left for new freshmen like Qiao Nan who was from another faculty. She simply had no chance to join the talk.

    Zou Wenxuan snorted. Xu Shengnan had indeed lived up to her position as the vice president of the English club. She was indeed capable to be able to get the tickets under such circumstances.

    Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan were ssmates. Xu Shengnan might have a bad temper but she was capable. Zou Wenxuan was clear of that. That was why Zou Wenxuan had to be on guard now that Xu Shengnan was very ambitious about securing funds for the events.

    Zou Wenxuan took notice of Qiao Nan not because she had the abilities. It was simply because Xu Shengnan asked Qiao Nan to join the club.

    Zou Wenxuan might not see Qiao Nan as a threat, but she had to be careful of people whom Xu Shengnan trusted.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan replied, not bothering to exin. ¡°I knew about this talk only after the vice president told me about it.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan smiled. ¡°You are a peculiar person. Xu Shengnan may have a bad temper, but she trusted you with such a task. Qiao Nan, do you want to reconsider joining my club?¡±

    Zou Wenxuan was amused. When people encountered such a situation, it was absolutely impossible for them to admit tantly that someone helped them get in through the back door. They would find a way to exin that they had some means or that they could not be bothered with doing such things and was forced by other people.

    However, Qiao Nan admitted right away that she was witless and had to rely on her senior to get in through the back door. Zou Wenxuan had never seen people like her.

    Perhaps it was due to Xu Shengnan that she asked Qiao Nan to join her club previously. However, right now, she asked her simply because she wanted to get to know her.

    Qiao Nan was at a loss for words. She smiled. ¡°Senior Zou, thank you for the invitation.¡± She had no intention of changing to another club.

    ¡°Are you that confident ofpleting the task that Xu Shengnan entrusted you with?¡± Zou Wenxuan widened her eyes. It was fine that she rejected her offer. She was not Xu Shengnan. She could do without Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan shook her head, an honest look on her face. ¡°There seems to be no hope.¡± With Senior Zou around, she was witless.

    Even if Xu Shengnan was here, given that Zou Wenxuan was around, she would not ce her hopes on the senior.

    ¡°Well, at least you know your limits. You are more adorable than Xu Shengnan.¡± If Xu Shengnan could know what was good for her like Qiao Nan, and she was not so stubborn, they would have been able to have a better time in their previous two years in college. ¡°Let¡¯s go, or we will bete. He does not like people who arete.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and followed after her.

    Many thoughts ran through her mind as Zou Wenxuan looked at the junior next to her.

    The junior who was only a freshman knew that she was bound to lose. Why did she not leave but stay to suffer humiliation?

    Qiao Nan looked calm andposed as usual. Her eyes were clear like water droplets on crystals. Zou Wenxuan had no idea what was on her mind.

    After Zou Wenxuan and Qiao Nan went in, Xu Shengnan, who was the topic of their conversation, appeared hurriedly.

    ¡°Crap! Where did Qiao Nan go? Didn¡¯t I tell her to wait for me and I will get someone to pass her a ticket? She has no ticket and is nowhere to be found. My goodness!¡±

    Xu Shengnan looked at the watch. She was reminded that the senior hated people who werete. She gritted her teeth and stomped her foot. She grabbed the tickets in her hand tightly and went in by herself.

    It was fine that Qiao Nan was not here. Anyway, it was toote.

    Since Qiao Nan was not here, she must not bete.

    If she waste, even if she had the opportunity to talk to the senior, she would not have the cheek to ask him for sponsorships. She was very clear that she would be rejected.

    Actually, it would be better if the two of them tried to get the senior to provide sponsorship. But right now, Xu Shengnan had no other choice but to try her best to get the sponsorship by herself. It was better than not having any chance.

    ¡°Is Xu Shengnan here yet?¡± Zou Wenxuan asked Qiao Nan after they entered the room. She noticed that the room was filled with a lot of students.

    Xu Shengnan was banking on getting sponsorships through the talk this time. Even though she trusted Qiao Nan and put all the stakes on her, she could not let Qiao Nan handle it by herself.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Qiao Nan was confused. ¡°Is Vice President Xuing as well? She only said that she would get someone to pass me a ticket. She did not say anything else. If she is here, we should be able to see herter.¡± Qiao Nan was not the least bit anxious.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled and did notment further. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s hurry to find a ce to sit down.¡± Zou Wenxuan did not want to keep standing. By the time the talk started, it would be odd to be standing.

    Qiao Nan nced at the ticket in her hands. ¡°Are we supposed to sit in assigned seats like when we are in the cinemas and on the trains?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Zou Wenxuan looked at the ticket in Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Why is your seat at the very first row?¡± She was not in the middle row. ording to the number on the ticket, she was on the very first row. How could that be possible? ¡°You can sit anywhere that you like. Do you think you are qualified to sit in the first row seats?¡±

    Whenever there were big events, the best seats were reserved for the school management. Students would not be able to take the first row seats, not even the corner seats in the first row.

 Chapter 954 - The Amazing Ticket

    <h4>Chapter 954 The Amazing Ticket</h4>

    Not many students would be able to sit in the first few rows, let alone a freshman like Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan gave a faint reply. ¡°Oh.¡±

    Qiao Nan could tell that the seat stated on her ticket was odd. She did not feel like sitting there. Therefore, she tried to confirm with Zou Wenxuan.

    ¡°Alright, you can sit next to me.¡± Zou Wenxuan led Qiao Nan to her seat and sat down. At least, she took care of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was particrly good-tempered. ¡°Thank you, senior.¡± It was better to sit next to Zou Wenxuan than to sit in the first row. ¡°Senior Zou, look, that is Vice President Xu.¡± Speak of the devil. But why was she sote?

    ¡°Xu Shengnan, over here.¡± Zou Wenxuan was very gracious. Since there was a seat next to Qiao Nan, Zou Wenxuan motioned for Xu Shengnan to the seat. She was not worried that a bad-tempered Xu Shengnan would quarrel with her now that they were in close proximity

    In Zou Wenxuan¡¯s opinion, instead of letting Xu Shengnan sit elsewhere and have the chance to talk to the senior to get the sponsorship, she would rather put Xu Shengnan near her, keeping a watch on her.

    Since she could keep a tight watch on Xu Shengnan, she would not be able to do anything without her knowing.

    ¡°Zou Wenxuan? Qiao Nan!¡± Xu Shengnan was not surprised at seeing the nuisance Zou Wenxuan. Xu Shengnan was surprised that Qiao Nan sat next to Zou Wenxuan. She thought that Qiao Nan was hiding somewhere and would not being.

    It was strange that Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan had been thinking of the same thing right now.

    Two people who were usually at odds with each other had the tacit understanding to sit together. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you get up so that I can sit beside Zou Wenxuan? I have some matters to discuss with her. It is difficult with you in between us. She could keep a close watch on Zou Wenxuan when she was just by her side. She was confident about discussing the sponsorship with the senior before Zou Wenxuan could.

    She had to strike first and gain the upper hand.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan was not worried that Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan were keeping a watch on each other. She gave up her original seat so that they could sit side by side.

    Zou Wenxuan smiled. ¡°Yes, I happen to have something to talk to your vice president.¡± Apart from having a sharp tongue, Xu Shengnan was physically strong.

    If Xu Shengnan thought that she would be able to overpower her and hold her back from talking to the senior about the sponsorship, she was terribly wrong.

    If Xu Shengnan dared to do so, she would make her suffer a terrible defeat on the spot.

    Qiao Nan, who had sat on the side, could clearly sense the tension between Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan. Sparks seemed to be flying between them. Qiao Nan could only gape in shock.

    Her two seniors seemed to be shooting darts from their eyes.

    ¡°Zou Wenxuan, do give me yourments and suggestions.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. I will definitely do so!¡±

    Thereafter, they turned to the opposite side, not facing each other.

    Xu Shengnan finally had the time to talk to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, where have you been?¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu, didn¡¯t you tell me toe here?¡± Qiao Nan blinked. She was being very obedient. Even though she heard of the friendship between Senior Zou and Senior Gao, and that she had zero hope ofpleting her task, she still turned up for the talk. Qiao Nan admired herself for that.

    ¡°Yes, I wanted you toe, but didn¡¯t I tell you to wait for me while I get someone to pass you the ticket? Why did you run away? I almost thought that you wouldn¡¯t make it in time! Forget it. Nevertheless, you were earlier than me.¡± Xu Shengnan breathed a sigh of relief. Previously, she thought that she was alone and had decided to give it her best shot. Now, she felt more assured since she had an ally.

    Xu Shengnan took out a ticket from her bag, disbelief in her tone as she said, ¡°Zou Wenxuan, I am your ssmate for more than two years. This is the first time I realized that you have some positive traits. Thank you for giving Qiao Nan the ticket. However, Qiao Nan is a member of our club. If she needs a ticket, we will settle it for her. I will return the ticket to you.¡±

    She would not allow Qiao Nan to owe Zou Wenxuan a favor.

    Zou Wenxuan was scheming. She was good at making use of other people¡¯s sympathy.

    What if Qiao Nan took the ticket that Zou Wenxuan gave her and turned softhearted when she was in front of the senior and thus did not try her best to request for sponsorship?

    She had already prepared a ticket for Qiao Nan. She had to return the ticket to Zou Wenxuan so that things would not turn uglyter.

    Qiao Nan and Zou Wenxuan were stunned momentarily.

    Zou Wenxuan frowned and looked at Xu Shengnan. ¡°Are you kidding? You should know how difficult it is to get a ticket to Senior Gao¡¯s talk. Do you think I am stupid?¡± She would not have an extra ticket or lend it to people on her opposing side.

    When did she be such a nice person in Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes?

    ¡°Qiao Nan came in with her own ticket. Didn¡¯t you give Qiao Nan the ticket?¡± It was good enough to be able to secure a ticket, and it was proof of Xu Shengnan¡¯s ability. She found it perplexing that Xu Shengnan would get a first-row seat for Qiao Nan. It was specially reserved for important figures.

    How did Xu Shengnan manage to get the tickets? If one really sat ording to the assigned seat, Xu Shengnan must have been very lucky to get such tickets.

    They had been ssmates for more than two years. Zou Wenxuan knew Xu Shengnan very well.

    Xu Shengnan was able to get the tickets, but she was not capable of getting first row seats.

    Zou Wenxuan finally felt assured when they found seats randomly and did not go ording to the seats printed on the ticket. She thought that since one did not need to sit ordingly, the tickets must have been given randomly regardless of the seats.

    Now that Xu Shengnan brought it up, Zou Wenxuan felt doubtful again. ¡°Qiao Nan, where did you get the ticket?¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu gave it to me,¡± Qiao Nan said innocently.

    ¡°No, your ticket is still with me. I told someone to pass it to you, but the person could not find you. They told me that you had left. The person had no choice but to return it to me.¡± Xu Shengnan waved the ticket in her hand. She had prepared a ticket for Qiao Nan, but the person did not pass it to her in time.

    ¡°Impossible. The ticket is with me.¡± Qiao Nan waved her ticket as well.

    ¡°This ticket is not mine.¡± Xu Shengnan did not know whether to cry orugh. Even if Qiao Nan had a ticket with her, it was not the ticket that she had got for Qiao Nan. That ticket was still with her.

 Chapter 955 - It Was Too Embarrassing To Say It

    <h4>Chapter 955 It Was Too Embarrassing To Say It</h4>

    The ticket that Qiao Nan had was not the ticket that she thought Zou Wenxuan had lent to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, where did you get the ticket?¡±

    It was difficult to get a ticket. Why would they have more than enough tickets?

    Zou Wenxuan pursed her lips, her gaze locked on Qiao Nan. She had to get an answer from her.

    Qiao Nan lifted the corners of her lips, confused. ¡°If I say that I thought that the ticket was the ticket that the vice president prepared for me, will you believe me?¡±

    Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan shook their heads. This was not the ticket that Xu Shengnan had.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°What if I say that I have no idea who gave this to me? Will you believe me?¡±

    Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan shook their heads once again. Qiao Nan must be kidding.

    People were trying means and ways to get the tickets, yet Qiao Nan had an extra ticket for no reason. It was impossible.

    Zou Wenxuan seemed unhappy. ¡°Qiao Nan, is your seat in the first row? No matter what, I am your senior. Go ahead and tell us the truth. What is the point in lying to us?¡±

    Was Qiao Nan pretending to be confused while she watched her make a fool of herself?

    ¡°I am innocent.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°A senior passed me the ticket. I really thought that it was the ticket that Vice President Xu promised to give me previously. Perhaps someone passed the wrong ticket to me?¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡±

    ¡°You must be kidding!¡±

    That was a first-row seat. It would not be given wrongly.

    There was a glitter in Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes. She could not tell what Qiao Nan was up to. ¡°Qiao Nan, since you are a freshman, you may not know much about the situation here. Senior Gao almost became the most handsome boy in our school. He is the Prince Charming to many female students. Freshmen may not know, but second-year students and third-year students know it very well. It has a lot of significance.¡±

    The reason why the tickets were so hard toe by was that many second-year and third-year female students had been eyeing the tickets.

    They came from different faculties. Some were from the same faculty as the senior, while some were from different faculties.

    When Senior Gao was still in school, he was the top student and was almost deemed as the most handsome boy. He set up apany after graduating and his business was thriving. He was a sess story that teachers would often cite to students.

    Many female students would give him love letters.

    Right now, he was sessful and wealthy. He was the subject of attention of even more female students. It would not be an exaggeration to say that all the second- and third-year female students went after him like a flock of ducks.

    As a result, all of them would use all means and ways to attend the talk.

    In fact, admission was free. However, due to excessive demand, the tickets ended up costing a significant amount of money.

    Therefore, it was impossible to have an extra ticket.

    Qiao Nan felt pressured at being stared at by her two seniors. ¡°If this is the case, then I have nothing to say. I really don¡¯t know who gave me this ticket.¡± She was clueless who gave her this ticket and yed a trick on her.

    Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan exchanged looks with each other. It seemed that Qiao Nan was telling the truth. She really did not know whom the ticket was from.

    If so, this was weird.

    The second-year and third-year female students had been fighting for the ticket, yet a freshman like Qiao Nan had an extra ticket...

    Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan felt thankful that they had tickets as well. If not, they would be so embarrassed to have lost to a freshman.

    Xu Shengnan nced at the ticket in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. It was indeed a first-row seat. She told Qiao Nan secretly, ¡°Remember to keep this ticket well and don¡¯t tell others that you have this ticket. In particr, keep the fact that it is a first-row seat to yourself.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was speaking to Qiao Nan, but her gaze was fixed on Zou Wenxuan.

    If this was not handled well, second-year and third-year students might find Qiao Nan to be an eyesore and would cause trouble for her.

    It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. This had more or less to do with Xu Shengnan.

    They were members of the new English club and she was Qiao Nan¡¯s senior. Xu Shengnan would keep a lookout for her junior.

    Xu Shengnan would not tell anyone about this or create trouble for Qiao Nan.

    Apart from Xu Shengnan and Qiao Nan, Zou Wenxuan was the only person who knew of

    this.

    Zou Wenxuan was exasperated. She snorted unhappily. ¡°You can rest assured. I am not a tattle-tale.¡± Even if Qiao Nan did not know whom the ticket was from, Zou Wenxuan did not have a good feeling toward the first-row seat.

    As a third-year student and the vice president of the established English club, her ticket was not as good as the ticket of a freshman who had just joined the school. It was such a shameful thing. She would definitely not tell others.

    But then again, those present, including Qiao Nan, the party concerned, were very curious to know how she came across this ticket.

    Even Qiao Nan herself did not know how she got the ticket. This was all the more interesting.

    Qiao Nan had yet to figure out exactly what happened, and the cell phone that Zhai Sheng bought for her rang.

    Qiao Nan took it out and saw that it was an unfamiliar number. But the phone kept ringing. Qiao Nan had no choice but to answer it. ¡°Hello...¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s action caught the attention of Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan. Qiao Nan was supposed to be on a work-study program, but she could afford a cell phone and the model was quite good.

    ¡°Hello, is this Qiao Nan? I am Grandpa Feng.¡±

    There was a seemingly affectionate tone on the other end of the phone. Qiao Nan almost wanted to spit at him.

    Her grandfather died at an early age. Ever since she was born, she had never seen her grandfather, and neither had Qiao Zijin. Where did this mane from to say that he was her grandfather?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was silent.

    ¡°I heard from Qing Qing that you participated in a school club and need sponsorships. We are one family. If you need money, why don¡¯t you seek us out for help? Feng Meng has his own business. If your club wants to organize events and needs sponsorships, you can ask him for help. I will get someone to send you his phone number and address. You can look for him directly.¡±

    Apart from Zhai Hua, the entire Zhai family was in the capital.

 Chapter 956 - Would Not Fall for Your Trap

    <h4> Would Not Fall for Your Trap</h4>

    Previously, Old Master Feng had thought of many methods and tried many methods as well, but they were no longer effective.

    Now, if they wanted to be close to Qiao Nan, it was impossible to go harsh on her. If the Feng family dared to do anything atrocious, the Zhai family would not hesitate to retaliate. Therefore, they could only use the soft approach.

    The Zhai family was righteous. Besides their hard-earned money and those given to them by the country, they had no other tricks up their sleeves.

    The Feng family merely did some research and they found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s current situation.

    Qiao Nancked money while the Feng family had lots of money.

    The Feng family¡¯s n was to offer her small favors and to boil the frog slowly. Qiao Nan would gradually acknowledge the Feng family as her kin.

    The Zhai family had to leave the capital eventually, but Qiao Nan had to study in the capital for four years. This meant that the Feng family had four years to get close to Qiao Nan.

    Once the Zhai family left the capital, Qiao Nan would be without their protection, and she would have to seek shelter with the Feng family.

    The Zhai family might be willing to make the trip for Qiao Nan once or twice, but they would not do so for her three times, four times, or even a dozen times.

    Old Master Feng could not help but sigh. Time was on their side. It could do the Zhai family in and tear down Qiao Nan¡¯s defense against the Feng family.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. ¡°Did Shi Qing tell you about this?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Qing Qing is very concerned for you. After knowing that you are in need of help, she thought of seeking help from us. We are one family. Actually, you cane directly to us. There is no need to stand on ceremony.¡± Old Master Feng lied through his teeth and he did not feel the least shameful at all.

    Qiao Nan shifted her foot and looked rxed. ¡°Thank you for the kind intentions, but I don¡¯t need it for the time being.¡±

    ¡°If you are busy, I can arrange for Feng Meng to send the money directly to you.¡± Old Master Feng smiled on the other end of the phone. He did not care that Qiao Nan rejected his offer.

    As long as Qiao Nan took their money, Qiao Nan would not be able to be rid of the Feng family in the future.

    Qiao Nan leaned back. ¡°I don¡¯t care what Feng Meng wants to do. It is your family¡¯s business. Since Old Master Feng asked me today, my answer is clear and simple¡ªI don¡¯t need your help. If he insists on supporting the clubs and events that the college students organize, all of the clubs will be very thankful for the help and support that the Feng family gives them.¡±

    In short, if they really sent the money, Peking University¡¯s students and the new English club would be thankful for their help. Her brain was not damaged. The money was for the club. How could she be made ountable for it?

    She would never puff herself up at her own cost.

    It was just Old Master Feng¡¯s wishful thinking that she would be held ountable and she would not be rid of the Feng family in the future.

    Old Master Feng tightened his grip on the phone. ¡°It is because of you that the Feng family is willing to fork out money.¡± Without Qiao Nan, the Feng family would not spend a single cent on the school.

    Qiao Nanughed in anger. ¡°I don¡¯t know and don¡¯t need to know the reason why the Feng family is willing to fork out money. All I know is that the money belongs to the Feng family. They are the only people who have the right to decide where their money will go to.¡±

    The Feng family was willing to give the money by themselves. How dared they make her take responsibility for it?

    Because of her?

    She did not ask the Feng family to fork out money for the new English club on ount of her. She would not stop them if they insisted on doing so. However, she must make things clear right from the start.

    If they gave money to the club, they did it willingly and on their own ord. It had nothing to do with her.

    VI dCC

    Old Master Feng might have wanted to make her take responsibility for it, but she was not willing to go along with him.

    In short, she would not stop the Feng family from sponsoring the club. However, if they wanted to make use of this to have ties with her, it was absolutely impossible.

    Old Master Feng was so angry that his hand shook. It had been years since someone dared to use this attitude with him. A youngdy who had no influential background would actually dare to speak to him in this way, disregarding his feelings. The Zhai family was indeed her strong backing!

    In Old Master Feng¡¯s opinion, Qiao Nan dared to be disrespectful to him and put on airs because she had the Zhai family as her support. In fact, it was the truth.

    Without the Zhai family, the Feng family would not want to be rted to Qiao Nan or create trouble for her.

    Of course, since it was due to the Zhai family that shended herself in such trouble, she would not reject their help. She would need their help to solve the problem of the Feng family.

    Since the Zhai family supported her, Qiao Nan did not fear Old Master Feng as she had the Zhai family to fall back upon.

    ¡°Good, very good. You are very brave.¡± Old Master Feng let out a breath as if to let out all his anger. ¡°It¡¯s fine that you don¡¯t need our help now. We are rtives. If there is anything, we need to discuss it. If you need our help, you can give me a call. I will get Feng Meng to send the money to you.¡±

    He knew very well what kind of people the Zhai family was.

    Qiao Nan needed sponsorships, but no one in the Zhai family would help her.

    Not everyone in the capital knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family. If the Feng family put some pressure on the businesses in the capital, regardless of how good Qiao Nan was with her words, no one would provide her with sponsorships.

    ¡°Alright. I will remember your words.¡± Qiao Nan could not be bothered to say that it was impossible or to feign civility. What she had to do now was to end the call. ¡°Goodbye, Old Master Feng.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Old Master Feng, who had made up his mind, ended the call. There would be a day when Qiao Nan woulde asking for help.

    Qiao Nan hung up the phone and put it back into her pocket. She turned to see Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan, who were in shock. They were dumbstruck.

    Qiao Nan touched her face with her hand. ¡°Do I have flowers on my face?¡±

    Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan shook their heads.

    Qiao Nan was baffled. Since she did not have any flowers on her face, why would her seniors stare at her with such an incredulous expression?

    Zou Wenxuan wore a perplexed expression on her face. ¡°Someone wanted to lend you money and you rejected him?¡± Unless they had their own way of solving the money issue, whenever they needed to look for sponsorship, they would have to go around begging for help. Someone wanted to sponsor the club and was rejected outright. Zou Wenxuan had never seen such an absurd situation.

    Xu Shengnan moved her mouth. She did not know if she should severely criticize Qiao Nan or ask Qiao Nan what was going on to satisfy her gossipy nature.

    It was the sponsorship that they had been talking about. It was offered even without them doing anything, yet Qiao Nan rejected it.

    Xu Shengnan felt as if her heart was bleeding. It ached tremendously.

 Chapter 957 - Had Powerful Backing

    <h4>Chapter 957 Had Powerful Backing</h4>

    However, Xu Shengnan was not foolish and she could hear clearly.

    The person who offered the sponsorship had a hidden agenda and was after Qiao Nan. Although Xu Shengnan wanted to defeat Zou Wenxuan, she would not sacrifice Qiao Nan.

    It was one thing to know, but it was another thing to be rational about it. Xu Shengnan¡¯s heart ached at the loss that she almost fainted.

    Fine, she would not be able to defeat Zou Wenxuan for the event this year. Even if she wanted topete with her in the future, she had to do so after she graduated and joined the workforce.

    Xu Shengnan seemed different from her usual bustling and energetic self. Instead, she looked dejected. She flopped on the chair and seemed to be in a trance. She seemed to havepletely given up on the sponsorship.

    It was not easy to get sponsorship from Senior Gao, and they could not ept the sponsorship that was offered to them. The new English club was really down on its luck.

    Hopefully, after a few years when she returned to Peking University, the new English club would still be running. It must not be ruined under her hands.

    Zou Wenxuan¡¯s mood was only slightly better than Xu Shengnan¡¯s. Zou Wenxuan used to think that she had overestimated Qiao Nan. It was too timid of her to be intimidated by her just because of the false thread.

    Right now, Zou Wenxuan had other thoughts.

    When Qiao Nan joined Peking University, her details might have said that she did note from a well-to-do family. However, Qiao Nan seemed to be acquainted with important and influential figures.

    The Feng family?

    Zou Wenxuan heard from three of Qiao Nan¡¯s roommates that the Feng family was wealthy and they were serious about providing sponsorships.

    If Qiao Nan agreed to the sponsorship, Xu Shengnan would already be celebrating with Qiao Nan. They would be rejoicing over the sess of the new English club and that it could finally take its first and most difficult step toward sess.

    Xu Shengnan was dealt with a hard blow. She seemed to have given up totally. Zou Wenxuan felt slightly better at Xu Shengnan¡¯s dejected look.

    Both of them were Qiao Nan¡¯s seniors. She was not the only person who was dealt a hard blow by Qiao Nan. She felt muchforted that Xu Shengnan was in a worse state than her.

    Qiao Nan bucked up. She had no idea why Vice President Xu seemed to be very dejected.

    The talk started right then.

    Qiao Nan fixed her gaze on the senior whom Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan had described as being very brilliant and outstanding.

    Qiao Nan counted with her fingers. The senior might be very smart, studied a double major in college, and made use of connections to finish the required modules and graduate ahead of time. Regardless of how he cut down in time, he should be in the same batch as her seniors.

    It was alright for her to address him as senior, but why would her seniors address him as senior as well?

    Her two seniors did not skip a grade, while the senior did. In that case, Senior Gao should be older than her and aspared to her seniors...

    The three of them should be the same age. It was even likely that Senior Gao was younger than her two seniors.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Nan would not be such a fool to bring up her doubts. Every woman would take issue that they were old and no longer young.

    ¡°He is very handsome, right?¡± Gone was the dejected look on Xu Shengnan¡¯s face. Since she had no confidence in getting the sponsorship and was ready to give up, she might as well sit back and rx as she listened to the talk. It was pointless to torture herself. ¡°Indeed, Senior Gao is very dashing. If he did not graduate within such a short period of time, he would be the most handsome boy at Peking University. No one would be able to take his ce.¡±

    ¡°Does Senior Xu think that he is very handsome as well?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Xu Shengnan gave Qiao Nan a disdainful look. ¡°Regardless of my personality, I am still an ordinary woman. Senior Gao is so outstanding and talented. I am not blind. It is natural that I have a good impression of him. It is a pity that he has graduated. Furthermore, when he was still in school, many female students gave him love letters, but he never epted any of them. Qiao Nan, do you think it is possible for him not to like women?¡±

    Every woman, including seniors and juniors as well as his peers, liked Senior Gao. Some were delicately pretty while others were beautiful and gracious. All types of women liked him, but he did not ept any of them.

    In ancient times, the emperor¡¯s harem was not as strict as this. Why did it seem as if Senior Gao was stricter than when the emperor was choosing concubines?

    If the problems did not lie with the female college students, it must have to do with Senior Gao.

    Qiao Nan curled the corner of her lips at the topic that was being discussed. ¡°Vice President Xu, I have only joined Peking University for a month, and I don¡¯t know many people. If not for you, I wouldn¡¯t know that there was such a senior in our university. I have no idea why he did not have any girlfriend.¡±

    As for whether he was gay, Qiao Nan had no wish to express her opinions. This matter had nothing to do with her. She could not be bothered with it.

    ¡°This is just a casual and private chat between us. I don¡¯t mean anything else. I am in the same batch as him. All of us are specting and betting about why he is not in a rtionship. Now that we¡¯re talking about him, I am reminded of the bet. That¡¯s why I discussed it with you.¡± Xu Shengnan made herments nonchntly. She did not feel that there was anything wrong with what she just said.

    Zou Wenxuan, who was ambitious and dreamed of bing his wife, frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t make false guesses. Senior Gao does not have a good temper. If he learns about it, he may sue you for defamation. Even if you have no hopes of getting the sponsorship, you should not be saying this.¡±

    If the senior was gay, it would mean that she did not have any chance at all.

    Moreover, he was so dashing. It was a pity if he preferred men.

    Zou Wenxuan¡¯s expression darkened right then. ¡°Xu Shengnan, do you feel that it is not easy being a woman? When one is dating, one has topete with other women to get the man that one likes. After getting married, one has to guard against third parties. Right now, one still has topete with men for the man that she likes...¡±

    Xu Shengnan patted Zou Wenxuan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You should look at it this way. It is true that men could be gays, but women could be lesbians as well. In this case, as a man, one has topete with other men for the woman he likes and he has to guard against the third party in his marriage. He also has topete with other women for the woman he likes. You will feel much better this way.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen such cases?¡± She had heard of gays, but not for lesbians.

    Minutes ago, both of them were at loggerheads with each other. However, minutester, they were happily engaged in their own conversation. Qiao Nan cupped her chin in her hand and rolled her eyes at the unexinable hostility and camaraderie between the two of them.

 Chapter 958 - Turned Out That They Knew Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 958 Turned Out That They Knew Each Other</h4>

    Perhaps it would not take long before the two of them turned hostility into friendship and became each other¡¯s bosom friends.

    Qiao Nan fixed her gaze on the man who was in his suit, standing at the podium. He was confident and self-effacing. He had the charisma of a sessful businessman. Qiao Nan shook her head. She had the feeling that Senior Gao seemed to be very familiar as if she had seen him somewhere.

    Xu Shengnan noticed that Qiao Nan was behaving oddly. She waved her hands in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Stop looking at him. Don¡¯t tell me that you have seen him before and that you know him. This trick is not effective on him.¡± Furthermore, Zou Wenxuan had been eyeing him covetously and had some past friendship with him.

    It was good for them if Qiao Nan seeded. If she failed, the new English club would miss their shot at sess and would be making a fool of themselves in front of Zou Wenxuan.

    Xu Shengnan could not be humiliated in front of Zou Wenxuan.

    Zou Wenxuan lifted her chin. She was d that Xu Shengnan knew her limitations.

    Qiao Nan nodded obediently. She knew that it was impossible for her to know the legendary Senior Gao. Even if she had seen him before, she must have read about him on the school¡¯s magazine, talking about how he was the model student. That must be the reason why it left an impression on her.

    While Qiao Nan was in a trance, the event ended in no time.

    Regardless of their motives in attending the talk, everyone gave him a big round of apuse.

    Qiao Nan apuded as well while whispering to Xu Shengnan. ¡°Senior, have you given up on the idea of getting sponsorship from the senior? Many of the students have left. Should we leave as well?¡±

    Xu Shengnan shot Qiao Nan a dejected look. ¡°Are you very happy? There is no hope of securing funds from Senior Gao, and I have no wish to probe about the phone call and your refusal from just now. But the problem is that unless we give up on organizing the event, you will still need to get the sponsorship. This means you have to rack your brains toe up with a way.¡±

    Now that this method would not work out, Qiao Nan had to find another way of getting the money. Qiao Nan should not be too happy that they had one less option.

    Qiao Nan stiffened. Indeed, like Vice President Xu had said, she should not rejoice too early. She still had work to do. ¡°Vice President Xu, let¡¯s not give up right away. Shall we give it another try?¡±

    In the capital, the Feng family aside, or rather, she did not know anyone, including the Feng family.

    Now that they had no hopes of getting sponsorship from Senior Gao, and as she was new to the capital, she was helpless.

    Xu Shengnan patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s try again. We should make a Hail Mary effort. Perhaps we will seed.¡±

    Even if they were not sessful, it was a good idea to be a hindrance to Zou Wenxuan so that she would not seed so easily. ¡°The school managementmittee has left. Let¡¯s hurry up. We must not miss such a good chance.¡± Zou Wenxuan had left her and Qiao Nan by themselves. Without another word, Xu Shengnan pulled Qiao Nan with her to catch up with Zou Wenxuan.

    Zou Wenxuan turned to see that they were catching up with her. She snorted and moved to stand in the middle, blocking the narrow passageway so that Qiao Nan and Xu Shengnan could not reach Senior Gao before her.

    Gao Yan drank some water to soothe his throat. He looked up and saw three female studentsing his way.

    Gao Yan¡¯s eyes lit up, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. He looked directly at the three of them.

    Zou Wenxuan, who was blocking Xu Shengnan¡¯s path, could not help but blush at Gao Yan¡¯s gaze. Her hands and legs stiffened and she was so nervous that she almost forgot how to walk.

    Zou Wenxuan seemed to have difficulty in coordinating her hands and legs and tripped.

    Fortunately, Xu Shengnan and Qiao Nan supported Zou Wenxuan from the back. Otherwise, Zou Wenxuan might have fallen and made a fool of herself in front of her Prince Charming.

    After steadying Zou Wenxuan, Xu Shengnan pped her right hand with her left hand unhappily. ¡°Such a good-for-nothing hand. Why did you support her?¡±

    Zou Wenxuan was acquainted with Senior Gao. He was only short of walking forward to greet her. Even if she made a fool of herself, Senior Gao would not take issue with her.

    Xu Shengnan snorted. Zou Wenxuan was in such a favorable position.

    Could it be that although Senior Gao did not go into a rtionship when he was in school, he, in fact, had a good impression of Zou Wenxuan? Now that he had graduated, he finally revealed his feelings for her?

    Xu Shengnan was jealous and envious at the thought of that.

    He was such an outstanding Prince Charming. Every woman would like him. Xu Shengnan was one of them.

    Xu Shengnan was as listless as a frosted eggnt. ¡°Qiao Nan, there is no hope for us. Senior Gao is acquainted with Zou Wenxuan. There is no way that we can do anything about the sponsorship. Let¡¯s go.¡± Even if they lingered around, they would not be a hindrance to Zou Wenxuan. Or rather, they would have to watch them as they talked happily with each other.

    Qiao Nan grabbed Xu Shengnan, who was about to leave. ¡°Vice President Xu, what¡¯s the hurry? We must stay until thest moment.¡± Senior Zou had yet to get the money.

    Qiao Nan had made up her mind. In order to avoid being targeted by the Feng family, she would spend all her efforts on the ¡®impossible¡¯ Senior Gao so that the Feng family would not have the chance to offer their money.

    She had to use her glib tongue on Senior Gao to get sponsorship from him!

    ¡°You are indeed here.¡±

    ¡°Senior Gao.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan, who walked toward Gao Yan, saw him walked past her to stand right in front of Xu Shengnan and Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan, who had made up her mind, saw this change of events and smiled. ¡°Vice President Xu, here is our chance! It seems that not only does Senior Zou know Senior Gao, but you know him as well! I can¡¯t believe it. Vice President Xu, you are incredible.¡±

    Qiao Nan grabbed Xu Shengnan¡¯s arm anxiously. Since Xu Shengnan had this trump card, there was no need for her to attend the talk with the vice president. Given the current situation, it was clear that Vice President Xu had a closer rtionship with Senior Gao than Senior Zou. The new English club would definitely get the sponsorship.

    Xu Shengnan, who hung her head, heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words and stood upright, staring incredulously at Senior Gao, who was indeed standing right in front of her with a friendly smile on his face.

    My goodness! Had love struck?!

    Xu Shengnan, who was dizzy with happiness, felt weak in her legs. She had no idea since when did she have a close friendship with Senior Gao. She had no recollection at all. She must be dreaming.

    Xu Shengnan smiled brightly like a besotted fool while Zou Wenxuan turned green with anger. After everything, it turned out that she had underestimated Xu Shengnan. She had been modest about her skill.

 Chapter 959 - Qiao Nan Played Dumb to Take Advantage of Her

    <h4>Chapter 959 Qiao Nan yed Dumb to Take Advantage of Her</h4>

    Gao Yan arched an eyebrow. He did not seem to understand Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Qiao Nan, I didn¡¯t expect that we will be alumni. I heard that you were joining Peking University. I was going to wee you when school started, but mypany was very busy and I could not make it.¡±

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s and Zou Wenxuan¡¯s expressions changed. There was a ferocious re in their gazes. Zou Wenxuan stared at her with animosity while Xu Shengnan was curious and happy to hear that. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you... acquainted with Senior Gao?¡± He even said that he intended to wee Qiao Nan when school started. It seemed that they were quite close.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s heart was racing. She seemed to be alternating between heaven and hell. She had to thank her parents for gifting her with a healthy body and a strong heart. If not, she might be in hospital now.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know him.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head.

    Xu Shengnan had a look of disbelief on her face. Senior Gao had already said so, yet Qiao Nan refused to admit.

    If she knew that Qiao Nan was close to Senior Gao, there was no need for her to worry about Zou Wenxuan.

    Zou Wenxuan¡¯s face turned from green to white and then purple. She was enraged. She had thought that the person who had been hiding her abilities was Xu Shengnan, but it turned out that it was Qiao Nan who had been ying dumb!

    ¡°However, I feel like I have seen him somewhere before.¡± Qiao Nan bent her neck as if talking to herself.

    Gao Yan smiled. ¡°Yes, we have met once in the past. It is no wonder you do not have much impression of it.¡± If not because of that person, he would not remember Qiao Nan or notice that she had gone to Peking University and was in the capital. ¡°Actually, it was someone who told me to wee you when school started.¡±

    Gao Yan gave a lot of clues. Qiao Nan thought hard about it and it suddenly struck her mind. ¡°Are you Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart?¡±

    That was right!

    They had indeed met once.

    ¡°Childhood... Sweetheart?¡± Was he that young?

    Now that Qiao Nan remembered who Gao Yan was, she was no longer as restrained and nervous as she was just now. She no longer behaved like a junior who had just been introduced to the top student at school. She was more casual and rxed. ¡°So you used to study at Peking University. You are the Senior Gao that they have been talking about. It¡¯s strange. Why didn¡¯t Fang Fange to the capital to study? Why did she choose to study at the key university in the province?¡± She thought that Fang Fang would be inseparable from Gao Yan.

    ¡°Since you have apany in the capital, do you not intend to go back? What about Fang Fang? Don¡¯t tell me I was wrong back then?¡± At that time, Gao Yan had rushed to Ping Cheng High School because of Fang Fang, who had been undecided between the humanities and the science sses, and he insisted on thanking her for helping Fang Fang. Gao Yan must be interested in Fang Fang.

    Gao Yanughed, finding Qiao Nan to be a very interesting person. The most important thing was that he was very satisfied that Qiao Nan was very protective of Fang Fang. ¡°I have my own ns. Fang Fang may be studying at the university in the province, but it will not be long before Fang Fang¡¯s parentse to the capital before her.¡± In other words, once Fang Fang¡¯s parents came to the capital, she could not possibly stay in the province.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Qiao Nan was relieved. ¡°Gao Yan, I am reassured now, but are you?¡±

    Gao Yan paused momentarily. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean? Silly! Fang Fang is very well-behaved. She did not date when she was in junior high school or high school. Do you think that she will not have someone by her side when she is in university? You must be very gracious for not worrying that she will be taken.¡± She always thought that once Fang Fang graduated from high school, Gao Yan would make sure that Fang Fang became his girlfriend, just like what Brother Zhai did. ¡°I just talked to Fang Fang a few days ago. Judging from her tone, she seems to be in love. I thought that you two...¡±

    It turned out that Gao Yan did not bring about the change in Fang Fang.

    If Gao Yan had been dating Fang Fang, Gao Yan would not use this tone when he spoke to Qiao Nan. What Gao Yan would do now was to treat her to a meal.

    Gao Yan¡¯s face darkened at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Are you saying that Fang Fang has a boyfriend in university?!¡±

    ¡°Based on my three years of experience of sharing a dormitory with her, I feel that the probability is about 87.5 percent.¡± Qiao Nan touched her chin. ¡°You should know Fang Fang¡¯s temper. She would not use such a sweet and gentle tone with friends like me. Do you think there will be other female friends who will bring about such a change in her?¡±

    She was not being boastful. She was very confident about this.

    Gao Yan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Previously, when I talked to Fang Fang on the phone, she told me that her friends in the university are not as good as her friends in high school.¡±

    Since she was not close to her ordinary friends, it must be her boyfriend who brought about such a change in her.

    Qiao Nan tried to hold in her smile and patted Gao Yan on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged. There is still a chance. She is merely dating him. She has yet to marry him. Furthermore, you know her earlier than him.¡±

    Gao Yan calmed down. ¡°Does the club that you are in need of sponsorship?¡± There was a glitter in Gao Yan¡¯s eyes. He seemed to be saying that it was not easy to get sponsorship.

    Even if Gao Yan originally had the intention of helping Qiao Nan, as a businessman, Gao Yan had to make use of this opportunity so that he would not lose the beauty and his money.

    Qiao Nan tidied her hair, looking calm and unhurried. ¡°Did Fang Fang tell you to take good care of me?¡± If Fang Fang learned that Gao Yan did not take care of her, she would only be more averse to Gao Yan.

    Qiao Nan was fearless now.

    ¡°I will take good care of you in your four years of college,¡± Gao Yan said reluctantly.

    Qiao Nan was thrilled. ¡°If you have the ability, there is no need for that!¡± She would admire Gao Yan for being a tough guy.

    Xu Shengnan felt that the situation seemed to be going downhill. They were about to break out in a quarrel.

    Xu Shengnan pulled Qiao Nan secretly. Even if they were old acquaintances, Qiao Nan must know her limits. They must not allow Zou Wenxuan to stand to gain.

    But then, what exactly was the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Senior Gao? Why did Qiao Nan dare to use such an attitude toward the Prince Charming of the fellow female students?

    The strangest thing was that Senior Gao seemed to be subdued by Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan bared her teeth and smiled at Xu Shengnan. She knew what she was doing. ¡°Do you like Fang Fang?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Gao Yan¡¯s face sank. He did not understand what Qiao Nan meant by asking this.

    Qiao Nan was not in a hurry for Gao Yan to answer her. She said unhurriedly, ¡°Regarding the sponsorship, it is just a simple student activity. It is not a big deal. But if I am to help you with regard to your rtionship with Fang Fang, I may affect her entire life. Before I can be sure that you are a good man, do you think I will help you get close to Fang Fang and cause her harm?¡± After all, Fang Fang was one of her few good friends since she went through rebirth.

    She had seen many scumbags and she had met one of them. Although Gao Yan was Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart, Qiao Nan still had her doubts about him. Hence, she was cautious.

 Chapter 960 - Prince Charming Turned Into Boot-Licker

    <h4>Chapter 960 Prince Charming Turned Into Boot-Licker</h4>

    If he did not want her to help, she would not be bothered with what he did. At most, if Fang Fang asked about him, she would tell her what happened for reference.

    On the contrary, even if Gao Yan really wanted her to help him, she would rather Fang Fang go ahead and date the current boyfriend before she was certain what kind of person Gao Yan was. If he was not a good man, at least, she could gain some experience. It was better than helping a scumbag pursue her good friend.

    Gao Yan was not in a position to lose his temper at Qiao Nan. ¡°I like her.¡±

    ¡°How long has it been?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Gao Yan hesitated. How long had it been?

    ¡°Can¡¯t remember?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up, her eyebrows raised. ¡°Let me put it this way. When did you find out that you like Fang Fang?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Gao Yan was not particrly eager to answer this question as well.

    It was useless to like her since a young age or to keep a tight watch on her. He could not control her actions or stop her from liking other men!

    ¡°Alright, I will help you.¡± Even though Gao Yan did not answer Qiao Nan¡¯s questions, Qiao Nan did not take issue with him. Instead, she agreed to help him. ¡°Of course, you will have to provide sponsorship for the club¡¯s event.¡±

    Gao Yan breathed a sigh of relief. At least, he did not need to answer such embarrassing questions. ¡°Sure, the sponsorship is not a problem. As for Fang Fang¡¯s boyfriend...¡± At the thought that the childhood sweetheart that he had been keeping a tight watch on dated someone else behind his back, Gao Yan was heartbroken and furious.

    ¡°He should not be considered a boyfriend.¡± Qiao Nan smiled like a scammer.

    Gao Yan was doubtful. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Of course. If he were her boyfriend, Fang Fang would not tell her childhood sweetheart, but she would definitely tell me. You should have known this long ago.¡± Right now, someone must have been pursuing Fang Fang and she did not reject him. They were in an ambiguous stage. The person had been working hard in gaining her affection.

    Gao Yan smiled bitterly.

    That was indeed the case. Back then, he tried all means and ways to persuade Fang Fang to choose the humanities ss, but she refused to listen to him and insisted on choosing the science ss. If she was not bent on spiting him, given her results, she should be able to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. In the end, Fang Fang chose to study at Ping Cheng High School in order to avoid him.

    Fang Fang was lucky to have met Qiao Nan. Even so, Gao Yan did not feel the least bit happy at the thought that Fang Fang did everything to avoid him.

    ¡°Okay, I will leave Fang Fang to you.¡± The girl that he liked had finally grown up. Gao Yan would not let her go this time. He would not allow his childhood sweetheart to be ¡®eaten¡¯ by another man.

    Qiao Nan gestured an ¡®okay¡¯ sign with her hands. ¡°Vice President Xu, you can have a good chat with Gao Yan regarding the sponsorship that we need this time.¡± They had settled everything except for the exact amount of money that they needed.

    Xu Shengnan who was in a daze smiled brightly in the next instant.

    Senior Gao was her Prince Charming, but he was lectured by Qiao Nan in front of her and he turned into a boot-licker. What was going on exactly? One thing she knew was that their club had finally gotten the sponsorship.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    Xu Shengnan had a good impression of Gao Yan as well. However, he was the Prince Charming who was beyond her reach. It was fine to think about him at times, but she had no intention of being with him.

    Xu Shengnan had sorted out her thoughts unlike the rest of the female students. Now, she finally knew that her Prince Charming was not gay and he was interested in women. Furthermore, he already had a childhood sweetheart that he had liked for a long time.

    Such a Prince Charming was simply perfect.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Gao Yan had some impression of Xu Shengnan. More importantly, Gao Yan was certain that Xu Shengnan did not have any other hidden agenda, unlike other female juniors. She did not have unrealistic fantasies toward him.

    Gao Yan had no wish to work with people who were absorbed in their own fantasies. He would rather spend more time to sort out the details with Qiao Nan. He could also make use of this chance to leave a good impression on Qiao Nan so that she would help him put in a good word in front of Fang Fang.

    Gao Yan was not averse to working out the details with a clear-minded junior like Xu Shengnan.

    ¡°You are indeed gracious.¡± Zou Wenxuan gritted her teeth. She kept a tight watch on the two of them, but in the end, she lost to Qiao Nan.

    The Prince Charming that she had been longing for was to be introduced to another girl. It was simply allowing benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others. What was on Qiao Nan¡¯s mind?

    Qiao Nan pulled the corners of her mouth innocently. ¡°Senior Zou, I am not being gracious. In fact, I am very narrow-minded. You kept singing praises of Senior Gao and I totally agree with you. Such a good man has to be introduced to someone close.¡±

    Gao Yan was Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart. She had no idea of the personality of the man who was pursuing Fang Fang.

    The only thing she knew was that Fang Fang seemed to be averse to Gao Yan and would try her best to avoid anything that had to do with him.

    She would not believe that Fang Fang had no feelings for Gao Yan.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Zou Wenxuan was jealous. She had thought that since she was in her third year, she would try to be close to Senior Gao, and she might be able to work with him after she graduated. Perhaps she would be able to enjoy the benefits of a favorable position.

    It seemed that this was no longer possible.

    Zou Wenxuan was unhappy that she had one less option. ¡°I heard from Tang Jiayun that you are engaged. Is that man better than Senior Gao?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not act like a besotted fool in front of Gao Yan. Instead of being demure, she was crafty and did not maintain her dignity. Zou Wenxuan could not understand what was going on in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind.

    Zou Wenxuan knew very well that Gao Yan was a good catch.

    Gao Yan had all the positive traits. How could Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ bepared to him?

    Would Qiao Nan not feel that it was a pity to matchmake such a good man to her high school ssmate?

    ¡°Of course. He is much better than Senior Gao.¡± Qiao Nan was very proud of Zhai Sheng. ¡°They could not bepared to each other!¡± Zhai Sheng would be the future chief. He was an influential person. It was beyond the reach of any ordinary person.

    Prince Charming?

    Whenpared to Brother Zhai, Gao Yan was far from the Prince Charming. He was merely an outstanding man.

    ¡°Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What a fool.¡± Zou Wenxuan disregarded Qiao Nan¡¯s words. She did not believe anything that she said. ¡°Hopefully, your fianc¨¦ will turn out to be as good as you described him to be.¡±

    Gao Yan could not even match up to Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan was not afraid of people not believing her words.

    Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders at the look of disbelief on Zou Wenxuan¡¯s face. She did not care if she believed her or not. ¡°Senior Zou, I have something on, so I will make a move first.¡± Qiao Nan had yet to make a move when her cell phone rang.

 Chapter 961 - The Scary FiancÃ©

    <h4>Chapter 961 The Scary Fianc¨¦</h4>

    ¡°Hello, Brother Zhai? Are you done with your meeting? Oh, sure, my lessons are over. Sure, let¡¯s meet at the school entrance.¡±

    ¡°Is your fianc¨¦ing to fetch you?¡± Zou Wenxuan noticed the sweet and gentle look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    Qiao Nan put aside her cell phone. ¡°Yes. He has some matters to attend to in the capital recently. His family is here in the capital, but they will leave after a while.¡±

    ¡°...¡± She had heard of work trip, but she had not heard of cases where the entire family went on a work trip together. ¡°I have to make a trip outside. Shall we walk together?¡±

    She wanted to take a look at Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ that was said to be better than Senior Gao. She wanted to know how he looked.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan knew what was on Zou Wenxuan¡¯s mind and she made no move to refuse. ¡°Senior Zou, did my former roommates tell you that I have a fianc¨¦? I remember the three of them are members of your club.¡±

    She was just a freshman. There were many other Peking University¡¯s freshmen who were engaged.

    If nobody brought it up in front of Senior Zou, she would not be bothered about whether she was engaged or not.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zou Wenxuan replied. ¡°Your former roommates don¡¯t seem to have a good rtionship with one another, especially L¨¹ Yan. She was very frank with me.¡±

    ¡°If not, would I have moved out of the dormitory?¡± Qiao Nan was not worried that Zou Wenxuan wouldugh at her. She wanted Zou Wenxuan to know that since she had moved out of the dormitory, she had no more contact with her former roommates. In the future, Zou Wenxuan should not think of setting designs on Qiao Nan through them. She would not seed.

    Zou Wenxuan flicked her hair, keeping silent.

    She would have to try to know whether it worked or not.

    By the time Zou Wenxuan and Qiao Nan walked to the school entrance, an impressive Land Rover was already parked there, and standing by its side was a man who stood tall and upright like a por. Zou Wenxuan was dazzled. ¡°Qiao Nan, is your fianc¨¦ a police officer? His posture looks like he is very disciplined.¡±

    Apart from during the military training, she had never seen people who emanated such an imposing aura. ¡°Hehehe.¡± Qiao Nanughed. She did not answer Zou Wenxuan¡¯s question. Instead, she ran toward Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, have you waited for a long time?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had a solemn look on his face. People who saw him would be so scared that they would walk around him. But as soon as he saw Qiao Nan, his expression turned gentle and his eagled-eye gaze softened. It was as if he had changed into a different person.

    Zou Wenxuan, who stood by the side, stared at them dumbstruck.

    When she first saw Zhai Sheng, Zou Wenxuan had a guilty conscience and was ashamed of herself. In particr, when Zhai Sheng gave her a nce, she had the impression that she had been shed by a cold knife.

    He was such a powerful man. He was like a sharpened sword, like those divine weapons in the television dramas, where one single wield of the sword would cut a single strand of hair easily.

    Zou Wenxuan had no wish to get close to Zhai Sheng. Like others, she walked around Zhai Sheng, fearing that she would be hurt if she was too close to him.

    However, after Qiao Nan walked toward Zhai Sheng, the sharp de that could easily split things in half seemed as if had been sheathed in its one and only scabbard. Gone was the dangerous aura that he exuded, and in turn, he became harmless and sincere.

    My goodness. Such a man was too dangerous!

    Did Qiao Nan not feel pressured and frightened being with such a man?

    She always thought that this kind of person only existed in novels. However, she met him in real life!

    ¡°Senior Zou, this is my fianc¨¦.¡± Qiao Nan did not notice that Zou Wenxuan was afraid of Zhai Sheng and wanted to stay as far away from him as possible. She introduced Zhai Sheng to Zou Wenxuan graciously.

    Beads of perspiration began to form on Zou Wenxuan¡¯s forehead. ¡°H-how are you? I am Qiao Nan¡¯s senior. I have something on, so I won¡¯t disturb you. Goodbye, Qiao Nan.¡±

    When Zhai Sheng looked at Zou Wenxuan, she jumped and all her hairs stood on end like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She was only one step from shrieking in fright.

    After saying goodbye to Qiao Nan, Zou Wenxuan used her fastest speed to get out of Zhai Sheng¡¯s sight.

    Zhai Sheng frowned slightly. ¡°Nan Nan, this person is not an upright person. You must be careful when you have dealings with her in the future. You must not be led astray by her.¡± She cowered in fright under his gaze. Zhai Sheng did not believe that she was a good person.

    Qiao Nan burst out inughter. ¡°There is no one in this world who is a real saint. Everyone will have schemes and plots. Isn¡¯t it normal to be a little selfish at times?¡±

    Qiao Nan thought of the situation just now. Anyone who had the slightest dark side in them would show their true colors under Zhai Sheng¡¯s piercing and righteous gaze. In particr, for people like Zou Wenxuan who was not mentally strong, one could see through them right away. It worked better than X-rays.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s good that you know what you are doing. Let¡¯s go back.¡± Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan on her head. He could not be bothered to waste his time on insignificant people.

    Qiao Nan sat on the passenger seat and asked, ¡°Shall we make a trip to the Lin family¡¯s house and bring Shi Qing with us?¡± Ever since Brother Zhai came to the capital, it had been a long time since she had dinner with Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing stayed in the capital because Brother Zhai wanted Shi Qing to look after her. However, in the end, she spent time with the Zhai family, leaving Shi Qing alone by herself. Qiao Nan felt bad and guilty toward Shi Qing. There was a glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°No need. She has gone to the Feng family¡¯s residence today.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of the text message that I sent her? Shi Qing does not seem like she would lose her cool.¡± Previously, after Old Master Feng called her, Qiao Nan texted Shi Qing about their conversation so that she would know what was going on and would not be the Feng family¡¯s scapegoat.

    Qiao Nan did not believe that Shi Qing would tell the Feng family about her current situation.

    Zhai Sheng agreed with her. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. Shi Qing certainly has made some progress. She did not take the initiative to look for the Feng family this time. Instead, it was the Feng family who looked for her. You should be able to guess the reason without me telling you.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of me again?¡± The problem with the Feng family was endless. They had just called her and sowed discord between Shi Qing and her, and the next instant, they fetched Shi Qing back home. It showed that the Feng family had something on their conscience.

    ¡°It is more or less that way. It is either due to you or the Zhai family. Right now, if the Feng family wants to be rted to the Zhai family, apart from you, the only way will be through Shi Qing and my master.¡±

 Chapter 962 - The Benefits of Having a FiancÃ©

    <h4>Chapter 962 The Benefits of Having a Fianc¨¦</h4>

    His master was the son-inw of the Feng family. Back then, his master did not help the Feng family in their businesses, but right now, the Feng family was hoping that he would act as the bridge between the Feng family and the Zhai family for selfish reasons. It was their wildest fantasy. ¡°The Feng family seemed to have made a phone call to my master, saying that Old Master Feng is thinking to celebrate his 70th birthday. My master is the son-inw of the Feng family. By then, he would have to be present to celebrate Old Master Feng¡¯s birthday.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that Director Shi refused to do as they said and they directed their attention to Shi Qing, hoping that she would make him go with her?¡± Qiao Nan understood what was going on.

    If Director Shi was willing to meddle with the Feng family¡¯s affairs, he would have done so long ago.

    In the end, the Feng family decided to go through Shi Qing to deal with her matter and Director Shi¡¯s problem. They wanted Shi Qing to help them achieve their goals. ¡°Shi Qing is really pitiful.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to be pitiful now than to be pitiful in the future. The Feng family seldom spends time with Shi Qing. In the past, they would say words of concern and did not do anything to help Shi Qing. Now, they need Shi Qing to help them, and they ask her for favor one after another. No matter how deep Shi Qing¡¯s love for the Feng family is, this will eventually be a strain to their rtionship.¡± Zhai Sheng was not worried at all. He felt that it was the journey that Shi Qing had to go through in order to grow and mature.

    The Feng family was in a mess, and so was the Shi family.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper. If not for the fact that the Feng family and the Shi family had simr issues, they would not be inws.

    There would be no good apple in a sour stock. However, Shi Peng was an exception. Feng Cheng was simple-minded and easily used by others, but she was not as selfish as the Feng family. She still treasured her husband, Shi Peng, and her only daughter, Shi Qing.

    ¡°Shi Qing is unlucky in only one aspect. When she matures, her mother may still be as simple-minded. It is not easy for the Feng family to have a daughter like Feng Cheng.¡± The Feng family took special care to educate Feng Cheng such that she was innocent and simple-minded and would dedicate all her effort on helping the Feng family, believing that her family was the best. She would always put their interests as her first priority. The Feng family did not want her to have other thoughts after she got married and had her own family.

    Feng Cheng might not be bullied by outsiders, but she was ¡®bullied¡¯ by her family.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Nan sneered. Ever since her mother and Qiao Zijin left after her college entrance examination, she had never seen them for half a year.

    As long as these two people did not appear before her, her days would remain peaceful. Although she met people like Tang Jiayun and L¨¹ Yan, they were not able to affect her good mood.

    Her days had gotten better, but Shi Qing¡¯s days had turned worse.

    ¡°Alright, Dad and Mom are still waiting for us at home. Let¡¯s not talk about the Feng family. Don¡¯t underestimate Shi Qing. No matter what, she is also my master¡¯s daughter. My master may be too protective of her, but she is from the revolutionary family and has good genes. She will be alright.¡± His master intended for Shi Qing to learn and mature through handling the Feng family¡¯s problems.

    While Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were discussing Shi Qing, over at the school, Zou Wenxuan and other people were discussing Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Actually, Zou Wenxuan did not have any errands to run. She simply wanted to see Qiao Nan¡¯s fiance and know in what ways was he better than Gao Yan.

    After Qiao Nan got into Zhai Sheng¡¯s car and left Peking University, Zou Wenxuan rushed back to the school and went to the meeting room.

    ¡°Oh, my goodness! I have a bad fright just now.¡± Zou Wenxuan patted herself on the chest. She hurried to take out the photo that Tang Jiayun passed to her.

    L¨¹ Yan took photos of Qiao Nan and Zhai Yaohui standing together. Tang Jiayun did not intend to create a scandal like L¨¹ Yan. However, out of curiosity, she also took a photo of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    When Zou Wenxuan asked her about it, Tang Jiayun gave this photo to Zou Wenxuan secretly to gain her favors.

    Zou Wenxuan took out the photo and stared at it. ¡°It¡¯s really him. I didn¡¯t expect that someone who looks so good in a photo would be so scary in reality.¡±

    Zhai Sheng looked like the sun at noontime, dazzling and shining brightly.

    In short, if Zou Wenxuan looked at the man in the photo from a woman¡¯s point of view, she admired him for his looks and his 1.8-meter-tall height.

    After seeing him for herself today, gone was his handsomeness and charm. All that was left was shock and fright. ¡°So this is Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦. The man in the thread...¡±

    Zou Wenxuan put the two photos side by side and she finally figured it out. ¡°It is no wonder the school stated that they are rtives. The older man is Qiao Nan¡¯s future father-inw.¡±

    No one had thought of this. Zou Wenxuan had never thought of this possibility in the past as well.

    Looking at the two photos, Zou Wenxuan felt especially ufortable for no reason. She kept feeling that the man was not to be provoked.

    Zou Wenxuan had a pretty urate sixth sense. She sought luck and avoided cmity by burning the two photos without another word. She even threw the ashes into the toilet bowl and told L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun that if they wanted to target Qiao Nan in the future, it would have nothing to do with her.

    L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun did not need to tell her anything regarding Qiao Nan. If they could not do it, they would have to leave the club.

    L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiaxuan were confused by Zou Wenxuan¡¯s attitude. They could not understand what she meant by that. Did she detest Qiao Nan so much that she had no wish to know anything regarding her? Or was she too scared of Qiao Nan and did not want to provoke her?

    Qiao Nan was only a freshman while Zou Wenxuan was a senior who had her way at Peking University. The two of them were inclined to believe that the first possibility was more likely.

    Since it was useless to please Zou Wenxuan with news about Qiao Nan, L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun knew that Qiao Nan must be quite formidable. Therefore, they did not make as much trouble for Qiao Nan, lest they suffer the brunt of it.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that Brother Zhai had yet to reveal his identity and merely gave Zou Wenxuan a faint stare and she was already totally intimidated by him. Zou Wenxuan was also smart enough to keep a distance from Qiao Nan and not to create trouble for her. This saved Qiao Nan a lot of trouble.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are here. Look at these dishes. Are they to your preferences?¡± Miao Jing had a bright smile on her face when she saw Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Thank you, Mom. I love these dishes,¡± Qiao Nan said happily. She would always prepare meals for other people. It was rare that someone else prepared food for her. She had nothing to be displeased about.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you love them.¡± Miao Jing was very satisfied with her answer. As expected, daughters were more considerate.

 Chapter 963 - Discussing Marriage

    <strong>Chapter 963 Discussing Marriage</strong>

    ¡°Nan Nan, it must be hard with your studies. You must have more nutritious food. You must not follow the youngdies nowadays who feel that they must lose weight to look pretty. Having a healthy body is more important than anything. Zhai Sheng and you can collect the certificate of marriage next year. If you have a healthy body and are fleshy, it will be easier for you to bear a grandchild for our family.¡±

    ¡°Mom, have some meat.¡± Zhai Sheng picked a piece of meat with his chopsticks and passed it to Miao Jing so that he could stop her from talking. However, he was indeed thinking about the same topic as his mother.

    Unfortunately, Nan Nan was still young, and she was conservative and proper.

    When it was only the two of them, Nan Nan would listen to him and follow his cue. But when there were other people around, it would not be easy to have the grandchild that his mother was thinking of.

    ¡°Yes, eat, let¡¯s eat.¡± Miao Jing came to her senses when she noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s face had turned red from embarrassment. Unlike her, who was an attractive and experienceddy of a certain age, Qiao Nan was still an innocent, young girl and she would be easily embarrassed. ¡°Nan Nan, after we go back to Ping Cheng this time, we will pay a visit to your dad. Collecting a marriage certificate is a very important event. We will discuss the wedding banquet with your dad.¡±

    Collecting the marriage certificate meant they would be legally married.

    They would be husband and wife. Zhai Sheng was the only son in the Zhai family. Miao Jing felt that even if they would not hold a grand banquet, they would still have to go through the necessary procedures.

    Qiao Nan blinked profusely. Brother Zhai had mentioned collecting the marriage certificate previously.

    She remembered they had talked about collecting the marriage certificate previously and right now, they had gone on to discuss the wedding banquet.

    While Qiao Nan was in a daze, both Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing kept staring at her. This was the marriage between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. The Zhai family might be anxious about it, but Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude mattered a lot as well.

    The Zhai family was quite concerned about one particr issue. Zhai Sheng was already at an age where he could be a father, but the problem was that Qiao Nan was still young. She had just entered college.

    The time now was different. Miao Jing knew that some people believed in non-marriage doctrine, and many young people did not want to marry at an early age and have children.

    Miao Jing had no idea what Qiao Nan¡¯s views about this were.

    Miao Jing brought up the topic of marriage so as to know Qiao Nan¡¯s views on it.

    In fact, Miao Jing felt slightly embarrassed that her son was older. Therefore, she seemed to be hurrying Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan had some other considerations, she would think of ways to slow things down.

    Actually, Zhai Sheng felt slightly anxious when Miao Jing broached the topic.

    Zhai Sheng had always taken the initiative in their rtionship, while Qiao Nan was the passive party. If they wanted to collect the marriage certificate, Qiao Nan had to be willing as well. Zhai Sheng had the same worry as Miao Jing.

    Both of them were concerned that Qiao Nan was still too young.

    Right then, Qiao Nan looked up and fixed her gaze at Zhai Sheng. Her voice was soft but resolute. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After thinking about it, Qiao Nan added. ¡°In this regard, Brother Zhai and I have no experience. Mom, the three of you can go ahead to discuss it. Brother Zhai is busy and he may not know the details. Like me, he will not be able to take part in the discussion. We will have to trouble the three of you to help us with it. We will go ahead with whatever that you have discussed and agreed upon. Brother Zhai and I have no opinions regarding this.¡±

    One of them had to spend her time at school, while the other party had to spend his time at the camp.

    Qiao Nan knew this very well from the first day she started going out with Zhai Sheng.

    Now that Miao Jing brought up the topic of holding a wedding banquet, Qiao Nan was very clear that she and Zhai Sheng would not be able to be in charge of the wedding banquet and make decisions for themselves like ordinary married couples.

    The two of them had no time to handle the details of the wedding banquet. Therefore, they would have to trouble their parents.

    Back when Miao Jing married Zhai Yaohui, they held a grand wedding banquet. Miao Jing should have some experience.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was very different. He did not have any elders or siblings at home. Furthermore, his marriage to Ding Jiayi was not blessed by the Ding family.

    Therefore, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang married in a rush. She did not go through the procedures that brides would have to go through.

    This was the first time that Qiao Dongliang married his daughter off, and he did not know much about wedding preparations. This meant that if Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng held a wedding banquet, Qiao Dongliang would not be able to give much contribution or ideas.

    Zhai Yaohui was the chief and he was a man.

    No matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, instead of saying that she would have to trouble her father and Zhai Sheng¡¯s parents, in fact, Miao Jing had to work the hardest among the three of them. ¡°Mom, perhaps you can choose one of those longer holidays. I don¡¯t have any experience, but I will try my best to help you.¡±

    After all, she was the party concerned. Since Brother Zhai could not help out, she had to y her part.

    Miao Jing was ted. Qiao Nan not only agreed to it, but she also wanted to help out. ¡°Good. It¡¯s good that you agreed to it. Since we still have time, we can take our time to discuss the details. Since we have confirmed that both of you will marry next year, I can estimate and order the number of wedding candies that are needed.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Qiao Nan replied.

    <b>wa</b>

    ¡°Alright. I will discuss it with your dad after returning to Ping Cheng this time.¡± Miao Jing was overjoyed. She was finally going to have a daughter-inw. The Zhai family was really going to have a daughter-inw!

    Thereafter, she would be getting ready to have her grandchildren!

    Miao Jing, who was all smiles, could imagine her grandchildren addressing her as their grandma.

    Zhai Sheng tightened his grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, conveying his deep feelings for her.

    Zhai Sheng realized that women were indeed very different from men. His only thought was to marry Nan Nan as soon as possible. After collecting the marriage certificate, they would bewful husband and wife and could be intimate with each other.

    However, Nan Nan was more concerned that marriage was not a simple matter. There were a lot of details andplicated procedures to be sorted out. It was far moreplex than what he had imagined.

    Zhai Sheng finally understood why his mother kept saying that it was wonderful to have a considerate daughter.

    Both he and Zhai Hua would not be able to think of such details. ¡°Nan Nan, will you...¡± It was their wedding, and he was more anxious than her.

    But in the end, he would not be able to help out and he had to trouble his mother. It would also be hard on Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan was still young. She had just reached the legal age and she was hurried into collecting the marriage certificate. Zhai Sheng felt that everything seemed to be unfair to Qiao Nan. He wanted to give her the best, but in the end, she could not even get something that ordinary women would have.

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Nan grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand. ¡°Brother Zhai, have you forgotten? From the very first day that we started dating, I knew very well that you are a soldier. I also know that after marriage, I will be a military wife, and I know what kind of future is waiting for me.¡±

 Chapter 964 - Mom, What Do You Take Your Son For?

    <strong>Chapter 964 Mom, What Do You Take Your Son For?</strong>

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about how others see you. In my eyes, you are just Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng, a soldier.¡±

    As for the glory that surrounded Brother Zhai because of the Zhai family, it was inadvertent to her.

    As long as she was well aware of this and could keep a correct mindset, Qiao Nan did not feel very disappointed that Zhai Sheng could not be involved in the wedding preparations. Even if she wished to be involved herself, she also had to pick the right time.

    In fact, speaking of it, it would be tough and tiring for the elders of the two families. The two actual parties concerned would be cking.

    Tears welled up in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes as she cast an unhappy re at Zhai Sheng. She then looked at Qiao Nan, feeling very much consoled at heart. She had long known that Nan Nan was a sensible and understanding child.

    Having raised her children for a lifetime, naturally, she hoped to give the best for them. The most worrying thing was that sometimes, although parents treated their child well, the child did not understand them. Instead, they shunned the elders for being annoying busybodies.

    As a full-time housewife, besides being tied up with Zhai Yaohui¡¯s matters, Miao Jing did not have anything else to do.

    During these few years, under Qiao Nan¡¯s advice, she had finally and gradually shifted her focus away from Zhai Yaohui. She now had a lot of time to spare. Hence, regarding the two youngsters¡¯ wedding, didn¡¯t it give her an opportunity to utilize her time?

    However, the thing that Miao Jing was most happy and cared about was that after Qiao Nan was officially married to Zhai Sheng and gave birth to babies, she would be able to focus on raising up her little grandchild.

    <b>w</b>

    She was not with her son or daughter during their childhood. Hence, she must not miss out on the childhood of her little grandchild.

    In the future, if Hua Hua was willing to let her take care of her children after marriage, she would certainly be most willing to do so as well.

    After having sweet-smelling and soft little paternal and maternal grandchildren, who would care about men? All men would be clouds then.

    Qiao Nan was someone who had lived for two lifetimes. At the time when her biological mother caused her death, she was already almost forty years old. Hence, she did not have the impetuousness of a youngdy. She was also not pampered and did not like crowded events.

    Zhai Sheng was a son. He was now older and opinionated. Miao Jing could not control him at all. As for Zhai Hua, although she was ady, her temper was not mild at all. Zhai Hua¡¯s words were akin to spilled water. She was very stubborn.

    As such, to Miao Jing, although she had a pair of son and daughter, their temper was worse than each other¡¯s. They were extremely worrying. Now, she had Qiao Nan, a daughter-inw who was so understanding and sensible. How could Miao Jing not love her?

    The two children in her family were already so hard to rte to. If she had a daughter-inw who was simr to them, Miao Jing¡¯s life would be truly difficult.

    Zhai Sheng did not say much. His grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s hand tightened. He was silently expressing his feelings for Qiao Nan.

    Never would he have thought that that little sister who had cried and collided with him that day would be his wife and his children¡¯s mother very soon.

    ¡°Alright, we will decide as such then.¡± Miao Jing called the final shots.

    Although they had been discussing the marriage of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, these people had not mentioned Ding Jiayi throughout the whole process. They only talked about Qiao Dongliang. Obviously, although Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Nan and was thetter¡¯s biological mother, she did not have any ce in the hearts of these people.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone was lively and uplifted. It was not hard to tell that he was currently in a good mood.

    ¡°I will listen to Mom.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    In fact, the trio did not eat much during this meal. Nevertheless, they felt more satisfied and happy than one another. ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯ste now. Quickly send Nan Nan back.¡± Nan Nan was a child with a lot of self-awareness. Besidesing to their ce, she would be at the small courtyard of the Lin family with Shi Qing. This was unlike otherdies who had capricious character and liked to have fun in clubs or something.

    Zhai Sheng carried the books for Qiao Nan. ¡°Okay, Mom. Go to sleep first. You don¡¯t have to wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Come back immediately thereafter!¡± Miao Jing added as she was worried.

    It was fine that they had it their way at home but that was the small courtyard of the Lin family and Lin Yuankang¡¯s house. Furthermore, Shi Qing would be present at the small courtyard. Miao Jing was not the kind of person who was very open-minded in this aspect. At the thought that her son was going to ¡®bully¡¯ her daughter-inw in someone else¡¯s house and in the presence of anotherdy, Miao Jing could not ept it.

    Zhai Sheng could not help tugging the corners of his lips. ¡°Mom, what do you take me for?¡±

    He was purely concerned for his mother and did not want his mother to wait for him for too long. That was the reason that he asked his mother to rest early. What was his mother thinking of?

    Miao Jing snorted in disbelief. ¡°You know it yourself. Nan Nan, after you are home, rest early, okay?¡± Miao Jing did not remind Zhai Sheng again. Instead, she hinted to Qiao Nan not to allow Zhai Sheng to mess around and bully her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face had already turned red. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t happen. Brother Zhai won¡¯t bully me.¡± She had to hint at such things that everyone was aware of, and it was something so embarrassing...

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qiao Nan believed Zhai Sheng but Miao Jing, this mother, did not. ¡°Nevertheless, I will leave it to you.¡± No matter what, her son was the one ¡®bullying¡¯. From this perspective, the Zhai family would not be shortchanged.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Brother Zhai, you won¡¯t bully me, right?¡± True enough, her mother-inw knew Brother Zhai better than her. In fact, when Qiao Nan said that Brother Zhai would not bully her just now, she did not feel quite assured about it.

    After all, everyone was aware that this bullying did not truly mean bullying in its sense.

    After shooting an emotionless nce at his biological mother who had backstabbed him, Zhai Sheng then ced Qiao Nan¡¯s books in his car. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. At least, I won¡¯t do so today.¡± Zhai Sheng was also very conservative at heart.

    Unless Shi Qing was not at the small courtyard of the Lin family, Zhai Sheng would not be used to it as well.

    After receiving Zhai Sheng¡¯s assurance, both Qiao Nan and Miao Jing could not help heaving a sigh of relief. Obviously, these two women did not truly believe Zhai Sheng. At this sight, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face immediately turned dark.

    ¡°Alright, Zhai Sheng, quickly send Nan Nan back.¡± Miao Jing smiled, embarrassed. She knew that she had angered her son. By doing that, she certainly did not save any face for her son in front of her daughter-inw.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng held the seat beside that of the driver and closed the door of the car. ¡°Mom, rest early. Do not let your thoughts run wild without a reason and scare Nan Nan.¡±

    Miao Jing did not make any inference from her son¡¯s words. She even waved at Qiao Nan. ¡°Be careful on the road.¡±

    ¡°Bye, Mom.¡± Qiao Nan reached out her hands abidingly and waved at Miao Jing.

    When Zhai Sheng sent Qiao Nan home, it was only about eight o¡¯clock in the evening.

    Qiao Nan alighted from the car. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ve arrived home. Go back. No need to send me into the house.¡±

    ¡°Be good.¡± Zhai Sheng alighted from the car stubbornly and ced his arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. He then personally sent Qiao Nan into the house of the Lin family before he was willing to leave. ¡°It seems that Shi Qing is not back yet. I will keep youpany for a while.¡±

    ¡°Mom has asked you to go home earlier.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

 Chapter 965 - You Canâ€™t Bite a Man

    <strong>Chapter 965 You Can¡¯t Bite a Man</strong>

    Zhai Sheng sat down like a big boss swiftly. He then carefully sized up Qiao Nan¡¯s ce of residence. ¡°This small courtyard of Elder Lin is really not bad. It is also located near Peking University.¡± He really did not expect that Elder Lin had so many good things hidden under his sleeves. It was no wonder that the other members of the Lin family fawned on him badly and refused to give up.

    If Elder Lin was willing to guide the people from the Lin family and conveniently give them just a little of what he had, these people could achieve meteoric sess then.

    He had been aware that Elder Lin had resources. However, Zhai Sheng did not interact that much with Elder Lin in the past and they did not have deep rtions with each other. Although he had heard a lot about Elder Lin, they were all hearsay and he did not take them seriously.

    As such, it was only until after Qiao Nan became Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple that Zhai Sheng truly and gradually found out that Lin Yuankang had a lot of good stuff in his hands that were drooled after by many. ¡°No wonder the Qiu family has such thoughts many years ago.¡±

    Besides his coteral rtives, Elder Lin did not have any close next-of-kin.

    As a matter of fact, whoever could be Elder Lin¡¯s disciple in his old age, Elder Lin would definitely treat and raise them up like he would his own child. This child would also have to support Elder Lin during his old age. This was despite the fact that Elder Lin was self-sufficient and did not need anyone to support him.

    Which family would not like an elderly person such as Elder Lin, who did not require any obligatory support and could pass down his estate and power?

    ¡°Yes, master is very capable.¡± Qiao Nan said in a tone of admiration.

    After Qiao Nan arrived in the capital, through her studies and social practice, she finally understood how capable and noble her master was.

    Qiao Nan was studying in the Faculty of Foreign Language. Coincidentally, a few of her teachers would frequently mention Lin Yuankang¡¯s contribution to China¡¯s foreign affairs during sses. They would describe Lin Yuankang as the true pioneer of foreign affairs.

    During the sses, besides Qiao Nan, who felt an upsurge of emotions in her heart knowing that the teachers were talking about her master, others did not know about her rtionship with Lin Yuankang. Moreover, no one would think that the Elder Lin, who was a subject of teaching in the opinion of the teachers, would have such a close rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan by the waist and carried her up swiftly into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m more capable.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re capable.¡± At the sight that her seat had changed to Zhai Sheng, this human sofa, Qiao Nan fully epted it after her face turned slightly red. They were already in detailed marriage talks. This kind of hug was considered a child¡¯s y.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng felt more at ease. ¡°Am I more capable then? Or is it Elder Lin?¡± Zhai Sheng did not wish to lose his number one ce in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart. He had to guard it all the way.

    Zhai Sheng had to be the most capable one in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was momentarily in a dilemma. ¡°The two of you are not from the same field. There is no way topare, right?¡± One was the pioneer in foreign affairs while the other was an outstanding neer in military and politics. Their scopes were different. There was truly no way topare.

    Zhai Sheng was not satisfied with this answer. ¡°Others cannotpare but you can. Who do you think is the number one in your heart?¡± He did not want an answer from other people. He just wanted an answer from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. Now, she understood a little why Zhai Sheng was persisting on this.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan tilted her head, moved close to Zhai Sheng¡¯s ears, and whispered softy into it. ¡°No matter what, Brother Zhai will always be the most capable one in my heart. No one can bepared to you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s frown eased immediately. ¡°I¡¯m the most capable one. The number one in the world?¡±

    ¡°Yes, in my heart,¡± Qiao Nan answered shyly.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan and bit her tiny lips at once. He then did ording to his wish and kissed her without any reservation. ¡°This is your reward.¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who looked satiated, was obviously very satisfied with that uninhibited kiss. In particr, Qiao Nan¡¯s action of obediently opening her mouth and putting her soft tiny hands around his neck made him very happy.

    ¡°Keep it up next time. ¡°After thinking, Zhai Sheng added shamelessly. ¡°As the wife of a military man, you should know the importance of cooperativeness. This is the disciplinary policy of the army. You can¡¯t practice individualism. Understand?¡±

    After enduring for some time, Qiao Nan eventually took a deep breath. She really wished to give Zhai Sheng a p.

    She was aware that the army was particr about cooperativeness. However, the cooperativeness in the army and this cooperativeness were two entirely separate matters. How could they confuse this matter with the other?

    Using the disciplinary rules in the army on a boy-girl rtionship-Qiao Nan had to take her hat off to Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability in emphasizing this point. ¡°Brother Zhai, can you not do this? Won¡¯t you feel ashamed saying this?¡±

    If Director Shi were to know that Brother Zhai used the disciplinary rules in the army to control her, he would be so angry that he would vomit blood.

    ¡°No,¡± Zhai Sheng said openly. ¡°This has been the good practice and manners of our Zhai family all this while. From the days of the old master, we have the tradition of administering the army disciplinary rules at home. Nan Nan, you have to get used to it soon.¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes continuously. She then turned to Zhai Sheng¡¯s neck and gave it a

    bite.

    Qiao Nan believed that Old Master Zhai and Chief Zhai administered the army¡¯s disciplinary rules at home. However, these two elders¡¯ ways of using the army¡¯s discipline were certainly different from that of Brother Zhai. Clearly, Brother Zhai was ying rogue!

    The oue of Qiao Nan¡¯s bite on Zhai Sheng was that when Shi Qing was back, Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth waspletely swollen. Even her neck was not spared as it had been nted with countless strawberries by Zhai Sheng. He had filled it with his mark and breath. It was as if the wolf had patrolled his territory, seemingly fierce. It was truly a sight to behold. Qiao Nan nearly did not have the shame to face anyone.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk. So sweet. I really doubt if I shoulde back today.¡± After being shot a few sharp nces by Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing said unhappily, ¡°Qiao Nan, as roommates, you are too immoral to have done this. Don¡¯t forget that I am still single. You openly disy your affection in front of me every day. Can I decline to see them?¡±

    When Brother Zhai was with Qiao Nan, he waspletely different. At the sight of that extremely sweet scene when she came back just now, Shi Qing could not remember how perplexed and sullen she had felt at that moment. ¡°Qiao Nan, the two of you are causing me harm. You dealt a direct blow to me and it hurt. Believe it or not, I will go and find myself a boyfriend immediately?!¡±

    Shi Qing was only twenty years old. She was a youngdy who was filled with hopeful expectations of love.

    The Prince Charming she used to have in mind for a long time had now be her good friend¡¯s fianc¨¦, yet they had to shamelessly disy their affection in front of her. In addition, her maternal grandmother¡¯s family had been creating problems for her. The baby was unhappy! The baby was angry! The baby was going to throw tantrums!

    ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan could tell that Shi Qing was certainly not in a good mood. Hence, she did not say anything that would agitate Shi Qing further. ¡°Did the Feng family give you pressure? Or did you read my text message and interrogate them?¡±

 Chapter 966 - You Are Not Anxious, But I Am

    <h4>Chapter 966 You Are Not Anxious, But I Am</h4>

    ¡°None of that.¡± Shi Qing was hugging a bolster. ¡°In the past, I felt quite happy visiting grandma¡¯s house. However, this year, I feel exhausted each time I go. We are all rtives. Clearly, we were getting along quite well. Since when did they have to beat about the bush when talking to me? They don¡¯t find that tiring but I do.¡±

    Regarding the text message, Shi Qing did not mention it to the Feng family at all. That was because she knew that even if she were to bring Qiao Nan to the Feng family for a confrontation, the Feng family might not be willing to admit to their doing and motives. In addition, she would not be able to find a way to bring Qiao Nan to the Feng family to rify this.

    If she were to bring this up, she would not receive any rification. Instead, the Feng family might feel more disappointed.

    Instead of creating an oue that would upset her, Shi Qing would rather not talk about it. She would stomach this matter and let it rot.

    ¡°What is wrong with you then?¡± Qiao Nan sat beside Shi Qing and got her a cup of tea. She even massaged the acupuncture points at Shi Qing¡¯s temple to help thetter relieve her stress.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. Don¡¯t worry about me. You should know that a woman¡¯s temper is always not good for the few days after menstruation.¡± For women, there would always be such days. ¡°Wait for a few more days. I will automatically recover by then.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know when your period is due? It is not due yet. Did anything happen at the Feng family?¡±

    ¡°It is useless for them to kick up a fuss. Even if they do, I won¡¯t concede defeat. What¡¯s the use of kicking up a fuss?¡± Shi Qing snorted satisfactorily.

    ¡°So, they really did kick up a fuss?¡± Qiao Nan sighed. It was no wonder that Shi Qing was in such a bad mood. ¡°However, you should have been prepared before you went back to the Feng family. At this moment, Zhai Sheng¡¯s family is in the capital. I guess Brother Zhai must have expressed his stand to them. In the future, don¡¯t be sandwiched between the Feng family and me. As for what the Feng family has to say, it could go in one ear and out the other. You will be upset if you take them to heart. There is no need to do so.¡±

    Even if Shi Qing was willing to pass messages to her on behalf of the Feng family, would she listen to them?

    In fact, the rtionship between Shi Qing and the Feng family was not that difficult to resolve.

    ¡°I know. But when my temper rises, I can¡¯t control it as I wish. Most importantly, the Feng family came up with a new issue today. What kind of era is this? My grandpa wishes to matchmake me with someone.¡± At the end of her speech, Shi Qing sneered continuously. ¡°Most likely, my paternal grandpa has been focusing all his effort on Qiu Chenxi. He did not even talk about who I should be engaged to. Why are my maternal grandparents getting involved in this matter? Unfortunately, my mom listens to them in everything that they say, going along with them.¡±

    Yes, Brother Zhai was now engaged with Qiao Nan. It was now impossible between Brother Zhai and her.

    However, although she was obviously the one who had fallen out of love, she did not give up on herself. Why did her maternal grandfather take the matter into his own hands and decide that she would be quickly engaged to someone she did not even know and had only met for just a few days?

    At the thought of this, Shi Qing was so enraged that she wanted to scold someone.

    ¡°Engagement! What engagement!¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan was anxious. ¡°This won¡¯t do. Immediately call your dad and report this matter to him.¡±

    Of course, the Feng family was not the one who would call the shots. The problem was that Shi Qing¡¯s biological mother was still staying with the Feng family now.

    Shi Qing can choose not to listen to the Feng family¡¯s words but her biological mother¡¯s words would certainly impact her. What exactly was the Feng family trying to do now?

    ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s already sote.¡± Shi Qing was unhappy but her heart ached for her biological father, who was not in good health. He was also very busy. If she refused to agree, whatever her maternal grandfather¡¯s family said would not have an impact on her. Why did she need to inform her father about this?

    ¡°What do you know? If you don¡¯t call him, I will. If I really do call, I won¡¯t be able to control myments about the Feng family. The rights are in my hands,¡± Qiao Nan said without any reservation.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was so serious, her expression extremely solemn, Shi Qing, who initially did not take this matter to heart and purely felt uneasy, was greatly taken aback. ¡°Please don¡¯t. I will. I will call him myself. Will that do?¡±

    Shi Qing did not expect that when she told Shi Peng about this, her biological father¡¯s reaction was more exaggerated than that of Qiao Nan. ¡°Alright, I know. Next time, if the Feng family asks you to go to their house again, don¡¯t go. Even if your mom requests you to do so, don¡¯t go. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Shi Qing said softly. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t keep working overtime. Quickly rest.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Shi Peng rubbed his forehead. A ball of fury was forming in his heart.

    He had allowed his wife to return to her maternal family in the capital because the Shi family did not treat her nicely. However, the Feng family seemed to be taking his politeness for granted. They dared to make ns about who his daughter was going to marry in the future. They had forgotten their boundaries.

    Besides Qing Qing, who could decide for herself who she was going to be married to in the future, and as long as he was unwilling, the Feng family did not even have the right to intervene in this matter!

    After hanging up the phone, Shi Qing had note to terms with this matter. ¡°Dad is angry. He forbids me from going to the Feng¡¯s residence again.¡± This was most surprising to Shi Qing.

    ¡°Alright, your dad will handle this matter from now onward. You just have to listen to whatever your dad tells you to do.¡± Facing the silly Shi Qing, who did not know the gravity of the situation, Qiao Nan was both angry and amused. ¡°Remember. Regardless of whom the Feng family or your biological mother brings to see you, you have to make excuses and say that you are not avable. Just say that you don¡¯t even have time for lunch.¡±

    ¡°Do I really need to do that?¡± Were Qiao Nan and her father being too paranoid that they were apprehending danger at every bush and tree they saw?

    ¡°Unless you think that after Brother Zhai and I are engaged, you do not mind marrying any man that you have just met, you don¡¯t have to take me and your dad¡¯s words seriously then.¡± Qiao Nan felt her head hurt. The Feng family actually used this tactic. What exactly were they trying to do and what was their motive?

    Upon hearing this, Shi Qing was frightened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will remember them.¡±

    She would rather do without than to have something substandard, not to mention that she sincerely gave her blessings to Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan. How could she give up on herself to the extent that she did not care who she would marry because of their engagement?

    Did not matter?

    It mattered too much!

    ¡°Shi Qing, have you caught up with the lessons at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s end?¡± Qiao Nan could not help but feel worried. She was pursing her lips tightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve caught up. Zhu Baoguo sent me the examination papers that he had just taken. I scored better than him,¡± Shi Qing said proudly.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Fortunately, Brother Zhai and his family are still in the capital. I will ask Brother Zhai to find a way to transfer you to PLA National Defence University.

    After the Zhai family left, it would no longer be possible for her to help Shi Qing transfer school. She did not have the capability to do so. The Feng family would be the only ones left who had the capability to do so.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You¡¯re sending me to be ssmates with Zhu Baoguo? Actually, I am not anxious about it.¡± Of course, it would be best if it could happen earlier.

 Chapter 967 - Qiao Nan Is the Leading Figure in Limelight

    <h4>Chapter 967 Qiao Nan Is the Leading Figure in Limelight</h4>

    ¡°My sillydy, I am anxious!¡± Qiao Nan tapped on Shi Qing¡¯s forehead with her fingers. ¡°Anyway, listen to me. I won¡¯t harm you.¡±

    Shi Qing started to feel embarrassed. ¡°Will Brother Zhai agree to it?¡±

    It was possible that Shi Qing had been too annoyed by the Feng family. Upon hearing that she could be transferred to PLA National Defence University, she could not care much about Qiao Nan anymore. Her heart flew toward PLA National Defence University immediately when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°Wrong. With you around, it will certainly be fine.¡±

    Qiao Nan cast a displeased look at the heartless Shi Qing. ¡°Yes, with me around, it will surely be fine. There is me helping you at Brother Zhai¡¯s end. If you are keen on transferring to PLA National Defence University, you should know in your heart what you need to prepare for. Toward this, I really can¡¯t help you much.¡±

    It was also a good thing that Shi Qing was going to discontinue her studies at Peking University, lest the Feng family used Shi Qing as an excuse to intervene in her school life. This would also save Shi Qing the pain of being sandwiched in the middle.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Shi Qing agreed readily. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am going to abandon you and run toward my real ambition.¡±

    Many years ago, she had wanted to study at PLA National Defence University because of Brother Zhai. Perhaps she had been thinking about it for too long, but this dream did not have anything to do with Brother Zhai now. It was purely due to her likes and desires now.

    After the decision had been made, Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°It¡¯ste. Quickly wash up and sleep. As for the rest of the matters, I will talk to Brother Zhai. You just need to update your dad about it.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured. I will not reveal a word to anyone, not even my mom.¡± At this moment, Shi Qing became very smart.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan replied and yawned. ¡°I shall go and sleep first.¡±

    Shi Qing quickly wrapped her arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Are you really going to sleep like that? Aren¡¯t you going to take a look at the mirror first? Let me give you a suggestion. Tomorrow, skip sses for one day. Otherwise, you will be a hot topic of discussion in school again.¡±

    That neck filled with ¡®strawberries¡¯¡ªwho would not overthink when they saw it?

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. ¡°There is no need for your concern. I have my own way to solve this.¡± After pping Shi Qing¡¯s head away from her shoulders, Qiao Nan returned to her room swiftly and slept soon after.

    The next day, Shi Qing was waiting to watch a good show of Qiao Nan. Her pair of eyes were looking at Qiao Nan in a thievish manner. Why was she not wearing a turtleneck? Huh, where were the love bites? Where did they all go to?

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look anymore.¡± Qiao Nan gave a light knock on Shi Qing¡¯s head.

    ¡°They all went away in one night? Is it because Brother Zhai bit too lightly or you possess extraordinary talent? Will Brother Zhai be able to enjoy the good fortune next time?¡± With a slip in her mind, even Shi Qing started to talk about ¡®driving¡¯.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s all wrong. I covered them up with a concealer.¡± There was no other way.

    ¡°Concealer? Isn¡¯t that a makeup product? When did you buy that?¡± She did not know about it at all.

    ¡°It is always better to be prepared.¡± Didn¡¯t ite into use now? ¡°Alight, quickly go to school. Both of us have sses this morning. Don¡¯t bete. As for breakfast, let¡¯s have it at school.¡± Qiao Nan pulled Shi Qing along and ran toward Peking University.

    Although both had sses, they were held in different ssrooms. Hence, they went separate ways after having breakfast.

    When Qiao Nan was seated after entering the ssroom, two pairs of eyes were looking at her from time to time. It was extremely annoying.

    Besides these two pairs of eyes, Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates were also talking softly about her.

    Clearly, everyone was college freshmen. Besides the military training period, the school term had not even started for a month. In this batch of students, Qiao Nan was considered the leading figure in the limelight.

    First, there was a scandal about being a kept woman. Next came the shocking news that Qiao Nan, a first-year freshman, knew Gao Yan, the Prince Charming of Peking University who had already started his own business.

    The senior that was beyond their reach was a good friend that Qiao Nan was very familiar with and whom she could even bargain with.

    This was truly unbelievable!

    Senior Gao had graduated and Qiao Nan had just entered the school. The two of them were old friends and on such good terms with each other. There was not even a need for Qiao Nan to gather sponsorship. With just one word, the cold and aloof senior Gao was willing to open his pocket to sponsor the new English club.

    Many people were spreading rumors that Qiao Nan and Senior Gao had a close rtionship. In the future, she might simply be thedy boss of Senior Gao¡¯spany.

    Thedy boss wanted to take the money in the boss¡¯s pocket. Could the boss not give it to her? Dared he not do so?

    At the thought of this, many ssmates in the ssroom could not help but look at Qiao Nan in a scandalous light.

    If the scandal of being a kept woman had made Qiao Nan lose face, then this childhood sweetheart matter hadpletely given Qiao Nan a new life. She had received the affirmation of all the first-year freshmen.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I heard that you are the secretary of the new English club. Although the deadline is over, can you lend me a helping hand so that I can join your club?¡± Someone went near to Qiao Nan and sat beside her.

    Her ssmate was the secretary. If she were to join the club, she would be so proud. At the very least, she would be of a higher status than other typical club members.

    ¡°Right, Qiao Nan. Help me. We are very interested in the English club. Give us a chance.¡± Never twice without three times. Many people who avoided Qiao Nan in the past were surrounding her now. ¡°Qiao Nan, I heard that you not only know Senior Gao but are also childhood sweethearts with him. Is it true? Didn¡¯t you say that you have a fianc¨¦? Don¡¯t tell me that Senior Gao is your fianc¨¦?¡±

    Damn, if that was the case, the English club would be given a new lease on life.

    With Qiao Nan, thisdy boss around, would they need to be afraid that Senior Gao would not sponsor them?

    ¡°...¡± Suddenly, she was surrounded by a group of people who were enthusiastically smiling and fawning on her. Qiao Nan felt so scared that she was having goosebumps. ¡°Well... Everyone, the teachers are here. We can talk after the lesson if you have any matter. As for the new English club, we have different responsibilities. If you are really interested, you can look for the club¡¯s vice president, Xu Shengnan, directly.¡±

    She was the secretary, and her only task was to get sponsorships.

    At this juncture, she hadpleted her task. As for whether the club could open the back door and take in a few more club members, the power of that decision would lie entirely with Vice President Xu.

    ¡°Haha, okay.¡± These people were not angry, and neither did they think that Qiao Nan was deliberately making excuses so as not to help them.

    Anyway, everyone knew that Vice President Xu looked up to Qiao Nan. In addition, Qiao Nan had secured sponsorship for the new English club, bing a great contributor to the club. If they were to use Qiao Nan¡¯s name, they were not afraid that the English Club would not take them in.

    ¡°Crap, what¡¯s the big deal? A group of fools. They have been toyed with and are still licking someone¡¯s boots smilingly.¡± L¨¹ Yan was feeling very jealous. In the past, everyone rejected Qiao Nan. Now, Qiao Nan had be the moon surrounded by a myriad of stars.

    Tang Jiayun was still able to endure this. ¡°Don¡¯t be sour grapes. It is meaningless.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel jealous?¡± L¨¹ Yan could not help but refute.

    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m a little better than you.¡± Tang Jiayun¡¯s face turned sullen as she cast an unhappy nce at L¨¹ Yan.

 Chapter 968 - I Can Even Give You Offerings

    <h4>Chapter 968 I Can Even Give You Offerings</h4>

    At the sight of L¨¹ Yan¡¯s and Tang Jiayun¡¯s situations, Yu Xiaoxiao lowered her head and shifted sideways to distance herself from them. In the future, it was best that the four dormitory mates each take a corner of the four directions-north, south, east, and west-so that they could stay away from one another.

    Yu Xiaoxiao could not figure it out. Clearly, she had been very much looking forward to college life before the school termmenced. She had hoped for good-tempered dormitory mates so that everyone could be friends and go through the four-year college life together happily.

    She harbored such great expectations previously. However, why was the oue so disappointing?

    Although the situations in the dormitories of other ssmates were not very harmonious, it was not unlike hers whereby everyone was at loggerhead with one another.

    The only difference was that when the four dormitory mates were not getting along, everyone sided with the three of them. Now, everyone was on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    Toward all these, Qiao Nan did not seem to care. In particr, toward the situations of L¨¹ Yan, Tang Jiayun, and Yu Xiaoxiao, Qiao Nan simply and automatically turned a blind eye on them.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was not concerned about the activities of the English club anymore. She had secured the sponsorship. That meant that she had fulfilled her responsibility as the secretary of the club.

    However, Xu Shengnan insisted that Qiao Nan meet her in the meeting room. Qiao Nan could only do so.

    ¡°Vice President Xu...¡± Could it be that Gao Yan¡¯s sponsorship had note through? Hence, Vice President Xu wanted her to help resolve it together? ¡°Is it because there is a problem with the sponsorship? Or is there anything that requires me tomunicate with Gao Yan?¡±

    ¡°No need, no need. Qiao Nan, you have already done very well.¡± Her attitude was totally different from the first time that she met Qiao Nan in the meeting room. From their first meeting, Xu Shengnan had categorized Qiao Nan as Zou Wenxuan¡¯s type based on thetter¡¯s looks and was prejudiced against Qiao Nan due to that first impression. However, at this moment, Xu Shengnan wanted to give offerings to Qiao Nan as if thetter was Buddha. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know that we have many new members joining our club recently?¡±

    At the thought of that name list, Xu Shengnan really wished to put her hands on her waist, look at the sky, and give three loudughs. Goodness gracious, the day she had been waiting for had finally arrived.

    The situation of the new English club was basically a vicious cycle. They could not find anyone to join them. There were no sponsorships and the activities wereckluster. As the club was not outstanding, they were not able to attract new members in theing year.

    As a good club, it not only had to secure sponsorships but also, most importantly, needed to have many club members who were outstanding

    The club¡¯s membership size was like withered and dead leaves hanging on the branches inte autumn. Not to mention the number of outstanding members, the membership size was already pitifully small. It made people want to shed tears of pity for it.

    Nevertheless, at this juncture, the sponsorship had juste in and there was also a huge batch of freshmen who were willing to join the English club. This made the new English club that had a leader without any new members, except for the secretary, became stronger and bigger. How could Xu Shengnan not feel happy?!

    Xu Shengnan knew that these changes were brought about by Qiao Nan.

    Finally, she could fulfill her wish in her final year of studies. How could Xu Shengnan not like Qiao Nan and give offerings to her like she was Buddha?

    ¡°It is way past the deadline to take in new club members. Is it really alright to take in new members at this time?¡± Qiao Nan, whom Xu Shengnan had asked to sit down, was in a great shock. Those people had really registered for the new English club and they had seeded.

    ¡°Of course! What¡¯s not good about it?!¡± Tears welled up in Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan, you don¡¯t know how difficult it is for this club to exist. As we don¡¯t have many club members, it is very difficult to carry out our work and activities. Actually, the school is already starting to have the intention to do away with this club.¡±

    Previously, the former English club was great. Everyone wanted to register to be its club member. Unfortunately, they could only take in a limited number of students each year. Hence, they had rejected many.

    Precisely due to that, some of the seniors set up a new English club that was simr but with a new name.

    The annoying thing was that in the first year, the new English club had many club members. However, following that, the number of members decreased year after year. There were too few members to carry out activities. Having this club in the school was no different from not having it.

    This was thest year that Xu Shengnan would be the vice president in the new English club. It was also highly possible that this was thest year that the new English club would exist.

    Xu Shengnan was very eager to get the club activities going. Besides doing herself proud, she also hoped that the new English club could continue its presence in the school.

    Before Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance, heaven knew how despaired Xu Shengnan and some of the oldmittee members felt.

    Initially, these oldmittee members dared not hope for new recruits to join their club. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan was the entric one. Clearly, her grades were very good. She did not register for the former English club but came to the new one.

    It was also because they reallycked members. In addition, it was hard toe by that Qiao Nan was willing to join the English club on her own ord. As such, she assumed the role of a secretary.

    So as to speak, everyone gained something despite all the wrongs.

    Xu Shengnan did not expect that such a seemingly heartless junior who came knocking at their door aimlessly really brought the dead English club back to life. It had been an opportunity to get a new lease on life.

    No one could understand how emotional and touched Xu Shengnan felt when she saw so many people willing to join the new English club. All of them looked for her to ¡®open a back door¡¯ so that they could join the club.

    If Xu Shengnan was not putting up a strong font by enduring and forcefully subduing this gush of emotions, any ordinary person would have cried at the sight of the situation. It was truly not easy.

    ¡°It is way past the deadline. Moreover, you¡¯re not letting in just one or two students. Notwithstanding anything else, what if others target us because of this?¡± After all, they were not adhering to the usual procedures.

    Other matters were not so worrying. However, the new English club had just secured sponsorship. At this juncture, most likely, many were unhappy and would certainly keep a close watch on the club.

    Qiao Nan felt that it did not seem very right to let so many people get in through the back door at the same time. ¡°If someone reports this to the school, it will put our club in a more difficult position.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Xu Shengnan sniffed. There was a sh of confidence in her eyes. ¡°In actual fact, the activity this year is ourst chance. I was the one who begged for this opportunity. Hence, there is a unique situation in our club. Precisely because too few people joined us, I have reported this to the school¡¯s leadership long ago. The teachers support us very much inunching the activities. Hence, there should be no problem.¡±

    No one knew how much effort Xu Shengnan had put in for the new English club.

    ¡°There is such a matter?¡± Qiao Nan was very surprised. ¡°The new English club¡¯s situation is so terrible?¡± This meant that if not for Vice President Xu¡¯s hard work, the new English club would have ceased to exist this year?

    During the day of the registration, Qiao Nan was also muddleheaded. She just picked a club that was unpopr.

    ¡°Why do you think you¡¯re the only clueless one that registered to join our new English club then?¡±

 Chapter 969 - An Angel-Like Junior

    <h4>Chapter 969 An Angel-Like Junior</h4>

    ¡°Sincest year, many people had been spreading the news in the school that our new English club is going to be dissolved. Thereafter, the school conducted a meeting to discuss this seriously and decided on it. When I received the news, I rushed over alone!¡±

    She would not concede defeat. She felt unjustified that the new English club could not seed. She could not take it lying down that the club would cease to exist in this way.

    Heaven was fair. In her most difficult times, when the new English club could not continue further, it sent Qiao Nan to her.

    ¡°You may not know. You are bing increasingly famous in Peking University.¡± Xu Shengnan poured a cup of tea for Qiao Nan. She said it with suchcency as if she and not Qiao Nan was the one who became famous overnight.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan blinked, feeling puzzled. ¡°Why am I bing increasingly famous? The matter about the thread has already been rified, right? Have there been more adverse rumors about me recently?¡± L¨¹ Yan posted false threads about her again, didn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± Xu Shengnan shook her head. ¡°I have heard about the matter regarding the thread. That made you infamous. This time, you are famous for the right things. Because of you, the new English club has been saved. How can you not be famous?¡±

    At the thought of the kept woman scandal, Xu Shengnan felt quite guilty.

    Judging from Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance, Xu Shengnan had been ssifying Qiao Nan as the type of person that was simr to Zou Wenxuan. She thus did not see eye to eye with Qiao Nan.

    After the kept woman scandal surfaced, Xu Shengnan was so furious that she had thought of kicking Qiao Nan out of the new English club.

    The new English club was already having great difficulty starting out in Peking University. If not for her hard work, it would not even exist this year. The situation of the new English club was already so terrible. With a secretary like Qiao Nan, it would simply aggravate the situation.

    Although she did not expect Qiao Nan to give or be of much help to the new English club, Qiao Nan should not cause them trouble either.

    Fortunately, the president insisted and told Xu Shengnan calmly that the thread might be untrue. It was highly possible that someone was spreading false rumors.

    As third-year students, this was not their first time encountering such matters.

    Xu Shengnan should not vent her frustration on Qiao Nan about the impending dissolution of the new English club by the school.

    At this point in time, Xu Shengnan was very grateful that fortunately, the club president was very calm and managed to persuade her back then.

    Otherwise, she would have pushed away the chance for the new English club to get a new lease on life.

    In the past, Xu Shengnan was not too ambitious. She was content to be on par with Zou Wenxuan as both assumed the role of vice president in the respective old and new English clubs.

    Now, Xu Shengnan realized that she was not suitable to be the president as she was too quick-tempered and not rational enough.

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled. ¡°You must be exaggerating when you said that, right?¡± She had not thought of saving anyone.

    If Vice President Xu had not delegated the duty of securing sponsorships to her, and if the legendary Senior Gao was not Fang Fang¡¯s childhood sweetheart, she also could not settle this matter. ¡°I can only say that it is fate. The opportunity for the new English club has

    e.¡±

    Qiao Nan dared not amplify or take all the credit. ¡°Vice President Xu, now, the sponsorship is not a problem and you have recruited many new club members. Do you have any concrete ns for the events?¡± If the events were not good, it was useless even if they had the money and manpower.

    If the new English club really wished to secure its footing in Peking University, it would depend on how its events developed eventually.

    If the events were sessful, the new English club would be able to establish itself. It could then gradually take a step at a time and develop steadily. In the time toe, it would be on par with or even surpass the old English club.

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. That¡¯s why I¡¯m looking for you to discuss them.¡± Xu Shengnan nodded. She had conceived many ideas for the events during the past two years. However, as the clubcked the funds, it was useless even if they had many good ideas.

    This year, they finally had the funds. Xu Shengnan was even more enthusiastic. She wished to do an excellent job in organizing the events. She wanted them to be splendid.

    Qiao Nan was actually not adept at organizing events. Shepletely could not bepared to Xu Shengnan.

    After reading Xu Shengnan¡¯s proposal, Qiao Nan felt that it was quite good. Anyway, she would not be able toe up with this or give anyments. ¡°Vice President Xu, your proposal is quite good. If they are going to be implemented, it won¡¯t go wrong. However, you also know that although I am a freshman, I am rather busy. These events...¡± She might not be able to participate in them. She might not be able to help out much either.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You have already settled the most important task. As for the rest of the matters, I have other arrangements.¡± Xu Shengnan was smilingcently.

    If Qiao Nan had said this a week ago, Xu Shengnan would certainly not let her off. Although Qiao Nan was busy, she also had to make her squeeze out some time to help with the events.

    There was no choice as there were very few club members. As such, one member had to take on the duties of ten members. No one could escape from it. Xu Shengnan would take the lead to be the coolie.

    The number of club members had increased. Of course, Xu Shengnan could not possibly order Qiao Nan around anymore. ¡°Fine, go ahead and focus on your other matters. However, on the day of the event, you still have toe. After all, you are the secretary. No matter how busy you are, you have to spend a little time on this. If this event is sessful, perhaps our new English club will be able to receive the good progress award this year. When the school term ends, as the secretary of the club, you will be given many merit points too. These points are very useful to you if you wish topete for schrships.¡±

    At this moment, Xu Shengnan almost treated Qiao Nan as if she were her biological sister. What to pay attention to, what would benefit Qiao Nan, what would be most effective in college-Xu Shengnan was imparting all the experiences that she had umted for the past two years to Qiao Nan so that thetter would not take the long routes.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. Naturally, she understood how precious these words of Xu Shengnan were. Hence, she was conscientiously listening to her. ¡°Vice President Xu, thank you. Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely be there on the day of the event.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not an obliging person. If she had wanted to score beautifully in social practice as well as have excellent grades, it was actually quite difficult, not to mention that Qiao Nan also had her own arrangements.

    With Xu Shengnan¡¯s sharing of experience, Qiao Nan could really save some of her time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Qiao Nan. I look up to you very much. Cheers!¡± Xu Shengnan patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. The sunlight was shining on Qiao Nan through windows. It formed a crescent-shaped halo on Qiao Nan¡¯s body. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know what you look like in my eyes now?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°An angel!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was speechless as she raised her eyebrows. ¡°Thank you.¡± So, the vice president suddenly notified and insisted her toe so that she could give her a round of praises?

    When she came out of the meeting room, Qiao Nan felt like she was in a trance.

    She thought of her first meeting with Vice President Xu, whereby thetter¡¯s attitude toward her was extremely unfriendly albeit not nasty. Qiao Nan nearly regretted registering for the new English club then. She had even considered resigning from the club.

 Chapter 970 - Not Suitable to be a Famous Personality

    <h4>Chapter 970 Not Suitable to be a Famous Personality</h4>

    If the coldness disyed by Vice President Xu at that time was as cold as the harsh winter, then the warmth that she expressed now was hotter than that of the searing summer. She was so affectionate that Qiao Nan nearly could not take it.

    ¡°Hahaha, Qiao Nan, you are in great limelight recently.¡± Shi Qing met Qiao Nan in school and was ted. Now, she could hear people talking about Qiao Nan wherever she went. They were talking about how brilliant Qiao Nan was.

    As the roommate and a good friend of Qiao Nan, Shi Qing felt especially proud.

    To others, it was the legendary Qiao Nan. To her, it was someone that she saw every day.

    When Shi Qing shouted Qiao Nan¡¯s name, many people turned toward thetter. Qiao Nan was taken aback. She quickly pulled Shi Qing to the side. ¡°Softer!¡±

    Initially, when Xu Shengnan told Qiao Nan that she was famous in the school, Qiao Nan did not take it to heart at all.

    However, when Shi Qing shouted her name just now, everyone was either staring at her or turning their heads, seemingly searching for ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯. Qiao Nan then realized that she was truly quite famous despite being a first-year college freshman. ¡°I feel that the current situation is too exaggerated.¡±

    Clearly, she had not done anything.

    The kept woman scandal had spread her ¡®notorious¡¯ fame far and wide. Now, she had unknowingly be famous. Qiao Nan was in a trance.

    She just wanted to study at Peking University quietly so that she could fulfill her previous life¡¯s dream of studying in college. Why did so many things happen?

    The most terrible thing was that these things happened within the first month she entered college.

    At the thought that the four-year college life had just begun, feelings of despair overcame Qiao Nan. ¡°I hope that life will be smooth and peaceful for me after this. I don¡¯t want to experience this kind of strong currents and violent storms anymore.¡±

    Qiao Nan was someone that was contented with the status quo. She wished to fulfill her personal dream in a simple way and lead her entire life in a down-to-earth manner.

    Qiao Nan really had not thought of bing a famous personality in school.

    ¡°You arecking courage. Many people want to be a famous personality in school but don¡¯t have a chance. The other three people in your dormitory kicked up so much fuss. Wasn¡¯t it because they wished for your current life? Why don¡¯t you like it?¡± Shi Qing felt that Qiao Nan was quite strange.

    How should she put it?

    Qiao Nan was clearly a piece of bright jade that was already shimmering. However, she insisted to cover herself with ayer of sand so that she could hide her shine. She then felt that she was an ordinary rock that did not have any shine.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly.

    She could not help it. She had been vilified and looked down upon by her biological mother for her whole life. Even if she was reborn, she just did not concede defeat and wished to lead her life ording to her own wishes. However, she did not feel that the forty-year-old self in her previous life, who was unmarried, had no savings, no house, and no car, was a piece of shimmering gold that was dazzling in this life.

    Qiao Nan was very clear that any ordinary person who suffered this kind of bad fortune under her mother would be considered healthy and strong in mind if they did not suffer from low self-esteem. Qiao Nan really did not have the confidence to believe that she was very outstanding

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s brainwashing ability was extremely strong. Qiao Dongliang had been sessfully brainwashed by her. Even the reborn Qiao Nan had notpletely walked out of Ding Jiayi¡¯s shadow. She did not believe that she was a versatile person who could shine.

    During her high school studies, Qiao Nan was also famous in the school. However, at that time, everyone¡¯s reaction was not that strong. At most, more people would consult Qiao Nan on their studies. In normal times, more people would look for Qiao Nan, asking her to tutor their children.

    However, in college, many people had been staring at and talking about Qiao Nan. Clearly, everyone did not belong to the same faculty or cohort. This kind of situation made Qiao Nan feel much more awkward.

    ¡°Sigh, forget it. It¡¯s hard to figure out this matter.¡± Shi Qing saw the difficulty beneath Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Although she did not really understand Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts, she could roughly guess a little. ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you¡¯re happy with your life.¡±

    It did not mean that Qiao Nan would be able to shield the shine of a precious jade when she piled some sand and stones on herself.

    Qiao Nan sought an ordinary life. She felt that she was ordinary. However, she was deceiving herself like an ostrich.

    Nevertheless, it was still the same old saying. One was responsible for his own life. If Qiao Nan feltfortable living in that way, then she could do whatever she wasfortable with.

    Due to the Feng family¡¯s matter, Qiao Nan had been educating her every day recently. Finally, Qiao Nan revealed the weak side of her today. Shi Qing immediately straightened her back and lifted her chin highly.

    It was only during this kind of moment that she finally felt that she and Qiao Nan were of the same age, that everyone had some shorings.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan, who had been taking care of and taking her in hand, gave her too much pressure.

    ¡°Alright. How is the matter regarding your transfer of school?¡± The school had justmenced. In fact, it was best if Shi Qing wished to transfer to PLA National Defence University at this point in time. If she dyed any further, it would not be that easy to settle the administrative matters when it was toote.

    Shi Qing replied with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s already in progress. I will be transferred over by the end of the month.¡± With the Zhai family around, it was really not difficult for her to transfer to PLA National Defence University. Moreover, her results for the college entrance exams were not bad. It was good enough for her to enter PLA National Defence University.

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°When you are at PLA National Defence University, just live in the school. Unless there is a need to do so, don¡¯t meet people from the Feng family. Fortunately, PLA National Defence University has stricter rules than Peking University. I feel more assured about this.¡±

    Shi Qing smiled but she did not reply further.

    Shi Qing understood why Qiao Nan was so concerned about whether the rules were stricter at PLA National Defence University.

    The stricter the rules were, the fewer the opportunities of her meeting the Feng family. As such, the Feng family wouldck the chance to involve her in their ns.

    This morning, Shi Qing had already given Feng Cheng a phone call. She made herself clear to Feng Cheng that she was still young and did not wish to be engaged so soon.

    Furthermore, it was the 21st century now. Regardless of engagement or marriage, the other party had to be someone that she had chosen and taken a liking to. She wanted the freedom to choose her love.

    As for the one that the Feng family had prepared for her, although the Feng family did not have otherdies, they still had other coteral rtives who were youngdies.

    Such a goodd-one does not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others. It was good to introduce him to otherdies in the Feng family. Shi Qing would certainly not mind.

    When Shi Qing said that, Feng Cheng was stunned. When Feng Cheng tried to persuade her daughter, Shi Qing had already hung up the phone.

    ¡°Dad, Qing Qing is not willing to.¡± Feng Cheng sighed. ¡°Dad, is elder brother¡¯s matter really so urgent? Furthermore, Qing Qing is not wrong. Even if we want a joint marriage, Qing Qing may not need to be the one. We don¡¯t havedies here but the other families in the Feng family have many.¡± As the biological mother, Feng Cheng would also be happy if her daughter could find a partner that she liked and was good to her.

    Suddenly, a partner for wedding engagement appeared. Notwithstanding her daughter, even Feng Cheng, this mother, felt strange about it.

 Chapter 971 - Stepping on Your Achillesâ€™ Heel

    <strong>Chapter 971 Stepping on Your Achilles¡¯ Heel</strong>

    At that time, Old Master Feng brought up this matter suddenly. In addition, Feng Liang, her biological elder brother, was going through some job-rted transitions recently. Feng Cheng thus relented and agreed to Old Master Feng¡¯s suggestion. She was also thinking that her daughter was not young anymore and it was time to pick a good man for her. The two could get engaged first and then interact with each other thereafter. When her daughter was of an appropriate age, it was not bad to get married and have children then.

    After all, this was an experience in life that every woman had to face.

    However, when Feng Cheng calmed down, she felt that this matter came too soon. She had been muddleheaded to agree at that point in time. It was thus not strange that Qing Qing reacted strongly to it.

    Many years ago, Feng Cheng and Shi Peng already knew each other before they dated. They had some interactions during childhood and only started datingter after they grew up and studied in the same school.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said my reasons. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t have otherdies in the Feng family, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate.¡± Old Master Feng was not in a good mood these few days. ¡°I¡¯ve also told you clearly the family background of that man. I¡¯m the one who calls the shots in the Feng family now. I wish to pass down the authority to your elder brother. However, if anotherdy in the Feng family gets married to that man, I am not sure if your brother will be able to take my ce after I relinquish it. If that person is not my closest next-of-kin, his heart may not be with us.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± Feng Cheng began to understand Old Master Feng¡¯s intention. ¡°Qing Qing is not willing to. I don¡¯t have a choice either. Although it is for the sake of the Feng family, the prerequisite is that Qing Qing has to like him and be a willing party, right?¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Old Master Feng said unhappily. ¡°You¡¯re already a mother. Don¡¯t tell me you really believe that love and romance are most important? Qing Qing is young and doesn¡¯t know this. You, as a mother, should advise Qing Qing well. If this marriage is sessful, it will benefit both the Feng family and Qing Qing. Don¡¯t you hope that your daughter will marry well? Do you want to let Qing Qing do as she wishes? Qing Qing is so pure and simple at heart. All of us know that. If Qing Qing marries a poor man in the future, you might not mind providing for your daughter, but are you willing to provide for your son-inw and his family?¡±.

    No matter what, he must not let his maternal granddaughter marry someone that had nothing.

    Feng Cheng¡¯s mouth moved. She nearly could not respond. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re exaggerating. Qing Qing is simple and pure. She is also naive. I don¡¯t deny that. However, I know that besides liking Zhai Sheng in the past, she didn¡¯t like anyone else.¡±

    Her daughter did not even have someone that she liked. Did her father need to imagine Qing Qing¡¯s future partner to be so lousy such that he did not have money and house, and that he also needed his mother-inw to provide for him?

    She did not believe that her daughter¡¯s judgment of people would be so poor. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re being paranoid. I believe that this won¡¯t happen to Qing Qing.¡±

    With Zhai Sheng, this bright pearl, before Qing Qing, she really did not believe that her daughter would take a liking to a broken stone by the roadside in the future.

    ¡°Believe?¡± Old Master Feng snorted. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe it now, forget it. When the timees and this matter really happens, don¡¯te back crying to us.¡±

    After Old Master Feng finished his words, he walked away feeling very vexed, leaving behind his back view for Feng Cheng.

    In fact, the Feng family was responsible for raising their daughter and maternal granddaughter to be so naive.

    The current problem was that, when Feng Cheng and Shi Qing used this ¡®naivet¨¦s¡¯ on the Feng family, Old Master Feng could not bring himself to feel happy.

    Sitting in the study room, Old Master Feng started to reflect on whether he had done it wrongly in the past.

    Compared to Qi Min, his own daughter Feng Cheng did not have anything worthy of mentioning

    His daughter would not behave like Qi Min, who would run back to the maternal family topete with her biological brother on the things in their father¡¯s hands. Nevertheless, his daughter also did not have the capability and mind of Qi Min. She would not continuously pull strings for her own family.

    From every single drink to every single bite, there is nothing that is not preordained. True enough, nothing is perfect in this world.

    In fact, this wedding engagement was truly an opportunity for the Feng family.

    The fianc¨¦ that Old Master Feng found for Shi Qing, although his family background was not as good as Zhai Sheng, it was not much worse off. The family of this man had risen in status recently. It seemed that they were going to progress further. This was an up and rising star.

    In other words, if Shi Qing was not willing to, there would be many others who were more than willing

    Old Master Feng¡¯s n was very simple. If Qiao Nan really treated Shi Qing as a good friend and was not willing to let Shi Qing sacrifice her lifetime happiness for the sake of family interests, then Qiao Nan would persuade Zhai Sheng to help Feng Liang climb up the ranks.

    As such, the Feng family would naturally interfere less in Shi Qing¡¯s marriage. They would let Shi Qing find someone that she was satisfied with.

    If Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were not on such good terms and she refused to persuade the Zhai family to help Feng Liang, there was no issue too. When Shi Qing got engaged to the youngd, thetter¡¯s family would also support Feng Liang and help thetter progress further.

    Old Master Feng just wanted an oue. He did not care about the process.

    Unfortunately, it seemed that neither of his ns would work.

    Old Master Feng could not control or impact things at Qiao Nan¡¯s end.

    The day before, Feng Liang met Zhai Shengor rather, Zhai Sheng specially went to find Feng Liang.

    Although Zhai Sheng was the junior, he pulled a long face and warned Feng Liang without any reservation. This made Feng Liang lost a lot of face.

    Zhai Sheng clearly told Feng Liang that the Feng family should not be up to no good. Otherwise, the Feng family would not be able to receive any gain that they hoped for. He would also let the Feng family lose the things that they cared about most.

    He had ways to pull Feng Liang up the ranks. On the other hand, he could pull Feng Liang down as well. He could simply get in touch with someone who wished to rece Feng Liang and take thetter¡¯s current role. This matter would be settled then.

    As Zhai Sheng stepped directly on Feng Liang¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel, Feng Liang could not help feeling fearful.

    Because of Zhai Sheng¡¯s warning, regardless of how many ns the Feng family had, they dared not target directly at Qiao Nan. They also dared not bring up or insist that Qiao Nan be their fictive kin. They could only make a veiled attack and give various hints to save the ¡®nation¡¯ through indirect means.

    neans.

    That was how Shi Qing¡¯s engagement came about.

    If they really could not rely on the Zhai family, Old Master Feng wanted Feng Liang to rise further in the ranks and improve the status of the Feng family in the capital, letting Shi Qing get engaged and married to that man was undoubtedly the best and fastest method.

    It was a pity that, no matter how good old Master Feng¡¯s n was, it waspletely not within his control on how things would develop.

    Old Master Feng was totally unaware that Shi Qing had listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion. Under the assistance of the Zhai family, they were secretly settling the administrative matters to transfer Shi Qing to PLA National Defence University.

    When all the paperwork had been settled, Shi Qing would just simply inform the Feng family about the situation. It would be toote for Old Master Feng to stop her by then.

    ¡°Nan Nan, will you be going back to Ping Cheng during the seven days of National Day holiday?¡± Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng, the father and son pair, would be extremely busy. As for Miao Jing, unless the events called for her presence, she did not need to attend them. She thus had much more spare time than Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 972 - Nearly Relented

    <strong>Chapter 972 Nearly Relented</strong>

    ¡°Mom, it has been so long. Did you contact Sister Hua Hua?¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. It would only be seven days. If she had to return to Ping Cheng, she would first need to spend two days traveling to and fro in a car. It would be too tiring.

    If she could afford it or when there was high-speed rail, she could return to Ping Cheng during such a seven-day long holiday then.

    At the mention of Zhai Hua, Miao Jing looked perplexed. After some time, she gave out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve seen Hua Hua before I came. She has lost a lot of weight. When I saw Hua Hua in that state, I nearly relented. I was thinking that I should just allow her to be with Wei De. When she was a child, I was not by her side. This has caused her to feel ack of love and care. I will have to pay her back what I owe her eventually.¡±

    Before Miao Jing could tell Zhai Hua that she would agree to thetter¡¯s rtionship with Wei De, Zhai Yaohui pulled Miao Jing away. Thereafter, he only reminded Zhai Hua to do well in the army and redeem the loss and hurt caused by her previously.

    Miao Jing would relent at such times but not Zhai Yaohui.

    In the past, Zhai Huapletely refused to listen. At this juncture, Zhai Hua was still willing to listen a little and persist in her decision. How could Zhai Yaohui soften his stance at this time? Clearly, he knew that her daughter¡¯s choice of man was wrong. He could not allow her daughter to continue with the mistake just because his heart ached for her.

    Before she couldpletely let go of this, it was necessary that his daughter suffered a little.

    In the future, when his daughter had calmed down and found her own happiness, she would naturally understand that the suffering and persistence that she had endured in the past were worth it.

    Zhai Yaohui was a man. Regardless of how much his heart ached when he saw Zhai Hua lose weight and be haggard and not as happy as before, he would not talk about it. Miao Jing was a woman. Today, when Qiao Nan asked about it, she spilled everything. ¡°You don¡¯t know. That Wei De is very mean. Hua Hua did note back to Ping Cheng and she refused to see him. He couldn¡¯t enter the camp, so he actually sent letters to Hua Hua directly. He kept sending photos of his nephew and him. He even said that his nephew knows how to address her as auntie-inw now.¡±

    At the thought of these words, Miao Jing was so furious that her liver hurt.

    Her daughter was not married yet. She was a virgin. Yet, Wei De wanted her to help him raise a child after marriage.

    Although this was his nephew, it was not reasonable!

    ¡°Without these letters and photos, I think Hua Hua¡¯s life will certainly be much better. Perhaps this is why Hua Hua lost weight. She has been tortured!¡± The more that was the case, the more Miao Jing could not look up to Wei De.

    If not for the fact that the Zhai family never did things under the table, would Wei De, this kind of person, be able to continue leading a good life in Ping Cheng?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be upset. I will give Sister Hua Hua a callter and chat with her.¡± If what her mother-inw said was true, Wei De was being too much then.

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Miao Jing nodded. ¡°Hua Hua is very stubborn. In the initial years, her dad and me... No matter what, Zhai Sheng and your words, she will still listen to some of them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sister Hua Hua is still quite rational. As long as our words make sense, she will listen to them. Don¡¯t worry. I have a feeling that Sister Hua Hua and Wei De can¡¯t remain together anymore.¡± She really did not look up to Wei De. Although she vaguely recalled that Sister Hua Hua seemed to have married Wei De in her previous life.

    Qiao Nan could not describe clearly how she felt that day. However, she felt revulsion to Wei De from the bottom of her heart.

    Wei De felt that she was not worthy of Brother Zhai due to her humble status. On the other hand, she felt that Wei De was not a good person and was not worthy of Sister Hua Hua.

    Qiao Nan said ¡®our¡¯. However, Miao Jing understood in her heart that it was just ¡®my¡¯ and not ¡®our¡¯.

    Miao Jing had been thinking. Was it because she and Zhao Yaohui were not by Zhai Hua¡¯s side when she was a child? In addition, Zhai Sheng was her younger brother. Was that why Zhai Hua was especially unwilling to listen to them?

    It was great that Qiao Nan was a neutral party and did not have any conflict with Zhai Hua. Both of them were alsodies. Hence, Zhai Hua was willing to listen to Qiao Nan. ¡°I can only trouble you on Hua Hua¡¯s matter.¡± Miao Jing knew that she did not have any other way regarding this.

    ¡°No trouble.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I feel that many things may happen if Wei De joins the family.¡± If anything were to happen to the Zhai family, Brother Zhai would certainly be the one resolving the problems. She did not want it to be so hard on Brother Zhai. She hoped that he could focus wholeheartedly on his passion, which was the army. At the very least, she must not let family matters be Brother Zhai¡¯s stumbling block.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing nodded. Although Hua Hua was the elder sister and Zhai Sheng the younger brother, if it were a few decades ago, once Nan Nan married into the Zhai family, she would be in charge of the family¡¯s domestic affairs. She would have to manage her sister-inw as well.

    Fortunately, despite Nan Nan¡¯s young age, she was very responsible and capable. If she were weaker, her prior worries would certainly happen.

    Nan Nan was able to hold the fort. Naturally, his son would be the one enjoying life.

    After advising Miao Jing, Qiao Nan did not stay behind. She left before Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui came home. She returned to the small courtyard of the Lin family and helped Shi Qing pack her luggage. ¡°How is your packing going along?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, you¡¯re still worried about me? I¡¯m almost done with the packing. But you have to consider this carefully. After I leave, you will be staying here alone. Do you feel afraid?¡± A youngdy staying alone-no matter what, it was quite worrying.

    ¡°Not afraid.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head honestly. Was it scary to stay alone?

    This house belonged to her master. In her previous life, she had twenty years of experience staying in a rented apartment alone.

    Although she certainly felt afraid in the beginning, she had stayed alone for about twenty years. No matter how timid she was, she was already numb to it.

    Shi Qing could tell that Qiao Nan was telling the truth. She was surprised. ¡°I thought that you were timid. I didn¡¯t expect... Not bad.¡± Shi Qing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. She was daring enough to stay alone. Not many people of their age could do that. ¡°Alright, since you are not afraid, I will feel more assured when I leave.¡±

    ¡°Continue packing. I am going to make a call.¡± After confirming that Shi Qing did not need her help anymore, Qiao Nan remembered Zhai Hua¡¯s matter. She quickly gave Zhai Hua a call.

    When Zhai Hua picked up the call, Qiao Nan could hear a listless voice. ¡°Hello, good day.¡±

    ¡°Sister Hua Hua, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan!¡± Zhai Hua, who was at a loss, perked up immediately when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s voice. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s such a coincidence. I wanted to contact you recently. I wish to discuss some matters with you.¡±

    Zhai Hua was aware that she had a soft heart. In particr, the more Wei De talked into her ears, her heart would be as soft as her ears no matter how determined she was.

    Zhai Hua knew that it was not right for her to behave in this way.

    Unfortunately, there was no one by her side to remind her again and again and sober her up. She really had no choice. As such, Zhai Hua had thought of giving Qiao Nan a call.

 Chapter 973 - What Do You Desire from Him?

    <h4>Chapter 973 What Do You Desire from Him?</h4>

    Earlier on, Qiao Nan had used the school¡¯s public phone to call Zhai Hua. Hence, if Zhai Hua wanted to look for Qiao Nan now, dialing back that number would not work.

    In fact, she had been pondering if she should look for Zhai Sheng to get Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number. It was just nice that Qiao Nan took the initiative to call her.

    ¡°I have heard about your situation from Mom. Wei De sent you many photos and wrote you many letters? Did you keep those items that he had sent you previously?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She did not throw any of them away. Qiao Nan sighed. True enough, that was the case.

    ¡°In this case, if you don¡¯t mind, send me all the letters and items from Wei De. Also, if Wei De sends anything to the camp for you, don¡¯t read them. Send them all to me directly.¡± It was not appropriate, but it was also most appropriate to send these items to her.

    These things that Wei De sent to Zhai Hua made both Zhai Hua and the Zhai family feel vexed. Even Zhai Sheng might not be able to keep his cool when he faced them.

    Qiao Nan was considered an outsider. She was also a student. Regardless of her thoughts, she could not possibly do anything to Wei De.

    Hence, it would be safest for Qiao Nan to take care of these items.

    Zhai Hua was able to understand her point. ¡°Fine, I will send the items to you. Nan Nan, I really want to calm down, but...¡± Wei De had been sending her letters every two to three days. The heart that she had quieted down with much difficulty was, again, wavering.

    The items were already in her hands. She could not help but look at them.

    As such, Zhai Hua was feeling very troubled and at a loss of what to do.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin. I understand.¡± Qiao Nan interrupted Zhai Hua¡¯s words of self-me. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I understand. But have you seen enough to sort out your thoughts? You should still remember what I have told you before. I didn¡¯t advise you to break up with Wei De. This is because I hope that you can reconsider your rtionship with Wei De after you have truly calmed down. You trust the feelings between the two of you. You have thus promised me. Sister Zhai Hua, do you think Wei De¡¯s behavior shows that he trusts your rtionship? Sister Zhai Hua, if you put yourself in Wei De¡¯s shoes, will you keep sending letters to the other party in the same way?¡±

    Regarding the matter about Wei De, Sister Zhai Hua was not firm and it was especially easy for her mind to waver.

    After much difficulty, Qiao Nan managed to coax Sister Zhai Hua into having a cooling-off period. However, Wei De had to make his presence known from time to time. Qiao Nan¡¯s head was hurting badly too.

    The more that was the case, the more Qiao Nan could not look up to Wei De. He was an eyesore.

    There was a saying that pushing too hard would not get you any sale.

    The more anxious Wei De was, the more he cared about it and refused to let go, the more people looked down on him and felt that he had a problem.

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Hua was stunned for a while. If she were Wei De, what would she do if she were in such a situation?

    After thinking for a long time, Zhai Hua, whose mind was in a whirlwind, said, ¡°I think that I wouldn¡¯t do what Wei De is doing now.¡± Although she wanted to sort out her rtionship with Wei De, she did not do anything that would hinder Wei De or make his life difficult. She did not force Wei De to bow to her.

    Zhai Hua had returned to the army and did not leave the ce for a long time. In addition, given the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward Wei De, many of Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends had called to ask Zhai Hua whether she was still in a rtionship with Wei De.

    Wei De could receive their help as he was Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend.

    If Wei De were to lose thisyer of connection, they would not be so silly to gift him money.

    Zhai Hua did not rify whether she was still on good terms with or whether she had already broken up with Wei De. She only replied briefly without giving a straight answer. She said that she had been busy recently and did not have time to think about personal matters.

    These were her childhood friends. Upon hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words, these friends understood that, at this point in time, they still could not dump Wei De at least and let him rely on himself to carry on. They still had to guide him every now and then.

    It was also due to the phone calls from her childhood friends that Zhai Hua wanted very much to call Qiao Nan to seek thetter¡¯s opinions.

    A woman in love had a negative IQ. Nevertheless, the asionally sober Zhai Hua still had some sanity to speak of.

    She had once boastfully expressed to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng that Wei De was capable butcked the opportunity.

    However, was that the truth?

    In the past, for the sake of Wei De, she had pleaded with her younger brother to open a back door for Wei De.

    Now, she also requested her childhood friends to guide Wei De along in making money. In fact, this was really not much different from getting someone to send money to Wei De. She believed that he was capable butcked the opportunity. However, why did he need people to guide him along at all times? Could he not find his own sess through his own capability?

    Zhai Hua dared to swear that, if Zhai Sheng, this biological brother, were to resign as a soldier and be a businessman one day, Zhai Sheng would not need these people¡¯s help. He would be sessful through his own ability.

    Other people could achieve that but not Wei De. This only proved that Wei De was not as capable and talented as she had imagined him to be.

    ¡°To hear you say this, I just want to say that it¡¯s very hard toe by.¡± It seemed that the one month of cooling-off period had been quite useful for Sister Zhai Hua. ¡°Wei De did something that you will not do. You can¡¯t refuse to admit that Wei De does not care more for you than you do him. The feelings that Wei De have for you are also not more than yours for him. Sister Zhai Hua, you have done and fought so much for Wei De. You do not mind Wei De¡¯s family background or his looks. Isn¡¯t it because you are yearning for the care and feelings that Wei De has for you?¡±

    At the mention of this, Qiao Nan shunned Wei De tremendously. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t mind me for being blunt in my words. After all, Brother Zhai and you are biological siblings. You grew up with Brother Zhai. I really don¡¯t understand. You are used to seeing a man like Brother Zhai, but why are you so blind to take a liking to Wei De? Wei De¡¯s family background is really not good. At least, the two children in my family are biological. Wei De¡¯s family has an adopted daughter with a muddled background. Wei De is not good-looking either!¡±

    Regardless of gender, the future generation was very particr with looks.

    As such, Qiao Nan, who was used to such situations, could not understand why Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes would be so bad to have taken a liking to Wei De.

    Wei De had neither looks nor substance. He did not have anything that was desirable. Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s status was high and she was very capable, yet she had to take a liking to Wei De. What did she see in Wei De?

    Feelings? That would be a joke.

    The feelings that Wei De had for her could not bepared to those that Sister Zhai Hua had for him at all.

    Wei De was not the best in giving something that Sister Hua Hua was yearning for. What was there for Sister Hua Hua to continue with this rtionship?

    Zhai Hua¡¯s ugly expression revealed a bitter smile. ¡°Yes, he is not good-looking. He can¡¯t bepared to my brother at all.¡±

 Chapter 974 - Said Harsh Words

    <h4>Chapter 974 Said Harsh Words</h4>

    She did not understand what she saw in Wei De. Up until now, she still thought that Wei De was a good man. He might fall short of the best, but he was better than the worst.

    However, from the questions that Qiao Nan asked, it only proved a point-Wei De did not have any positive traits.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Wei De is not good enough. Even if he does not treat you as good as you treat him, as long as he treats you in the same way like how Brother Zhai treats me, I will definitely help you and stand on your side. However, looking at how it is now, I don¡¯t think there is a need for me to do that. If I do so, I will be harming you.¡± Zhai Hua let out a long sigh. ¡°You do not seem to be as reserved and cautious as before. You seem to be much more rxed. Have you and my brother collected the marriage certificate?¡± She sounded emboldened.

    ¡°We will do so in the first half of next year.¡±

    ¡°No wonder.¡± One indeed behaved differently before and after one collected the marriage certificate. ¡°Okay, I have taken note of your words. Sure enough, I will be able to straighten out my thoughts after being told off by you.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t take credit for it. Sister Zhai Hua, didn¡¯t you realize that you are the one who straightened out your thoughts by yourself? It is not difficult to wake someone who is sleeping. But it is hard to wake someone who is pretending to sleep!¡±

    Many people expressed their disapproval of Wei De. Moreover, there were a lot of instances where Wei De gave himself away and upset Sister Zhai Hua recently.

    Even if Sister Zhai Hua wanted to deceive herself, she had already made a mental note of Wei De¡¯s unsatisfactory behavior.

    The one thing that Qiao Nan was d of was that everything happened before Zhai Hua got married to Wei De and had children with him.

    If they were married and had children, even if Wei De had a lot of shorings, Sister Zhai Hua could do nothing but feign ignorance and to make do with her current life.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Hua smiled but she did not deny that Qiao Nan¡¯s words were true. ¡°Qiao Nan, why do you insist that I send you letters and photos that Wei De sent me? Do you have anything in mind?¡±

    Qiao Nan would not make futile efforts. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would ask her for the photos and letters for no reason.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Women¡¯s sixth sense is so urate. The problem is why do you lose this sixth sense when you are with Wei De?¡±.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± What did she mean by sixth sense? What was Qiao Nan suspecting about?

    ¡°No hurry.¡± Qiao Nan did not share her suspicion with Zhai Hua. ¡°It¡¯s true that I don¡¯t like Wei De, and like Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t approve of the two of you. But unless there is concrete evidence, my guess is purely a guess. I won¡¯t share my suspicions with you lest it affect your rtionship with Wei De.¡±

    She might dislike Wei De, but she would not sow discord between Wei De and Zhai Hua solely based on her sixth sense.

    ¡°Of course, if it is true and there is proof that I am right, you can rest assured that no matter how harsh the truth is, I will definitely tell you. I will not lie to you.¡±

    Zhai Hua smiled. This was the first smile that she had in the past month. ¡°It is no wonder that I like talking to you. Qiao Nan, thank you.¡±

    Qiao Nan would never badmouth Wei De or magnify his shorings and negative traits in order for her to break up with Wei De. Qiao Nan would only talk about the facts. This was the reason why she was more willing to listen to her and her opinions.

    Her parents, Zhai Sheng, and even her grandpa would keep telling her that Wei De was not a good man and had a bad temperament, and that they would never ept him.

    No one was perfect. She had her shorings as well.

    If her future husband must be a perfect man, she would have no chance of getting married.

    Zhai Hua knew very well that with regard to Wei De, she was actually being spiteful. But it was her family¡¯s fault for being so unreasonable.

    There was nothing wrong with having shorings. He could change for the better.

    Nothing mattered to her except that Wei De treated her well.

    But what Qiao Nan said today made Zhai Hua realize that Wei De might not be able to meet her only requirement of him. She was so good to Wei De. Apart from the fact that her family could not ept Wei De and forbade them from getting married, there was nothing that Wei De had to worry about.

    However, Wei De seemed to be the problematic one.

    Perhaps it was because Qiao Nan had used a very apt analogy when she talked to her during the summer break. Zhai Hua had been pondering about it for more than a month, in particr after she looked at the letters that Wei De sent her.

    Wei De really liked Wei Wei. He kept saying that Wei Wei was very adorable, obedient, and sensible in the letters.

    Wei De did not have any children, but Zhai Hua felt that in his letters, Wei De seemed like a father who was praising his son.

    Wei De was all praises for Wei Wei. If she married Wei De and they had children in the future, would Wei De makeparisons between the two children and feel that Wei Wei was better than their own child?

    Wei De invested so much feelings into Wei Wei. By the time they had their own children, would Wei De be able to put the same amount of love and affection on their children?

    If not, it would be unfair to their children.

    Qiao Nan was right. She and Zhai Sheng were biological siblings and they were very close. However, there would be times when she was envious of Zhai Sheng and she felt that her parents and her grandpa treated Zhai Sheng much better than her and were biased toward

    him.

    If Wei Wei stayed in their house with her own child, how was she going to make her child ept Wei Wei?

    Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.

    Zhai Hua, who was about to turn thirty years old, loved children. She also wanted to have her own children.

    She had yet to have her own child, but Wei Wei already posed a threat to her future child. He would fight for the affection of Zhai Hua and Wei De, and the child had to share the parents¡¯ love with Wei Wei.

    For this reason, she could not ept Wei Wei.

    Qiao Nan made Zhai Hua promise that she would not leave the army camp and would not have any contact with Wei De. If not for Qiao Nan, given that Zhai Hua had her doubts, she would have made a phone call to Wei De or replied to his letters, asking him how he intended to deal with Wei Wei after they had their own children.

    ¡°No need to thank me.¡± Qiao Nan did not ept Zhai Hua¡¯s gratitude. ¡°You should understand that I have a selfish agenda. Back then, you know that Mom would not ept me as her daughter-inw and you were wary of me. It is the same logic.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua did not know how to react to Qiao Nan¡¯s blunt words. ¡°Qiao Nan, did anyone say that you have a strong temper?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are the one,¡± Qiao Nan said harshly.

    Zhai Hua was exasperated. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t talk to you. I will give you lots of money as the wedding red packet when you collect the marriage certificate with Zhai Sheng next year.¡± Her sister-inw had such a strong temper. Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°If there is really something wrong with Wei De and I help you see his true colors and be rid of him, will you give me a red packet?¡± She was more interested in this red packet, and the amount of money had to be asrge as possible.

 Chapter 975 - Womenâ€™s Sixth Sens

    Chapter 975 Women¡¯s Sixth Sens

    Qiao Nan swore to the gods. She had lived for two lifetimes and seen a lot of scumbags. ording to her experience, there was something very wrong with Wei De. To put it bluntly, Wei De was a white-cor guy from a working-ss background who was after a city girl.

    In other cases, the men at least had the looks, but Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend was not considered a pretty boy. He was about 1.8-meter tall. Qiao Nan wanted to ask Zhai Hua what she actually saw in Wei De and what she wanted from him.

    Feelings?

    That was ridiculous!

    Qiao Nan did not get an answer. Instead, Zhai Hua mmed the phone on her.

    Zhai Hua was of a certain age but she was still unmarried. Like others, she wouldpare her boyfriend with other people.

    In fact, she was very frustrated. Qiao Nan had asked her on more than one asion what she wanted from Wei De. He was not talented, and neither did he have the looks. He had nothing and he was not really devoted to Zhai Hua.

    After hanging up on Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua stared at the phone, lost in her thoughts. She could not help but ask herself if she had to have Wei De at all costs. She was on bad terms with her family because of Wei De, and she refused to listen to them. What did she want from Wei De?

    Wei De had been using all sorts of methods to make Zhai Hua soften her attitude toward him. He believed that she would be moved by him like how she was in the past. However, he had no idea that one single question of Qiao Nan had made Zhai Hua ponder seriously about their rtionship and made all his past efforts go down the drain.

    Wei De had stopped himself from disturbing Zhai Hua and kept expressing his concern for her. He felt that he had done a good job of cating her and she would definitely be touched.

    Wei De had been studying Zhai Hua for a long time. They had been in a rtionship for years and he was well aware of her weaknesses.

    If not, he would not be able to cate her and made her listen to him.

    Unfortunately, Zhai Hua had her weaknesses, and so did Wei De.

    Wei De could never imagine that Qiao Nan, whom he most despised, would be the biggest obstacle between him and Zhai Hua.

    With Qiao Nan around, it would not be easy for him to marry Zhai Hua.

    A few days after Qiao Nan talked to Zhai Hua on the phone, she received arge pack of registered mail from Zhai Hua.

    Qiao Nan carried therge pack of mail with her and returned to the Lin family¡¯s house. Shi Qing was surprised when she saw her. ¡°Who sent you such arge pack of mail? What is it?¡± Shi Qing hadpleted the procedures and she was ready to go to the PLA National Defence University. However, it was the National Day. Shi Qing wanted to spend National Day with Qiao Nan before she went to PLA National Defence University.

    The Zhai family of three had left the capital and went back to Ping Cheng yesterday.

    Zhai Sheng seemed to have received an important mission and went straight to the camp without going back to Ping Cheng.

    The Zhai family of three had left. Shi Qing felt that if she were to leave right away, Qiao Nan would feel lonely and she might not be able to adapt. She wanted to spend the seven days of holiday with her before she could rest assured to leave her.

    ¡°These are the photos and letters that Wei De sent to Sister Zhai Hua. I asked her to send them to me. In the future, all the letters that Wei De sends to her will be sent to me directly.¡± Qiao Nan emptied many papers and photos from the envelope. Wei De had spent a lot of effort so that Zhai Hua could know more about Wei Wei.

    ¡°Is this child Wei Wei?¡± Shi Qing had heard of Wei Wei, but she had not seen him before. She only found out how he looked after staring at the photo. ¡°The child looks smart. It is just that he is quite tanned.¡±

    ¡°It is normal for children from the countryside to be tanned.¡± Qiao Nan had no intention of looking down on Wei Wei or defaming children from the countryside. She was merely pointing out a fact. ¡°Children at this age who are from the countryside would always run around and y outside. There are some children who have a darkerplexion than Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Shi Qing replied. ¡°Apart from having a darkerplexion, Wei Wei seems well-dressed. He does not look any different from the children in the city. Qiao Nan, tell me honestly. What is your motive in getting Sister Zhai Hua to send all these to you? We have known each other for a long time, so don¡¯t try to lie to me. I know you are nning something.¡±

    Even if she wanted Sister Zhai Hua to calm down, she would not ask to have these personal items from Sister Hua Hua. It concerned her privacy.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s temper and that she disliked Wei De as well, she would have told Sister Zhai Hua not to look at the photos and letters that Wei De sent.

    ¡°How should I put it...¡± Qiao Nan had been thinking about an idea but she could not pinpoint it or put it into words. ¡°I just have this feeling that something is off with Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°In what way?¡± Shi Qing took Wei Wei¡¯s photo to have a closer look. ¡°He looks the same as any other children. He has one nose and two eyes. Why can¡¯t I spot anything?¡±

    Since Qiao Nan said that Wei Wei was odd, Shi Qing brought Wei Wei¡¯s photo right in front of her and stared hard at it. ¡°Should we use a magnifying ss and study it again?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at Shi Qing. ¡°No need. I can¡¯t really pinpoint it or tell you what I mean by saying that he is odd. If I knew the answer, I would not need to get these photos from Sister Zhai Hua. I am not so foolish that I would do things to annoy myself.¡±

    Shi Qing pouted. She was indeed a fool.

    ¡°Wei De must be very mushy in his love letters to Sister Zhai Hua. What is there to look at?¡± Qiao Nan was not contented with looking at the photos. She still wanted to read the love letters that Wei De wrote to Sister Zhai Hua. If Qiao Nan was not about to collect the marriage certificate with Brother Zhai, and Brother Zhai was so much better than Wei De, she would suspect that Qiao Nan liked Wei De.

    Qiao Nan felt like pping Shi Qing on her head. ¡°Do I need to torture myself if I can tell which letters have important contents and which sentences are more useful to me?¡± It was very difficult for her to suppress her revulsion to Wei De and read as well as analyze Wei De¡¯s letters to Zhai Hua in the most objective and detached manner. She was the only person who understood the pain that she had to go through.

    ¡°Tell you what, there are still three more days before the National Day holiday ends. I will help you find whatever you are looking for. You dislike Wei De and I look down on him. Perhaps you can¡¯t find what you want to look for, but I can.¡± Three days were enough for her and Qiao Nan to read these letters over and over again. ¡°Two heads are better than one.¡±

    Qiao Nan thought about it and nodded. ¡°Sure, let me tell you my doubts.¡±

    ¡°I feel that there is something fishy about Wei De¡¯s rtionship with Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°What is fishy about it?¡± Shi Qing was intrigued. ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°If I know the answer, I will deal with it right away. Otherwise, would I still be up to this? I heard from Brother Zhai that Wei Wei is the son of Wei De¡¯s sister. She is not his biological sister. She is adopted. If you think about it, when Wei De was young, China was undergoing a tumultuous time. Everyone led a difficult life. It was already a struggle to feed themselves. Who would have the spare money and food to raise a child that has no blood rtion to them?¡±

    This alone was enough for Qiao Nan to feel ufortable and perplexed.

 Chapter 976 - Go Ahead to Ask

    Chapter 976 Go Ahead to Ask

    ¡°Well...¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Wei De has no siblings but an adopted sister? Could it be that the Wei family wanted a daughter, so they adopted her?¡±

    Qiao Nan was silent. This exnation was not entirely impossible. But in her opinion, the chances of it were too small. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Actually, I have always been very curious about Wei De¡¯s sister. Sister Zhai Hua has not been to Wei De¡¯s house and she does not know anything about his family. She only learns about his family through Wei De.¡±

    In this case, Sister Zhai Hua only knew whatever Wei De told her.

    For that alone, it meant that whatever Sister Zhai Hua heard from Wei De might not be reliable. ¡°It is rare that there are such kindhearted people in this world. Look at Wei De¡¯s behavior after he dated Sister Zhai Hua. Could it be that Wei De is the sour apple on a good stock?¡± Qiao Nan pulled at her hair. ¡°Don¡¯tugh at me. You should know what kind of person my mom is.¡±

    She was her mother¡¯s daughter, given birth by her.

    When she had been through rebirth, the doctor had told her father and her specifically that she was undernourished and was starved by her mother.

    She did not have a good childhood, but her childhood days might be better than Wei De¡¯s. One would be so heartless to one¡¯s own child, so how would one be good to an adopted child?

    ¡°Wei De¡¯s parents are very generous while Wei De haggles over every ounce. Alright, let¡¯s take it that Wei De has gone astray. What about his sister? In the conservative countryside, it is a serious matter to have a child out of wedlock. Up until now, she does not know who Wei Wei¡¯s father is. Wei De¡¯s parents may be good-natured, but why did they fail terribly as parents and did not teach their children well?¡±

    She could understand if Wei De was the only problematic person in the family. However, the adopted daughter had lots of problems as well. Qiao Nan would not believe that the Wei family had no issues with educating their children.

    Even if there were sour apples on a good stock, it would not be to that extent.

    Shi Qing shook her head. ¡°What you said seemed to make sense. But other than that, do you have other thoughts about it?¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head helplessly. ¡°No, I simply feel that the Wei family is odd. This is why I decided to look at these letters and photos. Actually, I feel that if there is really something wrong with the Wei family, the best solution will be to make a trip to Wei De¡¯s house in the countryside and get firsthand information. By then, if something is wrong with the Wei family or Wei De, there is no way that Wei De will be able to hide from us.¡±

    ¡°Is there a need to do that?¡± Must they really make a trip to Wei De¡¯s house in the countryside?

    ¡°Looking at how bewitched Sister Zhai Hua is, do you think there is a need to do that or not?¡± Qiao Nan looked at the photos one by one. ¡°This must be our blind spot. We dislike Wei De, but we fail to look into the Wei family¡¯s situation. A woman must be careful in picking her future husband. It is as serious as going through another reincarnation. We must take things seriously and it is better to know more about the other party.¡±

    Shi Qing touched her chin. Qiao Nan seemed to make sense. ¡°When shall we go to Wei De¡¯s hometown?¡± Brother Zhai had gone back to the army on a mission. He would not have the time to meddle with this.

    Chief Zhai was a busy man, and Auntie Miao would not do this by herself.

    If Qiao Nan wanted to find out everything about the Wei family, she would have to make the trip herself.

    Qiao Nan pulled a long face at Shi Qing¡¯s words. ¡°I don¡¯t even have the time to go home. I want to go to Wei De¡¯s hometown to investigate, but I am helpless.¡± She wanted to do it, but she did not have the time.

    Shi Qing gave Qiao Nan a light p on her body. ¡°How about I help you with it?¡±

    ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± She did not have time, while Shi Qing had to transfer to the PLA National Defence University. The management was very strict. Shi Qing would only be busier than her.

    ¡°Wait for my good news.¡± Shi Qing picked up the phone and dialed a number. ¡°Hello, Zhu Baoguo. Yes, it is me. Didn¡¯t you previously mention that you know someone who is a private detective? I have a business for you. How about that?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. Private detective?

    There was finally a way! After she was through rebirth, she had almost forgotten that there was an upation called the private detectives.

    As long as they had money, it was not so difficult to investigate on Wei De.

    Zhu Baoguo was still angry with Shi Qing. He growled upon hearing her voice. ¡°It is the National Day holiday now. My friend has gone for his holiday. He is busy. He won¡¯t ept this job!¡± Zhu Baoguo hung up the phone immediately. Shi Qing stared angrily at the phone.

    She needed to show Zhu Baoguo who was the boss. She must have been too nice to him in the past. How dared he hang up the phone on her!

    Judging from Shi Qing¡¯s expression, Qiao Nan knew that it was unsessful.

    Shi Qing smiled sheepishly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I-I will call Zhu Baoguo again. Even though he will not listen to me, after I transfer to the PLA National Defence University, I will show him who the boss is. I promise you that he will do a good job for us.¡±

    ¡°Forget it.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Speaking of it, you have reminded me that there is something else that I can do. I will give Sister Zhai Hua a call tomorrow. As for the investigation, let¡¯s talk about itter.¡± Qiao Nan yawned, feeling sleepy.

    When Qiao Nan made the phone call tomorrow, Zhai Hua answered the call and Zhai Sheng was by her side as well. Since the two of them were around, Zhai Hua switched it to speaker mode so that Zhai Sheng could listen to the conversation. ¡°Qiao Nan, what¡¯s the matter? It¡¯s just nice that Zhai Sheng is here as well.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan called out to him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Sheng replied tenderly.

    Zhai Hua turned grim at the public disy of affection between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. She felt like throwing him out of her office. She hated people who disyed their affection for their loved ones publicly.

    He knew that she had yet to resolve her issue with Wei De and was still upset about it. How could he be so inconsiderate of her feelings?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it is good that you are here. I have a question to ask Sister Zhai Hua. You can listen to it as well. If Sister Zhai Hua is unsure, perhaps you may know about it.¡± Two of the big shots in the camp were present. This was good news to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua, are there any soldiers in the camp who are from the same hometown as Wei De? He could not be the only soldier from his hometown, right?¡± There was a glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°What do you want to know about Wei De?¡± Zhai Hua knitted her eyebrows, feeling perplexed. ¡°Qiao Nan, if you want to know more about Wei De, there is no need to ask other people. You can ask me directly.¡±

    She would not hide anything from Qiao Nan, especially about her rtionship with Wei De. Qiao Nan knew everything about them.

    As long as Qiao Nan asked her, she would not hide it from her no matter how embarrassing it was.

 Chapter 977 - What You Said Are Unreliable

    Chapter 977 What You Said Are Unreliable

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what you said are unreliable.¡± Qiao Nan was blunt. ¡°Whatever that you know about Wei De is not the real Wei De. He is the one who took the initiative to tell you everything about him. What I want to know is something other than what you heard from Wei De.¡±

    Sister Zhai Hua believed in everything that Wei De said, and it might not be true.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua had no way to rebut Qiao Nan. ¡°Brother Zhai, I want to know everything about Wei De when he was in his hometown.¡± ¡°How is this important to you?¡± Zhai Hua rushed in to ask.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed right away.

    Qiao Nan sat down to drink water, saying with her rxed tone, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be nervous. One will be able to know if it¡¯s a mule or a horse by looking at it closely. In order to avoid any one of us having a prejudiced view of Wei De, and to be subjective when we talk about him, I think it is very necessary to have some in-depth understanding of Wei De. Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think? If the Wei family wants to know more about you and your childhood, will you be angry and object to it?¡± ¡°No.¡± She had never done anything wrong. She had been upright since a young age. She did not mind that the Wei family wanted to know more about her.

    The more the Wei family learned about her, the more they would realize that she was a gooddy. ¡°That¡¯s it. Since you feel that Wei De is a good man, we should find a chance to prove that he is a good man. His current performance has been unsatisfactory. Therefore, I feel that we should look at it from another perspective so that there would not be any misunderstanding.¡± Qiao Nan was d that Zhai Hua did not object to it.

    After a few chats with her, Qiao Nan discovered that she must not take the harsh approach with Zhai Hua.

    Only when Zhai Hua agreed with her would Zhai Hua be willing to take in whatever she told her.

    If she took the harsh approach with her, Zhai Hua would not take in what she said. Zhai Sheng, who sat by the side, watched as his future wifeid a trap for Zhai Hua, and she fell for her trap unknowingly. Although she was his sister, he did not stop her or remind her.

    In the past, he felt that Wei De was just an insignificant person and that Zhai Hua would break up with him after she had calmed down. Unfortunately, their rtionship had dragged on for too long. They did not break up with each other and Zhai Huamitted a grave mistake because of Wei De.

    Perhaps Nan Nan was right to do this. He had not been paying attention to Wei De. If he knew more about Wei De¡¯s situation, he might be able to break them up.

    Zhai Sheng trusted Qiao Nan wholeheartedly. He was upied with his duties in the army and protecting the country¡¯s interests.

    He would trust Qiao Nan to handle the family affairs and troubles, giving her his fullest support.

    In fact, Zhai Sheng had already trusted Qiao Nan with handling Wei De¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s issues sincest summer break. Therefore, he agreed to Qiao Nan¡¯s request right away. ¡°Pass me the information in the army. Let me take a look.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Hua, who thought long and hard about it, had a grim expression on her face. She frowned deeply as if she was troubled by something. ¡°I know everything about Wei De. Qiao Nan, you can go ahead to ask me.¡±

    ¡°I have said that I want to know if there are any soldiers who are from Wei De¡¯s hometown.¡± Qiao Nan reiterated that she did not want to know about Wei De. She wanted to know about other information. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, if it is inconvenient for you, I believe Brother Zhai will help me with it.¡±

    Could Sister Zhai Hua be trying hard to help Wei De and cover up for him?

    Was it possible that Sister Zhai Hua already knew what she had been suspecting about?

    No way!

    She did not even share her doubts with Shi Qing. She only figured out what she was suspecting yesterday. How could Sister Zhai Hua know about it?

    ¡°You misunderstood what I meant. There is no need for Zhai Sheng to check the data to know who is from Wei De¡¯s hometown. I can tell you directly. As far as I know, there is only one soldier in our camp who is from Wei De¡¯s hometown. He is toon Leader Jiang.¡± Zhai Hua looked even grimmer and serious. ¡°toon Leader Jiang?¡± Who was that?

    Zhai Sheng, who was next to Zhai Hua, raised his eyebrows slightly. He gave her a nce before he exined to Qiao Nan. ¡°He is the toon leader who was implicated by Wei De and lost one of his legs.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Qiao Nan gasped at this answer. ¡°Is Wei De killing many birds with one stone?¡±

    toon Leader Jiang was injured and lost a leg. He could no longer stay in the camp. Once he left, there would be a vacancy for the toon leader-or rather, there would be a vacancy waiting for Wei De.

    She used to think that what happened with toon Leader Jiang was an ident or that Wei De might have some harmless selfish agenda.

    Today, Qiao Nan was suddenly concerned about the soldiers who were from Wei De¡¯s hometown and wanted to find out more about Wei De from them.

    It turned out that toon Leader Jiang was from Wei De¡¯s hometown and he lost a leg and had to leave the army because of Wei De. The situation seemed to have changed all of a sudden.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, does it mean that apart from Sister Zhai Hua, the only person who knows about Wei De-toon Leader Jiang-is no longer at the camp?¡± Now that he was not around, it meant that everyone had to take Wei De¡¯s words at face value.

    Everyone only got to know about Wei De through whatever he told them. Wei De might have targeted toon Leader Jiang and caused him to get into an ident. She had reason to suspect that it was not a simple ident.

    toon Leader Jiang was in a position that Wei De had been coveting. Furthermore, he was the only person in the army who truly knew about Wei De.

    Zhai Hua had the same doubts as Qiao Nan.

    That was why she had a grim look on her face. Up until today, Zhai Hua believed that Wei De yearned for instant sess and went overboard, causing toon Leader Jiang to lose a leg and leave the army that he liked.

    Although it was an unfortunate ident, Wei De was not intentional. Nobody would want such an ident to happen. Back then, Zhai Hua acted bold and righteous and wanted Zhai Sheng to cover up for Wei De and to give a sum of money to toon Leader Jiang, hoping that he would leave the camp and put the matter to rest. Zhai Hua did so as she believed that Wei De was innocent.

    To err was human.

    Other people might misunderstand Wei De, but she would not.

    But right now, Zhai Hua was no longer as confident as she was in the past. She felt a chill.

    Zhai Hua could not help but ask herself, ¡®Was what happened to toon Leader Jiang truly an unfortunate ident?¡¯

 Chapter 978 - So What If Wei De Had Been Trampled on by Qiao Nan?

    <h4>Chapter 978 So What If Wei De Had Been Trampled on by Qiao Nan?</h4>

    What if... what if that was not the case?

    Zhai Hua¡¯s expression turned very ugly. There was also an aura of sullenness around Zhai Sheng. It made people feel gloomy and dare not approach him, lest they be injured by ident.

    After some time, Zhai Sheng then broke this suffocating and uneasy silence. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you wish to find out?¡± After finding Wei De¡¯s fellow townsman, Nan Nan must have something to enquire about from him.

    ¡°Regardless of how trivial they are, tell us everything that he knows about Wei De. He has to tell us the truth exactly as it is, without missing a word and without hiding anything. Even if they are from the same hometown, they don¡¯t live in the same vige. Hence, toon Leader Jiang¡¯s knowledge is also limited. Initially, I was hoping that you can allow Wei De¡¯s fellow townsman to return to his hometown for about a month so that he can spend some time to go to Wei De¡¯s vige to find out about Wei De¡¯s situation. Given the capability of the soldier in your army, he should not be easily fooled and thus bring back some false information, right?¡±

    It was highly possible that Wei De was the only soldier from that vige. He was also currently the most sessful person from that ce.

    Facing such a junior, regardless of the mistakes that Wei De hadmitted previously, the elders in the vige would definitely side with him foolishly.

    As she was aware of this, Qiao Nan wanted to request for one month of leave on behalf of the person who was returning to Wei De¡¯s hometown for the investigation.

    ¡°I understand your intention.¡± Without the need for Qiao Nan to continue further, Zhai Sheng could already guess Qiao Nan¡¯s n. ¡°Zhai Hua, what is your say on this matter? Do you want to investigate?¡±

    This matter implicated Zhai Hua, the party concerned. Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep eyes were looking at Zhai Hua coldly. He wanted to know whether Zhai Hua would still continue to deceive herself at this point in time.

    Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. She then squeezed out the word ¡®investigate!¡¯ from her teeth.

    If toon Leader Jiang¡¯s matter was not an ident but what she and Zhai Sheng had suspected, the more she had to support Qiao Nan¡¯s n.

    If Wei De did not have many secrets in his hometown, he did not need to be so merciless to cause someone to lose one leg, forcing the person out of the army.

    Wei De had been so vicious. This also proved that Wei De was trying to hide something that was far from the ordinary.

    Zhai Hua had already been persuaded by Qiao Nan and had gradually seen Wei De¡¯s shorings. She was also beginning to feel unhappy with Wei De.

    Now, such a huge loophole appeared on Wei De. Regardless of how much Zhai Hua trusted Wei De, she was not willing to be a muddleheaded ghost anymore.

    If Wei De was a good man who was open and honest in his ways, there was nothing to be afraid of.

    The clearer they got to the bottom of Wei De¡¯s family situation, the opposing voices would also be softer when they be together in the future.

    If...

    If there was any problem with Wei De, she also did not wish to continue being foolish. She wanted to fully understand what kind of person the Wei De that she had loved and been together with for so many years was. ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were determined to get to the bottom of the matter. Qiao Nan pursed her lips unhappily. ¡°However, toon Leader Jiang has already returned to his hometown. He had lost his leg and also much of his ability to go on with his daily life. You still want to enve him to investigate this matter? It¡¯s not appropriate!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will make arrangements on this matter.¡± Zhai Sheng consoled Qiao Nan. Undoubtedly, it was best to get a scout to investigate this kind of matter.

    However, Zhai Sheng was not used to utilizing the army¡¯s resources to resolve his family matter.

    He could not use the scouts in the army. Nevertheless, those former scouts under his wings who had already retired now had the opportunity to perform.

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s n and arrangement, Qiao Nan then truly let down her worries. ¡°Fine. You are more familiar with people from this line. Brother Zhai, tell the other party not to be anxious. He can take his time to ensure the uracy of the information that he has gathered. More haste, less speed. Even if Wei De has deliberately schemed for toon Leader Jiang to leave the army, he is very sessful and earning a lot of money now. I remember that when he picked Wei Wei from his hometown toe to Ping Cheng, he mentioned that he had donated a sum of money to his hometown.¡± Wei De was the most sessful one in that vige. Now, he even gave them some money.

    Regardless of the reason, she was afraid that people from his hometown would side with him at all costs and refuse to tell ¡®outsiders¡¯ about Wei De¡¯s situation or the ugly side of him.

    Even if they wished to get to the bottom of Wei De¡¯s background, the mission would be extremely difficult if the people in the hometown would not cooperate with the scout sent by Brother Zhai.

    In that case, if Brother Zhai¡¯s scoutcked patience, the mission would certainly fail.

    ¡°He will be able to handle this well.¡± Zhai Sheng was quite confident of the soldiers that he had nurtured before.

    If he could not even properly find out Wei De¡¯s background, he had better not mention to others that he was once under Zhai Sheng¡¯s wings in the future.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m hanging up then.¡± After removing the heaviest stone in her heart, Qiao Nan hung up the phone swiftly. She then went to the library to read.

    After dumping such a huge bomb, Qiao Nan seemed as though nothing had happened. She did what she was expected to do.

    As someone who had notpletely broken up with Wei De, naturally, Zhai Hua could not possibly take it as well as Qiao Nan. She was feeling very gloomy. Her expression was especially ugly. Zhai Sheng was furious at her disappointing ways. ¡°What are you pondering about? Or are you quietly finding excuses for Wei De?¡± ¡°No.¡± Zhai Hua sighed again. She smiled grimly and leaned back. ¡°You don¡¯t know about this, do you? When I first told Wei De about Qiao Nan and you, Wei De expressed to me many times that Qiao Nan is notpatible with you, that she is young and insensible. Perhaps she epted your love because of the Zhai family and not you. At that time, I had been thinking... You don¡¯t even have the slightest care about a mature beauty like Qiu Chenxi, who ispatible with you in terms of status and family background, yet Qiao Nan can hold on to your hand. At the very least, this proved that she is a youngdy who has very capable means.¡±

    This kind of youngdy was very scary. Many would feel guarded against her.

    She was deeply afraid that Qiao Nan had hidden malicious intent and harbored bad thoughts on the Zhai family. Qiao Nan even wanted to make use of her only brother.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think much then. Now, when I think back, Wei De was looking down on Qiao Nan. He thinks that Qiao Nan¡¯s family background is too poor and totally can¡¯t bepared to the Zhai family.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan was such a lousy youngdy in the eyes of Wei De, Zhai Hua understood her very well. There was no doubt about her character at all.

    On the contrary, she started to realize that she knew very little of the man that she loved and wanted to marry after he criticized Qiao Nan in a bold and dignified manner.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, if I tell Wei De now that it is highly possible that he will be subdued by the Qiao Nan whom he had looked down on most in the past, that he will bepletely trampled upon by her, how do you think he will react?¡±

 Chapter 979 - Who Is the Sewer?

    <h4>Chapter 979 Who Is the Sewer?</h4>

    Yet, the one that Wei De looked down on most was the one who could read his mind best.

    Zhai Hua could not help shivering a little. If Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicions were correct, then, perhaps the greatest mistake that Wei De hadmitted in his life was not deceiving her but underestimating Qiao Nan.

    ¡°He has failed miserably in dealing with someone that he thinks is a sewer?¡± Zhai Sheng, who received this answer, almost convicted Wei De of the crime.

    As a soldier and an ordinary person who was rational, Zhai Hua had never believed that there would be so many shocking and surprising coincidences in this world.

    If there were too many coincidences, that would be a human¡¯s doing!

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°I think you are the one whose heart is with a sewer.¡±

    What kind of lousy analogy was that? How could Nan Nan be a sewer?

    Zhai Huaughed miserably. ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m the one who judged someone wrongly, not you. Zhai Sheng, you should be pleased now. Even in terms of partner, Qiao Nan is more capable than Wei De. She is also more open and honest.¡± As for the Wei De that she found, he was like a griddle with many holes in it.

    At the sight of Zhai Hua¡¯s grim smile, Zhai Sheng only felt that it was an eyesore. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be pleased about. At most, this proves that I have a better sense of judgment in character than you. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Right, that¡¯s all.¡± As if she was venting her frustration, Zhai Hua pped her hand on the study table with all her might. She did not seem to feel any pain. ¡°Qiao Nan has given me this advice before. Who has not loved a scum when they were young?¡± At that time, she still refused to admit that Wei De was a scum. She felt that, at most, Wei De was an ordinary man with more shorings than the average person.

    At this moment, Zhai Hua could not continue with such naive thinking.

    In order to protect his secrets, he could harm someone by causing thetter to lose his leg and force him to leave the army. In addition, he vainly attempted to rece that person and assume his role. This kind of scheming thoughts, he did not just have more shorings than the average person. He was more vicious and heartless than them!

    Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua, who looked like she was going to have an emotional breakdown. ¡°I¡¯m d you know. Betterte than never. You¡¯re only dating Wei De. You¡¯re not married yet. So, it¡¯s not toote to discover this now.¡±

    ¡°So what if we are married?!¡± Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. ¡°Even if we have a military marriage and it¡¯s not easy to get a divorce, Qiao Nan is right. If I really marry the wrong man, I will divorce him no matter how hard it is. I can ept my lover¡¯s shorings but I definitely can¡¯t allow him to behave so despicably by harming hisrades in this way.¡±

    Not to mention that this was her lover. Without a word, Zhai Hua would kick an ordinary soldier who behaved in this way out of the army. Zhai Hua was already so strict toward ordinary soldiers. When it came to her other half, she would only have stricter requirements for him.

    At that moment, she made a firm decision. Once she had investigated clearly whether what Wei De did to toon Leader Jiang was on purpose and not by ident, Zhai Hua would not give Wei De any more chances. Zhai Hua, who wanted to cut all ties with Wei De, did not expect that this was not the only wicked thing that Wei De had done. There would be more mind-blowing things that Zhai Hua would get to know.

    After Qiao Nan handed the investigation on Wei De to Zhai Sheng, she had not contacted Zhai Sheng much.

    Zhai Sheng had his missions to handle and Qiao Nan was busy with her studies. Moreover, she was prepared not to receive any oue of the investigations in such a short time.

    She might as well cast Wei De¡¯s matter aside temporarily and manage her own affairs properly first.

    After National Day, Qiao Nan received, one by one, the letters from Wei De that Zhai Hua re-routed to her. Qiao Nan felt calmer and assured.

    As long as Zhai Hua did not relent and was determined not to contact Wei De, she would not be appeased by Wei De. As such, Qiao Nan did not feel anxious at all about investigating Wei De¡¯s background.

    ¡°Hurry.¡± Not long after National Day, keeping it from the Feng family, Shi Qing transferred to PLA National Defence University at lightning speed. The Feng family did not even have the time to react. Also, the events of the new English club that Xu Shengnan had made many preparations for were finally going to happen.

    Under the huge support of Gao Yan, the events of the new English club was no longer like the past. They would no longer be mocked by others for being shabby. The stage was set up, the equipment and gear were rented, the sound system was up, and the gorgeous lights were bright!

    At the sight of all these, Xu Shengnan was feeling increasingly motivated despite being very tied up. She seemed to have an abundance of energy. She was shouting orders at others and rolling up her sleeves at the same time.

    ¡°Vice President Xu, the stage has already been decorated ording to your design.¡± Qiao Nan wiped away the sweat on her forehead. As the secretary who was only responsible for securing sponsorships for the club, Qiao Nan could almost retire after having made her mark.

    However, she was obligated to this event. After all, she had forked out much effort. It was the final preparation stage. There was no reason that Qiao Nan would ce both her hands in her pockets and stand aside to watch. Of course, she would help as much as she could.

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± Xu Shengnan was so exhausted that her chin was turning sharp. Nevertheless, her eyes were still as bright as ever. ¡°Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t you help me confirm if those rented costumes don¡¯t have any problem?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± This was not aplicated task. Qiao Nan was holding on to the event list and preparation notes from Xu Shengnan. She then matched the pile of costumes that filled the backstage to the pictures. ¡°The quantity and design are all correct. Are the performers going to collect the costumes now and change into them?¡±

    Xu Shengnan took a nce. ¡°When you feel that it is the right time, go ahead.¡±

    After hearing this reply from Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan got people to collect their costumes. At the sight of Qiao Nan behaving like the host, busy in and out, arranging everything and even ¡®ordering¡¯ her seniors around, the college freshmen, especially those who were her ssmates, felt very unhappy.

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s jealousy and hate of Qiao Nan nearly popped out of her eyes and pounced on Qiao Nan. ¡°Humph, taking a chicken feather for a warrant to issue orders. She is just a fox in a tiger¡¯s clothing, pretending to be fierce and powerful. What¡¯s there to be proud of?¡±

    The events of the new English club hadmenced. Of course, the old English club could not fall behind.

    Xu Shengnan was not the only one who was enduring anger. She wanted to beat Zou Wenxuan and let the new English club outshine the old English club. Zou Wenxuan, who was as arrogant, had the same thinking. Zou Wenxuanunched the events of the old English club on the same day as the new English club as she badly wanted to subdue Xu Shengnan and the new English club.

    Xu Shengnan did not know how to blunt the edge of one¡¯s advance. She was thus courting for death. Zou Wenxuan was not polite at all. She would fight until the end with Xu Shengnan then.

    This year, due to Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden appearance, the ¡®poorest¡¯ new English club had be one of the most ¡®prosperous¡¯ clubs for this round of club events.

    Many people in the school knew about the history of the old and new English clubs, especially Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan¡¯s rtionship. Hence, many were waiting to be in for a good show. They wanted to see if the clubs coulde up with something refreshing this year.

 Chapter 980 - Insisted on Not Changing the Schedule

    <h4>Chapter 980 Insisted on Not Changing the Schedule</h4>

    First, would the two English clubs that had been organizing events on the same day every year stagger their respective event dates? This was the first and foremost matter that many people in the school were keeping a lookout for.

    These people were reaching out their necks and waiting for the two English clubs to announce their specific event dates.

    Xu Shengnan had already decided on the timings of the events for the new English club. In fact, in the past, Xu Shengnan was always the one who had decided on the timings first, followed by Zou Wenxuan. Once the schedule for the new English club events had been confirmed, they would wait for Zou Wenxuan¡¯s schedule.

    This year, would Zou Wenxuan follow previous years¡¯ practice and continue to be at odds with Xu Shengnan?

    The old English club had a lengthy discussion regarding this matter.

    Others were not aware of this situation but Yu Xiaoxiao was most well-informed.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was just an ordinary club member. Initially, she would not have a chance to participate in such meetings. However, she had been summoned by Zou Wenxuan to prepare beverages for the variousmittee members.

    As such, it was inevitable that Yu Xiaoxiao heard some of the content of the discussion.

    Most of themittee members of the old English club expressed that the equipment and setup of the new English club were really good. If they were topete head-on with them, they would first lose out in this aspect.

    If the old English club wanted to guard its status and influence, it should give y to its strengths and circumvent its shorings. They should not be an essory to the new English club. They would notpete with them on the equipment and setup. Instead, they wouldpete on the content and quality of the events.

    In short, the dates of the club events had to be different from that of the new English club.

    Many people but one person shared the same view. Zou Wenxuan was the exception. ¡°On what basis? We have been doing this every year. Why are we making an exception this year? You think that we are ying to our strengths and circumventing our weaknesses. However, will other students perceive it this way?¡±

    Under her arrangements, the date of their English club event had always been on the same day as the new English club for the past two years.

    Zou Wenxuan remembered very clearly. Each time she did that, more or less, there would be peoplementing that she was too unruly. Why would the old English club bully the new English club in this way?

    How was this different from the big one bullying the small one?

    Hearing these words, Zou Wenxuan had never bowed her head to them.

    Was she the one bullying ¡®others¡¯ or was it the other way round?

    In particr, during the first year when she was organizing the events, clearly, she had already decided on the date. However, she did not know how Xu Shengnan found out about it. Xu Shengnan announced the date to the school just before she could do so.

    Obviously, Xu Shengnan was the one in the wrong. Why should she give Xu Shengnan and the new English club any face? She would not change her original date. She would not!

    That was how the ¡®coincidental¡¯ event schedule in the first year came about. For the second time, Zou Wenxuan might as well go ording to Xu Shengnan¡¯s wish and made the events of the two clubs happen at the same time. Zou Wenxuan hadpletely subdued Xu Shengnan for two consecutive years. This was thest year that she would be involved in the events. She actually had to change the date. Zou Wenxuan expressed that this was impossible. ¡°Have you thought about it? Once we change the date, how will the students in the school view us? It means that we are giving up before fighting. Everyone will think that we are scared of Xu Shengnan, that we have to avoid their limelight as the old English club can¡¯t beat the new English club. You can afford to lose this face but I can¡¯t!¡±

    In her lifetime, Zou Wenxuan had never been truly afraid of anyone, and neither did she have to avoid anyone while walking.

    She would not bow to anyone, let alone Xu Shengnan. After all, Xu Shengnan was someone that had lost to her before.

    Zou Wenxuan was not wrong in her words either.

    Many people were waiting to watch a good show. If they were to avoid shing of date with the new English club, it would seem as though they were afraid of them. However, if they did not do so, they would bepeting head-on with them. That would be too dangerous. In the end, Zou Wenxuan simply said, ¡°I don¡¯t deny that the sponsorships we secured are not as good as that of the new English club. However, we have more stage experience than them. If we can¡¯t win in terms of equipment and setup, we can win in terms of content and quality of the events. What¡¯s there to be afraid of? It is not a certainty that we will lose!¡±

    ¡°Are you confident?¡± The club president was on pins and needles as he asked.

    At the sight of the president behaving this way, Zou Wenxuan really felt like throwing in the towel. ¡°If I am totally confident, will you all not sense it? At least, based on these few years of experience, I feel that the chances of us winning are still quite high. In short, if you change the date and cause the club to be mocked at by others, don¡¯t me it on me then. To put it bluntly, even if we lose, we can¡¯t be cowardly!¡±

    Even a grown-up man was so wishy-washy. It was no wonder that she was not willing to find a boyfriend in the school.

    The reality of the situation was pressing. There was no choice. In the end, like previous practice, the old English club decided to organize its events on the same day as the new English club.

    After receiving this news, Xu Shengnan felt even more motivated.

    Finally, she had a chance to turn the tides and hold her head high. The wishes that Xu Shengnan once had still existed. She felt even more hopeful than before.

    She did not think of it too much. Before she graduated, she just wanted to do her best and organize the events excellently for thest time.

    Both Zou Wenxuan and Xu Shengnan had the same thoughts. As such, the other students were all waiting to watch a good show. They were waiting for the day of the events of the two clubs.

    Initially, the clubs organized such events every year. In particr, students beyond their first year of studies were mostly uninterested unless they were involved in organizing them.

    As there were many clubs in the school, there were also many events. It was somonce that most students did not bother to attend them.

    Nevertheless, due to the bitter history between the old and new English clubs, the events this year were highly anticipated by the students.

    On the day of the event, there was a huge crowd that attended the events of the two English clubs. The enmity between the two clubs had simply resulted in free marketing of their events for a half-a-month duration.

    At the sight of so many attendees, be it Xu Shengnan or Zou Wenxuan, both were extremely nervous.

    ¡°Zou Wenxuan, don¡¯t feel nervous. We have done very well for the past two events. But you see, the number of people who came to watch our events is more than the past two times. We won¡¯t fail.¡± The president consoled Zou Wenxuan and asked her to rx. He expressed that it was not a big deal.

    Given the fact that today¡¯s audience size was much bigger thanst year, half the battle was already won.

    Zou Wenxuan revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry. ¡°President, you don¡¯t need to console me. Yes, there are more people who came to watch our event than the past two years. However, if I didn¡¯t estimate wrongly, the audience size at Xu Shengnan¡¯s side is certainly not smaller than ours.¡±

    They had many people here but there were not any less at Xu Shengnan¡¯s side. Zou Wenxuan was not confident that this year¡¯s event would be as sessful as the past two years.

 Chapter 981 - The Spectacular Qiao Nan

    Chapter 981 The Spectacr Qiao Nan

    Zou Wenxuan knew that if she had a choice, she would rather have the same or fewer number of peopleing to watch their event this year than the past two years. She was not keen to see so many people. These people did note for the English club events. Now, who in the school was not aware that the two English clubs werepeting with each other? The people present today were hoping to be in for a good show.

    At the thought of these people who did not mind watching the fun grow, Zou Wenxuan¡¯s mood worsened.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. What we need to do now is to give it our best. Wenxuan, don¡¯t give yourself so much pressure.¡± Would the president not know the situation? At this moment, he could only encourage Zou Wenxuan. If she became too bothered with Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation, she might perform poorly and fail to maintain the standard of the past two years¡¯ events. If that were to happen, Zou Wenxuan would certainly feel very upset after the event.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zou Wenxuan took a deep breath and adjusted her mindset.

    At this moment, Zou Wenxuan really felt a little regretful. If she had known that this would happen today, she certainly would have been more serious and sincere in poaching Qiao Nan to her club.

    It was only until this moment that Zou Wenxuan felt that she did have some foresight.

    Initially, she had just wanted to take precautionary measures. That was the reason she looked for Qiao Nan to poach thetter.

    However, at that time, Zou Wenxuan wanted to poach Qiao Nan because of Xu Shengnan. She did not wish to give Xu Shengnan a chance to turn the tides.

    If Qiao Nan had listened to her and joined her club, Zou Wenxuan would surely not care much about Qiao Nan. She also would not do as she promised to nurture Qiao Nan and let her be her sessor.

    At that time, Zou Wenxuan had never taken Qiao Nan seriously. Her nces at Qiao Nan always carried some disdain.

    Qiao Nan was not bad-tempered but she was not stupid. In addition, she had the experience of two lifetimes. The twenty-year-old Zou Wenxuan actually dared to wield her knife in front of Qiao Nan, this forty-year-old ¡®old¡¯dy. What a joke.

    Fortunately, although Zou Wenxuan did not take Qiao Nan seriously and was not very sincere when she was poaching Qiao Nan, her attitude was not considered too bad. On the surface, she appeared to be approachable.

    Precisely, due to this, although she clearly knew that Zou Wenxuan was sweet-talking and bluffing her in order to poach her, Qiao Nan did not take issue with Zou Wenxuan. She very calmly and coolly declined Zou Wenxuan.

    At the thought of the situation then, Zou Wenxuan felt so regretful she wanted to buy some medicine to take.

    At that time, Qiao Nan had most likely seen through her. Qiao Nan did not take her words seriously as she knew that she was just paying lip service, that she was just sweet-talking and would not take responsibility for her words.

    If she had long known that Qiao Nan was so capable and familiar with Senior Gao Yan, she definitely would have invited Qiao Nan to her club with a serious attitude and extreme sincerity. She would also find ways to let Qiao Nan seed her, bing the next vice president.

    This was such a high potential blue chip share. She had not discovered it earlier, so be it.

    Thereafter, Qiao Nan went knocking on Xu Shengnan¡¯s door. She noticed her then.

    At that time, if she had been a little more sincere and serious, would Qiao Nan agree to join her club? If so, the one helping her by her side now would be Qiao Nan.

    After being in the limelight for two years, this was thest event before her graduation. Now, her previous achievements were going to be destroyed by a college freshman. This kind of oue was something that no one would have predicted.

    Even if Zou Wenxuan felt regretful now, she could not buy any cure for regrets. She would not be able to change the current situation.

    ¡°Vice President Xu, everything is in order.¡± Qiao Nan perspired badly after running around. She informed Xu Shengnan about the general situation.

    As the secretary of the new English club, the first task of Qiao Nan was to secure sponsorships.

    Initially, Qiao Nan had it all nned. After all, this was the club that she registered for and she was the secretary. No matter what, she had to attend this round of events this year.

    In that case, she had found a sponsor and also showed her face at the event.

    As an ordinarymittee member in the club, Qiao Nan felt that she had done enough. It was already very good.

    As expected, Qiao Nan had even nned to buy a packet of melon seeds, make use of her status as the club secretary to pick a good spot and watch the showfortably while she propped up her legs.

    However, Xu Shengnan grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s cor and criticized her. ¡°Can¡¯t you see how busy the club is now? As the secretary, you¡¯re cking here. Hurry!¡±

    Thereafter, Xu Shengnan did not give Qiao Nan any chance to reject her. She delegated many misceneous tasks for Qiao Nan toplete. As a result, Qiao Nan, who had initially wanted only to be the audience, was anxiously running in front of others and appearing on and off the stage.

    When those who were unaware of the situation saw this, they would think that Qiao Nan was actually the leader who arranged and set up this round of events today for the new English club.

    Qiao Nan was totally oblivious to this. Clearly, she was just helping Xu Shengnan with the tasks. She did everything under Xu Shengnan¡¯s instructions and was only executing the tasks.

    Nevertheless, given this kind of behavior, in the eyes of an ordinary person, they would immediately take her as the one nning and executing the events.

    Her role was far from ordinary. The sharp-minded individuals would be able to feel that.

    Everyone knew that Xu Shengnan was in her third year of studies this year. She would need to spend more time on social practice in the future. As such, this was thest year that Xu Shengnan would be managing the club. There would be a change in the leadership of the club soon.

    China was a democratic country. Of course, even if they were in school, everyone would use democratic ways to conduct elections or nominations.

    However, albeit it was an election, everyone was clear about something.

    If the juniormittee member was guided and rmended by the experiencedmittee member who would be retiring from the role, it was easier for the one guided by the experienced member to be elected.

    Given this, when they saw Qiao Nan, who had just entered the school for slightly more than one month, many were looking at her in a different light.

    If Vice President Xu was going to leave the new English club, given the current situation, it seemed that Vice President Xu was going to guide Qiao Nan in seeding her. So as to speak, there was an 80 to 90 percent chance that the next vice president of the new English club would be Qiao Nan.

    At the thought of that, everyone took another look at Qiao Nan.

    The difference between an ordinarymittee member such as the club secretary and mainmittee members such as president and vice president was huge.

    When it came to eligibility assessment for schrships at the end of the semester as well as overall grading, Qiao Nan would be in a very advantageous position once she became the vice president of the new English club.

    It was, in fact, very rare for a college freshman to be amittee member of a club as they had just entered the school.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Nan had done it.

 Chapter 982 - It Was Useless to Be Envious

    Chapter 982 It Was Useless to Be Envious

    As a second-year student, she would have the chance to be selected as amittee member of a club based on her performance in her first year.

    Unfortunately, there were not many such avable positions in the ss as well as in the club, and there were many students in the school.

    In short, there were too many boats chasing too few fish.

    Even if there were a few more vacancies, the students in the school would still have to go through many rounds of harshpetitions to secure the positions. It was the hard truth.

    As the specially privileged persons to be able to study at Peking University-one of the most excellent schools in the country-everyone hoped that they could continue to be the one and only top student in the school.

    While the freshmen in the same batch as Qiao Nan had been thinking to make use of their first year in school to perform well so that they could strive to be amittee member next year, Qiao Nan had already secured the position of the vice president. Faced with such a fiercepetition andparison, those who were ambitious to be amittee member felt as if hundreds of arrows had pierced through their bodies, aching from the pain and loss.

    As for the second-year students who were older than Qiao Nan, they no longer harbored much hope.

    Vice President Xu had already selected Qiao Nan to be the future vice president. Nobody would dare or had the ability topete with Qiao Nan to be the next vice president of the new English club.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s seniors, it was upsetting to be surpassed by their juniors in the running for the next batch ofmittee members.

    It was devastating.

    ¡°She was too lucky.¡± Tang Jiayun was jealous of Qiao Nan.

    The reason why she sucked up to Senior Zou was to be amittee member in the club. She did not harbor any hopes of bing the vice president after Senior Zou stepped down from her position. She only wanted to be amittee member.

    She had no hopes of bing amittee member while Qiao Nan had already secured her position as the vice president.

    Everyone had a different life. They were ssmates from the same ss and faculty. No one would understand the anguish and grievances that Tang Jiayun felt right now.

    Ever since school started, she had been working hard to be amittee member.

    She had yet to see the fruits of herbor while Qiao Nan was already doing well in her position as the secretary. It was unfair!

    ¡°Do you intend to stay here to watch the event organized by the new English club? I won¡¯t join you. The person that I support is Senior Zou. I will leave you to watch the event by yourself.¡± L¨¹ Yan stomped her feet. She had no wish to watch as Qiao Nan took the limelight for the show today and outshone everyone.

    Since everyone was freshmen, it made the contrast stronger.

    In particr, L¨¹ Yan had once thought of bing good friends with Qiao Nan after the kept woman scandal was cleared up.

    Today, Qiao Nan was in the limelight. She would outshine others in the future.

    However, Qiao Nan was unwilling to be her good friend. Regardless of how capable or famous Qiao Nan was, she would not be able to bask in her light.

    Since this was the case, there was no need for her to stay behind to suffer and be upset as Qiao Nan was in the limelight.

    11.

    ¡°Humph, what a revolting behavior!¡± Tang Jiayun did not agree with L¨¹ Yan. Since she had been sucking up to Zou Wenxuan, Tang Jiayun knew of all the details of the established English club¡¯s event. She had grown sick and tired of it. In fact, the event that was organized by the established English club was slightly more sessful than the new English club¡¯s.

    However, after this semester was over, Senior Zou still had to step down from the position as the vice president and someone else would take over her position. Tang Jiaxuan knew that even if Zou Wenxuan really stepped down, it was impossible for her to leave the position of the vice president to her. She had to thank her lucky stars if Zou Wenxuan was willing to help her be amittee member.

    Besides, Tang Jiayun felt that Zou Wenxuan would not help her be amittee member while she was still the vice president.

    Since Tang Jiayun knew that Zou Wenxuan would not help her, she could not be bothered to keep up with her pretenses.

    Instead of wasting her effort on Zou Wenxuan, she would rather spend more time on the new English club and to know the situation in the club.

    In the event that Qiao Nan really became the vice president of the new English club next year and Tang Jiayun joined the new English club, thetter might have a higher chance of bing amittee member since they were ssmates.

    Tang Jiayun was not foolish and she would not make herself suffer in order to maintain her pride. She understood the situation more than anyone.

    Before she knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s background, judging from her family situation and the high school that Qiao Nan studied in, she thought that there was nothing spectacr about Qiao Nan. Therefore, she bullied her in order to set off herself.

    However, she found outter that Qiao Nan might not have the ability but she knew a lot of influential people. She was able to put aside all her prejudices of Qiao Nan and try ways to please her.

    People like her were very annoying. But no one could deny that most of the time, such people were able to do well in society as people liked pleasantries.

    Take for instance right now. Tang Jiayun used to suck up to Zou Wenxuan. However, she was able to cast her aside and work on pleasing Qiao Nan since it was more favorable to her.

    This was a gamble. In a gamble, there were bound to be wins and losses.

    The reason why Qiao Nan was a better choice than Zou Wenxuan was that after this semester, Zou Wenxuan would have to step down from her position and leave the club.

    Qiao Nan was different. Qiao Nan was a freshman. Once Xu Shengnan stepped down and passed her position to Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan would be the vice president for a few more years before she had to step down.

    Tang Jiayun only knew Qiao Nan for less than two months, but they had some contact with each other.

    Tang Jiaxuan had figured out Qiao Nan¡¯s personality and temper in the two months: as long as other people did not provoke her, Qiao Nan would not provoke them as well.

    L¨¹ Yan created the kept woman scandal and Qiao Nan almost ended up being cursed by other people as a slut.

    Even though Qiao Nan had the power for L¨¹ Yan to leave the school, she did not do so. L¨¹ Yan was able to continue to study at Peking University. Qiao Nan might not have done it out of goodwill, but Tang Jiayun could tell from this incident that Qiao Nan was not heartless or evil-natured.

    If she joined the new English club, striving to be amittee member, and as long as she did not go overboard or make use of Qiao Nan to get the position-even if she benefited from being with Qiao Nan-Qiao Nan would not be bothered with it or rid her of her position of amittee member.

    Tang Jiaxuan was thankful that she did not go overboard when she targeted Qiao Nan in the past. What she had done to Qiao Nan paled inparison to what L¨¹ Yan had done.

    Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to make such ns for herself now.

 Chapter 983 - As Expected, She Had Discerning Sense of Judgmen

    983 As Expected, She Had Discerning Sense of Judgmen

    L¨¹ Yan, who had left, was a clear example.

    Yu Xiaoxiao stared at Tang Jiayun silently. Tang Jiayun used to be arrogant and looked down on Qiao Nan. Now, gone was her arrogance. Instead, she was cautious and focused on ttering and pleasing Qiao Nan.

    Yu Xiaoxiao sighed after a long while.

    It was useless to say anything now.

    Qiao Nan might have a good temper, but it did not mean that she would be friends with people who used to bully her.

    Instead, Qiao Nan treated them with indifference.

    Tang Jiayun was brazen and shameless to fawn on Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan treated her with nonchnce.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was reminded of her former self who was upright and honest. After she entered university, she seemed to have changed into another person. She was no longer simple and innocent.

    She made careful nning but made the wrong bet, and she ended up missing the golden opportunity.

    Looking at her former roommate who was dazzling on the stage and was already so much more sessful than her, Yu Xiaoxiao felt bitter and she could not help but miss her former innocent self.

    If she was still her former self, given her temper, she would not collude with Tang Jiayun when thetter wanted to target Qiao Nan. She also would not mix with L¨¹ Yan.

    However, it was toote to say anything now.

    Yu Xiaoxiao turned and left silently. She was not L¨¹ Yan. She would not be able to fawn on Senior Zou even when she had made it clear that she disliked L¨¹ Yan.

    Neither was she Tang Jiayun. The atmosphere was very stiff and embarrassing between Tang Jiayun and Qiao Nan, but she stood by Qiao Nan¡¯s side shamelessly to bask in her light so as to achieve her goal.

    ¡°You are merely pretending to be above material pursuits.¡± Tang Jiayun smirked as she watched a dejected Yu Xiaoxiao leave the scene.

    What her cousin taught her was right.

    It was not easy to survive and make a living in society. College students nowadays did not understand the harsh reality of life. They had a bad temper and were thin-skinned.

    After they joined the society, they would realize how difficult it was to earn money and that it was run of the mill to bear with other people¡¯s temper. By then, they would regret not making use of the countless opportunities in school and being short-tempered and prideful.

    Tang Jiaxuan closed her eyes, trying to suppress her anger. Sheposed herself and stered a stiff smile on her distorted face.

    She had been through a lot to study at Peking University. Her cousin lent her money to study there.

    She must seed and graduate with excellent results. She had to find a great job and to earn lots of money.

    Only then would she be able to support herself, return the money to her cousin, and take care of her.

    After sorting out her thoughts and focusing on her goals, Tang Jiayun¡¯s smile was not as stiff as before.

    Qiao Nan was busy on the stage and did not witness the scene. Otherwise, she would suggest Tang Jiayun join the entertainment industry in the future instead of joining the workforce.

    ¡°The show is starting!¡±

    Afterpleting the basic preparation, the new and established English clubs officially started their events for this year respectively.

    The events organized by the clubs were roughly the same. Apart from the props and backdrops, what mattered now was the performances¡ªwhether they were perfect, smooth, and engaging.

    ¡°Wow, it makes a lot of difference to spend a lot of money on it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It is good to have money.¡±

    ¡°You are wrong. It is good to have a secretary who can get sponsors.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°In fact, the new English club is not so bad. The members are doing quite well and their English standard is quite high. Why did we not notice it in the past? We used to hear that the new English club was terrible. I thought that apart from being poor and not being able to secure the sponsors, they were simply as lousy as dung.¡±

    ¡°Haha, what a bad analogy. Stop your nonsense.¡±

    They had no interest in boring and simple performances.

    If the club was short on money, there were a lot of restrictions on the performances that they were able toe up with.

    For other clubs, members who joined the clubs would have to pay a membership fee, contributing to the activity fund.

    However, the new English club was too poor.

    They did not have enough members and they could not get any sponsors. Even if the members paid the membership fees, they might not be able to have the money to rent the costumes for the performance. There was no need to think about other aspects.

    ¡°Looking at this year¡¯s performance, the new English club seems to have a change of fate.¡±

    ¡°With Senior Gao and Junior Qiao around, they are bound to seed.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The performances on stage were very interesting, and the audience was engaged in their discussions.

    At this time, many people attributed the sessful performance of the new English club today to Qiao Nan and forgot about the hard work and contribution made by the performers and Xu Shengnan.

    In other circumstances, the seniors who had toiled their guts out and put in a lot of effort in the performances would have found Qiao Nan to be an eyesore.

    They were the main performers and they worked the hardest. Why was it that a freshman who entered Peking University for a month took all the credit for their sess?

    However, the situation was different for the new English club.

    Without a doubt, the seniors who were in charge of the performances were ufortable when they heard the discussion among the audience.

    However, they would never vent their frustrations on Qiao Nan. They would not hate Qiao Nan or stack the deck against her and target her.

    On the contrary, they were relieved and d that after putting in so much effort into the performances, they finally had the chance to perform in front of the students and gain their recognition. The seniors were very grateful to Qiao Nan.

    Everyone knew that the performances were made possible because of Qiao Nan.

    Money was not everything, but one could not do without money.

    If Qiao Nan did not secure the sponsorship for the club, giving them a chance to put up their best performances, other students would sneer at them regardless of how much they practiced.

    With this in mind, even though most of the people present credited Qiao Nan for the sessful performance, the performers were not angry or upset with Qiao Nan.

    Xu Shengnan stood next to Qiao Nan. She handed a bottle of mineral water to Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are not simple.¡±

    As the vice chairman, Xu Shengnan was well aware of that.

    All of the members who were in their second year were not upset with Qiao Nan. Instead, they respected her and were grateful to her. Xu Shengnan let out a long sigh. True enough, she had a discerning sense of judgment. She could tell that Qiao Nan was a prodigy.

 Chapter 984 - Be Entrusted With a Mission at a Critical Momen

    984 Be Entrusted With a Mission at a Critical Momen

    When she stepped down from the position of the vice president and Qiao Nan took over the position, she was not the least worried that the senior members andmittee members in the club would bully and create trouble for Qiao Nan since she was a neer.

    Qiao Nan was gulping down water while Xu Shengnan spoke to her. Moreover, the performances on the stage were very loud. She could not hear what Xu Shengnan was talking about. ¡°Vice President Xu, I didn¡¯t hear what you said just now.¡±

    ¡°I said that you are not simple!¡± Xu Shengnan shouted at the top of her voice.

    Qiao Nan paused momentarily. ¡°How am I not simple?¡± She made her sound as if she was very scheming.

    ¡°You are not simple in all aspects!¡± Qiao Nan was on friendly terms with Senior Gao who was beyond their reach. Until now, Xu Shengnan still felt surreal. She had a feeling that everything seemed to be a dream.

    Perhaps, when she opened her eyes and woke up from her dreams, her sess would turn into bubbles and disintegrate.

    Sess came too sudden for them!

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows. ¡°Vice President Xu, are you praising me or digging at me?¡±

    Xu Shengnan felt that she had discerning eyes as she had chosen Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s impression of Xu Shengnan was that she wanted to kick her out of the new English club during their first club meeting. She was being very fierce to her!

    Thereafter, Xu Shengnan ordered her around to do all sorts of tasks. Qiao Nan felt that Xu Shengnan was a tomboy.

    At this moment, the performance went very smoothly and it was a great sess. To Qiao Nan, Xu Shengnan seemed like a sessful career woman.

    Qiao Nan must be on her guard against Xu Shengnan. She had high expectations and would not give praise easily.

    Could it be that among all the orders that Vice President Xu gave today, there were some tasks that she had not performed well and thus was lecturing her?

    ¡°What a fool.¡± Xu Shengnan berated Qiao Nan jokingly. She was annoyed and amused at the puzzled look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

    The performances on stage were amazing and wonderful. Even though Qiao Nan had never once been on the stage, everyone¡¯s attention was on Qiao Nan, who had been working backstage today.

    If it was someone else, the person would be very arrogant and smug right now.

    What was puzzling was that as the party concerned, Qiao Nan seemed unaware of the impact and recognition today¡¯s performance had on her. She was only focused on doing her job well.

    Qiao Nan was such a cute, capable, and yet at times, foolish junior. Xu Shengnan liked her junior very much.

    Xu Shengnan could not help but pat Qiao Nan on the head as if she was petting her cat that she raised at home. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you really a fool? Back when you talked to Senior Gao, you were smart and sly like a fox, and Senior Gao had to obey your words. That day, I had the impression that you are the one at the top of the food chain!¡±

    Senior Gao was able to subdue her, while she subdued Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan, in turn, subdued Senior Gao.

    Xu Shengnan did not know how to react to the thought of the food chain.

    Senior Gao was a tough nut to crack, but Qiao Nan managed to get him to provide sponsorship for them. However, Qiao Nan who stood before her right now seemed to be foolish and simple. She posed no threat to other people and was easily bullied by them.

    ¡°Vice President Xu, you must not go overboard.¡± Qiao Nan pped Xu Shengnan¡¯s hands away. ¡°I am quite small-minded.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha. How small is it?¡± Xu Shengnan gestured with her hands. ¡°Is it as small as a pinhole?¡±

    Qiao Nan curled her lips. Xu Shengnan seemed to lose her control and kept teasing her. Could it be that she had lost her wits?

    The president of the new English club witnessed the scene and revealed a rare and rxed smile. Qiao Nan was indeed at the top of the food chain.

    Xu Shengnan might act as if she was the senior in front of Qiao Nan. However, if one thought carefully about it, everything that Xu Shengnan did today was for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. She did everything so that Qiao Nan would have a smooth transition when she took over the position of the vice president from her next year.

    Xu Shengnan always seemed to be eager to win. The president found it rare that she had a gentle and considerate side to her. He almost could not recognize Xu Shengnan whom he had worked with for two years. She took great care of her junior today.

    Xu Shengnan might seem strong-minded andpetitive, but she was willing to do so much for Qiao Nan. Even if she had benefited from today¡¯s performance as well, she was, in fact, subdued by Qiao Nan.

    He remembered that a year ago, Zou Wenxuan knew that Xu Shengnan was capable and wanted her to join the established English club and work for her. However, Xu Shengnan was reluctant to admit defeat or work under her. She would rather be amittee member of the new English club, which was not doing well, than join the established English club and be Zou Wenxuan¡¯s assistant.

    And right now, not only was Xu Shengnan willing to help Qiao Nan, but she even paved the way for her to be her sessor and to have a smooth transition. She removed the obstacles and created a good environment for Qiao Nan to take over.

    The president stared at Qiao Nan incredulously. He was already applying for his internship. It was true that he was the one who insisted that Qiao Nan stayed in the new English club and for her to be the secretary.

    However, it was just a random decision. He did not make any ns.

    What was so charming about Qiao Nan that apetitive and aggressive Xu Shengnan was willing to listen to her?

    Regardless, as the president of the new English club, he was very pleased with the current situation.

    At the very least, he did not let his seniors down and the new English club did not disband under him.

    Qiao Nan, his junior, had to take credit for all these!

    Everything was going well for the English club. Every senior member andmittee member of the club was grateful for the change and sess brought about by Qiao Nan. She had brought the new English club to new heights and taken them down a new path.

    ¡°Qianqian, what¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t give me a fright...¡± Just when everyone was joyous over their sess, there was a smallmotion among the people who were preparing for their performances backstage.

    Xu Shengnan looked solemn. All of the activities went smoothly. She would not allow anything to go wrong at this juncture. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu, Feng Qianqian, the performer who is up next, has fainted.¡±

    ¡°She seems to be running a fever!¡±

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. She must be sent to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°What about the program? It¡¯s going to be her turn soon.¡±

    The performances today were going smoothly. Everyone was flustered over the incident and they looked worried.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you will go in her stead!¡±

 Chapter 985 - I Am Not Dong Cunrui

    985 I Am Not Dong Cunrui

    ¡°What?!¡± Qiao Nan, who helped support Feng Qianqian, was thinking of sending her to the sick bay or to the hospital. Instead, Xu Shengnan ordered Qiao Nan to stand in for Feng Qianqian out of the blue. Qiao Nan was totally caught off guard and was dumbstruck. ¡°Vice President Xu, what did you say just now? I didn¡¯t hear you clearly. A-are you kidding?¡±

    Crap! In order to do better than the established English club and to hold their heads high, all the performers of the new English club had practiced for a long time.

    They did not dare to rx or bex with their rehearsals even during summer breaks.

    Her intention from the start was to be responsible for backstage and do a good job. In the end, she was entrusted with more and more responsibilities.

    Feng Qianqian had a fever and could not perform on stage. It was too much of Vice President Xu to want her to perform in her stead. ¡°Vice President Xu, you had better find someone else. I don¡¯t have any experience in performing, and neither have I prepared any program or have any talent. Since it is a performance, one must need music and props. I did not prepare anything. Please stop teasing me.¡±

    Vice President Xu seemed to have the habit of delegating every single task to her. Did she take her for a superwoman?

    ¡°Vice President Xu.¡± The president¡¯s expression darkened. Of course, his anger was not directed at Qiao Nan. He was upset that such an incident happened at this juncture.

    They had clearly...

    But for something like this to happen now, it was too frustrating.

    The president did not me Feng Qianqian. It might be wrong of her to keep quiet that she was sick, but that was because she really wanted to participate in the event and do her best.

    She had good intentions, but what she did was wrong.

    Since she valued the event, all the more she must report any unforeseen circumstances to them.

    There were not many members in the new English club. The president and Xu Shengnan had already mobilized everyone that they possibly could during the summer break.

    Therefore, now that this happened, the new English club did not have any backup program.

    Otherwise, Xu Shengnan would not assign multiple tasks to Qiao Nan and treat her as a know-all.

    ¡°President, vice president, Feng Qianqian is running a fever. We are done with our performances and we are not needed anymore. How about we send her to the hospital first?¡± Several students who were the first to perform today said anxiously.

    ¡°Okay. There is no time to dy.¡± The president nodded and made way so that they could send Feng Qianqian to the hospital.

    The programs had all been arranged beforehand. Now that Feng Qianqian could not perform, there would be changes to the original timing.

    They could change the program lists. However, it would be a big problem if the number of performances and the total duration of the whole program was reduced.

    Nobody wanted to lose out to others.

    It was especially so for Xu Shengnan. She knew the total duration of the entire program of the established English club.

    Even though there were not as many members in her club, she had told her members that they must not lose out to the established English club.

    In short, since they could notpete with the established English club in terms of their props or quality of the performances, they must not lose out to them in terms of program duration.

    If they could notpete against the established English club, there was no need for the new English club to organize the event. They should admit defeat directly.

    Because of Xu Shengnan¡¯s temper, even if they had better props and just as good performances as the established English Club today, she was unwilling to lose to them in terms of program duration.

    It was not easy for the new English club to defeat the established English club. However, Xu Shengnan wanted to put up a strong fight. She was unwilling to give up or be slipshod in her work. As long as it was within their means to put in extra effort to make it happen, she would make sure that they did it.

    Xu Shengnan pranced around like a ferocious lion with a sullen expression on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan, I know that this will put you in a difficult position, but you do not need to be burdened. You can simply go on stage to sing a song. As for the apaniment music... It does not matter even if there is no apaniment music. Do any of you over here know how to y the instrument? Can you y the apaniment music for Qiao Nan? If not, Qiao Nan, you can sing an unapanied song. You are the new star in the school. It will be an added bonus to have you sing on stage. Qiao Nan, we have worked hard for so long. We must not give up at thest moment. We must persist until the end. No matter how difficult it is for you, you have to do it for the club!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt like weeping but had no tears. ¡°Vice President Xu, how am I supposed to do it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like this. Like I have said, this is an emergency. It has nothing to do with you. You are entrusted with a mission at a critical moment. Regardless of the results, you do not have to take responsibility for it. You can just go ahead to sing an unapanied song on the stage.¡± There were not enough members. Xu Shengnan had no other choice.

    Since they changed the programs at thest minute, they had no time to find apaniment music. Everything was too rushed.

    Xu Shengnan heard that the current program on stage was half-way done. She could not help but turn teary. ¡°The program before you is about to end. Qiao Nan, you have to do it.¡±

    Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face. How could it be easy for her to stand on the stage?

    ¡°Senior Zou, let me tell you a piece of good news.¡± Even though L¨¹ Yan was watching the performance at the established English club, she had sharp ears. She heard that there was some trouble at the new English club. ¡°A student for one of the performances of the new English club is sick but kept quiet about it. However, she is too sick and has to be sent to the hospital. The new English club did not have any alternative program. It seems like they are in deep trouble.¡±

    The new English club was down on its luck. But this was definitely a piece of good news to the established English club.

    As long as the new English club did not do well, it was pointless that Qiao Nan was the secretary. Even if Qiao Nan became the vice president, she would end up like Senior Xu. It was meaningless to be in the position and she would be bullied.

    L¨¹ Yan felt like singing and dancing to celebrate the big crisis that Qiao Nan faced.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zou Wenxuan¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°In the past, given Xu Shengnan¡¯s temper, even if she did not have any alternative program or had toe up with something right away, she would make sure that the program duration was as long as ours. Take another look to see how Xu Shengnan is dealing with it.¡±

    Zou Wenxuan was ted that the new English club was in trouble.

    However, back then, nobody believed that the new English club would be able to secure funds, yet they managed to organize fabulous events and heat up the atmosphere.

    Zou Wenxuan had been through simr situations before. Therefore, she dared not rejoice too early. She was patient, wanting to know how Xu Shengnan was going to deal with it.

    Qiao Nan had already given a harsh blow by securing the sponsors.

    Qiao Nan should not have the capability of helping the new English club to avert the crisis and putting the club back on its feet, did she?

    [0] He was a Chinesemunist soldier in the People¡¯s Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War.

 Chapter 986 - Force Someone to Put a Square Peg in a Round Hole

    <h4>986 Force Someone to Put a Square Peg in a Round Hole</h4>

    Zou Wenxuan bit nervously on the straw in her cup until it was ttened.

    Like Xu Shengnan, Zou Wenxuan was the producer of the entire event and she preferred to stay quietly backstage instead of on stage.

    In this way, Zou Wenxuan did not need to worry that other people would notice that she was biting on the straw, waiting nervously for L¨¹ Yan¡¯stest updates.

    ¡°Senior Zou, there are some rumors that Vice President Xu wants Qiao Nan to take the stage and perform.¡± L¨¹ Yan panted, her clothes drenched in perspiration. ¡°Senior Zou, do you think Vice President Xu is too anxious and desperate times call for desperate measures? Qiao Nan is not prepared at all, and she hasn¡¯t been on the stage. Could it be Vice President Xu wants Qiao Nan to go on stage and to tell a few jokes so as to extend the performance?¡±

    If this were the case, their methods were neither brilliant nor sincere.

    ¡°It is Qiao Nan again?¡± Whatever that she feared turned out to be true. Zou Wenxuan sucked in her breath. ¡°D-do you understand Qiao Nan?¡±

    What Zou Wenxuan wanted to ask was whether Qiao Nan had any talents to perform on stage. ¡°I want to know if Qiao Nan is good at singing and dancing. Or does she have other talents?¡±

    Regardless, she was forced to go on stage at thest minute. The whole school knew about the program lists that were handed out long ago.

    By then, even if Qiao Nan¡¯s performance was unsatisfactory, nobody would really me her for being insincere or feel that the new English club did not put in efforts to organize the event.

    In Zou Wenxuan¡¯s opinion, now that Xu Shengnan made Qiao Nan go on stage at thest minute, she could only be able to perform the few talents that she could think of just now.

    ¡°...¡± L¨¹ Yan did not feel like answering the question.

    Zou Wenxuan was angry at L¨¹ Yan, who grew silent. She mmed her cup on the table, making a loud sound. ¡°You have no answers to my questions. Get out!¡±

    She could only ry to her whatever she heard. She was useless.

    Apart from ratting on people, L¨¹ Yan could not provide her with any useful and significant information. Zou Wenxuan was sick and tired of L¨¹ Yan.

    ¡°Senior Zou, I...¡± L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes turned red. She had done so many things for Senior Zou. How could the senior lose her temper at her?

    Qiao Nan thought deep and considered far, and she hid her real talents. Other than her, Tang Jiayun and Yu Xiaoxiao did not know anything about her as well. How could she be med for it?

    ¡°Leave!¡±

    ¡°Senior Zou, I will go out first. If there¡¯s anything, you can call for me.¡± Zou Wenxuan seemed to be really furious. Even though L¨¹ Yan felt that she was wronged and innocent, she had to leave abidingly.

    She walked to the front of the stage and looked toward the area where the new English club was organizing its events. She snorted. ¡°You won¡¯t be smug for long.¡±

    She might not know what talents Qiao Nan had.

    But in her opinion, if Qiao Nan had the talents, why did she not make use of her position as the secretary of the new English club to earn a chance to perform? In that case, she could be well-known to all the teachers and students at the beginning of the school year.

    Qiao Nan could make use of her position for her personal gains, but she did not. It proved that Qiao Nan did not have any talents.

    After learning her lessons, L¨¹ Yan had grown smarter. She knew that it was better to keep her spections to herself, and in particr, not to tell people like Zou Wenxuan.

    It would be alright if her guesses were correct. However, if her guesses were wrong, Zou Wenxuan, whom she had to suck up to, would dislike her even more and keep a distance from her.

    L¨¹ Yan had no other connections in the school. Up until now, no one was willing to be close to her because of the kept woman scandal.

    L¨¹ Yan was very upset at being ostracized by the students.

    There was no way that she could be close to other freshmen in the same batch. She had given up hope on them and decided to work on pleasing her seniors.

    Perhaps, she would fare better with this new n.

    She had offended every student in the same batch as her. Since Zou Wenxuan was the only senior who could help her, L¨¹ Yan must not do anything to irritate her or be on bad terms with her.

    If Qiao Nan performed in Feng Qianqian¡¯s stead and failed to put up a good performance, the new English club would flop its events like what happened in the previous years.

    In that case, Senior Zou would be ted and would treat her better. She might even take the position of Tang Jiayun to be her able assistant. By the time she was in her second year, she might be amittee member.

    Compared to being amittee member of the new English club, she would rather be amittee member of the established English club.

    There was a glitter in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes. She stopped watching the performances put up by the established English club. Instead, she went over to watch the performances by the new English club.

    She wanted to see for herself how Qiao Nan made a fool of herself in front of everyone. If Senior Zou asked her about it, she could then describe the situation vividly to Senior Zou, pleasing her.

    Other than the people from the established English club, those who were watching the performances also heard that something had cropped up with the programs of the new English club.

    Everyone thought that the new English club would be given a new lease of life with Qiao Nan¡¯s help. The new English club must have been down on its luck for such an incident to happen right now.

    Everyone was curious to know how the new English club was going to resolve the crisis. Would Xu Shengnan go on stage to perform and get everything under control?

    It was Feng Qianqian¡¯s turn to go on stage to perform.

    Many people who had the new English club¡¯s program list with them stared at Feng Qianqian¡¯s name on the list and looked toward the empty stage. They were curious to see who would be performing.

    The sound of hurried and heavy footsteps was amplified through the microphone. The sound was piercing. Many students who were watching the show could not help but frown and cover their ears. It was too deafening.

    Qiao Nan, who wore a white T-shirt and a pair of straight long pants, appeared hurriedly on stage. A baseball cap was worn nted on her head.

    Qiao Nan smiled at the attention that was focused on her. ¡°Embarrassing, it¡¯s so embarrassing. I am being forced on stage. This is dominance, oppression, and ill-treatment! I want democracy and freedom to fight for my own rights!¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her hands to her chest, adopting the stance of an activist.

    ¡°Hahahaha...¡±

    The audience broke into a bigugh.

    Everyone knew that Qiao Nan did not go on stage voluntarily. She was being forced to put a square peg in a round hole.

 Chapter 987 - The â€˜Cupsâ€™ Song

    987 The ¡®Cups¡¯ Song

    However, Qiao Nan dared to speak candidly about this matter in front of so many people. She even criticized Xu Shengnan and aired her grievances. Everyone was amused.

    ¡°This wretched Qiao Nan, let¡¯s see how I should deal with herter!¡± Xu Shengnan, who was at the backstage, was both amused and angry. She rolled up her sleeves viciously. ¡°After she said that, everyone in the school would think that I am a tigress, a ve driver!¡±

    Damn, this junior was ruining her reputation!

    The president covered his mouth andughed silently.

    Tigress? ve driver?

    Wasn¡¯t that already the Xu Shengnan in everyone¡¯s eyes?

    ¡°Don¡¯tugh, everyone. It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know how fierce Vice President Xu is. I don¡¯t want to be up here but my voice is not as loud as hers. I also don¡¯t have as much strength as her. I... I can¡¯t beat her in either an argument or a fight...¡± Qiao Nan sounded as if she had some difficulty swallowing. There was also a tinge of pity in her tone which everyone did not know how to describe.

    ¡°Sigh. As an ordinary member of the club, I can¡¯t refuse to obey Vice President Xu¡¯s orders. I can only me it on myself for being weaker than her in physical strength. So, my schoolmates and seniors, please do me a favor and take a look at my performance. If you think that I did not perform well,ugh. Laugh loudly. Don¡¯t ¡®boo¡¯ at me. If you think my performance is good, apud loudly for me. At the very least, I won¡¯t mess up the program and event. Under the sharp ws of Vice President Xu, I have to guard my own life. Thank you for your cooperation.¡±

    After Qiao Nan finished her speech, the audience gave Qiao Nan face and cheered for her. There were also many people who simply apuded loudly and gave her encouragement.

    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± At the sight of the response, Qiao Nan, who appeared veryposed but was, in fact, very nervous at heart, finally felt calmer. ¡°No matter what, I have been *** out by Vice President Xu. At this moment, I don¡¯t have any borate preparations. I certainly don¡¯t have the equipment or set up either. Since I don¡¯t have anything, let¡¯s focus on environment and sustainability as the two main objectives of this performance.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath silently. It was indeed true when she said that she was unprepared.

    Vice President Xu insisted that she sing a song. Qiao Nan had to cram at the eleventh hour and fill the time slot for the show. Singing this song was the easiest way toplete this.

    There was neither apanying background music nor musicians. Qiao Nan would have to rely on herself.

    After prepping herself, someone moved a huge and painted piece of wooden nk onto the stage. He also ced a rather hard stic cup on the wooden nk.

    Once the student ced the props properly, he left the stage. At the sight of this, the audience was puzzled.

    These props were so simple and crude. They really could not guess what Qiao Nan would be performing in this segment of the program.

    Could she be performing a magic show?

    Just as everyone was trying to guess in vain what Qiao Nan¡¯s performance was, Qiao Nan put her legs together, squatted down, and sat casually on the stage. Everyone below the stage was taken aback at the sight of this.

    What tricks were Qiao Nan and the new English club up to?

    ¡°...¡± L¨¹ Yan sneered continuously. ¡°Make-believe? Regardless of how much show she puts on, she will still beughed at if her performance doesn¡¯t have any substance.¡± Did she think that she could control the atmosphere of the performance with that short opening speech of hers? How could Qiao Nan be so naive?

    If the quality of the show was not up to the mark, regardless of how good-looking Qiao Nan was or how highly-regarded she was in the new English club, the audience would definitely not give Qiao Nan any face. They would not hold back in their criticisms.

    L¨¹ Yan saw that the students from the news club were all holding on to their pens, narrowing their eyes and staring at Qiao Nan, who was on the stage. Those sharp looks of them seemed to be waiting to identify and record down any minor hups in Qiao Nan¡¯s performance at any moment. L¨¹ Yan crossed her arms andughed smugly.

    This should be considered great happiness ending in sorrow.

    Moving forward, she wanted to see whether Qiao Nan dared to be so proud like before and continue to look down on her.

    After taking a nce at the props, Qiao Nan, who was totally oblivious to L¨¹ Yan¡¯s thoughts, ced one of the microphones on the wooden nk. It was facing directly at the stic cup that was on the wooden nk.

    As for the other microphone on a stand, Qiao Nan adjusted its position such that it was close to her mouth when she sat down on the stage.

    After all the preparation, Qiao Nan suddenly raised her hands. They looked so fair and translucent under the lights. She lifted the stic cup with one hand, inverted it, and pped it onto the wooden nk with might. At the same time, her other hand was knocking lightly on the wooden nk.

    The two hands were carrying out separate tasks. The props were very simple, and her actions were also very simple. Following that crisp and clear sound of cupping and knocks, the audience was surprised at the discovery of a lively and pleasing rhythmic tune.

    Qiao Nan came up with this tune with the simplest props. There was no apanying music. The props were so crude and primitive that it made others feel like shedding tears for her. Expectedly, the more that was the case, the more Qiao Nan¡¯s rhythm and music moved the audience¡¯s hearts. It made all those who were listening could not help but feel more rx with this simple and lively tune. They began to hum softly along with it.

    Initially, the situation was a little chaotic. With Qiao Nan¡¯s stunning move, the whole ce turned quiet. There was only the sound of people gently humming.

    The quieter the audience was, the clearer they could hear the tune performed by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I got my ticket for the long way round.

    Two bottles of whiskey for the way.

    ...

    Oh, you¡¯re gonna miss me when I¡¯m gone.¡±

    Qiao Nan had not learned singing or ying any musical instruments before. She only relied on her pure passion for music and English to sing her once favorite song, ¡®Cups¡¯.

    When she sang, Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was as crisp and pure as the music props that she was currently using.

    This kind of simple and pure performance made people feel different about the song. With the absence of all the glorious decors, there was a reversion to the most primitive beginning.

    A performance that brought one back to one¡¯s original roots might seem crude and frivolous. Nevertheless, it could strike a chord in people¡¯s hearts very well.

    As for the rest of the people, those who could calm down and listen to this song all had their eyes closed as they moved their bodies along with Qiao Nan¡¯s rhythm. They were conscientiously listening to the crisp and pure voice and music that were hard toe by.

    When Qiao Nan finished thest verse of the song, she inverted the cup on the wooden nk. With a hard and swift p of the wooden nk, she ended the entire performance.

    After she finished singing, Qiao Nan secretly covered her face behind the microphone and heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    Damn, certainly, she did not wish for another round of such an experience again.

    In her two lifetimes, this was the first time that she was standing under the spotlight and dominating the entire stage. In addition, the audience, who looked so dark and dimmed under the stage, was only staring at her.

 Chapter 988 - An Amazing Feat that Wowed Everyone

    988 An Amazing Feat that Wowed Everyone

    Qiao Nan did not really enjoy such a novel experience. One urrence was enough. It had better not happen again.

    If it were to happen again, she did not have anything else that she could bring out to bluff others.

    The moment Xu Shengnan forced her up the stage, when the spotlights shone on her face and pierced her eyes such that she could not open them, no one would be able to understand how nk Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was and how lost she felt.

    Fortunately, as Qiao Nan¡¯s twenty-over years of life experience was more than that of the people in front of her, she eventually managed this matter.

    In her previous life, under Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s oppression, Qiao Zijin did not have much personal time or hobbies.

    However, although Qiao Nancked social life, she still had something of her liking. In the past, when she heard the ¡®Cups¡¯ song, she felt very moved at heart. At the very least, she was rather struck by that song.

    Qiao Nan, who was already feeling very exhausted, could not ept those songs with fast rhythm or those that expressed eternal love or life and death.

    Qiao Nan had been very frugal all this while. Nevertheless, it was because of this song that for the first time in her life, she spent a sum of money to buy a cell phone that could let her listen to music.

    This was the only song that was stored in that cell phone. She had been listening to this one and only song repeatedly.

    As she had listened to this song for too many times, although Qiao Nan did not purposely learn how to sing the song, she was able toe up with the rhythm and sing it a cappe.

    Xu Shengnan insisted that she rece Feng Qianqian to perform on stage. At that instance, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was in whirlwind and she could note to her senses after a long time.

    It was only when Xu Shengnan wanted her to confirm what she needed for the performance, besides the microphone, did Qiao Nan open her mouth and ask for a cup and a big piece of wooden nk before she could even think.

    After saying that, Qiao Nan finally regained her senses.

    She then realized that she wanted to perform the ¡®Cups¡¯ song.

    Xu Shengnan was the action-oriented type. In addition, the chips were down on the situation before them.

    Xu Shengnan could not care less. Once Qiao Nan opened her mouth and made her request, without a word, Xu Shengnan instructed someone to find all the things that Qiao Nan wanted.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s requirements were too low, not high at all. Hence, the things that she requested for were easy to find.

    Before the previous performance ended, the club member had already found and brought back, one by one, what Qiao Nan had requested for.

    The club member did not spend more than one minute to find and ce the items in front of Qiao Nan.

    Looking at the speed of the preparation, Qiao Nan almost cried.

    The items had already been prepared. Coupled with Vice President Xu¡¯s attitude, regardless of whether she felt like performing, she had to. She could not push away this request anymore. She also did not have any chance to do so.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths. She was secretly thinking whether she would have been able to escape from that performance had her requests been higher or more difficult.

    Unfortunately, there was no cure for regrets in this world. Qiao Nan also did not have another chance.

    No matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, she had to go ahead with the performance.

    When she recalled in a daze how she had been forced up the stage to perform the entire song, Qiao Nan broke out in a cold sweat for herself.

    When Qiao Nan stood up, she then realized that her legs felt a little numb.

    The scariest thing to Qiao Nan was why there wasn¡¯t a single reaction from the audience, although she had already finished singing the song.

    She did not care anymore. As long as they did not jeer at her, it was fine even if there was no reaction.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Nan shuffled her slightly numb feet and came down from the stage, stumbling a little.

    Tsk, tsk, tsk. a was only reaching twenty-one years old. Why was her health so poor? She felt so numb after sitting down for just three to four minutes.

    Aftering down from the stage, Qiao Nan patted Xu Shengnan¡¯s shoulders sullenly. ¡°Vice President Xu, I have already done my best. You have said it before. No matter the oue, the responsibility doesn¡¯t lie with me. Also, please don¡¯t ask me to do such things again in the future.¡±

    She had obviously been forced up the stage today. It was so embarrassing.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not true.¡± When she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Xu Shengnan regained her senses. ¡°Just now, you... you sang extremely well. Although I don¡¯t study music and I don¡¯t know what constitutes good music, I know that... I feel that you sang really well. After listening to you, I feel very at ease. Your voice is very crisp and pure.¡±

    Right, crisp and pure. Very crisp and pure.

    Due to that, although she might not have sensed the charisma of music arts through Qiao Nan¡¯s voice, she could feel a sense of spiritual cleansing in it.

    ¡°Spiritual cleansing?¡± Upon hearing what Xu Shengnan had unknowingly said from her heart, Qiao Nan immediatelyughed out loud. ¡°Vice President Xu, even if you wish to encourage me, there has to be a limit. Do you take me for a washing detergent?¡± There were no boundaries in the exaggeration.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s face turned red for a while. ¡°It certainly sounds a little exaggerating, but I really feel that way. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t belittle yourself. You really sang very well just now. If you don¡¯t believe me, see for yourself.¡±

    Xu Shengnan pushed Qiao Nan and asked her to look at the situation outside.

    True enough, the audience, who were extremely silent earlier, had started to apud loudly now. Obviously, the affirmation level for Qiao Nan¡¯s performance of this song was very high.

    Feng Qianqian of the new English club could not perform as she was unwell and sent to the hospital. Qiao Nan had been asked to fill her ce at the eleventh hour. Everyone was aware of this situation.

    When they saw that Qiao Nan only had a piece of wood nk and a stic cup as props for her performance, everyone felt that Qiao Nan was too pitiful.

    In the past, everyone was used to the new English club using such cheap props during their events.

    However, this year, Qiao Nan clearly had secured a substantial sponsorship for the new English club. On the contrary, Qiao Nan, thisst-minute substitute, used the least resources. Was the new English clubpletely giving up on this segment of the program?

    It was only when they saw that Qiao Nan could create such a touching tune with the crude and ludicrous props, and when they heard the voice that was as crisp and clear as the mountain streams that everyone was taken back.

    So, one could really perform with just a big piece of wooden nk and a stic cup!

    The most amazing thing was that the quality of the performance was actually quite good despite the two props that were easily attainable. That waspletely different then.

    Everyone knew that Feng Qianqian, the original performer, was sent to the hospital as she was having a fever and the school¡¯s sick bay could not attend to her situation.

    Otherwise, as Qiao Nan¡¯sst-minute substitute performance did not fare worse than the rest of the performances that were prepared since a few months ago, they almost suspected if all these were deliberately arranged by the new English club to create a publicity stunt.

 Chapter 989 - Could No Longer Compete and Win

    989 Could No Longer Compete and Win

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Aren¡¯t you going to report thetest situation to Senior Zou?¡± Tang Jiayun put down her hands, which had turned red due to her apuse, and looked coldly at L¨¹ Yan. Thetter had been waiting to watch Qiao Nan embarrass herself. ¡°Qiao Nan has already finished her performance. If you don¡¯t go now, you should worry that someone will take over your job.¡±

    Sigh, it was no wonder that L¨¹ Yan was wholeheartedly looking forward to Qiao Nan embarrassing herself.

    When Tang Jiayun saw that Qiao Nan only had a piece of wooden nk and a cup as props, she nearly doubted if her recent decision had been wrong, whether she had ced the wrong bets again.

    Fortunately, she had ced the correct bets this time.

    She had finally won this round. Of course, Tang Jiayun felt happy.

    When she looked at L¨¹ Yan, who had ced the wrong bets and lost again without a choice, Tang Jiayun felt even more pleased. ¡°Why do you have to pretend to be a boss even though you don¡¯t have the brains? When you have a chance next time, learn more from Yu Xiaoxiao. It¡¯s not a good thing for someone who is not capable to be so ambitious.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± L¨¹ Yan gritted her teeth. ¡°The one who has thestugh will be the victor. Don¡¯t you think that you are feeling smug too soon?¡±

    She only sang a song with a piece of wooden nk and a cup. She did not even think that this kind of shabby performance was shameful. Only a group of fools would like such a disrespectful performance by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°At the very least, I manage to find pleasure in this performance. No one knows what will happen for sure in the future. I have already worked hard to find a way. What do you have? I don¡¯t deny that the one who has thestugh will be the victor. However, I just wish to say that you may not be the one that has thestugh.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan was too lost in her self-confidence. She even dared to openly boast to her. L¨¹ Yan was foolish beyond hopes.

    ¡°Alright, I can¡¯t be bothered with you. You can go wherever you think is cool. Senior did not feel positive toward both of us. If you don¡¯t fulfill your tasks quickly, many people will be able to squeeze you away from her side.¡±

    Vice President Xu¡¯s behavior today had already given the first-year and second-year students a reminder.

    The seniors who would be handing over the club duties to the next batch ofmittee members must have already started to identify possible candidates and nurture talents.

    It would be better for this kind of matter to be done sooner thanter.

    If L¨¹ Yan really had ns, she should understand that her priority task on hand was not to find opportunities to see Qiao Nan embarrass herself but to spend more time to n for herself and put in more effort.

    L¨¹ Yan pursed her lips. ¡°Are you so kind as to remind me? What is your motive?¡±

    ¡°You guess?¡± Tang Jiayunughed viciously. Kindhearted?

    How could she be so kindhearted?

    L¨¹ Yan was not Qiao Nan. Although L¨¹ Yan normally did not utter a sound, she was very vicious at heart. She was indeed reflective of the saying of ¡®a barking dog never bites¡¯.

    No one would provoke L¨¹ Yan. However, when her personal interests were at stake, L¨¹ Yan would quietly run out and take the initiative to bite the other party, not to mention that Tang Jiayun had schemed against L¨¹ Yan before.

    She was willing to ¡®remind¡¯ L¨¹ Yan because she knew that no matter how hard L¨¹ Yan tried, Senior Zou would not bother about L¨¹ Yan.

    L¨¹ Yan could work very hard but her efforts would all be in vain.

    At the thought of this, Tang Jiayun felt extremely happy.

    Of course, L¨¹ Yan could not figure out Tang Jiayun¡¯s mind. However, Tang Jiayun said something that was right. She had to follow Senior Zou closer by the side.

    Otherwise, someone else, and not her, would be standing beside Senior Zou and talking to thetter tomorrow.

    L¨¹ Yan¡¯s face turned ck. She could no longer bother about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. She ran in Zou Wenxuan¡¯s direction lest someone else snatch away her job and cause her to lose her usefulness.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan¡¯s performance had ended. There was no longer any ¡®good show¡¯ for L¨¹ Yan to watch. Even if Tang Jiayun did not say anything, L¨¹ Yan would not dawdle any longer either. Moreover, at this moment, many people were discussing Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier performance. They felt that it was truly not bad and did not fare any less than the programs that had been prepared by others for a few months beforehand.

    If they had given Qiao Nan enough time, perhaps Qiao Nan would be the most outstanding one in the new English club¡¯s event today.

    Nevertheless, although she was not the most outstanding one now, she was the most spectacr one. It was a performance that one could hardly ignore or forget.

    When L¨¹ Yan ran to Zou Wenxuan¡¯s side, she discovered that Zou Wenxuan was extremely quiet. ¡°Senior Zou?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Zou Wenxuan seemed a little gloomy. ¡°That¡¯s right. You should be back. Here¡¯s some money. Help me buy a packet of cigarettes.¡±

    ¡°Senior Zou, do you smoke?¡± It did not seem so. In the past, she had never smelled any cigarette odor on Senior Zou.

    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Zou Wenxuan gave a long sigh. ¡°However, I have a strong urge to smoke today. Hurry up. If you don¡¯t wish to run the errand, I will look for someone else.¡± It was just the task of buying a packet of cigarettes. Anyone could make the trip. It was not as if she had to ask L¨¹ Yan to do so. It was just a coincidence that L¨¹ Yan appeared when she wanted to smoke and find someone to buy cigarettes.

    ¡°Senior Zou, rest assured. I can run very fast. I will buy the cigarettes back for you immediately.¡± L¨¹ Yan was shocked. She used her fastest speed to buy the cigarettes and lighter and brought them before Zou Wenxuan.

    Without a word, Zou Wenxuan lit a cigarette and took a deep smoke.

    It was true that she did not smoke previously. She was not used to it and choked immediately. ¡°Cough, cough, cough...¡±

    ¡°Senior Zou, do you want some water?¡± Senior Zou really did not know how to smoke. Why did she insist on smoking then? Wasn¡¯t she looking to suffer?

    Zou Wenxuan patted L¨¹ Yan¡¯s hands away. She took over the cup of water and gulped down a mouthful. ¡°No issue. I¡¯ll be fine after a few more smokes.¡±

    Having said that, true enough, Zou Wenxuan faced the cigarette and took another deep smoke. Unlike her first time, she did not choke that badly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to do now. You can go back.¡±

    Although the events of the two English clubs had not ended and there were a few more programs to go before they did, Zou Wenxuan no longer wished to care about all these.

    Qiao Nan had been pushed up the stage at the eleventh hour. However, the oue of her performance was not any worse than those of her own club. At the thought of this, Zou Wenxuan really did not feel confident about this round of events anymore.

    Feng Qianqian hid her illness from others and wanted to perform despite being unwell. However, she ultimately sumbed to her illness, fainted, and was sent to the hospital. When Zou Wenxuan heard this, she had thought that heaven was on her side.

    There were few members in the new English club. Anyone who could perform for them had already done so. Hence, they did not even have any relief performers.

    Otherwise, Feng Qianqian would not have ignored her own health and insisted to perform despite being unwell.

    Once Feng Qianqian left, the time slot for her performance would be empty.

    This should have been a major disaster for the new English club. However, under one person, Qiao Nan¡¯s best effort to save the dying situation, the performance had be the highlight of the new English club¡¯s events.

    Yes, the highlight.

    The new English club was no longer poor. However, Qiao Nan used such a ¡®cheap¡¯ performance and improved the reputation of the new English club in the school.

 Chapter 990 - I Am Already Engaged

    990 I Am Already Engaged

    Xu Shengnan was so lucky to have met Qiao Nan this year and epted thetter to be a member of the new English club.

    At the thought of this, Zou Wenxuan smoked deeply again. She had simply finished smoking the first cigarette of her lifetime.

    When the cigarette butt was burning, Zou Wenxuan¡¯s hand was scorched for a moment.

    Zou Wenxuan snuffed out the fire. It was impossible for more hups to ur for the new English club.

    In that case, the events of the old English club would certainly not fare better than that of the new English club. Fortunately, the gap in performance was not that huge.

    After throwing the stuffed out cigarette into the trash can, Zou Wenxuan was very upset, thinking, ¡®From now onward, the new English club is really going to turn the tides and be on par with the old English club.¡¯

    ¡°Damn, to hell with it.¡±

    Although she was rational, Zou Wenxuan could note to terms with it. She lost her temper and even kicked and overturned the trash can.

    When Zou Wenxuan finished venting her frustration silently, she tidied up her clothes,bed her slightly tousled hair, and rinsed her mouth with water. After confirming that the cigarette smell in her mouth was not as obvious, Zou Wenxuan then gracefully appeared before others and continued to focus on the remaining programs of her club.

    So what if she had lost?

    Xu Shengnan had lost to her twice but she had only lost to Xu Shengnan once. Moreover, her loss this time did not have much to do with Xu Shengnan. It was because of Qiao Nan.

    She was still young and had only lost once. Xu Shengnan was also able to endure two losses. She was able to ovee just one loss.

    ¡°It has been tough on everyone today. You have worked hard.¡± When the events of the new English club ended well, Xu Shengnan was overjoyed. ¡°Everyone has worked hard together for so long. Why don¡¯t I be the host and treat everyone to supper today?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Vice President Xu.¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu is so generous!¡±

    Xu Shengnan was not the only one who was happy. Some of the new English club members who had never given up and the long-time club members who had persisted until today felt even happier.

    Even if Xu Shengnan did not treat them to supper, they also wished to go for a feast today to reward themselves and celebrate.

    They did not need to pay out of their own pocket now as someone else was going to treat them. Of course, everyone was ted.

    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s seldom that everyone feels so happy. It¡¯s a must.¡± Xu Shengnan looked bright and cheery. She had to treat so many people to supper. It was destined that Xu Shengnan had to spend a bomb today. Nevertheless, her happiness was not something that money could buy.

    Qiao Nan yawned as she patted on her swollen and tired shoulders. ¡°Vice President Xu, it¡¯ste. Also, I don¡¯t live in school, so I have to go home now. All of you should enjoy the supper. I¡¯m not going.¡±

    It was already sote. Qiao Nan had no wish for supper. She was afraid that she would be too full and have a sleepless night.

    Most importantly, she had been forced up the stage to perform today. Until now, Qiao Nan still felt a little unsettled at heart. She only wanted to go home, bathe, and sleepfortably to replenish her energy so that she could continue with her studies tomorrow.

    In short, she was not interested in having supper. What she needed most was the ¡®nerve-calming tea¡¯.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t. I will find someone to send you home after supper. See, we have so many people in the club. Which one of you is going to send Qiao Nan back to her houseter?¡± Xu Shengnan was pleased. She raised her eyebrow as she hinted with a look toward the male club members.

    One did not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others.

    Qiao Nan was a gooddy. She was smart and pretty. Both her character and temper were not bad.

    It was hard to find such a gooddy. If the male members in her club were interested, they had to express themselves sooner lest ¡®outsiders¡¯ be a step ahead of them.

    Having been hinted at by Xu Shengnan, the male seniors of Qiao Nan in the club were quite tempted.

    Although the school term had justmenced for a month, most had already done a round of assessment on the looks of each college freshman.

    Qiao Nan was good-looking. She was the fresh-faced and sweet-looking type. She was not high-profile but no one could ignore her as well.

    The beauty and charisma that she exuded were not stifling. It was very gentle and it made people feel extremelyfortable.

    Very few men would not like or not be tempted by ady with such a temper and charisma.

    Within a short time span of one month, although Qiao Nan had not taken over the role of the school belle, she had already beenbeled as the faculty belle.

    In such a short time, Qiao Nan had already pushed Zou Wenxuan down and taken over the position of the faculty belle. She was also a capable one.

    They already had good feelings toward Qiao Nan. In addition, Qiao Nan was the belle of the foreignnguage faculty and she gave such an outstanding performance today. Only a fool would not take a liking to Qiao Nan.

    One could say that Qiao Nan was a little dim-witted. Nevertheless, sometimes, Qiao Nan was quite agile in such matters.

    Just as Xu Shengnan had just spoken, a few seniors in the club, especially the male ones, had already turned red in the face. As for the female seniors, they looked slightly unhappy. At the sight of this, Qiao Nan blinked. She stretched out her hands, pulling out the engagement ring that she had been wearing as a ne. ¡°Vice President Xu, look at this ring. Is it beautiful?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Xu Shengnan raised her eyebrows, looking a little puzzled. ¡°Since this is a ring, why don¡¯t you wear it on your finger? You¡¯re wearing it as a pendant of a ne. It looks good. There are also engravings on it?¡±

    ¡°Of course, this is a gift from my fianc¨¦.¡± Qiao Nan immediately expressed that she already belonged to someone else. College romance did not have anything to do with her. She was not prepared to be involved.

    Xu Shengnan was taken back. ¡°F-fianc¨¦? Do girls from where you came from usually address their boyfriend as ¡®fianc¨¦¡¯?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend. He¡¯s my fianc¨¦. We are already engaged. This is the engagement ring that he gave me.¡± Qiao Nan rified.

    Xu Shengnan flung her head. ¡°It¡¯s not strange for your beau to give you this. However, Qiao Nan, you have to know. Engagement is not something that is finalized when both of you have spoken about and agreed on this.¡±

    Damn, Qiao Nan had a man!!

    At the thought that she did not even have a boyfriend and had never held anyone¡¯s hands or kissed anyone before despite being in her third year in college, Xu Shengnan felt that she had been shortchanged. She seemed to be outdated.

    It was good that Xu Shengnan was willing to ask. Qiao Nan was only afraid that Xu Shengnan was not willing to rify. ¡°Of course, the engagement between my fianc¨¦ and me has been agreed upon by our respective families.¡±

    Qiao Nan was embarrassed to say that the ¡®old man¡¯ in the photo of the kept woman scandal was not the man that kept her as a woman but her future father-inw.

    The reason she boarded her future father-inw¡¯s car was that she was going to take care of her future mother-inw, who was having a cold and fever at that time.

    Xu Shengnan was instantly dumbfounded. ¡°What kind of practice is this in your hometown? How could youngsters settle their lifetime happiness at such a young age? What if you meet someone that you like more in the future? What will happen then?¡±

    ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, she was already engaged before she entered college, no?

    It was obviously puppy love!

    After confirming that the looks on the senior¡¯s eyes were not as enthusiastic anymore, Qiao Nan then tucked the ring back into her clothes. ¡°There is no ¡®what if¡¯. The one in my family is very outstanding and wonderful. It is impossible to find anyone who is more outstanding than him in this world. I only love him. The irresponsible ¡®what if¡¯¡ªonly those unfaithful and frivolous people will find such excuses for themselves.¡±

 Chapter 991 - Public Display of Affection

    991 Public Disy of Affection

    Was there anyone else who would be better than Brother Zhai in this world?

    She did not believe so.

    There was a saying that humans were, in fact, not afraid of losing something. They were only afraid that they could not find anything better thereafter.

    If the best thing in the world already belonged to her, why would there be a ¡®what if¡¯?

    The few male seniors who had just made up their mind to woo Qiao Nan had fallen out of love before they could even strike. Before they could experience the first feelings of being out of love, Qiao Nan had ¡®force-fed¡¯ them with so much public disy of affection that they almost died of choking.

    What an outstanding girlfriend who was so faithful to her boyfriend. In her eyes, her boyfriend was the best Prince Charming in the world. They wished to have such a girlfriend too.

    When Qiao Nan was still a high school student, he had forcefully plucked away this small and tender flower. No matter what, that man was shameless!!

    Xu Shengnan was also stunned by the public disy of affection. ¡°You... Well, as long as you¡¯re happy.¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu, take your time to have your supper then. I will make my way home first.¡± It seemed that Tang Jiayun was not that much of a big-mouth. Of course, it was also possible that there were too many students in Peking University and Tang Jiayun¡¯s publicizing skills were limited. That was why this kind of embarrassing situation today would ur.

    ¡°Does the one in your family keep a very tight rein on you?¡± Xu Shengnan asked as this suddenly came to her mind.

    Everyone was youngsters. At this young age, Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament could not be clear-minded to this extent.

    The only exnation was that Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ kept a very strict rein on Qiao Nan. He disliked Qiao Nan for being too close to other people, especially other men. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have to remember. You can¡¯t pamper a man. In particr, when a man makes unreasonable requests, you have to decline him in a very serious manner. Otherwise, you will suffer a lot in the future!¡±

    The oue of a woman¡¯s good temper was that she would spoil her man rotten. He would be as pampered as a big boss. This would downgrade the woman¡¯s status to that of a nanny.

    As she was aware that Xu Shengnan had her interests at heart, Qiao Nan did not me Xu Shengnan for what she said. ¡°Vice President Xu, you have misunderstood. Nevertheless, it is normal for men to be a little petty and jealous. It¡¯s normal. I am not joining the celebration party because I never have the habit of having supper. I¡¯m afraid that I will feel too full and ufortable. Moreover, I really feel a little tired recently.¡±

    She was a new member of the new English club. However, her responsibilities were not any less than others.

    Compared to most of the freshmen, Qiao Nan was the busiest one.

    In the past, when she was in junior and senior high school, Qiao Nan had note into contact with such matters. She had not worked so hard before. This was the first time. Hence, Qiao Nan¡¯s fatigue was certainly more than that of Xu Shengnan and the rest.

    ¡°Alright.¡± She could tell that Qiao Nan really did not wish to go. It was also obvious that she looked tired. Xu Shengnan did not continue to make things difficult for Qiao Nan then. ¡°Why don¡¯t I send you back first? You all can order the food first. I wille back soon.¡±

    It was quitete now. Xu Shengnan was a little worried letting Qiao Nan go home alone.

    ¡°No need, Vice President Xu. Go ahead and have fun with them. It is quite bustling along the way to my home. It is quite safe.¡± Her master¡¯s house wasn¡¯t located in those bad areas withplex characters.

    The location was too good. That was why Qiao Nan did not want Xu Shengnan to send her home. She was afraid that she would not be able to exin thereafter.

    Although there were no rumors, Qiao Nan could guess that some people had misunderstood that she had been staying at a ce provided by Shi Qing, that she was enjoying free lodging and food.

    Of course, the first few people who would have such a misunderstanding were the three former dormitory mates of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not have any rtives or good friends in the capital. Shi Qing had the Feng family as rtives and they were officials and businessmen. In the eyes of a normal person, she was the one who basked in Shi Qing¡¯s glory, and in no way would Shi Qing benefit from her.

    ¡°Okay then.¡± Xu Shengnan was not overly courteous with Qiao Nan either. After knowing Qiao Nan for some time, Xu Shengnan knew that Qiao Nan was not the type of person who liked to put on a strong front for the sake of face. ¡°Alright. When you have arrived home, remember to send me a text message.¡±

    Since Qiao Nan picked up the Feng family¡¯s call in front of Xu Shengnan and Zou Wenxuan, regardless of Xu Shengnan or Zou Wenxuan, both requested for her contact number immediately.

    ¡°Okay, Vice President Xu.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She left the school together with the members of the new English club.

    The others were running toward supper while Qiao Nan was heading back home.

    It was ¡®fated¡¯ that the two batches of people were heading in the same initial direction.

    Xu Shengnan blinked in disbelief. ¡°Qiao Nan, you... you stay in that area?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt her teeth hurt a little. Could she not admit it?

    Qiao Nan did not open her mouth to admit, but neither did she deny it. That meant that she had quietly admitted it.

    Xu Shengnan let out a breath of cold air. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t tell me that you are an outstanding beauty with looks, money, and background!¡± That line of houses¡ªcould any Tom, Dick, or Harry live in one of them?

    Not to mention Xu Shengnan, all of the club members were shocked. The gentle and nice junior standing before them had such a strong family background.

    Qiao Nan smiled wryly. ¡°Vice President Xu, you are overthinking. I¡¯m not an outstanding beauty with looks, money, and background. I¡¯m just a poor suspender. What kind of ce is the capital? The property prices are shockingly expensive. That house doesn¡¯t belong to me. It belongs to my master. He doesn¡¯t stay in the capital. After knowing that I became a student of Peking University, he passed the house keys to me, lending it to me for four years.¡±

    At this time, although the property prices in the capital were not that ridiculous yet, it was still much pricier than the other ces in general.

    She did not even have a ce that belonged to her in Ping Cheng. Wrong, she had one. However, she did not earn it herself. That was a gift.

    In short, she could not even afford a house in Ping Cheng. How could she yearn to have a ce of her own at a ce like this?

    If she really had so many houses, she could be an outstandingdy with looks, money, and background.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation did not alleviate Xu Shengnan¡¯s concern. Instead, it aggravated them further. ¡°Where did your mastere from? Is the other party a male or female? How old are they?¡±

    As Xu Shengnan listened, her thoughts went astray.

    This person even had an unupied house in the capital. He must be the wealthier of the wealthy ones.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. ¡°Vice President Xu, you are overthinking. If you see my master in the future, don¡¯t say this kind of thing. My master is very old and he has be pettier.¡± Master was master. Could Vice President Xu be mixing up master with ¡®sugar daddy¡¯?

    Xu Shengnanughed in embarrassment. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m just afraid that you are too young. You have to remember. Society is veryplex. You don¡¯t have such thoughts but that doesn¡¯t mean that others don¡¯t. Does your fianc¨¦ know that you are staying in the house of your master?¡±

    Master?

    He had let someone who was unrted by blood stay in his unupied house. Damn, he was better than a biological father.

    Qiao Nan refuted Xu Shengnan. ¡°My master is quite capable. There are many people who wish to acknowledge him as their master. As you can imagine, my master is quite ssy.¡±

 Chapter 992 - You Can Join the Party

    992 You Can Join the Party

    ¡°Without my fianc¨¦, how would a small fly like me get to know that kind of ssy character like my master?¡±

    Brother Zhai was aware. Without Brother Zhai, how could she possibly have a master?

    ¡°Oh... I feel more assured then.¡± Xu Shengnan heaved a sigh of relief. She was afraid that her junior was too young and did not know that people nowadays were not as honest as they used to be. She was fearful that she would be cheated by others.

    Although Xu Shengnan was aware that the kept woman scandal previously waspletely untrue, she had to take precautions for some matters.

    She could tell that Qiao Nan, her junior, was a very abiding person who was not very ambitious.

    Clearly, her junior could take the opportunity of this event to gather power in the club. The problem was that the party concernedpletely did not harbor such a wish or intention.

    If she had not forced Qiao Nan to work and pull her along to familiarize herself with various events and its contents, Qiao Nan would have been happier to stay by the side and ck.

    This was such a simple and unambitious person. Xu Shengnan felt that it was unnecessary for Qiao Nan toe into contact with high-status individuals. She could lead a simple and honest life on her own. Someone who was easily contented would definitely be much happier than the average person.

    At the thought of this, Xu Shengnan felt very sullen. Was she treating Qiao Nan as her own daughter? She was worried about so many things and even wanted to help her take precautions.

    ¡°Sure, quickly go home. See you at school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Goodbye, everyone.¡± Qiao Nan sensibly waved goodbye to everyone. She then walked toward her own home, leaving behind a group of seniors who were stunned.

    At that moment, someone said softly, ¡°Is there any more of such masters around? I don¡¯t need a dozen. Give me half a dozen. That will do.¡±

    Xu Shengnan turned back and rolled her eyes. ¡°You are thinking too much. It¡¯s faster if you dream of such matters.¡± Damn, it had gone haywire. Initially, she wanted to ask Qiao Nan the name of the English song that thetter sang on stage today and who was the original singer.

    Forget it. She could ask about it tomorrow.

    After Qiao Nan arrived home, she quickly did abat bath.

    She had been forced up the stage to perform today. As there was not enough time, sadly, Xu Shengnan had forced some makeup on Qiao Nan before she went on stage.

    This was because one¡¯s features, without makeup, would look unttering under the strong spotlights.

    Qiao Nan had been arranged to perform at thest minute. Xu Shengnan did not have any expectations on the quality of the performance. However, Xu Shengnan also said that they would do their best on the things within their control. They would not ck and would do everything to the best of their ability.

    Qiao Nan, who had not done any makeup in two lifetimes, had her first makeup done in such a chaotic manner. She did not feel that it was a beautiful experience.

    As such, Qiao Nan, who was not used to having so many things applied on her face, had been tolerating for a long time. When the show ended, she had already dabbed the tissue paper with water and continuously rubbed the makeup off her face. However, she still did not feelfortable.

    Qiao Nan could not care if it would hurt her skin. She simply used the sulfur soap to wash her face.

    It was only when she confirmed that her face felt fresh andfortable that she felt more at ease.

    After she finished bathing and washing her face, her skin felt dry. She took out a big bottle of moisturizer. She did not mind the trouble as she started applying the cream, starting from her face to her legs.

    After finishing all these, Qiao Nan yawned andy on the bed. She fell asleep soundly thereafter.

    The next day, when Qiao Nan was carrying her schoolbag and running to her ssroom, she felt some schoolmates whom she did not know smiling at her from time to time. The smiles made Qiao Nan have goose bumps all over.

    The good thing was that Qiao Nan was quite big-hearted. Since people were willing to look at her, she would let them do so. She would not lose a piece of flesh anyway. It would not affect her much.

    Putting aside this matter, Qiao Nan followed her usual routine and returned to her previous life. She continued to focus on three areas.

    Initially, after the event of the new English club had ended, Qiao Nan simply cast this matter aside and ignored it. However, very soon, Qiao Nan began to understand that after she became the secretary of the new English club, she benefited more than she could imagine. It was not as if she could wash her hands off everything after the event had ended and after she had done her part.

    ¡°The club has given me this ce?¡± When she received the news, Qiao Nan was quite surprised. She had thought that she would be eligible for this only when she was in her second year and had made some achievements.

    As a student, Qiao Nan was very clear about a certain process. One would join themunist youth league in junior high school and the party in college.

    When she was in junior high school, Qiao Nan¡¯s results were good and she was also a ssmittee member. As such, she was the first batch of students to join the league. However, when she attended Peking University that was filled with talents, Qiao Nan did not think much about this. She intended to do well for a couple of semesters before she would look for a chance to join the party.

    Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan was given the opportunity when she was in her first year of college studies.

    ¡°Right, it has been given to you.¡± Xu Shengnan smiled. ¡°Of course, it is also your luck. It is a situation of reciprocity and mutual benefit. We have very few club members. If we did not secure sponsorships and receive the school¡¯s approval to take in a group of new members, you would be the only new member in the club. Also, everyone can see your contribution to this round of events. In addition, the other members just joined us. As such, you can say that I am giving this ce to you. You can also say that no one is qualified topete with you for this ce.¡±

    ¡°Woo...¡± Qiao Nan was overjoyed. Her efforts were not wasted. She had been associated with this good matter.

    To Qiao Nan, who preferred soldier attire to feminine one, besides her liking for soldiers, she was also passionate about joining the party.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan did not graduate from high school. She was only a league member until her death. She did not even have a chance to be a party member.

    The other passion that she had in her two lifetimes had been gifted to her at no cost by Xu Shengnan today, so how could Qiao Nan not feel ted? ¡°When are the sses starting?¡± This was only the first year of her college studies and she could already join the ss. She would then write to apply to join the party thereafter.

    Hahaha, perhaps she could be a party member before she graduated.

    ¡°There is no hurry in this. If there are really sses starting, the school will notify everyone together. You just have to keep a lookout during normal times.¡± Qiao Nan was not affected by many things. Even at the major event yesterday, Qiao Nan was so nonchnt that she did not even have the self-awareness of a famous personality in the school. At the sight of Qiao Nan being so emotional and ted, Xu Shengnan felt that it was hard toe by. ¡°You¡¯re so happy? You really wish to join the party?¡±

    ¡°Happy!¡± Qiao Nan nodded with might. ¡°I wish to join the party very much!¡±

    Xu Shengnan felt that this was getting interesting. ¡°Why do you wish to join the party?¡±

    She was aware that people from the 1950s and 1960s wished to join the party very much. They especially respected Chairman Mao. However, people of Qiao Nan¡¯s age were not so enthusiastic about joining the party. This was rare.

    ¡°When my dad was young, he was a soldier. My grandpa carried guns and went to the battlefield to fight with the Japanese before.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were shimmering brightly. Although she had never seen her own grandfather before, her father would often carry her and tell her stories of her grandfather when thetter was alive.

 Chapter 993 - Flesh Only Grew on One Area

    993 Flesh Only Grew on One Area

    She heard that her grandfather told the stories to her father, and her father told her.

    Of course, as Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter, Qiao Zijin also heard about the stories that Qiao Nan had heard of.

    The difference was that Qiao Nan had listened to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words and took them to heart. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin¡¯s character resembled more of that of Ding Jiayi. She was very realistic.

    Xu Shengnan was very shocked. ¡°The situation of your family... can it be considered having a very long history?¡± Her grandfather had fought with the Japanese before. He could be considered one of the heroes of the war then. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you considered as the offspring of veteran revolutionaries? Actually, you are a rich and wealthy woman with a good family background, right?¡±

    ¡°Vice President Xu, you have been thinking too much. It¡¯s not thatplicated. There are a lot of people from my grandfather¡¯s generation who had been to the battlefield and fought with the Japanese.¡±

    Offspring of veteran revolutionaries?

    She was considered as one.

    However, there were also differences among the offspring of veteran revolutionaries.

    In her previous life, she was the offspring of veteran revolutionaries, and so was Brother Zhai. Hence, they lived in the same quad. She then had the opportunity to be Brother Zhai¡¯s neighbor.

    However, the rtionship between the offspring of veteran revolutionaries was only as such.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan would think back. If she had not been cornered to her edge, escaped from her house, coincidentally bumped into Zhai Sheng whereby he brought her home and fed her some fever medicine that day, would she and Zhai Sheng be like her previous life? In her previous life, when she was almost forty years old, she barely heard of Zhai Sheng¡¯s news. Naturally, they did not even see each other.

    At the thought of this, unknowingly, Qiao Nan felt guilty in her heart.

    Given Brother Zhai¡¯s status and family background, it was impossible for him to be like her, unmarried when he was already old and still childless.

    In this lifetime, she made a sudden appearance. She was not only engaged with Brother Zhai but also going to collect their marriage certificate next year. Would she have snatched away the happy life that originally belonged to another woman?

    If Brother Zhai actually loved that woman more than her, the only thing was that that woman had not appeared.

    When that woman appeared but she and Brother Zhai were already married, would Brother Zhai feel that that woman was whom he truly loved? Would she then be his responsibility?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached and she felt jealous at the thought of it.

    She certainly believed that Zhai Sheng would not be like other scum, who would dump their wife and children and focus on chasing romance, when they discovered after getting married that their soulmate was, in fact, someone else and not their wife.

    The problem was that when that woman really appeared, would she be able to ept a man that did not love her and whose heart was not with her anymore?

    Qiao Nan was never a hard-hearted woman. On the contrary, she had a very soft heart. It was not any harder than a ball of flour.

    At the thought that her current happiness was the result of her possibly taking away an innocent woman¡¯s happiness, she did not feel at ease no matter how she thought about it.

    If she had known that such a day woulde, she should have been more concerned about the rest of the people of her age in the quad in her previous life.

    In that case, she would be able to know whom Brother Zhai had married in her previous life and whether the couple¡¯s marriage life was happy, blissful.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you thinking about? I have been talking to you for so long but you don¡¯t have any reaction.¡± Xu Shengnan gave Qiao Nan a push. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to look well. Are you feeling unwell?¡±

    Just a while ago, Qiao Nan was overjoyed when she told her that she could join the party. Why was it that in the blink of an eye, that pinkish face of Qiao Nan had immediately turned as white as a sheet?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Perhaps I have been too busy. I have a weak body constitution since I was a child. I have been malnourished before when I was young. I only started to nourish my health in the recent few years. Recently, my life has been very dynamic. I¡¯ve not experienced this before. I am probably a little not used to it.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not lying. She had been standing on one¡¯s heels because of the club events.

    Besides Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan was the other one who had been the busiest in the club.

    Xu Shengnan had two years of experience but Qiao Nan was aplete newbie.

    ¡°Your health was so poor when you were young? No wonder you¡¯re so skinny. I really suspect if the typhoon will simply blow you away one day.¡± Xu Shengnan had a look of concern on her face.

    As women, one would hope that they could be slimmer. The problem was that Qiao Nan was a little too thin. ¡°Do you only have bones and no meat on your body?¡±

    Qiao Nan pped away the hands that Xu Shengnan ced on her body and even started to move toward her breast. ¡°Vice President Xu, you don¡¯t have to worry. No matter whether I have more meat or bones, it¡¯s fine as long as the one in my family likes it.¡±

    After saying that, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red.

    It was Brother Zhai¡¯s fault for leading her astray previously. Now, she actually said something like that in front of Vice President Xu.

    Xu Shengnan was first stunned, and then sheughed out loud. ¡°Right, right, right. Whether you have more bones or meat on your body, I¡¯m not the one hugging you to sleep in the future. It¡¯ll be fine as long as the one in your family likes it. Judging from your reaction, he seems to be quite satisfied with your figure. That¡¯s right. Both of you are already engaged. Junior, would you mind telling your senior whether the two of you have done the evilest thing? Is my junior not pure anymore?¡±

    Xu Shengnan was not blind. Qiao Nan¡¯s face was very attractive. Not to mention a man, she also liked it when she saw it.

    As for Qiao Nan¡¯s figure, her arms and legs were thin but they were proportionate and slender.

    Besides her limbs, Xu Shengnan could not see anywhere else. Nevertheless, the curvaceous figure before Qiao Nan¡¯s chest could not lie. ¡°Qiao Nan, I really want to ask you. What did you eat when you grow up? Clearly, your arms and legs are so slim that women are jealous, envious, and hateful of you. Why is there so much meat on the two lumps in front of your chest? It should be C cup or above, no?¡±

    Damn, that partner of Qiao Nan would be so fortunate in the future.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Vice President Xu, although yours is A cup, I won¡¯t look down on you.¡±

    Qiao Nan also did not know how she grew to be like that.

    Clearly, when she was in junior high school, she was very skinny and shriveled. There was not much difference between her front and back.

    However, after she attended senior high school, she had been eating and drinking well. She was also in a good mood. She not only grew in height, but the two lumps on her breast became increasingly heavier as well.

    When she was in high school, Tang Mengran often teased Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, we have been eating, drinking, and sleeping together every day. You eat quite a lot. Why don¡¯t I see flesh growing on other parts of your body? Why did all the flesh go to this part?¡±

    The body part that Tang Mengran was referring to was Qiao Nan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Ugh...¡± Xu Shengnan felt like vomiting blood. As a senior, she was t-chested. ¡°Your words deeply pierced my lungs. I won¡¯t bother with you anymore.¡±

    After leaving behind these words, Xu Shengnan ran off, lest Qiao Nan say something else that would drive her to her grave.

 Chapter 994 - Not Owing It to Anyone

    994 Not Owing It to Anyone

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± At the sight of Xu Shengnan fleeing, Qiao Nan was pleased and smiling. Everyone had a time whereby they went rogue. As long as she was more rogue than the other party, she would not be the one running away.

    Of course, most of the time, this method would only work well on the members of the same gender. If you were to use it on the opposite gender, you would be ying with fire.

    After settling the paperwork, Qiao Nan¡¯s excited mood did not subside immediately.

    Vice President Xu had mentioned that the first ss for joining the party was most likely going to start soon!

    Qiao Nan pinched her thigh with all her might. It was so painful that she continuously gasped for cold air thereafter. ¡°I¡¯m really the first of my cohort to be a party member?¡±

    After confirming that it was real and not a dream, looking up at the sky, Qiao Nanughed loudly three times.

    After she let out the steam, Qiao Nan tidied up her slightly messy hair. She even straightened her shirt and held her head up and chest high before heading to the library.

    After Qiao Nan left, Feng Meng walked out from behind a big tree with a bizarre expression. He was staring straight at the back of Qiao Nan, who was leaving.

    At the thought of what he just saw, the look in Feng Meng¡¯s eyes kept changing.

    Although he had not interacted much with Qiao Nan, thatical, ridiculous, and slightly moronic behavior surprised him. Nevertheless, he felt that it was very... refreshing and special.

    Each time the Feng family requested Shi Qing to invite Qiao Nan to the house of the Feng family, Qiao Nan never appeared. She declined the invitations tly.

    Every time he thought of this behavior of Qiao Nan, Feng Meng had always believed that Qiao Nan would have a very haughty and snobbish image.

    In Feng Meng¡¯s social circle, he had seen many rich men¡¯s daughters with such character. To Feng Meng, this sort was the most annoying.

    He was very clear that they were not truly high and mighty. They deliberately raised their own worth as they felt that the people that they came into contact with could not give them what they wanted at all.

    However, if they were to meet someone that had what they wanted, no matter how haughty they were, they would be gentle and amodating little women who would restrain their tempers.

    This kind of high and mighty behavior was not only pretentious but also disgusting.

    Feng Meng had seen too many of such pretentious women.

    Feng Meng had never met or interacted with a woman like Qiao Nan, who cared little about her own image. She was so ¡®genuine¡¯ that she was a little ¡®ugly¡¯.

    As he thought about his observation of Qiao Nan from the past few days and also other people¡¯s opinions of Qiao Nan, the look in Feng Meng¡¯s eyes as he nced in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction became very strange andplex.

    So as to speak, Qiao Nan¡¯s bad, cold, and aloof temper was purely targeted at the Feng family.

    In front of other ordinary people, Qiao Nan was, in fact, an ordinary youngdy who was very easy-going albeit rather chatty.

    What was the reason?

    Feng Meng could not figure this out. Qiao Nan was considered quite easy-going when she was with others. Why did her attitude be so stubborn when it came to the Feng family? There was no room for negotiations at all.

    Could it be that Qiao Nan¡¯s disregard of other people¡¯s faces was specially used to deal with and boycott the Feng family?

    After a long time, Feng Meng, who ced great importance on both business and interests, still could not figure out why Qiao Nan was so friendly to these students who would not be of any help to her future. On the other hand, she treated the Feng family so coldly. What would Qiao Nan gain from doing this?

    What was Qiao Nan¡¯s reason for doing such a ridiculous thing?

    This was the first time that Feng Meng, whose brains were currently in knots, discovered that understanding a woman¡¯s thoughts was more difficult than negotiating for a major business project and earning a big sum of money.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Feng Meng¡¯s cell phone rang and he picked it up.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Uncle.¡±

    ¡°Yes. How¡¯s your interaction with Qiao Nan? Do you know where Qing Qing is?¡± Feng Liang was looking impatiently at the files in front of him. He was pulling an extremely long face.

    The Zhai family of three had left but the impact that they had brought did notpletely disappear.

    Feng Liang, who had already received the Zhai family¡¯s warning, was in a very bad mood. The Zhai family was really so protective of their calf.

    The Feng family had not even done anything to Qiao Nan, yet the Zhai family was so domineering. They were settling scores with them without giving any reason.

    If the Zhai family were to do that openly, Feng Liang still had a chance to resolve the trouble that the Zhai family caused to him. Unfortunately, Zhai Sheng was very subtle in this.

    Feng Liang, who could not avoid the problem, could only find ways to minimize the harm and losses.

    The Feng family had beenpletely stuck in the problem that Zhai Sheng had created for them. When they finally had the time and mood to think of other things, Feng Cheng could no longer reach Shi Qing when she wanted to do so.

    When Shi Qing finally picked up the phone call, without further ado, Shi Qing¡¯s opening speech was, ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t need to keep calling the small courtyard of Elder Lin anymore. I am no longer staying there.¡±

    ¡°Where are you staying then? Qiao Nan actually chased you out!¡± Feng Cheng raised her voice. That annoying tone seemed as if she could not wait to look for Qiao Nan and fight with her so that she could help her daughter deal with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°How is that possible? Qiao Nan is very good to me. Why would she chase me away?¡±

    ¡°Then, why are you no longer staying at the small courtyard of Elder Lin? Regardless of whether Qiao Nan chased you away, you should stay put in the house with ease. That is the small courtyard of Elder Lin. It doesn¡¯t belong to Qiao Nan alone. If you can no longer stay there, why don¡¯t youe back and stay here?¡±

    She did not believe that Qing Qing would move out of the Elder Lin¡¯s courtyard if she did not have any conflict with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t you amusing? That is Elder Lin¡¯s small courtyard, not mine. On what basis should I stay there with ease? Not to mention that right from the beginning, Elder Lin only wanted to lend the small courtyard to Qiao Nan, his little disciple. It¡¯s all thanks to Qiao Nan that I could stay there.¡± Her mother had been taking it for granted.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to rely on her. Come back and stay at the house of the Feng family. It¡¯s not as if our house doesn¡¯t have a car or chauffeur. Next time, I can get our family chauffeur to send you to and from school every day.¡± It was fine if Qing Qing did not stay there. It was just a small courtyard. She did not care. ¡°Qing Qing, listen to Mom. Quickly move back home. That small courtyard of Elder Lin is located near Peking University but our family has a chauffeur. It is not an issue if our house is located further. If you are afraid that you need to wake up early, you can sleep in the car after you board it when the chauffeur is driving. You will be able to make up for some sleep.¡±

    Feng Cheng knew a little about that small courtyard of Elder Lin.

    Before Elder Lin had retiredpletely, he had once been engaged by Peking University. He had been the university¡¯s lecturer for a few years.

    As such, many disciples of Elder Lin graduated from Peking University.

    Regarding that house, instead of saying that the country had given it to Elder Lin, it should be said that Peking University had also contributed much.

    In order to make it convenient for Elder Lin to teach at Peking University from time to time, the location of the house was certainly very close to Peking University. It was most suitable for students such as Qiao Nan and Shi Qing.

    The Feng family always felt that they had some status in the capital. However, they did not have the capability to get a house located in that area, such as the small courtyard of the Lin family.

    Naturally, neither the Feng family nor the Zhai family had such a house. Only this master of Qiao Nan did.

 Chapter 995 - Resolve Oneâ€™s Own Family Matters

    995 Resolve One¡¯s Own Family Matters

    ¡°Qing Qing, listen to me.¡± Feng Cheng was well aware of this. That was why she felt even more annoyed with Qiao Nan.

    It was no wonder that Qiao Nan dared to fight with Qing Qing for man. She had such a formidable master.

    She was young but she had a lot of means. She not only seduced a young one but also made Elder Lin acknowledge her as hisst disciple. No matter how Feng Cheng thought about it, she felt that Qiao Nan, this youngdy, was too scary.

    Her own daughter was so pure and simple. If she were to mix around with such a scheming woman, she would certainly suffer badly.

    Earlier on, Feng Cheng had been persuading Shi Qing to move out and return to the house of the Feng family to stay.

    The small courtyard of the Lin family was lent to Qiao Nan by Elder Lin. If Shi Qing went over to stay, she would certainly not feel as carefree as staying at the house of the Feng family.

    At that time, Shi Qing refused to agree.

    Today, when Feng Cheng heard that her daughter had moved out of the small courtyard of the Lin family, Feng Cheng spoke about this matter again as the idea surfaced once more.

    ¡°Mom, if I really stay at the house of the Feng family, let alone having a car send me, I will bete every day unless I board a ne!¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Mom, I have moved out of the small courtyard of the Lin family. Moreover, I am no longer a student of Peking University. I have changed my school.¡±

    ¡°Changed your school? Which school do you attend now?!¡± Feng Cheng was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re such a stubborn child. You are so daring. Why didn¡¯t you mention changing school to me before? Does your dad know? Which school do you attend exactly?! Do you know how good Peking University is? Why are you so foolish to change school? If you change your school at this point in time, no matter how good your results are, will you still be able to go to a better school? Silly child!¡±

    Feng Cheng was enraged. ¡°Tell Mom. Who was the one who gave you thisme idea? If no one had been talking to you, you wouldn¡¯t have done such a foolish thing. Tell me, did Qiao Nan teach you to do this?¡±

    After being bombarded by Feng Cheng, Shi Qing moved the phone further away from her. When she heard that the noise in the phone receiver was not so loud anymore, she then ced it back on her ears. ¡°Mom, you are overthinking. This matter did not have anything to do with Qiao Nan. I¡¯m not a three-year-old child who will listen to anything that other people tell me. As to where I am studying, I won¡¯t tell you now. I have just arrived at the school and have to settle the paperwork. Don¡¯t worry about Dad. I can settle that on my own. Mom, you have been asking me where I am studying now. I would like you to guess. Where am I studying?¡±

    Would her mother understand and know her well? Did she know that she had always dreamed about being a soldier all this while?

    ¡°This wretched child. How will I know?!¡± Without thinking, Feng Cheng declined to answer. ¡°I don¡¯t care which school you attend now. If I had long known that you had such thoughts, would I have let you run away?!¡±

    Peking University was one of the top schools in China. Unless Qing Qing switched to Tsinghua University, she would be shortchanged regardless of which school she went to.

    She still imed that she was not a three-year-old child. She was truly a silly child!

    After being reprimanded by Feng Cheng over the phone, Shi Qing sighed in disappointment. ¡°Mom, I have already grown up. I¡¯m an adult now. You should trust me. Alright, I just wanted to inform you about my whereabouts. This is in case you call the small courtyard of the Lin family and discover that I am not around. You would then misunderstand that Qiao Nan had sold me out. Besides, I have just arrived at my new school. My studies load is heavier. After I make the call today, I most likely won¡¯t be able to contact you for a long time. Mom, please don¡¯t worry about me. I am not missing.¡±

    After finishing her words, Shi Qing hung up the phone before Feng Cheng could say anything else.

    Due to this notification phone call of Shi Qing with neither head nor tail, Feng Cheng and the Feng family felt especially nervous.

    Why was Shi Qing no longer studying at Peking University without an apparent reason?

    To be honest, the changing of school was not something that was extremely grave.

    Furthermore, even if it was a very serious matter, Shi Qing had already changed to another school. The Feng family could not change this even if they wanted to do so.

    However, what Feng Cheng was most concerned about was that aside from Shi Qing not studying at Peking University and changing school, she also said that she would be busy with studies and would not able to contact Feng Cheng for a long time. This made Feng Cheng feel especially worried.

    Because of this phone call, Feng Cheng did not feel more at ease. Instead, she became more worried. She was worried that her own foolish daughter would be cheated or betrayed by others.

    Shi Qing had used a public phone to contact Feng Cheng. Even if Feng Cheng dialed back the number, Shi Qing would not be the one picking up the call. Hence, she could not rely on this phone number to find Shi Qing.

    In short, if Shi Qing did not contact Feng Cheng, Feng Chengpletely did not have a way to find her daughter.

    This was her only biological daughter. Regardless of how strong-tempered and muddleheaded she was, Feng Cheng cared very much about her. She was also very anxious about her.

    Left with no alternative, Feng Cheng could only request the Feng family to spend more time and effort to find Shi Qing¡¯s whereabouts quickly and confirm whether Shi Qing was really safe.

    Shi Qing left so suddenly. She did not even notify the Feng family. Although the Feng family wanted to look for Shi Qing, they did not have an avenue to do so.

    The Feng family was thuspelled to set their eyes on Qiao Nan again.

    If that was not the case, Feng Meng would not have left his bigpany and major contract to his biological father and came to Peking University to keep a watch on Qiao Nan.

    The Feng family was not clear about Shi Qing¡¯s whereabouts but he did not believe that Qiao Nan did not know.

    As long as Qiao Nan contacted or met Shi Qing, they would eventually be able to find Shi Qing if Feng Meng or the Feng family was able to tail Qiao Nan closely.

    After observing Qiao Nan for two to three days, Feng Meng did not find out any news of Shi Qing from Qiao Nan. On the contrary, he had seen a Qiao Nan who waspletely different from his impression¡ªor rather, his perceived impression of her.

    The quiet Qiao Nan seemed to be themon weed seen by the roadside, which did not have any sense of presence. Nevertheless, once she performed, she was like the most inconspicuous weed that quietly bloomed into a beautiful, small, and pure white flower. She even exuded a faint and alluring fragrance that was refreshing to one¡¯s mind.

    Feng Meng observed that he had be a little strange upon this discovery.

    At the very least, when he saw Qiao Nan now, his despise and revulsion to her was obviously not as strong as before.

    At this moment, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was not important. The most important matters were which Shi Qing had transferred to and whether she was safe.

    ¡°Uncle, I still think that auntie should give a call to uncle-inw. Qing Qing refused to tell auntie which school she attends. I feel that uncle-inw would know.¡±

    Qing Qing was not an extremely stubborn child. Although she had done something so willful, she must have her reasons for doing so.

    ¡°Uncle, it has been such a long time. What are Qing Qing¡¯s hobbies? When she was a child, did she ever mention her ambitions? Auntie really can¡¯t recall that?¡± Both Qing Qing¡¯s grades and family background were good.

    Regardless of Qing Qing¡¯s childhood dream, Qing Qing could choose a university that was aligned with her dream and progress from there.

 Chapter 996 - Under Huge Pressure

    996 Under Huge Pressure

    As long as they could rify this, he believed that they could definitely find out which school Qing Qing had been transferred to.

    Feng Liang was so furious that he smashed the teacup. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about your auntie anymore. She has been spoiled by the maternal family. After her marriage, she has also been spoiled by your uncle-inw.¡±

    All this while, Feng Liang was aware of why Old Master Feng raised up Feng Cheng to be so naive. It was nheless because Feng Cheng would be akin to spilled water after she was married. He did not want Feng Cheng to spare too much thought for her husband¡¯s family and then prod all the benefits to the Shi family.

    If Feng Cheng was not that clear-minded to focus on her immediate family, she would definitely take care of the Feng family, which was her maternal family.

    Feng Liang felt angriest about one matter. Twenty years had passed. Given Shi Peng¡¯s intelligence, he must have seen through this arrangement and intention of the Feng family.

    As a husband, he had not caused any change in his wife¡¯s temperament during the past twenty years. What was Shi Peng thinking? Only Shi Peng would know.

    Feng Liang was furious because the Feng family had raised Feng Cheng to be like that. After she was married into the Shi family, Shi Peng did not change her character at all. As a result, despite the fact that she could almost be a grandmother soon, Feng Cheng¡¯s character and intellect remained exactly the same as when she was ady in her maternal home. She was of no help to the Shi family. Simrly, she was unable to help the Feng family either. Feng Liang was very upset and worried about this.

    At this point in time, if Feng Cheng was able to help even a little, Feng Liang would not have felt so depressed and angry.

    During the National Day central authorities meeting this year, although Shi Peng did note to the capital to participate, the chairman mentioned and praised him during the meeting.

    Judging from this situation, Feng Liang knew that Shi Peng could definitely rise in the ranks.

    Many years ago, Shi Peng had done very well in the army. He was even the strongest opponent of Zhai Yaohui at the time when thetter was promoted to chief.

    Unexpectedly, Shi Peng¡¯s performance would still be so eye-catching and outstanding after he left the army and fully took on a political role.

    The Feng family definitely did not find a wrong uncle-inw.

    The problem was how could the Feng family make Shi Peng, this uncle-inw, side with and help them more?

    ¡°Are we going to ask auntie now so that she can check with uncle-inw? I feel that Qing Qing is quite close with uncle-inw. Although auntie doesn¡¯t know, it doesn¡¯t mean that uncle-inw doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Feng Meng felt that his family¡¯s actions were too strange. Clearly, this was a family matter. Why did he have to tail Qiao Nan and observe her in order to find out Shi Qing¡¯s whereabouts?

    The sequence had been reversed, hadn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Fine.¡± Feng Liang could not help but admit that Feng Meng¡¯s words made sense. ¡°I have also been muddled by your auntie to have made such a huge mistake.¡±

    They were the initiators of this. They told Feng Cheng that Qiao Nan might be a very scheming youngdy and Qing Qing waspletely not Qiao Nan¡¯s match.

    It was true that they had spoken about this too much. They caused Feng Cheng to believe them. Even they, themselves, had forgotten that they actually had not interacted much with Qiao Nan. As such, they were not certain whether Qiao Nan was really so evil.

    As Feng Cheng was muddled by the Feng family, her most immediate reaction when her daughter went missing was to me it on Qiao Nan, thinking that Qiao Nan must have been the one who had hidden her daughter and wanted to harm her.

    ¡°Uncle, since that is the case, I shall return to the office directly. There are more projects that are under discussion recently. My dad will not be able to cope alone.¡±

    ¡°Fine, go back then.¡± If Feng Liang wished to progress further, he still had to rely on his second brother to give him financial support.

    Qiao Nan gradually calmed down from the excitement of being the first one of her cohort to join the party. She was oblivious to what had happened. She also did not know that Feng Meng¡¯s impression of her was quietly changing.

    She only knew that this opportunity was hard toe by. Now, step by step and bit by bit, she had the chance to fulfill the wish of her previous life. At this time, what she needed to do most was to study well and use actions to prove her capability.

    Qiao Nan took out the textbooks for the college entrance examination and studied continuously. She had been immersed in the library every day. Besides being missing in action during weekends and participating in some club activities from Monday to Friday, Qiao Nan was attending sses, in the library, or on the way to the library.

    To those who knew her, Qiao Nan¡¯s motivation to learn was extremely pressurizing.

    ¡°Damn, Qiao Nan is already a famous personality in the school. Look at the way she studies. I feel so ashamed for cking.¡±

    ¡°Where is the promised happy college life?¡±

    ¡°I attended a social event yesterday. I feel so guilty.¡±

    ¡°I went clubbing yesterday. I feel so guilty.¡±

    ¡°I had lots of fun. Now, I¡¯m so guilty. I totally agree.¡±

    In the school, a good student that abided by the rules was always the teachers¡¯ favorite.

    Most importantly, after the kept woman scandal, the teachers did not know who Qiao Nan was but the principal did!

    At the thought that Chief Zhai¡¯s future daughter-inw was currently a student of his school, the principal of Peking University felt quite stressed as well.

    It was not that he wanted to provide Qiao Nan with special treatment to curry favor with the Zhai family and Chief Zhai.

    If the principal of Peking University really did that, Qiao Nan would have long be the ssmittee member, student union member, or been nominated by the ss to join the party.

    The principal did not do any of these things.

    There were so many teachers and students in Peking University. The principal really could not say for sure that no problems existed in the school, that everyone had a good character, proper outlook, and value in life and morals and was honest and fair in managing matters.

    The kept woman scandal involving Qiao Nan was untrue. It was a misunderstanding. However, no one could guarantee that this kind of problempletely did not exist in Peking University.

    It was probable that Qiao Nan might see one or two more of such scandals urring again in the school.

    If Qiao Nan told Chief Zhai about this, how would Chief Zhai view Peking University in the future?

    Qiao Nan was supposed to be a student of the school. However, in the eyes of the principal, she was akin to a prosecutor. He was under great pressure.

    He could only me it on the fact that Zhai Yaohui was a very formidable figure. However, he was not based in the capital. If anything were to happen, the principal could not contact him to clear the misunderstanding even if he wanted to. It would be very difficult to do so.

    The principal of Peking University had considered this matter for a long time. No matter what, he would not bestow special care or favor to Qiao Nan. He disliked this kind of behavior.

    Naturally, the school would treat every student fairly and give them equal opportunities. Qiao Nan would thus have to depend on her own capability.

    Nevertheless, aside from this, the principal felt that it was not a serious problem to request the teachers to pay more attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s studies.

    Qiao Nan had thus received care from the top figures. True enough, the few teachers and professors who were teaching Qiao Nan paid a little more attention and care to her.

 Chapter 997 - Something Terrible Had Happened

    997 Something Terrible Had Happened

    Take for instance the probability of calling a different person each time to answer a question in a big ss like this was quite high.

    Under such circumstances, the probability of calling upon Qiao Nan to answer the question was as high as fifty percent.

    Actually, everyone wanted to avoid being called upon to answer questions. But the interesting thing was, whenever Qiao Nan was called by the professors, she would get the question correct and the professors were very satisfied with her answers.

    Many professors felt that Qiao Nan was a good student who was very serious in sses and paid attention to the lessons. They thought that the reason why the principal thought highly of her and wanted the professors to pay more attention to her studies was that she was smart and studious.

    They never managed to clear up the misunderstanding.

    School had started for half a semester. Qiao Nan was the student that all the teachers wanted to call to answer questions. Other students also regarded her as a good ssmate.

    After all, as long as Qiao Nan was around, there was a higher probability that she would be called to answer a question aspared to other students.

    It was hard to find such a good ssmate in China.

    Qiao Nan never thought of bing a famous star on campus. However, without her knowing, she had be fairly well-known in Peking University.

    Qiao Nan could not help but sneeze. It was December. Qiao Nan caught a slight cold because of the drizzle yesterday. Her voice had turned hoarse.

    Seeing that she had yet to recover from her cold, Qiao Nan gulped down lots of water so as to recover quickly.

    Qiao Nan nced at the box in the living room that was full of letters. She could not help but sigh. ¡°Wei De is really determined.¡±

    Since the start of the summer break until now, Wei De had not given up sending letters to Zhai Hua in the past half a year.

    Sister Zhai Hua never met up with Wei De, talked to him, or contacted him during the past six months.

    Despite being ignored by Zhai Hua, Wei De still persisted in writing her letters and sending photos to her for half a year. As a woman, Qiao Nan had to admit that Wei De was not totally without any positive traits.

    Could it be that her sixth sense was wrong and Wei De was serious about Sister Zhai Hua?

    It was such a pity that despite having true feelings for Sister Zhai Hua, Wei De had other hidden agendas as well.

    Qiao Nan was in a difficult position as to what to do with the box of letters.

    In his letters to Sister Zhai Hua, Wei De only talked about three topics: him missing Zhai Hua, Wei Wei being very adorable and sensible, and when Zhai Hua intended to go back and contact him, implying that he would never give up on her.

    These were the only three topics that he talked about in his letters. Even though Qiao Nan was careful and sensitive, she was not able to spot any ws in his letters.

    The letters were written by Wei De to Zhai Hua. It could fill up an entire box. It was inconvenient for Qiao Nan to keep them. She wondered if she should call Zhai Hua to ask her what she intended to do with the letters.

    Unfortunately, it was notmon to send things through courier these days. Otherwise, she could send the letters to Zhai Hua by courier.

    While Qiao Nan was pondering about the letters, the phone at her house rang. ¡°Hello, I am Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua!¡± Speak of the devil. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua...¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, burn all those letters and photos for me and throw them away!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Sister Zhai Hua broached the topic of the letters before she had a chance to talk about it.

    There was something odd about Zhai Hua¡¯s tone. Qiao Nan asked lightly, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I feel like killing someone!¡± The voice from the other side of the phone was ominous and stifling. It made her very ufortable.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, stop scaring me. This is awful society. If you kill someone, you have to pay a life for a life. It¡¯s not worth it. You must remember that your own life is more important than anyone else¡¯s life. What is wrong? Do you want to talk about it?¡±

    She had known Zhai Hua for a very long time. Regardless of whether she was happy or angry, she had never spoken of killing someone in that tone of hers. Qiao Nan knew that she was serious about it and she had the intention of doing it.

    Since she knew her well, she was particrly worried and scared.

    Something terrible must have happened to Sister Zhai Hua for her to have such radical thoughts.

    Zhai Hua was ovee by rage and had lost her senses. She broke into tears at Qiao Nan¡¯s gentle words offort.

    Thereafter, she burst into loud sobs.

    Even though she was on the other end of the phone, Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua must be heartbroken and had given up all hopes.

    For a moment, Qiao Nan opened her mouth but no words came out. She held the phone to her ear and listened to Zhai Hua¡¯s heart-wrenching sobs on the other end of the phone.

    ¡°I... I am so stupid. He lied to me. I hate him to the core. I want him dead!¡± Since a young age, nobody dared to deceive her or bully her.

    She always thought that Wei De could give her the love that she could not get from her family. She thought that in this world, he was the one person most suited for her, that he treated her best.

    But it turned out that she was wrong. She was terribly wrong.

    Everyone could tell the truth except for her.

    Qiao Nan was worried sick. ¡°Did the entire information end up with you?!¡±

    Qiao Nan remembered that she asked Zhai Sheng to get someone to investigate Wei De three months ago.

    A season had passed, but this matter had to be taken slowly. Qiao Nan was not in a hurry to know the results. She did not hurry Zhai Sheng but waited for the person that he hired to get to the bottom of the matter. She would not allow Wei De to hide anything from Zhai Hua and she would not use him of anything as well.

    Since she wanted to investigate Wei De, she had to make sure that she was fair and objective. She would not be subjective or mix truths with lies.

    Qiao Nan might not be anxious. However, she did not expect that the information would be handed to Zhai Hua directly.

    This was taboo and could result in serious trouble.

    Right now, something serious had indeed happened.

    If the results of the investigation were not something that Zhai Hua could ept, there would be two possible scenarios when Zhai Hua saw the results.

    One of the scenarios was that she refused to believe the results.

    Zhai Hua would feel that the results were fabricated so that she would break up with Wei De.

    The other scenario was exactly like how Zhai Hua behaved right now¡ª she lost her sanity and acted irrationally, having radical thoughts.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her stomach. Why did the person that Brother Zhai hired turn out to be such a greenhorn? He did not even know such basic rules.

    It was alright if he did not know.

    Brother Zhai ordered him to do the investigation. Afterpleting the investigation, he should have reported to Brother Zhai right away and handed the results to him.

 Chapter 998 - Full of Hatred That She Felt Like Killing Him

    998 Full of Hatred That She Felt Like Killing Him

    Even if Brother Zhai was busy and could not get back to him right away, he should have kept the information with him and waited until ater time to pass them to him.

    They should have hired a private investigator to do the job. They would be much more professional.

    ¡°Yes, I have them with me.¡± Zhai Hua wiped her face with her hand. Wei De was such a scumbag. Shedding tears over him was not worth it. But she felt sorry for herself and hated herself for being so foolish and retarded. ¡°Qiao Nan, I have to thank you for being there for me all this while. If not for you, I might have done more foolish deeds which would make me despise myself even further.¡±

    Qiao Nan was worried stiff. What did she mean by thanking her for being with her all this while? This sounded ominous. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t say that. We are one family. Your parents, Brother Zhai, and all of us are very concerned about you. If there is anything, we can sit down and have a discussion. Don¡¯t me yourself for everything that has happened. Don¡¯t be so hard on yourself. Things are not as serious as you think. Everyone is bound to run into one or two scumbags in one¡¯s life. It is not a big deal.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know what the final results of the investigation were. She had no idea what Wei De had done to make Zhai Hua lose her sanity and hate him so much that she felt like killing him.

    Qiao Nan was worried that she might further agitate Zhai Hua, so she dared not make guesses or sound her out.

    ¡°No, I know my temper.¡± Zhai Hua seemed to have stopped crying, but her voice sounded even more gloomy and depressed. ¡°I never have a good temper. You are right. The elders at home treat me much better than Zhai Sheng. Since young, he has a harder time than me, but I always feel that that is because the elders think highly of him. The reason why I am not given the same treatment is that I am a girl while he is a boy.¡±

    ¡°I am very obstinate. Once I have such an idea, regardless of what grandpa and the rest tell me, I will not listen to them. Among everyone around me, you are the only one who is objective and different from them, and that is why I will listen to what you say. If my parents keep persuading me to leave Wei De¡ªeven if I really feel that there is something wrong with him¡ªI will not leave him and I will marry him in a fit of pique. They did not care about me when I was young. Now that I have grown up, I have my own judgment and I will prove them wrong and lead a good life with Wei De.¡±

    If that had been the case, her life would have been ruined.

    Zhai Hua did not say it but Qiao Nan could tell what she was going to say. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I am not trying to scare you. Right now, you must calm down. You have just stopped yourself from making a huge mistake, so you must not go down another wrong path. We will definitely stand on your side. There is no doubt about it. Since you cherish your life, you must not do anything rash. Remember, your life is precious. You must not be rash!¡±

    Did Sister Zhai Hua believe that Wei De was a scumbag and want to finish him off?

    Even though her father was the chief, it was a crime to kill someone. Even if Sister Zhai Hua could escape the death penalty, she would have to be punished for her crime.

    It was not worth it for Sister Zhai Hua to spend the rest of her life behind bars all because of Wei De.

    ¡°But if I don¡¯t do this, I can¡¯t take it lying down. Even if I won¡¯t have to pay a life for a life, I will still die out of frustration!¡± Why was it that Wei De could lead his life as usual after he deceived and toyed with her while she had to suffer in pain?

    Since Wei De dared to do this to her, she would do anything to make sure that he suffered even if it might cost her life.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua...¡±

    Beep! Beep! Beep!

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua! Sister Zhai Hua! Hello? Hello?!¡±

    Qiao Nan turned pale in fright at the dial tone on the other end of the phone.

    Qiao Nan was about to make a phone call to the Zhai family when the phone rang. ¡°Is this Sister Zhai Hua? Sister Zhai Hua, listen to me...¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡± Qiao Nan burst into tears upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice. Tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°Brother Zhai, something terrible has happened. Sister Zhai Hua seems to be after Wei De.¡±

    ¡°Your phone had been engaged all this while. Were you talking to Zhai Hua just now?¡± Zhai Sheng drove the car while talking on the phone. He kept a check on the road with half-lidded eyes and used the fastest speed to overtake other cars, speeding to his destination.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan sniffed. ¡°Why would Sister Zhai Hua have a hold on the information regarding Wei De?¡± Who was so retarded to do such foolish things!?

    ¡°This is not important anymore.¡± Zhai Sheng looked slightly better after getting an affirmative answer from Qiao Nan. ¡°The information was sent to the camp, to my office precisely. The information ended up in Zhai Hua¡¯s hand out of coincidence. She was supposed to bring it back for me. However, she opened the package out of curiosity.¡±

    When he knew that the investigation results were sent through postal service to the camp, Zhai Sheng, who hadpleted his mission and was finally contactable, knew that something was wrong. He made a phone call immediately to the reception room in the army camp to ask about the package.

    Zhai Sheng had thought that as long as he made it clear that the package must be sent to his office and that no one was to open it, particrly Zhai Hua, things would not be too serious.

    However, Zhai Sheng was toote.

    The soldier from the guardhouse told Zhai Sheng that the camp had indeed received a package.

    Zhai Hua happened to pass by and saw that it was for Zhai Sheng.

    Everyone in the camp knew that Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were siblings. Since Zhai Hua offered to take it on Zhai Sheng¡¯s behalf, the other party agreed right away and passed the package to Zhai Hua.

    If not for Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call, no one would have taken extra notice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic and don¡¯t be afraid. At least for now, things are not beyond our control. The package was sent to me. Zhai Hua would only read it after she reached my office. Nan Nan, listen to me. I want you to check from where Zhai Hua made a phone call to you.¡±

    Qiao Nan recollected. ¡°It seems to be the telephone from your office!¡±

    It had been ages since she talked to Zhai Sheng on the phone. She was busy with her school work and other activities.

    When the phone rang, Qiao Nan took a nce at the caller ID disy. Seeing that it was a familiar number, she picked it up to answer the call.

    Now that Qiao Nan thought about it, the familiar number was the number from Zhai Sheng¡¯s office.

    ¡°Very good.¡± Zhai Sheng could not help but heave a sigh of relief upon knowing this. ¡°Nan Nan, you have done a good job. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anything happen to Zhai Hua. I will end the call.¡± Hopefully, they could stall her for as long as possible.

 Chapter 999 - Teacher, I Want to Apply for Leave

    999 Teacher, I Want to Apply for Leave

    Zhai Hua was at Zhai Sheng¡¯s office when she found out about Wei De. She also used the telephone at Zhai Sheng¡¯s office to make a phone call to Qiao Nan.

    Since the information might be with Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng had to think of the worst-case scenario¡ªZhai Hua had read the information.

    He was not worried that Zhai Hua might not believe the information. On the contrary, he was worried that she believed it and would act rashly.

    Zhai Sheng kept calling Qiao Nan along the way, trying to contact her.

    With regard to Wei De, Zhai Hua refused to listen to anyone except Qiao Nan.

    Therefore, Zhai Sheng wanted to contact Qiao Nan to remind her to stall for time.

    In the event that Zhai Hua contacted Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan must take the opportunity to persuade Zhai Hua. It did not matter that she did not manage to make Zhai Hua listen to her. What was important was that Qiao Nan stalled for time and talked to Zhai Hua so that Zhai Sheng could make his way back to Ping Cheng as soon as possible and bring Wei De to another ce before Zhai Hua got to him.

    That was why Zhai Sheng kept trying to call Qiao Nan just now. However, he could not get through.

    But from his judgment, Zhai Hua was still at the camp; at least she was until she finished talking to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan shivered slightly and hung up the phone.

    She knew that this was a race against time. They had to have the situation in control before Zhai Hua acted rashly.

    After ending the phone call with Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng made another call to the camp. ¡°It¡¯s me. Is Zhai Hua still at the camp? Remember, no matter what, you must not allow Zhai Hua to leave the camp!¡±

    The soldier almost broke out in tears at Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call.

    In his first phone call to the camp, Zhai Sheng wanted to know whether Zhai Hua was at the camp.

    Everyone in the army knew that Madam Zhai was unwell these few days and Zhai Hua, the deputy battalionmander, wanted to go back home to check on her.

    It was such a coincidence that she chose to go back today.

    The soldier was dumbfounded and did not know how to answer Zhai Sheng¡¯s question. ¡°The deputy battalionmander is going back to visit her mother today. The dispatch delivery car has juste back. There were several cars that entered and left the camp. Deputy Battalion Commander Zhai might have left.¡±

    The soldier had the impression that Zhai Hua had left the camp.

    It was not until five seconds ago that he realized that she was still at the camp.

    The soldier felt like weeping but had no tears. He watched as Zhai Hua drove off, leaving a gust of exhaust fumes in her trail. ¡°Reporting to regimentmander, Deputy Battalion Commander Zhai drove a car and left the camp by force.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng felt like swearing.

    His first phone call was for the people in the camp to stop Zhai Hua from leaving.

    As long as Zhai Hua stayed in the camp, regardless of how furious she was, at the very least, she would not do anything to Wei De.

    Wei De had let Zhai Hua down. Even if the Zhai family did not take his life, they would not let him off.

    But that did not mean that the Zhai family would behave rashly because of a scumbag like Wei De or go against thew then go into hiding for the rest of one¡¯s life.

    ¡°I understand!¡± Zhai Sheng threw the cell phone to a side after hanging up the phone. He stepped on the elerator and sped on.

    The camp was known for its discipline, yet they made a blunder today.

    After ending the phone call with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could not be rest assured.

    She thought hard about it and could not feel reassured. She ran toward the school. She wanted to apply for ten days of leave.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s teacher was shocked upon hearing that she wanted to apply for ten days of leave. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know that it is already mid-December? By the time youe back from your ten-day leave, New Year¡¯s Day would have passed. By then, the school would havepleted the revision. Are you sure you want to take such a long break at this time?¡±

    New Year¡¯s Day wasing. In other words, by the time Qiao Nan came back from her leave, it would not be long before the final term exams started.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, as far as I know, you have been studious and conscientious in your lessons. Although you are not the only student to maintain a positive learning attitude after advancing from high school to college, you are one of the few to do that. You have been doing well in your studies, and the teachers recognized your efforts. You have done very well for your social practice as well. You should know that you are among the few possible students who might be awarded a schrship. Qiao Nan, as long as you do well in the final term exam, you have a high possibility of getting the first-prize schrship.¡±

    The teacher felt that it was a pity to miss out on this schrship.

    ¡°Teacher, thank you. I understand. But something has cropped up at home. Something very serious has happened.¡± Qiao Nan was very touched by the teacher¡¯s words and affirmation.

    Yes, she also wanted topete for the first-prize schrship. She hoped to get the level-based schrship as well as the school-based schrship.

    But she had to prioritize. Sister Zhai Hua was in serious trouble. If they did not handle it well, it might cost a life.

    Wei De was an adult and had spent years at the camp. Qiao Nan was not worried that something would happen to him. Instead, she was worried that Wei Wei would be injured.

    The person whom Wei De hurt deeply was Sister Zhai Hua, and Sister Zhai Hua would not let Wei De off.

    What if Wei Wei ended up getting injured and the culprit, Wei De, escaped unscathed, while Sister Zhai Hua had to go behind bars for it? It would be downright unfortunate.

    Since Zhai Hua would listen to her advice, she felt that she had to make a trip to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Teacher, I know my learning progress very well. You can rest assured that I will not put my results at stake. I will definitely work hard. However, there are many important matters and people in one¡¯s life. One¡¯s results are not the only thing that matters, right? Teacher, can you make a phone call to the principal to ask for advice?¡±

    Qiao Nan was left with no choice.

    The teacher refused to approve her leave as the teacher was worried about her studies. Qiao Nan understood the teacher¡¯s kind intentions. It was impossible for her to lose her temper at her teacher. Furthermore, she did not have the habit of losing temper at others.

    The teacher would not ept her reasons.

    She had no other choice but to use other means to apply for leave.

    The teacher was reluctant to make the phone call.

    Their principal was very busy and there were so many students in the school. If other students applied for a long leave, their leaves would not be approved as well. There was no need to check with the principal.

    However, the teacher remembered that among all the freshmen this year, Qiao Nan was the only student whom the principal had taken special note of. Therefore, the teacher called the principal in the end.

    The teacher spoke to the principal for a while before passing the phone to Qiao Nan. ¡°The principal wants to speak to you.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you, teacher.¡± Qiao Nan took the phone with gratitude.

 Chapter 1000 - Rushed Back to Ping Cheng

    1000 Rushed Back to Ping Cheng

    ¡°Yes, principal, it is me. Yes, it is very important... Yes, it is their family¡¯s business. Principal, I can assure you that I will never fall behind in my studies. In fact, I have already started my revision.¡±

    The principal knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s family situation.

    Unless someone passed away, the adults in the Qiao family could settle anything that happened in the family. There was no need for Qiao Nan, who was still a child, to help out.

    The principal thought about it and asked Qiao Nan over the phone whether it had to do with the Zhai family.

    The principal hesitated slightly after Qiao Nan¡¯s affirmative answer. He could not decide if he should approve Qiao Nan¡¯s long leave or not.

    If something happened to the Zhai family and Qiao Nan was needed, Chief Zhai should have given him a call to notify him.

    But the principal was reminded of Qiao Nan¡¯s good performance at school. He believed that she would not misbehave and she had assured him that she would not fall behind in her studies, and that she had already started her revision.

    After careful consideration, the principal nodded. ¡°Alright, pass the phone to your teacher.¡±

    ¡°Sure, thank you, principal.¡±

    Qiao Nan quickly returned the phone to the teacher. The teacher kept nodding and agreed with the principal. Seeing that her leave was approved, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s ten-day leave was finally approved in three minutes¡¯ time. ¡°Qiao Nan, as a teacher, I still have to remind you that even if you are a good student, you must be serious in your studies. I won¡¯t remind you to be hardworking or studious. You are an adult. You should know to n for your future and take it seriously.¡±

    Peking University was full of talented students.

    There were many other good students like Qiao Nan.

    Studying was akin to sailing against the currents. If one did not improve, one would fall behind.

    Even if Qiao Nan did not fall behind, it was likely that someone would overtake her and her rankings would drop.

    ¡°Teacher, thank you. I will remember your words. I will definitely work hard.¡± Qiao Nan bowed to the teacher.

    Qiao Nan was full of respect for teachers who were responsible and guided the students selflessly.

    Initially, the teacher felt quite angry. Even though the principal approved the leave personally, he was unhappy that Qiao Nan applied for a long leave just when exams wereing. Even if she had good results, it would affect her performance regardless.

    However, Qiao Nan had a very good attitude. The teacher could not stay angry with her for long.

    If Qiao Nan was arrogant and full of herself, thinking that since she had good results, it would not affect her performance to take leave, it would definitely leave a bad impression on the teacher who used to think highly of her.

    The teacher had seen many such cases and therefore did not like such students.

    One thing that the teacher felt odd was that Qiao Nan kept saying that she had important family matters to deal with. However, she refused to say what exactly it was.

    Now that the leave was approved, Qiao Nan did not seem the least bit happy at all. In fact, she seemed apologetic and was grateful to the teacher.

    The teacher could tell that Qiao Nan was sincere. ¡°Alright, didn¡¯t you say that you are in a rush? You should hurry along. Remember, even though you have applied for a ten-day leave, you muste back as early as possible.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Thank you, teacher, I will definitely do so. Once the matters are resolved, I wille back as soon as possible.¡± Qiao Nan had no idea how long it would take for things between Zhai Hua and Wei De to be under control. Therefore, she applied for ten days of leave first.

    If it was solved within ten days, Qiao Nan would not waste her time at Ping Cheng but rushed back to Peking University as soon as possible to prepare for her revision. This was the first major exam since she entered college.

    After leaving school, Qiao Nan hailed a taxi and asked the driver to send her to the airport.

    Qiao Nan took out her identity card and went to collect her boarding pass.

    ¡°Hello, master. Yes, I have already collected the ne ticket.¡± Qiao Nan panted while she checked the time. ¡°I have to go through the security check now. The ne will take off in twenty minutes. Don¡¯t worry. The queue is quite short. I will make it in time. I won¡¯t miss the flight.¡±

    If she wanted to reach Ping Cheng as soon as possible, her only option was to take the ne.

    As a poor student, Qiao Nan might have thought of taking the ne, but she did not have the money. At this time, the only person she could think of was her master, Lin Yuankang.

    Lin Yuankang did not have any children, but he had many disciples.

    Qiao Nan was his favorite and smartest disciple. However, among all his disciples, she was the only one who did not like to trouble him as she had very high self-esteem.

    No one in the world would like others to take their help for granted. Qiao Nan had no wish to trouble Lin Yuankang, but she was grateful that he took great care of her.

    Lin Yuankang knew Qiao Nan¡¯s intentions and he doted on her even more.

    Since Qiao Nan rarely asked him for help, there was no way that he would refuse to help her. It was an easy feat for him to get a ne ticket for her.

    Besides, Qiao Nan went back to Ping Cheng because of the Zhai family.

    Lin Yuankang was on close terms with the Zhai family. It was because of the Zhai family that Lin Yuankang was willing to talk to Qiao Nan and test her ability when Zhai Sheng brought her with him to Lin Yuankang¡¯s house back then.

    Taking the ne was indeed the fastest route. One would need to take more than ten hours to reach Ping Cheng by train, but it would only take three to four hours by ne.

    Once Qiao Nan reached Ping Cheng, she switched on her phone to make a call back home, telling Qiao Dongliang that she was back at Ping Cheng.

    However, the phone rang for a long while and nobody answered the call.

    Qiao Nan had no other choice but to call Zhai Sheng. ¡°Hello, Brother Zhai. I am in Ping Cheng. Where are you? I will take a taxi to go there.¡±

    ¡°I am at home. You cane over right away.¡± Zhai Sheng sounded different and it was very noisy on the other end of the phone.

    ¡°Okay, I will be there shortly.¡± After confirming the location, Qiao Nan took a taxi and arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan felt upset that there was a huge crowd outside the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back!¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, Nan Nan is back!¡±

    After all, Qiao Nan lived in the quad for more than ten years. She only left to stay elsewhere for two to three years. Furthermore, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng held their engagement ceremony in the quad. Apart from Zhai Sheng, she was the most capable child in the quad. Everyone knew her.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back!?¡± Initially, Qiao Dongliang thought that he had heard it wrongly. Nan Nan was studying in the capital. How could she be in the quad right now?

    Qiao Dongliang was surprised and happy upon seeing his daughter standing at the doorway. ¡°Why did youe back at this time? Forget it. It¡¯s good that you are back. There is no harm for you to know about this.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not expect that such things would happen to the Zhai family.

    At the same time, he was amazed by his daughter¡¯s ability.

 Chapter 1001 - As She Had Guessed

    1001 As She Had Guessed

    It might not be right to think in this way. However, Qiao Dongliang was very conscious that the Zhai family was much more well-to-do than the Qiao family. He was also worried that he would affect the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Dongliang had heard of what happened between Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    His daughter did note from a well-to-do family as well. Qiao Dongliang would not crack wise, saying that even though Wei De did not have a good family background, it was fine as long as he was true to Zhai Hua.

    Qiao Dongliang did not express his opinion on this matter. It was up to the Zhai family to decide if they should break up.

    However, Qiao Dongliang did not expect that his daughter yed such an important role in this matter.

    Zhai Hua refused to listen to anyone except for his daughter. Thankfully for that, otherwise, even if Zhai Hua had a good family background and was the only daughter in the Zhai family, once she married such a man, her life would be ruined.

    If she married Wei De, she would have a terrible life ahead.

    ¡°Dad, how is it?¡± Qiao Nan, who was worried sick, calmed down slightly upon seeing her father.

    Judging from her father¡¯s expression, Qiao Nan was certain that Zhai Hua had yet to do anything rash to Wei De.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed. He pulled his daughter with him into the house while he motioned for others to close the door, lest the onlookers see what was going on inside. He lowered his voice and said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Zhai Sheng has put aside Zhai Hua¡¯s gun.¡±

    Fortunately, he put it aside in time. Otherwise, Wei De would be lying on the floor now.

    Qiao Nan turned ashen. Sure enough, Sister Zhai Hua was seriously thinking of getting rid of Wei De, that scumbag. ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Why was Sister Zhai Hua so furious that she disregarded that she was a soldier, took her gun, and left the camp with the single thought of killing Wei De?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised. He heard that Nan Nan was the first person to find out something amiss about Wei De.

    Qiao Nan was at a loss for words. ¡°I felt that there¡¯s something amiss about him, so I asked Brother Zhai to investigate him. Is there really something wrong between Wei Wei and Wei De?¡±

    In the Wei family, there were the two elders, their son, Wei De, and their adopted daughter.

    The adopted daughter had a son that was born out of wedlock. Wei De did not mind and brought his nephew with him and asked his girlfriend to find a good school for him and to make sure that he grew up into a useful person.

    It was said that children would be small-minded after they had their own family.

    Wei De was not a giving and generous man. On the contrary, he was very selfish.

    Someone so selfish would not be willing to raise someone else¡¯s son and give him the best of everything.

    It was true that Qiao Nan had a lot of Wei Wei¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s photos.

    However, even if Qiao Nan had her doubts, after failing to spot any simrities between Wei Wei and Wei De, she dared not tell anyone of her suspicions.

    ¡°Ssss... You knew about it indeed.¡± Qiao Dongliang sucked in his breath, amazed at his daughter¡¯s intelligence. ¡°That child does not resemble Wei De. How did you find out?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled reluctantly. ¡°The Wei family is notplicated and the family is not big. Moreover, since there is something wrong with Wei De¡¯s personality, I made a bold guess.¡±

    Wei Wei was not Wei De¡¯s nephew but his son!

    Since Wei De¡¯s so-called sister was adopted, she was not rted to Wei De at all.

    When Qiao Nan heard that the Wei family adopted a daughter when the country was going through such a tumultuous time, she could not help but think of the idea of a child bride.

    But they were in modern society, not ancient times. The idea of a child bride seemed to be a thing of the past and would only be seen in books.

    Therefore, even though Qiao Nan had thought of such a possibility, she had never shared her thoughts with anyone in the Zhai family, including Zhai Sheng.

    She might dislike Wei De, but she would not speak badly of him.

    ¡°Just because of this?¡± Qiao Dongliang refused to believe.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Wei Wei may not resemble Wei De, but after careful observation, I notice that when Wei Wei smiles, he looks very much like Wei De.¡±

    That was purely her gut feeling.

    Whenever she had time, she would stare at the photos that Zhai Hua sent her. It was through this that she came to this realization.

    Now that it had been determined that Wei Wei was the son of Wei De, Qiao Nan felt that Wei De was indeed daring.

    Clearly, he wanted to marry Sister Zhai Hua, yet he dared to bring the son that he had with another woman around and he even wanted Sister Zhai Hua to educate him. Wei De was too much...

    Qiao Nan felt a sharp pain in her heart. It was no wonder that Sister Zhai Hua was full of hatred and was bent on killing Wei De.

    If not for her, would Sister Zhai Hua have married Wei De and listened to what he said, putting all her effort and attention on educating Wei Wei, her stepson?

    The more Qiao Nan thought about it, the more flustered she was.

    In her previous life, she was not on close terms with the Zhai family.

    It was her mother who would bring up Zhai Sheng asionally, saying that he was very capable and lived in the same quad as them. He followed his father¡¯s footsteps and brought the Zhai family to greater heights. If not for her mother, she would not have known that Zhai Sheng had been promoted to chief.

    Qiao Nan was not clear of Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation in the previous life.

    Even though she was in herte thirties when she passed away in the previous life, she had no idea what happened between Zhai Hua and Wei De.

    What Qiao Nan was most concerned about was that Wei De might have deceived everyone in the Zhai family and married Sister Zhai Hua, bing the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw.

    Qiao Nan was in a terrible mood at the thought of this.

    Apart from Sister Zhai Hua, she also had the impulse of killing Wei De.

    Chen Jun might have betrayed her in the previous life, but Qiao Nan felt that Wei De was much worse than him. He killed by subtle means.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua.¡± As soon as she entered the room, Qiao Nan saw that two persons were in a confrontation. Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes had turned so red that she might shed red tears. Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for her.

    Qiao Nan hurried forward without another word. She hugged Zhai Hua tightly, patting her back lightly. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it is okay. Everything will pass. Don¡¯t be angry. Don¡¯t be upset. Don¡¯t be hard on yourself. It is not worth it.¡±

    Qiao Nan spoke to Zhai Hua in a soft, gentle, and reassuring voice. She was like a mother who was coaxing her child to sleep, singing a luby to the child.

    Qiao Nan, who hugged Zhai Hua tightly, could feel that Zhai Hua was all tensed up.

 Chapter 1002 - Life Was Too Good

    1002 Life Was Too Good

    Zhai Hua felt stiff all over. Hate and despair emanated from within her. Without the need tomunicate through any word or action, Qiao Nan could empathize very well with her.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you still have Mom and Dad. You still have grandpa, Brother Zhai and us¡ªso many kins. It¡¯s not worth it. Our hearts will ache if you do this.¡±

    Perhaps Qiao Nan¡¯sst sentence brought out Zhai Hua¡¯s sanity that had earlier beenpletely deceived by resentment and hate. The tears in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes dropped down one by one. One, two, and three.

    Heartache?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Hadn¡¯t she been constantly longing and searching for someone whose heart would truly ache for her?

    Her mother only had her father in her heart. Same as her grandfather, Zhai Sheng had the whole Zhai family in his heart. Qiao Nan had also gone in.

    She was the only one who did not have someone that truly doted on and protected her. When she found Wei De, she believed that she had found her Mr. Right.

    However, the truth of the matter...

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Wei Wei is his child, his biological son. He lied to me. He is shameless!¡± When she thought of the fact that Wei Wei¡¯s age was older than the duration that she and Wei De dated, Zhai Hua felt despaired.

    The so-called true love and doting was a lie right from the beginning. Wei De had never been truthful or genuine to her before.

    Once Zhai Hua cried, Qiao Nan and the Zhai family felt more at ease.

    They were most worried that Zhai Hua would continue to keep her anger all to herself and then viciously want to take Wei De¡¯s life.

    After encountering such a worrisome matter, Zhai Hua¡¯s crying was also considered an avenue for her frustration.

    All this while, Zhai Sheng dared not release his hands that were holding on to Zhai Hua.

    In the past, when the siblings exchanged blows with each other, Zhai Hua had never won against Zhai Sheng before.

    However, it was different today. Zhai Hua was enraged. Zhai Sheng also had to show her some mercy. Zhai Hua was behaving like a bull that had seen a red cloth. As such, Zhai Sheng almost failed to hold her back.

    It was true that Zhai Hua¡¯s gun had been snatched away by Zhai Sheng and passed to someone else to take care of.

    However, under Zhai Hua¡¯s fury, even a grown-up man like Wei De could not endure her iron-fist punches. He would definitely be beaten to death alive by Zhai Hua.

    Besides Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui also had to intervene to restrain Zhai Hua to prevent her from beating Wei De to death.

    There was only Zhai Hua, yet both her biological brother and father had to intervene to stop her. One could just imagine how much hate Zhai Hua felt to make her strength be so great.

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui managed to hold her back, while Miao Jing was wiping her tears by the side. Given this, Qiao Nan then released her hands that were earlier hugging Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, fortunately, you are not my daughter. You encountered such a matter. Brother Zhai and Dad tried ways and means to stop you from making mistakes. Mom¡¯s heart ached so much that she has been crying nonstop, feeling aggrieved for you. Guess, when Brother Zhai and I have a daughter in the future and she encounters a simr matter, what will I do?¡±

    Unlike the gentleness that consoled Zhai Hua earlier, Qiao Nan¡¯s tone, that was neither loud nor soft, sounded a little sharp.

    Qiao Nan nced coldly at Wei De, who had been given a round of beating by Zhai Hua. He was still slumping on the floor with blood on the corner of his mouth. She felt her eyes hurt badly.

    After she turned back, she certainly had to find a way to cleanse her eyes.

    Zhai Sheng did not quite like Qiao Nan¡¯s analogy. The daughter of Zhai Sheng had to be a pampered darling.

    Whoever dared to kidnap his daughter, Zhai Sheng would definitely break his limbs so that he would not have any chance to appear in front of his daughter again, let alone any scum who dared to lie to her.

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes and red at Wei De harshly. Wei De was so terrified that he shivered.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui would not let Zhai Huamit any wrongdoing by beating Wei De to death.

    However, it was impossible for them to let Wei De go so easily. Initially, when Zhai Hua punched and kicked Wei De, the father and son were pretending to stop her.

    After confirming that the injuries on Wei De¡¯s bodies would certainly make him suffer, the father-and-son pair then seriously pulled Zhai Hua away from Wei De, this scum.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s voice was low and hoarse. ¡°Do you mean that I am to be med for this?¡±

    ¡°If you are not to be med, then who is?!¡± Qiao Nan was angry. ¡°You are the one who is not sharp at judging people. You were blind to take a liking to such a thing. You were even fooled around by the other party and nearly raised a son for someone. We are one family. After we see this nonsensical thing, none of us like him. We persuaded you to open your eyes so that you wouldn¡¯t be taken in and would break up quickly. Did you listen? He is evil. But what about you? You were taken in by his sweet words again and again. You almost fell out with your closest kin. Am I too much to say that you are stupid?¡±

    ¡°You have so much hate in your heart now that you want to kill him. You will feel great and happy doing so. When you are in jail, the reputation of the Zhai family will be ruined and they will be a joke in the social circle. Did you spare a thought for the Zhai family? You are not taking revenge. You are clearly doing this to aggrieve your own kin and dden your enemy.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. Didn¡¯t Nan Nane back to persuade someone? Why was she giving a scolding?

    Qiao Dongliang was feeling a little guilty. This was also the first time that he witnessed the tough side of his younger daughter, who was normally refined and quiet.

    He was afraid that this side of Qiao Nan would shock the Zhai family or make the Zhai family develop negative opinions of her. Qiao Dongliang could only remind Qiao Nan not to go overboard.

    Regarding Wei De¡¯s matter, Zhai Hua was certainly quite foolish but that was the Zhai family¡¯s matter. Qiao Nan was not in the position to speak about this. She had not even been married into the Zhai family. This was an arduous but thankless matter.

    Qiao Nan replied to Qiao Dongliang, ¡°Dad, I know what you mean. I consider myself restrained in my words to Sister Zhai Hua. Because I address her as my sister, I have to be more objective and frank. Not to mention my daughter, if she were my biological sister, no matter how much older she was, I would also bash her up before I said anything. Her life has been so good that she is flying to the sky. She is looking for trouble as she has nothing better to do. She even attracted such a good-for-nothing back. She is asking for a beating!¡±

    It was so embarrassing and shameful for Qiao Zijin topete with her biological sister for man.

    Nevertheless, who could deny that Chen Jun had a good family background? Most people would perceive Chen Jun as a good son-inw. The Qiao family had good taste and was so blessed and capable to be able to find such a son-inw.

    Both of them were scum.

    Qiao Zijin married a scum. The Qiao family received ten-over baskets of good words.

    When one turned around and looked at Zhai Hua, damn, she had caused the Zhai family to be a hugeughingstock.

    Inparison, Zhai Hua did not even have Qiao Zijin¡¯s intelligence and capability.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan could not talk about what happened in her previous life. Otherwise, she would definitely tell Zhai Hua clearly that she did not need to worry about food and daily necessities as she was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter. As long as she was not too muddleheaded, she could secure a great future that was bright and boundless.

    If Zhai Hua was like Qiao Zijin, whose standard of living would reduce tremendously and social status would downgrade greatly if she were to ck in devising ploys, Zhai Hua would only spend all her time pondering over how to be more sessful.

    Zhai Hua would never take a second look at a man like Wei De then.

 Chapter 1003 - Do You Want Him Dead?

    <h4>Chapter 1003 Do You Want Him Dead?</h4>

    As such, it was not wrong at all for Qiao Nan to say that Zhai Hua¡¯s life had been too good and she was asking for trouble.

    ¡°She is right!¡± Old Master Zhai, who had also rushed back to the house of the Zhai family, heard the criticisms from his granddaughter-inw of his granddaughter. He agreed totally as he had expected better from Zhai Hua. ¡°You¡¯re asking for trouble. I really regret it. When you were a child, I doted on you too much. I¡¯d been overly protective of you. You have be so spoiled. Although it is notmon to subscribe to the saying ¡®spare the rod and spoil the child¡¯ now, I should not have raised you in that way. You can¡¯t differentiate what is right and wrong!¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhai Yaohui was very surprised that Old Master Zhai coulde back at this time.

    Miao Jing wiped away her years as she also greeted, ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa.¡± This time, Zhai Sheng finally dared to release his hand that was earlier holding on to that of Zhai Hua. In both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua¡¯s hearts, the regard and trust for the old master had never been low.

    ¡°To bring bad things upon oneself as a result of one¡¯s bad character. If there were no problems with your personal conduct, would he target you? Would he treat you like a child and toy with you?¡± Old Master Zhai was infuriated.

    When his wife was alive, she wanted a daughter very badly.

    However, at that time, there was chaos in the country. He was killing enemies on the battlefield and his wife was a nurse in the rear logistics team.

    In their entire lives, during their most passionate moments when they were young, the time that the couple could sleep in the same bed could almost be counted with one hand.

    As such, the elderly couple only had one son, Zhai Yaohui, although other families had many children.

    When Grandmother Zhai was alive, she wanted a daughter very much. However, when the country was peaceful, the couple was already old. They had also umted many lingering illnesses from wartime. As such, they could only imagine how it was like having a daughter.

    Thereafter, when Zhai Hua was born, Grandmother Zhai was overjoyed.

    So as to speak, Grandmother Zhai was smiling when she left the world because of Zhai Hua¡¯s birth.

    Due to Grandmother Zhai¡¯s wish, Old Master Zhai, a tough and burly man who did not even know how to raise a man, started to raise his little granddaughter. He was not exaggerating when he said that he was afraid that he would drop her when he held her, and when he put her in his mouth, she would melt.

    He had always felt that his granddaughter was a seedling of his family. Given her ancestry roots, her character would not go astray no matter how much he pampered her.

    Who would have thought that when she was almost thirty years old, his granddaughter would p his face so hard and umpteen times?

    Zhai Hua always felt that she was the one who suffered the most in this matter. She hated to the core Wei De¡¯s lies. She heartlessly felt that the whole world had abandoned her.

    Now, first, it was Qiao Nan. Next, it was Old Master Zhai.

    The only two people whom she would listen to had continuously bombarded her. Zhai Hua felt so upset that she wanted to die. ¡°I have already be like this. You are not consoling me and helping me vent my anger. Instead, you are chiding me. Do you hate me so much?¡±

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s expression changed greatly as he was upset by Zhai Hua¡¯s inability to appreciate kindness. He was so furious that he was catching his breath.

    ¡°Old master, why are you so agitated? She has a biological father that¡¯s older than her. She has me who is younger. Even if she has gone astray, we can lead her back to the correct path.¡± Zhai Sheng furrowed his brows as he held Old Master Zhai to a seat.

    Earlier on, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached for Zhai Hua as she had been taken in by someone like Wei De.

    Now, when he saw Old Master Zhai¡¯s face turning as white as a sheet, just as Qiao Nan said earlier, Zhai Sheng had some urge to give Zhai Hua a beating.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tiny lips were pursed tightly. ¡°Auntie, can I trouble you to bring us a cup of water?¡±

    ¡°Aye, sure.¡± The auntie, who had been scared out of her wits, had been hiding by the side. She dared not be involved in such ugly family affairs.

    When she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s request for a cup of tea, she dared not shirk the duty. This was because she knew very well that Qiao Nan would be the female head of the family in the future. Furthermore, once the old master appeared, he was on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    All the authoritative figures from the first to the third generation of the Zhai family were on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. The auntie did not underestimate Qiao Nan just because she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e. On the contrary, she was very careful toplete the task that Qiao Nan had given to her. She was not sloppy at all.

    After the auntie prepared the drink, she cleverly ced them in front of the old master.

    ¡°Besides him, everyone, please sit down. It¡¯s too tiring to stand.¡± Qiao Nan, who had spent a long time traveling today, only felt that her whole body was falling apart. She sat down first.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang sat beside Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui thus sat at the left and right side of Zhai Hua, lest Zhai Hua be agitated again and do anything foolish.

    Miao Jing sat down beside Qiao Nan quietly. The ¡®him¡¯ from Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth, Wei De, was still slumped on the floor, pretending to be dead. He was terrified, uneasy, and shocked.

    Wei De did not expect that his rtionship with Wei Wei was still exposed despite the fact that toon Leader Jiang was forced to leave the army before him. This matter even caused Zhai Hua to explode in anger.

    All this while, Wei De was very confident of his rtionship with Zhai Hua. He felt that it was impossible for Zhai Hua to leave him as he had her in his clutches and was at his beck and call.

    This kind of self-deceiving confidence disappearedpletely along with the exposure of Wei Wei¡¯s origins.

    Wei De was terrified that Zhai Hua would break up with him and ignore him forever because of Wei Wei. How was he going to save the rtionship then?

    If he were to tell Zhai Hua now that he was willing to send Wei Wei back to his hometown, not see Wei Wei ever again and would not acknowledge his rtionship with Wei Wei, would Zhai Hua forgive him?

    At this moment, Wei De dared not y mind games with Zhai Hua anymore.

    As long as Zhai Hua made her request, Wei De would agree at once¡ªeven if she asked him not to acknowledge Wei Wei henceforth or to sever all ties with his family in his hometown.

    At this point in time, Wei De hated himself most for relenting and listening to his mother¡¯s nagging. He not only brought Wei Wei to Ping Cheng but also wanted Zhai Hua to help him raise and nurture Wei Wei so that Wei Wei could follow the footsteps of other children in the city.

    If Wei Wei did not appear, who would suspect this matter that happened in his hometown? After all, ording to his personal profile, he was single.

    Even if they used theputer to check his information, he was also single!

    ¡°Hua Hua, I...¡± Wei De had mustered enough courage. He wanted to admit his wrongdoing to Zhai Hua and ask for her forgiveness.

    Tears welled up in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. She lifted a cup and smashed it at Wei De¡¯s face. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, it¡¯s best that you shut up.¡±

    At this moment, Wei De¡¯s voice was something that Zhai Hua did not wish to hear most. When she heard Wei De speak, she turned into a mad dog that was crazy and ring.

    When she saw Zhai Hua behave like that, Qiao Nan gave a long sigh. Zhai Hua¡¯s lips trembled at the sadness and pain in this sigh. Tears welled up in her eyes again.

    There was no choice. Qiao Nan had experienced before the embarrassment and pain that Zhai Hua was going through today.

    Although Qiao Nan only gave a gentle sigh without saying a word, it could also trigger such emotions from Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Hua Hua, do you want him dead?¡±

    Wei De¡¯s eyes turned stiff. He red at Qiao Nan with shock and anger. He was furious that Qiao Nan was so long-winded at this moment. She even said such malicious things.

 Chapter 1004 - She Was Too Blind in the Pas

    <h4>Chapter 1004 She Was Too Blind in the Pas</h4>

    Right from the beginning, he disliked Qiao Nan. There were so many obstacles between him and Hua Hua all because of Qiao Nan¡¯s evil doing. In particr,ter on, Hua Hua was already ignoring him.

    If someone were to ask Wei De who he hated most during the period of his rtionship with Zhai Hua, his answer would undoubtedly be Qiao Nan.

    This was because he and Qiao Nan had been in simr circumstances¡ªtheir family backgrounds were ipatible with the Zhai family.

    On what grounds could Qiao Nan seed when the Zhai family refused to acknowledge his existence all this while?

    He had pleaded with Qiao Nan a few times for her help but she rejected him tly without even considering or giving him any face.

    Eventually, Qiao Nan cunningly caused Hua Hua to break up with him. Hua Hua declined to meet up with him and contact him. Even after he persisted and wrote to her for half a year, Hua Hua did not write back to him.

    All the statuses of the Zhai family members were above that of Wei De. Wei De¡¯s ploy did not work but he dared not hate them. Of course, he had to vent it all on Qiao Nan.

    In the face of Wei De¡¯s malicious stare, Qiao Nan gave a mockingugh. She then watched as her father, out of anger, gave Wei De a hard kick and worsened thetter¡¯s injuries. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t ever forget that you¡¯re a soldier. Even if you are part of the Zhai family, in the eyes of thew, you don¡¯t have special rights. Moreover, in my opinion, it is meaningless to kill him. One won¡¯t have any feelings after one dies. He won¡¯t suffer. He won¡¯t be tortured. Damn, he will be relieved!¡±

    Qiao Nan closed her eyes. She thought back about the oue of Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin¡¯s rtionship. Her voice started to turn cold. ¡°You should understand now. Wei De is together with you not because of love. It does not have anything to do with that. Wei De is an ambitious person. He has many wants and only you can give it to him. Therefore, he pesters you and refuses to let go. Since you can make him sessful, of course, you can also take back all that you have given him. Being alive is more terrible than being dead.¡±

    Chen Jun could not resist Qiao Zijin¡¯s temptation and secretly had a child with her. He betrayed her¡ªno, right from the start until the end, Chen Jun had never been true to her. He dated her because of unspeakable and ulterior motives.

    In the end, it did not end well for Chen Jun.

    When she was forty years old, the Chen family was considered one of the prominent and powerful families in Ping Cheng.

    Unfortunately, despite the status of the Chen family, Qiao Zijin actually dared to cheat on Chen Jun. The whole world knew about this matter. At that time, the Chen family, especially Chen Jun, had be a huge joke.

    All those acquaintances of Chen Jun who had previously been trampled by him looked at him differently just because of this matter.

    The Chen family had taken great pains to attain such a high status. They wanted to be respected and admired by others. Unfortunately, they made the mistake of epting Qiao Zijin into the family. They could not even retain their basic dignity and reputation thereafter. All their past efforts went down the drain.

    To Chen Jun, nothing was more unbearable than the derisory nces of others.

    What was more painful than losing something that one had finally achieved after working hard for a long time? It was as if they had risen to heaven from hell only to fall into hell from heaven.

    Given the situation of Chen Jun, he had been battered so badly that he even returned to look for her with the intention to reconcile, let alone Wei De¡¯s situation.

    Qiao Nan was too experienced in this. She had a much better understanding of the situation than Zhai Hua.

    Having understood what Qiao Nan meant, Zhai Hua gritted her teeth as she grabbed the phone and called her childhood friend. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me. Yes, I am back in Ping Cheng. Alright, don¡¯t ask me about anything. In short, Wei De and I are over. I don¡¯t want Wei De to do well. Help me inform the rest.¡±

    After dating Wei De for such a long time, how could Zhai Hua possibly not know what kind of person Wei De was?

    In the past, she naively believed that Wei De¡¯s motivation for sess was all because of her.

    Now, she hadpletely understood. Wei De had been working so hard for himself¡ªhe wanted to be part of the upper social ss, he wanted power, he wanted money!

    Qiao Nan was right. She would make Wei De fall the same way that she made him rise.

    The peak of sess that Wei De would never be able to achieve in his entire life, Zhai Hua could easily destroy all of it with just one phone call.

    ¡°Hua Hua, listen to my exnation. I have my difficulties. I didn¡¯t tell you anything about this because I was terrified of losing you. I am already of this age. You... you should understand me. I just think that I have a responsibility toward Wei Wei. That¡¯s why I... If you don¡¯t like it, fine. I will send Wei Wei back and won¡¯t meet him ever again. You called your childhood friend as you wish to destroy mypany and make me lose everything. It¡¯s okay. I am not angry. No matter what, I am the one who didn¡¯t do enough. I have disappointed you. To me, nothing is more important than you!¡±

    It was not an issue to lose thepany.

    As long as Zhai Hua was still his girlfriend and he could reconcile with her, he would only gain more than what he had lost now.

    Wei De had always been very clear about this important premise.

    With Zhai Hua, he would have a future where the sky was the limit. Even if he had lost everything that he had in his hands now, after some time, he would be able to retrieve them.

    If he lost Zhai Hua...

    Wei De felt appalled as he remembered the years of his bitter struggles in the army. There was never a day where he could seed. He was only waiting for the day of his retirement. At the thought of this, Wei De broke out in cold sweat.

    In the past, he loved the army and wanted power. Now, it was impossible to return to the army anymore. It was also very good to rely on Zhai Hua and hold on tightly to money.

    If Zhai Hua was gone, he would have neither power nor money. He would not be able to set foot in Ping Cheng again. In that case, his hard work and persistence over the years would be a huge joke.

    He was used to the debauchery in Ping Cheng. He was used to a different kind of life. Wei De was truly terrified of returning to the countryside to be a farmer.

    Even when he was doing business, Wei De was not down-to-earth. He had been relying on the power of Zhai Hua and the Zhai family to get to the top.

    Once he lost Zhai Hua, this powerful one, Wei De might not even be willing to take on a job seriously and earn a meager sry, let alone doing business.

    After all, he had once led a life of a millionaire with his ownpany and dozens of employees.

    The more he thought about it, the more fearful Wei De felt. He was so scared that he could not wait to write off Wei De¡¯s existence in order to appease Zhai Hua.

    Wei De, who was in his early thirties, loved children, especially son. As there had not been any progress at the Zhai family¡¯s end for so long, Wei Wei naturally became his darling.

    At this moment, Wei Wei had be the stumbling block of Wei De¡¯s ambitions. As such, the first thing that Wei De thought of was how to get Wei Wei out of the way.

    ¡°Scram!¡± Initially, Zhai Hua did not think that she would feel better by doing this. Nevertheless, when she saw the fear and horror in Wei De¡¯s eyes, she felt instant pleasure. Thereafter, she was surrounded by surging feelings of hate and regret.

 Chapter 1005 - He May Not Be My Son

    <h4>Chapter 1005 He May Not Be My Son</h4>

    Qiao Nan was right. Wei De¡¯s feelings toward her were not true. Wei De¡¯s target was the Zhai family that she came from and the benefits that she, the daughter of the Zhai family, could give him.

    He was such a person. How did she be so blind to take a fancy to him in the past?

    ¡°Hua Hua, I... I know that I have made you upset. Tell me. No matter what you say, I will agree to them as long as you can forgive me. Hua Hua, I can¡¯t do without you.¡± Wei De was full of regrets. ¡°Hua Hua, actually, you also know that I have been in the army for such a long time. It has been a few years. There is limited time for me to go home. Wei Wei may not really be my son. I am obliging as they are my family. I was thinking... Whether Wei Wei is my son or nephew, it is fine for me to support and raise a child if I have the capability to do so. Hua Hua, please don¡¯t misunderstand me.¡±

    Right, Wei Wei might not definitely be his son.

    Many years ago, he and she only slept once after the wedding banquet in the hometown. The next morning, he returned to the army camp.

    Some timeter, his mother contacted him and told him that she was pregnant. Eventually, she even gave birth to a son for him.

    He only slept with her once. How could she possibly have conceived then?

    ¡°Hua Hua, how could you not understand my love and feelings for you? If not... my reputation won¡¯t sound good. If I have not been too softhearted and taken on this muddled debt, Wei Wei would not even have a chance to grow up. He would have been drowned by the saliva of the people in my hometown. After all, two lives were at stake. Hua Hua, we are both soldiers. You will understand me, right?¡±

    Wei De had been exining himself. He did not know that the more he talked, the more he made mistakes, and the less he talked, the less he would make mistakes.

    Such an exnation did not soften Zhai Hua¡¯s heart. It would only make Zhai Hua hate him all the more.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen shameless people but I¡¯ve never seen anyone as shameless as you. I really suspect if I have been blinded by a ghost!¡± Zhai Hua cried. Her cries were extremely miserable and loud.

    She was crying not because of the rtionship between her and Wei De. It was purely for her stupidity and blindness in the past.

    ¡°No wonder Qiao Nan said that I¡¯m lucky that I am not her daughter. Otherwise, she would bash me up first due to this matter.¡± Having said that, Zhai Hua turned merciless. She pped herself twice on the face with all her might.

    The deafening sound of the ps shocked Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng. The father-and-son pair quickly and respectively held on to Zhai Hua¡¯s left and right hand tightly.

    Zhai Hua was really feeling hateful. She hated herself for taking a fancy to such a man. Earlier on, she had wholeheartedly wanted to marry Wei De. Her heart ached for Wei De as he was not young anymore and also childless. Moreover, Mother Wei was old and could not fulfill her only wish of having a grandchild.

    She cared so much for the Wei family but Wei De did not care about her and the Zhai family.

    She was a good-for-nothing, yet she red up and had conflicts with her own family. She had angered her family.

    As she thought of it, Zhai Hua¡¯s blood pressure increased and her face swelled and turned red.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, take a deep breath. Take a deep breath. Come on. Slowly. Take a long and deep breath.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s face was so red that it was turning purplish. Qiao Nan was terrified. She jumped and quickly patted Zhai Hua¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Hua Hua, don¡¯t behave like this. My heart aches for you. Don¡¯t make things difficult for yourself. How will you like me to change? I will listen to everything that you say.¡± Wei De was also shocked. The body constitution of a soldier should be better than the average person.

    However, they were not ordinary soldiers. They carried out various kinds of missions. As such, who did not have any minor pain or illnesses?

    Zhai Hua was so furious that she had a rpse. How could Wei De not panic?

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes and immediately gave Wei De a kick to increase the distance between them.

    Until now, Zhai Sheng did not expect that he would be deceived by Wei De¡¯s personal profile.

    When he thought of it, Wei De lied to Zhai Hua fearlessly because of that profile.

    When Zhai Hua was able to breathe normally, Qiao Nan sat down. Miao Jing then passed the investigation report of Wei De to Qiao Nan and let thetter read it.

    When Qiao Nan opened the official document, she read rapidly and finally gathered a clear understanding of Wei De¡¯s situation.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s sixth sense was right. Under the circumstances whereby a family already had difficulties filling their own tummies, who would have the time and effort to raise a child for someone else? Even if it was a child bride, it was not that easy.

    This ¡®younger sister¡¯ and child bride of Wei De also had some background.

    She was an illegitimate child of the vige chief and a widow from the same vige.

    The vige chief wanted to keep his current position. On the other hand, the widow wanted to remarry after giving birth to this daughter. All of a sudden, it was not appropriate for both the widow and the vige chief to raise this child.

    The widow took her luggage and left for her next family. Without a word, she dumped the child to the vige chief, the biological father.

    At that moment, only Wei De¡¯s family had one child and it was a son.

    When Mother Wei gave birth to Wei De, her health had been damaged and she could no longer give birth to any child.

    Fortunately, Mother Wei gave birth to a son on her first pregnancy. As such, the Wei family did not react very strongly to this. They only felt regretful that there were too few people in Wei De¡¯s generation.

    Upon thinking, the vige chief thought of gifting his daughter to the Wei family since Mother Wei could not have another child. In addition, the Wei family only had a son and no daughter. Wasn¡¯t that just nice?

    Hence, one night, the vige chief dumped his daughter at the doorstep of the house of the Wei family.

    Oddly enough, when the vige chief dumped his daughter at the entrance of the house of the Wei family, Father Wei, who happened to be returning home at that time after attending to some matters, saw someone pass by his house, a man.

    Initially, Father Wei thought that Mother Wei was immoral and cheated on him behind his back. As he walked to the entrance of his house, before he lost his temper, he discovered a baby on his doorsteps. It was a baby girl.

    After thinking carefully, Father Wei knew that that man was definitely not the adulterer of his wife but the one who left behind this baby girl.

    Father Wei carried the child home and told Mother Wei about the situation. Thereafter, Father Wei thought harder. ¡°Why do I feel that the person who left behind this child resembles the vige chief very much?¡±

    Mother Wei did not have many capabilities but she had the situations of all the families in the vige at her fingertips. ¡°In that case, the rumors during that period are true?¡±

    ¡°What rumors?¡±

    ¡°A few months ago, someone saw the vige chief walk out of the widow¡¯s single-story house with his own eyes, and it was in the middle of the night.¡±

    ¡°The widow that just remarried?¡± Father Wei had a little impression of this.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? Widow Chen did not leave her house for a long period of time. It was rare that someone finally saw her. A few of them said that Widow Chen had be fat, especially this part of the body.¡± Mother Wei patted on her tummy. Under what circumstances would flesh only grow on a woman¡¯s tummy and not on other parts of the body?

    Mother Wei was someone who had given birth before. Of course, she could figure out the situation. ¡°Everyone says that Widow Chen had been pregnant and she even gave birth to a child.¡±

 Chapter 1006 - Held the Wedding Banquet but Did Not Collect the Marriage Certificate

    Chapter 1006 Held the Wedding Banquet but Did Not Collect the Marriage Certificate

    ¡°If the person who brought the child here today was the vige chief, then the child must be the vige chief¡¯s and Widow Chen¡¯s child.¡±

    Father Wei was angry. ¡°How dare they implicate us after doing such indecent deeds? How can they put the child at our doorway? Are they thinking of implicating us? They are so evil. This won¡¯t do. I must reason it out with the vige chief. He is inhumane!¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Mother Wei stopped Father Wei. ¡°It is certainly impossible for us to forget about this. We must reason it out with the vige chief. However, we can use another approach.¡±

    Mother Wei was a scheming person. Perhaps Wei De had inherited his craftiness from her.

    The next day, Mother Wei visited the vige chief with all smiles. She said that she wanted to chat with the vige chief about the happenings in the vige.

    When the vige chief¡¯s wife walked away to pour water for her, Mother Wei told the vige chief that she knew about the identity of the baby girl.

    The vige chief was in shock that he failed to hide his emotions. His wife came out right then. Mother Wei greeted her with a smile and left.

    The vige chief left his daughter at the doorway of the Wei family as he knew that Mother Wei could no longer conceive another child and they only had a son.

    It was just nice that he sent his daughter to the Wei family. They would have a son and a daughter.

    He thought that no one would find out about this. To his surprise, in less than twenty-four hours, the Wei family found out about his bad deeds and used it to threaten him.

    The vige chief who was scared out of his wits had no choice but to meet Mother Wei behind the mountain.

    No one knew what they talked about. But the conclusion was that the Wei family would help raise the daughter of the vige chief.

    After the child grew up, Wei De would marry her.

    Of course, the Wei family would not help the vige chief raise his child for free. As the vige chief, he had to help the Wei family in whatever ways that he could. He must help him out in his career.

    If Wei De was sessful, the daughter of the vige chief would be able to lead a good life.

    Since the Wei family received help from the vige chief, their days got better and they had enough money to raise an unrted child.

    Mother Wei treated the girl fairly well. She only had to help out with simple household chores. Although she was not treated like the princess, at least they did not ill-treat her.

    She always had enough to eat. The Wei family did not starve her or scold her or raise their hands on her because she was adopted.

    Therefore, the Wei family had a good reputation in the vige.

    Later, when Wei De and the youngdy grew up, the vige chief sent word that he hoped that Wei De would marry the youngdy as soon as possible.

    Mother Wei was smart. She knew that the country was recruiting soldiers and the vige chief was able to help her son be a soldier.

    The vige chief threatened and enticed them with an offer¡ªunless Wei De was his son-inw, he would not help him be recruited.

    In fact, this was the reason why the vige chief urged Wei De to marry the youngdy.

    The vige chief knew that Mother Wei had him under control as they knew about his secret.

    As soon as the news that the country was recruiting soldiers, the vige chief knew that Mother Wei would definitelye looking for him, threatening him to help Wei De join the army.

    Since he had no other choice but to help Wei De, he must stand to gain from it as well.

    The Wei family was scheming and calctive. Perhaps the Wei family would be able to strike it rich.

    If Wei De was as scheming as his mother and found out the secrets of some big-shots after leaving the vige, he would then be able to make endless demands of him and have a promising future ahead of him.

    The vige chief thought of getting his daughter to marry Wei De in order to protect his interests.

    As long as Wei De married his younger daughter, even if he could not tell everyone that he was her father, by the time the Wei family was rich, he had his means to make sure that Wei De eded to his demands.

    Wei De was very happy to hear that he had the opportunity to be a soldier.

    However, when he heard that the prerequisite for bing a soldier was to marry his sister, Wei De became suspicious and asked his parents about it.

    After learning the circumstances of the matter, Wei De told his mother to demand money from the vige chief secretly.

    Everyone in the vige knew that the Wei family adopted the youngdy and no one knew who her biological parents were.

    Therefore, if Wei De married the youngdy, they would not need to go through the same procedure as other people.

    After demanding money from the vige chief, Mother Wei listened to her son and held a four- to five-table wedding banquet, hosting the vigers and the vige chief and his family.

    In the vige, as long as the couple held a wedding banquet, they were considered married.

    Wei De was well aware of that. He made use of the loopholes to hold a wedding banquet to reassure the vige chief and to be confirmed of a ce in the army.

    Furthermore, Wei De was not young anymore. He was at an age full of vigor and vitality.

    The younger daughter of the vige chief was pretty and had delicate features.

    After marrying thedy, Wei De was her husband and could be intimate with her.

    Regardless of his intention to answer to the vige chief or to satisfy his own needs, he was intimate with thedy on the night they had the wedding banquet.

    Wei De had to report to the army the next day and there were a lot of procedures to go through. Wei De felt that this was the only time that they were intimate and it would not be a big issue. He did not think much about it and only concentrated on nning his future.

    Wei De was indeed scheming. Back then, he did not know Zhai Hua and he never dreamed that he would have a chance to date the daughter of the chief. But he already knew the significance of the marriage certificate.

    He followed the customs of the countryside to hold a wedding banquet and marry the youngdy. However, he never once brought up the need to collect the marriage certificate.

    The reason why Wei De did this was to leave a way out for himself, thinking that there would be a day where he might get to know a better girl.

    In the end, Wei De was lucky and he had nned it well. He met Zhai Hua, who was a silly girl and she was taken in by his lies, falling for his tricks.

    Since Wei De did not collect the marriage certificate with the woman, the Zhai family would not be able to find out from his profile that he had a wife in the countryside.

    Father Wei might like to take advantage of others, but he was timid and not evil-natured. Unlike him, Mother Wei and Wei De were truly mother and son. They were equally scheming and ill-natured.

    Mother Wei was ted when she knew that her son dated the daughter of the chief in the army.

 Chapter 1007 - Too Clever for Oneâ€™s Own Good

    Chapter 1007 Too Clever for One¡¯s Own Good

    When she first heard that Zhai Hua was not young anymore, she did not really like her.

    However, she epted her in the end since she was the daughter of the chief.

    She knew very well why her son called her on the phone.

    Therefore, after ending the call with her son, Mother Wei began to brainwash her ¡®adopted daughter¡¯, who was also her daughter-inw.

    Mother Wei told the woman that she and Wei De did not collect the marriage certificate. ording to thew, they were not considered as husband and wife.

    Wei De had a bright future waiting for him. He met a very gooddy. Mother Wei hoped that she would not stand in his way.

    If Wei De was sessful, the Wei family would be able to lead a good life.

    Wei Wei was her son as well as Wei De¡¯s son. If Wei De was rich, he would not leave his son in the lurch. Moreover, thedy who was Wei De¡¯s girlfriend came from a well-to-do family. Unfortunately, she was not young anymore.

    She might not be able to bear children for Wei De. Even if she did, the child might not be a son.

    In that case, Wei Wei would inherit everything from Wei De. In the Wei family, daughters were not allowed to inherit the family property.

    If she really cared for Wei Wei, she should keep quiet about it and she must not tell others about her rtionship with Wei De.

    Thedy was raised by the Wei family. She was meek and gentle. Even though she felt sad at Mother Wei¡¯s words, she went along with the Wei family regardless of what they said.

    She had a wedding banquet with Brother De. They even invited all the vigers, including the vige chief, to the wedding banquet.

    She was Brother De¡¯s wife and Wei Wei¡¯s mother. Why would a daughter of the chiefe into the picture all of a sudden? What used to belong to her was taken away from her and she was seen as an indecent woman who had an illegitimate child.

    Although she was heartbroken, she had no intention of going against the Wei family.

    She did not know that she was the daughter of the vige chief and that the vige chief had been good to the Wei family on ount of her. Although she was unwilling to ept such an arrangement and she felt aggrieved, she had no choice but to agree to it in tears.

    Zhai Hua had never been to Wei De¡¯s hometown. People from Wei De¡¯s hometown were unaware of Wei De¡¯s recent developments.

    In this way, Wei De managed to deceive everyone, including Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    If they knew that Wei De had a wedding banquet in his hometown, was married, and had a son, Wei Wei, they would not waste so much time on him. They would kick him out of the house right away.

    Wei De was way too terrible. He was worse than people who hid the fact that they had a second marriage.

    Clearly, he had been scheming right from the start. It was his intention not to collect the marriage certificate. This was so that he would have the chance to look for a better spouse once he left the countryside and got to know more people.

    Thedies in the city were used to living a good life and would certainly refuse to stay in the countryside.

    The worst scenario was that Wei De might be thinking of having a wife in the city and another wife in the countryside. In that case, he could have a wife and a concubine at the same time.

    Wei De was so selfish and shameless. What he intended to do was to ruin the lives of two women.

    That was why Zhai Hua wished to end him with a gunshot when she learned the truth.

    She could tell why Wei De refused to collect the marriage certificate despite holding a wedding banquet. Once he collected the marriage certificate, there would be a record of his marriage in the national database.

    By then, one would be able to tell that Wei De was married from checking the database. Even if he was single, one would be able to know that he had been through a divorce.

    A man like him who was full of lies and would do anything in order to achieve his motive would not have true feelings for her.

    Even if Zhai Hua wanted to deceive herself right now, there was no way that she could continue to y along with Wei De.

    Now that she knew that Wei De had a wife in his hometown, she was reminded of all those years where Wei De took leave to go back to his hometown at least two to three times a year.

    She did not believe that whenever Wei De was back in his hometown, he would only chat with his wife on the bed and do nothing else.

    If this were the case, they would not have Wei Wei.

    Wei De was very good at keeping up with pretenses. He would not stay for long when he was back in his hometown. He would only stay there for a week or so.

    After returning to the army from his hometown, Wei De would hold Zhai Hua tightly, telling her that he missed her very much while he was away, that he hoped to bring Zhai Hua back to his hometown next time so that he could introduce her to his family, telling them that she was his fianc¨¦e.

    Back then, Zhai Hua was swept away by his honeyed words. But right now, those words were like a sharp knife, piercing Zhai Hua over and over again.

    After Wei De left the camp and started his business, he would make more trips back to his hometown and he would stay for a longer period of time beforeing back.

    Zhai Hua could not help but have a crazy thought. Perhaps his wife in his hometown might be pregnant with a second child.

    On one hand, Wei De dered his love for her and said that he wanted to marry her, that he could not do without her. On the other hand, he had a happy time with his wife that he refused to acknowledge.

    What was worse was that he was so despicable to bring their child to Ping Cheng, wanting Zhai Hua to bring up the child and pave a smooth path for him.

    Whenever she thought of that, Zhai Hua felt that she was going crazy. She could not control herself from turning berserk or stop herself from killing Wei De!

    After reading through the information, Qiao Nan empathized with Zhai Hua and understood her hatred as well as her deep-set thought of ending Wei De¡¯s life with her own hands.

    But the country was governed byw. Everyone was equal in the eyes of thew. Even though Zhai Hua was the daughter of the Zhai family, she was no exception.

    ¡°You are courting disaster.¡± Qiao Nan returned the information to where it was. ¡°Wei De, don¡¯t you feel guilty at all?¡±

    Or perhaps Wei De felt that he had Sister Zhai Hua under his thumb and he was not worried that she would discover the truth?

    Given that he was so ambitious, Wei De indeed needed to use every means to hide the existence of Wei Wei and that woman.

    The funny thing was that perhaps it was because Wei Wei was a son, or that Wei De was not certain whether Sister Zhai Hua would be able to have a child at her age¡ªshe might not have a son even if she could¡ªthat he cherished Wei Wei very much.

    Wei De kept very quiet about the woman. But in order for Wei Wei to carry on his family line, he brought him from his hometown to stay with him and he treated him very well. However, this had backfired on him.

    ¡°I can tell from your gaze that you must be thinking that if not for me, no one would be able to expose all your lies, no?¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan said those words, Wei De stared at her like a ferocious beast. He could not wait to tear her apart. Zhai Sheng frowned in anger and punched Wei De hard in his face.

 Chapter 1008 - Untitled

    <h4>Chapter 1008 Untitled</h4>

    Wei De had made sure that toon Leader Jiang leave the camp. However, he did not know that he had with him a bigger threat¡ªQiao Nan. It was because of her that he was in such a state. ¡°Why?!¡±

    Wei De said through gritted teeth.

    He did not know how Qiao Nan could tell that Wei Wei was his son instead of his nephew.

    Wei De was not a fool and he was conceited. He would not dig his own grave.

    Mother Wei was very certain that Wei Wei was her grandson. However, it was peculiar that he bore no resemnce to Wei De. This was the reason why Mother Wei dared to suggest to Wei De to bring Wei Wei to Ping Cheng and to gain Zhai Hua¡¯s favor so that she could help take care of him.

    Initially, Mother Wei was puzzled why her grandson did not resemble her son.

    But then Father Wei told her that it was true that Wei Wei did not resemble their son. However, Wei Wei resembled his great grandfather. He had inherited his looks.

    Mother Wei felt relieved at his words.

    Thereafter, Mother Wei would keep staring at her grandson, hoping to see some resemnces to her own son. It was after a long time before she had a happy discovery: her grandson might not look like her son, but his expression looked simr to Wei De when he smiled.

    That was why despite knowing that Zhai Hua was very crucial to Wei De and they should keep Wei Wei¡¯s existence a secret, she still made a bold suggestion to her son, telling him to bring Wei Wei to Ping Cheng to be with Zhai Hua. Her intention was for Zhai Hua to raise Wei De¡¯s nephew, who was, in actual fact, his son, for him.

    Wei De agreed to it for the same reason: judging from the looks, nobody would suspect that Wei Wei was not his nephew.

    The Zhai family was also curious to know the answer to Wei De¡¯s question.

    If the Zhai family did not have absolute trust in Qiao Nan, they would definitely spend time investigating Qiao Nan.

    They wanted to know how Qiao Nan managed to find out the secret that nobody would have thought of.

    ¡°Because of this photo.¡± Qiao Nan took out one of the photos that Zhai Hua sent to her. ¡°All the letters and photos that you sent to Sister Zhai Hua are, in fact, with me. I kept feeling that you wouldn¡¯t be so generous as to raise someone else¡¯s child. If you were such a good man, the ident with toon Leader Jiang would not have happened. Your way of dealing with things and your selfish nature made me suspect your rtionship with Wei Wei.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I have an unexinable doubt toward you. I have this feeling that your rtionship with Wei Wei is not that simple. Therefore, I tried my best to prove that I am right. After Sister Zhai Hua sent me the photos, I ced them side by side, and on a closer look, I felt that this photo was offensively conspicuous. Do you know the reason?¡±

    Wei De widened his eyes in surprise. Those photos were indeed sent by him to Zhai Hua.

    However, they were merely photos of daily life. One could not tell anything from these photos. Otherwise, he would not ask for trouble by sending these photos to Zhai Hua.

    If so, what did Qiao Nan mean when she said that there was something wrong with the photos?

    Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan, and Wei De had seen the photo. However, this was the first time the men in the Zhai family saw this photo.

    The average men might not be able to notice the important clue, but this was not the case for Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    Miao Jing, who was clueless, looked at Zhai Yaohui, asking him to exin to her. Zhai Yaohui nced at the photo. ¡°In this photo, the way Wei Wei and Wei De smiles looked simr.¡±

    The children might not have inherited their parents¡¯ features, but it was possible that they had simr expressions.

    Wei Wei and Wei De had a simr expression in the photo. This was why Qiao Nan could tell that they might be rted.

    Miao Jing took a closer look at the photo after Zhai Yaohui¡¯s exnation. Indeed, their expressions were alike.

    Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan in awe. ¡°Nan Nan, you are so amazing. You have good eyesight.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. She did not know how to react to her future mother-inw¡¯s praise.

    One had to have good eyesight to spot the simrities between Wei Wei and Wei De from the photos. In the future, there would be a popr Chinese game ¡®Find Picture¡¯ whereby it was the exact opposite¡ªone would need to spot the differences to win the game.

    Fortunately, she did not spend a lot of time on the game and her eyesight had not deteriorated.

    Qiao Nan might not feel thrilled at Miao Jing¡¯s praise, but Qiao Dongliang was proud of his daughter.

    When Qiao Dongliang was in the army, he was known for his good eyesight. He would have the highest score during target shooting.

    He felt that Qiao Nan must have inherited the good genes from him.

    Miao Jing finally understood the importance of the photo after Zhai Yaohui¡¯s exnation. Wei De also realized where he went wrong.

    When he knew that that was the reason why Qiao Nan suspected his rtionship with Wei Wei, Wei De felt as if he had shot himself in the foot.

    He had spent so much time and effort on Zhai Hua, but in the end, all his efforts had gone down the drain because of his mistake.

    There was a fishy and slightly sweet taste in Wei De¡¯s throat. His face turned deep red, his neck swollen, and blue veins stood out.

    Wei De was as mad as Zhai Hua, who had almost fainted from anger just now.

    ¡°The evil we bring on ourselves is the hardest to bear.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached for Zhai Hua upon learning she was deceived and toyed with by Wei De. Right now, she felt much better after knowing that Wei De had caused his own downfall.

    One should not do evil. Otherwise, God would not let them off.

    Qiao Nan agreed with Miao Jing. ¡°In fact, he is no longer rted to the Zhai family. Should he leave now?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded. He made a phone call for the guards at the quad to send Wei De away.

    Love might concern two people, but breaking up was different from a marriage. One did not need the other party¡¯s consent to end the rtionship.

    ¡°I...¡± Wei De was in a panic. It seemed that the Zhai family did not intend to hear another word or an exnation from him. They wanted to cut off all contact between him and Zhai Hua.

    The guards gave Wei De a hostile stare. One of the guards grabbed his arms, covered his mouth, and dragged him out of the house with the help of another guard.

    The guards threw Wei De out of the house and snorted in disdain. ¡°Scum.¡±

    ¡°Beast!¡±

    He had shamed the soldiers.

    They would not admit that Wei De used to be part of the army. He was the army¡¯s disgrace!

    After figuring out the rtionship between Wei De and Wei Wei, Wei De and Zhai Hua had nothing more to say to each other. In fact, it was Zhai Hua who had no wish to speak to Wei De anymore.

 Chapter 1009 - Made a Clean Break

    Chapter 1009 Made a Clean Break

    Before this, the two of them had already been in the cooling-off period. Zhai Hua had been considering whether to persist on or break up with Wei De.

    Now that she knew that Wei De had been deceiving her and his nephew was, in fact, his son, there was nothing more to talk about.

    Given what Wei De had done, if they did not break up, everyone, including Zhai Hua, would look down on herself.

    Wei De was not the only man in this world. There was no need for her to waste her entire life on a scumbag like him. It was not worthwhile.

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s heart ached for his granddaughter, and at the same time, he was upset with her behavior. She used to be verypetitive and behaved like a boy, yet she cried her guts out because of a man. ¡°What¡¯s there to cry? I am still alive and kicking. If you are as heartbroken as you are now when I pass away, then I have not wasted my time raising you at least.¡±

    Old Master Zhai felt sad.

    He treated his granddaughter like his princess, but she did not give him such attention or love.

    ¡°Grandpa...¡± Qiao Nan stopped herself from rolling her eyes. ¡°Lunar New Year ising in more than a month. Why do you say such inauspicious words?¡±

    Old Master Zhai sensed that he had said the wrong words. He was not as angry after being lectured by his future granddaughter-inw. ¡°That is because someone angered me, so I spoke incoherently.¡±

    ¡°No matter how angry you are, you should not say that.¡± Qiao Nan had a headache. Since a young age, she was used to being scolded and cursed by her mother. She had no way to rebut her mother. If she did, her mother would scold her even further.

    However, Qiao Nan never got used to her curses. She disliked saying words that hurt others and oneself. No matter how angry one was, one should not speak of death easily.

    Perhaps because she had died once that she cherished life and could not tolerate others speaking of dying so casually. ¡°Minutes ago, I was so annoyed and furious at Sister Zhai Hua. I was exasperated that she was so foolish when it came to Wei De. However, no matter how angry I was, I merely scolded her for desperately in need of a bashing.¡±

    She could not bring herself tosh out at Wei De either, saying words like telling him to die.

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not expect that his younger daughter would have such a huge reaction. Other people might not understand Qiao Nan, but he did. Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder; his heart ached for her. He looked at the Zhai family apologetically. ¡°Please don¡¯t mind. Nan Nan has good intentions.¡±

    ¡°No, not at all.¡± Miao Jing was the first person to respond to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    Miao Jing herself felt upset that Old Master Zhai spoke of death so casually. ¡°Nan Nan is right. The Lunar New Year ising. We should be happy and should not say such inauspicious words. Besides, the most inauspicious person is no longer rted to us.¡±

    Zhai Sheng looked at Old Master Zhai. If he did not make thosements, Nan Nan would not be so agitated.

    Old Master Zhai touched his chin awkwardly. ¡°Forget that I have said those words.¡± He was so angry that he was muddleheaded. That was why he made thosements, angering his future granddaughter-inw.

    Old Master Zhai was from the older generation. Compared to the younger generation, he was even more averse to saying inauspicious words. Moreover, he was already getting on in years and all the more he cherished his time with his family. Under normal circumstances, he would not talk about dying, let alone talk about his own death.

    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief that the old master was willing to admit that he was wrong. He was the elder. No one expected that he would admit his mistakes in front of his juniors.

    Zhai Hua, who had been sobbing silently, wiped her tears with her hands forcefully. She stood up in one go and ran toward her intended destination.

    ¡°Hua Hua, w-what are you up to?¡± Miao Jing had a big fright at Zhai Hua¡¯s behavior. She hurried to catch up with Zhai Hua. She was worried that her daughter had yet to sort out her thoughts and would do something foolish.

    To put it bluntly, if Zhai Hua was aggrieved and felt suffocated, Miao Jing would rather her daughter go against thew to hurt Wei De than to hurt herself.

    Zhai Hua sniffed. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t do anything foolish. I just feel that I have to put aside all the gifts that Wei De gave me. The gifts might not be worth much, but I should return them to him. I want to make a clean break.¡±

    She would not be a fool anymore. She would no longer get back with Wei De. ¡°Mom, even if Wei De is the only man in this world, I would rather stay single all my life, without any children, than to be with him. I have wasted my life on him. Let¡¯s just take it that I have given my true love to the wrong person.¡±

    After saying those harsh words, Zhai Hua realized that breaking up with Wei De was not as difficult as how she imagined it to be. It was not that difficult to make a decision.

    Qiao Nan, who sat by the side, knew too well. The Zhai family was too sentimental.

    Unless the other party disappointed them thoroughly, the Zhai family would never be heartless to people that they once liked.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother, Qi Min, was the typical example.

    After spending years with them, Qiao Nan was certain that her future father-inw¡¯s only true love was her future mother-inw. It was never Qi Min.

    Her future father-inw might not have any feelings for Qi Min, but he was willing to help Qiu Qin in his career. That was why Qi Min was able to lead a good life after marrying Qiu Qin.

    Qiao Nan was thankful that Wei De had gone way overboard and to the extent of being immoral.

    Otherwise, Zhai Hua might not have made a clean break with Wei De.

    Miao Jing followed right behind her daughter. She was indeed rummaging through the cabs and drawers to take out her belongings.

    Zhai Hua was being practical and realistic.

    Back when Wei De was poor, he could not afford to give expensive gifts to Zhai Hua. His gifts were cheap and did not cost a lot.

    At that time, Zhai Hua was moved that Wei De picked the gifts for her personally. It did not matter to her that there was no value in the things that he gave her.

    Now that Zhai Hua went through her belongings, she could not help but sneer.

    It was no wonder that Wei De did not take her seriously. Whenever he returned to his hometown, he would be husband and wife with his so-called ¡®sister¡¯. Perhaps to Wei De, she was as worthless as the gifts that he gave her.

    What was ridiculous was that after Wei De became a sessful businessman and made lots of money with her help, he was still stingy with his gifts to her.

    Wei De was willing to spend lots of money on his parents, but not on Zhai Hua. He would buy new furniture, color television, telephone, and many other household appliances for his parents in the countryside.

    On one asion, Wei De insisted that Zhai Hua apanied him to choose bird¡¯s nests for his parents. He wanted to buy high quality bird¡¯s nests that were sold at a lower price.

    In the end, Wei De managed to buy the bird¡¯s nests that he wanted from the shop of Zhai Hua¡¯s friend.

 Chapter 1010 - Did Not Fancy Him

    <h4>Chapter 1010 Did Not Fancy Him</h4>

    On the ount of his rtionship with Zhai Hua, they had almost sold them to Wei De at cost price.

    Fortunately, as birds¡¯ nests were expensive, no matter how filial he was, Wei De did not buy too much all at once.

    He had spent three thousand yuan to buy a gift hamper with two hundred grams of birds¡¯ nest. He then sent it to his hometown.

    Clearly, she was the one who helped Wei De earn money. However, Wei De spent all of them on Wei Wei and his family in his hometown. On the contrary, she had never received any gift that cost more than two hundred yuan from Wei De.

    Zhai Hua felt that she was very sorrowful and pitiful in her rtionship with Wei De.

    In fact, Wei De had been quite obvious in his actions. Why hadn¡¯t she seen through him all this while? It was as if a ghost was covering her eyes and she was in self-denial.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s character was more like a man. She disliked wearing dresses since she was young. The first dress of her life was a gift from Wei De and she had worn it for him.

    At the sight of the dress in the closet that she once treated as a treasure, Zhai Hua could not help touching her forehead. Was the word ¡®moronic¡¯ engraved on it?

    Wei De had such intentions. His gifts were inexpensive but could not hide his motive either.

    After tidying up for some time, she searched out onerge box of gifts from Wei De.

    At the sight of these items, Zhai Hua sneered continuously. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s all. At the very least, there¡¯s nothing else from him in this house anymore. Later, I will get someone to return these things to Wei De.¡±

    ¡°Aye, okay.¡± How could Miao Jing object to this? She could not wait for her daughter to have a clean break with Wei De.

    As she sized up the items in the box, Miao Jing sighed continuously. These items were not valuable and she would never touch them anyway.

    It was not a problem if the gifts were inexpensive. Most importantly, it was the thoughts that counted.

    Hua Hua would not like many of the items in the box at all. Hadn¡¯t Wei De been too slipshod in choosing the presents?

    Zhai Hua could tell that Miao Jing¡¯s eyes were filled with dissatisfaction. She gave a grim smile. She really could not tell her mother with her own mouth that Wei De¡¯s perfunctory behavior was an oue of her over-indulging him.

    When they first got together, Wei De did spend more effort on buying gifts for her. Although the gifts were not expensive, they would definitely delight Zhai Hua.

    However, as time passed, Wei De¡¯s patience began to run out. Wei De continued with the practice of buying her gifts. However, he did not spend that much effort to pick and choose them.

    During the first time that he did that, Wei De even observed Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction carefully.

    If Zhai Hua were to feel displeased or unsatisfied, he would certainly change then.

    The problem was that Zhai Hua was very ¡®understanding¡¯ to Wei De during the first time that it happened. She even expressed that she would like whatever Wei De gave her.

    With Zhai Hua¡¯s words of ¡®assurance¡¯, Wei De felt that he had been granted amnesty. He no longer cared about choosing presents for Zhai Hua. As long as the price was not too cheap, he would immediately buy anything that he casually grabbed or conveniently sighted. Thereafter, he would ¡®dump¡¯ them to Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua took a deep breath. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go outside. Qiao Nan is still waiting for us.¡±

    ¡°Right, let¡¯s go outside. I remember that it¡¯s almost the end of the semester, right? Nan Nan did not evene back during National Day. Why would she have time toe back today?¡± Miao Jing realized that Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance in the house of the Zhai family today was abnormal.

    Carrying that huge box, Zhai Hua forced a smile. ¡°Most likely, Qiao Nan had guessed my situation and took a leave toe back.¡±

    ¡°This child...¡± Qiao Nan cared so much for the Zhai family and Zhai Hua, this sister-inw. Of course, Miao Jing was pleased.

    From Wei De¡¯s matter, it was not difficult for Miao Jing to predict that Zhai Sheng was the only one who would be extremely sessful in the future. When she and Zhai Yaohui were no longer around, Zhai Hua would need Zhai Sheng, the younger brother, to take care of her.

    If Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua were close, Miao Jing did not need to worry about whether Zhai Hua would lead a good life after she and Zhai Yaohui were gone.

    ¡°Hua Hua, Nan Nan is a good child.¡± At the thought of this, Miao Jing persuaded Zhai Hua and hoped that her daughter could be closer with her future daughter-inw.

    In terms of capability, her daughter could not bepared to her son. In terms of intelligence, she could not bepared to her daughter-inw.

    As such, besides her son, her daughter-inw would definitely have to take care and keep a watch on her daughter, lest thetter continue to suffer from ¡®poor eyesight¡¯.

    ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to tell me. I understand. Nan Nan is a gooddy.¡± Zhai Hua was very sincere when she said that. Qiao Nan had felt that Wei De was odd and was keeping a watch on him. She even found some clues from her and Wei De¡¯s photos.

    Given her feelings toward Wei De, it waspletely possible for Wei De to deceive her into marriage.

    If she really were to marry Wei De and then found out how lousy Wei De was thereafter, her whole life would be ruined then.

    Without Qiao Nan, it was certainly impossible for her to be able to climb out of a huge fire pit like Wei De.

    In the past, she had even shunned Qiao Nan because of Wei De. She watched on when Qiao Nan was bullied by others and developed negative opinions of Qiao Nan. On the contrary, Qiao Nan helped her wholeheartedly in Wei De¡¯s matter. At the thought of this, Zhai Hua felt so embarrassed that she wanted to p her own face.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you know.¡± Miao Jing let down her shoulders that she had been holding up stiffly.

    True enough, as long as Hua Hua left Wei De, she could revert to that intelligent, sensible, and understanding Hua Hua in the past.

    After they came out, Zhai Hua ced a huge box of items on the coffee table. ¡°These are all the thrash that Wei De gave me. Zhai Sheng, help me get someone to return them.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Zhai Sheng did not reject her request. There was a sh in his eyes. ¡°Leave it to me to settle this. Will you mind whatever I do with them?¡±

    Zhai Hua sat down sullenly. ¡°Don¡¯t need to test me. When I say that I have broken up with Wei De, I have really broken up with him. I am not together with him or rted to him anymore. I won¡¯t bother about how you return the items to Wei De. It¡¯s not that I still have feelings toward him. I have been deceived so badly. I can¡¯t wait for his life to be in shambles.¡±

    Wei De¡¯s matter was simply the greatest humiliation in her life.

    Zhai Sheng felt more at ease now. He then made a call to get someone to bring away the box of items.

    When this person arrived at the entrance of Wei De¡¯s bigpany, there was a ¡®lively¡¯ situation.

    Zhai Hua was loyal and had a sense of justice. She was also good-tempered. Hence, she did notck any buddies.

    Previously, with that one phone call of Zhai Hua, people immediately guided Wei De along in his business. In a short time span of a few days, Wei De transformed from being in an impoverished state to being quite asset-rich.

    It was not easy to make money. Nevertheless, was it also not easy to be broke?

    Wei De could still put on a false front in front of Zhai Hua but he could not help giving himself away when he was with Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends.

    He had thought that everyone was men and that they should understand one another. When they were out for client meetings, Wei De often imitated the television shows and requested for bar girls to keep himpany. The seat beside him was never empty.

 Chapter 1011 - Drastic Measures

    <h4>Chapter 1011 Drastic Measures</h4>

    During such business meetings, notwithstanding whether Wei De eventually did anything to thesedies, they saw with their own eyes how Wei De used every opportunity to take advantage of thedies. Wei De would touch thedies at inappropriate ces, not sparing any.

    If Zhai Hua did not like Wei De, they would not even be willing to bother about Wei De. He was the kind of person who was incapable and could only rely on women to climb to the top.

    However, everyone was aware of Zhai Hua¡¯s temperament.

    Unless Zhai Hua sorted out her thoughts on her own, Zhai Hua might think that they were sowing discord if they were to tell her the truth!

    When one was in love, their IQ would be zero. Zhai Hua had always been famous in their social circle for being strong-bodied but simple-minded.

    The initial n of Zhai Hua¡¯s buddies was to help Zhai Hua keep a watch on Wei De.

    Regardless of how cunning Wei De was, they could also help Zhai Hua nip him in the bud. They were not worried at all that Wei De would y any tricks.

    However, this group of youngds never expected that they had gotten to know Wei De toote. Wei De had already used all of his tricks on Zhai Hua long before they knew him.

    When they heard the news, everyone was thinking about how to deal with Wei De. That one phone call from Zhai Hua was akin to rain that came just in time. It made everyone know what they needed to do next.

    One by one, all those businesses that involved Wei De along failed.

    The agreements that were already signed were now void. The businesses that were in discussion became unsuitable and those potential projects simply became ¡®disconnected.¡¯

    Wei De basically did not have financial liquidity in hispany. He relied on the help from this group of Zhai Hua¡¯s buddies.

    Once Zhai Hua had spoken out, one by one, these people withdrew their funds. They did not even let Wei De have a chance to conceal or fake the ounts.

    All his businesses were unsessful and his funds were withdrawn fully.

    Could apany that had neither money nor business still be called apany?

    Instantly, the authorities came to check on Wei De¡¯s ounts and then gave him a deadline.

    If the funds were not ounted for within seven days, Wei De would have to dere bankrupt then.

    One thing happened after another. Wei De did not even have the time to react or minimize the impact.

    He was still considering how to salvage his rtionship with Zhai Hua. However, thepany was already in a chaotic state, facing the situation of disintegration.

    When the employees of thepany heard that the situation was so terrible, all of them were scared out of their wits. They requested from Wei De their sry for November and expressed that they would take it that they had provided freebor for Wei De for the first half of December. Wei De did not need to pay them for that period.

    He could lose neither the woman nor the money.

    His western suit was as wrinkled as pickles. The green and purple bruises and scars on his face were like the colors painted on a clown¡¯s face. His hair was messy and he looked dejected.

    Facing such a boss, these employees refused to stay despite the good words and persuasion of Wei De. They insisted that Wei De pay them the sry for November.

    ¡°Stop making noise. How is it possible that thepany doesn¡¯t have money? It¡¯s not that you don¡¯t know those friends of mine. As long as I make a phone call, they will get someone to send the money over.¡± Wei De gripped and loosened his tie in a disheveled manner. This time, he wished to kill someone more than Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Boss, don¡¯t lie to us anymore. We heard them very clearly. Those friends of yours, who are big bosses, are not your friends. They are thedy boss¡¯ friends. Boss, you have broken up with thedy boss, right?¡±

    It was not as if the people in thepany did not have ears and eyes.

    In fact, the employees had seen the so-called friends, the big bosses mentioned by Wei De.

    However, each time, Wei De would always bow to these youngsters humbly, treat, and fawn on them as if they were his ancestors.

    ¡°It¡¯s bustling here?¡± The person who had been running the errand for Zhai Sheng had a mocking look on his face while he carried in that huge box from Zhai Hua. ¡°You¡¯re Wei De, right? These things... I am not sure if you will remember them if I don¡¯t bring them up. However, it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. That¡¯s the temperament of the Zhai family. They don¡¯t like to owe anyone anything. Regardless of how valuable your gifts are, they will definitely return them to you if they should. Of course, they will definitely ask you back for what you have owed them too.¡±

    After leaving behind these few extremely cold words, that man lifted the box in his hands. When he turned it, all the items in the box fell noisily all over the entrance of thepany like it was raining.

    As for the clothing that Wei De had given to Zhai Hua, they had been cut and destroyed by Zhai Hua.

    After humiliating Wei De badly in front of everyone by exhibiting the gifts from Wei De to Zhai Hua, that man even took money out from his pocket. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient to return the clothing, so they had to be cut and destroyed. The Zhai family doesn¡¯t have the habit of owing people money. Fortunately, the total cost of these few pieces of clothing is not more than two hundred yuan. They¡¯ve returned them to you.¡±

    After dumping two pieces of cash that were as red as Wei De¡¯s eyes, that man waved his sleeves gently and left without taking anything away. Nothing there belonged to him anyway.

    When Wei De¡¯s employees saw clearly his gifts to Zhai Hua, all of them were stupefied. ¡°Boss earned so much money and he gave thedy boss these things?¡±

    ¡°Thedy boss was so easily taken in. I heard that gifts from high school students are even better than these.¡±

    ¡°No wonder they are breaking up!¡±

    ¡°What I want to say most is that, true enough, thispany no longer has money!!!¡±

    If not for the fact that he was poor, would the boss need to be so stingy and give thedy boss things that were not even eptable to students?

    One had to know that they owed it to the formerdy boss to bring in all the businesses of thispany.

    ¡°I want to quit. I don¡¯t want the sry for this month anymore. Quickly pay us our sry forst month. If you don¡¯t, we will sue you!¡±

    ¡°Right, sue you!¡±

    At this moment, the situation at Wei De¡¯spany was bing more and more chaotic. It was so chaotic that Wei De simply could not control it.

    All the processes in thepany were managed by the relevant personnel recruited by Zhai Hua¡¯s friends to help Wei De.

    Of course, Wei De knew that such a situation was disadvantageous to him. However, if he were to hire someone else, wouldn¡¯t he need to spend money?

    Moreover, he had established neither his foothold nor interpersonalwork. As such, he had to rely on these richds.

    In the initial period, he had to learn and gain more experience from these people.

    When he had the capability to control the whole operations of thepany, he would then find a way to kick away those people who were not on his side.

    Wei De knew in his heart that the reason these people had been helping him and even hired professionals to help him work was that they were helping Zhai Hua keep a watch on him.

    In name, thepany belonged to him. In actual fact, those people treated hispany and money as Zhai Hua¡¯s belonging.

    Wei De was able to keep his equanimity. He was very devious and could tolerate anger well.

    However, never did he predict that Zhai Hua and his rtionship would be over before he could even establish a footing. Hence, he did not even have any time to realize all his ns and schemes.

 Chapter 1012 - What a Huge Brag

    <h4>Chapter 1012 What a Huge Brag</h4>

    Everything happened all of a sudden. Wei De was caught off guard. He was at a loss of what to do.

    Those people had not only withdrawn their funds but also recalled the people whom they had recruited earlier.

    Given his current capability, Wei De could not control the chaotic situation that he was facing now.

    Wei De had already received a harsh beating from Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng earlier. Every bone and muscle of his body was in extreme pain. In the end, the employees were so furious that they pressed Wei De to the ground and mercilessly gave him another round of beating. Wei De even fainted eventually.

    When Wei De could finally open his swollen eyes, albeit with much difficulty and barely opening them in a slit, he found himself surrounded by four miserable white walls and he was having a bad headache. Had he been hospitalized?

    It was true that everyone kicks a man who is down.

    He and Zhai Hua were not over yet, but these people could not wait to trample on him who was down on luck.

    Just wait and see. When he reconciled with and married Zhai Hua, he would use the Zhai family¡¯s power to retaliate against whoever made things difficult for him today!

    ¡°Sir.¡± The auntie whom Wei De had hired to look after Wei Wei was sitting by his side, looking awkward. ¡°Sir, you are awake. D-do you want some water?¡±

    Wei De gave a long sigh. He closed his eyes and nodded weakly.

    After the auntie fed Wei De a mouthful of water, she was thinking of how to get away. ¡°Sir, Wei Wei is sleeping. Should I wake him up?¡±

    ¡°!¡± Wei De gave a re and revealed a murderous look in his eyes. Nevertheless, this murderous aura disappeared very soon after.

    A woman was a woman, while his son was his son.

    Zhai Hua was very important to him but so was his son.

    When he said that he did not want Wei Wei anymore, he was faking his stand in front of the Zhai family in order to plead for Zhai Hua to turn back her heart. It was impossible for him to give up on this son.

    However, the situation had turned out as such. Certainly, Wei Wei would not be able to remain in Ping Cheng anymore.

    Wei De was afraid that Zhai Hua would be unwilling to meet or bother about him again if he were to bring up Wei Wei¡¯s name again, not to mention to allow this child to appear in front of her. ¡°I will give you a contact number. Call this number. You don¡¯t need to tell the person about my situation. You just need to tell the person that I have been too busy with my business recently and am not in Ping Cheng now, and ask them to fetch Wei Wei back.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure.¡± The auntie was aware that her only duty was to take good care of Wei Wei when she was hired.

    If the child were to be sent away, she should be able to leave then?

    When she received the contact number, the auntie paid out of her own pocket and dialed the number. She repeated Wei De¡¯s words ordingly.

    After Mother Wei listened to the phone call, she agreed readily without suspecting. She took it that Wei De was really busy. ¡°Fine, send the child to the train station tomorrow. I will go and fetch him.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The auntie heaved a sigh of relief.

    After hanging up the phone at home, Mother Wei lost her temper. ¡°Ah De is a man. He needs to support the entire family and earn money. He needs to support us. Zhai Hua is just a woman. Why is she so insensible? Why doesn¡¯t she know her limits? As a woman, first, she should serve her man. Second, she should take good care of him and his child. As for the rest of the matters, she can leave it to Ah De to handle. Outrageous! If she bes my daughter-inw next time, I will definitely take her in hand properly and make her understand what a woman¡¯s duty is. If she is not able to change her temper, she can forget about calling me mom!¡±

    Her son was very capable now. He could earn so much money.

    Now, in the vige, which family¡¯s house was better than hers? Whose clothing, food, and daily necessities were better than hers?

    Touching the big and heavy gold bracelet on her wrist, Mother Wei looked so smug that she was about to fly. ¡°Given my family¡¯s Ah De¡¯s current qualities, if it is in the olden times, he would be considered a magnate who should have a few wives. At this point in time, he will be able to get any women that he wants. Pretty and young ones wille to him as long as he waves his hands. It¡¯s just that our family¡¯s Ah De is too honest and virtuous. He has never shunned her. She also has to know where she stands. She was not being appreciative at all!¡±

    Zhai Hua was almost thirty years old and she still refused to marry Wei De. She was so proud. Mother Wei could not wait to rush to Zhai Hua and give her a few tight ps on the face.

    Juniors who were insensible deserved a beating!

    When Father Wei heard Mother Wei¡¯s words, he was so furious. Bam¡ª!! He smashed his bowl on the table and it shattered into pieces. ¡°Your son is so capable now that you hate other people¡¯s daughter so much. Fine, make a phone call now and ask your son to break up with her. Thereafter, get your son to do ording to what you said¡ªfind a young, pretty, and well-educated one. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

    When Father Wei red up, Mother Wei¡¯s voice softened. ¡°What do you mean by this? I¡¯m going to keep my mouth shut. People from our Wei family are honest and virtuous. I... I was justmenting a little. I didn¡¯t do anything either.¡±

    ¡°Humph. You just know how to talk.¡± Father Wei snorted with disdain. Regardless of how pleasant the words were, everything that his son had now was owed to that ¡®daughter-inw who had countless faults¡¯ from his wife¡¯s mouth.

    Would their son be able to establish himself in Ping Cheng without that family¡¯s daughter?

    ¡°She is not even married to our family yet and you are already protecting her. You... What do you mean by this?¡± Mother Wei was not willing to admit that her own son was not good enough and had to rely on a woman. Her son was the capable one. It was that woman who was too insensible.

    That woman should pass all the power in her hands to her son.

    It had always been the case where a man should take care of external matters while his wife took care of domestic affairs. That should be the right way.

    ¡°What else could I mean? Is Ah De not my son? Believe it or not, as long as you say any of what you said just now to the other family¡¯s daughter, she will turn against our family. Both of us know how capable our son is. Do you dare to say that he will be able to find someone better than her? However, if the chief¡¯s daughter leaves Ah De, her family can easily introduce her to someone who is much better than Ah De.¡±

    In the eyes of the parents, their own children would always be the most outstanding ones in the world.

    Father Wei did not like to talk but it did not mean that he did not have brains.

    His wife had been bragging too much, so much so that she had taken her words of bragging as the truth.

    It was not that the other family¡¯s daughter could not leave Ah De. If Ah De were to leave her, he would be reduced to nothing.

    Mother Wei was panting heavily in anger but she did not refute Father Wei¡¯s words. ¡°Why are you so fierce? I am just saying this at home.¡± Of course, she would not be so stupid as to say this in front of thatdy.

    Thatdy¡¯s biological father was the great chief while her whole family was farmers.

    Nevertheless, after Ah De married that woman, that woman also had to address her as ¡®mom¡¯ abidingly and respectfully although she was a farmer. She had to be filial to her!

    ¡°You can¡¯t say that even at home. What if someone hears it and mouths it to thatdy? Also, you let your tongue slip now. When you really meet thatdy, what if you can¡¯t help it and say this to her? You¡¯ll see how your son will deal with you if you wreck this marriage.¡±

 Chapter 1013 - Not Persuading

    <h4>Chapter 1013 Not Persuading</h4>

    Regarding this matter, it was certainly true that the other family¡¯s daughter had been shortchanged.

    Ah De was his son. Of course, he was on his own son¡¯s side.

    His grandson already existed and he could not forgo his grandson.

    Aside from that, he would certainly properly take in hand his own wife so that thatdy¡¯s life would not be as bad. This was also considered a form ofpensation for her.

    Father Wei was mncholic as he took a smoke of his dry-cured tobo. ¡°I am guessing that Ah De asked you to bring our grandson back as a precautionary measure. I have said before. This matter is not handled honestly. We have gone overboard in bullying others. Also, the people in the city are very smart. I am afraid that all of you have been too optimistic and your n will fail in the end.¡±

    Father Wei had always disapproved of sending his grandson to Ping Cheng.

    Of course, he hoped that his only grandchild could be as sessful as thetter¡¯s father.

    The problem was that thatdy or other people might discover the rtionship between his son and grandson. If that were to happen, his son would really lose this good marriage.

    Father Wei¡¯s words made sense. No matter how bad Mother Wei¡¯s temper was, she could only bow her head and relent at this moment. ¡°You¡¯re right. I will not talk about this in the future in case other people spread the words around. Who will fetch Wei Wei? You or me?¡±

    When that chief¡¯s daughter really became her daughter-inw, she would order her to take care of Wei Wei then.

    At most, she just had to wait for it to happen in one or two years¡¯ time. With Ah De around, no one would be able to shortchange her grandson.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Father Wei stood up immediately. ¡°It¡¯s not the spring season now. There shouldn¡¯t be many people buying the tickets. I will go now.¡± After all, it would be a long journey. Father Wei hoped to fetch his grandson home as soon as possible, whether it was because he missed him or to prevent his grandson¡¯s existence from affecting his son¡¯s good marriage.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Mother Wei copied down a contact number and passed it to Father Wei, in case Father Wei became lost and could not fetch their grandson when he arrived in Ping Cheng.

    Father Wei took an overnight train to Ping Cheng and managed to fetch his grandson at half past eight in the morning.

    When he saw that a helper and not his son had brought his grandson to him, Father Wei enquired. The auntie acted ording to Wei De¡¯s instructions. She only told him that Wei De was extremely busy with work and discussions of business deals.

    After he confirmed umpteen times that Wei De was doing fine and there was no problem with his rtionship with Zhai Hua, he then left with Wei Wei.

    Never did the auntie and Wei De expect that, Wei Wei, who had already learned how to talk, would tell Father Wei on the train that Wei De was hospitalized as he had been beaten up by someone.

    Father Wei then realized that his son was in some trouble. That was why he had contacted them to fetch his grandson home.

    Father Wei could not help much in other areas. Since his son did not want him to know about this, Father Wei pretended that he did not know. He even instructed his grandson not to mention this in front of thetter¡¯s grandmother.

    When Wei De had settled his problem and decided on his marriage with the chief¡¯s daughter, Father Wei believed that everything would be fine and there would be clear skies after a storm.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have applied for leave toe back. Is there really no issue?¡± The night Qiao Nan returned to Ping Cheng, naturally, she went back to stay in the small courtyard near Ping Cheng High School with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Yes, the principal has approved the leave.¡± Qiao Nan dared not tell Qiao Dongliang that the principal had approved her leavepletely because he was giving the Zhai family face, and not because he hadplete trust in her.

    True enough, Qiao Dongliang felt more at ease when he heard that she had the principal¡¯s approval. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t me Dad for being too strict on you. Even if the Zhai family doesn¡¯t look down on us, other people are not so nice with their words. Now, you can only strive to perform well in college and let everyone know that you are capable andpatible with Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Dad, how will I not understand your good intention? If one is carefree, they should not care too much about others¡¯ opinions. The problem is that the status of the Zhai family is different. If I can do better, of course I will, regardless of whether it is for the sake of the Zhai family or myself. Dad, I know. I am not angry.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt veryforted that his daughter was so sensible and obedient. ¡°That¡¯s true. You¡¯ve been very obedient and sensible since you¡¯re a child. If it¡¯s your sister...¡±

    At the mention of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned pale.

    Initially, Miao Jing intended to ask Qiao Nan to stay at the house of the Zhai family but Qiao Dongliang did not agree. Once Qiao Dongliang expressed his stand, Qiao Nan very obediently followed Qiao Dongliang as he stood up. They then returned to the small courtyard together.

    Qiao Nan was already engaged with Zhai Sheng. Even if she were to stay at the house of the Zhai family, other people could not gossip either, not to mention that Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had already looked for Dongliang when they came back from the capital. The trio had jointly discussed and selected a date next year to organize a banquet for the two children so that they could collect their marriage certificate thereafter.

    As such, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng would be an official couple then.

    They had alreadye to such a stage. Qiao Dongliang was hanging on and felt that it was best for Qiao Nan not to stay at the house of the Zhai family for the time being.

    If Qiao Nan did not listen to him, Qiao Dongliang might feel disappointed but he would not think that Qiao Nan was in the wrong. The problem was that if the same situation urred with Qiao Zijin... Clearly, Qiao Zijin was older than Qiao Nan by two years but shepletely did not have Qiao Nan¡¯s sensibility and dignity. This was what Qiao Dongliang was most angry about.

    Qiao Nan was pouring some water when she paused. ¡°Sister and Mom are back?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, why do you think I insist that you don¡¯t stay in the quad?¡± Qiao Dongliang was feeling angry too. ¡°Your sister... I really can¡¯t manage her. If your mom wants to spoil her, so be it. She will ruin your sister¡¯s entire life. Your mom wille to regret this!¡±

    Previously, when Qiao Dongliang divorced Ding Jiayi, it was considered that he left the marriage without anything. He left everything in the family¡¯s possession, including the small courtyard in the quad, to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Miao Jing liked Qiao Nan very much. Old Master Zhai was also full of praise for Qiao Nan.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s biological father, Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed that everyone in his future inw family liked his daughter.

    He could not agree to let his daughter stay overnight at the house of the Zhai family. Nevertheless, they had a house in the quad too. If they were to stay near each other, it was convenient to have dinner and chat for a longer time before returning home.

    However, as Ding Jiayi had returned to Ping Cheng and stayed in the small courtyard of the Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang was thus reluctant to step into the house.

    Since he had already given it to Ding Jiayi, he would not go back on his words.

    As such, Qiao Dongliang simply gave all the keys of the small courtyard to Ding Jiayi. He did not leave behind any of them. He did not leave himself a choice at all.

    ¡°What happened to my sister?¡± Upon hearing this, Qiao Nan felt that his father¡¯s anger seemed to be directed at Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°She is dating.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± She knew about this matter. Brother Zhai had mentioned it to her before.

    ¡°She is together with that man by the surname of Chen!¡± This was what Qiao Dongliang could not ept most.

    In the past, this youngd appeared out of nowhere at his house and said that he knew Nan Nan.

    Within such a short time span, that man by the surname of Chen was already together with Zijin. Qiao Dongliang did not feel happy about it. ¡°That man by the surname of Chen doesn¡¯t seem like a good guy. Your sister insists to be with him. She will definitely suffer badly in the future.¡±

    At the sight of that indignant look of Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan did not open her mouth to persuade Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 1014 - Can She Not Fancy Him?

    <h4>Chapter 1014 Can She Not Fancy Him?</h4>

    In her previous life, Qiao Zijin was the famous wife of the policemissioner in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan was not clear about how Qiao Zijin¡¯s life was after thetter¡¯s marriage with Chen Jun.

    Qiao Nan only knew that Qiao Zijin had never shortchanged herself in terms of dressing or essories. She took food and things from her maternal family and even got away with a house from Qiao Nan.

    When the two of them got married, Qiao Zijin wore aplete set of gold jewelry, not any piece less.

    Following the increasing poprity of tinum and diamonds, Qiao Zijin also went home with a bright and shiny diamond ring that was not small in size.

    Later on, there was mosaic gold in the market. Whenever there was a new product, Qiao Zijin never shortchanged herself because of money. She would buy herself everything that was newlyunched.

    Under the circumstance whereby she did notck any materialistic needs, Qiao Zijin still went looking for messy wild men and was caught red-handed by the Chen family.

    From a certain perspective, it was not just the Chen family who had bullied Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin did not show them any face either. Neither was kind or pushovers.

    It was the pot calling the kettle back. It was hard to say who was bullying who.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I remember that when thatd by the surname of Chen initially came to our house, he was looking for you. Do you have any impression of this person?¡± He just had to settle his younger daughter¡¯s marriage properly. Thereafter, he did not need to worry about the rest of his younger daughter¡¯s life anymore.

    The marriage of his younger daughter had been settled. Unfortunately, his elder daughter, who was most disobedient and poor in her studies, was creating troubles for him every now and then. Qiao Dongliang felt very weary.

    Qiao Nan was drinking her water when she said, ¡°Dad, if I tell you that Chen Jun expressed a liking for me, wooed me when I was in junior high school, and even wrote me love letters, will you believe me?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. He did not react after some time. ¡°Nan Nan, is that true?¡±

    ¡°He came to my school and my ssroom before. When I was in my third year of junior high school, my studies were heavy but I would often receive his letters. I don¡¯t have any feelings toward Chen Jun. Furthermore, how can dating be more important than my studies? In the end, I returned him all those letters that he sent me. However, Dad, if you have any doubts, you can go to Ping Cheng High School and ask them about it. I believe that the people in the reception office should have a little impression of this situation of mine.¡±

    How could it just be a little impression?

    Since Qiao Nan became the top scorer of the middle school examination and college entrance examination, both Ping Cheng High School and Ping Cheng Junior High School treated Qiao Nan as their live ambassador. They made everyone know that Qiao Nan graduated from their junior and senior high school respectively.

    If one were to enquire the reception office about other students¡¯ matters, especially students who had graduated from the school for at least a few years, they certainly would not have any recollection.

    However, if the party concerned was Qiao Nan, the other party would be able to give a clear response then.

    In actual fact, the disciplinary rules of Ping Cheng Junior High School were quite strict. It was not just Qiao Nan¡¯s cohort. The teachers in the reception office had been working for so many years. That was the first time that they encountered a student who had so much mail.

    ¡°However, Dad, let¡¯s get the unpleasantness out of the way. I am telling you because you asked me today. If other people enquire, I will definitely not bring this matter up. About four to five years have passed and I have also returned the letters to him. Even if someone can prove that I often received letters during that period, I can¡¯t prove that those were love letters from Chen Jun. I have not been on good terms with sister since we were a child. My sister will definitely not believe any words of mine. Most likely, Chen Jun will not admit it either.¡±

    Her father might ask Qiao Zijin or confront Chen Jun about this matter.

    If her father received denials and turned back to question her, she would definitely not take responsibility for it.

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°You¡¯re my daughter. Do I not know you? I don¡¯t trust others but I trust you. Let me ask you something again. When Chen Jun wooed you, you were still in junior... junior high school. Does your sister know?¡±

    Nan Nan had never been someone who would brag without a basis. If Nan Nan said that this had happened, it must have happened.

    Nan Nan even dared to tell him to verify this matter with the reception office of Ping Cheng Junior High School. That was enough to prove that Nan Nan had always received Chen Jun¡¯s letters during that period of time.

    As for whether those were love letters from Chen Jun, Qiao Dongliang was not concerned at all.

    Nan Nan was only in her third year of junior high school studies then. Doing well in her studies and achieving good grades for her middle school examination was most important.

    No matter what, Chen Jun was already a college student, yet he picked such a time to write to Nan Nan frequently. Regardless of how he saw it, Chen Jun seemed to be harboring ill intentions.

    Everyone was man. Which men would write to young girls without an apparent reason?

    Qiao Nan leaned on the sofa. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re asking me a difficult question. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know sister¡¯s temperament. She never tells me about her matters. However, Dad, you should remember one thing. Sister¡¯s first meeting with Chen Jun was when he visited us to look for me. Dad, tell me, is it possible that sister did not see through Chen Jun¡¯s mind at that time?¡±

    Chen Jun had alreadye knocking on their door. Was there a need to be more specific on that?

    Damn, who would have so much spare time to pay a visit to a junior whom he waspletely unrted to on the first day of Lunar New Year? That was amusing.

    However, Qiao Nan did not tell Qiao Dongliang about the transaction between Chen Jun and Wang Yang, in case it caused too much psychological burden on Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned sullen. ¡°This is outrageous. Outrageous!¡±

    Regardless of Chen Jun¡¯s intention when he visited them, Qiao Nan was the one that he was looking for. If Zijin had some shame, she should have maintained a distance with Chen Jun.

    Fortunately, Nan Nan had Zhai Sheng. What if Nan Nan had been foolish and epted Chen Jun¡¯s advances? Wouldn¡¯t Zijin¡¯s behavior be akin to double-crossing her own sister? That would be too shameless!

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted very much to discipline Qiao Zijin. He felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior this time was really too much. ¡°It is not as if Chen Jun is the only man left in the whole world!¡±

    When she knew that Chen Jun visited them because of her own sister, Zijin even went nking herself in front of him!

    Qiao Nan gave a yawn. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. Of course, Chen Jun is not the only man in the whole world. The problem is that Chen Jun¡¯s father used to be the deputymissioner of Ping Cheng¡¯s police headquarters, but he was demotedter on. I am not sure what mistake he hadmitted. However, he is still a government official regardless of his current role. It is not difficult to find a man but it is not so easy to find one that has better qualities than Chen Jun. Dad, you don¡¯t need to worry about sister. She is very smart.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s blunt words were like a hammer that hit Qiao Dongliang¡¯s head. ¡°Your sister is with Chen Jun not because she likes him?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, Dad, if sister is willing to be with Chen Jun, naturally, she likes him. Chen Jun is the second generation of government officials. It is a part of Chen Jun¡¯s identity. Given this important status, sister likes Chen Jun even more.¡±

 Chapter 1015 - You Look Down On Me

    Chapter 1015 You Look Down On Me

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang could not understand what Qiao Nan meant. ¡°Does your sister like Chen Jun or his family background?¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun is good-looking and he is a student from a famous university. My sister likes his looks while his family background is the reason why she would continue with this rtionship and to be a couple with him.¡± It was because of the Chen family background that Qiao Zijin was able to ept Chen Jun and be with him.

    ¡°Did your sister ept Chen Jun and be his girlfriend because of his family background?¡± Qiao Dongliang finally understood, but he felt bitterly disappointed.

    Since when did love between two people be based on material gains?

    Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°Dad, it¡¯ste. I will wash up and go to sleep. Don¡¯t think too much. Sister has grown up. Regardless of whether it is right or wrong, she has the ability to take responsibility for her own life. I am not trying to upset you. But unless she has sorted out her thoughts, she will not listen to what you say even if youe up with a hundred and eight reasons why she and Chen Jun are not suitable. Instead, she will be annoyed with you and will me you for ruining her happiness.¡±

    After she said that, Qiao Nan left, not willing to persuade her father further.

    Qiao Zijin was her father¡¯s biological daughter. He could never bring himself to ignore her. However, she had given up on her and was thus able to make objectivements of her closest rtive.

    She was once killed by her two closest rtives. Now that she had another chance to live, she would never allow herself to be ruined by the two of them.

    Qiao Nan bathed to her heart¡¯s content, not caring about the amount of water that she used. She went back to her room after the shower, hugged her nket that smelled nice, and slept soundly.

    Qiao Dongliang sat alone in the living room for more than an hour, deep in his thoughts.

    Even though Qiao Nan had made things very clear, Qiao Dongliang sighed and made a call to Qiao Zijin¡¯s dormitory as soon as he woke up the next day. ¡°Hello, I am Qiao Zijin¡¯s father. Yes. Thank you, ssmate.¡±

    After a while, Qiao Zijin came to answer the phone. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s the matter? Oh, yeah, Nan Nan is not at home. You don¡¯t have to worry about anything. Dad, is anything the matter?¡±

    This was not the first time that Qiao Dongliang called Qiao Zijin. Even though he had not been calling her frequently, Qiao Zijin was not surprised that Qiao Dongliang would call her.

    ¡°Zijin, you are still young and in school. I feel that it is better to call off what you told me previously.¡±

    ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this? Nan Nan can be engaged while I am not allowed to introduce my boyfriend to you and Mom? Why? Is it because Nan Nan is engaged to Zhai Sheng, while my boyfriend is not as good as Zhai Sheng, so you look down on him?¡± Qiao Zijin was unhappy.

    Qiao Nan was lucky to be engaged to Zhai Sheng.

    She always thought that Zhai Sheng was merely toying with Qiao Nan and was not serious about her.

    By the time Zhai Sheng grew tired of Qiao Nan, she would be cheated of her feelings and would have lost her chastity to Zhai Sheng. By then, Qiao Nan must be feeling miserable and it would be time for her to take her revenge.

    Unfortunately, she heard the news this summer break that Qiao Nan was engaged to Zhai Sheng. She was so angry that she almost fainted.

    Qiao Zijin knew all along that Chen Jun was willing to be her boyfriend and took the initiative to meet her parents was highly due to Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    Since Qiao Zijin was left with no other choice and there was no better man than Chen Jun, she agreed to be his girlfriend.

    ¡°This is not about whether I look down on him or not!¡± Qiao Dongliang could not help but raise his voice. Back when he told Nan Nan that Zhai Sheng was unsuitable for her, she might be upset, but she would not talk to him using such an attitude. ¡°You should know about the Zhai family. The situation is different and one has to deal with it differently. It has nothing to do with their social status. Besides, let me ask you. Do you know that Chen Jun used to pursue Nan Nan in the past?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. She did not expect that Qiao Dongliang would ask such a question.

    ¡°Why did you keep quiet?¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned, widening his eyes in shock. ¡°Did you know about it?!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I know about it or not. What¡¯s important is that Chen Jun is my boyfriend now and he will be your son-inw in the future. This is what you need to know!¡±

    Chen Jun told her that his father almost became the policemissioner of Ping Cheng police headquarters.

    He was not too far off now either. At the very least, he was the chief of the police station.

    Chen Jun said that once the Chen family and the Zhai family were rted by marriage, even if the Zhai family was not willing to help them, it would be a huge help to the Chen family to make use of their reputation to their advantage. Chen Jun¡¯s father would be able to transfer back to Ping Cheng police headquarters in no time.

    Everyone in the quad would look up to Zhai Sheng.

    Although Qiao Zijin did not dream of a day where Zhai Sheng would take a fancy to her, it was already a dreame true for her to know someone like Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin was d that she had a boyfriend like Chen Jun. However, Qiao Nan was engaged to Zhai Sheng that she knew was beyond her reach. On top of that, if Qiao Nan was not engaged to Zhai Sheng, Chen Jun might not be willing to be her boyfriend.

    She was older and prettier than Qiao Nan. She was also smarter than her. However, Qiao Nan was doing better than her in all aspects. She could not take it lying down.

    Qiao Zijin could not understand why things turned out to be this way.

    Qiao Zijin felt much better after venting her pent-up frustration at Qiao Dongliang. She was about to tell Qiao Dongliang to think of ways for her to be closer to Qiao Nan, and for the Zhai family to be on good terms with the Chen family when she heard the dial tone from the other side of the phone. ¡°How dare you hang up on me!¡±

    Qiao Zijin stomped her foot angrily and made a call to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, Dad called me just now and growled at me to break up with Chen Jun. He even hung the phone on me. What did he mean by that? How dare he lose his temper at me?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was silent. ¡°Qiao Nan came back yesterday because of what happened to Zhai Hua. I have seen her.¡± Qiao Zijin was doing her diploma studies. Since Ding Jiayi was back in Ping Cheng, she would stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Dongliang forbade Ding Jiayi from staying or even entering the house that the elderly couple gave to Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi could do nothing about it as they were already divorced.

    But she felt better knowing that Qiao Dongliang remained single like her. Qiao Dongliang did not have another woman with him. That was why she did not make things difficult for Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 1016 - Think of Ways for Them to Get Back Together

    <h4>Chapter 1016 Think of Ways for Them to Get Back Together</h4>

    Yesterday, there was a huge fuss at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Many neighbors went there to watch the show. Ding Jiayi hid in a corner to check out what was happening.

    Ding Jiayi was jealous that Qiao Dongliang seemed like one of the members of the Zhai family, being allowed entry to the house.

    Old Qiao was Qiao Nan¡¯s father while she was her mother.

    She was inws with the Zhai family. Why was it that the Zhai family did not pay her a visit now that she was back in Ping Cheng?

    Ding Jiayi was even more jealous at the sight of Qiao Nan.

    People could change a lot during a short time.

    Furthermore, it had been years since Ding Jiayist saw Qiao Nan.

    Back then, Qiao Nan was thin and scrawny like a monkey, afraid of saying no to others. Right now, she was elegant and quick-witted. She looked like a piece of sculpted jade, gentle but dazzling. Ding Jiayi was not the least bit proud of her. In fact, she felt a piercing pain in her heart.

    Since a young age, Zijin was smarter and prettier than that wretched girl. She was better than her in every aspect.

    Why was it that the wretched girl led a better life than Zijin and had everything that should have belonged to Zijin?

    Ding Jiayi almost suspected that Qiao Nan had sought help from some master to exchange her fortune with Zijin, taking away everything that should have belonged to Qiao Zijin.

    The more outstanding Qiao Nan was, the more upset Ding Jiayi was.

    Back when she had a divorce and even before she had a divorce, Ding Jiayi was only focused on Qiao Zijin, believing that she would have a better prospect than Qiao Nan.

    When they ended up in a divorce, she agreed right away when Qiao Dongliang said that after the divorce, Qiao Nan would stay with him while Qiao Zijin would stay with her.

    Ding Jiayi had to make sure that the daughter who had a brighter future would stay with her. Zijin had to be closer to her.

    If Qiao Nan fell below Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expectation in the future, they would still have Qiao Zijin to depend on.

    Once a couple, always a couple.

    By that time, she would persuade Qiao Zijin to provide for Old Qiao. Their family of three would lead a happy and blessed life.

    Qiao Zijin had to be more outstanding than Qiao Nan and had to lead a better life than Qiao Nan to prove that she was right all along. It was Qiao Dongliang who was not as farsighted as her.

    However, if Qiao Nan did better than Qiao Zijin, it would mean that Ding Jiayi was biased toward Qiao Zijin and it was foolish of her to look down on Qiao Nan.

    Because of this, regardless of whether Qiao Nan was her biological daughter or not, she did not wish the best of her.

    ¡°I am sure the final exam is not over yet. Why is she in Ping Cheng?¡± It was no wonder that her father asked her whether Chen Jun used to pursue Qiao Nan.

    She, Chen Jun, and Qiao Nan were the only people who knew about this.

    If Qiao Nan did not tell her father, he would not question her about it.

    Such a shameless person!

    Now that she had Zhai Sheng, she still wanted to meddle in her rtionship with Chen Jun. She must be unsatisfied with what she had. Although Qiao Nan did not like Chen Jun, she wanted to stop Chen Jun from dating her. She must have instigated her father toe between Chen Jun and her.

    Wishful thinking!

    She would never let Qiao Nan get her way!

    ¡°It seems that something had happened to Zhai Hua.¡± Ding Jiayi had a bad reputation in the quad. In order to maintain her livelihood, she would start work early in the morning and return homete at night. She tried to avoid running into her old neighbors.

    She knew that everyone who met her would mock her for mistaking the fish eyes for the pearls. She had missed out on Qiao Nan, who was the real treasure.

    They would want to know whether Ding Jiayi felt regretful now that Qiao Nan was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. They would be interested to know if the Zhai family had invited Ding Jiayi to their house for a meal or a cup of tea.

    It was because of this that Ding Jiayi could not stand seeing Qiao Nan doing well. She hoped that something terrible would happen to Qiao Nan and the Zhai family would break off the engagement.

    Ding Jiayi hid from everyone and stayed in a corner to watch the scandal that was unfolding at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. She was worried that she would be spotted by Qiao Dongliang.

    The Zhai family did not cause a hugemotion when they settled the issue with Wei De.

    Therefore, Ding Jiayi did not really know what exactly happened. ¡°It seems that Zhai Hua has broken up with the useless boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Break up!? How is it possible?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. ¡°I thought that Zhai Hua likes the man very much. Despite the strong objection from everyone in the Zhai family, she did not break up with the man.¡±

    Chen Jun also told her that as long as the man was married to Zhai Hua and became the son-inw of the Zhai family, he might be able to help them in the future.

    Qiao Zijin was thrilled when she learned that apart from cing high hopes on Qiao Nan, Chen Jun also had other ns in mind.

    Qiao Zijin was devastated upon knowing that they had yet to make use of Wei De to help them and he was already out of the picture.

    ¡°Qiao Nan seemed to be the reason why they broke up with each other.¡± Ding Jiayi had a sullen expression. Why did it seem that Qiao Nan had a part to y in everything? She was such a busybody.

    Since Qiao Nan had time to worry about others and did not pay attention to her studies, why was it that she did so well in her exams? Did she cheat?

    ¡°It is Qiao Nan again.¡± Qiao Zijin kicked the dustbin angrily. She had no way to vent her frustrations. ¡°She is leading a good life now, yet she wants to make sure that others suffer and drive them to the corner. She is so evil!¡±

    The Zhai family must be foolish and Zhai Hua must be stupid to do ording to what Qiao Nan said.

    If the Zhai family was so obedient, they should listen to her and help her out.

    Crap! Why was it that Qiao Nan had such good luck?

    Ding Jiayi sighed. ¡°Why do you bother yourself with this? We only need to make sure that we lead a good life. It is Qiao Nan¡¯s business that she is such a busybody. It doesn¡¯t matter that they have broken up. There is still the possibility of reconciling. Qiao Nan must be too smug to interfere in Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage. Let¡¯s wait and see. If Zhai Hua is still with the man, they will be the first to dislike Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan will not have a good time in the Zhai family¡¯s residence.¡±

    In China, people would persuade a couple to make peace rather than to break up.

    Outsiders should not interfere with the matters between the couples. They must be asking for trouble.

    Qiao Nan might be doing good now, but she would have to bear the consequences for her actions in the future.

    Qiao Zijin pranced around fretfully, massaging her forehead. ¡°Mom, do you have any way to make sure that Zhai Hua reconciles with the man?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ding Jiayi was very honest. ¡°Why do they have to reconcile?¡±

    ¡°Mom, the man is useful to me.¡±

 Chapter 1017 - Create Trouble for Her

    <h4>Chapter 1017 Create Trouble for Her</h4>

    ¡°I can stand to gain if he is the son-inw of the Zhai family. If he breaks up with Zhai Hua, all my past efforts will go down the drain.¡± Qiao Zijin stood on the same side as Chen Jun. ¡°Mom, if not, can you have a talk with Qiao Nan?¡±

    Since Qiao Nan had the ability to persuade Zhai Hua to break up with Wei De, she must have a way for them to reconcile.

    ¡°No, I will not go. I will never give in to the wretched girl!¡± Ding Jiayi was displeased. She was the mother while Qiao Nan was her daughter.

    Qiao Nan should be the one who asked a favor from her, not the other way round.

    ¡°Mom, just take it that you are helping me.¡± She would rather her mother ask a favor from Qiao Nan than for her to give in to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin had strong self-esteem. She could not bring herself to do that. ¡°Mom, please... Don¡¯t you always hope that I will marry a good man and I will lead a good life in the future? This is an easy task for you. Besides, you are not giving in to her. You are Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. You don¡¯t have to give in to her. Instead, she has to be filial to you. You are the elder, while she is the junior.¡±

    Ding Jiayi could not say no to Qiao Zijin¡¯s request. ¡°You are right. I am her mom. I raised her up and provided for her. Even though your dad has divorced me, she still has the obligation to provide for me. We have been apart for so long. She may have forgotten that I am her mother, only knowing that Miao Jing is her mother-inw!¡±

    Ding Jiayi became emboldened. ¡°You can rest assured that I will look for her in the afternoon and get her to give me an exnation. Unless she can be like Nezha[1] who carved his flesh to return to his mother, she will be indebted to me forever as I am her mother. She has to obey me.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you are the best. Thank you.¡± Qiao Zijin hung up the phone happily after getting a satisfactory answer from her mother. She had a sinister smile on her face.

    Qiao Nan wanted to make use of her father to make her break up with Chen Jun so that she would not marry a good man and have her happiness.

    She would make use of her mother to create a din for Qiao Nan, making life difficult for her!

    Qiao Zijin knew very well that her mother had a sharp tongue and she would use harsh and crude words on Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin always felt that Qiao Nan seemed to be doing much better and had a mind of her own was because she and her mother provoked Qiao Dongliang and he moved out with Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan would still be staying with them and she would be greeted with scolding by her mother every single morning.

    Under such an environment, Qiao Nan would definitely have low self-esteem.

    In short, it was a good idea for her mother to annoy Qiao Nan and upset her.

    Of course, it would be to her delight if her mother was sessful in making Qiao Nan agreed to work on making Zhai Hua reconcile with Wei De.

    Qiao Zijin understood what Ding Jiayi meant on the phone when she said that she would look for Qiao Nan in the afternoon.

    Qiao Dongliang would be at work in the afternoon. In other words, Qiao Nan was the only person at home.

    Since there was no one to help Qiao Nan, she had no way to go against Ding Jiayi and she had to obey her.

    Qiao Nan did not know that Qiao Zijin had mistaken her due to the phone call that Qiao Dongliang made. Qiao Zijin thought that it was her idea for Qiao Dongliang to break up her with Chen Jun. As a result, Qiao Zijin wanted to make use of Ding Jiayi to cook up trouble for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had barely settled Zhai Hua¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s problems yesterday. She was not in a hurry to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to check on them. Instead, she stayed at home, feeling reassured.

    Qiao Nan thought to herself. Wei De held the wedding banquet with a woman in the countryside and they had Wei Wei. Zhai Hua had already agreed to break up with Wei De. Unless she was muddleheaded, she would not reconcile with him.

    Furthermore, before she left yesterday, she had made it very clear to Zhai Hua.

    Wei De was bent on ying with words and taking advantage of the loopholes.

    However, everyone in the countryside who had been to their wedding banquet knew about their rtionship.

    ording to the marriagews in China, they were considered married.

    If Zhai Hua refused to realize her errors and insisted on being with Wei De, it would mean that Wei De had an affair and Zhai Hua was the third party¡ªthe type of woman that she despised the most.

    Zhai Hua used to look down on Qi Min and detested her. If she insisted on being with Wei De, she would be like Qi Min. She could direct all her negative emotions that she had toward Qi Min to herself.

    Qiao Nan was certain that given these facts, there was no way that Wei De could be up to any tricks in front of Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could not keep worrying about Zhai Hua. There would be a day when she had to be responsible for her own actions. Qiao Nan felt that she should take a step back for Zhai Hua to sort out her thoughts.

    Right then, Qiao Nan heard a knock on the door. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±

    Qiao Nan drooped her lips. She could hardly recognize this voice anymore. Why would her mother be here?

    ¡°Open the door for me right now!¡± Ding Jiayi had no patience for Qiao Nan. After announcing her arrival, she felt like kicking at the door since no one opened the door for her.

    However, the house did not belong to Qiao Dongliang or Qiao Nan. She was worried that the school would want her topensate for any damages to the house. Ding Jiayi stopped herself and smacked the door with her hands. ¡°Open the door! Did you hear me? Did your teacher teach you to shut your mother outside?¡±

    She had not seen Ding Jiayi for years, yet she still had a sharp tongue. Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. She should have kept quiet in the first ce.

    Her mother seemed to have known that she was at home and chose to look for her when her father was not around.

    Qiao Nan had no other choice but to open the door to let Ding Jiayi in.

    As soon as the door was opened, Ding Jiayi strode in as if it was her house. She saw the red apples in the living room as she stepped into the house. It smelled nice. She took one and bit into it without even asking. ¡°Your dad and you seem to be leading a good life while your sister and I have a hard time making ends meet. Bring me a bag. Since both of you have lots to eat, I will bring all the apples with me.¡±

    The apples looked fresh. If she kept them well, they would still be very fresh when Zijin was back from school. She could save some for her.

    Qiao Nan narrowed her eyes. ¡°We have run out of bags.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Ding Jiayi red at Qiao Nan like a ferocious tiger. ¡°Now that you are leading a good life, there should be more good food at home. Since I gave birth to you, you should share the good food with me. Old Qiao is your dad, while I am your mom. Take all the good food out now!¡±

    [1] A mythical character in Chinese folk religion.

 Chapter 1018 - Go Ahead to Deceive Yourself

    Chapter 1018 Go Ahead to Deceive Yourself

    Ding Jiayi knew that given the miserly amount of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pay, he would not buy apples and good food. It must be from the Zhai family.

    Since she gave birth to her, she should have her share of good food as well. Qiao Dongliang had his share of good food. It was her turn now.

    Qiao Nan refused to budge from her seat. ¡°There is no bag at home.¡±

    ¡°Are you refusing to bring it for me? Let me warn you. You¡¯d better do it before I lose my temper. Right now, you can choose to give me as much as you like. When I am angry, I will take all the food at home!¡± Ding Jiayi could not wait to give Qiao Nan a few ps to her face.

    In the past, she hated the younger daughter. She felt that thetter ruined her happiness.

    People used to say that keeping a proper distance from others would be a way to maintain a good rtionship with them. However, despite not seeing the younger daughter for years, she did not feel the least happy to see her. Instead, she found her to be even more annoying and irritating.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. Her lips quivered. ¡°I have nothing to give you!¡±

    Ding Jiayi sneered. She stood up suddenly as if she was getting ready to ransack the house. If she did not do anything, the wretched girl might think that she was a paper tiger.

    Ding Jiayi behaved like a robber who was about to rob her ce. Qiao Nan clenched her fist. ¡°I advise you not to do that. Although I stay at this house, it does not belong to me or my dad. My father does not own the house. It is illegal for you to ransack the house and to trespass private property. You should know that the principal of Ping Cheng High School dislikes you. If you take everything from the house, I will definitely tell Dad of your deeds when he is back.¡±

    Ding Jiayi halted because of Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Furthermore, you and my dad have divorced. Sister stays with you while I stay with Dad. I am still your daughter, but Dad and you are no longer one family. Even if you are my mom, everything that I have does not belong to you. You do not have the right to do what you have in mind. If you dare to take anything from the house, Dad will report you to the police. By then, you will have to return everything and have to makepensation as well. If you don¡¯t mind that at all, you can go ahead and ransack the house.¡±

    Qiao Nan loosened her fist. ¡°Mom, you have to bear this in mind. The four of us are no longer one family. We have gone our separate ways. Whatever that belong to Dad and I do not belong to you and sister. If you take anything from Dad and me, it is not merely taking things or stealing from us. You are robbing us.¡±

    When they were one family, for instance, when she was in her junior high school and her mother took the money from her schrship¡ªalthough she reported to the police¡ªher mother said that it was a misunderstanding and she was keeping the money for her. In the end, the case was closed and ssified as a misunderstanding between family members.

    But right now, the situation waspletely different.

    Her parents had a divorce. Whatever her father owned was no longer the shared properties between the couple. Her mother had no right to take them nor did she have any ownership over them.

    ¡°What if I insist on taking them?¡± Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. One of them was her husband, while the other was her younger daughter. Why was it against thew to take their belongings from them?!

    ¡°I have already told you of the consequences if you take them.¡± Qiao Nan remained seated. She looked calmly at Ding Jiayi, not intending to stop her at all.

    Ding Jiayi sneered. ¡°You are indeed a college student. You are smart and you intend to use your wits to send your mom behind bars!¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled coldly at Ding Jiayi. ¡°I have to thank my parents for educating me.¡± If she did not do well in life, she would have wasted the second chance at life that God had given her.

    No one could guarantee that Qiao Zijin would not suffer from uremia in this life. No one could tell for sure that Qiao Zijin would be rich and have the time to wait for a suitable kidney in this life.

    The most important thing was that Qiao Zijin had already stated clearly that if the donor of the kidney was rted by blood, the possibility of rejection would be lower.

    If Qiao Zijin suffered from uremia, she would want to survive and she would want her kidney!

    Qiao Nan was obviously digging at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Are you ming me that I did not treat you well enough?¡±

    Ding Jiayi behaved as if she could not believe that Qiao Nan was without a conscience.

    Qiao Nan had figured out that Ding Jiayi was simply a heartless and cold-blooded person. Apart from the fact that Ding Jiayi gave birth to her, she no longer felt any sense of attachment to her. She felt relieved now that she no longer needed to feel burdened. ¡°You should know Dad¡¯s temper. Why do you think he divorced you back then?¡±

    She might not have the right to judge if her mother treated her well, but there were other people who could have made the judgment.

    ¡°That was because of you...¡± who sowed discord!

    Back when she had yet to marry Qiao Dongliang and still stayed with her parents, she had a harder time than Qiao Nan. She had to do all the household chores and her parents deprived her of the chance to study or to make her mark. They treated her as a free nanny and servant.

    When Qiao Nan was at the Qiao family¡¯s residence, she was fed and dressed. She did not need to do as many household chores as she did when she was young.

    Back then, she needed to feed the pigs, goats, and chickens. Qiao Nan did not need to do any of those.

    At the very least, Qiao Nan could wear the hand-me-downs from Qiao Zijin, while she had to make do with the torn clothes taken from her rtives.

    Compared with her, Qiao Nan had a much better life.

    She disliked Qiao Nan as she did not know how to count her blessings!

    ¡°Go ahead to deceive yourself. But don¡¯t think that Dad is a fool. He will not be swayed by a child¡¯s words to decide on a divorce. Mom, perhaps Dad has been too good to you, and therefore, you are cunning and yet simple-minded. Bear this in mind. When a man files for divorce, it will never be due to the children.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was shocked at how mature Qiao Nan was. ¡°What do you mean? Are you saying that back then, your dad divorced me because he was seeing another woman?¡±

    ¡°Is that only what you can think of?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°I may be young, but I have a mind of my own. The reason why a man takes a wife is to have a family, to have children, and for his wife to take care of him. In short, when a man marries a woman, it is so that he can lead a better life. Mom, look at what you have done all these years, and think about the few years before and after your divorce. When do you think Dad is the happiest?¡±

    Couples divorced for many reasons. It might not be due to a third party. If the two of them could not bear living with each other, it would be the driving factor behind the divorce as well.

    No man in the world would like to live the rest of his life with a woman who spent all the savings at home behind his back, watched helplessly as he died and could only cry and make a din when he was in a car ident, and created troubles such that he could not lead a peaceful life.

 Chapter 1019 - I Would Support Her to Break Up Instead of to Reconcile

    Chapter 1019 I Would Support Her to Break Up Instead of to Reconcile

    If the husband or wife was out to court disaster, their partner would not be able to take it.

    ¡°You are the reason why Dad divorced you. What you have done makes it impossible for Dad to live the rest of his life with you. You might push the responsibility to me, but I am not foolish. I will not take responsibility for your divorce.¡± She would not y along with her mother. There was nothing that her mother could do with her.

    Ding Jiayi ground her teeth. ¡°You have be more and more daring these past few years!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing that you can do about it,¡± Qiao Nan replied faintly. ¡°Would you like to watch television?¡± If watching television would shut her mother up, it was good to watch the television for entertainment.

    Qiao Nan believed that her mother would leave by the time her father was back.

    Ding Jiayi lifted her lips unhappily. ¡°I heard that Zhai Hua has broken up with her boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Are you a fool? We should not meddle with the affairs between couples. Furthermore, themon practice in China is to persuade couples to stay together instead of divorce. I heard that the man has been with Zhai Hua for a long time. He must have deep feelings for her. Zhai Hua will be your sister in the future. You have to help her. Given the Zhai family¡¯s background, there is no need for Zhai Hua to marry a man from an influential family. You have seeded in being with Zhai Sheng. The manes from a simr family background as you. You should lend him a helping hand.¡±

    Qiao Nan turned to give Ding Jiayi a questioning look. ¡°The reason why you avoided Dad and came looking for me is for me to think of ways for Zhai Hua to reconcile with Wei De? Did Wei De give you money to help him?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Ding Jiayi quickly denied. ¡°I didn¡¯t receive a single penny from him. I don¡¯t even know who the person is. If you didn¡¯t mention it, I wouldn¡¯t even know his name. You must not take my goodwill for ill intent. It is obvious that Zhai Hua likes the man. If not, she would not be with him for so many years. You should put in some good words for the man in front of the Zhai family and help Zhai Hua be with the man that she likes. After you marry Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua will definitely thank you for this. I am saying this for your own good.¡±

    Money?

    She did not get a single cent!

    To Ding Jiayi, who only had eyes for money, it was indeed torturous to tolerate Qiao Nan¡¯s indifference and aloofness.

    However, Qiao Zijin had said that if Wei De got back together with Zhai Hua, it would be beneficial to her.

    If it was beneficial to Qiao Zijin, it meant that Ding Jiayi would be able to enjoy the benefits as well. This was why she was working hard for her own future.

    Given her understanding of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan knew that she was not doing this for her interests. However, she believed that her mother did not receive any money from Wei De.

    She heard that Wei De¡¯spany was doing badly and he had been bashed by people. He was still in the hospital right now.

    ¡°You may not know, but if not for me, they would not break up at all. Let¡¯s not talk about how deep Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s feelings for Wei De were. Sister Zhai Hua is a sentimental person. Although the Zhai family did not like that she was with Wei De, she insisted on being with him. In the end, it was because of me that she agreed to break up with him yesterday.¡±

    She had put in so much effort for Sister Zhai Hua to break up with Wei De.

    How could she help them reconcile?

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi red at her. ¡°Do you think that you are that capable? No one was capable of breaking them up, yet you challenged yourself to do such a thankless task. Are you stupid? As the saying goes, one would rather tear down ten temples than to break up a couple. What you did is sinful. You should right the wrong before you suffer retribution.¡±

    ¡°I may be nice to you, so you refuse to listen to me. Let me warn you. It will not be long before Zhai Hua calms down and could not bear to break up with Wei De. By then, she will lose her temper at you.¡± She had already known that Qiao Nan was unlikable. She must be out of her mind to do things that harmed others without benefiting herself.

    Qiao Nan tidied her hair. ¡°If I am so unlucky and Sister Zhai Huaes to make trouble for me, won¡¯t you and Qiao Zijin be d to see that? You don¡¯t have to worry about this.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked up suddenly. ¡°Something is not right. You don¡¯t know Wei De and he didn¡¯t give you any money. Why would you bother yourself about this? Did Qiao Zijin call you on the phone?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was the only person in the Qiao family who was able to order her mother around.

    Ding Jiayi turned green. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. In short, are you going to think of ways to help Zhai Hua reconcile with Wei De?¡±

    She was not here to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. She was here to give orders.

    ¡°Impossible.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head, refusing to do what she said. ¡°Since I am the one who broke them up, even if Sister Zhai Hua loses her temper at me in the future, it is my business. I won¡¯t help them reconcile. If Wei De looks for Sister Zhai Hua and she turns softhearted, I will definitely do something so that Sister Zhai Hua loses all hopes in him.¡±

    Wei De was very cunning to be acquainted with her mother and Qiao Zijin.

    Since this was the case, all the more she must not be lenient with Wei De. There was no way that he could be part of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan was a woman. She knew what a woman really cared about.

    Wei De had made such a huge and unforgivable mistake. Qiao Nan knew what she could do so that Zhai Hua would never reconcile with Wei De.

    Qiao Nan had made up her mind. She had to make sure that Zhai Hua lose all hopes on Wei De. There was no one who could change her mind.

    Ding Jiayi smacked the table in anger. ¡°Since I am your mom, you have to listen to me.¡±

    ¡°I will not.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was furious that Qiao Nan was so obstinate, refusing to listen to her. ¡°I must teach you a lesson today. Otherwise, you won¡¯t know who went through hell to give birth to you!¡±

    Spare the rod and spoil the child. She had been too lenient with Qiao Nan. That was why she dared to be impudent and disregard her words!

    Qiao Nan did not expect that Ding Jiayi would pounce at her as she refused to listen to her. Seeing that Ding Jiayi was about to hit her, Qiao Nan darted to a side.

    ¡°You, wretched girl! How dare you run from me!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes turned red in anger. She treated her like how she used to punish her when she was young. She pulled at Qiao Nan¡¯s long hair that almost reached her waist and jerked them toward herself. She fanned out her callused hand and spanked Qiao Nan hard on the back. ¡°I have the right to teach you a lesson. Do you think that you can disregard me after not staying with me for years? I have been treating you nicely, yet you refused to listen to me and help me with a small task. Had I known that you are such a horrible girl, I should have thrown you away after giving birth to you! No, I should not have given birth to you in the first ce!¡±

 Chapter 1020 - The Unfit Theory

    Chapter 1020 The Unfit Theory

    Qiao Nan was in so much pain that she was in tears. She lowered her head and stepped on Ding Jiayi with all her might.

    Once Ding Jiayi felt the pain, she loosened her grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. Qiao Nan immediately moved away. ¡°I didn¡¯t beg you to give birth to me! Are you sure you gave birth to me and not picked me up from the streets? You regretted having a daughter like me but I have never wanted to admit that I have a mom like you. You think of me and want my help only when something happens. When your life is good, you can¡¯t wait to kick me away. To me, you giving birth to me is a great mistake!¡±

    Qiao Nan had never hated herself for being Ding Jiayi¡¯s biological daughter as much as today.

    Even when she was knocked down by a car in her previous life after Ding Jiayi pushed her to the road, she only felt bitterly disappointed then. She was thinking that she had repaid her life to her mother. As such, she could be freed thereafter.

    Although she and Ding Jiayi were mother and daughter, they did not have any kinship feelings for each other. So be it. She did not care anymore.

    However, besides giving birth to her, Ding Jiayi refused to give her anything. On the contrary, she was so greedy that she wanted to control her life over two lifetimes. She wanted to take everything from her and simply exploit her until she was reduced to nothing. She would then disdainfully and hatefully look at her and dump her away as if she was thrash. On what grounds could Ding Jiayi do that?!

    ¡°I am a wretched girl. Yes, I don¡¯t gain your favor. I am the greatest mistake in your life. Please don¡¯t look for or talk to me then. Don¡¯t you have a capable, promising, pretty, and smart elder daughter? You can look for her if something happens. You just have to hug and protect your favorite daughter. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

    She was not envious of Qiao Zijin for receiving all of Ding Jiayi¡¯s motherly love at all. Regardless of how close they were and how much Ding Jiayi doted on Qiao Zijin, her brows would not arch a little.

    However, why? After much difficulty, she was finally having a peaceful and tranquil life. Why did Ding Jiayi always have to appear and destroy it? Why did she have to bring her endless suffering and humiliation?

    The corners of Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes were red and she was smiling grimly. ¡°Yes, I like your sister. I dote on your sister. Wretched girl, are you fit to talk about orpare yourself with your sister? You are not as good-looking as her. You are not as smart or as blessed as your sister. A person like you doesn¡¯t have any good fortune at all. Yet, you have the shame to continue with your studies? Listen to me carefully. You are not fit to attend college. You are not fit to have a man. You are not fit to receive happiness. All these belong to your sister!!¡±

    Only her favorite daughter could have all these.

    Qiao Nan could not bepared to Zijin in any way. She did not resemble Ding Jiayi in terms of looks and character. In addition, others treated her a hundred¡ªno, a thousand times better than they would Ding Jiayi when thetter was young. How could she possibly like such a daughter?

    She watched helplessly as the happy life that Qiao Zijin had once looked forward to gradually became that of Qiao Nan.

    At the sight that Qiao Nan was now more dazzling than Qiao Zijin, that she received top-notch grades and the liking of both her teachers and ssmates, and even met, dated, and going to marry a man with such a high status, Ding Jiayi could not wait to destroy everything that Qiao Nan had.

    The more glorious Qiao Nan was, the more Ding Jiayi seemed to have seen her younger self, the one who was dull and always quietly standing aside like a shadow as she watched her parents dote on her younger brother. They squandered the treatment, love, and protection that she yearned so much for on her younger brother as if he was a precious treasure.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s glory, Qiao Zijin felt increasingly unfair and dissatisfied. At the sight of this, Ding Jiayi seemed to have seen her younger self who felt indignant that her parents wanted to sell her so that they could have money for her younger brother to get a wife.

    That should not be the case.

    Why was it that all the good things and people in the world belong to the younger child in the family? Why couldn¡¯t they belong to the elder child?

    Wasn¡¯t China the country that was most particr about rules and regtions? Didn¡¯t they say that the elder one should be the one inheriting everything during the ancient times?

    Even the emperor¡¯s throne¡ªdidn¡¯t they say that it should be passed down to the elder and not the younger one?

    Since someone had given all that supposedly belonged to her to someone else, she could only rely on herself to snatch it all back.

    Her life could only be as such. However, she must help Zijin watch after and guard everything that belonged to thetter. She could not let them be robbed by Qiao Nan, even if it was just a little of it.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, to me, you should not exist in this family. Zijin should be the only child of your dad and me. Besides Zhai Sheng, she should be the most outstanding and promising child in the quad. She should be the top scorer in the middle school examination and college entrance examination. She should also be the one getting engaged with Zhai Sheng. You should not have appeared. You should not have shamelessly robbed everything from your sister!¡±

    It was as if Ding Jiayi had been possessed by her past. She constantly intertwined her past with Qiao Zijin¡¯s experience.

    In her mind, Qiao Nan had robbed everything that she had now from Qiao Zijin.

    If she had not given birth to Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin would be the only child and daughter in the family.

    Zhai Sheng liked ady from the Qiao family. As long as Qiao Nan was gone, he would definitely fancy Qiao Zijin, not to mention that Qiao Zijin was so much more outstanding than Qiao Nan. There was no reason that Zhai Sheng would not like Qiao Zijin.

    Without Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Qiao Dongliang would not have left the army either. At this point in time, he would definitely have be a battalionmander.

    With the Zhai family as his inws, it was also a sure bet that Qiao Dongliang would be promoted to regimentmander eventually.

    That was right. Qiao Nan¡¯s birth was a mistake that should not have existed.

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Nan coldly. ¡°I gave you this life. I dislike you and you are not willing to acknowledge me as your mother either. If you let Zhai Sheng marry Zijin, you don¡¯t need to address me as your mom anymore in the future. I also don¡¯t need you to give me money or support me. Don¡¯t re at me. Everything that you have is robbed from Zijin. I am asking you to do this so that you can return everything to its rightful owner, lest youmit too many sins.¡±

    Ding Jiayi used Zhai Sheng as a condition to propose the transaction of severing the mother-daughter ties with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Hahahaha...¡± Qiao Nan thought that the ¡®unfit theory¡¯ that she heard from Ding Jiayi earlier was already absurd. She did not expect to hear more nonsensical and shameless words thereafter.

    Qiao Nan was crying andughing at the same time. She wasughing so hard that she was holding her tummy as she shouted in pain. ¡°Hahaha, so funny! It¡¯s too funny! It¡¯s so funny that my waist is going to break!¡±

    When her face was full of tears ofughter and eyes so dry that there were no more tears, Qiao Nan then straightened her waist. ¡°I know. You always think that I owe you a life and I should obey whatever you say.¡±

    ¡°I have already given you a solution that will solve the problem forever. There is only one chance. I hope you can cherish it.¡±

    If Wei De and Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage could benefit Zijin, she might as well let Zijin marry Zhai Sheng and enter the Zhai family directly.

 Chapter 1021 - Take Revenge on Your Precious Darling

    Chapter 1021 Take Revenge on Your Precious Darling

    When that time came, Zijin would be the daughter-inw of the chief and all the good things in the Zhai family would belong to Zijin.

    Ding Jiayipletely did not consider the Zhai family¡¯s wishes or whether they were willing to agree to this. This was because she felt that this was something that Qiao Nan was responsible for.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s task was to let Qiao Zijin take back everything that ¡®originally belonged to thetter¡¯. In addition, she should solve the adverse issues that resulted from her robbing of Qiao Zijin. This was what Qiao Nan owed Qiao Zijin. As such, Qiao Nan had to pay them back to Qiao Zijinpletely.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once this matter is settled, I won¡¯t ever plead or look for you again no matter what happens to Zijin or me in the future. I won¡¯t talk about how we are rted anymore. After this matter, we will no longer have anything to do with each other. I will take it that you have paid back your life to me.¡±

    She was not someone that unreasonable. On the ount that they were mother and daughter, she was willing to provide Qiao Nan with a route of retreat.

    After the matter, they would no longer owe each other. They could treat each other as strangers when they met. They could leave without even nodding at each other then.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Right, I owe you one life.¡± That was because she had asked her father many times. She was definitely given birth by Ding Jiayi.

    When she heard Qiao Nan admit that she owed her a life, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed for the better. ¡°At least, you still have some conscience.¡±

    ¡°However, I have already repaid you the life that I owed you.¡± Qiao Nan straightened her back and lifted her chin highly. When she said this, she looked bold and righteous.

    She was extremely thankful for that push of Ding Jiayi that caused her death under the wheels of a car in her previous life.

    Otherwise, facing such a shameless demand of Ding Jiayi, she actually felt her legs wobbled a little when she rejected Ding Jiayi.

    After giving birth, the child would owe his parents a life?

    If that was the case, Ding Jiayi, this mother, was so precious. As Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter, her life was really as wretched as a weed. ¡°I only owe you a life and I have returned it to you. You have said so much, but I am sorry. I still can¡¯t agree to your request. When you give me a second life, I will consider what you have said today then.¡±

    ¡°Returned it to me? When did you return it to me? Do you want to shirk your debt?¡± Ding Jiayi was not pleased. Qiao Nan was lying with her eyes open. Not to mention that she owed her a life, she had brought up Qiao Nan for more than ten years, but Qiao Nan had never supported her, this biological mother.

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    ¡°Leave? Do you have any right to drive me away? If you do not do what I have instructed you to, Qiao Nan, I won¡¯t let you have a good life. Don¡¯t corner me. Certainly, the Zhai family will not be willing to ept a difficult inw like me. Of course, if you know what is good for you, I can also be an inw that the Zhai family will be satisfied with.¡± The only difference was that Zijin had to be the one who married Zhai Sheng!

    Qiao Nan held on to her forehead. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you in whatever you want to do. However, during these few years, not only my courage but also my temper has grown. You wish to destroy my happiness and fulfill Qiao Zijin¡¯s wish? An eye for an eye. Will Qiao Zijin be afraid of having such a difficult sister-inw like me when she finds a marriage partner in the future? Behaving like a shrew, right? I don¡¯t know how to in the past, but as long as I think back on the things that you have done and learn from there, I will eventually learn how to be one. It is true that parents are their children¡¯s teachers. I really have to thank you for setting such a good example for me over the years.¡±

    Qiao Nan was also bing vicious.

    Since Ding Jiayi wanted to make a scene to ruin her happiness, she would use the same method on Ding Jiayi¡¯s most beloved Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin would not be able to marry a good man in her life either.

    Her entire life had been destroyed by these two women. Could she still allow them to ruin her second life?

    Because they were rted by blood, she had never taken this step or the initiative to make use of her connections with the Zhai family or the Zhu family and let Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin disappear from her life.

    However, this did not mean that Qiao Nan would not retaliate if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were to attack her.

    Qiao Nan was clear that she had been too weak and soft on these two women.

    However, in this life, she was determined to die in glory rather than live in dishonor.

    Since they did not want her to have a good life, everyone could forget about having a good life.

    In this life, whoever wanted her life, she must drag that person to the grave with her, even if she were to lose her life!

    At the sight of the murderous look in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes that was akin to that of a ferocious beast, Ding Jiayi, who had always behaved unreasonably in front of Qiao Nan, actually turned cowardly. ¡°You... What do you want? Why are you looking at me in that way? Don¡¯t tell me you want to kill me?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. Using her hands in ce of ab, shebed her long hair.

    A wisp of hair could be seen in between her fingers. Clearly, this had been pulled off by Ding Jiayi earlier.

    At the sight of the hair, Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Someone wants me dead. I have thoughts of killing the other party. Is there a problem with that? If the mother is not kind, what filial piety is there to talk about? However, Mom, you have to remember. No matter what you do to me, on the ount that you have given birth to me, I promise that I won¡¯t take revenge on you. I feel that my sister is quite suitable to take on this role. Take it that she is repaying her debts for her mother.¡±

    Ding Jiayi trembled badly. ¡°You¡¯re such a heartless creature. Zijin is your biological sister. How dare you!¡±

    ¡°Dare?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. Her smile made Ding Jiayi have goose bumps all over. ¡°Why don¡¯t we give it a try?¡± Qiao Nan raised the hair in her hands. ¡°No hurry. I will let you find out. You have been bullying me and I have never retaliated. That¡¯s the problem. I don¡¯t wish to endure anymore. You keep saying that I am not fit to. In actual fact, I am more fit and capable than anyone to do all these!¡±

    After giving birth to Qiao Nan, it was not that Ding Jiayi had not beaten, scolded, or starved Qiao Nan. All of those were things of the past.

    The problem was that she had never seen such an expression from her younger daughter no matter how much she ill-treated thetter in the past.

    Ding Jiayi did not read novels. She was not aware that the current Qiao Nan, who looked gloomy and was full of sinister smiles, with her teeth shining like white rays of light, was exuding an aura that could be described as a beastly and evil demon.

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi was shocked. She simply stammered and even bit her own tongue. ¡°I... I don¡¯t mean that. I... Right, I must have watched too many television shows recently. I was actually talking about the dialogs from a television drama. We are in a society governed byw now. I am not fit to take your life even if I have given birth to you. Don¡¯t we always see it in the news? A biological mother who beats her own child to death has to be imprisoned. Your father is a soldier. I certainly have to abide by thews. Think about it. Even the Zhai family and the Zhu family that you know don¡¯t do anything that is against thew.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was truly vicious, Ding Jiayi could only concede defeat.

    Ding Jiayi was alone while Qiao Nan had the Zhai family and the Zhu family as her backings. Even the Lee family was very good to Qiao Nan.

    Dutch courage.

    It was also because she had been enraged by the younger daughter whom she had always controlled and disregarded that Ding Jiayi fell into a murderous rage and spouted such harsh words.

 Chapter 1022 - Why Did You Drink?

    Chapter 1022 Why Did You Drink?

    When it came to implementation, Ding Jiayi would only dare to do that to Qiao Nan if she and Qiao Zijin had been forced to desperate ends and after she had downed more than ten bottles of alcohol.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan had many people on her side.

    If anything were to happen to Qiao Zijin and her, although China was governed byw, most likely, Qiao Nan would not be investigated. Qiao Zijin and her life would have been lost in vain then.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips trembled a little. She exchanged the grief that was hidden deep beneath her eyes with a murderous aura. ¡°It¡¯s such a pity. After I attended college, I was studying hard and did not have any time to watch television shows. What I have told you earlier is not an actor¡¯s scripts. I am serious.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?!¡± Ding Jiayi was both angry and anxious. ¡°Zhai Sheng is a soldier. If you dare to do anything rash, will the Zhai family still want you? Don¡¯t make yourself lose out in the end.¡± The important thing was to not cause Zijin any harm!

    ¡°As to what I will do... the decision lies with you. ¡± Qiao Nan ced that wisp of hair on the coffee table. ¡°If you want the situation to be more severe, you can continue to stay here and be an eyesore. Otherwise, quickly scram!¡±

    She was not going to hide or avoid it anymore.

    She was already twenty years old and had reached adulthood. She should be hardhearted and protect herself in her own ways.

    ¡°If I leave now, you won¡¯t touch a strand of your sister¡¯s hair?¡± Ding Jiayi did not feel at ease.

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°I have already said. What you did to me, I will do the same to your precious daughter.¡± Qiao Nan nced at the wisp of hair on the coffee table then touched her aching back as well as the face that had been given a few ps by Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You can¡¯t...¡± Ding Jiayi was feeling scared and nervous now.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t leave in one minute... I heard that it was a popr practice to shave half of one¡¯s hair in the 1960s and 1970s. Qiao Zijin is so pretty and outstanding. I believe she will be more outstanding and remarkable with such a hairstyle.¡±

    Ding Jiayi clutched onto her clothing nervously. This wretched girl was really going to take action on Zijin. She was not going to let it go. ¡°I¡¯m the one who hit you. I¡¯m also the one who pulled your hair. You can target me if you want to do anything!¡±

    ¡°You still have thirty seconds.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi was not her biological mother, she would definitely do that.

    However, heaven had to give them such a rtionship. She could not do anything to her biological mother. Nevertheless, if she did anything to her biological sister, her name would not be as bad and she would be charged with a lighter sentence.

    ¡°I... I promise that I won¡¯t be fierce to you or scold you anymore. I... I will pray to you like you are Buddha. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°Fifteen seconds.¡±

    ¡°Please!¡±

    ¡°Ten seconds.¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Nine, eight, seven...¡±

    At the sound of a shuffle, Ding Jiayi, whose face was as white as a sheet, ran and stumbled toward the exit with wobbly legs. She was so afraid that she would hear Qiao Nan¡¯s demon-like voice counting to ¡®one¡¯.

    Shaved hair?

    If Zijin really had such a hairstyle, she would not want to continue with her studies then!

    Upon hearing the sound of the door closing after Ding Jiayi¡¯s departure, Qiao Nan let out a long sigh of exasperation. She then smiled nkly. ¡°No wonder there are so many baddies in the world. It feels great to be a baddie. After all, it feels better to bully others than to be bullied.¡±

    After smiling, Qiao Nan started to feel hate. She dared not hate heaven. She could only hate her life.

    She really could not understand why she would have a mother like Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi actually said earlier that she had to give up her happiness in order to pay her back the life. This was just because she had given birth to her!!!

    If she had a choice, Qiao Nan really did not want to waste her energy on Qiao Zijin. She wanted more to take revenge on Ding Jiayi for all the unfair treatment that she had suffered.

    However, Qiao Nan was aware of something. Even if she shaved Ding Jiayi¡¯s head, Ding Jiayi would neither feel sad nor shameful. On the contrary, on the next day, she would announce to everyone with a bald head that her own younger daughter was the one who shaved her head.

    The difference was that if she were to touch a strand of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair and make Qiao Zijin cry, Ding Jiayi would feel her heart bleed, as if it had been pierced by a knife.

    Since that was the case, she was more willing to waste her energy on Qiao Zijin and make Ding Jiayi feel the pinch.

    ¡°Nan Nan? After receiving Qiao Dongliang¡¯s phone call, informing him that he would be working overtime, Zhai Sheng drove to the small courtyard. He had knocked on the door of the entrance a few times but there had been no response.

    Certainly, Qiao Nan had not gone back to school. In addition, there was no response when he knocked on the door. Zhai Sheng looked around, took off his gloves, and did something that he was familiar with¡ªprofessional wall climbing!

    After entering the small courtyard, Zhai Sheng discovered that the door inside was opened. Most importantly, Zhai Sheng could faintly smell a tinge of alcohol in the air.

    His father-inw was working overtime and would not be home tonight. That was the reason he asked Zhai Sheng to make a trip to fetch Nan Nan to the house of the Zhai family. Why was there a smell of alcohol in the house?

    Nan Nan did not have the habit of drinking.

    Zhai Sheng walked inside. After he went in, the smell of alcohol in the air became stronger.

    He could hear some movement in the house. Next, he heard the sound of the ss bottles knocking into each other. A bottle of wine then rolled and bumped onto the side of his shoe.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. He picked up the bottle and ced it upright in case someone were to trip on it. ¡°Nan Nan?¡±

    He saw Qiao Nan slumping pitifully on the coffee table. There was a cloudy look in her eyes and her cheeks were reddish. There was a sh of worry in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, what happened to you? Why did you drink?¡±

    After knowing Nan Nan for so long, this was the first time that Nan Nan drank in front of him.

    ¡°Wine?¡± Qiao Nan stammered. Her eyes looked distracted as she raised her hands clumsily. ¡°Right. My... my wine. My wine.¡±

    Although Qiao Zijin had decided to be harsh on Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, she had been tortured by these two women for two lifetimes. She really could not describe the pain and bitterness in her heart.

    Qiao Dongliang had the habit of drinking a little. In addition, he was a nice person. Even if he did not have rtives, he had some friends and neighbors in the quad who would visit them asionally.

    Due to that, Qiao Nan was able to find those bottles of wine.

    Qiao Nan did not have the habit of drinking. First, it was a luxury item to Qiao Nan. She dared not even fall sick, let alone spend a big sum of money to be drunk under the influence of alcohol. Second, she always felt that alcohol tasted bitter. Even if it was grape wine, she could not stand that slightly bitter taste of it.

    However, regardless of how bitter the wine tasted, it could not bepared to the bitterness in her heart.

    Qiao Nan was thinking if she could subdue the bitterness in her heart with the bitter taste of the wine.

    Without her knowing, Qiao Nan had finished more than one bottle of white wine and beer.

    ¡°Why did you drink?¡± After taking away the bottle that was half-filled with wine from Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned sullen. He quickly checked on Qiao Nan.

    In the eyes of everyone, Qiao Nan was an obedient child. She did not engage in puppy love and did not smoke or drink.

    For people who did not know how to drink, it was possible that one might need to be sent to the hospital due to acute alcohol poisoning after consuming a bottle of white spirit, let alone a few bottles of alcohol.

 Chapter 1023 - Find a Man and Get Married

    Chapter 1023 Find a Man and Get Married

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes looked a little lost, they were quite clear and the white of her eyes was not murky. Her heartbeat and breathing were also normal.

    Besides looking like a child who was throwing tantrums after stealing and consuming the adults¡¯ wine, Qiao Nan seemed normal.

    ¡°W-why did I drink?¡± Qiao Nan had difficulty holding on to her neck. Her bright and shiny eyes were wide open. However, she could not find the source of the voice despite searching for a long time. ¡°Bitter. I feel bitter at heart!¡±

    She still seemed to be able to hear the earlier words of Ding Jiayi by her ears.

    She was not fit to study?

    She was not fit to get married?

    She was not fit to be happy?

    On what grounds?!

    At the thought of these, Qiao Nan cried and threw a fit. She even mmed the table. ¡°I want to study. I want to get married. I want happiness. I... I will find a man and sleep with him. I will get married tomorrow!¡±

    At that instant, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turnedpletely ck. It was like an old pot that was many decades old. His tone was cold and chilly. ¡°You are going to find a man and sleep with him?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who did not have any sense of consciousness, was behaving like a baby. She even nodded deliberately and expressed with her words and actions. ¡°Sleep. Find... find a man and sleep with him. Then, get married!¡±

    To Qiao Nan, who was very conservative, only a married couple could sleep together. On the other hand, of course, those who had slept together must get married!

    On what basis was she not allowed to do that? She wanted to live happily ever after!

    ¡°Sleep, sleep!¡± The more she thought about it, the more she felt that this should be the case. Qiao Nan propped her hand on the coffee table and wanted to get up. After a few tries, her hands were not listening to her and she did not seed in doing so. She could not even stand up to ¡®look for a man¡¯.

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was extremely ck. It was as though ck ink was going to drip out of it.

    As an ¡®old man¡¯ who was over twenty years old, he had the chance to hug the youngdy that he loved many times. In order to give Qiao Nan a perfect wedding and a happy life experience, he was insistent on refraining himself. As a result, he almost suffered internal injuries.

    In the blink of an eye, the youngdy that he had raised up was actually going to find another man. He was going to send the meat to someone else¡¯s mouth for them to devour!

    One could just imagine how Zhai Sheng felt at this juncture.

    Zhai Sheng could not help thinking. Was it because he had behaved too gentlemanly, like Liu Xiahui, previously? As a result, Qiao Nan would conceive the thought of being unfaithful to her husband. ¡°You want to find a man and sleep with him? I will fulfill your wish!¡±

    No matter what, he must not allow her to do such an unfaithful thing.

    Zhai Sheng was so angry that he felt like killing someone. He was so cold and aloof, like a demon. Any normal person would feel afraid at the sight of him. They would not dare to go near him.

    Even Qiao Nan, who was so drunk and had lost her sanity, shivered. She could feel an unknowing gush of coldness.

    When Zhai Sheng angrily held Qiao Nan tightly and pressed their bodies together, his ¡®little brother¡¯ raised its head in a high-spirited manner and expressed how murderous he felt. Qiao Nan, who was in his arms, started to cry again. ¡°Let... let go. No... I am not looking for you to sleep with. Zhai... Brother Zhai...¡±

    During the past second, Zhai Sheng even had the idea of punishing Qiao Nan on the bed so that she could not find another man outside.

    Following that, the youngdy was crying and rejecting his advances in a soft and tender manner. She even cried out his name. Zhai Sheng¡¯s whole body softened, except for one part that was still hard. ¡°What exactly is happening?¡±

    What had happened to let the conservative Nan Nan say that she would casually find any man, sleep with him, and then get married?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan. He wanted to get to the bottom of the matter. However, Zhai Sheng had overlooked one situation: never to chat with a drunken person.

    Qiao Nan, who was thoroughly immersed in her own world, did not answer Zhai Sheng¡¯s questions. On one hand, she said she wanted to find a man and get married. On the other hand, she was pushing Zhai Sheng, saying that she wanted to find her Brother Zhai. She was making a fuss.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s current behavior waspletely different from the always quiet and sensible Qiao Nan in Zhai Sheng¡¯s impression. Nevertheless, he liked her even more. ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss. You¡¯re not allowed to find a man. Brother Zhai is here.¡±

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands that were dancing around and ced them on his face. ¡°Feel it yourself.¡±

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng had already given up on the possibility that Qiao Nan was able to ¡®see¡¯ his presence.

    After hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan tried her best to see as she opened her eyes wide and stared. Her tiny hands started to feel around Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. ¡°Zhai... Brother Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Sleep!¡± And get married thereafter!

    Facing the extremely domineering Qiao Nan, who seemed to have been possessed by a bandit, Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes. ¡°Do you really want to sleep?¡±

    ¡°Sleep. Then... then, get, get married!¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan swiftly at once and entered her room.

    Qiao Nan, whose tummy had been poked, was wearing an ugly expression. She patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s back weakly. ¡°Let... let me down...¡± Before she could finish her words, she had been ced on the bed by Zhai Sheng.

    Basically, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was in a state of intermittentpses.

    As sheyfortably on her bed and smelled the familiar scent of her room, Qiao Nan¡¯s tiny face nudged the pillow. She hadpletely forgotten the outrageous and daring thing that she had just done.

    However, this time, Zhai Sheng was not prepared to let Qiao Nan, this little white rabbit, escape.

    Qiao Nan was the one who lit the fire. Most importantly, what Qiao Nan said while she was drunk today pierced Zhai Sheng¡¯s nerves directly.

    At this moment, the windows in Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom were not opened and the curtains were not drawn as well. In addition, when Zhai Sheng entered the room, he had switched off the lights. As such, the whole room looked so dark and dim.

    However, there was a little moonlight. It was sufficient for Zhai Sheng to get himself used to the dim rays of light in the room in the shortest time possible. He was staring at Qiao Nan, who was on the bed.

    In the quiet and still house, the sound of buttons being cracked open could be heard from time to time. When the hook of the belt was loosened, the distinct sound of the metal crinkling gave rise to feelings of arousal.

    ¡°Hot...¡± Qiao Nan, who was lying on the bed, frowned. Her tiny hands were continuously pushing and rejecting the person on top of her. ¡°Heavy... so heavy.¡± Qiao Nan felt that a huge mountain seemed to be on top of her, almost forcing the oxygen out of her lungs.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± When Zhai Sheng, who was ¡®burning with fire¡¯ spoke, it felt scorching.

    It was December and the weather had turned cooler. In stark contrast with the weather, Zhai Sheng felt himself burning all over. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to be fully responsible for what you have said.¡±

    As to why Nan Nan suddenly drank and muttered that she wanted to find a man to sleep with, he was not anxious. He would be able to find out eventually.

    As a ¡®carnivore¡¯ that had been ¡®starved¡¯ for a few years, he was not a true man if he did not open his mouth to devour the white rabbit that was already sent to his mouth.

    Zhai Shen took off his clothes at lightning speed. He did not spend more than a minute. He took off Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes at a quicker pace.

    Qiao Nan, who felt so soft and weak all over, had no strength at all. She allowed Zhai Sheng to take off everything on her. It was as if she had just been born into this world.

    ¡°Mmph...¡± After her lips were covered, Qiao Nan resisted by kicking. For a moment, her two hands were grabbing aimlessly in the air.

 Chapter 1024 - Good Morning, Chief

    Chapter 1024 Good Morning, Chief

    In the past, Zhai Sheng took into ount that Qiao Nan was still a student. He thus could not bear toy his hands on Qiao Nan. Today, Qiao Nan was going to be ¡®unfaithful¡¯ soon. Zhai Sheng was no longer going to show her any mercy.

    Qiao Nan, who waspletely drunk and disorientated, felt that she had been dragged by a wolf into a wolf¡¯s den.

    This wolf was starving so badly that he wanted to devour herpletely. It was tearing and biting her body, causing her pain from tip to toe.

    In her dreams, Qiao Nan felt that she was a big piece of fatty meat¡ªor rather, a fish that had been ced in a pot of hot oil. She was flipping and being jabbed at again and again.

    However, shouldn¡¯t a fish be fried?

    Thereafter...

    There was no thereafter. Qiao Nanpletely lost consciousness.

    The next morning, before Qiao Nan could open her eyes after sleeping to her heart¡¯s content, she felt as if her head was tearing apart. It was so painful that she almost cried.

    In her two lifetimes, this was the first time that she found out how it felt to have a hangover.

    The few birds outside the house were already beginning to chirp from time to time. The rooster reared by the neighbor was also constantly crowing cock-a-doodle-doo.

    Qiao Nan gasped a breath of cold air. ¡°Why am I lying on the bed?¡±

    She had little recollection of what had happened before she was drunk. As to how she climbed into the bed after she was drunk, she did not have any impression at all.

    Besides having a headache, the other reaction of a hangover was to feel extremely thirsty.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth as she sat up on the bed. She eximed and then fell back into her bed weakly. Damn, she had only been drinking. Was she having excessive side effects from the hangover?

    The two delicate brows of Qiao Nan furrowed. She was wearing a look of agony on her face.

    It was because when Qiao Nan sat up, besides feeling soft and weak in her four limbs, she discovered that her whole body was aching badly.

    When she had a cold previously, she also had such symptoms. However, in normal circumstances, she would only pain in the muscles of her upper body. Why was the pain more obvious at the parts below her waist this time?

    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    There was some movement beside Qiao Nan. Next, she heard someone dressing up.

    ¡°Thirsty.¡± Qiao Nan followed her heart and shouted that she was thirsty. Thereafter, she had a fright. Why was there a man in her bedroom?!

    Qiao Nan lowered her head. Besides having a man in her bedroom, the most horrifying thing was that she was naked and not wearing any clothes. There were also tiny red dots on her fair and tender skin. At the sight of that, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes nearly popped out.

    ¡°Drink some water.¡± A cup of warm water was brought before Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan lifted her head as her body trembled slightly. She followed the hands as she looked toward the face of the owner.

    For the sake of helping her get a cup of drink, besides wearing a pair of shorts, that man only wrapped his upper body loosely with a piece of clothing although it was wintertime.

    Looking at the muscr and well-defined eight-pack abs, the alluring V line abs that led to the waist, and the cold and sharp eyes, Qiao Nan swallowed her drink with some difficulty. ¡°Good morning, chief!¡±

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. ¡°Pretending to be drunk?¡± After thinking, he held on to Qiao Nan and allowed her to finish the water. ¡°You know that you have gotten yourself into trouble. Feeling scared now?¡±

    Qiao Nan felt like she was dreaming as she grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands and finished the warm water. Her muddled brains seemed to have sobered a little. ¡°Brother Zhai, why are you here? Yesterday, did we?¡± She had lost her senses after drinking!!

    At the thought of this possibility, Qiao Nan was in shock and trepidation.

    Her virginity of two lifetimes was gone just like that?

    ¡°If it¡¯s not me, do you really wish to find another man?¡± As he thought of this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s satiated expression turned sullen instantly. ¡°Should you give me an exnation for yesterday¡¯s situation? Why did you get yourself drunk without an apparent reason? You even made a fuss and said that you wanted to find a man and get married.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was as nk as her mind.

    In the end, Qiao Nan quietly peeped at the upper body of Zhai Sheng, where the front robes were opened, revealing his stomach and V line abs. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s already winter time. Why don¡¯t you wear your clothes first? As for what happened yesterday, I will tell youter. Clearly, I have already sorted out my thoughts long ago. I didn¡¯t expect myself to behave like that after being aggravated yesterday.¡±

    Other people got themselves drunk due to love, whereas she...

    After confirming that Qiao Nan had calmed down, Zhai Sheng did not make things difficult for Qiao Nan. He dressed up and went out to wait for Qiao Nan to give him an exnation.

    Once Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Nan quickly removed the nket as she wanted to put on her clothes.

    When she saw the dark red and muddy stains on the bedsheet, Qiao Nan¡¯s brains nearly crashed.

    She gritted her teeth as she put her shivering and wobbly legs on the ground. Qiao Nan was already perspiring on the forehead although it was a simple act of wearing her clothes.

    ¡°Speak.¡± Zhai Sheng was already sitting down and waiting outside. ¡°Nan Nan, if I did note yesterday, what would you do?¡± This was the question that Zhai Sheng cared most about.

    Qiao Nan wore a grim expression on her face. ¡°Nothing would happen. Brother Zhai, you¡¯re being overly jealous. I vaguely remember that I drank a lot of wine yesterday. Although I may be a little insane under the influence of alcohol, I believe that I will not have the strength to do anything that I want to. If you didn¡¯te, most probably, I would lie on the sofa and sleep for one night. I would catch a cold when I woke up this morning then.¡±

    Qiao Nan had not forgotten that Zhai Sheng said that she wanted to ¡®find a man and get married¡¯ a while ago.

    She could not remember what fuss she had created, but she still remembered that she had been emotionally affected by Ding Jiayi.

    Those words that she said when she was drunk must have been directed at those mean words of Ding Jiayi.

    Zhai Sheng stubbornly reached out his hands to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan breathed in and walked in small steps to Zhai Sheng. She then ced her hands in those of his.

    Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan to the seat by his side.

    Looking at Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. So, Brother Zhai had epted her exnation?

    ¡°Who came to look for you yesterday?¡±

    ¡°My mom.¡±

    ¡°!¡± Zhai Sheng pulled a long face. His eyes looked cold. He really felt that Ding Jiayi was very annoying.

    If other people had dared to treat Qiao Nan in this way, Zhai Sheng would have dealt with them using a hundred kinds of means. Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother, and they had lived together for more than ten years.

    When he found out that Ding Jiayi hade to look for Qiao Nan, without asking, he could guess that Ding Jiayi would not have said any good words. ¡°Since you already know what kind of person she is and what kind of character she has, why do you have to feel angry at her?¡±

    ¡°I am upset. Why did she give birth to me instead of picking me up from the streets? Her words were too hurtful.¡± Qiao Nan leaned in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. She seemed listless as that ¡®unfit theory¡¯ of Ding Jiayi was still lingering in her mind.

    ¡°She said I am not as pretty or smart as Qiao Zijin, and I cannot bepared to Qiao Zijin in all ways. Therefore, I am not fit to be happy. I was born to be a ve to her and Qiao Zijin.¡±

    Towards the end of her speech, Qiao Nan was sneering continuously.

 Chapter 1025 - Give Birth If You Are Pregnan

    Chapter 1025 Give Birth If You Are Pregnan

    Although Ding Jiayi did not say thest sentence, Qiao Nan knew that she definitely had such thoughts. In her previous life, Ding Jiayi also behaved in that way.

    She was furious. After destroying her previous life, these two people also wanted to ruin her second life!

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do me a favor. Help me get someone.¡± Qiao Nan sat up with strength.

    Zhai Sheng was hugging on to Qiao Nan tightly. ¡°You want to find someone to teach your mom a lesson?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I understand my mom¡¯s temper too well. If I dare to touch a strand of her hair, she will make so much noise that the whole Ping Cheng will know about it. The Zhai family cannot afford to lose this face.¡±

    ¡°So, you wish to deal with Qiao Zijin?¡± Zhai Sheng was able to decipher Qiao Nan¡¯s intention very quickly.

    Qiao Nan picked up the wisp of hair from the coffee table. ¡°It¡¯s still here. It seems like I did not make the wrong decision. Heaven has left it behind to remind me of what I have said yesterday.¡±

    ¡°This hair?¡± Zhai Sheng could tell that the hair belonged to Qiao Nan. His heart ached as he grabbed it in his hands. His tone was sullen and harsh. ¡°Ding Jiayi did this?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan did not help Ding Jiayi cover it up as well. ¡°I warned her yesterday. From yesterday onward, whatever she does to me, I will repay it multiple times on Qiao Zijin. Yesterday, she pulled my hair and even hit me. So, I have to walk the talk. If it¡¯s not convenient for you, I will get someone else. That may be better.¡±

    Since she had spoken out, Qiao Nan had to find a way to carry out her threat.

    Qiao Nan was clear that if her heart were to soften and she did not carry out her words, Ding Jiayi would be even more daring and fearless in the future. Ding Jiayi would have no restraint then.

    ¡°I understand what you mean. I will find someone to handle this.¡± Zhai Sheng took on the job.

    Since Ding Jiayi was courting death, naturally, he was willing to take action to teach Qiao Zijin a lesson and warn Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Check on Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation as well. Yesterday, my mom came and said a lot of ugly words. She even requested me to help Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De reconcile. My mom can¡¯t even take care of a small territory like her own family. It is impossible for her to be involved in Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s matter. There is only one person in this world who can make my mom listen to her...¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Only Qiao Zijin had such capability and skills.

    ¡°I will handle this matter.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes were looking increasingly dangerous. The crux of the problem was with Qiao Zijin. Hence, when he found someone to teach Qiao Zijin a lesson, he could ¡®top up¡¯ more.

    After knowing the circumstances of the matter, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes looked more at ease when he faced Qiao Nan. ¡°You can only do this once. There should not be a next time.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled grimly. ¡°Definitely.¡±

    All this while, she had been quite silly. Nevertheless, she was also doing her best not tomit foolish things.

    Next, Qiao Nan revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry. ¡°Brother Zhai,st night, the two of us... really did it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng had no sense of guilt at all. He boldly and righteously admitted his shameless act.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips. She almost failed to smile. ¡°We are not married yet...¡±

    She had not reached the legal age of marriage.

    ¡°There are only two more months.¡± That was not too long away.

    ¡°...Brother Zhai, after doing that kind of thing, I may be pregnant!¡± Given that wet piece of thing on the bed, Qiao Nan dared to bet that Zhai Sheng did not bring any condom yesterday. They also did not take any other precautionary measures.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng even deliberately ced his hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s little tummy. ¡°If you are pregnant, just give birth to the baby.¡± It was just nice. His old master had been nagging for a few years, wishing for a great-grandchild.

    ¡°After you have given birth, you can continue to study. We can leave the child to the old master and my parents.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had already thought about who to take care of the child after he was born.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s body stiffened. She almost could not speak. Her first man was willing to bear the responsibility. Of course, nothing was better than this.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s situation and Brother Zhai¡¯s current status, they could afford to raise ten kids, let alone one.

    However, no matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, she felt strange as if something was not quite right. ¡°But I am still studying?¡±

    She came back from the capital this time to resolve Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s matter. Why did she lose her virginity instead?

    ¡°I have said. You can continue to study. My family will not stop you from doing so. They will support you. Of course, if father-inw has the time and he is willing to, he can also help bring up the child.¡± Four elderly should be able to fix a child, right?

    At the sight that Zhai Sheng was sounding increasingly serious as he spoke, and his eyes were sparkling as if she really had a child in her tummy, Qiao Nan flung her head. ¡°Actually, there is no need for all the trouble. Didn¡¯t they say that there is a medicine that can be taken?¡±

    She was still very young. There was no need to have a child.

    ¡°That kind of medicine is not good for health. Listen to me. After the Lunar New Year, we will collect the marriage certificate and throw a wedding banquet. If you really be pregnant this time, we will give birth to the child. No matter what happens, I will settle them for you.¡± Zhai Sheng rejected Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion immediately.

    ¡°...¡± She could not out talk Zhai Sheng. She also felt that progress from here felt strange. Perhaps Qiao Nan had not fully sobered up from her hangover. She covered her face. ¡°I feel so embarrassed to face anyone.¡±

    She had ¡®saved¡¯ Sister Zhai Hua but she seemed to have ¡®lost¡¯ herself. ¡°Right. Why did youe yesterday?¡±

    Even if she was drunk, she would not create too muchmotion. At most, she would only make a fuss in her own house and not affect other people. ¡°After Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s matter has been settledpletely, you can go anywhere?¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling regretful?¡± Zhai Sheng pulled a long face. He seemed to be expressing ¡®how dare you try admitting¡¯.

    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Nan said against her conscience.

    Despite knowing that Qiao Nan did not speak from her heart, Zhai Sheng did not take issue with her. He continued to hug Qiao Nan and said, ¡°This time, Zhai Hua will never look back. Although Zhai Hua seems down-spirited, most likely, she will be better in a few days¡¯ time. Before I came, I received father-inw¡¯s phone call. He had to work overtime yesterday and could note home. He is afraid that it is unsafe for you to be home alone. He wanted me to fetch you to my house and let you stay overnight and also to keep Zhai Huapany.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang actually kept a very close watch on his daughter.

    He could not go home but he was worried that Qiao Nan would be home alone. He was not willing to let Zhai Sheng ¡®bully¡¯ Qiao Nan either.

    Hence, Qiao Dongliang made apromise. He allowed Zhai Sheng to bring Qiao Nan back to the house of the Zhai family to keep Zhai Huapany.

    In that case, in front of so many family members, Zhai Sheng would not have the chance even if he harbored ¡®bad¡¯ thoughts.

    Qiao Dongliang had been taking so many precautionary measures but he did not expect that Qiao Nan wouldmit such a foolish act. He had fed the fragrant meat right into Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth.

    He did not manage to seed in what he had wanted to prevent. Zhai Sheng simply entered his house openly and conquered his daughter.

    Even a wise man sometimes makes a mistake.

    After hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s response, Qiao Nan¡¯s whirling mind turned even nker. She did not know how she should react.

    So, her father was the one who let Brother Zhai, this big and wild wolf, in.

 Chapter 1026 - Biased Toward the Younger One

    <h4>Chapter 1026 Biased Toward the Younger One</h4>

    ¡°Go to my house?¡± Nan Nan was already his woman. In that case, it was imperative that they collect the marriage certificate and throw a wedding banquet early next year. He had to get a concrete solution to this as soon as possible before he could feel at ease.

    Just as Nan Nan said, what if Nan Nan was already pregnant with his child?

    ¡°Can I not go?¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan only wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.

    Her first time¡ªsuch an important first time¡ªactually urred in such a muddleheaded way due to Ding Jiayi¡¯s aggravation.

    ¡°Cannot.¡± Having said that, Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan in a domineering way and ced her into his own car. After he closed all the windows in the small courtyard, he drove his car and brought his wife home.

    Miao Jing had been on pins and needles as she stared continuously at the entrance of her own house.

    Zhai Yaohui was quite helpless at Miao Jing¡¯s reaction. ¡°Whatever wille wille. Even if you continue staring and hurt your eyes, they will not arrive earlier.¡±

    ¡°The problem is that Zhai Sheng did note back for the whole night. Tell me, where was he sleeping at?!¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes were shining brightly. She was both excited and embarrassed.

    The corners of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you have wished for? You have been talking about having a grandchild.¡±

    ¡°Right, I want to carry a great-grandchild!¡± Old Master Zhai added with a loud and booming voice. ¡°Anyway, our family is not the type that refuses to bear the responsibility. Didn¡¯t we say that we will be throwing a wedding banquet early next year? It is not a problem to go into the bridal chamber one or two months earlier.¡±

    Both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were men. Could they not know what his son (grandson) was thinking?

    Everyone was once young. His son (grandson) could not wait to hang the other family¡¯sdy on his waist belt or hold and dote on her in his arms all the time.

    It was a rare asion that his father-inw was not around and even instructed him to take care of Qiao Nan.

    In actual fact, if his son (grandson) coulde back, Zhai Yaohui and Old Master Zhai would feel odder. They hoped that their (grandson) had not be handicapped after enduring for too long.

    ¡°Should we be apologetic about this? Will inw be unhappy about this?¡± Miao Jing was so happy that flowers were blooming in her heart but she had to pretend that she was worried. She was afraid that if she was too smug, there would be hups in Qiao Nan and her son¡¯s wedding.

    Wasn¡¯t there a saying that one should not rejoice too early as extreme joy might turn to sorrow?

    As such, Miao Jing would rather keep a low profile before the matter had seeded.

    ¡°He will certainly feel unhappy!¡± Zhai Hua, who looked listless, sang the opposing tune and expressed that Zhai Sheng was going to be in trouble. ¡°Uncle Qiao is quite good to Qiao Nan. He is different from Ding Jiayi. I have realized this previously when I visited the Qiao family. Uncle Qiao keeps a tight watch on Zhai Sheng. That¡¯s also right. After the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan will only be twenty-one years old, while Zhai Sheng is almost twenty-six years old.¡±

    She had just broken up with a heartless creature who was full of lies while her own younger brother was going to marry a wife happily over the Lunar New Year. She was so miserable, yet Zhai Sheng was so fortunate. Zhai Hua felt depressed.

    She was even older than Zhai Sheng by one year!!

    At the thought that she was going to be twenty-seven years old and even older in name, Zhai Hua felt both angry and annoyed.

    She had always been falling behind in love affairs in the quad. Time had passed but why had her life be worse? She was finally in a romantic rtionship, yet she met such a swindler.

    Two days had passed. At the mention of Wei De¡¯s name, Zhai Hua still felt hate in her heart!

    ¡°If he feels unhappy, so be it.¡± Old Master Zhai was not worried for his grandson at all. ¡°At most, we will let inw vent his anger. Zhai Sheng is thick-skinned and tough. There will not be a problem even if he suffers a few punches. Since he wants to marry a wife, what¡¯s wrong with suffering a little?¡±

    He recalled that, many years ago, when he married his wife, he had been chased around the hill by a few of her uncles.

    ¡°After a beating, you get a wife. Such a bargain is quite rare in this world.¡± To Old Master Zhai, Zhai Sheng had received a huge bargain. It was too worth it. Too worth it!

    Most importantly, after the sessful marriage between his grandson and granddaughter-inw, would his great-grandchild be far away?

    His grandson in exchange for his great-grandchild¡ªit was totally worth it!

    Zhai Hua was so angry that she rolled her eyes continuously. Nevertheless, she felt better thereafter.

    She had always felt that her parents and grandfather valued Zhai Sheng more. They felt that she could not take on the responsibility of the Zhai family in the future as she was ady.

    Now, it seemed that Zhai Sheng was only that worthy to her parents and grandfather.

    No matter how important Zhai Sheng was, he could not bepared to that possible little piece of flesh in Qiao Nan¡¯s womb as well as Qiao Nan.

    Since everyone was not being doted on or valued, Zhai Hua felt more bnced at heart. After all, Zhai Sheng was the one who personally found Qiao Nan, who had taken away all the love and care from him.

    As such, Zhai Hua felt more pleased.

    ¡°They areing! Coming!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s sharp ears heard the sound of the car driving back. ¡°Hua Hua, Nan Nan is still young and shy. Please don¡¯t bully herter. If you wreck the good matter between Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan, I won¡¯t spare you!¡±

    They were going to have a grandchild soon. Son or daughter¡ªall of them definitely had to move aside.

    ¡°So biased,¡± Zhai Hua said without any hesitation. However, when she said it this time, she did not sound as indignant as before. She did not really think that her seniors were biased toward Zhai Sheng and disliked her.

    ¡°Of course I am biased. I show favoritism toward the younger one. When you find and bring home a good and decent man and give birth to a maternal grandchild for me, I will be biased toward that grandchild. As long as they are younger, they will be my precious darling.¡± Miao Jing could tell the change in her daughter.

    Her daughter¡¯s tone was peaceful and she seemed to be pouting with her eyes when she spoke about favoritism. There were no negative feelings. When she found out, Miao Jing was overjoyed.

    It was no wonder Zhai Yaohui told her before that Nan Nan would bring good fortune to Zhai Sheng.

    In her view, Nan Nan not only brought good fortune to Zhai Sheng but also the entire Zhai family!

    Zhai Hua gave a snort. She threw the pillow in her arms aside and slumped on the sofa. Her mother¡¯s earlier words were too piercing to her heart. Who did not know that she had just broken up with Wei De?

    After so many years, she only agreed to be with one Wei De. However, Wei De turned out to be such a lousy thing.

    At the thought that she was not young anymore, even Zhai Hua herself began to worry. When would she be married and give birth to a maternal grandson for her parents to y with?

    True enough, when they saw the car arriving, Miao Jing cast Zhai Hua a few nces and asked her not to chat anymore.

    Qiao Nan was ady. As the father-inw and grandfather, Zhai Yaohui and Old Master Zhai would definitely not tease Qiao Nan on this. In the whole family, only Zhai Hua could talk to Qiao Nan on this without any restraint.

    When the Zhai family of four saw that Qiao Nan¡¯s legs not only trembled but wobbled a little when she alighted from the car, Miao Jing¡¯s face turned red, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned ck and Old Master Zhai smiled. Only Zhai Hua¡¯s expression was a little lewd.

    After Qiao Nan entered the house, her face reddened at the sight that all members of the Zhai family were present. She had a feeling and illusion that the whole world knew the bad thing that she and Zhai Sheng had done yesterday.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you eaten?¡±

 Chapter 1027 - Mistook the Bright Pearl for Fish Eye

    Chapter 1027 Mistook the Bright Pearl for Fish Eye

    Miao Jing was showing concern for Qiao Nan like gentle breeze and drizzle.

    Before Qiao Nan could utter a word, her stomach grumbled a few times and replied to Miao Jing¡¯s question on her behalf.

    ¡°You must be starving.¡± When Miao Jing was facing Qiao Nan, she was smiling. However, when she turned her head, she shot Zhai Sheng a re of warning. She seemed to be reprimanding Zhai Sheng for being too much. He should not ¡®bully¡¯ Qiao Nan without allowing her to rest.

    If he had bullied Nan Nan too much and made her run away, what should they do?

    ¡°Auntie, those dumplings that you made earlier, is there still some in the fridge? Quickly prepare a bowl of them for Nan Nan to eat.¡±

    ¡°Aye.¡± The auntie had long treated Qiao Nan as part of the Zhai family and one of her masters. In fact, that portion of dumplings was specially set aside for Qiao Nan.

    She was aware that Zhai Sheng went out to fetch Qiao Nan yesterday. The Zhai family members waited until seven o¡¯clock in the evening, but Zhai Sheng had not brought Qiao Nan home. As such, the auntie had already set aside dinner for Qiao Nan, afraid that they woulde backter.

    ¡°Thank you, auntie.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s head felt stiff as she endured the few pairs of eyes that seemed to be looking at her. She took up the bowl of freshly cooked dumplings and started eating them.

    In actual fact, Qiao Nan was really feeling hungry.

    Ding Jiayi came in the afternoon. After Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Nan was so angry that she had been drinking. She did not even take her dinner.

    Besides skipping a meal, she had been forced to ¡®exercise¡¯ with Zhai Sheng for a long time. As one could imagine, Qiao Nan was exhausted and her muscles were aching all over.

    In addition, she did not take her breakfast. At the sight of the bowl of dumplings, both of Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were popping.

    The more Qiao Nan behaved this way, the more Miao Jing red at Zhai Sheng. ¡®Look at how you had starved Nan Nan. Clearly, you are so much older than Nan Nan. Don¡¯t you know how to take care of people?¡¯

    When she married Zhai Yaohui, although Zhai Yaohui was quiet and had a tough and unyielding appearance, he was very meticulous.

    Inparison, Miao Jing suddenly felt that she had not taught her son well. At least, she was worse than her mother-inw who had already passed on. Both of them had to teach a son. However, this son of hers was too lousy.

    It was not only Miao Jing. Even the two ¡®old¡¯ men of the Zhai family gave Zhai Sheng negative scores.

    At the sight of this, Zhai Hua, who was initially in a bad mood, felt amused. She kicked Zhai Sheng with her leg.

    From now onward, Qiao Nan would be the family¡¯s favorite. When Qiao Nan really had children, both Qiao Nan and the children would be the bosses.

    Zhai Sheng ignored Zhai Hua. He epted the looks of me from his elders and became the scapegoat for Qiao Dongliang, his father-inw.

    As Qiao Nan was in college and often not at home, besides the fruits that the Zhai family insisted to give to Qiao Dongliang, the fridge in the Qiao family was totally empty.

    You can¡¯t make bricks without straws.

    Even if Zhai Sheng did not wish to starve Qiao Nan, he could not simply cook only white rice for her.

    Qiao Dongliang was aware that there was nothing at home but he did not want to trouble Qiao Nan to go marketing and cook herself. He thus allowed Qiao Nan to go to the Zhai family to get a ¡®free¡¯ meal.

    Zhai Sheng expressed that, fromst night onward, Nan Nan had been stamped with his chop from tip to toe and in and out. She was truly his wife now.

    Zhai Sheng, who had gotten himself a wife, was in an excellent mood. This was just a small issue. He did not mind taking the me for his father-inw whose daughter had just been kidnapped.

    Finally, when Qiao Nan felt that she was about fifty to sixty percent full, Miao Jing asked gently, ¡°Nan Nan, did you rest wellst night? Do you want to take a nap in Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s room?¡±

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan had already finished eating her dumplings. Otherwise, she would definitely spit them out when she heard Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    Even if the deed had already been exposed, Qiao Nan really did not wish to mention what happenedst night. Who knows...

    ¡°Hahaha, my goodness, this is so funny. Qiao Nan,e and stay at my house. With you around, my broken heart will definitely heal faster.¡± When she saw Qiao Nan¡¯s extremely red face and that smoke was almost rising from the top of her head, Zhai Hua held her tummy andughed out loud.

    She discovered that her life was actually quite good when she saw someone being more miserable than her.

    Qiao Nan was both angry and annoyed. She rolled her eyes at Zhai Hua toin that Zhai Hua had no conscience.

    Zhai Hua patted her chest andughed. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. You will be married to Zhai Sheng in two months¡¯ time. You will have to call me sister. Now, just take it that you are pleasing your seniors and elders.¡±

    When she said this, Zhai Hua did not feel bad at all.

    At the sight that Zhai Hua¡¯s mood became better because of Qiao Nan¡¯s arrival, the Zhai family was happy. They felt even more satisfied with this daughter-inw (granddaughter-inw).

    In the future, Zhai Sheng would definitely be the one heading the family. As Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, if Qiao Nan did not have the capability to help Zhai Sheng manage the domestic affairs of the Zhai family or if she were to add on to his woes, that would be terrible.

    At this juncture, Qiao Nan had been doing very well.

    It was not just the Zhai family who valued Qiao Nan. The elders in the Zhai family were all aware that Zhu Chengqi also liked Qiao Nan very much and treated her like his goddaughter.

    The Lee family also had interactions with the Qiao family.

    The Lee family had such connections with the Qiao family all because of Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, even though Qiao Dongliang¡¯s deceased father had saved Elder Lee¡¯s life and had a strong friendship with thetter, the rtionship between the two families had already been thoroughly ruined by the unreasonable, shrewish, and ¡®short-term thinking¡¯ Ding Jiayi.

    In addition, Lin Yuankang, the famous and prominent figure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was Qiao Nan¡¯s master. He doted on Qiao Nan so much.

    Old Master Zhai had received news recently. Although Lin Yuankang did not personally go to the capital, he had already informed his former subordinates and disciples in the capital to find time to guide Qiao Nan so that she could widen her horizons and learn gradually.

    Was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a ce for people to learn?

    Was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a ce that would casually allow a college student to go in?

    Even if Qiao Nan had entered it, she could not do anything. She could only hear with her pair of eyes and listen with her pair of ears.

    Nevertheless, as long as Qiao Nan was smart and quick-witted enough, she would be able to pick up skills and gain experience. These were knowledge that an average person could pick up only after going through a lifetime of obstacles.

    Old Master Zhai was aware that Lin Yuankang wanted to make Qiao Nan a female diplomat in The Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

    Half a year ago, when Zhai Sheng was engaged with Qiao Nan, many people said that Qiao Nan was very lucky. Some said sarcastically that great happiness had befallen the Qiao family as they were able to find such a good marriage.

    In one leap, Qiao Nan, a pitiful child who did not receive any love from her biological mother, became the chief¡¯s daughter-inw. She had designated cars to fetch her everywhere. Wasn¡¯t that akin to the Cindere in television shows?

    Old Master Zhai had never taken these words too seriously. Since he was willing to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his granddaughter-inw, naturally, he did not mind the Qiao family¡¯s situation.

    Old Master Zhai did not bother but this did not mean that he did not understand the situation.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s current qualities, not to mention the Zhai family, even those few families in the capital would be willing to nod and ept Qiao Nan as a new member of their family.

 Chapter 1028 - May-December Romance Is Not So Easy

    1028 May-December Romance Is Not So Easy

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were engaged. However, it was not true that Qiao Nan had married into a better family than her own. Instead, the pair was extremelypatible.

    To put it bluntly, Old Master Zhai looked down on those people who felt that Qiao Nan would gain more in this marriage. This was because they had mistaken the bright pearl for fish eye.

    These people could not even differentiate between the good and the bad. As such, they were definitely very muddleheaded in their own conduct and behavior.

    Old Master Zhai was still very influential in the Zhai family. Qiao Nan was already in Miao Jing¡¯s favor and Zhai Yaohui had also gradually approved of Qiao Nan. Everyone believed that given the Qiao family¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan would not be able to rely on her maternal family after the marriage. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s life in the Zhai family would definitely be filled with difficulties. She had to tread on her toes and would be a very miserable daughter-inw.

    Nevertheless, the actual situation was the exact opposite of these people¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have not taken your exams, right?¡± Miao Jing was a woman and a meticulous one. Furthermore, she liked Qiao Nan. Naturally, she would spare more consideration for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes, my exams will be held next month.¡±

    ¡°You must be having your revision at this point in time then.¡± Miao Jing was shocked. ¡°You have applied for leave toe back?¡± The situation that day was too chaotic. Finally, Hua Hua was willing to break up with Wei De. Miao Jing almost fainted from joy.

    Within one day, her daughter not only fell out of love but also discovered that her lover had been a swindler all along. He had never been true to her.

    Miao Jing was afraid that Zhai Hua would have thoughts of suicide. She had thus been keeping Zhai Huapany these few days and did not have time to think about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Yes, I have applied for ten days of leave.¡± The principal had given his approval.

    Zhai Hua sat up straight and looked at Qiao Nan gratefully. ¡°You have done a lot for me. Although you have just entered college, given your character, your grades definitely did not drop. Don¡¯t worry. I am really fine now. I won¡¯t do anything foolish again. You should go back. Your studies are also very important.¡±

    She was blind to have known such a man. She not only caused her mother to cry but also the old master and her father to be angry. Even Qiao Nan had to spend so much time and effort to take care of her in many ways.

    At the thought that she was almost thirty years old but everyone in the family, regardless of their age, cared and protected her, Zhai Hua felt that she was quite useless. At the same time, she understood one thing: Many people loved her and were by her side. She should be more resilient.

    She had only fallen out of love. It was not a big deal.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan had also said that discovering Wei De¡¯s true colors before marriage was not a sorrowful matter. Instead, it was something that was worth celebrating.

    She had made so many people worried and Qiao Nan sacrificed so much for her. Zhai Hua was too embarrassed to continue in her decadent ways. ¡°Qiao Nan, go back to school. I have really sorted out my thoughts this time. If I bother about that person again, I am a pig!¡±

    ¡°Hua Hua is right. Nan Nan, go back to school. The rest of us are here for Hua Hua.¡± Miao Jing nodded continuously.

    Old Master Zhai snorted. ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? That piece of shit. Whoever feels sad for him is a pig!¡±

    To Old Master Zhai, when Zhai Hua was willing to beat and chase Wei De out of the house that day, he had wanted very much to put up and light up a string of loud firecrackers at his doorstep to announce his happiness. It could be considered ridding his family of bad luck as well.

    The members of the Zhai family were all agreeable for Qiao Nan to return to school. The only one who did not feel too good about this was Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng had just had a taste of meat. He had been yearning for it.

    After much difficulty, he had finally kidnapped Qiao Nan back to his home. Zhai Sheng was thinking of how to let Qiao Nan sleep in his own room tonight so that they could get used to marriage life earlier.

    They had already discussed the issue of having children. As Zhai Sheng thought about his age, it was not considered too early to have children at this point in time.

    Zhai Sheng was not certain if he had ¡®nted his seeds¡¯ yesterday. Nevertheless, he could continue to work on it tonight.

    When Miao Jing spoke, naturally, some of Zhai Sheng¡¯s ploys were ruined.

    Zhai Sheng did not respond despite listening to the conversation for a long time. Zhai Hua secretly peeped at Zhai Sheng and vaguely felt that Zhai Sheng¡¯s face seemed a little pale.

    All of a sudden, no one was talking in the spacious living room of the house of the Zhai family. It was so quiet that people were not used to it.

    After about three minutes, Zhai Sheng spoke, ¡°Nan Nan, are you ready to go back today or tomorrow? I will buy the flight tickets for you.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we get the flight ticket for tonight?¡± Zhai Hua was already in the mood to joke about herself. Without the need for Zhai Hua to say, Qiao Nan was certain that Zhai Hua was fine.

    It had been quite difficult to apply for this period of long leave. The sooner she returned to the school, the sooner she could revise for her studies.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Within three breaths of time, Zhai Sheng replied calmly, ¡°I will help you buy the tickets.¡± Having said that, Zhai Sheng took off with his long legs.

    Qiao Nan felt a little unsettled. Was Brother Zhai angry?

    Qiao Nan had guessed a little why Zhai Sheng brought her back to the house of the Zhai family.

    Moreover, although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig running away.

    In her previous life, when Qiao Zijin was close to Chen Jun, she did note home for a few days. She said that she was staying at the house of ¡®a good friend¡¯. They were so sticky to each other. Sometimes, Qiao Nan might not even see Qiao Zijin in the house of the Qiao family for a week.

    When Qiao Zijin was not staying in her ¡®good friend¡¯s¡¯ house anymore, after just a few days, her mother expressed furiously that Qiao Zijin was pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child. She asked Qiao Nan to scram so that Qiao Zijin could take her ce.

    Regarding this, Qiao Nan was in a dilemma.

    In her previous life, her marriage did not even arrive at the point of her death.

    In this life, heaven loved her so much. She had not fully grown up but already had a husband. His whole family was also pining for the time when a child would be in her womb.

    In the face of such extreme lives, Qiao Nan felt very helpless.

    Miao Jing sat beside Qiao Nan and touched thetter¡¯s hair. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much or give yourself too much pressure. Well, Zhai Sheng is the one who wants a May-December romance. He shouldn¡¯t just enjoy the benefits of it. How could May-December romance be so easy?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had chosen a ¡®young¡¯ wife. He should have been mentally prepared for such things, no?

    Clearly, Qiao Nan was the younger one but she was fully equipped psychologically to take on the role of a military wife. On the contrary, her son was the more ¡®sticky¡¯ one. The roles of the two of them were a little reversed.

    ¡°Right, that¡¯s correct. Is May-December romance so easy?!¡± Zhai Hua was so amused. She was troubled about having no man. Zhai Sheng had a wife but he was even more troubled. This was so funny.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned red. She did not know whether tough or cry when she looked at both Miao Jing and Zhai Hua. This was truly an unreliable pair of mother and daughter.

    May-December romance?

    Were these two people really Brother Zhai¡¯s biological mother and sister?

    At this moment, the other two men in the Zhai family did not utter any word. It was also not convenient for them to do so.

    Nevertheless, they wholeheartedly agreed with Miao Jing¡¯s words. Since Zhai Sheng had made his choice of path, he had to persist even if he were to sustain blisters all over his feet.

 Chapter 1029 - Untitled

    1029 Untitled

    Zhai Sheng should know very well that Qiao Nan was still young and she was still in school.

    Both of them had a secret rtionship for years.

    Qiao Nan had hidden it very well for the past four years. Nobody noticed that they were in a rtionship. They hid it very well. It was as if they were performing a secret service.

    On the one hand, it suggested that the two of them were smart to be able to hide it from everyone.

    On the other hand, it proved that Qiao Nan could handle hardships. Zhai Sheng had to stay in the camp every day, but she did not lose her temper or throw tantrums. Instead, she studied hard at school and had excellent results.

    If not for the fact that they were lovey-dovey when they were with each other, Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui would have suspected that they were not in a serious rtionship.

    ¡°Okay, say no more.¡± Miao Jing noticed that Qiao Nan blushed a bright red. ¡°By February next year, Nan Nan, the fresh flower, will belong to us.¡± At the thought of this, Miao Jing could not help but smile widely. She was as thrilled as Zhai Hua.

    Since they had already decided, by the time Zhai Sheng came back, he had bought the ne ticket that was scheduled for four o¡¯clock this afternoon. ¡°Don¡¯t wait until the evening to go back. It¡¯s better to return to the capital earlier so that you can have a good rest. Otherwise, you will be too tired for lessons tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan was moved and happy when she saw the departure time on the ticket.

    She wanted to spend more time with Zhai Sheng, so she said that she would leave in the evening.

    After Qiao Nan studied in college, she and Zhai Sheng seemed to be like the legendary separated lovers, the cowherd and the weaving maid[1]. Zhai Sheng hardly had time to go back to Ping Cheng, while Qiao Nan had to study at the capital.

    When Qiao Nan was on her summer and winter breaks, Zhai Sheng might have to carry out missions.

    Now that they finally could spend time with each other, Qiao Nan had to go back to school as early as possible. Qiao Nan felt sorry about it. But she could only try to spend more time with Zhai Sheng on the premise that she would be able to make it back to the capital for her lessons tomorrow.

    To her surprise, Zhai Sheng bought her the ne ticket that was due to depart in the afternoon.

    Although Zhai Sheng did not say anything, he wrapped his arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. The gaze in his eyes told her that he did not want gratitude from her.

    Qiao Nan might be able to escape from him for the time being, but she could not do so forever.

    By February next year, nobody would be able to stop him from loving his wife.

    Whatever that was meant to happen today...

    Would have to be paid back eventually.

    On the day that he was legally married, he would take back everything that was owed to him!

    Qiao Nan straightened her back. She could feel a shaft of coldness and she shivered uncontrobly.

    ¡°Alright, we can still have lunch together.¡± Old Master Zhai was pleased that his grandson was disciplined. He was, after all, raised by him. He was simr to him in terms of his personality.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, have you made a phone call to Uncle Qiao? He worked overtimest night. He should be able to go home earlier today.¡± Qiao Nan was his precious daughter. Qiao Nan¡¯s flight was at four o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and she had to be there at the airport at half past three. They had to let Qiao Dongliang know before she got on the ne that his daughter would go back to school today.

    Zhai Yaohui would not exceed what he should do and meddle in other people¡¯s affairs.

    Zhai Sheng sounded displeased. ¡°I have made a call to my father-inw¡¯s factory on my way back. He said that he will reach around half past eleven.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing nodded. ¡°Auntie, did you buy enough ingredients today? Please prepare a sumptuous lunch.¡± Everyone was present except Qiao Dongliang. The two families could have their lunch together once he reached.

    ¡°Madam, you can rest assured that there are enough ingredients. There are quite a lot of dishes to prepare. I will prepare them right now.¡± The auntie replied smilingly. She put on the apron and went to the kitchen to prepare the dishes.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that his daughter was going back to school. If he took into ount the two days that she spent on traveling, she was back for a total of three days.

    On the first day, the father and daughter spent most of the time at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. By the time they went back home, they were too tired to talk after dinner.

    The next day, Qiao Dongliang did not expect that he would have to work overtime. The Lunar New Year was not here yet, but the factory that he worked at had to settle the ount for one of their clients.

    He could finally go back home earlier on the third day, but his daughter had to go back to school.

    Qiao Dongliang might be reluctant, but he could not stop Qiao Nan from going back to school. Furthermore, it was his wish for Qiao Nan to study in college.

    Qiao Nan was not only a college student, but she was also a student of Peking University!

    He would break the legs of those people who stopped Qiao Nan from going to school. If Ding Jiayi dared to make trouble, he would not be lenient with her!

    Because of this, Qiao Dongliang would not stop Qiao Nan from going back to school.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you must study hard at school. I can cope by myself at home. You don¡¯t have to worry about me. You can spend the Lunar New Year with me after your exam.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt forlorn that the Zhai family wanted to discuss the marriage between the two children.

    Perhaps this would be thest Lunar New Year that he could spend with his younger daughter.

    Qiao Nan sensed that Qiao Dongliang was reluctant to part with her. She forced a smile. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t overwork yourself and you must remember to have your meals. You must take care of yourself. Dad, I will take care of you in the future.¡± After she graduated from college¡ªeven if they could not stay in the same house¡ªshe would find ways for her father to stay near her.

    However, the Zhai family was around. Qiao Nan kept this thought to herself.

    If she wanted to provide for her father, she must do it based on her own efforts. She must not rely on the Zhai family.

    After all, he was her father. She had an obligation to take care of him. It was unreasonable to ask the Zhai family to help her.

    After she left, Qiao Dongliang would be alone. Qiao Nan opened her mouth, wanting to ask her father if he thought of getting another wife after his divorce years ago.

    However, Qiao Nan could not bring herself to ask the question and she boarded the ne.

    The flight was scheduled to depart at four o¡¯clock in the afternoon. The flight departed on time. It was not even eight o¡¯clock when Qiao Nan reached the Lin family¡¯s residence.

    The sky was dark. If not for the streetlights, it would be difficult to tell the way.

    Qiao Nan made three phone calls immediately after she reached. She made a phone call each to the Zhai family, the Qiao family, and to her master.

    Then, Qiao Nan boiled water to wash her face and feet before she went to sleep.

    Qiao Nan had applied for ten days of leave, but she canceled the leave and went back to school on the fourth day.

    Although it was the principal who approved the leave, Qiao Nan¡¯s teacher was unhappy that she took such a long period of leave.

    But the teacher was slightly appeased that Qiao Nan canceled the leave and returned to school after settling everything at home. ¡°That¡¯s good. You did not spend too much time away. Here are the revision materials for the past three days. Take them and study them. Don¡¯t do this in the future.¡±

    [1] They are characters in Chinese folk stories, where the lovers are separated and only get to meet each other once a year.

 Chapter 1030 - Being Taught a Harsh Lesson

    <h4>1030 Being Taught a Harsh Lesson</h4>

    ¡°Thank you, teacher!¡± Qiao Nan was very surprised. She did not expect that her teacher who disapproved of her taking long leave would help her keep a copy of the revision materials for other subjects. It was a pleasant surprise.

    ¡°You should thank the principal.¡± The teacher did not take credit for it. The principal gave the instructions that if other teachers distributed revision materials to the students while Qiao Nan was away, the teacher must take an extra copy of the revision materials from them. If not for the principal¡¯s instructions, no teacher would go to the trouble to do that.

    ¡°I have to thank the principal and you.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She was honey-mouthed.

    The teacher rxed. ¡°Alright, you may not have lessons today, but you should read these materials. Don¡¯t fall behind in your studies.¡±

    ¡°I will!¡± Qiao Nan took the revision materials and found a seat in the library, poring over the materials.

    Qiao Nan put all her attention on the materials.

    Since she no longer had to worry about Zhai Hua, she was totally focused on her studies. She put the matter of what happened at Ping Cheng for the past three days aside.

    Unlike her who was able to concentrate on her studies, other people might not be able to do that.

    On the day that Qiao Nan returned to the capital, Qiao Zijin had sses in the day, and went shopping and singing karaoke with her ssmates in the evening. She seemed slightly tipsy, swaying as she walked. There was a dazed look and a silly smile on her face as she walked back to her dormitory.

    ¡°My dormitory is in that building.¡±

    ¡°Mine is at this building.¡±

    ¡°Then, goodbye.¡± Qiao Zijin gave a silly smile and walked back to her dormitory.

    It was December now. The days were short and it was very dark at night.

    The streetlights at school were dim. Under normal circumstances, it would suffice. However, Qiao Zijin was half drunk and she could hardly make out the road an arm¡¯s length away.

    But Qiao Zijin had taken this path for more than a year. She could make her way back even without looking at the path. She was the least worried.

    When she reached the corner, a man came out behind a big tree directly opposite the dormitory building. The man put a sack over Qiao Zijin¡¯s head and gave her a few punches.

    Qiao Zijin felt pain all over her body. She wanted to shout for help, but she was too drunk. She could only moan in pain.

    After giving Qiao Zijin a lesson, the man gave her a blow behind her neck and she fainted right then.

    There were the sounds of someone using the scissors. It was not long before Qiao Zijin¡¯s roommates came running down the stairs.

    The man heard the sound of footsteps and left right away.

    ¡°Where is she?¡±

    ¡°Is the text message that you received telling the truth?¡±

    ¡°It is. I have yet to delete the text message. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can take a look. Did it say that Qiao Zijin is drunk and she has copsed at the entrance of the dormitory building and we are to fetch her?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but where is she?¡±

    ¡°Look, is that her on the floor?¡±

    The three youngdies wore thick and long down coats to fetch Qiao Zijin. They were females and they still had to carry their drunk roommate back to the dormitory. It was impossible for them to do it by themselves. Therefore, the three of them came down together to fetch Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look.¡±

    ¡°She...¡±

    The three roommates were scared and taken aback when they saw the condition that Qiao Zijin was in. They hurried to help her back to the dormitory.

    They had to wait until Qiao Zijin woke up tomorrow to ask her what exactly had happened to her.

    It was early in the morning. Qiao Zijin had already woken up. She did not pass out due to too much alcohol, she was knocked out by the punches.

    She woke up to see herself in her own dormitory. She did not sense that anything was wrong. She felt thirsty and was in urgent need of the restroom. She yawned as she changed and walked toward the restroom.

    Three minutester, a piercing scream was heard in the dormitory!

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t care, I-I am already in this situation. What should I do? I am too ashamed to face others at school. I am very polite in school, and I have not offended anyone. Why would someone do this to me?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was on the phone. She had cried until her voice was hoarse.

    When she was in the restroom today, she saw in the mirror that her long hair was cut to uneven lengths; some strands were short while some were long. She looked like a madwoman. Qiao Zijin refused to believe that the freak she saw in the mirror was herself.

    Later, she heard from her roommates that she was in this state when she copsed, drunk, in front of the dormitory building. This reminded Qiao Zijin that she did not copse by the roadside as she was drunk. Instead, she was beaten by someone.

    ¡°Mom, those people are too much. Not only did they cut my hair, but they even punched me. I was punched on the back, so I couldn¡¯t see for myself. But my ssmates said that my back had bruises!¡± Who had such deep animosity with her that they punched her and was so cruel to cut her hair?

    If she found out the identity of that person, she would definitely get Chen Jun to make the person suffer a fate worse than her!

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart thumped at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    Ding Jiayi covered the mouthpiece. She was worried that Qiao Zijin would notice her irregr heartbeat. ¡°A-are you sure you didn¡¯t provoke anyone in school?¡±

    Her hair was cut and her back was being punched?!

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Qiao Zijin did not sound honest.

    Qiao Zijin was not a friendly person. She had friends who got along well with her, and there were ssmates who found her to be an eyesore.

    However, she merely gave them disdainful stares or made digging remarks at them. She would not dare to do anything that was overboard.

    These people did not need to go to the extent of punching and humiliating her.

    Qiao Zijin cried until her eyes were swollen, but she had no suspects in mind.

    ¡°Mom, I am going crazy.¡± After she took her diploma studies, she was all the more concerned about her appearance. She almost had an emotional breakdown at the thought of her crazy hairstyle. ¡°Right now, I have to use a headscarf to cover my hair. I am worried that everyone will know about this. Mom, c-can I drop out of school or change to another school?¡±

    Those ssmates who were at loggerheads with Qiao Zijin learned of the news and came to check out her hairstyle. They mocked her for doing too many evil deeds and that someone had decided to give her a lesson.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be willful.¡± Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin was in great distress. She cried and moaned and her voice had turned hoarse. Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached for her daughter. ¡°Did you tell your teacher about this so that the teacher can help you with it? If the student in the school did this to you, the teacher has to find out who the bad apple is so that the person will not continue to bully others.¡±

    ¡°Do you still take me for an elementary student? Tell the teacher? What¡¯s the use of telling the teacher?¡± I had told them, but the teachers and the school could not find out anything!¡± Qiao Zijin was vexed at the mention of this.

 Chapter 1031 - She Was So Audacious!

    <h4>Chapter 1031 She Was So Audacious!</h4>

    In fact, Qiao Zijin did not tell Ding Jiayi that after getting such an answer from the teacher, she was so angry that she rebutted the teacher. ¡°I was beaten and my hair was cut to uneven lengths, yet the school was not able to find any clues. What if someone wants to kill me and they use the scissors on me instead of on my hair next time? Is this what the school will do as well?¡±

    What Qiao Zijin said would inevitably cause panic among other students.

    Everyone came to school to study and pick up skills, hoping that they could find a job and support themselves.

    If someone was killed in the school, and the students were no longer safe in school, nobody would dare to study at the school!

    If their lives were in danger, it was useless to work and earn money.

    Even if they did not take diploma studies and their highest education level was elementary level, as long as they were willing to work hard, it would not be difficult to get a job. The pay might not be high, but at the very least, they were safe.

    Nobody would want to lose their lives for studying in school.

    Since Qiao Zijin was hit on the back, no one could see the bruises on her back. Everyone onlyughed at her hairstyle.

    Now that Qiao Zijin made it sound to be very serious, everyone could not help but panic. Everyone was fearful of dying.

    The teachers were unhappy that Qiao Zijinjin caused such an uproar in the school. Initially, the teacher was sorry that they could not help Qiao Zijin, but now, the teacher was angry and turned sullen. ¡°Our school has been established for more than ten years. There has never been such an incident in the past. There are so many students and nobody has ever been targeted. Why is it that you are the only person who was taught a lesson?¡±

    The teacher meant that there must be something wrong with Qiao Zijin. Otherwise, why would the person beat her instead of other students?

    ¡°You are shirking responsibility!¡± Qiao Zijin was furious. She was beaten and her hair was cut to uneven lengths. Clearly, she was the victim.

    Qiao Zijin felt that the school had to bear a huge responsibility regarding this incident. She was upset at encountering such an unlucky incident. At the same time, she felt that the school shouldpensate her.

    Since she was dating Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin had no need of any materialpensation. She only wanted to have a good reputation at school, be awarded schrships, or be crowned as an outstanding student at school.

    Qiao Zijin was still young and did not know the ways of the world, and Ding Jiayi was not around to act the role of theshing parent. As a result, Qiao Zijin unknowingly adopted Ding Jiayi¡¯s unreasonable attitude instead of the usual pitiful looking attitude that she always used to her advantage.

    ¡°Alright, we shan¡¯t shirk responsibility. Since you want to find out the culprit, why don¡¯t you tell us who you have offended so that we will know who the suspects are?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t offend anyone!¡± Qiao Zijin denied that she had provoked anyone else.

    The teacher smiled in anger. ¡°If that is the case, please be patient with us. Our school will look into it. As for what happened today, we will take measures to ensure that it will not happen again.¡±

    In the teacher¡¯s opinion, they would not find any clues about this incident.

    The children nowadays were very cunning. They had yet to join the workforce and they were already far more scheming than the adults.

    Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, the teacher felt that she must have antagonized other people to have incurred their wrath.

    The teacher knew that Qiao Zijin¡¯s roommates received a text message beforehand. That was why they came downstairs to fetch Qiao Zijin. The text message was not sent from Qiao Zijin¡¯s cell phone. The teacher suspected that it was sent by the person who beat Qiao Zijin.

    The culprit went soft with the punches. The culprit also cut Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair and sent the text message. The purpose was very clear.

    This must be a personal grudge.

    The culprit did not go overboard and it was Qiao Zijin who returnedte in the night. She reeked of alcohol when her roommates helped her back to the dormitory. The teacher had no liking to a student like her.

    Qiao Zijin felt wronged that she was beaten and her hair was cut to uneven lengths. Since the teacher did notfort her, she could onlyin to Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi turned green after knowing what happened. That wretched girl really did it!

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry anymore. My heart aches for you. Perhaps this is an ident?¡± Even though Ding Jiayi figured out what was going on, she dared not bring it up to Qiao Zijin.

    She knew that if she told Qiao Zijin the truth¡ªthat she was the one whonded Qiao Zijin in this trouble¡ªQiao Zijin would certainly me her for it.

    ¡°If it¡¯s an ident, there won¡¯t be a second time. Didn¡¯t you say that your hair looks messy? Why don¡¯t you spend some money to go for a haircut? In fact, short hair looks cool on you.¡±

    ¡°I would need money to have a good haircut.¡± Qiao Zijin did not want to have a simple haircut at a few yuan only.

    ¡°I will transfer one hundred yuan to your ount. You can have a nice haircut. Stop crying.¡± Ding Jiayi knew what Qiao Zijin meant. She had no choice but to transfer one hundred yuan to her.

    After giving Qiao Zijin one hundred yuan, it would mean that Ding Jiayi could not have any meat dishes in the next half a month. She had no choice but to buy two boxes of instant noodles from the wholesale market for her meals in the next half a month.

    The only slight change to her meals would be an addition of a sunny-side up.

    Ding Jiayi had too many instant noodles that she felt like throwing up. She ate the noodles in dark silence and could not help but cry.

    Ding Jiayi wiped the tears off her face, but she had no idea why she cried or what she was crying for.

    She felt that this kind of life was not what she wanted.

    She should not have gone her separate ways with Old Qiao. He should not have filed for a divorce as well.

    If so, Old Qiao would apany her when she was having her meals. With Old Qiao around, they would have meat dishes to eat and she would not have to resort to eating instant noodles every single day.

    All that said, Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, had to be med. She caused her to end up in a divorce and lose her family. She was even heartless enough to use such evil methods on her sister.

    Ding Jiayi finished the instant noodles quickly. Her heart was filled with hatred.

    She needed to eat in order to be strong. She had to demand an exnation from that wretched girl. She wanted to know why she was so heartless and did that to Zijin.

    After Ding Jiayi was divorced, she put all her attention on her beloved daughter, Qiao Zijin. She had no contact with Qiao Nan.

    She made a Herculean effort to get Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number.

    She even went looking for Qiao Dongliang in order to get Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number.

    Qiao Dongliang was surprised when he heard that Ding Jiayi wanted to show her concern and contact Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1032 - Did You Do That to Your Sister?

    <h4>1032 Did You Do That to Your Sister?</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang was happy to know that Ding Jiayi wanted to show concern for Nan Nan. ¡°Do you want to contact Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I gave birth to Nan Nan. Previously, I was very busy. Zijin had to prepare for the college entrance examination and go to college. That was why I didn¡¯t really contact Nan Nan. Now that Zijin is more sensible, I should show concern for Nan Nan.¡±

    While she was asking for Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number from Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi did not forget to put in a good word for Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang was almost taken in by Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi and the younger daughter were mother and daughter. Was it true that keeping a proper distance from others would be a way to maintain a good rtionship with them? It had been years since they were apart from each other. Why did Ding Jiayi wait until now to get Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number?

    Qiao Dongliang remembered that Ding Jiayi only had unhappy memories with Qiao Nan. He could not help but suspect her real purpose. ¡°Nan Nan came back a few days ago and she had been to the quad. Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t know about it. If you miss Nan Nan, why didn¡¯t you look for her then? Isn¡¯t it better to get her contact number from her?¡±

    Ding Jiayi looked unsettled, but she heaved a sigh of relief.

    It seemed that the wretched girl did not tell Old Qiao what happened that day.

    If Old Qiao knew that the wretched girl was so vicious to her sister, he would have lectured her and sought justice for Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi felt that she had seized upon the chinks in Qiao Nan¡¯s armor. ¡°I was wrong in the past. I am worried that Nan Nan will still be angry with me. Therefore, I feel that it might be awkward if I talk to her face to face. I feel that it is better to take things one step at a time and speak to her through the phone first. It is December now. Nan Nan will have her exams in January. I will be able to meet her when she is back for Lunar New Year. Isn¡¯t that more suitable?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°It¡¯s good that you want to mend the rtionship with her. Nan Nan is a good child. She will be able to ept you. Since it is already December, you can wait until January to speak to Nan Nan directly. By then, you will be able to know her contact number.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had been tricked by Ding Jiayi several times. He was fearful of his ex-wife.

    He was reminded of the troubles that she caused in the past. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s demeanor changed. ¡°If there is nothing else, you should leave. I need to work. In the future, don¡¯te looking for me.¡± He was worried that other people might misunderstand.

    Ding Jiayi never expected that Qiao Dongliang would not give her Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number. She looked upset.

    Her question chilled Qiao Dongliang to the bone. ¡°I am not attached, but Nan Nan said she isn¡¯t against it.¡±

    Her question chilled Qiao Dongliang to the bone. ¡°I don¡¯t, but Nan Nan said she isn¡¯t against it.¡±

    Even if he did not remarry, he would never get back together with Ding Jiayi.

    Back then, people used to say that being single was not easy.

    However, to Qiao Dongliang, who had been divorced for years, he led a better life than when he was married.

    No one would make endlessints and behave unreasonably. No one would look down on him, being biased toward one of their children and mistreating the other child.

    Although it was true that he was the only one at home, he would travel around and chat with his friends. His days were fulfilling.

    Moreover, before they had a divorce, Qiao Dongliang no longer shared a room with Ding Jiayi.

    After the divorce, Qiao Dongliang could have whatever food that he liked. He did not need to amodate other people¡¯s eating preferences.

    The younger daughter was filial and considerate. Most of the time, there was no need for him to worry about her.

    Although it was true that parents were bound to worry for their children, if given a choice, one still preferred to lead an easy life.

    In short, even though he felt lonely after the divorce, it was better than the days before his divorce.

    Even if there was only a slight improvement right now, Qiao Dongliang had no reason to forsake his current living arrangement to get back together with Ding Jiayi, leading the unhappy and eventful days with her.

    ¡°W-what did you say?¡± How dare the wretched girl agree to having a stepmother?

    ¡°I have made it very clear.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°Nan Nan had said so and I told her that I would consider it seriously.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was undecided when Qiao Nan brought up this topic.

    But now that Ding Jiayi was right before him and she asked whether he was single, Qiao Dongliang came to a decision.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s knees buckled. ¡°Old Qiao, a-are you kidding? Are you doing that to spite me?¡±

    If Old Qiao remarried, what about her?

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head seriously. ¡°Even though we are divorced, you should know that I am not someone who will joke about this.¡± It was a coincidence that his friends were concerned about him and some even wanted to be his matchmaker.

    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I will go back to the factory to work. You are not young anymore. I wish you happiness.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not evil-natured. He was serious about starting another rtionship. He would not be so selfish as to stop Ding Jiayi from having another rtionship after their divorce.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that it was only when both of them each had their own family would he no longer have any rtions to Ding Jiayi in this life.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to get Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number from Qiao Dongliang in order to give her a scolding. She did not expect that she would be told such a devastating piece of news.

    It was always on her mind to get back together with Old Qiao, yet he was encouraged by Qiao Nan to marry another woman.

    Ding Jiayi wished that she could turn back time. When she gave birth to Qiao Nan in the hospital, she should have killed her nemesis when she found out that she was a girl.

    The wretched girl was the reason why Qiao Dongliang divorced her. Now, she encouraged Qiao Dongliang to remarry. She was too much.

    Ding Jiayi was angered to tears. She wondered what sins she hadmitted in her previous life to have such an unfilial daughter like Qiao Nan.

    Just then, Ding Jiayi received a text message on her cell phone. There were only ten digits in the message.

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth and thought about it before dialing the number in the message. ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±

    Qiao Nan saw an unfamiliar number on her caller ID disy. She picked up the phone and answered. It was not so popr now for property agents to make calls to sell their property aspared to many yearster.

    ¡°!¡± Ding Jiayi widened her eyes in shock as she recognized Qiao Nan¡¯s voice from the other end of the phone. She growled. ¡°Did you do that to your sister?! You little beast, did you tell your father to remarry? You are so heartless! You abandon your mother but you want to have a stepmother. Is it good to get a stepmother? Are you courting death?¡± She should not implicate her and encourage Qiao Dongliang to remarry.

 Chapter 1033 - A Misunderstanding Due to Overthinking

    <h4>1033 A Misunderstanding Due to Overthinking</h4>

    Qiao Nan covered the receiver and walked outside calmly, looking for somewhere isted before she said coldly to the phone, ¡°You should know very well about Qiao Zijin¡¯s incident. I have already warned you that day at home.¡±

    ¡°H-how dare you!¡±

    ¡°Why not! You kept bullying me. If I don¡¯t retaliate, won¡¯t I be doing an injustice to myself?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. It turned out that her mother thought that she was merely threatening her and would not really do it.

    Ding Jiayi gripped the phone tightly. She had to resist the urge to smash the phone.

    She paid a certain amount of money to get the phone. If she smashed it, she would have to spend money to get another phone. ¡°How can you be so evil? Zijin is your sister!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to be your daughter. Mom, you should know that certain traits are hereditary. At least, this proves that my sister, you, and I are rted by blood.¡± This was the pot calling the kettle ck. She was no better than her.

    ¡°If you are angry at me, you cane at me. Your sister is innocent!¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled angrily, looking upward in exasperation. ¡°Innocent? Do you think I will believe you? It seems that I have not made myself clear that day. I knew very well why you came looking for me. Even though you refuse to admit, it doesn¡¯t mean that I will believe you. Since she dared to use you against me, she should be prepared to bear the consequences. I have said long ago that whatever you do to me, I will make her suffer twice. Direct my anger at you? I am not foolish. I will do whatever that hurts you the most.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Back then, Ding Jiayi could not make Qiao Nan listen to her. Right now, all the more she could not control Qiao Nan. ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was not afraid that Qiao Nan would direct her anger at her.

    But Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Nan would retaliate against Qiao Zijin. It would be beyond her ability to help her then. Her heart ached that Qiao Zijin had to go through those sufferings.

    ¡°Nothing but to leave me alone. Don¡¯t show up in front of me and don¡¯t bother me. Also, stop scheming against me. We are unlike other mothers and daughters. If you are worried about your precious daughter, tell Qiao Zijin not to go overboard and stop trying to meddle with other people¡¯s affairs.¡±

    As long as they did not provoke her, she would not be bothered with them.

    ¡°I gave birth to you. I am your mother. Now that you are Cindere, you want to abandon your mother who is poor and hard up? Aren¡¯t you afraid that the Zhai family will know about it and be doubtful about you? Aren¡¯t you afraid that other people will find out that you abandon your mom and say that you are unfilial? Do you think that you are good enough for Zhai Sheng and will not shame the Zhai family?¡± No one in this world could abandon their mother and be so brazen about it!

    Qiao Nan leaned against the wall, curling the corners of her lips. ¡°I only said that both of you are not to show up in front of me or provoke me. Rest assured. Regardless of whether you spent any money or effort on me for the past years, once I graduate and earn money, I will do my part to provide for you. I have never thought of shirking responsibility. Let me reiterate. The money that I give you will be subjective to the economic situation in the country.¡±

    She would only give her the amount of money that was needed for her daily expenses. She would not give her any more than that.

    Qiao Nan was about to hang up the phone.

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°Your dad is no longer young. Doesn¡¯t he find it shameful to marry again? We have been married for so long. Tell your dad not to be reckless!¡±

    ¡°Hehehe.¡± Qiao Nan smiled dryly. ¡°I remember that you mentioned stepmother just now. I agree that a few stepmothers are good, but the problem is biological mothers may not be good as well. Even if the probability of having a good mother is high, I must be very unlucky to have a mother who is worse than a stepmother.¡±

    Qiao Nan ignored Ding Jiayi and hung the phone on her.

    Qiao Nan went back to the library to do her reading with a cold look on her face. Five minutes had passed and she was still on the same page.

    Qiao Nan closed the book and let out a long sigh.

    She no longer wanted to be influenced by her mother and Qiao Zijin, but it seemed that she still could not help but be affected. Her mother had merely talked to her on the phone and her mood soured.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She had toe up with a way to solve this problem.

    She had given Qiao Zijin a lesson and her mother knew that she was no pushover.

    However, her mother would forget the incident in no time and she would revert to her old ways.

    She could not entertain her mother anymore, nor ede to her requests.

    The only way right now was to stay unaffected despite what her mother did or said.

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and gave up on reading the books rted to her major. Instead, she went to the library to borrow a book on psychology.

    There were quite a lot of students in the library. Ever since Qiao Nan became famous in school, most of the students in the school knew who she was.

    Yu Xiaoxiao, who ran into Qiao Nan, was surprised at the book that Qiao Nan had with her. It was already near the end of the term, and the teachers were busy helping the students to highlight important points to note for the final term exams. Why did Qiao Nan not revise for the exams but read books on psychology instead? Could it be that Qiao Nan was thinking of changing her major?

    But that was just a fleeting thought.

    Yu Xiaoxiao told herself not to be bothered by what she saw.

    Qiao Nan had already joined the party¡¯s study ss, while she had not.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was very clear about what she needed to do in her four years of college in order to pave a way for her future.

    Firstly, she had to try her best to join the party while she was in school.

    Secondly, she had to get a schrship.

    Thirdly, she had to be active in school and get to know more people in school who would help her along when she started to work.

    There was no way for Yu Xiaoxiao to join the party this year. She might not even have the chance to do that in the first half of next year.

    On the other hand, Qiao Nan might be able toplete all the procedures next year. Yu Xiaoxiao had nothing but envy for Qiao Nan.

    It was impossible for her to aplish the first and third goals. She could only work on her second goal, which was to get the schrship. Therefore, she had to work hard and put in extra effort.

    After she was awarded a schrship and had some aplishments in school, it would be easier for more people to get to know her.

    In the next four years, she had to make sure that she was well-known among the students in Peking University. Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to aplish her third goal.

    With that thought in mind, Yu Xiaoxiao decided to buck up. She watched with a curl in her lips as Qiao Nan pored over the book.

 Chapter 1034 - Went Back Home after Exam for Lunar New Year

    Chapter 1034 Went Back Home after Exam for Lunar New Year

    They were from the same faculty and the same batch. They had their sses in the same ssroom.

    Qiao Nan would often be called upon to answer the questions in ss. Yu Xiaoxiao knew that Qiao Nan did very well in ss.

    If she wanted to get a schrship, it would mean that Qiao Nan was her fierce rival.

    Not only must she get the schrship, but she must also have the highest possible results.

    It was a good thing that Qiao Nan was reading books rted to psychology instead of her own major.

    Yu Xiaoxiao rxed and concentrated on her revision.

    She had to do more revision now. It was her chance to do better than Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan wanted to ovee the negative influence that Ding Jiayi had on her. That was why she decided to read up on psychology books and sort out her thoughts. She had no idea that Yu Xiaoxiao would overthink as a result of that.

    There were many things in the world that would not turn out as what one wished.

    ¡°The exams are finally over.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, all the exams are over. We intend to rx ourselves tonight. Do you want to join us?¡±

    A few female students greeted Qiao Nan, asking her to have fun with them.

    Qiao Nan gave them a friendly smile. It was not her intention to be a loner, but she turned out to be one. ¡°Thank you, but I have already bought a train ticket to go home tonight. I am sorry. If there is a chance, let¡¯s have fun when school reopens.¡±

    ¡°Okay. You have agreed to join us after school reopens. You must not reject us then.¡± The female students were not unhappy that Qiao Nan rejected them. They did not feel that Qiao Nan was looking down on them either. Instead, they agreed to ask her out next time.

    Qiao Nan did not have any cliques in the school. Apart from the students in the club, she seldom made new friends. Moreover, she did not live in the school¡¯s dormitory. Therefore, it was not surprising that she was a loner.

    Qiao Nan was well-known in the school, and the new English club was getting more and more popr in Peking University. As a result, more and more people noticed Qiao Nan, the freshman who was the secretary of the new English club.

    Initially, many people felt that Qiao Nan looked down on them as she was indifferent to them.

    But when all the students were revising for their exams, someone noticed that Qiao Nan prepared good revision notes, and when asked to lend the notes, Qiao Nan agreed right away.

    When one had yet to know someone, one would feel that the person was arrogant and aloof. But upon knowing the person, one would realize that it was not as what one had imagined.

    Perhaps it was because Qiao Nan was much more approachable than what they had imagined. After getting to know her, there were fewer rumors that Qiao Nan was cold and indifferent. Some students would also take the initiative to ask Qiao Nan to join them in their activities.

    The semester was ending soon, but at the very least, after Shi Qing transferred to PLA National Defence University, Qiao Nan finally had someone to share the table with during meals.

    ¡°Sure, see you next year when school reopens,¡± Qiao Nan waved to the female students and said her Lunar New Year greetings to her boss at the Pce Museum before rushing back to the Lin family¡¯s residence. She took her luggage that she had packed beforehand and went to catch the train.

    In the early 2000s, the trains were very crowded during the Spring Festival travel season.

    Thankfully, Lin Yuankang had told his pupil to buy the ticket for Qiao Nan once the train ticket for her intended departure date was up for sale. Otherwise, she might not be able to get a train ticket to go back home on the day her exams ended.

    It was good to have someone help her with the train tickets.

    Qiao Nan not only managed to buy the train ticket, but her seniors also purchased a soft berth ticket for her.

    At least, Qiao Nan would not need to go through too much suffering on her journey back home.

    Qiao Nan had an overnight train ticket. She could sleep through the night and she would reach Ping Cheng the next morning at around ten o¡¯clock.

    ¡°Nan Nan, over here!¡± Qiao Dongliang spotted his daughter right away among the throngs of crowds.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up. She carried the luggage and rushed toward Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, didn¡¯t I tell you that I would reach at around ten o¡¯clock? How long have you been waiting here? Are you cold?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached at the thought of her father waiting for her in the cold.

    He was her biological father.

    ¡°I am not cold. I only waited for a short while. Is the luggage heavy? Give me the luggage. I will carry it.¡± Qiao Dongliang beamed at Qiao Nan. He used one hand to carry the luggage and he took a paper bag out from the pocket of his cotton coat with another hand. ¡°You must be cold. It¡¯s still hot. Have a bite.¡±

    Qiao Nan cradled the paper bag in her hands. She was excited at the soft touch. ¡°Is it baked sweet potatoes?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I bought it for you. Let¡¯s go home.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that his daughter loved baked sweet potatoes. He checked that she was about to reach and he squeezed out of the crowd to buy them.

    It was windy and nobody would board the train at the pick-up location. Therefore, although it was a slight hassle, it was easy for Qiao Dongliang to make his way in and out. ¡°It¡¯s good that the train did not arrivete.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha. Perhaps I am lucky.¡± Qiao Nan smiled as she ate the sweet potatoes. ¡°It is well-baked. It is very soft and tasty.¡±

    ¡°I told the boss to pick the good ones for me.¡± Qiao Dongliang was d that Qiao Nan loved it. ¡°The bicycle is here.¡±

    ¡°Dad, is this suitable?¡±

    ¡°Of course it is.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled confidently. ¡°Didn¡¯t you know that back then...¡±

    Back then, he rode the model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle with his whole family. Nan Nan sat on the wooden nk in front, while Ding Jiayi and Zijin sat on the seat behind. The family of four rode the bicycle to watch movies.

    However, Qiao Dongliang stopped in mid-sentence. It was inappropriate to bring this up now.

    Back then, Ding Jiayi was already biased toward Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan was younger than Qiao Zijin by two years. The mother sat at the back, cradling the elder daughter, while the younger daughter sat at the front in the wind.

    Qiao Dongliang dismissed those thoughts and patted on the back seat. ¡°Nan Nan, have a seat first.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew what Qiao Dongliang was about to say. She did not learn of it from her parents. She heard about it from her neighbors in the previous life.

    Back then, she would console herself that at the very least, the entire family went to catch a movie together. It was good enough that her parents did not leave her at home.

    Since Qiao Dongliang stopped in mid-sentence, Qiao Nan stopped her thoughts from wandering. ¡°Dad, you can get on the bicycle first. I know how to jump onto the bicycleter. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? How about the bag here?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I can do it.¡± Qiao Nan patted her chest with confidence.

    Since Qiao Nan was so confident, Qiao Dongliang decided to give it a try. If it could not work, he would get her to take the seat first.

 Chapter 1035 - Qiao Nan Had No Choice but to Be Shortchanged

    1035 Qiao Nan Had No Choice but to Be Shortchanged

    To his surprise, it was a sess on the first try. Qiao Nan grabbed the bag and jumped onto the bicycle. ¡°Nan Nan, sit tight. I will speed up.¡±

    Qiao Nan said ¡®okay¡¯, grabbing onto the bag with one hand and onto Qiao Dongliang¡¯s clothes with the other hand.

    Both Qiao Dongliang, who rode the bicycle, and Qiao Nan, who sat at the back, felt cold on their way back.

    They were d to go home to a warm andfortable house and their frowns eased to rxed smiles. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? I will prepare some dishes right now.¡± Qiao Dongliang had already bought the ingredients.

    ¡°Dad, I will help you.¡±

    ¡°No, you should sit and rest. You can watch television. I will be done soon.¡± Qiao Dongliang pushed Qiao Nan out of the kitchen. He had no intention of letting Qiao Nan help with preparing the meals.

    From the end of August onward, Qiao Nan was no longer just an ordinary student. She was a student of Peking University!

    Qiao Dongliang had always wished for his two daughters to have good future prospects and be college students. Qiao Zijin could not get into college, but Qiao Nan could!

    In the Qiao family, particrly in the eyes of Qiao Dongliang, it was a great honor to be a college student.

    Not only was Qiao Nan the provincial top humanities student in the college entrance examination, but she was also a college student in the capital. Because of this, Qiao Dongliang was able to hold his head high wherever he went.

    Those who knew or were on closer terms with Qiao Dongliang would ask him advice on how he educated Qiao Nan and what she learned when she was at home. They wanted Qiao Dongliang to share his experience so that they could use the same method at home.

    Qiao Dongliang was very popr in the factory as his daughter was very good at her studies.

    Because of this, Qiao Dongliang was among the workers who were awarded ¡®advanced workers¡¯ honors at the factory this year!

    Nobody would expect that having a daughter who was good in her studies would be such an advantage.

    It was true that he owed it to his daughter, but Qiao Dongliang was not upset about it as this proved that he had good genes, and that was why his daughter was so outstanding.

    The father and daughter had their dinner happily. ¡°Nan Nan, since you are home, have you made a call to the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°I forgot.¡± Qiao Nan jumped in shock. She quickly made a call to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. It was the auntie at the Zhai family¡¯s residence who answered the call. She passed the phone to Miao Jing as soon as she knew that it was Qiao Nan on the other end of the phone.

    Old Master Zhai visited the Zhai family in December because of Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with Wei De. Since it would be the Lunar New Year soon, he did not go back but stayed at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Old Master Zhai might prefer to spend his time in the countryside with his friends, but it was the Chinese tradition to spend the Lunar New Year with one¡¯s family.

    Miao Jing felt pleased as she hung up the phone. She was happy to know that Qiao Nan was back in Ping Cheng.

    Zhai Hua, who had been spending her time at home, rolled her eyes at Miao Jing, who seemed overjoyed. ¡°You look as if you have your knife sharpened and are getting ready to charge at the pigs and goats.¡± Her mother seemed as if she was getting ready tond her hands on Qiao Nan. ¡°Your smile is too devious.¡±

    ¡°If you have a child, I will be the maternal grandmother. But if Nan Nan has a child, I will be the paternal grandmother!¡± Miao Jing had a satisfied smile on her face. ¡°Now that I am about to have a daughter-inw, I will have my grandchild soon!¡±

    It was rare that Zhai Hua looked at Miao Jing with a serious look on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan is only twenty-one years old after this Lunar New Year. She is still a freshman. She has three more years to go. Do you really intend for her to have a child as soon as she marries Zhai Sheng?¡±

    She had no doubts about Zhai Sheng¡¯s body condition.

    As for Qiao Nan, she might have suffered when she lived with her mother, but now that her parents were divorced, Qiao Nan was leading a better life and there was a healthy glow on her cheeks.

    Qiao Nan seemed to be in good health as well.

    If they were to have a normal married life after their marriage without any contraceptive measures, there was a high probability of Qiao Nan being pregnant.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? I heard that one can take one year off in college. Nan Nan started school a year earlier than her peers because of her mom. It would not be a problem to take a year off in college. Besides, you should know Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation. Compared to other military marriages, they are usually apart from each other. I am worried that if they don¡¯t make full use of the time that they are together, by the time they have time for each other, it will be toote.¡± Miao Jing was helpless as well.

    Compared to her ¡®old¡¯ son, Qiao Nan was still very young.

    Qiao Nan, who was younger, had no other choice but to be shortchanged. Miao Jing could do nothing about it.

    Looking at Miao Jing, who seemed to be in a dilemma, Zhai Hua finally understood why Miao Jing objected strongly to Nan Nan back then. ¡°Mom, is this the reason why you were unhappy when I used Qiao Nan as an example?¡± Given their family¡¯s situation, it was indeed difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Miao Jing was distressed. ¡°The reason why I disapproved in the past is that I feel sorry that the other party is still so young and has to make so many sacrifices. Furthermore, young people nowadays are very delicate. To put it bluntly, the young people have yet to grow up. When I heard that Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend is so young, I was constantly worried that after he married her, I would have to take care of the grandchild as well as the daughter-inw.¡±

    The daughter-inw of the Zhai family had to share the burden of the Zhai family.

    Since the other party was still very young, Miao Jing was worried that she would have two more children to take care of.

    ¡°If not for the fact that Nan Nan has fallen in love with Zhai Sheng, I will not allow her to be with someone of a simr background as the Zhai family.¡±

    Miao Jing might have her ns, but the reality was different.

    The two people that she cherished ended up being with each other. She had no way of protecting their interests at the same time.

    Zhai Hua sighed. It was no wonder that her mother objected strongly to it. She would have a headache as well.

    Ring!

    The phone in the Zhai family¡¯s residence rang again.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Although Miao Jing and Zhai Hua sat next to the phone, the auntie still rushed out from the kitchen to answer the call. ¡°It¡¯s you again!¡± Upon hearing Wei De¡¯s voice, the auntie hung up the phone without another word. She then went back to the kitchen to continue with her chores.

    The phone at the Zhai family¡¯s residence had a caller ID disy.

    But whenever it was Wei De on the line, no one in the Zhai family would pick up the phone.

    Wei De was aware of that. Therefore, he used another number to make the call to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Miao Jing picked it up when he called for the first time. She hung up the phone when she found out who was on the line.

    Old Master Zhai answered the phone when he called the second time and he hung up the phone.

    When Wei De called for the third time, no one in the Zhai family wanted to pick up the phone. They would wait for the auntie to answer the phone and find out who the caller was. If it was someone else other than Wei De, they would take the phone from the auntie and answer the call.

    The auntie knew that the Zhai family disliked Wei De and she watched Zhai Hua grow up. Therefore, she hated Wei De who deceived Zhai Hua. She would hang up his call right away.

 Chapter 1036

    ¡°It¡¯s too much to resort to pestering and harassing.¡± Miao Jing was annoyed. Wei De had driven her up the wall. She felt like going to the extreme by driving Wei De out of Ping Cheng.

    There was a cold glint in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. You won¡¯t see him anymore after Lunar New Year. He won¡¯t dare to call us ever again.¡±

    ¡°Hua Hua, we won¡¯t do anything illegal.¡± Miao Jing was shocked.

    Zhai Hua sneered. ¡°The Zhai family has a good reputation. How can I allow it to be destroyed by Wei De? I won¡¯t do anything to him. He is not worthy of it. My friends heard about what happened and want to teach him a lesson.¡± She had nothing to do with it.

    Wei De was such a fool. Everything that he had was given to him by Zhai Hua.

    Given this situation, how dare Wei De lie to Zhai Hua. Furthermore, he was so audacious to bring Wei Wei to Ping Cheng and wanted Zhai Hua to take care of him. He was courting death.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s friends wanted to teach Wei De a lesson, but there was no need for them to do it by themselves. They only needed to spread the news about Wei De. Once they did that, there was no way for Wei De to run businesses in Ping Cheng.

    One had to have the capital to start apany.

    Thepany did not make any money but had to incur losses. The Wei family was not rich. It would not be long before Wei De ended up with debts and was sent out of Ping Cheng!

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± As long as it was not illegal, Miao Jing did not care how they taught Wei De a lesson or how miserable he ended up to be.

    The Zhai family did not care to know how miserable Wei De was. They had cut off all contact with him.

    The problem was, even though Wei De was not able to contact the Zhai family, he was still able to contact other people.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I know that you are back. Come out right now. You are so wicked. You are already engaged to Zhai Sheng. I did not do you any wrong. How can you be so selfish and go overboard? You may be enjoying life, but you deprive others of the chance to lead a good life.¡±

    The person that Wei De hated the most in this life was Qiao Nan.

    Ever since she knew that he was in love with Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan did not treat him well and she refused all his pleas to help him. She even made trouble for Zhai Hua and him.

    If not for Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua and the Zhai family would never know that Wei Wei was his son. Although he had a wedding banquet in the countryside, his profile stated that he was single.

    Qiao Nan found out about his secret and caused him to be left with nothing. He had to demand an exnation from her.

    Qiao Nan had heard about Wei De¡¯s recent situation.

    Hispany was solely funded by Zhai Hua and it was with the help of Zhai Hua¡¯s friends that it managed to get the business going. Right now, thepany was dered bankrupt.

    Wei De could no longer go back to the army and hispany had dered bankruptcy. He had no choice but to set up a smallerpany.

    However, it was because of the help of others that he was sessful in his previouspany.

    Wei De could no longer rely on Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends to help him. He had to run thepany by himself. The problem was the bosses that used to be amiable and pleasant mocked him and snubbed him.

    Wei De started the newpany with the money that he had saved previously. After failing at clinching business deals, he did not have much money left.

    In the end, Wei De was left with no choice but to dismiss all the employees in hispany. Now, he was solely in charge of running thepany.

    The Zhai family¡¯s residence was like an impregnable fortress. Wei De had no way of getting near the Zhai family.

    Recently, he heard that Qiao Nan was back from the capital for her year-end break. Wei De rushed to her house, thinking of making things difficult for her.

    Qiao Nan kept silent at Wei De¡¯s rude and crude remarks. She picked up the phone at her house and dialed 110. ¡°Hello, yes, I want to make a police report. My house is at... Police officer, I feel that my life is being threatened.¡±

    There was no need for Qiao Nan to go into detail. She directed the receiver toward the door. The police officer could hear the harsh remarks that Wei De made clearly.

    The police officer¡¯s demeanor changed when he made out what Wei De was saying. ¡°You must remain calm. Remember, no matter what, you must not open the door to let the person in. We will be there right away.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will not open the door.¡± After confirming that the police officers would be there, Qiao Nan hung up the phone and yawned. She waited for the police officers to bring Wei De away.

    Qiao Nan walked to the door when she heard the sirens of the police car. ¡°What are you doing? Even if you are a police officer, you can¡¯t catch people as you wish. I didn¡¯t break thew. Why do you put these cuffs on me?! Do you know that I used to be a soldier? I am part of the People¡¯s Liberation Army!¡±

    Qiao Nan could not help but curse. How dared he bring up the People¡¯s Liberation Army! He had shamed them.

    Qiao Nan opened the door after she was certain that the police officer had Wei De under control. ¡°Police officer, thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You have done the right thing. One must report to police when one sees a suspicious person.¡± Wei De seemed suspicious. The police officer subdued him without another word.

    It was true that Wei De looked unkempt, but the police officers had seen other wanderers who were in a worse state than him.

    However, the police officers were worried. Wei De did not seem to be in the right state of mind. He keptshing out at Qiao Nan and would kick the door from time to time. The police officers felt that he was aggressive and in an unstable state of mind.

    After determining that Wei De was not rted to the person who called the police, the police officers subdued Wei De so that he would not have the chance tounch an attack on other people.

    ¡°Yes, I will.¡± She would definitely do that.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s you again. You want to do me in. I won¡¯t let you off!¡± Wei De hated Qiao Nan to the core. She had called the police to arrest him.

    He did not understand why there would be people like Qiao Nan in the world. If she was dead or did not exist in the first ce, it would be so much better.

    There were all kinds of people in the world. Why was Qiao Nan bent on targeting him? Why was she bent on meddling in his affairs, causing him to be in such a state? All his ns were thwarted and he made a fool in front of everyone, bing the joke of the entire Ping Cheng.

    In the past month, apart from sending money to his hometown on time, Wei De refused to speak on the phone with his family in the countryside. He gave the excuse that he was busy at work and hispany needed to move to a new location.

    But if this went on, even if Wei De coulde up with all sorts of excuses, he would not be able to keep up with the appearances for long.

 Chapter 1037 - Merely a Subsidiary

    1037 Merely a Subsidiary

    Wei De did not dare to tell his parents in the countryside that he had broken up with Zhai Hua. She might be old and single, but she did not want him anymore.

    ¡°Do you know each other?¡± The police officers looked at Qiao Nan curiously.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Dirty linen should not be aired in public. In fact, I don¡¯t really know him. I only met him a few times. He is a swindler who cheated people of their feelings. Clearly, back in his countryside... yet he deceived my rtive. We saw through his true colors not long ago. He failed to deceive my rtive. Hence, he is here to create trouble for us. He thinks that since I am a youngdy, I must be a pushover.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very vague, but it was enough for the police officers to fill in the nks and make a guess about Wei De¡¯s situation.

    Wei De was not the only person who held a wedding banquet in the countryside but did not collect the marriage certificate and came to the city to fool around. They had met several irresponsible men previously.

    The police officers did not ask any more questions. There was no need to ask further. The man was a scumbag and he shamed all men!

    Seeing that Wei De did not behave himself and kept struggling, the police officers pinned his upper arms to prevent him from moving around.

    The police officers were certain that Wei De used to serve in the army. Judging from the way he struggled, he seemed physically strong.

    However, this annoyed the police officers further.

    Since he used to be from the People¡¯s Liberation Army, how dare he resort to trickery. He was the scumbag of society!

    ¡°Behave yourself. I will give you a lesson when you are at the police station.¡± The two police officers put Wei De in the police car and drove off, leaving the small quad.

    While Wei De was screaming at Qiao Nan, the neighbors could not really tell what Wei De was ranting about.

    They did not take a good look at him or listen intently to what he said. In the end, they had the impression that a man was out to create trouble for Qiao Nan, and he was arrested by the police officers.

    Qiao Nan was well-known in the quad as the ¡®clever child of that family¡¯. She was a role model to all the children.

    As a result, the people in the quad were more willing to believe Qiao Nan whom they knew. Besides, they saw that the police officers arrested Wei De andmended Qiao Nan for reporting to the police. Therefore, Wei De must be in the wrong, and they despised him further. ¡°The man does not seem to be a good person. Did he target Qiao Nan as she is alone at home?¡±

    ¡°It could be. In the future, we must be careful. We must not let this kind of person into the quad. Perhaps it is our groundless worries, but this man came after Qiao Nan today. He might target our children next time.¡±

    It wasmon for people to vent one¡¯s anger out on somebody else, especially those who were weaker than them.

    They had to take preventive measures to make sure that it did not happen again!

    ¡°Thank you, everyone.¡± Qiao Nan overheard the conversation between the neighbors and gave them a grateful smile. She chatted with a few of them, telling them that the winter break was too short and she had no intention of teaching the students. She then closed the door and went back to rest.

    Qiao Nan thought about it but did not inform the Zhai family about what had happened just now. She did not want to upset them further.

    Wei De must be driven to desperate actions and had no other choice but to look for her. Qiao Nan was certain that Zhai Hua was very firm in her attitude this time.

    That was why even when Wei De despised her, he turned to her for help.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I heard that a madman came to our house today and he was taken away by the police officers. Are you okay?¡± Qiao Dongliang came back from his work at the factory. He heard the neighbors talking about this and paled in fright.

    As soon as he reached home, Qiao Dongliang pulled Qiao Nan to him to have a closer look, making sure that she was not hurt.

    Qiao Nan allowed Qiao Dongliang to inspect her for injuries before she spoke, ¡°Dad, he is no madman. He is Wei De.¡±

    ¡°He?¡± There was a disdainful look on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face. ¡°What was he doing here? We have nothing to do with him.¡±

    ¡°What else could it be but for me to help him reconcile with Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Qiao Nan replied. ¡°He must be out of his mind. Anyone can tell that I will never agree to it.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang agreed. ¡°He must be driven to desperate actions. He was left with no choice, so he had to try even if it seemed highly impossible.¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you know about his current situation?¡±

    ¡°I heard that his previouspany has gone bankrupt. He had another smallpany, but I heard that he is the only person in the entirepany. Obviously, he could not keep his small business running. Things have been going on for so long. It is nothing if his business has to fold. The worst is that he owes a huge amount of debts.¡±

    He did not earn any money, but he had a lot of expenses.

    His parents were ordinary peasants. They did not have manynds.

    If Wei De closed hispany in the future¡ªeven if he worked his entire life and saved up all his money without spending a single cent¡ªhe would not be able to repay such arge amount of debts.

    ¡°Serves him right.¡± Qiao Nan felt much better after knowing that Wei De was in such dire straits.

    She was a woman. She had to stand on Zhai Hua¡¯s side and spurn Wei De, who cheated Zhai Hua of her feelings. ¡°Now that he is in such a bad situation, I don¡¯t think he can stay in Ping Cheng any longer.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it is the best oue. The Zhai family, including Zhai Hua, has no wish of seeing Wei De ever again in this lifetime.¡± Once Wei De left, the Zhai family would finally be freed of him. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about Wei De. The Lunar New Year ising, yet he was taken to the police station. He must be fuming. Nan Nan, what do you want to eat this year?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knew that this would be thest Lunar New Year the father and daughter could spend together. Therefore, he wanted to prepare a sumptuous meal for them.

    ¡°I am fine with anything. Dad, I will have whatever you prepare. Anyway, we have the same preferences. You can buy the ingredients ording to your preferences. It won¡¯t go wrong.¡± Qiao Nan was not particr about this.

    Qiao Dongliang thought about it and nodded. ¡°Alright, I will decide for myself.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang turned with his back to Qiao Nan. His tone changed slightly. ¡°I met your mom a few days ago. She wanted the four of us to...¡±

    ¡°Spend the Lunar New Year together?!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s voice croaked, her tone slightly raised.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t agree. Fortunately, your mom still knows her limits. She did not make this request. What your mom meant was that when it is the first day of the Lunar New Year, you can go back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence to have a meal with them.¡± Ding Jiayi might have made the request, but he would not agree to it.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Between her and her father, her mother should prefer to invite her father instead of her. She was just going along with him. Why would she invite her instead of her father? Was she up to something?

 Chapter 1038 - The Elder Son-In-Lawâ€™s Visi

    1038 The Elder Son-In-Law¡¯s Visi

    Qiao Dongliang did not express much emotion. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡±

    ¡°Did she invite you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s not appropriate for me to go.¡±

    After the divorce, Nan Nan was still Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. The problem was that Qiao Dongliang could not ept sitting together with his former wife in a gathering on the first day of Lunar New Year. It was as if they were still rtives.

    He had declined the invitation but he did not do so for Qiao Nan. He brought the news home for Qiao Nan to decide for herself.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going either.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not even going. It was thus easier for Qiao Nan to express her inner thoughts. ¡°It is impossible for Mom and me to get along in my entire life. I¡¯m afraid I will suffer from indigestion after having that meal. Soon after, I may have to pay it back to her with interests.¡±

    Her mother was treating her to a meal. There could only be one situation¡ªmeal in disguise of some plot.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t wish to go, that¡¯s fine.¡± After thinking, Qiao Dongliang agreed.

    Previously, Ding Jiayi pestered Qiao Dongliang about giving her Nan Nan¡¯s contact number. In the beginning, Qiao Dongliang felt d that Ding Jiayi was finally behaving like a mother. She had be more sensible and knew how to show concern for Qiao Nan.

    After a while, he felt that something was not right. As such, he did not give it to her.

    Sigh, since that rejection, Ding Jiayi did not appear again. She also did not request for his younger daughter¡¯s contact number. It was as if that sincere face that day did not belong to her.

    Given such behavior of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang really could not allow his younger daughter to meet Ding Jiayi. ¡°Last month, soon after you left, your mom came to me and requested for your contact number. I didn¡¯t give it to her. Thereafter, she did not look for me anymore.¡±

    Recalling the initial happiness that he felt, Qiao Dongliang was afraid that Qiao Nan would be as easily taken in as him. He thus reminded her.

    Qiao Nan raised her brows. Her father did not give her mother her cell phone number. Who was the one who gave it to her mother then?

    ¡°Since you told me about this, I am going to let you know about something. The day before I left, Mom came to look for me. She insisted that I be the mediator for Sister Zhai Hua and Wei De and help them reconcile. I didn¡¯t agree.¡± She was then criticized and hit by her mother.

    ¡°She¡¯s sick!¡± Qiao Dongliang mmed the cup of water on the table hard with a bang. ¡°Next time, don¡¯t bother about your mom. No matter what excuse she uses to meet you, reject all of them. If it¡¯s hard for you to do so, just me it all on me. Tell her that you are acting ording to my instructions.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan had the same thoughts too.

    She could only me it on the fact that Ding Jiayi was her mother. It was not good for her to argue with her mother. If she were too much, she would attract me and gossip easily.

    Nevertheless, if her father was the one who agreed to this, it would be a matter of conflict between her parents. It did not have anything to do with her anymore.

    After Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan decided on the tactic, the father-daughter pair then diverted their attention to what to have for dinner and also what dishes to prepare for the Lunar New Year.

    Finally, the factory that Qiao Dongliang was working at was closed and the employees could take a break. Qiao Dongliang wanted to wake up early to go marketing for fresh groceries. Early in the morning, he was held up by two people.

    Qiao Dongliang, who opened the door, saw a couple standing at his doorstep. That man was lifting his hand, obviously wanting to knock on the main entrance of their house. His other hand was holding onto a woman. They looked very intimate.

    At the sight of this, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned sullen. ¡°Is there any matter?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I came to see you. This is Chen Jun, my boyfriend. He has been to our house once. You have met him before.¡± Qiao Zijin was sporting short hair now. She was smiling brightly.

    Qiao Dongliang knitted his brows in disdain. ¡°Zijin, didn¡¯t you use to like long hair in the past? Your haircut is a tad too short. Don¡¯t tell me you like the guy¡¯s hairstyle now?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was exaggerating a little.

    It was true that Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair was not long. It could not even cover her ears. This was the shortest hair that she ever had in history, besides the time when she was born.

    The bright smile of Qiao Zijin nearly crumbled when she heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    Qiao Dongliang had touched the soft spot.

    When Qiao Zijin thought about Chen Jun¡¯s reaction when he first saw her after the examination, Qiao Zijin felt pain in her liver.

    At that time, Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts were obvious from his expression: Had your hair been eaten by a dog?

    ¡°Forget it. There¡¯s a saying that a generation gap exists with an age difference of three years. I am already an old man. I really can¡¯t understand the taste of current youngsters like you. It¡¯s fine as long as you are happy.¡± After provoking Qiao Zijin¡¯s anger, Qiao Dongliang very irresponsibly expressed that he no longer wished to carry on with the topic. ¡°Why are the two of you here?¡±

    ¡°Uncle, Zijin and I came here to wish you a happy new year,¡± Chen Jun said politely. Qiao Zijin, who was standing beside him, quickly lifted up the gifts that she was carrying in her hands. She looked very smug.

    These were the things that Chen Jun had prepared.

    There was something that he wanted from the Qiao family. As such, the gifts that he prepared would certainly not be cheap.

    Due to that, Qiao Zijin lifted her chin highly today. In the Qiao family, Qiao Nan was not the only capable one who had found a sessful fianc¨¦. She was not worse than Qiao Nan. She also picked one of the best men!

    At the sight of the cigarettes and wine that looked expensive in the bag, Qiao Dongliang waved his hands. ¡°No need. I don¡¯t smoke. I don¡¯t like to drink either. I don¡¯t need all these. Zijin, take them back and give them to your mom.¡±

    Zijin was now under Ding Jiayi¡¯s custody. Even if the son-inw really came to visit, these things prepared by Chen Jun should belong to Ding Jiayi. He would not touch any of them.

    ¡°Dad, this is Chen Jun¡¯s way of expressing his filial piety. Mom has them too.¡± Qiao Zijin was not pleased. She insisted that Qiao Dongliang ept them. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re unhappy because I found a boyfriend before I graduate from diploma studies?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was directing at someone with her words.

    Regardless of this quad or the former quad that Qiao Nan was staying at, who was not aware that, immediately after the college entrance examination, Qiao Nan not only had a boyfriend but he was also promoted to her fianc¨¦ immediately?

    The younger daughter could have a fianc¨¦. Couldn¡¯t the elder daughter get a boyfriend?

    Knowing that Qiao Zijin was indirectly questioning him if he was biased, Qiao Dongliang simply made himself clear. ¡°You are under your mom¡¯s care now. Whether you have a boyfriend or are getting married, that will be up to you and your mom. Send these things to your mom. It¡¯s not appropriate to give them to me. I¡¯m afraid of trouble.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi were to create a ruckus and said that he had received a huge bargain by taking these items although Qiao Zijin was under her custody, who could he seek justice from then?

    He had a younger son-inw too. His younger son-inw was willing to give him anything. There were times whereby he refused to ept them. He really did not care about such meager things from Chen Jun.

    Qiao Dongliang felt most proud of this in his heart.

    Zijin brought a person like Chen Jun to unt her prowess. Qiao Dongliang did not buy that. Qiao Zijin had been overthinking if she wanted to make use of this matter to turn the tables.

 Chapter 1039 - Take It as a Compensation for Breaking Up

    <h4>1039 Take It as a Compensation for Breaking Up</h4>

    ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t say that. Both auntie and you are parents who gave birth to and brought up Zijin. Zijin and I have to be filial to you. We won¡¯t drop any of you.¡± Despite Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude, the smile on Chen Jun¡¯s face did not change or be stiff at all. He was still smiling so naturally and happily. He did not seem any less affectionate than when he saw his own father. Qiao Dongliang felt goose bumps all over immediately.

    If Chen Jun were to re up, Qiao Dongliang could still chase him away.

    However, Chen Jun did not show any temper at all. He was appeasing him as if he was his own father. Qiao Dongliang really did not have a way with him.

    The more Chen Jun behaved this way, the more revulsion Qiao Dongliang felt toward him.

    He was a straightforward person. He liked to be direct and honest and also could not hide his temper. He disliked someone like Chen Jun who knew how to control his emotions very well.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to be so polite. To be honest, Zijin was taught and brought up by her mother. I didn¡¯t do much. If you really want to be good to Zijin or filial to the elders, treat Zijin¡¯s mother well. When we got a divorce a few years ago, we agreed that Zijin will be under her custody and Nan Nan under mine. Zijin¡¯s future matters do not have anything to do with me. I don¡¯t have the right to interfere. You don¡¯t need to feel sorry for me. I already have a son-inw who is filial to me.¡±

    In other words, Qiao Zijin could be her daughter, but he might not treat Chen Jun as his son-inw.

    It was not his turn to ept Chen Jun¡¯s filial piety.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Tears welled up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. She did not expect that Qiao Dongliang would not give her any face in front of Chen Jun. He even said such ugly words.

    Qiao Dongliang let out a sigh of exasperation. ¡°Zijin, you have chosen your own path. You have to decide what to do.¡±

    He was aware that Chen Jun had wooed her younger daughter before bing her elder daughter¡¯s boyfriend. Qiao Zijinpletely did not want to heed his advice and objections. No matter how fatherly and benevolent Qiao Dongliang was, he could not be bothered to put in any more effort in this.

    Qiao Zijin was Ding Jiayi¡¯s biological daughter. They had the same temper. They could make as much fuss as they wanted to.

    A few years ago, at the time of his divorce, he had already given up the rights to intervene in the lives of this mother-daughter pair.

    Qiao Zijin was losing her temper. She looked as if she was going to argue and fall out with Qiao Dongliang. At the sight of this, Chen Jun¡¯s eyes turned sullen and he quietly gave Qiao Zijin a squeeze. ¡°Uncle, you seem busy. Most likely, it is not convenient today. Next time... If there is a chance next time, we will chat again.¡±

    He knew that Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were not on good terms. However, Chen Jun did not expect that Qiao Zijin was also on such bad terms with Qiao Dongliang.

    His objective was very clear¡ªto marry Qiao Zijin and be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw.

    Henceforth, the Chen family and the Zhai family would be inws. Regardless of whether the Zhai family was willing to, the Chen family would definitely benefit greatly with thisyer of connection.

    If the Qiao Dongliang couple could be the mediator between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan, this pair of sisters, Chen Jun would stand to gain more then.

    If Qiao Zijin wanted to have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was the only avenue for this breakthrough.

    As for Ding Jiayi...

    He had widened his horizons after witnessing this future mother-inw courting trouble time and again. Chen Jun was full of regrets. In the Qiao family of four, Qiao Zijin was quite clever but he couldpletely manage her.

    After thinking through, Ding Jiayi was the only one who gave him the most headaches. She was the only one that he shunned and was most unwilling to face.

    ¡°Chen Jun, are you angry?¡± When they were a hundred meters away from the house of the Qiao family, Qiao Zijin saw that Chen Jun was keeping quiet. She then realized that Chen Jun was angry and asked him.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± When Chen Jun said this, his tone was very indifferent. However, as soon as she heard it, Qiao Zijin was certain that he was angry.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. ¡°I didn¡¯t manage to restrain myself for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t, you have to!¡± This had a lot to do with the Chen family and his future!

    Chen Jun halted his steps. ¡°I have always thought that you are smarter than your mom. I hope that you won¡¯t let my past ¡®belief¡¯ be a joke.¡±

    Qiao Nan was already engaged with Zhai Sheng. She would definitely be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family in the future.

    Under normal circumstances, wouldn¡¯t any normal people let bygones be bygones and work hard to fix the rtionship with Qiao Nan in order to enjoy a free ride?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned red with anger. ¡°Didn¡¯t you let me be your girlfriend because Qiao Nan is my sister? I am thinking. You should not be the only one in this world who wishes to be the brother-inw of Zhai Sheng, right?¡±

    She knew that Chen Jun actually liked Qiao Nan too.

    Previously, Chen Jun wanted to woo Qiao Nan but Qiao Nanpletely did not fancy him and had never been nice to Chen Jun.

    Chen Jun then gave up his first choice and became her boyfriend instead. She might not have Chen Jun as the only option!

    Chen Junughed. Hisugh was so cold. ¡°Do you know what the greatest difference between Qiao Nan and you is? You always pay lip service while Qiao Nan takes action. Do you need a breakup?¡±

    Chen Jun was never someone who would persist on the same road that would lead to nowhere.

    Otherwise, Chen Jun would be tapping on his rtionship with Wang Yang most now.

    In this life, Zhu Baoguo was still alive. He was also promising. However, although Wang Yang could not get everything that Zhu Baoguo had, as long as Chen Jun was by Wang Yang¡¯s side to give Wang Yang ideas, Wang Yang would be able to receive more care from Zhu Chengqi.

    If the Wang family¡¯s status improved, they would also have to repay the Chen family for their help.

    Chen Jun had been targeting Qiao Nan for a few years. He knew the situation of the Qiao family at his fingertips.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude to Qiao Nan was akin to a stone in atrine. It was both smelly and tough.

    Whether it was a daughter or son, whoever was sessful and could let her lead a good life, have money and face would be a good child. Both of Ding Jiayi¡¯s children were daughters. There was no need topare.

    Qiao Nan was better in her studies than Qiao Zijin. Her interpersonal rtionships were also better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s. She was even engaged with Zhai Sheng.

    It was not just Qiao Zijin. Even Qiu Chenxi, whom Chen Jun had wanted to hit on previously, would have difficulty surpassing Qiao Nan in this life.

    The situation was already as such, but instead of finding ways to mend the mother-daughter rtionship with Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was still so foolish to keep troubling Qiao Nan for the sake of Qiao Zijin.

    Toward this situation, Chen Jun felt his head aching badly.

    This was because he knew that no matter what he did to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor, he was afraid that Ding Jiayi would appear to drag him down.

    One Ding Jiayi was not enough. Now, Qiao Zijin was also joining in the fun.

    It was certainly quite difficult to find a way to climb to the top.

    Chen Jun already knew that this was an extremely difficult path. There was also the existence of people who were a lion at home and a mouse abroad. Chen Jun expressed that he would, at most, return to Wang Yang¡¯s side to help him and give up on Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Jun was definitely not just giving Qiao Zijin empty threats. She was already not someone that he fancied. She had many issues and even had a bad temper. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Keep these things. Take it aspensation from me for breaking up with you.¡±

 Chapter 1040 - Made a Wrong Judgmen

    <h4>1040 Made a Wrong Judgmen</h4>

    ¡°You can work hard. Let¡¯s see who is willing to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw.¡±

    Brother-inw?

    She must be thinking too highly of herself.

    No man that Qiao Zijin married would dare to be greeted by Zhai Sheng as his brother-inw.

    Ignorance was terrible.

    ¡°No!¡± Chen Jun was about to release his grip on Qiao Zijin. He seemed serious about breaking up with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin grabbed his hand anxiously. ¡°I-I said that in a pique of anger. All couples will quarrel and they will talk about breaking up in a pique of anger. You have taken things too seriously. We have been together for so long. Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t like me at all and it is solely because I am Qiao Nan¡¯s sister?¡±

    She really liked Chen Jun and wanted to be his wife!

    ¡°Most men don¡¯t like women who have a bad temper.¡± Chen Jun did not soften his attitude. ¡°If you want me to like you, you have to behave yourself. Ever since we know each other, have you done anything for me to like you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was embarrassed. ¡°What do you want me to do then?¡±

    Chen Jun raised his eyebrows and smiled. He pinched Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. ¡°As I have said, you have some wits about you. Right now, you don¡¯t need to do anything for me to like you. Instead, you must act so that it will benefit us. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I have worked hard!¡± Otherwise, she would not have asked her mother to hint at Qiao Nan to help Wei De and Zhai Hua reconcile.

    If not for Chen Jun, she would not have known about Wei De.

    Chen Jun sighed. ¡°You are too reckless regarding Wei De¡¯s matter.¡± Chen Jun was aware that Qiao Zijin had her good intentions.

    It was true that he told Qiao Zijin that if Wei De married Zhai Hua, it would be beneficial to them.

    In the first half of this year, the information that Chen Jun provided to Qiu Chenxi helped him and Qiu Chenxi join forces to deal with Qiao Nan, causing her to barely miss her college entrance examination.

    Initially, Chen Jun did not know that Wei De had been providing information to Qiu Chenxi.

    Through his interactions with Qiu Chenxi, he figured out that there was another party involved in this matter.

    Chen Jun spent a lot of effort to find out that Wei De was involved in the incident and that he was in a rtionship with Zhai Hua. Both of them even intended to get married. Unfortunately, the Zhai family was against the marriage.

    Since Chen Jun had seized the chinks in Wei De¡¯s armor, once Wei De married Zhai Hua, he was confident that he would be able to make use of him to recover the position that used to belong to his father.

    Chen Jun had his ns thought out. Unfortunately, the people that he thought highly of had let him down.

    Qiao Zijin failed to meet his expectations. Wei De was worse.

    Chen Jun could not help but frown at the foolish deeds that Wei De had done.

    Since Wei De held the wedding banquet with his wife in the countryside and did not collect the marriage certificate, he should make a clean break with his wife as soon as he was with Zhai Hua.

    She was adopted by the Wei family. They could simply give her a sum of money for her to leave the Wei family.

    As long as the woman was not at the Wei family¡¯s residence and Wei De was no longer in contact with her, even if Zhai Hua found out the truth, she had to give in no matter how angry she was as the woman was gone and Wei De had nothing to do with her anymore.

    Wei De was in foolish to allow the woman to stay in his hometown and to bring their son to meet Zhai Hua. In the end, his secret was discovered by others.

    He was indeed from the countryside. He was so audacious to lie to the daughter of the chief and he dared to tell her to take care of his son.

    Until now, Chen Jun still could not understand what Wei De was thinking. How could he have done such foolish deeds?

    He must be smart to be able to make Zhai Hua fall in love with him.

    But on the other hand, he was downright foolish.

    He had destroyed his chance of striking rich.

    To Chen Jun, who did not have such a golden chance, letting such a good chance go to waste was a sheer pity. Chen Jun had been dreaming of striking rich. It would be wonderful if he had this opportunity.

    ¡°It is indeed true that it will be beneficial to us if Wei De is with Zhai Hua. But you should get the facts right before you do anything. You are a woman as well. If this happens to you, will you want to get back together with Wei De?¡± Chen Jun was a man. In his opinion, it was impossible.

    Firstly, Zhai Hua had yet to marry Wei De.

    Secondly, Zhai Hua had not been intimate with Wei De.

    Thirdly, Zhai Hua was not pregnant with Wei De¡¯s child.

    Wei De hadmitted such a serious mistake. To Zhai Hua, breaking up with him was righting the wrong and she did not suffer any losses. She had no reason to make the same mistake of reconciling with him.

    Even if Qiao Nan persuaded Zhai Hua, she might not agree to it.

    ¡°My mom didn¡¯t exin the situation clearly to me.¡± Qiao Zijin felt that she was wronged. She was serious about helping Chen Jun so that they could lead an easier life in the future.

    Nobody expected that Wei De was a scumbag. He had taken a wife in the countryside, and they had a child. He even wanted Zhai Hua to take care of the child.

    ording to Chen Jun¡¯s analysis, Zhai Hua would not get back together with Wei De. From a woman¡¯s point of view, Qiao Zijin also felt that Zhai Hua would not ept Wei De.

    She was a woman. She could totally understand.

    If she had known about the situation, she would have stopped her mother from doing something that was bound to fail.

    ¡°Are you sure that you do not want to break up?¡± Chen Jun felt more reassured that Qiao Zijin was smarter than Ding Jiayi.

    He knew that Qiao Zijin was beaten up in school.

    Chen Jun also knew the reason why she was beaten.

    Chen Jun knew that Ding Jiayi sought high and low for Qiao Nan¡¯s contact number so as to question her regarding what happened to Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi had no idea that it was Chen Jun, her ¡®son-inw¡¯, who sent her a text message that day.

    Chen Jun had one thought in mind: Qiao Nan was not a pushover and she had a temper.

    Ding Jiayi had driven Qiao Nan nuts that she could not help but teach Qiao Zijin a lesson. It was a good idea for Ding Jiayi to make the call and to know that Qiao Nan was not a pushover. She could then learn her lesson.

    This was so that Ding Jiayi would not keepmitting foolish deeds to get back at Qiao Nan.

    Did she really think that since she gave birth to Qiao Nan, she had the right to control her life?

    Chen Jun let out a long breath. He was all the more happy if things were so simple.

    However, Qiao Nan was no pushover, and neither were her backers!

    The Zhai family, the Zhu family, the Lee family, and even the Lin family were not to be trifled with.

    Ding Jiayi would not be able to deal with any of the four strong backers.

 Chapter 1041 - Finally â€˜Enlightenedâ€™

    1041 Finally ¡®Enlightened¡¯

    She must be blind to treat something precious as garbage.

    Chen Jun was envious of the fact that Qiao Nan had such importantworks. Even if he could not marry her, he would want to be on close terms with her and treat her like a younger sister so that he and the Chen family could be sessful.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin tried all means and ways to get what they wanted, but what they needed to do was, in fact, to mend the rtionship with Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan was willing to help them, they could get whatever they wanted easily.

    The mother and daughter were too foolish!

    Chen Jun could not help but massage his temples. He was drained of all energy when he recalled the stupid deeds that they were up to.

    Wei De, Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin were fools.

    He could not understand why those helpless fools had such good opportunities, while he, who worked hard all these years, had nothing in the end. It was too unfair.

    ¡°I won¡¯t break up. I will never break up.¡± Qiao Zijin, who was given a scare by Chen Jun, dared not lose her temper. She grabbed Chen Jun with one arm and acted coquettishly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that I am spoiled by my mom? At times, I cannot help but lose my temper. I am serious about being with you. Please don¡¯t shun me. I will change. Please don¡¯t bring up breaking up with me again.¡±

    Since Qiao Zijin admitted her mistake, Chen Jun no longer took issue with her. ¡°Alright, but there is a limit to my patience. Apart from my feelings for you, I am with you because of the Chen family. If you are serious about being with me, you must understand one simple truth. If the Chen family is doing well, you will have good days ahead. Therefore, you must do things that are beneficial to the Chen family. On the contrary, you must not do anything that is detrimental to the Chen family. You must avoid it at all costs.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Zijin nodded and stered a smile on her face. ¡°You want me to mend the rtionship with Qiao Nan. I understand what you mean. From this moment on, I will tell myself that I am on close terms with Qiao Nan, that I love my sister. In the future, even if she shows her displeasure to me, I will maintain a smile no matter what.¡±

    Unless she was very sure of it, she would never target Qiao Nan again. ¡°I will treat her like a princess and wait on her. One would never be angry at someone who is nice to them. If I don¡¯t scheme against her but suck up to her, even if she is not as close to me, at the very least, she would not treat me like an enemy like what she used to do in the past.¡±

    She would act shamelessly and suck up to Qiao Nan.

    Back then, Qiao Zijin always felt that she would definitely be more sessful than Qiao Nan. When she was younger, she was troubled with how she was going to make sure that Qiao Nan did not take advantage of her like a parasite.

    Now that the day hade, and their situations were reversed, Qiao Zijin was so upset that she felt like vomiting blood. She was too young back then. She had been overthinking...

    ¡°Zijin, I know that I have made the correct judgment.¡± Chen Jun cradled Qiao Zijin¡¯s face in his hands tenderly. ¡°True enough, you are the woman who is qualified to stand by my side and walk the path with me.¡±

    Chen Jun was most afraid of Qiao Zijin, having been spoiled rotten by Ding Jiayi, seeing herself as a princess. In that case, she would not be able to understand the hard facts that Qiao Nan had outshone her in all aspects and would insist on being haughty and looking down on Qiao Nan instead.

    If Qiao Zijin was really like Ding Jiayi, Chen Jun would not hesitate to break up with Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Jun mentioned breaking up because he knew that Qiao Zijin would not bear to part with him.

    He knew that Ding Jiayi was the biggest troublemaker in the Qiao family. Whoever wanted to make use of the Qiao family to be close to the Zhai family only needed to do some investigations and they would find out the situation in the Qiao family.

    Because of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin was like a scorching brazier. Not everyone was capable of handling her.

    ¡°Chen Jun, you can rest assured. I will definitely change.¡± Qiao Zijin clenched her fist, looking totally different from before.

    If the former Qiao Zijin was as proud as the swan, Qiao Zijin was now like an ugly duckling. She had seen her true self in the reflection of the pond and knew that she was just an ordinary girl.

    ¡°My dad forbids me from entering the house. What am I going to do next?¡± Since she was not allowed entry, how was she going to be close with Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious.¡± Chen Jun smiled. ¡°As long as you have sorted out your thoughts and are willing to work hard, your dad is not a problem. Sometimes, other people may not be able to know the real situation. They would only have a superficial understanding of what¡¯s going on.¡±

    It would be best if Qiao Nan was willing to ept Qiao Zijin.

    However, Chen Jun knew that telling Qiao Nan to ept Qiao Zijin without any misgivings was akin to telling Zhai Hua to reconcile with Wei De. It was impossible.

    If one would not ept the other party or reconcile without any misgivings, then what they could do was to make it seem to others that they were on close terms and were one family. Chen Jun could use this false impression to his advantage.

    ¡°Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded. ¡°When Qiao Nan and other people are around, I will definitely side with her and ¡®protect¡¯ her so that Qiao Nan will not be bullied by others. Qiao Nan is reserved and introverted. As her sister, I must protect her from being bullied or misunderstood.¡±

    In other words, Qiao Zijin only needed to act as if she was being nice to Qiao Nan. There was no need for Qiao Nan to ept her.

    Chen Jun was d that Zijin understood his words. ¡°Zijin, you are indeed smart. You can tell what I mean right away. Let¡¯s go! We didn¡¯t get to see your dad, but let¡¯s meet my parents. I shall introduce their future daughter-inw to them.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Qiao Zijin was overjoyed. This was the first time that Chen Jun introduced her to her future father-inw and mother-inw. ¡°Should I go back to have a change of clothes and buy some gifts for uncle and auntie?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Chen Jun answered with a smile. ¡°You only need to be present and it will be fine.¡± Furthermore, no matter what she bought, she was spending the Chen family¡¯s money. Nothinges for free. Qiao Zijin was smart to make the suggestion.

    ¡°So let¡¯s go now?¡± Qiao Zijin was thrilled now that there was no need to buy anything. It seemed that Chen Jun was really in love with her. ¡°How about we give them some fruits? At the very least, we are being polite and I will not be embarrassed by arriving empty-handed.¡±

    ¡°Sure, we will do as you said.¡± Chen Jun did not object to her suggestion. He apanied Qiao Zijin to choose a fruit basket. He bought whatever that Qiao Zijin picked.

 Chapter 1042 - Conflicts Arose

    1042 Conflicts Arose

    Qiao Nan got upte today. She heard vaguely that someone seemed to have visited them in the morning, but her father did not allow them in.

    By the time she got up and was wide awake, she overheard the conversation between a neighbor and her father and was startled. ¡°Did Chen Jun bring Qiao Zijin to visit his parents?¡±

    Chen Jun seemed to be in a hurry. Qiao Zijin was still in her school. Could it be that they had been intimate and she was pregnant?

    In the previous life, Qiao Nan was introduced to Chen Jun¡¯s parents not long after they had just started dating. However, Chen Jun¡¯s parents were not very pleased with Qiao Zijin. They waited until they were certain that Qiao Zijin had Chen Jun¡¯s child and it was a boy before they allowed her into their house.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a terrible mood.

    His elder daughter would do things that he disliked.

    He objected to Zijin¡¯s rtionship with theplicated Chen Jun. He forbade Chen Jun from entering the house and returned everything that he brought with him.

    However, the next minute, his elder daughter bought a basket full of fruits and visited the Chen family.

    Qiao Dongliang was in a bad mood after learning this from the neighbor. He was in no mood to prepare for the Lunar New Year. ¡°Your sister is too much...¡±

    ¡°Dad, my sister is as stubborn as Mom. She would not listen to you. She will date whoever that she likes. Since you already know this, why did you let it affect you? Sister will not care that you are upset. She has Mom with her. Mom will defend her. You must not worry yourself over their affairs.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had no way to protect Qiao Zijin. They were no match for the Chen family. Qiao Nan kept this thought to herself.

    Qiao Nan could not help it that her father was upset over Qiao Zijin¡¯s affairs. She would not advise him from not doing that. It was useless.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. He sent them away in the morning and was harsh to them. Now that they had left, he felt anxious and worried. He could not help but feel vexed. Was he sick?

    ¡°Yes, with your mom around, nothing will happen to your sister. If anything happens, it is beyond our control as well!¡± Qiao Dongliang mmed the table in anger.

    It was because of Nan Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng that Qiao Zijin was emboldened enough to be with Chen Jun.

    Chen Jun was savvy while the elder daughter was foolish. Qiao Dongliang waved his hand as if he was chasing away the flies. He wanted to stop thinking of Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun. ¡°No one will know whether this is a blessing or a curse. Your sister will have to deal with it in the future.¡±

    Right now, the elder daughter did not listen to him. In the future, he would not be able to take her in anymore.

    ¡°Alright, Dad. Don¡¯t say such spiteful words. If something happens to my sister, will you be able to leave her alone? I made my stand long ago. You are her dad, so you care for her. But I don¡¯t. I will not stop you from disciplining her, but I will definitely not help her.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew very well that Chen Jun would y up to those in power. She was merely reminding Qiao Dongliang about it.

    If anything went wrong in the future, Qiao Dongliang might be willing to help Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun at all costs, but she would not help Qiao Dongliang, and neither would she stop Qiao Dongliang from sacrificing himself to help Qiao Zijin.

    In order not to let this get ugly, she had to make herself clear beforehand.

    No one could understand Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings of pain and desperation in the previous life. She was close to forty years old but she was still single. She was busy with work every day. She earned so much money, but she had to eat instant noodles every day and lived in a small rented house. She watched helplessly as Qiao Zijin snatched her boyfriend and took her hard-earned money to buy apartment suites as dowry and lived a morous and luxurious life.

    Once bitten, twice shy.

    In the previous life, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi took extra care of Qiao Zijin. However, it was at the expense of Qiao Nan that they couldvish Qiao Zijin with money and house and for Qiao Zijin to lead a pampered life.

    Qiao Nan was fearful!

    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt upset at the worry and concern in Qiao Nan¡¯s tone. He felt bitter and aggrieved.

    He had already said that he would not do such things.

    It was clear that the elder daughter and Chen Jun wanted to make use of Nan Nan to be close to the Zhai family.

    Nan Nan seemed as if she wanted to be rid of a troublesome rtive like Chen Jun. She wanted him to stay out of her way.

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea of the miserable life that Qiao Nan had been through or the hardships and sufferings that she went through before she was given another chance at life. He could not understand her worry and fear. He felt that after being with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan seemed to have a change of status and turned cold-hearted.

    They were one family. Since Nan Nan had the ability, why could she not help Zijin if she was in serious trouble?

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan turned silent. There was an awkward silence between the two of them. Gone was the joy of seeing each other after such a long time. They felt awkward and ufortable with each other¡¯s presence.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her face, feeling helpless and disheartened. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. The Lunar New Year ising. Dad, have you thought of what dishes to prepare?¡±

    If she knew this would happen, she should have kept those thoughts to herself. If she did not say anything, the atmosphere would not be so stiff.

    Perhaps because she had kept all her grievances to herself in the previous life that she could no longer keep those thoughts to herself and had to tell her father.

    Qiao Nan changed the topic to give each other a way out. Qiao Dongliang chose not to continue with the awkward topic as well. ¡°I have yet to decide. Do you have any dishes that you want to have?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± With a smile on her face, Qiao Nan said all those dishes that she would like in a cheery tone.

    The father and daughter purposely avoided talking about Qiao Zijin in the days that followed. Luckily, after visiting them on that day, Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun had not been to their house again.

    Even if the atmosphere was no longer as good as before, as long as no one brought up the conflicts that they had, and Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang worked hard to maintain a harmonious rtionship, they could still get along well with each other.

    They were the only ones who knew what they were thinking of.

    Qiao Nan used to feel that once Qiao Dongliang had a divorce and she was in college, Qiao Dongliang would be lonely staying at home by himself.

    If possible, she hoped that she could dy her marriage with Zhai Sheng so that she could spend more time with Qiao Dongliang.

    After conflicts arose between them, Qiao Nan began to think differently.

    She had the best interests for her father and was worried that he would be lonely. However, she was not the only person that her father was worried about.

    Moreover, her father would shortchange her for another person¡¯s sake. While she was willing to dy her marriage to Zhai Sheng as she cared for her father, he would not do the same for her.

 Chapter 1043 - Capricious Love

    <h4>1043 Capricious Love</h4>

    She knew that her father had high self-esteem. Therefore, she seldom received any help from the Zhai family regarding her education at college. She would rather work to earn her living expenses instead of adding another burden to her father¡¯s load. She did not want her father to feel that it was the Zhai family who provided for her.

    As time passed, her father did not seem to be able to appreciate her hard work and efforts.

    Had shemitted the same mistake that she made in the previous life? Did she do too much but did not make her feelings and thoughts known to her father?

    It was time for the father and daughter to retire to their own room to rest. Qiao Nan switched off the lights in her room, sitting on the bed. She hugged her knees, lost in her thoughts.

    Her father had reverted to his old ways, and so did she.

    In this family, she seemed to be the only person who was able to keep caring for others. Other people might care for her, but it would not be long before they turned to care for Qiao Zijin.

    Ring! Ring! Ring!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s cell phone rang. She rubbed her eyes and answered the call. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you unhappy?¡± Zhai Sheng was excited to speak with Qiao Nan, but he turned gloomy the next instant. ¡°Did your mom create trouble for you again?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t forget that apart from my mom, there is still my dad.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Qiao? Has Qiao Zijin been to your house recently?¡± Zhai Sheng understood what had happened immediately.

    Qiao Nan sniffed. ¡°Perhaps everyone feels that now that we are engaged, after this Lunar New Year ande February, we will get married and collect the marriage certificate. From then onward, I am the daughter-inw of the chief while my husband is the regimentmander, and he will be promoted in the future. A blessed life is waiting for me. I will have endless glory and wealth. Like what is shown on television, I will be the young mistress of the house.¡±

    Everyone felt that she would have good days ahead of her and that she could enjoy life.

    Therefore, inparison, those who were not as fortunate were more pitiful and deserved their concern.

    She was still in school but her future was paved for her. There was nothing to worry about. Her father could put all his attention on Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was disobedient and she refused to listen to him. She was so daring to be dating Chen Jun.

    Aspared to her whom Qiao Dongliang had nothing to worry about, Qiao Zijin was worrisome. He was troubled over her that he could not eat well and sleep well.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I think I have failed as a person.¡± In the previous life, Qiao Zijin led a good life while she was miserable. However, her father did not care about her or tell her mother off for taking money from her to give to Qiao Zijin.

    Did that mean that it was not because she was doing well, and Qiao Zijin was not and hence her father turned to care for Qiao Zijin? In actual fact, like her mother, her father felt that Qiao Zijin needed their care, love, and concern.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse and she seemed to be keeping her emotions in check. She felt downcast and depressed. It pained Zhai Sheng to know that Qiao Nan was upset. He was angry at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Nan Nan, this is not a question of whether you are a failure or not. You can look at it as an affinity between people. Other people may not cherish you, but I cherish you the most. Nan Nan, you have always been able to sort out your thoughts and not to be upset by your situation, or to be affected by them. You must not subject yourself to narrow confines.¡±

    Zhai Sheng understood why Qiao Nan insisted that they married at ater time.

    At the very least, Qiao Dongliang had divorced Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan was able to live in peace with him for some time. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang was his father-inw. No matter for whatever reasons, Zhai Sheng would try his best to ede to Qiao Nan¡¯s request.

    But right now, Zhai Sheng regretted his decision.

    Other people might not cherish Nan Nan, but he did.

    The three people in the Qiao family, including his muddleheaded father-inw, were blind to not cherish Qiao Nan.

    They might not like Nan Nan, but the Zhai family and Old Master Zhai loved her.

    If he knew that Qiao Dongliang would turn out to be such a disappointment, he would throw caution to the wind and bring Nan Nan to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. The Zhai family would cherish and love her. How dare Qiao Dongliang changed his attitude toward Nan Nan time and again and hurt her feelings.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, can I ask a favor from you?¡± Qiao Nan felt much better at Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, but her eyes started to turn teary.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Can we have one child in the future?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I-I am afraid of pain...¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng felt as if his flesh was cut off from his body. The reason why Nan Nan wanted to have one child was not that she was afraid of pain. It was because she was worried that she would be biased and muddleheaded if she had more than one child. In that case, the other child would be hurt. ¡°Nan Nan, have you forgotten that ording to the national family nning policy, we could only have one child.¡±

    Qiao Nan wiped her tears. ¡°It seems so. Twins do not seem to run in our family.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± Zhai Sheng understood what Qiao Nan meant. Usually, twins and triplets would run in the family. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t think too much. Have fun this Lunar New Year. Everything will be finee February next year.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was very busy with work. Lunar New Year wasing, but he was still at the camp. He could not go back to Ping Cheng.

    Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan must have returned to her home in Ping Cheng. He gave her a call when he finally had some free time.

    To his surprise, amidst the joyous asion, such things happened in the Qiao family and Qiao Nan was upset because of it.

    If Qiao Dongliang was not his father-inw, he would feel like bashing him.

    In short, if Qiao Dongliang really felt that Nan Nan would lead a good life once she married him, while Qiao Zijin¡¯s future was full of uncertainties and she needed his concern, Qiao Dongliang could shower Qiao Zijin with more attention and love.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang reconciled with Ding Jiayi, Nan Nan and he would not stop him. At most, they would not be in close touch with him.

    It was better not to have a parent family like the Qiao family!

    Zhai Sheng was really furious this time.

    Qiao Dongliang had been fooled and hurt by Qiao Zijin several times, yet once onshore, one prays no more. He imed that he would not be bothered with Qiao Zijin anymore, but now, he felt that Qiao Zijin was unfortunate and she was more pitiful than Qiao Nan and she needed someone to take care of her.

    This was too much.

    To people who were resolute and decisive like Zhai Sheng, he could not understand why Qiao Dongliang would be so indecisive and capricious.

    Zhai Sheng could not understand Qiao Dongliang, but he was clear about one thing. He knew why Qiao Dongliang chose to leave the army even when he loved the army and had bright prospects in the army.

 Chapter 1044 - Affinity Could Not Be Forced

    Chapter 1044 Affinity Could Not Be Forced

    Given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s character, if he stayed in the army, his good prospects would be ruined by him.

    A soldier should not have such behavior.

    Zhai Sheng knew vaguely that the Qiao family felt that it was because of Qiao Nan that Qiao Dongliang had to leave the army and gave up his chance of promotion.

    But in Zhai Sheng¡¯s opinion, it was good that Qiao Dongliang left the army because of Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation, if he stayed in the army, sooner orter, he wouldmit a grave mistake.

    Qiao Dongliang mightmit mistakes and make a blunder, but what was serious was that he might implicate hisrades.

    Previously, Zhai Huamitted a grave mistake and her brother was injured because of her.

    ¡°I won¡¯t think too much anymore.¡± Qiao Nan was in a better mood after talking to Zhai Sheng. She had vented her frustrations and unhappiness. ¡°I have finally understood what kind of person my dad is. He will change from time to time. I did not realize that he wants to y the role of a loving father.¡±

    Her father¡¯s main objective was for both of his daughters to do well.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin was his main focus.

    Her father would stand by her side and help her when she was down. Now that she led a better life, even if Qiao Zijin was doing fairly well, he still wanted to help her so that she could lead a good life.

    She was not willing to ept that her father kept changing his attitude toward Qiao Zijin.

    After being through all the sufferings in the previous life, Qiao Nan had turned to be cold and indifferent in this life. She had epted the fact that she did not have any affinity with her mother.

    Since she did not have an affinity with her father as well, there was no need for the two of them to suffer.

    ¡°It¡¯s nine o¡¯clock now. You should go to sleep. I will try to go home on Lunar New Year¡¯s eve.¡± Zhai Sheng was relieved that Qiao Nan had sorted out her thoughts. But at the same time, he was saddened that Qiao Nan had to go through so much at her young age.

    After the Lunar New Year, Nan Nan was only twenty-one years old. Since a young age, her parents never showered her with love. How could she possibly sort out her thoughts easily?

    Her parents were too disappointing. Nan Nan had no other choice but to give up on them.

    Zhai Sheng sneered after ending the call. Since Qiao Dongliang was courting disaster, there was no need for him to do anything else.

    Since Qiao Nan did not say anything, Qiao Dongliang did not think about their recent conflict anymore.

    But the next day, the atmosphere between the father and daughter seemed odd. Although they seemed to be harmonious and happy, both of them knew that they were merely trying hard to maintain the peace in the family.

    If they were truly happy being in each other¡¯spany, they should not feel awkward and stiff.

    After discussing with Qiao Nan regarding what ingredients to buy, Qiao Dongliang headed out to buy them. However, his smile disappeared as soon as he stepped out of the house. ¡°The kids have grown up and they have a bad temper.¡±

    Nan Nan also knew that Chen Jun was a bad person. Zijin was bound to suffer if she dated Chen Jun.

    Although Qiao Dongliang showed his displeasure to Qiao Zijin and said that he would wash his hands off her, he was, in fact, very worried about her.

    The reason why he ignored her was that Qiao Zijin refused to listen to him.

    If Qiao Zijin was willing to listen to him, break up with Chen Jun, and have another boyfriend, Qiao Dongliang would wee them into the house. He was willing to ept his future son-inw and his gifts.

    They were one family. Now that Qiao Zijin was with Chen Jun, if she ended up in serious trouble, she had no one but her family to help her.

    They could not possibly watch by the side as Qiao Zijin was being bullied.

    Once bitten, twice shy. Qiao Nan had no choice but to protect herself. However, Qiao Dongliang was unhappy that Qiao Nan refused to help her sister.

    He used to think that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had gone way overboard in the past, and that was why the family was torn apart. He always believed that Qiao Nan was a soft-hearted child.

    If Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were desperate for help, Qiao Nan would definitely help them.

    But Qiao Dongliang was displeased that Qiao Nan had said it beforehand that she would not help them if such circumstances arose.

    Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother and Qiao Zijin was her sister. If they really needed help, even if one did not have the means, one must think of ways to help them. Moreover, if Qiao Nan had the ability, all the more she should help them. This was expected of a normal human being.

    Nothing had happened yet, but Nan Nan behaved as if she could not wait to draw a line between them and extricate herself. She behaved as if she had no conscience.

    Qiao Dongliang, who went out to buy the ingredients, was perplexed. Why would Qiao Nan be so cold and indifferent, not giving a care to family ties without an apparent reason?

    She was too cold-blooded.

    Nothing had happened, yet Nan Nan was quick to distance herself from them. If something happened, would she care?

    Qiao Dongliang felt upset. He did not feel like buying the ingredients for the Lunar New Year.

    After Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, given the Zhai family¡¯s love toward Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had no need to worry for Qiao Nan.

    If the elder daughter married and was bullied by her inws, given the Zhai family¡¯s influence, it only needed a word from Nan Nan and Zijin would be leading a better life.

    However, if Nan Nan really did not bother to help, what would happen to Zijin?

    It seemed that he had to find a chance to speak with Nan Nan.

    He did not ask for much. Nan Nan could ignore all the other ridiculous requests that Zijin made.

    If Zijin was unlucky and she married someone who was not good to her and she was bullied, he hoped that Nan Nan would seek justice for Zijin so that her inws would know that Zijin¡¯s family was not to be trifled with.

    He had only this simple request of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that he did not ask for too much and he did not request that Qiao Nan helped Qiao Zijin. However, he did not know that in the previous life, Qiao Nan made a lot of sacrifices for Qiao Zijin. When Qiao Zijin was sick, she even schemed to get Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney!

    Qiao Nan knew what was on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind and that it was impossible for him to put himself in her shoes.

    She did not intend to tell anyone that she had been through rebirth, especially Qiao Dongliang. She did not want his sympathy.

    Qiao Dongliang could do whatever he wanted. She would not interfere.

    It was the day before Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. Zhai Hua made a call to ask Qiao Nan out early in the morning. ¡°Lunar New Year ising. Let¡¯se out to buy some clothes.¡± Actually, it was Zhai Sheng who made the call personally, ordering her to ask Qiao Nan out.

    Since she was cooped up at home recently, she could take this chance to take a walk outside as well.

 Chapter 1045 - Untitled

    1045 Untitled

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan did not feel like staying at home. She was either reading a book or staring at Qiao Dongliang awkwardly.

    They might not have gone into details, but some words, once said, would change everything and there would be no way to return to its original state.

    Qiao Dongliang could not understand why Qiao Nan was so heartless, while Qiao Nan could not ept Qiao Dongliang¡¯s idea of being helpful to one¡¯s family.

    After all, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi would require her to help Qiao Zijin, but they did not ask the same of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are youing back tonight?¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that she was going shopping with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be back. Mom wants me to spend the night at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.¡±

    ¡°Is it suitable?¡± She had yet to marry Zhai Sheng. It was too frivolous to stay overnight at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan maintained herposure. ¡°Brother Zhai will only be back earliest by Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. My father-inw and mother-inw are supposed to go to the capital to watch the Lunar New Year special program, but they declined the invitation this year.¡± Both Qiao Nan and her father knew the reason behind it.

    After the Lunar New Year, they would be preparing for Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage. There would be a lot of preparations to do.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang rxed slightly when he knew that Zhai Sheng was not at home. He finally agreed for Qiao Nan to stay over at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan was without any expression when she got onto Zhai Hua¡¯s car.

    Zhai Hua arched her eyebrows. ¡°What¡¯s up? Who riled you early in the morning?¡±

    ¡°I just feel that if one is not capable, one should not have two children. Isn¡¯t this a burden to oneself and implicating others?¡± This was the first time that Qiao Nan stopped behaving like a well-natured child and made such harsh and bitterments.

    Zhai Hua sucked in her breath. ¡°I suppose you are not directing your words at me? Could it be that your dad bullied you because of Qiao Zijin?¡±

    She had to admit that inparison to Qiao Nan, her parents were not as biased and she had a good life.

    ¡°More or less.¡± Qiao Nan leaned against the seat.

    She had been engaged to Brother Zhai for half a year. Her father kept reminding her to have self-respect and to protect herself, not to ept too many gifts from the Zhai family. One must be independent and self-reliant. One must not trouble people with tasks that one was capable of doing.

    Therefore, in the past six months, she never took anything that the Zhai family gave her. Even if she might be hard on cash, unless she earned it by herself, she would cut down on her expenses.

    Her father wanted her to have self-respect. If Ding Jiayi did not agitate her that day, she would not be intimate with Brother Zhai before their wedding.

    After what happened that day, Qiao Nan was very worried about it after she returned to school. She was afraid that she would be pregnant and would not be able to answer to her father.

    Thankfully, she had her menses. Hence, she was able to set her heart at rest.

    That day, it was Qiao Dongliang who told Zhai Sheng to fetch her. She was agitated by Ding Jiayi, so she had some drinks and ended up being intimate with Brother Zhai. Qiao Nan felt upset that she was the only one who was on tenterhooks.

    ¡°You kept telling me to let go and you behave as if you are mature and sensible. But when faced with your family¡¯s matter, you are at a loss as well. You are able to be objective regarding your mom, but you are too soft-hearted with your dad. Your dad¡¯s temperament is different from yours. I am curious. Who do you take after?¡±

    Zhai Hua sized up Qiao Nan. She was amazing.

    Qiao Nan was very decisive. This was particrly so when dealing with her rtionship with Wei De, as well as when Qiao Nan moved out of the Qiao family¡¯s residence. She had to praise her for being swift and resolute.

    Qiao Nan was able to handle all these situations very well. However, Qiao Dongliang was her weakness.

    ¡°One will yearn to have something that one does not have. You should be able to understand this logic.¡± Qiao Nan turned to look at Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua felt that shecked her parents¡¯ love and the feeling of being cherished and loved. That was why she fell in love with Wei De.

    In the previous life, her mother did not love her, and her father was very quiet at home.

    In this life, she had given up hope on having her mother¡¯s love. She realized that she could still salvage her rtionship with her father. That was why she worked hard to earn his love.

    She was able to give up on her mother and give all her love to her father. However, her father could not do the same.

    Her father had two daughters. He hoped that the two daughters could lead a good life. He had never thought of giving up on either of them.

    In normal circumstances, it was perfectly fine. However, Qiao Nan could not ept that her father loved both his daughters.

    If her father was biased toward Zijin¡ªeven if he was not extremely biased¡ªshe would rather not have her father¡¯s love. She would rather he give all his love to Qiao Zijin alone.

    ¡°You are right.¡± Zhai Huaughed at herself. It was indeed the case. ¡°Human beings ask for it. Isn¡¯t it good if we cherish whatever we have? Why must we chase after something that does not belong to us andnd ourselves in such a miserable state?¡±

    Wei De was not the only man who wooed her.

    Wei De had nothing to his name, but she liked him because he made her feel as if she was cherished. She was a fool.

    ¡°Don¡¯t count me in. I have stopped doing that. It¡¯s fine that he doesn¡¯t like me. I have someone who loves me.¡± Brother Zhai was the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life. ¡°Qiao Zijin is dating Chen Jun, and my dad is worried that Qiao Zijin will not be Chen Jun¡¯s match. Actually, I don¡¯t mind that he reconciles with my mom. Two heads are better than one. Since he is so worried for Qiao Zijin, he and my mom may be able to take better care of Qiao Zijin.¡±

    She had Brother Zhai. She did not need anyone to take care of her.

    Her father could focus all his attention on Qiao Zijin. In that case, he would not look at her as if she was the bad guy who separated his family.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Zhai Hua nodded. She and Qiao Nan did not need the kind of love that had to be shared with someone else. ¡°You are as resolute and vicious as me. Even if the other party has given us most of his love, we don¡¯t need it if it is shared with someone else.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Even though Zhai Hua was talking about love and she was talking about family ties, the same logic applied. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Aren¡¯t we going to shop for clothes? Let¡¯s hurry. By the way, you should know that I don¡¯t have a single cent with me.¡±

    She had used all her money on her school fees.

    Furthermore, she would read up on many books outside of the school sybus. Some of the books could not be found in the library and she had to order them online.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan would spend all the money that she had in order to buy a book. She would then have to cut down on her expenses.

 Chapter 1046 - Ambitious Plan to Have a Child

    1046 Ambitious n to Have a Child

    Qiao Nan decided that she would change her way of living. ¡°I contacted my master before I went out this morning. I want to continue to work as a trantor and earn extra money. I will also ask my master to help me with the books that I want to buy in the future.¡±

    Qiao Nan sorted out her thoughts after what had happened yesterday. She was no longer hopeful that Qiao Dongliang would change. She decided to rid herself of the shackles that she had given herself and do as she had nned.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. It is not easy to find someone sincere in helping you.¡± Zhai Hua drove the car while patting Qiao Nan, who sat on the passenger seat. ¡°Perhaps you owe it to Qiao Zijin for sorting out your thoughts. In the past, you were too stubborn because of your dad and I could tell that it was very tiring on you.¡±

    Since she was engaged to Zhai Sheng, they were one family.

    There was no need to be so calctive among family members.

    Besides, Qiao Nan was a college student and she did not have any job. She had no means of earning money. Qiao Nan should not stand on ceremony with the money that her elders gave her. She should go ahead and use them, spending on whatever she needed. It was wrong of her to reject their kind intentions.

    It was too tiring!

    ¡°One has to go through sufferings to be able to sort out one¡¯s thoughts.¡± Qiao Nan had no qualms about saying that. ¡°Have you brought enough money today?¡± Since she had sorted out her thoughts, Zhai Hua must be prepared to spend a bomb today.

    Zhai Hua was amused. ¡°My goodness. My family may not be very rich, but we can still support you. Besides, I made a small fortune recently. You can buy whatever you want.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends helped Wei De along in his business and made a small fortune from it.

    Wei De¡¯spany dered bankruptcy and he was left with nothing but an empty shell. But it was not the same for Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua was finally rid of Wei De. Back then, Zhai Hua was the one who came up with the capital for Wei De to start hispany.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends were true friends indeed. They helped Zhai Hua teach Wei De a lesson and returned all the money that they made through Wei De to Zhai Hua.

    The amount of money that Zhai Hua had was much more than the amount that she gave Wei De in the first ce.

    Zhai Hua did not refuse the money. She treated this as a sessful investment. She would take it that she had earned the extra money.

    In the past, Zhai Hua would reject the offer when her childhood friends invited her to join them in their businesses.

    Right now, Zhai Hua felt that it was a good idea for women to earn some money. Anyway, she was just dabbling in it and her childhood friends would guide her along. It would not be a big problem.

    Zhai Hua learned two things from Wei De¡¯s incident. Firstly, she had authority. Secondly, she had money.

    She had the two most important things that Wei De and most of the people in the world coveted. Therefore, she must grab hold of them.

    Men were unreliable. She would rely on herself!

    ¡°I will pay for whatever that you want today. But Qiao Nan, should you not repay the favor?¡± Zhai Hua yed with her hair that had been cut short.

    There was a sparkle in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. ¡°How do you want me to return the favor?¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± Zhai Hua let out a breath. She looked serious. ¡°I am not young anymore. I will be turning thirty soon. My mom said that there is a golden period for having children. Besides, I am sick and I suffered from a lot of injuries. I suppose my golden period of having children will be shorter than the average woman. Don¡¯tugh at me. I am not being timid. I am not afraid of looking for another man despite the bad experience with Wei De. I am too picky. Otherwise, I would not have met Wei De.¡±

    Because of what happened with Wei De, Zhai Hua was worried that she would be choosier in the future.

    When she was not being very choosy, Wei De was the only man that she liked. She did not find other men pleasing to the eye.

    If she was even choosier in the future, Zhai Hua was worried that when she reached forty or fifty years old, she might still be single. What should she do then?

    She might finally find someone she liked, but she would be too old to have children.

    ¡°Do you... want a child?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± To avoid that situation, Zhai Hua felt that it would be better for her to have a child first. ¡°I have thought about it. I really like children. My parents will be more assured if I have a child.¡±

    Her parents could be assured if she had a child that belonged to herself. It was the best of both worlds.

    ¡°So?¡± Qiao Nan turned quiet. She had thought about this in her previous life.

    She was close to forty years old when she died.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned red at the thought of her age.

    She had the same idea as ??Sister Zhai Hua. Unfortunately, she did not do anything about it. She did not have the money to do it. There was no way for her to have her own child.

    ¡°You should know that I don¡¯t have many ideas and I always stay in the camp. I don¡¯t know much about this. I would like you to help mee up with a way. It is alright to be without a man, but I don¡¯t want to be without a child.¡± Zhai Hua seemed to be weary.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I am not in a hurry to buy clothes. You can drive the car to a quiet ce, like somewhere near the park. We can have a good chat about this.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Hua was determined to do that. Since Qiao Nan did not disapprove of her idea, she stopped the car near a park. ¡°I am all ears.¡±

    ¡°The first method is to find someone to have a fake marriage. After you have a child, you can file for divorce. This is the safest way.¡± The child will be recognized under thew. ¡°Of course, you have to choose the man carefully. After all, it is your child. Although you are merely marrying him to have a child, you must check thoroughly. There may be gic issues. And your ultimate goal is the child, not the man. You have to make sure that after having the child, he won¡¯t pester you and will agree to a divorce.¡±

    ¡°It seems that this is a good method. But it will not be easy to execute.¡± Zhai Hua felt that it would not be easy to find a man who was willing to donate his sperms, was healthy, and would agree to part ways with her.

    If the man met all the conditions, he must be an outstanding man and he would have high self-esteem.

    If the man woulde and go as long as he was paid a sum of money, Zhai Hua felt that he must not have good genes. She did not want to take the risk with her future child.

    ¡°The second method is to wait for your turn at the sperm bank. However, they would only ept certain kinds of cases. In general, one has to have fertility problems to be able to qualify for it. If one is chosen and manages to be pregnant and gives birth to a child, they still have to deal with the legitimacy issue of the child.¡±

    ¡°I feel that this problem could be easily solved and I don¡¯t need to have a fake marriage!¡± Initially, Zhai Hua had a headache over this issue, but a thought crossed her mind. She had set her designs on Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you think it will work if I arrange for the child to be Zhai Sheng and your child? Since the child belongs to me, there is no problem for the child to take the surname of Zhai.¡±

 Chapter 1047 - Splurging Like A Baller

    <h4>1047 Splurging Like A Baller</h4>

    ¡°What a fool.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you know of the policy in our country? If the child is mine and Brother Zhai, and we have our own child, I will not be able to give birth to the child. If the two children are born at the same time, we can im that they are twins.¡±

    ¡°How about adoption?¡± She could not stop her brother from having a child. Zhai Hua was thinking hard of ways such that it would work for everyone. ¡°The child will be Zhai Sheng and your child. By the time the child is registered under your household, I can adopt the child.¡±

    Once she adopted the child, Qiao Nan would then be allowed to have children with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Are you sure that by then, you are suitable to adopt a child?¡± Qiao Nan was not from thew faculty. She was not familiar with the rtedws.

    Anyway, in the previous life, when she gave up the idea of having her own child and decided to adopt someone else¡¯s child, she discovered that it was not that easy to adopt a child. As soon as she realized that she did not meet the requirements, she closed the website and did not read the details.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember very well, but ording to the adoptionw, it seems to say that the adopted family must provide the child with aplete family.¡± In other words, if Zhai Hua was without a man, she did not fulfill the requirement to adopt a child.

    Zhai Hua pulled her hair in frustration. ¡°Is there a third method?¡±

    She only wanted to have a child. Why was it such a difficult task? Why was it that if she did not have a boyfriend, none of the methods worked for her?

    ¡°The third method is more expensive, and you have to read up on this technology. This is only hearsay, and I don¡¯t know the details. You should have heard about test tube baby. The technology is called in vitro fertilization. It means that an egg isbined with a sperm outside the body, in vitro. Then, it is imnted in the woman¡¯s uterus. If the surrogate pregnancy is sessful, then the baby will be given birth after ten months of pregnancy.¡±

    ¡°Hmm...¡± Zhai Hua was clueless about the technical aspects of this technology.

    Qiao Nan sounded very serious and convincing as she was exining to her. Zhai Hua felt incredible and at the same time, she took Qiao Nan¡¯s words for real. ¡°What happens next?¡± Until now, she had heard about in vitro fertilization, test tube baby, and surrogate mother. But all these did not seem relevant to her situation.

    ¡°The reason why a woman can have a baby is that the ovaries can produce eggs. After a certain period, the ovarian function cannot be maintained. Right now, you are still young and can ovte normally. You can go to a specialized department for them to take out the healthy eggs in your body and to freeze and store them forter use. In that case, you can take your time to look for the man that you like. By then, even if you are too old to have a child, you can get the man to provide the sperms and arrange for a surrogate mother. The doctor can perform the in vitro fertilization and it might work.¡±

    Qiao Nan had provided many solutions to her problem. ¡°But you have to know that among the three methods, thisst method would cost a lot of money.¡±

    Zhai Hua was dumbstruck. ¡°Nan Nan, how do you know all theseplicated technologies and details?!¡±

    Before having a conversation with Qiao Nan, she had never heard of these methods. ¡°Regarding the third method that you mentioned, does our country have this technology?¡±

    ¡°Our country does not, but you can check out other countries.¡± Qiao Nan pressed her lips tightly, pain evident in her eyes.

    She knew all these because she was driven to nuts by her mother in the previous life. She had no other choice but to use all means and methods to find out the rted information on how she could have a child of her own.

    These three methods had something inmon¡ªit required a lot of money!

    Qiao Nan did not have money. If she really had the child, the child would not have legal citizenship in the country.

    In the end, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to give up on her n.

    ¡°The fourth method is to go overseas. The child is not legally epted in China. Therefore, you can go overseas to apply for a United States permanent resident card. You can try your luck at the foreign sperm bank. However, your surname is Zhai and you are a soldier. I don¡¯t think the Zhai family will allow its descendants to be a non-Chinese citizen of Chinese ancestry.¡±

    Once they applied for the United States permanent resident card, the child¡¯s nationality would no longer be China.

    Given the temper of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan felt that this method would not be feasible.

    ¡°The fifth method is to find a man. You have yet to reach thirty years old. You are still in your prime. You still have ten years to try your luck at having a child. Why don¡¯t you put a hold on your career progression? You can set aside your job at the army and focus all your energy on blind dating. You should try hard to find a man that you like with whom you can spend the rest of your life. Once you find a suitable man, you will have your child eventually.¡±

    The first three methods were based on the research that Qiao Nan did in her previous life. The remaining two methods were meant to encourage Zhai Hua.

    No matter what, Zhai Hua had yet to reach thirty years old. She was still in her prime. Unlike her, she was already close to forty years old in the previous life. Even if she came up with five methods of having a child, none of the methods worked for her.

    Although Qiao Nan was very clear in her exnation, Zhai Hua was getting all confused. ¡°I-I will consider it carefully. Do I need to read up on this?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I will do some reading.¡± Qiao Nan had provided her with five methods. There had to be one that worked for her!

    Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. Even though all the five methods seemedplicated, she had to decide on one and worked on it.

    Seeing that Zhai Hua seemed very determined, although Qiao Nan said that she would make Zhai Hua pay for all her spending today, she did not buy any clothes. She only chose a camel-colored coat today.

    On the contrary, Zhai Hua seemed to be dealt with some heavy blows. Whenever she saw any clothes that were suitable for Qiao Nan, she would ask the salespersons for Qiao Nan¡¯s size and for her to try it on.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan looked nice on it, Zhai Hua would pay for them without another word. It was as if she was spending money to buy clothes for her daughter.

    What made Qiao Nan speechless was that the clothes that Zhai Hua wanted her to try on were all pastel and sweet colors.

    Qiao Nan was pretty-looking and she had a pleasing andforting aura. She looked as if she was sixteen or seventeen years old in those clothes.

    Zhai Hua had yet to recover from her break up with Wei De. Some people even mistook Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan for mother and daughter.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, that is enough!¡± Qiao Nan felt like crying at all the bags of clothes that were ced on the floor. The number of clothes that she bought in the two lifetimes was not as many as the clothes that she bought today.

 Chapter 1048 - Act Quickly, Mercilessly, Accurately!

    1048 Act Quickly, Mercilessly, urately!

    Did Sister Zhai Hua intend to use all her savings to buy clothes for her?

    ¡°It is not enough. You will not grow any taller. If the clothes are of high quality, you can wear them for many years. You may not be willing to spend this money, but some people are trying hard to spend it.¡± Zhai Hua sneered.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. Sister Zhai Hua must be talking about Wei De. Wei De was thinking of making use of Sister Zhau Hua to make lots of money and save up all the money for Wei Wei.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t spend it on my family, don¡¯t tell me that I have to save it for outsiders? I am not that foolish!¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, since you are determined to spend as much as you wish, why don¡¯t you buy some clothes for your parents and the old master? They will be ecstatic to receive gifts from you.¡± They would be even more thrilled to know that the money was taken from Wei De.

    If Zhai Hua spent money on her family, she would not feel the pinch that she had wasted her efforts on Wei De. The Zhai family would be all the more happy to know that.

    ¡°You are right. Let¡¯s buy something for all of them.¡± Zhai Hua waved her arms. She was determined to spend as much money as she liked.

    In the end, it took them a lot of effort to bring all the clothes onto the car. ¡°Alright, this is a rewarding shopping trip. Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Zhai Hua was especially thrilled when staring at the back seat which was filled with shopping bags. It was no wonder that women liked to go shopping. The feeling was great.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home for the Lunar New Year.¡± Qiao Nan slumped on the passenger seat, feeling exhausted.

    The two of them finally reached home. The helper saw that they carried many shopping bags with them and rushed out to help them.

    Zhai Hua was not stingy. The helper had been working at the Zhai family¡¯s residence for many years and she was a hardworking and responsible worker. She also bought a sweater for her. ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, auntie.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± The auntie blushed. She never expected that among all the clothes that they bought, there would be one that was for her. She was so happy that she was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, old master.¡± Zhai Hua greeted the old master and passed him a few shopping bags. They contained a full set of clothes, from the inner wear to the outer wear.

    The old master was stunned by the shopping bags. Was Lunar New Yearing or was it the Christmas Day that foreigners used to celebrate?

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Mom.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, well, you can keep his for him. Everyone, have a happy Lunar New Year. Me too!¡± All the dresses in her wardrobe were given to her by Wei De, but she had returned everything to Wei De.

    Today, Zhai Hua spent her own money to buy clothes for herself and it was rare that she bought a few winter dresses for herself.

    From now onward, if she wore a dress, it had nothing to do with Wei De.

    The Zhai family was stunned at receiving new clothes from Zhai Hua. Miao Jing opened the shopping bags to take a look. ¡°Has hell frozen over?¡±

    Zhai Hua did give them gifts in the past, but she would give them bullets or tank models. Her gifts seemed more suitable for children to y with.

    It was news that she gave them proper presents today!

    ¡°The clothes are pretty nice. This pair of shoes looks good as well.¡± Miao Jing was quite satisfied with her presents. ¡°Did you pick them by yourself?¡± Miao Jing had a look of disbelief on her face. Her daughter did not know what kind of clothes and shoes to buy.

    Zhai Hua was unhappy. ¡°I paid for them!¡±

    The person who paid for it was the boss!

    ¡°It is no use if you have the money but do not have the taste.¡± Miao Jing made a dig at her daughter. ¡°Given all those presents that you gave me in the past, even if you are willing to spend money to buy me clothes, I will not dare to wear them.¡±

    She was not a soldier or a toughdy. It was pointless for her to dress up in that way.

    ¡°Good, very good.¡± Old Master Zhai sided with Zhai Hua. ¡°I am very happy. I am already at this age, and my granddaughter is being filial to me.¡± It was good to smile and joke with the family.

    Hua Hua had finally recovered from her break up.

    Qiao Nan, who was too tired, slumped in her chair, embarrassed. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you have bought so many clothes for me. There is no way for me to bring them home.¡±

    ¡°What is the...¡± Zhai Hua wanted to say that she could keep them in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. They would be married next year, so there was no need to bring the clothes back home only to bring them here again.

    Qiao Nan rushed in to say, ¡°Since you bought the clothes, I will bring them to your room. I will also sleep in your room tonight.¡±

    ¡°If you sleep in my room, where do I sleep then?¡± Zhai Hua arched her eyebrows. She was taking what used to belong to her.

    Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°There are so many rooms. You can stay in whichever room that you like.¡± Qiao Nan felt more at ease at the Zhai family¡¯s residence than at her house.

    ¡°Hahaha. Both of you are girls. You can share a room. It will not be a problem.¡± Miao Jing weed the idea that Qiao Nan shared the room with her daughter.

    It was really important to have the right daughter-inw. She would bring luck to their family and she could advise her daughter.

    After finding out the kind of person that Wei De was, Miao Jing would have nightmares from time to time. She dreamed that if Qiao Nan was not around, Zhai Hua would refuse to listen to them and insist on being with Wei De.

    In the end, they had to give in and agreed to their marriage. Zhai Hua would be Wei Wei¡¯s stepmother and everything that she worked hard for would be given to Wei Wei.

    What was most terrifying was that there was a woman in her dream and Wei Wei greeted her as his mother.

    Wei De carried Wei Wei in his arms and the woman stood by their side. Zhai Hua stood by herself opposite the three of them. The dream was so terrifying that Miao Jing jolted up from the nightmare.

    Wei De kept saying that he was true to Zhai Hua, and that he did not love the wife that he held the wedding banquet with. But he had to be responsible for her.

    However, no one could guarantee that Wei De¡¯s words could be trusted.

    If Wei De intended to marry Zhai Hua while maintaining his marriage with his wife in the countryside, to have the best of both worlds, what could Hua Hua do about it? Hua Hua worked hard to earn the money. How could she allow the woman in the countryside to enjoy the fruits of herbor?

    At the thought of her recent nightmare, Miao Jing had nothing but hatred for them. It was simr to her hatred for Qi Min in the past.

    Fortunately, those were just nightmares.

    Her son was very perceptive and he was engaged to Nan Nan, who was perfect in all aspects. It was indeed their luck to have Nan Nan as their daughter-inw.

    Miao Jing felt that the best decision that Zhai Sheng had made in this life was to insist on being with Qiao Nan, and he became her boyfriend even when she was still very young.

    Miao Jing was perceptive of the things that were happening around her.

    She knew that a few years ago, the son from the Zhu family was on very good terms with Qiao Nan.

    All of them were still very young. Nan Nan was pretty-looking, had a good temper, and did well in her studies. She believed that the son from the Zhu family was interested in Nan Nan.

    One had to act quickly, mercilessly, and urately, like her son, in matters of the heart. If one was too slow, one would have to live in regrets for the rest of their life!

 Chapter 1049 - I Donâ€™t Care Anymore

    Chapter 1049 I Don¡¯t Care Anymore

    Thinking of this, Miao Jing felt pleased and energized as if she had drunk some tonics. ¡°Today, Nan Nan will sleep in Hua Hua¡¯s room. The two youngdies can have more time to chat and discuss life. Isn¡¯t that good?¡±

    Miao Jing could finally set her mind at ease now that Zhai Hua was willing to leave Wei De. But she had another problem to worry about.

    Her daughter was no longer young. Since Wei De was not suitable for her, they had to break up right away. But she had to find another boyfriend as soon as possible.

    She wanted both her son and daughter to be married and start a family.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Zhai Hua replied. The other rooms were not asfortable as her room. Besides, she also wanted to discuss with Qiao Nan regarding the issue of having children.

    The Zhai family was chatting happily when the auntie was needed outside the house. By the time she returned, there was a strange look on her face. She kept looking at Qiao Nan as if she had something to say.

    ¡°Auntie, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nan did not make things difficult for the auntie. She waited until the auntie returned to the kitchen before she came up with an excuse, saying that she was thirsty, and went to the kitchen to pour a cup of tea for herself. Now that they were alone by themselves, she took the chance to ask the auntie what was wrong.

    There was evident concern in the auntie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, I don¡¯t know if I should tell you or not. I feel that you will be upset if you find out about it. But at the same time, I am worried that if you are kept in the dark, you will be deceived by others.¡±

    ¡°What happened? Is it that serious?¡±

    ¡°One of the neighbors in the quad told me that two hours ago, your mom and your sister carried a lot of bags with them and went out.¡± Today was the day before Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. Most people would spend their time with their families.

    Besides, everyone in the quad knew that the Qiao family did not have many rtives.

    Qiao Dongliang and the two daughters were the only ones left in the Qiao family. Moreover, Ding Jiayi had severed all ties with the Ding family.

    Where could Ding Jiayi be going with so many bags on a special day like the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve?

    She would most probably be looking for Qiao Dongliang.

    The couple had a divorce and they did not part happily. Why would they be in contact with each other now? Were they thinking of reconciling with each other?

    Otherwise, why did they not have another partner despite having divorced many years ago?

    The auntie would side with Qiao Nan no matter what. She felt that as long as Ding Jiayi was around, Qiao Nan would not have good days ahead of her.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was about to be married to Zhai Sheng and she would be part of the Zhai family.

    Perhaps Ding Jiayi had yet to reconcile with Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan would have already married Zhai Sheng.

    Ding Jiayi might be harsh to Qiao Nan, but after Qiao Nan left the family, she could not possibly go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to bully her.

    ¡°Two hours?¡± Qiao Nan lowered her eyes and curled the corners of her lips. ¡°Auntie, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. But I have to thank you for telling me about this piece of news. If they want to get back together, so be it. Back then, my dad felt that he could not live the rest of his life with my mom, so he filed for a divorce. Perhaps he now feels that he will have a better life being with my mom. I did not stop him from getting a divorce. If he wants to marry, I will not object either.¡±

    Two hours...

    If her father did not ept Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, they did not even need two hours to travel to and fro the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the small quad. At most, they would only need one and a half hours.

    In that case, although her father did not agree to go back to have dinner with them on the first day of the Lunar New Year, he allowed Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to have dinner with him on the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve.

    Qiao Nan could not help but feel disgusted.

    She was relieved that back then, she had not thought of taking advantage of Ping Cheng High School. She intended to return the house to the school after she had some money. That was why she never told her father that the house actually belonged to her.

    Otherwise, some people might be ill-disciplined and out of control when they were at the house.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you have sorted out your thoughts. You are about to get married. Times have changed, but some old sayings are still very true. A daughter married is like water spilled. In the future, you have your inws, the chief, madam, and the entire family on your side.¡±

    The auntie patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. Some people did not know to cherish her or realize her value. However, there were people who treasured Qiao Nan and recognized her value. They would do anything to protect and safeguard her.

    She should not be bothered with these people!

    ¡°Auntie, I will leave the kitchen first.¡± Qiao Nan brought a teapot of freshly brewed tea out to the living room. She remembered that she came up with this excuse to go to the kitchen.

    Even though the auntie and Qiao Nan kept a low profile, the Zhai family was sharp and perceptive. Their behavior did not go unnoticed.

    There were only a few members in the Qiao family.

    There were only a few people that would be able to irritate and upset Qiao Nan.

    The elders in the Zhai family kept their silence, but Zhai Hua could not contain her sharp tongue. ¡°Did you leave any valuables at home?¡±

    Perhaps after spending a night at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, the valuables would be gone by the time Qiao Nan went back home.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan poured tea for everyone. ¡°I have deposited all the money that I earned while working and studying to my bank ount. It¡¯s easier for the school to deduct the tuition fees. As for the card, I did not bring it with me. I have left it at my master¡¯s house.¡±

    Valuables?

    Although the house belonged to her, she was not used to keeping any valuables at the ce where she seldom stayed in.

    Zhai Hua had not been to the Lin family¡¯s residence in the capital.

    Therefore, she was not aware that Lin Yuankang¡¯s house was not a ce that anyone could enter.

    In Lin Yuankang¡¯s house, there was a safe deposit box hidden behind one of the drawings that were hung on the wall in the room that Qiao Nan stayed in. Lin Yuankang told Qiao Nan the password so that she could keep her valuables inside the safe.

    After opening the safe deposit box, Qiao Nan realized that Lin Yuankang had left many valuables in the safe.

    Initially, Qiao Nan thought that she would not have the chance to use the safe deposit box. However...

    After Qiao Nan went to the capital for her college studies, Qiao Dongliang handed all the important documents like her identity card and household register of family members for Qiao Nan to safeguard.

    As time passed by, Qiao Nan began to use the safe deposit box to keep her valuables.

    Qiao Nan would be staying in the capital for four years. She would have to keep her valuables in the safe deposit box.

    When she was in Ping Cheng, she would not keep her valuables at the house that Ping Cheng High School gave her. She would pass all the valuables to Zhai Sheng for him to bring it back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°I heard from Zhai Sheng that the house that you and your dad are living in belongs to you. Where is the title deed?¡± Zhai Hua felt that it was better to be on the safe side.

    Ding Jiayi took the money from Qiao Nan¡¯s schrship four to five years ago and spent it on the other daughter.

 Chapter 1050 - Shun Her Biological Daughter

    1050 Shun Her Biological Daughter

    She had not seen Ding Jiayi for four to five years. Ding Jiayi¡¯s power must have increased and she might do things that were multiple times worse than before. Ding Jiayi should be the kind of person that did not have a limit in her behavior.

    ¡°Nan Nan, that house belongs to you?¡± This was the first time that Miao Jing heard about this.

    ¡°Yes, earlier on, the owners of the house came back. They were willing to give me the house at no cost. Their children seem to be nning to return to Ping Cheng to coborate with Ping Cheng High School. I am not sure about the specific arrangements. Brother Zhai said that they will never shortchange themselves. After the ownership was transferred, I passed the deed title of that house to Brother Zhai. Hence, it should be with the Zhai family.¡±

    Even if her mother were to spend the Lunar New Year in that house and turned it upside down, she would not be able to find anything.

    ¡°It seems that they took some actions this year. The good thing is that this is just the beginning. They may be too much, but most likely, they won¡¯t do that yet. My dad¡¯s temper is not that soft and my mom won¡¯t be so foolish.¡± Of course, if there were increasing conflicts after some time, her mother might dare to do such things.

    ¡°The title deed is at my house!¡± Zhai Hua spoke as she was stunned by this news. ¡°Zhai Sheng¡¯s actions are so quick.¡± Qiao Nan had not been officially married but her house had entered the Zhai family first.

    Not to mention Zhai Hua, even Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were surprised by this situation.

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s face twisted a little. ¡°It seems that he has been harboring ¡®intentions¡¯ for a long time.¡±

    When the youngdy was still a junior high school student, he had already helped link her up with such a prominent master like Lin Yuankang. Following that, the title deed of the house that she was staying at had be his.

    Old Master Zhai did not believe that Zhai Sheng did not do anything about the matter regarding that house.

    Of course, Old Master Zhai believed that, at most, Zhai Sheng only acted as a catalyst. He wouldn¡¯t resort to shameful means such as force, deception, coercion, or bribery.

    However, this proved that his grandson¡¯s feelings toward the youngdy started a long time ago.

    ¡°Once he fixes on a target, he is vicious and urate in taking action. This is truly the style of a soldier.¡± It was seldom that Zhai Yaohui expressed his approval instead of trampling on his son at this moment.

    This was such a finedy. Of course, the earlier one took action, the better.

    Otherwise, how could the Zhai family have meat now while the Zhu family only had soup to drink?

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, Zhu Baoguo had been led to the right path and his strayed mindset had been corrected. Zhai Yaohui could understand why Zhu Chengqi wished to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter.

    Zhu Chengqi had secretly spoken about this matter to Zhai Yaohui.

    It was also because of Qiao Nan that the rtionship between the Zhai family and the Zhu family became very good. Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Yaohui had formed a secret alliance.

    Zhu Chengqi openly and honestly told Zhai Yaohui that his son had feelings toward Qiao Nan but Zhu Chengqi only saw Qiao Nan as his daughter.

    Once Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, in his eyes, Zhai Sheng would be his son-inw.

    Everyone would be inws. Naturally, he had to interact more closely with the Zhai family.

    He was going to have an additional formidable ally such as the Zhu family. There was no reason for Zhai Yaohui to decline or feel unhappy about this.

    Besides the Zhu family, the Lee family had also been on good terms with the Zhai family recently.

    Zhai Yaohui did not just stay at home all day and do nothing. He had been taking care of these rtionships. Hence, he was well aware that the Zhai family¡¯s power had been strengthening gradually. Amidst all these, the greatest credit went to Qiao Nan, this future daughter-inw.

    As for Lin Yuankang, he had not expressed anything until now.

    However, this did not bother Zhai Yaohui at all.

    Although Lin Yuankang did not express his stance to the Zhai family, his care for Qiao Nan was not any less.

    Lin Yuankang had been nurturing his little disciple wholeheartedly. This was a great thing for the Zhai family and would also benefit them eventually.

    With this, Zhai Yaohui had already categorized Lin Yuankang as one of his people.

    The few truly powerful figures in Ping Cheng had been secretly twisted into a rope because of Qiao Nan. The people in the capital did not know much about this situation but Zhai Yaohui was aware in his heart.

    As he drank the tea prepared by Qiao Nan, he felt so happy and at ease.

    It was true. Where could he find such a good daughter-inw?!

    Zhai Yaohui had not spoken about it before, but his thoughts were simr to his wife, Miao Jing: Their son was very capable. The best thing that he had done was to find the right wife.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s praise for Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua sneered continuously. ¡°This is a May-December romance, yet everyone is so smug about it. Where is your shame?¡± They felt proud instead of shameful about it. Where were the values, morals, and characters? Where were the boundaries?

    Zhai Yaohui put down his cup of tea and looked at Zhai Yaohui indifferently. ¡°You can do the same too.¡±

    If Hua Hua could find someone simr to Qiao Nan¡ªno, half as good as Qiao Nan, regardless of the other party¡¯s age and situation, he would ept him as long as he was true to Hua Hua.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, do you have a tendency toward May-December romance?¡± Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. So, Sister Zhai Hua also wanted to find someone younger than her?

    Zhai Hua tugged the corners of her lips weakly. ¡°I have not met anyone suitable currently. If I like him, I am not particr about his age!¡±

    After meeting a scum like Wei De, Zhai Hua discovered that her tolerance level and resilience had improved tremendously.

    The rest of the things did not matter. Most importantly, she would have to like the person first.

    ¡°Old master, dinner is ready,¡± the auntie wiped her hands and said softly.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Old Master Zhai took a nce at the clock. ¡°It¡¯s already seven old o¡¯clock. The sky is getting darker. No wonder I am feeling hungry. Let¡¯s quickly have our meal.¡±

    Once Old Master Zhai gave the orders, everyone from the Zhai family proceeded to the dining table.

    It was the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. There were a few more dishes on the dining table in the Zhai family today. There were also the auntie¡¯s specialty dishes.

    Miao Jing was piling Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl with dishes enthusiastically. ¡°Nan Nan, you have to go to school and take exams in normal times. Eat more and well. Never shortchange yourself. Don¡¯t be polite with us. If there is anything you want to eat, you have to tell auntie and ask her to make it for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡± Looking at the bowl that was piled with a mountain of dishes, Qiao Nan smiled. The burden in her heart disappeared and she started eating happily.

    After eating and drinking to their hearts¡¯ contents, the family sat together to watch television and chat. About nine o¡¯clock, one by one, everyone returned to their rooms.

    The clothes that Zhai Hua bought for Qiao Nan today were new and could not be worn yet.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan still had Miao Miao, this mother-inw. After knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s size, during the six months Qiao Nan was studying in college in the capital, Miao Jing had helped Qiao Nan organize and decorate thetter¡¯s wardrobe ording to her preferences.

 Chapter 1051 - Sudden and Violent Hur

    1051 Sudden and Violent Hur

    Miao Jing had the habit of washing all her new clothes, besides jackets, before wearing.

    Hence, after Miao Jing bought the clothes for Qiao Nan, she first cut away the tags before passing them to the auntie to wash and dry. She would then gradually ce them in the closet in Zhai Sheng¡¯s bedroom.

    Zhai Sheng was seldom at home. He only had a few clothes, such as T-shirts for exercising and army uniforms.

    As such, Zhai Sheng¡¯s big closet was almost empty.

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes were added, there were gradually some feelings of life and vitality.

    When Miao Jing knew that Qiao Nan would be staying at the house of the Zhai family today, she told Qiao Nan that she could simply look for the clothes in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and wear whatever she would love to.

    Because of this, Zhai Hua immediately yelled that Qiao Nan was spoiled. ¡°Take a look. Zhai Sheng¡¯s closet doesn¡¯t have many of his clothes, yet you have stuffed in so much of yours. These are multiple times more than that of Zhai Sheng. Earlier, you held me back when I wanted to talk and even insisted to store all these new clothes in my room. What for? Let me tell you. Previously, the situation of my closet was not any better than Zhai Sheng, but from today onward, I will slowly fill this closet with my clothes. Don¡¯t store yours in mine. I can¡¯t amodate them!¡±

    Without any reservation, Zhai Hua threw all the bags of new clothes that she bought for Qiao Nan today into Zhai Sheng¡¯s room with a loud pop. When she saw that, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry.

    The Zhai family¡¯s attitudes were already so obvious. Regardless of how embarrassed Qiao Nan felt, she had to brace herself and ept it.

    When Qiao Nan opened Zhai Sheng¡¯s closet and looked in... It was indeed so.

    Zhai Sheng had too few clothes and the colors were simple. If one were to twist all of his clothes and pile them at a corner, they would not even enter one¡¯s vision.

    On the contrary, her collection of clothes included real silk dresses for summer, suits for spring and autumn, and thick coats for winter. They were individually segregated and hung up in a row tidily.

    The moment she opened the closet door, Qiao Nan could smell the fragrant ofundry detergent from the clothes.

    There was not only outer wear. When Qiao Nan opened the two drawers at the bottom, they were filled with her belongings.

    The first drawer had bras of various colors and designs.

    As one would expect, naturally, the second drawer below had different kinds of panties.

    In two lifetimes, this was the first time Qiao Nan had the taste of being cared for and loved by someone at all times from the heart.

    The greatest problem that other women faced in their lives was the mother and daughter-inw rtionship, while they were usually on the best term with their biological mother. Comparing herself to other women, Qiao Nanughed.

    She was not unfortunate. On the contrary, she was very blessed.

    At least, in this lifetime, she had only lived for more than ten years with her mother. In her next few decades of life, she had to spend it with Miao Jing, this mother-inw!

    ¡°You really came over. Why don¡¯t you sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room directly?¡± Zhai Hua, who had just finished bathing, was drying her hair when she saw Qiao Nan bringing her clothes over. She looked puzzled. ¡°I think you have studied too much. Why are you so inflexible?¡±

    They would be collecting the marriage certificate in two months.

    Honestly, even if Qiao Nan were to sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and share a bed and nket with Zhai Sheng when he was present, no one in the whole world was qualified to say ¡®no¡¯ to Qiao Nan.

    Moreover, Zhai Sheng was not at home today and Qiao Nan would be having the room all to herself.

    Besides, this was the house of the Zhai family. The Zhai family did not have the habit of telling outsiders about their private matters.

    ¡°Do you think others will believe it even if you don¡¯t sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room?¡± In other people¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were already bolted tightly.

    Qiao Nan untied her hair and walked into the bathroom with her pajamas and panties. ¡°I don¡¯t want others to believe me. I just want you to believe me.¡± Sister Zhai Hua was already very good at talking. Now that she had fallen out of love, her words were too piercing when she red up and spoke.

    She did not wish to take issue with Sister Zhai Hua but also wanted to avoid such a situation.

    Who would be happy to hear others badmouthing her every day?

    If Sister Zhai Hua were to overdo it, she might not be able to control her temper if she was provoked by Sister Zhai Hua.

    She definitely would have a head-on confrontation with someone had just fallen out of love.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Zhai Hua was a little unhappy. Qiao Nan knew that she had fallen out of love and needed someone to console her. Why did she have to expose her small thoughts? Could she not give her a chance to nag about it?

    As Qiao Nan had just finished bathing, her ck and waist-length hair was wrapped in a towel to absorb the water.

    Zhai Hua, who did not have any experience of having long hair in her entire life, seemed to find it rare. ¡°Is it very troublesome to grow such long hair? Have you thought of cutting it before?¡±

    Qiao Nan stopped drying her hair. ¡°I have thought of cutting it before but Brother Zhai persuaded me not to.¡±

    Last month, her mother pulled her hair and hit her. She was furious and wanted to cut her hair. In the end, Brother Zhai stopped her.

    Qiao Nan did not have much impression of what happened when she was drunk. When she was awake, Qiao Nan was still thinking about this idea.

    Before she could cut her hair, she stopped due to a phone call from Brother Zhai. ¡°Nan Nan, unless you cut a hairstyle that is simr to that of Zhai Hua, it is meaningless no matter how you cut it.¡±

    Due to this call, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. In the end, she changed her mind about the decision to cut her hair.

    In her previous life, she once witnessed a couple fighting. That man¡¯s hair was not long and simr to a clean haircut. Even so, that tough woman could still tug at and pull his hair. She was very skillful with her hands. That man was in so much pain that his face became distorted!

    In her second lifetime, the only thing that Qiao Nan would decide as per her wish was her hairstyle.

    Initially, she conceived the idea of cutting it as she was too furious. Qiao Nan did not dare to wear a hairstyle that was simr to that of Zhai Hua.

    ¡°In my impression, your hair was not that long in the past. At most, it was a little longer than your shoulder.¡± Since she was young, no one had really stopped her when she went to the hairdresser, not even...

    ¡°Yes. When Brother Zhai wooed me in the past, he said ¡®he will marry me when my hair reaches the waist.¡±

    ¡°...¡± In that instant, Zhai Hua had a feeling that thousands of arrows were piercing through her heart, almost killing her. After making a few sounds of vomiting blood, she threw herself to the bed and pretended to be dead.

    As Qiao Nanbed her hair and looked at how bubbly Zhai Hua was, she felt extremely amused and happy. Her hair almost reached her waist and Brother Zhai was going to marry her soon.

    The beds in the house of the Zhai family were big enough. Each bed was more than enough to amodate two people.

    Most importantly, Zhai Hua¡¯s sleeping posture was better than that of Miao Jing. Perhaps she had taken too huge a blow, but Zhai Hua did not turn or hug Qiao Nan as if thetter was a bolster.

    As such, on the night of the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve, Qiao Nan slept extremely well. She was in good spirits when she woke up the next day.

 Chapter 1052 - Came at the Right Time

    1052 Came at the Right Time

    ¡°Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you stay for another night?¡± On the second day, after finishing her breakfast, Qiao Nan expressed that she hoped Zhai Hua could send her home. Miao Jing could not bear to leave Qiao Nan. ¡°Anyway, it is just a few days. It makes no difference whether you go back or not.¡±

    It was not because of other reasons. Early in the morning, Miao Jing had received some news and she was not willing to let Qiao Nan go home.

    She could not understand Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior. She also heard rumors from the outside. She was not used to it and she could not ept them.

    Other people were unaware but Miao Jing was. Many years ago, Qiao Dongliang divorced Ding Jiayi because he could not continue to live with thetter. Miao Jing knew for a fact that the divorce did not have anything to do with Qiao Nan.

    Miao Jing had heard Qiao Nan telling Qiao Dongliang more than once that he had to consider very carefully about his intention of getting a divorce. Qiao Dongliang couldpletely put aside Qiao Nan and decide whether he would like to continue with the marriage based on his thoughts and feelings.

    At that time, Miao Jing felt that Qiao Nan was too softhearted. She had been cornered so badly by her biological mother, yet she did not sow discord. Instead, she spared so much consideration in all areas for her parents.

    If it were other children, out of anger for a biological mother like Ding Jiayi, they could not wait for their parents to divorce as soon as possible. If nothing were to happen, they would also create some issues so that the biological father would agree to divorce earlier.

    However, Qiao Nan did not do that. She even persuaded and stopped Qiao Dongliang when he first spoke about divorce.

    At that time, Miao Jing felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s kindness was unnecessary. It was too wasteful on Ding Jiayi.

    However, today, Miao Jing discovered that there was a need to do so!

    This was not just the problem of being kind to Ding Jiayi. Who would have known that Qiao Dongliang, a grown-up man, would be so fickle-minded?

    When they divorced, the people in the quad said that the couple¡¯s rtionship was broken. They had divorced as they really could not live with each other for the rest of their lives.

    Yesterday, the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve, Ding Jiayi brought Qiao Zijin back to look for Qiao Dongliang. They were not chased out. Last night, the mother-daughter pair did not even go home.

    Undoubtedly, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had stayed in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s housest night. Wasn¡¯t this going to lead to a revival of the marriage?

    As such, the rumors in the quad began to change.

    Someone was spreading that Qiao Dongliang insisted to divorce Ding Jiayi previously all because he wanted to protect Qiao Nan.

    Very soon, Qian Nan would be married to Zhai Sheng and be part of the Zhai family. Qiao Dongliang felt that he hadpleted his mission and was prepared to lead his own life. As such, he had paired up with Ding Jiayi again and they were going to patch up.

    At the thought of all these, Miao Jing felt that this Lunar New Year should be a happy one but she was forced to be angry.

    Qiao Dongliang was not much better than Ding Jiayi!

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper. This saying was true. There must be a reason that these two individuals could be a couple.

    Qiao Nan was drinking her tea calmly. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t need to worry about me. Sister Zhai Hua has already told me the situation.¡± Sister Zhai Hua had very sharp ears. None of the news in the quad could escape her ears.

    Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua unhappily. Zhai Hua shrugged her shoulders innocently. The truth was a little hurting. Nevertheless, she did that so that Qiao Nan would be prepared, lest she be dealt with a great below when she saw it herself.

    Furthermore, in her view, Qiao Nan was very strong and resilient. She was not any weaker than the cockroaches in her house.

    It was better to find out the temperament of her family members in case Qiao Nan made things difficult for herself in the future. Just take her case as an example. After she knew what kind of scum Wei De was, she was able to kick him away viciously and with all her might.

    Old Master Zhai said without any haste, ¡°No issue. When youe to our house, everything will be alright.¡± He did not have the habit of looking down at poor inws, but if the other party was outrageous, there was no need to have such a close rtionship with them.

    Zhai Yaohui was calmly flipping through his newspapers. ¡°During ourst trip to the capital in August, the leaders have already intended to let us go over. I estimate that Zhai Sheng will be transferred over by thising year.¡±

    In other words, after the Lunar New Year, the Zhai family would change their ce of stay, after their daughter-inw was married into the family.

    When the time came, the Qiao family of three could mix around as much as they wished. That would be the trio¡¯s business.

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Zhai Hua mmed the table. ¡°Is it time to go to the capital?¡± Many years ago, the old master was considered to have retired at the peak of his career. Although he was very qualified to remain in the capital, he had thought of ways to return to Ping Cheng. Thereafter, he passed the baton to his son and went to live in seclusion in the countryside with his group of former veteran revolutionaries.

    Zhai Hua knew that Old Master Zhai was also someone ambitious. His exterior appearance was burly but his heart was not. He seemed to be impatient but he actually had very clear ns and thoughts in his mind.

    When she was still a child, Zhai Hua remembered that Old Master Zhai had told her before that the time was not ripe yet. However, they would still have to go back one day.

    When she heard the old master say this today, Zhai Hua knew that it was time for the Zhai family to ¡®go back¡¯.

    ¡°It is time,¡± the old master said with certainty.

    Zhai Hua propped up her legs. ¡°This really came at the right time.¡±

    For the sake of money and power, Wei De had been dauntless and persistent despite multiple setbacks. He was as annoying as a fly.

    Moreover, after the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan, her sister-inw, would be studying in the capital.

    If the Zhai family had gone to the capital, in the future, Qiao Nan did not need to stay up all night to travel back to Ping Cheng during the holidays. It was not a problem for Qiao Nan to go home every day then!

    Upon hearing the ns of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan was a little surprised. On the other, she also felt that this was expected.

    After all, in her previous life, after the Qiao family moved out of the quad, the Zhai family moved to the capital. They became prominent figures that the Qiao family would only see on the television asionally.

    A few days ago, Qiao Nan had been speechless that the Zhai family was very firm and insistent that she and Brother Zhai collect their marriage certificate in February.

    The problem was that she would already be in school on the day of her birthday, the day she was eligible to collect the marriage certificate.

    Qiao Nan felt that it was quite a joke for her birthday to fall on the twenty-eighth of February.

    Most people knew that there were leap years, and there would be 29 February only in leap years.

    Many people said that birthdays should never fall on the twenty-ninth of February as one could only celebrate their birthday once every four years then.

    Coincidentally, Qiao Nan was born on the twenty-eighth of February. She could celebrate her birthday every year. However, the sorrowful thing was that Qiao Nan had never celebrated her birthday for two lifetimes.

    Qiao Nan would be twenty years old this year.

    ¡°Qiao Nan,e. I¡¯ll send you home.¡± Zhai Hua stood up. She would have to leave sooner orter, not to mention that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had alreadye back. It should not be an issue for her to send Qiao Nan back now.

    ¡°Grandpa, Dad, and Mom, I¡¯m going back first.¡± After Qiao Nan said goodbye to the elders of the Zhai family, she left.

    ¡°Aye,e again next time.¡± When you were here again, there was no need to leave.

 Chapter 1053 - Borrowingâ€™ of Clothes

    1053 ¡®Borrowing¡¯ of Clothes

    After all, Nan Nan would belong to the Zhai family by then. Miao Jing was all smiles when she thought of it.

    Zhai Hua drove and sent Qiao Nan home. She arrived in about ten minutes. ¡°Should I send you in?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Why was there a need to? The most terrifying person had already left.

    ¡°Alright, bye then. When Zhai Sheng is back,e to our house again to have meals during the Lunar New Year.¡± Zhai Hua closed the car door and went home thereafter.

    Upon hearing sounds at the door, Qiao Dongliang hurried over to open the door. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang seemed to be in a good mood. However, the speed at which he opened the door was too fast. This gave Qiao Nan a feeling that he was guilty-conscious.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan replied indifferently. ¡°Dad, did you eat well during the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve yesterday?¡± Did you have a good day?

    ¡°Quite good.¡± At the thought of what happenedst night, Qiao Dongliang frowned. A sh of annoyance came over him. He was considering whether to tell Qiao Nan about yesterday¡¯s matter.

    Qiao Nan sat down and took a nce at her bedroom. Her door had been opened...

    Qiao Nan endured for a while before she stood up and went into her bedroom to look at the situation. On the surface, the things in her room appeared to be the same as when she left.

    However, everyone had habits, and of course, it was impossible for Qiao Nan not to recognize her own habits.

    Based on the nket on the bed, Qiao Nan could differentiate that it was not folded in the way that she did before she left. Someone had folded it again.

    Qiao Nan then searched her closet. When she found out that her clothes had obviously be less, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned stiff.

    Qiao Dongliang, who felt the movements, followed over. He was so embarrassed that he did not know what to say. ¡°I wanted to tell you just now. Your mom brought your sister and stayed over at our house yesterday. I... I didn¡¯t want to let them stay over but your mom has twisted her ankle and she couldn¡¯t walk. I wanted to send your mom back with the bicycle but my tires were punctured and fully deted.¡±

    In the Qiao family, only Qiao Dongliang had a model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle. If this vehicle was spoiled, the Qiao family would be left with no other modes of transport.

    ¡°So, they slept in my room?¡± And even conveniently took her clothes?

    Qiao Dongliang nodded helplessly. ¡°I have divorced your mom. You also know that there aren¡¯t many rooms in this small courtyard.¡± Even if there was a room, there wasn¡¯t any extra nket or bed. ¡°So, your mom and sister slept in your room for a night. Your sister bathed yesterday but did not bring any clothes. She thus borrowed yours to wear. You were not at home, so...¡±

    When he thought of the poor rtionship between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang did not even think of giving Qiao Nan a phone call to seek her opinion.

    Qiao Dongliang thought that Qiao Nan did not have many clothes but it was actually much more than before.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, she might not discover it if one piece of clothing was missing. Even if she did, she probably would not take issue.

    Qiao Dongliang did not expect Qiao Nan to have known what had happened. Within five minutes of arriving at home, she had discovered everything that he wanted to cover up. ¡°Nan Nan, are you angry? I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I know you don¡¯t like them...¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t like them but it¡¯s fine if you do. Moreover, Dad, that set of clothing was given to me by my mother-inw. Qiao Zijin¡¯s taste is so good. She picked the good one over the rest. Dad, can I trouble you to get her to return the clothes to me as soon as possible? It¡¯s not convenient for me to give her the clothing from my future mother-inw. Also, doesn¡¯t she find my clothing too small for her?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had always been meatier and heavier than her. However, she was shorter than her by about one to two centimeters.

    Once Qiao Nan said this, Qiao Dongliang felt his face burn with embarrassment. It was as if he was the one who had stolen Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes without uttering a word.

    Qiao Dongliang was a grown-up man. Certainly, he would not pay attention to such details.

    He had never paid attention to which of Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes were bought by Qiao Nan herself or given by Miao Jing.

    If Qiao Nan did not mention it today, he really would not know that the clothes that Qiao Zijin took and wore this morning were a gift to Qiao Nan by Miao Jing.

    How could the clothes gifted by Miao Jing to her daughter-inw be cheap?

    At the thought that Qiao Zijin was only borrowing the clothes but picked such a ¡®good¡¯ one, Qiao Dongliang felt shameful on Qiao Zijin¡¯s behalf. ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know. Don¡¯t worry. Your sister is just borrowing it for one day. She will definitely return it.¡±

    Return it?

    Qiao Nan scoffed at these two words.

    Qiao Zijin had always been a petty and jealous person. In her previous life, Qiao Nan did not ept many gifts from Chen Jun, but there were a couple of them.

    All those things¡ªQiao Zijin said that she was borrowing from her but when did she ever return them?

    Even after Qiao Zijin was married to Chen Jun, she had never brought up the fact that she had borrowed those items before.

    ¡°Dad, let her wash it clean and return it to me by today. If the clothes are torn or lost, please get her to pay me back at the market price.¡± She was too experienced in being bullied. Qiao Nan told Qiao Dongliang clearly about all the possible scenarios.

    Qiao Dongliang waved his hands, amused by Qiao Nan. ¡°How can that be possible? Your sister¡¯s temper is quite bad but she is not someone who will not return something after borrowing it. Nan Nan... Forget it. The two of you sisters are angry with each other. I won¡¯t persuade you either. We are one family. I believe that things will be better. I will give your sister a call now and ask her to return the clothes. I will also definitely get her to wash them clean for you.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t it just a set of clothing?

    Qiao Dongliang felt that this was not a big deal and the clothes were not too costly too. Qiao Zijin would not do such a shameless and embarrassing thing.

    If the elder daughter lusted after the younger daughter¡¯s clothes, that would be a huge joke. He did not believe that his daughter would be so improvident.

    Moreover, Qiao Nan¡¯s demeanor made Qiao Dongliang think that it was very normal that one should not be tempted by riches and honors. This was a good value that everyone should certainly have, especially people from his family who bore the surname of Qiao.

    His younger daughter had done very well in this aspect. His elder daughter was also his daughter. She would certainly possess the same value.

    Qiao Dongliang was very confident of Qiao Zijin. He called the small courtyard of the Qiao family in front of Qiao Nan. He even deliberately turned on the speaker to let Qiao Nan listen together. ¡°Hello, Dad, is that you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice was soft and sweet. It was as if she had reverted to the famous sweet-tongued, pretty, and smart Qiao Zijin from six years ago.

    ¡°Right, it¡¯s me.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude had improved. It was unlike her disobedience when she brought Chen Jun overst time. Qiao Dongliang was delighted to see and hear that. ¡°Zijin, you borrowed one set of Nan Nan¡¯s clothing yesterday, right? Your mom and you should have arrived home by now. Have you changed the clothes and washed them? If you have, can I trouble you to make a trip to bring the wet clothes here to dry?¡±

 Chapter 1054 - The Wealthier, the Pettier

    <h4>1054 The Wealthier, the Pettier</h4>

    ¡°...¡±

    There was a moment of silence at the other end of the phone. Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice changed slightly. ¡°Nan Nan is back and she specially requested it back from me?¡± It was just a set of clothing. She was being too petty.

    Her father had told her that Zhai Sheng was going to collect the wedding certificate and hold a wedding banquet with Qiao Nan after the Lunar New Year.

    The good days of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were approaching. She did not believe that the Zhai family would not bring Qiao Nan to buy more good-looking clothes and jewelry.

    This was just a set of used clothing and Qiao Nan had to keep such a tight watch on it. She was too stingy.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Zijin was a good one. Of course, he would also find ways to let Qiao Zijin understand that Qiao Nan was also a good sister. ¡°Nan Nan doesn¡¯t know anything. That¡¯s why I am reminding you toe quickly, in case Nan Nan bes unhappy when she discovers it. When Nan Nan feels unhappy after she discovers it, she won¡¯t listen to your exnation anymore.¡±

    Although Nan Nan had already found out about this, he believed that Nan Nan would gradually ept Zijin as long as Zijin took the initiative.

    Yesterday was the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. The family of three sat together and had a meal. Again, Qiao Dongliang mentioned that he hoped that Qiao Zijin would break up with Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude had improved. She did not lose her temper but she insisted to be together with Chen Jun.

    Ding Jiayi helped put in good words for Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin. ¡°Old Qiao, you are aware that I have never been a capable person. Since the two of us divorced, I have always been working but my sry is meager. Not to mention letting Qiao Zijin pay the school fees, I am already having a tough time earning her living expenses. If not for the fact that Chen Jun likes Zijin and treats her well by taking out some money to help her, I¡¯m afraid Zijin won¡¯t be able to continue with her studies.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, didn¡¯t you always tell me that you hope that our two children will be more educated? You hope that they will pick up more knowledge so that they will be sessful in the future. Chen Jun is quite good to Zijin. The two children have feelings toward each other. You should let nature take its course and let them develop on their own.¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked very upset as if his face had been smeared with chili oil.

    Initially, this daughter should be raised by him. Having heard what Ding Jiayi said, it was as if Chen Jun was helping him support his daughter. He, and not Zijin, was the one who owed Chen Jun.

    After feeling upset for a while, fortunately, Qiao Dongliang was still rational. He immediately recalled that Qiao Zijin was under the custody of Ding Jiayi after their divorce. All the burden of Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies should be borne by Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s already the 21st century. We are talking about the freedom to love. If Chen Jun is a good one and you let them break up, you won¡¯t be doing Zijin any good. Zijin is not stupid. Even if you don¡¯t tell her, she will also break up with Chen Jun if he is a bad one. We shouldn¡¯t interfere in this matter.¡± Ding Jiayi persuaded Qiao Dongliang. She was very experienced and thus very clear of what to say to convince Qiao Dongliang.

    With Ding Jiayi as the mediator, true enough, Qiao Dongliang was not as angry as before on Qiao Zijin¡¯s persistence. However, in his heart, he still disapproved of the rtionship between Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that Chen Jun was probably not a good man.

    Qiao Nan once said that there was a problem with Wei De. In the end, the truth had spoken. Wasn¡¯t Wei De a huge problem?

    Chen Jun¡¯s initial target was Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan disliked him and even said that he did not seem to be a good person. Qiao Dongliang believed Qiao Nan¡¯s words very much. He had some ideas in his mind.

    Qiao Nan had exposed Wei De¡¯s true colors for Zhai Hua. If his two daughters could reconcile with each other, would his younger daughter watch on as Zijin jumped into the fire pit?

    Nan Nan would definitely think of a way to investigate the background of Chen Jun, lest Zijin continue to be taken in by him.

    Fortunately, on the evening of the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve, Qiao Zijin expressed a few times that she liked Qiao Nan, this younger sister very much. She was young and insensiblest time and felt that her younger sister was vying for her parent¡¯s love.

    Now, she had be sensible and understanding. She would not have such ludicrous thoughts anymore. She very much wished to mend the rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    When Qiao Dongliang heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s n, he nodded continuously. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s right that you think of it this way. Nan Nan is a good child. She has a conscience and is smart. You are the elder sister. You should be taking care of Nan Nan. However, Nan Nan will definitely be very sessful in the future. You will certainly need Nan Nan¡¯s help. Zijin, no matter the reasons, you should carefully consider how to reconcile with Nan Nan.¡±

    The elder daughter had to rely on the care of the younger daughter. How would it work if they were not on good terms?

    As a father, he wanted to give another try for the sake of his two daughters. Qiao Dongliang anxiously yearned that Qiao Nan could forgive Qiao Zijin before she formally collected the wedding certificate with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Dongliang was well aware that the difference would be great on whether they reconciled before or after Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage.

    Only when this matter was resolved before the marriage that Qiao Zijin would truly receive Qiao Nan¡¯s forgiveness and even be epted by the Zhai family.

    As such, once there was an opportunity, Qiao Dongliag deliberately helped Qiao Zijin gain favor in front of Qiao Nan. It was good if Qiao Zijin could take more initiative. ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be a problem if the clothes that you sent over are wet. If Nan Nan asks about it, I will help you shoulder it. I will tell her that I have identally wet it.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang seldom borrowed clothes from others. As soon as he arrived home, he had the habit of changing out of someone else¡¯s clothing into his own and asked Ding Jiayi to wash the clothes that he had borrowed.

    Qiao Zijin was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter. Qiao Dongliang took it for granted that Qiao Zijin would have the same character as him.

    When he asked Qiao Zijin to hurry and send the wet clothes over, his tone was so firm and confident.

    ¡°It takes about half an hour to get here from the small courtyard of the Qiao family. I will wait for you. I will leave the house in half an hour.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had been watching this indifferently by the side,ughed. Her eyes were filled with sarcasm. Qiao Dongliang was having a monotonous dialog and trying to help Qiao Zijin salvage her face and image.

    ¡°Zijin?¡± Qiao Dongliang had said so much but he did not receive a response from the other side of the phone. It was so quiet that Qiao Dongliang, who was feeling hot, could not help turning cold. ¡°Zijin, are you listening?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I am.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone shivered gently. ¡°Actually, I have only worn them for a few hours. As long as I put them back, no one should be able to tell.¡± Wash?

    What wash? She was still wearing them!

    The clothes that Miao Jing gave Qiao Nan were not only branded but expensive. The materials felt extremelyfortable. It was soft and cozy.

    There was nothing better than this to a youngdy who loved to be pretty.

    Qiao Zijin had always wanted to wear this kind of clothes in her entire life but she did not have a chance to do so until she borrowed Qiao Nan¡¯s.

 Chapter 1055 - Can You Let It Go Just Like That?

    <h4>1055 Can You Let It Go Just Like That?</h4>

    If it was possible, Qiao Zijin very much wished to wear this set of clothing to school to let her ssmates take a look.

    Qiao Zijin was thinking that this set of clothing was not bad. Furthermore, as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan should have many more clothes that were better than this.

    Perhaps Qiao Nan could not even recall that she had such a set of clothing, which she had tucked at the bottom of her closet such that it could not even see the daylight.

    By wearing this set of clothing, one set of Qiao Nan¡¯s clothing would not go to waste. It was so environmentally friendly.

    Who would have known that Qiao Dongliang would be calling and chasing her to return it after she had worn it for only a few hours? Qiao Zijin felt very unhappy over this.

    If she had not remembered deeply what Chen Jun had taught her, Qiao Zijin would have long retorted. Qiao Nan had so many pieces of good clothing. She had only worn this one set, yet she had the shame to ask her to return it. She was too shameless!

    She could not provoke her father. No matter how unwilling she was, Qiao Zijin had to feel the pinch and return the clothes to make Qiao Dongliang happy.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted her to hurry but Qiao Zijin was azy one. She had to wash a set of clothing in winter. Her hands would have to soak until they were red and swollen in the icy water. She was not going to do that.

    As such, Qiao Zijin thought of removing the clothes and putting it back in Qiao Nan¡¯s closet. Everything would be resolved then, no?

    ¡°You!¡± Qiao Dongliang was stupefied. Subconsciously, he nced at Qiao Nan. It was as if he had been given a few ps on the face by someone. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s Lunar New Year. Are you kidding with me on purpose? How can clothes that are worn not be dirty? Can you let it go just because no one can tell? Let¡¯s not talk about those outer wear. Those... those inner wear, can you just put them back like that!¡±

    How dirty was that!!!

    Qiao Dongliang was easy-going on such matters but he could not ept putting the inner wear back without washing after wearing them for a few hours. Furthermore, they were borrowed from others!

    Upon hearing the gentle reprimand from Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin said reluctantly, ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? I will return the outer wear first. For the inner wear, I will send them over after I wash and dry them. Qiao Nan has quite a lot of clothes too. She should not discover it if I return it one or two dayster.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was frozen and stiff. If Qiao Nan had not been listening, Qiao Dongliang had wanted to hang up the phone and run to the small courtyard of the Qiao family to retrieve and wash the clothes himself.

    After talking so long to the elder daughter, she refused to abidingly wash all the clothes.

    Qiao Dongliang covered the phone receiver and let out a long sigh of exasperation. He looked helpless as he told Qiao Nan. ¡°Your sister is not a bad person. She is just a littlezy. You can¡¯t me her. She has been spoiled by your mom. It¡¯s quite a torture to wash clothes in the cold winter too.¡±

    So, Nan Nan, please be more forgiving toward your sister.

    Qiao Nan did not speak. She allowed Qiao Dongliang to continue with his one-man show. This was because she knew that the matter was not over yet.

    ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t need to talk anymore. Return the clothes.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not re up at Qiao Nan. In the first ce, Qiao Zijin was the one who was in the wrong.

    ¡°Dad, is there such a hurry?¡± Qiao Zijin was really reluctant to remove the clothes from her body. She looked so good wearing them. Although there was no time for her to wear them to school to let her ssmates see, at least, she should be given some time to wear them and take a photo as a memoir or go on a date with Chen Jun. She could then let Chen Jun understand that she could be more dazzling and mesmerizing than Qiao Nan. She was not any less than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, I am not going to lie to you. I¡¯m telling you the truth. This is the first time that I am wearing such good clothes in my entire life. Can you lend them to me to wear for another day? Nan Nan has so many pieces of good clothing. Just one day. She won¡¯t find out. I promise you that I will return them tomorrow.¡±

    She was only borrowing them for one day. Surely, this request was not too much?

    In the past, everything in the family belonged to her. Qiao Nan was not even fit to fight with her for things that she wanted.

    Now, she could not touch anything that belonged to Qiao Nan. She had to beg and plead to borrow her clothes for one day. She felt so depressed.

    Qiao Zijin felt that after knowing Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had be Cindere. She was thus leading a life of the upper ss. However, Qiao Dongliang very proudly knew in his heart. He had very strict and high expectations of Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan had met them very well.

    Precisely, due to that, he could not tolerate such an unreasonable request of Qiao Zijin. ¡°No. Not even for one day. Not even for an hour. Immediately return the clothes. Let me tell you. Nan Nan is a gooddy. No matter how good the situation of the Zhai family is, it¡¯s the family¡¯s business that they are wealthy. It has nothing to do with Nan Nan. I can¡¯t interfere in Nan Nan¡¯s life after she is married but Nan Nan is not married yet. Our family does not owe the Zhai family anything. This set of clothing is a gift from the chief¡¯s wife to Nan Nan for reaching adulthood. She epted it as she didn¡¯t manage to reject it. There are only two sets of clothing given by the chief¡¯s wife in Nan Nan¡¯s closet. Quickly send it back!¡±

    ¡°Two sets?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. So few? ¡°The Zhai family is so petty!¡±

    Perhaps Zhai Sheng did not like Qiao Nan at all. The Zhai family was not that satisfied with Qiao Nan after all.

    No matter how honest and upright the Zhai family was, they certainly had some spending power.

    However, they were not willing to spend money on Qiao Nan. Hahaha. She had thought that Qiao Nan was having a good life.

    ¡°P-petty?¡± Qiao Dongliang was so angry that his liver trembled. ¡°The Zhai family is willing to give but Nan Nan is not willing to ept. I don¡¯t approve of epting too! They are not married yet and not one family. Why will one have the shame to ept so many valuable stuff from others?!¡± He was going to marry off his daughter. He was not selling her!!

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were full of question marks. ¡°Why don¡¯t you approve? Why don¡¯t you let Nan Nan ept them? They are not spending your money anyway.¡± The Qiao family would be the one benefiting, no?

    Since the Zhai family was willing to give, her father should allow them to do so.

    Qiao Nan was a little slimmer than her. However, winter clothes were normally bigger. If Qiao Nan had too many gifts, she would not be able to wear all of them. She could give them to her to wear then!

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang already did not wish to continue his conversation with Qiao Zijin. ¡°In short, return the clothes in one hour. It¡¯s fine if you do not wash them. I will get Nan Nan to wash them herself. It¡¯s just that when the timees... Whether Nan Nan will be angry with you or how long she will be angry at you, you will have to bear the responsibility!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang really could not understand. Qiao Zijin had been telling him many times and seeking his help to make her and Qiao Nan reconcile.

    However, at the same time, Qiao Zijin continued tomit foolish acts time and again. She was doing all sorts of things that would make Qiao Nan unhappy.

    Qiao Dongliang felt like asking Qiao Zijin whether she really wanted to reconcile with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t... Please don¡¯t.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was red with anger. She wanted this set of clothing and she did not want to return them. However, she also did not want to make Qiao Nan angry and caused her father to ignore her.

    She had too many wants. However, there was not a single way in this world that could satisfy all her ¡®wants¡¯ at the same time.

 Chapter 1056 - Accidentally Tore Them

    <h4>1056 identally Tore Them</h4>

    ¡°Wait for me for a while. I will return the clothes immediately.¡± After hanging up the phone, Qiao Zijin undressed and ced the clothes in a bag without a word. She then sent them, which still had her warmth, over to Qiao Dongliang.

    After putting down the phone, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s entire body felt a little listless. It was as if someone had sucked out much of his strength.

    It was a matter that he thought could be easily resolved and should not pose any problem. Unfortunately, there were so many side issues. He felt that it was really very tiring tomunicate with his elder daughter.

    This was such a simple matter. Why did her elder daughter make it soplicated and exhausting?

    Sitting listlessly, Qiao Dongliang mustered his courage and said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Nan Nan, I have always heard the elders saying that one has to pamper and spend money on daughters but be strict and spend less money on sons. Now, it seems that this is true. I am not capable. Your sister refuses to budge whenever she has her eyes on something good. Your sister is very picky. This is her first timeing across good stuff. She would inevitably make some mistakes. Fortunately, she is willing to rectify her mistake. Don¡¯t take issue with her.¡±

    Qiao Nan turned and looked at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s not just the Zhai family. You should be most aware of how willing the outsiders are in sending me gifts. Until today, I only have two sets of clothing given to me by my future mother-inw in my closet. Are you saying you have been spending very little on my sister and a lot on me?¡±

    Damn, was he kidding her?!

    Qiao Dongliang choked on his breath. ¡°No, it¡¯s different. You... you resemble more of our Qiao family. Your... your sister resembles Old Ding¡¯s family!¡± Qiao Dongliang said with some annoyance.

    Everyone from the Qiao family was good. Zijin had been led astray by Ding Jiayi. That was why she was so improvident.

    Fortunately, this matter happened at home and the embarrassment was contained.

    Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s little wish of getting along amicably with Qiao Zijin would have been snuffed out totally.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you 100 marks for this exnation.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled. Good things resembled her father and bad things resembled her mother. Wow!

    Bam! After about forty minutes, there was a loud m on the door. Qiao Dongliang quickly stood up. He wanted to let Qiao Zijin salvage her image in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Your sister is back. See, she is a good one. She is willing to listen to me.¡±

    After Nan Nan was married, he did not have many other thoughts. He just needed to think of ways to rectify the ws in Zijin¡¯s character.

    He believed that since he had taught Nan Nan so well, he would certainly be able to make Zijin be a gooddy.

    Look at how much Zijin obeyed him.

    That was wishful thinking on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s part. However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior gave Qiao Dongliang a vicious p on the face.

    When Qiao Dongliang opened the door and looked at Qiao Zijin happily, he saw Qiao Zijin hugging a bag in her arms. The bag was dirty and Qiao Zijin was crying miserably. ¡°Sorry, Dad. You have to help me exin to Nan Nanter. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. As I rushed my way here, I tripped and fell. I spoiled Nan Nan¡¯s clothing.¡±

    ¡°S-spoiled?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s head seemed to have been hit by a hammer. He was stupefied.

    He was not sure why, but Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier words rang in his ears: If the clothes are spoiled or have any problem, get Qiao Zijin to pay back ording to the market price.

    These words of his younger daughter seemed as if she was able to predict the future. She seemed to know that his elder daughter would definitely fall and the clothes would not be saved.

    No one had the power to predict the future. In this case, the words of the younger daughter and the fall of the elder daughter... What did this mean?

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Nan, who had been standing behind Qiao Dongliang,ughed. ¡°This fall is too wonderful.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± Qiao Dongliang opened his mouth, wanting to say ¡®your sister didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡¯ However, Qiao Dongliang reacted as soon as these words floated in his mind. So, in his heart, he felt that his elder daughter had fallen on purpose and the clothes were not torn due to an ident?

    Qiao Nan took out the clothes from the bag. ¡°Even if you fell while wearing the clothes, normally, the pants would be torn since you¡¯re wearing it on your lower body. However, your fall has also torn the shirt. Qiao Zijin, why are you so capable? How did you fall? Can you teach me? Do you have a secret skill? A typical person definitely can¡¯t do this.¡±

    At the sight of the few holes on her clothes, Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Dad, look at these marks. It doesn¡¯t look like they have been stepped on identally by someone. It looks like footprints of someone who purposely stepped on it. These few holes, did they result from the fall or someone stepping on them with strength? Hahaha...¡±

    Qiao Nan did not wish to speak anymore. ¡°Dad, remember what I told you earlier?¡±

    She would definitely not wear the clothes that Qiao Zijin had worn before, even though she insisted to have it back. It was fine that they were torn, lest she have to damage it herself.

    Qiao Dongliang was neither blind nor brainless. Could he not tell such obvious footprints?

    Having a fall would result in footprints on the clothes? She was trying to bluff a three-year-old child.

    There were only a few spots on the clothes that could tear if one were to fall while wearing them. For the shirt, it would be the elbow. For the pants, it would be the front part of them.

    If a fall resulted in one tear on the clothes, it must have been a severe fall, not to mention that there were so many tears currently.

    The problem was that the clothes that Qiao Zijin was wearing now looked fine and clean and she was walking so swiftly. No one could tell that she just had a vicious fall.

    Qiao Dongliang could not refuse to admit that Qiao Nan was right. The tears in the clothes were definitely not caused by a fall. Instead, someone had stepped on the clothes and twisted them hard to tear them.

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang was extremely disappointed with Qiao Zijin.

    Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior, Qiao Dongliang really could not trust that she was genuinely regretful and wanted to be a pair of close sisters with Qiao Nan.

    Judging from the current situation, Qiao Zijin was only paying lip service as that was not her true intention.

    Qiao Zijin, whose cheap tricks had been exposed, turned red in the face. ¡°Dad, no. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I... I identally tore them.¡± How did Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes grow to be so sharp?

    After thinking, Qiao Zijin was really reluctant to return the clothes that she liked to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan clearly had so many clothes, yet she was so petty and could not bear to give her a set of them.

    On the spur of a moment, Qiao Zijin did something to this set of clothing. She ced them on the cement floor, stepped and trampled on it until they had a few tears.

    Qiao Zijin thought that the few tears that she had created were quite convincing and others would not be able to tell.

    Who would have known that Qiao Nan would be able to see through it at one nce?

    ¡°Whether she did it on purpose, I don¡¯t mind. Dad, you¡¯re the one who lent her the clothes. I will leave it to you to get the money back then.¡± Qiao Nan had also learned how to wash her hands off matters. Since her father dared to allow Qiao Zijin to touch her clothes and Qiao Zijin did such a shameful thing, her father had to settle this matter even if he had been pped many times in the face.

 Chapter 1057 - Pay for Damages

    <h4>1057 Pay for Damages</h4>

    ¡°Money? What?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan had gone back to the house. He looked at Qiao Zijin in exasperation. ¡°What do you mean by that? Nan Nan¡¯s clothes are torn. Don¡¯t you need to pay for the damages?¡±

    ¡°Do I need to pay for this? I did not do it on purpose.¡± Qiao Zijin was slow to react. These clothes should cost a bomb. If she had the money to pay for the damages, she would have used the money to buy clothes for herself. She would not need to wear Qiao Nan¡¯s old clothes.

    ¡°Do you mean you do not need to pay for it because it was an ident? Which teacher teaches you this?¡± Qiao Dongliang was angry.

    Although the younger daughter seemed to treat him like usual, Qiao Dongliang could tell that their rtionship was no longer as close as it used to be.

    But he only had two daughters in this life. His elder daughter was disappointing and the siblings were not close with each other. After he passed away, given that the elder daughter was prone to troubles, he could only count on the younger daughter to take care of her sister.

    For the two daughters to mend their rtionship, Qiao Dongliang felt that it was alright that he suffered and worked extra harder.

    He knew that Nan Nan med him for changing his attitude toward Qiao Zijin. However, he was a father and he had two daughters to take care of.

    If he only had one child, he would not behave like that.

    Now that he had two children, he would do his best so that they would lead a better life.

    Qiao Dongliang might have good intentions and was willing to sacrifice himself to pave the way for Qiao Zijin. However, Qiao Zijin, the noob teammate, had been making things worse for him.

    She was wrong in the first ce. She should take the initiative to make up with Qiao Nan and treat her well, showing more concern for her.

    However, Qiao Zijin refused to do that. Instead, she wore Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes and came up with a lousy lie that she fell and tore the clothes.

    If Qiao Dongliang had already given up on Qiao Zijin, he would have scolded her foring up with suchme excuses.

    To think that Qiao Zijin was a college student. She was so lousy ining up with excuses. What had she been studying all these years?

    Qiao Zijin stiffened and finally realized that she had made a mistake. ¡°W-what if I don¡¯t have any money?¡±

    Qiao Zijin could forsake her pride to suck up to Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

    But she would not fork out money or do anything that was not beneficial to her. Besides, she really did not have the money.

    Qiao Dongliang had a bad headache. Qiao Zijin was smarter than Nan Nan when she was young. Why was it that the situation was reversed after they grew up? Right now, Nan Nan was smarter and cleverer. Could it be that the old saying was true, that being bright at an early age did not necessarily bring sess upon growing up?

    She might want to mend the rtionship with Nan Nan, but her attitude said otherwise.

    Even if she had no money, she should not have put it that way in front of Nan Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang stifled his anger. ¡°If you don¡¯t have any money, you should get it from your mom. No matter what, you have to pay for the damages. If you don¡¯t have it right now, you can take some time to raise the money. You can pay for the damages after you raise enough money.¡± Without waiting for Qiao Zijin to react, Qiao Dongliang took the torn clothes and pushed Qiao Zijin out of the house, closing the door right after her.

    After shutting the door so that Qiao Zijin would not have the chance to say the wrong words in front of Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    Qiao Nan, who stood behind Qiao Dongliang, smiled. In the past, she used to think that her father was pretending to be muddleheaded.

    To wash a pig is to waste both water and soap. She was in such a situation in the previous life. As for her father, he could not be bothered with what happened at home. This was why he allowed her mother and her sister to bully her.

    It was in this life that Qiao Nan realized that it did not seem that way.

    Her father knew very well what was happening and he took the initiative to be in control. At least, when it came to Qiao Zijin, he was smart and fast to react.

    He knew that Qiao Zijin would continue to say hurtful words to affect their rtionship. Therefore, he acted swiftly and closed the door on her before things got worse.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry. I permitted your sister to borrow your clothes. Therefore, I will make sure that she pays for the damages. Your sister has been spoiled by your mom.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt embarrassed and weary in front of his younger daughter.

    Qiao Nan cast a nce at the clothes that Qiao Dongliang had in his hands. ¡°Since they are torn, just throw them away.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not be bothered to talk about Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I am back!¡± An hourter, Shi Qing¡¯s voice that was growlier than before could be heard resonating outside the small quad.

    Ever since she studied at the PLA National Defence University, Shi Qing seemed to have unleashed her real self. She was more agile than before. She did note in from the front door. Instead, she jumped over the wall like a monkey into the Qiao family¡¯s residence. ¡°Qiao Nan,e and take a look at the present that I have for you.¡±

    ¡°What brings you back here? The Lunar New Year ising. Why are you still in Ping Cheng?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised to see Shi Qing. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to go to the capital or Mo Du?¡±

    The Shi family was based in Mo Du, while the Feng family was based in the capital.

    Shi Qing and Shi Peng had no other family members in Ping Cheng. Weren¡¯t they supposed to go back home for the Lunar New Year?

    ¡°No!¡± Shi Qing red at Qiao Nan angrily, ming Qiao Nan for bringing up those topics that would dampen one¡¯s spirits. ¡°You should have seen the true colors of the Feng family this year. I don¡¯t want to go back. As for the Shi family, my aunt and Qiu Chenxi are there. My grandparents do not need me. I would rather spend the Lunar New Year with my dad, your dad, and you.¡±

    Shi Qing did not spend much time studying in the capital, but in that short period, she was already very disappointed with the Feng family.

    She tried to put Qiu Chenxi at the back of her mind.

    But after she transferred to the PLA National Defence University and did not have Qiao Nan to apany her and chat with her, she had a lot of time to do some serious thinking.

    She had finally seen through the Feng family¡¯s true colors. Even though they said that they loved her, the Feng family adopted the same attitude as the Shi family when Qiu Chenxi imed that she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e¡ªthey hoped to bask in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s light and be on close terms with the Zhai family with the help of Qiu Chenxi.

    When faced with personal and family interests, Shi Qing was considered as someone unimportant in the Shi family and the Feng family.

    The Feng family had themselves to me for Shi Qing¡¯s disgust toward them.

    The Feng family cherished Shi Qing because she was the only female in the Feng family and she was their only granddaughter.

    Although the Feng family did not help Shi Qing or seek justice for her when Qiu Chenxi bullied her, they would console andfort her.

    Moreover, the Feng family would criticize the Shi family for being small-minded and not showing concern for Shi Qing.

    The Feng family was very specific in their criticisms of the Shi family. Shi Qing had heard too much of them that she could tell which were truths and which were lies.

    Back then, the Feng family kept criticizing the Shi family. Shi Qing was influenced by them and became disappointed with her paternal grandparents. Now, she was just as disappointed with the Feng family.

 Chapter 1058 - As If It Was His House

    <h4>Chapter 1058 As If It Was His House</h4>

    Therefore, when the Lunar New Year was around the corner, Shi Qing told Shi Peng clearly that she wanted to go back to Ping Cheng. Apart from Ping Cheng, she did not want to go anywhere else.

    It was fine that they did not cherish her. But she would not be cajoled by the elders like a three-year-old child.

    Shi Peng listened to no one but his daughter. Since Shi Qing had said so, and he disagreed with how the Feng family behaved as well, he went back to Ping Cheng with her.

    Qiao Nan was d that herpanion was here in Ping Cheng. She was even more thrilled that she had other ces to stay at now. ¡°Shi Qing, I will sleep at your ce tonight¡ªno, I will stay with you until school reopens and I leave Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s good, but why?¡± Initially, Shi Qing intended to stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence. Since she would have Qiao Nan to apany her no matter what, Shi Qing would not refuse Qiao Nan¡¯s request to stay at her house. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say previously that you want to spend more time with your dad?¡±

    This was the reason why Shi Qing thought of staying at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, she did not have a boyfriend, let alone a husband. She had more than enough time for her father. It was her father who was busier than her.

    Since she had a lot of time on her hands, she would naturally be more amodating to Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Yesterday was the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. I spent the night at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Ding Jiayi brought Qiao Zijin to have dinner here and they spent the night here.¡± Qiao Nan felt vexed at the mention of this.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao must be crazy!¡± Shi Qing could not help but scream. ¡°He must be unwell and muddleheaded. They had a divorce. Why would they have a meal together and spend the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve together?¡±

    Qiao Nan was very upset as well. ¡°My dad can do whatever he wants to do. I don¡¯t care and there is nothing that I can do about it.¡± Luckily, she was about to get married. There was no need for her to deal with all these messy affairs.

    ¡°My dad must be thinking that since I am about to be married to Brother Zhai, he has fulfilled his responsibility as a father. But he still has to care for Qiao Zijin. Therefore, he wants to fulfill his responsibility as a father to Qiao Zijin.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. By the way, this house...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My dad is clueless.¡±

    ¡°Then, how dare he do that!¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes in shock. ¡°Your dad knows that Principal Meng dislikes your mom. Now, he is staying at the house that Principal Meng lends to him. How dare he allow the person that Principal Meng dislikes the most to stay for the night? He is too daring!¡±

    Did Uncle Qiao treat the house as his own?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Perhaps he has been staying here for a long time. He doesn¡¯t need to pay any rent and the house is asfortable as his own house. Over time, he forgets that this is not his own house.¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. She could not be bothered to express any opinions regarding her father¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see!¡± Qiao Nan could tolerate her father¡¯s behavior, but Shi Qing would not. She needed to remind him of reality. ¡°Uncle Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Hey.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not in the mood to go out for a walk. He cooped himself in the room, lost in his thoughts. He came out at Shi Qing¡¯s voice. ¡°Qing Qing, you are back. Are you hungry? Shall I get you some bread?¡±

    Shi Qing rushed to interrupt Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Uncle Qiao, I heard that yesterday two people stayed for the night at this house.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not answer, but his expression said it all.

    Shi Qing smiled at the look on his face. ¡°Uncle Qiao, don¡¯t tell me that you think that Qiao Nan is ratting on you? Qiao Nan is your daughter. She has to be considerate of your feelings. I am an outsider, and I am used to being harsh and blunt. Uncle Qiao, you must not take issue with me.¡±

    ¡°Ping Cheng High School has always been the second-best high school in Ping Cheng. The school has a good reputation in Ping Cheng. Three years ago, something happened at Ping Cheng High School and it almost tarnished their reputation. Uncle Qiao, did you forget about that?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang frowned, looking flustered.

    Shi Qing smiled. ¡°It seems that Uncle Qiao has forgotten about it. Since Uncle Qiao doesn¡¯t remember, let me give you a gentle reminder. Since then, there is a strict rule that the guards at Ping Cheng High School follow strictly, and that is to never allow your ex-wife into the school. Principal Meng feels that Qiao Nan is a talent and he hopes that she can study hard. Therefore, he wanted to provide a good learning environment for Qiao Nan and allow her to stay in this house. Now, Qiao Nan is in university. President Meng did not ask to take back the house. However, this house still belongs to Ping Cheng High School.¡±

    Uncle Qiao stayed in other people¡¯s house and invited the person that the owner of the house disliked the most into the house. Uncle Qiao¡¯s behavior was baffling.

    Shi Qing was being very straightforward.

    Shi Qing was, in fact, hinting that Qiao Dongliang was being shameless. Qiao Dongliang turned green at her words. He was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, now that Qiao Nan is in university and no longer studies at Ping Cheng High School, what about this small quad?¡± Since it was not suitable for Qiao Nan to bring up this topic, Shi Qing would do it for her.

    Qiao Nan helped her make up her mind and sent her to the PLA National Defence University as soon as possible. She was returning the favor.

    ¡°Or rather, Uncle Qiao, do you have any ns? How long do you intend to stay at this house? Wouldn¡¯t it be too embarrassing if you wait until Principal Meng sends someone to ask you to leave?¡±

    Shi Qing was fearless in making these remarks.

    Everyone who knew that the house actually belonged to Qiao Nan had the tacit understanding to keep it a secret until now.

    Shi Qing believed that if that day arrived, Principal Meng would cooperate with them instead of telling the truth.

    Shi Qing and Qiao Nan were provincial top students in the college entrance examination. Ping Cheng High School was able to hold its head high and be one of the key high schools in the province because of their outstanding performances. Ping Cheng High School would be ted to see them.

    Principal Meng would know what to do.

    ¡°I-I will think about it.¡± Like what Qiao Nan had said, he had a peaceful life in the past three years. In particr, since Ding Jiayi left Ping Cheng with Qiao Zijin in order for her to continue her high school in another school, everything was going well at home. Qiao Dongliang seemed to have forgotten about the scandals and troubles that Ding Jiayi had caused back then.

    Three and a half years were very long.

    They did not need to pay rent and the house had a much better living environment than his house in the quad. He had a much morefortable life here aspared to when he was still staying at the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad.

    As a result, Qiao Dongliang became muddleheaded. He had the impression that he was the owner of the house that he stayed in right now.

    Shi Qing¡¯s reminder came as a harsh blow to Qiao Dongliang. He faltered and almost fell.

    This house did not belong to them, and Nan Nan had graduated from Ping Cheng High School.

 Chapter 1059 - Forgotten about the Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 1059 Forgotten about the Dowry</h4>

    Like Shi Qing had said, the house belonged to Principal Meng. He merely allowed them to stay for the time being. He would take it back sooner orter.

    However, Nan Nan had just graduated from Ping Cheng High School. Principal Meng would not take back the house right away as it might invite criticisms.

    Although he would not take back the house right now, he would still do so a few yearster.

    Even if Principal Meng did not take back the house, he could not stay in the house forever.

    Qiao Dongliang would not be so shameless to keep on staying at the house.

    These few days, Qiao Dongliang had been thinking that once Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng collected the marriage certificate and held the wedding banquet, he could finally set his heart at rest.

    As for his elder daughter who refused to listen to him, it was impossible for her to leave Chen Jun. The only thing that he could do for her was to help her mend her rtionship with the younger daughter.

    With the younger daughter and his son-inw around, no matter how cunning Chen Jun was, he would not dare to ill-treat the elder daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that hisst task as a father was to help the two sisters mend their rtionship.

    Now that Shi Qing brought up the issue of the house, it dawned on Qiao Dongliang that without the younger daughter, finding a ce to stay would be a problem!

    After Nan Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, she would definitely stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence whenever she had her study break.

    What about him? Where could he stay?

    Should he rent another house?

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, there¡¯s no hurry. Qiao Nan and I are this year¡¯s top students in the college entrance examination. The hype is still not over. It should not be a problem if you stay at this house for one more year. However, we should not take advantage of Principal Meng, who is being nice to us. We still have to know our limits so as not to annoy other people. What do you think?¡±

    After finding out that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin stayed in Qiao Nan¡¯s room for the night, Shi Qing felt disgusted and found it uneptable, let alone Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang turned green. He was embarrassed that he was being lectured by his junior. ¡°You are right. I have not considered this. I have taken things for granted.¡±

    How could he forget that Principal Meng disliked Old Ding?

    If Principal Meng talked to him about this, he would be too shameless to face him.

    The house did not belong to him and he did not have the final say. Qiao Dongliang looked depressed and gloomy.

    Yesterday, he felt that he was quite sessful in life.

    His younger daughter had yet to graduate from university, but she had found a good man and was about to get married.

    Once his two daughters made up with each other, he would have fulfilled his responsibility to his elder daughter as well. From then on, he would be able to live the life that he wanted and he would not have so much to worry about.

    Not many people would be able to aplish what he had done at his age.

    Just when he was rejoicing over his sess, Qiao Dongliang realized that he was already in his forties, yet he did not have a ce of his own. He was so embarrassed that he felt like dying.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Principal Meng might be nice to us, but I can¡¯t...¡± He was taking advantage of Principal Meng and upying the ce that he lent them. He was being shameless. ¡°After the Lunar New Year, I will look for a suitable house and find a time to move out.¡±

    Since the house did not belong to him, he would have to move out sooner orter.

    Now that they had brought up this topic, Qiao Dongliang had no wish to stay for another year. He decided to look for another ce and move out as soon as possible.

    Since Qiao Nan had yet to marry Zhai Sheng, he did not allow her to spend the Zhai family¡¯s money.

    But once they had collected the marriage certificate and held the wedding banquet, Qiao Dongliang would not stop the Zhai family from paying for Qiao Nan¡¯s school fees or living expenses, and neither would he stop Qiao Nan from taking the money from them.

    Now that he no longer needed to support Qiao Nan through college, given his pay, he would be able to find another house and support himself.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, it¡¯s good that you already have ns.¡± There was a bright and innocent smile on Shi Qing¡¯s face.

    She was not being harsh or blunt to Uncle Qiao. In fact, he was being too muddleheaded.

    She was worried that if she did make things clear, Uncle Qiao would continue to stay in the house. In the future, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would not only be staying for one night, but they might stay for a few more nights or a long term.

    Shi Qing had not been to the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad, but she could tell that the living conditions were not as good as the house here.

    There was a color television, a refrigerator, as well as a telephone in this house.

    She heard that the Zhu family had paid quite a lot to install the phone.

    To put it bluntly, Uncle Qiao only needed to pay the electricity bills for the house.

    In the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad, there was only a small television. She could not remember if there was a refrigerator. But it was likely that there was no refrigerator. As for the telephone, even if they had one, they would not use it to make outgoing calls. They would most likely only use the phone to answer iing calls.

    One could save a lot of money staying at this house. Furthermore, it had all the furniture that was needed. Everyone would find itfortable staying there.

    Since Uncle Qiao liked staying here, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would prefer this ce as well.

    Shi Qing believed now that they had stayed here for a night, they would definitely want to stay here for a few more nights or even a long term.

    It would be better to take preventive measures. One could not me her for thinking the worst of others.

    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Qiao Dongliang was already thoroughly embarrassed by Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior this morning. Shi Qing¡¯s reminder dealt a harsh blow to him further. Qiao Dongliang was still reeling from the shock. ¡°Let me think about it. I will give it a good thought.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang scanned around the house that he had been staying in for more than three years. ¡°The furniture...¡±

    ¡°I remembered that the Zhu family gave them to Qiao Nan.¡± Shi Qing interrupted.

    ¡°...Yes.¡±

    ¡°What should we do with the phone? I heard that the Zhu family has topped up a lot of money for the phone. It has been more than three years. Has the money been used up? Did the Zhu family continue to top up money for the phone? Uncle Qiao, should you look into it?¡± If the house had to be returned, what did Uncle Qiao intend to do with all the appliances that other people gave to Qiao Nan?

    ¡°There seems to be quite a lot to settle. Let¡¯s wait until Lunar New Year is over before we do anything about it.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a headache.

    Back at the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad, even though Qiao Dongliang had some savings, it did not cross his mind to buy all these appliances. Now that he needed to decide where the appliances should go, he felt helpless. He did not know what he should do next.

    These appliances were given to Nan Nan. After he moved out of the house, it would not be suitable to leave them behind.

    It would not be suitable for Nan Nan to bring them to the Zhai family¡¯s residence either as they did notck all these appliances.

    Besides, no youngdy would bring used dowry with her when she was getting married.

    D-dowry!

    Qiao Dongliang just realized that Nan Nan was about to be married to Zhai Sheng and he had yet to prepare any dowry for her. The Zhai family did not bring this up as well!

    This was the first time that Qiao Dongliang was going to marry off his daughter. He had zero experience in this.

 Chapter 1060 - Take It For Granted

    <h4>Chapter 1060 Take It For Granted</h4>

    Furthermore, when he married Ding Jiayi, he did not go through the same procedures as others. They skipped the dowry as well.

    Now that he thought of it, Qiao Dongliang realized that it was not that simple to marry off a daughter. He still had to prepare a dowry.

    Although he would not take the bride price from the Zhai family, he must provide the dowry. After all, his younger daughter would be marrying Zhai Sheng. One could not do without the bride price and dowry.

    For the past three years, Qiao Dongliang had been living a happy and carefree life. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were not around to nag at him or create trouble for him. Qiao Nan was very well-behaved. There was no need to worry about her. Instead, she took great care of her father.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was slow to react, realized that he had to prepare a dowry for Qiao Nan. But there was not enough time!

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you so pale?¡± Shi Qing had a fright. She was not too harsh with her words and Uncle Qiao seemed to have epted the situation. Why did his expression change within a few seconds and he looked as if he had seen a ghost then?

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Qiao Nan heard themotion and came running out. Her father seemed as if he had been dealt with a big blow. ¡°Dad, if you feel unwell, you should go to the hospital. It is the 21st century. One won¡¯t be unlucky by going to the hospital when the Lunar New Year is around the corner.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Uncle Qiao. Tell us if you feel ufortable.¡± Shi Qing and Qiao Nan stood on each side of Qiao Dongliang and helped him take a seat.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was slightly distorted, his expression looking uglier than crying. ¡°Nan Nan, I just realized that there is only one month left to your wedding, but I have yet to prepare a dowry for you. What should I do?¡±

    Nan Nan was getting married to a good man. If she was without any dowry on the day of her wedding, it would be too embarrassing for Nan Nan.

    As a father, he would never allow her to get married to Zhai Sheng without any dowry and to beughed at by other people.

    Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were stunned. Shi Qing was about to say something when Qiao Nan rushed toment. ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to worry about the dowry. Brother Zhai told me that there will not be a problem. Dad, you have two daughters. There is no need to worry about me. I won¡¯t ask that you give us the same treatment. When Qiao Zijin gets married in the future, you can give her any amount that you like.¡±

    Dowry?

    She was finally getting married in her second chance at life. Qiao Nan did not expect her parents to provide a dowry for her.

    She was not Qiao Zijin, who was blessed with good fortune. Unlike what she did for Qiao Zijin in the previous life, Qiao Zijin would not earn money to prepare a dowry for her.

    Qiao Nan had given up hope on Qiao Dongliang. She would not dream of taking the dowry from him.

    Qiao Nan had been mentally prepared for the day when Qiao Dongliang got back together with Ding Jiayi. If she dared to take one hundred yuan worth of dowry from Qiao Dongliang today, when her parents got back together, Ding Jiayi would definitely ask her to provide ten thousand yuan worth of dowry for Qiao Zijin, and she would have a valid reason to ask that of her.

    The family then would have used all their savings in order to prepare a dowry for her. If Qiao Zijin was getting married, and Qiao Nan was doing better than them, she would have to help her family to prepare the dowry for Qiao Zijin. In that case, Qiao Zijin would have a grand marriage and it would look good on the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan felt weary at the thought of this. She would rather not have any dowry.

    It was far better to beughed at by others than to owe the Qiao family.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan dared not take any dowry from Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°I-is this alright?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was fretting over how he should raise the money to prepare the dowry for his younger daughter, rxed at Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Shi Qing pulled a long face. She shot sarcastic looks at Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Nan pulled at her shirt, telling her to tone it down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Brother Zhai and his family know about our situation. Besides, Brother Zhai brought this up first. I like his suggestion, so I agreed to it.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure it is Zhai Sheng who suggested it?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Brother Zhai said that he will be back this Lunar New Year. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask him.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She was not telling lies. The only difference was that what she had discussed with Brother Zhai was different from what her father had understood.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°Zhai Sheng is a good child. After you are married to him, you must lead a good life with him. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°You can rest assured. After I marry Brother Zhai, we will discuss with each other whenever there¡¯s a problem. I will put the interests of the Zhai family first and lead a happy and blessed life with Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan felt ironic at the smile on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face.

    ¡°Good, that¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Dongliang was thankful to Zhai Sheng for settling the issue of dowry. He kept nodding and agreeing with Qiao Nan¡¯s words, but he had failed to read between the lines.

    In the future, Qiao Nan would put the Zhai family¡¯s interests first. If Qiao Zijin asked her for help, she could say that she must not affect the Zhai family¡¯s reputation and she would refuse to help her.

    Qiao Zijin was a troublemaker. If she needed help from Qiao Nan, it must be something serious and it would have a negative impact on the Zhai family.

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips. She watched as Qiao Dongliang agreed with what Qiao Nan said, not realizing that what he said would have a huge impact in the future.

    It was good that Uncle Qiao was a fool at times. There was no need for Qiao Nan to go through so much suffering.

    ¡°Dad, Shi Qing has juste back. Can I sleep over at her house so that we can have a good chat?¡± Qiao Nan took advantage of the fact that Qiao Dongliang was in a good mood to request sleeping at Shi Qing¡¯s house.

    ¡°Okay, of course you can. You are very close with Qing Qing. She is the only friend that you have after graduating from high school.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not realize that the reason why Qiao Nan wanted to stay at the Shi family¡¯s residence was not that she was close to Shi Qing, but rather that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had slept in her bed yesterday.

    The two youngdies had always been on good terms, but Qiao Nan would always ask Shi Qing to sleep over at her house. She would never stay the night at Shi Qing¡¯s house.

    Now that she had Qiao Dongliang¡¯s approval and the atmosphere was good, Qiao Nan decided to bring her clothes over to Shi Qing¡¯s house as well.

    The two youngdiesy on the bed that night to have a good chat. ¡°Qiao Nan, is Uncle Qiao foolish or is he pretending?¡±

    ¡°He is not stupid. He merely takes it for granted that everyone is kind and good-natured. He believes that his children should be as sensible as him.¡± Qiao Nan snorted.

 Chapter 1061 - Donâ€™t Be Taken Advantage of

    <h4>Chapter 1061 Don¡¯t Be Taken Advantage of</h4>

    Upon hearing that, Shi Qing rolled her eyes continuously. ¡°He is so foolish. What kind of person is Qiao Zijin? Don¡¯t tell me that he still can¡¯t tell clearly now? Brother Zhai was the one who prepared the dowry for you. However, on your wedding day, when people see the generous spread of dowry, will the Zhai family publicize that they were the ones who provided them? That they are putting up an appearance for you since the Qiao family can¡¯t afford any dowry?¡±

    Shi Qing really took her hat off to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°In the past, you said I don¡¯t know how to manage interpersonal matters. You taught and chided me. Compared to Uncle Qiao, I can be a veteran master.¡±

    Qiao Nan covered herself tightly with her nket andughed. ¡°If we swap Qiao Zijin with someone else, my dad will definitelye to his senses immediately.¡±

    Those items were prepared by Brother Zhai to keep up an appearance for her father and her. Of course, this situation must not be let known to outsiders.

    Furthermore, sometimes, the truth did not matter. Most importantly, it was what some people wished to see.

    The dowry that Brother Zhai prepared for her was so generous. The day that Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun, they would be in for a good show if her father could not cough up all these items.

    Regarding this situation, Qiao Nan did not wish to remind Qiao Dongliang anymore. This was because she knew that Qiao Dongliang would not believe her. He might even turn around and reprimand her for thinking of Qiao Zijin in that way.

    Qiao Nan really felt despaired about Qiao Dongliang, her father.

    Life was an oue of one¡¯s own doings. Did she have to keep her fatherpany by the side and help him keep a watch forever?

    It was not feasible.

    Upon figuring this out, just as how she felt about Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan also lost all her hopes on Qiao Dongliang.

    It was Qiao Nan¡¯s school holidays but she did not stay at home. Qiao Dongliang was already used to this situation. He had been through it for the past half a year.

    When he recalled that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin stayed in Qiao Nan¡¯s roomst night, he vaguely felt that something was not right. He seemed to have gone overboard in allowing that.

    Sigh. Old Ding and Zijin also deserved it. They just had to provoke Nan Nan.

    Most of the time, Nan Nan was not a petty person. One just had to look at how Nan Nan treated Shi Qing.

    Nan Nan treated Shi Qing much better than she did Zijin. This meant that the way Zijin treated Nan Nan was not any better than how an outsider did.

    Lying on the bed in the dark and dim room, Qiao Dongliang also began to do some self-reflection.

    He wanted to help but his elder daughter would not cooperate. She had to continuously provoke his younger daughter. Even if he had the will, hecked enthusiasm and power.

    Well, if his elder daughter could behave well next time, he would help her put in some good words to the younger daughter then.

    Of course, if something simr to what happened during the day urred again, no matter how pleasant the elder daughter¡¯s words, he would not be able to intervene in the matters between his two daughters.

    Recently, Chen Jun would enquire about Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation every day. Without exception, he called Qiao Zijin today. ¡°Did your mom and you stay in your father¡¯s house yesterday on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year?¡±

    ¡°We did!¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s tone improved tremendously. ¡°Very good. It seems that your rtionship with your father is improving. How about your rtionship with Qiao Nan? Did your father help you?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Now, the person that Qiao Zijin did not wish to mention most was Qiao Nan. She still owed Qiao Nan money for a set of clothing. ¡°My dad certainly did help.¡±

    Chen Jun was not so easily taken in. ¡°Your dad has helped, but did you shoot yourself in the foot?¡±

    Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were on bad terms and it was all because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s doings. Chen Jun was well aware.

    As such, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s help was secondary to whether Qiao Zijin could reconcile with Qiao Nan. The primary factor was Qiao Zijin¡¯s own attitude.

    ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°Speak. What stupid thing did you do again?¡± The moment Qiao Zijin hesitated, Chen Jun could tell that there was a problem.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. When I went there yesterday, I borrowed Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes to wear because I didn¡¯t bring any. Thereafter, I identally spoiled them. Qiao Nan is so petty. She shrewishly insisted that I pay her back.¡± Qiao Zijin was both angry and anxious. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a set of used clothing? I am her biological sister. She still has the shame to requestpensation from me. She doesn¡¯t take into ount our kinship at all.¡±

    Chen Jun could not help twisting the corners of his lips. ¡°Did you really spoil the clothes identally? Qiao Zijin, did you forget my words?¡± He was still troubled that he did not have a chance to give Qiao Nan anything. If Qiao Nan was willing to, he was willing to give her anything.

    He did not even have the chance to send a gift and Qiao Zijin had the guts to spoil Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes. Every word of hers revealed the same intention¡ªnotpensating, moronic...

    ¡°Forget it. Perhaps this is also an opportunity for us.¡± A bright idea shed in Chen Jun¡¯s mind. He thought of a solution. ¡°Qiao Nan wants you topensate, right? You don¡¯t need to fork out this sum of money. I will. However, if you fail again, you have to watch it in the future.¡±

    No matter how formidable his means were, he could not afford to have a noob ally by his side.

    Chen Jun often doubted whether his encounter with Qiao Zijin was an opportunity or a disaster.

    Qiao Nan was so smart. She had such a wide interpersonalwork. As her elder sister, Qiao Zijin was like a piece of shit. No matter how he taught her, she could not understand.

    ¡°Okay.¡± When Chen Jun spoke, Qiao Zijin could only agree.

    When the two hung up the phone, Ding Jiayi leaned over with a bright and cheery face. ¡°What did my son-inw say to you?¡± Certainly, Chen Jun¡¯s family background could not bepared to that of Zhai Sheng. However, they might only find a few in the entire country who could bepared to Zhai Sheng.

    Regardless of how proud Ding Jiayi was, she still had this little sense of self-awareness.

    She could not yearn for Qiao Zijin to find a man like Zhai Sheng. Nevertheless, if she could find someone like Chen Jun, whose family members were government officials, it was not bad too.

    As expected, Ding Jiayi was quite satisfied with Chen Jun, this son-inw. After all, he was much better than the people in the quad.

    ¡°He asked me topensate Qiao Nan. He will fork out this sum of money.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s feet had been stomping on the ground. She was very reluctant topensate. ¡°She is going to be married to Zhai Sheng soon. She will get whatever she wants in the future, yet she is still so petty. She can¡¯t even bear to part with a set of used clothing and insisted that I return them. When she found out that I spoiled it, she even picked a fight with me and insisted that Ipensate her.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s stiffened her brows. ¡°This wretched girl has no conscience. It¡¯s not the first day that we know this. Fine. Now, we know. No matter how well this wretched girl marries, we won¡¯t be able to bask in any of her glory. However, we can¡¯t let her take advantage of us. Since she wants us topensate, we will do so. My son-inw doesn¡¯tck this little sum of money. However, we can¡¯t let her ask for the sky regarding the price of that set of clothing. You have to think about it more. Don¡¯t let her take any excess money from us.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Nan would inform them of a false price for the clothes. In her opinion, even the price of new clothes could be bargained.

 Chapter 1062 - If He Doesnâ€™t Want, I Do

    <h4>1062 If He Doesn¡¯t Want, I Do</h4>

    This set of clothing belonging to Qiao Nan had been worn before. Of course, they could notpensate her ording to the original price. Whoever did that would be a fool.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it again.¡± Qiao Zijin did not agree immediately. She knew in her heart that she was not the one who would call the final shots on this matter. It would depend on Chen Jun¡¯s attitude.

    If she were to really bargain with Qiao Nan as per her mother¡¯s suggestion, Chen Jun would definitely be unhappy if he knew about it.

    Qiao Zijin was aware that Chen Jun wanted to curry favor with Qiao Nan and acknowledge her as his sister-inw. She had already made a concession and decided to listen to Chen Jun. No matter what, she would stick to Qiao Nan so that others knew that they were, in fact, quite deeply bonded to each other.

    Qiao Zijin was not even able to control her own behavior ording to her wishes. Why would she have the right to control Chen Jun?

    ¡°You have to remember Mom¡¯s words. Don¡¯t let that wretched girl take advantage of you. You have to know. For some people, the richer they are, the stingier they be.¡± Ding Jiayi reminded again as she did not feel at ease.

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiao Zijin brushed her off with a few words before returning to her bedroom.

    In the small courtyard of the Qiao family, the conversation between the mother-daughter pair had ended. However, the conversation between two men in the same quad had just begun. ¡°Zhai Sheng is not back yet?¡± Zhu Chengqi was sizing up the living environment of the Zhai family¡¯s residence with picky eyes.

    Zhai Yaohui said nonchntly, ¡°Most likely, he can onlye back on the night of the 30th.¡±

    ¡°He went to the capital to collect the marriage certificate?¡± Zhu Chengqi pinched his fingers and counted the time.

    ¡°Yes, coincidentally, everything is happening at the same time. I have to thank you for this matter,¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Zhu Chengqi and said sincerely.

    The Zhai family¡¯s move to the capital during theing year was also because Zhu Chengqi had done a lot to help them.

    Zhu Chengqi did not need these words of gratitude from Zhu Yaohui. ¡°If you are sincere, remember to treat my goddaughter well.¡± Although Qiao Nan did not agree previously, Zhu Chengqi had already treated her as his daughter.

    As such, when he knew his son¡¯s thoughts and confirmed that he was not suitable for Qiao Nan, he then threw Zhu Baoguo into the camp during the summer vacation that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng got engaged. This was in case Zhu Baoguo did anything that would embarrass everyone.

    Until now, Zhai Yaohui was still very shocked regarding this matter. He secretly felt bad for Zhu Baoguo. This was thetter¡¯s biological father.

    Zhu Chengqi was willing to give the Zhai family convenience and help the Zhai family all because of Qiao Nan.

    Without Qiao Nan, Zhu Chengqi could not even be bothered with the matters of the Zhai family.

    When the two of them were young, they were also considered opponents. Even though the two parties admired each other¡¯s behavior and style, they did not intend to have a friendly rtion.

    It was also because of Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance that the Zhu family and the Zhai family, two families that were on par with each other, had some interactions.

    ¡°I came today to formally inform the Zhai family. Don¡¯t think that Qiao Nan only has Qiao Dongliang, her biological father, as her maternal family. I can help you because of Qiao Nan. I can also step on you like how I help you today if you shortchange Qiao Nan. Understand?¡± Zhu Chengqi was unruly with his words. It was obvious that this was a threat.

    If Zhai Yaohui had a bad temper, given such words of Zhu Chengqi, Zhai Sheng could forget about marrying Qiao Nan. If this was not handled properly, the two families would simply be enemies.

    Fortunately, Zhai Yaohui did not re-up.

    Zhai Yaohuiughed in a rxed manner. ¡°You really don¡¯t need to warn me on this. That youngd of my family is very stubborn. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t need to wait until today to prepare for my son¡¯s wedding banquet.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s warning was not considered a warning.

    ¡°Humph, what a shameless thing!¡± Zhu Chengqi snorted. Zhai Sheng was older than Qiao Nan by five years. One was already an old ruffian in the army while Qiao Nan was an extremely young and tender flower bud that had just entered college.

    His family¡¯s flower bud had been plucked by another family¡¯sd. The fire in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s heart was multiple times stronger than that of Qiao Dongliang.

    As expected, although Zhu Chengqi helped the Zhai family, he shunned them at the sight of them. He could not wait to teach them, especially Zhai Sheng, a lesson.

    Although his only son had been chided, Zhai Yaohui was not angry. He was happily drinking his tea while sitting down steadily.

    This was because he knew that the Zhai family was going to have an additional family member and Zhu Chengqi¡¯s precious darling would be part of the Zhai family. That was why Zhu Chengqi said those ugly words.

    Facing such a situation, Zhai Yaohui would not take issue with Zhu Chengqi no matter how ugly thetter¡¯s words were. He knew in his heart who had received a huge bargain. He felt happier to keep the pleasure to himself.

    The more Zhai Yaohui behaved in this way, the more sullen Zhu Chengqi looked.

    Since a young age, he had already discovered that the Zhai family might look very decent on the outside but they were full of cunning ideas and tricks, more than anyone else. They were manipting others behind the scene!

    Zhu Chengqi took a deep breath. ¡°You don¡¯t have to fork out Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry. I have already prepared for her.¡± This was the goddaughter that he and his wife had fancied. Could he let Qiao Nan marry off shabbily?

    As for Qiao Dongliang, Zhu Chengqi did not harbor any hopes toward this person at all.

    Otherwise, Zhu Chengqi would not have so little interaction with the Qiao family in the past few years.

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eyes were sharp. He knew that Qiao Dongliang had the heart of an ordinary father. However, he did not expect that Qiao Dongliang wouldpletely relinquish his hold on Qiao Zijin, his elder daughter.

    Unfortunately, the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan was already a dead knot.

    Qiao Dongliang could not figure it out himself. Qiao Nan would either not marry or if she were to marry, she would definitely go on separate ways with Qiao Dongliang, her biological father. They would not be close in the future.

    Zhu Chengqi was not a good person.

    In the past, Qiao Nan still harbored some hopes toward Qiao Dongliang. Hence, he would not be the bad guy. He might even make Qiao Nan angry if he did.

    He was certain that Qiao Dongliang would do himself in. Like a patient hunter, he was waiting for the opportune time to appear.

    When he heard that Qiao Dongliang spent the day before the eve of Lunar New Year with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Zhu Chengqi knew that the right time had arrived.

    Since Qiao Dongliang did not want his daughter, Qiao Nan, he could not me him for availing himself of the opportunity toe in between them. He would pick up and bring home this good daughter.

    Henceforth, the Zhu family would be Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family. No matter what, Qiao Nan would not be bullied because of theck of support from her maternal family.

    Facing Qiao Dongliang, a person who did not know how fortunate he was, Zhu Chengqi sneered continuously. Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang did something foolish. Otherwise, he would probably not have the chance to fulfill his beloved wife¡¯s wish when she was alive to have a heartwarming little jacket.

    Since someone did not know how to cherish it, he should not me it on others who were able to tell what the good stuff was. He would pick up the treasure, hide and protect it in his home.

    ¡°You really want to snatch the daughter away from others?¡± Zhai Yaohui was a little surprised. Zhu Chengqi was very good to Qiao Nan. He treated her almost better than he did his biological son. He was astonished by the affinity between him and Qiao Nan.

    Who would have known that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s thoughts were even deeper than Zhai Yaohui¡¯s guess?

 Chapter 1063 - Untitled

    <h4>1063 Untitled</h4>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhu Chengqi admitted without any reservation. ¡°When she was alive, she wanted a daughter like Qiao Nan. When she was pregnant with Baoguo, she had been saying ¡®my daughter, my daughter¡¯. Sometimes, I wonder if heaven mixed up the children of the two families.¡±

    Clearly, Qiao Nan was the kind of daughter that he and his wife had wished for, whereas Zhu Baoguo was the son that the Qiao couple had pined for.

    One family wanted a daughter while the other wanted a son.

    Qiao Nan was the daughter that they wanted and Zhu Baoguo was the son that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi wanted. Sometimes, it was scary that humans would be so blinded by their thoughts. Even such a formidable character like Zhu Chengqi would also have such ludicrous thoughts.

    Zhai Yaohui could not help tearing for Zhu Baoguo. ¡°If Baoguo hears you, he will probably fight with you.¡± Zhu Chengqi had reached the stage whereby he was biased toward his goddaughter, Qiao Nan.

    It was fortunate that Zhu Chengqi only treated Qiao Nan as his daughter. Otherwise, there would be many more troubles.

    Zhu Chengqi raised his brows. ¡°When you say this, you are underestimating the men in the Zhu family. You are underestimating my son. When that little brat turns around, your son will have a capable uncle-inw. You should feel happy for your son. Baoguo has note out of the dead end yet. Otherwise, your son will need to wait for another five to six years before he can get married.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi might appear to be quite harsh on Zhu Baoguo. In fact, it was because Zhu Chengqi understood his son, Zhu Baoguo, more than anyone else.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s feelings toward Qiao Nan were certainly more than that of a tonic rtionship. However, there were also too many other types of mixed feelings.

    Since he was at a young age, Zhu Baoguo did not have a mother. Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance had coincidentally made up for thiscking aspect in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life.

    During the first year of junior high school studies, everyone who was sharp could tell that Zhu Baoguo and Qiao Nan did not behave like peers when they were together. It was as if a mother was bringing his son to school to study.

    He could only say that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s luck was not good to have encountered Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance at the same time.

    Otherwise, who would know whether this kind of rtionship with both romance and kinship would not blossom eventually?

    However, Zhai Sheng, who was more suitable for Qiao Nan, appeared. Some things could not be forced.

    Zhu Chengqi was very sure that it was just a matter of time. His son would figure out his thoughts and let go of Qiao Nan. He would then give his blessings to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    In that case, why would he not fulfill Qiao Nan¡¯s wish to receive happiness earlier? He would keep a tight watch on his son and make his son understand this earlier.

    Although Zhu Baoguo was not a daughter, he was also a product of love that climbed out of the womb of the love of his life.

    How much could the biological father bully his son?

    However, these were matters between father and son, Zhu Baoguo and Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Chengqi was not interested to talk about his own family¡¯s private matters.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Zhai Yaohuiughed. ¡°Certainly, my son¡¯s luck has always been quite good. I don¡¯t need to count my blessings.¡±

    If Zhai Sheng¡¯s luck was not good, would he be able to conquer Qiao Nan before Qiao Nan had anything to do with Zhu Baoguo?

    Zhai Yaohui had always admitted how outstanding and exceptional his son was.

    ¡°...¡± Zhu Chengqi rolled his eyes at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°If it is necessary, I hope that my daughter will only have one marriage in her life. You should also keep a tight watch on the people from the Qiao family.¡±

    He could not let the Qiao family create any trouble on the day of the marriage between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    ¡°They won¡¯t have the chance to do so,¡± Zhai Yaohui said as if this did not bother him. ¡°The banquet will be held in the capital. Besides Qiao Dongliang, the rest of the Qiao family will not have a chance to appear.¡±

    After thinking, Zhu Chengqi said, ¡°That¡¯s fine too. Both of us know the situation of the Qiao family very well. There should not be a concern about face.¡±

    Everyone in the quad was aware of the rtionship between the Qiao family of four.

    Although Ding Jiayi was the biological mother, she behaved too terribly. She was too scary.

    If one were to invite a biological mother like Ding Jiayi to the once-in-a-lifetime asion such as the wedding banquet, one might hinder their own life if it was not managed properly. In addition, they would be fostering enmity instead of kinship.

    It was true that one had to be careful about who to invite to a wedding banquet.

    After discussing some wedding details, Qiao Dongliang, the biological father, did not even need to show his face. He just needed to sleep abidingly at home. Everything had been discussed and finalized by the pair, Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Yaohui.

    Qiao Dongliang was unaware of this situation. Simrly, Qiao Nan, who was in a deep sleep at the house of the Shi family, did not know about this.

    In the blink of an eye, thest day of the current lunar year arrived.

    Regardless of the home, it was lively and bustling. Fragrances of dishes could be smelleding from the houses.

    Initially, the father-daughter pair of the Shi family wanted to spend the Lunar New Year with the Qiao family. However, it was quite strange this year. On the 29th of the month, Feng Cheng left her maternal family and rushed to Ping Cheng. She wanted to spend the Lunar New Year with Shi Peng and Shi Qing.

    Feng Cheng disliked Qiao Nan. When she knew that Qiao Nan was staying in the house beside hers, she did not feel like talking too much.

    Furthermore, the Feng family of three had reunited. It did not seem right that the father-daughter pair of the Qiao family joined them at such a time.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it seems that we will only have each other this year,¡± Qiao Dongliang said as he mocked at himself. ¡°Next year, I think I will be the only one.¡±

    After thinking, Qiao Nan, who was plucking the celery leaves, said, ¡°Not necessary. You can spend time with family, just like what you did on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year.¡±

    Her father had clearly rejected her mother¡¯s date for a meal on the first day of Lunar New Year in front of her. However, on the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, didn¡¯t her mother and Qiao Zijin sit on the same table with her father and had a meal? They even slept under the same roof, no?

    Since it was possible during the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, was there a need to care about other days?

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Dongliang was tempted. He still had Nan Nan to keep himpany this year. Hence, he did not have such thoughts.

    Next year, when he was really alone, would he still insist on his opinion?

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re not angry?¡± Qiao Dongliang tested. He was someone who felt attached to the past. He kept feeling that old was better than new.

    After putting aside the celery, Qiao Nan was amused and she lifted her head. ¡°Dad, why should I be angry? Since a long time ago, I have already said that it is your life. As long as you are happy, my thoughts don¡¯t matter at all. This is your choice. You choose your life. Dad, I will support you. In the past, I never advised you to divorce. Now, I will also not stop you from reviving the marriage.¡±

    As expected, her father had harbored such thoughts.

    After knowing this, Qiao Nan really did not have any more psychological burden.

    Others thought that she was the main reason for her parents¡¯ divorce in the past. However, she was very clear in her heart that her parents obviously could not get along with each other anymore. Her father decided to divorce. It did not have anything to do with her.

    If the two of them revived their marriage, Qiao Nan would feel liberated regardless of what others said.

 Chapter 1064 - Donâ€™t Benefit Others If You Donâ€™t Like To

    <h4>1064 Don¡¯t Benefit Others If You Don¡¯t Like To</h4>

    His father would have a wife by his side. There was also his elder daughter whom he always had high regard for. Very soon after, he might even have an elder son-inw who would be filial to him.

    As such, she would not need to worry for her father even if she had fewer and fewer opportunities to return to Ping Cheng. She would not need to be afraid that her father would feel lonely, have no one keeping himpany, or fall sick without anyone¡¯s knowledge.

    Wasn¡¯t such a situation also considered a form of liberation for Qiao Nan?

    With such a win-win situation for everyone, Qiao Nan did not have any reason or motivation to stop it from happening. ¡°Dad, still the same words. You just have to lead a good life. I don¡¯t have any opinion.¡±

    Instead of stopping him, Qiao Nan was very agreeable. At that instance, Qiao Dongliang did not know whether he should feel happy or sad. ¡°Nan Nan, is it because you are going to marry Zhai Sheng soon and some things don¡¯t matter anymore?¡±

    Qiao Nan could tell the pain and resentment in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone. She was both angry and amused. ¡°Dad, when Brother Zhai and I are still dating, you have also asked me whether you should divorce Mom. How did I respond then?¡±

    When she did not have Brother Zhai and the Zhai family as backings, did she agree to it when her father spoke about getting a divorce?

    In the same way, she had advised her father to consider carefully and not to divorce for her sake. Most importantly, he had to lead a good life of his own.

    Anyway, she was a daughter. There was no need to wait for the time of her marriage. As long as she could get into college, she would be able to lead a life of her own thereafter. At most, she would just tough it out for about two to three years.

    Her father¡¯s me was akin to kicking someone to the curb when they¡¯ve outlived their usefulness. Qiao Nan really could not ept it.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was sullen. ¡°Nan Nan, do you think that I am behaving very much like your mom now? That I am finding fault without a reason?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang also knew that his mindset had not been very healthy recently. A few days ago, especially when he suddenly thought of the problem of the dowry, he was so distracted that he had a sleepless night.

    Qiao Nan took the celery into the kitchen to wash. ¡°Dad, there is a kind of psychological illness in this world called gamophobia. Dad, are you suffering from depression woes before your daughter is getting married?¡±

    ¡°Is there such a mental illness?¡± Qiao Dongliang was self-reflecting. He seemed to be having such a condition.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true. If you don¡¯t believe it, I will buy you a book next year for you to read.¡± Qiao Nan calmed down. She was coaxing Qiao Dongliang as if he was a child.

    Qiao Nan continued to tell herself that she probably did not have much chance to coax her father in the future, even if she was willing to.

    She would make use of the time avable now to coax him more when she still could.

    Although her father definitely did not divorce her mother because of her, her father also did many things for her. She acknowledged his love for her.

    Qiao Dongliang waved his hands. ¡°No need. As long as such a condition truly exists.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I will stir-fry the celery now, okay?¡± After chopping a few times, Qiao Nan finished cutting the washed celery. Naturally, she did not mind the additional work of stir-frying it.

    No matter how sad Qiao Nan was, she had to persist on having a good Lunar New Year. This was possibly thest year that would be more harmonious for the father-daughter pair.

    ¡°No need. I will stir-fry them.¡± Qiao Nan wanted to have a good time during thest Lunar New Year that they would be spending together. Simrly, Qiao Dongliang also wanted to leave some good memories for his younger daughter.

    Even if Qiao Nan did not speak about it, Qiao Dongliang had also harbored some thoughts. After all, he had never fully let go of Qiao Zijin.

    Of course, it would be best for Qiao Dongliang if Qiao Nan was willing to talk about it.

    After this topic of conversation ended, the father-daughter pair maintained the chemistry between them. Neither mentioned the names of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin again. The pair was bustling as they started preparing for the reunion dinner in the small kitchen.

    The father-daughter pair carried out all the tasks together. Although there were only two people present this year, the atmosphere was not considered cold. It was quite good.

    The father-daughter pair sat and had a meal together. They also watched the spring television show and waited for the countdown.

    The moment the clock ticked when it was midnight, sounds of loud popping firecrackers could be heard from inside and outside the television.

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Nan Nan.¡±

    After the father-daughter pair greeted each other, they then returned to their respective rooms to sleep.

    The difference was that Qiao Nan did not fall asleep very quickly, but Qiao Dongliang did.

    True enough, when she heard a familiar sound, Qiao Nan opened her windows and let Brother Zhai in. ¡°Brother Zhai, aren¡¯t you spending the night at home?¡±

    After Zhai Sheng entered the house, he felt much warmer instantly. ¡°It¡¯s not necessary.¡± He was someone with a wife now. Of course, he had to sleep with his wife during the Lunar New Year.

    As someone who already had an immediate family, Zhai Sheng was not willing to sleep alone like Zhai Hua and Old Master Zhai. He was not so foolish.

    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± When she heard Zhai Sheng climbing the wall in such a bold and righteous manner, Qiao Nan chuckled.

    ¡°Yes.¡± When he was replying to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had already removed all his clothes. There were only his boxer shorts left on his body. He had also lifted Qiao Nan¡¯s nket and wriggled in. ¡°This nket is new?¡±

    It was not that Zhai Sheng could not bear to let Qiao Nan buy a new nket. On the contrary, Qiao Nan would always reject him whenever he wanted to buy something for her. Qiao Nan would tell him that there was no need to buy new ones since the items in the house were still quite good.

    If they were not going to rece the old ones, it would be meaningless to buy new ones as they would just be sitting there without any use.

    It was rare that Qiao Nan had gotten a new nket. Naturally, Zhai Sheng discovered it immediately.

    ¡°The nket is not the only new thing. All the items on the bed are new.¡± Qiao Nan wriggled into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Her arms wrapped tightly on Zhai Sheng¡¯s stiff arms. ¡°On the day before the eve of Lunar New Year, they came and slept in my room. That¡¯s why I changed everything. I have also thrown away the clothing that Qiao Zijin took and wore.¡±

    Zhai Sheng reached out his hands. One of them was below Qiao Nan¡¯s neck while the other was around her waist.

    This action alone stered their two bodies together without any gap.

    One was the hard yang and the other was the soft yin. It was like a picture of the Eight Trigrams[1]. Thebination was perfect.

    ¡°If you have changed them, so be it. Put the old ones aside.¡± Hugging the nice-smelling and soft woman in his arms, Zhai Sheng sighedfortably. ¡°You may mind but some others may not. Perhaps they can continue to use them next time.¡±

    ¡°What I feel depressed about is whether these new things will benefit those few people.¡± Qiao Nan pinched the flesh on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and said sullenly, ¡°I am going to be married soon and I didn¡¯t use these things for more than one month. I am petty. I don¡¯t like to benefit others.¡±

    Zhai Sheng kissed Qiao Nan¡¯s lips. She was pouting so much that one could hang a bottle on it. ¡°If you really want to, you can simply move all these items to the Zhai family. You should know that the Zhai family will be moving to the capital, right? But that house in the quad still belongs to us. You can store your things there.¡±

    The Zhai family did notck any house for Nan Nan to store her belongings. ¡°These are our own things. There is no reason to benefit others if you don¡¯t like to. We will bring them back. Don¡¯t be unhappy.¡±

    [1] Eight Trigrams is a tripartite structure consisting of eight symbols used in Taoist cosmology to represent the fundamental principles of reality. It is seen as a range of eight interrted concepts. Each consists of three lines; each line either ¡®broken¡¯ or ¡®unbroken¡¯, respectively representing yin or yang.

 Chapter 1065 - I am the Blessed One

    <h4>1065 I am the Blessed One</h4>

    ¡°Okay.¡± Having been consoled by Zhai Sheng, the anger in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart diminished. ¡°When I am married to you, my dad would havepleted his mission. Next, he just needs to help Qiao Zijin form a family. Brother Zhai, in the future, no one from the Qiao family will care about me anymore.¡±

    His heart ached for thedy in his arms. However, Zhai Sheng really could not do much in this aspect. ¡°It¡¯s okay. The Qiao family doesn¡¯t care about you but many people in the Zhai family want to dote on you. Nan Nan, you¡¯re a smartdy. You should not feel upset over these matters.¡±

    Qiao Nan buried her face in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. She then said sullenly, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Finally, his nice-smelling and soft wife was in his arms. Today was the eve of Lunar New Year, a happy asion. Zhai Sheng had initially wanted to behave like a beast but such thoughts went away when he saw Qiao Nan feeling so upset.

    Judging from this, it was better that he distanced Nan Nan from his father-inw in the future. Otherwise, there would be a negative impact on the couple ¡®making small humans¡¯.

    He gave Qiao Nan a couple of rubs to relieve his temptation. Zhai Sheng then said with sulk and exasperation, ¡°It¡¯ste. Quickly go to sleep.¡±

    She had been rubbed so hard by Zhai Sheng and also heard his sullen voice that was depressed to the core. In particr, Zhai Sheng¡¯s head was pouncing on and nudging her chest from time to time. He was behaving like a big bad wolf. Qiao Nan was initially feeling sad, but now, all her mncholy went away. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... Are you thinking of...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve endured for a few years. Can I not think of it?¡± Zhai Sheng took a bite on Qiao Nan¡¯s chest to vent his frustration. He was already over twenty years old. He really felt that he had suffered a little.

    Qiao Nan took in some deep breaths. She would notugh at Zhai Sheng anymore lest she overdo it. In the end, she would be the one at a disadvantage.

    Undeniably, Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance made Qiao Nan feel very peaceful and calm at heart. Qiao Nan felt extremely safe lying in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms while hearing his heartbeat.

    As for the suffering that she had endured at the Qiao family, Qiao Nan could finally cast them aside. She was no longer dwelling on it.

    After her marriage, she would not have much interaction with the Qiao family anymore.

    With husband and wife hugging each other to sleep, it could be considered a nice Lunar New Year eve.

    It was seven o¡¯clock in the morning of the first day of Lunar New Year. When Qiao Dongliang woke up and opened the door, Zhai Sheng was already standing at the doorstep of the Qiao family. He was wearing a trim shirt and standing tall and straight like a pine tree. ¡°Dad.¡±

    When he heard the word ¡®Dad¡¯ from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang faintly felt that he was in a trance. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here to fetch Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng walked in with a poker-face. Qiao Dongliang could not tell at all that, in fact, Zhai Sheng was already at his housest night. Most importantly, he had just woken up in Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Nan Nan and I should make preparations for some things. Qiao Nan has to choose the furniture and stuff. Otherwise, we¡¯re afraid that we won¡¯t have time moving forward. Also, I will be taking wedding photos with Nan Nan.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not like to take photos. Nevertheless, he was aware that wedding photoshoots were very popr nowadays.

    He had always heard people in his camp mentioned that their wives were extremely happy about taking wedding photos. In the past, Zhai Sheng did not give it much thought. At this time, Zhai Sheng also wanted to bring Qiao Nan for a photoshoot to make her happy.

    ¡°Wedding photo?¡± Qiao Dongliang was not very sure about this. Many years ago, when he married Ding Jiayi, they probably did not even have a new set of clothing, let alone wedding attire. ¡°Regarding this matter, Nan Nan and you can decide on your own. I remember that wedding gowns are white in color? What¡¯s so nice about it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine to wear a white wedding gown during the photoshoot. When we are having the banquet, Nan Nan wishes to wear a phoenix cor and robes,¡± Zhai Sheng said patiently. Regarding these matters, Zhai Sheng left it entirely to Qiao Nan, ording to her wishes.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°This is better. You have juste back. When did Nan Nan and you discuss this?¡±

    ¡°We have agreed on this in a phone conversationst year.¡± Zhai Sheng did not even move his brow a tad when he lied to Qiao Dongliang again and again. His lie seemed as real as the truth. His entire performance was so steady.

    Qiao Dongliang asked Zhai Sheng to get a seat. ¡°Nan Nan, quickly get up. Zhai Sheng is going to bring you for a photoshoot.¡± After shouting for Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang then looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Yesterday, Nan Nan kept mepany while we waited for the countdown. She slept veryte. Moreover, it has been tough on Nan Nan that she has to study during normal times. It is seldom that she gets a holiday. Today is also the first day of Lunar New Year. Hence, she slept for a while more. Please don¡¯t mind her.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Even after hearing Qiao Dongliang anxiously exin, Zhai Sheng did not feel much.

    When he faced Qiao Dongliang, this father-inw, Zhai Sheng could understand the pain in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart.

    When Qiao Nan felt that Qiao Dongliang would love and protect her wholeheartedly, Qiao Dongliang would always give Qiao Nan a vicious p on the face due to his favoritism toward Qiao Zijin.

    When Qiao Nan had lost hopes on Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Dongliang would be the most ordinary father in the world. He would think of and do everything for Qiao Nan then.

    To Zhai Sheng, this kind of person was shameless and detestable.

    Certainly, one was not wrong to dote on and protect their child.

    However, his father-inw could not tell right from wrong. Clearly, he knew that his child was in the wrong but he allowed her to continue down the wrong path. It was as scary as overindulgence and causing the child to fail!

    One had been overindulged while the other had ¡®fallen¡¯ to death.

    When Qiao Dongliang faced Zhai Sheng, he felt a little uneasy. ¡°Zhai Sheng, how are you doing in the army recently?¡±

    ¡°Quite good. However, most likely, I won¡¯t remain in Ping Cheng after some time.¡±

    ¡°You have been deployed? Where have you been deployed to?¡± Qiao Dongliang was bing anxious. If Zhai Sheng had been deployed to a ce with barren hills and unruly waters, what would happen to Nan Nan then? Was Nan Nan going to follow him?

    Zhai Sheng took a sip of the hot tea. ¡°The capital. You are also aware of life in the army. When I arrive in the capital, I will be physically closer to Nan Nan although I still can¡¯t take care of Nan Nan more. The good thing is that my parents will be close by and can often take care of Nan Nan. So, Dad, you don¡¯t need to worry. When Nan Nan is married to me, I will definitely let Nan Nan lead a good and happy life.¡±

    ¡°Your parents?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Zhai Sheng with shock and doubt. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me your parents are also going to the capital?¡±

    ¡°Our whole family will be going.¡± Regarding the details of this matter, Zhai Sheng did not continue to talk about it. It was not appropriate for Qiao Dongliang to know certain matters.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed many times. ¡°Everyone will be going to the capital. T-that¡¯s quite good too. Nan Nan is already studying in the capital. If all of you are there, I... I don¡¯t need to worry that no one can take care of Nan Nan if she encounters any problems in the capital. Q-quite good. Nan Nan is very blessed.¡±

    She had just gotten married and her whole inw family would be going to her ce of study. Nan Nan was truly very blessed.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°No, I am the one who is very blessed to be able to marry Nan Nan. Dad, you don¡¯t need to worry. I won¡¯t let anyone, including myself, hurt Nan Nan. I will definitely be able to give Nan Nan happiness. Dad, if you miss us in the future, you cane to the capital to look for us.¡±

 Chapter 1066 - Wedding Photoshoo

    <h4>1066 Wedding Photoshoo</h4>

    After Nan Nan was married, she would be part of the Zhai family.

    Nan Nan was only a first-year college student now. After marriage, she certainly would not be able to go home as frequently as otherdies.

    ¡°Of course, when Nan Nan and I have the time, we will definitelye back to look for you. Dad, do remember to take care of your health. If you are well, Nan Nan will not need to worry or be distracted.¡±

    The entire Zhai family would be moving to the capital. This matter had already been cast in stone.

    Today, Zhai Sheng might as well inform Qiao Dongliang about the situation. It was also considered a reminder to Qiao Dongliang to cherish his time with Qiao Nan, as the father and daughter did not have much time left to spend together.

    Qiao Dongliang was naturally affected by this news. He initially thought that this Lunar New Year was thest one that he would be spending with Qiao Nan.

    He did not expect that they would be living in separate and faraway ces. Both he and Qiao Nan were still young. They would not have many opportunities to meet in a year, let alone spend the Lunar New Year together.

    Nevertheless, it was certainly a good thing that the Zhai family could move to the capital.

    Qiao Dongliang could not drag down the Zhai family and Qiao Nan by stopping them from moving to the capital because of his selfish reasons.

    However, he totally did not expect that he would lose his daughter so quickly andpletely after her marriage. Qiao Dongliang was shocked and dumbfounded, as if he had been dealt with a great blow. He looked very pitiful.

    Qiao Nan, who had finished washing up, was wearing a hat and a thickyer of clothing when she came out of the room. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am ready. Let¡¯s go. Dad, most likely, Brother Zhai and I won¡¯t be having lunch with you today. Tonight...¡±

    ¡°Dad, Nan Nan will go back to the Zhai¡¯s residence with me tonight. She will be back here on the fifth day of Lunar New Year.¡± Zhai Sheng continued.

    Qiao Nan nced at Zhai Sheng. After he finished his words, Qiao Nan then nodded and expressed that this was the arrangement.

    His daughter would be staying at his son-inw¡¯s ce for four nights. Qiao Dongliang felt reluctant. He wanted to open his mouth and ask Qiao Nan to stay. However, in the end, he nodded. ¡°Alright, I know. Since you are noting back, I won¡¯t wait for you to have lunch and dinner then.¡± It was the Lunar New Year. On the first day of Lunar New Year, other homes would be lively and bustling but he would be home alone.

    After passing her bag to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan said before she left, ¡°Dad, do you still need to prepare food for lunch and dinner? Didn¡¯t Mom invite you to the small courtyard of the Qiao family? Since you have a ce to go, don¡¯t cook yourself. You can save the trouble.¡±

    Previously, when she arrived home for winter vacation, Qiao Nan had heard Qiao Dongliang decline Ding Jiayi¡¯s invitation. However, she had already taken this matter off her mind.

    Since they could have a meal together on the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve, what difference would it make if they were to spend the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve together?

    Qiao Nan had always been very gracious when it came to such matters.

    If her father were to feel that his life would improve after reviving his marriage, she would definitely not say ¡®no¡¯.

    This time, Qiao Nan was really going to wash her hands off Qiao Dongliang, her father.

    No affinity. She did not have any affinity with the Qiao family!

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan left the house to take wedding photos and settle rted matters. These were not excuses to brush Qiao Dongliang off.

    After the couple settled the wedding photos, Qiao Nan felt so exhausted that she could not get up. She had given up on the rest of the matters on the agenda. She would rather continue with them tomorrow.

    It was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Business was still as usual for a few shops, especially those that provide wedding photoshoots.

    Well, the boss of this shop was Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friend, someone that Zhai Hua was familiar with.

    If it were for other people, they might not have the time to provide wedding photoshoot services on the first day of Lunar New Year. Since the client was Zhai Sheng, they had to find the time to do that.

    Thus, on such a special asion, the first day of Lunar New Year, the entire shop was only servicing Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    There were pros and cons in taking photos during winter. The advantage was that one could capture the beautiful snow scenery.

    The disadvantage was that the weather was too cold. Qiao Nan did not mind wearing less for the sake of beautiful wedding photos. However, Zhai Sheng was domineering and did not allow Qiao Nan to remove her clothing or wear too revealing ones, lest she catch a cold.

    When she heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was speechless.

    Usually, wedding gowns were in tube-top designs. Those that covered one from tip-to-toe were rather rare.

    If she had to adhere to Zhai Sheng¡¯s request, Qiao Nan felt that wedding gowns most likely would not appear in the only wedding photo album of her two lifetimes. Zhai Sheng had cut off all her means.

    Perhaps it was because he could sense that Qiao Nan was a little displeased, but Zhai Sheng finally allowed Qiao Nan to choose one set of wedding gowns for the photoshoot. However, he requested the photos to be taken indoors.

    After Qiao Nan happily chose a wedding gown that she was quite satisfied with and came out wearing it, she was shocked. ¡°Where¡¯s the photographer?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had also changed into a suave suit. He was tidying up his sleeves. ¡°Isn¡¯t she standing there?¡±

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. ¡°The photographer has been changed?¡± Clearly, this person was not the one who took their photos earlier.

    Although Qiao Nan could recognize faces, she was not good at remembering them. She could tell that the one holding the camera currently was not the previous photographerpletely because of her gender.

    Unless one was blind, the male photographer, who was wearing a down jacket with a short, clean-cut hair, had been changed into a female photographer who was slim with shoulder-length hair.

    How could one not discover such a huge change?

    ¡°Why had the person been changed?¡± Qiao Nan did not discriminate between genders. Whoever was the photographer did not make any difference.

    Their earlier experience of taking the photos was quite good. Qiao Nan did not understand the reason for the sudden change.

    Qiao Nan was unaware that her curious question had frightened the assistant who was squatting down and helping her tidy up her dress so much that the assistant choked on her own saliva.

    Besides the assistant, the other few people who were busy also had odd expressions as they tried to avoid her question.

    Zhai Sheng did not give any exnation either. His dark and ck eyes were staring at Qiao Nan¡¯s chest as he knitted his brows. ¡°Do you have to pick something so low-cut?¡±

    Looking at Qiao Nan, who was wearing a tube-top style wedding dress, he saw that her neck was bare and her beautiful shoulders were totally uncovered.

    In particr, she seemed to have worn something on her chest as the flesh on it had been pushed up.

    As a man, Zhai Sheng liked it very much that Qiao Nan dolled up this way. He found it very pretty.

    The problem was that he would feel happier if Qiao Nan were to wear such attire at home and for his eyes only.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look good?¡± Qiao Nan did not feel that there was any problem with the wedding gown that she had chosen.

    The only thing she felt a little insecure about was how it was a little revealing.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s cup size had never been small. Recently, she had also grown some flesh. One could just imagine how much ¡®substance¡¯ she had.

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 Chapter 1067 - Only Ladies Are Allowed

    <h4>1067 Only Ladies Are Allowed</h4>

    The assistant was also surprised when she was selecting the invisible bra for Qiao Nan.

    She totally did not expect that the bride was so young and skinny but the flesh on her chest was the stark opposite.

    She almost asked Qiao Nan about her usual diet and whether she had any secret form. Otherwise, why was the flesh on Qiao Nan¡¯s body so intelligent that they knew where to grow?

    If she had not personally helped Qiao Nan put on the invisible bra, she almost wanted to ask Qiao Nan if she had ever done any boob jobs.

    This was such a slim and youngdy, yet she had a ¡®D¡¯ cup size. Tsk, tsk, tsk...

    The assistant then lowered her head and looked at her own chest, which was as t as the airport runway. Her pride as a woman was badly hurt.

    The flesh on Qiao Nan¡¯s chest had been liftedpletely and the entire wedding gown had been tightened. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan¡¯s waist was so slim that it was not even more than 1.8 feet.

    When she finished tidying the wedding gown and tightening the ribbons for Qiao Nan, the gown was hugging Qiao Nan¡¯s figure. The assistant¡¯s eyeballs nearly popped out.

    Full boobs, slim waist, long legs...

    Was anyone certain that this was not a Super Dollfie[1]?

    Not to mention a man, as a woman, the assistant also felt impending nose-bleeding and the urge to take a few more nces.

    All of a sudden, the assistantpletely understood why the groom¡¯s face turned ck immediately after knowing the wedding gown design chosen by the bride. He requested all the male crew to leave the scene and only allowed female ones.

    It seemed that the groom was very familiar with the bride¡¯s figure.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice.¡± Zhai Sheng would not say something against his conscience. He was unwilling to tell lies to make Qiao Nan unhappy either.

    Anyway, all the men had left. Even if he was reluctant to let Qiao Nan wear such attire outside, Zhai Sheng¡¯s anger had also diminished. ¡°Let¡¯s take photos.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan was smiling like a flower. She went forward to Zhai Sheng and held on to his arms sweetly. She looked extremely happy and contented.

    These were wedding photos that she had been yearning for in two lifetimes. It was great that her wish had been fulfilled.

    Although she did not have any prior experience topare with, Qiao Nan knew that she was very fortunate and happy today.

    She had not taken wedding photos before but Qiao Zijin did.

    The boss of this shop was Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friend. They did notck money. The designs of the wedding gowns in the studio were very beautiful and the gowns were also new.

    Zhai Sheng had wanted to buy a new piece of wedding gown for Qiao Nan but she felt that there was no need to. After all, she would only wear it during the photoshoot. She was not going to wear a white wedding gown for the banquet. It would be wasteful and meaningless to buy one.

    Furthermore, when she saw the design, quality, and cleanliness of the wedding gowns in the shop, the more Qiao Nan did not want to buy a brand new wedding gown.

    Inparison to her previous life whereby Qiao Zijin boasted so much about wedding photos that were only so-so, Qiao Nan cherished very much what she had now.

    Zhai Sheng was a soldier. When he took photos, he was standing tall and straight as if he was forming a line. He looked as if he was reviewing a parade instead of taking photos.

    It was still fine when they were taking the ¡®lifestyle¡¯ photos earlier. However, it looked too stiff now since he was wearing a crisp suit.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was the moderator. When Zhai Sheng did not know how to pose, Qiao Nan would pose. When Zhai Sheng did not know how to put up an expression, Qiao Nan would do so. If Zhai Sheng was portraying the strong side of him, Qiao Nan would show the soft side of her.

    Everyone could tell that Qiao Nan was very amodating.

    Some people¡¯s hearts ached for Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng had married such a beautiful wife but why was he still dissatisfied? He was not cooperative during the photoshoot at all. Youngd, you have to count your blessings!

    Only the photographer knew. Although this couple in her camera might not have performed the best, they were definitely the happiest pair.

    Regardless of the bride¡¯s pose, the groom might seem unhappy or did not have much reaction. However, his actions were always protective of the bride, preventing the bride from having any idental fall.

    The groom¡¯s expression was very cold and could be described as emotionless. Nevertheless, he looked extremely gentle when his eyes were on the bride. It gave people a feeling of warmth.

    It was akin to the winter sun. When it shone during the icy winter, it could drive away all the cold in someone and leave behind a heart-warming feeling.

    With the look in the groom¡¯s eyes, the photographer was very certain that he loved the bride very much. This should also be the reason that this bride was very willing to marry the groom.

    With this, the fingers that the photographer used to snap the shutter turned very agile. Sounds of snapping could be heard continuously.

    Qiao Nan did not feel much during the photoshoot. However, when it had ended, she felt exhausted when Zhai Sheng carried her back to the Zhai¡¯s residence. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why it¡¯s so tiring to take wedding photos.¡±

    The wedding photos of Brother Zhai and her were not that simple too. There were both indoor and outdoor shoots.

    However,pared to the overseas photoshoot that wasmon many decadester, their schedule today could not be any simpler.

    She was already tired out with this. Wouldn¡¯t the process of taking wedding photos many decadester be even tougher?

    ¡°You¡¯re feeling tired?¡± Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan. ¡°Go back to the room to take a nap first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Fortunately, there were not many people in the living room and Qiao Nan was really feeling tired. She thus obediently allowed Zhai Sheng to carry her back to the bedroom to sleep.

    This was the first time Qiao Nan came to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. Perhaps she was already used to Zhai Sheng¡¯s smell. When she was yawning and being carried into the room, she did not feel unfamiliar with this room at all. On the contrary, she felt extremely safe as this room was filled with Zhai Sheng¡¯s smell.

    Zhai Sheng not only carried Qiao Nan to bed but also removed the coat and shoes for her. He then covered her with a nket. He took such good care of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tiny face rubbed on the nket a few times. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you want toe up and sleep for a while? When Mom and Dade backter, it will most likely be quite noisy.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After thinking, Zhai Sheng agreed. He removed his clothes and shoes and slept as he hugged Qiao Nan.

    To Zhai Sheng, it was definitely meaningless to sleep alone. However, he felt that it was meaningful to sleep together with someone although he could not ¡®do¡¯ anything.

    When Qiao Nan woke up, Zhai Sheng was already not by her side.

    At the sound of some noises outside, Qiao Nan wore her clothing, washed up, and went out. ¡°Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Sister Zhai Hua.¡± Seeing that all the Zhai family members were present, Qiao Nan did not mind the trouble and greeted everyone one by one.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re awake. Come, sit beside Mom.¡± Qiao Nan, who had just woken up, was pinkish in the face. Her face was full of cogen and she seemed to have grown a tad of baby fat since she had been well taken care of in the recent few years.

    Miao Jing felt very soothing to hear the soft and gentle voice.

    Miao Jing could not wait for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to have a child soon. Regardless of whether it was a grandson or granddaughter, it would certainly be more adorable than the two children that she had given birth to previously.

    It could be because the Zhai family was used to being tough. Especially Zhai Hua, she was naughtier than a boy. There was nothing that Zhai Hua did not dare to do, including climbing up and down the trees and going down the river.

    [1] Super Dollfie, often abbreviated SD, is a brand of ball-jointed doll, or BJD, made by the Japanesepany Volks. They are easy to customize and are primarily marketed to adult doll collectors and customizers.

 Chapter 1068 - â€˜Little Husbandâ€™ Is Back

    <h4>1068 ¡®Little Husband¡¯ Is Back</h4>

    To the Zhai family, it was quite a novel experience to have such a soft and gentle youngdy as an additional family member.

    Both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui felt regretful that Zhai Hua was not a typical youngdy. Inparison with Qiao Nan, the difference was more obvious.

    Looking at Qiao Nan, Old Master Zhai could not help clearing his throat. Moving forward, he was prepared to restrain his loud voice a little when he was at home.

    His granddaughter-inw did not seem like a timid one. The problem was that he kept having the feeling that his loud voice might scare her.

    Although there seemed to be a bnce in genders with three men and two women in the Zhai family, Zhai Hua was ady who did not behave like one. That said, the Zhai family had many masculine members butcked feminine ones.

    With Qiao Nan, one could feel more bnced in terms of both ¡®yin¡¯ and ¡®yang¡¯ auras.

    ¡°Mom.¡± As soon as Miao Jing waved to her, Qiao Nan immediately walked toward her without a word. She ignored the fact that Zhai Sheng was also looking at her. She obediently sat beside Miao Jing and allowed Miao jing to hold her hand.

    ¡°Have you finished taking wedding photos? Are the photos well-taken and are you satisfied with them? If you¡¯re not, I¡¯ll help you teach your sister a lesson.¡± Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua with an obvious look of warning.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°Mom, now that you have a daughter-inw, you don¡¯t care about your daughter anymore? It¡¯s the first day of Lunar New Year today. Which photography studio will be open for business? I found someone to help so that their wedding banquet won¡¯t be dyed. There is not a word of thanks. I¡¯m even going to receive a beating instead.¡±

    The conversation between the mother-daughter pair was quite impolite but Qiao Nan was already used to the way that the Zhai family interacted with one another. ¡°Mom, the photography studio introduced by Sister Zhai Hua is very good. If it¡¯s not good, we most likely wouldn¡¯t be able to take the set of photos with me wearing the wedding gown.¡±

    It was only until the end of the photoshoot did Qiao Nan coincidentally hear the discussion between two of the female crew members when she went to the bathroom. They said that the groom was being too much in his request. They were already finishing with the photoshoot but he still insisted to change all the crew to female.

    Fortunately, they were taking wedding photos today. Otherwise, their thoughts would have gone astray if it were other typical customers requesting for an all-female crew.

    Miao Jing was curious when she heard that something had happened. ¡°What happened?¡±

    Qiao Nan pouted. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but Brother Zhai requested for an all-female crew for thest segment of the photoshoot.¡±

    Such a request would typically cause others to have a misunderstanding.

    Miao Jing was stunned as she looked at Zhai Sheng, ¡°Why?¡±

    Why did he request to change an all-female crew?

    Almost everyone in the Zhai family turned their eyes to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng was not the lecherous type. Precisely, it was even stranger for Zhai Sheng to have made such a request.

    Having been ¡®betrayed¡¯ by his wife, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned sullen. He said unhappily, ¡°No particr reason.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®no particr reason¡¯?¡± Zhai Hua was getting annoyed. There was a problem here. ¡°I have gotten my childhood friend to help you, yet you are nitpicking?¡± If not for her, there would not be any wedding photoshoot. One must know how to be grateful.

    Zhai Sheng nced sideways at Zhai Hua. ¡°Your childhood friend?¡±

    ¡°...¡± One of the corners of Zhai Hua¡¯s lips lifted.

    Alright, she was only one year younger than Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng also knew her childhood friend.

    ¡°Not many photography studios are open for business on the first day of Lunar New Year, but I¡¯m sure there are a few other choices. I have made some requests but that is also because the price of this photoshoot is not cheap. The price is high but the service attitude does not correspond with it. If that is the case, it may be better for the photography studio to close down soon.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was in a bad mood and was thus very vicious in his words. It was as if he was saying, ¡®I pay you money to work. I don¡¯t owe you anything.¡¯

    He had spent so much money, yet he was not allowed to make a few reasonable requests?

    ¡°Old master, dinner is ready.¡± Upon hearing the pause in the conversation outside, the auntie walked out and said that it was dinner time.

    The earlier conversation had gone into a blind alley. Since Zhai Sheng was not willing to tell, they would most likely not get anywhere by continuing to question him. They might as well save some energy and move on to having dinner.

    After dinner, Zhai Hua questioned in a thievish manner, ¡°Qiao Nan, you slept on my bed on the night of the day before Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. You¡¯re not going back tonight and you still have to sleep in my house for a few more nights. Where will you be sleeping? Is it going to be my room or the guest room?¡± She refused to mention Zhai Sheng¡¯s name.

    After saying that, Zhai Hua even looked at Zhai Sheng, unting her prowess. She was so provocative.

    Zhai Sheng dug out Qiao Nan, who was so shy that she was about to bury herself under the table, and half-held her in his arms. He did not mind the fact that the entire family was sitting down and watching them. He also did not bother about Qiao Nan¡¯s ant-like resistance. ¡°Mom, Tian Dong is back.¡±

    ¡°Tian Dong? He is back?¡± When she first heard this name, Miao Jing did not react much. She just found this name very familiar. After a careful recollection, Miao Jing then widened her eyes and stared at Zhai Hua, which simply caused Zhai Hua to have goose bumps all over her.

    Zhai Hua rubbed her arms. ¡°Who is Tian Dong? What has it got to do with me that he is back? Why are you looking at me in this way? Do I know him?¡±

    Old Master Zhai looked like he was in a dilemma. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good or bad thing that thisd is back. If only the matter regarding Wei De did not happen... Well, I certainly don¡¯t fancy thisd. He¡¯s so westernized! Nevertheless...¡± No matter how westernized he was, he was still much better than Wei De.

    Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng was not someone who would speak without any objective in mind. He definitely mentioned Tian Dong to counterattack Zhai Hua¡¯s scoff. She whispered into Zhai Sheng¡¯s ears, ¡°Who is Tian Dong?¡±

    She did not have much recollection of Tian Dong in her two lifetimes.

    ¡°He is the little husband that Zhai Hua decided for herself,¡± Zhai Sheng said in an earth-shattering manner.

    ¡°Is it true or false?¡±

    ¡°Crap. Why didn¡¯t I know about it?!¡±

    Qiao Nan was asking purely out of curiosity. One had to know. If Zhai Hua had really decided on a little husband for herself, how did the matters with Wei Dee about? There shouldn¡¯t have been Wei De, no?

    The thing that concerned Qiao Nan most was, although Zhai Hua had decided on a little husband when she was a child, she did not even have any recollection of this ¡®little husband¡¯ when his name was mentioned today. That was so funny.

    Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua really did not remember much about Tian Dong. She also could not recall that she had a ¡®little husband¡¯ at all. ¡°When did I have a little husband?!¡±

    If she had decided on a little husband for herself, would she have looked for Wei De?

    Why was it that she did not have any impression of her husband at all?

    ¡°I remember that the Tian family came back this time to pray for their ancestors. They will also be returning to the capital after the fifteenth day of Lunar New Year.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes lit up. Actually, that youngd of the Tian family was not bad. From a certain perspective, he was quitepatible with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°If there is a chance, we can meet up to have a meal with them.¡± Her daughter¡¯s marriage had already be a priority concern in Miao Jing¡¯s heart. Miao Jing did not have much recollection on that child of the Tian family. She only remembered that Tian Dong was born in the same year as her daughter. Most likely, the difference in age was only a few months.

 Chapter 1069 - The Domineering Zhai Hua

    <h4>1069 The Domineering Zhai Hua</h4>

    The men in the Zhai family, including her father-inw, did not voice out any opposing views at the mention of Tian Dong. Hence, Miao Jing felt quite hopeful about Tian Dong.

    Everyone in the Zhai family was happy except for Zhai Hua, who was pulling a long face. She almost wrote four words on her forehead: I am very displeased.

    Who was Tian Dong? Why was it that she did not have any impression of him?

    It was only when Zhai Sheng physically subdued Zhai Hua and carried Qiao Nan back to his room did Zhai Huay on her bed sullenly and yell all of a sudden, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it is Dongzi?¡±

    ¡°Dongzi? Who is Dongzi?¡± In the other room, Qiao Nan was nestling in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and looking at him with a pair of bright eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think any of you have mentioned him before. Is he good-looking?¡±

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re very concerned about his looks?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am. Although we should pay more attention to one¡¯s inner substance, wouldn¡¯t it be better if the other party also has exterior beauty and good looks? Otherwise, I am worried that your future nephew will be too horrible to look at.¡± When she saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression changing, Qiao Nan was slightly angry as she patted him. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re jealous? I am asking out of concern for Sister Zhai Hua, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    It was always better to face a handsome guy than a frog.

    ¡°Although Sister Zhai Hua has climbed out of a huge pit like Wei De, her mood hasn¡¯t recovered fully. If this Dongzi is good-looking, wouldn¡¯t the chances of a sessful rtionship be higher?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was quite satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s reply. ¡°I take it that your words make sense.¡±

    ¡°Since you feel that my words make sense, quickly tell me about Dongzi. You said that Dongzi is the little husband that Sister Zhai Hua had decided for herself. If that is the case, why was Sister Zhai Hua involved with Wei De? Moreover, she couldn¡¯t even recall who Dongzi is.¡± She had a feeling that this would be a very long story.

    ¡°When we were young, Zhai Hua and I had a lot of ymates, including Dongzi.¡±

    ¡°They were all childhood friends.¡± A bunch of them. ¡°Does that mean Dongzi and Sister Zhai Hua were childhood sweethearts?¡±

    ¡°Not really. Dongzi moved away from the quad when he was quite young. His whole family migrated to America and only came back this year. When Dongzi left, Zhai Hua was only seven years old.¡± Twenty years had already passed. There had been so many people surrounding Zhai Hua over the years. One could not me her for forgetting who Dongzi was. ¡°To be specific, Dongzi was not Zhai Hua¡¯s little husband. He should be her little wife.¡±

    Zhai Hua had a very outgoing and boyish character since she was young. She grew up by Old Master Zhai¡¯s side. Hence, she had alwayscked a senior female figure to guide and influence her.

    When Zhai Hua was very young, she knew the difference between men and women. However, she did not have a very strong sense of gender awareness.

    If Zhai Hua was akin to a fake youngd when she was a child, then Tian Dong, who was older than Zhai Hua by just two months, was like a fake youngdy.

    Inparison to Zhai Hua, Tian Dong was much quieter and not as noisy. Zhai Hua was naughty and outdoors every day whereas Tian Dong could follow Old Master Tian quietly by his side all the time.

    When someone shouted for him, Tian Dong would respond with a shy smile, revealing his baby teeth.

    Inparison to a bunch of naughty kids, Tian Dong was famous for being obedient at that time.

    Zhai Sheng was also not as naughty as Zhai Hua when he was young. He was also quiet but his temper was not as good as that of Tian Dong. He would never respond to anyone¡¯s teasing. If he was provoked, he would face the person with the back of his head.

    As Tian Dong was too quiet and amodating, asionally, people would joke that it would be wonderful if Tian Dong was a youngdy.

    He was so fair, crisp-looking, and handsome. He had a good and quiet temperament. He did not behave like a boy at all.

    Tian Dong was as quiet as a girl whereas Zhai Hua was as wild as a boy. Even the naughtiestd had to address her as boss. As expected, some also joked that Zhai Hua and Tian Dong¡¯s genders had been mixed up.

    Due to this reason, when the elders talked about the children and mentioned Zhai Hua, they would definitely bring up Tian Dong. When they praised Tian Dong, they would also mention Zhai Hua.

    Which child had not been rebellious when they were young? Not to mention that Zhai Hua was a true-blue rebellious kid when she was young.

    The two of them were always discussed andpared with each other by the elders. Zhai Hua, who was only five years old then, felt unhappy. ¡°Dongzi, are you really a boy?¡± At the sight of the fair-faced and plump boy who was tidily dressed, Zhai Hua¡¯s tone was not good at all.

    After looking at Tian Dong, Zhai Hua then lowered her head and looked at her dirty clothes. As she had fallen, there was a hole in her pants. Her heart was burning with anger.

    Tian Dong felt sullen for a while before he nodded. ¡°I am a boy.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s small brows stiffened. Her tone was furious.

    Tian Dong was anxious. ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe me? I am really a boy.¡±

    Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. ¡°I want to see it. I will believe it after I see it.¡± Facing Tian Dong, who was many times gentler than her, Zhai Hua believed that Tian Dong might really be a girl dressed in boy¡¯s clothing.

    Her grandfather told her before that some people had a patriarchal mindset of favoring boys over girls.

    Dongzi might be a youngdy. However, it was possible that the Tian family deliberately made her dress up as a boy with boy¡¯s clothing as they favored boys over girls. Dongzi was too pitiful.

    This would not do. She was the bearer of justice and she could not let the Tian family bully Little Sister Dongzi. She would protect Little Sister Dongzi!

    Zhai Hua¡¯s thinking was very simple. If she was able to prove that Dongzi was a girl, the Tian family would certainly not force Dongzi to wear any boy¡¯s clothing anymore. Dongzi could then revert to dressing like a girl.

    As such, no one wouldpare her to Dongzi and shunned her for being too naughty again, that Dongzi was quieter than her despite being a boy.

    ¡°S-see? How are you going to do that?¡± Tian Dong was dumbfounded. This could be found out by seeing?

    Before Tian Dong coulde to his senses, Zhai Hua rushed forward like a little cannonball and pressed Tian Dong under her body.

    Zhai Hua was famous in the quad for being naughty and mischievous. She was very wild and had greater strength than boys of her age.

    To the gentle Tian Dong, who was not fond of ying and making noise, he could not resist at all. Without any suspense, he was entirely subdued by Zhai Hua.

    His thigh felt cool. His pants had been taken off by Zhai Hua. Most importantly, the body part that he used for urinating, which his father said he could not casually reveal to others, had been poked.

    Waa! Naturally, Tian Dong, who had not figured out what was going on, wailed loudly.

    Zhai Hua touched that ¡®little worm¡¯ which she did not have on her body to confirm that it was warm and not fake. Zhai Hua was feeling both sullen and unhappy as she said, ¡°You are really a boy?¡±

    Upon hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words, although the young Tian Dong still did not really understand, he felt humiliated and cried out even more loudly.

 Chapter 1070 - I Will Marry You

    <h4>1070 I Will Marry You</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t... Don¡¯t cry.¡± Zhai Hua was domineering. Nevertheless, she was not bad-tempered and did not like to bully others. At the sound of Tian Dong crying so loudly, she panicked. When she turned, she realized that she had not stood up and her tiny buttocks were still sitting on Tian Dong¡¯s tummy. ¡°I was very soft earlier. I didn¡¯t use much strength. Did I make you feel painful? Don¡¯t worry. That... That part of your body is still around.¡±

    She did not pull out that thing. Was there a need for Dongzi to cry in this manner?

    When others rushed over at the sound of the cries, they saw the son of the Tian family¡¯s second son being suppressed under the body of the elder granddaughter of the Zhai family without his pants.

    That scene was too beautiful...

    ¡°Pfft...¡± When she heard that Zhai Hua and Dongzi actually had such an experience, Qiao Nanughed so hard that she spat her saliva. ¡°Is it true? Sister Zhai Hua removed his pants and even touched that thing of his, yet she forgot the other party totally? Sister Zhai Hua was already so powerful when she was a child?¡±

    She had only heard of little boys lifting the skirt of little girls due to curiosity. This was really the first time that she heard a girl remove the pants of a boy. It was such a novelty.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Someone dared to lift your skirt?!¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯ smile turned stiff. ¡°I am talking about Sister Zhai Hua and Dongzi. I have never worn a skirt since I was a child.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had dresses. Although she was allowed to wear Qiao Zijin¡¯s used clothing in the past, she would never get to wear those that Qiao Zijin liked very much.

    As expected, a youngdy like Qiao Zijin loved to look pretty and favored floral dresses.

    Even if those floral dresses were old or torn, Qiao Zijin could not bear to give them to Qiao Nan. She would ask Ding Jiayi to cut, sew, and make them into little cloth bags that Qiao Zjin could use for ying house.

    As such, Qiao Nan did not know if any boys had wanted to lift her skirt. Anyway, she did not give anyone a chance.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng detested Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. This was the only rare matter that he did not find annoying. However, he certainly did not like it either.

    It was not because of other reasons. Zhai Sheng had never done it, but in the group of his childhood friends, there was really someone who had lifted the skirt of a girl before.

    ¡°What happened thereafter?¡± Qiao Nan was anxious to know.

    Zhai Sheng cleared his throat. ¡°They were still young and ignorant at that time. Dongzimented that he could no longer marry a wife in the future. The elders were also blindly kicking up a fuss. Zhai Hua did not manage to control herself then. She not only helped Dongzi wipe his tears but also wear his pants. She then said that she would marry Dongzi when they grew up.¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua helped him wear the pants back in the same way she took them off? What a heroine!¡± Qiao Nan could not help giving a thumbs-up. Sister Zhai Hua made all women feel proud.

    It was no wonder Brother Zhai said that Sister Zhai Hua had gotten herself a little wife.

    At the thought that Tian Dong could be mistaken as a girl when he was a child, his face was most likely quite good-looking.

    ¡°But how could Sister Zhai Hua forget such a matter?¡± She removed someone¡¯s pants, wore them back for him, and even announced that she would marry him.

    If she were in Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s shoes, she would not forget any of these three matters in her lifetime.

    Zhai Sheng sighed. ¡°Maybe she has been mixing around too much with guys that she forgot about it.¡±

    It was also because Zhai Hua grew up with a bunch of boys since she was a child. Most of the time, she did not see herself as a woman.

    Zhai Sheng was also worried that his only sister was behaving like a guy. Otherwise, he would not have transferred Wei De away from Zhai Hua previously as soon as he was aware of his existence.

    It was not convenient for Zhai Sheng to do many things but transferring Wei De to another team was not a difficult matter.

    It was rare that a man could let Zhai Hua realize her own gender. Zhai Sheng was thus very soft on Wei De.

    It was also rare that Zhai Sheng was willing to let go a little. However, no one would have expected that Wei De, the one whom Zhai Hua finally fancied after such a long time, waspletely incapable. He was an intolerable scum.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth was talking about Zhai Hua¡¯s matter but his hands were acting on their own and beginning to wriggle into Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes.

    When Qiao Nan realized this, she could not stop Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands anymore. Qiao Nan blushed. ¡°Aren¡¯t we talking about decent matters?¡±

    ¡°Talking is not as important as ¡®doing¡¯.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep eyes were shimmering oddly. At one turn, he was on top of and pressing on Qiao Nan. ¡°You are so concerned about other people¡¯s matters. Should you also show some concern for me?¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to say, ¡°You¡¯re just by my side. What is there to be concerned about?¡± However, before she could do so, her mouth was blocked by Zhai Sheng.

    All this while, Zhai Sheng was very speedy in undressing himself. He was not sure when it began, but the speed at which he undressed Qiao Nan was even faster than that of undressing himself.

    After removing all of Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shed with a greenish light. He said softly, ¡°I have been thinking about this for the whole day!¡± The moment he saw Qiao Nan in the wedding gown, Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind was only left with one thought, which was to take off Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes.

    Zhai Sheng was not lecherous. He had been good-looking since he was a child and his family background was good. As such, Qiu Chenxi was not the only woman circling him.

    When those youngdies wooed Zhai Sheng, they could resort to any means. Once, there was a youngdy who wore something much more revealing than the wedding gown that Qiao Nan wore today. It could be considered as the high-end kind of see-through attire in the early days.

    Besides the important private parts, the rest of the body and skin could be seen at one nce.

    The other party had used such a tactic but Zhai Sheng was not the least distracted. When the other party fell toward his arms, Zhai Sheng even moved a step aside and caused thedy to fall onto the ground.

    Zhai Sheng had thought that he would behave like that in his entire lifetime.

    Unexpectedly, he was enlightened after he met Qiao Nan. After he confirmed his feelings toward Qiao Nan, from Liu Xiahui, he actually changed into an evil and lecherous ghost.

    ¡°Shameless.¡± Qiao Nan pouted and red at Zhai Sheng. Thereafter, she allowed herself to be tortured by Zhai Sheng as thetter dragged her into the bottomless abyss of lust.

    After some time, Qiao Nan whispered in her hoarse voice, ¡°B-brother Zhai... Out... go out...¡±

    ¡°Just a while more.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was sullen. There seemed to be a gush of viciousness in his tone.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± Qiao Nan cried as she scratched Zhai Sheng¡¯s back in frustration.

    Unfortunately, at this point, Qiao Nan¡¯s energy had already been drained by Zhai Sheng. Her voice sounded so weak and soft, as if she were a kitten. Clearly, she was scratching and venting her frustration but she did not even leave any scratch on Zhai Sheng¡¯s back. It was as if she was reliving the itch for Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost done.¡± Zhai Sheng took pity on Qiao Nan and gave her a peck on her rosy face. However, the viciousness of the action of his lower body was a stark contrast from the doting kiss.

 Chapter 1071 - Canâ€™t Get Up

    <h4>1071 Can¡¯t Get Up</h4>

    It was almost done...

    Qiao Nan wanted to cry but she had no tears. As if it would be done! He also said the same words earlier!

    Qiao Nan, who was viciously bullied by Zhai Sheng, had not expected this. To a strong and fit twenty-six-year-old man, it had been tough on him to endure several months of taking ¡®vegetarian food¡¯ after having ¡®meat¡¯ once.

    Finally, he had waited until the eve of Lunar New Year. His nice-smelling wife was obediently lying in his arms and it seemed that he could do whatever he wished with her. However, Zhai Sheng, who had been starving badly, still had to suppress all his longing and desire. The big piece of meat was at the edge of his mouth but he could not take a bite of it. He could only cover himself with a nket and sleep abidingly.

    As such, the fire in Zhai Sheng¡¯s belly was extraordinarily huge.

    Finally, he waited until the day that he could have ¡®meat¡¯. Zhai Sheng would not be a real man if he did not act ording to his wishes and take a few more bites of it.

    He had reminded Qiao Nan a few times that the ¡®debt¡¯ she had owed certainly had to be paid back in folds. Henceforth, he would begin to ¡®collect¡¯ his debt from Qiao Nan.

    As expected, when Zhai Hua got up the next morning, she saw Zhai Sheng having breakfast after his morning exercise with a satiated look on his face. ¡°Oh, you can still climb out of your bed?¡±

    Zhai Hua totally did not expect Zhai Sheng to wake up so early.

    The siblings grew up together. Zhai Hua was certain that Zhai Sheng would not let Qiao Nan offst night.

    Finally, his wife was in his arms. Zhai Hua believed that Zhai Sheng would not show his face for the whole day. He would certainly stick to Qiao Nan in the bedroom so that they could spend their time together.

    Zhai Hua was surprised that Zhai Sheng woke up so early. However, that satisfied look on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face made Zhai Hua feel like punching someone.

    Although Qiao Nan was not present, it was so obvious that Zhai Sheng was brimming with happiness. Did he wish to drown Zhai Hua, who was now single?

    Before she could have her breakfast, Zhai Sheng had forced-fed her with his public disy of affection. Looking at the sumptuous spread of breakfast, Zhai Hua lost her appetite suddenly. She was already full.

    Miao Jing sat down and looked around. ¡°Nan Nan... Can she still get up today?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng said without a change in his expression, ¡°The wedding photoshoot is already over. As for the other wedding preparations, it¡¯s not a must for Nan Nan to be involved. It¡¯s tough on her as she is studying. We¡¯ll let her rest well during the Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Although Zhai Sheng made it sound so pleasant, Miao Jing could only decipher one thing: most likely, Qiao Nan could not get up today. As for the next few days, it was also a huge concern whether Qiao Nan could get up. ¡°Auntie, remember to set aside some breakfast. Don¡¯t let Nan Nan go hungry when she wakes up.¡±

    ¡°Madam, don¡¯t worry. I have boiled and set aside some nutritious soup for Nan Nan,¡± the auntie replied with understanding.

    Last night, who in the Zhai family did not know that Zhai Sheng had ¡®conquered¡¯ Qiao Nan?

    She knew Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®appetite¡¯ very well. The auntie had a lot of foresight. She had already prepared nutritious soup for Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan could supplement her energy lest her health suffer.

    ¡°Pfft!¡± Zhai Hua spatted out the soy milk in her mouth. ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re good.¡± She had even prepared the nutritious soup. She had said before. It was not that the auntie was capable. It should be that Zhai Sheng was really ¡®capable¡¯.

    Miao Jing passed a piece of tissue to Zhai Hua. ¡°Nan Nan is very shy. When Nan Nan wakes upter, please don¡¯t spout nonsense in front of her.¡±

    The warning in Miao Jing¡¯s words was obvious. There was nothing bad that Nan Nan and Zhai Sheng could spend more time with each other.

    If the young couple did not spend time together, where would her grandchilde from then?

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. Fine. Her mother had been possessed by the devil now because she wanted a grandchild.

    When Qiao Nan really became pregnant, perhaps Qiao Nan even had to give up her ce in her mother¡¯s heart to her own child.

    As she thought about this, Zhai Hua felt more bnced at heart.

    She could not win against her sister-inw but Qiao Nan was squeezed down the ranks by her own child.

    When Qiao Nan woke up, it was already noon. When she came out of the room, she was unable to bnce herself and almost fell. Her head was also spinning. ¡°Auntie, what time is it now?¡±

    There was no clock in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and Qiao Nan did not have a watch either. She felt muddled after sleeping and did not even know what time it was now.

    At the sight of how Qiao Nan looked, the auntie was amused. She pointed at the clock hanging on the wall so that Qiao Nan could see for herself. This was because she knew that Qiao Nan would definitely feel embarrassed if she were to simply tell Qiao Nan the current time.

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes and looked at the auntie. ¡°One... It¡¯s already half past one!¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the auntie said softly. ¡°Nan Nan, you must be hungry. Take a seat first. No one is at home. I will get you some soup. Don¡¯t let yourself go hungry.¡±

    Qiao Nan not only missed breakfast but also slept past lunchtime.

    Coupled with the energy-draining ¡®exercise¡¯st night, Qiao Nan could not even remember how much her stomach had grumbled.

    No one from the Zhai family was at home now and she had slept until half past one in the afternoon. Qiao Nan had difficulty lifting her head. It was so embarrassing.

    ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s okay. I have been keeping the soup warm for you. The temperature is just right. Quickly drink it.¡± The auntie was smiling like a chrysanthemum. Miao Jing wanted a grandchild soon. The auntie also wished to help take care of the babies.

    Which of the few families that were close to the Zhai family did not already have a few grandchildren who could run about?

    The Zhai family had fallen behind those families by so much regarding this.

    They could not pin their hopes on Zhai Hua now. Hence, same as Miao Jing, the auntie could only target Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy.

    ¡°Thank you, auntie.¡± Qiao Nan, who had just woken up, did not feel the enthusiastic eyes that the auntie had on her tummy. She lowered her head and drank the soup abidingly. This was because she was really feeling very hungry, so hungry that she could eat up a whole cow.

    Since the auntie had given her the soup, Qiao Nan would drink it to fill her stomach first.

    After drinking the bowl of soup, Qiao Nan felt more energized. At the sight of the dishes brought out by the auntie, her eyes lit up and she felt her appetiteing. Normally, she would only take one bowl of rice but she took two today.

    When Qiao Nan wanted to request for more, the auntie simply stopped her. ¡°You can¡¯t continue to eat like this. You will spoil your health. You won¡¯t feel stuffed now, but when you drink a little waterter and the food swells up in your tummy, you will feel bad.¡±

    In fact, if Qiao Nan¡¯s action had not been so swift, the auntie would not have allowed her to take a second bowl of rice. It was enough to have an additional half bowl of rice.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan also felt that she almost had enough. She cooperatively put down her bowl and chopsticks.

    Once Qiao Nan put them down, the auntie cleaned up the table. ¡°Right, there is aputer in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. There is also an inte connection. You can use it if you need to.¡±

    ¡°There is aputer at home?¡¯ Qiao Nan flung her head. During the year that she died, cell phones were already verymon. However,puters were still very rare. Not every family could have aputer.

 Chapter 1072 - Where to Store the Dowry?

    <h4>1072 Where to Store the Dowry?</h4>

    ¡°Okay, do fiddle with it.¡± The auntie knew that aputer was rare stuff and she would not use it. She did not dare to touch it either. She was also very careful when she cleaned it.

    The auntie was thinking that, althoughputers were rare, Qiao Nan would certainly know how to use them as she was a student of Peking University,

    The auntie¡¯s words had aroused Qiao Nan¡¯s curiosity. She seemed to be familiar with the house as she made her way to Zhai Sheng¡¯s study room. Theputer desk was now upying the space that previously had a study table.

    Thisputer of the Zhai family waspletely different from the slim ones that Qiao Nan had seen in her previous life. The screen was huge and the disy was white and square, like a big box. The disy on the screen was not very big either.

    After exploring for a while, Qiao Nan finally switched on theputer.

    The inte connection for thisputer of the Zhai family had already been set up. When Qiao Nan turned it on, it connected to the inte automatically. She thus opened a web page.

    During this time, the inte was certainly not as developed and prevalent as the future. Even if they could surf the web, the information that they could find was very scarce. Inparison to the rich and interesting content in the future whereby one could know what was happening in the world without even stepping out of the house, it was very different.

    To others, theputer was a rare item, but to Qiao Nan, it was nothing spectacr. After a few minutes, Qiao Nan switched off theputer.

    The auntie was looking strangely at Qiao Nan when she walked out of the bedroom.

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows. ¡°Auntie, is there any matter?¡±

    The auntie sighed and even ground her teeth once. ¡°Your dad is at the entrance, looking for you.¡± The ¡®dad¡¯ that auntie was referring to was of course not Zhai Yaohui. She would usually address Zhai Yaohui as chief.

    ¡°My dad?¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Did he say what the matter is?¡±

    ¡°He said that your sister¡¯s boyfriend is here. The parents of the two families would like to meet one another for a meal. This meal will be held in the small courtyard of the Qiao family.¡±

    ¡°That means he wants me to go along?¡± Qiao Nan was disgusted once again.

    Her father was not a bad person. He was a very principled man. However, sorrowfully, each time there was a matter involving Qiao Zijin, her father wouldpletely disregard his principles, as if they were just farts.

    ¡°I think so.¡± The auntie nodded. ¡°I have already asked your father to go home. When he left, he said that you just need to be present for a while during the dinner. That will do.¡±

    That would do? Although the Qiao family felt that this was fine, they also had to consider if the Zhai family and Qiao Nan felt the same way too.

    ¡°Not going!¡± Qiao Nan declined without any further word.

    In this lifetime, the people that Qiao Nan did not wish to see most were Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, followed by the Chen family.

    Now, she could finally avoid the people that she did not wish to see most. Why would Qiao Nan create trouble for herself during the Lunar New Year by meeting those people that she did not wish to see?

    The auntie smiled. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, don¡¯t go then.¡± She knew that the chief and madam would certainly not force Nan Nan to go. They hated those people of the Qiao family as well.

    Sometimes, when the auntie thought of it, she really took her hat off to the Qiao family.

    The Zhai family of five, including the elder one such as the old master to the young ones such as Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng, liked Qiao Nan so much. They even became inws with the Qiao family.

    Everyone says that he that loves the tree loves the branch.

    How did the Qiao family ¡®achieve¡¯ this? Although the Zhai family liked Qiao Nan so much, they did not have any positive feelings toward the rest of the people from the Qiao family. They were even full of disdain for them. The Qiao family was also considered capable to be able to ¡®achieve¡¯ this.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan took a sip of chrysanthemum tea to reduce her anger. She did not wish to force herself to go for the dinner at all.

    Her father treated her like a mission. He felt that he hadpleted his mission and done his part for her after she was married.

    As for herself, she just had to bear the duty of giving her parents allowance. She had never yearned for the luxury of getting along harmoniously with her family members like other families.

    Her father had already handed over his mission. In that case, why would she participate in the matters of the Qiao family?

    After Old Master Zhai finished his round of visits, his old face showed a little embarrassment when he saw his granddaughter-inw sitting in the living room. He was contemting whether to hide as he was afraid that she would blush at the sight of him. However, Qiao Nan spoke first, ¡°Grandpa, you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°Cough... Right. I¡¯m back.¡± Old Master Zhai gave an awkward cough. He was mumbling in his heart about what to talk to his granddaughter-inw about. Should he ask her about her studies?

    However, Miao Miao had said before that his granddaughter-inw was very smart. Besides getting into Peking University, she was also very diligent. Hence, she was definitely doing well in her studies.

    Qiao Nan was so smart. Moreover, his grandson skipped a grade when he was schooling.

    Given thisbination, the great-grandson that the two bore for him would be very smart, no? The corners of Old Master Zhai¡¯s lips gave way as he revealed a dreamy smile.

    This child would certainly have the bestbination with the greatest brains and strongest body!

    The auntie passed a piece of tissue to Old Master Zhai. ¡°Old master, are you going to drool? Do you feel hungry?¡±

    Old Master Zhai was suddenly jolted to his senses. He quickly wiped the corners of his mouth with his sleeves and realized that there was nothing there. His old face blushed. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, just thirsty. Get me a pot of tea.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The auntie smiled. He dared not question Old Master Zhai further, lest she provoke his anger.

    When the auntie left, Old Master Zhai then continued to speak, ¡°Nan Nan, the date has already been fixed. It¡¯s the eighth day of Lunar New Year. The eighth day is auspicious and is suitable for marriage. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Eighth day? Sounds good.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. The eighth day would be the day that Brother Zhai would marry her in Ping Cheng.

    One had to know. Both she and Brother Zhai grew up in Ping Cheng. They certainly could not save on the wedding banquet in Ping Cheng regardless of how simple they would like it to be.

    Soon after the wedding banquet in Ping Cheng, the school would reopen.

    Fortunately, Brother Zhai had said. By that time, the Zhai family would have moved over to the capital. As such, she could then collect the wedding certificate with Brother Zhai in the capital.

    Qiao Nan knew that to the Qiao family, she would really be a daughter that belonged to another family on the eighth day of Lunar New Year. She would be akin to spilled water.

    That was a good thing too. This was also considered a form of liberation for the Qiao family and her.

    ¡°If you think that¡¯s fine, we will go ahead with it.¡± Old Master Zhai was happy. ¡°Right, the oldd of the Zhu family is already helping you arrange the dowry. The items are almost ready. The oldd of the Zhu family asked me to get your opinion. Where do you wish to store the dowry? Do you wish to marry from that small courtyard of yours or the house of the Zhu family?¡±

    The dowry that Zhu Chengqi prepared for Qiao Nan was aplenty. Both the quantity and quality were high. That small courtyard of Ping Cheng really could not amodate all the dowry unless they squeezed the items on the empty space of the courtyard.

    The small courtyard was not big enough but the house of the Zhu family was.

    There was also another reason to let Qiao Nan marry from the house of the Zhu family. That was to lift Qiao Nan¡¯s status.

    Once Qiao Nan married from the Zhu family to the Zhai family, the Zhu family would be considered her maternal family in the future.

    Of course, the Zhai family would not look down on Qiao Nan because of the Qiao family.

 Chapter 1073 - Clueless

    <h4>1073 Clueless</h4>

    Qiao Nan would move to the capital with the Zhai family in the future. By doing this, Zhu Chengqi had prevented the situation of others looking down on Qiao Nan whenever she mentioned her maternal family.

    If Qiao Nan was bullied by others, the Zhai family would naturally stand up for Qiao Nan.

    However, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s approach would not only improve Qiao Nan¡¯s status but also save a lot of trouble. The Zhai family felt that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s n was quite good.

    Of course, it did not matter what Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family think. Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion was most important. Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family valued Qiao Nan¡¯s personal view most.

    Having received great respect from Zhu Chengqi and the Zhai family, Qiao Nan tried her best to smile. ¡°Let me think over this matter.¡±

    Qiao Nan understood Zhu Chengqi¡¯s good intention.

    Qiao Nan also did not take very long to consider this matter. Very soon, she replied to Zhu Chengqi. She was willing to marry from the house of the Zhu family.

    The situation of the Qiao family was a little special. Whoever knew the Qiao family was aware that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were divorced. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang left the marriage without receiving anypensation. The house Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were staying at now was rented.

    Since that was the case, the rented house could not be considered the maternal house of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had saved the life of Zhu Baoguo, the only grandson of the Zhu family, before. Many people knew about this matter.

    Everyone knew in their hearts why the Zhu family was willing to do this.

    Amidst this, the most interesting factor was that many people were waiting to be in for a good show.

    Ding Jiayi disliked Qiao Nan so much. Besides Ding Jiayi, many people were envious of the Qiao family for having such a pretty, smart, and fortunate daughter like Qiao Nan.

    It was a sheer pity that such a good daughter did not belong to their family.

    What about son? If they had such a daughter, that would be because they had umted a few lifetimes of good fortune. Why would a son certainly be better than a daughter?

    In particr, those who knew Qiao Nan¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s characters were happy to watch Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang be jokes. They threw away the watermelon for a lousy sesame seed like Qiao Zijin. Each one was blinder than the other.

    Initially, many people were jealous of the Qiao family because of Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could not appreciate good stuff. They did not want such a good daughter and pushed her away. In the future, no matter how sessful Qiao Nan was, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang would most probably not get to enjoy any good fortune. Many people secretly felt overjoyed at the thought of this.

    It was fine that they did not have any of it from the beginning.

    However, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already going to lead a good life, yet they pushed it away personally. Were they stupid?

    They were not as blessed but they were much smarter than Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    Anyone would know that bing inws with the Zhai family was equivalent to gaining a huge achievement in life!

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were truly foolish beyond cure.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi did not know about these people¡¯s thoughts. They only knew that the Zhu family specially sent someone to the small courtyard of the Qiao family to inform Qiao Dongliang that on the wedding day, Qiao Nan would be married from the house of the Zhu family.

    Upon hearing these words from the Zhu family, Qiao Dongliang felt very uneasy and humiliated. He felt that his pride was hurt. ¡°Does Nan Nan know about this?¡± Nan Nan had a father and a mother, a family of her own. Why did she have to marry from another family¡¯s house?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Qiao Nan is aware. She is the one getting married. No matter what, we can¡¯t go against her wishes.¡± The Zhu family did not mind. Their attitude toward Qiao Dongliang was neither considered good nor polite.

    Qiao Dongliang did not have great wisdom but he was still quite blessed.

    In his previous life, his elder daughter had a sweet-tongue and bitter heart but she married well. This gave Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi face. Ding Jiayi had been used to exploiting Qiao Nan to satisfy Qiao Zijin but was very good to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Nan was the only one who was sacrificed for Qiao Zijin¡¯s wonderful life. Qiao Dongliang did not need to be a ve to satisfy Qiao Zijin¡¯s endless wants. Qiao Nan was the only one who took all the suffering. Besides Qiao Nan, the remaining three members of the Qiao family were, in fact, leading rather good lives.

    In this lifetime, when Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized due to a car ident, Ding Jiayi did not fork out a single cent.

    Nevertheless, Qiao Dongliang had a good daughter. At the important juncture of life and death, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth, borrowed money from Zhai Sheng, and saved Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life.

    Although Qiao Dongliang divorced with Ding Jiayiter on, he resumed interactions with Old Master Lee since Qiao Nan saved Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life. This had also saved the rtionship that his elderly father had previously built.

    This matter alone was enough to make Qiao Dongliang happier than he was in his previous life.

    Thereafter, when Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan moved out of the small courtyard of the Qiao family, they received help and support from Principal Meng of Ping Cheng High School. In addition, Zhu Chengqi subsidized them in their living needs. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life was getting better and better. He had a lot of face too.

    Qiao Dongliang knew the prominent figure that others could not be associated with. The other party even gifted him a huge television and a telephone.

    When humans were used to a good life because of others, they also used less of their brains. When it was really time to use them, naturally, the brains becamepletely useless.

    Qiao Dongliang could not figure out something that everyone else could.

    Qiao Dongliang kept feeling that his family was in very good ties with the Zhu family. As such, the Zhu family should give him some face. Who would have expected the Zhu family¡¯s chauffeur to speak to him in a manner that was neither warm nor cold?

    Although the other party¡¯s attitude was not especially snobbish, Qiao Dongliang was able to tell that it was a stark contrast with the previous attitude.

    Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang would not feel so upset either.

    ¡°Although that courtyard is rented, it¡¯s fine if they can¡¯t store all the items. We can store them in the house of the Shi family, which is next door.¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was feeling unhappy, was also daring. He even dared to retort the Zhu family.

    If one house could not amodate all the items, they would store them in two houses then.

    Given his rtionship with Director Shi, certainly Director Shi would not refuse to help with such a small matter?

    He was certain that he still had Shi Peng as a friend who would support him and give him face. He did not need the Zhu family and could still marry his daughter off in a glorious manner. Qiao Dongliang had forgotten that without Qiao Nan, he would not even have a chance to get to know a figure like Shi Peng in this lifetime, next lifetime, or even the lifetime after next. He would not have such a rtionship with him.

    He believed that he had everything. However, they were, in fact, brought to him by Qiao Nan.

    This was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s good fortune but also his great misfortune.

    Qiao Dongliang believed that he had face and could not see the truth of the matter. However, it did not mean that others were also bad judges of characters. The person from the Zhu familyughed immediately. ¡°What you said is fine as well. Why don¡¯t you give a call to Director Shi now? When you have a certain answer, you can confirm where to send the dowry of Miss Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± The clueless Qiao Dongliang agreed readily without another word.

 Chapter 1074 - Think Too Highly of Herself

    <h4>1074 Think Too Highly of Herself</h4>

    Ding Jiayi, who had been standing by the side and listening, felt the pinch. Qiao Nan was already marrying well. Why did they still have to prepare the dowry? What crappy dowry? In the past, she did not even have new wedding attire when she married Old Qiao.

    Qiao Nan had so many dowries that one courtyard was not enough to amodate them all. They even had to store them next door. At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression turned ugly. She very much wished that she could do something to vent her frustration.

    It was not just Ding Jiayi. Even Qiao Zijin, who was proud and cheery today, could not hold her smile.

    Today, Chen Jun brought his parents to the Qiao family¡¯s residence for dinner and was prepared to formally acknowledge his marriage.

    Of course, Father Chen and Mother Chen¡¯s main objective ofing to the small courtyard of the Qiao family was to meet Qiao Nan, who was going to marry into the Zhai family and be the chief¡¯s daughter-inw soon.

    Once their son married Qiao Zijin, he would immediately be Qiao Nan¡¯s brother-inw. Even Zhai Sheng had to address their son as brother-inw when he met him. Their rtionship would be very close then!

    The Chen family wished to be associated with the Zhai family. Nevertheless, they did not mind having more connections either. If they could also interact with the Zhu family, that would be better.

    Today, the two families were clearly meeting to discuss Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun¡¯s marriage but the Zhu family appeared. After thinking, Father Chen said, ¡°You didn¡¯t mention it earlier. So, the little niece is getting married. It¡¯s fine that we were not aware of this. We are going to be one family in the future. Since I am aware that she is getting married now, as her uncle, I certainly have to give her some dowry.¡±

    Didn¡¯t they say that Qiao Nan was going to be married to the Zhai family from the Zhu family?

    When he arranged dowry for Qiao Nan and sent them to the Zhu family¡¯s residence, he would be able to get to know the Zhu family then, no?

    His son had worked hard for so long but only managed to gain Wang Yang¡¯s favor. He did so much but did not gain much in the end. Instead, he suffered a huge loss.

    Wang Yang was just borrowing the glory of the Zhu family. This time, the Chen family could simply cast Wang Yang aside and interact with the Zhu family directly.

    The person from the Zhu family took a nce at Father Chen. He did not respond.

    Qiao Dongliang waved his hands continuously. ¡°No, no need. You¡¯re being too polite.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten that he did not fork out a single cent for the dowry that the Zhu family was referring to.

    His younger daughter was going to be married but he could not provide any dowry. When his elder daughter was getting married, he definitely could not give much either. At most, the situation would only be slightly better.

    In terms of family background, the Qiao family was also considered to have found a better family if Chen Jun were to marry Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang could not even present a decent dowry. How dared he allow the Chen family to spend money to add on to Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry?

    He could not help worrying that the Chen family would feel unhappy when his elder daughter did not bring many dowries with her the day she married Chen Jun. Even if he were to sell his blood, he could not arrange a dowry that was on par with that of the Chen family.

    ¡°Why is that so? When Chen Jun marries Zijin, we will all be family. You can also treat us as rtives now. Besides providing dowry, I want to give arge red packet too.¡± Chen Jun was smiling very happily. Qiao Zijin was not capable but she had a capable younger sister.

    It did not matter that the Qiao family was useless. They would not be shortchanged in this marriage.

    ¡°Comrade Qiao, if there is no other matter, I will go back first. Right, don¡¯t forget to check with Director Shi. Give us a call after you have confirmed the ce so that I can get people to send the items to the designated location.¡± The person from the Zhu family was unwilling to remain at the small courtyard of the Qiao family and waste his time.

    If not for Qiao Nan, the Zhu family would not have the chance to step into the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression turned stiff. Although the attitude of the Zhu family was not very friendly, he could not lose his temper either. ¡°It¡¯s been tough on you. Don¡¯t worry. I will give you an answer soon.¡±

    When the Zhu family left, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned sullen.

    Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten that when he brought Qiao Nan to the Zhu family¡¯s residence for a meal three years ago, the hosts of the Zhu family were very polite to him, not to mention the people hired by them.

    This chauffeur was just someone that the Zhu family paid to hire but his tone was smug and his attitude bad.

    Fortunately, he was not someone petty. Otherwise, if he were to reflect this situation to Zhu Chengqi or Old Master Zhu, this chauffeur would certainly have to scram and go home.

    Having been a couple for so many years, Ding Jiayi also had the same thoughts. ¡°Old Qiao, isn¡¯t he just a chauffeur of the Zhu family? Why is his attitude so bad? If you have a chance next time, you can reflect this situation to the Zhu family. He is going embarrass the Zhu family and get them into trouble.¡±

    ¡°Sister Ding, this doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± Mother Chen took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. Why do you need to take issue with them? Who doesn¡¯t want to have a job and earn money? Why don¡¯t we turn big problems into small ones and small problems into nothing? We can give others convenience and also save some face for ourselves.¡±

    Yes, the other party was just a chauffeur, but he was the chauffeur of the Zhu family.

    Even a small fly is considered a high-ranking official if they serve the prime minister.

    This reasoning made sense be it in the ancient or current times.

    Ding Jiayi sounded so bold and righteous when she said that she wanted to teach that chauffeur a lesson. However, Mother Chen knew the situation in her heart.

    The problem was that if Ding Jiayi were to go the Zhu family¡¯s residence now, she dared to guarantee that Ding Jiayi might not even be able to touch the main door, let alonein about that driver to Elder Zhu or Zhu Chengqi.

    Toward this inw that thought too highly of herself, Mother Chen had not heard any less about her from her son.

    Was it because all of the good traits in the Qiao family had gathered on Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Nan was not only smart but also very lucky.

    On the contrary, the other three members of the Qiao family were not very clever. In addition, they refused to heed advice and did not know their own limits.

    If the Qiao family members were slightly smarter, the Chen family would not even stand a chance to take advantage of this bargain.

    After hearing her son¡¯s words, Mother Chen had been mentally prepared. Although she was aware of the situation, she was still affected when she personally encountered the clueless Ding Jiayi.

    Mother Chen looked at Chen Jun in trepidation. Son, given the intelligence of this family of three, are you certain that they could help the Chen family and not drag us down?

    Mother Chen kept feeling that her son¡¯s life would not be as smooth as he imagined it to be if he were to marry Qiao Zijin. The most sorrowful thing was that the greatest trouble would note from others but these three clueless members of the Qiao family.

    ¡°He is just a lousy chauffeur. Why do we have to give him face? In ancient times, people like him were called ves!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was full of disdain for the other party. In her mind, she could see the image of the vesmonly seen in the television who would bend and kneel to their masters.

    ¡°Old Ding!¡± Qiao Dongliang reprimanded Ding Jiayi loudly. ¡°Whether he is a ve or not, it does not have anything to do with our family. You¡¯re not the one who pays him. On what grounds are you looking down on other people?¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± Having heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, the Chen family of three secretly heaved sighs of relief.

    If Qiao Dongliang was the same as Ding Jiayi whereby the brains were purely for decoration, they would have to think twice about the marriage between Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 1075 - Start from the Shi Family

    <h4>1075 Start from the Shi Family</h4>

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin pulled at Ding Jiayi, stopping her from creating trouble for her.

    Ding Jiayi pouted unhappily.

    Ding Jiayi had been too smug in front of the Chen family. She was thinking of showing off to the Chen family, telling them that the Qiao family had a high social status as well.

    When Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun in the future, the Chen family must not bully Qiao Zijin.

    Since the man from the Zhu family had left, Ding Jiayi could say whatever she wanted. No one would expose her lies. She could brag as she liked at her house.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to brag about her social status, but the Chen family who knew the truth did not give her the chance to do that.

    ¡°Brother Qiao, are you close to Director Shi?¡± Father Chen tried to steer the conversation back to his intended topic¡ªDirector Shi. It was because of Director Shi that Ping Cheng became a well-developed city over the past few years.

    Many people had been discussing Director Shi.

    They said that Director Shi would be due for promotion.

    Perhaps Director Shi would be a very important figure in Ping Cheng.

    Father Chen wanted nothing but to be on good terms with him.

    Now that he could make use of the rtionship with the Qiao family to be close to Director Shi, Father Chen would not miss such a golden chance. ¡°One can¡¯t say clearly as to where to ce Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry over the phone. Besides, it would be insincere. Since the Lunar New Year is not over yet and the government sector is not as busy, and they have not resumed work officially, why don¡¯t we go to the Shi family¡¯s residence to discuss with them face-to-face?¡±

    Mother Chen nced at Father Chen. Would that be too obvious and seem hurried?

    Father Chen smiled confidently. Mother Chen did not need to worry.

    If it was some other family, he would definitely have to spend some time and effort, biding his time. But he knew the three people in the Qiao family inside out. There was nothing to worry about.

    Chen Jun had made it very clear. Apart from Qiao Nan, the three people in the Qiao family were not very smart.

    There was no need for them to say any pleasantries, lest the Qiao family mistake them as real.

    Father Chen was fearless in making use of the Qiao family to be on close terms with the influential people.

    He was certain that the Qiao family would not lose their temper because of what he did. They might not even figure out his real intentions.

    It was for this reason that they wanted to be close to the Qiao family, who was poor.

    Otherwise, the Chen family would not want to maintain a cordial rtionship with them.

    Qiao Dongliang was hesitant. ¡°This... may not be very convenient.¡±

    As Shi Peng¡¯s neighbor, Qiao Dongliang had seen many cases where other people paid a visit to the Shi family¡¯s residence during the Lunar New Year and even brought with them a lot of presents only to be turned down.

    Shi Peng was very clear about what was right and what was wrong. He would never ept gifts from others and would not allow them to worm their way into being friends with him.

    This matter could have easily been settled between Shi Peng and him. It would be impolite if everyone went with him.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s countenance changed. She tugged at Chen Jun¡¯s hand. ¡°Aren¡¯t we discussing our wedding? Don¡¯t go overboard!¡±

    Chen Jun gave Qiao Zijin a cold stare. ¡°If the Chen family does well, you will have a better life in the future. Whatever that is good for the Chen family is good for you. You should not be throwing your tantrums now.¡±

    Chen Jun wanted to go to the Shi family¡¯s residence to get to know Shi Peng.

    Right now, his career was in Ping Cheng. It would take more than twenty years for him to carve his career in the capital. It was not something that could be achieved overnight.

    Chen Jun was ambitious, but he knew he had to take it step by step.

    He might not be able to go to the capital right now, but he was able to get close to Shi Peng.

    The problem was...

    ¡°Dad, Mom, didn¡¯t you have a dinner appointment with Qiao Nan tonight?¡± If they went to the Shi family¡¯s residence now, they would not be able to rush back in time for the dinner appointment with Qiao Nan. It was a chance to be on closer terms with her.

    If Qiao Nan was close to Qiao Zijin, it was alright for Qiao Nan to wait for them.

    But the problem was they were not on good terms. It was more important to be on close terms with Qiao Nan than to create an impression on Shi Peng.

    There was a glitter in Father Chen¡¯s eyes. ¡°Will Qiao Nan be back for dinner tonight?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sent word to the Zhai family¡¯s residence ages ago, but Qiao Nan did not give him a reply.

    ¡°She will not dare to miss the dinner!¡± Ding Jiayi puffed her chest in front of the Chen couple. She was as proud as a peacock. ¡°She will definitely be here. If you want to go to the Shi family¡¯s residence, go ahead. Even if we arete, she has no choice but to wait for us. All of us are her seniors. She has to wait for us to have dinner.¡±

    Ding Jiayi might not admit that Qiao Nan was outstanding, but she knew that she must make use of Qiao Nan for the Chen family to have a good impression of Qiao Zijin.

    She had to prove that she could control Qiao Nan and make her listen to her. In that case, the Chen family would think that Qiao Nan was on close terms with them and it would be easier for Qiao Zijin to marry Chen Jun. After her marriage, the Chen family would not dare to shortchange her as well.

    Therefore, no matter what, she had to show that she was in charge in front of the Chen family.

    The Chen couple stared at each other in silence. They had no idea whether to believe Ding Jiayi or not.

    It would be best if things were as simple as what Ding Jiayi had made it to be.

    ¡°Hey, my inws, hesitate no more. Work is more important. Qiao Nan is my daughter. She will definitely listen to me. We have to prioritize. Nothing will go wrong.¡± It was just a dinner. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would not listen to her!

    Father Chen looked at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Is it convenient to talk to Director Shi now? Should we make a phone call first?¡± How about an appointment?

    ¡°Not...¡± Qiao Dongliang was about to say that it was inconvenient, but Ding Jiayi interrupted him. ¡°Of course it is convenient. There is no need to make a phone call. It is a waste of money. My inws, you may not know, but Director Shi has a good rtionship with Old Qiao. They have meals often. Director Shi spent the Lunar New Year and had a reunion dinner with Old Qiao in the past few years.¡±

    They were very close to each other.

    Father Chen smiled. ¡°In that case, Chen Jun, drive the car over.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Dad.¡± Chen Jun looked at everyone present before he said, ¡°The car can only fit five people.¡±

    Ding Jiayi smiled. ¡°Chen Jun, thank you for asking. I will stay behind to prepare the dinner. After your chat, you cane back to have your dinner.¡±

    ¡°If not, I will...¡± Qiao Zijin decided to stay behind with her mother.

    ¡°Zijin,e with me over here for a moment. It is the Lunar New Year, how can you go empty-handed to visit Uncle Shi?¡±

 Chapter 1076 - Denied Entry

    <h4>1076 Denied Entry</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get you some fruits. You can bring it with you.¡± Ding Jiayi pulled Qiao Zijin to a side to talk. ¡°You have to go.¡±

    This was a good opportunity. If Zijin went with them and the Chen family was able to leave a good impression on Director Shi, Zijin would be able to take credit for it. The Chen family would remember that it was she who helped them.

    Qiao Zijin stomped her feet awkwardly. ¡°Why me? I-I don¡¯t even know Director Shi!¡±

    She knew it was for the same reason that her mother was willing to stay behind.

    It would be so embarrassing if Director Shi said that he did not know her and ignored her in front of the Chen family.

    ¡°What a fool. Your dad will be there as well. When you reach the Shi family¡¯s residence, you can remain silent. All you have to do is to trail behind your dad or Chen Jun. Leave it to your dad to get close with him.¡±

    ¡°Will this work?¡±

    ¡°Of course it will. Why not? I heard that Director Shi has a daughter about the same age as Qiao Nan. If you feel embarrassed to talk to Director Shi, you can mingle with the youngdy. If you are on good terms with her, you will definitely be close to her father as well.¡± Ding Jiayi had nned everything for Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin thought about it but shook her head. ¡°No, this won¡¯t do. I know about Director Shi¡¯s daughter. She is very close with Qiao Nan. Do you think she will like me with Qiao Nan around? I don¡¯t want to court a rebuff and to make a fool of myself in front of the Chen family.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Ding Jiayi thought hard about it and grabbed Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°There is a way. I will look for Qiao Nan right after all of you have left for the Shi family¡¯s residence. Since that wretched girl is on close terms with that youngdy, I will tell that wretched girl to call the youngdy so that she will treat you well. You can rest assured. I will find a way for the Chen family to treat you like the empress.¡±

    ¡°Will Qiao Nan listen to you?¡±

    ¡°She will definitely listen to me. Trust me.¡±

    Actually, Qiao Zijin did not trust her mother. Qiao Nan no longer listened to her words.

    Perhaps they had been apart for quite some time and Ding Jiayi sounded very confident. Qiao Zijin decided to believe her. In the end, she got in the car and went with the Chen family to the Shi family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan, who was preparing for her wedding at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, had no idea that she had been targeted even though she had been at home all the while.

    By the time Qiao Nan vaguely heard amotion at the entrance of the Zhai family¡¯s residence, other people at the Zhai family¡¯s residence were aware of themotion as well. Miao Jing knitted her brows. ¡°What is going on outside? Who is creating amotion?¡± Who dared to create trouble for the Zhai family during the Lunar New Year?

    The auntie seemed to be in a difficult position. She gave Qiao Nan an awkward nce.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Is it my dad, my mom, or Qiao Zijin? No, it should be my mom, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the auntie replied. ¡°She has something to talk to you. She is being stopped by the guards at the door.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± An angry Miao Jing refused Ding Jiayi¡¯s request on behalf of Qiao Nan. ¡°She must be up to no good. Since she does not feel shameful, she can go ahead to create a din. Everyone in the quad knows the person she is.¡±

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. Something bad would definitelye out of it.

    Even if the whole world knew the person that her mother was, there were still people who wanted to watch the show. ¡°You are right to hold the wedding banquet as soon as possible.¡±

    After the wedding banquet, the Zhai family would go to the capital.

    The Qiao family would be able to enter the quad in Ping Cheng.

    But when the Zhai family was in the quad in the capital, the Qiao family would not be able to create amotion like today.

    No one in the Zhai family said anything about Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior. They were busy with whatever they were doing. Old Master Zhai even went out from the back door and went to look for his friends. He did not make anyments about the Qiao family. After all, he knew about the Qiao family¡¯s situation right from the start.

    His heart ached that his granddaughter-inw had such an unreliable mother. He knew that she would be a trouble now that she was the Zhai family¡¯s inws.

    Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin with full confidence that she would make Qiao Nan listen to her. She was sure that Qiao Nan would tell Shi Qing to be nice to Qiao Zijin and Qiao Zijin would then be able to hold her head high in front of the Chen family.

    She had already made the promise. However, Ding Jiayi did not expect that Qiao Nan would be so heartless and ignore her.

    She thought that Qiao Nan would be mindful of keeping up appearances in front of her inws. She would not want things to be blown up and to embarrass herself in front of them. Not only would Qiao Nane out to meet her, but she would even agree to all her requests.

    If Qiao Nan did not agree, she would make things difficult for her so that the Zhai family would find her troublesome and call off the wedding.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s intention was for Qiao Zijin to hold her head high in front of the Chen family, but she wanted to do it at the expense of Qiao Nan.

    She might have it all nned out, but Qiao Nan could not be bothered with her. All her ns were in vain.

    Ding Jiayi kept on kicking up a fuss at the entrance to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. The soldiers who stood on guard seemed oblivious to her shouts. They gave her disdainful stares and refused her entry.

    There was tight security in the quad.

    The entire quad was divided into two major sections. The important figures such as the Zhai family, the Zhu family, and the Lee family stayed in the area facing the sun, while the rest of the people stayed in the northern part of the quad.

    Two soldiers stood guard at the southern entrance.

    There was a distance from the guard post to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    If Ding Jiayi did not raise her voice and create amotion, no one in the quad would be able to make out what she was saying.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s throat was parched and hoarse in no time. She was close to losing her voice. ¡°That wretched girl is so heartless. How can she refuse to listen to her mom!¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that the Chen family might have already met the Shi family. Ding Jiayi felt all the more anxious that she had yet to talk to Qiao Nan. ¡°I won¡¯t make amotion anymore. Can you pass a message to my daughter, telling her to meet me outside?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± The soldier rejected her request without another word.

    Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes in anger. ¡°Everyone in the quad knows that my younger daughter is marrying Zhai Sheng soon. She will be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. I am the Zhai family¡¯s inws. How can you stop me from entering?¡±

    In fact, Ding Jiayi had intended to stride into the Zhai family¡¯s residence. She was their inws. She had the right to go to their house. No one could stop her from doing so.

 Chapter 1077 - I Am On Good Terms with Director Shi

    <h4>1077 I Am On Good Terms with Director Shi</h4>

    Now that the two soldiers stopped her from entering the house, Ding Jiayi felt anger rising within her. She resorted to kicking up a fuss to get Qiao Nan toe out of the house.

    ¡°Even so, you are not allowed entry.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was denied entry, saw red. She paced around in circles, not knowing what to do. She stomped her feet and made a move to dash into the house.

    The two soldiers saw what she was doing. They stretched out their hands to stop her from entering.

    There was no way that the olddy could bypass them to enter the house. If they could not even stop an olddy from entering the house, Regiment Commander Zhai would definitely kick them out of the army. The woman must be out of her mind.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes turned red. She ground her teeth and turned to walk in the direction toward her house. She seemed to have given up.

    Ding Jiayi might have it all nned out, but Qiao Nan chose to ignore her. After creating amotion, Ding Jiayi felt that her throat had turned hoarse from the shouts. Despite all this, Ding Jiayi did not even manage to see Qiao Nan, let alone for her to agree to her requests.

    Ding Jiayi was not the only one who was faced with setbacks, the Chen family, who went with Qiao Dongliang to the Shi family¡¯s residence, did not fare any better. In fact, they were in an even more awkward situation than her.

    Feng Cheng spent the Lunar New Year with her husband and daughter. She had yet to return to the capital and still stayed with them in Ping Cheng.

    Feng Cheng was just an ordinary woman. Previously, she had been staying in the capital, but she did not have anymitments there. Now that she came to Ping Cheng, she had no intention of leaving. She had to stop outsiders from deceiving her husband and her daughter.

    Feng Cheng was very unhappy that Shi Qing refused to listen to her and was very close to Qiao Nan.

    Feng Cheng knew that her parents¡¯ family thought highly of her daughter. Therefore, she decided to stay in Ping Cheng this year and work on her rtionship with her husband and daughter.

    She believed that she was more important to her daughter than an outsider and that her daughter would listen to her words.

    Feng Cheng sneered when she knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s father came looking for them. ¡°I am sorry, but I don¡¯t know you. Shi Peng has gone to work. He is not at home.¡±

    Feng Cheng did not make any harshments, but she was not very polite to the guests.

    ¡°That is impossible. Director Shi does not need to go to work today. He should be at home.¡± Qiao Dongliang had spent several Lunar New Years with the Shi family. He was very clear of Director Shi¡¯s work schedule. ¡°Sister-inw, I have something to discuss with Director Shi.¡±

    ¡°Something to discuss?¡± Feng Cheng smiled. ¡°What is it? Tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was not close with Feng Cheng. Besides, he was here to discuss where he should ce Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry. Qiao Dongliang was at a loss for words. ¡°Sister-inw, do we have any misunderstanding?¡±

    From his experience of dealing with people, Qiao Dongliang could tell from Feng Cheng¡¯s indifferent attitude that there must be some misunderstanding.

    ¡°How could there be any misunderstanding?¡± Feng Cheng said coldly. ¡°Is Qiao Nan your daughter?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then, there is no misunderstanding.¡± A crooked stick would have a crooked shadow. How could he seek help from Shi Peng regarding his own family matters? He was trying to take advantage of them. Qiao Nan behaved in the same way as her father. She would always take advantage of Qing Qing.

    Qiao Zijin suppressed her smile. She leaned toward Chen Jun and whispered. ¡°Look, I have already told you that Qiao Nan tends to offend many people with that attitude of hers.¡±

    Until now, she could not understand why the Lee family, the Zhu family, and the Zhai family felt that Qiao Nan was a gooddy and doted on her.

    Instead, Shi Qing¡¯s mother was a good judge of people. She could tell that Qiao Nan was not a good person. ¡°Because of Qiao Nan, the rtionship between my dad and Director Shi may turn sour.¡±

    Chen Jun sneered. ¡°Contain that smile of yours when you areining about other people. It is too obvious. Also, you¡¯d better shut up. Whatever you want to say can wait. I will not lose my temper here, but don¡¯t ask for trouble.¡±

    Unlike his parents, Chen Jun understood the situation in the Qiao family very well. He would not be fooled by the current situation or be misled by Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    ¡°We are busy. I will not invite you in. Goodbye.¡± Feng Cheng did not know what was going on between the Chen family and the Qiao family. She only acted ording to how she felt. She mmed the door on her visitors.

    As soon as the door was closed, Shi Peng¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s voices could be heard from the house. The five people who stood outside the door were thoroughly embarrassed.

    Qiao Dongliang felt like covering his face with his hands and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. ¡°Sister-inw does not seem to have a good temper. She might be in a bad mood today.¡±

    Father Chen had been through many simr situations. He looked calm and unaffected. ¡°This is verymon for women. It seems that Director Shi is busy today. Let¡¯s go back to the quad.¡±

    True enough, it was not that easy to get to know Director Shi.

    He heard that Director Shi had a good rtionship with the Qiao family, but it did not seem like it at all.

    ¡°Uncle Qiao, let¡¯s go back.¡± Chen Jun changed the topic, putting aside the fact that the Shi family refused to see them. ¡°Auntie must have prepared the dinner. We will be in time for dinner when we go back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It is cold nowadays. We should not leave the dishes to turn cold.¡± Mother Chen was unhappy. They were thwarted at the very beginning. They failed in getting to know Director Shi and were thoroughly embarrassed.

    Nevertheless, she was mindful of her husband and son.

    Since they seemed to be unaffected and were polite toward Qiao Dongliang, she stifled her anger and pretended to be polite and warm toward Qiao Dongliang. She was almost close to addressing him as ¡®inw¡¯.

    Since the Chen family did not make any uglyments, Qiao Dongliang, who was very embarrassed by what had happened just now, felt slightly better.

    He got in Chen Jun¡¯s car and said, ¡°I have only seen Director Shi and Qing Qing around in the past few years. This is my first time seeing his wife. I suppose I will have to make an appointment with Director Shi to discuss Nan Nan¡¯s dowry.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Father Chen nodded. He had heard about the Shi family¡¯s situation.

    The business dealings between people in the government were simple. There were about money and women.

    In particr, for people like Shi Peng whose wife was not by his side and his daughter was studying in another city, it was easier to ask him a favor by rmending women to a lonely man like him.

    Father Chen had tried this method in the past, but all the women that he rmended were rejected by Shi Peng and he even taught them some lessons. He then gave up on this approach.

    ¡°Brother Qiao, are you in frequent contact with Director Shi?¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who sat at the back, clenched her fists anxiously. She hoped that her father would be smart and would not say the wrong words in front of the Chen family.

 Chapter 1078 - Donâ€™t Spread It to Me

    <h4>1078 Don¡¯t Spread It to Me</h4>

    Regarding this, Qiao Zijin¡¯s worries were unfounded. Qiao Dongliang felt good about himself when he said, ¡°Director Shi is busy and he doesn¡¯t know how to cook. In particr, when Nan Nan and Shi Qing were in their third year of high school studies, most of Director Shi¡¯s dinners were settled at our house.¡±

    In other words, Qiao Dongliang had prepared dinners for Shi Peng for three years. Were they considered on good terms then?

    When he heard that, Father Chen¡¯s expression looked much better. Qiao Zijin even exaggeratedly heaved a sigh of relief.

    Director Shi was such a smart person. Of course, his thoughts would not be controlled by a woman. It would suffice as long as Qiao Dongliang was on good terms with Director Shi. As for that wife of Director Shi, it did not matter.

    Finally, they could be associated with Director Shi. It would be great if they could also gain his wife¡¯s favor. If that could not happen, they certainly had to focus on attacking and taking down the main party concerned, Shi Peng. This was the most important matter.

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang ¡®ced all his cards on the table¡¯, the awkwardness of being rejected by Feng Cheng at door earlier disappeared in a moment. The two families then happily returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

    When she heard sounds of movements, Ding Jiayi walked out. She finally let down her worries when she found that the two families were getting along fine.

    She snorted. What was the big deal if that wretched girl refused to help? Didn¡¯t this matter also be sessful without that wretched girl?

    ¡°Mom, has Nan Nan arrived?¡± The matter about the Shi family was considered neither sessful nor unsessful. Suddenly, Qiao Zijin thought of Qiao Nan, her younger sister.

    Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes unhappily. ¡°If she ising, will I still be so busy in the kitchen?¡±

    ¡°Mom, why did your voice be like that?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. ¡°Weren¡¯t you well earlier? Did you catch a cold?¡±

    Having said that, Qiao Zijin immediately withdrew her hand that Ding Jiayi was currently holding on to. She even distanced herself from Ding Jiayi lest she be infected by thetter.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin had heard her ssmate¡¯s voice be hoarse all of a sudden because of a viral cold. Moreover, this kind of cold was very contagious.

    It was the Lunar New Year. Qiao Zijin did not wish to fall sick. It would be bad luck.

    When Qiao Zijin behaved like that, everyone present was stunned. Of course, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi reacted most strongly and they felt most upset.

    As she sensed that her action was probably inappropriate, Qiao Zijin blushed. She then turned and quickly ran into the house. In a while, she came out. ¡°Mom, here¡¯s the cold medicine. Quickly take them with water now. If it¡¯s not effective, we can go to the hospital. The earlier you seek treatment, the better.¡±

    ¡°Aye, okay.¡± When the gloomy Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Zijin bring over the medicine and water, her cold heart turned warm immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My health is very good. I won¡¯t catch a cold.¡±

    Ding Jiayi clearly knew that her voice was hoarse due to too much shouting. Nevertheless, she could feel her daughter¡¯s concern. She treated the cold medicine that her daughter brought over as a supplement. She swallowed them with in water.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi taking the medicine, Qiao Zijin heaved a sigh of relief. She knew that she had managed to ¡®cover up¡¯ the mistake that she had justmitted.

    Both the Qiao family and the Chen family had been paying attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s action all the time. However, Qiao Nan could not be bothered about these two families until she received Shi Qing¡¯s phone call. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what happened.¡±

    Shi Qing took a nce at her biological mother before she lowered her voice and said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Qiao Nan, what is happening to Uncle Qiao? Don¡¯t tell me his intelligence simply became out of service without you by his side?¡±

    ¡°Most likely, my dad¡¯s intelligence has always been out of service. It¡¯s just that he has owed too many fees recently. The phone service is really going to cease soon,¡± Qiao Nan said jokingly.

    Shi Qing sighed. ¡°Are you still in the mood to joke? What exactly are your thoughts? Given our rtionship, if you really have such intentions, it¡¯s easy to settle the ce. Your house is small and my house is big. You may as well marry from my house. That will do also.¡±

    ¡°No, I have already agreed with Uncle Zhu. I will marry into the Zhai family from the Zhu family¡¯s residence. I am grateful for your good intention. As for my dad, Director Shi and you don¡¯t need to care about what he says. You can just ignore him.¡± If she were to really marry from the Shi family¡¯s residence, it would be too much of a p in the face.

    Although Qiao Nan did not wish to bother about Qiao Dongliang, she had never thought of making him lose all his face.

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll do that then,¡± Shi Qing said.

    Today, when Qiao Dongliang brought the Chen family here to look for Shi Peng, both father and daughter heard him since they were at home. They were just unwilling toe out to ¡®entertain¡¯ him.

    Otherwise, why would Feng Cheng have the chance to open the door for Qiao Dongliang?

    Qiao Dongliang was too simple-minded. He treated the rtionship between Shi Peng and the Qiao family as a personal one. As the other party concerned, Shi Peng did not have the same thoughts.

    After talking to Qiao Nan, Shi Qing hung up the phone and told Shi Peng about Qiao Nan¡¯s intention. ¡°Dad, these are Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts. In the future, no matter what Uncle Qiao says, you just need to disagree. Also, Dad, don¡¯t ever let the Chen family enter our door. I hate the Chen family!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Feng Cheng looked at Shi Qing curiously.

    Initially, Feng Cheng refused to ept the Chen family because of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.

    When she heard that Qiao Nan had a conflict with Qiao Dongliang and did not wish toe into contact with the Chen family, Feng Cheng was interested to know the situation.

    ¡°No particr reason.¡± Shi Qing did not tell Feng Cheng the truth. ¡°Dad, you know, right?¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Shi Peng sneered as he nodded.

    In the past, there were hups when Qiao Nan and Shi Qing were taking the college entrance examination. They nearly missed the examination as they were held up outside the school. Chen Jun was the mastermind of that incident. Shi Peng was aware of it.

    If Zhai Sheng had not acted swiftly and viciously and kicked Father Chen out of the police headquarters, Shi Peng also wanted to take revenge on the Chen family.

    The two families were enemies. It would be strange if Shi Peng would be friendly to the Chen family and give them convenience.

    As he was well aware of his wife¡¯s character, Shi Peng reminded her. ¡°Feng Cheng, don¡¯t interfere in the matters of the Chen family. This is Ping Cheng and not the capital. If I know that you are in contact with any of the Chen family members, don¡¯t me me for being unruly.¡±

    His wife could be naive and simple. She could hide behind his back all the time. He was willing to take on anything for her.

    The problem was that his wife clearly did not have the capability but she had to act smart and do some foolish things. Shi Peng would not be so good-tempered then. ¡°Feng Cheng, you have to remember. Qing Qing and I are the most important people in your life. If you can¡¯t figure this out clearly... Feng Cheng, I don¡¯t wish our marriage to end up in a divorce.¡±

    This was a marriage that was filled with schemes and ploys. It was not easy for Shi Peng to be able to persist until today.

    Shi Peng was aware that both he and Feng Cheng were considered people who had been abandoned by their families. They were in the same plight. He was thus very patient with Feng Cheng.

    However, everyone had a tolerance level. Feng Cheng was already of this age. She should ¡®grow up¡¯ a little.

 Chapter 1079 - Spent a Bomb

    <h4>1079 Spent a Bomb</h4>

    If Feng Cheng was still clueless and were to do something inappropriate to add on to his troubles, Shi Peng was reluctant to continue to tolerate it.

    ¡°Shi Peng, what do you mean? Do you want to divorce me?¡± The couple had been living in separate ces for so many years. Feng Cheng felt that she had always been a good wife and had never done anything that let Shi Peng down. She had also never thought of getting a divorce.

    To her surprise, Shi Peng dared to voice out something that she had not even thought about. ¡°Shi Peng, confess honestly. I¡¯ve not been by your side for such a long time. Are you seeing someone else outside?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Even Shi Qing frowned, failing toprehend this, let alone Shi Peng. ¡°Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? Dad is not that kind of person. Why would he do such a thing? Dad, you should know Mom¡¯s temper too. You are aware that Mom has a one-track mind. Be patient when you tell her things. If she doesn¡¯t get it, just keep a watch on her. Why did you have to say such things? Aren¡¯t you afraid that Mom may create a greater disaster when you provoke her?¡±

    Shi Peng was quite angry earlier but he smiled when he heard Shi Qing¡¯s slick words. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve improved.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Shi Qing said proudly. ¡°Do you think I have been wasting my time at PLA National Defence University during the past six months? You have to know. Although I entered PLA National Defence Universityter, I am still an outstanding student.¡± When she mentioned this, Shi Qing¡¯s chin lifted even more.

    In terms of devising ploys and strategies, Shi Qing and Feng Cheng¡¯s rtionship was reversed. Shi Qing was Feng Cheng¡¯s ¡®senior¡¯.

    Now, Shi Qing was able to understand the arrangements and ploys that the Feng family had for Feng Cheng.

    In Shi Qing¡¯s opinion, Feng Cheng had lived most of her life in a muddleheaded way. Furthermore, the Feng family¡¯s education of Feng Cheng was too sessful. It would not be easy to correct Feng Cheng.

    Instead of making everyone suffer whereby the oue might not be good, they might as well allow Feng Cheng to maintain her current state.

    Her mother was clueless about everything. Nevertheless, wasn¡¯t she simple and happy?

    As long as her mother felt that she was having a good life, it did not matter what the truth was.

    In short, simr to the Feng family, Shi Peng was willing to continue to ¡®dote¡¯ on Feng Cheng so that she will always be simple and happy.

    ¡°Qing Qing, is that how you talk to Mom?¡± No matter how simple Feng Cheng was, she could tell that her daughter was underestimating her.

    Shi Qing sat beside Feng Cheng and hugged her arms. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get angry. Didn¡¯t grandpa and grandma always teach you that these are all men¡¯s matters? You just have to let Dad handle them. Won¡¯t that do? Mom, didn¡¯t you say that you will stay in Ping Cheng this year to keep Dad and mepany? Why don¡¯t we do this? Tomorrow, I will go shopping for recipe books. When you are not around, Dad doesn¡¯t take his meals regrly. His health suffers easily. With you around, Dad will have a health housekeeper. You can feed him until he is fair and chubby.¡±

    If she did not assign something for her mother to do, thetter¡¯s thoughts might go astray.

    ¡°This matter...¡± To Feng Cheng, who did not have the habit of doing household chores at all, taking care of Shi Peng¡¯s daily three meals was still an arduous and major task. She had to learn everything from scratch. Fortunately, Feng Cheng still remembered that she was Shi Peng¡¯s wife. ¡°Fine. In the future, I will take care of your dad by his side. I will definitely nourish his health.¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts. ¡°Mom, reading culinary books won¡¯t take up too much of your time. Besides preparing meals, what are you going to do? It is too boring to be alone. Why don¡¯t we ask Dad to find some easy jobs for you to do?¡±

    ¡°You want me to go out and work?¡± Feng Cheng, who had never cooked before in her entire life, had just decided that she was willing to try to be a good and virtuous wife. Now, her daughter gave another suggestion that had nevere to her mind before.

    Shi Peng nced at Shi Qing. He was well aware of his daughter¡¯s thoughts. He then sang the same tune as Shi Qing. ¡°Qing Qing is right. It is already the 21st century. When Chairman Mao was alive, he said that women can hold up half the sky and be very sessful too. It is also a new experience for you to take on a job. Of course, if you feel that it is not suitable for you or you are not used to it, you can always stop working.¡±

    Shi Qing held on to Feng Cheng¡¯s arm affectionately. ¡°Dad, you have to find a rxing job for Mom. She has not worked before in her whole life. I just want her to experience life. I don¡¯t approve of her doing something too arduous. What if it tires her out?¡±

    Shi Qing did not mention that Feng Cheng did not have the skills to take on difficult jobs. She only said that her heart would ache for Feng Cheng if it was too tiring for thetter. Feng Cheng felt so loved by Shi Qing¡¯s caring manners. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t worry. Mom is not so useless. Whether the job is easy or not, as long as I am determined to do it, I don¡¯t need your dad to take care of me.¡±

    Fine. Since Qing Qing had suggested that she take on a job, she would give it a try then.

    For the past twenty years, Feng Cheng had been staying at home with the Shi family. Thereafter, she had been cooping herself in the house of the Feng family. Although she would asionally participate in some cocktail parties, she was spending less and less time on these events as her husband was not by her side.

    She had been staying at home all the time. Feng Cheng had long felt that she was going to turn moldy.

    Otherwise, she would not have strongly requested toe to Ping Cheng to keep her husbandpany. She could also see her daughter asionally then.

    Feng Cheng was already thinking of changing her current way of life. Hence, there was no reason for her to reject her daughter¡¯s suggestion.

    As soon as they talked about working, Feng Cheng was smiling and considering the kinds of jobs that could be suitable for her. As for the Chen family¡¯s situation, she hadpletely forgotten about it and put it behind her.

    After sessfully diverting Feng Cheng¡¯s attention, Shi Qing stretched out her two fingers and showed Shi Peng a sign of victory.

    Shi Peng smiled and red at Shi Qing to remind her not to be overly smug, in case Feng Cheng discovered any loopholes.

    If that were to happen, they would not be able to appease Feng Cheng as easily.

    ¡°I have so many dowries? Isn¡¯t Uncle Zhu exaggerating?¡± On the other hand, Qiao Nan had received the list of dowry that Zhu Chengqi had prepared for her.

    At the sight of the list of dowry and the long string of words, Qiao Nan was wide-eyed and tongue-tied.

    The list of dowry could be described as... asprehensive as it could get?

    Zhai Hua stretched her neck and took a nce. ¡°How can the Zhu family make a mistake on this? I really can¡¯t tell... The Zhu family spent a bomb on you. They really treat you as their biological daughter.¡±

    Even a person like Zhai Hua felt marveled when she saw the list of dowry from the Zhu family. She was astonished at the generosity of the Zhu family. At the same time, she was also a little envious of Qiao Nan¡¯s good fortune.

    Although Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, this pair of biological parents, were extremely unreliable, they could not stop good fortune from befalling Qiao Nan. Someone was not only willing to acknowledge Qiao Nan as a goddaughter but also willing to treat her like a biological daughter.

    ¡°Mom, will I have so many things when I get married in the future?¡±

 Chapter 1080 - Donâ€™t Torture Others

    <h4>1080 Don¡¯t Torture Others</h4>

    Zhai Hua, who was chewing an apple, turned and stared at Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing flung her hands without care. ¡°Don¡¯t forget. You are someone who will be ¡®taking in¡¯ a husband. The dowry will be prepared by the Tian family. I don¡¯t need to worry over that.¡±

    The Zhai family had not yet reached out to the Tian family after knowing that they were back. Nevertheless, the Tian family had already contacted the Zhai family and expressed that they would like to have a meal together as everyone was former neighbors from the ¡®old quad¡¯.

    Unfortunately, before the Zhai family could respond, the Tian family had to rush back to the capital after praying to their ancestors. An urgent matter seemed to have cropped up at their end. They left a message for the Zhai family, saying that the two families could have a meal cum gathering when the Zhai family moved to the capital.

    Miao Jing smiled at the attitude of the Tian family. It seemed that she still had the chance to watch her daughter get married in this lifetime.

    Zhai Hua snorted continuously. ¡°Dongzi is the only child in the Tian family. That was just a joke as he was still young and ignorant at that time. If the Tian family can bear to let me take in their only son as our son-inw, I promise that I will marry him immediately, whether I like him or not.¡±

    Miao Jing brought up Dongzi to make a joke of Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua was willing to y along and even said such words.

    This was because the mother-daughter pair knew that Dongzi couldn¡¯t be taken in as a son-inw.

    Anyway, this was just a joke within the family. Zhai Hua had always been thick-skinned. She was willing to take it lying down andugh over it. She would take on whatever moves Miao Jing made.

    ¡°The topic has strayed.¡± Qiao Nan reverted to the main issue. ¡°Grandpa, this is not good, is it?¡±

    There were so many items. It would have cost them a bomb.

    Qiao Nan hardly received any money from her biological parents, yet she was going to take so many valuable items from outsiders. Qiao Nan dared not ept them as she felt guilty about it.

    Old Master Zhai was also surprised by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s generosity. After thinking, he spoke, ¡°A typical person won¡¯t have so much money to arrange so many items unless they did something that let the country down. However, the Zhu family is different, and Zhu Chengqi is a smart one. During the ten years of chaos, the Zhu family had hidden a lot of good stuff. It is not just the Zhu family. It is also the same for your master. They don¡¯tck money. Hence, it¡¯s not a big deal.¡±

    The list of items looked quite scary. Nevertheless, the Zhu family had such capability.

    ¡°But the Zhu family still has Zhu Baoguo.¡± Qiao Nan still could not bring herself to ept the items. ¡°Zhu Baoguo will certainly need betrothal presents when he marries a wife in the future.¡±

    To be realistic, she was not even considered a fictive kin, yet she could get so many dowries from the Zhu family.

    If Zhu Baoguo¡¯s future partner were to find out about this matter, what would she think of it? What if this woman were to kick up a fuss with the Zhu family because of this matter? She would feel so embarrassed.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Zhu Chengqi is the head of the Zhu family. The woman that Zhu Baoguo marries in the future has to be approved by Zhu Chengqi.¡± Zhao Yaohui asked Qiao Nan not to be overly worried.

    The woman who could make Zhu Chenqi nod his head would certainly be a smart one. She would definitely not kick up a fuss with Zhu Chengqi or Zhu Baoguo because of such a small matter.

    People who were so improvident to create a din for such a matter could forget about entering the Zhu family.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go and sleep. The date of the wedding banquet is arriving soon. Fortunately, this house is not small and we can amodate all those items.¡± Old Master Zhai yawned.

    The elderly members of other families could not sleep as they advanced in years.

    It was not sure if Old Master Zhai was in high and good spirits due to many joyous events happening, but he was full of vigor and seemed to be getting younger and younger as days went by. That vitality of his was not any less than that of youngsters. He insisted to keep to the routine of sleeping and waking up early. His health was excellent.

    Old Master Zhai stood up and made a rarement. ¡°Zhai Sheng, don¡¯t torture people these two nights.¡±

    At the sight of his granddaughter-inw¡¯s dark eye circles bing increasingly obvious, this was the first time Old Master Zhai felt that his usually calm grandson was actually a young and immatured. He had no boundaries in loving his granddaughter-inw. His mature and stable character in the past seemed to have grown wings and flew away.

    Of course, Old Master Zhai¡¯s heart ached that his grandson was already over twenty years of age before he finally got to ¡®hug¡¯ his granddaughter-inw. He was aware of Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®passion¡¯ toward Qiao Nan.

    However, his heart also ached for Qiao Nan, this granddaughter-inw.

    No matter how proud he was of his grandson, Old Master Zhai had not forgotten the age difference between his grandson and his granddaughter-inw, who was twenty-six years and twenty-one years old respectively.

    His granddaughter-inw was still very young. She needed more care and protection.

    If he were to continue to let his grandson have his way, Old Master Zhai was worried that his grandson¡¯s ¡®passion¡¯ would scare his granddaughter-inw away, and the two would not be able to collect their wedding certificate.

    After throwing such embarrassing words, Old Master Zhai swayed back into his own room, leaving behind a group of juniors staring at one another, speechless.

    Zhai Yaohui stood up calmly and held on to Miao Jing¡¯s waist as they returned to their room.

    Zhai Hua was so angry that she kept snorting like an old cow. She was thinking in private. If that youngd of the Tian family had not gone to the capital, she would definitely catch hold of ¡®Lady Tian¡¯ and be a pair with ¡®her¡¯.

    Old Master Zhai yearned for a great-grandchild. He had already been through life and thick and thin with his old partner. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were also getting along very well in recent years. As for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, they were head over heels for each other. Zhai Hua was the only single one in the whole family now.

    Facing these public disys of affection from her kin, Zhai Hua was so furious that she was scratching her lungs.

    In the past, she had wanted to find a man as she wanted someone to dote on and love her like a princess. Now, Zhai Hua purely wanted to do away with singlehood. She wanted to work hard in finding a man to pair up with.

    When Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan back to the bedroom and shut the door, Qiao Nan immediately jumped onto the bed after kicking kicked Zhai Sheng. ¡°I am too embarrassed to face anyone...¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not have much reaction. However, the speed at which he undressed did not slow down at all.

    When Qiao Nan was still feeling annoyed, she had already been pressed down by Zhai Sheng. She red at him. ¡°Have you forgotten grandpa¡¯s words?!¡±

    Zhai Sheng was slowly undressing Qiao Nan as he spoke neither too quickly nor slowly, ¡°I didn¡¯t. I remember them very clearly. Also, I am conscientiously executing them. Old Master Zhai wishes for a grandchild.¡± If he did not ¡®work hard¡¯, would the old master have any ¡®great-grandchild¡¯ to carry?

    Since he was a child, he listened to the old master most. In particr, he had to obey him for this kind of matter.

    ¡°Grandpa said that you are not allowed to torture me these few days.¡± Qiao Nan pushed her hands on Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest, which was as hard as steel. However, her strength could not surpass that of Zhai Sheng. She could only allow Zhai Sheng toe closer and closer to her until their bodies were stered together.

    When Qiao Nan wrapped herself up so tightly, she could not stop Zhai Sheng. Now, she had been thoroughly undressed by Zhai Sheng. She couldn¡¯t do anything.

    When Zhai Sheng lowered his body and entered Qiao Nan, he overpowered all of Qiao Nan¡¯s subsequent words.

    It was only when Qiao Nan was feeling dizzy that she felt like crying but there were no tears.

 Chapter 1081 - To Be Siblings If Not Husband and Wife

    <h4>Chapter 1081 To Be Siblings If Not Husband and Wife</h4>

    After grandfather had spoken, Brother Zhai reduced the quantity. However, he increased the quality too viciously and also the duration!!!

    Fortunately, all thanks to Old Master Zhai¡¯s words, Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®exercises¡¯ lessened by a lot. She had more time for sleeping then.

    On the second day, it was rare that Qiao Nan, who was already used to the constant ¡®torture¡¯ by Zhai Sheng, could sleep for an additional two hours. She was thus feeling energized. Just as how Shi Qing would put it, she seemed to be shining all over.

    ¡°See no evil!¡± Shi Qing covered her eyes. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you too immersed in happiness now? You¡¯re just short of writing ¡®happiness¡¯ on your face. You have to know. Your expression is causing a great amount of hurt to singles like us.¡±

    At the sight of Qiao Nan looking so happy, the boyish Shi Qing expressed jealously that she also hoped that she could find a man that she liked so that she could go on a romantic date.

    ¡°Put in more effort to part with singlehood then.¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips in an attempt to suppress the corners of her lips that could not help curling up. ¡°What is happening between Zhu Baoguo and you?¡±

    ¡°Ah! What do you mean?¡± Shi Qing jumped and eximed.

    Qiao Nanughed madly. ¡°Hahaha, I didn¡¯t even say anything. I am just asking... How is your rtionship with Zhu Baoguo as ssmates recently? Do you have to be so emotional? You¡¯re admitting to it yourself. Did I step on your tail?¡±

    Qiao Nan waspletely having a blind guess with these words.

    After transferring to PLA National Defence University, Shi Qing and Qiao Nan had never stopped contacting each other. They would call each other at least once a week, not to mention that the two youngdies were ¡®trendsetters¡¯ who had cell phones in their possession.

    On the contrary, Zhu Baoguo, who used to stick to Qiao Nan so badly in the past, seemed to have grown up. For six months, Qiao Nan did not receive any phone call or letter from Zhu Baoguo.

    Fortunately, there was Shi Qing. Each time they had a phone conversation, six to seven out of Shi Qing¡¯s ten sentences were rted to Zhu Baoguo.

    Hence, although Zhu Baoguo had never contacted Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was not unfamiliar with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation.

    Unknowingly, a woman¡¯s topics of conversation were always revolving around another man.

    If Qiao Nan, who had been through two lifetimes, did not realize anything, she should really be reborn again.

    In particr, Shi Qing¡¯s current reaction made Qiao Nan more certain that something was happening between these two people. Otherwise, why would Shi Qing react so strongly?

    Shi Qing touched her face. Her pair of eyes was looking all around but Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Zhu Baoguo is such a weak shrimp. Will I fancy him?¡±

    ¡°Weak shrimp?¡± Qiao Nan raised her brows. ¡°Why did I hear from others that you have been defeated by Zhu Baoguo? You even did various sneak attacks on him but did not seed each time. He defeats you every time.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt that Zhu Baoguo was most probably the only one who could tolerate Shi Qing¡¯s temper.

    Take Zhai Hua as an example. For these twodies, Qiao Nan felt that their partners had to either use gentleness to counter their toughness or use extreme physical force to defeat them.

    Zhu Baoguo was obviously in the second situation. At the thought that Zhai Hua was going to ¡®marry¡¯ Tian Dong and if the two were really together, Qiao Nan wondered whether Tian Dong would be in the first kind of situation.

    It was only many yearster that Qiao Nan understood one thing. As a man, they always liked to be the ¡®number two¡¯. They were more willing to leave the ¡®number one¡¯ to women.

    Shi Qing jumped in shock. ¡°Heard? Where did you hear that from? Who said that?¡± If she were to find out who told Qiao Nan these things, she would peel the skin of the other party!

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan was overjoyed. ¡°Why do you care who told me this? You just need to tell me. Is there a problem with my understanding? Is this the truth? That will do.¡±

    Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo fought with each other when they first met each other. Now, they were still fighting with each other after a few years. Was this the momentum of loving and killing each other?

    ¡°I... I am not talking to you anymore. I can¡¯t rify this.¡± Shi Qing had never been Qiao Nan¡¯s match in arguments. Furthermore, Qiao Nan was speaking the truth. Shi Qing, who had been caught red-handed, had a knot in her brains. She wanted to weave a lie but her mind was nk andpletely useless. She could only concede defeat and steer away from the topic.

    Thereafter, Shi Qing calmed down and asked herself. Why did she have to avoid Qiao Nan¡¯s question? That attitude was as if there was really something going on between Zhu Baoguo and her. Why was she feeling so guilty-conscious?

    The wedding preparations of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had been ongoing for about six months. Many things had already been settled.

    Zhai Sheng would be marrying Qiao Nan on the eighth day of Lunar New Year. Zhu Chengqi felt that since there were only three days left to the date, Qiao Nan could stay at the house of the Zhu family.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng had believed that Qiao Dongliang, his father-inw, was the greatest obstruction to him marrying a wife. With Zhu Chengqi¡¯s appearance, he then knew that the vicious character appearedter on.

    Qiao Dongliang had been focusing on Qiao Zijin. Of course, he did not continue to make things difficult for Zhai Sheng or feel that he was snatching his daughter away from him.

    Qiao Dongliang did not feel that way but Zhu Chengqi did.

    Qiao Nan was just a first-year college student. Each time Zhu Chengqi thought of this, he felt very uneasy. He felt that Zhai Sheng was shameless to have hit on Qiao Nan when she was so young.

    One desperately wanted to bring his daughter home while the other wanted his wife to remain in his house. This pair of father and son-inw was fighting head-on.

    In the end, Old Master Zhai said that Zhu Chengqi could fetch Qiao Nan over to the house of the Zhu family on the night of the fourth day of Lunar New Year. Zhai Sheng was so furious that his face turned sullen instantly.

    Old Master Zhaiughed. If he did not allow his granddaughter-inw to go to the house of the Zhu family, his granddaughter-inw would most likely continue to have panda eyes until the day of her wedding banquet.

    His grandson was good in all ways but he was too young and full of stamina. He alsocked a little self-control.

    Zhai Sheng did not know what Old Master Zhai was nning in his mind. Whether he was aware or not, the oue was the same. His face was very sullen after he had been ¡®betrayed¡¯ by Old Master Zhai.

    When Qiao Nan moved into the house of the Zhu family, she finally felt a little like a bride-to-be.

    At the sight of the house of the Zhu family that she was familiar with, Qiao Nan looked around.

    Zhu Chengqi noticed her action. ¡°Are you looking for Baoguo?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Since she was engaged with Brother Zhai and made it clear to Zhu Baoguo, this young brat had been avoiding her for six months. She was now at the house of the Zhu family to stay over. Was Zhu Baoguo prepared to continue avoiding her?

    Zhu Chengqi looked at Qiao Nan lovingly. ¡°Baoguo has a childlike temper. Don¡¯t need to bother about him. He hasn¡¯t sorted out his thoughts yet.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo, who was hiding in the dark, was so furious at his father¡¯s words that his face turned crimson. His father really knew how to do him in. Childlike temper? Come on, he was older than Qiao Nan!

    This was the first time that he had taken a liking to a woman and was even secretly in love with her for a few years. In the end, she was going to be married to someone else. Zhu Baoguo not only felt sadness but also pain. It was as if someone had been piercing his heart with a knife again and again.

 Chapter 1082 - It Turned Out That You Are Also a Fool

    <h4>1082 It Turned Out That You Are Also a Fool</h4>

    Zhu Baoguo regretted more than once why he was not enlightened earlier.

    He heard that Zhai Sheng got to know Xiao Qiao before he did. The problem was that he was the one who spent more time with Xiao Qiao by her side!

    Zhai Sheng only met Xiao Qiao a few times a year but he was ssmates with Xiao Qiao. Furthermore, they were in the same ss for a few years!

    There was a saying that one would enjoy the benefits of a favorable position. In terms of physical distance, he was closer to Xiao Qiao. They also spent more time together, but in the end, Zhai Sheng, this old cow, still snatched her away. At the thought of this, Zhu Baoguo spurned his former self who was such a blockhead.

    The pair was going to hold their wedding banquet soon and he could only watch on. Qiao Nan looked so happy and contented. As such, the domineering Zhu Baoguo dared not act ording to his wishes and do anything that would wreck Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding.

    This was because he knew that Qiao Nan would definitely feel very upset if he did that. The thing that he wanted most was to give Qiao Nan happiness.

    He wanted to give her happiness but the happiness would note from him. Zhu Baoguo felt so unfortunate to have actually encountered such a matter.

    Most tragically, he had wanted to be the groom but eventually became the maternal family of the bride because of his own father!

    When Zhai Sheng came to fetch the bride, he still had to stand in the way during the gatecrashing. At the thought of this, the fury in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s heart grew. He did not know how he could vent his frustration to make himself feel better.

    Unfortunately, the person who caused this situation and did him in was that biological father of his. If it were someone else, he would make that person suffer badly.

    The problem was that this matter was arranged by his one and only biological father. No matter how domineering Dictator Zhu was, he dared not beard the lion in his den ory hands on his own father.

    The aggrieved Zhu Baoguo simply hid and refused to appear before Qiao Nan. He was afraid that he would embarrass himself if he did not manage to restrain himself.

    If they were not destined to be together, and Xiao Qiao was only destined to be his younger sister, he would have to protect Xiao Qiao¡¯s impression of him in her heart. He would not act up!

    Qiao Nan did not know that Zhu Baoguo had been hiding. She did not see Zhu Baoguo in the house of the Zhu family but she saw Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang looked different from the then bright and cheery teenager a few years ago. He had be taller but also thinner.

    He was standing there quietly, looking especially gloomy and sinister. It was as if he was a poisonous snake, hiding in a dark corner and waiting for a chance to give a surprise strike. He made people have goose bumps all over.

    Wang Yang walked out slowly. ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect you to be so capable. Congrattions.¡± In the past, he had underestimated Qiao Nan. He had thought that just one Chen Jun could deal with her.

    Who would have known that Qiao Nan did not fancy Chen Jun at all? Qiao Nan was more ambitious than him. She actually targeted Zhai Sheng.

    He did not even dare to have any ideas on Zhai Sheng, yet without a hitch, Qiao Nan was going to be married to Zhai Sheng very soon. Wang Yang hated Qiao Nan but he was also convinced of Qiao Nan¡¯s ability. ¡°If I had known that you are so formidable, I would not have chosen to coborate with that fool, Chen Jun, in the past.¡±

    An ordinary woman in the southern district of the quad was going to be married to Zhai Sheng, the most promising man in the northern district of the quad.

    He and Qiao Nan were one of a kind.

    If he had discovered this earlier, his rtionship with Qiao Nan would not have been so sour. After so long, he did not get anything belonging to the Zhu family.

    When she heard Wang Yang ssify her in the same category as himself, Qiao Nan frowned but she did not wish to exin.

    ¡°You will be Cindere after you are married to Zhai Sheng. How is it? Should we shake hands and bury the hatchet? We may have a chance to work together in the future.¡± Wang Yang crossed his arms in front of his chest. His scheming eyes were looking at Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, he would benefit much more by coborating with Qiao Nan instead of plotting against her.

    Wang Yang was a smart person. Hence, he could let unhappy bygones be bygones and suggest a coboration. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re a smart woman. You should understand how unreliable man is. Although a military marriage is protected byw, it is just a typical situation. The Zhai family is not the average people. Hence, typical situations do not apply to them. You don¡¯t have enough bargaining chips. You may marry gloriously now, but you may be multiple times more destitute in the future. You should buy yourself some insurance.¡±

    Qiao Nan picked up an apple and started peeling it. ¡°If I tell you that the reason I am together with Brother Zhai is not asplicated as you think, you probably won¡¯t believe me. To me, it is not important whether you believe it or not. However, you have to know something. All this while, I don¡¯t like to dance with wolves or ask a tiger for his hide. I am very timid and am afraid of gambling.¡±

    If she were to coborate with Wang Yang, she was fearful that she would be betrayed by him and even lose her life eventually.

    ¡°Also, one more thing. It is not necessary for me to coborate with you even if my marriage with Brother Zhai is not as safe as a typical military marriage. To put it bluntly, if it reaches that stage, the one who requests for divorce may not necessarily be Brother Zhai.¡± To her, being alive was more important than anything else.

    If there was truly an issue with the rtionship between Brother Zhai and her and it was so serious, there might be certain things that Brother Zhai was willing to tolerate but she would certainly not.

    This matter had happened to Chen Jun before. Qiao Nan had already experienced it once. As such, if it were Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan still would not change her attitude. She would still resolutely choose to divorce or break up.

    Wang Yang narrowed his eyes. ¡°You are also a woman who values love above everything else?¡± Alright, he had overestimated Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was not as rational and smart as he had imagined her to be. ¡°It turned out that you¡¯re no different from other women.¡±

    She had been chastised by Wang Yang but she was not angry. She looked at Wang Yang. ¡°Yes, I am no different from other women. Since I am willing to marry someone, the only reason is that the other party is someone that I want. To me, the other additional conditions that you care about are, in fact, not that important.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not find it surprising at all that Wang Yang would have such thoughts.

    Out of a hundred people who heard about the situation of Brother Zhai and her, ny-nine of them would certainly think that she was marrying Brother Zhai because of Brother Zhai¡¯s good family background and promising future.

    However, Qiao Nan knew in her heart that she was willing to get married at such a young age not because of all these conditions. It was purely because of Zhai Sheng as an individual and the Zhai family.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Wang Yang sneered continuously. ¡°Take it that I didn¡¯te. Ignore what I said to you earlier.¡±

    Damn, he had thought that Qiao Nan was a smart woman, and that was why she could receive the affirmation of the Zhai family and be Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife.

    Who would have known that she was an extremely foolish woman? Fortune favors the fools. Most likely, she could be married to Zhai Sheng because of this reason.

    Wang Yang had never agreed with that sort of view of Qiao Nan. He only felt that this kind of mindset would only appear in books or mediocre people.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan did not exin anything. She allowed Wang Yang to look at her as if she was an idiot.

 Chapter 1083 - Complement Each Other

    <h4>1083 Complement Each Other</h4>

    As long as Wang Yang stopped thinking of ¡®cooperating¡¯ with her, Qiao Nan did not care how he thought of her.

    After the incident with Wei De, she was fearful of the mention of the so-called ¡®coboration¡¯.

    Another person took Wang Yang¡¯s empty seat as soon as he left.

    Qiao Nan looked toward the person who sat in front of her. ¡°You are finally here. I thought that you will be hiding from me until my wedding day.¡± Qiao Nan sighed. She did not know how to face the stubborn young man who sat opposite her and kept ring at her.

    ¡°Why not me?¡± Zhu Baoguo asked stubbornly.

    Initially, he had given up. However, he was unconvinced after he overheard the conversation between Qiao Nan and Wang Yang. ¡°Why not me? I spent more time with you. I treated you very well and I defended and protected you. I am as good to you as Zhai Sheng is. Why did you choose him instead of me? If you are willing to wait for me, we will get married after you graduate from university and I promise the wedding will be as grand as what you have now.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was the regimentmander. As long as he was willing to work hard, he believed he could do it as well.

    ¡°You are still young, and you did not choose Zhai Sheng because of those external conditions. Therefore, you should not be in a hurry to get married. Are you being forced into it?¡±

    As the only grandson of the Zhu family, since a young age, many girls would express their interests in him. Among them, many were very pretty.

    Even after Zhu Baoguo went to PLA National Defence University, many female students in the school liked him.

    But Zhu Baoguo knew that most of them liked him because he was the only grandson of the Zhu family. They did not really like him for himself.

    Now that he had known such an outstanding girl like Qiao Nan, he would never take a fancy to other girls who liked him for other selfish reasons.

    ¡°Yes, I am still young. In fact, I just went to university. I am young and I still have a lot of time. I have a lot of other choices.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°But the problem is Brother Zhai is five years older than me. He has his own responsibilities and has to be responsible for his family. I may have time but he doesn¡¯t. I am not in a hurry, but Brother Zhai is. Brother Zhai is such a good man. I am afraid that if I don¡¯t agree, I will lose him. What¡¯s more, I have decided that I want to be with him. So it doesn¡¯t make a difference if I get married earlier orter.¡±

    ¡°No, there is a difference. If I get married to Brother Zhai as early as possible, I will be able to spend more time with him and we will have more time as a married couple. Am I not in a hurry? No, I am in a hurry!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned green. He clenched his fists in anger. ¡°Is he really so good to you? Will you not have any regrets?¡±

    ¡°Well, Brother Zhai is a good man. If I don¡¯t agree to marry Brother Zhai now, I will definitely regret it in the future. Brother Zhai is the first person to be nice and kind to me since I was born. You might say that I have developed an attachment to him as he is the first person to be nice to me. Zhu Baoguo, there is something that I have never spoken to you about. But I feel like sharing my thoughts with you now. Think about it. Actually, you have simr feelings toward me.¡±

    She had a high fever after she was through rebirth.

    Her mother and sister were thinking of ways to dy her treatment so that she would miss her enrollment and would have to quit school to work.

    At that time, it was Brother Zhai who brought her home and gave her medications for her fever. Thanks to him, she had a ce to rest and to recover from her fever.

    After that, whenever she encountered troubles and could not ovee it, Brother Zhai would lend her a helping hand. He helped her through difficulties time and again. He assisted her to realize her dreams in her two lifetimes and to take the path that she wanted.

    The feelings that she had for Brother Zhai were not simply a sense of attachment.

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo, it is possible that you like me, but don¡¯t you think that it is not love but family ties that you have for me? There is something known as Electraplex and there is also something known as the Oedipusplex.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s demeanor changed toward the end.

    She used to regard Zhu Baoguo as her son. She suspected that it was because of her attitude that Zhu Baoguo mistook her for his mother.

    ¡°Do you dare to deny that if I didn¡¯t take extra care of you, you wouldn¡¯t take a fancy to me and develop feelings for me? Zhu Baoguo, perhaps you haven¡¯t figured out the feelings that you have for me.¡±

    ¡°Crap!¡± Zhu Baoguo¡¯s face turned red. ¡°How can I not tell what kind of feelings I have for you? I know that you are smart, but you should not treat other people as fools. Perhaps what you said is somewhat true, but it is certainly not entirely true.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was not as gullible as he used to be four years ago. He would not take everything that Qiao Nan said to be the truth.

    Zhu Baoguo knew that right from the start. It was because Qiao Nan saved him and took care of him that he had a good impression of her. But his feelings for her had changed gradually.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°The foolish son has grown up and is no longer as gullible as before.¡±

    The feelings that one had for each other wereplicated and could not be exined clearly. However, the foolish son had grown up and goading him no longer worked. He was able to analyze and rebut her.

    Zhu Baoguo was angry at being called ¡®foolish son¡¯ by the girl that he liked. He felt like punching someone. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t go overboard. I am a man. I am not your son. I...¡±

    At this moment, Zhu Baoguo missed Shi Qing terribly.

    If Shi Qing was standing right in front of him, he would fight with her without another word. At most, he would go lenient on her.

    However, it was Qiao Nan who sat right in front of him, and he had already decided to protect her at all costs many years ago. No matter how angry he was, Zhu Baoguo would never lift a hand on Qiao Nan. Moreover, she was not physically strong at all.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t be angry. There are many good women in this world. Why are you so inflexible and stubborn and insist on being with me? Don¡¯t be disheartened. There are a lot of gooddies around you. You must grab hold of the chance and woo her. If you miss the chance again, you will regret it for the rest of your life.¡±

    Qiao Nan had a rxed smile on her face. She was thinking of Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing was a good girl. She was more suitable for Zhu Baoguo than she was.

    Qiao Nan spent four years ¡®raising¡¯ Zhu Baoguo, her foolish son. She was sorry that his feelings were hurt.

    However, Qiao Nan was d that Shi Qing would make up for it. She no longer needed to worry for Zhu Baoguo.

 Chapter 1084 - What Ifâ€™ Did Not Exis

    <h4>1084 ¡®What If¡¯ Did Not Exis</h4>

    Zhu Baoguo gritted his teeth and remained silent for a long time before he said, ¡°If...¡± If Zhai Sheng was not in the picture, and Xiao Qiao had never known Zhai Sheng, would he be the man who would be marrying her two dayster?

    Qiao Nan had a blissful smile on her face as if she was bursting with happiness. ¡°Zhu Baoguo, ¡®what if¡¯ does not exist.¡±

    No amount of words was as convincing as the happiness on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Zhu Baoguo slumped his shoulders in defeat. ¡°You¡¯re right. ¡®What if¡¯ does not exist.¡±

    If there was ¡®what if¡¯, what he wanted to say the most was not what would happen if Xiao Qiao did not know Zhai Sheng. Instead, it was for him to grow up and mature and to understand his feelings so that he could protect her and love her. In that case, Zhai Sheng would not be in the picture.

    ¡°It is gettingte. You should rest. Ignore those senseless people.¡± Zhu Baoguo walked off in despair. He seemed to be dealt a harsh blow.

    After Zhu Baoguo left, Shi Qing came looking for her. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s bridesmaid. She would be staying at the Zhu family¡¯s residence these few days as well.

    Actually, their houses were situated very near to each other. It was very convenient for Shi Qing to go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    However, she quarreled with her mother. Instead of staying at home and be at odds with her mother, she would rather go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence a few days earlier than the actual wedding day to apany Qiao Nan and to keep a watch on the foolish Zhu Baoguo.

    Shi Qing shared a room with Qiao Nan at the Zhu family¡¯s residence. ¡°Have you seen Zhu Baoguo, that stupid fool? Did he try to snatch Brother Zhai¡¯s bride?¡±

    If the stupid fool dared to do that, Brother Zhai would definitely teach him a lesson.

    Zhu Baoguo could not even handle her. He would be in a worse state if he ended up in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands. At this thought, Shi Qing could not help but break out in cold sweat, worrying for Zhu Baoguo.

    He was daring but not as smart. It was tantamount to ying with fire.

    ¡°Nevertheless, I will not change my mind. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Qiao Nan had a goodugh at the anxious look on Shi Qing¡¯s face. ¡°Are you worried that Zhu Baoguo will be taught a serious lesson by Brother Zhai?¡±

    She knew that there must be something going on between Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing.

    One was her foolish son that she had ¡®raised¡¯, while the other was a youngdy that she favored. Qiao Nan would be the first to agree if they ended up together.

    ¡°He is too pitiful. He has be physically stronger these past few years, but he is still not as smart. It is not surprising that I am not as strong as him. After puberty, women are not as strong as men. Zhu Baoguo has nothing to be proud of to be able to defeat me. But in terms of intelligence level, he is not my match. If he can¡¯t even defeat me, how can he defeat Brother Zhai?¡±

    Shi Qing sighed. Why did Zhu Baoguo have such a low IQ?

    Zhu Baoguo was proud that he had defeated Shi Qing, but he had no idea that Shi Qing was very worried for him.

    ¡°People like him are all brawns and no brains. I am worried that he will be the cannon-fodder when he carries out missions in the future. It may seem peaceful but there are hidden dangers in the world that we live in. If Zhu Baoguo is assigned to a mission in ces like Xinjiang, I wonder how he is going to carry out his mission.¡±

    Although Shi Qing was speaking of the uncertain future that had yet toe, she had a look of worry on her face. She behaved as if it was for real, and that Zhu Baoguo would be sent to that ce tomorrow.

    ¡°Have youe up with any solutions?¡± Qiao Nan propped her head with one hand, lying on her side as she stared at Shi Qing.

    With Shi Qing around, there was no need for her to be worried for Zhu Baoguo. She could finally hand the burden of taking care of the foolish son to Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing seemed to be in serious thoughts. ¡°Everything will be fine in two days. Once you are married to Brother Zhai, there is no need for me toe up with solutions.¡±

    Once the wedding banquet was held, everything would be easily solved.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows. ¡°What does it have to do with this?¡± Did it mean that if she did not get married, her foolish son would have to carry out missions in those dangerous ces?

    Who said so?

    Shi Qing turned to face upward and ced her hands beneath her head, staring at the ceiling. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that many people said that you are like Cindere now that you are going to marry Brother Zhai? The stupid fool wants to graduate as soon as possible so that he can carry out missions to achieve military merits and to be promoted. He wants to catch up to Brother Zhai so that he could vie for your affection.¡±

    It was not that easy to achieve military credits.

    As the saying went, money came from danger, and heroes emerged in troubled times.

    Zhu Baoguo had to carry out the most dangerous missions in order to catch up to Brother Zhai in the shortest time and to vie with him for Qiao Nan¡¯s affection.

    But Qiao Nan would be marrying Brother Zhai in no time.

    In that case, there was no need for Zhu Baoguo to risk his life.

    Now that there was no need for him to achieve military credits in the shortest time, Zhu Baoguo couldplete his studies and perform his duties one step at a time.

    ¡°Brother Zhai is indeed a genius. He is quick and urate in deciding that you are the one for him. He is brilliant. He did not give any chance to others.¡± Shi Qing was full of admiration for Zhai Sheng. It was simr to her adoration of him when they were still young. The adoration was evident in her eyes. ¡°He is indeed my idol from young.¡±

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips without saying anything. She was baffled by Shi Qing¡¯s attitude. ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry at me? Don¡¯t you hate me? Do you still idolize Brother Zhai? Have you been dealt a serious blow? Are you running a fever?¡±

    Qiao Nan could not figure out why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were so heartless and vicious. It seemed that Shi Qing was another unfathomable person. One could not predict her behavior.

    Shi Qing stood up right away, flipping her short hair confidently. ¡°Why should I hate you? It is not your fault that Zhu Baoguo likes you but not me. He is foolish and could not tell who is good for him. Brother Zhai has always been so outstanding and remarkable. There is no need to distance myself from him. Zhu Baoguo is a fool. I don¡¯t believe that I can¡¯t take him down!¡±

    Shi Qing waved her fists and stated her stand when the door was kicked open.

    Zhu Baoguo looked sullen and stared at Shi Qing angrily. ¡°Hey, tomboy, how dare you say that I am a fool!!¡±

    Zhu Baoguo did not eavesdrop on them intentionally. He was on the way back to his room when he passed by Qiao Nan¡¯s room. He did not hear a single word of what was being said previously. But he heard clearly that Shi Qing yelled that he was a fool.

    However, after his ferocious growl, Zhu Baoguo was given a hard smack to his face with a pillow.

 Chapter 1085 - Which Family Was Marrying Off Their Daughter?

    <h4>1085 Which Family Was Marrying Off Their Daughter?</h4>

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    Zhu Baoguo reached out to catch the pillow. Shi Qing jumped out of the bed and punched Zhu Baoguo in the stomach. She then pushed him at his shoulder and mmed the door on him.

    Shi Qing put her hand on her waist, looking like a big teapot. ¡°Do you know your manners? How can you kick the door to a girl¡¯s bedroom? You are not only foolish but an idiot. It is not that you have a low IQ. You are simply not using your brains at all.¡±

    If Brother Zhai found out about what happened tonight, Zhu Baoguo would not be able to bear the consequences.

    Furthermore, there were other people in the house apart from the Zhu family.

    If this was known to others, how was Qiao Nan supposed to face others?

    Public mor could obscure the actual truth, and rumors could kill a person.

    Those who spread the gossip would definitely not be telling the truth. They would not say that she was in the room. They might spread tales that Qiao Nan had a rendezvous with her high school ssmate on her wedding¡¯s eve. In that case, Qiao Nan would be unable to clear her name.

    Zhu Chengqi, who heard themotion, saw that there was a pillow on his son¡¯s head and he was pushed out of the room by a youngdy. He stopped himself from helping his son and said calmly, ¡°Foolish.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi directed his gaze toward Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang stiffened. He was reminded that the Wang family had been going downhill recently. He took a deep breath and smiled at Zhu Chengqi. He then went back to his room and shut the door.

    Wang Yang eased slightly after escaping from Zhu Chengqi¡¯s piercing gaze.

    Wang Yang knew very well from his uncle¡¯s piercing gaze that if whatever happened tonight was known to other people and Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation was ruined, the Wang family would not escape unscathed.

    Zhu Chengqi did not care if Wang Yang spread the rumor or not, and neither would he investigate the matter. Nevertheless, the Wang family would have to bear all the responsibilities.

    In this way, Wang Yang could not spread the rumor and make use of this gossip such that the Wang family and he could benefit from it. He had to make sure that nobody spoke of what happened tonight.

    If someone found out about the incident, Wang Yang must shut the person up right away.

    Otherwise, if Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation was affected, it would be at the expense of Wang Yang¡¯s prospects.

    After knowing Wang Yang¡¯s personality, even if his sister was married to the Wang family and was their daughter-inw, Zhu Chengqi no longer treated the Wang family like how he used to in the past. He would not help his brother-inw either.

    Now that the Wang family was without Zhu Chengqi¡¯s protection, they had a more difficult path ahead of them.

    If Zhu Chengqi did anything right now, it would be aggravating their situation.

    Since Zhu Chengqi knew Wang Yang¡¯s weakness, he was able to have him under his thumb. There was no need for him to say anything. A nce from him and Wang Yang stopped thinking of ways to scheme against Qiao Nan. He pretended as if nothing happened today.

    Since he had no way to defeat Zhu Chengqi, he had no other choice but to submit to him.

    After giving Wang Yang a warning look, Zhu Chengqi turned to look at Zhu Baoguo. ¡°It¡¯ste. Why aren¡¯t you sleeping? Since you are so energized, wake up at five in the morning to run a few moreps.¡±

    Seeing that Zhu Baoguo was easily sent out of the room by a youngdy, Zhu Chengqi was not worried that his son would not be able to find a wife and start a family. Instead, he was worried that his son would be bullied by his wife.

    It was good if his future daughter-inw was capable and would be able to keep his son in check. But the problem was that his son was such a fool. He might be subdued by his wife.

    All of them scolded him for being a fool. Zhu Baoguo punched the pillow in anger and returned to his room.

    Shi Qing breathed a sigh of relief after knowing that Zhu Baoguo had left. ¡°Why is Wang Yang still at the Zhu family¡¯s residence?¡± It was the Lunar New Year. Shouldn¡¯t he stay at his house? Why was he at his maternal grandpa¡¯s house?

    Shi Qing knew Wang Yang¡¯s temperament. Seeing that he was at the Zhu family¡¯s residence, Shi Qing had no choice but to be anxious and punched Zhu Baoguo, sending him out of the room.

    ¡°No idea.¡± Qiao Nan yawned. Like Shi Qing, Qiao Nan was startled that Zhu Baoguo kicked the door open.

    However, Qiao Nan keenly observed that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s attention was only on Shi Qing when he kicked the door open. It was as if she did not exist. Zhu Baoguo did not even look at her.

    Furthermore, even though Qiao Nan was lying on the bed, her pajamas covered her from head to toe, and she had a thick nket on her. Qiao Nan was certain that Zhu Baoguo could not see anything.

    Besides, Shi Qing sent Zhu Baoguo out of the room in the blink of an eye. Qiao Nan felt the least worried about his sudden appearance.

    By the time Shi Qing returned to the bed andid by her side, Qiao Nan was so sleepy that she could barely keep her eyes open.

    Qiao Nan was not worried that Shi Qing idolized Brother Zhai.

    Even if Zhu Baoguo seemed to be at loggerheads with Shi Qing, his behavior said otherwise. Apparently, the two parties had an interest in each other.

    It would not be long before things turned out well for those two who were at loggerheads.

    Shi Qing had high IQ and EQ, whereas Zhu Baoguo was working to improve his critical thinking skills. Qiao Nan knew that she could get married with a peace of mind.

    Shi Qing wanted to keep chatting with Qiao Nan. However, she noticed from Qiao Nan¡¯s even breathing that she was already sleeping soundly.

    Shi Qing was amused. ¡°I have been anxious for nothing. I am more anxious than her. What a heartless little girl.¡±

    Lying down beside Qiao Nan, Shi Qing felt reassured and was at ease. Seconds ago, she scolded Qiao Nan for being heartless, but secondster, she fell into a deep and was sound asleep.

    Everyone in the quad knew that Qiao Nan was getting married to Zhai Sheng. Many of them were discussing their marriage.

    When they were engaged half a year earlier, all of them said that it was Qiao Nan¡¯s fortune to be liked by the Zhai family.

    Half a year had passed and they were holding the wedding banquet and getting married. It finally sunk in that Qiao Nan was getting married to Zhai Sheng and she was the most independent child in the quad who worked her way to sess through hard work. Apart from Zhai Sheng, she was the other child who had good prospects in the quad.

    The Zhai family¡¯s residence and the Zhu family¡¯s residence were bustling with activities these past few days. The neighbors were envious of their good fortune.

    They could not help but talk about it. ¡°Old Qiao, you are marrying off your daughter. You are blessed to have it so easy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Qiao family has the easiest time ever in marrying off their daughter.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao and his family have such good fortune.¡±

    No matter how the neighbors put it across, what they wanted to say was that Qiao Nan was getting married, but her parents had an easy time, unlike other parents. It was as if they were not marrying off their daughter. Instead, it seemed as if the Zhu family was marrying off their daughter.

 Chapter 1086 - Who Is Less Sensible?

    <h4>1086 Who Is Less Sensible?</h4>

    They just wanted to know whether Qiao Nan had severed ties with the Qiao family and whether the Qiao family did not intend to acknowledge her as their daughter.

    Otherwise, why would Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi not help out at all although their daughter was getting married? They behaved like the rest of the neighbors, watching by the side as the Zhai family and the Zhu family prepared for the wedding. It was too odd.

    No family would be proud that they married off their daughter in this particr way. It was a shame to the family.

    The daughter had married well, but it seemed as if the Qiao family had nothing to do with it.

    Everyone seemed to beughing at the Qiao family, and at the same time, they were baffled by their behavior.

    In the past, they knew that Ding Jiayi was unreliable while Qiao Dongliang was a good father. But judging from the current situation, it seemed as if Qiao Dongliang had been led astray by Ding Jiayi, He was behaving strangely as well.

    Ding Jiayi did not care that she was being mocked by the neighbors. In fact, she wanted to tell everyone that Qiao Nan refused to acknowledge them as her parents. She even stayed at the Zhu family¡¯s residence days before her marriage.

    Ding Jiayi might not feel embarrassed, but Qiao Dongliang felt it unbearable.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Zhu Chengqi liked Qiao Nan very much. He always wanted to take Qiao Nan as his goddaughter. This was why he could ept that Zhu Chengqi helped out with his daughter¡¯s wedding.

    Since he was poor, he had no other choice but to ept help from others.

    Qiao Nan never demanded any dowry from him and Zhu Chengqi offered to provide the dowry. Therefore, Qiao Dongliang did not read too much into it and epted his help.

    But after being mocked by the neighbors, it dawned on Qiao Dongliang that something was wrong with this arrangement. It was up to Zhu Chengqi to provide dowries for Qiao Nan, but he should not be so shameless to ept them.

    Actually, Qiao Dongliang wanted to help out since his daughter was getting married.

    But the problem was that it was not that easy to enter the Zhu family¡¯s residence. He would need approval to enter their house.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang was willing to make a few more trips to the Zhu family¡¯s residence to help out and the Zhu family did not find it a bother, Qiao Dongliang felt that he seemed to be troubling them instead of helping out.

    Besides, during his trip to the Zhu family¡¯s residence, Qiao Dongliang noticed that Zhu Chengqi had everything arranged and settled properly. There was nothing that he could help out with.

    The Zhu family worked together to prepare for Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding while he stood by the side in a daze, not knowing what to do. He felt as if he was not needed.

    Qiao Dongliang had no other choice but to leave the Zhu family¡¯s residence and to watch by the side with Ding Jiayi as they prepared for the wedding.

    As more and more people wondered aloud about the absence of Qiao Nan¡¯s parents in the preparation of the wedding, Qiao Dongliang felt unsettled and began to question himself. Was he marrying off his daughter?

    His daughter was getting married, but it seemed as if someone else¡¯s daughter was getting married.

    Nan Nan was getting married, but he did not have the chance to have a good chat with her or see how she was doing.

    When he first learned that the younger daughter was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng, he treated Zhai Sheng as a bad guy and tried to stop Zhai Sheng from spending too much time with Qiao Nan.

    But now that they were getting married, it seemed as if he had washed his hands off them. There was something very odd about it.

    ¡°Dad, Qiao Nan is getting married. We are her family. Don¡¯t we need to send her off?¡± Under Chen Jun¡¯s persistent urging, Qiao Zijin decided to find ways to mend the rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    But it was not easy to get into the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan was getting married. She must be proud that the entire quad was busy with her wedding preparations. Qiao Zijin decided that when she married Chen Jun, her wedding had to be grander than Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding and she had to have a morevish wedding than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, I heard that you have prepared a lot of dowry for Qiao Nan. What have you prepared for Qiao Nan? Tell me about it.¡± Qiao Zijin was envious that one would have so many dowries when one was getting married.

    Qiao Dongliang had been very good to Qiao Nan these past few years to the point he even disregarded her. Qiao Zijin was jealous of Qiao Nan.

    Could it be that her father spent all his savings in the past few years to prepare dowries for Qiao Nan?

    She was her father¡¯s daughter as well. Since her father prepared so many dowries for Qiao Nan, he had to prepare even more dowries for her when she married Chen Jun!

    Qiao Dongliang waved his hand and smiled bitterly. ¡°Nan Nan still has to go to university. Even if she works very hard and is exempted from paying the tuition and misceneous fees, we still have a lot of other expenses. I did not have much savings these past few years. How can I be capable of preparing dowry for Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that you did not fork out a single cent in Nan Nan¡¯s wedding?¡± Qiao Zijin was surprised and d. ¡°Zhai Sheng is marrying Qiao Nan. Though you didn¡¯t prepare any dowry, he should have prepared the bride price, right?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was getting married. The Zhai family would not be stingy with the bride price. ¡°Dad, have you kept all the money?¡±

    She might be able toe up with a way for her father to buy a house for her using that sum of money.

    Qiao Zijin was tired of staying in the quad.

    Everyone in the quad knew about her situation as well as what was going on in the Qiao family.

    To Qiao Zijin, Chen Jun was a good match for her. But whenpared to Zhai Sheng, every man would pale inparison.

    She had to leave the quad and stay somewhere else so that people would notpare her to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin had done the calctions. She did not want any other dowry other than a house.

    After Qiao Nan went to the capital for her college studies, Qiao Zijin had done a check. She knew that the price of housing in the capital was astoundingly high.

    The pricing of houses in Ping Cheng had been increasing over the years. Qiao Zijin could tell that a house would not depreciate and was worth a lot of money.

    Qiao Zijin might not be good in her studies, but she was very smart in this matter.

    Buying a house would be an investment.

    In her two lifetimes, when given the chance, Qiao Zijin would make use of the opportunity to buy a house.

    Qiao Dongliang did not know about Qiao Zijin¡¯s n. He was honest with her. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have any money. I couldn¡¯t prepare any dowry for Nan Nan. It is the Zhai family who arranged such a grand wedding for her. I wouldn¡¯t be so shameless to ept the bride price from the Zhai family. My rtionship with the Zhai family is not based on money.¡±

    This was the first time that Qiao Dongliang married off his daughter. He only thought of the dowry days before the wedding. How could he possibly be so shameless to ask for the bride price from the Zhai family?

    Since the two families never discussed the bride price, Qiao Dongliang did not feel as bad that he was unable to prepare any dowry for Qiao Nan. He was able to watch quietly by the side as the Zhu family busied themselves with Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding preparations.

 Chapter 1087 - Take the Bride Price to Buy a House

    <h4>1087 Take the Bride Price to Buy a House</h4>

    Even if he did not ept any money from the Zhai family and he could not prepare a dowry for Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was a top student at Peking University.

    With this in mind, Qiao Dongliang felt that he should not be inferior in front of the Zhai family.

    Speaking of which, it was the Zhai family who stood to gain.

    ¡°Dad, you are so foolish. You have gone through so much hardship to raise Qiao Nan until she is twenty-one years old. Now that she is getting married, how can you not take the bride price? You can¡¯t marry her off for nothing!¡±

    Qiao Zijin could not ept this arrangement. ¡°This won¡¯t do. Dad, let¡¯s find a time before they hold the wedding banquet to discuss the bride price with the Zhai family. We have to get the bride price and ask for a significant amount of money. It is unreasonable that you marry off a daughter for nothing. It is going too easy on them!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang would not budge. ¡°No, I don¡¯t agree. If I really ask for the bride price, Nan Nan will not be able to hold her head high at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. I am marrying off my daughter. I am not selling her. It is just nice that no dowry and bride price are involved.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knew that if they took the bride price from the Zhai family, he would not be able to hold his head high in front of the Zhai family in the quad thereafter.

    His stand was firm. He agreed for Nan Nan to marry Zhai Sheng because he treated her well. It was not due to his family background.

    He would marry off his daughter, but he would not sell his daughter.

    ¡°Dad, you know nothing!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts. ¡°If you allow Qiao Nan to marry Zhai Sheng without asking anything from the Zhai family, they may feel that Qiao Nan is worthless and will look down on her. We have to ask for arge amount of bride price so that the Zhai family will understand that Nan Nan is a gooddy and they have to treat her well once she joined their family.¡±

    ¡°They will only cherish her if they pay a price for her. Dad, this is for the interests of Nan Nan. You must not be soft-hearted and feel that what you are doing is for Nan Nan¡¯s sake. In the end, it will only do her harm.¡±

    With the money that the Zhai family gave them, she might even be able to settle down in the capital, let alone Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Chen Jun had the capital in mind.

    She wanted to have a better life than Qiao Nan. Therefore, she had to settle down with Chen Jun in the capital.

    Her first and foremost concern right now would be to have a house.

    With the money given by the Zhai family, it would not be a problem to buy a house. In the future, the Chen family would regard her with respect as she was capable of having a house in the capital.

    Qiao Zijin heard that after getting married, the conflicts between the daughter-inw and the mother-inw would be a source of trouble.

    Qiao Zijin refused to be mistreated or bullied by her inws.

    If they really settled down in the capital, and the Chen family stayed in her house, they would not dare to bully her. She would also have the right to send them out of her house then.

    If her father managed to get the money, she must buy a house as soon as possible. She must not allow the money and the house to be Chen Jun and her marital property.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Zijin could n for all she wanted, but Qiao Dongliang¡¯s stance was firm. ¡°What you said makes some sense, but I will respect Nan Nan¡¯s decision.¡±

    Since Nan Nan did not bring up the topic of the bride price, Qiao Dongliang had no wish to go into a discussion about it.

    Qiao Dongliang was used to adopting this attitude in life. He might have noticed that this would be an issue, but as long as the party concerned had no objections, he would not do anything about it. All of them could live a peaceful life and maintain a cordial rtionship.

    If Qiao Nan had other thoughts and felt that the Zhai family had to provide the bride price to show that they valued her, Qiao Dongliang would not hesitate to demand it from the Zhai family.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan never brought this up.

    Since Qiao Dongliang did not provide the dowry, he would not be so brazen and shameless to demand bride price from the Zhai family.

    Qiao Zijin knitted her brows. ¡°Dad, how about I go to the Zhu family¡¯s residence with you? Nan Nan is young. She does not know that this is unsuitable. We will exin it clearly to her and ask her views on this. Perhaps Nan Nan has no idea of the importance of the bride price. If this is the case, it will not be good to do without the bride price.¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that it was too troublesome, but Qiao Zijin¡¯s words made sense. He did not want Qiao Nan to me him in the future. ¡°Alright, I will bring you with me to the Zhu family¡¯s residence and talk to Nan Nan about this.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute. Dad, I am just a kid. I do not know all the details. Why don¡¯t we bring Mom along? She will definitely know all the information.¡±

    Qiao Zijin would do everything that she could in order to buy her house. She was worried that she might not be able to get Qiao Nan to change her mind. Therefore, she wanted to ask Ding Jiayi along.

    Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang was not a fool either. He rejected her suggestion. ¡°No, I know your mom too well. When it¡¯s about money, your mom will make sure that Nan Nan agrees to it even if it is against her wishes. Nan Nan may not feel the need for the bride price, but your mom will insist on it. Back when I divorced your mom, we have already agreed that I will be responsible for Nan Nan. Your mom has no right to say anything. Even if Nan Nan feels that we should get the bride price, I will never let your mom have a single cent of the bride price.¡±

    Since Qiao Dongliang had said so, Qiao Zijin had no other choice but to give up and went to the Zhu family¡¯s residence with him.

    Qiao Nan, who was trying on new clothes and checking herself in the mirror, halted when Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin broached the topic of the bride price.

    Through the reflection of the mirror, Qiao Nan could tell that Qiao Zijin, who stood behind her, was staring jealously at her.

    There was a ferocious glint in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. If this was not the Zhu family¡¯s residence but the Qiao family¡¯s residence, Qiao Zijin might have pounced on her, pulling the clothes off her so that she could put it on herself.

    Qiao Zijin liked to doll herself up. She loved exquisite jewelry and pretty dresses like the dress that Qiao Nan was wearing.

    Qiao Nan tried to agitate Qiao Zijin further by standing upright and showing off the beauty of the dress.

    Miao Jing ordered people to custom-make the dress for Qiao Nan. One could not get it elsewhere.

    This was why the dress was designed ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s figure.

    Qiao Nan would look good in any clothes. She was slender and had long legs. She had the curves in the right ces. Simple and ordinary clothes would look good on her, let alone custom-made clothes. It highlighted Qiao Nan¡¯s figure and contours.

    Qiao Nan had long legs. The waistline of the dress was higher than normal. It entuated her long and slender legs.

 Chapter 1088 - Flaunt Her Wealth

    1088 unt Her Wealth

    The glittering crystal beads that were sewn by hand on the clothes were clear and bright, making Qiao Nan sparkle and glitter.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s first thought at seeing such a beautiful dress was it must have cost a lot. Her second thought was that she would have looked even better than Qiao Nan in that dress!

    Qiao Zijin, who fixed her gaze on the dress that Qiao Nan wore, almost forgot the reason why she went to great lengths to enter the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Zijin might have forgotten, but Qiao Nan still remembered their reason for making the trip. ¡°Dad, we both know very well about our family¡¯s situation. The Zhai family did not look down on me. In fact, all of these clothes and jewelry are prepared by my mother-inw. Whether the Zhai family values me or not should not be judged based on the bride price. I am more concerned about how they treat me. My mother-inw treats me like her own daughter. She will give me whatever that Sister Zhai Hua has. Sister Zhai Hua might not have whatever that I have.¡±

    Bride price?

    The bride price that the Zhai family provided would definitely end up with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan knew about the customs of receiving bride price from the groom¡¯s family. But like the topic of the dowry, she did not bring it up at all.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Madam Zhai indeed treats you very well.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded earnestly. In the past half a year since Qiao Nan was engaged to Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing had already treated Qiao Nan as part of the Zhai family. She could not wait to take care of her and to provide her with all the nutritious food and nice clothes.

    It was because of Miao Jing¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan that Qiao Dongliang agreed readily to holding the wedding banquet soon after the Lunar New Year.

    Qiao Dongliang could tell that the Zhai family loved and cared for Qiao Nan.

    The Zhai family had shown their love for her through actions.

    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s not talk about the bride price. I will marry Brother Zhai tomorrow. It is not good to bring this up now as well. It will not look good for both families. As for me, you don¡¯t have to worry. I really don¡¯t care about the bride price. I believe that Brother Zhai is true to me.¡±

    After all, Qiao Dongliang said that it was for Qiao Nan¡¯s interests that he broached the subject of the bride price. She could not say harsh words to reject Qiao Dongliang¡¯s suggestion.

    Even if her father was muddleheaded, she believed that he was really thinking of her interests when he brought up the topic of bride price.

    Unfortunately, there were Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin with her father.

    With these two women around, the bride price would fall into their hands and she would not stand to benefit at all.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you can¡¯t say this. You are being carried away by love. You are irrational and confused. That¡¯s why you feel that it¡¯s alright to marry Zhai Sheng without any bride price. The bride price is the Zhai family¡¯s respect and recognition for you. It shows that they value you. Nan Nan, you have to listen to Dad. We will not harm you. We want the best for you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled widely, going crazy over the dress that Qiao Nan would be wearing to the toasting ceremony. She walked forward, reaching her hands toward the dress.

    Shi Qing narrowed her eyes and pped Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands away. ¡°This is new. It was tailored not long ago. The fabric might be expensive but it is still within our means. The problem is that the tailor is prized for his skills. All the beads on the dress might not be made from diamonds, but they are pure natural crystal beads. Each bead costs a few dozen yuan. If you touch them and the beads fall off, it would not be easy to find someone to sew them on.¡±

    ¡°How could each bead cost a few dozen yuan?¡± Qiao Zijin sucked in her breath. ¡°That dress is so expensive!¡±

    A few dozen yuan?

    The clothes that she bought cost a few dozen yuan only!

    A dress of hers cost as much as a bead on Qiao Nan¡¯s dress. Qiao Zijin felt as if she had been stabbed several times in her heart.

    This was not simply a dress. Qiao Nan was draped in silver and gold.

    ¡°You know nothing. This is not the most expensive dress. The beads are not of an average price.¡± Shi Qing rolled her eyes. ¡°Regardless, don¡¯t touch the dress.¡±

    What if she spoiled the dress?

    The Qiao family would not be able to pay for it.

    At the thought that Qiao Dongliang did not prepare any dowry for Qiao Nan, Shi Qing could not help but dislike the sight of him.

    He was a father, yet he did nothing for his daughter. Shi Qing had nothing more to say. Qiao Nan was just in unlucky.

    Qiao Dongliang sensed the unwee stare from Shi Qing. He braced himself and pulled Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, stop messing with Nan Nan.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was a man. But he was just as startled at the price of Qiao Nan¡¯s dress.

    ¡°Dad, is there anything else? Tomorrow is the wedding banquet. Brother Zhai will be here to fetch me. I have tried on all the dresses. I want to rest early today as I have to wake up early in the morning.¡±

    Jealousy was biting at Qiao Zijin¡¯s every vital. Qiao Nan felt that it was time to put a stop to her childish antics of unting her wealth.

    Too far is as bad as not enough.

    She only wanted to upset Qiao Zijin and for her to know of the existence of such luxurious goods.

    Now that Qiao Zijin knew about all these expensive dresses, she would definitely demand even more from the Chen family when she married Chen Jun.

    Qiao Dongliang had no wish to stay any longer. ¡°That¡¯s all. It¡¯s good that you have sorted out your thoughts regarding the bride price. No matter what your decision is, you can rest assured. I will support you.¡±

    All of them stayed in the same quad and it only took about more than ten minutes for Qiao Dongliang to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. That was why it would be possible for Qiao Dongliang to ask for the bride price on the day before the wedding. If not, they would not be in time to ask for a bride price at thest minute.

    Simrly, if they did not bring up the subject of the bride price, by the time they held the wedding banquet tomorrow, Qiao Dongliang had better not bring up the issue of the bride price in front of the Zhai family ever again.

    It would only embarrass both families.

    Compared to Qiao Dongliang, who was unable to provide any dowry, it would not look as bad on the Zhai family.

    Marriage was between two people and both families should be helping with the wedding preparations. But the Qiao family did not help out at all.

    On the day of the wedding, the rtives of the groom and bride would attend the wedding banquet held at the groom¡¯s ce. The groom¡¯s family was responsible for the entire wedding.

    On the other hand, the bride¡¯s rtives could have an easy time and were able to enjoy food like any other guests.

    The bride¡¯s family had it so easy. Everyone would wish to be in such a position.

    Qiao Nan understood Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. She turned to smile at him. ¡°Sure. Dad, you should rest early as well.¡±

    ¡°No. Dad, Nan Nan is insensible. You can¡¯t allow her to mess around...¡± Qiao Zijin refused to give up. ¡°Nan Nan, you will be getting married tomorrow. You must need a bridesmaid. I am your sister. I can be your bridesmaid. You should have prepared the bridesmaid dress, haven¡¯t you?¡±

 Chapter 1089 - Knew What Was Going On

    <strong>1089 Knew What Was Going On</strong>

    Qiao Nan was dressed in such a beautiful dress. Qiao Zijin felt that the dress that the bridesmaid wore would be beautiful as well.

    Since it was a bridesmaid¡¯s dress, Qiao Nan could not possibly take it back after the ceremony. In that case, she would have another beautiful dress.

    Qiao Zijin was not only after the bride price, but she was also coveting the red packet that bridesmaid would have.

    Since she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, the money should go to her.

    ¡°Thank you for your concern. Regarding this issue, my godfather has arranged it for me. Dad, be sure to enjoy the food tomorrow. You don¡¯t have to worry about anything.¡± Qiao Nan gave a polite and distant smile.

    Bridesmaid?

    She would ask anyone but Qiao Zijin to be her bridesmaid. She would not want any ¡®surprises¡¯ during her wedding or for her wedding to be ruined.

    Besides, she had Shi Qing with her. She would definitely choose Shi Qing over Qiao Zijin.

    She must be kidding!

    Qiao Dongliang felt as if he was stabbed in his heart by Qiao Nan¡¯s distant smile. ¡°Alright, I will leave with Zijin. Nan Nan, you must be happy.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I will. I will definitely be happy. Brother Zhai will be very good to me. In the future, you don¡¯t have to worry about me anymore.¡± After she married Brother Zhai, her father could do as he pleased and take care of Qiao Zijin, and to ensure that she would be happily married.

    Qiao Nan did not finish her sentence, but her gaze rested on Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan had made it very obvious. Qiao Dongliang felt embarrassed. He could not deny that he indeed was more concerned and worried for his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin. He could only avoid her steady gaze and leave the Zhu family¡¯s residence as quickly as possible.

    ¡°Dad, what are you doing? Why don¡¯t you let me finish my sentence?¡±

    As soon as they came out from the Zhu family¡¯s residence, Qiao Dongliang released his grip on Qiao Zijin and she broke free from him. ¡°You should not pamper your daughter to this extent. Nan Nan is young. She is still insensible. We are her family. We have to make things clear to her and for her to see the truth. Do you know what you are doing is harming her?¡±

    It was not easy for them to raise Qiao Nan until she was twenty-one years old.

    They had to provide for her daily expenses as well as her school fees. The Qiao family had spent a lot of money and effort on her.

    Nothinges free in this world. The Zhai family was too shameless. They refused to pay the bride price but wanted to marry a university student!

    Qiao Dongliang shot cold stares at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan said no, so be it. Now that she did not ask for the bride price, whether she has a good life or not at the Zhai family is totally her business. It has nothing to do with us. As I have said, I respect Nan Nan¡¯s decision. She will have to bear responsibility for her decision. There is no need for you to be worried for her. Also, let me remind you. Don¡¯t think of entering the Zhu family¡¯s residence without me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this? Now that Nan Nan is getting married, does it mean that she is no longer your daughter or my sister?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you can put it that way.¡± Qiao Dongliang put his hands on his waist and walked slowly back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    The person whom Qiao Nan married was Zhai Sheng. Even if the Zhai family bullied Nan Nan, given his ability, he would not be able to seek justice for her.

    Since he could not help Nan Nan, he must make sure that the Qiao family did not make things difficult for Nan Nan and she would not have a hard time at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Dongliang had made a choice. Qiao Nan was not the only one who was being put aside in his decision.

    ¡°Dad, sure enough, you loved Qiao Nan the most.¡± It was rare that Qiao Zijin could read between the lines.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s countenance changed. Her father might be willing to stay at the Qiao family¡¯s residence in the quad and to meet the Chen family, but she did not expect that whatever he did was all for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake.

    Based on what happened recently, there were several times where Qiao Zijin could not help but smile, thinking that she was the winner and her father doted and loved her the most.

    Qiao Nan was getting married to Zhai Sheng and she would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister-inw tomorrow. She would be able to make use of the rtionship that she had with the Zhai family to strike it rich.

    To her surprise, what her father said today had cut off her path to sess.

    Qiao Dongliang had destroyed her hopes of living in luxury in the future. Qiao Zijin was fuming mad at the near sess that she could have.

    ¡°Dad, are you crazy? Are you confused? We have raised Qiao Nan for twenty-one years. Did we have it easy? Now is the time for Qiao Nan to repay us. Why must we cut off all ties with Qiao Nan and not to contact her anymore? Why?!¡±

    ¡°I am the person who raised Nan Nan for twenty-one years!¡± Qiao Dongliang bellowed. ¡°How long has your mother been working? All of the money that she earned has been used to pay for your tuition and living expenses. Nan Nan is twenty-one years old, but your mom has never spent a single cent on her, not to mention you. I am the one who provides for Nan Nan and sends her to school. I don¡¯t mind that the Zhai family does not provide bride price and I also have no wish to seek help from the Zhai family. How dare your mom and you bask in Nan Nan¡¯s glory and seek opportunities for outsiders?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was not foolish. He was only simple-minded in certain aspects and circumstances.

    As soon as they reached the Qiao family¡¯s residence, the Chen family requested that everyone from the two families must be present to have a meal together.

    Who was the Chen family trying to be acquainted with?

    It had to be Qiao Nan, who was about to be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    Now that they did not meet Qiao Nan, they suggested going to the Shi family¡¯s residence to meet Shi Peng to discuss where to ce Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry. But it was not appropriate at all. The Chen family had no right to interfere.

    If not for the elder daughter, Qiao Dongliang would not y the fool and be led all the way to look for Shi Peng.

    Qiao Dongliang did not expect that it would be Feng Cheng who opened the door for him and she would be so impolite toward him.

    He knew that the Chen family wanted to make use of his rtionship with Shi Peng to get to know him and to leave a good impression.

    They had been neighbors for more than three years. Qiao Dongliang knew very well that Shi Peng was upright and would not go along with the Chen family.

    Therefore, Qiao Dongliang was not worried that Shi Peng would help the Chen family because of his friendship with Qiao Dongliang.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang did not expect that he would not get to see Shi Peng and Shi Qing would note out to ease the atmosphere.

    It did not ur to Qiao Dongliang at all that it was because of his daughter that Shi Peng was on good terms with him.

 Chapter 1090 - She Owed Me In The First Place

    <h4>1090 She Owed Me In The First ce</h4>

    Qiao Zijin turned green at how calctive Qiao Dongliang was. ¡°Dad, we are one family. The three of us are Nan Nan¡¯s only rtives in this world. What¡¯s wrong if our family of four help each other to lead a good life? Didn¡¯t you say in the past that Nan Nan and I must help each other? If I do better in life and Nan Nan is bullied in the Zhai family, I will be able to stand up for her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really rare that you are so reasonable and sensible.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°I have taught you for the past twenty-three years, but you won¡¯t listen to me. Chen Jun is more capable than me. The two of you have been together for less than a year and you have learned to say these words. Perhaps the two of you are meant for each other.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea and did not wish to know whether Qiao Zijin really meant what she said.

    Qiao Dongliang must hand it to Chen Jun to teach someone who was blunt and would not hide her ambitions to be someone who was skilled at masking her emotions and to act sensibly.

    All these years, it was impossible for Qiao Dongliang not to have known how his elder daughter was like.

    Qiao Zijin was indeed Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. In the past, Ding Jiayi would stand up for her, so there was no need for Qiao Zijin to fight for her rights. It gave people the impression that Ding Jiayi was unreasonable while Qiao Zijin was a good and well-behaved child.

    Without Ding Jiayi around to stand up for her and fight for her interests, one could easily tell what was going on in Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind.

    Qiao Zijin blushed. ¡°Dad, what nonsense are you talking about? I-I didn¡¯t...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang spoke as he walked on the way home. ¡°You should know very well whether you are guilty of these character faults. If not for the fact that you insist on being with Chen Jun, I would never agree to it. Silly girl, everyone in the Chen family is scheming and not that easy to deal with. You will definitely suffer in the future.¡±

    Qiao Zijin refused to admit defeat. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you want me to do well in life?¡±

    Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family treated Qiao Nan very well, particrly Madam Zhai. She treated Qiao Nan like her own daughter.

    Why was it that Qiao Nan could have such a blessed life but she couldn¡¯t?

    ¡°It is alright that you said these spiteful words to me. I am your dad. I won¡¯t stay angry with you for long. But the most important thing is don¡¯t lie to yourself. Do I not wish the best for you or is it that the path that you have taken is destined to be a difficult road? You should give it a serious thought. Why is Chen Jun willing to be with you? I believe you know the reason as well. If the Chen family does not get what they are after, what will happen to you then? Shouldn¡¯t you give it a serious thought?¡±

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang would be fuming mad at Qiao Zijin¡¯s insensible words.

    Now, perhaps due to Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, he could no longer be bothered to stay angry with Qiao Zijin.

    Nan Nan was angry at him because of Zijin and had resorted to ignoring her father.

    If he lost his younger daughter¡¯s love and the elder daughter insisted on her stubborn ways, he would have failed terribly as a person in this life.

    To prove that what he had been doing was right, even if he knew that it was not easy to take Qiao Zijin in hand, Qiao Dongliang had no other choice but to continue on this muddy and thorn-filled path.

    Qiao Zijin was silent. ¡°Will Qiao Nan really not help me if Chen Jun bullies me? I am her only sister.¡±

    Qiao Zijin knew that Chen Jun had a hidden agenda. However, Qiao Zijin was after his good looks, his family background, and the fact that he graduated from a well-known university. Both of them did not have the purest intentions.

    Chen Jun might have the upper hand, but she was not without any good cards. Qiao Nan was her sister and Zhai Sheng was her brother-inw!

    Qiao Dongliang hunched his back at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. ¡°Zijin, you didn¡¯t treat Nan Nan as your family when you bullied her. You treated her worse than an outsider. It is only when you want her to help you will you remember that she is your family and that she should not leave you in the lurch. Zijin, Nan Nan is not your mom or your dad. She will not tolerate your unreasonable behavior. She does not have any obligation toward you.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to tell Qiao Zijin that there would not be such a good deal in this world.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°Other people may not have this obligation, but Qiao Nan has. She owes me!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Why do you say that?¡± This was the first time that Qiao Zijin said this. ¡°Why do you feel that Qiao Nan has to help you after you bullied her? When did she owe you? What did she owe you?¡±

    Since this was the first time that Qiao Zijin brought this up, Qiao Dongliang wanted to find out what was on her mind.

    Qiao Zijin twitched the corners of her lips, a cold and ironic smile on her face. ¡°You and Mom might not have any memory of this. When she was pregnant with Qiao Nan, I was only three years old. Who would have thought that a three-year-old child could remember what happened so clearly? At that time, you and Mom thought that the second child must be a boy. When you were not at home, Mom nagged at me every day, saying that when my brother was born, I must be good to him. I must protect him so that he would not be bullied by others. When I grew up, I had to start work as early as possible to earn money so that he could go to school. I must marry a good man so that I could help my brother...¡±

    Her mother used to nag at her to help Qiao Nan. She had to make sure that Qiao Nan did what her mother used to tell her!

    Fortunately, the child was not a boy but a girl.

    Qiao Zijin also had no idea how a young kid like her managed to remember what happened back then.

    She did not have any memories of her childhood except for the sight of her mother touching her bulging stomach with love and affection. She sat near the door under the sun, talking to herself. However, Qiao Zijin heard everything and remembered it for the rest of her life!

    She had to quit school and work once Qiao Nan was born?

    Fine, she would make sure that it was Qiao Nan who quit school and worked to provide for her school fees!

    ¡°Dad, you may not have known. The ten months that Mom was pregnant with Qiao Nan was the hardest period of my life. Mom had a piece of cloth that she intended to use to make a dress for me. In the end, she said that she would use it as Nan Nan¡¯s diapers. Mom forbade me from touching her and she pushed me such that I fell onto the floor and scraped my palm. Five years ago, you felt sorry that Mom did not provide good food for Qiao Nan, causing her to be malnourished. But do you know that when I was three years old, I never had a full meal and I used to starve like Qiao Nan?¡±

    Toward the end, Qiao Zijin stared at Qiao Dongliang, who had turned around to face her. ¡°Dad, I do not owe Qiao Nan. It is Qiao Nan who owes me.¡±

 Chapter 1091 - My Conscience Is Clear

    <h4>1091 My Conscience Is Clear</h4>

    ¡°No matter what kind of treatment Qiao Nan receives, I don¡¯t think I am in the wrong.¡±

    Was Qiao Nan pitiful?

    Of course not!

    She had also endured all of Qiao Nan¡¯s suffering before!

    Qiao Nan had already grown up when she suffered from such treatment. However, she was only three years old! Three years old!

    There was hatred in Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart. This hatred had never subsided. On the contrary, it grew with each passing day.

    Now, Qiao Nan was more outstanding, exemry, and dazzling than her. Qiao Zijin¡¯s hatred toward Qiao Nan became increasingly deeper.

    She felt that Qiao Nan was provoking and causing her unhappiness despite having not paid back what she had owed!

    In that case, she could not be med for not treating Qiao Nan as a sister. When Qiao Nan was of use to her, she would acknowledge that they were biological sisters. When Qiao Nan was not of any use to her, she would trample on Qiao Nan more viciously than anyone else.

    She had a clear conscience!

    ¡°You...¡± Never did Qiao Dongliang expect that the conflict between his elder and younger daughters was created by Ding Jiayi. Moreover, there was such inside information as to why his elder daughter behaved willfully toward his younger one. ¡°Alright, even if what you have said is true, is Nan Nan the one who did all those things and made you suffer during that time? Did Nan Nan instigate your mom to do that? You should know that your mom is the biased one. Your mom is the one that caused all these. Nan Nan is still in your mom¡¯s womb. She did not even utter a word, let alone do anything. Zijin, you are angry, but the person that you should resent is your mom and not Nan Nan!¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that she was not in the wrong. However, to Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin was very wrong, and ridiculously wrong.

    When Qiao Nan was still in Ding Jiayi¡¯s womb, Qiao Nan could not participate in anything that Ding Jiayi did to Qiao Zijin. She was not even aware of it then.

    However, in contrast, Qiao Zijin certainly had something to do with the sufferings that Qiao Nan had endured after thetter grew up.

    At this point, Qiao Dongliang had a moment of realization of why Ding Jiayi was so biased against and did not dote on Qiao Nan.

    In particr, there was no doubt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s earlier words proved only one point¡ªQiao Zijin wanted to take revenge on Qiao Nan.

    She wanted to take revenge on Qiao Nan for all that she had suffered when she was three years old.

    As such, Qiao Zijin was most probably the mastermind for all those distasteful behaviors that Ding Jiayi did to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°If you are angry, you can vent it on your mom. She is the one who didn¡¯t let you eat, made you quit school and earn money to support your younger brother financially. Your mom is the one who did everything. Nan Nan did not even utter a word. Zijin, I am extremely disappointed in you.¡±

    ¡°No one can deny that Mom would not do that to me if Nan Nan did not exist.¡± Qiao Zijin was very stubborn. She refused to take the view that Qiao Nan was the innocent party.

    Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused. ¡°So as to speak, the people that you should me are not Nan Nan but your mom and I. If I am not together with your mom, will your mom be pregnant with Nan Nan? Nan Nan did note out of her own ord. She was created by your mom and me. If you consider that, you should be venting your anger on your mom and me.¡±

    Initially, Qiao Zijin was already a grown-updy and she even had a boyfriend. The parents of both families had also met and were in marriage talks. Qiao Dongliang, this father, should not discuss such a censored topic with Qiao Zijin, this elder daughter.

    The problem was that he had been infuriated by Qiao Zijin. He felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s high-sounding and dignified reasons were ludicrous.

    Looking at his stubborn elder daughter who refused to admit her wrong, Qiao Dongliang said listlessly, ¡°After talking for so long, there is only one reason why you put all the me on Nan Nan and refuse to mention your mom and me. You bully the weak and fear the strong. You know that you need to rely on your mom and me to grow up. You know that you have to depend on your mom and me in order to stick to, derive benefit, and gain power from Nan Nan. Without us, the sibling rtionship between the two of you will exist in name only.¡±

    Regardless of how Zijin harmed Nan Nan, Zijin could always tap on Old Ding and him to continue to exploit and derive gains from Nan Nan, as long as they were still alive.

    Otherwise, it would mean that after Nan Nan¡¯s life had turned good, she was unwilling to bother about her poor rtives. She could watch on as her biological parents die.

    On the contrary, if both he and Old Ding were to disown Zijin, Nan Nan could decline Zijin when thetter wished to derive any benefit from her. If he and Old Ding did not put in any good words for Zijin, no one could reprimand Nan Nan for her doings.

    Zijin wanted to make full use of the two words ¡®filial piety¡¯ to suppress Nan Nan from the highest point of morality.

    She was fearless in dealing with Nan Nan when she had Old Ding and him as her backings.

    To put it bluntly, Nan Nan was a tool that Zijin wanted to obtain in life, whereas he and Old Ding were pawns that could fulfill Zijin¡¯s wish of a good life.

    Qiao Dongliang had the intent to help Qiao Zijin and let go of Qiao Nan. He wanted to spend more time and effort on the disappointing Qiao Zijin so that thetter could also lead a good life.

    However, Qiao Dongliang hesitated and regretted after he found out that Qiao Zijin was truly such a cold and heartless person.

    In the family of four, Qiao Zijin only paid attention to, cared about, and loved herself. The remaining three of her closest kin were just tools that she could make use of to achieve happiness.

    He had given up on a filial and smart daughter for the sake of an individual who was selfish to the extreme. Qiao Dongliang was at a total loss now.

    Qiao Zijin bit her lips. This was because Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words had hit the nail.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were the reason that Qiao Zijin could haunt Qiao Nan endlessly for life like a resentful ghost. Wasn¡¯t that so?

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had to act like a goody-two-shoes in front of Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi because of this reason.

    Ding Jiayi waspletely in Qiao Zijin¡¯s clutches. Qiao Dongliang was her only variable factor.

    However, Qiao Zijin was overjoyed that her father was actually willing to have a change of heart at the end ofst year. Besides doting on Qiao Nan, he was willing to turn back and take more care of her.

    This change made Qiao Zijin ecstatic.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because if she were to make any request to Qiao Nan in the future, she could then tell Qiao Nan that she had been the only one taking care of their parents since Qiao Nan was always not at home.

    Her parents¡¯ lives would only be good if her life was.

    If Qiao Nan refused to help, it would not just impact her life but also that of their parents.

    Having secured double bargaining chips, Qiao Zijin also wished to help the Chen family achieve greater heights in their career after she was married to Chen Jun. She was very determined to be the wife that the Chen Jun doted on.

    Today, Qiao Dongliang had exposed everything. How could Qiao Zijin keep a straight face in front of an impending major disaster?

    Qiao Zijin, who was filled with guilty-conscience, dared not even look at Qiao Dongliang in the eye.

    No matter what Qiao Zijin did to Ding Jiayi, thetter would always stay by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side unconditionally. Hence, she was not afraid that Ding Jiayi would abandon her.

    Qiao Dongliang was different. That was because Qiao Dongliang had already abandoned her once because of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang was enraged now. Qiao Zijin immediately turned honest and abiding in front of Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 1092 - Even the Biological Father Was Afraid

    <h4>1092 Even the Biological Father Was Afraid</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°Let¡¯s go home first.¡± It would be so embarrassing if anyone were to overhear their conversation today.

    Zijin had endured sufferings but she dared not seek justice from the main culprits. Instead, she only bullied Nan Nan. To put it bluntly, Zijin was just a timid and weak coward.

    As Qiao Dongliang was already angered, Qiao Zijin could only restrain her temper. She dared not re up like a princess or like she did in the past. She could only abidingly follow behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s footsteps like a little daughter-inw. The father-daughter pair then quietly returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family.

    At the sight of the father-daughter pairing back looking sad and gloomy despite having gone out happily, Ding Jiayi exploded like firecrackers without anyone lighting her up. ¡°Why do both of you have such expressions when you¡¯re back? Did that wretched girl scorn you or join forces with outsiders to bully you? How dare she! I will look for her to settle scores with her. Did she really think that she can bewless and fearless after she is married to Zhai Sheng? She doesn¡¯t even respect her biological parents and sister anymore? I want to ask the Zhai family whether they really dare to take in such a wretched girl who refuses to acknowledge any of her kin!¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not gain anything from Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage.

    No matter how good this marriage was, it was not considered a good marriage to Ding Jiayi if she did not stand to gain anything from it.

    Since this was a marriage that she did not consider good, what was the use of having such a marriage? She might as well wreck it.

    Qiao Dongliang only remembered the bride price after Qiao Zijin reminded him. However, Ding Jiayi had already been targeting the bride price from the Zhai family to Qiao Nan.

    The problem was that they had agreed before that Qiao Nan would be under Qiao Dongliang¡¯s custody after the divorce.

    The husband and wife had not even revived their marriage. If Qiao Dongliang did not speak about this, Ding Jiayi was not qualified to use her status as Qiao Nan¡¯s mother to request for the bride price from the Zhai family.

    After she found out that Qiao Zijin had thought about this and even persuaded Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was smug. She felt that Qiao Zijin, her elder daughter, truly resembled her.

    When the father-daughter pair went to the house of the Zhu family, Ding Jiayi had already pinched her fingers to count the money and decide what she wanted to use it for upon receiving the bride price from the Zhai family.

    When she saw the expressions on the father-daughter pair when they arrived home, Ding Jiayi was certain that not a single cent had fallen into their hands regardless of what the bride price was.

    ¡°Can you stop? Do you want me to re up?!¡± He had just found out that the conflict between his elder daughter and the younger daughter was all due to Ding Jiayi. Qiao Dongliang was still burning with anger.

    He had intended to persuade Qiao Zijin but Qiao Zijin had gone into a dead end for almost twenty years. Even if Qiao Dongliang wanted to pull Qiao Zijin out, he had to see if Qiao Zijin was willing toe out.

    Obviously, Qiao Zijin would not listen to him at this moment.

    Qiao Dongliang could not lose his temper at Qiao Zijin now. However, he did not feel the least burdened to vent it all on Ding Jiayi. ¡°No wonder people in the olden times said that it is more important to marry a virtuous than a pretty wife. A husband with a virtuous wife will have less trouble. The greatest mistake that I havemitted in my life is to marry you and let you be my children¡¯s mother!¡±

    He believed that if another woman was the mother of his two daughters, the rtionship between his two daughters would certainly not escte to the situation today.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s old face turned red. She was not pleased. ¡°Did the wretched girl scorn you? What did it have to do with me that she doesn¡¯t treat you like her dad? I have already said before. That wretched girl is heartless. It is a waste of time to treat her so well. You refused to heed my words and even divorced me. Now, you are venting all your anger on me. Qiao Dongliang, do you still have a conscience?!¡±

    Upon hearing these usations from Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang revealed an extremely icy and cold smile. ¡°No conscience? Who is the one who doesn¡¯t have a conscience?¡±

    When he said that, the corners of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes were looking in Qiao Zijin¡¯s direction.

    Qiao Dongliang already knew how the knot in Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart came about. He knew that Qiao Zijin did not shun Ding Jiayi and him or vent her anger on them at this point in time. However, it did not mean that she would not do so in the future.

    Qiao Zijin was still acknowledging the husband and wife as she wanted to rely on them to exploit Qiao Nan continuously.

    When their rtionship with Nan Nan hadpletely broken down and Nan Nan would not give any chance to Qiao Zijin, it would be the time whereby husband and wife would lose their value.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliangughed again. It was such a sad and bitterugh.

    When he and Ding Jiayi had outlived their usefulness, he was curious as to how the good daughter that Ding Jiayi spoke about would treat the two of them who had raised her.

    At that time, he would know which of his two daughters was without any conscience.

    When Qiao Dongliang replied to Qiao Zijin¡¯s question, he had made it clear that she should direct her resentment and hate at Ding Jiayi and him. At that time, Qiao Zijin did not respond.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Zijin had already climbed into the dead alley. She had only picked the weak ones to bully. That was the reason she had pushed all the me on Qiao Nan.

    However, Qiao Dongliang gradually came to his senses.

    Although Qiao Zijin did not agree with him that he and Ding Jiayi were the main culprits, the problem was that Qiao Zijin did not deny it either.

    Was it because the husband and wife were still of some use to Qiao Zijin now? Was that why Qiao Zijin had not settled the scores with them?

    When they had lost their usefulness, it was also time for them to ¡®repay¡¯ Qiao Zijin for the sins that they hadmitted?

    All these were just Qiao Dongliang¡¯s guess but he increasingly felt that there was such a possibility.

    After having such a guess, Qiao Dongliang only felt fear and disappointment.

    After so long, his elder daughter was not only foolish and selfish but also had such a dark side hidden in her heart.

    He had raised his two daughters. He did not expect them to support him when he was old and after they were married. However, he certainly could not ept his daughter ¡®taking revenge¡¯ on himself.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what is wrong with you? Why are you looking at Zijin like that without an apparent reason, as if Zijin is a monster?¡± Ding Jiayi had been furious and venting her anger on Qiao Dongliang. After cursing and scolding him for so long, she then discovered that Qiao Dongliang was behaving a little differently from the usual.

    She had said such ugly words and even mentioned Qiao Nan but Qiao Dongliang did not retort her at all. He was just standing on the same spot and allowing her to scold and vent her frustration. This was not Qiao Dongliang¡¯s usual style.

    When she saw Qiao Dongliang in a daze, staring at Qiao Zijin, she was concerned. Qiao Dongliang was not looking at Qiao Zijin in a nice way. She could see some fear and shock in his eyes. Ding Jiayi was not pleased. ¡°Old Qiao, what are you looking at? What are you thinking of?¡±

    After Ding Jiayi called out to him, Qiao Dongliang regained his senses. His heart shivered for a while. ¡°No, nothing.¡±

    It was fine that his daughter was a little foolish to have liked the wrong person and even insisted to marry him. This was something verymon and not considered big news.

 Chapter 1093 - Am I That Scary?

    <h4>1093 Am I That Scary?</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang might be unhappy, but he would not do anything. Instead, he would stop caring for Qiao Nan and focus all his attention on helping Qiao Zijin until the day she found her happiness.

    He did not ask her daughter to repay him with anything.

    However, Qiao Dongliang suddenly felt that there was a possibility that when Qiao Zijin had the life that she wanted, she might rake up the past and settle old scores with him. Qiao Dongliang paled at the thought of it.

    Qiao Zijin felt uneasy at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression. ¡°Dad, did you catch a cold on the way back? One will easily catch a cold during the period when winter turns to spring after the Lunar New Year. Mom, can you look for the cold medicine at home and pass them to Dad?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had no idea what was on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind. But Qiao Zijin felt a sense of crisis upon seeing his expression.

    Qiao Zijin had a head for this. Whenever Qiao Dongliang treated her well, she would reach out for a yard after taking an inch.

    When she sensed that something was amiss, she would give in immediately to reassure the other party.

    ¡°Yes, there is cold medicine at home. Old Qiao, take a seat. I will bring you medicine and water.¡± Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Dongliang with concern in her eyes. She even touched his forehead with her hand to check his temperature.

    Qiao Dongliang grabbed Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand. ¡°No need. I know very well whether I am sick or not. I have not caught a cold. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s windy and I don¡¯t feel quite well. All medicine has toxicity to some degree. There is no need to take the medicine. It¡¯ste. I will go back now. I still have to wake up early in the morning to send Nan Nan off. Both of you... should go to bed earlier too.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt uneasy at the mention of the cold medicine.

    To Qiao Dongliang, the mention of the cold medicine made him repulsed.

    The change in Qiao Nan was brought about by the fever medicine. What got on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s nerves the most was that a few days ago, Ding Jiayi went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, yelling for Qiao Nan toe out to meet her. Her voice turned hoarse because of her constant shouts. But she lied, saying that she was ufortable and might have caught a cold. Upon hearing that, Qiao Zijin stood far away from her with a cold look on her face. She feared that she would catch a cold from Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang could not understand how a medicinal pill that was used to treat illness turned into a test of one¡¯s character at their house.

    Could it be that the medicine they had at home was different from the medicine that other people had? Weren¡¯t they supposed to be manufactured by the samepany?

    Qiao Dongliang could not figure it out and he had no wish to take the medicine.

    Ding Jiayi stopped Qiao Dongliang, reluctant for him to leave. ¡°You said that you need to wake up early in the morning to send that wretched girl off. Although the distance from the Qiao family¡¯s residence to your ce is not that far, it will take more than half an hour on the bicycle. It¡¯s too tiring. Since you are unwell, you should spend the night here. This is not the first time that you do that. You can have half an hour more of sleep. Isn¡¯t that better?¡±

    After the divorce, Qiao Dongliang once had his meals and spent the night at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Although he did not share the room, the same bed, and the same nket with Ding Jiayi, it was a huge improvement for Ding Jiayi.

    Since they could stay under one roof, it would not be long before they got back together.

    Ding Jiayi still preferred Qiao Dongliang over starting another rtionship. The new partner that she had might have other agendas or intentions.

    Therefore, in the three years after the divorce, even if other people kindly introduced men to Ding Jiayi, she would only have meals with them a couple of times and spend a few days with them before she rejected them.

    Ding Jiayi was no longer a youngdy and she had a grown-up daughter. After multiple rejections, other people no longer introduced suitable candidates to her.

    Ding Jiayi, who felt lonely after her divorce, realized that among all the men that she had met, Qiao Dongliang was still the best.

    Since she could not find someone better than Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi would naturally direct all her attention to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang had goose bumps at the tender look in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes. He did not feel touched by her behavior. Instead, he was scared. ¡°No need. There is really no need for that. Old Ding, you might have some misunderstanding. I was willing to have meals with you and to stay over for the night a few days ago not because I wanted to get back together with you. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want things to look bad on Nan Nan and Zijin, especially when they are getting married. It would be better for them, particrly Zijin, to have both parents around.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was not worried about Qiao Nan.

    Miao Jing treated Qiao Nan very well. Qiao Dongliang was her father, but he did not treat her as well. Moreover, Zhu Chengqi doted on Qiao Nan as well.

    It was a different case for Qiao Zijin. Compared with the Qiao family, the Chen family had the upper hand and Chen Jun was more cunning than Qiao Zijin.

    In Qiao Dongliang¡¯s opinion, if he was on good terms with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, the Chen family would know that if anything happened, her family and her father would stand up for her.

    He would not allow them to look down on Qiao Zijin or ill-treat her just because she only had her mother with her and there was no one else in her family.

    This was what Qiao Dongliang would do for Qiao Zijin. He was not interested in anything else.

    Getting back together?

    If he had the slightest notion of getting back together with Ding Jiayi, instead of filing for divorce back then, he should have maintained the status quo¡ªto live separately despite still being married.

    Qiao Dongliang thought that Ding Jiayi would have the same views as him and would understand what was on his mind.

    But looking at her pestering behavior today, Qiao Dongliang realized that he was wrong again.

    He was wrong about Qiao Zijin and he thought too highly of Ding Jiayi.

    This pair of mother and daughter would never be sensible and understanding!

    With that, Qiao Donglian could not be bothered that Ding Jiayi looked sullen. He pushed his model ¡¯28¡¯ bicycle and cycled unsteadily, fleeing from the house.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang had made himself clear, Ding Jiayi could no longer deceive herself. ¡°What is your dad up to? Didn¡¯t he quarrel with that wretched girl because of both of us?¡±

    Otherwise, she would not shower affection on an uninterested party and have the wrong impression that Qiao Dongliang had the same intention of getting back together like her.

    These past few days, Ding Jiayi had been thinking of what happened when she married Qiao Dongliang back then. Apart from a table of food, they did not go through any procedures and they did not have any proper wedding dress and suit.

    If she was able to get back together with Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan, who was doing well, should be filial to them and arrange for a proper wedding ceremony for them. In this way, she could make up for not having a ceremony in the past.

    Ding Jiayi would n their wedding using Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding as a reference.

    She had yet to weave her dreams of a grand wedding when Qiao Dongliang fled from the house, shattering her dreams of having a proper wedding to pieces. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that he does not have the same feelings as I do? Am I that scary that he could not cycle properly?¡±

 Chapter 1094 - This Was Not Importan

    <h4>1094 This Was Not Importan</h4>

    ¡°I have been married to him for more than twenty years. I have spent my prime years on him and I even gave birth to two daughters for him. Is he shunning me because I am old and haggard? Does he not want me anymore?¡±

    After returning to Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi was ted and thrilled to find out that Qiao Dongliang remained single and that he would reject anyone¡¯s offer upfront to introduce a partner to him.

    She felt ashamed that she agreed to meet those possible candidates whom other people had introduced to her.

    She thought that Qiao Dongliang remained single because of her. Ding Jiayi behaved like a besotted youngdy. She was immersed in her romantic thoughts and dreams for days. She even smiled in her dreams about how it was like to get back together with Qiao Dongliang.

    She had dinner with Qiao Dongliang on the day before the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve and she even stayed for the night. Although Qiao Dongliang maintained a polite distance from her, at the very least, she could spend the night with him under the same roof.

    Ding Jiayi thought that Qiao Dongliang was reserved and that was why he did not reveal his feelings for her.

    She could understand as they had been married for a long time.

    What happened just now came as a harsh blow to Ding Jiayi. She almost cried out loud.

    Qiao Zijin wet a towel for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Wipe the tears and snot on your face.¡± It would be embarrassing if other people were to witness this.

    Ding Jiayi cried while she wiped her tears. ¡°Zijin, your dad is without a conscience. I thought that he has the same sentiments as me. To my surprise... How can he do this to me!¡±

    ¡°Alright, stop crying.¡± Qiao Zijin felt vexed. She could not stand it that her father sided with Qiao Nan and reprimanded her. She ended up blurting her innermost feelings.

    Her father had seen through her. She wondered whether she could still make use of her father to go against Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, as you have said, you and Dad have spent more than twenty years together. To put it bluntly, as long as Dad does not date other women or marry someone else, what does it matter if he remarries you or not? Think about it. You are his only ex-wife, the only woman in his life. Isn¡¯t this good enough?¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was sobbing, paused momentarily at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. ¡°I-is that so?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. ¡°Mom, Dad will never be rid of you in this life. He has no intention of starting another rtionship as well. It really doesn¡¯t matter if the two of you get back together or not. What¡¯s important now is you should consider my interests. If I marry well, I will be able to take better care of you and you will be able to enjoy life.¡±

    Her parents were no longer young. Qiao Zijin could not understand why they were so childish and would still dream about dating and love. Didn¡¯t they find it embarrassing?

    If Ding Jiayi was not her mother, Qiao Zijin would find her behavior to be unbearably embarrassing.

    ¡°Marry well? Don¡¯t you like Chen Jun and want to marry him? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want to marry him and you like someone else?¡± Ding Jiayi used the towel to wipe her face. She looked at Qiao Zijin with a confused look.

    Qiao Zijin shook her head. ¡°No.¡± She had not changed her mind. She still ¡®liked¡¯ Chen Jun and wanted to marry him.

    ¡°Then, everything is settled,¡± Ding Jiayi said matter-of-factly. ¡°Your dad and I have met the Chen family. They seem nice and they took the initiative to visit us. They have given us due respect. It is a matter of time before you marry Chen Jun. What is the matter here?¡±

    ¡°How can everything be alright?¡± Qiao Zijin was upset. ¡°Since I am going to marry Chen Jun, the Chen family and I will be in the same boat. If they do well, I will be able to do well and you will be able to lead a good life.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who had just cried her guts out over Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude, was slow to react. ¡°Is it thatplicated? Are you hatching any ns rted to that wretched girl? That wretched girl refuses to acknowledge her family. After the wedding banquet tomorrow, she will have the Zhai family as her backing. She could not be bothered with her poor family.¡±

    In fact, Ding Jiayi wanted to bask in Qiao Nan¡¯s glory as well. However, Qiao Nan was too smart and vicious. Once provoked, she would not hesitate to retaliate and that was why Qiao Zijin ended up with an ugly hairstyle.

    Up until now, Ding Jiayi dared not reveal to Qiao Zijin that she created trouble for Qiao Nan and that was why Qiao Nan retaliated by sending someone to bash Qiao Zijin at school and cut her hair to uneven lengths.

    After spending several years staying alone with Qiao Zijin at another house, Ding Jiayi had a better idea of the elder daughter¡¯s temperament.

    She was fearful that after learning the truth, Qiao Zijin would bear a grudge and would not be filial to her in the future.

    Although Ding Jiayi always said that she trusted Qiao Zijin, she was still careful around her.

    ¡°You and Dad are still around. She has to acknowledge me as her sister. As long as I am still leading a difficult life, she has to help me if I approach her for assistance.¡± Qiao Zijin would not allow Qiao Nan to have an easy time.

    Qiao Zijin was overconfident in herself. She neglected the fact that she was the one who was bullied by the Chen family. Even if Qiao Nan was willing to help her, it was up to Qiao Nan to decide what she would help her with.

    She could give the Chen family a verbal warning not to bully Qiao Zijin.

    But if the Chen family was not given proper punishment, Qiao Zijin would continue to suffer in the Chen family.

    Ding Jiayi felt unsettled and worried even though Qiao Zijin was full of confidence. She could not help but have a headache. She felt that things would not be as simple. ¡°It would be good if the wretched girl is willing to help.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was jealous at the mention of Qiao Nan, who was getting married tomorrow.

    Ding Jiayi might look down on Qiao Nan, but she had to admit that she had chosen a good husband and a good family. Qiao Nan had done what she had dreamed of but dared not do.

    She should have been basking in glory because of this marriage.

    But everyone in the quad knew about her bad rtionship with the wretched girl.

    Everyone felt that Ding Jiayi was biased and had the wrong judgment. But she refused to admit it.

    She was the mother while Qiao Nan was the daughter. Qiao Nan should listen to her words. Even if Qiao Nan refused to listen to her, she was still her elder and her mother. Qiao Nan could never sever ties with her.

    However, the wretched girl did not have a conscience. She had not visited her for years and neither did she greet her as her mother. She should have been basking in glory, but instead, she was the big joke of the quad.

    Ding Jiayi sighed unhappily. ¡°Zijin, you must do well. I don¡¯t care that Qiao Nan marries well. I have ced all my hopes on you. If you marry well, you will be doing me proud. It will prove that I have made the right judgment.¡±

    The daughter that she had raised was just as good as Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Zijin, you must remember. The wretched girl has indeed married well.¡±

 Chapter 1095 - Make Use of the Chance to Benefit from I

    <h4>1095 Make Use of the Chance to Benefit from I</h4>

    ¡°To put it bluntly, the Zhai family is an illustrious family. It is not that easy to be married into such a family. All that talk about equality is crap. By the time Zhai Sheng is tired of Qiao Nan, he will divorce her and kick her out of the Zhai family. By then, it will be our turn to shine.¡±

    Ding Jiayi believed that the day woulde. She also believed that it woulde very soon.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I understand. I have the same sentiments.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded. ¡°Therefore, before Zhai Sheng divorces her and we are still inws, I will think of ways to benefit from their rtionship.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know or care to know what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were thinking about.

    To many people, this was a long night.

    Qiao Dongliang, who barely had any sleep, looked at the clock that said it was four o¡¯clock in the morning. He sat up from the bed, put on his clothes, and rode his bicycle to the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    The Shi family drove the car to the Zhu family¡¯s residence. They could tell that they were not the only ones on the road.

    Feng Cheng was not in a hurry. She was not marrying off her daughter.

    If not for Shi Qing, who was willing, and Shi Peng, who agreed with her, she would not allow her daughter to be Qiao Nan¡¯s bridesmaid. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s family background, she did not deserve Shi Qing as her bridesmaid.

    However, in the Shi family, Feng Cheng was the minority. It was one against two. Even if they were democratic, her objection would still be invalid.

    ¡°Shi Peng, it¡¯s so early in the morning. You don¡¯t even allow me to have a good sleep. It¡¯s just a meal. Do we have to be there at such an early time?¡± Feng Cheng felt sleepy, so she was easily rattled. She was reluctant to get into the car. She wanted to rest at home.

    If she reached there before the stipted time, it would be showing respect to Qiao Nan. Why should she do that?!

    Shi Peng pulled a long face. ¡°Today is the day Qiao Nan is getting married to Zhai Sheng. Everyone is in a good mood. Stop throwing tantrums and making everyone unhappy. You must not forget who you are. If you feel sleepy, fine, you can go back to sleep. You cane by yourself after you have rested well.¡±

    Shi Peng knew the reason why his wife disliked Qiao Nan.

    He did not think of changing Feng Cheng¡¯s attitude. He knew that she was unhappy. He had even thought of giving her some money for her to go on a holiday to have some fun. Shi Peng would not care whether she went shopping or go on a trip with the money.

    Although Shi Peng suggested her to take a break, Feng Cheng refused to listen to him.

    After knowing that Shi Peng and Shi Qing were determined to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding, an unhappy Feng Cheng insisted that she wanted to tag along as well.

    The Shi family would be giving a red packet to Qiao Nan. Since they had given her arge amount of money as her wedding gift, Feng Cheng had to attend the wedding.

    Even if she did not have a big appetite, she could still have her meals at the wedding banquet.

    Feng Cheng was not calctive. But at the thought that the bride was Qiao Nan, Feng Cheng refused to be taken advantage of by her.

    Although Feng Cheng insisted on going, she was upset that Shi Peng insisted on going early in the morning. ¡°As I have said, we are only there for a meal. We are not there to help out. Why do we have to be so early? Shi Peng, don¡¯t you find your behavior unreasonable? It¡¯s fine that you are behaving oddly, but why do you allow Qing Qing to go along with you? Luckily, we have been married for years and I know you well. Otherwise, I would have suspected that Qiao Nan is the daughter that you have with another woman.¡±

    The Feng family had many grandchildren, but Shi Peng did not treat them as good as how he treated Qiao Nan.

    Feng Cheng was upset that he treated an outsider better than the children of his rtives.

    Shi Peng was already in a bad mood. His mood turned sour and his expression darkened at Feng Cheng¡¯s words. ¡°You can get down the car. You can disregard Qing Qing¡¯s friendship with Qiao Nan, but I cannot disregard that Zhai Sheng is my disciple. If you don¡¯t want to have this meal, you can go back home. Let me tell you. It will not do the Feng family any good to provoke the Zhai family.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t get down the car and I won¡¯t go back as well.¡± Feng Cheng closed the door shut. ¡°Fine, I will not throw any tantrums or make anyments. Will that do?¡±

    Feng Cheng behaved herself after seeing that Shi Peng was angry with her.

    One of them was her husband while the other was her daughter. It was not worth it to affect her rtionship with them because of an outsider. She was not that stupid.

    Feng Cheng sighed. Had she known this would happen, back when Shi Peng arranged for her to leave Mo Du to go back to her parental family, she should not have followed his arrangements to go to the capital just because she missed her parental family.

    If she gave up everything and went to Ping Cheng to stay with Shi Peng and Qing Qing, all these would not have happened and they would not have been so close with Qiao Nan.

    During the years that she was away, it was Qiao Nan who was with Shi Peng and Shi Qing.

    Feng Cheng felt that it was her fault that Qiao Nan was able to take advantage of her absence to be close to her husband and her daughter.

    She was Shi Peng¡¯s wife and Shi Qing¡¯s mother.

    As long as she was willing, she would be able to regain their trust and affection.

    By the time the family of three was back on good terms, she no longer needed to be mindful of Qiao Nan. When that day came, even if she asked Shi Peng to help Qiao Nan when she was in trouble, he might not be willing to help her.

    Feng Cheng might be unhappy, but she was aware of her position in this rtionship.

    Shi Peng reined in his temper now that Feng Cheng behaved herself. He did not insist that she get down the car. ¡°Remember your words. Consider it for the Feng family¡¯s sake. You must know what to say and what not to say on such an asion. Everyone in the Zhai family, from the old master to the siblings, likes Qiao Nan very much. Don¡¯t look down on Qiao Nan in a pique of anger and offend the entire Zhai family. If you really do that, you will have to think about how you are going to exin to the Feng family by the time you go back to the capital.¡±

    Shi Peng did not ask too much of Feng Cheng. She only needed to stand by his side and refrained from making anyments.

    If needed be, he would be in charge of mingling with others.

    ¡°Understood.¡± Feng Cheng might have looked down on Qiao Nan, but the Zhai family was not to be trifled with.

    Feng Cheng knew that her parental family wanted to be on good terms with the Zhai family.

    Feng Cheng had to think of ways to be on friendly terms with the Zhai family for her parental family¡¯s sake. She would never offend the Zhai family.

    It was because of the Zhai family that she allowed her daughter to be Qiao Nan¡¯s bridesmaid. If not, even if they got into a serious quarrel because of the issue of being Qiao Nan¡¯s bridesmaid, she would never allow her daughter to go with her wishes. Qiao Nan did not deserve it.

    Feng Cheng calmed down. ¡°The Zhai family has always been staying in the quad. Why is it that no one arranged for you to stay in the quad after you left the army?¡±

 Chapter 1096 - Self-Accomplished

    <h4>1096 Self-Aplished</h4>

    One would enjoy the benefits of being in a favorable position.

    Shi Peng had a good temperament and he was also Zhai Sheng¡¯s master.

    If Shi Peng were to stay at a ce nearer to the Zhai family, the rtionship between the Shi family and the Zhai family would improve further.

    Building on this premise, Feng Cheng could then make use of her identity as the wife of Shi Peng to build closer ties with the Zhai family. She could then put in some good words for her maternal family.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need that.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± It was very much needed!

    Shi Peng pursed his lips as he gave Feng Cheng a listless look. He let out a sigh of exasperation in his heart. The Feng family had educated Feng Cheng very sessfully. Feng Cheng had the Feng family¡¯s interests at heart all the time.

    Shi Peng was only d about one thing. Although the interests of the Feng family were Feng Cheng¡¯s priority, Feng Cheng always remembered one principle: There must not be any conflict of interest between the Feng family and the Shi family.

    If a conflict of interest between the maternal family and her own husband was present, Feng Cheng would definitely not intervene and take any side in such a situation. She would let her maternal family and Shi Peng fight it out with each other to determine the victor.

    In situations whereby Shi Peng¡¯s interests were not impacted, Feng Cheng would ce the interests of the Feng family as the priority.

    ¡°Where are we going now?¡± When the car entered the quad, Shi Peng turned his steering wheel and drove in the direction opposite to that of the house of the Zhai family. Feng Cheng raised her voice as she held onto the car door. ¡°Did you drive in the wrong direction? Shouldn¡¯t it be that way?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t drive in the wrong direction.¡± Shi Peng had already slowed down and was driving at the speed of an ant crawling. ¡°I am going to the house of the Zhu family, not the Shi family. Our daughter is Qiao Nan¡¯s bridesmaid. Hence, we are the guests of the bride today.¡±

    Most importantly, Shi Peng did not tell Feng Cheng that he would be sending Qiao Nan to the groom¡¯s ce.

    In order to do that, naturally, he had to drive his car to the house of the Zhu family instead of going to the house of the Zhai family directly.

    Feng Cheng¡¯s face turned stiff. However, she knew that she would not be able to stop Shi Peng. Hence, she cleverly kept mum.

    When the car stopped in front of the main entrance of the Zhu family, Feng Cheng was stunned at the sight of the various big and small rednterns hanging all over the house. In particr, the smiles on the faces of the Zhu family showed that they emanated happiness from within. ¡°Why is the Zhu family so happy?¡±

    It was not as if the Zhu family¡¯s only grandson was marrying a wife today. What did this have to do with the Zhu family? Why were they in such a good mood?

    ¡°Did I tell you before that Chief Zhu wanted to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter but Qiao Nan declined? Although they did not formally acknowledge fictive kinship, they are as close as father and daughter. Otherwise, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t possibly marry from the Zhu family. About ny percent of Qiao Nan¡¯s dowries were prepared by Chief Zhu.¡±

    Shi Peng parked the car in ce before he analyzed the situation for Feng Cheng.

    He wanted to let Feng Cheng understand that it was not true that Qiao Nan would have nothing if she did not have the support of the Shi family.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s backing had never been the Shi family or Shi Peng. It was the famous Zhu Chengqi!

    ¡°So... so serious?¡± Feng Cheng was taken aback further.

    Feng Cheng had heard from Shi Qing before that Zhu Chengqi wanted to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e was enough to blind Feng Cheng, making thetter believe that Qiao Nan received the attention of the prominent figures because of the Zhai family.

    Other people were fawning on Qiao Nan on the ount of the Zhai family. It did not have anything to do with Qiao Nan herself.

    In families like one of her own, it was verymon to acknowledge fictive kinship. Feng Cheng had seen many such cases.

    The problem was that the Zhu family¡¯s attitude made Feng Cheng realize that they valued Qiao Nan differently from what she had imagined in the past.

    ¡°It is that serious.¡± When he saw that his words could register in Feng Cheng¡¯s mind, Shi Peng heaved a sigh of relief.

    Shi Peng was not afraid of anything. He was only fearful that Feng Cheng would behave like Ding Jiayi. Besides being blind, Ding Jiayi¡¯s ears were akin to ornaments and her brains simply went on an eternal strike. Her intelligence was alsopletely offline. That would be very troublesome then.

    Feng Cheng pouted unhappily. ¡°You said that about ny percent of Qiao Nan¡¯s dowries were arranged by the Zhu family. The remaining ten percent... Are you the one who contributed?¡±

    Shi Peng walked into the house of the Zhu family. He wanted to find out how his daughter was doing. ¡°I only contributed to half of the remaining ten percent. The Lee family made up the rest. Elder Lee likes Qiao Nan very much as well. She treats Qiao Nan like his granddaughter.¡±

    Although the Qiao family did not spend a single cent for Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry, the arrangements were also borate. Moreover, the forces behind the arrangements were formidable figures in Ping Cheng who would cause a stir in Ping Cheng with their movements.

    All of a sudden, Feng Cheng felt dizzy. ¡°Is the Lee family so close with the Qiao family?¡± Weren¡¯t these two families as different as chalk and cheese?

    ¡°This is a long story. Let¡¯s cut it short. Qiao Nan¡¯s grandfather saved Elder Lee¡¯s life but the two families did not have any more interaction with each otherter on due to some things that the Qiao family did. In the end, the two families are in contact again all thanks to Qiao Nan. The rtionship was built by Qiao Nan¡¯s grandfather but Qiao Nan is the one who maintains it.¡±

    Without Qiao Nan, the rtionship between the Lee family and the Qiao family would have ended a few years back.

    At the thought that Ding Jiayi shamelessly made use of that little connection and made Elder Lee open a back door for Qiao Zijin to enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Shi Peng sneered.

    It was wise to utilize connections as little as possible. Either one does not utilize it or employs limited resources when they are needed most.

    Elder Lee did not have a good temper and was also a very forthright person. He also shunned people who got things through the back door. Despite knowing that, Ding Jiayi dared to request for his help. She was stupid beyond hopes.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang was also useless as he did not keep a watch on Ding Jiayi. He allowed her to destroy the few connections left of the Qiao family.

    As the head of the family and husband of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang should know her character better than anyone else. He should think of ways to maintain the rtionship between the Qiao family and the Lee family.

    The parents were ipetent. Nevertheless, it was their good fortune to have such a good daughter like Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang should be prepared for a scolding by his biological father when he met him in hell a hundred yearster.

    Feng Cheng felt even dizzier. ¡°Interpersonal matters typically involve adults. Why is Qiao Nan involved?¡± She had not heard before that the rtionship between the two families was maintained by a child.

    The rtionship was ruined in the hands of the parents but salvaged by the child. This was too funny.

    ¡°You were staying in the capital previously. Hence, it was not appropriate for me to tell you certain things. I was afraid that you wouldn¡¯t listen to them if we spoke about this over the phone. Today, I just wanted to let youe over and see for yourself. It always feels more real to see something with your own eyes than to hear it.¡± It was rare that Feng Cheng could really listen to him. Shi Peng let out a sigh of relief again. ¡°Take a good look yourself. Did Qiao Nan bask in the Zhai family¡¯s glory and receive the liking of so many formidable figures or is she self-aplished?¡±

 Chapter 1097 - Might Would Be Redoubled

    <h4>1097 Might Would Be Redoubled</h4>

    ¡°Feng Cheng, I don¡¯t deny that Qing Qinges from a better family background than Qiao Nan, but when ites to capability, Qiao Nan is more worthy of Zhai Sheng than Qing Qing is.¡± Qiao Nan was capable not because of the support that she received from the other families. Instead, it was because of her own ability.

    ¡°Feng Cheng, let¡¯s not talk about Qing Qing. Ask yourself. If you were Qiao Nan, would you be able to achieve what she has achieved? Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin are not as what you imagined it to be.¡±

    People who did not know might think that it was because of the Zhai family that Qiao Nan was acquainted with all the powerful families.

    They must have thought that it was on ount of the Zhai family that the big-shots were willing to give her face.

    The truth was the exact opposite.

    ¡°We should be proud if Qing Qing is half as capable as Qiao Nan. However, the child has to pay a price for being mature for her age. Inparison, I would rather that Qing Qing is as carefree as she is now.¡±

    Feng Cheng, who was in a daze, forgot to rebut Shi Peng and nodded automatically instead.

    The truth was a harsh blow for Feng Cheng.

    Shi Peng knew that Feng Cheng looked down on Qiao Nan, thinking that Qiao Nan relied on the Zhai family to be what she was today.

    Feng Cheng must have been in a big shock to know that she had been wrong all along.

    To Feng Cheng, her daughter was capable and outstanding. However, it was not to the extent that the elders from other families would treat her as their granddaughter. Old Master Shi groomed Qiu Chenxi, his maternal granddaughter, while Old Master Feng had two grandsons. They would never put Shi Qing as their priority.

    It was impossible to get the affection of the elders at home, notwithstanding other elders who were not rted to them.

    Feng Cheng kept silent for a long while. ¡°Is Qiao Nan really that capable?¡±

    Did the Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin do all that on ount of Qiao Nan?

    It did not make sense and seemed unbelievable.

    ¡°You should not ask me. Qiao Nan will be getting married today. The Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin will definitely be there. You can see for yourself if what I said is true or not, lest you say that I influence your judgment.¡± Shi Peng had no wish to say any further, telling Feng Cheng to judge for herself.

    Seeing is believing. What one hears may not be true.

    Shi Peng and Shi Qing could put in a lot of good words for Qiao Nan, but the effect was not as great as Feng Cheng seeing the truth for herself.

    It was impossible for the Zhu family to fake the joy and happiness that they felt.

    Everyone in the Zhu family must have adopted the same attitude as the head of the family.

    ¡°Let me show you Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry.¡± Shi Peng might not be the contact person for Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding, but in fact, he was very much involved in the preparations right from the start. He was more involved than Qiao Dongliang, who was Qiao Nan¡¯s father. Feng Cheng had no idea at all.

    Qiao Dongliang might not know what was going on, but Shi Peng knew it at the tips of his fingers. ¡°Everything over here is Qiao Nan¡¯s dowries.¡±

    ¡°My goodness...¡± Feng Cheng sucked in her breath at the room that was filled with Qiao Nan¡¯s dowries.

    The Feng family and the Shi family were doing simrly well. They did notck the money and had seen their fair share of expensive jewelry and clothes.

    The problem was Qiao Nan could not bepared to the Shi family or the Feng family. The room that was packed with all sorts of dowries came as a visual shock to Feng Cheng.

    At least to Feng Cheng, given the Qiao family¡¯s financial situation, they would not be able to prepare one-tenth of the dowries that were in the room, let alone the amount of dowries that she saw now.

    ¡°How much did it cost to prepare the dowries?¡± The Zhu family could not have splurged their money. The grandson in the Zhu family was as old as Qing Qing. In another three to four years, he would be getting married.

    ¡°All I can say is that there may be a lot of dowries here and they seem to cost a lot, but all those that are truly valuable are not kept here.¡± Usually, it was the most ordinary and not to be easily seen dowries that were worth the most!

    Those dowries that took up a lot of space were mainly to appease the ordinary people.

    The Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin were more liberal with their money than one could imagine.

    Feng Cheng was stingy. She stopped Shi Peng from spending too much to prepare Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry. Shi Peng knew very well that among everyone who helped prepare Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry, he forked out the least money.

    Feng Cheng could not help but gasp in shock. ¡°Don¡¯t the Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin need to keep aside some money for themselves? What did they prepare for Qiao Nan? How much are they worth?¡±

    Although Feng Cheng came from a good family background, upon hearing Shi Peng¡¯s words, she could not help but be jealous of Qiao Nan.

    Back when she married Shi Peng, the dowry that she had could not even bepared to Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry.

    Feng Cheng wondered. After Shi Qing started dating and was preparing for her wedding, given the Shi family¡¯s and the Feng family¡¯s financial capabilities, would the dowry that they prepared for Shi Qing be more significant than Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry?

    Feng Cheng did not have the answer to her question!

    This answer was enough to give her a headache.

    Feng Cheng looked upset. ¡°It seems like Qiao Nan is not the only one who has good fortune. The Zhai family stands to gain from this marriage.¡± Feng Cheng sounded grumpy.

    If it was like what Shi Peng had said, the Zhu family, the Lee family, and Old Lin were very close to Qiao Nan. Once Qiao Nan became the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, it would bring the Zhai family closer to the three families.

    Even if this was not the case, whenever there were good opportunities in the future, these three families would definitely think of the Zhai family.

    Even if the Zhai family went downhill or got into serious trouble, as long as the three families were willing to help them, the Zhai family would be able to ovee the crisis.

    Moreover, the Zhai family was illustrious and influential.

    Once Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, the Zhai family¡¯s influences and might would be redoubled!

    Every family, notwithstanding the Zhai family, would wish to have such a capable daughter-inw!

    At the thought of her two unmarried nephews, Feng Cheng felt jealous and grumpy.

    Zhai Sheng was not being shortchanged in this marriage. Instead, he had gained a lot.

    She did not expect that Qiao Nan, who came from a humble background and had unbearable parents, would be so capable and charismatic!

    To be honest, whoever married Qiao Nan would be akin to bringing a golden Buddha home, assuring his family of future sess!

    Shi Peng felt much at ease seeing that Feng Cheng seemed to have understood his words.

    Apart from the three people from the Qiao family who were oblivious to her abilities, everyone who knew Qiao Nan could tell that she was a rare gem.

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 Chapter 1098 - Finally Understood

    <h4>1098 Finally Understood</h4>

    In Shi Peng¡¯s opinion, those who thought highly of themselves and looked down on Qiao Nan, refusing to listen to any reason, were the most terrible people.

    Others might not know the reason why the Qiu family ended up going downhill, but Shi Peng knew it very well.

    Given Feng Cheng¡¯s temper, if she caused any trouble to the Feng family, Shi Peng would still be able to resolve it. But if she caused trouble for the Shi family, it would be a serious problem.

    It was rare that Feng Cheng would listen to him. Therefore, Shi Peng improved his attitude toward Feng Cheng. He pulled Feng Cheng to his side and allowed Feng Cheng to hold his hand. ¡°Now that you have figured out what is going on, you should know how you should treat Qiao Nan in the future. I once told you that Qiao Nan is a great help to Qing Qing. If you don¡¯t believe it, you can learn more about their friendship after you let go of your prejudices toward Qiao Nan. I believe that Qiao Nan is more sincere to Qing Qing that your two nephews.¡±

    Shi Peng was in poor health when he was still in the army.

    He heeded Qiao Nan¡¯s advice to retire from the army and joined the government sector. Although the work was just as challenging, under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence and his daughter¡¯s strict care, Shi Peng felt that he was leading a better lifestyle than before.

    Right now, there was always someone around him to make sure that he had his meals on time and that he had sufficient rest. Even if he had not fully recovered, at least, he was still stronger than when he was in the army.

    Back then, he was constantly sick and would be hospitalized time and again. He was a frequent visitor of the military hospital.

    Once hospitalized, it would be several dayster before he was allowed to return to the army. When he was back at the army, he would work overtime to finish his work that had been piling up during his hospital stay.

    After he cleared his work through working overtime, he would end up at the hospital again. This had resulted in a vicious cycle.

    Right now, Shi Peng was no longer trapped in the vicious cycle.

    Qiao Nan had to take the credit for the improvement in his condition.

    Feng Cheng hesitated but she was not as condescending and obstinate as before. ¡°W-well, I will talk to Qing Qing about it when there¡¯s a chance.¡±

    Feng Cheng turned gloomy in the next instant. ¡°Qing Qing is still angry with me. She refused to talk to me.¡±

    ¡°Who do you have to me for that? Back when Qing Qing was not in a quarrel with you and she tried to engage in a conversation with you, did the two of you have a good chat? You should reflect on your attitude back then! Qing Qing has grown up and she has her own life and way of thinking. Would she not be angry when you wanted her to go ording to your wishes just because you are her mom?¡± Shi Peng lectured Feng Cheng in a harsh tone. It was Feng Cheng who caused her rtionship with Shi Qing to be strained. She could not me Shi Qing, saying that she refused to listen to her.

    Feng Cheng blushed. ¡°But Qing Qing should not lose her temper at me for the sake of an outsider.¡±

    The reason why she could not stand Qiao Nan and refused to listen to any praises regarding Qiao Nan was that her only daughter was on very good terms with Qiao Nan and she was not as close to her mother.

    In short, Feng Cheng was jealous.

    Shi Peng felt amused and angry at the same time. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about you. I am her dad, but I am not as important to Shi Qing as Qiao Nan is. It is not that Qing Qing is not close to us. We are definitely her dearest. However, I believe if Qing Qing encounters anything, she will definitely tell Qiao Nan, but she may not tell us. Forget it. It is rare that you can maintain your calm and ept that Qiao Nan is a special girl. I will leave you to chat with Qing Qing. As you know more about their friendship, you will understand why Qing Qing is so close to Qiao Nan.¡±

    Qiao Nan was charismatic and this appealed to the big shots as well as her peers.

    Otherwise, his proud and overbearing disciple who had no care for women would not have fallen head over heels for Qiao Nan.

    Everything happened for a reason, and Qiao Nan was not pretentious.

    He absolutely believed that as long as Feng Cheng calmed down and observed Qiao Nan objectively, it would not be long before Feng Cheng epted Qiao Nan wholeheartedly.

    This time, Feng Cheng did not rebut Shi Peng. Instead, she considered his words seriously.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, you are here!¡± The couple had a long heartfelt talk. Shi Qing, who was in her bridesmaid dress, appeared in front of them. She was light in her steps, springing like a swallow. The hemline of her dress swayed as she moved. She looked stunning. ¡°Dad, Mom, is my dress pretty? Qiao Nan chose it!¡±

    Feng Cheng¡¯s eyes were smiling. ¡°Pretty! My Qing Qing is the most beautiful girl. You will look good in any dress... Of course, you look prettier in this dress.¡±

    ¡°?¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes in puzzlement. ¡°Mom, do I look pretty in this dress?¡±

    Feng Cheng could tell that her daughter was testing her and was full of disbelief. She felt embarrassed. ¡°Hmm... The person who chose the dress has a good sense of judgment. It suits you very much.¡±

    The second half of the sentence was indeed the truth.

    Shi Qing was bubbly. Qiao Nan would not want her to wear those dresses that were toodylike and demure.

    Shi Qing could not believe it when Feng Cheng praised her dress for the second time. She shifted her gaze to Shi Peng as if asking, ¡®Dad, what¡¯s up? Did you make Mom take a special medicine when you left the house today?¡¯

    Feng Cheng noticed the funny look on her daughter¡¯s face and tapped her lightly on her head, feeling amused and angry. ¡°Are you unhappy that I did not stop you from mingling with Qiao Nan or that I did not create trouble for her? If not, I will revert to my previous self so that you will not misunderstand that I am not your real mother.¡±

    Although Shi Qing still could not understand why her mother changed without an apparent reason, she was d of the change. ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t do that. Take no offense to a child¡¯s babble. Don¡¯t take issue with what I said.¡±

    It was rare that her mother could sort out her thoughts. She did not care how she did it, but she hoped her mother would stay the same and did not revert to her previous self. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan looks stunning in the phoenix cor and robe of rank. True enough, the bride should be in a red wedding dress. Chinese wedding costumes are beautiful. If I marry in the future, I won¡¯t wear a bridal gown. I want to wear the same costumes as Qiao Nan.¡±

    In the past, Shi Qing felt that since it was in the 21st century, one had to wear a bridal gown when getting married. The white bridal gown was stunning and romantic.

    However, Shi Qing changed her mind today. When Qiao Nan put on the set of bright red phoenix cor and robe of rank, she looked much more magnificent than the resplendent sunset in the sky.

    She was beautiful and stunning.

    ¡°Dad, I have regrets now.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Shi Peng looked at his daughter, feeling baffled. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is so beautiful.¡± Shi Qing touched her chin cheekily. ¡°Qiao Nan has good culinary skills, a good temperament, and a good temper. She is also smart and pretty.¡±

 Chapter 1099 - You Could Not Win Against Zhai Sheng

    <h4>1099 You Could Not Win Against Zhai Sheng</h4>

    ¡°If I were a man, Brother Zhai would no longer be in the picture. Qiao Nan would then belong to our family!¡±

    Shi Peng smiled at his daughter¡¯s words. ¡°If that is the case, you should thank us that you are a girl. Otherwise, you would not be able to win against Zhai Sheng. You would be heartbroken and wasting your efforts.¡±

    Didn¡¯t she see that Zhu Baoguo had been kicked out of the game by Zhai Sheng before he could even have a go at it?

    It was not that Shi Peng did not have confidence and looked down on his child. It was just that Zhai Sheng was such a formidable opponent. Ordinary men would not be able to defeat him.

    Instead of suffering from heartbreak, it would be better to have a daughter. She did not need topete against Zhai Sheng and she could keep a low profile, leading a simple life like what she was doing now.

    Shi Qing curled the corners of her lips unhappily. ¡°You¡¯re right. Brother Zhai is too ruthless. He has imed Qiao Nan as his own when she was still very young. He has cut off all possibilities for Qiao Nan to be in a rtionship with other men. He is too shameless.¡±

    In terms of being shameless, no woman or man could defeat Brother Zhai.

    Qiao Nan was so outstanding, but Zhai Sheng used all means and ways to stop her from receiving any love letters from other men. He was too ruthless.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s intelligence, Shi Qing was baffled that Qiao Nan never once suspected that it was odd that she did not receive any love letters all these years.

    However, today was their wedding ceremony. Shi Qing would not be so foolish as to ask such a stupid question of Qiao Nan on her big day.

    Today, she was a bridesmaid. It was the day she could make things difficult for Brother Zhai.

    If she brought up this topic to Qiao Nan, Brother Zhai would make sure she got it from him.

    The Shi family of three was having a good time.

    By the time Feng Cheng went looking for Qiao Nan, she was already dressed up in her wedding costumes. It was rare that she did not treat Qiao Nan with cold indifference. Instead, she handed her a red box graciously. ¡°Congrattions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan was very surprised, but she maintained herposure and epted her gift. ¡°Auntie Feng, you are being too polite. Shi Qing, you have to work harder and get a boyfriend as soon as possible. I look forward to the day when you get married.¡±

    Qiao Nan was aware of the gifts that Shi Peng prepared for her.

    The red box that Feng Cheng gave her was heavy. There seemed to be jewelry inside.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan had stated clearly that when Shi Qing was getting married, she would not be stingy with the gifts.

    Feng Cheng smiled and nodded. She did not speak further.

    Feng Cheng did not need gifts from Qiao Nan, but she weed people who returned politeness for politeness.

    Since Qiao Nan knew what to do and appreciated their kind intentions, Feng Cheng found her somewhat pleasing to the eye. In fact, if it was in the past, Feng Cheng would definitely mock Qiao Nan for bragging. How could she possibly afford to give them any valuables gifts? The Shi family would be on the losing end.

    However, after Shi Peng¡¯s talk with her, Feng Cheng no longer felt that way.

    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you have some tea downstairs first?¡± Shi Qing was the bridesmaid and she knew that Feng Cheng did not really like Qiao Nan. She could sense that they were still ufortable with each other.

    Before things took a turn for the worse, Shi Qing had to think of ways to separate them.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Feng Cheng agreed.

    She had disliked Qiao Nan since a long time ago. Even if she was willing to put aside her prejudices, she still felt awkward around her.

    Feng Cheng knew that Qiao Nan was not a pushover either.

    Feng Cheng was worried that if she stayed in the room with Qiao Nan for long, she might run out of patience and said harsh words to Qiao Nan.

    Before she changed that habit of hers, it was better to have less contact with Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing came back to the room after sending Feng Cheng off. Qiao Nan could not help but express her surprise. ¡°Has hell frozen over? Your mom¡¯s behavior is shocking.¡± It was simr to watching a horror movie.

    In the past, Feng Cheng looked down on her and was arrogant toward her. Even though she was still aloof today, her attitude was much better than before.

    Qiao Nan had learned harsh lessons from suffering in the hands of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin in the past. She could not help but be wary.

    If someone who disliked her changed one¡¯s attitude all of a sudden and treated her with politeness, the person must be up to something.

    Shi Qing smiled as she opened the box that Feng Cheng gave Qiao Nan. ¡°This must have cost a lot. This must be the full set of dowry jewelry.¡±

    In the red velvet box were a gold ne, a pair of gold earrings, a golden bangle, as well as a gold ring.

    This box of jewelry would cost a lot.

    ¡°Has your family made a fortune? How can your dad be that rich?¡± Qiao Nan knew without a doubt that it was Shi Peng who bought this for her. Feng Cheng would never spend so much money on her. ¡°He may have the money, but he should not splurge in such a way. Are you getting married or not? He should save some money to prepare a dowry for you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was taken aback by what she saw. Shi Peng did not need to go to this extreme.

    If someone found out about this and reported them to the authorities, she and the Zhai family would have to cooperate with the authorities regarding the investigations.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Shi Qing did not pay much attention to the box. She simply closed the box and continued. ¡°I am not too sure how much money we have, but ording to my dad, Old Master Shi is very smart and he knows of ways to make money. I might be a granddaughter, but Qiu Chenxi is merely a maternal granddaughter. Since my dad is the only son, grandpa has never shortchanged him. Judging from today¡¯s situation, I suppose my dad has the say over all the money.¡±

    Shi Qing was surprised by the discovery.

    In the tumultuous times, the old master¡¯s method of making money was tantamount to courting death.

    Everyone was fearful and tried to get rid of anything that would result in them being investigated and taken away. Instead, the old master was able to hide all the valuables and avoid being caught.

    Shi Qing was full of admiration for her grandpa¡¯s bravery and courage.

    Her grandpa risked his life and made remarkable contributions to the army. In the end, he even managed to keep all those valuables amid the tumultuous times.

    Shi Qing used to hear about all those stories about her grandpa. However, this was the first time that her father was being so generous. It was only now that she knew that her grandpa had handed all the valuables to his son.

    Qiao Nan could more or less understand what Shi Qing was talking about. ¡°Do Qiu Chenxi and her mom know that Old Master Shi has so many prized possessions with him?¡± The pair of mother and daughter was after material gains. They would not let go of any chance to get their hands on such a huge amount of money.

    Shi Qing shrugged as she shook her head. ¡°No one can really know what is on my grandpa¡¯s mind. He is a very shrewd and cautious man. Both my dad and I have no idea how much my auntie knows. But in my opinion, a son is still different from a daughter. Grandpa is still biased toward his son. Furthermore, Qiu Chenxi is a girl as well, and she didn¡¯t manage to get married to Brother Zhai.¡±

 Chapter 1100 - Ask for an Insul

    <h4>1100 Ask for an Insul</h4>

    ¡°Since they are all females, my dad will have the upper hand.¡±

    Shi Qing did not expect that Old Master Shi would be so open-minded.

    Nevertheless, Shi Qing felt much better in the current situation.

    Her paternal grandparents were much better than her maternal grandparents.

    Shi Qing knew very well that the Feng family ced all their hopes on her two uncles. Simrly, her paternal grandpa ced all hopes on her father. There was nothing wrong with it.

    ¡°It is better to keep a low profile. Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi are not kind souls. If they learn about this, your family of three will be in for a difficult time.¡± Qiao Nan had heard and seen a lot of cases where the family members turned against each other because of money.

    Shi Qing helped Qiao Nan put the gift aside. ¡°Today, you are the bride. Your job is to wait patiently for the time to be married to Brother Zhai. Don¡¯t worry about other matters. Besides, my family is not foolish. We will not court trouble for ourselves. The most important thing is that I suppose grandpa will find ways to keep it from them.¡±

    Since Old Master Shi favored the son over the daughter, he should have known what to say and what not to say. He would not be so muddleheaded. ¡°By the way, a gentle reminder to you. I heard that my aunt is back with Qiu Chenxi. They are staying at the Qiu family¡¯s residence.¡±

    After Qiu Qin was arrested, most of the properties of the Qiu family had been confiscated. The only thing left was the house and it was given to Qi Min after the divorce.

    Qi Min did not sell the house. Now that she was back with her daughter, they could stay at the house.

    ¡°How about the elderly couple in the Qiu family?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. My aunt is their daughter-inw. Since she has no idea, I can¡¯t be bothered to know. Anyway, if anything crops up in the future, the elderly couple in the Qiu family will look for my aunt. But now that she has divorced my uncle, she does not have any legal obligations to take care of her former inws. At most, she will have a bad reputation for not taking care of them.¡±

    Shi Qing had grown smarter and was no longer the foolish girl in the past. ¡°The reason why I bring them up is that I feel that they must be back to attend your wedding. You should know Qiu Chenxi very well.¡±

    Speaking of Qiu Chenxi, Shi Qing could not help but feel angry.

    When she and Qiao Nan had just reached the capital for their college studies, Qiu Chenxi sowed discord, and the Feng family gave Qiao Nan the cold shoulder.

    Actually, Shi Qing had already figured out that the Feng family was a problem as well. Back then, they allowed Qiu Chenxi to bully her, and now, they did not bother to check whether Qiu Chenxi was telling the truth or not.

    After learning that Qiao Nan was engaged to Zhai Sheng, the Feng family decided to believe Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words.

    Shi Qing had a headache at the thought of Qiu Chenxi and the Feng family. All of them were just as bad!

    Qiao Nan patted Shi Qing¡¯s hands lightly to console her. ¡°If Qiu Chenxi doesn¡¯t find it painful to watch the person that she has been dying to marry to take another girl who could not match up to her as his wife, I won¡¯t mind that she has a drink or finish one entire table of food.¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s true. Hahaha! Come over here. The makeup artist is here. Stop moving around. You have to put on your makeup.¡±

    They were upied with getting ready for the wedding while everyone in the Zhu family¡¯s residence was busy with the final preparations.

    ¡°As I have said, we are very busy right now, so we are unable to attend to guests now. Can you stop creating trouble for me?¡± Someone stopped Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin right at the entrance of the Zhu family¡¯s residence. ¡°If you want to look for your dad, just go back home. If you want to give your sister a helping hand, go sit by the side and don¡¯t hinder us. This will be the greatest help to the bride.¡±

    She could forget about helping out as a bridesmaid.

    ¡°Can you pass a message to my sister? She is getting married. As her elder sister, I want to keep herpany. She will be happy to hear that.¡± Qiao Zijin refused to give up. She was all smiles and she had to see Qiao Nan. ¡°If my sister is busy and you can¡¯t allow me to enter, can you get my dad here?¡±

    She believed that she would be able to get past the Zhu family¡¯s guards with the help of her father.

    Qiao Zijin kept pestering the people from the Zhu family until they were witless. ¡°Fine. Wait here while I get him here.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang came walking toward them. One look and he could tell what was going on. ¡°Zijin, today is Nan Nan¡¯s wedding. Don¡¯t create a din. Go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to watch the ceremony. The wedding banquet will not start any time soon.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I want to keep Nan Nan apany. Nan Nan is getting married today. She will definitely feel uneasy and uncertain. She will feel better to have someone close to her by her side.¡± Once she entered the Zhu family¡¯s residence, she must find out the amount of dowry that Qiao Nan was going to bring with her to the Zhai family.

    She still could not believe that an illustrious family like the Zhai family would not give any bride price to Qiao Nan.

    Perhaps the amount was astoundingly high and Qiao Nan decided to keep all the money to herself. Therefore, she kept it a secret from her parents.

    How dared Qiao Nan keep all the money to herself! She was too selfish and greedy.

    ¡°No need. Nan Nan has Qing Qing with her. Alright, I have to help out now. The two of you should go back.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not have the right to allow them into the house. Even if he had the authority to do that, he would not do so.

    He had made a mistake and hurt his younger daughter¡¯s feelings. He couldn¡¯t turn back time.

    Since he knew that he was in the wrong, he would notmit the same mistake by allowing the elder daughter to wreak havoc at the younger daughter¡¯s wedding. If so, he would be too ashamed of himself.

    Qiao Dongliang turned and left afterward. He was in high spirits, and he certainly looked like someone who was marrying off his daughter.

    ¡°You should give up now. Leave now. There are a lot of visitors and cars today. Don¡¯t me us if anything happens.¡± After Qiao Dongliang left, the people from the Zhu family tried to get them to leave. ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice that all the people in the quad are watching you?¡±

    They should preserve their dignity and leave.

    Ding Jiayi, who hung her head, blushed. She walked forward to pull at Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi had no wish to help out at Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. She had always felt that since she had raised Qiao Nan until she was an adult and now that Qiao Nan was getting married, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to take care of her.

    It was Qiao Zijin who insisted that Ding Jiayie with her to help out with the wedding. Ding Jiayi, who only wanted to sit around and enjoyed herself, was reluctant to go with Qiao Zijin.

    All the neighbors cast mocking nces at them. Ding Jiayi felt uneasy.

 Chapter 1101 - Getting a Wife

    <h4>1101 Getting a Wife</h4>

    Today was the day that Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan would be basking in glory today. Even if she could not bask in Qiao Nan¡¯s glory, she had no wish to be ridiculed by others.

    ¡°Zijin, stop it. Let¡¯s go back. When it¡¯s time, your sister will send someone to invite us,¡± Ding Jiayi said through clenched teeth, emphasizing the word ¡®invite¡¯, suggesting that Qiao Nan still had to listen to her.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. She had no other choice but to listen to Ding Jiayi and returned home.

    They had no idea that Qiao Nan, who had put on her makeup, was standing by the window with Shi Qing, watching the scene.

    They were blocked by the curtains and there were a lot of trees in the surrounding area. Therefore, no one could spot the two of them by the window.

    ¡°The two women are shameless!¡± Shi Qing shouted in disdain. ¡°How can they be so thick-skinned toe at this time? Aren¡¯t they ashamed of themselves?

    ¡°What¡¯s strange about this? As long as they can stand to gain, being shameless doesn¡¯t mean anything to them.¡± She was getting married to Brother Zhai. It was a big asion in the quad. Everyone was specting about her dowry. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality, she would definitely find a chance to know the amount of dowry and bride price that she had.

    After all, to Qiao Zijin, everything that Qiao Nan had belonged to her.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to know her newly added fortune lest Qiao Nan keep some for herself.

    Shi Qing lifted the corners of her lips. ¡°He who is shameless is invincible. I have to hand it to Qiao Zijin.¡± She had never seen an elder sister who treated the younger sister¡¯s dowry as her own and would use all means and ways to find out what her dowry was. ¡°Did she think that the Zhu family and the Zhai family are pushovers?¡±

    ¡°No. In her eyes, I am like a rabbit, an easy target.¡± Nobody could stop Qiao Nan from giving anything to Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin was thinking of coercing her to share her dowry with her.

    ¡°The problem is the rabbit would bite when driven to desperation.¡± Furthermore, how could Qiao Nan be an easy target? She must be kidding!

    ¡°The groom is here to pick up the bride!¡±

    Putting aside the unhappy thoughts, time flew past and soon, it was ten in the morning. It was the auspicious hour and Zhai Sheng, who was dressed in his military uniform, came in the jeep, stopping in front of the Zhu family¡¯s residence. All the children in the quad jumped about happily.

    The Zhai family hade prepared. They took out a bag of sweets and gave them to the children who were shouting and cheering. The children enjoyed themselves as they snatched the sweets.

    Zhai Sheng looked magnificent and smart in his military uniform. He was suave and dashing, capturing the attention of everyone.

    Many of thedies could not help but blush. The groom was indeed beyond ordinary. He was truly handsome.

    The most important thing was that besides having a handsome look, thedies could not help but feel a sense of security andfort at his righteous aura. It was as if he was their strongest support in this world.

    Those olderdies could onlyment that they were no longer young and had lost the chance to be with him.

    Otherwise, they would be jealous of such a handsome groom.

    But since it was totally impossible between them, they could console themselves that it was just not meant to be.

    Some of the youngerdies in the quad blushed at the sight of Zhai Sheng while others stomped their feet in frustration. The olderdies watched happily by the side, gloating at their misfortunes.

    Nan Nan was truly the most fortunatedy in the quad. She was getting married to such a good catch. She did not live her life in vain!

    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy to pick up the bride.¡± All thedies were envious of Qiao Nan, and the groom was naturally themon enemy of all the men.

    Zhu Baoguo was the first person to make things ¡®difficult¡¯ for Zhai Sheng. He had stifled his anger for a year and this was the time to vent his frustrations.

    Zhai Sheng hardened his resolve. There was a determined look in his dark and deep eyes. ¡°No matter how difficult it is, I will marry her.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had expected Zhu Baoguo to make things difficult for him on his wedding day.

    Zhai Sheng suspected that this was a test from the several elders who doted on Qiao Nan.

    If he was not able to defeat Zhu Baoguo, he was not qualified to marry Nan Nan.

    ¡°What is the stupid fool up to?¡± Shi Qing noticed that Zhu Baoguo was blocking Zhai Sheng¡¯s way to the Zhu family¡¯s residence. She could not help but feel anxious.

    She was the bridesmaid. She was waiting to get a red packet from Zhai Sheng when he was here to pick up Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing had always been bullied by Zhai Sheng. She seemed miserable and pitiful. Today, it was rare that she had the chance to take revenge on Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°My goodness, they are getting into a fight!¡± Shi Qing widened her eyes in shock, motioning for Qiao Nan to take a look.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was in his military uniform. He unbuttoned his uniform, took off his cap, and was still able to fight with Zhu Baoguo without being restrained by the formal wear that he wore.

    Everyone could tell that Zhu Baoguo went all out, trying to defeat Zhai Sheng. All his blows were vicious and ruthless.

    If Zhai Sheng was overjoyed from getting married and let his guard down, taking a few of his punches, it would take him ten days to half a month to recover.

    Especially since Zhu Baoguo was vicious in his blows, Zhai Sheng might be injured if he rxed even the slightest and would not be able to spend his wedding night with his wife.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you think Brother Zhai will be able to carry you back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence today?¡± Shi Qing could tell that something was wrong.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips, blushing slightly. ¡°Zhu Baoguo is not Brother Zhai¡¯s opponent.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that you would like Brother Zhai to carry you back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence for the wedding night? Qiao Nan, you are no longer innocent and simple!¡± Shi Qing had an evil smile on her face, cracking dirty jokes with Qiao Nan. ¡°If not, Zhu Baoguo can help you knock Brother Zhai down and you will be able to remain chaste for a long while. When daughters grow up, they will eventually get married and leave the house. Qiao Nan, you must be dying to get married.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Qiao Nan made a move to spit at Shi Qing, disregarding her image. ¡°Brother Zhai and I are married. It is normal for both of us to think of each other. On the day that you marry Zhu Baoguo, you can rest assured that I will remind Brother Zhai to give Zhu Baoguo a few more blows so that you will remain chaste for a long while!¡±

    Perhaps Qiao Nan was deeply affected by her previous conversation with Zhai Hua.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was worried that after she married Zhai Sheng and they were legally married, what came next would be to have children.

    However, she was only in her first year in college. It would be inconvenient to have a baby right now.

    But Qiao Nan thought otherwise after the talk with Zhai Hua. It was Zhai Hua¡¯s deep longing for a child that made her change her mind.

    She might be in her first year in college now, but she knew that she was not really twenty-one years old but in her forties instead.

    She had the same yearning as Zhai Hua, if not more than Zhai Hua, which was to have a child of her own.

 Chapter 1102 - Not That Easy to Get a Wife

    <h4>1102 Not That Easy to Get a Wife</h4>

    Now that Qiao Nan had decided that her goal was to get pregnant naturally, she was displeased with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s behavior and found it uneptable.

    Shi Qing might be cracking dirty jokes, but that was just empty talk.

    In the past one year, although Qiao Nan was not considered as a veteran, at least she was not aplete newbie.

    It was a piece of cake to deal with Shi Qing, who was not even considered to be a newbie.

    Shi Qing liked Zhu Baoguo and intended to start a rtionship with him with marriage in mind.

    However, that was only what Shi Qing had in mind. They had yet to go into a rtionship. Speaking of a married couple¡¯s life, Shi Qing, who was still a single youngdy, could not help but blush. She could not wait to roll her sleeves and teach Qiao Nan a lesson.

    Shi Qing felt frustrated. ¡°Don¡¯t be too smug. If not for the fact that you are getting married today and I could noty my hands on you, I would let you know what I am capable of!¡±

    ¡°Haha, I knew that you can¡¯t do anything to me today, so I am fearless. Do you understand?¡± Qiao Nan was amused. She retorted bluntly. ¡°Brother Zhai has won!¡±

    The onlookers watched anxiously as the two men fought with each other. Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, who were engaged in a verbal spar, were not the least worried for them.

    Zhai Sheng proved that he was worthy of Qiao Nan¡¯s trust. He won against Zhu Baoguo fair and square. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s expression darkened at the oue.

    After being lectured by his father, Zhu Baoguo always believed that what hecked was luck. He was acquainted with Qiao Nan and he spent more time with Qiao Nan than Zhai Sheng did.

    As he was younger and not as strong or capable, he was unable to help Qiao Nan or protect her when she encountered problems and difficulties.

    Zhai Sheng won in terms of age. He was a few years older than him and had more time to prove himself to be worthy of Qiao Nan.

    He always wanted to prove that Qiao Nan could rely on him. However, in the end, he failed.

    Zhu Baoguo pulled a long face and patted the dust on his clothes. He had an evil look in his eyes. ¡°I treat Xiao Qiao as my sister. Since you want to marry Xiao Qiao, I have to test whether you are capable of protecting Xiao Qiao. I am really sorry that I was too serious in the fight and I have dirtied your clothes. I hope you can understand.¡±

    He did not believe that Zhai Sheng would dare to stand beside Xiao Qiao in the dirty clothes of his!

    Zhai Sheng had won the fight, but his clothes were dirty, and so were Zhu Baoguo¡¯s clothes.

    But Zhu Baoguo had the advantage as this was the Zhu family¡¯s residence.

    If his clothes were dirty, he could change into a new set of clothes and came back within five minutes.

    But it was different for Zhai Sheng. He could either pick up Qiao Nan in his dirty clothes or go back to change his clothes before picking up Qiao Nan. However, in that case, he would have missed the auspicious hour.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Since you treat Nan Nan as your sister, you can be considered as my brother-inw as well. It is not a big issue that the clothes are dirty. I can change into a new set of clothes.¡± Without another word, Zhai Sheng took off his outer clothes, leaving a thin white shirt on him.

    One of the groomsmen took out a green military uniform that was brand new and handed it to Zhai Sheng for him to put on.

    Three seconds ago, Zhai Sheng looked dirty and disheveled, but he changed into a new outfit within seconds and tidied up himself. He was once again the handsome and dashing groom.

    Zhai Sheng knew that Zhu Baoguo was interested in Qiao Nan even before he realized it.

    If Zhai Sheng could not anticipate that Zhu Baoguo would be up to this trick today, Zhai Sheng would not have ended up as the man who married Qiao Nan.

    ¡°The groom is brilliant!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s time to pick up the bride!¡±

    Everyone, including the children and the adults, chanted for Zhai Sheng to pick up the bride as soon as possible. The groom hade all prepared to pick up the bride.

    Zhu Baoguo flushed with anger and turned green with rage. He wished that he could grab Zhai Sheng by the cor and fight it out with him. How dared he not admit that he had received a benefit!

    Zhu Chengqi appeared silently from nowhere and stood in front of Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Today is Nan Nan¡¯s wedding. Change your clothes now. We still have to send Nan Nan off.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Zhu Baoguo replied, disheartened. This was hisst chance to defeat Zhai Sheng, but he failed in the end.

    Shi Peng walked forward. ¡°Zhai Sheng, don¡¯t be too overjoyed. It will not be easy to pick up the bride.¡± Shi Peng knew that it would not be easy to get past his daughter.

    ¡°As a soldier, I am not afraid of oveing challenges.¡± Nothing was as difficult as the five years of long wait for Nan Nan to reach the legal age.

    As his master, he naturally understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s hidden meaning. He had a sly smile on his face as he apanied Zhai Sheng upstairs to pick up the bride.

    Zhai Sheng pursed the corners of his lips at the tightly shut door. ¡°I am here to pick up the bride.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to pick up the bride? Fine.¡± Shi Qing was gloating from the other side of the door. ¡°Qiao Nan is fair and beautiful. She has a lot of admirers. I have to know whether you are capable of protecting Qiao Nan and chasing the lechers away. Why don¡¯t you do one hundred push-ups first?¡±

    If she had the time and the chance, Shi Qing wanted to get back at Zhai Sheng for torturing her and making her go through all the arduous training in the army. She could make use of this chance to make Zhai Sheng go through all of them.

    Of course, it was only her fantasy. It was not likely that she could implement it.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I must remind you that time is limited. If you take your time to do one hundred push-ups, you may not be able to pick up Qiao Nan today.¡± Shi Qing wanted to make it all the more challenging by giving Zhai Sheng a time limit.

    Since Zhai Sheng was from the army and he was one of the best special armed forces back then, it was not a big deal to do one hundred push-ups.

    The problem was Zhai Sheng had just fought with Zhu Baoguo.

    Zhu Baoguo was out to make a fool out of Zhai Sheng in front of everyone. Therefore, he did not go easy with Zhai Sheng during the fight.

    They were all men. Zhu Baoguo knew what was on Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind after he married Qiao Nan.

    He did not care if his methods were useful or not. He was determined to drain Zhai Sheng of his strength and energy through all means and ways.

    Zhu Baoguo knew that it was not up to him to control what would happen after their marriage and he had to stop himself from thinking about that.

    Shi Qing had the same sentiments as Zhu Baoguo.

    Shi Qing only had one motive in mind. Zhai Sheng bullied her and was harsh with her since a long time ago. She was not a man, but she knew that men only had one goal in mind when they were with their loved ones.

    Qiao Nan was as fresh and tempting as a young flower. It was torturous if he had her by his side but he could not do anything at all.

    Even if Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing did not discuss beforehand, it was fascinating that they were thinking of the same thing.

    Shi Qing knew that one hundred push-ups were an easy feat to Zhai Sheng. But she was determined to torture Zhai Sheng with these antics.

 Chapter 1103 - Father and Son-In-Law Competition

    <h4>Chapter 1103 Father and Son-In-Law Competition</h4>

    Well, today, Zhai Sheng was the groom and she was the bridesmaid involved in the gatecrashing.

    Today was the time to requite like for like.

    Seeing that his daughter was having so much fun, Shi Peng felt helpless and rubbed his forehead. This disciple of his did not have a very good temper. He would not seek revenge for the slightest grievance but he was certainly not very benevolent.

    He hoped that his daughter knew her limits and would not go overboard.

    Otherwise, if Zhai Sheng were to recall this and seek revengeter on, his foolish daughter would be the one down on her luck.

    Shi Qing was also a smart and entric one. She not only requested Zhai Sheng to do a hundred push-ups but also shot him many strange questions and insisted Zhai Sheng to reply in front of everyone.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was a soldier and extremely fit. Otherwise, the one hundred push-ups would possibly ruin the wedding, let alone those strange questions that Shi Qing posed.

    After she was stuffed with a big red packet, Shi Qing knitted her brows and opened the door reluctantly.

    First, there was not much time left.

    Second, Shi Qing¡¯s brainpower was limited. She could not think of further questions to continue to make things difficult for Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°This is thest stage. Please find the shoes of the bride.¡± When she said that, Shi Qing raised her brows. Obviously, the hiding ce of this pair of shoes was Shi Qing¡¯sst magic weapon.

    One round of fight, one hundred push-ups and a ce full of crowd. Even though the weather was chilly in spring, Zhai Sheng was also perspiring profusely.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s thin lips formed a straight line. He gave a grim smile as he nced at Shi Qing, giving a very obvious threat.

    When one was out in society, she had to pay back what was owed eventually.

    Shi Qing was not married yet. However, today¡¯s matter had destined that Shi Qing¡¯s other half would be very unlucky on the day of her marriage.

    Until the arrival of that day, Zhai Sheng discovered that he had dealt with his two enemies together in one day!

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s time in the army was not spent in vain. He did not have many capabilities but superb observation skills.

    Many people were looking on as they crowded outside the bridal chamber. Zhai Sheng looked as if he was searching for Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes in the room, but in fact, his pair of eyes was staring at Shi Qing all the time to observe her reaction.

    When he was searching all around, Shi Qing looked very arrogant and her ¡®tails¡¯ almost touched the sky. Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looked more at ease then. He was no longer searching at the four corners of the room. Instead, he searched for the shoes on the bed that Qiao Nan was sitting on.

    All of a sudden, there was a sh of anxiousness in Shi Qing¡¯s eyes.

    When Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands reached the surface of the bed, Shi Qing looked more at ease again.

    As such, Zhai Sheng did not even need to test Shi Qing the third time. He walked in front of Qiao Nan and gently lifted a little of the rim of the wedding dress that Qiao Nan was wearing.

    True enough, wasn¡¯t there a pair of red shoes hidden under Qiao Nan¡¯s pair of fair and tiny feet?

    This hiding ce was really shrewd! It waspletely concealed.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Looking at her watch, Zhai Sheng only spent less than three minutes to find this pair of shoes. Shi Qing was still very pleased with herself earlier as she felt that this was the greatest tactic. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you cheat?¡±

    Upon saying that, Shi Qing even cast a suspicious look at Qiao Nan.

    However, Qiao Nan had a red veil covering her head at this moment and she could not see Shi Qing. She could guess some of Shi Qing¡¯s thoughts from thetter¡¯s tone though.

    ¡°Hahaha, bridesmaid. This won¡¯t do. The bride is just sitting there. She can¡¯t even move. It¡¯s impossible for her to provide any hint to the groom. All of us are watching.¡±

    ¡°The groom is really brilliant.¡±

    ¡°Groom, quickly help the bride wear the shoes. It¡¯s time to carry her to your house!¡±

    Zhai Sheng was also anxious at heart. When he heard that, he nced coldly at Shi Qing and expressed that today¡¯s matter was not considered over. He then knelt, held Qiao Nan¡¯s feet, and helped her wear the shoes. ¡°It¡¯s winter now. Why aren¡¯t you wearing any socks?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached. He could feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s feet were cold when he touched them.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached. Of course, he med it on Shi Qing again.

    ¡°It¡¯s warmer inside the house. It¡¯s... alright.¡± Qiao Nan, whose head was covered by a red veil, could not see very clearly. She could only see a faint figure.

    Her eyes could not see well. As such, her other senses became more sensitive.

    In contrast with Qiao Nan¡¯s cold feet, Zhai Sheng¡¯s entire body felt so hot since he had been fighting and doing push-ups.

    Her cold feet were held by Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan felt itchy and embarrassed. If not for the fact that she was aware that many people were watching them, and the earlier she wore the shoes, the better, she would not be able to control her desire to hide.

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s go.¡± After helping Qiao Nan wear the pair of shoes, Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan swiftly. His posture of carrying her in his arms was perfect.

    At the sight of this, the men blocking the entrance whistled. When thedies heard that, they could not stopughing while covering their mouths.

    After leaving the bridal chamber, they went to the living room. Two men were already sitting in the hall. One of them was Qiao Dongliang and the other Zhu Chengqi. As for Ding Jiayi, there was no ce for her today.

    Immediately, someone took out two soft cushions and ced them on the floor. Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan took a cushion each and knelt.

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. There were tears in his eyes. ¡°Zhai Sheng, henceforth, I will hand Nan Nan over to you. You are also aware. Nan Nan did not have a good life in the past. I am aware too. But I have never done well enough. Don¡¯t be like me. Nan Nan and you have to live on well.¡±

    She was married. She was truly married.

    After today, Nan Nan would belong to the Zhai family. She would not be his daughter anymore.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliang felt his heart ached. It was as if a chunk of flesh had been cut from his heart.

    Unfortunately, he had to part with her no matter how much he could not bear to.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anyone, including myself, bully Nan Nan.¡± Of course, that would include the father-inw sitting right before his eyes.

    Zhu Chengqi did not show much expression, his eyes looking sharp and stern. ¡°Bully? It is not so easy to bully my family.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi was different from Qiao Dongliang. If the Zhai family were to bully Qiao Nan, Zhu Chengqi definitely had the capability to seek justice for Qiao Nan. He was unlike Qiao Dongliang, who could only say a few useless words and would be of no help at all.

    It was easy for one to have a change of heart. Who did not know how to speak pleasant words? Zhu Chengqi believed in his own capability more.

    In the face of absolute power, one had to go through him first if they had the gumption to treat his words as a fart.

    As such, although Qiao Dongliang sounded like a benevolent father, this biological father paled inparison to Zhu Chengqi and his words.

    ¡°Thank you, godfather, for your reminder.¡± He had been threatened. Zhai Sheng¡¯s brows moved slightly but he did not lose his temper.

    ¡°The auspicious time has arrived. Groom, quickly fetch your bride home.¡±

    The fathers and son-inw trio looked indifferent as they had exchanges with one another.

 Chapter 1104 - Comparing the Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 1104 Comparing the Dowry</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang was weakest while Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Sheng were on par with each other. All of a sudden, the atmosphere turned a little stiff.

    Fortunately, the money spent on the emcee was well worth it. Seeing that the situation was not quite right, the emcee smiled and reminded everyone about the next steps.

    The groom had given a lot of red packets and gone through trials and tribtions. Naturally, the final stage was to carry his beautiful bride home.

    ¡°Right, fetch the bride home. We are looking forward to the banquet.¡±

    The distance between the house of the Zhu family and the Zhai family was so short that they did not even need to use a fleet of cars.

    However, to go through the motion as part of the ceremony, the bridal car still drove out from the main entrance of the Zhu family, out of the courtyard, and did a turn before going to the house of the Zhai family in the quad.

    Many people were in awe at the sight of the bridal car.

    Putting other things aside, this fleet of bridal cars was extremely upscale.

    If a woman had such a wedding, she had not wasted her life.

    Besides the fleet of bridal cars that were the envy of many, the dowry that did not seem to cost money was shifted to the house of the Zhai family prior, like ants moving house. That was also a sight of envy for many people.

    ¡°Tsk. Is the Qiao family so rich? They prepared so many dowries for Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Did Old Qiao win the lottery?¡±

    ¡°Even if he sells the family¡¯s house, he can¡¯t cough out all these dowries.¡±

    ¡°Whoever marries Qiao Nan is striking it rich with the dowry alone.¡±

    Many people felt the pinch and said that they had known that Qiao Nan had so many dowries and that they should have taken advantage of their favorable position. After all, their children had many opportunities to y with Qiao Nan when they were young.

    Given the dowry, it was already worth it to marry Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was also so good in her studies, and she was the second most promising child in the quad.

    It was really...

    At the thought that other family¡¯s child was so different from their own, all of a sudden, there was an indescribable feeling in these parents¡¯ hearts.

    Although they could not describe it, many people were having the same thoughts at this very moment. It seemed that Qiao Nan did not marry into a better family. Both families werepatible.

    Every word of these people was transmitted into the ears of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was extremely angry and jealous. She dug her fingers into her palms and her skin was torn.

    It was no wonder they forbade her to enter the house of the Zhu family and refused to let her take a look at the dowry. It was because her father and Qiao Nan were guilty-conscious.

    She had really underestimated her father¡¯s capability.

    ¡°Zijin!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached as she looked at Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad or make things difficult for yourself. There is no need to do so. In the future, you will definitely be more glorious than today.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt the pinch while Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached so much that she could not breathe well.

    There were so many dowries. How much money had been spent?

    How great would it be if the money could fall into her hands? She could buy anything for Zijin. She could even settle the purchase for half a house, no?

    ¡°I am alright.¡± Qiao Zijin loosened her hands and flung them. ¡°I was just muddled by anger for a moment.¡±

    In the recent few days, unless the person did not have a mouth, everyone in the quad had been discussing Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage.

    When she heard others eximing the good fortune of Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin seemed to have been fed with explosives every day. She was irritable and emotionally unstable.

    ¡°Shh...¡± Ding Jiayi tugged at Qiao Zijin. ¡°This is not our house. Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡±

    If anyone were to hear Zijin¡¯s words, many would be waiting to watch her and Zijin be aughingstock. ¡°Let¡¯s go home first?¡± There was such a long queue of people helping move the dowry for Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi did not wish to look at them anymore. She was fearful that this would hurt her eyes and body, that she would feel more upset.

    Before these items entered the house of the Zhai family, be it the items themselves or to exchange them for money, Ding Jiayi was still quite confident in getting some of them into her own pocket.

    However, at this point, Ding Jiayi realized that no matter how valuable Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry was, it did not have anything to do with her. She dared not offend the Zhai family.

    ¡°No, I want to stand here. ¡°Qiao Zijin refused to budge.

    Ding Jiayi was angry and she tugged on Qiao Zijin. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel upset looking at it?¡±

    ¡°Upset. The more upset I feel, the more I want to watch. These are branded items. I definitely have to remember them. When I get married in the future, I cannot lose to Qiao Nan.¡± She must have the same or more dowry than Qiao Nan.

    If she did not remember what happened today, how could she open her mouth to request these items from her father?

    Clearly, Qiao Zijin was so upset that she wanted to leave the ce, but she had to force herself to open her eyes wide and remember the items that formed Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry and the quantity.

    Even if the value of the items were not the same, at the very least, the quantity had to be the same.

    ¡°There are so many items. How are you going to remember them?¡± Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were simply a joke.

    Not to mention remembering everything, she already could not recall exactly how many items had been moved into the house of the Zhai family a while ago.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°Mom, if that is the case, quickly make a trip home¡ªno, no matter what kind of method you use, bring me a pen and paper at your fastest speed. I have to note them down!¡±

    Her mother was right. Qiao Nan had too much dowry. Her memory was not that good. It would not go wrong only if she were to note them down with pen and paper.

    Qiao Zijin was so insistent. Ding Jiayi could only listen to Qiao Zijin although she felt that it was not necessary to do so. She simply spent a little bit of money and bought some paper and pen from the small retail shop and passed them to Qiao Zijin.

    The pen and paper came a littlete. When Qiao Zijin started to note down the items, the mother-daughter pair had already forgotten almost one-third of the dowry items.

    Nevertheless, the remaining two-thirds of the dowry also made Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands feel tired after noting them down.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, Nan Nan is getting married today. Why are Zijin and you still at your doorsteps? Nan Nan didn¡¯t invite the two of you to the banquet?¡±

    The mother-daughter pair was upying one position each and secretly making notes. Their motive was too obvious. Naturally, people had discovered what they were doing.

    This was such a bustling scene. Ding Jiayi was standing with Qiao Zijin as if she did not have anything to do with the situation. She was also eximing with them about Qiao Nan¡¯s dowry. That was really too strange.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, Nan Nan is so sessful. I think it¡¯s better that you sort out your thoughts. Don¡¯t do any more harm to Nan Nan. You are destined to have no son in this lifetime. Don¡¯t lose such a good daughter in the end.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t know what kind of person Ding Jiayi is. What¡¯s the big deal of losing one daughter? Most probably, her heart aches most that she had lost so much ¡®money¡¯.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°What has it got to with all of you? Instead of being a busybody and eating fart, why don¡¯t you go home and worry about those ipetent sons of yours!¡±

    It was no wonder that Ding Jiayi reacted so strongly. Everyone was from the same quad but there were differences in strengths of character.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper was not good. In the quad, there were a few neighbors that she could get along better with. Naturally, there were also some neighbors that she disliked.

 Chapter 1105 - Comparing Husbands

    <h4>Chapter 1105 Comparing Husbands</h4>

    As they were aware that Ding Jiayi wanted sons, these few neighbors often used the topic of son to agitate and mock Ding Jiayi.

    After the urrence of Qiao Nan¡¯s matter, these neighbors deliberately came over to watch Ding Jiayi make a fool of herself.

    Although these people seemed to be speaking good words and providing good advice, they might not have kind intentions. Ding Jiayi was well aware of this. As such, she couldn¡¯t possibly take such hypocrisy in stride.

    ¡°Bah, what a shameless fool.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want such a good daughter. I will wait and see how good your future life will be by relying on your precious darling.¡±

    The neighbors were not pleased either. Regardless of their thoughts, they were not wrong in their words.

    This was unlike Ding Jiayi, whose words were not only ugly but also boorish. ¡°Ding Jiayi, you show favoritism toward Qiao Zijin and don¡¯t treat Qiao Nan well at all. Was Qiao Nan picked up on the streets by Old Qiao and you? Given your behavior, we cannot tell that you are Nan Nan¡¯s biological mother at all.¡±

    ¡°What biological mother? Since she doesn¡¯t treat Nan Nan as her biological mother, Nan Nan may not have this mother in her heart too. We¡¯re in for a good show.¡±

    The power and wealth that was within her easy reach were gone. Given Ding Jiayi¡¯s character, this was worse than dying for Ding Jiayi.

    Today, so many people were fawning on and praising Qiao Nan. In contrast to Qiao Nan, who had been ttered as if she was from heaven, Ding Jiayi had been shot with ugly and infuriating words from the few extremely sharp-tongued aunties. Moreover, each of their words was directed at Ding Jiayi.

    In stark contrast with the limelight on Qiao Nan was the scoff on Ding Jiayi that was marked with sarcasm. Ding Jiayi was so agitated. She wished that she had never given birth to Qiao Nan, this unfilial daughter.

    ¡°Mom, the bridal car fleet should be arriving soon. Should we proceed to the house of the Zhai family for the wedding banquet? No matter what, the one getting married today is my biological sister.¡± Qiao Zijin spoke. Most likely, she had finished noting down the dowry. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t drivel with these people. Don¡¯t you feel hungry after talking so much? The wedding banquet organized by the Zhai family does not wee any Tom, Dick or Harry.¡±

    The Zhai family had so many formidable friends and rtives. Certainly, they would not invite any Tom, Dick or Harry to their house for the banquet.

    These people were, at most, good at quarreling and using their mouths. In reality, what else were they good at?

    ¡°Right. What you have said is correct.¡± Ding Jiayi was at the top of her anger. ¡°Today, my daughter is getting married. The main entrance of the house of the Zhai family wees my attendance. This door is not open for anyone on the streets.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, so shameless.¡±

    Instead of feeling angry, the neighborsughed with amusement. ¡°A few days ago, which mad woman was shouting and yelling at the main door of the house of the Zhai family? In the end, her voice even turned hoarse. Yet, she did not manage to meet the family. This is truly a very sessful biological mother, one who is dignified. Wonderful.¡±

    ¡°Why are we driveling with this kind of people? Do you think such a good child like Nan Nan will be as stuck up as her? Nan Nan has already said. She grew up in the quad and received so much care from us over the years. She is getting married. Of course, as old neighbors, we are privileged to attend her wedding banquet. In terms of handling interpersonal rtionships, Nan Nan is a lot more sessful than her biological mother. Who exactly is the mother, and who is the daughter?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? I have prepared a big red packet for Nan Nan. This child is very pitiful. Fortunately, she is also very blessed.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Her biological mother doesn¡¯t dote on her. As aunties and grandmothers, we should take more care of her.¡±

    ¡°What is happening? What do you mean?¡± Each and every of the neighbor¡¯s words, unting their prowess, went into Ding Jiayi¡¯s ears. ¡°How is it possible that you¡¯re fit to attend this wedding banquet?!¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan invited us. Why can¡¯t we do so?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is getting married. As a mother, you don¡¯t even know what is happening, yet you still have the shame to mention this. How embarrassing. Nan Nan is someone with a conscience. Otherwise, why do you think the canopy is set up in such a way?¡±

    Having finished their words, these people were really unwilling to bother about Ding Jiayi anymore.

    They did not expect that, as the bride¡¯s biological mother, Ding Jiayi¡¯s knowledge of the situation was not more than that of them, the neighbors.

    It was obvious that Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude to Qiao Nan had not changed at all although four to five years had passed. Qiao Nan did not have many feelings left for this mother.

    After figuring out this situation, the neighbors felt that poking any more fun at Ding Jiayi would be a waste of their time. There was no need for them to bother about such people. She deserved it.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Mom, did Qiao Nan really invite everyone in the quad to the banquet?¡± She did not believe it!

    When she was a child, she was clearly the one who was being praised the most in the quad. She wasbeled as the most obedient child. Now, many of her childhood ymates and former ssmates from junior and senior high school looked down on her. They were all unwilling to talk to her, and they rolled their eyes as soon as they saw her.

    Qiao Zijin had always thought that the residents from the northern district of the quad would feel envious of her or bitter that they did not have the chance to participate in the wedding banquet organized by the Zhai family.

    When the time came, she would lift her chest and walk into the southern side of the quad in front of the envy eyes of those childhood friends. She would attend the wedding banquet that they were not eligible to.

    Although she had a very poor rtionship with Qiao Nan, she was still Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. Qiao Nan could not kick her away at such times. She could still enjoy the limelight and be proud of it.

    Qiao Zijin had it all nned, but the blow of reality was too great.

    ¡°The bride is here. The bride is here.¡±

    Before Qiao Zijin coulde to her senses and receive a response from Ding Jiayi, she heard the children¡¯s shouts and cheers. ¡°The bride is so pretty.¡±

    ¡°Sister Nan Nan, you¡¯re so pretty. Your clothes are so beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Sister Nan Nan is so pretty.¡±

    Clearly, Qiao Nan was wearing a veil that covered her head. Nevertheless, children¡¯s minds were pure. They felt that the bride was the most beautiful person on earth. They did not even see Qiao Nan¡¯s face but the words of praises popped out from their tiny sweet mouths as if those words did not cost any money. There was so much joy. It was rare that even Zhai Sheng, this ice mountain, melted. He took the red packets from his hand and distributed them to those sweet-tongued children.

    It was as if the wedding sweets did not cost money. They were continuously stuffed into the hands of the old and young friends in the quad.

    Very soon, with the joyous atmosphere, everyone had almost forgotten about their unhappiness with Ding Jiayi. They were immersed in the event and even squeezed the mother-daughter pair, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, to the back of the crowd.

    The sharp-eyed Qiao Zijin could clearly tell that the phoenix cor and robes that Qiao Nan was wearing today was that beautiful and elegant dress that she and her father saw when they were at the house of the Zhu family.

    Qiao ZIjin clenched her fists and punched her thighs a few times. She silently vowed to remember the total number of sets of clothes that Qiao Nan changed into on this wedding day.

    On the day that she married Chen Jun, she must have one more set of clothes than Qiao Nan!

    Qiao Zijin was taking it very seriously. She really wanted to makeparisons in everything, including the clothes.

    Qiao Zijin, who was beyond self-redemption, forgot topare one thing: the husband! If Qiao Zijin couldpare her husband with that of Qiao Nan, that was true capability then!

 Chapter 1106 - The Hateful â€˜Daughter-in-lawâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1106 The Hateful ¡®Daughter-inw¡¯</h4>

    ¡°They are here.¡± Zhai Hua heard themotions and checked to see where it came from like a military intelligence soldier. She could make out a blur of red and green in the faraway distance. Zhai Hua recognized Qiao Nan as the person in red and the person in green to be her brother.

    Zhai Yaohui looked solemn while Miao Jing was exhrated.

    Seeing the excited look on Miao Jing¡¯s face, Zhai Yaohui held her hand, calming her down.

    The daughter-inw was being led by their son into the house. She would not run away. She would definitely be part of their family. There was no need for Miao Miao to be so agitated.

    As soon as the bride and groom walked past the entrance of the Zhai family¡¯s residence, two groups of people who stood by either side of the door set off firecrackers. Ribbons and flower petals floated in the air and dropped onto Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng as well as the bridesmaid and the best man.

    With her head covered by a red veil, Qiao Nan stepped into the Zhai family¡¯s residence once again, turning teary at this once in a lifetime moment.

    She knew that this time was different from the multiple times that she entered the house in the past.

    Once she entered the house today, she would be part of the Zhai family. Apart from the Qiao family, she had other rtives who cared for and loved her.

    All of them were sincere toward her and would treat her well!

    ¡°Bow to heaven and earth.¡±[1]

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan adopted Chinese traditional rituals for their wedding. Therefore, they followed the customs to bow to heaven and earth.

    Nowadays, most couples would follow the Western wedding rituals. It was rare to see this type of Chinese traditional wedding ceremony. Therefore, it was all the more fascinating and special.

    As the master of ceremonies shouted to send the newlyweds into the bridal room, the youngsters started to shout and howl. The guests could not help but feel embarrassed, knowing that the youngsters meant to banter with and y pranks on the newlyweds!

    In her two lifetimes, this was the first time that Qiao Nan was married. She knew of this custom and had, in fact, read a lot of negative news regarding this custom.

    Qiao Nan could not help but panic.

    What kind of pranks did the people of Ping Cheng use to y on the newlyweds? Did they y pranks on the bride?

    Zhai Sheng edged closer to Qiao Nan, giving her assurance and a sense of security.

    Sure enough, without waiting for Zhai Sheng to say anything, Shi Qing, who was beautifully dressed like ady, shouted, ¡°Quiet down. Who is itching for a fight? I am the bridesmaid today. I will take all the pranks that you have prepared.¡±

    Everyone quieted down at Shi Qing¡¯s shouts.

    Among the people present, some wererades from the army who were very close to Zhai Sheng, and some were his childhood friends from the quad who grew up together with him.

    All of them were friends with Zhai Sheng. Even if they were busy today, they would make time to attend his wedding.

    Many of them did not know Qiao Nan, the bride, but they all knew Shi Qing, the female monster.

    If Zhai Hua was hailed as the big sister, Shi Qing would be next in line.

    Especially after Shi Qing joined the army, most of the time, Zhai Hua would bring Shi Qing around with her. Many people were saying that Zhai Hua had handed down her teachings to Shi Qing and that they were simr in temperament. They were domineering and valiant and men would treat them as their leaders and big brothers.

    Faced with such women who were stronger than all of them, they could not afford to offend them.

    All of the young men from reputable family backgrounds turned green and did not dare to misbehave in front of Shi Qing.

    ¡°Hahahaha. Shi Qing, you are truly taught by me.¡± Zhai Hua was proud of Shi Qing.

    Most of the children from the quad were ill-disciplined and out of control.

    Zhai Hua was proud that she was the nemesis of this ill-disciplined bunch of people.

    ¡°Everything is alright now. I will send Nan Nan back to the room.¡± Zhai Sheng had anticipated that this would happen, so he was the least worried that his friends andrades would y pranks on the newlyweds.

    Zhai Sheng had arranged for Shi Qing to act as his first line of defense while Zhai Hua would be his final line of defense, acting as his critical strike.

    With Zhai Hua around, it was hard to tell who would be pranked.

    Shi Qing was to give them a warning, telling them to know their limits and to stop fooling around. By the time it was Zhai Hua¡¯s turn, they would have to suffer under her hands.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, today is your wedding and you are getting a wife. We are here to bring luck and fortune to you. What you are doing is too unfair.¡±

    Among all the children from the quad, Zhai Sheng might seem to be the best-behaved child, but he was actually the cheekiest and naughtiest child!

    Many of his friends had suffered under his hands in the past. They were thinking of taking their revenge on the day of Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding. However, Zhai Sheng, the sly fox, already arranged for Shi Qing and Zhai Hua to stop them from pranking the newlyweds.

    There was something that they feared the most.

    It was the tigress!

    ¡°Scram.¡± Shi Qing raised her hand. ¡°Brother Zhai, take care of your friends. I will send Qiao Nan to the bridal room.¡± It was fine if they yed pranks on Brother Zhai, but she would not allow them to y pranks on Qiao Nan.

    In fact, Shi Qing was telling the bunch of people that they had targeted the wrong person. As long as their target was Zhai Sheng, not only would she not stop them, but she would also give them a helping hand.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Make him drink! Make him drink!¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng,e over here. Let¡¯s drink. Tell me. How did you manage to get that beautiful wife of yours?¡±

    Zhai Sheng seemed to be immune to feminine wiles. To him, all the other women were simr to his soldiers. He was solemn and serious. However, once he was enlightened, he managed to snare a young, budding flower.

    At the thought that the bride was only a first-year college student, Zhai Sheng¡¯s friends chanted and cheered even louder.

    ¡°Sister-inw? Crap, shameless.¡±

    The Zhai family¡¯s residence was located nearby and there was a hugemotion at the southern side of the quad. Even if Qiao Zijin attended the wedding banquet at the northern side of the quad, she could still hear loud sounds where Zhai Sheng¡¯s friends addressed Qiao Nan as the sister-inw. Qiao Zijin fumed in anger and lost her appetite despite the table full of sumptuous food.

    Those who addressed Qiao Nan as their sister-inw used to snort at her when they walked past her in the quad.

    Even when Qiao Zijin was in her glorious state, she was only the most outstanding child in the northern quad.

    Qiao Zijin had to lower her head when she was around the people from the southern quad. She behaved as if she was the aggrieved young daughter-inw.

    Qiao Zijin used to think that the privileged children from the southern quad would never ept Qiao Nan, who came from a humble background.

    The Zhai family might have gone crazy and lost their minds, but the people from the southern quad couldn¡¯t behave like them. There had to be a few rational people among them. These people would definitely make things difficult for Qiao Nan on such a special day.

    However, the scene that Qiao Zijin had been anticipating did not unfold. Instead, all she could hear were loud shouts, addressing Qiao Nan as the ¡®sister-inw¡¯.

    This was different from what she imagined!

    The shouts got louder and louder. Qiao Zijin felt that she seemed to be engulfed in mes of fury. She could not take it anymore.

    In this way, everyone in the quad knew that not only had the Zhai family epted Qiao Nan, but the people from the southern quad had epted Qiao Nan as well.

    [1] A ritual kneeling by the bride and groom as part of a Chinese traditional wedding ceremony.

 Chapter 1107 - Donâ€™t Be So Sure

    <h4>Chapter 1107: Don¡¯t Be So Sure</h4>

    From this moment on, Qiao Nan truly was part of the southern quad.

    ¡°Zijin, have more of the food.¡± Ding Jiayi noticed that her daughter did not look too well. She did not want other people tough at them, so she kept putting food into her bowl.

    The food was indeed delicious. One could not have such good food outside. It was a waste not to have them.

    Ding Jiayi found it a pity that she was seated at the northern quad instead of the southern quad.

    Ding Jiayi was unhappy and perplexed that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan invited many of the neighbors from the northern quad to the wedding banquet. It was such a waste of money.

    If Qiao Nan had so much money and had more to spare, Qiao Nan should give them to her. She would make sure to spend all the money.

    Ding Jiayi did not spare a thought for Qiao Nan. The Qiao family did not have any rtives. Although Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtives were still around, she was estranged with them. She was in a simr situation as Qiao Dongliang.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan did not have any rtives who could attend the wedding banquet.

    If the newlyweds did not invite the neighbors from the northern quad to the wedding banquet, Qiao Nan would be theughingstock of the quad for not inviting any rtives.

    ¡°Of course I will eat them.¡± Qiao Zijin could feel the stern and unfriendly gazes that were directed at her. However, she could not contain her anger and was aggrieved at the thought that Qiao Nan was basking in glory.

    To be honest, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had such a smooth wedding. They did not encounter any obstacles.

    Her thoughts drifted to her rtionship with Chen Jun. It was not simply based on love. There were many other agendas and motives. Qiao Zijin was angry that her love-life was not smooth-sailing.

    Not only was her father biased toward Qiao Nan, but even heaven was also biased. Heaven was too nice to Qiao Nan. Why did heaven gift Qiao Nan with all the good encounters while it was so stingy with her?

    ¡°Zijin, what did the Chen family say about today¡¯s wedding?¡± After the meal, Ding Jiayi went back to the Qiao family¡¯s residence together with Qiao Zijin.

    They were denied entry to the southern quad, but Qiao Dongliang was able to attend the wedding banquet at the southern quad.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had intended to kick up a fuss so that the Zhai family would be left with no choice but to allow them into the southern quad.

    Qiao Nan invited all the neighbors from the northern quad to the wedding banquet, treating them as her parental family. She was also well-known for being the top student in the middle school examination and the college entrance examination. Everyone in the quad was willing to give face to Qiao Nan.

    Even if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin made a din at the wedding, their neighbors would not be bothered with them. Their futile attempts would only make them aughingstock.

    The Chen family¡¯s goal was to be on close terms with Qiao Nan and in turn, build a strong tie with the Zhai family.

    Today was Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. Ding Jiayi was worried. How should she answer if the Chen family wanted to attend the wedding banquet?

    If the Chen family was denied entry to the southern quad and had to have a meal at the northern quad, she would be thoroughly embarrassed.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They did not say anything.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible? Did they not want to be on close terms with the Zhai family?¡± Ding Jiayi asked in disbelief. The Chen family did not seem to be easy-going people.

    She remembered how the Chen family had trailed right behind Qiao Dongliang, following him all the way to the Shi family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Zijin sighed. ¡°Chen Jun is smart and he is the only son in his family. His parents will listen to him.¡±

    She might have disregarded everything to make a din, but Chen Jun would not do that. He was prideful. He would not do such foolish deeds.

    Unless she had gotten a definite answer from Qiao Nan beforehand, Chen Jun would not take the risk to make a din at the wedding with her and allowed the Chen family to beughed at by everyone.

    Qiao Zijin felt that she seemed to be sending the helve after the hatchet. She did not have any self-respect in front of Qiao Nan. Since that was the case, she would rather take the plunge to achieve her aim.

    Sadly, she might have given her all until now, but she did not achieve any of her goals.

    Ding Jiayi seemed disheartened. ¡°Zijin, you have seen the situation today. Qiao Nan has consolidated her position in the Zhai family. What do you intend to do in the future?¡±

    The wretched girl would not make any allowances for the needs of her rtives. It was useless to create a din.

    Divorce?

    Given today¡¯s situation, it was hard to tell when Zhai Sheng would divorce that wretched girl.

    All that said, when faced with the reality, Ding Jiayi had to admit that the truth was far from what they had imagined.

    Qiao Zijin was fuming mad, her nostrils ring with anger. ¡°Consolidated her position? Don¡¯t be so sure. One¡¯s luck will run out eventually. I don¡¯t believe that she will be lucky forever.¡±

    So what if the people from the southern quad had epted Qiao Nan? They might have epted her on ount of Zhai Sheng.

    Nevertheless, let¡¯s wait and see how her life would turn out in the future.

    Today was Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding. Apart from Qiao Zijin, there was another woman who was in a foul mood. Unlike Qiao Zijin, she was allowed entry to the southern quad, and because of this, she felt even more frustrated and aggrieved than Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Why did wee back here?¡± Qi Min did not know what to do with her daughter. ¡°It is better if we don¡¯te back. Coming back will only make you feel worse. In the past, you didn¡¯t...¡±

    Qi Min felt that she and her daughter must havemitted a lot of evil deeds to have to go through the same sufferings.

    Back then, she was not really in love with Zhai Yaohui. But after Zhai Yaohui married Miao Jing, she refused to give up on him.

    Although her daughter was more serious in the rtionship than her, Qi Min knew that Qiu Chenxi did not really love Zhai Sheng.

    It was true that no one wanted to work on an unfertilizednd, while it was the opposite in the case of a fertilizednd.

    Ever since Qiao Nan came into the picture, Qi Min watched helplessly as Qiu Chenxi invested more and more feelings in Zhai Sheng.

    Qi Min felt painful at the sight of her daughter and was full of regrets.

    If she had known it would turn out like this, she would not think of ways for her daughter to be with Zhai Sheng in the first ce.

    Now that Zhai Sheng married someone else and Chenxi had grown more attached to him, the pain she felt would be twice the pain she felt back then.

    ¡°Mom, stop it. We have alreadye back and I have witnessed their wedding.¡± Qiu Chenxi patted her chest, breathless from her heartache. She could not understand why she would ask trouble for herself bying back to Ping Cheng to witness Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding.

    Qiu Chenxi had no idea what she wanted to prove bying back to Ping Cheng, but when she witnessed the bright smile that Zhai Sheng had when he brought Qiao Nan back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, her heart felt as if it was ripped to pieces.

 Chapter 1108 - Reject Those Who Are Too Open-Minded

    Chapter 1108: Reject Those Who Are Too Open-Minded

    It turned out that Zhai Sheng would wear this type of expression.

    It turned out that Zhai Sheng was just an ordinary man and would be attracted to someone he loved.

    It turned out that like other men, Zhai Sheng would be so gentle to a woman.

    Why was she not the woman who brought about these changes in Zhai Sheng? Why was she not the woman who had his attention and love?

    Qiao Nan was just a nobody!

    She was the one who grew up together with Zhai Sheng. She was the one who spent her days with him. In fact, he spent most of his childhood days with her.

    Qiao Nan had no right to snatch everything from her!

    Qiu Chenxi was all the more unhappy when all the people in the southern quad gave Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan their sincerest blessings.

    ¡°Chenxi, if you continue to behave in this way, I will buy the ne tickets and we will fly back to Mo Du tonight.¡± Qi Min was shocked by the drastic change in her daughter. There was a distorted and ugly look on her daughter¡¯s face. She used to be gracious anddylike. Why did she turn out to be like this?

    She could no longer pin her hopes on Zhai Yaohui. He was no longer sorry or apologetic toward her.

    As for Qiu Qin, who was in jail, Qi Min did not expect him to help her. All she hoped for was that if anything happened, instead of pestering her, Qiu Qin would have self-respect and would seek the Qiu family for help.

    Qi Min was already fifty years old. Her daughter was her only pir of support.

    It was good enough that Old Master Shi was willing to groom Qiu Chenxi and treat her like his paternal grandchild. Qi Min would not allow Qiu Chenxi to forget all his teachings because of a wedding and revert to her old ways, behaving like the willful daughter of the Qiu family.

    ¡°If your grandpa sees the state that you are in, you should know what kind of punishment is awaiting you.¡±

    Old Master Shi was very strict with Qiu Chenxi. She had spent twenty years of her life leading a pampered and willful life.

    After she went to Mo Du, she underwent training that was overseen by Old Master Shi. It seemed as if he wanted her to make up for the hardships that she did not go through in the twenty years of carefree life that she led. He made sure that she underwent tough and challenging training. Initially, the training was too difficult for Qiu Chenxi to bear.

    It was only untilter when Qiu Chenxi became ustomed to Old Master Shi¡¯s training did she find it more bearable.

    Qiu Chenxi panicked at her mother¡¯s words. She pulled herself back to reality and schooled her expression. Her fierce, distorted look was gone, and in ce was a slight smile and a pair of warm, dark brown eyes. She seemed approachable and friendly.

    This was the training that Old Master Shi made Qiu Chenxi go through.

    If Qiu Chenxi wanted to seed based on her own abilities, she had towork and build ties with other people.

    Once she decided to take this path, she could no longer act willful, overbearing, or do things as she pleased. She had to change her bad habits and personality.

    Qi Min sighed. ¡°When do you intend to return to Mo Du? School will reopen in a few days and Qiao Nan will have to go back to school. By then, the Zhai family will be moving to the capital as well.¡±

    She had to admit that Qiao Nan was indeed lucky and capable.

    Besides having good results, she also chose to study at the university in the capital.

    It was such a coincidence that Qiao Nan had only studied in the capital for half a semester and the Zhai family would be moving to the capital.

    The Zhai family was Qiao Nan¡¯s biggest and strongest support. Since the Zhai family had moved to the capital, it meant that if Qiao Nan was willing, she would be able to have her way in the capital.

    ¡°You can buy the ne ticket to return to Mo Du at noon tomorrow.¡± Actually, she was able to leave tonight, but Qiu Chenxi refused to do so. She had something to verify and prove.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Since Qiu Chenxi had finallye to a decision, Qi Min did not want her to change her mind. Without another word, she left Qiu Chenxi in the house and took a taxi to book the ne tickets.

    The quad was bustling with activities and everyone was busy with Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding.

    The people in the northern quad had finished their meals slightly earlier and it was not as noisy. On the other hand, people were still talking and having fun in the southern quad.

    It was only when the sky was dark did the noise die down.

    ¡°Crap! It is Zhai Sheng who is getting married, but why am I so exhausted?¡± Zhai Hua massaged her arms. She had finally gotten a load off her mind. At least, Qiao Nan had finally joined their family.

    Miao Jing was tired from maintaining her smile all day long. ¡°It may be tiring but it is a happy asion. When you have finally settled down with Dongzi, I will have to be busy again. Given Dongzi¡¯s and your age, I suppose I won¡¯t have much rest before I prepare for the wedding.¡±

    As parents, they had the most difficult time.

    Zhai Hua was no longer young. As a man, Tian Dong was not considered young as well.

    In Miao Jing¡¯s opinion, the Tian family must be anxious about Tian Dong¡¯s marriage as well.

    Once the two families came to an agreement, they would marry each other right away. There was no need to drag further.

    Zhai Hua turned purple. ¡°Mom, why would you bring up Dongzi without an apparent reason? Dongzi and his family are indeed in the capital now. But even if we will be going to the capital as well, it is impossible between the two of us.¡±

    When she was at a young age, she was insensible. She bullied Dongzi and yed a joke on him. Her mother took it too seriously.

    All that said, it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s fault for bringing up Dongzi.

    ¡°Mom, Dongzi and I are childhood friends. We are ymates and brothers. I treat all of them equally. Dongzi feels the same toward me. So many years have passed, but has Dongzi ever made a phone call to our house to contact me? Perhaps to Dongzi, I am just slightly better than a stranger.¡±

    As a man with self-respect and pride, he would not want to stay in contact with or marry ady who removed his pants.

    Zhai Hua might not be a man, but if this was to happen to her, she would never do that.

    ¡°All of you have been thinking too much. Zhai Sheng is angry that Iughed at Qiao Nan and him, so he brought up Dongzi to agitate me. It is impossible between Dongzi and me. Today is Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding, but the Tian family did not show up. Besides, Dongzi used to stay in America. I heard that foreigners are more open-minded and they haveplicated love rtionships. Dongzi is no longer young. Even if he is single now, he may already have two or three marriages. Of course, I suppose he has had many love rtionships in the past as well.¡±

    Zhai Hua was full of disdain at the mention of this.

    Zhai Hua was conservative. The person that she liked must have the same trait.

    Otherwise, given her rtionship with Wei De, he would have already been intimate with her.

    Until now, Zhai Hua was still a chaste youngdy. This proved that Zhai Hua was very cautious in her rtionship with the opposite gender.

 Chapter 1109 - A Good Man on Duty

    <h4>Chapter 1109: A Good Man on Duty</h4>

    The temperaments of all the Zhai family were alike. Upon hearing her daughter¡¯s words, Miao Jing, who had been optimistic about the rtionship, became hesitant. ¡°It... it shouldn¡¯t be. When Dongzi was a child, he was very obedient. I don¡¯t think he will engage in such messy affairs, no?¡±

    Miao Jing disliked Wei De. Of course, even if it was Tian Dong, she was not willing to let her daughter get married to a divorc¨¦e with children from the preceding marriage.

    At this moment, Old Master Zhai, who had been sitting and resting, started to make his presence known. ¡°No. I have done some checks. When Dongzi was in America, he had been busy with his studies. He graduated from a double Master¡¯s degree. I heard that his school is very strict and the examinations are difficult. Not to mention a double degree, one won¡¯t be able to graduate with one degree if they are not conscientious enough in their studies. Dongzi has not been married before. He doesn¡¯t have any child either. As to how many girlfriends he has in America, it¡¯s hard to say.¡±

    Old Master Zhai had done some checks on Tian Dong. Tian Dong definitely did not do any absurd matters or have second or third marriages.

    Nevertheless, foreigners were typically very liberal about such matters.

    Tian Dong had been living in America for almost twenty years. No matter how good Old Master Zhai¡¯s impression of Tian Dong was, he could not be Tian Dong¡¯s guarantor regarding this aspect.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? If that is really the case, we can look for someone else. Her age is a little older but she is still ady from our Zhai family. At most, she can get married after thirty years old.¡± Zhai Yaohui frowned. Obviously, he could not ept certain behavior.

    To put it bluntly, no matter how mean Wei De was, Wei De and that foster ¡®sister¡¯ had formally gone through a wedding banquet in front of their friends and rtives in the hometown.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If this one won¡¯t do, we can look for someone else.¡± Zhai Hua let out a sigh of relief. When she heard her mother¡¯s tone earlier, it was as if they were going to fix her marriage date with Tian Dong during their next meeting with the Tian family.

    What a joke! They were just childhood ymates.

    Twenty years had passed. She did not even know how Tian Dong looked like now. Was he short or fat? Or did he have any handicap now?

    The most amusing thing was that, if no one were to provide her with an exnation when she met Tian Dong, she might not even recognize him.

    Under such circumstances, could she marry Tian Dong?

    ¡°Mom, this matter cannot be rushed. The liberal thinking overseas may be beyond your imagination. Although Tian Dong has never been married, our Chinesews state that a child conceived without marriage cannot be registered under the household register. However, such regtions are absent overseas. As such, even if Tian Dong has never been married, he himself may not even be certain if he has any child.¡±

    In order to save herself from the ordeal, Zhai Hua had no reservation in badmouthing Tian Dong. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t know. It¡¯s somon to have one night stands overseas. People can sleep with each other for one night, say goodbye to each other the next morning, and then go their separate ways. They may not be able to recognize each other when they meet next time. The problem is that... you may not recognize the person but your womb may already have ¡®something¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Cough...¡± Zhai Yaohui gave a dry cough. He reminded Zhai Hua not to exaggerate.

    ¡°If that is really the case, this won¡¯t do. Hua Hua really cannot be with Dongzi.¡± Miao Jing was the first to give up on Dongzi, this son-inw. She knew that her family could not afford to have this kind of son-inw.

    Tian Dong did not have any child by his side now. After he married Hua Hua, what if someone were to suddenly bring a child of mixed ethnicity to the Tian family and said that the child was the result of Tian Dong¡¯s doing outside? What would happen to Hua Hua and her future grandchild then?

    That would not do. Tian Dong was not suitable.

    Old Master Zhai tugged the corners of his lips. ¡°Since that is the case, we still have to note down the gifts. When Dongzi is getting married, we have to return the gifts.¡±

    ¡°The Tian family sent some gifts over today?¡± There was a sh in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I know?¡±

    ¡°It was sent to me.¡± Old Master Zhai requested the auntie to bring the gifts over. ¡°The Tian family did note personally. Nevertheless, we did not send them an invitation either. When the Tian family sent someone over to pass the gifts, they chatted with me about Dongzi¡¯s situation.¡±

    Otherwise, Old Master Zhai would not have such thoughts. He had even put in some good words for Dongzi given the situation today.

    If the Tian family did not have the intent, why would they send someone to specially mention to Old Master Zhai that Tian Dong had not been married all this while when he was overseas? He was still single.

    Wasn¡¯t the intent already obvious?

    ¡°The Tian family came and said that?¡± Miao Jing felt that this marriage seemed to be heading somewhere.

    Zhai Sheng, who just walked out and heard this, looked indifferent. ¡°There is no rush in this matter. Even if there is an affinity between Dongzi and Zhai Hua, they also need to interact with each other first. You can¡¯t possibly let them be together for life just because of that little joke which happened in their childhood. Zhai Hua can have a better understanding of Dongzi¡¯s life in America first. We are very traditional in our thinking. If there are huge conflicts and gaps between Zhai Hua¡¯s and Dongzi¡¯s values and thinking, there is no need to discuss further then.¡±

    Although it was not during the period of the ¡®special decade¡¯[1], the central government had reservations in some areas.

    The Tian family had lived in America for twenty years. No one could be certain of the Tian family¡¯s beliefs and values now.

    As part of the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng was more particr about this aspect than any typical person.

    He needed a good man who would treat Zhai Hua well but he did not wish to lure bad guys into his house.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s words simultaneously received affirmation from both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Twenty years in America. I hope that the thinking and values of the Tian family have not eroded and they have not forgotten their origins.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua rolled her eyes badly. Weren¡¯t they discussing her marriage? Why was it that once Zhai Sheng appeared, this had been upgraded to a matter of conflict of interests between the spy and the country? This was too serious and exaggerating, no? ¡°If the Tian family is so problematic and troublesome, what¡¯s there to consider? Skip and change to another family then.¡±

    Zhai Hua was more decisive than anyone else. As long as she was not associated with Tian Dong, no matter how the Tian family had be, at the very least, they should not cause any harm to the Zhai family.

    This was such a simple matter. What was there to feel troubled about? ¡°Why did youe out? Do you wish to let Qiao Nan stay alone in the room? You are married today and you can openly do anything to Qiao Nan. Are you acting like a gentleman today?¡±

    Zhai Hua felt that it was rare for Zhai Sheng toe out of his room at this time.

    ¡°The noodles are ready.¡± The auntie was holding a bowl of noodles. The reason for Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance was self-exnatory.

    Marriage was a busy and tiring affair. As the bride, Qiao Nan did not take a proper meal at all. She was starving so much that her blood pressure was a little low.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng did not want toe out. He wanted more to do something that he should ¡®do¡¯.

    However, when he heard Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy grumble, he locked the beast inside him in the cage again.

    ¡°Tsk, I have already said. So, it is because Qiao Nan is hungry.¡± Zhai Hua understood now. ¡°Not bad. A good man.¡±

    [1] Special decade is a period of about ten years whereby a country is expected to face certain difficulties as they grow to be one of the top and strongest countries in the world

 Chapter 1110 - Singlehood Is Poisonous

    <h4>Chapter 1110: Singlehood Is Poisonous</h4>

    ¡°Nan Nan is hungry? Is one bowl of noodles enough? Should we get auntie to cook more stuff for Nan Nan? It has been a long day and Nan Nan must be feeling exhausted.¡± When she knew that Nan Nan was hungry, Miao Jing¡¯s reaction was stronger than anyone.

    She knew that the rest of the Zhai family was not done with their chat regarding Tian Dong. As such, Miao Jing simply stood up, took over the bowl of noodles from auntie¡¯s hands, dumped Zhai Sheng, her son, and walked into the bridal chamber to send Qiao Nan the noodles.

    If she could send in the noodles personally, she could ask Qiao Nan whether she had her fill. If Nan Nan did not, she could get the auntie to cook more stuff.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Zhai Hua gave a thumbs-up, thinking that her biological mother was awesome. Didn¡¯t she see that dark expression of the groom, Zhai Sheng? Her mother actually snatched away the job from Zhai Sheng. Great. ¡°Zhai Sheng, this is our biological mother.¡±

    She did not feel hesitant at all when she did her children in.

    Even if she were to use her toes to think, Zhai Hua knew that Zhai Sheng waspletely unwilling to discuss the topic of Tian Dong and the Tian family at this point.

    He came out of the room only because he wanted to take some noodles for Nan Nan. He interrupted as he happened to hear their conversation. He would not bother whether they had finished discussing the Tian family. When he received his noodles, he would definitely send it to Nan Nan and then get intimate with her.

    Her mother¡¯s action hadpletely messed up Zhai Sheng¡¯s n. Zhai Sheng had no choice but to stay behind.

    ¡°Of course she is your biological mother.¡± When Zhai Yaohui said this, there was an obvious indulging look in his eyes. He did not me Miao Jing for creating trouble for their son. ¡°Zhai Sheng, take things slowly. Nan Nan is still a student. You have to consider some issues. Nan Nan ces great importance on her studies. Even if she agrees, it¡¯s not a good solution to stop her studies temporarily.¡±

    He was anxious to have a grandchild but he also had to treat his daughter-inw fairly.

    Having children was a matter between a couple. It was not reasonable for Qiao Nan to make sacrifices alone.

    Before this problem could be settled, Zhai Yaohui did not think that it was right for his son to make his granddaughter pregnant. On the contrary, this was a very irresponsible decision.

    Most probably, he felt that he had made a mistake in the past. Zhai Yaohui did not want his son to follow in his footsteps andmit the same mistake.

    As a soldier, he had very little time at home. He had fulfilled his responsibilities toward the country and the citizens but his closest next-of-kin.

    Moreover, Qiao Nan was only a first-year college student. Zhai Yaohui could not help sparing more thoughts for Qiao Nan, this daughter-inw.

    Having children was not as simple as nting seeds and giving birth, and everything would be over thereafter.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looked more at ease. ¡°Nan Nan said she has considered this carefully. If she is pregnant, she will give birth.¡±

    Regarding the matter about children, Zhai Sheng did not have any requirements for Qiao Nan. He only had five words: Let nature take its course.

    He would be insistent if she was not pregnant. However, if their affinity with children had arrived, he did not want Qiao Nan to have an abortion. It was not good for her health. It was also too cruel.

    ¡°Nan Nan has really decided?¡± Old Master Zhai was very surprised. ¡°After all, Nan Nan is still a child herself.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t underestimate Nan Nan. She is a little young but I always feel that she is quite mature. Since she said that to Zhai Sheng, she must have considered it thoroughly. As next-of-kin, we should just give her our support. To take it a step further, if we really dote on her, the best way is to help her take care of the child if thetter reallyes.¡±

    At this juncture, Zhai Hua was very optimistic. One had to know that she was craving madly for a child.

    ¡°If Qiao Nan gives birth, Zhai Sheng is unable to help much, but the old master has a lot of spare time. He had brought up grandchildren before. Isn¡¯t it quite fun to raise another great-grandchild? Dad, you¡¯re not as busy as before and Mom also spends more time at home. Although Nan Nan doesn¡¯t have the help of her maternal family, there are so many people in our house. If Zhai Sheng and I are not around, we can still handle it. Nan Nan is a student but everyone is in the capital. Out of her lesson time, she can also stay at home. The problems that Dad raised are not problems at all.¡±

    At this moment, Zhai Hua said it so well. However, after Qiao Nan had really given birth, she would cry for help. This was because she had not nned for one thing.

    It was more than enough for a few adults to take care of one child.

    The problem was, what if Qiao Nan were to give birth to more than one? Moreover, if these babies were to take after the genes of the Zhai family, they would be as naughty as Zhai Hua when she was young. They could not wait to climb mountains, swim in the rivers, and get on top of high ces.

    It would not be easy to look after them even if she added herself, let alone the four people that she had mentioned.

    Only an old and seasoned bully would be able to subdue these little bullies.

    ¡°Give birth, why not? After giving birth, I will take care of them!¡± Miao Jing, who was carrying an empty bowl out, responded to Zhai Hua¡¯s words enthusiastically.

    She had not taken care of her daughter and son. Hence, she hoped that she could raise her grandson and granddaughter to make up for what she owed her children.

    In addition, as Miao Jing aged, she loved children more than when she was young.

    She could not wait for a soft, tender and nice-smelling bun to appear in the family as soon as possible. She could take care of the baby and keep herself upied. ¡°I will help take care of the child. When the timees, Nan Nan just has to focus onpleting her studies. She doesn¡¯t need to bother about the rest of the matters.¡±

    Miao Jing was only short of saying Qiao Nan just had to give birth, and she would take care of everything else.

    Zhai Sheng did not utter a word. He stood up and walked toward Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing looked puzzled. Did she say anything wrong? ¡°Zhai Sheng, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhai Sheng rubbed shoulders with Miao Jing as he went back into his room and shut the door.

    Zhai Hua first blushed and then looked sullen. Nevertheless, she quietly conceded defeat to Zhai Sheng for being so thick-skinned and shameless. ¡°Mom, children will note just by paying lip service. Zhai Sheng is using his action to support your non-wavering decision to be a grandmother.¡±

    So as to speak, Zhai Sheng was going back to his room to make a child now!

    True enough, after three seconds, the sharp-eared Zhai family members faintly heard Qiao Nan¡¯s muffled voice. ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re a rogue!¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao, it¡¯ste. It¡¯s been a tiring day for you too. Let¡¯s go back to our room to rest.¡± Zhai Yaohui looked nonchnt as he wrapped his arms around Miao Jing¡¯s waist as they returned to their room.

    He and Miao Miao were of this age and could not give birth to any more children. This was prohibited by the country too. Nevertheless, he and Miao Miao could still do what was needed to make a child.

    A wave of sourness swept Zhai Hua¡¯s heart. ¡°Grandpa, are the two of us being abandoned by them?¡±

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s expression turned stiff. There was a sh of loneliness and nostalgia in his eyes. ¡°I have not been abandoned. It¡¯s just nice. Zhai Sheng is married today. I should hug your grandma¡¯s photograph and talk to her to make her happy.¡±

    After grandmother Zhai passed away, Old Master Zhai would carry his deceased partner¡¯s photograph from time to time and tell her about the family¡¯s situation.

    Today was the great and joyous day that Zhai Sheng married his wife. It was a good day whereby the two elders had gotten a granddaughter-inw.

 Chapter 1111 - Criteria for Choosing a Man

    <h4>Chapter 1111: Criteria for Choosing a Man</h4>

    Old Master Zhai expressed that he was someone who had something to attend to tonight. He had to share the joy with his elderly partner by telling her the good news.

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s situation was a little mncholic but it was also very sentimental.

    Besides the auntie, Zhai Hua was all alone in the living room. She felt extremely sorrowful as she was the only one ¡®without love.¡¯

    Fine, she decided to get help and would begin with going on blind dates from tomorrow onward.

    As for that Tian Dong, she had simply thrown him to the back of her mind.

    No one understood the struggles in Zhai Hua¡¯s heart. The other members of the Zhai family had already returned to their rooms. They were all ¡®busy¡¯ and did not have the time.

    Qiao Nan, who had been ¡®pinned down¡¯, cried and scratched a few times on Zhai Sheng¡¯s back. ¡°Dont... don¡¯t be too much.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was panting heavily. ¡°Am I too much? Or are you? You¡¯re really noting back after going to the house of the Zhu family?¡±

    At the thought that he had been alone in his room for a few nights, Zhai Sheng could not help increasing the vigor and intensity of his movements, which provoked Qiao Nan to bite him. ¡°I have already told you before. Don¡¯t owe too many debts. Otherwise, you¡¯re the one who will ¡®suffer¡¯.¡±

    If you let a man who had taken meat before endure for a period of time, the ¡®fire¡¯ in his body would umte. It was extremely terrifying.

    ¡°You... rogue!¡± Qiao Nan wanted to cry but there were no more tears. Having a soldier as a husband was good except for this aspect. He had a strong physique and great waist strength. It was terrible.

    ¡°Be good.¡± Zhai Sheng coaxed Qiao Nan as he kissed her a few times. ¡°We are husband and wife now. This is a duty that I have to fulfill as a husband.¡± This was akin to handing over the grains to the state.

    It was nonsense!

    Qiao Nan, who had been tortured by Zhai Sheng until she was speechless and stuttering, could not wait to kick Zhai Sheng off her body.

    He looked so righteous in his soldier attire but was a hooligan without it!

    The next morning, the Zhai family was apparently surprised when they saw that Qiao Nan was awake. In particr, Zhai Hua widened her eyes. ¡°Zhai Sheng, did you be a vegetarian?¡±

    Due to the prior wedding arrangements, Qiao Nan had been staying at the house of the Zhu family, while Zhai Sheng had been sleeping alone. She had thus seen Zhai Sheng¡¯s face bing increasingly gloomier day by day.

    Given his expression, those unaware would never think that Zhai Sheng was going to marry a wife soon.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s words did not rouse any reaction from Zhai Sheng. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan was so angry that she could not help pinching Zhai Sheng¡¯s waist.

    In fact, Qiao Nan would not be able to get up today if she did not find that too embarrassing.

    Only heaven knew how badly her pair of legs trembled when she first got down the bed to wear her clothes.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan. In the end, he could not endure Qiao Nan¡¯s tearful eyes and he massaged her for half an hour.

    As the muscles on her body rxed, Qiao Nan was able to appear sessfully at the table by breakfast time so that she would not embarrass herself too much.

    ¡°Mom, it looks like you have to get auntie to research what kinds of nutritious soup to make for Zhai Sheng. Otherwise, it will be too hard on Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng spends very little time at home. He is seldom at home but the quality is poor to this extent. Sigh...¡±

    Most probably, she had been dealt with too much blowst night. Zhai Hua was a grown-updy engaging in idle theorizing but she had no reservations in making such jokes. Even Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were taken back as they could not ept her dirty jokes.

    ¡°Why are you staring? All of you... you are the one who caused this!¡± Miao Jing was furious as she vented her anger at Zhai Yaohui.

    Clearly, this was a daughter. She had be so daring because her father-inw and husband insisted on sending her to the army.

    Taking into ount the gender ratio of the poption in the army, Miao Jing was not surprised that her daughter would be led astray so badly.

    The difference was that, in the past, their daughter would still restrain herself and not mention any of such topics before them. There was no opportunity to do so either.

    After Qiao Nan married into the family, a button on her daughter¡¯s body seemed to have been activated. She waspletely liberated.

    Miao Jing held her head in pain. What a daughter. Although she had already relented and agreed to go on blind dates, would the other party take a liking to Hua Hua? Did any man who could subdue Hua Hua exist in this world?

    Not to mention other matters, Miao Jing was most afraid that her daughter would scare the other party away once she opened her mouth. There would not even be any follow-up.

    Although Zhai Hua¡¯s words were directed at Zhai Sheng, it was inevitable that Qiao Nan would also be arrowed each time she did that.

    Qiao Nan, who nearly buried her face into the bowl, could not contain her anger as she shot back. ¡°Brother Zhai, didn¡¯t you say that Dongzi is very good-looking? I think it¡¯s useless that a man is pretty. He needs to be agile. Sister Hua Hua has already stated her requirements for her other half. Be it Dongzi or other parties who are appropriate for Zhai Hua, you don¡¯t need to look at other aspects. As long as the character is not the same as Wei De, you just have to test the other party¡¯s brawn first. Men that don¡¯t meet Sister Hua Hua¡¯s expectations don¡¯t need to be considered at all.¡±

    ¡°Requirements? What requirements? What did I say?¡± Zhai Hua blinked her eyes with a look of puzzlement. Nevertheless, she subconsciously felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s words carried a tone of anger.

    Qiao Nan chuckled but did not make herself clear. Anyway, it was fine as long as the other people could understand them.

    ¡°Sure, she¡¯s already of such age. It is understandable that she has such thoughts and requirements.¡± As a married man, Zhai Sheng immediately agreed to Qiao Nan¡¯s first order without even thinking.

    Miao Jing pinched her forehead. Nan Nan¡¯s words were also quite censored but it was more indirect than that of Hua Hua.

    The Lunar New Year was over. The marriage had also been held. To Qiao Nan, this meant that she had to return to the school.

    Fortunately, Zhai Yaohui had been deployed to the central government and the Zhai family had to go to the capital. Hence, the Zhai family might as well travel to the capital with Qiao Nan.

    Unlike thest time, Zhai Yaohui had been officially deployed to the central government this time. The house that the government allocated to them was a little small. In addition, there were additional family members in the Zhai family now. As such, they had been assigned a bigger mansion this time.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I will leave it to you to decorate and settle Zhai Sheng and your room. Fortunately, there are still two days before the school reopens. We can buy the items needed for your bedroom first.¡± At the sight of the new house, Miao Jing was quite satisfied.

    ¡°Fine, leave it to me then.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. Regarding this, Zhai Sheng had nothing to contribute. Miao Jing was the one who bought everything at home in the past. Zhai Sheng did not participate or give any opinions.

    As such, when they reached the capital, Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua apanied Miao Jing for shopping in the capital. They purchased everything that was needed for the house.

    ¡°My goodness, it¡¯s so tiring.¡± Although Zhai Hua was a toughdy, sheined about the pain and suffering associated with this kind of shopping experience. ¡°I would rather run a fewps than shop so crazily again. It¡¯s too exhausting.¡±

    Could they not buy what was needed immediately? Why did they have to choose the color and design too? She was really not good at this kind of stuff.

 Chapter 1112 - Refuse to Accept This Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 1112: Refuse to ept This Dowry</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯re just helping us carry the items. Nan Nan and I chose everything. Why are youining so much?¡± At the thought that her daughter could not provide any useful opinions at all, Miao Jing felt sullen.

    Although she had a ¡®fake¡¯ daughter, fortunately, she had a caring daughter-inw now.

    Otherwise, the huge pleasure derived from shopping would be greatly discounted if a woman did not have a like-minded person to apany them. A meaningful matter would also be meaningless.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Zhai Hua felt indignant and snorted.

    ¡°Mom, how¡¯s the blind date arrangements for Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Qiao Nan was sitting down, resting and drinking water, when she thought of the important event in Zhai Hua¡¯s life.

    Previously, when she and Brother Zhai got married, the Tian family sent someone to pass them the gifts and also dropped some hints.

    Now, the Zhai family was already in the capital but they had not seen the Tian family.

    The situation of the Tian family was a littleplicated. To the Zhai family, it was quite sensitive. Since Zhai Hua was willing to believe, of course, Qiao Nan would give her support.

    One had to know that Zhai Hua had looked for her to tap on ideas for having a child half a month ago. The most feasible suggestion that Qiao Nan had given was for Zhai Hua to put in some effort to go on blind dates and find a suitable marriage partner as soon as possible. In that case, she would not need to feel troubled over the problem of having a baby.

    Miao Jing nced at her daughter, feeling disheartened. ¡°We cannot rush this matter. We have just arrived for two days. Let¡¯s talk about it again in March.¡±

    The bystander was more worried than the party concerned. Zhai Hua still looked like she did not care at all. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The Lunar New Year is already over. There is no difference in waiting for one or two more months. I don¡¯t believe that I will be left on the shelves!¡±

    In the past, she did not have such thoughts. Hence, she did not have any boyfriend.

    If she really had the intent, she did not believe that she could not take down or seduce the man that she liked. Zhai Hua expressed that she could also defeat the person physically and grab him home.

    Miao Jing curled corners of her lips as she sneered. ¡°I hope so.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was married and she was very satisfied with the wife he got. Now, she was going to ce her focus on Zhai Hua, this daughter. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re not going to stay in the school this semester, right? Come back and stay with us, okay?¡±

    At the mention of this topic, Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°My master¡¯s house is nearer to Peking University. If Ie back to stay, it will most probably be a little troublesome to rush here and there.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by your master¡¯s house? That¡¯s already your house.¡± Zhai Hua gasped. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re so lucky. Elder Lin treats you extremely well. He dotes on you like he would his daughter.¡±

    ¡°That house belongs to me now?¡± Qiao Nan widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°When did that happen? Why didn¡¯t I know about this? I don¡¯t agree!¡±

    The house in the capital was located near the schools. It was also a small quad!

    Given the circumstances, the property price for this house would hit the sky ten yearster.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t agree. I don¡¯t want it. I have to return it to my master. His action is absurd!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face stiffened. She had settled the house in Ping Cheng after much difficulty by formally donating it to Ping Cheng High School. Who would know that there would be another house now?

    Miao Jing was very surprised that Qiao Nan declined it so thoroughly. At the same time, she admired Qiao Nan¡¯s determination and persistence. ¡°Nan Nan, this is the dowry that Elder Lin gave you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it.¡± Qiao Nan continued to decline. Her master could give it to her but she could choose not to ept.

    This was a house. Could one casually give it away? And could she just ept it?

    Qiao Nan took her phone and called the Lin family in Ping Cheng. ¡°Master, it¡¯s me. Yes, I am aware now. I am calling you because of that house. I am not epting it. Not epting it. One should not reject the elders¡¯ good intentions? Master, don¡¯t forget. You have already given me a dowry. What¡¯s the logic in giving a second batch after the first one? Master, don¡¯t be stubborn. I won¡¯t take it...¡±

    Both master and disciple had tempers.

    One insisted to give while the other refused to ept. The master-disciple pair simply argued over the phone.

    ¡°What do you know!¡± Elder Lin¡¯s face was red as he argued. ¡°After the Zhai family joined the central government, they most likely won¡¯te back for more than ten years. You don¡¯t have any family in the capital. Let me ask you. If you have arguments with Zhai Sheng in the future and run away from your inw¡¯s family, where can you stay? You¡¯re not staying in school now. Hence, you can¡¯t even go back there. Even if you make some arrangements now, are you going to return to the school to stay after graduation? You¡¯re ady. You should have backings in whatever you do. No one will dare to bully you then.¡±

    Lin Yuankang had so many good things in his hands. The people in the Lin family were drooling after them.

    However, these items belonged to Lin Yuankang. As long as Lin Yuankang was unwilling to let go of them, it did not have anything to do with the rest of the Lin family regardless of how wealthy Lin Yuankang was.

    Lin Yuankang was childless. Hence, he did not need to consider or make ns like a typical person.

    He had so much wealth but he did not have anyone in mind who could inherit them. An average person would not be able to understand the pain in his heart.

    He finally epted Qiao Nan, a disciple that he liked very much. Lin Yuankang really cared for and treated Qiao Nan like his own daughter or granddaughter.

    There was no need for Qiao Nan to yearn after Lin Yuankang¡¯s belongings. From time to time, Lin Yuankang would review his belongings and see which of them were suitable for Qiao Nan. He would then silently stuff them into Qiao Nan¡¯s pockets.

    As an unmarried man, Lin Yuankang did not know much about what he had just said. However, he had heard it from many people.

    Every couple would have arguments.

    If the woman wanted to be confident and not lose out in the inw family, the maternal family had to give her support.

    At the very least, she should have a ce to stay if she were to leave the inw¡¯s house.

    Lin Yuankang also had a lot of spare time. He heard of such content from the radio.

    Hence, he had been pinching fingers and counting. He then decided to give this small quad located near Peking University to Qiao Nan as her dowry.

    In that case, if Qiao Nan argued with or was sick of staying with the Zhai family, she had another ce to return to. Wasn¡¯t that quite a good arrangement too?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could not retort Lin Yuankang¡¯s words. She could not guarantee that she and Zhai Sheng would not have any arguments in this lifetime. ¡°Master, I appreciate your kind intentions. When I graduate, I will take on a job and work hard to earn money. If there is a need, I will definitely buy a house with my own means. When that timees, master, doe to my house to y.¡±

    Purchasing a house with her own money was an obsession of Qiao Nan.

    She had not started earning much money, but one after another, two houses had alreadynded in her hands. Neither was purchased by her as they were all gifts.

    Lin Yuankang¡¯s expression eased but his tone was still not good. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me. What is the price of the property in the capital? Will you be able to buy it just by paying lip service? Unless you go and buy a lottery.¡±

 Chapter 1113 - Anyway, I Donâ€™t Want It

    <h4>Chapter 1113: Anyway, I Don¡¯t Want It</h4>

    ¡°Moreover, my arms and bones are already so old. If the house that you buy is located in a poor district, I will feel tortured. The house that I gave you is so good!¡±

    There was a great difference between houses.

    ¡°Master, are you kidding me?¡± Qiao Nan refused to concede defeat. ¡°We still have to rely on our two legs when we leave the house now. Given the rate that our country is developing, every household will have a four-wheeled car in a few years. That¡¯s for sure. Regardless of the location of my house, I won¡¯t take too much time driving you to wherever you want to go with a four-wheeled car.¡±

    Ah, yes. Shouldn¡¯t she take a driving license in this lifetime?

    ¡°You¡¯re such a bad kid. Why can¡¯t you understand me no matter how much I say? A house is such a good thing. Many people yearn for it but can¡¯t get it. I am giving it to you, yet you are giving so many excuses to decline it. Aren¡¯t you silly?¡±

    Lin Yuankang was feeling anxious. He felt that Qiao Nan was really silly. This was such a good matter that others could not wait to encounter, but Qiao Nan opted to refuse it. He was on pins and needles.

    Qiao Nan was veryposed and resolute. ¡°Precisely. This is such a good thing and it is too valuable. That is why I don¡¯t want it. You¡¯re my master and I am your disciple. I should be the one being filial to you. There is no reason for me to take advantage of you all the time. Master, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. I won¡¯t take this house. Regarding the situation that you have reflected to me, I can only say that I will work hard to earn money and try my best to find a house in a better location. When you move over, I will drive you to wherever you want to go.¡±

    He should not be picky then.

    Without debating further with Lin Yuankang and having made herself clear, Qiao Nan hung up the phone call in a domineering manner.

    ¡°This little disciple!¡± Lin Yuankang was both angry and amused. ¡°I can¡¯t have my way with her. She is so inflexible and stubborn.¡± The more she behaved in this way, the more his heart ached for her.

    People had sent a huge bargain to her, yet she refused to take advantage of it and even insisted on returning it. She was such an honest child. Who would not feel for her?

    ¡°I have told you so,¡± Shi Peng, who was keeping Lin Yuankangpany in a game of chess, said nonchntly. ¡°This child is not ambitious. She is also very sincere. She won¡¯t do or ept this kind of thing. However, you don¡¯t need to worry. A child like this is very rare. Heaven will treat her well and make her life better.¡±

    Although Shi Peng had already guessed the answer, he was also greatly affected when he personally heard Qiao Nan make a call, declining Elder Lin¡¯s expensive gift in such a resolute manner.

    This was a small quad in the capital. This was not something that a typical person could bring themselves to reject.

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan know the value of this house?

    Wrong. It was because Qiao Nan knew the value of the house too well. That was why she refused to ept it.

    ¡°Elder Lin, drink some tea.¡± Feng Cheng was very good-tempered in front of Lin Yuankang. She was very gentle and obedient, like a little daughter-inw.

    Shi Peng was having a game of chess with Elder Lin. Feng Cheng was diligent in pouring tea and serving fruits and stuff for them.

    As such, Feng Chen heard every word of Qiao Nan when she declined Elder Lin¡¯s house.

    It was also because of this that Feng Cheng felt overwhelmed and unsettled at heart for a long time.

    This was a house located in the capital!!!

    Feng Cheng had looked down on Qiao Nan in the past. She felt that Qiao Nan did not have a good family background. Hence, Feng Cheng felt that Qiao Nan was good to Shi Qing as she harbored ill intentions and wished to take advantage of thetter.

    The problem was... Feng Cheng knew for certain that she would not decline a house located at such a good location in the capital. Furthermore, there was no bribery in question as this was just a gift between family members.

    The location of the house that Elder Lin was giving was too good and tempting!

    This was a house that she was envious of and yearned after, yet Qiao Nan rejected it resolutely without even thinking. Feng Cheng almost wanted to ask Qiao Nan how she felt when she rejected it. After she rejected it, did she feel as if her heart was bleeding?

    Qiao Nan declined Elder Lin¡¯s house in the capital without lifting an eyebrow.

    When she thought of her biased opinions toward Qiao Nan in the past, Feng Cheng felt that she was pping herself in the face.

    The Feng family did not guard against Qiao Nan. No matter how well Qiao Nan pleased Shi Qing, Shi Qing certainly could not provide Qiao Nan any benefit that would be better than this house gifted by Elder Lin.

    ¡°Treat her well? If I don¡¯t treat her well, how will heaven treat Nan Nan well?¡± Elder Lin answered unhappily. ¡°Those few people in the Qiao family are now mixing around with the Chen family. They¡¯re not afraid of death.¡±

    If not for Qiao Nan, Lin Yuankang was not even willing to take a few more nces at a family like that of Chen Jun. This was so even if Father Chen really became the policemissioner of the headquarters in Ping Cheng.

    However, Lin Yuankang had tried to gain more understanding of the Chen family because of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°The only ones who are not afraid of death are Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.¡± Shi Peng was very conscientious when he was ying chess. ¡°Fortunately, Qiao Nan is already married to Zhai Sheng. The Qiao family can¡¯t seek trouble even if they have any problems. At most, they will just keep Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin alive. As for that Chen family, we will leave it to heaven.¡±

    Lin Yuankang sighed. He threw away the pawn in his hands. ¡°Not ying anymore. Qiao Nan has gone to the capital. It¡¯s also quite good that shees back less often to this ce.¡±

    It was just that he would be lonely in the future. He did not know how many times he could see his little disciple in a year.

    There was a sh in Shi Peng¡¯s eyes as he smiled. ¡°Elder Lin, why don¡¯t you go to the capital for retirement? You have more than one house in the capital.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not willing to ept that house. However, whether Elder Lin was willing to take it back was a separate issue.

    Lin Yuankang looked sideways at Shi Peng. ¡°I have already said so. Besides that silly disciple of mine, will you be so kind as to sacrifice your time to y chess with me? What tricks do you have in mind?¡±

    He was asking him to return to the capital for retirement. Would he be able to stay retired if he were to return to the capital?

    ¡°Elder Lin, the situation of the country is improving day by day. Much of the credit goes to you and your batch of veteran revolutionaries. You should know the situation at the central government. You have to watch it and guard the fruits of yourbor,¡± Shi Peng said in a worried manner.

    Elder Lin¡¯s face turned ck. ¡°Troublesome!¡± He had already retired. It should be the youngster¡¯s world now. The country should be guarded by these youngsters. Why did he, this old man, have to intervene so much? ¡°If you are old and yet not dead, you¡¯re a bandit. I don¡¯t want to be a bandit. I will draw hate from others.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is in the capital. If you don¡¯t follow her, aren¡¯t you afraid that she will be bullied? The Zhai family has a little status but they are also considered newbies in the capital. If they encounter anything, the Zhai family may not be able to protect Qiao Nan fully. You¡¯re different. With you as Qiao Nan¡¯s backing, she won¡¯t be bullied by anyone.¡±

    Once these words came out of Shi Peng¡¯s mouth, Elder Lin could not help stretching out his leg to kick Shi Peng. ¡°Scram, you bull. Tell me. Who else is plotting against me?¡±

    In fact, someone in the central government had wanted to invite Elder Lin toe out of retirement to keep a watch on the situation. However, Elder Lin had rejected them all.

 Chapter 1114 - Congratulations on Receiving First-Prize Scholarship

    <h4>Chapter 1114: Congrattions on Receiving First-Prize Schrship</h4>

    Elder Lin was a veteran revolutionary. He made great contributions to the country¡¯s nation-building efforts. The people in the central government respected him for his contributions.

    Even though they wished that Elder Lin would continue to serve the country and not to retire, they would not ask him to stay if he was not willing.

    Therefore, it was almost impossible for Elder Lin to stay in the capital.

    However, to their surprise, everything changed because of a youngdy who came to the capital for her college studies after her college entrance examination. The people in the central government saw a glimmer of hope in this sticky situation.

    Shi Peng, who was given a kick by Elder Lin, did not mind. Instead, he dusted off the footprints on his pants calmly. ¡°Apart from your disciple who is kept in the dark, there are many people who y a part in this. The timing is such a coincidence.¡±

    Elder Lin looked solemn. ¡°I am already advanced in years. If I retire, I would be giving the opportunities to the younger generation. I am getting older and muddleheaded. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Shi Peng nodded. ¡°But you are very experienced.¡±

    If Elder Lin worked for the central government, he would not be handling everything by himself. His inputs and opinions would be highly valued, especially with regards to sensitive issues.

    ¡°Elder Lin, from the day Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, you should have expected that there will be a day like this. There is no way that you can avoid it.¡±

    It was impossible for a thing to exist without its basis.

    Qiao Nan was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. If Elder Lin helped the Zhai family, it would be helping Qiao Nan. A simple house would not solve all the problems that Qiao Nan would face.

    Elder Lin was at a loss for words.

    No matter what, Elder Lin was d that he had Qiao Nan as his disciple. She was like a daughter and granddaughter to him. He wanted to protect her and take good care of her. He had mixed emotions. ¡°What about the Zhu family?¡±

    ¡°Chief Zhu regarded Qiao Nan as his daughter. He would definitely do something about it.¡±

    ¡°If all the families go to the capital, aren¡¯t they afraid that they would be wiped out all at once?¡± Elder Lin had mixed emotions seeing that his disciple had such a huge influence.

    Shi Peng smiled lightly and put the chess pieces aside. ¡°The Lee family is still in Ping Cheng.¡±

    To be wiped out all at once?

    It would not be that easy.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Elder Lin. I won¡¯t disturb you.¡± Shi Peng knew that he should not go on anymore, and he left with his wife.

    Think about it?

    It was most likely that he wanted to put things off.

    Elder Lin must be thinking to put off returning to the capital as long as possible. People used to say that as one aged, one became more and more like a child. He was indeed acting like a child.

    ¡°Shi Peng, does Qiao Nan have such a huge influence?¡± Feng Cheng, who sat beside Shi Peng, was on pins and needles. As someone who was in their social circle, Feng Cheng understood that Qiao Nan had changed the entire situation in the capital.

    If it was in the past, Feng Cheng would feel that this was simply a joke.

    Shi Peng drove the car while he replied, ¡°Feng Cheng, I have told you everything. You should be able to understand my reasons for bringing you with me to visit Elder Lin. You should have a serious thought about whether you want to continue to be the obedient daughter of the Feng family or to be my supportive wife and Qing Qing¡¯s loving mother.¡±

    Once Elder Lin and Chief Zhu went to the capital, the entire situation in the capital would be full of tension.

    The Feng family was always up to trouble. Shi Peng had to be prepared for the worst. If the Feng family was embroiled in the affairs and the entire Feng family was implicated, Shi Peng had to know what he should do to cut losses.

    Shi Peng hade so far. He did not rely on the Shi family or the Feng family. He made it to today due to his hard work.

    That was why Shi Peng cherished and valued his hard work and achievements, and he would not allow anyone to destroy his hard work.

    One had to let go at times in order to get one wanted. He would have to make his choices at the critical juncture.

    Feng Cheng panicked. ¡°Is it that serious? Shi Peng, don¡¯t give me a scare. The Feng family will not be reckless.¡±

    There was total silence in the car. Shi Peng did not bother to give Feng Cheng an answer.

    Qiao Nan had no idea what was happening in Ping Cheng. She never expected that she would have such a significant influence.

    She was just an ordinary student. When school reopened, Qiao Nan reported back to school. She paid her tuition fees and collected her study materials.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, the name list for the schrship is out.¡±

    Qiao Nan had good time management. She spent the entire winter break on her wedding. Once she was back to school, she was focused on catching up with her studies.

    As soon as the school library was opened, Qiao Nan would spend a long time studying at the library.

    ¡°Vice President Xu?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised that Xu Shengnan was looking for her. ¡°Why are you here at the library?¡± Vice President Xu should be worrying about her internship.

    ¡°This is the library. It is inconvenient for us to talk here. Come with me to the club office.¡± Xu Shengnan pulled Qiao Nan along with her, not giving her a chance to refuse.

    Qiao Nan was not her match, so she had no choice but to pass half of her books to Xu Shengnan while she carried the other half and followed her to the activity room of the new English club. ¡°What is wrong? Didn¡¯t you say that the name list for the schrship is out?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Congrattions. You have been awarded the school-based first-prize schrship. Shouldn¡¯t you give us a treat? Xu Shengnan was really surprised by Qiao Nan¡¯s outstanding performance.

    She knew that Qiao Nan was smart, but she did not expect that she would be extraordinarily smart.

    ¡°You should have been awarded the schrship as well, am I right?¡± Qiao Nan stacked her books properly and flipped open the book that she had been reading previously. She did not sound the least surprised or exhrated at the news.

    ¡°You received a school-based schrship, while I did not. I only received a general schrship.¡± Xu Shengnan snorted. ¡°I have checked that you have a very high score. The professors have awarded you a high score for doing well in the exams. You also scored a high score for the social practice. Qiao Nan, are you a superman?¡±

    Qiao Nan truly deserved to be awarded the school-based first-prize schrship.

    This was Xu Shengnan¡¯s third year in the school. There were seldom such high performing students in school.

    It was a different feeling when one¡¯s favorite junior was a top student. ¡°From the looks of it, you have no idea what I am talking about. All you need to know is that it is not as easy to be awarded the school-based schrship. When one is too outstanding, one will be the target of envy and jealousy. You have been through the kept woman scandalst year. Now that you received the school-based first-prize schrship, people will be jealous of you. You must not take issue or be affected. You must keep up the good work.¡±

    Xu Shengnan came looking for Qiao Nan on the first day of school and had a private talk with her as she was worried that Qiao Nan would not be able to take the public opinion and that her studies would be affected.

    Xu Shengnan had seen many such cases.

    ¡°Stop staring. Your eyeballs might just fall out.¡±

 Chapter 1115 - Are They Blind?

    <h4>Chapter 1115: Are They Blind?</h4>

    ¡°I am not trying to scare you. This is the truth. Don¡¯t think that college is as simple as before. You can take this as a prelude to the adult world. You can see for yourself what it is like when you graduate and enter the workforce. If you sort out your thoughts, you won¡¯t find it very scary. People who badmouth you are those that are jealous of you.¡±

    Xu Shengnan patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder, reassuring her.

    Qiao Nan tucked in her chin. She could tell that Xu Shengnan had her best interests. ¡°Vice President Xu, thank you. I will bear your words in mind. I won¡¯t doubt myself because of the rumors that others spread about me. It is good that I don¡¯t stay at the school. Apart from participating in the club¡¯s activities, I will either be in ss or at the library. I won¡¯t spend too much time in school and I won¡¯t get to hear many rumors about me.¡±

    What Xu Shengnan said was very right. She could treat it as a prelude to the adult world.

    Through the conversation with Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan realized that the school-based first-prize schrship was important in school.

    Otherwise, she would not be targeted by other students in school and Xu Shengnan would not be so anxious about it and had a talk with her.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Xu Shengnan broke into a smile. It was a pity if such an adorable junior was troubled by the rumors and affected her studies. ¡°But I am really surprised by your results. You are amazing.¡±

    In the past, people who did as well as Qiao Nan came from illustrious families and they knew the higher-ups in school.

    Qiao Nan did not have any rtions to the higher-ups, yet she was able to do so well. Xu Shengnan had to hand it to her.

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because I have done a lot of exercises and homework. I went through a lot to get a ce in college. There was once when I almost couldn¡¯t graduate from junior high school. Going to college is my life¡¯s dream.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. The reason why she knew so much about college was that she had done her research and it was her life¡¯s dream in her two lifetimes.

    After she had decided on the school that she wanted to enroll in, Qiao Nan was able to read up on Peking University with Shi Qing¡¯s help.

    As a result, Qiao Nan would not waste any of her time trying to adapt to university life. From the moment she entered the college, she had begun to make ns for her entire university school life and she had been implementing them step by step.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t possiblypete with her seniors, but Qiao Nan who had been through two lifetimes was able topete with her peers since she had already found out everything that she had to know about college life beforehand.

    Xu Shengnan gaped in shock. ¡°What happened that made you almost quit school?¡± Was her family in dire financial straits? It should not be the case. After all, the country advocated a nine-yearpulsory education.

    She had heard a lot of cases where the children did not go to high school as the family could not afford it. But it was rare that one could not graduate from junior high school.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. Fortunately, I am a college student now. Anyway, because of this reason, I cherish the chance to continue my studies and to realize the dream of my life.¡± Qiao Nan smiled as she changed the topic. She did not go into detail. ¡°Since the school-based first-prize schrship is so important, does ite with any privileges?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Xu Shengnan nodded. ¡°If you received this schrship for another two times, there is a possibility that the school will rmend you for overseas study at a recognized school. Is it amazing? Do you finally understand why I said that other students will target you?¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her chin. ¡°It truly sounds awesome.¡± Overseas studies? Full sponsorship?

    Xu Shengnan looked at Qiao Nan with a cunning smile on her face. ¡°I heard that when Zou Wenxuan just entered college, she told her fellow townsmen that her goal was to receive the school-based first-prize schrship and to secure a chance to go for overseas study with full sponsorship by the school. It was a pity that although she was very active in the club, in the three years at school, she never received the school-based first-prize schrship. She might have the chance to go on an overseas study, but she will have to fork out the money by herself.¡±

    Xu Shengnan could not hide her happiness at the fact that her arch-enemy could not fulfill her dreams, while the junior that she favored might have the chance to go on sponsored overseas study.

    It was also because of this that Xu Shengnan was particrly concerned and protective of Qiao Nan. She was worried that Qiao Nan would be timid and easily bullied by others and that she would not be able to maintain her standard and miss the chance of being rmended for the fully sponsored overseas study.

    Qiao Nan lifted the corners of her lips. ¡°Vice President Xu, you should take a look at yourself in the mirror. Your expression seems in need of a spanking. It is no wonder that Senior Zou is at loggerheads with you.¡± Vice President Xu looked as if she were waiting for Senior Zou to suffer defeat so that she could gloat at her. One could not help but want to give her a bashing.

    ¡°Hahaha. Truths are harsh. However, as a senior, I will not take issue with you.¡± Xu Shengnan smiled brazenly, pinching Qiao Nan¡¯s cheek. ¡°Qiao Nan, it has only been a year. Did your parents feed you with elixirs? Why is it that you have rosy cheeks and you look wonderful?¡±

    In the past, Qiao Nan looked healthy as well. However, she seemed to be different now.

    Before the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan seemed like a pear blossom, looking fresh and elegant.

    After the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan seemed like a peach blossom, looking brilliantly bright and mesmerizing!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, did you go through another round of puberty? Look at those eyes of yours. They are sparkling and full of life. Did you put eye drops?¡± Xu Shengnan was straightforward. She would not beat about the bush.

    She did not have any dating experience. She sensed that Qiao Nan seemed to have be more beautiful and her temperament seemed to be different than before. But she could not tell what the exact change in her was.

    In the past, when Qiao Nan stared at her, she felt as if she had drunk from the mountain spring. It was sweet and fresh. Now, one look from Qiao Nan, and she felt as if she had downed a bottle of top quality vintage wine. She felt giddy and drunk.

    Other than that, she also felt numb to the bones.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, this won¡¯t do. Are you not content to be the faculty belle? Do you want to be the new campus belle? Tell me honestly. Before you came to college, how many love letters did you receive? How many boys confessed their love to you?¡±

    She could not stand Zou Wenxuan¡¯s refined and gentle mannerisms, but it was odd that the more she looked at Qiao Nan, the more adorable she was.

    She was a woman. However, she would feel numb to the bones if Qiao Nan gazed at her. If that was the case, all the boys must have turned into besotted fools when they were around Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan pped Xu Shengnan¡¯s hands away. ¡°I am sorry to tell you that since a young age, I do not have many suitors.¡± In fact, she did not have many suitors in her two lifetimes.

    ¡°Do you mean that no one has confessed their love to you? How is that possible? Are all the students in Peking University blind?¡± Xu Shengnan had a look of disbelief on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan, are you too embarrassed to tell me? Are you lying to me?¡±

 Chapter 1116 - Thank You Gifts

    <h4>Chapter 1116: Thank You Gifts</h4>

    Qiao Nan had a headache. ¡°Vice President Xu, you seem to have forgotten that right when we started school, I have already spread the news with the help of Tang Jiayun that I am engaged. Everyone interested in me will definitely find out more information about me. Once they know that I am engaged, normal people would stay a safe distance from me.¡±

    ¡°Are you really engaged?¡± Xu Shengnan arched her eyebrows. Obviously, she did not believe her.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°If I say that I am married, will you believe me? It¡¯s just nice... Here, have a sweet.¡± Qiao Nan took out a packet of red wedding candies from her bag and handed it to Xu Shengnan.

    Xu Shengnan did not stand on ceremony. She unwrapped the candy. ¡°Did your rtives get married?¡±

    ¡°No, these are from me.¡± They were wedding candies.

    Xu Shengnan rolled her eyes. ¡°Crap. Qiao Nan. You are good at your studies and good at telling lies. Even if this is a joke, no one willugh at your joke. This is too far-fetched.¡±

    It was rare that a first-year college student was engaged, let alone being married. Did she take her for a three-year-old kid?

    Xu Shengnan knew that many college students were in a rtionship. But for some reason, like people who hid the fact that they were married, these students hid the fact that they were in a rtionship.

    If one was married at such a young age, should one not keep a low profile and keep it from others?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, your married rtive must be rich. The candy is tasty. It is nice that you share good food with me. I have not wasted my efforts on you.¡± Xu Shengnan was not dying to have a packet of sweets, but Xu Shengnan was d that Qiao Nan did not forget about her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will treat you better in the future. The club will be having a meeting one week after the school reopens. By then, I will hand the position of the vice president to you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was confused. ¡°Wait a minute. Don¡¯t we need to elect the vice president?¡±

    ¡°You must be foolish. Of course we have to go through an election. But you are very popr in the club. You are the most popr student among your peers. You don¡¯t have to worry about the second-year students. You are widely praised by the second-year students.¡±

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®Cups¡¯ song at the club eventst year had received the approval and recognition from many of the club members.

    Until now, when people spoke of Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®Cups¡¯ song, they all remembered that it was nicely sung by Qiao Nan.

    Moreover, the melody was easy. As long as one mastered the rhythm, one could practice it using the cup. Many people who were interested in the song had been practicing it secretly.

    It was a pity that without Qiao Nan to guide them, it was not that easy to learn the ¡®Cups¡¯ song.

    In short, Qiao Nan, who was a freshman, had never thought of gaining fame in school. But she had inadvertently shot to fame in school.

    As a result, Xu Shengnan did not need to do anything to garner support for Qiao Nan. During the club¡¯s activities, all she needed to do was to put Qiao Nan¡¯s name onto the name list for the running candidates and it was highly possible that she would be elected as the vice president.

    Of course, with Xu Shengnan¡¯s help, the position would definitely belong to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°It is not suitable. If you really have to step down, you should pass it to the second-year student.¡± Qiao Nan understood the rules. ¡°Vice President Xu, I understand your kind intentions. But let¡¯s forget about this. I don¡¯t want to trouble you. It will be terrible if it affects your internship.¡±

    Xu Shengnan had a wide smile on her face, the corners of her lips tilting upward, disying an exaggerated smile. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about my internship. Nothing will go wrong. I am lucky to meet you. Do you know where I will be doing my internship?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I will be going to Senior Gao¡¯spany to do my internship! Senior Gao said that if I perform well, I can work at hispany after I graduate!!¡± At the mention of this, Xu Shengnan was thrilled and exhrated. She could not wait to thank God for her luck. Ever since she met Qiao Nan in her third year in school, everything seemed to be going well for her.

    Her junior was her lucky star.

    ¡°During the Lunar New Year, my parents were still troubled over my future. They wanted to know whether I would go back to my hometown to work or stay in the capital like the Beijing drifters when I graduate one yearter. Now, everything has been settled!¡±

    Xu Shengnan was a student at Peking University. She was well-known in her hometown for doing well in her studies.

    It was all the better if she could find a job in the capital.

    The problem was that her family was not able to help her and they knew that life was not easy in the capital. Everything was very expensive. If their daughter wanted to stay in the capital, it would be very difficult for her.

    But their daughter studied at a prominent university. They would find it a pity and a waste of talent if she had to return to her hometown to find a job after she graduated.

    Her parents were worried sick for her future.

    After Xu Shengnan received a call from Gao Yan, the Xu family was finally able to spend the Lunar New Year happily.

    Now that Xu Shengnan could work at Gao Yan¡¯spany, it meant that as long as Xu Shengnan did not make any mistakes in theing year, she would not have to worry about finding a job once she graduated. She already had a job waiting for her and it paid her fairly well.

    After her internship, she would be able to receive her pay as full-time staff.

    If Xu Shengnan saved enough money, she might be able to pay for the first installment and would then be able to have her own house in the capital.

    Once she had her own house, Xu Shengnan would be considered as settling down in the capital. In the future, she would be considered as a resident in the capital.

    Qiao Nan was dizzy from the news. ¡°Congrattions.¡± Gao Yan was so generous to have promised her a job.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, these are the homegrown products that my parents told me to pass to you. Please don¡¯t mind that they are from my hometown. They are delicious.¡± At the mention of her job, Xu Shengnan was reminded of the foodstuff that her parents gave her to bring back to school.

    In the past, her parents would prepare foodstuffs for Xu Shengnan so that she could have good food in school.

    This time, everything that her parents prepared was for Qiao Nan. They did not prepare anything for her.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Qiao Nan was at a loss for words upon seeing the bag of dried foodstuff. There were ham, chicken, duck, and more. ¡°For me? Why? I can¡¯t ept them.¡± She did not do anything to deserve them. ¡°You are my senior and you take great care of me. I should be giving you presents instead.¡±

    ¡°You have been a great help to me. On the other hand, I didn¡¯t really help you. If not for you, Senior Gao Yan would not give me the chance to work at hispany. Don¡¯t stand on ceremony. My parents rear all these in the countryside. The ham is especially tasty. The pigs at my house do not eat the feed. They eat vegetables. The pork in the city will not taste as nice as the pork from the countryside.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was big-hearted and generous. She told her parents about the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Gao Yan.

    Now that her parents knew that it was because of Qiao Nan that their daughter had such great opportunities, they had to express their gratitude toward her.

 Chapter 1117 - Each Took What One Needed

    <h4>Chapter 1117: Each Took What One Needed</h4>

    They were ssmates, and Xu Shengnan was her senior.

    Even if they were to give money, the Xu family did not have much money initially, and it was unsuitable to give money. It was more appropriate to give homegrown products.

    Qiao Nan hurried to reject her kind intentions. ¡°It turned out that you called me here to pass this to me? Vice President Xu, are you kidding? Since when have I been a great help to you? Don¡¯t associate Gao Yan¡¯s incident with me. I can¡¯t take credit for it. He is a businessman. All businessmen are cunning. Since he hires you, it must be that you have talents. It has nothing to do with me.¡±

    From her experience in two lifetimes, she could tell that Vice President Xu was a talent.

    In particr, Gao Yan¡¯spany was a new venture and it was still at the start-up stage. It was especially difficult and challenging at this stage.

    Apany would need at least two to three years for business to pick up.

    When students graduated from the university, they would usually set their sights high. They were more interested to join those establishedpanies with a proven track record instead of smaller start-uppanies.

    Nobody could guarantee that the start-uppany wouldst and prosper and thrive, bing the rising star.

    Not many people would be willing to take the risk and even fewer people would be able to take the hardship.

    Vice President Xu was different. She was able to keep the new English club going despite it being new and without any funds. She was determined to persist until the end and make it a sess.

    This proved that Vice President Xu had determination, could endure hardships, and had sharp business acumen.

    To be honest, it was Gao Yan who stood to gain to have Vice President Xu as his employee.

    During the internship, Vice President Xu was practically freebor for Gao Yan.

    Every boss would wee talented freebor. No matter how she looked at it, Gao Yan had more to gain.

    But the two of them each took what one needed. Vice President Xu stood to gain as well.

    ¡°Vice President Xu, you seem to be in high spirits. Does it mean that you think highly of Gao Yan¡¯spany? I remember that it is just a start-uppany. Why do you have such confidence in him?¡± Qiao Nan blinked, feeling puzzled.

    Xu Shengnan scratched her head. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. Perhaps it¡¯s because Senior Gao had been in the limelight when he was in school. He always seeded in whatever he did. Therefore, when I heard that he was starting his business, all of us felt that he would never fail. Whoever works with him will live in thep of luxury eventually. I am not afraid of taking hardships. If given the opportunity, I will definitely prove to everyone that I have made the right decision!¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°It¡¯s good that you know what you are doing. You must remember that it is because of your ability that Gao Yan asked you to do an internship at hispany. It has nothing to do with me. I can¡¯t ept these foodstuffs. You must have said nonsense in front of your parents to cause this misunderstanding.¡±

    She did not do anything, so how could she possibly be so shameless as to take their local products?

    ¡°Stop it. I know very well if I have been basking in your glory or not. Take them. If not, I will be angry!¡± Xu Shengnan refused to budge. She would not ept Qiao Nan¡¯s rejection. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nobody will say anything if you are seen with these foodstuffs. If you really take over my position, you should be ¡®bribing¡¯ me. Instead, I am the one who gave you gifts. They won¡¯t be able to say anything about it.¡±

    Xu Shengnan thought that Qiao Nan rejected her gifts because she was mindful of the election.

    Qiao Nan refused to ept the gifts while Xu Shengnan insisted on giving them to her.

    In the end, Xu Shengnan behaved like an Amazon, carrying all the things with her. She followed right after Qiao Nan, intending to go all the way to Qiao Nan¡¯s house to leave the foodstuffs at her ce.

    ¡°My goodness! Qiao Nan, not only have you turned prettier after the Lunar New Year, but you struck it rich as well. There is even a car to fetch you.¡± Xu Shengnan widened her eyes as a Land Rover stopped right in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Is this the elder that was mentioned in the thread?¡±

    The rtionship between Qiao Nan and the elder must be very good.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, who is this? Why did she carry so many things with her? Aren¡¯t you going to make the introductions?¡± Zhai Hua rolled down the window, looking curiously at Xu Shengnan. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you bought all of them?¡± The strong smell of local products drifted toward her.

    Xu Shengnan looked at Qiao Nan with a puzzled look on her face. She heard that Qiao Nan was from Ping Cheng and her family was not doing well.

    Since when did Qiao Nan, who came from a humble background, know so many well-to-do people?

    If Qiao Nan did not tell Xu Shengnan that she almost ended up quitting school, Xu Shengnan would suspect that Qiao Nan¡¯s profile in school was fabricated. She must be the daughter of a rich family and she pretended to be a countryside girl to fool them.

    ¡°This is my sister, Sister Zhai Hua. This is Xu Shengnan, my senior, and she is a third-year student. She takes great care of me in school.¡±

    ¡°I see. She indeed takes great care of you.¡± She could tell that the third-year student took great care of Qiao Nan. ¡°You are such a friendly senior. Hello, are you so helpful to all of your juniors?¡±

    If so, even if the Xu family had lots of money, their daughter would have splurged all their money.

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Xu Shengnan rebutted. Her family was not rich and they were not spendthrifts. Besides, she was not friendly to every single junior.

    Since Qiao Nan addressed the person as her sister and Qiao Nan seemed very close to the person, Xu Shengnan stifled her anger and did not re up. ¡°I am close to Qiao Nan and she has been a great help to me. Therefore, I¡¯m giving her these foodstuffs to show my gratitude. Since you are Qiao Nan¡¯s family, I will leave them in your car.¡±

    Actually, Xu Shengnan was tired from carrying all the foodstuffs.

    Since Zhai Hua had a car, Xu Shengnan could finally be relieved of the heavy load. She dumped all the foodstuffs in the car before she patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder and said smilingly, ¡°Qiao Nan, I will go back first. If there¡¯s a chance, we might see each other in ss tomorrow.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was gone in a second, and she had put all the foodstuffs in the car. Qiao Nan was not in time to stop her. She could only watch helplessly as Xu Shengnan took off as fast as a rabbit.

    Zhai Hua waited until Qiao Nan got onto the car before she asked out of curiosity, ¡°Your senior is such a friendly and cordial person. What did you help her with?¡±

    It was obvious that the senior did not know her identity and she believed that Qiao Nan would not tell everyone in the school about the Zhai family.

    Therefore, it must be because of Qiao Nan that the senior was so nice to her. At times, Zhai Hua had to hand it to Qiao Nan.

    Why was she so popr everywhere she went?

    Qiao Nan had better interpersonal rtions than many people.

    ¡°This is a beautiful misunderstanding. It has nothing to do with me.¡± Qiao Nan told Zhai Hua about Gao Yan. ¡°I feel that it is because of Vice President Xu¡¯s ability to endure hardship that Gao Yan selected her for the internship.¡±

 Chapter 1118 - The Tian Family Was Here

    <h4>Chapter 1118: The Tian Family Was Here</h4>

    ¡°The English club did not have enough manpower and had a difficult time, but Vice President Xu was able to persist and make it a sess. If she is working for apany, Vice President Xu will definitely put in double the effort.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Zhai Hua gripped the steering wheel and turned a corner. ¡°If that is the case, epting this will not be taking advantage of others. If it weren¡¯t for you, the two of them would not be able to meet. You are their bridge. By the way, who is Gao Yan? I have no idea that you know of any people in the capital.¡±

    ¡°He used to be in Ping Cheng, and he is a ¡®close friend¡¯ of my roommate in high school.¡± Qiao Nan emphasized the two words ¡®close friend¡¯, and Zhai Hua understood it right away.

    ¡°I see. Isn¡¯t his close friend in Ping Cheng? Why did he start a business in Beijing? Did they break up?¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I made a call to Fang Fang during Lunar New Year. Fang Fang said that her father has been transferred to the capital.¡± It seemed that everyone wasing to the capital.

    ¡°Once Uncle Fanges to work in the capital, I feel that there is a high possibility that Fang Fang wille to the capital after she graduates. Gao Yan must have known that Uncle Fang will be transferred to the capital. Therefore, he decided to start a business and settled down in the capital.¡±

    Of course, it would be another three years before Fang Fang graduated.

    By then, one could tell whether Gao Yan was sessful or not.

    If Gao Yan¡¯spany established a foothold in the capital, Fang Fang would be the mistress of thepany in the future.

    Zhai Hua felt jealous. ¡°Are children nowadays so mature for their age?¡±

    Zhai Hua felt depressed.

    It was rare that she was attracted to a man, yet her boyfriend was an ugly duckling man. Why was it that the childhood sweetheart of Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmate was so hardworking? Besides skipping levels in the university, he had already made ns for their future by starting a business in the capital.

    Compared to Gao Yan, Wei De was horrible.

    Gao Yan did not rely on anyone but started from scratch to set up his business.

    He had just joined the workforce, whereas Wei De was considered as a veteran soldier who had spent ten years in the army. But even so, Wei De could not match up to Gao Yan at all. Zhai Hua felt dejected, but on the other hand, she was relieved that she had left that man.

    ¡°Why are you here to pick me up today? I have told Mom that I have more schoolwork during the weekdays and I would stay at my master¡¯s house.¡± Qiao Nan remembered that she had homework to do.

    Zhai Hua pulled a long face. ¡°There are guests at home. Mom wants you to host them and to gain knowledge and experience.¡±

    ¡°Guests?¡± There was a glimmer in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She noticed the sulky expression on Zhai Hua¡¯s face. ¡°You seem to dislike the guests. Let me guess... The surname of the guests must be Tian, no?¡±

    ¡°Tsk...¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s Land Rover performed a drift turn.

    Thankfully, today was a working day instead of a public holiday, and it was neither the morning peak nor the evening peak hours. Otherwise, Zhai Hua would definitely end up in an ident.

    Qiao Nan turned pale in fright. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I am in the car. Don¡¯t give me a scare. I want to live to a ripe old age.¡± She had just married Brother Zhai, and they had yet to have a child!

    ¡°It¡¯s my mistake, a minor mistake.¡± Zhai Hua was startled as well. She heard honking soundsing from the back. After releasing the brake and the clutch, she stepped on the elerator to get moving. ¡°W-why do you think that it is the Tian family who is here?¡±

    ¡°The Tian family is the only family that I heard of in the capital.¡± Qiao Nan held on to the armrest. She was worried that Zhai Hua would take a drift turn for a second time and her second chance at life might just end when she was only twenty-one years old. ¡°Is the Tian family really here? Dongza?¡±

    Qiao Nan was still reeling from the shock. She raised her voice and addressed Dongzi as Dongza.

    Zhai Hua smiled dryly. ¡°Yes, it is indeed the ¡®youngdy¡¯ from the Tian family.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he your ¡®daughter-inw¡¯?¡± Qiao Nan replied without thinking. ¡°Wait a minute. Do you mean that after not keeping contact for more than twenty years, Dongzi is still as effeminate as your impression of him back then?¡±

    ¡°He is a man, yet he is so fair. He must be sick,¡± Zhai Hua replied indignantly. ¡°I feel that he is fairer than before. How can a man be fairer than a woman? Do you think he can be considered as a man?¡±

    ¡°ck and white make a perfect match, so do men and women.¡± Qiao Nan teased Zhai Hua with a line from the advertisement. The only difference was that Zhai Hua was the person with the darkerplexion, while Tian Dong had the fairerplexion. It was indeed funny.

    Qiao Nan noticed that Zhai Hua looked sulkier than before. She hurried to console her. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be angry. You may not be fair, but you have a healthy tan. Those who know to appreciate you will find it to be very sexy. If the other party rejects you because of yourplexion, it will mean that he has poor judgment. It is his loss.¡±

    She was not consoling her. In fact, there were many tanned beauties in the future.

    Zhai Hua pulled a long face, not believing Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    She did not mind that her boyfriend was fairer than her. It was just that she despised Tian Dong for being so fair. He was a man, yet hisplexion was too fair.

    She remembered back when she was being mischievous and the old master could not take her in hand, he wouldpare her to Tian Dong, saying that Tian Dong was well-behaved and fair. Zhai Hua could not help but boil with anger.

    As the most mischievous girl in the quad, Zhai Hua felt that she just could not get along with the best-behaved boy in the quad!

    ¡°Is Nan Nan back?¡± Miao Jing had a bright smile on her face as soon as she heard that Nan Nan was back. Her tone was gentle and affectionate.

    The Tian family could tell from Miao Jing¡¯s attitude that the Zhai family was as the rumor had said¡ªthey were very satisfied with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± Qiao Nan greeted her family before she shifted her gaze to the guests.

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s with all these foodstuffs? Hua Hua, did you buy them?¡± Miao Jing was surprised at the dried foodstuffs that her daughter carried with her. ¡°Hua Hua, I have to praise you for being so hospitable.¡±

    This was the first time that her daughter went grocery shopping. Miao Jing was d that her daughter seemed to be satisfied with Dongzi.

    Zhai Hua put down the bags and wiped her oily palms with a cloth. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t misunderstand. These bags are not mine. They¡¯re given to Qiao Nan by her senior.¡±

    ¡°A gift?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s demeanor changed. She felt the need to change the topic.

    Zhai Hua, who finished wiping her hands, did not sense Miao Jing¡¯s reluctance to continue the topic. She carried on to exin. ¡°Qiao Nan is very popr in school. She performed very well in school. I also feel like going back to university.¡±

    If she knew a few more of those generous and friendly seniors, she would have lots to eat and drink when she was in school. There would be meat dishes for every meal. It was so much better than her days as a soldier in the army.

    Miao Jing motioned for her daughter and daughter-inw to sit by her side before she made the introductions for Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, this is Uncle Tian and Auntie Tian. This is Dongzi. He grew up together with Zhai Hua.¡±

    Qiao Nan could finally take a close look at the Tian family with Miao Jing¡¯s introduction.

 Chapter 1119 - Youâ€™re as Beautiful as a Flower. I Will Earn Money to Support the Family Financially

    <h4>Chapter 1119: You¡¯re as Beautiful as a Flower. I Will Earn Money to Support the Family Financially</h4>

    One could not deny that the Tian family was very good-looking.

    Besides Mother Tian, Father Tian was very fair. As one would expect, Tian Dong must have inherited his parents¡¯ genes to have skin that was fairer than that of ady.

    As the saying goes, ¡®A fairplexion is good enough to cover one¡¯s faults.¡¯ In addition, the Tian family of three was bright-eyed and had proportionate facial features. They were certainly not bad-looking.

    Most probably, due to the influence of the army, the looks of the Zhai family were more masculine with some aura of righteousness.

    On the other hand, the Tian family was truly good-looking. Their face shapes were not the conventional square types. They had small and sharp-chin faces that would be very popr more than a decadeter.

    In short, without spending a single cent, they already possessed the face shape that many celebrities spent a bomb to pursue more than a decadeter. They were born with it. It was certainly top-notch.

    After sizing up the Tian family briefly, Qiao Nan took a few more nces at Tian Dong.

    His lips were red and his teeth white. He had big, jet-ck and dewy eyes...

    All of a sudden, one word appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind: transgender.

    In this world, there were people who would make women feel shameful. Although their gender was male, they would be more alluring and attractive than women once they were dressed indies¡¯ attire. Their figure was so good that it would make other women feel jealous.

    At the sight of Tian Dong¡¯s face, Qiao Nan felt that Tian Dong was definitely the type of man that women would also detest.

    When Zhai Hua fetched her earlier, her expression was so ugly at the mention of Tian Dong¡¯s name. Her fury was greater than at any other time. Qiao Nan finally understood why.

    As a pure bystander, one would be quite delighted to admire Tian Dong as eye candy.

    The problem was that if one were to be associated with this man as the woman whom he would walk down the aisle with in the future, she would not feel good.

    All of a sudden, another sentence appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind: You are responsible for being as beautiful as a flower, while I am responsible for earning money to support the family financially.

    If Sister Zhai Hua and Tian Dong were really fated to get married, would this sentence describe the reality of Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s future life?

    Because of this sentence, Qiao Nan felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

    ¡°Hello, the day that Zhai Sheng and you were married, our family missed your wedding due to othermitments. We were not able to rush back to Ping Cheng. I wish Zhai Sheng and you well.¡± Father Tian spoke.

    When Qiao Nan was sizing up the Tian family, the Tian family was also assessing Qiao Nan, who had be Cindere.

    Putting other things aside, Father Chen first looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s pair of eyes. They were pure, clear, and honest-looking.

    As such, Father Tian heaved a sigh of relief.

    Well, this was someone approved by Old Master Zhai. Hence, she certainly would not be too lousy. This youngdy looked fine.

    After having an initial feel of what kind of person Qiao Nan was, Father Chen felt much more at ease.

    At the sight of her husband¡¯s attitude, Mother Chen knew what to do next. Mother Tian smiled and said to Zhai Hua, ¡°It¡¯s boring to sit together. Don¡¯t youngsters like you like to watch movies nowadays? Youngsters should be more active. Dongzi, remember to take good care of the two younger sisters.¡±

    They were going out to have fun together. Of course, the guy had to pick up the tabs.

    Tian Dong, who had been keeping mum all this while, did not utter a word when he heard Mother Tian¡¯s words. However, he stood up.

    ¡°Wow, Dongzi, did you get hormone injections while you were in America?¡± Initially, Zhai Hua did not look up to Tian Dong. She felt that Tian Dong looked the same as when he was a child¡ªfair, tender, and quiet. He was more studious than a grown-updy. There were no sparks between them at all.

    It was quite difficult to find a man who was more formidable than her.

    However, ¡®marrying a wife¡¯ was just a joke that she made when she was a child. She did not really want a girlish man who would tear at the slightest matter and required her to coax him all the time.

    If she really had to marry such a man, she would rather turn back and look for Wei De.

    However, Zhai Hua, who secretly did not fancy Tian Dong, had a shock when Tian Dong stood up.

    She did not feel anything when Tian Dong was sitting down. However, when he stood up, Zhai Hua then discovered that Tian Dong was extremely tall. Most likely, his height was more than 1.9 meters.

    The people in the Zhai family were not short either. Zhai Hua was already more than 1.7 meters tall.

    It was also because of this reason that very few men could stand confidently beside Zhai Hua. It was too obvious that Zhai Hua was taller.

    However, with Tian Dong¡¯s appearance, even a toughdy like Zhai Hua seemed petite.

    The corners of Tian Dong¡¯s mouth moved. In the end, he said emotionlessly, ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±

    At the sight of her son¡¯s response, Mother Tian was so angry that she could not help hitting Tian Dong once. ¡°Hua Hua is joking with you. Can¡¯t you tell? Your response was so stiff and dim-witted.¡±

    His son did not know how to read a girl¡¯s mind. He was good-looking but his words and actions could drive others to their graves. That was also the reason why he was still single at his ¡®old age¡¯. He did not even have a girlfriend before.

    When she thought of Tian Dong, this ¡®overage bachelor¡¯, Mother Tian was very worried.

    In the past, the family kept a watch on her son and forbade him from dating. They were afraid that he would be led astray and would have many girlfriends despite his young age. Also, an illegitimate child might eventually pop out of nowhere.

    At that time, Mother Tian felt that there was no issue in managing her son in this way. She did not voice out any opinions then.

    When Mother Tian had some views on this, she discovered that it was toote. Clearly, her son was already at such an age but he did not feel for anydy.

    The culture was more liberal overseas. It wasmon for dating to ur at a very young age. The Tian family was also concerned about the prevalence of romantic rtionships between people of the same genders.

    When Mother Tian went out, she would see twods who were quite good-looking chatting and holding hands in the streets. They would then kiss each other from time to time.

    It was hard to understand the sadness in the hearts of mothers who had ¡®overage bachelors¡¯ at home.

    They were really afraid that Tian Dong would be led astray by the culture. Moreover, it was also time. The Tian family rushed back to the country and tried their best to help Tian Dong find a woman to marry and then have children.

    Since they were considering their child¡¯s marriage, the Tian family was very particr about thedy¡¯s situation.

    When Zhai Hua came to mind and they heard that Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan, a woman with a non-ttering family background, the Tian family also had reservations.

    There were certainly no issues with the children of the Zhai family. However, the Tian family was not sure of thedy who had just entered the Zhai family. They wanted to meet Qiao Nan personally before they decided on Tian Dong and Zhai Hua¡¯s matter.

    This was their first encounter today. At least, Father Tian did not feel revulsion against Qiao Nan. In that case, naturally, Tian Dong should interact more with Zhai Hua.

    What made Mother Tian sullen was that her son was behaving in the same cold and aloof manner that he did when he was overseas. Even if she were to punch him a few times, she might not gather a satisfactory response.

    Given her son¡¯s character, Mother Tian was afraid that she would not be able to get a daughter-inw or carry a grandchild in her life.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s character was not petty but she was also ady.

    She did not believe that, with that quiet and aloof character of her son, he would be able to woo Zhai Hua sessfully and marry her.

 Chapter 1120 - There Is Hope

    Chapter 1120: There Is Hope

    Zhai Hua¡¯s next words confirmed Mother Tian¡¯s worries. ¡°Auntie, forget it. I don¡¯t like to watch movies. Aren¡¯t you wasting the movie tickets if you bring me to watch it? I may fall asleep within ten minutes.¡±

    Of course, she disliked the person who would be watching the movie with her today more.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s words dealt a critical blow to Mother Tian¡¯s heart. She was so angry that she just stared at her son, shunning him for being bad at words. She could not help ming Dongzi too. If Dongzi did not have any feelings toward Zhai Hua, why didn¡¯t he make himself clear? He even let them visit the Zhai family.

    If Dongzi had some feelings toward Zhai Hua, why was he looking so indifferent in front of Zhai Hua?

    Mother Tian really did not know what to do with Dongzi, her son. She felt that she was dying from torture.

    In contrast to Mother Tian¡¯s anxiousness, Father Tian was calmer.

    However, he nced at his son and hinted at him to know his limits. If he made her wife too anxious, he would not let him off even if he was his son.

    After receiving his biological father¡¯s warning, Tian Dong looked helpless as he took out a box. ¡°This is for you.¡±

    ¡°For me?¡± Zhai Hua raised her brows. She felt that this was rare. ¡°You¡¯re giving me things? Are you sure you didn¡¯t give it to the wrong person?¡± Shouldn¡¯t he be giving her mother or Qiao Nan gifts to congratte Qiao Nan on her wedding?

    ¡°Open it and take a look.¡± Tian Dong did not exin further.

    When Mother Tian saw that box, her eyes changed from a bright to gloomy look.

    It was not because of other reasons. Mother Tian knew what was in the box. If Tian Dong were to give this lousy thing to Zhai Hua, she would be surprised if Zhai Hua would fancy her son.

    Mother Tian did not know that, sometimes, certain thoughts could not be controlled.

    Anyone who received a present would feel delighted. Zhai Hua smiled as she opened the present. She only saw a broken wooden nk in it. Obviously, it had been broken after someone hit it. There also seemed to be someone¡¯s signature on it.

    ¡°Oh, my goodness. Where did you buy this thing? Is it fake? Don¡¯t give me imitated products. Otherwise, I will definitely deal with you.¡± At the sight of the signature on the wooden nk, Zhai Hua jumped with joy. That excited expression was exactly the same as that of a typicaldy who had received a huge wedding proposal ring.

    When the despaired Mother Tian saw Zhai Hua look so ted suddenly, her forehead broke out in a sweat.

    This was such a lousy wooden nk. Why was Zhai Hua so happy upon receiving it?

    Mother Tian cast a doubtful look at Miao Jing. Miao Jing shook her head in puzzlement. She also did not know what was happening.

    Qiao Nan, who was sitting closer to Zhai Hua, could see the signature on the wooden nk clearly. She asked, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you¡¯re... Bruce Lee¡¯s fan?¡± If she did not get it wrong, that was the signature of Bruce Lee.

    ¡°I am Bruce Lee¡¯s fan? Bruce Lee is my idol.¡± After hugging the broken piece of nk and kissing it a few times, Zhai Hua then found time to answer Qiao Nan¡¯s question. ¡°This was the wooden nk that Bruce Lee broke when he attended a television show in the past. It¡¯s very hard to find this. I never thought that I would have the chance to own it.¡±

    After receiving her favorite present, Zhai Hua did not find Tian Dong such an eyesore anymore. ¡°You¡¯re really my childhood buddy. You know what I like. You are also too much. You only came back now after being overseas for so many years. Good that you still have a conscience and didn¡¯t forget us, your childhood friends. This present is really something that I like.¡±

    At the sight of Zhai Hua changing her attitude toward Tian Dong, from being cold to addressing him as buddies, Qiao Nan¡¯s sly eyes shifted between both Tian Dong and Zhai Hua. Hitting on what one likes.

    Judging from this, Tian Dong had some feelings for Sister Zhai Hua.

    It was impossible to prepare such a present at the eleventh hour.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to watch a movie? The host will amodate the guest. I will apany you to the movie.¡± After receiving a present that she liked, Zhai Hua became very easy to convince. She did not feel revulsion against watching a movie now.

    Her daughter¡¯s attitude had changed too quickly. In particr, it had something to do with the gift.

    Miao Jing could not tell what was so good about that piece of broken wooden nk and why it would cause such a huge change in her daughter. However, her daughter¡¯s ¡®pragmatism¡¯ made Miao Jing feel very embarrassed. Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua unhappily. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you will fall asleep when you watch a movie?¡±

    Zhai Hua hugged her present and said without a care, ¡°He can watch his movie while I sleep. It is not mutually exclusive.¡± At most, she was just changing ces to take a nap. Most importantly, they were certainly not the ones who would pay for the movie tickets.

    Nevertheless, on the ount of the present, it was fine too if she were to pay for the movie tickets.

    ¡°...¡±

    Miao Jing almost fainted because of this ¡®shameless¡¯ reply of Zhai Hua. It was so embarrassing, and it was also said in front of others.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s watch a movie.¡± When Miao Jing hadpletely given up on Tian Dong, as the party concerned, Tian Dong enthusiastically responded to Zhai Hua¡¯s suggestion that they could continue with the n to watch a movie. He did not mind Zhai Hua¡¯s ¡®realistic¡¯ behavior at all.

    Miao Jing blinked her eyes. ¡°That... that¡¯s fine. You, youngsters, can go and watch a movie. There is no better time than the present. When Old Master Zhai and Old Zhai are backter, could we have a meal together?¡±

    ¡°Alright, sorry to disturb then.¡± Father Tian agreed readily.

    After Father Tian agreed, Miao Jing hurried the auntie to buy more ingredients to treat the guestster.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, bring a sweater. We are going out together.¡± After Zhai Hua put away her precious treasure properly, she urged Qiao Nan to be faster.

    Qiao Nan shook her head and turned sideways. ¡°I don¡¯t have the time to watch a movie. I didn¡¯t touch any books for the whole winter. My study n has been messed up, so I have to catch up these few days. You all go ahead with the movie. I will stay at home and read.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not wish to apany Zhai Hua to watch a movie. Of course, she did not want to remain behind to entertain the Tian couple either.

    It was obvious that the other party had other objectives in mind. She could not be too involved. She was still a student. Of course, she had to take care of her studies. She certainly could not drop all of her own matters.

    ¡°Have fun, the two of you.¡± Qiao Nan patted Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. Didn¡¯t she wish to have a baby? The relevant party hade knocking on the door. She had to nab the time and observe the other party well to confirm if he was suitable to be the father of her children.

    It was meaningless to bring a ¡®light bulb¡¯ along.

    Putting aside the character, just with Tian Dong¡¯s looks alone, he was ahead of Wei De by eighteen streets.

    If the two were really together, Qiao Nan did not need to worry that Zhai Hua¡¯s future child would be too ugly.

    Zhai Hua was not pleased. She treated Tian Dong as her buddy and did not have that kind of feeling.

    Furthermore, her judgment was not as good as Qiao Nan in this aspect. She could not tell one¡¯s character urately but Qiao Nan could widen her eyes and help assess Tian Dong.

 Chapter 1121 - Wouldnâ€™t That Overwork the Brains?

    <h4>Chapter 1121: Wouldn¡¯t That Overwork the Brains?</h4>

    When Qiao Nan could identify Tian Dong¡¯s ws, Zhai Hua could immediately tell the family that it was impossible between her and Tian Dong then.

    Zhai Hua wholeheartedly wanted Qiao Nan to be her advisor. Besides helping her analyze the situation, Qiao Nan could also devise a strategy to resolve Tian Dong, this trouble.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Without giving the time for Zhai Hua to converse further with Qiao Nan, Tian Dong reached out his hands, held on to Zhai Hua¡¯s elbows, and pulled Zhai Hua away.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s jaws dropped slightly at the rare scene before her. Somehow, she felt that there was hope for these two people.

    Tian Dong was very quiet, but judging from their behavior, she vaguely had the feeling that Tian Dong would have Sister Zhai Hua eating out of his hands.

    If Tian Dong could really lead Zhai Hua by the nose, no matter whether Sister Zhai Hua was willing, she did not need to worry about having a baby anymore. The child¡¯s father had alreadye knocking on the door.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going back to my room first.¡± Qiao Nan was carrying the books in her arms when she informed Miao Jing.

    ¡°Sure. I will get auntie to call you when it¡¯s time for dinner,¡± Miao Jing replied. The Tian family had been overseas for more than twenty years. Miao Jing¡¯s understanding of the Tian family was not as good as before. If Qiao Nan was with her, she was also afraid that Qiao Nan was too young and would be tricked into revealing certain matters.

    When she heard that Qiao Nan was going back to the room to read, Miao Jing was quite pleased.

    As elders, when they heard that the youngsters were keen to learn, they had no reason to disrupt the youngsters¡¯ enthusiasm.

    ¡°Mom, uncle, and auntie, take your time to chat.¡± After Qiao Nan informed the elders politely, she moved a huge pile of books to Zhai Sheng and her new bedroom.

    Judging from today¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan estimated that she would definitely spend a longer time in her inw¡¯s house than she would in the small courtyard of her master this semester.

    After Qiao Nan left, Mother Tian smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan is very young but she is quite steady. She has so much enthusiasm for learning. Your family¡¯s judgment of character is very good.¡±

    When she said this, Mother Tian had some intention to fawn on the Zhai family. Nevertheless, she also said this from her heart.

    Mother Tian did not believe that Qiao Nan did not know who they were.

    She clearly knew their identity but she could politely excuse herself, taking into consideration the nature of the rtionship. That was not easy.

    At the thought of the Qiu Chenxi that she had just met, Mother Tian could not help frowning.

    Thatdy was very young but she was very scheming. She had been greatly influenced by her family.

    As an elder, everyone preferred children who had pure and simple hearts. When they faced people who tried to get close to them due to ulterior motives, Mother Tian could not ept them.

    ¡°I heard that Qiao Nan is a student of Peking University?¡± Mother Tian could not help asking again. One had to know that Tsing Hua University and Peking University in China were akin to the University of Oxford in Ennd.

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan was the top scorer of humanities in the college entrance examinationst year.¡± At the mention of Qiao Nan, this daughter-inw, the smile on Miao Jing¡¯s face turned more genuine. ¡°This child is extremely sensible. Sometimes, I suspect that the ages between Hua Hua and Nan Nan have been mixed up.¡±

    Mother Tianughed. ¡°Hua Hua¡¯s temperament is very good too. I heard that Hua Hua is in the army? People from the army are more honest and straightforward. They are not so cunning. Furthermore, Hua Hua has a strong sense of justice since she was a child. She wears her heart on her sleeves. Nowadays, a good child like Hua Hua is hard toe by.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s smile turned more polite. ¡°I am also troubled over my family¡¯s Hua Hua¡¯s character. People who like her definitely recognize her merits.¡± Whereas those who disliked Hua Hua definitely could not ept her character.

    Everyone was a mother. They could understand each other¡¯s thoughts.

    Zhai Hua was Miao Jing¡¯s only daughter. Zhai Hua was a straightforward person who did not like to beat about the bush. She was willing to indulge her daughter too.

    When she looked for the future partner of her daughter, she would certainly look out for this aspect in her son-inw. She would only ept him if he met the requirement.

    If the situation of the Tian family was tooplicated and they could not ept a child like Hua Hua, everyone did not have to waste each other¡¯s time and opportunities then.

    Miao Jing¡¯s words revealed only one intent: The family that set their eyes on Zhai Hua and wanted her to be their daughter-inw could not force Zhai Hua to change her character. That was the only requirement that the Zhai family had for the other party.

    The Zhai family was willing to pamper Zhai Hua. Simrly, Zhai Hua¡¯s inws also had to be willing to do so.

    Those who were not willing to do so did not have toe to them. They would not force Zhai Hua to enter the family.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know other people¡¯s views on this but I watched Hua Hua grow up. I always feel that Hua Hua is a child that is hard toe by. She has a rare and pure heart.¡± Mother Tian expressed sincerely that she really liked Zhai Hua. She did not think that there was any problem with Zhai Hua¡¯s character, and neither did she intend to change Zhai Hua¡¯s character.

    Mother Tian had seen many people who liked to y mind games. On the contrary, she cherished someone like Zhai Hua, who had a candid character.

    ying mind games and plotting against people were for outsiders.

    If they had to do that amongst family members, this family could not be called a family anymore.

    Father Tian and Mother Tian only had Tian Dong as their only son. When Tian Dong was married, they had already nned to treat their daughter-inw as their own daughter.

    As such, this daughter-inw had to be someone fancied by not only their son but also them.

    This was the only way the two generations could get along harmoniously and nicely after their son¡¯s marriage so that they would not have so much trouble.

    Miao Jing was quite happy about Mother Tian¡¯s words but she dared not let down her worries so soon. She observed Father Tian more.

    Qiao Nan, who was focused on her books, did not know the situation downstairs.

    When the auntie called her to have dinner, besides Zhai Sheng, all the Zhai and the Tian family had congregated.

    Qiao Nan was very sweet-tongued. She greeted everyone one by one before she took a seat beside Miao Jing. Zhai Hua then sat beside Qiao Nan.

    At the sight of Zhai Hua and Tian Dong¡¯s appearance at the meal, Qiao Nan was a little surprised. Shouldn¡¯t Tian Dong bring Sister Zhai Hua out for a meal beforeing back?

    Qiao Nan nced at Zhai Hua, who was sitting beside her. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, is the movie nice?¡¯

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes swirled. Judging from this answer, Sister Zhai Hua did not sleep through the movie. She had watched all of it. ¡°What did you watch?¡±

    ¡°War genre.¡±

    Qiao Nan was amused at Zhai Hua¡¯s tone. It seemed that Tian Dong still had a high chance. He was very good at finding the right cure for the illness.

    He had a very good understanding of Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s temper and preferences. Hence, he knew what to do to make Sister Zhai Hua happy and ept him.

    Tian Dong had been overseas for twenty years. During this period, Tian Dong had minimal contact with Sister Zhai Hua.

    They were buddies that had been separated for over twenty years, but Tian Dong could still know so much about Sister Zhai Hua. This only proved that Tian Dong had most probably been paying attention to Sister Zhai Hua all this while.

    After making this analysis, Qiao Nan reached a conclusion. It was either Tian Dong hated Sister Zhai Hua very much or he loved her very much.

    If it had nothing to do with these two possibilities, no one in this world would have so much spare time to know someone else¡¯s situation so well. Wouldn¡¯t that overwork the brains?

 Chapter 1122 - You Are Choosing Someone, and Vice Versa

    <h4>Chapter 1122: You Are Choosing Someone, and Vice Versa</h4>

    After reaching such a conclusion, Qiao Nan felt that subsequent matters were not within her control. She would leave it to the men in the Zhai family to probe whether Tian Dong was a good or bad guy.

    Speaking of such using methods, she was definitely not better than her husband.

    Tian Dong was sitting opposite Qiao Nan and he was not oblivious to her inconspicuous gazes.

    Well, Qiao Nan¡¯s gazes were not rude or overboard. They were also not ill-intentioned. Hence, Tian Dong did not have an excuse to act up.

    Most importantly, Tian Dong could not offend Qiao Nan even if he had such intent. On the contrary, he had to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor.

    He had only watched one movie with Zhai Hua, yet the sensitive Tian Dong counted the number of times that Zhai Hua had mentioned Qiao Nan¡¯s name to him. It was thirty-six times.

    The Tian family left the house very soon after the meal.

    When the family of three was sitting in the car, Father Tian looked at his already grown-up son and asked, ¡°Have you really decided?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Tian Dong replied without expressing much emotion.

    Mother Tian, oblivious to the situation, was still feeling d that today¡¯s meeting was not considered a flop. At the very least, her son and Zhai Hua watched a movie together. When she suddenly heard the conversation of the father-son pair, naturally, Mother Tian asked, ¡°Dongzi, what have you decided on?¡±

    Tian Dong nced at his biological mother via the rear-view mirror. ¡°I¡¯ve decided that I should marry a daughter-inw for you and let you carry a grandchild.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? You¡¯re almost thirty years old and you don¡¯t even have a girlfriend. I am very anxious for you. But that¡¯s right too. We are Chinese. I¡¯m used to seeing foreigners when we are staying in America. However, if you really find me a daughter-inw who is a foreigner, most likely, I still can¡¯t ept it. After looking everywhere, it¡¯s true that Chinesedies are still the best looking.¡± Mother Tian smiled. She was most fearful that her son would refuse to marry a wife and throw her a grenade by telling her that he liked men.

    At the sight of his wife¡¯s good mood, Father Tian nced sideways at Tian Dong. Thereafter, he snorted unhappily.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re heartless!¡± In the house of the Zhai family, Zhai Hua was kicking up a fuss with Qiao Nan. ¡°You clearly knew my situation today but you refused to help me. You watched on as Dongzi brought me out. Don¡¯t forget that I am your sister-inw!¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to snatch back her book but failed to do so. She gave an unhappy re. ¡°Didn¡¯t you feel quite happy watching that movie? You didn¡¯t even sleep during the show. If I really went with you, I was not treating you as my sister-inw then.¡±

    Being a light bulb was not one of her interests.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, haven¡¯t you always wished for a child? You have already decided to go on blind dates, and you are also serious about finding a man to get married and have a child. Since that is the case, why do you have to feel revulsion against Tian Dong? You can treat Tian Dong as your first blind date.¡±

    She was not sure why. After saying this, one sentence suddenly appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart. Tian Dong might be Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s first blind date but it was highly possible that he would be herst one.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. We don¡¯t have feelings for each other,¡± Zhai Hua said awkwardly.

    ¡°Was it love at first sight when you were together with Wei De previously?¡± She heard that Wei De wooed Sister Zhai Hua for a long time. Also, when they first knew each other, Sister Zhai Hua only treated Wei De as an ordinary soldier attending the training sessions. The process of them knowing each other until dating took roughly about five years, no?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I think you are the kind who will open your heart only after a long time. To put it in clich¨¦ terms, you will grow to like someone only after knowing him for some time.¡± There was no love at first sight or thunder shaking the ground. This kind of love was not suitable for Sister Zhai Hua.

    ¡°In short, a blind date is a blind date no matter who attends it. Furthermore, you¡¯ve known Tian Dong since you were a child. You¡¯re more familiar with him than others. It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t like him. You¡¯re just interacting with him. It¡¯s not as though you¡¯re going to be with him. First, pick someone that you¡¯re familiar with. When you feel that you have adjusted your mindset, and you really don¡¯t fancy Tian Dong, you can make it clear to him and move on to the next target. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so serious. Rx.¡±

    ¡°Can it really be resolved so easily?¡± Zhai Hua was still worried. ¡°Dongzi... He seems to have changed. He is not as easy-going as before.¡± In particr, that 1.9-meter height of his made her feel uneasy and pressured.

    ¡°Is he as easy to bully as when he was a child?¡±

    ¡°I did not bully him before. I am not sure.¡± Gift blinds the eye. She had just epted Dongzi¡¯s present. How could she bully Dongzi into crying immediately?

    ¡°Not sure? Then, tell me about it when you are sure.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua was not speaking. She looked at Qiao Nan without moving at all. Qiao Nan did not avoid her either. Both of them stared at each other for five minutes.

    After five minutes, Zhai Hua sighed. ¡°You mean... as of now, it is still worthwhile for me to interact with Dongzi?¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded honestly. ¡°I can¡¯t tell if there is any problem with him. As such, I have no reason to object to you being together with him. I heard about grandpa and father-inw¡¯s worries. One should never intend to harm others but should always guard against the harm others might do to him. I never believe that this society will bepletely peaceful. There is peace and happiness currently because our country is strong and big. However, there is no need for us to apprehend danger at every bush and tree that we see. Take it that I¡¯m forming an early judgment. When I listen to them, I think the Tian family does not forget their origin although they had been overseas for more than twenty years.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not mention others. Just take my master as an example. He is so well respected by others because he gave up the good life overseas and returned to the country at chaotic times. He was resolute to contribute to his country. This shows that many people¡¯s origins may not change even after they left the country. It doesn¡¯t mean that their patriotism will be eroded by capitalism.¡±

    During their first meeting today, the Tian family felt that Qiao Nan was a young and uprightdy. Simrly, Qiao Nan felt that the Tian family did not seem too bad.

    Qiao Nan was very clear that, in her previous life, her death would ur more than ten yearster.

    She was not sure whether the Tian family came back to the country. Nevertheless, she did not hear any scandal or big news pertaining to the Tian family.

    ¡°If there is no problem with the Tian family, given Tian Dong¡¯s good looks, he can give us a baby with mixed ethnicity without the stereotype character. I think you can still give it a try.¡± What if Tian Dong was really that one in a million good guy? Sister Zhai Hua would have picked a treasure then?

    Qiao Nan was on very good terms with Zhai Hua. In the past, she was furious when Zhai Hua was with Wei De. Now, Zhai Hua and Wei De had broken up. She hoped that Zhai Hua could find someone who was really good to her and they would live happily ever after.

    ¡°I... I will consider it.¡± Zhai Hua seemed to have been fed a pile of drugs by Qiao Nan. All of a sudden, she forgot her initial intent. She looked muddleheaded as she agreed with Qiao Nan¡¯s words and expressed that she would really consider the possibility between her and Tian Dong.

    ¡°You should consider it. Why not? You are choosing others, and vice versa. Perhaps Tian Dong is also considering it. Why can¡¯t you do the same? Sister Zhai Hua, you definitely have to open your eyes wide and take a good look. You have to give it very careful consideration.¡±

 Chapter 1123 - Likewise, Congratulations

    <h4>1123 Likewise, Congrattions</h4>

    ¡°If there are areas that you dislike, you can tell Dongzi and watch his reaction. So what if you wish to be a princess? I believe you can definitely find a man who is true to you and willing to dote on you like a princess.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s sixth sense told her that Tian Dong might be this man.

    Qiao Nan was very eloquent and Zhai Hua had always listened to Qiao Nan. Before she knew it, Zhai Hua had been coaxed out of the room.

    It was only when Zhai Hua returned to her room andy on the bed did shee to her senses. She seemed to have been tricked by Qiao Nan.

    Before she could jump up and settle scores with Qiao Nan, her cell phone rang.

    Initially, she did not want to pick up the call when she sighted an unfamiliar phone number. Her finger was already on the rejection button, but it changed direction and pressed the epted button instead. ¡°Hello, good day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°...Dongzi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, this is my cell phone number. Save it in your address book so that we can keep in touch.¡± After leaving these words behind, Tian Dong hung up the phone. He didn¡¯t even say ¡®goodnight¡¯.

    Fortunately, the big-hearted Zhai Hua did not mind at all. She even abidingly saved Tian Dong¡¯s contact in her cell phone.

    After saving it, she then questioned, ¡°I don¡¯t even know Dongzi¡¯s cell phone number. How did he know mine? Who gave it to him?¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯ste spring seemed to have finally reported, and Qiao Nan was also doing very well in her studies.

    Same as the news that Xu Shengnan had given Qiao Nan earlier, Qiao Nan¡¯s grades for various subjects were outstanding. Her aggregate score was a cut above the rest. She had been given the school-based first-prize schrship.

    During the ss, the professor had already told Qiao Nan with certainty that she had received the schrship.

    As one could imagine, everyone was full of shock and envy when they heard this news. Forget it that she had achieved the first-prize schrship, but she even attained the school-based first-prize schrship! Qiao Nan, this ssmate, was truly the cream of the crop.

    Everyone was sitting in the same ssroom. Who was not a top student before they came to college?

    However, Qiao Nan stood out among the group of top students. She had an extraordinary capability. It would not do if shecked behind a little in intelligence and capability.

    Hence, the glory that came with this school-based first-prize schrship was a lot more than what Qiao Nan had imagined.

    Qiao Nan did not care much about what others think. Xu Shengnan had given her advice earlier. In addition, she had met those few dormitory mates during herst semester. As such, besides focusing on her studies, Qiao Nan was not too interested in making friends in the school.

    Qiao Nan also learned something from Xu Shengnan.

    Given her current situation, instead of bing good friends with ssmates of the same cohort, she would rather interact more with her seniors.

    If that could not work, she would pick those who were not from the same faculty so that there would be nopetition.

    She was now almost crushed by the heavy workload of studies and social practice. If she still had to spend so much time and energy on interpersonal rtionships, Qiao Nan knew that that would be too tiring.

    It was not so easy to attain the first-prize schrship. She would have to say goodbye to it if she were to ck a little.

    Qiao Nan was also fortunate to have made many friends in the new English club. In the eyes of ordinary people, Qiao Nan was not considered the arrogant kind who would look down on others. She was also not a dim-witted nerd.

    When the professors in the school assessed the students¡¯ performance, they couldn¡¯t get to the bottom of everything.

    Qiao Nan had good performances in academic results, social practice, and interpersonal skills. Given these three factors, the professors¡¯ assessments of Qiao Nan was quite good.

    Qiao Nan was well aware of this situation.

    She silently made adjustments to her study n for this semester. Qiao Nan was having a meal alone in Canteen One of the school, ignoring the eyes on her.

    Qiao Nan did not bother about the deliberate cold shoulders given by others.

    A mediocre person would not be the envy of others.

    One had to know that Qiao Nan had already encountered such a situation previously when she just entered senior high school.

    When she was in high school, Qiao Nan could already deal with this. Now that she was in college, she had no reason to be weaker emotionally. The only difference was that, when she was in senior high school, Qiao Nan was still willing to spend time and effort to build up good rtionships. Now, Qiao Nan felt that her current social circle was enough. In addition, this social circle did not need to necessarily include ssmates from the same cohort.

    Qiao Nan was not the least affected by others as she enjoyed her meal. However, those who were watching her were not as indifferent.

    Yu Xiaoxiao took a few deep breaths to ease her expression, which had been stiff for a few days. This was so that she could force a little smile out of the muscles on her face.

    Initially, Yu Xiaoxiao was not sessful. However, when she saw that extremely distorted face of L¨¹ Yan, Yu Xiaoxiao rxed immediately and could really smile.

    Inparison to Qiao Nan¡¯s school-based first-prize schrship, Yu Xiaoxiao only received a third-prize schrship.

    Yu Xiaoxiao consoled herself that, at the very least, she had received a schrship. L¨¹ Yan and Tang Jiayun did not even receive any.

    As for Qiao Nan...

    That was Mount Everest which was beyond her reach. She was afraid that her neck would be sprained if she were to keep lifting her head and hoping to climb it.

    When Qiao Nan ced the te and utensils to the designated cutlery collection point, Yu Xiaoxiao walked over and said briefly, ¡°Congrattions.¡±

    Qiao Nan was surprised and puzzled when she lifted her head. She then realized that Yu Xiaoxiao was the one who said congrattions. ¡°Thank you. Congrattions to you too.¡± If she did not remember it wrongly, Yu Xiaoxiao also received a schrship.

    There were four people in the dormitory. Half of the people in this ¡®former¡¯ dormitory had received schrships. Hence, some people had been discussing it.

    When Qiao Nan was sitting by the side, she heard someone mention this. Hence, she had some impression.

    Yu Xiaoxiao blushed slightly, her eyes turning gentle and smiley. ¡°I am far behind inparison to you. If there is something that I am not sure of in the future, can I consult you?¡¯

    Everyone liked to hear good words. Everyone hoped that others would affirm them for being outstanding.

    Although Yu Xiaoxiao might feel disappointed that she only received a third-prize schrship, she also received something. After all, only a minority of the students received schrships.

    It was definitely an honor for her name to be remembered by someone who received the school-based first-prize schrship.

    ¡°I spend very little time in school. I am in the library most of the time.¡± There was a sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Was Yu Xiaoxiao trying to curry favor with her so that they could be closer?

    It was not a big deal to share her learning experience with ssmates. Qiao Nan was never petty in this aspect.

    However, the situation with these three dormitory mates in college was much more serious than that when she was in senior high school.

    She was not Virgin Mary and she had been plotted against many times. Could she still smile and treat the other party as a good teacher and friend and learn and improve together with her?

    Yu Xiaoxiao was a smart person. She understood that Qiao Nan¡¯s words were a form of rejection.

    However, Yu Xiaoxiao did not want to give up. ¡°Right, you don¡¯t stay in school. Where are you staying now that you¡¯ve moved out? Sometimes, I also feel that it is more convenient to rent a ce outside. I wish to be your neighbor. Do you think that will work?¡±

 Chapter 1124 - Help Me. We Are Classmates After All

    <h4>1124 Help Me. We Are ssmates After All </h4>

    She had seen for herself that Qiao Nan scored very well in all areas.

    In terms of technical knowledge, Qiao Nan definitely knew more than her. She had wanted to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s advice on how thetter could excel in social practice although she also came from a smaller town.

    She had never seen Qiao Nan participate in any of the social practices organized by the faculty.

    Yu Xiaoxiao could not figure this out. However, unlike L¨¹ Yan, she did not think that there was a problem with Qiao Nan. L¨¹ Yan felt that the school must have helped Qiao Nan cover up and deliberately been lenient in giving her scores.

    Yu Xiaoxiao knew that the school would not do that. As such, Qiao Nan was truly capable.

    If she could be closer to Qiao Nan, learn more from her, and improve her social practice, she would be able to attain the second-prize schrship in the next semester.

    In terms of technical knowledge, Yu Xiaoxiao wascking a little behind Qiao Nan.

    After the scores and schrship results were out, Yu Xiaoxiao spent a lot of effort to obtain this piece of information. She had been researching the differences between her and the recipients of the first and second prize schrships.

    In the end, Yu Xiaoxiao discovered that the difference in the examination scores for everyone, except for Qiao Nan, this pervert, was, in fact, not huge. She even received slightly higher marks in the examination than a second-prize schrship recipient.

    She fell behind in the area of social practice. That had dragged down the rest of her other scores.

    If she could improve her scores on social practice, she could not only receive the second-prize schrship but also rise through the ranks.

    Yu Xiaoxiao did not hold any ssmittee roles in the ss. She was also a loner in the club that she joined.

    As such, even if there were good social practice opportunities, it would not be Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s turn to participate in them.

    If Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to have a breakthrough in this area, she could only learn from Qiao Nan and find other avenues to do so. She could improve her aggregate score then.

    It was difficult to find other ways. After considering for a long time, Yu Xiaoxiao decided to bow to Qiao Nan, her former dormitory mate.

    After knowing Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s thoughts, Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°If you were in my shoes, would you agree?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao blushed. Her eyes were evasive and she avoided looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She also dared not admit that she would definitely disagree if she was Qiao Nan. ¡°In that way, we can keep each otherpany.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao hinted to Qiao Nan that thetter was having her earlier meal alone.

    If she were to move out and stay nearer to Qiao Nan, they could keep each otherpany when they left and went home.

    Qiao Nan gave Yu Xiaoxiao a thumbs-up. ¡°You really don¡¯t know where I am staying? You should have done your homework regarding the houses in that area. The rent is not cheap. Have you decided on which ce to rent?¡±

    It was not because Qiao Nan looked down on Yu Xiaoxiao. The Yu family was not wealthy too.

    In a ce like the capital, even the rent for a house as big as a nest was not cheap. This had been a huge headache for Beijing drifters.

    As a student, if Yu Xiaoxiao really wanted to move out, her one month of living allowance might not be enough to pay for the rent, let alone other expenses.

    Even if it was enough, would Yu Xiaoxiao be able to fill her tummy with water during that one month?

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s question and doubt, Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s face turned even redder. ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯re ssmates after all. In the past, you were staying with Shi Qing. Now that Shi Qing has transferred to another school, the ce that she used to stay in is unupied, no? Can you rent it to me at a cheaper price?¡±

    Qiao Nan crossed her arms. ¡°Cheaper. In your view, how much cheaper?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s face was as red as fire. The number was in her throat but she could not bring herself to say it.

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s one month of living allowance was barely enough to meet her needs.

    If she had to take out another sum of money to pay the rent, she would need to suffer in terms of food consumption.

    Facing the extraordinary high property price in the capital, Yu Xiaoxiao could only afford a very low sum of money even if she were to reduce her expenses on clothes and consumption.

    She was hoping that Qiao Nan would take into ount that they were ssmates and lent her the unupied ce which was previously upied by Shi Qing.

    As for the rental fee, of course, Qiao Nan could ept a small sum as a token.

    Yu Xiaoxiao heard that that house did not belong to Shi Qing¡¯s family. It was lent to Qiao Nan by someone. To put it bluntly, Qiao Nan was not the owner of that house.

    After she moved in, the money would go into Qiao Nan¡¯s pocket regardless of how much she paid her.

    No matter what, Qiao Nan would not lose out as she would be renting out a ce that did not belong to her.

    However, if Qiao Nan really did notck that meager sum of money or when Yu Xiaoxiao was asionally cash-strapped, on the ount that they were ssmates, Qiao Nan would not be so strict on her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had a hundred reasons in her heart when she shamelessly put up the request of staying together with Qiao Nan. However, in her heart, she knew that she was taking huge advantage of Qiao Nan.

    However, she had no choice. If she did not do that, she would not have any more opportunities.

    In thest semester, she had been observing Qiao Nan.

    During weekdays, Qiao Nan would definitely report to school on time regardless of whether there were sses. If there were sses held, she would attend them. If not, she would nest in the school¡¯s library for the entire day without going to other ces.

    During the weekends, there were no sses. She would not see Qiao Nan in the school at all.

    Since Yu Xiaoxiao stayed in the dormitory, it was not so convenient for her to leave and enter the school.

    She had wanted to find out what Qiao Nan always did during weekends but she did not have the opportunity to do so.

    However, that would bepletely different if she were to stay with Qiao Nan.

    When she heard Qiao Nan wake up, she could also follow suit. She would follow Qiao Nan wherever she went.

    After confirming the social practice that Qiao Nan was involved in, she would find a way to fight for the opportunity without the need for Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    What shecked now was just a chance to find the doorsill.

    ¡°What is wrong? Why aren¡¯t you talking? How much are you prepared to pay me each month?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao did not speak but that did not mean that Qiao Nan was willing to let it go so easily.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much money. Can you make an exception? Anyway, that house does not belong to you, right?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao mustered up the courage and said.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°No. It¡¯s precisely because the house is not mine. I am not so shameless as to stay in someone¡¯s house, rent it out, and take the money at the same time. Besides, even if I pass your rent to the owner of the property, he doesn¡¯t need it. If he did, he wouldn¡¯t have lent the house to me. He could have rented it to anyone. One room can already fetch a rent that is more than ten times what you can afford, let alone the whole house.¡±

    There was no need to talk about money. Yu Xiaoxiao did not have money.

    There was no need to talk about rtionships. Yu Xiaoxiao did not even know who the owner of the house was. What rtionship was there to speak and make use of?

 Chapter 1125 - There Is a Fishy Smell

    <h4>1125 There Is a Fishy Smell</h4>

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re very close with the owner of the house, no? Qiao Nan, can you help me, please?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s voice turned hoarse and tears welled up in her eyes. Since a young age, she had never pleaded with someone in this manner.

    ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao, I¡¯m sorry. This matter really won¡¯t work.¡± Qiao Nan took a firm step back to distance herself from Yu Xiaoxiao. ¡°That house is not mine and I don¡¯t have the right to manage it. I don¡¯t have the right to ede to any of your requests. If you really have any ns in mind, you can ask the owner of the house. But don¡¯t expect me to give you the owner¡¯s contact. If you feel that your words are solid and convincing, you can try contacting the owners of other houses too.¡±

    It was true that one should not take advantage of others in this way.

    Yu Xiaoxiao felt that she had already been servile enough. In her life, she had never even bowed to her biological parents in this manner.

    She hadpletely thrown aside her dignity and endured the humiliation by pleading for Qiao Nan¡¯s help. She did not expect that Qiao Nan would still reject her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had been dealt with a huge blow. Tears rolled down her face uncontrobly. ¡°I am really sorry to have caused you trouble. I¡¯m the one who has simplified things. Can you not tell anyone about this matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan restrained the look in her eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t spread this matter to others but this is the canteen. I cannot guarantee that no one has heard our earlier conversation.¡± If there were any rumors, she hoped that Yu Xiaoxiao would not immediately me it on her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao sniffed and looked around.

    When she saw L¨¹ Yanughing at the side, her pupils simply formed a line. ¡°Okay, I believe you.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± After making herself clear, Qiao Nan carried her books and went to ¡®nest¡¯ in the library.

    Regarding Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s earlier behavior, Qiao Nan was not in any dilemma.

    Qiao Nan knew that she would meet many people who were morepetitive and thick-skinned than Yu Xiaoxiao in the future when she stepped out into society.

    To those wily old foxes who had stepped into society, Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s behavior today was extremely amateurish.

    When Qiao Nan was catching up in the library, she did not know that Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan had a huge argument.

    Just as Qiao Nan had said earlier, the property prices in the capital were too high. Sometimes, even those who were employed and earning money had to rent an extremely small-sized basement to save on the rent, let alone students.

    Given the situations of Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan, it was most economical for them to live in school abidingly.

    Only those whose family did notck money could harbor ideas about moving out of the school.

    After Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan secretly had a huge argument, the two were being forced into submission by reality. They werepelled to continue living in the same dormitory even though they could not see eye to eye with each other.

    Now, the trio could not even change their dormitory, not to mention a serious matter such as moving out. That was because Qiao Nan had already moved out of the dormitory.

    When there were many issues in a dormitory, it would naturally draw dislike and uneasy feelings from the teachers.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was not satisfied with a third-prize schrship. She wanted to achieve something better. She was only worried that she did not have any opportunity to perform. As such, why would she be willing to create so many troubles and continue to ruin her image in front of the teachers and the professors?

    If this kind of situation happened another one or two times, third-prize schrships would not be associated with Yu Xiaoxiao anymore, let alone second-prize ones.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was focused on her studies while Tang Jiayun paid more attention to building interpersonal rtionships. L¨¹ Yan was the only one behaving oddly. No one knew what her ns were.

    Human hearts wereplicated. When the list of schrship recipients was out, the atmosphere in the dormitory quietly started to be strange.

    The trio never spoke to or discussed things with one another in the dormitory. They did not even look at each other. When they left the door, they would avoid eye contact. There was no interaction at all. The situation was more uptight than that between ordinary ssmates.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan had moved out and she did not need to face these troubles anymore.

    ¡°Nan Nan, this is the award certificate that you brought home?¡± When Qiao Nan arrived home, the sharp-eyed Miao Jing sighted the red booklet that Qiao Nan casually ced on the study table. She was overjoyed when she opened it. ¡°First-prize schrship. Nan Nan, you¡¯ve done so well in your examination?¡±

    Her daughter was not good in her humanities subjects. Her son had well-developed brains.

    Since Zhai Sheng graduated from school many years ago, Miao Jing could not remember when she hadst seen these red booklets.

    Qiao Nan had changed into another set of clothes when she came out. ¡°Not too bad. Not many people received schrships, but I¡¯m not the only one. I heard from my senior that I will have the opportunity to go overseas for studies if I attain a few more first-prize schrships.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you wish to study abroad?¡± Miao Jing was taken aback. Nan Nan was only a first-year college student and she was already involved in studying abroad?

    Qiao Nan turned her head and said, ¡°Earlier on, I just wanted to do well in my examinations, attend college, and be a college student. As for studying abroad, I have never thought about it. If my senior did not tell me about it, I wouldn¡¯t even know that there is such a practice in the school.¡±

    Qiao Nan only ced importance on her grades and found out about the assessment criteria. She had never thought about the other advantages that woulde with good grades.

    ¡°Do you want to consider it then? Opportunities to study abroad are hard toe by.¡± If the school was really willing to give Nan Nan such a chance, that meant that Nan Nan was truly capable.

    Studying abroad was not the same as migrating. She coulde back afterpleting her studies.

    Qiao Nan took a sip of the milk that Miao Jing gave her. She knitted her brows. ¡°This milk tastes weird. There¡¯s a very fishy smell.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Miao Jing took and tasted it. ¡°No, it¡¯s the same taste as usual. Drink more milk to replenish your calcium.¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to try but before the milk came to her, her mind floated with the earlier smell of the milk. She shook her head continuously. ¡°Forget it. Perhaps I am not used to it now or maybe my taste has changed. I feel a little nauseous when I drink milk.¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± Miao Jing was anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you ate the wrong things when you were in school?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think so.¡± Qiao Nan trusted the food in the canteen very much. ¡°I have eaten in the canteen for half a year and have never taken any bad food before. Most likely, I just can¡¯t stand the smell of this milk. Mom, I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s just that I have wasted your cup of milk.¡±

    Miao Jing looked carefully at Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Besides disliking the fishy smell of the milk, her face was pinkish and eyes dewy. There were no other symptoms. ¡°It won¡¯t be wasted. I will drink it if you don¡¯t want it. Right, it¡¯s time to eat. Let¡¯s go downstairs together?¡±

    Qiao Nan walked to Miao Jing¡¯s side. ¡°Okay, Mom. Right, the army is still making arrangements for Sister Zhai Hua. What has she been doing at home these few days?¡±

 Chapter 1126 - Great Praise

    <h4>Chapter 1126 Great Praise</h4>

    ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t see her when I came back?¡± Sister Zhai Hua seemed busier than her.

    Miao Jing revealed a sheepish smile. ¡°Your Sister Zhai Hua did not return to the camp, but she has been quite busy recently. Dongzi has been asking Hua Hua out very often to watch movies or have meals. I am having a headache now. She has gone out with Dongzi so many times. Hua Hua always has a look of revulsion whenever I mention Dongzi¡¯s name in front of her. The problem is that she never rejects Dongzi whenever he asks her out. There is also something that I can¡¯t quite figure out. The time they spent together outside never exceeds four hours.¡±

    As such, had Hua Hua and Dongzi taken a liking to each other? Were they in a romantic rtionship?

    Qiao Nan patted Miao Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be anxious. As of now, it is still quite hopeful for the two of them. Dongzi has been living in America for more than twenty years. It¡¯s a good thing that Sister Zhai Hua is still willing to interact with him. You should be more worried if they are in a hurry to get married. If they interact with each other for a longer time, we can also find ways to observe Dongzi more.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt that they should take things slowly regarding marriage. It could not be rushed.

    It was hard to understand some people even after knowing them for a few years. As such, it would not be a wrong move to observe someone for a longer period of time.

    ¡°Miao Miao, what are you holding in your hands?¡± Old Master Zhai asked curiously. After his daughter-inw called his granddaughter-inw downstairs to have a meal, Old Master Zhai sighted the red booklet in his daughter-inw¡¯s hands.

    The old master had aged and his eyesight was not as good as before. He had presbyopia. However, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Hua had very sharp eyes. They immediately sighted the golden words ¡®certificate award¡¯ printed on the red booklet that Miao Jing was holding.

    ¡°What else could it be? Nan Nan received the first-prize schrship in the school. I specially brought it down for all of you to see.¡± Miao Jing was ted. She left Qiao Nan¡¯s side, ran to the table, and opened the red booklet to show everyone Qiao Nan¡¯s name and the words of the first-prize schrship in the red booklet clearly.

    ¡°Huh, school-based first prize schrship?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes lit up more. She was keener than Miao Jing. ¡°Qiao Nan, what do these words mean?¡± Why was there the word ¡®school-based¡¯?

    Zhai Yaohui was secretly taken aback. ¡°Nan Nan, do you know how many people from your cohort received this schrship?¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± This was a difficult question for Qiao Nan. She did not pay attention to this at all.

    Xu Shengnan told Qiao Nan so much information, but in Qiao Nan¡¯s world, she was already content to have received a schrship. As to how many words were printed on the red booklet, she waspletely unaware. ¡°In my impression, not many in the school.¡±

    Naturally, Xu Shengnan was the one who told Qiao Nan this.

    Qiao Nan was not sure. Hence, she did not mention Xu Shengnan¡¯s name, lest Xu Shengnan be implicated.

    ¡°Definitely not many.¡± Miao Jing interrupted. ¡°Nan Nan told me that if she receives this schrship a couple more times, she will have the chance to study abroad for free.¡±

    When Miao Jing said that, the three generations of the Zhai family were further taken aback.

    Old Master Zhai carefully took the red booklet and looked at it. ¡°It¡¯s really... not easy.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui also gave Qiao Nan a look of encouragement. ¡°You¡¯re doing very well. Keep it up. Also, don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. For things such as grades, just let nature takes its course. You just have to do your best, learn well, and strengthen your knowledge foundation. These are the most important things.¡±

    Looking at the red booklet in Old Master Zhai¡¯s hands, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes were shimmering.

    When Qiao Nan was still in junior high school, he had heard Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua speak about Qiao Nan¡¯s matter. At that time, he already knew that Qiao Nan was a very diligent child who always strived for excellence.

    He never expected that the child that he had heard about and forgotten at that time would be his daughter-inw one day.

    In addition, he also did not expect that Qiao Nan¡¯s results would still be so exemry after entering the best college in the country, although she had always been outstanding when she was in junior and senior high school.

    One had to know that the top ce in the college was much more valued than the top ce in junior and senior high schools.

    He knew that Qiao Nan was good at her studies and adopted a serious attitude. However, he had never expected Qiao Nan¡¯s grades to be so outstanding.

    This daughter-inw of his was definitely cut out for studies.

    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s a good thing. Come, let¡¯s celebrate with some wine.¡± Old Master Zhai was ted. He looked cheery and radiant. Even the mustache around his mouth curled up.

    His grandson was so smart, and his granddaughter-inw seemed to be a little more capable than his grandson.

    Under normal circumstances, his great-grandchild whom they would give birth to would be a genius.

    At the thought that his future great-grandchild would be so clever and quick-witted, Old Master Zhai, as if he had taken tonics, looked like he was in the pink of health. He also could not close his mouth and stop smiling.

    Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan with envy. ¡°Qiao Nan, how did your brains grow? Do you have any secret form? Teach me.¡± In terms of academic grades and brains, Zhai Hua took her hat off to Qiao Nan. Even if they were to be tested on the judgment of character, Qiao Nan was also better than her.

    ¡°Since I was a child, I have never attained such good grades.¡± Amongst the group of ¡®top scorers¡¯ in Peking University, Qiao Nan could continue to be the top scorer. She had a solid capability.

    Facing the praise from the Zhai family, Qiao Nan was overjoyed but she felt more awkward. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you can do it too if you work harder. I can only say that I have spent more time and effort in studies than most people. I am also more focused. I didn¡¯t win with my intelligence. Most probably, I won in terms of attitude.¡±

    Qiao Nan dared not make it a big deal. She was the only one who knew in her heart that she had received this schrship after much difficulty.

    There was also one more thing...

    ¡°Mom, when are you going to put it down?¡±

    When she said that, Qiao Nan felt like covering her face.

    She was not a three-year-old child who could not wait to proudly announce to everyone that she had received a first-prize schrship.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s initial n was to put away the certificate and store it properly. Who would have known that her mother-inw would sight it?

    When she wasing downstairs, Qiao Nan was too concerned about finding out from her mother-inw about Zhai Hua¡¯s situation. She did not even see her mother-inw conveniently carry the certificate in her hands when they walked out of the room. In the end, her mother-inw even disyed it in front of the family.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, have you finished eating? I wish to have a chat with you.¡± After Qiao Nan received continuous praise from the elders at the table, Zhai Hua quietly mumbled into Qiao Nan¡¯s ears.

    Qiao Nan nodded but she did not question further. After putting away her bowl and chopsticks and expressing that she would be going back to her room, Qiao Nan went upstairs. Zhai Hua followed closely behind.

    At the sight of Zhai Hua¡¯s guilty-looking back view, Old Master Zhai snorted. ¡°She is already of this age, yet still so childish. She is growing backward.¡±

    Did Zhai Hua think that she could keep this matter from others?

    Zhai Yaohui was calmer. ¡°If Zhai Hua doesn¡¯t do anything foolish, that person is just asking for humiliation even if he chased Zhai Hua to the capital.¡± He would just be a clown making a fool out of himself.

    Old Master Zhai was not pleased. ¡°What do you know? This kind of p is the most annoying.¡±

 Chapter 1127 - Eating out of Hand

    <h4>1127 Eating out of Hand</h4>

    ¡°If it were a few decades ago, I could kill him in one gunshot. He ismitting the huge crime of ying rogue!¡±

    ¡°Old Zhai, father is right. I am not worried about other matters. Wei De came to the capital because of Hua Hua. What if he keeps appearing when Hua Hua is attending matchmaking sessions or dates with other guys?¡± If that really happened, Hua Hua could really forget about marrying in this lifetime.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need to be afraid of this.¡± Old Master Zhai looked calm andposed. ¡°The blind dates that we find for Hua Hua will not be cowards. Hua Hua is already of this age. Many people in society have already divorced, not to mention having dated before. If this person gives up on Hua Hua because of Wei De¡¯s appearance and pestering, this kind of lousy goods can forget about being the son-inw of the Zhai family.¡±

    Wei De was very annoying, but from a certain perspective, he had be a touchstone.

    Until now, Old Master Zhai firmly believed that there was no hurry. His granddaughter could take her time and she would still be able to find a good man that she fancied to get married and have kids with.

    ¡°What? Wei De came to the capital?¡± When they were upstairs, Qiao Nan raised her voice and shrieked when she heard Zhai Hua¡¯s confession.

    ¡°Shhh. My little ancestor. I specially chatted with you upstairs because I don¡¯t want the three ¡®masters¡¯ downstairs to know about this.¡± Zhai Hua quickly covered Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth. After confirming that Qiao Nan had calmed down, Zhai Hua then released her hands. Her own face was in a grimace. ¡°Tell me. What should we do about this matter? I am so vexed. I am suspecting more and more if my eyes have been blinded by a ghost in the past. Otherwise, why would I have taken a liking to a thing like Wei De?¡±

    Although only about two months had passed, Zhai Hua had been busy with Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. She was so upied that she had forgotten about Wei De.

    Now that she mentioned Wei De, Zhai Hua had a feeling that it had happened so long ago.

    After confirming that Zhai Hua was filled with annoyance and disgust when she mentioned Wei De and that there were no longer any feelings, Qiao Nan felt much more at ease. ¡°Do you still remember my previous advice to you? Who has not loved a few scums before in their lifetime? As long as you don¡¯t forget how lousy Wei De is, you don¡¯t need to worry about other matters.¡±

    ¡°Wait... Do you mean that you bumped into Wei De when you were out on a date with Tian Dong? Wei De followed you? Did he speak anything in front of Tian Dong?¡± Wei De refused to give up. That meant he had not given up hopes on Sister Zhai Hua. He still wished to be the son-inw of the Zhai family.

    After Zhai Hua and Wei De had broken up, the Zhai family, including Qiao Nan, no longer paid attention to Wei De. They just let him perish at his own course.

    However, the Zhai family knew in their hearts that Wei De¡¯s life was definitely not good.

    He did not have money and connections. Most importantly, besides sweet-talking Zhai Hua, he did not have any other capability. The only thing left of him was his most ludicrous ambitions.

    A person like Wei De could only buy lottery tickets every day and wish to run into one-time good luck. If Wei De could strike it rich, no one would starve to death in this world.

    The more Wei De behaved in this way, the more no one looked up to him.

    On the contrary, if Wei De could appear like a man in front of the Zhai family, even if it was in the fit of pique, the Zhai family would say that he had some backbone.

    ¡°He did not utter a word. He was just fixing his eyes on and ring at Tian Dong and me.¡± Zhai Hua was extremely sullen. ¡°If Dongzi was not by my side, I would have run up to him and given him a beating. How dared he appear before me? Has he forgotten that when I just found out that his younger sister in his hometown was actually his wife who had borne a son for him, I nearly shot him dead?¡±

    He was really not afraid of death!

    Qiao Nan touched her chin. ¡°What is Tian Dong¡¯s reaction?¡±

    To the Zhai family, Wei De posed a threat all because of Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude.

    Now, Zhai Hua¡¯s expression looked as if she had seen a smelly worm whenever she mentioned Wei De. Qiao Nan couldpletely cast Wei De aside and ignore him.

    Until now, Wei De still could not cause any waves in the Zhai family.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t pay attention to that.¡± Zhai Hua looked a little lost. At that time, she was only upied with being angry with Wei De, this shameless guy. She did not have any impression of the reaction of Tian Dong, who was standing by her side.

    ¡°When Tian Dong sent you back, did he behave oddly?¡±

    ¡°No. He looks almost the same as usual.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes swirled a little. ¡°There is no hurry in this matter. We will wait and see for a few days.¡±

    Zhai Hua scratched her head. ¡°Wait and see for a few days? What do you mean?¡± Did they need to wait for something?

    ¡°Do you mean that Wei De may stille knocking at our doors?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Qiao Nan patted Zhai Hua. ¡°He won¡¯t give up without creating a din and causing you to be left on the shelves. After marrying you, his hard life will be shortened by fifty years. After marrying you, his life wille into ce and be fulfilling instantly. Do you think he will give up? Right, you have seen Wei De today. How is he?¡±

    ¡°Nothing great.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s tone was full of disdain. ¡°Can we not talk about him anymore? Each time I mention him, I can¡¯t help thinking how stupid I was half a year ago. He can kick up a fuss as he wishes. He may even be of some help to us. I find some people quite annoying too. If they leave because of Wei De, this will save me a lot of trouble.¡±

    Qiao Nan held her chin and did notment on Zhai Hua¡¯s words. ¡°Let me ask you then. Did Wei De¡¯s appearance help you chase Tian Dong away?¡±

    Zhai Hua was heartless in her reply. ¡°Wei De just appeared today. I am not even sure if he knows about Wei De¡¯s matter. Will he not leave after he finds out about it?¡± Even if he did not leave now, he might cleverly scram as far as possible as soon as he found out.

    Although her chat with Qiao Nan could not resolve some practical problems, at the very least, Zhai Hua did not feel so panicky now.

    After settling her own matters, Zhai Hua started to be concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. ¡°Right, how are you doing in school? Did anyone bully you?¡±

    ¡°If I say yes, are you going to take revenge for me?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Zhai Huaughed like a ruffian. ¡°It¡¯s not as if I have not studied before. The children nowadays are very scheming and domineering. They also get jealous very easily. Zhai Sheng is not at home. If anyone dares to bully you, of course I have to help him protect you.¡± Who did not open their eyes and dared to bully the Zhai family? She had to deal with them.

    Qiao Nan smiled sweetly as she leaned her head on Zhai Hua¡¯s shoulders. Her soft and gentle demeanor made Zhai Hua¡¯s face turn red. Zhai Hua was having goose bumps all over. She pushed Qiao Nan away uneasily. ¡°Scram, scram, scram. Stop using this tactic on me. Do you treat me as Zhai Sheng?¡±

    It was no wonder Zhai Sheng liked Qiao Nan so much. When Qiao Nan was acting coquettish, even a woman like her could not help feeling soft and numb.

    She already felt this way. No wonder Qiao Nan had Zhai Sheng ate out of her hands.

 Chapter 1128 - Be Firm

    <h4>Chapter 1128 Be Firm</h4>

    Qiao Nan did not care about the fierce looks that Zhai Hua had deliberately put up. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t worry. Besides, I am not that easily bullied.¡± Now, she also dared to retaliate when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin wanted to deal with her. Would she agree to be bullied by others?

    Zhai Hua was a very smart person. She understood Qiao Nan¡¯s words immediately. ¡°Why? Did someone really dislike you because of this first-prize schrship?¡±

    Qiao Nan covered her mouth and smiled. ¡°If I tell you that I have already been bulliedst year, and there were rumors in the school that I was my father-inw¡¯s kept woman, do you believe it?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, that¡¯s terrible!¡± Zhai Hua almost jumped. ¡°Is this person purposely going against our Zhai family? Which family¡¯s child is that?¡±

    Qiao Nan held on to Zhai Hua. ¡°This matter is not asplicated as you think. At that time, I just got engaged to Brother Zhai. I am just an ordinary college student in the capital. Father-inw was implicated although he did not do anything. Coincidentally, mother-inw was sick that day and father-inw came to fetch me home to look after mother-inw. When the other party saw father-inw¡¯s age and knew that he drove a Land Rover, I became a ¡®kept woman¡¯. However, don¡¯t worry. I have resolved this matter. There won¡¯t be any more issues.¡±

    Zhai Hua had ck lines all over her face. ¡°I¡¯m really not wrong to say that the youngdies nowadays are too scheming. Are they brainless? Don¡¯t they know that everyone has to be responsible for their own actions and speech? Don¡¯t tell me she thinks that she will get away scot-free after spouting untrue words, that she doesn¡¯t need to be imprisoned?¡±

    The most annoying thing was that she even maligned her father. This person had the gall of a leopard!

    ¡°So how is she doing now?¡±

    ¡°A little bad. She went back to where she came from.¡± Qiao Nan did not hide the truth. She said it bluntly.

    Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan from the corners of her eyes. ¡°Did you stop her? You¡¯re a lousy kind one!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m kind?¡± Qiao Nan pointed to her own nose in disbelief. ¡°Do you know that no one in the dormitory dares to bother about her after she created such a din? Even ssmates from the same faculty dare not associate with her. If she is like me, who prefers to focus on studies, that¡¯s fine. However, she is eager to make friends. Tell me. Given her character, will she feelfortable staying in the school?¡±

    Most of those who were aware of the matter gave L¨¹ Yan psychological abuse.

    Even though Qiao Nan disliked boycotting, she really had nothing to say when she encountered someone like L¨¹ Yan.

    It was not easy for L¨¹ Yan to make it to college. It was also not easy for her parents to support her through her education all this while. If L¨¹ Yan could sort out her thoughts and focus on her studies, the psychological abuse from others would not upset her that much.

    However, L¨¹ Yan was as scheming as before. As such, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s school life was not something that Qiao Nan could empathize with.

    Zhai Hua pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s so rare. Given that soft and flour-like heart of yours, it¡¯s considered extreme to have done what you did to this woman. Alright, as long as you¡¯re not the type who apologizes to the person after thetter bullies you, then that¡¯s fine.¡± The only regret was that Qiao Nan¡¯s retaliation was not strong enough.

    If it was her or Zhai Sheng, they would have caused the college student to be expelled.

    She did not believe that Peking University was willing to ept a student who maligned others casually, who would be liable legally.

    After having a heart-to-heart talk with Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan waved the books in her hands. Zhai Hua rolled her eyes a few times at Qiao Nan unhappily. ¡°I specially came to keep youpany as Zhai Sheng is not at home. I am afraid that you will feel lonely. Who knows that your life is more fulfilling than mine.¡±

    ¡°You can continue to keep mepany. There are so many books on the shelves. You can just grab any book to read.¡± Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. Of course, she was d that someone was willing to keep herpany. However, she preferred a ¡®quiet¡¯panion.

    Zhai Hua flung her hands. That look of disdain on her face was as if she was chasing flies away. ¡°Don¡¯t joke with me. I have finally graduated from school. Why would I still want to read books? No way, no way.¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Hua took off to her room. She had a look of worry on her face as if Qiao Nan was really going to make her stay behind and read.

    In the blink of an eye, it was the weekend.

    On this morning, Qiao Nan wanted to go out as per her usual routine. Just as she went down the stairs, she was stunned by the straight and tall figure in green army attire sitting in the living room. ¡°Brother Zhai, you... Why did youe back?¡±

    Brother Zhai looked fine but there were some greenish dark circles under his eyes. Obviously, he had not been sleeping well for some time.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached badly at the sight of this. ¡°You have just been deployed here and the leaders sent you for missions immediately. Do they need to be so anxious? How many sleepless nights did you have?¡±

    He was in good spirits. Coupled with the fact that there were many joyous events recently, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes did not look like that of someone who had not slept for two days.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s concern, Zhai Sheng seemed to have taken a soup with a concoction of ten powerful tonics. His whole body felt much better. It was better than having ice in June. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am fine. I am new here and have thus encountered some situations. I¡¯ll be fine after tiding over this period.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was very young and he had been deployed to the capital suddenly.

    The people in the new army did not know Zhai Sheng well. Although they heard that Zhai Sheng had many contributions and achievements, many people felt that these were empty talks.

    No one could guarantee that these so-called achievements of Zhai Sheng were not obtained through underhand means.

    Everyone did not trust the contributions of Zhai Sheng. Moreover, he assumed a senior position of great authority as soon as he joined. Zhai Sheng was basically given a promotion. To the people who took their job seriously and were willing to sacrifice their lives to protect the peace of the country, that was too unfair.

    This was not the first day that Zhai Sheng had joined the army. At first sight, he knew in his heart that many people in the new army were not convinced by him.

    If this problem continued to persist, Zhai Sheng would definitely encounter hindrances during his training and missions in the future.

    In the army, it was not necessary to speak too much. Basically, one could gain respect with absolute capability.

    Zhai Sheng was clear about this. Hence, he did not waste his breath on the newrades when he joined the camp. He went by the books and did what he should. Those who were unconvinced could step out and challenge him.

    On the first day that Zhai Sheng joined the new army, he already had physical exchanges with a few of the people with the best brawns in his team. It happened in an alfresco setting and everyone witnessed that.

    Zhai Sheng fought with these people one by one.

    In this way, he won respect from others. At the same time, he was also testing the standard of the new team that he had just taken over.

    Undoubtedly, Zhai Sheng won beautifully in the end.

    Because Zhai Sheng won against hisst ¡®opponent¡¯ after much difficulty, no one thought that Zhai Sheng was someone without substance or someone who was only good at talking thereafter.

 Chapter 1129 - Apply Leave to Collect Certificate

    <h4>1129 Apply Leave to Collect Certificate</h4>

    In terms of physical strength, training content, and marksmanship, Zhai Sheng¡¯s skills were definitely top-notch. He was very powerful.

    As for thest exchange, it was tough on him and he spent more time. Nevertheless, everyone who witnessed that took their hat off to Zhai Sheng, this new officer.

    It was not because of other reasons. That few skilled individuals challenged Zhai Sheng consecutively, one after another.

    In other words, besides having one-to-one exchanges, they were also rounding up Zhai Sheng at the same time.

    As such, the selected skilled individuals only needed to participate in one fight each whereas Zhai Sheng had to fight all of them one by one, one after another. After every round of exchange, his physical strength would diminish a little.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng was the victor. Even if he had lost, no one would say that he was a coward. They would only be convinced of Zhai Sheng¡¯s guts.

    Of course, when Zhai Sheng eventually won, everyone did not seem as defiant and unconvinced as before when they looked at this ¡®airborne army personnel¡¯.

    It was uncertain if Zhai Sheng was considered lucky. After he had a run-in with his troops, the top management delegated a mission. Due to various reasons, this missionnded on Zhai Sheng¡¯s te.

    Zhai Sheng was well aware that the waters were deep in the capital and things would not be as peaceful as when he was in Ping Cheng.

    To him, this mission was very dangerous. Someone had plotted against him. They clearly knew that he had just arrived in the capital and was not very familiar with his troops, yet they deliberately forced this mission on him, hoping to see him make a fool of himself.

    Zhai Sheng was enduring the anger in his heart. Although he knew that he had been schemed against, he had to take on this mission. He had to remain nonchnt, ept it gracefully, devise a strategy, and pick the capable ones in his team to execute it.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng used his capability to prove to those people who harbored ill intentions that the men in the Zhai family were still the same as more than a decade ago. It was not good to provoke them!

    What made Zhai Sheng most happy was that this mission had been a blessing in disguise. After sessfullypleting it, he had used the shortest time to gain achievement in the new work environment.

    Most importantly, at the very least, those few army veterans whom he picked and brought with him in the mission hadpletely conceded defeat to Zhai Sheng, this new officer.

    These few ¡®veteran¡¯ soldiers had a good performance in the army. They were recognized by everyone as promising individuals.

    Precisely, these people were quite influential in the army due to this.

    When the junior heads affirmed Zhai Sheng, would the soldiers under their wing be at odds with Zhai Sheng?

    To these people, Zhai Sheng¡¯s past contribution was void. However, everyrade whom they looked up to said that the new officer was very capable. Under his leadership, the army would progress and be the most outstanding team. Naturally, not many people objected to Zhai Sheng anymore.

    Afterpleting his mission sessfully, Zhai Sheng rushed back to the house of the Zhai family. He even specially wore his favorite well-ironed green army attire and waited for Qiao Nan toe downstairs.

    She was just studying and had already encountered various kinds of problems. Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan understood a little. ¡°It¡¯s really been settled? Next time, no one will dare to create hindrances for you anymore? Also, do you know who exactly in the army is at odds with you?¡±

    Although many people hadints and dissatisfaction, some matters and problems would not erupt so quickly in the absence of someone taking the lead to stir up troubles.

    Someone was not happy about Brother Zhai¡¯s ¡®promotion¡¯. Hence, someone had to step out first to take the wind out of his sail.

    In this aspect, Qiao Nan knew a little but she did not know how to manage it.

    Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan into his arms swiftly. He buried his head in Qiao Nan¡¯s neck and took a deep breath.

    After his lungs were filled with that natural and faint body fragrance of Qiao Nan, there was a tinge of dreaminess in Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep and hoarse voice. ¡°No need to worry about me. I can settle this small issue on my own. Besides, Nan Nan, have you forgotten what day is today?¡±

    ¡°What day?¡± Qiao Nan expressed that she had really forgotten.

    Facing the fair, tender, nice-smelling and snowy skin, Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth seemed to be acting on his own ord as it started chewing on Qiao Nan¡¯s neck. ¡°It¡¯s your birthday today. From this year onward, today is not only your birthday but also our wedding anniversary date.¡±

    Today, he was going to bring Nan Nan to collect the wedding certificate. He would officially add Nan Nan¡¯s name into the household register of the Zhai family. She would be part of his family!

    ¡°M-my birthday?¡± Qiao Nan was in a slight daze. Qiao Nan had never celebrated any birthday in two lifetimes.

    Last year, the elders had wanted to celebrate Qiao Nan¡¯s twentieth birthday but she declined it. She had no choice. During this timest year, Qiao Nan was enthusiastically preparing for the college entrance examination. She really could not find time to organize a birthday celebration.

    After some time, Qiao Nan, who had been used to not celebrating her birthday, hadpletely forgotten that she was born on this date.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, are you really going to collect the certificate with me?¡± Tears welled up in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. After collecting the certificate, she would truly and officially be Brother Zhai¡¯s wife. This would be recognized in the eyes of thew.

    Her marriage with Brother Zhai was considered a military marriage. It would be protected by thew in the future.

    If Qiao Zijin snatched her love and became a third party like she did in the previous life, she would have to be imprisoned!

    Qiao Nan did not have any more feelings for Chen Jun. However, in her previous life, her only happiness of almost getting married had been destroyedpletely via such a shameless means of Qiao Zijin. She even suffered badly from Ding Jiayi¡¯s humiliation and scolding.

    Upon hearing that she was going to collect the marriage certificate, Qiao Nan had some phobia. At the same time, she also yearned to do so.

    As a very traditional Chinese woman, Qiao Nan viewed that red booklet that cost just a few yuan to prepare with utmost importance.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhai Sheng gave Qiao Nan a loud kiss on the face. ¡°I have already brought along my identity card and household register of family members. Bring yours along. Let¡¯s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau now!¡±

    Zhai Sheng had also been waiting for this day for a long time.

    As he was going to collect the certificate with Qiao Nan soon, Zhai Sheng was in a very good mood.

    This was the moment that he had been waiting for and the reason that he had worked so hard toplete his mission and return home early.

    There were tears in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes as she smiled. Her tiny face rubbed in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°I¡¯ll get it now.¡±

    After taking her identity card and household register, Qiao Nan quickly made a call to the department where she was having her social practice and requested for half a day off from her supervisor.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s performance was excellent during the past six months. Due to her fluent English, she had received many praises when she entertained overseas tourists. She had also quietly raised the fame of the department.

    As such, the people from the office of the Pce Museum liked Qiao Nan, this junior, very much.

    Being able to receive the school-based first-prize schrship was alsorgely due to the affirmation given to her by these people.

 Chapter 1130 - Qiao Nan Received a Presen

    1130 Qiao Nan Received a Presen

    For the past six months, Qiao Nan had neither beente nor applied for any leave. It was rare that she requested for half a day of leave today. As such, the other party approved it with no questions asked.

    This was a volunteer who could provide great customer service and was not paid any money. If they did not even approve the leave, they were also fearful that others wouldbel them a ve driver.

    After applying for a leave, Qiao Nan got into Zhai Sheng¡¯s car and left for the nearest Civil Affairs Bureau.

    The marriage of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan was a military one. Zhai Sheng had with him the marriage report approved by his superiors. As such, the process of collecting the certificate was very smooth and convenient for the two of them.

    As it was Saturday today, it might be a little cumbersome for others to do the collection. Nevertheless, they had no trouble given the special identity of Zhai Sheng.

    When the ¡®piping hot¡¯ and stamped certificate was out, Zhai Sheng snatched it away from Qiao Nan before she could hold and examine it. ¡°Ah, Brother Zhai, what are you doing? I have not seen it clearly. This is mine. Isn¡¯t yours in your hands? Why did you snatch mine away?¡±

    This was a marriage certificate that belonged to her. This was the first time that she owned it.

    At most, it was a red booklet with many photographs of her and Zhai Sheng. Although it was just an ordinary booklet, Qiao Nan cherished it very much. She wanted to flip it many times and look at it properly.

    Unfortunately, she had only seen the red booklet for a while before Zhai Sheng snatched it away unreasonably. That red booklet did not even carry any of her warmth in it.

    As a tall and grown-up man, Zhai Sheng¡¯s movements were very careful when he was holding their wedding certificate. It was as if the red booklet would be spoiled if he used a little more strength. He then meticulously put them away in his pocket. ¡°You don¡¯t need this item at normal times. This kind of identification document is quite important, so give it to me and I will safeguard it together with mine.¡±

    When Zhai Sheng said this, it meant that he had already decided. Hepletely did not consider Qiao Nan¡¯s opinions and thoughts.

    There was a row of imaginary ck lines on Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Why do you insist on putting everything away at your end? Can¡¯t I take care of it on my own?¡± Brother Zhai was too domineering to have done that.

    In the past, didn¡¯t she safeguard her own identity card and household register before she married Brother Zhai?

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng rubbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hair like he did when they were young to appease her. ¡°That¡¯s the past. This is such a tiny item. I¡¯m afraid that you will lose it. Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Qiao Nan denied honestly. Was it necessary to leave both wedding certificates to Brother Zhai? His attitude was too serious and solemn.

    She almost suspected if their wedding certificates were made from gold and not ordinary paper.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Let¡¯s go home and celebrate. We are finally married today.¡± After sessfully ¡®convincing¡¯ Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood turned even better. He felt that it was really great to marry a wife home. Good things kepting his way.

    Qiao Nan passively allowed Zhai Sheng to hold her hands. She not only got into his car but also deliberately went marketing to buy a lot of groceries for the celebration. They wanted to celebrate their marriage ¡®again¡¯.

    ¡°You have collected the certificate?¡± At the sight of her son looking excited and her daughter-inw looking shy, Miao Jing was smiling so much that her eyes turned crescent-shaped. They had collected the certificate. Henceforth, Nan Nan¡¯s name would be on their household register. There was nothing better than this.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng restrained his smile. ¡°Is there someone else at home?¡±

    Tian Dong, who was sitting opposite Zhai Hua, could tell that the ¡®someone else¡¯ that Zhai Sheng was referring to was, of course, himself.

    ¡°Dongzi is here for a meal.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s smile turned even more enthusiastic and happy.

    An unmarried and mature man of marriageable age had asked her daughter out a few times after meeting thetter. He even came to their house for meals. It went without saying what this meant.

    She had not discovered anything mean or unreliable about Tian Dong yet. As such, when she saw that a man finally appeared by her extroverted daughter¡¯s side, Miao Jing was very happy to see a good oue.

    Tian Dong carried a box and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°Congrattions to both of you.¡± He did note to have a free meal.

    Qiao Nan, who was surprised at receiving a present, raised her eyebrows as she nced sideways at Zhai Hua.

    She was going to collect the marriage certificate with Brother Zhai today. Besides the family, no one else knew. There came the problem. It was such a coincidence that Tian Dong had a gift for the newly married with him.

    Could it be that Tian Dong always carried one or two presents with him all the time out of courtesy to prepare for unexpected needs?

    ¡°Do you mind if I open it?¡± She knew that Tian Dong came back from America. Even if Tian Dong did not pick up the liberal mindset of the foreigners, Qiao Nan believed that, at the very least, Tian Dong would not mind that she opened the present in front of him.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Tian Dong raised his hand.

    Qiao Nan removed the ribbon, tore the packaging, and opened the box. ¡°Ne?¡± It looked like a diamond ne. ¡°Did you give this to the wrong person?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t Tian Dong wooing Sister Zhai Hua? Shouldn¡¯t such an expensive gift be given to Sister Zhai Hua instead?

    ¡°No.¡± Tian Dong denied. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like it. If I really want to give her a present, most likely, a gun is better.¡±

    There were clear regtions on the allocation of guns in the country. Fortunately, the situation of the Zhai family was different from that of ordinary people. Such dangerous items could not be gifted to others. However, it was definitely not a problem to gift a gun with thetest model to Zhai Hua.

    After confirming that this present was for her, Qiao Nan epted with a smile. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± He could get a ¡®free¡¯ meal after giving a ne. That was a bargain no matter how he looked at it. Just as Zhai Hua had said to him, this young sister-inw of Zhai Hua was quite interesting.

    The auntie moved all the groceries that Zhai Sheng bought into the kitchen. Using every trick in her bag and at her fastest speed, the auntie transformed them into delicious dishes.

    During this period, Zhai Sheng quietly took a few nces at Tian Dong.

    In the face of Zhai Sheng¡¯s assessment, Tian Dong did not avoid it at all. He even confronted Zhai Sheng by looking directly at him in the eye.

    Although the two did not speak a word, the three women seated with them could vaguely feel the sparks between the eye exchanges of Zhai Sheng and Tian Dong.

    ¡°Madam, the dishes are ready.¡± Oblivious to the situation, the auntie broke the stiff atmosphere. She had prepared and ced all the dishes on the table.

    ¡°Please, help yourself.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. They had not seen each other for twenty years, and Tian Dong had changed a lot.

    When they were young, even Zhai Hua could make Tian Dong cry. Now, Tian Dong dared to look at him in the eye. He was much more daring than before.

    Zhai Sheng was different from ordinary people. He was young and good-looking.

    However, he had an extraordinary job. He had seen blood and someone had died in his hands before.

    Although a person like Zhai Sheng might want to hide it, sometimes, they would exude an aura of ferocity that made people want to avoid him.

    When they met Zhai Sheng, this kind of ¡®devil¡¯, timid bad guys only wanted to avoid him totally. They would not bump into him face to face.

    ¡°Come. Let¡¯s eat. Everyone must be hungry.¡± Miao Jing knew that her son and Dongzi were done with the bat¡¯, so she became the mediator and asked everyone to start eating.

 Chapter 1131 - Qiao Nanâ€™s Spring

    1131 Qiao Nan¡¯s Spring

    As the only elder present on the asion, Miao Jing took the seat of the host.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were husband and wife. Of course, they had to sit together. As such, Zhai Hua had no choice but to sit opposite them. The amazing thing was that Tian Dong took the seat beside Zhai Hua on his own ord.

    At this sight, outsiders who did not know the situation would believe that Miao Jing was very blessed. On Saturdays, both daughter and son-inw came to dine with and keep Miao Jingpany.

    The straightforward Zhai Hua gave Tian Dong an unhappy re when she saw him sitting a tad too close to her. ¡°You¡¯re so big and I¡¯m not petite either. Move your chair away a little. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid that I will knock onto your arms when I take dishes with my chopstickster. That won¡¯t be good.¡±

    After hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words, Tian Dong did not move away. Instead, to everyone¡¯s surprise, he picked up some food with his chopsticks for Zhai Hua. ¡°I will help you take the dishes. You won¡¯t knock into me then. It¡¯s too cumbersome to move the chair. Auntie Miao, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Miao Jing, whose name had suddenly been mentioned, was stunned. She went along with Tian Dong. ¡°This will depend on what you think. If you feel that it is troublesome, it is. If you feel that it is not troublesome, it is not then.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Besides Tian Dong and Miao Jing, who were conversing, there was only silence from the remaining three people present.

    Zhai Hua nearly spat out her rice. Her mother was tongue-twisting. Wasn¡¯t it just moving a chair? She made it sound soplicated as if she was attempting an Olympics question.

    ¡°Auntie is right.¡± Seemingly oblivious to the awkward reactions of the Zhai Sheng trio, Tian Dong even curried favor with Miao Jing. He then continued to fill Zhai Hua¡¯s bowl with dishes. ¡°You have a huge appetite. Eat more.¡±

    Tian Dong took food for Zhai Hua twice. Honestly, this action was a little too intimate.

    Undoubtedly, Tian Dong did this to convey one thing to the Zhai family: He liked Zhai Hua. He wanted not only to woo Zhai Hua but also to marry her. He was serious. Today, he was formally informing the Zhai family about this.

    At the same time, he also hoped that the Zhai family could stop organizing matchmaking sessions for Zhai Hua.

    That was right. Tian Dong behaved in this way today because he heard that Zhai Hua had wanted to go on blind dates and the Zhai family had agreed. They even deliberately spread this news so that rtives and friends could help look out for Zhai Hua.

    Tian Dong had never paid heed to Wei De. However, if someone were to really introduce people to Zhai Hua, those men who were going to attend the blind dates might beparable to him.

    Wei De was an ident. Although he was a thing of the past, regardless of how smart Tian Dong was, he had no choice but to utilize some tactic when facing the straightforward Zhai Hua, which was to dere himself as the owner!

    Qiao Nan nudged Zhai Sheng with her arms. What was happening between Sister Zhai Hua and Tian Dong?

    She had thought that the two were just childhood friends who had not seen each other for more than twenty years. Although Brother Zhai had mentioned their anecdote when they were children, they were still very young at that time. That was just a joke and no one would take a child¡¯s babble for real.

    However, at the sight of Tian Dong¡¯s behavior today, Qiao Nan felt that although others did not take it for real, it did not mean that the two parties concerned did not take it to heartpletely.

    At the very least, she felt that Tian Dong was quite serious.

    Tian Dong was a man of few words but his actions said otherwise.

    Obviously, the feelings that he had for Sister Zhai Hua did not happen in just one or two days.

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, hinting to her not to mess around at this juncture and affect his assessment.

    As she did not receive an answer from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan pursed her lips unhappily. After the meal, she informed the family that she had anothermitment and left the house thereafter.

    Although today was a good day as she was married officially, she had not forgotten that she had toplete her social practice.

    After six months of perseverance, Qiao Nan¡¯s standard of English had gradually improved due to constant interaction with overseas tourists.

    Qiao Nan learned not only the ent of American English but also that of British English.

    Perhaps Qiao Nan was quite gifted in this area. Under her perseverance and diligence, she had improved tremendously. As a result, when she received the tourists this year, they would always praise Qiao Nan and ask her if she had ever studied or lived abroad for a few years.

    As she gained experience in interacting with the tourists, Qiao Nan improved the standard of her speech. She was also able to freelymunicate with foreigners without feeling awkward.

    After attaining such distinct results and the school-based first-prize schrship, Qiao Nan¡¯s interest in social practice grew. Her enthusiasm had also swelled tremendously.

    Under the influence of a positive cycle, the result was Qiao Nan¡¯s graceful attitude, good looks, sweet voice, and awesome English.

    In short, Qiao Nan was getting the hang of this social practice. She was very young but she was adapting in the department like a duck to water, and she received much affirmation and help from many seniors and leaders.

    The ssmates in the same cohort of Qiao Nan all felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s academic performance was good. She was also a famous figure in the school. However, in terms of interpersonal rtionships, they felt that Qiao Nan was quite pitiful because everyone ignored her, and vice versa. Regardless of how glorious she was now, it would cease to exist eventually.

    When Qiao Nan could not endure it further, she might develop an illness or depression under such circumstances. No one could tell for sure.

    The top students of famous schools bing a lunatic eventually¡ªthis kind of news was not inexistent.

    Qiao Nan was in a lot of limelight now, but perhaps the next person being reported in the news would be Qiao Nan.

    These people believed that besides studies, Qiao Nan was definitelycking in other spiritual aspects, that she actually felt extremely lonely at heart.

    Never would they have imagined that Qiao Nan did not suffer from any depression. On the contrary, Qiao Nan was extremely happy. She felt that her current life was more wonderful than ever. She was much happier.

    It was as if she had survived the winter in her life, and after much difficulty, weed the bright and beautiful sun in spring. Flowers were blossoming continuously, and there was so much beauty that one could not take them all in!

    As such, although today was the big day of her marriage, Qiao Nan did not give up her remaining half day of social practice. She diligently reported for work.

    Each time Zhai Sheng faced the Qiao Nan who was busier than him, he felt quite helpless.

    The military wife of his family was indeed different from that of others.

    ¡°Zhai Hua, recently, I received a piece of thetest information. I have ced it in the study room. You can read it yourself.¡± Qiao Nan went for her social practice. Besides Qiao Nan, no one else had left.

    Zhai Sheng, who had justpleted his mission, did not need to do anything. What he needed most now was to have a good sleep to replenish his energy.

    However, when he saw Tian Dong and thetter¡¯s actions at the dining table, Zhai Sheng had to perk up to deal with Tian Dong, lest another family¡¯s wolf take Zhai Hua away when he was not paying attention.

 Chapter 1132 - Given a Harsh Beating

    1132 Given a Harsh Beating

    Regardless of how foolish or udylike Zhai Hua was, she was also a woman from the Zhai family and his elder sister who was born a year before him.

    Zhai Hua could sense that the atmosphere was a little strange. Although she was normally at odds with Zhai Sheng, she gave Zhai Sheng a lot of face in front of outsiders. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go and take a look.¡±

    Miao Jing was rubbing her forehead. ¡°As I get older, I don¡¯t have as much energy as before. I feel tired easily after a meal. Zhai Sheng, I will leave you to host Dongzi. I will go and take a nap. Nan Nan has said before that taking afternoon naps are good for health.¡±

    Miao Jing could tell that her son wanted to have a good chat with Tian Dong.

    It was just nice. Miao Jing was also thinking of ways to understand what kind of person Tian Dong was.

    Both her son and daughter-inw had a good sense of judgment in character. Earlier on, they had kicked out Wei De, this scum. Now, she would let her son assess properly whether Tian Dong was a potential candidate who was reliable and worthy of Zhai Hua.

    After sorting out her thoughts, Miao Jing decisively delegated this task of ¡®checking out the son-inw¡¯ to Zhai Sheng.

    The women of the Zhai family left. Even the auntie who had followed the Zhai family to the capital was also holding a basket, expressing that she wished to go out for a walk and conveniently buy groceries for dinner.

    Next, there was silence in the house of the Zhai family. Only Zhai Sheng and Tian Dong remained behind for a face-to-face confrontation.

    At this moment, both Zhai Sheng and Tian Dong had be the most patient hunters. As the host, Zhai Sheng refused to speak. Tian Dong also maintained his silence. The two grown-up men were at a stalemate with each other without uttering a word.

    After half an hour, Tian Dong sighed. At the same time, the arch of Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyebrows moved.

    Zhai Sheng could tell that Tian Dong¡¯s patience had not run out. If the matter was not pertaining to Zhai Hua, given Tian Dong¡¯s character, even if he had spoken, he might not even be willing to go straight to the main topic after chatting the whole day.

    So as to speak, for Zhai Hua¡¯s sake, Tian Dong broke the silence ahead and weakened his position?

    ¡°What? You have been living in America for such a long time. Don¡¯t tell me your judgment and thinking have never been influenced by capitalism?¡± Zhai Sheng spoke coldly.

    Tian Dong was not angry despite Zhai Sheng¡¯s sarcasm. That was because he knew that the man who was speaking to him now was his future brother-inw. He could not offend him. ¡°You don¡¯t need to test me. I came back specially to marry Zhai Hua.¡±

    He only had one objective: Zhai Hua.

    As for the Zhai family¡¯s opinion of him, he could only say that the Zhai family¡¯s status and position made them too sensitive. They were suffering from paranoia!

    Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Will you be able to marry just by talking? Let¡¯s not talk about whether Zhai Hua is willing to marry you. If your rtionship with Zhai Hua is sessful, do you know what kind of choice you will have to make?¡±

    There was a sh in Tian Dong¡¯s eyes. ¡°I know. After I came back this time, I don¡¯t intend to leave.¡± This was where the Tian family came from. Naturally, they had to move back to China.

    Upon hearing the Tian family¡¯s decision, unfortunately, Zhai Sheng did not buy that. ¡°It¡¯s not strange toe back either. The country is progressing better than overseas now.¡±

    Facing the nitpicking by Zhai Sheng, Tian Dong¡¯s expression changed slightly but he still endured it. ¡°I won¡¯t leave the country again. You are in the capital now as well. If you let Zhai Hua marry me, you have nothing to worry about.¡± If Zhai Hua were to suffer any grievance at the Tian family, the Zhai family would definitely receive first-hand news at the slightest ruffle in the wind. They would then run to the Tian family to settle scores with him.

    Furthermore, why would he let Zhai Hua down since he had decided to marry her?

    Zhai Sheng was putting on airs now. Hepletely disyed the style of a ruffian soldier. He refused to admit that he had received a benefit. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that revenge is a dish best served cold. My usual style is to simply nip the bud of the fire as soon as I see a me appearing.¡± Was it meaningful to go knocking on the door when one had already been bullied? Would the fact of Zhai Hua being bullied change?

    Tian Dong¡¯s eyes turned a little gloomy. The corners of his lips pursed. ¡°If you¡¯re really so capable, why did Wei De exist?¡±

    Zhai Sheng smirked. ¡°That is our family¡¯s business. Wei De alone is not to be med for this. Zhai Hua is not smart enough.¡± Zhai Sheng was not willing to say that Zhai Hua was stupid in front of Tian Dong.

    They were biological siblings. If he really said that Zhai Hua was stupid, then what was he considered as?

    Zhai Sheng would not make this kind of low-grade mistake.

    ¡°Zhai Hua is considered smart. However, shecked a little experience in this area.¡± Thedy that he fancied had been mocked by others. Tian Dong was quite unhappy, although the person who mocked her was her only biological younger brother.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart wavered slightly. However, his expression did not reveal this at all. ¡°Yes, in this aspect, she not onlycked a little experience, but she was alsopletely inexperienced. No choice. As her younger brother, I have to worry more and help her assess more urately. Tian Dong, do you think you can pass this test?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Tian Dong questioned back.

    He wished to marry the onlydy in the Zhai family. Of course, Tian Dong was long prepared that the Zhai family would make things difficult for him.

    He did not expect that Zhai Sheng, and not Old Master Zhai or Chief Zhai, would be the first one to make things difficult for him. He was Zhai Hua¡¯s younger brother but they did not seem that close when they were children.

    Although the person who made things difficult for him was different from whom he had thought, Tian Dong did not feel that he needed to change anything about himself. He would perform ordingly.

    Zhai Sheng rxed his brows and nced sideways at Tian Dong. ¡°I heard that Wei De had been given a beating. He is in quite dire straits?¡±

    Zhai Sheng heard of Wei De chasing Zhai Hua to the capital.

    When he was in Ping Cheng previously, it was not convenient for him to do anything overboard to Wei De for the sake of the Zhai family¡¯s reputation.

    Now, they were in the capital. No one knew who Wei De was. No matter how much he wanted to deal with Wei De, he was not as restricted as to when he was in Ping Cheng.

    However, before Zhai Sheng could take any action, Wei De was already almost handicapped. When Zhai Sheng received this news, all the ns he had in mind fell through and turned useless.

    There was only one exnation as to why Zhai Sheng would discuss this topic with Tian Dong. He suspected that the people who bashed Wei De up were rted to Tian Dong.

    ¡°Whether he is really that miserable will depend on whether he continues to stay in the capital.¡± Tian Dong was not satisfied with this oue at all.

    If murder was not illegal, Tian Dong knew that he would not just get a few people to deal with Wei De. That would be too easy on him.

    Since he could not kill anyone, Tian Dong could only think of ways to teach Wei De a lesson. He hoped that Wei De would leave the capital, thisnd of ¡®trouble¡¯, as soon as possible due to fear.

    Without Zhai Hua by his side and the backing of the Zhai family¡¯s reputation, Wei De¡¯spany could not continue with its business at all.

    Wei De spent a long time building his wealth. He then spent the shortest time reverting to his previous state of being penniless.

    Wei De had been extremely generous to people in his hometown, especially after he became a boss and made it rich.

 Chapter 1133 - Heartless

    1133 Heartless

    Wei De had not only built a new house in his hometown but also often gave his parents money. Otherwise, given the miserable state that Wei De was in, it was already a problem for him to remain in Ping Cheng, so how could he have followed the Zhai family to the capital?

    The money that Wei De was spending now was all those that he had given to his parents earlier. He took back all the money that he had given.

    Of course, at such a stage, the rtionship between Wei De and Zhai Hua could not be covered up anymore.

    In the beginning, Wei De was not willing to talk about it. He requested money from his family and told them that he needed money to relieve his cash flow issues, that his hands were tight as he ran into some inconveniences in his business recently.

    At that time, Wei De¡¯s mother scolded him very angrily. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the chief¡¯s daughter knows many people? Other people are daughters-inw. She is also a daughter-inw. Why is she such a failure? If you encounter any problems in your business, shouldn¡¯t she get her maternal family to help you? If you are short of money, you can get it from your wife. If she doesn¡¯t have money, many people will be willing to lend her as long as she opens her mouth to ask for it, no? If she is petty to you and refuses to borrow money, you can also use her name to borrow money from her friends since you also know them. Son, don¡¯t be so rigid. You have to know how to adapt to different situations.¡±

    Would Wei De not think of these means that his mother was teaching him?

    If Zhai Hua did not break up with him... If no one knew that he had fallen out with Zhai Hua...

    His mother did not need to teach him. Wei De would have daringly used Zhai Hua¡¯s name to borrow money long ago. He would borrow as much money as he wished to without any hesitation, let alone getting others to help him in his business.

    Since he was borrowing money for the business on the ount of Zhai Hua¡¯s face, Zhai Hua would have to repay the gratitude in the future.

    As for the money earned, that would be Wei De¡¯s credit alone. It did not have anything to do with Zhai Hua.

    Wei De had such guts and brains. The problem was that most of the prominent people in Ping Cheng had already heard of him breaking up with Zhai Hua.

    Wei De was shameless to refuse to admit that he had broken up with Zhai Hua. However, others might not be willing to y dumb with Wei De. Without the ¡®care¡¯ from the Zhai family, they were not willing to give Wei De so much convenience.

    In short, after Zhai Hua left him, Wei De faced many obstructions in Ping Cheng.

    Since the money had gone into the pocket of Wei De¡¯s mother, it belonged to her.

    The mother-son pair¡¯s character of ¡®only in but not out¡¯ was very simr.

    With Zhai Hua, this ¡®daughter-inw¡¯, around, Mother Wei was not willing to fork out the family¡¯s money. She wanted Wei De to look for Zhai Hua if he were to face any problems. As the daughter-inw of the Wei family, Zhai Hua should and had to do something for the Wei family.

    Knowing his biological mother¡¯s character and also after being given so many cold shoulders, Wei De could not endure it any longer. He told his mother about the situation, angering thetter badly. ¡°Oh, my goodness. There is such a woman in the world. She is too shameless. She dated with you for so long and her reputation has already been damaged. If she has some shame, she will only marry you. If this was in the past, you could sue her for being a rogue. Are all the chiefs¡¯ daughters so shameless?¡±

    To Wei De¡¯s mother, Zhai Hua and her son had been dating for a long time. As such, Zhai Hua was already her son¡¯s woman and she was not qualified to be with others.

    She did not expect that Zhai Hua would break up so decisively without any feelings of reluctance before the two even got married. She even left her son such that he had to endure hardships in Ping Cheng. She was simply a scum amongst women.

    ¡°She is so shameless. The Zhai family did not react? Does the Zhai family like to trample on their own faces?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s reputation had already been ruined. Shouldn¡¯t the Zhai family think of ways to marry Zhai Hua to Wei De as soon as possible? Would they still agree to let Zhai Hua break up with her son?

    Wei De was very disheartened. ¡°Mom, your way of thinking is too backward. It is notmon in the current society anymore. Zhai Hua and I... We have been together for a long time but Zhai Hua is still not my woman. Even if she is really mine, most likely, the Zhai family will not mind either. There are also many cases of divorce nowadays. If I don¡¯t find ways to make Zhai Hua turn back her heart, I won¡¯t have anything to do with Zhai Hua anymore. I also won¡¯t be associated with the Zhai family anymore in the future.¡±

    At the mention of this situation, Wei De¡¯s voice turned hoarse. His tone carried a deep gust of grief. ¡°Mom, you know the current society too. It¡¯s not easy to survive. When I was in the army, no one looked up to me. I was still a junior soldier after so many years in the army. After some time, the army will definitely make me retire. Now, I wish to do business. It is not enough to have money. I need to have connections too. Furthermore, I don¡¯t even have any money now. Mom, it¡¯s difficult to survive. It¡¯s even more difficult to survive well.¡±

    What wrong did he do?

    He just wanted to have a better life. He did not want to have a life without any aplishment. He wanted his own career. In that case, when his children grew up and mentioned their father, they could proudly introduce him to their friends.

    Yes, he had organized a banquet and married a wife in his hometown but they had not collected the wedding certificate. As such, their marriage was not considered legal.

    From the perspective of thew, if he were to marry Zhai Hua, it would be his first marriage.

    Besides this, his only demerit was having Wei Wei, this son.

    Having a son to carry the family¡¯s name had always been the traditional thinking of Chinese.

    Wei Wei was a son. Given his age, Wei De felt that he deserved to have a child even if it was a daughter.

    If the wife in his hometown did not exist, at his age, would Zhai Hua be able to give him a child?

    She could not!

    Zhai Hua could not do that. He had already thought of a solution to this difficult problem. He did not make things difficult for Zhai Hua because of this matter.

    It was fine that other people did not understand his pain and good intent. Who would have expected Zhai Hua to be so willful? She did not understand his feelings for her at all.

    With Wei Wei, at the very least, the Wei family would not pressurize Zhai Hua anymore regardless of how the Zhai family made things difficult for him or howte Zhai Hua married him. The Wei family would not ask Zhai Hua to bear him a son as soon as possible.

    Wei Wei¡¯s existence was a little awkward for Zhai Hua.

    However, if Zhai Hua could think from another perspective, she had something to gain from Wei Wei¡¯s existence too.

    If Zhai Hua was really worried that he would pay less attention to or did not love their children enough, at most, he would send Wei Wei back to his hometown again. His parents could take care of Wei Wei then.

    In this way, he would be able to focus wholeheartedly on Zhai Hua and his children, no?

    Clearly, it was a problem that was quite easy to resolve. However, he did not understand why Zhai Hua had to make a mountain out of a molehill.

    Could it be that his many years of rtionship with Zhai Hua could not bepared to the uneasiness that Zhai Hua felt toward Wei Wei¡¯s existence?

    Zhai Hua was too selfish.

    He had given up the wife at home and also Wei Wei. He did not want anything except Zhai Hua, yet Zhai Hua still abandoned him heartlessly.

 Chapter 1134 - Like a Nightmare

    1134 Like a Nightmare

    Zhai Hua had let down their rtionship badly!

    ¡°Ah Wei, don¡¯t cry. Mom feels extremely upset when seeing you cry. Do you want to be with Zhai Hua very badly?¡± When her son¡¯s voice changed, Wei De¡¯s mother could not bring herself to be harsh. ¡°If you still wish to be together with that woman, I will support you even though I dislike her. I did not use the money that you gave to me previously at all. I saved them. Tomorrow morning, I will get your dad to make a trip to the city to transfer all the money to you. Don¡¯t be anxious. A stubborn woman would eventually sumb to a persistent man. You seeded in the past. You will definitely be able to do so now.¡±

    She did not really believe that the world had changed so quickly.

    Zhai Hua was a ¡®second-hand good¡¯ who had dated another man for a few years. Would someone be willing to take over?

    Certainly, Zhai Hua was not Ah De¡¯s woman yet. However, how many people would believe these words?

    When the time came whereby no one wanted to be with Zhai Hua, she would wait and see if those people in the Zhai family could still be so persistent. She did not believe that they would rather let Zhai Hua be left on the shelves instead of letting Ah De marry Zhai Hua.

    Once Zhai Hua entered the Wei family, she would take her time settling scores with Zhai Hua the same way that Zhai Hua made things difficult for Ah De.

    Wei De¡¯s mother disliked and looked down badly on Zhai Hua, this daughter-inw. She was determined to have her way.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t give up so easily.¡± If he were to have a clean break with Zhai Hua and watch another man marry her, his entire life would be over.

    He could not return to the army and he could not continue in his business either. Wei De had given much thought to his life. He had always known that after leaving Zhai Hua, he only had two options, which was to return to his hometown to be a farmer or to remain in Ping Cheng to do manual jobs.

    Even if he could not be an army officer or a boss, Wei De also did not wish to be a coolie.

    He did not wish to bow his head to destiny. He had to continue to target Zhai Hua, make Zhai Hua agree to be with him again, and marry him.

    Wei De heard that the entire Zhai family had moved to the capital because Zhai Yaohui had been deployed to the capital.

    Wei De was both happy and anxious.

    He was happy that the status of the Zhai family was higher now that Zhai Yaohui had been deployed to the capital.

    Naturally, the better the situation of the Zhai family, he would receive more help after he became the son-inw of the family.

    He was anxious and on fire because the qualities of the Zhai family was too good. Yes, Zhai Hua was not young anymore. She was not gentle and also a tomboy. In addition, she had dated a man for a few years.

    Although he heard his mother shun Zhai Hua so much over the phone, Wei De was well aware that given the qualities of the Zhai family, many people were willing to be their son-inw. This was despite the fact that Zhai Hua had broken up decisively with someone after one romantic rtionship. Even if Zhai Hua was married and divorced, people would still be willing to marry and protect her like she was a precious gem and treasure.

    If he waste in going to Beijing to woo Zhai Hua, perhaps this woman who should have been his wife would really be another man¡¯s wife tomorrow.

    Once he received the money that his family had sent him, with a strong desire to seed, Wei De took the train to the capital without further consideration.

    After he arrived in the capital, Wei De could not get used to many things there. His heart ached so much that he wanted to return to Ping Cheng.

    He did not expect that the cost of living in the capital was so high.

    He could not bear to pay the price of staying in the hotel even for one night.

    This was going to be a long battle. He only rented an inn with a space that was only enough for him to turn his body, but the rent was already shockingly expensive. The samemodity in Ping Cheng was also more expensive in the capital. He was burning banknotes with every meal that he took outside.

    Initially, Wei De still believed that he would certainly be able to woo Zhai Hua back before he finished spending the sum of money given to him by his mother.

    Now, Wei De was not so confident.

    In the past, Zhai Hua was so easy to appease. Zhai Hua would be so happy when Wei De gave her gifts that cost only a few yuan.

    This time, Wei De dared not woo Zhai Hua with such perfunctory means. He was thinking of giving her some flowers or essories.

    When he found out more, he realized that he could not afford them.

    Any gift that he had his eyes on simply cost more than one month of this rent.

    One month of his rent would be gone after buying a few bouquets of flowers.

    Not to mention that Wei De was also a living being. He had to eat and drink. When misceneous added up, Wei De¡¯s expenditure alone was not small. He had no jobs either. There were only expenses and no earnings.

    Despite having been a big boss before, Wei De had to count his pennies and tighten his belt when he arrived in the capital.

    Wei De felt that he was miserable enough to be in such dire straits. To his surprise, he saw with his own eyes that Zhai Hua really dated some messy and wild man outside despite having just broken up with him. She was being unfaithful. A few dayster, he was covered by a gunny sack and beaten up harshly.

    Wei De had been a soldier. As such, he was also good at fighting.

    However, he was outnumbered by fighting experts. Otherwise, Wei De would not be in such a miserable state.

    When he was being beaten up, Wei De cleverly curled and shrank his body to cover up all his important body parts.

    Fortunately, the other party only intended to teach him a lesson. They targeted the body parts which would cause him pain but avoided all the important body organs. The other party did not intend to take his life.

    After the beating, Wei De was discovered and sent to the hospital by a passerby. Hey in the hospital for two days.

    When he was in the hospital, Wei De was in great physical pain. When the doctor said that he was fine and could be discharged, Wei De felt his heart ache as soon as they calcted his medical fees.

    The money that he could use to live in his hometown for a year was gone within a month in the capital!

    Looking at the money in his pocket, which was getting less and less, and failing to talk to Zhai Hua, Wei De was dealt a great blow. He was in utter despair.

    He did not manage to make Zhai Huae back to him in Ping Cheng. Now, it was even more difficult to woo Zhai Hua back in the capital.

    Looking at the prosperous capital, Wei De felt very bleak in his heart. He kept feeling that his life should not be like that.

    Clearly, he had covered up many things well. Zhai Hua had never suspected him after being with him for so long. The people in the hometown had never betrayed him either.

    ording to his n, Zhai Hua would definitely not know that he had organized a banquet and married a wife in his hometown before. She would not find out the truth that Wei Wei was, in fact, his son and not his nephew.

    As such, as long as Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was with him, the Zhai family would eventually agree to let him marry Zhai Hua regardless of whether they liked him.

    After he became the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw, his progress in the army would definitely be better and better. Gradually, he would be a senior officer in the army.

    Everyone in the hometown would feel proud of him. He would also raise Wei Wei and be husband and wife with Zhai Hua for life. He was destined to take an extraordinary path. He should be from the upper social ss!

    Why was there such a huge gap between reality and his ambition?

    Why did he feel that his imagination should be the reality and everything that he was facing now was like a nightmare?

 Chapter 1135 - Can You Help Me?

    1135 Can You Help Me?

    Wei De wrecked his brains but he could not figure out when and what happened exactly that caused everything to go off the original track.

    Wei De, who could not find the answer, was slouching badly. Looking at his back view, he seemed to be fifty years old although he was just thirty.

    He did not get to meet Zhai Hua and he had injuries all over his body. He did not have money either. Could he persist? Would the day of his victory arrive? Would a daye whereby everything that he had previously dreamed for came true?

    Facing so many problems, Wei De could not give himself a definite answer.

    Zhai Hua did not even know about Wei De¡¯s encounter. She only knew that after she listened to Zhai Sheng¡¯s words and left that day, Tian Dong came to her house to ask her out for a movie and meal again the following day.

    It was also from that time onward that Wei De disappeared in the same and sudden way that he appeared.

    After confirming that Wei De did not appear again, Zhai Hua couldpletely let the matter go. She naively thought that Wei De should face reality even if he could not sort out his thoughts. He had given up on those ludicrous ns in his mind and returned to Ping Cheng or his hometown to lead an honest life with his foster sister. After all, they had to raise Wei Wei, this son.

    When he was in Ping Cheng, given Wei De¡¯s behavior, he had wanted to nurture his own son into an elite.

    Now, Wei De could not rely on the Zhai family anymore. He should devote his entire heart on raising Wei Wei, this child.

    When Wei Wei was sessful, Wei De would enjoy happiness sooner orter.

    ¡°Tian Dong, you keeping to our house. What do you mean by this?¡± She had put aside Wei De¡¯s matter but Tian Dong¡¯s appearance gave her a headache. She was thinking. Why was Tian Dong not done yet?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you address me as Dongzist time?¡± Tian Dong did not give a direct answer.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°When I am in a good mood, I¡¯ll call you Dongzi. Now, I am not happy, so I will call you Tian Dong as I wished. Also, don¡¯t divert from the topic. What are you trying to do? Let me tell you. You are a man and I am a woman. We are already of this age. I am serious about finding a marriage partner. If you don¡¯t wish to get married, don¡¯t treat me like a shield. If it doesn¡¯t work, you can find another one. Your family is so wealthy. It¡¯s not difficult for you to find someone to put up an act with you.¡±

    Basically, he should stop wasting her precious time that could have been allocated to getting married and having a child. He was to be med that she had not attended any other blind dates, besides him, for two months since she arrived in the capital.

    ¡°We are of the same age. I am also very serious about finding a marriage partner who I can marry and have a child with. You¡¯re not my shield. Since everyone has the same thoughts, isn¡¯t it just nice? We can implement it together.¡± Tian Dong¡¯s face was very fair. Only his pair of jet-ck eyes was shockingly ck.

    ¡°Are... are you serious? What has it got to do with me?¡± Zhai Hua said uneasily. She even turned her face away to avoid that strange look in Tian Dong¡¯s eyes.

    Tian Dong smiled. He was not anxious to force Zhai Hua. If Zhai Hua had not just said that she wanted to draw a clear line, Tian Dong would not have expressed anything.

    Zhai Hua had a very impatient character. Sometimes, she would do the opposite if one were to corner her too much.

    Tian Dong had a lot of patience to dawdle with Zhai Hua.

    When Zhai Hua was really anxious and could not afford to dawdle anymore, it was even more convenient. She could simply agree to marry him directly.

    Of course, if Zhai Hua had some thoughts, Tian Dong would have to speed up his leisurely pace. He had to add on a few more firewood to the warm water that he was boiling the frog in so that the water would boil.

    Zhai Hua felt that Tian Dong was acting strangely. Hence, she did not want to chat with him anymore.

    Old Master Zhai had probably done something recently. In the past, she used to be as busy as Zhai Sheng. She was always in the army during the four seasons of the year. However, now, she had been ordered by her superiors to rest, nourish her health, and settle her lifetime happiness at the same time.

    She felt really bored staying at home. She also felt awkward shopping with Tian Dong. She had no choice. Zhai Hua simply brought Tian Dong along to find Qiao Nan.

    She was thinking that if Qiao Nan was around, she would not be alone with Tian Dong. She would not feel so ufortable then.

    Today was the weekend. The ss schedule for this semester was the same as the previous one. Qiao Nan was lucky that her sses were all scheduled on the weekdays. She could continue to be the volunteer guide during the two days on the weekends.

    After knowing that Qiao Nan was involved in such activities, Zhai Hua had wanted toe and take a look. It was a good chance today.

    Initially, everything was fine. Zhai Hua was enraged the moment she arrived. ¡°Hello, who are you? Quickly let go of your hand.¡±

    Just as she arrived at the entrance of the Pce Museum, Zhai Hua saw with her own eyes a youngdy and Qiao Nan were engaged in a tug war.

    Qiao Nan looked very unhappy and even requested the other party to let go of her hands. However, the other party refused to do so. The two had unfriendly expressions on their faces and looked like they were in an argument.

    Qiao Nan was her sister-inw. Without a word, Zhai Hua¡¯s sixth sense told her that the youngdy was insensible and bullying Qiao Nan, who was an honest and down-to-earth person.

    When Yu Xiaoxiao heard the yell, she loosened her grip on Qiao Nan¡¯s hands immediately, looking very guilty.

    As Yu Xiaoxiao let go of her too suddenly, and since Qiao Nan was not in good spirits today initially, Qiao Nan lost her footing. Under the forces of inertia, Qiao Nan staggered and her whole body fell backward. Yu Xiaoxiao turned pale with fright.

    She only wanted Qiao Nan¡¯s help. She did not want to harm Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan really had a fall, the more she would not receive Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua was very agile. She held on to Qiao Nan swiftly. ¡°Who is she? Is she bullying you? Don¡¯t be so good-tempered in the future. If someone bullies you, just shout for help. Youngdies nowadays are so ¡®capable¡¯. They can go overboard in broad daylight in front of so many people. Where is the quality?¡±

    If she had note over to take a look, Qiao Nan definitely would have fallen, and it would be a very bad fall.

    ¡°Youngdy, why are you behaving in this way?!¡± The people in the management office heard amotion and came out to take a look. When the other party saw Yu Xiaoxiao and Qiao Nan, he was angered. ¡°I have already told you very clearly that I am notcking in any manpower at the moment. Even if we are, you do not qualify.¡±

    At first, when he heard that the other party was Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmate and a student of Peking University, he felt quite happy.

    It was all volunteer work and thus, the more the merrier. They gave simr treatment and tested the English speaking ability of this ssmate.

    Six months ago, Qiao Nan performed so well in the test although she had just arrived in the capital. Although this was also a student of the foreignnguage faculty in Peking University, to his surprise, this youngdy could not speak English well.

    There were no examinations here. They did not need writing but speech ability.

    They had given her a chance but she was not suitable. Of course, they could not let her stay. Who would have known that it was not over yet?

    ¡°I, I...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s face swelled in red. She was in tears and obviously feeling very awkward and embarrassed. However, she really did not wish to give up. She had used half a semester to find out why Qiao Nan had attained such high scores in social practice.

 Chapter 1136 - Feeling Unwell

    <h4>1136 Feeling Unwell</h4>

    After finding out how Qiao Nan did it, she also wanted to work hard and give it a try. She did not expect that it would be so difficult.

    Since Yu Xiaoxiao was able to get the schrship, her results must be fairly good as well.

    The problem was all the English lessons in school were assessment-based. It did not require one to be fluent in English. But if she had to converse in English, she would not be able to.

    As a volunteer guide who showed foreign guests around, one needed to be fluent in English. It had nothing to do with one¡¯s English writing skills.

    Furthermore, in the nine years ofpulsory education, three years of high school, and more than half a year of university life, there was no need for Yu Xiaoxiao to converse in English.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was too tense and nervous and did badly in her test. She performed worse than her usual standard in high school.

    One could only be selected through one¡¯s ability. Given Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s performance, they could not ept her and told her nicely that she could try out at other ces.

    Yu Xiaoxiao followed Qiao Nan and found out about her social practice as a volunteer guide at the Pce Museum. If she knew where to find social practice activities that she could participate in, there was no need for her to ask for Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    Therefore, Yu Xiaoxiao did not want to give up right then. She hoped the other party would give her another chance.

    In the end, she came looking for Qiao Nan, hoping that Qiao Nan would put in a good word for her, giving her another chance. She was too nervous and therefore did not perform well previously.

    Qiao Nan did not feel very well and she did not get along with Yu Xiaoxiao.

    When Yu Xiaoxiao came looking for her, she could tell that she had not given up yet and had found ways to follow her all the way here.

    For that alone, Qiao Nan had the right to be angry with Yu Xiaoxiao.

    Qiao Nan was already very gracious for not taking issue with Yu Xiaoxiao. There was no way that she would put in a good word for her.

    That was why they ended up in a tussle when Zhai Hua reached the Pce Museum.

    ¡°This ssmate over here, you¡¯d better go back. You are not suitable for this job. You are from Peking University. You should be able to tell that we are very busy now. I believe you don¡¯t want things to turn sour or for me to make a call to your school, right?¡±

    The personnel at the office turned serious. It was nothing embarrassing that the student could not help them as she did not have the ability.

    However, if she continued to make a din, it would not look good on them and would affect their work.

    Things would turn awkward if the volunteer ended up as a troublemaker.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean that. I harbor no evil intentions. I just feel that this job is very meaningful and I want to help out in my own way. If not, can I be a general Chinese volunteer guide?¡± A thought came to Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s mind. She might not be fluent in English, but she was fluent in Chinese.

    The other party was amused. ¡°Everyone knows how to speak Mandarin. Even if this job is voluntary, it has high requirements. Firstly, you have to know everything about the Pce Museum. You have to memorize all the facts by heart. Secondly, if you want to be a Chinese guide, can your Mandarin meet the standard?¡±

    It was true that aspared to speaking fluent English, the Chinese people would be more fluent in Chinese.

    However, they would have higher requirements for Chinese volunteer guides.

    The office did not have high requirements for Qiao Nan. They only asked that she be fluent in her English and that she must have no problem in normal conversation.

    As for whether she used proper grammar and vocabry, they could not judge as well since they themselves were not native English speakers. It was alright as long as the foreign visitors could understand Qiao Nan.

    Of course, Qiao Nan became more and more fluent in conversing in English after multiple training sessions. It was a surprise to them to receive positive feedback from foreign visitors.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was smart. She knew that since she could not be an English volunteer guide, she could be a Chinese guide.

    But at the same time, she was foolish. Every citizen in China knew how to speak Mandarin.

    Qiao Nan and Yu Xiaoxiao were not the only students who came to the Pce Museum to be volunteer guides. For people applying to be the Chinese volunteer guide, thepetition was harsh since there were many applicants. The office would have a set of stringent requirements.

    In short, Yu Xiaoxiao could not make it for the English volunteer guide, and she failed to meet the requirements for the Chinese guide as well.

    The reason was that they required the Chinese guides to speak standard Chinese, especially in the Beijing ent.

    People from other provinces would not be able to speak as well as people from Beijing.

    What a joke!

    Yu Xiaoxiao almost teared up at the other party¡¯s words.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was not fluent in English. As for Mandarin, she had no problem in conversing, but she was not certain how she would rank if she sat for a test. After all, she had never gone through a test on conversational Chinese.

    Yu Xiaoxiao sniffed. She bowed to the personnel from the office. ¡°I am really sorry. I have not gotten the facts right and have brought so much trouble for you. But if I am able to meet the mark to be an English or Chinese guide, will I be given a chance if Ie again in the second half of the year?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao did not continue to make a din. She calmed down and made a rational decision. It was a marked contrast to her previous behavior, and it was a more eptable behavior of a student.

    The personnel from the office paused momentarily at the change and nodded. ¡°Sure. As long as you can meet the requirements, we will wee youngsters like you.¡±

    Although they were volunteer guides, they still needed to fulfill some requirements.

    Once the volunteers fulfilled the requirements, they were willing to take in as many volunteers as possible.

    Yu Xiaoxiao breathed a sigh of relief at the reply.

    She was only in her first year. There were three more years before she would graduate. No matter what, she had to strive to get a schrship for her second and third years. She still had time to work on her English. She still had a total of four months, including two months of summer break to improve her English and Mandarin conversational skills.

    Yu Xiaoxiao calmed down after sorting out her thoughts. ¡°Qiao Nan, I am really sorry. I have disturbed you and created so much trouble for you. I am sorry and thank you.¡±

    She followed Qiao Nan to find out about this opportunity.

    It was indeed dishonorable of her, but she did not feel that she was in the wrong.

    It was Qiao Nan who did not render help to her ssmates. In fact, Qiao Nan should have taken the initiative to help her after knowing about her situation.

    Since Qiao Nan refused to help her, she could not be med for following Qiao Nan all the way here.

    After making her apology, Yu Xiaoxiao no longer felt guilty or sorry.

    Yu Xiaoxiao walked away, thinking of ways to work on her weaknesses.

    Even though Yu Xiaoxiao had left, Qiao Nan still seemed to look unwell. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you seemed to be very pale. Are you unwell?¡±

 Chapter 1137 - It Had Been a Long Time Since She Had Menses

    1137 It Had Been a Long Time Since She Had Menses

    ¡°I know that you are responsible, but youngsters should take care of their health as well. Today¡¯s work has been done. You can go back two hours earlier.¡± The personnel from the office could tell that Qiao Nan seemed unwell and in pain.

    They had known each other for more than half a year.

    However, the personnel from the office liked that Qiao Nan was hardworking and not talkative. Furthermore, she was from Peking University.

    Qiao Nan was weed by everyone at the Pce Museum. They treated Qiao Nan as their junior.

    Now that she seemed to be unwell, they were very concerned for Qiao Nan. ¡°Are you rted to Xiao Qiao?¡±

    ¡°I am her rtive.¡± Zhai Hua was about to say that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister-inw, but she remembered that Qiao Nan was still very young and it might be unsuitable to say that. She then changed her mind. ¡°I am her sister.¡±

    ¡°Okay, please send Xiao Qiao home. Xiao Qiao doesn¡¯t look very well. In fact, you should send her to the hospital.¡± Xiao Qiao fell ill while she was working as a volunteer guide at the Pce Museum.

    If anything went wrong, they had to bear responsibility.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will.¡± Zhai Hua had the intention of doing that even before the personnel brought it up.

    She had known Qiao Nan since a long time ago. Like the Zhai family, Qiao Nan did not fall ill easily. She was very healthy.

    Before she married Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would not fall sick easily. She had only been married to Zhai Sheng for a few months and she was sick. Zhai Hua could not help but be worried.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are you unwell? Dongzi, Qiao Nan may not be able to walk a long distance. Drive the car over here. Let¡¯s send her to the hospital.¡± Luckily, Dongzi was with her and he could help her send Qiao Nan to the hospital.

    Tian Dong and Zhai Hua supported Qiao Nan to find a seat. Tian Dong then left to drive the car.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief after taking a seat. ¡°There is no need to go to the hospital. There is nothing wrong with me. Perhaps I felt dizzy because Yu Xiaoxiao kept pestering me. Now that I¡¯ve taken a breather, I feel much better.¡± She only felt a moment of difort.

    The weather had turned better. It was impossible for her to suffer from heatstroke.

    ¡°Could it be that I am anemic?¡± Many women suffered from anemia. It wasmon for them to have dizzy spells.

    Zhai Hua thought otherwise. ¡°You can¡¯t make the diagnosis that you are anemic. Let¡¯s go to the hospital to do a checkup. I trust the doctors. Don¡¯t put up a strong front. I have known you for so long. You rarely looked so pale. You must see the doctor if you are unwell!¡±

    Zhai Hua held on to Qiao Nan, stopping her from moving about.

    Zhai Hua did not take the passenger seat. Instead, she sat at the back seat with Qiao Nan. She made Qiao Nan rest her head on her shoulder so that Qiao Nan could feel morefortable.

    Qiao Nan sat up after a short while. ¡°This won¡¯t do. My stomach feels unsettled and I feel like throwing up in this position.¡±

    ¡°Are you suffering from motion sickness?¡± Zhai Hua looked anxious. She was looking for a stic bag for Qiao Nan. The car belonged to Tian Dong. It would not be good to dirty his car. Zhai Hua understood basic courtesy.

    Tian Dong did not really mind. Seeing that Zhai Hua was so worried about Qiao Nan, he made use of this chance to leave a good impression on Zhai Hua. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. It¡¯s alright. Qiao Nan, if you are unwell, don¡¯t hold it in. It doesn¡¯t matter if you throw up in the car. At most, I will send it for washing.¡±

    True enough, Zhai Hua seemed to see Tian Dong in a different light after he said that. She seemed not as put off by him.

    ¡°I am fine.¡± Qiao Nan looked pale, patting her chest. ¡°I feel much better after I sit upright. Can we roll down the windows? It is very stuffy inside the car.¡±

    Zhai Hua had a reluctant smile. ¡°You should know the air quality in the capital. If you roll down the windows, it would be terrible.¡±

    At Zhai Hua¡¯s advice, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to give up on rolling down the windows.

    Qiao Nan knew that there was a serious haze in the capital!

    She had better not roll down the windows for her health¡¯s sake.

    It was crowded at the hospital during the weekend. Some of the departments were still on break.

    Zhai Hua and Tian Dong helped Qiao Nan to the hospital. Zhai Hua apanied Qiao Nan while Tian Dong dealt with the registrations.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I feel that something must be wrong with you. You seemed to be sapped of all strength. Are you running a fever?¡± Qiao Nan seemed very weak. Zhai Hua touched her forehead to check her temperature. She eased slightly after she checked that Qiao Nan was not running a fever.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°You should know that as a woman, we have to go through a few...¡±

    Qiao Nan had yet to finish her sentence when she turned silent all of a sudden.

    Speaking of her menses, something dawned on Qiao Nan.

    Previously, she was worried sick after she ended up drunk and was intimate with Zhai Sheng for the first time. But thankfully, she had her menses after half a month.

    Thereafter, she held the wedding banquet with Zhai Sheng in January and moved into the Zhai family¡¯s residence. They had a normal married life for several days before Zhai Sheng left for work.

    Then, Qiao Nan went back to school and worked hard to catch up on her studies. She tried hard to make up for all the time lost during the winter break when she had her wedding.

    There had been too many things going on that Qiao Nan forgot about something important. She had not had her menses for two consecutive months...

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was silent, Zhai Hua probed.

    Qiao Nan blushed slightly. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I don¡¯t think there is anything wrong with me. There is no need to see the doctor. Can you apany me to the supermarket?¡± She wondered if the supermarket or the pharmacy had pregnancy kits in this day and age.

    Qiao Nan felt awkward with Tian Dong around. It was alright if Zhai Hua was the only one with her.

    Qiao Nan felt that there was no need for her to go to other departments to do the checkup. She would know what was wrong with her if she went directly to the gynecology department.

    ¡°No. Don¡¯t be willful. I am here with you and you have to listen to me. If not, I will make a call home and my mom will ask the chauffeur to send her to the hospital and make sure that you see the doctor. She will only leave after she hears the doctor¡¯s diagnosis.¡± Zhai Hua wanted to roll her eyes at Qiao Nan. It was true that no one was perfect. Qiao Nan, who was good in all aspects, behaved like a three-year-old kid who was afraid of seeing the doctor. Could it be that she was scared of taking injections?

    Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua was determined and would not change her mind. She took a deep breath and leaned closer to whisper to her.

    Zhai Hua was dumbfounded. ¡°Are you certain?¡±

    ¡°If I am certain, I would not go to the hospital with you. But I have not had my menses for two months.¡± Qiao Nan felt a mixture of shock and surprise. Her hands could not help but tremble.

 Chapter 1138 - Which of Them Is â€˜Sister-In-Lawâ€™?

    <h4>1138 Which of Them Is ¡®Sister-In-Law¡¯?</h4>

    In this life, she had nutritious food and her constitution was good. Her menses were neverte. Besides, she did not eat cold stuff and she did not suffer from menstrual pains.

    Other than being pregnant, Qiao Nan could not think of any reasons to exin the fact that she did not have her menses for two months.

    ¡°Wait for me.¡± Zhai Hua trembled slightly. ¡°I-I will make a registration for you. But no one will apany you if I am gone.¡±

    ¡°I am an adult. I don¡¯t needpany.¡± Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or be angry with her. ¡°I promise I will not move about when you make the registration.¡±

    ¡°Make sure that other people don¡¯t crowd around you. This is the hospital. The children are insensible and they would run around. They might knock into people identally. You must stay clear of them.¡± Zhai Hua, who was careless, turned to be very meticulous after she learned that she might be an auntie soon.

    Qiao Nan rxed. ¡°Sure, I will protect myself.¡± It was no wonder that she had been feeling odd recently. She thought that she had caught a cold because of the change in weather.

    She had indeed missed her menses for two months. Qiao Nan ced her hands lightly on her tummy. She had a tender look in her eyes.

    The child came right after her marriage. She was finally going to be a mother.

    Qiao Nan turned teary from thinking of Zhai Sheng¡¯s promise that they would only have one child. She would definitely give all her love to her child.

    Tian Dong came back after registration. ¡°Qiao Nan, where is Zhai Hua?¡±

    ¡°She went to register for another appointment.¡±

    ¡°Do you know what is wrong with you?¡± Tian Dong had made an appointment for the respiratory department. He passed the appointment number to Qiao Nan. At times, it was difficult to ascertain the illness that one was suffering from. It was alright to make a few appointments.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I have registered for an appointment. There are a lot of people waiting in line.¡± Zhai Hua wiped her perspiration. She was feeling very anxious. She was worried that the doctor would knock off after attending to all the patients who were waiting in front of them.

    Zhai Hua was perplexed. Could it be that there were so many pregnantdies and it would take so long to see a doctor?

    In fact, Zhai Hua did not know that it was considered lucky to have more than ten people waiting in line. At times, one came in the morning and could only see the doctor in the afternoon.

    ¡°Which department did you register for?¡± Tian Dong knitted his brows. ¡°Is it convenient to tell me?¡±

    ¡°So what if I let you know? Will you be able to help us jump the queue?¡± Qiao Nan was unwell. She was worried that something might be wrong with her unborn nephew or niece.

    Tian Dong smiled. Zhai Hua was still as impatient as before. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I know of a doctor in the private hospital. If it is okay with you, you can go there to have a checkup. It should take a shorter time.¡± The private hospital was different from a public hospital.

    ¡°Are you serious? Can we see the doctor right away? If not, let¡¯s take it that I did not say anything.¡± Zhai Hua was ted, but then she calmed down the next instant.

    She knew that doctors at a private hospital had equally good skills.

    Although patients could not be reimbursed for going to the private hospital and the medical fees were higher, there were still many people who were willing to go to a private hospital as long as the doctors were skilled.

    ¡°You can see a doctor right away. I will contact my friend now. But you have yet to tell me which department Qiao Nan should go to.¡± Tian Dong smiled. If they could not see a doctor right away, he would not make this suggestion and embarrass himself in front of Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua looked at Tian Dong in surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t you juste back from overseas? Why is it that you have the means? Nevertheless, contact the doctor. Qiao Nan needs to see the gynecology doctor.¡±

    It was Tian Dong¡¯s turn to be surprised.

    Qiao Nan had just turned twenty-one years old after the Lunar New Year. Tian Dong knew that this was the legal age to marry in China.

    He did not expect that as a Peking University student, Qiao Nan had such a strong determination. While her peers were still students, she had the courage to be a mother. This was a matter of courage and responsibility. ¡°Okay, I will make the arrangement.¡±

    Tian Dong made the phone call and registered for an appointment.

    Tian Dong knew that Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng not long ago. They had also collected the marriage certificate more than a month ago. Qiao Nan¡¯s child was considered a legitimate child. Tian Dong made it clear to his friend that he had a friend who wanted to go for pregnancy tests and to make an appointment for them. They must not be kept waiting.

    The friend could not help butugh at Tian Dong upon learning the tests that his friend wanted to be done. ¡°Didn¡¯t you juste back from overseas not long ago? And ady is already pregnant with your child in such a short time? It seems that you are serious. Have you set your mind to be a dad?¡± If he did not want the child, he would not ask to go through the tests. After ascertaining that thedy was truly pregnant, they could arrange for the abortion surgery directly.

    ¡°Stop kidding.¡± Tian Dong warned his friend. ¡°The patient is the sister-inw of my friend. You must make sure you do a good jobter. Don¡¯t be careless.¡±

    The other party stopped making fun of Tian Dong. ¡°Your friend? Is your friend by the surname of Zhai?¡± The friend went for overseas study in America as well. His major was medicine. He was older than Tian Dong and was already in his thirties.

    As Tian Dong had a high IQ and learned fast, he was able to be in the same batch as him and had the chance to be acquainted with him. ¡°Bring the patient here. We will talkter.¡±

    He had known Tian Dong for many years. While he was enjoying life in America, having flings with foreign women among all the Chinese overseas students, Tian Dong was the only person who seemed to be immune to temptations. He was able to behave gentlemanly and focused on his studies.

    He would never be able to do that.

    The foreigners were not averse to one-night stands. Both were willing parties and no one was forced into it.

    Foreigndies had great figures and were open-minded and passionate. It was too good to be missed.

    Back when they had beers at the pubs, many beauties were interested to have a one-night stand with Tian Dong, but Tian Dong would always leave by himself. Thosedies who were rejected by Tian Dong ended up being with his friends who went to the pubs with him.

    It was only after a long while that he realized that Tian Dong was conservative and he already had someone in mind.

    Why Tian Dong was not involved in one-night stands and had strict discipline was all because of the Chinese woman that he had in mind.

    As they grew closer to Tian Dong, those friends who got along with him pried the information from him and knew that thedy that he had in mind had the surname of Zhai.

    It was rare that Tian Dong was willing to bring thedy to the hospital today. His friend who was a doctor knew that he finally had the chance to meet the legendary woman that Tian Dong was interested in.

    Tian Dong was very popr and attractive at school. Thedy must be a great beauty with a good figure and gentle temperament to be able to capture Tian Dong¡¯s heart and for him to behave himself overseas.

    The doctor imagined Zhai Hua to be a perfectdy. He fixed his gaze on Qiao Nan as soon as Tian Dong brought his friends with him to the hospital.

 Chapter 1139 - Congratulations on Your Pregnancy

    1139 Congrattions on Your Pregnancy

    Beautiful. She was indeed beautiful. She had sparkling clear eyes. One nce and he could tell she was a well-bred and charismatic beauty.

    He had seen many beautiful women, but this was the first time that he saw someone who was so special that he could not disregard her. He loved her eyes from the moment he saw her.

    From his years of experience, she was not considered to be a voluptuous woman.

    But after he came back to China, he had seen many t-chested women. Thedy right in front of him had a slim waist and a curvaceous figure.

    The only problem was that thedy seemed to be pretty young.

    Could this be the reason why Dongzi did not bring up thisdy to them in the past?

    This was a May-December romance. It was no wonder that Dongzi felt embarrassed to talk about it.

    Doctor Wei finally felt satisfied after sizing up Qiao Nan. He then turned to rest his gaze on Zhai Hua. ¡°Hello, the doctor and the nurse are waiting for you. You can go for the pregnancy test with the help of the nurse.¡±

    Zhai Hua flushed red in anger, widening her eyes in fury. ¡°What are you talking about? It is my sister-inw who is taking the pregnancy test.¡± She was single. If news spread, she could not go for blind dates anymore. No one would want to get to know her.

    The doctor had bad judgment. He could not even tell who the pregnantdy was. Zhai Hua stared at Tian Dong unhappily. ¡°You should know how precious Qiao Nan¡¯s unborn child is. Are you sure this hospital is trustworthy? If anything happens, there is no need for me to do anything. Zhai Sheng will make sure that you pay for it.¡± If she had known it would be like this, she would have insisted on queuing. Perhaps it would already have been their turn.

    Tian Dong sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. Doctor Wei is just joking with you. Back in America, Doctor Wei is very humorous. Many girls like him. He did not get rid of his bad habits. Don¡¯t take issue with him.¡±

    After putting in a good word for Doctor Wei, Tian Dong shot angry stares at him.

    If Zhai Hua was pregnant, he might not be able to stop himself from killing someone.

    ¡°I-is your surname Zhai?¡± The doctor deduced from their conversation that he seemed to have recognized the wrong person.

    He thought that thedy that Tian Dong liked since a young age was a gentle anddylike beauty. But thedy beside the sweet beauty was as tall as a man. She looked strong and athletic and herplexion was tanned.

    ¡°Yes, Zhai is my surname. Is anything wrong?¡± Zhai Hua was extremely displeased with the look of shock on Doctor Wei¡¯s face. ¡°Alright, can we see the doctor now? I am in a hurry!¡±

    She wanted to know as soon as possible if she was going to be an auntie, but the doctor was taking his time!

    Next time, it would be better to go to the public hospital. The doctors at the private hospitals had the habit of chatting with his patients.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Doctor Wei curled the corners of his lips. It was no wonder that Tian Dong had no interest in the overseas beauties. It turned out that he preferred those strong and athletic women. ¡°Young girl, let me assist you.¡±

    Doctor Wei had no interest in Zhai Hua. He preferred women like Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Young girl?!¡± Zhai Hua pped Doctor Wei¡¯s hands away from Qiao Nan. ¡°Tian Dong, are you sure he is a doctor?¡± No matter how she looked at it, apart from the doctor¡¯s white robe that he was wearing, he seemed like a ruffian who was lusting after women.

    If this doctor was to examine Qiao Nan, she would bring Qiao Nan home immediately.

    ¡°Doctor Wei, has the patient who is here to take pregnancy tests arrived?¡± Without waiting for Tian Dong to tell Doctor Wei to keep a check on himself, the nurse came to look for the doctor. She seemed to be in a hurry.

    There were a lot of patients at the private hospital. Many of them were here to see the obstetricians. Of course, many were here for abortions as well.

    Many other patients were waiting for their turns. Since the nurses and doctors had been told to do a check for Qiao Nan first, they were anxious as they had been waiting for some time.

    ¡°Hello, I am here to do pregnancy tests.¡± Qiao Nan felt that everything seemed to be in disorder today.

    Particrly when she discovered by ident that she might be pregnant and was going to be a mother.

    ¡°How are you, nurse? We are here for the tests.¡± Zhai Hua disregarded Tian Dong and Doctor Wei. She supported Qiao Nan as she walked toward the nurse. The nurse might be in a hurry, but as the auntie, she was even more anxious.

    ¡°Okay,e with me right now.¡± The nurse was d that the patient was here. She did not lose her patience as thedy was rmended by Doctor Wei.

    Apart from Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua who had not been to the hospital, everyone at the hospital knew that the Wei family was one of the stakeholders of the private hospital. Doctor Wei could be considered as one of the bosses.

    Since the friend of the boss was here to do a pregnancy test, even if they had to waste time waiting for the patient, they still had to do it without losing their temper. They did not wish to lose their jobs.

    The obstetrician was a female doctor with a goodplexion, looking to be in her forties. After asking about Qiao Nan¡¯s condition, she was quite certain that Qiao Nan was pregnant. ¡°Do you want to keep the baby?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course!¡± Compared to Qiao Nan who was calm, Zhai Hua seemed to be very agitated.

    The female doctor did not mind at all. She was d that they wanted to keep the child. ¡°Pregnantdies have to control their emotions. Fluctuations in mood will not be good for the baby. People who take care of the pregnantdies have to be extra careful as well. Don¡¯t scream or shout. This is not good for prenatal education and will affect the health of the mother and the baby. If you have decided on keeping the baby, let¡¯s do an ultrasound scan for a detailed check.¡±

    Since Doctor Wei arranged for them to skip the queue, Tian Dong had already paid for all the tests that would be done. Zhai Hua only needed to collect the receipts and help Qiao Nan around to do the tests.

    ¡°The baby is ten weeks old.¡± The female doctor looked at all the reports and was surprised. ¡°It has been more than two months. You only found out about it now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have been too busy recently. I didn¡¯t notice that I did not have menses.¡± Qiao Nan was embarrassed.

    The female doctor did not seem displeased. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You seem to be quite young. This is your first time as a mother. You do not have any experience, so it is normal to be clueless. You are in good health. After all, you are young and have a good constitution. But you have been too tired recently. Pregnantdies should have more rest. I will not prescribe any medicine for you. It is better to take more tonics. It may be good to have some tonics, but don¡¯t overdo it. If the baby is too big, it will be very challenging for the mother when she goes intobor.¡±

    Perhaps it was due to Doctor Wei, not only did the female doctor give Qiao Nan a lot of advice on what to do and take note, but she also gave her some brochures for her to read up on.

    After seeing the doctor, Zhai Hua assisted Qiao Nan to leave the room. There was a baffled look on her face.

    Tian Dong waited patiently outside the room. He walked toward them when he saw them. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡±

 Chapter 1140 - Have More Tonics

    1140 Have More Tonics

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face seemed to be distorted. She wanted to smile but she was too nervous and emotional to smile. ¡°Yes, she is pregnant!¡± She was going to be an auntie!

    There was a look of envy in Tian Dong¡¯s eyes. Zhai Sheng was so much younger than Zhai Hua and him, but he was going to be a father. As for him...

    Looking at Zhai Hua who was still overjoyed over Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s child, Tian Dong sighed. He felt that much still remained to be done.

    Miao Jing heard the sounds outside the house and looked up, breaking into a smile. ¡°Hey, what brings the three of you here?¡± Hua Hua went out on a date with Dongzi. Could it be that they had a date at the ce where Nan Nan had her social practice?

    Miao Jing had no idea that her guess was spot on today.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you feeling unwell?¡± Miao Jing looked concerned the next instant. She noticed that Zhai Hua lent her support to Qiao Nan as she walked into the house. She had a big shock and was worried. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Where do you feel ufortable? Let¡¯s go to the hospital right away.¡± Why would she fall sick for no reason?

    Zhai Hua took her time to help Qiao Nan take a seat. Once she sat down on the sofa, she shouted at the top of her lungs. ¡°Auntie, please bring a cup of...¡± Zhai Hua was reminded of the female doctor¡¯s words. She quickly lowered her voice. ¡°Auntie, please bring a cup of warm water and a te of fruits for Qiao Nan. Remember. The fruits have to be fresh. In the future, Qiao Nan will have all the fresh fruits and ingredients at home. I can have the rest that are not as fresh.¡±

    Qiao Nan was pregnant. She had to eat more nutritious food. Even if she did not have good food, she must at least have it fresh and clean!

    ¡°Alright.¡± The auntie nodded. She prepared a te of fruits for Qiao Nan ording to Zhai Hua¡¯s instructions.

    Everyone did not know of Qiao Nan¡¯s condition, except for the auntie.

    The auntie was responsible for throwing the rubbish at home.

    There were only a few women in the Zhai family.

    The auntie noticed that Qiao Nan did not seem to have bought sanitary pads or used them in the past two months.

    The auntie had children of her own. She knew that a woman must have been pregnant in this condition.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have some water.¡± Zhai Hua waited on Qiao Nan. Miao Jing did not notice that anything was amiss. ¡°Nan Nan, where do you feel unwell?¡±

    Zhai Hua jumped up and pursed the corners of her lips. She took out an ultrasound picture from the bag. ¡°Mom, let me show you something!¡±

    ¡°What is this?¡± Miao Jing had a look of confusion on her face as she looked at the picture in her daughter¡¯s hands. ¡°What is this? This doesn¡¯t seem to have any bones.¡±

    Miao Jing rarely visited the hospital. Back when she was pregnant, the hospital did not have this technology. She could not tell what the picture was.

    Zhai Hua sniffed and pointed at the picture. ¡°Mom, this is your grandchild, my nephew or niece! I went with Qiao Nan to see the obstetrician today. The doctor said that Qiao Nan is two months pregnant. In less than eight months, I will be an auntie and you will be a grandma!¡±

    The small form would grow hands, legs, noses, and eyes. When the babies were born, they would wail and cry. In another year, they would be sweet little babies who would address her as their auntie!

    ¡°M-my grandchild?¡± Miao Jing was shocked. She snatched the picture from Zhai Hua and stared at it intently. ¡°M-my grandchild?¡± Miao Jing repeated in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes, your grandchild. They are in Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy now. Zhai Sheng is going to be a father. I will be an auntie and you will be a grandma!¡± Zhai Hua kept nodding. This was the first time that she saw her nephew and niece. Even though they were still very small, she was very emotional when seeing them.

    ¡°Hahaha, I am going to be a grandma. I am going to be a grandma!¡± Miao Jing was as ted as Zhai Hua. ¡°Hurry and give Zhai Sheng a call. Tell him this piece of good news. He is finally going to be a father. There will be children in the Zhai family again!¡±

    ¡°What children are you talking about?¡± Old Master Zhai, who came back from outside, heard part of their conversation.

    ¡°Old master, Qiao Nan is two months pregnant. You are going to be great-grandfather!¡± Zhai Hua was very happy to share the great news with her family.

    Bam! Old Master Zhai¡¯s beloved teapot slipped out of his hands, dropping onto the floor, smashing into pieces. ¡°I-I am going to be a great-grandfather. You must not y a joke on me!¡±

    ¡°It is the truth. Take a look at this for yourself.¡± Zhai Hua snatched the first ¡®photo¡¯ that her nephew and niece took from her mother and showed it to Old Master Zhai. ¡°Look. I am telling the truth!¡±

    ¡°This ck dot is my great-grandchild?¡±

    ¡°Yes. In less than eight months, you will be able to hold the baby in your arms!¡±

    Old Master Zhai felt a wave of darkness and he fainted from being overly excited.

    ¡°Old master?¡± Thankfully, Tian Dong had quick reflexes. He supported Old Master Zhai and pinched at his philtrum. Old Master Zhai regained his consciousness and howled loudly. ¡°I am going to be a great-grandfather!!!¡±

    Old Master Zhai was ted but he had given Qiao Nan a good scare.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Old Master Zhai is in good health. Don¡¯t be worried.¡± Miao Jing was scared stiff by Old Master Zhai as well. Therefore, she could understand that Qiao Nan must be worried.

    Miao Jing could not help but be anxious at the thought of her unborn grandchild. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Everything is alright.¡± She must not frighten her grandchild.

    ¡°Old master, Madam Zhai, congrattions.¡± The auntie smiled. It turned out that Qiao Nan was indeed pregnant. Qiao Nan brought fortune to them. The Zhai family had everything except for young children.

    The auntie who was all smiles did not know that Qiao Nan was really a lucky girl. When Qiao Nan found out how lucky she was many monthster, she had a big shock herself as well. She was grateful to be bestowed with such a great fortune.

    ¡°Hua Hua, you mentioned that you went with Nan Nan to the hospital. What did the doctor say? Is Nan Nan alright?¡± Miao Jing caressed Qiao Nan¡¯s face tenderly. ¡°Does she need more tonics? Nan Nan is quite skinny.¡±

    ¡°The doctor said that she has to take more tonics. But we must not overdo it. If not, it will be difficult when she goes intobor in the future.¡± Zhai Hua repeated everything that the doctor told her.

    Zhai Yaohui came back right then. He also heard the great news that he was going to be a grandfather.

    ¡°We must have a good meal today to celebrate. Dongzi, stay for dinner.¡± Miao Jing, who was going to be a grandmother, was all smiles. She was in high spirits, and she extended a warm invitation to Tian Dong.

    Tian Dong would not stand on ceremony. ¡°Sure. I will impose on you today.¡± He agreed right away as if he had been waiting for the invitation.

 Chapter 1141 - To Say or Not to Say

    <h4>1141 To Say or Not to Say</h4>

    It was rare that the Zhai family was in such a good mood, and Old Master Zhai and Chief Zhai did not give him the cold shoulder. If Miao Jing did not ask him to stay, he would find ways to stay for dinner.

    Tian Dong had high emotional intelligence. He sat down and gave Miao Jing his name card. ¡°Auntie, this is the hospital that I opened with my friend. It is not established for long, but it has a good reputation. We have famous doctors in the capital with us. My friend is a doctor as well. He came back from studying overseas in America. If needed, Qiao Nan can continue to go to the hospital for her checkup. I have already talked to my friend. It will be more convenient for Qiao Nan when she goes for her medical checkup in the future.¡±

    Miao Jing looked at the name card. The doctor that Tian Dong rmended to them was a female doctor. From the information on the name card, the female doctor seemed to be verypetent.

    But the Zhai family had just been to the capital. They had not been to the hospital and did not know much about the hospitals in the capital.

    Qiao Nan was pregnant with her precious grandchild, who was the fourth generation of the Zhai family. Miao Jing had to be very cautious. ¡°Dongzi, thank you for the rmendation.¡± She would take her time to check. If the doctor was indeed highly skilled, she would then allow Qiao Nan to continue to go to this doctor for her checkup.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Tian Dong smiled politely.

    Qiao Nan was pregnant. Everyone in the Zhai family was ted. Even if the men in the Zhai family knew that he had other intentions toward Zhai Hua, they also did not give him the cold treatment.

    Tian Dong knew this would be the case and so he made use of the chance to stay for dinner.

    This was the best time to leave a good impression on them.

    Since Qiao Nan was pregnant, she was the most precious person in the family.

    Qiao Nan woke up feeling good the next day and intended to return to her work at the Pce Museum.

    Initially, the Zhai family was against it. Qiao Nan was pregnant. She could not afford to have any idents or to take a fall.

    Qiao Nan assured them that she was well. If she was ufortable, even if she had to give up on her social practice, she would make sure to take a leave to stay at home.

    Furthermore, she was already two months pregnant. In the past two months, she had been studying at school and working as a volunteer guide at the Pce Museum. This proved that the work was not too tiring for her.

    What happened yesterday was purely an ident. If not for Yu Xiaoxiao who kept pestering her, Qiao Nan would not have felt giddy or almost took a fall.

    Qiao Nan sounded convincing and she looked energetic and healthy.

    Her eyes were sparkling clear, and her cheeks were rosy red. She looked like her usual self. Miao Jing debated with herself for a long time before she agreed for Qiao Nan to continue with her work as a volunteer guide.

    Qiao Nan went to work at the Pce Museum as a volunteer guide and interpreted for the visitors. What she did not know was that Miao Jing, who did not feel assured, asked Zhai Hua to go with her to watch Qiao Nan secretly, making sure that she was alright.

    The mother and daughter kept a close watch on Qiao Nan for the entire day.

    Miao Jing had to be sure that Qiao Nan was able to handle the job as a volunteer guide and that she did not put up a strong front.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was telling the truth.

    Qiao Nan was young and pretty, and she was good with her words. Whenever she helped out at the Pce Museum, she would take the initiative to attend to the visitors.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan was very well-liked by everyone and they took great care of her. Her peers also treated her courteously. They would never ask her to carry heavy things or do tiring work.

    When it was time to change therge carton of drinking water at the office, Qiao Nan only needed to call for help and someone would help rece the carton of water on the water dispenser.

    Zhai Hua observed anxiously while she assured her mother. ¡°Look. As I have said, apart from the Qiao family who are blind, everyone gets along very well with Qiao Nan. If she is willing, I don¡¯t think anyone will dislike her. She has high emotional intelligence.¡±

    Qiao Nan had told her about her ssmates at the university and Zhai Hua could totally understand her situation.

    In the past two months, Qiao Nan either went for sses or studied at the library. She also needed to work as a volunteer guide at the Pce Museum. She did not even have time to miss her husband, let alone develop new friendships at Peking University.

    One would certainly be proud to be a student at Peking University.

    Qiao Nan was cool and reserved and she would not join in the fun. Moreover, she performed very well in school. It was not surprising that other students were jealous of her.

    Zhai Hua had done a check on Yu Xiaoxiao.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had said that she would not show up at Qiao Nan¡¯s workce again and would not pester Qiao Nan. She would work on improving herself before she applied to be a volunteer. True enough. She did not show up today. Since she no longer bothered Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua decided to let her off and did not ask her to be responsible for her actions yesterday.

    Zhai Hua did not tell Miao Jing about Yu Xiaoxiao. She was worried that if she told Miao Jing about yesterday¡¯s incident, Qiao Nan would not be allowed to work at the Pce Museum anymore. Her mother might even feel that it was too dangerous for Qiao Nan to study at Peking University. After all, Yu Xiaoxiao was in the same faculty as Qiao Nan and she used to share the dormitory with her.

    Yesterday, she felt awkward to spend such a long time with Tian Dong by herself, so she brought Tian Dong with her to visit Qiao Nan.

    Thankfully, she was there. Otherwise, Qiao Nan might have really taken a fall and her nephew and niece might be in danger.

    But since Qiao Nan and her baby were alright and Yu Xiaoxiao did as she promised and never came to pester Qiao Nan again, Zhai Hua had no wish to take issue with her.

    ¡°Mom, you should be assured now. Qiao Nan is smart. She would notmit such a mistake. The baby is very precious to her. She must be even more anxious than us.¡± Zhai Hua acted wisely in retrospect and reassured her mother on their way home.

    Miao Jing, who was going to be a grandmother, was in a good mood. She could not be bothered with her daughter. ¡°Yes, you are right. Nan Nan is sensible and well-behaved. I should trust her.¡±

    Qiao Nan had been married for less than three months and she was two months pregnant. She was a good daughter-inw!

    Zhai Hua, who drove the car, stole nces at Miao Jing. Seconds ago, her mother looked ecstatic but she would look sullen the next instant. Zhai Hua was puzzled. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Was she unhappy?

    Miao Jing sighed, feeling weary. ¡°It is good that Qiao Nan is pregnant. I am considering whether to share this news with the Qiao family or not.¡±

    The entire Zhai family was truly happy that Qiao Nan was pregnant.

    She told her son over the phone about the good news yesterday. He was so thrilled that he kept his mother on the line, while he ran out cheering and wrestled with his soldiers to express his happiness. He came back to continue talking to his mother after he was done with the wrestling.

    If Qiao Nan¡¯s parental family was like any other parental family, both families would be ted that Qiao Nan was pregnant.

    The problem was the Qiao family was unlike any other parental family.

    As the mother, Ding Jiayi would be angry to know that Qiao Nan was leading a good life. She might even curse Qiao Nan, hoping that she would suffer a miscarriage.

 Chapter 1142 - Whatâ€™s the Problem?

    1142 What¡¯s the Problem?

    Miao Jing felt repulsed at the thought that Ding Jiayi might do that. She did not wish to let Ding Jiayi know about the existence of her grandchild.

    As for Qiao Dongliang, he would change his attitude time and again. He was worse than a woman suffering from menopause.

    Particrly after Nan Nan married Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang seemed to revert to his old ways. He was solely focused on helping his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, to find a trustworthy man.

    She was certain that Qiao Dongliang would be happy to know that he was going to be a grandfather.

    But she was worried that the next minute, Qiao Dongliang would be worried for Qiao Zijin. Nan Nan was already going to be a mother, while Qiao Zijin had not settled down and her future inws were not as good as Nan Nan¡¯s inws.

    She was worried that Qiao Dongliang might not keep his worries to himself, and he wouldin to Nan Nan. She would definitely be upset by his words.

    If Nan Nan was upset, her grandchild would be affected as well.

    Miao Jing felt that her inws were simply troublemakers!

    Zhai Hua turned sullen at the mention of the Qiao family. ¡°What¡¯s there to be indecisive about? We shall keep it a secret first. There is the custom that one can only speak of the pregnancy after the third month so that the baby will develop well. Qiao Nan is only two months pregnant. We will wait until she is three to four months pregnant before we tell them. Moreover, we are in the capital while the Qiao family is in Ping Cheng. Even if they are angry, they will calm down given some time.¡±

    Miao Jing snorted. ¡°That might not be true. Qiao Dongliang might not go over the limits but the other two people in the Qiao family are shameless. We are already in the capital. I heard that Elder Lin and Zhu Chengqi areing to the capital as well. Perhaps we will get to see each other this month. Since everyone is in the capital, do you think they will not want toe to the capital?¡±

    The Qiao family was not well-to-do. If they came to the capital, where would they stay? What about their meals and clothes?

    They would definitely ask the Zhai family to pay for them.

    If the Qiao family was thankful for their help, Miao Jing would be willing to host them and would not ask them to return the favor. However, given her understanding of Ding Jiayi, not only would she not be grateful, but she might even stir up trouble.

    She would not thank them. Instead, she might even be sarcastic toward them, saying that they despised her as the Qiao family was poor and that they intended to dismiss her with cheap clothes and food.

    Miao Jing had seen for herself how Ding Jiayi badmouthed her daughter, Qiao Nan.

    If Ding Jiayi could be so heartless to her own daughter, she would definitely be even more vicious to outsiders.

    Miao Jing was very satisfied with her daughter-inw. The only shoring was that she was rted to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°This is not a problem. Even if they dare toe to the capital and we have to host them, there is no need for us to support them financially. I am not looking down on Uncle Qiao, but he would not be able to find a decent job in the capital. Even if he does get a job, his pay will not be enough for the entire family¡¯s expenses. There is no need to pin any hopes on Ding Jiayi. As for Qiao Zijin, she is still taking her diploma studies. She is only in her second year. She would not be able to earn money. Instead, she would need a lot of money for her studies.¡±

    They would not be able to earn enough to cover their expenses and they would not be able to rely on their daughter. She believed that Uncle Qiao and Ding Jiayi would not be so brazen and shameless as to pin their hopes on the Zhai family.

    Even if Ding Jiayi had this in mind, Uncle Qiao would not be so shameless as to receive the money from the Zhai family.

    ¡°Say no more. I am feeling vexed.¡± Miao Jing waved her hands, feeling repulsed. ¡°You are right. Nan Nan is only two months pregnant. Let¡¯s wait until she is four months pregnant to decide whether to say or not.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Don¡¯t think too much. Shall we buy some child-rearing books to read ande up with a list of dishes for Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Hua changed the topic, cheering Miao Jing up. ¡°During the weekend, we can feed Qiao Nan with a lot of good food. But Qiao Nan will have her meals at the school canteen during weekdays. We have to check what food she cannot have. Qiao Nan is inexperienced. We do not want her to eat the wrong food.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. We have to be extra careful with what she eats.¡± If Nan Nan was fed with nutritious food, her grandchild would grow up to be healthy and strong. In another eight months, they would be plump and fair.

    Miao Jing was easy to please. Since Zhai Hua was her daughter, they had a simr temperament. They were both simple and pure.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that Miao Jing was in a dilemma because of her pregnancy.

    Qiao Nan had been very disappointed with Qiao Dongliang over his behavior during her wedding. She could tell that he was intent on keeping contact with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan would not stop him. Instead, she had given him a helping hand. She donated the house at the school district to Ping Cheng High School anonymously.

    Principal Meng knew what was going on and he had heard about the Qiao family¡¯s family situation. He had a talk with Qiao Dongliang and he moved out even before the end of February.

    Ding Jiayi told Qiao Dongliang to move in with her and he did not reject her. Everyone in the quad knew that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were living as husband and wife again.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had moved in with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan was no longer worried for her father.

    She was so busy in the capital that she did not notice that she did not have her menses for two months. After she learned that she was pregnant, she also never thought of sharing the news with her father.

    Rome was not built in a day. It was because of the way that she was treated in her two lifetimes that caused her to be on bad terms with the Qiao family.

    Since Miao Jing did not inform them, it did not ur to Qiao Nan to tell them of her pregnancy.

    It was May now and the weather had turned warm. Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was beginning to show. She went with Zhai Hua to the hospital for her prenatal checkup. Both of them were left bbergasted with a piece of news. It was even more shocking than when they learned that Qiao Nan was pregnant.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Hua stood by the side. She followed the female doctor¡¯s instructions to remove Qiao Nan¡¯s blouse so that the doctor could do the checkup. The doctor applied an oily cream on Qiao Nan¡¯s protruding stomach and began to do the checkup.

    The female doctor was performing the checkup as per normal.

    But she knitted her brows as she did the examination. Zhai Hua could not help but be worried. ¡°Is there anything wrong with Qiao Nan and the baby?¡±

    Tian Dong heard this and took out his cell phone to get Doctor Wei to join them.

 Chapter 1143 - More than One

    <h4>1143 More than One</h4>

    Ever since Qiao Nan was pregnant, Tian Dong could tell from the past three months that the Zhai family highly valued Qiao Nan.

    Even if it had nothing to do with the hospital, if Qiao Nan and the baby were found to be unhealthy, Tian Dong might be held responsible for it. He had to get Doctor Wei here toe up with a solution for him.

    If anything happened to Qiao Nan and the baby, god knows when he would be able to marry Zhai Hua and to have a child with her.

    ¡°The frequency for the heartbeat seems to be slightly higher.¡± The female doctor observed.

    ¡°What does that mean? Is there anything wrong with my baby?¡± Qiao Nan was scared stiff.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t worry. Everything will be alright. If there is anything wrong, we will find a good hospital to treat the baby.¡± Zhai Hua hugged Qiao Nan,forting her.

    Zhai Hua was thinking of having a child. This child came at the right time.

    Zhai Hua had been cutting down on her visits to the camp. She was willing to change her vocation and stay at home to take care of Qiao Nan. In fact, the child was not only her brother¡¯s child.

    It might be possible that she would not meet her destined love in this life.

    In that case, she would treat the child as her own.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua was just as worried when she knew that the child might be unhealthy.

    The female doctor smiled. She knew that her words must have given them a fright. ¡°Don¡¯t be worried. This may not mean that the baby is unhealthy. There is another possibility. There is more than one heartbeat in your tummy.¡±

    ¡°More than one heartbeat?¡± Tian Dong thought about it. ¡°Do you mean that she is carrying twins?¡±

    ¡°There is definitely more than one child.¡± The female doctor smiled. ¡°Congrattions. You have such good fortune. ording to the national family nning policy, the household register in the city can only have one child. You have more than one child. You are very fortunate.¡±

    ¡°M-more than one?¡± Zhai Hua had a silly and nk look on her face. She was overjoyed at the news. Even though she was not the mother, she was as ted as the mother. ¡°This is too wonderful! Our family is blessed with such good fortune. Qiao Nan, did you hear that? I will have two nephews or nieces!¡± This was simr to striking the lottery.

    Zhai Hua, who was ecstatic, forgot about keeping a polite distance from Tian Dong and that he was a man. Instead, she pulled his shirt while she dug out his phone from his pocket in his pants pocket. ¡°Lend me your cell phone. I must tell my mom the good news.¡±

    Ever since the Zhai family knew that Qiao Nan was pregnant, everyone began to read up on books rted to child-rearing and pregnancy.

    Even though Miao Jing gave birth to two children, she did not read up on these materials back then.

    The times were different and habits might be different as well.

    The child would be the fourth generation of the Zhai family and it would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s only child. No matter whether it was a boy or girl, the Zhai family would make sure that nothing went wrong.

    After they found out that electronic products would emit radiation, the Zhai family would keep their cell phones aside if they were near Qiao Nan.

    Since Zhai Hua did not bring her cell phone, she had to borrow it from Tian Dong.

    Zhai Hua did not feel that there was anything wrong with her action, but Tian Dong¡¯s fair face turned red, feeling a mixture of emotions.

    Thedy that he liked had her hands on him, particrly her hand which was touching him around his pants pocket. Tian Dong had steered off women for nearly thirty years, but he was a healthy man. It was impossible for him not to have any reaction.

    And he reacted strongly to it.

    That was why Tian Dong felt very awkward.

    The room was filled with women. If he had any unsightly behavior, it would be very embarrassing.

    Thankfully, although Zhai Hua seldom went to the army, she was still deft and nimble. She managed to get the cell phone from Tian Dong¡¯s pocket in less than three seconds.

    Tian Dong breathed a sigh of relief when Zhai Hua¡¯s hands were no longer on him. But he seemed to miss the moment.

    ¡°Hello, Mom, it¡¯s me. Yes, Qiao Nan and I are at the hospital. Mom, let me tell you a piece of good news. In the future, you must prepare two sets of belongings for your grandchildren. In another five months, we will have two babies in our family!¡±

    Zhai Hua had just finished her sentence when Miao Jing screamed, disregarding her status. ¡°Two? Two!!!¡±

    ¡°Yes, two babies!¡± Zhai Hua was all smiles. She understood the excitement and joy that her mother must be feeling right now.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. After the prenatal checkup, I will bring Qiao Nan home. Qiao Nan will have to eat more to make sure that the three of them have good and nutritious food.¡± They must not starve Qiao Nan¡¯s babies.

    Zhai Hua threw the cell phone back to Tian Dong after she finished the phone call. Luckily, Tian Dong had sharp eyes and he caught the cell phone. Otherwise, it would have smashed to pieces.

    Zhai Hua walked smilingly toward Qiao Nan. She seemed like the Grandma Wolf in ¡®Little Red Riding Hood¡¯.

    She took the towel from the nurse and wiped the excess cream off Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy.

    Zhai Hua did not dare to exert any strength while she cleaned Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy. It was as if her tummy was even more fragile and brittle than the most expensive porcin in the world. It was the most precious treasure that she had. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? Do you want to have something to eat before we go back home? I think we¡¯d better not do that. The food outside may not be safe. Please bear with it. Let¡¯s go home to eat, shall we?¡±

    From today onward, she had to ask the auntie to prepare more snacks for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan preferred to stay at the school during the weekdays and she insisted on doing social practice during the weekend. If she was hungry, she had to have food outside.

    If the auntie prepared more snacks for her, Qiao Nan could bring them with her and had it whenever she was hungry.

    ¡°No, I am not hungry.¡± Compared to Zhai Hua and Miao Jing who were ecstatic, Qiao Nan felt a mixture of emotions.

    Finally, she was going to be a mother. Qiao Nan felt that she was blessed and fortunate.

    However, she and Zhai Sheng hade to an agreement that regardless of whether she had a boy or a girl, they would only have one child.

    She did not know whether tough or cry now that she was having twins.

    She had been through two lifetimes where her parents were biased toward her sister. Qiao Nan was worried that she would inherit her parents¡¯ ws and that she would walk in their footsteps. She feared that she would be biased toward one child and hurt the other child.

    ¡°Since you are not hungry, let¡¯s take a seat. I have some questions to ask the doctor.¡±

 Chapter 1144 - Qiao Nan Had the Final Say

    <h4>1144 Qiao Nan Had the Final Say</h4>

    No matter what, Qiao Nan had the final say. After ¡®waiting¡¯ on Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua took her time to consult the doctor regarding Qiao Nan and the babies.

    Luckily, the female doctor replied that they were doing well. ¡°The mother is in good health. It has been nearly five months. One could tell that she has been well taken care of. She did not have significant pregnancy reactions. The mother and babies are doing well. Actually, one could tell that she is having twins. But even so, the babies are developing well.¡±

    The female doctor studied the ultrasound. The babies in the ultrasound wererger than the previous checkup. They would eventually develop to have small hands, legs, noses, and eyes.

    ¡°All the data indicates that the mother is doing well, but there is something to take note. The mother is still in the early terms of her pregnancy, so she and the babes are doing fine. When the babies develop and grow bigger, they will need more nutrition. It will be more difficult for the mother to carry twins. Though she is blessed with twins, she will have to withstand higher stress and she may have more pregnancy reactions. Another thing is that mothers with twins will usually go intobor around the ninth month. She would not carry the babies to full term. Therefore, you have to be prepared that the mother will have prematurebor.¡±

    In other words, other pregnantdies only needed to go to the hospital one to two days before their due date.

    But for Qiao Nan, she would need to stay at the hospital earlier than other mothers, lest she go intobor earlier than expected and they might be caught unaware.

    Having twins was double the joy and double the risk.

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Zhai Hua turned serious. ¡°We will definitely go to the hospital many days before the due date.¡± It was alright to spend more money. What was important was that Qiao Nan and the babies were safe.

    Previously, Zhai Hua was ecstatic that Qiao Nan had twins. Now, it dawned on her that it was indeed happy to have two babies in the family, but it would be hard on Qiao Nan to carry twins.

    After all, unlike other pregnantdies, Qiao Nan had to go to school every day and take part in social practice. She had to work hard for her studies and schrship.

    Now that Qiao Nan was pregnant with twins, she must be feeling the pressure.

    Qiao Nan was only twenty-one years old this year. Zhai Hua felt sorry for Qiao Nan and her heart ached for her. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry. Everything will be alright. We will take good care of you. Don¡¯t feel pressured. If you have anything that you want to do, tell us and we will do it. Nothing is more important than the twins that you are carrying.¡±

    Qiao Nan remained silent and she looked serious. Zhai Hua felt that Qiao Nan must be worried due to the doctor¡¯s words.

    Qiao Nan forced a smile at Zhai Hua¡¯s words offort. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I understand. I am fine. It is just that it is too sudden. I am stilling to terms with it.¡±

    Qiao Nan had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°As you know, I am young and I am going to be a mother of two all of a sudden. Sister Zhai Hua, I am afraid that I don¡¯t know how to be a mother and I won¡¯t be a good mother. I fear...¡±

    She feared that she would be muddleheaded like Ding Jiayi. What should she do if she hurt her children in the future?

    Qiao Nan was enveloped by helplessness. She had an impulse to abort the babies. If she did not have any children, she would not have the chance to hurt them in the future.

    Qiao Nan broke into tears at this thought.

    She longed to have a baby in her two lifetimes. She could not bear to abort them.

    She would rather die than lose her baby.

    Qiao Nan cried uncontrobly. In no time, her face was soaked with tears. Zhai Hua was scared stiff. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t be worried. We are not afraid at all. Everything will be alright. You are such a good person, and you are so good to us. Why will you mistreat your children? You will be a good mother. Don¡¯t frighten yourself. Don¡¯t cry anymore.¡±

    Zhai Hua did not know how to console people. She panicked and rushed to wipe Qiao Nan¡¯s tears. She looked at Tian Dong, asking for help.

    Since Zhai Hua was helpless, as a man, Tian Dong was all the more clueless. ¡°Doctor, what do you say?¡±

    The female doctor handed a tissue to Qiao Nan, while she advised Zhai Hua. ¡°In fact, she did not suffer from a serious case of pregnancy reactions. Pregnantdies will have mood swings and they will tend to cry or lose their temper. There might be all sorts of situations. This is verymon. As her family, you must learn to reassure her and prevent her from having mood swings. This is not good for the mother and the babies.¡±

    ¡°A pregnant woman will be sensitive and tends to think too much. I believe you should have heard that many women may suffer from postpartum depression. This is not limited todies who gave birth to their babies. It also applies to pregnant mothers. Therefore, you must be patient and good-tempered when you are with pregnantdies.¡±

    One must treat a pregnantdy as the queen, wait on them, and make them happy.

    Although the female doctor did not say it, Zhai Hua understood her intended meaning. ¡°Doctor, rest assured. We will definitely do that. Nan Nan has been doing well since her pregnancy. It might be that she is still in shock upon learning that she has twins. Therefore, she has mood swings. I understand what needs to be done. By the way, will it be better if the husband spends more time with her?¡±

    ¡°Is the husband not around?¡± The female doctor was surprised. It was no wonder that the sister-inw apanied the pregnantdy during the two visits to the hospital. She had indeed never seen the husband.

    Zhai Hua was proud yet sorry at the situation. ¡°My brother is a soldier. He rarely gets to spend time at home or apany my sister-inw.¡±

    There was a look of respect in the female doctor¡¯s eyes. ¡°I see. It will be good if the husband can spend more time with her. Of course, as the family who gets to spend more time with the mother, it is more important that you take good care of her and reassure her.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Now that she knew that Qiao Nan was having twins, Zhai Hua posed a lot of questions to the doctor to learn more about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. She made sure that she rified all her queries. The female doctor also reassured Zhai Hua that if she had any doubts or she thought of other questions, she could always call her on the phone. It was then that Zhai Hua finally felt that she could call it a day.

    The female doctor had to pay more attention to Qiao Nan on ount of Doctor Wei.

 Chapter 1145 - Donâ€™t Be Afraid Rebirth to a

    Chapter 1145 Don¡¯t Be Afraid Rebirth to a

    Now that she discovered that the young mother right before her was a well-respected military wife, the female doctor treated her especially well.

    Tian Dong took on the role of the Zhai family¡¯s chauffeur and was responsible for fetching Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan.

    As soon as they reached the house, Miao Jing, who had been waiting for them, dashed out from the house and walked to stand beside Qiao Nan, assisting her into the house. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry or thirsty? The auntie has boiled a pot of chicken soup for you. It is very tasty. Do you want to have a bowl of soupter?¡±

    Miao Jing sized up Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy while she spoke to her.

    At the thought that she was carrying twins, Miao Jing felt especially emotional.

    As she said, Nan Nan¡¯s tummy was wayrger than when she had Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua. She was only five months pregnant, yet her tummy seemed as if she was six months pregnant.

    Qiao Nan only told her ssmates that she was engaged. She did not tell them that she was married.

    Therefore, she did not tell anyone that she was pregnant.

    Xu Shengnan had passed the position of the vice president officially to Qiao Nan in the first month after school reopened. Even though Qiao Nan was the new vice president, the president was responsible for organizing the activities in the club. He knew that Qiao Nan did not stay in school, so there was no need for Qiao Nan to turn up for club activities that were held in the evening.

    Now that it was May, the weather had turned warmer. Even though one needed to wear a jacket in the morning and at night, it was so warm in the afternoon that there was no need to wear a jacket.

    Qiao Nan was slim and she chose to wear loose-fitting clothes in school. Therefore, one could not really tell that she was pregnant.

    Even if one looked at her from the front, one still could not tell any differences. If one looked at her from the back, she definitely looked like a twenty-year-old pretty young girl.

    That was why even though some students noticed something odd about Qiao Nan, they thought that she must have put on some weight. Nobody realized that the junior who had joined the school for less than a year was going to be a mother.

    Outsiders might not be able to tell any differences in Qiao Nan, but Miao Jing could tell the changes in Qiao Nan every single day.

    Moreover, Miao Jing had given birth to two children.

    Initially, when she noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy wasrger than normal, she thought that it must be due to the nutritious food that she had. After she received the phone call from her daughter, she then realized that it was because Qiao Nan was carrying twins.

    ¡°How¡¯s the prenatal checkup today? Is it tiring?¡± Miao Jing assisted Qiao Nan to take a seat, while she asked about Qiao Nan¡¯s condition.

    Strangers who came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence might have thought that Qiao Nan was the mother-inw while Miao Jing was the daughter-inw.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t feel tired. But I do feel thirsty.¡± Ever since she was pregnant, Qiao Nan was used to be taken care of by her mother-inw. However, she was especially nice to her today.

    Qiao Nan, who was feeling troubled, felt overwhelmed by her concern and attention. But on the other hand, she did not want to hurt her mother-inw¡¯s feelings. Therefore, she told her that she was thirsty and forced herself to take a few sips of water.

    Thereafter, Qiao Nan, who was feeling flustered, asked to leave the living room. ¡°Mom, dinner will be ready in more than an hour. I would like to take a rest in the bedroom.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Let me help you.¡± Miao Jing would not stop Nan Nan from taking a rest. Her grandchildren must be sleepy. They would be able to develop and grow if they had more rest.

    Qiao Nan epted her help. Ever since her tummy becamerger, the Zhai family treated her as if she was brittle and fragile.

    Qiao Nan would only be treated like a normal person when she was at school or the Pce Museum.

    Qiao Nany on the bed, but she did not fall asleep. She was troubled but she could not find someone to talk to. Luckily, Zhai Sheng made a phone call right then.

    Before Miao Jing handed the phone to Qiao Nan, she did not forget to remind her son to keep the conversation short. ¡°Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan is pregnant. Electronic devices will emit radiation and it will not be good for Nan Nan and the children. Remember not to speak on the phone for too long. If there¡¯s anything important, wait until youe back to chat with Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. He knew that if he did not promise his mother, she would hog the phone and pass the message for him and Qiao Nan.

    After getting Zhai Sheng¡¯s promise, Miao Jing passed the cell phone to Qiao Nan reluctantly. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t tire yourself out. Don¡¯t stay on the phone for too long. He will be back soon. By then, I will make sure that he spends time with you and the children.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mom.¡±

    Qiao Nan held the cell phone and waited until her mother-inw left the room before the tears that she had been holding in rolled down her cheeks.

    Even though Qiao Nan did not cry out loud, and there were only slight changes in her breathing, Zhai Sheng, who was her husband, could tell that something was amiss. ¡°Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan would not keep any secrets from Zhai Sheng. She would tell him exactly what she felt.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it. I cannot help but be afraid.¡± Nobody could understand her mixed feelings and dilemma except for Brother Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan, especially when he heard her sobs on the other end of the phone.

    He enjoyed working in the army and he was passionate about serving the country. Being a soldier was Zhai Sheng¡¯s greatest honor.

    But Zhai Sheng could not help but feel a twinge of regret at this moment.

    As a soldier, he could not stay by his wife¡¯s side like any other man. He knew that Nan Nan was suffering and was in agony, and he could hear her sobs on the other end of the phone, but he could not stay by her side tofort her or hug her, wiping her tears off her face.

    Zhai Sheng was enveloped by a sense of helplessness.

    ¡°Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan could hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep sighs on the other end of the phone. She felt bitter inside. ¡°Do you think this is purely groundless worries and I am being too emotional? Mom and Sister Zhai Hua are thrilled. Grandpa and Dad have yet toe back, but they will definitely be overjoyed.¡±

    She might be the only person who felt gloomy after finding out that she was carrying twins.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I understand your feelings, but you should trust yourself and trust me. You are different from your mom. Both of you are poles apart. Even if something simr really happens, I will remind you. My parents and the old master will remind you. Zhai Hua will also remind you. There are so many people around you who will help you. Will you refuse to listen to them?¡±

    ¡°No, I will not do that.¡± Qiao Nan had tears in her eyes as she shook her head. ¡°I will listen to them. I will definitely treat all my children equally. I will make sure that they are the happiest children in this world. I will do it. I will definitely do it!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You must have more confidence in yourself. Back then, you wanted to have one child because you were worried that you would be biased.¡±

 Chapter 1146 - Little Grand Disciples

    <h4>1146 Little Grand Disciples</h4>

    ¡°Since we have two children now, what we need to do is to give all our love to them. We will not be biased. You must have confidence in yourself as well as in me. In our family, they will be loved by their grandparents, great-grandpa, their auntie, and us. They will definitely be happy.¡±

    Zhai Sheng felt touched and emotional that he was going to have two children. He could not describe how he felt.

    But Zhai Sheng calmed himself down. He knew that given Qiao Nan¡¯s personality, she must be worried and flustered. He had to talk to Qiao Nan personally as he knew that Qiao Nan had a knot in her heart.

    As soon as they spoke on the phone, he realized that his wife had indeed worked herself into a dead end.

    She was afraid that she would be biased and she dared not face up to it. She longed for a child, but when she knew that she had twins, she was thrown into confusion and panic. She was worried that she would not be a good mother.

    Qiao Nan felt this way all because of the Qiao family. Zhai Sheng could not help but be furious with the Qiao family. He felt like doing what he should not be thinking of¡ªto push the envelope and teach the Qiao family a lesson.

    Qiao Nan felt much better after talking to Zhai Sheng. She sniffed. Her voice had turned hoarse. ¡°Brother Zhai, I understand. I can¡¯t promise you that I will sort out my thoughts right away, but I will try my best. The doctor at the hospital today mentioned that pregnantdies would have mood swings, including being angry and feeling like crying. Perhaps I am going through mood swings. I will be better after some time.¡±

    Zhai Sheng felt more assured at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°If you have time, do visit Old Master Lin. He has no one in the capital besides his disciples and you are his youngest disciple. He is going to have grand disciples soon. Shouldn¡¯t you visit him?¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew that pregnantdies had mood swings. He had to think of ways to distract Qiao Nan so that she would not have the time to think too much.

    ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan rxed at the mention of Lin Yuankang.

    It was umon for Qiao Nan to cry and get into panic attacks.

    After calming herself down, Qiao Nan told herself that it must be due to her pregnancy that she behaved in such a manner. That was why she amplified her worries and ended up worrying herself over nothing.

    Qiao Nan feared that she might be mentally unstable, so she kept reassuring herself that everything would be alright.

    In the past, she only wanted to have one child as she was worried that she would be biased. But in fact, she might not be biased after she became a mother.

    She would be more conscious than any other mother that she must treat her children equally, giving them the same amount of love.

    Now that she had sorted out her thoughts, she felt that it must be due to her pregnancy that caused her to feel down and upset.

    By the end of May, Qiao Nan took a leave of absence from volunteering at the Pce Museum. Once it was June, she would have to get ready for her exams.

    The staff at the Pce Museum understood that Qiao Nan had to prepare for her exams. Actually, they were willing to allow Qiao Nan to go on leave as early as in thest half month of the semester.

    Furthermore, as the weather was getting warmer, the number of visitors decreased as well. This was so even for famous ces of interest like the Pce Museum.

    During summer, people would usually flock to ces where there were pools andkes.

    ¡°Your tummy is sorge now!¡± Lin Yuankang, who did not have any children, was surprised and amazed that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was growingrger as the days passed by. He could not wait to see her children.

    They were the children of his disciples, and there were two of them. They were twins!

    He knew that Qiao Nan was carrying twins and her tummy must berger than that of other pregnantdies. But it was one thing to know the fact and another thing to see it for himself. It left a bigger impact on him to see it for himself.

    Lin Yuankang, who had been through a lot in life, was stunned when he saw Qiao Nan and her protruding tummy. He did not know how he should react.

    ¡°There is a bulge over there!¡± Lin Yuankang was still reeling from the shock that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy had grownrger since thest time he saw her when he saw a small bulge beneath Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes.

    It must be her babies who were moving about in her tummy.

    As a mother, Qiao Nan could feel that her babies were up to mischief. She knitted her eyebrows. ¡°They must be simr in temperament as Brother Zhai. They will always kick and throw punches.¡± To prove her words, Qiao Nan lifted her blouse to reveal her big and round tummy to Lin Yuankang.

    There was still a bulge on her tummy.

    One could make out the shape of a foot from Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy.

    ¡°A foot, a foot?!¡± Lin Yuankang widened his eyes in amazement. He almost jumped up from his seat. He looked to be as fascinated as Granny Liu[1] when she was first introduced to the Prospect Garden, which was argendscaped interior garden in the mansion in the novel. He could not help but shout in amazement.

    ¡°Elder Lin, I know that it is amazing, but this is my nephew¡¯s or niece¡¯s foot. Please be gentle. Your shouts will rm them. If they are in shock, I will teach you a lesson.¡± Zhai Hua, who was with Qiao Nan, helped her cover her tummy. ¡°Nan Nan, although the weather is warm and it is not cold at all, you must keep your tummy warm. Do you understand?¡±

    If Zhai Sheng knew that Nan Nan lifted her clothes in front of other men to reveal her tummy, he would be jealous. ¡°I bought a waist support for you. Why didn¡¯t you wear it to protect your tummy?¡±

    Ever since Qiao Nan was pregnant, Zhai Hua, who used to be a tomboy, had be naggy. She would nag at Qiao Nan and buy all sorts of stuff for Qiao Nan, saying that they were suitable for pregnantdies.

    Qiao Nan did not know what to do with such a sister-inw. ¡°It is too warm to wear the waist support. Sister Zhai Hua, didn¡¯t Tian Donge looking for you today?¡± Tian Dong had been hanging out with Zhai Hua for nearly half a year. Tian Dong seemed to be a good man and the two families hoped that they could settle down soon.

    Nevertheless, this was what the two families felt. What mattered was what Zhai Hua and Tian Dong felt for each other.

    After observing them for the past half a year, Qiao Nan concluded two points about them.

    Firstly, there was no way that Sister Zhai Hua could escape from Tian Dong.

    Secondly, Tian Dong might have gained her affection, but it was likely that he was the type of man who listened to his wife. Therefore, if they wanted to get married, they would not be married anytime soon unless Sister Zhai Hua brought it up.

    Lin Yuankang did not take issue with Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude. He was still amazed at the size of Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are so slim. How can you have such arge tummy with two babies inside?¡± Back when he took her in as his disciple, she was still a child. In the blink of an eye, she was going to be a mother and he would soon have grand disciples!

    [1] Granny Liu was a character in the Chinese novel ¡®Dream of the Red Chamber¡¯. She was an elderly country rustic and a distant rtive of Lady Wang.

 Chapter 1147 - Take Maternity Leave

    <h4>1147 Take Maternity Leave</h4>

    ¡°Little disciple, you should listen to Zhai Hua and wear that on your waist.¡± She was so petite, yet she had such a big tummy. He was worried that if she did not wear the waist support, her tummy might burst.

    Lin Yuankang felt chills down his back for no reason. He nced at the cut watermelon that was ced on the table.

    ¡°Little disciple, your tummy is sorge. I think you must have taken too much food. Should you control your food intake?¡±

    Lin Yuankang was serious. Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was toorge. He was worried that her tummy could not withstand the weight of the two babies.

    Zhai Hua, who kept vigil by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, felt conflicted. ¡°The doctor kept saying that the babies are making good progress. All of her data indicated that she is healthy.¡± The problem was she had the same sentiments as Lin Yuankang. She also felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was toorge.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy looked normal in May, but now that it was June, Qiao Nan seemed to have taken in big gulps of air and her tummy was double the size in May.

    Last week, Qiao Nan took a half-an-hour afternoon nap. By the time she woke up, Zhai Hua was shocked to see that her tummy seemed to have grownrger. She even dragged Miao Jing with her to take a closer look.

    Qiao Nan was not even six months pregnant, but she would not be able to see her toes when she looked downward at her feet.

    Zhai Hua was worried that her tummy would grow even bigger as time passed.

    Lin Yuankang did not have any children, so he was clueless in this respect. Since he started the conversation, he had to be responsible for it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Look at my disciple. She has rosy cheeks and she looks healthy. Nothing will go wrong. She is carrying twins. It is alright to have a bigger tummy.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua were at a loss for words. The tree of them then broke intoughter.

    Lin Yuankang took a box from the house and passed it to Qiao Nan. ¡°This is from Zhu Chengqi to you, or rather, to my grand disciples. Keep it for them for the time being.¡±

    There had not been many changes to Lin Yuankang¡¯s life since he returned to the capital. It was simr to his life in Ping Cheng.

    At times, people would visit him to ask him for advice, but most of the time, he would be staying at home, gardening and spending time ying with the birds.

    After Zhu Chengqi came to the capital, life was totally different for him. He and Zhai Yaohui were busy with work. They seldom had time for their families. They also had to go on many work trips.

    Upon knowing that Qiao Nan was having twins, Zhu Chengqi shouted out in joy, eximing that he was going to be a grandfather. He was constantly thinking of buying gifts for Qiao Nan¡¯s babies.

    However, he was too busy. Even if he had bought the gifts, he had no time to give it to Qiao Nan. He could only pass them to Lin Yuankang and ask him to hand them to Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Chengqi bought gold jewelry for the two babies. The small golden bracelets were beautiful.

    The golden bracelets were dazzling. One could imagine how it would look on the chubby hands and legs of the babies, highlighting their fair and tender skin, making them all the more adorable and cute.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart melted when she touched the golden bracelets. She then touched her tummy, saying, ¡°My babies, these are from Grandpa Zhu. After you are born, you must be filial to him.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi had been taking good care of her since ages ago. Qiao Nan was well-aware of it.

    Even though she and Zhu Chengqi did not go through any ceremony to acknowledge their rtionship with each other, Zhu Chengqi already treated her as his own daughter.

    It would probably be another two more years before Zhu Baoguo would marry and settle down. Qiao Nan, who married at a young age, had received almost all of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s fatherly love.

    Fortunately, Zhu Baoguo was not the boy he was back then. He was not as small-minded and did not take issue with Qiao Nan.

    In fact, Zhu Baoguo had bought gifts for her children and had already passed them to her. His presents were models made from bullet shells.

    Qiao Nan had a headache with the presents that he gave her.

    Both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua already gave simr presents to the babies. Now, Zhu Baoguo gave them the same presents as well.

    If this went on, she would have a lot of model toys that were made from bullet shells.

    ¡°How about me? As the master of their mother, am I not good to them?¡± Lin Yuankang felt displeased. ¡°After the babies are born, you must tell them to y with me.¡±

    The older one was, the more one behaved like children.

    Elder Lin was already advanced in years, but he behaved like a child.

    Normally, the adults would y with the children, but in the case of Elder Lin, he wanted Qiao Nan¡¯s children to y with him.

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s all have fun.¡± Zhai Hua felt amused by Lin Yuankang¡¯s words. She tried to appease Lin Yuankang by agreeing with him.

    Zhai Hua knew that Lin Yuankang had his influence in the capital.

    If her nephews or nieces could ¡®y¡¯ with an important figure like Elder Lin since a young age, it would be very beneficial for them. It was better than spending a bomb to send them to kindergarten.

    She totally approved of such an arrangement.

    Lin Yuankang nced at Zhai Hua, askance. He was experienced in the workings of the world. He could tell what she was thinking of.

    However, this was what he had in mind as well. Therefore, he did not take issue with Zhai Hua. ¡°It is June. In another half a month, you will be sitting for your exams. Given your current condition, is it convenient to go to school?¡±

    Lin Yuankang was very worried for Qiao Nan since she had such a big tummy.

    But Zhai Hua had assured him time and again that the doctor had said that the two babies were developing as per normal. If Qiao Nan was pregnant with one child only, it was more likely that the baby would be toorge. But in the case of twins, they would usually be lighter than normal.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy might be toorge, but the babies were doing well.

    Since Zhai Hua assured him that the babies were healthy, Lin Yuankang felt slightly at ease. Otherwise, Lin Yuankang would feel like apanying Qiao Nan to the doctor for her prenatal checkup.

    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. I usually wear loose-fitting clothes and I rarely spend time at school. Very few students will notice my tummy. Furthermore, now that exams areing, they will not pay attention to me. It will be alright.¡± Qiao Nan reassured her master.

    Lin Yuankang reached out his hands to give a slight tap on Qiao Nan¡¯s head. He was about to tap her head when he halted. ¡°On ount of my grand disciples, I will teach you a lesson a few monthster. Will I be worried that other people might notice your tummy? You should be given extra care since your tummy is sorge. Now that you keep your pregnancy a secret and there are so many people at school, what will happen if they bump into you?¡±

    Most of the youngsters in school were careless and short-tempered.

    His disciple could not afford any bumps or idents.

    ¡°Elder Lin is right!¡± Zhai Hua nodded in agreement. ¡°Nan Nan, how about you take a leave of absence for a year? Or perhaps you can revise and prepare for your exams at home? At most, you can give the first-prize schrship a miss.¡±

 Chapter 1148 - I Am Going to Schoolâ€™

    1148 ¡®I Am Going to School¡¯

    ¡°With your ability, passing the exams is not a problem.¡± There were too many people at school. They might bump or knock into her. Nan Nan could not afford to have any idents.

    As a pregnantdy, Qiao Nan would be very sensitive at times and she would think too much.

    But she could not be bothered with it. Even Zhai Hua who used to be a tomboy had to hand it to her.

    Everyone who saw howrge Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was could not help but worry for her. They could not imagine how her slim waist was able to withstand the pressure of such arge tummy.

    But Qiao Nan, the party concerned, was the only person who did not have the slightest bit of worry. She would go to school and social practice as usual.

    Now that it was June and the Pce Museum arranged for Qiao Nan to go on leave so that she could have more time for her revision, Qiao Nan, who used to be busy for the entire week, finally had two free days. She made use of her free time to visit her master, Lin Yuankang, with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Is it necessary to do that?¡± Qiao Nan was not one who did not listen to reasons. Since everyone around her told her to stay at home, she began to have doubts. ¡°I am only slightly more than five months pregnant. Other pregnantdies who are in the same trimester as me can sprint and perform their daily tasks as per normal. Do I have to be so uptight and stay at home instead of going to school?¡±

    It was alright to let other people know that she was engaged, but Qiao Nan had no intention of telling other people that she was pregnant.

    It was unnecessary to share her private life with them. She did not need to go into such details.

    Since Qiao Nan did not tell the school that she was pregnant, the school would not make special arrangements for her.

    Zhai Hua knew Qiao Nan too well. She scratched her head anxiously. ¡°Nan Nan, the school has already covered all the important sybus. How about I go to school in your stead? I will sit for lessons and take lecture notes for you. You can stay at home to do your revision. Will that do?¡±

    For Qiao Nan to stay at home with a peace of mind and to have a good rest, Zhai Hua was left with no choice but to go to the extremes.

    Whenever Qiao Nan asked her to study with her, Zhai Hua would get all agitated, saying that she had graduated and would not do any more studies.

    Now, she volunteered to go back to school and experience what it was like to be a student for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake.

    To be an auntie and on ount of her nephews or nieces, Zhai Hua had taken the plunge.

    Qiao Nan could not help but look at Zhai Hua with a look of surprise. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, are you serious? Are you going to school in my stead?¡± Qiao Nan could not believe her ears. She repeated Zhai Hua¡¯s words.

    ¡°Yes, I am serious. I will go in your stead.¡± Anyway, she would just take notes of everything that the professors said. As long as Qiao Nan did not ask her to sit for her exams, she would do anything to help her.

    Taking notes was an easy task.

    In Zhai Hua¡¯s opinion, studying was far more difficult. One had to memorize all the knowledge and apply it.

    Thankfully, she was only in charge of taking notes. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibility to do the rest.

    Lin Yuankang nodded. ¡°I think this is a good idea. Let¡¯s do this. You have quite a lot of books with you. You can read them at home while Zhai Hua goes to school to take notes of what is taught and you can look through the notes and sort them out at home.¡± In this case, his grand disciples would be safe.

    Qiao Nan, the party concerned, had yet to give herments when Zhai Hua and Lin Yuankang had decided for her.

    Zhai Hua sent Qiao Nan home and told Miao Jing of their decision and she had her full support. ¡°This will do. Let me give a call to the principal of Peking University and tell him about our situation, lest it cause any unnecessary trouble.¡±

    She heard that the university would take attendance.

    ¡°Mom, there is no need for that.¡± Qiao Nan pulled Miao Jing¡¯s hands to stop her from making the call. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to worry about taking attendance. The professors will usually take attendance during normal school hours, but they will not do so during the revision and exams period. Even if one is ck in their studies, they will buck up when the exams areing. As the saying goes, one will usually prepare at thest moment, and it is better than not preparing at all. Many students will dost-minute preparation and revision. Therefore, during the revision period, students who like to y truant wille back for lessons. The ssroom will be packed with students.¡±

    As a result, the professors would not go through the trouble of taking attendance.

    If they took attendance in a ssroom packed with students, half the time would be wasted.

    Miao Jing had never been to the university, so she did not know what was going on.

    She was surprised when she learned that the college students adopted such aid-back attitude toward their studies. ¡°Are you serious? Is it okay if Hua Hua goes to school in your stead?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave a reluctant smile. ¡°It will not be a big issue.¡± Did it mean that her mother-inw also agreed for Sister Zhai Hua to go to revision sses in her stead?

    Qiao Nan did not know whether she shouldugh or cry at her family who was overly protective of her. But at the same time, she felt warm and touched.

    In the Qiao family, everyone neglected her and would bully her. But in the Zhai family, she was the most precious person in the world and she was treated as if she was very delicate and fragile.

    Given that the Zhai family gave her unconditional love and care, Qiao Nan felt that there would definitely be a day where she was being spoilt by them.

    Miao Jing hade to a decision. ¡°Since it would not be a big issue, this is settled. Hua Hua, you must work hard to take down all the important points. You must not miss out on any points.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I willplete the mission.¡±

    Zhai Hua patted her chest, assuring everyone that she would aplish the mission. But she felt nervous after she calmed down and had a serious thought about it.

    It had never been easy for her to memorize the learning points taught in school. She would rather take part in practical learning instead of sitting in the ssroom and listening to the teachers as they exined the theories.

    Would she be able to take down all the learning points for Qiao Nan?

    At the thought of her previous performance in school, Zhai Hua wiped the sweat off her palms.

    Everything would be alright. Nothing would go wrong. If she could not do it, she could find someone else to do it.

    Therefore, when it was time for revision, Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates from the same faculty were shocked to see that two strangers were in the same sses as them. They seemed to be more anxious and serious than the other students.

    Fortunately, many students yed truant.

    As a result, they were more focused on their learning than figuring out who the strangers were. They cast a few asional nces at the two strangers before they turned their attention back to the professors and began taking notes.

    Everyone, including the people who were at the school in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, was writing and taking notes.

    Two people came in Qiao Nan¡¯s stead, but one was busy taking down the notes while the other was not.

    Tian Dong, who graduated from an American university with a master¡¯s degree in business administration, did not expect that in order to woo thedy that he liked, he would end up going to school again.

 Chapter 1149 - Good Handwriting

    1149 Good Handwriting

    Although he had a lot of work waiting for him at hispany and he had many business deals to clinch, Tian Dong was startled to realize that he was willing to give up his work for the person that he liked.

    He left his business in his father¡¯s hands while he was taking notes at Peking University. Tian Dong sighed helplessly as he stared at the ¡®beauty¡¯ who slept soundly by his side.

    Who was the one who agreed to take on this task?

    He might be angry and helpless, but Tian Dong could do nothing to Zhai Hua. From a young age, he was at her beck and call. Tian Dong had no other choice but to continue to take notes.

    ¡°The handwriting... is quite nice.¡± Qiao Nan could tell that it was not written by Zhai Hua. She had a crooked smile on her face. ¡°The handwriting has strength and style. It looks like calligraphy. Sister Zhai Hua, I didn¡¯t know that you have such good handwriting.¡±

    If she remembered correctly, when she went to Brother Zhai¡¯s study room six years ago, she chanced upon a book that was covered with handwritten words. The handwriting was barely legible. She remembered that there was Zhai Hua¡¯s name on the book.

    Could it be that Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s handwriting had improved tremendously in six years?

    ¡°Why do you care whether the handwriting is nice or not? What matters is whether the notes areplete and useful.¡± Zhai Hua did not feel guilty at all. She stood with her head high and wanted Qiao Nan to check the ssroom notes.

    ¡°The notes are well-taken.¡± It seemed to be slightly better than the notes that she took in the past.

    Miao Jing nodded with a look of satisfaction, but she then exposed Zhai Hua¡¯s lies the next instant. ¡°This is not your handwriting. Your handwriting is worse than the old master¡¯s handwriting. Who took the notes for you?¡±

    It was not that Miao Jing looked down on her daughter. She could not understand why her only daughter had the worst handwriting in the family.

    It was only when she saw Old Master Zhai¡¯s handwriting did the family realize that it was Old Master Zhai who taught Zhai Hua how to write.

    The pupil would usually surpass the master.

    Zhai Hua indeed surpassed Old Master Zhai, but not in a good way.

    Old Master Zhai was knowledgeable, but his handwriting had room for improvement, and it turned out that Zhai Hua¡¯s handwriting was worse than Old Master Zhai¡¯s.

    Zhai Hua was fuming in anger. ¡°Why do you have so many questions? Isn¡¯t it good that Ipleted the task?¡±

    Qiao Nan put the notes away. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, thank you and say thank you to Tian Dong. Let¡¯s invite Tian Dong for dinner this weekend, shall we?¡±

    ¡°Did Dongzi help you take the notes?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up as if she had discovered Zhai Hua¡¯s secret!

    Zhai Hua was flustered and exasperated. ¡°What do you mean by he helped me take the notes! Are the notes for me? Dongzi took the notes for Nan Nan!¡±

    ¡°But he did not do it on my ount.¡± Qiao Nan knew her limitations. ¡°Nevertheless, I have to thank Sister Zhai Hua. Let¡¯s invite Tian Dong for dinner this weekend.¡± Her mind was set.

    In order to woo Zhai Hua, Tian Dong had run many errands for Qiao Nan for the past four to five months. Qiao Nan felt embarrassed about it.

    Tian Dong had his own business and he was doing well in his business. At least, he was doing better than the Feng family.

    Tian Dong had lots of business deals that made lots of money, yet he was willing to run errands for her. Qiao Nan knew that he did that on ount of Sister Zhai Hua.

    Thedy that he liked treated Qiao Nan very well, and as a result, he was willing to take good care of Qiao Nan. He that loved the tree loved the branch.

    Since Tian Dong was willing to take off his suit and tie and put on casual clothes to sit in the ssroom to take notes all for the sake of Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan believed that Tian Dong would be much better than Wei De.

    At least, Tian Dong was sincere toward Zhai Hua.

    Since she was sure of this, Qiao Nan was willing to be their matchmaker and create opportunities for Tian Dong toe more often to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Yes, we should invite him for dinner.¡± Miao Jing was surprised as well. He was highly educated and his business was doing well and he was single. He was deemed a highly eligible bachelor.

    Miao Jing was touched that a man with a sessful career was willing to apany her daughter to ¡®mess around¡¯, going to school to take revision notes.

    Previously, Miao Jing was already thinking of creating opportunities for Zhai Hua to spend more time with Tian Dong. Now, Miao Jing was all the more pleased with Tian Dong.

    Zhai Hua could not help but blush, yet she refused to admit it. ¡°It is just dinner. This is not his first time here. There is nothing to be fascinated about. Since he has done me a favor, I should treat him to dinner. Anyway, we can afford to have one more person to join us for dinner.¡±

    When there was aparison, one would then be able to see the truth.

    Zhai Hua used to think that Wei De treated her very well and was sincere to her.

    But after spending time with Tian Dong, she realized that Wei De was not being sincere to her at all.

    When Wei De was with her, he would always say that he felt unworthy to be her boyfriend and he had to work hard to be sessful so that her family would ept him.

    His words were touching. She felt proud that Wei De wanted to be sessful so that he could be worthy of her.

    It was only when she spent time with Tian Dong did Zhai Hua realize that there were different kinds of men in this world.

    Perhaps he had ns and ideas in mind, but he would not speak of them. He would wait until he turned his ideas into reality before he told her and made her pleased with the oue.

    Zhai Hua felt moved by his actions.

    Otherwise, Tian Dong would not be the first person that Zhai Hua thought of whenever anything cropped up.

    Miao Jing and Qiao Nan smiled knowingly at each other. They looked as if they had discovered a secret and had a sly smile on their faces.

    They had never seen Zhai Hua blushed when she spoke of Wei De. Now, Zhai Hua was blushing.

    Miao Jing and Qiao Nan were women. If a woman blushed at the mention of a certain man, they knew that something must be going on between them. It was just that Zhai Hua refused to admit it.

    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± Zhai Hua became angry from embarrassment. She threw a disdainful nce at her mother and sister-inw before turning to go back to her room.

    It had been ages since Zhai Hua read any books or studied in school. It was too tiring for her to go back to school to study. Furthermore, she had to pay attention and she could not y truant. She had to sleep for an hour to recharge.

    Otherwise, she might not be able to go to school tomorrow.

    With Tian Dong¡¯s help, they had decided that Qiao Nan would stay at home to do her revision.

    Tian Dong was resourceful to be able to get a copy of the revision materials prepared by Qiao Nan¡¯s professor.

    In that case, unless it was important revision sses, there was no need for Tian Dong and Zhai Hua to go to school.

 Chapter 1150 - Only the Tummy Grows

    1150 Only the Tummy Grows

    Although Tian Dong was willing to do everything for Zhai Hua, he had to n and utilize his time properly so that it would not be wasted on unnecessary matters.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua was also not the type who was willing to sit in the ssroom abidingly. She was ted when she heard from Tian Dong that they could asionally ck during the lessons.

    The two of them had discussed¡ªwrong, Tian Dong was the one who did the talking and Zhai Hua just nodded continuously by his side. After confirming that the professor was not touching on revision, Zhai Hua would take care of Qiao Nan at home while Tian Dong managed hispany matters.

    He was a boss and could not skip his work every day.

    During the times whereby the revision content was important, Tian Dong and Zhai Hua would then turn into ¡®good students¡¯. One would do the copying at every second while the other one slept. After dividing thebor and cooperating with each other, work was not so tiring then!

    Clearly, this was Qiao Nan¡¯s college life. Nevertheless, it improved the rtionship between Tian Dong and Zhai Hua and made them closer to each other.

    Privately, Tian Dong¡¯s mother called Miao Jing. ¡°These two children are on quite good terms. Tell me. When are our families going to settle their wedding matters?¡±

    Fortunately, her son did not like men. She was someone who was going to have a daughter-inw soon.

    Miao Jing had the same intention too. ¡°I also wish to do so. I am going to be a grandmother soon. I also hope that it will be the same for you. While I care very much about my paternal grandchild, I will love my maternal grandchild too. The problem is that these two children of ours are stubborn ones. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have dragged their feet until now. Does your family¡¯s Dongzi have any thoughts on this matter?¡±

    Although Zhai Hua was very easy-going, she was ady after all.

    Regarding a topic such as weddings, Miao Jing, who had a traditional mindset, still felt that thedy¡¯s side should not be the one taking too much initiative. If the male¡¯s family could propose or say something, the two families could sit down and discuss the matter together then.

    Miao Jing sighed. ¡°These two young ones are torturing us, their elders. They have feelings for each other but have never made themselves clear. Not to mention marriage, the two children have not even admitted that they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Tell me. What should we do?¡±

    They had not even rified their rtionship. In her heart, Miao Jing med Tian Dong a little for not being direct enough, that he was not forthright in expressing himself.

    Having encountered the pestering and shameless Wei De, Miao Jing felt extremely anxious looking at the quiet Tian Dong, who only knew how to stay by her daughter¡¯s side without uttering a word.

    Was it so difficult to make himself clear and rify the rtionship?

    Could it be that Dongzi only wanted to maintain this kind of rtionship¡ªas good friends¡ªwith Hua Hua?

    This might be enough for Dongzi but not her and her family. She wanted to let her daughter get married and be a mother-inw. She still wanted to be a maternal grandmother!

    Miao Jing had made herself clear. She was only short of adding a sentence: How exactly did Dongzi feel toward Hua Hua? If they had misunderstood Dongzi¡¯s feelings toward Hua Hua, the two should quickly go their separate ways. Her family still wanted to continue in their search for a son-inw.

    Miao Jing was anxious. Mother Tian was even more so.

    It was a pity that her son was very opinionated about this. In America, he never dated nor had any girlfriend. After returning to their home country, besides having some reaction when Zhai Hua from the Zhai family was mentioned, he had been keeping mum and not expressing his stand at other times. He rejected everything with thorough silence.

    Just as she thought that there would be a show when her son saw Zhai Hua, hey, her son only cared about being good to the other party but did not talk about it.

    As the mother, she very much wanted to punch her son and hoped that something woulde out of it so that they could quickly confirm the rtionship between the two families.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely get Dongzi to give Hua Hua an exnation.¡± Zhai Hua was not the ideal type of daughter-inw of Mother Tian. However, it was terrifying that her son had dragged his feet so much. He had dyed for so long that Mother Tian dared not nitpick anymore.

    It was fine as long as the other party was a woman and her background was chaste.

    Zhai Hua was not very good-looking but she came from a good family.

    As expected, this was ady from the Zhai family and Mother Tian was not as insistent on her previous criteria. More than ten years ago, she said that she had to pick a daughter-inw with a good temper, like women from the water town of Jiangnan. This daughter-inw had to be able to take good care of the family and her son.

    It could be said that ten years ago, besides the gender, the other criteria Mother Tian had for her daughter-inw were the exact opposite of Zhai Hua.

    After Qiao Nan could tell that Tian Dong was true to Zhai Hua, she had put the matter aside in her mind.

    After all, she was a student who had to take examinations.

    It was humid and hot in June. When the rainy season arrived, besides being humid, it was always raining. The Zhai family was jittery about having a pregnant woman who wanted to leave the house. They were extremely worried for Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, there was only this examination. When Qiao Nan was having her college entrance examination, the Zhai family did not even take care of Qiao Nan in this way. It was only the ordinary final semester examination but Zhai Hua drove Qiao Nan to school.

    When Qiao Nanpleted her examination, Zhai Hua¡¯s car was already waiting for Qiao Nan for a long time.

    Inevitably, this scene attracted the attention of many busybodies.

    Due to the spouting of nonsense previously, someone had already suffered greatly and had not recovered from the ¡®serious injuries¡¯. She had been leading the life of a mouse, hiding in dark ces and not daring to interact with others.

    Regardless of how busybody the other people were, they knew that they could not provoke some people. It was better to avoid them.

    Furthermore, although the person who came to pick Qiao Nan also drove a Land Rover which was beyond the reach of students like them, the driver was a grown-updy. Like Qiao Nan, she was also a woman.

    If they were to spout any nonsense, they would be embarrassing themselves instead of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Finally, the exams are over. Nan Nan, in the next two months, you have to stay at home to nourish your fetus in peace. Don¡¯t go to other ces if it is not necessary. If you want to go out, you must tell me. I will keep youpany.¡± Zhai Hua did not mind the trouble of reminding Qiao Nan when she was driving and ncing at Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy, which was almost six months old.

    They were extremely grateful for the summer vacation. To students, every vacation was a blessing!

    Previously, Qiao Nan wore loose and big clothing to conceal her tummy. However, there were still many people in the school spreading that Qiao Nan had been putting on a lot of weight and her tummy had grown fatter.

    Fortunately, these students were not very experienced in this area. They also did not think so much due to the impact of the examination.

    Otherwise, they would discover a loophole. What kind of weight-gaining method would only cause meat to only grow on the tummy? If one were to really put on weight, shouldn¡¯t every part of the body grow fatter at the same time?

    Fortunately, at this time, all the students had to face two months of summer vacation after the examination.

    It was just nice. Qiao Nan¡¯s growing tummy that could not be concealed any further wouldn¡¯t be exposed at school.

    Having just finished the examination, Qiao Nan felt quite tired. She leaned on the seat and said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt disheartened as she looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s slim arms and legs. In her heart, she eximed her puzzlement that meat only grew on Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy and not her other body parts although the auntie prepared so much good stuff for Qiao Nan.

    Each time Zhai Hua had such doubts, the auntie would tell Zhai Hua that it could only mean that Qiao Nan¡¯s body took in the nutrients well. In addition, all the nutrients had been taken in by the children.

 Chapter 1151 - Take Care a Little

    1151 Take Care a Little

    Most probably, Qiao Nan would be able to revert to her pre-pregnancy figure without much effort after giving birth.

    The auntie knew that youngdies nowadays liked to look pretty and wanted to slim down.

    As such, the auntie had done some research before she prepared the nourishment food for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was almost six months old. She was easily tired and sleepy, and other pregnancy symptoms also followed.

    It was most probably because she was carrying twins. Usually, other pregnant women would disy symptoms of swollen legs after being pregnant for six months, especially from the eighth month onward.

    There were still a few days left before Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy turned six months old but her legs had already begun to swell.

    Fortunately, it was not too swollen. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not be able to wear her shoes.

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan seems to be falling asleep more easily.¡± After helping Qiao Nan upstairs andy on the bed, Zhai Hua asked worriedly when she came downstairs. ¡°Is this really okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course it is fine. The more she sleeps, the faster the fetuses in her womb grow.¡± Miao Jing was happily smiling. ¡°However, Nan Nan is still very young. She¡¯s pregnant with two children at the same time. It¡¯s really tough on her.¡± Unfortunately, when Nan Nan was painstakingly carrying the children, her son, the initiator, was not by Nan Nan¡¯s side to take care of her.

    This was an extremely sad issue for a military wife.

    The men of the Zhai family were always like that. They did not let down their country and the citizens. However, they always let their family, especially their wives, down.

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s temper is good. She has never behaved like a spoiled child. It¡¯s so tough but she has never derided Zhai Sheng before. It¡¯s Zhai Sheng¡¯s good fortune to have married Nan Nan.¡± Even when she was younger, she could not be as big-hearted as Nan Nan.

    When she was just pregnant with Hua Hua, she suffered from severe morning sickness, yet Zhai Yaohui was not by her side. She had cried a few times because of this.

    Zhai Hua smiled too. ¡°Yes, Nan Nan is different from the typical youngdies. Ladies who do not have a temperament like that of Nan Nan really can¡¯t be part of our Zhai family.¡±

    Looking at Zhai Hua, who was feeling happy for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, Miao Jing¡¯s mood changed and she red at Zhai Hua unhappily. That re made Zhai Hua feel baffled. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you? Who has annoyed you?¡± Weren¡¯t they chatting happily earlier? If other people had provoked her mother, thetter should vent her frustration on others. She was so aggrieved.

    Miao Jing snorted twice. ¡°Besides you, who else?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Zhai Hua pointed at her own nose in disbelief. ¡°When did I anger you?¡± Even though she was her biological mother, she could not malign her either.

    ¡°I wish to be a maternal grandmother. I also wish to pamper you and treat you like a queen. When are you going to give me the chance to treat you like my ancestor?¡± Miao Jing nted her eyes and looked at Zhai Hua.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s treatment at the Zhai family had been improving in a rectilinear way. Although Zhai Hua treated Qiao Nan better than she did everyone else, she would asionally sound sour in front of Miao Jing on purpose.

    Miao Jing remembered all those words.

    After the phone call with Tian Dong¡¯s mother today, Miao Jing might as well dig up past scores and demand an exnation from her daughter. ¡°Dongzi and you have been dawdling for half a year. What do you mean by this? If it¡¯s not possible between Dongzi and you, we can forget about the past six months. We should not waste another six months. Mom will arrange blind dates for you. If the two of you have feelings for each other, quickly express yourself clearly. Both of you are not young anymore. I don¡¯t understand why you are always dawdling.¡±

    When Miao Jing started to berate Zhai Hua, her tone was full of disdain.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face swelled in red after her mother gave her a scolding. ¡°Mom, will anyone talk to their own daughter in this way? Isn¡¯t it quite good for me to maintain the status quo with Dongzi? I am not young anymore but I have to observe him too. Nan Nan has said that I cannot be anxious when ites to marriage. Spending more time to observe is always better. It¡¯s better to make ate decision than to divorce quickly next time.¡±

    There was also another issue. All this while, Tian Dong had never made himself clear.

    Zhai Hua had her own pride and dignity. If Tian Dong were to reveal some feelings, Zhai Hua would not dawdle so much either.

    There was no hurry in getting married but they could date first.

    Since Tian Dong did not say anything, Zhai Hua might as well y dumb.

    If the day came whereby they could not continue acting foolish, Zhai Hua had the same thought as Miao Jing. If Tian Dong was gone, they could find another man.

    Anyway, Qiao Nan had two children in her womb now. At most, she could treat her niece and nephew as daughter and son respectively, no?

    At this moment, men only had one use to Zhai Hua, which was to have a child.

    Zhai Hua had put away Wei De¡¯s matter in her heart. However, some repercussions were arising from the matter. Zhai Hua lost the kind of trust that she previously had for men.

    Now, Tian Dong was quite good to her. He even fawned on her family for her sake.

    However, who could guarantee that Tian Dong would remain like that forever? When a man changed, it was faster than flipping a book.

    Anyway, Zhai Hua knew in her heart that she was no longer willing to focus all her feelings on a man. Only her family would not betray or give up on her.

    After having such thoughts, both Zhai Hua and Tian Dong got along very naturally. Tian Dong did not speak about it. Zhai Hua was neither anxious nor angry. She really went along with Tian Dong in the ¡®game¡¯.

    Since it was hard to tell the eventual oue, they would let nature take its course.

    Looking at Zhai Hua, who did not seem to be bothered, Miao Jing did not have a way. Anyway, no matter what she said, her daughter would not listen. She was very sick of saying the same things repeatedly.

    Qiao Nan, who was pregnant, was also quite curious about Tian Dong and Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship. She wanted to ask how much longer these two wished to dawdle.

    However, Qiao Nan received a phone call before she could ask Zhai Hua. ¡°Hello, Dad... Yes, it¡¯s me. Is there any matter? Oh, my child and I are doing quite well.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who was at the other end of the phone, sounded a little hesitant. ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    At the sound of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone, Qiao Nan pursed her lips. After acquiescing once, she refused to speak further or ask Qiao Dongliang what he wanted to tell her.

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could not bring himself to say it, but Ding Jiayi, who was standing behind him and stretching her neck, tugged at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s clothes to urge him to continue.

    Wouldn¡¯t a phone call to the capital cost money?

    Furthermore, this was a trans-provincial call.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s brows stiffened as he pushed Ding Jiayi away from him. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the summer vacation period? Your sister wishes to go to the capital for a holiday. Your sister is not familiar with the people and ces in the capital. Can you take care of her a little?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by there is only Zijin? Our family of three is going!¡± Ding Jiayi was not pleased. She raised her voice, hoping Qiao Nan could hear her words directly.

    Her daughter was considered to have ¡®married over¡¯ to the capital. By right, as the inws, they should not even need to make this call. The Zhai family did not even know such courtesy? Shouldn¡¯t they extend an invitation?

 Chapter 1152 - Apply Leave to Come Here for a Holiday

    1152 Apply Leave to Come Here for a Holiday

    Not to mention the Zhai family, that wretched girl should have some self-awareness to invite them on her own initiative long ago. ¡°Qiao Nan, your dad and I have not been to the capital, so our family of three wishes to go there together to have fun. You will wee us, won¡¯t you? Also, remember to purchase the flight tickets for us. I heard that it¡¯s faster to take the ne there and the duration of travel is three to four hours. It will take a long time if we take the train. My waist has not been good recently. I won¡¯t be able to endure such a long train ride.¡±

    The younger daughter had been married to the capital and the family wanted to go to the capital for a holiday. Certainly, the younger daughter had to take care of their food, amodation, and entertainment. She should also conveniently take care of their transport costs.

    Anyway, she was not the one forking out the money. She was aware that taking the ne was fast and enjoyable. As expected, Ding Jiayi asked for the sky and requested Qiao Nan to pay for the airfare. She had to pay for all three of them.

    Ding Jiayi had the shame to make the request but Qiao Nan would not listen to any of it. ¡°Dad, you know my situation too. I¡¯m almost six months pregnant. As my tummy is bigger, my mother-inw won¡¯t even allow me to walk about. She¡¯s afraid that my tummy will bump into something. If I did not insist, my mother-inw would rather that I stop school for one year and stay at home to rest until I give birth. Dad, given my situation, do you think I can still take care of Qiao Zijin?¡±

    Take care?

    They could forget about asking her to take any care of Qiao Zijin in this lifetime.

    ¡°Dad, I know. This is the first time that your daughter is married. You don¡¯t have any prior experience. That¡¯s fine. I will analyze the situation for you. In normal circumstances, when the daughter is pregnant, the biological mother will definitelye over and take care of her. Let¡¯s not talk about other times. During the confinement period, most of the time, it is better for the biological mother rather than the mother-inw to take care of the daughter. However, given my mom¡¯s character, I would rather that she doesn¡¯te and take care of me. Even the auntie at home will take better care of me. Dad, I¡¯m already six months pregnant. I can¡¯t even see my toes when I look down at my feet. Given my situation, I don¡¯t expect all of you to take care of me. You can¡¯t do the reverse and expect me to take care of Qiao Zijin. Does this make sense?¡±

    Qiao Nan felt very disheartened.

    True enough, once her father returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family and lived together with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, he had reverted to his old self. He was muddleheaded and brainless now. He did not even have the basic ability to analyze the situation.

    He would agree to whatever Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin said.

    Her father was thinking that since she was already married, he would not be of any hindrance to her even if he were to listen fully to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. That was why her father simply adopted aissez-faire attitude.

    If the trio continued to stay in Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan did not care who they listened to.

    However, she was already married, yet the trio had toe and create trouble for her. This made Qiao Nan feel very helpless. She could not ept this.

    The maternal family wasing over to let a pregnantdy take care of them. If you were to ask the world, no one would do such a thing.

    Ding Jiayi was very unhappy when she heard this. ¡°If we ask you to take care of us, you have to. Zijin is your biological sister. Even if we don¡¯t tell you, you should also take good care of Zijin. Why are you talking so much nonsense? Even if you are pampered and precious, you made it sound as if I have never been pregnant or have never given birth to children. Fine. If it is really not convenient for you, simply pay for someone to take care of your sister. Won¡¯t that do? Moreover, it¡¯s not just your sister who is going. Your dad and I are going too!¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who had snatched over the phone, scolded into it. She sounded so bold and righteous.

    ¡°Stop messing around!¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°Have you forgotten what you have promised me? If you do that again, don¡¯t me me for being unruly. The capital? If you have the capability, you can go on your own. If not, don¡¯t give me such crap!¡±

    One Zijin was enough to give Nan Nan trouble. Old Ding had truly gone crazy to want all the three of them to go there.

    Qiao Dongliang ced the phone by his ear and said, ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t listen to your mom. The weather is too hot recently and your mom is suffering from heatstroke and thus spouted nonsense. She¡¯s not clear of and doesn¡¯t know what she is saying.¡± It was already too much to have one person going.

    As the elder sister, Zijin had never taken care of Nan Nan. Now, the situation even had to be reversed such that Nan Nan had to take care of Zijin. They would be aughingstock if words were to get out.

    Qiao Dongliang was most concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy.

    When he first heard that Qiao Zijin wished to holiday in the capital, Qiao Dongliang objected to it.

    Nan Nan disliked Zijin. Hence, she certainly did not wish to see Zijin. Wouldn¡¯t Zijin be creating trouble for Nan Nan if she were to go to the capital?

    Thereafter, Qiao Zijin was the one who analyzed the situation for him. She told him that a woman¡¯s temperament would change during pregnancy.

    Qiao Nan did not have any real next-of-kin in the capital. When she, the elder sister, went over, she would definitely console Qiao Nan properly lest Qiao Nan be too nervous.

    As such, Qiao Zijin told Qiao Dongliang that she was going to the capital not only for a holiday but also to take care of the pregnant Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to tell Qiao Nan that Qiao Zijin was new to the capital. Hence, he hoped that Qiao Nan could spend a little effort on Qiao Zijin.

    If it was not convenient for Qiao Nan to do so personally, she could find someone to be a guide for Qiao Zijin.

    Since Qiao Zijin could not stay at the house of the Zhai family, Qiao Zijin¡¯s safety would only be ensured if Qiao Nan could hire someone to make sure that Qiao Zijin returned to her hotel or ce of amodation every day.

    Who would have known that once Ding Jiayi spoke, everything had changed? Itpletely deviated from the original discussion.

    Ding Jiayi certainly wanted to follow Qiao Zijin to the capital for a holiday. Perhaps she had already set her mind to let Qiao Nan pay for everything so that they could enjoy themselves madly for once.

    As long as she was not the one paying, she could spend more of Qiao Nan¡¯s money as more people were going.

    As such, if the family of three were to go on a trip together, Ding Jiayi would not feel any pinch about the loss of ie or expenses during this period of absence in Ping Cheng. She would do whatever she was happy with.

    ¡°Dad, I remember that both you and Mom are working, no? Mom said that all three of you want toe to the capital for a holiday, but for how long? What about your jobs?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was numb. When she heard the shrieking voice of Ding Jiayi, she already lost her ability to respond.

    Certainly, the idea of the family of three going on a trip together did note from Ding Jiayi spontaneously. Most likely, the trio had long discussed it.

    When they spoke at the eleventh hour, her father wanted face and changed his words. He said that Qiao Zijin was the only oneing and did not mention about him and Ding Jiayi.

    If it were others, the daughter would definitely invite her parents toe as well since Qiao Zijin was alreadying.

    Ding Jiayi knew her better than her father regarding this. She would definitely not open her mouth to invite them. Hence, Ding Jiayi could only request it personally.

    ¡°Zijin has two months of vacation. We¡¯re not in a hurry toe back. As for our sries, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Ding Jiayi was afraid that Qiao Dongliang would relent and wreck Qiao Zijin¡¯s and her great ns. When she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words, she replied directly and straightforwardly. She did not care whether Qiao Nan was implying something else. This straightforwardness made people furious.

    Qiao Nan sneered continuously. ¡°Dad, is the phone still with you?¡±

 Chapter 1153 - Take It That I Have Never Said This Before

    <h4>1153 Take It That I Have Never Said This Before</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s voice, Qiao Dongliang suddenly felt guilty-conscious.

    Qiao Nan tugged the corners of her lips, her eyes looking cold. ¡°So, do you mean that both you and Mom are not going to work and earn money in these two months? You¡¯re alling to the capital for a ¡®holiday¡¯ and to spend money? Does the family have a sum of money that can cover the costs of this holiday? It¡¯s not cheap to stay even for one night in the capital, not to mention the cost of other things. You¡¯reing to stay in the hotel for two months and then going home after having fun in a carefree manner. Dad, did you buy the lottery and strike three million yuan?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Dongliang almost could not answer. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to your mom. Zijin is the only one who is going. Your mom and I are not going. It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know our family¡¯s situation. How will we have so much money? I don¡¯t have the habit of buying the lottery either. It won¡¯t be my turn to strike it anyway. Your mom likes to talk nonsense. Don¡¯t take her words for real or to heart.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not know how to answer the question. If he did not do it in this way...

    If he had a choice, Qiao Dongliang could not wait to hang up the phone immediately.

    All the neighbors in the quad had seen the shrewish behavior of Ding Jiayi.

    He was still a reasonable and civilized person. He would not be as thick-skinned and shameless as Ding Jiayi to do such embarrassing stuff.

    ¡°What? Don¡¯t take my words to heart? She must take my word to heart!¡± Ding Jiayi could not help ring up and kicking up a fuss.

    As soon as Qiao Nan left Ping Cheng, Qiao Dongliang moved back to the small courtyard of the Qiao family and lived together with Ding Jiayi.

    Despite that, two of them had not slept in the same room. They also did not do the most intimate thing between a couple.

    The problem was that Ding Jiayi¡¯s confidence came back after this period of six months.

    When he heard that Qiao Dongliang dared not speak to Qiao Nan ording to her wish, she was so furious that she snatched over the phone. ¡°Qiao Nan, listen properly. Don¡¯t think that I can¡¯t control you anymore after you are married and went to the capital. Don¡¯t forget that your dad and I gave birth to you. You have to support us financially in this whole lifetime and obey our words. I will give you a bank ount number. Quickly transfer 10,000 yuan to it. You have married into a good family. Your dad and I are already so old. Shouldn¡¯t you let us enjoy life? As a human, you need to have a conscience!¡±

    ¡°If you really have so much conscience, Mom, why haven¡¯t I seen my maternal grandmother before? Your life in the past was not bad either. Why didn¡¯t I see you fetching my maternal grandmother over and be filial to her? Mom, you¡¯re also someone who has a mother. Why don¡¯t you set an example for me first and I will follow ordingly?¡± Qiao Nan was both angry and amused by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words.

    Fortunately, Ding Jiayi had done things that were more absurd and cold-blooded. Since Ding Jiayi got married, she had severed interactions with her maternal family for more than twenty years.

    Her mother did not even send a single cent back to the Ding family, let alone transfer 10,000 yuan to the maternal family for her parents to go on a holiday.

    ¡°Mom, a crooked stick will have a crooked shadow. With you as the crooked stick, don¡¯t expect me, the shadow, to perform too well. This is not realistic. As a human, you should be more realistic.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s tone was neither hurried nor slow, yet she very firmly rejected all of Ding Jiayi¡¯s requests.

    ¡°Dad, regardless of whether you can hear me, I will be frank in my words. First, I am already six months pregnant and my tummy is extremely big. Besides the necessary pregnancy exercises, my mother-inw is not willing to let me step out of the door. The air in the capital is not that good. Second, it is all of your business where you want to go on holiday and have fun. Whether one person or the whole family is setting out on this trip, you can decide it for yourself. I am just a poor student. All the money for my studies is given to me by my generous inw family. I already need my inw family¡¯s help to support me financially. I really don¡¯t have the shame to ask them to support my maternal family financially too.¡±

    Who would take leave from work to go on a two months¡¯ holiday?

    This was such a ¡®heroic¡¯ move and they still needed to take money from her pocket?

    It was ludicrous!

    However, no matter what, regardless of what the Qiao family said, she would not agree. This was her attitude and it would not change.

    ¡°You!¡± As soon as Qiao Nan disagreed, Ding Jiayi was so enraged that she nearly jumped onto the roof to settle scores with Qiao Nan. ¡°What kind of tone is this!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Dongliang pushed Ding Jiayi¡¯s face away with one p. Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang felt so embarrassed that he could not wait to dig a hole and bury himself in it.

    It was right that children had to be good to their parents. However, this situation could not be applied to Qiao Nan.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because Qiao Nan was just a student.

    Qiao Nan had to rely on others to support her financially, yet Ding Jiayi had to ask for the sky. She greedily requested Qiao Nan to buy three flight tickets and even ordered her to transfer 10,000 yuan to sponsor their holiday.

    When it was the beginning of 2000, traveling was not so costly. It was not as if the family was going to an overseas country.

    Hence, Ding Jiayi was extremely unreasonable to have said that.

    Qiao Dongliang was easily cajoled by others but he would not be cajoled to this extent.

    Next, Qiao Nan could no longer hear anyplete sentence. On the other side of the phone, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi seemed to have different opinions. They started to argue before they even hung up the phone.

    Qiao Nan held her forehead in agony. She really could not understand. Her father had already divorced his mother and climbed out of this huge pit, which was her mother. How badly could he not sort out his thoughts that he had to jump back into it?

    Without her mother¡¯s influence, her father¡¯s worldviews and values were quite upright.

    As long as no one had a conflict with her father¡¯s worldviews and values, her father seldom argued with people.

    Was it because her father had led too much of a peaceful life during the past four years? Hence, he felt that there would be more passion and excitement if he were to live with her mother and argue and fight with her from time to time?

    When they argued until the situation was unresolvable, Qiao Dongliang finally seemed to have realized that he had not hung up the phone. He pushed Ding Jiayi away and said to Qiao Nan while panting heavily, ¡°Nan Nan, take it that I did not make this call today. Take care of yourself at home.¡±

    After saying that, he hung up the phone with a bang.

    Qiao Nan ced the phone back and gave a huge sigh.

    The person who would have such an idea was certainly not her father.

    Ding Jiayi might not have the brains to think of this either.

    After Brother Zhai found someone to cut Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair, Ding Jiayi had been quite abiding for a long time.

    In that case, Qiao Zijin was the one who wanted toe to the capital for a holiday and even wanted to stay at the house of the Zhai family so that she could take care of her?

    Qiao Nan rubbed her temple. She did not say a word. She also did not tell the Zhai family about this and quietly hid this matter.

    Anyway, her father had already said it. She would take it that her father had never made this call.

    ¡°Tsk...¡± The child in her womb seemed to have been affected by Qiao Nan. It was so angry that it formed a little fist.

    Rubbing the round and tiny bun that was bulging on her tummy, Qiao Nan smiled gently. ¡°Baby, don¡¯t be angry. Mom is not angry anymore.¡±

 Chapter 1154 - Glutton

    1154 Glutton

    ¡°I just don¡¯t know when your dad will be back and whether he will be able to rush back in time to see you at the moment of your births.¡±

    Aftering to the capital, Zhai Sheng was busier than when he was in Ping Cheng.

    Besides the day that the pair collected their wedding certificate, Qiao Nan had not heard any further news of when Zhai Sheng would being back. She also did not receive many of Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone calls.

    When she called Zhai Sheng¡¯s office nowadays, no one answered the calls.

    Facing such a situation, Qiao Nan certainly had feelings of panic and worry.

    Upon hearing their mother¡¯s gentle voice, the babies who were kicking up a fuss in the womb quieted down very quickly. They were no longer kicking up a fuss, lest their mother be as upset as them.

    The hearts of the mother and children were together. When looking at her tummy, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes were so gentle that tears were almost dripping.

    The babies distracted her. Also, Qiao Nan did not wish to tell anyone about the phone call just now. Before half a day was over, she hadpletely forgotten about this matter.

    However, although one would never go looking for trouble, trouble woulde knocking on the door most of the time.

    She had forgotten about the phone call, but some people would not change their minds so easily. They were so persistent that they thought of a solution to fulfill their wishes.

    ¡°This is the capital? It¡¯s certainly different.¡± Looking at the capital, which waspletely different from Ping Cheng, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were filled with vanity and envy.

    This was such a great city. She, too, hoped that she could live, grow, settle down here, and be part of the poption.

    ¡°Now is not the most beautiful time. When night time arrives, the red lights and green wine look even better. Of course, speaking of this, I¡¯ll bring you to Mo Du to widen your horizons if there is an opportunity in the future. It¡¯s even better over there.¡± In contrast to Qiao Zijin¡¯s zealous reaction, Chen Jun was only mildly excited.

    One had to know that he hadpleted four years of college studies in this city.

    Unexpectedly, he came back again today although he had graduated.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper.

    Qiao Zijin had made up her mind to have a home of her own in the capital, and Chen Jun also had the same thought.

    There was no ce better than the capital in China.

    If he and his father could be an official in the central government, it would mean that the ancestors of the Chen family had been blessing them.

    In the past, Chen Jun dared not be so ambitious. However, Chen Jun felt that this target was not that far-fetched now.

    As long as he could do two things, this was actually a very easy matter.

    The capital, here Ie!

    After cheering for himself, Chen Jun smiled. ¡°Zijin, do you still remember what I taught you in the past?¡±

    ¡°Re-remember.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. She bowed her head docilely as she softly replied.

    At this moment, Qiao Zijin looked like an introverted, shy, and even a youngdy who was a little timid. What arrogance, evil, heartless¡ªall these were gone.

    Chen Jun was very satisfied with Qiao Zijin¡¯s change.

    Chen Jun reached out his hands and touched Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair. ¡°Very good. You have to always remember this. Don¡¯t be like your mom and be a shrew that no one likes. Girls have to be gentle and refined. It¡¯s not good to be toopetitive. If anyone bullies you, just cry. If you feel that your requests have not been met, or if you are not satisfied, just continue crying. Too much of a woman¡¯s tears are not valuable. Nevertheless, it is fine as long as they are useful. When a woman cries, it looks much better than attacking people with her mouth. If you behave like your mom, who only knows how to make noise, that will be too ugly and unsightly. Understand?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was not smart enough. She did not have Qiao Nan¡¯s brains and achievements. Unfortunately, she was so full of herself and liked to act smart.

    At this moment, Chen Jun would rather Qiao Zijin not speak and be a youngdy who only knew how to cry.

    Well, men. When they saw a youngdy who was not bad-looking cry, their hearts would definitely go out to her regardless of the right or wrong of the matter.

    As a man, Chen Jun was well aware of this.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s intelligence could not make it. As such, Qiao Zijin could only rely on acting in her life.

    Qiao Zijin said ¡®okay¡¯ with a voice as soft as that of a mosquito. Thereafter, she did not dare to leave Chen Jun¡¯s side as she walked step-by-step with him. That obedient demeanor was as if she had autism and had just been discharged from the mental hospital.

    Of course, if she were to change the purple dress on her to an all-white dress, the resemnce would be more striking.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have some fruits.¡± In the house of the Zhai family, Zhai Hua brought the fruits that had been cut into bite-sized pieces by the auntie to Qiao Nan. ¡°This is the toothpick. Use it to eat. It¡¯s more convenient, in case the fruit juice drips all over. By right, it¡¯s best to eat watermelons during this season. However, watermelons are too cooling. You are pregnant. It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s not eat them. After you have given birth, I will buy them for you if you want, regardless of whether it¡¯s summertime.¡±

    Zhai Hua loved to eat watermelons during summer. At the thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, she was not willing to let Qiao Nan eat the watermelons.

    Qiao Nan could not eat them but she could. Zhai Hua could not help feeling a little guilty about it.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°I am pregnant. I have not be a child. If I can¡¯t eat watermelons this summer, so be it. Do you take me for a glutton?¡± She just had to avoid watermelons for a summer. That was not a big deal.

    Zhai Hua was not convinced. ¡°That day, when it was half past ten at night, who was the one who kicked up a fuss, craving for stinky tofu, durians, and stuff? Who cried until the eyes were red when I returned a littleter? My mom¡¯s heart ached for so long because of that. She kept ming me for taking too much time just to buy a few things.¡±

    Zhai Hua was extremely sullen at the mention of this.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was huge. Hence, when the family was giving her nourishment food, they paid careful attention to control Qiao Nan¡¯s appetite. Coupled with appropriate exercise that could aid in giving birth, they hoped that Qiao Nan would feel more rxed on the day that she was giving birth.

    They did not expect that Qiao Nan¡¯s change would be so great after getting pregnant.

    Before pregnancy, anyone who had met Qiao Nan would say that Qiao Nan was truly a very good child.

    However, after pregnancy, Qiao Nan had be very spoiled. She thought of one thing followed by another endlessly, especially in the area of food.

    If Qiao Nan suddenly had a craving for a certain food, they had to get it. If they did not do so, Qiao Nan would change her clothes, put on her shoes, and run out to buy on her own.

    If she were to help run the errands but returned home a littleter, Qiao Nan would cry. She cried so miserably as if the whole family had abandoned her and her children.

    Oh, my goodness. Zhai Hua felt that she was dying of torture.

    It was no wonder that people said that a pregnant woman was the queen of the house. Damn, she was the ve by the side of her majesty!

    Zhai Hua took a deep breath. She could not say all these. If she did, there would be tears.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was full of embarrassment. She could not deny that she had done all these. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I wish to say that I cried previously not because I wanted to. It was the babies who wanted to cry. Do you believe me?¡±

 Chapter 1155 - Change of Strategy

    1155 Change of Strategy

    ¡°I was not the one who wanted to eat those things. It¡¯s the babies who wanted to eat them. Do you believe me?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Zhai Hua smiled dryly. She nced sideways at Qiao Nan and nearly engraved three words on her face: I don¡¯t believe you!

    Qiao Nan felt wronged and aggrieved. ¡°Before pregnancy, I don¡¯t eat those things. I dislike them for their strong taste.¡± Stinky tofu and durians were all food with strong vors and smell.

    Durians were so costly. Before she was pregnant, she had neither eaten nor thought of eating such food in her two lifetimes.

    Stinky tofu was cheap but she did not touch it when her father bought it home in the past.

    ¡°Have you forgotten? The doctor reminded you before that a woman¡¯s taste will go through great changes after they be pregnant. I am very unfortunate. The babies in my womb are those who love food with strong vors. They can¡¯t take the food on their own, so they can only torture me.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned red and her tiny lips pouted. She felt extremely aggrieved.

    To her, all those items were very smelly.

    Before she was pregnant, she was not willing to take more nces at them.

    She did not expect that the babies in her womb did not resemble her at all. They liked strong-vored food.

    Fortunately, she did not overeat. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would feel worried for her children and herself.

    At the thought that she craved for these food because of the babies¡¯ needs, Qiao Nan felt nervous again. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, after I give birth to the babies, when they grow up and can eat things on their own, will our house be filled with the smells of stinky tofu or durians?¡±

    Zhai Hua was imagining a house that would be filled with ¡®smells¡¯ in the future. At the thought of it, she could not help shivering. ¡°Will... will it that bad? Maybe the babies only like to eat them when they are in your womb. They will change after they are born.¡±

    Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan nced at each other andughed helplessly.

    ¡°Hello?¡± The phone rang and broke the awkwardness between the two that arose due to this frightening imagination. ¡°Yes, I am. Wait... Who did you say came? Who is here?¡±

    After listening to the names clearly, Zhai Hua pulled a long face. She covered the phone receiver. ¡°Nan Nan, there¡¯s a man and a woman outside at the entrance. They said that they are your sister and brother-inw. Are you going to see them?¡±

    As for the two people¡¯s names, Zhai Hua did not wish to mention them. She was afraid that it would hurt her mouth.

    However, why did these two peoplee to the capital?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was silent.

    Last time, she did not hear any ¡®follow up¡¯ after her father hung up the phone.

    Unexpectedly, despite not receiving any more phone calls, Qiao Zijin actually appeared at her doorstep directly.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction, Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows. ¡°You already know about it?¡±

    ¡°My dad gave me a call on this but I rejected him. Given my situation, he still asked me to take care of her. Would I have agreed? My dad also told me to take it that he did not make that call. Who would have known that someone still came regardless.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips were pursed tightly. She was also trying to restrain her tone.

    ¡°Are you going to see them?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to.¡±

    Zhai Hua sighed. She understood that Qiao Nan did not wish to see them but had to. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll let theme in first.¡±

    After a while, Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun had been led in by someone until they arrived at the front door of the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    The guards at the door were even stricter than the security guards of the quad in Ping Cheng. Seeing that the Zhai family was staying in a western-style bungalow instead of the quad now, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart was filled with envy and jealousy. No one else could understand how she felt.

    Qiao Nan was different now after this marriage. Qiao Nan was now living a life that she had been dreaming of.

    This style... This disy of splendor...

    At the thought of Chen Jun, who was standing beside her, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart felt so sour as if it was immersed in a sea of jealousy.

    No matter how much she consoled herself that Chen Jun was a lot more outstanding than other men, she could not hide the fact that Chen Jun could not bepared to Zhai Sheng.

    If she were to rely on Chen Jun, she dared not even hope for the day in her lifetime whereby she could live such a good life.

    This was something unknown to her, yet Qiao Nan was already enjoying it so much. Qiao Zijin, who had beenpetitive since a young age and liked to subdue Qiao Nan, definitely could not ept such a gap.

    ¡°Cough...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes and expression were looking increasingly odd. Chen Jun narrowed his eyes and reminded her by coughing twice.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s body turned stiff. She quickly restrained the emotions underneath her eyes and gave a hard blink to try to make her eyes watery. Thereafter, the expression on her face also became gentler.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was instantly speechless.

    On the other hand, Zhai Hua seemed to have been struck by thunder upon seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s blink. Was this considered casting sheep¡¯s eye or what? Was there a name for this?

    Qiao Nan shook her head at Zhai Hua. Qiao Zijin had a new trick up her sleeves. Anyway, she had not seen this before.

    Obviously, Chen Jun was also surprised that Qiao Zijin would be so stupid toe up with such a tactic eventually.

    If she was not able to cry now, so be it. Nevertheless, it was fine as long as she did not distort that not-so-beautiful face of hers until it looked like that of a jealous old witch.

    Would blinking her eyes hard evoke feelings of wanting to cry? Damn, who taught Qiao Zijin this?

    Facing such a girlfriend like Qiao Zijin who wouldmit foolish acts from time to time, be easily jealous, and behave willfully, no one else could understand the misery in Chen Jun¡¯s heart.

    It was true. If he had another path to take or managed to woo Qiu Chenxi sessfully in the past, Qiao Zijin would not be involved today.

    The biological sister had been married to and became the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. She had a capable ¡®tummy¡¯ and was now pregnant with two children. However, Qiao Zijin did not bask this glory at all. Instead, her life seemed to be deteriorating.

    How stupid could the Qiao family get to end up in such a ludicrous situation?

    Unfortunately, there was no ¡®what if¡¯ in life.

    After Qiu Chenxi went to Mo Du, Chen Jun heard some news about her. Qiu Chenxi was doing very well now.

    A starving camel is still bigger than a horse. This was a saying that could withstand the test of time.

    Regardless of how useless the Shi family was, they were still better than his own family who did not have any foundation.

    Furthermore, Shi Peng was doing so well now. It was a matter of time before he would be deployed to the central government.

    It was extremely hard for a typical person to enter the central government. If they did, it would be akin to great happiness befalling the family. On the other hand, someone like Shi Peng who was only in his early forties was already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Nothing was fair in this world.

    If that was not the situation, he would not always need to make use of women. He just wanted the political path of his biological father to be smoother, longer, and farther.

    However, he refused to bow to destiny.

    The Chen family did not have any foundation. His father could be a small government official because he was capable.

    If they were willing to work hard and engineer things, the Chen family would be the next prominent and influential family one day.

    When Qiao Zijin felt that she had adjusted her mindset, she gave Qiao Nan a weak smile. ¡°Nan Nan, Chen Jun and I happened toe to the capital for a holiday. I thus came to visit you. Please don¡¯t take Mom¡¯s previous words to heart. You should know Mom¡¯s temper.¡±

 Chapter 1156 - Take Your Time to Leave. I Am Not Sending You Off

    1156 Take Your Time to Leave. I Am Not Sending You Off

    ¡°Both Dad and Ipletely could not persuade Mom. Mom¡¯s ¡®monologue¡¯ has caused you a lot of trouble again, right? Did she make you worried?¡±

    There was a vague sh in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. These words did not seem like the usual speaking style of Qiao Zijin. ¡°Certainly, there is some trouble. You have also seen it yourself. I have to rely on others to take care of me now, yet Mom called me and insisted that I take care of you. However, Mom¡¯s bias is not something new. You don¡¯t need to persuade me. I have never taken Mom¡¯s words to heart.¡±

    Qiao Nan said this to let Qiao Zijin understand one situation. In the past, regardless of how much Qiao Zijin wanted to make use of Ding Jiayi to derive benefit from her, just like today, the oue would always be the same¡ªshe would not get anything.

    Listen to her mother¡¯s words?

    Sorry. She could not do that since six years ago.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. ¡°It¡¯s also good that you can sort out your thoughts. I won¡¯t persuade you then. If Mom¡¯s words are unreasonable, you can ignore them. Don¡¯t argue with her. It¡¯s meaningless. In this lifetime, Mom only has the two of us, her children. Actually, it¡¯s not easy for her too.¡±

    She could choose not to listen to her mother if thetter was wrong in her words. However, Qiao Nan had to listen to her mother if thetter was right!

    No matter how stubborn Qiao Nan was, she could not change the fact that her mother gave birth to her.

    How could it be so easy to have a clean break?

    Chen Jun narrowed his eyes and gave Qiao Zijin a nudge.

    He had just reminded Qiao Zijin a few minutes ago, yet Qiao Zijin had obviously turned defensive in front of Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua. It was true that one could not make a silk purse out of a sow¡¯s ear.

    Qiao Zijin was long used to having conflicts with Qiao Nan during their interactions. As soon as she heard Qiao Nan say something she was not pleased or satisfied with, she would let the cat out of the bag despite having put up a good pretense earlier on.

    After receiving Chen Jun¡¯s reminder, tears welled up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t take my words to heart too. Mom is biased and good to me, so it is only right that I support and repay her. I always hope that Mom¡¯s life can be better and smoother. As such, my words most probably did not make more sense than those of Mom. Don¡¯t be angry. I apologize to you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin made it sound as if her unreasonable words resulted from her loss of temper out of filial piety for Ding Jiayi.

    Although her words were not pleasing to the ears, there was a valid reason for it.

    ¡°Ha¡±. Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Thank you foring to visit me.¡±

    Chen Jun tightened his fist that was holding on to a present. After adjusting his mindset, he put down the present. ¡°We only know that you are pregnant but don¡¯t know the gender of your babies. Hence, we just bought a little children¡¯s stuff.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Zhai Hua took a nce at those items. They were neither pricey nor extraordinarily costly, so it was not a problem to ept them.

    Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t that smart but she had found herself a boyfriend that seemed capable. At the very least, he was much more intelligent than Qiao Zijin and seemed to be someone difficult to deal with.

    She had Wei De as an example. Hence, when she saw Chen Jun¡¯s behavior, Zhai Hua did not feel positive about Chen Jun just because of his good performance.

    He had alreadye to this ce. This boyfriend of Qiao Zijin was definitely aware of what kind of family Qiao Nan had married into.

    Given this point alone, Zhai Hua had a reason to believe that this boyfriend of Qiao Zijin was willing to date a foolish thing like Qiao Zijin not because of love. It should be for the sake of his interest.

    ¡°Do you want a cup of tea?¡± Qiao Nan did not respond to Zhai Hua. Of course, she was aware of how smart Chen Jun was.

    If he was not smart, how could he have cajoled her so well in her previous lifetime? After he gained something from Wang Yang sessfully andpleted his mission, he even two-timed her and made Qiao Zijin pregnant.

    Qiao Nan knew in her heart that if she did not have a second chance, given that head of hers, she would not be able to see through Chen Jun¡¯s true colors that were akin to a wolf in a sheep¡¯s clothing.

    ¡°Sure...¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to agree. Didn¡¯t Chen Jun ask her toe to the capital for a holiday because of Qiao Nan?

    It was rare that Qiao Nan still had some shame. She knew that she could not lose all of her maternal family members. There was no reason for Qiao Zijin to decline. She bent her knee and wanted tond her bum on the seat so that she could bond with Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua.

    Besides, didn¡¯t they say that the chief¡¯s wife was also at home?

    Everyone was one family. They should get the chief¡¯s wife toe out and acknowledge them, lest the family members fail to recognize one another and a friendly fire ur in the future.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to take a seat but Chen Jun swiftly grabbed Qiao Zijin¡¯s arms. As such, she could not sit down. She lost her footing but did not fall as Chen Jun was holding on to her. ¡°No, thank you. Zijin and I will be in the capital for a few days. We just came to pay a short visit today. As for having tea, we can talk about it again when we have the chance.¡±

    As long as he retained the tea session, he and Qiao Zijin would have another opportunity toe again.

    Most importantly, Chen Jun noticed that Qiao Nan had been yawning.

    Qiao Nan was pregnant. Most probably, it was normal for her to feel sleepy.

    In the Zhai family, Qiao Nan was the only one who was Qiao Zijin¡¯s sister. Qiao Zijin did not know Zhai Hua well. He was even less familiar with Zhai Hua.

    They came to pay a visit and not to trouble others.

    If they were to insist on holding on to Qiao Nan, this sleepy pregnant woman, for a chat, the gossip from others would drown him and Qiao Zijin.

    On the contrary, he was willing to let Qiao Nan return to her room to rest. They did not seem to have anymon topic of conversation with Zhai Hua anyway. They would only sit down and face each other awkwardly.

    If that was truly the case, the so-called rtives¡¯ visit today would seem too imposing. It would make people feel unhappy.

    Rome was not built in one day. In particr, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship was so poor. It was not easy to be rtives with the Zhai family. This could not be rushed and they had to take their time.

    Chen Jun took a breath and revealed a polite smile to Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua. ¡°Zijin and I will be leaving. Let¡¯s meet again another time when we have the chance.¡±

    ¡°Take your time.¡± Zhai Hua was very surprised. Once Chen Jun spoke, he had already fixed the subsequent date. He was quite a capable individual.

    Ouch. Although Qiao Zijin was much lousier than her, the boyfriend that she found was also better than Wei De.

    Could it be that she was too outstanding in all other aspects? Hence, her judgment of character was much worse than others?

    ¡°Why did we leave just like that? It¡¯s not easy to get in. I don¡¯t know how to meet up with Qiao Nan again.¡± After leaving, at the sight of vehiclesing to and fro and the endless flow of traffic, Qiao Zijin was so furious that she felt like vomiting blood. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already seen how bad Qiao Nan¡¯s temper is? It¡¯s stinky and stubborn. We can¡¯t always pin our hopes on next time. Instead, we should try our best to resolve the matter once and for all.¡±

    Next time? She very much doubted when Qiao Nan would be willing to bother about the Qiao family again. Would it happen only when one of her parents died?

 Chapter 1157 - Prepare to Go Home

    <h4>1157 Prepare to Go Home</h4>

    Qiao Nan had be a Cindere and her life was bing better. Why would she be willing to bother about poor rtives like her? She would definitely avoid them as much as possible.

    Of course, she would do that too if she was Qiao Nan. She would be fearful that her hopeless and ipetent maternal family would drag her down.

    It was with much difficulty that they found this chance. She was not pleased that Chen Jun had wasted it.

    ¡°Do you still want to borrow Qiao Nan¡¯s glory and receive help from the Zhai family? Qiao Nan is not so easy to talk to. Anything rted to Qiao Nan, don¡¯t expect to settle it ¡®next time¡¯. If this matter is not sessful eventually, don¡¯t me it on me. I won¡¯t take the me.¡±

    He wanted her to fake a cry in front of Qiao Nan, but she had never done such an embarrassing thing in her life.

    Qiao Zijin did not perform well at all on the grounds today. She really could not bring herself to cry.

    She was not an actress. How could she cry so easily? Chen Jun was making things difficult for her with this request.

    Chen Jun took a deep breath. ¡°We can¡¯t rush in this matter. You should have heard the saying ¡®more haste, less speed¡¯ before. If it is so easy to appease Qiao Nan...¡± Would he and Qiao Zijin be in a boyfriend-girlfriend rtionship today?

    In the past, if his ploy of ¡®the hero saving the beauty¡¯ had seeded ording to n, he would not need to work so hard now. Wang Yang would have asked the Wang family to make arrangements for his father. His father would not have been demoted and kicked to a small town. Until now, he could not return to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is not someone who will yield easily.¡±

    His n had failed in the past. Now, Qiao Nan definitely would not change her mind and bother about the Qiao family just because of a few words from Qiao Zijin.

    The rtionship between Qiao Nan and the Qiao family seemed to being to a standstill, one that could not be changed.

    Previously, he allowed Qiao Zijin to be his girlfriend all because of Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Nan, this target, could not be achieved forever, was there still a need for him to continue his rtionship with Qiao Zijin?

    Undoubtedly, without Qiao Nan, thisyer of glow, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s personal qualities and capability, he would not pay special attention to her. He would also not request his parents to agree to let him marry Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Jun was also worried that he would gain nothing eventually. After marrying Qiao Zijin, he might not derive any benefit. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin might attract trouble for the Chen family because of her family background and incapability.

    Chen Jun really could not help looking down on Qiao Zijin.

    If he had a younger sister like Qiao Nan, he dared to guarantee that his rtionship with Qiao Nan would definitely be so good such that Qiao Nan would try all ways and means to give him many benefits and ensure his bright future. This was even so if he did not open his mouth to ask for it.

    Others were troubled that they did not have the resources. However, Qiao Zijin wasted the best resources.

    Qiao Zijin would never be able to understand the pain and distress in Chen Jun¡¯s heart.

    ¡°There is no rush?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Chen Jun. ¡°Are you really sure that you are not anxious?¡± If Chen Jun was not anxious, she was even less anxious than him.

    If it was possible, she was not willing to bow to Qiao Nan.

    Regarding the words that Qiao Nan had just told her, sorry, she did not believe any of them.

    There was also another thing. Qiao Nan did not say that she would not support her parents financially in the future.

    Qiao Nan was still willing to support her parents financially. As such, the money that Qiao Nan gave her parents would eventually end up in her pockets. She could spend and use them as she wished.

    No matter what, Qiao Nan had married well. As her sister, she would definitely benefit from it and bask in some of the glory.

    ¡°You say that there¡¯s no hurry at Qiao Nan¡¯s end. Since we are already in the capital, we shouldn¡¯t waste the flight and amodation. Let¡¯s have fun together. You have studied for four years in college here. It shouldn¡¯t be difficult for you to be my tour guide.¡± Qiao Zijin had other ns too. She knew that she did not have to act pitiful and fawn on Qiao Nan anymore. Hence, she hoped to tour the capital happily.

    Chen Jun was angry and sullen. ¡°Sure.¡± Although he said that there was no rush, he did not say that they couldpletely cast this matter aside or ignore it for the time being.

    Chen Jun was again apprehensive about whether Qiao Zijin was his best option.

    If the Chen family could be associated with the Zhai family, undoubtedly, they would be in great luck.

    It would be troublesome if there was no hope in bing rted to the Zhai family, yet he married such a brainless and penniless woman without a good family background like Qiao Zijin. He would suffer a huge loss then.

    Chen Jun had never given up his n to make the Chen family progress and be better.

    If Chen Jun could give up on the Zhai family that he could no longer pine any hopes on, Qiao Zijin would lose all her usefulness then.

    A waste material that was worthless. If he did not dump it now, was he going to wait until the Lunar New Year?

    When he was keeping Qiao Zijinpany in touring the capital, Chen Jun started to quietly retreat from the existence of this girlfriend, Qiao Zijin.

    The two of them were only dating now, yet Qiao Zijin had no reservation about spending the money of the Chen family at all. The cost of living in the capital was high. Not to mention other things, just food and entertainment alone were enough to cost Chen Jun a bomb.

    Between Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin, only one party was giving but not receiving anything.

    Gradually, Chen Jun¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin became distant. They had only been in the capital for five days and Chen Jun expressed that he had to return to Ping Cheng. ¡°My dad called me today and asked me to go back. Prepare to go home.¡±

    This was an investment that had only cost and no return. He did not wish to continue with it anymore. This was the same concept as buying shares and having your capital being locked up.

    When you are trapped with plunging stocks and could not get rid of them, you would only die.

    Qiao Zijin was a stock that had potential at this point. Hence, he could still get rid of it.

    ¡°What? We¡¯re going back? We¡¯ve only enjoyed ourselves for four days. I¡¯ve not had enough fun. We have not gone to many nice ces yet.¡± Qiao Zijin was reluctant.

    The capital lived up to its name. It was truly different.

    There were many beautiful things in the capital but they were too expensive.

    When she had money next time, she would definitely buy, buy, and buy. Even if she could not buy all of the items that she fancied, she would buy at least one or two of them. She would not tempt her heart by just looking at them.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to go back now. I will go back first. You can stay here to have fun. Take your time.¡± Chen Jun¡¯s attitude toward the Zhai family had changed. Naturally, his attitude toward Qiao Zijin also followed suit.

    If Qiao Zijin knew what she was doing and joined forces with him to help him fulfill his wish to pull the Chen family uphill, it was fine if she was a little stupid and foolish. He could still persist and continue to guide Qiao Zijin.

    However, now, Chen Jun realized that besides being stupid and foolish, Qiao Zijin was also very scheming. The worst thing was that she was not clear-minded and could not figure out the current situation.

    He could tell that Qiao Zijin was quite obedient in front of him. She had never retorted his words and would definitely nod and listen to him.

    The funny thing was that Qiao Zijin would change greatly and turn into a ¡®master¡¯ once she faced Qiao Nan. She felt that Qiao Nan was beneath her, that Qiao Nan was the Great Sage, Heaven¡¯s Equal, who could not escape from Wuzhi Hill of Gautama Buddha.

 Chapter 1158 - Going Home or No Rebirth to a

    1158 Going Home or No Rebirth to a

    He dared not even be so confident in front of Qiao Nan. Where did Qiao Zijin¡¯s confidencee from?

    Could he pine his hopes on that couple of the Qiao family to have Qiao Nan eating out of their hands?

    Ludicrous!

    It was true that like parents, like daughter. Qiao Nan was the odd one out and the only exotic one in the Qiao family.

    ¡°How am I going to have fun after you leave?¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to agree but her reaction was also quick. She could not have fun just because she wanted to. She needed money.

    Chen Jun was the one who paid for all the expenses in the past four days. Qiao Zijin came ¡®naked¡¯.

    Once Chen Jun left, what could Qiao Zijin use to have fun?

    It would be different if Chen Jun could leave her some money before he left.

    Qiao Zijin did not know how much money Chen Jun brought with him on this trip. She was very curious.

    If Chen Jun was willing to give her the money, and with one headcount down, perhaps she could save up Chen Jun¡¯s share of costs and buy a few pieces of new and beautiful dresses for herself to wear.

    Chen Jun knew what Qiao Zijin was up to but he yed dumb. ¡°You can continue having fun the same way that we did previously. You can have fun as you wish. You don¡¯t need me to teach you. I have already purchased the train ticket for tomorrow. As for the amodation, I am only paying until tonight. You just have to check out and return the ess card to the hotel before noon tomorrow.¡±

    Chen Jun would not be deceived. He was better at Mathematics than anyone.

    God¡¯s ns supersede our own.

    With Chen Jun letting go today, the Chen family would suffer a huge loss on Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Chen Jun, what do you mean? You¡¯re going to leave me behind?¡± Qiao Zijin panicked. If he was only paying for the amodation until tonight, where was she going to sleep tomorrow then?

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are making use of this opportunity to make me stay in the Zhai family¡¯s house?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes swirled, thinking that Chen Jun had some other tricks up his sleeves. ¡°However, Qiao Nan¡¯s temper is very bad. It is a problem whether I can stay in the Zhai family¡¯s house. It is a greater problem whether I will be able to gain the favor of the Zhai family and Qiao Nan after I move in. The tempers of the Zhai family members are not quite good either.¡±

    A few years ago, she had wanted to curry favor with the chief¡¯s wife. However, the chief¡¯s wife had never given her any face.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper.

    It was no wonder the chief¡¯s wife was so blind to ept Qiao Nan. That was because their tempers were alike and entric.

    There was a spurious smile on Chen Jun¡¯s face as he looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°You... you¡¯re so smart.¡± So smart that he did not know how to respond to her.

    Previously, he felt the pinch when he decided to give up on Qiao Zijin.

    For his sake, his family had spent a lot of money on Qiao Zijin. They did not take back or gain any single cent. They could not tread on this path anymore despite having dumped in so much money. He had to possess the determination of a brave man who cut off a venom-poisoned hand to save his own life.

    However, at this moment, Chen Jun¡¯s heart did not ache anymore. He was only d.

    Everyone in the quad in Ping Cheng knew the terrible rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi was biased. However, Ding Jiayi¡¯s favoritism was due to Qiao Zijin¡¯s influence.

    If Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were on good terms and the only issue was the unfair treatment of the mother, Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin could just casually put in some good words for Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi would restrain greatly then and Qiao Nan would not have suffered so much.

    Ding Jiayi stole Qiao Nan¡¯s money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake, maligned Qiao Nan, and smeared her name because she wanted Qiao Nan to take the me for the troubles created by Qiao Zijin.

    Hence, in the Qiao family, Ding Jiayi was not the only one who was on bad terms with Qiao Nan. Most likely, Qiao Zijin, this biological sister, was on the worst terms with Qiao Nan.

    After Qiao Nan was pregnant, she was the precious golden goose that could not be touched.

    The Zhai family would rather pay money to let Qiao Zijin stay in the hotel. They would never allow Qiao Zijin to step into theirpound.

    Wouldn¡¯t they be afraid that Qiao Zijin would suddenly go crazy and insist on being at odds with Qiao Nan? That she would bump into Qiao Nan and cause a miscarriage?

    Only a true ¡®genius¡¯ woulde up with such a n.

    Qiao Zijin did not manage to make an inference from Chen Jun¡¯s words. She really believed that she had guessed it right. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I should do. I definitely won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±

    As long as she did not need to act pitiful and fake a cry before Qiao Nan, she would definitely act ording to Chen Jun¡¯s other ns and would not put him in a difficult position anymore.

    ¡°However, Chen Jun, when Qiao Nan is heartless, it¡¯s hard to say what will happen. Why don¡¯t we do this? Give me some money so that I will have something to fall back on. If Qiao Nan is really so hard-hearted to stop the Zhai family from helping me, I can¡¯t possibly sleep in the streets, right?¡±

    It was a good thing that the capital was prosperous.

    The problem was that it was much easier for a penniless person to run into problems in such a prosperous ce.

    Furthermore, Qiao Zijin was a youngdy. Hence, she had more worries than others.

    ¡°Give you money?¡± Chen Jun had already finished packing his clothes. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have money for you. If you reallyck money, simply call your parents and ask them to send you some.¡± He had already suffered a huge loss due to Qiao Zijin. If he were to continue throwing away his money, wouldn¡¯t he be more stupid than Qiao Zijin?

    Regardless of how much his heart ached for the money spent previously, Chen Jun gritted his teeth and abandoned Qiao Zijin. He was no longer willing to waste any more cents on her.

    After packing his belongings, Chen Jun was calmer. ¡°It¡¯ste. I will be catching the seven o¡¯clock train in the morning tomorrow. I need to sleep early today and wake up early tomorrow. You should go back to your room and rest too. It¡¯s up to you whether you want to stay or leave. If you¡¯re not leaving and you don¡¯t have money, ask your parents for help.¡±

    ¡°D-don¡¯t.¡± Qiao Zijin was nervous that Chen Jun wanted to push her away now. She held on to Chen Jun¡¯s arms and refused to let go. ¡°Are you angry? Why did you get angry without an apparent reason? Wasn¡¯t everything fine when we were having fun during the day? Can you make yourself clear? If I am in the wrong, I will change. Won¡¯t that do?¡±

    If she did not receive any money, she would certainly not let Chen Jun leave her behind alone in the capital.

    Her mother was right. Qiao Nan was a heartless wretched girl. She could not ce all the stakes of her safety on that wretched girl.

    Chen Jun stood by his guns. He did not wriggle his arm out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s clutch either.

    The two had been dating for over a year. The truth was that, at most, Chen Jun only kissed her a few times and did not take a huge advantage of her. Until now, Qiao Zijin was still a chaste woman.

    His arm was in Qiao Zijin¡¯s arms now. Although Qiao Zijin¡¯s boobs were not big, they were also soft and better than nothing.

    This kind of advantage was free anyway. Furthermore, it was not entirely free for him. He had already paid for it.

    The money that he spent on Qiao Zijin could allow him to sleep with many top-grade beautifuldies.

    After Chen Jun pushed Qiao Zijin to the bedroom door, he took out the other train ticket in his pocket.

 Chapter 1159 - Get More Money

    <h4>Chapter 1159 Get More Money</h4>

    ¡°I am the one who brought you to the capital after all. I¡¯m doing things with conscience and have already purchased your train ticket. You can decide for yourself whether you want to go back. If you don¡¯t wish to go home, you can still return the ticket and get a refund.¡±

    This train ticket was the only thing left that he could give Qiao Zijin.

    After throwing the ticket on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face, Chen Jun did not speak any further. He closed the door with a bang.

    Qiao Zijin was scared out of her wits when she heard that. In a daze, she picked up the train ticket and walked back to her room like a lost soul.

    Qiao Zijin shivered. She felt that Chen Jun¡¯s attitude was very strange. She quickly ran downstairs, found a public phone, made a call home, and told Ding Jiayi everything that happened. ¡°Mom, help me think of an idea. What did Chen Jun mean by this? What should I do? I am scared. I am thinking...¡±

    She was thinking that it might be better if she were to leave for Ping Cheng together with Chen Jun.

    She was new and unfamiliar to the capital. Over here, she was not on good terms with the only person that she knew, Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was also someone that would not care about her life and death.

    Ping Cheng was her home. To her, Ping Cheng definitely gave her a greater sense of security.

    ¡°Don¡¯te back. Go and find Qiao Nan.¡± Ding Jiayiughed. This was such a good opportunity. ¡°Chen Jun is gone and you¡¯re the only one left. Qiao Nan can¡¯t possibly leave you in the lurch, right? Isn¡¯t she afraid of being scolded by other people? You just need to block the entrance of the Zhai family¡¯s house and force them to take you in.¡± Zijin could then stay with the Zhai family and enjoy life until the summer vacation ended.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be afraid. Listen to Mom. The status of the Zhai family is different now. They have returned to the central government. It¡¯s fine if the Zhai family doesn¡¯t help you. All those people who visit the Zhai family are not ordinary figures. You will benefit if you get to know a few of them. Besides, Chen Jun dares to treat you in this way because we gave him too much face. It¡¯s just nice. Dump him. When you meet someone better at the Zhai family, don¡¯t let the chance slip.¡±

    The Zhai family had just arrived in the capital. Most probably, their status was not considered high even though they were in the central government.

    Nevertheless, the Zhai family¡¯s guests were different. If Zijin could really find someone, perhaps she would be able to marry into a better family than that wretched girl.

    ¡°Mom, what are you joking about? Will someone with such qualities take a liking to me?¡± Break up?

    As soon as Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Zijin to dump Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin came to her senses and realized that given his attitude today, Chen Jun seemed to have the intent to dump her.

    ¡°Mom, upon hearing what you have said, I have the feeling that Chen Jun doesn¡¯t want me anymore. Even someone like Chen Jun doesn¡¯t want me. Tell me. Do you think those people will fancy me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s different.¡± Ding Jiayi snorted proudly. ¡°Why was Chen Jun willing to spend money on you and be your boyfriend? Wasn¡¯t it all because of that wretched girl? Those who visited the Zhai family know that you are that wretched girl¡¯s biological sister and Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister-inw. They will be happy to see you too. Zijin, you need to have more confidence in yourself. You¡¯re much more outstanding than that wretched girl. Mom has always believed that you will marry into a better family than that wretched girl.¡±

    Ding Jiayi berated Qiao Zijin harshly with her words. However, she still did not realize that the only reason that the so-called outstanding Qiao Zijin would be fancied by those people was the existence of Qiao Nan, someone whom she shunned very much. Qiao Nan was the reason that Qiao Zijin could feel assured.

    What was Qiao Zijin without Qiao Nan, this sister!

    ¡°Mom, can you send me some money?¡± Qiao Zijin dared notpletely believe in Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. It was not as if Qiao Nan had not made her suffer before.

    She would not be assured just because she had a sister like Qiao Nan. She must have money in her pocket. She would be more daring then!

    Ding Jiayi kitted her brows and sounded very reluctant. ¡°Zijin, you should know how much your dad and I earn. There are so many expenses needed for the family. How could I have money? If I did, I would have gone traveling to the capital with you. Without money, although I very much wanted to go, I can only coop at home and go to work abidingly. I can¡¯t even rest when the weather is hot.¡±

    Perhaps it was due to age that Ding Jiayi felt less secure at heart now. There had been some changes in Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin.

    When one was old, it was inevitable that they would suffer from some body ailments and pain. She would have to visit the hospital for ¡®repairs¡¯ from time to time.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s resolute behavior in the past had left a deep impression on Ding Jiayi. She dared not put all her eggs into one basket and rely solely on Qiao Nan.

    Although she behaved as if she would have Qiao Nan eating out of her hands in front of Chen Jun, how would Chen Jun know how guilty-conscious she felt in her heart?

    Simrly, when Qiao Nan was in junior high school, Ding Jiayi was almost imprisoned for the first time in her life because of this daughter, Qiao Nan. When she was older, sick, and could no longer earn money, Ding Jiayi no longer dared to believe firmly that Qiao Nan would be willing toe back to take care of her or give her money to see a doctor.

    If Ding Jiayi could not count on Qiao Nan, did she dare to count on Qiao Zijin?

    No!

    From Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth, Qiao Zijin was the best daughter in the world. However, she dared not bet all the stakes of her golden age on Qiao Zijin¡¯s filial piety.

    Since she was a child, Qiao Zijin knew no restraint when spending Ding Jiayi¡¯s money and she didn¡¯t care about whether Ding Jiayi was suffering. Could Ding Jiayi count on Qiao Zijin to support her and take care of her?

    Far-fetched!

    As such, Ding Jiayi could only try to earn and save more money when she and Qiao Dongliang could still work.

    In the past, when Qiao Dongliang had a car ident, all the family¡¯s savings had already been used for Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies. Qiao Dongliang nearly could not undergo surgery because of that. Ding Jiayi had always remembered this matter. It left a deep impression on her!

    Ding Jiayi was one who managed the money. Hence, she definitely could not let what happened to Qiao Dongliang in the past happen to her. She couldn¡¯t lie on the bed and wait to die just because she did not have money for the surgery.

    Simrly, Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior was also formed due to what happened in the past.

    The tuition fees for Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies were paid by Chen Jun. Ding Jiayi only needed to fork out the living expenses.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi was used to telling Qiao Zijin that she was hard up and had spent all her money. When she saw that Qiao Zijin epted this exnation, she gradually increased her savings.

    Thereafter, Qiao Nan got engaged with and married Zhai Sheng. The Chen family took care of almost all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s expenses then.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi did not have a choice as she was used to spending all her money on Qiao Zijin. Now, she was used to saving all her money to prepare for retirement. When Qiao Zijin opened her mouth and asked for money, she could not bear to part with them. ¡°Zijin, listen to me. Chen Jun is still in the capital now, right? Both of you are going to break up. You¡¯re a grown-updy and will be disadvantaged. Remember to requestpensation from him. Kick up a fuss until he is willing to give it to you. Also, don¡¯t let Qiao Nan benefit. Go to the Zhai family. You¡¯re the junior. The Zhai family should give you a red packet.¡±

    Given the status of the Zhai family, the red pocket that they gave Zijin would definitely not be a small sum.

    ¡°After taking the red packet from the Zhai family, don¡¯t spend it. Bring them all back. You still have two more years of studies toplete.¡±

 Chapter 1160 - Turned Bad

    <h4>1160 Turned Bad</h4>

    Ding Jiayi knew that if Qiao Zijin were to really break up with Chen Jun and requested forpensation, the Chen family would not pay for the remaining two years of tuition fees.

    Since the Chen family was not willing to fork out money anymore, Ding Jiayi started to ¡®hit on¡¯ Qiao Nan and make Qiao Nan support Qiao Zijin financially until thetter graduated and found a job.

    With the Zhai family around, Ding Jiayi was not at all worried about Qiao Zijin¡¯s job after graduation.

    She made Qiao Nan do so many things but did not take action against Qiao Nan. Hence, she did not believe that Qiao Nan could take revenge on Qiao Zijin.

    Could Qiao Nan do the reverse and get Qiao Zijin to help her find a job?

    ¡°Mom, after talking for so long, what you mean is that you won¡¯t be giving me any money, right?¡± Qiao Zijin was not stupid. Of course, she understood what her mother was implying. Her face turned red. ¡°Mom, when did you be so petty? The Chen family paid for all my tuition fees and living expenses this andst year. I did not take a single cent from you. You have no money? Mom, are you treating me like you treat Qiao Nan?¡±

    When did her mother be so stingy toward her?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s stinginess was like a warning bell for Qiao Zijin. It jolted Qiao Zijin awake with much shock.

    Could it be that now that Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, her mother felt that her future life would definitely be worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s? Hence, she no longer treated her as well as before?

    All of a sudden, Qiao Zijin discovered that she had more than one crisis around her.

    Chen Jun¡¯s attitude took a sudden turn for the worse. The once selfish yet unconditional mother¡¯s love had now be so cheap and ludicrous.

    The biggest problem that she had was not with Qiao Nan but Ping Cheng!

    After making this phone call, Qiao Zijin secretly made up her mind.

    The next day, Chen Jun checked out of the hotel. He did not even bother to look into Qiao Zijin¡¯s room. He was only concerned about checking out from his room.

    It was only until he got onto the train that he discovered that someone was already on the seat next to him.

    Looking at the bare and pale face of Qiao Zijin, Chen Jun was quite surprised. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you haven¡¯t had enough fun and wanted to remain in the capital?¡± When they came, Qiao Zijin said that traveling via a train took too much time. She had to take a flight.

    Since train tickets were cheap, Chen Jun bought two of them.

    He had thought that given Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, she would most likely return the ticket and get a refund. She would then ask Qiao Nan for money and continue to have fun in the capital for some time.

    If that was really the case, he would be freed from the ordeal then. He would have nothing to do with Qiao Zijin in the future.

    He had been used to Qiao Zijin being muddleheaded. Once they were back in Ping Cheng, he would consider them to have broken up amicably. When he saw Qiao Zijin, one could imagine how shocked Chen Jun was.

    ¡°You¡¯re already going back. Why would I still remain in the capital? We came here together. Of course, we should go back together.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled at Chen Jun, looking extremely gentle. There was no tinge of willfulness at all. ¡°Chen Jun, are you still angry with me?¡±

    Chen Jun put away the luggage in the overheadpartment and sat beside Qiao Zijin. ¡°Angry? Why should I be angry with you? Last night, didn¡¯t we already make ourselves clear?¡± They had already broken up. What was there to be angry about?

    Would Qiao Zijin return him all the money that he spent on her previously if she knew that he was angry?

    If that could happen, he was willing to tell Qiao Zijin that he was angry, extremely angry.

    Damn. Who could endure the anger after doing such a money-losing business?

    The lost money was not considered a big deal. What Chen Jun cared about most was the two to three years that he had wasted on Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Chen Jun...¡± Qiao Zijin panicked. Chen Jun really wanted to break up with her. No, she would not agree to it. She would definitely not break up with him and let him be with another woman.

    Ding Jiayi had imagined Qiao Zijin¡¯s future to be so wonderful. This was on the pretext that Qiao Zijin could really find a youngd who was better than Zhai Sheng while she was at the Zhai family.

    Without Qiao Nan, thisyer of glow, it was as difficult as reaching the sky for Qiao Zijin to find someone better than Chen Jun, let alone a partner better than Zhai Sheng.

    Since Chen Jun was the ¡®best¡¯ one that she could have, naturally, Qiao Zijin did not have a choice. She could only devote herself to retain this ¡®best¡¯ one to be her husband.

    The moment the train started to move, Qiao Nan received news of their departure. ¡°Fortunately, they have left. It is strange. When did Qiao Zijin be so easy to talk to?¡± She initially thought that Qiao Zijin would definitely employ all ways and means to stay behind and give her a headache for a long time.

    Zhai Hua was ying with the game console in her hands. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good that she is willing to leave? Even if she is reluctant, Chen Jun is bent on leaving. Fortunately, Qiao Zijin¡¯s brains have not deterioratedpletely. As soon as she knew that Chen Jun was leaving, she left too.¡±

    Chen Jun was Qiao Zijin¡¯s mobile ATM.

    Chen Jun was not cooperating with her now. Unless Qiao Zijin wanted to be a beggar, she would have to follow Chen Jun back to Ping Cheng. Did she have another choice?

    ¡°Right, I heard some news recently. Isn¡¯t your mom very good to Qiao Zijin? This time, your mom refused when Qiao Zijin requested her to send some money over. What is happening? Your mom doesn¡¯t have a lot of money but it doesn¡¯t seem like she couldn¡¯t fork out a single cent. Did she work for nothing for the past two years?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had refused to give Qiao Zijin money. This was something that Zhai Hua was most surprised with. She could not figure out the reason as this did not resemble Ding Jiayi¡¯s character.

    Qiao Nan was having some fruits. ¡°Qiao Zijin called my mom. How did you know so clearly about the content of their conversation?¡± It was as if Zhai Hua was listening by the side when Qiao Zijin was on the call with Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me.¡± Zhai Hua shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Tian Dong learned in America. He is very strong in this area. Unless it¡¯s something that I don¡¯t wish to know, he will be able to find out everything else.¡±

    She even suspected whether America had invented a new technology product or Tian Dong had installed ¡®transcendental¡¯ vision and ears on Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise, how did Tian Dong know what Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi chatted about so clearly?

    After eating half a te of fruits, Qiao Nan wiped her mouth with a tissue. ¡°It¡¯s a waste of talent to get Tian Dong to help me check on this. My mom, this person... I also can¡¯t figure out why she is suddenly so stingy to Qiao Zijin now. In the past, my mom was the type who would definitely spend ten yuan to help Qiao Zijin buy new clothes although there were only ten yuan left in the house. Qiao Zijin would be the only one in our family of four who had new clothes to wear.¡±

    Her mother was willing to give everything to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin contracted uremia and needed a kidney.

    In the face of such a major surgery, her mother could also control the fear in her heart and was willing to give her kidney to Qiao Zijin. Now, Qiao Zijin only wanted to take a little sum of money from her mother.

 Chapter 1161 - Nourish the Pregnancy

    1161 Nourish the Pregnancy

    ¡°Did Tian Dong find out whether Qiao Zijin had done anything to anger my mom? It cannot be. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality, if my mom were to be angry with her, she would have done so a long time ago and Qiao Zijin would not have any say in the Qiao family.¡±

    What made her mother change her attitude all of a sudden and refuse to spend any more money on Qiao Zijin?

    Even though she had been through rebirth, she was not invincible. Qiao Nan was not able to understand what Ding Jiayi was thinking about.

    ¡°No matter what, now that the two troublemakers are gone, you can have a good night¡¯s rest today. You must not overtire my nephews or nieces. You are carrying twins. The doctor said that you will have prematurebor. This is not even your seventh month, but your tummy is already sorge. I have already made arrangements with the hospital. I don¡¯t think you will be able to go to school when school reopens in September.¡±

    Zhai Hua sighed with relief. Qiao Nan was indeed lucky.

    It was likely that Qiao Nan was pregnant in January. In normal cases, she would be due for delivery after ten months of pregnancy. After one month of confinement, she would be able to go back to school earliest by the end of this semester.

    However, Qiao Nan was carrying twins, and she would have prematurebor.

    Perhaps Qiao Nan would have been done with her confinement and she would be able to go back to school before November. If that was the case, she would have only missed half of the semester.

    ¡°Yes, Mom has discussed it with me. She will help me apply for at least two months of leave at school in September.¡± Qiao Nan touched her round tummy.

    She had been mentally prepared. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it is summer break now. Do Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing have a summer break? I haven¡¯t seen Uncle Zhu and the two of them. Could they have returned to Ping Cheng?¡±

    They did not have any family or rtives in Ping Cheng. What would they be doing in Ping Cheng?

    ¡°They are in a different school. They must have received a special task. For them, going to school is simr to going to the army. Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing would not be able toe home frequently. Their situation is simr to that of Zhai Sheng, except that Zhai Sheng is busier than them. They might not be able to make it back to see your babies after your delivery.¡±

    Zhai Hua had no wish to talk about Zhai Sheng, the father of the children.

    She knew that it was even more impossible for Zhai Sheng to make it back in time. She had no wish to bring him up lest she upset Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Are the two of them still very active?¡± Zhai Hua was immersed in doing two tasks recently.

    Firstly, it was to lift Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, cing her hands on her tummy and talking to the babies.

    Secondly, it would be to apany Qiao Nan to go for walks, ensuring that she had been exercising so that she would have a smoothbor.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan had yet to reply when Zhai Hua felt a bulge at the part of Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy where she rested her hands on. ¡°Are they saying ¡®hello¡¯ to me?¡±

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows. As time passed by, her babies seemed to be more active and would exert more force when they moved about in her tummy.

    When she first experienced the fetus movement, she was startled. She did not feel any difort.

    However, whenever the babies threw punches or kicks in her tummy now, she would feel a piercing pain. ¡°I don¡¯t think they are saying their greetings. They are doing the military drill instead. They want to learn from you. It is still alright if my babies are boys. It will be troublesome if they are girls.¡±

    If they were sons, they would grow up to be outstanding like Brother Zhai, and they would be real men with an indomitable spirit.

    However, things would be different if they were daughters.

    The Zhai family would have Zhai Hua juniors then.

    At the thought of Zhai Hua¡¯s behavior and temperament, Qiao Nan felt giddy and helpless.

    If she had daughters, she hoped that they would be well-behaved and adorable.

    ¡°Military drill? That¡¯s great. The two of you must behave yourself while in your mom¡¯s tummy. After youe to the world, I will show you the military drill and train you, okay?¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes lit up. She spoke in a gentle tone, unlike her toughdy image.

    In order to show that they liked their auntie, the babies gave a fierce kick to Qiao Nan again. Qiao Nan could not help but suck in her breath in pain. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, stop teasing them. If this goes on, I will be moaning in pain. The two brats exert a lot of force in their kicks. I don¡¯t know how long they will be able to stay in my tummy.¡±

    Babies would be able to receive double the nourishment when in the mother¡¯s womb than when they were born.

    Therefore, premature babies would be weaker than full-term babies.

    If the babies were born more than one month earlier than the due date, they might take more than ten years to make up for the deficit in nourishment.

    It was challenging to have twins, particrly when they were so naughty and mischievous.

    Qiao Nan was worried at how active her babies were. She feared that they might be born prematurely.

    ¡°How can a mother say this of their babies? Don¡¯t worry. They will be well-behaved and they will make it easy for you. Hopefully, they will not be born prematurely. There are so many of us. We will be able to take good care of them. The doctor already said that a pregnantdy would think too much. I will not take issue with you.¡±

    As long as Qiao Nan did not give birth right away, it was alright if the babies were born slightly before their due date.

    Notwithstanding twins, some babies were born one month, two months, or even three months before their due date.

    But it was true that babies born three months before their due date would be weaker and smaller.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s time for your walk. Given your condition, you cannot have too many exercises, but you can¡¯t sit at home every day either. Let¡¯s do some exercise.¡± Zhai Hua acted like the clock. Once it was time, she would get Qiao Nan to do simple exercises like taking a walk.

    Zhai Hua was the only person who took care of Qiao Nan for the past few months.

    Zhai Yaohui was busy with work. Although Miao Jing did not need to apany him on his business trips like how she did back then, she would still have to attend and apany him to certain events from time to time.

    Furthermore, Miao Jing was not familiar with the practices of pregnantdies nowadays as well as the nourishment needed for babies. It was vastly different from what she had in the past.

    Zhai Hua had learned a lot about how to take care of pregnantdies from the female doctor.

 Chapter 1162 - Pregnant Lady Had the Final Say

    <h4>1162 Pregnant Lady Had the Final Say</h4>

    At times, what Zhai Hua said made more sense than Miao Jing, and she knew more than Miao Jing.

    As such, the Zhai family handed the task of taking care of Qiao Nan to Zhai Hua. They also hoped that she would be moredylike, detailed, and patient while taking care of Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, Zhai Hua seemed to be doing a good job. It had been more than three months and she had been taking good care of Qiao Nan. She never behaved recklessly or caused harm to Qiao Nan and the babies.

    ¡°It¡¯s so warm.¡± Zhai Hua had postponed their walk to seven o¡¯clock in the evening to avoid the hot and stuffy afternoons in July and August.

    Qiao Nan would feel unwell in the summer. Particrly now that she, a pregnantdy, had a higher body temperature, the evening stroll was a torture to Qiao Nan.

    Whenever she was back from her stroll, her blouse would be drenched with perspiration.

    Thankfully, after strolling for a few months, Qiao Nan noticed that she was physically stronger.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I have applied for leave for you. You can rest well at home.¡± As her elder and mother-inw, Miao Jing made a phone call to the principal of Peking University at the end of August to help Qiao Nan apply for leave, hoping that he would approve of her leave.

    Since Madam Zhai made the phone call personally, the principal had no way to reject her request.

    Although Miao Jing did not state clearly Qiao Nan¡¯s reasons for applying for leave or when she would return to school, the principal had no other choice but to approve the leave.

    ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡± Qiao Nan sat on the sofa, touching her tummy. She did not look well.

    She was in her eighth month of pregnancy. Qiao Nan knew that her tummy was especiallyrge.

    The weight of her tummy was almost unbearable for her. Qiao Nan did not feelfortable sitting, standing, or even lying down on the bed. She felt unwell and exhausted.

    Her fair and slender legs were swollen due to pregnancy.

    Her lower limbs were swollen and her upper body felt bloated as well.

    Qiao Nan could not fit into all the clothes that she bought in the past and she had to buy new clothes.

    Qiao Nan could only wear slippers and she had to buyrge sizes in order to fit into them.

    Qiao Nan went through a lot of suffering for the babies. Outsiders would not be able to know the tortures that mothers went through.

    Zhai Hua was startled at how swollen Qiao Nan was. She moved into Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s room so that she could share a room with her and take care of Qiao Nan when she woke up feeling unwell in the middle of the night.

    Zhai Hua, the auntie, had done everything that Zhai Sheng, as a father, should have done. Zhai Hua would wake up in the middle of the night to massage Qiao Nan¡¯s legs when she woke up crying due to leg cramps.

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan doesn¡¯t look well. The doctor reminded us that Nan Nan will have prematurebor. Nan Nan¡¯s tummy is veryrge and she is in her eighth month. I am worried...¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s heart ached seeing how Qiao Nan suffered due to the pregnancy. Giving birth was a torture to women.

    It was no wonder that people used to say that giving birth was akin to making a trip to hell.

    Apart from her tummy, Qiao Nan¡¯s figure looked like that of a youngdy when she was in her sixth month of her pregnancy. But once she was in her seventh month, she started to be swollen and went out of shape. She had the figure of a middle-aged auntie, doing her groceries in the market.

    There was once when Qiao Nan had terrible leg cramps and she cried in pain until her eyes were swollen. Zhai Hua made a phone call to the army and gave Zhai Sheng ashing. ¡°You are a brat. You had happy times fooling around with Qiao Nan, but do you know the pain that she is in now that she is pregnant with your babies? You can¡¯t even stay by her side to take care of her and she has to face everything by herself. Zhai Sheng, although you are my brother, I can¡¯t stand it anymore. If you do not treat Nan Nan well in the future, I will take your children away and we will despise and ostracize you for being such a bad father!¡±

    Zhai Sheng wanted very much to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, but he could not do that.

    He was not angry that Zhai Huashed out at him. In fact, he felt heartbroken.

    Even though he did not see it for himself, he could tell from Zhai Hua¡¯s tone and anger that Qiao Nan, who was carrying twins, must be going through a lot.

    Zhai Sheng worked extra hard toplete his missions and the orders from his higher-ups in order to go back as soon as possible to apany Qiao Nan and to be by her side when their babies were delivered.

    ¡°Stop saying nonsense.¡± Miao Jing gave Zhai Hua a light smack. ¡°Nan Nan will panic at your words.¡±

    Miao Jing had seen a lot of cases whereby the pregnantdies would go into prematurebor after being affected by the people around her.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are in your eighth month. It will be harder on you. If you can¡¯t take it, let¡¯s go to the hospital in advance. We can ask the doctor if we can deliver the babies earlier than the due date.¡±

    Since Nan Nan had such arge tummy, her babies must be well-nourished.

    If she carried the babies for a few more months, the babies would be fine but the mother might not be able to take it. ¡°The babies should be well-developed in the eighth month. It will not be a problem to deliver them.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath, forcing a smile on her face. ¡°Mom, I understand your intentions. There is no need to expedite the delivery. I can still take it. Perhaps I am too dainty. Otherdies feel especially well despite carrying twins or triplets. They will not feel as tired as me.¡± It was better not to have prematurebor.

    After reading many books on pregnancy, Qiao Nan knew that it would be better for the babies to stay in the mother¡¯s womb for as long as possible.

    They were Brother Zhai¡¯s and her babies. They were very precious to them.

    If other mothers could do it, so could she. She believed that she would do a better job.

    Since Qiao Nan was insistent, Miao Jing had no other choice but to go with her decision.

    Miao Jing was worried for Qiao Nan. It was not that she was dainty, but it was because she was too young.

    Qiao Nan did not lead a good life when she stayed with the Qiao family. Miao Jing knew that there was a period of time where she was undernourished.

    Miao Jing was unhappy with Ding Jiayi. It must be due to Ding Jiayi that Qiao Nan had such a difficult time carrying the twins.

    If Ding Jiayi was not so biased and had taken better care of Qiao Nan, she would have a stronger constitution, and she would not have such a difficult time now.

    Miao Jing had never seen such a vicious mother.

    The Zhai family was concerned for Qiao Nan and her babies. Miao Jing and Zhai Hua spent all their time taking care of her.

 Chapter 1163 - Prepare Gifts

    <h4>1163 Prepare Gifts</h4>

    Zhai Yaohui was too busy to take care of his daughter-inw. He had done his best by leaving Miao Jing at home to take care of Qiao Nan.

    As for Old Master Zhai, as an old man, he could do nothing to help his granddaughter-inw.

    What he could do was to share interesting anecdotes that he heard from his friends with his granddaughter-inw, making her happy.

    Apart from that, one other thing that he could do was to take good care of himself.

    It was only then could his daughter-inw and granddaughter put all their attention on taking care of his granddaughter-inw. He was being helpful by not creating any trouble for them.

    Now that Qiao Nan was already eight months pregnant, the Zhai family became increasingly worried for the babies as the days passed.

    Aside from the Zhai family who was worried for Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang, who was at the Qiao family¡¯s residence in Ping Cheng, was worried for Qiao Nan as well.

    When Qiao Dongliang first learned that he was going to be a grandfather, Qiao Nan was already more than four months pregnant and she knew that she was carrying twins.

    Now that Qiao Zijin went back to school after the summer break, Qiao Dongliang suddenly remembered that Qiao Nan was heavily pregnant. ¡°Nan Nan is eight months pregnant. She will probably deliver in more than a month.¡±

    Since his daughter was about to give birth, as the maternal grandfather, he should make time to visit her.

    Someone from the parental family had to visit her after she had her babies.

    He wondered how Nan Nan was doing now. Did the babies make life difficult for her?

    To Qiao Dongliang, his responsibility to Qiao Nan had beenpleted now that she was married. He could focus all his attention on helping his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, search for her happiness.

    He knew that Qiao Nan was unhappy with his decision, but he could not leave the elder daughter in the lurch. He could only distance himself from the younger daughter so that she would not be upset or affected by the matters in her parental family.

    When Qiao Nan studied in the capitalst year, she made a phone call to Qiao Dongliang every week in the four months that she was there.

    This year, apart from telling him that she was pregnant and calling him on Tomb-Sweeping Day, she did not contact him or chat with him.

    Qiao Dongliang had a guilty conscience. Since Qiao Nan did not call him, he dared not call her as well.

    He finally gave a phone call at the end of June, but it was because Qiao Zijin wanted to go on a holiday in the capital and he wanted Qiao Nan to take care of Qiao Zijin.

    The call ended in a rush and Ding Jiayi kept disturbing his conversation with Qiao Nan.

    Two months had passed. The person who was the cause of the awkwardness, Qiao Zijin, was not around. Qiao Dongliang did not feel as guilty and he felt that he should give Qiao Nan a call to ask about her.

    He was the maternal grandfather. He should be notified of the delivery date of his grandchildren.

    Qiao Dongliang forgot to prepare a dowry for his daughter half a year ago as it was his first time marrying off a daughter.

    This time, Qiao Dongliang remembered that this was his first time being a maternal grandfather and he had to prepare red packets and presents for his grandchildren.

    ¡°Where are you heading to?¡± Ding Jiayi had been staring at Qiao Dongliang for a long time. She noticed that he sat down by himself, frowning at one moment and smiling to himself in the next instant. He was behaving abnormally.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Dongliang went home to the Qiao family¡¯s residence every night and he did not stay outte or have other woman¡¯s belongings with him, given his suspicious behavior, she would have suspected that he had a woman outside.

    The two of them had not remarried. Even though they stayed in the same house, they did not share the same room or bed.

    Ding Jiayi would try to sneak into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room in the middle of the night to be intimate with him or just to share a bed with him.

    However, Qiao Dongliang would wake up when sheid down beside him.

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi was next to him, Qiao Dongliang would get up without another word, put on his jacket, and slept in another room, not forgetting to lock his room this time.

    It was as if Qiao Dongliang was a single youngdy while Ding Jiayi was the lecher who was dying toy her hands on Qiao Dongliang.

    They had been divorced for several years. Ding Jiayi had learned her lesson and dared not kick up a fuss. She was able to stifle her anger and keep silent.

    However, she would not be able to tolerate seeing Qiao Dongliang behaving oddly.

    Ding Jiayi stopped Qiao Dongliang in his tracks. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to work today. Where are you going with your bicycle? I will go with you!¡± She had found out in the past half a year that after Old Qiao divorced her, he did not have any other woman.

    Even though his friends would introduce eligible women to him and asked him to go on blind dates, Old Qiao would reject their kind intentions.

    Old Qiao did not have another woman when she was not by his side.

    She would not allow other women to snatch Old Qiao from her now that they were staying together.

    ¡°Stop your nonsense. Stay at home.¡± Qiao Dongliang was unhappy. Although they lived together, he would not allow her to interfere with his life. Unless it was to do with Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had no right to stop him from doing what he wanted.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I go with you? Are you up to no good? Also, don¡¯t forget that Zijin¡¯s and Chen Jun¡¯s rtionship are still not confirmed yet. Don¡¯t stir up any troubles at this time.¡± Her elder daughter refused to listen to her a month ago. Instead of staying in the capital, asking for some money from Qiao Nan, and getting to know other good men, she came back to Ping Cheng in defeat. Ding Jiayi was furious at Qiao Zijin for not listening to her.

    Qiao Dongliang parked his bicycle and stared at Ding Jiayi.

    True enough, Ding Jiayi dared not make up a fuss at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude.

    After the divorce, Qiao Dongliang had finally mastered the way to deal with Ding Jiayi. ¡°Do you want to pick a fight with me?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t wish to quarrel with you.¡± She wanted to lead a good life with him, but he was not willing to do that!

    ¡°If so, stand aside. If you want to quarrel, I can do so as well.¡± But he would never allow Ding Jiayi to tag along with him.

    Ding Jiayi did not need to take care of Qiao Zijin, and there was no need for Qiao Dongliang to provide for Qiao Nan as well.

    Since that was the case, the couple had each saved up their money diligently. Ding Jiayi was hoping that she could save up the money for her retirement, whereas Qiao Dongliang was saving the money for his two daughters as well as his grandchildren.

 Chapter 1164 - Depend on Her Own Efforts

    Chapter 1164 Depend on Her Own Efforts

    He might not have lots of money, but he still had to spend the small amount of money that he had on the necessary items.

    He would get to see his grandchildren in less than two months. As the maternal grandfather, he had to prepare gifts for them.

    Qiao Dongliang understood that it was customary nowadays to give babies golden and silver jewelry to keep them safe.

    He had more than one grandchild. He had to shop around to buy two bracelets for them.

    Qiao Dongliang did not tell Ding Jiayi what was on his mind. But Ding Jiayi could not do anything about Qiao Dongliang. She would not behave like what she used to do in the past¡ªbeing shameless and creating a din.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were not on good terms when she reported back to school.

    As soon as Chen Jun reached Ping Cheng, he had told Qiao Zijin clearly that they could no longer be with each other and he wanted to break up. But Qiao Zijin refused to break up with him.

    A divorce was different from a breakup. Both parties had to sign the divorce agreement in order to divorce.

    As for a breakup, as long as one party had made up the mind, one could break up with the other party no matter how unwilling the other party was.

    Since Chen Jun wanted to break up with Qiao Zijin, the Chen family would not continue to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees.

    If the Chen family supported a poor student through school, they would at least earn a good reputation for doing good deeds. But they would not have any returns by spending money on Qiao Zijin.

    They could do nothing about the previous losses. The Chen family needed to cut losses right now.

    Now that the Chen family would no longer provide for her, Qiao Zijin had no way to finish her diploma studies. The only way was for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to take up the responsibility again as her parents to pay for her school fees.

    The Qiao family almost made a phone call to Qiao Nan in the middle of August to ask her for money.

    Fortunately, Qiao Dongliang still had a conscience and he snatched the phone from Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang warned Ding Jiayi not to make the call. Otherwise, he would smash the phone.

    He would make sure that Ding Jiayi coughed up all the money that she took from Qiao Nan and he would send them back to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng and she was still a student. The Zhai family would have to provide for her daily expenses. It would be shameless to ask Qiao Nan to take money from her inws in order to support her parental family. Qiao Dongliang refused to take any money from her.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was so insistent, Ding Jiayi had no other choice but to give up on that thought.

    Ding Jiayi knew that she might dislike Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan had no feelings for her, but Qiao Dongliang was the only person who was able to get any money from Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Dongliang was unwilling to do that, even if Ding Jiayi had good ns, they would be useless.

    Therefore, Ding Jiayi had to part with her hard-earned savings reluctantly. She and Qiao Dongliang pooled their money together to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees.

    But Ding Jiayi also told Qiao Zijin that she would only provide her with enough money to cover her daily expenses for a month.

    Thereafter, Qiao Zijin had to work part-time to earn money to cover her daily expenses. Ding Jiayi could not earn much to provide for Qiao Zijin. She had grown up and should be able to work to support herself. She could not rely on her parents.

    In short, Qiao Zijin was an adult and she already started a rtionship. She had to provide for herself instead of adding to her parents¡¯ burden. Her parents could not help it that they were not capable and did not earn lots of money.

    Qiao Zijin left with her school fees as well as the money to cover her daily expenses for a month. Ding Jiayi had no idea what was on her mind when she left.

    Qiao Dongliang kept silent throughout, but he had his own thoughts about this.

    He did not stop Ding Jiayi as he hoped that Qiao Zijin would learn to depend on her own efforts.

    He could tell that Qiao Zijin tended to rely too much on other people. She felt that she had to rely on other people, including her parents, her sister, or even the man that she would marry in the future in order to lead a good life.

    Qiao Zijin was unwilling to listen to his advice because she felt that Chen Jun¡¯s family was well-to-do and she would be able to lead a good life after she married him in the future.

    It was too dangerous to harbor such thoughts.

    Perhaps it was only when Qiao Zijin earned money to support herself would she understand that as long as she was willing to work hard, she had the ability to support herself and she did not need to rely on others.

    In that case, Qiao Zijin would reconsider her rtionship with Chen Jun. He hoped that when she looked for another boyfriend in the future, it would be based on his temperament and character instead of his family background as well as whether he was rich or not.

    That was why although Qiao Dongliang could tell that Qiao Zijin bore a grudge toward Ding Jiayi, he did not stop Ding Jiayi.

    Upon reaching school, as she was still angry, Qiao Zijin could not be bothered to make a phone call to tell her parents that she had reached safely.

    Ding Jiayi had made it clear that she would not give her a single cent apart from the money that she had with her.

    If she did not make a phone call, she could save the money and spend it on herself.

    Qiao Zijin did not call her parents. Instead, Qiao Dongliang made a call to her dormitory. It was Qiao Zijin¡¯s roommate who answered the call and passed the phone to her. ¡°Zijin, I can tell that you are unhappy that your mom only gave you a small amount of money and wanted you to work to support yourself. Zijin, you have grown up. You are an adult. I don¡¯t expect that you will be very outstanding in the future. My only hope is for you to be a useful person. Don¡¯t bear grudges against your mom. We have your best interests.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, your mom and I are getting older. We will definitely leave the world earlier than you. You don¡¯t have to worry. While we are still alive, we will definitely provide for you. But have you thought about what is going to happen to you when we are gone? You will get married in the future and your husband will take care of you. It is not that I am being harsh, but we have seen it in the news that many people get divorced nowadays. Zijin, I hope that you will be a useful person and will not have to rely on other people. You can work hard to support yourself and you will still be able to lead a good life. Do you understand my kind intentions?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did his best to convince Qiao Zijin to rely on herself. He hoped that she could understand that her parents had her best interests.

    ¡°Dad, are you trying to tell me that the only person I can rely on is myself and that other people are unreliable?¡± Qiao Zijin replied calmly.

    ¡°Yes! I am right about you. You can understand what I want to say.¡± She had made a very urate conclusion. She was indeed a high school student. She could express his meaning in simple words.

    Qiao Zijin sneered at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s cheerful tone. ¡°Dad, I understand what you mean. Don¡¯t worry. I understand everything.¡±

 Chapter 1165 - Give Me All the Money

    <h4>1165 Give Me All the Money</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯m not chatting with you anymore. I have found a part-time job and need to leave for work now. If I don¡¯t work a little harder, I will have nothing to eat next month.¡±

    After finishing her words, Qiao Zijin hung up the phone.

    Yes, she could not rely on anyone in this world. To her, the most reliable person was, of course, herself.

    If she did not depend on herself, would her mother persist in letting her continue her studies and allowing her to go through diploma studies?

    If she did not rely on herself, would Chen Jun agree to be her boyfriend and support her financially for so many years?

    She was not considered as relying on herself just because the money did note out of her own pocket?

    Ridiculous!

    If she had used her brains a little less, the money would not have been spent on her. She had always been relying on herself. All of her father¡¯s words were nonsense!

    Facing the phone that had been hung up, Qiao Dongliang could only take it that Qiao Zijin¡¯s anger had notpletely subsided.

    He had already made himself clear. Qiao Dongliang felt more at ease now. At the very least, there was no longer any misunderstanding between him and Qiao Zijin.

    As time passed, Zijin¡¯s anger would definitely subside. Sooner orter, she would understand her parents¡¯ pain and good intentions.

    After that phone call, Qiao Zijin did not make any other calls home. Anyway, Ding Jiayi was not going to give her any more money. She was thus not willing to waste the cost of making calls.

    On the other hand, Qiao Dongliang was thinking that Qiao Zijin had to make full use of the time outside lessons to work part-time and earn money. Otherwise, how would she be able to earn enough living expenses?

    In addition, he was not certain whether Qiao Zijin¡¯s anger had already subsided. If he were to call her again, the father-daughter pair might get into an argument if Qiao Zijin was still angry. That would not be meaningful then.

    Hence, Qiao Dongliang waited and did not make any further moves. He thought that Qiao Zijin would definitely contact Ding Jiayi and him when she was no longer angry.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was riding on the bicycle, quietly dismissed Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation in his heart. He then arrived at the jewelry shop.

    Qiao Dongliang did not go to arge shop. Instead, he patronized a jewelry shop with a good reputation that had been in business for a long time. He then enquired about the current price of gold. ¡°Old Qiao, your family wants to purchase gold jewelry without an apparent reason?¡± The boss of the shop looked at Qiao Dongliang curiously.

    It was not that he looked down on Qiao Dongliang. He had known previously that Qiao Nan was getting married. He thought that since everyone was long-time friends who knew each other so well, Qiao Dongliang would pick a few pieces of jewelry from his shop for Qiao Nan.

    Who would have known that he had not seen Qiao Donglianging to his shop to buy jewelry although half a year had passed since Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage? ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t tell me that your elder daughter is getting married?¡±

    The Qiao family had two daughters. The elder one was Da Qiao and the younger one Xiao Qiao. Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were biased toward the elder daughter. They did not treat the younger daughter very well. This gossip did not only circte within the quad.

    Many people who knew Qiao Dongliang heard about this too. The boss of the jewelry shop was one of them.

    Qiao Dongliang, embarrassed, smiled. ¡°No, my elder daughter is still studying. There are two more years to go before she graduates. She won¡¯t get married so soon. It¡¯s my younger daughter. She is pregnant with twins now after marriage. I am here to buy something for my maternal grandchildren.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. Twins. That¡¯s good fortune. Your younger daughter is very blessed indeed.¡± The boss of the jewelry shop had a look of surprise and admiration on his face. ¡°Due to the national nning policy, many families only have one child. The government does not even give them a chance to have a second one. Your family¡¯s daughter is having twins. Your son-inw is very blessed. Right, what kind of jewelry are you looking for? Gold or silver? Ne, wrist or ankle bracelet?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang nced at the price of the gold and then carefully examined the carat and the price of the jewelry on disy. He then gritted his teeth and bought two small gold bracelets.

    The small gold bracelets were tiny and round. They were not outstanding and did not look like kids¡¯ bracelets. It resembled more of thoserge exaggerated ring earrings typically worn by fashionabledies.

    ¡°These two bracelets cost a total of 3,752 yuan. I will waive the small change of 52 yuan for you. You just have to pay me 3,700 yuan.¡± The bracelets looked tiny but they were not considered very light whenbined. Moreover, the price of gold was not low now. Although the prices of this shop were already considered affordable, it was not cheap to buy the two pieces of jewelry. With this purchase, Qiao Dongliang used up all his past six months¡¯ earnings.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang took over the boxes carefully. In his mind, he started to n when he could make a trip to the capital to visit his daughter and grandchildren. He would then pass this present to his two little maternal grandchildren.

    Qiao Dongliang was unaware that he eventually did not manage to hide the fact of buying these two tiny gold pieces of jewelry from Ding Jiayi. After spending some effort, Ding Jiayi found out the circumstances of the matter very quickly. She was so angry that she did not manage to take any bite of her dinner that night.

    Ding Jiayi was feeling unhappy. Of course, she had to make someone unhappy too. She made a phone call to the Zhai family in the capital behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back. ¡°Hello, good day. This is the house of the Zhai family.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the auntie of the Zhai family?¡± Ding Jiayi was aware of the existence of this person. Her tone was extremely terrible.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because Ding Jiayi still wished to go to the capital!

    She had given birth to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan grew up drinking her breast milk. Now that Qiao Nan was married and living in the capital, she did not spare any thoughts for her, this biological mother.

    On the contrary, the auntie whom she was totally unrted to was working for and taking a sry from the Zhai family. She had followed the Zhai family to the capital to enjoy life.

    Each time she thought of this situation, Ding Jiayi was filled with hatred. She shunned Qiao Nan for being so inflexible and heartless.

    If Qiao Nan was really smart, she should discuss with the Zhai family to ¡®transfer¡¯ all the money that the Zhai family spent on the auntie to her maternal family. She should be filial to Old Qiao and her. It was only right for her to do that.

    If the Zhai family was indeed so wealthy and willing to bring a helper to the capital, why couldn¡¯t they fetch them, these two official inws, to the capital too?

    All of them were heartless.

    With feelings of resentment in her heart, the auntie of the Zhai family became Ding Jiayi¡¯s target of hate and attack. ¡°You¡¯re just a paid housekeeper. What are you? How dare you take your master¡¯s call casually? Someone like you who doesn¡¯t even know the protocols should have been kicked out long ago. It¡¯s a waste of money to hire you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind swirled. The wretched girl never listened to her. Hence, she would not agree with her to make this auntie leave.

    However, if she were to find ways to force this auntie to leave and the auntie wanted to leave on her own ord, the Zhai family would not have a choice then, no?

    When that time came, the Zhai family would need someone to take care of the grocery shopping and preparing meals.

    She had been handling these chores for more than ten years, even before she got married. They were not difficult at all.

    As long as the Zhai family gave her the money that they were supposed to spend on the auntie, she would take care of all the Zhai family¡¯s meals.

    Ding Jiayi was only concerned about getting money and looked down on the auntie. She did not consider at all whether it was really so easy to earn money from the boss that she would be working for.

    Regardless of how nice the Zhai family was, the chores done by the auntie were definitely not as few as what Ding Jiayi thought. There were many more chores that she had to handle.

 Chapter 1166 - Double the Earnings

    <h4>Chapter 1166 Double the Earnings</h4>

    Moreover, no matter how poor her rtionship with Qiao Nan was or how much the Zhai family disliked her, Ding Jiayi¡¯s identity as the inw of the Zhai family was a fact that would never change.

    Which family would be so moronic as to hire the inw as an auntie to do household chores and pay her?

    Ding Jiayi felt that this was not a big deal but the Zhai family could not afford to lose this face.

    The auntie, who received a sudden scolding for no apparent reason, was so angry that her face turned red. She almost threw the phone in her hand out of the house.

    She had been working for the Zhai family for so many years. As such, she had received numerous phone calls and encountered people of various backgrounds.

    Even the true prominent figures had been polite to a housekeeper like her. Ding Jiayi was a lousy one that she did not even look up to, yet how dare she re up at her? ¡°Pey! Why are you so shameless? It¡¯s not as if you¡¯re paying me. Even if it¡¯s a waste, it won¡¯t be wasted on you. You¡¯re so shameless to say all these. You¡¯re treating other people¡¯s money as your own money, right?!¡±

    This auntie of the Zhai family had heard about what kind of person Ding Jiayi was.

    ¡°What exactly is the matter? If there is nothing, I am hanging up.¡±

    Knowing that Ding Jiayi was a good-for-nothing, the auntie could not be bothered to be angry with her. No matter what Ding Jiayi did, she did not have the capability to personallye to the Zhai family to mess around.

    ¡°You!¡± Ding Jiayi did not expect that the housekeeper hired and paid by the Zhai family dared to be so hostile to her. It must be that wretched girl. She must have been badmouthing her in front of the Zhai family whenever she could to the point she had to be spat at by this housekeeper now. ¡°I am not looking for you. I am looking for my daughter. Ask her toe over and pass the phone to her. I have something to say to her.¡±

    The person at the other end of the phone was just a helper. She would not waste energy and devalue herself by arguing with a helper.

    When that wretched girl took the call, she would see how to deal with that wretched girl then.

    That audacious small fly cum housekeeper! She would get the wretched girl to fire herter.

    The auntie seemed to have heard an extremely amusing joke. ¡°Hahaha, are you joking with me? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know what Nan Nan¡¯s current health situation is? Alright. Speak if you have any matter. If not, I am hanging up.¡±

    The old master and chief had already given her instructions. For any phone calls made by the Qiao family, if the caller was Qiao Dongliang, it would depend on Qiao Nan¡¯s mood whether she wanted to take the call.

    Besides Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan would not take any calls, be it from Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi. The whole Zhai family was also not willing to take such calls.

    With the backing of the old master and chief, the auntie was fearless in making Ding Jiayi lose face. ¡°Are you going to speak or not? If not, I am hanging up. I am busy right now.¡± The soup that she was stewing for Qiao Nan was still on the stove. She had to turn down the fire.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Ding Jiayi widened her re. ¡°Do you know who I am?!¡± She was the wretched girl¡¯s biological mother. The wretched girl had the capability and rights to chase this stinky auntie out of the Zhai family. The Zhai family would not stop her either.

    ¡°Let me remind you. My daughter¡¯s womb is carrying the precious grandchildren of the Zhai family!!¡±

    The status of the pregnant Qiao Nan must be the highest in the Zhai family.

    The high status of Qiao Nan meant that she was also an important figure that the Zhai family cared about.

    This was just a housekeeper and she dared to be at odds with her. She must be mad!

    ¡°Pfft!¡± The auntie was both amused and angry. ¡°Really... I am giving you onest chance. What exactly is the matter? If you¡¯re not telling me, I am going to hang up.¡± She was so shameless to have said those things. This shameless one also had to treat her with respect now.

    After talking for so long, the other party did not buy it at all. Moreover, her tone was increasingly disdainful. Ding Jiayi was enraged.

    The auntie heard noises of Ding Jiayi grinding her teething from the phone. ¡°Her father had bought gold bracelets for the two children in her womb. He spent 6,700 yuan for that.¡±

    As for the rest of the matters, Ding Jiayi believed that Qiao Nan would understand even if she did not say it.

    ¡°You want money.¡± At the very least, the auntie understood her words. ¡°Fine. I know about this now. I will let Nan Nan know. As to what Nan Nan intends to do, wait for Nan Nan¡¯s call.¡±

    Obviously, she felt that she had spent too much money and wanted her married daughter to subsidize a little.

    In that case, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang would not suffer any financial loss. At the same time, they had put on a good show as maternal grandparents. What a good n!

    However, this kind of situation was not umon. After witnessing the more ¡®top-notch¡¯ stuff that Ding Jiayi had done before, this situation was indeed a child¡¯s y inparison. There was nothing to be angry about.

    ¡°6,700 yuan?¡± Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows. ¡°Is it real or fake? If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, recently, gold price is about three hundred yuan each gram. So as to speak, Uncle Qiao bought twenty grams of gold.¡± Even if there were two of them, on average, one gold bracelet was just about ten grams.

    Typically, those for kids were not so heavy.

    This weight was enough to make a big bracelet¡ªthe slimmer type¡ªfor ady. It was a tad too heavy to buy those for children. ¡°Is it two bracelets or two sets of gold jewelry?¡± Otherwise, the quantity and amount did not match.

    Newborns were tiny and delicate.

    There was a superstition that things like gold jewelry could keep them safe. That was also to express the elder¡¯s blessing and love for the juniors.

    If it was too heavy, it would be pressing on the children and make them feel tired. That would not be nice then.

    Hence, regardless of whether one was wealthy, typically, the gold jewelry that they bought for young children would not be too heavy.

    In particr, given the Qiao family¡¯s situation, they were generous enough to be willing to buy some gold jewelry for her little nephew and niece. However, they bought something that cost almost 6,700 yuan at once. Did Uncle Qiao strike a lottery and be rich?

    The auntie nodded. ¡°That was what Ding Jiayi said.¡± She was also very shocked that the Qiao family suddenly became so generous. They paid almost 7,000 yuan for something so casually.

    The auntie cast a weak nce at Qiao Nan. It was not because of other reasons. The auntie had heard before that the Qiao family used all their family savings for Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies. The problem was that Qiao Nan probably did not spend anything close to 7,000 yuan in total for the many years that she lived with the Qiao family.

    Facing the auntie¡¯s evasive eyes, Qiao Nan gave a bitter smile. ¡°All of you don¡¯t need to behave like that. I grew up in that family. Can I not know the temperaments of the people in that family? Also, Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t believe in the price of 6,700 yuan. Most probably, we have to give a discount to the actual amount. My mom¡¯s words today are already considered very restrained.¡±

    Qiao Nan really did not wish to bring up this kind of trick anymore.

    In her previous life, Ding Jiayi had always used the tactic of inting the amount to settle scores with Qiao Nan. She then dug out all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money. If it was not enough, she would force Qiao Nan to find a few more part-time jobs until she could achieve the sum that she ¡®reported¡¯.

    ¡°I-it could not possibly be?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The auntie was shocked and dumbstruck. Zhai Hua also seemed to have been struck by a rod. ¡°So, they bought these items for the babies on their own ord, yet they want to get it back from us and double their earnings?¡±

 Chapter 1167 - Going to Deliver the Babies

    1167 Going to Deliver the Babies

    Was this still a gift?

    Damn. This was obviously a highway robbery!

    That was too vicious!

    The auntie said, ¡°Everyone knows the current gold price. Although there are geographical differences, the prices will not deviate too much. She told us this figure now, but won¡¯t we find out when we receive the gold jewelry?¡± Is it meaningful to tell such a lie? It will be exposed too easily, no?

    Qiao Nan gave a wry smile. ¡°My mom will not admit it even if I see through her ploy. At most, she will throw me words and tell me to take it that I am being filial to my parents by giving more money than the actual cost. We can forget about getting back the money after it goes into her pocket. Most likely, my dad doesn¡¯t have anything to do with this 6,700 yuan.¡±

    Her father would not be able to bring himself to buy something for his maternal grandchildren and then call his daughter to ask for twice the sum of money spent. ¡°If I did not guess it wrong, my mom made this call behind my dad¡¯s back. My dad is not aware of it.¡±

    In other words, if she really subsidized this 6,700 yuan, it would end up in her mother¡¯s pocket. Her father would not have the chance to touch a single cent of it.

    ¡°To gain something without risking anything of one¡¯s own!¡± Zhai Hua took her hat off to Ding Jiayi. Earning so much despite not putting in any capital. Since Ding Jiayi was so high and mighty, why was she not in heaven?!

    Zhai Hua, who had been ¡®traumatized¡¯, drank some water to calm herself down. ¡°Qiao Nan, how are you going to handle this matter?¡±

    She could not ept it if they were to really going to pay Ding Jiayi 6,700 yuan.

    Zhai Hua was furious. As the party concerned, Qiao Nan was extremely calm. ¡°There is no hurry in this matter. My dad is the one who paid for these items. Even if I really want to subsidize, I will pay my dad. I didn¡¯t receive a single cent from my dad when I got married. The problem is that my dad still has anotherdy to marry off.¡±

    Regardless of how much money her father spent, she had to pay him back.

    Qiao Zijin was going to get married one day and she would demand a lot of dowries. When the time came and her parents could not afford the dowry, she did not want a situation of Qiao Zijin ming her and saying that she had spent all the family¡¯s money.

    Zhai Hua was breathing more normally now. ¡°I agree. We will do that then.¡± They should pass the money to Uncle Qiao. No matter how muddleheaded Uncle Qiao was, he was much better than Ding Jiayi.

    At the very least, Uncle Qiao was not the type of person who would take other people¡¯s money for granted or liked to ask for the sky.

    After discussing the situation of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. She ced her hands on her womb and panted continuously.

    ¡°Why? Are you going to give birth soon?¡± Zhai Hua asked as she held on Qiao Nan nervously.

    Qiao Nan had been pregnant for eight months. The Zhai family, especially Zhai Hua, had simply gone into a state of alertness. Zhai Hua dared not leave Qiao Nan¡¯s side at all.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be nervous. I don¡¯t think I am giving birth soon. It¡¯s just the Braxton-hicks contraction during pregnancy. I¡¯ll be fine after a while.¡± This was not the first time that Qiao Nan encountered the situation. Hence, she did not panic.

    She had done so much research. Qiao Nan was aware that unless she was bleeding or the water bag had broken, it was not the symptoms of childbirth.

    ¡°It has been tough on you.¡± Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s high and tall womb, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Nan.

    The longer a child remained in the mother¡¯s womb, the stronger he would be.

    The babies were so fortunate. It was just that it had been tough on Qiao Nan, this biological mother.

    Qiao Nan had been very careful during her pregnancy. In two lifetimes, she finally had a child. No one ced greater importance than Qiao Nan on the children in her womb.

    However, no matter how careful Qiao Nan was, the situation of having twins was too difficult. When it was the end of September, Qiao Nan, who was reading, suddenly felt wetness below her buttocks. She reached out and touched it.

    The water that she touched felt different. This made Qiao Nan¡¯s heart and liver tremble. ¡°Sister... Sister Zhai Hua!¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s trembling and off-pitched voice summoned Zhai Hua. ¡°What happened? I have finished cutting the fruits. Try it and see if it tastes good?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, my... my water bag broke. I... I am going to give birth!¡± No matter how calm she normally was, when this moment really came, Qiao Nan was so scared that her face turned as white as a sheet. She almost cried out. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it¡¯s not nine months yet. Howe?¡±

    She had thought that her children would stay in her womb for a longer time!

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic. Don¡¯t be afraid. You are already doing very well. Remember that the doctor said that some pregnantdies have premature births seven or eight months into their pregnancy despite having only one child in the womb. Many babies were born nine instead of the full ten months into the pregnancy, and these children are all very healthy. You¡¯re doing very well. I will be by your side. Nothing will happen to you. The babies and you will be alright.¡±

    Zhai Hua was also in a flurry. Her mind seemed to have been entangled.

    In the past, when she carried out missions, Zhai Hua did not even blink when she shot the enemy dead personally. Her sister-inw was going to give birth soon, and Zhai Hua¡¯s tanned face actually turned whitish. ¡°Auntie, quickly... quickly call the hospital. Also, get the chauffeur to drive the car out. We are going to the hospital immediately!¡±

    She should not have allowed Qiao Nan to be so willful. When Qiao Nan was nine months¡¯ pregnant, she should have arranged for Qiao Nan to be hospitalized to prepare for childbirth. Clearly, the doctor had reminded them that Nan Nan was carrying twins and would certainly give birth earlier.

    At this moment, Zhai Hua dared not drive the car at all. She could only get someone else to drive it.

    She was afraid that she would be too worried about Qiao Nan and the children, and if her hands were to tremble, something would happen when she was driving.

    ¡°Zhai Hua, I have already contacted the hospital. Once we arrive at the hospital, Nan Nan can enter the delivery room. Should I help you hold on to Nan Nan as we leave the house?¡± The auntie was in a much better state than Zhai Hua. However, it was inevitable that she also felt nervous.

    It was really because Qiao Nan and the children in her womb were too precious. They could not afford to have an ident.

    Qiao Nan disliked staying in the hospital. She hated the smell there. As soon as she stepped into the hospital, she would pant and feel suffocated. That was the reason that she insisted to stay at home to care for her pregnancy despite being nine months pregnant.

    However, to y safe, Zhai Hua made Qiao Nan move from the second to the first floor of the house. That would save the trouble and danger of Qiao Nan having to go up and down the stairs. Hence, the auntie dared to volunteer to support Qiao Nan outside with Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua shook her head. ¡°No need. I have a lot of strength. I can carry Qiao Nan alone. Help us open the door.¡±

    This was the first time Zhai Hua carried someone in this way. She had given this ¡®hug¡¯ to Qiao Nan and thetter¡¯s babies.

    Seeing that there was really water on Qiao Nan¡¯s seat, Zhai Hua was so scared that her arms¡¯ strength increased.

    Zhai Hua carried Qiao Nan into the car. The auntie was holding Qiao Nan¡¯s belongings. ¡°Alright. Quickly make your way to the hospital. Remember, fast and steady. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The chauffeur looked strict and solemn. He then disyed his driving skills and steadily rushed to the hospital as fast as he could.

    Zhai Hua carried Qiao Nan down the car. The nurses in the hospital were already waiting at the entrance with the hospital bed.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Besides the nurses and doctor, Tian Dong was also standing by the bedside. Tian Dong received the call of Doctor Wei, his old ssmate cum senior, and rushed directly from thepany to the hospital.

 Chapter 1168 - I Will Accompany You throughout Your Labor

    1168 I Will Apany You throughout Your Labor

    Tian Dong had been busy with work recently and did not have much time to apany Zhai Hua.

    Tian Dong knew that Zhai Hua was very concerned about Qiao Nan, so no matter how busy he was, he would definitely make time to apany them, especially at times like this. It was as if his wife was going intobor and he was going to be a father.

    It was September now. The National Day was around the corner. Zhai Yaohui must be very busy.

    What was worrying was that even though Miao Jing could not bear to leave Qiao Nan at home, she had to apany Zhai Yaohui on his work trip and could not take care of Qiao Nan.

    Once Miao Jing left, apart from the auntie, the only person left at home was Zhai Hua. She was still a singledy who knew nothing about childbirth. Miao Jing could not help but worry.

    Thankfully, Tian Dong volunteered to help. He promised that he would look out for Qiao Nan and her babies and he would liaise with the hospital and the doctors. He assured Miao Jing that nothing would go wrong. That was why Miao Jing finally agreed to leave with Zhai Yaohui.

    Tian Dong meant his words. Once he knew that Qiao Nan was going intobor, he put aside all his work and dashed to the hospital to make the necessary arrangements for Qiao Nan.

    Tian Dong wanted to show the Zhai family that Zhai Hua¡¯s rtives were his rtives as well.

    He would treat the people whom Zhai Hua valued and cared for with utmost importance because he cherished and valued Zhai Hua and was sincere to her.

    He loved Zhai Hua. Therefore, he was willing to give his love and time to the people that Zhai Hua cared for and loved.

    It was as simple as that.

    Seconds ago, Zhai Hua was still in a panic, but she calmed down instantly at the sight of Tian Dong. ¡°I have read a lot of books on childbirth. Can we not do a cesarean?¡± She heard that it would be very painful.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Tian Dong held onto Zhai Hua¡¯s hands as he gave his definite reply. Her hands were not smooth but rough.

    Tian Dong had shaken the hands of many people, both men and women, during his course of work, but no single handshake was able to make his heart flutter and beat faster.

    He merely held her hands and he was so affected by it. Tian Dong had a bitter yet sweet smile on his face. From a young age, it was destined that he would not be able to escape from this little hoyden!

    ¡°I have made arrangements with the doctor. Everything will be alright.¡±

    Zhai Hua let out a long breath. She shook her hands free from Tian Dong¡¯s hold and leaned against Qiao Nan¡¯s bedside. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be afraid. I will be by your side.¡± She was going to apany her throughout herbor!

    Tian Dong felt hurt that Zhai Hua left his side now that she no longer needed hisfort. He looked sadly at her back. He had no other choice but followed after her. ¡°Are you going into the delivery room with Qiao Nan? I don¡¯t think that is a good idea.¡± He heard that people who went into the delivery room would have a phobia toward childbirth.

    This usually happened to the fathers of the babies.

    Tian Dong was worried that it would leave a phobia on Zhai Hua and she would not be willing to experience childbirth in the future.

    As a traditional man, Tian Dong loved kids. He did not want Zhai Hua to go through the torture, but he had to realize his parents¡¯ dreams of having a grandchild. His parents were already advanced in years.

    ¡°No, I have to apany Qiao Nan. Otherwise, I won¡¯t have peace of mind.¡± Zhai Hua was determined to go into the delivery room with Qiao Nan. She held onto her hands. ¡°Nan Nan has suffered a lot after marrying Zhai Sheng.¡±

    It was indeed true that military wives would have different married lives aspared to other women.

    But the problem was other military wives would have their mothers-inw to apany them into the delivery room. They were experienced and would be able to take care of them. However, Qiao Nan had no one with her except an inexperienced sister-inw.

    As for the Qiao family, they could not be counted upon to help.

    Qiao Nan had no affinity with her parental family in this life. She only hoped to marry a good man and lead a happy life, receiving the love that she was not able to have in her parental family.

    However, the Zhai family did not really take good care of Qiao Nan.

    Under normal circumstances, if a daughter-inw was pregnant with twins, she would be waited upon as if she was the queen. But Nan Nan only had her sister-inw with her when she was due for delivery.

    Tian Dong smiled. In other people¡¯s opinions, the Zhai family was beyond their reach, but once they were rted to them, a good life would be awaiting them. However, Zhai Hua had made it sound as if marrying into the Zhai family was a totally different situation.

    Tian Dong did not rebut her.

    He knew that for people who were after the influence and power that the Zhai family held, it was true that being rted to them would mean a good life ahead.

    But in Qiao Nan¡¯s case, she was simple and pure, and she only wanted to lead a happy and blissful life. She did not ask for much. In that case, what Zhai Hua said was very true.

    Qiao Nan felt immense and excruciating pain. She feared that she might die from the unbearable pain. Although she had heard that childbirth was a painful process, she had to experience it to know the severity of the pain.

    Qiao Nan, who broke out in a cold sweat, said through clenched teeth, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, there is no need to apany me. I-I can do it by myself.¡±

    Qiao Nan was worried that the childbirth process would frighten Zhai Hua. Since she was unmarried, she would not have the courage to go into the delivery room. ¡°Tian Dong, Sister Zhai Hua is being too reckless. Y-you have to keep a good watch on her. I-I can do it by myself. I am telling the truth. Trust me.¡±

    Qiao Nan trusted that Tian Dong had made all the necessary arrangements with the hospital and doctors and made sure that she was well taken care of.

    She knew that she did not need to go through the pain that other pregnantdies had to go through.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Tian Dong breathed a sigh of relief. He was d that Qiao Nan was so considerate. He held Zhai Hua by her shoulders. ¡°I will keep a good watch on Zhai Hua.¡± He made a double-edged remark in reply to Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua is not that easy to deal with. I hope that you are serious.¡± What happened in the previous life was too far away for her to remember. She could not remember what happened to the Zhai family either.

    She was not sure if Sister Zhai Hua saw through Wei De¡¯s true colors and whether she was still single when Tian Dong returned to China several yearster.

    But in this life, it seemed that Zhai Hua and Tian Dong would have a good start. She hoped that Sister Zhai Hua would find her happiness and would have a happy ending, leading a happy life.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t speak nonsense. Don¡¯t frighten me.¡± Zhai Hua understood the conversation between Qiao Nan and Tian Dong, but this caused her to panic further. She had the impression that Qiao Nan was saying herst words. Before Qiao Nan went into the delivery room, she had to ensure that Zhai Hua would have a happy married life in the future.

    Tian Dong felt touched. He was thankful that Qiao Nan would be thinking of Zhai Hua¡¯s best interests at this critical moment. ¡°Zhai Hua, don¡¯t worry. Everything will be fine. We must trust that Qiao Nan will be strong. Zhai Sheng is not back yet. When he is back next time, he will be able to see his children.¡±

    While Tian Dong was reassuring Zhai Hua, the nurses opened the door to the delivery room and Qiao Nan was pushed into the room.

    Tian Dong held onto Zhai Hua. She could only watch helplessly as the lonely Qiao Nanid on the white bedsheets and was pushed by the doctor and nurses into the delivery room.

 Chapter 1169 - The Arrival of the Three Babies

    <h4>1169 The Arrival of the Three Babies</h4>

    ¡°When I give birth in the future, my husband must apany me. He has to face it with me!¡±

    Qiao Nan must be full of anxiety and worry. She had no wish to go through all these by herself. She was not as strong and as brave as she thought.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely be by your side. I won¡¯t let you face this by yourself. I am different from Zhai Sheng. I will be able to stay by your side.¡± He would be by her side from the first day when she was pregnant until the day the baby was delivered. He would help take care of the baby and watch as the child grew up.

    Qiao Nan was due for delivery. Zhai Hua had no idea who she should inform and whether the other party would answer her call. ¡°Why is it so quiet?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. This might be good news.¡± Tian Dong was not experienced either. He had no idea what would happen during childbirth.

    Nevertheless, he had to reassure Zhai Hua. Seconds ago, she was worried that it was so quiet, but secondster, she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s cry of pain.

    Qiao Nan was behind closed doors. Zhai Hua could barely hear what was going on in the delivery room or what the doctor was telling the nurses. She leaned against the door, trying to figure out what was happening. Qiao Nan¡¯s cry of pain was the only sound that she could hear.

    ¡°Take a seat. I heard that the childbirth process will take some time. Some pregnantdies took twenty-four hours to give birth to their child. Qiao Nan and the babies will be alright. You will definitely be an auntie. Are you hungry? Shall I buy some food for you?¡± Tian Dong checked the time. He was worried that Zhai Hua would be hungry. He did not wait for her response. After Zhai Hua took a seat, he bought some food and drinks and returned as soon as possible.

    Tian Dong handed the food to Zhai Hua. Although she held the bread in her hands, Zhai Hua was not in the mood to eat anything. Instead, she drank some mineral water. ¡°I am not hungry. I really have no appetite. Let¡¯s wait untilter.¡±

    Tian Dong was helpless. He could do nothing but wait with her.

    There were some noises in the delivery room three to four hourster. A loud wailing sound made by the baby brought hope and joy to Zhai Hua¡¯s face. She cried in happiness. ¡°I am an auntie. I will be an auntie in the future. Qiao Nan has delivered the baby!¡±

    Zhai Hua was exhrated. She grabbed Tian Dong¡¯s hands tightly. He did not mind that it hurt. ¡°Yes, you are an auntie and Zhai Sheng is a father. There is one more baby yet to be delivered. Qiao Nan will be out very soon.¡± Now that the first baby was delivered, the second baby should be delivered very soon as well.

    As expected, the cries of a baby could be heard from the delivery room half an hourter. But the cries sounded somewhat different.

    ¡°She has made it. She has finally made it!¡± Zhai Hua felt reassured when she heard cries of another babying from the delivery room. She rxed and copsed, all the tension gone from her body.

    Fortunately, Tian Dong caught her in time. Otherwise, she might have a bad fall. ¡°It has been some time. Why aren¡¯t they out yet? Aren¡¯t they going to show me my nephew and niece?¡±

    Ever since they knew that Qiao Nan had twins, the mostmon topic discussed in the Zhai family would be whether they were boys or girls.

    In Zhai Hua¡¯s opinion, it was best to have a boy and a girl.

    ¡°I have no idea. Perhaps they need time to clean up.¡± Tian Dong frowned. He could feel that something was amiss. The nurses should have brought the babies out to show the family after they were delivered.

    Zhai Hua was waiting anxiously for the nurses to bring the babies to her. She had no idea that it was sheer chaos in the delivery room. ¡°My goodness, the pregnantdy has triplets. There is one more baby in her womb, but the mother is drained of all energy after giving birth to two babies. She is unconscious.¡±

    The water bag had broken. If they dyed further, once the fluid was drained, the third baby would be in danger.

    It would be detrimental to the mother as well.

    The doctor and nurses knew that Qiao Nan was from the Zhai family. Nothing must happen to Qiao Nan or the babies.

    The problem was nobody knew that Qiao Nan was carrying triplets!

    As her first natural delivery and first childbirth, it was considered a smooth delivery to give birth to her first baby in four hours.

    But things would be different as she had to give birth to another child right away.

    It was much more strenuous for the mother to give birth to two babies aspared to one baby.

    ¡°Doctor, what do we do now? The mother is still unconscious.¡± The nurses tried to wake Qiao Nan up, but it was in vain. Qiao Nan¡¯s vital statistics did not look good. The nurses were anxious.

    ¡°Doctor, shall we ask the family members to sign an agreement form to perform a cesarean? Otherwise, the third baby and the mother would be in danger.¡± This could not drag any further.

    ¡°No.¡± The doctor shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous. Can someone go out to get the family member toe in or to carry the child to the mother? The mother has to wake up to give birth to the third baby. We have to hurry.¡± It was still possible to deliver the third child. They must hurry!

    Zhai Hua was stunned upon hearing the news. ¡°Is my sister-inw alright? Is she in grave danger?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk further. What is important now is that the mother wakes up as soon as possible and gives birth to thest baby. Otherwise, the third child may be in danger and it will be detrimental to the mother¡¯s health.¡± The nurse made Zhai Hua went through the disinfection process and she changed into a proper outfit to enter the delivery room.

    Zhai Hua sucked in her breath, looking pale and serious.

    One of the nurses handed one of the babies to Zhai Hua. The baby was so soft and tiny. He did not seem to have bones and felt like a ball of flesh. Zhai Hua cradled the baby in her arms and walked to stand beside Qiao Nan. She ced the tiny red hands of the baby onto Qiao Nan¡¯s face. ¡°Nan Nan, you must wake up as soon as possible. We are going to have three babies instead of two babies at home. You have one more baby in your womb. If you don¡¯t wake up now, we will not be able to keep the third baby. You must not give up.¡±

    The baby was wrapped in a white towel. He started crying beside Qiao Nan for no reason.

    Qiao Nan frowned slightly and moved her lips, as if calling out to the baby.

    The doctor and the nurses were relieved. ¡°The mother is awake. Hurry! There is one more child to deliver!¡±

    Qiao Nan finally gave birth to the third child amid the wailing sounds of the baby. The third child was smaller than the previous two babies and it did not cry as loud as the previous babies.

    The third baby whimpered softly like a tiny kitten.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have done it. You have given birth to three babies. They are doing fine. You are amazing!¡±

 Chapter 1170 - Mass Production

    1170 Mass Production

    Qiao Nan could hear faint sounds of Zhai Hua¡¯s voice as she spoke to her. She tried her best to use herst ounce of energy to give birth to thest baby. Now that the baby was delivered, she rxed, curling the corners of her lips. She could finally drift off to sleep with peace of mind.

    It was too exhausting to give birth to three babies!

    ¡°Give me the baby. The baby will feel ufortable at the way you are holding them. But there is no hurry. You can take your time to learn the correct way.¡± Everyone in the delivery room felt relieved. The nurse took the baby from Zhai Hua so that the doctor could examine them.

    Some of the nurses cleaned up Qiao Nan, while some helped take care of the three babies.

    The doctor smiled at Zhai Hua after examining the babies. ¡°Congrattions. They are triplets. The first-born and the second-born are boys while the third-born is a girl.¡±

    ¡°Three babies! Are there really three of them?!¡± Zhai Hua felt dizzy when she stared at the three babies who were wrapped nicely in towels and ced on the table side by side. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that there are only two of them?¡± Zhai Hua was so overjoyed that she behaved like a child. She lifted three fingers but she was, in fact, talking about two babies.

    ¡°It could be that we did not notice them during the checkup. We usually determine the number of babies based on the fetal heartbeat. There would be instances where the fetal heartbeats are identical.¡± The machine and technology were not as advanced and urate. But she believed that it would be more urate in the future. ¡°Nevertheless, congrattions. We have gotten through a daunting experience without mishap. Congrattions to the arrival of the three babies.¡±

    They were blessed to have two sons and one daughter.

    Zhai Hua patted her face, feeling pain in her face. It was then that she was certain that she had not been dreaming. It was the truth that she had two nephews and one niece. ¡°Doctor, what about the babies? Is everything alright with them?¡±

    It was no wonder that she had the feeling that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy wasrger than usual. It was as if her tummy was transparent and was about to burst. As a result, she would often have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night.

    It turned out that Qiao Nan might be slim, but her tummy was able to contain three babies!

    Previously, she was worried that Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy was toorge and the babies might be overnourished. Now, Zhai Hua was worried that the three babies did not have enough nutrition and that they were underdeveloped.

    In normal cases, pregnantdies would take in food that was sufficient for two people.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s case, she had to take in food sufficient for four people!

    It was almost the size of a family.

    The three babies had to depend on Qiao Nan to provide nutrition for them. Zhai Hua felt uneasy at the thought of that.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It is normal for mothers who carried more than one baby to have a premature delivery. The mother exercised and had been well-taken care of. She only went intobor in her ninth month. It was good enough. I have done a check on the three babies. Their hearts and lungs are functioning well and they are well-developed. They are considered to be fairly healthy.¡±

    Compared to the size of the baby in single child pregnancy, the three babies were indeed smaller in size.

    It did make a difference to share the nutrients among the three babies instead of having all the nutrition to oneself.

    ¡°Normal babies would weigh two and a half to three and a half kilograms. For your family, the elder brother weighs two thousand three hundred and fifty grams, and the younger brother weighs two thousand three hundred grams. The sister is the lightest. She weighs two thousand grams. I have helped deliver many triplets. Most of them are only about one thousand five hundred grams. Therefore, it goes to show that you have taken good care of the mother.¡±

    Zhai Hua sniffed. ¡°It is Nan Nan who is outstanding. She is fabulous. She is very smart and she does very well in her studies. She is the top humanities student in the college entrance examination and she is one of the top students at Peking University. Therefore, she will do a better job than others when she is pregnant!¡±

    Upon hearing the doctor¡¯s feedback about the babies, Zhai Hua was especially proud of Qiao Nan.

    If not for Qiao Nan, they might expedite the delivery and the babies would not be so healthy and strong.

    Although her nephews and niece were smaller than other babies, Nan Nan had done a very good job providing them with nutrition during her pregnancy.

    The three babies weighed up to a total of seven kilograms. It was no wonder that nearing her third trimester, Nan Nan would feel backache when shey down to sleep.

    Anyone who carried something that weighed a few kilograms on their waist would find it tiring and exhausting.

    Mothers were the greatest people in the world!

    ¡°Did she really have triplets?¡± Tian Dong was surprised when three reddish, wrinkled, and tiny babies were brought out of the delivery room. He thought that Qiao Nan carried twins. Therefore, he only prepared two sets of presents. In that case, he had to prepare another present for the third baby.

    Zhai Hua, who came out with the babies, cried while she smiled. ¡°Yes, Nan Nan is so fantastic. She has brought three babies to the Zhai family. Two of them are boys and one of them is a girl. She is fabulous. I-I am so grateful to her. Not only will I have nephews, but I will have a niece as well. I-I feel very much like crying. I cannot hold back my tears. What should I do?¡±

    Zhai Hua was crying uncontrobly.

    She had no idea why she would be so emotional and she could not stop crying at the sight of the three reddish and wrinkled babies.

    She only knew that the only thing that she felt like doing right now was to have a good cry.

    She was there by her side when her niece was brought to the world. She was the one who weed her to the world.

    The child was so adorable!

    ¡°I carried my nephew in my arms. Do you know he is so tiny and he is nestled in my arms? He is smaller than my arms. He is so soft that I dared not hug him.¡±

    ¡°I know. Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry.¡± Tian Dong¡¯s heart ached for Zhai Hua. He pulled her into an embrace and patted her lightly on the back, as if he was consoling a child. He did not mind that her tears had dirtied his expensive shirt. It was most probably ruined and he could not wear it anymore even after he washed it.

    He hugged her for about five minutes before he passed her a bottle of water. He unscrewed the cap for her and she gulped down the water, finishing the entire bottle. ¡°Hua Hua, it is mealtime now. Should you give a call to your parents to tell them the news? Perhaps you should try calling Zhai Sheng as well, telling him that he is a father of triplets.¡±

    Tian Dong felt envious at the mention of triplets.

    He was two years older than Zhai Sheng. He longed to be a father as well.

    The problem was the person he liked had yet to agree to marry him. He did not know when they would have kids. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng, who was two years younger than him, had be the father of three babies.

    The number of babies was...

    Was this a mass production?

    As a man, Tian Dong was full of envy. Zhai Sheng was indeed capable.

 Chapter 1171 - Prepared In Advance

    1171 Prepared In Advance

    Zhai Sheng was capable of having triplets. He would not admit that he was jealous of him!

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I will make a phone call first.¡± Zhai Hua reached her hand naturally toward Tian Dong, searching for his cell phone in his pants pocket.

    Tian Dong had resigned to fate. He nted his body so that it would be easier for Zhai Hua to take the cell phone.

    After getting Tian Dong¡¯s cell phone, the person that Zhai Hua called was not her mother or her brother. It was the auntie who sent Nan Nan to the hospital and went back home. ¡°Auntie, yes, it¡¯s me. Nan Nan has given birth to the babies. No, they are not twins, but triplets. Two brothers and one younger sister. Yes, you have to prepare more soup for Nan Nan. She will have a harder time in the future now that the babies are born.¡±

    Zhai Hua raised her head to gaze at Tian Dong after she ended the call.

    Tian Dong blushed slightly. ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Could it be that after seeing the triplets, she wanted to marry him so that they could have kids?

    The atmosphere was good. Zhai Hua reached her hand into Tian Dong¡¯s pants pocket again. Tian Dong¡¯s heart could not help but flutter and he steered his thoughts in that direction.

    ¡°I am not staring at you. Didn¡¯t you just return from your overseas study in America? You should know some ssmates in America. Do you have any knowledge about baby forms? Which country and which brand of baby form is the best?¡±

    Nan Nan had three babies at one go. If the auntie prepared a lot of tonics for Nan Nan, she would still be able to breastfeed them now that they were still young.

    When they grew older and had arger appetite, unless Nan Nan had a lot of milk, she would not be able to feed all her babies.

    If so, they would have to feed the babies with baby form.

    ¡°This...¡± Tian Dong was a man. He could not possibly know anything about baby forms.

    However, now that the topic was brought up, Tian Dong felt that there was a need to know more about it.

    Zhai Hua had been spending half her time in the army and half her time at the Zhai family¡¯s residence in the past half a year. In particr, since August, she would spend all her time at home.

    Tian Dong knew that Zhai Hua did that to take care of the heavily pregnant Qiao Nan.

    After Qiao Nan gave birth to babies, Zhai Hua would return to the army that she loved sooner orter.

    Tian Dong knew Zhai Hua well, and he had no wish to stop her from doing what she wanted.

    In other words, when they had their own child, Zhai Hua might return to the army as soon as shepleted her confinement. By then, Zhai Hua would not be able to feed the baby and their child would have to take baby form.

    If he did the research now to determine which brand of baby form had the most nutrients and was suitable for babies, he would not have a headache when he had a child with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Give me some time. You are not in a hurry. I will take some time to do research. I will seek advice and rmendations from the experts, and I will ask my friends overseas to buy them for me. I know of several friends who studied overseas in America, Australia, and other countries. We will buy whichever baby form that is the best.¡±

    Tian Dong had made up his mind to look up information on baby forms. He could start from Doctor Wei, who just returned from his overseas study.

    Even though he was not from the gynecology department, he would know more about this topic than him.

    ¡°This will do.¡± Zhai Hua nodded. ¡°Leave the cell phone with me. I still have to make a few phone calls. You can go ahead to do your research. Now that we have three babies at one go, it is better to decide on a baby form as soon as possible.¡±

    Aftering to a decision, they parted ways to do what they had agreed on. One of them went to search for the best baby form, while the other went to notify her family that Qiao Nan had triplets.

    Miao Jing was tired to the bones after attending events with Zhai Yaohui the entire day. She slumped on the bed as soon as she reached the hotel room.

    She wished that she could lie on the bed and there was no need for her to get up to have dinner. She longed for a good night¡¯s sleep to recharge herself.

    Just then, the cell phone in her bag rang. Miao Jing knitted her eyebrows. She might be tired, but she was worried that the phone call might be from her family.

    Miao Jing was constantly reminded of the fact that there was a pregnantdy at home and she might go intobor anytime.

    ¡°I¡¯ll answer it.¡± Zhai Yaohui knew that Miao Jing was tired. He came out from the restroom and took the cell phone out of the bag. He pressed the answer button. ¡°Is this Dongzi or Zhai Hua?¡±

    Now that Qiao Nan was pregnant, Zhai Hua no longer carried her cell phone with her. If needed, she would use other people¡¯s cell phones. Zhai Yaohui had been used to the fact that Tian Dong and his daughter would share Tian Dong¡¯s line.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui could hear the excited voice of his daughter from the other end of the phone. She was so loud that he felt a piercing pain in his ears. ¡°I know...¡±

    ¡°Is that Hua Hua?!¡± Miao Jing sat up right away. She ran to Zhai Yaohui and snatched the phone from him. ¡°Hua Hua, why did you call me at this time of the day? You should be at home to keep Nan Nanpany at this time. Why are you using Dongzi¡¯s phone?¡±

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan has given birth. I am at the hospital. The auntie will bring soup to the hospital in a while.¡±

    ¡°Given birth?!¡± Miao Jing straightened her back, shouting at the top of her voice. Her shouts were more deafening than Zhai Hua¡¯s screams. ¡°Has she really given birth? It is only September now. Twins? How many boys are there? Are there any girls?¡± There were many possibilities as Qiao Nan had twins.

    Even if she did not have any grandsons, Miao Jing would be equally happy to have two granddaughters. She would treat them like little princesses.

    ¡°Mom, Nan Nan has given you two grandsons and one granddaughter!¡±

    ¡°Ah, two grandsons, one grand... Wait a minute. I didn¡¯t hear clearly. Can you repeat yourself?¡± Miao Jing counted with her fingers and she stiffened. Did Hua Hua make a mistake? Shouldn¡¯t it be one grandson and one granddaughter? Or could it be that she was too excited that she had heard wrongly? It should be one grandson and one granddaughter instead of two grandsons and one granddaughter.

    ¡°Mom, triplets. It¡¯s triplets. We have an addition of three babies to our family today!¡± Zhai Hua knew that her mother must be feeling bewildered and confused. She felt the same way when she heard two babies crying and the nurse came out telling that there was another baby in the womb. ¡°Mom, I have two nephews and one niece. They are beautiful. They are so soft, and they look especially well!!¡±

    There was a loud noise on the other end of the phone. It was as if Miao Jing was too excited and the cell phone had dropped onto the floor.

    Fortunately, their room had a carpeted floor and hence the cell phone did not smash to pieces. Zhai Hua could faintly hear her mother shouting in joy. ¡°I have two grandsons and one granddaughter. I have three grandchildren. I want to go home to take a good look at my grandsons and granddaughter. I don¡¯t want to stay with you. I am going back to carry my grandsons and granddaughter!¡±

    Now that she had grandsons and granddaughter who smelled nice and were soft and tender, she could not be bothered with Zhai Yaohui, the old man!

 Chapter 1172 - Grandchildren Are the Bosses

    <h4>Chapter 1172 Grandchildren Are the Bosses</h4>

    When she heard that her daughter carried the babies before she did, Miao Jing was extremely upset. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. You have to be away for a business trip. Why does it have to be you when there are so many other people? I¡¯ve already said that I want to stay by Nan Nan¡¯s side. When Nan Nan gave birth, there were no elders with such experience to keep herpany by the side. She must have felt so scared and nervous. I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m going to buy a flight ticket now to go home. You can handle the subsequent matters alone!¡±

    At this moment, Miao Jing¡¯s resentment toward Zhai Yaohui was extreme.

    It was not just Miao Jing. Even Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face, which was as calm as a steady mountain, revealed an astounding smile. ¡°T-two grandsons and one granddaughter?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was considered an open-minded elder. If two granddaughters were born, he would have some regrets but that would certainly not affect his love for them.

    He was aware of Qiao Nan¡¯s family and life in the past. If Qiao Nan, like her mother, was destined to have only daughters, Zhai Yaohui was also prepared to treat these two granddaughters as treasures. He would love and care for them until the end of his life.

    Perhaps it was because Zhai Yaohui could already ept the worst-case scenario calmly. When he heard that two granddaughters had be two grandsons, and a granddaughter also came into his family, Zhai Yaohui felt himself going into a daze due to this huge and unexpected surprise. It was heaven¡¯s blessing.

    Granddaughters were good. Nevertheless, grandsons were even better!!!

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s happiness and excitement were not any less than Miao Jing¡¯s. Zhai Yaohui, who had started growing a mustache, was so affected that his mustache was curling up. Unfortunately, no one else had the chance to see such an interesting scene. Miao Jing, the only one who had the opportunity to do so, did not notice it at all.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go back. We¡¯ll go back together.¡± Momentster, Zhai Yaohui made this decision.

    ¡°Go back together?¡± Miao Jing was packing her luggage. She had even pressed the hotel¡¯s service call button and was waiting for the line to get through. Upon hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Miao Jing paused what she was doing. ¡°Are you sure? Have you finished your work?¡± If she did not remember wrongly, there were two or three more days to go before the end of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s work schedule.

    Zhai Yaohui flung his hands without a care in the world. ¡°The subsequent itinerary is not important. It¡¯s just showing face and saying a few polite words. If I am present, I can motivate people more. If I don¡¯t, it¡¯s not going to be a big issue either.¡±

    Nothing was more important than going back to see his grandchildren!

    Walking the talk, Zhai Yaohui took the phone over from Miao Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°Pack the luggage. I will make the call.¡±

    The husband and wife coborated and divided thebor. Miao Jing finished packing the luggage at her fastest speed, and Zhai Yaohui got someone to reserve two flight tickets with the earliest departure time to the capital.

    When the couple received the boarding pass and entered the boarding gate, the timing was just right. They boarded the flight half an hour before the departure.

    After boarding the flight, Zhai Yaohui requested for a nket from the air stewardess. He then used it to cover Miao Jing. ¡°You¡¯re tired. We should take about four hours to reach home. Take a nap, lest you have no strength to carry your grandchildren when you arrive at the hospital.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± After thinking, Miao Jing agreed.

    Miao Jing, whose heart was still unsettled, could not fall asleep when she first shut her eyes. She only nodded off after fifteen minutes.

    When the exhausted and drained Qiao Nan finally woke up from her deep and sweet dreams, she could hear a few people conversing by her side.

    ¡°My grandsons and granddaughter are so good looking. They look more beautiful than the average children. At first sight, I know they are very smart, just like their parents.¡±

    ¡°Intelligence is secondary. Look at their tiger-like manners. At one nce, you know they are soldier material. They will definitely be more promising than their father in the future. My great-granddaughter will be a top student material when she grows up too!¡± Old Master Zhai was bright and perky, his voice loud and booming. It was as if he had taken a pill made with a concoction of ten powerful tonics. He was full of enthusiasm. Even his tone sounded energetic.

    ¡°Good. Our family¡¯s offsprings are definitely good.¡± The two grandsons and one granddaughter were lying on the bed together. This was the first time Zhai Yaohui discovered that he could not see enough of them despite having once been part of the special forces with perfect eyesight.

    Qiao Nan, who had woken up, panted with pain when she moved.

    It was a kind of pain that was associated with overexerting of strength, draining of energy, and being torn apart.

    Fortunately, this kind of pain would be gone after enduring it for a while. When Qiao Nan moved again, she did not have other major reactions. The only thing that sent Qiao Nan into a panic was the feeling of hollowness in the once swollen and heavy tummy. It felt so light, as if it was weightless. Qiao Nan felt very uneasy and empty at heart.

    Whoever held something that weighed more than ten kilograms in the tummy and had it suddenly taken away would feel the tummy was now extremely light, as if it was floating up in the air.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re awake?¡± Zhai Hua had already ¡®upied¡¯ the three babies for a few hours. With the appearance of the three elders now, as the junior one, Zhai Hua had to move aside obediently. She left the best seat to the ¡®top superiors¡¯.

    As such, naturally, Zhai Hua was the first person to discover that Qiao Nan had woken up.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re awake. How are you? Do you feel unwell anywhere?¡± Miao Jing was seated beside Qiao Nan. That affectionate and caring look was more intimate than when she looked at her own daughter. ¡°You have to tell Mom if you feel unwell. Don¡¯t endure it. You¡¯re very good. Too brilliant. Now, our family has both grandson and granddaughter. Don¡¯t worry. These three babies are our Zhai family¡¯s precious bumps. We will treat the three of them equally and love and dote on them all.¡±

    Zhai Hua, who had been squeezed away by her biological mother, had imaginary ck lines all over her face. ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t you being too exaggerated? Mom, I am very curious. After the birth of the three babies, what is my ranking in your heart now?¡±

    She dared not even squeeze with the rest to be near the three babies. That was why she guarded Nan Nan by her side. Who would have known that her mother also wanted to snatch her ce as soon as Nan Nan woke up?

    The three babies and Nan Nan¡ªthere were a total of four of them, yet her mother refused to let her have any.

    She had gone overboard.

    ¡°What is your ranking? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. I can¡¯t count clearly.¡± Miao Jing very carelessly lost count. She said it so casually and was not afraid of hurting her own biological daughter with this attitude.

    Her daughter was good in all ways. In particr, she was very big-hearted and would not take issue with such small matters.

    Zhai Hua did not know whether tough or cry. Her mother did not mince her words. ¡°Nan Nan, do you feel hungry?¡±

    ¡°Children?¡± Qiao Nan, who had regained her senses, recalled the scene before she fainted. ¡°I remember that there are three children?¡± After giving birth to two, she was so exhausted that she just wanted to have a good sleep.

    Thereafter, she seemed to have heard Sister Zhai Hua saying that there was another one in her womb, and she had to urgently give birth to the third one. Otherwise, the child would die in her womb.

    Holding on to her breath, Qiao Nan then sobered up after much difficulty and exerted herst strength. After vaguely hearing the soft cry of a baby, she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 1173 - Most Wonderful Mother

    <h4>Chapter 1173 Most Wonderful Mother</h4>

    ¡°Yes, three. Nan Nan, you¡¯re the most wonderful mother.¡± Zhai Hua affirmed. ¡°See, you¡¯re now a mother of three. You have two sons and one daughter. You have both son and daughter! San Bao will definitely be the little princess of our family. Da Bao and Er Bao will definitely take good care of and not let anyone bully her.¡±

    It was only a few hours after the children were born, and as the auntie, Zhai Hua had already thought of their pet names.

    Three tiny treasures. The treasures of their Zhai family!

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think about the pet names? Are they good?¡± Zhai Hua was the auntie. By giving the three children pet names, she seemed to have poked her nose into something that was beyond her ¡®scope¡¯.

    After speaking out the pet names, Zhai Hua felt guilty. As the mother of the three children, Qiao Nan did not even have the chance toe up with the pet names.

    Most likely, the three children¡¯s official names would be given by Old Master Zhai, Zhai Yaohui, and Zhai Sheng.

    Looking at the three babies that she had held in her womb for nine months, Qiao Nan did not have the heart to mind why twins had be triplets. She had never been a mother in her previous life. She was so blessed to be able to give birth to three children all at once. Even if the babies did not look good at this moment, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was as soft as a puddle of water. ¡°The pet names given by Sister Zhai Hua are quite good. Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao. Sounds pleasant.¡±

    Three children. Together, they could be her auspicious trio.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? The names that I gave sound very nice.¡± Qiao Nan was not angry. Zhai Hua smiled and was no longer worried. She was then very proud of the names that she had given the three children. ¡°Look at the three treasures of our family. They are so good-looking. You are not aware. Now, many people know that you have given birth to triplets and have both son and daughter. Those people¡¯s eyes are red with jealousy!¡± Their Zhai family was so fortunate and prosperous!

    ¡°Yes, their eyes are all red.¡± It was a happy asion for Old Master Zhai to have three great-grandchildren. He was glowing with joy. Besides the neighbors, those old friends of his were so angry that they joined forces and boycotted him when they heard the news.

    Nowadays, children were very precious. Moreover, due to their identity, one family could only have one child. They werecking in either a son or a little cotton jacket. The country forbade them from having more children. No matter what, they were full of regrets.

    The tummy of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw was toopetent. She gave birth to triplets, and there were both son and daughter.

    Although the country had a national nning policy to control the number of times one gave birth, they could not control the number of babies in one birth!

    The matter had been resolved all at once. How could others not feel jealous? How could it not draw hatred?

    Furthermore, Old Master Zhai had three great-grandchildren at one go. Not all of Old Master Zhai¡¯s old friends were great-grandfathers yet. Some did not even have the fourth generation in their family.

    They did not even know when the fourth generation woulde, yet Old Master Zhai already had three great-grandchildren.

    As one could imagine, in his circle of friends, Old Master Zhai immediately became the one who received the most looks of disdain.

    If it was in the past, Old Master Zhai would definitely argue and fall out with these people when he received such treatment. The older one was, the more one behaved like a child. As one grew older, their temper also grew worse. They needed people to coax them and were fearless about having arguments.

    However, given today¡¯s situation, Old Master Zhai did not mind at all. No matter how badly his old friends rolled their eyes at him or how cold and sarcastic they were, he could endure all those.

    He was a big winner in life now, wasn¡¯t he? He not only had grandsons but also a granddaughter. He had a total of three, three!

    Old Master Zhai had beautiful thoughts. At first sight, his two great-grandsons looked very strong physically and were good soldier material. His granddaughter resembled her mother. Her brains were extremely smart and would be a top student in the future.

    In that case, in terms of both quantity and quality, the children of their Zhai family far exceeded that of other families.

    Tsk, tsk, tsk. When the triplets of their Zhai family went out under the sun, how suave would that be? Those old friends of his would feel so jealous!

    ¡°What about the name?¡± They already had pet names. Hence, Qiao Nan was concerned about the official names. ¡°Do we have to do a birth registration now?¡± They had to think of the names before they could do so.

    ¡°No hurry. Your dad and I will give you the names that we¡¯re most satisfied with tomorrow.¡± Old Master Zhai looked like he had taken a lot of good wine. His eyes were staring nonstop at the three wrinkled monkeys. Why was it that no matter how he looked, he felt that his family¡¯s offspring were so adorable? All the other children in the entire world were not as good-looking.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied enthusiastically. He was now a grandfather. Certainly, he had to give his grandchildren excellent names.

    Qiao Nan drank some of the soup prepared by the auntie. For the sake of breastfeeding, the soup that the auntie prepared for Qiao Nan was very nutritious but not too oily. It was just that this soup... did not contain any salt.

    Although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig running away.

    First-time mother Qiao Nan believed that the auntie had her reasons for not putting salt in the soup.

    Before she gave birth, perhaps Qiao Nan would have some expectations on the taste of the soup in order to satisfy her craving.

    Now, for the sake of her three children, she could gulp the salt-less soup into her tummy no matter how awful it tasted!

    ¡°Mom, when did you alle back?¡± With something in Qiao Nan¡¯s tummy now, she was more clear-minded. ¡°Aren¡¯t Dad and you supposed toe back in another few days? What time is it now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m so happy that I¡¯ve finally be a grandmother, so I came back with Old Zhai earlier. Don¡¯t worry. Old Zhai has almost finished his work. There won¡¯t be any problem.¡± She had seen the grandchildren that she had been yearning for. All of Miao Jing¡¯s fatigue went away, leaving her with boundless energy.

    At the thought that her three grandchildren would definitely need to drink a lot of milk, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry about anything when you are in the hospital. Mom will take care of any other matters. I will definitely ensure that you have good confinement and make you fair and chubby.¡± Most importantly, she would ensure that Nan Nan had a lot of breast milk.

    If Nan Nan had a lot of breast milk, her three tiny grandchildren would be fair and chubby in the future.

    Miao Jing¡¯s ultimate goal was to nourish her grandchildren until they were as beautiful as fluffy doughs. ¡°You went through natural birth. The doctor said that you have to stay in the hospital tonight. Mom will bring the children and you home tomorrow.¡±

    Both Qiao Nan and the children needed to rest. It was not good to have too many people surrounding them.

    Fortunately, the three children had been well-nourished in Qiao Nan¡¯s womb. Even the lightest baby weighed two kilograms and did not need to stay in the incubator.

    Based on the situation of Qiao Nan and the children, the doctor expressed that they could go home to rest tomorrow.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded obediently. If the doctor had not mentioned that it would be better to stay for the night, Qiao Nan would have wanted to go home immediately.

    Nowhere else was better than home, not to mention that Qiao Nan had always disliked the smell of the hospital.

 Chapter 1174 - Became the â€˜Milk Bottleâ€™ Henceforth

    <h4>Chapter 1174 Became the ¡®Milk Bottle¡¯ Henceforth</h4>

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was not a willful person. She had given birth to triplets. Certainly, it was tougher on her than on most typical mothers. It was necessary to stay in the hospital for one night to ensure her safety.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have a good rest then.¡± Miao Jing put Qiao Nan to bed and covered thetter with a light nket.

    It was the end of September now. The summer weather was not as hot as before. In particr, the hospital was different from other ces. It felt a little cold here although it was summer.

    This nket was necessary as Qiao Nan was in her confinement and could not take the cold. Otherwise, she would contract puerperal fever or women¡¯s health issues easily.

    Old Master Zhai stood up unwillingly. ¡°Okay. Have a good rest, the four of you. You will be able to go home tomorrow. Hua Hua, stay behind and take good care of Nan Nan and the three babies. Right, is the security of this hospital good? Will they lose the children?¡±

    Old Master Zhai was not speaking for no reason. A few days ago, Old Master Zhai read a news report that some children had been stolen from a hospital.

    At that time, Old Master Zhai was already furious although the news report did not have anything to do with his family. Now, Qiao Nan had given birth to triplets. Of course, Old Master Zhai was more concerned than anyone about the children¡¯s safety.

    ¡°Grandpa, you can rest assured. With me around, I will kill whoever dares to touch a strand of hair of our family¡¯s offspring. Moreover, this hospital was introduced by Dongzi. There shouldn¡¯t be any problem. If any ident urs, I will get Dongzi topensate us!¡± Zhai Hua was a youngster. Naturally, she would be the one remaining behind to stay overnight.

    Old Master Zhai could not afford to do so. Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had just finished their workmitment and rushed back via a red-eye flight. Their bodies would not be able to take the toll.

    ¡°Grandpa, Dad, and Mom, go home and rest. With Sister Zhai Hua around, nothing will happen. I have done all my medical checkups in this hospital when I was pregnant. There won¡¯t be any problem.¡± She would not bother too much about the process of giving birth. Much of the credit went to the hospital that the mother and all the babies were safe after the delivery. Qiao Nan had a lot of trust in the hospital introduced by Tian Dong.

    Miao Miao was also as reluctant to leave as Old Master Zhai. She revealed this emotion as she carefully touched the tiny fists of her granddaughter. The soft and tender feel of the tiny hand that was on the baby¡¯s face crumbled Miao Jing¡¯s heart. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be scared. Tomorrow, Mom will fetch you and the babies home.¡±

    ¡°Okay, sure.¡± Qiao Nan nodded seriously.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Miao Jing had said a few times that she would being to fetch Qiao Nan and the three babies tomorrow but her legs had not moved an inch. At the sight of this, Zhai Yaohui felt that this would not do. Anyway, they would be able to fetch the babies home tomorrow. As such, Zhai Yaohui simply half carried, half dragged, and ¡®kidnapped¡¯ Miao Jing away.

    Old Master Zhai was in a happy mood because of these three great-grandchildren. As to the ¡®flirting¡¯ between his son and daughter-inw, he did not take it to heart.

    When Old Master Zhai got into the car, he even sang the Beijing opera happily. ¡°This is the quintessence of our Chinese culture. When my great-grandchildren grow up, you have to pass it down to them!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui nced at the overjoyed Old Master Zhai. He could not bring himself to remind him that children nowadays did not fancy this anymore.

    In the future, his grandchildren would learn whatever they liked.

    Given the love and benevolence that the old master had toward his three little grandchildren, he did not believe that the old master would be so hard-hearted to go against their wishes.

    Fortunately, this day would only arrive many yearster.

    He would let the old master feel happy and be satisfied with his delusion for now.

    When the three babies grew up, they would naturally find ways to fight a battle of wits and courage with their great-grandfather. In the end, they would be the victors.

    As soon as the elders of the Zhai family left, Qiao Nan barely spoke to Zhai Hua before she fell asleep again.

    Perhaps it was because her three children were all by her side. Qiao Nan fell into a very deep slumber. Vaguely, she took in the faint smellsing from her babies.

    The babies were very soft and tiny. They leaned by her side and moved asionally like little worms. Qiao Nan, who was in a deep sleep, could not help revealing a smile that was as gentle as water and as warm as spring.

    When it was eight o¡¯clock the next morning, Miao Jing was already at the hospital. She could not wait to fetch Qiao Nan and the three babies home.

    Qiao Nan delivered three babies sessfully. When Miao Jing came, she brought many sweets and red eggs and distributed them to the nurses who took care of Qiao Nan and the babies, and the doctor who helped Qiao Nan gave birth on that day.

    When she finished distributing the huge bag of items, she washed her hands clean. She, Qiao Nan, and Zhai Hua then carried one baby each, boarded the car, and headed home.

    Before giving birth, Qiao Nan was staying on the ground floor.

    Now that she had finished giving birth, of course, Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom reverted to the second floor, which was the one that she stayed with Zhai Sheng.

    Once she entered the room, Qiao Nan felt that the room seemed a little unfamiliar. She had note upstairs to look at it for about two months.

    Due to this, Qiao Nan did not know when the Zhai family had set up the baby cribs in her and Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. She could tell that two of the baby cribs were very clean and tidy, with the items neatly ced. One of the cribs was a little messy.

    Undoubtedly, the Zhai family had prepared the two baby cribs that were neat and tidy long ago.

    Twins had be triplets. As expected, the messiest baby crib must have been added by the Zhai family in a hurry today.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do we put the three babies directly in the baby cribs or the adult¡¯s bed to sleep with you?¡± Miao Jing asked while carrying the baby girl in her arms.

    The three babies were still too tiny now and they would feel hungry frequently. They would cry whenever they peed, pooped, or felt hungry.

    If they were ced on the baby cribs, most likely, Qiao Nan would not be able to carry them over to her side.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you put them on my bed first?¡± Qiao Nan said with some hesitation. She had not taken care of a child before. She was totally inexperienced in this area. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s instinct told her that it was better to put the children near to her so that it would be easier to take care of them.

    ¡°Okay.¡± After receiving the answer, Miao Jing put the only girl of the family, which was soft and tender, on the bed carefully.

    The three babies moved their little heads, pursed their red, tiny mouths, and nted their heads. They were sleeping soundly.

    Before the three babies were discharged, Qiao Nan had already fed them. Hence, they were all very obedient now.

    Speaking of breastfeeding, it was a pain for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had never expected breast engorgement and stimting breast milk to be so painful. The pain was different from the one during childbirth, yet it was also overwhelming.

    There were two aunties in the hospital who were professional massagers and experts in stimting breast milk. The Zhai family was, of course, not petty to Qiao Nan. They had reserved every good service that the hospital offered.

    The professionals truly lived up to their name. They were not paid for nothing.

    After Qiao Nan was ready to breastfeed, her first drop of colostrum was fed to the onlydy, and the other to the second baby, Er Bao. Da Bao was the elder brother and he looked very ¡®strong¡¯. Hence, he could only suffer a little and not fight with his younger siblings for the colostrum.

 Chapter 1175 - A Motherâ€™s Concerns

    <h4>Chapter 1175 A Mother¡¯s Concerns</h4>

    ¡°Madam, the crucian carp soup is ready. I have added a lot of ingredients. It is very tasty.¡± The auntie carried the bowl of soup as she walked smilingly into the room.

    The crucian carp soup was most effective in increasing breast milk.

    There was an addition of three members to their family. The auntie had taken a close look at the three of them. From her experience, the two boys would grow up to be as handsome as Zhai Sheng, while the only girl would be as pretty as Nan Nan.

    The auntie was all smiles at the thought of how outstanding the three babies would grow up to be.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have the soup while it is hot.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up and she took the bowl of soup from the auntie. She blew on it to cool it down and wanted to feed Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan stiffened. ¡°Mom, there is no need to feed me. I can drink it by myself.¡± She merely gave birth to three babies. Her hands were still working, and she could feed herself.

    ¡°Will it be too tiring on you?¡± Miao Jing was concerned.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The two young people, Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua, were at a loss for words. How tiring would it be to have a bowl of soup? It would not drain one of its energy.

    Zhai Hua ced her nephew next to her niece. ¡°Mom, take things easy. Nan Nan is in good health. Apart from draining her energy when she gave birth to three babies, she is in good condition. Your behavior will frighten others. If Zhai Shenges back and sees this, he will think that something has happened to Nan Nan.¡± Her behavior would scare her family.

    ¡°Mom, Sister Zhai Hua is right. I am doing well. There is no need to feed me.¡± Apart from recovering after having three babies and she could not be exposed to wind, she was doing well and feeling good. Her condition was simr to how she was before she had the babies.

    The only difort would be that after not having her menses for nine months, her body would discharge lochia after childbirth. It felt simr to having her menses.

    However, her menses would end in less than a week.

    But she had no idea when her body would stop discharging lochia.

    Although the weather in September was not very warm, it was not cooling either. She could not take showers for an entire month despite discharging lochia. It felt as if she had menses but she could not take showers. The bloody smell made her particrly ufortable.

    ¡°Nan Nan, one has to refrain from taking showers during confinement. You must bear with it.¡± Miao Jing could tell right away what Qiao Nan was thinking about. After all, she had given birth to two children. ¡°The doctor said...¡±

    ¡°Mom, no! I can¡¯t stand it if I have to go through two months of confinement!¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s countenance changed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you apply for two months of leave for me? I will be done with the confinement at the end of October and I will be able to go back to school.¡± Qiao Nan was in a hurry to catch up with her studies and her sses that she had missed in the first half of the semester.

    ¡°You are indeed a studious student.¡± Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan with a baffled look on her face. She was definitely not as hardworking as Qiao Nan. ¡°Dongzi has taken down the lecture notes as well as the professor¡¯s teaching materials for September. He will continue to do so in October. If you are able to get back on tracks straight after childbirth, do you intend to catch up with the lessons that you have missed and sit for the final term exams as per normal? I feel that you can take a leave of absence for a year. By September next year, you can continue with your second-year sybus. It will not affect your studies. You should not overwork yourself.¡±

    She did not understand Qiao Nan at all. She could have taken the easy way out. Why did she insist on making things difficult for herself?

    And the most important thing was that the three babies were still very small.

    They were only one month old. If Qiao Nan went back to school, there would be no one to take care of them.

    Could it be that to Qiao Nan, her studies were more important than her three babies?

    If Qiao Nan took a leave of absence from the school for one year, she would have an easier time and she could make use of the one year to take care of her children. Wasn¡¯t this the best of both worlds?

    Qiao Nan shook her head, refusing her suggestion. ¡°The babies are still small. They know nothing but to eat, sleep, and cry. These are what they will be doing right now. The babies will only start to recognize faces when they are seven or eight months old. I would rather have a harder time now and work hard in my studies while they still could not recognize faces. When they are about two or three years old and need their mother, I will be able to be there for them.¡±

    As a military wife, it was expected that her husband would seldom be by her side.

    Simrly, as the children of the soldiers, their father would not y an active role in their lives either.

    Their father would be missing in arge part of their lives. They would be further devastated if their mother had to spend her days in school and could not be with them.

    She finally had her own children. She treasured her children more than anyone else.

    It was true that she had to make time for her children. But Qiao Nan had given it a serious thought. She knew which part of their growing up years was most crucial and it was then that they needed her around to guide and teach them.

    Zhai Hua had no way to rebut Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Huaughed at herself after a long while. ¡°You are indeed a mother. As their auntie, I have not given it a serious thought. I don¡¯t know whether I will be able to understand all these when I be a mother.¡±

    Nan Nan was right. For babies who were less than six months old, apart from sleeping and eating, they would do nothing else. They would be fine as long as they were well-fed and cleaned. The babies would not ask for their mother.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Qiao Nan felt worried as Zhai Hua agreed with her without any argument. ¡°Are you angry?¡± Nevertheless, she would stand by her decision.

    She cherished her children and she did not feel that her studies would be more important than her children¡¯s health.

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°I am not that petty. As long as you make sense, why would I be angry? You are their mother. You are right to make that decision. Nan Nan, it seems that you intend to graduate in less than four years?¡± This would be very difficult for her!

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan admitted honestly. ¡°I have this n in mind. When I began my college studies, I did not expect that I would be a mother within such a short time and that I would be a mother of three. I was willing to take my studies one step at a time and enjoy my four years of school life. I was thinking of taking things slowly and trying to the best of my ability. Now that I have three babies, nothing is more important than the triplets. I will not give up my studies, but I am willing to make some sacrifices for them.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not muddleheaded. She would not give up her dreams in the two lifetimes for the babies.

    She used to think that she would study hard and attain the best results that she could.

    However, there was no need for her to do that now.

    As long as her results were good enough for her to graduate from college, she would just do whatever that was within her means.

    Gao Yan was a good example. Since he could graduate in less than four years, Qiao Nan felt that it would not be too difficult for her.

    Qiao Nan had given it a serious thought.

 Chapter 1176 - Awful Taste

    <h4>Chapter 1176 Awful Taste</h4>

    She was willing to have it the tough way for the sake of her children. As a mother, it was indeed very hard on her.

    As an outsider, Zhai Hua had no right to lecture Qiao Nan for not doing enough for the babies.

    ¡°Nan Nan, the soup is getting cold. It will turn fishy when it is cold.¡± The three of them were engrossed in their conversation and the auntie felt that it was unsuitable for her to interrupt. Now that they had reached a conclusion, the auntie then reminded them of the soup.

    ¡°She is right. You should have the soup.¡± Miao Jing agreed.

    Hua Hua had truly grown up.

    When Hua Hua was discussing with Nan Nan whether to take leave from school or not, she felt that Hua Hua had a simr expression as Zhai Sheng¡¯s. She dared not interrupt them at all.

    Luckily, Nan Nan knew what she was doing and she made Hua Hua listen to her.

    Qiao Nan took the bowl of crucian carp soup from the auntie. Although it had not turned cold, Qiao Nan could smell the fishy smell.

    She had one mouthful of soup and felt disgusted by the awful taste!

    She knew that the soup was to increase her breast milk.

    As a mother who had to provide milk for her babies, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to take a deep breath and downed the soup all at once!

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face twisted in disgust. ¡°Is the taste that awful?¡± Even when she was taking medicine, Qiao Nan had never behaved as such.

    Qiao Nan hurried to drink some water to rinse off the awful taste in her mouth. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, there must be more of the soup downstairs. Perhaps you want to have a bowl of soup?¡± It was good that someone wanted to share her soup.

    Zhai Hua gave a disdainful smile. ¡°I am not a fool. The three babies are waiting for you to feed them. Even if they are sumptuous food, I will not fight with you. I would rather give everything to you. Furthermore, the soup is to increase breast milk. Nan Nan, let me remind you. You must not shortchange my nephews and niece. If not, I will bring them away!¡±

    ¡°She is right. Hua Hua has be more sensible after bing an auntie.¡± Miao Jing was amused. After spending more time with her daughter-inw, her daughter was better with her words.

    Ady should behave in such a manner.

    ¡°Wawawa...!¡±

    Perhaps the babies were envious that the adults were having an animated conversation and they felt left out. Da Bao began crying out loud.

    His voice was loud and clear. No one would believe that he was less than two thousand five hundred grams when he was born. He sounded like a plump baby who weighed three thousand five hundred grams to four thousand grams.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Da Bao?¡± Zhai Hua panicked, not knowing what to do. She stood by the side as Miao Jing touched Da Bao¡¯s bottom deftly to check. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It is just that he has pooped.¡±

    They were indeed triplets. When one started crying, the other two babies would make noises as well.

    Miao Jing had yet to change the diaper for Da Bao and wash him when Er Bao and San Bao began crying.

    Luckily, there were many adults at home. Miao Jing was in charge of Da Bao, the auntie was in charge of Er Bao, and Qiao Nan, though clumsy and new to the task, attended to San Bao patiently.

    As for Zhai Hua, who knew nothing about taking care of babies and was worried that she would hurt the babies with her clumsy, strong hands, she ran around, passing them whatever they needed.

    She would pass them diapers, clothes, warm water, as well as baby powder.

    The four adults busied themselves as they took care of the three babies who were only two days old. They broke out in a sweat after they changed and cleaned them.

    Four of them looked at each other and smiled at their first sess. ¡°We have three babies at one go. We will be very busy in the future.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a first-time mother. She was still learning to be a mother and to take care of the babies. Although she had her mother-inw and auntie to help her, she would still overwork herself and slump on the bed due to exhaustion.

    Qiao Nan used to think that she would be bored during the one month of confinement.

    She knew that even if she had time, her mother-inw and her family would not allow her to do any reading for fear that it would not be good for her eyes.

    She had given birth to triplets and the doctor suggested that she went through two months of confinement, saying that it would be better for her health.

    She had herself to me as she was drained of all energy after giving birth to two of the babies, and the third child almost died in her womb.

    Qiao Nan was not a willfuldy, but at times, she would be willful as well.

    She felt that she could hardly stand one month of confinement, let alone two months of confinement.

    If she went through two months of confinement, she might be healthy, but she would be mentally unsound.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan had made up her mind not to go through two months of confinement. The doctor only suggested that she went through two months of confinement to be on the safe side, but she did not insist on it. Furthermore, she did not say that it would be detrimental to her health to go through one month of confinement.

    However, when she finally started to take care of her three babies, she realized that she was far from being bored.

    She fed the triplets and they grew to be more and more adorable each day. Their reddish and wrinkled skin became fair and tender. They looked chubby and they had changed so much in less than a month.

    The adults at the Zhai family marveled in joy just from looking at the babies. The fair and tender babies looked adorable as they opened their tiny mouths and uttered small sounds.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were not immune to their charms either. They enjoyed carrying them in their arms, but they would be sleeping most of the time and they would cry when awake. They even gifted their grandpa and great-grandpa with their poops and urine from time to time.

    There might be a lot of adults in the Zhai family, but Qiao Nan spent the most time taking care of them.

    During the daytime, she had her mother-inw and auntie to help her out.

    When nighttime came, it was when the trouble started.

    Miao Jing was already advanced in years and she would feel unwell once in a while. The three babies would often wake up in the middle of the night, feeling hungry or soiling their diapers.

    Mothers would usually lose their weight from taking care of their children.

    Qiao Nan had to take care of three babies, and thus, it was thrice the torture. Whenever they woke up in the middle of the night, Qiao Nan had to take care of three of them and suffer thrice the hardships of usual mothers...

    Qiao Nan¡¯s weight had increased by more than fifteen kilograms after she was pregnant. After she gave birth to three babies, her weight had reduced by around five kilograms, including the weight of the water bag and centa. When she was discharged from the hospital and went back home to rest, she was still five kilograms heavier than her usual weight.

    However, Qiao Nan¡¯s weight dropped dramatically as she had to take care of her three babies. She had notpleted her confinement, but she was already back to her normal weight.

    Moreover, the three babies would need to have more milk as they developed. This meant that it would be harder on Qiao Nan.

    Her weight had returned to normal in less than a few months and she might even weigh lighter than her usual weight.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do.¡± The Zhai family could tell that Qiao Nan was losing weight and they were anxious.

 Chapter 1177 - Hard Work

    <h4>Chapter 1177 Hard Work</h4>

    Since they had three babies, the hard work was tripled as well. No matter how anxious the Zhai family was, they could change nothing.

    The Zhai family and Qiao Nan felt that it was better to breastfeed the babies so that they could grow up strong and healthy.

    The three babies might have breast milk, but Qiao Nan, the mother, would have to suffer.

    In order to feed the babies and ensure that Qiao Nan was in good health, Miao Jing and the auntie tried means and ways to make sure that she had good food and nutrition.

    Perhaps Miao Jing and the auntie had taken good care of Qiao Nan. After thetterpleted her confinement, her weight was two thousand five hundred grams lighter than her usual weight and she did not lose any more weight.

    Qiao Nan was able to provide enough milk for the three babies who had just turned one month old.

    When the Zhai family celebrated the one-month-old birthday for the three babies, all the guests who were invited were amazed when they saw the fresh-looking, slender youngdy who stood next to Miao Jing, carrying a smile on her face.

    As for the elders in the Zhai family, each of them held a chubby baby in their arms.

    Qiao Nan was well-nourished and she had sufficient milk, and the three babies were provided with enough nutrients while they were in her womb. After one month of confinement, the babies looked chubby and fair. Their hands clenched into round fists and they smelled especially nice. They were adored by everyone.

    Triplets!

    It was rare to see twins and even triplets!

    Back then, many of the guests heard that the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw did not have an illustrious background, and they mocked the Zhai family for being arrogant.

    Influential and powerful families had to build ties through marriage in order to be stronger.

    The Zhai family was too proud of oneself and they would suffer defeat one day.

    If there was a day when Zhai Yaohui was being targeted by others, the Zhai family would have no one to seek help from. If that happened, everyone wouldugh their heads off.

    Many of themughed at the Zhai family for making such an irrational and foolish decision. But they lost their smiles when they saw the three adorable babies. They could no longer look down on Qiao Nan or mock the Zhai family for being ignorant and arrogant.

    It was a blessing to have many children.

    As the elders, be it in the past or now, they hoped to have more children at home.

    But the national policy forbade them from having more than one child.

    The Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw did note from a rich family, but she was smart and she was the top student in the college entrance examination. Now, she was a student at Peking University and she was awarded the first-prize schrship.

    Judging from her performance, everyone knew that Qiao Nan might have note from an illustrious family, but she had her positive traits as well.

    Furthermore, she had given birth to two boys and one daughter.

    Everyone hoped to have a daughter-inw like her.

    Sigh...

    The Zhai family had an addition of three members to their family. They looked pretty and handsome. The Zhai family had a good family upbringing and the mother was a student at Peking University. It was likely that the three children would be taught well and they would do well in the future. If that was the case, their own children would not be able to match up to them.

    Many of the guests who were present could not help but have this thought in mind.

    It was likely that the children would be sessful in the future. Moreover, they were triplets. They would be able to help and support each other in the future.

    If the three children were sessful in the future, it would bode well for the Zhai family as well!

    Many of the guests began to feel gloomy at the thought of that.

    It was difficult to find such a good and outstandingdy who would bring triplets to the family. It was a pity that she was not their daughter-inw.

    Everyone hoped to have more children at home!

    Many of the guests were envious at the sight of the triplets. Judging from the numbers alone, the Zhai family was the winner.

    If the triplets were as outstanding as Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, the Zhai family would be prosperous in the future and it would be due to the daughter-inw that they had.

    It made a lot of difference to have the right daughter-inw!

    It could be said that the triplets, their mother, as well as the Zhai family were in the limelight that day.

    The Zhai family only had a small gathering to celebrate the one-month-old birthday of the triplets. They did not intend to throw a grand celebration. However, they did not expect that so many guests would turn up, including the Feng family who arrived with gifts.

    They kept trying to find ways to talk to Qiao Nan, intending to get close to her.

    But there were too many guests on that day. When Qiao Nan first came to the capital for her college studies, the Feng family might feel that their family was more well-to-do than Qiao Nan¡¯s family and that they were far more superior than Qiao Nan.

    However, it was a different case now. People who associated with Qiao Nan were more powerful and influential than the Feng family. The Feng family paled inparison.

    Qiao Nan had a good temper and did not bear grudges. She did not give the Feng family the harsh treatment. She merely treated them as to how she would in the past, with aloofness as if she did not know them at all.

    Once the one-month-old birthday celebration for the triplets was over, Qiao Nan would have to return to school.

    If she had lessons, Qiao Nan would be at school for the entire day.

    But that did not mean that the triplets could go hungry. Instead, they had to be fed twice in the morning.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan had asked Zhu Chengqi to purchase breast pumps from overseas on her behalf.

    The times were not as advanced now. One would not be able to find good breast pumps on the market. Even if one managed to purchase it, it would not be as effective as it would be decadester.

    To be honest, Qiao Nan did not have a high expectation that Zhu Chengqi would be able to find the type of breast pumps that she wanted. What she had in mind would only be avable decadester.

    Luckily, he managed to find simr alternatives and Qiao Nan was able to extract excess milk and store them in the refrigerator.

    Even though they could not store the milk for long, it was good enough for the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan only needed to ensure that while she was in school, there was enough milk at home to feed the triplets.

    In the case of other families who only had one child, extracting excess milk would mean that they could leave it for future use. But in the Zhai family, it was lucky that they had enough for the triplets.

    The milk that Qiao Nan prepared was only sufficient tost the triplets for a day.

    ¡°Nan Nan, is there a need to push yourself to the extreme?¡± Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan, feeling conflicted. She was slightly upset that the triplets were so young but Qiao Nan insisted on going to school, and the triplets had to suffer because of her absence.

    But Zhai Hua also knew that the person who suffered the most was not the triplets, but Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you intend to drain yourself of all the milk?¡± She suspected that Qiao Nan had taken special food to produce lots of milk.

    When she was at home, Qiao Nan would hold the triplets in her arms as she fed them. They would drink the milk to their hearts¡¯ contents.

    After the triplets were full, Zhai Hua would hold one of them in her arms. She could feel that his stomach was round and it was obvious that he was full and satisfied.

 Chapter 1178 - Mock Her

    <h4>Chapter 1178 Mock Her</h4>

    However, Zhai Hua had no idea of the exact amount of milk that the triplets would need in a day.

    She felt that the triplets were only more than one month old. They were tiny, so they must not have a big appetite. It was just that they had triplets. It would be harder on Qiao Nan.

    But when Zhai Hua saw for herself the amount of milk that Qiao Nan extracted and stored in the refrigerator, she could not help but exim at the amount of milk that the triplets had in a day. Their refrigerator had be the storage ce for Qiao Nan¡¯s milk and it was packed with her milk.

    Zhai Hua stared intently at Qiao Nan¡¯s chest.

    It was true that Qiao Nan¡¯s cup size had doubled after the childbirth.

    But she found it unbelievable that Qiao Nan would have so much milk.

    Qiao Nan threw a disdainful look at Zhai Hua, feeling tired. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, thankfully, you are a woman. Otherwise, I would get someone to throw you out of the room.¡± It was not an easy chore to be a mother who breastfed her babies, especially when she had to feed three babies at one go.

    She did not do anything other than to extract the milk and store them so that she could feed her babies. But she was already exhausted from the chore. It was as if all her energy was drained. It was too tiring. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I will most likely be knocked out tonight. Unless it is to feed the triplets, don¡¯t wake me up. I have to have a good night¡¯s rest in order to pay attention in ss tomorrow.¡±

    Afterpleting her confinement, Qiao Nan had a few days to revise the lessons taught in September and October.

    The triplets were still very young. One would go crazy when they started crying. But luckily, they would spend a lot of time sleeping. They would sleep for about twenty hours a day.

    In this way, Qiao Nan could make use of the time while they were sleeping to study.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry. Apart from not being able to feed them, I am adept at taking care of them.¡± Zhai Hua was the only person in the Zhai family who was in a position to take care of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua, who had just be an auntie, had learned the way to take care of the babies in the past month. She was considered to be a qualified babysitter.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief after ensuring that everything was taken care of. The babies might be adorable, but they would be a handful, especially when there were three of them.

    Qiao Nan had been thinking about the opportune time to wean the triplets off breast milk.

    True enough, Qiao Nan slept soundly that night.

    If the triplets cried in the middle of the night, Zhai Hua would be there to take care of them. If they were hungry, Zhai Hua would ce them in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms.

    Qiao Nan, who was in her sleep, had been so used to feeding them that she was able to cuddle the child subconsciously and feed them.

    After the baby was full, Zhai Hua would bring another baby and ce the baby in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Zhai Hua would then carry the baby who was fed and pat him on the back. She waited until the baby burped before she put him to sleep.

    Qiao Nan packed her books the next morning. She carried her schoolbag on her back, getting ready to go back to school.

    Qiao Nan could not bear to part with her babies. They were sleeping soundly and were clueless that their mother was leaving them. She kissed them on their chubby cheeks before she parted with them reluctantly. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I will leave them with you, Mom, and auntie. I have lessons the entire day. Before you feed them, remember to heat the milk. You must make sure to wash the milk bottle and disinfect them after using them.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. You have repeated them over and over again. I don¡¯t have a fish¡¯s memory. I remember your words!¡± Zhai Hua flung her hands impatiently, telling Qiao Nan to make a move. ¡°The driver is waiting for you. If you don¡¯t go now, you will bete. The professors might punish you and make you stand up for beingte. You are already a mother. If you are being told off for beingte, the triplets will mock you when they grow up.¡±

    In the past, Zhai Hua might have been upset with Qiao Nan for cing her studies above everything else. But she had nothing to say when she noticed that Qiao Nan turned teary as she got into the car.

    She was not going to faraway ces. She was merely going to school. Even if it was for the entire day, she would be able to see the babies after ten hours. The triplets might mock her for being teary-eyed.

    Miao Jing smiled as she patted Zhai Hua on the shoulder. ¡°Do you understand now? Once a woman bes a mother, she longs to be with her children every single moment of the day. It is like cutting a part of her flesh to be apart from their children. Nan Nan misses the triplets more than anyone of us. She longs to be with them all the time.¡±

    But her situation did not allow her to do that.

    Qiao Nan wanted to be a sessful mother. It was not good enough to spend time with them.

    Zhai Sheng was seldom at home. The triplets needed their mother to guide and teach them. If Qiao Nan could not teach by words and example, she would not be able to be a role model for her children.

    In order to be a role model for the triplets, Qiao Nan refused to give up halfway ore to a standstill.

    If she took time off college now, Qiao Nan would not be able to teach by example that one had to be persistent despite difficulties.

    Now, Qiao Nan could not bear to part with them. When they were older and could address her as their mother and wanted her to carry and hug them, it would be even more difficult for her to leave them.

    Therefore, she could not take time off her studies.

    Once she did, she might be away from school for more than one year. It might be two years, three years, or even longer than that. Qiao Nan might even be expelled from Peking University due to being away from school for too many years.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Zhai Hua lied. ¡°I didn¡¯t lecture her for going to school. Besides, didn¡¯t you agree as well that Nan Nan should take one year off from school and stay at home to take care of the triplets?¡± How could she push all the me on her and made it sound as if she was the only person who supported the idea?

    Miao Jing lifted her chin and smiled. ¡°If you had not made the suggestion, I would not have thought of it. Alright, there is no need to push the responsibility to anyone. You are already an auntie, yet you are so willful. In the future, the triplets will mock you instead of Nan Nan.¡±

    Miao Jing walked back to the house after making a dig at her daughter. There was tenderness and love in her eyes as she gazed at the triplets who were fast asleep.

    Their lips moved and they clenched their fists, cing them beside their cheeks. They were so adorable!

    They were truly her grandsons and granddaughter.

    Zhai Hua, who followed right after Miao Jing, was silent. She was unlike her usual self. Miao Jing said that Qiao Nan could not bear to part with her children. Zhai Hua could not help but wonder. When her mother went with her father on his business trips, leaving behind Zhai Sheng and her, did she feel the same as Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you are finally back to school!¡± Upon reaching school, instead of the professor or principal, Xu Shengnan was the first person who came looking for Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1179 - Embarrassed

    <h4>Chapter 1179 Embarrassed</h4>

    ¡°Senior, aren¡¯t you in your fourth year? You should be doing your internship. Why are you here in school?¡± Qiao Nan was surprised to see Xu Shengnan.

    Xu Shengnan looked totally different from how she used to be in the past. Perhaps it was due to her internship. Now, she wore blouses and carried a zer with her. ¡°I am doing my internship, but I have some matters to attend to in school. By the way, I heard that you took leave. When did youe back to school? Why did you take leave? Are you into some trouble?¡±

    Xu Shengnan did her internship at Gao Yan¡¯spany.

    After half a year of hard work, Gao Yan¡¯spany was more widely known in the industry.

    But it was, after all, a newpany. At times, Gao Yan did not make any profits in his business deals. Nevertheless, they just had to work hard to make thepany a sess.

    Once thepany was on its tracks, things would be easier for them.

    ¡°Well, it was nothing serious. I was unwell and went to the hospital. I just came back to school.¡± Qiao Nan tried toe up with a logical exnation.

    Xu Shengnan widened her eyes in shock. ¡°Sick? Why didn¡¯t you say so? I could have visited you. What are you suffering from? Is it serious? Have you recovered? You must not be too hard on yourself. The studies might be important, but so is your health. It is no wonder that when I saw you from the back, you seemed to have lost weight. I thought that I had seen it wrongly.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was telling the truth. She could tell from one nce that Qiao Nan had lost weight.

    In the past, she knew that Qiao Nan had a good figure and a slim waist.

    She had not seen her for three to four months. She noticed that Qiao Nan was slimmer than before.

    But when Xu Shengnan looked at her from the front, she noticed another change in Qiao Nan. ¡°You seemed to have lost weight when I looked at you from the back, but why is it that you seem to have grown in that ce? Did you take some tonics? Or have you done a breast imnt?¡±

    They were standing by the roadside in the school, and a few students would walk past them asionally. Xu Shengnan was not being discrete. Instead, she reached out her hands to touch Qiao Nan¡¯s chest. Qiao Nan, who was breastfeeding, blushed in embarrassment. ¡°Vice President Xu, what are you up to!¡±

    Qiao Nan pped Xu Shengnan¡¯s hands away from her chest angrily.

    She was breastfeeding her babies. Apart from feeding them, the most embarrassing part was that she would experience engorgement every day.

    She had taken the tonics that the auntie prepared for her in the morning. Qiao Nan felt particrly awkward right now.

    She felt ufortable and wanted to hide in a corner despite nobody touching her. Now that Xu Shengnan touched her chest, she felt all the more embarrassed and painful.

    ¡°Vice President Xu, you are doing your internship and you must have important matters to attend to. I won¡¯t hold you up. I have sses as well. Let¡¯s chat next time.¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a peculiar situation now. If possible, she wanted to keep a distance from other people.

    Perhaps she had been feeding the triplets, but their smells seemed to have lingered on her. She might smell of milk as well.

    Qiao Nan had the feeling that like the triplets, there was the smell of milk on her.

    If people around her asked her about this, she had no idea how she should answer them.

    It was now that Qiao Nan was d that she did not make any friends when she was in her first year.

    Otherwise, her friends mighte looking for her during her two months of absence as well as during the National Day holiday. She would not be able to exin the existence of the triplets.

    Nobody woulde looking for her now that she was back at school and they would not notice that she smelled of milk.

    Xu Shengnan pinched her nose, seeing how Qiao Nan sprinted off like a rabbit. ¡°Why is there the smell of milk? Babies who are drinking milk will smell of milk. Is it just my hallucination?¡± But it smelled nice.

    Qiao Nan chose to sit in a far corner of the ssroom. She sat down quietly by herself, not interacting with other students. The professor was not in the ssroom. She made use of the time to revise the lessons that she had missed in the past two months.

    Previously, she felt heartbroken when she got into the car, leaving the triplets to go to school.

    Now, she was finally able to put aside her longing for her babies and focus her full attention on the lessons and the knowledge points that her professor was teaching. She had a mind like a sponge and worked hard to take in all the information taught in ss.

    She sat in her seat, busy taking down notes for the entire morning.

    The bell rang when it was time for lunch. Everyone walked toward the canteen when the professor stopped Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, remember to make a trip to the principal¡¯s office after lunch before one o¡¯clock.¡±

    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± Qiao Nan blinked, confusion in her eyes. Her mother-inw had given the principal a call before she came back to school to cancel her leave and stated that she would be back to school on time.

    Qiao Nan wanted to keep it a secret that she was married and with children.

    She had no wish to let others know about the man that she married or the fact that her mother-inw knew the principal.

    Therefore, she would never talk to the principal personally or go to the principal¡¯s office. She would leave the task ofmunicating with the principal to her mother-inw.

    ¡°There is no need to be so uptight. It is nothing serious. Didn¡¯t you apply for two months of leave this semester? You have done very well in thest semester and were awarded a schrship. Since you were not at school, the schrship, as well as the certificate, was with the principal. You have to make a trip personally to collect them.¡± The professor smiled as he exined.

    For students like Qiao Nan, who were well-behaved and smart, all the teachers from her elementary school, junior high, high school, and college would be particrly proud of her.

    It came as a surprise to the professors that Qiao Nan would take half a semester off in her second year.

    She made the request to the principal and the principal had approved her leave. Since the principal did not tell the professors of her reason for taking leave, the professors did not ask either.

    ¡°Alright. Thank you, professor. I understand.¡± She was d that it was not something bad and her leave of absence from school did not affect the schrship that was awarded to her in thest semester.

    After rifying with the professor, Qiao Nan went to the canteen to have her lunch. After lunch, she took out the thermos sk that was filled with soup and finished it.

    An entire morning had passed since she went to the restroom to extract her milk. Now that she had so much food, she had to extract some milk.

    Qiao Nan spent ages in the restroom. The people outside thought that she had constipation or that she had fallen into the toilet bowl. After finishing her business, Qiao Nan came out with a red face, feeling embarrassed.

 Chapter 1180 - Very Promising

    <h4>Chapter 1180 Very Promising</h4>

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because Qiao Nan¡¯s breasts were engorged.

    In addition, her bra paddings were all wet and Qiao Nan had to change to a new pair.

    While washing her hands, Qiao Nan also washed her face so that it would not look so red.

    Judging from this, it was not so easy to devote wholeheartedly to her studies even when the three babies were not by her side, unless she could wean the babies off breast milk and take an injection to suppressctation.

    Otherwise, it was enough suffering for one if this situation was to ur every day.

    After confirming that she did not have any other problems, Qiao Nan then had the courage to see the principal at his office.

    The principal took a few more nces at Qiao Nan. He had already heard the news of the Zhai family having three new additions to the family. Precisely due to this, he was very curious how capable this young student of his was to be able to be a mother of three at such a young age.

    If he had not received the news, he could not tell from Qiao Nan¡¯s exterior appearance that this second-year student was not only married but also a mother. ¡°Congrattions.¡± Qiao Nan had just given birth and also received the schrship.

    ¡°Thank you, principal. I will definitely continue to work hard.¡± Qiao Nan only inferred one meaning from the principal¡¯s congrats. She gave a shocking reply in an honest and silly manner.

    The principal was first stunned, followed byughter. ¡°Certainly, you should continue to work hard in your studies. As for having children, no matter what, all of us have to enthusiastically support the country¡¯s national nning policy. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    She had triplets in one birth. If Qiao Nan continued to work hard and gave birth again, wouldn¡¯t she have at least four children then?

    If Qiao Nan were to give birth a few more times, the Zhai family would be filled with people and also ¡®trouble¡¯.

    Qiao Nan blushed. She then realized that the principal was not only congratting her for receiving the schrship but also for bing a mother.

    ¡°Alright, you should go back. Work hard to catch up on the two months¡¯ of sses that you have missed.¡± The principal did not intend to make things difficult for Qiao Nan. Although Qiao Nan had be a mother of three, the principal still felt that Qiao Nan was a child that required the care and attention of those who were older. ¡°Qiao Nan, you have also received the school-based first-prize schrship twice. Do you and your family have any ns for your future? Do you wish to study abroad?¡±

    Regarding this, the principal had more confidence in Qiao Nan.

    Not to mention that Qiao Nan¡¯s inw family was the Zhai family, Qiao Nan was outstanding enough to qualify for this opportunity based on her personal qualities alone.

    ¡°I¡¯ve not thought about it.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She was only a second-year college student. Wouldn¡¯t it be too soon to bring up the subject of studying abroad? ¡°However, I feel that this possibility is not very high.¡±

    ¡°You... Your family doesn¡¯t agree to it?¡±

    ¡°Not really. After all, my family¡¯s situation is a little unique. Although I have not been given any restrictions, it is more inconvenient for me to do that whenpared to other students. Furthermore, I can¡¯t bear to leave my children, and vice versa.¡±

    Children were the real reason why Qiao Nan could not leave.

    When it was time for her to study abroad, the three babies would be starting to talk and learning to walk.

    She was not willing to leave their side then.

    ¡°Principal, actually, my master seems to have some ns for my future.¡± Qiao Nan told the principal about this situation as she was aware that the principal was concerned about her. ¡°Sometimes, what I think doesn¡¯t count.¡±

    Her master was old and his temper was strong and stubborn.

    If her master already had ns for her, he would definitely kick up a fuss if she had other thoughts in mind.

    On the day the three babies were born, it had slipped Qiao Nan¡¯s mind to call her master as the delivery hade too unexpectedly. Her master had been angry with her as he did not manage to see the three babies just after they were born.

    As a pregnant woman who was giving birth, Qiao Nan had no avenue to vent her grievances.

    At that time, she was already dying from pain. How was she able to remember calling and asking her master to visit her at the hospital?

    Moreover, her master was already so old. If she were to take a long time, perhaps the entire night, to deliver the babies, her master would need to stay awake for a night in the hospital, no?

    If that was really the case, Qiao Nan would have to worry whether the day of her discharge would be the day of her master¡¯s hospitalization.

    She already had three children at home that she needed to coax. There was another elder now. Qiao Nan had to coax a total of four of them. She was the only one who knew in her heart how exhausted she was physically and mentally.

    ¡°Your master?¡± The principal asked, feeling puzzled. ¡°Who is your master? What kind of master?¡± What kind of master in this world could decide a child¡¯s future?

    Until now, the principal was only aware that Qiao Nan was married into the Zhai family who had just been deployed back to the capital.

    As to Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family and their situation, the principal did not know anything. Toward this ¡®master¡¯ that he suddenly heard of and who had the ability to n the future for the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, how could the principal not feel curious and concerned?

    Qiao Nan was a good seedling of his Peking University. He could not watch helplessly as this ¡®master¡¯ suddenly appeared and ruined Qiao Nan¡¯s life.

    The principal had been nning and hoping that Qiao Nan would be the school¡¯s honors graduate and a role model for the college¡¯s freshmen to emte in the future so that she could bring glory to Peking University.

    With the presence of the Zhai family, the principal knew that the hope of realizing this wish was very great.

    ¡°My master is also in the capital now. He came back three months ago.¡± Qiao Nan appreciated the principal¡¯s concern.

    ¡°Who is he? Is it convenient to say?¡± The principal was insistent in asking.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan said, ¡°My master is Lin Yuankang.¡± Those who should know were already aware of her master¡¯s return to the capital. Those who were unaware would be able to find out by doing some simple checks.

    There should not be any major issue to inform the principal of this.

    ¡°Lin Yuankang? The top veteran leader of the central government? The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?!¡± How could the principal not hear of the famous Lin Yuankang before? How could he not know who Lin Yuankang was?

    Yes. In front of Elder Lin, even the principal of Peking University had to bow his head and call him ¡®elder¡¯ respectfully.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Brother Zhai had already drilled into her these famous titles of her master.

    However, when she saw the shock and doubt on the face of the principal of the Peking University when he said her master¡¯s name, Qiao Nan eximed deeply once again that she was truly very lucky.

    In her previous life, she had been trampled until she was at the bottom of the pit. In this life, the people whom she encountered could turn her into a tall and noble figure by just giving her a casual pull.

    When she was studying in junior high school, she was still ignorant when Brother Zhai insisted on dragging her to acknowledge a master. She simply struck the top lottery prize then.

    All this while, Qiao Nan dared not believe that such luck belonged to her, that she was that lucky girl.

    After receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s confirmation, the principal was very emotional. ¡°Qiao Nan... you...¡± The principal did not know if he should say that Qiao Nan was too lucky or too blessed. When did Qiao Nan have the opportunity to know so many prominent figures and even received their affirmation?

    Elder Lin was actually the master of his student!!!

 Chapter 1181 - Listen to Your Master

    <h4>Chapter 1181 Listen to Your Master</h4>

    Just by releasing this news, the golden reputation of Peking University would shine even more.

    ¡°You... are very good.¡± All of a sudden, the principal of Peking University found himself at a loss of words. After enduring for some time, with a face even redder than Qiao Nan¡¯s, he said these four words to Qiao Nan in a very serious manner: You are very good.

    It was not just very good. It was excellent. It was more than anyone could ask for!

    The principal felt even happier and more grateful that such a good Qiao Nan was a student of his Peking University and not Tsing Hua University. He was extremely grateful that Qiao Nan had previously filled in Peking University as her choice in the college enrollment application form.

    Her father-inw was the chief. Although her husband was only a regimentmander now, undoubtedly, he would be promoted this year.

    Her master was once head of the central government¡¯s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also an important and prominent figure that the top leaders specially ¡®invited¡¯ to return to the capital this year.

    Qiao Nan, who was surrounded by glory, was a student of Peking University. She was his student.

    Qiao Nan was destined to be an extraordinary individual in the future. After marriage and childbirth, she would not stay at home to take care of her children like other women, who led a quiet life without making a name for themselves.

    A few yearster, there would be another prominent graduate from Peking University!

    ¡°Since Elder Lin is your master, we don¡¯t need to be anxious then. It won¡¯t be wrong to listen more to your master.¡± She was Elder Lin¡¯s disciple. Qiao Nan was really considered a student from a famous school then.

    As Elder Lin¡¯s disciple, once Qiao Nan stepped out into society, the interpersonalwork in her hands was something that many could not achieve even after a few lifetimes of hard work.

    The more the principal thought about it, the more astounded he felt. He could not help looking up and down Qiao Nan a few more times. He was thinking... How many lifetimes of good fortune had Qiao Nan umted or which deity¡¯s reincarnation path did she take?

    It was the 21st century, and as the principal of Peking University, he did not believe in such things.

    However, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was really as such. It was rarer than striking the five million yuan prize and more than one a million chance that this would happen.

    If not for the fact that past and present lifetimes really existed and Qiao Nan did too many good things in her previous life, why did all the good things go to Qiao Nan in this lifetime?

    Knowing the principal did not take issue, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, principal. I will definitely do so.¡± Who should she listen to if not her master?

    Although she won this opportunity with her grades, no matter what, it was because the school was willing to give her such a favorable turn. So many students were pining and hoping for sponsored overseas studies but to no avail. However, she declined the opportunity.

    To many people, she did not know what was good for her by doing this.

    Fortunately, her master was famous enough. Hence, even the principal had to be on his side. Otherwise, she would not be able to provide a good exnation for her current situation. ¡°Principal, I¡¯ll go back first then?¡±

    ¡°Alright, go back first. Right, didn¡¯t you miss out on half the sses for the semester? If there is anything that you do not understand, you can look for the professors to rify. Take these study materials home to learn. They will be useful for your studies.¡± The principal had intended to gain some favor from the Zhai family. When he knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s master was Elder Lin, he was even more pleased and willing to provide her with learning materials.

    When Qiao Nan had be sessful and famous in the future, some of the credit would also go to Peking University and him.

    The more he thought about it, the more optimistic he felt. Naturally, he was increasingly pleased with Qiao Nan. He felt that Qiao Nan would definitely be one of the students that Peking University would be proud of in the future.

    She had received a huge pile of learning materials from the principal, as well as the schrship prize and certificate of award. This was an extremely worthwhile trip for Qiao Nan.

    When Qiao Nan opened the certificate of award and saw that she had received the same schrship as she did previously, she understood why the principal had asked her if she was willing to study abroad.

    It was a pity that she might not receive it for the third time. This was because she did not have so much energy.

    As such, Qiao Nan resumed her college life after attaining the second school-based first prize schrship.

    During the second semester of Qiao Nan¡¯s first year of college studies, she had already taken over the duties of the vice president of the new English club. Qiao Nan could settle the usual administrative work very quickly by using theputer.

    Qiao Nan used the Wubizixing input method[1] She seemed very familiar with this area.

    Other people might need to spend more than half an hour to settle the administration work but Qiao Nan only needed to spend slightly more than ten minutes to do so.

    At the beginning of the second year of her college studies, she had requested for half a semester¡¯s leave of absence. Hence, someone else took over her duties in the club.

    For the sake of recruiting new members, the club would alwaysunch a series of events during the second half of the year to attract potential members to join them.

    Undoubtedly, Qiao Nan could not participate in the events as she only appeared half a semesterter.

    Many new members joined the club recently. They had even heard of Qiao Nan, this famous and prominent vice president before, but did not have the fate to meet her.

    Given such a situation, some people felt unjustified. It was not that no one wanted to snatch the vice president role of Qiao Nan. On the contrary, there were quite a number of them. However, not many were willing to take the lead to voice this out and bear the brunt of any negative consequences.

    When someone was willing to do so, the rest would adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

    Needless to say, the new president mmed the opinions of the person who did that.

    The events of the new English club this year required sponsorships. Qiao Nan, this vice president, was the one who assisted in obtaining the sponsorship.

    If anyone disliked Qiao Nan and felt that she was not qualified to be the vice president, fine. They could help the club obtain another new sponsorship then.

    If anyone could do that, he would relinquish Qiao Nan from the post of the vice president. At that time, the club members could elect another vice president again.

    What did you say?

    Anyway, they had already obtained the sponsorship for this year. Why did they have to find another one? Wouldn¡¯t it do if they were to simply fire Qiao Nan?

    The president spat. He was a man true to himself. How could he kick someone to the curb when they¡¯d outlived their usefulness?

    If one had the shame, he should have some backbones and show that he was more capable than Qiao Nan.

    They were benefiting from the sponsorship obtained by Qiao Nan, yet they badmouthed Qiao Nan for holding the role of the vice president. That was so shameless.

    The president was also a quick-tempered and forthright person. He gave this person a harsh scolding. That person came with confidence but left like a devastated and dying dog.

    With this lesson, no one targeted Qiao Nan, the vice president, who had not appeared for a long time, anymore.

    After knowing that the events of the new English club wereunched very smoothly, all the work had beenpleted and did not require her contribution at the moment, Qiao Nan¡¯s worries lessened and she had more time to focus on her studies.

    When there were sses, Qiao Nan would remain in the school. When there were no sses, Qiao Nan would borrow a pile of books and gather learning materials from various avenues home to learn nonstop.

    She had the help of three people at home. Unless the three babies needed to drink milk, the only change was that Qiao Nan¡¯s study venue had been changed from the library to the study room of the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    [1] The Wubizixing input method is a Chinese character input method primarily for inputting Chinese text on an electronic device.

 Chapter 1182 - The Father of the Children Is Back

    <h4>Chapter 1182 The Father of the Children Is Back</h4>

    Qiao Nan had gradually adapted to juggling between her studies and her family, and she had gotten back on track.

    ¡°Madam, you have reached.¡± Qiao Nan would shuffle between Peking University and the Zhai family¡¯s residence every day. The chauffeur at the Zhai family was fast bing Qiao Nan¡¯s personal chauffeur.

    Qiao Nan closed the book, cing her pen on the page where she stopped. ¡°Sure, thank you.¡±

    Qiao Nan got down from the car while the chauffeur parked the car in the garage.

    Qiao Nan carried a heavy schoolbag on her back. She was just about to open the door to the house when she heard the crying sounds of Er Bao.

    The triplets were more than two months old and one could tell the difference in their personalities.

    Da Bao had a simr personality to his father. Though young, he behaved like a big brother. He would only make a few sounds when he was hungry or when he soiled diapers. But he would not continue to cry his guts out.

    Once he was cleaned and fed, he did not need them to take care of him nor cajole him. He was very obedient and he would go back to sleep.

    If the triplets were hungry at the same time and they could not feed all of them at once, Da Bao would not whine if he was not fed right away.

    If it was Er Bao, he would definitely re up.

    If one did not feed him when he was hungry, he would cry his hearts out. One could not help but feel heartbroken and grieved at his cries.

    Qiao Nan was given a shock the first time Er Bao cried his hearts out. He was merely hungry, yet he cried as if something miserable had happened. Qiao Nan felt that her son was indeed a genius.

    He was only more than two months old, yet he was so good at acting and getting other people¡¯s attention.

    At times, Qiao Nan wondered who Er Bao took after.

    He was unlike her or Brother Zhai.

    As for San Bao, who was the only daughter, she was not as dainty as Er Bao. However, she was an impatient youngdy. She would be in a hurry to drink the milk and was very greedy to have more of the milk.

    As she was in a hurry, San Bao would often choke on the milk.

    She would then cry in difort from choking on the milk. After Qiao Nan coaxed her and calmed her down, she would revert to her old ways and rushed to drink the milk again. She simply would not learn her lesson. As her only daughter, Qiao Nan had no idea what she should do to make her change her impatient ways. There was no need to hurry when drinking the milk. She was not in a rush of time at all.

    Although they were young, they had disyed very different personalities.

    That was why upon reaching the door, Qiao Nan could tell from her experience of being a mother and the cries of the baby that it must be Er Bao who was throwing a tantrum. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with Er Bao? Why is he crying his heart out...¡±

    Apart from Qiao Nan, who noticed the difference in their personalities, Miao Jing and Zhai Hua, who took care of them, noticed it as well.

    Da Bao was the elder brother. He had no other choice but to be more considerate toward his younger siblings.

    In that case, Er Bao would have more attention, and he seldom cried like this anymore.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± Qiao Nan was shocked to see Brother Zhai sitting on the sofa at home. He always had the glitter of confidence and intelligence in his eyes and he emanated strength and power. However, he was sitting awkwardly like a robot on the sofa. He did not know where to ce his hands and legs.

    In Zhai Sheng¡¯s stiff arms was a soft and wailing Er Bao. He waved his hands in agony, expressing his displeasure and anger.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. Rx and be more natural.¡± Miao Jingughed in anger. She smacked her son¡¯s arms angrily a few times. ¡°Your son has a bad temper. He feels ufortable at the way you are holding him. It is no wonder that he is crying. Rx. Yes, you have to carry him in that way. You have to learn the right way of carrying the babies. Hua Hua knows how to carry the babies in the right position now. They love their auntie very much. As the father, you must not lose to Hua Hua.¡±

    From a young age, there was no need for her to worry about her son.

    Zhai Sheng seemed to be smarter than other children. He would pick up new skills faster than other people.

    As his mother, Miao Jing rarely had the chance to teach him or guide him.

    She did not expect that there would be a day he would need her help.

    Her son who was faster than other people in learning new skills was so clumsy and slow when carrying his babies. True enough, he might be smart in other ways, but he was still slow in certain aspects.

    ¡°He is moving about.¡± Zhai Sheng wanted to rx, but the baby in his arms kept crying and moving about.

    The baby felt soft like a bundle of flesh and he kept twisting about. Although Zhai Sheng was in a panic, he would not be so flustered that he lost his grip on the baby.

    However, from a young age, he had never held something so soft.

    Was the soft bundle of flesh really his son?

    ¡°That goes without saying.¡± Miao Jing smiled in anger. ¡°He is your son and he is alive and kicking. It is natural for him to move about. You are such a stupid fool!¡±

    ¡°Let me do it.¡± Zhai Sheng, who always kept his cool and calm, was so nervous at carrying his son that beads of perspiration could be seen on his forehead. Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for her husband. She put aside her schoolbag, washed her hands, and wiped them dry with a tissue before she took Er Bao from the clumsy Zhai Sheng.

    Although Qiao Nan did not spend as much time with her babies as what normal mothers would, she was definitely more experienced than Zhai Sheng, the father.

    Er Bao stopped wailing as soon as he smelled thefortable and familiar smell of milk on his mother.

    Qiao Nan patted Er Bao lightly on the back until he stopped crying.

    There were teardrops on Er Bao¡¯s eyshes and his face was flushed red from his howls. One could not help but ache at the sight of him.

    He fell into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace, brushing his cheek against her chest and opening his mouth.

    After crying his heart out in his father¡¯s arms, Er Bao was hungry!

    Qiao Nan could tell right away what Er Bao wanted. Since she had been used to the fact that there were only women in the house in the daytime, she lifted her blouse without thinking and helped Er Bao feed himself.

    Right then, she could sense a hot, burning stare that was locked onto the white mound of flesh that Er Bao was sucking on.

    Qiao Nan blushed and remembered that the reason why Er Bao cried so sadly was that her husband was back.

    Qiao Nan knew right away who was giving her embarrassing stares.

    Qiao Nan carried Er Bao and sat sideways, blocking Zhai Sheng¡¯s burning gaze with her back.

    Er Bao had his fill and burped. He was tired from crying and fell asleep right then. Qiao Nan gritted her teeth as she wiped herself clean and covered herself.

 Chapter 1183 - It Had Been Hard on Your Wife

    <h4>Chapter 1183 It Had Been Hard on Your Wife</h4>

    ¡°Is Er Bao asleep?¡± Zhai Hua breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Among the triplets, Er Bao cries the most. He is just a kid. Why does he have such a bad temper? It takes such a long time to pacify him. Whenever he cries, I feel like crying as well.¡±

    Er Bao cried easily and it was very difficult to get him to calm down.

    Da Bao would only utter a few sounds and he seldom cried. There was no need to coax him. Among the triplets, he was the easiest to handle.

    As a girl, San Bao was impatient. She would cry if she was unhappy, but she would calm down easily.

    Er Bao was the only person that Miao Jing and Zhai Hua were scared of.

    When Er Bao behaved himself and immersed himself in observing the surroundings around him, or when he was sleeping, he was an adorable and lovable angel.

    But once he woke up and cried uncontrobly, he was just like the devil. Nobody wanted to go near him.

    It was a pack of lies to say that young babies could not recognize faces.

    Other people would take a lot of time to pacify Er Bao. They would be up to a lot of tricks, but he would not stop crying.

    But whenever his mother held him in her arms and coaxed him, she did not need to perform any special tricks or feed him, but he was able to calm down after a few minutes.

    Qiao Nan ced Er Bao in the baby crib. San Bao was still sleeping soundly. As for Da Bao, he moved his head and sniffed, behaving like animals that scavenged for food through sniffing. His actions were simr to Er Bao when he was searching for milk previously. Qiao Nan carried Da Bao and fed him.

    She smoothed his hair as she fed him. ¡°You still have the cheek to say that. You know that Er Bao has a temper. Why did you provoke him?¡±

    Even if she did note back home today, there was milk in the refrigerator.

    Once they heated the milk and fed Er Bao, he would stop crying.

    Needless to say, Er Bao cried today because her mother-inw and sister-inw handed Er Bao to Brother Zhai.

    Brother Zhai was a first-time father. He could not possibly know how to carry a baby. That was why he had upset Er Bao with his clumsiness.

    Zhai Hua raised her hand. She had nothing to do with today¡¯s incident.

    She was a woman, but she needed to spend a lot of time to learn the correct way to carry the triplets. She would not give the most difficult task of carrying Er Bao to Zhai Sheng, who was a clumsy man.

    Miao Jing had a guilty smile on her face. ¡°Zhai Sheng is their father. He has to learn how to coax his children. He has to understand and know their temper.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Therefore, her mother-inw decided to start from the baby who had the worst temper?

    Upon hearing the conversation between his mother and wife, Zhai Sheng understood that his mother and his son had made things difficult for him deliberately. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s hard on you to take care of three children at one go.¡±

    Zhai Sheng used to think that he would not get married anytime soon and it would be ages before he was a father.

    Perhaps he would start to think of marriage when he was thirty years old.

    He did not expect that he would be a father of three when he just turned twenty-six years old.

    Qiao Nan blushed when Zhai Sheng reached his hands toward her. She adjusted her clothes and passed Da Bao to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Of course not. Mom, Sister Zhai Hua, and the auntie have been helping me take care of the triplets. Even if I possess remarkable abilities, I will not be able to take care of them by myself. It is hard on them as well.¡± After feeding her sons, she moved to feed her daughter.

    The triplets would feel hungry at around the same time. Qiao Nan did not have a specific rule as to who to feed first.

    As long as Er Bao did not make a din like today, Qiao Nan would usually rotate the baby that she fed first.

    ¡°It had been hard on everyone.¡± Zhai Sheng was surprised that his daughter seemed to be in a hurry to drink the milk. He reached his hand to hook his daughter¡¯s fingers that were cradling Qiao Nan¡¯s chest.

    His daughter¡¯s tiny hands felt extremely tender and smooth. He dared not exert any force and hooked her fingers lightly.

    On the contrary, as soon as she felt that there was something in her palms, she had a tight grip on it.

    There was a glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. It was as if he had discovered something new. ¡°San Bao¡¯s grip is very strong.¡± She was only two months old. Why did she have such a strong grip?

    ¡°You are so foolish. Besides San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao have a strong grip as well. Mom said that babies like to clench their fists and make a tight grip.¡±

    Zhai Hua, who was a first-time auntie, also had a lot of burning questions in mind when she started to take care of her nephews and niece. She had pestered her mother throughout the two months to answer her questions.

    Zhai Hua had learned a lot about how to take care of babies. She was able to act as Zhai Sheng¡¯s teacher and answer his questions.

    Miao Jing, who had fun watching them, drank some water. ¡°Nan Nan, you are just back from school. Are you hungry? The soup is ready. Do you want to have a bowl of soup before your meal?¡±

    Hua Hua was very right about one thing. Zhai Sheng was indeed a foolish father.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She had lessons for the entire morning and she had not had any food. After feeding the triplets, she felt hungry as well.

    She took the bowl of crucian carp soup that the auntie prepared and finished it in one go.

    Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. ¡°Are you that hungry? No matter how hungry you are, you should not be in a hurry to have your food. It will lead to indigestion.¡± If Nan Nan was hungry at school, she should have bought some food to eat.

    ¡°She¡¯d better not do that.¡± Zhai Hua waved her hand. ¡°Nan Nan has to finish such soup in one go. If she takes her time to drink it, I am not sure whether it will be better for her digestion, but it will definitely hurt her throat.¡±

    Zhai Hua noticed that Qiao Nan would always finish the tonics in one go. Zhai Hua could not help but suspect that the auntie had prepared very sumptuous confinement meals for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had been taking such food for more than a month. If the food did not taste good, Qiao Nan would have disyed her displeasure and reluctance.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua did a very foolish deed a week ago.

    She dared not ask Qiao Nan to share the soup with her. If so, she would be fighting for food with her sister-inw who was breastfeeding.

    Even though she could not ask to have the soup openly, she could have it secretly.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua hid it from everyone and tasted Qiao Nan¡¯s soup out of curiosity.

    A slight taste of it and Zhai Hua understood why it was so ¡®overwhelming¡¯.

    One would feel happy if one had delicious food.

    But if one had disgusting food, one would indeed be ¡®overwhelmed¡¯!

    Zhai Hua was puzzled. The soup was not sweet or salty. It was fishy and oily. It was not tasty at all. Why did Qiao Nan seem as if she was savoring delicious food whenever she drank the soup? It was because of her that she was intrigued and ended up in a misunderstanding.

 Chapter 1184 - The Father of the Children Is Inhumane

    <h4>Chapter 1184 The Father of the Children Is Inhumane</h4>

    Qiao Nan did not know whether to cry orugh upon knowing this. ¡°Am I drinking it to satisfy my hunger? I am drinking it because I have to drink it. This soup is simply unbearable.¡±

    But the problem was the soup could help increase her milk. If she did not drink it, her triplets would not have milk.

    This was not a matter of taste, and she was left with no choice.

    As Zhai Hua learned more and more about the hard work of a mother, she gradually changed her perception of Miao Jing.

    She might not be aware of other things, but she knew that she and Zhai Sheng had breast milk when they were babies.

    She did not remember that she had breast milk when she was young.

    However, she had memories of Zhai Sheng drinking milk in her mother¡¯s arms.

    Zhai Hua asked Old Master Zhai secretly if her mother drank the soup that Qiao Nan had when she was breastfeeding Zhai Sheng and her.

    Old Master Zhai gave her a positive answer.

    The triplets might have a big appetite, but they were still young. If not for the fact that there were so many of them, there was no need for Qiao Nan to be in a hurry to increase her breast milk.

    Back then, Miao Jing was able to feed Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng when they were still young.

    However, by the time they were four months old, they had a huge appetite.

    Perhaps the children in the Zhai family had a huge appetite. Zhai Hua had an equally big appetite as Zhai Sheng who was a boy. In order to feed her children, Miao Jing had to drink the tonics to increase her milk.

    After getting her question answered, Zhai Hua did not behave especially affectionately toward Miao Jing. However, instead of getting irritated with her nagging and agreeing with her overtly but opposing her in secret to please her, she changed her attitude toward Miao Jing.

    Compared to the past, she would take her words seriously.

    Zhai Hua used to think that her mother never really took care of her, but she gradually understood that she was loved and taken care of by her mother.

    It was just that she was young and she did not have memories of it. She did not understand that as a mother, Miao Jing had always been caring for them.

    Zhai Sheng was smarter than Zhai Hua. Upon hearing her words, he more or less knew what was going on. ¡°Nan Nan still has to go to school and the triplets will feel hungry many times a day. Can¡¯t we give them baby form?¡±

    Compared to the children, Qiao Nan was the apple of his eye. She would always be his priority.

    Previously, he had already told Qiao Nan that it was alright if she was pregnant. After giving birth to the children, she could still go on with life as per normal. Someone else would take care of the children.

    Today, Zhai Sheng saw for himself how they would cry and move about and was amazed at how adorable and chubby they were. But even so, he did not want Nan Nan to overwork herself.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Hua was the first to reject. ¡°It is good for babies to have breast milk. They will be stronger and they will not fall sick easily.¡± She and Zhai Sheng had breast milk when they were young and they seldom fell sick since then.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you able to take it?¡± Zhai Sheng was inexperienced, but that did not mean that he was clueless.

    Qiao Nan had to provide the triplets with the breast milk. It was very draining and exhausting to feed the triplets.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan wanted to go ording to her original n toplete her studies. Feeding her babies would be a heavy burden on her.

    Qiao Nan cradled San Bao in her arms even though she was full and fast asleep. ¡°I am okay for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Alright. If you feel that it is too tiring, you must tell Mom. I noticed that we have a lot of baby form at home. They are from overseas and there should not be any problem with their quality.¡± Zhai Sheng, who just came home, had a look around the house.

    When Zhai Sheng came back home in the past, he felt that the house was without any warmth.

    When he reached home today, he was weed by the smell of milk.

    Ever since he married Nan Nan, everything had changed at home.

    ¡°You are too inhumane. You favor your wife over your kids.¡± Zhai Hua knew that Zhai Sheng was worried for his wife and he wanted his children to have baby form instead. ¡°Da Bao, you are so miserable. Your dad doesn¡¯t love the three of you. Don¡¯t worry. As your auntie, I will make sure that all of you won¡¯t suffer.¡±

    Zhai Hua touched Da Bao¡¯s chubby cheeks. It was smooth and tender. Zhai Hua could not stop herself from touching him.

    After the triplets were born, Zhai Hua would refuse to go out on dates with Tian Dong.

    There was once when they only left the house for around twenty minutes and Zhai Hua insisted that the triplets must be crying at home. She believed that her mother and the auntie could not cope with the triplets and she had to help them out.

    Since Zhai Hua had said so, Tian Dong could do nothing about it as well. Since then, Tian Dong and Zhai Hua would not go out for a movie, have meals, or shop around. Instead, they would stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence and they would carry the babies, change their diapers, and feed them!

    Other than Zhai Hua, who was adept at taking care of the triplets, if Tian Dong, their future uncle, was at the Zhai family¡¯s residence today, he would do a better job at taking care of the babies than their father, Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Stop your nonsense.¡± Miao Jing smacked Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. ¡°Da Bao has just fallen asleep. Don¡¯t disturb him. The babies may be young, but they are very intelligent. You should not shoot your mouth off in front of them. When Zhai Sheng and you were at a young age, both of you were very smart and crafty. Don¡¯t think that they are clueless as they are still young.¡±

    Her grandchildren were the smartest children in the world.

    Zhai Hua snorted, but she did not rebut Miao Jing. Instead, she turned to pull Er Bao¡¯s tiny hands.

    Er Bao had his fill and he was tired from crying just now. Zhai Hua was confident that he would not wake up even if she pulled his tiny hands.

    Miao Jing shook her head angrily. To think that Hua Hua was an aunt, yet she was so insensible.

    Miao Jing turned to look at Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. ¡°Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan is just back from school. The schoolbag is very heavy. Can you help Nan Nan bring it back to the room?¡±

    Her son had been away from home for more than half a year. Now that he was back, his eyes were fixed on Nan Nan and he could not take his eyes off her.

    As his mother, Miao Jing could not possibly hinder her son. She would allow her son and daughter-inw to have some private time.

    The triplets had just been fed and they would be quiet for at least one to two hours. Now was the right time for her son to bring Nan Nan away with him. If the triplets woke up and pestered Nan Nan, her son would not be able to spend some private time with Nan Nan.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes lit up. Without waiting for Qiao Nan to give herments, he grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s schoolbag, held Qiao Nan by the waist, and carried Qiao Nan with him.

    Qiao Nan felt that she was being lifted off the floor.

    Qiao Nan blushed, and in no time, she was no longer in the living room but in their room. Qiao Nan fell backward onto the soft bed.

    Qiao Nan, who was ced on the bed, bounced due to the spring mattress. ¡°B-brother Zhai...¡±

 Chapter 1185 - A Fierce Bite

    <h4>Chapter 1185 A Fierce Bite</h4>

    She had a lot to tell Brother Zhai. He had not been back for half a month. Apart from the two short conversations with him on the phone, she was about to forget his voice.

    Compared to Qiao Nan, who had a lot to say, Zhai Sheng used his actions to prove that he was more interested in ¡®doing¡¯ it!

    The curtains cut off most of the lights outside. Their room was thrown into sudden darkness. Qiao Nan could faintly make out a blurred figure that belonged to Zhai Sheng.

    A pair of familiar but distant hands reached out toward her. Qiao Nan went weak and trembled on the bed.

    Perhaps Zhai Sheng already had this thought in mind since he came back home. He made use of the time when she was feeding the triplets to figure out the zips and buttons on her clothes.

    Zhai Sheng had never seen Qiao Nan in the outfit that she wore today.

    However, as soon as shey on the bed, he was able to undress her deftly under the dim light. It seemed as if he was an experienceddy killer and was familiar with all types of female clothes. Undressing her was a simple feat to him. He acted quickly, mercilessly, and urately.

    Qiao Nan was without any clothes in no time.

    Not only was Zhai Sheng skilled in undressing her, but he was just as skilled in undressing himself. When he pressed onto her, she could feel his bare skin!

    Thereafter, she could only feel endless gushes of burning waves roaring through her, as if she was about to be enveloped by them.

    Qiao Nan grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, lost in the burning waves. Shey on the bed as Zhai Sheng brought her to heights time and again.

    Qiao Nan only had sses in the morning. She did not have any lessons in the afternoon. Her original intention was to study while the triplets were asleep in the afternoon. If the triplets woke up, her mother-inw would be there to take care of them.

    Apart from having to feed them, she would leave the task of taking care of them to her mother-inw.

    Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had been cooperating well all along and she managed to have some time to study.

    However, the presence of Zhai Sheng disrupted Qiao Nan¡¯s schedule today.

    Qiao Nan had no idea when she drifted off to sleep. By the time she woke up, the room was in total darkness as they had drawn the curtains. She could not tell what time it was.

    Qiao Nan looked at the clock on the bedside table. She turned sullen when she realized that it was already five o¡¯clock in the evening.

    It was not even noon when she reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence!

    In the blink of an eye, she had ¡®slept¡¯ for more than five hours. Men were indeed troublesome.

    ¡°Wawawa...¡± She could hear a baby crying outside the room. The baby seemed to have cried for a long time, his voice turning hoarse. A man¡¯s voice could be heard cajoling the baby, but he sounded awkward. Clearly, he must be inexperienced, but one could tell that he loved the baby very much. ¡°Don¡¯t cry anymore. I will bring you to your mom.¡±

    Er Bao, who was tired from crying, disliked the man who was carrying him. He felt hard and he carried him in an ufortable position. Most importantly, he was hungry!

    Qiao Nan could tell from the cries that it was Er Bao, who was crying again.

    Qiao Nan wanted to sit up, but her waist ached terribly. It was as if she had done a hundred sit-ups within ten minutes despite having not trained consistently. Her stomach and waist ached badly. Qiao Nan flopped down on the bed, feeling listless.

    She moved slowly as she tried sitting up again. This time, she was ready for the ache that she felt in her waist.

    Zhai Sheng carried his son and pushed the door open. His wife stared at him angrily. Her clear, sparkling eyes widened slightly in anger. She looked flushed after their intimate episode just now. Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart fluttered at the sight of her.

    Qiao Nan shot a disdainful look at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why are you standing at the door? Bring Er Bao here.¡± If he continued crying, it might hurt his throat.

    Although it was good for Er Bao¡¯s health to cry asionally, crying too much would not be good for him.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng passed Er Bao to Qiao Nan, cing him in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Qiao Nan lifted her clothes. She was not wearing anything underneath her clothes.

    Er Bao, who was starving, smelled the familiar scent of milk and opened his mouth to take a fierce bite. Qiao Nan frowned in pain. ¡°Thankfully, Er Bao does not have any teeth. Otherwise, I will be in so much pain now. Brother Zhai, now that you are back, should you discuss with the old master and Dad about their names?¡± They could not possibly keep using their pet names Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao.

    ¡°Okay. I will give you an answer tonight.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded. He hooked Er Bao¡¯s hands, stopping him from grabbing Qiao Nan¡¯s chest.

    He could not stop him from touching what belonged to him when he was not at home. Now that he was at home, he would not allow other men to touch his belongings.

    Although his opponent was his son and he was having his favorite food, Zhai Sheng¡¯s stand was firm.

    Er Bao had his full concentration on drinking his milk. He had no time to throw his temper at his father who kept teasing him by pulling at his tiny hands.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you run into any trouble in schooltely?¡± Er Bao was drinking heartily. It was as if he was having the most delicious food in the world. Zhai Sheng was jealous of his own son.

    Two hours ago, he had a taste of it as well. Zhai Sheng could not help but pinch Er Bao¡¯s chubby cheeks, disturbing him from his meals.

    Er Bao was unhappy. He iled his tiny hands and moved his head about, trying to shrug the hand that was pinching his cheeks.

    Er Bao was too tiny to defeat his mischievous father. He was not his opponent. In the end, Qiao Nan, the mother, could not stand it and stepped in. She pped Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands. ¡°Brother Zhai, stop bullying Er Bao. Mom said that if we pinch the baby¡¯s cheeks, they will drool in the future.¡±

    While drinking the milk, Er Bao shot aggrieved looks at Zhai Sheng, as if agreeing with Qiao Nan that his father was being too nasty to him. He was too shameless to bully a baby who was still on his milk.

    ¡°Er Bao, be good. Let¡¯s ignore your dad. You will grow up to be strong and healthy.¡± Er Bao kept looking at his father, not concentrating on his meal. Qiao Nan shook him slightly and patted his bottom, telling him to ignore his father.

    Babies loved it when the adults cajoled them.

    Er Bao stopped looking at Zhai Sheng and concentrated on drinking his milk.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, why did you ask me whether I have run into any trouble?¡± After pacifying Er Bao, Qiao Nan adjusted his position. ¡°Did anything happen?¡± Otherwise, Brother Zhai would not have asked such a question.

    ¡°Nothing much. It is just that there are some slight issues. It has been settled.¡± Zhai Sheng gave a brief answer. ¡°Now that Er Bao is full, must we make sure that he burps? Let me do it.¡±

 Chapter 1186 - Untitled

    <h4>Chapter 1186 Untitled</h4>

    Qiao Nan was a little doubtful when she passed Er Bao to Brother Zhai. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know how to? Do you want to learn first?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Sheng decisively carried Er Bao to his arms. Er Bao had eaten his fill. He was so sleepy that his eyes were shut throughout.

    No matter how fussy Er Bao was usually, he would feel fall asleep easily after he had eaten his fill. As such, Er Bao was very easy-going at the moment. He would not make noise or fuss around, and whoever carried Er Bao could coax him to sleep immediately.

    ¡°I have seen how Zhai Hua did it when I was downstairs.¡± Upon watching, he had rehearsed it in his mind a few times. He should be given a chance to put it to practice now.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was very adept at learning new things. After patting Er Bao for a while, Zhai Sheng really managed to make him burp.

    Undoubtedly, when Er Bao¡¯s tummy was full and he was fast asleep, one after another, Da Bao and San Bao woke up in hunger and cried for milk.

    Clearly, it was alreadyte summer in November and winter was approaching. However, after feeding the three babies continuously, Qiao Nan was perspiring due to the ¡®torture¡¯.

    ¡°Come and have your meal, everyone.¡± Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui, who were waiting downstairs, watched as Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan walked down the stairs, holding hands. That degree of intimacy was as if they had just fallen in love.

    Zhai Yaohui estimated that from dating until now, the two of them had been together for a few years. Unexpectedly, the rtionship between his son and daughter-inw was getting better and better.

    Zhai Yaohui only calcted the actual calendar time. He did not assess in detail. Given that Zhai Sheng did not spend all 365 days a year at home, despite the certainty that they had been together for a few years, the actual time that they had spent together was, in fact, very short.

    Furthermore, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

    A year had not even passed since Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng. They were still considered to be newly married.

    Absence coupled with being newly married, it was not strange at all that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan would be so sticky to each other.

    ¡°Nan Nan, eat more.¡± Knowing that her daughter-inw had not stepped out of the bedroom for the entire morning and Zhai Sheng only came down to carry the children when it was about four o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Miao Jing could not help giving Zhai Sheng a few more res. She felt that her son was too heartless.

    Didn¡¯t he see how thin Nan Nan had be while taking care of the three children?

    In the past, sheined that her son was not home and could not stay by Nan Nan¡¯s side to share some of the responsibilities.

    Today, Miao Jing was shocked to discover a fact when her son was back: Her son¡¯s return was not any better than his absence.

    After he was back, he could not share the pressure with Nan Nan or reduce her burden. On the contrary, Nan Nan only needed to coax the three little ones when her son was not at home. Now, Nan Nan had to coax and take care of an additional person.

    Her son¡¯s return was not to share the burden with Nan Nan but to add on to it.

    ¡°What is the matter?¡± Qiao Nan, who was sitting beside Zhai Sheng, noticed that Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looked a little odd. After she poured a bowl of soup and put it in front of Zhai Sheng, she asked, ¡°Do you feel unwell anywhere?¡±

    That roll on the bed previously was too sudden.

    Zhai Sheng even drew the curtains. Qiao Nan, whose eyesight was not better than Zhai Sheng¡¯s, could not see his condition clearly.

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng looked a little odd.Please go and support our new domain MangaBob.Thanks! Qiao Nan could not help suspecting that Zhai Sheng had deliberately drawn the curtains in the bedroom earlier so that she could not discover the new wound on him. ¡°Is it because...¡±

    Most of the missions carried out by Zhai Sheng were very dangerous. This was not the first time that Qiao Nan heard that Zhai Sheng was injured afterpleting a mission. She had also seen it for herself once before.

    At the thought of this possibility, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression looked uglier than Zhai Sheng¡¯s. ¡°Why don¡¯t we make a trip to the hospital?¡±

    No matter how much Brother Zhai did not want the family to worry for him, he should not hide the situation of his injury and endure it without muttering a word.

    This would make everyone worried. It would also make the family feel upset if this were to happen many times.

    Zhai Sheng squeezed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t need to worry. I am fine. I am well and am not injured.¡± Upon finishing his words, Zhai Sheng nced at Miao Jing from the corners of his eyes to remind his biological mother to restrain a little so that she would not scare Nan Nan.

    Miao Jing had a guilty conscience, yet she felt indignant and red back at Zhai Sheng. If he did not go overboard, would she step on his foot with all her might?

    After thinking about it, Miao Jing felt that it was too tough on Qiao Nan to have to take care of Zhai Sheng, this older one, just after taking care of the little ones.

    She wanted to ask Zhai Sheng not to go overboard by holding on to Qiao Nan and bullying her.

    Did Zhai Sheng want Qiao Nan to take care of four children at the same time?

    ¡°Nan Nan still has sses tomorrow. She woke up very early in the morning. Nan Nan ns to shorten the college studies and strive to graduate a year earlier so that she could take care of the three babies. Let me warn you. It¡¯s fine that you are not of any help. Don¡¯t drag Nan Nan down. If you can¡¯t do that, be careful that I will deal with you. If I can¡¯t, there¡¯s still the old master and your dad!¡±

    Miao Jing was helpless too.

    If her son was a little more sensible and caring, he should understand all thesepletely without the need for her to teach him.

    After knowing that Miao Jing was fighting for her justice, Qiao Nan felt both touched and embarrassed. ¡°Mom, have a piece of beef. Auntie cooked it and it tastes very delicious. Auntie selected the meat very well. There aren¡¯t many tendons and the meat won¡¯t get stuck in the teeth.¡±

    Miao Jing immediately smiled like a flower. ¡°Alright, Mom will try it. Um, it¡¯s not bad.¡±

    Once the daughter-inw coaxed her, Miao Jing immediately cast the disobedient and insensible Zhai Sheng aside. They started behaving like a loving pair of mother and daughter-inw as they filled each other¡¯s bowl with dishes.

    The mother and daughter-inw were behaving so affectionately. Those who were unaware would think that today was not Qiao Nan¡¯s meal with the inws. Instead, it was the rare asion where Qiao Nan brought Zhai Sheng, this clumsy son-inw, back to the maternal family to have a simple meal, and Miao Jing was the mother-inw who had married off her daughter.

    Zhai Hua looked at Zhai Sheng, amused, andughed at him.

    After Nan Nan came, Zhai Sheng¡¯s and her statuses had been squeezed down the ranks.

    After the three babies came, it seemed that Zhai Sheng had also fallen out of favor although he was the babies¡¯ biological father.

    Zhai Sheng did not bother about Zhai Hua¡¯s gloating at all. His status and treatment had turned worse. Certainly, Zhai Hua¡¯s situation was not any better than his.

    As the only two biological siblings who grew up together, Zhai Hua had always ranked below Zhai Sheng. Hence, he did not think much of it. He would do whatever was needed.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng,e to my study room to have a game of chess after eating.¡± Old Master Zhai was older now and his appetite was not as good as before. If he were to eat too much, he would suffer from gastric pain due to indigestion and had to take medicine to resolve the problem.

    Zhai Sheng knew that this meant that Old Master Zhai had something to say to him. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After the meal, ording to the routine, Miao Jing and the trio helped the three babies change diapers, wash their bums, changed their clothes, and put them to sleep.

 Chapter 1187 - Itâ€™s Better for Me to Do I

    <h4>Chapter 1187 It¡¯s Better for Me to Do I</h4>

    Qiao Nan carried her books to one side and sat down to catch up on her studies.

    Well, her husband was home. Qiao Nan¡¯s study n was nowgging by half a day.

    Honestly, in front of Qiao Nan, this student, even the soldier Zhai Sheng was not considered a busy man. Qiao Nan was the truly busy one. She very much wished that there could be two of her or she was a superhuman with three heads and six arms.

    When Qiao Nan finished half of the tasks that she nned to do today, Zhai Sheng came home.

    After Zhai Sheng entered the bedroom, he walked behind Qiao Nan, reached out his hands, and hugged her from behind.

    As soon as he exerted strength with his iron-like arms, Qiao Nan¡¯s body was lifted into the air, although she was still holding on to a pen.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Didn¡¯t we just... in the afternoon? My body is still aching now. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t be too much. Overindulgence is not good for health. Brother Zhai, I¡¯m doing this for your own good.¡± Of course, her studies were also very important.

    ¡°Do you think that a few times in the afternoon could satisfy me?¡± Zhai Sheng said with disdain. If Nan Nan had not fainted, he would not have stopped.

    To Zhai Sheng, the three-hour torture in the afternoon was only considered half-full.

    It was the same for every human being. If one was a hundred percent full or overate a particr food, one would be sick of that food for some time thereafter.

    It would be different if one was already very interested in the new food and had been craving for it for a long time.

    When he was starving so badly that anything would taste good, he actually tasted something that he loved most.

    He had wanted to fill his tummy without reservation but was eventually barely full.

    As such, his interest in this kind of food immediately multiplied.

    Now, Zhai Sheng was starving so badly that his pair of eyes was emitting green light. He really had the impulse to tear Qiao Nan apart andpletely devour her into his stomach.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± When she was lying on the bed once again, Qiao Nan was so anxious that she blushed badly. ¡°Although the three babies are only over two months old, I can¡¯t guarantee that I won¡¯t be pregnant now. We don¡¯t have condoms in our house either. You¡¯re putting me in a difficult position. You don¡¯t want me to go for an abortion if I be pregnant, right?¡±

    Qiao Nan was inexperienced in this area. However, she heard many cases whereby abortion was bad for health.

    Most importantly, to someone who especially loved children, abortion was not only harmful to health but also cruel.

    If she did not do that, she would be hindering her husband¡¯s future.

    Hence, before anything of such happened, they had to think of ways and try their best to prevent it, which would put them in a dilemma.

    The two led a couple¡¯s life after marriage, and Zhai Sheng had been letting nature take its course. If Qiao Nan were to be pregnant, she would give birth.

    As such, until now, things such as condom or contraception medicine could not be found in the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    In the afternoon, Zhai Sheng¡¯s actions were too fast. Qiao Nan lost her sanity very soon and did not remember all these.

    However, Qiao Nan was very sober now. She could not help but be a wet nket at this moment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Unless there is a problem with the surgery, you won¡¯t be pregnant anymore.¡± After knowing that Qiao Nan was not rejecting his advances, that aloofness beneath Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes disappeared in a sh.

    Recently, some bad things had happened in the army. As a bystander, Zhai Sheng heard many things.

    No matter how confident Zhai Sheng was, he had seen many of these things and they happened to people so close to him. It was impossible for Zhai Sheng not to think much of it.

    Fortunately, the youngdy that he had fallen in love with had always been the best in this world. She had never let him down.

    When she heard Zhai Sheng mentioned that she would not be pregnant anymore, the hands that Qiao Nan used to block Zhai Sheng were not so firm anymore. However, she was still avoiding Zhai Sheng¡¯s hot and searing kiss. ¡°Surgery failure? What do you mean? Why did you suddenly mention the surgery and that I won¡¯t be pregnant anymore?¡±

    Not many people were aware that she was married and had given birth to three children.

    Typically, since she already had three children, she should go through the procedure of an IUD insertion.

    The problem was that the three babies were still little and Zhai Sheng was hardly at home. Hence, Qiao Nan could not spare the time to do that.

    Zhai Sheng pressed Qiao Nan down with his body forcefully, opened Qiao Nan¡¯s body, and sank in.

    When Qiao Nan lost her sanity once again and fell into the madness and passion brought by Zhai Sheng, he heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep, hoarse and sexy voice whispering into her ears. ¡°I underwent ligation.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was giving birth, Zhai Sheng did not manage to fulfill his wish of returning to Qiao Nan¡¯s side to watch their children born together.

    After Qiao Nan gave birth to Er Bao, she fainted as her energy was drained. San Bao almost suffocated in her womb and caused the death of both the mother and baby. Zhai Hua did not hide any of these from Zhai Sheng.

    How could Zhai Sheng not know what Zhai Hua¡¯s intent was?

    Initially, when they were together, Zhai Hua strongly objected to it. She had doubted Nan Nan¡¯s sincerity and motives and was afraid that he would be too naive and had been taken in by Nan Nan.

    Now, Zhai Hua defended and protected Nan Nan wholeheartedly. On the contrary, she was picky on him, this biological brother, and sided with Nan Nan for every matter.

    Since a long time ago, he knew that thedy that he had chosen was awesome and the best in the world.

    True enough, reality had proven it all.

    Zhai Sheng could note back to keep Qiao Nanpany when she was in pain during childbirth. As such, in other areas, if he had a choice, Zhai Sheng would rather take the pain than let Qiao Nan suffer any of it.

    To him, three children were more than enough.

    After knowing that he had three children, Zhai Sheng returned to the camp as soon as he hadpleted his mission. The first ce that he left for was not his home but the hospital in the army to undergo ligation surgery.

    Zhai Sheng was not even willing to let Qiao Nan do a minor surgery such as IUD insertion. Why would he do something that would harm Qiao Nan due to his overindulgence and impulse on the spur of a moment? If he made Qiao Nan pregnant, she could only endure the pain in her heart and carry out an abortion, which was very harmful to her health.

    Today, in the middle of the night, the three babies woke up in hunger. They cried and kicked up a fuss but Zhai Hua did not appear.

    Zhai Sheng was already home. Of course, she would not join in the fun.

    It was just nice. Zhai Sheng should experience for himself how tough it was to take care of the three babies, lest he be led astray by theplicated world outside or sumb to temptation.

    After returning to the capital, Zhai Hua spent less time in the army but it did not mean that she did not feel the difference between the capital and Ping Cheng.

    After entering the central government, they encountered people and matters that were moreplicated and corrupted than that of Ping Cheng. There were all kinds of means and tricks, only waiting to get you.

    Corruption was rampant as were forming of coalition and allies.

    That was purely the framing tactics used by political opponents. They utilized such corrupted means to numb their revolutionary wills.

    She had not mentioned these matters to Qiao Nan before.

 Chapter 1188 - Quick Temper

    <h4>1188 Quick Temper</h4>

    However, she had been deeply worried that Zhai Sheng wouldmit a moral mistake due to temptation.

    Regardless of whether she was being paranoid, it would not be too wrong to be a little more careful or prepare for danger in times of peace.

    Zhai Hua had been thinking more and doing less.

    Only if she did less could Zhai Sheng do more. Zhai Sheng would understand Qiao Nan¡¯s pain then.

    Moreover, this could expend more of Zhai Sheng¡¯s energy lest hee up with other ideas. It would be best if he ran out of steam.

    Zhai Hua could hide these little tricks from Miao Jing but not the men of the Zhai family.

    Old Master Zhai snorted proudly. This was the grandson that he had brought up personally. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s will of revolution was so weak, he would write his name the other way round.

    Zhai Yaohui felt a little helpless. His daughter¡¯s rtionship with his daughter-inw was better than that with his son. How was he going to resolve this?

    Zhai Sheng felt helpless too but it did not bother him. Nan Nan was his wife. Of course, he would devote his heart and mind in taking care of her. There was no need for other people to blindly kick up a fuss.

    Women?

    In his eyes, besides his mother, Nan Nan, and his newborn daughter, the rest of the people were just individuals. Even for Zhai Hua, he only took her as a tomboy who could not be called a woman.

    Besides these three women, the other women had already lost their gender in front of Zhai Sheng. It was quite difficult for Zhai Sheng tomit some mistakes that would be easilymitted by other men.

    Zhai Sheng, who had just assumed the role, was not very familiar with being a father. Of course, tonight, Qiao Nan was more tired but she also fell into a deeper sleep than before.

    The next morning, Qiao Nan had dark circles under her eyes when Zhai Sheng sent her to school. ¡°I¡¯lle and fetch you at eleven?¡±

    Qiao Nan yawned and nodded. ¡°Okay, you can leave the house around eleven to fetch me. Stay at the entrance. Don¡¯t drive the car in.¡±

    People were already staring at the Land Rover when it arrived at the entrance of the school. If they were to really drive it into the schoolpound, there would only be more onlookers.

    Hence, Qiao Nan would rather walk for over twenty minutes than letting Zhai Sheng drive into the school to fetch her. Moreover, it was about a twenty-minute walk because the building in which Qiao Nan would be having her sses happened to be nearer to the school entrance.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Sheng was very willing to indulge Qiao Nan in such minor matters. All the while, Zhai Sheng eded to all of Qiao Nan¡¯s requests. He trusted Qiao Nan very much with her college life.

    When he was seated in the car, the sharp eyes of Zhai Sheng noticed that although there were only a few people who passed through the entrance, once his wife appeared, all the men looked at his wife and could not help taking a few more nces.

    As a man, Zhai Sheng could understand these men¡¯s actions. However, as a husband, he could not do so.

    After some time, Zhai Sheng pursed the corners of his lips coldly. After giving birth, Nan Nan was more charismatic than before. It was just that Nan Nan was too naive and did not discover this change at all.

    The age of spring onions and the smile of spring flowers. The purity exuded from her was filled with the seductive charisma of a new wife and the gentleness of a new mother.

    To men, this kind of woman was a fatal attraction.

    Fortunately, Nan Nan was already married to him and she was not living in the school. For the sake of the three babies, besides attending sses, Nan Nan was always studying or taking care of the babies at home. She did not even go to the school library.

    Qiao Nan was totally unaware that after she alighted from the car, Zhai Sheng went home with a tummy full of jealousy just because some people cast her a few more nces.

    In fact, Qiao Nan¡¯s change was not only felt by men but also by women. For example, Xu Shengnan could tell the difference in Qiao Nan when they met upon Qiao Nan¡¯s return to the school.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng only noticed that more men were looking at Qiao Nan. If he were to see that even some women liked to be closer to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would probably feel even more jealous. It would be simply a sea of jealousy.

    ¡°Da Bao, call master grandpa.¡± In the house of the Zhai family, Lin Yuankang, who was seldom willing to leave his own house, did not go anywhere except for the house of the Zhai family. He was carrying the sturdy and ¡®heavy-weight¡¯ Da Bao as he teased him to talk.

    Da Bao opened his pair of eyes that were as ck and dewy as grapes and blinked at Lin Yuankang. He was drooling as he opened his pinkish and tender tiny mouth.

    As for the master grandpa?

    Sorry, Da Bao expressed that he did not understand what that was. He just opened his mouth and spoke some babynguage to Lin Yuankang.

    ¡°Da Bao, you¡¯re so obedient. Right, I am your master grandpa. Next time, I will teach you how to speak English, okay?¡± Lin Yuankang still bothered so much as if Da Bao really understood his words and vice versa. One old and one young. One word from each. It was funny they seemed to be having a conversation.

    ¡°Okay, okay. Our Da Bao resembles his mother. Both are good kids who love to learn. Master grandpa is very happy.¡±

    ¡°Yee yee, ya ya...¡±

    ¡°Is that so? No hurry. You¡¯re still very young now. After a few months... I will teach you after a few months.¡±

    ¡°Yee ya...¡±

    ¡°Da Bao is so obedient. You¡¯re as obedient as your mother. Master grandpa likes Da Bao very much. Do you like master grandpa?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua, who was carrying San Bao, was speechless. So, Elder Lin¡¯s intelligence was the same as that of Da Bao now. Hence, the two were one of a kind and Elder Lin could understand Da Bao¡¯s words?

    It was no wonder Zhai Hua would suspect that. Elder Lin was really chatting as if he was so familiar with Da Bao.

    That affection between the old and the young¡ªthey looked as if they were long-lost rtives who finally got to meet each other. No matter what they chatted about, it was filled with deep nostalgia, memories, and feelings of the old times.

    Miao Jing patted Zhai Hua. ¡°You can¡¯t look at Elder Lin in that way. Elder Lin was just teasing and ying with Da Bao. Initially, I feel that Da Bao resembles Zhai Sheng too much. Besides Nan Nan, he doesn¡¯t like to care about others. When Er Bao cries, at most, he will take a nce and then ignore him thereafter. Now, it seems that Da Bao has some affinity with Elder Lin.¡±

    Elder Lin was right. Da Bao was as smart and likable as his mother. He got along so well with Elder Lin.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Zhai Hua did notment further on Miao Jing¡¯s words. She reached out her hands and broke the milk bubbles that San Bao blew with her mouth. Initially, San Bao did not bother about it either. She continued to blow her bubbles and was having a great time.

    Who would have known that her auntie would poke one as soon as she blew one? The more bubbles she blew, the faster her auntie poked them.

    As a quick-tempered youngdy, San Bao red up suddenly and she cried.

    The moment San Bao cried, regardless of the Er Bao in Miao Jing¡¯s arms or the Da Bao who was conversing with Elder Lin, both turned their heads and looked at San Bao. Thereafter, their bright and watery big eyes could not help narrowing unhappily as they red at Zhai Hua with tiger-like expressions.

 Chapter 1189 - Dissatisfied

    <h4>1189 Dissatisfied</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of your itchy hands.¡± Miao Jing patted Zhai Hua¡¯s hands unhappily. ¡°You clearly know that San Bao is very quick-tempered, yet you deliberately be at odds with her. What kind of auntie are you? Carry Er Bao. I will coax San Bao.¡± To say that Hua Hua had grown up, she had indeed performed quite well when she helped take care of the three babies. To say that she had not grown up, look, San Bao was just a baby who was still drinking milk, yet she was bullied to tears by Hua Hua, this heartless biological auntie.

    Miao Jing could not help doubting whether she could leave her maternal grandchild in her daughter¡¯s care if Zhai Hua were to give birth to a child after marrying Tian Dong.

    When that time came, she hoped that her maternal grandchild would not be badly bullied aspared to San Bao when it fell into the clutches of Hua Hua.

    Zhai Hua smiled, embarrassed. She was just teasing San Bao and did not do it on purpose.

    Both Zhai Hua and Miao Jing did not notice that when the two of them exchanged the babies in their arms, as Zhai Hua was carrying Er Bao over, Er Bao, whose neck was already quite strong, waved his little ws and took the chance to punch Zhai Hua a few times.

    Of course, Er Bao¡¯s strength was so meager that Zhai Hua did not feel any pain. She even thought that Er Bao was giving her a massage as he was afraid that she would be tired. ¡°Mom, did you see that? Er Bao is massaging my hands. His heart really aches for me, this auntie. My obedient Er Bao, let auntie give you a kiss.¡±

    Muack! Having said that, ignoring Er Bao¡¯s mood, she kissed Er Bao and took huge advantage of him.

    Zhai Sheng, who had just arrived home after sending Qiao Nan to school, happened to see Er Bao¡¯s ¡®spectacr¡¯ performance and walked in nonchntly. ¡°Elder Lin, you¡¯re here? Nan Nan has sses today. She¡¯s not at home.¡±

    ¡°No issue. I know Nan Nan has sses. I am here to see the three babies.¡± Lin Yuankang did not mind. He said that he would not get a turn to carry the three babies if his little disciple was around.

    Compared to these old men and women, the three babies favored Nan Nan, their biological mother, most.

    When Qiao Nan was around, the three babies would prefer to stay by her side based on her smell. Even when they were lying down, they did not need anyone to carry. They would also be very good-tempered and not kick up a fuss. Anyway, the activity that they did most nowadays was to shut their eyes and sleep.

    If anyone were to tease the three babies or insisted on carrying them, the three babies would immediately frown and cry for the person to see.

    When their mama was not around, a rare situation would ur whereby the three babies would be awake and want people to hug them. They would not resist being carried and would not mind whoever carried them.

    In short, with their mama around, everything else was as superficial as clouds.

    Actually, newborns who were not yet three months old could not recognize people¡¯s faces. They recognized based on feelings and smells.

    After taking a seat, Zhai Sheng changed his mind about carrying San Bao. He carried the most ¡®dramatic¡¯ Er Bao instead.

    Zhai Sheng squeezed Er Bao¡¯s tightly clenched fists. The round little fists were very soft, especially the back of his hands as there was a lot of flesh on them. ¡°He has the looks of an elder brother.¡±

    If Da Bao and Er Bao maintained the same temperaments after they grew up, he did not need to be afraid that someone would bully San Bao then.

    Seemingly sensing that someone else was hugging him now, Er Bao twisted his head and snorted continuously. His little fists loosened and five adorable balls of flesh immediately appeared on the back of his fleshy hands.

    Zhai Sheng touched Er Bao, who was just over two months old and full of baby fat. ¡°Your mother has fed you well. Look at how well you have grown.¡± These three fleshy ¡®lotus roots¡¯ were all Nan Nan¡¯s work and credit.

    At the thought that Qiao Nan seemed to have be slimmer in the waist again, Zhai Sheng said unhappily, ¡°You¡¯ve been well fed and chubby but you¡¯ve tired out your mom and made her skinnier.¡± These three little jerks...

    Zhai Sheng always gave others the impression that he was a tough and aloof man. When these words came out of his mouth, the few people who heard that felt as if they had been struck by lightning. Was Zhai Sheng¡¯s image going to copse?

    The newborns had only been awake shortly and Er Bao had already kicked up a fuss for some time. He was opening his tiny mouth and yawning nonstop. As for what his biological father said earlier, Er Bao expressed that he was still very young and did not understand.

    ¡°Let me do it?¡± Once Er Bao wanted to sleep, Zhai Hua wished to carry him back to coax him to sleep.

    Zhai Sheng did not pass Er Bao back to Zhai Hua. Instead, he ced Er Bao onto hisps. His actions were a little awkward. Soon after, he was gently patting Er Bao with a messy rhythm.

    Fortunately, his actions got smoother after patting a few more times.

    Er Bao was too sleepy. In addition, he was used to the hard and tough hugs by his great-grandfather and grandfather. Hence, Er Bao did not react much in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. His chubby and tiny face rubbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms a few times and he fell asleep soon after.

    After Er Bao fell asleep, Da Bao and San Bao were also in a daze. Until now, the routine of the three babies had been rtively the same.

    After the three babies went to sleep, of course, the adults put them in the baby cribs and covered them with little nkets.

    When the living hall was quiet again, Lin Yuankang looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°How is it? After you came back this time, what kind of underhand methods did Peng Yu use on you this time? You couldn¡¯t even make it back in time to see your children being born? You didn¡¯t even attend their full-month celebration.¡±

    Lin Yuankang was Qiao Nan¡¯s master. He looked at things more from Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective.

    As a college student, Qiao Nan was already married. Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family had taken huge advantage of Qiao Nan. It was Qiao Nan, this youngdy, who was too kind and did not take issue with them. Otherwise, which family¡¯sdy would marry so early?

    Fine. He could forget about this. However, Zhai Sheng could not possibly not stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and let Qiao Nan bear everything alone, right?

    During her ten months of pregnancy, Zhai Sheng did not even apany Qiao Nan to any of her medical appointments.

    Giving birth was such a dangerous matter. However, he did not even know where Zhai Sheng was during that time.

    Lin Yuankang epted Qiao Nan as his disciple because Zhai Sheng acted as the bridge for them.

    The problem was that Lin Yuankang was getting older. He was willful and did not like to reason.

    Lin Yuankang was childless. He took his youngest disciple as his own child. From that day onward, Lin Yuankang did not say it out, but in his heart, he felt very unhappy that Qiao Nan was together with Zhai Sheng.

    He dared to promise that his little disciple would definitely be able to find a man that would not lose to Zhai Sheng after she sessfullypleted her studies.

    Yes, it seemed that his little disciple had gotten a huge bargain by marrying into the Zhai family. It was as if she had fallen into a nest of good fortune.

    However, he had never thought so. Everything that the Zhai family could provide his little disciple, he could also do the same and even more. With him around, his little disciple did not even need to care about what the Zhai family had.

    After leaving the Zhai family, his little disciple could find someone better.

    Unfortunately, his little disciple was very stubborn. Regardless of how he hinted at her previously, his little disciple would y dumb and divert from the topic. She basically refused to break up with Zhai Sheng.

    Now, she was already married with three children. What could Lin Yuankang say?

    However, looking at Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior, Lin Yuankang felt suffocated at heart.

    So many people were yearning for him to provide some connections but he was not willing to.

 Chapter 1190 - Create Hindrances

    1190 Create Hindrances

    Finally, he found a little disciple that he liked and wanted to protect. However, the other party did not even give him a chance to do so. As such, he became more dissatisfied with Zhai Sheng.

    At the mention of Peng Yu, there was a slight change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression. ¡°I¡¯ve encountered some problems, but, so far, they have already been settled.¡± Zhai Sheng had met many people before. However, Peng Yu was far from the ordinary. He was very scheming and cunning.

    Even a character such as Zhai Sheng nearly fell into Peng Yu¡¯s trap.

    If Peng Yu had not secretly done many things that created hindrances to Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng would not have missed the birth of his triplets and also their full-month celebration.

    Elder Lin snorted. He was not totally dissatisfied with this answer. The problem had only been temporarily resolved. However, his little disciple only gave birth once in her lifetime, and the three babies only had one full-month celebration in their lifetimes.

    As the husband and father, he was not present on either asion.

    How could Zhai Sheng make up for these two matters?

    Zhai Hua and Miao Jing faced each other. They had already heard before that Elder Lin was very protective of his calf and doted on Qiao Nan very much.

    However, hearsay was one matter and seeing for themselves was another.

    Unexpectedly, Elder Lin was extremely protective of Nan Nan. For those who were unaware, they would very likely misunderstand that Nan Nan was a granddaughter Elder Lin had left wandering outside, and it was not convenient for him to acknowledge her.

    Fortunately, Miao Jing and Zhai Hua¡¯s thoughts about this matter were the same as Elder Lin¡¯s. Zhai Sheng did note back for these two important asions. Even his mother and sister could not help him.

    No one knew how frightened Zhai Hua felt two months ago when Qiao Nany on the delivery bed and fainted on the spot after giving birth to Er Bao due to excessive use of energy.

    She had seen many lives and deaths but had not experienced it happening to her close kin. She did not have the confidence and strength to watch helplessly as Qiao Nan struggled on the verge of life and death.

    The three babies were already more than two months old, but Zhai Hua still frequently dreamed of the scene wherein both the mother and babies were on the verge of death because Qiao Nan had no more energy after giving birth to Er Bao and almost suffocated San Bao, who was then still in the womb.

    What if there was an urrence of an ident or a situation that was not within control on that day? If Qiao Nan and San Bao did not manage to survive, what should she do? How was she going to face her family, as well as Da Bao and Er Bao, who had just been born?

    She was afraid that she was the one who had caused Da Bao and Er Bao to be children without a mother.

    After meeting Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua med all these worries and fears on Zhai Sheng without any second thoughts.

    Zhai Sheng did note back in time. Otherwise, everything that she had faced would have been Zhai Sheng¡¯s business. She would, at most, stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side to cheer for Qiao Nan.

    In short, what happened that day really scared Zhai Hua out of her wits.

    She was the only one by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. What if Qiao Nan required any surgery? Zhai Hua feared that she, as the sister-inw, would have the chance the sign the papers to approve the surgery under those circumstances.

    Fortunately, everything was over now. Qiao Nan had tided over that difficult time and even safely gave birth to three babies. As such, the Zhai family had three babies all at once.

    ¡°Peng Yu, that youngd, is arrogant and high-handed. He only cares about the oue and not the process. Hence, there is nothing that he cannot do. There are only things that you won¡¯t expect. Forget it this time. You have to be more careful next time. After having one exchange, Peng Yu¡¯s next move toward you will definitely be worse. When that timees, getting away from danger is a separate matter. Be careful that he will bite off a huge piece of your flesh.¡±

    At the mention of Peng Yu, this junior, Elder Lin looked extremely sullen.

    If thisd could time travel back to the ancient times, he would definitely be a formidable figure and the king of killers.

    Clearly, when thatd was still young, he looked so fair, crisp-looking, and well-mannered. He did not even show his teeth when he smiled. He was gentler and quieter than a youngdy.

    Why did he be so evil after growing up?

    Lin Yuankang could not figure out what blow Peng Yu had experienced or if the Peng family did any foolish things to make Peng Yu, who used to be quite fine, be so deformed now.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s master, no matter how much Lin Yuankang disliked Zhai Sheng, with Peng Yu as aparison, Lin Yuankang could not refuse to admit that Zhai Sheng, this disciple-inw, was actually not bad. At the very least, he was much better than Peng Yu.

    The Peng family returned to the capital a few years before the Zhai family did.

    One had to know. Seven or eight years ago, Peng Yu and Zhai Sheng were two boys famous for being good in their studies in the quad of Ping Cheng.

    Zhai Sheng was older than Peng Yu by a couple of years. He was more mature, while Peng Yu was initially a bright and cheery boy, who made people feel that he was more friendly and approachable than Zhai Sheng.

    Logically, the two of them had such a stark contrast. Peng Yu should be more popr than Zhai Sheng in the quad.

    In fact, this was really the case at the beginning.

    Many people had felt that Peng Yu was very good-tempered and approachable and thus became friends with him.

    Strangely, within one month, most of those who had chosen to be closer to Peng Yu would be biased toward Zhai Sheng more. After ying with Zhai Sheng, they would take their hat off to him and acknowledge him as their little boss. No one would have any thoughts of betrayal thereafter.

    In the quad, there were many fights and quarrels between children. The adults had never taken them to heart. They felt that the children would reconcile within a day after they argued and kicked up a fuss.

    The adults thought that way but the friendship between children might not really be so pure and simple.

    The characters of the Zhai family members were usually more mature and calmer. Although they were already qualified to return to the capital long ago, Zhai Yaohui had been finding ways to dy it so that they could continue staying in Ping Cheng.

    The Peng family was different. They were keen to perform andpete for more resources.

    Due to this, five years ago, when the Peng family met the criteria to return to the capital, the whole family moved to the capital without a word. Also, the fact that they had stayed in the quad of Ping Cheng before had unknowingly been wiped clean.

    Judging by the behavior of the Peng family, clear-minded and sharp individuals knew that the Peng family definitely did not intend toe back to Ping Cheng after going to the capital. They did not even think ofing back to Ping Cheng for retirement.

    Perhaps there were still some benefits to the Peng family by returning to the capital five years ago.

    The Peng family could not stand in the way of the Zhai family when they were in Ping Cheng. Five yearster, in the capital, Peng Yu hadpleted the mission that he did not manage to when he was a child. He had fulfilled his wish and caused Zhai Sheng to have a hard fall.

    It could be said that over so many years, Peng Yu was the only one who could make Zhai Sheng suffer.

    Zhai Hua put away the diapers of the three babies properly, lest someone throw it away. ¡°Peng Yu... I¡¯ve not seen him for a few years. This littled has be more cunning and evil.¡±

    At the mention of Peng Yu, Zhai Hua clearly remembered that she did not have a good impression of Qiao Nan because of Peng Yu. She even doubted Qiao Nan before. Her first impression of Qiao Nan was affected by Peng Yu.

 Chapter 1191 - Becoming a Hero

    <h4>1191 Bing a Hero</h4>

    Of course, Zhai Hua was long aware that Peng Yu and Qiao Nan simply did not know each other. Qiao Nan could not be the spy sent by Peng Yu to make fun of them.

    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know how the Peng family teaches him.¡± Elder Lin sighed.

    Peng Yu looked fairer, more crisp-looking and obedient than Zhai Sheng. As a normal elderly person, Elder Lin favored Peng Yu, who had an obedient image, more at first sight.

    Fortunately, Peng Yu firmly believed the logic that ¡®all academics were useless¡¯. Clearly, he knew who Elder Lin was but he refused to buy it. He refused to look up to Elder Lin and thetter¡¯s capability.

    Instead of working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peng Yu had ambitions that were totally in contrast with his looks. He wanted to be a general and wished to kill.

    It was a sin to kill an individual but a hero to kill millions.

    Peng Yu was very clear about his ambitions since he was a child. He wanted to be a hero that could ughter millions of people.

    Between so many careers, only policemen and soldiers coulde into contact with guns, and only soldiers could take the enemies¡¯ lives in various situations.

    From Peng Yu¡¯s perspective and position, he knew that his hands could not be smeared with the blood of ordinary people if he wanted to fulfill his wish.

    He did not need to use real knives and guns. Sometimes, it was more formidable and blood would be shed faster if he were to kill silently without using any hard weapons.

    In Peng Yu¡¯s lifetime, he had met a teacher who liked psychological research very much. He once assessed Peng Yu and said that if it were in ancient times, he was most unsuited for one profession: executioner.

    The homicide Peng Yu wanted tomit was not one without any difficulty.

    The dark side in his heart made him a ready strategist.

    In short, there was a problem with this person¡¯s mind. He was sick and abnormal.

    The problem was that the Peng family and Peng Yu were not bothered about this. Even if they were aware that Peng Yu was a dangerous individual, no one in the world had the right to do anything to him before he did anything harmful to the country and the people¡¯s interests. No one could prevent Peng Yu from having the chance to act ording to his wishes and do those evil matters.

    Others were not aware of Peng Yu¡¯s situation but not Zhai Sheng.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because the teacher who gave Peng Yu such an assessment was also Zhai Sheng¡¯s teacher.

    In contrast with Peng Yu, who did not keep in contact with his former teachers once he graduated, Zhai Sheng would asionally return to the school. Naturally, he seemed more human than Peng Yu.

    The teachers were more willing to chat about the gossip between some students after the students had graduated.

    When he saw Elder Lin sigh, Zhai Sheng inevitably recalled what his teacher said to him before.

    Peng Yu was the type of person who would not turn back and look at you again once you have lost your value. As such, although Lin Yuankang liked Peng Yu, this ¡®obedient child¡¯, initially, after a while, Elder Lin no longer spent too much effort on Peng Yu. He had gradually realized that Peng Yu¡¯s heart was theplete opposite of his cheerful and gentle exterior.

    Elder Lin was also very arrogant. It was seldom that he thought highly of a junior, yet this junior did not look up to him.

    Elder Lin was not hard for it. Facing Peng Yu, this kind of child who would drive someone to the grave, no matter how good-tempered Elder Lin was, he was not willing to be nice to Peng Yu. He chose to distance himself from Peng Yu as much as possible.

    ¡°I¡¯ve not seen him for five years. This child has be more astray than before. I am thinking. He is so young, yet his heart is already so deformed. Most likely, the Peng family did not know how to teach their children.¡± Elder Lin eximed regretfully.

    If Peng Yu was not so evil and malicious, he would be the most intelligent child amongst those that he had met before.

    He had been led astray by the Peng family. This was a sheer pity.

    Miao Jing rubbed her forehead. ¡°What¡¯s there to be pitiful about? Why do I feel scared after knowing that someone like that exists in the world?¡± That child was younger than Zhai Sheng by a couple of years, yet he was so scheming and malicious. He was too annoying.

    In Miao Jing¡¯s lifetime, the worst person that she had met was Qi Min.

    However, upon hearing what Peng Yu did to her son, Miao Jing realized that besides being a little too arrogant when she was young and acting pitiful in front of Zhai Yaohui, Qi Min was considered nothing inparison to Peng Yu. She did not have anything to show off at all.

    If Qi Min was not the one whopeted with her for Zhai Yaohui in the past, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, these two children, would not exist in this world. She was afraid that she would no longer exist in this world too.

    In such a peaceful andwful era, someone was thinking only about killing, killing, and killing. Miao Jing could not understand.

    Wasn¡¯t it good to lead a peaceful life?

    Didn¡¯t one feel terrible to kill people?

    Having such thoughts in his mind, was Peng Yu¡¯s brain leaking?

    ¡°There are all kinds of fish in the sea. He is annoying to you but likable to many mothers.¡± This was the thing that Zhai Sheng felt most helpless about. If everyone had upright worldly views and values, Zhai Sheng would not have encountered such a troublesome matter this time. ¡°Zhai Sheng, why don¡¯t I return to the army?¡±

    Her status and position were not higher than that of Zhai Sheng, and she could not win against Peng Yu either.

    Nevertheless, if she was in the army, she could not only act as a decoy but also be a substitute for Zhai Sheng if anything were to happen.

    With her help, it would be much better than Zhai Sheng fighting a lone battle.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡± He took a nce at the diapers in Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. ¡°Peng Yu Yu is certainly a little crafty but everyone has weaknesses and shorings. I have been toox with him because he left Ping Cheng for so long.¡±

    The difference was that Peng Yu had returned to the capital earlier than him by five years. It seemed that Peng Yu had never let his guard down.

    This was their first exchange and Peng Yu behaved as if he understood him exceptionally well.

    No one would understand oneself better than his enemy.

    This saying proved that Peng Yu had been taking him as an enemy. He had been paying attention to his every action without a moment of rest. This was despite Peng Yu being in the capital for the past five years and him in Ping Cheng all this while.

    ¡°It was an ident. Moreover, I have encountered some trouble this time. Fortunately, I have resolved it very quickly. No major problems came out of it. Did you think that Peng Yu did not suffer any loss?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had never taken Peng Yu as his opponent. It was not because he did not know Peng Yu¡¯s capability. He just felt that it was unnecessary.

    Of course, Peng Yu dared to take action on him this time. After Zhai Sheng resolved the problem, he even retaliated and made Peng Yu suffer miserable losses. He had wanted to ambush Zhai Sheng and get away from it. It was really wishful thinking on Peng Yu¡¯s part.

    The corners of Elder Lin¡¯s mouth curled up. ¡°You have done quite well. Otherwise, I would need to have a talk with your family¡¯s old master and your father. There are two children in the Zhai family and you¡¯re the only man. What have they been doing if they did not nurture you wholeheartedly?¡± They could not even bring up a child well. Could he still rely on the Zhai family to raise the three little grand disciples of his?¡±

 Chapter 1192 - The Three Babiesâ€™ Names

    <h4>1192 The Three Babies¡¯ Names</h4>

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng¡¯s performance did not disappoint him.

    Peng Yu could be a good, bad, crooked, or evil one.

    Nevertheless, as long as Zhai Sheng was capable and willing to protect Qiao Nan and the three babies, even if Peng Yu was the Great Sage, Heaven¡¯s Equal, who had invincible powers, Zhai Sheng would be able to transform into the Gautama Buddha, who could stop him from escaping out of the Wuzhi Hill.

    As a man, being able to protect his wife and children was the minimal expectation of him.

    ¡°Alright. When you next return to the army, find this person and have a talk with him.¡± Elder Lin tore a page from the notebook that he carried with him and passed it to Zhai Sheng. There was a contact number on it. ¡°Remember. You have to protect my little disciple and three grand disciples well. I have not seen Peng Yu, that youngd, for five years. No one is clear what his bottom line is, so you have to try to prevent any unexpected situations from urring. Understand?¡±

    By right, everyone was Chinese and also soldiers. They should not implicate their family and children. One should noty his hands on the other party¡¯s family for the sake of career advancement and such.

    However, no one could urately predict this kind of matter.

    Regardless of whether Peng Yu dared to have such thoughts, the safety of Qiao Nan and the three babies could only be assured if Zhai Sheng was powerful enough.

    It was still the same words. It was not so easy to be a master.

    Elder Lin was taking Qiao Nan and the three babies as his own children to dote on and protect.

    Now, Elder Lin was also beginning to take action to handle matters he was unwilling to do so in the past. He had been unwilling to return to the capital but he stillnded here.

    Even though this was a junior that he once thought highly of and there was only one in a million chance that he wouldy his hands on Qiao Nan and the three babies, Elder Lin was not willing to give Peng Yu a chance to do anything funny. He would rather pass the contacts in his hands to Zhai Sheng, this disciple-inw, to make him more powerful.

    Looking at the telephone number, Zhai Sheng was very shocked.

    Even Zhai Sheng did not expect Qiao Nan to win Elder Lin¡¯s favor to this extent, let alone Zhai Hua and Miao Jing. He was surprised that Elder Lin was willing to go so far for Qiao Nan.

    After all, matters of the past had happened so long ago.

    In addition, Elder Lin was also a very crafty man when he was young.

    Everyone knew that Elder Lin was very formidable and was someone with means and resources. The interpersonal connections that he held were resources that would make one jealous.

    The problem was that no one was exceptionally close to Elder Lin. As such, no one knew the true value of Elder Lin¡¯s assets. They could not even estimate it.

    Initially, everyone knew about Elder Lin¡¯s situation. Hence, many feared and respected him. They definitely would not look down on Elder Lin just because he did not have any kin. On the contrary, given Elder Lin¡¯s situation, many people wanted to make use of the children in their family to make Elder Lin one of their own.

    Of course, all these people failed to do so.

    After a long time, many people had forgotten about his morous past. As a result, the legend created by Elder Lin when he was young drowned in the currents of time.

    It was only until he received the contact information that Zhai Sheng started to slowly realized that he seemed to have a chance to witness the infinite glory of Elder Lin because of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely take care of and protect Nan Nan and the three babies. This is my responsibility and also my duty.¡± He did not marry Nan Nan because of Elder Lin.

    Elder Lin looked at Zhai Sheng proudly. He did not speak from his heart. ¡°I don¡¯t really like you. I think that my little disciple can find someone better. However, I have never doubted your feelings for my family¡¯s little disciple.¡±

    It was not unintentional that everyone had forgotten about him. This was all deliberately arranged by Elder Lin.

    When Zhai Sheng acted as the bridge between his little disciple and him, he had never thought that it would have such an effect one day. Regardless, he was willing to guide and teach Zhai Sheng, this disciple-inw. He took it that he was rewarding Zhai Sheng for finding him his favorite disciple when thetter hit the mark by a fluke many years ago.

    ¡°It has been so long. Have you all named my three little grand disciples?!¡± Regarding this, Elder Lin was going to feel resentful soon. The three babies did not have names yet. This affected him in gifting them.

    ¡°Da Bao is called Zhai Yi. Er Bao is called Zhai Xin. As for San Bao... Elder Lin, how about you give her a name?¡± This was the oue of the discussion between Old Master Zhai, Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Yaohui.

    Besides the Zhai family, almost everyone in their social circle was aware of how much Elder Lin liked the three children.

    It was also after the three babies¡¯ full month celebration that people in the social circle found out that Qiao Nan was not only good at giving birth but also very lucky. She was actually the young disciple that Elder Lin doted on most. Hence, she was also a ¡®little¡¯ character who had quite some background.

    At the thought that Elder Lin was childless and thus so good to Qiao Nan, the three men of the Zhai family unanimously agreed that perhaps they could let Elder Lin name San Bao.

    Elder Lin trembled slightly. ¡°What did you say? Youngster, don¡¯t talk nonsense. I know you are kind but you can¡¯t casually talk about this kind of thing.¡± Who would let other adults decide on the name of their own family¡¯s children? To them, this was a matter with great implications.

    Zhai Sheng was not the first one that let Elder Lin name his children but he was the only one that made Elder Lin reveal such an emotional side of him.

    Elder Lin was childless and many people had thoughts to either acknowledge fictive kinship with Elder Lin or be his disciple. They intended to let Elder Lin and the Lin family adopt their children directly.

    The surprise of letting Elder Lin give the name was due to this.

    ¡°Elder Lin, don¡¯t worry. This was discussed by our family¡¯s old master and me yesterday. My dad knows and he doesn¡¯t object to it. Come to think of it, Elder Lin likes San Bao more, no?¡± After all, San Bao was the only girl. Rare items were more precious. San Bao was more cherished than her two elder brothers.

    Elder Lin¡¯s white mustache moved. He seemed to have considered for a long time. With some tears in his eyes, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s call her Zhai Yu.¡±

    ¡°Which Yu?¡± Zhai Hua asked curiously. Once the names of the three babies were firmed up, they had to register them in the household register immediately. Which Yu was that? They had to rify.

    ¡°The meaning of beautiful jade.¡± Elder Lin exined. Elder Lin was once young. He had also looked forward to having love and kinship before. In the past, when he saw other men carrying fat and chubby daughters in their arms, Elder Lin thought that he would name his daughter Lin Yu if he was going to have one in the future. This was because his daughter would be the most beautiful piece of exotic jade in his world, and this was something that would not change.

    As he was already in the closing years of his life, Elder Lin had long buried the name ¡®Yu¡¯ deeply in his heart.

    Unexpectedly, Zhai Sheng¡¯s words had fulfilled one of Elder Lin¡¯s dreams when thetter was young. Although he did not have a daughter by the name of Lin Yu, he had a grand disciple by the name of Zhai Yu!

    ¡°This is a good name.¡± Zhai Hua pped her hands and made the final say. The names that she came up with did not meet the standards. When she heard the name from Elder Lin, she found it especially meaningful and agreed without a further word.

 Chapter 1193 - Little Fish

    <h4>Chapter 1193 ¨C Little Fish</h4>

    ¡°when i hear this name, i thought of the pet name ¡®little fish¡¯. san bao is quick-tempered and likes to blow bubbles. this name suits her very well.¡±

    as san bao liked to blow bubbles, given zhai hua¡¯s cultural standards, her first reaction was naturally the name zhai yu (fish) once she heard elder lin mention the name.

    miao jing felt paralyzed. ¡°hua hua, if you are married to dongzi and have children in the future, remember not to participate in the naming of my maternal grandchild. let the inws help you name them. if they can¡¯t, let dongzi wreck his brains. you just have to pick the one that you think is the best from the pile of names.¡±

    if she were to let hua hua take the initiative to name her maternal grandchild, she was afraid that her grandchild¡¯s name would be reduced to flowers, birds, fishes, and worms kind of names.

    ¡°...¡± zhai hua knew that she had been looked down upon by her own biological mother.

    she had really misunderstood when she heard san bao¡¯s name. facing her biological mother¡¯s distrustful nces, zhai hua did not have a choice. she could only snort in exasperation and silently ept her mother¡¯s suggestion.

    a name such as little fish could be used as a pet name. but official name? forget it.

    no one objected to the name that elder lin gave san bao. as such, the names of the three babies were decided that day.

    zhai sheng was a hands-on person. from the three babies¡¯ birth until now, he did not seem to have been of any help although he was the father. he had not done anything. as such, today, zhai sheng had something to do. before the end of qiao nan¡¯s sses, he brought the household register of family members to the public security bureau.

    when zhai sheng came out of the ce, the household register of family members had three more striking names: zhai yi, zhai xin, and zhai yu.

    henceforth, the zhai family of five had be a family of eight.

    ¡°nan nan, take a look at this.¡± just as qiao nan sat on the front passenger seat, zhai sheng stuffed a small booklet in herp.

    qiao nan looked at zhai sheng suspiciously and asked zhai sheng what he wanted her to see. zhai sheng smiled but did not reply. qiao nan could only lower her head and pick the item up. ¡°household register of family members? the names of the three babies have been decided!!¡±

    after knowing that the three children had names now, of course, qiao nan¡¯s first reaction was to feel happy.

    very soon, qiao nan¡¯s smile turned stiff. shouldn¡¯t she be informed when the names had been decided? shouldn¡¯t she also take a look at the names?

    although the names of the three babies should be given by the elders and she would most likely not express any differing views, she was not involved at all in the naming of her three children despite having given birth to them after much difficulty. no matter how qiao nan thought about it, she felt a little regretful.

    ¡°don¡¯t be like that. if the three babies find out about today¡¯s matter when they grow up, they will definitelyugh at you. you will be spending more time with the three babies than me. in the future, i will miss out on much more.¡± zhai sheng did not hesitate to expose his scars for the sake of coaxing qiao nan.

    as a first-time father, zhai sheng also very much wished that he could spend more time with his children and witness each moment of them growing up.

    unfortunately, he could not do so.

    upon hearing that zhai sheng¡¯s joking tone carried a sense of heaviness and disappointment, qiao nan felt guilty. she quickly opened the household register of family members. ¡°zhai yi, zhai xin, and zhai yu? these three names sound so pleasant. which one came from you?¡±

    looking at the names of the three babies, qiao nan¡¯s eyes lit up. these three names were excellent. she did not have anyments on them.

    if she were to be the one naming them, she might not be able toe up with something better.

    ¡°da bao¡¯s and er bao¡¯s names were jointly thought of by the old master, dad, and me. san bao¡¯s name was given by elder lin.¡±

    ¡°master came up with the name? did you decide on this matter or...¡± qiao nan was very shocked. san bao¡¯s name was given by her master. if the old master and her father-inw knew about it, would they re up at brother zhai for taking matters into his own hand?

    as the mother of the three children, qiao nan did not feel angry after learning that her master was the one who named san bao. instead, she felt overjoyed.

    her master was already so old. besides the auntie who took care of him, he did not have anyone else or rtives by his side. qiao nan¡¯s heart ached very much for him.

    she was someone who did not have an affinity with her parents. besides her inws, only zhu chengqi, this godfather, and elder lin, this master, treated her best. although she was not rted to them by blood, they were very good to her, and their treatment to her far exceeded that of her biological rtives.

    however, qiao nan also had a lot of problems.

    she was only a student and could not earn money. she did not have the opportunity to be filial to elder lin.

    she knew that elder lin was staying alone. qiao nan wanted to bring the three babies to keep elder linpany and liven up the atmosphere at the house of the lin family. however, what was troubling was that she had to study. she did not even have enough time to keep the three childrenpany. how could she have so much time to bring her children to see elder lin?

    it could be said that qiao nan had already tried her best to squeeze out some time. sometimes, she simply revised her studies at the house of the lin family.

    there was only one qiao nan. she could take care of her master, but what about her mother-inw?

    her mother-inw was not willing to follow her father-inw around nowadays because she wanted to take care of her grandchildren.

    her mother-inw was not afraid of suffering and helped her take care of the children. qiao nan could not possibly let her mother-inw feel disappointed and lonely due to her filial piety for her master.

    qiao nan had considered many ideas on how to make lin yuankang, this master, happier, especially after the three babies were born.

    the three babies were not only her children. hence, she could not decide on many things alone. zhai sheng was also not by her side. no matter how many ns qiao nan had in mind, she could only put them aside temporarily.

    unexpectedly, zhai sheng took the initiative to give the right of naming san bao to elder lin. this had fulfilled one of qiao nan¡¯s wishes.¡°will the old master and father-inw be angry about this?¡± now that her wish had been fulfilled, qiao nan looked like a smiling kitten that had just stolen a fish.

    she really did not have a choice. elder lin was very old now and different from the typical elders. he liked to have the little ones surround him. elder lin did not have anyone who could keep himpany by his side. he was very lonely.

    qiao nan was not afraid of other things. she was just afraid that elder lin would gradually contract some psychological problems due to too much loneliness. psychological illnesses were more terrible than physical illnesses. one would only have the determination to live on if they had hopes and desires in their hearts. if their will to live was reduced, then...

    qiao nan greatly cherished the kinship that she finally had after much difficulty. she hoped that elder lin could live to a hundred years of age and watched the three babies grow up.

    if it was possible, qiao nan wanted to support elder lin financially when he was older but elder lin did not require that. hence, she did not want elder lin to also lose out on experiencing the joy of grandchildren surrounding him.

    elder lin had never talked about this in front of qiao nan or put qiao nan in a difficult position. however, qiao nan was very sensitive. she could feel it even though elder lin did not say anything.

    from time to time, she could sense that elder lin felt that he was old and past his prime age. she often felt fear and trepidation at the thought of this. she wanted to dismiss the feelings of ¡®old wood was rotting¡¯ that were subconsciously revealed by elder lin.

 Chapter 1194 - Money That Came From Sudden Riches

    <h4>1194 Money That Came From Sudden Riches</h4>

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan dotingly. ¡°You¡¯re concerned about whether Old Master Zhai and your father-inw will lose their temper? You should think about how to exin to Chief Zhu when he finds out about this.¡± Chief Zhu also treated Qiao Nan like his own daughter.

    The family had three babies all at once. Everyone was red with envy and said that Nan Nan had given birth to too many babies.

    However, Zhai Sheng was well aware that these three babies were not enough to share between these old folks. They even had topete with one another until they broke their heads.

    Qiao Nan rxed and leaned backward on the seat ¡°I¡¯m not as concerned about godfather. Don¡¯t forget that he still has to be a grandfather in the future. When Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing are married, their children¡¯s names will definitely be given by him.¡± Her master was not like her godfather. He no longer had such an opportunity.

    However, her godfather would definitely feel angry about this. When the time came, she would simply bring the three babies over to appease their maternal grandfather.

    After having babies, Qiao Nan was pleasantly surprised to find a new function of her children: fire extinguisher.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°If the three babies know that you think that way, don¡¯t you think they will me you in the future?¡± Nan Nan had thought it out so well. She would leave it to the three babies to resolve every situation and trouble that they encountered. The three babies were only more than two months old and still drinking milk.

    No matter what, the triplets of the Zhai family finally had names.

    In less than a month after the names of the three babies were decided, Lin Yuankang brought three little boxes over to the Zhai family and said that they were gifts for the children.

    Qiao Nan was taken aback when she opened them. ¡°Jade?¡±

    The jades in the three boxes looked watery and translucent. Qiao Nan was not an expert in this area. Judging from the looks, sizes, and engravings, Qiao Nan knew that the little jade pendants in her hands were very valuable.

    Qiao Nan was poor and did not y with such items. However, there would always be one or two people around her who were interested in such things.

    Under their influence, Qiao Nan was very clear that the prices of these items would rise very quickly in a few years. The price would only go crazier in the future.

    If she did not remember it wrongly, she once watched some news about someone gambling on jade in Yunnan.

    One of the tourists identally broke open a piece of jade which was worth 280,000 yuan.

    Qiao Nan dared to bet that the quality of the three jade pendants given by her master to the three children looked much better than the one that she saw in the news. ¡°Master, don¡¯t tell me these three pieces of jade are the legendary ss species?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you can tell? Do you have some knowledge of jade too?¡± Lin Yuankang¡¯s eyes lit up. He did not expect that his little disciple was a child who knew what good stuff was. ¡°Yes, this is the ss species, and they are top-grade ones.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart trembled. ¡°ss species?!¡± These three pieces of items were really too valuable. Ten yearster, they needed to use more than a million or tens of million yuan to talk about the prices. ¡°This should not be emerald imperial jade, right?¡± If it was top-grade ss species emerald imperial jade, and such a huge piece, wasn¡¯t the value going to be in billions?

    Qiao Nan heard from the colleague who was very interested in jade that just a small piece of top-grade ss species emerald imperial jade on a ring was worth tens of millions of yuan.

    The jades in her hands could make a few rings.

    Elder Lin was really quite surprised that his little disciple knew quite a lot about jade. ¡°People nowadays prefer the white jades from Xin Jiang. Inparison, the market for jade is a little poorer. However, I just praised you for having a little knowledge and you have now be color-blind. How can this be emerald imperial jade? The color of emerald imperial jade is much more beautiful than this.¡±

    Facing his disciple whom he had just deemed ¡®color-blind¡¯, Elder Lin took his hat off to her. ¡°Right, how did you know so much about this?¡± He initially thought that his little disciple most likely would not recognize what these items were when he took them out.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard someone mention it before.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Uh... That person is very interested in jade and finds jade beautiful. Although he is poor, he is willing to do so research. He has talked a lot about it, so I gained a little knowledge. Master, the three babies are still so small. Don¡¯t you think you have gone a little overboard to give them these jades?¡± The three babies were not even four months old. After having these jade pendants, they would be wealthier than many people.

    They would ¡®take over¡¯ even her, their mother. She did not even have a chance to win them.

    Facing the children who were wealthier than her, Qiao Nan felt a little jealous. She was the poorest one in the whole family.

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing did not speak. She agreed with Qiao Nan and felt that Elder Lin had gone a little overboard in giving such items.

    The Zhai family did notck these little items for the three children. However, the Zhai family would also not casually take out items with such value. She could not quite ept Elder Lin¡¯s generosity toward the children.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. To me, these three pieces of jade won¡¯t cost me a bomb. I didn¡¯t spend much on them,¡± Elder Lin saidcently. ¡°I have a lot of good stuff in my hands and have to put them away properly. I will leave them for San Bao¡¯s dowry when she grows up.¡± He was the one who named San Bao. In addition, she was the only little girl. Hence, Elder Lin doted very much on San Bao.

    ¡°Master...¡± Qiao Nan lifted the corners of her lips. ¡°You can¡¯t boast in this way. Right, even though you really have a lot of them, you can¡¯t just give them out in this manner.¡±

    Those were worth millions and tens of millions. He even gave out three pieces at once. Qiao Nan would feel very guilty of epting them.

    ¡°They are not for you. Why are you so naggy? The three babies are still so young. I am passing these items to you because you are their mother so that you can temporarily safeguard them on their behalf. You have to give them to the three babies when they grow up. Otherwise, I will definitely not let you off.¡± Goodness, sometimes, it was quite tiring to have a little disciple who was too honest and unwilling to take advantage of him.

    She was so young, yet so inflexible. This was too troubling.

    Zhai Hua was sitting beside Qiao Nan. She stuffed San Bao into Elder Lin¡¯s arms without any reservation. ¡°Elder Lin, I heard that you gambled on jade when you were in your thirties or forties. The price of the jade even skyrocketed. Don¡¯t tell me this is true?¡±

    Elder Lin lifted his chin proudly. ¡°Of course it¡¯s true. That piece of jade which price skyrocketed¡ªaren¡¯t you looking at it now?¡±

    Elder Lin was not someone who liked gambling. At that time, he happened to be on an overseas trip to Yunnan and came into contact with jade gambling. Initially, Elder Lin did not wish to participate as he was not that interested in jades. However, someone dragged him along and insisted that he try it once.

    To put it bluntly, that person wished to be closer to Elder Lin with jade gambling so that he could bribe thetter.

    That man noticed that Elder Lin seemed to have his eyes on a piece of stone. He took a few more nces at it. Without a word, that man bought the stone and gave it to Elder Lin.

 Chapter 1195 - Feeding Solids

    <h4>Chapter 1195 Feeding Solids</h4>

    ¡°don¡¯t be in a hurry to decline. it¡¯s a gamble. even deities couldn¡¯t tell the number of jade in the stone urately. i was just buying a small item. perhaps there¡¯s nothing in it and it¡¯s just a piece of rock. don¡¯t mind it so much.¡±

    if he had lost in the gamble and really gifted a piece of white stone, no matter how much he had spent on it, it could not be constituted as bribery.

    that person¡¯s attitude was very firm and someone had also carried the stone up.

    when he was young, elder lin did notck money. he also disliked taking advantage of others. in fact, when he heard others introducing the stones, he was optimistic about that stone and thus took a few more nces at it.

    anyway, he was notcking in money and also did not like to take advantage of others. in the end, elder lin epted this piece of stone. however, he did not spend a single cent from the other party. elder lin forked out the capital of 50,000 yuan on his own.

    in the 1990s, it was very spectacr to be able to afford 50,000 yuan.

    building two houses would only cost about 20,000 to 30,000 yuan. elder lin simply used the money that typical folks could use to build two houses to buy a piece of stone.

    elder lin¡¯s luck was also good. he casually bought a piece of stone and got someone to open it on the spot. who knows? he actually earned a lot with one gamble. it was the rare ss species.

    if it was the emerald green imperial jade, elder lin¡¯s luck would be defying the heaven then.

    although this piece of jade was not the emerald green imperial jade, elder lin was still the biggest winner among the gamblers on that day.

    after getting this piece of jade, elder lin did not sell it as he did notck the money. instead, he found ways to hire a master with good engraving skills to carve out various pieces of jade and turned them into finished products.

    besides these three pieces of jade, elder lin also had rings and bracelets made from that jade in his house.

    the most valuable part of the jade would be the center part of it which was beige in color. the master simply carved out a jade longevity peach from it. that longevity peach was the most valuable piece of item.

    inparison with the longevity peach, the three pieces of jade and the bracelets and rings were all considered ¡®side dishes¡¯.

    due to this jade gamble, elder lin¡¯s wealth grew. those who were aware had publicized this for elder lin. those who were unaware just took it that this was an unfounded rumor and the truth was not as such.

    today was the first time that elder lin showed the jade to outsiders. zhai hua was very sensitive and she confirmed that this was the truth and not a rumor.

    ¡°little girl, are you good at gambling? you have heard of this before?¡± elder lin did not deny the existence of this matter. he even admitted it graciously.

    zhai hua gave a helpless smile. ¡°i¡¯m a good gambler? aren¡¯t you one who is truly good at gambling? it has been so many years. elder lin, you can really hide things well.¡± she had initially thought that if elder lin had such good things, he would definitely not be able to endure it during nan nan¡¯s wedding and would insist on giving nan nan something.

    to her surprise, elder lin did not give qiao nan any jade on the day thetter married zhai sheng. on the contrary, elder lin took action when the three babies were four months old and showed the items to others. ¡°the three babies are really fortunate.¡±

    when she said this, zhai hua was full of gloat as she looked at qiao nan.

    obviously, in elder lin¡¯s heart, the status of the three babies had surpassed that of qiao nan, this little disciple.

    after rubbing er bao¡¯s back, qiao nan discovered that er bao, who had kicked up a fuss for some time, did not perspire much. she then felt more at ease. ¡°sister zhai hua, why do you keep staring at me?¡± so what if she had been surpassed? before the three babies were born, she was already mentally prepared to be pped dead on the beach by them.

    ¡°nothing.¡± since qiao nan was not willing to take the bait, zhai hua did not have a way either. ¡°is it time to feed the three babies solid food now?¡±

    ¡°yes, it¡¯s almost time.¡± qiao nan looked at the time and nodded.

    as soon as he heard that it was feeding time for his grand disciples, elder lin was worked up. ¡°let me feed san bao!¡±

    ¡°sure, no one is fighting with you.¡± zhai hua nodded. she then went into the kitchen and took out the three babies¡¯ solid food today.

    when the three babies were four months old, they started to grow teeth. little white dots started to appear on their pinkish gums.

    as soon as they saw the three babies teething, the women in the zhai family discussed what kind of solid food to prepare to aid the three babies¡¯ growth.

    the staple food for the three babies was still breast milk. however, this situation was going to change very soon.

    the three babies were growing up gradually and their appetite followed suit. qiao nan could barely fill the tummies of two children, let alone three.

    nowadays, qiao nan¡¯s breast milk was only enough to make them sixty to seventy percent full. she would then get the family to supplement them with form milk.

    at the rate this was going, qiao nan would most probably not be able to make them half full when they were five months old. she might as well wean them off breast milk when they were six months old and let them drink form milk.

    ¡°be good, san bao. master grandpa will feed you something nice.¡± elder lin was a refined and cultured old man. he shrank his body and squatted in front of san bao. while holding a pink flowery bowl, he drew imaginary butterflies with a little spoon in his other hand in an interesting and childlike manner. spoon by spoon, he was very meticulous and patient as he fed san bao.

    san bao¡¯s appetite was good and she was not picky.

    qiao nan¡¯s breast milk could notpletely satisfy the three babies. when they were first fed form milk, they kicked up a little fuss and refused to cooperate. besides that, they were very receptive when solid foods were introduced to them.

    ¡°ah.¡± san bao could recognize that this was the little bowl that belonged to her. when the little spoon came before her face, she opened her tiny mouth widely and even made ¡®ah¡¯ sounds like a bird as she waited to eat.

    when the little spoon entered her mouth, san bao closed her mouth tightly to push all the food in the spoon into her mouth. she was deliciously enjoying her meal.¡°so obedient.¡± san bao was very enthusiastic about taking solids. she did not need anyone to coax her. elder lin was afraid that he was feeding her too quickly and would choke her. he wanted to wait for san bao to finish swallowing the food in her mouth before feeding her again. however, the impatient san bao opened her mouth a step earlier and patted elder lin¡¯s palms to urge thetter to increase his speed.

    it was not just san bao. it was the same for da bao and er bao. their appetites were too good. they would eat whatever was given to them and seemed to enjoy the food very much. they were also hungry often and could take a few meals a day.

    when they pushed the three babies out thest time, the neighbors eximed that it was strange. when they saw the triplets during their full-month celebration, it was obvious that they were much thinner than other babies who were one month old.

    only three months had passed and the triplets had grown so big. that fleshy and chubby look was no different from four-month-old children of other families. they were growing very well.

    their round eyes were swirling and their little arms and legs were kicking hard. they looked so adorable.

    it was all because of their great appetites that the three babies grew so well.

    ¡°be good, da bao. when you are full, you¡¯ve eaten enough.¡±

 Chapter 1196 - Move into the House Next Door

    <h4>1196 Move into the House Next Door</h4>

    da bao was the elder brother and the heaviest among the triplets. he was the first baby to finish the food. he had emptied the bowl, but he opened his mouth and looked toward his grandmother, wanting to have more food.

    miao jing patted da bao¡¯s protruding belly. ¡°da bao, be good. you are full. you should not stuff yourself with food. if you are hungryter, i will make more food for you.¡± she noticed that other children were not as well-behaved and obedient as her grandchildren.

    miao jing told the auntie to put aside da bao¡¯s bowl so that he would not throw tantrums as he was refused food.

    it was easy to discipline babies under one year old. as long as they did not see the food, they would not pester the adults to give them more food.

    true enough, once his bowl was put aside, da bao quieted down. he held a toy in his hands and twisted it about.

    ¡°the triplets¡¯ arms and grips are getting stronger. they have strong backs as well. they are able to straighten their backs when we carry them. i noticed that da bao has been turning over in bed these past few days.¡± miao jing stopped da bao from destroying the toy while she told elder lin about the triplets¡¯ recent developments with all smiles.

    as the days passed, the triplets had tremendous developments.

    ¡°is that so?¡± elder lin¡¯s curiosity was piqued. after qiao nan wiped san bao¡¯s mouth, elder lin ced her on the sofa. ¡°san bao, show me how you turn over on the sofa.¡±

    san bao, who was well-fed, yawned and blinked her eyes. she stared at elder lin, who was all smiles. instead of turning over, she stretched her legs and grabbed them, bringing her legs to her mouth as she licked at them.

    elder lin felt perplexed. ¡°didn¡¯t you just have your meal?¡± why did she lick her legs?

    qiao nan smiled, feeling amused. ¡°san bao, be good. show elder lin how you turn over on the sofa.¡± qiao nan walked to san bao, who was lying on her back on the sofa. she lifted her andid her on her stomach.

    san baoy prone on the sofa like a tortoise. she did not feel ufortable in that position, but she was unable to lick her legs.

    san bao did not throw a tantrum. instead, she iled her arms and legs and turned over to lie on her back.

    san bao was happy that she could raise her legs and she could see what was in front of her. she smiled and drooled happily. her saliva dripped down her cheeks and her chubby neck. she took her legs and started licking again.

    ¡°babies who are teething tend to drool a lot.¡± qiao nan did not know whether to smile or cry. she took out a cotton handkerchief and dabbed san bao¡¯s cheeks and neck lightly with it.

    apart from san bao, da bao and er bao had the same problem as well.

    nowadays, instead of soiling their clothes, they had to change the triplets¡¯ clothing as the clothes were wet from their saliva!

    elder lin was slow to react. he took a while before he apuded san bao for turning over on the sofa. ¡°san bao, that was brilliant! marvelous!¡±

    san bao was too swift in her action. elder lin, who had no experience in taking care of babies, was surprised by her nimble movements and he was slow to react. ¡°the triplets have made tremendous developments.¡± they seemed to be able to turn over in no time. he was indeed getting older.

    ¡°master, our neighbor seems to be moving away.¡± seeing that lin yuankang seemed to be in a mncholic mood, qiao nan had a bright idea. she shared a piece of information with lin yuankang.

    ¡°moving away?¡± they had been working in the central government. if they moved out now, it would mean that they were transferred away.

    qiao nan smiled. ¡°they seem to havemitted some mistakes and they can no longer stay in the capital. they have encountered some financial difficulties and they intend to sell the house.¡±

    lin yuankang was interested. ¡°is that so?¡±

    ¡°of course. it¡¯s a pity that i do not have any money. otherwise, one will definitely make money if one buys a house in the capital. i wonder who our future neighbors will be. hopefully, they are good-tempered and won¡¯t be too noisy. the triplets are still young. they will not be able to sleep well if the neighbors are very noisy. they will be frightened.¡±

    qiao nan touched san bao¡¯s feet. she felt that time had passed by in the blink of an eye. as a mother, she almost could not tell that the triplets were born one month before their delivery dates.

    they were growing very well.

    qiao nan felt embarrassed that her daughter¡¯s thigh would soon be as thick as her thigh.

    however, miao jing consoled her that it was normal that the triplets were chubby. babies would normally be chubby from drinking the milk. once they were weaned off the milk, they would lose their weight very quickly.

    zhai sheng was handsome and she was not ugly. qiao nan hoped fervently that her babies would not turn out to be overweight.

    a fairplexion was good enough to cover one¡¯s faults, but nothing was worse than being fat.

    speaking of genes, the triplets should be handsome and beautiful.

    elder lin began making ns for himself upon hearing qiao nan¡¯s words. ¡°disciple, i have something on today. i will make a move first. i will visit the triplets next time.¡±

    his disciple was right. the triplets were still young. they could not afford to suffer from any shocks.

    if their new neighbor had a bad temper, the triplets might be bullied by them in the future.

    as their grand master, he would not allow anyone to bully his grand disciples. he had toe up with a solution.

    the zhai family smiled as elder lin left.

    zhai hua held san bao in her arms. ¡°when elder lines back to his senses, he will definitely be angry at you.¡±

    qiao nan, who held er bao in her arms, looked helpless. she pinched er bao¡¯s lightly on his chubby arms. ¡°i was left with no choice. i am just using the way that will work for him.¡±

    before zhai sheng went back to the army, qiao nan had a talk with him regarding elder lin.

    she felt that it was time for him to enjoy life and she wanted to take care of him. however, elder lin was well-to-do and did not need her help. besides, she had yet to graduate and she did not earn any money. she could not use the money from the zhai family to support her master.

    another problem was elder lin stayed too far away from the zhai family. qiao nan could not bear it that elder lin had to spend the rest of his life by himself.

    it was a coincidence that their neighbors encountered some problems and had to move. it was the solution to qiao nan¡¯s problem.

    the neighbors intended to move out and they wanted to sell the house to raise some money.

    one would definitely benefit in the long term if one bought a house in the capital. but not everyone was able to afford this kind of private housing. it would cost a lot of money to buy a house in the capital.

    however, elder lin had no problem buying such houses.

    at times, qiao nan wondered what her master was working as.

    she heard that he was once the leader in the ministry of foreign affairs.

    the ministry of foreign affairs would not be able to offer their employers with an astoundingly high sry. why was it that her master did notck any money and he behaved as if he was a baller?

 Chapter 1197 - Grooming Talents

    <h4>1197 Grooming Talents</h4>

    since qiao nan had doubts about her master, zhai sheng told her everything about lin yuankang.

    lin yuankang was very smart from a young age. he was the smartest child among his generation in the lin family. back then, the lin family was an illustrious family. since he was intelligent and was the son of the first wife, the elders gave him all valuables at home. he was seen as a rich second-generation heir.

    it was chaotic in the 70s. lin yuankang was barely ten years old then, but he managed to hide all the valuables that were the cause of the lin family¡¯s downfall. he then brought enough money with him and fled out of the country for his overseas studies. after he finished his studies, he was already in his twenties. peace had once again returned to the country and the country was in need of talents. as a result, lin yuankang came back to his country in glory.

    even if lin yuankang was incapable, the valuables that his family passed down to him were sufficient for him to lead a well-to-do life until he passed away.

    as it happened, lin yuankang was very capable and he was lucky with money.

    people usuallyined that they did not have enough money. however, it was the opposite for lin yuankang. he was able to make lots and lots of money and he bought several houses in the capital as well as in ping cheng.

    he gifted the triplets with jade pendants that cost more than one million yuan.

    therefore, it would not be a problem for him to buy the house next to the zhai family¡¯s residence.

    qiao nan wanted to take care of elder lin, but it was unsuitable for her to ask him to stay in the zhai family¡¯s residence with them. elder lin was proud. he would not want to live with the zhai family and be under someone else¡¯s roof. moreover, he had nock of houses to live in.

    zhai sheng learned that their neighbor intended to sell the house and told qiao nan to bring this matter up to elder lin.

    if elder lin bought the house next to the zhai family¡¯s residence, he would be their neighbor. elder lin coulde over to their house frequently to y with the triplets. when it waste, he could just go back to his house next door to rest.

    if elder lin could not bear to part with the triplets and wanted to stay with them, the zhai family would agree to his request as he lived next door.

    as someone who had been through rebirth, qiao nan knew better than anyone else that instead of depositing money in the bank, it was better to use the money to buy a house to defend against risk before the government set a limit to the number of properties that one could have.

    it was obvious what qiao nan was up to when she brought up the neighboring house to elder lin.

    ¡°hahaha. it has been difficult on you. the people that you know seem to have a bad temper.¡± zhai hua was full of sympathy for qiao nan. if qiao nan did not handle the matter properly, elder lin would not agree to it. qiao nan had to be considerate of his feelings and take extra care not to hurt his pride. it was a tough job.

    qiao nan ced er bao, who was asleep in the baby crib. she then coaxed da bao in her arms. ¡°da bao, you have a temper like your grand master. you must keep himpany in the future.¡± her master needed people to appease and coax him.

    da bao nestled himself in qiao nan¡¯s embrace. there was a satisfied andfortable look on his face. he moved his round, chubby face about qiao nan¡¯s soft andfy chest before he yawned once again, leaning against her arms and drifting to sleep. qiao nan managed to get him to sleep in no time.

    ¡°should we bring them upstairs?¡± they would most likely sleep for more than an hour. miao jing touched her granddaughter¡¯s tiny hands to check whether she was cold. ever since it was winter, miao jing was worried that the babies would catch a cold.

    ¡°sure.¡± qiao nan nodded. they each carried a baby with them and went upstairs. ¡°da bao and er bao are getting heavier. my hands will be numb after carrying them for a while. i am not sure if i will be able to carry them when they turn one year old.¡±

    qiao nan loved children and she liked to hold them in her arms. her babies liked it when she carried them.

    however, qiao nan was not as physically strong as zhai sheng, who was able to carry three of them at one go. she felt strenuous even when she was only carrying one baby in her arms.

    she wondered if she should get her babies to lose weight so that she could continue to carry them, or if she should train herself to be a muscle babe.

    ¡°hahaha. don¡¯t worry. they are indeed growing very fast now. it will be better in the future. er bao, don¡¯t worry. i will carry you in my arms until you grow up. i dote on you and will be able to carry you no matter what. er bao, you must be close to me.¡± miao jing kissed er bao on the cheeks he was sleeping soundly in her arms.

    zhai hua refused to lose out to her. she bent down to kiss san bao. ¡°san bao, you must be close to your aunt. i am stronger than your mom. don¡¯t worry about gaining weight and growing up. i will be able to carry you no matter how heavy you are. ¡°zhai hua was the proudest of her physical strength. this was her only advantage over qiao nan.

    qiao nan, who had lost to the two other women, felt upset. she gave a kiss to da bao¡¯s smooth fragrant cheeks.

    since the triplets were sleeping, qiao nan had all the time to herself. every student was busy revising at this time of the year. the lunar new year wasing, and that meant exams were around the corner as well.

    qiao nan had been looking through and studying the sybus for the next semester. like gao yan, she wanted to work hard to graduate in less than four years. she no longer dreamed of getting a double degree.

    elder lin understood that ever since qiao nan gave birth to her babies, she had to spend more time at home. it was unlikely that she would be able to do spectacrly well in her exams like how she did in the past.

    therefore, elder lin had changed the learning schedule that he had designed for qiao nan.

    elder lin knew that qiao nan did not have as much time as other students and she would not be able to score a perfect score in her exams. therefore, elder lin hoped that she would at least have a decent score and put her focus on knowledge learned outside of ss as well as interpersonal rtions and ways towork and socialize with other people.

    diplomats from all over the world were cunning and crafty.

    if qiao nan was not as diplomatic and tactful with words, and her attitude was not as firm, she might say the wrong words and be devoured by the other party. the other party would not go lenient on her just because she looked innocent and simple-minded.

    elder lin felt worried that qiao nan was not firm enough. given her personality, if he insisted that she join the ministry of foreign affairs, would she bring trouble to herself and implicate the country?

    he hoped that his disciple would stretch her limits and achieve sess, but he had no wish to bring her harm.

    with elder lin around, qiao nan was particrly busy in her second year of college.

    as a student from the foreignnguage faculty, qiao nan had to work extra hard on her english. however, unlike other students, qiao nan had to go through her english exams long before other students in her batch.

    qiao nan was already revising for her final term exams.

 Chapter 1198 - Reminder

    <h4>Chapter 1198 Reminder</h4>

    However, while her ssmates were doing their revision, she was doing the homework and reading the materials that Lin Yuankang, her master, prepared for her.

    ¡°The exams are finally over. It is a pity that the winter break is too short. It is barely for a month.¡± Qiao Nan, who just finished the exams, looked regretful. If the winter break was longer, she might be able toplete all the homework that her master prepared for her.

    Xu Shengnan, who was back at school, heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words. She was speechless. ¡°If I remember correctly, you no longer need to take a train back home. Your house is now at...¡± Xu Shengnan looked around before she lowered her voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you are staying in the capital?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± That was right. Now that she no longer needed to go back to Ping Cheng, she did not need to spend time making the trip to Ping Cheng. In that case, she would have approximately three more days to study. ¡°But the problem is the Lunar New Year ising. One has to visit the rtives. Do you think that I do not need to go back?¡±

    Xu Shengnan looked conflicted. ¡°Qiao Nan, although you did not tell me much about your situation, I feel that you have aplicated family.¡± Whenever girls of simr age gathered together, they would usually gossip about the celebrity stars that they liked, which male student from a particr faculty was handsome, or their family situations.

    Xu Shengnan had known Qiao Nan for one and a half years. Qiao Nan seldom talked about her family. Even if she talked about the Qiao family, she would only make a few passing remarks.

    If someone was so secretive about one¡¯s family situation, it must be for a reason.

    In the one and a half years that she knew Qiao Nan, Xu Shengnan felt that she was a nice and good-tempered girl. She might not be as bubbly and cheerful as her peers, but a quiet and reserved Qiao Nan was just as friendly and lovable.

    Xu Shengnan believed that if a girl like her had no wish to talk about her family, the problem must be with the Qiao family instead of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan forced a smile. ¡°Senior, you have been thinking too much. My family situation is not asplicated as what you made it be. There is a saying in China: A daughter married is like water spilled. Have you forgotten that I am already attached? ording to the customs at my ce, once ady is engaged, she is no different from being married. My fianc¨¦ has moved to the capital due to work reasons, so I have been staying in the capital as well. It has nothing to do with my parental family.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Xu Shengnan knew that the customs in different ces were different. She might not have known it, but that did not mean that it did not exist. ¡°If getting engaged is tantamount to getting married, the customs at your ce must be... Nevertheless, all that matters is that you are happy. Whenever I see you in school, your eyes seem to be smiling. It seems that your inws treat you very well. It is good that you are leading a happy life. There is no need to care about other matters.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan rarely spoke about her family, it did not mean that Xu Shengnan knew nothing about it.

    Since Xu Shengnan managed to get into Peking University, she must have a high EQ.

    Every family usually only had one child, or two children at most.

    After the Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan was only twenty-two years old ording to the Chinese Lunar age. In other words, since there were so few children in the family, Qiao Nan was still considered as a child.

    No family would want their daughter to be seen as married once she was engaged.

    The inws were different from the parental family. Xu Shengnan had grown up and she was about to graduate from school. Her mother would tell her about the problems between the mother-inw and the daughter-inw. ording to her mother and what she had observed, she hade to one conclusion: Compared to staying with one¡¯s family, it was not asfortable to stay with the inws.

    It was odd that Qiao Nan¡¯s parental family did not mind that Qiao Nan lived with the inws.

    Unless the parents did not care for the children, all parents would be worried. Their daughter was married at a young age and she might suffer in the inws¡¯ house. There was no way that the parental family could help their children or stand up for them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My inws are friendly and they are nice people.¡± Qiao Nan had a more genuine smile on her face. She only felt at home when she was at her inws¡¯ house. It was different from being at the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Qiao Nan always felt that it was her fortune to meet Zhai Sheng in this life. It was her blessing to be married to him and to have such wonderful inws like the Zhai family. She had used up all her luck in the two lifetimes to have such a good family. She was d to have endured all those hardships and found such a good family and husband.

    She was willing to use her luck in her two lifetimes in exchange for her happiness in this life.

    Looking at the way that Qiao Nan was blushing, Xu Shengnan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Previously, you have lost so much weight. I thought that...¡± She thought that Qiao Nan¡¯s inws had been bullying her and her parental family did not step in to help. As a result, her inws were fearless as Qiao Nan had no one to stand up for her.

    Xu Shengnan did not believe that Qiao Nan was unwell due to the high temperature in summer and hence lost some weight.

    ¡°It seems that, at least, something was done right.¡± Xu Shengnan believed that Qiao Nan¡¯s parental family was not good to their daughter, and she was right indeed.

    Although the parental family was not good to Qiao Nan, at least, they had found Qiao Nan a good inw.

    This was why Xu Shengnan praised the Qiao family.

    ¡°Alright, stopining that the winter break is only one month long. The Lunar New Year ising. It is time to feast and gain weight. Many girls wish that the winter break will be shorter. They are worried that if the winter break is too long, they will spend too much time feasting. By the time the weather is hotter and there is no need to wearyers of clothes, one could tell that they have put on weight. You are too skinny. There is no need to worry about putting on weight. You should have more food.¡±

    Xu Shengnan sized up Qiao Nan¡¯s slim figure. ¡°Look at you. Why wasn¡¯t the flesh on your chest distributed to other parts of the body?¡±

    Qiao Nan burst out inughter. ¡°Senior Xu, I am not going to take issue with what you said previously, but from yourst sentence, you seem to be jealous. Senior, are you envious that I am voluptuous?¡± With that, Qiao Nan puffed her chest tantly.

    It was true that Qiao Nan had a better figure after giving birth to the triplets.

    Not many female students could be her match.

    Unfortunately, Xu Shengnan was t-chested as well. There was no way that she would not be jealous of Qiao Nan¡¯s high chest.

    ¡°Stop puffing your chest. It is already very voluptuous.¡± Xu Shengnan pretended to give Qiao Nan an angry stare. ¡°Luckily, we are not outside. Do you know that many male students will suffer from nosebleed at your action? Alright, I believe that your inws have been treating you well. I remember when I first saw you half a year or one year ago, you did not have such a good figure. Your inws must take the credit for your good figure. Your husband stands to gain. By the way, I have to remind you about something.¡±

 Chapter 1199 - Met a Scum

    <h4>Chapter 1199 Met a Scum</h4>

    Seeing the good figure that Qiao Nan had, Xu Shengnan could not help but give her a gentle reminder. ¡°Although getting engaged is simr to getting married at your ce, you must not forget that you are very young. Men and women will be attracted to you. As a woman, we are physically weaker in certain aspects. You must not be soft-hearted to men. You must learn to protect yourself. Instead of taking contraceptive pills yourself, you must insist that they wear condoms. It is harmful to the body to take contraceptive pills. You must not go for abortions as well.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was in her fourth year. She had seen many such cases in school as well.

    Many female students went for abortions. Whenever she heard of these cases, she wouldment that they did not protect themselves and feel sorry for their circumstances.

    As a woman, why did they not cherish themselves but go along with the scumbags?

    It was nothing much to wear a condom. Those men were only concerned about having a good time. They had no regard for the health of the other party.

    Xu Shengnan was full of anger andints at the mention of these scums. Qiao Nan looked rmed. ¡°Senior Xu, w-why are you so agitated?¡± It was as if she was narrating her first-hand ount, and that she had known such scum and was hurt by them.

    Senior Xu could not be that muddleheaded.

    ¡°I almost ended up in trouble.¡± Xu Shengnan had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°Luckily, I turned back in the nick of time. Other people were not as lucky. The worst thing was the person who treaded in my footsteps and ended up in trouble was the childhood friend who grew up with me. She was my close pal, but she ended up hating me to the core!¡±

    When she was in a rtionship back then, her boyfriend insisted on being intimate with her. She almost agreed to his request.

    They had gotten undressed but she was startled that her boyfriend did not wear a condom, so she told him to wear one. However, he made an excuse, saying that he did not have it and that she would not get pregnant from the one-time experience.

    Xu Shengnan did not feel assured. She insisted that the other party purchase some condoms.

    In the end, the man was unhappy that Xu Shengnan was so troublesome.

    Initially, Xu Shengnan felt sorry to her boyfriend for being so insistent. She heard that once men started, it was a torture for them to be under control.

    However, seeing that the man was unhappy, Xu Shengnan was enraged as well. She told him that if he was upset, they could call it off.

    Xu Shengnan dressed herself and walked off.

    After what happened, Xu Shengnan was on pins and needles as she had quarreled with her boyfriend. On the one hand, she did not feel that she was wrong. On the other hand, she was worried if she had been too much to her boyfriend, and that he would be upset and break up with her.

    They had a cold war for the next two months. They did not contact each other on the phone or ask how the other party was doing.

    The semester had reached an end. They finished their exams and went back to their respective homes. As such, they were apart for another two months.

    Since Xu Shengnan could not reach her boyfriend, she could only go back home despite feeling gloomy.

    Something dramatic happened when she went back home. Xu Shengnan went back to her hometown with her childhood friend. After returning to her hometown for less than a week, she heard that her childhood friend was pregnant!

    Xu Shengnan widened her eyes in shock at the news. Her childhood friend was an introvert and she seldom interacted and mingled with other people. Her childhood friend would tag along with her whenever they went outside. She had no idea when her friend started dating. She was worried that she was being cheated and hence gotten herself pregnant.

    It was only when her childhood friend aborted the child and scolded her did Xu Shengnan know that her childhood friend had been with her boyfriend and her childhood friend was pregnant with his child. She did not know if she should be angry at her childhood friend or if she should sympathize with her. She was the one who introduced her childhood friend to her boyfriend.

    When she refused to be intimate with her boyfriend on that particr day, it turned out that her childhood friend ended up being intimate with him.

    It meant as soon as she left, her childhood friend showed up andid on the bed that she justid on, being with the man that she was about to be intimate with.

    The ridiculous thing was that after the childhood friend¡¯s family discovered that she was intimate with Xu Shengnan¡¯s boyfriend and was pregnant with his child, the childhood friend scolded her for being shameless and bringing harm to her on purpose.

    At that moment, Xu Shengnan felt as if her world had shattered. She did not understand what she had done to encounter such people and for such things to happen to her.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was speechless. ¡°True enough, there are scums everywhere in the world.¡± Senior Xu¡¯s childhood friend got intimate with Senior Xu¡¯s boyfriend and ended up pregnant, yet she med the senior for introducing such a bad man to her. It was so ridiculous.

    Qiao Nan could not help but be reminded that it was due to her that Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun came to know each other.

    Although it was her sister who snatched her boyfriend, after she was pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child, Qiao Zijin got her mother to stand on her side and made Qiao Nan give up the rtionship. In the end, her wish came true and she married Chen Jun. Luckily, Qiao Zijin did not scold her for being shameless or me her for introducing a scumbag like Chen Jun to her. She did notin that the boyfriend that she had snatched from Qiao Nan was not good enough for her.

    Qiao Nan ced one arm on Xu Shengnan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Senior Xu, one couldn¡¯t tell that you have been through so much. You are better off without the scum. It is better to be rid of such scum as early as possible. You are clear-minded, so you did not fall for his trick. As for your childhood friend, I have no wish to say anything more. Close pal is indeed...¡± The term ¡®close pal¡¯ was still used to describe close friends now. It was only ten yearster when it was used to express some other meaning.

    Although they could no longer be close pals, she did not wish to see her childhood friend be cheated by the man.

    ¡°You¡¯re not at fault.¡± Perhaps the senior¡¯s friend had taken a fancy to that man since a long time ago. Otherwise, she would not have known that Senior Xu went to a hotel with the scum and appeared as soon as Senior Xu left the ce.

    The childhood friend must have schemed to stalk the couple. When she saw that Senior Xu left in a puff, she knocked on the door and went in right away.

    Perhaps the childhood friend had no idea what she was going to do when she knocked on the door.

    Since the scum requested to be intimate with her, she agreed to it without thinking clearly. It was without a doubt that the woman was interested in the man since long ago. She liked the man despite the fact that he was Senior Xu¡¯s boyfriend and ended up being intimate with him.

    It was impossible to harbor such intentions on the spur of the moment.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I am not at fault.¡± Xu Shengnan nodded in agreement. ¡°They had to face the consequences nevertheless. My friend was only muddleheaded for that single time. Both of them had yet to graduate from college and had to depend on their families. They had no means to keep the child. After the child was aborted, the man broke up with her. Her reputation was tarnished and she did not graduate from college. Since she was of legal age to marry, her mother married her off to a thirty-year-old man...¡±

    One was a thirty-year-old man, while the other had just reached the legal age to marry.

 Chapter 1200 - The Present That Came Late

    <h4>Chapter 1200 The Present That Came Late</h4>

    she was originally a youngdy who was a college student. were theypatible? not at all.

    however, thisdy¡¯s reputation had been ruined and she could not find a good partner in her hometown. she could only choose an old and unmarried man who did not have a good family background.

    ¡°when i went backst year, i heard that she had been married to that man for a year. after marriage, there were no signs of pregnancy in the first half of the year but she finally conceived in the second half of the year. when the child was four months old, it did not survive. they said that her health was damaged when she first had an abortion. one year has passed. i doubt she has be a mother.¡±

    encountering a scum was not a big deal, but having abortion casually could affect one for life. if it was not handled well, one could lose the eligibility to be a mother forever.

    xu shengnan did not hate thatdy. clearly, this trouble was caused by two people. however, after conceiving, only the woman would bear all the pain and suffering. that friend of hers had to pay such a huge price for just one rtionship that was a mistake.

    looking at that scum now, he was still studying in college. simr to her, he would graduate from college in half a year. he would then find a good job, earn rtively well, and happily start a new phase of life. he could find ady withpatible qualities, have marriage talks, and have children. his life would be so bright and wonderful.

    at the thought that the male and female ¡®leads¡¯ who were involved in the same matter had such a huge difference in their lives, xu shengnan strongly objected to having pre-marital sex from the bottom of her heart.

    the meaning of qiao nan¡¯s engagement was, in fact, the same as marriage. even so, the woman had to love and take care of herself more. she had to be more self-aware in protecting herself.

    unless they were certain that they would give birth to the children after conceiving, they had to take preventive measures. it did not feel good to wear condoms? don¡¯t do it then!

    why was there so much nonsense!

    facing xu shengnan¡¯s sense of justice, qiao nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°senior xu, i understand all of your words. i know that you mean well. don¡¯t worry. i love and cherish myself very much. senior xu, you will be graduating in half a year. you should be remaining in the capital to work, right? at that time, i will invite you to my house.¡±

    qiao nan could feel xu shengnan¡¯s care, love, and concern for her.

    qiao nan was someone with a biological sister. however, for two lifetimes, qiao zijin only had oppression and bullying for her. there was no care and concern at all. their rtionship did not resemble that of biological sisters. they resembled more like enemies from previous life who met again to continue the battle in this lifetime.

    qiao nan had never experienced what it felt to have an elder sister despite the existence of qiao zijin. nevertheless, she finally experienced it from xu shengnan. it was very heart-warming to have an elder sister.

    ¡°your house?¡± your maternal family¡¯s or inws¡¯?¡± xu shengnan had to rify.

    ¡°inws¡¯ house.¡± maternal family? if it was possible, she did not even wish to return to her maternal family. why would she invite her friends there? she did not wish to cover up the fact that she had a biological mother like ding jiayi and a biological sister like qiao zijin. however, she was not interested in airing her dirty linen in public.

    ¡°fine,¡± xu shengnan nodded and replied. she was a little curious as to why it had to be half a year after her graduation. at the thought of qiao nan¡¯s temperament, she believed that qiao nan would not do things without a reason. hence, xu shengnan did not question further. she had been invited as a guest. of course, she had to amodate the timing of the host. ¡°you should know that i am graduating in half a year. you have to find a time when i am avable. otherwise, i will reject you, and you can¡¯t push the me to me.¡±

    at this juncture, xu shengnan, who was joking with qiao nan, did not expect that qiao nan would give her such a big and pleasant ¡®surprise¡¯ half a yearter: three fair, chubby, fleshy, and nice-smelling babies with big-eyes and pink tiny mouths. the little hands were grabbing things. two chubby legs squatted on the ground and stood up in an unsteady manner. they were shouting ¡®mama¡¯ with unclear pronunciation.

    it was only until that moment that xu shengnan finally found out that those well-meaning words that she said previously were wasted. she had said it toote!

    she was still concerned that qiao nan¡¯s man would not be able to control the beast in him and caused a ¡®life¡¯ to be at stake. in actual fact, these three little lives were already born at that time.

    after xu shengnan visited her house half a yearter, qiao nan parted ways with xu shengnan.

    it was approaching the end of the year and there were many joint ventures in gao yan¡¯spany. they were minor projects and not major ones. although margins were low, sales would be high. word of mouth would help build thepany¡¯s publicity.

    xu shengnan had annual leave, and students like qiao nan only had about one month of school vacation. however, xu shengnan only had one week of leave. after taking into ount the traveling time, she could only stay at home for five days.

    ¡°nan nan is back?¡± knowing that qiao nan¡¯s winter vacation wasing, miao jing did not look too happy. she even looked a little depressed. ¡°it¡¯s vacation time. the three babies will definitely be happy to see you at home.¡±

    qiao nan put down her backpack, removed her coat, and washed her hands clean. she then carried san bao, who had already been shouting ¡®ah! ah!¡¯ for some time and fed her with milk. ¡°mom, did anything happen?¡±

    ¡°this... i think it¡¯s better if you take a look at them yourself.¡± miao jing did not expect qiao nan to notice that something was amiss so quickly. just right. anyway, she could not make a decision. she might as well pass the items to qiao nan and let her decide for herself.

    miao jing passed three little red boxes to qiao nan. qiao nan was carrying san bao with one hand as she opened the little boxes with the other. inside the boxy a very exquisite and cute little bracelet. ¡°this is... from my dad?¡±

    ¡°yes, your dad got someone to send this here.¡± at the mention of qiao dongliang, miao jing had a very odd expression on her face. she really took her hat off to qiao dongliang.

    during the initial stages of qiao nan¡¯s pregnancy, the zhai family and qiao nan hid the truth from the qiao family. they did not break the news to them too early.

    qiao nan could hide the news during the initial stages of pregnancy but not when the children were born.

    as soon as the three babies were born, miao jing took the initiative to call the qiao family the next day to inform qiao dongliang about the good news. qiao dongliang was the one who picked up the call. once he heard that qiao nan had given birth to three children, two sons and one daughter, he sounded overjoyed. he even happily eximed that he was a maternal grandfather now, and qiao nan was really capable to give birth to three babies at one go.

    at that time, miao jing, who had just been promoted to a grandmother, was in a very good mood. she did not take issue that qiao dongliang was muddleheaded and sincerely wanted to share this good news with him.

    his maternal grandchildren were born and it was a joyous asion of having triplets. as the maternal grandfather, qiao dongliang should be present, no?

    bizarre it was, though!

    on the day of the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration, no one from the triplets¡¯ maternal family came.

    fortunately, at that time, everyone was too focused on qiao nan and the triplets. they did not question much about who from the maternal grandparents¡¯ family came and what they gifted the children. otherwise, miao jing felt that her inws would embarrass themselves very badly.

    even if no one wasing, they should at least give them a call and exin the reason for not turning up, no?

 Chapter 1201 - Back

    <h4>1201 Back</h4>

    as to whether it was true or false, she would not take issue with it. even if it was untrue, it did not matter. they should at least provide an exnation. certainly, this request was not too much?

    the qiao family had not been unreliable for just a couple of days. she had no choice. miao jing¡¯s tummy was filled with anger but she could not vent her frustration. afterward, she even had to call the qiao family to enquire what happened to make them feel more at ease.

    that phone call was not picked up by qiao dongliang but ding jiayi.

    earlier on, ding jiayi had a bad track record of inting qiao dongliang¡¯s spending. facing ding jiayi, this kind of inw, she was not as polite as when she faced qiao dongliang. she openly and directly questioned about the situation.

    given the zhai family¡¯s background, ding jiayi dared to be fierce to qiao nan but dared not raise her voice at miao jing. she exined nicely that qiao dongliang had been unwell, that he had caught a cold.

    the triplets were still so young and their immune systems were weak. if qiao dongliang insisted on seeing the children, it was not good if he were to pass the cold to the triplets then.

    their family was small. since qiao dongliang was unwell, as the wife, ding jiayi had to stay behind and take care of him. the only one left was qiao zijin, who was still a student. the triplets were born at the end of september. the full-month celebration did not ovep with the national day long holiday. as such, qiao zijin could not attend it either.

    initially, ding jiayi wanted to exin more to miao jing and expressed her family¡¯s helplessness, love, concern, and guilt.

    miao jing¡¯s face was cold. although ding jiayi was willing to waste her breath exining, miao jing was not willing to increase the telephone bill and listen to ding jiayi spit saliva. therefore, she simply said, ¡°noted. the triplets are crying and require my attention.¡± she then hung up the phone.

    it had been three months since she made that phone call. qiao nan had already finished giving birth, taking examinations, and her school vacation was starting. however, the qiao family did not appear. there were no calls from them either.

    today, someone suddenly paid a visit, brought three authentication certificates, and said that these were the presents that qiao dongliang prepared for the triplets.

    that person did not ask too much either. after making himself clear, he put down the stuff and left.

    facing this kind of inws, miao jing had never talked about them in front of qiao nan. however, this did not mean that miao jing did not have any thoughts about the qiao family. she just did not want to put qiao nan in a difficult position and was not willing to make qiao nan upset because of her maternal family.

    today, qiao dongliang got someone to visit the zhai family to make his presence known. miao jing could barely control the resentment in her heart.

    the triplets whom her family could not wait to hold in their hands and dote on had been ignored by their biological maternal family to this extent. would miao jing feel happy? to hell with it!

    no matter how angry miao jing was, she could not make up stories and behave like ding jiayi. miao jing passed the three boxes, still in their original states, to qiao nan. she did not provide additional details to worsen the situation. she just told qiao nan what happened honestly.

    as to what qiao nan thought and how she was going to handle it, miao jing would not insist on intervening. she would let qiao nan make her own decision.

    looking at the three little gold bracelets, qiao nan did not know how to react all of a sudden.

    after some time, qiao nan gave out a long sigh. ¡°these are well wishes from the triplets¡¯ maternal grandfather after all. didn¡¯t they say that gold can ward off evil spirits? mom, should we let the triplets wear them?¡± these were given by her biological father. regardless of whether her father was muddleheaded, she had to give him some face. by allowing the triplets to wear them, she was not only giving her dad¡¯s face but also giving the three babies¡¯ face.

    the qiao family could not bepared to the zhai family. this was something known to everyone.

    it was not easy for the qiao family to send this kind of gift to the triplets.

    it was better to bete than never.

    ¡°okay.¡± miao jing understood this point. she also had the same thoughts. qiao nan was very young but she could think of this without the need for her to persuade. miao jing felt veryforted.

    although qiao nan also bore the surname ¡®qiao¡¯, she was really different from the rest of the qiao family. until now, she still could not understand why qiao nan coulde from that kind of family. she was totally different from the other three members of the qiao family.

    since miao jing and qiao nan shared the same view, zhai hua was not wishy-washy about it either. they ignored what kind of people in the qiao family and helped the three babies wear the little bracelets.

    on the day the three babies turned one month old, the zhai family did not receive any exaggerated or overboard presents. nevertheless, there were many small essories like these that carried auspicious meaning. in fact, until today, the three babies were bare and had nothing on them as they were waiting for the qiao family.

    no one in the zhai family mentioned this situation. it was just that everyone understood in their hearts.

    most likely, the three babies had inherited their skin color from their biological mother, qiao nan. each was fairer than the other. the golden little bracelets that they woreplemented them and made their skin appear brighter and more beautiful.

    ¡°tsk, tsk, tsk, did our three babies look like little golden children? they are better-looking than the babies in the past calendars.¡± her little nephews and nieces were fair and beautiful. they could not find any babies within the vicinity that could bepared to their family¡¯s babies. as the auntie, zhai hua thought so no matter how she looked at them. ¡°san bao, when you grow up, auntie will buy many beautiful little dresses and hair essories for you. i¡¯ll doll you up like a little princess, okay?¡±

    in fact, although san bao was only over four months old, qiao nan and zhai sheng¡¯s wardrobe had already been stuffed with a pile of stuff that zhai hua bought for san bao.

    the problem was that it was winter in the capital. it was fine to stay at home. it would be too cold to go outside.

    hence, some clothes would possibly be of use to san bao if she were in ping cheng, but there were very few opportunities for her to wear them in the capital.

    asionally, qiao nan would let san bao wear the little essories that zhai hua bought for her.

    the little girl was not old but she sure had a temper. she felt ufortable when someone wore a flower on her head. before the grandmother and auntie could finish praising with the word ¡®adorable¡¯, san bao¡¯s little fleshy w had already grabbed, pulled, and flung the flower to the floor like it was an old shoe.

    most likely, she feltfortable after throwing it away. the naughty san bao even opened her tiny mouth and chuckled. that chubby little body was twisting like a worm, and she had acent look on her face.

    at the thought of this matter, qiao nan and miao jing were filled with worries. there was already one zhai hua in the family. as the mother and grandmother, they were afraid that san bao would learn from zhai hua, this auntie, and liked soldier attire instead of makeup. that would be terrible.

    ¡°ah! ah!¡± at this moment, da bao, who had been chewing something, took out the wet toy from his mouth. his little hands patted the sofa below his bum as he turned his head and looked in the direction of the door.

    the few adults looked in the direction da bao was looking at. a man with soldier attire, looking as sharp as a treasure sword, was standing at the door. who else could it be except for the father of the three babies?

    ¡°haha.¡± those grape-like ck pupils of da bao stared at zhai sheng. he kept making noises with his mouth. he seemed to be asking who that person at the door was.

    miao jing was extremely happy and wanted to carry da bao. da bao shook his head and pointed his little hand in qiao nan¡¯s direction. he wanted his mama to hug him. ¡°our family¡¯s da bao is so smart. he¡¯s only so little now. next time, he will definitely be a top scorer like nan nan.¡±

 Chapter 1202 - Precious Darling

    <h4>1202 Precious Darling</h4>

    She had been a mother of two. However, she felt that her son and daughter were not as intelligent as her grandchildren when the two of them were young.

    Besides, other families¡¯ children who were six to seven months old were also not as smart as her family¡¯s.

    After putting down San Bao, who had eaten her fill and wanted to lie down quietly for a while, Qiao Nan carried the ¡®shocked¡¯ Da Bao and rubbed his head to calm him down. ¡°I feel that this is the child¡¯s natural ability to pursue good fortune and avoid disaster.¡± When she said that, Qiao Nan kept smiling and looking at the man standing at the door.

    As the person who slept beside this man, Qiao Nan was well aware of the change in him after they came to the capital.

    Of course, it was only until recently that Qiao Nan heard one name: Peng Yu.

    This was the person who made her man be so powerful and irresistible.

    Qiao Nan had a vague feeling that Peng Yu¡¯s existence was like a piece of sharpening stone. Zhai Sheng, who had not met any opponent for a long time, was like a treasure sword that was slowly beginning to rust. With Peng Yu, this sharpening stone, Brother Zhai would be sharper and more striking than before.

    A man like that would receive admiration and respect.

    However, a small baby would naturally avoid someone like this, who carried a gust of murderous aura, once they faced him.

    After Miao Jing praised Da Bao, she went to bring her son in. ¡°You¡¯re back so soon this time? You¡¯ve only gone back to the army for two months. Will there be any issue toe back so soon?¡± Miao Jing was aware that Peng Yu had been targeting Zhai Sheng. He had been seeking trouble and wanting to surpass Zhai Sheng in everything.

    One was not afraid of being stolen by a thief. One was only afraid of being remembered by the thief.

    Facing this kind of trouble, Miao Jing did not think that her son could finish his dealings with the other party in just a few months no matter how capable he was. In the past, Old Zhai hadmented about this child to her before. It could be said that many people had the same impression of Peng Yu. He was someone who would not be afraid of losing his life when he was determined. He was extremely stubborn!

    His son had met such an opponent. He would not be able to lead a peaceful and safe life in the future. Unfortunately, this kind of person was the hardest to deal with.

    After carrying his eldest son from Qiao Nan¡¯s arms, Zhai Sheng said without care, ¡°No issue. Why would there be any? At least, for some time, I am going to have quite a lot of spare time.¡±

    Miao Jing smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve resolved the matter so well?¡± Peng Yu had to rest for some time to recover his energy?

    Zhai Sheng held on to Da Bao¡¯s arms,pletely ignoring his reluctant expression. He was continuously pushing, rejecting Zhai Sheng, twisting his little body, and looking in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction. Er Bao was two or three times chubbierpared to thest time he saw him. ¡°The situation is about as such. After all, it¡¯s going to be Lunar New Year soon. Everyone is Chinese. I have to give him a chance to go through a peaceful Lunar New Year.¡±

    When Zhai Sheng said this, it was as if he was the one being forgiving and benevolent. He did not seem to care about how angry Peng Yu was at this point.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Da Bao could no longer endure Zhai Sheng¡¯s hug. He twisted his face like a tiger, shriveled his little mouth, teared, looking like he was about to cry out loud.

    Although the child was small, he was very smart when he needed to. Da Bao understood that as long as he cried, his mama would feel anxious and carry him back to take care of him.

    ¡°Brother Zhai...¡± Qiao Nan felt helpless. ¡°Don¡¯t hold on to Da Bao and bully him.¡± Da Bao had only met his strict-looking biological father a few times. It was not strange at all that he would reject Brother Zhai. ¡°Brother Zhai, it seems that the three babies are starting to recognize people. You came back at the right time. Normally, you can spend more time taking care of them and keeping thempany. I believe they will be familiar with you very soon.¡±

    The children definitely had to be close to their father. Qiao Nan did not want Zhai Sheng to force the children, yet she was also not willing to see them being unfamiliar with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why don¡¯t you carry Er Bao now and let them get used to your smell?¡±

    Normally, Da Bao did not like to cry. When he peed, passed motion, or felt ufortable, he would just wail a few times without any tears.

    When they finished changing the diaper and wiping clean his little buttocks, Da Bao would look like a big boss. He wouldy there on his own, hold various toys in his hands, and bite them until he fell asleep.

    Qiao Nan often felt that Da Bao would wail a few times just to inform them that something was happening at his end. That was not considered crying at all. It should be called an rm.

    Now, Da Bao, who did not like to cry, was almost in tears when he was in his biological father¡¯s arms. How could Qiao Nan¡¯s heart not ache?

    As she said that, as if they were exchanging hostages, she stuffed Er Bao into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and saved Da Bao. Qiao Nan carried Da Bao and coaxed him a little. She then kissed him twice on his chubby cheeks.

    Da Bao, who looked like he was brewing a huge rain earlier, immediately turned bright. After smiling at Qiao Nan, he turned and found the mostfortable position in his mama¡¯s arms. Hey there quietly and watched his younger brother being harmed by a ¡®stranger¡¯.

    Er Bao had been staring at Zhai Sheng. His tiny face and eyes were filled with alertness.

    At the sight of Zhai Sheng reaching out his hands to him, Er Bao turned his head and started to find ces to hide. When he saw his grandmother, who often yed with him, Er Bao shouted ¡®Ah! Ah!¡¯ continuously, seeking help from her. He was not willing to let Zhai Sheng carry him.

    ¡°My Er Bao, be good. Grandma loves you so much.¡± After receiving Er Bao¡¯s ¡®distress call¡¯, Miao Jing reacted more strongly than Qiao Nan. Without a word and ignoring his son¡¯s thoughts, she carried the pink and tender Er Bao and started to appease him. She was continuously calling darling, precious darling, and sorts of simr names.

    In Er Bao¡¯s heart, Miao Jing had defeated her son. She was very proud to be able to guard her ce in Er Bao¡¯s heart.

    As to whether her son would feel hurt by this action of Er Bao, Miao Jing did not care at all. Well, it was because her son was always not at home and could not stay by the three babies¡¯ side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. San Bao is the only girl in our family. Normally, the old master and Dad don¡¯t even dare to bully San Bao. If you dare to provoke San Bao, believe it or not, when the old master and Dad know about it, they will punish you to do the runs.¡± Zhai Hua held on to San Bao tightly and even moved her bum so that Zhai Sheng could note into contact with her and snatch San Bao away.

    Two sons, one daughter.

    All three children were precious. Inparison, as the only girl and youngest child, San Bao¡¯s status in the Zhai family was definitely not low.

    ¡°Both Da Bao and Er Bao are boys. Their skin is tough. If you really want to find a child to practice, I think Da Bao and Er Bao are more suitable. If you provoke San Bao, I will get impatient with you.¡± Carrying the soft and tender San Bao, Zhai Hua¡¯s tone was very serious when she said this.

    Zhai Hua treated the three babies like her own sons and daughter.

    Zhai Hua would unleash the demon in her, like she did when she was a devil child in the past, to whoever that dared to bully the three babies. She would kill the other party.

 Chapter 1203 - Little Gold Ches

    <h4>1203 Little Gold Ches</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯ve been dawdling with Dongzi for almost a year. When is he going to marry you?¡± Zhai Sheng nced sideways at Zhai Hua. He was not bothered about Zhai Hua¡¯s threat at all.

    Zhai Hua was different from him. He married a wife. Zhai Hua was going to be married off.

    When Zhai Hua was married to Tian Dong, they would have their own children. It would not be Zhai Hua¡¯s turn to intervene in the three babies¡¯ affairs then.

    ¡°Why must I marry Tian Dong? I am not rted to him in any way. Don¡¯t talk nonsense. I have considered it thoroughly. I will be twenty-eight years old after the Lunar New Year. No matter what, I must go for matchmaking sessions this year to fight for the chance to be married before the end of the following year,¡± Zhai Hua said confidently.

    She and Tian Dong had always been good friends and not yet lovers.

    Zhai Sheng was right in his words. She had been dawdling with Tian Dong for a year. It was time they made themselves clear.

    She could not always possibly hold on to Tian Dong while attending matchmaking sessions at the same time.

    Zhai Hua could not bring herself to do such a thing.

    ¡°Hua Hua, are you serious?¡± Miao Jing jumped in surprise. When Nan Nan was giving birth, Dongzi had been helping in and out. He had taken on all the duties that should have been done by her son on the ount of Hua Hua.

    She initially thought that the two children would, at most, take more time to develop but should not go on separate ways. She was surprised that her daughter actually had thoughts to attend many matchmaking sessions to find a marriage partner next year.

    Was it because Hua Hua and Dongzi could not be together anymore?

    Squeezing San Bao¡¯s little fleshy ws, Zhai Hua lowered her voice. ¡°I have always been very serious. I am also telling the truth. It¡¯s just that all of you have never believed what I said.¡±

    If she was not married before twenty-eight years old, she would rather not get married then.

    Anyway, Nan Nan had given birth to three children for Zhai Sheng. There were only two of them, husband and wife. How could they possibly take care of the three babies at the same time? She would not feel at ease too if she did not help them keep a watch by the side.

    It was better not to be able to find a marriage partner. Like she said before, she would treat her nephews and nieces like her own children. Would she be afraid that no one would support her when she was old and attend her funeral upon her death?

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s situation and her capability, her days after retirement were not an issue at all. When she was gone, she did not believe that the triplets would not burn incense and candles for their auntie during festive seasons, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and Double Ninth Festival.

    Their family¡¯s triplets were good kids. She was not worried that no one would take care of her when she was old.

    Even such a big worry was no longer a problem. Naturally, Zhai Hua was not bothered or insistent about whether she was going to be married or not.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. He came and left in a hurryst time. Besides spending quality time with Nan Nan, he did not even have time to carry the triplets. Hence, he had no chance to understand the situation between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong at all.

    It had almost been a year. Tian Dong was so meek and had not conquered Zhai Hua?

    Meeting Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders helplessly. She did not know anything.

    Before September, she only had two tasks every day. First, read. Second, eat a lot of things and nourish the babies in her womb well.

    When the babies were born, she only had two tasks every day. First, study. Second, be milk bottles for the triplets.

    As such, her hands were always tied. She was not aware of the progress between Sister Zhai Hua and Tian Dong at all.

    After the triplets were born, she seemed to have seen Tian Dong during their full-month celebration and received Tian Dong¡¯s presents. Thereafter, Tian Dong did not seem to have appeared again.

    This was theplete opposite of Tian Dong¡¯s attitude when she was pregnant. Back then, he had been finding various excuses to stay behind in the house of the Zhai family to have meals.

    It was the baby brain effect. One pregnancy could result in cognitive impairment for three years.

    If it had been the normal Qiao Nan, she would have long enquired Zhai Hua about her situation with Tian Dong.

    Tian Dong did not turn up at the house of the Zhai family all of a sudden. He did not even notify them. Did it mean that he and Zhai Hua were not suitable and they had called it off?

    Unfortunately, since the triplets were born, Qiao Nan¡¯s mind had been upied by them and her studies. It was hard for her to pay attention to Zhai Hua¡¯s situation.

    But then again, what did Tian Dong mean with this attitude? It was not going to work between Sister Zhai Hua and him?

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng could not figure out why Zhai Hua, who was one of the main parties concerned, was not willing to provide a clear exnation to everyone. She had to let everyone guess. All of a sudden, Zhai Hua and Tian Dong¡¯s matter seemed to havee to a standstill. It was not going anywhere, making everyone upset.

    Miao Jing, who was carrying Er Bao, felt disheartened. ¡°Er Bao, when you grow up, don¡¯t learn from your auntie. Grandma won¡¯t expect too much. After you go to school, focus on your studies. No puppy love but also don¡¯t date only when you¡¯re too old. Study when you need to. After graduation, quickly marry a granddaughter-inw back for grandma and give birth to a great-grandchild for grandma to carry.¡±

    Miao Jing was not pinning much hope on Zhai Hua, this daughter, anymore.

    Fortunately, there were three children at home. As long as Hua Hua was happy and would not regret this decision when she was old and lonely, she would not intervene in what kind of life Hua Hua wished for.

    However, if possible, she still hoped that Hua Hua could find someone true to her to spend the rest of her life with.

    Er Bao was gnawing his little ws and drooling so badly that he wetted his cors.

    As for his grandmother¡¯s words, Er Bao opened his clear and puzzled eyes to express that he did not understand any of them.

    Zhai Sheng was back early and everyone could spend the Lunar New Year together. Of course, the old master and Zhai Yaohui were happy. Compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese valued the Spring Festival more.

    When it was night time, Qiao Nany on the bed. The triplets, who had eaten and drunk to their fill, spread their limbs open, ced their hands behind the little brains in a surrendering position, and slept peacefully.

    Looking at the adorable sight of them, Qiao Nan smiled. She then took out a bank passbook and looked at the changes in the numbers recently. She talked to Zhai Sheng about it when he came out from a shower.

    This bank passbook was given to Qiao Nan by Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng was smart and mature. Since he was a student, he had channels of stable earnings. After bing a soldier, his earnings increased further.

    It was not really because Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were open-minded parents who were willing to let their children keep their own earnings.

    At that time, Miao Jing was too focused on Zhai Yaohui, and the husband and wife were like circus troupe without a definite ce of residence.

    If the two children were to hand over their sry to their parents, Miao Jing would have to return from outside to take the money, rush to the bank, open bank ounts for them, and deposit the money.

    To Miao Jing, who was obsessed with loving her husband at that time, it was too cumbersome.

    Hence, Miao Jing might as well openly inform the two children that once they were capable of earning their own keep, under the condition of self-discipline, they should take care of their own sry properly. As parents, they would not intervene at all.

    So many years had passed. Both Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng had their own little gold chest, and the sum of money in it was not small.

 Chapter 1204 - Sent Money Back to Her Parentsâ€™ Home

    <h4>1204 Sent Money Back to Her Parents¡¯ Home</h4>

    unlike zhai hua, on the day they held the wedding banquet in ping cheng, zhai sheng had given all his property and money to qiao nan. he did not keep a single cent with him.

    obviously, he gave qiao nan the right to use the money in any way that she wanted.

    ¡°what are you doing? are you checking to see if the money is enough for the triplets to go to college?¡± zhai sheng could tell that qiao nan was holding his passbook. it was winter. zhai sheng just came out from his shower. he wiped himself dry but did not put on any clothes or wrap himself with a towel. he walked toward qiao nan, naked from head to toe. there was a devilish and aggressive look in his eyes.

    seconds ago, qiao nan looked gloomy. secondster, she blushed at the ruffian way zhai sheng was behaving. she threw a pillow at zhai sheng. ¡°brother zhai, san bao is a youngdy. you must watch your behavior in the future. if the children see you without any clothes, how are you going to face them?¡±

    qiao nan had given birth to three children. she and zhai sheng had known each other for about seven years. they dated each other, married, and had children. they had already reached the seven-year itch.

    despite being together for such a long time, qiao nan seldom saw zhai sheng without any clothes on. furthermore, there were bright lightings in the room. she felt all the more embarrassed.

    qiao nan had no wish to look at his ¡®lethal weapon¡¯, so she turned sideways in embarrassment with her back facing him. ¡°put on your clothes now. don¡¯t you find it cold?¡±

    zhai sheng felt at ease with his naked form. he caught the pillow that qiao nan threw at him and put it back on the bed. he flipped the nkets andy down on the bed.

    qiao nan felt the bed sunk beside her as zhai shengy on the bed. a hot, burning body edged closer to her. qiao nan felt ufortable that zhai sheng still did not put on any clothes. ¡°brother zhai!¡± qiao nan was ashamed and angry. ¡°i will bring your clothes to you.¡±

    zhai sheng grabbed hold of qiao nan and pressed down on her.

    his calm face frowned slightly. ¡°there is no need to put on any clothes. i will be taking them off the next second. it is so troublesome.¡± since he was going to undress, why would he waste the effort to dress himself?

    zhai sheng found it bothersome that qiao nan was covered with too manyyers of clothes.

    zhai sheng reached out his hands and began to undress qiao nan deftly.

    qiao nan turned her body sideways in embarrassment. but her movements turned out to aid zhai sheng in undressing her.

    in the blink of an eye, zhai sheng, who just came out from his shower, and qiao nan were naked.

    qiao nan, who was still feeding the triplets, smelled like the triplets. there was a smell of milk on her. although she had showered, zhai sheng, who had a keen sense of smell, could still notice it.

    qiao nan blushed when zhai sheng took deep breaths to take in her smell. she felt uneasy at zhai sheng¡¯s behavior. he seemed slightly perverted.

    there was no need for him to take in her smell. was brother zhai behaving like one of the triplets? did he need to figure out who his wife was from the smell that she had?

    two naked adultsy on the same bed. needless to say, they soughtfort in each other and the room seemed to be heated up instantaneously.

    zhai sheng pulled qiao nan to him, pressed himself on her, and showed her how much he loved her.

    qiao nan, who had been through childbirth, had more developed curves than before. she was like a ripe fruit that was juicy and supple. she was able to enjoy being intimate with her husband more so than before.

    qiao nan felt drowsy and exhausted after being ¡®tortured¡¯ by zhai sheng. zhai sheng had to carry a sweaty qiao nan to the bathroom to have a shower.

    as they were bathing in the bathroom, qiao nan, who was defenseless, was once again ravished by zhai sheng. when she came out of the shower, she plopped down on the bed, feeling as if all her energy had been drained.

    there was a satisfied and satiated look on zhai sheng¡¯s face. he seemed like a lion that had had his meat and was full from his meal. there was a tender look in his eyes but he still had the devilish grin on his face. he would lick the corner of his lips from time to time, as if savoring the feast that he had previously.

    qiao nan could feel a hot, burning sensation at her back. she kicked a few times in anger. ¡°aren¡¯t you putting on your clothes?¡± they were already done, so there was no need to undress anymore.

    ¡°it is good for health to sleep naked.¡± zhai sheng held a limp and defenseless qiao nan in his arms, as he defended himself for not wearing any clothes. qiao nan gritted her teeth in anger at his ruffian mannerism. ¡°when the triplets are older, they should sleep in a separate room from us. it is unsuitable for older children to share the same room with us. they must learn to be independent.¡±

    qiao nan was exhausted. she yawned again and got into afortable position in zhai sheng¡¯s embrace. she was not taken in by zhai sheng¡¯s words at all. ¡°alright, do you think i don¡¯t know what you are thinking of? men are all the same. besides, the triplets are still so young and you seldom stay at home. to be honest,pared to you, the triplets spend more time with me.¡±

    he wanted the children to learn to be independent? that was nonsense.

    it must be that he was upset that she kept silent when he ¡®tortured¡¯ her. she was worried that she would wake the triplets, so she stifled her voice and kept quiet.

    what a mockery!

    did every man like it when a woman cried out while being ¡®tortured¡¯?

    qiao nan might not have much experience in this aspect, but she had a high iq.

    if shepared the times they spent together before they had babies and after they had babies, qiao nan could tell what the man was troubled about.

    zhai sheng looked sullen. ¡°then, get the triplets to share a room with their aunt or grandma when i am back.¡± zhai sheng did not deny that qiao nan¡¯s guess was right.

    he seldom spent time at home. when he was home, he must make use of the time to get close to nan nan without any disturbances, and she must be able to disy her actual feelings and emotions.

    in the past, zhai sheng had been thinking of having children. now that he had children, he realized that their married life seemed to have been affected.

    qiao nan felt angry and amused. she turned sideways to face zhai sheng and kissed him on his cheeks, coaxing him, and at the same time, made him see reasons. ¡°brother zhai, stop making a fuss. when the triplets grow up and learn about this, they will be hurt.¡±

    it would be better for the children to stay with their parents. brother zhai would stay for a certain period of time whenever he was back.

    if the triplets did not share the same room with her, they might be affected and she would not be able to take it as well. she would miss them terribly. ¡°by the way, brother zhai, i transferred six thousand yuan to my dad today.¡± she did not have any money, whereas brother zhai did. even if she wanted to earn money by herself after she graduated, she had to deal with important matters first. she would not be obstinate and overwork herself.

    ¡°is that why you kept staring at the passbook just now?¡±zhai sheng did not ask the reason why qiao nan transferred the money to her father.

 Chapter 1205 - The Innate Bonds between Father and Sons

    <h4>Chapter 1205 The Innate Bonds between Father and Sons</h4>

    Since he had given Qiao Nan the passbook, she could spend the money however she liked.

    Even if she squandered all the money, Zhai Sheng might not say anything as well, let alone transferring six thousand yuan to her father.

    In this aspect, Zhai Sheng was a good man.

    ¡°Hmm...¡± Qiao Nan felt very sleepy. She had to take care of the triplets in the daytime and make use of the time to study. Qiao Nan felt like she was preupied the entire day. When Zhai Sheng was back, she still had to work overtime to engage in physically exhausting activities. Qiao Nan wished that she could sleep without any care. ¡°My dad sent someone to pass three golden bangles to the triplets. You should know the Qiao family¡¯s situation. Therefore, I transferred the money to him. Brother Zhai, do you think I should go back to Ping Cheng after the Lunar New Year?¡±

    Qiao Nan was conflicted. She did not know what she should do.

    She might have been married and it was understandable that she did not have time to go back during the Lunar New Year. But she should at least go back to visit her parents after the Lunar New Year.

    However, Qiao Nan did not feel like going back. Spending money on the Qiao family was not the issue here. What was troubling her was that she had to deal with a series of trouble as well as the mockery and schemes of her mother and sister. She also had to ept that her father was muddleheaded and sided with the Qiao family.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make a trip back. It¡¯s just a few ne tickets.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan was in a difficult position. Qiao Nan had married well. Although the Qiao family had been mean to her and let her down, if she did not visit them during the Lunar New Year, people would talk bad about Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not catch what Zhai Sheng said. She was already fast asleep.

    Zhai Sheng lowered his head to check on Qiao Nan, who was sleeping soundly in his embrace. He gave her a tender kiss on her red lips. He then covered her with the nket and hugged her as he drifted off to sleep.

    During wintertime, hugging each other to sleep was the best way to keep each other warm.

    ¡°I will carry San Bao.¡± Qiao Nan woke up one hourter than usual the next day morning. She walked down the stairs and heard her master¡¯s loud, booming voice. ¡°San Bao, I am your grand master. Do you remember?¡±

    ¡°Yayaya.¡± San Bao, who could utter sounds, liked it when people chatted with her. Babies at this age behaved in the same way. Elder Lin was very patient with her. He did not know what she was talking about, but he was able to have a conversation with her.

    Elder Lin was thrilled that San Bao answered him. ¡°San Bao, you have not seen me for a night. You must have missed me terribly. You are so well-behaved. I miss you too. San Bao, don¡¯t worry. I will be able to visit you more often in the future. I will spend more time ying with you.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who overheard her master, knew right away that he had bought the house that was next to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    The auntie brought a milk bottle and walked out of the kitchen. Lin Yuankang¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Give me one of those. I will feed San Bao.¡±

    Since this was not the first time that Lin Yuankang fed the babies, the auntie handed San Bao¡¯s milk bottle to him without any hesitation. Lin Yuankang carried San Bao with one hand and held the milk bottle in the other hand. ¡°San Bao, be good. Let¡¯s have your meal now. San Bao must grow up strong and healthy. When you can speak, you must learn to call me grand master first.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± San Bao recognized that it was a milk bottle. Her eyes lit up instantly.

    The little girl shouted and tried her best to lift her head high, wanting to get a bite on the milk bottle. She lifted her legs when she finally got a bite on the milk bottle. She clutched the milk bottle with her chubby arms and drank the milk happily.

    The triplets were very good at drinking from the milk bottles.

    Since half a month ago, Qiao Nan was unable to provide them with breast milk for every meal. She began to mix breast milk with form milk. She would also feed them with solid food as one of the meals in the day.

    The triplets had a big appetite and they ate very well. They would definitely turn out to be chubby.

    Qiao Nan saw that Elder Lin was feeding San Bao, while Zhai Sheng was feeding Da Bao and Er Bao, each in one of his arms.

    Da Bao and Er Bao had yet to familiarize themselves with Zhai Sheng. However, they would not skip their meals because of Zhai Sheng. No matter what, it was more important to feed themselves.

    The triplets finished their meals in no time. Their stomachs bulged from having a full meal. Da Bao and Er Bao seemed to be in a good mood. They were more epting of Zhai Sheng, unlike yesterday.

    Da Bao gave a kick to Zhai Sheng¡¯s palms from time to time.

    Er Bao was the most daring among the two babies. Since he was able to lift his head, he turned his head to face Zhai Sheng and made a move to bite his high nose.

    Zhai Sheng did not panic at having to cope with two babies at one go. He seemed to be at ease. He had a secure grip on Da Bao so that he would not fall under the sofa.

    At the same time, he turned sideways so that Er Bao would not be able to bite his nose. Instead, Er Bao ended upnding a kiss on his handsome face, leaving his saliva and teeth marks on him.

    ¡°It has only been a night, yet Da Bao and Er Bao are so close to Zhai Sheng.¡± Zhai Hua stared at the scene in front of her with surprise.

    Zhai Hua wanted to watch Zhai Sheng as he made a fool of himself handling both Da Bao and Er Bao. She did not mean for them to spend a good time together and bond with each other.

    To her surprise, Zhai Sheng, who was a first-time father, had been taking good care of Da Bao and Er Bao.

    Zhai Hua was upset that Da Bao and Er Bao were able to keep quiet in Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence. They no longer threw tantrums and stopped him from being near them like what happened yesterday.

    When Zhai Sheng went near them and touched them yesterday, Da Bao and Er Bao would bawl as if they were being bullied.

    Zhai Hua, who had been taking care of the triplets, was upset that the father and sons bonded so well.

    The two boys were very mischievous. She had gone through so much to take care of them and they were finally four months old. Initially, she would panic and almost ended up crying with them as she had no idea how to take care of them. She spent many sleepless nights taking care of them before they finally grew up to be strong and healthy.

    She had put in so much effort for the triplets to like her. However, Zhai Sheng only gave them life, yet he was able to gain their affection without doing anything. Zhai Hua was jealous. It was unfair!

    Miao Jing did not feel upset but smiled instead. ¡°You know nothing. This is the innate bond between the father and sons. Zhai Sheng is the father of the triplets. No matter what, they will be close to him.¡±

 Chapter 1206 - Wishful Thinking

    <h4>Chapter 1206 Wishful Thinking</h4>

    ¡°fortunately, zhai sheng is still doing fairly well. if he did not make themfortable and happy, they would have ignored him.¡±

    zhai hua felt slightly better at miao jing¡¯s words.

    given that the triplets were still young, it was normal for them to like the people who fed them.

    the chinese people would be busier as the year came to an end. every family would get ready for the lunar new year.pared to other families, the qiao family was busy in a different manner.

    after pondering for a long time, qiao dongliang made a phone call to the capital, feeling gloomy. when he was dialing the numbers, he felt as if his hands were without any strength and they were very stiff. ¡°hello, i am looking for qiao nan.¡±

    ¡°oh, sure. please hold on.¡± the auntie could tell that the other party was qiao dongliang. she handed the phone to qiao nan without any hesitation.

    of course, the auntie would treat him nicely as it was qiao dongliang on the phone.

    if the caller id disy said that it was from the qiao family and the person on the phone was female, regardless of whether it was ding jiayi or qiao zijin, the auntie would not pass the phone to qiao nan, lest she be upset.

    qiao dongliang might be muddleheaded, but at the very least, he still had some sanity.

    ¡°hello, dad?¡±

    ¡°yes.¡± qiao dongliang took a long time to answer. he was thinking of the six thousand yuan that he received. he felt upset. ¡°nan nan, will you be back to ping cheng after the lunar new year?¡±

    lunar new year wasing. it dawned on qiao dongliang that qiao nan was finally married and had be zhai sheng¡¯s wife and part of the zhai family. she had taken on more roles apart from being his daughter.

    st year during the lunar new year, qiao nan came back to ping cheng earlier than usual to prepare for the lunar new year.

    unlikest year, he was not certain if he would be able to see his younger daughter when school reopened next year. his inws had moved to the capital and they no longer stayed in ping cheng.

    now that his maternal grandchildren were in the capital, qiao dongliang wanted very much to go to the capital. however, he did not have enough money to make the trip. it was already a challenge for him to prepare presents for his grandchildren.

    if he wanted to make a trip to the capital for the triplets¡¯ one-month-old celebration, he would have to apply for unpaid leave. it would take several days to go to and fro and there were still many expenses to be taken care of. to him, it was not a small sum. furthermore, qiao dongliang felt inferior. unlike qiao nan, he was unable to mix well with the zhai family.

    he was worried that his appearance would not look good on qiao nan and his three grandchildren and they would be looked down upon by others. qiao dongliang was particrly embarrassed about the situation at home. he feared that people might ask about the qiao family or qiao nan¡¯s rtionship with her parents. by then, he would not know how he should answer them. people who knew about their situation would be in a difficult position as well.

    there was so much that qiao dongliang had to worry about. therefore, he did not turn up for their one-month-old celebration. he was only able to get someone to pass the presents to qiao nan three months after the celebration.

    qiao dongliang did not have many friends who would make frequent work trips to the capital.

    the three bangles cost a few thousand yuan. he had to entrust them to someone trustworthy. he would not feel assured to get someone else to pass the bangles to qiao nan.

    therefore, the triplets only get to wear the golden bangles given to them by their maternal grandpa when they were four months old.

    the friend gave qiao dongliang a call after he passed the bangles to qiao nan. qiao dongliang thought that his daughter would most probablye back to visit him. he did not expect that he would receive six thousand yuan from her in the afternoon.

    qiao dongliang knew what his daughter meant by transferring the six thousand yuan to him. he spent around four to five thousand yuan on the golden bangles that he bought for his grandchildren. since his daughter gave him six thousand yuan, the extra one thousand yuan was meant for him.

    since she had transferred the money to him, did it mean that nan nan would not being back?

    qiao nan stared at the passbook yesterday, feeling gloomy. now, she felt all the more upset at the dejected tone in qiao dongliang¡¯s voice. ¡°i will most likely pay you a visit, but i can only stay for one day. da bao, er bao, and san bao are still young. i will not bring them to visit you.¡± this was what zhai sheng had told qiao nan this morning.

    ¡°will you be back to visit me?¡± qiao dongliang sounded more cheerful. ¡°but you can only stay for a day?¡±

    qiao nan caressed da bao¡¯s cheeks. she said without much emotion, ¡°i have no other choice. the triplets are still having breast milk. i can only be apart from them for one day. moreover, although i am only in my second year, i have a lot of homework. i have already given up on taking a double degree.¡±

    before she went to college, qiao nan had discussed with qiao dongliang that as long as she had the abilities, she wanted to apply to take a double degree when she was in her second year of college. she would study and work hard to graduate with a double degree within four years.

    now, in order to take care of her three children, qiao nan had given up on that dream. it was already a stretch for her to spare time to go back to ping cheng and stay for a day.

    furthermore, both qiao dongliang and qiao nan knew that there was no longer anything in ping cheng worth her visit.

    if qiao dongliang was not in ping cheng, qiao nan would rather forget that she used to spend nearly twenty years of her life in ping cheng.

    although qiao dongliang was in ping cheng, she would only stay for a day when she visited ping cheng. now, apart from herself, her focus was on her husband, her children, her inws, and their rtives.

    her parents¡¯ home?

    she would take it that she did not have any parents¡¯ home.

    qiao dongliang wanted to persuade qiao nan to stay for a few more days so that he could spend more time with her, but since it was due to the triplets, he had no choice but to give in. ¡°you¡¯re right. the triplets are still young and could not go without their mother. it is good that you cane back for one day. actually, given your situation, i should pay you a visit instead. nan nan, i...¡±

    since he had already made a phone call, qiao dongliang wanted to exin to qiao nan why he and ding jiayi were not present for the one-month-old celebration of the triplets.

    ding jiayi wanted very much to go. she already had a n in mind. she would prepare presents for them and she would not make it embarrassing for the zhai family. she would show everyone that she was a generous and gracious grandmother.

    of course, qiao nan would have to pay for everything. she could not possibly pay for them by herself. she was there so that it would look good on the triplets and qiao nan.

    furthermore, she was qiao nan¡¯s mother and the triplets¡¯ grandmother.

    since she came all the way to the capital for the one-month-old celebration of the triplets, the zhai family and qiao nan had to show their appreciation.

 Chapter 1207 - Heartless

    <h4>Chapter 1207 Heartless</h4>

    Qiao Nan had to get someone to show her around the capital. As for the expenses, Qiao Nan would have to pay for it. It had nothing to do with her.

    Qiao Nan had to pay for her transport to and fro as well.

    Now that Qiao Nan was married and led a pampered life, she must not forget that her parents were not well-to-do. Since her mother was in the capital, no matter how unwilling she was, Qiao Nan had to fork out some money to take care of her.

    In short, Ding Jiayi had it all nned out. She would make the trip to attend the one-month-old celebration of the triplets. She would use Qiao Nan¡¯s money to prepare gifts for the triplets so that it would look good on the Qiao family. After she was done with feasting and traveling around the capital, she would get another sum of money from Qiao Nan as a token of appreciation.

    Everyone was more than willing to take up such a task.

    Therefore, Ding Jiayi was dying to attend the one-month-old celebration of the triplets and she had to go.

    She would treat it as apensation for not being able to go to the capital and spend Qiao Nan¡¯s money during the summer break.

    Although Qiao Dongliang could not tell what Ding Jiayi was up to, given her attitude and that they had been married for more than twenty years, he could tell that she must be up to no good. She sounded so happy at the mention of attending the triplets¡¯ one-month-old celebration. She must be thinking of taking advantage of Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, given that the triplets were Qiao Nan¡¯s babies, Ding Jiayi would definitely be angry and jealous that she had such a good life. Even if she had changed her attitude toward Qiao Nan, she would not feel so thrilled at the thought of going to the capital.

    Qiao Dongliang was unable to attend the one-month-old celebration of the triplets as he had to work and he felt inferior in front of the Zhai family. As for Ding Jiayi, she did not attend because Qiao Dongliang stopped her from going.

    He might not be able to make it look good on his younger daughter and his grandchildren, but he could not allow Ding Jiayi to make things difficult for them.

    Previously, Qiao Dongliang did not make a phone call to exin to her. He kept silent and felt that things were over and there was no need to bring it up.

    However, now that he made the phone call, Qiao Dongliang wanted to make use of the chance to bring it up and exin to Qiao Nan why he did not go to the capital at the end of October.

    ¡°Dad, say no more. I understand.¡± Qiao Nan interrupted Qiao Dongliang. She would feel more at ease if her father did not exin to her. She was upset that he waited until now to give her an exnation. ¡°Dad, you must have received the money. Buy more good food for yourself for the Lunar New Year. We will let you know when we will go back to Ping Cheng. I will give you a phone callter. Dad, I have to go. The triplets will be waking up anytime soon. They will cry if I am not around.¡±

    Qiao Nan hung up the phone without further ado. Qiao Dongliang felt dejected.

    Although Qiao Nan said that she understood, Qiao Dongliang knew that she was angry.

    Qiao Dongliang was in a panic that his daughter was angry with him. Although he felt forlorn, he could do nothing about it. He knew that although he was the father, his younger daughter had the right to be angry with him.

    Qiao Dongliang was helpless with this dead-knot situation.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look like your mom has just passed away. Did you talk on the phone with the wretched girl? She must have lost her temper at you.¡± Ding Jiayi noticed that Qiao Dongliang looked gloomy when she walked into the room. She gloated at him and made disdainful remarks. ¡°I have told you long ago what kind of person that wretched girl is, but you refused to listen to me and allowed yourself to be fooled by her. Now that she is leading a good life, she will not remember that her parents are not doing well. No matter how heartbroken you are, she will not be bothered with you.¡±

    At the mention of this, Ding Jiayi felt as if her heart was dripping blood.

    It was such a waste to get people to send the three golden bangles that were worth a few thousand yuan to the capital.

    The presents that Old Qiao bought might be expensive, but the wretched girl did not appreciate them. If he had extra money to prepare presents for the wretched girl, he should have saved them up to prepare a dowry for Qiao Zijin when she got married.

    Ding Jiayi had many friends. She heard a lot from them about what one needed to prepare when the daughter or the son was getting married. Ding Jiayi already had in mind what she would prepare for Qiao Zijin when she decided on the date and was getting married.

    Ding Jiayi had a lot of ideas in mind. She wanted to give Qiao Zijin a perfect wedding.

    However, she had to wake up to reality.

    Now that she did not have any money and the perfect wedding that she had in mind would require lots and lots of money, Ding Jiayi¡¯s dreams were shattered to pieces.

    Money, money, money!

    Everything needed money.

    She was angry at herself for not being able to print banknotes. They did not have any money, yet Old Qiao wasted the hard-earned money on the wretched girl. If he had the money, he should not waste it on the wretched girl.

    ¡°Now that the wretched girl is leading a good life, she is very stingy with us. It is no wonder people say that rich people are stingy. From the looks of it, she has totally forgotten about her parents who brought her to the world and took care of her. She does not appreciate us for our efforts. Such a heartless girl will suffer retribution sooner orter.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was getting riled up.

    That day, she made a call to Qiao Nan, telling her the amount of money that Old Qiao spent to buy the golden bangles.

    Ding Jiayi exaggerated the amount spent so that she could stand to gain.

    After the call, Ding Jiayi waited at home for Qiao Nan to send the money to her. After getting the money, she would return the amount that Old Qiao spent on the bangles to him. She would keep the rest of the money for herself so that Old Qiao would not notice that anything was amiss. It would be Qiao Nan¡¯s way of being filial to her.

    In that case, Ding Jiayi would not have any qualms about keeping the extra money.

    She was not worried that Qiao Nan would bring up this matter to Qiao Dongliang. She knew that even if they really talked about this matter, they would not speak of the exact amount. They would only make a passing remark about it.

    To her surprise, Ding Jiayi did not receive a single cent of money. She made the phone call when Qiao Nan was still pregnant with triplets. Qiao Nan had already given birth to them and they were already teething. It seemed as if Qiao Nan had totally forgotten about the phone call.

    Since Ding Jiayi exaggerated the amount of money spent, she was not bold and daring enough to demand the money from Qiao Nan. Furthermore, she had to keep it a secret from Qiao Dongliang. If he discovered it, he would demand an exnation from her. After all the things that happened in the Qiao family, Ding Jiayi was quite fearful of Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 1208 - Poor But Generous

    <h4>1208 Poor But Generous</h4>

    Qiao Nan could not understand what was on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind. Ding Jiayi, who stayed under the same roof with Qiao Dongliang, had no idea what her ex-husband was thinking of either.

    Even though it seemed that he understood and finally realized that Qiao Nan was not a good daughter and was willing to stay with Zijin and her, whenever she schemed against Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang would be angry with her. He would get into a quarrel with her and ordered her not to do whatever she had in mind.

    But on the other hand, it did not seem that her ex-husband sided with Qiao Nan like before.

    The wretched girl became emboldened after getting married into the Zhai family. She no longer cared about the Qiao family. She ced the interests of the Zhai family above them.

    Now that Old Qiao stayed with her and provided for Qiao Zijin, she knew that the wretched girl must be very displeased with Old Qiao.

    What he did was tantamount to driving a wedge between him and his daughter.

    It could be a simple matter. Ding Jiayi could not understand why Qiao Dongliang made it soplicated. She felt confused. ¡°You are indeed generous to give three golden bangles to them as presents. Did you see that? You spent all the money to prepare the presents for the triplets. Despite knowing that we are not well-to-do, the wretched girl never helps us in any way. She keeps quiet even though you spent such a huge sum of money on the presents. As a man, you need to have some money with you when you are outside. In my opinion, the wretched girl has no regard for you.¡±

    She had never seen such a heartless child, although she was the person who gave birth to her.

    ¡°Alright, stop calling her as the wretched girl. Regardless of whether Nan Nan is heartless or not, I will support her no matter what her decision is. With a mother like you, if she is ¡®with a conscience¡¯, she will be making life difficult for herself. She has to be heartless to people like you. If she is nice to you, it will be a waste of her effort!¡±

    Ding Jiayi thought that this was the right time to badmouth Qiao Nan. She felt that it was a good opportunity to get Qiao Dongliang to side with her.

    What Ding Jiayi did not know was that Qiao Nan might be heartbroken that her father was muddleheaded and was disappointed with him, but she was not without a conscience. She knew that she had to take care of her father and she never really left her family in the lurch or severed all ties with them.

    As soon as she received the three golden bangles, Qiao Nan contacted Qiao Dongliang to express her gratitude. She gave him a sum of money, which included the amount of money that he spent on the bangles as well as another sum of money for his personal use.

    It was in the early 2000s. One would usually be paid a few hundred yuan per month.

    Qiao Nan gave Qiao Dongliang more than one thousand yuan. It was equivalent to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sry for three months. If this was considered as heartless, what about Qiao Zijin, who was two years older than Qiao Nan but still needed Qiao Dongliang to provide for her?

    Qiao Dongliang felt guilty taking money from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached and he could not help but me himself when he learned that Qiao Nan was willing toe to Ping Cheng so that she could visit him. However, she could only stay for a night and had to go back to the capital to take care of her triplets.

    It was all because of him that the younger daughter made such a decision.

    Qiao Dongliang was already heartbroken that Qiao Nan could not stay for a few more days to apany him, yet Ding Jiayi kept nagging at Qiao Dongliang and badmouthed Qiao Nan.

    Upon hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang felt like giving her a tight p on her cheeks. However, the Lunar New Year wasing. It was unlucky to get into a fight or quarrel. But if Ding Jiayi was not tactful and kept shooting her mouth off, Qiao Dongliang might not be able to stop himself from pping her on the cheeks.

    ¡°What are you quarreling about?¡± Qiao Zijin stayed in the room, idling around. She could not stand the increasing noise outside and came out to check. ¡°The Lunar New Year ising. Don¡¯t you find it shameful to keep quarreling? The neighbors will beughing at us. We should have been the happiest family in the quad this Lunar New Year. Now that things havee to this, and the neighbors are waiting to watch a good show, do you intend on getting into a quarrel and bing the joke of the quad?¡±

    Nothing went well for Qiao Zijin in the past half a year. It was terrible.

    During summer break, Chen Jun came back with Qiao Zijin from the capital and initiated a breakup.

    Qiao Zijin sensed that Chen Jun might be serious, but she told herself that it was impossible for Chen Jun to break up with her.

    Chen Jun was scheming and he had spent so much money on her. How could he bear to break up with her before he had any returns and give up on getting close to the Zhai family?

    However, after they returned to the capital, she realized that Chen Jun was indeed serious. He did not contact her when they were back in Ping Cheng. Qiao Zijin, who felt insecure, disregarded the fact that she should be demure and took the initiative to call Chen Jun.

    But Chen Jun would not answer her call. Whenever she called the Chen family, it would be the auntie who answered the phone.

    In the past, the auntie at the Chen family would be very polite to her when she answered the phone. However, she was indifferent to her nowadays. She would say that Chen Jun was not at home or that he was outside and was busy.

    In short, Qiao Zijin was not able to meet Chen Jun or go on a date with him. She could not even talk to him on the phone.

    Half a year had passed. Qiao Zijin might be foolish and innocent and wanted to keep deceiving herself, but she knew that Chen Jun was serious about breaking up with her. He was not doing so to keep her on tenterhooks or to give her a scare so that she would behave herself in the future.

    Qiao Zijin was certain that Chen Jun wanted a breakup and wanted to seek another way to sess. He no longer wanted to be with her.

    All along, Qiao Zijin was not interested in her studies. Now that Chen Jun broke up with her, it had a drastic impact on her results. She failed in three of her subjects, and she had to retake the exams.

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin had to revise for the subjects that she failed in the semester. The revision period wouldst for half a year.

    She had to prepare for her exams in theing semester as well as retake the exams for the subjects that she failed previously.

    It was torture for Qiao Zijin who was not good in her studies.

    When it rained, it poured.

    Everyone was happy that the Lunar New Year wasing. The Qiao family was the only family that was without a moment of peace and quarreled all day long. Qiao Zijin, who had a bad temper, could not help but re up.

 Chapter 1209 - Compromise

    <h4>1209 Compromise</h4>

    ¡°why do you keep quarreling? if you can¡¯t stay together under one roof, just go your separate ways. i did not insist that the two of you stay together. since both of you are divorced and have not got back together, you can go back to the way you werest year. i did not stop the two of you from filing a divorce when i was in high school. now that i have grown up and have started dating, i have no need for my parents anymore. don¡¯t make it such that you have to be together for my sake. i won¡¯t ept such excuses!¡±

    qiao zijin, who had a nasty temper, no longer behaved like the well-behaved and nice girl that she pretended to be. ¡°if you want to maintain the status quo, keep quiet and stop quarreling. if not, scram!¡±

    qiao zijin was fearless when she told her parents to scram.

    the house that qiao dongliang and qiao nan used to stay in had been taken back by the school. if qiao dongliang left their house, he would be left with no ce to stay in.

    qiao zijin no longer needed to worry that qiao dongliang would leave them if he was angry with ding jiayi, and neither did she have to worry that she would have a difficult life ahead.

    right now, if her father provoked her and her mother, he should be worried that they would send him out of the house and he would have to sleep on the road.

    her father must get the facts right. he must be out of his mind to offend her.

    did he think that he still had the final say in this house?

    not only was ding jiayi dumbstruck by qiao zijin¡¯s outburst, but qiao dongliang felt as if he had been struck by lightning as well. he stiffened and did not know how to react. he felt heartbroken at her words. he stared at qiao zijin, widening his eyes in disbelief. he wondered if qiao zijin was telling him to scram.

    seeing that her parents were shocked at her outburst, qiao zijin cooled down slightly. ¡°alright, it is the lunar new year. let¡¯s not quarrel with each other, shall we? mom, you might be unhappy, but you have to admit that she is doing well now. in the future, stop calling her as the wretched girl. like you said, qiao nan is heartless. she might not treat you nicely even if you try to please her. if you keep scolding her, will she treat you as her mother and listen to you? stop deceiving yourself.¡±

    now that things hade to this stage, qiao zijin had no other choice but topromise.

    if she continued to be at loggerheads with qiao nan, it would not have any impact on qiao nan. instead, she would be making life difficult for herself.

    qiao zijin had learned her lesson after chen jun broke up with her.

    ¡°mom, you must remember that we will have good days ahead if qiao nan is willing to acknowledge us and help us asionally. this applies to you and me. it is useless to have a sharp tongue. will being sharp-tongued help me secure a good job after i graduate? will qiao nan be willing to give money to you?¡±

    what happened during the summer break was her fault. she was being too obstinate. she only managed to get inside the zhai family¡¯s residence, but the zhai family did not treat her like their rtive or ask her to stay for the night.

    it was because of the zhai family¡¯s attitude toward her that made chen jun break up with her despite the fact that he had invested so much money on her.

    if she had a better attitude back then, even if the zhai family did not treat her as their rtive, she could behave affectionately to them. given the zhai family¡¯s upbringing, they would not go overboard and reject her. in that case, she believed that chen jun would not have broken up with her.

    after chen jun broke up with her, qiao zijin was able to draw a lesson from her painful experience. she reflected on her mistakes and was able to realize her shorings and achilles¡¯ heel.

    her temper and pride were worth nothing if she could not have good days ahead!

    qiao zijin calmed down after she lost her temper at her parents.

    although ding jiayi was no longer as willing to spend money on qiao zijin like before, she would still listen to qiao zijin¡¯s words.

    now that qiao zijin had said so, ding jiayi had no wish to be at loggerheads with qiao nan. ding jiayi had long harbored the thought of basking in qiao nan¡¯s glory and enjoy the benefits that inws of the chief would have. it was rare that qiao zijin could sort out her thoughts and was willing topromise. ding jiayi was d that she made such remarks.

    qiao dongliang, who did not harbor such greedy thoughts, was dumbfounded by qiao zijin¡¯s words.

    qiao dongliang, who was in good health and had a good posture like a soldier, seemed to have aged in that one minute¡¯s time.

    a man in his forties should be in his prime. that was why there was the saying that men in their thirties were the best.

    however, qiao dongliang looked pale and sickly at the age when he should look his best. he hunched slightly and seemed to have aged ten years in that short time. he seemed to be past his prime.

    ¡°dad, what¡¯s wrong?¡± qiao dongliang remained silent for a long while. qiao zijin sensed that he was behaving oddly.

    qiao dongliang sighed after a long while. there were mockery and bitterness on his face. ¡°what¡¯s wrong with me? i just feel that i have aged and i can¡¯t keep up with the times and the changes in the way people think. i am old and incapable. i should admit that i have aged and that i can no longer keep a check on so many things. you and nan nan have grown up. you have your own way of thinking and have a mind of your own.¡±

    ¡°fine. you can do as you please in the future. i won¡¯t give anyments. even if i say anything, no one will listen to me. i am too arrogant and proud of myself. in the end, i am just a joke.¡±

    ¡°dad, what do you mean by that?¡± qiao zijin was rmed. her father sounded strange. ¡°dad, do you want to leave me in the lurch and go back to qiao nan? you are right. qiao nan is the zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. back then, both of you were able to live in a big house and had color television and refrigerator in the house even when she had not married zhai sheng. if you stay with her right now, you will have a far better life than before. it is no wonder that you look down on your daughter that has to ask you for money.¡±

    qiao zijin said all those words in a pique of anger. she was trying to spite qiao dongliang and stop him from going back to qiao nan.

    her boyfriend was no match to qiao nan¡¯s husband. even if chen jun did not break up with her, it was still because of qiao nan that he was in a rtionship with her.

    chen jun used to teach her how to behave and act so that the situation would be to her advantage. qiao zijin did not understand the reasons behind them and found it difficult to do as he said. now, qiao zijin finally understood why he did all that.

    she had to make use of qiao dongliang and ding jiayi to be able to bask in qiao nan¡¯s glory, especially qiao dongliang. he was the key person.

 Chapter 1210 - A Vicious Cycle

    <h4>1210 A Vicious Cycle</h4>

    when ding jiayi was muddleheaded and qiao nan was almost forced into a dead end, it was qiao dongliang who decided to file for divorce and draw the line with ding jiayi. it was only through a divorce could he stop ding jiayi from scheming against qiao nan.

    if qiao dongliang did not file for a divorce¡ªeven if qiao nan would marry zhai sheng eventually¡ªshe would have to go through twice as much trouble and difficulties.

    it was due to qiao zijin that ding jiayi treated qiao nan badly.

    therefore, in the entire qiao family, qiao nan would only turn soft-hearted on qiao dongliang.

    qiao zijin could not offend qiao dongliang. instead, she must please him such that he would treat her like how ding jiayi treated her and do his best to help her. she must not lose her father again.

    if she lost his support, qiao nan would definitely rejoice over it.

    ¡°nothing. i am just tired.¡± qiao dongliang could not be bothered to say anything else. ¡°i will go back to my room to sleep. if i am not wanted in this house and there is no ce for me, just let me know. i will find another ce to stay. it is the end of the year now. it might not be that easy to rent a ce. i will try my best to get a house after the fifteenth day of the lunar new year.¡±

    his elder daughter had told him to scram!

    it was so ironic!

    true enough, he had failed as a person.

    ding jiayi reacted strongly to qiao dongliang¡¯s words. she stopped him. ¡°zijin is in a bad mood and said all these in a pique of anger. she did not mean it. old qiao, why did you take issue with her? we are one family and you are her father. why did you take her words seriously? zijin is such a good child. she will not think that way. we all know that chen jun has broken up with zijin. we must understand that she is in a bad mood. if we are unable to console her, it will be good for her to vent her frustrations. why did you take issue with her?¡±

    they might not have gotten back together, but at the very least, she had qiao dongliang by her side.

    ding jiayi stayed by herself for the past few years. she was left alone at home while her daughter was in school. she no longer wanted to live such a miserable life.

    although they did not get back together, ding jiayi was contented that they stayed under the same roof. she could not take it if qiao dongliang left her.

    ¡°dad, i am sorry. i am in a bad mood. i should not have shot my mouth off and hurt you with those words. dad, i apologize to you. please don¡¯t be angry with me.¡± qiao zijin, who had sorted out her thoughts, apologized to qiao dongliang right away. she did not find that it was unbearable to make an apology.

    she was apologizing to qiao dongliang. she was not giving in to qiao nan. she was able to swallow her pride to do it.

    furthermore, after sorting out her thoughts, qiao zijin would not hesitate to back down to qiao dongliang or qiao nan.

    since she had taken the first step, it was not difficult to take the second and third steps.

    qiao zijin behaved like a child. she pulled qiao dongliang¡¯s sleeve and acted coquettishly. ¡°dad, don¡¯t be angry with me. we are one family. we are the closest kin. apart from mom, nan nan, and you, i have no other rtives. dad, if you ignore me, what should i do?¡±

    on the one hand, qiao zijin was backing down. on the other hand, she was reminding qiao dongliang about the hard facts.

    qiao nan was no longer close to him. ding jiayi and qiao zijin were the only rtives that he had. if he fell out with qiao zijin, he would have no one by his side.

    once he moved out, qiao dongliang would be without any rtives.

    if qiao dongliang did not want to stay alone and without any rtives, he should know when to stop now that qiao zijin had apologized to him.

    qiao zijin became more scheming over the years.

    ding jiayi no longer loved qiao zijin unconditionally like before. instead, she would be all bark and no bite. even if she was upset with qiao nan, she would only nag at her on the phone, but she would not do anything to qiao nan or force her into a dead end.

    now that ding jiayi no longer helped her go against qiao nan, qiao zijin had to learn to be scheming. otherwise, she might not have any say in the family.

    qiao zijin had no idea why ding jiayi dared not do anything to qiao nan. actually, ding jiayi was not afraid of qiao nan. although qiao nan had married well, she did not think of basking in qiao nan¡¯s glory or being on good terms with her so as to benefit from it.

    in fact, ding jiayi remembered that there was once when she hit qiao nan and pulled her hair. in the end, qiao nan instructed other people to beat qiao zijin and cut her hair to uneven lengths.

    that was the only time qiao nan retaliated against her by targeting qiao zijin. thankfully, she was lenient on her and did not go overboard.

    although ding jiayi always scolded and bullied qiao nan, she was timid in front of strangers. she was worried that if she provoked qiao nan again, she might not go lenient on qiao zijin. she also feared that there would be a day where she stopped targeting qiao zijin but turned to deal with her instead.

    ding jiayi dared not be too insolent and reckless as she was worried about qiao zijin¡¯s as well as her safety.

    qiao dongliang could tell that qiao zijin was not sincere in her apology. he understood that she was telling him to know his limits.

    qiao dongliang might have turned soft-hearted on qiao zijin and wanted to forgive her, but he had been dealt with too many blows. he was weary and had turned numb to her pleas. ¡°stay angry with you? i won¡¯t be able to stay angry with you for long. i won¡¯t be able to keep my frustrations for long. don¡¯t worry. i will not abandon you. nan nan is right about one thing. let¡¯s just take it that i owed you in the previous life.¡±

    there was no way that the elder daughter would change. unless she was married, he couldn¡¯t wash his hands off them.

    he asked for it. this was not the first time that the elder daughter lost her temper at him, but he could not help but forgive her, hoping that she would be a well-behaved child like the younger daughter. he wished that she would have a good marriage and a bright future.

    the elder daughter might be mean to him, but it was a fact that he owed her in this life.

    perhaps he would finally be rid of his burden when his elder daughter was married.

    at times, qiao dongliang hated himself for having such a personality. nevertheless, qiao zijin was his elder daughter. he had a responsibility to make sure that she married well and had children.

    no matter whether qiao dongliang was able to sort out his thoughts or not, he felt weary and disheartened. he did not have any strength left in him to mull over the fact that his younger daughter could only stay for a day in ping cheng for the lunar new year.

    qiao dongliang felt weary. after talking to him on the phone, qiao nan was just as disheartened as him.

    qiao dongliang was disheartened by qiao zijin¡¯s behavior, while she was weary because of her father.

 Chapter 1211 - Teething

    <h4>1211 Teething</h4>

    Qiao Nan was more fortunate than Qiao Dongliang. She had triplets who loved her and her inws who cherished her.

    Zhai Sheng noticed that Qiao Nan was upset. He passed Er Bao who was cheeky and full of mischief to her.

    Er Bao was indeed the cheeky child. As soon as he was in his mother¡¯s arms, he gained her full attention by uttering unintelligible sounds. He reached his hands toward Qiao Nan¡¯s face and kicked his legs.

    Seeing how Er Bao kept moving about in her arms, Qiao Nan had no way to think about other matters and could only give him her full attention. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Er Bao?¡± She gave a slight bite on Er Bao¡¯s hands that kept moving about, smacking his bottom.

    At times, she could not understand where Er Bao learned the cheeky moves and behavior from.

    She had be the mother of three children all at once, but their personalities were vastly different. Qiao Nan had no experience with other children. She was not sure if all the children were as active and cheeky as her triplets.

    Er Bao iled his arms happily as he had gained his mother¡¯s full attention. He kept twisting about like a carp that was just taken out of the river. Qiao Nan almost lost her grip on Er Bao.

    Thankfully, they were at home and Qiao Nan was sitting on the sofa with Er Bao in her arms. Otherwise, Qiao Nan might be given a fright by how active he was. ¡°Little mischief, do you know how heavy you are? If you keep moving about, what should I do if I lose my grip on you?¡±

    Qiao Nan was troubled. ¡°Although I can still manage to carry you now, I don¡¯t know how long I will be able to continue doing that. Perhaps I will not have the strength to carry you when you are one year old.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not have enough breast milk for the triplets. Tian Dong had done the research previously and they were able to feed the triplets with the form milk that his friends bought for him.

    The triplets had a huge appetite and they had strength in their arms and legs. At times, there was no need for other people to feed them. They would hold the milk bottle with their arms and legs and drank the milk happily.

    The triplets loved the solid food that was given to them. They would finish them as soon as it was given to them. The people who fed them were not in time to feed them. The triplets had just been fed with a spoonful of food, yet they would make sounds to have another spoonful of food.

    It was no wonder that they grew bigger and heavier since they slept and ate and were without any worries.

    The Zhai family was proud that the triplets were chubby and they looked asrge¡ªif not slightly bigger¡ªas full-term babies. It proved that the Zhai family had taken good care of them and they were in good health.

    When they went to the hospital for their checkups, the doctor was surprised to see that they had grown up as well as full-term babies.

    If she did not deliver the babies, she would not believe her eyes that the smart babies in front of her were triplets and that they were born prematurely.

    From her experience, triplets seldom grew up to be as big as full-term babies.

    Of course, the biggest credit had to go to Qiao Nan, the mother.

    In normal cases, pregnantdies would feel a strain at the waist and back as the tummy grew bigger. It was strenuous on the pregnantdy. Since Qiao Nan carried triplets, her tummy must be three times as big.

    Many pregnant women could not take the strain to go through natural delivery. Some women had to take injections to give birth to the baby way earlier than the due date.

    As a young mother, Qiao Nan went through the difficult process of carrying the triplets. She waited until her water bag broke to give birth to the babies. She carried the babies for nine months, ensuring that they were well-developed and well-nourished.

    It was not rare to have babies born one month before the due date.

    In their hospital, many mothers who had a single child pregnancy delivered their babies around the ninth month.

    Babies born in the ninth month were not considered as premature babies and they would not have many healthplications.

    Therefore, it was due to Qiao Nan that the triplets were able to grow up to be so healthy. ¡°Your triplets are so fortunate. They are loved and cherished by many people around them, and they have a mother who is willing to endure hardships for their sake.¡± The doctor could not help but hold Da Bao¡¯s chubby arms, feeling excited.

    The triplets were growing up healthily. Their arms were chubby and their knuckles were round. They were adorable.

    Babies were the cutest living beings in the world.

    Da Bao could not understand what the person in white was talking about, but he sensed that she looked friendly and amiable.

    Da Bao smiled at her, revealing a small tooth in his pink and healthy gums. He had an adorable and sweet smile.

    ¡°He is teething? That¡¯s great!¡± The female doctor is surprised. But it was indeed time for the triplets to start teething. She had done a checkup for the triplets and prescribed some teething rusks for the triplets. ¡°This is from the hospital. If you trust us, you can take some back with you for the triplets to try. From now onward, the triplets will put everything that they see into their mouths. As the elders, you have to make sure that they do note into contact with dirty stuff.¡±

    ¡°We will definitely do so.¡±

    ¡°We have already cleaned everything in the house,¡± Miao Jing said from experience. As soon as the triplets started to bite on things, she and the auntie spent three to five days to tidy the house. They threw away unwanted stuff and made sure that all the furniture was washed thoroughly so that the triplets would note into contact with dirty stuff.

    Now that the triplets were teething, their gums would feel itchy and they liked to bite on things to stop the itch.

    Seeing that the triplets were teething, the Zhai family had prepared things for the triplets to bite on.

    They had boiled and disinfected the things that the triplets would bite on.

    The Zhai family was extremely careful with things that the triplets would use. They dared not be careless or sloppy. They did not want the triplets to touch dirty stuff and have an upset stomach.

    ¡°That is good.¡± The doctor believed that the Zhai family would be able to take good care of the triplets. From their bright, active, and carefree looks, the doctor knew that the triplets were treated like the emperor and empress at home.

    Children were precious nowadays. Now that they had three children at one go, they would definitely pamper and dote on them.

 Chapter 1212 - Was Back

    <h4>1212 Was Back</h4>

    This was the good fortune of the babies as well as the parents.

    The products rmended by the hospital were of good quality. Furthermore, Qiao Nan had been going to the same hospital since her pregnancy. She delivered the babies at the hospital and she brought the triplets for a checkup today. She trusted the hospital.

    Qiao Nan had been thinking if she should work together with the auntie toe up with small biscuits that were suitable for the triplets to chew on and grind their teeth.

    Since the doctor gave them good rmendations today, Qiao Nan could save her time and efforts to prepare the biscuits. She bought several teething rusks from the hospital, lest it go out of stock and the triplets have nothing to chew on.

    Since they had triplets at home, no matter what they bought, they had to purchase three times the usual amount. It amounted to a shocking number.

    ¡°Ya.¡± San Bao was draped over Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. She blinked her round and dark eyes, gazing at her auntie. She noticed that her auntie carried a huge bag with her. It was sorge that her auntie could not be seen clearly. San Bao¡¯s curiosity was piqued.

    ¡°Does San Bao want to chat with me?¡± Zhai Hua, who had to carry all the bags, did not feel the slightest tired at all. She raised her head at San Bao¡¯s voice. San Bao smiled warmly at her. Her smile was brighter than the flowers. ¡°San Bao is so pretty. What I am carrying belongs to San Bao and your brothers. If San Bao likes it, shall I buy more of it for you in the future?¡±

    Zhai Hua doted on San Bao. Even though San Bao could not understand what she was talking about, she still gave her a brilliant smile. She thought that her auntie was chatting with herself.

    San Bao was all excited. She waved her arms as if telling her auntie to hurry up.

    San Bao opened her mouth and her saliva dripped all over Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder.

    Qiao Nan felt something warm on her shoulder. The next instant, her shoulders felt wet and cool.

    Qiao Nan was reminded of the weather in the capital. She changed San Bao to another position so that she would not drip her saliva on her other shoulder. She also ced a cotton towel on her wet shoulder.

    ¡°You should hurry to get in the car. It is so cold nowadays. You must change out of your clothes once you reach home.¡± Miao Jing was nervous. San Bao had dripped a lot of saliva onto Nan Nan¡¯s shoulder. If she stayed outside for another second, it might turn into thin ice.

    Back at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Old Master Zhai was ying chess with Zhai Sheng. Old Master Zhai looked up and smiled when he heard noises. ¡°You¡¯re back. What did the doctor say? Are the triplets growing up well?¡±

    ¡°They are doing great. The doctor praised them for making such good progress. One could not tell that they are triplets. Their developments are simr to those of normal babies.¡±

    Miao Jing, who was carrying Da Bao, took off her thick jacket, revealing Da Bao¡¯s hairy head.

    Da Bao, who was tucked inside the jacket, was finally freed of it and could see the world outside. He kept fidgeting in his grandma¡¯s arms, wanting to lie down on the bed.

    Although he was not able to do anything when he was on the bed, he would at least have a bigger space to move about. He felt cramped when he was being held by the adults. He could not move his arms and legs. It was torture to Da Bao, who was very active.

    Da Bao was thrilled when hey on the bed, feeling the soft touch of the bed. He iled his arms and legs, as if he was swimming. He was much more adorable than the swimming frogs.

    Da Bao was very active, and so were Er Bao and San Bao. They had enough of being held by the adults. They wanted to lie down on the bed to have their personal time.

    One look at how the triplets were behaving, Old Master Zhai could tell that they were very healthy.

    Old Master Zhai had a big smile on his face as he watched his great-grandchildren fidgeted about. He raised his head to look at Qiao Nan. ¡°Granddaughter-inw, Shi Qing gave you a call just now and left a phone number for you. It is ced under the phone. You can find time to return her call.¡±

    Old Master Zhai knew that his granddaughter-inw was very close to Shi Qing. Old Master Zhai did not stop Qiao Nan from befriending Shi Qing. It was fine as long as Qiao Nan knew what she was doing.

    ¡°Oh, alright. Thank you, grandpa.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing the news of Shi Qing. Speaking of Shi Qing, she was boiling in anger.

    After she married Brother Zhai, held the wedding banquet, and moved to the capital after the Lunar New Year, she had no news of Shi Qing. They had lost touch for nearly a year.

    She had not seen Shi Qing ever since she learned that she was pregnant. The triplets were already four months old. It was likely that Shi Qing did not know that she had triplets.

    On the day that Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing told her that she was certain that she would have children at a young age. Although Qiao Nan was very young when she married Zhai Sheng, given his personality, he would not be able to stop himself from leading a married life with Qiao Nan.

    Shi Qing pledged in all sincerity and seriousness that she would be the godmother of Qiao Nan¡¯s children. Nobody could stop her from doing that, especially Zhai Sheng.

    True enough, Qiao Nan was pregnant at a young age and she had triplets.

    The triplets were already four months old. They were now in the developmental stages where they could recognize faces. However, Shi Qing had not turned up to visit them at all.

    Qiao Nan was disappointed and helpless that Qiao Dongliang could not be there for the one-month-old celebration, but she was infuriated that the godmother of the triplets was not present.

    Before that, Qiao Nan had tried all means and ways to contact Shi Qing. She even contacted Shi Peng to ask about Shi Qing. It turned out that Shi Peng was clueless as well. He did not know what his daughter had been up to either. He had lost touch with her since a long time ago.

    Nevertheless, Shi Peng was Shi Qing¡¯s father.

    Shi Qing had told Shi Peng during thest time they talked to each other that she needed to undergo special training in school and had to cut off all contact with the outside world for a period of time.

    If Shi Peng was unable to contact her during this period, he must not panic or be worried. She was alright. She was in school and she was training under the teachers¡¯ supervision.

    Since Shi Qing had already told him about her training and Shi Peng was not a nervous parent, he did not think too much about it.

    Since his daughter studied at such a school, he had to ept that she would need to undergo special training. Back then, Shi Peng stopped her from studying at such a school as he knew that she had to undergo such training.

    However, his daughter had already transferred to the school. It was useless for him to say anything. He had no other choice but to ept it. He had to sort out his thoughts and support his daughter to fulfill her dreams.

    Shi Peng had done a lot for his daughter.

 Chapter 1213 - Nasty Temper

    <h4>1213 Nasty Temper</h4>

    Qiao Nan did not know what it would be like to study at the military school. Zhai Sheng only briefly told her about it. Qiao Nan was very agitated to have news of Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s chubby hands and smiled. ¡°San Bao, your godmother is back. She has not been to see you since you were born. Should we give her some punishment?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was a first-time mother, did not know that being a mother was equivalent to striking it rich.

    On the day that she gave birth to triplets in the hospital, her inws gave a red packet to her.

    The old master said that although there was no longer the custom of holding a bathing ceremony for the babies on the third day since they were born, he must still give each of them a red packet as a blessing. Therefore, Qiao Nan received three packets from the old master on behalf of the triplets. Thereafter, there was the one-month-old celebration as well as the hundredth-day celebration.

    The Zhai family had many rtives. As a result, the triplets received many red packets from them.

    Zhu Chengqi and Lin Yuankang were especially generous with the triplets. They gave the triplets red packets and each packet had arger amount of money than the previous. It was as if they were bent on spending all their fortune on the triplets.

    Since Zhu Chengqi was so generous with the triplets, Qiao Nan wondered whether he would have the money for the bride price when Zhu Baoguo married Shi Qing in the future. Qiao Nan was kind enough to feel that she should return some money to Zhu Baoguo.

    However, now that she knew Shi Qing was back, she had to vent her pent-up frustrations. She must get Shi Qing to prepare red packets for the triplets topensate for hurting the triplets¡¯ feelings.

    ¡°O.¡± San Bao could not understand what her mama was talking about. She noticed that her mama was smiling. Since she was smiling, it meant that she was happy. Therefore, San Bao curled the corners of her lips andughed along with Qiao Nan.

    Herughter seemed to be contagious, or perhaps there was a button on San Bao¡¯s body. As soon as sheughed, Da Bao and Er Bao beganughing as well. The house was filled with Qiao Nan¡¯s and the triplets¡¯ughter.

    Qiao Nan smiled daintily like ady while there was the unique smell of milk in the triplets¡¯ smiles. The house was full ofughter. This winter, the Zhai family¡¯s residence felt particrly warm.

    The triplets just came back from the hospital and they must be thirsty. Miao Jing and the auntie filled the milk bottles with warm water for them to quench their thirst.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan and the triplets wereughing happily, despite not knowing what they wereughing about, Miao Jing broke intoughter as well. Qiao Nan took the milk bottle from her and carried San Bao without a word.

    San Bao, who recognized the milk bottle, stopped smiling. She sped her hands over the milk bottle and began drinking the water.

    The triplets were thirsty after making the trip outside andughing along with their mother.

    Miao Jing filled one-third of the milk bottle with water. The triplets finished them in no time.

    Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached. ¡°We are too inexperienced. When the triplets go out next time, we must bring the milk bottles along. We must remember to bring six milk bottles. Three bottles will be filled with milk while three bottles will be filled with water.¡± The triplets must not go thirsty.

    Zhai Sheng, who held Er Bao in his arms, frowned. ¡°Mom, they are not that delicate.¡± In Zhai Sheng¡¯s opinions, if they brought six milk bottles whenever they went out, it was as if they were into the business of selling milk bottles.

    Qiao Nan made San Bao stand upright after she finished her water. She could tell what was on Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind. ¡°Do you know how people looked at us when we visited the supermarket that sells mother and infant products? The outsiders already felt that we must be selling milk bottles. You should count the number of milk bottles that we have at home.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no other alternative.

    The triplets were growing and their appetites increased rapidly.

    The triplets were four months old and they did not need to use the milk bottle with thergest volume. When they were six to seven months old, they would have to use another type of milk bottles. A child would need at least three to four milk bottles. Now that they had three children at home, they would have around ten milk bottles at home.

    This was the number of milk bottles that they had when the triplets were four months old.

    The elders doted on the children. They knew that they had to change the milk bottles as they grew bigger. Therefore, they had already bought the milk bottles that the triplets would need when they were six to seven months old.

    The triplets would need at least two milk bottles to drink their milk as well as milk bottles to drink water.

    When they came out of the supermarket, they had nothing but milk bottles. Their car was full of milk bottles. It was a shocking sight. Everyone who witnessed this scene would ask them out of curiosity if they were running a mother-and-infant shop.

    Apart from milk bottles and form milk, they bought a lot of diapers as well.

    The Zhai family had a room that was used to store the things that the triplets needed. Qiao Nan patted the round and chubby bottom of San Bao. Not every family was capable of raising triplets. The triplets were lucky to have elders to dote on them.

    San Bao was draped over her mama¡¯s shoulder. Like her, her mama smelled like milk. But there was another different smell on her as well. San Bao smiled asionally, opening her mouth to suck on her mama¡¯s cotton cor. Once she sank her teeth on it, she began chewing on it.

    Qiao Nan noticed that her cor was wet. It must be that San Bao¡¯s gums were itching and she needed something to grind on.

    Zhai Sheng nced at Qiao Nan and passed a teething rusk to San Bao right away. The first thing that a four-month-old San Bao did when someone put something in her mouth was to open her mouth, bite on it, and grind her teeth!

    San Bao realized that the teething rusk in her mouth was tastier and nicer to chew on than her mama¡¯s cor. She twisted her body, wanting her mama to carry her so that she could grab the teething rush in her hands and focus on chewing it.

    Other than San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao were just as interested in the teething rusks. The triplets had discovered a new toy today.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°My clothes will no longer be chewed on by the babies.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took a tissue and wiped Qiao Nan¡¯s cor that was wet from San Bao¡¯s bite. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to give Shi Qing a call?¡± Zhai Sheng knew that his wife must be very worried about Shi Qing.

    They had lost touch for nearly a year. Qiao Nan had brought up Shi Qing to him more than once, asking him to check if there was news of her.

    Although Shi Qing was a woman, Zhai Sheng could not help but be jealous of her since Qiao Nan kept bringing her up.

    If they were on the phone, Zhai Sheng could only grind his teeth in anger. If he was next to her like now, when Qiao Nan brought up Shi Qing in front of him and made him jealous, he would not hesitate to ¡®punish¡¯ her on the bed!

    ¡°This won¡¯t do.¡± Qiao Nan wanted to give Shi Qing a call, but San Bao would not let her go. San Bao was contented to be in her mama¡¯s embrace. If anyone dared to remover her from her mama¡¯s embrace, she would definitely give them a punch. San Bao might be a youngdy, but she had a nasty temper!

 Chapter 1214 - Foolish Child

    <h4>Chapter 1214 Foolish Child</h4>

    Without another word, Zhai Sheng held Er Bao in one arm and fished San Bao out from Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace. He sat cross-legged to form a circle, cing San Bao¡¯s legs inside the circle, while she sat on his thigh, leaning against his abs.

    San Bao frowned, showing her displeasure.

    She turned around and realized that it was her papa who took her out from her mama¡¯s embrace. San Bao pressed her lips, feeling aggrieved. She sniffed but stopped herself from crying.

    San Bao was close to everyone in the house except for Zhai Sheng, her father.

    Zhai Sheng would always pull a straight face and he seldom smiled. San Bao could tell that he was not to be trifled with.

    San Bao would cry and smile as she wished in front of the old master. She would lose her temper when she was angry and she would pull at the old master¡¯s beard or grab her grandpa¡¯s hat. She could do whatever she wanted, but she became a timid girl when she was with her serious and solemn papa.

    However, San Bao did not give up easily. She sniffed, losing her interest in the teething rusk. She directed her big and sparkling eyes at Qiao Nan, looking pitifully at her. She reached out her hands toward Qiao Nan, wanting her mama to carry her.

    Qiao Nan was amused by San Bao¡¯s behavior. She kissed her on the cheeks. ¡°My dear chubby daughter, I have to give a call to your godmother. I will carry youter, okay?¡±

    San Bao pouted her lips, puffing her cheeks. There was a look of displeasure on her face. They were bullying her as she could not speak!

    Er Bao reached out his hands to pull at San Bao. As the elder brother, he was telling her that he would apany her. He also disliked the man who was carrying him. The man pulled a long face and did not like to smile. His body was hard and they did not feelfortable when they leaned against him.

    ¡°Go and make the phone call. I will look after Da Bao.¡± Miao Jing carried Da Bao in her arms, feeling contented. Hua Hua did not even dare to take the babies from Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Alright, Mom. It has been hard on you. Brother Zhai has a lot to learn about taking care of the triplets. You and Sister Zhai Hua can make use of this opportunity to teach Brother Zhai.¡± Qiao Nan felt that it was a good idea for Zhai Sheng to spend more time with the triplets. Zhai Sheng was seldom at home. Now that he was at home, if possible, Qiao Nan would like him to be with the triplets twenty-four hours a day.

    After making sure that the triplets were well-taken care of, Qiao Nan went back to her room and used her cell phone to give Shi Qing a call. ¡°You finally have the time to contact me? Where have you been in the past year?!¡± Qiao Nan was angry. ¡°Did you know that we would be worried as we could not reach you in the past year? Are you crazy or did you have a fabulous time that you forgot about us?¡±

    Upon hearing the familiar voice of Qiao Nan, Shi Qing turned teary-eyed and her voice became strained. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be angry with me. I have three bullet scars. The doctor said that it will not fade away. The scars are so ugly.¡± Shi Qing was still reeling from shock at what she had done in the past year.

    She was just a freshman at college when she was assigned the mission.

    It was a special mission. No one else but she was suitable for the mission. Otherwise, she would not have been assigned such a dangerous mission at such a young age. There were several times she almost lost her life.

    Qiao Nan jumped up from the bed when she heard that Shi Qing sustained three bullet wounds. ¡°Where have you been? Why would you sustain such serious injuries? Apart from the bullet scars, are you injured in any other way? The teachers at your school must be crazy! Was there no one else to go on a mission? Why would they have students do it?¡±

    Qiao Nan kept scolding the teachers.

    Shi Qing was merely a freshman in college. She could not understand why she would have the chance to do such dangerous missions and sustain three bullet shots. She almost lost her life.

    Qiao Nan almost wanted to ask whether all the special forces were dead and Shi Qing was the only one who could go for the mission.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There was no other alternative. The higher-ups had considered it carefully before they came to the decision for me to take up the mission. The candidate for the mission has to be of simr age to me. To be honest, it is not easy to find someone of my age that had been through training. The candidate must be brave and meticulous, and the person must be willing to make sacrifices. I am one in a million, a rare talent. You should be happy and proud of me!¡±

    Shi Qing put her bullet wounds aside. She was very proud of her performance this time. ¡°I heard that you have given birth to triplets. Not only will I have godsons, but I will have a goddaughter as well. It¡¯s just nice that I can give them my medal!¡± This was the most meaningful present.

    Perhaps it was because she was a mother, but Qiao Nan¡¯s temper had changed. She had been worried sick for Shi Qing. She had not been keeping in touch with them for the past year, and Qiao Nan feared that something serious had happened to her.

    Apart from sounding hoarse in the beginning, Shi Qing was not sorry at all. Instead, she boasted about her dangerous achievements. Qiao Nan had the impulse to hold her by the neck and give her a smack on her bottom. ¡°Are you foolish? Is the medal as important as your life? When you said that you have bullet wounds, for a moment, I thought that the triplets will be without their godmother!¡±

    Qiao Nan was shouting into the phone, and she only had harsh words for her. But Shi Qing knew that Qiao Nan was concerned and worried for her. ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me. Didn¡¯t Ie back safe and sound? If I had notified you beforehand, I would want to go all the way to the capital to take a look at my godsons and goddaughter. I assure you that my limbs and arms are still attached and I am as healthy as before. There is nothing wrong with me. I have returned safely.¡±

    There were several times when Shi Qing felt that she could not persist any longer, particrly when she was injured and drowsy. She thought that she would die before her parents.

    She did not know how she managed to survive until the end. Nevertheless, it turned out well. She returned alive and she had achieved military achievements.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Shi Qing seemed to be more and more foolish. Apart from sneering at her, Qiao Nan did not know what else to say. ¡°Let me tell you. The triplets do not have a good temper. They are four months old. We shall see if they want to acknowledge you as their godmother. Don¡¯t worry. If they ignore you, I will definitely not help you.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no hold over Shi Qing except for the triplets. She knew that Shi Qing would be anxious at the mention of the triplets.

    Although Shi Qing had never seen them since they were born, they were the only people that she feared.

 Chapter 1215 - Be Ready to Receive Punches

    <h4>1215 Be Ready to Receive Punches</h4>

    Qiao Nan was certain that Shi Qing treasured the triplets as much as Zhai Hua did.

    True enough, Shi Qing cried out in agony. ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me. They are only four months old. How is it possible that they can recognize faces but not their godmother? I am so nice to them. I gave the first medal in my life to them. No other godmother is better than me. I am a role model for the godmothers!¡±

    Initially, she wanted to give the medal to her father.

    Now that the triplets were born, she could only banish the thought of giving it to her father. She had decided to give the medal as a present to her godchildren.

    ¡°Hehehe. I have triplets but you only have one medal. Who do you intend to give the medal to?¡± Qiao Nan rebuked Shi Qing. It was impossible to divide the medal into three and give them to the triplets.

    Shi Qing was very young and still in school, but she was awarded a medal from her mission. It proved that her mission in the past year must be very dangerous and risky.

    Qiao Nan knew that many people who were older than Shi Qing and had participated in far more missions than Shi Qing might not be awarded any medals in their military life. It was due to the danger of the mission that she was awarded a medal.

    Such a present was indeed an honor and had a huge significance. It was hard toe by. But if given a choice, she would rather the triplets never have such a present from Shi Qing. The medal was not as important as her being alive!

    Shi Qing could tell from Qiao Nan¡¯s sneer that she was still angry with her. It was such a serious matter and she did not tell them about it. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan was angry. If Qiao Nan was not upset, Shi Qing would wonder if something was wrong with her. She had finally made it back from the mission, but she did not call anyone else except Qiao Nan. She dared not contact her parents to tell them that she had returned safely. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. It happened all of a sudden. There was no time to react. The higher-ups said that it was a top-secret mission and we must not divulge any information. I have to obey the orders of the party and the organization.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°You can say as you please. Did your parents know that you are back? Where are you? Are you at my master¡¯s house that we used to stay at previously?¡±

    After Shi Qing transferred schools and moved out of the house, Qiao Nan never asked her to return the keys.

    If Shi Qing came back to the capital and had no ce to stay, she could stay in the house even when Qiao Nan was not around.

    Shi Qing cradled the cell phone and gave Qiao Nan a kiss through the phone. ¡°You are the only one who understands me the best. My parents do not know me as well as you do.¡± She was indeed staying at the small quad that Qiao Nan and her used to live in.

    She knew that her father had been transferred to the capital. She dared not visit him without notifying him in advance. As for the Feng family, she did not think of visiting them.

    Shi Qing knew that after she came back from her mission, Qiao Nan would definitely give her a scolding as she was genuinely worried for her. She had to ask for her forgiveness. On the contrary, the Feng family would probably be happy that she was lucky to be able to go on a mission at such a young age. They would be proud that she hadpleted the mission and had done the Feng family proud.

    Shi Qing could envision such a scene and she had no wish to face it right now.

    She wanted to talk to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was the only person who had genuine concern and love for her. Qiao Nan treated her like her closest kin and did not hide her concern for her.

    Qiao Nan smiled heartily at Shi Qing¡¯s words. ¡°Not only do I understand you, but I understand your dad as well. You¡¯d better pray that he doesn¡¯t have the habit of beating people to a pulp during the Lunar New Year. Otherwise, given what you had done this time, you¡¯d better get ready to receive his punches.¡±

    He would be happy that his daughter returned safely, but Shi Qing was too daring to go on such a mission without saying a word. She was such a fool.

    Qiao Nan, who was now a mother, could understand Shi Peng¡¯s feelings. She was certain that Shi Peng would be very infuriated with Shi Qing.

    Right then, Zhai Sheng walked into the room with Er Bao and San Bao in his arms. As for Da Bao, he was in Zhai Hua¡¯s arms.

    Shi Qing could hear sounds made by the triplets over the phone. She felt invigorated instantly. ¡°Are they my godchildren?¡± Their sounds were very pleasing to the ear. They were indeed her godchildren.

    Qiao Nan took San Bao from Zhai Sheng. A chubby San Bao nestled in her mama¡¯s embrace. She tugged at her mama¡¯s clothes, making unintelligible sounds.

    Qiao Nan caressed San Bao¡¯s cheeks. ¡°San Bao, your godmother is on the phone. Do you want to talk to her?¡± The cell phones nowadays had blue screens and they were very dim. It would not irritate the babies¡¯ eyes.

    San Bao was intrigued by the cell phone. She reached her hand toward the cell phone and opened her mouth, wanting to taste it.

    Qiao Nan stopped her from eating the cell phone. She widened the distance between the cell phone and San Bao. ¡°San Bao? Is she my goddaughter? Goddaughter, I am your godmother. I will visit you tomorrow. You must let me hold you in my arms. You must give me a good kiss.¡±

    Although Shi Qing could barely make out San Bao¡¯s sounds through the cell phone, she was very excited. This was her goddaughter. Her goddaughter!! ¡°Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo and I will pay you a visit. No matter what, he is their uncle.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was there when Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng. He was finally able to put aside his feelings for Qiao Nan and treat her like his family.

    With the birth of the triplets, Zhu Baoguo, who had yet to graduate, had be their uncle.

    ¡°Sure, you can pay a visit with him. The triplets can get to know the two of you.¡± One of them was their godmother, while the other was their uncle. If Zhu Baoguo married Shi Qing in the future, should the triplets address Shi Qing as their auntie or address Zhu Baoguo as their godfather?

    If they married, the triplets would have one less source of red packets.

    Shi Qing sent kisses to San Bao over the phone. ¡°I am dying to have a good look at the triplets. Do you think it is possible if I go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence right now?¡± Shi Qing could not be bothered with Qiao Nan¡¯s teasing.

    At this moment, men were nothing to her. Nothing was more important than her godchildren.

    ¡°Yucks. There¡¯s so much saliva.¡± Qiao Nan ended the call so that San Bao would not bug her to y with the phone.

    Qiao Nan was not worried that Shi Qing woulde to the Zhai family¡¯s residence tonight.

    If Shi Qing would visit them without Zhu Baoguo, she would not have left her phone number with Old Master Zhai. Instead, she would have arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s residence straight away.

    Now that she knew that Shi Qing was safe and sound, Qiao Nan, who felt upset by the Qiao family, was in a better mood.

 Chapter 1216 - Brilliant Learner

    <h4>Chapter 1216 Brilliant Learner</h4>

    At the very least, there was some good news during the Lunar New Year. Wasn¡¯t that good enough?

    ¡°Do you feel more at ease now?¡± It was seldom that Zhai Sheng had time for the family. He mischievously turned the triplets one by one andid them on their tummies on the bed like small tortoises.

    Da Bao turned over impatiently after taking a nce at Zhai Sheng. His actions were swift, agile, smooth, and consecutive without any moment of pause.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight of this. It was no wonder the old master often mentioned to him that both Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s physiques were excellent. Certainly, they were born to be soldiers. They were just a few months old and they already had the style of a soldier when turning their bodies.

    When Da Bao and Er Bao grew up, he should find a chance to ¡®dump¡¯ them into the army camps frequently and get someone to give them proper training. After Da Bao and Er Bao took over his duties in the army, he could retire early and stay by Nan Nan¡¯s side then.

    He had just taken over Zhai Yaohui¡¯s duties and was already plotting on his biological sons, hoping that his sons would grow up to be very sessful in the future and take over his position. By then, like his father now, he could take on more rxing duties and bring his wife by his side every day to show off their love.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Bam! Qiao Nan patted the back of Zhai Sheng¡¯s mischievous hand.

    Zhai Sheng was flipping the triplets as if he were cooking pancakes. He made them lie down side by side, as if they were three pancakes. When he flipped his hands, one by one, the triplets would turn their bodies andy on their respective tummies.

    The triplets seemed to hate the position of lying on their tummies. Hence, they preferred to rely on their own effort to turn over so that their limbs would face the sky. They would then prop their tiny legs high up in the air, hold and pull them into their mouths before chewing. The triplets had the same habit for this.

    Each time the triplets turned on their own before their tiny chubby hands could grab hold of their little short legs. Their sights would turn fuzzy. When their father¡¯s big hands left their bodies, again, they would be lying on their tummies instead of backs.

    The faster the triplets turned, the faster Zhai Sheng ¡®tortured¡¯ them. He seemed to have be an experienced pancake chef. Flip! Flip! Flip! Within seconds, the triplets had been turned over again by their heartless father.

    The count increased, but Da Bao was good at keeping his temper in check. As if he was at odds with his biological father, he would flip over like an agile little fish as soon as Zhai Sheng turned him.

    Er Bao...

    The dramatic Er Bao¡¯s temper was not as good as his elder brother¡¯s. When Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand reached toward him again, his eyes lit up. He opened his mouth, twisted his neck, bit Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand, and held on to it with his bite.

    Er Bao had just started teething and there were only tiny edges of baby teeth in his mouth. Of course, there was no lethality in his bite at all. Zhai Sheng only felt the softness of his mouth. It only felt a little hard but there was not much strength.

    Zhai Sheng insisted on flipping, and like a little puppy, Er Bao refused to let go of his bite. His two tiny hands pulled the cors of Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt. He looked like a ko and Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand was a branch to him. Er Bao simply leaned on it such that Zhai Sheng could not flip him over.

    This tactic was not only dramatic but rogue and brilliant.

    As for San Bao, she was more impatient and pampered. As the only girl in the family, this waspletely understandable.

    From the old master, this great-grandfather, Lin Yuankang, this grand master, as well as Da Bao and Er Bao, her two elder brothers, all of them doted on and gave in to San Bao all the time.

    Today, a bad guy who dared to bully San Bao, this little princess, actually appeared. ¡°Waa!¡± San Bao opened her tiny mouth without any reservation and cried out loud.

    ¡°What happened? What happened? Why did San Bao cry?¡± As soon as the old master heard his great-granddaughter cry so miserably, he dashed up to the second floor without a word. Clearly, he was not young anymore and could not be bothered to climb up the stairs. He had always been living on the first floor. Unfortunately, the old master¡¯s sharp ears could tell that the crying noise belonged to San Bao. He rushed into his grandson and granddaughter-inw¡¯s room like a knight to save San Bao, the little princess. ¡°Zhai Sheng, how old are you now? You¡¯re bullying San Bao. Isn¡¯t San Bao your biological daughter? She is only four months old!¡±

    After giving his grandson, whom he had always been proud of, a harsh scolding, Old Master Zhai, who already had a change of heart, red at Zhai Sheng a few times boldly and righteously. His heart was aching as he carried San Bao into his arms. Old Master Zhai, who was used to speaking in a loud voice, changed his usual burly image and asked San Bao in a low and gentle voice, ¡°San Bao, don¡¯t cry. Great-grandpa has helped you teach your father a lesson. Well, he¡¯s the one who bullied others. San Bao, don¡¯t cry. Great-grandpa loves you. ¡±

    In order to appease San Bao, Old Master Zhai simply gave Zhai Sheng¡¯s body a few ps.

    Old Master Zhai did not use a lot of strength. Judging from the sound, it was not painful. To Zhai Sheng, this kind of strength was not any different from dusting the dirt.

    It was not painful but embarrassing and unbearable.

    Once again, Zhai Sheng deeply realized how quickly his status in the family was falling after the triplets were born. The old master, who favored him so much previously, had also betrayed him and surrendered to the triplets. He was confounding right and wrong. This family situation could not be reversed anymore!

    Qiao Nan put her arms around Da Bao and Er Bao, who had a tough time being flipped. She seemed to be making up to them when she gave each of them a hard kiss on the face.

    After receiving their mama¡¯s kiss, Da Bao and Er Bao¡¯s faces immediately turned bright. They opened their little mouths and smiled like sunflowers as theyy their soft and chubby bodies in their mama¡¯s arms. One on each side, the two babies conquered their mama¡¯s arms fully. The two brothers did not even need to squeeze or push each other.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. He went behind Qiao Nan, reached out his hands, and wrapped Qiao Nan, Da Bao, and Er Bao into his arms. ¡°The old master dotes on San Bao very much?¡± When he was a child, the old master did not seem to have carried him very often. He heard that his father also had the same treatment. However, it was a little different when it came to San Bao.

    ¡°The old master is good to all of them. He not only likes to carry San Bao but also Da Bao and Er Bao. However, San Bao is a girl. Inevitably, the old master will dote on her more. You are also aware that San Bao is very impatient. If anyone provokes San Bao and makes her cry, how can the old master not feel anxious?¡±

    Currently, crying was the only effective weapon that the triplets had to lure the adults¡¯ attention. This was such that the adults could seek justice on their behalf and bully back those people who bullied them.

    San Bao, especially, would cry very quickly whenever someone bullied her. Moreover, she would sound extremely miserable and sorrowful.

    At the sound of San Bao¡¯s cries, a suspicion suddenly came to Qiao Nan¡¯s mind. Why did she feel that San Bao¡¯s cries increasingly resembled those of Er Bao?

    Given this kind of cries from San Bao, the old master would start to coax San Bao before he could even rify the matter. Regardless of what happened or who had provoked San Bao, he would give the initiator a bad scolding first to help San Bao vent her anger before discussing the rights and wrongs of the matter.

 Chapter 1217 - Came at the Wrong Time

    <h4>Chapter 1217 Came at the Wrong Time</h4>

    Qiao Nan gently rubbed the chubby and pink faces of Er Bao. ¡°Er Bao, you¡¯re San Bao¡¯s elder brother. Did you lead Er Bao astray?¡± Among the triplets, Er Bao was the natural-born actor. Why was San Bao bing more simr to Er Bao as she grew up?

    Er Bao responded to his mama with a toothless grin. San Bao was his younger sister. Of course, he had to protect San Bao so that no one could bully her.

    As he might not always be by San Bao¡¯s side to protect her, the best way was to teach San Bao some self-defense tactics.

    After showing his little millet tooth, Er Bao gave acent smile.

    At the sight of Er Bao¡¯s ¡®deserve a beating¡¯ smile, Qiao Nan was dumbstruck. ¡°Brother Zhai, have I been thinking too much? Why do I keep having the feeling that our family¡¯s triplets are too smart? They¡¯re little elves. Didn¡¯t they say children who are four months old only know how to eat, drink, and sleep? Why do they have so many thoughts and expressions? Sometimes, the triplets babble and make a lot of noises when they are lying in the cribs. They seem to be chatting with one another. Brother Zhai, am I suffering from post-partum depression such that I am hallucinating and imagining things?¡±

    Qiao Nan almost had the urge to secretly ask the triplets whether they had time traveled or were reborn.

    Unfortunately, besides these doubtful situations, Qiao Nan did not have other concrete proof. Most of the time, the triplets behaved like ordinary babies. They were extremely simple, adorable, and funny. They would open their eyes wide as they looked at this novel world adventurously with curiosity and desire.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it has anything to do with depression. Our family¡¯s three children are a little more entric and smarter than typical kids. Don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. I heard that many parents think that their children are little geniuses. Other people think too highly of their own children, yet you are afraid that our children are too smart. Don¡¯t worry. It is not a superstitious belief for children to be intelligent. Perhaps our family¡¯s triplets are really a little smarter.¡±

    Hugging Qiao Nan tightly, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face looked very rxed.

    He was leading a satisfying life with wife and children. He did not have any regrets.

    It was no wonder many people liked to say that one¡¯s wife was in their arms and their children in their wife¡¯s arms. The feeling of having his arms over his wife and children all at once certainly gave him a great sense of satisfaction.

    ¡°Ah! Ah!¡±

    ¡°Ya!¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao, who were lying in their mama¡¯s arms, saw the hands that did not belong to their mama sticking out from under their little bums. They pouted unhappily as they reached out their little ws and pped the hands without any reservation. It was obvious that they wanted topete for their mama and for Zhai Sheng to let go of his hands.

    As soon as he was pped by his sons, Zhai Sheng, who had just told Qiao Nan not to worry, narrowed his eyes with a sh of unhappiness. ¡°They are really too smart. Is there a way to make them more stupid?¡± He had not heard of four-month-old children fighting for people with their father.

    ¡°Hahahaha.¡± Qiao Nan was smiling like a flower in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°But I heard that this phenomenon is quitemon. Many children are not willing to see their parents too intimate with each other. Perhaps that¡¯s why they like to chase their father away?¡±

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s waist unhappily. ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go downstairs for dinner. San Bao is still with the old master. The triplets went out today. They will feel more tired than usual. After dinner, let¡¯s wash them up and let them sleep early.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± With Shi Qing and the triplets being the ¡®moderators¡¯, Qiao Nan hadpletely washed her hands off the Qiao family matters.

    As per what Zhai Sheng said, as they had gone out today, the triplets were feeling tired earlier than usual. Children would grow up faster with more sleep. Once the triplets were tired, the adults would lower their volumes in actions and speech. After Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng coaxed them to sleep and put them in the baby cribs in the bedroom, Zhai Sheng still did not raise his voice.

    After enduring for one night, Shi Qing finally arrived at the house of the Zhai family to visit her godsons and goddaughter.

    When Shi Qing knocked on the main door of the Zhai family, the auntie looked helpless. ¡°Miss Shi, indeed, madam was right. You¡¯re here a little early. At this time, both madam and sir are not awake yet.¡±

    ¡°How can that be?¡± Shi Qing had an expression of ¡®are you kidding me?¡¯ on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan is never the type thatzes on the bed. I have known her for many years. Even if it is the first day of Lunar New Year, she, a big pervert, will insist on waking up at half past six in the morning. It¡¯s already seven o¡¯clock. She should have already finished her breakfast and started reading, no?¡±

    They had known each other for so many years. Shi Qing could easily recite Qiao Nan¡¯s daily routine.

    The auntie did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Miss Shi,e in first. What you have just said was the madam¡¯s previous routine. Now that she is a mom, she has to take care of the triplets. Hence, her routine has already changed because of them.¡±

    Given the auntie¡¯s experience, Sir Zhai and madam must have been taking care of the triplets. When the triplets were hungry, feeding them could take a lot of energy.

    Qiao Nan did not have enough breast milk supply. Fortunately, the triplets were already used to form milk.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had discussed and agreed that they would wean the triplets from breast milk when they were five months old.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s breast milk could be snacks for the triplets asionally at most. Since it was not enough for them, she might as well let the triplets get used to drinking form milk earlier.

    Breastfeeding three babies simultaneously was not a job for the ordinary.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I see. What are my godsons and goddaughter doing now?¡±

    She came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to visit the children. Of course, Shi Qing did note empty-handed. She was carrying bags of items.

    ¡°They should be drinking milk now,¡± the auntie replied before she could hold her tongue. After all, the Zhai family was already used to the routine of the triplets feeling hungry and drinking milk at this time.

    Shi Qing shrieked and revealed a look of excitement in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll go and help!¡± It must be a very fun thing to feed her godsons and goddaughter milk.

    ¡°Aye!¡± When the auntie realized that Shi Qing was not a member of the Zhai family, it was toote. At the sight of the agile Shi Qing advancing the staircase, taking three steps at a time, the auntie yelled quickly, ¡°Miss Shi, slowly. Don¡¯t frighten the triplets!¡±

    The moment Shi Qing ced her hands on the doorknob and opened the door, she did not see the cute and chubby faces of her godsons and goddaughter immediately. Instead, she saw Zhai Sheng, who was pulling such a long face that she could not help taking a step back and letting out a gasp of shock.

    Zhai Sheng had just worn and buttoned his shirt. He was carrying an army green jacket on his shoulders.

    Although his attire was not messy, it was very different from his usual spic and span image. This was the first time that she saw Zhai Sheng looking like this.

 Chapter 1218 - Fortunately, She Resembles Her Mother

    <h4>1218 Fortunately, She Resembles Her Mother</h4>

    Based on a soldier¡¯s instinct, a sentence suddenly appeared in Shi Qing¡¯s mind. Brother Zhai must have just worn his shirt. If she had been half a minute quicker, she would most likely be able to see a half-naked Brother Zhai!

    Shepletely took Zhai Sheng for her elder brother and her good friend¡¯s husband. Shi Qing was not interested in Brother Zhai¡¯s half-naked or even fully-naked body. On the contrary, she shuddered at the thought of it. No wonder the auntie shouted so loudly earlier. So, she was reminding Brother Zhai that she was going upstairs and into the room?

    The auntie was trying to prevent her from seeing any censor-warranted scenes that were not meant for children, was she?

    Indeed, Shi Qing had guessed it right this time.

    Just as Shi Qing said, Qiao Nan had been maintaining the good habit of waking up at half past six every morning. This had never changed.

    On the other hand, as a soldier, Zhai Sheng was even more perverted in his persistence regarding this. Zhai Sheng did not wake up at half past six but five o¡¯clock instead every day.

    Shi Qing had never seen Zhai Sheng still in a bedroom at ate timing such as seven o¡¯clock. She dared not think of it either. Unexpectedly, she bumped into this scene personally today.

    After having children, Qiao Nan, the mother, was not the only one who had changed. Zhai Sheng, the father, had changed too.

    Was it such an easy matter to take care of three children at the same time?

    After a tough morning, looking at his pretty wife¡¯s flushed little face, bare shoulders, and his children holding onto and nursing from his favorite, as a man, it was impossible that he would not have any reaction.

    These were all part and parcel of a loving couple¡¯s life. Teasing and kissing were mostmon.

    If he had ¡®served¡¯ the triplets well, there would be peace as the trio would be full and satisfied. He could then dump them to his mother and sister. Next, just when the mood was right in the morning, he would take the time and opportunity to hug his pretty wife and go for another round!

    This was the happy and satisfied life of a married man. As an unmarried woman, what did Shi Qing know?

    The whole year¡¯s work depended on a good start in spring. An hour in the morning was worth two in the evening.

    The wonderful ¡®beginning¡¯ of a good morning had been disrupted by Shi Qing. Zhai Sheng could only pull a long face. He did not give Shi Qing a few punches as he took into ount that she was a woman.

    ¡°Brother... Brother Zhai.¡± Although Shi Qing did not understand what happened, she could sense deep danger from the ck-faced Zhai Sheng. She swallowed with difficulty and could not help thinking. Perhaps she shoulde and visit her grandsons and granddaughter on another day?

    Anyway, this time, her vacation would certainly be longer than the time that Brother Zhai could stay at the house of the Zhai family. In order toplete her mission, she did not take her summer vacation. It was certainly not an issue to request her teacher to give her a few more days of rest.

    When Brother Zhai returned to the army, her godsons, goddaughter, and Qiao Nan would belong only to her then.

    ¡°Um.¡± Zhai Sheng responded with a deep voice. He could not help revealing some feelings of unhappiness, and it sent chills down Shi Qing¡¯s spine.

    After the door opened, Zhai Sheng turned back. Using one hand each, he ¡®picked up¡¯ Da Bao and Er Bao, who were full and happily stretching, kicking, and twisting their necks and waists happily on the bed. He then carried them downstairs to look for their grandmother and auntie.

    After sending off Zhai Sheng with her eyes, Shi Qing touched the back of her cold neck and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°What is wrong with Brother Zhai? Did I somehow forget that I owed him ten million yuan? His face was so ck. I¡¯m so frightened.¡±

    Qiao Nan touched San Bao¡¯s face. Clearly, the little girl was already full but she refused to let go. She did not know if it was psychological that she nursed as and when she wished, as if she was treating the milk like beverages.

    It was seldom that the impatient San Bao would reveal such a carefree side of her. At this sight, Qiao Nan did not know what to say.

    ¡°My goddaughter is nursing?¡± After closing the door, Shi Qing voluntarily sat on the bed and touched the exposed little legs of her goddaughter. ¡°So tiny, yet so chubby. It¡¯s all flesh.¡± Curious about how it felt to touch a small baby, Shi Qing touched San Bao¡¯s tiny legs and pinched the milk-scented, soft and tender flesh. ¡°It looks like pig trotter but yummier than that. Goddaughter, let godmother take a bite?¡±

    Having said that, Shi Qing bent down, grabbed San Bao¡¯s little leg, and bit it.

    Shi Qing was teasing San Bao. She did not use any strength. Most likely, San Bao felt itchy as she opened her tiny mouth and chuckled.

    Qiao Nan jumped in shock. She quickly held San Bao up and chided Shi Qing. ¡°San Bao likes to kick up a fuss. Don¡¯t tease her at such times. What if she chokes on her milk?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still drinking milk?¡± As soon as she heard that San Bao might choke on milk, Shi Qing dared not tease her anymore. She simply carried San Bao from Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk. You¡¯re really a mother. Did your cup size increase by two cups after giving birth?¡±

    Shi Qing looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s fair skin, and then at herself. She could not help sighing.

    Qiao Nan blushed and wore her clothes properly. Although it was not a strange issue for breastfeeding women to reveal themselves in front of others, Qiao Nan could not be so open about it, even if the one looking was her close pal. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? When you be a mother and increase by two cup sizes, it will be most practical.¡±

    Shi Qing snorted. She looked like she did not care. ¡°I am not anxious. It¡¯s either I don¡¯t get married or marry someone who doesn¡¯t mind my cup size. San Bao, San Bao, I am your godmother. Let godmother give you a kiss, okay?¡±

    The four-month-old little girl was very good-looking. After the facial features became distinct, one would realize that San Bao was quite blessed. It was not a situation whereby daughters looked more like their fathers, and sons looked more like their mothers. Her little brows, little eyes, and little mouth resembled Qiao Nan¡¯s. Only the little nose bore some resemnce to her father.

    If the only little girl of the Zhai family looked as masculine as her father, the Zhai family would have to worry whether San Bao would be able to find someone true to her and sessfully get married.

    Given Brother Zhai¡¯s looks, which man would dare to go near her?

    Of course, other people dared not say this. It was Tian Dong who privately told Zhai Hua during the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration. He was revealing his feelings when looking at San Bao¡¯s tiny face at that time.

    At this moment, San Bao had had her fill and was in a very good mood. She was smiling like a flower, looking more adorable than ever.

    ¡°San Bao, you are not making noises. That means you don¡¯t object to godmother kissing you, right?¡± Shi Qing bullied San Bao for not being able to understand or reply to her words. She bent down, pouted, and kissed San Bao¡¯s chubby face a few times. ¡°This little face is as tender as tofu. It smells nice. There¡¯s a scent of milk.¡±

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with curiosity when she carried San Bao. ¡°Is a child¡¯s skin always so tender and smooth? San Bao is chubby all over. It feels sofortable hugging her soft body. It is as if she doesn¡¯t have any bones. You are not aware. When I first joined the school, I went through a lot of training. My arms are much stronger now.¡±

 Chapter 1219 - Uncle Is Here

    <h4>1219 Uncle Is Here</h4>

    ¡°San Bao is so soft. I am afraid that I will use too much strength and make her feel painful. I feel so nervous when carrying her.¡±

    Carrying the soft and tiny baby, this kind of unrealistic, fear, and nervous feeling was almost simr to that of the times her life was at stake when she was carrying out her mission.

    Seeing that the usually fearless Shi Qing look so lost and helpless, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The triplets are already four months old. I heard from the elders that they are considered sturdy once they start to teeth. They are not as delicate as you said. As long as you don¡¯t exert too much strength, you won¡¯t hurt the triplets.¡±

    Perhaps the little girl was pleased with the bite given by Shi Qing earlier. She did not reject or resist Shi Qing, this ¡®stranger¡¯, at all when Shi Qing carried her. Instead, she was flinging her little hands and kicking her little legs, looking quite happy and carefree.

    Shi Qing looked around. ¡°Do you have any toys at home for the triplets? Let me use them to y with her. I can¡¯t possibly let her y on her own?¡± Her goddaughter was quite good at finding her own enjoyment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t create trouble. San Bao is willing to y by herself. Don¡¯t make fun of her. Otherwise, I can¡¯t coax her if she really needs someone to do so in the future. I have three children.¡± It was not just San Bao. Da Bao and Er Bao were also at the very ideal stage whereby they could y by themselves. Without thinking, Qiao Nan could imagine the tizzy scenarios if the triplets needed people to coax them.

    ¡°Right, didn¡¯t you say that Zhu Baoguo will being with you today? Where is he?¡± At the thought of the situation when Shi Qing came upstairs, Qiao Nan blushed. ¡°He¡¯s downstairs? When did he be so obedient?¡±

    Shi Qing was so close with her that she dared to enter the bedroom without knocking on the door despite knowing that she was already married. In Qiao Nan¡¯s view, Zhu Baoguo could not possibly have more courtesy than Shi Qing.

    Fortunately, the auntie¡¯s voice was loud enough and Zhai Sheng¡¯s actions were swift enough. Shi Qing almost saw some censor-warranted scenes not meant for children, and Brother Zhai¡¯s image would crumble then.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk. You¡¯re really different now. You¡¯re a true-blue young woman now.¡± Shi Qing did not see any of those scenes. However, although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig run away. ¡°Brother Zhai did not have his eyes on you for just one or two days. Both of you are married for a year, but the total time you spent with each other is less than a month. When you are in the army for three years, even a sow is considered pretty. I understand. Zhu Baoguo is not here yet. He¡¯s not downstairs. He¡¯s different from me. He said he is the uncle and went to buy gifts for the triplets.¡±

    Qiao Nan was so furious at Shi Qing¡¯s thick-skinned demeanor that she nearly pped her. ¡°Your parents still don¡¯t know that you¡¯re back?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing¡¯s body turned stiff. She then rubbed and buried her face in San Bao¡¯s arms. ¡°San Bao, why do you smell so nice? You smell really nice. What did you apply? Come, let godmother smell you properly. Let godmother rub you more and see if I will be as nice-smelling as you.¡±

    San Bao did not understand any of Shi Qing¡¯s words. Nevertheless, this did not stop her from feeling happy. She was giggling nonstop.

    ¡°Our San Bao is really a cheerfuldy who loves to smile. She will be very popr in the future.¡±

    After saving her daughter from Shi Qing¡¯s arms, Qiao Nan kicked Shi Qing away. ¡°Enough. Don¡¯t make fun of San Bao anymore. Your standard of diverting the topic has deteriorated too much.¡± Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s back gently to help San Bao catch her breath. She also took the bottle of warm water that Zhai Sheng had prepared for the triplets in the morning.

    The milk bottles were still a little warm. Hence, Qiao Nan did not need to do anything more. She simply fed San Bao water with the bottle.

    True enough, after having so much fun with Shi Qing, San Bao held onto the milk bottle and started drinking lots of water from it. She was feeling thirsty.

    ¡°Alright, I admit my mistake. Let¡¯s get back to the topic. Let me ask you a question. You see if you¡¯re going to reply.¡±

    ¡°What question?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s regarding the Qiao family. You¡¯re already the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Are you going back to the Qiao family during the first few days of the Lunar New Year? I predict that there are a lot of people from the Qiao family waiting to lure you into their traps. They want to gain something from you.¡± After she came back, only Shi Qing remembered that although Qiao Nan seemed very blessed to have fallen into a nest of fortune, she had huge lurking dangers by her side: the Qiao family!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s smile faded a little while she was coaxing San Bao. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Let¡¯s take a step at a time. If they don¡¯t look for trouble in the future, there won¡¯t be any more issues then.¡± However, Qiao Nan knew that the possibility of this happening was almost zero.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan¡¯s words were no different from self-denial, Shi Qing could not be bothered to continue talking to Qiao Nan about such a dampening topic.

    Hearing the bustling atmosphere downstairs, Shi Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Zhu Baoguo is here!¡±

    Qiao Nan put San Bao, who was as warm as a little heater, in Shi Qing¡¯s arms. ¡°Carry San Bao downstairs. I have not brushed my teeth yet.¡± She had finished serving her three children but had not tidied herself up.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Carrying the soft and tender San Bao, Shi Qing could not ask for anything more. ¡°San Bao, follow godmother downstairs to see who came. If the other party¡¯s presents are not to our liking, let¡¯s don¡¯t bother about him, okay?¡±

    San Bao, who had not learned how to speak, could feel Shi Qing¡¯s kindness toward her. At the sight of Shi Qing chatting with her enthusiastically, San Bao continued to have a foolish grin on her face although she did not understand any of the words. She was drooling so much that she had wetted her bib thoroughly.

    At the sight of the few pieces of clean and dry bibs on the pinkish baby crib, Shi Qing carried the sturdy San Bao like Hercules with one hand and grabbed a few more bibs with the other hand. She believed that her grandsons¡¯ situation was not any better than that of her goddaughter, given that thetter had so much saliva.

    ¡°I know that you have arrived.¡± After she came downstairs, Shi Qing saw Zhu Baoguo surrounding and staring at Da Bao and Er Bao with a yearning look. His eyes were filled with the urge to carry them but he dared not do so. That look of excitement was as if he was a wild wolf that had been starving for more than ten days and finally sighted two big and white rabbits.

    Zhu Baoguo lifted his head. ¡°This is San Bao?¡± The only daughter?

    ¡°Yes.¡± Shi Qing lifted San Bao proudly. ¡°Is my goddaughter good-looking?¡±

    At the sight that San Bao¡¯s facial features, besides her nose, looked so much like Qiao Nan¡¯s as if they were made from the same mold, Zhu Baoguo liked her very much. ¡°Yes, San Bao is very good-looking. She¡¯s the most beautiful youngdy among the many children that I have met.¡±

    ¡°Hmmph!¡± Shi Qing snorted unhappily. She was well aware that Zhu Baoguo praised San Bao in this way because San Bao looked very much like her biological mother, Qiao Nan. It seemed that Zhu Baoguo had not really forgotten Qiao Nan and still had little feelings for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Ooo... Ah...¡± San Bao widened her bright eyes. Seeing so many unfamiliar faces and the house bustling with life, the little girl smiled and looked exceptionally happy. However, in a group of unfamiliar folks, San Bao picked the tallest one amongst them. She expressed an exceptional liking for Zhai Sheng, her biological father, whom she had just interacted with for a few days.

 Chapter 1220 - Honest and Forthright Chap

    <h4>1220 Honest and Forthright Chap</h4>

    San Bao reached out her short little hands and revealed her chubby wrists. She wanted to be transported from Shi Qing¡¯s to Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    No matter what, her first daily meal was fed by this person for the past few days. She had to give him some face.

    It was seldom that his daughter requested to be carried by him. Hence, there was no reason for Zhai Sheng to decline it.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. He ignored Shi Qing¡¯s reluctant face and carried his little daughter without a word. He even gave her a kiss. This was his daughter. He could thus carry and kiss her as he wished. As for Zhu Baoguo, he should abidingly stand by the side and continue staring with a tempted look in his eyes.

    Shi Qing was not pleased. ¡°I can¡¯t carry San Bao now. I will carry Da Bao. Da Bao,e to godmother¡¯s side.¡± Without waiting for Da Bao to reply, Shi Qing carried Da Bao into her arms.

    Both Da Bao and San Bao had someone to carry. Without a word, Zhu Baoguo, who had been watching with a tempted look, carried the nice-smelling Er Bao without discussing it with anyone. He refused to let go thereafter. ¡°When did you be the three children¡¯s godmother? Er Bao, I am your uncle. Call uncle. Uncle will give you something fun to y with.¡±

    The baby in his arms was so soft. It was softer than the pillow that he used for sleeping.

    It looked like a little bun but an extremely sturdy and heavy one.

    Initially, when he saw the triplets looking so tiny and shorter than his calves, he thought that the three of them would be very light. It was only when he carried Er Bao in his arms that he realized that they might be small but were, in fact, quite heavy. ¡°Your maternal grandfather wishes to see you very much. Unfortunately, he doesn¡¯t have the time recently. So, uncle will carry all of you more on behalf of him. When your maternal grandfather asks me, it¡¯ll easier for uncle to reply.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo felt very pleased at the thought that he had carried Er Bao before his biological father could.

    So what if he was the father? His father could not always win in every matter. In the end, he was the one who carried Er Bao first.

    Perhaps Zhu Baoguo looked too silly. As a natural-born actor, Er Bao did not shun Zhu Baoguo¡¯s hug. However, there seemed to be a tinge of disdain on his face when he looked at Zhu Baoguo. It was as if he was looking at a husky.

    ¡°Where is Nan Nan?¡± His most important daughter was in his arms. As such, Zhai Sheng graciously agreed to lend his son to Zhu Baoguo for thetter to carry.

    Pinching San Bao, who was in his arms, there was a sh of darkness in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. Zhu Baoguo could carry Da Bao and Er Bao but not San Bao. This did not only apply to Zhu Baoguo but also to others.

    San Bao was the only girl. Of course, she should be given more care than her two elder brothers, lest she be taken away by the bad guys of other families.

    A daughter was her father¡¯s lover in his past life.

    San Bao was only four months old. Besides drinking milk, she did not know anything else, yet her father had already silently isted her from all other living males. He certainly disallowed any males from appearing by her side anding into close contact with her.

    Zhu Baoguo was the first one to be cklisted by Zhai Sheng.

    Zhu Baoguo, who was absolutely oblivious to this, was ncing continuously at San Bao as he carried Er Bao. ¡°I brought many little gifts with me this time. All are for the triplets, but I don¡¯t know if they will like them.¡±

    Upon arriving in the capital yesterday and finding out that Qiao Nan had be a mother of three, he was suddenly overwhelmed by mixed feelings¡ªsour, sweet, bitter, and spicy.

    Thedy that he liked had given birth. Unfortunately, he was not the father. He could only appear as the uncle by the three children¡¯s side and show his concern for them.

    After sorting out his disheartened feelings, Baoguo dashed into a shop selling maternal and infant-care items. He consulted the salesperson for a long time and bought many items for the triplets as presents.

    Zhu Baoguo bought a huge quantity of items for both boys and girls. He was a customer who was hard toe by.

    Last evening, one of the female sales personnel of the maternal and infant-care shop did not attend to anyone else except for Zhu Baoguo. She spent all her time and effort to listen to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation and provide solutions and suggestions for him.

    In the end, Zhu Baoguo lived up to her expectations. He carried a bag of items as huge as a hill when he finally left the shop.

    It could be said that the money that Zhu Baoguo spent in the shop that day was almost equivalent to half of their sales revenue for the day itself.

    Where could they find such a huge customer like him?

    If they had one such customer every day, all the salespeople would be leading good lives.

    Zhu Baoguo was also an honest and forthright chap. He had really brought over all the huge ¡®mountain¡¯ of items over to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. He was not afraid that Zhai Sheng would misunderstand and feel jealous at all.

    It could be said that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s gifts and concern for the triplets had directly exceeded that of Zhai Sheng, the biological father.

    Those who were unaware would inevitably misunderstand that Zhu Baoguo was the triplet¡¯s biological father and Zhai Sheng was most probably the uncle.

    Only Zhu Baoguo, this kind of honest and forthright chap, would do something as such that would easily attract hate from others. Typical folks would not be able to bring themselves to do that.

    At the sight of Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression looking increasingly worse than when she went into his room without knocking earlier, Shi Qing could not bear to see Zhu Baoguo continue with his foolish acts. She thus started to ¡®criticize¡¯ Zhu Baoguo. ¡°There will be new and upgraded products very soon nowadays. Better things will appear after a short time. The triplets are still so young, yet you bought so much stuff. They won¡¯t be able to use them all at once. When the new products are out, they will certainly use the best ones. Do you know how to buy things?¡±

    Just with one nce, Shi Qing could confirm that besides buying items that the triplets could y with at their current age, he also bought many that they could use even when they were one year old.

    Zhu Baoguo did not mind spending so much money at all. He said in a bold and righteous manner, ¡°Certainly, the triplets deserve good things. These items can be used as back up then. There¡¯s no harm being prepared. If they are really not suitable anymore, I will buy new ones for them. So what if it is wasteful? I¡¯m spending my own money, not other people¡¯s money. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    It did not cost him that much money. If his father were the one who went shopping yesterday, given his father¡¯s temperament, he might have bought half the items in the shop. His father was the real shopper. His performance was already the oue of a very restrained behavior.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Er Bao started making noise. He stuck his little hands into his mouth and sucked it hard. He was also drooling more.

    Zhai Sheng understood Er Bao¡¯s behavior at one nce. He took out the teething rusks and gave the triplets one each.

    As soon as the triplets saw the teething rusks, their little eyes lit up. They chewed the rusks deliciously in their mouths. Their tiny faces looked like the blossomed sunflowers. They were so pleased.

    As for Zhu Baoguo, this uncle who spent a lot of money buying presents for them, the triplets did not even take an additional nce at him. They were still too young to understand these matters. They were happy and busy chewing their rusks, as if they now owed the whole world.

    ¡°He has really be a father.¡± Shi Qing eximed. As soon as Zhai Sheng made this move, he had amazingly appeased the triplets all at the same time.

 Chapter 1221 - Given a Taste of the Feather Duster

    <h4>Chapter 1221 Given a Taste of the Feather Duster</h4>

    Before this, she could not tell that Brother Zhai had matured and that he was behaving like a father.

    This year, Lunar New Year was particrly joyous as they had Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing with them.

    Now that Shi Qing was at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she could no longer hide from her parents that she was back in the capital. Once Shi Peng received news that Shi Qing was back and she had done well for the mission, he dashed to the Zhai family¡¯s residence in the shortest time possible.

    Shi Peng was in a bad mood when he reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence. He was all ready for a ¡®battle¡¯. Although he did not have a sword with him, he brought a feather duster that he had kept for many years with him. He raised it high into the air. As soon as he saw Shi Qing, he did not even talk to her but used the feather duster on her.

    Shi Peng was swift and harsh. Shi Qing jumped in surprise and turned her back on him so as to protect Da Bao who was in her arms. She feared that Da Bao would be identally hit by her father.

    If she did not have Da Bao in her arms, given Shi Qing¡¯s skills, she would be able to dart around agilely like a monkey. Shi Peng would not be able tond his feather duster at the corner of the lower hem of her clothes. However, with Da Bao in her arms, it was difficult for her to escape from her father¡¯s whips. Her father managed tond half of the whips on her.

    Qiao Nan tidied her clothes and came downstairs to see that her living room was in chaos. The feathers from the feather duster were floating around and Shi Qing was jumping around the house.

    Qiao Nan was lost for words when she saw how Shi Qing held Da Bao in her arms and jumped about to avoid being whipped by Shi Peng. She feared that Da Bao would be frightened and wanted to get Da Bao from Shi Qing.

    However, when she took a closer look, she realized that the young brat was excited and thrilled. He would il his arms asionally, as if to cheer Shi Qing. There was a glitter of joy in his eyes at being able to ¡®fly¡¯ around with Shi Qing as she jumped about, avoiding being hit by her father.

    It was obvious that Da Bao was enjoying himself. It was as if he was filming an action movie.

    As for Er Bao and San Bao, they were enjoying the show. They held the teething rusks and stared intently at Shi Qing and Shi Peng. They looked to the left and the right, and they would lift their head to look upward, their gaze never leaving the two of them.

    When it got exciting, they would stop chewing on the teething rusk, widening their mouths in shock. It was as if they were empathizing with Shi Qing. Thereafter, they would resume chewing on the teething rush, though biting on it harder than before, and continue with the show.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at the scene. She was speechless at the scene in the living room.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Qiao Nan finally stepped in to stop the game of hiding and chasing between the father and daughter. She was worried that the triplets would learn the bad ways and she felt that Shi Qing had received her due punishment. She hurried to save Da Bao from Shi Qing. ¡°Uncle Shi, Shi Qing has finallye back. You should be considerate of her feelings when there are outsiders.¡±

    Shi Qing smiled widely after passing Da Bao to Qiao Nan. She felt pain all over her body. ¡°That¡¯s right, Dad. You are being too vicious. It is eight o¡¯clock in the morning. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working? Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re skipping work? This is so unlike you.¡±

    Shi Peng sneered. ¡°Unlike me? If I don¡¯t teach you a lesson, I might lose you forever. Tell me. Why are you so daring to go on a...¡±

    At the thought of how daring Shi Qing was, Shi Peng felt like using his feather duster on her again to teach her a lesson. ¡°Nan Nan is right. I will let you off for the time being. I will wait until we are back at home to discipline you.¡± Did she think that everything was over after a few spanks? No way!

    Settle ounts?

    He would do so at home!

    There were more toe.

    Shi Qing stiffened, turning to look at Qiao Nan. ¡°Is that what you meant just now?¡±

    Qiao Nan wiped the saliva off Da Bao¡¯s cheeks and said calmly, ¡°If not, what else could it be?¡± She definitely meant that.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you didn¡¯t do anything and just sat by the side, watching the show with the triplets?¡± Qiao Nan raised her hands to catch hold of one feather that was floating in the air. ¡°Uncle Shi, the feather duster is of low quality. Half of the feathers are gone.¡± He had yet to give Shi Qing a lesson, but half of its feathers were already gone.

    Shi Peng smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Ever since... I bought a lot of feather dusters. Do you know how the shops sell the feather dusters? They sell it in bundles just like how one would sell the candied fruits on bamboo skewers. I bought the entire bundle of feather dusters. It is alright that this is spoiled. I will simply throw it away.¡±

    Shi Peng was not joking. He was serious.

    Shi Peng used to serve in the army and he was a high achiever in the army. That was why he was able to contend for supremacy with Zhai Yaohui.

    When he was young, he had participated in all kinds of dangerous missions and he had sustained different types of injuries. Shi Peng had been through the difficult days but he was indifferent about it.

    However, it was another matter when he knew that his only daughter went through the same hardships as him. He could not take the news as calmly as when he himself was injured.

    There were many nights where Shi Peng would be jolted awake due to nightmares. He would dream of the horrible sights that he faced in the past. The only difference was that his daughter was the person who went through all the hardships in his dreams. He could only watch helplessly as his daughter was in great risk time and again. She was injured but he could do nothing about it. She was bleeding profusely from her wounds in his dreams. Shi Peng would always wake up feeling heartache and immense pain.

    Although Shi Peng knew that it was only a dream, he was unable to shake off this fear of seeing his daughter in agony.

    Shi Peng had been on tenterhooks for the longest time ever since his daughter lost contact with him.

    Shi Peng¡¯s health had just gotten better. If he continued to be under stress and constant worry, Shi Peng might suffer from another illness¡ªheart disease!

    He must make sure to teach Shi Qing a lesson this time.

    Qiao Nan smiled, gazing at Shi Qing, wishing her luck.

    No matter what, Shi Peng could finally feel at ease now that his daughter had returned safely. He looked at her, hinting that he would teach her a lessonter. He then smiled and reached his hands toward Da Bao, who was in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°Is he the elder brother or younger brother? He looks sturdy and strong.¡±

    ¡°This is Da Bao.¡± Qiao Nan handed Da Bao to Shi Peng. She would not stop Shi Peng from carrying her babies, as she would be watching by the side. ¡°The baby that Zhu Baoguo is carrying is Er Bao. The baby in Brother Zhai¡¯s arms is San Bao. She is the only daughter.¡±

    ¡°I could tell at one look.¡± Shi Peng touched Da Bao¡¯s chubby arms. He had finally calmed down. ¡°Zhai Sheng, your dad has good fortune.¡± Of course, Zhai Sheng had chosen well.

    Zhai Yaohui and he were of the same generation and they were of simr age. However, Zhai Yaohui was already a grandpa and had three grandchildren.

    What about him?

    Although he could not be a paternal grandfather, he was contented to being a maternal grandfather. The problem was he had no idea when he would be a grandfather and hold his grandchild in his arms.

 Chapter 1222 - Whipped on the Buttocks

    <h4>Chapter 1222 Whipped on the Buttocks</h4>

    He could only quench his thirst by carrying someone else¡¯s children.

    It was like quenching thirst by drinking poison. They were other people¡¯s children. No matter what, he had to return them to the parents.

    It was even more painful when he held other people¡¯s children in his arms, but his daughter did not have her own child.

    He had known it long ago that once Shi Qing joined the army, she would work as hard as how he was back in the army. Therefore, Shi Peng was very against it when Shi Qing said that she wanted to follow his path.

    He might be stubborn, but his daughter was even more obstinate than him. She transferred to the military school secretly. By the time he found out, it was toote to change anything.

    Shi Peng fumed at the thought of this.

    Zhai Sheng could tell that Shi Peng was upset. Since he was his master, Zhai Sheng would not go overboard. ¡°You have good fortune as well. Shi Qing has chosen well.¡± Zhai Sheng darted a nce at the foolish Zhu Baoguo, who was teasing Er Bao.

    He was willing to help Shi Qing as he owed it to her. Besides, it was better for him to make the arrangements than for her to keep it from everyone and make the transfer.

    If that was the case, when something happened to Shi Qing, nobody would learn of it. There would be no one to help her and she might not be able to return safely.

    It was useless to keep stopping her. At times, one had to go along with her as well.

    Zhai Sheng knew that Shi Qing was a courageous person. Once she had decided on something, she would do it no matter how other people objected to it. She would even keep it from everyone to get what she wanted, going all out to aplish her dreams.

    It was true that he had interfered in this matter, but he also gave Shi Peng and Shi Qing time to deal with it and ept her decisions.

    Given how determined Shi Qing was, they had no other alternative. This was the best solution.

    Shi Peng understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s intentions, but he was unable to forgive him easily. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thister.¡± He would deal with his daughterter. As for his disciple, he would not let him off so easily either.

    Shi Peng had taught Shi Qing a lesson at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Qiao Nan had no idea how Shi Peng punished Shi Qing when they went back home, but she heard that Shi Qing was unable to get off the bed on her third day in the capital. She had to stay in bed for an entire day before she was able to move about.

    Qiao Nan knew that Shi Qing must have been whipped on the buttocks.

    It was the Lunar New Year¡¯s eve. Every family in the capital was preparing for Lunar New Year. Some were happy while some were upset.

    In the past, when Feng Cheng did not stay in the same city with her husband and daughter, she would spend Lunar New Year at her parents¡¯ home.

    This year, although all of them were in the capital, she stayed at the Shi family¡¯s residence to spend Lunar New Year with her husband and daughter. She would visit her parents¡¯ home on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

    Shi Qing was still in school, but she hadpleted the mission and was awarded a medal. The Feng family was especially thrilled when they learned of the good news. They made several calls to the Shi family, asking about Shi Qing and instructing Feng Cheng to prepare nutritious food for Shi Qing, hoping that she could regain her strength during the Lunar New Year.

    The Feng family also invited them, saying that although all of them lived in the capital, it was still necessary for them to keep in contact.

    Shi Qing was the only youngdy in the Feng family. They hoped that she could join them for dinner during the new year and stay over for a few days to catch up with each other.

    The Feng family might have it all nned out, but Shi Qing had other ns.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had to part with the triplets on the first day of the Lunar New Year to take the ne back to Ping Cheng, paying a visit to the Qiao family. Shi Qing decided to take the same flight back to Ping Cheng with Qiao Nan.

    Zhu Chengqi might have been transferred to the capital, but the rest of the Zhu family, especially Elder Zhu, was still in Ping Cheng.

    Since Qiao Nan and Shi Qing would be going to Ping Cheng, Zhu Baoguo told Zhu Chengqi that he would make a trip back to visit Old Master Zhu, assuring him that the father and son were doing well in the capital.

    Zhu Chengqi weed his son¡¯s suggestion.

    Zhu Chengqi had no time to pay his father a visit. Even if Zhu Baoguo did not make the suggestion, he would tell his son to make a trip to Ping Cheng. Since he offered to go, Zhu Chengqi gave him a sum of money for his trip to Ping Cheng.

    Now that Zhu Chengqi and Zhu Baoguo were not in Ping Cheng, most of the time, it was Wang Yang and his family that took care of Old Master Zhu.

    When Zhu Baoguo was back in Ping Cheng, he had to take care of Old Master Zhu as well as be nice to the Wang family.

    Zhu Baoguo had to give some money to the Wang family so that they would help look after Old Master Zhu if he felt unwell. If he had to be sent to the capital for treatment, Zhu Chengqi would take over to take care of him.

    A year had passed. Apart from visiting Old Master Zhu, Zhu Baoguo had to visit the Lee family as well as his maternal rtives.

    Zhu Baoguo had more valid reasons to go back to Ping Cheng than Shi Qing, who was there for fun.

    Shi Qing said that it was because of Qiao Nan that she went back to Ping Cheng.

    However, upon reaching Ping Cheng, instead of apanying Qiao Nan to visit the Qiao family, she spent all her time with Zhu Baoguo. She apanied him as he visited the Zhu family, the Lee family, and other rtives.

    Qiao Nan was amused at Shi Qing¡¯s behavior. ¡°Is Shi Qing taking the initiative to visit her inws?¡±

    She had yet to marry Zhu Baoguo, but she had fulfilled her duties as Zhu Baoguo¡¯s wife. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you think it is good that Shi Qing behaves in this way? Will the Zhu family and the Lee family look down on her in the future? Will she be bullied by Zhu Baoguo?¡±

    In the matters of the heart, the party who was in love first was doomed to be the loser.

    Shi Qing was more mature than Zhu Baoguo. Qiao Nan was worried that her only good friend would be bullied after she was married.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Zhai Sheng was very confident. ¡°Apart from getting confused back when she had feelings for me, Shi Qing is, in fact, a very sharp and smart girl. In general, people would be witless with regard to things that concerned them. But it is the opposite for her. She is able to think clearly about the matters rted to her. She will make a good soldier. It will be a loss to the army and the country if she is a normal office worker.¡±

    Shi Qing was exceptionally calm when she was on her missions. This positive trait of hers worked to her advantage.

    ¡°Alright, now that we are back, should we go to the Qiao family¡¯s residence?¡± Nan Nan kept worrying about Shi Qing. Was she using this to avoid meeting the Qiao family?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s countenance changed. She turned to hug Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1223 - Feigned Politeness

    <h4>Chapter 1223 Feigned Politeness</h4>

    ¡°Well, we have no other choice. We just have to go back. Have you bought the food and presents?¡±

    ¡°I have prepared them long ago. All we need to do is bring them with us.¡± Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan lightly on the back, coaxing her like he was coaxing San Bao. He cherished his daughter and his wife just as much.

    The Zhai family had moved to the capital, but they had someone to look after their house in Ping Cheng.

    Before Zhai Sheng went back to Ping Cheng, he had made a call, telling the person-in-charge to prepare food and presents for the Lunar New Year.

    Now that everything was ready, Qiao Nan could note up with any excuses to dy going to the Qiao family¡¯s residence. She had no other choice but to hold Zhai Sheng by the arm and walk gloomily to the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan caught the attention of the neighbors when they reached the quad. The neighbors waved and greeted them warmly. ¡°Hey, Nan Nan is back. Is she visiting her parents¡¯ home?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you paying a visit to your parents?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re finally back. Come to my house when you have time. I will prepare delicious food for you.¡±

    Apart from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was the most outstanding child in the quad. Other than marrying Zhai Sheng, who was very talented, Qiao Nan was initially remarkable and had performed very well in her exams. She was a role model and the envy of the neighbors.

    Qiao Nan stood next to Zhai Sheng and smiled shyly at the familiar neighbors.

    No one would feel that Qiao Nan was snubbing them now that she had married well. They had known Qiao Nan since she was a child. She was usually quiet but she would keep a smile on her face.

    This was why before Qiao Nan did very well in her middle school examination, the neighbors used to think that Qiao Zijin was smarter than Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin was good with her words and left a good impression on the neighbors. On the other hand, Qiao Nan, who was reserved, would trail behind Qiao Zijin, going unnoticed. She was more about actions and fewer words.

    Zhai Sheng apanied Qiao Nan to the Qiao family¡¯s residence and they were given a warm wee by the neighbors. It was like the ancient times when the officials in the capital made a grand trip to their hometown.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were still quite a distance from the Qiao family¡¯s residence. The Qiao family could hear the neighbors¡¯ greetings, and they knew that not only was Qiao Nan back, but Zhai Sheng, who was busy with work, apanied her to the parents¡¯ home as well.

    Qiao Zijin felt displeased. She saw on the television that Qiao Nan¡¯s father-inw was present in the capital for the annual evening show on the eve of the Lunar New Year. In other words, if Qiao Nan was willing, she could watch the performance live in the capital. There was no need for her to watch it through television.

    Since Chief Zhai held such a high position in the army, Zhai Sheng must have an important position as well.

    The first day of the Lunar New Year was very important to the Chinese. Since Zhai Sheng was willing to apany Qiao Nan to pay a visit to the Qiao family, it showed that he valued Qiao Nan very much.

    Qiao Nan did not have any positive traits. She could not understand why Zhai Sheng would do so much for her. She used to think that even if Qiao Nan visited the Qiao family, no one from the Zhai family would make the trip with her. People like the Zhai family would not want to associate themselves with inws like the Qiao family.

    If the Zhai family did not apany Qiao Nan when she visited the Qiao family, it would mean that they looked down on the Qiao family as well as Qiao Nan, not taking into consideration her feelings. However, she did not expect that things would turn out differently. Not only did the Zhai family send someone to apany Qiao Nan, but it was also Zhai Sheng himself.

    Since Zhai Sheng was here, it showed that he loved Qiao Nan very much and that the Zhai family cared about Qiao Nan.

    Otherwise, the elders in the Zhai family would havee up with an excuse to stop Zhai Sheng from apanying Qiao Nan, saying that he had to attend meetings with the officials. Apart from the Qiao family, many other more established families had dealings with the Zhai family.

    Despite these, Zhai Sheng still apanied Qiao Nan to her parents¡¯ house. It came as a huge blow to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan was outstanding and was able to marry Zhai Sheng despite the fact that she came from a humble background. At the same time, she was able to gain the affection of her husband as well as her inws. Qiao Zijin was jealous that luck was on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth in anger such that she could taste blood. She suspected that Qiao Nan was not her mother¡¯s daughter and was heaven¡¯s daughter instead.

    Everything went well for Qiao Nan. On the other hand, she was down on her luck and was not able to keep Chen Jun with her.

    Chen Jun had not been keeping in touch with her for the past year. Qiao Zijin knew that he was very determined to break up with her.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath at the thought of Chen Jun, swallowing the blood in her mouth. Without Chen Jun, she could find another man, be it Lee Jun or Hong Jun.

    As long as they were rmended by Qiao Nan, they would definitely be just as good as Chen Jun. She did not need to feel disappointed that Chen Jun had broken up with her. With Qiao Nan around, she would definitely be able to lead the life that she wanted!

    When Qiao Nan reached the doorway to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, instead of Qiao Dongliang, it was Qiao Zijin who came out to wee her. Qiao Zijin had a bright smile upon seeing Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, you are back. Why didn¡¯t you give us a phone call beforehand? We could have gotten ready for your visit. Happy Lunar New Year. I wish that you will keep doing well in school and that the triplets will be healthy. They will be as smart as you, and they will have a strong physique like brother-inw.¡±

    Qiao Nan gaped in shock at the greetings that Qiao Zijin said to her.

    They had been sisters for two lifetimes. What could she expect from a hog but a grunt? Qiao Nan was taken aback by the pleasantries that Qiao Zijin said today.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you are back.¡± Qiao Dongliang came out after Qiao Zijin. He cast Qiao Zijin an odd nce, wondering what she was up to this time. Today was the first day of the Lunar New Year. It was rare that Nan Nan was back. He hoped that Zijin would not go way overboard and drive her away. ¡°There was heavy snowfall in Ping Cheng recently. The snow has melted and it is freezing cold. Come on in. Did it snow in the capital?¡±

    ¡°It did.¡± Qiao Nan nodded, entering the house.

    Qiao Dongliang weed his younger daughter and son-inw into the house as he greeted the neighbors. ¡°Sure, I will invite you over to the houseter.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt conflicted and her feelings could be seen on her face. She noticed that Zhai Sheng carried many bags of expensive food and presents with him. She forced a smile on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan, we are contented that you and Zhai Sheng are here to visit us. Why did you bring so much food and presents with you? We are one family. There is no need to prepare presents for us.¡±

    Everyone could tell that Ding Jiayi was lying. After all, she had just finished her sentence when she took the bags from Zhai Sheng and locked them inside her room.

 Chapter 1224 - Thankfully They Did Not Get Back Together

    <h4>1224 Thankfully They Did Not Get Back Together</h4>

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang did not have many expressions on his face, but there was a look of embarrassment and awkwardness on his face when he saw how Ding Jiayi behaved. However, he quickly recovered and weed them into the house. ¡°Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan, take a seat. I will bring you some tea.¡± Luckily, they did not get back together.

    As expected, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan did not bring the triplets with them. Qiao Dongliang felt sad that he was unable to see his grandchildren.

    Even though he was disappointed, he did not say anything or let his feelings show. He maintained a calm expression as if he had never harbored the thought of seeing the triplets.

    If Qiao Dongliang behaved like Ding Jiayi and made unreasonable requests of her, Qiao Nan would turn heartless toward him and treat him in the same way as how she would Ding Jiayi.

    However, Qiao Dongliang would be nice to her at times. Qiao Nan could not refuse his kindness, and she did not know how she should treat him.

    ¡°Dad, let me help you.¡± Ding Jiayi hurried into the room to check on the bags of food and presents that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan gave them. It was rare that Qiao Zijin was ¡®sensible¡¯ and followed Qiao Dongliang into the kitchen. She helped brew three cups of tea and brought out a te of new year cookies for them. ¡°Dad, I remembered that Nan Nan likes these cookies. I told Mom to buy more of the cookies.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was telling the truth. In her memories, Qiao Nan loved the cookies, so she told Ding Jiayi to buy more of the cookies.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s status, she had lots of money to buy whatever food that she liked.

    However, even if Qiao Nan did not have a single piece of cookies that the Qiao family prepared for her, at least, it showed that they were being nice to her. She believed that Qiao Nan would not be able to give them the cold treatment and be calctive with them.

    Qiao Dongliang remained silent, giving consent to Qiao Zijin. He went back to the living room with the tea while Qiao Zijin brought the cookies out.

    ¡°Brother-inw, Nan Nan, don¡¯t stand on ceremony. Now that you are back, make yourselves at home.¡± Qiao Zijin had a wide smile on her face. She was as cheerful as the neighbors who weed Qiao Nan back home. Qiao Nan could not stand the fact that she was being so affectionate to her. ¡°I remember that this is your favorite food when you were a child. Many years have passed, but the traditional cookies still taste the same. They will never change. I bought it at the shop that we frequented in the past. The new shops are not able to create the same taste.¡±

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes. A year had passed. Other than growing older, Qiao Zijin had be smarter.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin was very radical and annoying.

    Right now, Qiao Zijin had turned to use the soft approach. Hehehe...

    Qiao Nan took some cookies and ced them on the side table so that Qiao Zijin would not keep urging her to have more of the cookies. Qiao Zijin was so eagerly attentive that she might feed her with the cookies if she did not eat them.

    Qiao Nan was ¡®amazed¡¯ that Qiao Zijin had made huge improvements, while Qiao Zijin was thinking to herself that Qiao Nan was too hard to please. She had a nasty temper.

    They were one family. If they treated her nicely in front of Zhai Sheng, it was being considerate of Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings.

    It was good for the two parties. Why did Qiao Nan insist on giving her the cold shoulder?

    If Qiao Nan continued to be at loggerheads with her parents, wasn¡¯t she worried that the Zhai family would look down on her?

    It was good to be confident, but if one was overly confident, one would fail in the end. ¡°Nan Nan, why didn¡¯t you try the cookies? Give it a try. Is it the same taste as before? I specifically checked that it is the same person from seven to eight years ago who made the cookies.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°It is the Lunar New Year. There is no way that one will go hungry. I am too full right now. I will have it when I am hungry and reminisce about the past.¡±

    The cookies on the tables were not Qiao Nan¡¯s favorite snacks. They were merely cookies that she used to anticipate every Lunar New Year.

    Back then, Qiao Nan never had the chance to have any good food at home. Qiao Nan was not allowed to have meat at home. This was the case for the expensive new year cookies as well.

    Qiao Zijin had the wrong impression that the snacks were Qiao Nan¡¯s favorite food.

    Like all other children, Qiao Nan was just an ordinary kid. During the Lunar New Year, children looked forward to having food that they could not have in normal days. To Qiao Nan, she did not like the cookies. Instead, it was the mother¡¯s love that she had been looking forward to but was not able to receive. She hoped that her mother would have a look at her and realize that she was a well-behaved child.

    The so-called favorite childhood time and childhood memories only reminded her of her unhappy childhood.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Have them when you are hungry.¡± Qiao Dongliang believed every word that Qiao Nan said. ¡°The triplets should be four months old, right?¡± Qiao Dongliang changed the topic. Actually, he wanted to ask how the triplets looked like and whether they were healthy.

    Zhai Sheng took out a photo from his wallet and passed it to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°This was taken before the triplets turned four months. Nan Nan brought them to the photo studio to take photos. They have grown since they took the photo, but there isn¡¯t much difference. The triplets don¡¯t like to take photos. This is the only photo that we have.¡±

    Of course, the triplets took more than one photo, but this was the only photo that the Zhai family was willing to give Qiao Dongliang.

    Zhai Hua loved the triplets and she would spend her every day with them.

    In order to make a record of their growing up process as well as to take down their adorable looks, Zhai Hua, the toughdy who was the least bit interested in photography, spent a bomb on a good camera. Because of this, she was scolded by Qiao Nan for being a spendthrift.

    The triplets were only four months old, but they already had many photo albums at home.

    Qiao Dongliang gazed at the photo that Zhai Sheng passed to him. He treated the photo with care and caressed the triplets who were smiling in the photo. His frown eased, and he had an affectionate smile on his face as he gazed at the photo. ¡°The triplets are so adorable. They look exactly the same like Nan Nan when she was still a baby. All of them are so lovely and cute. Is this San Bao?¡±

    The triplets looked beautiful and smart. Qiao Dongliang praised them as they were his maternal grandchildren and they had a strong resemnce to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang was able to tell right away which one was San Bao.

    San Bao had the best features among the triplets and the strongest resemnce to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang noticed that San Bao looked very much like his younger daughter. Therefore, he was certain that the baby must be San Bao, the only girl among the triplets.

 Chapter 1225 - â€˜Baby Brainâ€™ Effec

    <h4>Chapter 1225 ¡®Baby Brain¡¯ Effec</h4>

    ¡°Yes. This is San Bao. We have decided on the names for the triplets. Da Bao is called Zhai Yi, Er Bao is Zhai Xin, and San Bao is Zhai Yu. My master helped think of the name for San Bao. My inws feel that it is a good name. We have submitted their names.¡±

    Once they hade up with the names, they would be able to record and register the babies under their household register and they would be oneplete family. Nobody could gossip about the triplets¡¯ legitimacy or hurt them with their nasty remarks.

    Zhai Sheng spent more time in the army than at home. ording to deduction, Qiao Nan was pregnant when they were still in Ping Cheng.

    Furthermore, the triplets were born prematurely.

    They could not stop other people from spreading rumors that were harmful to Qiao Nan and the triplets.

    Her babies were so young and they did not understand anything, yet they were already being spected and maligned by other people. As their mother, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for them. She wished that she could single out everyone who spread rumors and give them a harsh beating.

    Thankfully, they had decided upon the names for the triplets. Now that the triplets were registered under the same household register as her, Qiao Nan, who was unsettled, finally set her heart at rest.

    Qiao Nan could not hide the happiness in her voice when she told Qiao Dongliang about adding the triplets to her household register. She was thrilled to tell her parents that the triplets were registered under the Zhai family¡¯s household register.

    In the future, no one would be able to gossip about the triplets¡¯ legitimacy anymore.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s warning was not meant for Qiao Dongliang. It was directed at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin smiled naturally, as if she could not tell that Qiao Nan was giving her a warning. ¡°Is that so? That is great! The triplets have great names. Nan Nan, when I get married in the future and have children, I will have to seek your advice on the babies¡¯ names. You must help me.¡±

    Qiao Nan sipped the tea and smiled. ¡°Well... I didn¡¯te up with the names for the triplets. Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s names were given by the old master and my father-inw. They discussed for a long time before they reached a decision. San Bao¡¯s name was given by my master. He thought of it in no time and gave a very good name to her. San Bao seems to like the name. Therefore, I don¡¯t want to be the bad person, and so we continue to use the name. Dad, the photo...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely keep them nicely with me.¡± Qiao Dongliang cherished the photo that he had with him. He looked at it endearingly. One look at the triplets in the photo and he could tell that they were siblings. They had the simr features.

    They were his grandchildren. They had great looks. One look and he could tell that they were brilliant and smart. When they grew up and went to school, they would definitely be like Nan Nan, scoring good results in exams.

    They had such an outstanding mother and would be just as remarkable.

    Qiao Dongliang took out his wallet and put the photo of the triplets carefully into the wallet. He was very careful with it, fearful that the wallet might leave creases on the photo or make scratches on the triplets¡¯ faces.

    The photo was meant to be put in the wallet. It fitted just nice into Zhai Sheng¡¯s wallet. Therefore, there was no need to trim it to the correct size to put into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wallet.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled when he fitted the photo nicely into his wallet. He no longer put his wallet inside the pants pocket. Instead, he put them into his shirt pocket, the spot closest to his heart.

    One could tell from his action that Qiao Dongliang really liked his grandchildren.

    Looking at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan did not know what to say. They did not know if they should sympathize with him or feel sorry for him.

    One that was pitiful must have a hateful story. The words of our forefathers were never lies.

    Qiao Nan could not help but sigh. She could only say that her father brought it upon himself. He had no one to me.

    ¡°Old Qiao, how many dishes do you intend to prepare today?¡± Ding Jiayi, who had made a detailed count of Zhai Sheng¡¯s presents, came out with a satisfied look on her face. She had a more sincere smile than before.

    She thought that the wretched girl would be stubborn and would not show respect for her feelings. She was reluctant to visit them and she would not bring any expensive presents with her. The presents that she prepared for them must be miserly and only to keep up the appearance.

    Who would have known that...

    That wretched girl was smart.

    If the wretched girl had to save on the presents that she brought to her parents¡¯ home, she was certain that the wretched girl did not have a good life in the Zhai family.

    ¡°I have bought the ingredients. I can start to fry the dishes. Nan Nan, are you hungry? Shall I fry the dishes now?¡± Qiao Dongliang made his decisions based on Qiao Nan¡¯s preferences.

    Qiao Nan leaned against Zhai Sheng. ¡°Dad, there is no hurry. I just came back from the capital, and I feel slightly giddy. I am not hungry at the moment.¡±

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten for the entire day. You have to eat something. Besides, you have to take care of the triplets when you go back. No matter how sick you are, you still have to eat something to replenish the body. If you are really tired, we can go back after the meal and you can have an early rest.¡±

    If Qiao Dongliang did not start preparing the dishes, when would they have the meal with the Qiao family?

    If they had an early meal, he and Nan Nan would havepleted their mission here and they could go back home where they could feel at ease.

    They were being very amodating, as they wanted to leave as soon as possible.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. This was what people meant by the ¡®baby brain¡¯ effect.

    She felt ufortable at her parents¡¯ home. She had no appetite and was unwilling to have a meal with them. However, she had said something that was very foolish and pretentious.

    Since she had to have a meal with them, it was better to have it earlier and finish it as soon as possible.

    She only intended to have a meal at the Qiao family, and then she would return to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to rest. Before she left for the capital the next morning, she would say her goodbye to the Qiao family. Thereafter, she would take the ne back to the capital with Brother Zhai. They had already made all the arrangements.

    After all, the triplets were young and they needed their mother to take care of them.

    Moreover, she was not on good terms with her parents and sister. It was the only way to say that she needed to go back earlier to take care of her children.

    Once they knew that she had to take care of her children and had to leave as early as possible, no one would be able to say anything. It would also not look bad on the Zhai family or affect their reputation.

    ¡°Nan Nan, Zhai Sheng is right. The triplets are young. You have to take care of yourself so that you can look after them.¡±

 Chapter 1226 - Inexperienced

    <h4>1226 Inexperienced</h4>

    Qiao Nan realized her error and had yet to say anything when Qiao Dongliang interrupted to support Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan seized the opportunity. ¡°Alright, Dad. Since you and Brother Zhai said so, you can start frying the dishes. I will have some food. I will have an early rest after the meal. Perhaps after I rest well today, I will feel recharged tomorrow. By the time I go back to the capital, I will be able to take care of the triplets.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s smile stiffened. ¡°Sure, I will start to fry some dishes.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked deste and lonely from the back.

    Qiao Zijin, who sat by the side, was smiling to herself in her head. Her father deserved to be treated in this way. It was his fault that he sided with Qiao Nan previously as if Qiao Nan was his only daughter while treating her as if she was not his biological daughter.

    Her father gave his everything to Qiao Nan, but when she married well in the end, she turned her back on him.

    Qiao Zijin felt that it served him right to be so heart-stricken!

    Ding Jiayi looked rxed and she began to engage in a conversation with Qiao Nan. ¡°Since the two of you came all the way from the capital, aren¡¯t you going to stay for a few more days? Do you have to go back to the capital tomorrow? You grew up in Ping Cheng. You must have many friends here. It is the Lunar New Year. It would be nice to gather and have a good chat, catching up with each other. Son-inw, although your family has moved to the capital, you must not forget about your rtives in Ping Cheng. Since you are back, you should pay them a visit. Otherwise, if they know that you are back with your wife but you did not visit them, they will make nasty remarks about you.¡±

    Since she was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan visited their rtives, they could bring her along with them. She could get to know Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtives then.

    If there was a day where the Qiao family encountered trouble and Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng could not render help in time, she could seek help from these rtives.

    Qiao Nan massaged her forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t feel well. Brother Zhai, I will lean against you and take a nap.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan by the shoulder so that she could lean morefortably against him. The couple had the tacit understanding to ignore Ding Jiayi¡¯s suggestion and chose not to answer her.

    Ding Jiayi was a troublemaker. They must steer clear of her.

    Qiao Nan closed her eyes, leaning against Zhai Sheng, hinting to Ding Jiayi that she would not cooperate with her. There was nothing that Ding Jiayi could do with her. As for Zhai Sheng, who sat next to Qiao Nan and was wide awake, Ding Jiayi smiled guiltily at him. She dared not engage in a conversation with him.

    Ding Jiayi was only capable of losing her temper and taking advantage of Qiao Nan, her daughter. She was very timid in front of outsiders. Even if Zhai Sheng was her son-inw, she dared not make any requests of him.

    The three of them sat quietly in the living room while Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin busied themselves in the kitchen.

    The Qiao family was the first family to prepare their meals among all the families in the quad in Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan took a long nap. She only woke up when Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin came out with the dishes.

    Qiao Nan had made known that she was unwell and had no appetite. She even took a nap and refused to talk to Ding Jiayi. Even if Ding Jiayi knew that she must be pretending, she could say nothing about it. If she said the wrong word, they might not have the meal at all.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan had lived together for a couple of years. He knew Qiao Nan¡¯s eating habits. ¡°Nan Nan, many of the dishes are spicy. Try them and let me know if the taste is still the same as how I used to prepare in the past. Zhai Sheng, I remember you used to have the same food as us when you came to our house. You should be able to take spicy food, right?¡±

    People would usually have a feast during the Lunar New Year.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan could take spicy food while Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin disliked spicy food.

    Qiao Zijin no longer put up a strong front. When they were in the kitchen, she told Qiao Dongliang of her eating preferences so that he would prepare some non-spicy dishes for her and her mother.

    Since Qiao Zijin was well-behaved and Ding Jiayi did not stir up any trouble, Qiao Dongliang felt that her request was reasonable. Therefore, he prepared more dishes to cater to their taste. That was why the table was filled with so much food.

    Qiao Dongliang used chopsticks to take Qiao Nan¡¯s favorite dishes and put them into a bowl. ¡°Nan Nan, have more of the food. It¡¯s alright if you have less rice. You can have more of the dishes. The dishes are nutritious. Have more of them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡± Qiao Nan felt slightly better andforted at Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had taken a lot of food for her, Qiao Nan finally had some appetite and began to dig in.

    Qiao Nan put down her chopsticks when she had taken enough food. ¡°Dad, I am full.¡±

    Since Qiao Nan wanted to wean the triplets off breast milk, there was no need for her to have countless bowls of nutritious, oily, and unbearable tonic soups.

    Qiao Nan would take three meals a day as per normal.

    Qiao Dongliang was d that his daughter had eaten her fill. However, he noticed that Qiao Nan only had the non-spicy dishes that he prepared specially for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. He was puzzled. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t you like spicy food anymore?¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°The triplets are four months old and I have not weaned them off breast milkpletely. I cannot have anything too spicy and savory.¡±

    Besides spicy food, if the food was too salty, Qiao Nan had to rinse the food with water before she ate them.

    Otherwise, she might be able to satisfy her pte, but the triplets would have a stomachache when they drank her milk.

    ¡°I-is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliang had zero experience in this. He looked at Ding Jiayi with a puzzled look.

    Ding Jiayi nodded. ¡°The kids nowadays are very delicate. The mother has to be very careful. The times have changed. People would pay particr attention to this.¡± Ding Jiayi had a slight knowledge of this.

    However, Ding Jiayi felt particrly displeased that Qiao Nan paid attention to this matter.

    She felt that Qiao Nan must be showing off to her when she brought up this topic.

    She was strong-headed and kept scolding Qiao Nan because she was not a boy, but a girl. Her mother mocked her and cursed her not to have any sons in her life, saying that she would not have any sons to attend her funeral upon her death.

    She did not have any sons, but Qiao Nan was better than her. Not only did she have sons, but she also had two sons in one go.

    She had two children, but none of them was a son. Moreover, Old Qiao had to leave the army as they had more than one child.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan had three children. She had more children than her, and she had all of them in a single pregnancy. It did not affect Zhai Sheng¡¯s development in the army.

 Chapter 1227 - Continue to Put On the Ac

    <h4>Chapter 1227 Continue to Put On the Ac</h4>

    Both had given birth to children. However, the oue of Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy was theplete opposite of hers.

    Her man lost his career after she gave birth. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng was motivated to strive for further progress after Qiao Nan gave birth.

    Without the need for Qiao Nan to speak much, Ding Jiayi¡¯s liver was filled with anger because of this difference. Her adrenaline was madly rushing and she looked like she going to bristle with rage.

    ¡°Mom, have some meat.¡± Before Ding Jiayi could speak any awful words, Qiao Zijin picked up a piece of meat with her chopsticks and ced it into Ding Jiayi¡¯s bowl. She even held on to Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand. ¡°Mom, have more food. Right, didn¡¯t you tell mest time that you¡¯re worried about Nan Nan? She is a first-time mother and thus inexperienced and ignorant about many situations. You said that you wanted to have a good chat with Nan Nan, no? I have seen the photo in Dad¡¯s wallet earlier. The three children are extremely good-looking. Next time, we can visit them when we have the chance.¡±

    After Qiao Zijin tugged at her, Ding Jiayi¡¯s anguish turned into a dud. She said with false concern, ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? I am just worried that my experience is outdated and not suitable for raising kids nowadays. Nan Nan, if you¡¯re willing to, listen to my words. If you¡¯re not, just take it that I¡¯m singing. I am the maternal grandmother of the three children but I don¡¯t have much money and can¡¯t buy anything presentable for them. At the very least, I can share with you my experience as a mother. Take it that it¡¯s the thought that counts.¡±

    Ding Jiayi could choose whether to listen to Qiao Dongliang but she had to listen to Qiao Zijin.

    After all, she was still counting on Qiao Zijin to support her financially when she was old. If she angered Qiao Zijin and her elder daughter refused to support her when she was old, she would have to be subservient to the annoying wretched girl.

    Although there was only one in a million chance of this happening, Ding Jiayi also had to find ways to avoid this kind of situation.

    Even if Qiao Nan was a thousand or ten thousand times more sessful than Qiao Zijin and could provide her with a morefortable life, Ding Jiayi would rather choose the useless Qiao Zijin to support her financially. Unless she had absolutely no choice, she would rather take meat from Qiao Zijin than to take birds¡¯ nest from Qiao Nan.

    There was no need to question her why. It was purely that ghost in Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ying tricks on her. She was obsessed.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s cooperation made Qiao Zijin look more at ease. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t mind Mom¡¯s words. All of us know Mom¡¯s temper. Compared tost time, she¡¯s much better now. Mom was right in something. It¡¯s the thought that counts. There¡¯s nothing more precious than well-meaning thoughts in this world.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan was so terrible in the past. Today, Ding Jiayi¡¯s manner of speech and attitude was not that good but it had improved tremendously.

    She did not expect Qiao Nan to appreciate or gratefully ept such a change in Ding Jiayi.

    At the very least, Ding Jiayi was working hard to change herself, yet Qiao Nan was still a stick in the mud, living in the past and refusing toe out of her shell. She continued to treat them as enemies. This was not something that Qiao Zijin wished for.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Qiao Nanughed. She neither agreed nor disagreed. ¡°Brother Zhai, I am feeling tired.¡±

    Upon receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s hint, Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, most likely, Nan Nan has caught a little cold. I¡¯ll bring her back to take some cold medicine first.¡±

    The smile on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face faded, and his eyes were filled with hurt. ¡°Okay, alright. Bring Nan Nan home to have a good rest then. Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan is unwell now. I can only rely on you to take good care of her.¡±

    Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan as they stood up. ¡°Sure. Before we return to the capital tomorrow, Nan Nan and I wille to visit you again. Dad, Nan Nan and I will make a move first.¡± After informing the necessary, Zhai Sheng only gave a nod to Ding Jiayi, this mother-inw, before the couple simply left.

    Zhai Sheng, the one with the highest ¡®altitude¡¯ in the house, stood up and was leaving. Who would dare to stop him? Who could do so?

    She had already tried her best to specially gain the favors of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng but they refused to give her any face. Instantly, Ding Jiayi pulled a long face. Qiao Zijin pursed the corners of her lips. She forced a smile by curling up the drooping corners of her mouth. Hence, she was smiling as she sent the couple off with her eyes when Zhai Sheng led Qiao Nan out of the house.

    The moment the door was closed behind them, Qiao Zijin looked at Qiao Dongliang coldly. Her eyes were filled with sarcasm, seemingly saying ¡®You¡¯re so good to Qiao Nan. Look. Qiao Nan treats you, this father, in this way¡¯.

    Qiao Nan, who looked listless in the Qiao family¡¯s residence, reverted to her energetic and lively self once she stepped out of the doors. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what the point of continuing with such a family is.¡±

    She had lived in the small courtyard of the Qiao family for two lifetimes. Qiao Nan could tell clearly what was happening in the house just with one nce.

    Her father had returned to the small courtyard of the Qiao family to stay. However, like in the past, he did not sleep on the same bed as Ding Jiayi. They were still in a ¡®separation mode¡¯.

    As for Qiao Zijin...

    True enough, Qiao Zijin was still Qiao Zijin. Although the situation was different, Qiao Zijin¡¯s nature did not change at all. She had changed to someone who knew how to hide their true feelings better. She had be more realistic and sinister.

    ¡°You have to put on a better act.¡± Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan without any reservation and let Qiao Nan lean on to him as they walked. ¡°Many people are secretly watching us.¡±

    The younger daughter of the Qiao family brought her wealthy husband home to visit rtives. This was big news in the quad.

    Everyone was quite curious about Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Ding Jiayi, such a sinful mother. It was seldom¡ªonly once in a year¡ªthat she came home. However, the time spent in the small courtyard of the Qiao family did not exceed two hours. Given this duration, what would the people in the quad think?

    Fine.

    Qiao Nan gave in and leaned onto Zhai Sheng, allowing thetter to hold onto her as they left.

    The small courtyard of the Qiao family was not big. There were only a few bedrooms. Qiao Nan looked as if she was feeling very unwell. They had to return to the house of the Zhai family as the small courtyard of the Qiao family did not have a suitable bedroom for both Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng to rest.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng bringing Qiao Nan out of the house early was an eptable exnation to others.

    The owners of the Zhai family¡¯s residence in Ping Cheng had been away for almost a year. Although someone would clean up the ce asionally, the already once not-so-lively Zhai family¡¯s residence felt even more isted now.

    Thankfully, the quad was filled with the presence of many others. At the sight of the situation, an extremely funny thought came to Qiao Nan¡¯s mind: After some time, the house of the Zhai family might be a haunted mansion if it continued to be so deserted.

    ¡°We don¡¯tck nkets or anything in the house. They should have been dried in the sun before the Lunar New Year. It¡¯s not moist and still quitefortable to sleep with.¡± Qiao Nan might have been affected by her mood. She really did feel a little unwell. Zhai Sheng asked Qiao Nan to sit down and rest. He used his fastest speed and the most effective way to prepare the bed while waiting for the water to boil so that Qiao Nan could lie down on it to rest.

    Upon touching the warm bed, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Let me make a call home. Don¡¯t know if the triplets had thrown any tantrums or kicked up any fuss.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took out the clothes said calmly, ¡°Make the call then.¡±

 Chapter 1228 - To Dine with Mamaâ€™s Photograph

    <h4>1228 To Dine with Mama¡¯s Photograph</h4>

    Without this phone call, they would certainly feel so upset that they would not be able to sleep tonight. Zhai Sheng even took the initiative to dial the number for Qiao Nan. ¡°Turn on the speaker.¡± His mother would definitely get the triplets to speak on the phone.

    They were only away from home for less than a day. However, Qiao Nan, this mother, was not the only one who missed the triplets. As the biological father, Zhai Sheng also missed the three chubby babies in the Zhai¡¯s residence.

    Miao Jing picked up the call as soon as Zhai Sheng made it. ¡°You have finally called home.¡± In the past, the triplets slept a lot when Nan Nan was at home every day. Miao Jing did not feel very different. Nan Nan was not home the entire day today and was not evening back tonight. After some time, she felt that things were different.

    The four-month-old triplets were awake for longer hours than before. Not seeing their biological mother for a long time, they had been kicking up a great fuss and crying loudly. They could not be appeased no matter what.

    Initially, Miao Jing thought that the triplets would fall asleep after their energies were drained from all the crying.

    However, the triplets had been awake for so long. Seeing them cry in this manner, Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached. The triplets¡¯ tiny faces turned red due to crying. Miao Jing was very anxious and upset. ¡°You will definitelye home tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡°The triplets are crying?¡± She could hear the sounds of children crying from the other end of the phone. As the biological mother, she could tell whose families¡¯ babies were crying. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you turn on the speaker? In this way, the triplets can hear my voice too. Let me try to coax them?¡±

    She could tell from Miao Jing¡¯s tone that thetter was quite anxious. Qiao Nan guessed that the triplets must have been crying for some time. The triplets were still young and could only use crying tomunicate whenever they were hungry or had peed. The Zhai family members had long been used to their cries. Her mother-inw would not feel so nervous about them.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing wiped the sweat on her forehead and turned on the speaker. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, listen. Is that your mom¡¯s voice?¡±

    ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, did you take your meals obediently? Did you listen to grandma?¡± Qiao Nan held onto the phone as she quickly spoke.

    The triplets found Qiao Nan¡¯s voice familiar. After hearing it, they turned their heads, looking around for their mama.

    ¡°They finally stop crying.¡± Miao Jing let out a sigh of relief. ¡°However, the triplets are turning their necks and looking for you. What should we do next?¡±

    Miao Jing really did not have other ways. She could only ask Qiao Nan for a suggestion.

    After thinking, Qiao Nan said, ¡°Mom, do you think we can ce one of my photographs by the triplets¡¯ side? Do you think they will remember my face? This won¡¯t do. This method most probably won¡¯t work.¡± They were just four months old. At this age, they were still mainly relying on their sense of smell to identify people.

    ¡°Heck. I¡¯ll try first.¡± Miao Jing was making a Hail Mary effort. She would give it a try first.

    Qiao Nan did not have many photographs. However, she and Zhai Sheng took a set of wedding photos before their marriage. Both were people who liked convenience. As such, they had taken more photographs with negatives. The photography studio would let their customers pick and choose until they met the minimum quantity of photographs. The customers could pick more if they had more photographs that they liked. Anyway, the customers would have to pay for them.

    The photography studio was good at their work. Be it the wedding or the daily life series, the couple looked verypatible in the photographs.

    As such, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan developed more photographs than required.

    At this moment, the triplets were throwing tantrums. At least, Qiao Nan still had some individual photos that could be used to try appeasing the triplets.

    Miao Jing generously took out three photographs. She was not biased, and each child would have one each.

    At the sound of their mama¡¯s voice, the triplets were not crying as badly as before. Miao Jing first ced the photograph before the triplets. The triplet¡¯s eyeballs swirled, and they stared at the woman in the photograph. Finally, the sounds of their criespletely disappeared.

    The triplets, who were not crying, even opened their tiny mouths slightly, looking like they were about to smile.

    The chubby, round, and stout little hands reached out as they tried to grab their mama¡¯s photographs.

    ¡°The three ancestors finally stop kicking a fuss.¡± One by one, the Zhai family members, who had already been tortured until the men and horses were thrown off their feet, heaved out sighs of relief.

    Zhai Hua, who was still a little angry, held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s photograph and patted gently on Er Bao¡¯s nose. ¡°These three heartless little baddies, during the two months when your mom was studying, your grandma and I took care of you. Once your biological mother is not by your side, you have no qualms about torturing us and insist on seeing your biological mother¡¯s photograph before you finally stop crying. Little heartless ones!¡±

    They had not heard before that four-month-old children would begin to recognize people.

    They felt that their family¡¯s triplets were too smart and entric. Nevertheless, Zhai Hua knew that, thankfully, they could appease the triplets now as they were still young.

    When they were older and understood the difference between the photograph and the real person, what should she do when Qiao Nan was not around again? If she could not appease the triplets with Qiao Nan¡¯s photograph, was she supposed to transform into the triplets¡¯ mother then?

    ¡°Be good, triplets. Have your meal.¡± After wiping the sweat on her face, Miao Jing took out three milk bottles for the triplets.

    After crying for so long, the adults were tired, and the babies were even more tired and hungry. They held onto the milk bottles and deliciously suckled the teats. Their half-closed eyes were still looking at their mama¡¯s photographs from time to time.

    Looking at the triplets¡¯ expressions, Zhai Hua was both angry and amused. ¡°Since when did Qiao Nan¡¯s photograph be a dish that goes so well with the staple?¡±

    Given the triplet¡¯s behavior, she suspected whether the milk in the triplets¡¯ mouth would taste better each time they looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s photograph. The effect was so powerful.

    After knowing that the triplets had been appeased, Qiao Nan revealed a smile. ¡°After throwing tantrums for so long, the triplets will definitely feel tired after finishing their milk. After they are coaxed to sleep, they will probably sleep for a longer time. Brother Zhai and I will be back tomorrow. We will try to be home before the triplets kick up another fuss.¡±

    There was no ce more rxed andfortable than at home.

    The triplets missed her, and she missed them too.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing was overjoyed. The triplets had created such a din. Miao Jing could not wait for her son and daughter-inw to install wings and fly home immediately, let alone tomorrow.

    However, her son brought her daughter-inw back to her maternal family in Ping Cheng to visit rtives. She had to give the two children one night to stay in Ping Cheng and provide an exnation to the Qiao family. ¡°Try toe back as early as possible tomorrow. I feel that the triplets will definitely be harder to coax tomorrow.¡± All these three children were mama¡¯s boys and girl.

    ¡°Okay, Mom. I won¡¯t disturb you then, in case our noise distracts the triplets from sleeping. Besides, the triplets threw tantrums when I am away today. It must have been tough on all of you.¡± Qiao Nan felt very embarrassed. The triplets had really given the inws a lot of trouble with their tantrums today.

    Miao Jing felt consoled as she smiled. ¡°What are you talking about? The triplets are my biological grandchildren. For their sake, it¡¯s worth it no matter how tough it is.¡±

 Chapter 1229 - Come and â€˜Have Funâ€™ When You Are Available

    <h4>Chapter 1229 Come and ¡®Have Fun¡¯ When You Are Avable</h4>

    ¡°Alright, youing back early is better than a hundred words.¡±

    She could barely manage this urrence. Putting aside whether she could manage the situation, given the way her three grandchildren were crying, she would definitely die of heartache first if this were to happen a few more times.

    ¡°Goodnight, Mom.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s voice was getting softer and softer. It was not because of other reasons. The triplets, who had almost finished their milk, were starting to close their eyes. Their eyelids were drooping. As long as someone gently patted them a few more times, the triplets would fall asleep within seconds.

    Being able to fall asleep within seconds was an advantage of being a child, wasn¡¯t it?

    Upon hearing her mother-inw¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan knew that the triplets were dozing off.

    There was no better news than the triplets falling asleep. After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nany on the bed, finally feeling assured.

    Now that her mood had improved, Qiao Nan felt better physically too. It was unlike earlier when she felt really unwell. After yawning, she started to close her eyes, wanting to go to sleep.

    However, when the other person beside hery on the bed, Qiao Nan could not sleep even if she wanted to.

    The hard and steel-like arms on her waist made Qiao Nan feel suffocated and ufortable. Qiao Nan moved, wanting to move away. ¡°Don¡¯te so close to me. This is a 1.8-meter-long bed. Are you prepared to leave half of the bed empty?¡±

    In the early 2000s, huge beds that were 1.8 meters long were notmon. A bed that was 1.5 meters long was already considered very big.

    Brother Zhai had long limbs. As such, he could not sleepfortably on beds that were less than 1.8 meters long. The problem was... it was a waste not to effectively utilize the space of such a huge bed.

    Unknowingly, Zhai Sheng had developed the habit of remaining naked after bathing. He always got under the nket without wearing any clothes. He would then hug Qiao Nan as soon as he got into the bed.

    They were a family and should have the same thoughts and actions. He was naked. Hence, Zhai Sheng refused to let Qiao Nan wear any clothes.

    When Qiao Nan started talking, Zhai Sheng was already undressing Qiao Nan in an agile manner. Qiao Nan was already half-naked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This is such a huge bed. I will definitely ¡®make good use¡¯ of it and ¡®sleep¡¯ well.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s breath by her ears felt both wet and hot.

    They had already given birth to three children. If Qiao Nan did not know what Zhai Sheng was thinking of at this moment, this was no longer the baby brain effect. That would mean that she had lost all of her intelligence with childbirth.

    Qiao Nan blushed. She twisted and resisted in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms like a fish, refusing to concede defeat and cooperate. ¡°You did not even ask me about Da Bao and the children¡¯s situation. You¡¯re the biological father. The triplets cried so badly and everyone¡¯s heart, including mine, ached for them. As the father, how could you not have any reaction at all?¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who hugged Qiao Nan from behind, revealed his white teeth as he bit the soft and tender flesh on Qiao Nan¡¯s earlobe. ¡°Judging from how you look, how can I not know that the triplets have already been appeased? If I couldn¡¯t even tell this, how could I be a soldier? Am I still considered a husband? How could I be the triplets¡¯ father then?¡±

    In other words, given Qiao Nan¡¯s skills, Zhai Sheng could see through her at one nce. There was no need for him to ask.

    As for Qiao Nan¡¯s resistance and non-cooperation, Zhai Sheng had never taken them to heart. It was the same for today.

    They had been husband and wife for a year. Although they did not ¡®sleep¡¯ with each other very often, Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan very well. Qiao Nan¡¯s so-called resistance would always make his movements smoother so that they could ¡®sleep¡¯ better.

    When Qiao Nan was fully naked, like a sheep waiting to be ughtered and pitifully baaing, Zhai Sheng, this big wild wolf, opened his jaws, revealed his fangs, and devoured this little sheep without any reservation. There were not even any bones left.

    Great. Qiao Nan had wanted to make use of the opportunity to have a good rest tonight. When she returned to the capital the next day, she would make it up to the triplets then. She would keep thempany and make them happy.

    However, once Zhai Sheng, this big wild wolf, sprang into action, Qiao Nan did not manage to replenish her energy tonight. Instead, she felt more tired as she slept.

    Fortunately, they were taking a ne and could hire a car to send them to the airport. Otherwise, given Qiao Nan¡¯s wobbly limbs, it was a very difficult matter to be able to reach the airport.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what happened?¡± Qiao Dongliang was taken aback by Nan Nan¡¯s wobbly look. She was leaning on Zhai Sheng all the time and did not look good. She looked like she was in a slightly more serious condition than yesterday. ¡°Nan Nan is feeling so unwell?¡±

    Yesterday, he had felt quite upset that Nan Nan left early. He thought that Nan Nan med him and was thus unwilling to remain behind for a longer time.

    Unexpectedly, he was the one being paranoid. Nan Nan was really feeling unwell.

    Zhai Sheng, who was holding onto Qiao Nan, did not have the slightest look of guilt at all. He sounded bolder and more righteous than a typical person. ¡°Father-inw, don¡¯t worry. Nan Nan¡¯s health has always been good. She seldom catches a cold or has a fever. Most likely, the difference in weather is too great between Ping Cheng and the capital. Hence, Nan Nan can¡¯t get used to it immediately and feels a little unwell. She will recover very soon after resting more.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°I guess so. Actually, thest time Nan Nan came back from the capital, she was also a little unwell. Nan Nan is not feeling well, yet you are still going back?¡±

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°Yes, we have to go back. It won¡¯t do if we don¡¯t. Nan Nan was not at home yesterday and the triplets cried badly. Although Nan Nan has to go to school usually, she is very devoted when she takes care of the triplets. Hence, the children stick to her very much. If we don¡¯t go back today, my mom definitely won¡¯t be able to appease the triplets. Yesterday, my mom even called us and requested us toe back earlier. Their hearts ache when the triplets cry so badly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes... For the sake of the triplets, Nan Nan and you should go back.¡± It was all for the sake of the children. No matter how reluctant he was, he had to release his daughter. This was because his heart ached more for his three maternal grandchildren.

    After receiving the approval, Zhai Sheng¡¯s smile became even more natural. ¡°Father-inw, Nan Nan and I are leaving then. Right, when you have the time and opportunity,e to the capital. The triplets are still very young. They can¡¯t possibly follow us on a long trip for the time being. I don¡¯t think you just want to look at the triplets¡¯ photo, right? Come to the capital and see them, and let them get to know their maternal grandfather.¡±

    Right from the start, Zhai Sheng was only talking to Qiao Dongliang, this father-inw. As to Ding Jiayi, this mother-inw, she seemed to be transparent to Zhai Sheng. She had been totally ignored by him.

    Zhai Sheng already did not care about Ding Jiayi. Naturally, he would not bother about Qiao Zijin, this sister-inw. Most importantly, it was also an issue whether he took them for his mother-inw and sister-inw.

    After inviting Qiao Dongliang to the capital, Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan and left the small courtyard of the Qiao family. They got into a car and headed for the airport.

    ¡°Hmmph, what is this? He did not greet or acknowledge me at all. What terrible manners.¡±

 Chapter 1230 - Asking for I

    <h4>1230 Asking for I</h4>

    As she watched the car with Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan sped away, leaving nothing behind, Ding Jiayi spat in its direction and spoke with a tone full of aversion and disdain. ¡°If you refuse to greet me, so be it. I still have another daughter. Do Ick people calling me ¡®mom¡¯?¡±

    She did notck this greeting of ¡®mom¡¯. In the future, another man would address her as mother-inw. He would fawn on and be good and filial to her.

    Be it Qiao Nan, this daughter, or Zhai Sheng, this son-inw, she did not care for their existence. They could scram further away from her!

    Qiao Zijin held on to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom!¡± Did she not see that the neighbors nearby were still looking? ¡°Mom, follow me in. We¡¯re still outside. Don¡¯t do such embarrassing things. If you have anything to say, you can say as much as you like after we are back home.¡±

    As soon as the two returned to the house, Qiao Zijin could not help analyzing for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, why can¡¯t you learn to be good? Qiao Nan is different from us now. She has a different status. She has not only be Cindere but also received the affirmation of everyone in the Zhai family. After giving birth to three children, no one can rock her status in the Zhai family. If you fall out with her at this point, believe it or not, everyone in the quad will wait to watch a good show of you. Besides not being able to gain prestige and glory, you¡¯re as silly as a joke in the eyes of those people!¡±

    She finally had such a promising daughter but the motherpletely did not cherish her. Until now, she had not mended her rtionship with Qiao Nan and enjoyed the good fortune of having a son-inw like Zhai Sheng.

    She believed that many people in the quad were gloating at her mother because of this situation. They were happy to watch how her mother would court her own death.

    ¡°Can you me me? Am I the one who wishes to give these people a chance to watch a good show? It¡¯s all that wretched girl¡¯s fault! I don¡¯t know how much she has badmouthed me in front of Zhai Sheng such that the very polite Zhai Shengpletely disregards me, this mother-inw. Just wait and see. That wretched girl is so heartless. She dares to smear my name. I¡¯ll wait for the day of her retribution!¡± Ding Jiayi felt indignant. Even if this kind of situation urred, she was not the one to be med. It was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault.

    Qiao Zijin was having a headache. ¡°Now, the problem doesn¡¯t lie with who is in the wrong. Qiao Nan has be Cindere after marrying Zhai Sheng. This is a fact. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, we are still picking fights and losing our temper with Qiao Nan. To these people, we are bastards and fools that do not know to pick up the avable bargain. When we are basking in Qiao Nan¡¯s glory and receiving practical gains, these people will definitely be very jealous of us. Just wait and see.¡±

    Qiao Nan was her younger sister and her mother¡¯s biological daughter.

    In the past, she was worried that she had too few or no rtives. She could not even find or rely on anyone when her family encountered any problem.

    Qiao Nan was such a close next-of-kin. Qiao Nan married so well and her status was so high now. This was such a great resource, yet she and her mother¡¯s brains seemed to have been blocked by feces. They keptmitting foolish acts and being at odds with Qiao Nan. Were they not foolish?

    ¡°Forget it. Your attitude toward Qiao Nan is already cast in stone. It will not change. I won¡¯t waste my time and energy to persuade you. In the future, you can do whatever you like. I will definitely treat Qiao Nan differently from before.¡±

    As she said that, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyeballs swirled. She suddenly realized that her mother was still acting like a moron and targeting Qiao Nan like she did in the past. From another perspective, this might not necessarily be a bad thing. In fact, it might be a good matter.

    If her mother did not mend her old ways, her repentance, intelligence, and self-reflection would be more obvious then, no?

    ¡°This is a tough call. Mom, I have sorted out my thoughts. I won¡¯t persuade you anymore. You can do whatever you like. Take it that I am being filial to you. As long as you feel happy and carefree, that will do. If Qiao Nan and you really can¡¯t get along well, it¡¯s okay. There is still me. I will definitely do my best to give you a good life.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi heard this, she was overjoyed. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? I have more than one daughter. I still have you even if Qiao Nan is gone. I don¡¯t need many daughters. One is enough.¡± If she had known that this would be the case, she would not have given birth to a second child in the past and let Qiao Nan, this heartless wretched girl, turn against and drive her to the grave alive.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll get some water for you.¡± Qiao Zijin, who had different thoughts in mind, looked like she had the spring breeze and warm sun on her face. She was even humming a song.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had been sitting by the side and silently watching them, did not utter a word or interrupt the conversation. He suddenly stood up and headed toward his bedroom.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m getting some water for mom. Do you want some?¡± Since she was already getting some water, Qiao Zijin might as well take two cups. After appeasing Ding Jiayi, she wanted to conveniently establish her presence in front of her biological father.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was walking to the bedroom, halted his steps and said coldly, ¡°Not everyone has the good fortune to drink this cup of water from you. You can leave all of it for your mother.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s smile froze. ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this? It¡¯s just a cup of water. What has it got to do with good fortune? Dad, are you angry? Did I do anything wrong to annoy you?¡± Otherwise, why did her father¡¯s words sound so strange? It also felt very cold.

    Ding Jiayi had really been appeased by Qiao Zijin. She stood up and protected Qiao Zijin like an old hen. ¡°Don¡¯t bother about your dad. His temper has always been so stubborn. He is sick and suffers rpses from time to time. None of us has provoked him. Isn¡¯t it because his favorite daughter only came back for a meal and left immediately? That¡¯s why he¡¯s feeling upset and uneasy. He¡¯s venting it on us.¡±

    Qiao Zijin heaved a sigh of relief. Her eyes of acknowledgment expressed that shepletely agreed with these words of Ding Jiayi.

    When he heard Ding Jiayi say such words without knowing her limit, Qiao Dongliang was both angry and amused. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Ding Jiayi, this foolish woman, had taught Zijin to be like that. She not only did not know how to self-reflect but was also digging her own grave unconsciously. She was straying further and further away.

    His good intentions had been distorted. Qiao Dongliang was fuming with anger.

    However, Qiao Dongliang calmed himself down very soon. Actually, this was not considered a good intention. At most, he had seen through his elder daughter¡¯s true colors and understood the meaning in her words. He had guessed his elder daughter¡¯s n. As such, he was unhappy and reluctant to face this. He had wanted to distance himself. It was not because he wanted to use this behavior to remind Ding Jiayi.

    Once he had calmed down, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone reverted to its normal state. ¡°You can say whatever you like, as long as you¡¯re happy.¡± Most likely, Ding Jiayi could only feel happy for these two years.

    He was quite upset. Nan Nan finally came back once in a year but the father-daughter pair only had one meal together.

 Chapter 1231 - Too Many Instances of Crying Wolf

    1231 Too Many Instances of Crying Wolf

    The father and daughter had not managed to have a proper conversation and Nan Nan had to return to the capital. They might only be able to meet one yearter.

    Nan Nan was unlike Zijin. She was a kind and softhearted girl.

    He no longer cared and was unable to do anything about the kind of person that Zijin was or how she would turn out to be in the future.

    He was the least bit worried about his life after retirement. He knew that Nan Nan would take care of him.

    Once he was certain that he would be taken care of in his old age and did not need to worry about anything else, he would wash his hands off Ding Jiayi. He would not care if she did herself in. He would not be concerned about the Qiao Zijin¡¯s cold-hearted nature either.

    He would wash his hands off both of them. He had be a grandfather. It was considered good enough that he could lead a simple and smooth life.

    Qiao Zijin made use of her mother and harbored ill intentions toward her. She had no idea that her father who was the bystander could tell what was on her mind. Her father who came around and decided to stand on her side once again had made up his mind to give up on her this time.

    Qiao Zijin also did not know that Qiao Dongliang gave a call to Qiao Nan that afternoon. He knew that Qiao Nan must have reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence at the capital. ¡°Nan Nan, there is something that I have to tell you. But given how smart you are, you must already have this in mind. In the future, if anyone from the Qiao family looks for you, regardless of the reasons that she gives you, you can ignore her and refuse her requests.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s purpose in making the phone call was not to tell Qiao Nan what she should do if she received a call from Qiao Zijin and how she should react to her requests. Instead, he was telling her indirectly about his change in attitude toward Qiao Zijin.

    Previously, Qiao Dongliang wanted to look after Qiao Zijin and hoped that she would find her happiness. He wanted to help his daughter based on his own efforts.

    Now, he had decided to wash his hands off her, and he would not allow Qiao Zijin to take advantage of Qiao Nan.

    Since Qiao Zijin dared to make use of her mother and harbored ill intentions toward her, Qiao Dongliang wondered if there would be a day where she used it on him.

    It was better to spell things out so that they would not have any misunderstanding or cause any irreversible harm. This was also better for both parties.

    Qiao Nan, who was holding San Bao in her arms, was quite surprised at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    However, Qiao Nan did not feel or disy any signs of happiness.

    There had been too many instances where Qiao Dongliang cried wolf. Even though he sounded very determined today, Qiao Nan would not really believe his words or get emotional over his decision.

    She had no idea when her father would change his mind again. He might feel that Qiao Zijin was a good daughter and that he had to help her. ¡°Alright, Dad. I understand. Don¡¯t worry. I know what I should do.¡±

    Qiao Nan sounded very calm on the phone. It was as if they were discussing whether it would rain tomorrow. ¡°Dad, I am holding San Bao in my arms. San Bao still couldn¡¯t greet us. But she will make sounds. Listen to her...¡± Qiao Nan made use of San Bao to change the topic. She no longer wanted to talk about Qiao Zijin who would spoil her mood.

    ¡°Ah... Woo...¡± The little girl looked with curiosity as her mama spoke to the phone. She thought that her mama was talking to her. San Bao, who was cheeky, smiled a sunny smile, and her eyes turned into crescents. She opened and closed her mouth, as if answering her mama.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart melted at the small sounds made by San Bao. ¡°San Bao, this is maternal grandpa.¡±

    Qiao Nan took the phone back from San Bao after she made a few sounds into the phone. ¡°Dad, when the triplets start to speak, I will teach them to say maternal grandpa. By then, I will give you another call. Of course, if you have the time to make a trip to the capital for a few days, I will be more than wee.¡± She only weed her father. If Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin came as well, he must not me her for giving them the cold treatment.

    If her father could not understand her words and continued to be muddleheaded, she would not extend her invitation anymore.

    ¡°I... I understand.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt weary. Nan Nan said that she only weed him to the capital.

    In other words, if he brought someone else with him to the capital, Nan Nan would be displeased and she would not wee him. ¡°If I go to the capital, I will definitely go there alone. I want to travel by myself.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Dad. Remember toe.¡± It was good that he understood her meaning. Of course, if he could make good on his words, it would be all the better.

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan wanted to ce San Bao in the baby crib and carry Er Bao.

    San Bao, realizing that her mama was going to leave her in the baby crib, grabbed hold of her mama¡¯s cor with her chubby arms, refusing to let go. The little girl had a lot of strength and she was very overbearing.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pinched San Bao¡¯s nose when she realized that San Bao was grabbing at her cor. ¡°San Bao may miss mama, but Da Bao and Er Bao miss mama as well. San Bao must not be so mischievous. You must not keep bullying your brothers.¡±

    Qiao Nan reminded herself that she must treat the triplets equally. She must not allow her children to go through what she had experienced.

    The problem was Qiao Nan wanted to be fair to her children and change the order asionally when she carried or fed them. However, San Bao had a nasty temper and she was very anxious. She could not wait for her turn. San Bao made it such that she was not able to give the triplets fair treatment.

    Perhaps Da Bao and Er Bao knew that San Bao was the only and youngest sister. They would always give in to her.

    When San Bao threw tantrums and she held her in her arms, Da Bao and Er Bao would not join in to cry. Instead, they would quiet down. When she had pacified San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao would then make known that they wanted to be cuddled as well.

    San Bao felt satisfied that she got to cuddle in her mama¡¯s soft embrace. She closed her eyes, but she did not let go of her grip on her mama¡¯s clothes. She brushed her chubby cheeks against her mama¡¯s chest. She looked so adorable and endearing. Miao Jing and Zhai Hua, who watched by the side, only had eyes for her. ¡°She is indeed the only granddaughter in the family. It is alright for her to be delicate.¡±

    Other families hoped that they would have sons. But when it came to the Zhai family, it was the daughter who was favored.

    Qiao Nan gave a light smack on San Bao¡¯s bottom to punish her. She then looked at her mother-inw and sister-inw with a helpless look on her face. ¡°San Bao has a nasty temper. Don¡¯t say this in front of her. She is very smart. It is alright that she is delicate, but I fear that she will be ill-disciplined and out of control.¡±

    Qiao Nan had seen it for herself how the Zhai family pampered the babies. On top of that, the Zhu family, the Shi family, and particrly their grand master, who was a baller, doted on them as well.

    Qiao Nan had a headache at the thought of this.

    She was not exaggerating to say that the babies were the apple of the eye of all the families.

    It was good that her babies were doted on by the people around her. But it would spell trouble if they were ill-disciplined and out of control.

 Chapter 1232 - Spring Has Arrived

    <h4>1232 Spring Has Arrived</h4>

    Qiao Nan felt that in the family, Zhai Sheng and she were the only people who would be fierce to the triplets.

    San Bao, who was drooling in her mama¡¯s arms, did not know that her beloved mama had decided to be a strict mother to her in the future.

    On the third day since Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan returned to the capital, Zhu Baoguo came back with Shi Qing as well.

    To Qiao Nan¡¯s surprise, the two of them seemed to be somewhat different ever since their trip to Ping Cheng. Zhu Baoguo would steal nces at Shi Qing, while Shi Qing would blush from time to time and stare angrily at Zhu Baoguo before she turned and left.

    As soon as Shi Qing left in anger, Zhu Baoguo would definitely follow right after her. He would not stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence by himself.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath upon seeing this scene. ¡°Spring has arrived.¡±

    Babies would be able to lift their heads when they were three months old, turn when they were four months old, sit upright when they were sixth months old, roll about upon reaching seven months old, crawl starting their eighth month, support to stand when they were nine months old, and walk when they were one year old.

    Spring had arrived. Qiao Nan had to go back to school in a few days.

    Qiao Nan smiled as she touched the triplets¡¯ strong backs. ¡°In another half a month, they will be able to sit upright.¡± The triplets might seem light, but their bodies were firm and strong.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. They will start to walk in no time.¡± To Miao Jing, nothing was happier than watching the triplets grew up day by day, turning more and more adorable.

    The saying that grandparents doted on their grandchildren was very true.

    When Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were at a tender age, Miao Jing would go on business trips with Zhai Yaohui. She was not there for her children when they were at a tender age. But with the triplets around, Miao Jing would rather abandon her husband and spend all her time with her grandchildren.

    As the grandpa, Zhai Yaohui could not possibly be jealous of his grandchildren. Furthermore, now that there were three babies at home and his daughter-inw had to go back to school, even if Miao Jing did not bring it up, he felt that it would be better for his wife to stay at home.

    His daughter who was out of line was the only person at home. If anything happened to the triplets, she would not be able to decide by herself.

    Furthermore, although she seldom spent time at the camp, she still had to report to the camp.

    His daughter-inw had to go to school in the daytime while his daughter had to report to the camp from time to time. If his wife went on business trips with him, there would be no one left at home to take care of the triplets.

    Therefore, the Zhai family decided to share the workload.

    Qiao Nan gave the triplets each a kiss on their smooth cheeks. She noticed that they seemed to be in a good mood. She took her jacket and changed her shoes. ¡°Mom, thank you for helping me take care of the triplets. I only have lessons in the morning and will be back by noon.¡± Thankfully, the system in the college was so much different from those of junior high school and senior high school.

    It was not reallypulsory to attend all the lessons and many students skipped sses.

    The students had the freedom to arrange their own timetable.

    Otherwise, even if she worked very hard, there was no way for her to arrange her time and timetable such that she could take lessons and take care of the triplets.

    Qiao Nan had the busiest time of her life during the first few months when she just gave birth to the triplets.

    She was a mother of three and she had to learn how to be a mother and take care of her three children. In the meantime, she had to make sure that she did notg in her studies and caught up on the lessons that she had missed. There was not a single moment where she could sit back and rx.

    She had missed the lessons that were taught in the first half of the semester, but she was able to sit for the final term exams with the rest of the students at the end of the semester.

    Qiao Nan had to put in double the work and effort in order to catch up with her ssmates.

    Thankfully, she had made it through the difficult times.

    Qiao Nan sat for the exams for thepulsory subjects, and she also managed to catch up on her studies. She did notg far behind because of the triplets. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan was slightly displeased that although she had caught up with her studies, she was not able to do as well as she did in the past.

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year.¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year.¡±

    School had just reopened. Lunar New Year had just passed and the students would still say their greetings when they saw each other in school.

    Another year had passed. They had not seen each other for a month. The students now had thick winter clothing on them, but the smiles on their faces were as bright as the sun.

    ¡°Junior.¡± Xu Shengnan looked much more energetic after the new year. She gave Qiao Nan a passionate hug as soon as she saw her. ¡°A year has passed. Although I only have seven days of break, why is it that I have put on two and a half kilograms of weight, but you seem to have lost two and a half kilograms of weight?¡±

    In order to confirm her doubts, Xu Shengnan exerted strength in her arms and lifted Qiao Nan off the floor so that she could have a rough estimate of Qiao Nan¡¯s weight. ¡°You¡¯re definitely lighter thanst year. Qiao Nan, tell me, did someone stop you from feasting during the new year? Had I known that, I would have invited you to my house.¡±

    Xu Shengnan knew that Qiao Nan was engaged and that she stayed with her ¡®husband¡¯. People would usually put on weight after the new year, but Qiao Nan lost weight instead. Xu Shengnan had reasons to believe that Qiao Nan¡¯s parents did not stand on her side and she did not have a good life at her inws¡¯ house. Otherwise, why did Qiao Nan keep losing weight?

    Qiao Nan smiled and told Xu Shengnan to let go of her. ¡°Senior, thank you for your concern. But you don¡¯t have to worry for me. It is not that I did not have good food during the new year. It is just that I caught a cold. While other people were feasting, Iid in bed nursing the cold. I had no appetite. I did not lose weight. I just maintain the same weight. As for you, you have indeed put on weight.¡±

    Qiao Nan would not put on weight easily. No matter how much she ate, it would not show on her figure.

    Back when she was pregnant, if she did not have triplets, she would not have put on so much weight during her pregnancy.

    After she gave birth to triplets, she lost the weight quickly.

    The Zhai family prepared a lot of tonics and nutritious food for her. Qiao Nan had a lot of good food in order to provide the triplets with breast milk. In the end, all the nutritious food that she had ended up in her breast milk and was fed to the triplets. That was why they grew to be stronger and healthier.

    If she lost any weight, it must be that it was too tiring to take care of the triplets. This was why her face seemed to be smaller.

    ¡°I see.¡± Xu Shengnan believed her words. ¡°It is no wonder that you don¡¯t look good today. You seem pale to me. Have you recovered from the cold?¡± It was so hard on Qiao Nan. She fell sick during the new year and could not have any good food.

    Qiao Nan was surprised that Xu Shengnan believed her words easily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It is just a small cold. But you should know that, like the menses, one will take a long time to recover from the cold. I will just have to get used to it. I believe I will feel better in two days.¡±

 Chapter 1233 - Impressive Top Studen

    <h4>Chapter 1233 Impressive Top Studen</h4>

    ¡°By the way, Senior Xu, Happy Lunar New Year. How have you been?¡±

    From the way Senior Xu was dressed, could it be that she just returned to school today?

    Unlike her usual way of dressing where she did not put much focus on style and fashion, Xu Shengnan was dressed in a suit today. She seemed like an able and efficient officedy. She looked fantastic. ¡°You will graduate in six months. Have you settled everything?¡±

    Xu Shengnan would put on the graduation robe and graduate from college in summer. Qiao Nan sighed. Time flew by so fast.

    She remembered that when she signed up for the new English club out of convenience and joined the club, she was given a hard time by her senior.

    She never expected that the senior ended up rendering great help to her in school.

    She was able to have a good start in school because of Senior Xu, who took care of her. She had to take the biggest credit.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Thanks to you, I will have no problem finding a job. Senior Gao has just started this business, but I have confidence in Senior Gao and hispany. I believe we will catch up with the rest to be one of the establishedpanies in the industry.¡± Xu Shengnan smiled as she patted Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Come to think of it, I have to thank you for this. If not for you, I would not have such an opportunity.¡±

    Without Qiao Nan to pull strings, she might not be able to know Senior Gao and do an internship at hispany. She also would not have the chance to sign the contract with him even before she graduated from school.

    In a few months, she would be a regr employee at Senior Gao¡¯spany!

    Qiao Nan grinned. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. Senior, you achieved all this with your own efforts. Senior, I wish you a smooth career and that you will have a bright future.¡±

    Xu Shengnan had brilliant prospects. They had been friends and they would help each other in school. Qiao Nan was genuinely happy for Xu Shengnan. She was d that unlike other students, Xu Shengnan did not have to worry about finding a job once she graduated from college.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s smile deepened at Qiao Nan¡¯s sincere greetings. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t worry. You will have an equally good job as me in the future. I believe that as long as you are willing, we will not only be alumni. We might even be colleagues and we can continue to look after each other.¡±

    Qiao Nan had a better performance in school than her.

    Since she couldnd a position in thepany, if Qiao Nan was willing, she believed that Senior Gao would not reject a talent like her.

    Qiao Nan was overwhelmed with joy. ¡°I believe as long as I work hard, Gao Yan will definitely wee me into hispany. However, like you said, hispany is only starting up, and he may not need people like me. I do not major in economics or business management. I already have ns for my future.¡±

    After entering college, apart from studying hard, employment had be the most talked about topic of all students.

    Xu Shengnan pped her forehead. ¡°You are right. I worried too much. There is no need for me to worry about your future. By the way, do you mind if I ask you about something?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Your schrship for the previous semester...¡± There seemed to be some issues.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s stiffened. There was a flicker of disappointment and understanding in her eyes. She had missed her lessons for two months. It was considered good enough that she could pass the exams for all her subjects. ¡°You should know that I had some family mattersst semester and I applied for nearly two months of leave. I might be busier in the future. Now that I am in my second year, I no longer harbor hopes of getting the schrship.¡±

    Qiao Nan was able to sort out her thoughts and she did not allow herself to feel upset about the schrship.

    To her, the triplets were more important than schrship.

    Xu Shengnan knitted her brows. ¡°I believe you do not want to tell me why you took two months of leavest semester. If you did, you would have told me when we met each other in schoolst year. There is no need to be so forlorn. You look as if you did badly this time. Indeed, it cannot bepared to the results in the previous two semesters. Although you could not get the school-based schrship, you still managed to get the ordinary schrship. You are awarded the second-prize schrship.¡±

    It was definitely good to have as many schrships as possible in college.

    Xu Shengnan felt it a pity that Qiao Nan could not get another one or two school-based schrship. She had expected her to be awarded the schrship this semester. In the end, she was awarded the second-prize schrship. It might be difficult for her to get a school-based second-prize schrship.

    She had checked the results on behalf of Qiao Nan and found out that she was only awarded the second-prize schrship.

    If Qiao Nan was awarded the school-based schrship, she would have known when she checked with the school. After all, the name lists of the students who were awarded schrships would be released all at once. The school would not keep it from the students.

    ¡°Are you saying that I managed to get a second-prize schrship?¡±

    Qiao Nan eximed in surprise. ¡°Senior Xu, have you made a mistake, or did I hear it wrongly? I have not been to school for two months. It is a blessing if I am able to pass all the subjects. How could I possibly get a second-prize schrship?!¡±

    ¡°Yes. You have definitely gotten a second-prize schrship.¡± It was rare to see Qiao Nan be so excited and overjoyed. Xu Shengnan found it a joy to watch her. ¡°It is no wonder that you find it unbelievable. Perhaps other students are just as surprised. You should be thankful that you listened to me and joined the party in your first semester. As a party member, you have certain privileges.¡±

    Once she became a party member, Qiao Nan would have extra points for activities that were not studies-based.

    It was simr to the college entrance examination where every mark was very previous, and a single mark would make a lot of difference as to whether one would get a schrship and which prize it would be. Furthermore, there were not many students who were party members. Therefore, Qiao Nan would have a bigger advantage.

    ¡°As your senior, I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work. I believe you will be able to do it. Let¡¯s not care about the first or second-prize schrships. Work hard to be the student who is awarded the schrship every semester and be the impressive top student that everyone looks up to.¡±

    Xu Shengnan patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder. She sounded very confident, and it was because she believed in Qiao Nan.

    After chatting with Xu Shengnan and knowing beforehand how she did in her previous semester, Qiao Nan walked with light footsteps toward her ssroom.

    The ssroom was almost packed with students.

    Qiao Nan thought that since she had ced her attention on taking care of the triplets instead of her studies, she would not do well in the exams and would no longer be awarded the schrship.

    But Xu Shengnan gave her a huge surprise early in the morning.

    Although Qiao Nan was used to getting the first-prize schrship, she was just as pleased at getting the second-prize schrship.

 Chapter 1234 - Turned from Her Classmate to Her Fan

    <h4>Chapter 1234 Turned from Her ssmate to Her Fan</h4>

    Qiao Nan sat down happily and looked at the contents of the textbook. What she did not know was that there was someone who was sitting a few seats away from her, and the person was staring at Qiao Nan silently.

    Xu Shengnan was a senior in school. She had the connections, so she had ways to know certain information way before others.

    Qiao Nan was a second-year student. She was already halfway through her college life, but she did not bother to keep abreast of gossip in the college. This did not mean that other students were like Qiao Nan as well, putting their heart and soul on their studies, but paid no attention to outside matters.

    Therefore, although the professor had not revealed anything regarding the students who were awarded schrships in the previous semester, some of Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmates already managed to get the name list of the second-year students who were awarded schrships.

    Qiao Nan was absent from school for half a semester. She hadgged in her studies for half a semester, yet she was able to get the second-prize schrship. Many people were jealous of her and felt unjust. Nobody would be able to understand how upset they were at Qiao Nan¡¯s results.

    Since the name list would be revealed to the students eventually, those who had the means would be able to find out information about the schrship beforehand.

    Even if the students felt unconvinced and wanted to do a further check, the school would not stop the students from doing so. After all, the results of the students in every semester would be recorded and filed.

    These students had gone for their lessons diligently. After discovering that Qiao Nan had skipped lessons for half a semester, yet her final results for each subject were much better than their results, the students could not help but be ashamed of themselves.

    Many students were sincerely convinced and ready to concede to Qiao Nan.

    Her results proved that she indeed deserved to be awarded the school-based first-prize schrship twice in a row. She did not cheat in the exams.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, congrattions.¡± When lessons were over, Yu Xiaoxiao stood in front of Qiao Nan, stretching her hand toward her to congratte her. ¡°You... are really very smart and capable. I also want to make a sincere apology for doing all those things when school started. I am sorry. This apology may not matter to you, but I still want to say it so that I can feel better.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very outstanding and capable. She seldom interacted with other students and therefore there were rumors that she was cold and aloof.

    But if one was able to put aside all prejudices and observe Qiao Nan, one would realize that all the rumors were fabricated by the students who were jealous of her.

    To put it nicely, Qiao Nan put her heart and soul on her studies. If one was to put it bluntly, Qiao Nan was a nerd. Other than studying, she was not interested in anything else.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan did not stay in the school and she had less time to interact and mix with other students in school. Therefore, there were many rumors regarding her, and people chose to believe in them.

    These students had been thinking too much and they spread rumors about their ssmates. They even med Qiao Nan for being too serious in her studies and not interacting with her ssmates.

    To put it bluntly, all those rumors were fabricated. Qiao Nan did not do anything but was implicated.

    After spending one and a half years with Qiao Nan, even though they seldom spoke to each other, Yu Xiaoxiao truly conceded defeat to Qiao Nan. She was the only person that she conceded defeat to.

    Qiao Nan was astonished. She did not expect this from Yu Xiaoxiao.

    Qiao Nan could tell that Yu Xiaoxiao was sincere. She smiled. ¡°Thank you. Congrattions to you as well for realizing your dreams.¡±

    ¡°Likewise. No matter what, sorry, and thank you.¡± Qiao Nan did not shake her hands. There was a slight awkwardness between the two of them, but Yu Xiaoxiao did not feel humiliated. Yu Xiaoxiao did not take it to heart. ¡°If not for you, I would not be able to do so much better for the otherponent.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was capable and she would make ns for herself. Back then, she was rejected by Qiao Nan and was also turned down by the Pce Museum as she did not meet their standards.

    Yu Xiaoxiao came up with a n right away to improve herself so that she could meet the requirements of the Pce Museum.

    Most importantly, after she found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s method, she also set her sights on other ces besides the Pce Museum. She believed that there were many other opportunities in Beijing other than the Pce Museum.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had nothing to worry about as long as she was willing to work hard. She was capable and able to endure hardships.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was smart. She did not insist on working at the same ce as Qiao Nan. Instead, she set her sights on another organization and was epted by them.

    ¡°Thank you. I mean it...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao could not help but turn teary at the thought of the hard work and persistence this past one year. At least, she got to see the fruits of herbor. Her effort was not wasted. She finally seeded and was awarded the second-prize schrship.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was not after the small amount of money that the second-prize schrship was able to provide her with. Instead, she was after the honor and glory that came with the schrship. If she had trouble with employment after she graduated, having the schrship would make a lot of difference.

    Seeing that Yu Xiaoxiao was moved to tears and was very thankful to her, Qiao Nan felt overwhelmingly ttered and she felt like running off. ¡°Well... Do you need a tissue? It is noon. Aren¡¯t you hungry? Shouldn¡¯t you have your lunch?¡± She did not do anything or even render any help to Yu Xiaoxiao.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I heard that the second canteen has sweet and sour spare ribs today. If we arete, there won¡¯t be any left.¡± Tang Jiayun walked happily toward them. ¡°This is such a good piece of news. Two of our roommates were awarded the second-prize schrship in the previous semester. It is amazing. Since you used to be our roommate and are now our ssmate, do you have any good learning methods to share with us? Let¡¯s share our methods and experience. Otherwise, I will be the only pitiful one. All of you are awarded the schrship except for me.¡±

    Tang Jiayun felt really anxious.

    All along, Qiao Nan had good results. Tang Jiayun had never set her sights on following her footsteps.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was different. Yu Xiaoxiao was awarded the third-prize schrship in the first semester. It was nothing much to be proud of. As expected, Yu Xiaoxiao did not get the schrship in the second semester.

    To her surprise, Yu Xiaoxiao was well-prepared in the second year. She was awarded the second-prize schrship and was so emotional about it. It made her wonder if Yu Xiaoxiao had chicken blood before the exams and was thus so excited.

    In the past, Yu Xiaoxiao would avoid Qiao Nan. However, Yu Xiaoxiao took the initiative to walk up to Qiao Nan today. Tang Jiayun noticed it and kept a watch on them.

    Initially, she thought that since Yu Xiaoxiao and Qiao Nan were both awarded second-prize schrship, perhaps Yu Xiaoxiao was overjoyed and wanted to unt her capability in front of Qiao Nan.

    This was a rare opportunity for Tang Jiayun. Although she was not able to be on close terms with Qiao Nan, it would be good entertainment for her before lunchtime. No matter whether it was Yu Xiaoxiao who made disgusting remarks to Qiao Nan or the other way round, she would be in a good mood after watching the show and she would have a bigger appetite during lunch.

 Chapter 1235 - Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 1235 Jealous</h4>

    To her surprise, Yu Xiaoxiao did not make ugly remarks at Qiao Nan. Instead, she treated Qiao Nan like her benefactor. She apologized and thanked her, and she even bowed to her.

    Tang Jiayun overheard the part of their conversation about the schrship and walked forward.

    Since they were ssmates and friends, they should share their good learning methods and tips of getting the schrship.

    Given her results, as long as she was able to score a higher score for her non-academicponent, although she would not be able to get a second-prize schrship, she would at least get a third-prize schrship. Even so, given that she studied in one of the best universities in China, the third-prize schrship would be just as significant.

    Qiao Nan turned her stiff neck and had a helpless smile on her face. ¡°Yu Xiaoxiao and I were not in a discussion. Besides, I have an appointment. I have to go back now. Please carry on.¡±

    No matter how delicious the food at the second canteen was, she did not intend to stay for lunch.

    She had done a research on the reading materials that she needed. She had to make use of the time to borrow the rted books from the library. If she failed to borrow the books, she had to seek her senior for help. She would ask her senior who was working overseas to buy the books and shipped them to her.

    It was a waste of time to engage in a meaningless banter with a few youngdies.

    Qiao Nan sprinted off after she said her goodbye.

    If she dyed any further, the librarians would have gone for their lunch break. It would be about an hourter before the library would be opened again.

    Tang Jiayun would not allow Qiao Nan to leave easily. She reached out her hands to stop her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao stepped in front of Tang Jiayun, blocking her way, causing Tang Jiayun to lose her grip on Qiao Nan. ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡±

    ¡°I should be the one who asked this question.¡± Tang Jiayun turned sullen. ¡°I am not looking for you. I am looking for Qiao Nan. Step aside!¡± Among the four roommates in the dormitory, Qiao Nan was aloof, L¨¹ Yan was sinister, and Yu Xiaoxiao was cunning and despicable.

    The three of them were not on good terms with Qiao Nan. L¨¹ Yan almost had to quit because of her. Even though she was allowed to continue with her studies, she looked totally different from how she used to be when she just entered college. As for her, she took to great lengths to join the new English club, but she was still an ordinary member and did not manage to join themittee.

    Instead, Yu Xiaoxiao, who was the most tactful among the three of them, sneakily maintained contact with Qiao Nan and sucked up to her. She benefited from their rtionship and managed to get a second-prize schrship in the previous semester. She was shameless!

    She and L¨¹ Yan became the bad person while Yu Xiaoxiao hid behind them shamelessly and pretended to be a good person. Compared to L¨¹ Yan and her, Yu Xiaoxiao seemed like the better person. She made use of L¨¹ Yan and her to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s affection.

    If she knew that Yu Xiaoxiao was such a scheming person, she should have ignored her from the beginning.

    ¡°Stop looking at me in that manner.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao felt guilty. Although Tang Jiayun did not make crude remarks, her expression already said everything. Yu Xiaoxiao felt guilty as she did harbor such intentions initially.

    But Tang Jiayun had no right to criticize her as she had behaved simrly as well.

    Yu Xiaoxiao straightened her back. She never resorted to any ugly tricks in the second half ofst year. She knew that Qiao Nan disliked her. Therefore, even when Qiao Nan was back at school, she did not keep pestering her.

    She was awarded the second-prize schrship based on her own hard work!

    ¡°Let me tell you. I am not as lowly as you imagined. Qiao Nan is not as stupid as what you think as well. She might be reserved, but she has the purest heart among all of us and she knows what is going on. We may be able to use our tricks on others, but when you use it on Qiao Nan, it is tantamount to teaching one¡¯s grandmother how to suck eggs. It is shaming oneself.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was sincere as she praised Qiao Nan. It might seem as if she was ttering her, but she truly admitted that Qiao Nan was better than her. Tang Jiayun had goose bumps listening to her. ¡°It is no wonder Qiao Nan refused to forgive L¨¹ Yan and me but gave you a lot of tips. It turned out that Qiao Nan is pretending to be above material pursuits. She liked the way you ttered her and sang her praises. If I had known earlier, I would have done the same. Even if I don¡¯t know how to do it, I will definitely learn it!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao stomped her foot, flushing in anger.

    But it was because she had been behaving despicably previously. In fact, Tang Jiayun was just as bad as her. If Tang Jiayun sang Qiao Nan¡¯s praises today, she would not believe Tang Jiayun either. ¡°It¡¯s up to you to believe it or not. I am hungry. I can¡¯t be bothered to talk with you.¡±

    She was truly thankful to Qiao Nan, but she knew that Qiao Nan did not need her gratitude.

    It was because of her conscience that she stopped Tang Jiayun from pestering Qiao Nan. She did not care if Qiao Nan was grateful to her or not.

    Since she had aplished what she had set out to do, Yu Xiaoxiao would eat to her heart¡¯s content. Tang Jiayun could continue to resort to her tricks. No matter what, she would not revert to her old ways.

    ¡°Did you think that Qiao Nan will appreciate your help? That is your wishful thinking.¡± Tang Jiayun¡¯s face turned dark red in anger. The three roommates in the dormitory knew better than anyone else what kind of person Qiao Nan was and that she had a temper.

    Other people might appreciate it if people pretended to be nice to them, but Qiao Nan was very different from the rest. She was immune to the pretenses. Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor by helping her, but either way, she would be med and unappreciated!

    Yu Xiaoxiao, who walked toward the canteen, heard Tang Jiayun¡¯s words. She did not take it to heart. Her intentions were pure and innocent. She knew that she was not what Tang Jiayun had described her to be.

    Although Qiao Nan might not appreciate her help, she would do whatever she pleased. She had no other hidden agenda.

    ¡°Crap!¡± Yu Xiaoxiao did not care how others viewed her. Her nonchnt behavior was simr to that of Qiao Nan. Tang Jiayun was enraged at the simrities between them. ¡°All of you are pretending. All of you are keeping up with pretenses. You lead the life of a whore but want to erect a monument to prove one¡¯s chastity.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao merely had a second-prize schrship. How dared she disregard her and behave like Qiao Nan!

    She would wait and see. There were two more years to go. Since Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to follow in Qiao Nan¡¯s footsteps, she would be watching if she would be able to find a good job with Qiao Nan¡¯s help, like Xu Shengnan.

    Tang Jiayun really believed that it was Qiao Nan who paved the way for Xu Shengnan and helped her secure employment. They were a bunch of fools.

 Chapter 1236 - Dirty Little Baby

    <h4>1236 Dirty Little Baby</h4>

    Tang Jiayun could do nothing about Qiao Nan and Yu Xiaoxiao. Apart from being jealous, she had no other way to deal with them.

    Qiao Nan was able to remain aloof from worldly affairs. That left Tang Jiayun with no other way to attack her. She was a loner. Apart from focusing on her studies, she ced all her attention on the triplets. Qiao Nan did not make any friends in college. Tang Jiayun could not sow discord between Qiao Nan and her friends.

    One who had no selfish desires was invincible. Qiao Nan was the strongest enemy that Tang Jiayun had ever faced.

    Qiao Nan had finally borrowed the books on her list. Although there was a chill in the spring air, Qiao Nan broke out in a sweat on the journey back home.

    ¡°You have so many books with you!¡± The auntie took the books from Qiao Nan and ced them on the table.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°I borrowed the books from the school library, but there are some books that could not be found in the library. It may be unavable in the country, and I may have to ask someone to buy it overseas.¡± She might have many books with her, but they were not aplete list.

    ¡°You must be hungry. I have put aside the dishes for you.¡± The auntie knew that young madam was very hardworking. She watched her as she prepared for her lessons while taking care of the babies. ¡°Dig in. Don¡¯t go hungry. You won¡¯t have time to eat when the triplets insist that you carry them.¡±

    Qiao Nan took off her jacket and ced it on the hanger. ¡°Okay. Thank you, auntie.¡±

    Qiao Nan washed her hands while the auntie brought the dishes out. She started to eat as soon as the auntie came out with the dishes. In fact, Qiao Nan felt hungry even before the lesson ended, but she still went to the library to borrow books that she wanted before the librarian went for lunch. Qiao Nan was starving by then.

    Qiao Nan was a regr at the library. She would be able to find the books she wanted as quickly as the librarian.

    If it was other students who went to the library to look for Qiao Nan¡¯s books, they might have to spend an hour in the library.

    The triplets were awake while Qiao Nan was having her lunch.

    It was alright if Qiao Nan was not in the house. However, now that the triplets heard their mama¡¯s voice, they looked around, feeling unsettled, muttering sounds to call out for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was conflicted that the triplets were very close to her. She was d that they loved her, but at the same time, she was unable to have her meal in peace as they kept looking for her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call out for your mom anymore.¡± Miao Jing felt jealous. She grabbed Er Bao¡¯s chubby foot and gave him a gentle bite. ¡°I have been so nice to you, but once your mom is back, you don¡¯t want your grandma anymore.¡± Now that their mother was back, the triplets no longer needed their grandma.

    Although most of the children in the world would be closer to their mothers, Miao Jing could not help but be jealous.

    When she was young, she had no time for her children. There was no chance for her children to be close to her. By the time she wanted to develop a closer rtionship with them, they had already grown up and had their temper. They wanted to be independent and they no longer needed their mother.

    Now that she finally had three grandchildren, she wanted to feel how it was like to be needed.

    However, her grandchildren were devoted to their mother. They only had eyes for their mother and would ignore other people who cared for them.

    Da Bao could not understand his grandma¡¯s words. But he could tell that his grandma seemed to be jealous. He widened his mouth into a smile, revealing his baby tooth. He gave his grandma a smile that was as sunny as the sun.

    His cheeks were chubby and his eyes turned into crescents. There were sparkles in his eyes. It was a dazzling sight.

    Da Bao was soft and his hands were tender and chubby. He smelled like milk. Even if Da Bao made a mistake, Miao Jing was defenseless against such an adorable baby. Moreover, he did not make any mistakes. She was being insensible. She should not be jealous.

    Miao Jing turned softhearted at the babies. She kissed Da Bao on his chubby arms. ¡°Alright, I admit that it is understandable that you are closer to your mom. After all, she breastfed you and that¡¯s why you are able to grow tall and healthy. Your mom is having her meal. You have to give her some time before she can wait on all of you. At the very least, she must have her meal so that she will have the strength to handle you, three little devils.¡±

    As the triplets grew older, they became stronger.

    The triplets could sit by themselves. In the future, they would learn to walk and run. Just at the thought of it, Miao Jing knew that it would be filled with fun andughter.

    Qiao Nan finished the meal at the fastest speed.

    She had no other alternative. As a mother, every second was very precious.

    Qiao Nan changed her clothes after her meal. She did not want the triplets to be infected by germs.

    The triplets still had the habit of putting everything that they saw into their mouths and chewed on them. Since Qiao Nan spent most of the time carrying them, they would bite on her clothes to grind their teeth.

    If her clothes were dirty, Qiao Nan would not wear them when she carried the triplets. After all, diseases entered by the mouth, and it would cause serious issues.

    ¡°Oh, you have gained weight.¡± Qiao Nan took Da Bao from the baby crib and frowned. ¡°Da Bao, why do you keep putting on weight? If this goes on, mama will not be able to carry you.¡± The triplets were babies, but they were quite heavy. It seemed like the Zhai family had been preparing sumptuous and nutritious meals for the babies.

    Da Bao had been chewing on his left palm. He lifted it to touch his mama¡¯s face.

    Seeing that Da Bao¡¯s palm was glistening with saliva, Qiao Nan quickly turned her face to the side. ¡°Little brat, are you trying to wipe your saliva onto my face?¡±

    The auntie brought a clean towel and passed it to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan held Da Bao in her arms. She gave him a kiss on his chubby and tender cheeks before she took the wet towel and wiped his palm that was stained with saliva. ¡°Da Bao, why do you and your siblings have so much saliva? You are such a dirty baby.¡±

    ¡°Gegege...¡± Da Bao could not understand what his mama was talking about, but he liked the soft and gentle tone of his mama. Heughed in happiness.

    San Bao, who had a bad temper, heard Da Bao¡¯sughter. She iled her arms and legs in the cradles. Her mama should be done with carrying Da Bao. It was her turn. She wanted her mama to carry her as well.

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s change.¡± Miao Jing was willing to take the second spot while Qiao Nan was most favored by the triplets. Seeing that Da Bao had a contented look on his face, she took Da Bao from Qiao Nan and dabbed at his little nose. ¡°The three of you are one more mischievous than the other. Your mom will be tired out by the three of you.¡±

 Chapter 1237 - Second-Prize Scholarship

    <h4>1237 Second-Prize Schrship</h4>

    ¡°Gegege.¡± Da Bao, who was in a good mood, keptughing. Miao Jing did not know what he was up to. ¡°He is only a few months old. What could he be thinking of? What¡¯s so funny that he keepsughing? Nan Nan, have you seen it? Whenever Zhai Hua and I bring the triplets out for a walk under the sun, they are the most adorable babies among all the children. They will always have a smile on their faces and they never cry when they are outside.¡±

    Compared to babies who kept crying and were a headache to the adults, it was very easy to take care of the triplets.

    ¡°They must be pretending.¡± Qiao Nan, who was holding her chubby daughter in her arms, joked. ¡°They are very smart. They strive to give the best performance when they are outside and will not cry. But when they are at home, there is no need to hide their true feelings. In fact, they have a bad temper.¡±

    San Bao blinked. Her dark and round eyes kept staring at her mama. She then turned her chubby cheeks sideways and brushed her cheeks against Qiao Nan¡¯s chest. It was obvious what she was doing.

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s bottom. Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for San Bao, and she felt guilty. ¡°San Bao, be good. I will feed you with form milk.¡± Qiao Nan, who used to have sufficient breast milk for the triplets, stopped secreting milk naturally when the triplets were five months old.

    Qiao Nan had no other choice but to wean the triplets off the breast milk.

    ¡°The form milk is ready.¡± The auntie was an able worker. She knew the lifestyle of the triplets very well. After they woke up, urinated, and pooped, they would feel hungry and would cry for their milk.

    San Bao, whoy in her mama¡¯s arms, saw the milk bottle in her mama¡¯s hands. She iled her hands, as if she shunned the milk bottle. In the end, she had no other choice but to take the milk bottle with her chubby arms and started to suck on the milk bottle.

    It was more important to drink her fill and grow up tall and strong.

    As the mother, since the triplets were awake, she had an obligation to stay by their side and entertain them.

    She had to coax them and tuck them into bed before she could do her schoolwork.

    ¡°Are they asleep?¡± The triplets slept soundly. They were sprawled out on their backs in the baby cribs. Their bulging tummies would rise and fall with every breath they took. They bent their knees like a little frog in surrender. They looked so adorable and endearing. Miao Jing¡¯s heart melted at the sight of her grandchildren. ¡°My dear triplets, eat well and sleep well. You will grow up to be strong and healthy.¡±

    Her grandchildren might be born one month before their delivery date. However, when they were ced side by side with full-term babies, they seemed to be taller and bigger than them. Miao Jing could not help but be so proud of the triplets.

    Every elder who lived in the same district had nothing but praises for the triplets. They were amazed that they were so healthy and strong. They praised the Zhai family for raising them well. It was the Zhai family¡¯s fortune that the triplets were well-behaved and that they ate well and were very healthy.

    Qiao Nan, who was using the inte, had to multitask while she listened to Miao Jing. She agreed with her. ¡°Right now, the triplets will spend less time to sleep. They are very energetic. Thankfully, they are able to fall asleep in no time when they feel sleepy. One does not need to cajole them to sleep. We can just put them on the bed and they will fall asleep right away.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. It is such an easy task to take care of the triplets. Other families are kept busy with a single child of a simr age. We have three babies at home but we are able to take good care of them. The triplets are the most adorable and well-behaved children in the world.¡± Her grandchildren were the best. Miao Jing was a besotted grandma. She only had eyes for her grandchildren. No other babies were better than her grandchildren. ¡°I noticed that you have a red file with you. Did you get a schrship again?¡±

    Now that the children were asleep and Miao Jing was free, after caring for her grandchildren, she turned to show concern for her daughter-inw.

    Miao Jing was very emotional when Qiao Nan came home with the red file. She felt as if Qiao Nan was awarded the first-prize schrship. ¡°Nan Nan, what schrship did you receive this time?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not go to school for half a semester. The Zhai family did not expect that Qiao Nan would receive a schrship to do the Zhai family proud. It was too much to ask of her.

    It was already considered good enough if Qiao Nan passed all her subjects and had average results for the subjects. Qiao Nan was already doing the Zhai family proud. They should prepare a sumptuous meal to celebrate for Qiao Nan.

    Therefore, Miao Jing was very surprised when she saw the familiar red file.

    ¡°I received the second-prize schrship. This is not the best schrship. Therefore, there is no hope of me getting the school-based schrship.¡± There was a huge difference between a second-prize and a first-prize schrship. Other than the number of schrships that was awarded, the amount of money was different as well. After Qiao Nan found out that she received the second-prize schrship, she knew that she might not be able to receive the school-based schrship in the future.

    Thankfully, she managed to get the schrship twice in a row. It was already good enough for her.

    There were many other students in school, but there were only a few students who would receive the schrship. It was even more difficult to receive a school-based schrship. Qiao Nan was a freshman. She had no connections and was clueless. However, she was able to receive the school-based schrship twice in a row. She must have done good deeds in her previous life.

    Miao Jing hurried to exin. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. If you receive a third-prize schrship, all of us would set off firecrackers to celebrate, let alone the school-based or second-prize schrship. Nan Nan, you are so outstanding. I believe that since you are the triplets¡¯ mother, they will definitely grow up to be talented and intelligent. They will learn from you and they will be smart and outstanding.¡±

    No other student was as efficient and capable as Nan Nan.

    While she was in school, she was already pregnant. She missed the lessons for half a semester, but her results were better than all the other students who had been going to sses diligently every day.

    If they were not pleased that Nan Nan received the second-prize schrship, and instead med Nan Nan for not doing her best, what about all the other students in the college who did not receive any schrships?

    Learning was to keep improving. One would not be so heartless and callous and ce such importance on results.

    Qiao Nan finished typing and sent the message to her senior. She finally had time to answer her mother-inw. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t say this in front of the triplets, especially after they grow up and could understand us. They are still young and malleable. They do not know what is self-discipline or self-control. As their elders, we must pay extra attention to it so that they will not walk down the wrong path.¡±

    Grandparents would usually dote on their grandchildren.

    Her mother-inw was not close to her son and daughter. Therefore, she devoted all her feelings to her grandchildren.

    Qiao Nan was d that the triplets had a loving grandma who doted on them.

    However, Qiao Nan would not be able to take it if she went beyond the limit. Therefore, in order to prevent things from getting ugly, it was better to spell things out beforehand and have a good discussion about it.

 Chapter 1238 - The Daughter-In-Law Who Made Them Proud

    <h4>1238 The Daughter-In-Law Who Made Them Proud</h4>

    It would be better for them to make known to each other their opinions and stand instead of not exchanging their views at all and waited until something irreversible and serious had happened before they talked to each other.

    Miao Jing rxed and smiled. ¡°Are you worried that I will spoil the triplets? Don¡¯t worry. The children from our family won¡¯t turn out to be ill-behaved. Look at Zhai Hua. She is the worst possible scenario. She did not turn out to be ill-behaved. At most, she is simple-minded and easily deceived by other people. She is not evil-natured. Zhai Sheng has spoken to me. In the future, when you discipline the triplets, I will definitely stand on your side. I won¡¯t side with the triplets to rebuke you.¡±

    Miao Jing did not believe that the triplets would be ill-behaved if their elders doted on them.

    However, Qiao Nan was their mother. She loved them more than anyone else. Qiao Nan would definitely not do anything that would harm them.

    All of them had the same motive. As the elder, she would give in at times. They were one family. It did not matter who was the one who gave in. No matter what, she would not suffer any losses. ¡°I promise that I will not put in a good word for the triplets when you scold them.¡±

    If Qiao Nan was too fierce, she would definitely coax and pacify the triplets after Qiao Nan had finished lecturing them. She would rescue the triplets from her fierce daughter-inw.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± It was good that her mother-inw was open-minded and she did not insist on doting on the triplets and spoiling them. Qiao Nan was more than happy to know that her mother-inw supported her in this aspect.

    Miao Jing walked to stand next to Qiao Nan. ¡°What are you doing? I thought that you would be reading a book or writing and making notes when I walked into your room.¡± It was rare for Qiao Nan to put aside her books and use theputer. There were three hundred and sixty-five days a year, but there was never a single day where Qiao Nan would use theputer instead of reading a book.

    Qiao Nan put aside the book list. ¡°My master has given me quite a lot of homework. I will need to refer to books that are not within my sybus. I managed to borrow some books from the library, but there are several books that could not be found in the library. I did a search online and they could not be found in the country, so I had to ask someone overseas to bring the books back.¡±

    The shipping system between different countries was not as developed right now. It was unlike ten yearster where it wasmon to have express delivery, and it was convenient to mail packages as well as to request for door-to-door delivery.

    Right now, it was rare for one to have aputer. The Chinese online shopping website would probably only be set up this year. It would be many yearster before it flourished. In that case, if Qiao Nan wanted to buy books from overseas and requested that the books be delivered to her, it would not be as convenient as how it would be ten yearster.

    Although it might take a long time and be very inconvenient, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to wait.

    If she had friends who would be returning to the country from overseas, they would be able to bring the books back for her. However, she was not that lucky. ¡°I just chatted with my senior. He is not in the country. He is overseas right now. I have asked him to buy the books for me. I will transfer the money to him. He has promised that he will find time to buy the books and mail them back to me.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± It was good to buy books. Everyone hoped that their children would love reading. ¡°You must do your best in the homework that your master gave you. Do you need any more books? If you need anything else, go ahead to buy them. Don¡¯t save on the money. I have money. I can buy the books for you. If you can¡¯t find anyone to buy the books, I can get someone to buy them for you.¡±

    Miao Jing patted her chest. She could help Qiao Nan buy the books as well. She treated Qiao Nan very well. They did not face any issues that mother-inw and daughter-inw would face. It was as if she was not her mother-inw, but her mother.

    ¡°Thank you, Mom. I will buy all the books that I need. I can save on anything else but books. Brother Zhai has left me to take charge of all his money. He might not earn lots of money, but he has more than enough money for me to buy the books that I need.¡± Qiao Nan had a sweet smile on her face.

    The books that she wanted were very expensive. This also exined why they were unavable in the country.

    However, no matter how expensive the books were, her husband would buy them for her. There was no need for her mother-inw to fork out the money.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. You must not save on this.¡± Miao Jing touched Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Your master lives next to us. He has been called back by the central government to handle some issues. Thankfully, he is away for the time being. Otherwise, I would be worried that he would check on your homework every single day. Now that he lives close to us, it will be easier for him to give you a test.¡±

    A strict teacher produced outstanding students.

    However, Nan Nan was a mother of three and she had to take care of her children and go to school. She also had toplete the assignments given by Elder Lin. Even if she was an iron man, she would drain herself bypleting so many tasks.

    Luckily, Nan Nan was young and energetic.

    If she were her, she would not be able to withstand such hardships. She would give up and surrender in three days.

    Everyone in the district knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    Even though Qiao Nan was in a different city and had different neighbors, every adult in the district hailed her as the ¡®child from that family¡¯.

    Their children only needed to focus on their studies and do well in the exams, yet they were unable to perform as well as Qiao Nan.

    On the other hand, the daughter-inw of the Zhai family was pregnant soon after her marriage and she had triplets in a single pregnancy. She received schrships twice in a row and she alsopleted the assignments given by Elder Lin. She had exceptional performance!

    Everyone envied the Zhai family for having such an outstanding daughter-inw. The Zhai family was very proud of her as well.

    There were people who were envious of her, and there were people who were jealous of her.

    The daughter-inw of the Zhai family had her babies in Septemberst year. She returned to school after one month of confinement. However, she had missed the lessons for half of the semester.

    There would be people who disliked the fact that other people were doing well and would be jealous of them. They would gossip about Qiao Nan within the district. Although she had three babies, they felt that it was a pity that she had to sacrifice her studies for her children.

    Both Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were very young, particrly Qiao Nan, who was much younger than Zhai Sheng. Why would she be in a hurry to have babies? She should have her priorities right.

    They felt that it must be due to Zhai Sheng that Qiao Nan was pregnant right after she entered college. Qiao Nan was very young. Though Zhai Sheng was not considered old, he was a few years older than her.

    Despite the fact that she was still in college, the elders in the Zhai family must have pressurized her to get pregnant and have babies as Zhai Sheng was much older than her.

    Indeed, the Zhai family led a good life. Their daughter-inw was very outstanding while their grandchildren who were triplets were smart and brilliant. However, the Zhai family had a much moreplicated life than the rest of them.

    Since Qiao Nan wanted to marry into a rich family, she had to make sacrifices.

    The Zhai family bullied Qiao Nan for being young. The reason why they agreed to take in a daughter-inw who did note from an established family must be that they knew that Qiao Nan was mild-tempered and would listen to them. She would do as the Zhai family said and she would not disobey them or have a mind of her own.

 Chapter 1239 - Many Seniors

    <h4>1239 Many Seniors</h4>

    In short, the harmonious and wonderful life in the Zhai family turned into a pool of filth in the mouths of some peculiar people. This was truly reflective of the idiom ¡®apple of Sodom¡¯.

    This group of people, in particr, was waiting to see Qiao Nan¡¯s situation after the school term began.

    Qiao Nan had been awarded the first-prize schrship from Peking University every time. In addition, it was school-based first-prize schrships. If she did not receive it this time, who else besides the Zhai family could be med for this?

    For the sake of carrying grandchildren and great-grandchildren earlier, they had ruined Qiao Nan¡¯s future. Qiao Nan was a student but she could not even take care of her own studies. This matter alone would cause a dent in the reputation of the Zhai family.

    One was responsible for his own life. Miao Jing did not want to feel angry. Her family was leading a good life, and this was more important than the exaggerated or untrue ounts of others.

    However, when one heard too many of such disgusting rumors, who would not feel vexed and upset?

    Even Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui did not expect Qiao Nan to be awarded any schrships after missing half a semester of sses. Miao Jing had also extinguished her desire to encourage Qiao Nan to get a schrship so that she could retort those people.

    Hence, without Qiao Nan¡¯s knowledge, the elders of the Zhai family had shielded all the piercing and sarcastic rumors from Qiao Nan. This was such that Qiao Nan could concentrate on her studies and take care of the triplets. The elders would shoulder the rest of the pressures.

    Three to four months had passed, and Miao Jing had almost forgotten about this matter. Never did she expect that this good daughter-inw of hers would give her such a good opportunity again.

    Who said that there was no schrship? Yes, there was not only a schrship but also a second-prize one!

    There were many college students in their residential area, and many college students had already graduated as well.

    Everyone could go and ask around. Did everybody do as well as Nan Nan after entering a good college such as Peking University? Right, if they had entered aparable college, let¡¯s not talk about first-prize schrships. Let¡¯s talk about achievements based on the number of schrships received.

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up as she flipped open the red booklet. After confirming the contents, she looked as proud and arrogant as a little rooster and dashed outside with the book.

    Qiao Nan, who had just confirmed the books that she needed, was stunned. ¡°What is wrong with Mom?¡± Were they not chatting well earlier? Why did she feel so emotional suddenly? She even took away the second-prize schrship that she received for herst semester of studies?

    Qiao Nan scratched her head, feeling puzzled and confused. She could not figure it out even after thinking.

    Since it was something that she definitely could not figure out, Qiao Nan, who adopted the attitude of ugh and grow fat¡¯, was not troubled. She held the books that she borrowed today and immersed herself in a sea of knowledge.

    A typical person could not bepared to such a self-aware and self-disciplined top student like Qiao Nan. They would not be able to predict her urately either.

    Holding on to Qiao Nan¡¯s second-prize schrship, Miao Jing mercilessly, openly, and atrociously boasted to the neighbors who were always jealous. Looking at their gloomy faces that were as listless as frozen eggnts, she felt so proud ever. ¡°This daughter-inw of mine is really good in everything. Anyway, in my eyes, I can¡¯t find any shorings in my daughter-inw. That said, I have to praise my son. There is an ancient saying ¡®the husband of a virtuous wife seldom suffers misfortune¡¯. I take my hat off to my son for his judgment in choosing his wife!¡±

    Miao Jing was making a strong inference with her words.

    Zhai Sheng had married the right wife. Miao Jing rode on Qiao Nan¡¯s glory and avenged the previous insults to the Zhai family. Qiao Nan did the family proud again. In addition, the sons of a few families that liked to badmouth the Zhai family also recently got married.

    However, the women that they married were simplyplicated and foul. As such, she could not understand why these people felt rightful and confident about discussing the Zhai family matters.

    She could not figure it out. Although it was the 21st century, a new China and contemporary society, some values would not change so much. Yet, they dared to marry any Tom, Dick, and Harry into the family. Weren¡¯t they foolish?

    Nan Nan¡¯s family background was a littleckluster but it was unlike those of the daughters-inw of these families. They were celebrities famous for certain matters. No matter what, Nan Nan was also a good-natured child and an offspring of veteran revolutionaries.

    Fine, let¡¯s not talk about veteran revolutionaries. One could also say that Nan Nan was a beautiful daughter from a humble family, no?

    Even if they did not marry the daughters of prominent and wealthy families, they did not need to...

    At the thought that the dramas in the homes of these few neighbors were more spectacr than those in the television shows, Miao Jing could not be bothered to say anything.

    They refused to lead peaceful lives. Instead of thinking about how to manage the affairs in their home, they talked about mundane matters of other people¡¯s families. They really had too much time to spare.

    The truth that Miao Jing spoke and Qiao Nan¡¯s second-prize schrship were like ps in the faces of these people. Miao Jing, who got the kick out of venting out her anger, came back striding inrge steps, lifting her head and chest like a victorious little general.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s quiet and inconspicuous attitude of handling matters left a deep impression on people from the same social circle. They felt that this daughter-inw of the Zhai family was not just all talk and no action. She was the hands-on type who was hard toe by.

    The more this was the case, the more these people could not understand Qiao Nan¡¯s personality. They misunderstood her and said things that were opposite from reality.

    This kind of quiet and silent people were actually the most horrible ones. It had the same effect of saying ¡®a barking dog never bites¡¯.

    Regardless of the case, that daughter-inw of the Zhai family had missed half a semester of sses and given birth to triplets before returning to school, yet she still received a second-prize schrship. As a result, Qiao Nan¡¯s name had be more resounding and prominent in the social circle. She has strongly established her presence.

    One could stop saying that it was useless to do well in the studies or that it was better to have a good father rather than learning mathematics and sciences.

    During the time of the children¡¯s studies, if one were to have both¡ªa good father and outstanding academic performance¡ªthat was also a capital that the parents could use to chat about. Who would not be pleased that their children were good in their studies?

    In addition, Lin Yuankang had moved to the house beside that of the Zhai family. A few months had passed. Unless one was dumb or blind, they would receive some information: The so-calleddy from the countryside was, in fact, thest disciple of Lin Yuankang. Thetter had just been invited by the central government to return to the capitalst year.

    If the daughter-inw of the Zhai family was a country bumpkin despite having Lin Yuankang as her master, what were those self-proimed high-status and prominentdies considered then?

    Someone that they had looked down on was actually more outstanding than their own daughter. What would have be of their own daughter then?

    As such, after knowing the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Lin Yuankang, the smart ones had already shut up and no longer attacked the Zhai family¡¯s ¡®loopholes¡¯ using Qiao Nan¡¯s family background.

    Lin Yuankang was carrying Er Bao, who was smiling in a silly and happy manner, in one hand and checking Qiao Nan¡¯s homework with his other hand. After some time, he nodded with satisfaction. ¡°You¡¯ve done quite well. Your research is veryprehensive. In the future, if youck any books, just get your seniors to buy them. If anyone dares to disobey you, let me know. I will help you teach them a lesson.¡±

 Chapter 1240 - The Triplets Are Angry

    <h4>Chapter 1240 The Triplets Are Angry</h4>

    Such was the advantage of having disciples located all over the world.

    Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciples were not only working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also embassies of various countries.

    Hence, if Qiao Nan needed any books, there were no books that Qiao Nan¡¯s seniors could not get. There were only books that Qiao Nan could not think of. This applied to other more important items as well.

    The master grandpa who liked to tease him in the past was only carrying him today and looking at a pile of unknown items. Er Bao blinked his eyes, made noises, and reached out his fair and chubby hands to touch the things in Lin Yuankang¡¯s hands. Were those things very interesting? He would like to read it too.

    Lin Yuankang anxiously raised the items. ¡°My Er Bao, be good. This is the homework that your mother took great pains toplete. If you spoil it, your mom is going to cry.¡± Having said that, Lin Yuankang grabbed Er Bao¡¯s mischievous chubby hands. ¡°Er Bao, be good. When Er Bao and your siblings grow up, I will definitely teach you. I¡¯ll put in more effort to teach you than I teach your mom. There¡¯s no hurry.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. She was someone who was reborn. In addition, she had great enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge. Hence, she was able to maintain her attitude without being distracted by some factors. She was behaving like a nerd. Besides taking care of the babies, she did not have any other form of entertainment or hobby. She was immersed in piles of books every day.

    If her master were to arrange so much homework for the triplets, she very much doubted if they would have the patience and willingness to stay at home without going anywhere.

    Qiao Nan never felt that it was especially tough or tiring when she did that.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan could not bear for the same situation to happen to her own children. She was not willing to restrict the children and drown them with homework during their childhood and teenage years. She opted to take this route but she did not have the right to request her children to follow in her footsteps. She hoped that her children could make their own choices when they grew up.

    However, the triplets were still very young and Lin Yuankang seemed so enthusiastic. Given the ways that Lin Yuankang doted on them, Qiao Nan was not sure if this master, who had some childlike innocence himself, would maintain his stance of nurturing the triplets to be top students when they grew up.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Nan¡¯s worry eased and she allowed Elder Lin to continue teasing Er Bao.

    Time passed in the blink of an eye. From little babies who only knew how to lie down, the triplets gradually learned how to crawl, as well as walk, stagger, and ¡®waddle¡¯ like a duckling. Their little mouths were also constantly bbering.

    ¡°Mama, hug, hug.¡± San Bao had just opened her eyes. She had not woken uppletely, yet she was already shouting for her mama¡¯s hugs with a baby voice.

    At the sight of her chubby daughter reaching out with her round and fleshy hands that had not slimmed down at all, Qiao Nan smiled gently. She kissed the back of her daughter¡¯s hands before carrying the nice-smelling and soft baby into her arms. ¡°San Bao, shall we drink some water?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± San Bao murmured but she still did not open her eyes.

    After taking a few sips of water, San Bao became soberer. She was twisting her chubby and round body in her mother¡¯s arms. ¡°Mama, hug.¡±

    It was September now. The weather was still very hot. It was only cooler in the morning and night time.

    As such, the Zhai family let the triplets wear bright red dudous[1] and pure cotton open-crotch pants. When a child with a head-to-body ratio of 1:3 wore these clothes, itplemented their fair and tender skin. The triplets were so beautiful that they looked like they were qualified to participate in television shows and advertisements.

    The little girl stuck to her so much. Qiao Nan felt both happy and helpless.

    The weather was so hot. She did not even allow her husband to hug her. However, she could not refuse the requests from her three children.

    Qiao Nan rubbed the dry and smooth little back of San Bao before gently swaying her. ¡°Isn¡¯t mama carrying San Bao now?¡± If not, in what way should she carry her?

    San Bao opened her mouth and smiled. She was pleased. Her little face was buried in her mother¡¯s soft and nice-smelling chest. She was rubbing it happily. ¡°Kekeke...¡±

    ¡°Shhh. Your two brothers are still sleeping. Let¡¯s not disturb them.¡± Her little daughter looked so adorable and cheeky. Qiao Nan loved her so much.

    San Bao turned her head. Her dewy eyes stared at her two brothers, who were sleeping on the bed like little piglets with sprawling limbs. Sheughed even louder. Using her chubby and short fingers, she drew lines up and down her pink and tender cheeks to express: Shame, shame!

    Zhai Hua often made this action when she teased the triplets.

    This was the time when the triplets loved to imitate others most. Zhai Hua had not done it that many times but the clever triplets had already learned how to use this action to shame Zhai Hua, this auntie.

    ¡°This naughty girl.¡± Qiao Nan grabbed her daughter¡¯s hands and bit it gently. Her daughter was bullying her two sons who had not woken up yet. At the sight of the clock by the bedside showing half past six, she was leaving for school soon but her two sons were still in deep slumbers. Qiao Nan could only wake them up. ¡°San Bao, let¡¯s wake your brothers up together, okay?¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao had been sleeping so soundly. She could just let them continue to do so. Why did she have to wake them up? It was not because Qiao Nan was heartless.

    During the first half of the year, in May, the triplets were eight months old and learning to crawl.

    One day, Qiao Nan woke up a little earlier to prepare some materials that would be handed to the professor. She also had some questions about her thesis that she had to consult her professor beforehand.

    That professor was quite busy and was seldom in the school. If Qiao Nan did not arrive at the school and prepare the items beforehand, given the many questions that she had, she was not sure when she could resolve them andplete her homework and thesis.

    Qiao Nan was up early and the triplets were sleeping soundly.

    Initially, Qiao Nan thought that it would be fine. The triplets were already used to her going to school. Hence, it was not an issue for her to leave earlier for school and let them continue to sleep.

    Also, the auntie and her mother-inw were at home. Although her sister-inw was not at home, it should not be difficult to watch after three sleeping kids.

    Qiao Nan had the heart of a benevolent mother and did not disturb the three sleeping children. Who would have known that the triplets would re up when they did not get to see their biological mother first thing in the morning and after knowing that their mother left the house early. They cried loudly. Miao Jing could not appease them no matter how hard she tried to. She was so anxious that she could only give Qiao Nan a call.

    In the end, Qiao Nan put in so many good words on the phone to finally appease the triplets. They did not continue to kick up a fuss then.

    Even if that was so, when Qiao Nan came back from the school, their three pairs of eyes nced at Qiao Nan from time to time. However, different from usual, they neither took the initiative to reach out their hands to request for hugs nor stuck by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. Instead, they lined up, turned their backs on Qiao Nan, and showed her their little bums. It was obvious that they intended to give Qiao Nan, this insensible mama, cold shoulders.

    [1] Dudou is a traditional Chinese form of the bodice which is originally worn as an undershirt with medicinal properties. In modern times, it is a sleeveless and backless halter-top blouse

 Chapter 1241 - They Know How to Call Mama Now

    <h4>1241 They Know How to Call Mama Now</h4>

    Henceforth, Qiao Nan dared not leave the house quietly when the triplets were sleeping. She no longer dared to let them sleep longer and more soundly in the morning.

    Fortunately, the triplets were quite good-tempered in front of their biological mother. They had never thrown tantrums after being woken up.

    At the sight of her sons¡¯ sweet and nice-smelling little faces, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes brimmed with gentleness.

    She touched the fair little tummies of Da Bao and Er Bao, who were moving up and down, and nted a few kisses on their faces. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, wake up. Mom is going to school soon. Are you going to send me off?¡±

    The triplets were still very young. Although they were beginning to walk now, they were not very stable in their steps. Da Bao and Er Bao did not speak as well as San Bao. They were boys after all. They were not as eloquent as San Bao but their stout little legs had more strength than hers.

    San Bao had learned how to walk too. However, the strength and stability of her legs were weaker. She would fall after staggering a few steps.

    Da Bao and Er Bao could walk quite a long stretch of road now. Each time Old Master Zhai watched them walk with serious expressions on their cute little faces, he joked that although they had not grown up, they were already disying the charisma of a leader.

    As such, the triplets obviously could not send their mother to the door. At most, they would sit or stand as they watched Qiao Nan put on the shoes and leave the house.

    As long as the triplets could send Qiao Nan off to school with their eyes, they would not throw tantrums even if they missed her after she left.

    On the contrary, if the triplets did not personally ¡®watch¡¯ Qiao Nan leave for school, they would re up and cry for a long time no matter what the adults did to appease them.

    True enough, after being kissed by their mother, both Da Bao and Er Bao opened their little mouths and yawned. Their chubby hands rubbed their eyes. They moved and sat up on the bed in a steady manner.

    When Da Bao and Er Bao opened their eyes and saw their sister in their mother¡¯s arms, smiling and looking at them with her pair of bright and dewy eyes, Da Bao and Er Bao sobered up more. They not only looked at Qiao Nan but also called her ¡®mom¡¯.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were slower in picking up speech than San Bao. They also spoke fewer words. Strangely, San Bao would call her mother ¡®mama¡¯. On the other hand, besides the first few words, Da Bao and Er Bao, who spoke less, were articte when calling her ¡®mom¡¯. The pronunciation and pitch were also perfect.

    ¡°Be good.¡± Upon hearing her sons calling her ¡®mom¡¯ with clear voices like birds singing, Qiao Nan seemed to have taken a bowl of shaved ice in the hot and scorching weather of summer. It felt so cooling and soothing. All the feelings of heat and bother hadpletely disappeared. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, let¡¯s drink some water.¡±

    Once Qiao Nan mentioned about water, the two children sat and waited obediently for her mother to feed them water one by then. They did not fight norpete with each other.

    Just as the three children finished drinking the water, the door of Qiao Nan¡¯s room opened. Miao Jing was smiling so much that her wrinkles could be seen. ¡°I guessed that the four of you, mother and children, must be awake at this time. How¡¯s it? My three little darlings, did you sleep well yesterday? Did you sleep soundly? Did you miss grandma?¡±

    They had not seen one another for only one night, but Miao Jing was persistent in asking them whether they missed her every day.

    The triplets had glib tongues. They seemed to know what their biological grandmother wanted and nodded one by one. In particr, San Bao, whom Qiao Nan was carrying, not only nodded constantly but also said in a baby voice, ¡°Grandma, miss, hug, hug.¡±

    ¡°Aye, my obedient little granddaughter.¡± Now, Miao Jing was smiling like an old chrysanthemum flower. The only daughter of the Zhai family resembled Zhai Hua in half her manners when thetter was a child. Of course, these were words from Old Master Zhai.

    When the triplets were ying, simr to Zhai Hua, this biological auntie, the youngdy¡¯s temper was strong. When she was domineering, even the boys had to give in to her.

    However, San Bao was not naughty. She looked so sweet and quiet when she was carried by the adults, such that the adults could not wait to dote on her. The little mouth that did not know how to speak much would either not move or when it did, the words that came out were so sweet that one could die for them!

    Muack! Miao Jing nted a kiss on her granddaughter¡¯s little face. San Bao¡¯s chubby hands were wrapping around her grandmother¡¯s neck. She also pouted and kissed Miao Jing¡¯s face twice. She then called in a sweet and gentle manner, ¡°Grandma...¡± This greeting had a lingering sound at the back, sweet-talking Miao Jing so much that thetter was losing her sense of direction.

    The sticky little girl had been given to her mother-inw. Facing Da Bao and Er Bao, Qiao Nan felt more at ease. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, we¡¯re getting down the bed.¡± Qiao Nan helped Da Bao and Er Bao wear their shoes before carrying them down the bed.

    Basically, since Da Bao and Er Bao learned how to walk, the first thing that they wanted the adults to do when they awoke was to wear the shoes.

    Da Bao and Er Bao would definitely look sullen and refuse to cooperate if any adults were to try to carry them.

    Unless they helped them wear their little shoes, Da Bao and Er Bao would not be willing to let the adults carry them downstairs.

    Boys were boys indeed. After Da Bao and Er Bao wore their shoes and touched the floor, the brothers immediately followed each other in the bedroom and walked in a circle.

    It was only until when Qiao Nan carried Er Bao and the auntie carried Da Bao that the three adults and three adorable little children went downstairs.

    With such a fuss, as expected, much time had passed.

    The price of coaxing the three children was Qiao Nan¡¯s breakfast time. After downing half a bowl of warm porridge quickly, she picked up two buns from the table. She could not stay at home any longer. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry to trouble auntie and you. I don¡¯t have time to feed the triplets now. I have to leave first for a ss in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Okay, take your time. Don¡¯t rush. At most, you¡¯ll just be a littlete.¡± Miao Jing had already guessed this situation. She was not only not angry but also helped Qiao Nan bring over her schoolbag and books. After Qiao Nan wore her shoes, she passed these two items to her. ¡°The chauffeur is already waiting outside. Nan Nan, don¡¯t rush.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Mama!¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan wore her shoes, Da Bao and Er Bao walked to the door on their own with their stout little legs. The auntie carried San Bao to the door. All of them were watching Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan felt so softhearted and had the feeling that she was being a sinner by leaving at this time.

    Qiao Nan bent down and kissed the faces of triplets. ¡°Be obedient at home, babies. Mom is going to school. Mom will be back when it is lunchtime. Wait for Mom toe back, okay?¡±

    After fulfilling their wishes of receiving a kiss, the expressions on the triplet¡¯s faces were extremely obedient and at peace. They nodded to express approval.

    ¡°Hurry.¡±

    ¡°Back.¡±

    ¡°Wait, mama.¡±

 Chapter 1242 - Only Respect and Listen to Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 1242 Only Respect and Listen to Qiao Nan</h4>

    The joint meaning of Da Bao and Er Bao¡¯s words were to let Qiao Nane home faster and earlier. San Bao meant that she would stay at home obediently and wait for her mama toe back.Looking at triplets¡¯ adorable ways, Qiao Nan could not resist the temptation to give them another round of kisses on their foreheads before she grabbed her schoolbag and books and rushed to the car.

    The auntie was still carrying San Bao. Miao Jing was holding the chubby hands of her eldest and second eldest grandsons. ¡°Your mother is going to school. Now, follow grandma and let¡¯s have breakfast together, okay?¡±

    The triplets were weaned off breast milk when they were five months old. When they were eight months old, they consumed less form milk. Now, they were almost one year old and gradually introduced to staple food. The amount of milk that they would consume had simply be half a bottle of what was given just before they slept.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Food, food.¡±

    The triplets had been carried to the table. That thick and mashed little millet porridge smelled extremely good. It was also easily digestible. Although it was almost tasteless, the triplets did not shun it at all.

    ¡°Hi, senior.¡±

    ¡°Senior Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Senior Qiao.¡±

    It was autumn in September and the autumn tigers were still prowling. However, the affectionate atmosphere in the school did not seem to have lessened.

    ¡°Hello, everyone.¡± Holding an umbre and riding a small bicycle, Qiao Nan was speeding on the tracks of the school.

    During the third year of her college studies, the ssroom of Qiao Nan¡¯s sses had been changed. It was much further away from the entrance of the school. For convenience, Miao Jing had purchased a small bicycle for Qiao Nan. It was normally parked near the entrance of the school.

    No matter what, the speed of a two-wheeled vehicle was certainly faster than Qiao Nan¡¯s two legs.

    Xu Shengnan had graduated sessfully with her graduation cap in summer this year.

    As she had been interning in Gao Yan¡¯spany for some time, undoubtedly, Xu Shengnan joined hispany as soon as she graduated.

    The difference was that instead of going through the probationary period which applied to neers, Xu Shengnan simply skipped this period and immediately drew the sry of a formal employee. She also enjoyed the benefits of a permanent employee.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation made those who graduated at the same time as her red with envy. They were still worried about finding jobs.

    Without Xu Shengnan¡¯s help, Qiao Nan¡¯s limelight in school did not reduce. On the contrary, many second-year students were aware that they had a very brilliant third-year senior by the name of Qiao Nan.

    The new English club did not need to worry about sponsorships anymore. With money, it was easier to resolve issues.

    Which students of Peking University were not capable ones? Not many.

    The new English club had progressed well. As such, the selection requirements for its club members were stricter than before. Themittee members that were selected were strong and capable elites in the school. Those who were incapable dared not even take up these roles.

    Qiao Nan had been the vice president of the new English club for almost two years.

    The new English club had developed so well. As the club¡¯s vice president, Qiao Nan¡¯s fame rose with the club naturally. Furthermore, until now, it was uncertain why, but any Peking University freshman who paid attention to the new English club would hear and spread the news that the new English club had been given a new lease of life due to Qiao Nan¡¯s hard work and efforts.

    There would not be the thriving and prosperous new English club today without Vice President Qiao¡¯s doing her utmost to turn the tides.

    Vice President Qiao had contributed greatly to the establishment and progress of the new English club.

    As expected, given such rumors and progress of the new English club, Qiao Nan¡¯s name and fame in Peking University could not be any less. She did not even need to do anything.

    Clearly, Qiao Nan was not the pioneer who had established the club. It had always been Xu Shengnan, who had just graduate, who persisted and worked hard. However, the people in school would either keep mum or mention Qiao Nan¡¯s name when they spoke about the new English club.

    Gradually, one spread to ten and ten to a hundred. There were only two phrases and a full-stop in everyone¡¯s heart: Qiao Nan equaled the new English club.

    With such a beautiful ¡®misunderstanding¡¯, could the students in the school not behave affectionately toward Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Nan, who never had the self-awareness of being a famous persona in the school, was used to her past habits. She would acknowledge with either a nod or greeting when people said hello to her.

    Fortunately, she had been staying at her mother-inw¡¯s ce and did not truly feel the changes associated with a famous persona in the school. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not be able to bring herself to smile today.

    This was the first ss of the new school term. Hence, the dismissal time was earlier. Of course, this applied not only to Qiao Nan¡¯s faculty.

    Making use of the time from the early dismissal, Qiao Nan and the president of the new English club arranged ast-minute meeting to discuss the recruitment of iing freshmen to be members of their club.

    There was also something else. Qiao Nan was already in her third year of studies. During the first half of theing year, Qiao Nan would spend less time in school due to internship. In other words, very soon, Qiao Nan would not have so much time and energy to organize the club activities or manage the club affairs.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective, she had not done a lot in the past one and a half years.

    The only thing that Qiao Nan needed to focus on this semester was to find a good seedling to nurture and seed her as the vice president.

    ¡°I have seen the n to recruit new members to the club. There is no issue.¡± Qiao Nan read with speed and soon finished reviewing the n. ¡°President, regarding what I have mentioned previously, do you have any rmendation?¡±

    The president looked awkward. ¡°I have not thought it through given such a short time.¡±

    Actually, it was not because he had not done so. There were just too many people who came knocking at his door and the president did not know who to choose and rmend to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had greater deciding powers in determining who to take over her vice president role.

    Well, many people in the club respected and listened to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan also took over the role of the vice president from Vice President Xu, didn¡¯t she?

    It was fine if Qiao Nan did not have anyone suitable in mind. Once she had someone in mind, most likely, the vice president role would be given to that individual.

    By right, this matter should be handled and confirmed by Qiao Nan, just like what Xu Shengnan did in the past.

    The problem was that, as a mother and someone who was very focused on her studies, Qiao Nan did not have so much extra time to understand the situations of the juniors.

    As she did not have a lot of understanding, Qiao Nan did not want to casually appoint anyone in a slipshod way. Instead, she consulted the president¡¯s views and checked if he had any good person to rmend so that she could review and make her choice.

    It was not that no one wanted to self-rmend or personally go to Qiao Nan to market themselves for the role.

    Qiao Nan really spent too little time in school. Besides attending sses, she was always in the library or on the way home. Other people really did not have the opportunity tomunicate with Qiao Nan or establish their presence or gain her favor.

 Chapter 1243 - Nepotism

    <h4>1243 Nepotism</h4>

    As they could not work on Qiao Nan at all, smart people would naturally divert their attention to the president. They hoped that the president could rmend and put in more good words for them to Qiao Nan.

    It was fine if there were only a couple of them. The president could just hand these people to Qiao Nan and let Qiao Nan wrack her brains in the decision-making.

    However, there were too many people approaching him. The president could not possibly pass the information of all of them to Qiao Nan for her selection.

    When a club was developing well, countless ambitious students who wanted to do well in college would set their eyes on the reputable vice president role.

    ¡°Vice President Qiao Nan, you still have more than six months to decide on this matter. There¡¯s no hurry.¡± When Qiao Nan enquired about this matter, the president looked embarrassed. In the end, he still decided to hold back the names of all those who came to look for him.

    It was not appropriate to rmend anyone given that so many people had approached him. If he were to rmend more than one person, the decision would still lie with Qiao Nan eventually. Only Qiao Nan¡¯s words would count.

    They were at a sensitive time whereby there were changes to the happenings in the school.

    All of them were college students who would step out into real society to work and live independently soon. Under such circumstances, the students¡¯ mindsets would be more fickle andplex. Hence, some of themon phenomena in society might not bepletely absent in school.

    The president was still hoping that he could retire peacefully and honorably.

    If someone were to catch a handle of him at this time and smear his name, he would have ruined the great honor that he was initially due to receive. Wouldn¡¯t he lose more than he gained then?

    The president did not wish to spoil the ship for a halfpenny¡¯s worth of tar because of some meager benefits.

    He was already in his third year of studies and would opt for his internship very soon. He would then find an employer and work hard after he graduated from his fourth and final year of studies.

    There was nothing more important than getting a good assessment from school. It was better to discard that meager gain. When he stepped out into society and find a good job, this little benefit would be worthless!

    Having made this decision, the ball was once again in Qiao Nan¡¯s court. ¡°Vice President Qiao, I am in the same predicament as you. You are troubled over finding a sessor for vice president, and I am also troubled over finding someone to take my role. Vice President Qiao, I suggest that you take the opportunity during the next two club events to spend more time and observe the existing or up and rising new members. I really can¡¯t help you.¡±

    Qiao Nan closed the proposal that was in her hands, looking helpless. ¡°Okay, I will try my best to find time to observe.¡±

    She could select not only second-year but also first-year students to seed her as the vice president. One had to know. Didn¡¯t Xu Shengnan also choose Qiao Nan in this way?

    The problem was that most of the school activities were carried out during evening and night times. There were very few activities that urred during the day.

    As a mother, Qiao Nan had very little time. She could only try her best to squeeze out some.

    Besides the issue of selecting a vice president sessor, the rest of the problems were easier to discuss and resolve.

    Simrly, the new English club did not need to worry about sponsorships this year. The only difference was that the person who discussed the various issues of the sponsorship with the new English club was not someone else but Qiao Nan¡¯s old friend, Xu Shengnan.

    Qiao Nan could guess a little what Gao Yan and Xu Shengnan had in mind.

    As a student, one would worry about finding a good ce for an internship for them to learn and umte more practical work experience. At this time, Gao Yan¡¯spany could offer such opportunities.

    Of course, the students also had to go through a selection procedure by thepany.

    asionally, some of the goodpanies as well as honors graduates who had been in touch with their alma mater would provide a few rare internship roles. However, students who were not outstanding enough could forget about these few vacancies.

    There were only a few excellent roles but so many students needed internships. Even the students who failed to get the role were good and capable ones.

    At this time, Gao Yan¡¯spany could ¡®ride on¡¯ the alumni and seniors to poach capable and patient juniors who could take pressure to hispany for internships.

    This internship was also a test and observation tform set up by Gao Yan for these juniors.

    For those who performed well, Xu Shengnan would be an example of their future. For those who did not do well, this would be nothing more than an internship. After it ended, they would say goodbye and need to appear again during the longer internship period happening in their fourth-year. One had to give others a chance too, right?

    Due to areas of expertise required, Qiao Nan very seldom rmended such people to Gao Yan despite knowing his ns.

    Nevertheless, as long as Qiao Nan made a rmendation, Gao Yan would give Qiao Nan face. As of now, Qiao Nan had not been wrong in her rmendations.

    In fact, Qiao Nan bing increasingly famous in school was alsorgely because of this reason.

    Qiao Nan was only in her second year of college studies, yet she could already rmend a third-year senior in her club to Gao Yan¡¯spany such that this senior would have the chance to be colleagues with Xu Shengnan. Besides Qiao Nan, who could do such an amazing thing?

    Simr to Qiao Nan, the president also faced the difficulties of finding an internship. Initially, the president had thought of taking advantage of his favorable position. When he and Qiao Nan were still familiar with each other, he wanted to request Qiao Nan to help him by rmending him to Senior Gao¡¯spany.

    The boss of thispany was his senior. Besides, many formal employees in thepany were his former school mates.

    The president felt that if he had the opportunity to work in thispany, the work atmosphere would definitely be much better than in otherpanies. Furthermore, Senior Gao¡¯spany was on track and was progressing better year by year. Last year, they had clinched a huge business. Thepany had also shifted from the 3rd Ring Road to the 2nd Ring Road. They might even move to the 1st Ring Road at some point in time.

    If he did not get into this kind ofpany now, he might not be able to get inter.

    The president knew that someone like himself had to give it a try soon. If he waited for another one or two years, only a few top-notch students from the few faculties famous in the school could receive internships from thepany.

    However, the president aborted this idea very soon.

    Qiao Nan told the president very truthfully. ¡°Gao Yan¡¯spany iscking in talent. Gao Yan is recruiting with the aim of converting them into permanent employees. Of course, they have to have corresponding expertise and knowledge. President, which one do you think you are suitable for?¡±

    Any rmendation was a rmendation. As long as the other party was someone with true capability and was a talent needed by Gao Yan, Qiao Nan had no qualms about nepotism.

    Nepotism?

    This was crap! She had just arrived in a metropolis like the capital and did not have any close kin here.

 Chapter 1244 - Would Not Intervene

    <h4>Chapter 1244 Would Not Intervene</h4>

    She never checked if she had any fellow townsmen in the school.

    Because Qiao Nan was upright and shared the information with the president without any hidden agenda, he abandoned his n right away and looked for anotherpany to do his internship. He did not want to end up falling between two stools, not being able to find employment and fumbled the ball with his internship.

    Perhaps some students would gossip that the president must have gotten an important name list from Qiao Nan and that he could benefit from the name list or help other people with it.

    But the president would tell them they were stupid fools.

    Since Senior Gao knew Vice President Qiao, he epted and employed the people that Vice President Qiao rmended to him. However, he did not know Senior Gao. If not for Qiao Nan, who introduced the new English club to Senior Gao, he would not have the chance to know Senior Gao Yan.

    He had just entered college when Senior Gao Yan graduated and started his own business.

    He did know him at all. How could he be so shameless to introduce people to him? He would rather be down-to-earth and make ns for his future instead of offending people that he could not afford to offend.

    The president knew that Gao Yan had just started hispany. The first year was very crucial to thepany, and he would not allow any mistakes to happen. Therefore, he would not ept interns who were irresponsible. He would only ept trustworthy and experienced workers.

    Initially, hispany was willing to take in interns from the school, but some of the students looked down on thepany as it was just a start-uppany. Now that thepany was on its tracks, even if the students wanted to do their internships at thepany, Senior Gao might not wee them.

    Timing was very important. Once they missed the timing, they could only me themselves for being unlucky.

    The president was smart. He knew Qiao Nan¡¯s temper and knew that he should not interfere with the selection of the next vice president. He also did not tell anyone of the openings in Gao Yan¡¯spany. It was as if Qiao Nan never told him this piece of information at all.

    Qiao Nan had worked with the president for more than a year. Although he was not very smart, he had some wits about him. This was why Qiao Nan dared to reveal the information about Gao Yan¡¯spany to the president.

    Luckily, the oue was as expected and satisfactory. They did not let each other down. They could still be ssmates and fellowmittee members. When they saw each other in the future, they could exchange warm greetings, asking how the other party was doing.

    The school had just reopened. The meeting ended after they went through some details about the club.

    As the vice president, there was no need for Qiao Nan to be responsible for the recruitment of new students who reported to the school this year. Othermittee members could be in charge. The president and Qiao Nan were only responsible for making decisions and setting rules and the overall direction for the events. They also needed to seek the school¡¯s approval for organizing events in school.

    After they had settled the bigger issues, themittee members would be responsible for the operations and execution. Everyone was assigned different tasks, thus increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

    As Qiao Nan had to go for the meeting, she waster than usual when she reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Luckily, the triplets had yet to lose their temper. When Qiao Nan entered the house, San Bao, who wore a red undergarment walked toward her like a duck, swaying from side to side. She gripped Qiao Nan¡¯s calf, refusing to let go. Her eyes had turned red, and she pouted her lips, expressing her displeasure.

    Qiao Nan felt happy that an adorable baby was clinging to her. Although the weather was hot, she did not mind it at all. However, she had just returned from school and had to wash her hands before she could carry them.

    Qiao Nan tousled San Bao¡¯s smooth hair. ¡°San Bao, be good. Let mama washes my hands before I stay by your side while you have your meals. Is that alright?¡±

    ¡°No... no.¡± San Bao was a tough nut to crack. ¡°Carry, carry.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She ced her hands on San Bao¡¯s chubby bottom. She did not manage to carry her in her first try. She straightened her back in her second try and finally brought her to her arms. ¡°San Bao, you are my beloved daughter. With you around, I won¡¯t be cold in the winter.¡±

    Although Brother Zhai was not with her, with the triplets around, she did not need to worry about being cold even in the harshest winter. The triplets were like three hot stoves.

    ¡°Em... em.¡± San Bao smiled. She nodded her fair chubby face. She then leaned in her mama¡¯s embrace, pasting her face to her mama¡¯s face.

    Qiao Nan wanted to do that very much, but she could not. ¡°San Bao, be good. I will wash my hands and face. Your brothers will y with you in the meantime.¡± Qiao Nan put San Bao beside Da Bao and Er Bao, giving them each a kiss on the head before she rushed to the restroom to wash her hands.

    Da Bao and Er Bao each sat on one side of their sister. They knew that their sister wanted to chase after their mother. Da Bao reached out his hands to hug San Bao, telling her that he would apany her and their mama would be back very soon.

    Er Bao was more straightforward. He grabbed San Bao¡¯s undergarment, passing his toy to her. He was telling her to y with the toy. Their mama would return in a minute.

    San Bao could not leave her seat to chase after Qiao Nan with her brothers guarding her from both sides.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡± Miao Jing was thrilled. ¡°Da Bao and Er Bao have grown up. You can help your mom to look after your younger sister and y with her. We, the elders, can have an easier time in the future.¡±

    San Bao was impatient and stubborn. She would not listen to other people.

    But she would behave herself when she was with her elder brothers. Other people might not be able to make San Bao listen to them, but she would ede to Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s requests. Even if she was unwilling in the beginning, she would give in to them in the end.

    Of course, Da Bao and Er Bao loved their younger sister very much.

    Other than the asions where San Bao was angry and they had to stop her from running about, Da Bao and Er Bao loved San Bao more than anyone. They would guard her fiercely.

    In particr, when San Bao learned how to walk, whenever she made any movements and was about to take small steps, Da Bao and Er Bao would drop the toys that they had with them unknowingly and fixed their round and big eyes on San Bao. They were worried that San Bao would fall and hurt herself without the auntie knowing.

    ¡°Young madam, the dishes are warm. You can have them now.¡± Now that the triplets could take small steps, they had to be supervised constantly by adults. In fact, the adults did not dare to leave them unattended since the triplets started to crawl and learn to walk.

    At times, they had been keeping a close watch on the triplets. But the triplets, when mischievous, would crawl to the corners in the blink of an eye, and the adults might not be able to find them right away.

 Chapter 1245 - â€˜Strangersâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1245 ¡®Strangers¡¯</h4>

    The auntie squatted by the triplets¡¯ side to prevent them from wandering around.

    The Zhai family knew the triplets¡¯ temper and they were as cheeky and mischievous as monkeys. Qiao Nan dared not ask the auntie to leave their side. She helped herself to the dishes and began to dig in. ¡°Have the triplets taken their meals?¡±

    It was alreadyte. Qiao Nan knew that her concerns were unfounded. The triplets would usually finish their lunch at eleven o¡¯clock. After lunch, they would y for half an hour before they were sleepy and went to sleep.

    Qiao Nan came back home slightlyter than usual. It was nearly twelve o¡¯clock. Although the triplets had not gone to sleep, they must have had their lunch.

    ¡°They have taken their lunch.¡± The auntie who was with the triplets nodded. She kept a tight watch on San Bao for fear that she would spread her legs and dash toward the young madam while she was not watching.

    Everywhere in the house, especially the corners, was covered with a thickyer of cotton. This was to prevent the triplets from sustaining serious injuries when they ran about and fell.

    Although they had taken precautionary measures, if the triplets fell while running, they would still hurt themselves.

    The only way to prevent them from hurting themselves was to keep a tight watch on the triplets, reducing the chances of them falling at home.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had an average eating speed.

    Ever since she became a mother, she had trained herself to finish her food as fast as Zhai Sheng, who was a soldier.

    She finished her lunch in no time. She wiped her mouth before she walked toward the triplets. ¡°It is past twelve. Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, shall we take a nap in the room?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Tired.¡±

    The triplets were already feeling sleepy. They tried to keep themselves awake as they had to wait until their mama came home.

    The triplets could not stay awake now that Qiao Nan urged them to sleep. Er Bao rubbed his eyes with his chubby hands, feeling very sleepy. He yawned and dozed off to sleep. He kept nodding, looking like the little chicks that were feeding on the grains.

    Er Bao had the biggest reaction to his mother¡¯s question. Qiao Nan took him in her arms, Miao Jing carried Da Bao, and the auntie carried San Bao with her. The three women each carried a baby in their arms and went upstairs to ce the triplets side by side on Qiao Nan¡¯s huge bed.

    The weather was very hot now. They had to sleep on mats and use electric fans. Qiao Nan took a cotton towel and draped them over the triplets¡¯ bulging tummies. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, be good and have a good sleep.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was soft and gentle. She patted them lightly and as she coaxed them to sleep.

    Before the triplets fell into a deep sleep, they opened their eyes to look at their mother who was sitting next to them. They checked to make sure that it was their mother who was coaxing them before they gave in and fell asleep in no time. They snored and their tummies rose and fell with every breath they took. It was an adorable sight.

    The adults breathed a sigh of relief now that the triplets were asleep. Miao Jing brought Qiao Nan¡¯s books upstairs. ¡°Alright, the triplets are asleep. They will probably wake up one hourter. Are you going to take a nap with them or do you want to make use of the time to do your reading?¡±

    In other families, no matter how the parents urged the children, they refused to read or study.

    Her daughter-inw was different. Nobody told her to be so hardworking and diligent. She should rx and take a break at times. She must not be too hard on herself.

    But the child was too sensible. They might have told her to rest but she would not listen to them. She was very disciplined with her reading and schoolwork. No one was as disciplined as her.

    At times, it would be a problem if the children were too sensible. As their parents, there was no need for them to discipline the children.

    ¡°I will do some reading.¡± True enough, Qiao Nan chose to do her reading instead of taking a rest with the triplets without the slightest hesitation. ¡°I borrowed quite a number of books. I have to make use of the time to finish reading them.¡±

    The triplets would turn one year old soon. This meant that they would spend more time awake than asleep.

    If Qiao Nan was unable to make use of the time when the triplets were asleep to do her reading, by the time they acted up and wanted her to y with them, she would have no time for her studies.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Miao Jing was not the least bit surprised. She had already expected that Qiao Nan would give this reply. ¡°You can do your reading while the auntie and I will go downstairs to think of what desserts to prepare tonight. If there¡¯s anything, you can call for us. We are just downstairs. We will be able to hear you.¡±

    Miao Jing had gotten used to the arrangement where Qiao Nan would study while she took care of the triplets.

    The triplets would sleep while their mother studied. They did not disturb one another and were able to share the same space harmoniously. There was no need for a fifth person to be around to help Qiao Nan. Since the four of them were fine with the arrangement, Miao Jing respected Qiao Nan¡¯s decision and left her to her reading.

    Once Miao Jing left, Qiao Nan sat by the study table that was full of books and began to read. She went through each study point and made notes diligently.

    Qiao Nan put her heart and soul into her studies when it was September. The triplets had gotten used to the fact that their mother would need to leave to go to school.

    The triplets also knew that their mother needed to go to school to learn, and that when they grew up, they had to carry their schoolbags like their mother and go to school to learn from their teachers.

    The triplets were still young. It was impossible for them to fully understand and ept it. But at the very least, they learned to ept that their mother had to be away at times. They would send her off in the morning and tell Qiao Nan very clearly that they would be waiting for her at home.

    The end of September was an important time of the year for the Zhai family. It meant that the triplets would soon turn one year old.

    The elders in the Zhai family ced high importance on their grandchildren as well as their one-year-old birthday celebration. They wanted to throw a celebration for their grandchildren.

    Their birthday was at the end of September, coinciding with the National Day holiday.

    Many people would have ns during the long break for the National Day. For the Zhai family, they would be able to make use of the long break to go back home.

    On the twenty-third of September afternoon, the triplets saw a familiar stranger and a total stranger in their house.

    The triplets widened their eyes in surprise, staring at the two people who were at their house. They were very tall. In order to take a closer look at them, the triplets had to turn their necks and lift their double chins to look up toward the two people in front of them.

 Chapter 1246 - Fallen for the Triplets

    <h4>Chapter 1246 Fallen for the Triplets</h4>

    The triplets were chubby and round. Even if it was Qiao Nan, who was the shortest in the Zhai family, they still had to look up to take a good look at her. The two persons in front of them were much taller than their mother. In the eyes of the triplets, they were simply giants.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± San Bao, who was the quickest in learning how to speak, shouted at her grandma in rm. She shrieked and kept calling out for her grandma.

    She knew that when her mother was not around, her grandma had the final say. If she encountered any problems, she would grab hold of her grandma¡¯s thigh and cry to her for help.

    ¡°Is this San Bao? You are my sweet darling.¡± Zhai Hua was overjoyed at the sight of San Bao. She was chubby and round and she wore a in cotton thin dress. She walked forward and gave San Bao a big hug. She took in a deep breath. Yes, San Bao still smelled of milk. It was the best smell ever.

    ¡°San Bao, the dress is so pretty. Who bought it for you?¡±

    Zhai Hua loved how San Bao looked in her dress. San Bao had fair and tenderplexion, while her dress was a pale shade of dark blue.

    The cotton material of the dress added a in touch to the dress.

    Because it entuated San Bao¡¯s fair and tender skin, it seemed to glisten under the sun.

    Zhai Hua loved it that her dress had the design of a Chinese traditional costume. Thepels ovepped each other and two small ribbons formed half a butterfly knot on the front.

    There was a bright red string on San Bao¡¯s thick neck. Her neck was almost as thick as her thigh.

    Zhai Hua, who behaved like a ruffian, tugged at San Bao¡¯spels to reveal a bright red undergarment that she wore beneath her dress. She looked so charming in that outfit of hers.

    ¡°Bad. Release, release. Wa...¡± San Bao was frightened by the person in front of her. She shouted at the top of her lungs, calling Zhai Hua as a bad guy and telling her to release her. San Bao, who was impatient, did not give Zhai Hua time to react. She noticed that Zhai Hua still held onto her, and she cried out in anxiety and fear. ¡°Grandma, grandma, bad, bad. ¡± Grandma, a bad guy was trying to take San Bao away.

    Da Bao and Er Bao behaved like two little cubs. They red at the person who was holding San Bao. They looked grim and they clenched their fists, charging toward Zhai Hua, not bothering to waste time talking to her. They gave ¡®punches¡¯ to Zhai Hua from all sides, forcing the bad guy to let go of their sister.

    ¡°Brother.¡± Her brother was brave to protect their sister. San Bao shouted to her brothers for help. She did not want to be taken away by the bad guy. She wanted her mama.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Miao Jing, who just had left the triplets seconds ago to go to the kitchen to bring warm water for them, rushed out from the kitchen when she heard the cries of San Bao. Her heart ached for her. ¡°San Bao, who bullied you? Tell me...¡±

    Miao Jing was stunned momentarily when she realized that the person who held San Bao in her arms was Zhai Hua. ¡°Both of you are back.¡±

    Zhai Hua smiled. She was about to tell her mother that she missed her when Miao Miao acted like a shrew and snarled. ¡°Such a brat. You are already so old, yet you dare to bully San Bao, and you still call yourself a woman. Put San Bao down right now. Pass her to me!¡±

    San Bao had been frightened to tears. Looked at how she was crying.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± The triplets felt emboldened at the sight of their closest kin. They knew that the two bad guys would not take San Bao away. Their grandma would be able to drive the bad guys away and snatch San Bao back.

    Miao Jing put down the water in her hands. She seemed like the tigress who was about to snatch the cubs from the enemies. Zhai Hua took a few steps backward in shock. To the triplets, it was as if Zhai Hua was unwilling to return San Bao to Miao Jing. San Bao was nervous and she kept kicking in Zhai Hua¡¯s arms, her hands reaching toward Zhai Hua¡¯s face.

    ¡°Oh, my goodness.¡± Zhai Hua felt pain on her face. She realized btedly that her niece had been in shock and she was really crying. She was not pretending. Her niece was too heartless. How could she forget her and want to hit her?

    Miao Jing made use of the chance while San Bao was fidgeting to snatch San Bao from Zhai Hua. ¡°San Bao, be good. Grandma is here. Don¡¯t cry. You won¡¯t look pretty if you cry.¡±

    ¡°Grandma.¡± San Bao buried her face in Miao Jing¡¯s shoulder, looking as if she had had a bad fright. She sobbed before she was reminded that she had forgotten about something. She turned to look at Zhai Hua. ¡°Grandma, hit, hit, hit.¡± San Bao raised her chubby arms and made a move to hit in the air. She wanted Miao Jing to take revenge and hit the bad guy to retaliate on her behalf.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Miao Jing was thrilled that her granddaughter who would turn one year old soon was so smart. She knew that one must take revenge. ¡°Sure, your auntie is too much. She should not have frightened San Bao. The auntie is such a bad girl. I will take revenge on your behalf.¡± With that, Miao Jing patted Zhai Hua lightly. She did not really hit her. In fact, she was merely dusting the dust off Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Auntie?¡± Now that she had taken revenge, San Bao was not one who bore grudges. She no longer shunned Zhai Hua like before. Instead, she was interested in the ¡®auntie¡¯ that her grandma was talking about.

    Initially, Zhai Hua felt aggrieved that her mother favored the granddaughter over her daughter. But then, San Bao made baby sounds and wrongly pronounced ¡®auntie¡¯ in front of her. Zhai Hua felt invigorated as if she had taken the tonics. She looked radiant and energetic. ¡°San Bao can talk and she can say the word ¡®auntie¡¯!¡±

    Miao Jing felt very pleased. ¡°You may have missed it, but other than ¡®auntie¡¯, San Bao called me ¡®grandma¡¯ several times just now. Nevertheless, San Bao pronounces ¡®mom¡¯ most urately.¡±

    San Bao was at the development stage where she would be able to say one word by one word. The Zhai family had taught San Bao how to greet the elders at home. San Bao remembered what they taught her, but she was unable to make a connection or use the greeting on the correct person.

    Apart from correctly calling Qiao Nan as her mother, Miao Jing took two to three months to teach San Bao to remember that she was her grandma.

    Since San Bao started learning to speak when she was eight months old, Miao Jing would stay by her side and taught her how to speak the word ¡®grandma¡¯.

    Da Bao and Er Bao stood on each side of Miao Jing, grabbing onto her trouser leg. They seemed to be in a confrontation with the two strangers in their house, forming an alliance to protect their grandma and sister.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were chubby and round. They were still babies, yet they acted as if they were guardians, protecting Miao Jing from harm. Everyone was amused by their behavior.

    To Miao Jing, who had fallen head over heels for the triplets, Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s behaviors were not foolish and stupid. Instead, Miao Jing was moved by their actions.

 Chapter 1247 - Hit Their Father

    <h4>1247 Hit Their Father</h4>

    She could tell that Da Bao and Er Bao loved her very much. ¡°Da Bao and Er Bao are so capable. The two of you are able to protect grandma and San Bao. You are amazing.¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao puffed out their chests, making a tighter grip on their grandma¡¯s trouser leg.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°It turned out that the triplets took me as an outsider and a bad guy.¡± Zhai Hua finally understood that the triplets had misunderstood her. Zhai Hua felt wronged.

    Someone else had a fate worse than her.

    In order to feel better, Zhai Hua moved aside, pushing Zhai Sheng, who stood behind her, forward. ¡°If I am a bad guy, what about him?¡± She spent a lot of time to take care of the triplets when they were still a few months old. She held them as they urinated and pooped, and she watched as they grew up.

    To her surprise, she was only away for four months and the triplets had taken her as a stranger and a bad guy.

    Zhai Hua felt as if she was struck a million times and had died due to serious injuries.

    Miao Jing, who felt smug, was conflicted and embarrassed at her daughter¡¯s words.

    Hua Hua had indeed spent quite a lot of time taking care of the babies whereas she and the auntie only spent slightly more time than Hua Hua did with the triplets. Despite that, the triplets could not recognize their auntie. Their father barely spent any time with them. It would be a miracle if they could recognize their father. If so, they must be geniuses.

    Zhai Sheng, who kept his silence, nced at Zhai Hua. He knew that she was making use of him to feel better. He took one step forward with his long legs and walked toward Da Bao and Er Bao,

    The triplets had grown up to be healthy and strong. They were chubby and weighed more than ten kilograms.

    Ordinary folks like Qiao Nan would be able to carry one of them at a time, but she would not be able to carry the baby for long. If she were to carry two babies in one go, it would be killing her. Qiao Nan had to go through training to be the muscle babe before she could aplish that.

    It was different for Zhai Sheng. He was a man and a soldier. He had physical strength and stamina. The elites in the army were not his opponent, let alone women and ordinary men.

    Da Bao and Er Bao might add up to a total of thirty kilograms. But Zhai Sheng was able to carry them steadily each in one arm without the slightest frown.

    Da Bao and Er Bao opened their mouths and grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes nervously. Da Bao and Er Bao realized right away that their horizons had widened and they had never been at such a height before.

    As boys, Da Bao and Er Bao found it very fascinating to be able to stand taller than the rest of them and to have a clear, unobstructed view. They loved it very much. Although it was their house, it was a different experience to look at everything from a different perspective. Da Bao and Er Bao did not mind that a ¡®stranger¡¯ was carrying them. They kept turning their heads to take in the views.

    Da Bao and Er Bao merely treated their father as a humandder. Other people present noticed that Da Bao and Er Bao did not shun Zhai Sheng and were having a good time with him. The first thought that came to their mind was that this was the innate bond between father and sons!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nan ran all the way back from school. Beads of perspiration could be seen on her forehead and her face was flushed red. She panted as she asked about the situation at home. ¡°The triplets seem to be crying. A-am I toote today? Are the triplets throwing tantrums? Brother Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua, what brings you back home?¡±

    Qiao Nan was anxious when she heard that her daughter was crying. She could not take her time and came running toward the house.

    She thought that San Bao was throwing her temper and therefore kept crying.

    She had a big surprise when she opened the door. ¡°The two of you are back. Did you juste back?¡± Qiao Nan noticed that Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua looked as if they had juste back from the outside. They must have arrived just before her.

    ¡°Mom, Mom.¡± Now that their mother was back, San Bao, who was unsettled, began to make noises. She fidgeted about in Miao Jing¡¯s arms. Miao Jing almost lost her grip on San Bao and dropped her to the ground.

    Qiao Nan was worried. She walked forward to carry the chubby girl into her arms. ¡°San Bao, you¡¯re such a mischievous girl. Didn¡¯t I tell you that you must not move about in grandma¡¯s arms? Do you know how heavy you are now?¡±

    If San Bao kept fidgeting, notwithstanding Miao Jing, even Qiao Nan, the mother, might not be able to have a firm grip on her. San Bao was quite strong and heavy.

    ¡°Gegege.¡± San Bao was happy that she was finally in her mother¡¯s arms. She had a sweet smile on her face. Qiao Nan turned softhearted at the sight of her smile. ¡°Mom, Mom, miss, miss.¡± San Bao kissed Qiao Nan loudly on her cheeks to express how much she missed her mama.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao were anxious. It might be a novel experience to be higher than the rest, but to babies, nothing was more important than their mother.

    When they were faced with a fearful stranger, the first person that they would turn to forfort was the person closest to them.

    It was alright that their mother was holding their sister. They could stand by her side and hug her calf.

    No matter how Da Bao and Er Bao fidgeted, Zhai Sheng had a firm grip on them.

    Zhai Sheng intended to give them a hard time. It was alright that his daughter could not part with the mother as daughters were dainty and delicate. However, Da Bao and Er Bao were boys. Sons should be braver and be able to withstand hardships. They must be tough and strong. They could not learn to be independent if they stayed with their mother.

    Miao Jing spent many years in the Zhai family and Zhai Sheng was her son. She knew what the men in the Zhai family were thinking about.

    Miao Jing red at her son to make him stop it. Zhai Sheng curled the corners of his lips and finally squatted down to release Da Bao and Er Bao for them to go to their mother before they started crying

    As soon as Da Bao and Er Bao reached the ground, they pped Zhai Sheng¡¯s strong arms before they turned and sped to Qiao Nan.

    They smacked him and turned to run to Qiao Nan in one fluid motion. They were agile and flexible, and one could not tell that they were actually less than one year old.

    Da Bao and Er Bao finally rxed after they had a firm grip on their mother¡¯s calf. They pressed their lips tightly and stared intently at Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, the two bad guys!

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Although Zhai Hua felt upset that she was scratched by San Bao, she felt much better that Da Bao and Er Bao gave Zhai Sheng two ps. Sheughed in amusement at Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1248 - There is a Bad Guy

    <h4>1248 There is a Bad Guy</h4>

    Zhai Hua felt like she had taken a stick of ice pop. It was so cooling that she was no longer perspiring. ¡°They are good. Indeed, Da Bao and Er Bao are the offspring of the Zhai family. They are so adept at giving these two ps. They have their father¡¯s style.¡±

    If Da Bao and Er Bao were sent to the army in the future, she did not even need to worry who would be so blind to bully her two nephews.

    Didn¡¯t they see that the ever-victorious Zhai Sheng in the army also had to take ps from Bao and Er Bao?

    These two nephews of hers were simply too wonderful. They could not be any better.

    The two ps that he suffered had consoled Zhai Hua. Zhai Sheng was not pleased about this and pulled a long face. ¡°Do you feel that happy?¡±

    Zhai Hua sat on the sofa and replied happily, ¡°Happy! I was only scratched by my niece while you were beaten by your two biological sons. Although Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s little fists do not have much strength now, it carries a different meaning.¡± She would feel at peace as long as Zhai Sheng was more miserable than her.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes, feeling speechless. While carrying San Bao, she walked slowly toward Zhai Sheng with Da Bao and Er Bao following her by the side.

    At the sight of his wife and children walking toward him, the initially sharp and strict look in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes gradually turned soft. The cold and aloof winter snow melted and became purling streams in spring.

    With the change of the look in his eyes, the triplets, who knew how to pursue good fortune and avoid disasters, did not feel that adversarial toward Zhai Sheng anymore. They were willing to approach Zhai Sheng together with their mother.

    Qiao Nan held on to the short little hands of the triplets and guided them to touch Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes. ¡°San Bao, didn¡¯t Mom teach you before? This is your dad. Call dad.¡± Having said that, Qiao Nan touched the faces of Da Bao and Er Bao. She also gave the same encouragement to her sons so that they would try to ept Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°No, no!¡± The little girl shook her head unhappily while constantly drawing in the air with her chubby hands. ¡°Pa, pa...¡± San Bao expressed that she had a father but her father did not look like this. He looked like that.

    Da Bao and Er Bao nodded in agreement. Each time, when their mother asked them to call father, he was not so big-sized. He was very small and they could hold him in their hands.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°That was your father¡¯s photograph. This is your father who is real and alive.¡± Zhai Sheng spent too little time at home. Qiao Nan also did not want the triplets to be too unfamiliar with Zhai Sheng. Hence, she held one of the wedding photographs that they took in the past for the triplets to see and call their father.

    Unexpectedly, the triplets¡¯ impression of the photograph was too deep. They did not acknowledge their biological father¡¯s real person and were persistent in rejecting him. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, look at your dad¡¯s face carefully. This is really your dad.¡±

    The chubby daughter pursed her lips tightly, unhappy. She then wriggled into her mother¡¯s arms. No recognition. No impression. Completely could not remember. Hence, she was not willing to bother.

    Perhaps the impact of the earlier hug was still lingering. Da Bao and Er Bao tilted their heads and gave Zhai Sheng a few more nces. Even so, Da Bao and Er Bao stuck closely to their mother and did not take the initiative to approach Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Hua, who came back together with Zhai Sheng, received a simr treatment. The difference was that Zhai Hua had taken care of the triplets for a few months after all. As such, the triplets were friendlier toward Zhai Hua.

    After receiving such differential treatment, the direct oue of this was that Zhai Hua ate two more bowls of rice during dinner!

    Both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were very happy that Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were back. The men of the three generations went to Old Master Zhai¡¯s study room and talked for a long time.

    When it was seven o¡¯clock in the evening, the triplets were tired. They started to rub their eyes with their fair and chubby hands as they stuck by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and yelled ¡®sleep, sleep¡¯.

    When Zhai Sheng, who came out of Old Master Zhai¡¯s study room, saw this, he carried his sons with one hand each and headed upstairs.

    Zhai Sheng had carried two of them away. Naturally, Qiao Nan only had to carry her chubby daughter.

    The family of five looked so harmonious from their backs. Miao Jing was the only one who revealed a look of worry in her eyes. She felt that it would definitely not be so peaceful tonight.

    As the triplets grew, they could gradually express their views. All this while, they had been sleeping with Qiao Nan on the same bed.

    Their bed was quite huge, but no matter how huge it was, it was not convenient for two adults and three children to sleep on at the same time.

    Each time her son was back, Qiao Nan would either wake upte or her legs were as wobbly as noodles the next day such that she would be very worried for Qiao Nan when thetter walked.

    When Zhai Sheng was back thest time, the triplets were still very young and were like three little piglets who would sleep soundly after having their fills. It was unlike now whereby they were awake for longer hours during the day. Basically, they did not have many more hours of sleep than adults.

    If her son and daughter-inw did something, created a hugemotion to wake the triplets up, that scene would simply be too wonderful. Miao Jing dared not continue with the thought.

    Besides this, Miao Jing was also having a bad headache about another problem.

    Indeed, she was thedy master of the house. Miao Jing¡¯s worry wasing into y in the bedroom at this very moment.

    After Qiao Nan wiped the three children¡¯s hands and legs, put on dudous for them, and settled them in bed, they reacted in the same way. Instead of taking the initiative to look for their little pillows, lying on the bed, and waiting quietly for their mama toe back like they did in the past, they sat up one by one.

    Facing the stranger on the bed that suddenly appeared, the triplets had a heightened sense of danger. Three babies, three pairs of eyes¡ªthey were staring at Zhai Sheng. The triplets strongly intended to scare Zhai Sheng away from the room using the look in their eyes.

    During battles and military exercises, amid hails of bullets and cold-blooded and merciless killers, Zhai Sheng had never retreated a step out of fear. Now, he was just facing three feeble and weak babies. Although the other party was bigger in numbers, as the father, would he be afraid of his sons and daughter?

    Three children that refused to give up and one father who loved his children unconditionally.

    These three children and one adult were staring and ring at one another in a cross-eyed manner. None refused to take a step back. They were watching each other like a hawk, with the strong intention to chase the other party away from this huge bed.

    When Qiao Nan came out of the restroom after washing up, she bumped into this funny scene. ¡°What are the four of you, father and children, doing? Are youpeting on whose eyes are bigger or smaller?¡±

    ¡°Mama!¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up as she pouted and reached out her short hands toward her mother.

    San Bao expressed that there was a stranger at home and she was scared. She needed her mother¡¯s love, hugs, and kisses. Also, could her mother quickly shoo this stranger out of the house? San Bao was feeling scared.

 Chapter 1249 - Competing for Bed Space

    <h4>1249 Competing for Bed Space</h4>

    The little girl was hiding in her arms. After burying her face in it, she was not willing to look up again. It was as if her biological father was some evil monster or bad character, so frightening that she had to hide.

    Da Bao and Er Bao maintained the same attitude as when they were downstairs earlier. Together with their younger sister, they were bound by amon hatred for the enemy. They would guard against Zhai Sheng.

    As soon as their mother sat down, Da Bao and Er Bao consciously moved their chubby little buttocks and sat beside her. Their hands were tugging at their mother¡¯s clothes. This was the only way that they could gain a sense of security before this stranger.

    ¡°Be good. Didn¡¯t Mom tell you that this is your dad?¡± Qiao Nan felt tired. She did not fall behind in both her studies and taking care of kids. She had been traveling to and fro home and school every day. Although she had designated vehicles to send her and did not need to squeeze with others via public transport, this kind of life was also quite tiring. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, goodnight. All of you are feeling tired too. Keep Mompany and sleep together, okay?¡±

    Qiao Nan was aware that by this time, the triplets should have been snoring and sleeping like piglets based on their usual routine.

    If they had not found their biological father unfamiliar, they would not have kicked up a fuss and hung on until now. They would have long fallen asleep.

    After hugging the soft and milk-scented bodies of the three children, Qiao Nan could not take it anymore. Shey down and patted on the position beside her. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    San Bao¡¯s eyeballs swirled. As usual, she was upying the ce closest to Qiao Nan. When San Baoy down, Da Bao and Er Bao positioned themselves beside their younger sister. When Qiao Nan reached out her hands, Da Bao and Er Bao grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes and fingers respectively.

    The mother and children maintained this state during their sleep.

    Initially, the three children would fall asleep within seconds that they hit the bed.

    Today, it was most probably because Zhai Sheng had been standing in the room and did not seem to be leaving. The exhausted triplets rubbed their eyes from time to time and insisted on keeping themselves awake, staring at Zhai Sheng. The alertness in their little eyes did not reduce at all.

    At the sight of the triplets¡¯ persistence, Qiao Nan thought of many ways to coax them but to no avail. ¡°...Not going to sleep?¡±

    San Bao¡¯s small face had been stered to Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Her mouth was drooping and she looked very unhappy.

    ¡°Alright.¡± There were no parents who could win against their children in this world. Qiao Nan moved the back of her feet and nudged Zhai Sheng¡¯s body. ¡°Brother Zhai, you have spent too little time with them. The triplets can greet people now, but they are still young and insensible. They won¡¯t understand some reasoning even after I tell them. It will be a little tough on you. Why don¡¯t you help me wash the clothes first? You can get in the bed after they have fallen asleep.¡±

    This was the only solution that she could think of.

    Clearly, the triplets refused to sleep and forced themselves to be awake due to Zhai Sheng¡¯s existence.

    If Brother Zhai was not around, naturally, the triplets would not need to be so persistent. They would sleep like they always did.

    He had to be chased off the bed by his wife because of his three children. Very few men in this world would feel happy about this.

    However, he was one of the main culprits who created these three little scums. These children did not belong to others. No matter how Zhai Sheng disliked the presence of the children, which affected how he and Qiao Nan got along, he had no way to stuff the triplets back into Qiao Nan¡¯s womb so that they could not keep saying and doing things that would drive him to his grave.

    Zhai Sheng pulled a long face as he took the clothes changed by his three children to the restroom to wash them.

    Qiao Nan would wash her own clothes. However, she did not have much time to settle the triplets¡¯ clothes. After all, other people in the house could help Qiao Nan share this burden.

    Fortunately, the three pairs of short legs of the triplets could walk now. However, to children who had just picked up walking and were not steady in their steps, there was a limit to the distance that they could travel.

    As such, they had to change the triplets¡¯ clothes. However, their clothes were not that dirty either. It was not as if Zhai Sheng had not washed any clothes before.

    As such, it did not take much effort from Zhai Sheng to wash the triplets¡¯ small clothes. Zhai Sheng had long witnessed clothes that were dirtier and more difficult to wash in the army.

    Furthermore, these items belonged to his sons and daughter. As their biological father, which father would shun his children¡¯s things in front of outsiders? Since his wife had given the orders, he would wash them.

    s, after Zhai Sheng finished washing the triplets¡¯ clothes and came out, the triplets¡¯ eyes were still opened.

    Before Zhai Sheng red up, Qiao Nan spoke nicely and patiently to coax Zhai Sheng, this ¡®big child¡¯. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go downstairs and have a cup of tea first? The triplets are exhausted. I think I will be able to coax them to sleep very soon. Come back again after they have fallen asleep?¡±

    The triplets¡¯ attitude was too obvious. As long as Zhai Sheng was still in the room, they would not sleep.

    If Zhai Sheng dared to get onto the bed now, the triplets would dare to join forces and shoo Zhai Sheng off the bed.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s strength, of course he would not be kicked off the bed by the three children. However, there was no need for the father and children to go to this extent. It would be embarrassing and hurtful. Qiao Nan still very much wished for the triplets to ept Zhai Sheng, this father, and that the father and children could get along well with one another.

    If that could happen, Qiao Nan could ck off from time to time when Zhai Sheng was home then. She could let Zhai Sheng take care of the kids while she found more time to study and pick up new knowledge.

    Zhai Sheng gave Qiao Nan a look of warning. He was so cooperative now. Qiao Nan also had to cooperate in the same way too when he ¡®wanted¡¯ somethingter.

    As expected, Zhai Sheng¡¯s ced his hands on the doorknob, opened the door, and went out.

    The serious expressions on the triplets¡¯ face immediately eased. They even let out huge sighs of relief and nudged Qiao Nan. After sighing, they yawned. Without the need for Qiao Nan to coax them, they showed off their capability to fall asleep and slept soundly before Qiao Nan could open her mouth to hum.

    Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief after the triplets fell asleep. She wanted to get up and call back Zhai Sheng, who had just left the room.

    It was such a rare opportunity for the family of five to be able to sleep on the same bed.

    Just the thought of that scene made Qiao Nan feel very heart-warming.

    Since she had thought of it, she had to do it. Just as Qiao Nan wanted to sit up and go downstairs to call Zhai Sheng, her n was wrecked by the three ¡®little monkeys¡¯.

    Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao were either tugging at Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes oring into direct contact with Qiao Nan by her side. It was not so easy for Qiao Nan to withdraw her hands from the arms of her three children.

 Chapter 1250 - Noun and Verb

    <h4>Chapter 1250 Noun and Verb</h4>

    The triplets had clearly fallen asleep but they had to behave like when they were newborns. Their arms were extremely strong. Once they grabbed something, they made known their domineering stance and refused to let go of their hands regardless of the reason.

    As such, the triplets would be alerted if Qiao Nan were to move.

    After discovering this point, Qiao Nan, who had got up slightly, could only lie backpletely on the bed and sleep obediently beside the triplets.

    After touching the chubby faces of her three children, Qiao Nan could not help yawning. Her upper and lower eyelids got along very lovingly and were deeply attached.

    When Qiao Nan was dozing off, she was still thinking that she actually did not need to go and call Zhai Sheng. After a while, Zhai Sheng would definitelye back when he gauged that the children were almost asleep.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Nan, whose brains were not very delicate at this moment, gently hugged her three children and even fell asleep with them.

    When Zhai Sheng opened the door and entered the room, he coincidentally witnessed this worrisome scene.

    The triplets were young, had poor memories, and could not recognize people. Hence, it was not strange at all that they would cry and kick up a fuss at the sight of him.

    However, it was most uneptable to Zhai Sheng how his wife could leave him alone and sleep so soundly with their three children. He was seldom home. Was this really good?

    After posing this question, from a man¡¯s perspective, Zhai Sheng used two words to answer to Qiao Nan: not good!

    Qiao Nan, who felt that she had just closed her eyes, only sensed the earth shaking and the mountains swaying, as if there was an earthquake. Her whole world only had one point as support and it was shaking badly, so badly that she felt that her heart almost leaped out.

    It was only until when she saw the greenish eyes akin to those of a wolf on top of her head that she realized that she was in the midst of a censored act with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother... Brother Zhai?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tone was unstable. She was incoherent and stuttering in iplete sentences.

    She only had one question: Wasn¡¯t she sleeping well earlier? Before she shut her eyes, the word ¡®sleep¡¯ was still a noun. Why had it be a verb now?

    ¡°Yes?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s deep and slightly hoarse voice sounded passionate and sexy. As he felt a sense of pleasure, he shut his eyesfortably. That restrained shine in his eyes was more striking and soul-captivating than before.

    Qiao Nan could not make out any words. She scratched many marks on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and back.

    It was not because of other reasons. It was because the man on top of her seemed to be performing better in this aspect each time. She was just a mortal with an ordinary human body. She really could not take such a change. ¡°Aren¡¯t... aren¡¯t we supposed to sleep?¡±

    Zhai Sheng held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s waist as he exerted more strength. He was using his body action to express to Qiao Nan that he was ¡®sleeping¡¯ now.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could not help rolling her eyes. ¡°You... Are you not tired? I am!¡± Could he not convert the word ¡®sleep¡¯ to a noun? Moreover, it was in the middle of the night. Could he sleep quietly?

    In stark contrast to Qiao Nan¡¯s inability to retaliate with strength, Zhai Sheng, who was utilizing the most strength, felt increasingly energetic, and he even replied to Qiao Nan as he handled the task with ease and skill. ¡°No issue. If you are tired, you can go ahead and sleep. I would continue on my own.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan rolled her eyes again. She was as anxious as a kitten that had been stepped on the tail. She reached out her ws and scratched Zhai Sheng with all her might once again.

    Due to the national day, Zhai Sheng had a short holiday and could always stay at home if he did not have anything else to attend to.

    However, she could not. Unless it was the actual day of the national day, she had sses. Unfortunately, she not only had sses tomorrow, but she also had a day full of sses!

    She had to study and take care of the children every day. Just these two matters had drained all of Qiao Nan¡¯s energy.

    Now, she still had to do one more thing: keeping the three children¡¯s fatherpany and doing something that he loved to do. It was terrible.

    After venting out a little of her frustration, Qiao Nan was so weak and soft in Zhai Sheng¡¯s clutches. She could not create any waves at all.

    Thereafter, Qiao Nan was not sure if she had fallen asleep due to exhaustion or fainted due to Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®torture¡¯.

    When Qiao Nan was awake, the sky was already bright. The triplets also seemed to be kicking up a fuss with Zhai Sheng.

    Despite the sound of her children¡¯s anxious voices, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyelids were still badly stered together. The eyelids were so heavy that she could not open them. She took a deep breath and told herself that she was being overly anxious about the triplets.

    If she did not open her eyes to look at the situation, perhaps the father and children would create some troubles.

    Qiao Nan lifted her eyelids, looked up, and saw Da Bao and Er Bao red in anger. They were reaching out their chubby and lotus-like hands to push Zhai Sheng away. It seemed like they wanted to push Zhai Sheng off the bed.

    On the other hand, San Bao¡¯s face was full of tears. She was staring at Zhai Sheng with a look of usation. Besides that, she was grabbing Qiao Nan¡¯s cor with one hand, strongly wanting to wake her up. ¡°Mama, mama...¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. Moving her hands, she carried her chubby daughter into her arms.

    Those who had not been a mother did not know that it felt a hundred times better to carry such a soft and adorable child. ¡°San Bao, why are you crying again?¡±

    ¡°Mama!¡± San Bao spoke with a bright voice and squirmed in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°Mama, bad, bad, bad...¡±

    After enduring for some time, San Bao spat a mouthful of saliva at Zhai Sheng. Without any reservation, she pointed out that Zhai Sheng was a bad guy. He even slept on the same bed as them, scaring them out of their wits.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was sleeping in the middle, the three children on one side, and Zhai Sheng the other. It was just right such that the children and father would not disrupt each other¡¯s sleep temporarily.

    However, as a wife lover, after Qiao Nan fainted with fatiguest night, Zhai Sheng changed his position and was now sleeping in the middle whereas Qiao Nan was sleeping at the side.

    Zhai Sheng had not slept in the same bed as his three children before. Hence, he was not sure if they would be obedient and abiding when they slept at night. Would they, like Zhai Hua when she was a child, kick or punch from time to time after they had fallen asleep? Worse, they might roll about in the bed as if they were sleepwalking.

    After all, he had seen Zhai Hua, this example, before. Zhai Sheng dared not let his guard down when they were sleeping.

    Once the position was changed, things became ¡®great¡¯.

    First, San Bao woke up as she had wetted the bed.

    Normally, when Qiao Nan and the three children slept together, Qiao Nan would carry the three of them, one by one, to the toilet to urinate at around five in the morning.

    Today, Qiao Nan was so exhausted that shepletely could not wake up at five. Zhai Sheng was also unaware that Qiao Nan and the triplets had such a habit.

    San Bao, who was enduring the wetness on her tummy, opened her eyes unhappily. Her chubby hands immediately touched the person beside her.

 Chapter 1251 - Daily Routines of Child-Rearing

    <h4>1251 Daily Routines of Child-Rearing</h4>

    Babies liked to stay close to their mother and the ¡®milk bottle¡¯ that they used to drink their milk from.

    San Bao searched with her soft hands for the familiar feel of the ¡®milk bottle¡¯. She touched the person next to her, but she could not feel the familiar and soft touch that she was used to. She was stunned.

    San Bao turned her head to realize that the person next to her was not her mama. Instead, it was the bad guy who came to her house yesterday.

    San Bao turned pale in fright.

    The little girl was indeed smart. She knew that she was not the bad guy¡¯s match and it was pointless to cry. She turned to her brothers who slept by her side and woke them up.

    Once the triplets were awake, they tried to shoo Zhai Sheng away from the bed and get their mother to sleep by their side.

    Zhai Sheng was as tired as Qiao Nan, but he was more alert than her. He held his wife by his side while his children slept next to him. Even though he was woken up by them early in the morning, he was in a good mood. He noticed that the triplets were moving about.

    Since the bullish father was in a good mood, he made use of this opportunity to observe his children. He wanted to know what his children would do under such a situation.

    Da Bao was, after all, the elder brother. He hugged San Bao before he stood up shakily, trying to make it past Zhai Sheng to check if their mother was still in the room and on the bed.

    The triplets had a clear memory that they slept on the bed with their mama yesterday night. Their mama would not leave them.

    Zhai Sheng was d that Da Bao might be young, but he did not panic. Instead, he was calm and couldpose himself and use his wits. He did not provoke his strongest ¡®enemy¡¯ but took the indirect approach to look for Qiao Nan.

    Da Bao was still a baby. He knew nothing about strategy. What he did was his natural reaction.

    Now that Zhai Sheng decided to act as a naughty father, he used his long legs to block his elder son. He refused to let him go past him. If Da Bao moved an inch, Zhai Sheng would move his leg to push Da Bao back to his original position.

    Da Bao did note back to his senses on his first try. He fell back on his bottom and sat on the bed, blinking. He had a serious expression on his face as he made the second try.

    On the third time, Da Bao finally realized what was going on. His eyes turned red and he shot using res at the naughty father who teased his son.

    It was obvious what happened thereafter.

    Since Zhai Sheng teased Da Bao, there was no reason for him to ignore Er Bao and San Bao.

    Given how he teased them, it was no wonder that they ended up in tears.

    Qiao Nan carried her chubby daughter and checked the time. It was half past five.

    She touched her daughter¡¯s tummy. It was bloated as if she was full from her meals. Qiao Nan sat up without another word but was stopped by Zhai Sheng. He pushed her back onto the bed.

    Zhai Sheng looked toward her. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°The children need to go to the toilet at five in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Go to sleep. I will do it.¡± Zhai Sheng took his chubby daughter from his wife and reached the restroom in a few steps.

    San Bao did not want to cooperate with Zhai Sheng, but she felt bloated and had to go to the restroom.

    There was no need for Qiao Nan to teach him. After San Bao was done, he took Da Bao and Er Bao one by one to the restroom.

    ¡°Is it time for them to wake up and brush their teeth and wash their faces?¡± Zhai Sheng was used to waking up at five in the morning. He thought that Qiao Nan had developed this habit in the children as well. He took the babies¡¯ shirt and pants from the wardrobe. Perhaps he should learn how to put on clothes for them.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. She reached toward the triplets and moved them to her side. ¡°It¡¯s still early. After I bring them to the restroom, they will sleep for another hour and wake up at around six. It is too early now.¡± As babies, there was no need for them to wake up at such an early time. They did not need to go for training or go for lessons.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, stop teasing the triplets. They may be young, but they have a huge temper.¡± She used to think that the elders at home would spoil the triplets, so she and Brother Zhai had to be strict with them so that they would grow up to be well-behaved children.

    Perhaps she could be a strict mother. As for Brother Zhai, apart from being fierce, he was simply a bullish father!

    ¡°Let me tell you beforehand. The old master and Mom are very protective of the triplets. My master dotes on them as well. If they catch you bullying the triplets, I won¡¯t be able to help you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not get up early in the morning, unlike his usual routine. Hey down on the bed, encircling his iron arms around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing.¡± Even though he was not at home, he had made an intelligent guess from the little information that Zhai Hua told him.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting up now?¡± Qiao Nany on her side and cuddled the triplets, blocking Zhai Sheng from the triplets so that they would not be upset. She did not want them to lose their temper at Zhai Sheng endlessly.

    Zhai Sheng pushed Qiao Nan¡¯s long hair to the side and kissed her on her fair and smooth nape. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. I can keep youpany for a while. I will wait until the four of you are asleep before I get up.¡± He was finally back home. He would not be too hard on himself. It was necessary to take breaks.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan did not really hear Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. Zhai Sheng seemed like a fish that would give her a bite on her nape from time to time. The slight pain could not bepared to the pain that he put her through when he pressed down on herst night.

    She did not feel veryfortable being bitten by him. There was a tickle coupled with slight pain.

    But she had been through more painful and exciting ¡®tortures¡¯. This was nothingpared to them. Qiao Nan was able to ignore them. True enough, she had already drifted off to sleep.

    Their mother was by their side and Zhai Sheng was blocked from their view. The triplets could not see the bad guy. They blinked and looked toward the space next to their mother before they yawned twice and fell asleep in no time.

    Zhai Sheng smiled when he heard the slight snores of the triplets and he got up from the bed. Ten minutes had passed since he got up and went back to bed again.

    Zhai Sheng fixed his gaze on his three chubby babies while he put on his clothes. There was a look of tenderness and adoration in his cold and dark gaze.

    He would definitely dote on his babies.

    They would turn one year old in a few days. But he had never seen kids who were as smart as them at this age.

    This morning, he was surprised by Da Bao¡¯s behavior. It was then did Zhai Sheng realize and understand that this must be how the old master and his father felt when he was born.

    They were his children. The same blood flowed in the triplets¡¯ veins. They were his sessors.

 Chapter 1252 - Drive the Bad Guy Away

    <h4>Chapter 1252 Drive the Bad Guy Away</h4>

    This was indeed a joyful life experience.

    After getting dressed, Zhai Sheng walked over to the bed and took a look at the three babies. He gave a small squeeze on their small but firm arms, testing if they felt as good as what he imagined.

    They felt good to the touch, but his final conclusion was that it might feel good to hold his children. However, it was not as good as holding his wife.

    After confirming this, he went downstairs and ran a fewps to exercise. By the time he was back, Qiao Nan had woken up for the second time and had dressed the three children and brought them downstairs to have breakfast.

    ¡°Crap. Why do all of you get up so early in the morning? Did you put on the clothes for the triplets? Initially, I wanted to give you a hand.¡± After Zhai Hua woke up, she felt regretful to see that the triplets had already been dressed by Qiao Nan.

    Back then, the triplets were still very young. Even though they wore baby clothes, they would be held in the arms and one could not really tell what they were wearing.

    Now that the triplets could crawl and walk, and they were able to stand upright, the clothes looked particrly beautiful on them. They looked much more adorable than before.

    Therefore, Zhai Hua felt that it was a very interesting task to put on beautiful baby clothes on her nephews and niece now that they had grown up. ¡°Nan Nan, where did you buy the triplets¡¯ clothes? Why haven¡¯t I seen them on other babies?¡± It was awesome that the triplets were the only babies who had such clothes.

    ¡°Mama, make, make,¡± San Bao pulled her dress and said proudly.

    To a baby who had just turned one year old, they could not tell what was beautiful and what was not. The only requirement was for the clothes to feelfortable. If not, they would cry to show their displeasure.

    But San Bao was smart. She might not have known if her clothes were beautiful or not, but she could tell that other people had been looking at the clothes made by her mother enviously.

    San Bao could tell from their expression that the clothes made by her mother must be beautiful.

    Most importantly, the clothes that her mama made were the best!

    ¡°Nan Nan, you made it by yourself?¡± Zhai Hua arched her brows.

    Qiao Nan was eating porridge. If possible, she did not feel like answering Zhai Hua¡¯s questions. If she had the time to chat, she would rather finish the porridge as quickly as possible so that she could go to school. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t you remember that I made clothes for Dad, Mom, and you when I was in high school?¡±

    Not only did she know how to make clothes for adults, but she also knew how to make baby clothes.

    Qiao Nan did not have a talent in design, but she had nimble hands and a good sense of judgment.

    That was why Qiao Nan did not make money from her limited skills. But she was still able to make some clothes for her family.

    She finally had three children of her own. Their clothes were very tiny and small, particrly San Bao¡¯s. Qiao Nan was very enthusiastic about making clothes for her babies.

    Actually, it would take up much time to make clothes by herself.

    However, Qiao Nan felt that the amount of time spent on her children was worth it.

    Seeing San Bao look beautiful in the dress that she made for her, Qiao Nan felt contented and satisfied. It was a kind of feeling that other people would not be able toprehend.

    Zhai Hua pped her head. ¡°It seemed so, but that was several years ago. I almost forgot about it. Now that you brought it up, I have some recollections of it. The dress that you made for me was very nice. The dresses sold in the shopping malls now are not as beautiful as the dress that you made.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt pleased. The dress that she made was definitely more beautiful than those sold in the shopping malls.

    Qiao Nan raised her head and finished her porridge. ¡°I am on my way to school. Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, give me a kiss. Mama is going to school.¡± After this month, Qiao Nan, who was in her third year, would be doing her internship.

    She stuck out her tongue at the thought of the ce that she would do her internship. Her master gave her no chance of taking the normal route. Her master who stayed next door had arranged for her to work with her senior for her internship and to obey their orders.

    In other words, Lin Yuankang had made all the arrangements for Qiao Nan. From now onward, Qiao Nan had to learn the way.

    The triplets only knew how to speak a few words, but they could understand what the adults were talking about. They knew what Qiao Nan meant when she told them to give her a kiss. They were familiar with these words.

    Qiao Nan lowered her head and the triplets pouted their lips to kiss their mama on the cheeks.

    This had be the routine of the mother and her three children before Qiao Nan went to school.

    Qiao Nan straightened after she received the triplets¡¯ kisses. She took a step toward the door.

    Zhai Sheng put on his shoes, cing his hand on Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°I will send you to school.¡± Whenever Zhai Sheng was at home and Qiao Nan had sses, he would definitely send her to school. He was seldom at home and he cherished his time with her. He would not leave the task of sending her to school to someone else.

    ¡°Wu...¡± Er Bao clenched his fists and his eyes turned red. He was annoyed at the sight of Zhai Sheng hugging Qiao Nan.

    Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng were brought to tears at the sight of Er Bao. They were amused seeing how Er Bao held his fist and dashed forward to punch Zhai Sheng.

    This morning, they noticed that Zhai Sheng seemed to be in a cheery mood like he did when the triplets were still young. It was obvious that he had a good timest night.

    Although Er Bao looked as if he wanted to chase the lecher away, Miao Jing and Zhai Hua knew that when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan slept with the tripletsst night, they did not simply sleep but did nothing.

    ¡°You are my good Er Bao. Let¡¯s not make noises. Mama will bete for school.¡± Miao Jing carried her beloved grandson in her arms and kissed him on his cheeks. He still had the angry and righteous look on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mama will be back after her sses.¡± It seemed that Er Bao was going to engage in a fight with Zhai Sheng.

    He was indeed Er Bao. From the day he was born, he had been the cheekiest among the triplets. He had never let them down with his antics and tricks.

    Now that there were three amusing kids at home, Miao Jing felt that life could not be any better.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Da Bao raised his voice. He widened his eyes and stared at Zhai Yaohui. There was more than one stranger in his house.

    The three children might be very young, but they could tell there was another stranger in their house. They had no memories of Zhai Yaohui, their grandpa.

    Da Bao pulled Miao Jing¡¯s trousers. He did not know the words, but he pointed his finger at Zhai Yaohui, who was sitting at the table, eating. He wanted his grandma to send the stranger out of the house.

 Chapter 1253 - The Overbearing San Bao

    <h4>1253 The Overbearing San Bao</h4>

    Miao Jing wiped the corners of her eyes and patted Da Bao on his head. ¡°Da Bao, this is grandpa.¡± Old Zhai spent as much time at home as his son. To the triplets, Zhai Sheng was a stranger, so was Old Zhai.

    ¡°Come, San Bao. Let me carry you.¡± Old Master Zhai, who had had his porridge, wiped his mouth, looking energetic and feeling very proud of himself. He pped his hands at San Bao.

    San Bao widened her mouth. Under the auntie¡¯s help, she ran toward Old Master Zhai with her two short legs and was carried into Old Master Zhai¡¯s arms.

    San Bao did not fidget in Old Master Zhai¡¯s embrace. Instead, she shifted her bottom to find afortable position in his embrace. When she finally settled down, there was a satisfied smile on her face. She drew her small fingers on the table, telling Old Master Zhai that she wanted to eat as well.

    Old Master Zhai looked toward Zhai Yaohui as if showing off to him that he was better with kids. He lifted his chin as he sourced for food for San Bao.

    The triplets had their milk after they woke up and they felt slightly hungry now. Old Master Zhai knew the food that the triplets preferred. He might be old and brusque, but he waited on his great-granddaughter very well.

    Babies were innocent and they would not hide their feelings or emotions.

    San Bao found afortable position in Old Master Zhai¡¯s embrace and was satisfied with the food that he gave her. San Bao kept chewing on the food, while she swung her two short legs about.

    One could tell from her movement that San Bao loved it when her great-grandpa fed her.

    Apart from the great-grandpa, there was another grandpa that doted on her and liked to carry her in his arms.

    Compared to San Bao, who was eating happily in Old Master Zhai¡¯s embrace, Zhai Yaohui had no chance to feed his only granddaughter, while his grandsons would rather be fed by the auntie than to look at their grandpa.

    Old Master Zhai was a father and a grandfather. He had many experiences with children.

    Although he was not as skillful as the auntie, he was better than many other men.

    It was different for Zhai Yaohui. He did not really take care of his daughter and son when they were at a young age. Now that he had grandchildren, he had no experience in child-rearing and he did not know what he should do to make them happy.

    Children who were intelligent and liked to smile instead of cry were well-liked by everyone.

    When they were still infants, he could tell that the triplets were smart and quick-witted. Now that they were turning one year old, one could tell very clearly that they were intelligent and witty. He had made the right guessst year.

    Everyone could not hide their love for the triplets when they saw them. As their grandpa, Zhai Yaohui loved them more than anyone.

    Seeing that the old master carried the Zhai family¡¯s only girl in his arms and was able to keep her happy, Zhai Yaohui could not help but rest his gaze on the two active and bubbly grandsons.

    It was the beginning of autumn. It was especially hot. Da Bao and Er Bao did not wear many clothes. Zhai Yaohui sized them up and deduced that they were very strong and healthy.

    In that case, Da Bao and Er Bao should not be as delicate as San Bao. They should be able to take some teasing.

    Zhai Yaohui, who had no experience with children, wanted to be closer to the triplets, but he was worried that he would give them a fright. He would panic if they broke out in tears.

    His wife held Er Bao in her arms, which left him with his eldest grandson.

    Zhai Yaohui put down the bowl in his hands and walked to stand in front of Da Bao silently. He did not talk to Da Bao but put his arms under his armpit and carried him into his arms. He walked to the dining table and sat down, cing Da Bao on hisp. ¡°Da Bao, what do you want to eat? Grandpa will feed you.¡±

    Da Bao blinked and looked at the breakfast on the table and at his younger brother who was in grandma¡¯s arms. He then turned to look at the ¡®stranger¡¯ who held him in his arms. Da Bao was tactful. He pointed at the food that he liked.

    Zhai Yaohui perked up. His grandson was indeed sensible.

    The reason why San Bao was sofortable with the old master was not that thetter was good at coaxing babies. It was that the triplets were good-tempered and they did not need the adults to coax them.

    This was the first time that he did something for the triplets as their grandfather. Zhai Yaohui, who was always calm andposed, could not help but feel excited. ¡°Da Bao and I like the same food.¡± Zhai Yaohui tried to bridge the gap between his grandson and him by saying that they had the same tastes.

    His grandson would turn one year old in a few days. Zhai Yaohui felt that his grandson would be able to understand what he was saying.

    Zhai Yaohui put the te of food in front of Da Bao and fed him bit by bit. Da Bao behaved like the newborn young chicks. He opened his mouth and waited for Zhai Yaohui to feed him. He would eat whatever that Zhai Yaohui gave him.

    His cheeks bulged as his mouth was filled with food. He chewed on the food like a squirrel. Although Zhai Yaohui was a man and knew nothing about babies and their cute behaviors, he could not help but sigh at the way his grandson behaved. He was handsome and smart.

    Zhai Yaohui reached out his hands to touch his grandson¡¯s soft hair. It felt good to the touch. It was so soft and fine that Zhai Yaohui had a false impression that all babies would have such fine and soft hair. Perhaps this was why people liked to have pets nowadays.

    Miao Jing was quite surprised when Da Bao sat on Zhai Yaohui¡¯sps. Miao Jing never dreamed that she would see this side of Zhai Yaohui in her entire life. She was relieved that Zhai Yaohui could help take care of the eldest grandson so that she could focus on feeding Er Bao.

    San Bao behaved exactly like Hua Hua when she was at a young age. Although she was young, she had a bad temper, and she was overbearing.

    Unless Qiao Nan was around, nobody was able to control San Bao.

    Take for instance now that they were having breakfast, the triplets were hungry, but there might not be three adults around to take care of them at the same time.

    If there were not enough adults at home, Miao Jing¡¯s n was to feed one before she moved on to the next baby. But San Bao would spoil her n.

    San Bao could not go hungry. If she was hungry and she was not fed right away, she would cry her eyes out.

    In order to stop her from crying, she had to feed San Bao first. There was no room for negotiation.

 Chapter 1254 - Chosen the Right Family to Reincarnate to

    <h4>1254 Chosen the Right Family to Reincarnate to</h4>

    Before San Bao was full, she would not allow someone else to eat from her te. Even if it was her brother, the little girl would not budge. If someone did that, she would cry until the person surrendered in defeat.

    Right now, Old Master Zhai would feed San Bao, and his grandpa would feed Da Bao. Miao Jing could take her time to feed Er Bao, who was in her arms. Everyone was at peace.

    The three elders were preupied with taking care of the three babies and feeding them. Zhai Hua was the only person in the house who did not have a baby in her arms. She was concentrated on feeding herself. The Zhai family who was bustling with activities because of the triplets turned silent in an instant.

    The four adults and three babies had their meals in silence. It was so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.

    The auntie who was cleaning and disinfecting the milk bottles felt unbelievable at the silence in the house. It used to be full of baby sounds and cries. She checked out the situation in the living room to be sure that nothing had happened before she returned to the kitchen to continue with the dishes.

    ¡°Are you full?¡± Zhai Yaohui was not sure how much his eldest grandson would have for a meal, but he could tell that his eldest grandson had been growing up well. He was chubby and strong.

    While he was feeding his eldest grandson, he realized that he had a good appetite. His stomach seemed to be a bottomless pit and he could take in as much food as he liked.

    Zhai Yaohui wondered whether he had any milk previously.

    This was only breakfast, yet his grandson would have so much food. Would he feel bloated from taking too much food and skip his lunch?

    The auntie assured Zhai Yaohui and told him not to worry. The chief had been thinking too much.

    She had worked in the Zhai family for a long time. She knew the appetite of the triplets and the madams and sirs.

    She might have prepared a slightlyrger portion of food, but they were able to finish the food and would not waste the food.

    Da Bao turned his head to the side. He did not feel like eating anymore. Zhai Yaohui could tell that his eldest grandson had a very good appetite.

    Look.

    After his eldest grandson had his fill, he disyed his outright displeasure at Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui patted his bulging tummy and smiled. ¡®It is a blessing to have a good appetite.¡±

    The triplets were born one month before the delivery date. However, they looked as if they were full-term babies. It was because they had a good appetite. One needed to eat well in order to grow stronger and taller.

    Da Bao tried to tuck in his bulging tummy but to no avail. He turned to get down from Zhai Yaohui¡¯sp.

    His feet touched the ground and he ran a few steps to widen the distance between Zhai Yaohui and him. He stopped, turned, and used his chubby fingers to poke his round cheeks, making a funny face at Zhai Yaohui!

    Zhai Yaohui paused momentarily before he broke out intoughter. ¡°Are you saying that where¡¯s there¡¯s life, there¡¯s hope?¡± During the meal, he would remain silent. He was so well-behaved that he turned softhearted.

    Now that he was full, he would make funny faces at him. He had made use of him and no longer needed him anymore.

    ¡°The enemy is stronger than him. Da Bao is very clever to use such a strategy. This is not ¡®where¡¯s there¡¯s life, there¡¯s hope¡¯. This is to pursue good fortune and avoid disasters. He would not put up a strong front. He wouldy low and make the lethal blow in one strike!¡± Miao Jing kept praising Da Bao.

    Her eldest grandson was very clever. He knew that he was not Old Zhai¡¯s opponent, but he was hungry as well.

    If he went hungry, he could not win the battle.

    Nothing was more important than filling his stomach. He waited until he had his fill and regained his strength before he settled ounts.

    Zhai Yaohui twitched the corners of his lips and smiled dryly. He did not agree with her but he did not rebuke her.

    Miao Jing was displeased. ¡°What is that snort for? Are you saying that you don¡¯t agree with me?¡± Miao Jing hugged Da Bao who had run to her side. She seemed like a mother hen that spread her wings to protect her chicks. She stared at Zhai Yaohui fiercely.

    ¡°What did you disagree with?¡± Zhai Sheng, who was back from sending Qiao Nan to school, overheard their conversation.

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up. She looked toward the direction where the sound came from in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re back from sending Nan Nan to school?¡± That was fast.

    Zhai Sheng changed his shoes and washed his hands before he sat down to eat breakfast. ¡°I stepped on it during the journey to school.¡± Nan Nan said that she was runningte today because of the triplets.

    As an experienced driver, Zhai Sheng put his skills to use and hit the gas so that Qiao Nan would not bete. Therefore, Zhai Sheng did not take a lot of time to send Qiao Nan to Peking University. Hence, he was able to make it back home in a short time.

    Other people might not have known, but Zhai Sheng did not put his driving skills to use for nothing. He had asked for a reward from Qiao Nan.

    He would redeem the reward at night.

    ¡°You should take your breakfast.¡± Miao Jing did not care how her son sent Qiao Nan to school. What mattered was that she was notte and was sent safely to school. ¡°Do you have any ns for today?¡±

    The question was directed to Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    It was rare that the father and son would be at home together. Now that it was the National Day holiday, they should have some spare time.

    ¡°Stay at home with the children.¡±

    ¡°y with the children.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui answered first followed by Zhai Sheng.

    The father and son had the same goal, which was to spend time with the triplets.

    ¡°y with them? Do you think that they are cats or dogs?¡± Lin Yuankang lectured Zhai Sheng with a stern look as soon as he entered the house and overheard Zhai Sheng¡¯s reply. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re the father of the triplets. Even though you are ordered to go back to the central government because of the National Day holiday, have you forgotten that the triplets will turn one year old before the National Day?¡±

    Speaking of the birthday of the triplets, the Zhai family always felt that the triplets were blessed with good fortune.

    Their grandpa and father were very busy with work. They seldom spent time at home, and it would be difficult for the triplets to see them.

    However, given Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s status, they most likely had to go back to the capital during the National Day for the important asion.

    In that case, the triplets would be able to see their grandpa and father during their birthday.

    This was one of the reasons why many people praised the triplets for having good fortune when they held the one-month-old birthday celebration for the triplets at the end of Octoberst year.

    The triplets had good looks, had chosen a good family like the Zhai family to reincarnate to, and were born at the end of September.

 Chapter 1255 - Marvel

    <h4>1255 Marvel</h4>

    No other children would be able to pick a good timing to be born based on the situations of the elders in the family.

    In that case, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng would be able to attend the triplets¡¯ birthday celebration for nearly every year. For families like them, having their parents by their side was more important than having expensive presents. This would bring greater joy to the children.

    ¡°I remember.¡± Zhai Sheng stopped his eldest son who was running toward Lin Yuankang. He pinched his chubby arms. His palms were thick and his fingers were plump.

    Zhai Sheng was lean, while Nan Nan was way too slim. He wished that Nan Nan would put on some weight. Since both of them were slim, why was it that the triplets turned out to be so chubby?

    Da Bao and Er Bao were sons. He could put them through training in the army. He was certain they would be as fit and athletic as he was within three months.

    However, San Bao was a girl. What should he do with her?

    ¡°If so, where are the presents?¡± Lin Yuankang stretched out his hands toward Zhai Sheng, asking for the triplets¡¯ presents on their behalf, making Zhai Sheng stare askance at him.

    Da Bao was about to run toward Lin Yuankang, yet Zhai Sheng took him away. He had to teach him a lesson.

    Among the triplets, apart from San Bao who was delicate, they did not really like it when people carried them in their arms ever since they started to walk by themselves. They would rather take small steps with their short legs.

    As there were too many ¡®strangers¡¯ in his house today, Da Bao, who saw the familiar grandpa who had been keeping himpany every day, ran toward him without much thought, abandoning his father and grandpa.

    Now that Lin Yuankang mentioned the presents, Miao Jing directed her cold and hard gaze at Zhai Yaohui. She shot using res at him. It seemed that she was asking him about the presents as well.

    Since Zhai Sheng had to prepare presents for the triplets, as their grandpa, there was no way that Old Zhai would be exempted.

    Zhai Yaohui stiffened. ¡°Of course, I will give them presents. But since it is their birthday presents, I will have to wait until their actual birthday to give them.¡± In this way, he would have a few more days to prepare presents for his grandchildren.

    It was not that Zhai Yaohui did not love his three grandchildren or that he had forgotten about it. It was because he was too busy.

    Zhai Yaohui was so busy that when he jolted awake after dozing off at times, he could not remember where he was. Zhai Yaohui did not ask his assistants to choose the birthday gifts for the three children. He felt that this would be letting them down.

    As a result, time passed by and Zhai Yaohui had yet to prepare presents for their birthday.

    Zhai Yaohui quickly changed the topic as he felt embarrassed under his wife¡¯s hard stare. He did not want to lose to Elder Lin, an outsider, in front of his wife, his son, and his grandchildren. ¡°The Shi family has moved from Mo Du to the capital. The Shi family and the Peng family might attend the one-year-old birthday celebration of the triplets.¡±

    Shi Peng had been transferred back to the central government for a year. Actually, the Shi family should have moved to the capitalst year with Shi Peng, their only son.

    The problem was that Shi Kun was afraid of losing face.

    Shi Pengpeted with him for the position of the chief back then. After losing to him, he pushed himself to the extreme for several years and resulted in having poor health. In the end, he joined the Ping Cheng army from nowhere and settled down there.

    Shi Kun had thoughts of moving from Mo Du to the capital with the help of his son, Shi Peng. For this reason, when Shi Peng went to Ping Cheng, Shi Kun would rather stay with his wife in the prosperous Mo Du instead of moving with his only son to Ping Cheng.

    Everyone knew about this matter back then.

    Shi Kun gave the excuse that he was advanced in years. He was still suffering from the old wounds that he sustained when he fought in the battles when he was young. Moreover, his wife was in poor health as well.

    Mo Du was a prosperous city. There was arge poption and there were many hospitals and doctors. It would be more convenient for him and his wife to stay in Mo Du and nurse their health. If they were in good health, their children did not need to worry for them and they could focus on their career. What they did was, in fact, supporting and helping their children.

    Since Shi Kun gave such a high-sounding and dignified reason, even though many people despised Shi Kun for it, they also pitied Shi Peng for having such a father who brought nothing but trouble to him.

    Although Shi Peng was Shi Kun¡¯s only son, he did not get to benefit from it or enjoy any privileges.

    Now, Shi Peng had a sessful career. He left his military career but worked as a government official and was doing very well. He was being transferred to the capital.

    Shi Kun¡¯s former acquaintances had been waiting to see Shi Kun¡¯s next move. They wondered when he would be shameless as to move to the capital to join his son. He waited for a year before he could no longer wait and decided to ¡®reunite¡¯ with his son in the capital.

    Zhai Yaohui did not care that Shi Kun would being to the capital. Shi Kun was not the reason why he brought up this topic at the dining table. In fact, he was more concerned for Qi Min, who divorced a few years ago. She brought her daughter with her and went to stay with her parents.

    Qi Min was no longer young and she was used to living infort. It was impossible for her to be up to anything.

    However, the delicate and willful Qiu Chenxi had changed a lot after the difficulties these past few years. Although she did not change wholly, she had undergone a huge transformation.

    Qiu Qin failed in his career, but Qiu Chenxi did very well in that aspect. She was the uprising star in the political scene in Mo Du.

    Zhai Sheng was already the father of three. As for Qiu Chenxi, after she failed to be engaged to Zhai Sheng, she sought refuge with her maternal grandfather and had been doing very well. But even though she was already more than twenty-five years old, she did not marry nor have children. She did not even have a boyfriend.

    Zhai Yaohui could not help but be concerned about this.

    He had to protect Qiao Nan, his daughter-inw, as well as his three grandchildren. He had to keep a tight watch on Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi.

    Since Zhai Yaohui had been keeping a watch on these two women, it was the same case for Peng Yu, who saw his son as his opponent.

    Zhai Yaohui found out that ever since the Peng family came back to the capital a few years ago, Peng Yu was still very stubborn aboutpeting with Zhai Sheng. He would get hold of all the information regarding Zhai Sheng, in particr his performance in the army. He would be able tond his hand on first-hand reports.

    After Zhai Sheng came back to the capital and went back to the army, Peng Yu had caused serious trouble for Zhai Sheng such that he almostmitted a grave mistake and be punished for it.

    Zhai Yaohui had to keep a tight watch on Peng Yu. ¡°The Peng family seems to be arranging blind dates for Peng Yu.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not have much reaction at his father¡¯s words. It was Lin Yuankang who arched his eyebrows at his words. ¡°What do you mean? Why would you bring this up for no reason?¡± Peng Yu was two years younger than Zhai Hua. It was normal for him to go for blind dates and find a wife.

    Since Zhai Yaohui brought this topic up, could it be that there were some underlying issues?

    ¡°The Peng family is looking for youngdies who have a family history of multiple births.¡± Zhai Yaohui sounded nonchnt, but it was an important piece of news. It came as a shock to everyone. They could not help but wonder whether Zhai Yaohui was referring to...

 Chapter 1256 - If Capable, Letâ€™s Compete in All Aspects

    <h4>1256 If Capable, Let¡¯s Compete in All Aspects</h4>

    Miao Jing kissed Er Bao on his head. There was loath and disdain in her tone. ¡°They must be sick.¡±

    Multiple births?

    It was the Peng family¡¯s wishful thinking. Did they think that it was so easy to have multiple births?

    The Peng family or Peng Yu must be out of their mind. Why were they so bent onpeting in every aspect? They even wanted topete in having as many children as possible. It was insane.

    ¡°If it is true, this is such a joke. Since they want topete in having more children, should theypete in other aspects as well? Nan Nan is a student at Peking University and she has received many schrships. If not for the triplets, she would be able to study overseas on schrship. Elder Lin is Nan Nan¡¯s master. Can the Peng family and Peng Yupete with us?¡±

    Miao Jing made a list of all the possible areas that Peng Yu couldpete with them. She did not believe that Peng Yu would be able to do better than her son.

    She was not boasting. Nan Nan was a good child. Such a good girl was rare toe by. It would not be easy to find anotherdy who was just as good as Nan Nan, or even better than her. It was way more difficult than finding ady who would have multiple births.

    However, since the Peng family or Peng Yu was sopetitive, they should strive to be better than Zhai Sheng in all aspects.

    If the Peng family dared to pledge that they would find such ady who could match all the conditions, and Peng Yu would stay single unless he found such ady, Miao Jing had to hand it to the Peng family.

    If they were unable to fulfill the pledge, weren¡¯t the Peng family and Peng Yu worried that they would make a fool of themselves in their social circle?

    What were they thinking of?

    They must be out of their minds!

    Her daughter-inw was so outstanding. It was difficult to match up to her. Miao Jing lifted her chin, feeling proud of her daughter-inw. She sounded very confident and sure of herself.

    Miao Jing had total confidence in her daughter-inw. For those people who wanted the Zhai family to be aughingstock, she weed them to give it a try. If there was ady who was better than her daughter-inw, she would not lose her temper. As for those who could not match up to her daughter-inw and said spiteful words, asking for an insult, they should not me her for giving them the harsh treatment.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s nose felt ticklish during her lessons. She could not help but sneeze. She took out a tissue to wipe her nose.

    Ever since she had children, Qiao Nan was particrly worried that she would catch a cold. Cold was infectious. The triplets were still young, and they did not have strong immunity. Furthermore, they would not want to leave her side.

    If she caught a cold, and she kept a distance from the triplets, they might cry their guts out and tear down the roof of the house.

    Qiao Nan often had this thought. Perhaps Zhai Sheng was seldom at home, and she had to y the role of a father and a mother. That was why the three children devoted all their love for their parents to her and were twice as close to her.

    That was why whenever Zhai Sheng was back and she had to go to school, Qiao Nan could not wait to put Zhai Sheng in charge of taking care of them. She wished that Zhai Sheng could spend twenty-four hours a day with the triplets before he went back to the army.

    She believed that if they spent more time together, the triplets would ept that Zhai Sheng was their father.

    The National Day holiday wasing. As a third-year student, Qiao Nan still had to do her internship. After taking her lessons at school today, she would only go back to school about a monthter.

    Since the holiday wasing, the professors did not go through many learning points. After the professors and the counselors gave their instructions and reminders, the students left the school and went back home.

    Qiao Nan came back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence travel-worn, with beads of perspiration on her forehead. She did not hear any crying sounds of the babiesing from the house. Instead, the triplets were making threatening gestures and she could hear funny quacking sounds like the ducksing from the house. One did not know whether to cry or smile.

    Qiao Nan was stunned momentarily when she heard the funny quacking sounds. She entered the house and was amused.

    San Bao, the fat chubby girl, sat on Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulders. Her two fat and short legs could be seen swinging about Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest. She grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s hair to steady herself and ordered Zhai Sheng to run around the house.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s hair was as short as the bristles on the brush. She had to hand it to her daughter for getting a grip on them.

    ¡°Ma.¡± Da Bao, who would stare at Zhai Sheng from time to time for fear that Zhai Sheng would steal her sister when he was not watching, noticed that the door opened to reveal her mother who just came back from school.

    Ever since the man came to their house, Da Bao realized that his grandma and all of them were behaving oddly.

    Da Bao did not know that there were human traffickers around. But at his young age, he was aware that he had to protect his sister from being taken away by other people.

    Da Bao was worried sick that his grandma and the rest of them did not stop the man from carrying his sister and ying with her.

    Now that his mama was back, Da Bao knew that as long as his mama was around, she would prevent San Bao from being taken away by the bad guy.

    Qiao Nan was amused at the relieved look on Da Bao¡¯s face. He looked mature for his age. She washed her hands and face quickly and ran to carry Da Bao. ¡°Da Bao, be good. Tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡± Her triplets had a fairplexion while their father was tanned. Qiao Nan could not help give Da Bao two kisses on his cheeks.

    Da Bao, who pulled a stern face, finally smiled at his mama¡¯s kisses. Da Bao grabbed his mama¡¯s neck and turned to look at San Bao. ¡°San, San.¡± Da Bao did not know how to say the word ¡®sister¡¯. He only knew how to say the word ¡®san¡¯, but he was anxious as he looked at San Bao. Qiao Nan understood what her son was talking about.

    Qiao Nan nted another kiss on Da Bao¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Da Bao is so sensible, but Da Bao might have forgotten. Mama has told you that he is your papa. He is papa. Papa will not take San Bao away.¡±

    ¡°Photo, photo?¡± Da Bao was confused. He remembered his papa was in the photo that his mama showed him.

    ¡°Haha. That¡¯s mama¡¯s mistake. This is papa. The man that you saw back then is papa¡¯s photo. Da Bao, call him papa. Papa is very strong. He can lift you high up into the air and he knows how to use a gun. In the future, let¡¯s get papa to teach you, shall we?¡± Da Bao and Er Bao, who were only one year old, started to have different likes and dislikes from San Bao.

    Qiao Nan used to worry that there were too many bullet shell models at home. It was such a waste.

    However, now that she had triplets, each of them would be able to have one model. It was just nice.

    Under Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s influence, San Bao would fiddle with the bullet shell models asionally. Compared to San Bao who was not as interested, Da Bao and Er Bao cherished their bullet shell models. At times, they would hug them to sleep.

    No matter how Qiao Nan tried to coax them to pass the bullet shell models to her, they would not let go of the models. She had to wait until they had fallen asleep before she pried the models out from Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s embrace.

 Chapter 1257 - A Stab to the Heart and the Eyes

    <h4>1257 A Stab to the Heart and the Eyes</h4>

    Qiao Nan knew from Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s behavior that they were indeed from the Zhai family. They were born with a passion for guns.

    ¡°Tatata?¡± Da Bao¡¯s eyes lit up.

    As boys, Da Bao and Er Bao had many toy guns. The Zhai family doted on them and would buy them toy guns that could produce sounds. Some of the guns could even release harmless bullets.

    Fortunately, the two children were sensible. At least, they would never point their guns at anyone. At most, they would point them at the letters.

    Da Bao did not understand what it meant to be lifted high into the air, but he understood what it meant by using the guns.

    Er Bao, who was being fed with fruits, slipped away from his grandma and ran before stopping in front of Zhai Sheng. He made gestures of a gun with his hand. ¡°Tatata?¡± Did you know how to use a gun?

    Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrows at his sons¡¯ passion for guns and smiled. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. He reached his hands to pull Zhai Sheng¡¯s trouser leg.

    Zhai Sheng held onto his chubby daughter and nodded. ¡°I can teach you.¡±

    Er Bao grinned and patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s trouser leg, as if saying that they had made a promise.

    Er Bao learned this gesture from Qiao Nan. When they obeyed their mother, their mama would pat them in the same manner.

    If Zhai Sheng was not as tall, he would have patted him on his head as a form of encouragement and recognition. Er Bao was no longer as defensive toward Zhai Sheng. He smiled as he leaned against his leg.

    ¡°Crap. How can he be so gullible?¡± Zhai Hua was dumbfounded.

    Compared to Da Bao and Er Bao, San Bao, the girl, was much easier to coax. Of course, it could be because Zhai Sheng favored girls over boys and spent more effort on San Bao, and therefore San Bao had opened up to him.

    Initially, San Bao disliked it when Zhai Sheng got close to her. However, after Zhai Sheng coaxed her by lifting her high up into the air and carrying her on his shoulder, she had be closer to him and was able to snuggle in his embrace. She would not allow other people to carry her.

    The youngdy was smiling happily in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Herughter sounded like the quacking sounds of the duck. Zhai Hua could not help but have goose bumps. She was puzzled. San Bao was normal when she was still an infant. Why would sheugh like a duck after she grew older? Where did she learn it from? They never reared ducks at home.

    Zhai Sheng had sessfully coaxed San Bao and she no longer rejected his hugs. As for Da Bao and Er Bao, they posed a bigger challenge.

    Once Zhai Sheng made a move to hug them, Da Bao and Er Bao would run off in separate directions. The living room was huge and they would go off in separate directions, making it difficult for Zhai Sheng to catch hold of them in one go.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were still very young and small. When Zhai Sheng was hot on their heels, they would slide under the table to escape from him.

    Zhai Sheng was about 1.8 meters tall. He could not possibly slide under the table like the two children.

    Compared to his natural advantage yesterday, Zhai Sheng seemed to be losing to his two children in the battle between the three of them. They were able to make off in the fastest speed.

    Since Zhai Sheng favored daughters, he did not really bother himself with the two little brats.

    Since they wanted to y hide-and-seek with him, Zhai Sheng decided to change his target and yed with his daughter instead. It did not bother him that Da Bao and Er Bao were staring at him. He was fine as long as they did not run all over the ce while he was gaining his daughter¡¯s favor.

    To his surprise, after working to win his sons¡¯ favor but to no avail, Qiao Nan¡¯s words changed their attitude toward him. Da Bao and Er Bao had the same love as the Zhai family for guns. At least for now, they would no longer stare at Zhai Sheng as if he was a human trafficker.

    He had won over Er Bao, but Da Bao remained silent.

    Zhai Sheng arched his brows, gazing at his eldest son with a rxed look on his face, waiting for him to walk into his trap.

    He could feel that his eldest son loved ying with guns and he had a deeper passion for guns than his second son did. Since Er Bao had given in, it would not be long before Da Bao fell for it as well.

    Da Bao flung his head and snorted lightly. He turned and walked unsteadily toward Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Tatata?¡±

    There was a glow on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face. He touched the chubby face of his eldest grandson. He did not feel the least bit ashamed at forestalling his son. He sounded very sure and confident. ¡°I am very good at shooting. When Da Bao is older, I will teach you how to shoot. I will buy you whatever guns that you want. I have a horse and it is pregnant. After it gives birth to a pony, I will give it to you.¡±

    Grandparents would usually dote on their grandchildren.

    As a grandpa, he had an abundance of love for his grandchildren.

    The triplets disliked Zhai Sheng and they shunned Zhai Yaohui, who was seldom at home, as well.

    Compared to Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui was all the more desperate for his grandchildren¡¯s love. But he felt embarrassed to show his feelings in front of his family.

    It would be very awkward if the triplets gave him the cold shoulder.

    Therefore, Zhai Yaohui would not do it too openly when he tried to please the triplets.

    Perhaps Zhai Yaohui was not a good father, and he did not have any experience of coaxing a child. But Da Bao was a boy. Zhai Yaohui only had one simple thought in mind. It was to share his hobbies and passion from a young age with Da Bao. He would ask Da Bao to join him and he also volunteered to teach him.

    Initially, Da Bao remained unmoved as he did not wish to be close to strangers.

    But given Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior just now, Da Bao would rather get the man who was his grandpa to teach him instead of the papa who used to be in the photo but was alive and standing in front of him. He did not need the papa to teach him. He had many other options.

    Hmmph!

    Da Bao was at odds with Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Yaohui stood to benefit from it. Zhai Yaohui could not help but spread his arms wide. ¡°Da Bao, let grandpa give you a hug?¡±

    Da Bao was being kind to Zhai Yaohui. He spread his arms and muttered a sound, giving his consent. Seeing that Da Bao had agreed, Zhai Yaohui swept him off his feet right away with a wide smile on his face. He put Da Bao on his thigh.

    Zhai Yaohui panicked but felt contented at the soft and chubby child who was in his arms.

    He was his eldest grandson. He was chubby and there was a sparkle in his eyes. He was quick-witted and handsome.

    Zhai Yaohui touched Da Bao¡¯s round and chubby body with a look of delight on his face. It was as if he had been starved for three years and it took him great pains before he finally saw a tender and chubby littlemb.

    Zhai Hua covered her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t see this. It is a stab to my heart.¡± Zhai Hua looked sad.

 Chapter 1258 - Her Bad Temper Is Getting Worse

    <h4>1258 Her Bad Temper Is Getting Worse</h4>

    When she and Zhai Sheng were at a young age, her father never carried her and her brother in his arms. Could it be that Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao were triplets, while they were not?

    It was so heartbreaking.

    Zhai Sheng thought that Da Bao would surrender to him like Er Bao. Instead, Da Bao chose to be with his grandpa, abandoning his father. Zhai Yaohui was the one who benefited from it.

    Zhai Sheng could tell that three minutes ago, Da Bao disliked him and his father. But since Da Bao was at odds with him, he chose to go to his grandpa.

    Zhai Sheng was helpless that he had such a father who liked to mess things up for his son.

    Zhai Yaohui blinked at the mocking gaze that his son gave him. He felt contented to hold his eldest grandson in his arms. Nothing was more important than the grandson in his embrace. He did not care about his son. His daughter-inw would be responsible for his son. He could not be bothered.

    He was contented to have his grandchildren!

    ¡°San Bao, let auntie hug you, okay?¡± Zhai Hua ground her teeth. Her father held Da Bao in his arms, while Zhai Sheng had two children with him. How could Zhai Sheng be so greedy to take Er Bao and San Bao with him? He should pass San Bao to her. It would be fun ying with little girls.

    Zhai Sheng did not bother to look at Zhai Hua. Instead, the little girl in his arms felt that she had enough fun and she no longer cared for the novelty. She shouted for her mama and turned to lean toward Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Pass her to me.¡± San Bao was sitting on Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulder. It was strenuous for Qiao Nan to carry San Bao from Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulder. Zhai Sheng was tall and San Bao had put on weight recently. Qiao Nan did not have enough strength in her arms. It was getting more and more strenuous to carry the triplets.

    If it was in the past, Qiao Nan did not even have any strength in her arms.

    Perhaps now that she had three children, she had gained muscle strength from carrying them and taking care of them. ¡°Are you done ying? You finally thought of your mama after such a long time.¡± Qiao Nan patted her daughter on her chubby bottom. She gave her cheeks a small bite, expressing her anger and love for her.

    When the little girl was on her father¡¯s shoulder, she did not even bother to look in her direction, having lots of fun ying with her father.

    San Bao was quick-witted. She could tell that her mama was jealous. She called her mama endearingly and nted a lot of kisses on her mama¡¯s face. She yed the coquette. No one was immune to her affectionate gestures.

    Qiao Nan smiled and returned the kiss. ¡°Now that you realize you are in trouble, you behaved as such. Are you betting that I won¡¯t be able to do anything to you? Such a heartless girl.¡±

    ¡°Mama, mama.¡± San Bao called Qiao Nan endearingly. There was no way that Qiao Nan could keep pretending to be angry at her. The youngdy twisted about in her mother¡¯s arms, thirsty.

    Qiao Nan sat down with San Bao in her arms while Zhai Hua took a cup of water and fed San Bao with the water.

    San Bao¡¯s heart was with Zhai Sheng. However, since she was in her mother¡¯s arms and Qiao Nan did not object when Zhai Hua fed her with the water, she drank the water happily while kicking her legs.

    She did not trust Zhai Hua nor did she ept Zhai Hua. But she believed that since her mama was around, her mama would not allow anyone to bully her.

    If the bad guy was up to any tricks, her mama would drive the bad guy away.

    Zhai Hua wiped San Bao¡¯s mouth after she finished the water. ¡°How is the arrangement for your internship? What are the guidelines or rules? Tell me about it. Since all of us are here, we can give you some suggestions or feedback.¡±

    To other people, it was merely a simple internship, but to Qiao Nan, it was not simple at all. Qiao Nan had to treat it as her exams. The internship was tantamount to official employment. Other students could skive during the internship, but Qiao Nan had to work extra hard and make sure that everything was perfect.

    Zhai Hua believed that Qiao Nan should have understood all these and might have known that it would be the case right from the beginning. She believed that Qiao Nan would not react strongly when she brought it up today.

    Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng and they already had children. Qiao Nan should have understood and prepared herself mentally for this.

    Zhai Hua was d that Qiao Nan kept striving to do better. She was intelligent and flexible. It was her positive traits that made Zhai Sheng fall for her and insist on marrying her. That was why the Zhai family had three lovable and smart children.

    Qiao Nan did not know that Zhai Hua was so conflicted due to the one-month internship. ¡°My master had told me about the internship before school reopened this year. He will make all the arrangements for me. He had told me of my responsibilities. Now, all I have to do is to wait until the internship starts and report to the unit that he had arranged for me.¡±

    This was indeed a headache. Luckily, she had a capable master and it saved a lot of trouble for her. Particrly, Qiao Nan had no need to worry herself over the different targets that had to be fulfilled in the internship.

    She knew that as her master, Lin Yuankang would make all the arrangements for her.

    Whenever she thought of this, she was thankful that her interests were simr to the path that her master had chosen for her. Otherwise, with such a domineering master who had her best interests, it would be a headache when she graduated and had to decide on the job that she wanted.

    ¡°Elder Lin...¡± Zhai Hua touched her chin that had suffered a blow from San Bao when she was iling her arms.

    Zhai Hua could tell that San Bao feltfortable and pleased to be in her mother¡¯s arms. She had a rxed expression on her face. However, she could not help but tease San Bao from time to time. She was hoping that through her teasing, San Bao would remember that a few months back, Zhai Hua used to take care of her when she was still an infant.

    She deserved more than Zhai Sheng to be liked and weed by the triplets.

    Back when Qiao Nan went to the hospital to give birth to babies, she was the one who stayed by her side and watched as the triplets came to the world. Zhai Sheng was absent all the while. He did not even turn up when the triplets were one month old.

    That was why Zhai Hua behaved like a child and kept teasing San Bao. San Bao could no longer tolerate her teasing. She flushed red in anger and was about to cry out loud.

    Zhai Hua pulled her hands back quickly, not forgetting to mock her. ¡°The little girl has grown taller, but her bad temper seems to be getting worse.¡±

 Chapter 1259 - Donâ€™t Enter the Blind Alley

    <h4>Chapter 1259 Don¡¯t Enter the Blind Alley</h4>

    ¡°I did not do anything. Why did she cry? It¡¯s as if I have bullied her.¡± She felt so aggrieved.

    Zhai Sheng shot a sharp look at Zhai Hua¡¯s itchy hands. ¡°You are aware that San Bao¡¯s temper is not good, yet you still want to provoke her? If you really like to tease a child, I advise you to find a man and get married. That¡¯s the most practical thing to do. At that time, be it your man or your child, you can bully them as you wish. It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    However, if Zhai Hua were to bully his children, she should not me him for not treating her like a sister.

    ¡°Nan Nan, your man is threatening me. He has forgotten who sent you to the hospital and apanied you when you gave birth one year ago. Tell me. Isn¡¯t your man heartless? You don¡¯t hit a person in his face, and neither do you expose a person¡¯s shorings. He did it on purpose.¡± Her twenty-eighth birthday had passed. As she approached her thirties, Zhai Hua¡¯s face got cker and cker.

    Fortunately, in the army, everyone was used to exerting one¡¯s position and authority. They were also more respectful of and convinced by capable people.

    Despite this, Zhai Hua was still a famous unmarried ¡®old¡¯dy and ¡®old¡¯ deputy battalionmander in Ping Cheng¡¯s army. Now, the people in the capital¡¯s army enjoyed referring her as the new female officer who was left on the shelves.

    No matter where she went, Zhai Hua was a famous figure in the limelight. Everyone knew who she was.

    As a normal woman who kept hearing others calling her an old woman, no matter how big-hearted Zhai Hua was, she would feel angry. She could not help but find an excuse to deal with the few junior soldiers who had the excessive energy to gossip about others. They were behaving like women. As such, she taught them a hard lesson.

    In the army, she would hear these gossips from the people that she did not know. Now that she was at home, her biological brother also had to poke fun at her.

    The hot-tempered Zhai Hua could not help doubting if she was in the early stage of menopause. Otherwise, why was her temper growing bigger and worse by the day?

    Qiao Nan was carrying San Bao and sitting beside Zhai Sheng. The agile Er Bao stood with his short little legs, wanting to sit beside his mother. Qiao Nan reached out and carried him. Er Bao was now sitting on the sofa and holding his sister¡¯s hands. He looked so obedient.

    Making use of this opportunity, Qiao Nan leaned closer to Zhai Sheng and asked quietly, ¡°What¡¯s the situation with Tian Dong recently?¡± When she was pregnant with the triplets, Tian Dong found various excuses toe to the Zhai family¡¯s residence for meals and ask Sister Zhai Hua out.

    It was also because of this that Tian Dong had helped do everything that Brother Zhai should have done then¡ªon the ount of Sister Zhai Hua.

    Strangely, Tian Dong had beening to the Zhai family¡¯s residence less since she had given birth to the triplets. She could not even remember clearly when shest saw Tian Dong.

    Tian Dong had returned to the capital for almost two years?

    If the Tian family did not have the intention, Sister Zhai Hua had to grab hold of time and attend matchmaking sessions soon. If they were toe clean about the matter, it would be akin to giving each other freedom. No one would dy each other¡¯s time. Wasn¡¯t that a good thing?

    Squeezing Er Bao¡¯s chubby hand, Zhai Sheng said openly, ¡°Nothing is happening at Tian Dong¡¯s side. That¡¯s why someone is so angry that she is having hormonal imbnces.¡±

    Qiao Nan had thought that she was talking very softly. This was quite amusing to Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua. As a special forces soldier, how could she survive in the army if she did not even have some listening skills? Since he knew that Zhai Hua could definitely hear it, Zhai Sheng could not be bothered to lower his voice or suppress himself. He would be acting foolishly like an ostrich if he did.

    After saying this, Zhai Sheng even specially turned to look at Zhai Hua to observe her reaction.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face reddened. It was uncertain if she was feeling angry or embarrassed. ¡°Don¡¯t mention that person¡¯s name in front of me again. All of them are scums.¡± At the mention of Tian Dong, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was confused.

    It was with much difficulty that she found Wei De previously. Who would have known that Wei De, who looked honest on the outside, was actually such a jerk?

    She had already moved to the capital for two years. Zhai Hua had heard about Wei De¡¯s news from time to time.

    It was all thanks to her childhood friends who had continued to stay in Ping Cheng to develop their businesses. After leaving Zhai Hua, Wei De was like a pile of feces. After being beaten up for no reason, Wei De could not survive in the capital anymore. He could only bring a small sum of money with him back to Ping Cheng and start his life anew.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s childhood friends would pay attention to Wei De from time to time. They took it that they were watching a clown¡¯s show. They would then report to Zhai Hua about Wei De¡¯s miserable situation, as if they were telling a joke. As a result, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t possibly not know about Wei De¡¯s situation.

    After Wei De returned to Ping Cheng, he had not gotten married. He also did not have anyplicated woman by his side.

    However, Wei De had fetched his family from his hometown to Ping Cheng.

    During thest time that they met, Wei Wei should have attended kindergarten. However, three years had passed. Given Wei Wei¡¯s age, he should be attending primary school. Wei De was still unwilling to give up on Wei Wei, this son. Hence, he found ways to move Wei Wei¡¯s residence to Ping Cheng and finally found him a primary school there.

    As for what Wei De initially nned for¡ªletting Wei Wei study in a good primary school and receive elite education¡ªit was no longer in the consideration.

    First, Wei De did not have the interpersonalwork.

    Second, Wei De did not have the money.

    It was worth mentioning that Wei Wei¡¯s mother and ¡®younger sister¡¯ also came to Ping Cheng. To outsiders, everyone knew that this sister was Wei Wei¡¯s biological instead of adopted sister. Wei Wei was the illegitimate son born out of wedlock by Wei De¡¯s sister. He was thus Wei De¡¯s nephew.

    The Wei family had concealed and lied to Zhai Hua about Wei Wei¡¯s identity in the past. Now, they were still going down the same dead end and continuing to weave the same lie. They strongly hoped to turn the make-believe into reality.

    What made Zhai Hua felt most helpless was that Wei De had been telling others that Zhai Hua was still the love of his life, that he would only love Zhai Hua in this lifetime. As long as Zhai Hua was willing to go back to him, he would definitely openly wee Zhai Hua to his home to be his wife unconditionally, anytime and forever.

    Zhai Hua had mentioned this matter to Qiao Nan before.

    Wei De had disguised himself to be someone deeply in love and with no regrets. He had lied so well that many youngdies had been taken in. Some foolish people really believed that the Zhai family did not look up to and shun Wei De because of his family background, that Zhai Hua was blind to have abandoned such a good man like Wei De because of money.

    Qiao Nan was afraid that Zhai Hua¡¯s heart would waver andmit the same foolish act again. She told Zhai Hua in a frank and direct manner. ¡°Do you know why Wei De is still holding on to you and not getting married until now? If he marries another woman, will that woman be able to provide him with so many benefits like you did? Also, nowadays, how many people truly marry out of love?¡±

 Chapter 1260 - Punish Ourselves for Other Peopleâ€™s Mistakes

    <h4>1260 Punish Ourselves for Other People¡¯s Mistakes</h4>

    ¡°You will understand this just by looking at your own situation. If not for the sake of having a child, you can¡¯t even be bothered about men anymore.¡±

    ¡°Regarding having a child, Wei De already has a son: Wei Wei. His parents already have a grandchild. Wei De already has someone to pass down the family line. Will the Wei family feel anxious for Wei De to find a woman to marry? Let¡¯s talk about a disgusting situation. Didn¡¯t that sister of Wei De alsoe to Ping Cheng? Wei De iscking neither son nor woman. Wei De¡¯s sister can also help Wei De in something that an ordinary woman and wife can do for him. Why would he marry at this point unless the woman is someone like you who can help Wei De? Otherwise, he would have ruined his own path to wealth then, no?¡±

    Wei De did notck a son or a woman. He onlycked the opportunity to rise in the ranks and be wealthy.

    He was not capable. Hence, the only way to fulfill this wish was to marry a wife with a good birth status and family background. He would rely on the inw family¡¯s help then.

    As Zhai Hua had been unhappy with Tian Dong¡¯s performance, she had slight thoughts of softening her heart in order to be at odds with herself or Tian Dong. Nevertheless, she had abolished this intent totally after listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s wise and earnest advice.

    At that time, Zhai Hua only asked Qiao Nan one question. ¡°If I don¡¯t get married and don¡¯t have a child forever, will you let the triplets support me when I grow old?¡±

    Chinese are so traditional in their thinking.

    Qiao Nan replied to Zhai Hua, ¡°It¡¯s never a problem to support you when you grow old. I am most concerned that you don¡¯t have someone by your side then.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words made Zhai Hua feel sour. She also calmed down at the same time.

    Yes, she had three niece and nephews. She was not worried that no one would support her when she was old. She was only worried that no one would apany her.

    However, there were so many man-made or natural cmities nowadays. Some illnesses could not be cured and some were terminal cancers. Despite being married and having children, most people did not have anyone by their side when they were old. Were they going to live on then?

    She was the daughter of the Zhai family. Since these people could continue with their lives, why couldn¡¯t she?

    By the time she was old, the triplets would definitely have gotten married and they would have their own children.

    At that time, she did not need anyone to keep herpany. She would ¡®kidnap¡¯ the children of one of the triplets and raise them. It was simr to what the old master did in the past. That seemed fine too.

    Her grandmother had passed away early and the old master had been alone. Earlier on, when she and Zhai Sheng were still in Ping Cheng, the old master insisted on staying in the countryside and refused to stay in the city. He wanted to mix around with his former warrades. The old master did not seem to be having a difficult life either.

    If she could be like the old master and live her life such that she was as healthy and energetic as the youngsters, she would be very happy.

    Since she had resolved herst concern, Zhai Hua did not give up on herself. Instead, she was freed. She might as well not trouble herself over marriage anymore. As such, she cast Tian Dong and Wei De aside.

    If she had not heard a few wicked soldiers scolding her for being inhuman and being an old woman left on the shelves, Zhai Hua would not be in such a bad mood.

    However, Zhai Hua would let whoever made her unhappy experience unbearable suffering.

    Come on! Let¡¯s harm each other and see who would bow first!

    At the mention of Tian Dong, the initiator of all these, Zhai Hua found it hard to calm down. She immediately red up. In addition, a sinister and murderous aura surrounded her. Her face was as ck as a female Rakkhasa[1].

    Upon realizing that she seemed to have overreacted, Zhai Hua took a deep breath and held her forehead. She lowered her voice. ¡°Alright, I know my mood is not especially good. Don¡¯t agitate me with these words. The Tian family did not handle this very well... Fine. Perhaps they have already expressed themselves and I am the one who doesn¡¯t understand it thoroughly. After all, when Nan Nan gave birth, Tian Dong had helped a lot. In the future, if anything happens to the Tian family, we return the favor by helping them too. As for other matters, don¡¯t think too much about or mention it. He¡¯s like ady since he was a child. How could I fancy him?¡±

    Zhai Hua did not speak thest sentence from her heart.

    She had taken a liking to him but Tian Dong had been so cold to her thereafter. He neither contacted nor expressed anything to her.

    Regardless of the intent of Tian Dong and the Tian family, sorry, she was not ying with them anymore. They could scram!

    This was Zhai Hua¡¯s private affair. As much as the people around her could give her some advice, it would be meaningless to go overboard. After all, Zhai Hua was responsible for her own life.

    You are not a fish. How would you know whether the fish is happy? One should not judge a person by their own thoughts.

    Other people might not feel positive about this kind of life. However, Zhai Hua felt happy and carefree leading it. It was not important how others viewed it at all.

    Qiao Nan was a woman. Of course, she sided with Zhai Hua. She could tell that Zhai Hua¡¯s temper had been provoked by Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan secretly nudged Zhai Sheng to hint at him to know when to draw the line.

    Anyway, in her view, this matter¡¯s responsibility indeedy with Tian Dong and not Zhai Hua.

    As a man, he should take practical steps and adopt an enthusiastic attitude. If he felt that they were not suitable, it was fine not to give any clear exnation, but why did he always have to say something ambiguous and suggestive to stop the Zhai family from making matchmaking arrangements for Zhai Hua?

    As such, Qiao Nan was also not pleased to bring up Tian Dong, let alone Zhai Hua.

    Besides Wei De, Tian Dong was the next person whom Zhai Hua was together with for the longest time. In addition, she and Tian Dong got along quite well and he had spent a lot of thoughts and effort on Zhai Hua. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s malicious eloquence, it was just a matter of seconds for her to nip Tian Dong in the bud, just like what she did to Wei De when she made the strong-headed Zhai Hua turn her back and give up on Wei De in the past.

    However, Qiao Nan was not the kind of person who liked to exaggerate matters. Unless there was really a major concern, she was not willing to intervene in other people¡¯s lives in this way.

    The topic of marriage with Tian Dong ended along with Zhai Hua¡¯s fury.

    Miao Jing, who was sitting by the side and peeling fruits for her three grandchildren, heard the conversation clearly. In the end, she could only sigh helplessly without a word. Sometimes, Miao Jing could not figure out why. The Zhai family was so honest and responsible. She could not vouch for other families, but she dared to pat her chest and express that the Zhai family had a clear conscience. They had never let the organization, country, and people down.

    Most importantly, they passed down a few generations of soldiers who protected the country. Even if they were not considered heroes, they contributed to the safety and stability of the country.

    They did not do any misdeeds. They did not do lesser good deeds either. Why was it that good fortune did note to her daughter, that her affinity in love had toe sote?

    Other people did not understand Zhai Hua¡¯s trouble, but as the mother, Miao Jing did.

    Zhai Hua was already of this age. Each time someone brought up the topic of marriage, they could not help using Zhai Hua as an example and make a few unpleasant remarks. It seemed that Zhai Hua, who was still single, became the ssic example that many parents used to chase their children into marriage. They did not hold back their tongues.

    [1] A demon in Buddhism that eats human flesh

 Chapter 1261 - Can Be Eliminated

    <h4>1261 Can Be Eliminated</h4>

    If not for these people¡¯s gossip, Zhai Hua would not...

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart wrenched at Miao Jing¡¯s troubled look.

    Qiao Nan lowered her head and gave Er Bao a kiss on the face. She then asked Er Bao to look at Miao Jing.

    After kissing Qiao Nan back, Er Bao blinked his ck and dewy eyes. Qiao Nan carried him down the sofa. He ran loudly to Miao Jing. He rolled, whined, and acted cute as he took the fruits that Miao Jing had peeled and fed them to Miao Jing, making a gift for people with something that was given to him.

    Miao Jing felt so sweet. She held on to Er Bao¡¯s chubby hands. ¡°Er Bao, be good. Grandma can eat by myself. If Er Bao likes to eat them, you can eat more.¡±

    Er Bao raised his short and chubby hands highly and insisted to feed Miao Jing personally. It was only when Miao Jing ate the fruit that Er Bao asked smilingly, ¡°Sweet?¡±

    ¡°Sweet!¡± Miao Jing nodded furiously. ¡°Grandma¡¯s heart feels so sweet.¡± This was not a fruit. This was the sweetest candy in the world!

    Er Bao twisted his body proudly. He looked like he was dancing. His chubby body twisted and swayed to both sides like he was a chubby real-life tumbler. It was so funny.

    Indeed, Er Bao was the little actor amongst the triplets. Acting was a piece of cake for him. Miao Jing was so amused that she was red andughing in tears.

    After coaxing Miao Jing, the atmosphere in the Zhai family eased much. However, henceforth, Tian Dong¡¯s reputation in the Zhai family had been slightly dented.

    The Zhai family had organized a one-year-old party for the triplets. It was lively and bustling on that day.

    Almost all who attended the triplets¡¯ full month celebration also came today.

    These people saw that the triplets had grown to be so bright and extremely good-looking. Da Bao and Er Bao were slower in their speech development, but they could already walk in a steady manner. San Bao, the little girl, could not walk as well as her two elder brothers but she was better at speaking.

    One year had passed. Until now, these three children of the Zhai family had not grown astray. All of them seemed fine.

    The elders often say that they could predict a person¡¯s future when thetter was three years old.

    Actually, one could foresee some situations when the child learned how to walk and talk.

    These three children of the Zhai family could get along extremely well. Da Bao and Er Bao protected and doted on San Bao, their younger sister, very much. The triplets¡¯ standing position was always San Bao in the middle and the two elder brothers by each of her sides.

    San Bao, this little girl, was very doted upon. Whenever she received any good things, she would never stuff it into her mouth anxiously. She would feed her two elder brothers first before eating it herself.

    Facing such a lively asion, the triplets, including San Bao, did not show any feelings of fear. They were swirling their eyeballs and also opening their little mouths from time to time, smiling sweetly at others.

    Judging by the triplets¡¯ performance, the guests who came felt increasingly envious of the Zhai family¡¯s good fortune for having such fine three children.

    When epting these people¡¯s blessings, Qiao Nan noticed a situation. Simr to the day that she was married, the Tian family did not appear. Their gift came instead.

    After confirming that Tian Dong and none of the Tian family members had appeared, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. She had eliminated the hope of Tian Dong bing her brother-inw. It was better not to have a man like Tian Dong.

    Sister Zhai Hua was right. If she really did not have any children in the future, the triplets would definitely be willing to take care of her. Instead of forcing Sister Zhai Hua to look for a lousy man to have children, she would rather Sister Zhai Hua follow her heart and not find any man to marry. She would be carefree and happy then.

    ¡°Mine. It¡¯s mine. It¡¯s mine.¡± After the bustling day ended, the triplets, especially San Bao, were extremely excited. Upon the end of the entire day, she was smiling with a pink face as she carried the presents from the adults. Like a dragon, she was either carrying all the presents in her arms or sitting on them.

    She was touching this, looking at that, and continuously counting which present was hers.

    At the sight of her chubby little girl looking like a wealthyndlord, Qiao Nan was ted. She pinched her daughter¡¯s little nose. ¡°Little girl, there are so many presents. What do you intend to do? Are you going to open them?¡±

    San Bao was sitting on all the presents but did not open any of them. She looked as carefree and happy as a deity just by sitting on them. Qiao Nan could not quite figure out what her fair and chubby daughter was thinking about.

    Could it be that San Bao had a hobby of collecting items?

    ¡°Open?¡± San Bao blinked her eyes. Her little head was nodding like a chicken pecking on rice. ¡°Open! Mom, help!¡±

    San Bao knew that she was small and did not have enough strength. Hence, she wanted her mother to lend a helping hand.

    It felt good to touch the soft small ponytail that she tied for San Bao. Qiao Nan carried her daughter into her arms from the small pile of presents. ¡°Mom will help you to open them?¡±

    San Bao was only one year old and her hair was not extremely long. However, she was a girl. Qiao Nan liked to tie small ponytails for San Bao.

    Although San Bao¡¯s hair was quite short and she did not have a lot of hair, she looked extremely adorable with high ponytails. Especially those two little tails, many people endured the urge to touch her tiny face at the sight of that. They rubbed the ponytail on her head instead.

    Perhaps she was aware that the little ponytails shared much burden with her. She was extremely satisfied with them. When others were not touching them, she would lift her hands to touch that novelty on her head.

    ¡°B- beautiful.¡± After opening the presents, San Bao was constantly pping her hands in a delighted manner.

    Everyone understood. Under such circumstances, no one would be foolish enough to give something too expensive for the triplets. Instead of gaining the Zhai family¡¯s favor, they might attract trouble for themselves.

    As such, the gifts to the triplets today were not onlymon but also practical.

    Just take San Bao for example. She had received many beautiful princess dresses, tiaras, and shiny small essories. Many gifts opened by Qiao Nan were such items.

    San Bao had received such presents. Of course, Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s presents were not any different.

    Da Bao and Er Bao coborated to open the presents one by one. At the sight of the presents, Da Bao and Er Bao looked very delighted.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were still children. Although the brothers coborated, the speed of opening the presents could not win that of Qiao Nan, the biological mother.

    As a model auntie, Zhai Hua patiently helped Da Bao and Er Bao open their presents. When the two children shunned her for being clumsy, Zhai Hua was not angry. She only rubbed on Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s heads and continued to help.

    The triplets were one year old. No one from the Tian family came. They only sent a gift. The Zhai family had already noticed this matter and specially went to check on this.

 Chapter 1262 - Huge Difference between Day and Nigh

    <h4>1262 Huge Difference between Day and Nigh</h4>

    Since Zhai Hua had been thinking of breaking up with Tian Dong, what happened only served to affirm her decision. She would stop thinking about him as time passed.

    She had spent a longer time with Wei De than Tian Dong. Since she could forget Wei De, it was not difficult to let go of Tian Dong.

    After spending more than one week with their grandpa, father, and auntie during the National Day holiday, the triplets were getting used to having them in the house. Er Bao and San Bao were very attached to Zhai Sheng. They would y coquette and hug his leg. Although Da Bao did not behave like them, he no longer rejected Zhai Sheng when he carried him.

    Although the triplets liked to be in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, there was still a habit of theirs that they were unable to change.

    Unless Qiao Nanid on one side and blocked Zhai Sheng from their views, the triplets could not ept that Zhai Shengid on the same bed with their mother and them.

    The triplets knew that they were not Zhai Sheng¡¯s match. Therefore, when they realized that Zhai Shengy on the same bed as them, they would try to push him away from the bed or to resort to crying, finding ways to send him away.

    Unless the triplets were asleep, Zhai Sheng could not share the same bed as his wife.

    Zhai Sheng never expected that this would happen after he had children.

    On the day Zhai Sheng left his house for the army camp, the triplets had a death grip on his calf, stopping Zhai Sheng from leaving. They looked heartbroken. Miao Jing and Zhai Hua felt saddened at such a sight. They were, after all, father and children. The same blood flowed in their veins. The triplets were very sensible and they could not bear to part with Zhai Sheng.

    Unlike Miao Jing and Zhai Hua who were moved to tears by the children, Zhai Sheng had different feelings when his children hugged his legs, refusing to let him leave. He was d that his children loved him, but he felt gloomy at the same time.

    He could not understand why the triplets would behave differently in the daytime and the nighttime.

    During the daytime, they would pester him to y with them and hug them. When it was nighttime, they forbade him from sharing a bed with Nan Nan. They seemed like three little devils who insisted on kicking him out of his wife¡¯s bed.

    It would be good if they could behave in the same way during the nighttime. Zhai Sheng would be happier to acknowledge the fact that he was the father of three children.

    Since his family was around, he would not embarrass Qiao Nan by saying what he really felt. But he was making a silent promise with the triplets in his mind. If they really liked their father, when he was back next time, they must sleep in another room, while he shared a bed with his wife.

    ¡°Papa.¡± San Bao, who was the fastest in learning how to speak, was able to pronounce ¡®papa¡¯ urately. The youngdy had tears in her eyes. She pursed her lips and turned teary-eyed. She kept brushing her cheeks against Zhai Sheng¡¯s calf and calling him ¡®papa¡¯.

    As the eldest brother, although Da Bao could not bear for Zhai Sheng to leave, he seemed more angry than sad, puffing his cheeks.

    Da Bao grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s trouser leg. He felt perplexed. If his mama could stay with them every day, why couldn¡¯t his papa do that? Why did he have to leave after such a short time? Could it be that his papa did not love them as much as his mama did?

    As the cheeky child among the three children, Er Bao openly disyed his anger. He seemed like a horse that was fuming through the nose. He was terribly upset that Zhai Sheng had been home for such a short while and he was leaving again. It took them a long time before they finally epted Zhai Sheng as their father.

    His mama had to go to school and work every day. Why was it that could she return home to them every day while his papa could not do that?

    Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached for them. She finally realized that when parents left their children, no matter how young the children were, it would be heartbreaking for them.

    Miao Jing reflected on herself once again because of the triplets.

    The triplets were awake when Zhai Sheng left for the army. They were aware that he was leaving.

    Back then, she and Old Zhai were unable to do that. When they returned home, their two children were already asleep.

    Furthermore, it was umon to take flights and it was very expensive.

    At times, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had to leave early in the morning orte at night in order to catch the train.

    The children would wake up to find that their parents had left quietly. To their parents, home was like a hotel, they would have a short stay before they left. They did not feel attached to the family.

    It was merely for convenience¡¯s sake.

    Miao Jing could not remember if Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were upset and had tears back then. Even if they did, she had no idea at all. All these years, and even now that they had grown up, they had never spoken about it or had anyints or unhappiness about what happened back then.

    Zhai Hua walked to stand next to Miao Jing. She reached out toward Miao Jing and hugged her. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t think too much. It is all in the past. The past was not important. What is important is the present and the future. Zhai Sheng and I are doing well. Zhai Sheng is already married with kids. Don¡¯t you feel that he has never been this happy before?¡±

    Zhai Hua had sorted out her thoughts and was able to let go of her unhappiness in the past.

    Back then, her parents neglected her and Zhai Sheng. They did not really take care of them. But now, they were sincere in makingpensations.

    Unlike the triplets, she would not bear grudges about what happened in the past and stay angry with her parents.

    She was once rebellious and aggrieved, but she had put everything behind her. More importantly, they led a happy and blessed life now.

    Miao Jing turned her head to a side, feeling embarrassed. She sniffed. ¡°Zhai Sheng is going back to the army, but you have not changed to your military uniform. Aren¡¯t you going back to the army?¡± She thought that since her son and daughter returned home together, they would leave for the army together as well.

    Zhai Hua shook her head. ¡°Mom, I forgot to tell you that I have transferred to another position.¡±

    ¡°Transferred to another position? Why would you agree to it? Could it be that something has happened and you are suffering in silence? We will not stir up troubles, but we are not afraid of fighting for what¡¯s right either. Tell me. What is it? You have your old master, your dad, and Zhai Sheng to support you. Nobody can dream of bullying the Zhai family!¡± Miao Jing was uptight and angry.

    It was true that the Zhai family had just moved to the capital for slightly more than a year and they did not have many connections here.

    But the Zhai family would not be easily bullied!

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get so anxious. Listen to me. I applied for the transfer. Nobody is making things difficult for me. I did it willingly.¡±

 Chapter 1263 - Internship

    <h4>1263 Internship</h4>

    Zhai Hua gave Miao Jing a side hug. She had never hugged her mother when she was at a young age. She could do so even when she was an adult. ¡°I am no longer young. Although I am still in good condition, what¡¯s done cannot be undone. Old master and Dad had lectured me on this previously. I have a lot of weaknesses. Actually, I am not suited to be on the front line. I cannot possibly be protected by Zhai Sheng forever and create troubles for him.¡±

    What happened in Ping Cheng was not veryplicated. Although shemitted a mistake because of Wei De, the soldiers in Ping Cheng still stood very united and were not displeased with her.

    Back then in Ping Cheng, Zhai Sheng was the regimentmander and was considered as having the highest position in the army. Even if some of them were unconvinced, they would not dare to go against Zhai Sheng.

    Things were totally different now that they were at the capital.

    There were very few regimentmanders in Ping Cheng. However, in the capital, it was the opposite.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng could look out for her. But now that they were in the capital, and he had many formidable opponents in the capital, Zhai Hua felt that she should not be so selfish and insist on staying at the front line just because she wanted to prove that girls were equally strong as boys.

    She was nearly thirty years old. She was once willful and reckless. It was time for her to be sensible.

    Otherwise, in a few more years, the triplets would look down on her, chiding her for fooling around.

    At the thought of that, Zhai Hua blushed in embarrassment and could feel fumesing from her head. She must never be such a miserable auntie.

    After Zhai Hua transferred to another position, there was no need for her to fight in the front line and strive for military achievements. She would work at the back end and focus on recruiting talents and training them.

    In that case, Zhai Hua would have a much easier job than before. She would not be exposed to dangers and risks in her work. Moreover, she would be able to work in the army that she loved and contribute in her own way for the rest of her life.

    To Zhai Hua, she was content to lead such a life forever.

    Miao Jing used to persuade Zhai Hua to make the transfer, but no matter how she persuaded her, Zhai Hua refused to listen to her.

    Now that Miao Jing had given up on making Zhai Hua change her mind, she went to do something that Miao Jing had always hoped for. Miao Jing felt saddened. ¡°Hua Hua, is it because of me? You don¡¯t have to do that. As long as Zhai Sheng and you are doing well and happy, I will not stop you from choosing the kind of life that you want to have in the future.¡±

    Now that her daughter had given in, Miao Jing wanted her to reconsider instead.

    The mother and daughter had many quarrels and arguments because of this. They bickered and argued with each other as if they were enemies.

    Right now, one was willing to give in, and the other party yielded as well. They were able to talk nicely over it. They behaved like the model example of mother and daughter. They used to disagree over this issue, but now, they were very considerate of each other¡¯s feelings.

    The mother and daughter gazed at each other with tears in their eyes. Qiao Nan, who was carrying her daughter, smiled. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, are you saying that you will go back to the army a few dayster?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Hua sniffed, feeling embarrassed. She almost cried in front of the triplets. Thankfully, they were still very young. She believed they would forget today¡¯s incident in no time. Otherwise, when Da Bao and Er Bao joined the army, she was worried that they would refuse to listen to her orders and instructions. If so, it would be too embarrassing.

    Qiao Nan changed into her suit, getting ready for work after getting an affirmative answer. She handed the triplets to her mother-inw and sister-inw. ¡°This is great. My dear triplets, you can y with grandma and auntie. I am going off to work. I will have dinner with you when I am back from work.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Da Bao replied.

    Er Bao pursed his lips. He wanted his mama to bring him to work.

    San Bao hugged her auntie¡¯s neck. ¡°Want mama, early, early.¡± She wanted her mama toe back as early as possible to apany her.

    Qiao Nan gave each child a kiss before she left for work with the slightest worry.

    ¡°Little junior, you are here.¡± The man who was dressed in a suit and looked refined and schrly smiled at Qiao Nan. His eyes lit up at the sight of her.

    Qiao Nan calmed herself down before she took out the documents from her bag and passed it to him. ¡°Here are the documents that you wanted me to prepare. There isn¡¯t enough time. Will you be able to make it in time?¡± The man in front of her was Lin Yuankang¡¯s disciple. He was ranked seventh among his disciples. He had an important position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the central government.

    Qiao Nan would be doing her internship with him.

    When one worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one might not be able to have ample time to prepare the documents and materials. At times, there would be unexpected circumstances. This was one of those instances.

    Her senior needed the information and he told Qiao Nan at thest minute to do research.

    As a result, even though Zhai Sheng had to leave today, she made Zhai Sheng look after the children after she coaxed them to sleep, while she worked through the night to prepare the documents that her senior wanted.

    Since Qiao Nan had to work through the night to prepare the information, it went to show that the information was not readily avable and she had to do research.

    However,pared to Qiao Nan who spent the nightpiling the information, her senior had to memorize everything within an hour and be ready when he weed the foreign guests.

    Her senior read through the information that Qiao Nan prepared while he worked his brains, walking toward his destination. ¡°As long as your information isprehensive, there will be no problem on my side.¡± He must be capable to be able tond this position. Otherwise, he would have been reced by someone else. Moreover, he was Lin Yuankang¡¯s seventh disciple.

    He Yi was relieved that his master was experienced and he did not falter or make a mistake in choosing hisst disciple. He had good judgment and hisst disciple was indeed a talent.

    In his department, many people wanted to seek his advice and would want more than anything for him to guide them and mentor them.

    But this was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the central government!

    As China progressed and developed, the workload in the department had increased and its work had a more significant influence on the country.

    It was not a ce that everyone could do their internship in.

    People who had that misconception must be kidding!

    If they really wanted to do their internship at the department, they could only watch and observe.

    Unless it was in the past where the veterans would give personal guidance and coach the interns, and they were experienced and had developed their own work style, it was impossible to join the department and do an internship.

    To err is human. However, this department had zero tolerance for mistakes and if onemitted a mistake there was no way to correct them.

    He Yi was willing to look after his little junior, which was thest disciple of his master on ount of his respect for his master. But there were certain instances where he was unable to look out for her.

 Chapter 1264 - Soybean Milk in the Morning

    <h4>1264 Soybean Milk in the Morning</h4>

    He Yi could reject other people except for his master whom he owed a great debt of gratitude. His master had given him a new lease of life.

    When He Yi first heard that Qiao Nan was still in her third year in college, his intention was to let her watch by the side. He did not intend to assign any tasks to her.

    If Qiao Nanmitted any mistakes during her internship, he would not allow her to stay by his side even though she was his little junior. It was better for her to learn from her master and wait until she had graduated before she made any ns of joining the department.

    He Yi had already thought of the worst-case scenario. To his surprise, the little junior might seem to be shy and young, but she was quite reliable and trustworthy.

    After all, she was groomed by his master. She must be quite capable.

    He needed the information at thest minute. Everyone had their tasks and nobody had time to take up the job.

    Apart from Qiao Nan, there was another intern in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was quite close to He Yi. There was once when Qiao Nan heard the man addressed He Yi as his master.

    However, from what Qiao Nan knew, He Yi never acknowledged the man as his disciple.

    Although He Yi handed the task to Qiao Nan, now that there was finally a chance to improve and learn, the man volunteered to take up the task and assured him that he would do a good job.

    In the end, it was Qiao Nan, instead of the man, who was assigned the task.

    Qiao Nan looked very serious as He Yi spoke to her. She was on tenterhooks.

    She had tried her best to prepare the documents. Although she felt that she had done a good job, she was not very sure of herself.

    Qiao Nan was d that she was finally assigned a task to do. She ced great importance on it and hoped that she would not fail in her first try.

    He Yi read the documents seriously. He read through every word rapidly with a solemn look on his face. Qiao Nan dared not interrupt He Yi or ask him if there was any problem with the documents.

    ¡°Master.¡± Deng Wenchang had a gloomy look on his square face when He Yi and Qiao Nan walked toward him. He recovered himself and smiled brightly at his master when they neared him. ¡°Master, I just bought soybean milk. It is still very hot. Would you like to have it?¡±

    Many people knew that He Yi had the habit of drinking soybean milk in the morning.

    Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had an urgent task, Qiao Nan worked through the night to prepare the documents while He Yi spent the night at the office after informing his family.

    His wife brought with her a change of clothes for him in the morning.

    Since He Yi did not have the time to go back home to change his clothes, he also would not have time to buy soybean milk.

    He had more important tasks, so it was alright to skip the soybean milk this morning.

    Everyone was busy with work. Deng Wenchang, who was not assigned any tasks, had a lot of time on his hands. He grabbed hold of the opportunity to bring the piping hot soybean milk to He Yi.

    He Yi smelled the scent of the soybean milk and raised his eyebrows slightly. He did not reject his kindness. ¡°It just happened that I am thirsty.¡±

    Deng Wenchang beamed when He Yi took the soybean milk from him. He had to stop himself from looking smugly at Qiao Nan, showing her that he had the upper hand.

    The Deng family had spent a lot of time building a close rtionship with He Yi. He Yi watched Deng Wenchang grow up. In the past, Deng Wenchang would address He Yi as his uncle. Now, he wanted to be his disciple.

    He Yi was Deng Wenchang¡¯s role model. He had decided that he wanted to be like He Yi since a young age and hoped that he would take him in as his disciple. When he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the future, He Yi would be able to help and support him.

    He would be the best master. There was no other alternative.

    Everything had happened ording to Deng Wenchang¡¯s n. He graduated from a renowned university¡¯s foreignnguage faculty and studied in America for two years before he returned to the country about a year ago.

    Deng Wenchang had put in a lot of effort into the goal that he had since a young age. Now that he had returned from his overseas study, he could join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He knew He Yi since he was at a tender age, and He Yi had a lot of experience in the department. With him around to look after him, he would be able to make his mark in the department in the shortest time if he put in the effort.

    Deng Wenchang was full of confidence. All he wanted was for He Yi to give him a chance to perform.

    However, Deng Wenchang lost his smile after a few days with the appearance of Qiao Nan. She had disrupted his ns.

    There was a young and pretty youngdy beside the man that he wanted to acknowledge as his master!

    Deng Wenchang could not help but be prejudiced against Qiao Nan. After all, she was just a third-year student. She had no right to join the department, let alone to work with He Yi, the minister.

    Deng Wenchang was very certain that Qiao Nan hade in through the back door.

    He spent a lot of time and effort, yet he was worse than the youngdy who got in through the back door based on her looks. Deng Wenchang felt unconvinced.

    Deng Wenchang felt slightly better that Qiao Nan was in a simr situation as him. He Yi did not take extra care of Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan came in due to her looks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the central government would not allow someone who got in through the back door based on her looks to have her way.

    As long as he performed much better than Qiao Nan, and with the Deng family¡¯s help, he had no need to fear Qiao Nan.

    But he was once again dealt with a harsh blow. He waited for a long time for the chance to perform and prove that he was capable, but He Yi decided to give the chance to Qiao Nan.

    Although Deng Wenchang was not assigned any task, he stayed up through the night, boiling in anger. He had bloodshot eyes when he went to work this morning.

    Very few people knew that Qiao Nan was He Yi¡¯s little junior.

    He Yi had worked through the night and he was particrly happy when he saw Qiao Nan at the office this morning with the documents ready. He could not help but address her as his little junior.

    It happened that Deng Wenchang was not around. He still had the notion that people like Qiao Nan, who was young and pretty, must have engaged in indecent offers in order to have such a chance, while he, who joined the department based on his abilities, was robbed of the opportunity.

    Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang stayed by He Yi¡¯s side until he went into his office.

 Chapter 1265 - Well Done

    <h4>Chapter 1265 Well Done</h4>

    He Yi would get busy with his own work and had no time for the two ¡®interns¡¯, namely Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang. Qiao Nan liked to keep herself busy. She felt that she did not have enough time, so she would not waste her time doing nothing.

    Once He Yi closed the door to his office, Qiao Nan went back to her seat right away, taking out a foreign history literary work that was in English.

    Deng Wenchang, having nothing much to do, sat down as well. As his seat was only separated from Qiao Nan¡¯s seat by a partition, he could tell what she was doing.

    Deng Wenchang sneered when he noticed that Qiao Nan was able to read the English literary work calmly. She was indeed conscientious, but it was merely to keep up appearances. He wondered how capable she was.

    She was merely a college student. To put it bluntly, Qiao Nan was overestimating her capabilities!

    If she wanted to read and to learn, she should go back to school.

    This was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the central government. It was not suitable for everyone. It was a very important ministry in the country. Deng Wenchang felt saddened that Qiao Nan could join the ministry through connections when she was without any skills.

    This wouldn¡¯t do. When he went back home today, he must ask his father to do a check. He wanted to know where this college student came from and what methods she used in order to join the ministry. Most importantly, he hoped that his master was not the person who allowed her to join the ministry. Otherwise, he would be ready to punish his own family if justice demanded it.

    Deng Wenchang kept quiet about the fact that he might report his master if he was the one who allowed Qiao Nan to join the ministry. Deng Wenchang was a man of actions. Once he reached home, he passed Qiao Nan¡¯s photo to his father. ¡°Hurry, Dad. Can you help me do a check on this person? Could it be that college students nowadays are so shameless?¡±

    Father Deng looked at the person in the photo. She had clear, sparkling eyes, and she looked upright. He tried to make his son calm down. ¡°Don¡¯t get angry. Although one may know a person for a long time without understanding his true nature, from the pair of clear eyes that the youngdy has, she doesn¡¯t seem to be problematic.¡± He had seen many women who took the wrong path and climbed up the socialdder with their looks.

    He had rejected some of them, and for those that he was interested in, he would ept their offers.

    The youngdy in the photo was unlike the women that he had seen in the past. ¡°Alright, let me ask you. She must have joined the ministry for a certain period of time. From your observation, is she capable?¡± They should not over-generalize. Although she had the looks, she might be capable as well.

    Father Deng was notuding the spirit of the enemy and belittled that of his own.

    It was just that his son who was used to doing very well in school became flustered and lost his calm at the mention of Qiao Nan. He had forgotten everything that he had taught him at a young age.

    The father should know the son best.

    Given his son¡¯s reaction, Father Deng did not believe his son¡¯s one-sided view that the youngdy joined the ministry based on her looks.

    It was such an important ministry in the country. One could not join the department easily based on illicit offers. If so, their country would be in trouble,

    Furthermore, it was not as important whether she engaged in illicit offers or not. If she had no talents, it would be useless even if she engaged in indecent acts.

    ¡°Hmmph. She is merely a third-year student. Dad, do you think she is capable?¡± Deng Wenchang was unconvinced. He graduated with a master¡¯s degree and hepleted two years of overseas study in America before returning to the country in glory.

    He had graduated from college and also came back from his overseas study. He had proven that he was capable and had abilities.

    Although he was able to join the ministry because of his master, he was in a different situation from Qiao Nan. He had the capabilities and he could contribute to the ministry. Unlike Qiao Nan, it was already considered good if she did not cause any trouble to the ministry.

    Deng Wenchang would not admit that she had the abilities.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Father Deng refused to believe. I have known He Yi for a long time. I know him very well. If he would ept such favors, his wife would have divorced him a long time ago.¡± Father Deng respected He Yi for that. He would lose his senses asionally, but He Yi never made a single mistake.

    As he knew He Yi very well, Father Deng did not believe what his son said totally. He did not jump to conclusions and believed that Qiao Nan joined the ministry based on her looks. ¡°Both of you have joined the ministry for some time. What have you done for the ministry? How about Qiao Nan? Is she idling around?¡±

    Since they had joined the ministry for some time, he believed that his son and the youngdy must have been given the chance to perform in the ministry.

    Even if they did not have the chance, they would have created the opportunity for themselves if they were determined to work in the ministry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bring that up. The mention of it makes my blood boil.¡± Deng Wenchang mmed the table. ¡°The ministry had an urgent and important task. Everyone in the ministry, including Uncle He, stayed through the night toplete the task, but Qiao Nan was able to go back home on time. I don¡¯t understand why Uncle He would give such an important task of researching andpiling information to an indecent woman. If anything happened, it would implicate the entire ministry and shame our country.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was boiling in anger. He could not bear to watch the horrible oue. Otherwise, he would not be back home at such an early time.

    Father Deng knew what his son was talking about. When he first learned about it, he was shocked as well. Luckily, no matter what happened, it had nothing to do with him. That was why he did not let it bother him.

    Now that his son brought it up, Father Deng took the remote control and switched on the television. ¡°It is eight o¡¯clock at night. The issue that you spoke of will be on the news tonight. You can watch the news with me, and we shall see if it is as bad as what you made it to be.¡±

    Would He Yi be so foolish?

    If so, He Yi would have been sent out of the ministry. Even though Elder Lin was his master, it would be of no use.

    Even if someone got in through the back door, if they did not have the ability, they would not be able to seed in any organization orpany that he joined.

    True enough, the nighttime news on the state-owned television channel was reporting the issue that Father Deng and his son had been talking about.

    The news broadcaster spoke in fluent Chinese. She was very professional as she reported about the event.

 Chapter 1266 - Donâ€™t Make Foolish Remarks

    <h4>1266 Don¡¯t Make Foolish Remarks</h4>

    Father Deng and his son were all ears, waiting for the broadcaster to report the overall oue of the event.

    The broadcaster reported that the Sino-Foreign Exchange was a sess and they had reached a good oue. The foreign guests stated that China was known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies, and it left them with good memories. If there was a chance in the future, they would visit China again to enjoy the scenery and sights in China. Father Deng did not have much response after watching the news. Deng Wenchang¡¯s jaws dropped as if he could swallow a goose egg. ¡°H-how could this be?¡±

    Even if the news tried to cover up the blunder or exaggerate the positive oue, as the state-owned television channel, it would not go to the extent of fabricating news. It would not turn a disastrous event into a positive oue and sing praises for it, saying that the foreign guests had an enjoyable experience.

    Most importantly, when the camera zoomed in on the foreign guests, they had a genuine smile on their faces. This must be real. What they said was not part of post-production or dubbing. Deng Wenchang was certain that from the way the guest¡¯s mouth moved that he was saying exactly what he had heard. There was no mismatch.

    Did it mean that what the broadcaster said was the truth?

    Father Deng switched off the television. ¡°Are you satisfied and convinced now?¡± If they were to describe the exchange with the foreign guests, he could only say that the guest had a good fortune. When one had good fortune, there was no way that one could stop it.

    The man did not use to have such a high position. It was another American who was in this position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had more exchanges with him and they were familiar with his working style after several interactions with him.

    He might be crafty and cunning, but they would not fall for it and allowed China to be taken advantage of.

    Human fortunes were as unpredictable as the weather.

    He Yi¡¯s former opponent had a heart attack when he was at the height of his career and passed away from it.

    It was because of his passing that another man was given the chance to be on the television.

    It happened too suddenly. The Americans were caught unaware, notwithstanding the Chinese people who found out about it at thest minute.

    One who knows his own strength and that of the enemy is invincible in every battle.

    The experiences of the forefathers would never be wrong.

    However, the newly appointed officials seldom attended such exchanges, so there was not much information regarding him. Furthermore, they had to understand his background, his habits, his faith, and customs that he had, as well as what was considered as a taboo to him. They had toe up with a strategy to deal with him.

    The ministry was in aplete mess because of that.

    ¡°Convinced? It was because of Uncle He that the exchange was a sess. If Uncle He did not have the ability, he would not have be the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I know that Uncle He is very capable.¡± If Uncle He was not so outstanding, he would not have dreamed of bing his disciple.

    Uncle He had yet to acknowledge him as his disciple, but given his family background, his educational qualifications, and his ability, apart from He Yi, many other people were willing to take him under their wings.

    However, all these people could not bepared to He Yi.

    Since Deng Wenchang had his goals in mind, he would make sure that he was the best in what he did. He would only go for the best mentor and master. He would not opt for the next best alternative.

    Even if other people were willing to mentor him, he might not be willing to ept them.

    Father Deng poured a cup of tea for his stubborn son. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the youngdy was the one who researched andpiled the information? He Yi had performed very well today. Do you really think that it had nothing to do with the youngdy?¡±

    He was lying to himself.

    There was no way that he could deceive himself or other people.

    ¡°So what if it is the truth?¡± Deng Wenchang was driven to desperation by his father. ¡°Let me tell you. If Uncle He assigned the task to me, I would be able to do a good job as well. I will not lose to her. I am just as good. It¡¯s just that I am not given the chance!¡± If he was assigned the task, he would do a better job than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You are boasting.¡± Father Deng was harsh. ¡°I am sure He Yi still has the documents that Qiao Nan prepared for him. If you have the ability, I will give you a chance to be wise after the fact. You shall prepare the documents as well. I will think of ways to get the documents that Qiao Nan had prepared. By then, we shallpare the documents that both of you prepared. I can tell who is better among the two of you. Let me tell you beforehand. Even if you insist that you are better, I will be fair and judge ordingly.¡±

    If his son was indeed outstanding, and he was just as good as the youngdy, he would talk to He Yi, even if it meant that he had to swallow his pride.

    Wenchang was his only son and it was his passion to work at this particr ministry in the central government. Many other ces weed him, but he refused to work there.

    He was his son. He had to make use of his connections at the opportune time to help him.

    ¡°Fine, I will do it!¡± Deng Wenchang mmed the table. He was not bragging or boasting. He did not believe that he would not be able to do what Qiao Nan was capable of. He graduated from a first-tier university and went for overseas study for two years. He did not believe that he would be defeated by a third-year student who was still in the university. He could not afford to be shamed.

    After making a promise with his father, Deng Wenchang shut himself up in the room. He did not leave the room at all and he did not have dinner. Mother Deng had to bring the food into his study room and watched him as he ate.

    Deng Wenchang could not win against his mother, and he finished his dinner within a minute.

    Mother Deng came out from the room with an empty bowl, a sullen expression on her face. She directed her anger at Father Deng. ¡°You should know Wenchang¡¯s personality. From a young age, he is intelligent and studious, and he refused to admit defeat. If he did not do well in the exams, he would make sure that he studied throughout the night and worked hard to catch up. Is Wenchang your son or is the younger daughter in the photo your daughter? Why did you favor an outsider instead of someone on your own side?¡±

    Mother Deng took a close look at the photo. ¡°The youngdy is able to join the ministry at such a young age. Wenchang must be right. She must have engaged in indecent deals. What is with society nowadays? There is the notion in society that it¡¯s better to get ahead in the world by abandoning one¡¯s scruples than to suffer poverty. Wenchang has worked hard for so many years and he finally has the long-awaited chance. However, it was taken away by the youngdy. It was no wonder that Wenchang refused to admit defeat. If it was me, I would react more strongly than him.¡±

    He had worked hard and took one step at a time to achieve his goals. However, he was denied a chance because of the youngdy who got in through the back door.

    If she was him, she would not have such a mild reaction. She would have blown things up and sought justice for herself.

    Father Deng smiled. ¡°Fortunately, you are not in our field. Otherwise, you are doomed to fail. We are not allowed to do as we please.¡±

 Chapter 1267 - Er Bao Threw Tantrums

    <h4>1267 Er Bao Threw Tantrums</h4>

    ¡°Are we totally clean-handed? Besides, I¡¯m not favoring an outsider. It¡¯s not that my heart doesn¡¯t ache for my son. My heart aches for him too much.¡±

    ¡°Over so many years, our son has a very smooth sailing life. He did not suffer many setbacks. Look at how strong-tempered he has be. He refuses to face reality and is in self-denial. This youngdy definitely has some capability but Wenchang refuses to acknowledge this. As his father, I can only help him. Otherwise, if he can¡¯t sort out his thoughts, he may go into a blind alley and not get out of it.¡±

    He was a loving father with good intentions. He did not only hope for his son to do well but also hoped that his son would be the best in the world!

    Eight o¡¯clock evening news on the state-owned television channel. At the house of the Zhai family.

    After Er Bao finished his dinner, he followed Da Bao like thetter¡¯s tail, striding his short little legs. They were taking a walk in circles in their home to aid in digestion and train their body.

    At the sound of the news on the television, Er Bao lifted his head and nced at it. He suddenly shouted in excitement. ¡°Mom! Mom!¡±

    Miao Jing walked toward Er Bao and carried him. ¡°Your mom is here. You are pointing in the wrong direction.¡± Having said that, Er Bao carried Miao Jing to Qiao Nan, lest Er Bao recognize the wrong mother. He could have missed his mother too much.

    After putting down the bowl, Qiao Nan rinsed her mouth before she carried Er Bao into her arms. ¡°Er Bao, why are you calling Mom? Are you too full or feeling unwell? Do you want Mom to help you rub your tummy?¡±

    The triplets had huge appetites when they were little. Now that they had grown up a little, their appetites were even bigger.

    At this juncture, the triplets treated form milk as beverages. asionally, they would drink one or two cups of it. Gradually, simr to the adults, their main meals became solid food. At most, their food was cooked to be softer, mushier, and nder.

    The little bowls that Qiao Nan bought for the triplets were quite cute.

    No matter how small it was, the bowls were used to take meals. As such, they might look small but were, in fact, quite deep. It could contain rice that was equivalent to about one-third of Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl.

    Oftentimes, before Qiao Nan could finish her food, the triplets had already finished all their rice. Their bowls were so clean that Miao Jing often joked about it. ¡°Aye, our triplets are really good children who eat well. We can save on water bills. We don¡¯t need to wash the bowls anymore.¡±

    Miao Jing then thought of the three-year-old child in the neighbor¡¯s house. During each mealtime, the parents had to chase him all over the yard to feed him. Looking at the three children who were so easy to feed, Miao Jing was overjoyed.

    She was not being boastful or narcissistic about her family¡¯s children. The triplets were really the most obedient and beautiful ones among all the children within the vicinity.

    The triplets had taken a lot of food but they did not suffer from indigestion. However, the first time that the adults saw their high and bloated tummies after eating, they felt a little worried and rubbed the children¡¯s tummies in case thetter felt unwell.

    After that first experience, whether it was true or not, from time to time, one of the triplets would hold their little tummy and fall into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. They would then ce Qiao Nan¡¯s hands on their tummy for Qiao Nan to rub.

    Fortunately, this situation did not ur every day. Moreover, each time this happened, it would be a different child. The triplets seemed to have discussed with one another to take turns doing that.

    Qiao Nan just assumed that it was the same situation today. She carried Er Bao and wanted to rub his tummy.

    Nesting in his mother¡¯s arms, Er Bao looked like he was in a dilemma.

    It felt veryfortable to let his mother rub his tummy. However, he had really seen his mother on the television earlier. Why was it that no one understood what he meant when he shouted about it?

    Er Bao felt more sullen when that piece of news ended in the broadcast. Qiao Nan only appeared for a moment in the news. Another piece of news was being reported thereafter. As such, the more no one could understand what Er Bao was trying to express.

    Er Bao felt so depressed that he pouted andy in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms listlessly, refusing toe down.

    At the sight of Er Bao looking like that, Miao Jing and Zhai Hua were shocked. ¡°Is Er Bao feeling unwell? Did he catch a cold? Rub his forehead and see if he is having a fever?¡±

    Qiao Nan also felt a little anxious. She touched his son¡¯s forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not hot. It feels normal. Er Bao, tell Mom. Do you feel unwell? Uh... Do you feel pain in any area?¡±

    At the thought that Er Bao was only one year old and he could not possibly understand herpletely, Qiao Nan modified her question.

    Er Bao shook his head listlessly. He then buried his face in his mother¡¯s arms. Why didn¡¯t anyone understand baby¡¯s thoughts? Baby felt so tired and aggrieved. However, baby could not express himself.

    When Qiao Nan carried Er Bao to the bed and coaxed him to sleep, Er Bao was still behaving in this manner.

    Er Bao was unaware that his little tantrums had stunned the few adults in the family.

    The triplets were born prematurely. When they were born, they were very small and lighter in weight than typical babies. As such, the adults took special care of them. They were afraid that if they were not thorough enough, the babies would fall sick.

    Fortunately, besides having a minor fever when they were teething at four months¡¯ old, the triplets did not suffer from any other illness or pain for the past one year.

    Initially, the adults in the Zhai family were quite pleased about this. Who would have known that Er Bao suddenly looked so listless and tired today? How could they not feel anxious?

    Zhai Yaohui was seldom at home. It was rare that he did not fly to other countries. Clearly, he was at home, but Miao Jing insisted to leave Zhai Yaohui alone in the bedroom. She ran to her daughter-inw¡¯s room. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Er Bao? Is there any symptom of illness?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head.

    Er Bao did not seem to be in good spirits. Although there were no specific symptoms of any illness, Qiao Nan dared not let down her guard. The mostmon ones were cold and flu. Flu was contagious. As such, Qiao Nan did not let the three children sleep together side by side today. Instead, she separated Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao.

    Since the triplets were born, besides the period whereby they slept in individual cribs when they were newborns, they had been sleeping together on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed thereafter.

    Da Bao and San Bao immediately expressed their unhappiness with Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement today. They insisted that Er Bao sleep in between them.

    Da Bao and San Bao were throwing tantrums, but Er Bao did not have any reaction at all. He obediently allowed Qiao Nan to carry him to sleep on one side. The bright, entric, and cheeky Er Bao had be so quiet and obedient. Qiao Nan almost could not contain the urge to immediately send Er Bao to the hospital for the doctor to take a look at him?

    However, the elders at home said that if Er Bao were to feel unwell, there would be symptoms. He would also cry badly.

 Chapter 1268 - A Misunderstanding

    <h4>1268 A Misunderstanding</h4>

    Currently, besides looking listless, Er Bao did not mention that he was unwell. They would be overreacting if they were to send him to the hospital now.

    These were both Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s thoughts.

    Qiao Nan felt that it made sense. The triplets did not know how to talk but they could express their thoughts by gesturing. In addition, Er Bao could speak a couple of words, or more than that sometimes.

    If Er Bao was feeling unwell, he would have long gestured and expressed himself.

    Since she was not sure, Qiao Nan decided to listen to the elders¡¯ opinions and observe one more night before deciding again.

    However, Qiao Nan was already prepared to have a sleepless night. If Er Bao were to disy any symptoms, she would want to discover it at the onset and then arrange for someone to send him to the hospital. She would also keep himpany thereafter.

    The child was still young. Hence, any treatment of illnesses could not be dyed.

    As the grandmother, Miao Jing had the same thoughts too. As such, she was resolute and decisive in ¡®abandoning¡¯ Zhai Yaohui so that she could guard by the side of her three little grandchildren, lest Er Bao show any signs of changes.

    At the sight of Miao Jing looking worried, Qiao Nan touched Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s little hands. The two children kicked up a little fuss earlier, but she managed to coax them to sleep thereafter. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you sleep together with Da Bao and San Bao, while I carry Er Bao to the smaller bed to sleep?¡±

    When Zhai Sheng was back this time, the triplets enjoyed ying with him during the day. However, during nighttime, firm in their resolution, the triplets would join forces and unanimously chase Zhai Sheng off Qiao Nan¡¯s bed.

    On the day of the triplets¡¯ first birthday, Zhai Sheng, as the father, quietly gave the triplets a huge present.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s bedroom was not small. In fact, it was quite big. Qiao Nan was not very vain and did not like to buy many clothes. Zhai Sheng had even fewer clothes than Qiao Nan. As such, the small closet in the bedroom couldpletely store all of the couple¡¯s clothes.

    However, gradually, this closet was not enough to store the clothes after the triplets were born.

    Fortunately, the triplets grew very quickly and they could immediately remove clothes that did not fit from the bedroom. As such, the bedroom was not packed with clothes.

    The thirty-square-meter bedroom had a 1.8 meters long bed, a small closet, and a little dressing table. After the triplets were born, there were three more baby cribs in the room.

    Given the triplets¡¯ behavior, Zhai Sheng had hidden the original presents that he had prepared. When the triplets could understand that they should not interrupt their parents from loving each other, he would give them the presents.

    On their first birthday, he needed to give them something.

    Thus, a huge truck drove to the driveway of the Zhai family¡¯s residence early in the morning.

    Before the Zhai family waspletely full of life, Zhai Sheng shifted the triplets¡¯ three baby cribs out of the bedroom to the storeroom. He then got someone to shift and assemble the new 1.8-meter bed that he had purchased.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s intent of buying this bed was very obvious. The triplets might not be able to sleep on their own in a separate room now. Nevertheless, on the rare asions when he was home, he hoped that the three little light bulbs could sleep on a separate bed.

    This bed had been in the room for only a few days and no one had the chance to sleep on it yet. Today, the opportunity had arrived.

    After Miao Jing agreed, Qiao Nan carried Er Bao and ced him on that new bed.

    Miao Jing followed over. ¡°Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you take care of Da Bao and San Bao? I will take care of Er Bao. It¡¯s been quite tough on you recently. Your internship doesn¡¯t seem to be easier than your usual studies. The department that you¡¯re working at is so important. If you didn¡¯t rest well tonight, you won¡¯t have the energy to go to work tomorrow.¡±

    It was all thanks to Elder Lin. Otherwise, Nan Nan would not be able to enter such a good ce for her internship to learn and gain experience.

    Since Qiao Nan was gifted the opportunity, of course, Miao Jing hoped that Qiao Nan could grab hold of it and not be left with any regrets. Elder Lin would not feel disappointed then.

    Qiao Nan declined. ¡°Mom, let me do it. If Er Bao really feels unwell, he will feel happier that I am by his side. You have been so busy with the triplet¡¯s first birthday celebration recently. Hurry, go to rest.¡±

    The three children were still very young. Otherwise, she would have taken care of Er Bao alone, in case the illness spread to Da Bao and San Bao.

    Miao Jing¡¯s health had never been very good. However, Qiao Nan was still a student. She could not transform into two people. Hence, she could not help much with the first birthday celebration of the triplets. She could even barely rush home for lunch every day.

    At the sight of the fatigue on her mother-inw¡¯s face, Qiao Nan did not have the shame to let her mother-inw stay overnight to take care of Er Bao. This would harm her health too much. ¡°Mom, it¡¯ste now. Quickly go to sleep. Da Bao and San Bao need someone beside them. If you don¡¯t lie down on the bed in time, they will definitely wake up and kick up a fuss.¡±

    Indeed, she was the biological mother. Her predictions were so urate.

    San Bao, who was long used to the warmth of having an adult lying beside her, was snorting and making some noises, knitting her brows and twisting her body. She looked like she was able to wake up.

    As a good citizen and elder brother, Da Bao was moving too given San Bao¡¯s reaction. Only Er Bao, whom Qiao Nan was sitting beside, was still sleeping soundly.

    At the sight of Da Bao and San Bao stirring in their sleep, Miao Jing got onto the bed anxiously. She then gently coaxed and patted Da Bao and San Bao.

    When the two children felt that someone was beside them, they fell into a deep slumber again shortly.

    Qiao Nan insisted. It was also true that Miao Jing had been exhausted from the first birthday celebration arrangements for the triplets. Shortly, Miao Jing fell asleep too. Qiao Nan was hugging Er Bao throughout the entire night. She would wake up from time to time to touch Er Bao¡¯s little hands and face to observe if there was anything amiss.

    Er Bao was totally unaware that his overreaction and little tantrum had frightened his mother so badly.

    After having a tough night, Qiao Nan had dark circles under her eyes the next morning.

    At the sound of water running in the toilet, Miao Jing gradually woke up. She saw that Qiao Nan had finished washing her face. ¡°Is Er Bao alright during the night?¡±

    Qiao Nan could not help yawning. She gave a bitter smile. ¡°This littled has been sleeping soundly the entire night. He did not wake up at all. I should wake them up now and let them go to the toilet.¡± When Qiao Nan woke up, Er Bao, who was sleeping beside her, was holding his little tummy and snoring. He was drooling, his mouth slightly opened. He was sleeping so soundly!

    After confirming that Er Bao¡¯s body temperature did not change, and he did not seem to feel unwell, Qiao Nan then woke up and dragged her exhausted body to the toilet to wash her face.

    She had been frightened badly by Er Bao, this littled, yesterday.

    Judging from this, Er Bao was not feeling unwell. Had they misunderstood his bad mood and tantrums?

 Chapter 1269 - Removing the Malignant Tumor

    <h4>Chapter 1269 Removing the Malignant Tumor</h4>

    At the thought that the one-year-old Er Bao already knew how to throw tantrums at her, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. She was the mother. However, until now, she had not figured out why the mischievous Er Bao was moody without an apparent reason. Could someone give her a synopsis of thest episode?

    Miao Jing used her hands to feel Er Bao¡¯s body, from his hair to his sole.

    Just as Qiao Nan said, there was nothing wrong with Er Bao. He was sleeping, looking as rosy as an apple. He looked so healthy. There did not seem to be a problem with him at all. ¡°It¡¯s a false rm then? Butst night, Er Bao... What¡¯s wrong with Er Bao?¡± Why did he behave in that way without an apparent reason?

    Qiao Nan then carried Da Bao and brought him into the bathroom.

    As soon as Qiao Nan took off his pants, Da Bao peed automatically. He mumbled ¡®mom¡¯. Thereafter, he closed his eyes and continued to sleep.

    After Da Bao, it was Er Bao¡¯s turn, followed by San Bao. After she was done with all the three children, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°I guess Er Bao was probably just throwing tantrums yesterday. As to why he did that, I really don¡¯t know. Er Bao was still quite happy when I reached home. However, he was suddenly pulling a long face. Did anything happen?¡±

    A little person the size of a bean could be moody. He almost scared everyone to death. Facing such a son, Qiao Nan did not know what to do either.

    Qiao Nan could not help doubting. Was Brother Zhai really going to send Da Bao and Er Bao to the army together?

    She wanted to say something that typically would note from a mother. She was almost convinced that Er Bao was more suited for an acting career.

    After confirming that Er Bao did not have any issue, Miao Jing feltpletely at ease then. ¡°Since there is nothing wrong with Er Bao, why don¡¯t you sleep a while longer? It¡¯s still early now. It¡¯s easy for others to catch a handle on you when you are in low spirits.¡± It would be too unjustified if this situation were to ur. ¡°Why don¡¯t you inform your master and ask him to help you request for leave?¡±

    Her daughter-inw¡¯s heart ached for her. Simrly, Miao Jing could not bear to see Qiao Nan so tied up. It was as if she was a top that was spinning every day. There was no time for her to stop and rest.

    Although Qiao Nan really felt like requesting for leave, she shook her head eventually. ¡°No. Fortunately, during normal days, I have enough sleep. It¡¯s seldom that I don¡¯t sleep well for an entire night. Last night, I did have some sleep. At most, I just didn¡¯t sleep well. However, Mom, after Ie home today, I may need you to take care of the triplets more. I can make up for some of the lost sleep.¡±

    This was the first time that she had to keep vigil overnight. Qiao Nan was not quite used to it.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan knew that she was new to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and someone viewed her as an eyesore.

    This was a rare and excellent opportunity to learn. In addition, her master had forsaken his pride to get this for her. Although it was just an internship, Qiao Nan felt that she should be conscientious and do her best. At the very least, she should not ruin the reputations of her master and senior.

    At Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence, Miao Jing had no other choice. She could only send Qiao Nan off after appeasing the three children.

    Qiao Nan had never fancied beverages like coffee. In her previous life, she drank coffee to stay overnight for the sake of earning money. At the end of the day, Qiao Nan felt like vomiting each time she smelled coffee.

    In fact, as she thought about past happenings, Qiao Nan felt quite strange. She had been suffering so badly but her health was very good. Each year, during the free medical examination provided by thepany for the employees, her health report was almost perfect.

    On the contrary, Qiao Zijin, who had been sheltered, doted on by her parents, and did not suffer much in life, contracted uremia and had to change her kidney. Until today, Qiao Nan could not figure out why this was the case. She had thought that she would die earlier than Qiao Zijin.

    Alright. In fact, she was the one who died first eventually.

    The only difference was that Qiao Zijin might die of illness, while she had died of an ident caused by her mother.

    At the smell of coffee, Qiao Nan yawned and entered the office. She sat down on her intern seat.

    She hadpleted that ad-hoc mission yesterday. There was some follow-up work to be done. However, these were not something that both Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang, who were neers, could participate in.

    Deng Wenchang joined the department earlier than Qiao Nan. When he saw that Qiao Nan was having panda eyes, looking pale, apathetic, and down-spirited, he assumed that she must have overindulged herself with ¡®enjoyment¡¯st night.

    Deng Wenchang sneered continuously. He was guessing that Qiao Nan might have some capability but it was insufficient. The materials that she had prepared for his master probably did not have much impact or use. He dared say that the information was definitely not prepared or organized by Qiao Nan.

    Perhaps Qiao Nan had engaged someone toplete the mission.

    This was detestable. He had carried out his work relying on his own ability but was not given any opportunity. On the other hand, an opportunistic individual like Qiao Nan, who engaged underhand and unscrupulous means, was not only given the opportunity but also received affirmation. It was so unfair.

    It was best that Qiao Nan did not let him seize her upon the chinks in the armor. Otherwise, he would chase Qiao Nan out in the same way that she joined this department.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not need someone like Qiao Nan who relied on interpersonal connections. If they were to let her stay, one day, she would definitely be a malignant tumor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

    Qiao Nan did not know Deng Wenchang¡¯s unspoken criticism of her. She only knew that Deng Wenchang¡¯s petty eyes were on her from time to time, and there was no sign of amiability in those eyes. Only the dead would not feel the feelings of coldness in them.

    Qiao Nan insisted not to take leave today not because of other reasons but because of Deng Wenchang¡¯s existence.

    Each time Deng Wenchang was prejudiced against her, Qiao Nan was both helpless and angry. She felt that she was too unfortunate to encounter a weirdo like Deng Wenchang.

    She was still furious at Deng Wenchang¡¯s look of disdain and shame toward her. In particr, Deng Wenchang looked so high and mighty that even the good-tempered Qiao Nan could barely resist the urge to clench her fists and beat him up.

    Spat! What was this?No one was better than the other, okay?

    She certainly joined the ministry through some means. However, the way that Deng Wenchang joined the ministry was not that open and honest either.

    Facing an individual like Deng Wenchang, who adopted the stand that ¡®one may steal a horse while another may not look over a hedge¡¯, Qiao Nan did not wish to be colleagues with him if she had a choice. In particr, she did not want to sit in the same office as him whereby they would meet each other frequently.

    It was too much of a torture.

    Neither she nor Deng Wenchang was pleased.

    Deng Wenchang had been staring at her with ¡®scorching¡¯ eyes. Qiao Nan was not quite used to this. She very much wished that she could lift a book and cover her face so that she could cut off that stare which made her ufortable.

    Fortunately, before Qiao Nan could do that, He Yi appeared and broke the awkward and strange atmosphere between Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you¡¯re here so early today?¡± He Yi made a trip home. It seemed that he had resolved the issues well.

 Chapter 1270 - Why the Congratulations?

    <h4>1270 Why the Congrattions?</h4>

    He Yi, who had rested well, seemed to be in good spirits. ¡°I would like to let you know that Deng Wenchang and you can leave the office earlier today. You can alsoe in a whileter tomorrow. Just do not go overboard in the timings. Also, I will be giving a dinner treat today. Are both of youing?¡±

    He Yi made this question because he was aware that Qiao Nan was different from the typical youngdies. Although she looked young, Qiao Nan was not only married but also had three children.

    When Lin Yuankang asked him to look after his little disciple, he had told He Yi clearly. ¡°Your little junior is just an intern. She doesn¡¯t receive a single cent. Hence, don¡¯t go overboard. A ve driver doesn¡¯t have a good image. Please don¡¯t be one. Those three little disciples of mine are just one-year-old babies. They are very sticky to their mother. I will make whoever makes them cry cry. Understand?¡±

    How could ¡®old love¡¯ bepared to ¡®new love¡¯?

    Although He Yi had always been a disciple that Lin Yuankang was proud of, to the current Lin Yuankang who had three adorable little disciples, all the other disciples had to move aside. They could cool off at any ce that they wanted to. Well, they were not as precious to him as the little disciples now.

    Lin Yuankang had made himself so clear. He Yi would not dare to go against his master¡¯s words.

    This was the actual reason that everyone, except for Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to work overtime on the day before. Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang could go home early.

    He Yi had to ¡®release¡¯ his little junior to go home to take care of the little disciples. Simrly, Deng Wenchang, who was also an intern, received the same treatment as Qiao Nan. He Yi could not bring himself to let Qiao Nan go off and keep Deng Wenchang behind.

    Furthermore, Deng Wenchang was only an intern and was not really that important. He had already released the important one. The not-so-important one had to go to.

    After the crisis was resolved yesterday, He Yi wanted everyone to unwind a little. As the minister, giving treats was a must-have social practice. It was also a good way to bond and interact with his subordinates.

    The minister was giving a treat. Who would dare decline or not give him any face?

    Others dared not make He Yi lose face. It was different for Qiao Nan. He Yi dared not force Qiao Nan toply. ¡°If it¡¯s not convenient, don¡¯t force yourself.¡± The children were the most important. Otherwise, his master would deal with him.

    He was also a father. Furthermore, many ambitious youngsters wanted to acknowledge him as their master. He was already of this age. It would be too embarrassing if he were to be chided by his old master.

    Fortunately, he only had to take care of one little junior. He definitely could not endure it if there were a few more of them.

    Before her ¡®biological¡¯ senior, Qiao Nan did not beat about the bush. She was well aware that with the presence of such a master like Lin Yuankang, she could do away with some social norms as long as she did so in an appropriate manner. ¡°Thank you, minister. I¡¯m really not avable. I have something to attend to at home.¡± At the mention of the situation at home, Qiao Nan thought of Er Bao, who was acting strangely yesterday.

    Although one night had passed and there was nothing wrong with Er Bao, it was hard to predict a child¡¯s situation. Qiao Nan was afraid that Er Bao would have a rpse again.

    Once she got off work, Qiao Nan only wished to go home and take care of her three children. As a mother, she did not want to be thest one to know if Er Bao had really taken ill.

    ¡°Sure.¡± He Yi had expected this answer. It was normal that his three little disciples could not leave their mother as they were only one year old.

    Qiao Nan expressed that she was not attending. Deng Wenchang was aware that he was not so ¡®qualified¡¯ to attend. However, He Yi had made the invitation personally. Deng Wenchang felt that it was also a good thing to show face and let the seniors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs know the existence of a youngster like him in the department.

    Until now, He Yi was not willing to formally ept him as his disciple.

    He Yi was the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Of course, it would be best if he could be his disciple. However, what if he could not?

    He had finally joined the department after much difficulty. He could not possibly be inflexible and stubborn. If he could not gain He Yi¡¯s favor, he could change his target and settle for the second best. He could observe if there was a chance for him to learn from other seniors.

    Deng Wenchang firmly believed that He Yi did not look up to him because He Yi was not his lucky star. As a wunderkind, he would definitely be able to meet the lucky star in his life. Thereafter, he would rely on his own ability to progress and move forward.

    Without second thoughts, the ambitious Deng Wenchang epted the invitation and expressed that he would definitely attend the event.

    Afraid that he would get the time and venue wrong, Deng Wenchang wrote down the details in front of He Yi. He even let He Yi take a look at the details to confirm them. ¡°Thank you, minister.¡±

    He Yi had a deep and firm look in his eyes. He gave an indifferent smile. ¡°Fine, arrive earlier. Don¡¯t bete.¡±

    Given this kind of celebration party, it was not an issue for him to attend if Deng Wenchang had a ¡®senior¡¯ to bring him along. However, Deng Wenchang had not found a master that would lead him into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He would not gain anything even if he attended the event.

    It was certainly good for youngsters to have their own thoughts and ambitions. However, it would not be a good thing if one was too high profile and proud.

    More haste less speed, haste makes waste. True enough, he had guessed it correctly. That child of the Deng family was overconfident and too proud. If he were to take in such a disciple, it would mean that he would have one more son to teach and guide. Although he did not have a son, he had a daughter.

    He was so busy that he did not even have time to guide his own daughter. How could he possibly waste his time and energy on someone else¡¯s son?

    He did not wish to raise another son. He was also not willing to clean up someone¡¯s mess if Deng Wenchang were to create any problem. He did not want to foolishly draw much trouble for himself.

    Regarding these matters, He Yi would not teach Deng Wenchang. If Deng Wenchang could sort out his own thoughts, he should give him a phone call tonight to express that he would not be attending the event. If Deng Wenchang did not understand and insisted on pping his own face to fight for a chance to shine, he would not stop him. After all, he and the Deng family had some connections.

    Deng Wenchang was striving for progress. He was not going to help, but he would also not hold him back or deny him such an opportunity.

    ¡°Mom, how is Er Bao during the day? Is he okay? Did anything happen?¡± Once she left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qiao Nanpletely cast the work matters aside. She always remembered that she was a mother and asked about her children whenever she spoke.

    Miao Jing was carrying Er Bao. She was both angry and amused. She lifted Er Bao higher. ¡°See for yourself. Littled, you¡¯re not wrong at all to say that he¡¯s too mischievous. He¡¯s so young but already knows how to be moody.¡±

    After one day, Miao Jing finally understood why Er Bao was suddenly unhappy and listless such that he appeared unwell.

    Having said that, all the credit still went to her daughter-inw. ¡°Nan Nan, do you know? After you left the house for work today this morning, many neighbors visited us to congratte me.¡±

    ¡°Congratte? Did any happy things ur in our family again? Sister Zhai Hua is finally getting married?¡±

 Chapter 1271 - A Good Chinese Daughter-In-Law

    <h4>1271 A Good Chinese Daughter-In-Law</h4>

    The old master did not have any major birthday celebration this year. This was the same for her inws, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua.

    The three children¡¯s first birthday had just passed. No matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, she could not figure out what other happy asions there could possibly be.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhai Hua spat the water that she had been drinking. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you say something nice and wish me well. Is it possible that I am getting married?¡± She did not even have a partner to discuss about marriage with. If there was really such a party, they had to date and talk about marriage first. It was not logical to get married as soon as they knew each other.

    Qiao Nan was indignant. ¡°I said that as I hope that good things wille your way. Mom, isn¡¯t that so?¡± Qiao Nan tried to find herself an ally. At the same time, she carried Er Bao into her arms.

    Er Bao had rosy cheeks and bright, dewy and jet-ck eyes. He seemed to be in better spirits than ever. ¡°Er Bao, what happened to you yesterday? Do you know that you gave mom a bad scare?¡± Having said that, Qiao Nan nted a kiss on Er Bao¡¯s face. Er Bao opened his little mouth and responded by many wet kisses to his beloved mother.

    Miao Jing took a deep breath. ¡°Nan Nan is right. I don¡¯t mind having more happy events in the family. To me, your marriage is more important. However, Nan Nan, it did not have anything to do with Hua Hua this time. They came to our house to congratte me because of you.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Qiao Nan pointed at her own nose in disbelief. ¡°I have something to be happy about. Why am I unaware?¡±

    ¡°You were on the television yesterday.¡± Miao Jing was finally stung by her conscience. She announced the answer and did not continue to make Qiao Nan guess. ¡°You are on the news broadcasted by the state-owned television channel. Many people saw and recognized you. Hence, they came and congratte us.¡±

    Miao Jing was not young. She did not think much about appearing on television.

    There was definitely an opportunity for people like them to appear on television. However, the rate of exposure could not be too high. Also, not everyone could go on television.

    The neighbors came to offer congrattions not because Qiao Nan was on television, but because Qiao Nan had the capability to do so.

    Qiao Nan, who was feeding Er Bao water, looked puzzled. ¡°On television? I am getting confused. I didn¡¯t go on television.¡± She did not have any impression of this matter at all.

    Zhai Huaughed. She could tell that Qiao Nan was truly unaware. ¡°Fortune favors the fools. I¡¯ll tell you what happened directly.¡± The Sino-Foreign Exchange this time was a sess. When He Yi was ying host to the important foreign guest, he had a casual chat with the guest for a while. The state-owned television channel happened to broadcast that scene in the news. Of course, they did not broadcast the actual content due to confidential reasons.

    At that point in time, Qiao Nan, who was standing behind He Yi, had been captured by the cameras in that sh of a moment.

    In this kind of situations, the working team typically would not have a chance to appear. Although Qiao Nan only appeared for less than three seconds, those who were smart understood what this implied.

    If Qiao Nan had not provided any assistance to the Sino-Foreign Exchange, how could she possibly follow so closely behind He Yi and had the opportunity to appear?

    Obviously, no one had forgotten that Qiao Nan was only a year three college student who had not stepped into the society. Given this situation, the fact that Qiao Nan had the opportunity to stand out in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was spectacr. She had done her family proud.

    After knowing that the daughter-inw of the Zhai family was so capable despite hercklustre family background, could those neighbors note to congratte the Zhai family and try to be associated with thetter?

    In the political arena, the more friends you have, the more options you have in life. In addition, the Zhai family was a powerful figure that they wished to be associated with but could not do so.

    After knowing clearly that Qiao Nan was also a capable individual, the more these people wanted to be on good terms with the Zhai family. However, before the Zhai family agreed, these people felt that they could utilize indirect means to achieve their objective. First, they would use Qiao Nan was an excuse. They could cajole Qiao Nan into bing their good friend. In the future, they could get to know the Zhai family better through their rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    As such, very quickly, Qiao Nan became the avenue of breakthrough to the Zhai family for these people.

    Those who came did not mention about the Zhai family. They only spoke about Qiao Nan. They said that the Zhai family had such good judgment for choosing Qiao Nan. She was an excellent daughter-inw.

    In particr, there were so many children in the quad but Zhai Sheng only had eyes on Qiao Nan. Judging from this, Zhai Sheng was not an arrogant and conceited person who looked down on others. On the contrary, Zhai Sheng had a good sense of judgment in character. He was the first to discover that Qiao Nan was a potential talent.

    One w could not obscure the splendor of the jade. This was the impression of others on the Zhai family. They felt that the greatest w of the Zhai family was to marry a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan who did not have wealth, power or status. The Zhai family had ruined a chance for themselves to be stronger and more powerful.

    Now, the only w that was unsatisfactory in the eyes of others had be a strength. Those who would like to be on good terms with the Zhai family only felt more anxious to do so.

    The truth had proven that the Zhai family had not been overconfident by thinking that the family was strong enough and it did not matter which woman Zhai Sheng marry.

    Ultimately, the Zhai family had discerning eyes who could tell greatness from mediocrity. They could tell that Qiao Nan had a lot of potential.

    Qiao Nan gave birth to triplets, with sons and daughter. Many staying in the area had already given her affirmation. They felt that the Zhai family did not pick the wrong daughter-inw. Nevertheless, with the news broadcasted yesterday, everyone figured out the situation and felt that the Zhai family was extremely capable. Did they know physiognomy? Otherwise, why were they so spot on in choosing the right daughter-inw?

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s family background, families such as theirs would not ept her under normal circumstances.

    In the end, the Zhai family did notmit any foolish act but had done a brilliant thing. Inparison, bystanders like them seemed more like a group of fools.

    Qiao Nan was not only good at giving birth but also bore such good children.

    Today, Qiao Nan even showed her indisputable capability. The neighbors did not have any negative opinions of Qiao Nan, the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Instead, they were very envious of the Zhai family for having such a good daughter-inw.

    Qiao Nan came from a humble family and would definitely have a polite manners at home. She would not dare to be rude and disrespectful to her inws. She would take care of the Zhai family members carefully and conscientiously.

    It was unlike their own family. If their son was blind to a vixen¡¯s true colors and they identally agreed to let the vixen enter the family, they would not have a good life in the future.

    It was not that such situations had not urred before. There had already been a few of such examples.

    There was a youngdy who who married into the family. She had a better family background than Qiao Nan. She was the only child and had been doted upon by the elders in her family. Her temper was terrible. The mother-inw could not teach her well. In the end, the mother-inw was even hospitalized as she was driven mad by this daughter-inw.

 Chapter 1272 - Narrow-Minded

    <h4>1272 Narrow-Minded</h4>

    Comparing these two daughters-inw, even a fool would know that Qiao Nan was the right choice.

    The situation was already as such when thatdy had a better family background than Qiao Nan. If they were to find one that had aparable family status, there would not be any mutual respect. They would be extremely spoiled and difficult to get along with.

    Many people were beginning to hesitate. When their son grew up and started to look for a marriage partner, should they simply ask him to use Qiao Nan as a reference and find someone simr to her?

    Fortunately, these people dispelled such thoughts very soon.

    Although there were adverse scenarios for some of the cases, there were asionally good instances too.

    They might not end up finding someone like Qiao Nan who was so capable and good at bearing children. On the contrary, the other party might be a bad-tempered and dim-witted one without any merits. That would be unbearable then.

    At the thought of such scenarios, this group of normally tough aunties also could not help shivering. They refused to continue with such thoughts.

    As for those families with a daughter and no son, they were d that they only haddies in the family.

    In short, all the neighbors who had a fleeting glimpse of Qiao Nan in the newsst night came to the Zhai family to give their congrattions.

    Coincidentally, the state-owned television channel was having a repeat broadcast of yesterday¡¯s news at that time.

    When the neighbors pointed, true enough, Miao Jing sighted her own daughter-inw¡¯s extremely attractive and bright face on the television.

    At that time, Er Bao, who was in Miao Jing¡¯s arms, became excited all of a sudden. It was as if he had been injected with chicken blood.

    He pped and pointed to the television. ¡°Mom!¡± He had said before that he saw his mother on the televisionst night. However, no one believed him at that time.

    It was only until this moment that Miao Jing realized the reason that Er Bao suddenly shouted ¡®mom¡¯ yesterday.

    So, it was because of this news broadcast.

    In the end, Miao Jing spent one hour happily sending away these ¡®affectionate¡¯ neighbors. She then patted Er Bao¡¯s buttock. ¡°You¡¯re a naughty little one. Do you know that your mother did not sleep muchst night because of you? You slept so well and are ying happily now. Look at how your mom will deal with you when shees backter.¡±

    She did not expect that Er Bao, this grandchild, would be so smart and entric. How old was he?

    He had shouted for his mother while pointing to the television. They did not notice or pay attention to it. Hence, Er Bao kicked up a fuss as he felt that he had been ignored. He looked so pitiful. It waspletely opposite to his energetic and high-spirited self. He gave all the adults a scare, didn¡¯t he?

    Even the old master did not sleep well for an entire night. When he woke up, he listened carefully to a possiblemotion in his daughter-inw¡¯s bedroom upstairs. He was very worried for Er Bao, his great-grandson.

    At the thought of Er Bao sleeping so soundly and sweetlyst night, Miao Jing could not help hitting his little buttock a few times.

    Er Bao, who was totally oblivious to what was happening, stared at his grandmother, wide-eyed and puzzled. He had not even done anything. Why did his little buttock have to suffer?

    After listening to Zhai Hua¡¯s exnation, Qiao Nan, the biological mother, also gave Er Bao a bite, leaving a deep bite mark on him. Er Bao grimaced unhappily. He wiggled his buttocks and buried his face in his mother¡¯s arms, refusing toe out.

    His grandmother and auntie bullied him. Now, his mother also bullied him?

    Didn¡¯t they take advantage of the fact that he was small and did not have the ability to retaliate?

    He snorted. He had to eat more and grow up quickly. Who would dare to bully him in the future then?

    ¡°Naughty little boy.¡± Carrying the chubby Er Bao, Qiao Nan finally heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Don¡¯t scare Mom like that anymore. It¡¯s just a piece of news and you made a mountain out of a molehill. When your dades back, I¡¯ll get him to train your guts and make all of you bolder¡±.

    The triplets were not very daring. She was afraid that if such things urred frequently, she would have more things to fear.

    Zhai Hua sat beside Qiao Nan and ced her arms around thetter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I really can¡¯t tell. You¡¯re quite capable and went on television so soon. How can the other newbie at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not feel affected? Outstanding people will always be hounded by others. It¡¯s not that sister wants to scare you. Nan Nan, be careful in your dealings in the future. Henceforth, there will definitely be a few people who will look out for the chink in your armor.¡±

    There were many such people who did not focus on their own work and were waiting for others to make a mistake all day long so as to catch a handle of others.

    Zhai Hua joined the army a year earlier than Zhai Sheng. At that time, Zhai Yaohui was not by her side. Initially, not many people were aware that Zhai Hua was Chief Zhai¡¯s daughter. Zhai Hua had encountered many of such matters at that time.

    At this very moment, as someone who had been through this, Zhai Hua reminded Qiao Nan to be on her guard and look out instead of waiting for things to happen.

    In response, Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips, giving a wry smile.

    Zhai Hua was amused and raised her brows slightly. ¡°What? You¡¯ve already encountered a problem?¡± She did not sound concerned at all. That tone of gloating was obvious. She was asking for a scolding.

    Knowing Zhai Hua¡¯s wicked humor, Qiao Nan fulfilled Zhai Hua¡¯s wish for once. ¡°I¡¯ve encountered this on the first day of my internship. There are always people in the world who think that they can rightfully get in through the back door because their family is capable. On the other hand, they think that others who got in through the same way resorted to deceptive means. These are unfair and small-minded people who are detested by everyone. No one wishes to be associated with them.¡±

    At the end of her speech, Qiao Nan was talking pedantically.

    Zhai Hua happily crossed her leg, sat on the sofa, and looked at Qiao Nan enthusiastically. ¡°May I ask who this warrior is?¡± He was very daring and wouldmand admiration.

    Hearing Nan Nan¡¯s tone, she seemed to be almost driven mad by this person. ¡°Is it a male or female?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already described him as a warrior. Tell me. Is it a man or a woman?!¡± Qiao Nan held her forehead. This was a grown-up man, yet he had double standards. He was strict to others and lenient to himself. It was really unbearable. ¡°The most terrible thing is that his office table is facing mine. The day before, senior tasked me with a mission. He had not been given any and could only watch by the side. At most, he only helped buy soy milk for my senior. He red at me for half an hour because of this.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not wish to talk about this.

    Thankfully, she and Deng Wenchang did not get along too well during their first meeting. Otherwise, whoever saw this situation might misunderstand that Deng Wenchang was harboring any thoughts on her.

    Sorry, she was someone¡¯s wife and also a mother of three. Military marriage in China was protected byw!

    ¡°Pfft...¡± Zhai Hua spat again. ¡°He¡¯s a man¡ªa grown-up man. He is so narrow-minded andcks foresight. How did he get into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?¡±

 Chapter 1273 - Shameful or Not? Shameful!

    <h4>Chapter 1273 Shameful or Not? Shameful!</h4>

    Just as she finished her words, Zhai Hua had the funniest expression when she thought of Qiao Nan saying ¡®getting in through the back door¡¯. From a certain perspective, she really could not deny Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Is it troublesome?¡± After enduring for some time, Zhai Hua could only force out these words.

    Coaxing Er Bao, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°If it¡¯s troublesome, are you going to get rid of him for me?¡±

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°I am awful citizen and always abide by thew. I stay in a country governed byw. I don¡¯t do this kind of kill and rob things. I am a good and kind person.¡±

    Qiao Nan was momentarily stunned. These words sounded very familiar.

    After thinking carefully, Qiao Nan then recalled that these were the words that she used to persuade Zhai Hua when thetter pointed her gun at Wei De after discovering Wei De¡¯s true colors.

    Miao Jing heard the conversation between her daughter-inw and daughter. She walked out, carrying her granddaughter. ¡°Is it troublesome?¡± After marrying Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing was a full-time housewife. She had not worked in society before. However, she had heard of suchplicated work situations before.

    When she heard that her daughter-inw had been targeted at by a man who was pettier than a woman, Miao Jing was unhappy. ¡°The youngsters nowadays are so spoiled, especially guys. They¡¯re so small-minded that they don¡¯t behave like a man. So petty.¡± He had to be at odds with her daughter-inw. Whose stubborn son was that? He deserved to be taught a lesson.

    In the face of Miao Jing¡¯sints, Qiao Nan smiled. She did not reply. This was because she knew that she would meet more of this kind of people in a few years¡¯ time.

    ¡°Mom, hug.¡± San Bao was sick of her grandmother carrying her. In particr, looking at Er Bao upying her mother¡¯s arms, which was what she normally did, San Bao felt even more displeased. Clearly, Er Bao had already taken all of her mother¡¯s time yesterday. Naughty Er Bao.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around. Don¡¯t use your hands to scratch others. You cannot hit Er Bao.¡± When the little girl red up, Qiao Nan was so scared that she grabbed on to her little daughter¡¯s naughty hands. She even hit her gently. ¡°If you want Mom to hug you, you cannot do this. If this happens again, Mom will hug your brothers and not you.¡±

    San Bao seemed to realize that she was in the wrong. She quickly withdrew her hands and smiled at both Qiao Nan and Er Bao, trying to gain their favor.

    Er Bao did not take issue with his sister. He even waved at San Bao and let San Bao nest together with him in their mother¡¯s arms.

    It was impossible for Qiao Nan to carry two children at the same time. Nevertheless, she was sitting on the sofa now. It was still possible for Qiao Nan to open her arms and let the two children sit on herp.

    After using much strength, she carried San Bao onto herp. Qiao Nan then quickly turned and gave Da Bao two kisses, one on his left cheek and one on his right. Da Bao was so happy that he held on to her calves and twisted his chubby body. He was overjoyed.

    All of a sudden, Qiao Nan was surrounded by three chubby little kids. She did not even have enough limbs to amodate all of them.

    San Bao¡¯s earlier scratch had made Qiao Nan concerned. ¡°Mom, I think San Bao¡¯s fingernails have grown a lot. After we bathe them tonight, let¡¯s trim the triplets¡¯ nails.¡±

    The three children were still young and could not control their strength well.

    If the children¡¯s fingernails were long, Qiao Nan was afraid that they would hurt one another or even themselves during ytime. They were three such beautiful children. Qiao Nan was certainly not willing to see little bloody scratch marks all over her children¡¯s face or body.

    Unfortunately, San Bao, this little girl, liked to gesture a lot.

    Although she would not deliberately hurt others with her fingernails, she could control her strength whenever she struck. Qiao Nan had suffered from her scratches before. It was so painful.

    Miao Jing and Zhai Hua held on to Da Bao and Er Bao and checked their hands. ¡°It¡¯s true. They have grown so long in such a short time? I recall that we have just trimmed them a not long before.¡±

    Could it be that children, including their fingernails, would grow very quickly?

    After bathing, the triplets would doze off easily as they would feel veryfortable. The weather was turning cooler as well, and they would feel warm and cozy. Moreover, they had eaten their fill.

    As such, after bathing the triplets, the three women went to them and carried one chubby child each. They looked well-trained as they helped the child in their arms trim the fingernails.

    There was no choice. The triplets hated the trimming of fingernails since they were born. The reason was unknown.

    Each time Qiao Nan trimmed their fingernails, she was very careful and never hurt them. However, they liked to cry whenever their fingernails were being cut.

    Once the child cried, their little limbs would move and it would be even more difficult to trim the fingernails.

    That really could not work. Thereafter, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing discussed and decided to trim the fingernails after they fell asleep.

    Who would have known that the fingernails seemed to be a button on the triplets? Although they were sleeping soundly, as long as someone was to trim their fingernails, they would definitely wake up and cry within half a minute.

    After some time, the women in the Zhai family had developed great skills, which was to finish trimming the triplets¡¯ fingernails in the shortest time possible.

    Initially, when they were not skillful enough, the Qiao Nan trio could finish trimming one or two of the fingernails before they wake up from their sleep and cry. After a few times, they could finish cutting two to three fingernails, until all five fingers of one hand. Thanks to their increasing speed, they could finish the task after the children had two naps.

    Now that the triplets had grown up, they still disliked trimming fingernails. When the adults carried them to do so, their brows would knit like two little worms. They would wrinkle up their face and look as bitter as little bitter gourds.

    As such, the Qiao Nan trio handled one child each and trimmed their fingernails at lightning speed.

    After the trimming, the triplets heaved a huge sigh of relief simultaneously. They looked as if they had just experienced a round of harsh torture.¡°Done.¡± Miao Jing broke out in a forehead full of sweat. ¡°Nan Nan, I will bring Da Bao to the bed to sleep first.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan had finished trimming the fingernails for San Bao and looked beside her. Zhai Hua had just finished trimming the remaining fingernail. ¡°Each time we trim fingernails for them, it¡¯s so exhausting. It¡¯s tougher than the missions that I executed before.¡± Zhai Hua felt a little indignant. She kneaded and rubbed Er Bao, who was in her arms, to appease her hurt soul.

    Er Bao was tickled. He went into hiding and reached out both his hands to Qiao Nan to seek help. ¡°Mom, Mom! Help! Auntie. Bad!¡±

    After putting Da Bao on the bed and covering the nket for him, Miao Jing took a few steps back and pped Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. ¡°You¡¯re almost thirty years old and still have the shame to bully your one-year-old nephew. You¡¯re going more and more backward. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡±

    Having sessfully taken hiding in his biological mother¡¯s arms, Er Bao replied to his grandmother¡¯s words in a bright and enthusiastic voice, ¡°Shame!¡±

    ¡°Alright, this little naughty boy. You dare tough at me.¡± Zhai Hua was ¡®furious¡¯. Ow! She pretended to be a tiger and pounced on Er Bao. Er Bao and San Bao were so taken aback that they screamed loudly together. The bean-sized men were now running around in the bedroom.

    San Bao even identally had a fall.

 Chapter 1274 - There Is a Gues

    <h4>Chapter 1274 There Is a Gues</h4>

    Fortunately, the floor was carpeted and soft and one would not feel much pain after falling.

    San Bao very resiliently climbed up like a toughdy andughed again. Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s loudughter and noise drew the attention of Da Bao, who was on the bed and already feeling sleepy. Da Bao climbed up. He was barefooted as he curled up and got into a crawling position, preparing to get down the bed slowly to join his younger brother and sister in this game.

    ¡°Da Bao, grandma¡¯s precious darling. Let¡¯s not make a din.¡± Miao Jing quickly went forward and held on to Da Bao¡¯s warm little body. ¡°You have already removed your clothes and are even barefooted. Where are you thinking of going? Your auntie is a baddie. She messed things up on purpose. Let¡¯s ignore her.¡± Miao Jing then swiftly tucked Da Bao into the nket. Thereafter, she shot Zhai Hua a look of warning. If Zhai Hua dared to provoke the triplets again, look at how she would deal with her!

    The empress dowager was angry. Zhai Hua gave a fake smile as she held onto Er Bao and San Bao using one hand each. She knew her limits and threw these two children onto the bed.

    The weather had turned cold and Qiao Nan hadid thick nkets on the bed. Coupled with the Simmons brand mattress, the bed was extraordinarily bouncy.

    Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s little chubby bodies bounced on the soft and huge bed a few times. They did not feel any pain at all. Instead, they felt that this was a very fun game. Like frogs, they jumped on the bed a few more times. As such, Da Bao, who was in the nket, could not help wanting to get up and join in the fun again.

    Qiao Nan moved forward to them in an experienced manner. She gently leaned forward, spread her arms, hugged, and pressed down the three children softly. ¡°It¡¯s already veryte. Be good. Don¡¯t fuss and sleep together with Mom, okay? If you don¡¯t keep Mompany, Mom will go and read books.¡±

    Once their dear mother spoke, even the one-year-old triplets could tell what was good for them. Without anyone¡¯s help, they opened their mouths, smiled, and climbed to the front of the bed. They lifted the nket,y down, and even covered their bodies with the nket by themselves. ¡°Mom, say. Say books.¡± San Bao, who was best at talking, became the representative of the triplets. She expressed that they not only wanted their mother to keep thempany but also for her to tell them a bedtime story.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She took over the bedtime storybook and told them a story of the three little pigs.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was very gentle and soft. It was very soothing to the ears. In addition, she deliberately lowered her voice and volume. Her tone was so gentle that it could induce sleep.

    As she read the story, she patted the triplets gently.

    In fact, children of this age might not understand much of the bedtime story. The triplets just liked their mother and herpany.

    After reading just a few pages, the triplets were already snoring and sleeping soundly.

    Zhai Hua gave Qiao Nan a thumbs-up. ¡°Strong. You¡¯re indeed a mother. You¡¯ve settled them in such a short time.¡± In the past, Zhai Hua had tried to coax the three children to sleep. She was uncertain if it was because she did not have the makings of a mother, but she seemed to do better in ying games with them.

    Once Qiao Nan coaxed the triplets, they were not only honest and obedient but also fell asleep very quickly within three minutes.

    On the contrary, when Zhai Hua was coaxing them, she would feel drained of energy, yet the triplets would not fall asleep and became more energetic instead. It seemed like they wanted to continue ying with Zhai Hua for another hour or so.

    At the thought of this situation, Zhai Hua felt so wronged. She only wanted to coax them to sleep, but in the end, why did they be more energetic instead? They were yawning so badly earlier but when she started to coax them, the triplets¡¯ eyes became as bright as little light bulbs.

    The triplets had such different reactions. There was differential treatment between her and Qiao Nan. Were deliberately making fun of her, this auntie?

    Three naughty little ones!

    Miao Jing wiped her sweat. ¡°Alright, the triplets have finally fallen asleep. Don¡¯t make fun of them anymore. When you be a mother, you will also have this capability.¡± Speaking of this, although Miao Jing was not a ¡®qualified¡¯ mother, she had experience in coaxing children to sleep. At most, it did not happen many times.

    With the triplets as aparison, Miao Jing could not help thinking if Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua had been too obedient many years ago, or it was because she was often not by their side such that the two children were not familiar with her. When it was time to sleep, she would carry the children to bed but they did not need her to coax them and would fall asleep within a few minutes on their own.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s expression turned stiff. She muttered, ¡°You clearly know that being a mother is a very far-fetched thing for me now. By bringing up this topic, aren¡¯t you piercing my heart with a needle?¡±

    Looking at Zhai Hua returning to her bedroom, Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached with rage. ¡°This child...¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be anxious. I always feel that Sister Zhai Hua is a blessed person. She will definitely find a man who will treat her well and dote on her. Just take it that her love affinity willeter. Until now, Sister Zhai Hua did not say for certain that she will not look for a man to have children.¡± Qiao Nan couldpletely understand her mother-inw¡¯s traditional mindset. However, this matter really could not be rushed.

    For example, in her previous life, she was still a virgin despite the fact that she was almost forty years old.

    Miao Jing could only sigh. ¡°I hope so. This child... I am so worried for her that my heart is breaking.¡±

    It is a small world and people will meet again. That was a repeated saying.

    It was rare that Qiao Nan had a rest day. Although she was only an intern, her life was not any better during the internship. Moreover, she was not paid.

    Speaking of this situation, a rather funny matter urred because of this.

    Qiao Nan was not sure if this was her illusion. After Deng Wenchang received his sry, she kept feeling that Deng Wenchang was intentionally showing off his sry to her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s internship situation was different from that of Deng Wenchang. To put it in simple terms, Qiao Nan was not paid a single cent. Deng Wenchang did not have any non-mary benefits but he was still paid a base sry.

    In the face of such a childish act of Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan turned her face. She could not be bothered to respond to him. He was truly a spoiled mama¡¯s boy.

    Deng Wenchang used to look at Qiao Nan with much hate and detest. Over time, he had changed and he now looked more unconvinced and sinister at the sight of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was not sure what caused the change in Deng Wenchang. She did not wish to find out either.

    After decisively casting Deng Wenchang¡¯s matter aside, Qiao Nan thought of keeping her three childrenpany at home on her rest day. She should dismiss such unpleasant thoughts and people as much as possible. Why should she think about it and make herself feel vexed?

    ¡°Madam, Nan Nan, there are guests outside.¡± Under Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion and the silent approval of the elders of the Zhai family, the auntie began to address Qiao Nan by her name again.

 Chapter 1275 - Asking for Reconciliation or Showing Off?

    <h4>Chapter 1275 Asking for Reconciliation or Showing Off?</h4>

    ¡°Guests? Who?¡± Holding on to the toy that San Bao stuffed in her hands, Qiao Nan reacted slightly faster than Miao Jing. ¡°It¡¯s not the Lunar New Year or festive asion. Who will visit us at this time?¡±

    At that moment, Miao Jing could not think of who would visit them on a day as such. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Uh...¡± The auntie looked like she was in a difficult position. She seemed very reluctant to answer this question. She even specially nced at Zhai Hua.

    Noticing the auntie¡¯s nce, Zhai Hua pointed to herself. ¡°Do I know the visitors today, or are they rted to me? Who are they?¡±

    As thedy of the Zhai family, it was not a rarity that people knew Zhai Hua and visited her. However, the strange and curious thing was... who could make the old auntie in the Zhai family look like she was in a fix?

    The auntie raised her voice, sounding angry. ¡°A man and a woman. The man is Tian Dong...¡±

    Once they heard Tian Dong¡¯s name, the three women of the Zhai family finally had some reaction. However, all of them looked a little apprehensive.

    After all, Tian Dong had lost contact with Zhai Hua for such a long time. Zhai Hua also said that she wanted to cast Tian Dong aside. Since the two families could not be inws, they should meet less often for the time being, in case both felt awkward.

    Hence, what did Tian Dong mean bying to the Zhai family this time? Was he making fun of people?

    What about the woman? Good fortune and wisdom go hand in hand. This happened to Qiao Nan. Didn¡¯t the auntie mention that there were a man and a woman? Tian Dong was the man. As such, she felt more strange and curious about the woman who came with him. It should not be Tian Dong¡¯s mother, right?

    If that woman was not Tian Dong¡¯s mother, it was odd that a woman would be present.

    Qiao Nan could not help thinking about the rtionship between this woman and Tian Dong. Did theye to the Zhai family to show off?

    Was there a need to do so?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts swirled in her mind. No matter how much she thought, she could not guess the twist of events in real life.

    Obviously, the auntie had been stomaching her anger. She was full of hate for that woman who came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence with Tian Dong. ¡°It¡¯s Qiu Chenxi!¡±

    In the past, the auntie would greet Qiu Chenxi ¡®Miss Qiu¡¯ politely upon meeting thetter. Today, the auntie wished very much that she could behave like a shrew and chase this adultery couple out of the house with a broom. Who did they think they were?!

    Zhai Sheng did not like Qiu Chenxi, yet Qiu Chenxi had to appear at the Zhai family and be at odds with Zhai Hua. The auntie was also a sensitive person. She could sense that Miao Jing would always find an excuse to leave the house whenever Qi Min visited the Zhai family in the past. Miao Jing was not willing to face Qi Min.

    Qi Min hade to the house to bully her madam. In fact, the auntie did not have a good impression of Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi.

    However, at that time, the Zhai family and Qiu family were on good terms. Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were considered important guests of the Zhai family then. No matter how much the auntie despised these two women, she could not possibly do something beyond her authority and chase the guests that were weed by the host out of the house.

    Now, Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s marriage was nonexistent. Zhai Sheng also married Qiao Nan and they had the triplets. If Qiu Chenxi knew what was appropriate, she should not appear at the doorsteps of the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    The infuriating thing was that Qiu Chenxi not only appeared shamelessly today but also appeared by the side of Tian Dong, who almost became Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend and future husband.

    At the thought that Qiu Chenxi was leaning so close to Tian Dong when she saw them, the auntie was fuming with so much anger that smoke was almost rising from her head.

    These two people were worse than each other. It was no wonder that they would get together behind Hua Hua¡¯s back.

    Everyone was shocked. The hands that Qiao Nan used to carry the children froze. ¡°They came together?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They are also standing very close to each other.¡± The auntie was embarrassed to speak ugly words in front of the three children since the triplets were of the age whereby they were learning to speak.

    At this juncture, Miao Jing¡¯s face could not help turning ck. ¡°Not going to meet them.¡± They were not rtives and it was such aplicated situation. Why did they need to meet them? These were annoying people.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Zhai Hua sat on the sofa calmly. She even grabbed Er Bao¡¯s little hands and squeezed and yed with them. Er Bao withdrew his hands and scratched the back of Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. He expressed that he was not the doll that San Bao yed with. Why did she have to keep squeezing him?

    Fortunately, Er Bao¡¯s fingernails had been trimmed. In addition, Er Bao did not have a lot of strength. To Zhai Hua, this scratch was nothing. It even provoked Zhai Hua to grab and bite Er Bao¡¯s hand. ¡°Little naughty one. Petty boy. I am not going to dote on you anymore.¡±

    Er Bao snorted and shriveled his mouth. He turned back and hugged his mother¡¯s waist. So what if you were not going to dote on me? He still had his grandmother and mother to dote on him.

    Zhai Hua said that she would like to meet them. The auntie looked like she was in a dilemma when she turned to Miao Jing. Miao Jing sighed. ¡°Let theme in then?¡± It was good to meet too. They could thrash it out all at once to prevent any troubles in the future.

    She just did not know if these people would have the self-awareness to disappear from their sight henceforth after this round of thrashing out.

    At the sight of Tian Dong and Qiu Chenxi walking together by each other¡¯s side, the expressions of the three women of the Zhai family did not look good. Only Zhai Hua seemed to have a tinge of puzzlement in her eyes. ¡°Yo, what¡¯s happening today that you came to my house? Is there any matter?¡±

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, we¡¯ve not met for a long time.¡± They had not met for two years. Qiu Chenxi seemed to look more mature and experienced now. She was wearing a ck suit, covering her voluptuous figure. Qiao Nan was not sure if she was imagining things. She felt that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s bust had grown a lot bigger inparison to two years ago.

    Could Qiu Chenxi have gone through puberty for a third time such that her bust had grown?

    In the past, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s boobs were not considered small either. However, it was certainly not so huge that it was almost bursting out of the clothes that she was wearing today.Qiao Nan hugged San Bao. Was Qiu Chenxi so fashionable to have gone for breast augmentation?

    Qiao Nan did not have much knowledge in this area. She only knew that cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation would be verymon in another ten years. It would be verymonce.

    However, it was just the beginning of the 21st century now. Qiao Nan did not know the situation of breast augmentation technology at the moment.

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve not met for a long time.¡± Zhai Hua was not blind. Even a woman would be lured by those obvious and humongous boobs of Qiu Chenxi due to various reasons, let alone a man. Zhai Hua¡¯s bust size was ordinary. Moreover, she often went through physical training. As such, her body was more muscr and firm than that of typicaldies.

    However, no matter what, Zhai Hua would not be able to bring out the same feel as Qiu Chenxi when she dressed up.

    Zhai Hua looked at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s chest in a mocking manner. After so long, Tian Dong actually liked this kind of woman with huge boobs. He could have told her earlier. She had heard before that women from the west could have boobs as huge as that of a cow. However, the Qiu Chenxi before her looked pretentious and fake.

    However, it was not an issue as long as Tian Dong could ept it.

 Chapter 1276 - The Second Man That She Fancied

    <h4><strong>1276</strong> The Second Man That She Fancied</h4>

    After sorting out her thoughts, the smile on Zhai Hua¡¯s face widened. The scorching look in her eyes also lessened. ¡°Is it a coincidence that both of you came together? Or was it agreed beforehand? Are you sending a wedding invitation to our family?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi blushed and squirmed a little. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what are you talking about? Dongzi and I have not reached that stage. In fact, we are just ordinary friends.¡±

    Having been intercepted by Qiu Chenxi, Tian Dong turned pale. He was not anxious to exin. After Qiu Chenxi had said her piece, Tian Dong almost did not know how to exin himself. ¡°Yes, I am just ordinary friends with her. Hua Hua, I am here to look for you. I am not sure where Miss Qiu got this piece of news from. ¡®Coincidentally¡¯, she also came to visit the Zhai family. We happened to bump into each other at the entrance.¡±

    Tian Dong emphasized the word ¡®coincidentally¡¯ as he spoke.

    They all were smart people. How could there be so many coincidences in the world? If there were too many coincidences, it would seem deliberate.

    At the mention of Qiu Chenxi, Tian Dong did not seem to feel less furious than the auntie. ¡°Hua Hua, the weather is good today. I would like to ask you out for a meal and a movie.¡±

    This sudden move of Tian Dong stunned everyone.

    Qiao Nan held on tightly to San Bao to calm herself down. ¡°Tian Dong, do you know what it means when you say this?¡± Meals, movies, a man and a woman. These were things that boyfriend and girlfriend would do when they were together.

    Marriage was an important matter. However, marriage was to form an alliance. It was to be rtives and not enemies.

    Given Tian Dong¡¯s erratic behavior, did the Tian family wish to fall out with the Zhai family and be enemies with thetter?

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan gravely took a few more nces at Qiu Chenxi. Tian Dong came to ask Zhai Hua out for a date but he had to bring Qiu Chenxi along. What did that mean? Did he wish to hold one woman by each of his sides and enjoy the best of both worlds? He was having one date but had to bring the wife and mistress along?

    Tian Dong would not do such a foolish thing.

    Tian Dong turned pale. He quietly distanced himself from Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Not long ago, mypany encountered some troubles. They have only been resolved recently. I¡¯ve note to visit for such a long time. I¡¯m really sorry. As for Miss Qiu, she is very close with my elder uncle and family, especially my elder uncle and auntie-inw. They almost treat Miss Qiu as their own daughter. At this rate, Miss Qiu can call me Brother Dongzi in the future. If she encounters any problem, I will still lend her some help if I have the chance to do so.¡±

    Those who had ears could sense that Tian Dong seemed to be gritting his teeth when he said that.

    Tian Dong¡¯s father was the second son of the Tian Dong family. The Zhai family had always been aware of this.

    Tian Dong¡¯s father could, in fact, choose to be a politician. However, it was uncertain what had happened many years ago. He not only chose to do business but also specially brought his wife and son overseas. When Tian Dong was studying abroad, he also enrolled in business management and rted course of study.

    Since he was doing business, as expected, the elder son of the Tian family, whom Tian Dong had referred to as ¡®elder uncle¡¯, went into politics.

    The second son of the Tian family had been overseas for so many years. Besides calling home asionally to send respects to the elders in the hometown, he had never returned to the country to visit his rtives.

    No one knew what exactly happened in the Tian family. At most, there was some baseless gossip and guess.

    However, when Tian Dong spoke, Miao Jing had deeper thoughts than Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua, these two youngsters.

    Miao Jing remembered very clearly that Zhai Yaohui told her that the second son of the Tian family might look refined and gentle but was very intelligent especially in terms of interpersonal skills. He had his own ways of dealing with people. If the eldest son of the Tian family were honored and respected by outsiders, the second son of the Tian family was considered a friend by these people.

    People had different views regarding the behavior of the two brothers of the Tian family.

    Some people felt that the elder son of the Tian family was very mature and honorable, and very suited for a political career. As the second son was so amiable, he would be sessful in whatever business that he did.

    However, Zhai Yaohui wondered if a person would do well in the political circle if they were always stern and inflexible all the time.

    Not necessarily so.

    If the Tian family had nurtured the second son more, perhaps the family would have many good friends of all levels and ages and from all over the world.

    At that time, Miao Jing evenughed at Zhai Yaohui when she heard this from thetter. Wasn¡¯t that too exaggerated? He had made the second son of the Tian family sound so formidable. However, Zhai Yaohui replied to Miao Jing that he was not exaggerating at all. The second son of the Tian family had such capability.

    Sometimes, interpersonal connections were a hundred times more important than the expression that a person put on. It could be said that if there was any stir in the grass, the second son of the Tian family would receive the news first hand. Anyway, he couldpletely make ns early through his friends in whatever he wanted to do.

    From the central government to the authorities in the local towns and counties, the natives were not his match in whatever businesses that he wished tounch. They could not cause him any hindrances.

    Among the two sons of the Tian family, obviously, it was ultimately up to the old master of the Tian family to decide who to forsake.

    When the Zhai Yaohui received the news, although the second son of the Tian family was doing business, he was not willing to continue staying in the country and went overseas instead. He might have been hurt by his biological father¡¯s decision.

    The old master of the Tian family was very old. He even contracted a serious illness the year before and nearly could not be saved.

    This life-threatening illness of Old Master Tian should be one of the important reasons that the second son of the Tian family was willing to let down his grudge and return to the country.

    Zhai Yaohui had never hidden these situations. He told Miao Jing openly. As such, when she heard Tian Dong¡¯s words, Miao Jing believed him and even understood the deeper meaning of his words.

    After the eldest son of the Tian family got married, he had one daughter. Thisdy of the Tian family not only got married at a young age but also had a son who was attending elementary school now.

    The elder son of the Tian family liked Qiu Chenxi so much. It could not be that he was treating Qiu Chenxi as his daughter because hecked one. Linking it to Tian Dong¡¯s long disappearance, Miao Jing guessed that the elder son of the Tian family had taken a liking to Qiu Chenxi and wanted Tian Dong to marry her.

    Fortunately, Tian Dong had not epted his elder uncle¡¯s arrangement yet. He was not fond of Qiu Chenxi at all.

    Qiu Chenxi came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence with Tian Dong and even deliberately said some ambiguous words. Before she appeared, Tian Dong had interacted with Hua Hua for some time. The one he liked was her family¡¯s Hua Hua. As such, Qiu Chenxi anxiously followed by Dongzi¡¯s side in order to let them misunderstand Dongzi.

 Chapter 1277 - Do You Want To Take Revenge?

    <h4>1277 Do You Want To Take Revenge?</h4>

    After figuring these out, Miao Jing looked more at ease when she faced Tian Dong. Her tone also became softer. ¡°Dongzi, your parents... How are they recently?¡±

    Miao Jing did not care about the considerations and thoughts of the elder son of the Tian family. The Zhai family would not take them to heart.

    When the two sons of the Tian family had formed their own families, they had already gone separate ways.

    Many years ago, the second son of the Tian family had been disadvantaged. Although he had let down his resentment toward Old Master Tian and returned to the country, given his intelligence, he did not leave any chance for his elder brother.

    Didn¡¯t Old Master Tian ask his second son to go into business?

    The second soncked anything but money. Although he had just returned to the capital, he could afford a huge house in the prosperous capital. After he set his eyes on the house, he paid a reasonable price and moved in on the same day of the purchase.

    He had his own house and did not move into the huge mansion that was allocated to him by Old Master Tian. Even if the elder son of the Tian family had bad ideas on his younger brother, it was not so easy for him to achieve his aims.

    If Tian Dong¡¯s erratic behavior was purely due to the influence of his elder uncle, Miao Jing could not help thinking about the Tian couple¡¯s stance on this matter.

    If Hua Hua and Dongzi were going to be together in the future, given the nature of Hua Hua¡¯s job, the frequency of meeting the elder son of the Tian family in a year could be counted with one hand.

    On the contrary, the Tian couple would be Hua Hua¡¯s inws. When Hua Hua was not at home, they would have the greatest influence on Dongzi. If the couple¡¯s thoughts were aligned with that of the elder son of the Tian family, no matter how devoted Dongzi was to Hua Hua or whether he would have a change of heart, she would not shortlist Dongzi into her potential son-inw name list again.

    Tian Dong understood what Miao Jing was inferring. He smiled. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t worry. Earlier on, my grandpa had a rpse and insisted that my parents stay by his side to take care of him. Many years ago, my parents have endured sufferings before and their health is not very good. Now, they are much better and don¡¯t need people by their side to take care of them, so they hurried me to look for Hua Hua and even made it clear to me that I am not young anymore. Hence, I have to make good use of time to resolve my personal problems.¡±

    With ady like Zhai Hua, it was not only Zhai Hua who was a little proud and sensitive. It was the same for the Zhai family members.

    The Zhai family did not pay much attention to Tian Dong¡¯s situation recently. Hence, they were unaware of how much suffering Tian Dong had endured in the past few months.

    The biological elder uncle made use of his authority to benefit himself under the guise of serving the public, creating troubles for Tian Dong. This caused Tian Dong to face difficulties in the initial stage when he shifted his businesses from America to China. He faced obstructions in every matter and almost screwed up a few major business contracts.

    To put it bluntly, he had only suffered so greatly during the first few years that his father started the family business from scratch in America. They were plotted against by outsiders in America. Who would have known that, twenty yearster, the person who made him reminisce and go through the pains and nightmare that his father had once suffered would be his biological elder uncle?

    One could imagine how furious and annoyed Father Tian and Tian Dong felt.

    If they had known that this would happen, they would definitely not return to the country because of Old Master Tian¡¯s illness. They would not have shifted everything that they had to the home country to allow the elder son of the Tian family to get a hold of or threaten them with it.

    The elder Tian brother had been creating troubles for his nephew¡¯spany. Old Master Tian was also truly unwell. He had been spurred on by his elder son to insist that Tian Dong¡¯s parents guard him by his bedside. The couple was so exhausted that they had rpses of past illnesses.

    Hence, Tian Dong had to simultaneously handle the issues in hispany and take care of his parents who fell ill due to his grandfather.

    How did Tian Dong ovee these problems in the past few months? He was the only one who knew.

    ¡°Your parents are unwell? Why didn¡¯t I know about this at all?¡± Miao Jing turned pale in shock. When the Zhai family first moved to the capital, the Tian family of three had visited them before. If she had known that the Tian couple was unwell, she should represent the Zhai family to visit them, even if Hua Hua and Dongzi could not be together.

    Tian Dong gave a bitter smile. ¡°My parents had been worn out for a period. We didn¡¯t let outsiders know about this at all.¡± It had been covered up well by his elder uncle. In fact, he only found out about this with Zhai Sheng¡¯s assistance recently.

    After receiving Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call, Tian Dong then shockingly realized that his elder uncle had done so many ¡®good¡¯ things without his knowledge.

    Hispany met with trouble as his elder uncle had obstructed him through the government authorities. Tian Dong had never thought of relying on the Zhai family¡¯s assistance. As a man, he wanted to start up apany. How could he burden the woman that he liked on the sess and development of hispany?

    However, when the Tian couple was unwell and he was struggling to juggle to make both ends meet, the Zhai family did not express any concern. Even Zhai Hua did not appear to give him any word of encouragement. His heart was not made of stone. Facing such a situation, Tian Dong had been dealt with a great blow. He had wooed Zhai Hua for one year. He even began to doubt whether Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was moved by him or whether she had ever liked him.

    Fortunately...

    Everything was over now!

    Tian Dong did not go into details but Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan did notice that something was amiss.

    Qiu Chenxi, who had been pped in the face in public, changed her expression slightly but she reverted to her normal self very quickly. ¡°Dongzi, so you didn¡¯t tell Sister Zhai Hua that uncle and auntie had been unwell? Sister Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t we do this? Dongzi is very busy with hispany recently. If you wish to visit uncle and auntie, I will bring you to them. Anyway, I am very familiar with their ce. They are quite good to me.¡±

    Tian Dong was the next man after Zhai Sheng that Qiu Chenxi finally fancied.

    Zhai Hua was dark-skinned. Tian Dong was fair but he was tall and big. He looked thin when he was dressed but he was not entirely skinny. No one would mistake Tian Dong for a woman despite his fair, wless skin and beautiful facial features.

    Facing such a good-looking and wealthy man, Qiu Chenxi could not help feeling tempted. One had to know. To many women, looks were everything, not to mention that Tian Dong had money in his pocket. There was nothing that Qiu Chenxi could be picky about.

    There was another reason why Qiu Chenxi epted Tian Dong as her marriage partner so readily: She had heard that Tian Dong was dating Zhai Hua as friends.

    Many years ago, Zhai Sheng hurt her by ruining the marriage arrangements and abandoning her. As a result, she became aughingstock in Ping Cheng. She could only leave her hometown, Ping Cheng, for Mo Du dejectedly and seek a life with her maternal grandparents.

    Although she was out of the dark times, Qiu Chenxi had never forgotten the pain and suffering that she had endured over those few years.

    If she could snatch Tian Dong away from Zhai Hua, wouldn¡¯t Zhai Hua be upset and despaired? After taking revenge on Zhai Sheng, she was even able to p the faces of all the Zhai family members.

 Chapter 1278 - Take Initiative to Visit the Tian family

    <h4>1278 Take Initiative to Visit the Tian family</h4>

    This was such a good opportunity for revenge and Qiu Chenxi had no reason to reject Tian Dong.

    Everyone had known each other for such a long time. Would Zhai Hua not know that Qiu Chenxi was trying to show off to her?

    Zhai Hua pped the table andughed. If she were to appear meek before Qiu Chenxi at this point, she would immediately remove her entire soldier attire. ¡°Familiar. How familiar? Are you closer to auntie than me?¡± As she said that, Zhai Hua pulled out the jade pendant that she had been wearing in her tummy belt. ¡°This was what auntie insisted on giving me previously. She said that there are many physiological benefits to wearing jade and she won¡¯t be pleased if I don¡¯t wear it. Actually, auntie gave me a bracelet initially. However, you know what I do for a living. I can¡¯t even wear a ne, let alone a bracelet. I will break it within a day if I wear one. I don¡¯t have a choice. As such, auntie gave me a pendant instead. I put it in my clothes usually and no one can tell that I am wearing it. It doesn¡¯t give me any trouble.¡±

    Zhai Hua was telling the truth and was not boasting in her words.

    The Tian family did notck money and had many valuable belongings. Furthermore, Auntie Tian had the same habit as Elder Lin. They liked to give away jade and simr items as gifts.

    When she first saw that translucent, watery, and virid bracelet, Zhai Hua knew that the item was not cheap despite being ayman in this area. She might not be able to afford one in her entire life with her current sry.

    She was clumsy and did not like to wear essories, especially such expensive and fragile items. Not to mention wearing it, Zhai Hua was so taken back that she took three steps back when Auntie Tian took it out. She was so afraid that she would lose control and break the bracelet before wearing it.

    At that time, Auntie Tian was so amused at Zhai Hua¡¯s awkward reaction.

    The Tian family was also aware that Zhai Hua was not the typical kind ofdy. If she were to be together with Dongzi, it would certainly not be because of the Tian family¡¯s background and status.

    When one gave a present, they had to give something to the liking of the receiving party. At the thought of Zhai Hua¡¯s job, Auntie Tian took back the bracelet and took out a pendant for Zhai Hua. She spent a long time persuading Zhai Hua to ept it and thetter eventually did.

    Although the Tian family was not short of money, they would not casually give away valuable and expensive gifts.

    The gift and eptance on this asion represented the attitudes of both the Zhai family and the Tian family.

    Seeing that Qiu Chenxi insisted on puffing up herself at her own cost in front of her, Zhai Hua ¡®kindly fulfilled¡¯ Qiu Chenxi¡¯s wish. ¡°Oh, right. Since you know auntie so well, did auntie give you anything as a memoir?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had a taste for expensive things and she had seen a lot of good stuff before. At just a rough nce, she already knew that that small piece of jade cost over a hundred thousand yuan.

    Qiu Chenxi had never possessed an item of such great value in her entire life, let alone other ordinary folks. She did not even have the experience of spending more than a hundred thousand yuan before.

    Auntie Tian gave such a good thing to Zhai Hua. In other words, Auntie Tian was quite happy and satisfied with Zhai Hua?

    Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and replied to Zhai Hua smilingly. ¡°I have not received anything from Auntie Tian, but I have given her something. Although it can¡¯t bepared to what you received, I don¡¯t mind at all. There is still a lot of time in the future. Inparison, I prefer to give Auntie Tian things and watch her ept my gestures of thoughts. I feel happier in this way than anything else.¡±

    Zhai Hua only received a pendant. What was there to be proud of? There was much better and more valuable stuff in the Tian family.

    She would not lose her temper just because of that meager hundred thousand yuan item on Zhai Hua and give up on a ¡®bank¡¯ like the Tian family.

    After hugging her three children, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, we were unaware that Uncle Tian and Auntie Tian were unwell previously. Let¡¯s forget it. Now that we are aware, why would you watch a movie or have a meal with Tian Dong? Isn¡¯t it better that you go and visit uncle and auntie at the Tian family¡¯s residence directly? I believe that uncle and auntie will definitely feel happy when they see you. When their mood bes better, they will recover faster. With you and Tian Dong apanying them for a meal tonight, they may even eat half a bowl more of rice.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi hade knocking on the door to boast to them. If they were to give in, wouldn¡¯t Qiu Chenxiugh at them forever in the future? The Zhai family did not have anything except for a backbone. They would not let Qiu Chenxi, this ter¡¯, behave so brazenly.

    To Qiao Nan, everything was open to discussion once the misunderstanding was cleared.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan vaguely felt that both Uncle Tian¡¯s and her families might have been plotted against. The Zhai family was angry about the Tian family¡¯s long silence. On the other hand, the Tian family might also have negative opinions on the recent performance of the Zhai family.

    Although they had not rified the situation, to the Qiao family, the best way to resolve this was to take the initiative to understand the cause and consequences of the matter and maintain the rtionship between the Zhai family and the Tian family.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think?¡± Sister Zhai Hua should understand what she meant. They would not let people like Qiu Chenxi seed in such underhand means. They would have suffered a cowardly loss then. In short, they could not let Qiu Chenxi pick up any bargain.

    Zhai Hua yawned and stretched herself, looking like she did not have a care. However, those who understood her knew that she was bewitching the enemy in preparation for an attack. ¡°Sure. I think Nan Nan¡¯s suggestion is quite good. Mom, I am going to the Tian family¡¯s residence with Dongzi today. I won¡¯t be back for dinner. Right, auntie, if I did not remember wrongly, you prepared pigeon soup today. Could you help me prepare a sk so that I can bring it to the Tian family?¡±

    Zhai Hua was not certain about the types of soup suitable for various illnesses. However, there should not be much of a problem to bring pigeon soup to the Tian family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Aye. sure.¡± The auntie had not expected such a twist of events. Obviously, it was all one-sided and wishful thinking on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s part. Tian Dong was not agreeable and the one he liked was still their family¡¯s Hua Hua.

    After knowing that Tian Dong was not a heartlessd, both the auntie and Miao Jing looked at Tian Dong in a different light. The more the mother-inw looked at her son-inw, the more pleased she felt.

    Zhai Hua had put forth a request. Without a word, the auntie ran into the kitchen, took out a warmer sk, and poured the pigeon soup in it. The sk was ¡®brimming with good intent¡¯. After taking it out, she passed it to Zhai Hua personally. ¡°Hua Hua, remember to hold onto this yourself.¡± You would be able to show your sincerity and gain favor then.

    Zhai Hua nodded in an abiding manner. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t worry. I will hold onto it.¡± She would not pass it to Dongzi. Neither would she pass it to Qiu Chenxi.

    After all, everyone knew each other since they were young. If Qiu Chenxi was willing to leave just like that today, Zhai Hua dared to chop her head off for Qiu Chenxi to use as a stool.

    ¡°Fine, Dongzi. Remember to send Hua Hua back.¡± Of course, Miao Jing would not stop them. If her daughter-inw had not said, she would also have suggested Hua Hua take the initiative to visit the Tian couple at thetter¡¯s residence.

 Chapter 1279 - The Headstrong Da Bao

    <h4>1279 The Headstrong Da Bao</h4>

    To Tian Dong, Zhai Hua going to the Tian family was truly a huge and pleasant surprise.

    Under Zhai Sheng¡¯s help, Tian Dong found out that quite a number of misunderstandings happened between the Zhai family and the Tian family. Tian Dong understood Zhai Hua¡¯s temperament too well. Hence, as soon as he had the time, he hurried to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to look for Zhai Hua today.

    Unexpectedly, his elder uncle got to know his n of looking for Zhai Hua and notified Qiu Chenxi.

    At the very moment the main doors of the Zhai family¡¯s residence opened, Tian Dong was caught off-guard and did not manage to avoid the approaching Qiu Chenxi.

    The face of the auntie, who opened the door, turned ck instantly at the sight. If not for the fact that he was not willing to hit a woman, Tian Dong almost could not control the urge to hit Qiu Chenxi.

    Tian Dong had already thought of how to spend the entire day appeasing Zhai Hua, clearly exining to her the circumstances of the matter.

    It was fortunate that he did not use any of the many words that he had thought of earlier. This was also the first time that Zhai Hua had offered to visit his parents. This pleasant surprise came too suddenly. It was so sudden that Tian Dong could not believe it.

    Holding the sk of soup, Zhai Hua walked to Tian Dong and nced sideways at him. ¡°What is the matter? You are not willing to let me go to your house? If you¡¯re really so unhappy about it, forget it then?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m willing. Let¡¯s go home quickly. Qiao Nan is right. If my parents see you, they will definitely feel happy and eat another half a bowl of rice. Let¡¯s go.¡± How could Tian Dong decline Zhai Hua? He did not even have the time to rejoice. He pulled Zhai Hua¡¯s hands and walked out immediately.

    He was not feeling unhappy earlier. Clearly, he had been dumbstruck by happiness.

    Qiao Nan and Miao Jing suggested too quickly and Zhai Hua agreed too readily. Tian Dong was dumbstruck by happiness, whereas Qiu Chenxi was almost driven to a state of madness.

    She had just received news that Tian Dong was going to visit the Zhai family. Qiu Chenxi was aware that there something must becking in the ploy of the elder brother of the Tian family such that Tian Dong had not given up on Zhai Hua and still had the patience to woo the tomboy of the Zhai family.

    All of them grew up together. Qiu Chenxi was aware that Zhai Hua had a proud character. She initially believed that if she and Tian Dong appeared in the Zhai family, the Zhai family would misunderstand their presence as showing off. Once Zhai Hua red up, Tian Dong might not even have a chance to speak. She might simply give him a scolding and chase him out.

    As such, she did not believe that Tian Dong would be so thick-skinned and refused to give up on Zhai Hua, this tomboy. Who, especially men, did not want their face?

    Without Zhai Hua hindering her, Qiu Chenxi did not view other women as threats at all. After all, the elder brother of the Tian family favored her as the niece-inw. After receiving the affirmation of the elders of the Tian family, all other women were considered as superficial as clouds.

    As such, Qiu Chenxi even deliberately devised a ploy to catch Tian Dong off-guard by moving next to him at that very moment when the auntie opened the door. Their arms were intimately ced next to each other then and they looked very much like boyfriend and girlfriend.

    Naturally, if the auntie told the Zhai family what she saw, Zhai Hua would re up.

    Qiu Chenxi even thought of the best oue, which was Zhai Hua refusing to let her and Tian Dong enter the house as soon as Zhai Hua heard the auntie describing how close she and Tian Dong were standing together.

    Unfortunately, although Qiu Chenxi had it all thought out, none of that became reality. On the contrary, she had been mocked by Zhai Hua.

    Looking at the couple walking in front of her, with equivalent heights and looking quitepatible from the back, Qiu Chenxi caught up with them, feeling indignant at heart.

    A few years ago, she lost to Qiao Nan. Now, she did not believe that she would lose to such an udylike Zhai Hua. Tian Dong had to be either blind or gay to marry a woman like Zhai Hua, who behaved like a man who could also conveniently bear him a child.

    Qiu Chenxi, who suffered another setback, felt so gloomy. She could not stop thinking that there was something wrong with Tian Dong. She felt that he was very persistent toward Zhai Hua because he had something to hide.

    ¡°Phew...¡± Qiao Nan did not feel the least strange that Qiu Chenxi ran after Tian Dong and Zhai Hua. In the past, Qiu Chenxi pestered Zhai Sheng so badly. Those memories were still fresh in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind. When Qiu Chenxi was unaware that she was Brother Zhai¡¯s girlfriend, she even ¡®wrongly¡¯ used and scolded her as the vixen for the sake of luring the actual ¡®culprit¡¯ out.

    Thankfully, a few years had passed. No one gave Qiu Chenxi any face today. However, Qiu Chenxi could still maintain a smile throughout without saying anything provocative or that would make everyone feel awkward. ¡°Mom, I think Qiu Chenxi has improved.¡±

    After carrying one of her grandchildren, Miao Jing gave the child a kiss on the face. ¡°She has been learning from Old Master Shi these past two years. Although that old master can be a scoundrel, he is still quite capable. Otherwise, his son can¡¯t be so outstanding. However, increasingly, I can¡¯t figure out what that old master has in mind now.¡±

    Old Master Shi looked up to Shi Peng. Hence, he would not give up on this son.

    However, Old Master Shi also seemingly wished to nurture Qiu Chenxi. The second son of the Tian family had just returned from abroad and seemed to be progressing well. If Qiu Chenxi was sessful, there would be another ¡®gold mine¡¯ in the Shi family. This was pure 24K gold!

    After hearing her mother-inw¡¯s words, Qiao Nan¡¯s brows arched slightly. She did not speak further and bent down to touch San Bao¡¯s tummy. ¡°San Bao¡¯s tummy looks a little shriveled. Are you hungry?¡±

    San Bao couldpletely understand these words. She nodded honestly like a chicken pecking on rice. ¡°Hungry. Eat. Eat nice things.¡±

    As soon as San Bao spoke, Da Bao and Er Bao responded enthusiastically. The auntie quickly served the desserts that she had just prepared.

    Recently, Da Bao¡¯s temper had grown. He had not grown up much physically, but his confidence had grown. It was not sure why, but Da Bao was unwilling to let others feed him. He was always yearning to try eating on his own by holding the spoon himself and putting food into his mouth.

    However, Da Bao was still very young and his arms did not have much strength. His hands would tremble when he held the spoon. Usually, he would spill most or all of the food in the spoon. As such, not much of the food went into Da Bao¡¯s mouth and stomach.

    At such times, only Qiao Nan, this biological mother, could snatch the spoon from him and feed him without him getting angry.

    As such, during mealtime, she would pass the San Bao in her arms to her mother-inw. She would then ¡®forcefully kidnap¡¯ the gamboling Da Bao over.

    Qiao Nan bit on Da Bao¡¯s amiable face, which looked like an apple. ¡°Be good, Da Bao. Mom will feed youter, okay? When you grow older, to at least three years old, Mom will let you eat on your own, okay?¡±

    Da Bao knitted his brows, grimacing. Obviously, he was not pleased that his striving for self-sufficiency had been stopped. For three seconds, Da Bao was staring helplessly at Qiao Nan as if he was expressing that he temporarily would not take issue with Qiao Nan as she was his mother. He would indulge her first.

 Chapter 1280 - Different Expectations

    <h4>1280 Different Expectations</h4>

    Both Qiao Nan and Miao Jing wereughing uncontrobly at Da Bao¡¯s behavior.

    Miao Jing tapped her finger on Da Bao¡¯s little nose. On the ount that he was her eldest grandson, she would not expose him. Cunning boy. He behaved exactly like when his father was a child. Naughty little one. He was so young and already thinking of ways to bully his ignorant younger siblings.

    The triplets were all close and sticky to their mother. They were so happy when their mother fed them.

    In the past, Qiao Nan believed in fairness and absolutely no favoritism. The three children would take turns to be fed by her. This is such that she would not appear biased toward any of them. As a result, she upset the remaining two. Qiao Nan said that the three children seemed very young now but they were sensible and had feelings too.

    Fortunately, the three of them were very close to one another. Besides, Qiao Nan took good care of their feelings. Until now, the triplets had been living happily and did not really like to throw tantrums.

    For example, if Er Bao was unwell, Da Bao was throwing tantrums, or San Bao was crying, the other two children would not cry or fight for their mother¡¯s attention although she took care of one of them more.

    Such as now, Da Bao liked to feed himself. However, all the food usually did not go into his mouth and nothing much went into his stomach.

    As the only person who could snatch the spoon away from Da Bao, Qiao Nan could only pay more attention to him. If Da Bao could finish his food earlier, Qiao Nan still had the chance to feed Er Bao and San Bao.

    Qiao Nan was a first-time mother. She did not expect Da Bao would be so clever to use such little tricks as he was so young.

    However, Miao Jing, who was already a grandmother, knew that a child would not possibly harbor deliberate thoughts in doing certain matters. Nevertheless, they did it subconsciously.

    Her eldest grandson was so clever and quick-witted. He also showed a lot of care and concern to Er Bao and San Bao normally. He looked like he couldpletely take on the duties of an elder brother. How could Miao Jing not dote on Da Bao?

    The first grandson and thest son are the lifelines of the olddy. This saying was very true.

    Anyway, these were merely innocuous jokes and Miao Jing was not willing to take it so seriously. If she did, that would be apprehending danger at every bush and tree she saw. Ultimately, she still believed that her family¡¯s offspring were the best.

    Both Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were focused on taking care of the children, while Zhai Hua had an extremely enjoyable dinner at the Tian family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Uncle, auntie, I¡¯m so sorry. Previously, I went back to the army camp and stayed there for a period of time. When I was back home, I was ill-informed and only came to visit you today.¡± Zhai Hua sat beside Auntie Tian and even served her a cup of hot tea.

    During the entire dinner, Auntie Tian was very affectionate toward Zhai Hua. She kept adding dishes to Zhai Hua¡¯s bowl with her chopsticks. In addition, a few dishes on the dining table were Zhai Hua¡¯s favorites.

    They knew what Zhai Hua liked and disliked so well. It was obvious how much the Tian family cared about Zhai Hua.

    As for Qiu Chenxi, who insisted to follow over, she seemed to be getting pped in the face many times. There were a few times that she attempted to chat with Auntie Miao but was interrupted by thetter.

    It was fine that Auntie Tian ignored her. However, what made Qiu Chenxi furious was that each time Auntie Tian interrupted her, she would gently turn her face toward Zhai Hua to seek thetter¡¯s opinions and views. They would then chat together enthusiastically.

    Father Tian obviously saw his wife¡¯s behavior he did not stop her at all. Judging from this, he held the same attitude as his wife. Inparison to Qiu Chenxi, he was fonder of Zhai Hua.

    Sensing the sincerity in Zhai Hua¡¯s words, Auntie Tian was ted. ¡°I know that you are a good child. I really can¡¯t fault you for this matter. At our end, we didn¡¯t do some of the things right either. Dongzi is not a bad kid. As long as Dongzi and you are doing well, Dongzi¡¯s dad and I will be fine. Right, Miss Qiu, next time when my son and Hua Hua get married, you have to attend the wedding.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale. Forget it that she had been rejected and being rolled eyes at. They were going overboard in their words. ¡°I am just thinking whether Elder Uncle Tian will agree to this.¡± Wasn¡¯t the elder son of the Tian family the one who called the shots? Would Tian Dong be able to marry anyone that he wished to? Who were they threatening?

    All of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s confidence came from the elder son of the Tian family.

    It did not matter to Qiu Chenxi whether Tian Dong liked her or not. Even if he did not like her now, Qiu Chenxi was confident that he would eventually fall in love with her after they were married. She had always believed that she was outstanding enough to make every man fall for her.

    Zhai Sheng, that individual who betrayed her and married Qiao Nan, was only an exception.

    Furthermore, her mother did not marry her father because of love either. It was for the sake of the interests of the two families. She was in politics and Tian Dong was rich. Their life would definitely be better and better after they got married.

    After identifying the target, Qiu Chenxi only wanted to dash forward in the direction of it.

    ¡°It¡¯s not important whether he agrees or not.¡± Father Tian sneered. The youngsters nowadays were so brazen. They dared to use such outrageous and shameful means. ¡°I¡¯m the one who is going to get a daughter-inw this year. My elder brother¡¯s daughter is already married.¡± One would take care of their own family¡¯s children. Would Dongzi definitely collect a marriage certificate and give birth to children with a woman just because his elder brother said so? What could his elder brother do as long as they disagreed?

    Crap!

    He dared to guarantee that his elder brother could not even make them collect the marriage certificate, let alone have children.

    ¡°Miss Qiu, right. You¡¯re on such good terms with my elder brother¡¯s family. You should visit the old house of the Tian family and not our new house more often. Dongzi is not very close with you either. He already has such a good girlfriend like Hua Hua. They have been together for more than a year. You should be receiving their wedding invitation soon. You should visit us less often in the future. Don¡¯t look for Dongzi alone either. If it causes a misunderstanding with others, it won¡¯t be too good then. Dongzi is a man and he has such a good marriage partner like Hua Hua. A little misunderstanding will not cause much harm to him.¡±

    Father Tian¡¯s eloquence certainly did not lose out to any youngster. Every word from his mouth was like a dagger that shot directly at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s heart. ¡°However, you are different. You are a grown-up singledy. If others were to misunderstand you, and as a result, it dyed you from finding a partner, we will feel very sorry. Our family¡¯s Dongzi won¡¯t be able to bear any responsibility for that.¡±

    He even deliberately enunciated the words ¡®grown-updy¡¯ to mock Qiu Chenxi.

    Having been in America for more than twenty years, there was nothing that Father Tian had not seen.

    Given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s style, if she was truly a ¡®grown-updy¡¯, he might still be willing to go ording to his elder brother¡¯s wish and let Dongzi try interacting with Qiu Chenxi. This was despite his dislike for Qiu Chenxi.

    Dongzi grew up in America but he did not engage in any of those messy affairs. On the contrary, Qiu Chenxi, who grew up in their home country, was so loose and debauched. He was not sure how many men she had. He really could not ept this.

    He did not know and care about how other families chose their daughter-inw. However, if one wished to be his daughter-inw, sorry. Although he came back from America, he still stubbornly held a traditional mindset and values.

 Chapter 1281 - A Miracle

    <h4>1281 A Miracle</h4>

    He did not have much expectation. He just wished that his son could marry a chaste woman who knew how to respect herself.

    His attitude was very firm and he did not mince his words. Qiu Chenxi was so embarrassed that she was ballooning in red.

    Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she was clenching her fists so hard that her fingertips turned white.

    She understood that Father Tian was shunning her for being ¡®unchaste¡¯.

    Spat! This old man.

    Although he came back from America, he was still a stick in the mud. Tian Dong grew up and stayed in America for more than twenty years. He might have had countless girlfriends and sexual partners during this period. Did Father Tian think of all these when he nitpicked on her?

    Qiu Chenxi was never someone who liked to suffer any humiliation or loss. She did not care about her face anymore since Father Tian had put her in such a bad light. Anyway, she had already lost it. Since that was the case, the Tian family could forget about their face too. ¡°Uncle Tian, your words are too ridiculous. It is already the 21st century and not umon for men and women to be in such romantic rtionships. Don¡¯t make it sound so ugly. Before you look down on others, you should reflect on your own situation. Didn¡¯t Dongzi grow up in America? Most likely, he had more fun than kids like us who grew up in the home country. Sister Zhai Hua, what is your view on this?¡±

    She was someone who knew how to have ¡®fun¡¯. Of course, she could ept all of Tian Dong¡¯s past.

    If it were others, especially Zhai Hua from the Zhai family, could she ept it?

    Zhai Hua crossed her arms. She wanted to watch how Qiu Chenxi ignited herself on fire. ¡°Qiu Chenxi is spot on regarding this matter. I dislike those people who are too loose. It applies to both men and women. It¡¯s dirty and easy to contract diseases.¡±

    ¡°Dongzi, did you hear that?¡± Qiu Chenxiughed. True enough, Zhai Hua was still the Zhai Hua in her memory. She did not want Tian Dong and Tian Dong could forget about marrying Zhai Hua. Without Zhai Hua, most likely, Tian Dong would not be able to find another woman who was better than her.

    Tian Dong looked at Zhai Hua indulgently. ¡°I heard that.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi looked at Tian Dong confidently. ¡°Since you have heard that, shouldn¡¯t you also express something?¡± Zhai Hua had openly made it clear that it was impossible for her to be with Tian Dong. She had rejected him in front of his family. Unless Tian Dong was so wretched and liked to be given cold shoulders, as a man, he should re up andpletely fall out with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Tian Dong nodded. He took out a little red velvet box from the pocket in his shirt. When he opened it, there was an extremely dazzling diamond ring lying in it. ¡°I know that you don¡¯t like wearing essories. You don¡¯t favor silver or gold either. Since there is nothing that you yearn for, I bought the one that is in fashion now. I didn¡¯t n this today but the opportunity just came at the right time. Hua Hua, marry me. You said before that you wish to get married before your twenty-eighth birthday, neither earlier norter. It will be Lunar New Year in a few months.¡±

    Hua Hua would be over twenty-eight years old after the Lunar New Year.

    There was a sh in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes, tears welling up in them. ¡°When did I say this?¡±

    It sounded familiar. She seemed to have said those words before.

    ¡°Five years old.¡± It was also from the age of five that he had always remembered that he had to wait until Zhai Hua was twenty-eight years old before proposing to her.

    Zhai Hua sniffled, feeling touched. So, Dongzi was not just toying or ying hard-to-get with her. It was her babbling as a child that brought her such huge trouble, and as a result, she let her thoughts run wild.

    Right from the beginning, it was due to her own doing when she was a child that someone only proposed to her today.

    She was only five years old then. She knew nothing about marriage!

    She had already forgotten what she had said, but Dongzi, this idiot, had remembered it for twenty-three years. In addition, he truly endured until she was almost twenty-eight years old before confessing his love for her.

    All of a sudden, feelings of happiness, sweetness, bitterness, and remorse surrounded Zhai Hua tightly. She was both crying andughing. She really felt like punching Tian Dong but she wanted to punch her five-year-old self more. Argh! Why did she pretend to be mature then? Why was her mouth so wretched?

    Zhai Huapletely could not recall why her five-year-old self told Tian Dong that she could get married only when she was almost twenty-eight years old, and it could be neitherter nor earlier. It had to be twenty-eight years old.

    ¡°Hua Hua, will you marry me?¡± Zhai Hua did not know why she had said such mindless things but Tian Dong understood in his heart.

    It was just that Tian Dong did not intend to tell Zhai Hua at this moment. When they were married and lying on the same bed or when he was in a good mood, he would tell Zhai Hua the foolish thing that she did when she was just five years old.

    ¡°Tian Dong, are you serious?¡± Qiu Chenxi began to grit her teeth.

    She had wracked her brains on how topete with and win against Zhai Hua by snatching Tian Dong over. She would not only resolve her marriage but also marry a wealthy man then. In addition, she could also take revenge on Zhai Sheng for abandoning her and choosing to be with Qiao Nan a few years ago. It would be akin to killing two birds with one stone, and nothing else was better than that. She could take revenge on all of the Zhai family at the same time.

    However, Tian Dong had already proposed to Zhai Hua with such a huge diamond ring before Qiu Chenxi could think of a solution. Undoubtedly, he couldn¡¯t possibly prepare this recently. Perhaps Tian Dong had long wished to marry Zhai Hua and he thus carried this ring by his side for a very long time.

    When a man wanted to marry a woman, he even carried his wedding ring by his side and made preparations for so many years. Qiu Chenxi did not have any chances of seeding in such a battle. On the contrary, she was defeated thoroughly. It was too ugly.

    Even if Qiu Chenxi were to eventually think of a solution, Tian Dong and Zhai Hua might even have a child by then.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned extremely pale. Judging from the look of it, she would explode at any point and fight with Tian Dong.

    Since the moment Qiu Chenxi appeared and pestered him, Tian Dong had been ignoring her. However, at this very moment, Tian Dong wanted to make himself clear to Qiu Chenxi that it was impossible between them. ¡°Do you know when I bought this ring?¡±

    ¡°When?¡± Zhai Hua, who was sitting beside Tian Dong, was more curious than Qiu Chenxi about this. Her eyes were bright when she looked at Tian Dong.

    Zhai Hua was famous in the quad of Ping Cheng for being a grown-updy left on the shelves. She did not even have a boyfriend, let alone a marriage partner.

    Many people made mean jokes and guesses on whether Zhai Hua would ever have the chance to wait for any man to propose to her in her entire life.

    After some time, Zhai Hua also felt the same way.

    However, someone suddenly told Zhai Hua today that she was not an ¡®old¡¯dy that no one wanted. In fact, such an outstanding and exemry man had been pondering for a long time on how to marry her. He even bought the proposal ring long ago, and she had been on his mind for so many years.

    The old iron tree had blossomed! A miracle had urred!

 Chapter 1282 - Proud for a Lifetime

    <h4>1282 Proud for a Lifetime</h4>

    ¡°When I was eighteen years old, my dad gave me a sum of money. He allowed me to use them for whatever I wanted to develop myself in. He took it that it was for me to gain experience. I invested in shares and profited as I was quite lucky. Thereafter, I spent all the first sum of money that I earned on this ring.¡±

    Diamonds only came into fashionter on.

    Tian Dong bought it earlier, during the 1990s.

    At that time, very few people liked diamonds or spected in the prices. Hence, it was not so costly then.

    Despite the case, Tian Dong spent all the first sum of money that he earned in his lifetime only on a ring. It was not hard to imagine that Tian Dong had most likely bought the best, biggest, and most expensive ring in that shop then.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been carrying this with you for ten years? You just bring them with you like that every day?¡± Ten years! Ten years!!

    At the thought of this number, Zhai Hua could not control the corners of her lips from curling up. Hahaha! Who said that she was an ¡®old¡¯dy left on the shelves or a tomboy that no man wanted? A man had begun to hit on her since she was five years old. As soon as he had reached adulthood, he bought her a proposal ring. It was all just because of an unintentional remark she made as a child that this man foolishly waited and proposed to her only she was almost twenty-eight years old.

    No one loved her?

    Crap. Which family¡¯s partner could bepared to hers!!!

    Who?

    Who?

    Zhai Hua felt so proud that a tail almost grew out of her buttock and lifted into the sky.

    This secret was not just a big surprise to Zhai Hua but also the Tian couple. They were shocked and truly unaware that their son had set his eyes on Zhai Hua right from the beginning.

    It was so heart-wrenching for Auntie Tian. It was as if she had immersed herself in a pot of aged vinegar. She felt sour all over.

    Why didn¡¯t this stubborn child tell her that he already had someone on his mind? She even had misgivings that he had been led astray by badpany and became ¡®crooked¡¯ when he was in America.

    The most foolish thing was... Clearly, it was five years old but it had been dyed until twenty-eight years old. He had made her so anxious for a few years. This foolish child!

    His only son¡¯s heart belonged to other family¡¯s youngdy since he was five years old. As a mother, her heart broke into a thousand pieces and a powdery form that could not be pieced together anymore.

    Father Tian looked at his son coldly. Simr to his wife, he stamped the word ¡®fool¡¯ on Tian Dong.

    Who would take the words of a five-year-old for real? Furthermore, he had remembered it for twenty-three years, bought and carried a wedding proposal ring for ten years before taking it out to use.

    Father Tian nced coldly at the box that contained the ring. It was made of velvet. Did the velvet alreadye off?

    Qiu Chenxi could not bear to look at Zhai Hua¡¯s proud and smug look. Most importantly, her battered heart could not take such a blow anymore. She stood up and staggered. ¡°Sorry to disturb.¡± She would never step into the Tian family¡¯s residence ever again.

    That elder brother of the Tian family was not capable enough to rein his younger brother and thetter¡¯s family or make the younger brother listen to him. Why did he boast to her then? It was his fault that she was in such an embarrassing state now.

    ¡°Miss Qiu, take your time to leave. We still have a guest in our house. We will also be busy with an uing happy asion. We won¡¯t be able to send you off.¡± The jealous Auntie Tian was instantly revived at the sight of Qiu Chenxi. Her son was still hers. Nevertheless, Qiu Chenxi had finally given up her wishful thinking on them.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Qiu Chenxi sneered. Without a word, she walked out of the Tian family¡¯s residence.

    As soon as she stepped out of the ce, she looked like she was in a trance under the dark and gloomy sky, distracted and stunned.

    Not knowing the reason, those words that Shi Qing had said before rang in her ears: The persistence of a woman depended on the attitude of a man.

    She had suffered a bad fall due to Zhai Sheng the first time. Now, she had suffered another fall due to Tian Dong. She had fallen so badly that her head was broken and bleeding and her bones broken.

    A few years ago, Qiu Chenxi was still young. She refused to admit defeat and was not convinced by Shi Qing¡¯s words.

    Now, Qiu Chenxi was older and more mature. She still refused to concede defeat and did not think that she was any less than a tomboy like Zhai Hua.

    However, Tian Dong bought and carried a ring with him for ten years. Qiu Chenxi had no choice but to back out. She did not have the energy to continuepeting with Zhai Hua anymore.

    Which woman in the world did not wish to marry a man who would cherish and ce her in his heart?

    If Tian Dong had wavered slightly in his attitude toward Zhai Hua, Qiu Chenxi could still shamelessly and persistently attack this loophole. She would eventually win Tian Dong over one day.

    Now...

    Qiu Chenxi no longer harbored any of such thoughts.

    After Qiu Chenxi left, she was unaware that Zhai Hua had such a good chat with the Tian family. Before the Zhai family found out about the situation, as Zhai Hua did not like to wear essories normally, Qiao Nan had already noticed the bright and shiny diamond ring on her finger. ¡°Pigeon egg?¡±

    Although it was not that huge, it was much bigger than usual. ¡°You are wearing it on this finger. Tian Dong proposed to you today?!¡±

    Miao Jing jumped in shock. ¡°Is it true? Is what Nan Nan said true? Didn¡¯t you say that both of you are not even boyfriend and girlfriend? Dongzi has proposed to you. Does that mean both of you are getting married? Have you picked the dates?¡±

    Happiness came too soon that she dared not believe it.

    Hua Hua did not even have a boyfriend, yet she already had a fianc¨¦?

    Zhai Hua was in such a good mood that she very much wanted to sing a few songs loudly to express her emotions. Now that Qiao Nan and her biological mother had hit the nail on the spot, Zhai Hua felt so smug that she crossed her arms on her waist like a teapot. ¡°Tian Dong, thatd, had wanted to marry me since he was five years old. He bought this ring and carried it with him for ten years. He endured until today before proposing to me. He looked so pitiful. It¡¯s seldom that I am in a good mood. I thus epted his proposal. Mom, uncle and auntie will be visiting us for a meal tomorrow. Be prepared to discuss the dates for Tian Dong and me to get married.¡±

    Did you see that? Did you see that? Sister not only had a man but was also the one being loved secretly!

    Qiao Nan never expected to hear such a big gossip. Obviously, there were other stories between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong that others were unaware of.

    He had carried his marriage proposal ring for ten years. The feelings that Tian Dong had for Zhai Hua could make any woman in this world feel touched. Was this considered as simply crossing the realm of their tonic rtionship after a seven-year-itch?

    ¡°Congrattions.¡± After carrying San Bao and cing her onto herp, Qiao Nan grabbed San Bao¡¯s hands and said, ¡°San Bao, auntie has found you an uncle-inw. Next time, remember to ask for a big red packet when you see your uncle-inw.¡± Tian Dong had wanted to give the triplets red packets earlier. However, besides the full-month and hundred-day-old celebrations, Qiao Nan had declined gifts from Tian Dong.

    However, Tian Dong was going to marry Zhai Hua soon. He had to give this red packet. Whether to give or not depended on how much Tian Dong valued the maternal family of Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 1283 - A Face Full of Saliva

    <h4>1283 A Face Full of Saliva</h4>

    ¡°Uncle, uncle-inw?¡± San Bao twisted her tongue. When she spoke thest word w¡¯, she spat on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Qiao Nan wiped her face. ¡°San Bao, with you around, it will rain in our house.¡± Was she being filial and showing her respect with saliva?

    ¡°Yes, uncle-inw. When your uncle-inw and auntie are married, auntie will give birth to a younger brother or sister for you to y with.¡± To y with you!

    All of a sudden, San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up brightly.

    San Bao could vaguely sense that she was the youngest one in the family now. Very soon, a child younger than her was going to appear and address her as the elder sister. How could San Bao not feel happy? Although she did not have much knowledge of this, she very much weed a child younger than her into the family.

    ¡°Right, San Bao is going to have a younger sister or brother soon.¡± Miao Jing was smiling happily like a flower. Her daughter was going to get married. Would her maternal grandchild be far away? ¡°I have to break this good news to the old master and your dad as soon as theye home. Haha, our family¡¯sdy is finally getting married!¡±

    This was such exhrating news worth spreading and celebrating!

    Zhai Hua, who was initially quite happy, almost froze and pulled a long face when she heard her mother. It was as if she was left on the shelves and had finally found one Tian Dong, a white knight who was willing to rescue her. She snorted and said, ¡°I won¡¯t take issue with you. You are not aware of what happened. Qiu Chenxi eventually followed me to the Tian family¡¯s residence. She, very fortunately, witnessed Tian Dong¡¯s deep feelings for me and how he proposed.¡±

    She did not care. Anyway, Tian Dong had been secretly in love with her for more than twenty years, and he had thought of marrying her for ten years.

    She was not a woman without any charm. In fact, she was a woman with great charm!

    Tian Dong¡¯s feelings toward Zhai Hua were enough to make Zhai Hua feel proud for the rest of her life.

    This evening, Qiao Nan received Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call. She then found out that her husband had done a lot in this matter.

    At the beginning, Zhai Sheng did not see eye to eye with Tian Dong. Nevertheless, when Tian Dong did not appear for a long time this year, Zhai Sheng was the only one in the entire Zhai family who maintained his silence and thought most highly of Tian Dong. He felt that Tian Dong was not the type of person who liked to toy with other people¡¯s feelings.

    The elder son of the Tian family was an ambitious one. However, the Zhai family left others a very deep impression of being fair and honest. The elder son of the Tian family felt that if his only nephew married thedy from the Zhai family, the Zhai family might not help the Tian family. On the contrary, if the Tian family were tomit any wrongdoing, the Zhai family would ce justice above loyalty to one¡¯s family and be the first to punish them.

    He dared not have such an inw family.

    On the contrary, the Shi family¡¯s character was entirely opposite to that of the Zhai family. He was very fond of the Shi family¡¯s character.

    As such, when he found out that his younger brother favored Zhai Hua more, he secretly contacted Old Master Shi. He wanted to be the bridge between Tian Dong and Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiao Nan heard about the subsequent matters that happened.

    The elder son of the Tian family secretly stirred up problems for his younger brother¡¯s business and made his nephew busy. He also spurred his old, foolish, and sick father to insist on having the second son and wife take care of him. As a result, the couple also took ill.

    This matter had been covered up very well. Tian Dong did not have any time to look for Zhai Hua at all. Unfortunately, Zhai Hua, who was not in the know, became angry at him. asionally, when Tian Dong was feeling very vexed, he felt very disheartened that Zhai Hua did not take any initiative to show concern for him.

    The elder son of the Tian family wanted to create such a misunderstanding between Tian Dong and Zhai Hua. Both were at the age whereby they were young and strong-minded, and neither would give in. Once the two were spiting each other and neither took the initiative to relent, they would fall out no matter how close they had previously been.

    At this juncture, Qiu Chenxi would appear to show concern and support for Tian Dong in a gentle and gracious way. If Tian Dong did not have a change of heart and get together with Qiu Chenxi after some time, the elder son of the Tian family expressed that he would address Tian Dong as the elder uncle instead.

    No one needed to question why he was so certain about the effectiveness of this poly. It was not because of other reasons. He had used this method a long ago. The first person that he tested this method¡¯s feasibility was not others but his only daughter.

    Tian Tian had been doted upon since she was a child. When she was studying in college, she found herself a boyfriend and the two of them were very close. They had promised each other to get married as soon as they graduated, and they would marry no one else but each other. At that time, they were seen as a model couple in college.

    However, the elder son of the Tian family was not satisfied with this college student. Besides having a good college degree, his family background was not spectacr at all. Furthermore, he already had a potential son-inw in mind.

    Unfortunately, the other party was fat and ugly and Tian Tian was not fond of him. As such, she was more determined to be together with her boyfriend.

    Thereafter, the elder son of the Tian family used this method to separate Tian Tian and her boyfriend. He even sessfully made Tian Tian marry the son-inw that he wanted.

    However, he was unaware that this marriage that he was smug about had, in fact, brought him many troubles.

    Tian Tian was not stupid. In the early years, she was young and strong-tempered. As such, she had been temporarily deceived. Time gradually passed, and she had finally realized.

    When the elder son of the Tian family used this method on Tian Dong again, Tian Tianpletely figured this out.

    It could be said that without Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone call and Tian Tian¡¯s reminder, perhaps the elder son of the Tian family would have seeded in this ploy once again.

    When Qiao Nan wasmunicating with Zhai Sheng, Tian Dong also made a call to Tian Tian to thank her. ¡°Sister, thank you. If not for you, I nearly...¡± He never once thought that he would experience what his father had been through before.

    Twenty years had passed. Seemingly, his grandfather¡¯s and elder uncle¡¯s temperaments and barbaric nature did not change at all. They were more selfish and scary than businessmen like him. They only thought of themselves and no one else. The so-called kinship was just tools that they used to climb up the socialdder.

    Tian Dong also understood why the old master liked his elder son and not his second son so much.

    It was not because of other reasons. His elder son had totally inherited his character and way of dealing with things and people. He was clearly another Old Master Tian. Who would not be fond of themselves?

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± On the phone, Tian Tian¡¯s voice sounded a little cold but also pleased. She was pleased not because Tian Dong had averted his father¡¯s ploy but because her father¡¯s n had failed and he was going to be down on luck. ¡°You should understand my thoughts. Remember. Don¡¯t let him have a good life. As long as his life is not good, I will take it that you are thanking me.¡±

    Tian Tian was filled with hate. Her biological father was the person that she hated most in her entire life.

    Given their rtionship, no matter how much Tian Tian hated him, she could not do anything concrete to take revenge on her father.

    However, if she did not do anything and continue to watch her father living a happy and satisfying life every day, she would be choked by the feelings of pain and torture every night. Her father sold other people to fulfill his own life and wishes.

 Chapter 1284 - Committed Too Much Sin

    <strong>Chapter 1284 Committed Too Much Sin</strong>

    On what grounds?!

    Fortunately, her father had allowed her second uncle and family to return from America.

    Her second uncle and family could help her with things that she could not do. She just had to sit by one side and watch how unfortunate her father would be. ¡°I heard grandpa mention this before. Both second uncle and you have strong tempers. You never allow anyone to bully you. Otherwise, second uncle would not be so determined to leave the home country for America with second auntie and you twenty years ago. This time, all of you nearly suffered a huge loss. You should know what to do?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Tian Dong did not disappoint Tian Tian at all. ¡°Elder Uncle is too much this time.¡±

    He knew that his elder uncle was not happy that he was together with Hua Hua and wanted him to break up with Hua Hua.

    At first, he thought that hispany encountered so many problems because other people or his opponents had deliberately created chaos. At most, his elder uncle just behaved like a passive onlooker and did not intervene or help, waiting for him to surrender and plead with him when he could not endure it further. He would then help him.

    However, Tian Dong never expected that his elder uncle was actually the mastermind who made hispany suffered such huge losses.

    Plenty of businesses had been taken away from hispany after confidential information was leaked. Tian Dong was so furious that he was clutching onto the phone receiver with so much might that cracks had appeared on its outer casing.

    All of hispany¡¯s losses eventually went into his elder uncle¡¯s pockets. His elder uncle filled his stomach by sucking other people¡¯s blood like a mosquito. Tian Dong could not wait to p this ¡®big mosquito¡¯ dead.

    If it were in the past, Tian Dong might still persuade Tian Tian and ask her not to be against her biological father. After all, his elder uncle only had one daughter and vice versa.

    However, at this point, Tian Dong did not wish to persuade Tian Tian anymore. He even hoped that Tian Tian could continue to hate his elder uncle.

    Tian Dong was aware that she would definitely notify him if his elder uncle was taking any action against him and his family. Now, they had the same target and were guarding against the same individual. They hoped that this person would not have a good life.

    ¡°If he is too much, you can be worse than him.¡± Tian Tianughed. There was a gust of sinister feel in herugh. Tian Dong could not see it but he could sense it through the phone. ¡°Yourpany had been in a lot of trouble recently. All the money went into his pocket. Remember. A man will turn bad once he has money. It¡¯s much easier to catch his handle now.¡±

    For example, the one in her family was keeping the marriage intact while having affairs outside.

    At the thought of the messy affairs of that wretched fat man, Tian Tian¡¯s expression turned menacing.

    ¡°Okay, I know.¡± Tian Dong was momentarily surprised. ¡°Mypany¡¯s money has just gone into his pocket. Is he so ill-disciplined to spend it immediately? Is he not afraid of arousing suspicion from my family?¡±

    Tian Tian hummed gently. ¡°He is used to having a smooth life all these years. Furthermore, the capital is his territory. All of you are new here. What is he afraid of? What can he be afraid of?¡± In front of his own people, her father was so bold that he dared to make a hole in the sky.

    ¡°Alright, I am clear about this.¡± Tian Tian had told him so clearly about his elder uncle¡¯s situation. If Tian Dong still could not get it, Tian Tian would no longer be willing to task Tian Dong with this mission of dealing with her father. ¡°That¡¯s all. Let¡¯s hang up.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will notify you when there is news. Simrly, if he is down on luck, remember to give me a heads-up so that I can watch the show from the beginning until the end.¡± She would not want to miss any second of it.

    After hanging up the phone, Tian Dong saw his parents, especially his father, looking solemn and serious. Their faces were so ck.

    Tian Shouxin sneered. ¡°Brother is truly Dad¡¯s son. No wonder Dad is so biased toward him since young. I canpletely understand.¡± It was not enough to sacrifice him in the past. Now, they even wanted to sacrifice his son. They were too much!

    Mother Tian was furious too. ¡°At the mention of your brother, I can¡¯t breathe well. What is he? Dongzi even addresses him as elder uncle. How dare he do such shameless things to us? Did he think that we are like him¡ªthat we will not decline anyone, be it fragrant or smelly¡ªthates?¡±

    Mother Tian had some knowledge of his brother-inw¡¯s dirty deeds.

    Mother Tian had rejoiced more than once that she had married Tian Shouxin and not Tian Shouyi many years ago. Otherwise, she would have been driven to grave long ago by such a husband.

    When she first arrived in the capital, Mother Tian¡¯s first meeting with her sister-inw was not at the old house of the Tian family but the hospital.

    At first nce, Mother Tian thought that her father-inw was unwell and her sister-inw came to take care of him. When she wanted to call her sister-inw, she did not expect thetter to make a turn at a corner into another building.

    Not knowing the reason, Mother Tian followed her silently. She was surprised and shocked to discover that her sister-inw went to the obstetrics and gynecology department. Her sister-inw did not have to wait for her consultation. It was not because it was not crowded at the hospital that day. It was because she was the rtive of a high-ranking government official. As such, she most likely pulled some of her strings.

    As there were fewer people, Mother Tian happened to hear some of the conversations between the doctor and her sister-inw.

    Mother Tian did not feel good after listening to it.

    Her sister-inw was already of this age. Why would she contract such an illness? At the sound of it, she seemed to have been infected by someone.

    Her sister-inw had most likely endured and suffered too much wrong. She was in a panic. As soon as she saw Mother Tian¡¯s blow-stricken face when she came out, she burst into tears and expressed how aggrieved she felt.

    Thereafter, she ignored all consequences and dragged Mother Tian to a caf¨¦ for a chat. She spilled out her resentment to Mother Tian. She was determined not to take the rap for that lousy man. ¡°It will be good if he is like Shouxin. He... he is not human. He is already so old. Many of the girls are younger than Tian Tian... The most terrible thing is that... he is not afraid of death. As long as he fancies them, he dares to touch them no matter whether they are clean or not. That day, he probably had too much of a drink when he came back. I... I feel really disgusted!¡±

    After knowing the circumstances of the matter, Mother Tian¡¯s first reaction was that she was not willing to acknowledge Tian Shouyi as her brother-inw. What a good-for-nothing!

    At that time, Mother Tian was fuming with anger. However, she did not expect that more annoying things were about to happen.

    Facing the recent happenings, Mother Tian thought of her sister-inw¡¯s expression when she chatted with her. At this very moment, she had the same thoughts as her. Why did such disgusting people exist in this world? Why wouldn¡¯t they go and die!

    They were all mothers. Mother Tian¡¯s heart also ached for Tian Tian. ¡°I remember Tian Tian is very sensible when she is a child. She is also very good-looking. She was so happy when Dongzi was born. She addressed him as younger brother every day and said that she wanted to help me bring Dongzi out to y. She¡¯s such a gooddy. She had been harmed by her biological father. Tian Tian¡¯s life is so bitter.¡±

    That day, her sister-inw not only told her about her own situation but also Tian Tian, her daughter¡¯s situation.

 Chapter 1285 - Everyone Hates Him

    <h4>1285 Everyone Hates Him</h4>

    Her sister-inw¡¯s hatred toward Tian Shouyi was not only because he had many affairs outside. Most importantly, he was so cold and heartless toward their only daughter.

    It was no wonder that Tian Shouyi was fond of his son-inw. Thetter had the same temperament as him.

    When they were newly married, Tian Tian was very unhappy and pulled a long face every day. She had agreed to marry to spite her lover and also out of the pressure from her biological father.

    Initially, this son-inw cared very much for Tian Tian. After all, Tian Tian was good-looking and had a good family background. The elders in the family liked Tian Tian very much and sang rare praises that he had finally done something good by marrying the right woman.

    After some time, as the second generation of a government official, how would he spare so much thought and effort on Tian Tian? He simply continued to indulge in wine and pleasure outside. He was multiple times worse than when he was before marriage. There were many asions where he had three women taking turns to sleep with him in one day.

    Tian Tian was furious after she found out. She argued with him and suffered a fall during the brawl. As a result, she had a miscarriage when she was just two months pregnant.

    Thereafter, Tian Tian suffered excessive bleeding. After the surgery, it was very unlikely that Tian Tian would be a mother in the future.

    However, Tian Tian had a ¡®son¡¯. ording to sources, she not only had ¡®son¡¯ but also a few girls to pick from if she wanted daughters. Of course, these children were definitely her husband¡¯s biological children. At most, they did note out from her womb.

    The situation was already as such. Tian Tian wanted to have a divorce but Tian Shouyi refused to let her do so. He said the alliance between the two families would be gone upon a divorce. Furthermore, Tian Tian could not be pregnant anymore and could no longer have her own child. On the other hand, if she did not get a divorce, Tian Tian could have children, be it a son or a daughter. If she did not like the child, she could still exchange for another one.

    Someone would support Tian Tian financially when she was old then.

    She was already of this age and her health was not good. If she were to get a divorce, she would be able to get anything that she wished for. Her life could not possibly be better than it was before marriage?

    Hence, she should be more abiding.

    Anyway, Tian Tian could forget about returning to the Tian family if she were to get a divorce. He would not ept a divorced daughter such as Tian Tian and would not let her enter the house. It was not only so. After he knew that his daughter had thoughts of a divorce, Tian Shouyi even behaved like a good father-inw by sounding his son-inw out. He asked him not to keep a tight watch on his daughter¡¯s money and never let Tian Tian have too much money.

    This was the only way. When Tian Tian did not have money and could not return to her maternal family, certainly, she would not dare to get a divorce.

    He was most aware of his own daughter¡¯s situation. He had spent so much money on Tian Tian since she was a child. Tian Tian had never endured many hardships before, not when she was living with her maternal family, and all the more not in her inw family. She was never short of money and did not know the pain of being poor.

    Given this, he was certain that his daughter did not have the confidence to get a divorce with his son-inw.

    In fact, when she heard Tian Shouyi treating their only daughter in this way, Mother Tian was shaking with anger. She did not believe that there was such a father in this world.

    Mother Tian just found out about the situation of Tian Shouyi¡¯s family. For the sake of bringing Tian Dong and Qiu Chenxi together, he had alreadyid his hands on Tian Shouxin and his family. Mother Tian did not even have a chance to remind her husband and son.

    Besides the old master and himself, Tian Shouyi was heartless to everyone else. Hence, everyone around Tian Shouyi hated him to the core.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be like this. Tian Tian knows what to do. She doesn¡¯t want elder uncle to lead such a good life. It has been so many years. This is definitely not the first time that elder uncle did this. He will not only do this to his own family. Most likely, he is corrupted. It may be quite hard for us to deal with him alone. The good thing is that we have the Zhai family.¡± Tian Dong took a deep breath. He felt ashamed to have such rtives. However, he would have returned to the home country for the sake of Hua Huatest byst year even if the old master was not unwell.

    Tian Shouxin was calm and not as affected as his wife. ¡°Dongzi is right. He will be marrying Zhai Hua very soon. We are also sincere in bing inws with the Zhai family. We don¡¯t have the intention to make use of them. However, my brother is too much. He should be prepared that we will take revenge on him.¡±

    His family alone would not be able topete with and win against his brother. However, with the Zhai family, it was a matter of time before his brother would lose miserably.

    It was also because of this that his elder brother was so afraid of letting Dongzi marry Zhai Hua.

    Could Tian Shouxin not understand his brother? Many years ago, his brother was afraid that he would go into politics and over-shine him. Hence, Tian Shouyi fawned on the old master and asked thetter to force Tian Shouxin into business.

    Although they were biological brothers, it was not right for him to do that. No matter how close they were, he would cause enmity between them with such a din.

    He said that he did not harbor any resentment toward Tian Shouyi. It was a pity that Tian Shouyi was guilt-conscious and did not believe him.

    Tian Shouyi was afraid that Tian Shouxin would make use of the Zhai family¡¯s power and influence to go against him after thetter became inws with Chief Zhai. As such, Tian Shouyi wanted to arrange Dongzi¡¯s marriage before Tian Shouxin could do that. In this way, he would have wrecked Tian Shouxin¡¯s n for revenge and also made use of Dongzi¡¯s future happiness to derive benefit for himself.

    This was killing two birds with one stone. Simr to the past, Tian Shouyi had it all nned out to his favor.

    This time, Tian Shouxin finally hated his elder brother to the core. His brother did not spare any mercy for his closest kin. He could not wait to exploit all the usefulness from his kin, hammer and shatter their bones and see if he could get some oil out of them.

    Whose heart was not made of flesh?

    Tian Shouyi was so heartless. Tian Shouxin was not willing to admit that such a person was his twin brother.

    As for Old Master Tian, he was already so old and a great-grandfather, yet he continued to stir up troubles. Tian Shouxin knew that he did not need to do anything about his father, whose health wasn¡¯t good. Given the old master¡¯s character, he might even court his own death one day.

    Tian Shouyi found out from Qiu Chenxi that his n had failed. Tian Dong not only met Zhai Hua but they were also in marriage talks.

    Tian Shouyi red up on the spot. He made a call to Tian Shouxin and gave him an order. ¡°Brother, if you still acknowledge me as your elder brother and dad as your father, no matter what method you use, only thatdy from the Qiu family can be my niece-inw. It cannot be Zhai Hua. Understand?!¡±

    ¡°So what if I do not acknowledge, so be it! As you wish!¡± Would he be afraid of severing kinship ties?

    Tian Shouyi¡¯s round and plump face swelled in crimson. ¡°Brother, what kind of attitude is this? Don¡¯t think that you can be on your own now that your wings have hardened. Let me tell you. It¡¯s not so easy to establish yourself in the capital! If not for my help, would Dongzi do so well in his business? He relies on my help entirely.¡±

    ¡°Alright, cut your nonsense.¡±

 Chapter 1286 - She Has a Good Temper

    <h4>1286 She Has a Good Temper</h4>

    ¡°I am well aware of whether you are helping or harming Dongzi. Besides, let me remind you. The central government is keeping a tight watch. Don¡¯t think that no one knows what you have done and that you can be free of all worries. Dongzi and I are not cowards that will take bullying from others!¡±

    After saying hisst sentence, Tian Shouxin simply hung up the phone.

    This phone call was considered hisst reminder to his elder brother out of kindness. Henceforth, they were no longer brothers. If Tian Shouyi were to cause any harm to Dongzi or him, he would retaliate and not show any mercy toward Tian Shouyi anymore.

    At the thought that the money Tian Shouyi spent on wine and pleasure recently was all conned from his son, Tian Shouxin¡¯s eyes turned gloomy. He felt that he could not just be all talk and no action.

    It was not going to be so easy to con his money. He would make Tian Shouyi repay him all his money the same way that Tian Shouyi conned his family.

    ¡°What a surprise, Qiao Nan!¡± Xu Shengnan visited the ce of Qiao Nan¡¯s inw as she had long wanted to see Qiao Nan. When she was there, she realized that her previous worries for Qiao Nan were all unfounded.

    After all, Xu Shengnan had lived in the capital for a few years. As soon as she heard the area of Qiao Nan¡¯s residence, she sensed that this junior of hers was not a simple character. Only the rich and influential stayed in this area. Could her junior be the second generation of the government officials?

    To her absolute surprise, Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes turned into heart shapes when she saw a row of little ones when she arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. ¡°You gave birth to all three of them? Three, all three?!¡±

    Chubby little faces, watery big eyes, red and tender little mouths and round and stout bodies. They even carried a tinge of milk fragrance.

    When the triplets stared at her in this manner, Xu Shengnan felt her heart melt into a puddle of water. ¡°You¡¯re awful. Why don¡¯t you tell me that you have three children? As a senior, I didn¡¯t even prepare any present. What if the children remember this and dislike me in the future?¡±

    Qiao Nan touched the three little ones lying on herp. ¡°If you really have such concern and worry, it¡¯s easy to resolve them. It¡¯s not as if you are visiting me only for once. Remember. You have to give us double the presents to make it up to them.¡± Double the presents for the three children. ¡°Senior Xu, I¡¯m afraid one month of your sry will be gone when that timees.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was staring at the three children. ¡°If one month of sry is gone, so be it. I have colleagues in the office who are mothers too. I heard from them that children¡¯s stuff is very costly. Junior, you¡¯re so blessed. Isn¡¯t there a national family nning policy? Why do you have two sons and one daughter? Are they triplets?¡±

    The triplets were about the same height. One could notpletely say that the three adorable faces looked alike. Nevertheless, there were many simrities among them.

    ¡°Yes, triplets.¡± Qiao Nan nodded proudly. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, call auntie.¡±

    The triplets had been observing Xu Shengnan for a long time. They seemed to realize that their mother was on quite good terms with this auntie. After enduring for a while, the three children then addressed ¡®auntie¡¯.

    ¡°Aye!¡± This greeting from the triplets made Xu Shengnan¡¯s heart flutter and bones crumble. ¡°Come, Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, let auntie carry you.¡±

    The triplets blinked their eyes and smiled at Xu Shengnan. At the sight of them smiling, Xu Shengnan thought that she could definitely get to carry the three soft and chubby babies. Who would have known that the triplets unanimously escaped to the side of their grandmother, while they continued to smile at Xu Shengnan.

    ¡°Crap! They are using the tactic of feinting? First, they smiled to make me let down my guard. When I was feeling happy, they escaped?¡± Xu Shengnan was dumbfounded. She felt that her intelligence had been challenged by these three one-year-old kids who did not even know how to speak properly yet. The way they walked waspletely copied from Donald Duck. She had been harshly mangled by them.

    Qiao Nan smiled, embarrassed. This was not the first time that she heard othersmenting that the triplets were as cunning and slippery as eels. ¡°Perhaps they inherited their father¡¯s genes?¡±

    Anyway, she definitely did not behave like that when she was a child.

    If she had that natural capability, would she have been so badly bullied by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Their father?¡± What kind of person was that? The triplets were so capable just relying on his genes alone? Xu Shengnan expressed that this waspletely beyond her imagination.

    ¡°My husband is a soldier.¡± Since the triplets did not inherit the bravery and wit from her, it could only be from their father.

    Xu Shengnan lifted the corners of her lips in shock. ¡°You... are the wife of a military man?¡± You were just a twenty-two-year-old young military wife who was still in college. ¡°What? Your man is too shameless. He has smeared the name of our soldiers. How can he bear toy his vicious hands on you? He¡¯s poisoning the buds of our mothend. How old were you when he started hitting on you?¡±

    That soldier ruffian could not simply kidnap Qiao Nan to collect the marriage certificate during their first meeting, just as she reached the legal age of marriage. Nothing so absurd would happen in this world.

    Xu Shengnan sounded a little impolite. Fortunately, Miao Jing had a good temper. Otherwise, she would certainly re up.

    Thankfully, it was also because Miao Jing was on very good terms with Qiao Nan.

    When she found out that Qiao Nan was her son¡¯s young girlfriend, Miao Jing¡¯s first reaction and thoughts were exactly the same as that of Xu Shengnan now. She was also disdainful that Zhai Sheng was so shameless.

    Fortunately, Xu Shengnan very quickly remembered that this was the house of Qiao Nan¡¯s inws and not her maternal family. Hence, the auntie surrounded by the triplets now was most likely Qiao Nan¡¯s mother-inw, who gave birth to the ruffian that she just spoke of.

    Xu Shengnan looked embarrassed as she smiled at Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie, I have always been very frank in my words. I am not as sensible as my junior. Please don¡¯t take issue with me. I don¡¯t mean any harm.¡±

    Miao Jing kissed the soft hair on the top of Er Bao¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Certainly, this is the truth.¡± These words carried some humor so that Xu Shengnan would not feel so nervous.

    If her son had not yed rogue and did something shameless, where would such beautiful and adorable grandchildrene from?

    All those shameless means of her son were worth praises after having these three children.

    Miao Jing was not angered and Xu Shengnan heaved a sigh of relief. She sat beside Qiao Nan and whispered to thetter. ¡°Your mother-inw seems quite polite and nice. She did not give me any ck face although I spoke about her son in this manner.¡±

 Chapter 1287 - Uncle-In-Law

    <h4>1287 Uncle-In-Law</h4>

    ¡°Yes, my mother-inw is very good to me. It¡¯s as if she is my biological mother.¡± Her mother-inw treated her better than she treated Brother Zhai. Fortunately, both Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua had never been displeased at her because of this matter. Simr to her mother-inw, they also treated her very well.

    Xu Shengnan could tell that Qiao Nan was very serious and grateful when she said this. There was no sense of falseness or cover-up. Xu Shengnan felt very heartened. ¡°Perhaps it is your greatest fortune to be able to marry into this kind of family.¡±

    She had always heard people saying that the mother and daughter-inw¡¯s problem was an eternal and difficult one which even the saint could not resolve.

    It was truly not easy to find a mother-inw who treated her better than her own son. ¡°Right, you have many wedding candies in your house. Is your family organizing a wedding banquet?¡±

    ¡°The triplet¡¯s auntie is getting married at the end of the year.¡± Tian Dong was truly very effective. After he proposed, the two families sat down together and picked an auspicious date before the Lunar New Year for the marriage. This marriage had thus been settled. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you something. Today is the day my sister-inw and her husband will collect their wedding certificate.¡±

    She had heard that her father-inw had never used his authority for personal gains or allowed his two children to get in through the back door. However, in this marriage, this was the first time that he sped up the matter for Sister Zhai Hua. He helped her settle the marriage report at the fastest speed.

    Since the marriage report had been approved, Tian Dong could openly bring Sister Zhai Hua to collect the marriage certificate.

    Speak of the devil. Zhai Hua and Tian Dong, who had just collected the wedding certificate, came back looking happy.

    At the sight of the candies left in the bag in Tian Dong¡¯s hands, Miao Jing asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to distribute all the candies? Why are there leftovers?¡±

    Tian Dong ced the excess candies on the table and exined. ¡°Those that we brought earlier were not enough for distribution. We bought some at thest minute.¡± That was the reason for the excess.

    ¡°Tian... CEO Tian?¡± At the sight of the proud and happy Tian Dong walking in, Xu Shengnan nearly bit her tongue in shock. She especially wanted to ask Qiao Nan if she did it on purpose.

    ¡°You¡¯re an employee of CEO Gao¡¯spany?¡± At one nce, Tian Dong recognized Xu Shengnan. ¡°I remember that your surname is Xu. You are Miss Xu, right?¡± Tian Dong had some impression of Xu Shengnan because of her name. Clearly, she was ady but her name was very unique. When Tian Dong heard that, the first thought that came to his mind was Zhai Hua.

    As such, Tian Dong remembered who Xu Shengnan was when he saw her today.

    Xu Shengnan was pleasantly surprised by the attention. Although CEO Tian was the one who initiated the coboration with theirpany this time, CEO Tian¡¯spany was much bigger than theirs. The other party was such an establishedpany whereas they were only a start-up that had just gone into a stable working mode.

    CEO Gao¡¯s aim was to turn hispany into a listed one by the end of next year.

    Xu Shengnan put away her smitten behavior due to the triplets and straightened her shirt. ¡°CEO Tian has a good memory. Yes, I am an employee of CEO Gao¡¯spany.¡± She only suspected Qiao Nan for a fleeting moment.

    Others might not know, but how could Xu Shengnan not know?

    If not for the help of Qiao Nan, this junior, she would not have the opportunity to join CEO Gao¡¯spany.

    If her junior really wished to help CEO Tian clinch the project with theirpany, why would she require her help? She could simply look for CEO Gao and this business could be settled very quickly.

    Qiao Nan blinked her eyes. She roughly guessed that Tian Dong¡¯s and Gao Yan¡¯spanies should be in some business rtionship, and Tian Dong thus knew Xu Shengnan. ¡°Senior, the candies that you are eating belong to them. This is the triplet¡¯s auntie, Zhai Hua. This is the triplet¡¯s fresh-from-the-oven uncle-inw, Tian Dong.¡±

    Xu Shengnan raised her brows and smiled. ¡°I see. Congrattions, CEO Tian.¡± For finally getting married at such an ¡®old¡¯ age.

    Speaking of marriage, Qiao Nan nudged Xu Shengnan. ¡°Has Gao Yan¡¯s matter been settled?¡± She had contacted Fang Fang and knew that her family had moved to the capital a few months ago. Fang Fang¡¯s father had been deployed to the capital because of his job.

    It had been so many years. Gao Yan had not managed to settle Fang Fang?

    ¡°Settle?¡± Xu Shengnan could not stopughing. ¡°CEO Gao can only boss us around. In front of our futuredy boss, tsk, tsk, tsk... I can tell that our boss is definitely one that will dote on his wife in the future. Speaking of this matter, my boss wants to treat you to a meal and get your help to put in a few good words for him in front of the futuredy boss. My boss said that our futuredy boss is on very good terms with you. She doesn¡¯t listen to anyone but you.¡±

    It was no wonder that her boss looked at Qiao Nan in such a ¡®different¡¯ light. Initially, she even misunderstood before that her boss was hitting on her junior.

    After so long, it was not that her boss had taken a liking to her junior. He wanted her help to settle his future wife. It was no wonder the boss listened so much to junior¡¯s words.

    Tian Dong¡¯spany had suffered a huge loss due to Tian Shouyi. He was thinking of ways to secure long-term businesses to regain these losses. Amongst many, the projects in Gao Yan¡¯spany were those that Tian Dong thought most highly of at this moment.

    Unfortunately, good things were always in demand. He was not the only one who knew that this project would work. Others who were adept at earning money would be aware too.

    Gao Yan¡¯spany was good at technology. This technology was profitable and sustainable. Hence, Tian Dong thought highly of Gao Yan and felt that although Gao Yan¡¯s currentpany was a little small now, given enough time, Gao Yan would definitely grow and reach a level that wasparable to him.

    Gao Yan¡¯s progress was a certainty. Tian Dong also wished to regain his losses and revert hispany to the original state or for it to be better in the shortest time possible. However, he was in a more difficult situation than Gao Yan.

    As such, Tian Dong felt that his projected targets could still be met as long as he could clinch the coboration project with Gao Yan.

    ¡°Mom.¡± They had collected the wedding certificate and Tian Dong could now openly address Miao Jing as mother. No matter how anxious Tian Dong was about the coboration proposal with Gao Yan, he could not directly ask Qiao Nan about her rtionship with Gao Yan in front of Xu Shengnan.

    ¡°Aye.¡± Miao Jing was smiling like she had taken honey when she heard the greeting ¡®mom¡¯. She saw Er Bao cover his little mouth, feeling very jealous. ¡°Grandma!¡±

    Wasn¡¯t that just a greeting of ¡®mom¡¯? He knew how to shout ¡®grandma¡¯.

    ¡°Aye, grandma¡¯s darlings.¡± Miao Jing responded happily. ¡°Remember. You can call him uncle-inw in the future, okay?¡± This time, Tian Dong had be the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw. This could not be changed and Hua Hua¡¯s case was finally closed.

    ¡°Uncle-inw-w...¡± San Bao, who had not finished growing her baby teeth, enjoyed calling ¡®uncle-inw¡¯ very much. Just as her grandmother taught her, she mouthed the word. As soon as the word w¡¯ came out, the rim of Miao Jing¡¯s trousers seemed to have walked in the mist once. There was ayer of bright and dewy water beads on them.

 Chapter 1288 - Watched Indifferentlyâ€™

    <h4>1288 ¡®Watched Indifferently¡¯</h4>

    Miao Jing was all smiles. ¡°My dearest granddaughter, it¡¯s no wonder that your mom is afraid of you. You spat so much saliva from calling your uncle-inw. Aren¡¯t you thirsty?¡± If San Bao kept calling Tian Dong, she might create a man-made drizzle.

    Tian Dong smiled at being called uncle-inw. He held a cup of warm water in his hands and walked to stand beside San Bao. ¡°Is San Bao thirsty? Let me give you some water.¡±

    Er Bao blinked. He seemed to have discovered an interesting game. He walked wobbly toward Tian Dong. ¡°Uncle...¡±

    Tian Dong shut his eyes at the saliva that Er Bao inevitably spat on him.

    ¡°Gegegege!¡± Er Bao hugged his stomach as he broke intoughter, looking funny. It turned out that he was doing it on purpose and he was teasing the new uncle-inw.

    San Bao ran away from Tian Dong who was right in front of her and stopped in front of Qiao Nan. She hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s calf. ¡°Mama, thirsty, drink, water.¡± She knew that if she was thirsty, she had to look for her mother.

    Qiao Nan carried her daughter and ced her on herp. The auntie would bring the warm water for her to feed San Bao.

    San Bao sat happily on Qiao Nan¡¯sp. She kicked her legs from time to time, slurping the water.

    Er Bao, who was done teasing Tian Dong, left his victim and leaned against Qiao Nan, looking at her longingly.

    Qiao Nan was left with no other choice. She turned to Er Bao after she fed San Bao with water. ¡°Er Bao, are you thirsty? Do you want to drink some water?¡±

    Er Bao nodded honestly. Therefore, Qiao Nan took another cup of water and fed Er Bao.

    The triplets liked to join in the fun. Without waiting for Da Bao to say that he wanted to drink water, the auntie came out with the third cup of warm water. As expected, being the eldest brother, Da Bao waited until Er Bao had finished drinking the water before he ran to lean against his mama and drank the water obediently, not moving or fidgeting about.

    Xu Shengnan just happened to drop by the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Now that Tian Dong visited the Zhai family as well, the atmosphere at the Zhai family¡¯s residence seemed to have changed.

    Qiao Nan finally understood what was going on after Xu Shengnan left. ¡°Does brother-inw wants to work with Gao Yan¡¯spany?¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. It was no wonder that her senior had that expression just now. ¡°Is therepetition?¡±

    In general, when biggerpanies worked with smallerpanies, it was the smallerpanies that took the initiative to approach the biggerpanies, while thetter would consider whether to work with them.

    However, Gao Yan¡¯spany had a new technology and it turned the tables. All the biggerpanies approached Gao Yan one after another with contracts and deals. It was up to Gao Yan to decide who he wanted to work with.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I used to think that this technology will not be avable in our country for the time being. Although it is slightly expensive, we could only purchase the patent from overseas. However, if the new technology in our country is just as good as the technology from overseas, there is no need for us to reject what is near at hand and seek what is far away or to waste money to purchase the technology from overseas. There is no need to spend our money overseas.¡±

    Tian Dong was very straightforward.

    As long as there were opportunities in the country, his top priority was to work with people in the country.

    Firstly, if anything cropped up, it was easier tomunicate and sort it out.

    Secondly, since the foreigners held the patent to the technology, they would offer a higher price. They would need to invest a lot of money into it right from the start. When people did business, the main objective was to make profits. There was no such thing as a free lunch. Since they paid a high price to bring in the technology, they would charge a significant price when it was introduced to the market. They had to earn the money by selling it to the consumers.

    He had finallye back to his hometown and his wife came from an illustrious family. Tian Dong was more than willing to contribute to the country and to help the people. He did not harbor hopes of improving the economy with his own efforts, but at the very least, he should contribute and bring convenience to their people.

    Therefore, no matter what, Gao Yan¡¯spany was Tian Dong¡¯s top priority.

    Previously, the project hade to a standstill. Tian Dong was aware of the attractive conditions that otherpanies offered Gao Yan.

    But Tian Dong did not follow suit to make a better offer like hispetitors. If so, he would have to increase the price when he introduced the technology to the market so as to make sure that he would make profits.

    If he did that, it would be going against his original intention.

    ¡°Sister-inw, how well do you know Gao Yan? Is he someone who is after benefits?¡± Gao Yan was very young. He must have a lot of aspirations. He must have dreamed of bing sessful. Tian Dong was uncertain if Gao Yan had the same thinking and goals as him.

    If Gao Yan was after material gains, hispany would not stand a chance to work with him.

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t say for sure. Will you believe me if I say that I am not very close to him? Our interaction with each other is limited to my high school ssmate. I am not too sure what business yourpany is dealing with. The only thing that I can help you with is to ask Gao Yan out on behalf of you so that you can have more time to talk and discuss with Gao Yan privately.¡± Qiao Nan did not want to give false hopes. This project would bring about huge investments and profits, and she would not interfere with it.

    Although Tian Dong did not expect such an answer from Qiao Nan, Tian Dong knew his limits and he did not make further requests.

    It was already good enough if he was able to have a private chat with Gao Yan, and he would have to thank Qiao Nan for it.

    Right now, no one was given the chance to talk to Gao Yan in private. They were two or threepetitors who would be present when he spoke with Gao Yan. Everyone tried to leave a good impression on him and would give in and make better offers when they learned that theirpetitors had made a more attractive offer than them.

    If he was able to talk to Gao Yan in private, he would be able to avoid such circumstances and no one would disturb them.

    Qiao Nan smiled widely at how enthusiastic Tian Dong was at the cooperation with Gao Yan. Fang Fang was blessed to know such a childhood sweetheart.

    Gao Yan was very capable. All the biggerpanies kept making offers and wanted very much to work with him. They could not wait to clinch the deal as soon as possible, fearing that other people would get the deal before them. It was no wonder that after her senior joined thepany, she had the intention of saving up the money within three years for the first installment of her house in the capital!

    If the project worked out, her senior would receive a huge sum for her year-end bonus.

    If Gao Yan was generous and gave his employers an additional red packet, the amount of money would be very significant. As someone who did not earn any money and had to spend her husband¡¯s money, Qiao Nan could not help but be envious of Xu Shengnan for joining such a goodpany.

    She would have lots of money!

    The Zhai family kept silent while Tian Dong discussed the project with Qiao Nan. They did not give anyment.

 Chapter 1289 - Backed Qiao Nan Up

    <h4>Chapter 1289 Backed Qiao Nan Up</h4>

    They did not stop Tian Dong from making things difficult for Qiao Nan or asking Qiao Nan to help Tian Dong, their future son-inw, to clinch the deal.

    The elders in the Zhai family were very democratic.

    Since Tian Dong agreed with her, Qiao Nan wasted no time and she made a phone call to Gao Yan that night.

    Actually, as soon as Xu Shengnan left the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she had made a phone call to Gao Yan and told him about the situation. Gao Yan had expected that Qiao Nan would call him. ¡°I am okay with your idea, but can you do me a favor?¡±

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao, who was asleep, so that she could sleep soundly. She stood up and walked to the window. ¡°What do you want me to help you with? Senior Gao, you must be joking. I have to think of my good friend¡¯s best interests. I will not ¡®betray¡¯ her.¡± If Gao Yan wanted to marry Fang Fang, he had to woo her by himself. She would not interfere or force Fang Fang into it.

    Finding a husband was different from choosing a major. For her, even a broken clock was right twice a day. She was lucky to find such a good man like Brother Zhai.

    Qiao Nan could not vouch that Gao Yan was a good man. Therefore, she refused to be embroiled into it.

    Gao Yan smiled, feeling assured. ¡°Fang Fang has warned me about it long ago. Now that you have stated your stand, I will no longer harbor any hopes. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t ask you to do anything that is too overboard. Furthermore, if you really agreed to help me woo Fang Fang, she would not misunderstand that you betrayed her. Instead, she would give me ashing, thinking that I forced you into it. I know Fang Fang better than you.¡±

    Actually, he was quite unhappy at hearing this answer, but at the same time, he was d that Fang Fang had such a good friend.

    Ever since he started his own business, he was used to the deception and plotting between his businesspetitors. Let alone friends, one would even betray one¡¯s rtives.

    Qiao Nan had only been Fang Fang¡¯s ssmate and roommate for three years. Gao Yan knew that it was rare that she was so nice to Fang Fang and could remain objective. ¡°I heard from Fang Fang that you know how to make your own clothes?¡±

    ¡°And?¡± Qiao Nan knew what he was driving at. Before she graduated from high school, she made six cotton x Morita style dresses for her roommates. It was nothing fancy, but it gave off afortable and warm feeling. Fang Fang and the rest of them were delighted to have one dress each.

    They had been through puberty and would not outgrow the dresses.

    The six of them agreed that after they graduated, they would have a gathering by themselves and go on a graduation trip together. All of them would wear the dress during the trip.

    Since all of them were on the same page and they were on the topic, Gao Yan did not beat about the bush. ¡°I want to prepare a gift for Fang Fang. She will not ept any expensive gifts and she does not like the clothes that are sold in the market. Therefore... you should understand.¡± He was flustered that his girlfriend was so difficult to please.

    ¡°Okay.¡± It was an easy feat to make a dress. ¡°When would you meet my brother-inw?¡±

    ¡°It is up to you. I have been very sincere. But please let me know beforehand. When we meet, can you ask your brother-inw to pass me the dress?¡±

    ¡°I have to hand it to you. Deal.¡±

    Qiao Nan went to Zhai Hua¡¯s room after hanging up the phone and told her about her conversation with Gao Yan.

    Zhai Hua could feel Tian Dong¡¯s sincerity and therefore decided to invest her feelings into the rtionship. She was especially d that she could lend Tian Dong a helping hand. Qiao Nan had yet to return to her room and she could not wait to share the good news with Tian Dong.

    ¡°Alright. Sure, I understand. I have to thank sister-inw. Also, tell her to let me know the materials that she needs for the dress. I will get someone to buy them. If she feels that it is more convenient for her to purchase them by herself, she can do so and I will pass the money to her.¡± Tian Dong rxed. He never expected that when the project hade to a standstill, it was because of Qiao Nan, the person who had the lowest position in the Zhai family, that made him see hope in the project.

    Zhai Hua snorted. ¡°The materials will not cost much. What¡¯s important is you must remember that Nan Nan is very capable. In the future, your family must not look down on her. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for having a bad temper.¡±

    Previously, when Uncle Tian and Auntie Tian came to their house to discuss the marriage, she felt that they were distant and very polite to Nan Nan.

    Zhai Hua was unhappy that her future father-inw and mother-inw did not respect the feelings of the person that she valued.

    Thankfully, she had changed under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence and her temper was not as nasty as before. Although she did not do anything that would make things difficult for them, she would not forget how they treated Qiao Nan.

    It was because of Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding that Tian Shouxin and his wife were able to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence more than a year ago.

    Zhai Hua was unhappy that they were being distant to Qiao Nan. They behaved as if after Zhai Hua married Tian Dong and the two families became inws, Qiao Nan would take advantage of the Tian family.

    With Elder Lin around, there was no need for Nan Nan to take advantage of the Tian family.

    What a joke!

    Thankfully, Tian Shouxin and his wife were not too obvious. To Qiao Nan, it might be that they were particrly affectionate to Zhai Hua and the Zhai family, and that was why it seemed as if she was being treated differently.

    Compared to other people who were proud and arrogant, Tian Shouxin and his wife were considered as cultured.

    Tian Dong had a bitter smile on his face. He had no other choice that his wife favored his sister-inw more than him. He was flustered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Qiao Nan might not want me to repay the debts, but I will definitely remember the help that she rendered me. Regardless of whether the project is sessful or not, without her, I will not have a chance to talk to Gao Yan and try to persuade him. I have to thank her and you. I know that if not for you, Qiao Nan would not agree to help me.¡±

    It was because of Zhai Hua that Qiao Nan was acquainted with the Tian family. To Qiao Nan, the Tian family did not have much influence.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. I will end the call.¡± Zhai Hua felt much better after the call. Look, the Tian family had to rely on Nan Nan to do their businesses.

    It was better not to burn the bridges.

    Otherwise, the Tian family would not have such luck and chance next time.

    Tian Dong hung up the phone and Tian Shouxin looked at him, feeling shocked. But he did not openly disy that he was surprised. ¡°Did Qiao Nan really know the boss of thatpany? Do they have dealings with each other?¡± Tian Shouxin seldom went to thepany, but Tian Dong would always tell him about what was going on at thepany.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that shees from a very normal family? How could she have known the boss of thepany?¡± Mother Tian found it just as unbelievable that Zhai Hua¡¯s sister-inw¡¯s social circle and the people within her social circle were sessful people. She did not bask in the Zhai family¡¯s glory at all.

    Tian Dong smiled lightly. ¡°Mom, you should have heard of a Chinese saying that one should not bully the young now that they are poor. You should know how formidable Zhai Sheng is. Given his judgment, he would definitely pick a good wife.¡±

 Chapter 1290 - Genuineness

    <h4>1290 Genuineness</h4>

    ¡°You are prejudiced. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t look at the situation objectively.¡± Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was not around that day.

    However, Hua Hua had reminded him if Zhai Sheng was around next time and his parents continued to be distant toward Qiao Nan, treating her like a guest rather than their family, Zhai Sheng would say harsher words and deal with them more seriously than her.

    Tian Dong was put in a difficult position because of that.

    His parents did not know Qiao Nan and they had zero contact with her.

    It was too much to ask of his parents to treat Qiao Nan as their niece on their second encounter. Compared to other people, his parents had been treating Qiao Nan fairly well.

    However, as long as it was rted to Qiao Nan, the Zhai family would have a very high expectation to the extent that it was ridiculous and unreasonable.

    Tian Shouxin could tell that his son was in a difficult position. He felt bitter and expressed his displeasure. ¡°Fine! Now that you have a wife, you totally forgot about your mother. I understand. Since the Zhai family ces such high importance on Qiao Nan, I am sure after you married Zhai Hua, they will treat you in the same manner as well. To outsiders, Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior is too brutal, but if we are one family in the future, their behavior could be seen as eptable.¡±

    At the very least, he believed that after his son married Zhai Hua, the Zhai family would be equally protective of his son, just like how they defended Qiao Nan.

    In that case, he would stand to gain from it.

    Very few people were able to treat their daughter-inw and son-inw as their sons and daughters.

    ¡°Dongzi, I can conclude two points from this situation. Firstly, the Zhai family will defend their own, provided that you have been recognized and affirmed by them. Secondly, I believe that Qiao Nan must have made a lot of contributions to the Zhai family for them to treat her so well.¡±

    Qiao Nan had already set an example. If Tian Dong did not perform as well, he would not be able to match up to Qiao Nan.

    If Tian Dong was not mentally prepared, he might be under a lot of pressure in the future.

    Although it was their son who married a wife, since their inws were influential people like the Zhai family, there were many other issues and concerns that they needed to be aware of.

    Mother Tian curled the corners of her lips unhappily, but she remained silent.

    There was nothing that she could say.

    She had overheard the conversation on the phone just now. She felt that she had been polite to Qiao Nan, but she did not expect that her son had to rely on Qiao Nan to get his business deals.

    She must not look down on Qiao Nan just because of her humble background. No matter what, she was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family and she had given birth to three babies for the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan had secured her foothold in the Zhai family. In the future, they would be rtives, and it was better for them to be closer to each other.

    Qiao Nan knew that time was money, especially for Tian Dong who was a businessman. Time was precious. It was particrly important to act faster than thepetitors and pick the right time to market their products.

    Thankfully, she was still very familiar with how to make clothes. She took into consideration Fang Fang¡¯s preferences and made an improvised cheongsam for her. She would be able to wear it in normal circumstances and she would not appear to be out of ce.

    It was rtively easy to tailor the clothes to be worn during the spring, summer, and autumn. As for winter clothing, they were thicker and the material was not as soft and easy to handle. Fang Fang could wear the cheongsam and put on a thicker jacket to keep herself warm. If there was a heater, she could take off the outer jacket and she would look pretty with the improvised cheongsam.

    Since Gao Yan had stated that he wanted a dress for Fang Fang, Qiao Nan spent a day making the dress when she had some free time. She washed it, ironed it, and folded it, wrapping it nicely with paper and handed it to Tian Dong. ¡°Future brother-inw, let me remind you. You must keep a tight watch on the dress. If anything goes wrong with the dress, today¡¯s meeting might be called off and I won¡¯t be able to help you in the future.¡±

    Tian Dong said jokingly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even if anything happens, I will make sure that the dress is intact. No matter what, this is your hard work.¡±

    Zhai Hua had told Tian Dong everything about Gao Yan and the reason why Gao Yan was so polite to Qiao Nan, as well as whom the dress was meant for.

    It was easy to buy a dress. However, the difficult part was that Qiao Nan had to design and make the dress by herself.

    Qiao Nan was not a professional. Luckily, she had some experience and she agreed to help him. Otherwise, such a request could be seen as a way to reject his request to speak with him in private.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know.¡± Zhai Hua nodded approvingly. ¡°After the triplets joined our family, they are the only ones to enjoy such privileges. You are the only one to be able to make such a request. If it was someone else, they would have been sent away by us.¡± It was rare that the Tian family needed Qiao Nan¡¯s help. Zhai Hua made use of this opportunity for the Tian family to owe Qiao Nan a debt of gratitude.

    To her, there was no way that Qiao Nan would need to seek help from the Tian family. However, it was good that the Tian family needed Qiao Nan¡¯s help. In that way, they would no longer look down on her in the future.

    Tian Dong had a bitter smile on his face. Zhai Hua was so bent on making sure that the Tian family owed Qiao Nan a favor. But at the same time, he was envious that Zhai Hua was so protective of Qiao Nan.

    Time revealed a person¡¯s heart. He believed that Zhai Hua would be able to feel his sincerity.

    Qiao Nan was nice to Hua Hua, so Hua Hua treated her just as well. In the future, he would be spending the rest of his life with Hua Hua. There would be a day Hua Hua would put him as her priority and treat him far better than Qiao Nan.

    In terms of a romantic rtionship, not only women, but men were also equally jealous and childish.

    Tian Dong brought with him the dress that Qiao Nan made and had a long talk with Gao Yan. It was far longer than the one hour that Gao Yan had allocated for the meeting. To Gao Yan, the time spent was worth it. He did not feel that he was wasting his time.

    Tian Dong, who spent more than twenty years overseas, had his own way of thinking and insight. One could not gain this insight and experience by charging forward fearlessly and spending all their efforts to excel in their career.

    After learning about Tian Dong¡¯s aspirations, Gao Yan, who had his own ambitions, could not agree more with him. Previously, hecked the opportunity and suitable partners to work with him, and that was why he did not go into much coboration with otherpanies.

    It was hard to find a friend who shared the same ambitions and purposes with him. Therefore, they had a very good time chatting with each other.

    They spent the whole afternoon talking about different topics and shared their experiences, but there was little mention of the cooperation between the twopanies. It was only when they received messages from their mothers urging them to go back home for dinner did they end the talk and parted ways.

    For Gao Yan, he had gained a lot from the talk. He learned about Tian Dong¡¯s ambitions and he had with him a dress to give his childhood sweetheart.

    As soon as he got into the car, Gao Yan made a phone call to Fang Fang. ¡°Hello, Fang Fang, it¡¯s me.¡±

 Chapter 1291 - Affirmation

    <h4>1291 Affirmation</h4>

    ¡°I know...¡± Fang Fang, who was on the other side the phone, sounded monotonous.

    It was not that Fang Fang wanted to shun Gao Yan. The fact was that Gao Yan¡¯s intelligence waspletelycking sometimes. Often times, Gao Yan would behave in this manner seven to eight out of ten times in front of her.

    Each time she encountered such situations, Fang Fang could not help doubting how Gao Yan managed to start up apany. She even heard that he had been managing his business very well. Could it be that those who did businesses with Gao Yan were the greatest fools amongst the fools?

    However, she was once again speechless when she thought of Gao Yan¡¯s consistent and excellent academic performance since he was a child. ¡°The phone in my house shows the caller¡¯s ID. Thank you!¡± He frequently made calls to her home. If she could not even remember Gao Yan¡¯s cell phone number, she should start doubting what she had learned in Mathematics during the nine years ofpulsory education and three years of senior high school studies.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Gao Yan did not lose his temper despite being shunned by Fang Fang. ¡°Are my parents already at your house?¡±

    At the mention of this, Fang Fang felt even angrier. Didn¡¯t Gao Yan¡¯s familye to the capital earlier than hers? They had a car and property. Why did Gao Yan like toe to her house and get a free meal every time? Couldn¡¯t he go home to take his meals?

    ¡°Both uncle and auntie are here.¡±

    If there were only Gao Yan and the two of them were having a private conversation, Fang Fang would definitely shoo Gao Yan without reservation, asking him to go home. However, the elders of both families were present. Fang Fang¡¯s attitude to Gao Yan was not good but she was very nice to Father Gao and Mother Gao. She would always greet them sweetly.

    As such, Fang Fang¡¯s annoyance was only restricted to Gao Yan.

    ¡°Fine, give me a minute. I will arrive at your house soon. I have a gift for you.¡± Gao Yan smiled. Qiao Nan was not only married but was also a mother of three now. Fang Fang was Qiao Nan¡¯s former ssmate. They could not fall behind others too badly either. Even if they could not get married and have children now, it was not too much to be engaged first, right?

    Putting aside whether Gao Yan, who had nned for a long time, managed to sessfully propose to Fang Fang with his present.

    At the sight of Tian Dong putting behind his gloom and bing more cheerful, it was obvious that the meet-up today was very sessful. On the second day, Auntie Tian was polite and all smiles when she brought many gifts to the Zhai family to thank Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan really helped us a lot this time.¡±

    Auntie Tian was in a dilemma too. Until now, she was still in a daze and could not really figure out how the ¡®poor rtive¡¯ in her eyes could be of help to her son. As a result, her son would most likely strike a deal that was extremely important to the progress of hispany after returning to the home country.

    Although this ¡®poor rtive¡¯ did not have much of a background, she knew many people. Qiao Nan might not be in any less desirable state even if Lin Yuankang was not her master.

    It was obvious that Mother Tian was more affectionate this time. Nevertheless, Qiao Nan was neither smug nor arrogant. She behaved normally, as if Mother Tian had always adopted the same attitude toward her all this while. Her mature and gracious style lit up the eyes of others. ¡°You have been too polite. You¡¯re brother-inw¡¯s mother. Sister Zhai Hua still requires more of your care in the future. Moreover, much of the credit goes to brother-inw himself. I didn¡¯t help that much.¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to let Zhai Hua take the credit.

    She had a good mother-inw. Hence, Qiao Nan hoped that her sister-inw could have one too.

    She made the Tian family ept that they owed Zhai Hua a favor. If there were anything that the Tian family did not like about Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan hoped that the two elders in the Tian family could be more forgiving toward Zhai Hua in the future on the ount of the Zhai family or this matter.

    As for herself, Qiao Nan had never thought of using a piece of clothing to gain anything from the Tian family.

    As for how the Tian family of three thought of her eventually, Qiao Nan was not concerned. Zhai Hua, not her, would be the one living with the Tian family of three. After she gained enough favor for her sister-inw, the rest of the matters did not bother her.

    Qiao Nan had heard from Zhai Sheng about Tian Shouyi¡¯s doings. Compared to Tian Shouyi, Tian Shouxin and family were extremely kind. However, no one was perfect. Who did not have weaknesses? She was not money. Why would everyone behave like her mother-inw and cherish her like a treasure?

    Qiao Nan adopted a normal attitude. Never did she feel that she should not receive such treatment just because she was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. As such, she came across as an outstanding and striking individual to the Tian family.

    Mother Tian let out a sigh of exasperation. She had no choice but to take her hat off to Qiao Nan.

    In the past, she had not interacted much with Qiao Nan. Thus, she had reservation toward this ¡®young¡¯ daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Aftering into contact with her, she realized that she had been projecting her own shorings on others. Furthermore, she was the elder and Qiao Nan the junior. Their roles seemed to have beenpletely reversed earlier.

    This was such a good child. It was no wonder that all of the Zhai family sided with Qiao Nan.

    If it were her, she would also be fond of Qiao Nan¡ªno, she was already fond of Qiao Nan. She was very d that her future daughter-inw could have such a good sister-inw, who ced all the credit of the sess of this business deal on her daughter-inw.

    It would be her family¡¯s matter to owe their daughter-inw this favor. However, owing Qiao Nan a favor would mean that they owed the Zhai family one.

    Regardless of how effortless it was for Qiao Nan to help the Tian family today, a favor was a favor. This was a fact that could not be changed. The Tian family would still feel the pinch if they wished to return the favor to the Zhai family as they would need to pay a high price for it.

    It was only until this moment that Mother Tian truly understood why Zhai Hua sided so much with Qiao Nan. She did not even give any face to her son, her future husband, because of Qiao Nan.

    It was all due to mutual sincerity.

    If Qiao Nan was not so good to Hua Hua, Hua Hua would not ce Qiao Nan in such an important ce in her heart.

    It was possible that Qiao Nan¡¯s existence was not the Zhai family¡¯s only shoring. Perhaps Qiao Nan¡¯s existence would make the Zhai family be increasingly dazzling in the future such that no one could hold a stick to.

    There was no problem with the future inws at all. Nothing was happier than such a situation to the Tian family who was going to be rtives with the Zhai family.

    After sorting out her thoughts, Mother Tian¡¯s attitude was more affectionate when she chatted with Miao Jing. It was obvious that she was more sincere. Especially when she mentioned Qiao Nan, the praises did not seem to cost any money. She praised Qiao Nan so much, as if thetter was a divine who was out of this world. ¡°Sister Miao, you are so blessed. Me too. Nothing will go wrong if Hua Hua interacts more with Qiao Nan in the future.¡±

    Just based on this incident alone, Qiao Nan was very brilliant in dealing with people. Hua Hua was often in the army. Besides carrying out missions, she was not as good as Qiao Nan in this area.

    One is marked by thepany one keeps. If Hua Hua were to learn more from Nan Nan, the Tian family should have good fortune in the future too.

    Both her daughter-inw and daughter had received the affirmation of the inws. As such, Miao Jing was both overjoyed and proud.

 Chapter 1292 - Deliberate

    <h4>Chapter 1292 Deliberate</h4>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? The children from our family are all good. Nothing will go wrong in the future.¡±

    Soon after Fang Fang received that dress, she came to look for Qiao Nan. It was only until this moment that Fang Fang personally saw that Qiao Nan was not only married but also became a mother of three. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re so ungrateful. You didn¡¯t tell us that you got married. Believe it or not, our four other dormitory mates will definitely beat you up after they find out about this.¡±

    Fang Fang looked at the triplets in a curious and envious manner. These three children were fair and chubby, had round faces, big eyes, and little red mouths. They were so beautiful. She had not seen such beautiful children before. ¡°You gave birth to all three of them?¡± Why couldn¡¯t she bring herself to believe it?

    ¡°Mom.¡± San Bao seemed to have understood Fang Fang¡¯s words. She called Qiao Nan, feeling a little unhappy. She reached out her arms and insisted that Qiao Nan carry her.

    When Qiao Nan carried her daughter, San Bao buried her face into Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and refused toe out. She was not willing to let Fang Fang look at her. She was so pampered.

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s buttocks as a form of punishment. ¡°Of course I gave birth to all three of them. All in one birth. There are very few kids nowadays. Although I gave birth to three all at once, my inws dote on them very much. As such, the three of them have huge tempers. Initially, I wanted to bring them back to meet up with all of you when they are older. All of you will be graduating from college then. Besides calling mom now, they can¡¯t speak coherently. Someone has to be by their side all the time.¡±

    Qiao Nan carried San Bao with one hand and touched Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s heads with the other.

    The chubby girl in her arms seemed to have put on a few more kilograms of weight. She could barely carry one child now. Her children were too adept at gaining weight.

    Da Bao and Er Bao hugged their mother¡¯s left and right leg respectively. They leaned on their mother¡¯s side and stared continuously at Fang Fang.

    ¡°Children nowadays are treasures. They are being referred to as little emperors. It is normal for them to be pampered. In addition, there is only one little princess amongst the three of them. It is understandable that she is doted on more.¡± Fang Fang also loved children. In particr, Qiao Nan¡¯s children were good-looking and did not cry or kick up a great fuss when they red up. That made them even more likable.

    However, her earlier words seemed to have angered the little girl. Hence, Fang Fang squatted down and looked at Da Bao and Er Bao. ¡°I am good friends with your mom. You can call me Auntie Fang. Can you let auntie carry you?¡±

    Fang Fang only inched closer to the children, and very quickly, she smelled the fragrance of milk. Fang Fang took a deep breath. ¡°Do all babies smell so nice? How old are they? They are still drinking milk?¡± Fang Fang seemed to be inferring something when shended her eyes on Qiao Nan¡¯s busts, which had apparently increased by one cup size.

    ¡°Which children will drink breast milk at such an age? Don¡¯t behave like an ace student in the school and an idiot after you step out into society. However, they are still taking form milk. As to whether all babies smell so nice, you can give birth to one and take care of it yourself after you and Gao Yan are married. Won¡¯t you find out then?¡±

    They had not seen each other for three years. Qiao Nan discovered that Fang Fang was more cheerful than before. ¡°You have changed. When we were staying in the old dormitory in the past, you always did a lot but seldom talked. You kept to yourself most of the time. We¡¯ve not met for only three years and you¡¯ve changed so much? It seems that you have been doing very well in college.¡±

    Fang Fang was staring at Da Bao and Er Bao with a tempted look. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you share one of your three children with me so that I can carry one?¡±

    Perhaps the look in Fang Fang¡¯s eyes was too frightening. Da Bao and Er Bao felt panic and fear.

    Da Bao kept having the feeling that the way this strange auntie looked at him and Er Bao was the exact same as the way he stared at meat whenever he was feeling hungry.

    After thinking, Da Bao swirled his eyes and held hands with Er Bao. They walked to Fang Fang together, opened their hands, and threw themselves into Fang Fang¡¯s arms.

    They were triplets and biological brothers after all. Although Da Bao did not say anything, Er Bao could understand what he meant. He coborated with Da Bao and pounced into Fang Fang¡¯s arms.

    Qiao Nan had some arm strength and could carry her chubby girl as she had been trained since she carried the triplets from young.

    Fang Fang did not have such experience and training. The two chubby ballsnded in her arms. They were nice-smelling, soft, and warm. The feelings were great.

    However, when Fang Fang closed her arms and wanted to carry them close to her like how San Bao held onto Qiao Nan with her little hands, Fang Fang then realized that she had overestimated her own ability.

    The two children looked short, stout, and small-sized. They were only slightly taller than her calf.

    However, who would have known that these two balls were not light at all. Fang Fang straightened her waist but did not manage to carry them. Believing that it was a slip-up, she straightened her waist again but to no avail. At this moment, she had no choice but to admit that it was impossible for her to carry both Da Bao and Er Bao at the same time given her small arms and legs.

    Fang Fang was indignant as she smiled at Da Bao and Er Bao. ¡°Auntie has very little strength. Can I carry you one by one?¡±

    She should be able to carry if it was just one child?

    True enough, it felt great to carry a baby in her arms.

    Da Bao and Er Bao chuckled and shook their heads to express that auntie had to carry them at the same time if she really wished to do so. Otherwise, she could not me them for not letting her carry them.

    ¡°You really won¡¯t let me carry you?¡± Fang Fang¡¯s eyes lit up further. She found it rare that such young children could understand and even respond to her words. Indeed, they were given birth to by Qiao Nan. They were as smart as her.

    Da Bao and Er Bao continued to chuckle and shake their heads. They insisted that Fang Fang carry the two of them simultaneously.

    At this moment, even the top student Fang Fang had no other means. Furthermore, Fang Fang, this top student, had nothing to show whenpared to the biological mother of the triplets. ¡°Qiao Nan, why do I have the feeling that your family¡¯s children are very cunning? Do you think these two little brats did it on purpose?¡±

    Otherwise, why did they insist that she had to carry them together?

    Didn¡¯t they say that children were very sensitive and liked to fight for the love and attention of adults? Wouldn¡¯t she be fulfilling their wishes when she carried them one by one?

    If they were to insist that she carry them together, she could only ¡®wish¡¯ for it. After all, she was not ¡®King Kong Barbie¡¯.

    One¡¯s mother knows him best. However, Qiao Nan would never admit it openly. ¡°What nonsense. Why would there be so many deliberate behaviors? When their father was at home in the past, he would carry both of them at the same time.¡±

 Chapter 1293 - There Is a Need to Cool Down

    1293 There Is a Need to Cool Down

    ¡°Their father doesn¡¯t have any problem carrying them on one hand each. Now, the three of them are older. If my husband is around, he will carry one with his left hand, one with his right hand, and one on his back. San Bao didn¡¯t join her brothers and insisted that you carry all three of them altogether. They are already very sensible.¡±

    After talking about the children, Qiao Nan expressed concern about Fang Fang¡¯s situation. ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± There were two little ones in her arms but she could not carry them as they were too heavy. Fang Fang was full of regrets. At that moment, she did not get what Qiao Nan was driving at.

    ¡°What can it be? Gao Yan and you.¡± After carrying San Bao for a while, Qiao Nan¡¯s arms were aching badly. She could only move San Bao to her side. San Bao knitted her brows, held on to Qiao Nan, and sat down. Next, like a little monkey, she climbed up Qiao Nan¡¯s knees and sat obediently on her mother¡¯sp.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief. It was better for the legs to ache than the arms. ¡°Okay, sit down too.¡±

    After Fang Fang sat down, she was hoping that Da Bao and Er Bao would sit beside her. Who would have known that the two chubby boys were so physically agile? As soon as Fang Fang stood up, Da Bao and Er Bao turned and ran toward their mother. They respectively stood by the left and right side of their mother, as if they were guardian angels protecting their mother and sister. Their little bodies leaned on their mother¡¯s side longingly.

    At the sight of this, Fang Fang felt so envious. ¡°They are so clingy to you.¡±

    ¡°Besides the mother, who else will a child cling to?¡± Qiao Nan smiled, feeling amused. ¡°Also, don¡¯t avoid the topic. You should be graduating soon in a year¡¯s time. It¡¯s not considered too early to find a boyfriend now. What do you think of Gao Yan?¡±

    Fang Fang blushed. She held and slurped the cup of water that the auntie had given her. ¡°What about him? It¡¯s like that. Since a young age, he annoys me very much. Actually, I don¡¯t really like him. Besides, I already have a boyfriend.¡± It was just that he was not Gao Yan.

    Qiao Nan had a great shock. ¡°You already have a boyfriend. So, you became more cheerful under your boyfriend¡¯s influence?¡± This news had stunned her badly that she nearly pooped n her pants. ¡°Is Gao Yan aware?¡±

    Fang Fang shook her head honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. My parents are not even aware of it. I... I didn¡¯t announce our rtionship. Even my ssmates don¡¯t know. I am thinking... When our rtionship is more stable, I will bring him to my parents after graduation.¡±

    When the blushing Fang Fang mentioned this boyfriend, her tone was seemingly less cold. On the contrary, there was a feeling of flowing streams in spring.

    Obviously, Fang Fang liked this boyfriend very much.

    Qiao Nan was having a headache. ¡°I heard that Gao Yan visited your house for a meal. Was it just purely a meal?¡± She did not believe it. Otherwise, why must Gao Yan bring along the dress that she had made that day?

    Most importantly, Qiao Nan heard from Tian Dong that Gao Yan seemed to be quite moody these few days.

    After thinking it over, Qiao Nan felt that Gao Yan was unlikely to be facing problems in his business since he had already confirmed Tian Dong as his working partner. Gao Yan had the technology and Tian Dong the capital and interpersonalwork. They would have ess to distribution channels for the products overseas. In addition, there was another advantage in working with Tian Dong. With the coboration, Gao Yan did not need to feel worried that his smallpany would be merged or acquired by a biggerpany.

    Since Gao Yan¡¯s career was flourishing, the only matter that could trouble a winner in life like him was Fang Fang, this childhood sweetheart. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not need to ask Fang Fang about this today.

    ¡°He brought uncle and auntie to my house for a meal. After the meal, he proposed to me. I rejected him.¡± In front of Qiao Nan, Fang Fang dared to spill the beans. ¡°You don¡¯t know. I was so embarrassed that day. I don¡¯t have those feelings toward him. In the past, I attended Ping Cheng High School instead of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China because I wanted to avoid him, although my grades could easily admit me into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Would I agree to his proposal and marry him? I am someone who has a boyfriend!¡±

    If Gao Yan had preempted her, she would definitely persuade him to give up.

    No matter how she thought about it, she felt that it waspletely impossible between her and Gao Yan.

    The moment Gao Yan proposed to her, Fang Fang did not feel touched. She only felt shocked and lost. A word continuously appeared in her mind: ridiculous!

    ¡°Although uncle and auntie liked to joke about making me part of their family when I was a child, and my parents did not decline either, jokes are jokes. How can they take it for real? What era is it now? It¡¯s all about the freedom of love. Gao Yan is still doing his business, and I heard that he has clinched a big deal recently. Otherwise, I almost suspected that he had suffered a huge blow recently to y such a meaningless prank on me. Since high school days, he nevercked girlfriends. He was surrounded by school belle, ss belle, seniors, and juniors. He is so popr withdies. Will he fancy me, a bespectacled girl? He shuns me badly and often chides me for being ugly.¡±

    At the beginning, there was still confusion in Fang Fang¡¯s eyes when she said this.

    However, at the end of her berating, there was anger in Fang Fang¡¯s eyes. Her tone was more hurried. Besides cing her clenched fists on the knees, she was also gritting her teeth. It was as if she was not talking about her childhood sweetheart but her greatest enemy of a few lifetimes.

    ¡°I admit that I am not very pretty and my spectacles are a little ck and ugly. However, everyone has pride. I am ady. I also want to be better. I really don¡¯t understand why thosedies like Gao Yan, who has such a malicious tongue. Are they all blind? When we were young, he often berated me. After we grew up, he even yed such an overboard prank on me. What if I foolishly ept his proposal? At any point in time, he may tell me that he is just joking. He will never fancy me. Didn¡¯t he think that I would take the proposal for real?¡±

    Qiao Nan was stunned as she listened to Fang Fang. She quickly took another cup of water for Fang Fang.

    However, after thinking, she changed her mind. Qiao Nan shouted for the auntie. ¡°Auntie, it¡¯s almost winter. It is quite hot recently. Can you prepare a pot of kuding tea[Kuding tea is a particrly bitter Chinese infusion tea.] and bring it over?¡± To cool one¡¯s body down.

    During high school, Qiao Nan had only met Gao Yan once. At that time, Gao Yan specially came to Ping Cheng High School to thank her for making Fang Fang change her mind and select the humanities instead of science course.

    At that time, Qiao Nan could sense that Gao Yan had some feelings for Fang Fang. On the contrary, Fang Fang¡¯s tone was not friendly when she spoke of Gao Yan. However, Qiao Nan did not think that much. She took it that they were a quarrelsome and loving couple.

    However, Qiao Nan no longer had such thoughts when she saw the Fang Fang before her eyes. Fang Fang was fuming so badly with anger that smoke was almost rising from the top of her heard. Ady would definitely not speak of a man that she fancied in this manner.

 Chapter 1294 - Silly Fool

    <h4>Chapter 1294 Silly Fool</h4>

    She and Fang Fang had never chatted about this topic in the past. Hence, she really did not know that Fang Fang thought of Gao Yan in that way.

    This was not just pure dislike. Fang Fang almost viewed Gao Yan as the greatest viin in the world.

    Putting aside marriage, Fang Fang felt that it was best to avoid Gao Yan as much as possible.

    Given Fang Fang¡¯s attitude, Qiao Nan could not help but feel worried for Gao Yan. ¡°Does Gao Yan really annoy you so much? You also know that I should address Gao Yan as senior when I see him. He is very popr in Peking University. Many of the seniors adore him. Now, his business is doing well. Most probably, many more juniors will idolize him in the future.¡±

    Many others could not grab hold of such a popr man. However, Fang Fang did not want to. If those juniors in the school were to find out about this, they would definitely be driven to their graves.

    Comparisons were odious.

    Fang Fang¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! Qiao Nan, do me a favor. He is my neighbor after all. Help me observe whichdy in your school is good. Tell me and let me get to know her. I will be the bridge between her and Gao Yan.¡± After Gao Yan had a girlfriend, he would not pull such a meaningless prank on her again. He deserved a beating for such a joke.

    Fang Fang even volunteered to introduce a girlfriend to Gao Yan. Qiao Nan was aware that Fang Fang was serious and not joking when she said that she did not like Gao Yan. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have the habit of being a matchmaker. Also, one can¡¯t judge a book by its cover. It¡¯s not urate to judge someone just by looking at them. I still have three babies at home. How much time do you think I have at school? I only stayed in the dormitory for one month before. I don¡¯t even know the ssmates in my faculty, let alone younger female juniors.¡±

    This kind of ¡®cross-boundary¡¯ understanding was too difficult for her. ¡°Gao Yan is not an unreasonable person. After you rejected him that day, I don¡¯t think Gao Yan insisted on putting the ring on your ring finger, did he? Hence, you don¡¯t need to worry too much about this matter.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know the situation between Fang Fang and her boyfriend now. Hence, it was not good to haphazardly judge whether the other party was good or bad.

    However, if someone were to ask her, Qiao Nan still sided a little more with Gao Yan.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Fang Fang responded moodily, her lips drooping. ¡°Forget it. Given his personal qualities, he won¡¯tck women. When he was schooling, he only relied on his face and academic results and many people wooed him. His pockets are stuffed with so much cash now. Why should I worry for him? I don¡¯t need to.¡±

    It was seldom that the two ssmates met. Today, Fang Fang had dinner at the Zhai family before leaving.

    As such, Zhai Hua and Tian Dong had the chance to meet Fang Fang, the one who could move Gao Yan¡¯s heart.

    To be frank, from the perspective of Tian Dong as a man, Fang Fang¡¯s appearance was not outstanding. At most, she was a little more fresh-faced, especially in the Zhai family, inparison to his future mother-inw¡¯s grace and charm and Qiao Nan¡¯s sophistication and beauty. Even Zhai Hua exuded the beauty of wild and rebellious nature, which could turn a man on.

    When the few women sat together, only Fang Fang had nothing to show.

    In stark contrast to Fang Fang¡¯s ¡®boring¡¯ appearance, Gao Yan was considered a rare and handsome man. He was good-looking, had attractive face shape and exquisite facial features. He was someone who could withstand a close-up look.

    Under various circumstances, Tian Dong really could not understand what women were thinking. In the face of such an outstanding man like Gao Yan, and Gao Yan was so devoted to Fang Fang, why did Fang Fang ignore and shun him so much? She was not willing to be associated with Gao Yan at all.

    If it were someone else, they would be ted to pounce on Gao Yan when they found out about Gao Yan¡¯s feelings toward them. They would scream and shout about marrying Gao Yan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m going home. Let¡¯s meet again during the winter vacation?¡± Fang Fang¡¯s internship was ending soon. She had to return to school. The college that she was studying at was not located in the capital.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan held San Bao¡¯s hands and waved at Fang Fang. ¡°When you are back next time, the triplets will know how to address you as ¡®auntie¡¯. Next time, remember to bring presents, not fruits, just for the triplets.¡± Qiao Nan was thick-skinned and reminded Fang Fang. She did notck those things. It was because Fang Fang brought many health care products for the elderly today when she came.

    These items were much more costly than buying presents for the triplets.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Fang Fang agreed readily. It was not because of other reasons. Five minutes ago, she finally fulfilled her wish by carrying Er Bao. ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After sending Fang Fang off with her eyes, Qiao Nan pressed her face against San Bao. ¡°San Bao, Mom will bring you to wash your hands and legs. We are going to sleep, okay?¡±

    San Bao yawned and leaned into her mother¡¯s arms softly. She used actions to express to her mother that she had long wanted to go to sleep.

    At the sight that Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s situation was simr to that of San Bao, Zhai Hua followed Zhai Sheng¡¯s example. She carried Da Bao and Er Bao with one hand each and followed Qiao Nan and San Bao upstairs. She then helped Qiao Nan take care of the three children.

    As for Tian Dong, Zhai Hua expressed that Tian Dong could go somewhere else when the triplets were around so as not to disturb her time with the triplets.

    Fortunately, Tian Dong was long used to Zhai Hua¡¯s habit of abandoning her boyfriend for her nephews and nieces. He gently smiled and calmly drove his car off.

    When they were helping the triplets wash their faces and wipe their hands, Zhai Hua asked like a busybody, ¡°Are you prepared to intervene in Fang Fang and Gao Yan¡¯s matter?¡± Anyway, she felt that Gao Yan was quite a good man. It would be a pity if Fang Fang were to let Gao Yan slip by.

    She was not siding with anyone. She was speaking purely from the perspective of a woman. She felt that it was too difficult to find a good man. If one were to let slip the opportunity and let someone else kidnap and run away with such a good man, she would be driven to the grave. She would be very grumpy and bad-tempered. ¡°Tell me. Is there a misunderstanding between them? I heard from Dongzi that Gao Yan cares very much about Fang Fang.¡±

    They were childhood friends and next-door neighbors since they were children. This was unlike Dongzi, who went abroad since he was a child and came back only recently. Gao Yan and Fang Fang spent more time together than her and Tian Dong. ordingly, Fang Fang and Gao Yan should be on very good terms.

    Qiao Nan carried San Bao, whose skin had turned slightly pink after washing her face, to the warm and cozy huge bed.

    Er Baoy beside San Bao. He turned and hugged San Bao before turning to the other side to hug Da Bao. He then heaved a sigh of relief as if he hadpleted a huge mission. The corners of his lips curled up. He closed his eyes with a gentle smile and fell asleep.

    ¡°After listening to Fang Fang, most likely, Gao Yan did countless things that annoyed her during their second year of junior high school studies. He felt that he was mature now, and all his past deeds were only small and innocuous jokes. Ady¡¯s feelings are more delicate and sensitive. Gao Yan felt that it did not matter but Fang Fang could not ept it.¡±

    Qiao Nan could only think of this misunderstanding that could possibly happen between the two.

    ¡°Do you mean that Gao Yan had taken a liking to Fang Fang since he was a child and he deliberately did some things to annoy Fang Fang?¡±

 Chapter 1295 - Wooed by Somebody Else

    <h4>Chapter 1295 Wooed by Somebody Else</h4>

    ¡°Provoking her asionally could be considered slightly better, but it seems that he bullied her for some time.¡± Boys would bully the girls that they liked in order to attract their attention. But girls would not do that. When faced with such boys, the girls had a fifty percent chance of epting them.

    Obviously, Fang Fang belonged to the fifty percent who did not ept the boy.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes, no longer saying anything. She never knew that Gao Yan, who seemed well-mannered and behaved like a gentleman, would be so foolish during his second year in junior high school. It was no wonder that although Fang Fang was ssmates with him, she was not interested in him at all. ¡°It is no wonder that Fang Fang has a boyfriend in the university. No girls will want a boyfriend who keeps bullying them. She will be asking for trouble. Alright, I won¡¯t ask anymore. You can deal with it as you please. You don¡¯t have to worry about Dongzi¡¯s business.¡±

    Qiao Nan yawned and opened the nket. Shey down next to San Bao. ¡°I don¡¯t intend to interfere. I am sleepy. Remember to switch off the lights and close the door on your way out.¡±

    ¡°What azy bum.¡± Zhai Hua scolded her lightly with a smile on her face. She switched off the lights and closed the door on her way out.

    The one-month-long internship had ended. The semester was ending soon.

    Qiao Nan reverted to her schedule of going to school and returning home. She was home when Gao Yan came looking for her by himself. ¡°Are you free?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was carrying the babies, felt helpless upon seeing Gao Yan. ¡°I am quite busy. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Can we have a chat?¡± Gao Yan did not look very good. It was obvious that he was upset.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°San Bao, can you y with Da Bao and Er Bao over there? Mama won¡¯t go anywhere. I will sit right here. San Bao can look up and you will see me.¡±

    Although the triplets were still very young, Qiao Nan had no wish for them to overhear theplicated problems and interpersonal rtions among the adults.

    Luckily, the house was quite spacious. The auntie had tidied a small corner in the living room. It was about ten square meters. Sheid soft and thick foam cushions on the floor and ced the triplets¡¯ toys on top of the cushions.

    Although the triplets liked to stay close to their mother, they would not insist on staying next to her or for her to carry them. They would behave themselves as long as Qiao Nan was within their sight. They would not be upset that Qiao Nan did not y with them but was busy with her work.

    San Bao nodded abidingly. There was no need for her mother to carry her. She freed herself from her mother¡¯s embrace and walked like a duck, sticking out her chubby bottom to where her brothers were. She squeezed to sit in between them and took her favorite plush toy from the floor,nding a bite on it.

    Once the triplets were settled down, Qiao Nan fixed her gaze on Gao Yan. ¡°What do you want to talk to me about?¡± Luckily, she spent arge amount of time on her internship this semester. Therefore, she did not have as much homework as the previous two years. Otherwise, she would not have the time to chat with Gao Yan.

    Gao Yan rubbed his face, feeling flustered. ¡®Fang Fang rejected my proposal and she has a boyfriend in university. Why did this happen?¡± He used to think that like him, Fang Fang only had eyes for him. He had been working toward this goal and to give her happiness in the future.

    However, he did not end up with Fang Fang. It was another man who was with her.

    ¡°This is because of the pranks that you pulled on her when you were younger.¡± Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. Gao Yan was quite proactive. There was no need for her to remind him and he took the initiative to find out why Fang Fang rejected his proposal.

    Gao Yan respected Fang Fang and hence he did not interfere with what she was doing at school. Fang Fang was stubborn. One must not go against her. Moreover, no matter how mild-tempered she was, if she knew that he was keeping a watch on her, she would end the friendship with him regardless of whether he had good intentions or not.

    On the other hand, Gao Yan noticed that something was amiss. Given that he was able to find out what was going on within such a short time, he was really concerned about Fang Fang.

    Gao Yan was dumbstruck by the answer that he heard. ¡°The pranks that I pulled on her when I was younger?¡±

    ¡°I suppose back when you were younger, you bullied Fang Fang, and that is why she has a bad impression of you. Thereafter, you did very well in your studies and this became a source of stress for Fang Fang. If I am correct, Fang Fang¡¯s parents must have cited you as a model student andpared you to Fang Fang. They must have wanted Fang Fang to learn from you.¡± Qiao Nan touched her chin, looking like a scammer.

    ¡°Just because of this?¡± Gao Yan was perplexed. It turned out that it was because of such minor problems?

    Qiao Nan smiled in anger. ¡°It is no wonder that Fang Fang is wooed by somebody else and you only realized the problem when she rejected your proposal. In the eyes of women, there is no reason and logic. She does not need a reason to like you or hate you. This is not the court. There is no need for evidence or to give you a sentence based on the severity of your crimes. If she hates you, regardless of how much she hates you, she will choose to be with somebody else that she likes.¡±

    Gao Yan could not understand what Qiao Nan was saying except for one thing¡ªit was useless to use reasons. ¡°Please, will you help me? Since you know Fang Fang so well, can you help mee up with a solution to gain her affection?¡± Even though there might be a misunderstanding, he was serious in this rtionship. He loved Fang Fang and he did not want to give up his happiness, particrly for something so ridiculous.

    Gao Yan had already decided to seek Qiao Nan¡¯s help. He no longer cared about his pride or feelings. ¡°To tell you the truth, I am really at my wit¡¯s end. You should know that Fang Fang is very quiet. Our... our families had the same thoughts as me. I have been working toward this goal as well. The two families were taken aback when Fang Fang rejected my proposal. Uncle and auntie told me that they would try to persuade Fang Fang. I did not expect that...¡±

    ¡°You did not expect that Fang Fang would not listen to her parents and left the capital earlier than agreed to return to school to look for her boyfriend. Am I right?¡± This was simply a giant asteroid striking the earth. There was no room for negotiation.

    Previously, Gao Yan had no idea why things turned out this way.

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Gao Yan seemed to have a better understanding. ¡°Fang Fang doesn¡¯t like it when her parents praise me or when they want her to take me as a role model. Therefore, when they put in a good word for me, it will further enrage her, no?¡±

 Chapter 1296 - Hopeless

    <h4>Chapter 1296 Hopeless</h4>

    Qiao Nan took a sip of the tea, casting a nce at Gao Yan. He was totally unlike how he looked during the first two encounters where he wore a suit, looking neat and tidy like a sessful person in life. Today, Gao Yan, who sat in front of her, wore a crumpled shirt. The white shirt beneath his outer clothes was yellowish. His chin was covered with stubbles and he had eye bags. He seemed as if he had been sleepless for several nights. ¡°Have some tea. Fang Fang came over to my ce recently and I served Fang Fang with this tea.¡±

    Kuding tea¡ªit was most suitable for Gao Yan and Fang Fang to have this tea.

    The two youngsters were creating trouble for themselves!

    Gao Yan, who was in a bad mood, did not wish to drink the tea, but he changed his mind when he learned that Fang Fang drank the same tea when she came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence previously.

    Therefore, a gloomy Gao Yan could not care for his pride and drank three cups of tea in one go. Given what Fang Fang said and did, Gao Yan felt that the kuding tea was sweet instead of bitter!

    Looking at Gao Yan¡¯s behavior, Qiao Nan told herself that Gao Yan was beyond hope.

    ¡°Do you still intend to be with Fang Fang? Do you not mind at all?¡± Fang Fang had a boyfriend and the youngsters nowadays were fairly open-minded. Fang Fang might not be open-minded, but her boyfriend might be. With this in mind, did Gao Yan still love Fang Fang and want to be with her forever?

    Gao Yan¡¯s face turned green and purple. ¡°Nevertheless, I am the only person who is capable of bringing happiness to Fang Fang. She might be good in her studies, but she is clueless in all other areas. If I am not around to take care of her and protect her, she will be bullied by other people. Since a young age, she has been good in her studies but lousy in other areas. To think that she feels very proud of herself.¡±

    Gao Yan pointed out Fang Fang¡¯s shorings, but at the same time revealed his concerns for her. His contradictory behavior made Qiao Nan feel sorry for him. She felt likeforting him. ¡°Alright, I will keep a lookout on your behalf. It is rare that Fang Fang has a boyfriend. I should keep a watch as well. I cannot possibly allow her to be bullied by other people.¡±

    If Fang Fang¡¯s boyfriend was perfect and had no shorings, no matter how much Gao Yan liked her, she would not interfere. After all, it was up to Fang Fang to choose whether she wanted to be with someone that she loved or someone that loved her. She would not give her opinion.

    Perhaps Fang Fang felt that she would be happier being with someone that she loved.

    Of course, if the man had any shorings¡ªsince she was closer to Gao Yan and he was her senior while the other person was a stranger¡ªshe could not help but take sides and help Gao Yan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Gao Yan rubbed his face. He used to think that his marriage with Fang Fang was already confirmed. He already had it nned out. They would be engaged when Fang Fang was in her third year in college and they would marry once she graduated.

    In another year¡¯s time, he would be able to buy a house and a car in the capital. He would make sure to provide Fang Fang with a good life.

    It was useless to think about the future right now. He had made a huge mistake and all his ns had gone hay-wired. He did not manage to be engaged to Fang Fang and she rejected his engagement ring. She could not wait to throw it far away and leave for a faraway ce with her boyfriend at school.

    Qiao Nan did not know many men, but she had heard of many stories about scumbags.

    It was rare that Gao Yan was such a sentimental and devoted man. Qiao Nan could not help but be softhearted. ¡°Let me give you a gentle reminder. Like what I have said previously, there is a big problem with the attitude of Fang Fang¡¯s parents toward you. It is understandable for youngdies to be narrow-minded. She is an only child and she is considered capable and smart. If she were in another family, she would be pampered and doted on by her parents. But her parentspared her with you, and to her parents, you are the smartest kid instead of her. No child will be happy to know that.¡±

    Gao Yan was the subject of the love and praise of Fang Fang¡¯s parents.

    Notwithstanding that Gao Yan used to provoke Fang Fang when he was at a young age, this alone was good enough for Fang Fang to hate Gao Yan to the core.

    Siblings would fight with each other for their parents¡¯ love. Moreover, Gao Yan was not rted to them. Fang Fang¡¯s parents liked to praise Gao Yan for being a good child in front of Fang Fang and they would tell her to look up to Gao Yan and work harder. It was no wonder that she hated Gao Yan.

    Under such circumstances, it would be weird if Fang Fang realized Gao Yan¡¯s feelings for her and epted his proposal. ¡°Many men will work on their inws in order to receive their blessings to marry their daughter. But it is different for you. It is unsuitable for you to do that. Do you understand that too far is as bad as not enough?¡±

    Gao Yan drank another three cups of kuding tea. He was bloated with the tea. ¡°Thank you. I finally understand what you are saying.¡± Although it took him so long to understand, it was better than not realizing it at all.

    He never thought that the affirmation of Fang Fang¡¯s parents would work against him, driving a wedge between him and Fang Fang, and that she would hate him since a young age. ¡°I will talk to her parents regarding this. Thank you very much.¡±

    If he did note looking for Qiao Nan today, he might not have known where he went wrong even until the day Fang Fang married someone else and had children with the man.

    Fang Fang¡¯s parents might like him, but it was useless if Fang Fang had no wish to marry him. They could not possibly force her into marriage.

    In the end, they had to go with Fang Fang¡¯s decision and allowed her to marry someone else.

    Gao Yan used to think that he had a high EQ and IQ. But when it came to Fang Fang and he was the party involved, it was useless to have high EQ or IQ.

    ¡°Alright, you should go now.¡± Although Qiao Nan could give him a gentle reminder, she would not do anything on behalf of Gao Yan. No matter what, Fang Fang would be marrying him, not her.

    Gao Yan was someone who put words into action. Previously, he was clueless, so he could do nothing about it.

    Now that he knew what was going on and where he had done wrong, he would not allow himself to make the same mistake again that would widen the distance between him and Fang Fang, leaving no chance for them. ¡°Uncle, auntie, this is what happened. I hope that you can give me your support and make a phone call to Fang Fang so as to talk things over nicely.¡±

    Fang Fang¡¯s parents were startled. They had been adding trouble instead of rendering help.

    Father Fang turned silent. ¡°Did Qiao Nan say that?¡± Father Fang had a deep impression of this ssmate and good friend of his daughter. Apart from Gao Yan, Qiao Nan was the first person who had better results than Fang Fang and had helped her a lot in school.

    All these years, Father Fang felt that this friend of her daughter was a good friend and she had good judgment.

    Father Fang might have some doubts over other people¡¯s words. He might wonder if the person was sincere about helping Fang Fang and Gao Yan, or that the person was interested in Gao Yan. The person might betray Fang Fang and make lousy suggestions such that Gao Yan would fail in gaining Fang Fang¡¯s affection.

 Chapter 1297 - Enlightened

    <h4>Chapter 1297 Enlightened</h4>

    But if it was Qiao Nan, Father Fang had total trust in her. Moreover, he heard from his daughter that Qiao Nan was happily married with three kids and her husband was a very good catch. He was just as good as Gao Yan.

    Gao Yan knew that Father Fang and Mother Fang had a good impression of Qiao Nan. When Fang Fang was in high school, they even sent fruits to thank her for revising with Fang Fang.

    Mother Fang was a timid woman. Now that things had gone wrong, she was worried that if they took another wrong step, they would never be able to have Gao Yan as their son-inw. ¡°Gao Yan, are you sure this method will work? What if Fang Fang takes it seriously after we make the phone call?¡±

    ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t worry. Like what Qiao Nan said, they are just dating. It¡¯s alright if Fang Fang takes it seriously.¡± Even if Fang Fang did not take it seriously, she was already in a rtionship with the man. There was not much of a difference. ¡°People like to do the opposite of what they are told. Back when you wanted Fang Fang to study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she applied for Ping Cheng High School behind your back. From this, we could tell that she has rebellious nature in her.¡±

    ¡°If both of you insist that Fang Fang marry me, given her behavior back then, she might insist on being with the man to spite us even though she does not really love him. All of us love Fang Fang. It is alright that we suffer for the time being. What¡¯s important is that Fang Fang will be able to lead a good life in the future.¡±

    Gao Yan had always been performing well in front of his future inws. He rarely made any mistakes.

    Otherwise, Fang Fang¡¯s parents would not have decided on having him as their son-inw.

    Father Fang nodded. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry. I will do as Gao Yan said. As for Fang Fang, Qiao Nan will keep a look out for her, won¡¯t she?¡± Father Fang was most worried about Fang Fang¡¯s situation at school.

    Father Fang was not worried that his daughter would take the wrong step. But her boyfriend was at the age where he would be impulsive and reckless. He would kill the man if his daughter was taken advantage of.

    ¡°Yes, Qiao Nan will look out for Fang Fang. She will make sure that Fang Fang will not be taken advantage of.¡± Gao Yan was very certain of this. Fang Fang might not listen to other people, but she would definitely listen to Qiao Nan. He had to hand it to Qiao Nan for being very smart.

    She would not persuade her in the usual way that people did. For instance, someone felt itchy, and another person who was blunt and did not know how to react ording to the situation tried helping the person find the itchy spot, but to no avail.

    Qiao Nan was different. She would either not do anything, or if she did, she would be right on the target.

    He believed that Qiao Nan had the means to persuade Fang Fang to protect herself. Besides, he had no other choice right now but to believe in her.

    ¡°Alright, I will make the phone call.¡± Since Gao Yan had said so and was willing to give it a try, Father Fang should hesitate no more. Furthermore, Qiao Nan would keep a look out for Fang Fang.

    Mother Fang knitted her brows before she nodded in agreement. ¡°Luckily, Fang Fang has a friend that she could talk to. Otherwise, there will be no way to resolve this problem.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Luckily, there is someone like Qiao Nan.¡± Gao Yan finally understood why Fang Fang was unable to be close to her parents and share her problems and troubles with them even though she had always been a filial girl. He was the reason behind everything.

    Now that they hade to a decision, Father Fang was quick and decisive. He gave his daughter a call right away and told her what Gao Yan had said to him. He told his daughter that he supported her decision and wanted her to be happy. As long as she was happy, as her parents, they would not interfere or object.

    Fang Fang was dumbstruck after the call. She then gave Qiao Nan a call right away, expressing her joy and excitement. ¡°Nan Nan, you are right. I have won. Thank you.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was on the other end of the phone, rolled her eyes. ¡°Like I have said before, as long as you are happy, your parents will definitely support you.¡±

    ¡°You are the one who gave me your unwavering support.¡± Fang Fang took a deep breath. ¡°You might not have known, but on the day that I rejected Gao Yan¡¯s proposal, not only did my parents scold me for being reckless and express their unhappiness, all the rtives and friends who were present berated me for not having good judgment. They said that although I am willful, I should not go overboard. For a moment, I wondered whether I had made the wrong decision. But I refused to bow to them.¡±

    Fang Fang went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence as she wanted someone to stand on her side and support her decision.

    Everyone berated her and did not agree with her. They were her rtives and they used to treat her very well. But they lost their temper at her because of Gao Yan. Although Fang Fang did not listen to them, she was upset and hurt. She did not know whether her decision was right.

    When she was at a loss, she went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to look for Qiao Nan, hoping to get an answer from her.

    Qiao Nan was smart. She could tell right away that Fang Fang refused to admit defeat and she had a lot of grievances. If she disagreed with Fang Fang and said that Gao Yan was a good man, Fang Fang would fall out with her right away.

    Although she could not be too direct, Qiao Nan yed with words and did not really say whether Gao Yan was a good man or not. This was what she said back then. ¡°I believe that you should fight for your own happiness. As long as you are happy, it doesn¡¯t matter that you could not get your parents¡¯ support for the time being. I believe they will agree to it in the future. Your happiness is more important than anything else.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not mention Fang Fang¡¯s current boyfriend at all.

    Although Qiao Nan yed around with words, it was far better than Fang Fang¡¯s rtives who expressed their disagreement and anger toward her. Qiao Nan¡¯s words wereforting and assuring. Fang Fang was able to take in Qiao Nan¡¯s words and find strength in them. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t worry. I will fight for my happiness.¡±

    Fang Fang used to think that her parents had a very good impression of Gao Yan. Although there was no need for her to go through the long march of 25,000 li like the Red Army, she knew that her revolution would not seed in one or two days.

    She had yet to tell her boyfriend to work hard with her and persevere until the end, but her parents had already called her to say that as long as she was happy, they did not mind who she was with.

    Right then, Fang Fang felt as if she was the most fortunate person in the world. ¡°Nan Nan, I am so lucky to have you with me. You are such a good friend. You supported me and assured me that I am right.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiao Nan epted her praise. She did not feel that she was being too shameless. ¡°Your parents dote on you the most. They will not dote on someone else. Do you agree that I am right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Fang Fang nodded. She never felt so cared for and loved in the past.

 Chapter 1298 - Change of Strategy

    <h4>1298 Change of Strategy</h4>

    ¡°Since you have understood, then you should think before you do anything in the future. You must not be so reckless again. In retrospect, do you think it is right to argue with your parents because of a man? If this man will be your husband and he will give you happiness, it is still worth it. If not, wouldn¡¯t you be angry at yourself if anything happened to your parents as they were too angry?¡±

    Now that she had calmed down, Qiao Nan began to criticize Fang Fang for being too willful.

    Fang Fang smiled embarrassedly. ¡°I have been cornered. Otherwise, can you tell me what I should do if I run into such encounters in the future? How should I deal with it?¡±

    Fang Fang liked her current boyfriend. He was considerate and gentle with her, treating her very well. He was unlike the good son-inw that her parents would talk about often who used to bully her.

    But talking about marriage, Fang Fang had no confidence in her current boyfriend.

    ¡°Foolish. If quarreling was useful, you wouldn¡¯te running to my inws¡¯ house andin to me, hoping that I would stand on your side. That day, you could talk it over nicely with your parents and tell them your thoughts. Why did you quarrel with them? The more you fight, the more your parents will feel that you are saying everything in a pique of anger and are irrational.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s useless to talk it over nicely. They won¡¯t believe me.¡± Fang Fang felt wronged. She was enraged and that was why she blew her top.

    Qiao Nan drank some water to soothe her throat. If she could not find any jobs in the future, she could start a counselingpany or apany that would listen to other people¡¯s grievances and chat with them. If not, she could be a matchmaker and ept red packets from the couples. ¡°Now that you have blown your top, did anyone believe you? No matter what, nobody will believe you. Getting enraged will only affect yourself and hurt your parents¡¯ feelings. You should have told them your thoughts and stated that you would stand firm in your decision before returning to your school. In that way, you wouldn¡¯t feel as guilty toward your parents when you received their call today.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Fang Fang was speechless, but she had to agree that Qiao Nan was right.

    When she returned to school that day, she kept thinking about what happened back at home.

    She remembered that her mother was so angry that her eyes had turned red, while her father who was getting on in years trembled slightly. Fang Fang used to be filial to them, so she felt very guilty at how things turned out. She was torn between being filial to them and fighting for her own happiness. After returning to school, she went sleepless for several nights. Her boyfriend asked her out three times in a row, but she rejected him.

    In the end, she hurt the feelings of her parents and her boyfriend. ¡°What should I do in the future?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think about the future? Haven¡¯t your parentspromised and given in? Since you feel guilty, you should stay home with your parents after the semester ended and spend more time with them, chatting with them. You can take them for a walk or stroll around the garden. When you are free, you can call them twice or three times a week to chat with them. You can talk about your school life, your feelings, and whatever you encounter in school. They will get to know you better through more frequentmunication, and they will no longer quarrel with you over an ¡®outsider¡¯ in the future.¡±

    Qiao Nan tried to coax and cajole Fang Fang. ¡°There is a reason why your parents like Gao Yan so much, and you can¡¯t match up to him in terms of this. Gao Yan is very good with words in front of your parents. It seems as if he is their son. However, you are their biological daughter. If Gao Yan can do it, you must be better than him. You must regain your parents¡¯ affection. Without your parents¡¯ support, Gao Yan can no longer interfere in your rtionship with the man that you want to marry in the future.¡±

    Fang Fang felt that Qiao Nan made a lot of sense. She almost gave in because of her parents¡¯ attitude.

    If her parents sided with her and no longer ced high importance on Gao Yan, she did not need to be bothered about Gao Yan¡¯sments.

    Most importantly, she must make sure that her parents sided with her!

    Once she grasped this fundamental point, all the rest would follow. It was as if she was enlightened and invigorated. She was no longer as dejected as before. She seemed like a rooster who was in high spirits and felt energized. ¡°Nan Nan, you are indeed my best friend. You have made a very helpful and effective suggestion. You can rest assured. I know what to do in the future. I won¡¯t allow Gao Yan to take advantage of me again.¡±

    From the phone call that her father made today, even though her parents were all praise for Gao Yan, saying that he was a role model for all children, she was still their biological daughter. Her parents would stand on her side instead of siding with Gao Yan.

    She had the upper hand as she was their biological daughter. It would be miserable if she lost to Gao Yan again.

    With Qiao Nan as her strategist and military counselor, Fang Fang, who was reserved and reticent, decided to interact more with her parents. She called them frequently on the phone and chatted with them.

    Initially, her parents were not used to it and they could not understand Qiao Nan¡¯s rationale. But they felt that it was a good idea to have more frequent chats with their daughter.

    Mother Fang gradually understood Qiao Nan¡¯s intention and the reasons behind these phone calls. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s sote. It may not be safe. It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t go out. If you want to go on a date, you should go in the daytime.¡±

    ¡°I see. It¡¯s not that I forbid you from experiencing life. But you are still a student, and studies must be your top priority. After you graduate, even if you feel like staying at home and depending on us, I won¡¯t allow you to do so.¡±

    ¡°You want to stay outside the school? You are still considering and you are asking me for my opinions? My opinion doesn¡¯t matter. What¡¯s important is how you think. Alright, I will share my thoughts with you. You can take it as a reference and decide for yourself. Fang Fang, you are an adult. As your mother, I trust your judgment. Aside from putting aside a sum of money for the rental, what I am most worried about is your safety. If you stay at school, you will have several dormitory mates who stay with you. I feel assured as you are not alone. Otherwise, I might be so worried for you that I cannot sleep a wink.¡±

    As a student, even when she was in college, for people like Fang Fang, who was a top student, her school life was very boring. She did nothing apart from studying.

    Although Fang Fang began to spend more time chatting with her parents, there were not many topics to chat with them.

    Besides talking about her school, she would asionally talk about her boyfriend. Her intention was to boil the frog slowly. However, she did not realize that she was the one who was being boiled in the pot.

    Mother Fang had finally found the right method tomunicate with her daughter. She would not make harshments or pick on the man. Through showing concern for her daughter, she gradually made her ept her suggestions and thoughts.

    Dating in the middle of the night? What if the brat took advantage of Fang Fang?

    Working part-time? She and her husband merely praised Gao Yan and Fang Fang was jealous of him. If she worked part-time and experienced life, she would be angered to death. In that case, the brat would have a chance to console andfort her.

    Moving out of school? Dream on!

 Chapter 1299 - Turn into a Wealthy Woman

    <h4>Chapter 1299 Turn into a Wealthy Woman</h4>

    As time passed, Mother Fang began to have an imperceptible influence on Fang Fang such that there was no chance of Fang Fang taking the rtionship further with her boyfriend. She made sure to protect her daughter so that the man would not take advantage of her.

    Actually, Fang Fang had her hidden agenda when she asked those questions.

    Fang Fang was used to being a well-behaved child. Now that her parents were no longer against her rtionship, Fang Fang hoped that she would have more private time with her boyfriend. Therefore, she could not help but have a guilty conscience when she posed the questions.

    If Mother Fang showed the slightest displeasure and said that the man led Fang Fang astray, Fang Fang might be enraged and insisted on renting a house to stay with the man. On the contrary, Mother Fang did not bring up the man. She was solely concerned for Fang Fang¡¯s safety. As such, Fang Fang could not insist on staying outside the school.

    Now that Mother Fang maintained frequent contact with her daughter through the phone, she realized that her daughter had been very well-behaved.

    Although her daughter had a boyfriend, she had not been reckless, or impulsive, or intimate with the man. Mother Fang managed to find out this piece of important information through their frequent chats.

    Mother Fang did not tell Gao Yan explicitly about what she learned, but she had hinted to him so that he understood that her daughter was a good child who had self-respect. Although she liked Gao Yan, if Gao Yan could not ept that her daughter used to have another boyfriend, she would not insist that they be together.

    Although she praised Gao Yan for being a good child, her daughter was still the best child in the world.

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s gentle reminder, Mother Fang realized that their good intention of hoping that their daughter would strive to be better and work harder had unknowingly be a source of pressure for her.

    Their daughter was under immense pressure, yet they thought that she was being willful. It was their fault as they had failed as her parents.

    Now that he was certain that Fang Fang did not overstep the boundaries with her boyfriend, Gao Yan finally felt much at ease. Although he did not regain his cheery mood, at least he was not as gloomy as before and was able to concentrate on his job. After looking through many business proposals, he finally decided to work with Tian Dong¡¯spany.

    This was a good piece of news. It was a win-win situation for Gao Yan and Tian Dong.

    After signing the contract, they were officially working partners. The staff from the twopanies gathered for a meal to interact with each other.

    Since Tian Dong¡¯spany was more established, he was the one who initiated the gathering.

    Unlike the usual gathering, Tian Dong gave his staff a sum of money so that they could celebrate and socialize with the staff from Gao Yan¡¯spany. They could sing karaoke and have supper. As for him, the boss, he brought Gao Yan to visit his future mother-inw and have a meal at her house. ¡°Gao Yan, I will be getting married at the end of the year. You muste to my wedding.¡±

    Before they got into the car, Tian Dong passed a wedding invitation to Gao Yan.

    In the future, apart from being business partners, they would have a closer rtionship with each other. The person who brought them together was none other than the daughter-inw who married into the Zhai family.

    Tian Dong knew that Gao Yan must be delighted to see Qiao Nan. He must be dying to seek her advice on how to gain Fang Fang¡¯s affection.

    Qiao Nan red at Tian Dong before casting a sideways nce at Gao Yan when she saw that he was indeed at their house. ¡°The two of you owe me a big red packet. Although I do not take issue with you, shouldn¡¯t you have the awareness?¡±

    Tian Dong agreed immediately. ¡°Definitely. I will give you a bonus of one percent.¡± This was enough for Qiao Nan to lead a wealthy life for the rest of her life. There was no need for her to depend on the Zhai family and she could lead afortable life.

    There was a glitter in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes, but he kept his silence. However, Miao Jing was startled. ¡°Dongzi, why would you say that?¡± A bonus of one percent was a significant amount. Miao Jing did not want her daughter-inw to take advantage of the Tian family or for her daughter to be looked down upon by the Tian family after she married Tian Dong.

    ¡°Sister, please ept it.¡± Mother Tian pulled Miao Jing¡¯s arms affectionately. She had a genuine smile on her face and she sounded very sincere. ¡°All along, Nan Nan has been working very hard. She is a good child. If not for the fact that it is unsuitable, our original intention is to give her a bonus of five percent.¡±

    The bonus of one percent might be a significant amount to other people. However, the Tian family could still afford it.

    Mother Tian knew that unlike her son, Zhai Hua had a boyfriend before she was with her son. In the end, they broke up because of Qiao Nan.

    If Mother Tian knew about this a month ago, she might feel unhappy about it.

    But after hearing what Tian Dong said on the day he proposed to Zhai Hua, she began to look at Zhai Hua in a different light. She knew her son best. Mother Tian knew that her only son did not like any other women or men. He only had eyes for Zhai Hua.

    Mother Tian was heartbroken when she learned this.

    All these years, she had been hoping for a grandchild to y with. Her son might be precious, but he was not as important as her grandchild.

    By the time she had a grandchild, she would have no use for her son. She could leave her son to Zhai Hua while she yed with her grandchild. Right now, the most important task was to make sure that her son got married as soon as possible and gave her a grandchild.

    After sorting out her thoughts, Mother Tian was thankful to Qiao Nan as she was the one who made Zhai Hua break up with her previous boyfriend. If Qiao Nan did not do that, she was worried that when they came back to China and her son learned that Zhai Hua had a boyfriend and would marry him soon, he might react strongly to it and she would have no hopes of having a grandchild.

    The thought of it was too scary. Mother Tian had no wish to let her thoughts wander. Thankfully, this did not happen and Zhai Hua had agreed to marry Dongzi.

    Gao Yan did not care about the Tian family. Since Qiao Nan had made her request, he would never say no to her. ¡°That¡¯s easy. If I marry Fang Fang, as our matchmaker, I will definitely give you a red packet that is filled with any amount of money that you want. Or should I write you a nk check? How about that?¡±

    Gao Yan had gone all out in order to win Fang Fang¡¯s affection.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. She could not help but feel that she had said the wrong words and made an error. ¡°The two of you are not here for a meal but to give red packets to me?¡± They seemed to be giving away money generously.

    The bonus of one percent was tantamount to having one percent of the shares of Tian Dong¡¯spany. If thepany earned one hundred million in the future, she did not need to work and she would have one million just by sitting around at home...

 Chapter 1300 - Love Letter

    <h4>Chapter 1300 Love Letter</h4>

    To Qiao Nan, it was a faraway dream to buy a house of her own using her hard-earned money. Qiao Nan was naturally startled now that two bosses offered to give her money. ¡°Forget it. I have to think for Brother Zhai and the Zhai family.¡± She would lose more than gain if Brother Zhai and the Zhai family were targeted because of this.

    Miao Jing was concerned as well. Therefore, she looked toward Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui, hoping that they would make some suggestions.

    The old master was feeding Da Bao some fruits while Zhai Yaohui was ying with his only granddaughter. The father and son had the same attitude. They gave no response to Miao Jing or Qiao Nan.

    The atmosphere was awkward. Qiao Nan carried Er Bao into her arms without another word and used him as an excuse. ¡°Er Bao is hungry. If there¡¯s anything, let¡¯s wait until he is full. We can¡¯t afford to let the child go hungry. The triplets are still growing day by day.¡± She was a good mother and the triplets were the most important people in her life.

    Perhaps Gao Yan knew that he could do nothing about Fang Fang, and if he wanted to win her affection, his only bet was Qiao Nan. He could do without anyone but her. Moreover, it was because of their junior, Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion that Fang Fang¡¯s parents were able to have a closer rtionship with their daughter.

    Therefore, Gao Yan would try all means and ways to please Qiao Nan. He knew that Qiao Nan ced high importance on the triplets. Hence, he would buy all sorts of food and clothing for the triplets from time to time. He was the least bit worried about spending money on them.

    Zhai Hua noticed this and made a joke out of it. ¡°Luckily, we know that Gao Yan has another girl in mind and he is bent on marrying her. Otherwise, given his attitude, it will lead to a misunderstanding. If Zhai Sheng is at home and sees how Gao Yan treats the triplets, he will be very jealous and angry.¡±

    She was not looking down on her brother. She knew that Zhai Sheng seldom stayed at home with the triplets. As their auntie, she spent more time with them than their father did. Zhai Sheng had no time to buy toys and food for the triplets.

    In short, Gao Yan seemed to show more love and concern for the triplets than Zhai Sheng, their father, did. Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper, if he found out about it, there was no way that he could tolerate it.

    ¡°Brother Zhai knew about this.¡± Qiao Nan might be daring, but she had her concerns as well.

    Although Gao Yan merely bought food and clothes for the children, the problem was that his presents never stopped. Qiao Nan was worried that Zhai Sheng would misunderstand, or that someone would sow discord and affect Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood.

    Qiao Nan did not wish for Zhai Sheng to learn about it through the gossip spread by other people. She would rather tell him about it beforehand.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng was displeased when he first learned about it. ¡°Since it pleases him to give the triplets food and clothes, you should just ept them. It is indeed not that easy to take a wife.¡± Zhai Sheng knew what was going on between Gao Yan and Fang Fang. He did not stop Qiao Nan from helping them.

    By the time Gao Yan married Fang Fang, he would forget about the matchmaker who lent them a helping hand.

    Besides, it was not easy to win the affection of his children.

    Zhai Sheng was the least worried about Qiao Nan being surrounded by men of good caliber when he was not by her side. Moreover, Gao Yan already had someone in mind.

    ¡°It turned out that you have already told him. Alright, since Zhai Sheng did not object to it, it¡¯s good that the triplets can have fun ying with the toys he gave them.¡± The triplets were immersed in ying with the toys, lost in fun. They could not be bothered to kiss their auntie or mother. Zhai Hua felt upset that she was neglected.

    Qiao Nan had more time to do her reading since she did not need to apany the triplets.

    Zhai Hua, whose marriage report was approved and was preparing for her wedding, would spend her time ying with the triplets when she was at home Apart from that, she had nothing else to do.

    Now that the triplets forsook their auntie for the toys, Zhai Hua felt forlorn. The triplets had deserted her because of the toys.

    Qiao Nan yawned and flipped a page of the book that she had been reading. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, if you have a lot of free time, maybe you could y with the triplets. The triplets have a lot of toys. Perhaps if you join them, they will wee you into their world of fun.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very envious of Zhai Hua, who had a lot of spare time on her hands but had nothing to do.

    Although it was quite boring, Qiao Nan wished that she would have a day to rx and not think about anything.

    Zhai Hua had to prepare for her wedding and would spend a lot of time at home. This was just nice for Qiao Nan. Zhai Hua could take care of the triplets while she could have some time for herself.

    ¡°Senior Qiao, how are you? Can you spare me three minutes of your time?¡± As usual, after her lesson, Qiao Nan was about to hurry back home when she was stopped by a second-year male student. ¡°Hello. Is anything the matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a closer look at the male student. She did not know him.

    The second-year male student blushed and passed a letter to Qiao Nan. ¡°Senior Qiao, can you take a look at my letter?¡±

    Letter?

    Qiao Nan felt perplexed. She was right in front of him. Why could he not say his mind but wrote a letter to her beforehand instead? ¡°I-is it necessary?¡± He could tell her directly and she could give him an answer right away. It was better that way.

    ¡°It is necessary.¡± This must be the first time that the male student confessed his love. He did not notice that Qiao Nan was slow to react. He felt terribly embarrassed and stuffed the letter into Qiao Nan¡¯s hands before he rode off on the bicycle.

    After he was ten meters away from Qiao Nan, he turned to look at Qiao Nan. He did not control the bicycle properly and ended up riding in a zigzag manner, almost knocking into other people.

    Qiao Nan was stunned. She finally reacted half a minuteter. ¡°Is this a love letter for me?¡±

    This was not the first time that Qiao Nan received a love letter. When she was in junior high school, she already received love letters from other students. She also received love letters when she was in high school. But after a short period of time, all the love letters seemed to have vanished.

    Of course, after she went to the capital, she knew that people still sent her love letters when she was in high school. It was just that before she received them, Shi Qing had got rid of all the love letters under Zhai Sheng¡¯s orders.

    Right now, since Shi Qing was not around to get rid of the love letters, they had resurfaced again.

    Qiao Nan did not whether tough or cry. She was already a mother of three, but she still received love letters from her juniors and hunks. Did it mean one could not tell from her appearance that she was a mother and she was still very attractive?

    They were on the streets. Many people witnessed the scene where a male student passed a love letter to Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1301 - Bragging

    <h4>Chapter 1301 Bragging</h4>

    Qiao Nan was softhearted. She would not bear to reject him on the spot. She did not throw the love letter into the rubbish bin but kept it and rode the bicycle to the school gate, where she got into her family car and went back to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to apany her children.

    Qiao Nan did not know that after she left, many students began specting on the school forum about today¡¯s incident. Some dormitories even made a bet on whether the warrior who confessed his love to Senior Qiao would seed in the end or not.

    Compared to other students, Qiao Nan seldom spent time in school. Therefore, she did not know of the rumors that were circting in school.

    Although Qiao Nan had good looks and seemed approachable and friendly, there were many other beauties in Peking University. Some were prettier or colder than Qiao Nan, or even richer and came from a better background.

    However, among all of them, Qiao Nan was the only person whom they seldom interacted with.

    She was a beauty who stirred the hearts of many men, but she was the only person whom they found difficult to reach. Therefore, many men who were interested in Qiao Nan could only sigh in frustration. When they chanced upon shooting stars, they would wish fervently that they would be given a chance to get close to her.

    Although Qiao Nan was not considered as the school belle in Peking University, she was still considered as the faculty belle.

    Everyone liked to look at beautiful people. As men, they were naturally attracted to beautiful women.

    However, it was a pity that Qiao Nan did not give them any chance.

    It was rare that a warrior was daring enough to take the risk to confess his love publicly to Qiao Nan, who was deemed as the most unreachable sunflower in the school.

    If he seeded, not only would he be a warrior, but he would also be seen as the winner. But if he failed, he would be thoroughly embarrassed.

    As a result, many people were curious about Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction and whether she would ept him or not.

    Qiao Nan, who always kept a low profile in school, became well-known once again when she was in her third year all because of the love letter. Everyone who kept themselves updated with thetest news would know about Qiao Nan.

    Compared to the first, second, and fourth-year students who were very interested to know the oue, the third-year students, especially those who were in the same faculty as Qiao Nan, appeared to be very calm.

    Tang Jiayun had already told everyone of the fact that Qiao Nan had been engaged.

    Some of the students had forgotten about it, but there were some students who remembered it very clearly.

    Tang Jiayun scooted next to Yu Xiaoxiao, giving her a rare smile. She made a move to link arms with Yu Xiaoxiao. They had been ssmates for nearly three years. Yu Xiaoxiao knew Tang Jiayun very well and would not fall for her tricks like how she did when school had just started.

    Without waiting for Tang Jiayun to link arms with her, Yu Xiaoxiao took her books and moved to the seat next to her and stated her stand. ¡°There are many seats here. I don¡¯t wish to be in yourpany and there is no need for you to sit so close to me. It¡¯s better to maintain a distance between us. You can say your piece. If you are unhappy or displeased, the door is on the right-hand side. You can leave right away.¡± Tang Jiayun was seldom seen in the library. She should not be a dog in the manger.

    Seeing that Yu Xiaoxiao did not buy it at all, Tang Jiayun snorted. ¡°You must have heard that someone confessed his love to Qiao Nan. Do you think Qiao Nan will ept him or not? I suppose Qiao Nan will ept him. I have found out some information about the junior. He is in his second year and he is from the studentmittee. He is very tall, about 1.83 meters, and has a fairplexion. I heard that his family has apany. Since he studied in the capital, his parents bought a house for him in the capital so that he can stay here and carve out his career.¡±

    It was obvious that Tang Jiayun was very envious of Qiao Nan.

    The junior was able to carve his career in the capital and he already had a house in the capital. This meant that he could be part of the poption in the capital and his household register could be in the capital. He was a good catch. Why didn¡¯t she encounter such a good man?

    She did not have very high expectations. The man that she liked did not need to be outstanding in all aspects. She would still find him eptable if he was not as handsome and not as well-educated. ¡°Why is it that Qiao Nan has such good fortune? She is good in her studies and she has good interpersonal rtions. She seldom stays in school, but why is it that she seems to be everywhere? All good things seem to happen to her. The world is so unfair. I wonder what tricks Qiao Nan used to be what she is today.¡±

    Tang Jiayun had to hand it to Qiao Nan for using tactics to get her way.

    She scored a high score for her non-academic performance. She was merely the vice president of the club, but she had a lot of bonus points. She was not at school for half of the semester, yet she was awarded the second-prize schrship.

    There were very few people who were able to defeat Tang Jiayun. But no matter how much she tried, she could not defeat Qiao Nan or affect her results.

    Yu Xiaoxiao sneered. ¡°I have long seen through you. If the people that you dislike did better than you, instead of working harder to beat them, you will use underhanded methods to destroy them, making them be at the same level as you, or even worse than you. You are too despicable!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Tang Jiayun admitted right away. ¡°This is who I am. Don¡¯t tell me you are not this kind of person. We used to be from the same dormitory and we should help each other. But among the four of us, Qiao Nan is the only one who is leading a good life. Are you saying that you have never been jealous of Qiao Nan and have never resorted to tricks? Are you saying that you have never cursed her to be unlucky and do worse than you? Yu Xiaoxiao, you are not any better than me.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao tightened the grip on her pen. ¡°But I have changed.¡±

    ¡°Fine. I am not a reporter. I am not shooting or taking videos. I am just chatting with you. Since I dare to admit it, why are you pretending in front of me? The three of us in the dormitory can¡¯t take it lying down to see Qiao Nan leading a good life, particrly L¨¹ Yan. She is behaving oddly recently. She is gloomy and sinister. Perhaps she believes in superstition and will resort to doing silly actions to curse Qiao Nan to her death.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was annoyed. ¡°I am not. I admit that I might have behaved in that manner in the past. But I have changed. Anyway, I can give you the answer to the question you asked just now. Qiao Nan will definitely reject the junior. Have you forgotten that on the first day that we entered the university, Qiao Nan told us that she had a fianc¨¦?¡±

    The reason why Qiao Nan did that was to deter any unwanted suitors.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Tang Jiayun gave a mocking smile. ¡°She was merely pretending and keeping up appearances. I remembered she said that she had a fianc¨¦, but have we ever seen her fianc¨¦ before?¡±

 Chapter 1302 - Scare Him Off With Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 1302 Scare Him Off With Marriage</h4>

    ¡°It has been three years, but we have never seen him before. Let¡¯s not talk about whether Qiao Nan really has a fianc¨¦. I suppose if she really has a fianc¨¦, they must have broken up with each other. If he is dating her, but he doesn¡¯t turn up, it must either be Qiao Nan¡¯s or his problem. Furthermore, it doesn¡¯t mean anything if they are still together. After all, they are just dating, not married. One can even divorce after getting married.¡±

    ¡°The junior has such good conditions. Even if her boyfriend is already working, he could not bepared to the junior. Qiao Nan is so smart. She will know who to choose.¡± Unless Qiao Nan was stupid, she would not give up the handsome and rich junior to be with her fianc¨¦. Besides, being with the man was simr to having no boyfriend.

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Yu Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. She should have known long ago that Tang Jiayun would make harsh remarks. After all, what could she expect from a hog but a grunt? ¡°If you are done, let me answer your question. After that, leave me alone. I don¡¯t deny that what you said is true. Most people would make that decision under such circumstances. Both of us will make the same decision. However, Qiao Nan will definitely not do that.¡±

    With that, Yu Xiaoxiao did not wait for Tang Jiayun to give way to her. Instead, she grabbed her books and moved to another seat.

    If she continued to argue with Tang Jiayun in the library, the librarian might not wee her in the future. While she was talking to Tang Jiayun, the librarian had nced her way several times.

    Everyone was very interested in the love letter, but the party concerned, Qiao Nan, could not be bothered with it. Once she reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she put the love letter aside and forgot about it.

    It was because she, who was acting as Fang Fang¡¯s matchmaker, happened to receive a call from her right then. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°I know. The phone has a caller ID disy.¡±

    Fang Fang, who had a simr conversation in the past, found it very familiar. She seemed to have this conversation with Gao Yan in the past. The difference was that she was the one who was full of disdain back then. Today, she was the one who was being foolish. ¡°I have a question for you. Can you keep it a secret and don¡¯tugh at me?¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡°What do you think of premarital sex?¡± Fang Fang felt very embarrassed to bring up this topic. Although she was on the other end of the phone, she could not help but blush. But she was used to the fact that whenever she was undecided, she would seek advice from Qiao Nan. She had to ask her even though it was very embarrassing for her.

    Qiao Nan pped her forehead. ¡°Youngsters are indeed full of vigor and vitality.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Fang Fang rolled her eyes. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t forget that not only you are married, but you are also a mother of three.¡± If she had not been intimate with her husband, how could she have three children?

    Qiao Nan smoothed her hair confidently. ¡°Do you know when I got to know my husband?¡±

    There seemed to be a turn of events.

    ¡°I know my husband when I was in my second year of junior high school. He is five years older than me. When I was in my second year back then, he was already at the age where he could find a girlfriend and settle down. We confirmed our feelings for each other when I was in high school. We only got engaged to each other when I graduated from high school. I finally reached the legal age in my first year of college. We collected the marriage certificate after the Lunar New Year. This September, I went into earlybor as I was carrying triplets.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan did not seem to answer her question, Fang Fang understood her meaning. ¡°Are you saying that before marriage, you had never been intimate with each other?¡± Qiao Nan knew her husband when she was in her second year of junior high school. They had feelings for each other but they waited for more than five years before they became intimate with each other. Moreover, the man was mature and was older than them by four to five years old.

    In terms of vigor and vitality, her boyfriend could notpare to Qiao Nan¡¯s husband.

    ¡°Fang Fang, do you think this thought never crossed my husband¡¯s mind in the past six years? When we married, he was already twenty-six years old. Fang Fang, think about it. Why did he wait until we have officially collected the marriage certificate before we had married life? Did he not feel like it or did he respect me and thus did not wish to hurt me?¡±

    Since Fang Fang understood what she was saying, Qiao Nan could be more direct about it.

    Fang Fang was still an unmarried youngdy while Qiao Nan was a mother. Qiao Nan was not as embarrassed as Fang Fang when talking about this topic. ¡°Fang Fang, how about you ask your boyfriend? Will he ept it if you will only be intimate after marriage? I collected the marriage certificate when I was in my first year of college. You are already in your third year and should have no problem collecting the marriage certificate. Is the household register with you? You must remember. When you pose the question, you must have all the documents ready with you.¡±

    Fang Fang felt nervous, and she clenched her fists. ¡°What if he agrees to it? Should I marry him?¡±

    ¡°Of course. One should do something adventurous before one turns old.¡± Qiao Nan gave Fang Fang a boost of confidence. But this might make her too confident of herself. ¡°If the two of you truly like each other, it doesn¡¯t matter that both of you are still students and are financially unstable. As long as both of you are willing to work hard, you will definitely have a bright future. No-frills civil wedding ceremony thatcks a material foundation is the trend now. Both of you should go ahead and do it.¡±

    When she first brought up marriage, Fang Fang felt very unsettled and flustered. Although Qiao Nan gave her fullest support, she still felt that something was not right.

    They were talking about premarital sex, but why did they end up talking about marriage?

    Fang Fang was led by the nose by Qiao Nan unknowingly. Although she was on tenterhooks, she decided to broach the topic of marriage with her boyfriend.

    Fang Fang had yet to sort out her thoughts, but she felt that there should not be too much of a problem when she broached the topic with her boyfriend. Everything would turn out well, unless her boyfriend was not sincere to her, or that he had no wish to spend the rest of his life with her.

    If so, she should break up with such a man right away!

    Qiao Nan was shameless. She led an innocent Fang Fang by the nose and yet she was able to read her book calmly, clearly forgetting about what she had done.

    She did not have a bad impression of Fang Fang¡¯s boyfriend, but she knew that no matter how mentally prepared Fang Fang¡¯s boyfriend was, he could not have thought of getting married while he was still in college. Getting married was not that easy.

    Fang Fang might be impulsive, but the man would not behave as such. The Fang family knew that Fang Fang was dating a man, but her boyfriend might not have told his family about Fang Fang.

    If the man was scared away by Fang Fang when she broached the topic of marriage, it would save Qiao Nan a lot of trouble.

    Qiao Nan put this matter aside and forgot cleanly about the ¡®bad¡¯ deed that she had done. She had forgotten about the love letter as well.

 Chapter 1303 - Confession of Love

    <strong>Chapter 1303 Confession of Love</strong>

    Of course, she would rather forget all about it. Qiao Nan only remembered this matter when this junior looked for her again.

    However, she felt that she was too slow to react. Next, it was a scene that would only appear on television. Qiao Nan broke out in cold sweat, brimming with embarrassment. ¡°Junior, this has be a huge parade. Aren¡¯t you overdoing it?¡±

    In the middle of the candles that were arranged in a heart-shape, her name had been made out using red rose petals, and the word ¡®love¡¯ was below her name. Qiao Nan wiped her sweat. She was suffering from extreme embarrassment. ¡°Also, I have to speak to you about what happened previously.¡±

    Before Qiao Nan could finish her words, that junior knelt on one knee before her. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to address you as my senior anymore. I wish to call you by your name. Perhaps you feel that I am not mature enough because I am younger than you. However, I wish to say that I am true to you. Can you be my girlfriend?¡± Having said that, that junior held a bouquet of 999 roses with one hand and took out a box from his shirt pocket using the other hand. After he opened the box, one could see an exceptionally dazzling diamond ne that would shine so brightly under the sun.

    This caused an uproar all of a sudden.

    Everyone was a poor student. How many people would present a gift that cost over ten thousand yuan when they were dating? This was not a small but a huge gift.

    Judging from the look of this diamond ne, it was most likely not cheap.

    Tang Jiayun, who was standing in the crowd, was staring at that diamond ne, constantly shouting in her heart how good it would be if she and not Qiao Nan was the one being confessed to at this moment. In that case, she could be the owner of this ne. Before she graduated, she could also find someone who could financially support her for life.

    Initially, Tang Jiayun only held the attitude of ¡®being in for a good show¡¯. Hence, she had been paying attention to this matter.

    Qiao Nan was always pretending to be high and mighty in front of them. She did not believe that the materialistic gain before her could not defeat the other¡¯s superficial love. In addition, the other party was a fianc¨¦ who did not appear before anyone for three years.

    As soon as Qiao Nan could not resist the pursuit of this young junior, agreed to be thetter¡¯s girlfriend, and forgot that she had a fianc¨¦, she would definitely stand before Qiao Nan. She wanted to see if Qiao Nan would still have the shame to pretend to be as pure as an angel and say some high-sounding words in front of her again.

    At this moment, Tang Jiayun did not understand that all that she had described could be summarized in four words: a p in the face.

    She wanted to see how Qiao Nan would be pped in her own face and embarrass herself. Qiao Nan would no longer be able to lift her chin so high and look at her with disdain ever again.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was also in the crowd. Yu Xiaoxiao had conflicted feelings. She hoped that Qiao Nan would agree, yet she also hoped that she would not.

    Amongst the many people that she knew, Qiao Nan was the only one who was considered ¡®clean¡¯ and honest. Of course, she hoped that such a pure and honest person still existed in this world. However, as someone who was already unclean and not simple, Yu Xiaoxiao also had some faint hopes that Qiao Nan would behave like her and be one of her own.

    At this very moment, everyone was looking at Qiao Nan and waiting for her reaction.

    Moreover, the threads in the school discussion forum were fueled again because of Qiao Nan.

    The ssmate who messed around and spread this gossip viciously was unaware that their principal¡¯s blood pressure had shot up due to anger from these threads. He was almost sent to the hospital for emergency treatment. Competing with the chief¡¯s son for a woman. Which idiot was this? Drag him out and shoot him dead. Didn¡¯t he know that it was illegal to break up a military marriage?

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. Shepletely could not understand the envy in the eyes of the girls who were looking at her. ¡°Junior, I have to make myself clear to you. First, I don¡¯t know you. If I nod my head today, the one that I like is not you but the dazzling ne in your hands. Second, I already have someone else in my heart. I don¡¯t intend to turn my back on him and find another lover at the moment or forever. Third, the person that I love also loves me. He and me... We are already engaged.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a little shy to mention that she was a married mother of three. After all, she and the principal had unanimously maintained their silence on this matter. She could not spread this matter in the school.

    Even Senior Xu, whom she was the closest to in the school, only found out about this mater after thetter graduated.

    As she thought about it, Qiao Nan pulled out the ring ne that she was wearing on her neck. ¡°I don¡¯t really like to wear essories as I think that it¡¯s not convenient. Hence, I wear the ring as a ne. Also, when I first entered the school, I have already said that I am engaged. Junior, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t think that you are mature. The truth is that you are really immature. You can say that love is noble and there are no limits to it. However, I feel that one has to know their limits. As a college student, you should do less hical things. In fact, you should not do any hical things, right?¡±

    This was the momentum of being a male vixen.

    Without blinking her eyes, Qiao Nan rejected such a diamond ne that every woman would be fond of. Everyone who was watching themotion by the side could not describe their feelings at this moment. They felt very perplexed.After making the rejection swiftly and decisively, Qiao Nan rode her bicycle and rang its bell. ¡°Can I trouble you to give way? It¡¯s already sote. I have to rush home for dinner.¡± She had attended a full day of sses today. Perhaps the triplets were already throwing tantrums at home while waiting for her toe back.

    At the sound of the bicycle bell, everyone seemed to have been awakened to reality. They moved to the side. As a result, there was a path for Qiao Nan to leave on her bicycle.

    The junior had wanted to be the prince charming in the hearts of all thedies. However, who would have expected that he would be rejected before the eyes of everyone? He almost became a ck-faced prince instead.

    Ultimately, Qiao Nan was not bothered about how he dispelled the embarrassment and shame of being rejected. The next day, although someone wanted to tell Qiao Nan about it, she simply declined and expressed that she did not need to know.

    Qiao Nan had rejected someone. Coincidentally, someone else was also ¡®rejected¡¯ at this time. The heartbroken and despaired one put aside everything, including her studies, and returned to the capital, crying. She headed straight to the Zhai family¡¯s residence and refused to leave.

    Fortunately, no one else besides Qiao Nan and the auntie was around in the Zhai¡¯s residence today. Miao Jing had brought Zhai Hua to make dowry arrangements and they were not at home.

    Fang Fang was hugging her and crying. Qiao Nan did not advise her anything initially. She just patted Fang Fang¡¯s back gently and coaxed her like she usually would the triplets. She allowed Fang Fang to cry and let it out. After Fang Fang had vented enough, Qiao Nan then requested the auntie to make kuding tea for Fang Fang. Judging from the situation, a lot of cooling down was needed.

 Chapter 1304 - Premarital Sex

    <h4>Chapter 1304 Premarital Sex</h4>

    This was the first time that the triplets saw someone else besides themselves crying. In particr, that person was hugging their mama and crying. The triplets were staring at Fang Fang unhappily and knitting their little brows. The three pairs of eyes peeped at Fang Fang from time to time, as if they were guarding against a thief.

    Fortunately, at this moment, Fang Fang was in so much pain and suffering that she only cared about seeking constion from Qiao Nan. She did not pay attention to the strange looks that the triplets cast on her at all. She stuttered, ¡°Nan Nan, h-he only wishes to sleep with me. He doesn¡¯t want to marry me!¡± He was thinking of ying rogue and refusing to bear the responsibility thereafter.

    In fact, that was not that man¡¯s actual words. He did not say that he only wanted to sleep with and not marry Fang Fang. He felt that they were only students in their third of college studies and it was too early to discuss marriage.

    He would either not marry or if he did, he would definitely provide his future wife with a good and prosperous lifestyle. He did not want his wife and children to suffer together with him. If Fang Fang was the woman that he was looking for, he trusted that they would definitely be together for the rest of their lives eventually.

    Fang Fang, who was badly shaken by this, would not listen to it. She only remembered the truth that she had perceived. She did not know anything else, except that she was willing to marry but her boyfriend was not. In addition, he had not dismissed the thoughts of sleeping with her.

    Nan Nan¡¯s husband was resolute to marry Nan Nan. He did not touch Nan Nan at all before they collected their marriage certificate. On the contrary, her boyfriend was already thinking of taking advantage of her before he even decided to walk down the aisle with her.

    Truly, Qiao Nan¡¯s example was too extraordinary and positive. How could a typical person possiblypare their self-disciple and self-control with the military-trained and strict Zhai Sheng?

    Inparison to Zhai Sheng, a man would be easily reduced to a scum no matter how good he was.

    Based on Fang Fang¡¯s incoherent words, Qiao Nan could decipher such a meaning: Fang Fang¡¯s luck was not bad. At the very least, this scum was different from other scums.

    This man felt that since he was together with Fang Fang, he would certainly look for Fang Fang, not other women, to fulfill his certain needs. He would also definitely take good precautionary measures to avoid hurting Fang Fang.

    If they really had the chance to continue to be together, he would definitely be willing to marry and have children with Fang Fang. Everything else would depend on fate in the future.

    He made it sound so uncertain and there were so many undecided factors. However, most likely, all of these words were true.

    It was already the 21st century. Many people were not so conservative anymore. It was very normal for a couple to have some intimate contact with each other. That man felt that this situation might not impact Fang Fang¡¯s life negatively in the future even if they did not be husband and wife eventually.

    From the bottom of his heart, he felt that it was highly possible that he would be together with Fang Fang. At most, he did not like to put it so bluntly. After all, no one could say for certain.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t cry anymore. Nothing happened, right?¡± After understanding the situation, Qiao Nan wrung a hot towel for Fang Fang. ¡°I feel that this man is not that bad. You¡¯re not willing to and have declined him. The other party did not force you to agree. Don¡¯t think that I am exaggerating. If you meet a scum, they will not care whether you agree or not. Anyway, you¡¯re already boyfriend and girlfriend. They will sleep first and talkter. Nine out of eightdies will choose to let the matter rest thereafter to avoid trouble. Well, they are boyfriend and girlfriend after all.¡±

    Fang Fang sniffed. ¡°Nan Nan, do you think he is serious about me? How can he sound so heartless? ording to what he said, we may not be together in the future. If he does that to me now and yet refuses to marry meter, I... It¡¯s too much!¡± This was a very intimate matter. Shouldn¡¯t this only happen to couples that had already decided to be together with each other for the rest of their lives? Her boyfriend was too casual in his words.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan gave a sigh. ¡°Fang Fang, why do you think your boyfriend likes you so much? He even faintly gave a feeling that he is willing to marry you after graduation if there is no ¡®ident¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Fang Fang looked puzzled. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Do you?¡± She had also asked her boyfriend how he fell for her previously. She was not the most beautiful one and did not like to talk. She was also not good at interacting with other people.

    Her boyfriend was different. He was the hottest guy in the school and very popr. She had personally bumped into a few urrences ofdies sending him love letters. In the past, her boyfriend was the one who pursued her. When he confessed his love, she almost believed that he had got the date of April Fool¡¯s Day wrong.

    Qiao Nan pinched Fang Fang¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s because of your pure and simple character. I will give you my honest views. Don¡¯t feel unhappy about it. In boy-girl rtionships, your boyfriend should be considered a veteran. Let¡¯s not talk about having surrounded by beauties and not at being tempted at all. Amongst his past girlfriends, perhaps we can¡¯t even finish counting with one hand the number of them whom he had intimate physical contact with. Such are humans. When they beplicated, they will yearn for the existence of purity and innocence. He has seen many people. He can tell what kind of woman you are. Hence, he definitely likes you.¡±

    Listening to how the two of them interact, Qiao Nan dared to conclude that that man was definitely very experienced.

    This was just Fang Fang¡¯s first love. How could she be the match for a ¡®veteran¡¯? Naturally, she would be coaxed and lost. She almost fell out with her biological parents because of this boyfriend.

    ¡°This...¡± Fang Fang¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet. ¡°I... I don¡¯t think so? I didn¡¯t see him having any immoral or ambiguous rtionship with anyone in the school before.¡± Her boyfriend seemed to be quite good and was not the messy kind. ¡°Nan Nan, are you saying these deliberately to frighten me?¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes and looked at Fang Fang with tremendous disdain. ¡°I dare to say that since you are already in the third year of your college studies now, your boyfriend should be quite famous in the school. The problem is that before you are together, you certainly did not pay attention to him and only treated him as an ordinary person. In the past, you wouldn¡¯t even take a few more nces at him when he walked past.¡±

    Different from otherdies who were stunned in their tracks at the sight of handsome men, Fang Fang was neither fazed nor distracted. She was not attracted by members of the opposite gender at all. It was as if she was not a woman.

    ¡°I...¡± Fang Fang could not deny it.

    ¡°Two years ago, you did not even care about his existence. How would you know about his situation? Why don¡¯t we do this? I will lend you my phone. You can call your boyfriend and try to ask him how many girlfriends he had previously.¡¯¡± Qiao Nan was fearless. She did not live forty years of her previous life for nothing.

    She had always been muddleheaded when it came to her mother and Qiao Zijin. Besides that, she was extremely vicious and spot-on when it came to other people¡¯s matters.

    This was ament from Qiao Nan¡¯s colleague in her previous life.

    Fang Fang gritted her teeth. She really made the phone call. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me anything now. I don¡¯t wish to answer them too.¡±

 Chapter 1305 - Pure Love

    <h4>Chapter 1305 Pure Love</h4>

    ¡°However, I have something to ask you. You can choose to answer or not, but I hope that you won¡¯t lie to me. If you are not willing to say it, you can just be silent.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°How many girlfriends did you have before me? Anyone... I am referring to all those whom you have intimate contact with.¡± Fang Fang was pure and simple but not stupid. She had heard about the behavior of many others and was also aware of the existence of something called ¡®one-night stand¡¯ in this world.

    Fang Fang was not that kind of person. After dating, she had never thought that her boyfriend would be such a person.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder today, Fang Fang was not so certain anymore. Hence, she left no means of escape from this issue.

    The other party hesitated for a while. After one minute, he said in a helpless and heartbreaking manner, ¡°Fang Fang, I won¡¯t force you to do so if you don¡¯t want to. We are already in the third year of our studies and are graduating in one year. If you insist, I am willing to wait for you. We can be truly together after we graduate and get married.¡± As for the other matters, Fang Fang didn¡¯t have to care about it. They were all a thing of the ¡®past¡¯.

    Before they dated, he was already aware that Fang Fang was a very chaste woman. He did not expect that his request would make her react so greatly. She nearly dragged him to the register for marriage immediately.

    They were all students. It was really too early to register for marriage.

    His initial thoughts were that he would tell his parents about Fang Fang¡¯s existence when their rtionship was more stable as he truly loved Fang Fang. After they graduated in one and a half years, he could then hold Fang Fang¡¯s hands and walk down the wedding aisle with her, bing the most intimate lovers in the world.

    Wasn¡¯t this a matter of natural course in a romantic rtionship?

    He had thought that his rtionship with Fang Fang was so deep that they had reached this stage. He wanted to ¡®have¡¯ Fang Fang. Didn¡¯t Fang Fang think the same way?

    Fang Fang¡¯s heart was in great pain. From her boyfriend¡¯s words, she knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s guess was possibly right. ¡°If I insist, do you wish to answer me with silence?¡±

    So, the usually gentle and considerate boyfriend who took such good care of her had umted much experience from other women. That was why she was defeated so soon and could have such a wonderful experience.

    This was something that she had never thought of before Nan Nan told her about it.

    The other party took a deep breath and said in an embarrassed and indulgent tone, ¡°There are a few of them but it all happened in the past. I am not fickle-minded. I also don¡¯t have the habit of two-timing. Before I got together with you, I was single. After you agreed to be my girlfriend, I did not have any immoral or ambiguous rtionship with any other girl too. Fang Fang, I am already of this age. It is not strange for me to have dated more than once. I hope that you can understand and don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Bam! Fang Fang hung up the phone emotionally.

    Fang Fang¡¯s face was red in fury. Was she concerned about how many girlfriends he had before? She was concerned about how many he had slept with before!

    When her boyfriend made the request that day, he looked so calm and deeply in love. That ease of dealing with the situation... The more Fang Fang recalled the situation, the more her heart bled.

    She did not have any experience in this area. When she heard her boyfriend¡¯s sudden request, she felt angry, embarrassed, and lost. Hence, she had missed out on many observations.

    Based on his presence of mind that day, it confirmed Nan Nan¡¯s two words: a veteran!

    She reacted so greatly upon hearing him. However, her boyfriend was so calm. He had to be very experienced in order to attain this extent of behavior.

    Based on her understanding of him in this six-month rtionship, Fang Fang could not refuse to admit that when her boyfriend said there were a few, Qiao Nan was possibly right that they could not finish counting the number of women that he had slept with with just one hand.

    Fang Fang was fuming initially. Thereafter, she was badly shaken. She looked as dejected and listless as pickled vegetables and gave out a strange feeling all over her. Qiao Nan held her head in agony. ¡°Fang Fang, you¡¯re not good in your judgment of character. Fortunately, your luck is not bad. That man is quite honest. After all, he didn¡¯t lie to you that he only has one woman. Actually, to a man, there is a possibility of being forgiven if he had one or a few women before. However, in my opinion, to a woman, there is no difference.¡±

    Anyway, she was someone that could not tolerate any unfairness. They were friends. She believed that Fang Fang was of the same opinion.

    Fang Fang opened the towel and covered her tear-stricken face.

    She had thought that she was so fortunate to have immediately met her soul mate in her first love. She had met a dream partner who had fulfilled all her criteria. When she was dating, it simply felt as wonderful as a dream that she could not bear to wake up from.

    Perhaps she had really been bullied and exploited too harshly by Gao Yan when she was a child. Fang Fang wholeheartedly wanted to find a man who was theplete opposite of Gao Yan.

    Gao Yan was very domineering. Whenever he felt that he was doing it for Fang Fang¡¯s good, he would simply decide for Fang Fang without caring about thetter¡¯s will. This boyfriend of hers would not do so. Although he already had ns in mind, he would first consult Fang Fang and seek her views before deciding.

    If they had different views and could not reach a consensus, her boyfriend would amodate Fang Fang and heed her arrangements.

    Many said that youngsters nowadays were the only child. All were mother¡¯s precious darlings who were bad-tempered. Fang Fang¡¯s boyfriend was not like that.

    True enough, a dream was a dream. Regardless of how wonderful it was and how unwilling she was willing to wake up, there was a time where the dream had to end.

    After wiping the tears from her face, Fang Fang sniffed without care for her image, looking so apathetic. ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t know if others find a difference between having one or two women. But to me, there is certainly no difference. He is quite good. It¡¯s just that we may not bepatible.¡± Since they were not suitable for each other, break up then!

    Qiao Nan raised her brows in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve decided so soon? Aren¡¯t you getting along quite well with him? Are you really sure that you want to break up with him immediately because of this? You¡¯re not going tomunicate with him?¡±

    Without Gao Yan¡¯s existence, this man might not be Fang Fang¡¯s best option but he should not be the worst.

    Fang Fang sniffed hard. She lifted her face so that she could hold back the tears that were flowing out again due to Qiao Nan¡¯s words. ¡°I will be responsible for my own happiness. I understand what you mean. Breaking up is the decision that I have made after careful consideration. It¡¯s not something that I decided in the fit of anger.¡±

    Precisely, it was because this was her first love and first boyfriend that she hoped that his rtionship would be perfect. This requirement was too much.

 Chapter 1306 - Who Does San Bao Resemble?

    <h4>Chapter 1306 Who Does San Bao Resemble?</h4>

    Before this conflict, their rtionship waspletely developing ording to her wish.

    The more that was the case, the more she did not give face to Gao Yan in front of the two families¡¯ parents. She rejected Gao Yan determinedly and even had a huge argument with her parents. She insisted to be with this boyfriend.

    Otherwise, why would she be so angry at her parents because of such a man?

    Since all the wonderful matters were just her imagination that did not exist in reality, her insistence had not only be ludicrous but also meaningless.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell that you¡¯re such so idealistic.¡± Qiao Nan was greatly shocked. ¡°After you break up with your boyfriend, do you intend to stop going against your parents¡¯ wish and ept their well-meaning intention for you to be together to Gao Yan?¡± Qiao Nan was purely testing Fang Fang¡¯s reaction with this question.

    Fang Fang finished three cups of kuding tea. ¡°What if I say that I wish to listen to your opinion?¡±

    ¡°Of course you can¡¯t listen!¡± Qiao Nan said without any hesitation. ¡°You must never rush in the matters of the heart. You can¡¯t do that when you are breaking up, the more so when you are deciding to be with someone. Especially Gao Yan. Once you confirm your rtionship with him, I¡¯m afraid that both families¡¯ parents will discuss marriage and having children soon. After ending one rtionship, you can let yourself have a cooling-down period. Although you have broken up with your boyfriend, Gao Yan is not the only man left in this world.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not feel the least burdened to say these words that would ¡®drag down¡¯ Gao Yan.

    The one that she was biased toward had always been Fang Fang and not Gao Yan.

    If Gao Yan was better than that man, she did not mind helping Fang Fang find that man¡¯s shorings. If the two of them had a stable, strong, and infallible rtionship in the future, she would not be a viin.

    Fortunately, before Qiao Nan could do much, this rtionship was going to end without any known cause after Fang Fang discovered her boyfriend¡¯s past.

    When a woman replied so decisively on such a matter, it just meant that the couple¡¯s rtionship was not stable enough. Their feelings for each other were not so deep. Otherwise, although there was a knot in Fang Fang¡¯s heart, she would not decide to break up so swiftly without much hesitation.

    On one hand, Fang Fang had broken up. On the other hand, Qiao Nan was holding on to Fang Fang with all her might. She was deeply fearful that Fang Fang would again drop into a deep pit such as Gao Yan and could not climb out of it.

    Once these two people were together, there would be great implications. After all, both of their families had long harbored this idea.

    ¡°Fang Fang, both your rtionship and life belongs to you. It¡¯s not that you must find one that you like. But it has to be someone that you feel that you feelfortable spending your life with, and one that will make you smile most of the time. If none of these two points can be fulfilled, life will be meaningless. From what you have said previously, I think you have a ce in Gao Yan¡¯s heart. He was foolish to have used the wrong ways to attract your attention in the second year of junior high school studies. No one can be certain that he will definitely know how to take care of you now. What if he only loves you but cannot take care of you in the specific matters of your life? It will be useless then no matter how deeply he loves you. Unless both of you always stay in a tonic rtionship, I don¡¯t rmend that you ept Gao Yan¡¯s love.¡±

    To Qiao Nan, no amount of feelings couldplete with ¡®carrying on with life¡¯.

    Qiao Nan sat beside Fang Fang and gave her a warm hug. ¡°Fang Fang, perhaps my mindset is a little more mature and different from that of the typical youngsters. I need a more practical life and a lover who can hold up the sky for me, whom I can work together with and be understanding and forgiving to each other. Love is too illusionary. It is not wrong for us to be more realistic in life.¡±

    Fang Fang leaned on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and cried again until she lost her voice. ¡°Nan Nan, I have let you down. I deliberately asked you that question just now. Actually, I was suspicious of you. I thought that you... you are helping Gao Yan. Sorry. Sorry... H-how could I misunderstand and doubt you? You¡¯re so good to me.¡±

    This was Fang Fang¡¯s true thoughts. She could totally feel Qiao Nan¡¯s sincere care and concern for her from thetter¡¯s simple and unadorned words.

    Qiao Nan did not agree for her to be together with Gao Yan after she broke up. In addition, she reminded her a few times to take her own feelings seriously and maintain a distance with Gao Yan so that she would not sell herself in the fit of anger.

    She could tell from Qiao Nan¡¯s every word that thetter ced her happiness as the priority. Certainly, this could not be a pretense.

    Fang Fang even felt that in terms of choosing a future partner, Qiao Nan cared more about her feelings than her parents. It was truly for her own good.

    She did not need many of such good friends. Having one was already the most fortunate happening in her life.

    Fang Fang, who was full of self-me,pletely did not discover that the person hugging her had a moment of guilt after hearing her words.

    Indeed, Fang Fang¡¯s happiness was Qiao Nan¡¯s main concern. However, Qiao Nan did not have the confidence to say that she was not biased toward Gao Yan at all.

    Without Gao Yan, she would not talk ¡®nonsense¡¯. Without her participation, the ¡®shoring¡¯ that could not be tolerated in Fang Fang¡¯s first love would be harder for Fang Fang to ept in the future.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes swirled. She said embarrassedly, ¡°Don¡¯t cry. You will be dehydrated after crying for so long. Drink tea. You should drink more tea. Kuding tea is cooling and especially good for you.¡± After finishing her words, at the sight that there was not much kuding tea left, Qiao Nan took the teapot, ran to the kitchen, and snatched the auntie¡¯s job of preparing a new pot of tea.

    When she came out of the kitchen, San Bao dumped her toy and ran toward her. She held onto Qiao Nan¡¯s calves and refused to let go. ¡°Mom, hug.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who could not move her legs, could only pass the tea to the auntie. She carried her precious daughter and sat beside Fang Fang again.

    Once Qiao Nan¡¯s buttock hit the sofa, odd enough, San Bao¡¯s chubby body flipped in an agile manner andnded itself by her side. She even deliberately sat in the middle of Qiao Nan and Fang Fang. She then turned her body and tried to hug her mother¡¯s waist with her arms. She was full of jealousy!

    Earlier, she had seen this strange auntie hugging her mother constantly.

    Her mother belonged to her and her two brothers. She could not let anyone snatch her away!

    As she thought about it, San Bao felt especially unjustified. She was ring at Fang Fang. ¡°Cry, shame, shame. I... I didn¡¯t cry!¡± Having said that, San Bao lifted her chest and expressed that she was much more obedient than this strange auntie. She did not even cry but the strange auntie was not embarrassed to cry for so long. She was such a shame.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry at her daughter¡¯s domineering ways. She carried her and gave her a kiss. ¡°Auntie cried because she is feeling upset. Won¡¯t San Bao console auntie? Auntie is Mom¡¯s good friend.¡±

    Everyone said that San Bao looked exactly like her and did not resemble Brother Zhai at all.

    Today, she had finally discovered something that resembled Brother Zhai: San Bao¡¯s jealousy. She had truly inherited this from Brother Zhai.

 Chapter 1307 - Embarrassed When Trying to Gain Favor

    <h4>Chapter 1307 Embarrassed When Trying to Gain Favor</h4>

    Didn¡¯t she see that both Da Bao and Er Bao were still calm andposed and holding on to their toys?

    After hearing her mother¡¯s words, San Bao¡¯s gradually thickening eyebrows knitted like two little worms. Her twisted face looked like she had been put in a very difficult position.

    At the sight of San Bao¡¯s awkward and troubled look, Fang Fang¡¯s mood miraculously improved.

    After some time, San Bao forced out a sigh of exasperation. She twisted her chubby body, turned over, and gave Fang Fang a gentle hug. Oh! Oh! She even imitated the way her mother usually consoled her and consoled Fang Fang. ¡°D-don¡¯t cry... Candy?!¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. She took out candy from the little pocket in her shirt and put it into Fang Fang¡¯s hand.

    After knowing that she had ¡®wronged¡¯ Qiao Nan, Fang Fang felt so much better. Fang Fang was stunned after epting the candy from San Bao. She held up the candy with her hand and asked Qiao Nan, ¡°What does this mean? San Bao¡¯s heart is aching for me because I cried? So, she gave me candy to console me?¡± However, San Bao¡¯s expression did not seem to reflect this.

    Qiao Nan smiled as she carried the cheeky and entric San Bao. ¡°Isn¡¯t this exactly what San Bao meant? Didn¡¯t you hear her say that she didn¡¯t even cry but you did? Shameful. San Bao is more obedient than you.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s ability to lie through one¡¯s teeth was getting better and better, especially after she gave birth to the triplets.

    No matter what, as the biological mother, she had to help her three children mediate any dispute.

    San Bao nodded and supported her mother. ¡°Yes, me, very obedient.¡± Having said that, San Bao reached out her chubby hands toward her mother and requested a kiss as a reward.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes turned into heart shapes. She held her daughter¡¯s face and kissed it with all her might. ¡°Such an adorable daughter. Which family does she belong to?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡¯s!¡± San Bao said it loudly and clearly. Her little face was red. She was so proud yet afraid. She then leaned into her mother¡¯s arms and refused toe out.

    At the sight of San Bao receiving kisses, Da Bao and Er Bao could not endure any further. They also dumped their toys and ran toward Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was not stingy. There was absolutely no favoritism as she kissed all of them. Children¡¯s faces were chubby, soft, and smooth. At that moment, Qiao Nan vaguely had an illusion of taking advantage of ¡®other people¡¯s husband¡¯ and ¡®other people¡¯s wife¡¯.

    At the sight that the three children were so close to Qiao Nan, especially with all the kisses, Fang Fang was so tempted. ¡°Qiao Nan, can you let me kiss San Bao?¡± When she was herest time, Fang Fang very much wished to be close to the three children. Unfortunately, they were very ¡®cunning¡¯ and did not let Fang Fang take advantage of them at all.

    After thinking about it, Fang Fang felt that it could be because they were given birth to by Qiao Nan. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, they also had solid intelligence.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were boys. As such, they did not ept her as they might not like to y with girls. Nevertheless, San Bao was a girl. It should be fine for her to kiss San Bao.

    Taking into ount that Fang Fang had just fallen out of love, Qiao Nan generously ¡®gift¡¯ her daughter. ¡°San Bao, auntie cried because she was upset. San Bao is a good girl. You have to console auntie. Can you let auntie give you a kiss?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not agree directly. On the contrary, she seemed to be seriously discussing it with the one-year-old San Bao.

    San Bao blinked her big eyes. ¡°You be obedient?¡±

    Fang Fang did not understand San Bao at first. However, this did not stop her from reacting subconsciously. ¡°I am obedient!¡±

    San Bao nodded and turned her cheek toward Fang Fang: We had agreed. I would let you give me a kiss. Next time, do notpete with me for my mother. You must be obedient.

    Fang Fangpletely did not know that this kiss was akin to ¡®selling off¡¯ Qiao Nan.

    She carefully bent and gently gave San Bao a kiss on her face. It was so nice-smelling and soft and the feeling was wonderful. There was also a fragrance of milk. Fang Fang asked with surprise and curiosity, ¡°Is San Bao still drinking milk? She smells of milk.¡±

    ¡°She will drink a little every day.¡± After carrying San Bao, who pounced on her, Qiao Nan replied, ¡°Now that you are in a better mood, do you intend to return to school or go home to take a look?¡± The school term had not ended. Fang Fang did not want to fail her subjects and retake the examination as soon as school reopened next year.

    Fang Fang pouted. ¡°I¡¯d better go back to school. My parents don¡¯t know that I am back. If they really find out about it, they may be worried. ¡°Anyway, her parents did not approve of her current rtionship. Now that she had broken up, her parents would definitely be very happy to know this.

    Fang Fang had decided to go back. Qiao Nan did not want Fang Fang to run away from the problem either. She only asked her to stay for dinner and then personally sent her off at the airport.

    When Qiao Nan returned to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she was surprised to see Gao Yan at her mother-inw¡¯s ce. ¡°Where did youe from?¡± That was quick. Fang Fang had just left and Gao Yan came soon after.

    After looking behind Qiao Nan, Gao Yan looked very disappointed. ¡°Fang Fang went back so soon? Did Fang Fang tell you why she came back this time? I am so stupid. Fang Fang only looked for you and no one else, not even her parents. She must have told you something. I wish to know.¡±

    What matter could make Fang Fang put aside her studies and everything else and rush back to the capital? ¡°It must be quite a serious matter, right? Otherwise, Fang Fang would not do such a thing given her character. Aren¡¯t you good friends with Fang Fang? Why didn¡¯t you ask her to stay longer and console her?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a sip of water. It was winter and the weather was very dry. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Of course, I have consoled Fang Fang well before sending her back to school. You should understand from Fang Fang¡¯s attitude. In her heart, her friend is much better than you, the childhood sweetheart.¡±

    Looking at Gao Yan¡¯s sullen face, whichpletely did not have the smartness and cunningness while doing business, Qiao Nan was also in a fix. ¡°Gao Yan, I heard that you have a lot of female fans in Peking University. Why do you always do badly in front of Fang Fang? It¡¯s such a horrible sight to see. Where is your emotional intelligence? Has it been eaten by a dog?¡±

    Having been derided by a youngdy in this way, Gao Yan almost could not contain his expression. Well, he wanted to marry a wife. After being derided, he still had to respond to Qiao Nan¡¯s question in a nice and polite manner. ¡°I know that I have done... it wrongly when I was young. I wish to be good to Fang Fang but she doesn¡¯t ept it.¡±

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Gao Yan had really changed. He knew that Fang Fang liked gentle and caring men because of his influence during childhood.

    Hence, Gao Yan eagerly changed his character to be one that Fang Fang liked. He was very gentle to her.

    Who would have known that Fang Fang simply asked Gao Yan if he had been possessed by ghosts, whether he wished to bully her again or was harboring any ill-intention of taking revenge at her for rejecting his marriage proposal previously?

    At that time, Gao Yan¡¯s face turned all ck upon hearing Fang Fang¡¯s words.

    This was such an embarrassing matter. Gao Yan did not even mention it to his own biological parents, let alone Qiao Nan, an outsider.

 Chapter 1308 - Give You a Moment of Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 1308 Give You a Moment of Happiness</h4>

    However, it was also because of this matter that Gao Yan found out how poor his image was in Fang Fang¡¯s heart. At most, he only spoke a little softer, asked her where she would like to go for a meal, and whether she preferred Chinese or Western cuisine. However, Fang Fang also suspected that he had been possessed by a ghost or had an ulterior motive.

    Qiao Nan turned her face away. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. You have to settle this matter on your own. If I help you in everything... Is it me or you who will eventually marry Fang Fang? Without you, there are still many other men avable.¡± She had already created an opportunity for Gao Yan. If Gao Yan could not even seed, he did not deserve to marry Fang Fang.

    In short, a gooddy like Fang Fang did not need to worry about being left on the shelves.

    If Gao Yan was not capable, he should quickly give up. Why was there a need to burden others as well as himself?

    Gao Yan gritted his teeth. ¡°Are you spurring me on?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to fall into the trap then?¡± The childhood phobia had impacted Fang Fang deeply. Qiao Nan wanted to test how much patience Gao Yan had for Fang Fang. If he did not have a lot of patience, he would eventually dispel thoughts of being together with Fang Fang. If he had enough patience, Qiao Nan felt that it was still possible between this young couple.

    Gao Yan smiled bitterly. ¡°No wonder Fang Fang is so close to you.¡± On the contrary, Fang Fang refuted everything that he said although he grew up with her. She was extraordinarily stubborn.

    Qiao Nan did not have the patience to listen to such words from Gao Yan. ¡°Are you proud that she is closer to me? That should be something that I am proud of. On the ount that you have taken two sks of kuding tea that day, I¡¯ll tell you the good news. After the end of today, you won¡¯t have any rival-in-love for the time being. If you are so stupid to let that mane in between and snatch Fang Fang away again, don¡¯te and look for me anymore.¡±

    After dealing Gao Yan with enough blows, Qiao Nan generously stuffed a sweet into his mouth.

    True enough, as soon as he heard that, Gao Yan seemed to have been injected with chicken blood. His hair that was down previously stood up. ¡°What do you mean by I don¡¯t have a rival-in-love for the time being? Is it what I am thinking of?¡± Fang Fang had broken up with that man? However, when she saw Fang Fangst time, Fang Fang and that man still seemed to be on quite good terms.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Gao Yan. ¡°Act dumb.¡± This was a gifted student of Peking University. Although hispany was not operating on arge scale yet, he was a promising CEO. He was ying dumb before her. Meaningless.

    After confirming that the truth was aligned with his thoughts, Gao Yan sped his hands excitedly. ¡°This news is not fake, right? Yes, it must not be. Why would Fang Fang lie to you? It must be true. Why did they break up? Forget it. It¡¯s better that I don¡¯t know. As long as this is the oue¡ªno, do you want to remind me what wrong that man did to annoy Fang Fang, lest Imit the same mistake next time?¡±

    Fang Fang had broken up with that man. This would mean that his opportunity wasing.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know why.¡± Qiao Nan did not wish to remind Gao Yan about this at all. She wanted to see how true Gao Yan was toward Fang Fang. If Gao Yan¡¯s feelings for Fang Fang were real, it was the same whether to give this reminder or not. If it was not true enough, this was a good chance to make Gao Yan give uppletely on Fang Fang and not pester her anymore.

    Gao Yan always believed that Qiao Nan was his ally and advisor, and Qiao Nan had helped him a lot on this matter.

    However, he did not know at all that before he could turn his head, Qiao Nan immediately thought of dragging him down and distancing him from Fang Fang.

    ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, can uncle y with you?¡± The ted Gao Yan squatted in front of Da Bao and Er Bao to express that he would like to y with them so as to repay the help from their mother.

    After taking a nce at Gao Yan, Da Bao and Er Bao turned away their faces in disdain.

    This person was already so old, yet he still wanted to y with them?

    It was uncertain why but both Fang Fang and Gao Yan did not gain the triplet¡¯s favor. asionally, the triplets were still willing to touch the toys given by Gao Yan. However, they did not know that these items were from him at all.

    The triplets had never agreed to let Gao Yan y with them.

    In fact, the triplets usually had fun on their own. Hence, they did not really like adults to y with them. Although they liked to pester their mother, at most, they just wished that their mother was by their side, watching them y.

    Toward people that they did not like or were unfamiliar with, the triplets were not willing to bother about them.

    This was the first time that Gao Yan met with such a situation. He evenughed that other families¡¯ children were very easy to kidnap, but not these three children of Qiao Nan. They were too difficult to cajole.

    ¡°Alright, my family¡¯s triplets don¡¯t need you to y with them. Do whatever you need to. Also, reflect on yourself properly. If you really miss this opportunity, don¡¯t ever step into my house again.¡± She was never on very close terms with Gao Yan. It was all because of Fang Fang that she and Gao Yan had a little interaction.

    If the two of them did not sessfully be a couple, Gao Yan should visit the Tian family¡¯s residence instead. This did not have anything to do with the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan did not give Gao Yan face but he did not take issue on this. At this very moment, he was totally struck by the news of Fang Fang falling out of love. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t disturb you anymore then. I will look for uncle and auntie to have a meal.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan responded. Obviously, Gao Yan was not willing to give up on gaining his inw¡¯s favor.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. Due to Fang Fang and Gao Yan¡¯s matter, Qiao Nan could not help but think of someone else: Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan hardly contacted the Qiao family. At most, she would make a call home once a month. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang had to be the one taking the phone call each time.

    Precisely because of this, Qiao Nan heard that Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun, who were married and gave birth to a child in their previous life, had broken up. Chen Jun had spent so much money on Qiao Zijin but he did not recoup any of his losses in the end.

    If Qiao Zijin really wished to be with Chen Jun, Qiao Nan felt that given the Chen family¡¯s situation, they could still satisfy Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s materialistic needs. With such a good son-inw like Chen Jun, and Qiao Zijin being her mother¡¯s favorite daughter, her mother would look for Qiao Zijin to settle any matters in the future.

    Now that the two had broken up, Qiao Nan was especially concerned about Qiao Zijin¡¯s future marriage.

    She was not concerned about the type of man that Qiao Zijin would look for in the future. She was troubled that her mother and Qiao Zijin would plot something on her.

    ¡°Mom, hungry.¡± San Bao rubbed her little tummy and pounced into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. She pulled Qiao Nan back to reality from her thoughts.

    Qiao Nan carried San Bao¡¯s heavy and sturdy body. ¡°Is San Bao feeling hungry? Are Da Bao and Er Bao also feeling hungry?¡±

 Chapter 1309 - Trying the Wedding Gown

    <h4>Chapter 1309 Trying the Wedding Gown</h4>

    ¡°Um, Um.¡± Da Bao and Er Bao nodded honestly. They were hungry after ying for some time. Especially after they smelled the fragrance of the rice and dishes, their little tummies felt even hungrier.

    Qiao Nan could not help butugh from her heart at the sight of how gluttony her children looked. ¡°Come, Mom will bring you to wash your hands. We will eat thereafter.¡± The three children held their hands and followed Qiao Nan. After entering the restroom, they obediently let Qiao Nan carry them onto the small stool, squeezed a slippery thing on them, rubbed out many bubbles, and washed them clean.

    The triplets were already used to this hand-washing routine. They did not fight or argue with each other. Besides the one washing the hands, the other two would wait by the side, pushing and kissing each other,ughing happily.

    After Qiao Nan finished washing their hands until they were clean and nice-smelling, Da Bao and Er Bao did not need Qiao Nan to hold their hands. They would run out first to let the auntie carry them to their respective high stool chairs and wait for their meal.

    On the contrary, the most impatient San Bao would insist Qiao Nan hold her hands and sit beside her so that she could feed her.

    In the blink of an eye, it was almost the end of the year.

    In fact, Qiao Nan had almostpleted her studies. She had passed all her thesis and stuff. She had also obtained enough credits for her studies.

    If not for the sake of taking care of the triplets, having to spend a great deal of time and effort, given Qiao Nan¡¯s ability, she could have graduated with a double degree in flying colors.

    However, as a mother, the happiness and achievement of watching her children grow up healthily every day, from carrying in the arms to bing little monkeys who ran all around, were much more important than a graduation certificate.

    ¡°San Bao, does auntie look good wearing this?¡± It was the end of the year and nearing the marriage day between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong. Qiao Nan and the triplets were keeping Zhai Huapany while thetter chose her bridal gown and tea ceremony dress.

    ¡°Are you sure about wearing a white bridal gown?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua¡¯s back view. She felt that this was a little difficult.

    Unlike westerndies, Asiandies were not typically tall. However, nothing was absolute. Zhai Hua was taller than mostdies. It was not too much to describe her as a tower amongst the crowd. Even if she was in the army, it was hard to drown Zhai Hua under normal circumstances given such height of hers.

    Each time she looked at how tall Zhai Hua was, Qiao Nan could not help feeling happy and d for Zhai Hua that Tian Dong, who was marrying her, was even taller.

    Precisely due to this, a bridal gown that typicaldies found too long actually seemed a little too short on Zhai Hua. At a nce, Qiao Nan was afraid that Zhai Hua would reveal the ankles, let alone the shoes.

    However, at the sight of Zhai Hua looking so happy, Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Hua very much wished to wear a pure white bridal gown during her wedding.

    Following Qiao Nan¡¯s line of sight, Zhai Hua lowered her head andughed as she looked at her instep. ¡°Given this height of mine, it won¡¯t fit me very well unless it is custom-made.¡± Since a young age, her height was above average. After puberty, any man of the average height would look like a dwarf before her.

    After encountering more of such situations, Zhai Hua hadpletely taken this in stride.

    ¡°San Bao, is it pretty?¡± Zhai Hua lifted the hem of her skirt and turned one round in front of San Bao. San Bao was the only girl among the triplets. Hence, Zhai Hua felt that San Bao could understand her own feelings most. Certainly, San Bao had higher appreciation standards than Da Bao and Er Bao.

    True enough, San Bao blinked her eyes, held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, and shouted for her mother in a sweet and delicate voice. That tone was so sweet that one could make candy floss from it.

    Qiao Nan pinched her little daughter¡¯s face. ¡°Do you want to wear it too?¡± San Bao was so young and was already so vain.

    San Bao¡¯s little face nudged Qiao Nan¡¯s knees and she kept shouting ¡®mom¡¯.

    Fine, she did not say anything else. If Qiao Nan could not understand what her daughter meant, Qiao Nan could not call herself a mother. Hence, Qiao Nan looked for the store assistant and sought her help to find a small gown for San Bao to wear.

    Of course, when San Bao received something, Da Bao and Er Bao would as well. San Bao had a little wedding gown while Da Bao and Er Bao naturally wore tuxedos. While looking at these items, Qiao Nan did not feel the least burdened. One had to know that all of Zhai Sheng¡¯s money was with her.

    Watching helplessly as Qiao Nan brought the three children into the changing room, Zhai Hua blinked her eyes in disbelief. ¡°Am I or the triplets getting married?¡± Shouldn¡¯t they help her confirm the bridal gown first?

    When San Bao shyly and obediently allowed her mother to hold her hands and came out in her little gown, her face as red as a little apple, all of Zhai Hua¡¯s grievances vanished. She was too adorable. Zhai Hua could not care less about her slightly tight-fitting dress. She squatted down, wanting to carry San Bao. ¡°Oh, my goodness! Such a beautiful child. Whose family is she from? San Bao, can you let auntie give you a kiss?¡±

    San Baoughed and refused to let Zhai Hua kiss her. She ran behind her mother and peeped at Zhai Hua from behind.

    San Bao was not the only one who was as cute and beautiful as little gremlins. After changing to the little tuxedos, Da Bao and Er Bao were both adorable and suave, looking very much like gentlemen.

    However, most of the usual clothes that Qiao Nan prepared for the triplets werefortable ones. This was the first time that Da Bao and Er Bao wore little tuxedos. They were thus not very used to wearing them. They kept twisting their necks as if the cor was prickling them and making them feel ufortable.

    ¡°No one can bepared to these three children of our family, indeed.¡± Zhai Hua said proudly. She sounded as if she was the one who gave birth to them.

    Besides Zhai Hua, the store assistants in the wedding gown shop were also smitten by the triplets¡¯ adorable manners. ¡°These three babies are so cute. Are they of the same age? Triplets?¡± The store assistant heard that their names were Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao. Hence, she made a guess.

    The three children did notpletely look alike. Nevertheless, there was a great resemnce between them. At one nce, one could tell that they were deeply rted by blood.

    ¡°They are so beautiful. Can you let me take some photographs of them?¡± Photographers were always present in a wedding shop. When a good photographer sighted good photography targets, that excited look was not any less than that of a veteran wine lover who finally encountered a fifty-year-old good wine.

    These were such adorable children. The photographer was so tempted. He very much wanted to capture the lively and lovely mannerism of these three children and could not wait to let the whole world know that such adorable children existed in China.

    ¡°Sure...¡± Zhai Hua agreed. The triplets were so good-looking. There was nothing bad to take a few more photographs to keep them as memoirs. When they grew up, she could take them out for the triplets to see how they looked like when they were young.

 Chapter 1310 - Sister Is Always Righ

    <h4>Chapter 1310 Sister Is Always Righ</h4>

    Qiao Nan declined. ¡°Sorry, our children don¡¯t have a need for this for the time being. Also, if you have taken any photographs, please don¡¯t disclose any of them to others.¡± Qiao Nan was more clear-minded than Zhai Hua. The French windows beside the main entrance door had been set up as exhibition disy panels. The photographs hung on them were enough to tell it all.

    This photographer did not purely want to take triplets¡¯ photographs. Perhaps he even wished to exhibit the photographs to attract more customers to the store.

    It was inappropriate for Qiao Nan to intervene in how others managed their sales and business. However, if they were to use such means on her children, Qiao Nan would not agree. After all, all the rtives of the triplet¡¯s grandfather had special and sensitive identities.

    Although the children were still young, it was still not appropriate to expose them in this way.

    Zhai Hua had agreed to such a foolish request in a moment of folly. She was overwhelmed by joy while trying the bridal gowns today. Once Qiao Nan declined, Zhai Hua immediately calmed down. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not much of an issue to take photographs. However, the photographs of our family¡¯s three children must not be revealed to others. We can¡¯t disy it there too.¡± Zhai Hua pointed to the exhibition panels.

    The photographer was in a fix. ¡°These three children are so good-looking... Don¡¯t worry. We definitely won¡¯t use your photographs for free. We will waive all the expenses for you today. If you¡¯re willing to, we can discuss the remuneration.¡±

    The photographer had a hunch that if he were to put up these three children¡¯s photographs, it could definitely lead his career to greater heights. He could even participate in apetition and perhaps win himself a prized trophy to expand his reputation.

    Certainly, the photographer was not only yearning to take photographs of the triplets. He wanted to let the whole world know of such a wonderful existence. Otherwise, it would be meaningless to hide the shine of the bright pearls. ¡°Madam, I feel that you should consider this carefully. Actually, one has to take the opportunity to gain fame as early as possible in one¡¯s life. This matter may be a good start for the children¡¯s future.¡±

    Weren¡¯t celebrities very popr nowadays?

    These three children were very good-looking now. Looking at the face of their mother, he dared to bet that they would not look bad after they grew up. The children would be very popr. It was also not a difficult matter for this young mother to enter that circle.

    Zhai Hua narrowed her eyes, exuding an aura of dominance. She was as cold as the frost. ¡°Our family doesn¡¯t need this.¡±

    Qiao Nan could tell that Zhai Hua was angry. Although Qiao Nan was also not too happy, today was a good day for Zhai Hua. There was no need to spoil the mood because of this. ¡°Alright, Sister Zhai Hua. We definitely can¡¯t agree to this. I don¡¯t think this gown suits you well. Why don¡¯t you try on another one?¡±

    Zhai Hua was a little reluctant. She had wanted to give that photographer a warning.

    In fact, when Zhai Hua revealed that fierce look of hers, that photographer was as frightened as a quail. He nearly shrank his neck and head into his clothing.

    Unexpectedly, the bride who wore such a pure white bridal gown did not give him the feeling that she was the most beautiful woman today. On the contrary, she gave him the illusion that she was the reincarnation of a female king killer.

    Tsk! What a fierce woman. How could she possibly get married? Which man was so selfless to be the white knight and saved all the men in the world? Thanks to him, he could dodge the cmity.

    Soon after, the ¡®warrior¡¯ that the photographer was curious about walked in, wearing a high-end white western suit. He had a straight posture and long and straight legs. He came in at a tearing pace, carrying the style of an elite of society. Besides drawing attention with his outstanding charisma and handsome face that could make a woman¡¯s heart flutter, people paid more attention to the extremely long white bridal gown that he was holding in his hands.

    Although the gown was ced in a huge bag, the hem of it could be seen from time to time due to its length. The shine of the pearl-studded hem was dazzling. It was enough to make any woman who saw it feel stunned and swept away by its beauty.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, where is Hua Hua?¡± Tian Dong had spent a lot of time and energy to find people to rush out this custom-made bridal gown. The most terrible thing was that when Tian Dong wanted to give Zhai Hua a surprise by personally bringing over this newlypleted gown, he was stuck in a traffic jam. Later on, Tian Dong actually left his car and ran over with his two legs.

    ¡°Rest assured. Sister Zhai Hua doesn¡¯t know anything. I was cajoling her to try the bridal gowns.¡± Qiao Nan asked Tian Dong to ease his mind. She even requested the store assistant to bring Tian Dong a cup of water. ¡°Look at you. Do you want to wash your face first?¡±

    ¡°No need. I will use a tissue to wipe it.¡± Tian Dong did not want to miss another good chance to give Zhai Hua the pleasant surprise.

    Zhai Hua was tall and she had a lean and muscr figure. Hence, it was very difficult for her to find a suitable ordinary bridal gown. Zhai Hua was a very simple person. During such times, she did not have another thought but Tian Dong did.

    After knowing that Zhai Hua wished to wear a white bridal gown for the wedding, Tian Dong quickly looked for his former schoolmate from the design faulty, who also came back from abroad, to personally design a bridal gown for Zhai Hua. He even increased the payment and requested his schoolmate to find someone good at making gowns. Under the pretext of working overtime but not affecting the quality of the gown, the person had to quickly rush the gown out.

    Putting aside the high cost of this piece of bridal gown, such thoughtful gesture and sincerity of Tian Dong was enough to make a woman feel touched.

    Fortunately, heaven helps those who are faithful. When Zhai Hua came out wearing another piece of bridal gown, the first person that she saw was not Qiao Nan but Tian Dong, this future husband. ¡°You¡¯re finally here. You arete for more than one... What is this?¡± Zhai Hua was not blind. On the contrary, she had perfect eyesight. Of course, it was impossible for her to miss such a big bag of item in Tian Dong¡¯s hands.

    With three children queuing behind her, Qiao Nan resigned to fate as she took the bridal gown from Tian Dong, who was in a daze at the sight of Zhai Hua, and tucked it into Zhai Hua¡¯s arms. ¡°Actually, this is the bridal gown that you will be wearing on your wedding day. Tian Dong specially found someone to custom-make it. It must be suitable. Go and try it on.¡±

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Tian Dong¡¯s amusing behavior was an example of this saying.

    ¡°Mom, pretty.¡± San Bao did not care that much. She had finally worn the pretty dress that she was fond of. San Bao was so beautiful. She was behaving like a butterfly, twisting and turning her skirt in front of Da Bao, Er Bao, and her mother. The funny thing was that San Bao seemed so happy with herself that she stopped after every few turns and happilyughed out loud thereafter. She would then continue to spin until she received the affirmation and support of Qiao Nan and the rest.

    Da Bao and Er Bao doted on their younger sister very much. Whatever she said was right. Hence, the two of them were very supportive, nodding continuously to express how beautiful she looked. Although in their eyes, there was no difference between this dress and the other dress that she previously wore.

 Chapter 1311 - The Qiao Family Is Here Again

    <h4>Chapter 1311 The Qiao Family Is Here Again</h4>

    If Da Bao were to tell the truth, he felt that the earlier dress worn by his sister was prettier. It had colors while this one did not. Hence, this one was not so nice.

    Qiao Nan waved at the three children toe to her side and fed them with water. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, do you feel very ufortable wearing these clothes?¡±

    Da Bao moved his neck and nodded honestly.

    At the sight of his elder brother nodding, Er Bao also followed suit.

    Qiao Nan was surprised. She wrapped her arms over Da Bao and Er Bao and opened their cors to take a look. Fortunately, their skin was still intact. However, there were a few small and thin scratches on their fair and tender skin. It was probably because they felt ufortable and had scratched their necks.

    Qiao Nan let out a sigh. ¡°Since it¡¯s notfortable, let¡¯s change them.¡± Qiao Nan quickly brought Da Bao and Er Bao to change their clothes back into the original ones that they wore earlier. After changing, the pair of brothers smiled happily. They were in such a good mood that they even ran and hopped around in the hall.

    Looking at the pair of brothers¡¯ reactions, Qiao Nan could not help eximing that boys and girls were really different. San Bao was so young but she could already appreciate pretty things. This was a surprise to her. As for her other two children, it did not matter what they wore as long as they feltfortable.

    When Zhai Hua came out, the triplets stopped ying with the toys in their hands. They looked pleasantly shocked and surprised at the sight of Zhai Hua. ¡°Auntie, pretty!¡± San Bao pped her hands. This time, she praised Zhai Hua without the need for thetter to ask.

    ¡°R-really?¡± Zhai Hua felt that the gown was a little tight. She was even stuttering when she spoke. She peeped at Tian Dong from time to time to observe his reaction. When she saw Tian Dong staring at her in a daze, looking like a block of wood, her expression turned stiff. ¡°Even San Bao praised me for looking pretty. What do you mean by this expression? Don¡¯t forget that you are the one who brought this bridal gown.¡±

    Poof! Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t get angry first. Even San Bao said that you look pretty. How can Tian Dong not have any reaction? I think he has been stunned by your beauty.¡± When Zhai Hua was wearing that not-so-nice bridal gown earlier, Tian Dong was already bedazzled. This gown was specially custom-made for Zhai Hua and certainly fitted her better.

    Qiao Nan felt that it was not strange at all that Tian Dong was bedazzled once again.

    When Qiao Nan wasughing, San Bao could not help going near Zhai Hua. She reached out her chubby hands and carefully touched Zhai Hua¡¯s dress. ¡°Pretty.¡± The beads on the gown were a little shiny but not too bright. It was especially good-looking.

    ¡°Um, um.¡± Da Bao and Er Bao supported San Bao¡¯s views again. Their sister was always right.

    At this moment, Zhai Hua was very satisfied. She looked at herself in the mirror again and again. ¡°Does it really look good? Even the triplets praised me.¡±

    Zhai Hua was more masculine and she did not like to grow long hair. It was very seldom that she wore dresses. Sometimes, the triplets, who had just learned how to speak, could not help calling her ¡®uncle¡¯ instead of ¡®auntie¡¯.

    Zhai Hua would also have moments of pique regarding this.

    Finally, the triplets had taste and said that she was pretty. How could Zhai Hua not feel smug and satisfied? ¡°I also feel that this bridal gown is much better than the one earlier. Dongzi, where did you buy it from? It¡¯s very suitable and not short at all. The other parts of the gown fit me well too. It¡¯s as if it is custom-made based on my figure.¡± Looking at how pretty she looked, Zhai Hua felt so happy at heart.

    Look. She was not only a woman but also a beautiful one.

    Dongzi had liked her since she was a child. He had kept the wedding proposal ring by his side for ten years. There were reasons for these. Dongzi was not blind to be fond of her. One should say that Dongzi had a discerning sense of judgment. He could tell that she was a ssic beauty after properly dolling up herself.

    When she saw Zhai Hua feeling pretty, Qiao Nan very kindly did not remind Zhai Hua that besides initialment when the triplets certainly praised Zhai Hua for looking good, they were subsequently only praising the bridal gown.

    ¡°Tian Dong, you have found the right person. He¡¯s quite reliable. This gown is not bad.¡± Qiao Nan had also worn such a beautiful bridal gown during her marriage. It did not happen too long ago. Qiao Nan had been keeping the gown properly. Since San Bao liked bridal gowns so much, Qiao Nan felt that she could take it out for San Bao to see when she grew up.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes lit up. No matter how tough a woman was, she would be a little woman when she met a man who truly doted on and protected her.

    Zhai Hua looked a little shy. ¡°You specially got someone to custom-made it for me? Why didn¡¯t I know? I didn¡¯t hear anything about it either. Did the two of you gang up to keep this from me?¡±

    Qiao Nan lifted both her hands and surrendered. ¡°It did not have anything to do with me. Tian Dong was the one who said he wanted to give you a surprise. I agreed as I think that it would work.¡±

    Zhai Hua pouted and mumbled. ¡°Hmmph. You have a lot of tricks. You learned all of these when you were overseas, right?¡± Zhai Hua knew that couples abroad could be very romantic when they were dating.

    If it were in the past, Zhai Hua would scoff at this. Now, she had benefited personally from this. Well. Zhai Hua expressed that some of the habits from abroad were not just guileful but were asionally good too.

    As a conservative Chinese, she should absorb the positive aspects and discard the negative ones from these practices abroad, not blindly rejecting them all.

    Tian Dong, who had regained his senses, smiled. ¡°It¡¯s more important that you like it. It does not matter where I learned it from.¡±

    Tian Dong had always known that the Zhai family was daring and progressive. Nevertheless, they were still conservative and old-fashioned in some aspects. As such, he had sought Qiao Nan¡¯s views in this prior to doing this. He wanted advice on whether this was appropriate and whether Zhai Hua would like it.

    Everything that he did was for the sake of making Zhai Hua happy and letting her know that he would definitely continue to treat her so well after marriage. He would let her feel the presence of happiness at all times.

    Nevertheless, Tian Dong did not expect that the effect would be so good.

    After today, Zhai Hua had finally decided on all the dresses required for her wedding. In a sh, it was the third day before Zhai Hua and Tian Dong¡¯s wedding day.

    On this day, Qiao Nan was surprised to see three unexpected guests.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you look more beautiful as you grow. Huh, are these three my obedient grandchildren? They are so good-looking. They resemble their mother.¡± When Ding Jiayi came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she was smiling like a Maitreya Buddha. However, her voice sounded so estranged. It was as if she was an old hen that had been strangled and squeaking.

    Ding Jiayi was not the only one who came. Of course, as Ding Jiayi¡¯s favorite daughter for two lifetimes, Qiao Zijin would not be left behind. The only one whom Qiao Nan would take a few more nces at was Qiao Dongliang, who was walking behind.

    As she watched the trio entering the house smoothly, Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you let me know before you came?¡±

 Chapter 1312 - Finally Met the Triplets

    <h4>Chapter 1312 Finally Met the Triplets</h4>

    Looking at how wrinkled their clothes were, Qiao Nan knew that they had probably traveled via the train.

    This was rare. Last year, her mother said that they wereing to the capital, and she openly requested her to buy three flight tickets for the Qiao family to ensure that they could arrive at the capitalfortably.

    Ding Jiayi made herself feel at home and sat down smilingly. ¡°We¡¯re all one family. Why is there a need to tell you in advance? That would be too polite. Your dad, sister, and I are all grown-ups. How could we not know the way? If we don¡¯t, we have a mouth under our nose. We can just ask for directions. People here are residents of the capital, indeed. They are well-mannered and do not look down on people like us who are from the countryside. They were very eager to help when I asked for directions. They not only gave me directions but were also willing to bring me there.¡±

    Ding Jiayi thought that she was polite and popr. As such, the strangers that she met were enthusiastic and willing to personally lead the way for her. However, she did not think for once that the address that she mentioned was a famous residential estate for military personnel in the capital. It was not overboard to say that all those who were staying here were high-ranking and influential government officials.

    Typical people could not enter such a ce.

    When they heard a stranger saying that she was going to the ¡®legendary¡¯ ce, they would be willing to lead the way out of curiosity. This did not have anything to do with Ding Jiayi¡¯s poprity at all.

    ¡°Is this San Bao? Which one is Da Bao? How about Er Bao?¡± After sitting down, Ding Jiayi stared at the three children. San Bao was the only girl. Although she did not have a lot of hair and it was not long, Qiao Nan had tied two ponytails for her. ording to gender, San Bao was the easiest to identify.

    However, inparison to girls, Ding Jiayi had always favored boys.

    In this lifetime, she had wished to give birth to a son even in her dreams. Unfortunately, she was not so blessed.

    The daughter that she thought most lowly of not only gave birth to a son but also two of them in one birth. Ding Jiayi was so envious. No matter how much she disliked Qiao Nan, when she looked at Da Bao and Er Bao, she looked like a wild wolf that had been starving for a long time. She was exuding greenish light from her eyes, and it was quite scary.

    In particr, Da Bao and Er Bao were very good-looking. Theypletely matched the ideal look of the son in Ding Jiayi¡¯s imagination. She thus looked at them in a different light. The two children were so frightened that they wriggled into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms continuously.

    When Qiao Nan was carrying the few children, she used her body to shield that extremely eager look in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes when thetter saw her children. ¡°Auntie, you can serve the tea first.¡± Next, Qiao Nan breathed in gently. ¡°This is Da Bao. This is Er Bao. Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, this is your maternal grandpa. This is your maternal grandma and this is your auntie. Be obedient. Greet them.¡±

    This was the first time that the Qiao family of three appeared in front of the triplets. As such, the triplets did not have any impression of these three rtives. Although the addresses of maternal grandpa, maternal grandma, and auntie sounded as if they were quite close to them, to them, these greetings were no different from normal names. They took it that their names were maternal grandpa, maternal grandma, and auntie respectively.

    Qiao Nan had taught the triplets well. In addition, Qiao Nan was now by their side. Da Bao was the elder brother. He took a serious nce at Ding Jiayi. Thereafter, he held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and greeted everyone with his baby voice.

    At the sound of the greeting ¡®maternal grandpa¡¯, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have taken a few pounds of honey. He was smiling so much that one could see his wrinkles. ¡°Aye, Da Bao is so obedient.¡± When Qiao Dongliang saw Da Bao wearing the small gold bracelet that he had given to him on his chubby hand, his smile widened. ¡°You¡¯re still letting the children wear them. Did it be smaller? Will they feel ufortable wearing them?¡±

    The triplets had already grown so much. Unlike one year ago, they were no longer little babies in people¡¯s arms who only knew how to drink milk.

    Qiao Dongliang felt happy but also very sour at heart.

    The three maternal grandchildren could already run around and greet people, but this was the first time that he met them. When they were younger, he did not even have a chance to carry them. What kind of maternal grandfather was he?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was always better to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°It¡¯s okay. This bracelet can still be removed from their hands. However, most likely, they can¡¯t wear this anymore next year.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang nodded. He looked at Da Bao with longing. ¡°Da Bao, can you let maternal grandpa carry you?¡± The lively and clever look of his maternal grandson had satisfied Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wish of being a maternal grandfather. Such beautiful children. Even if they belonged to another family, he would want to carry at the sight of them. Furthermore, Da Bao was a child of his own family.

    Da Bao lifted his head and looked at Qiao Nan. When Qiao Nan nodded, Da Bao then walked toward Qiao Dongliang step-by-step. He reached out his short hands to Qiao Dongliang and allowed thetter to carry him.

    When Da Bao was in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arms, he nced at Qiao Dongliang and then Qiao Nan from time to time. He seemed to have discovered that this maternal grandfather resembled his mother a little. It was also because of this that Da Bao was willing to let Qiao Dongliang carry him.

    Unfortunately, within three minutes, Da Bao twisted his body and kept shouting ¡®mom¡¯.

    When Qiao Nan reached out his hands, Da Bao pounced at Qiao Nan like a swallow¡¯s homing. He held onto Qiao Nan¡¯s neck and refused to let go, fearful that he would be carried by others.

    ¡°Da Bao, bring Er Bao and San Bao over there to y with your toys, okay? It will be mealtime soon.¡± Qiao Nan did not know whether the awkward atmosphere between her and the Qiao family of three had affected the triplets. Their expressions were very restrained and they were not as lively as usual.

    San Bao shriveled her lips. ¡°No, keep Mompany.¡± San Bao even specially opened her two arms and held onto her mother¡¯s small waist. She expressed that she would not leave no matter what.

    ¡°San Bao, be good.¡± After thinking, Da Bao disyed the mannerism of an elder brother. He imitated Qiao Nan by rubbing San Bao¡¯s head. ¡°Didi, give you.¡± Da Bao was trying to say that he would lend his favorite toy car ¡®Xiao Didi¡¯ to San Bao if she listened to him.

    San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. She then looked at Qiao Nan as if she was in a dilemma. She was considering whether to take the Xiao Didi or guard by her mother¡¯s side.

    In the end, her yearning for Xiao Didi exceeded that of staying by her mother¡¯s side.

    Anyway, her mother was at home. She could see her when she lifted her head.

    Xiao Didi was different. She also had one. However, Da Bao would usually y with it himself. If she were to miss this opportunity today, she did not know when the next one woulde.

    After calcting the gain and loss, the cheeky and clever San Bao gave Qiao Nan a ¡®stamp¡¯ on her arm to console Qiao Nan. Next, the little girl happily held on to Da Bao¡¯s hands and staggered toward the ying corner, the two high ponytails on her head bouncing from each step she took.

    Er Bao guarded San Bao by the side. His little eyes peeped at the three strangers in the house from time to time. He seemed to have more thoughts in his mind than Da Bao and San Bao.

 Chapter 1313 - Busy, No Time

    <h4>Chapter 1313 Busy, No Time</h4>

    After the Qiao family of three appeared, Miao Jing did not interrupt much of their conversation. She was thinking that no matter what, they had to say hello to Qiao Nan and chit chat a little.

    However, Miao Jing was surprised that besides Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Nan had reached the stage whereby they had nothing to talk about. That was truly ¡®amazing¡¯. ¡°You came here all of a sudden. We didn¡¯t prepare anything at all. Have you found a ce to stay?¡±

    There were extra bedrooms in the Zhai family¡¯s residence but not many. There was only about one or two.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship was tooplicated and the pair could not sleep in the same room. In that case, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi would have to sleep together in one room whereas Qiao Dongliang alone in another room.

    However, given what the Qiao family had done before, Miao Jing was extremely unwilling to let them stay in her house. This time, Miao Jing felt very helpless that the Qiao family of three came to the capital. She gathered that it was most likely because of Qiao Nan¡¯s earlier phone call to Qiao Dongliang to inform him of Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage.

    Given the rtionship between the Qiao family of three and Qiao Nan, since Qiao Nan¡¯s sister-inw was getting married, the Qiao family could just politely send one person to attend the wedding. That would be enough. No matter what, it was quite a distance between Ping Cheng and the capital.

    Last year, the Qiao family of three did not appear during the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration, their hundred days¡¯ old celebration, and even their first birthday party. As such, even if they continued to do the same, Miao Jing expressed that she was already used to it.

    However, the Qiao family of three acted abnormally and came together this time. Miao Jing felt a little uneasy at heart.

    Upon hearing Miao Jing¡¯s words, Ding Jiayiughed heartedly. ¡°Indeed, we came here in a rush. Zhai Hua is getting married. As elders, we certainly shoulde and attend the wedding banquet as well as give our blessings to Zhai Hua. As for amodation, most likely, we have to trouble inws to help us arrange. We are not picky. You may just casually arrange two bedrooms for us. The size doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Due to Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi knew that property prices in the capital were terribly high. It was certainly not cheap to rent a room, even a double-bed room for one night.

    Given Ding Jiayi¡¯s stingy character, how could she be willing to throw her money into this?

    After arriving in the capital, the Zhai family was the host. It was reasonable for the host to take care of them properly. Furthermore, besides the Zhai family who was their inw, Qiao Nan was their biological daughter.

    The biological parents and sister hade to the capital. Ding Jiayi did not believe that Qiao Nan would be as unreasonable as when she was in Ping Cheng and let the family of three wander on the streets and sleep on the bridge.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Inw, don¡¯t listen to her. We came here in a hurry but we can arrange our own amodation. Zhai Hua is getting married. Your family is very busy at this point in time. Forget it if we can¡¯t provide any help. We can¡¯t add on to your troubles. Don¡¯t worry. We will settle our own amodation.¡±

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang intended to find the amodation and buy some gifts beforeing to the Zhai family.

    However, they had finally arrived in the capital and could see his maternal grandchildren soon. In addition, under the cajoling by Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang sumbed to temptation and immediately came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to see his grandchildren. He absolutely did not intend to take advantage of the Zhai family.

    If he were to do that, it meant that he was not giving his daughter face. Nan Nan would not be able to lift her head in front of the Zhai family then.

    When Qiao Dongliang said that, Miao Jing¡¯s expression eased a little. ¡°It¡¯s not easy to find amodation in the capital. I will get someone to settle this for you.¡± If she were to allow the Qiao family of three to remain in her own house, Miao Jing was afraid that she would feel upset. She was more fearful that Qiao Nan would feel unhappy.

    Qiao Dongliang was right in some of his words.

    Zhai Hua was getting married and the Zhai family was very tied up. They could not split themselves.

    When the Qiao family of three appeared at this juncture, Miao Jing would count her blessings if the Qiao family did not create trouble and affect their works in progress, let alone help them.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s past reputation and honor were too poor. She had even wanted to steal the money of her own daughter, Qiao Nan. There was a lot of valuable stuff in the Zhai family. Miao Jing would not take issue if just a little stuff went missing. She was most worried that if any of the ¡®missing¡¯ items belonged to Zhai Hua, who was getting married, this marriage would not be as wonderful.

    Qiao Nan agreed with Miao Jing¡¯s view. ¡°Let me make this call.¡± Qiao Nan did not call the hotel directly but looked for Gao Yan instead.

    Due to Fang Fang, Gao Yan was aware of the situation of the Qiao family. He quickly helped Qiao Nan reserved two rooms.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan copied the address and contact number before passing it to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°When you go backter, I will get the chauffeur to send you. However, it¡¯s better that you keep this address and telephone number, in case you encounter any problem and can¡¯t find the ce.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression turned stiff. ¡°What do you mean by this? We¡¯ve not seen each other for a few years. Don¡¯t you miss me at all? Do you still treat me as your mom?¡± She had not even warmed up her seat and this white-eyed wolf could not wait for her to scram. She was so heartless.

    ¡°Cough...¡± Qiao Zijin coughed twice to remind Ding Jiayi not to reveal that unreasonable side of her each time she met Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi restrained her expression. Her angry look disappeared and the corners of her lips even curled up. ¡°During wintertime, the weather is too dry. Hence, I feel very hot. Nan Nan, don¡¯t mind me. Mom is not directing my anger at you. Don¡¯t misunderstand Mom. We¡¯ve not seen each other for so long. Initially, I was thinking of having a good chat with you since we have finally met. You can let me know how you are doing recently, whether you are happy or not. Nevertheless, your opinion is the most important. No matter what arrangements you make, Mom will listen to you.¡±

    If they were not staying at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, so be it. This house was not built with gold anyway. It was not as if she could extend her lifespan by one year with every night that she stayed.

    Sizing up the Zhai family¡¯s residence in the capital, which was bigger than the small courtyard of the Qiao family in Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi felt so envious.

    However, after so many years, Ding Jiayi still could not understand what was so good about such a dim-witted and dull child like Qiao Nan.

    What did the Zhai family see in Qiao Nan? They treated and cherished this white-eyed wolf so much like a treasure.

    On the contrary, her beloved Zijin had poorer luck in this area. After much difficulty, she finally found Chen Jun, who was very muchcking inparison to Zhai Sheng, but the rtionship was still unsessful in the end. Furthermore, Chen Jun and not Zijin was the one who initiated the breakup.

    ¡°Do you have time to chat?¡± Ding Jiayi had such a fierce temper but she could finally speak like a normal person. Qiao Nan could not possibly scold her and not give her any face. ¡°It¡¯ste now. Why don¡¯t you go back to rest? We can find a chance to talk again if there is any matter. The triplets have to be flower children for Sister Zhai Hua. I have to tailor-make their clothes but I have not finished making them.¡±

 Chapter 1314 - Not Giving Her Anything

    <h4>Chapter 1314 Not Giving Her Anything</h4>

    These words were true. Qiao Nan was not merely brushing off the Qiao family of three.

    Having been used to wearing the clothes tailored by their mother, Da Bao and Er Bao could not ept other ¡®non-mama brand¡¯ clothes.

    San Bao was young and liked to imitate others. When she saw Da Bao and Er Bao insist their mother tailor their clothes... Well, San Bao did not want the ready-made bridal gown now. She also insisted her mother make her a beautiful little dress.

    The triplets ¡®assigned¡¯ thisst-minute mission to her. Qiao Nan had been busy with selecting, purchasing, cutting the fabric, and sewing the clothes. She was busier than Zhai Hua, the bride.

    At the moment, she had already settled Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s western suits. Her little daughter¡¯s dress was a little tricky. Hence, she had not finished making it.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were surprised at Qiao Nan¡¯s words. There were looks of doubts beneath their eyes.

    Now, in this era, who would tailor their own clothes? The clothes in the shopping mall were not only good-looking but also inexpensive. It was very convenient to buy clothes.

    The Zhai family had its own properties everywhere and did not seem tock money. Did Qiao Nan need to be so stingy to personally tailor her children¡¯s clothes? Would the clothes that she made look good? Could they be worn by the three children?

    Was Qiao Nan afraid that they would ask her for money? Was that why she deliberately made up such a ludicrous lie to bluff them?

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were unaware of Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities but not Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang was full of smiles. ¡°Yes, Nan Nan is very skillful in tailoring clothes. The clothes she tailored are both good-looking and durable. It also feels veryfortable wearing them. Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao, all of you are very blessed to be able to wear the clothes made by your mom.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had been Qiao Nan¡¯s father for more than twenty years. He had only worn one set of such clothing before. Thereafter, he had never received any more clothing personally tailored by Qiao Nan.

    When Qiao Dongliang said that, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin could only take it that Qiao Dongliang was giving face to Qiao Nan in front of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Zijin was holding a tight rein on Ding Jiayi. Hence, this time, Ding Jiayi was very smart. She did not say anything else to berate Qiao Nan. She continued to sit down in an abiding and honest manner.

    Qiao Zijin smiled and said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Nan Nan, in that case, go ahead and be busy with your stuff. Mom and Dad are both tired. I will apany them to the hotel and let them have a good rest tonight. We¡¯re family. We can talk again tomorrow. It¡¯s not toote either. Nan Nan, Dad, Mom, and I will leave for the hotel then.¡±

    ¡°Sure, goodbye.¡± It was rare for Qiao Zijin to know what was good for her. Qiao Nan almost did not know who Qiao Zijin was anymore. In order to achieve her aims, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Zijin utilize all ways and means and kick up a fuss to stay behind? Usually, she would not care whether she or others lose face.

    The Qiao family of three was so peaceful and normal today. Be it Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi, they had been very cooperative. That was extremely surprising to everyone.

    Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui, who came homete, did not even meet the Qiao family of three.

    After having dinner, when Qiao Nan was bringing the triplets to bed, Miao Jing told Qiao Nan. ¡°Your sister has ¡®matured¡¯ in her mindset and intellect. You have to be more careful in the future.¡± Miao Jing vaguely saw the shadow of the Qi Min from the past in Qiao Zijin.

    Although Qiao Zijin did not kick up a fuss, it did not mean that she had turned into someone better. At most, she was ¡®wiser¡¯ now. Unlike the past, she did not use Ding Jiayi as a gun and do distasteful matters that would make othersugh.

    This time, Qiao Zijin restrained herself. She was not as direct and predictable as in the past. She had be more sinister and gloomy.

    Given this change of Qiao Zijin, it was only fearful that she would be more difficult to deal with in the future and would create many troubles for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I can tell. My dad told me that most likely, she and Chen Jun have broken up. I think she insisted oning to the capital so that she can make use of Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding to get to know more people.¡±

    This time, Qiao Zijin had really be smarter.

    Qiao Zijin would definitely not seed if she wanted Qiao Nan to help her.

    Instead of going head-on with Qiao Nan, of course, Qiao Zijin would depend on herself and make use of Qiao Nan. It was not possible that she would introduce Qiao Zijin to a man that thetter wanted. On the contrary, if Qiao Zijin could mix around in the wedding banquet of Sister Zhai Hua, she could rely on herself to get to know some men. This was much easier than waiting for someone to introduce her to others.

    Qiao Zijin did not plot on her this time. Moreover, she was indeed her sister. She could not stop them if they wanted to attend Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding. This time, Qiao Zijin¡¯s n seemed to be quite good on the surface.

    After entering her own bedroom, Qiao Nan smiled the moment she closed her door.

    She had never minded but it did not mean that she was unaware. Many years ago, in Ping Cheng, even Qiu Chenxi warned her more than once that she was notpatible with Brother Zhai, given her family background. She was taking advantage of Brother Zhai by being with him. She was the one who lusted after Brother Zhai¡¯s family status and his position in the army. Hence, she pestered Brother Zhai shamelessly.

    Qiao Nan was aware of many of such unpleasant sayings. Those people could make it sound so disgusting. They could not wait to use such vicious rumors to drive her to the grave immediately so that she could give up her seat of the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    Yes, Brother Zhai was too outstanding and exemry. Hence, her union with Brother Zhai had attracted so many ¡®vilification¡¯ from others.

    As such, even if Qiao Zijin were to really seed by finding someone, the gossip and rumors that she would have to face in the future would not be less than what she had endured in the past.

    No matter what, if Qiao Zijin were to know anyone from Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding, they would have greater status than Chen Jun.

    In her previous life, Qiao Zijin also heard many such sayings when she married Chen Jun. In the end, her mother pestered Qiao Nan and took all her money for Qiao Zijin to prepare Qiao Zijin¡¯s dowry by buying a house. As a result, Qiao Zijin had property and car in her possession without using the Chen family¡¯s money. Qiao Zijin could then gradually establish herself in the social circle of the Chen family.

    Of course, in this life, Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation was not better than that in her previous life.

    In this life, Qiao Zijin did not even have a car, big appliances, and everything else, let alone a house.

    When she got married, Qiao Zijin did not give her anything. When Qiao Zijin was getting married, at most, she would do just a little better than Qiao Zijin. No one could change this, no matter who came to make a din.

    ¡°Mom,e.¡± San Bao, who was already lying on her bed, patted on the position beside her pillow. She wanted Qiao Nan to quicklye over and sleep.

    Looking at the extremely adorable faces of her three children, all the troubles in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart disappeared. With a happy smile on her face, she walked toward her children in leisurely steps before lying down beside them. ¡°Be good. It¡¯s already veryte. It¡¯s time for my good children to go to bed. Sleep well and grow taller.¡±

    Qiao Nan lowered her head and gave each child a kiss on their face.

 Chapter 1315 - Papa Is a Baddie

    <h4>Chapter 1315 Papa Is a Baddie</h4>

    The triplets pursed their lips and had a bright smile on their faces. They felt assured after their mother kissed them to sleep. They closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.

    The triplets were still very young. In less than a minute, they were already sleeping soundly on the bed. Their bulging tummies rose and fell, and their mouths were slightly open. They were fast asleep in no time.

    Qiao Nanid beside the triplets, taking in their smell of milk. She felt as if she was freed of all troubles. It was peaceful andforting to lie next to them. Moreover, it seemed to have a hypnotic effect. She closed her eyes and fell asleep within one minute.

    Qiao Nan thought that she would have a dreamless sleep and would be able to sleep soundly throughout the night.

    However, Qiao Nan, who was deep asleep, was roused awake in the middle of the night.

    Someone lifted Qiao Nan off the warm bed. Although it was not very cold, Qiao Nan, who was used to the warmth in the bed, could not help but have goose bumps when she felt the cool air on her skin. She left her warm bed and was ced on another bed. The coldness of the new bed made her shiver uncontrobly.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan was enveloped by a burning sensation right away. She was drenched in perspiration and her bedsheets were wet as well.

    The next morning, the bright sunlight shone on Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. It was so ring that she used her hands to shield her eyes. She felt tired to the bones. She felt like sleeping for another seven to eight hours, but it was too ring that she had to open her eyes.

    It was winter now. The sky was usually overcast in the capital.

    However, today¡¯s weather was great, and the sun was shining brightly. Although Qiao Nan was in the room, she could feel the warmth of the sun shining on her body.

    Qiao Nan stretched herself and yawned. She noticed that the bedsheets were different and her body felt limp and sore. She felt a mixture of anger and embarrassment. She took a closer look. True enough, she was not lying on the same bed that she slept in yesterday. Instead, she was lying on the bed that Zhai Sheng specially bought for the triplets.

    Apart from Er Bao, who had spent a night on the bed, the triplets had never slept in the bed before. Instead, they would jump about on the bed. As for Qiao Nan, she slept on the bed for more than once, and she slept on it with that man most of the time.

    ¡°Mama, mama...¡± San Bao was pounding on the door. She sounded anxious and furious. ¡°Mama.¡±

    San Bao stopped shouting all of a sudden and in rece was her shriek. Someone seemed to carry her in his arms. ¡°You must not disturb your mom. I will y with you.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    The father and daughter ended up quarreling at the doorway. Qiao Nanid on the bedzily while she listened to the banter between Zhai Sheng, who was already a father, and a fourteen-month-old San Bao behind the door.

    After some time, Qiao Nan finally felt much refreshed. She sat up from the bed slowly, changed her clothes, brushed her teeth, and washed her face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± When Qiao Nan opened the door, the father and daughter were still ¡®quarreling¡¯.

    Zhai Sheng felt that he had been very gentle and nice to his only daughter. He could be selected as the best father in China. However, San Bao pouted her lips and her eyes were red. She sounded annoyed and impatient. She knitted her eyebrows. If they continued with the banter, she might burst out in tears.

    ¡°Mama.¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing Qiao Nan. She pushed against Zhai Sheng and threw herself into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips and carried her daughter from Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°Brother Zhai, you bullied San Bao and she is in tears. Didn¡¯t you say that you dote on her the most?¡± Why was the actual situation different from what he said?

    ¡°Mama.¡± San Bao seemed to have a lot of grievances. She buried her face in Qiao Nan¡¯s neck. She had no wish to see Zhai Sheng, the baddie. ¡°Mama, hungry.¡±

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao on her bottom. ¡°Is San Bao hungry?¡± I will bring you to have breakfast.¡± San Bao was impatient and she was a girl. It was no wonder that she was delicate.

    If Qiao Nan was not around, Da Bao would eat on his own. But it was different for San Bao. Qiao Nan had to be around for her to eat her meals. If Qiao Nan was at home, she had to stay by San Bao¡¯s side while she had her meals. She must not leave her side.

    It was already one o¡¯clock in the morning when Zhai Sheng reached the Zhai family¡¯s residence yesterday night.

    Originally, Zhai Sheng wanted to hug his wife and children to sleep. But once he carried his wife in his arms, he had other intentions in mind and carried her to another bed.

    He knew that he must have tired out Qiao Nan. From his previous experience at home, Zhai Sheng knew the daily routines of the triplets and he carried them to the restroom in the wee hours of the morning.

    Zhai Sheng knew his limitations. He did not help the triplets do difficult tasks like brushing their teeth or washing their small faces. He brought the triplets to their grandma, auntie, and helper.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were halfway through their breakfast, while San Bao kept whining for Qiao Nan to apany her.

    Da Bao and Er Bao tried to cover up for San Bao by attracting Zhai Sheng¡¯s attention. They made him bring food for them, pour water for them, and wipe their mouths.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng thought that Da Bao and Er Bao were closer to him and therefore they wanted him to help them. But then he realized that San Bao had already climbed silently on all fours to the second floor and was walking toward the bedroom. Zhai Sheng took big strides to chase after her and he finally caught hold of San Bao.

    Perhaps, since she was caught by Zhai Sheng, San Bao was very angry at him. She turned her back on him and faced her beloved mama. She drank the soft little millet porridge happily, savoring her breakfast.

    Now that their mama was downstairs, Da Bao and Er Bao no longer needed to cover up for their sister. The two little brats abandoned their father that they had ordered around for the entire morning. They drank some water after finishing their breakfast. They then held hands and walked to a corner to y with their toys.

    As they were walking toward their toys, they stopped and waved to San Bao, telling her to hurry up and join them.

    San Bao turned anxious. She urged Qiao Nan to feed her quickly so that she could join her brothers and y with them as soon as possible.

    ¡°San Bao, be good. There is no need to hurry. Your brothers will wait for you. They won¡¯t run away.¡± Qiao Nan had no wish to speed up feeding San Bao. She fed her slowly, one spoonful after another. Under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, San Bao, who was impatient, calmed down and finished her food in her mouth before she had more.

    She finished her meal in her usual speed. Then, Qiao Nan carried her from the high chair and watched as she ran toward Da Bao and Er Bao.

 Chapter 1316 - I Heard That Someone Confessed His Love to You

    <h4>Chapter 1316 I Heard That Someone Confessed His Love to You</h4>

    Miao Jing had been watching everything from the side with a wide smile on her face. ¡°Although Nan Nan is very young, she is definitely the best mother that I have seen all these years.¡± She could not bepared to Nan Nan. She was toocking.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Zhai Hua felt invigorated after drinking porridge. She felt refreshed after one night¡¯s sleep, and gone was the exhaustion that she felt yesterday. ¡°When Nan Nan just gave birth to the triplets, many people praised Qiao Nan for giving birth to the triplets, but they wereughing at her behind her back, saying that she was very young and was just a child. It was good enough if she could take care of herself. How could she care for the three children? The truth proved otherwise.¡±

    Nan Nan¡¯s children were smarter and cuter than other children.

    Other mothers might be older.

    But it was useless to be older!

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about me. Sister Zhai Hua, you are getting married. Are you nervous?¡± Qiao Nan blushed at the praises. She changed the topic by reminding Zhai Hua that she was about to be a bride. Instead of gossiping about her, Sister Zhai Hua should think about her life once she was married.

    Zhai Hua waved her hand nonchntly. ¡°It is merely a marriage. What¡¯s there to be nervous about? Life will just go on. If Dongzi dares to rebel, I will show him what I am capable of!¡± Zhai Hua clenched her fists confidently.

    Qiao Nan took out the dress that she had made halfway for San Bao and began working on it, pedaling on the sewing machine. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you must not underestimate your enemy. Some people might be useless despite being older. But it might be a different case for people who are taller and stronger.¡± Tian Dong seemed to be easygoing. Apart from being very tall, he still had a good temper like when he was young. He was still as mild-tempered as Sister Zhai Hua had described.

    However, Qiao Nan felt that things might not be that simple.

    In particr, when Zhai Hua made thement, she noticed that the corners of Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips curled slightly, as if he was smiling at something.

    Since she had a good rtionship with Zhai Hua, and Qiao Nan had noticed something odd, she must remind Zhai Hua about it.

    Qiao Nan could do nothing about it if Zhai Hua chose not to believe in her.

    If Zhai Hua was forewarned, she would not be shortchanged. However, if she was too confident of herself...

    Qiao Nan shook her head. Since men were physically stronger than women, Sister Zhai Hua might be ravished by Tian Dong on their wedding day.

    Tian Dong had a close rtionship with Brother Zhai. Qiao Nan believed that Tian Dong was not someone to be trifled with. Like Brother Zhai, he must be full of vigor and vitality.

    Since she had given Zhai Hua a gentle reminder, she had done her part. It was up to Zhai Hua to believe it or not. She had no time to waste. She had to hurry up toplete the dress that was for her daughter.

    Zhai Sheng walked quietly to stand beside Qiao Nan. His back faced the rest of them while he gave a small bite on Qiao Nan¡¯s earlobe. ¡°I heard that Tian Dong is giving you one percent of shares? If you continue to make trouble for him, he might not work hard to earn money for you in the future.¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed. She darted to the side and looked around with a guilty conscience. She was worried that other people might have witnessed the scene. ¡°My husband will support me. I do notck money. Moreover, I am already in my third year. I will graduate soon. After I start working, although I will not be able to make lots of money, I will still be able to support myself. As for Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao, you will have to provide for them.¡±

    Qiao Nan had been married to Zhai Sheng for quite some time. They were open and frank with each other about their finances. Now that they were married and became closer to each other, their feelings for each other did not fade. Instead, they were more in love than before. They had a harmonious and loving rtionship.

    Zhai Sheng grinned at Qiao Nan¡¯s reply. There was a teasing note in his tone. ¡°Now that you are a mother, you have improved. You are good with words.¡±

    ¡°Is it okay that you came back for Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding?¡± Qiao Nan was worried as she knew that Peng Yu had set himself against Zhai Sheng. ¡°I am not very sure of the situation in the army. Brother Zhai, you must be careful. The triplets are very young. They need their father to be by their side. Brother Zhai, I could not help but be in a slight panic.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had encountered quite a lot of trouble after he arrived in the capital. Peng Yu, in particr, was quite a bother.

    Zhai Sheng had never had such issues when he was in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan could not imagine the troubles and challenges that Zhai Sheng faced when he was in the camp during this period of time.

    There was another matter that Qiao Nan was very troubled about.

    Whenever Zhai Sheng was back, he would be particrly ¡®busy¡¯ at night. Although he was naked, Qiao Nan was in a daze and not in her right mind, so she could not really see for herself how he looked.

    Even so, she could tell when she touched him that he had a lot of scars on his body.

    At times, Qiao Nan¡¯s hands woulde to rest on his skin. They used to be smooth, but recently, she could feel scars on his body.

    However, whenever she chanced upon his scars, Zhai Sheng would grab her hands and held them down over her head.

    Although Zhai Sheng had this habit in the past, he would do this more frequently now that they were in the capital.

    Previously, Qiao Nan did not have the chance to talk to Zhai Sheng about this topic. Today, she finally had the chance to have a good talk with him. She no longer wished to avoid the topic. She was very direct about it and told Zhai Sheng that she was worried and frightened. ¡°I heard that Peng Yu is ruthless...¡±

    This kind of person was the scariest of all.

    After she married Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan knew that it wasmon for ¡®idents¡¯ to happen to soldiers during their military drill. Death and injuries were seen asmon.

    Qiao Nan was not worried that Peng Yu would fight it out with Zhai Sheng. Instead, she feared that he would resort to underhanded methods to catch Zhai Sheng unaware.

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan by the waist, taking in her unique smell. He felt particrly calm and peaceful at this fragrance. ¡°I can¡¯t hide anything from you. Yes, Peng Yu had used some underhanded methods, but I have survived them.¡±

    ¡°What kind of underhanded methods?¡± Qiao Nan wanted to know what kind of underhanded methods Peng Yu used to catch Brother Zhai unaware and for him to suffer serious injuries.

    There was a flicker in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you sure you want to know?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°I heard that someone confessed his love to you when you were in school. He even knelt on one knee and prepared nine hundred and ny-nine roses to prove that he was sincere and for you to be his girlfriend?¡±

 Chapter 1317 - Went Overboard

    <h4>Chapter 1317 Went Overboard</h4>

    Zhai Sheng did not merely hear about this incident, but he even had photos.

    Zhai Sheng was caught off-guard by the photos that Peng Yu showed him that he almost fell for his trap.

    If one was slightly distracted during the military drill, one could easily cause the entire regiment to be wiped out by the enemy. If so, it would be a shame on them.

    Peng Yu was very ambitious. He wanted to prove that he was better than Zhai Sheng. The military drill was a good chance for Zhai Sheng to suffer a crushing defeat and for him to have a definite win over him.

    Therefore, as soon as Peng Yu had the photos, he had been nning for Zhai Sheng to suffer a crushing defeat.

    Peng Yu had almost seeded.

    Luckily, Zhai Sheng had absolute trust in Qiao Nan and had faith in their rtionship that hadsted for so many years. After he was injured, Zhai Shengposed himself and cleared his mind of other thoughts. He looked at Peng Yu¡¯s strategy rationally and adjusted his action n ordingly to pit against Peng Yu.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng¡¯s side was on the losing end.

    However, in the end, he had a beautiful victory.

    After the drill, Zhai Sheng was ted with his win, but he still remembered that a man confessed his love to his wife and in turn affected his mood during the military drill. Although he knew that his wife had rejected him, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s personality, he could not let the matter off.

    Since Qiao Nan brought it up, and revenge was a dish best served cold, he would take it out on Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was sensitive and caught on quickly. ¡°Since you brought up Peng Yu now, does it mean that after Peng Yu learned about it, he used this to affect your mood?¡± Could it be that she was the one who caused Brother Zhai to sustain injuries?

    Zhai Sheng did not wish for Qiao Nan to be anxious and me herself. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much and don¡¯t me yourself for what had happened. After all, it was because I didn¡¯t have enough faith and was hence affected. I should have banished all thoughts and not to be affected by external factors. Regardless of what photos Peng Yu showed me, I should know that the IT industry is very advanced and one coulde up with a lot of edited graphics using theputer. Experts would be able to make people who are as different as night and day to be in the same photo and scene.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had heard of this technology in the past.

    Therefore, after winning in the military drill, the first thing that Zhai Sheng did was to check the source of the photos given by Peng Yu. He could have passed off fake photos as genuine photos.

    The army was very efficient. After some investigation, Zhai Sheng found out that the photos were real. There was indeed a foolish male college student who confessed his love to Qiao Nan. He professed his love and promised that he would be with her for the rest of his life.

    Zhai Sheng never suspected that Qiao Nan would give up on their rtionship because of other people. He knew that Qiao Nan would never be moved or touched by their words or actions.

    It was just that as a man, he could not help but feel unhappy when he learned about such news.

    ¡°Are you talking about PS?¡± Qiao Nan might not know about other technology, but she had heard about PS. In another ten years, this technology would be used on photos, making photos to be different from what one had seen through one¡¯s eyes.

    Qiao Nan did not expect that the technology that was favored by celebrities ten yearster would have such usage at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was an eye-opener for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°PS?¡± Zhai Sheng thought about it and smiled. ¡°Indeed, its acronym is indeed PS. Since you know about this, you should understand what I am saying. I am not exaggerating at all. There might be more than one urrence. Nan Nan, aside from being jealous, the reason why I bring this up is that I hope we will not have any misunderstanding or doubts, and we will not allow this to affect our rtionship.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Are you saying that Peng Yu might use the same method on me? He had failed at defeating you. One would not use the same sessful method too often. What makes him so confident to use the same method on me even though he had failed once? Is he that confident that he will seed the next time?¡±

    Peng Yu had underestimated her.

    Zhai Sheng chuckled. ¡°Peng Yu is an arrogant person. He did not expect that there would be someone like me who would not fall for his tricks. He felt that there would not be many such exceptions. Furthermore, Peng Yu looks down on women. He felt that they might have long hair, but they are shallow andck knowledge. Moreover, you suffered from the ¡®baby brain¡¯ effect.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s temple was throbbing. Since Brother Zhai had said so, he must be certain that Peng Yu had been targeting her since a long time ago and he wanted to y the same old trick on her, hoping that he would seed this time. ¡°¡®Baby brain¡¯ effect? Long hair but shallow? I would really like to know the woman who gave birth to Peng Yu.¡±

    ¡°You, move aside.¡± Qiao Nan was engaged in a conversation with Zhai Sheng. San Bao, who saw them, pulled a long face. She was unhappy. She would not reason with them and would make her anger known through her actions.

    Perhaps, children at this age were particrly attached to their mother. Among the three children, San Bao was the most attached to their mother.

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng hugged her mama shamelessly, San Bao threw her favorite toy aside and walked toward Zhai Sheng with a look of displeasure on her face. She used her tiny hands to push Zhai Sheng aside. But Zhai Sheng would not budge. She had to change her position and use her bottom to push at Zhai Sheng.

    To Zhai Sheng, San Bao¡¯s feeble movements were even lighter than a scratch. Zhai Sheng was so much stronger than San Bao. She was overrating herself.

    San Bao¡¯s face turned red from overexertion, while Zhai Sheng did not move an inch.

    In the end, San Bao turned angry and bawled.

    Miao Jing felt angry and funny. She could not help but give Zhai Sheng a few smacks on his back. ¡°You are turning thirty years old. Why do you behave so out of line and be more and more childish? San Bao is your daughter. How can a father bully his daughter? Look at how she is crying. Doesn¡¯t your heart ache for her?¡± Miao Jing felt heartbroken that San Bao was in tears. She would do anything, including sacrificing herself, to improve her mood.

    If it was someone else who bullied San Bao to tears, Miao Jing would definitely make the person pay for bullying San Bao.

    But the culprit was her son, and he was San Bao¡¯s father. Miao Jing, albeit furious, could only lecture him.

    Miao Jing could do nothing to Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1318 - Give Bad Father a Beating

    <h4>Chapter 1318 Give Bad Father a Beating</h4>

    Even if she punished Zhai Sheng, the intensity of it could not bepared to the basic training that Zhai Sheng would do daily. Zhai Sheng underwent harsh training every day.

    ¡°Grandma.¡± San Bao, who felt wronged, pouted her lips and pointed her tiny fingers at Zhai Sheng. Her father bullied her. Her grandma must take revenge for her and make her father suffer for it.

    Miao Jing wiped the tears off San Bao¡¯s face. ¡°San Bao, be good. You must not cry. Your dad is getting childish. He is not as sensible as San Bao. Let¡¯s not take issue with him. Your dad is in the wrong. I have scolded him and beaten him.¡±

    San Bao touched her bottom upon hearing the word ¡®beaten¡¯. She remembered that her grandma had indeed smacked her father hard on the back. San Bao sniffed, satisfied with the punishment.

    Zhai Sheng felt a mixture of emotions at driving his daughter to tears. His daughter resembled Nan Nan. He could not bear to bully his wife, so he bullied ¡®someone else¡¯s¡¯ wife. But Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart ached at the sight of her crying face.

    It was torturous.

    Zhai Sheng had set out to be the best father to San Bao. Now that he had driven her to tears, he had to cajole her and please her.

    Zhai Sheng reached out to San Bao. He took San Bao from Miao Jing¡¯s embrace with his strong arms. He lifted her into the air and threw her upward. San Bao flew upward and fell downward into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    San Bao was startled at the beginning. But then, she broke into a wide smile and shrieked in happiness. She no longer took issue with Zhai Sheng over what happened just now. When she fell down into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, she patted his strong arms and addressed him sweetly as ¡®papa¡¯.

    Apart from San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao also liked to be thrown into the air by Zhai Sheng.

    There were a lot of men in the Zhai family. But there were very few who had time to stay at home to y with the triplets.

    Old Master Zhai was advanced in years. Although he was healthy and did not have any illness, it would be difficult for him to throw the triplets who weighed ten to fifteen kilograms into the air.

    Zhai Yaohui was in far better condition than Old Master Zhai. However, he was busy with work. Besides, he did not have the energy to y such games with his three grandchildren. If he only yed with one of his grandchildren, he was worried that it might hurt the feelings of the remaining two kids. In order not to hurt them, he decided not to y this game with them at all.

    Whenever Gao Yan visited Qiao Nan at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, it was because of Fang Fang.

    Gao Yan might want to y with the triplets, but they felt that Gao Yan was too childish despite his age. They refused to give him a chance to y with them.

    As for Tian Dong, he wanted to y this game with the triplets. He was hoping to gain the favor of the triplets so that he would have an easier time when he proposed to Zhai Hua.

    However, since Miao Jing forbade Zhai Hua from ying the game with the triplets, Zhai Hua would not allow Tian Dong to do whatever that she was not allowed to do as well. When Tian Dong suggested ying the game with the triplets, Zhai Hua rejected his idea and made him give up on such thoughts.

    This worked to the advantage of Zhai Sheng. He found a way to please the children and for them to be closer to him willingly and to call him as their papa sweetly.

    Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief at how much fun the triplets were having with Zhai Sheng. ¡°All along, I am worried that Zhai Sheng did not know how to be a good father to three children. From the looks of it now, I have been thinking too much. Zhai Sheng is doing a great job.¡± Compared to her and Zhai Yaohui, he was so much better.

    ¡°The triplets are much closer to Zhai Sheng aspared to the previous time. They have fun ying with each other.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded in agreement. ¡°Brother Zhai has been doing very well all along. Apart from having to stay at the camp and not spending enough time at home, Brother Zhai is a good husband and a good father to the triplets.¡± Qiao Nan was all praise for Zhai Sheng. Miao Jing was ted to hear that.

    ¡°Madam, Nan Nan, the Qiao family is here.¡± Some people always know to ruin the atmosphere at the wrong time. Zhai Sheng had only been back home twice this year. They were hoping to spend time together to catch up, but some people turned up to leave an impression at the wrong time. Judging from her tone, the auntie was displeased and annoyed. ¡°They are still waiting outside. Should I find an excuse to send them away?¡±

    The auntie was not looking down on the Qiao family as they were not well-to-do. Anyone who had a conscience and knew what the Qiao family had been up to would dislike the Qiao family.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think?¡± When it concerned the Qiao family, Miao Jing would always leave the decision to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was no longer all smiles. ¡°Let theme in first. This is the first time that they are in the capital. It will not be good if we are too cold to them.¡± Since they took the initiative to visit them, it would save her time and effort to keep up appearances. She also did not wish for the Zhai family¡¯s reputation to be affected.

    ¡°Okay.¡± The auntie knew that Miao Jing would not override Qiao Nan¡¯s decision once she had made up her mind. The auntie turned to look at Miao Jing. She made no move to stop Qiao Nan. Therefore, the auntie schooled her expression and led the Qiao family into the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    This was their second time at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. However, no one was more anxious than Qiao Dongliang at the thought of seeing his maternal grandchildren.

    Qiao Dongliang took quick steps into the Zhai family¡¯s residence, leaving Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin behind him.

    To his surprise, when he entered the Zhai family¡¯s residence, not only did he see his grandchildren but he also saw his son-inw. ¡°Zhai Sheng, why are you at home? When did youe back? I didn¡¯t see you when I came to the Zhai family¡¯s residence yesterday. Did the army allow you to go on leave?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked on enviously as Zhai Sheng had fun with the triplets. Zhai Sheng could hold them in his arms, coaxed them, and yed with them. He was most envious of how close the triplets were with Zhai Sheng. This was something that he yearned for but could not achieve.

    Since Zhai Sheng was around, it meant that he would not have as much time to spend with his grandchildren. Zhai Sheng was young and strong. He was able to y with the triplets, whereas he was advanced in years. He was just an aging grandfather aspared to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°The Lunar New Year ising and the army allows us to go on leave.¡±

 Chapter 1319 - Help Introduce a Job

    <h4>Chapter 1319 Help Introduce a Job</h4>

    Qiao Nan, who had been ¡®tired out¡¯ by Zhai Sheng yesterday, did not have a chance to tell Zhai Sheng that the Qiao family of three hade to the capital and said that they would attend Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding. However, this morning, Miao Jing had already ¡®notified¡¯ Zhai Sheng about the situation when he brought the triplets downstairs for breakfast.

    Hence, Zhai Sheng was not surprised at all when he saw the Qiao family of three appear. ¡°Father-inw, Zhai Hua is getting married this time, and you have to make a special trip here. It must have been tough on you.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan had been perplexed and troubled about how she should treat Qiao Dongliang. He was still willing to address him as father-inw.

    Qiao Dongliang, who heard the greeting ¡®father-inw¡¯, was pleasantly surprised by the attention. He knew that he owed it to Qiao Nan to receive this greeting.

    When he insisted on returning to the small courtyard of the Qiao family previously, Qiao Dongliang was already prepared that his younger daughter might not acknowledge him anymore. Also, the son-inw¡¯s family would not continue to treat him the same way.

    Fortunately, although Qiao Dongliang had prepared for the worst, the final oue was much better than he had expected. ¡°Not tough, not tough at all. Hua Hua is getting married. I am very happy for her.¡± When Qiao Dongliang said this, he even looked at Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua, who had been given a blessing, said ¡®thanks¡¯ before rolling her eyes at Qiao Nan.

    Uncle Qiao was well aware of the ¡®scandal¡¯ between her and Wei De all because of Qiao Nan. Zhai Hua felt that Qiao Dongliang said these blessings mostly because of this matter.

    Qiao Nan shrugged her shoulders. She would not take the me for this.

    asionally, her father would act as if he was very familiar with someone. She was unaware of it in the past. Two years ago, when her father brought the Chen family to look for Uncle Shi, she then discovered that her father had such a hidden shoring in his character.

    The Qiao family and the Zhai family were not on very good terms. Under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, both families basically did not interact with each other much.

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s grateful expression looked as if Zhai Hua was his best friend¡¯s daughter, whom he had watched growing up. His best friend¡¯s daughter was akin to half his daughter. When Zhai Hua was getting married, of course, Qiao Dongliang would feel happy for her.

    ¡°Sister Hua Hua, I wish you happiness.¡± At this juncture, Qiao Zijin walked over at the opportune time. She was holding a little gift bag in her hands, which she then passed to Zhai Hua. ¡°This is just a little gesture of mine. I used the money that I earned when working part-time to buy this gift. I hope Sister Hua Hua will like it.¡±

    Courtesy costs nothing.

    Qiao Zijin, who had not been performing very well in this aspect, made everyone¡¯s jaws drop today. She seemed especially good-mannered.

    Zhai Hua curled the corners of her lips. ¡°You¡¯re so polite. Thank you very much. It¡¯s the thought that counts. I understand.¡± Zhai Hua could not bring herself to say more.

    Ding Jiayi suddenlyughed. ¡°Zhai Hua will be getting married the day after. It¡¯s so good to see Zhai Hua looking so shy and feminine. Inw, you must feel very happy that your daughter is getting married? You know that she has found someone whom she can depend on for the rest of her life. It¡¯s certainly something to be happy about. Two years ago, when Nan Nan married into your family, I was so happy for her that I had many sleepless nights. Inw, you have two children. Your son already has a son, and your daughter is marrying into such a good family. You should have nothing to worry about in the future.¡±

    Next, Ding Jiayi gave a gloomy sigh. ¡°Unlike me, I treat and dote on these two daughters like precious darlings. Nan Nan is married to Zhai Sheng. Not many people can be more blessed than her. Although Nan Nan is married, I still have Zijin. Zijin will be graduating from college in half a year. What are we going to do about her job? Where is she going to find one? I am very worried about this matter. Inw, look at all my white hair. Unlike you, you have a happy life and look younger as time passes.¡±

    Miao Jing smiled without many expressions. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. All our children have grown up. They have their own thoughts and ns about the future. Hua Hua is getting married the day after next. However, I have been very worried for her. She is too honest and upright. She never listens to our words. Fortunately, she met a man whom she is willing to marry. I can then rest my heart.¡±

    ¡°As for your family¡¯s Qiao Zijin, it should be the same in the future. It¡¯s different from the past now. Everyone prefers to have freedom of love. The one that the youngdy finds herself must be the one that she is most satisfied with. You just need to worry less and wait for Qiao Zijin to bring your elder son-inw home.¡± Job and partner. So, the actual motive of the Qiao family of three foring to the capital was to request them to help Qiao Zijin find a job and settle her marriage at the same time?

    Qiao Zijin blushed for a while. She looked extremely shy beside Ding Jiayi. It was as if she was embarrassed by the conversation.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, inw. This daughter of mine. You really don¡¯t know. I am very worried for her. She is very sweet-tongued and obedient in front of her family or people that she is familiar with. However, in front of people that she is not so familiar with, she is very quiet. She doesn¡¯t talk much even after meeting the person for a long time. Given her character, can I still wish for her to go through freedom of love and find me a son-inw? When I arrange blind dates for her, if she can be more eloquent and chat well with the other party, I will already thank god.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had a glib tongue and was good at talking off one¡¯s head. However, under Ding Jiayi¡¯s description, she had actually be a gooddy who was honest and simple.

    This was not the first day that they knew each other. No one, including Qiao Nan and the Zhai family, knew when Qiao Zijin had turned into someone with such a character. They had not met for two years. They only knew that Ding Jiayi¡¯s eloquence had improved tremendously during this period. She seemed to be on par with the Qiao Zijin in the past.

    Actually, what Ding Jiayi wanted was already very obvious. However, Ding Jiayi was still used to making herself clear. She would say it word for word on the mission that she would like to assign. She added. ¡°Besides finding a reliable partner, I am also very troubled over what kind of job she will find after she graduates in half a year. Inw, didn¡¯t they say that you have many connections? You know a lot of people. Can you help introduce a suitable job for our family¡¯s Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin looked like she was full of embarrassment. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t listen to my mom. I am studying for a diploma now. It¡¯s not that hard to find a job. The school has arrangements. I can settle this matter on my own. Mom, I will be angry if you do that again.¡± Qiao Zijin looked even more apologetic when she nced at Qiao Nan.

    If the Qiao family and the Zhai family were on good terms, it was not too much for Ding Jiayi to mention this.

 Chapter 1320 - Where Was the Shame?

    <h4>Chapter 1320 Where Was the Shame?</h4>

    Even if Ding Jiayi did not bring this up, the Zhai family might also put in a couple of good words for Qiao Zijin on the ount that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s only sister.

    However, the two families were not on good terms. When Ding Jiayi shamelessly said these, she was making Qiao Nan lose face in the Zhai family.

    ¡°We are all family. Inw, you treat Nan Nan like your own daughter. How can there possibly be such a misunderstanding? Inw, don¡¯t you think so?¡± Ding Jiayi seemed bold and fearless.

    Everyone from the quad in Ping Cheng was aware that by getting married to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was akin to have fallen into a nest of fortune after leaving the wolf¡¯s den. Miao Jing treated Qiao Nan as good as, if not better than, her biological daughter, Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua was seldom at home. On the contrary, Qiao Nan was the one who spent more time keeping Miao Jingpany. As such, in front of others, anyone who saw them would feel that Qiao Nan seemed to be closer to Miao Jing than Zhai Hua was.

    In other words, if Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were on good terms, Qiao Zijin could ride on her sister¡¯s glory. Her future marriage partner would not be too lousy either. She could look for one and he would easily be more outstanding than Chen Jun.

    However, the people in the quad were waiting to look at how Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would make a fool of themselves.

    Qiao Nan married so well, yet the lives of the Qiao family of three did not change at all. This joke was enough to make thenugh until they were seventy or eighty years old.

    Anyone who stayed in the quad was aware that Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family did not benefit at all despite her marriage. The sarcasm from these people was not directed at Qiao Nan but Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    It was not because of other reasons. First, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were right before their eyes and it was easy to chide them. Second, no matter how envious they were of Qiao Nan, she was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. They were just small flies and could only look up to the existence of the Zhai family. Would they dare gossip about the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw? Unless they shunned that they were having too good a life.

    When they constantly swore at Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin or asionally chided them, they were seeking justice for Qiao Nan, who had suffered in the past. Indirectly, they were also trying to curry favor with Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi had endured this anger for two years. She could finally vent her frustration in front of Qiao Nan and Miao Jing now. How could Ding Jiayi hold herself back? She said it all, be it appropriate or not. She was not afraid that she would make everyone feel awkward at all.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin tugged at Ding Jiayi nervously. Seemingly, she wanted Ding Jiayi to restrain herself and not continue with such impolite and offending words. ¡°Mom, I am going to be angry if you do that again. Mom, even if auntie really introduces a job to me, I won¡¯t take it either. It¡¯s not that my school doesn¡¯t have any arrangement for me.¡±

    ¡°Y-you... I don¡¯t know what to say about you.¡± Ding Jiayi was angered by Qiao Zijin¡¯sck of ambition. ¡°I am helping you pull the strings, and you have the shame to drag me down? I said all these, being the bad guy. Who am I doing this for? We are a family. There are no overnight feuds. At most, I am bad with my words but I¡¯ve never harbored malicious intention. You¡¯re already a mother. Why don¡¯t I see any improvement in this area? Which mother in the world will yearn for their daughter to lead a bad life?!¡±

    The first part of Ding Jiayi¡¯s speech was directed at Qiao Zijin. The second part waspletely directed at Qiao Nan, who was already a mother.

    Ding Jiayi only wished to express one meaning: Parents always have their good reasons.

    Regardless of how bad her attitude toward Qiao Nan was in the past, she was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother. How could she possibly wish to harm Qiao Nan? Her original intent was for Qiao Nan to do well. At most, she was a little ¡®stupid¡¯ to have done bad things despite her kind intentions.

    It was fine that Qiao Nan did not understand Ding Jiayi in the past. However, she was already a mother now. She should understand a mother¡¯s thoughts. If Qiao Nan still did not understand Ding Jiayi now, that meant she refused to acknowledge all her kin after marrying into the Zhai family and leading a good life.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were not difficult toprehend. As such, many who understood them could not help having a change of expression.

    What Miao Jing wished to do most now was to scold and chase Ding Jiayi out of the house immediately. She had allowed her to enter the house. After calling them inws many times, she really believed that her previous deeds could be written off, that no one would remember them!

    How could she be so shameless to say that?!

    It was the Qiao family¡¯s issue as to how bold and brazen Ding Jiayi was when she was in the house of the Qiao family. This was the Zhai family. She was wielding her dominance in the territory of the Zhai family. How could there be such a snobbish inw in this world? ¡°Comrade Ding, you sound so bold and powerful. Nan Nan is your daughter. However, she is now my Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. Two years ago, when Nan Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, no one had forgotten how many things that the Qiao family had done for Nan Nan. We do not ask for one to be capable. However, one should help ording to one¡¯s capability.¡±

    ¡°You washed your hands off the matter so easily previously. Today, don¡¯t you feel pain in your waist when you stand and speak in this way? You sound as if you¡¯re a benevolent mother?¡± Miao Jing really did not wish to see someone like Ding Jiayi, who always thought that she was right in everything that she said.

    If not for Ding Jiayi, she would have had a better first impression of Qiao Nan many years ago.

    Qiao Nan was the junior. Although Ding Jiayi had done wrong, it was not appropriate for Qiao Nan to put the words so bluntly before everyone. However, Miao Jing was different. She was Ding Jiayi¡¯s peer. In addition, she had a higher status than thetter.

    It was most appropriate for Miao Jing to speak about the shameless things that Ding Jiayi had done before.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s old face blushed. ¡°Inw, ording to what you said, henceforth, Qiao Nan is going to take it that she doesn¡¯t have a mother like me? When I am old, she is not going to support me financially?¡± All the while, Ding Jiayi was most concerned about this matter. ¡°Let me tell you. I am also one who knows thew. If she dares to do that, I can go and sue her.¡±

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, she did not believe that the Zhai family would have ¡®glory¡¯ for having a daughter-inw being sued of not supporting her parents in their old age.

    Once she went to sue Qiao Nan, the Zhai family would be the first to take the brunt.

    ¡°Who said that Nan Nan would not provide for your old age?¡± Zhai Sheng, who was standing beside Qiao Nan, looked at Ding Jiayi coldly. Earlier on, Ding Jiayi was behaving like an old hen, loudly grunting and flipping her wings and pretending to be an eagle. As soon as she saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s cold expression, her neck seemed to have been strangled. She dared not be so arrogant anymore. ¡°We will support in whatever way is required. Supporting the elderly in their old age is the duty and obligation of a child. However, it is up to the junior what kind of support to provide. Don¡¯t worry. Minimally, Nan Nan and I will definitely fulfill the most basic obligation.¡±

    She was talking about thew with Zhai Sheng. That would be akin to teaching one¡¯s grandmother how to suck eggs.

    ¡°However, Nan Nan is still studying and you are still young. It seems too early to discuss this now. Why don¡¯t we do this? When you are fifty years old, Nan Nan will provide you with an appropriate sum of living allowance ording to the social and economic situation then. As for other matters, we will review the situation ordingly.¡±

 Chapter 1321 - Noob Ally

    <h4>Chapter 1321 Noob Ally</h4>

    They definitely had to provide for Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Doning¡¯s old age. Zhai Sheng might despise his mother-inw, but he had never thought of keeping the money and shirking his responsibility of taking care of them.

    If Ding Jiayi did not bring up this topic today, he might give her more money for the sake that she was being honest and she did not make any more trouble for Nan Nan.

    However, Ding Jiayi brought it up today and said such harsh words. She even said that she was preparing for rainy days. It was such a joke.

    Since Ding Jiayi did not give due respect to their feelings, it was up to them to decide how they wanted to provide for her in the future. It was one thing to provide for their basic needs, making sure that they were fed and clothed, and another thing to take good care of them, financially and mentally.

    In the end, it was up to the children to decide how they wanted to provide for their parents.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi had no chance of enjoying life in her old age. Now that she had said such harsh words, Zhai Sheng decided that he would make sure that she was only provided with the bare minimum.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. Zhai Sheng gripped her hands, giving her support and she tightened her grip.

    She had never discussed how she should provide for her parents when they were old. This was indeed a problem. It would be awkward if she brought it up. Now that her mother visited her and did not care to maintain her dignity, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to show respect for her feelings. ¡°I agree with Brother Zhai. I share the same sentiments with him. I am your daughter. I will fulfill my duty as your child until the end.¡±

    Of course, she would take care of them until they passed away.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin and I are your daughters. Regardless of whether Qiao Zijin marries into another family or takes in a husband, the two of us will be responsible for providing for you. We will share the responsibility equally, including medical fees and more. Biological brothers will make sure that the ounts are right, notwithstanding Qiao Zijin and me. All the living expenses will be taken into ount. When one is old, one will need to see the doctor. By then, if Dad and Mom go to the hospital, you can pass the receipt to me and I will pay for half of the medical bills.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not foolish. She would not take care of Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi by herself like what she did in the previous life. Whenever they needed money, she would be the only one who paid for their expenses.

    Since they had two children, it was just nice.

    They could divide all the expenses into half. No one would take advantage of the other party.

    ¡°But Zijin is still in school. She doesn¡¯t have any money!¡± This was not the oue that Ding Jiayi hoped to see. Of course, she wished that her elder daughter would provide for her. But the elder daughter would not marry as well as the younger daughter. She would not be able to provide much for her. The younger daughter was different. She could provide her with more allowance and she would be able to lead a good life in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Nan Nan is also a student.¡± Zhai Sheng smirked. Ding Jiayi was indeed shameless. She did not even try to hide her greediness. She was indeed the ¡®hero¡¯ among the other evil people.

    Ding Jiayi opened her mouth and was about to say that it was different. Zijin would not marry as well as Qiao Nan. Although Qiao Nan was a student and she did not have any money, the Zhai family had lots of money.

    She did not care if Qiao Nan supported her using her hard-earned money or the money from the Zhai family.

    Ding Jiayi was indeed shameless toe up with such an idea. But she dared not voice out her thoughts. In fact, Ding Jiayi did not want Qiao Nan to provide for her. She was hoping that the Zhai family would provide for her.

    Ding Jiayi would not be contented with whatever that she had. Although Qiao Nan had no idea what was on her mind, she could tell from her behavior in the previous life what Ding Jiayi was capable of. Qiao Nan ignored Ding Jiayi and turned to Qiao Dongliang, who was silent all the while. ¡°Dad, whatever I said just now applies to you as well.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang forced a smile on his face. ¡°You are a good child. This has never been my concern. Nan Nan, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. The country is developing very well. I heard that there will be a pension in the future. I am still young. I can work. I will work harder now to save money for the future.¡± He had no wish to be a burden to his children.

    There was no need for his children to provide for him. He did not wish to be Nan Nan¡¯s burden when she was still so young.

    ¡°Dad, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan believed that Qiao Dongliang never had such thoughts. ¡°However, we need to discuss ande to an agreement so that we will know what to do in the future and we will not end up in a quarrel when the timees. Qiao Zijin and I are students. We can¡¯t make any money at the moment. By the time we start to work, we will still face the same problem. It is better to talk about it earlier. Even if we do not talk about it today and postpone it to some other day, we might end up in a stiffer mood than today.¡±

    They would have to deal with it sooner orter. Therefore, it was better to talk about it now than to feel upset about it in the future.

    Qiao Nan looked toward Qiao Zijin. ¡°Qiao Zijin, what do you think of my suggestion? Do you have anything that you want to add or change?¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not expect that Ding Jiayi, who had a talk with her previously, would change her mind and catch her off-guard. There was no way for her to salvage the situation.

    Her good attitude and endurance were all for nothing. Qiao Zijin felt anger boiling inside her.

    She remembered that Chen Jun brought her to Beijing two years ago during summer break. He barely stayed for two days before he insisted on returning to Ping Cheng. After returning to Ping Cheng, he was determined to break up with her despite all the money that he had spent on her previously. She finally understood why Chen Jun insisted on breaking up with her back then.

    One was not afraid of a strongpetitor but of a noob ally.

    She and Qiao Nan were on bad terms. There was no way that they could salvage their rtionship.

    Afterpleting two internships, Qiao Zijin had a clearer idea of the society aspared to when she was still in school. It was harsh and brutal. Even if she worked industriously for ten years, it was not as useful as one word from the Zhai family.

    After breaking up with Chen Jun and going through all the hardships in the past one year, Qiao Zijin finally calmed down and thought seriously about her rtionship with Qiao Nan as well as what she should do in the future.

    She had decided to resign to fate!

    She still hated Qiao Nan. She was far superior to Qiao Nan from a young age, but Qiao Nan married well when she grew up and she would have no way of doing better than her. However, she had no wish of making things difficult for herself. Although she was not on good terms with Qiao Nan, at least, she would not make things to be too awkward in front of other people.

    She hated that Qiao Nan married well and led a better life than her. But she knew that Qiao Nan was just as annoyed that she made use of their rtionship to take advantage of her.

    She was happy to know that Qiao Nan was annoyed.

    Since Qiao Nan disliked the fact that she behaved affectionately to her, all the more would she make use of their rtionship to make sure that she led a better life.

 Chapter 1322 - Became Smarter

    <h4>Chapter 1322 Became Smarter</h4>

    Qiao Zijin had made up her mind. Since she had arrived in the capital, no matter how the Zhai family treated her, she would be all smiles. Given that Ding Jiayi would make snide remarks from time to time, Qiao Zijin, who was well-behaved, stood out from Ding Jiayi. It showed that she was much more sensible than Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Nan and the Zhai family could not be rid of the Qiao family. She believed that Qiao Nan and the Zhai family would be d that there was someone sensible who was well aware of her position in the Qiao family. If she and her mother continued to make a din, although they would not affect the Zhai family, it would not look good on the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan and the Zhai family would be d that she no longer made trouble for them and she did not encourage her mother to go against Qiao Nan.

    Since she helped Qiao Nan and the Zhai family, they should return the favor.

    Qiao Zijin had finally ovee her own difficulties, to do what Chen Jun had asked her to do but she failed to do back then. However, after the mess that Ding Jiayi created, Qiao Zijin¡¯s efforts had gone down the drain.

    Ding Jiayi was oblivious to what was happening around her and she would only drag her own teammates down. She was a noob ally. Qiao Zijin was so furious at Ding Jiayi. There was a look of resentment in her eyes.

    Qiao Zijin was well aware of her position. She knew that she could not be fearless or arrogant in front of Qiao Nan. If she did that, it would be doing herself in. She could not be bothered that Ding Jiayi wanted to dig her own grave, but she must not drag her down with her.

    She was her biological mother!

    Qiao Zijin, who had no way of stopping Ding Jiayi, could only watch helplessly as she ruined her future.

    Given how Ding Jiayi behaved, Qiao Zijin had no wish to provide for such a mother like her or for her to enjoy her life in her old age.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nan noticed that Qiao Zijin¡¯s countenance had changed. She knew what was going on in Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind.

    It was true that she had married well. However, even if she had not married well or she was still single, Qiao Zijin had never thought of providing for her parents. Qiao Zijin could not wait for her to take care of their parents by herself.

    In the previous life, Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun and led an easy life as a wealthy man¡¯s wife. Despite this, she was not willing to buy good food for her aged parents. Right now, it was still uncertain whether Qiao Zijin would marry a man who was better than Chen Jun. It was tantamount to cutting a part of her flesh to ask her to bear half of her parents¡¯ expenses.

    However, everyone was staring at her, and Qiao Zijin noticed that her father seemed to be casting odd nces at her. She could not help but break out in a sweat in the cold weather. She was left with no other choice. ¡°Dad and Mom went through a lot of hardships to provide for us. We have grown up, so it¡¯s right for us to take care of them. It is a good idea to share the responsibility.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who had been silent all the while, spoke up. ¡°It is not easy indeed. At times, whether the children provide for the parents or not will have to depend on whether they have a conscience. Luckily, there is thisw in the country that says that if the children refuse to provide for the family, they will be sent to jail. Nan Nan got married when she is very young. She is shortchanged as we spent less money on her while she has to provide for us. Zijin, don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Qiao Zijin stiffened and her face turned green. She did not understand what her father meant by that.

    Her father treated Qiao Nan very well. He must not be targeting Qiao Nan. If so, his words must be directed toward her? But why? Went to court and sent to jail? Was her father saying that if she did not provide for them in the future, he would send her to court?

    With this thought in mind, Qiao Zijin, who wore a knitted cotton top, was drenched in a cold sweat.

    Qiao Dongliang knew his daughter best. From her expression, he knew that his guess was correct. His elder daughter intended to agree first since everyone was present. But she might not provide for them when the time came.

    By then, she had the money with her. It was up to her whether she provided for them or not. Apart from Qiao Zijin herself, no one could do anything about it. He and Old Ding could not possibly take her money from her.

    It did not ur to Qiao Dongliang that if it was Qiao Nan, he would never do that to her. But Ding Jiayi was capable of that. Now that the subject was Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi behaved like any other parent. She would not do that to Qiao Zijin.

    In short, Qiao Zijin only said those words to please her parents. She did not intend to take out her money to support her parents.

    Qiao Zijin had been behaving very well. However, she did not turn over a new leaf. It was just that she had be smarter and more selfish than before. As long as it was useful to her future, it was not a problem to smile at Qiao Nan.

    When she was doing her internship, she had to put on a smile in front of strangers. There were many times where she was scolded by them.

    Compared to her internship, she only needed to watch her mouth in front of Qiao Nan and not to spout nonsense like her mother so as not to ruin her future. If she did that, the Zhai family would help put in a word for her and she would be the person whom others had to please.

    Qiao Dongliang did not really understand Qiao Zijin. But he never believed that Qiao Zijin had really turned over a new leaf. Unless the elder daughter was reborn, she would not change her selfish personality.

    To Qiao Zijin¡¯s surprise, not only did her mother spoil her n, but her father also made ambiguous statements. She could not help but break out in cold sweat. ¡°D-dad is right. Mom, since Nan Nan has said so, you should not worry about me. I will settle my own problems.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was given a fright by Qiao Dongliang. She no longer harbored the hope that the Zhai family would agree to help her with her job today.

    If they continued, not only would the Zhai family disagree to help her to find a better job, but they might not wee her due to her mother¡¯s behavior as well. Moreover, Qiao Zijin was on tenterhooks due to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior.

    She did not expect that her parents, who should be her biggest support, ended up as her stumbling block at the crucial moment. She could not help but break out in a cold sweat.

    If she had a favor to ask of the Zhai family, it was better for her to make the trip by herself.

    Chen Jun used to tell her that as Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister, as long as she did not create any trouble for Qiao Nan and was polite toward her despite being given the cold treatment, she would have a good life ahead.

    Qiao Nan might hate her to the core, but she could make use of the fact she was the elder sister of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw to have a smoother life than other people.

    Chen Jun taught Qiao Zijin a lot of lessons as he hoped that his family would benefit from it.

    It was a pity that when he was with Qiao Zijin, she did not understand what he was saying no matter how he exined to her. Now that they had broken up, he did not need to say another word, and Qiao Zijin became smarter and knew what she should do.

 Chapter 1323 - Good Hearing

    <h4>Chapter 1323 Good Hearing</h4>

    Ding Jiayi had a look of displeasure at being told off by Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin. She knew that her husband and elder daughter were not as nice to her as before. Since Qiao Zijin was no longer close to her, Ding Jiayi would love herself instead. She would not stop until she had an answer from Qiao Nan.

    However, Ding Jiayi, who was ill-disciplined and out of control in front of Qiao Nan, did not dare to misbehave in front of a cold and indifferent Zhai Sheng.

    Perhaps Ding Jiayi was evil-natured or Zhai Sheng exuded a righteous aura, but whenever Ding Jiayi saw her son-inw, she could not help but feel a chill down her spine, spreading to her entire body. She could not understand why she was so fearful of Zhai Sheng.

    Now that Zhai Sheng was around, she could not do anything to Qiao Nan. When Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Nan had to agree to all her requests!

    With the arrival of the Qiao family, the Zhai family who was in a happy mood became out of sorts. During the period that the Qiao family was there, the triplets gradually epted that their grandfather whom they saw for the first time was their rtive and was the father of their beloved mother.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s help, Qiao Dongliang was allowed to y with the triplets.

    As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, they did not make any improvements.

    The Zhai family was very polite to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. They did not ask them to help out at all. They were not being treated as guests at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Actually, it was not a matter of whether the Zhai family treated them with courtesy or not. It was that they were very distant to them.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, I am getting married tomorrow. Nan Nan will keep mepany today. You can sleep in the study room.¡± Tonight was the eve of her wedding. Previously, Zhai Hua, who had been eating as per normal and felt rxed about her uing wedding, seemed to be nervous. ¡°There is no room for negotiation.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Why must I sleep in the study room?¡± Was she saying that he could not hug his wife to sleep and he could not even return to his own room? No matter what, he still had the triplets with him in the room.

    Zhai Hua sounded bold and righteous. ¡°Nan Nan has to take care of the triplets. Besides, they will definitely refuse to sleep with you.¡± If Zhai Hua wanted Qiao Nan to apany her, it meant that the triplets would share the same room as them.

    She could ask Qiao Nan toe to her bedroom, but she could not bear that the triplets had to sleep in a room that they were not familiar with.

    As the best auntie in China, Zhai Hua would amodate the triplets, taking their preferences as the top priority. Therefore, she sent Zhai Sheng out of the room. Since he was her brother, he had to be sent away to make way for her.

    What she did was for Zhai Sheng to feel that he was needed and that he had a purpose in life.

    Miao Jing thought about it. ¡°Fine, I will sleep with you tonight as well.¡± She would be marrying off her daughter tomorrow. Apart from feeling happy for her, now that the moment had arrived, Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached. She could not bear to part with her daughter.

    Hua Hua might provoke her, refused to listen to her, and behaved bullishly, but she was her only daughter. After she was married, she was not only her daughter but would be someone else¡¯s daughter-inw as well.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression darkened. He was implicated for no reason. He could not help but interrupt. ¡°Hua Hua is nervous. It is normal for her to want to talk to Nan Nan who is around her age. With Nan Nan around, you can be assured. There is no need for you to join in the fun. Tomorrow is her big day. You must have a good night¡¯s sleep today. You will be very busy tomorrow.¡± He was no longer young. Since his wife was at home, it was ridiculous for him to sleep by himself!

    Zhai Yaohui loved his wife very much. It would be very upsetting that they stayed under the same roof but could not share a bed. He felt displeased that he could not hug his wife to sleep or have other intentions.

    Zhai Yaohui could not be bothered with Zhai Sheng. He remembered that when he and Miao Jing quarreled back then, as long as they stayed in the same house, they would share the same bed. It was absurd for him to stay in another room now that he was older.

    As for his son and daughter-inw, it was good for the youngsters to sleep separately asionally. It would bring them closer. It was fine that his son slept by himself, but why should he have the same fate? ¡°Miao Miao, stop fooling around. If the triplets learn about it, they willugh at you.¡±

    San Bao, who was the fastest at picking up new words, heard a new word. She repeated the word that she heard. ¡°Miao Miao?¡± Who was that? She did not know such a person. Was the person in the house?

    This was not the first time that Zhai Yaohui addressed Miao Jing as Miao Miao. Zhai Yaohui had been using this form of address since their marriage.

    However, now that they had the triplets with them, Miao Jing asked that Zhai Yaohui addressed her as grandma. She would feel ashamed when she was called by her pet name. True enough, when her granddaughter used her pet name, Miao Jing did not feel good. Of course, Miao Jing directed all her anger toward Zhai Yaohui. Her granddaughter was not at fault. ¡°What do you mean by that? Are you saying that Nan Nan is young while I am old? Therefore, I don¡¯t have the right to apany Hua Hua on the day before she gets married?¡±

    Women were particrly angry when people said that they were old, especially when it was said by their other half. It was tantamount to asking for a fight.

    Miao Jing knew that Zhai Yaohui meant no harm. He was merely upset that she forsook him to apany her daughter and he had to spend the night by himself. But Miao Jing was infuriated when Zhai Yaohui used her pet name, and as a result, her granddaughter picked up the word and kept saying it. She lost her temper at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Yes, I am old and haggard. I am not as young and as fresh as the youngdies outside. It must be hard on you. If so, I will apany Nan Nan tonight and you can be freed of me. Nan Nan, is Hua Hua done with her dinner? Let¡¯s bring the triplets back to the room to sleep.¡±

    San Bao was swept away by her grandma who was boiling with anger. She looked startled as she had no idea what was happening. Her grandma wasughing in one instant and she turned angry and scolded grandpa in the next instant.

    San Bao was curious. She put her hands around Miao Jing¡¯s neck and muttered in her baby voice. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be angry. Smile, pretty. Grandma, naughty grandpa? Smack his bottom?¡±

    What San Bao wanted to say was that her grandma must not be angry. She would look prettier if she smiled. Grandma, was it that grandpa was being disobedient? Should he be given a smack on the bottom?

    The son, father, and grandfather in the Zhai family were being left behind in the living room. Old Master Zhai, who was the oldest among them and had good hearing, could hear how his great-granddaughter was scolding his son in her baby voice. Zhai Yaohui was younger than Old Master Zhai and he was fitter than him. He could hear every single word that his granddaughter said clearly.

 Chapter 1324 - Experience Counts

    <h4>Chapter 1324 Experience Counts</h4>

    Zhai Sheng felt much better that Zhai Yaohui was lectured by his wife andughed at by his granddaughter. He said lightly, ¡°Dad, you should keep your wife in check and discipline your daughter.¡± They must not keeping after Nan Nan!

    Tian Dong would be getting married to Zhai Hua tomorrow. It was not his wedding with Nan Nan. There was no need for him to stay in a separate room from his wife on the eve of the wedding.

    Things hade to this state because Zhai Yaohui did not control his wife and discipline his daughter.

    Zhai Sheng, who had to spend the night by himself, was full of grievances and he directed his anger at his father for not controlling his wife and daughter, and he ended up being separated from his wife.

    Zhai Yaohui sneered. ¡°One is your mom while the other is your sister. If you are capable, you can take your wife away from them. The room is yours. You can also choose to drive them out of your room.¡± If his son managed to do that, he would have his wife back as well.

    Old Master Zhai touched his beard while his son bickered with his grandson.

    When his wife was still around, he doted on her and she would have her way with him. This seemed to be the good tradition of the men in the Zhai family. Although there were very few women in the Zhai family, all of them were treated like empresses.

    Old Master Zhai knew that no matter how his son and grandson bickered with each other, they could do nothing with the three women in the family. Old Master Zhai could not be bothered with them. He snorted. ¡°Two fools.¡± One was his son while the other was his grandson. He was too embarrassed to say anything.

    After the old master left, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng could not stand the sight of each other. To Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister and wife kidnapped his wife. To Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s wife and daughter kidnapped the mother of his children.

    They were d that both of them were in the same predicament and they had to sleep by themselves.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng did not know that Old Master Zhai was the happiest of all. Ever since his wife passed away, he had been sleeping by himself for more than ten years. His son and grandson only had to sleep by themselves for a night, yet they were full ofints!

    The men in the Zhai family spent the night in frustration. The next day, they made a unanimous decision. Today, they would make sure that the other man suffered as well!

    The fleet of bridal cars from the Tian family arrived at the Zhai family early in the morning. Tian Dong, who wore a suit, looked energized as he walked into the Zhai family¡¯s residence. The men in the Zhai family saw the wide smile on his face and found the smile to be very ¡®ugly¡¯!

    It was because this ¡®ugly¡¯ man wanted to marry Hua Hua that they did not have a good sleep yesterday night. Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng could not stand the sight of Tian Dong, especially the foolish smile that he had.

    One of them was his father-inw, while the other was his brother-inw.

    Since they wanted to make Tian Dong pay for it, there was no way that Tian Dong could avoid being punished by them.

    By the time Tian Dong passed the tests that were so much harder than the tests Zhai Sheng went through when he married Qiao Nan back then, he was exhausted and drained of all energy. He was weak in his arms and knees that he almost could not carry his bride and bring her back with him. Many guests could not help but tease him. Some of them enjoyed watching the fun and provoked him. ¡°Tian Dong, should we ask the bride to carry the groom back home instead?¡±

    Zhai Hua, who felt nervous initially,ughed loudly at this situation and rxed. ¡°Sure. Dongzi, shall I carry you instead?¡± All of the guests today were close friends of the Zhai family. They had a close rtionship with the Zhai family.

    They knew Zhai Hua since a young age and they knew that she was a tomboy. Otherwise, they would not have cracked such a joke. Since everyone knew her well, Zhai Hua rxed and behaved like herself. She was unlike the other brides who were shy and awkward.

    It was alright that his rtives and friendsughed at him, but he could not take it that his wife joined in the fun as well. Tian Dong, who was tortured by his father-inw and brother-inw, gritted his teeth and used all his might to carry Zhai Hua, who was about fifty-five kilograms, downstairs.

    Many people let out catcalls when Tian Dong carried Zhai Hua in his arms. The noise was so deafening that the roof might be lifted away.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan had foresight. She remembered what happened when she got married and she knew that the people upstairs would be up to a lot of tricks. Therefore, she stayed downstairs with the triplets and their grandparents.

    Even so, the triplets were intrigued by the catcalls and howlsing from upstairs. They could not help but look upward to check what was going on. Old Master Zhai noticed that the triplets were not frightened by the loud sounds but were bursting with curiosity instead. Although San Bao was a youngdy, she was not timid at all.

    Old Master Zhai nced at Qiao Nan, his granddaughter-inw with a look of satisfaction on his face. What he was most satisfied with was that not only did she give them triplets but she was also sensible and mature despite her young age. She gave birth to triplets and taught them well. Although his grandson seldom spent time with them, they did not be sensitive and timid from theck of their father¡¯s apaniment.

    Back when he took care of his grandson and granddaughter, they were not as brave and daring when they were at the same age as the triplets.

    Old Master Zhai could tell that by the time the triplets grew up, the Zhai family would be doing as good as their current situation or even better than what they were now.

    The future of the family depended on the children.

    The younger generations had to do well in order for the family to thrive and prosper forever.

    While Old Master Zhai was zoning out, Tian Dong had already carried Zhai Hua downstairs. Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were already seated and two cushions were ced in front of them.

    Tian Dong and Zhai Hua knelt on the cushions. Zhai Hua was bidding her farewell to her parents. ¡°Dongzi, Hua Hua is used to being willful. She is my only daughter. I will leave her in your hands. In the future, you must be good to Hua Hua. You must not bully her, understand? Hua Hua, after getting married, you will be an adult. You must be sensible. As a married couple, it will not work for one party to keep giving in to the other. The couple must learn to forgive and show tolerance to each other. Do you understand?¡±

    Miao Jing turned teary-eyed as her daughter was getting married. She had tears in her eyes, but she maintained a smile as she wanted to send her daughter off happily.

    She had finally waited for this day where her daughter got married. She believed that her daughter would lead a good life at her inws¡¯ house.

 Chapter 1325 - Uncle Is a Baddie

    <h4>1325 Uncle Is a Baddie</h4>

    Tian Dong and Zhai Hua nodded. Tian Dong also gave his solemn promise to his inws. ¡°Dad, Mom, you can rest assured that Hua Hua and I will lead a happy life. I will never cause concern and worry for you. I am a man. It¡¯s alright that I give in more to Hua Hua. Dad, Mom, I will visit you often with Hua Hua in the future.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes turned red. Her voice was choked up and her eyes were brimming with tears. No matter what her parents or Tian Dong said, she kept nodding, promising that she would make sure that she do that.

    Miao Jing smiled even though she was in tears. ¡°Alright, today is a good day. We should not be crying. It is rare that my daughter is dressed up and dolled up so nicely. If you cry, the makeup will be ruined. Hua Hua, you must be happy in the future.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Mom...¡± Zhai Hua only managed to say two words before her voice turned hoarse from stifling her tears.

    It was Old Master Zhai¡¯s turn to drink the tea offered by his granddaughter and her husband. ¡°Alright, the two of you must lead a good life in the future. This is more useful than saying nice words or making promises to me.¡±

    Old Master Zhai did not say much. He had a stern expression when he looked at Tian Dong. He was warning him silently that if Tian Dong dared to bully Hua Hua from the Zhai family, he must be prepared to be dealt with harshly by the men in the Zhai family.

    Tian Dong understood Old Master Zhai¡¯s warning. He smiled bitterly and nodded seriously in his direction. He made a promise with Old Master Zhai that he would never bully Zhai Hua.

    Old Master Zhai was hale and hearty despite the years, and his father-inw and brother-inw had the means and the power. There was no way that he could go against them. All the men in the Zhai family were ready to defend and protect Hua Hua. He would never dare to bully her. Besides, he loved her so much he could not wait tovish her with love and attention.

    Tian Dong wiped the beads of perspiration off his forehead. After going through all the challenges and tests, he had finally married his wife and she was seated in the bridal car, getting ready to go back home with him!

    ¡°Auntie?¡± San Bao was puzzled. Why did someone carry her auntie away? ¡°Will she be back?¡±

    Qiao Nan caressed her daughter¡¯s cheeks, while she looked at Da Bao and Er Bao who were stopped by Zhai Sheng. They dashed around like two tiger cubs. ¡°Your auntie is getting married. Have you forgotten that the man is your uncle? I have taught you to address him as uncle.¡±

    San Bao did not understand what marriage was. ¡°Auntie, belongs here.¡± She was her auntie and should stay with them in the house.

    Da Bao and Er Bao could not be bothered with who the auntie belonged to. They only knew that their auntie was their rtive. The man who was their uncle was a baddie and he took their auntie to the car. They had to bring their auntie back. Otherwise, what would happen when their auntie cried when she was being bullied?

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was quick to stop his sons who had a bad temper. Otherwise, Tian Dong would have to appease Da Bao and Er Bao before he could get his wife.

    The problem was Da Bao and Er Bao were still very young. They would not listen to reason or behave themselves after receiving red packets. They had no idea what money was. They were well fed and clothed. To them, no amount of paper notes couldpare to their auntie who would y with them at home.

    Zhai Sheng knew that his sons had a fierce temper. Therefore, he kept a tight watch on them.

    He only wanted to teach a lesson to Tian Dong who kidnapped Zhai Hua. He wanted Tian Dong to understand it was not that easy to kidnap the women in the Zhai family. However, it had never crossed his mind to make Zhai Hua stay single all her life and not to have children of her own.

    After all, if Zhai Hua was to spend all her life at home, he would be the one who suffered. He did not wish that what happened yesterday would happen again. He was at home, but his wife and his children had to entertain his sister, and he had to spend the night alone by himself, as if he was a jilted husband.

    If he looked at it that way, he had to thank Tian Dong for marrying Zhai Hua so that he could be rid of Zhai Hua, the troublemaker.

    Therefore, Zhai Sheng had to keep a watch on Da Bao and Er Bao on behalf of Tian Dong so that they would not make a din and stop Tian Dong from marrying Zhai Hua today. If so, he would end up going ¡®hungry¡¯ and suffering.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were stopped by their father. Although the two tiger cubs might be strong, they could never escape from Zhai Sheng, the tiger. They could only watch helplessly as their auntie was taken away by their uncle. Their eyes turned red and they shot angry stares at their father. ¡°Baddie. Auntie is gone!¡±

    If the baddie had not stopped him and Er Bao, they would have saved their auntie.

    Miao Jing could not help butugh at the cute look on Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s faces. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, don¡¯t be angry. Your auntie is still around. She will be back in a few days. He is not a baddie. Don¡¯t you remember that he is your dad?¡±

    Miao Jing could understand why Da Bao and Er Bao missed their auntie so much. After all, the time that Zhai Hua spent with the triplets was much more than that of Zhai Sheng. It was natural that they were closer to their auntie than their father.

    They might be young, but they were good and well-behaved. They knew who was good to them.

    Qiao Nan let go of San Bao while she walked to stand next to her sons. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, look at grandma. Her eyes are red. She is crying. Do you want tofort her?¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao turned to look at their grandma. Their attention was now on their grandma.

    They noticed that their grandma looked teary-eyed. Da Bao was very sensible. He reached out his tiny hands to wipe the tears off Miao Jing¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I am here.¡± With that, Da Bao pouted his lips and kissed Miao Jing on the left cheek. Er Bao did not want to lose out. He kissed Miao Jing on her right cheek and gave her a hug.

    Miao Jing felt touched that her grandsons kissed her tofort her. ¡°I am alright. I am very happy. I have Da Bao and Er Bao to keep mepany. In the future, Da Bao and Er Bao must be good to me.¡±

    San Bao, who stood next to Qiao Nan, noticed that her grandma did not mention her. She felt anxious. She shrugged her hand away from her mother and ran toward her grandma. She hugged her leg. ¡°Grandma, San Bao loves grandma.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I love San Bao as well. I love Da Bao and Er Bao too. I love the three of you. I love you so much.¡± Miao Jing felt contented to have the love of the three children. She should not be sad that her daughter was getting married. She still had three little darlings with her.

    Zhai Yaohui watched as the triplets coaxed his wife. He walked happily toward them and carried his eldest grandson. ¡°Da Bao is awesome. In the future, you must spend more time with your grandma. If she cries, you must help me console her, will you?¡± Miao Miao really loved the triplets. She loved them more than Hua Hua.

 Chapter 1326 - Having Meager Benefits Was Better Than Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 1326 Having Meager Benefits Was Better Than Nothing</h4>

    Parents would always be like this.

    If their daughter was no longer young but she was still single, they would be worried sick and hope that she would find a suitable partner as soon as possible and settle down. But when the day really came, the mother would be tearing uncontrobly.

    Luckily, he had three little helpers with him. Miao Miao stopped crying and wasughing heartily.

    ¡°The triplets are so obedient. Nan Nan is a good child. She taught her children to be well-behaved as well.¡± Qiao Dongliang could tell that the triplets were well-behaved and sweet. He was very envious. He could not help but wonder if he stayed closer to Qiao Nan and her children and spent more time with them every day, would his grandchildren be just as close to him as they were to Madam Zhai?

    As he grew older, Qiao Dongliang longed for the days where he could y with his grandchildren and spend time with his family.

    When they were at a young age, Qiao Zijin was good with words while Qiao Nan was reserved. Qiao Dongliang had his happy days as a father. Now that his daughters had grown up, he was d that his younger daughter was caring and filial to him. But she got married not long after. After her marriage, he wanted to be responsible to his elder daughter, hoping that she would find her happiness like her sister, but he never expected that...

    Right now, his obedient younger daughter was no longer close to him, while the elder daughter was selfish and had eyes for no one else.

    Although he had two daughters, it was equivalent to not having any.

    What Qiao Dongliang wished for right now was to be close to the triplets and to be able to take care of them.

    However, although the triplets were willing to y with him and address him as their grandpa, they were not affectionate toward him. He was only treated slighter better than a stranger.

    Actually, it was because Qiao Nan bore a slight resemnce to Qiao Dongliang that the triplets were willing to y with Qiao Dongliang. Otherwise, although they were brave, they were cautious of strangers. This was not taught by the adults. They seemed to be wary of strangers by nature.

    If Qiao Nan did not bore a resemnce to Qiao Dongliang, they would not be willing to y with him. It was all the more impossible for them to be affectionate toward Qiao Dongliang. He did not stay by their side, and he did not spend time with them. It was impossible for them to be close to him.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was lost in thoughts, came back to his senses. He noticed that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin kept staring at Zhai Hua¡¯s fleet of bridal cars. From the sparkle in their eyes, he could tell what they were thinking of. ¡°Forget it. You can look at it for all you want.¡± No matter what, they could only watch the fleet of bridal cars enviously as they would not have such treatment.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s nostrils red slightly. She seemed to be angry.

    When Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng two years ago, her wedding was just as grand as Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding today.

    Qiao Nan was a nobody while Zhai Hua was the only daughter of Chief Zhai.

    She had no right to have such a grand wedding as Zhai Hua. Qiao Zijin could not take this lying down as she knew that when she got married, her wedding could not bepared to Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s weddings. It was not evenparable.

    A woman would only marry once in a lifetime, and there would only be such a grand wedding once in a lifetime.

    Why was it that Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua could have a grand wedding and for everyone to be envious of, while she had to marry quietly and no one would be envious of her?

    She and Qiao Nan had the same parents. Why was she treated so differently from Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Zijin could not ept what Qiao Dongliang said. It was unfair that Qiao Nan could have a grand wedding while she could only watch enviously.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled at Qiao Zijin¡¯s snort. ¡°Feeling unconvinced? Then, you have to work harder. There is no way that we could give you whatever you want. Like what you have said six to seven years ago, I am useless. You have to depend on yourself to get what you want. It is useless to depend on a helpless father like me.¡±

    When he first heard of Qiao Zijin¡¯s description of him after he was in an ident and had to be hospitalized, he was heartbroken. He even suspected that he must have heard wrongly. Otherwise, how could the caring elder daughter say such cold and harsh words? It was very cruel to say that to a father.

    But today, Qiao Dongliang was used to it. He would use this asionally to shut Qiao Zijin up.

    Qiao Zijin might be thinking the same thoughts, but she dared not say it in front of Qiao Dongliang or admit it. She smiled, feeling embarrassed. ¡°Dad, what are you saying? Why would you have such thoughts? I am your daughter. You will definitely dote on me. Let¡¯s not talk about being capable or not. Let¡¯s just live ording to our means. Let¡¯s not make thingsplicated.¡±

    Having meager benefits was better than nothing.

    Qiao Zijin did not wish to have the same treatment as Qiao Nan when she got married. She did not want to be ignored by her parental family or be treated as if she was not rted to her parental family at all, while it seemed that it was her neighbor who married off the daughter.

    Her father might not be able to provide her with a lot of money, but she would not reject any amount of money that he would give her.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled. There was no warmth in his smile. ¡°Alright, I will remember what you have said today. We should live ording to our means. This is a good idea.¡±

    From today onward, even if he had one cent in his pocket, he would find the chance to spend it on his grandchildren. He would not keep any money with him. By the time Zijin got married, he might have no money, but he would contribute hisbor.

    His daughter had already said so. If he really did that in the future, his elder daughter could not criticize or find fault with him.

    Qiao Dongliang could tell what Qiao Zijin was thinking about. But Qiao Zijin, who was inexperienced in life, could not really understand her father¡¯s words. ¡°Well, it would be very good if Dad could do that. I understand the family¡¯s situation. Alright, let¡¯s not talk about this. I don¡¯t even have a boyfriend. It¡¯s too far to talk about marriage. Today is Sister Hua Hua¡¯s big day. We still have to attend the wedding banquet at the hotelter.¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not know what her father meant. It was better to change the topic so that she would not make more mistakes. She also hoped that she was wrong and that she had been thinking too much. She was hoping to herself that her father did not mean anything.

    With that, Qiao Zijin walked to stand next to Ding Jiayi. She pulled at her clothes, hoping that Ding Jiayi would put in a good word for her so that her father would not keep targeting her.

    It had been two years. Her father only met Qiao Nan twice in these two years. Qiao Nan did not spend as much time with her father aspared to her.

 Chapter 1327 - Not Close At All

    <h4>Chapter 1327 Not Close At All</h4>

    Why was her father biased toward Qiao Nan but being entric toward her? What was the reason behind this?

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin, feeling a headache. ¡°Zhai Hua had left. The time is gettingte. We should go to the wedding banquet. Let¡¯s talk about the restter.¡± It was useless to talk about this.

    Since many years ago, Old Qiao had not been listening to her. Her words would not have any impact. Even if Zijin asked her for help, it was useless. She was helpless.

    Actually,pared to the fleet of limousine bridal cars that attracted the attention of youngdies, she was more interested to know what the dishes would be for the wedding banquet that was held in the capital. She wondered whether it would be especially delicious. She must eat to her heart¡¯s content.

    No matter what, the Qiao family of three was the parental family of Qiao Nan. Therefore, someone would send them to the venue of the wedding banquet. Ding Jiayi was in awe as she sat in the car. She kept looking around and touched different parts of the car. Qiao Dongliang had taken rides in the Chen family¡¯s car and the Shi family¡¯s car. Ding Jiayi did not have any experience of riding in a car. This was her first-time experience.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin felt that Ding Jiayi was too embarrassing. She pulled at her hand. ¡°There will be many chances in the future. We might have a car, and by then, you can look around in whatever way that you want.¡±

    ¡°It is impossible that we will have a car at home.¡± Ding Jiayi rebutted matter-of-factly. ¡°It is already good enough if we have a motorcycle at home.¡± She could not imagine having a car at home. Moreover, if they had a car, who would drive it? Who would be able to afford it?

    They were not well-to-do. They should not be thinking about cars. It was better to have the money with them. This was more practical.

    The Qiao family of three only needed to pay for their train tickets to the capital and back home. The Zhai family had taken care of all other expenses. However, to Ding Jiayi, it was not enough.

    Qiao Zijin would graduate in half a year. When she graduated, she would need some money in order to join a betterpany. Moreover, after she graduated, she should find a boyfriend and get married. Ding Jiayi could not afford to provide an expensive dowry for her, but at the very least, she still needed to prepare some dowry for her.

    Ding Jiayi had no wish to fork out a single cent to prepare a dowry for Qiao Zijin. She would not pay for it while Qiao Dongliang did not have any money. The only way was for Ding Jiayi to get the money from Qiao Nan.

    If she was able to get arge sum of money from Qiao Nan, perhaps she would have some money for herself after she prepared a dowry for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Zijin, you will graduate in half a year. One must be practical. It is no use to make a good impression but lead a hard life.¡± Ding Jiayi could tell that Qiao Zijin was envious that Zhai Hua had a grand wedding, and she hoped that she would have a grand wedding as well.

    If their family was well-to-do, Ding Jiayi was willing to go along with her daughter. But if they did not have the ability, Ding Jiayi was not willing to puff herself up at her own cost. ¡°Zijin, remember my words. No matter how grand the wedding is, it is useless. They are just for appearances¡¯ sake. Nothing is better than keeping the money in your pocket.¡±

    Qiao Zijin pursed her lips. She might be unhappy but she did not rebut her mother. ¡°Mom, I understand. I am merely watching the fun. Back then, during Nan Nan¡¯s wedding, she had a grander wedding. She has such a good life.¡± Qiao Nan had a grand wedding, while she did not have the right to have a grand wedding. Instead, she was told that she must be practical.

    The Qiao family of three had no idea of the family background of the Tian family and Tian Dong. Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, it was already a surprise for them to ept Qiao Nan as their daughter-inw. Now that it was Zhai Hua¡¯s turn to get married, their guess was that the groom would have a simr family background.

    If the Zhai family could ept a son-inw who was not as well-to-do as them, Zhai Hua could have married the man by the name of Wei De, and Tian Dong would not be the groom today.

    But when Qiao Zijin reached the venue, she finally realized how well-to-do Zhai Hua¡¯s husband was. When people held the wedding ceremony in the countryside, they were used to setting up tents outdoors and hiring a few chefs who had good culinary skills to prepare the wedding dinner. Qiao Zijin was used to attending wedding banquets in such an environment.

    However, Zhai Hua¡¯s and Tian Dong¡¯s wedding banquet was totally different. It was held in a grand wedding hall. The floor was tiled, and one could see one¡¯s reflection clearly from the clean and sparkling tiles. The chandeliers were mounted on the ceilings. They were beautiful and sophisticated, sparkling and glittering brightly. Colorful ribbons were tied around it, and the balloons that were floating in the air made the atmosphere romantic and blissful.

    Apart from the fascinating floor tiles, Qiao Zijin was further impressed by the thick carpet that covered the dining hall. It was soft to the touch and there was a huge wedding photo of Zhai Hua and the groom at the entrance to the wedding hall.

    Qiao Zijin had seen Zhai Hua before. But this was the first time that she had a chance to scrutinize the groom from up close. Zhai Hua, who wore a wedding gown, looked more feminine and less like a soldier. She was beautiful and stunning. As for the groom, he was tall and well-built and had the perfect body proportions of a model. He had the looks and the built.

    Ding Jiayi, who was already in her forties, could not help but sigh in awe at the groom. ¡°One really cannot tell that the man that married Zhai Hua today is so good-looking. He is just as handsome as Zhai Sheng.¡± Such a good-looking fellow ended up marrying a tomboy like Zhai Hua. The situation was simr to a beautiful woman marrying an ugly man.

    ¡°Old Qiao, how much do you think all these will cost? They are beautiful indeed, but they are useless. Everything will be thrown away after the wedding.¡± Ding Jiayi looked at the ribbons and the colorful balloons curiously. She loved the special decorations, but at the same time, her heart pained at the amount of money that was wasted on these decorations.

    ¡°If all the money was put aside and...¡± be theirs, how much would it amount to? ¡°Old Qiao, who do you think paid for this? The Zhai family or the groom¡¯s family?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could not be bothered with Ding Jiayi. But Ding Jiayi was too embarrassing. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who paid for it. It doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts. ¡°Qiao Nan is the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and she gave birth to two grandsons. Everything in the Zhai family will belong to my two maternal grandsons in the future. When they grow up, they will definitely be filial to me. Therefore, all the money belongs to my grandsons. The money that they spent is the money that my grandsons will be using to be filial to me in the future. How can I watch without doing anything?¡±

    Ding Jiayi almost said that the money the Zhai family had actually belonged to her grandsons, while her grandsons¡¯ money belonged to her.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes lit up, but she calmed down very quickly. Her mother painted a beautiful picture, and it worked to her advantage.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan, who was brought up and bullied by her mother, refused to listen to her mother anymore.

 Chapter 1328 - Dad, Letâ€™s Have a Good Cha

    <h4>Chapter 1328 Dad, Let¡¯s Have a Good Cha</h4>

    Da Bao and Er Bao grew up without Ding Jiayi by their side, and they were not close to her. It was impossible that they would give all their money to their maternal grandma and be filial to her.

    It was alright to daydream, but one must look at the facts as well.

    ¡°Mom, lower your volume. Look, someone isughing at you.¡± Qiao Zijin reminded Ding Jiayi to watch her behavior. ¡°Mom, given your behavior, once they know that I am your daughter, who will be willing to make friends with me?¡± Or to start a rtionship?

    Since Qiao Nan refused to introduce a boyfriend to her, her intention was to attend Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding and source for wealthy boyfriends.

    Her mother had ruined the Qiao family¡¯s reputation, and she was not as lucky as Qiao Nan. She had a mother-inw who was willing to ept her despite knowing that she came from a messy family.

    Miao Jing was the only mother-inw in the world who was willing to ept such a daughter-inw, and Qiao Nan was lucky to know her.

    Ding Jiayi behaved herself as soon as she was reminded that they were here today to look for a future son-inw. She no longer looked around. Even when she saw beautiful ornaments, she would control her greedy nature and shifted her gaze away so that no one could tell what was on her mind.

    But even so, the Qiao family of three, especially Ding Jiayi, had left a deep impression on the other guests.

    ¡°Who are those three people? Whose rtives are they? I have never heard of them. Has anyone heard of them before?¡±

    Everyone would be mindful of the asion and watch themselves, yet this woman had nothing to talk about except money. She must havee out from the dark corners.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know her.¡±

    ¡°She could not have been the groom¡¯s rtives.¡±

    ¡°What about the bride?¡±

    ¡°I heard that they are the parental family of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw who was from a humble background.¡±

    ¡°They turned out to be her parental family. I never expected that such an outstanding child wille from such a family. I thought that the daughter-inw of the Zhai family has no shorings. Well, I guess she will beughed at for having such a family. The family only has eyes for money.¡±

    No one was perfect. The daughter-inw of the Zhai family might havee from a humble background and was outstanding, but she had a disappointing parental family.

    Qiao Nan had been too outstanding. No one was able to get hold of the chink in her armor. Everyone felt unhappy that Qiao Nan, who was from a humble background, did better than their children.

    Today, everyone was watching the fun and was d that they finally got hold of the chink in Qiao Nan¡¯s armor. They would watch the Qiao family of three closely, hoping that they would catch them doing more foolish and ridiculous actions so that they could make use of this to ridicule the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned red. He was infuriated as Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation was affected because of Ding Jiayi. He gave her a re. ¡°You have two options. First, from now onward, keep quiet and go back home with me after finishing the meal. Second, if you dare to utter another word¡ªsince you have already embarrassed Nan Nan¡ªI will drag you out of the hall.¡±

    When she heard the first option, Ding Jiayi thought to herself that she refused to leave. She was indeed the poor parental family of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. She did not have good food at home and she was here to eat to her heart¡¯s content. Ding Jiayi only prepared a red packet that contained ten yuan.

    However, when she heard the second option, she dared not say another word.

    She was weaker than Qiao Dongliang. If he was determined to drag her, she would not be able to stop him, and if nobody helped her, she would not be able to have the meal that she had been anticipating.

    Ding Jiayi was determined to finish the meal so that she could return to Ping Cheng and brag to her neighbors.

    She gave birth to Qiao Nan. There was no way that Qiao Nan could be rid of her in this lifetime. Qiao Nan married well and she must make sure to bask in her glory. Look, she was able to have a good meal in the capital. If anyone dared tough at her and infuriate her, she might get her son-inw to deal with them!

    One thing that Ding Jiayi was most skilled in was to bully people by unting her powerful connections.

    However, if Qiao Dongliang dragged her away, she would not be able to have the meal and she could not brag to her neighbors. Furthermore, not only was she here to have a meal, but she also wanted to make use of the mealtime for Qiao Zijin to get to know suitable partners who were good-looking and fairly well-to-do.

    Ding Jiayi finally shut her mouth up, but it did not change the way other people looked at them.

    Qiao Zijin had a terrible headache. She did not feel like acknowledging that Ding Jiayi was her mother. It was alright that she was of no help. But why did she have to mess up her ns when she finally came up with one?

    Qiao Zijin stood further away from Ding Jiayi and leaned closer to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, what do you think I should do now?¡± Qiao Zijin felt weary that she was lost for words. All the suitable men of her age stood distances away from her. ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you most concerned about my happiness? You are the only one who can help me now.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang gave a scornful smile. ¡°I am not capable to help you. Isn¡¯t it good enough that I didn¡¯t drag you down like your mom?¡± Since when did he be a capable father? It was surprising indeed.

    ¡°Dad, can we go out and find a ce to have a good chat? I feel that you seem to have a misunderstanding with me.¡± If not, her father would not be so entric.

    ¡°Is it just a misunderstanding?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked her instead. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s have a chat.¡± It was a good idea to find somewhere quiet to talk. At least, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi would be away from the crowd and they would no longer shame Nan Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin walked to another ce, and Ding Jiayi hurried to catch up with them. She had no wish to stay in the same ce by herself and be scrutinized by other guests as if she was an oddball. ¡°What are you talking about? The food will be served in a while.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You will have your share.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not familiar with the hotel. This was his first time in the capital. But he used to be a soldier. He had better observing skills than other people. He found a ce that was suitable for them to have a chat in no time. ¡°Alright, say your piece.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled, feeling the irony of it.

    As a family, they spent a lot of time at home, but they never thought of finding a ce to sit down and have a good talk.

    Now that they were outside, they wanted to have a chat to clear up the misunderstanding.

    The elder daughter wanting to have a good talk was not because the misunderstanding had affected their rtionship. Instead, it was because it had affected her ns.

    ¡°Dad, are you angry at me? Or are you upset with anything that I have done or said?¡±

 Chapter 1329 - You Can Make a Choice

    <h4>Chapter 1329 You Can Make a Choice</h4>

    ¡°We are one family, and you are my dad. If I am in the wrong, you can tell me and I will change.¡± At least, she must please her father while they were in the capital. She already had a mother who was reckless and of no help. Her father must not ignore her and not offer his help.

    Qiao Zijin knew that her n would not work if she had no one to help her in the capital. She could not do it by herself.

    Even if she did not need Qiao Nan to make the introductions and relied on her own efforts to find a boyfriend who came from a good background, the attitude of the Zhai family toward her would be very crucial when they were at the stage of marriage. At this time, her father yed a key role.

    ¡°Change? Will you listen to me and change?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not believe her words. ¡°It has been so many years. This is not the first time that Imented about your shorings. You could not be bothered with it when I mentioned them in the past. If I mention it now, at most, it will be another chance for you to dismiss me. When we return home, you will revert to your old ways. We all know very well about this. Forget it. It¡¯s meaningless.¡±

    At the end of the day, Qiao Dongliang only felt that he was a miserable father.

    He had foolishly hurt Nan Nan¡¯s feelings because of such a daughter.

    One only learned from one¡¯s mistake. Although Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin was such a daughter and that she would not change, Qiao Dongliang had no intention of going to the capital, spending more time with his grandchildren, and staying close to his daughter.

    Right now, Qiao Dongliang did not even have any confidence in himself. He was afraid that after a period of time, when he saw that Qiao Nan was doing well while Qiao Zijin was sloughing her guts out, he would be softhearted and say hurtful words to Qiao Nan, doing things that would put her in a difficult position and hurt her feelings.

    Since he could not stop himself from making such a mistake, it was best to keep a distance from his daughter and grandchildren so as to reduce the probability of this happening as much as possible.

    Qiao Zijin widened her eyes and gritted her teeth. ¡°Dad, what do you mean by this? Are you saying that there is no way that we can talk about this? You know what kind of person I am. You should understand that as long as I don¡¯t get what I want, I won¡¯t be content with my current situation and Qiao Nan won¡¯t be able to lead a peaceful life either.¡±

    To Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang wasmitting the same mistake again.

    It seemed that her father would be biased toward her when he spent more time with Qiao Nan. But when he spent more time with her, he would feel guilty toward Qiao Nan again. He kept changing his mind and his stand. He was even more unreasonable than a woman!

    Qiao Dongliang stiffened. ¡°What do you want?¡± Qiao Dongliang continued. ¡°I would advise you to be more practical. It is unnecessary to say those nice but useless words.¡±

    They knew very well what kind of person each one was, particrly Qiao Dongliang. He knew Qiao Zijin very well.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s cut to the point.¡± Qiao Zijin trembled in anger. Her father said such hurtful words. She did not do any outrageous acts. There was no need for her father to look at her with such an expression.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and stifled the pain. ¡°Let me be direct. I want to marry into a good family. You must help me. If not, as long as I remain unmarried, I will definitely disturb Qiao Nan. Even if she will not ede to my requests, as long as I am around, I will make sure that it is pandemonium for her. She will not have a good life ahead!¡±

    She was merely a nobody. She was unable to hurt Qiao Nan or give her a harsh lesson.

    It did not matter. A nobody had her way to do things. She could be a scoundrel and act shamelessly, making life difficult for her. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would not be affected.

    Qiao Zijin felt strangely satisfied that Qiao Dongliang was angered by her. He widened his eyes like an enraged tiger and his face was flushed. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to do this, you should help me ordingly so that I can realize my dream. I can assure you that once I am married to a good man, I will no longer find trouble with Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°How can I believe you?¡± Qiao Zijin had already threatened him, so how could he believe her words? ¡°Carnal cravings are never satisfied and are the main obstruction on the path to enlightenment. By the time you marry into a good family, you will wish for your husband and your inws to do better in life. By the time you have children of your own, you will want to give them the best education, the best teachers, and the best job in society. Hehehe, I can¡¯t help you with your request. Because no matter how I help you, you won¡¯t be satisfied.¡±

    Ding Jiayi turned pale as she stood by the side, watching as the father and daughter quarreled with each other. The atmosphere was hostile and they treated each other as their enemies. ¡°What¡¯s with the two of you? Why did you say all this nonsense? We are one family. Old Qiao, Zijin is our daughter. It is our wish for her to marry well and lead a good life. Zijin, he is your dad. He raised you and took care of you. How could you use that attitude with him and threaten him?¡±

    Qiao Zijin smirked, mocking Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, stop it. Save your time and don¡¯t shame yourself by saying this. It will be better if you keep quiet. We have never been a harmonious family. Do you think it is suitable to say that we are one family and are blood-rted? We have never been close to each other. It is so ridiculous.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was perplexed. It was her mother who caused the family to be torn apart and for her to view everything based on her own benefits. She was the one who made them be a cold and indifferent family, yet she was talking about kinships and family ties.

    After lecturing Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin looked toward Qiao Dongliang. ¡°There is a difference. I don¡¯t deny that I want a lot of things. But after going through so many hardships, I realized that the only person that I can rely on in this world is no one but myself. Whatever that you have said just now, if needed, I will find a way out by myself. I will not ask you for help. I can swear today that I will not ask Qiao Nan for help in the future as well.¡±

    She had a lot in mind, but the first step was to find a good husband and inws for herself. ¡°If you help me, then you can make appropriate suggestions ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. I will not stop you from making considerations for Qiao Nan while helping me. On the contrary, if you don¡¯t want to help me and leave me to make a din, then I can only say sorry. In order for me to obtain my goal, I might make it difficult for Qiao Nan to survive in the capital. This is totally out of my consideration. Dad, have youe to a decision?¡±

 Chapter 1330 - Exploded in Anger

    <h4>Chapter 1330 Exploded in Anger</h4>

    Qiao Zijin knew that she would not be able to find good inws by herself.

    Given her social circle, she would never be able to meet the man that she wanted to have. In this family, apart from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was the only one who would be able to help her.

    The Zhu family, the Shi family, and the Zhai family had moved to the capital. Most of the established families that her father knew were no longer in Ping Cheng. But luckily, the Lee family who had old ties with the Qiao family was still in Ping Cheng.

    If Qiao Nan did not help her, Qiao Zijin could only rely on Qiao Dongliang, her father.

    Qiao Dongliang did not have much response to Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. He kept silent and did not say a word.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang could not make up his mind, Qiao Zijin continued. ¡°I know that you no longer regard me as your daughter. No matter what I say, you will take it as a pack of lies. Right now, you have two choices. You can choose not to help me, but before we return to Ping Cheng, I believe I have the ability to make it such that Qiao Nan bes famous in the capital for having the Qiao family as her parental family. No matter how well she has been doing previously, once something happens, she will be aughingstock. Perhaps, someone will use this to make trouble for the Zhai family, particrly Zhai Sheng, as well.¡±

    ¡°The second option will be to trust me just this once. I might have wanted all those that you said, but it will only happen a few yearster. If you don¡¯t calm me down, I might embarrass Qiao Nan right now. Qiao Nan will graduate and work in a few years. If she does well, she will establish her foothold in the capital. By then, even if I make a din, I will not pose a disturbance to her and I will merely be gossiped about by people during their leisure time.¡±

    In other words, she was just one of the small fry among rascals. She would not be able to cause big harm to Qiao Nan.

    A few years would make a lot of difference to the Zhai family and Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was married and was a mother of three. Zhai Hua, who was no longer young but still single and was deemed as someone who would not get married in Ping Cheng quad, finally got married. Seeing that they had been happily married, Qiao Zijin, who had never worried about marriage, could not wait to get a husband.

    Qiao Dongliang seemed to be lost in thought, but in actual fact, only a minute had passed. ¡°Alright, I can help you, but not in the capital. As for Ping Cheng, I can give it a try. Don¡¯t be in a hurry to haggle with me. Even if I agree to help you, you should understand that my abilities are only limited to Ping Cheng. If you still want to marry to the capital, you should not look for me but make use of me such that Nan Nan will help you. If so, all that you said just now is useless. There is no need for us to continue with this conversation.¡±

    It was indeed better for him if Zijin was married to the capital as she would not bring too much trouble for him. However, Nan Nan would be faced with endless troubles. He would never agree to it.

    This was not the answer that Qiao Zijin wanted to hear. However, she was left with no choice. ¡°You might choose not to believe me, but I might not listen to you either. What if I behave myself during this period of time and you refuse to help me when we return to Ping Cheng?¡±

    By then, she would gain nothing eventually, and she had to watch helplessly as Qiao Nan¡¯s life became better and she did not have the chance to make life difficult for her.

    Qiao Dongliang felt slightly annoyed. ¡°Do you think if you make a din in the capital, you will be able to find a boyfriend? No matter what, you are my daughter. Although I am not willing to help you, I will not want to see you lead a miserable life. You can either choose to believe that I will help think of a solution when we return to Ping Cheng and I will get help from other people, or you can continue to make a din in the capital such that Nan Nan refuses to acknowledge you as her sister, and everyone in the capital know that you are on bad terms with each other. By then, they will not give respect to your feelings because of Nan Nan, and they might even teach you a lesson. You can choose to continue to be obstinate.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang would not give a definite answer to something that had not been done yet. He did not want the other party to be disappointed.

    ¡°However, you must bear in mind that once you do that, and Nan Nan stops acknowledging you as her sister publicly, I will no longer regard you as my daughter.¡± If things came to that state, he would stand on Nan Nan¡¯s side regardless of what happened and he would not put in a good word for the elder daughter.

    ¡°Since a young age, Nan Nan suffered more than you, or rather, she was the one who was shortchanged. Even so, she did not force me to choose between the two of you. If you insist to go to the extreme, it is akin to pushing me toward her. I will make good on my words. You should know that if I really stand on Nan Nan¡¯s side, whatever that you do in the future will lose its impact.¡±

    If siblings quarreled, the bystanders would judge them based on their words and the circumstances. However, once the elders were involved, the general public would be inclined to believe the party whom the elders supported.

    If the other party continued to make a din, she would be seen as opposing the elders.

    Qiao Zijin stomped her foot unhappily. Ding Jiayi, who stood by the side, felt sorry for her. ¡°Zijin, y-you must not say these words to your dad. You must be filial. Your dad went through great pains to raise you...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zijin hollered at Ding Jiayi with resentment. ¡°Are you saying that Dad went through great pains to bring me up and hence I can¡¯t behave in this way? Who is the one who told me when I was at a young age that my dad is useless? He is on good terms with the Lee family but he could not get the old master at the Lee family to get him a promotion in the army. My dad has two children, but he is so useless that he had to discharge from the army. If he is capable, he should be promoted even when he had two children! Who is the one who told me that my dad is useless and couldn¡¯t earn big money? If not for you who did a good job managing the small amount of money, Qiao Nan and I wouldn¡¯t be able to go to school, and we would not be able to feed ourselves. Who told me that my dad is a useless man who can¡¯t feed his wife and his children?¡±

    ¡°In the end, who told me that when I grow up, I must make sure to find a good man, and I must not follow your footsteps to find someone who is poor, without any power and status like my dad? I must use all means and ways to find a man who is rich, powerful, and has high social status. By then, I must remember that you have been through great pains, have suffered a lot, and have given in to my dad to bring me up. If I do not treat you well, I will be a heartless person.¡±

 Chapter 1331 - Being Beaten Up

    <h4>Chapter 1331 Being Beaten Up</h4>

    ¡°Mom, tell me. Who is the one who demeaned Dad between the lines and praised herself all these years so that I would look down on my dad and hate and bear grudges against him!!¡±

    As it turned out, Qiao Zijin did not simply bear grudges against Ding Jiayi. Instead, it had developed into hatred toward her.

    If her mother did not have the wrong impression that she was pregnant with a boy and mistreated her when she was at a young age, using harsh words to frighten her, she would not find Qiao Nan an eyesore the moment she was born and could not wait for her to be kicked out of the family.

    Qiao Zijin had grown up and she was smart. Qiao Nan had a good life and a high social status. She knew that if she apologized to her sincerely and patched up with Qiao Nan, they could still be siblings. Although they might not be very close, given Qiao Nan¡¯s personality, she would not watch while she struggled with life.

    However, she could not make herself do that!

    Since a young age, she was full of hatred for Qiao Nan. She already hated her even before she was born.

    She bore the grudges and hatred for so many years. It was deeply rooted and there was no way to change it now.

    Whenever she wanted to say nice words to Qiao Nan and get along well with her, Qiao Zijin would feel terrible. It was as if her heart was sliced to tiny and small pieces, making her suffer in excruciating pain.

    ¡°Although I find Qiao Nan an eyesore, I never really said harsh words to Qiao Nan back when we all lived together. Dad, do you know the reason why I never did anything atrocious and I made Mom do it instead?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was interested to know the answer. Ding Jiayi, who was being lectured by Qiao Zijin, turned pale and had a guilty look on her face. She looked toward Qiao Zijin, wanting to know the answer as well.

    As expected, Qiao Zijin raised her finger and pointed toward Ding Jiayi. ¡°It is all because of her. She is the reason why I hated Qiao Nan as soon as she was born. As a result, I am not willing to speak to her or do anything to hurt her. I don¡¯t want to dirty my hands and my mouth. It is as if a stray dog pooped in my courtyard. I will not clean it so as not to dirty my hands. But I will let my mother clean it up for me. I didn¡¯t even want to look at it!¡±

    To her, Qiao Nan was tantamount to the dung that the stray dog passed out!

    ¡°Qiao Nan must slough her guts out for me until the day she dies. As for you, the useless dad, you should be looked down upon by me. In the future, there is no need for me to be filial to you because you don¡¯t deserve it. Mom, you told me all this. This is what you have been telling me the past twenty years.¡±

    There was a distorted look of hatred on Qiao Zijin¡¯s pretty face. ¡°This is what you have taught me these twenty years. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that he is my dad and I should respect him, and I shouldn¡¯t say such words to him? He is my dad. He gave me life and he raised me. It is difficult for him. But didn¡¯t you say that you had the most difficult life and you are the one who gave birth to me and raised me? Without you, my dad would not be able to send me to school or provide for me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang widened his eyes in anger at Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. His bloodshot eyes gave off a scary look. ¡°Did you tell all these to Zijin from a young age?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang believed that a man should take care of external matters while his wife took care of domestic affairs.

    Everyone in the Ping Cheng quad praised Qiao Zijin for being a likable kid who was good with words. Although Qiao Nan was quiet, she was kindhearted and good in her studies. She was a good child as well. This was what people used to think before Qiao Nan had a high fever.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that since the neighbors had such a good impression of his children, it was the right decision to leave the family to Ding Jiayi. Although under her care, they did not turn out to be very outstanding, they were still better than average.

    Qiao Dongliang never expected that all this was just a facade. The truth was so ugly and painful. He never would have imagined that Ding Jiayi, who was traditional and put her husband as her priority, would use such vicious methods to teach the elder daughter. She kept sowing discord between the elder daughter, him, and the younger daughter.

    He worked hard every day and he brought every single cent of his sry back home to Ding Jiayi. In the end, this was what he got from Ding Jiayi.

    She felt that he was useless?

    She felt that he was a man who could not even provide for his wife and children?

    If Ding Jiayi did not manage the money, the two daughters would not be able to go to school and would have starved to death.

    Hahahahha. Qiao Dongliang swore that this was the biggest joke that he had ever heard in his entire life!

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face looked distorted. ¡°Ding Jiayi, I have no idea that you have so many grievances all these years in this marriage and that you are so capable. I have let you down in this life! Perhaps, if I rejected Uncle Lee when he introduced a girlfriend to me and you married the man that your mom introduced to you, the children that you might have with him would have struck it big and lived in a big house. I am really sorry for dragging you down with me. I should not have taken you away from your happiness and made you suffer with me!!!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt like tearing apart Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart right this moment.

    Ding Jiayi was in a total panic. ¡°Old Qiao, n-no, this is not the truth. Zijin is lying. I did not say this to her. How could I have said this? I know very well how much you have done for the family. You were the one who earned the money and provided for us. You doted on Zijin very much. Zijin, don¡¯t you feel guilty maligning me? Hurry, exin to your dad and tell him that I did not say all these.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was scared stiff, gave Qiao Zijin a few hard smacks on her back. The people in the corridor could feel the pain even when watching by the side. That was because she was the one who was being smacked on the back two years ago. ¡°Such a bad girl! When did you learn to tell such lies? Are you trying to sow discord between your parents?¡±

    Zijin was such a little devil. How could she say such words without thinking about the consequences?

    Zijin only needed to bear in mind what she used to tell her. There was no need for her to make it known to Qiao Dongliang. She was creating trouble for her and making Old Qiao hate her.

    Although she stayed in the same house as Qiao Dongliang these two years, they never shared a bed or a room. They did not get back together. Ding Jiayi was worried that Old Qiao would believe Zijin¡¯s words and refuse to get back together with her. ¡°Wretched girl, are you crazy? Do you wish that you don¡¯t have a dad or a mom?¡±

    Didn¡¯t she realize that these words would have a devastating impact?

    Qiao Zijin was not someone who would allow herself to be ill-treated or be beaten by other people. She did not dodge Ding Jiayi¡¯s smacks initially as she had never been beaten by Ding Jiayi ever since Qiao Nan was born, and she was caught off-guard.

 Chapter 1332 - Drive One Mad

    <h4>Chapter 1332 Drive One Mad</h4>

    Qiao Zijin came back to her senses after being smacked by Ding Jiayi thrice. She darted to the side and gave Ding Jiayi a push. ¡°You know very well whether you have said those words or not, and I know that I am not lying.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had had enough. Ding Jiayi acted differently when she was in public and in private. She made it sound as if she behaved the same no matter where she was, while other people said all the proper things to somebody¡¯s face but did exactly the opposite behind his back.

    ¡°You wanted me to side with you, so you said that Dad is useless and you are the one who provided for me and gave me a chance to study. You stayed with this family and with a useless dad because of me. Now that I have an argument with him, you lectured me, saying that he is my elder and he went through many difficulties to raise me. Mom, don¡¯t you find it ridiculous? Why did you say different things to us?¡±

    Qiao Zijin could contain her anger when Ding Jiayi behaved unreasonably in the past. But today, she could no longer tolerate it.

    Ding Jiayi was caught off-guard by Qiao Zijin¡¯s push. She twisted her ankle and fell to the floor in pain. ¡°You are such an unfilial daughter. After scolding your dad, are you trying to beat your mom who gave birth to you and raise you?¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Qiao Dongliang shouted in a deep voice. ¡°Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing? This is the wife and daughter that I have, yet I am such a fool not to have realized it sooner. Hahaha... It¡¯s no wonder that my family is different from other families. A man would marry a woman for her virtue. If a wife is virtuous, the husband will have less trouble. My parents passed away when I was at a young age and nobody reminded me of this. I have to admit that you are indeed the child of the Ding family. You looked down on your mom, but she could not bepared to you. At the very least, your mom did not create trouble for your dad. At most, they wasted their time on raising a daughter!¡±

    As for him...

    He had two daughters. One was led astray and could no longer change for the better, while the other was estranged with them and had lost hope in them.

    Qiao Dongliang used to think that he knew exactly what was wrong in his family. It was due to the elder daughter¡¯s personality and hence she refused to listen to them. Otherwise, it should not be so difficult to talk sense into her. She was selfish to the core, and she disregarded her parents and had no feelings for her family.

    After everything that had happened, it turned out that it was all due to Ding Jiayi.

    He had never seen or heard of people who used such methods like Ding Jiayi to teach their daughter and to get the daughter to stand on her side. Under Ding Jiayi¡¯s bad influence and teaching, it was no wonder that the elder daughter was ill-natured and despicable.

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, my biggest mistake in this life was to marry a disaster like you!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang gave a sad cry. He was like the aged wolf that was injured, shedding tears and howling under the full moon.

    Qiao Dongliang gritted his teeth, hunched his back, and walked with heavy but quick footsteps, leaving the hotel.

    ¡°Old Qiao, where are you going?¡± Ding Jiayi, who was being lectured, still refused to admit that she was in the wrong. If she did not marry Qiao Dongliang, he would still be single today. But seeing the defeated look on his face, she could not help but hurry after him.

    When young couples turned old, they would be each other¡¯spanion.

    Ding Jiayi might speak badly of Qiao Dongliang in front of Qiao Zijin, but she had never thought of leaving Qiao Dongliang to find another man.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was terribly upset, Ding Jiayi was worried that something might happen to him. She might have a guilty conscience, but she could not help but quicken her footsteps and hurry after Qiao Dongliang, leaving her beloved daughter, Qiao Zijin, behind.

    Qiao Zijin, who was left alone, stood in a dark corner. The surroundings turned very quiet and one could hear the sounds of Qiao Zijin grinding her teeth.

    After a long while, Qiao Zijin left the hotel as well.

    Their family of three had ended up in a big quarrel. Now that her parents had left, Qiao Zijin knew that she could not stay by herself for the meal. She was not close with Zhai Hua and she was not on good terms with Qiao Nan. If her parents were around, Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua would still give her due respect on ount of the elders.

    Now that her parents had left, it was useless for Qiao Zijin to stay behind by herself.

    Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang had promised that after they returned to Ping Cheng, he would think of ways to find a suitable partner for her.

    Although the conversation ended on a bad note and every one of them was in a terrible mood as if they had been through a thunderstorm, Qiao Zijin believed that since she had agreed to the n, her father would definitely fulfill his promise to her.

    Qiao Nan came out from the corridor after the Qiao family of three left.

    They were on the fifth floor. Although there were lifts in the hotel, Qiao Nan was not used to using lifts. She would feel dizzy. Besides, it was only five levels high. It would not take long to climb the stairs. It was a form of exercise for her.

    Since Qiao Nan wanted to take the stairs, Zhai Sheng would apany her as well. As for the three children, their grandparents would take the lift and bring them to the hotel. Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng did not expect that they would overhear this conversation at the stairwaynding. Qiao Nan had yet toe back to her senses. She could not believe that this was how Ding Jiayi taught her children.

    Qiao Nan still felt weak-hearted.

    Qiao Nan wanted very much to ask Ding Jiayi whether she bore vengeance toward her husband, and therefore she had to do that to their children. Qiao Nan was a mother. If her other half used simr methods to teach her children, making them be estranged with her, she might be so furious that she would chop him up with a knife.

    ¡°Are you still feeling ufortable?¡± Zhai Sheng got to know his mother-inw better today. Everyone would be bbergasted at the way Ding Jiayi taught her children.

    Qiao Nan felt weak and leaned on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°Let me rest for a well. I did not expect that I will be so exhausted after climbing five levels at one go.¡± She refused to admit that she was in shock due to the conversation that she overheard just now.

    In the previous life, Ding Jiayi must have used the same teaching method on Qiao Zijin. It was no wonder whenever Qiao Zijin came home, she would talk to Ding Jiayi behind closed doors, leaving her and her father outside the room.

    Before she passed away, whenever the family needed money, her parents would ask her for money. After her car ident, Qiao Zijin took her kidney. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality, she must have taken thepensation from the ident as well.

    Without her around, her parents would not have good days ahead of them.

    Ding Jiayi took great pains to raise Qiao Zijin but she was not filial to her. Instead, Ding Jiayi had to wait on her. Qiao Nan did not feel sorry for Ding Jiayi at all. After all, she brought it onto herself.

 Chapter 1333 - Resolving the Problem

    <h4>1333 Resolving the Problem</h4>

    Qiao Nan felt uneasy at heart. Her father had been focused on earning money to support the family but neglected the situation at home. As such, he had allowed Ding Jiayi to hatch such a plot. During his old age, he still had to bear the brunt of Ding Jiayi¡¯s stupidity.

    It turned out that she was not the only pitiful one. From a certain perspective, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were crueler and more heartless to her father than her.

    For a moment, Qiao Nan could not hold herself back. She said, ¡°How many years of bad blood did my dad umte to marry such a woman?¡± The source of her family¡¯s biggest tragedy was Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Nan really could not bring herself to call such a woman ¡®mom¡¯.

    Zhai Sheng held onto Qiao Nan and patted her back gently. ¡°Let us take more care of dad in the future.¡± When Zhai Sheng said the word ¡®dad¡¯, he was referring to Qiao Dongliang and not Zhai Yaohui.

    Qiao Dongliang refused to give up on Qiao Zijin, and this was understandable. Most parents loved their children unconditionally and selflessly. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior was not umon. However, he had inevitably hurt his other daughter in the process.

    Now that he had realized that Qiao Zijin had no way of turning back due to Ding Jiayi¡¯s teaching, one really felt that he was very pitiful to have persisted until today.

    Certainly, Qiao Dongliang had been negligent in the concern for his children. He did not discover in time that Ding Jiayi was teaching his daughter in such malicious ways. However, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior was, in fact, verymon in many Chinese families. Everyone led such lives.

    The only difference was that Qiao Dongliang was very unfortunate to have met a wife like Ding Jiayi. As for the other men, they also led such lives. However, they married a wife who was better than Ding Jiayi. Hence, the lives in these families were peaceful and they felt contented as long as they could make ends meet.

    ¡°What is the matter? Nan Nan doesn¡¯t look good. Is she feeling unwell?¡± When Miao Jing, with the triplets by her side, saw her son and daughter-inw, she was sharp to notice that Qiao Nan did not look well. ¡°Is it because...¡±

    Miao Jing had not arrived for a long time but she had already heard manyments about the Qiao family from others. ¡°Nan Nan, your mom¡¯s character... It¡¯s not the first time. We know about it long ago. There¡¯s nothing surprising. Don¡¯t let this worry you. No one is perfect. Don¡¯t bother too much about those people¡¯s criticisms.¡±

    Qiao Nan forced a smile. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t.¡± How could words of outsiders affect her? After knowing the actual situation of her family, typical matters could not impact her at all. ¡°I might have caught a little cold on the way here. As long as I rest well tonight, I should be fine tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Mom, not feeling well? Take medicine, injection!¡± San Bao walked over, reached out, and held on to Qiao Nan¡¯s fingers with her little hands, showing her concern. At the mention of taking medicine and injection, San Bao¡¯s face, which looked like a little bun, grimaced. ¡°Painful, so bitter.¡±

    The triplets had been very healthy since they were babies. It was seldom that they felt unwell or had a fever. However, they had to take immunization jabs. When the triplets were teething, they had also thrown fits due to feeling unwell. It was not true that children did not know anything. When the triplets asionally went to the hospital for immunization jabs, they saw other children throwing tantrums, crying, screaming, and refusing to take injections and medicine. As such, they were well aware that taking injections and medicine were painful matters. However, as long as one did that, one would recover from their illness and pain.

    ¡°San Bao is so sensible. She even knows that one needs to take medicine and jabs when one is unwell.¡± Touching San Bao¡¯s head, Miao Jing was smiling like a blooming flower. ¡°San Bao, grandma will bring you to auntie, okay?¡±

    ¡°Auntie, where?¡± San Bao nodded enthusiastically, looking around for Zhai Hua. Miao Jing waved at San Bao to ask her toe over to her side. She also brought Da Bao and Er Bao, all the three little ones, to Zhai Hua. At this moment, Miao Jing could sense that Qiao Nan did not look well due to psychological and not physiological reasons.

    If Qiao Nan was truly feeling unwell, her son would have sent her to the hospital long ago.

    On the contrary, Zhai Sheng did not look too good either and there was no sight of the Qiao family of three anywhere. Miao Jing pieced the puzzle and roughly understood what was going on.

    Qiao Nan might feel worse if the triplets were by her side. As such, Miao Jing might as well bring them somewhere else and let Zhai Sheng have a chance to console Qiao Nan well.

    However, at this juncture, Qiao Nan did not need anyone to console her. She just wished for some time to quiet down.

    Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan. Hence, he hugged Qiao Nan and let her lean in his arms. He silently consoled her and kept herpany.

    Facing a person like Ding Jiayi, even a formidable figure such as Zhai Sheng could only sigh and exim with pity that it was illegal to kill someone in awful society and times as such. In particr, this hateful person whom he could not wait to get rid of was his biological mother-inw.

    To anyone, this rtionship was very torturing.

    It was Zhai Hua¡¯s day of marriage today. Qiao Nan had finally livened up her mood to watch Zhai Hua marry in glory.

    After the bride finished the toasting, Zhai Sheng ¡®reported¡¯ the situation to Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing. He also informed Tian Shouyi before making a move first with his wife and children.

    Tian Shouyi had heard about the situation of the Qiao family of three.

    Initially, he was not so warm toward Qiao Nan precisely because of Qiao Nan¡¯s background. Fortunately, there was no problem with Qiao Nan. The problematic one was Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family. In such a situation, the problem would not be huge as long as Qiao Nan and the Zhai family were not muddleheaded.

    Under the condition that his family¡¯s interests would not be adversely affected, and on the ount that the Zhai family had a worrisome inw family and Qiao Nan was feeling unwell, Tian Shouyi did not take issue that Zhai Sheng and all had to leave earlier.

    His son was married and he had a daughter-inw now. Soon after, he was also someone who would be carrying grandchildren.

    Facing these changes, Tian Shouyi was in such a good mood that he could not wait to light up firecrackers and celebrate openly. However, there were environmental pollution issues nowadays and the air in the capital was not good. As such, they could only do away with such celebration methods as much as they could.

    As soon as they arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Qiao Nan washed up and fell asleep soon after.

    The triplets knew that their mother was not feeling well. They were thus very obedient and did not bother Qiao Nan. Under the care of their father, Zhai Sheng, they obediently brushed their teeth, washed their faces and hands, soaked their feet, and crawled onto the beds happily thereafter.

    Especially San Bao, she was overconfident. She lifted the nket from the side and propped up her chubby legs, wanting to climb up the bed on her own ord. In order to save his chubby daughter¡¯s face, Zhai Sheng reached out his hands and gave his daughter¡¯s flour-like and chubby buttock a push. As such, Miss San Bao could of course climb up the bed, opened the nket, and wriggle into the little hole created.

    Next, Zhai Sheng saw a little bump appearing under the nket and crawling toward Qiao Nan. It was only until she reached Qiao Nan that San Bao wriggled out from the nket, giggling happily.

 Chapter 1334 - Sharing the â€˜Treasuresâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1334 Sharing the ¡®Treasures¡¯</h4>

    After giving Qiao Nan a kiss on the face, San Bao obedientlyy beside Qiao Nan. Without the need for anyone to coax her, she knew that it waste and it was time to sleep.

    Knowing that the triplets had the habit of having goodnight kiss but Qiao Nan had fallen asleep due to fatigue, Zhai Sheng simply held Da Bao and Er Bao in the air and satisfied them by letting them kiss Qiao Nan¡¯s face before swiftly tucking them back into the nket.

    Qiao Nan and the triplets had upied almost the entire bed, leaving behind only a small space for Zhai Sheng.

    Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s size, it was not sofortable to sleep on his back.

    Fortunately, such a space was also enough for Zhai Sheng. He did not sleep on his back. Instead, he chose to sleep on his side. This was the only position that he could conveniently andpletely embrace Qiao Nan in his arms.

    Qiao Nan, who had been sleeping, could seemingly feel the assuring and warm embrace from Zhai Sheng. At this moment, her closely knitted brows looked more rxed. In addition, the body of San Bao, who felt as warm and cozy as a small stove, made Qiao Nan sleep more peacefully.

    Hugging his nice-smelling wife, Zhai Sheng nced at his three children, who had already shut their eyes. They did not kick up a fuss, make noise, or chase him off the bed. Zhai Sheng then turned off the lights in the bedroom. He guarded his wife and three children as all of them slept together.

    After a night of rest, Qiao Nan looked like she was in slightly better spirits on the next day.

    As soon as Qiao Nan went downstairs, she heard two pieces of news.

    First, the Qiao family of three had gone home.

    Second, Zhai Sheng was the one who sent them off.

    Holding the small bowl and feeding porridge to Da Bao, Qiao Nan was very surprised to hear the news. ¡°They had gone home just like that?¡± She had thought that this year, the three of them would spend their Lunar New Year in the capital before going back.

    She could tell that her father liked the triplets very much. This time, behind everyone¡¯s back, her father gave the triplets huge red packets and bought them a lot of toys.

    These items were not considered very cheap. Besides, there were many of them.

    Many a little makes a mickle. After counting, her father had spent about one year of his sry on all the three children.

    Qiao Zijin was already of marriageable age. After a few years, Qiao Zijin would also find a partner and get married. At that time, it was definitely not possible for her father to do away with any preparation and be as rxed as the time when he married her off.

    Shouldn¡¯t her father take the opportunity to save up more money these few years? Otherwise, Qiao Zijin would kick up a lot of fuss when that time came.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? They all went back.¡± Besides Qiao Nan, Miao Jing also felt that the Qiao family of three had gone back too soon. It was unbelievable. When did they improve their interpersonal skills? When did their skin be thinner?

    Nevertheless, their departure was a good thing. It would not be so hard on Nan Nan then.

    There was a saying that children are the debts owed by the parents in the previous life. In the Qiao family, Nan Nan must have owed her parents in the previous life. It was such a sin.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is helping you send them off. He will settle everything. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Miao Jing thought that Qiao Nan was worried about the situation of the Qiao family of three when they returned to Ping Cheng. ¡°Let Zhai Sheng manage this. There won¡¯t be any problem.¡±

    If he could not even settle such a small matter, she could definitely ask Zhai Yaohui to teach Zhai Sheng, this son, again.

    After feeding Da Bao hisst spoon of porridge, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Mom, there is no reason for me to worry when Brother Zhai is settling the matter. I just feel that it is very tough on Brother Zhai. He is already so busy in the army and his missions are very dangerous. The little time that he finally has at home was all spent on my maternal family. He couldn¡¯t even rest well.¡±

    On this trip back, Brother Zhai did not have time to rest at all. He had been busy helping Sister Zhai Hua in her marriage. Today, he had to travel to Ping Cheng because of her maternal family.

    Qiao Nan was aware that Zhai Sheng would not make this trip to Ping Cheng personally without any reason.

    At the thought of the conversation that she heard yesterday, Qiao Nan was not certain of his n and arrangement when he sent the Qiao family of three back to Ping Cheng. As such, she looked a little worried. She was afraid that the matters of the Qiao family would create too many troubles for Zhai Sheng.

    When she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s reason, Miao Jing shrugged without a bother. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this. Zhai Sheng has nothing except for physical strength. He is just sending off someone. It is unlike in the past where one had to ride a bicycle. They can take public transport now. I remember that Zhai Sheng had purchased air tickets. One day should be enough. He should return by today.¡±

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Mom, everything seems alright. Do you know why Brother Zhai wants to send my parents back?¡±

    Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan, feeling puzzled. ¡°He is sending your parents off. Putting aside your parents¡¯ characters, isn¡¯t this a very normal situation?¡± One was the son-inw and the other was the inw. Wasn¡¯t it normal for the son-inw to send his inws home?

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Mom, you are right. It¡¯s certainly very normal.¡± Brother Zhai did not inform Miao Jing about what happened yesterday, so she would not tell her first. After all, based on what she heard yesterday, it was not just a family scandal. It was basically having an idiot in the family.

    In the past, Qiao Nan was worried that Qiao Zijin would plot on and create a lot of troubles for her because she wanted to marry well. After what happened yesterday, Qiao Nan felt that she had to worry more about whether Qiao Zijin would be left on the shelves. Qiao Zijin had been taught in such a way by Ding Jiayi and she had also left Chen Jun, a man who had ulterior motives.

    Just as Miao Jing had said, if they were taking the ne, Zhai Sheng could send the Qiao family back to Ping Cheng very quickly. It was also not difficult for him to return to the capital to be reunited with the family on the same day.

    Later in the evening, before it was nine o¡¯clock, Zhai Sheng returned to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, looking fatigued after the journey.

    No one knew when Da Bao and Er Bao became familiar with Zhai Sheng. Last night, they did not chase him off the bed. Today, as soon as they saw Zhai Shenging back home, the two chubby boys evenughed happily and pounced toward Zhai Sheng. They wanted him to carry and y with them.

    Zhai Sheng arched his brows. ¡°Wait a while. Let me change my clothes and wash my face first before ying with you.¡±

    After having children, burly men like Zhai Sheng had also begun to pay attention to such details.

    Under the influence of the women in the family, Zhai Sheng gradually became aware that children¡¯s immune systems were not as strong as that of adults. For the sake of protecting the three children, he had to pay attention to hygiene and reduce the chances of the tripletsing into contact with dirty stuff.

    Coincidentally, at this moment, he was the ¡®dirty stuff¡¯ in this house after traveling for the entire day. He was covered in dust.

    ¡°Hurry.¡± Old Master Zhai carried his eldest great-grandchild swiftly. ¡°Da Bao, great-grandpa will y with you first. Your dad willeter.¡±

    Old Master Zhai had shared the responsibility of appeasing Da Bao. Certainly, Zhai Yaohui, the grandfather, could not shirk his responsibility. He forcefully kidnapped Er Bao to his side, on the pretext of teaching Er Bao how to read.

 Chapter 1335 - Could Not Feel Happy

    <h4>Chapter 1335 Could Not Feel Happy</h4>

    No one needed to worry about San Bao, this little princess, at all. She did not pester Zhai Sheng. She stuck to Qiao Nan and adorably requested for hugs and kisses from thetter. Father and all, these were as superficial as clouds.

    It was only until night time after the husband and wife had coaxed the children to sleep that Qiao Nan finally had the chance to ask Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, you personally made a trip to Ping Cheng this time. What did you do? You¡¯re not allowed to keep it from me.¡± Having said that, Qiao Nan unhappily looked at Da Bao and Er Bao, who were sleeping soundly. She felt so jealous.

    So, boys would ultimately be closer to their father?

    Clearly, she was the one who usually took care of the triplets. The aggregate time that Brother Zhai spent with Da Bao and Er Bao did not even exceed one month.

    Who would have known that Da Bao and Er Bao were so fixed on ying with their father today? When they could not find him during the daytime, they even threw a lot of tantrums.

    Qiao Nan snorted. Fortunately, she still had San Bao, this warm little cotton jacket. She was not going to bother about those two rascals anymore. She would ¡®gift¡¯ them to Brother Zhai and let him worry about them in the future.

    Would Zhai Sheng miss that jealous look on Qiao Nan? He smiled and lowered his head to give her a kiss on the lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You are the only one that I dote on and love most. If those twods were not given birth to by you, you would see if I would bother about them.¡± Zhai Sheng was stating a fact. However, most people would not believe it.

    Coincidentally, Qiao Nan also belonged to this category of people. Hence, she did not believe him. ¡°Don¡¯t divert from the topic. What exactly did you do during your trip to Ping Cheng this time?¡±

    ¡°I spent some money this time. A lot of money. I made the decision in a hurry. When I woke up, you were still sleeping. Hence, I didn¡¯t wake you up, and there was no time to discuss it with you either. You won¡¯t feel angry, right?¡± Zhai Sheng passed his sry to Qiao Nan again. He even clearly told her how much he had spent.

    Qiao Nan did not take issue with how much Zhai Sheng spent. She just felt odd about a situation. ¡°You have spent arge sum of money. What did you do?¡± This was such a huge sum of money. At the current market, one could already buy a house with it in Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan had really guessed it right!

    After Zhai Sheng washed up, hey beside Qiao Nan. Same as yesterday, the first thing that he did was to hug Qiao Nan in his arms. ¡°Do you still remember that, once, a Chinese businessman gave you a small courtyard?¡±

    ¡°Yes, his parents were teachers of Ping Cheng High School before their retirement.¡± Later on, she even specially donated this courtyard to Ping Cheng High School. She was very upset then and deeply afraid that her father would behave like her mother by taking her belongings and giving them to Qiao Zijin.

    Now, when she thought about it, Qiao Nan had some regrets.

    After what happened yesterday, anyone who was normal would not be able to tolerate staying under the same roof with such a woman. This was despite the fact they had not revived the marriage and reverted to an official couple in name.

    Zhai Sheng leaned his chin gently on Qiao Nan¡¯s head, filling his nose with the fragrance of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair. He looked very rxed andfortable. ¡°I have told you this a few years ago. That Chinese businessman wanted to return to the home country to develop his business. I heard that he is into real estate business currently. Coincidentally, he has a batch ofmercial housing property that has just beenpleted and on sale. I bought a small suite for Dad. It should be enough as he is staying in it alone.¡±

    He had viewed that house before. It had one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen, and one bathroom. It was more than sufficient for one person to live in.

    Everyone was so familiar with each other. Hence, the other party simply sold a unit that was renovated to Zhai Sheng. After payment, Qiao Dongliang could move in immediately.

    As for the title deed and rted items, Zhai Sheng also apanied Qiao Dongliang to settle them. He had submitted all the required documents. After half a year, Qiao Dongliang would receive the title deed.

    ¡°You bought my dad a house?¡± As soon as she heard this, Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction was a little big. Purchasing a property of her own was one of her greatest wishes in two lifetimes. Until now, Qiao Nan had not achieved it. She also had not graduated from college. Unexpectedly, her father had gotten a property first.

    Zhai Sheng felt a little tired as he had been busy. Although his body could not help feeling ¡®aroused¡¯ as soon as he hugged Qiao Nan, at this moment, he could not do anything although he very much wanted to. Furthermore, there were three little rascals sleeping by their side.

    Zhai Sheng, who felt helpless, could only hold Qiao Nan tightly in his arms. The two of them were tightly pressed to each other. ¡°Yes, I have bought it. After knowing my intention, Dad did not decline and epted it without a word.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was also a man. Qiao Nan would not be able to understand Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings more than Zhai Sheng.

    Human hearts were made of flesh. Qiao Dongliang did not wish to give up on Qiao Zijin and wanted to persist to be a good father. However, after knowing the kind of person his former wife was, and the elder daughter that he refused to give up on had been taught and turned out as such, he could no longer carry on.

    Now, whenever Qiao Dongliang saw these two women, his head would ache so badly that it felt like exploding.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to leave willfully but his only issue was finding a ce to stay.

    In order to teach Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin a lesson, Zhai Sheng personally made this trip. He wanted to help Qiao Dongliang resolve this housing problem such that Qiao Dongliang would have no further worries. ¡°Dad has said that he is already divorced with Ding Jiayi and they should behave ordingly too. Ding Jiayi is not young but also not extremely old. If they continue to stay together, he is worried that he will obstruct Ding Jiayi from finding another romantic rtionship.¡±

    To hear such words from a man, one could tell how resolute Qiao Dongliang was about not reconciling with Ding Jiayi.

    One had to know. To Qiao Dongliang, even if he really had a chance to find another woman to marry, he would also feel uneasy if he were to hear that Ding Jiayi was in the same situation as him.

    However, at this moment, Qiao Dongliang could not wait for Ding Jiayi to find another man and get married as soon as possible so that she would fully let him off.

    No matter how embarrassed Qiao Dongliang felt about epting the house from his son-inw and how much he did not want to trouble his daughter, at the thought of Ding Jiayi, all these troubles were considered nothing.

    It was as if Qiao Dongliang was avoiding the god of gue. As soon as Zhai Sheng revealed such an intention, Qiao Dongliang agreed readily without a single moment of hesitation.

    In fact, when he was on the flight home with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang had already made up his mind to borrow a sum of money from Zhai Sheng. Even if he had to rent a house, he would definitely find a ce that was located very far away from Ding Jiayi.

    If he were to continue to look at Ding Jiayi, he was afraid that at some point, he would not be to control his urge to hack Ding Jiayi dead with a chopper.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Qiao Nan gave a huge sigh. ¡°Do you remember? The first day I found out that my dad brought everything with him and moved into the small courtyard of the Qiao family, I was extremely upset and angry. I couldn¡¯t help resenting him for he did not remember the lessons he had learned previously. Today, when you told me that he has moved out of the small courtyard as he couldn¡¯t live with Ding Jiayi anymore, I don¡¯t know why but I can¡¯t bring myself to smile at all.¡±

 Chapter 1336 - Better Mood

    <h4>Chapter 1336 Better Mood</h4>

    ¡°I have been thinking. Perhaps the Ding family wanted to marry her to another family in exchange for their son¡¯s marriage previously not because they favored son over daughter. Perhaps they could already tell what kind of person Ding Jiayi was. As such, before Ding Jiayi could betray the Ding family, they wanted to gain something from Ding Jiayi.¡±

    One could not deny that Qiao Nan must have taken too many blows to conceive a conspiring theory for something that happened so many decades ago.

    Although Zhai Sheng did not intend to make love to Qiao Nan tonight, he could not control his hands. His thighs were mping on Qiao Nan¡¯s. His hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s waist wriggled like an agile snake and found its way into the lower hem of her nightgown, stopping in between Qiao Nan¡¯s soft waist and tummy. Thereafter, his fingers caressed the delicate skin repeatedly to feel the tender and smoothness that was so different from that of his own. ¡°Do you wish to know? I can help you find out.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, shook her head. ¡°Forget it. Be it Ding Jiayi or the Ding family, I am not interested to know. It¡¯s still the same words. It¡¯s definitely impossible for her to get a lot of money from me. However, I will definitely fulfill the basic maintenance obligation of supporting her during her old age.¡± Ding Jiayi could forget about getting money from her to lead the life of a rich man¡¯s wife.

    The money that she gave Ding Jiayi would allow thetter to have protein dishes in all her meals. Ding Jiayi would not die of hunger. However, it would not be anything more than that.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that she will give your money to Qiao Zijin?¡± It was always easier to spend money thates without any effort or work. She might not know how to cherish them.

    ¡°Afraid?¡± Qiao Nan gave a mocking smile, lowering her voice as she was afraid of waking the triplets up. ¡°I am really not afraid.¡±

    In her previous life, her mother used all her earnings on Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters. It happened many times. Her mother did not even leave her a single yuan from her moonlighting earnings.

    Her mother had to ¡®dig¡¯ at least 5,000 to 6,000 yuan from her pocket to give to Qiao Zijin. If she was lucky to receive some trantion jobs, she would have to give Qiao Zijin about 10,000 yuan per month.

    However, in this lifetime, ording to what she said earlier, she would only give Ding Jiayi a maximum of 100 yuan per month as a living allowance. Given the current cost of living and wage level, an ordinary worker¡¯s sry was only about 200 to 300 yuan per month.

    If she were to give 100 yuan, it would definitely be considered high.

    Even if wages were to increase in the future, the money that she gave Ding Jiayi would not exceed 1,000 yuan per month. Compared to the 10,000 yuan in the past, Qiao Nan did not feel the pinch for this 1,000 yuan at all.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you may not have discovered a situation but it can¡¯t escape my eyes. Ding Jiayi seems to be more reluctant to spend on Qiao Zijin nowadays.¡± She could feel an obvious disengagement between this mother-daughter pair. Ding Jiayi no longer treated Qiao Zijin unconditionally like she did in her previous life.

    Qiao Zijin was definitely harboring resentment over this matter.

    Qiao Zijin must have borne a grudge against Ding Jiayi for a long time. Hence, she could no longer contain herself and exposed such a shocking secret to her father yesterday. In the previous life, she did not even know that Ding Jiayi was so ¡®noble¡¯ to have done her utmost to ¡®teach¡¯ Qiao Zijin in such a way since thetter was a child.

    Putting aside the sadness that she felt about having such rtives and after calming down, Qiao Nan felt that she should feel a little happy instead of upset. Now, she could behave like a passive onlooker and watch the ¡®show¡¯ of the Qiao family.

    It was uncertain why but Qiao Nan only had one word in her heart: retribution.

    Qiao Nan was not certain whether Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin had gotten the retribution. However, both of them were not doing well. This time, they were really going to be down on their luck.

    Zhai Sheng understood what Qiao Nan meant. ¡°In order words, if you give Ding Jiayi money to support her in the future, she may not spend all of them on Qiao Zijin.¡±

    It was normal for children to support their parents financially in thetter¡¯s old age. However, it was too unreasonable to expect one to support their own siblings.

    Zhai Sheng felt consistently disgusted that after receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s money, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi would be so unprincipled to give all of them to Qiao Zijin. Thereafter, they would stillin that Qiao Nan was petty and did not give them enough.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded furiously. ¡°It is a little wrong to think of it that way. But undeniably, I feel better all of a sudden. Brother Zhai, you must be feeling tired. Let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Once her mind was eased, Qiao Nan felt sleepier than yesterday. She had the feeling that tomorrow would be a better day.

    Zhai Sheng could not help giving Qiao Nan a bite on her neck. ¡°You are in such a good mood. Why are we sleeping? Should we have a good ¡®celebration¡¯?¡± At the very least, they had to change the noun ¡®sleep¡¯ to a verb.

    This time, Qiao Nan was in a better mood and she did not decline. She was even tempted. ¡°Okay, shall we celebrate on that bed?¡± After her mood had improved, Qiao Nan¡¯s desire was also roused.

    In the dark room, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes were the brightest at this moment. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave a seductive smile. She even reached out her ¡®wolf ws¡¯ and touched Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest and tummy. In fact, at the sight of Zhai Sheng¡¯s naked upper torso earlier, Qiao Nan was already thinking about it.

    Their children could already run all over the ce, yet this was the first time that she finally had a chance to satisfy her own desire. She could feel the beautiful body curve.

    The desire for food and sex is human nature. Qiao Nan was also human. Of course, she would have such desires.

    At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s touch, how could Zhai Sheng not understand? After confirming that the three children were sleeping soundly, without a word, Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan up swiftly and put her on the bed beside them.

    He had prepared this bed for his three children. Unexpectedly, the couple eventually slept more in this bed. When they did some ¡®shameful¡¯ things under the covers of the nket, Zhai Sheng felt that this bed was the only thing in the room that was well worth the money spent.

    Qiao Nan dared to touch Zhai Sheng today because Zhai Sheng did not look as energetic as usual. She thought it would not be too much of a problem to stimte him a little.

    Although they were a little over the top on such matters, it was undeniably a veryfortable affair for them. In particr, the husband had such a good physique and requisites. She could get everything that she wanted. It was of course very ¡®satisfying¡¯ to be with such a man.

    There was one disadvantage though. It was fine that he could sustain it for a long time. However, he had to do it more than once in one night. Even though it was afortable affair, Qiao Nan could not take it if the urrences were too high.

    Tonight, she had thought that it would be enough to focus and do it once. Thereafter, they could hug each other to sleep.

    However, when someone¡¯s heavy machine gun was loaded with bullets for the third time and moving in fiercely, Qiao Nan began to have regrets.

 Chapter 1337 - Fragrant and Smelly Ones

    <h4>Chapter 1337 Fragrant and Smelly Ones</h4>

    One hour ago, Brother Zhai looked so tired that he could fall asleep at any point in time. Could it be that he was just faking it to bluff her?

    Qiao Nan, who felt deceived, was like a kitten that had been provoked. She scratched Zhai Sheng¡¯s back without any reservation and left a few scratch marks on it.

    There was a change in the rtionship of the Qiao family of three. Undoubtedly, Qiao Nan felt very relieved about this.

    Once her mind felt at ease, Qiao Nan was finally able to have a good year ahead.

    Qiao Dongliang was now living separately from Ding Jiayi. During the first few days of Lunar New Year, Qiao Nan no longer avoided going home. She was willing to bring the triplets back to her ¡®maternal home¡¯ to visit. The triplets had seen Qiao Dongliang before and knew that he was their maternal grandfather. Qiao Dongliang also apanied the triplets and yed with them for two days. As a result, the rtionship between the grandfather and the three children improved tremendously.

    On the flight back to the capital, Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s back gently. ¡°Chubby girl, you went overboard when you were ying with maternal grandpa. Please don¡¯t do that again.¡± San Bao had really yed too much and thus perspired so much. Although Qiao Nan had wiped the sweat on her back in time and even changed her clothes, San Bao still caught a little cold in the end.

    When the child had a cold, they would naturally be harder to appease.

    San Bao took advantage of the fact that she was unwell and the youngest one in the family and upied her mother¡¯s hug. She even refused to give in to her father, determined to defend her own territory.

    San Bao rubbed her chubby face on Qiao Nan¡¯s soft chest. San Bao no longer had any recollection that her first food came from this ce. Nevertheless, when she was in her mother¡¯s arms, she was very clear which position would make her feel mostfortable.

    She was lying in her mother¡¯s arms. Although her nose was stuffy and ufortable, her mother was patting her back gently and speaking softly. San Bao was smiling as she shut her eyes in a leisurely manner. She did not look unwell. In fact, she looked contented and happy.

    ¡°Maternal grandpa, good.¡± Da Bao looked at his sister with envy. He then gave Qiao Dongliang a very sincere evaluation.

    In the Zhai family, besides Miao Jing and the auntie, Qiao Nan, who was still schooling, spent the most time with the triplets. The men in the family, especially Zhai Sheng, had too little time to spend with the children.

    On the other hand, Qiao Dongliang devoted all of his time and energy to keep the three childrenpany during these two days. He had thus left a greater impression on them. Very soon, they epted this maternal grandfather that they had met only twice.

    ¡°Yes, yes, very fun.¡± Er Bao nodded with affirmation. They felt especially happy to y with their maternal grandfather. No matter what they wished to do, their maternal grandfather was willing to y along with them.

    Qiao Nan felt both angry and amused when she helped Er Bao wear his mask. ¡°You¡¯re such a cheeky boy. Don¡¯t remove this thing. You can only take it off when we arrive home.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that the children would feel ufortable wearing masks. However, San Bao had caught a cold. In addition, the air quality of the capital was extremely poor. In order to prevent San Bao from spreading the cold to Da Bao and Er Bao, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had no choice but to pay attention to this.

    San Bao was unwell and had limited energy. She was toozy to move when she was in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Da Bao was the eldest and most mature. Although he had been knitting his brows to express that it felt ufortable wearing the mask, he did not touch it with his little ¡®ws¡¯. Er Bao was the most mischievous one. When they were discussing the maternal grandfather, he took the chance to voluntarily remove his face mask so that others could hear him speak more clearly.

    Facing such a naughty and cheeky Er Bao, Qiao Nan felt weary from time to time. It was as if she was fighting guerri warfare.

    Er Bao lifted his face and insisted that Qiao Nan help him wear his mask back. He grabbed the ¡®camera¡¯ and diverted his mother¡¯s attention and love to himself.

    Her children were just so amazing.

    In a ne, the seats in a row were limited. If San Bao did not ¡®y cheat¡¯ and insist on sitting in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms, Er Bao should be sitting with Zhai Sheng on the row of seats behind them. However, it was not advisable to sit in this manner on the ne. At most, Qiao Nan would only carry San Bao for a while and then let her sit on her own very soon after.

    Naturally, Zhai Sheng, who had been ¡®ostracized¡¯ by the mother and children and sitting alone at the row of seats behind, did not look too happy.

    In particr, when he saw Er Bao, this little brat, using such brilliant tactics to lure his wife into the trap despite being so young, his face turned ck. In the future, he had to properly take Er Bao in hand. Otherwise, it was highly possible there would be a yboy in the Zhai family who was an expert in coaxing girls.

    The Zhai family could not allow such a child to exist in the family. He had to correct this ¡®rebellious¡¯ nature in Er Bao when he was a child!

    After enduring, Zhai Sheng eventually reached out to Er Bao and removed him from the seat. He then carried him and ced him on the seat beside him. ¡°It¡¯s almost time. Nan Nan, let San Bao sit on her own. I will watch over Er Bao.¡±

    Having said that, Zhai Sheng sullenly looked at Er Bao, who was now sitting beside him.

    As a cheeky boy, Er Bao did not cry or throw a fit to gain pity in such a situation. Instead, he smiled very sweetly at Zhai Sheng. That small face of his looked so adorable that it could melt one¡¯s heart. Zhai Sheng could even see the mrs at the back of Er Bao¡¯s mouth.

    Zhai Sheng, who was still feeling angry a second earlier, could not bring himself to re up now. He felt a little indignant as he pinched Er Bao¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re a little fox. You not only know how to coax girls but also know what to do in front of guys.¡±

    In front of outsiders, Zhai Sheng yielded to neither the carrot nor stick.

    However, in front of his family, Zhai Sheng was open to a soft approach but not coercion.

    If Er Bao were to cry and throw a fit, Zhai Sheng would have many ways to deal with him. In particr, after Er Bao grew up, he would throw Er Bao into the army camp. Even if the women in the family could not bear to do that to Er Bao, could they follow him and guard him by his side all the time?

    At that time, Er Bao would have nowhere to turn to for help.

    When Er Bao gave Zhai Sheng such a sweet smile, trying to gain his favor and y dumb, as his biological father, Zhai Sheng could not help but feel his heart soften. ¡°Little brat Er Bao, I don¡¯t know who taught you this.¡± If Er Bao could maintain this kind of behavior in front of his enemies in the future, he would be the kind who could kill someone with his lies and yet not pay for it when he grew up.

    Er Bao pursed his little mouth. ¡°Er Bao, very fragrant. Not smelly.¡± To make Zhai Sheng believe him, Er Bao even raised his little palm and insisted that Zhai Sheng smell it.

    Anyway, in front of his grandmother and maternal grandfather, they would always grab his hands and eximed that it smelled nice. Er Bao was a nice-smelling and not a smelly kid.

    Although the triplets were still young, between the word ¡®fragrant¡¯ and ¡®smelly¡¯, they could already differentiate which one was positive and which one was not.

    Zhai Sheng was not one of the women in the family and would not condone his son¡¯s habits. He turned his face away in disdain and refused to ¡®smell¡¯ his son¡¯s little palm. ¡°You can smell it first. Are you sure it is not smelly?¡±

 Chapter 1338 - Seek Help

    <h4>Chapter 1338 Seek Help</h4>

    Er Bao was still young. Of course, he did not know that when adults were lying, they could appear more serious than when they were telling the truth. Hence, Er Bao doubted himself a little when he smelled his little hand. Yes, although it was not very fragrant, it certainly was not smelly either!

    When she heard Zhai Sheng bullying her son in this way, Qiao Nan could barely tolerate it. ¡°Brother Zhai, Er Bao is your son. Biological one.¡±

    Er Bao sensed that her mother seemed to be helping him. Although he did not understand what his mother meant, he immediately repeated what she said, ¡°Biological. Biological son!¡±

    In the face of Er Bao¡¯s strong learning ability, Zhai Sheng was naturally fond of it.

    Finally, Zhai Sheng rubbed Er Bao¡¯s head. ¡°Your mom, grandma, and the auntie bathe the three of you very often at home. If you are still smelly, you don¡¯t need to live on anymore.¡±

    ¡°Wash clean clean, nice nice smell.¡± At the mention of bathing, Er Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. He knew that he had a chance to y with water when he was bathing. Each time he finished his bath, his mother and grandmother would also praise him for smelling nice.

    Zhai Sheng forcefully rubbed Er Bao¡¯s head. It was as if he was rubbing a dog¡¯s head. Er Bao¡¯s little body swayed from side to side and lost focus. He was half lying on the seat and could barely differentiate north, south, east, and west.

    When Er Bao forced his eyes open, he was staring at stars. After some time, he found the direction that his father was at. He shriveled his lips. ¡°Mom, Dad is bad. Bully. Bully Er Bao!¡±

    ¡°Baddie!¡± When she heard this, San Bao, who was having a cold, answered as if they were bounded by hatred for amon enemy. Their father was the biggest baddie in the whole world. He had topete with them for their mother. ¡°Want to fight. Go back. Find grandpa, grandma, also great-grandfather, master grandpa!¡±

    As she counted, San Bao felt ted. When her father bullied them, she could seek help from so many people. All of them could help her hit her bad father. ¡°Mom, I want to find master grandpa. He, protect San Bao.¡±

    Amongst so many elders, Lin Yuankang, this master grandpa, and not their biological parents doted on them most. Lin Yuankang taught the triplets from young that they could tell him if anyone bullied them. He would definitely help the triplets retaliate. Undoubtedly, Lin Yuankang took the most care of San Bao, the only small flower. He really doted very much on her.

    Lin Yuankang was getting older. If San Bao did not gain weight every day, he would carry San Bao for as long as he could do so.

    After staying in Ping Cheng for a few days, besides Miao Jing the grandmother, Lin Yuankang was the next person that San Bao talked most about. Although Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were with the three children shopping in the streets of Ping Cheng, San Bao kept saying that she wanted to buy this and that back for Lin Yuankang.

    As such, when they returned to the capital, they had many things with them. All the items were presents selected by the triplets for their kin.

    Those in the capital had presents. Qiao Dongliang, who was in Ping Cheng, wasn¡¯t left out.

    San Bao picked a snow globe for Qiao Dongliang. She even specially requested Qiao Dongliang to ce it beside his bed. She told Qiao Dongliang that seeing the snow globe was equivalent to seeing her. It was not because of other reasons. Coincidentally, there were various photographs of Zhai Sheng¡¯s family of five ced on the bedside table of Qiao Dongliang.

    In the past, when he was in the small courtyard of the Qiao family, Qiao Dongliang did not dare to disy the photographs of Zhai Sheng¡¯s family of five. He only dared to put them away properly. When he missed the family, he would quietly take the photographs out and look at them for a long time.

    It was great now. He lived alone in a house and did not need to worry about Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin secretly entering his bedroom to steal and destroy the photographs of Qiao Nan and the triplets. He could disy these photographs wherever he wished to.

    He had most probably endured it for too long. In addition, he could not figure out the current situation between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. After Qiao Dongliang moved in, the first sum of money that he spent was for developing various photographs of the Zhai family of five.

    That was not all. Qiao Dongliang even picked out the one that he thought was the best. He did a blow-up of it and hung it on the wall.

    This house belonged to him only. It was up to him to arrange however he would like to and nobody could interfere again.

    Zhai Sheng had long passed the keys of this house to Qiao Dongliang. This time, besides giving one set of the duplicate keys to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang did not intend to give the keys to anyone else.

    This was the only way that Qiao Dongliang would feel safe in this house. He could then disy whatever he loved and cared about most in ces ording to his wishes. He did not need to worry that they would be touched or thrown away by others.

    It was certainly very fast to travel from Ping Cheng to the capital via a flight.

    Qiao Nan was carrying San Bao, who was having a cold, in her arms. Zhai Sheng carried Da Bao and San Bao with one hand each. When Qiao Nan was carrying San Bao and waiting for the luggage, Zhai Sheng carried Da Bao and Er Bao into his own family car before returning to fetch his wife and daughter.

    The family of five was tired from traveling when they arrived home. Even the two adults felt tired, let alone the three children.

    As soon as the door opened, Qiao Nan said, ¡°Auntie, can I trouble you to bring us five cups of water? It¡¯s time for San Bao to take her medicine.¡± When they boarded the ne, San Bao refused to take the medicine on the excuse that she did not feel well. She insisted to do so only when she arrived home.

    They were finally home. Qiao Nan could not allow her daughter to escape from taking the medicine. Would her cold recover quickly if she did not take any medicine?

    ¡°San Bao needs to take medicine? What medicine? Is she unwell?¡± Miao Jing stood up anxiously. However, Zhai Hua, who was back in the house of her maternal family, was quicker in action. She snatched San Bao from Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. ¡°San Bao, what is wrong? Are you having a fever?¡±

    Qiao Nan changed her shoes and removed her jacket. ¡°No fever. She¡¯s having a runny nose and a slight cough.¡± After washing her hands, she took the in water from the auntie. Qiao Nan did not bother to drink first. She served her three children and made them feelfortable first. ¡°San Bao, we are home. You have to take medicine.¡±

    San Bao pouted and frowned unhappily. She was squirming, looking like she wanted to go back on her words.

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to carry her daughter again. ¡°San Bao, be good. You won¡¯t recover from your illness if you don¡¯t take medicine. The medicine isn¡¯t bitter. It¡¯s a little sweet. San Bao, quickly recover from your illness. San Bao still wants to distribute presents to grandpa, grandma, and everyone, right? Master grandpa is still waiting for San Bao to look for and y with him.¡±

    ¡°Master grandpa?¡± When she heard her favorite master grandpa being mentioned, the listless San Bao perked up a little. ¡°Take medicine.¡± If she did not do so, her mother would not allow her to y then.

    She had finally convinced San Bao. Qiao Nan used her fastest speed to feed the medicine into San Bao¡¯s mouth. She was so afraid that this little ancestor would go back on her words if she were to dy.

 Chapter 1339 - Rather Miserable

    <h4>Chapter 1339 Rather Miserable</h4>

    San Bao¡¯s expression did not look good when she swallowed the medicine. She looked as if she was taking some poison. Zhai Sheng quickly fed San Bao a few sips of water to reduce the taste of the medicine. The couple coborated and finished feeding San Bao with the medicine. Thereafter, Qiao Nan carried San Bao, let her lean on her shoulders, and coaxed her to sleep.

    San Bao was already feeling tired. Furthermore, she was back home, a ce that she was most familiar with. As her mother coaxed her, San Bao yawned, blinked her eyes, and fell asleep very soon.

    It was not only San Bao. At this moment, Da Bao, who was in Miao Jing¡¯s arms, and Er Bao, who was in Zhai Hua¡¯s arms, were already sleeping like logs and snoring softly.

    The triplets were asleep. The adults carried them upstairs, ced them on the bed, and covered them with nkets.

    Fortunately, the auntie sprang into action as soon as Zhai Sheng¡¯s family of five arrived home. After preparing five cups of water, the next thing that she did was to go upstairs and help Zhai Sheng prepare the two beds in his room so that the three children could sleep morefortably.

    San Bao was having a cold. As such, she could not sleep in the same bed as Da Bao and Er Bao.

    To prevent San Bao from throwing tantrums, San Bao slept on the old bed while Da Bao and Er Bao slept on the new one. It was silent in the room as all the three children were sleeping more soundly than ever. When Qiao Nan closed the door of the room, the triplets became even quieter.

    ¡°Nan Nan,e to my room. Let¡¯s have a chat.¡± Just as Qiao Nan closed the door, Zhai Hua pulled her over to thetter¡¯s former bedroom before she got married. As for Tian Dong... Zhai Sheng was also in the house. Hence, she would let Tian Dong exin to Zhai Sheng then. Zhai Hua took over Qiao Nan without any reservation. She wanted to have a chat with Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face turned ck. After the childrenpeted with him for Qiao Nan, it was Zhai Hua¡¯s turn to do so. Did they coborate? Would there be an end to this? Zhai Hua was already married to Tian Dong, and henceforth, Tian Dong should be responsible for her. As expected, although Zhai Hua was the one who caused the trouble and angered Zhai Sheng, Tian Dong had to appease Zhai Sheng.

    Without a word, Zhai Sheng pulled Tian Dong up with his hands. ¡°We¡¯ve not had exchanges for a long time. Let¡¯s go for some practice.¡±

    Tian Dong gave a bitter smile. His physical strength was not poor. However, he was only a businessman. How could hepete with his brother-inw who was often in the army camp and underwent training? His brother-inw had been maintaining his body.

    Was this considered a practice? He was simply bing a sandbag for his brother-inw.

    Although Tian Dong was well aware of this situation, he could not reject it. Tian Dong could only pray and hope that his wife would be a little smarter and quickly return Qiao Nan to his brother-inw. Otherwise, he would have to suffer big time.

    Qiao Nan, who had been pulled into the room by Zhai Hua, spoke first. ¡°You don¡¯t have much time to go home? Aren¡¯t you going to make full use of your limited time to go for a honeymoon with Dongzi?¡± Dongzi was a busy businessman. Zhai Hua was even busier. If they did not make use of this period of time, most likely, their honeymoon trip could not be realized this year.

    Zhai Hua blushed. ¡°What honeymoon? Who has the spare time for that? I will rather rest more at home.¡± If she had not insisted, she would not even have time to go back to her maternal home. ¡°Qiao Nan, you already have three children. I will be frank with you in some words. Are all men like that? They arepletely different in and out of bed!¡±

    Zhai Hua self-proimed that she was strong physically. When she was in the army, she was the one who caused others to lie on the grounds. Unexpectedly, Tian Dong had be the one that caused her to lie down with fatigue after marriage.

    If not for the fact that she had not left army life, Zhai Hua almost doubted if her physical strength had suffered ten-year depreciation. She had be too vulnerable to attacks. ¡°Clearly, he is the one who uses more strength. Why is he still so energetic every day while I feel as shaggy as a dead dog?¡±

    What Zhai Hua could not stand most was that when she was still troubled over the fact that she lost to Tian Dong, each time she came downstairs for meals, her mother-inw would look at her with such gentle eyes that gave her goose bumps all over. Her mother-inw would prepare nourishing soups for her every day. That kind of feeling was so strange that it made all Zhai Hua¡¯s hair stand up.

    Qiao Nan did not expect Zhai Hua to talk about such matters as soon as she spoke.

    Fortunately, she was also considered a ¡®veteran¡¯ in this area now. Otherwise, how could Qiao Nan respond immediately when Zhai Hua suddenly threw this topic out? ¡°This... You can¡¯t deny that there is an inborn difference between man and woman in this area. You perform well in terms of physical strength among a group of men. Nevertheless, Dongzi is not a weakling either. I can tell that he is very particr about maintaining his physique normally.¡±

    ¡°This is true.¡± Zhai Hua nodded quickly. ¡°He actually has muscles. Those muscles are not any less than the soldiers under my wing.¡± It was also because Zhai Hua was very happy with Tian Dong¡¯s performance after undressing.

    If Tian Dong¡¯s figure could not pass Zhai Hua¡¯s end, Tian Dong could forget about touching any corner of Zhai Hua¡¯s clothing, at least on the first few days of marriage.

    Zhai Hua was almost breaking into smiles, while Qiao Nan, embarrassed, lifted her lips. ¡°The most important thing is that you feel satisfied.¡±

    Needless to question further, Qiao Nan was certain that the married life of Zhai Hua and Tian Dong was rather ¡®harmonious¡¯. ¡°You dragged me into your room just to talk about this?¡± The matters between a man and woman, she could not figure it out even after her children had given birth, let alone she had just given birth to children. The man was the one who used more strength, but most of the time, the woman was the one who could not get up due to fatigue.

    Zhai Hua was hesitant for a moment. ¡°Not entirely so... I saw Wei De.¡±

    At the mention of the name ¡®Wei De¡¯, Qiao Nan slumped on Zhai Hua¡¯s bed immediately. ¡°He came knocking on your door again? Is he sick? You¡¯re already married.¡± If he had not given upst time, he should have done so after he heard that Zhai Hua was already someone else¡¯s wife. Didn¡¯t they say that Wei De had been secretly beaten up before he left previously?

    Zhai Hua looked indifferent. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how he managed to find his way here. I don¡¯t know what he wanted to fuss about either. He seemed sick and not in a clear state of mind. He insisted that I am his wife, the one that I married is him, and that I even bore him a daughter. He said that he is the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw.¡±

    Zhai Hua spoke about Wei De¡¯s matter so calmly. Obviously, she had already put this matter behind her. ¡°Thereafter, I heard that Wei De is living quite a miserable life now. He can¡¯t start his business from scratch again. He even met a swindler and had been conned of all the money that was with his parents. There is no single yuan left. Moreover, I don¡¯t know what happened, but that child is gone.¡±

    Zhai Hua did not have much impression of Wei Wei. After all, she had note into much contact with him.

    However, a young life was lost. Zhai Hua felt ufortable even if she were to be a stranger. In short, now, Wei De did not have money and power. He even lost his only son. He was certainly in a miserable state.

 Chapter 1340 - Very Good Taste

    <h4>Chapter 1340 Very Good Taste</h4>

    Wei De looked for her and spouted nonsense. Zhai Hua did not take those words to heart at all. She just found Wei De pitiful. Hence, she reminded Tian Dong not to do anything that would add salt to Wei De¡¯s injury after sending thetter away. It was also to prevent others from finding fault with the Zhai family and the Tian family and smearing their reputations.

    Those words of Wei De would not cause any impact on Zhai Hua¡¯s life in the Tian family.

    After all, the Tian couple had stayed abroad before. They could not ept a loose woman as their daughter-inw, but they had never said that they could not ept a daughter-inw with past rtionships.

    They were already aware that Zhai Hua had one boyfriend before her marriage to Tian Dong. As for the rest of the matters said by Wei De, they were nonsense and baseless boasting. Married with a daughter? What did he take the Tian family for? If Zhai Hua had truly gone through that, how could they not find out or hear about it?

    It was too dumb to malign someone in this way. Even a fool would not fall for the trick.

    Initially, Qiao Nan wanted to ask whether the Tian family had been affected by Wei De¡¯s words, but she automatically swallowed her words when she saw Zhai Hua looking so happy and contented. Well, there was no need to ask any further. ¡°Then?¡±

    ¡°There is nothing else!¡± Zhai Hua held her face with both hands and smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan, actually, I am very grateful to you for helping me climb out of Wei De, this pit. Dongzi... He is quite good. Although I don¡¯t know what life will be after being married to Wei De, I have the feeling that it certainly cannot bepared to life with Dongzi. To be able to marry Dongzi in my life... It is all worth it.¡±

    After meeting a man who could truly give her happiness, Zhai Hua then realized the kind of man that she had been looking for all this while.

    She was also quite surprised that Tian Dong, whom she saw as a little girlst time, would turn out this way after growing up. Besides, the joke that she casually made about marrying Tian Dong when she was a child actually came true, although Tian Dong married her instead of the other way round. At the thought of it, Zhai Hua felt that her affinity with Tian Dong was extremely unbelievable and wonderful.

    So, true love does exist in the world.

    When a man and woman get married, they were not just getting together to lead a dull life. There was actually such a sweet and happy side to it.

    She had always thought that it was impossible for her to experience this anymore.

    Fortunately.

    Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, she met Qiao Nan.

    Fortunately, Tian Dong was the one whom she was finally married to!

    Qiao Nan patted Zhai Hua¡¯s shoulders. Alright, Sister Zhai Hua purely wanted to chat with and treat her as a tree hole. It was different this time. In the past, Sister Zhai Hua would air her grievances and troubles during their chat. This time, Sister Zhai Hua was full of happiness.

    ¡°I won¡¯t nag about other matters. However, take more of those nutritious soups that your mother-inw prepares for you. They are beneficial to you. At you and Tian Dong¡¯s current age, it is the best time to prepare for pregnancy. Both Tian Dong and you are in good health. Remember to pay more attention if you miss your menses. You will avoid an embarrassing situation like mine then. The fetus needs to be well protected, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not speaking without a reason.

    Once Zhai Hua was married, the Tian family had been yearning for news from Zhai Hua¡¯s tummy. They hoped that she would bear a grandchild for them soon. Even having a granddaughter was fine.

    Zhai Hua blushed. ¡°So soon?¡± Nevertheless, she also looked forward to having a child that belonged to her and Dongzi. ¡°Dongzi and I have only been married for less than one month. I heard that for some people, nothing happens even after two to three years of marriage.¡±

    Qiao Nany on Zhai Hua¡¯s bed as she was feeling a little tired. ¡°Everyone¡¯s situation is different. I am just alerting you to a possible situation that may ur to you. Also, I have a feeling that this nephew or niece of mine won¡¯te toote.¡±

    Sister Zhai Hua had not sustained any internal injuries before and Tian Dong was in excellent health. The two of them also did not have any poor lifestyle habits. They were in such solid health. If such a married couple could not be pregnant, who would? They might have a child very soon.

    Qiao Nan had counted the time before. Most likely, she had be pregnant with the triplets during her second intimate time with Zhai Sheng.

    She had been sessfully ¡®shot¡¯ in two times. Given Tian Dong and Zhai Hua¡¯s situation, how many times had it already been? There was no reason that Zhai Hua would not be ¡®shot¡¯.

    In the end, Qiao Nan was spot on in her guess.

    After the new school semester started and Qiao Nan arrived home holding a schrship prize again, she immediately felt the different atmosphere at home. Zhai Hua, who was supposed to be in the army camp, was seated in the Zhai family¡¯s residence with a glowing face. Like someone who was guarding a hen that couldy golden eggs, Zhai Hua¡¯s mother-inw stayed by Zhai Hua¡¯s side, protecting her at all times. She was exchanging smiles with Miao Jing, basking in reflected glory.

    The three little ones ran over and hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s thighs. ¡°Mom, auntie has little sister, little brother in her tummy.¡± Amongst them, San Bao was the most emotional. She knew that she was the youngest one in this family. However, henceforth, that would not be the case anymore. In another eight months¡¯ time, there would be a baby who was younger than her in this house.

    ¡°Mom, I am an elder sister now!¡± San Bao lifted her chest, looking very delighted to take on this role.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Is it true? Congrattions to San Bao then. You are going to be an elder sister. Next time, San Bao has to take your meals obediently, listen to Mom, and set a good example for your younger brother and younger sister, okay?¡±

    San Bao¡¯s little ponytails were swaying as she moved. ¡°Yes, San Bao will set a good example. San Bao is a good elder sister.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s pregnancy was great news for both the Zhai family and the Tian family.

    There was double happiness in the Tian family. Last year, Tian Shouxin nearly lost all his family wealth after his biological elder brother schemed against him. This year, with the help of the Zhai family, Tian Dong¡¯s business was increasingly growing. It had be one of the strongest enterprises in the capital. In addition, the truth alwayses out, and some ¡®ident¡¯ urred at Tian Shouyi¡¯s end.

    To guard his current position, Tian Shouyi could not avoid asking Tian Shouxin for money.

    It was true that Tian Shouxin once depended on Tian Shouyi¡¯s help for his business. Tian Shouyi secretly granted him conveniences in some areas. However, ever since Tian Shouyi had plotted against him, Tian Shouxin had opened up another channel: the Zhai family.

    With the Zhai family¡¯s protection and care, naturally, Tian Shouxin¡¯s business was better than before.

    One must know. After bing the rtives of the Zhu family, besides the Zhai family, the Zhu family, the Shi family, and some people under Elder Lin¡¯s wings would ¡®favor¡¯ Tian Shouxin¡¯spany more. Tian Shouxin was aware that these few families granted his family so many ¡®favors¡¯ all on the ount of giving Qiao Nan face.

    In the past, his elder brother insisted that Dongzi marry Qiu Chenxi as he was eyeing Shi Peng, this high potential and promising ¡®share¡¯. He wanted to let Dongzi be Shi Peng¡¯s nephew-inw. On the ount of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face, the Tian family would then receive more help and support from Shi Peng.

 Chapter 1341 - Luxury Goods

    <h4>Chapter 1341 Luxury Goods</h4>

    At that time, in order to fight for his own happiness and also to avoid angering his elders, Tian Dong clearly told his elder uncle, Tian Shouyi, that Shi Peng¡¯s only daughter, Shi Qing, was a very good friend of Qiao Nan. Putting Shi Qing aside, Shi Peng also treated Qiao Nan like his best buddy¡¯s daughter.

    As such, if he were to marry Hua Hua ording to his wish, the Tian family could still build a good rtionship with the Shi family.

    However, at that time, Tian Shouyi insisted on his own opinion. He felt that the brother-inw of a daughter¡¯s good friend would not be as close as one¡¯s own nephew-inw. Qiao Nan was only a good friend of Shi Peng¡¯s daughter whereas Qiu Chenxi was Shi Peng¡¯s biological niece.

    It was obvious who was closer in terms of kinship.

    If Dongzi were to insist on marrying Zhai Hua, he would lure in the muddleheaded Zhai family who only knew how to take the side of reason without considering kinships. In addition, it was very likely that Shi Peng would be offended. When that time came, the Tian family would be detested and shunned by both the Zhai family and the Shi family. That would be terrible then.

    A marriage that could initially benefit the Tian family woulde up empty-handed instead.

    As a result, Tian Shouxin and Tian Shouyi argued many times over this. Tian Shouyi was the elder one and Old Master Tian was biased toward him. In the end, Tian Shouyi used the old master to pressurize Tian Shouxin, saying that all these were the old master¡¯s intentions. ¡®Brother, don¡¯t tell me you feel that your wings have hardened and you are not going to take the old master¡¯s words seriously?¡¯

    When Tian Shouyi said such things, Tian Shouxin and Tian Shouyi could no longer continue with the discussion.

    Tian Shouxin wanted to chat with the old master and asked him if he truly had such intention. However, the old master was unwell and Tian Shouyi also declined Tian Shouxin¡¯s request.

    When Tian Shouyi was finally willing to let Tian Shouxin visit the old master, Tian Shouxin could not find the energy to ask the old master if that was the case. This was because he knew that although the old master did not have such intention initially, Tian Shouyi would have nted such thoughts in him aftermunicating with him.

    What was there to talk about then?!

    Now, his son insisted and had marrieddy that he loved most, and he had be inws with Chief Zhai.

    Look?

    Look!

    The Shi family was so good to them. All of Shi Peng¡¯s departments had close working rtionships with Dongzi¡¯spany. However, Shi Peng had never used any excuse to hinder Dongzi.

    The old master of the Shi family seemed a little unhappy that Dongzi had married Zhai Hua. However, the head of the family now was Shi Peng. Shi Peng relied on his own capability to rise in the ranks. In front of Old Master Shi, he did not need to feel guilty at all. He couldpletely insist on his own views in a bold and righteous manner.

    The Tian family¡¯s business was getting better and smoother. In the face of this, Tian Shouxin would even wake up from his dreams smiling, feeling proud that he had made the right decision by insisting on allowing his son to marry Zhai Hua and be inws with the Zhai family.

    A rtive like Qiao Nan did not be the only burden of the Tian family. Instead, the career of the Tian family established greater heights because of her. This was also considered a situation of benefiting from an unexpected course of events.

    As expected, after Zhai Hua was pregnant, besides their daughter-inw, the Tian Shouxin couple was most fond of Qiao Nan among all the juniors. As for their son, they would quietly dote on him in their hearts.

    ¡°Nan Nan,e here and take a look. These are the clothes that I asked my friend from abroad to buy. I heard that it¡¯s this year¡¯stest fashion. Take a look and see if you like them. If there is anything that you like very much, tell auntie. Auntie will get someone to buy you more of the same kind next time. Right, besides clothes, they say that youngdies like you like these bottles and jars of stuff. Come and have a look together.¡±

    As soon as Mother Tian saw Qiao Naning back, she greeted her warmly and insisted that Qiao Nan sit beside her. As soon as she showed the items, Qiao Nan could see a pile of luxury goods that she had only heard of but not touched before in her previous life.

    Qiao Nan took a rough nce at these items. Even the Qiao Zijin in the previous life who was married to Chen Jun could not buy so many of such items to her heart¡¯s content. It was as if they were fallen from the sky and did not require any money.

    Qiao Nan gave a weak smile. In two lifetimes, she did not have much knowledge of these items. ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re too polite. Actually, I don¡¯t know much about all these.¡± Qiao Nan was telling the truth. Others might not know but Zhai Hua knew it best. There was nothing on Qiao Nan¡¯s washbasin except for a huge bottle of moisturizer.

    Furthermore, that was because the weather in the capital was too dry. Inparison, Ping Cheng was more humid. In Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan did not even apply any moisturizer.

    ¡°Haha, this child. You are too simple. You¡¯re really very different from thedies overseas. Auntie likes youngdies like you. Down-to-earth and practical.¡± Having stayed in America for decades, Mother Tian still could not change some of her thinking.

    Mother Tian did not like to make up. However, in her social circle, she had to do some research on all these to save face. Otherwise, if she appeared ignorant when her husband¡¯s business partners enquired, her husband and son, and not her, would be the ones losing face.

    Nevertheless, besides necessary asions, Mother Tian did not like to apply such products on her face. On the contrary, she felt morefortable and refreshing with a bare face.

    This was one of the reasons for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s failure to receive the affirmation of the Tian Shouxin couple.

    She had thought that the Tian Shouxin couple had lived in America in decades and their thinking certainly must be different from that of the local elders. They would be more open-minded to many things.

    One had to know that in overseas countries, it was considered a basic courtesy for a woman to apply makeup before going out. Clearly, she was expressing her respect to the Tian family by applying makeup.

    It was a pity that Qiu Chenxi had not done enough ¡®homework¡¯. She had not researched thoroughly enough in the art of makeup.

    There were many viewpoints on applying makeup. When one was meeting the elders, they certainly could not apply a makeup that was too over-the-top and coquettish. Instead, she should apply light make up to create a natural and rosy look to appear more mature and gracious. This would be more eptable to mothers.

    As expected, putting aside the family situation of the Qiao family, ady like Qiao Nan could easily win Mother Tian¡¯s heart. Other than family background, a youngdy like Qiao Nan was an ideal daughter-inw in Mother Tian¡¯s mind.

    Gentle and soft in her words, quiet temperament, presentable, and crisp-looking¡ªshe had the demeanor of a decentdy from a humble family.

    As for her own daughter-inw...

    Initially, when her son married a daughter-inw, Mother Tian had a feeling that she had another son instead of half a daughter!

    Hence, Mother Tian unleashed all the motherly love in her heart on Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1342 - Setting the Fashion Trend

    <h4>Chapter 1342 Setting the Fashion Trend</h4>

    Mother Tian did not live in vain in America for more than twenty years.

    Compared to typical folks, it was much easier for her to get hold of such good quality products. Therefore, she had brought all the good stuff that she had just gotten to the Zhai family for Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, Mother Tian also realized the merit of having a daughter-inw like Zhai Hua.

    Given her actions, if it were another daughter-inw, the daughter-inw would definitelyin to her son and cause him to re up at her. Zhai Hua was different. Zhai Hua would feel happier if her mother-inw were to give all these good stuff to Qiao Nan instead of her.

    In short, she felt happy giving it, her daughter-inw was happy, her son had no worries, and everyone was happy. It was a great happiness for all.

    What could be happier than such a way of giving?

    Mother Tian seemed as though she wanted to doll up her own daughter. Qiao Nan could barely endure the drowning affection and enthusiasm from Mother Tian. As time passed, the Tian family treated Qiao Nan better and better. They were so good to Qiao Nan that she almost thought that she was not given birth by Ding Jiayi but was an illegitimate daughter of the Tian family who was left wandering outside.

    She could only say that half the clothes in her almost-full wardrobe were given by Mother Tian.

    Now, besides clothes, Mother Tian even took care of all the women¡¯s cosmetic and skincare products.

    At one nce, Qiao Nan could tell that there was a pile of cosmetics, skincare, and makeup products. There were brands that she was aware of and more brands that she was unaware of.

    Qiao Nan felt that she might need to take some time to enroll in a makeup course if she were to use all these products.

    Pinching her fingers, Qiao Nan almost could not estimate how much money had been spent on these items.

    After thinking, Miao Jing epted them on behalf of Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, I think Auntie Fen is right. You are spending more time on your internship now. Although you are only in your third year of college studies, you have already obtained all your credits, right? You have even passed your graduation thesis with flying colors. Hence, you¡¯re just waiting for graduation. I remember that your master has given you many assignments. It may not look good on you if you keep going out with a bare face in the future. Auntie Fen is very thoughtful to have prepared all these items for you beforehand. Otherwise, I would have to chase you out to buy some of them.¡±

    There was no choice. The few women in the family did not have much interest in these items.

    Qiao Nan married well but she had always been very frugal. In addition, she was only a student. Hence, her attire was even more ordinary than that of typical college students. Besides the car that fetched Qiao Nan to and fro the school, no one could tell that Qiao Nan was already married and married to such a wealthy family. They could not find a single clue on Qiao Nan to suggest that.

    After Miao Jing¡¯s advice, Qiao Nan felt more serious. ¡°This is a real problem. Auntie Fen, thank you then.¡±

    Qiao Nan was aware that the Tian family did notck money. At this juncture, Hu Fen might not be willing to take the money from Qiao Nan even if thetter wanted to pay her.

    Zhai Hua lifted her hands. ¡°What¡¯s with the thanks? Everyone is family. Nan Nan, remember to tell me if you find those items useful. I will get more for you next time. A woman has to start maintaining her youth when she is young. It is a good time for you to start doing that now.¡±

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°You are also a woman¡ªa pregnant one. Of course, you can¡¯t touch these items now. But after you give birth to the baby in your womb, do you want to research this together with me?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not looking down on Zhai Hua but she was too clear of Zhai Hua¡¯s character. She only knew how to speak of others but not do it herself.

    Zhai Hua was sozy in this aspect, yet she still had the shame to persuade her to use more of these items.

    Zhai Hua smiled, embarrassed. ¡°Hahaha, I am pregnant now. As to what happens after giving birth, let¡¯s talk about it after eight months.¡± She was pregnant and bing a mother soon. Zhai Hua was so happy and contented that she almost lost her sense of direction.

    Thereafter, Zhai Hua told Qiao Nan some ¡®insider information¡¯. ¡°No matter how many things my mother-inw gives you, just ept them. I think you don¡¯t know that Uncle Shi is managing that area recently? Because you have one percent of the shares in thepany, although it is not a lot, Dongzi received many conveniences because of it. These items, regardless of the number of items, just take them.¡±

    This was not considered without returning any favor.

    Zhai Hua was very satisfied with her inw family in one point. After benefiting from Qiao Nan, they had the conscience to remember it. They did not forget Qiao Nan when they had good things and sent them over to her.

    Zhai Hua was aware that given Qiao Nan¡¯s character, she could not bear to buy this pile of items. Putting aside the clothes, the facial products would cost at least ten thousand yuan. After Qiao Nan married into the Zhai family, when did she ever spend a huge sum of money besides her college tuition fees?

    Even the money from Qiao Nan¡¯s schrship prize could already offset a portion of the college tuition fees.

    Zhai Hua spent a great deal of time in the army camp. Unlike typical women, even after she bought a lot of good clothes, she still felt that they were not asfortable as her camouged soldier uniform.

    As for Qiao Nan, she was dressed even more simply. In summer, she wore a big cotton T-shirt, jeans, and asionally dresses. In winter, she wore a thick and heavy cotton shirt. Even the down jackets were bought for her by Miao Jing.

    Despite that, Qiao Nan could carry off a unique look when she wore faded and washed-out jeans. It did not look like worn-out jeans. Instead, it seemed as though she had deliberately worn it that way, making the jeans look different and unique.In addition, Qiao Nan had long and slender legs.

    Once, when Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan were shopping outside, they were stopped by a young and fashionable youngdy. Thatdy held onto Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and insisted on asking, ¡°Beauty, this pair of jeans must be in thetest fashion. Where did you buy them? I have not seen this in the capital before. Did you buy it in Hong Kong or overseas? Tell me. I will get one too.¡±

    When she encountered that, Zhai Hua was so shocked that her eyeballs almost popped out.

    It was a pair of faded and washed-out jeans but someone could hold onto them and ask where they bought it from? Was this amazing? Amazing!

    Later on, Qiao Nan told Zhai Hua that there was something called ¡®stonewashed jeans¡¯ in this world, and people deliberately made them that way. Once again, Qiao Nan had enhanced Zhai Hua¡¯s knowledge of the uing fashion trend. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about stonewashed jeans. Believe it or not, people will deliberately make some holes in the jeans.¡± This was the famous ripped jeans.

    In short, Qiao Nan did not spend much money. She wore one pair of jeans for many years until they were faded and washed-out, with some D.I.Y. mending and sewing. Her family shunned her for being too frugal to wear such ¡®torn¡¯ jeans, yet Qiao Nan used her own ability to prove to the Zhai family that people who wore luxury goods also had to chase after her to ask where she bought her clothes from.

    Although the elders did not understand what the youngsters considered as fashionable, Qiao Nan¡¯s way of dressing had gained the favor of her peers such that they were keen to emte.

 Chapter 1343 - A Pile of Luxury Goods

    <h4>Chapter 1343 A Pile of Luxury Goods</h4>

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan was only a student and she was faring well. Facing a daughter-inw who did not like dolling up and was not obsessed with shopping, Miao Jing was pleased but her heart also ached for Qiao Nan. Was the child really simr to the faked in her family such that she purely disliked buying too many clothes, or was she intentionally saving money for the family?

    If it was the former reason, she could certainly correct that with some nurturing. If it was thetter reason, she should also be able to change that if she were to put in more effort.

    As soon as Miao Jing had such thoughts, news of Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy immediately followed.

    Miao Jing did not mind buying Qiao Nan a lot of maternity clothes. She further did not mind that they would only be worn for ten months. However, when Qiao Nan was in the early stage of her pregnancy, she almost fainted and had to be sent to the hospital. The Zhai family was very anxious and afraid that Qiao Nan would be tired out, and this would harm the children in her womb.

    If it was possible, Miao Jing could not wait to request leave of absence for Qiao Nan such that Qiao Nan could cast everything, including studies and social practice, aside.

    After dragging so for long, the triplets already knew how to run around. As the mother, Qiao Nan could hardly squeeze out any time and when she did, it was barely enough for her three children. As such, she did not have time to go shopping at all.

    Due to Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior, she had be a model daughter-inw of the quad in the military area of the capital.

    Zhai Sheng was a soldier and he was very seldom at home. Which elder would want their daughter-inw to doll up prettily, dress up coquettishly, and go out when their son was not around? Did she want to their son¡¯s behavior of seldom being at home?

    Look at the young daughter-inw of the Zhai family. She was very young but mature in her behavior. Besides going to school, she was always home to take care of the children. They had never seen her going out. She was also dressed very simply. Even elders like them who disliked extravagance felt that this child was a little over the top. She should actually dote on herself more.

    She had to take care of studies and children, was enrolled in a good school like Peking University, and even brought home schrship-prizes all the time.

    This was such a good child. If one were to say that she was involved in some hanky-panky stuff when Zhai Sheng was not at home, they would never believe it. If they were to find a daughter-inw, they had to find someone like the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, who behaved with such propriety.

    However, to Qiao Nan, who was engrossed in her books and oblivious to such trivial externalities, these ¡®legendary rumors¡¯ were all superficial clouds. She did not listen to any of it.

    After Zhai Hua told her the information, she did not feel so guilty to ept the gifts from the Tian family. Hu Fen also knew her limits and would not go overboard in her gifts. Hence, it was still eptable to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not want to be wasteful. As such, heeding Miao Jing¡¯s advice, when she was avable, she would begin to research the load of cosmetic products given to her by the Tian family.

    Regarding makeup, although Qiao Nan felt that she did not have time to participate in a special interest ss, she could buy some books and self-learn.

    As for skincare, although one had not eaten pork, they would have seen a pig running away.

    Furthermore, the Qiao Zijin in her previous life loved all these things. After buying a load of them, she would asionally re-package the skincare products that she disliked. Thereafter, she would bring them to Qiao Nan in a huge and beautiful basket of them and said that she specially bought them for Qiao Nan and hoped that Qiao Nan could maintain her youth and make herself look pretty.

    Ding Jiayi then used this situation as an excuse to boldly exploit Qiao Nan to subsidize Qiao Zijin¡¯s expenses without any feelings of guilt. She felt that Qiao Nan had no reason to resist and retaliate.

    Qiao Nan cast all these ¡®former happenings¡¯ aside. She thought that she had left all these past life happenings behind after being reborn for so many years. Unexpectedly, all these past sufferings would appear each time she encountered a simr situation.

    Judging by that, she had taken all these past issues more seriously than she had thought. She had been very aggrieved.

    ¡°Junior Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Senior Xu? Why did youe to school today? I heard that yourpany is very tied up recently?¡± Qiao Nan was pleasantly surprised when she saw Xu Shengnan in school again. It was not any less than those who met their favorite celebrities in the streets. ¡°I heard that yourpany is very busy and the employees have been working overtime. Senior Xu, congrattions. It seems that you can almost make your down-payment for a house in the capital this year.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was glowing happily. As a country bumpkin who came to the capital from the countryside, she was going to own a house in the capital after working for less than three years. That was definitely a matter that would bring glory to her ancestors in her hometown.

    Her mother had just made a call to her a few days ago. All the vigers in her hometown said that even raising ten sons could notpare to one sessful daughter from the Xu family. Be it raising a son or a daughter, most importantly, the child had to be as smart and capable as the daughter of the Xu family to be able to work and stay in the capital.

    Although Xu Shengnan seldom returned home nowadays and she could only stay home for a short period of time, she had be the most sessful one in her hometown.

    Sigh! This time, when she returned to her hometown, all those aunties came knocking on her door. She could barely tolerate their affectionate behavior.

    For her peers, it was just the beginning where they had to go through the pain and suffering, whereas she had already been through most of it. At the thought of this, Xu Shengnan could not help feeling grateful to Qiao Nan. She had also mentioned Qiao Nan to her parents before. Even her closest kin could not helpmenting that this junior of hers was simply the greatest benefactor of her life.

    Although she was also grateful to her senior cum current boss, without Qiao Nan, she might never have encountered this opportunity in her entire life. Xu Shengnan was clear of the restrictions that she faced in her course of study. Apany like that of Gao Yan seldom recruited employees of her kind. The recruitment headcount was much lesser than otherpanies; it was half the usual headcount or even less.

    After missing this opportune time, she would have no fate with Senior Gao Yan¡¯spany no matter how capable she was. It would just be a passing.

    Fortunately, due to Junior Qiao, this benefactor, she met the rightpany and the right boss at the right time. That ushered in the spring in her life and the peak in her career.

    ¡°The school specially invited me. The school contacted my boss and he delegated it to me.¡± At this very moment, it was not enough to use ¡®proud and glowing¡¯ to describe Xu Shengnan. ¡°You are aware too. When ourpany coborated with the Tianpany, it immediately progressed to the next level and sessfully passed the start-up stage. All the projects and businesses of thepany went on track and became reputable. The school contacted my boss, requesting for a few interns.¡±

    Xu Shengnan did not graduate with honors.

    However, today, Xu Shengnan did not feel that she was doing worse than schoolmates who had received honors.

 Chapter 1344 - Bootlicking

    <h4>Chapter 1344 Bootlicking</h4>

    She was back to school again. Xu Shengnan felt as light-headed as a feather; she was almost floating.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow. ¡°I see. Alright, I won¡¯t hold you back then?¡± If that was truly the case, after confirming the number of internship vacancies, Senior Xu still had to discuss with the department head in the school to confirm the details.

    Xu Shengnan came back to the school to handle official matters. Of course, Qiao Nan could not waste her time. Furthermore, Qiao Nan had to attend lessons.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Xu Shengnan hooked her hands around Qiao Nan¡¯s neck. ¡°I have just received a call from the department head who will be discussing with me that something cropped up at his end. His elderly father-inw had a fall and was hospitalized. He said he will be two hourste. Fortunately, my boss gave me half a day to resolve this issue. I¡¯ve not been here for more than a year and I quite miss it. Let¡¯s go. I will attend the ss with you.¡±

    Her boss had approved the leave. Wouldn¡¯t she let herself down if she did not make full use of the time?

    The moment Xu Shengnan and Qiao Nan stepped into the ssroom, they became the center of attention of all the students inside.

    The students in the school heard a lot that Xu Shengnan was doing well. It was not because of other reasons. They wished to be Xu Shengnan¡¯s colleague. Gao Yan¡¯spany was bing increasingly famous in the capital. It gave employees a high sry, good benefits, and even became partners with major enterprises such as the Tian Corporation.

    Gao Yan¡¯spany was certainly very high-profile now.

    In addition, many people were certain and could not dismiss the notion that Xu Shengnan could enter Gao Yan¡¯spany all because of Qiao Nan. Without Qiao Nan being the middleman to introduce Xu Shengnan to Gao Yan¡¯spany, how could Xu Shengnan be so lucky to know that Gao Yan was such a promising boss?

    Now, it was even harder to get into Gao Yan¡¯spany.

    If they had Qiao Nan¡¯s protection and care, like Senior Xu, they would be able to enhance their chances of getting into thepany.

    Due to this psychology, Qiao Nan was surrounded by many people nowadays. It was even more than when she was looking out for suitable juniors to take over her vice president position upon her fourth year of college studies.

    As such, Qiao Nan had rejoiced more than once that she was only in the school during sses as she had to take care of the triplets. Besides attending sses, shepleted the rest of her learning in her inw¡¯s house.

    Otherwise, with so many people surrounding her, she could forget about quieting down toplete her studies.

    Today, the two ¡®main leads¡¯ of the rumors were together. It was hard for others not to pay attention to them.

    ¡°Senior, is anyone sitting here?¡± Very quickly, a brave soul walked toward Xu Shengnan and eyed the seat beside her. ¡°Senior Xu, you have already graduated. Why did you return to school today? Is there any matter?¡±

    Xu Shengnan was initially stunned. She then replied, ¡°There is no one sitting here.¡± After she said that, she gave a professional and gentle smile. ¡°It¡¯s rare for me to have some time today. Hence, I came back to take a look and also find people to reminisce.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± That male ssmate expressed disbelief. Senior Gao Yan¡¯spany had so many projects and businesses recently. Everyone in thepany was crazily clocking overtime. Of course, the more they worked overtime, the more money they earned. The effort and reward were corresponding. At this moment, why would Senior Xu have so much spare time to take a stroll in the school?

    Of course, Xu Shengnan knew that no one would believe her. However, it was up to them to believe it or not. It did not bother her.

    When Xu Shengnan was thinking about another reason to brush off this male junior if he were to pester her again, a shocking and stunning matter happened.

    That student lifted his head, his line of sight hopping over Xu Shengnan¡¯s head and falling on Qiao Nan. ¡°ssmate Qiao, this is a book that is new in the library. I have read it and the content is good. I know you love to read and can lend this to you first. There is limited quantity and all of them are on loan now.¡±

    Shoo! Having said that, that book shuffled past Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes and stopped only when it was pushed to Qiao Nan.

    The book was certainly very new. It must have arrived in the library of Peking University from abroad no more than three days.

    After encoding the serial number and opening it for borrowing, the books were loaned out in no time.

    If one did not receive news beforehand or someone had not granted any convenience, it was very difficult to get hold of such a good book immediately. Therefore, this student must have some means in the school.

    Xu Shengnan, who had thought that she was the target of the other party, was in a state of confusion and daze. So as to speak, she had been overconfident. That junior did not even bother about her.

    There was a sh of disdain in that student¡¯s eyes. It was as if he knew what Xu Shengnan was thinking.

    At most, Senior Xu had found a better job. Would Senior Xu be able to help him get into thispany and be her colleague?

    Forget it!

    Who in the school was unaware that Senior Xu had such a good job because she knew Qiao Nan and received thetter¡¯s help? If he did not look for Qiao Nan, the main party, and looked for Senior Xu instead, wasn¡¯t this considered putting the cart before the horse? He was not so stupid.

    In the presence of a spacious and wide path, who would be willing to use the strength of a bull to go through a windy and narrow path?

    Qiao Nan, who was writing furiously, quietly sighed at the sight of this book.

    As expected, this was not the first time that Qiao Nan had encountered such matters. However, she felt very helpless all the time. Even if she were to talk her head off, no one believed that she did not render much help to Xu Shengnan for getting into Gao Yan¡¯spany. She did not help much. It was Xu Shengnan¡¯s own good fortune. Of course, unless one¡¯s luck wasparable to Xu Shengnan, she could not help them either.

    She had spoken the truth umpteen times but no one believed her. Hence, Qiao Nan felt helpless.

    ¡°Thank you, ssmate. I have finished reading this book during my second year of studies. Actually, the third volume is already out. The book in my hands now is the third volume. You can check it out if you are interested. However, the second volume is badly out of stock. It should be the same for the third volume when it is out.¡± Qiao Nan closed the book in her hand and revealed the cover.

    In fact, without the help of the Zhai family and her godfather, simr to these students, Qiao Nan could onlye into contact with volume one of the book even though volume three had already been published. She would not even be aware that the second volume had been out of stock for a long time.

    Sometimes, it was not enough to work hard in studies. With enough capability, at such times, Qiao Nan could advance faster than others by not just one step but ten or even twenty steps.

    ¡°Goodness! You managed to get it?¡±

 Chapter 1345 - Someone Stopped the Bicycle

    <h4>Chapter 1345 Someone Stopped the Bicycle</h4>

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes widened upon discovering the book that Qiao Nan was reading. ¡°Volume three has already been published? When did that happen? Why didn¡¯t I hear of it? I am only aware that the second volume is out of stock. I have surfed the entire inte and took great pains before sessfully ordering the second volume. However, the other party told me that it will most likely reach me in about two months¡¯ time.¡± As to the price that she paid for the book, Xu Shengnan was not even willing to bring it up.

    Damn! It was just a book. Must it be so expensive?!

    However, Xu Shengnan felt depressed that while she spent a bomb and took great pains to reserve volume two of the book to only receive it in two months¡¯ time, her junior was already starting to read the third volume of it. This was unexpected.

    If it was in the past, certainly, Xu Shengnan would not understand why Qiao Nan had the third volume in her hands while others did not even have the second volume. However, ever since she visited Qiao Nan at the house of thetter¡¯s inw, Xu Shengnan was not stupid and could figure out some matters.

    Who would have expected that the youngdy before her, who looked young and tender as a scallion, was not only married but a mother of three? Most importantly, she was married to a prominent figure that one could only see on the television asionally.

    At the thought that she had be friends with such a character, Xu Shengnan still felt a little dizzy.

    She used to feel that she might not even have the chance to meet a prominent figure in themercial world given her luck. However, it was a fact that she was already associated with some of the prominent figures in the industry. True enough, government officials and enterprises were closely associated.

    ¡°Yes, I got it through someone¡¯s help.¡± This book was certainly very popr. Fortunately, she had many seniors. When it was published in March, her senior had already reserved one book for her. Thereafter, he used the fastest speed to mail it to her.

    It was also owing to these seniors that Qiao Nan¡¯s knowledge and horizons did not lose out to that of overseas students although she had not gone abroad to study.

    Besides this, Qiao Nan even extended her habit of reading overseas used books. Every year, there were many graduates from every faculty. In overseas countries, they had a good practice in this area. Some textbooks were really expensive and one would be foolish to sell these textbooks cheaply like thrash. Instead, they would ssify and handle them as second-hand books.

    Qiao Nan was embarrassed to request her senior to do that. Hence, she sought the favor of Tian Dong¡¯s friend in America to ship various batches of books to China.

    Qiao Nan had saved a lot of money on the books. However, the costs of overseas shipping and import taxes were much higher than the purchase price of the books.

    However, Qiao Nan had no choice as she really needed these books. The costs would not be any less even if one were to buy new books. Unfortunately, the books were only on sale overseas and not locally. It was the exact situation for the third volume in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands currently.

    If the book in her hands was not so badly out of stock, she could not even get the first volume, let alone the second volume. Regardless, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached at the money spent to buy new books.

    One had to know. The money spent on such a book was enough to sustain two months¡¯ of living expenses for a typical family in China.

    ¡°Junior Qiao, what about your second volume?¡± Xu Shengnan swirled her eyes and looked at Qiao Nan in a yearning manner. ¡°Is it convenient to lend it to me? Don¡¯t worry. I promise you that I won¡¯t damage it. I will return it to you in its original condition.¡±

    Qiao Nan pointed the tip of her pen. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already ordered it?¡±

    ¡°Ordering is a separate matter. I will borrow your book to read it first. This book is expensive but there is a reason for it. The book that I ordered cannot be refunded. I will definitely read it again when I receive it. After reading volume one, I am very anxious and interested in the content of volume two.¡±

    ¡°Sure, you know my situation. I¡¯m too busy. Why don¡¯t youe to school and get it from me? Let me know beforehand so that I can bring it with me. Otherwise,e to my house to get it.¡± Qiao Nan was not petty; she was willing to lend a book that she had finished reading to others.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Sure, I will go to your house to get it. Just nice...¡± I missed the three little darlings in your house.

    Qiao Nan and Xu Shengnan chatted enthusiastically. That male student who wanted to lend the first volume to Qiao Nan earlier took back the book silently, looking depressed and gloomy.

    The book in his hands did not have anything to show at all in front of Qiao Nan.

    The student was very clear how expensive this book was. He cherished the first volume so much and thought that he was doing Qiao Nan a favor by lending it to her. Who would have expected that she had already finished reading the second volume and were reading the third volume? Unfortunately, the second and third volumes were still a great distance from him.

    He knew that Qiao Nan was very formidable but he did not know that Qiao Nan was more formidable than he had imagined. What volume two or three? Obviously, money alone was not enough for someone to get a hold on these books. Qiao Nan herself had a very strong capability.

    In front of Qiao Nan, that male student was too embarrassed to ask Xu Shengnan who Qiao Nan exactly was.

    One must know that he had never heard from anyone that Qiao Nan had a prominent background although they had been ssmates for three years. If he did not remember correctly, Qiao Nan was only an ordinarydy who came from Ping Cheng. Her father was an ordinary sried worker and her mother was a housewife without a job.

    Given such family members, despite wracking his brains, he could not figure out how Qiao Nan had the capability to achieve things that others could not.

    Having been given constant blows, the male student sensibly took back his book without the need for Qiao Nan to speak further.

    Xu Shengnan only attended one lesson with Qiao Nan before she received a message that the department head had arrived. Xu Shengnan carried her documents to the department head¡¯s office to discuss official matters.

    Without her ¡®buddy¡¯ disturbing her, after attending her morning sses, Qiao Nan tidied up her books and notes and put them away in her schoolbag. She then held her bicycle that was parked by the roadside and started to ride to the exit of the school. Unexpectedly, after peddling a couple of times, someone stood in her way and held onto the basket in front of the bicycle.

    Qiao Nan stepped on the brake with all her might and was thrown forward a little. ¡°This ssmate, you...¡±

    Qiao Nan had wanted to ask whether this person knew how to walk properly. Who would collide into the front of the bicycle in this manner? She did not believe that she and her bicycle were so small that they were not visible to others.

    If this person was faking an ident to impensation, that would be ludicrous. How muchpensation could a bicycle owner provide? At most, the rider would suffer a graze and a minor head concussion at most. In short, obviously, this person bumped into her bicycle deliberately. She just did not know what this person was thinking to have used such a drastic method.

    Before Qiao Nan could scold, she was stunned when she saw the other party¡¯s face clearly. ¡°L¨¹ Yan?¡±

 Chapter 1346 - Found Something against You

    <h4>Chapter 1346 Found Something against You</h4>

    There was a sinister aura shrouding L¨¹ Yan. It was as if she was carrying a dark cloud weather system everywhere she went. As long as she appeared, the bright sky would turn gloomy and shadow her. L¨¹ Yan sneered. ¡°That¡¯s rare. There is a saying that great men have short memories. I had thought that Vice President Qiao had long forgotten about the existence of a pitiful ssmate like me. Why do I feel so honored to hear Vice President Qiao call my name?¡±

    She said that she felt honored, but the look in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes upon staring at Qiao Nan was filled with sinister curses and resentment.

    In this lifetime, she regretted most about entering Peking University and bing ssmates with Qiao Nan. This had caused her to lose a good future that should rightfully belong to her after studying in a top tier key university. She was in such a bad state now, being neither here nor there. Even when she returned to her hometown, her parents did not seem to like her as much as before.

    Why? Everyone was certain that she could not be sessful in life, that she could no longer earn big bucks?

    It seemed that heaven had eyes now. Those who had done bad deeds could escape for once but not all the time. Qiao Nan, this wretched thing. She had finally gotten a handle of her. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you want to chat with me in front of so many people or find a quiet ce for the two of us to chat? On the ount that we are ssmates, I will give you an option. Qiao Nan, it¡¯s not that I want to chide you. Do you know what a guilty conscience is? You¡¯re just a college student, yet you used so many luxury products. Do you think that everyone is blind except you?!¡±

    ¡°Hey, what are you going to talk about? Let me listen too?¡± Tang Jiayun¡¯s eyes lit up. She had said... L¨¹ Yan dared to appear in front of Qiao Nan today. Certainly, she was in for a good show. After approaching Qiao Nan, she smelled something different. ¡°Qiao Nan, when did you start to use perfume?¡± She smelled really nice. From the smell of it, one could tell that it was not cheap.

    As if one L¨¹ Yan was not enough, Tang Jiayun had also joined in. Qiao Nan was having a bad headache. ¡°First, L¨¹ Yan, there¡¯s nothing for me to chat with you about. I remember you. Take it that I have a good memory. Second, ssmate Tang, sorry, I don¡¯t have the habit of using perfume.¡± With the triplets by her side, she did not intend to apply perfume for the rest of her life.

    ¡°If there is no other matter, can I trouble you to make way? I am rushing to go home.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan gave a grim and sinister smile. ¡°Since you didn¡¯t do bad deeds, you should not feel guilty. Why are you so anxious to escape? You are taking my courtesy for granted. I will say everything in front of everyone then? Qiao Nan, don¡¯t regret it. Once I say it, you will not be able to sustain your image of a pure and innocentdy in the school.¡±

    Speaking of this pure and innocent image, L¨¹ Yan especially felt like vomiting blood.

    Qiao Nan had this image not because of other people but L¨¹ Yan. When they were in the first year of college studies, L¨¹ Yan used Qiao Nan that thetter made use of her identity as a Peking University student and shamelessly became the kept woman of an old man who drove a Land Rover. In the end, the school verified that that old man was, in fact, Qiao Nan¡¯s elder.

    Qiao Nan kept a very low-profile in the school, behaving like a bookworm. She was pretty and good at her studies. However, she had never made use of these qualities to befriend other male students. She did not have many scandals too, let alone bing a kept woman.

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior reflect that of a ssic, goody-two-shoesdy?

    Although this was termed as goody-two-shoes in junior and senior high school, this kind ofdy would seem a little dull in college. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s beauty could not be contained. No one shunned Qiao Nan for being a dead fish because of her inflexible life that was akin to that of a nun. Instead, theybeled her as a pure and innocentdy because of the kept woman scandal initiated by L¨¹ Yan.

    Pure and innocentdy¡ªas pure as jade!

    If Qiao Nan was like a pure and innocentdy who gave others feelings of nobility and innocence, in the recent three years, the lifeless L¨¹ Yan was behaving like a rat in the drain that always seemed shady.

    Regarding this, anyone could imagine how much hate L¨¹ Yan had in her heart.

    Today, she had finally gotten something against Qiao Nan. L¨¹ Yan could not wait to hold a loudspeaker and announce to the entire school to let everyone know how wretched the true Qiao Nan was after tearing down theyer of mask.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, are you still going to pretend? When we were in the first year of our studies, I don¡¯t know what means you used to let the professors in the school help you lie and prove that that old man is your elder. However, you can¡¯t hide it anymore. If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, you even applied for work and study in your first year. May I ask? A college student who has to rely on working part-time to earn a living allowance, why would she have the money to buy so many luxury skincare products? The products that you apply on your face, a bottle of it is not cheap. It costs almost half a month of ordinary folks¡¯ sry, right?¡±

    ¡°If you use one set of such products for your face, it will cost two to three months of ordinary folks¡¯ sry. Qiao Nan, aren¡¯t you going to exin how you became so wealthy?¡± At the end of her speech, L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes were red with jealousy!

    ¡°Goodness...¡± When those nearby heard that the products applied on Qiao Nan¡¯s face would cost two to three months of the sry of typical folks, those with humble family backgrounds could not help gasping in cold air.

    If the products applied on the face were to cost two to three months of sry, besides applying things on the face, what were the family members going to eat and drink? Were they still going to live on?

    L¨¹ Yan revealed her teeth and smiled smugly. ¡°Qiao Nan, you still say that you¡¯re not a kept woman!¡± Besides being a kept woman, who could bear to spend so much money on Qiao Nan, buying these costly luxury skincare products?

    Qiao Nan gritted her teeth. She had not applied the items given to her by Auntie Fen for more than a week but had been ¡®caught red-handed¡¯ by L¨¹ Yan. L¨¹ Yan even made use of this to blow the matter up. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, you have wide knowledge. If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, the product that I apply on my face is not avable for sale in the local market yet. How did you know so clearly and understand so well about it? I have never brought it to school. How can you tell?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± L¨¹ Yan¡¯s expression changed. ¡°I can tell from the smell. This brand of skincare products is effective, and most importantly, it has a light fragrance that canst as long as a perfume.¡± As it was not on sale in the local market, she had thought that she made a mistake when she first caught a faint smell of it on Qiao Nan. She had believed that the fragrance did note from Qiao Nan but herself.

    However, after a couple of times and a few consecutive days, L¨¹ Yan was certain that she did not make a mistake. Qiao Nan had the smell of that brand of skincare products on her.

    ¡°Besides me, where else did you smell it from?¡± Qiao Nan asked without any reservation.

 Chapter 1347 - Met a â€˜Warriorâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1347 Met a ¡®Warrior¡¯</h4>

    If this was the first time one smelled such fragrance, one would never know what it was. Although one might be very sensitive to smells, like Tang Jiayun, one would only think that she had put on perfume. One would not be so certain that the fragrance was from skincare products.

    Tang Jiayun knew a lot about skincare products. She felt that she must have more knowledge in this area than L¨¹ Yan and Yu Xiaoxiao. She thought that it was the smell of a perfume, but L¨¹ Yan said that the fragrance was from a skincare product. How could it be? ¡°By the way, L¨¹ Yan, since when did you do research on this? How do you know that the fragrance is from a skincare product and not from a perfume?¡±

    How could it be that L¨¹ Yan knew more than her?

    No way!

    Tang Jiayun could not even figure it out, let alone the crowd who surrounded them.

    But they understood one fact: The product that Qiao Nan used was very expensive. It was seldom seen and could not be found in the country. However, it was odd that Tang Jiayun, who loved to doll herself up and seemed to be rich, had no idea what the product was while L¨¹ Yan, who seemed to be having a hard time, knew about it. This seemed more unusual to them.

    ¡°I...¡± L¨¹ Yan could not offer any exnation. She could not tell them that she tutored children from rich families and she had connections with rich people.

    It was a coincidence that the mother of her student happened to be using the same set of skincare products recently. When the mother bought the skincare products, the salesperson gave her aplimentary sample set and the father gave it to her secretly.

    L¨¹ Yan could not bear to use it, but she loved the fragrance and would bring it out to take a sniff from time to time. It was indeed good stuff. Although L¨¹ Yan kept taking it out to take a sniff, the fragrance still remained very strong.

    L¨¹ Yan was very familiar with the fragrance of the particr skincare products and she could smell and identify it right away.

    L¨¹ Yan never told others in the school that she gave private tuition. She was not sure as well whether it was normal for the father or mother of her student to give samples of high-end skincare products to the tuition teacher.

    She heard that the skincare products were very expensive. The price of the sample was not cheap either. It was simr to the price of a full set of skincare products that could be found in the country.

    Since it was very expensive, L¨¹ Yan did not dare to tell other people about it.

    Qiao Nan simply made an intelligent guess and she was spot on. L¨¹ Yan stuttered and could not manage to give a coherent reply. Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t have a guilty conscience, but someone is ying the trick of a thief crying ¡®stop thief!¡¯. Alright, it¡¯s fine that you can¡¯t be bothered with your studies because you put your concentration on keeping tabs on other people. However, I don¡¯t have the time to bicker with you.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t probe further since you can¡¯t answer my question. Since you want to know about my skincare products, fine, I will tell you. You should have known that the skincare products that I am using are quite expensive, and you want to know where it is from. I don¡¯t have the money to buy the products. They were given to me by my sister¡¯s mother-inw.¡±

    She knew what L¨¹ Yan was up to. L¨¹ Yan was trying to say that she was just a college student, so where would she have the money to buy luxury products? It must have been given to her by other people.

    It turned out that L¨¹ Yan still had not given up on the kept woman scandal from more than two years ago. She was determined to find evidence to prove that her thread back then was telling the truth and that she did not tell lies.

    It seemed that she still harbored evil intentions.

    Qiao Nan nced askance at L¨¹ Yan, who was at a loss for words. She rang the bell on the bicycle. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, you have taken up nearly half an hour of my time. I have to go back home for my meal. Can you stand aside?¡±

    L¨¹ Yan was hoping that Qiao Nan had no exnation as to why she used expensive skincare products. She could then prove that Qiao Nan was indeed a kept woman and that she was not lying back then. However, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to exin. Instead, she asked L¨¹ Yan the reason why she knew so much about skincare products.

    Seeing that L¨¹ Yan was at a loss for words, Qiao Nan then exined that it was true that she was poor and could not afford the expensive skincare products. But she had rich rtives and they were willing to buy expensive products for her.

    It was given to her by her sister¡¯s mother-inw. There was no way that the mother-inw wanted to be her sugar daddy.

    One might be foolish, but one should not go overboard.

    L¨¹ Yan broke out in cold sweats. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. The mother-inw of your sister? How can there be such good people? If she had money, why didn¡¯t she give it to your sister but you?¡± She refused to believe that people would give such expensive skincare products as gifts.

    Qiao Nanughed in anger. ¡°You don¡¯t understand the rich people and their lives. You may not give it as a present, but it doesn¡¯t mean that other people won¡¯t give it to someone as a gift. Besides, the mother-inw of my sister is very rich, and she is definitely not stingy with my sister. The problem is that my sister is two months pregnant. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Xu Shengnan treated the department head to a meal at the stir-fried stall in the canteen. She was about to go back to the office when she saw a crowd on her way out. Initially, she wanted to make a detour as she had no intention of checking what was going on.

    But she squeezed into the crowd when she heard Qiao Nan¡¯s voice. ¡°Junior Qiao, why are you still in school? Aren¡¯t you worried that your family would be anxious and they might be waiting for you to have a meal together?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s three children were still very young and were very attached to their mother. ¡°What¡¯s with the crowd? Are all of you not hungry or is there money on the floor?¡±

    Xu Shengnan finally squeezed into the crowd. ¡°Junior Qiao, what¡¯s wrong? Did someone make trouble for you?¡± The only person who would find trouble with Qiao Nan must be the female student who stood in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s bicycle. ¡°Who is this? Are you looking for trouble?¡±

    There was a bewildered and interested look on Xu Shengnan¡¯s face. ¡°I thought that no one will find trouble with Junior Qiao in the school now. This junior over here, you are indeed a ¡®warrior¡¯.¡±

    During the lesson, there was a male student who tried to suck up to Qiao Nan by lending her his hard-toe by studying materials. It was odd that there would be someone who was out to create trouble for Qiao Nan.

    The student must be out of her mind.

    Could it be that the junior had no intention of staying in the capital and therefore was not worried about offending Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Senior Xu, this is what happened.¡± There was a glitter in Tang Jiayun¡¯s eyes. She told Xu Shengnan what happened. Actually, she was interested to know the mother-inw of Qiao Nan¡¯s sister. Although her daughter-inw was pregnant, she must be very rich to give the expensive skincare products to other people.

    Tang Jiayun was confused. Qiao Nan must be lying to them when she said that she came from a humble family when she joined the college in the first year.

    Her acquaintance with Senior Gao could be considered as a coincidence.

    However, Qiao Nan must have rich rtives to have received expensive skincare products from them.

 Chapter 1348 - Bluff and Bluster

    <h4>Chapter 1348 Bluff and Bluster</h4>

    Had she identally missed out on her biggest support in this life?

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Junior Qiao, I understand that you like to keep a low-profile, but this is akin to giving people who are jealous of you a chance to badmouth you. All of you might know that thepany that I work in clinched a big deal recently, but you may not know that thepany that works with us belongs to Junior Qiao¡¯s brother-inw.¡±

    To other people, they would not give the luxury products as gifts.

    But to people in Qiao Nan¡¯s social circle, it was just a small gift to them.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The crowd was shocked and they turned silent.

    Qiao Nan might be close to Gao Yan, but they were simply friends. Gao Yan might earn a lot of money, but he would not share it with Qiao Nan.

    However, if the boss of a bigpany was Qiao Nan¡¯s brother-inw, things would be different. Qiao Nan would stand to benefit if her brother-inw¡¯spany was doing well.

    This might be the reason why Senior Gao was so nice to Qiao Nan.

    It was no wonder that Senior Gao epted Xu Shengnan as his employee since it was Qiao Nan who made the rmendation. He even provided funds for the new English club yearly. Perhaps, it was due to Qiao Nan that Senior Gao was able to work with the bigpany and make huge progress.

    It turned out that instead of being the middleman who introduced the twopanies to each other, Qiao Nan yed a crucial role in their coboration.

    Xu Shengnan knew that one might misunderstand theplex rtionship between the different parties, but she did not go on to exin. Even if her boss knew about it, he would not me her. No matter what, it was indeed true that her boss had to depend on Qiao Nan to woo his wife.

    Besides, what she said was mostly the truth!

    Since Xu Shengnan had spoken up for Qiao Nan, it was easier for her to sort out the misunderstanding.

    Right then, Qiao Nan felt a sh of light. It might be her illusion but the light seemed to be directed at her.

    Qiao Nan knitted her eyebrows and she was reminded of something.

    Previously, when Zhai Sheng was back, he mentioned something to her. Although he was in the army camp and she did not stay in contact with him, he was jealous that a student confessed his love to her. Her mother-inw did not even know about it, but Zhai Sheng, who was in the army camp, found out about it. He also knew the details of how the student confessed his love to her. It was as if he was there on that day.

    The only exnation was that someone took photos of what happened and passed the photos to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Senior Xu, can you do me a favor?¡± Qiao Nan had to take preventive measures against the sh of light among the crowd.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Xu Shengnan leaned toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan whispered to Xu Shengnan and she nodded. ¡°You must be L¨¹ Yan. I feel that you should focus on your studies instead of being consumed with hatching plots and affecting the school¡¯s reputation. I spent four years in Peking University. I have seen all types of people, but this is the first time I met someone like you. Let me warn you. Stop making trouble for Junior Qiao in the future. Junior Qiao, I will go back to the office. Let¡¯s meet again another time.¡±

    Everyone knew that Xu Shengnan was very busy.

    Xu Shengnan also told them an important piece of news. It turned out that Qiao Nan was an influential figure as well. She was the type of boss who was hiding behind the scene. Since Xu Shengnan said that she was leaving, everyone spread out so that she could make her way out.

    Qiao Nan got onto her bicycle after Xu Shengnan left and looked at L¨¹ Yan. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, I don¡¯t know why you kept making trouble for me. If you can give me a reasonable exnation today, I might help you when you face trouble in the future. Do you have anything to tell me?¡±

    She had some doubts about L¨¹ Yan. She had been keeping a low profile for two years, but she appeared right in front of her and made trouble again. She could not help but suspect her.

    Although she was still in school and could not help Zhai Sheng, she did not wish to be his burden and a hindrance to him.

    L¨¹ Yan looked guilty. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are talking about. I simply find you an eyesore. I hate it that you act nice and kind. We are ssmates. Even if there is any misunderstanding, you should not be overbearing and aggressive. You should know how I spent the past three years in school. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you feel guilty at the state that I am in right now?¡±

    Since a young age, there was no one around her who would argue a point to death like Qiao Nan.

    Although she insisted on staying in the school, no one was willing to talk to her, and she was not given a chance to participate in the activities organized by the school.

    When she was in her junior high school and high school, she was a role model for the students. The teachers would choose her to participate in activities and she would have the support of her ssmates. She was the brightest star in school.

    Ever since she came to Peking University, she was no longer the brightest star. She became the smelly stone that was left in the drain. Nobody would ask her to join any activities and everyone avoided her.

    All these were due to Qiao Nan. She had been targeting Qiao Nan, hoping to turn the tables and be stronger than Qiao Nan. There was nothing wrong with doing that. ¡°Qiao Nan, given what you have done to me, it is justifiable that I do this to you! You owe me and you caused me to be in this state. Everything that I did was to prove that I did not lie when I was in my first year. I did not malign you. I am innocent while you are guilty!¡±

    Qiao Nan felt likeshing out at L¨¹ Yan. ¡°Won¡¯t I feel guilty? Since you dare to pose this question, no matter what I do in this life, with you around, I will never feel guilty.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    Many peopleughed as they understood what Qiao Nan was talking about.

    L¨¹ Yan turned red from being mocked by Qiao Nan. Her eyes were full of hatred and resentment. They seemed like poisonous ulcers that oozed pus. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too smug. I will wait to see your downfall!¡± She might not be able to do anything to Qiao Nan, but many people were more capable than Qiao Nan.

    She could not do anything to Qiao Nan, but other people could help her make Qiao Nan suffer.

    Qiao Nan would lead a life a hundred times worse than hers very soon! By then, she would be smiling whereas Qiao Nan cried in despair.

 Chapter 1349 - Keep Them for Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 1349 Keep Them for Yourself</h4>

    ¡°Did someone really hire you to deal with Qiao Nan?¡± Tang Jiayun widened her eyes in shock as she stared at L¨¹ Yan. ¡°What have you gotten from them?¡± She found it odd that L¨¹ Yan knew the skincare products that she was unaware of and knew them in detail.

    L¨¹ Yan had yet to answer Tang Jiayun when there was a cry of paining from the crowd. ¡°Senior Xu, please be lighter. My arm is breaking. You are hurting me! I can sue you!¡±

    Xu Shengnan sneered. ¡°Sue me? Don¡¯t worry. Someone will sue you for viting the right of publicity. You should think about how you should deal with thiswsuit.¡± With that, Xu Shengnan took the camera that the student hung on his neck. ¡°You had better give us an exnation regarding this.¡±

    The student reddened and his voice was louder than Xu Shengnan¡¯s. ¡°I am from the journalism faculty. There is a students¡¯ paper in the school. As a news reporter, I have the right to report the truth and let the audience learn about the truth. Every citizen has the right to know the truth. You cannot vite our legal rights!¡±

    ¡°And so you can vite my legal rights?¡± Qiao Nan walked toward the male student with a cold expression on her face. ¡°Do you know that I can sue you based on your actions and the chance of winning thewsuit is higher than ny percent?¡±

    Qiao Nan was being modest when she said that there was a ny percent chance that she could win thewsuit.

    Even if the male student was the person who took the photo of the student who confessed his love to her and passed it to Peng Yu, Peng Yu merely spent some money to get the student to help him. If anything happened to the student, Peng Yu or the Peng family would not help him.

    If things reached that state and the male student revealed that it was Peng Yu who instructed him to take the photos, given Peng Yu¡¯s position and the Peng family¡¯s social status, instead of having a lighter sentence, the student would receive a harsher punishment as he had offended the Peng family.

    Qiao Nan was perplexed. Given Peng Yu¡¯s status and position, since he had resorted to doing this and spent the money, why did he not hire a professional private investigator? Why did he hire an amateur who was easily caught by Xu Shengnan?

    ¡°Did you take my photos other than today? After taking my photos, you did not use them for the school papers but gave it to someone else instead. Am I right?¡±

    The student kept looking around. He did not dare to look Qiao Nan in the eye. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. I don¡¯t know about the previous time or this time. I took the photos for the school papers. I did not give them to someone else. Don¡¯t malign me. If you have the capability, go ahead and sue me.¡± He did not believe that a few photos wouldnd him in court.

    Anyway, the person who hired him gave him a lot of money, and he did not use the money to do anything overboard. He merely gave the photos to the person who hired him. If he lost thewsuit, he would not be given a harsh sentence.

    Nothinges for free. By then, he would demand that the person who hired him to fork out the money that he was punished to pay by the court.

    The male student did not know who Qiao Nan was. Therefore, he was the least worried at her warning and he did not fear for his future.

    The person who hired him said that if he did a good job and found out more about Qiao Nan¡¯s dirty secrets, he would give him arge sum of money after everything was over, and he would give him a high-paying job after he graduated.

    He did not know when the assignment would bepleted, but he was very d of the arrangement.

    The person who hired him promised to give him a job and money, while Qiao Nan merely gave him a warning. He could not possibly take Qiao Nan¡¯s words seriously.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. All of them were students in the same school and they could be considered as fellow ssmates. Whether it was L¨¹ Yan or the male student in front of her, both were still young and it was inevitable that they would be insensible and make mistakes.

    If it was other situations, Qiao Nan would forgive them as long as it was within her means. But she could not do so today.

    This not only concerned her. In fact, she was targeted as she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. Therefore, all the more she could not let them off easily. Although nothing happened, they could make it as if it was real. There were so many people who were targeting her. She had no idea what Peng Yu was capable of next time.

    Although Zhai Sheng did not fall for the trick this time, if this happened often, Zhai Sheng might be affected and there was no guarantee that he would not fall for the trap. Zhai Sheng did not believe his words this time, but he was affected and sustained injuries in the drill. If Peng Yu was sessful next time, what happened might be worse than a few injuries.

    ¡°Since you don¡¯t feel that you are in the wrong, then tell me your name, your faculty, and which year you are in.¡± Since it concerned the Zhai family and she could not resolve it by herself, Qiao Nan would not be so foolish to try to handle it by herself. Instead of resorting to trickery, it was better to be fair and square.

    This would serve as a warning to the other students as well so that they knew that they must notmit such foolish and fatal mistakes without finding out what was going on.

    Did they really think that they did not need to be responsible for whatever they had said?

    Weren¡¯t they ashamed that they were college students but behaved foolishly? The teachers must be exasperated that the college students knew nothing about thew.

    ¡°W-what do you want?¡± Qiao Nan seemed to be very serious. The male student who was certain that nothing would happen to him could not help but have a guilty conscience. ¡°Why do I have to tell you? Do you want to take revenge on me? At the very least, you are well-known in school. I merely took a few photos of you. Is there a need to be so rmed and uptight about it? You are so narrow-minded to take issue with me. If you dislike it, I won¡¯t do that next time, okay?¡±

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°Do you think I will be so foolish to believe your words? Even if you refuse to tell me, I have my way to find out. The oue will be the same. There is no way that this could be easily settled. When we get to court, I hope that you will still be able to wear a smile like today.¡±

    The stupid was fearless.

    The male student panicked. ¡°You are merely threatening me. Senior Xu, all of us are from the same school. Is it good that the situation is so ugly? As the saying goes, it is better not to burn the bridges. Senior Xu, aren¡¯t you going to dissuade Qiao Nan? You should know that we might run into each other in the future. It is not good to be so heartless. I am not one to be easily bullied.¡±

    If he and Qiao Nan crossed paths in the future, he would not be lenient with her like today.

    Xu Shengnan rolled her eyes at the male student¡¯s threat. ¡°How dare you say this at this juncture? You must be a ¡®warrior¡¯. I really have to hand it to you. You should keep those words for yourself.¡±

 Chapter 1350 - Offended Someone

    <h4>Chapter 1350 Offended Someone</h4>

    ¡°Junior Qiao, there is no need to ask him. I know who he is. He is indeed from the journalism faculty. He is his third year like you. He is from the capital. His dad is a deputy editor in the news agency.¡±

    Xu Shengnan knew all the details about the male student.

    Xu Shengnan knew that with this information, there was no way the student could run away. Qiao Nan would have a way to find out everything about him, including his family and ancestors.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Now that Qiao Nan knew who the student was, she took the camera from Xu Shengnan. She flipped open the lid to reveal the film and took out the film so that it would be exposed and the photos would be useless.

    Qiao Nan was especially thankful that it was in the early 2000s and everyone used cameras with film. In ten years, people took photos with cell phones, and the photos were of high quality and of high definition. Once they had ess to the inte, they would be able to send the photos to all over the world. Even if she wanted to delete the photos from the phone, she could not do anything as it was already sent through thework.

    After exposing the film, Qiao Nan returned the camera to the other party politely. ¡°This is your private property. I will not invite trouble for myself. Now that everyone is present, you must keep it well. If it is spoiled in the future, you cannot me it on me. As for the photos that were taken today, I shall see you in court.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no wish to waste her time on him anymore.

    Everyone could tell that Qiao Nan seemed very serious about suing the student. She was not threatening him.

    Many of them did not have their meals but crowded around to talk about Qiao Nan who made a mountain out of a molehill. It was simply a few photos. Did she have to go to this extent?

    But then again, the student from the journalism faculty must be out of his mind.

    Most of the students could not wait to suck up to Qiao Nan. Who would be so foolish to offend her at this time? It seemed that this was not the first time that he took photos of her secretly. Why did he choose to offend Qiao Nan out of so many other people? Qiao Nan had powerful rtives and a strong backing.

    He was courting death.

    Xu Shengnan gave the male student a sympathetic look. ¡°Junior, you have invited huge trouble for your family. Since we are alumnus, let me remind you. You have better inform your parents so that they will not be caught off-guard when trouble knocks on their door.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was not foolish. Although Qiao Nan did not reveal much, she could make the connections.

    This was not the first time that the male student took photos of Qiao Nan secretly, and he used the photos for other purposes. Qiao Nan¡¯s inws held a high position in the government. Xu Shengnan could not help but think of the possible conspiracy. They were just ordinary citizens. They could not afford to be embroiled into the power struggle between the higher-ups.

    The male student was too audacious and daring to provoke Qiao Nan. He was courting death indeed.

    After advising the male student, Xu Shengnan had to go back to work. There was half an hour left before she needed to get back to work in the afternoon. Her boss only allowed her to take the morning off. If she could not get back to the office within half an hour, her boss would take it that she had taken leave for the entire day. In that case, she would be shortchanged.

    Xu Shengnan bade farewell to Qiao Nan and left, not casting another nce at the student from the journalism faculty.

    The student felt guilty and scared, but at the same time, he did not believe that this would happen to him. ¡°Hmmph, one was better at bluffing than the other. Fine, go ahead and sue me. I will be waiting. I shall see how you are going to sue me and what you can do to me!¡± The student adjusted his cor that Xu Shengnan grabbed previously. He put on a false front, pretending that he was calm. After showing that he was in control, he took his camera and left.

    He was not in a hurry to make a phone call to his parents. He was hired by someone else to take the photos.

    Now that this had happened, the person who hired him had to take responsibility for it and settle it for him. Otherwise, how could he work for him again without any worry?

    Peng Yu did not expect that the student would be caught easily. Zhai Sheng did not even do anything, and he was caught by Qiao Nan. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t be caught?¡±

    He thought that a professional private investigator would be much easier to get caught than a student who was from Peking University. Everyone was watching the fun while the student would hide within the crowd and take photos. This might make it more difficult for him to be discovered by other people.

    Peng Yu was upset that the student only managed to take the photos for the first time. He had yet toplete his second task and he was caught red-handed by Qiao Nan. There was no way to feign ignorance.

    The male student felt wronged. ¡°If it was Qiao Nan alone, there was no way that she could catch me. I did not expect that Xu Shengnan would return to school today. Qiao Nan pretended to attract my attention while Xu Shengnan made use of the chance to look for me. I didn¡¯t even have the time to hide.¡±

    Without Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan would not be able to catch him!

    ¡°Hehe...¡± Peng Yu sneered. He did not care about the details. He only knew that the student was useless. He spent so much money on him but he did not prove his worth. He must be blind to give a huge sum of money to a useless man like him.

    ¡°You have to help me. I work under your orders. I offended Qiao Nan in order to help you. I only learned today that the big boss of the well-known Tian Corporation is Qiao Nan¡¯s brother-inw. She wanted to sue me. I know that you can make sure that I will be fine. Can you find me awyer so that I can discuss thewsuit with him? I did not do any evil deeds. Although I have vited thews, it will not be very serious, no?¡±

    Although he tried tofort himself, Qiao Nan and Xu Shengnan had a somber expression on their faces. It did not seem like thewsuit could be settled easily.

    ¡°This is the biggest joke that I have heard this year. Alright, you can have the money.¡± He was no longer of any use to him. Peng Yu could not possibly waste any more time and money on him. He hung up the phone on him. He took out the card from the cell phone and flushed it down the toilet bowl.

    The other party would not give up even though Peng Yu hung the phone on him. He dialed the number again but it could not get through.

    The person who paid him handsomely to work for him had no wish to remain in touch with him. If the male student did not realize that something was amiss, it would be a wonder that he could make it to Peking University. However, since he made it to Peking University based on his own efforts, his expression changed and he knew that something was wrong.

    He was reminded of Xu Shengnan¡¯s words to him. His hands shook as he made a phone call to his father.

    His father¡¯s expression darkened as his son told him what had happened.

    This was the capital. There were all kinds of big shots and powerful people who kept a low profile. If they provoked one or two powerful people, they would be defenseless against them. It took him great pains and a lot of hardships to be the deputy editor of the news agency.

    The deputy editor felt like vomiting blood when he heard that his career that he had worked hard for so many years might be ruined by his son.

 Chapter 1351 - Impossible to Resolve Harmoniously

    <h4>Chapter 1351 Impossible to Resolve Harmoniously</h4>

    ¡°What is the background of the female student? Why didn¡¯t you find out before you did anything? You dared to offend her without finding out anything about her?¡±

    After being lectured by his father, the male student was full of regrets. ¡°I thought that this is notplicated. I have been ssmates with Qiao Nan for three years. I don¡¯t see her with any powerful rtives. You taught me that in the capital, it is useless to have money. I don¡¯t know that...¡± He only wanted to earn some allowance and the person who hired him seemed toe from an established family.

    He thought that he was lucky to meet someone powerful and, like his father, he would have a bright future if he worked for the right boss.

    ¡°Alright, you should have a talk with the female student. Ask her what she wants and whether this can be resolved harmoniously. Remember. You must speak nicely and have a good attitude. One can never be too careful. Before you do anything, think through it first. This would never happen to other people.¡±

    ¡°Will this work?¡± The male student lowered his voice. He was not certain whether Qiao Nan¡¯s family was powerful or not. But judging from what happened today, Qiao Nan did notck money. If he wanted to resolve the issue with L¨¹ Yan or Tang Jiayun, he was very certain that it would not be an issue.

    But if it was Qiao Nan, he was not certain.

    He still remembered what happened when he took photos of Qiao Nan secretly for the first time.

    Women generally could not resist this kind of love confession. They would have been into the embrace of the other party, smiling in happiness. However, Qiao Nan was not moved at all, and she rejected the man decisively.

    ¡°Now, you know to be scared. If so, you should not have done it in the first ce. No matter what, you still have to try. Send me information about the female student. I will get people to do a check on her and her background.¡± His son was in trouble. As his father, he had to clean up his mess.

    Qiao Nan was one who made good on her words.

    Zhai Sheng was injured after seeing the photos of the confessionst time. Since she had caught the person who took the photos, Qiao Nan would not let the person off. She was swift and decisive and had decided to teach the person a harsh lesson. This would serve as a lesson to other people so that they would not dream of hatching a n or scheming against her.

    Now that the student had made trouble for her, it was useless even if he was her schoolmate.

    Miao Jing who was still very happy about her daughter¡¯s pregnancy turned serious when she heard that Qiao Nan wanted to talk to awyer. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan told her what happened as well as her guesses. ¡°I cannot condone this. He is already a college student. He cannot say that he is young and ignorant. He is an adult and should know what can be done and what cannot be done. Does he really think there are free lunches in the world? Since he is being paid handsomely, it muste with a high risk. I don¡¯t intend to resolve this harmoniously.¡±

    She let L¨¹ Yan off two years ago. This time, she would not be soft-hearted.

    Miao Jing was furious after she found out what happened. ¡°You are very busy with school work. I am not worried that you will feel neglected or displeased as Zhai Sheng is at the army camp every single day. At times, I feel that it¡¯s Zhai Sheng who will be displeased. All of you are college students, but why is it that you are so busy and you wish to have forty-eight hours a day while there are other students who have a lot of free time to be up to no good?¡±

    There was a huge difference between the students.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She wanted to know the answer as well. ¡°Do we know anywyer?¡±

    ¡°I will have to check with your dad.¡± Miao Jing had no contact with thewyers. Therefore, she made a phone call to Zhai Yaohui and told him about the incident.

    Zhai Yaohui did not object to Qiao Nan¡¯s way of dealing with the matter. He sent someone to discuss with Qiao Nan on how to deal with it.

    Since Zhai Yaohui had no objections to going to court, the other party had no hope of resolving it harmoniously with them.

    Actually, L¨¹ Yan was egged on by other people to target Qiao Nan. If not for other people who reminded her, given her rtionship with Qiao Nan, she would usually steer clear of Qiao Nan. Notwithstanding that Qiao Nan did not put on any perfume, if she really put on perfume, L¨¹ Yan would not be in close vicinity with Qiao Nan that she would be able to smell it.

    When Qiao Nan said that she would sue the man and Xu Shengnan looked very serious as well, apart from the student from the journalism faculty, L¨¹ Yan was taken aback as well.

    L¨¹ Yan consoled herself that Qiao Nan must be exaggerating in front of other people so as to keep up appearances. Qiao Nan must have wanted everyone to know that she was not to be trifled with and hoped that there would not be simr incidents in the future.

    She was hoping that Qiao Nan would go back on her words and make a fool of herself. She did not expect that the student from the journalism faculty who did not fear Qiao Nan yesterday woulde begging at Qiao Nan like a bootlicker to resolve the issue harmoniously. He even told Qiao Nan to make any requests and he would fulfill her requests andpensate her as long as it was within his means.

    This alone gave L¨¹ Yan a fright.

    She was from the countryside. She had no power or money, so she was bullied by Qiao Nan. However, the student from the journalism faculty was from the capital. His family was fairly well-to-do. Once he graduated, he had no worry about finding a job. If he performed well in his job, he might be able to take over his father¡¯s position after he retired.

    People like him should not fear Qiao Nan. Why was he willing to allow himself to be ripped off by Qiao Nan?

    L¨¹ Yan did not believe that the male student woulde to his senses and admit his mistakes. Instead, she felt that Qiao Nan must have a strong backing such that the male student was fearful and did not dare to bully Qiao Nan anymore and was willing to ask for forgiveness from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I am sorry. I am very busy. I have no time to drink your tea. Besides, I don¡¯t need anypensation. Please take back all the presents. Also, you are an adult. You should be responsible for your own deeds and pay a price for what you have done. There is no way to resolve this harmoniously.¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan rejected him with no hesitation, the male student¡¯s heart jumped a beat. ¡°Ignorance can be forgiven. I did not do it on purpose. Everything is a misunderstanding. If we have bettermunication, the misunderstanding could be avoided. ssmate Qiao, please give me a chance.¡±

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°Given your attitude, there is no way that I can give you a chance. I am not foolish. I understand what you mean when you said that we have some misunderstandings. You simply won¡¯t admit your mistakes. Alright, since you said that it is a misunderstanding, there is no need to worry as well.¡±

 Chapter 1352 - Severe Inner Pain

    <h4>Chapter 1352 Severe Inner Pain</h4>

    Thew was used to deal with people who were in the wrong and were against thew. Nobody could be bothered if it was a misunderstanding. ¡°I am giving you a chance to sue me for false usation. You can sue me as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan talked about suing each other. She seemed to be talking in circles, causing the other party to break out in cold sweat.

    ¡°Is there no chance of reconciliation and we can¡¯t live harmoniously in the future?¡± The male student from the journalism faculty took a deep breath. He was debating with himself and there was a distorted look on his face. No one had really driven him into a corner before. This was purely his conjecture. What if it ended up that Qiao Nan was merely bluffing him?

    Since he could not entice her with benefits, he turned to threatening her.

    Qiao Nan could tell that the other party was not sincere. She did not back down either. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, we are schoolmates. There is no need for things to be so ugly or making things look bad for us. This is why I talk to you nicely and try to settle this harmoniously. You should know what¡¯s best for you. Don¡¯t force me to say harsh words.¡± Women were pretentious. They had been schoolmates for three years. He could not tell that Qiao Nan had a strong backing.

    If so, L¨¹ Yan could no longer stay in Peking University. L¨¹ Yan should have been kicked out of Peking University more than two years ago when she was still in her first year. There should not have been a ce for her in the capital.

    Qiao Nan knocked on the tabletop with her fingers. ¡°You are wrong. It is not that you are stopping yourself from saying harsh words. Perhaps I have been too nice to all of you. Alright, you will receive the court summons very soon. You can leave any harsh words until then.¡±

    They only had a short conversation, but many people who heard of the incident yesterday were staring at them. Qiao Nan stood up to leave while the male student turned red in anger, but he did not dare to reach out his hands to stop Qiao Nan from leaving.

    He watched helplessly as Qiao Nan got onto the car and left. A thought struck him and he took down the car te number.

    His father went to a lot of effort to do a check on Qiao Nan¡¯s backgroundst night, but he could not find any information on her. He believed that with the car te number, he should be able to find out more about her.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Although the parties concerned had left, the crowd who was watching by the side had yet to disperse. Yu Xiaoxiao walked to stand next to L¨¹ Yan, giving her a light pat. ¡°You don¡¯t look too well. If you are ufortable, shall I apany you to the sickbay?¡± It was shining brightly outside, but L¨¹ Yan was breaking out in cold sweats and she kept shivering as if it was winter. One could not help but feel sorry for her.

    Yu Xiaoxiao was at a loss. L¨¹ Yan should know very well when she was in her first year that Qiao Nan was not to be trifled with.

    They had been ssmates for nearly three years. Although Qiao Nan was not approachable, she was a down-to-earth and good person. If one did not provoke Qiao Nan, she would not be so petty-minded as to leave one in the lurch when one was in trouble.

    At least for the first and second-year juniors, they had a good impression of Qiao Nan.

    She could not understand why L¨¹ Yan was so stubborn. She had made a huge mistake in the first year when she tried to make trouble for Qiao Nan and she was still recovering from it. Why would she be so fearless to create trouble for her again, making life difficult for herself?

    ¡°What a hypocrite. You are the only one in our dormitory who benefited from being with Qiao Nan. Look at Tang Jiayun and me. We have been unlucky all these years. You must beughing at us secretly. You must be ted to see me in such a state today.¡± L¨¹ Yan refused to admit her weakness. Although she hoped that someone would stand on her side, console her, listen to her woes, and put in a good word for her in front of Qiao Nan, she refused to admit it.

    She was reminded that Yu Xiaoxiao was in a different situation from her, and she could not stop herself from saying harsh words to her. ¡°After you did well in your non-academic performance, you keep getting schrships every year. It is a pity that no matter how many schrships you have, you are not as good as Qiao Nan. Everyone is specting that the school intended to sponsor Qiao Nan for overseas studies, but Qiao Nan rejected the offer. You sucked up to Qiao Nan shamelessly, but in the end, you did not fare much better than Tang Jiayun and me!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was exasperated. ¡°Fine, take it that I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was about to walk away. She was a fool for trying to be nice to L¨¹ Yan. She had yet to make a move when L¨¹ Yan grabbed her arm. ¡°Compared to Tang Jiayun and me, you have a better rtionship with Qiao Nan. After all, we have been roommates for three years. Can you do me a favor? I know that I am in the wrong. I-I will not make trouble for Qiao Nan in the future even if someone forces me to. Can you tell Qiao Nan to let me off this time?¡±

    She was taught a harsh lesson for what she didst time.

    Initially, she had indeed learned her mistake, but then...

    ¡°Qiao Nan is not close to anyone. Apart from Xu Shengnan, she treats you fairly well and has given you a lot of help. I don¡¯t dare to appear in front of her. Just this once, can you help me? A-actually, someone hinted to me to make trouble for Qiao Nan yesterday. Without that person¡¯s reminder, I would not know what Qiao Nan applied on her face. I have been avoiding Qiao Nan for the past three years. I can tell Qiao Nan who the person is. I will steer clear of her in the future. Please give me one more chance.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao could not be bothered with L¨¹ Yan, but she hesitated slightly after listening to L¨¹ Yan¡¯s words. ¡°Are you saying that someone schemed against you and wanted to do you in?¡±

    There were tears in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s eyes. She sniffed and shook her head pitifully. ¡°The person¡¯s aim is not to do me in. I feel that the person was out to deal with Qiao Nan. When someone confessed his love to Qiao Nan the previous time, I saw the student from the journalism faculty hiding in a corner and taking multiple shots of Qiao Nan. I did not read too much into it. Yesterday, it was only when Qiao Nan asked the senior to catch the male student did I realize that someone made use of me.¡±

    It was fine if she offended Qiao Nan because she wanted to make life difficult for her. But she was set up by other people this time. Someone made use of her. She felt wronged.

    L¨¹ Yan could not stop herself from crying. ¡°I only want to study hard at Peking University. I have been leading a simple life in my nine years ofpulsory education and three years of high school. I never expected that so many things would happen at Peking University, and that I would be at loggerheads with Qiao Nan. It was as if I killed her dad.¡±

    L¨¹ Yan was close to saying that she had had enough of the city and wanted to go back to the countryside.

    ¡°Alright, stop crying.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao felt severe inner pain. ¡°You felt wronged, so did Qiao Nan. You created trouble for her while she did not even provoke anyone. Besides, I am not close to Qiao Nan at all. We are unlike what you think.¡±

 Chapter 1353 - No Time to Cha

    <h4>Chapter 1353 No Time to Cha</h4>

    ¡°Are you saying that you won¡¯t help me?¡± If that was the case, she would be dead for sure!

    Yu Xiaoxiao felt exasperated. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that I won¡¯t help you. It¡¯s just that I won¡¯t be of much help. I will still try to ry your words to Qiao Nan.¡± The problem was Qiao Nan was seldom affected by other people.

    ¡°Thank you, Xiaoxiao. You are the best.¡± L¨¹ Yan could not care much. She turned grief into happiness when Yu Xiaoxiao promised to help her. She could finally see a glimmer of hope.

    Like Yu Xiaoxiao, Qiao Nan could no longer put up with the ¡®former love rival¡¯ that was standing in front of her. She had a headache at the sight of her. ¡°Miss Qiu, long time no see. If you want to catch up, this is not a good ce. If you don¡¯t mind, I suggest that you go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence.¡±

    Qiao Nan was stopped by Qiu Chenxi on her way back home.

    ¡°What if I mind? I prefer to talk at a cafe.¡± Qiu Chenxi was never easy-going. Qiu Chenxi had never liked Qiao Nan since the first time she saw her. She did not expect that Qiao Nan, whom she looked down on, would ¡®take her ce¡¯ and have everything that she wanted to have.

    She received the Lee family¡¯s recognition, was taken good care of by the Zhu family, and had Lin Yuankang as her master.

    Other than having Zhai Sheng as her husband, there was another thing that Qiu Chenxi found most intolerable. Qiao Nan was her biggest enemy in this life. However, instead of taking care of her and standing on her side to deal with Qiao Nan, her uncle treated Qiao Nan like her niece.

    Compared to her, her uncle was much closer to Qiao Nan.

    At times, she could not even tell whether she and Shi Qing were her uncle¡¯s rtives or whether Qiao Nan was his kin.

    ¡°I am sorry. As a mother of three, my time is very precious. You should know that my three children have not reached two years old. They could not stay apart from their parents for too long.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She was no longer the young girl a few years back who would suffer quietly and please everyone.

    Qiu Chenxi could tell the change in Qiao Nan. ¡°Your status has changed indeed after marrying Zhai Sheng. How dare you act arrogantly in front of me just because you have Zhai Sheng to back you up! If it was a few years back, you won¡¯t dare to say this to me!¡±

    Qiao Nan remained unaffected. ¡°That¡¯s true. If Brother Zhai was not a good catch, you would not condescend to go against a student like me.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi made a dig at Qiao Nan, saying that she climbed up the socialdder with Zhai Sheng¡¯s help. Qiao Nan pointed out directly that Qiu Chenxi liked Zhai Sheng because of his status and the Zhai family.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you still remember that you are married with kids? Do you still remember that you have a husband? I thought you have long forgotten about it. College life is indeed exciting. There are a lot of temptations around you. It¡¯s understandable that you can¡¯t resist temptations. The love confession was so romantic. There aren¡¯t many men who confessed his love to me. Qiao Nan, are you moved?¡±

    Qiu Chenxi crossed her hands about her chest, her eyes full of mockery.

    Zhai Sheng did not like it that she had been leading an exciting life while he was away. This was the reason why they did not end up together.

    Actually, no girl would like dull and boring life. Qiao Nan was younger than her. It was the youngsters¡¯ nature to y and have fun. No matter how Zhai Sheng picked and chose, he ended up with a simr girl.

    On the contrary, now that she had grown older, she was much more mature than before. Qiao Nan would embarrass Zhai Sheng, but she would not. Like what she had said long ago, Zhai Sheng made the worst decision in his life by giving up on her and choosing Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was amused. ¡°It is just a love confession, so what about it? Like you have said, someone confessed his love to you when you were a student. I don¡¯t really care about what¡¯s going on in school, but I am still aware of the rumors going around the school. I may not be the school belle, but I am the faculty belle. It is not odd that students confess their love to me. It will be weird if they don¡¯t.¡±

    What was up with all these people? All of them seemed to be very free.

    There was so much important news happening in the country and around the world. A Peking University student confessing his love to a female student¡ªhow could this bepared to the important news around the world? Why was it that many important figures took notice of it and knew all the details? They remembered the details much better than her, the party concerned.

    Qiu Chenxi snorted. ¡°Carry on with your pretenses. Aren¡¯t you touched? Didn¡¯t you ept his confession? If you didn¡¯t do anything, would the man kneel down and confess his love to you in public?¡± Everyone was once young and many of them were the only child in the family. Qiao Nan must have reciprocated the feelings in order for the student to let go of his pride and kneel down to confess his love.

    Qiao Nan yawned. ¡°I am sorry. My driver must be waiting for me anxiously. Besides, I am starving. You can go ahead to make guesses, but they are not the truth. Miss Qiu, I will make a move.¡±

    Qiao Nan parked her bicycle at the usual ce and ran toward the school gate.

    Why was it that everyone was into stopping people in the middle of their way and was bent on talking about these topics in the public? Was Qiu Chenxi dying for everyone to know what kind of person she was?

    Shi Peng had been transferred to the capital. Old Master Shi and his wife also moved out of Mo Du to stay with their son in the capital.

    Qi Min had been staying with Qiu Chenxi at her parental house but when Old Master Shi and his wife stayed with Shi Peng, Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi moved in with them as well. This was when things got awkward.

    It was alright if the sister who was married stayed for a few days at her elder brother¡¯s house when she visited her parental family.

    After Qi Min was divorced, she and her daughter moved to stay with her parents. Although Old Master Shi was advanced in age, it was still eptable for the parents to support their children.

    However, now that Old Master Shi was staying in his son¡¯s house, his divorced daughter moved in with him as well and her elder brother had to provide for her. It was generous of Shi Peng to be willing to take care of Qiu Chenxi. But if he refused, no one would fault him. Instead, they would feel that it was Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi who were imposing on them.

    Qiu Chenxi had a job and a career with Old Master Shi¡¯s help.

    Although she could not buy a house in the capital, she was still able to rent a house. She should be able to support herself if she cut down on her expenses.

    However, despite the fact that they could support themselves, Qi Min still stayed with her brother and lived on her brother. Everyone was displeased with her behavior.

 Chapter 1354 - Men Were the Source of Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 1354 Men Were the Source of Trouble</h4>

    Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi did not feel embarrassed at their own behavior. Qiu Chenxi even med Shi Peng for favoring an outsider instead of someone on his own side.

    Shi Peng knew that Qiao Nan was the woman who snatched the man from his niece, yet he continued to help Qiao Nan and hurt Qiu Chenxi. Whenever Qiu Chenxi saw her uncle, there would be a glint of hatred in her eyes.

    Qiu Chenxi and Shi Qing did not get along well either. Their rtionship was worse than before.

    Back then, everyone persuaded Shi Qing to be polite to Qiu Chenxi. However, ever since Shi Qing was friends with Qiao Nan, she no longer gave in to Qiu Chenxi. Since Qiu Chenxi did not know the basic courtesy of a guest, Shi Qing did not go easy on her as well.

    Since Qiu Chenxi was shameless, Shi Qing would not suffer in silence or treat her well for the sake of keeping up appearances. Qiu Chenxi was no longer the princess that she used to be and everyone would not suck up to her or give her the best treatment.

    Now that Shi Qing changed her attitude toward Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Chenxi did not have a good time staying with the Shi family in the capital. She could not wait to find a suitable man and get married.

    She did not want to stay at the Shi family and be given the cold treatment by Shi Qing.

    Qiu Chenxi was being treated like a princess for more than twenty years due to Zhai Sheng. It was a pity that he had been snatched away by Qiao Nan. She finally set her sights on Tian Dong a few yearster. She thought that she would definitely be able to marry him. To her surprise, someone threw a wrench in the works. Zhai Hua ended up married to Tian Dong and she was pregnant. There was no way they would get a divorce.

    Whenever she met Qiao Nan, everything seemed to go wrong for her. It was frustrating.

    Qiao Nan was her nemesis.

    As long as Qiao Nan was around, she would not have good days ahead.

    Several years had passed. Qiu Chenxi was not able to prove that she was better than Qiao Nan so that Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family would regret choosing Qiao Nan instead of her. On the contrary, once again, she fared worse than Qiao Nan. Moreover, when she finally found another suitable man, it was thwarted by Qiao Nan again.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too smug. You will not win every time.¡± Qiu Chenxi could not help but shout toward Qiao Nan, who was leaving. ¡°Even if you are imprable like a metal bucket, I will be able to make a hole out of you one day.¡±

    She believed if she spent her entire life trying, she would definitely be able to do Qiao Nan in.

    Qiao Nan could hear Qiu Chenxi¡¯s threats and ravings. She did not stop but ran all the way and got into the car. Qiao Nan already knew years ago that Qiu Chenxi was dying for her to fall from grace.

    Although it was illegal to murder someone, Qiu Chenxi was reckless and could not be bothered. She hired a group of men years ago to give her and Shi Qing a thrashing. They almost ended up maimed or dead.

    Initially, Qiao Nan had no intention of getting embroiled into things. But with the appearance of Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan felt that it might seem to other people that she was a pushover. Everyone had no qualms about bullying her. Since the other party had gone all out to deal with her, it would be too embarrassing if she continued to take it lying down.

    Upon reaching home, Qiao Nan was determined to sort out theplicated rtionship between the higher-ups.

    She even went into Old Master Zhai¡¯s study room, asking him to help her out. Qiao Nan was busy with sorting out the rtionship between the influential families, and she had no time for the triplets. They almost threw their tantrums at her.

    Miao Jing was surprised. Qiao Nan seldom acted like this. ¡°I heard that Nan Nan haspleted all her lessons in school and she can apply for graduation. What is she up to? Could it be that she wants to take the entrance exams for postgraduate schools and study for a doctorate?¡±

    Miao Jing knew that Qiao Nan was good in her studies. She was unlike her son and daughter. If not for the triplets, given Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities, it was an easy task for her to take the entrance exams for postgraduate schools and study for a doctorate. She had never been to college, so she did not know the details. However, she knew that her daughter-inw had good results in school and could apply for further studies after she graduated.

    Thereafter, she would be able to take the entrance exams for postgraduate schools.

    ¡°No. The daughter from the Qiu family is making trouble for Nan Nan.¡± Zhai Yaohui knew what was going on. There was a harshpetition between different groups in all levels. Since they were of differing views and interests, people would form different factions.

    Zhai Yaohui had no intention for his daughter-inw to get embroiled into the power struggle. The Zhai family would deal with it by themselves. As the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, it was good enough that she took care of the three children and made sure that she did not make any mistakes.

    To Zhai Yaohui¡¯s surprise, Qiao Nan did not shy away from problems or challenges. Now that she was being bullied by other people, she was ready to sh her ws and retaliate so that the enemy would know that she was not someone to be trifled with.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s personality made her particrly suitable as part of the Zhai family.

    ¡°What has happened?¡± Miao Jing red at Zhai Yaohui angrily at the mention of Qiu Chenxi. Whether it was Qiu Chenxi or Qi Min, Zhai Yaohui was the one who invited the trouble.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled, embarrassed. ¡°Qiu Chenxi wanted to start a rtionship with Dongzi, but in the end, Dongzi became our son-inw. I suppose Qiu Chenxi is angry about it. If not for Nan Nan, she would be able to pick from Zhai Sheng and Tian Dong. She could reject suitors, but the suitors could not reject her.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was indeed guilty of the usations.

    Since his son did not express his strong opinions of who he wanted to be with and he watched as Qiu Chenxi grew up, Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi might have ended up getting married to each other if Qiao Nan was not in the picture. Zhai Sheng would have agreed to the marriage under the elders¡¯ pressure.

    Although he would marry her under the elders¡¯ pressure, Zhai Yaohui knew that they had no control over their married life.

    The elders still had the traditional thinking that children had to marry when they grew up.

    This was one of the reasons why Qiu Chenxi was bent on making life difficult for Qiao Nan.

    Another reason was that if not for Qiao Nan, before Dongzi returned to the country from America with his family, Hua Hua would have been discussing marriage with Wei De. Perhaps, on the day that Dongzi returned to the country, instead of attending the wedding banquet of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, the Tian family might be attending Hua Hua and Wei De¡¯s wedding banquet.

    Now that he thought about it, Zhai Yaohui could understand why Qiu Chenxi had so much hatred and resentment toward Qiao Nan.

    Of course, he could understand but he would not agree with her actions.

    ¡°Is she here to make trouble for Nan Nan?¡± Miao Jing was furious. She could not help but reach her hand toward Zhai Yaohui and give him a pinch. ¡°All that said, it is your fault. You invited the troubles home. If not for you, there would not be all these troubles. Qiu Chenxi would not dash to the Qiao family¡¯s residence, kicking at the door and ranting at Nan Nan like a madwoman.¡±

 Chapter 1355 - More Men Than Women

    <h4>Chapter 1355 More Men Than Women</h4>

    ¡°So many years had passed, but she still hasn¡¯t changed her unreasonable and shameless personality. Nan Nan and I seem to owe the men in the Zhai family. We are being bullied by the pair of mother and daughter because of you!¡±

    To Miao Jing, Qiao Nan was going through what she had suffered decades ago. They had the same predicament.

    Qiu Chenxi had a simr disposition to her mother, Qi Min.

    She was unreasonable and she did not feel ashamed at doing those evil deeds.

    ¡°Grandma?¡± Da Bao knitted his brows. ¡°Hit grandpa, why?¡± Grandpa was behaving himself and being obedient. Why did grandma bully grandpa?

    ¡°Grandpa, did you misbehave?¡± Er Bao looked at his grandparents curiously.

    San Bao broke into a smile. She walked to stand next to Zhai Yaohui. Her intention was to hit him on his thigh, but she was still very young. Her gentle touch seemed like a caress to Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be angry. Grandpa is mischievous. San Bao will help grandma.¡± After she taught her grandpa a lesson, her grandma must smile.

    Miao Jing, who was furious, forgot totally about the triplets. She could not help but blush at the sight of the triplets. She made a fool of herself in front of them.

    Zhai Yaohui did not mind it at all. He wasughing heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Grandpa is being very well-behaved. Grandma is not angry with me. She is not hitting me. It is just that my shirt is dirty and she is brushing off the dust for me.¡± Zhai Yaohui grabbed Miao Jing¡¯s hands and gave a few pats on his shirt, proving to his grandchildren that he was telling the truth. Zhai Yaohui was usually stern and serious. Everyone would keep a straight face when he was around. He turned his head and put a smile on his face, trying hard to gain Miao Jing¡¯s favor.

    He was the chief when he was outside.

    But he was Miao Miao¡¯s husband at home.

    It was not embarrassing to please and cajole his wife.

    Miao Jing could no longer stay angry with Zhai Yaohui, but she refused to admit that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s charms and coaxes were useful on her. She turned her head to the side, not looking at Zhai Yaohui. Instead, she brought the triplets along with her so that she could y with them. ¡°Your mama has a lot of homework to do and she has to do her learning. Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao cannot disturb your mama.¡±

    San Bao was displeased. ¡°After mama finishes her work, she must y with us.¡±

    ¡°San Bao, be good.¡± Da Bao, who was the eldest, consoled San Bao. He told her not to be naughty.

    Er Bao drooled as he smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I will y with you.¡±

    With her mother-inw¡¯s help, Qiao Nan sorted out theplicated rtionship in no time. There were some things that Qiao Nan was unwilling to do and she would rather be muddled. But since her enemies were right on her doorstep, they would think that she was a pushover if she did not show them what she was capable of.

    There was one person that had almost slipped out of Qiao Nan¡¯s mind. To her surprise, this person came into sight because of Qiu Chenxi. Deng Wenchang worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was a young man that she found particrly annoying.

    With Old Master Zhai¡¯s help, she learned that Shi Peng was supportive of the Zhai family while Qiu Chenxi was leaning toward the Peng family under Old Master Shi¡¯s influence.

    Old Master Shi was trying to please both sides. If the Zhai family was doing well, he would ask his son who supported the Zhai family to help his daughter and granddaughter. If the Peng family was doing well, he would get his daughter to help his son.

    Old Master Shi¡¯s logic was simple but selfish.

    Shi Peng and Qi Min were his children. When he was advanced in years, they had to provide for his old age and make sure that he led a good life.

    If his son had the foresight and the Zhai family did better than the Peng family, everything would go as nned. No matter what, his daughter was married. Her surname was Qi instead of Shi. Now that she was divorced, he had been providing for her and her daughter. He did not ask his daughter to return the favor. But if her daughter was in trouble, they could not possibly ask him who was already advanced in years to help them out.

    Of course, it would be just as nice if his granddaughter was superior.

    After her daughter had a divorce, she had nowhere to go with her daughter. He was the one who took them in. In that case, they would treat him like a retired emperor.

    What he wanted was to lead a good life in the future.

    He had two children, and they each supported one family. One of them was bound to be sessful. All he needed to do once the winner was decided was to stay with the child who was sessful and lead a life of an elderly gentleman in the future.

    Furthermore, by then, the Shi family¡¯s reputation and social position would be higher than before.

    It did not matter whether it was his son or his daughter who helped the Shi family flourish. Both of them were his children. Without him, they would not be here as well. Therefore, he would still be the greatest hero. After he passed away, he would be able to face his ancestors. Old Master Shi did not care whether it was his son or his daughter who seeded.

    Qiao Nan had heard from Shi Qing years ago about the peculiar situation in the Shi family. Today, she finally saw it for herself, Old Master Shi¡¯s style of dealing with things. Qiao Nan had to admit that she was not the only pitiful child in this world. Qi Min was muddled. It was hard to say whether Old Master Shi had done Qi Min wrong or the other way round.

    But Shi Peng was unlucky. He had an unreliable father and a worrisome younger sister and niece.

    Apart from the Shi family who was in a mess, Qiao Nan had to pay attention to Deng Wenchang as well. The Deng family used to be neutral. She did not expect that they would be in close contact with the Peng family secretly since the beginning of this year.

    Qiao Nan remembered that when she was doing her internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairsst year, Deng Wenchang was prejudiced against her and that made her angry. However, back then, Qiao Nan, who had the mental age of a forty to fifty years old auntie, could not be bothered to take issue with Deng Wenchang, who was like a young kid.

    However, with Peng Yu in the picture, everything was different.

    Deng Wenchang was already at odds with her. From now onward, she decided to be at odds with him as well. Peng Yu wanted to ce Deng Wenchang at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although she could not send Deng Wenchang out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, what she could do was to make sure that she performed better than him so that he would have no chance of rising through the ranks.

    Qiao Nan had no idea why Peng Yu highly valued the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but she would disrupt his ns and do all she could to stop Deng Wenchang from doing what he set out to do.

    In that case, the Zhai family would be the one who won in this fight, and the Peng family would not have thestugh.

    Since it no longer made any difference if she went to school or not, after making up her mind, Qiao Nan decided to go with Elder Lin¡¯s arrangement to continue to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with He Yi¡¯s help.

    There were more men than women in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 Chapter 1356 - Competition Had Begun

    <h4>Chapter 1356 Competition Had Begun</h4>

    It was pleasing to have a young and beautiful Qiao Nan among all the men in the ministry. Apart from Deng Wenchang, the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs was d to wee Qiao Nan back at the ministry.

    ¡°Hello, I am here to impose on you again.¡± Qiao Nan had a wide smile on her face as she greeted her colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deng Wenchang¡¯s eyes were spitting fire at the sight of this.

    As soon as Qiao Nan sat down at her usual seat, Deng Wenchang used a cynical tone on her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you still in your third year? You have yet to graduate and yet you don¡¯t feel like going to school bute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Don¡¯t you want to graduate? Or is it that you have other ways and want to continue to get in through the back door?¡±

    Unlike the previous time where she would avoid his provocation, Qiao Nan gave Deng Wenchang a direct reply. ¡°Since when is it so easy to get in through the back door at Peking University? Or perhaps you have experience with that?¡±

    Deng Wenchang could sense the change in Qiao Nan. He was surprised. Qiao Nan went head-on with him and she was sharp in herments. In the past, she would leave room to maneuver and she would be careful not to offend other people. ¡°Hehe, you seem to be emboldened after a few months¡¯ time. Who are you acquainted with to be so sharp in your remarks?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am acquainted with. I have the ability and therefore I am emboldened. Deng Wenchang, are you officially employed? I wish that your dream wille true soon.¡± Qiao Nan had a wicked smile on her face. She knew that Deng Wenchang was concerned about being officially employed, so she used this to provoke him.

    One should not hit a person in his face, and neither should one expose a person¡¯s shorings when one scolded them.

    Qiao Nan did the exact opposite. But Qiao Nan no longer wanted to tolerate him further. She wanted to hit him in the face and expose his shorings. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for half a year. Comrade Deng, you must work hard. If not, I may be officially employed earlier than you.¡±

    Got in through the back door?

    Deng Wenchang got in through the back door to be able to be in this department.

    Deng Wenchang was counting on He Yi and getting help from the Peng family. But both He Yi and the Peng family would not be able to have any direct influences and could only help Deng Wenchang indirectly.

    If Qiao Nan was topete with Deng Wenchang, she would not lose to him in terms of who had the stronger backing and who could help her get in through the back door easily.

    That was why even before Qiao Nan arrived at the ministry, she was already well-known.

    All of the higher-ups knew that Lin Yuankang changed his mind and returned to the capital because of hisst beloved disciple.

    No matter what, the higher-ups had to give Elder Lin due respect.

    If Qiao Nan was incapable, it would be easy to deal with her. There were many units and positions in the ministry. They could put her in an insignificant position and take it that they paid an extra sum of money for someone insignificant. However, all of Elder Lin¡¯s disciples were of high caliber and capable. Everyone had made great contributions to the country.

    As long as Qiao Nan maintained the usual standard of Elder Lin¡¯s disciples, she would be a great help to the country. There was no need to give due respect to Elder Lin and they would be d to ept talents like her.

    No matter what, they would not be disadvantaged.

    Qiao Nan joined the unit and she was offered official employment.

    Qiao Nan kept a low profile about the various reasons behind her employment. She never mentioned it to anyone. He Yi never really made any endorsements for her either. Apart from Qiao Nan and He Yi, the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not know of her background.

    Deng Wenchang felt good about himself and thought that he was definitely better than Qiao Nan. He could not help butugh when Qiao Nan provoked him recklessly today. ¡°Fine, I shall see what you are capable of despite not having anyone to help you secretly. By then, you must not say that I bully you as I am older. You have to me yourself for being bornter than me.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was thrilled.

    Qiao Nan had yet to graduate from college. She was not a postgraduate, and neither had she obtained a master¡¯s or a doctorate¡¯s degree. He had obtained a master¡¯s degree from overseas. How dared shepete with him! This was the biggest joke that he heard this year!

    ¡°How can I me you for being born earlier than me? You don¡¯t know my mom.¡± As a woman who was married with three children, Qiao Nan was just as good when it came to cracking dirty jokes.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Deng Wenchang blushed red in embarrassment. Qiao Nan was so shameless. How dared she say such jokes in front of so many people! ¡°The female college students nowadays are really an eye-opener for me.¡± He did not believe that Qiao Nan was innocent and did not engage in indecent deals.

    Qiao Nan smirked. She no longer bantered with Deng Wenchang.

    He would know whether she was capable or not when they had more interactions at work in the future. It was useless to engage in banter!

    Qiao Nan put in more than one hundred percent of effort in her work and she was very enthusiastic. Her performance was dazzling. Qiao Nan would never shy from work. She worked ten times harder than her internship. She would fight for every chance to take on more tasks. With Qiao Nan around, Deng Wenchang did not dare to skive. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had two interns who worked extra hard to take on every task.

    The veterans were d that there were two hardworking interns in the ministry. It would be beneficial for them to gain more experience and it would definitely be useful in the future.

    The wily old foxes could tell that the two youngsters werepeting with each other. They watched the fun by the side as they stood to gain and had an easier time at work.

    When Qiao Nan was not around, Deng Wenchang was just as hardworking. But Deng Wenchang was young and foolish no more. He would not take on jobs that were outside of his job scope. He was there to gain experience, not to do everything or take on other people¡¯s tasks. He refused to be theborer while other people had an easy time.

    However, now that Qiao Nan had spoiled the market, Deng Wenchang could not help but take on tasks that he was not used to doing in the past.

    Since he had ended up doing all the other work, his goal was to finish them at a faster speed than Qiao Nan and to do a better job than her. Deng Wenchang was older than Qiao Nan by a few years and he used to study overseas. He should have a faster reading speed and betterprehension skills than Qiao Nan. As long as he did his work quickly and efficiently and proved his capabilities, it would not be long before Qiao Nan lost to him.

    Deng Wenchang felt that sess was within his grasp. However, he did not expect that he would be given a tight p.

    Deng Wenchang had yet to finish his work but Qiao Nan had already submitted her work to her senior.

    Now that thepetition had begun between the two youngsters, He Yi had told everyone that it was best to allocate the work equally between Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang so as not to cause any dispute.

 Chapter 1357 - What a Pity

    <h4>Chapter 1357 What a Pity</h4>

    Qiao Nan submitted her assignments earlier than Deng Wenchang. It proved that she was faster than Deng Wenchang.

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and smiled at Deng Wenchang, whose pen roughly slid across the table. ¡°Comrade Deng, don¡¯t be in a hurry. Although we have the same amount of work, perhaps there is a difference in the nature of the work. Your task might be moreplicated than mine. As you must know, I did not go for overseas studies and I did not have a master¡¯s degree. I admit that I amcking in all these.¡±

    Before Deng Wenchang came up with the high-sounding and unrealistic excuses, Qiao Nan ¡®kindly¡¯ helped hime up with excuses. To Qiao Nan, this was not the first time that she heard them.

    Initially, Deng Wenchang felt that he had valid reasons. But now that Qiao Nan beat him to saying them, the same words seemed to sound awkwarding from Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth. It was as if he refused to admit defeat and came up with excuses for himself. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too smug. What matters is the work attitude. Being fast is useless. You can¡¯t afford to make any mistakes here. Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t know that the first and foremost requirement in the ministry is to be cautious?¡±

    She should not be smug that shepleted the assignments faster than him.

    It would be disastrous if she made mistakes. Her colleagues would have to redo the work then. This was akin to increasing the workload and adding trouble to other people. By then, he would see if Qiao Nan couldugh like now.

    ¡°Tell you what, I will make a copy of mypleted assignment and give it to you. If you finish your work, can you help me do a check?¡± Qiao Nan was not surprised that for people like Deng Wenchang, no matter what she did, he would be full of doubts and want to find the chink in her armor.

    Since Deng Wenchang wanted to find the chink in her armor, she was not afraid of giving him her work and letting him do a check. She should see if he could spot any mistakes in them.

    ¡°There is no need for me to do a check. The minister can tell at one nce if there are any mistakes.¡± Deng Wenchang was not willing to waste any time on Qiao Nan. He only wanted to make things difficult and embarrassing for her. But he was not willing to lose out to Qiao Nan in terms of the amount of work that they did. He did not want to look as if Qiao Nan was hardworking whereas he skived.

    ¡°Minister, I am almost done with my work. You can go ahead to give me other assignments.¡± He wanted to do a better job than Qiao Nan andplete more assignments than her. He must defeat her in all aspects.

    Qiao Nan smiled lightly. Nevertheless, she still made a copy of herpleted assignment out of ¡®good intention¡¯. Deng Wenchang finallypleted his assignment by the time Qiao Nan was done photocopying her work. ¡°Comrade Deng, congrattions. We are at the same starting line again.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not feel the least scared at the thick stack of work assignments.

    She was not afraid ofpeting with Deng Wenchang.

    Back when she devoted all her time to her school work and reading books, she was used to doing even more assignments than the tasks that she was given now.

    Since Qiao Nan had no intention of giving up, Deng Wenchang had to continue with his work. He did not even have the time to take a breather or to smoke. He could only work as hard as Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was a student, and she was used to this type of lifestyle. It was different for Deng Wenchang. He had graduated more than a year ago. When he was in college, he no longerpleted his assignments by hand. Besides, now that he was working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there wereputers in the office. He was used to typing on theputer.

    As a student who came back from overseas studies, he was very familiar with theputer and had a fast typing speed. This was one of the main reasons why he was confident of having a strong foothold in the ministry.

    Now that he waspeting with Qiao Nan, Deng Wenchang had to use the basic method of writing nonstop with his right hand and a pen.

    Qiao Nan looked energized and enthusiastic. It was as if she had drunk ten bottles of Red Bull. Deng Wenchang¡¯s hands felt so sore and painful that he could no longer write.

    The veterans in the department witnessed the scene and one of them walked to stand next to He Yi, giving him a thumbs-up. ¡°All of us in the department know that Comrade Xiao Deng is arrogant and proud. Comrade Xiao Qiao must be very capable to be able to make him suffer. Old He, tell me honestly. Where did you get such a goodrade from? The youngdy might be young, but she is not delicate at all.¡±

    Compared to Deng Wenchang, she was even more able to withstand hardships. She was the industrious and hands-on type.

    He Yi felt particrly proud. She was his little junior. Since they had the same master, she must be capable. All these years, his master had the same good judgment as back in his younger days. Back then, his master also made a good judgment when he chose him as his disciple. ¡°That¡¯s without a doubt. Comrade Xiao Qiao might be young, but she was a Peking University student and she is awarded a schrship yearly. If not for the special situation at home, Comrade Xiao Deng would not be the only person in the department who has gone on overseas studies. Comrade Xiao Qiao rejected the offer to go on a sponsored overseas study.¡±

    The colleague was surprised. ¡°She is that capable?¡± His child wanted to go for overseas studies but did not do as well in the exams and had to pay for overseas studies. The expenses for one year were very costly. He and his wife could feel the pinch. The school fees and the cost of the books were rmingly high. They had yet to factor in the living expenses. But no matter how expensive it was or the impact it had on their savings and living expenses, they only had one child. They hoped that the child would be sessful and make them proud in the future.

    They had no other choice but to fork out the money.

    Unlike their situation where they had to fork out the money by themselves, the school was willing to sponsor Comrade Xiao Qiao, yet she refused to go. ¡°What is her family situation? It is a golden opportunity. Why did she give it up? It is such a pity. As the elders, we all hope that the children will make something of themselves. It is impossible that one would stop them from developing and learning.¡±

    They were willing to fork out their own money to send the child for overseas studies. It was beyond reason that one would refuse to go when one was being sponsored.

    He Yi knew about his colleague¡¯s situation. He smiled as he patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even if Comrade Xiao Qiao did not go for overseas studies, she is just as capable. Look at our generation. After the special period, who would be able to go for overseas studies? Aren¡¯t they fearful?¡±

    His master was the exception. He was brave and daring. Although it was during the special period, he still went overseas to study without any hesitation.

    While other people were suffering, his master concentrated on his studies. He became a knowledgeable man who was very proficient in a foreignnguage within that precious ten years. He was a rare talent. After he returned to the country, he had an edge over others and he had a strong foothold in his field of expertise.

    Until today, He Yi still admired Lin Yuankang for his decisive and swift actions back then.

    Other people wasted ten years of their lives, while Lin Yuankang used the ten years to enrich himself and reached a state where other ordinary people could not attain. What was important was that his knowledge and skills were able to keep up with the times and he would never fall behind.

    After listening to He Yi, the colleague pursed his lips sullenly, not making furtherments.

 Chapter 1358 - Baddie? Hit Him!

    <h4>Chapter 1358 Baddie? Hit Him!</h4>

    He was still upset over the fact that he had to fork out the money for his child to go on an overseas study, particrly when he heard that there were people who refused to go despite being sponsored. It would be a while before he could get over it.

    There was such a huge difference in the destiny of people.

    Luckily, Deng Wenchang was focused on his work and did not overhear their conversation. Otherwise, Deng Wenchang would be in a bad mood like the colleague, and he might vomit blood from anger. Back then, Deng Wenchang had to pay for his school fees when he went on an overseas study. He was not able to receive sponsorship from the school.

    Qiao Nan still looked energetic and invigorating despite having worked the entire day.

    On the other hand, Deng Wenchang looked pale when he knocked off from work. His right hand was stiff and sore.

    He Yi patted Deng Wenchang on the shoulder, giving him a gentle reminder. ¡°Xiao Deng, you had better not drive the car today. Get someone to fetch you. There are a lot of cars in the capital and the traffic is very busy. It¡¯s important to keep safe. The chairman has said that good health is a prerequisite for work.¡± Deng Wenchang must not use his right hand anymore today, or he might not be able to use his right hand tomorrow.

    If so, Deng Wenchang would have lost to the little junior.

    As her senior, He Yi was very happy to watch thepetition between Deng Wenchang and his little junior. Deng Wenchang was being petty, but his little junior was not a pushover either.

    In order for thepetition to keep going so that he could have more fun watching them, he had to remind Deng Wenchang to protect himself and to take care of his health and safety. It was very dangerous to drive a car when one was exhausted. This was taught in driving school and one must never forget this reminder.

    Deng Wenchang took a deep breath, stering a fake smile on his face. ¡°Uncle He, thank you for your concern. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t risk my life.¡± Deng Wenchang could feel that his right hand was shaking due to overexertion.

    He would not forget what Qiao Nan did to him today. He would make her pay for it tomorrow!

    Qiao Nan noticed the look of grievance and hatred in Deng Wenchang¡¯s eyes. Qiao Nan had yet to talk to Zhai Sheng, so she had no idea what Peng Yu¡¯s motive was for being close to Qiu Chenxi and the Deng family. But it was clear that they were crucial to his n.

    If she destroyed either of them, it would make it more difficult for Peng Yu to deal with the Zhai family.

    As a nobody, Qiao Nan did not have any grand n. She only wanted to fulfill her role as a minor figure to work from the foundation. Once the important chess pieces were removed, Peng Yu¡¯s n would not go as smoothly as nned.

    A small leak would sink a great ship.

    It was suitable to use this method on Peng Yu.

    ¡°Mama, happy?¡± San Bao, who was one and a half years old, noticed that her mama would hum a tune from time to time and smiled to herself. San Bao straightened and danced along to the tune happily.

    Da Bao and Er Bao behaved like San Bao as well. They surrounded Qiao Nan and smiled brightly at her like three little suns. They were an adorable sight.

    They had chubby cheeks and were all smiles. Their eyes curved into crescent moon-like shape, sparkling like the stars in the sky. They were so adorable. No one would be able to resist their charms and would want to give them a hug and a kiss.

    As their mother, Qiao Nan¡¯s love for them was in for all to see. She squatted down and carried them one by one, kissing them on each of their cheeks. ¡°Yes, I am ted today. A baddie wanted to bully me, but I have retaliated.¡±

    This was not the first time that Deng Wenchang went against Qiao Nan. When Qiao Nan did her internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deng Wenchang would mock her whenever he spoke to her, but Qiao Nan would maintain her silence. Everyone in the ministry wondered if Deng Wenchang was the woman while Qiao Nan was the man. Deng Wenchang seemed to be petty, while Qiao Nan was bighearted and magnanimous. She seemed like a true man who did not take issue with him.

    Among the people they knew, none of the men were petty and nasty-tempered. Moreover, the person who was being bullied was a youngdy. It seemed as if their roles had been reversed.

    Previously, Qiao Nan was thinking that since she was already an olddy who was more than fifty years old, she should not take issue with a young brat in his twenties. Therefore, she was not bothered by Deng Wenchang¡¯s mocking. Anyway, it would not hurt her.

    But things were different now. Although it had no substantial impact on her, Qiao Nan no longer wanted to be gracious to Deng Wenchang. She would no longer keep silent at his mocking.

    It must be Peng Yu¡¯s n for Deng Wenchang to secure a ce in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be considered as her master¡¯s territory as well. How could she allow herself to be bullied by outsiders in her own territory?

    She might not be able to do anything in other ces, but this was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qiao Nan was ready to thwart Peng Yu¡¯s ns. His ns might be to make use of Deng Wenchang to be up to no good. Qiao Nan would do her best to stop him.

    ¡°Baddie? Hit him!¡± Da Bao knitted his eyebrows. He clenched his fists and raised them into the air. His mannerism resembled his father.

    ¡°Bully mama?¡± Er Bao blinked and revealed a devilish smile. ¡°Bring papa to their house.¡±

    San Bao was anxious. Da Bao and Er Bao had already thought of how they should deal with the baddie. What about her? The youngdy made a circle on the spot and clung to Qiao Nan¡¯s knees. ¡°I... cry?¡± San Bao knew that if she cried, the adults¡¯ countenance would change.

    Qiao Nan was amused. She hugged her triplets. ¡°They are brilliant ideas, but I am not in a hurry to use them. When you are older and have the ability, you can take revenge for me. You are still very young now. You must have your meals and grow up to be strong and healthy. I will protect you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was merely chatting with her children. She did not expect that they had good memories at such a young age and were able to remember her words today.

    Since that day, Da Bao was very interested in offensive weapons like small tanks and toy guns. If Old Master Zhai woke up early in the morning, he had the habit of practicing shadowboxing as a form of exercise. There was once when Da Bao woke up to use the restroom and he saw his grandpa doing shadowboxing. From then on, Da Bao had the habit of waking up early in the morning to apany Old Master Zhai as he practiced shadowboxing.

    Da Bao was still a toddler. Although he was able to walk steadily now, he would fall down whenever he tried to throw punches or kicked his leg.

    Luckily, he took a fall on thewn in the garden. It was spring and the grasses formed dense cascading mounds. Da Baonded on the soft grass and did not feel any pain at all.

 Chapter 1359 - Equation That Made One See Red

    <h4>Chapter 1359 Equation That Made One See Red</h4>

    Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached for Da Bao. He was still young and should have more rest. But Da Bao refused to listen to her. Old Master Zhai had differing opinions. It was true that Da Bao took a few falls when learning how to shadowbox. Although he was far from being skilled, he had a good form. Since Da Bao was determined to learn the skill and was able to pick up skills very quickly like the people in the Zhai family, Old Master Zhai did not stop him. Instead, he was d that he was interested.

    Old Master Zhai caressed Da Bao¡¯s head while he gazed at Qiao Nan. To him, Qiao Nan was like a mother hen whoid golden eggs. ¡°It is a pity that the country does not allow us to have more than one child. Nan Nan, you are a good child. The three children are very good indeed.¡± If Da Bao had a few more siblings, the Zhai family would have a better future.

    Of course, they must be children of his grandson and granddaughter-inw.

    Miao Jing was proud and at the same time troubled. ¡°Old master, you must not say this to your friends. If they hear this, they will gang up to bully you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had ate marriage. Back then, Old Master Zhai¡¯s formerrades would tease andugh at him for not bing a great-grandfather and not having any great-grandchildren despite his age. Unlike him, they had a great-granddaughter or great-grandson, and the four generations were living under the same roof.

    They did not count on having five generations under the same roof. But having four generations was doable.

    It was a pity that they had four generations under the same roof, whereas Old Master Zhai did not have any great-grandchild. Their grandchild had already grown up to be sensible children, while Old Master Zhai had no one with him. They could not help but hold their head high and brag to Old Master Zhai, making him turn green in anger.

    But they were long-time friends and they knew each other well. They would not bear grudges but wouldugh it off.

    However, everything changed after Qiao Nan gave birth to triplets.

    The Zhai family weed their fourth generation, and most importantly, they had three babies in one go. Old Master Zhai had far more great-grandchildren than his formerrades.

    All of them were soldiers and they were loyal to the country and the organization. Since the country implemented a national nning policy, they would not go against it either.

    In that case, those who had a great-grandson would not have a great-granddaughter, and those who had a great-granddaughter would want a great-grandson.

    Old Master Zhai was the only one who was smiling from ear to ear. He had a great-granddaughter and two great-grandsons. Other families only had one baby, while his family had three babies, and two of them were boys and one of them was a girl.

    It was a rare blessing.

    Therefore, how could Old Master Zhaiin that the country forbade them from having more children and they did not have enough children at home when they already had three babies? The other families only had one child. They must be full ofints.

    Old Master Zhai stopped himself fromughing at his daughter-inw¡¯s words. He stroked his beard. ¡°The triplets are so well-behaved. The more the merrier.¡± His grandson was brought up by him, and the former did not let him down. He had good judgment. Like her mother, Qiu Chenxi was not a good girl.

    Qiu Chenxi was still single despite her age. Old Master Zhai could not help but express his displeasure toward her. ¡°Luckily, Zhai Sheng has the same judgment as me. If he had a poor judgment like his dad, I couldn¡¯t imagine what it would be like at our house now. It¡¯s good that I have kept a tight watch on him.¡±

    One could tell that Old Master Zhai disliked Qi Min and her daughter, Qiu Chenxi. In fact, he was displeased with his own son, Zhai Yaohui, as well. If Old Master Zhai had not insisted on having Miao Jing as his daughter-inw, and Zhai Yaohui had made his own decision, Qi Min might have ended up as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    If his daughter-inw was a different person, Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng, who were good and upright, might not be the children of the Zhai family.

    If Qiu Chenxi was born into the Zhai family, Old Master Zhai would rather not have Zhai Yaohui as his son. He had caused the family to be in a mess. There was no way that Zhai Yaohui could answer to Old Master Zhai and the veterans who contributed to nation-building.

    Zhai Yaohui was in a meeting. He could not help but sneeze at the mention of his name, attracting the attention of other people around him.

    Zhu Chengqi looked at Zhai Yaohui with slight contempt. ¡°Has Chief Zhai been in poor health recently? The weather is good, yet you caught a cold. The children are still young and have a weak immune system. When you return home, make sure to keep a distance from them.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi finally became a grandpa. He adored the bubbly and cheerful grandchildren. Unlike Zhai Yaohui, who was reserved, Zhu Chengqi showed his affection for the triplets openly.

    Zhu Chengqi received the treatment that Qiao Dongliang was denied. When the triplets saw Zhu Chengqi, they would address him as their grandpa and clung onto him like little monkeys, refusing to let go.

    Zhai Yaohui was unable to be this close and affectionate to them.

    Seeing that Zhai Yaohui seemed to have caught a cold, Zhu Chengqi was not worried that Zhai Yaohui was sick and the enemy would stand to gain. Instead, he was worried that Zhai Yaohui would bring the virus back home. He hoped that Zhai Yaohui would be conscious and steer clear of the triplets so that he would not pass the virus to them.

    Zhai Yaohui might not worry for his grandchildren, but he could not bear for his maternal grandchildren to fall sick.

    Zhai Yaohui felt grumpy. He had a closer rtionship with the three children. ¡°Chief Zhu, thank you for your concern. Don¡¯t worry. I did not catch a cold. It¡¯s just that my nose feels itchy. The three children are used to having mypany. They will throw tantrums if they did not see me.¡±

    No matter what, they belonged to the Zhai family.

    Once he reached home, he could hold the triplets in his arms. Zhu Chengqi might be envious, but he could not do so.

    No matter how hard he tried, he could not spend as much time with the triplets as him.

    The older one was, the more one behaved like children. Besides, men were childish by nature. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s mental age might not add up to more than ten years old. Everyone present was at a loss for words.

    Peng Yu¡¯s father, Peng Chunhua, felt deeply about this.

    Among everyone present, he was the only one who did not have any grandchildren. Peng Yu was single. The rest of the people had at least one grandchild while the Zhai family had three grandchildren.

    The equation in the office was as follows: the Zhai family, followed by the Zhu family, the other families, andstly, the Peng family.

    Thinking of the equation made Peng Chunhua see red.

 Chapter 1360 - Sly Little Fox

    <h4>Chapter 1360 Sly Little Fox</h4>

    He was not afraid if they were topare their sons. But Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Yaohui were talking about grandsons. He did not have any grandsons or granddaughters, so he had no way ofpeting with them.

    He stifled the bloody smell in his throat before he took a deep breath. Peng Chunhua had made up his mind. No matter what, he must make sure that his son find a girlfriend, marry, and have children within this year.

    He might have a lot to say and make impassionate speeches during the meeting, but whenever the veteran cadres talked about their grandsons, he could only y deaf-mute and hide in a corner, keeping silent while other people were engaged in their conversations.

    There was such a marked difference. Peng Chunhua could no longer take it. He had to get a definite answer from his son. He had never felt so embarrassed in any situation in his entire life.

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhu Chengqi noted the displeased and awkward look on Peng Chunhua¡¯s face. They smiled at each other tacitly and stopped targeting him. It was enough to make a dig at Peng Chunhua from time to time.

    Zhai Yaohui knew more than anyone how upsetting it was to Peng Chunhua when people brought up the topic of grandsons. Two years ago, Zhai Yaohui was in the same predicament. His son only married at the ¡®old¡¯ age of twenty-six.

    He would face such a situation once or twice a year. Initially, he was able to remain unaffected to the boasting and bragging, and he did not take it to heart.

    But as time passed, and he was faced with the same situation for three to four years, one could not help but waver no matter how emotionally strong one was.

    Zhai Yaohui felt deeply about this and had the first-hand experience. This was why although Zhai Yaohui could tell that Zhai Sheng was not interested in Qiu Chenxi, he still allowed Qiu Chenxi to visit the Zhai family and be treated as Zhai Sheng¡¯s fianc¨¦e.

    He would be d if his son could meet ady that he liked like how he met Miao Jing. If not, he had to marry ady of simr status who could bear children for the Zhai family.

    Back then, Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min used to think that Zhai Yaohui valued his rtionship with Qi Min, and that was why he liked Qiu Chenxi and wanted her to be his daughter-inw, not taking his son¡¯s opinions into consideration.

    The mother and daughter did not know that Zhai Yaohui was treating Qiu Chenxi as a spare tire.

    Zhai Yaohui needed to have a spare tire, and Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi happened to be there.

    The two of them ended up knowing each other. This was why things were how they were when Qiao Nan first met Zhai Sheng about six to seven years ago.

    Zhai Yaohui, who had a simr experience, knew the best way to upset Peng Chunhua and for him to waver. Besides, there was no need for him to do it personally.

    Apart from Peng Chunhua, all the people present had grandsons. Other than Zhai Yaohui and Zhu Chengqi, the rest of them would chat about their grandchildren in their leisure time. It was impossible for Peng Chunhua not to be affected by them.

    Moreover, the Zhai family had triplets.

    This was a blow to Peng Yu as well as Peng Chunhua.

    His son was just as good as Zhai Yaohui¡¯s son. But judging from the current situation, he was not certain that he would have a better daughter-inw than Qiao Nan. Could it be that he would end up having a daughter-inw that was not as good as Zhai Yaohui¡¯s daughter-inw?

    The son resembled the father.

    Peng Yu liked topare with Zhai Sheng. He must have learned this from his father.

    Qiao Nan, who was holding Da Bao in her arms, was at a loss for words when she heard that the Peng family was looking for a ¡®suitable¡¯ daughter-inw. ¡°Why must they be so insistent on finding ady whose family has a history of multiple births?¡± Qiao Nan felt amused.

    She thought of her situation.

    Her grandparents were no longer around. She was not sure if there were twins or triplets in the Qiao family. There were still rtives in the Ding family. Perhaps her maternal grandparents were still around. But Ding Jiayi never mentioned that the family had twins or triplets.

    Qiao Nan was thankful that she met Zhai Sheng and she only had one encounter with Peng Yu. When she was in her first year of junior high school, she went to the waste-recycling station during the summer break to buy old books. She did not have any direct contact with Peng Yu.

    If there was a day where Peng Yu appeared right in front of Qiao Nan, she would not be able to tell who he was.

    If she met Peng Yu instead of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could not imagine how her life would change. After escaping from Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s clutches, she might end up in another abyss.

    But then again, on second thoughts, Qiao Nanughed at herself for thinking too much. Without the Zhai family, she was useless to Peng Yu. If so, Peng Yu would have another set of requirements when he was looking for a wife.

    After childbirth, Qiao Nan would have random and peculiar thoughts from time to time. She must be muddled from childbirth.

    ¡°Mom, when the triplets turn three years old, should we send them for early childhood education?¡± The children must be on the same starting line. This was something that Qiao Nan used to hear in the past, but she did not think too much about it back then.

    Firstly, she was single. She did not have any children. There was no need to worry that they might startte.

    Secondly, she had no money. Even if she had children, it did not concern her either.

    She had children and money in this life. She would naturally pay special attention to it.

    ¡°Sure. By then, we can have a discussion and decide on a school for the triplets.¡± Miao Jing had heard of early childhood education. The triplets¡¯ nominal age was two years old, but they were, in fact, one and a half years old. They had to enroll for early childhood education next year. It was better toe to a decision first.

    ¡°Hmm...?¡± The cheeky Er Bao could not really understand what his mama and grandma were talking about.

    Qiao Nan put down Da Bao and hugged Er Bao. ¡°Early childhood education means that you will have to go to school. Does Er Bao want to go to school like me?¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Together with mama?¡±

    It did not matter what they did. What was important was the person who was with them!

    Miao Jing was amused. ¡°Er Bao, are you really one and a half years old? You seem to be a sly little fox.¡±

    Qiao Nan gave her mother-inw, who was consumed byughter, a intive nce. ¡°I am about to graduate from college. I won¡¯t need early childhood education. By then, Da Bao and Er Bao will bring your sister with you for ss.¡±

 Chapter 1361 - Special Treatmen

    <h4>Chapter 1361 Special Treatmen</h4>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it good that the three of you can go to school together?¡±The three children would havepany when they went to school.

    Er Bao shook his head, expressing his displeasure. ¡°Want to go with mama.¡±

    Da Bao, who held the toy gun, made ¡®tatata¡¯ sound with his mouth. ¡°Practice boxing with great-grandpa, wow!¡±

    San Bao clung onto Qiao Nan¡¯s back. ¡°Mama, dress, pretty, Sanbao wears.¡± She was saying that she did not know anything about early childhood education. She only liked pretty blouses and dresses. Her mother should make more clothes for her.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was exhausted by her triplets, turned up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs feeling drained and tired the next day. She could not help but yawn as soon as she sat down. ¡°Those three brats! I will get their father to take them in when he is back.¡± They were still young. What could they do other than study?

    Deng Wenchang, who was seated opposite Qiao Nan, saw her and sneered. ¡°Comrade Qiao, this is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not a ssroom in the college. The professors may not bother that you zone out or sleep in the ssroom, but this is a workce. Since you are here, please ensure that you have a proper working attitude. Otherwise, don¡¯t take up other people¡¯s space. You have better give up the position.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was still fuming. He had done too much writing in the past two days that his hand felt very sore. All this was because of Qiao Nan.

    He was not used to working at this speed. His hand felt numb and stiff. His mother had to bring him to the veteran practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, where the physician performed moxibustion and massaged his hand. Otherwise, there was no way that Deng Wenchang could drive to work. He would have to get a driver to fetch him.

    He Yi, the minister, did not even have such treatment. Deng Wenchang came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prove his capability and to be He Yi¡¯s sessor. He was not here to act like a young master. Deng Wenchang could not ask people to fetch him. Therefore, he had to think of ways to reduce the pain in his hand.

    Qiao Nan did not expect that this would happen.

    Since she was in her second year of junior high school, she was used to reading and making notes at the same time. Other than reading books, she would do research and made notes that were relevant to her studies.

    Qiao Nan, who was used to writing notes, did not expect that a big man like Deng Wenchang would end up in such an embarrassing state.

    Qiao Nan had some water to wake herself up. She was not in a hurry to rebut Deng Wenchang. But her calm demeanor further infuriated Deng Wenchang, making him grind his teeth. Qiao Nan waited until she was in a better mood before she made a remark. ¡°Comrade Deng, it was merely a yawn. How can it be considered cking? One cannot see things as they are and overgeneralize. Comrade Deng, don¡¯t tell me that your teachers and parents taught you this?¡±

    ¡°Or perhaps, other than at home, Comrade Deng has never yawned or farted?¡± It was natural to yawn when one was tired. It was beyond one¡¯s control.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Deng Wenchang looked disgusted. ¡°Qiao Nan, you are a woman. How can you be so crude? If you say such stuff during work, you will be shaming our country. The foreign guests will have the wrong impression that the Chinese people are uneducated and uncultured. Qiao Nan, you should face up to reality. You are not suitable for this department.¡±

    Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and sat upright. ¡°I never knew that Comrade Deng has such positive thinking.¡±

    Deng Wenchang lifted his chin. This was his usual self.

    There was a glitter in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She steered the conversation to her desired direction. ¡°Since that is the case, let me give you a suggestion. I feel that you are not suitable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well. As you should have known, countries on the other side of the world ce high importance on being gentlemanly. If the people from these countries see your aggressive behavior toward ady, they might misunderstand that the Chinese people are rude towarddies and like to hurl abuses at them.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao,e to my office for a while.¡± He Yi stood at the door, yelling Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

    Qiao Nan smiled at Deng Wenchang, who looked stiff, before she went into He Yi¡¯s office. She closed the door upon entering. ¡°Senior, is anything the matter?¡± If it was rted to work, her senior would have passed the work to her in public.

    He Yi passed a few sheets of paper to Qiao Nan. ¡°This is some information regarding Deng Wenchang. Take a look. It might be helpful to you.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was the son of his friend. He Yi was not very close to Father Deng, but since they knew each other, they had a slightly closer rtionship. Deng Wenchang¡¯s resume was good, and he fulfilled the requirements to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Actually, he was just an intern. He Yi would not be too strict with him.

    He Yi knew nothing about Deng Wenchang. After doing research on Deng Wenchang for the sake of his junior, he found, to his surprise, a lot of ¡®interesting¡¯ information about Deng Wenchang.

    ¡°Tsk. It¡¯s no wonder Deng Wenchang provoked me in front of so many people just now. It turned out this was not his first time doing that. He is experienced.¡± After looking through the materials, Qiao Nan was smart to shred the papers. This piece of information would not cause any big issue, but it would not look good on He Yi if other people saw it.

    It was better to get rid of the papers so that other people would not have a hold on them.

    He Yi was very pleased with Qiao Nan. ¡°That¡¯s right. This must be why he said that just now. Little junior, regardless of whether it is toward Deng Wenchang or in other areas, one must be thick-skinned. In our department, if one feels wronged, bes upset, and cannot take it because of a few harsh words and stern looks, one is bound to have a difficult life. Junior, you must be mentally prepared.¡±

    He Yi was not certain if his master had put Qiao Nan through special training.

    When dealing with foreign diplomats and when it concerned the interests of different countries, it was all lies to say that one would maintain a good rtionship with other countries. Everyone would engage in verbal battles and end up in heated disputes. The damage and power were simr to real gunpowder and guns, and bigger interests were at stake.

    If one said the wrong word, not only would one embarrass oneself, but the country would suffer losses because of them as well.

    Therefore, to survive in this department, one had to be thick-skinned and fierce.

    The little junior seemed soft and weak like the cotton candy that children liked to eat when they were at a tender age. He Yi was worried that Qiao Nan would not be able to meet the mark. He was much older than his junior.

    When he was around, he could protect her, but what would happen when he was no longer around?

 Chapter 1362 - What a Big Fat Lie

    <h4>Chapter 1362 What a Big Fat Lie</h4>

    He had to let his little junior know the situation beforehand so that she could be prepared. ¡°I heard from master about your situation. Actually, you have a better starting point than others and you have a lot of support. If you arecking in this area, I suggest you go through training. The power struggle in that social circle could be quite vicious.¡±

    One had to do serious homework.

    As long as one was mindful and hardworking, there were plenty of chances to do preparations.

    ¡°Senior, thank you. I understand what you mean.¡± Qiao Nan, who had been bullied her entire life, doubted that she could do it when Lin Yuankang first told her of the future that he had nned for her. She was not certain whether she was up to it. If she was really in that position, and there were conflicts of interest, Qiao Nan had to prevent herself from being bullied and bullying other people.

    ¡°What Deng Wenchang said to me was good training for me. Senior, I am not as weak as you think.¡± If she felt humiliated by Deng Wenchang¡¯s words and left on her own ord, she would have died umpteen times when she was being bullied in her previous life. She would have gone through multiple times of rebirth.

    Now that she was clear about the situation, Qiao Nan felt much more confident about herself. ¡°Senior, if there¡¯s nothing else, I will go out now. Otherwise, the person who is targeting me may criticize me for wasting away my time instead of working.¡±

    ¡°Sure, you can go out now. If there¡¯s anything else, I will let you know.¡± He Yi was d that his little junior decided to persist on. On the contrary, if she could no longer take it, given his ability, he would be able to get her another position elsewhere.

    But then again, He Yi was reminded of the position of Qiao Nan¡¯s husband and her father-inw. He smiled as he shook his head.

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status and position, the little junior had lots of openings even without his help.

    She was a winner in life.

    As soon as the door to the office was opened, Deng Wenchang¡¯s sharp gazended on Qiao Nan, scanning every inch of her like the X-ray. He paid particr attention to her clothing, her cor, as well as the hemline of her blouse around her waist.

    Although Qiao Nan wore a suit, she wore long pants instead of a skirt. Otherwise, he would stare at the hemline of her skirt and her stockings to check whether there were any tears or whether she looked disheveled.

    Deng Wenchang suspected that Qiao Nan got in through the back door and that she used special methods to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deng Wenchang tried very hard to find out who was so audacious to have an indecent rtionship with Qiao Nan, and because of that, allowed such a useless person like her to be in an important department like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Initially, Deng Wenchang could not find any information on this. With Peng Yu¡¯s help, He Yi became one of his suspects.

    Deng Wenchang was dealt with a harsh blow after finding out that He Yi was the boss he was looking for. It was no wonder that no matter how he sucked up to He Yi, he refused to take him in as his disciple, and he took Qiao Nan in when he was doing his internship. It turned out that He Yi arranged for Qiao Nan to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs topete with him.

    After discovering this, Deng Wenchang hated He Yi to the core. He felt disgusted that he addressed He Yi as ¡®uncle¡¯ for the past twenty years.

    He was an old man who let lust befuddled his mind.

    People like He Yi who did not cherish talent did not deserve to be his master. He Yi might not want to take in a disciple, but in fact, he had no wish to take a scum like him as his master.

    He Yi called Qiao Nan into his office without an apparent reason. This made Deng Wenchang all the more suspicious. There was nothing to hide from the rest. If not for the indecent rtionship between the two, why did Qiao Nan close the door so that their conversation would not be overheard when she entered his office?

    Perhaps, once the door was closed, the man and woman would be up to no good in the office.

    Deng Wenchang felt that it was reasonable of him to suspect them. He was most likely urate about them.

    Therefore, Deng Wenchang fixed his sharp gaze on Qiao Nan. He could not wait to see through every pore of her. Once he spotted any clues, he would be able to prove that she had an ambiguous rtionship with He Yi. He would choose to side with reason without any hesitation and rid the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of such a scum like He Yi.

    It was no longer suitable for him to be the minister. Why did he insist on being the minister? He was making use of his position to be hard upon talents like him.

    Deng Wenchang stared intently at Qiao Nan, but he could not find any oddities with her clothes. Qiao Nan looked the same as how she was when she entered the office.

    Her clothes were tidy and her hair was neat. She looked normal. She did not have the blush on her face that was typical after one had been intimate with another person.

    Deng Wenchang was certain that there was nothing odd about Qiao Nan. Deng Wenchang had to hand it to the sly old fox. He must be smart to stay at the Minister of Foreign Affairs for so many years. No matter what, he would not be so anxious to be intimate with the other party in his office. If he wanted to catch them red-handed, he had to wait until they knocked off or when they were not working.

    He would not let this slide easily.

    He must get hold of the evidence that He Yi had an indecent rtionship with Qiao Nan and expose it to everyone, proving to them that Qiao Nan had no right to join the department.

    Qiao Nan had yet to graduate from college. Deng Wenchang only had contempt and disdain for her.

    Qiao Nan was ustomed to the fact that Deng Wenchang looked at her as if she was trash. However, no matter how ustomed she was, she still felt unhappy.

    ¡°Comrade Deng, after looking through my materials, did you notice any errors?¡± It was true that Deng Wenchang was creating trouble for Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan had decided that now that she was back at the department again, she would do the same to Deng Wenchang as well. She wanted to make life difficult for him so that he would not be officially employed by the ministry.

    Deng Wenchang ground his teeth, smiling grimly at Qiao Nan. ¡°Comrade Qiao must be joking. I am kept busy the entire day and there is so much work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have to devote all my time to my work. I don¡¯t even have time toplete them and I have to continue working at home. How will I have the time to look at your work? Comrade Qiao, take them back with you. In the future, it is better that you don¡¯t give me this. It takes up a lot of space and it is very heavy to carry around.¡±

    It was a waste of space and energy.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows, revealing a cynical smile. She did not believe a single word that Deng Wenchang said.

 Chapter 1363 - Deceiving Oneself Like an Ostrich

    <h4>Chapter 1363 Deceiving Oneself Like an Ostrich</h4>

    If Deng Wenchang did not nitpick on her materials, bent on finding mistakes in them, she dared to chop her head down and let Deng Wenchang use it as a stool!

    Other than Qiao Nan, the veterans in the unit had the same sentiments as Qiao Nan.

    All of them were men, so how could they not understand Deng Wenchang?

    They saw each other at the urinal in the restroom. All of them stood side by side and one of them asked jokingly, ¡°Xiao Deng, are you sure you didn¡¯t take a single look at Xiao Qiao¡¯s materials?¡±

    Not waiting for Deng Wenchang to reply, the person broke intoughter after ridiculing him. He left the restroom as he could not be bothered to hear the answer.

    Deng Wenchang turned green in anger and he missed the urinal.

    The leg of his pants was wet. Deng Wenchang was so angry that he almost tore out the leg of the pants. But he did not have another pair of pants in the office. If he tore the pants, he would be further embarrassed.

    Deng Wenchang had no other choice but to wash the pants. He cursed Qiao Nan, saying that she was a jinx while he washed his pants.

    He had read through the materials. He even did research and asked around on areas that he was not familiar with. When he was doing his overseas study in America, he had not been so conscientious before.

    What was funny was that Deng Wenchang had looked through the entire document, but he could not find a single mistake in Qiao Nan¡¯s assignment. Qiao Nan was faster inpleting the assignment and she was highly urate. Inparison, he took a long time to look through the documents and try spotting mistakes in them. Deng Wenchang was so furious that he could not go to sleep that night.

    He used to think that He Yi showed favoritism and that he assigned the easier assignment to Qiao Nan, while he assigned him with more difficult tasks.

    Because of He Yi¡¯s cheap tricks, everyone in the office felt that he lost to Qiao Nan. If not for He Yi, Qiao Nan would not dare to be so bold and daring.

    However, Deng Wenchang was given a tight p when he took a serious look at Qiao Nan¡¯s materials.

    The truth was that his assignment was easier than Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    If he were to say that He Yi showed favoritism, he was helping him instead of Qiao Nan.

    This was why Deng Wenchang had a sleepless night.

    He came back from overseas study and he had a master¡¯s degree. How could he fare worse than a college student who had yet to graduate?

    How was that possible?

    It was ridiculous!

    Deng Wenchang refused to admit that he was wasting his time during his overseas study. He was worse than a college student in the country who had yet to graduate. This was the greatest irony.

    Impossible. This was absolutely impossible!

    After losing sleep for a night, Deng Wenchang brought the documents back to the ministry in its original condition. He stated clearly that he was preupied with his work and he had no time to check for errors in Qiao Nan¡¯s work. It was not that Qiao Nan did a good job. He had too many tasks toplete that he did not have enough time. How could he possibly check Qiao Nan¡¯s work for errors? It was ridiculous.

    In order not to give himself away, Deng Wenchang had made a copy long ago. He returned the first original copy to Qiao Nan so that she would not notice any difference.

    Deng Wenchang thought that by doing so, he could cover up the truth and no one would know what he had done. However, Qiao Nan did not believe him. All the veterans in the office did not fall for his trick either.

    It seemed as if these people knew that given his petty-minded personality, he would do his utmost to find an error in Qiao Nan¡¯s assignment.

    It was no wonder that they broke out inughter when he said that he was busy.

    Deng Wenchang had not recovered from his embarrassment yesterday. Today, he was further embarrassed when he was ridiculed by his seniors. When he came out from the restroom looking grim, many people fixed their gazes on him. ¡°Hey, Xiao Deng, what¡¯s wrong? You missed and wetted your pants in the restroom? You are still young. You must take note of your health. You should not be in a worse state than us.¡± Men must have urinary problems if they missed and wet their pants.

    As a man, they knew what was going on. The entire office broke out intoughter.

    Deng Wenchang had to stifle his anger despite being ridiculed by so many people. He returned to his seat with a darkened expression, directing his anger and wrath at Qiao Nan. He red at her as if she was his sworn enemy.

    Qiao Nan, who was med despite not doing anything, stared at Deng Wenchang, telling him through her eyes that he was a moron.

    If possible, Qiao Nan felt that ¡®retarded¡¯ might be a better description of him.

    After leaving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for several months, yesterday was the first day that she returned to the ministry. Qiao Nan had yet to notice the situation in the office, but she spotted something odd today.

    It was inevitable that the veterans bullied the neers in the department. But Qiao Nan felt that the seniors in the ministry seemed to dislike Deng Wenchang. During the one month when she did her internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairsst year, the seniors did not adopt such an attitude toward Deng Wenchang. Although they did not really take care of Deng Wenchang, who was a neer, they would not ridicule him. They should know that this topic was taboo for men, and yet they brought it up.

    All the seniors in the department seemed to be ostracizing the neer. There was mockery in theirughter. Perhaps the seniors were united in ostracizing him, or that Deng Wenchang did not perform as expected, or he had offended them.

    Deng Wenchang must have low emotional intelligence to offend people in his department.

    After confirming this, Qiao Nan drank some water and a thought crossed her mind. If not for Peng Yu, perhaps she did not need to do anything and Deng Wenchang would leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eventually.

    ¡°Papa, lift me high up into the air. Hahahaha.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡±

    ¡°You have to queue up!¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a good mood. She had just reached the door to her house when she heard shrieking sounds made by her children. They seemed to be having fun. ¡°Higher, higher, and higher.¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan opened the door, Zhai Sheng seemed to have sensed something. He held his chubby daughter in his arms and turned to see that his wife was back. ¡°You are back.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes formed crescent moon-like shapes. ¡°I should be the one saying that. You are finally back home.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. It did not make a difference who said it. ¡°Did youe back from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Don¡¯t you intend to go back to school?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I havepleted all the necessary procedures and applications. I have alsopleted everything that could be done in school. I don¡¯t think I will continue to take the entrance exams for postgraduate schools and study for a doctorate. After all, in another one to two years, the three children will need to go to school. I am afraid that apart from my work, I will not have enough time for them.¡±

 Chapter 1364 - The More the Merrier

    <h4>Chapter 1364 The More the Merrier</h4>

    The children were more mischievous as they grew older. It was not as easy to coax them.

    Qiao Nan did not want to fail as a mother. She hoped that her children would grow up to be good and well-behaved. She would rather use her time to learn how to be a good mother and how to nurture her children instead of going for further studies. Right now, her world revolved around two things: her career and her family.

    ¡°Mama.¡± Er Bao was smart. He knew that his papa seemed to prefer to hold his sister. Therefore, he changed his target to his mama. He ran with his short legs to hug his mama¡¯s calf. ¡°Mama, carry me, carry me.¡±

    The chubby who sat on her father¡¯s shoulder smiled. ¡°Mama does not have enough strength to lift you high up into the air.¡± Her father and Grandpa Zhu were the only two people that could lift her high up into the air. It was a pity that her father was the only one around. Grandpa Zhu was not with them.

    When Qiao Nan carried Er Bao into her arms, he pouted his lips and gave a hard kiss on her cheeks. He reached his hands to encircle her neck. ¡°I like mama. Mama smells nice.¡± It was alright that he could not be lifted high up into the air. His mother smelled nice. Her embrace was soft andfy. It was better than his father who was hard and stiff. He preferred his mother who smelled nice!

    Da Bao looked at his younger brother and sister with slight displeasure. He snorted and took the bullets model that his father brought with him. He then grabbed his grandma¡¯s hands and ran over to the pile of toys. He had grown up. He would not fight with Er Bao and San Bao for his parents.

    Miao Jing was ted that her eldest grandson wanted herpany. It was good to have more children at home. There was no need to fight over them. The younger grandson and granddaughter were attached to their parents, while the eldest grandson wanted her to apany him. In other families, the grandma had to be prepared to be neglected while the parents yed with their children.

    This would not happen to her!

    It had been quite a while since she stayed in the quad in the military zone. Miao Jing had heard a lot from her neighbors.

    Whenever Miao Jing brought the triplets to take a stroll under the sun, she heard cases where the daughter-inw and mother-inw quarreled with each other over the children. As the elders, they could not win against their daughters-inw and could onlyin and cry to their peers.

    Things were different for Miao Jing. She would behave like a rooster who just came back from victory. She held her head high and she looked very pleased as she walked past them with the triplets. Everyone could not help but grind their teeth at that scene.

    Miao Jing was proud that although the triplets were still young, they were not timid and had a sweet tongue. When they saw the adults who were of the same age as Miao Jing, they would address them as grandpa and grandma. They were not afraid of strangers. Miao Jing felt that they were smart and cunning.

    The elders would dote on adorable children. If they had any snacks with them, they would give the snacks to them to make them happy.

    Qiao Nan discouraged the triplets from having snacks. She had been teaching them not to have snacks since they were around eight months old. In particr, when they turned one year old and would run around and start to learn words, Qiao Nan was especially strict with them. She feared that they would not have proper meals if they had too many snacks. They would then not have the proper nutrition and would not grow up well.

    The triplets were very obedient and smart. When the elders gave them snacks, they would take the sweets from Grandpa Lee and give them to Grandma Shen. They would then give the biscuits from Grandma Shen to Grandpa Lee.

    There was once that Miao Jing realized to her surprise that, perhaps to avoid being discovered, the triplets would give the snacks interchangeably. Da Bao would take the snacks that he took from a grandpa and passed it to the grandma who gave choctes to San Bao, while San Bao would give her snacks to the grandma who took care of Er Bao. Er Bao would then give the snacks to the grandpa who took care of Da Bao.

    Anyway, undoubtedly, the triplets had won the affection of all the elders in the military zone.

    At times, Miao Jing would be confused as to whom the snacks should be given to. But the triplets had a clear idea of who should get what snacks. Miao Jing felt like getting a piece of paper and pen to write down the sequence. But the triplets were very natural. They did not even need to think twice when deciding who to give the snacks to. Miao Jing was surprised that the triplets were so smart and cheeky. She wondered whether they were really less than two years old.

    As a result, Miao Jing specially asked Qiao Nan whether she remembered what food she had when she was pregnant.

    She surmised that Qiao Nan must have had the right food when she was pregnant with the triplets for their brains to develop well and have high emotional intelligence.

    She could take down what she ate so that she could pass the recipe to her daughter who was pregnant and tell her to eat ordingly.

    In that case, they would wee the fourth child in the family who was just as smart and cunning. She weed more children who were smart and adorable.

    Miao Jing felt very proud now that the triplets were the most popr little stars in the quad in the military zone and were adored by the elders. She was even more ted that her eldest grandson chose to y with her even when his parents were around.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know where my master has been to? He seemed to be in a hurry to go out. He only left a message but did not go into details.¡± Qiao Nan sat down next to Zhai Sheng and could not help but ask him.

    Lin Yuankang stayed very near to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, so they had frequent contact with each other.

    The men in the Zhai family were usually not at home, whereas Qiao Nan had to work and go to school. Miao Jing and the auntie were the only ones who took care of the triplets. After knowing this, Lin Yuankang woulde over to y with the triplets and he would also teach them English. The triplets were still not fluent in their Chinese, and they liked to use duplicated words and speak short sentences.

    However, they knew how to say father, mother, grandpa, and grandma in English. Furthermore, they would speak with the authentic American ent under Lin Yuankang¡¯s influence.

    Now that Lin Yuankang was away for urgent matters, the triplets were not ustomed to it. They kept pestering Qiao Nan yesterday, asking her where their grandmaster was. The triplets were smart to remember theplex rtionship between the adults and the correct way to address Lin Yuankang.

    The triplets knew very well who was nice to them.

    Now that Lin Yuankang was not around, they kept calling for him. Luckily, Qiao Nan obtained Lin Yuankang¡¯stest contact number from He Yi and the triplets managed to talk to him on the phone. Otherwise, they would still be pestering Qiao Nan.

    However, Qiao Nan felt perplexed. Her master was advanced in years and he should be nning for his retirement and enjoying life.

 Chapter 1365 - Indeed Inexperienced

    <h4>Chapter 1365 Indeed Inexperienced</h4>

    She knew that he was specially summoned by the central government. Could it be that there was some trouble and her master had no choice but to travel around to settle it despite his old age?

    Qiao Nan knew that her master, Lin Yuankang, was not in the country. He seemed to be overseas.

    Zhai Sheng sat next to Qiao Nan, their thighs next to each other. It was simr to back when Qiao Nan was still in her second year of junior high school, and she did her revision in the Zhai family¡¯s residence. San Bao, who pestered her father to y with her and to lift her higher into the air, abandoned her father decisively as soon as Zhai Sheng sat down. She revealed little millet teeth and had a wide smile on her chubby face as she climbed agilely to her mother, inching her way into her embrace.

    The two children who were arguing minutes ago settled down in their mother¡¯s embrace. They did not push around or fight each other. Instead, they gave each other a hug.

    Zhai Sheng gave a smack on San Bao¡¯s chubby buttocks for being so heartless. He then focused his attention on the conversation. ¡°The country gave Elder Lin an assignment. You know that he spent a long time overseas, but you may not know that it was because of his experiences that the country asked earnestly that Elder Line back to serve the country. Elder Lin not only has a widework in the country, but he also has a simrwork overseas.¡±

    Many hands made light work.

    Elder Lin had many good friends overseas. When dealing with things, with many friends to help him, everything would go smoothly and easily for Elder Lin.

    Other than Elder Lin¡¯s own ability, the country also valued the friends that he had.

    Qiao Nan pursed the corners of her lips. ¡°It has to be kept a secret?¡± Otherwise, if there was anything, not only would her master tell her, but he would also try ways to take her with him so that she could gain experience and learn.

    Qiao Nan could not help but be concerned for her master¡¯s safety since it was highly confidential. It meant that the trip must be very dangerous.

    ¡°Instead of associating it with danger and risk, you can look at it from another perspective: the central government highly values this assignment. Elder Lin has made a lot of contributions to the country. You can be assured that nothing will happen to Elder Lin. If he loses a strand of hair, Peng Yu will be the first to suffer.¡± Zhai Sheng was very calm. He analyzed it clearly to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up when she heard the crucial part.

    She put Er Bao and San Bao to the floor one by one before she patted them on the head. ¡°Er Bao, San Bao, look, Da Bao is ying with the toys by himself. Shall you y with him? Otherwise, Da Bao will be so lonely by himself.¡±

    Da Bao, hearing his name, raised his head and pouted his lips helplessly. His features had a growing resemnce to Zhai Sheng. He was not lonely at all, but he had to take care of his younger brother and sister.

    Da Bao did not make things difficult for Qiao Nan. He raised his chubby hands and grabbed Er Bao and San Bao. The three children got along well with each other. Er Bao and San Bao also began to realize that Da Bao was the eldest among them and they had to listen to him. Therefore, Er Bao and San Bao did not take issue that their mother abandoned them. Instead, they ran happily toward Da Bao.

    After making sure that the children were well-taken care of, Qiao Nan continued to probe. ¡°What has Peng Yu got to do with master?¡±

    Now that the children were out of the way, Zhai Sheng had no intention of being hugged by his wife and wanted to get his wife into his arms. It did not bother him that the three children and Miao Jing who stayed close to them were still around. He pulled Qiao Nan into his embrace. ¡°You should know that Elder Lin is very important to the country. Elder Lin is working for the country, so the country has to be responsible for his safety. Peng Yu is capable and hands-on, and he is very cautious and had high expectations of himself. Therefore, Elder Lin specifically asked that Peng Yu be in charge of his safety.¡±

    Peng Yu had to do a good job. If he failed and Elder Lin was hurt or startled, Peng Yu would have to write a letter of self-reflection, and in the worst-case scenario, the organization would circte a notice of criticism and he would be demoted, and the necessary disciplinary action would be taken against him.

    Protecting Elder Lin was the most arduous but thankless job, particrly when Elder Lin found Peng Yu an annoyance.

    Elder Lin yed petty tricks against Peng Yu, but Peng Yu could not be disrespectful to Elder Lin.

    ¡°Apart from Peng Yu, there should be other people who are in charge of my master¡¯s safety, no?¡± If Peng Yu became moody and unreliable, would her master be in danger?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There won¡¯t be many people who are of the same rank as Peng Yu. But there will definitely be people who are in a lower rank than Peng Yu. Nothing will happen to Elder Lin.¡± Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan on her shoulder. ¡°I heard that you will not go back to school and you are going back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. How¡¯s work? Did you run into any problems that could not be solved? You can tell me.¡± This time around, Zhai Sheng was more concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s work.

    Last year, Qiao Nan only did her internship for a month, and the minister of foreign affairs, He Yi, was Qiao Nan¡¯s senior.

    During the one month¡¯s time, if Qiao Nan was bullied, Elder Lin would have taken it out on He Yi before Zhai Sheng received news of it and wanted to take revenge for his wife.

    But right now, Elder Lin was not in the country, and Qiao Nan spent more time in the ministry. Although He Yi still did his best to protect Qiao Nan, he could not possibly stay in the ministry all the time and protect her all the while.

    Therefore, Zhai Sheng had to show more concern for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You came back at the right time. I have some matters to discuss with you.¡± Qiao Nan told Zhai Sheng what happened at school as well as the fact that the Deng family sided with the Peng family. ¡°Brother Zhai, what do you think is Peng Yu¡¯s or the Peng family¡¯s intention?¡±

    There was a glitter in Zhai Sheng¡¯s dark eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. You should have some interaction with Deng Wenchang to know what kind of person he is so that you have an idea of how to deal with him. You don¡¯t have to worry about Qiu Chenxi. Regardless of the ns that the Peng family has, or what Peng Yu ns to achieve with the two of them, I don¡¯t think it will materialize in the end.¡±

    There was contempt in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone at the mention of Deng Wenchang and Qiu Chenxi.

    He had been with Qiao Nan for many years. He could tell from her tone that Qiao Nan was confident in dealing with Deng Wenchang. As for Qiu Chenxi, Zhai Sheng had never seen her as his opponent. ¡°Don¡¯t forget about another thing. You no longer need to go back to school, and there are two people who are in a simr situation as you. Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing are quite capable and they have already joined the special forces for training.¡±

    ¡°...Aren¡¯t they students?¡± Besides, if she was correct, they were suited to be generals in the future. Why was it that they turned out to be average soldiers in the blink of an eye?

    Zhai Sheng smirked. ¡°They are indeed inexperienced. But after all, one of them is Chief Zhu¡¯s son, while the other is my master¡¯s daughter.¡±

 Chapter 1366 - No Status

    <h4>Chapter 1366 No Status</h4>

    ¡°My master has been badly implicated by the Shi family. Otherwise, someone else might be in my dad¡¯s current role now. With such a dad, Shi Qing doesn¡¯t need to face the impasse that his master went through in the past or repeat his master¡¯s mistakes.¡± Of course, without any hindrance, Shi Qing¡¯s progress was much better than that of his master many years ago.

    These two had no worries behind them. After entering the army, they were simply akin to fishes in the water and dragons in the sky.

    Zhai Sheng was not the least surprised by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s performance either. He also did not expect the youngdy who, since many years ago, addressed him as brother and looked at him with such a loving gaze would grow to be who she was today.

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and squeezed it a few times. He had always been very satisfied with this tofu-like soft and tender feel. ¡°It is Shi Qing¡¯s greatest fortune to have met you in her life.¡± Without Nan Nan¡¯s guidance and help, that muddleheaded little girl might not have been able to decide so swiftly what was best suited best for her and pick a route of her own appetite.

    Qiao Nan was stunned. She nced at Zhai Sheng¡¯s wolf ws which were grabbing on to her and pursed her lips. ¡°Hahaha...¡±

    They had been husband and wife for so long. That was not considered taking advantage of her either.

    Well, Qiao Nan had gathered some news. Peng Yu was someone that her master specifically asked to leave. The reason that Zhai Sheng coulde home during the holiday was definitely rted to this matter. Second, the two ¡®children¡¯ that she had watched growing up were finally sessful. Third, a terrible teammate was worse than a tough rival. In Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, Qiu Chenxi and Deng Wenchang, the allies that Peng Yu got for himself, were undoubtedly noob teammates.

    Peng Yu had looked for these two people because of their family backgrounds. However, in the end, they might not be of any help to Peng Yu. The sophisticated ns that he thought of might even be ruined in the hands of these two people.

    After listening to Zhai Sheng¡¯s constion, Qiao Nan felt much more assured. ¡°I won¡¯te into contact with Qiu Chenxi. My initial n is to destroy Deng Wenchang and eradicate him from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or subdue himpletely and kill all his chances. In that case, Peng Yu can forget about putting Deng Wenchang to any use.¡±

    After discussing, Qiao Nan¡¯s face regained her smile. She looked as gentle as the breeze of the spring in March, delicate and smooth.

    Miao Jing pinched Da Bao¡¯s stubby arms and asked him to look at Qiao Nan. ¡°Da Bao, see. Your grandma is right. When your mom is unhappy, no one else except for your dad can coax her sessfully.¡± Miao Jing did this as she wanted to help her son create some opportunities to be with her daughter-inw alone.

    Although Miao Jing was a mother, she was not experienced in some areas. She only heard about some things from her peers in the military quad after she came to the capital.

    The children usually preferred their mother to father. Understandingly, they demanded their mother¡¯s attention more.

    In the families, it was not umon for the children to fight with their father for the mother¡¯s attention. This happened so often.

    Zhai Sheng was very seldom home but Miao Jing had already witnessed this several times. Miao Jing could not help feeling worried for her son. Her son was a soldier and could note home often. If the triplets were to mess around, Miao Jing felt heartache for her son. He could finallye home but his children had had to ¡®disturb¡¯ him from his wish of ¡®hugging¡¯ his wife. That was too tragic.

    After many rounds of thought, Miao Jing finally found a way. Let the triplets form the perception, or simr mindsets, that only their father could coax their mother when thetter was unhappy.

    In that case, when her son was home, the triplets would definitely let her son keep Nan Nanpany instead of disrupting the couple.

    Da Bao was the eldest one amongst the children and had an influence as the leader. She would settle Da Bao first. It would be easier to convince Er Bao and San Bao then. Hence, Miao Jing began to put this n into action today.

    Da Bao pouted his little mouth so high that it could almost hang a soy sauce bottle.

    The triplets were usually very clever. Looking at the elder grandson¡¯s reaction, Miao Jing asked him carefully, ¡°Da Bao, what is the matter? Are you unhappy? Your little mouth is pouting so badly. Grandma can almost hang a soy sauce bottle on your mouth.¡±

    Da Bao twisted his stubby body unhappily. ¡°Mom is unhappy. I... I can also coax her.¡± Who said that only his father could coax her mother? He could fare better. ¡°When Mom sees me, Er Bao, and San Bao. Smile. Very happy!¡± Da Bao drew a circle in the air to express that Qiao Nan had so much happiness when she saw the three of them.

    ¡°Um, um.¡± San Bao nodded very hard, her high ponytails on her head swaying.

    Er Bao was smiling like a flower. ¡°Mom loves the triplets. Don¡¯t like smelly dad.¡±

    ¡°Smelly, smelly.¡± San Bao¡¯s went off pitch, spitting some saliva. ¡°Mom loves me, Da Bao, Er Bao. Three of us.¡± Although she said three, she showed her whole hand. San Bao was just slightly over one year old. How could she know how to count? She was only using this action to emphasize what she had said.

    Miao Jing doted on them so much. She grabbed San Bao¡¯s little stubby hand and pretended to bite it. ¡°Ya! So, your mom loves the three of you most. Um, it seems that your dad is certainly not as cute as the triplets. Grandma also loves the triplets most.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, kiss, kiss.¡± San Bao, the little princess, was wonderful. She pouted her tiny lips and kissed Miao Jing¡¯s face.

    Er Bao pounced on Miao Jing, ¡°Grandma, hug, hug.¡±

    Da Bao was also distracted and had forgotten that his grandmother was the one who said that their smelly father was better at making their mother happy. At this moment, Da Bao was also happy and smiling as he heartlessly lounged in Miao Jing¡¯s embrace to show his liking for his own grandmother.

    All of a sudden, she was surrounded by her three grandchildren. Miao Jing felt so wonderful that she had lost her directions.

    She only wanted to be at a ce where the triplets were. She did not want to go anywhere without them.

    For the sake of the three children, no matter what Zhai Yaohui encountered, Miao Jing could always bring out the courage and decisiveness missing in her younger times to reject him resolutely. ¡°You¡¯re already a grandpa. Do you still need someone to apany you when you are out? Furthermore, there are many people by your side. Do youck me, just one person? The triplets are different. They only have one grandmother. It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know our family¡¯s situation. In other families, there are very few children and many elders. There are not enough children to share. It¡¯s different for our family. That mother of Nan Nan, even if she is willing toe to the capital to help take care of the kids, I don¡¯t even dare to pass the triplets to her!¡±

    ¡°Hire a nanny!¡± Zhai Yaohui felt jealous. Since the family had the triplets, Zhai Yaohui felt that his status and ce in Miao Jing¡¯s heart was getting smaller and smaller.

 Chapter 1367 - Three â€˜Crazy Little Onesâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1367 Three ¡®Crazy Little Ones¡¯</h4>

    The triplets were ranked top in Miao Jing¡¯s heart. His daughter-inw ranked fourth, followed by Miao Jing¡¯s two children. He was afraid that he only took the ce after the old master.

    ¡°Hire a nanny? It¡¯s not as if there is no one at home. I¡¯m not going to do that. Auntie has been working for us for more than a decade. That¡¯s why I dare to let her help me take care of the kids. If it is someone else, I¡¯m not willing to let them touch the kids. Haven¡¯t you heard before? Nowadays, some people can be very evil. They can abuse the employer¡¯s kids despite taking the sry. If the triplets have any strand of missing hair, you can¡¯t afford it.¡±

    What was her husband considered? Her grandsons and granddaughter were the most important.

    She had kept Zhai Yaohuipany for almost thirty years, and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s only repayment to her was to ¡®almost marry off¡¯ her only son to his former lover¡¯s daughter.

    Hmmph! Compared to her heartless husband, the three nice-smelling and chubby little grandchildren in her arms were multiple times better.

    Miao Jing was very focused and she ced all her attention on the triplets. Their importance far exceeded what she ced on Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua in the past.

    It was true that the grandparents were closer to their grandchildren than children.

    Zhai Yaohui could not change Miao Jing¡¯s mind at all.

    Fortunately, Zhai Yaohui had been traveling less often. After all, he was getting older. Unless it was absolutely necessary, the army would not trouble Zhai Yaohui.

    Wasn¡¯t that so? As soon as she was surrounded by the triplets, Miao Jing felt so wonderful that she did not even know what date it was.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the three of you ying on your own and pestering your grandma instead?¡± Miao Jing felt great but Qiao Nan was very worried.

    Miao Jing¡¯s current health could not bepared to that in her youth. The triplets were getting heavier and heavier. Qiao Nan could not even carry one of them. Now, the three children had pounced on Miao Jing and Qiao Nan was truly worried that they would crush her mother-inw.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan appeared, the triplets screamed and pounced on Qiao Nan. Grandmother was good, and they loved her, but they had always loved their mother most!

    The three little human bombs shot towards her were so powerful that Qiao Nan had a huge change in her expression. She had to squat down and try her best to catch the trio.

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was at home and following Qiao Nan behind. At the sight of this, Zhai Sheng very willingly squatted down behind Qiao Nan to protect the mother and three children.

    When Qiao Nan fell backward due to the impact of the three children¡¯s dashes, Zhai Sheng spread his long wings like an old eagle and guarded the mother and children with his embrace. Like a city wall, he secured the four of them in his arms and formed a small and safe territory for them.

    Seemingly aware that nothing would happen no matter how they yed as Zhai Sheng was around, the three children yed more crazily than ever. They pressed, leaned on, and squeezed one another. All of a sudden, the house was filled with childish and happyughter of the triplets.

    The children might have been overly excited during the day. Nighttime, when Qiao Nan coaxed them to sleep, they could not stop curling their lips into a smile. It was as though they were still ying the games during the day in their dreams.

    ¡°Three crazy little ones.¡± Qiao Nan could not help tapping on the noses of the triplets. Until now, the feelings of sweet burden of having the three chubby and stubby children pressing on her were still afresh. She could not figure out how such small men could have so much energy. Not to mention all three, she might not even be able to cope with the boundless energy of just one of them.

    Zhai Sheng, who was sitting and hugging Qiao Nan from behind, leaned his head forward and said in a deep and hoarse voice, ¡°Zhai Hua and I were also like that when we were young. The difference is that my dad was seldom at home and the old master¡¯s energy level could not bepared to when he was young. I was also staying in the army camp. When Zhai Hua and I were young, the old master was the one who took care of us.¡±

    When the two bean-sized babies learned how to walk, Old Master Zhai was very hardhearted. He made them run with him. It was fine for them to run slowly but they had to ¡®run¡¯. It was fine even if they walked. However, he would not help them up when they fell down. They had to climb up by themselves.

    In Zhai Sheng¡¯s memory, since he was three years old, running had already be apulsory part of his daily training session.

    ¡°The old master said that he alone could not take both of us in hand. Running can use up some of our energy, lest Zhai Hua and I behave like wild monkeys and he could not even hold us down.¡± As such, he had a reason to believe that the triplets had such boundless energy because they had inherited their father¡¯s genes.

    The difference was that, although separated by one generation and Old Master Zhai also loved Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, he had never softened his heart when he did that. To Zhai Sheng¡¯s surprise, when it came to the triplets, it was another generation down but he could not see the slightest ferocity and decisiveness of the past Old Master Zhai in him.

    When San Bao twisted her little body and pouted, Old Master Zhai could only surrender. He could not remember any peripherals thereafter.

    It could be said that, aside from Nan Nan, the only one who could be hardhearted to the triplets was him. However, he was seldom at home. Naturally, he had to rely on Nan Nan to correct any of their bad habits. Clearly, Nan Nan was the fiercest to the triplets but they were forever sticking to her most.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°I think so too.¡±

    Deep in thoughts, Zhai Sheng bent down and picked up Qiao Nan with a princess hug. The couple¡¯s bodies were now stered together on the bed. ¡°How were you like when you were young?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s childhood memories were simr before and after he entered the army. However, before the army, there were certainly times of ying and having fun as a child.

    Zhai Sheng wrapped his hands around Qiao Nan¡¯s waist, while Qiao Nan ced her hands on those of Zhai Sheng longingly. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Although it was not something good, he also wished to know.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath and thought hard. The breath that she held immediately rxed. ¡°I vaguely remembered that, since I was five years old, I did all the household chores including wiping the floor, washing the dishes, and asionally washing the clothes for my family of four.¡±

    At that time, Qiao Nan was still very young and not as tall as the stove. Her little hands did not have much strength either. Hence, Ding Jiayi would not let Qiao Nan touch anything in the kitchen. There was also another reason. If there were protein dishes at home, Ding Jiayi was very worried that Qiao Nan would eat the dishes secretly when she was frying the dishes.

    As such, when Qiao Nan grew up, she would let Qiao Nan fry the vegetables with vegetable oil. When it came to the protein dishes, Qiao Nan was not qualified to touch them.

    ¡°You only did the chores and never yed?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart was aching badly.

 Chapter 1368 - Is She a Mistress?

    <h4>Chapter 1368 Is She a Mistress?</h4>

    At that time, he was also living in the quad but he never knew that there was a little girl there living such a childhood. As he thought about how the little Qiao Nan had to take on so many household chores, Zhai Sheng wasden with heartache. He resented Ding Jiayi, this mother-inw, even more.

    She could not even take good care of her child, so why did she still give birth to her?

    The two of them were already stered together. When she heard Zhai Sheng¡¯s question, Qiao Nan could not help wriggling in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°There was no chance for me to think about ying. When I first took on the chores, I wasn¡¯t familiar with them. I was very slow inpleting them and even had to redo them if I didn¡¯t do well enough. If I didn¡¯t sweep the floor clean, I had to sweep it again. If I didn¡¯t wash the bowls and clothes clean, I had to wash them again. After I finallypleted the chores, Qiao Zijin was ying hard with other children but shepletely didn¡¯t bring me along.¡±

    At that time, Qiao Zijin was famous for being an obedient child in the southern quad. If Qiao Zijin was the sun, she could not even be the moon. At most, she could only be a dimmed star in a dark corner.

    The elders liked to praise Qiao Zijin, and the children would copy them. They felt that Qiao Zijin was a good kid and loved to y with her. Qiao Zijin was not willing to bring Qiao Nan along. Those children cleverly boycotted Qiao Nan and disagreed letting Qiao Nan join them as ymates.

    If not for this situation, how could Qiao Nan not have any good friends after living in the quad for more than a decade? When she was married, she did not invite anyone in the quad to be her bridesmaid.

    When she recalled the past, Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned slightly pale. She first reached out to touch San Bao¡¯s warm and stubby hands. She then said, ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know why I loved to study so much in the past? Because the kids in the southern quad were on very good terms with Qiao Zijin and ignored me. After I finished my chores, no one was willing to talk to me. It was different after going to school. Even though I could not find a true friend, everyone treated me fine on the surface.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a good student in the school. The teachers valued her and the ssmates envied that.

    This kind of gaze and attention were something that Qiao Nan had never experienced in the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan felt that going to school was the only saving grace in her childhood. ¡°If I even lost the chance to go to school then, I feel that I would have long be a pervert.¡±

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan tightly, giving her a bite on the back of her neck. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Not chatting anymore. Let¡¯s sleep. You still have to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow. Since Peng Yu looks up to Deng Wenchang, he should have some capability. Don¡¯t fail an easy task or capsize a boat in a sewer.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not want to hear about the Qiao family¡¯s situation when Qiao Nan was young anymore. He realized that he very much felt like shooting Ding Jiayi dead in one shot after hearing it. Otherwise, he wished to use the knife and chop Ding Jiayi up into eight or ten pieces. She could anger such a calm person to this extent. Zhai Sheng really wanted to praise Ding Jiayi with one word: talent!

    Qiao Nan understood Zhai Sheng¡¯s good intention. She no longer thought about these matters of the Qiao family. Hence, she adhered to Zhai Sheng¡¯s wish. She turned her body, giving a bite on Zhai Sheng¡¯s throat. ¡°Deng Wenchang believes that he is the bright moon. If he knows that you refer to him as a sewer, he will definitely kick up a ruckus.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes dimmed, and he tightened his hold on Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°Initially, I intend to let you have a good rest tonight. Nan Nan, you¡¯re the one who provoked me. You should extinguish the fire that you started.¡± Was a man¡¯s throat a ce that one could bite casually?

    Zhai Sheng already felt tempted when holding Qiao Nan. Once Qiao Nan bit him, Zhai Sheng¡¯s entire body and bones were itching.

    Qiao Nan was not fearful of death as she attached herself closely to Zhai Sheng. Although she felt the change in his body, she did not attempt any slightest retreat. ¡°I did provoke you. So what? It¡¯s quite good to do some exercise, in case I keep thinking of those unhappy matters.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zhai Sheng confirmed.

    Qiao Nan gnashed her teeth. ¡°Yes, I am!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t yell for me to stop half-way?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Brother Zhai, I feel that an appropriate amount of exercise is good for health, but if it is overdone, it¡¯s bad for our bodies. I think that when I say stop, that is a reasonable request.¡± She was the one who was right!

    ¡°Fine, as long as you don¡¯t change your mind.¡± Zhai Sheng felt that he would be an idiot to discuss the problem of ¡®want or not¡¯. Given his physique, Nan Nan could not keep up with him even if she were to train up. He would be a son-of-a-bitch to not take advantage of a bargain. Furthermore, the one in his arms was his wife. They were ¡®driving with a license¡¯ and legally ying rogue. Why would he bother so much?

    Hence, Zhai Sheng immediately sprang into action and kidnapped his wife from this bed to the other huge bed.

    The three children could sleep while the adults did something that they ¡®loved¡¯ to do.

    ¡°Hmmph!¡± When Qiao Nan sat down, smiling, in her workce the next day, Deng Wenchang, who was seated opposite her, started ¡®acting up¡¯ again. He simply snorted at Qiao Nan.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was in a good mood but she was holding her head now. What to do? Ever since she saw Deng Wenchang as her enemy, she especially wanted to beat up Deng Wenchang each time she saw his bizarre behavior.

    At this age, she had only seen women who were coyer than Deng Wenchang, but no man who was coyer than Deng Wenchang. Hence, Deng Wenchang was also considered a ¡®champion¡¯ amongst men.

    Not bothering with Deng Wenchang¡¯s entric ways, Qiao Nan concentrated on fulfilling her duties and responsibilities, in case Deng Wenchang, who had been watching her like a hawk, were to find any fault with her and say ugly things.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s unfriendly attitude was already very obvious. However, he was not pleased with Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude. She was nonchnt to his behavior. Deng Wenchang would feel a little better even if she were to reveal the slightest revulsion.

    At this moment, Deng Wenchang¡¯s tolerance had reached its limit.

    He had asked his father. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, what kind of method should he use to evict her? Perhaps he could find evidence of He Yi and Qiao Nan having an affair to force Qiao Nan to leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then threaten He Yi with to hand over his minister position to others who were more capable.

    Father Deng also had such thoughts. Since he heard from Deng Wenchang that He Yi seemed to give special treatment to Qiao Nan, he had already gotten someone to investigate their rtionship.

    The problem was that Father Deng did not find any evidence against Qiao Nan and He Yi. Besides going to work and socializing with his colleagues, He Yi was always home to keep his wife and childrenpany.

    Father Deng deduced that, given He Yi¡¯s routine, he did not have any time to mess around, have any extramarital affair, or be lovey-dovey with a mistress at all.

 Chapter 1369 - All Redâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1369 ¡®All Red¡¯</h4>

    Since he could not find any clue from He Yi, Father Deng had already begun to aim at Qiao Nan.

    Father Deng had discovered something about the pair. However, he had not told Deng Wenchang about the discovery. He advised Deng Wenchange to restrain a little if he was not fully confident and not to be so harsh and fierce to Qiao Nan. If they were to alert her and cause all efforts to be in vain, that would not be good.

    It was because of Father Deng¡¯s words that Deng Wenchang endured and thus only expressed his displeasure through snorts and sneers

    When Deng Wenchang cast Qiao Nan death stares, he did not realize that the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had lost all the good feelings about him. They looked at this youngster with disdain and displeasure without any slightest feel of admiration. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, harmonious teamwork was necessary to carry out the tasks, and they should not harbor any personal agenda.

    This was because all the matters that this department dealt with would have a direct impact on the nation¡¯s interests.

    Individual family matters were not as crucial as the country matters, let alone ¡®me¡¯.

    If the people in the department could not be united, how could they deal with all the situations tacitly and secure a line of defense for the country?

    After Deng Wenchang joined the department, he thought that he was quite smart and could treat the seniors in the unit differently. He was warm and happy when he greeted Minister He. In front of other seniors, he also followed Minister He and greeted them as ¡®Old X¡¯. Which family was this heartless kid from? He was too unlikable.

    He was not likable. Neither did he have team spirit. He wanted to divide the people in the department.

    When Deng Wenchang was thinking of how to evict Qiao Nan from the department, these seniors were already quietly discussing how a youngster like Deng Wenchang was not suited for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such a capable talent should go to another department and take on another role; he could then shine and sizzle. It was such a waste to make him stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The people in the department had strong views on Deng Wenchang. He Yi was well aware of this.

    Although Deng Wenchang was only an intern on contract and not a permanent employee, they also had to give a valid reason for his departure, right?

    Hence, for the sake of the department¡¯s union, He Yi was still very amiable when he faced Deng Wenchang. He took out all the materials that Deng Wenchang had given to him over these few days and ced them on Deng Wenchang¡¯s table in an amiable manner. ¡°Xiao Deng, I know that you are young and can be a little impatient,cking some maturity. However, you have to remember that we want meticulousness and conscientiousness in our ministry. This mistake shouldn¡¯t even be allowed in normal circumstances. If you do this in a critical time, you are not embarrassing and letting down the ministry but the country and the citizens.¡±

    As he said that, He Yi said with a heavy tone and deep sigh, ¡°Xiao Deng, look at these materials again. Don¡¯t think that Xiao Qiao is younger and has not graduated from college. A youngdy is ultimately a youngdy. She is much more meticulous than you. I hope that you won¡¯t make the same mistake next time. Otherwise, you¡¯re not suited to remain in this department.¡±

    Deng Wenchang constantly made such an impermissible error. It was not as hard as he had imagined to make him leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Well, Deng Wenchang was sending his chinks in the armor to He Yi.

    Chided by He Yi in front of so many people, Deng Wenchang was so furious that he felt like scolding people. He took back the materials in humiliation and read it silently with a drooping head. He really did not believe that there was any major problem with the materials that he hadpiled. However, He Yi only criticized him and not Qiao Nan.

    A student who studied abroad had been pped in the face by an undergraduate. Could Deng Wenchang ept such a matter?

    In the end, Deng Wenchang looked down on Qiao Nan mainly because she was too ambitious. As a useless eye-candy, she did not know her limits; she dared to shamelessly sell her body when she was still schooling and squeezed into such an important ce like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The more Deng Wenchang cared about Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as a student, the more he could not ept Qiao Nan performing better than him.

    Unfortunately, He Yi had seen through Deng Wenchang¡¯s character. He was not only returning this set of materials to Deng Wenchang. As the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he had to take a red pen and mark the ¡®homework¡¯ of his ¡®student¡¯ like a teacher. Sometimes, He Yi also took his hat off to Deng Wenchang. Where did he get the confidence to disy such a brazen and arrogant attitude in the department?

    When He Yi used the striking red pen, Deng Wenchang found it too hurting for his eyes.

    The person who sat near Deng Wenchang ¡®identally¡¯ scanned, amused. ¡°I say, Xiao Deng, did you take the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as your school? All red? I feel depressed... Overseas students nowadays only have so little capability? If those prestigious schools overseas have such poor education capability, I feel that our kids don¡¯t need to study abroad. In my view, Comrade Xiao Qiao is quite good. She¡¯s fast and effective in her work, yet she is very precise. Why do I feel that, inparison, the local education quality is better?¡±

    He was not saying these just to poke fun at Deng Wenchang. He really did think so.

    Everyone had eyes to see. Only the high and mighty Deng Wenchang, the party concerned, was muddled. He was less capable than Qiao Nan andcking more than just a bit.

    If Deng Wenchang could humbly ept this, strive to improve, work hard to minimize the distance between him and Qiao Nan, and chase after exceeding Qiao Nan¡¯s performance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would wee such behavior. One had to know that men dominated the department. In terms of gender, Deng Wenchang had an advantage over Qiao Nan.

    It was a sheer pity that Deng Wenchang¡¯ster performance was really too poor to the extent that these seniors felt that they would rather retain a femalerade than a muddleheaded newbie like Deng Wenchang. As for themselves, they definitely would not scheme because of such petty grudges and endanger the nation¡¯s interests.

    ¡°Yes, actually, the local education quality is quite good. There is no use to learn a lot. It is more important to build a good foundation.¡±

    Due to the ¡®ster¡¯ performance of Deng Wenchang, this overseas student, people in the department could not help discussing the difference in education quality between local and overseas studies, and also whether it was necessary for the local students to go abroad for their studies.

    In particr, there was someone in the office who had just sent his child overseas for studies. He said that if had a simr ¡®all red¡¯ performance like Deng Wenchang and could not win against the local college graduates, he would definitely beat his child to death.

    If the problem did not lie with the school, it must be with the student.

 Chapter 1370 - Attitude Is Everything

    <h4>1370 Attitude Is Everything</h4>

    Besides He Yi, he had also been surrounded and attacked by a group of ¡®old folks¡¯. Deng Wenchang dared not re up at them. He could only cast malicious stares at Qiao Nan. So many people were biased toward her. It seemed that, aside from him, Qiao Nan had given everyone else benefits behind his back!

    Qiao Nan, who was once again ¡®shot¡¯ without even doing a thing, sneered. She threw another set of materials to Deng Wenchang. ¡°Comrade Deng, this is my assignment. Do you want to take a look at it together?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the same one?¡± When Deng Wenchang took it and read it, he realized that Qiao Nan¡¯s content was simr to his.

    Qiao Nan put down her pen and drank some water to hydrate herself. ¡°Yes, the task yesterday was not that important and the workload was not heavy, so both of us were given the same one. If you are interested, we can look at it together, in case you feel unconvinced in both your heart and mind such that your hands be so limp that you can¡¯t even hold your pen properly.¡±

    When Qiao Nan wanted him to read it, Deng Wenchang did not want to. ¡°What¡¯s there to read? These were obtained through some lowly means. Is it meaningful? There are a few rare words in this material that are seldom used. Also, they are adapted from the Latinnguage. You must have got it right after someone taught you this. What¡¯s there to be smug about?¡± If someone were to teach him, wouldn¡¯t he be ¡®all red¡¯ indeed?

    Qiao Nan shook her head and passed Deng Wenchang a book. ¡°I have not studied abroad and am not very knowledgeable, so I am not sure about the teaching materials for overseas students like you. This book is one of the textbooks of an elective subject in the local foreignnguage faculty. It¡¯s not very popr and a little unorthodox. However, the term that you referred to earlier is taught in this book. This is not considered private coaching but mass teaching. One ssroom of people attended the lesson.¡±

    Deng Wenchang did not believe Qiao Nan. He took the book and flipped it to verify himself.

    It was quite easy to find the term. Qiao Nan had specially ced a bookmark on the page where the term appeared. She was afraid that Deng Wenchang would call her a liar if he could not find it.

    When he flipped Qiao Nan¡¯s book, everyone was dazzled by what was before their eyes. That book was originally not thin but it had be extremely thick after Qiao Nan used it. She had pasted little pieces of adhesive notes on those special, umon, rare, or interesting phrases, words, sentences, and grammar in the book.

    The handwritten notes on the little pieces of paper had three colors: red, blue, and ck. Besides this three-colored handwriting, different highlighters were also used to highlight and differentiate the main points.

    There were so many colorful little pieces of notes that one could not help feeling dazed as they were not used to it.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s expression changed from a mocking and scornful one to a more serious one. Both had been students before. Judging from Qiao Nan¡¯s book, which had gained a lot of weight, Qiao Nan¡¯s learning attitude as a student deserved affirmation. These notes were taken by Qiao Nan when she listened to professors during the lessons.

    There were also some notes where Qiao Nan did more research on her own as she was not satisfied with the brief boration by the professors. She was thorough in seeking information. With such hard work, of course, Qiao Nan would have a more thorough knowledge of the same content. It was so thorough that even an overseas student like Deng Wenchang could not help feeling ashamed.

    It was not because of other reasons. Deng Wenchang knew some of the contents written on the little pieces of notes. There were also some that he had never heard of. In normal circumstances, as long as he was aware of the existence of the term and its general meaning and usage, that would do.

    For example, gunpowder was one of the four great inventions of China. As a Chinese, it would do as long as Deng Wenchang had a little knowledge of this history. When others brought up this question, he could chat with them a little about it.

    Qiao Nan was extremely different. She not only grasped this basic knowledge but also specially researched the background and circumstances where gunpowder first appeared, how it was invented, evolved, and even daringly bought enough materials to conduct an ¡®experiment¡¯ on her own.

    This process might seem simple but it made a huge difference in an individual English term. The evolution of a word was not aplished in one stroke but step-by-step. Like recognizing Chinese words, Deng Wenchang only learned all the simplifiednguage. Qiao Nan had a thirst for learning. She learned both the simplified and traditional way of writing, Khitan scripts, and writing systems of the Qin and Zhao dynasties.

    As such, Qiao Nan could recognize the same word in the different ways that it was written. Simrly, the same-meaning word, regardless of the stage of change that it was at, Qiao Nan would not be misled by the slight differences. On the contrary, she could urately express the meaning of the word and its usage.

    Qiao Nan could not be misled as she had widened her knowledge thoroughly. Deng Wenchang could not achieve something that Qiao Nan could!

    As he read, word-by-word, the historical evolution of the word that he had made a mistake on, Deng Wenchang was ghastly pale and he felt like spewing expletives. Where did Qiao Nan, this monster,e from? Damn! Who would have so much spare time to do so much research on just one rare word?

    He dared to say that, based on the research of that one word alone, Qiao Nan had definitely read a foreign history book that was as thick as a dictionary. Perhaps she even read more than one of such book.

    Damn!

    Was she studying foreignnguages or foreign histories?

    ording to these handwritten notes, Qiao Nan was not only proficient in English. She also had some research and knowledge on other foreignnguages such as French and Latin. Was this human? Darn, this was clearly a pervert!

    If it was possible, Deng Wenchang really wanted to use his stationary to hammer Qiao Nan, this bane, to death. Having been a student for so many years, he had seen many students, but this was his first time encountering a type like Qiao Nan. She really had a huge hole in her brains. There were definitely holes in Qiao Nan¡¯s brains. Then, how could people like them who had no holes in the brain win against Qiao Nan?

    This was the first time that Deng Wenchang had to face Qiao Nan¡¯s capability and ability directly. Although he did not think that Qiao Nan was smarter than him, he could tell and had to admit that, based on these little note pieces, he could not win in terms of seriousness in learning.

    It seemed that Qiao Nan was not just a useless eye-candy.

    It was no wonder that He Yi always praised Qiao Nan for doing well after every task. So, it was not just because she was He Yi¡¯s little lover. Clearly, Qiao Nan had some capability. That was why He Yi daringly and openly ¡®endorsed¡¯ Qiao Nan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and let everyone affirm her existence such that she waspeting for a position with him.

    ¡°This learning attitude of Xiao Qiao is very good. No wonder the teachers in your school were willing to nominate you for the sponsorship for overseas studies. However, it¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t go. Given your learning attitude, there is really not much difference whether you go or not.¡± Those who were in the know held onto her book like it was a rare gem and could not stop staring at it.

 Chapter 1371 - Became a Dud

    <h4>Chapter 1371 Became a Dud</h4>

    If a student could adopt such a learning attitude and put in so much effort, how could she fare badly in her studies?Deng Wenchang, this proud overseas student, had be a dud after looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s notes. It was already lit up with fire but did not explode. It was extinguished in the end instead.

    ¡°But, Xiao Qiao, why have I not seen the book that you mentioned in your little pieces of notes before? Where did you buy it from? I will get one too. It¡¯s never too old to learn. The more you read, the more you learn. It will benefit our department.¡± One who knows his own strength and that of the enemy is invincible in every battle.

    Otherwise, if they could not even urately decipher what the other party was trying to convey and argued based on their own reasoning, they might even embarrass themselves. It would not go wrong to pick up more knowledge.

    ¡°This book is not on sale locally. If you really wish to get one and you know some people overseas, you can ask them to go to this address and buy it.¡± Qiao Nan copied an address on a piece of paper and passed it to the other party. She exined clearly that this was most probably the only bookstore that sold the book.

    As he held the address, the other party felt more curious and strange. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you didn¡¯t go overseas to study, right? Why are you so clear about the situation overseas? Have you traveled to this ce for a holiday before? Is that why you know the situation there?¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°In order to rify this knowledge point, I have researched a lot before knowing that this is the only book that has the record and exnation. Hence, I spent a lot of effort and asked many people. I then found out that this shop sells it.¡±

    ¡°How did you find out?¡± There were many bookstores in the local market, let alone overseas. It was not an easy feat to check the books sold by each bookstore. How did Qiao Nan, who had always stayed in the country, know that this was the bookstore overseas that sold the book?

    It was too illogical.

    ¡°...¡± Knowing that today¡¯s matter was not going to end and these people were prepared to get to the bottom of the matter, Qiao Nan did not wish to hide anything either. ¡°I think you should know that many people overseas use the MSN program to chit-chat nowadays. I have downloaded one and made some online friends over it. My friends told me about it.¡±

    Of course, the matter was not so simple.

    Speaking of it, it was all thanks to her social practice of being a voluntary tour guide in the Pce Museum.

    During that period of time, although Qiao Nan worked mostly on public holidays, she had taken care of many overseas tourists. Qiao Nan was also a daring one. After fulfilling the work responsibilities as a tour guide, Qiao Nan loved to chit-chat with these tourists in English.

    The other parties were willing to tolerate herck of familiarity with thenguage, and Qiao Nan was never afraid of embarrassing herself. She chatted enthusiastically with them. The more she chatted, the more she put thenguage to practice. Naturally, as Qiao Nan had practiced more, she was able to grasp the usage of the various foreignnguages faster than typical people.

    That was not purely the case. Qiao Nan also met a few people that she could get along with. These overseas friends were from various countries. They were warm, cheerful, friendly, and generous.

    Within a short time, Qiao Nan had be good friends with them. After exchanging MSN details, they became online friends.

    As such, Qiao Nan would seek these friends of hers to help when she could not find a book.

    Qiao Nan had many senior brothers all over the world but they were all busy people. They held jobs in the overseas embassies and could not possibly cast aside their jobs on hand just to help Qiao Nan find a book that she wished to buy.

    If Qiao Nan could urately tell them the details of the book that she needed, and they could find time to get someone to buy and send it to Qiao Nan, it was already considered very good.

    Qiao Nan was not someone who would feel conceited because she was in someone¡¯s good grace. Knowing that her senior brothers were busy, she would do her homework first before sending them the details of the book that she needed so that the other party¡¯s job would not be affected and they would not spend too much time looking for the book.

    She had such a wide social circle of friends. It was still possible to do this given some time.

    Hence, Qiao Nan utilized both means. First, she requested her overseas friends to check on the book¡¯s information. If it was convenient for them to buy, Qiao Nan would not bother her senior brothers then. Otherwise, she would send the verified information to her senior brothers for them to settle.

    This was the reason that Qiao Nan, despite not being overseas, could get her hands on books whose existence was not even known to some people.

    Deng Wenchang said jealously, ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re quite formidable. You not only have friends all over the country but also in the northern and southern hemispheres of the world. That¡¯s capable.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not a big deal to know a few friends. Most importantly, we share the same interests and can get along well. There will be happy memories then.¡± It was a sheer waste of breath to talk to someone like Deng Wenchang with whom she could not see eye to eye with. Hence, she would not be friends with him no matter what.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words had widened the horizons of these ¡®old-fashioned¡¯ guys in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Friends could actually be made in this way? Qiao Nan went for a social practice initially just to gain credit and grades for college. Unexpectedly, such a simple matter could bring out and extend to so many more meaningful things. How did Comrade Xiao Qiao grow her brains? Could it be that she was born with a special nerve that was very enlightening?

    Otherwise, the gap between humans was too great.

    An ordinary acquaintanceship could develop into such a widework. Comrade Xiao Qiao was a solid expert in making friends.

    Qiao Nan relied on her own capability without the help of others to establish herself in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received the affirmation of the seniors. At the sight that these older colleagues were looking at Qiao Nan in a different light, He Yi felt very proud of Qiao Nan. ¡°Certainly, it¡¯s quite good to make more friends. Youngsters are youngsters. They have more flexible minds than old folks like us. The progress of the country will require more of such goodrades like Xiao Qiao.¡±

    Regardless of the initial intention of recruitment, it could not subdue Qiao Nan¡¯s ster performance at theter stages.

    The Deng family boasted all the time that Deng Wenchang was an overseas gifted student with a bright future. In particr, the Deng family thought that he was a fool and could not tell that Deng Wenchang had his eyes on the seat below his bottoms.

    Sooner orter, he would have to retire and pass the baton to the next generation. He hoped that he could pass his role to a capable young individual. However, it was a different matter to be targeted or forced to retire from that position.

 Chapter 1372 - A Single Man and a Single Woman Together in a Secluded Setting

    <h4>Chapter 1372 A Single Man and a Single Woman Together in a Secluded Setting</h4>

    Deng Wenchang hated the sight of He Yi. He felt that He Yi did not deserve to be addressed as ¡®uncle¡¯ by him.Simrly, after knowing the motive of the Deng family, He Yi felt disgusted whenever Deng Wenchang addressed him as ¡®uncle¡¯ when they knocked off work.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not gather here. Xiao Qiao is embarrassed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not reject anyone who has talents. Great waves wash away the sand. We must remember that gold will dazzle and shine eventually.¡± He praised Qiao Nan and gave a gentle reminder to Deng Wenchang. Then, He Yi told the people who gathered around Qiao Nan to disperse.

    He Yi was ted. Qiao Nan¡¯s good performance proved that he was right to allow her to do her internship in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although it was unprecedented and was a bold move, what was important was that Qiao Nan had the abilities. Whatever that he did was to recruit talents for the ministry and it was understandable for him to take such a daring move.

    On the other hand, Deng Wenchang felt extremely displeased.

    Qiao Nan mocked him, saying that they had nomon grounds ormon topics. He Yi also praised Qiao Nan, saying that she was the gold that would shine and bedazzle everyone in the end, while he was the useless sand that was overshadowed by her and would be eliminated.

    He reminded himself that this was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and He Yi was the minister. Although he suspected that Qiao Nan and He Yi were involved in immoral dealings and hence Qiao Nan was allowed to do her internship in the ministry, up until today, he did not have any evidence to prove that they had extramarital affairs.

    If he had any proof, he would blow up the matter in the ministry, making sure that He Yi and Qiao Nan made an apology to him and begged for forgiveness.

    Deng Wenchang was boiling in anger while Qiao Nan felt happy that she had gotten back at him. She was invited to lunch by He Yi. ¡°Senior, you can go ahead to ask the questions that you have in mind. If you continue to stare at me, I might have indigestion.¡±

    He Yi smiled. ¡°You are young and your job requires a lot of brainpower. You must have more of the food. I ordered most of the food for you. If you don¡¯t have them, you will be wasting my good intentions.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not stand on ceremony with He Yi, both in terms of the food and whatever that she said to him. ¡°Senior, since you know that my job requires a lot of brainpower, why do you allow people like Deng Wenchang to stay in the ministry? If Deng Wenchang is down-to-earth, I will have nothing to say about him, but he is overambitious, unrealistic, proud, and arrogant. He could not take any criticism. Are you trying to make life difficult for general workers like us by cing him in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?¡±

    She believed that her senior could tell that the older colleagues in the department disliked Deng Wenchang. It was impossible that her senior had worse insight than her.

    He Yi smiled lightly. ¡°The more the merrier. Besides, I know Deng Wenchang¡¯s father personally. He sought me for help and I couldn¡¯t possibly reject him. I asked a favor of them a few years ago.¡± He was returning the favor. Otherwise, he could not be bothered with a foolish and arrogant young man like Deng Wenchang.

    Qiao Nan did not agree with him. ¡°Senior, don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t know what Deng Wenchang is hatching? This could not be taken lightly. It may hurt you. As the saying goes, it¡¯s impossible to be on guard against someone forever. Don¡¯t you feel that Deng Wenchang will be a threat to you if he keeps on working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?¡± Deng Wenchang was too ambitious.

    He Yi told Qiao Nan to have more meat and vegetables. ¡°Little junior, you have underestimated me. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is my territory. What can Deng Wenchang be up to? If I cannot control a youngd like him, there is no need for Deng Wenchang to usurp me and my master will remove me before that.¡±

    He was no longer young. If he was framed and usurped by a youngd, his master would not be able to tolerate it. His master could not stand useless people.

    He Yi knew the Deng family well. He did not think that Deng Wenchang would be able to usurp him with the Deng family¡¯s help. If the Deng family had more influence, Deng Wenchang would not have set his sights on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his position.

    Qiao Nan finally realized why He Yi was so confident that he was able to control Deng Wenchang. Qiao Nan thought for a while before she dabbed her fingers with some water and wrote ¡®Peng¡¯ on the table. ¡°The Deng family is no fool. They knew that they do not have the influence. Therefore, they will find ways to cozy up to someone powerful. Senior, you had better be careful.¡±

    There was a glitter in He Yi¡¯s eyes when he saw the word. It turned out that this was why the Deng family was emboldened. ¡°Little junior, thank you. I had no idea of this. If not for your reminder, although they would not seed in the end, I might suffer a hard blow. Alright, I know what I am doing. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    He was almost deceived by the Deng family. Deng Wenchang addressed him as uncle and master. He was led to believe that Deng Wenchang wanted to make use of his father¡¯s rtionship with him, and for him to help him in his career advancement.

    It turned out that the Deng family was feigning one thing while doing another!

    He Yi, who almost fell for their trap, was no longer as nonchnt as how he was half an hour ago. Previously, he did not take the Deng family seriously and he looked down on Deng Wenchang, treating him like a useless clown.

    But if he was not careful, he might fail miserably in a very easy task.

    Qiao Nan could tell that He Yi finally took the issue of the Deng family seriously. She could put her mind at ease. Peng Yu was a difficult opponent. Since Peng Yu pulled the Deng family to his side, the Deng family must have their use. If they underestimated the enemy, they might suffer in the end.

    After lunch, Qiao Nan and He Yi had just left the private room when they encountered Deng Wenchang and two other older colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Deng Wenchang looked smug. ¡°Minister He, did you and Qiao Nan have lunch by yourself? Why didn¡¯t you ask us to join you? The more the merrier.¡±

    The two older colleagues who were dragged to a lunch treat by Deng Wenchang looked at each other. They seemed to have been made use of by Deng Wenchang. Deng Wenchang was not sincere in treating them to lunch. His real motive was to bring them with him to round up the minister and Comrade Xiao Qiao.

    There was obvious mockery in Deng Wenchang¡¯s words. Everyone could tell that Deng Wenchang was hinting that something was going on between Qiao Nan and He Yi.

    A single man and a single woman together in a secluded setting¡ªit was inappropriate!

 Chapter 1373 - Had Some Ideas

    <h4>Chapter 1373 Had Some Ideas</h4>

    Qiao Nan gave a sideways nce at He Yi. Look, her senior did not take Deng Wenchang seriously, but he seemed to be like a mad dog that pounced on him when he was unaware and was ready to take a bite off his thigh.Women might be gossipy, but when men were gossipy, they would be worse than women.

    The two colleagues who had lunch with Deng Wenchang were the most gossipy people in the department. Now that they knew that she had lunch with her senior by themselves in the private room, the entire ministry would know about this within half an hour.

    He Yi did not expect that Deng Wenchang would be so tant in smearing his reputation.

    He Yi smiled in anger. ¡°That¡¯s right. I gave Xiao Qiao a treat by myself to wee her to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I never mentioned this in the department, but Xiao Qiao has a fairly close rtionship with me. However, one should appoint apetent person even when she is one¡¯s rtive. I guess everyone should know by now that Xiao Qiao ispetent and capable.¡±

    ¡°Fairly close rtionship?¡± Deng Wenchang knitted his brows. ¡°Are the two of you rtives?¡± His father knew He Yi for decades. His father never mentioned to him that He Yi and Qiao Nan were rtives.

    This was a pack of lies. He should have put in more effort to cook up a story.

    Deng Wenchang might not believe him, but the two older colleagues believed his words. ¡°I see. Minister, why didn¡¯t you say so? Comrade Xiao Qiao could be seen as a member of the royal family. If you say so, as her uncles, we will take extra care of Comrade Xiao Qiao.¡±

    Everyone was one family. Xiao Qiao was different from Deng Wenchang. He was an outsider.

    It was no wonder no matter how Deng Wenchang provoked Xiao Qiao, she would never lose her temper. She was not as delicate as other girls. Instead, she was gracious and steady.

    Deng Wenchang suspected that Qiao Nan offered He Yi immoral favors so as to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    In fact, the other people in the department had the same sentiments when they heard that a female college student who had yet to graduate was doing an internship at their department.

    They had doubts as well!

    However, they would not be as foolish as Deng Wenchang and express their doubts tantly, keep a tight watch on Qiao Nan and He Yi, or even attempt to put a tracking device on them so as to catch them doing immoral acts.

    Since there was a young and foolish man in the department, they would watch by the side and see how it unfolded.

    However, the older colleagues realized very soon that Qiao Nan looked upright and righteous. She did not have the shady expression of someone who would resort to using honey trap.

    Qiao Nan was steady and down-to-earth. Compared to Deng Wenchang, she was able to be in control of the situation.

    Qiao Nan did not need He Yi¡¯s help and she proved that she was morepetent than Deng Wenchang, who came back from overseas study. Regardless of whether He Yi had any deals with Qiao Nan in order for her to join the ministry, they were willing to ept a neer like her instead of Deng Wenchang, who had a nasty temper and was not aspetent as he imed.

    Now that He Yi admitted that he had a fairly close rtionship with Qiao Nan, there was nothing to be doubtful of.

    Although they might not be rtives, they might have known each other for a long time.

    Deng Wenchang addressed the minister as his uncle, but it did not mean that they were rtives. Deng Wenchang was not the minister¡¯s nephew either.

    They had worked together for years. He Yi could tell from their expressions that they did not have a wrong impression of them. ¡°There is no need to take extra care of her. I know very well whether Xiao Qiao is capable or not. The reason why I did not mention this to you is so that all of you can give her a chance to toughen up and improve. I hope that she could gain some experience. People in our family do not lead a pampered life. One needs to withstand the strong wind and rain. This would train them to be strong and resilient!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Minister He is right. Xiao Qiao is indeedpetent. It is rare to find young people like Xiao Qiao who is dependable, earnest, and strive to do better.¡± Deng Wenchang was the opposite of her.

    ¡°Yes, there are many young people who are delicate and arrogant. Xiao Qiao is indeed refreshing and different. When I go back home today, I must tell my children to learn from Xiao Qiao.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled shyly as the three of them chatted happily. She stayed by He Yi¡¯s side, remaining silent.

    The atmosphere was good between the four of them. However, Deng Wenchang, who forked out money to treat his colleagues, felt that it was a waste of his money. He did not get to see the ¡®good show¡¯ that he had in mind, and the people whom he treated did not stand on his side. Instead, they had a jovial conversation with his enemy.

    Deng Wenchang red at them, turning green in anger.

    Since there was still some time, Deng Wenchang turned to find a quiet ce to make a phone call to his father. ¡°Dad, since when did Qiao Nan be He Yi¡¯s niece? Are you sure you haven¡¯t seen Qiao Nan or heard from He Yi that he has a niece?¡±

    If they were rtives, it would be so embarrassing for him.

    ¡°No, absolutely not.¡± Father Deng was certain. ¡°If He Yi had a niece, I would have heard of it. Besides, many people know He Yi. They didn¡¯t mention this as well.¡± Qiao Nan was a Peking University student. Even if she did not go on overseas study, her performance was considered very outstanding in the country.

    If He Yi had such a niece, he would have boasted about her to his old friends.

    The children of many families sat for their college entrance examination these past few years. After the exams, they were worried sick for their results and which school to choose. If one was from the capital, it was their worst nightmare if they could not go to Peking University or Tsinghua University.

    He Yi would not say anything when people discussed simr topics. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Nan received a lot of schrships when she was in school? If He Yi¡¯s niece was so capable, he would have told it to everyone!¡±

    ¡°Dad, how¡¯s the investigation on Qiao Nan going?¡± Deng Wenchang felt jittery. ¡°He Yi said that he has a fairly good rtionship with Qiao Nan in front of two other colleagues. If I cannot find fault with them, it will mean that Qiao Nan will have bright prospects in the ministry. In the future, I might have to work under such a ¡®filthy¡¯ woman. Dad, I won¡¯t admit defeat. This has to be resolved as soon as possible.¡±

    He wondered what the people that his father hired were doing. It was simply doing a background check on a person, and Qiao Nan did note from an illustrious family. Why was it that they took so long to do a simple task?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We have some ideas about her.¡±

 Chapter 1374 - Adulterer and Lover

    <h4>Chapter 1374 Adulterer and Lover</h4>

    ¡°Qiao Nan is from Ping Cheng and that¡¯s why I am certain that she has no rtions with He Yi. He Yi does not have any rtives in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t seem to be as simple as what we think. The people that are following her said that she stays in the quad in the military zone.¡±

    Father Deng sounded somber at the mention of this. ¡°In the capital, I know all the people who stayed in the quad in the military zone, but I can¡¯t seem to remember there is someone by the name of Qiao Nan.¡±

    Since Qiao Nan stayed in the quad in the military zone, it was no wonder the people he hired took so long before they found out some information about Qiao Nan.

    ¡°The quad in the military zone?¡± Deng Wenchang¡¯s eyelids kept twitching. It could not be. She was just a useless eye-candy who engaged in immoral deals to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. How was she able to live in the quad in the military zone?

    Could there be a mistake?

    ¡°Dad, Ping Cheng sounds familiar. Apart from Qiao Nan, do you know of anyone else from Ping Cheng who is living in the quad in the military zone now?¡± Since they had no clues on Qiao Nan, they could change the target to people from her hometown.

    Father Deng put out the cigarette in his hands. ¡°Have you forgotten that the Peng family used to stay in Ping Cheng? They returned to the capital a few years ago. Apart from the Peng family, the most eye-catching people would be the Zhai family and the Zhu family. The two families were transferred to the capital from Ping Cheng in the past two years. Qiao Nan came to the capital to study first before they moved to the capital half a yearter.¡±

    Father Deng had thought about this possibility, but he felt that it was highly impossible.

    Zhu Chengqi from the Zhu family was devoted to his wife who had passed away. Usually, the wife had to observe widowhood after her husband passed away. This was why there was the custom of erecting a memorial arch in honor of a chaste widow.

    However, it was the 21st century now. It was no longer popr for women to observe widowhood for her husband who had passed away. After the daughter from the Lee family passed away, Zhu Chengqi, who was still in his prime, remained single for more than twenty years. He led his life with his father and the child that he had with histe wife.

    If it was him, Father Deng would not be able to live a simple and chaste life like him.

    Although he did not go overboard, Father Deng still had his fair share of women apart from his wife. He was cautious and careful and did not develop a long-term rtionship with any of the women. They would usually end the rtionship swiftly and there were no strings attached.

    It was odd that Zhu Chengqi was able to stay true to histe wife despite the fact that he was in his prime. Father Deng even suspected that he might have hurt himself in the army and became impotent.

    ¡°The Zhai family and the Zhu family?¡± Deng Wenchang had heard of the two families. ¡°Zhu Chengqi only has one son, Zhu Baoguo. While the Zhai family has a son and a daughter, the daughter from the Zhai family is older than Qiao Nan by a few years old. Qiao Nan should not have any rtionship with the Zhai family. Then, where does Qiao Nan fit in the picture and why can she stay in the quad in the military zone?¡±

    Deng Wenchang grew to hate Qiao Nan even more.

    Deng Wenchang wanted to stay in the quad in the military zone, but he was denied a chance. However, Qiao Nan managed to do it.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that Deng Wenchang and his father were bent on finding out everything about her.

    Ever since she knew that the Deng family and the Peng family were in cahoots, and Peng Yu knew the Zhai family inside out, even to the extent that he knew the Zhai family better than Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan thought that Peng Yu should have told Deng Wenchang everything about her. Therefore, she had the impression that Deng Wenchang knew that she was married to Zhai Sheng and was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Most importantly, she thought that he knew that she was Elder Lin¡¯s disciple and that He Yi was her senior.

    During the day, Qiao Nan thought that Deng Wenchang was there to get hold of her chink in her armor. She had no idea that he thought that she had an affair with He Yi.

    She thought that Deng Wenchang believed that she got in through the back door with He Yi¡¯s help, and He Yi took everything that used to be his and gave them to Qiao Nan. Despite having a totally different understanding of things, strangely, Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang still ended up being quite in sync.

    Therefore, when Qiao Nan knocked off work that day and Zhai Sheng came in his car to fetch her, Qiao Nan walked toward Zhai Sheng without any hesitation. She also passed the thick stack of information to Zhai Sheng. Deng Wenchang, who witnessed the scene, widened his eyes in shock.

    This was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was He Yi¡¯s territory.

    Weren¡¯t Qiao Nan worried that she would offend He Yi by having physical contact with another man in public? If He Yi was upset that Qiao Nan made him a cuckold, he might send her out of the ministry. Qiao Nan would not have the chance to return to the ministry and all her efforts would go down the drain.

    Deng Wenchang was ck-jawed that Qiao Nan behaved intimately with another man outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qiao Nan must be out of her mind to do such a foolish thing. But he had a bigger shock by what he saw thereafter.

    He Yi was not the least angry when he came out and saw how Qiao Nan behaved intimately with another man. Instead, he walked up to them happily. ¡°Actually, we should have met each other long ago, but you were too busy. It is a pity that we only met today.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew that He Yi had been taking care of Qiao Nan. He was very nice to him. ¡°Yes. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, let¡¯s have a meal together.¡± Since he took care of Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was very polite to him.

    He Yi smiled. He knew that Zhai Sheng treated him nicely on ount of Qiao Nan. If not, even though he was the minister of foreign affairs, given Zhai Sheng¡¯s family background and position, there was no need for him to be so polite. He did not deserve or dare to be treated as such.

    Therefore, it was good to have Qiao Nan as his junior.

    He Yi, who felt that he was being respected, looked at Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng as if he was their elder. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. Both of you should hurry back. Before Master went overseas, he ordered that anyone can work overtime except for your wife. Your three children are the apple of his eye. My master will kill me if anyone dares to make them unhappy.¡±

    He Yi was full of admiration for Lin Yuankang. He sincerely admired him and respected him very much.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s three children were Lin Yuankang¡¯s favorites. He Yi, who was no longer young, was not jealous of them. In fact, Qiao Nan¡¯s children were considered the disciples of his little junior. ¡°Luckily, I remembered to bring this with me when I left my house today. Qiao Nan, take them. You must not reject them.¡±

    He Yi handed three small boxes to Qiao Nan. These were his gifts to her children. They were pendants that were veneered with gold and encrusted with jade.

 Chapter 1375 - A Man That He Could Not Afford to Provoke

    <h4>Chapter 1375 A Man That He Could Not Afford to Provoke</h4>

    Since it was not for her, Qiao Nan could not reject them.

    Qiao Nan kept the gifts immediately, but Deng Wenchang, who followed right behind them, managed to see the gifts. He could not help but gape in shock.

    Qiao Nan got in through the back door and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with He Yi¡¯s help, and the two of them were involved in sexual and power dealings. In that case, Qiao Nan should be the one who gave presents to He Yi to thank him. Why was it the other way round?

    It was bizarre that the person who requested a favor received gifts from the person who rendered help.

    Deng Wenchang gritted his teeth and braced himself before he walked forward to greet Qiao Nan. ¡°Uncle He, Qiao Nan, both of you are here. It¡¯s such a coincidence. By the way, this is...¡± To Deng Wenchang, Zhai Sheng, who stood next to Qiao Nan, was a pain in the eye.

    How dared he snatch He Yi¡¯s woman? Deng Wenchang was dying to ask Zhai Sheng: Were you a fool who came out from the dark corners? You must be tremendously daring to snatch his woman!

    Zhai Sheng stretched out his hand. ¡°Hi, I am Qiao Nan¡¯s husband.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was used to this kind of greeting when he was overseas, and he dared not y any tricks as Zhai Sheng exuded a righteous aura. He stretched his hand abidingly and shook Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands, saying his greetings. ¡°It turned out that you are Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend. Nice to meet you.¡± He was so shameless. How dared he introduce himself as Qiao Nan¡¯s husband in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s lover, He Yi?

    Could it be that people who were dating nowadays liked to introduce their boyfriend as their husband?

    Deng Wenchang checked He Yi for his response secretly. As a man, when another man imed that he was the boyfriend of his lover, he could not possibly have no reaction to it.

    However, Deng Wenchang did not notice any changes in He Yi¡¯s expression. Zhai Sheng tightened his grip on Deng Wenchang¡¯s hand. He felt a terrible pain and could almost hear his bones make cracking sounds under the pressure. This was not a handshake. Zhai Sheng¡¯s intention must be to crush his bones and maim him.

    Both He Yi and Qiao Nan witnessed the scene. They had the tacit understanding to pretend not to see anything. Before Deng Wenchang shouted out in pain, Zhai Sheng had loosened his grip on his hand. However, Deng Wenchang had already turned pale from the pain just now.

    ¡°Comrade, you may have missed it just now. I am Nan Nan¡¯s husband, her legal husband.¡± Zhai Sheng taught Deng Wenchang a lesson. He was very displeased that he was hard of hearing and slow-witted.

    Husband.

    It was such a simple term. Couldn¡¯t Deng Wenchang understand this term?

    He could not be bothered to know why Peng Yu wanted to get such a brainless fool to help him. But he felt perplexed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had such low entry requirements. Notwithstanding offering him a permanent position, the ministry should not have offered Deng Wenchang an internship position in the first ce.

    He Yi caught Zhai Sheng¡¯s usatory gaze and smiled bitterly. His old friend boasted to him about Deng Wenchang¡¯s abilities and that Deng Wenchang was good at pretending. That was why he fell for their lies and thought that Deng Wenchang, who came back from overseas study, waspetent. Although he did not go against the regtions, he wasx on the requirements and thought that what he was doing was, in fact, recruiting another talent for the country.

    However, He Yi no longer held the view that Deng Wenchang was a rare talent and that he was helpful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was terribly slow especially when he was being foolish.

    Deng Wenchang restrained himself from shaking the pain off his hands. ¡°Husband? Are the two of you married?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± He finally understood simple words and knew what he was saying.

    ¡°He... hehe.¡± Deng Wenchang sneered. ¡°Congrattions... to the... both of you.¡± It turned out that not only was He Yi having an affair, but Qiao Nan was also a married woman. She was so daring to seduce a married man. She was not ashamed of herself at all!

    Her husband and her lover ran into each other in public. Qiao Nan was indeed capable such that her two men did not quarrel when they met each other in public. Qiao Nan was good at taming her husband, and she was just as good at taming her lover.

    She was a college student who had yet to graduate, yet she was already married. He was right about her. She was ipetent but she was not content with one¡¯s lot. It was better for him toe up with a way to drive Qiao Nan away from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was for the best interests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    There were indeed many people withplicated and messy rtionships nowadays.

    Deng Wenchang looked at Qiao Nan with a hideous gaze. His sinister look gave one an ufortable feeling. Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. He felt like hitting him with his fist. He was a useless fool who was stupid and opinionated. Where did Minister He get a man like him?

    He could not understand the simplest words and he liked to let his imagination run wild. He was such a peculiar person.

    He Yi smiled bitterly at Zhai Sheng. If he had known that Deng Wenchang was such a person, he would not have invited trouble for himself by agreeing to the request of Deng Wenchang¡¯s father to help Deng Wenchang. It was toote now. This fool had be an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and he was driven by wild ambitions to usurp him and take his position.

    He was shooting himself in the foot.

    He Yi might feel pain in the leg, but he could not cry out in pain in front of everyone. He could only force a smile on his face as he stifled the pain.

    ¡°Alright, I will leave with Nan Nan.¡± The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not Zhai Sheng¡¯s territory. For the time being, he had no control over whether Deng Wenchang could stay in the ministry or not. It was better for him to leave with Qiao Nan as soon as possible and to look at his adorable children at home so as to cleanse his eyes.

    Zhai Sheng waited until they got into the car before he asked Qiao Nan. ¡°Is that man always that self-involved and a joker?¡± Zhai Sheng seldom met people as peculiar as him and he was particrly curious about him.

    Qiao Nan buckled the seat belt. ¡°I don¡¯t know him well and we have only been working together for less than two months. All I know is that since the first day I met him, he was already like this. He could not take in the words that other people said and he could not stand the work that other people did. He seemed to be living in his own world and looking at things based on his own judgment.¡±

    To Deng Wenchang, the truth was all lies.

    ¡°Uncle He, you never mentioned that Qiao Nan is married. What is the surname of Qiao Nan¡¯s husband? I don¡¯t remember seeing him in the past.¡± Deng Wenchang stared at Zhai Sheng¡¯s car. The car was astonishing and expensive. Most importantly, Qiao Nan¡¯s husband did not seem like someone who would tolerate being made a cuckold.

    Although this was the first time he met Zhai Sheng, his impression of Zhai Sheng was that he was not one to be trifled with. He could not afford to provoke Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1376 - Which Zhai Family Was That?

    <h4>Chapter 1376 Which Zhai Family Was That?</h4>

    Deng Wenchang could feel a throbbing pain in his hand. It reminded him that he had already suffered once because of Zhai Sheng. Since he was a formidable figure, it was impossible that he had not heard of him before.¡°His surname?¡± He Yi gave Deng Wenchang an odd look, as if asking Deng Wenchang whether he was ying dumb or was really foolish. ¡°Don¡¯t you know his surname?¡±

    ¡°Why must I know his surname?¡± Deng Wenchang found it weird. ¡°I have never seen him before. This is the first time I saw him.¡± He was not lying. He was telling the truth.

    He Yi curled the corners of his lips, feeling perplexed. What was the Deng family up to? ¡°Qiao Nan is married and her husband¡¯s surname is Zhai.¡± It was impossible that Deng Wenchang had no idea who his enemy was and could not recognize him when he saw him.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s heart jumped a beat. He was trembling. ¡°His surname is Zhai? What a special surname. In the capital, the only Zhai family that is well-known is the family who was transferred to the capital two years ago. Uncle He, is there any rtionship between them?¡± It turned out that the man had the surname of Zhai. His family did not know much about the Zhai family, but they were destined to be enemies.

    Deng Wenchang knew that the Peng family¡¯s target was the Zhai family, and Peng Yu was at loggerheads with a man named Zhai Sheng.

    If the Deng family wanted to have a strong foothold in the capital, they had to depend on the Peng family. The only chance of the Peng family being sessful was to usurp the Zhai family and take their position.

    ¡°What is their rtionship?¡± He Yi was certain that Deng Wenchang was not ying dumb but was really clueless. ¡°There aren¡¯t that many Zhai families. Didn¡¯t you see the car te number of the Land Rover car just now? Apart from the people from the political and military families, who else could have this car te number?¡± It was funny that he did not catch on. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. You should hurry back as well.¡±

    He Yi got into this car and went home feeling invigorating and energized, while Deng Wenchang had a baffled and clueless look on his face.

    His little junior waspetent and capable, and she had the Zhai family as her backing. To be blunt, if anything happened, he would not be able to help her. Instead, it might be the other way round. The Zhai family might help him on ount of her.

    Nevertheless, he was d that he was in this position.

    His life was good. He was thankful to his master for recruiting a little junior who was blessed with good fortune at his old age. He was able to have brighter prospects even in his middle age because of her.

    With the Zhai family around, the Deng family should abandon all hopes of Deng Wenchang recing him to be the minister of Foreign Affairs.

    When the couple reached home, Qiao Nan had just taken a seat when she received a phone call from Lin Yuankang. ¡°Master, will you being back soon? Oh, you will be there for another ten more days. When you are back, I will prepare a feast to wee you. The triplets are doing well. They are lively and healthy. I do not dare to bring the three of them with me outdoors. I don¡¯t understand. They have just learned to take steady steps now, but why is it that they love to run around?¡±

    Qiao Nan could not imagine what would happen when the children turned two to three years old. Would they go out of control like unleashed horses when they were outdoors and there would be no way to control them? The worst part was that she had three children. If there needed more than one adult to supervise one child, would they need to hire a lot of helpers before they could go outdoors with a peace of mind?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua? She is only four months pregnant. Her tummy is barely showing. I guess it will be another six months before she will be due for delivery.¡±

    Lin Yuankang asked about Zhai Hua since he was reminded of her. He was not worried for her. When she was born, she was a healthy baby. Since a young age, apart from sustaining injuries when she was on her assignments, she seldom fell sick.

    ¡°Master grandpa!¡± San Bao, who had good hearing and liked to stay close to her mother, heard Qiao Nan when she addressed Lin Yuankang as her master. She knew who was on the line and shouted affectionately at her master grandpa who was on the other end of the phone.

    Whenever San Bao greeted Lin Yuankang in her sweet voice, Qiao Nan felt particrly d that her master did not have high blood pressure, high sugar level, and high cholesterol. Otherwise, he would have an overdose of sugar.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Lin Yuankang could not tell that his disciple was concerned for him. Right now, all he could hear was San Bao¡¯s sweet voice. ¡°San Bao, be good. You must listen to your mom and think of me. When I return, I will bring beautiful presents for you, and I will make sure that you look as pretty as the little princess.¡±

    ¡°Emm... Master grandpa, you must hurry back. I miss you.¡± The chubby girl nodded and she replied in her sweet and soft voice. It was even softer and smelled better than the newly-pounded glutinous dough.

    Qiao Nan caressed her daughter¡¯s fine hair that was ited into small braids. She had to hand it to San Bao for being sopetent in cozying up to someone powerful.

    It was no wonder that the elders said that children were smart. They did not need to be taught and they knew what they should do. Whenever her master was at their house, Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao would make him happy and he wouldugh out in happiness. He would always go back home in light footsteps with a beaming smile on his face.

    After San Bao got a hold on the phone, she chatted with Lin Yuankang on the phone for twenty minutes. When the phone turned warm, San Bao still could not bear to end the call.

    San Bao might be quick in learning how to speak, but she was still a child who was not even two years old. Her thought process was haphazard and she would talk about different topics randomly. There were many times where she did not make any sense at all. When she was too excited, she might even say some ¡®aliennguage¡¯.

    But the elder and the toddler had a happy time chatting on the phone. No one was willing to hang up the phone.

    Qiao Nan checked the clock on the wall. She knew that there was a time difference at the ce that Lin Yuankang was in. If they continued to chat, San Bao might be holding off Lin Yuankang from doing his work.

    Qiao Nan straightened her face and San Bao quickly said her goodbyes to her master grandpa. She held the phone in both hands and passed them back to Qiao Nan. ¡°Mama, give you.¡±

    Qiao Nan pinched San Bao on her nose, expressing her slight displeasure. ¡°You are such a naughty girl, and you are very good at cajoling people. Don¡¯t do this next time.¡± After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan told San Bao off. ¡°Master grandpa has serious work to do overseas. We should not disturb him, should we? Also, he is getting older, and his work is so tiring but he still has to prepare presents for San Bao. Doesn¡¯t San Bao¡¯s heart ache for him? Don¡¯t you hope that he can have more time to rest?¡±

    Qiao Nan was very worried that the work trip overseas would exhaust Lin Yuankang. After all, he was getting advanced in years. If not for the interests of the country, Lin Yuankang would not have agreed to the work trip, making life difficult for himself.

    The tiring work should be left to the youngsters.

    When Zhai Yaohui was at home, he seldom ventured out, but he would spend more time at the government and going on work trips.

 Chapter 1377 - Invisible Big Boss

    <h4>Chapter 1377 Invisible Big Boss</h4>

    The more this was the case, the more anxious someone felt.

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan sue that boy from the journalism faculty who got into trouble after he was bribed by Peng Yu to secretly dig out her scandals?

    It was only until when the family received awyer¡¯s letter that the other party knew how serious Qiao Nan was when she said that she wanted to sue him.

    His father sought the help of many people to pull strings and found out about the situation. After much difficulty, he then found out that Qiao Nan was not an ordinary college student. Damn! She was the daughter-inw of one of the old chiefs!

    The moment he found out, the father could not wait to kill his son with one tight p. ¡°Of all people, why do you have to provoke the chief¡¯s daughter-inw? Your father is just a lowly vice-editor in a news firm. I am considered nothing in the capital. I have been currying favor with others all the time. Do you want to screw me? You¡¯re not even giving me a chance to curry favor with others!¡±

    This male student from the journalism faculty had vividly portrayed a drama of betraying one¡¯s father.

    When he was hit, he dared not re up. Instead, he cried, looking lost and confused. ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know. Dad, she really sued me. I... What should I do?¡± How would he know someone who seemed quite ordinary like Qiao Nan had such a powerful background? The daughter-inw of the chief. If it was in the past, he dared not even believe that he had a chance to encounter this kind of legendary figure.

    Ironically, in the current situation, he would rather that he did not meet Qiao Nan in his entire life.

    He had finally encountered this but he had recklessly and badly offended the other party. If he had known the identity of Qiao Nan beforehand, he would definitely hide his tails in front of her, let alone target her.

    ¡°Alright, this has already happened. Don¡¯t hit our son. Most importantly, we need to resolve the problem.¡± His mother was also on pins and needles. No matter how annoyed she was at his son, this was her only son. She could not possibly watch helplessly as his son went to jail, right?

    If it were ordinary people, they would at most spend some money to pull strings and resolve the issue. They would be given a warning or deferment. However, the other party was the chief¡¯s daughter-inw.

    He was smearing the reputation of the chief¡¯s daughter-inw. This would not just impact the girl. In the bigger picture, he was also doubting and provoking the chief¡¯s family!

    How many people dared to beard the lion in his den? Was he tired of living?

    At the thought of this, the mother was enraged and hit the back of her son several times. ¡°Your dad and I work so hard to earn money so that we can support your studies and let you pick up knowledge. Instead of focusing on your studies, you came up with these cheap tricks. What are you trying to do? Does our familyck this little bit of money? Why are you socking in your foresight?¡±

    The boy¡¯s mouth twitched. He knew that it was toote to say anything now.

    Of course, he was not just doing this for the money. He could imperceptibly sense that the person who sought his help had both money and power. If he had fulfilled his task well and received the money, the other party might kindly agree to help him convert his father from vice to lead editor.

    He was trying to help his biological father. He did not expect that he did a disservice instead. His family had be the other party¡¯s archenemy and could not survive in the capital anymore!

    He dared to target the family of the important chief and defame his family members. Was this not considered an archenemy? After all, the old chief¡¯s situation was closely linked to the country¡¯s major affairs!

    Qiao Nan did not forget this matter. She carried out what she had said. Many Peking University students who personally witnessed this matter had been paying attention to it as they wanted to know how the matter would develop.

    Amongst them, L¨¹ Yan was naturally the most nervous one.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had promised L¨¹ Yan that if she had a chance, she would find a way to help L¨¹ Yan put in some good words to Qiao Nan to help her get away. L¨¹ Yan was leading a very miserable life in Peking University. The former outstanding student was now behaving like a rat in the drain. She was only short of people screaming and hitting her.

    Facing L¨¹ Yan¡¯s change from a confident first-year student to an apathetic third-year student now, Yu Xiaoxiao sighed continuously.

    Although it was rare that Yu Xiaoxiao relented once and wished to help L¨¹ Yan, it was regretful that Qiao Nan had not appeared in the school since that incident. Both Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan heard rumors that Qiao Nan had long attained sufficient credits andpleted her thesis for graduation.

    However, everyone believed that that was just a rumor. How could it be so easy to attain all the credits in advance? Furthermore, Qiao Nan was seldom in school. They were uncertain what she was always busy with. If not for the fact that Qiao Nan would definitely appear whenever there were sses in the school, they could not help suspecting whether Qiao Nan still wanted to graduate.

    When everyone was confused and could not figure out the situation, a disbelieving and tongue-tied scene urred. First, that male student who targeted Qiao Nan was also considered famous in the journalism faculty. It was because of his eloquence, advanced equipment, and for him to have a father who was a vice editor. Of course, he had more fame than ordinary folks.

    One week after the incident, this ¡®talent¡¯ in the faculty journalism wrote an apology letter and treated this matter seriously by posting it on the school¡¯s notice board for all the students to see. Next, the school issued him an official criticism letter. The school harshly criticized the abuse and overboard usage of his rights as a school¡¯s news reporter.

    Additionally, the journalism faculty student should adopt a mainstream approach whereas this student acted more like a paparazzi that dug into other¡¯s privacy. There was a huge difference between the two approaches. Therefore, this student had a wrong understanding of the course that he had chosen and wasted his three years of studies in the college.

    Although the school only gave him a small warning, the students from the same faculty exposed that within one week after he posted the apology letter, this journalism faculty ¡®talent¡¯ transferred to another school. Besides this, his family seemed to have left the capital and gone to live in another city.

    When this news came out, it frightened arge number of people.

    It was human nature to pity the weaker ones. No matter how aggrieved Qiao Nan was in the past, they felt that his journalism faculty ¡®talent¡¯ had received the punishment that he deserved. However, didn¡¯t he already transfer school in the end? His entire family had to move away from the capital. Wasn¡¯t this too merciless?

    He had been pressurized to this extent. How formidable must Qiao Nan or her family be?

    Qiao Nan was not even someone from the capital whereas the other party was born and raised in the capital. Despite this, he had beenpletely KO¡¯d by Qiao Nan. After thinking about it, it was extremely scary. It seemed that there were unknown hidden elements in Qiao Nan that no one was aware of. She was an invisible big boss!

    ¡°Xiaoxiao, what should I do?¡±

 Chapter 1378 - It Certainly Would Not Be Qiao Nan

    <h4>Chapter 1378 It Certainly Would Not Be Qiao Nan</h4>

    A living example was before them and everyone had been shocked, let alone L¨¹ Yan. L¨¹ Yan was so frightened that she was jolted awake from nightmares several nights in a row, covered in a cold sweat.

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s head was aching badly. ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. Qiao Nan has note to school for a long time. It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know. I need to find a chance even if I want to help you. Also, I think that nothing will happen to you. Something would have long happened to those people who are implicated. Until today, Qiao Nab hasn¡¯t looked for you. You just have to avoid her in the future and don¡¯tmit any foolish acts again. Everything will be fine then.¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao was already clear about the circumstances of the matter.

    She did not expect that her dormitory mate, L¨¹ Yan, who framed Qiao Nan for being a kept woman during the first year of their college studies, would be a kept woman herself during the third year of their college studies. In any case, she was not even considered a true kept woman. That man gave little favors and benefits to fawn on L¨¹ Yan and she foolishly believed him; he even took advantage of her.

    In the end, she did not know where L¨¹ Yan gathered the baseless rumors from such that she was so certain that Qiao Nan was using such a high-end skincare product because she sold her body. Therefore, as long as she caught hold of the evidence, she could prove to the entire school that what she said three years ago was true. Qiao Nan was such a wretched thing. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s fault that she suffered so much, and the school had to return her justice.

    Yu Xiaoxiao tried more than once to help L¨¹ Yan recall exactly who nted such ludicrous ideas in L¨¹ Yan¡¯s mind. To put it bluntly, even if Qiao Nan had be a ¡®kept woman¡¯ three years after the scandal, was L¨¹ Yan aggrieved and wronged by the thread that she had posted?

    The two matters could not bepared.

    There was also another point. If L¨¹ Yan were to tell Yu Xiaoxiao about this earlier, Yu Xiaoxiao would tell Lu Yan with certainty that it was possible for anyone to be a kept woman except for Qiao Nan.

    Lu Yan sniffed. ¡°Really? Will I really be fine? Will Qiao Nan be willing to let me off?¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao patted L¨¹ Yan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°She will.¡± Who was L¨¹ Yan? Was she worthy for Qiao Nan to spend so much time and effort biting on to her? As for the ¡®talent¡¯ in the journalism faculty, if he had not gone overboard by infringing Qiao Nan¡¯s rights and interests and affected her life, given Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament, she would not have amplified this matter.

    Qiao Nan was not considered a soft-hearted person, but she was also not someone who was overbearing or would not show mercy to someone who was in the wrong.

    ¡°Also, you have to remember this lesson. You should know that you have gone overboard. Don¡¯t make the same mistake again. Qiao Nan is neither your father nor your mother. She is not obligated to forgive you again and again.¡± L¨¹ Yan was scared out of her wits by her own doing. However, to Qiao Nan, perhaps this was just considered as some distasteful and mean child¡¯s y.

    L¨¹ Yan nodded furiously, that extent of strength almost breaking her head. ¡°Rest assured. I have really learned how to be obedient this time. It¡¯s not easy for my parents to support me through college. I don¡¯t want to disappoint them, and neither do I want to ruin my own life. In theing year, I will be honest and abiding. I won¡¯t provoke Qiao Nan again. After graduation, I have already nned to return to my hometown to find a job.¡±

    The entire family of that journalism faculty ¡®talent¡¯ had left the capital. Furthermore, she was just a little girl from the countryside that came here to study.

    If she insisted on staying in the capital, she would not progress much in the future. She might as well return to the city in her hometown and start afresh in an unfamiliar and new environment.

    During the past three years in college, Qiao Nan and the capital had almost be L¨¹ Yan¡¯s haunting nightmare. Between these two things, L¨¹ Yan was unwilling toe into contact with any of them. She could not wait to distance herself from them as much as possible.

    In another year¡¯s time, in another year¡¯s time... she would graduate and could scram to a farawaynd. She did not need toe to the capital ever again.

    A fall in the pit, a gain in your wit.

    Everyone knew in their heart how the students¡¯ gossip about Qiao Nan had changed. However, all of them had confirmed one matter: They could provoke anyone except for Qiao Nan, this ancestor, unless they had the confidence that they would not end up in the same state as that journalism faculty ¡®talent¡¯.

    Qiao Nan, who was working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was not bothered about all that was happening at school.

    Finally, under the triplets¡¯ daily and constant whining for their master grandpa, it was the day that Lin Yuankang was returning to the home country. Qiao Nan brought the triplets to receive him at the airport early in the morning.

    ¡°Master grandpa?¡± Looking at the constant flow of human traffic and tides and streams of humans, San Bao expressed that she was dazzled by the scene. Where exactly was master grandpa?

    Qiao Nan was carrying San Bao while Zhai Sheng was carrying Da Bao and Er Bao. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Master grandpa should be arriving soon. Let¡¯s wait another while longer, okay?¡± Children did not have much patience. This was understandable.

    ¡°Master grandpa, master grandpa!¡± All of a sudden, Er Bao kicked his legs, not at all afraid that his father could not be able to hold onto his thirty-over-pound body. He pped his hands and yelled jubntly, his pair of eyes shining brightly.

    ¡°Where, where?¡± San Bao turned her little head, trying hard to crane her body while searching for her master grandpa¡¯s whereabouts.

    Qiao Nan did not have Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm strength. Soon, her arms were aching from the carrying of a thirty-over-pound toddler. Coupled with such a ¡®lively¡¯ San Bao, Qiao Nan was very worried that her daughter would ¡®drop¡¯ when she identally released her hold. ¡°Brother Zhai, can I swap with you? I will carry Da Bao. You carry Er Bao and San Bao.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not choosing to carry only her daughter. She just wanted to carry a more obedient child.

    Da Bao was the eldest Da Bao indeed. At critical junctures, one could tell Da Bao¡¯s mature and steady temperament.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng had no issue. He loved his chubby, soft, and fragrant daughter. But San Bao had a good memory and liked to bear grudges. She had been angry about her father¡¯s past bullying. Hence, she did not like Zhai Sheng to carry her and insisted on sticking to her mother.

    Wasn¡¯t that so? As soon as Zhai Sheng reached out to exchange toddlers with Qiao Nan, San Bao hooked on to Qiao Nan¡¯s neck with one hand and pped the back of Zhai Sheng¡¯s palm with a loud ¡®bam¡¯. ¡°No, Mom hugs. Don¡¯t want Dad!¡±

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°If you don¡¯t want your dad to carry you, be good then. Mom has very little strength. If you do that again, Mom can¡¯t hold onto you anymore. At that time, you will have to stand by yourself to wait for master grandpa.¡±

    San Bao¡¯s little face turned serious. She became obedient, no longer kicking her legs or twisting her body. She leaned onto her mother¡¯s arms softly, swirling her eyes with a twinkle, exuding restlessness in them.

    ¡°Master grandpa¡¯s obedient San Bao. You are standing with your mom here. Did youe to fetch master grandpa?¡± An amiable voice could be hearding from Qiao Nan¡¯s back. When Er Bao said that he had seen master grandpa, he had not seen it wrong. Lin Yuankang had really got off the ne and his figure had whooshed by earlier.

    The older one was, the more one behaved like children.

 Chapter 1379 - It Is None of Your Business Now

    <h4>Chapter 1379 It Is None of Your Business Now</h4>

    Lin Yuankang was especially happy that the triplets and Zhai Sheng couple came to fetch him at the airport. He was all smiles and smug. That look on his face was inviting a beating from others! When he first saw the family of five, he childishly hid and surfaced only when he was behind Qiao Nan, appearing before the triplets and making funny faces at San Bao.

    San Bao yelled happily. ¡°Master grandpa! Hug! Hug!¡±

    Lin Yuankang was grinning so widely that one could see his mrs. He proudly carried San Bao over.

    As soon as San Bao was in Lin Yuankang¡¯s arms, she cried. ¡°Master grandpa, you... you are finally back. San Bao, San Bao missed you so much.¡±

    San Bao looked as if she had seen her next-of-kin. Qiao Nan was so furious that she pped San Bao¡¯s chubby buttocks. ¡°Little heartless one.¡± Master spoiled the children badly. He hardly ever scolded them, especially San Bao, as she was the only girl amongst the three children. Master overly indulged her.

    San Bao was bearing a grudge against Qiao Nan for chiding her earlier. She, therefore, whined that she missed her master grandpa who would never criticize her.

    As soon as San Bao said that, Lin Yuankang smiled like a blooming flower. ¡°Yes, yes, master grandpa missed San Bao, and Da Bao, and Er Bao too. This time, master grandpa brought presents back for the three of you. Master grandpa will y them together with you, okay?¡±

    Having been used to thepany of the triplets, Lin Yuankang was not very used to suddenly leaving the country and not smelling the fragrant milk scent on the triplets for a period of time. He almost suffered from insomnia on his first night overseas. He was already so old. If he did not sleep for one night, his body could not be ustomed to it.

    The chubby body in his arms had obviously gained weight. It was quite a chore for Lin Yuankang to hold it. However, Lin Yuankang liked this weight and felt that it was very sturdy.

    Lin Yuankang pinched San Bao. ¡°San Bao, you have eaten well when master grandpa was not around. You¡¯ve put on weight again.¡±

    San Bao smiled at Lin Yuankang like a little sunflower. She hung on to Lin Yuankang¡¯s neck and did not speak further.

    Lin Yuankang kissed San Bao¡¯s forehead. ¡°Alright, why are we blocking the way? Let¡¯s go home. Okay, Da Bao, Er Bao?¡± Lin Yuankang did not neglect any of the three children. He treated all of them like his grandchildren and doted on them very much.

    Da Bao and Er Bao stretched out their bodies. Zhai Sheng stepped forward, and Da Bao and Er Bao each gave Lin Yuankang a kiss on his face in response.

    At this moment, Lin Yuankang felt so wonderful that he lost his bearings. ¡°Zhai Sheng, when you returned home thest few times, the triplets didn¡¯t even remember that they have a father. Did you see that? I have been away for two weeks and they still remember their master grandpa.¡± This was the difference between humans. The triplets still preferred him.

    Zhai Sheng quietly punched the buttocks of his two sons but his expression was as calm andposed as ever. ¡°The triplets are older now and their memory is much better than before. Elder Lin, Nan Nan has prepared a feast at home. Are youing?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Why not?

    His little disciple had prepared that feast for him. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯ve been too busy recently and didn¡¯t contact your senior brother. Did he let others bully you in his territory?¡±

    With nothing in her hands, Qiao Nan felt more rxed. ¡°It is not a very big issue. Master, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. If I really encounter any trouble, I will also think of ways to resolve it.¡± Qiao Nan did not mention much about Deng Wenchang¡¯s existence. However, out of the corner of her eyes, she nced at Peng Yu, who had been following behind Lin Yuankang with a darkened face and looking as stiff as a rock.

    It was only until this moment that Qiao Nan met the legendary Peng Yu for the first time.

    Qiao Nan had read Peng Yu¡¯s second-hand books before. From the books and the notes in them, Qiao Nan had always thought that Peng Yu was a thin and lean, fine and cultured youth that wore white shirts and was as tall and straight as a por tree.

    However, from today¡¯s meeting, Qiao Nan felt that she had been overthinking. She had been too poetic in her imagination of Peng Yu. This was someone who crawled and rolled about in the army camp. How could he be a cultured youth who wore white shirts?

    When she looked at Peng Yu now, he was certainly quite thin and looked different from the soldiers that Qiao Nan had interacted with before. She had seen Zhou Jun. He had a much bigger built than Peng Yu. When Zhou Jun was clothed, Qiao Nan could still sense the obvious and lean muscles on him.

    It was different for Peng Yu.

    Peng Yu gave people the feeling that he was thin and lean. If he were to stand there without moving, Qiao Nan would feel that he was very thin and this set of clothing was too big for him. However, when Peng Yu moved, the clothing would reveal Peng Yu¡¯s figure from time to time. Naturally, Qiao Nan discovered that the flesh on Peng Yu had almost filled the clothing.

    Qiao Nan would nce at Peng Yu at this moment because Deng Wenchang was in Peng Yu¡¯s ¡®n¡¯.

    When her master brought up the situation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she did not believe that Peng Yu would not be concerned.

    In fact, Peng Yu¡¯s ears had stood up and he was listening intently for Qiao Nan¡¯s reply.

    During this period of time whereby he had to leave the country to protect Lin Yuankang, Peng Yu felt aggrieved. For the time being, he could not focus on dealing with Zhai Sheng. In addition, the subject of protection was the master of Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. At the thought of the rtionship between Lin Yuankang, He Yi, and Qiao Nan, Peng Yu was having a headache.

    Obviously, except for Deng Wenchang, these three people had formed a humanwork that Deng Wenchang could not get into.

    Zhai Sheng was certainly very capable. He casually married a wife and she was so formidable. That said, it was not a casual affair at all for Zhai Sheng to marry Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, Lin Yuankang seemed to have recalled Peng Yu¡¯s existence. He halted and looked at Peng Yu. ¡°Comrade Xiao Peng, we have already arrived in the country. Zhai Sheng has alsoe to fetch me. If there is nothing else, you can go back and report to your boss. I won¡¯t dy your time any further. There is just a little distance to home. There certainly won¡¯t be any problem.¡±

    Peng Yu felt like leaving. However, he had almostpleted his mission and was only a step to the finishing line. He did not want his half a month¡¯s effort to go to waste due to a small mishap. ¡°Elder Lin, there is no hurry. Furthermore, you brought home a lot of things. I don¡¯t feel assured if I don¡¯t send you back personally.¡±

    What if Lin Yuankang were to simplyin to his boss after he left for the Peng family¡¯s residence now? What should he do then?

    Although he had not been protecting Lin Yuankang for a long time, the problem was... Peng Yu had suffered simr ¡®traps¡¯ under Lin Yuankang more than once. He felt remorseful that his careful and reliable reputation had been stained.

 Chapter 1380 - Robbed of Credi

    <h4>Chapter 1380 Robbed of Credi</h4>

    At the thought that his image in people¡¯s hearts was not as perfect and wless as before, Peng Yu still hated the torturing Lin Yuankang very much. If Lin Yuankang had not been so insistent, he would not have shown such an impatient expression in front of his formerrades. This had reduced his poprity in the army.

    Peng Yu was more delicate-looking than others.

    In an army that was full of burly men, Peng Yu¡¯s existence was akin to a fresh breath of air.

    Peng Yu had suffered a lot of hardships to change hisrades¡±sissy¡¯ assessment of him. After this ruckus, no one would believe that he was a good-tempered and dedicated soldier again.

    Thinking of the various things done by Lin Yuankang, until this very moment, Peng Yu still had an urge to murder someone. He could not understand. Did Lin Yuankang go overseas toplete the mission tasked to him by the country or to make merry and let his hair down? He really dared to tell outsiders anything.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? My grand-disciple¡¯s biological father even came to fetch me. There won¡¯t be a problem.¡± Lin Yuankang¡¯s trust in Zhai Sheng had silently expressed one thing: Zhai Sheng¡¯s capability was above Peng Yu¡¯s. With Zhai Sheng around, Peng Yu waspletely redundant.

    After going through so many hardships, he had been discarded by Lin Yuankang in one kick.

    He felt that while he might not have a lot of credit, he had put in hard work. On what grounds could Zhai Sheng freeload on him? The mission that he painstakinglypleted did not even earn a word of ¡®thanks¡¯ from Lin Yuankang. He kept deriding him and praising Zhai Sheng instead.

    Wasn¡¯t he being too much?

    Underneath his cap, Peng Yu¡¯s eyes shed a sharp and dagger-like look at Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng astutely sensed this but he maintained his silence. While carrying his two children, the corners of his lips curled into a smile and he sneered.

    No matter how brazen and arrogant Peng Yu was in the army, once he encountered an important figure such as Elder Lin who needed protection when traveling, Peng Yu was not even allowed to decline Elder Lin¡¯s nomination. Peng Yu was expected to perform well. If he did not, Peng Yu would have failed the trust that the organization and army ced on him. He would not be considered a qualified andpetent soldier of the people¡¯s liberation army.

    The reality was harsh, but the truth was even grimmer.

    Do not think that it was so easy to be a soldier. Soldiers stand towering in pools of fresh blood, baptized by it, after surviving rigorous training under raging thunderstorms, downpours, and rains of gunfire and bullets.

    To Zhai Sheng, Peng Yu waspletely unbefitting of a soldier.

    When Peng Yu was in the army camp, he was bright and eye-catching, behaving like a celebrity on television.

    Zhai Sheng did not understand. When did a solemn ce like the army be a stage for Peng Yu to act cool and express himself? After knowing Peng Yu¡¯s situation in the army, Zhai Sheng told himself that Peng Yu¡¯s example could only appear once. In the future, he would never allow someone like Peng Yu to join the army, lest thetter cause the culture in the army to go astray.

    Zhai Sheng would not deny that Peng Yu was smart and resourceful. However, the army was not a ce for Peng Yu to show off. He had really ruined the solemn and dignified atmosphere in the army.

    Without giving Peng Yu any more chance to reject, Lin Yuankang told him directly. ¡°Alright, Comrade Peng Yu, it has been tough on you. Quickly go back and report to your leader about the situation. You can hand over my matters to Zhai Sheng.¡± Lin Yuankang was only short of saying to Peng Yu ¡®It is none of your business now. Go and cool off at whichever ce as you wish.¡¯

    Lin Yuankang had gifted the opportunity toplete the most important final step of the mission to Zhai Sheng unconditionally. Clearly, Peng Yu hadpleted 99 percent of the mission, just missing one more mark. However, at thest step, Lin Yuankang immobilized Peng Yu and caused him to remain at the 99 percentage point mark.

    Zhai Sheng was only keeping his wife and childrenpany to fetch Elder Lin. Throughout the entire process, he only took the one final step, yet he ¡®conned¡¯ Peng Yu, who had painstakingly protected Lin Yuankang, of the 100 marks, overtaking Peng Yu by one mark.

    If it were an old and kind man who encountered such bullying, he would also turn pale in anger and feel indignant, not to mention that Peng Yu was a petty and narrow-minded one.

    This kind of approach was too unfair!

    As one could imagine, the furor in Peng Yu¡¯s heart at this moment was basically breaking the limit of the sky. He could not wait to burn these old and young eyesores in front of him immediately.

    ¡°Regimentmander?¡± When Zhai Sheng brought Lin Yuankang away, the people around Peng Yu felt a little unhappy. ¡°Are we letting Regiment Commander Zhai snatch it away from us? Aren¡¯t we the ones who took care of this mission?¡± They were only a step away from iming the credit, yet the mission had been intercepted by others. Who would be pleased?

    This man was considered Peng Yu¡¯s confidant in the army. That was the reason Peng Yu specially brought him along this time.

    Lin Yuankang had returned to the country safe and sound. While this was not a major achievement, they would certainly receive verbal praises for it. One had to know that the key to the mission was not the difficulty level but the importance of it.

    To the country, Elder Lin was a very important figure. No matter whether they encountered any danger during this overseas trip, praises were indispensable as long as they returned to the country safely.

    As they umted more praises, they could rise in the ranks.

    Who would have known that the voluptuous ideals could not rival the bony reality?

    Even if this person did not mention it, Peng Yu was not in a good mood either. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? You have to know that whoughs first is not important. Who has thestugh is more important. Lin Yuankang is Qiao Nan¡¯s master. I am not the least surprised that Elder Lin will help Zhai Sheng. Many years ago, Elder Lin could guard his role¡ªthe minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs¡ªso well because he was very rogue in his approaches and made the foreigners suffer a lot.¡±

    More than ten years ago, Lin Yuankang was a hooligan.

    Today, of course, Lin Yuankang had turned from a young hooligan to an old one.

    Lin Yuankang was the one who nominated him for this mission. As such, Peng Yu dared not let his guard down. He was deeply fearful that something would happen to Elder Lin, and if he obstructed Elder Lin¡¯s path again, that would not be good.

    At the moment, he was only robbed of the credit by Zhai Sheng. No matter what, this was much better than the situation that he had been worrying about during the trip. ¡°The hooligan is old now, but the older he is, the more he cherishes his life.¡± He had overestimated Lin Yuankang earlier and was even worried that Lin Yuankang would plot against him for the sake of helping Zhai Sheng.

    With his own precious life at stake, not to mention his disciple¡¯s man, even if Qiao Nan were to stand personally before Lin Yuankang, Lin Yuankang would also not give up his life and safety for the sake of one little disciple Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Fine, stop looking miserable. Are you afraid that there is no chance of promotion? We have been running around a lot after all. It has been tough on everyone. I will treat all of you to a meal, a good one.¡± Using one meal to bribe people¡¯s hearts¡ªthis exchange was very worth it. Without a word, Peng Yu gave a treat out of his own pocket.

    At this moment, the atmosphere in the Zhai family¡¯s residence was livelier than the drink and finger-guessing game at Peng Yu¡¯s end.

 Chapter 1381 - You Stole These, Didnâ€™t You?

    <h4>Chapter 1381 You Stole These, Didn¡¯t You?</h4>

    After filling his stomach, Lin Yuankang took out the presents for the triplets. ¡°Jiang, jiang, jiang! San Bao, look. Is this pretty? Master grandpa specially got someone to customize this. This is the one and only one in the world, unparalleled. When San Bao has more hair in the future, get your mom tob a ponytail, and then wear this tiara. San Bao will definitely be the most beautiful little girl in the world.¡±

    Lin Yuankang happily held the tiara on San Bao¡¯s head. At the sight of the shiny thing, of course, San Bao reached out to grab that tiara.

    Qiao Nan shielded her eyes, her heart pounding continuously. ¡°Master, are those shiny things on top gemstones?¡± She did not have much knowledge in this area and did not know if gemstones existed in the world at this point in time¡ªor more urately, whether anyone had discovered the business potential of recing diamonds with gemstones in essories.

    After all, gemstones were cheaper and diamonds were extremely costly.

    Gemstones had a simr exterior appearance to diamonds. It was also quite shiny. The problem was that its value could not bepared to diamonds.

    Although it was also a natural stone.

    To Qiao Nan, filling the stomach and having a home of her own were extravagant wishes. Her life after rebirth was truly happy beyond words. She found her love, had a happy marriage, and gave birth to three bubbly and adorable children. She was even achieving sess in her studies.

    As such, Qiao Nan felt that she did not have any other longings in this life. Therefore, unlike ordinary women, Qiao Nanpletely did not have the yearning or obsession for clothes and essories.

    Unless her inws insisted to buy her, Qiao Nan would decline as much as possible. When marrying Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had received many pricey gifts for her wedding. No matter how beautiful and glorious they were, Qiao Nan had shelved and forgotten them. She had never worn them.

    Otherwise, why would people like Tang Jiayun and L¨¹ Yan rather target others than Qiao Nan, and malign others instead of challenging Qiao Nan?

    Wasn¡¯t that so? Qiao Nan, who had been used to simplicity, felt her eyes hurt at the sudden sight of such bright and shiny items. She also felt her heart ached. She did not know much about diamonds but she knew that gemstones looked like diamonds.

    The problem was... Could these two items that were vastly different in value bepared?

    When Lin Yuankang took out the little tiara, under the lighting, the tiny and delicate pieces of bright and dazzling crystal clear stones on the tiara looked like a constetion of stars, with splendid shine and colors. Qiao Nan was almost blinded. Where did these top-grade gemstonese from to create such an effect?

    ¡°Gemstone? What is that?¡± Qiao Nan did not know much about this. Lin Yuankang was worse. ¡°These are diamonds. Are gemstones better than diamonds?¡± Lin Yuankang looked depressed. ¡°Why don¡¯t I look for it on my next overseas trip?¡±

    He would only give the best to his three little grand-disciples. Otherwise, he would definitely not buy it.

    ¡°So as to speak, these are all diamonds?¡± Looking at the shine and splendor, Qiao Nan felt that, given the current value of diamonds, any piece of diamonds taken from the tiara would be able to exchange for a house, let alone the entire star-studded tiara.

    Lin Yuankang lifted his chin. ¡°It¡¯s a must. Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not just the triplets, you have one too. After all, you are my disciple. I can miss out anyone except for you.¡±

    All of a sudden, Lin Yuankang seemed to have be a huge diamond trader who had spected well on diamond essories. When he said that he was taking it out, he really took them out in heaps and piles.

    Lin Yuankang had prepared four-piece jewelry set for Qiao Nan: earrings, ne, ring, and bracelet.

    All these four essories were mainly made of diamonds. That shine and glory would make women who knew the famous diamond chase after them like a flock of birds.

    Qiao Nan tried to calm her thumping heart. ¡°Master, did you be a thief at the diamond mine?¡± No one would take out diamond essories in such huge piles like him!

    Last time, the jade gifted by Lin Yuankang was already quite expensive. In fact, Qiao Nan waspletely deluding herself when she mentioned gemstone. As one would expect, how could Lin Yuankang buy things made of something as cheap as gemstones? However, after knowing that these shiny ones were genuine diamonds, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart could barely take it.

    Besides Qiao Nan, Miao Jing was also shocked by Lin Yuankang¡¯s generosity.

    Miao Jing looked at Zhai Yaohui. They had been a couple for so many years but she had never bought so many expensive diamond essories for herself. Why was it that when Elder Lin showed his hands, the ever famous and gimmicky diamond outside had turned into cabbage by the roadside that was selling in bunches?

    ¡°Mine, mine.¡± San Bao did not know how expensive or valuable these items were. She only knew that this bright and shiny little tiara was a gift from her master grandpa. It was so beautiful and she loved it.

    Inparison to San Bao¡¯s shining eyes that were as bright as light bulbs, Da Bao and Er Bao also liked these things but the pair of brothers seemed much moreposed. In Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s eyes, at most, these were just nicer-looking toys.

    ¡°Right, right. It¡¯s yours. This is San Bao¡¯s.¡± After teasing San Bao, Lin Yuankang passed the little tiara into her hands. ¡°San Bao, you can¡¯t stuff this into your mouth. Also, you can¡¯t face this pointy side at others or yourself.¡±

    As he looked after San Bao, Lin Yuankang responded to Qiao Nan¡¯s question. ¡°What are you talking about?! Steal? Is your master someone who will do such a petty thing?!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Judging by the heap on the floor, how could this be considered petty? It was huge stealing!

    Lin Yuankang, who was unaware of Qiao Nan¡¯s actual thoughts, was satisfied at Qiao Nan¡¯s denial. ¡°What do you think I went overseas for? I¡¯m not going into detail. I have also done my part for the country. Many years ago, when I was studying abroad, I bought over properties and enterprises. I have a ir for making money. Things that I casually bought could derive value. No matter what, I just take it that I am contributing to the development of the country.¡± Anyway, he did notck money.

    Lin Yuankang was vague in his words but the Zhai family was smart. They would not question him in detail about the situation.

    However, the more lightly Lin Yuankang put it, the more the Zhai family members, especially Qiao Nan, were in fear and trepidation. Qiao Nan was almost scared out of her wits by her master.

    She had long heard from others that her master was a money hoarder. The most annoying thing was that her master always benefited from an unexpected course of events. Compared to those who prayed and gave offerings to the deities and Buddha and even dreamed of getting rich when they were sleeping, her master¡¯s luck was so good that it was heaven-defying.

    Her master should not stay at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As long as he was willing to go into business, he only needed to buy things here and there, and he would eventually ¡®buy¡¯ a nickname of the richest man in the world.

    In the past, Qiao Nan only heard of it. This time, she had personally encountered it. One could imagine how stunned she was.

 Chapter 1382 - It Is a Pigeon Egg, Right?

    <h4>Chapter 1382 It Is a Pigeon Egg, Right?</h4>

    Qiao Nan touched San Bao¡¯s face. Why was she having a hunch that she had found her three children an extremely capable master grandpa?

    Seeing the stupefied expression on his disciple, Lin Yuankang secretly felt verycent. ¡°Alright, the triplets are still very young. They don¡¯t know how to keep these things. Perhaps they may casually throw them away and we won¡¯t be able to find them thereafter. You¡¯re their mother. Take care of these items on their behalf first. You can return to them after they grow up.¡± After finishing his words, Lin Yuankang pushed the pile of cabbage-like diamond essories to Qiao Nan.

    Until now, Lin Yuankang still remembered the serious demeanor of his little disciple when she told him that she would support him financially in his old age.

    Snort! Snort!

    With the money in his pocket, it was the other way round. He could support his little disciple in her old age!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face contorted. She felt terrible. ¡°Master...¡± She really did not wish to ept her set of gifts. Judging from the crystal-clear look of these diamonds, they must be extremely costly. She dared not even think of the total value of the entire set. It if was possible, Qiao Nan did not even wish to ept the gifts for the triplets.

    ¡°If you know that I am your master, you have to listen to me.¡± Lin Yuankang¡¯s tone became strict and serious. ¡°It is not good to decline the request from an elder. Have you heard of this saying? You have to remember that I am always your master. I will always support you. You just have to move forward daringly, rx, and do what you want to do.¡±

    Old Master Zhai carried Er Bao onto his thighs and sneered. ¡°Does my granddaughter-inw need you to support her or give her backing and assurance in whatever she does? Do you treat our Zhai family as dead?¡± Clearly, Lin Yuankang was not telling these to his granddaughter-inw but the Zhai family.

    Lin Yuankang gave him a sideways nce. ¡°Will one shun having enough assurance? The more backing, the merrier. Also, if the Zhai family is so capable, shouldn¡¯t you give your grandson some backing first? If not for my help, these three pitiful little grand-disciples of mine would have so little time with their father.¡±

    Lin Yuankang had neither son nor daughter in this life. Hence, he also did not have any grandchild.

    However, he did not hope that his three favorite grand-disciples would see so little of their father during their childhood. It was as if they did not have a father.

    At this point, it was inevitable that Lin Yuankang was a little picky. He felt that Zhai Sheng was a stinky soldier who was notpatible with his little disciple. It was so easy for his little disciple to suffer because of him.

    Fortunately, Old Master Zhai had mellowed over the years. If Old Master Zhai was still young when Elder Lin said these, given his explosive temper, he would have dragged Elder Lin outside for a duel. ¡°What do you know? You only need to talk. But the things in the army... When you make one move, it can cause a domino effect. It¡¯s not so simple. As a soldier, one has to put the country¡¯s and citizens¡¯ interests before his own. We can only put personal petty favors and grudges aside. You know nothing about all these principles!¡±

    The one who bore the surname Lin only needed to have catfights with foreigners. If the other party was polite, he would be as well. Otherwise, he would strip the other party naked, not leaving any face.

    However, how could one be so direct in the army? One should not harm the nation¡¯s interest because of personal conflict. One had to know that the borders of China had not been very peaceful. Those countries were itching to stir up troubles.

    On this point, the only thing that Old Master Zhai was satisfied with Peng Yu was that thetter still had some character of a soldier. He did not bow his head in front of these overarching principles.

    ¡°After speaking for so long, you¡¯re just smoking others with your altruistic theories but you can¡¯t do anything.¡± Lin Yuankang could not be bothered to continue chatting with Old Master Zhai, this boorish fellow. Did he really think that it was so easy to handle the matters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was considered burning the brains then.

    At the sight of these two heavy-weight old masters fuming, Qiao Nan nudged San Bao¡¯s buttocks to hint at her to appease Lin Yuankang. One¡¯s attention could be easily diverted due to a child¡¯s coaxing. Actually, an elder was very simr to a child. It was very easy to coax them.

    True enough, as soon as San Bao acted adorably, Lin Yuankang smiled so happily that he could not be bothered about Old Master Zhai, this ignorant man.

    As for Old Master Zhai, after Da Bao and Er Bao struggled to the floor, they faced Old Master Zhai and showed their kicks and punches, cajoling Old Master Zhai until he was grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Da Bao and Er Bao are very good with your boxing.¡± When the two children were older, he could impart the boxing in the army to Da Bao and Er Bao.

    At the thought that he could bring these two great-grandchildren to practice boxing in the morning in front of his oldrades and make them feel extremely envious, Old Master Zhai was smiling like an old chrysanthemum flower. He had also cast Lin Yuankang aside.

    When the two old masters were smiling, one-by-one, the younger ones heaved a sigh of relief.

    Although Zhai Yaohui was already the chief and Old Master Zhai and Lin Yuankang were retired, one was his biological father whereas the other was a senior whom he respected. Zhai Yaohui dared not offend either of them. He also dared not express any displeasure to the two of them.

    Thankfully, he had three good grandchildren who could appease these two old masters.

    There was some animosity between the two old masters. As the juniors, they were in a very difficult position. It was wrong to side with either of them, and they also had to worry if they would anger them and affect their health. Zhai Yaohui quietly sized up his three little grandchildren. These three babies were really the miraculous fire extinguishers for everyone in the family!

    Finally, the fumes between the two masters had been extinguished. Qiao Nan dared not bring up the question of whether to ept these diamonds. One had to know. Wasn¡¯t the fume of gunpowder earlier caused by these things?

    Looking at the pile of items that cost an arm and leg, Qiao Nan immediately pulled a long face. ¡°Brother Zhai, should we buy a safe box?¡± If they were to simply store these in the bank, she was very worried that others would misunderstand the Zhai family for having an illegal ie.

    Jewelry,vish clothes, and everything that a woman wished for¡ªQiao Nan did notck any of them. She had so many of them that she was dying from worry. ¡°I am scared of keeping these things.¡± She took out one of the rings. ¡°Brother Zhai, is this as big as a pigeon egg?¡±

    Zhai Sheng reached out his hands and held onto Qiao Nan¡¯s trembling hand. ¡°Do you need to be like this? No matter how costly it is, it is ultimately just a piece of stone. Since Elder Lin gave it to you, it¡¯s yours. You don¡¯t need to feel so burdened. Elder Lin doesn¡¯tck these things. If you are really worried, I will bring back a safe box tomorrow for you.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at the size of the diamond. ¡°Pigeon egg? Thereabouts.¡±

    As soon as she received the confirmation, Qiao Nan felt so lost that she wished to cover the ring and hide it.

    Damn! This was the legendary pigeon egg. She actually became an owner of it. And it was not given to her by her husband but master! Qiao Nan had a hunch... Why did this matter seem so surreal and unreal?

 Chapter 1383 - Graduated

    <h4>Chapter 1383 Graduated</h4>

    Zhai Sheng could not understand Qiao Nan¡¯s anxiety and panic. He helped Qiao Nan put away these items in the drawer that Qiao Nan used to store such valuables. Without giving her a chance, he carried her onto the bed. ¡°The triplets are asleep. If you do that again, you will have to coax them when they wake up. It¡¯s in the wee hours of the night. Don¡¯t find extra work to do.¡±

    Peng Yu¡¯s return meant that Zhai Sheng¡¯s holiday was over.

    With such a time constraint, how could Zhai Sheng indulge Qiao Nan, facing a pile of non-living things and making himself feel lonely? For the sake of improving the couple¡¯s rtionship and deepening their bond, Zhai Sheng would rather the two of them interact more than to waste their time on a pile of non-living things. The bond between the couple would strengthen until it was unbreakable then.

    When Qiao Nan was feeling dizzy and devotedly clinging onto Zhai Sheng, he eximed. True enough, saying a hundred words was not as effective as ¡®doing¡¯ one thing.

    ¡°Junior Qiao, congrattions on graduating.¡± In the blink of an eye, it was the time of graduation again. Xu Shengnan specially bought fresh flowers and returned to the school to give them to Qiao Nan. She wanted to be there to see Qiao Nan in her graduation cap and graduating.

    This day, Qiao Nan was smiling brightly. ¡°Senior Xu, thank you.¡± She had finally fulfilled her studies dream. She was a college student who had graduated!

    Xu Shengnan smiled happily. She felt happier than the day of her own graduation. They had known each other for a few years. Qiao Nan had never mentioned to Xu Shengnan about the situation of her maternal family. However, after Xu Shengnan got to know Fang Fang and interacted with her boss¡¯ girlfriend, Xu Shengnan then found out that Qiao Nan¡¯s life before marriage was not very good although she married well.

    Xu Shengnan dared not believe that there was such a mother in the world. Since both were daughters, why did she have to be so biased? It was as if one of the biological daughters, Qiao Nan, was picked up from the streets. It was utterly disappointing.

    After knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Xu Shengnan was extremely grateful to her own parents because they had never treated her in that way.

    After working for two to three years, Xu Shengnan bought a house and could bring her parents from the hometown to live there. However, the elders were not used to the pace of life in a big city. In particr, in the countryside, they grew their own vegetables and did not need to spend money to buy them. In the capital, if one were to top up a little money on the cost of a te of vegetables, they could have meat in the hometown.

    Hence, the elderly couple woulde and live in the capital asionally and help their daughter clean up the house. However, they still lived in the countryside most of the time.

    Although that was the case, Xu Shengnan had be famous in her hometown. She had bought a house in the capital after working for just a few years. She even wanted to bring the elderly parents over to stay. The elderly were very pleased that this child was not only promising but also filial.

    Each time Xu Shengnan¡¯s parentse to the capital to visit her, they would bring many local specialty products and ask Xu Shengnan to pass them to Qiao Nan. Although they had never met Qiao Nan, they had always been grateful to Qiao Nan for giving their daughter such a good opportunity, allowing her to progress so well.

    When they knew that Qiao Nan was graduating, the Xu parents had reminded Xu Shengnan to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation.

    ¡°Mom, hug.¡± Qiao Nan had just chatted shortly with Xu Shengnan when San Bao intercepted and requested for her mother¡¯s hug.

    Qiao Nan smiled, squatted down, and carried her little princess. ¡°You have to hold the graduation cap for Mom. Don¡¯t let it drop.¡±

    ¡°Yes, with me around, I must not let Mom¡¯s cap fall. Mom, don¡¯t worry.¡± San Bao nodded. She had already reached out her tender hands to hold onto Qiao Nan¡¯s cap. ¡°Mom, your clothes are nice. I also want to wear this when I grow up.¡±

    San Bao disliked dark-colored clothes. However, she knew that not any Tom, Dick, and Harry could wear what her mother was wearing now. It represented a certain form of status.

    When San Bao was at home, she often heard her grandparents and master grandpa said that her mother was very smart and always came in top in her examinations. Even after she attended college, she had received schrship prizes constantly. Only smart people who did well in the studies could wear what her mother was wearing now.

    She was her mother¡¯s daughter. In the future, she would be as smart as her mother and perform wonderfully in her studies. She would then wear this dark-colored robe and square graduation cap. ¡°Mom, this cap. Can you let me wear?¡±

    ¡°Okay, let San Bao wear.¡± How could Qiao Nan feel angry at her own daughter? Without a word, she took down the graduation cap and ced it on San Bao¡¯s head. San Bao had always been closer to her mother. When she wore the cap, her little face was full of happiness. She chuckled from time to time and even kicked a few times.

    Qiao Nan pped San Bao¡¯s little buttocks. ¡°Don¡¯t move abruptly. Mom has little strength. If you move abruptly, Mom can¡¯t hold onto you.¡± Before San Bao was two years old, she put on weight especially well. When she was taking milk, the flesh on her body should be considered milk fats. Qiao Nan thought that these scary fats would go away when she weaned the children.

    However, what worried Qiao Nan most was that, even after taking solid foods and until they were two years old, more fats grew on the three children instead. The difference was the initial fats due to milk were now real fats.

    Chubby children were definitely cute. Although San Bao was already three years old, the chubby little babies were still very attractive. Qiao Nan was concerned that if the triplets were to continue growing at this rate, the Zhai family would have three fatties then.

    Qiao Nan had been worried about this for a long time.

    Well, San Bao loved looking pretty. After she knew how to express herself, she had to bring San Bao along during shopping and let San Bao pick the clothes herself. If the clothes were bought without San Bao¡¯s approval, she would reject wearing them if she was unhappy.

    The Zhai family had status and so many elders in the family indulged the children.

    Each time this happened, the elders did not think that San Bao was too bad-tempered. Neither did they order her to change this bad habit. They praised her instead and thought that the person giving the clothes should seek San Bao¡¯s opinion first.

    One had to know that San Bao was willing to wear any clothes that she picked, be it nice-looking or not. She would also wear it until she grew out of them.

    San Bao was very spoiled but she knew her limits.

    Given San Bao¡¯s behavior, the elders openly doted on her. As a result, Qiao Nan could not stop them at all.

    After San Bao relieved the kick of wearing Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation cap, she waved at her two brothers. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao,e here. I¡¯ll let you wear it.¡±

 Chapter 1384 - Is the One in Your Family Coming?

    <h4>Chapter 1384 Is the One in Your Family Coming?</h4>

    San Bao and Er Bao were staring enthusiastically at the graduation cap too. However, they knew that San Bao was the younger sister and they were used to protecting and giving way to her. The chubby little beans had no intention to fight with San Bao. However, as soon as San Bao spoke, Da Bao and Er Bao dashed over happily.

    San Bao kicked her legs and asked Qiao Nan to put her down to the ground.

    As soon as Qiao Nan squatted down, even before her feet touch the ground, San Bao was enthusiastically putting the graduation cap on Da Bao¡¯s head. ¡°Er Bao, wait a while. It will be your turnter.¡±

    Er Bao nodded. ¡°I will wait.¡±

    Qiao Nan was the most eye-catching one amongst the batch of students who graduated today. Xu Shengnan could not stop smiling. ¡°Those people have been staring at you. Tell me. After today, will they suffer from retinal detachments? I can¡¯t wait to take a te and pass by all of them one by one. Their eyeballs are popping out soon!¡±

    It was the graduation day. Such a memorable asion was worth celebrating. Many graduates had their parents keeping thempany to savor thest memories in the school.

    Qiao Nan also had her family members by the side. The difference was... others had elders with them but Qiao Nan had juniors: three adorable and extremely cute little dolls.

    When she heard the three children addressed Qiao Nan as ¡®mom¡¯, Xu Shengnan felt so ted.

    Two years ago, when she was dropped the bomb that this junior of hers was not only married but also a mother of three, her expression looked worse than these people¡¯s.

    ¡°You¡¯re graduating today. How is it? Is the one in your familying? This is such an important moment. If he doesn¡¯t appear, he¡¯s being too much, no?¡± Xu Shengnan did not ask if Qiao Nan¡¯s inws and maternal family would being.

    Xu Shengnan did not harbor any hopes on Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family. In her view, it was better for her maternal family to be absent. If they were toe, perhaps a normal graduation ceremony would turn into an embarrassing event for Qiao Nan in the Peking University.

    As for Qiao Nan¡¯s inws, they would definitely not embarrass Qiao Nan. The problem was that there would be too much limelight on them.

    Even the appearance of the old chief¡¯s wife would be spotted by some people and it would then cause a stir in the school, let alone Qiao Nan¡¯s father-inw. Having studied and worked in the capital for so many years, Xu Shengnan dared not underestimate the people in the capital. In Peking University, there were more than a few people who also had prominent backgrounds like Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Not sure.¡± Qiao Nan could barely cope with her vision. She was keeping a tight watch on her three children. Since they were three years old, it was too painful for Qiao Nan. These were not three-year-old kids. They were clearly escaping wild horses that she could not hold onto.

    When Qiao Nan was not paying attention for a moment, the triplets were already ying and running in various directions.

    Da Bao was the eldest one and better behaved. As long as Qiao Nan yelled, Da Bao would definitely return to Qiao Nan¡¯s side as soon as possible. Er Bao, this mischievous boy, was different. He was itching to have fun in bustling ces. If he did not do anything to attract everyone¡¯s attention, he would feel very restless the entire day.

    Zhai Hua oftenughed and said that crowds would tempt Er Bao. If one did not allow Er Bao to vent his energy, he would fight them until the end.

    As for San Bao, when she turned crazy, she loved to free herself and run about, always looking so adorable.

    Each time this happened, Qiao Nan would first evoke a sense of responsibility of an elder brother in Da Bao. She would let him catch hold of San Bao while she ran to Er Bao. After she cooperated and allowed Er Bao to have his fun, she would detain him by her side in case he escaped again.

    In fact, Qiao Nan especially did not want to bring the triplets here today.

    It was not because she was not willing to let her children witness such a meaningful moment of her graduation. Really, when the triplets acted up, shepletely could not rein them alone. Three-year-old kids were annoying, indeed.

    In the blink of an eye, the situation that Qiao Nan was most worried about happened. Whoosh! The strength of the triplets¡¯ kicks could beparable to that of a ser yer. They happily ran in various directions.

    ¡°Senior Xu, help me look after San Bao. I will get Er Bao.¡± It was a graduation ceremony but Qiao Nan was so pathetic now. She was as different as day and night from the rumors of her cold and arrogant personality.

    Cold and arrogant?

    Aside from the beautiful face that verified the rumors, this invisible school belle was neither proud nor cold. She was very down-to-earth, so down-to-earth that she was already a mother. She made many young men¡¯s heart break into pieces that littered the floor; they could not be swept away.

    It was still fine for others. However, when Qiao Nan¡¯s cohort heard such beautiful and adorable children calling Qiao Nan ¡®mom¡¯, that shock and bizarreness could not be described with words at all. Five words instantly appeared in their hearts: What the hell was this!

    After taking great pains to grab hold of her three children, Qiao Nan wiped her sweat. ¡°The three of you... Have you forgotten what you promised Mom when you were at home? If you do this again, Mom will not believe you anymore.¡± Precisely, as her inws and biological parents were all noting, Qiao Nan had wanted to go through today¡¯s graduation ceremony peacefully.

    Celebration was not important. Most importantly, she had graduated from college with flying colors!

    However, her mother-inw insisted that this was not good. She felt that it would be too aggrieved for Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, her triplets volunteered themselves to keep their motherpany. Before the elders, they put it so nicely. They expressed that they would definitely be obedient and listen to their mother, and not stir up any trouble for her.

    In actual fact...

    Holding onto the three kids who were obviously less chubby now, Qiao Nan smiled grimly. She felt that these three kids could slim down not because they ate less but they were too naughty and wild. After running more, the fats on their bodies also reduced.

    Children were definitely angels when they were obedient. But when they were not, they were scarier than devils and this often drove Qiao Nan mad. After all, Qiao Nan had to endure three times what a typical mother had to.

    After helping Qiao Nan bring back the kids, the corners of Xu Shengnan¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°The triplets are very beautiful and people really want to dote on them when they are obedient. But looking at you earlier, I have decided to date a few more years with my boyfriend. Having children and stuff, I will take my time to decide in the future.¡± Even the gentle Junior Qiao could not help going crazy in front of her three children.

    Xu Shengnan thought of her own temper, which was much worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s. She was not confident that she could take a child in hand even if she had only one.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± At this juncture, Qiao Nan could not bring herself tough further.

 Chapter 1385 - The Husband Is Here

    <h4>Chapter 1385 The Husband Is Here</h4>

    ¡°Thankfully, I can send all of you to early childhood school after the summer break.¡±

    ¡°San Bao is going to school?¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up and she raised her voice. She was thrilled. ¡°Going to school! San Bao is going to school! San Bao will rank first like Mom!¡±

    Er Bao sighed, patting San Bao on the shoulder tofort her. His tone was regretful and sorry. ¡°San Bao, you can give up your dream of ranking first. I will be in the first ce.¡± He was the closest to his mom. He would be the one who always ranked first like her. San Bao was too delicate. She would not be able to rank first.

    Da Bao arched his eyebrows. His silent demeanor was simr to his father, Zhai Sheng. He was only three years old but he already resembled his father¡¯s temperament.

    Although Da Bao did not say anything, Qiao Nan could tell from his expression that he was saying that he would rank first. The two little brats should not waste their efforts to fight with him.

    In short, the three children wanted to fight for the first ce, and neither would give in to the other. It was as if one would not care about kinships on the battlefields.

    Qiao Nan, exhausted, could not be bothered to dissuade them. ¡°Alright, the graduation ceremony is ending. Senior Xu, can you send the four of us back?¡± When the triplets first arrived at their mother¡¯s school, they were unfamiliar with the ce and there were a lot of strangers there. Therefore, they were more reserved and seemed to be quiet and well-behaved.

    That was why Qiao Nan was able to take it easy and rest at the beginning.

    But the triplets eventually familiarized themselves with the environment and began to make trouble for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan could not help but sigh in exasperation. She grabbed Xu Shengnan, refusing to let her leave. She was unable to take care of the three children by herself.

    Therefore, when she was at home previously, she had already stated that she was alright with going to her graduation ceremony by herself. She did not feel sorry that she had to attend her graduation ceremony by herself.

    Xu Shengnan was about to say yes when she noticed a tall and well-built man walking toward Qiao Nan from the back. She smiled. ¡°I have no problem in sending all of you back, but I am not interested in being the third wheel. I will not be able to be your escort today. It¡¯s okay. There will be a chance next time.¡± At least, the man had a conscience.

    Junior Qiao¡¯s inws might be powerful and influential, but it was useless if her husband and her inws did not treat her well.

    Junior Qiao was married at a very young age. Thankfully, her husband was considered to be quite a good catch. He was able to make time for Junior Qiao¡¯s graduation ceremony despite his busy schedule. He still had a conscience. There were a lot of temptations in the school, but Qiao Nan was not moved and she did not waver. She had made the right choice by choosing to be with her husband.

    ¡°Dad!¡± San Bao, who turned her head, was the first person to notice Zhai Sheng. Her loud, high-pitched voice attracted the attention of the other students.

    This was the first time that they saw Qiao Nan¡¯s children and realized that she was married.

    To their surprise, one hourter, their ¡®dad¡¯ would turn up as well. Qiao Nan was the school belle, yet she was married at such a young age.

    All the men present could not help but fix their gaze on the man whom San Bao addressed as her father and made aparison between the man and themselves secretly. Zhai Sheng stood tall and upright, exuding a domineering and aggressive aura. The young men who were about to join the workforce took a single nce and fixed their gaze on somewhere else hastily. They no longer dared to underestimate him.

    Zhai Sheng had been through many dangerous missions and braved the storm of shots and shells. He who had shed blood in his assignments looked powerful and dangerous. The college students who had just graduated were not his match.

    One nce at him and they knew that they could not afford to offend such a man like him!

    Qiao Nan looked in his direction and saw that it was indeed Zhai Sheng. She let go of San Bao whom she had been restraining from running around. San Bao screamed and dashed toward Zhai Sheng. She grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s pants with her tiny hands, and she lifted her leg into midair, wanting to get onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulder.

    When the triplets were less than two years old, they used to shun Zhai Sheng who would fight for their mother¡¯s attention with them. After the Lunar New Year, their nominal age was three years old, and they seemed to understand the importance of their father. They no longer shunned him but loved being around him instead.

    Under Old Master Zhai¡¯s and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s influence, the triplets would watch videos on The People¡¯s Liberation Army. They grew to adore and admire the soldiers. When they knew that the baddie father who was seldom home was a soldier as well, they were ted. They kept saying that their father was the national hero.

    The triplets had a rough idea of what a hero was, but it was under the elders¡¯ influence that they hailed their father as a national hero. In fact, they had no idea what it meant.

    Seeing how close his daughter was to him, Zhai Sheng¡¯s icy demeanor changed to reveal a bright smile on his face. ¡°San Bao, have you been obedient? Have you been listening to your mom?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± San Bao puffed her chest and shouted at the top of her voice. She totally forgot that she was being naughty three minutes ago.

    ¡°Dad, me too.¡± Da Bao would not lose to his sister. He was the best-behaved child among the three of them.

    Er Bao smiled until his eyes turned into crescent moon-like shapes. He seemed like a small Buddha. ¡°Yes, I am very well-behaved.¡±

    All of them wanted to show their heroic father that they had been well-behaved.

    Zhai Sheng smiled and did not expose their lies. He carried his daughter with one arm and walked toward Qiao Nan. By the time he stopped in front of Qiao Nan, his icy cold stare turned into a loving and tender gaze. ¡°Congrattions on your graduation. This is my gift to you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng took out a square box and passed it to Qiao Nan.

    Peking University was huge and packed with students. But Qiao Nan¡¯s family of five garnered the attention of everyone present. Many people held their breath as they waited to see the graduation present that Qiao Nan¡¯s husband gave her. From the size of the box, it did not look like a ne. Could it be a bangle or a ring?

    Yu Xiaoxiao¡¯s eyes felt dry. She could not help but blink. L¨¹ Yan had a tight grip on her sleeve. She gave her a slight push. ¡°Let go. Today is the graduation ceremony. What are you afraid of?¡± Although she had never seen the man in the school, it turned out that Qiao Nan was telling the truth when she said that she had a fianc¨¦.

    Now that she saw the three children, Yu Xiaoxiao was even more certain that Qiao Nan was engaged and married to the man.

    They spent four years in college and Qiao Nan¡¯s children seemed to be about two to three years old. Yu Xiaoxiao could not help but feel jealous and gloomy. However, she was not very certain what she was upset about.

    ¡°It turned out that he is a soldier.¡± They had been ssmates for four years. This was the first time that they saw Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦.

 Chapter 1386 - The School Belle Was Married

    <h4>Chapter 1386 The School Belle Was Married</h4>

    Tang Jiayun felt it the most deeply among all of them. As time passed, Tang Jiayun thought that the man who had never made an appearance was a lie that was cooked up by Qiao Nan. Or perhaps, they used to date but had broken up.

    When Tang Jiayun saw their three children, she was given a tight p for thinking that they had broken up.

    Qiao Nan did not break up with her boyfriend. Instead, she was married to him and they had three children. ¡°Hey, do you have some knowledge about this? What is the shoulder mark on the man¡¯s shoulder?¡± Tang Jiayun was clueless about the army. But from Zhai Sheng¡¯s demeanor, he did not seem to be an average soldier.

    ¡°Shhh...¡± Yu Xiaoxiao sucked in a breath. ¡°The man gave Qiao Nan a medal as a present? He must have a major meritorious performance to be awarded a medal.¡± The next step would be a promotion?

    It wasmon to be a soldier. But it was a different story to be able to rise through the ranks.

    Everyone was full of admiration that the box opened to reveal a medal instead of expensive jewelry. No oneughed at Zhai Sheng for being miserly.

    Everyone knew that the medal was hard toe by, so they were full of admiration for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan seemed to be married to apetent man who loved her and treated her well.

    As a soldier, it was his utmost honor to be awarded a medal. The man was willing to share the honor with Qiao Nan. It proved that he had a deep affection for Qiao Nan.

    Back then, there were rumors that Qiao Nan was a kept woman, and she lied that she had a fianc¨¦, but she was, in fact, covering it up.

    All these rumors seemed like a joke. Qiao Nan and her husband might not disy their affection for each other openly, but this was not because they did not really love each other. On the contrary, it was because they were fiercely loyal and true to each other.

    L¨¹ Yan could not help but shiver. ¡°Could this be considered as a military marriage? Is Qiao Nan a military wife?¡± If she knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦¡ªor rather, husband, was a soldier and he carried a gun, she would not have done stupid and foolish things.

    She was reminded of how she smeared Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation. It was June. L¨¹ Yan could not help but shiver under the hot sun.

    If the rumors that she spread affected Qiao Nan and their marriage hit the rocks, she would be guilty of destroying the military marriage. If so, she would be sent to jail!

    L¨¹ Yan finally understood at this moment the reason why the talented student from the journalism faculty transferred to another school and the entire family ended up leaving the capital to stay in another ce.

    Yu Xiaoxiao forced a smile on her face. ¡°Now, you know the truth? It has been a year since the incident. You didn¡¯t provoke Qiao Nan in the past one year and Qiao Nan did not target you either. What are you afraid of? Like I have said, you may have time on your hand and insist on provoking Qiao Nan, but she could not be bothered with you.¡± Qiao Nan and the rest of them did not belong in the same world. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, it has been so long. Don¡¯t you watch the news on the state-owned television channel?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± L¨¹ Yan was relieved that Qiao Nan was serious about not getting back at her. She was d that Qiao Nan was magnanimous. Other people might have already sent her out of the capital.

    Although L¨¹ Yan used to detest Qiao Nan, thinking that she was being pretentious, right now, she only had utmost respect and gratitude toward her. ¡°You should know my situation. I have not been working hard in my first and second years. If I did not buck up in thest two years, I would not be able to graduate today.¡± The exams would not cover the content about the news on the state-owned television channel. The school would not fail her if she did not watch the news.

    Since that was the case, she would rather devote her time to her studies. She had no time for other stuff.

    Yu Xiaoxiao had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°It¡¯s alright that you don¡¯t understand what I am saying. But one day you will. By then, you would rather you don¡¯t get it as well.¡± If possible, she had no wish to know the hard truth that she was worlds apart from Qiao Nan.

    Many yearster, He Yi¡¯s passed the position to her. To everyone, she had the second-top position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but in fact, she was the person in charge of the ministry. She represented the country to deal with foreign diplomats and to fight for the country¡¯s interests. In order to get the best deal for her country, she would engage in verbal banters. She was so good in her job that the foreign diplomats could not help but turn green in defeat. Yu Xiaoxiao cried when she saw this.

    Her child would ask her what was wrong.

    Yu Xiaoxiao wiped her tears, saying that it was too windy and the sand had gotten into her eyes.

    The child was baffled. They were watching television at home. Although it was windy outside, it was not windy at home. How could the sand get into his mother¡¯s eyes?

    Although he could not understand, he was full of admiration for the woman on the television, making Yu Xiaoxiao felt even gloomier. ¡°Mom, the diplomat is very capable. She is very beautiful and she does not seem to pose any threats. One could not help but turn softhearted toward her. But all of us know that when engaged in verbal banter with her, she is not to be trifled with. She is brilliant!¡±

    Yu Xiaoxiao smiled. She could not tell her son that the diplomat that he idolized was her former ssmate and she used to be her roommate. Many unhappy things happened between them and she was too ashamed to mention her even after all these years. She could not bring it to herself to say that she had a history with the famous diplomat.

    And right now, the man was handsome and the woman was beautiful. They were a perfect match.

    Although Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were not the prince and the princess in the fairytale, one was gentle and the other strong, one was tall and the other petite, and one was cold and indifferent while the other was as warm as the sun in the winter. The two of them made a perfect match. Theyplemented each other more so than the prince and the princess. The prince and the princess were a fairytale, while they were a real-life example of simple happiness.

    ¡°Being promoted?¡± This was not the first time that Qiao Nan saw the medal. In her four years in college, she had received four such medals. She received the first and fourth medals from her husband, the second medal from her best friend, Shi Qing, and the third medal from Zhu Baoguo.

    Other people might not have a single medal in their entire life, but Qiao Nan was able to have four medals in four years.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. He pinned the medal on Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes. ¡°Yes, I have been promoted.¡± It had been four years. He would be embarrassed if he did not get a promotion.

    ¡°Congrattions.¡± Qiao Nan congratted Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Congrattions.¡± Zhai Sheng congratted Qiao Nan as well.

    San Bao smiled happily. ¡°Congrattions to all!¡±

    Er Bao touched his tummy. ¡°Papa, Mama, I am hungry. I want to eat.¡±

 Chapter 1387 - Two Fathers and One Mother

    <h4>Chapter 1387 Two Fathers and One Mother</h4>

    Da Bao grabbed the hemline of Zhai Sheng¡¯s military uniform. ¡°I am hungry as well. Papa, Mama, let¡¯s go home. Grandma is waiting for us at home.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go home.¡± Zhai Sheng held his daughter with one arm and held the hands of his eldest son. Qiao Nan held Er Bao¡¯s hands and the blessed family of five left the school under everyone¡¯s admiring gaze.

    All the baseless rumors surrounding Qiao Nan in the past four years turned out to be a pack of lies.

    ¡°Auntie, hug, hug.¡± As soon as they reached home, they could smell the aroma of the piping hot dishes. The triplets kept moaning that they were hungry. Qiao Nan had just entered the house and changed her shoes when a tiny, soft and cute boy hugged her calf. The person spoke in his baby voice and he even smelled like the milk candy.

    The boy who addressed Qiao Nan as his auntie was none other than Zhai Hua¡¯s and Tian Dong¡¯s son, Tian Yu.

    Tian Dong¡¯s parents were overjoyed after Zhai Hua gave birth to Tian Yu. They had waited all these years, and they finally had a grandson. They no longer had anyints at the moment they saw Tian Yu. It was worth the wait.

    Tian Yu looked very much like his father, Dongzi. He was tiny and soft. He had a fairplexion, like a glutinous rice ball. After the child was born, he had to go to the hospital for vinations. Whenever the elders brought Tian Yu to the hospital, the first question that came to other people¡¯s minds when they saw him was that the child looked beautiful and that she must be a girl.

    Perhaps while Tian Yu was in Zhai Hua¡¯s tummy, through her prenatal education or her influence, Tian Yu was particrly fond of Qiao Nan, his auntie. When he was able to mutter words, as long as Qiao Nan was in his sight, he would want her to hug her, or else, he would bawl his eyes out!

    Tian Dong might be fair-looking, but he was still a man. The reason why Zhai Hua liked Tian Dong and was willing to start a family with him was that he was as well-built as a soldier. Zhai Hua might be a female, but as a soldier, she was all muscles but no fat.

    In that case, Tian Yu¡¯s parents were both hard and stiff. This was a torture to Tian Yu, who was still a baby.

    He preferred to be held by his auntie who smelled nice and soft. He felt extremelyfortable in her embrace.

    Perhaps because Zhai Hua was all muscles and she was not all soft like the usual women that Tian Yu did something hrious when he learned to talk. He addressed Tian Dong as his father and when he turned to see Zhai Hua, he addressed her as his father as well. They believed that Tian Yu was still young, and he was learning to talk. He only knew how to say the word ¡®father¡¯, so he would address everyone as ¡®father¡¯.

    However, Tian Yu never addressed his grandpa or grandma as ¡®father¡¯.

    By the time he learned how to say ¡®mother¡¯, he would address Qiao Nan as his mother. Therefore, Tian Yu ended up having two fathers and one mother.

    The triplets were not petty about it, but Zhai Sheng was very unhappy about it. ¡°Zhai Hua is from the Zhai family and has high intelligence. Tian Yu could not tell who his dad is. He must have inherited the bad genes from the Tian family. The Zhai family has good genes, but we are implicated by the Tian family!¡±

    If his nephew addressed his wife as his mother and Tian Dong as his father, what would that make him be?!

    In short, if the children were clever, they must have inherited the good genes from the Zhai family. On the other hand, if they behaved foolishly, it must be due to the Tian family.

    Zhai Hua was Tian Yu¡¯s mother. She smiled at Tian Yu for a long while before she boasted shamelessly. ¡°Zhai Sheng is very right!¡±

    If her son was clever, he must have inherited her good genes. As for the areas where he was being muddled, it must be due to the Tian family. Even so, Zhai Hua did not mind that her son addressed her as his father. If it was other women, she must have burst out in tears. But when it happened to Zhai Hua, she seemed to be nonchnt about it.

    To her, in terms of appearance, she would be a better and more suitable father than Tian Dong.

    No matter what, Tian Yu felt that his parents¡¯ embrace was not asfortable as his auntie¡¯s. As long as he had the chance, he would follow his mother to his maternal grandma¡¯s house. Once he reached her house, Tian Yu would look for no one but Qiao Nan.

    San Bao sighed at Tian Yu¡¯s behavior. ¡°He is such a small baby. He is very attached to the adults.¡± San Bao seemed to be very proud of herself. It was as if she did not pester Qiao Nan to hug her in school today.

    ¡°Xiao Bao, be good. I will have to wash my hands before I carry you.¡± Although the child who hugged her calf was very adorable, Qiao Nan did notpromise. If Qiao Nan just came back home, she would always wash her hands before she carried the children.

    Although the triplets were three years old while Tian Yu was more than one year old, and they should have a stronger immune system than before, she would still keep her habit of washing her hands.

    Tian Yu¡¯s face was fair and tender. He nodded abidingly. ¡°Okay, hurry.¡± Tian Yu released his tiny, chubby hands and trailed after Qiao Nan obediently, like her tail. Once he saw that Qiao Nan had washed her hands, he did not wait for her but ran up to her and spread his hands, asking her to carry him.

    Qiao Nan carried Tian Yu in her arms in one go. ¡°Xiao Bao, have you been good and had your meals recently? Your brothers and sister weighed a few kilograms heavier than you when they were your age.¡±

    Qiao Nan was ¡®brooding¡¯ over the fact that her triplets were very chubby when they were younger.

    Children would look good if they were chubby. But the problem was they kept pestering her to carry them. She seemed to be training her arms every day. Although she looked slim and had no physical strength, she had muscles on her arms. That was because she carried her babies every day.

    Compared to her triplets, Tian Yu might seem to be fat and chubby, but he was lighter than her triplets when they were at the same age. This was the time where the children would put on weight. Her children would put on weight even when they drank water. Therefore, the only exnation why Tian Yu did not gain weight must be that he did not eat well.

    Tian Yu shook his head. ¡°Xiao Bao, obedient. Rice, smells good.¡± He listened to his auntie and would have proper meals every day.

    Zhai Hua stepped in to testify for her son. ¡°Nan Nan, Xiao Bao did not lie to you. As Zhai Sheng has said, Xiao Bao takes after his dad. He has a good appetite. He will have three proper meals and three light meals daily. Despite eating so much, he did not put on weight. I remembered that his dad was like him when he was at his age.¡± No matter how much Dongzi ate, he would not put on weight. That was why other people thought that he was a youngdy and bullied him.

    Otherwise, since Dongzi had a huge appetite, he should put on weight, and if he was chubby and had a big frame, no one would mistake him for a girl.

    Tian Yu nodded smilingly. His mama was right. It was his father¡¯s fault that he did not put on weight.

 Chapter 1388 - Liked Auntie Bes

    <h4>Chapter 1388 Liked Auntie Bes</h4>

    Zhai Hua patted the seat next to her. ¡°Have a seat over here. You graduated from college today. Congrattions. Will you be angry that I didn¡¯t go?¡± Since she was at home, Zhai Hua wanted to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation ceremony. It was such an important asion for her.

    Actually, the reason why Zhai Hua was at the Zhai Sheng¡¯s residence instead of the army was that, like Zhai Sheng, she took time off to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation ceremony. This was a very meaningful asion.

    Everyone around Qiao Nan had the tacit understanding not to mention the Qiao family at such an important day.

    Since the Qiao family could not be there and be happy for her like what elders would, the Zhai family must make sure that they could be present to congratte Qiao Nan. That was why Zhai Hua returned to the Zhai family¡¯s residence one day earlier than Zhai Sheng.

    However, when she was about to leave in the morning, Tian Dong, who was jealous, made a phone call to his office, postponing the meeting in the morning to one hourter. The boss who was neverte said that he was unwell and would reach the officeter than usual.

    Tian Dong was unwell and leftter than usual for the office. As his wife, Zhai Hua had to apany him and she could only leave the house about an hourter.

    If Zhai Hua went to Peking University, it would be meaningless as the ceremony would be almost over.

    True enough, minutes after she brought her son to her parental family and took a seat on the chair, she saw Zhai Shenging back with Qiao Nan. The three triplets kept chatting and hovered around Qiao Nan like three little sparrows. The family of five seemed to be in high spirits.

    ¡°Not at all.¡± Her husband and her children were with her on such an important asion. To her, all her loved ones were already with her. There was no reason for her to be angry. ¡°By the way, how is my master feeling today?¡±

    Many people wanted to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation ceremony, and Lin Yuankang was one of them.

    It had been ten years since Lin Yuankang took Qiao Nan in as his disciple. Lin Yuankang watched Qiao Nan as she grew up from a young and inexperienced youngdy to a marrieddy and a mother of three. Her triplets were old enough to run around. Ten years had passed, Lin Yuankang was getting on in years and he was not as healthy as before.

    Apart from Lin Yuankang, Old Master Zhai would need to visit the hospital asionally to do checkups and scans. He would feel ufortable all over his body and it would also affect his sleep.

    The elderly would not sleep as much as the youngsters. If they could not sleep well because of illnesses, they would feel lethargic for the entire day.

    The two elders nned to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation ceremony today but were dissuaded by Qiao Nan. She was indeed happy if they could attend her graduation ceremony, but she would be ted if they were able to attend any of the triplets¡¯ graduation ceremony.

    Miao Jing came out with a few cups of fresh fruit juices. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Elder Lin is doing well. I think the foot bath recently has been useful. Elder Lin was able to have a good sleep yesterday. He must have woken up not long ago. In a while, he woulde over to y with the three children even without you looking for him.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that is great.¡± Qiao Nan felt assured and heaved a sigh of relief after knowing that Elder Lin was feeling better today.

    Tian Yu blinked as he stared at the brightly colored fresh fruit juices. His mouth moved as if he was drinking the juices. He was so thirsty that he was close to drooling.

    Although Tian Yu could not wait to drink fruit juices, he knew that his auntie was in a conversation and was doing work. He should not interrupt her. If he wanted to drink fruit juices, he must wait.

    Qiao Nan gave Tian Yu a kiss on his little cheeks. ¡°Xiao Bao has such a good temper.¡± Qiao Nan took the fruit juice and fed Tian Yu slowly. Tian Yu smiled happily as he finally had the juices that he had been longing for. His eyes turned into crescent moon-like shapes. He made loud sounds as he drank the juices.

    ¡°This...¡± Zhai Hua felt like saying that it was because of her that Tian Yu was young but patient. But when she looked at her son who had a strong resemnce to her husband, she felt guilty and swallowed her words.

    Among the triplets, Da Bao was calm and steady, Er Bao was cheeky and full of mischief, and San Bao was impatient. Regardless of whether it was Da Bao, Er Bao, or San Bao, they were bustling and energetic. This was amon trait in the Zhai family.

    Zhai Hua was part of the Zhai family, but she did not have a good temper since a young age.

    On the contrary, although Tian Dong was a boy, he was fair and mild-tempered. He would stay quietly with the elders and watch as his peers yed and had fun. He would not join in the fun or be up to mischief. Even when there was delicious food, and all the children crowded around to snatch them, Tian Dong maintained his calm and nonchntposure as his peers snatched all the food away. He would stand coolly next to the elders, not crying or throwing tantrums.

    Zhai Hua knew that her son took after his father. His good behavior had nothing to do with the Zhai family.

    ¡°Xiao Bao, I will bring you over there to y.¡± Er Bao finished his full cup of fruit juice in one go. He noticed that everyone¡¯s attention was on Tian Yu, and he could not help but be up to mischief. Xiao Bao was so young and slow. He was not fun to y with. But he was willing to y with him. He was a good brother.

    Tian Yu looked at Er Bao. He was being put in a difficult position. Compared to being with his brother, he preferred to be in his auntie¡¯s embrace and for her to tell stories to him.

    Da Bao raised his eyebrows. He took Tian Yu¡¯s tiny hands as well. ¡°Let¡¯s y together.¡± His siblings were around. It was ridiculous that their mother hugged the younger brother instead of them. At his age, Da Bao could tell that Tian Yu had a different rtionship with himpared to Er Bao and San Bao.

    The three of them had the same mother and they stayed together in one house.

    Xiao Bao was given birth to by auntie. He would only get to see him in the day and they seldom slept together at night.

    It was alright that his mother carried Er Bao or San Bao. But why did the younger brother from auntie¡¯s house get the attention of his mother? He could tell that Er Bao was upset about this and was jealous of Xiao Bao. As the eldest brother, he was obligated to help his brother. Anyway, he felt jealous as well, and he wanted his mother to carry him.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Xiao Bao, let¡¯s y together.¡± Compared to Da Bao and Er Bao who reasoned things out but did not resort to force, San Bao, who was impatient, preferred getting into action. She held Tian Yu¡¯s hands, not allowing him to reject her. She led Tian Yu toward the pile of toys. Tian Yu had no choice but to trail after her.

    Among the three children, San Bao, who had beautiful eyes and nose, bore the strongest resemnce to their mother, Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1389 - Grandson Is the Closest Kin

    <h4>Chapter 1389 Grandson Is the Closest Kin</h4>

    Since Sister San Bao resembled his beloved auntie, Tian Yu could not say no to her invitation. He walked like a duck and trailed after the triplets. The four little radishes walked together toward the pile of toys.

    After Tian Yu turned his attention to the toys, he forgot about his beloved auntie and yed happily with his three brothers and sister.

    ¡°Tsk... Xiao Bao is no match for the triplets.¡± Zhai Hua was not angry that Xiao Bao was being tricked into ying with the triplets. Instead, she seemed to be watching a good show. Sheughed the loudest that her son was being made a fool.

    Miao Jing gave Zhai Hua a smack. ¡°Xiao Bao is still young and will not take issue with you. When he is older and sensible, you must not do this anymore. Otherwise, he will be angry and will not acknowledge you as his mom in the future. You are so petty-minded. Just because Dongzi was better-behaved than you when you were at a young age and your dad and I wouldpliment him, telling you to learn from him, you bear a grudge! If you are angry, you should take it out on Dongzi. If you dare to bully my maternal grandson, I will make you suffer for it.¡±

    Miao Jing sounded as if she looked down on her daughter.

    Zhai Hua could not defeat the adult, so she took it out on the child, but in fact, the child was Zhai Hua¡¯s son. Miao Jing thought to herself that she must have given birth to a worrisome spoilt brat.

    Zhai Hua snorted and touched her nose, not denying that it was true.

    Her mother knew her best.

    Zhai Hua bore grudges against Tian Dong as he was too outstanding when he was at a young age. She was always told to be moredylike and that she could not even bepared to Tian Dong who was a boy.

    Now that she ended up married to Tian Dong, she had no chance of taking her revenge.

    Since her son resembled Tian Dong when he was at a young age, Zhai Hua could not help but direct all her pent-up frustrations at Tian Yu. She enjoyed setting her son up!

    ¡°If Dongzi knew this, he will not let you off.¡± Miao Jing was not worried that her son-inw would be unhappy. She was worried that Tian Dong¡¯s parents would be displeased. Dongzi finally had a son when he was close to thirty years old. His parents adored and doted on the grandson. They could not wait to bring him around with them wherever they went.

    Apart from going to the Zhai family¡¯s residence, Tian Dong¡¯s parents would not allow Tian Yu to be out of their sight for too long, particrly Mother Tian. Since her grandson resembled her son when he was at a young age, she loved him dearly and doted on him.

    If she knew that her daughter-inw bullied her grandson, Miao Jing knew that Mother Tian would definitely side with the grandson instead of the daughter-inw.

    After they had a grandson, no one was more important than him. Their son was not as important, let alone their daughter-inw.

    The country adopted national family policy and each family could only have one child. There was no chance of Hua Hua getting pregnant in the future. She could no longer enjoy the days where she was being treated like the empress.

    Zhai Hua smiled embarrassedly. ¡°Mom, stop scaring me. I am with my parental family. That¡¯s why I am more rxed. When I am back at my inws¡¯ house, I won¡¯t be so foolish. Besides, Xiao Bao is my child. I will definitely dote on him. I am just joking with him. He is my life. I cherish and love him.¡±

    ¡°I know that you know what you are doing. I am just giving you a gentle reminder. You must watch your behavior in front of your mother-inw. No matter how outstanding a daughter-inw is, the grandson is the closest kin after all. I am afraid that once you are used to such behavior, you will behave as such in front of your mother-inw. After you are married, you may have led a good life in the past two years and had forgotten that there would always be issues between the mother-inw and the daughter-inw.¡±

    Tian Dong¡¯s parents were nice people. But no matter how nice the mother-inw was, she was not as close as one¡¯s mother.

    To Miao Jing, apart from Zhai Hua, her maternal grandson, Tian Yu was her closest kin in the Tian family. Miao Jing remained polite but not as close to them.

    Simrly, the Tian family treated the Zhai family in the same manner as well.

    One must know one¡¯s limitations. One should not be toocent.

    After getting married to Tian Dong, Zhai Hua had been leading a good life. Miao Jing was worried that Zhai Hua might forget about the previous unhappiness and pain. Miao Jing¡¯s only relief was that Zhai Hua had been married to Tian Dong for two years and Wei De did not show up or pester her daughter, causing her to do foolish deeds.

    As long as Wei De did not show up, and the Tian family kept a watch on Dongzi, Hua Hua and Dongzi would be able to lead a good life in the future.

    Zhai Hua nodded. She would remember her mother¡¯s words by heart. ¡°Alright, Mom, let¡¯s not talk about me anymore. I am doing well now. Today is Qiao Nan¡¯s big day. Shouldn¡¯t we focus on Nan Nan?¡± It was rare that she was back at home to celebrate Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation. If her mother kept worrying about her, she might steal Qiao Nan¡¯s limelight when Qiao Nan should be the center of attention.

    Qiao Nan leaned against Zhai Sheng. She did not mind at all. ¡°It¡¯s alright. It is just a graduation ceremony. I have been through four graduation ceremonies from elementary school to college. It is not that special. There is no need for a celebration. All of you should not ce too much importance on it.¡±

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan on the waist secretly. ¡°Are you serious when you said that you did not want anything?¡± Graduating from college was no simple feat. If Nan Nan wished for anything, he would try his best to fulfill her wish.

    ¡°What I am thinking right now is whether we could send the triplets to early childhood school in September.¡± Qiao Nan nced at the triplets who were having fun at the toy corner with a smile on her face. After she graduated, she would join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a permanent employee. In the future, she would be upied with work.

    She could no longer skive like when she was doing her internship. There would be times where she had to report to work early in the morning but knock offte at night. Deng Wenchang had been keeping a close watch on her for the past one year. She had no wish for Deng Wenchang to get hold of her chink in her armor.

    Qiao Nan would only be able to focus on her work if the triplets had found a suitable early childhood school and had confirmed their enrollment. Otherwise, as their mother, she had to put her attention on taking care of them.

    Miao Jing could empathize with Qiao Nan. ¡°I used to feel that no matter how tired I am taking care of the many children at home, I would be smiling in happiness. But right now...¡± The three children had turned three years old. It was an age where it was most exasperating for the adults.

    Right now, Miao Jing did not dare to bring the triplets out for a stroll by herself.

    She was worried that they might run off in different directions, and she would not be able to get them toe back.

 Chapter 1390 - Made It Sound As If It Was Real

    <h4>Chapter 1390 Made It Sound As If It Was Real</h4>

    She did not want to go out with three children only to end uping back missing one or two of them.

    The first time that such a situation arose, Miao Jing¡¯s back was already aching in pain despite only managing to get San Bao back. Her back was so sore that she could not straighten it. In the end, she had to muster all her strength to get the triplets back. This was the first time since her marriage to Zhai Yaohui that she had such a difficult time.

    Bringing her grandchildren out for a stroll was twice as tough as the collective farming associations back then where everyone would farm and transnt rice seedlings in the spring. Miao Jing, who led an easy life all these years, felt as if she had returned to her younger days where she led a collective lifestyle. She was lost in thought.

    Having been fooled once, Miao Jing was more cautious when she brought the triplets out for a stroll the next time. She would make sure that the auntie went with her. She would also get the family chauffeur to go with her. She would ensure that she had the same number of adults as the children before she would give in to the triplets¡¯ pleas to bring them out for a walk.

    Otherwise, if she did not manage to get two or more adults to go with her, Miao Jing would not allow the triplets to have a walk outside.

    ¡°Mom, it has been hard on you.¡± Qiao Nan abandoned Zhai Sheng to sit next to her mother-inw, massaging her shoulder and her waist to alleviate her backache. ¡°After the triplets go to early childhood school, both of us will be freed. The three children are too energetic. Mom, should we sign them up for some interests sses?¡±

    They had to find a way for the three children to expend their boundless energy so that by the time they fetched the triplets, they would be quieter and better-behaved, and they would not climb about like monkeys.

    Now that the triplets had turned three years old, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing could not handle their boundless energy.

    ¡°Nan Nan, if you can bear to part with them, I can bring them to the camp during the summer break.¡± There were child soldiers in the army. Of course, Zhai Sheng would not be in charge of them. The child soldiers were much older than the triplets. However, Zhai Sheng had faith in his children. Although they were only three years old, they would be able to adapt to and survive the lifestyle in the army and participate in activities simr to a summer camp.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Haven¡¯t we been through this topic? If the three children are interested, I will not interfere but support them no matter what they do. But they are still young and they could not tell what they really like. Therefore, I will not make the decision for them.¡±

    ¡°Is there any difference?¡± Zhai Sheng looked at his wife, feeling perplexed. It did not matter whether they joined the army one year earlier or one yearter. Nevertheless, the children in the Zhai family would have to go to the army.

    ¡°Of course there is!¡± There was a pain in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. ¡°They have finally shed their baby fat and be taller. If they have a darkplexion like you and end up being tall and dark, it would be a pain to watch them.¡± She could not ept that her children, who had a fairplexion like the soft and tender bread, ended up to be as dark as the sorghum bread.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Zhai Hua pped her thighs and broke out intoughter, disregarding Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings. ¡°This is an apt description. Like Qiao Nan, the triplets have a fairplexion and beautiful features. Zhai Sheng, if they stay in the army with you for a month, they will really be tanned.¡± It seemed that Qiao Nan was in a good mood today. She was unaffected by the Qiao family.

    Zhai Hua turned gloomy at the thought that before Qiao Nan returned home, the Qiao family gave a call to the Zhai family.

    After Qiao Zijin graduated, Zhai Sheng helped arrange a job for her. Qiao Zijin wanted to find a suitable husband, and so she gave a call to her childhood friends in Ping Cheng, telling them to make the introduction.

    It had been a year since Qiao Zijin graduated from school. They would not interfere if she no longer wanted to work and wanted to be a housewife.

    Qiao Zijin had agreed on a wedding date with her boyfriend and she immediately made a call to the Zhai family. One could tell from her tone that she was asking for her dowry.

    The Zhai family already knew what kind of person Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were. Ding Jiayi was not ashamed of asking for dowry from the Zhai family, but the Zhai family also knew to y dumb at times. They merely treated Ding Jiayi¡¯s words as a joke.

    Would they take her seriously?

    Of course not! Those who believed her would be fools!

    Zhai Hua did not take Ding Jiayi¡¯s request for dowry seriously, but she still gave Qiao Nan a gentle reminder. ¡°Nan Nan, didn¡¯t you say that there is someone by the surname of Deng who keeps targeting you at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? You should know that you have a clean history except for your parental family. Would he rake up the past scandals about your parental family to get back at you? In particr your mom, you should know that she is a disaster.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°It is not that easy for him to make use of the Qiao family to get back at me. He has been targeting me like a game fowl for more than one year. I am someone not to be trifled with. Everyone is bound to have a few troublesome rtives at home. The Deng family is not much better than the Qiao family. If I want to look into it, the Deng family is moreplicated than the Qiao family.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was used to mistreating and plotting against her. But she was timid and did not dare to do anything to outsiders. She was just a quail. She would not cause serious trouble.

    Qiao Nan was not worried about Ding Jiayi, but Qiao Zijin would be an issue. If Qiao Zijin was to go against her, Qiao Nan had no idea how far Qiao Zijin would go to make trouble for her. ¡°I remember that Qiao Zijin has a boyfriend and they have been together for more than a year. Did they say when they wanted to get married?¡±

    She remembered that in the previous life, Qiao Zijin was pregnant and had decided on a wedding date with Chen Jun at around this time.

    ¡°She did mention it. It was around National Day.¡± Ding Jiayi came up with a very grand reasoning for choosing this date. She said that Qiao Zijin doted on the triplets, so she picked this date to hold her wedding. Qiao Zijin wanted her wedding anniversary to be a few days away from the triplets¡¯ birthdays.

    In that case, whenever she thought of her wedding anniversary, she would be reminded that the triplets were born at the end of September. The triplets¡¯ birthday was a few days before her wedding anniversary.

    Hehehe, she had such good intentions.

    There were many people who chose to marry in October, around National Day. It was obvious that Qiao Zijin chose the date as National Day was round the corner. It had nothing to do with the triplets.

    Zhai Hua could not understand how could Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin be able toe up with such a tant lie, and they sounded as if they were telling the truth.

 Chapter 1391 - Might Part Ways Eventually

    <h4>Chapter 1391 Might Part Ways Eventually</h4>

    Qiao Nan lowered her eyes. ¡°That is a good date. Since she is getting married, as her rtive, I will still give her the necessary wedding gift. But she will never get more than necessary.¡± Although Qiao Nan would give her a mary gift, it would not be arge amount.

    When she got married, Qiao Zijin did not give her a single cent.

    Therefore, Qiao Nan had decided that the mary gift that she gave Qiao Zijin would only be slightly more than the usual. It was just so that it would look good on both of them, but she would not give any more than that. Qiao Nan did not care if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would be satisfied with the amount or not.

    Instead of wasting her time on Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan would rather spend time to think about how she should deal with Deng Wenchang after she went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow.

    Qiao Nan had been thinking whether she should find a chance to spot Deng Wenchang¡¯s mistake and send him out of the ministry. Up until today, Peng Yu still had not given up on arranging for Deng Wenchang to have a permanent spot in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She wondered what he had in mind.

    Since Peng Yu highly valued Deng Wenchang, even if he might be using the diversion tactic, Qiao Nan would fight Deng Wenchang until the end. ¡°By the way, Brother Zhai, did you see Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing before you came back this time? Don¡¯t tell me that they had returned to Ping Cheng?¡± She had graduated from college, while they had realized their dreams earlier than her, joining the army as soldiers.

    All these years, Qiao Nan had frequent contact with Shi Peng and his wife, but she had never visited the Shi family¡¯s residence. She had never once spoken to the legendary Old Master Shi.

    Feng Cheng used to be very close to the Feng family. She would listen to them regardless of what they told her. They also told her that Shi Qing should listen to her and behave herself and do things that would please her.

    When Shi Peng and his wife first moved to the capital, Feng Cheng was still used to listening to the Feng family.

    Shi Qing was in PLA National Defence University. What she did not know could not hurt her. However, Shi Peng could not stay nonchnt. As he had more contact with the Feng family, he was thankful that despite having such a parental family, his wife did not go down the wrong road.

    Since Feng Cheng was a girl, the Feng family did not educate her to behave in the same manner as them. They only told her to listen to whatever they said, instilling in her the idea that the Feng family always had her best interests at heart. Thankfully, they did not teach her the wrong ways. Otherwise, Shi Peng feared that their marriage might notst.

    Whenever he thought of the possibility that they might end up in a divorce, Shi Peng could not help but break out in cold sweat for Feng Cheng.

    He used to think that with Qi Min around, the Shi family was a dangerous spot, and Feng Cheng, who was pure and simple, could not survive there. But in fact, the Feng family was in a simr situation as the Shi family. During the times when he was in Ping Cheng, his wife would stay with the Feng family. Now that he thought about it, it was very risky. It was tantamount to walking on a tight-rope.

    After he realized the risk, he would have made an effort to widen the distance between Feng Cheng and the Feng family. Initially, Feng Cheng was unhappy. After listening to her family, she had the notion that Shi Peng felt arrogant as he was transferred to the capital based on his own effort and thus looked down on her family, thinking that they were of no help to him.

    Shi Peng stopped Feng Cheng from being close to the Feng family because he shunned the Feng family as they were poor and he feared that they would bask in his glory.

    Shi Peng felt wronged and unjustified.

 Chapter 1392 - Offer Advice

    <h4>Chapter 1392 Offer Advice</h4>

    All these years, it was the Feng family who was up to tricks and ploys. His daughter could see through their true colors and distanced herself from the Feng family, maintaining a polite rtionship with them.

    Qing Qing had already done that, but the Feng family did not do any reflection, and worst still, Feng Cheng had never once thought about this issue at all.

    Shi Peng and Feng Cheng had a closer rtionship during the times they were in Ping Cheng. It was as if they were back to the times when they were dating. But their rtionship turned sour when they moved to the capital and they had different opinions of the Feng family.

    Shi Peng hoped that Feng Cheng would calm down and ignore the fact that the Feng family was her parental family and see through their true colors as well as the Feng family¡¯s hidden intentions toward Shi Peng and his family. If Feng Cheng did not trust her husband, she should trust her daughter, Shi Qing.

    Qing Qing was a good and well-behaved girl, but she was not close with the Feng family. Since Feng Cheng was the mother, why could she not see the reality? Her daughter could see through their true colors, while Feng Cheng was deceived by them. It was absurd.

    Shi Peng could not understand women. Although they had been married for more than twenty years, it was only during the times when they dated and the period where they lived together in Ping Cheng did they have a closer rtionship. Once they started quarreling, Shi Peng did not know what to do with Feng Cheng.

    To Shi Peng, Qiao Nan was more than a niece. Shi Peng was used to treating Qiao Nan like a tree hole where he could confide and share his worries. He would seek Qiao Nan¡¯s advice tantly at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, sharing his concerns with her.

    Shi Peng and Shi Qing already had the habit of confiding in Qiao Nan back in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan had already gotten used to it. After she moved to the capital, she was not the least surprised when Shi Peng came looking for her. In fact, she had already guessed that he would seek her advice.

    Qiao Nan still remembered the Feng family¡¯s behavior four years ago.

    Since Shi Peng, the son-inw, could be of great help to the Feng family, they would not let go of such a good chance. It was alright that Shi Peng was not close to the Feng family. The Feng family could get what they wanted through their daughter, Feng Cheng. Unless Shi Peng divorced Feng Cheng, Shi Peng had to listen to Feng Cheng.

    After Shi Peng came looking for Qiao Nan, she offered him some advice. Firstly, she told him to put in extra effort at work and make sure that Feng Cheng could see that he was exhausted at work. Secondly, when Feng Cheng felt that she was being neglected, Shi Peng should take one week¡¯s leave and go on a holiday with her. Thirdly, during the holiday, Shi Peng must make it known to Feng Cheng that he had worked very hard to make the trip happen for the two of them. Fourthly, he must let her know that after he was transferred to the capital, despite having many issues at work, the Feng family had never helped him in politics or business.

    If Feng Cheng rebutted him, given Shi Peng¡¯s intelligence, he should know how to use her words to apply to the Feng family.

    It was inappropriate for the Feng family to help Shi Peng, and it was the same for Shi Peng as well.

    If the Feng family ¡®s excuse was that they wanted Shi Peng to toughen himself and attain a strong foothold in the capital, then Shi Peng could tell Feng Cheng that he was considering the interests of the Feng family as well.

    Qiao Nan did not know much about the political situation in the capital, but Shi Peng knew better than her. Shi Peng coulde up with several political reasons why he could not be close to the Feng family or help them.

    It was easy to tell one what was right, but when dealing with Feng Cheng, one had to use heartfelt words to move her first.

    All women would love it when her husband treated her well and loved her.

    Come to think of it, Shi Peng and Feng Cheng had been married for ages, but they had not gone on a holiday by themselves. Feng Cheng would be d to go on a trip with her husband. After knowing all that Shi Peng had gone through to make the trip possible, Feng Cheng would definitely be moved by him.

    Moreover, Feng Cheng loved Shi Peng and her daughter.

    Last but not least, Qiao Nan told Shi Peng to give Shi Qing a phone call and update her about the current situation. To Feng Cheng, apart from the Feng family who was her parental family, Shi Peng and Shi Qing were the two dearest people to her.

    Feng Cheng had been living with the Feng family for a long time and she had a close rtionship with them. This was why the Feng family was able to influence her.

    Simrly, as long as Shi Peng and Shi Qing were willing to work on strengthening their rtionship with Feng Cheng, it would not be easy for the Feng family to PK Shi Peng and Shi Qing and for Feng Cheng to listen to the Feng family.

    Qiao Nan did not know about politics. Shi Peng would have a better insight than her.

    However, after dealing with Qiao Zijin all these years, Qiao Nan was experienced with how to deal with siblings who fought among themselves as well as the mind games and schemes within the family. If she were to give a lesson, it would take days to impart all the knowledge to Shi Peng.

    Luckily, for certain cases, once one grasped the fundamental point, all the rest would follow. After chatting with Qiao Nan, Shi Peng thought hard about it, and he felt enlightened and was invigorated. He used the tactics that he used in his work on Feng Cheng.

    Shi Peng used to treat Feng Cheng as his wife and he had never thought of using the tactics that he deployed at work on her. After heeding Qiao Nan¡¯s advice, and being annoyed by the disgusting behavior of the Feng family, Shi Peng had no choice but to use the tactics on his wife.

    After being cornered by her husband and her daughter, Feng Cheng had no choice but to surrender.

    The Feng family had been living in the capital for ages. They should have a deeper influence than the Shi family. Like what her husband had said, under such circumstances, it was very good of the Shi family not to seek help from the Feng family. They did not be a hindrance to the Feng family or create trouble for them. If so, would it not be too much of the Feng family to seek help from Shi Peng?

    A married daughter was like water spilled. Qing Qing was her only daughter.

    If the Feng family did well, she was not certain if it would have a positive impact on Qing Qing. But her husband had said that if the Shi family did well, it would definitely do Qing Qing good.

    After brainwashing Feng Cheng, Shi Peng¡¯s family of three distanced themselves from the Feng family. Compared to the rtionship they had when Qiao Nan first came to the capital for her studies, they were not as close to them now.

    Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo performed very well in the army, particrly Shi Qing. There were more men than women in the army. Under such situations, Shi Qing, who was outstanding andpetent, stood out among the rest. Since she had major meritorious performance in the army in her previous assignment and she made minor contributions in three other assignments, she would no longer be a normal soldier in the next half of the year. She would be getting a promotion.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s strong friendship with Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing, although she had just graduated, she would not be considered as a leader without a following. She had verypetent partners andpanions. However, apart from people who were close to Qiao Nan, outsiders like Deng Wenchang were clueless.

 Chapter 1393 - The Arrival of Xiao Bao

    <h4>Chapter 1393 The Arrival of Xiao Bao</h4>

    ¡°No. They had yet to return to Ping Cheng. But I have no idea where they are now.¡± It was rare that Zhai Sheng did not sound displeased at the mention of Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing. ¡°I provided them with an opportunity. I suppose they will make use of this opportunity to achieve something big.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Therefore, the two stubborn children were out on a mission again. ¡°Why do I have the impression that the number of times that they went on missions in the past four years is higher than the normal soldiers?¡± It was impossible that the armycked soldiers and had to send the students on missions.

    ¡°On the contrary, they are young and hence more deceiving.¡± Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo were still novices when they first carried out missions. Although Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing looked as if they were still in school, the fearsome enemies might not turn soft-hearted toward them.

    But at the very least, they would not be as wary of Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing.

    Qiao Nan knitted her brows as she leaned against Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, take it easy. Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing have grown up. They can choose and take charge of their lives. I feel that what they are doing is too dangerous.¡± Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing were still young. Qiao Nan could look at it objectively when Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua went on missions. But she could not do so with Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing.

    If they were not soldiers, Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing would have an easier time during the four years in college.

    Compared to the adults who still lived with and depended on their parents, Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing had be independent at a very young age.

    Zhai Sheng tucked Qiao Nan¡¯s hair to the back of her ear. ¡°I know what I am doing. They have been working very hard. If they were not novices and needed my help, they would have fought for every chance to go on missions. Right now, all theyck is the opportunity. Even if I don¡¯t take the initiative to help them, they wille asking me for help.¡±

    Since this would happen eventually, Zhai Sheng did not mind that he took the initiative so that they would owe him a debt of gratitude.

    The reason being, Zhai Sheng was a jealous man. He still remembered on the day he married Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo tried very hard to tire him out so that he would be drained and could not spend the wedding night with Qiao Nan.

    Although Zhu Baoguo was his love rival, he had not even made his move but was defeated by him. As for Shi Qing, she was a woman. But if she fought with him for his wife, she would be a more dangerous opponent than men.

    When other men pestered Nan Nan, she could reject them without the slightest hesitation, not giving them the slightest chance. But if it was Shi Qing, Nan Nan would agree to all her requests. Take for instance, on Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding eve when Zhai Hua insisted on sleeping with Nan Nan. Zhai Sheng, who was married for three years, had to sleep by himself for the first time since his marriage.

    Zhai Sheng came to a conclusion from what happened with Zhai Hua. He was not worried about love rivals. Instead, he was worried about other women around Qiao Nan. They would pester his wife, refusing to let her go. Zhai Sheng could do nothing about them.

    Since he knew Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing well, Zhai Sheng was all the more willing to help them take on more difficult missions. Other people agonized over not having any opportunities, while Zhai Sheng gave them an array of missions to choose from.

    They were different from Wei De. He did not wish to take a risk or work hard. He only wanted to join Zhai Sheng in his missions to gain military credit when the missions were sessful, and he would then be able to get promoted.

    Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing belonged to the same group of people as Qiao Nan. They were hands-on and preferred actions over words.

    Zhai Sheng gave the two newbies an opportunity, and they proved their worth through their outstanding performance. Since that was the case, the higher-ups would turn a blind eye to Zhai Sheng¡¯s cheap tricks.

    After all, everyone knew that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s father was Chief Zhu. Besides, although Shi Qing was a woman, Shi Peng was her father. He might be working in the government now, but he used to be brave and good at fighting several years ago. He had made huge contributions to the army.

    If not for his poor health, Shi Peng would have been given an important role in the army now.

    Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing had fathers who had great aplishments in the army. No one had any doubts about their abilities. Instead, they felt that it was perfectly normal for them to perform well.

    ¡°Mama.¡± San Bao was unhappy that her father and mother sat very close to each other. Her father even reached out his hands to hug her mother. San Bao left her ymates and walked to stand between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. She tiptoed and climbed up the seat, squeezing in between her parents. It was not enough to sit between them. She held her mother¡¯s hand with one hand and her father¡¯s hand with another hand.

    San Bao finally felt satisfied. She kicked her legs and rxed. Although no one apanied her to y, she felt the happiest at this moment.

    ¡°Jiji?¡± Tian Yu held the toys in his hands and stood up, feeling perplexed. He looked toward San Bao. ¡°y?¡± The four of them were having fun ying together. What was wrong with the sister? Why did she run off? In that case, he wanted to be with his uncle and auntie as well. He wanted to be in his auntie¡¯s embrace and for her to hug him.

    ¡°What are you talking about? I am your elder sister.¡± San Bao was unhappy. ¡°Mama, I have told Xiao Bao several times, but why can¡¯t he learn to address me as his sister?¡± If Qiao Nan did not teach her to be polite and to take care of Tian Yu, the younger brother, she would have scolded him for being stupid.

    She remembered that when she, Da Bao, and Er Bao were younger, they were quite smart. They were able to speak coherently when they were at Xiao Bao¡¯s age. ¡°Mama, I feel that I did not give my younger brother a good pet name.¡±

    San Bao was the one who came up with ¡°Xiao Bao¡± as Tian Yu¡¯s pet name.

    San Bao was aware that Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao were their pet names. After Tian Yu was born, as the elder sister, San Bao felt that she had to do something for him.

    In the end, San Bao decided that she wanted toe up with a pet name for Tian Yu. She wanted to be a qualified elder sister.

    There were Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao in the family. Theycked a Xiao Bao in the family.

    The pet name was quite suitable. In the fourth generation of the Zhai family, apart from Tian Yu, it was unlikely that there would be another neer. Therefore, it was urate to say that he was Xiao Bao[1]. To the Tian family, Tian Yu was their only grandson, and they treasured him. Since he was still very young, they agreed to use ¡®Xiao Bao¡¯ as his pet name.

    Back then, San Bao had all sorts of reasons why it was suitable to have ¡®Xiao Bao¡¯ as Tian Yu¡¯s pet name. But right now, she felt that it did not match him at all.

    [1] Xiao means small in Chinese, while Bao means treasure in Chinese.

 Chapter 1394 - I Am the Big Sister

    <h4>Chapter 1394 I Am the Big Sister</h4>

    She, Da Bao, and Er Bao were very smart when they were very young. As part of the ¡®Bao¡¯ family, Tian Yu¡¯s performance had not been up to standard.

    No, she was having regrets now. She no longer wanted her younger brother, and she did not want to be the elder sister anymore.

    With Xiao Bao, the younger brother around, there would be one more person to fight for her mother¡¯s attention with her. It was so annoying.

    Qiao Nan was very patient with her child. ¡°San Bao, you can¡¯t say that of Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao might not be as fast as the rest of you in learning to talk, but he has more strength in his legs than all of you when you were at the same age. The three of you were not able to walk as steadily as Xiao Bao.¡±

    Not only was she trying to coax San Bao, but she was telling the truth as well.

    Tian Yu might be slower in learning to talk, but he started learning to walk at an early age. He could take a few steps with people¡¯s help when he was eight months old. By the time he was ten months old, Tian Yu did not need anyone to help him and he could take a few unsteady steps by himself. He could run around when he was not yet one year old.

    If he knew more words, he would be able to bring the money to run errands for the parents like those older children.

    Tian Yu had stronger legs than the Zhai family¡¯s triplets. When the triplets were more than one year old, they could only take unsteady steps. They seemed like newly-born small ducklings who could only take unsteady steps. The adults would be in a cold sweat of anxiety as they watched them take small steps. They were worried that they would fall back on their buttocks and refused to stand back up again.

    San Bao raised her eyebrows. ¡°How could that be? When I was running around, Xiao Bao was still feeding on the milk. Haven¡¯t I been walking more steadily than Xiao Bao? Why don¡¯t I remember any of this?¡± San Bao tried very hard to recollect. Her face turned red, but she still could not remember her unmorous past.

    How was it possible that Xiao Bao had stronger legs than her? Was her mother joking with her?

    Qiao Nan pinched her daughter¡¯s pouted lips. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask your grandma and master grandpa, and all the adults that you trust.¡± Qiao Nan was confident of what she told her daughter. All the witnesses around her could prove that she was telling the truth.

    Her mother insisted that she was telling the truth, and her grandma and auntie only sat by the side with a smile on their faces, not rebutting her mother. San Bao knew that it was likely that her mother was telling the truth.

    But she was angered. She insisted that she had no recollection of what happened back then. Since she had no memory of what happened, she refused to admit that she was slower in walking properly by herself. She was the big sister, it was normal for her to do better than Xiao Bao.

    She was older than Xiao Bao. If she was slower than him, it would be very embarrassing.

    San Bao was stubborn. But after that day, she had a better attitude toward Xiao Bao. Although he was younger and could not keep up with the triplets, San Bao was patient with him and would wait for him to join them to y.

    Qiao Nan had finally graduated from college. Zhai Sheng specially took a few days off to stay at home. His intention was to celebrate Qiao Nan¡¯s graduation for her and to go on a graduation trip with her.

    Zhai Sheng knew everything that Qiao Nan taught Shi Peng.

    He and Qiao Nan had a better rtionship than Shi Peng and his wife. But Zhai Sheng felt that because they had a good rtionship, all the more they should pay attention to the details. This was so that their rtionship would get better and they could be a married couple forever.

    Since Zhai Sheng put in so much effort and made so many ns, Qiao Nan could not say no. She had to agree to his suggestion.

    However, there was a vast difference in whether the couple had children or not.

    The triplets were older now and they knew how to express their wishes. Once they learned that their parents were going on a trip, they stated right away that they wanted to go along with them. With them around, their mother would not get bored with their father. Compared to their father, they were better at making their motherugh.

    Of course, Da Bao was the only one who felt that he was better than his father at making his motherugh.

    Da Bao still took issue with what Miao Jing once told him. She said that his father was the only one who could make his mother happy.

    Therefore, the couple trip ended up as a family trip with the five of them. Initially, Miao Jing also wanted to join them. She was no longer young. Although she used to travel a lot in the past, all of them were work trips. She never got to go on a holiday.

    She might have been to a lot of ces, but she had never shopped around, had good food, or gone sightseeing.

    Now that she finally had a chance to go on a holiday at her age, she could travel with her son and daughter-inw. While her son and daughter-inw had fun, she could help take care of the three children so that the children would not disturb the couple. She would y an important role if she joined the trip.

    As soon as Miao Jing made known of her intention to go on a trip with her son and daughter-inw, Zhai Yaohui stopped her immediately. ¡°Why would you join in the fun? There are already three third wheels. If you go along, I suppose Zhai Sheng will be in tears.¡± If his wife and his grandchildren went on a trip together, that would leave him by himself with the old master.

    Zhai Yaohui and Old Master Zhai got along well. But people from their generation were reserved and reticent. They had been father and son for so many years, but they had never spent time with each other without other people around.

    Zhai Yaohui could not imagine what would happen if they spent time alone. He did not care what was on Miao Jing¡¯s mind and insisted that she had to stay by his side, stopping her from making a meaningless attempt to join in the fun.

    After holding the family meeting, it was confirmed that Miao Jing would not join them, but the triplets managed to stick with their parents and set off for their first trip in their life.

    It was a short seven-day trip. Qiao Nan did not dare to travel overseas. She only nned to travel within the country.

    The trip must have two principal themes.

    Firstly, sightseeing among the hills.

    Secondly, touring the rivers and valleys.

    Coincidentally, the ce that Qiao Nan chose fulfilled these two themes.

    When they were climbing the hills, other families brought their children with them. They were younger than the triplets and they would cry and make a fuss after a short walk, wanting their parents to carry them. Many parents even carried heavy baby prams with them to climb the hills. Qiao Nan learned a lot from the trip.

    Qiao Nan was d that the triplets were already old enough when Zhai Sheng suggested going on a trip. They could climb the mountains by themselves, enjoying the hike. They seldomined or asked their parents to carry them.

    When there was aparison, one¡¯s feelings would be hurt. After hurting the feelings of all present, Qiao Nan was in a lighter mood when she brought the triplets on the trip, having a brighter smile on her face.

 Chapter 1395 - Qiao Nan Was Well-Liked

    <h4>Chapter 1395 Qiao Nan Was Well-Liked</h4>

    Zhai Sheng and his three children were mesmerized by the lovely smile on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. She looked so pretty with that smile.

    Qiao Nan returned home after having fun in those seven days. She felt as if she was barely alive after the trip. She rested for half a day before she regained her energy and senses. ¡°Mom, Brother Zhai has returned to the camp and I will be going to work tomorrow. I guess I will have to trouble you to take care of the triplets until September.¡±

    The three children were cheeky and mischievous. Qiao Nan could not help but be concerned. ¡°Mom, shall we hire another helper in the family? Otherwise, I am afraid that you will be exhausted from taking care of the triplets. If Xiao Baoes over to our house to y, you will have to take care of four children by yourself.¡±

    Miao Jing revealed a proud smile at the thought that there were so many children at her house. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will have a way. Actually, we have quite a lot of manpower at home. The old master is free, and the auntie and I will be around. If Xiao Bao is here, Zhai Hua¡¯s mother-inw will be here as well.¡±

    If Hua Hua brought her child to her parental family, the Tian family would not tag along.

    But if Hua Hua was not around and Xiao Bao came over to his maternal grandma¡¯s house, Hua Hua¡¯s mother-inw would definitely tag along. She would not bear for her precious grandson to leave her side for too long.

    If Hua Hua¡¯s mother-inw was here, the nanny that the Tian family hired would follow her as well. Furthermore, Old Zhai would spend a longer time at home these days. There would be a total of six adults to take care of four children. They should be able to manage. ¡°Since everyone knows each other, if we walk around in the district, the neighbors would help us out as well. It is quite safe in the quad in the military zone.¡±

    If suspicious characters entered the quad in the military zone, they would be detained and not allowed to leave. Therefore, it was impossible that the children would be brought out of the quad in the military zone by suspicious characters.

    As long as they did not wander outside, Miao Jing was confident that she would be able to keep the three children safe. At most, she would tire herself to keep the mischievous triplets in check.

    ¡°Mom, it has been hard on you.¡± Actually, they had the money to hire another helper. Qiao Nan received a bonus from the Tian Corporation yearly. Although she was not considered as a big boss, she was still a small boss who had a significant amount of ie. Now that she had money with her, she no longer felt uneasy.

    Qiao Nan was emboldened as she had some money with her. There was no need for her to spend Zhai Sheng¡¯s money whenever she needed to buy anything. She could use her own money and buy presents for the people in the Zhai family. The feeling was great!

    After settling everything at home, Qiao Nan went to work feeling energetic and invigorated.

    When Qiao Nan entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, she was no longer an intern but a permanent employee at the ministry. As soon as Qiao Nan arrived at the ministry, the people in the ministry greeted her happily. ¡°Xiao Qiao, you are here.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, you are quite early today.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, my wife prepared breakfast for me today. She prepared a lot for me. Do you want to have some?¡±

    Qiao Nan spent more than one year doing her internship in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During that period of time, she was very popr with her colleagues. She had better interpersonal rtionships than Deng Wenchang did.

    Deng Wenchang put on airs as he felt that he was better than everyone since he went on overseas study. During the early years of nation-building, all the departments had a lower standard of entry requirements. To him, the older colleagues in the department were not qualified to join the ministry.

    Most importantly, Deng Wenchang felt that he was younger than all of them and was the new blood in the ministry. He would be the future tower of strength in the ministry. The older colleagues should know what was good for them and mentor and help him. They should impart their knowledge to him and share their working experience with him so that they could ensure a smooth session and enable workforce rejuvenation in the ministry.

    It was a fact that the older colleagues were not as energetic as the younger colleagues.

    Before Qiao Nan joined the ministry, although the other colleagues were displeased that Deng Wenchang put on airs, they had to admit that though cold-hearted, Deng Wenchang¡¯s way of thinking reflected the reality. It was true that Deng Wenchang came back from overseas study and used to study at a famous college.

    But ever since Qiao Nan joined the ministry, everything had changed.

    In terms of age, Qiao Nan was younger than Deng Wenchang.

    It was true that Deng Wenchang came back from overseas study and returned to the country in glory, while Qiao Nan was only a student in a local renowned university. However, Qiao Nan was morepetent than Deng Wenchang. It did not matter that he was educated overseas. If his actual performance was not as good, it was useless to have other grander achievements.

    Apart from being more capable than Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan was friendly and polite. She would greet every older colleague politely with a smile. Everyone weed a courteous youngdy like her.

    Other than having a good attitude, Qiao Nan was very hardworking. She would never skive when she was given an assignment. She would finish her work as soon as possible while maintaining its quality. She was efficient and effective! When she did not have any assignments, she would help out in whatever way that she could. If needed, she would help other colleagues do research, make copies of the documents, or bring tea for them. Qiao Nan never shunned the minor tasks and she did not find it embarrassing to help out with them, and neither would she feel that she was being looked down upon.

    On the contrary, when everyone was busy with work, a cup of tea or a serving of piping hot fast food that contained vegetables and meat dishes would be useful in drawing people to one¡¯s side.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not ask that the neers have a huge impact on the department. Instead, they valued the neers who were able to help out in whatever ways that they could. It did not matter if they helped out with important tasks or minor tasks. What was important was that every small task was properly taken care of. In this way, everyone would then be able to focus and do their best in the important tasks.

    Compared to Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan was down-to-earth, willing to help out, and had a good temper. She was unlike the youngsters nowadays who were arrogant, had a nasty temper, and could not take any hardships or reprimands. They wanted to be treated like the emperor even in the workce.

    After working with Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang for more than a year, everyone had a clear understanding of what type of person the two neers were. Everyone preferred well-behaved and sensible people. Therefore, Qiao Nan became the most well-liked and most well-taken care of neer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The older male colleagues would treat Qiao Nan as their niece. They were polite to her and would share good food and new fancy items with her.

    After all, when Qiao Nan did her internship, Qiao Nan was like their most capable and well-rounded secretary in the department. She would work out the details and logistics for them to lighten their workload.

 Chapter 1396 - Unconvinced

    <h4>Chapter 1396 Unconvinced</h4>

    Everyone loved and doted on such a hardworkingdy.

    He Yi was the happiest among all to witness such a harmonious scene. ¡°My little junior, you are far more popr than me in the ministry. Each new generation excels the previous indeed.¡±

    He Yi earned the respect of colleagues in the department due to hispetence and his position as the minister. As for Qiao Nan, it was due to her charisma and down-to-earth and hardworking personality that made her so well-liked by all of them.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows at He Yi¡¯s joke. ¡°Senior, you ttered me. Everyone takes extra care of me as I am the youngest. It is different in your case. You earned their respect due to yourpetence. We will need you to guide us to do the country proud.¡± The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yed a significant role in the country and to the people.

    Qiao Nan always bore in mind that she carried a heavy burden on her shoulders. Since she was in this position, she had to try her best toplete her tasks to the best of her ability.

    He Yi smiled with satisfaction and did not make furtherments. He ignored Deng Wenchang who looked sinister and walked to his office in light footsteps. If a neer was well-liked by the other colleagues, the neer had to be mindful not to show off one¡¯s aplishments and capabilities in front of the older colleagues. It was better to be humble so as to gain people¡¯s affection.

    There was no need for him to remind his little junior and she knew what to do. She did not put on airs just because she was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    After working with Qiao Nan, He Yi grew to understand what made his master changed his mind toe back to the capital. His master was already advanced in years. He had stepped down from the front line and even refused to stay in the capital. However, he took in Qiao Nan as his disciple and was willing to return to the capital to pave the path and make all necessary arrangements for his disciple.

    The youngdy was well-liked and she was his little junior. He Yi would stand to gain from his rtionship with her.

    Qiao Nan felt like a duck to water in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Inparison, Deng Wenchang appeared to be miserable and deste.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s anger and displeasure seemed like a volcano that was close to eruption. Theva was scorching hot and boiling. ¡°Hehehe...¡± Deng Wenchang sneered at how nice the older colleagues were treating Qiao Nan. However, he could no longer say that Qiao Nan was sucking up to them. It was obvious that they were sucking up to Qiao Nan instead. ¡°You are indeed capable!¡±

    Before Deng Wenchang joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he dreamed that he would be given special treatment when he was there. He was young and promising. He returned from overseas study and was capable. He should be given important tasks after joining the ministry. He Yi would take him in as his disciple and he would groom him to be his sessor.

    Deng Wenchang envisioned that he would be given the special treatment that Qiao Nan enjoyed now.

    But right now, although he was young and promising, he was being given the cold shoulder, while Qiao Nan, who was a normal local college graduate, was being taken care of and well-liked by her colleagues. Deng Wenchang was so enraged that he was almost driven to his grave.

    Could it be that the entire ministry was blind in the eyes and the heart to highly value Qiao Nan instead of him? He agreed that Qiao Nan had performed exceptionally well in several assignments. But those were merely written work. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one still had to engage in verbal banter with the foreign diplomats.

 Chapter 1397 - Donâ€™t Blow Oneâ€™s Own Trumpe

    <h4>Chapter 1397 Don¡¯t Blow One¡¯s Own Trumpe</h4>

    Qiao Nan had never been involved in any major or strategic situations. Would she be nervous? Could she handle it?

    She had better not turned pale and trembled in fright, shaming her country and people. She was a woman after all. He Yi could not possibly hope that Qiao Nan would be able to take charge of the situations. He could not possibly think of grooming her to be apetent female diplomat.

    Don¡¯t be kidding!

    No matter what kind of special treatment Qiao Nan was given, Deng Wenchang kept silent and did not say a word. He was waiting for a chance to give her a fatal blow. By then, everyone would be in awe at his capabilities. It was useless to be able to produce good reports. As part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one had to be presentable and deal with foreign diplomats!

    He wondered whether all those people would continue to suck up to Qiao Nan like today and neglect him who had the real abilities by then.

    Peng Yu told him that he would have an opportunity to shine very soon. Deng Wenchang clenched his fists in excitement, pursing his lips into a thin line. He lowered his eyes so that no one would notice the glitter of anticipation and sparkle of light in his eyes.

    Peng Yu was right. He could not be furious or be thrown into confusion. He had to work hard so that he would amaze the world with a single brilliant feat.

    At the thought of this, Deng Wenchang calmed himself down. He ignored the harmonious atmosphere surrounding Qiao Nan. He took a deep breath, controlling his expression when he looked at Qiao Nan. She might be smiling brightly now, but what was important was who would be able to have thestugh.

    Qiao Nan could never dream of being the minister of foreign affairs.

    Deng Wenchang wouldpete with Qiao Nan secretly. Although he found Qiao Nan to be an eyesore and was displeased that the older colleagues treated Qiao Nan so much better than him, he would notin about it. Deng Wenchang learned to hide his feelings.

    It was only when Qiao Nan was around would there be a dark look in his eyes.

    Qiao Nan had been converted to a permanent employee. Since Deng Wenchang did not make any huge mistakes in the past two years¡ªwith the Deng family¡¯s and the Peng family¡¯s help¡ªDeng Wenchang became an official employee as well.

    Now that everyone was at the same starting point, Deng Wenchang felt confident of himself. When he was given a chance, he would definitely outshine Qiao Nan.

    Sometimes, if one thought very hard about something, it would happen eventually.

    Not long after Qiao Nan joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an official employee, Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang were given the first important assignment since their official employment. They had to receive ambassadors from the United Kingdom.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s and Deng Wenchang¡¯s responsibilities were to fulfill their duties and make the guests feel at home. The two of them must not cause the guests to have any misconception of China due to their own personal conflicts.

    China was known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies. China would not make it difficult for the ambassadors on its own territory, causing tension between countries.

    This was not a simple exchange. Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang had to pick their words carefully. They must not embarrass themselves in front of the foreign guests, which would result in them underestimating China.

    ¡°Are you confident?¡± He Yi passed the information on the visiting ambassadors to Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang in advance so that they could look through and memorize them by heart. The two of them had been officially employed by the ministry. He Yi had to give Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang some serious work to do.

    It was the rule for every department to enable workforce rejuvenation.

    If Deng Wenchang performed as well as Qiao Nan, He Yi was ready to wee another young diplomat to his department. In the future, the world would be in the hands of the younger generation. This was the same for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    There was a sparkle of light in Deng Wenchang¡¯s eyes. ¡°Minister, since you assign such an important task to me¡ªI mean, us, you can rest assured that we will not disappoint you. Right, Qiao Nan?¡± Deng Wenchang was hoping that He Yi could give the assignment to him alone. But he could not do anything about it as He Yi had a better rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    Now that Deng Wenchang knew who Qiao Nan¡¯s husband was, he no longer suspected that Qiao Nan and He Yi had an illicit rtionship.

    Qiao Nan was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Unless he was like the cat that had nine lives, no matter how daring He Yi was, he would not dare to mess with her and ruin his future and career. It was illegal toe between a military marriage. Moreover, the Zhai family had a political background. If He Yi did that, he would bemitting a crime upon crime.

    Although Deng Wenchang no longer suspected that Qiao Nan and He Yi had indecent dealings, he felt that He Yi was cozying up to the powerful Zhai family by being nice to Qiao Nan. All that said, Qiao Nan was lucky to get married to Chief Zhai¡¯s son.

    Otherwise, given Qiao Nan¡¯s family background, she could never dream of being at the same starting line as him in this life. Since the day Qiao Nan was born into her humble family, it had been destined that she wouldg behind. It was a blessing to be a woman. If one had the looks, one could get married to a good husband and stand to benefit from the power and influence of one¡¯s inws.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan did not know what was on Deng Wenchang¡¯s mind. Otherwise, she would have cursed him.

    Deng Wenchang felt that she depended on her inws to be able to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If that was the case, what about Deng Wenchang? If not for the Deng family and Peng Yu who wanted to pull the Deng family to his side, with his own abilities, he would not be able to join the ministry fair and square.

    This was the pot calling the kettle ck.

    Deng Wenchang was being strict with others and lenient towards himself.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Nan, who could not tell what was on other people¡¯s minds, did not pay attention to Deng Wenchang, who was a spoiled brat. She could not help but be surprised when she saw the photos in the information. ¡°I...¡±

    ¡°What are you eximing about?¡± Deng Wenchang smirked at Qiao Nan. ¡°What is that expression of yours? You look as if you know the person at one nce. Didn¡¯t you do your research or read the information? The foreign guests are a couple. The husband is newly appointed. Are you trying to tell me that you know them?¡±

    Deng Wenchang was not trying to make wild guesses. But Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was too obvious.

 Chapter 1398 What Kind of Attitude Was That?

    <h4>Chapter 1398 What Kind of Attitude Was That?</h4>

    It was obvious that Qiao Nan looked as if she knew them. Unless Deng Wenchang was blind or stupid, he could not pretend that he did not see the expression on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Moreover, Deng Wenchang had been targeting Qiao Nan all the while.

    It was rare that he discovered that Qiao Nan was bluffing. Deng Wenchang would definitely jump in to expose her lies. If not, he would be letting himself down.

    ¡°I...¡± She did know the people in the photo. Otherwise, she would not be taken aback.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Deng Wenchang sneered. ¡°Qiao Nan, that is such an outdated way of striking up a conversation. Could it be that you want to say that you saw them in your dreams? Furthermore, they have yet to reach China. Do you really intend to use this kind of method to strike up a conversation? At the very least, you should wait until they have reached. It is still too early to try to please them.¡±

    Indeed, she was only good at sucking up to other people. Apart from that, she was a fool without any use.

    Everyone in the ministry knew that Qiao Nan did not go for overseas study and she had not ventured out of the country before. If that was the case, how could she be so thick-skinned to say that she knew the ambassador who wasing to the country?

    She bragged without thinking. She might look smart, but she was just a fool.

    Qiao Nan had not been to other countries and she did not go on overseas study. Since she said that she knew the foreign couple, the only possibility was her seeing them in her dream.

    Deng Wenchang was very harsh toward Qiao Nan. Although she was wrong in the first ce, He Yi felt that as a man, Deng Wenchang should not argue a point to death. It was ungentlemanly of him to do that. ¡°Xiao Deng, Xiao Qiao didn¡¯t make any outrageousments. You should not be so agitated. We all know that you returned from overseas study. In modernizing the country and learning from other countries, we believe in keeping what is good and discarding the rest. As the country that is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies, we have good practices. But I feel that Chinese men should learn from foreigners to be gentlemanly.¡±

    Deng Wenchang curled the corners of his lips. ¡°From the first day that I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am very clear that I will have to receive men and even heroines like Qiao Nan in the future. However, nothing is more important than the country¡¯s interests. In my opinion, gender doesn¡¯t matter. Only nationality matters.¡±

    Since he did not care if the guest was male or female, all the more he would not care about being a gentleman.

    Even if he was to behave like a gentleman, he would not be so foolish to be a gentleman to women like Qiao Nan.

    Deng Wenchang sounded burly and rude. It was as if he was about to get into a quarrel with He Yi. As the source of the problem, Qiao Nan stopped He Yi. ¡°Deng Wenchang, since you seem to be highly principled, I hope that at the very least, you could be scrupulous in separating public from private interests. Don¡¯t mix emotions with work. I merely said a few ¡®I¡¯ after taking a nce at the photo. I have yet toplete my sentences. Deng Wenchang, how do you know what I am going to say?¡±

    Many people heard and saw what had happened between them. As long as she did notplete her sentence, no matter what she was really thinking, she could deny Deng Wenchang¡¯s usation.

    ¡°Deng Wenchang, I feel that you have misunderstood me. I didn¡¯t say that I know them. I am just surprised that the photo was taken very well, and I find them to be familiar. That¡¯s all. Deng Wenchang, aren¡¯t you being too sensitive?¡±

    Seeing that Deng Wenchang was so agitated, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to tell him that she knew the couple in the photo.

    She did not say anything yet and Deng Wenchang could not wait to drag her out to criticize and denounce her publicly for her errors. If she made furtherments, he mightsh out at her ancestors and all the teachers who used to teach her in the past.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Deng Wenchang, you are being too sensitive.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao only said a few ¡®I¡¯, but you are so agitated.¡±

    ¡°Deng Wenchang, it is good that the youngsters have a mind of their own. Didn¡¯t you say that after joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you only look at the bigger picture and will not take issues with minor matters? If that¡¯s the case, all of us hope that you will stand united with us and fight for the best interests of the country. Isn¡¯t it better this way?¡± He Yi reminded Deng Wenchang earnestly.

    Deng Wenchang was being too aggressive. Everyone could tell from the surprised look on Qiao Nan¡¯s face that she was about to say that she knew them. But Deng Wenchang was too agitated. He interrupted Qiao Nan several times such that she could notplete her sentence.

    In that case, Qiao Nan could take advantage of the situation and deny his usations.

    Deng Wenchang smiled grimly. ¡°Fine, I merely made a fewments and all of you rebutted me. I can never win against all of you. You can say whatever you please. After all, Qiao Nan is the only woman in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and she needs your care and concern, right?¡± He would not treat women differently. He would not lie through one¡¯s teeth.

    ¡°This is merely an internal discussion. We are all one family. It doesn¡¯t matter that there is some slight misunderstanding. Qiao Nan, when the guests are here, I hope that you can be quick as before and not to fumble the ball at the critical time. That will implicate all of us. It is gettingte. Minister He, is there anything else? If not, can I knock off now?¡±

    Deng Wenchang did not wish to stay a minute longer at the ministry. Deng Wenchang was jealous and envious of the way the older colleagues treated Qiao Nan. They seemed to treat her as if she was a gem.

    Since he could not get along with them, he would rather stay away from them. Even if one broke his bones, he would not go against his conscience like the older colleagues to tter Qiao Nan. Since it was time to knock off from work, he would rather go back home to do the research by himself instead of wallowing in the mire with them, telling lies against his conscience.

    Deng Wenchang made a mountain out of a molehill from what happened just now. Everyone who knew it would find it to be a joke. However, as the party concerned, Deng Wenchang was oblivious to it. Now that he was given the opportunity, he would make use of it to outperform Qiao Nan.

    The couple listed in the information was Deng Wenchang¡¯s chance to get a new lease on life. He chose to go home and try all means and ways to find out more information about the couple instead of staying in the department and listening to the older colleagues as they ttered Qiao Nan.

    He did not care to get He Yi¡¯s approval. Since He Yi did not say anything and it was indeed the time to knock off from work, Deng Wenchang took his briefcase and the information on the foreign guests, turned his head, and was the first in the department to knock off from work.

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that!¡±

 Chapter 1399 - Extreme Arrogance Will Cause Oneâ€™s Suffering

    <h4>Chapter 1399 - Extreme Arrogance Will Cause One¡¯s Suffering</h4>

    1399 Extreme Arrogance Will Cause One¡¯s Suffering

    The seniors in the department were almost driven mad by the new recruit, Deng Wenchang. ¡°Minister, it¡¯s a good thing that the youngsters have their own thinking, but Deng Wenchang is not just arrogant. He is rebellious! If we let him stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am worried that something will happen sooner orter. Someone like him will affect our team spirit adversely.¡±He Yi was not angry and could still smile. ¡°There is no hurry in this matter. Besides being a little hot-tempered, he didn¡¯t make any major mistakes. We can wait a while more for some matters. Given Deng Wenchang¡¯s temperament, I don¡¯t think we will need to wait too long.¡±

    He Yi was quite subtle with his words, but anyone who brought their brains to work understood him.

    Deng Wenchang had two huge backers behind him: the Deng family and the Peng family. If they were to kick him out with the excuse that he could not get along with his colleagues and would affect the team unity, someone would harp on this issue and make a mountain out of a molehill of it. It would smear the ministry¡¯s reputation too.

    If the situation were to turn severe and other departments intervened in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it would be considered a real crisis to the seniors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was such a united and friendly department. How could there possibly be a situation of ostracizing their colleague? Despite Deng Wenchang¡¯s bad temper and poor rtionship with everyone, as elders and seniors, they also had to adopt a forgiving attitude and guide Deng Wenchang more.

    If they could not teach Deng Wenchang in the end and it was not suitable for Deng Wenchang to remain in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the very least, they had ¡®worked hard¡¯ before and had done their utmost to help him. Was that not a better oue?

    He Yi was a sly old fox who had been working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for so many years. If he did not have any capability, he would have been ousted long ago.

    No matter how old and muddleheaded He Yi was, this veteran would not lose his footing just because of a newbie like Deng Wenchang.

    Even if they had to make Deng Wenchang leave, the problem would not be with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but with Deng Wenchang himself. Regardless of whoever wished to make use of Deng Wenchang to plot against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it still depended on whether He Yi was willing to give the other party a chance to do so.

    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s true.¡± Everyone had been colleagues for so many years. More or less, they understood what He Yi meant. When they heard He Yi¡¯s words, everyone understood in their hearts that Deng Wenchang would run into bad luck sooner orter.

    He was just a newbie and yet he treated the seniors with such arrogance. He would eventually suffer. In addition, he even dared to show his displeasure in front of their top superior. Deng Wenchang did not wish to continue staying in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs anymore. If not, what other reasons could it be?

    It was true that a youngster knows no fear. He stretched out his neck and collided onto the de of the knife on his own ord.

    He Yi did not borate further. He told Qiao Nan briefly. ¡°Qiao Nan, this is a good chance. You have to work hard. It is okay for that set of information to be taken away. I have one here too. After you bring it home, you have to find ways to understand it more.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded hard. ¡°Minister He, rest assured. I will definitely do so.¡± She had the means to find out some information. Most importantly, Qiao Nan knew that she actually did not need to work so hard this time. She did not need to utilize any means at all.

    However, Qiao Nan could not exin to He Yi too much at this moment. Obviously, if she were to tell He Yi that she personally knew the ambassador whom they were receiving this time, He Yi would not believe her.

    Looking at the information that He Yi gave her, Qiao Nan returned home happily.

    As soon as Qiao Nan arrived home, she threw the information on the table and was not bothered over it. After all, this set of information had the same content as the earlier one. Deng Wenchang had taken away the previous one, but Qiao Nan had read almost all of it and had memorized them.

    In the absence of new information, there was no need for Qiao Nan to make things difficult for herself by memorizing the same things again.

    ¡°Mom, not working?¡± I a sweet voice, San Bao curiously asked her mother, who was keeping herpany. She leaned her chubby body over to Qiao Nan. Of course, it was best that her mother could have more time to y with her.

    However, the triplets were already used to the fact that their mother would not always be able to stay by their side and y with them all the time even if she was home. Mom was very, very, busy and had to write many, many, words.

    In front of Qiao Nan, the triplets¡¯ temper was still considered good. As long as they could see their mother when they lifted their heads, they would not kick up a fuss or insist that their mother stay by their side. Of course, it would be best if they could get a pleasant surprise like today.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Mom finished work early today. I can thus y with the three of you. Have you thought about the story that you want Mom to read to you tonight?¡± How could bedtime stories be missing in the children¡¯s childhood?

    As such, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s bookshelves were filled with many useful books that the three children loved to read. It was uncertain whether the triplets had inherited Qiao Nan¡¯s high intelligence. They were just three years old and could already recognize some simple words such as heaven, earth, and human.

    They could also count numbers such as one, two, three, and four consecutively all the way until twenty or thirty.

    ¡°Really!¡± Before San Bao could speak, the eyes of cheeky Er Bao shone brightly, looking as good as stars. He walked over Qiao Nan. ¡°Tell story. Three. Okay? Da Bao, me, San Bao. Each chooses one.¡± Er Bao stretched out his three stubby little fingers and counted at the same time.

    Qiao Nan grabbed Er Bao¡¯s hands and kissed the back of it. ¡°Okay, three stories. Each of you picks one. However, if all of you fall asleep before Mom finishes the story, you can¡¯t me Mom, and you can¡¯t say that I owe you the stories.¡±

    The triplet¡¯s IQ was not low. Even their EQ was so high that Qiao Nan could not take it.

    The three children seldom watched television. Hence, she was not sure where the three of them heard from, but the little ones would say that one had to pay back what they owed.

    Once, the smart and cheeky Er Bao used this method to lead Qiao Nan around the nose and almost made Qiao Nan owe the triplets two bedtime stories a day. Er Bao said that interests had to be paid. One story would be two, and two be three. Each additional day of owing would increase the number of stories by one.

    This was the first time that Qiao Nan subdued the three ¡®rebelling¡¯ children using her status as a mother. Since that time, Qiao Nan had been more ¡®careful¡¯ when she was with them, deeply fearful that they would lead her by the nose again. If someone were to know this, Qiao Nan would feel so embarrassed.

    Could it be that the baby brain effect was true? That one pregnancy could result in cognitive impairment for three years? Now, she could not even beat her own three-year-old kids?

    When he heard his mother said that, Er Bao pouted unhappily. ¡°Mom is too naughty. We are still young. Y-you have to give in to us.¡± Since that time, his mother had been extremely careful and did not give him any chance.

 Chapter 1400 - Competing on Patience

    <h4>Chapter 1400 - Competing on Patience</h4>

    1400 Competing on Patience

    In order to kidnap his mother, Er Bao had been wracking his brains every day to drill into Qiao Nan¡¯s spare time.Holding Er Bao in her arms, Qiao Nan nted a few hard kisses on his face. ¡°It¡¯s not that Mom is naughty. It¡¯s because the three are you are too clever. All of you are so clever. If Mom performs badly, it will be very embarrassing. Mom is an adult. I also want some face.¡±

    Er Bao furrowed his brows. In the end, he sighed helplessly. ¡°Alright, I will endure for the sake of Mom¡¯s face.¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s behavior like a little adult was so cute that Qiao Nan was totally KO-ed by him. In the end, she had no choice but to transform all her love for her son into countless kisses.

    ¡°Mom, I want too!¡± At the sight of this, San Bao turned into a green-eyed monster. She pounced on Qiao Nan and requested for kisses.

    Although Da Bao did not say anything, he also walked over to Qiao Nan quietly and turned his little face to Qiao Nan, his intention obvious. Such beautiful and adorable children were hers. Looking at how smart they were, Qiao Nan could not help kissing them. Furthermore, she was kissing the wife and husbands of ¡®other people¡¯. Qiao Nan kissed more enthusiastically than ever! She would stand to gain no matter what!

    ¡°How is it?¡± Different from the happy atmosphere at the Zhai family, the atmosphere at the Deng family seemed graver and stiffer. Deng Wenchang had been cooping in his father¡¯s study room. The father-son pair was staring bitterly at the phone in the study room as if they were nursing a huge hatred. Almost every time the phone rang, the father-son pair would be very emotional. As soon as the phone call ended, Deng Wenchang could not wait to ask for the oue from his father. ¡°Is there any action at the Zhai family¡¯s end? Did Qiao Nan call or contact anyone?¡±

    ¡°Not at the moment.¡± Father Deng put the phone down. His palms were feeling wet and covered in sweat. He first wiped his own hands to prevent his son from discovering it before patting Deng Wenchang¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Wenchang, don¡¯t be so nervous. Our people are already watching the Zhai family like a hawk. We may not be able to get first-hand information but the speed at which you receive them won¡¯t be less than Qiao Nan¡¯s. As long as you are well-prepared, what are you afraid of?¡±

    Deng Wenchang was not as confident as he made himself out to be. He felt that given his capability, he was bound to seed if he was against only Qiao Nan. However, the Zhai family was a huge problem. The Zhai family had Zhai Yaohui, this old chief, and Old Master Zhai was not someone to be trifled with. If the Zhai family were to take action and use their connections, Deng Wenchang felt that he could notpete with the Zhai family.

    ¡°This is too infuriating!¡± Deng Wenchang was so angry that he mmed the table. ¡°Qiao Nan is so shameless. She took advantage of the fact that she is a woman and used such distasteful means all the time. Because of these reasons, I didn¡¯t perform as well as her. Dad, this is so unjustified!¡± If everyone had the same starting point and foundation, Qiao Nan could forget about surpassing him in this life.

    However, if Qiao Nan were to tap on the Zhai family¡¯s connections, gather more information on the ambassador, and even secretly contacted him to build the rtionship, Deng Wenchang felt that even if he was a piece of gold, he would not be able to withstand being drowned by the yellow sand flying all over the sky in this muddled world.

    Father Deng thought alike too. ¡°The oue is the same whether we are angry or not. We can¡¯t change it. Who told Deng family¡¯s foundation to be weaker than that of the Zhai family? Even the Peng family is not assured of winning whenpeting with the Zhai family. If the Zhai family uses their power to suppress us, the more you should fight harder. You must not lose to Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Sigh, women are not as gracious as men in handling matters. They will do many petty things. The ludicrous thing is that the Zhai family doesn¡¯t even persuade Qiao Nan otherwise. Qiao Nan and you are colleagues and both of you are in the same department. Of course, you should share the resources. It will be really good if everyone performs well. What¡¯s with the secrecy? I really don¡¯t know how the Zhai family manages to be who they are today. They don¡¯t feel anything for collective honor at all. It¡¯s too selfish.¡±

    If the Zhai family had not been too selfish and Qiao Nan too petty, would his son be anxious to this extent?

    ¡°Wenchang, rest assured. Unless they receive the information just seconds before the departure, no matter how much homework Qiao Nan had done, I promise that you will get the same information as Qiao Nan. This time, the Peng family¡¯s attitude in coborating with us is not bad. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t even have any chance.¡±

    Deng Wenchang helplessly gave a long sigh. ¡°We can only do this. I hope that I can be a step quicker than Qiao Nan.¡± Perhaps the Zhai family would really find stuff that they could not.

    It was the Zhai family who was too petty first. Hence, they could not me the Deng family for using such disgraceful means to win them.

    If Qiao Nan was open and honest enough to share the information that she had on hand, did he need to make things difficult for himself and spend so much energy on such shameful deeds?

    Facing such an individual with no love for colleague and no regard for fairpetition, Deng Wenchang felt so aggrieved. If he had a chance next time, he definitely would not be colleagues with women. They were so narrow-minded, not gracious at all, and extremely petty.

    After the father-son pair had discussed and consoled each other, their moods were more stable.

    For the sake of waiting for the information, besides taking his meal, Father Deng even missed the news on the state-owned television channel. He kept Deng Wenchangpany in the study room and waited for the phone call. As for what was reported in the news, he asked his wife to update him before going to bed at night.

    Regrettably, the phone at home still did not ring even after Father Deng¡¯s wife updated him about the television news.

    The next day at work, Deng Wenchang, gued by fears of missing the call and had not slept well for the entire night before, walked into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with panda eyes.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± At this moment, the people in the department had more issues with him. He was the first to get off work yesterday. They would not mention it since it happened yesterday. However, today, Deng Wenchang arrivedst at work. What was this youngster thinking? Why didn¡¯t he simply go to heaven?

    Compared to others who were cing attention on Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan, who was oblivious to such trivial externalities, focused only onpleting the tasks at hand properly. After one morning, when Qiao Nan returned to her seat after lunch, she was shocked to discover Deng Wenchang ring at her like a ghost with a pair of sinister and gloomy eyes, as well as a ghastly face. ¡°Is there any matter?¡±

    Deng Wenchang snorted with disdain. ¡°Do you think that I will plead with you? You only know how to use some despicable tricks. You hope that I will plead with you? Dream on. I definitely won¡¯t lose to you this time.¡± His father said that there was no movement at the Zhai family since yesterday night. It had been more than ten hours.

    His father almost suspected that the Zhai family and Qiao Nan had long guessed their n. Therefore, they deliberately guarded against them and would not send any information of practicality and meaning to the Zhai family¡¯s residence and Qiao Nan until thest minute.

    Anyway, regardless of Qiao Nan¡¯s disgusting ideas, he would not be lured into her trap or give her a chance to jeer at him. It was just a waiting game. He did not believe that his patience would be worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s. He would see whose endurance level was higher.

 Chapter 1401 - Fallacies

    <h4>Chapter 1401 - Facies</h4>

    1401 Facies

    A flock of imaginary cawing crows flew over Qiao Nan¡¯s head. She almost wanted to scold Deng Wenchang: Are you sick? What nonsense are you sprouting? Who is the one dreaming here?!Qiao Nan was not sure what was wrong with Deng Wenchang. She did not wish to waste her breath by speaking to him. Hence, she focused on her own tasks. In the next few days, when Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes identally met with those of Deng Wenchang, thetter always gave such entric and odd vibes. It was increasingly serious with the passing of each day.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan could not help avoiding lifting her head and facing Deng Wenchang¡¯s direction. However, Deng Wenchang was acting like a lunatic. Qiao Nan could even sense his stare even if she did not look up.

    If not for the fact that Deng Wenchang had never been friendly to her and was different from other young guys who, out of ignorance, used bullying as a tactic to interact with girls that they fancied, Qiao Nan almost suspected that Deng Wenchang was interested in her.

    Besides Qiao Nan, other people in the department were not blind either. Deng Wenchang¡¯s attention on Qiao Nan had drawn their attention.

    They could not fault Qiao Nan for having such a misunderstanding. If not for the fact that Deng Wenchang had such an aggrieved expression clouded with anxiety and sorrow whenever he looked at Qiao Nan, those with brains would also misunderstand the meaning behind Deng Wenchang¡¯s incessant stares.

    Fortunately, He Yi had already informed the department that despite Qiao Nan¡¯s young age and fresh college graduate identity, she was already married. In addition, her partner was a soldier and it was thus a military marriage.

    After knowing that Qiao Nan was married, many people in the department dismissed thoughts of match-making for Qiao Nan.

    Since everyone was aware of this, they naturally thought that Deng Wenchang would know too. With his identity as an overseas graduate, Deng Wenchang already looked down on Qiao Nan for being a local graduate who had not once traveled overseas. How could he possibly fancy a married woman like Qiao Nan?

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s behavior was too bizarre. Someone could not help informing He Yi about this situation and requested He Yi to pay more attention to it. No one was certain what kind of ruckus and facies Deng Wenchang would stir up next time. Hence, prevention was better than cure.

    After He Yi knew about it, he spoke to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan told He Yi not to worry as she did not have any chance to be with Deng Wenchang alone. No matter what ideas Deng Wenchang was having, it was not so easy to execute them.

    Under such awkward and odd atmosphere, Qiao Nan sat for an entire day. When she arrived home, she felt weary at heart and could not help considering if she should seek the help of her senior brother, He Yi, to change her seat. As long as she was not sitting directly opposite Deng Wenchang, her life would be much better.

    ¡°Auntie, hug, hug.¡± Just as she arrived home, Qiao Nan¡¯s calves were greeted by a little cute thing. Qiao Nan looked down and saw Xiao Bao. ¡°Xiao Bao, why are you at maternal grandma¡¯s house? Your mom is back?¡± She had not heard anything about it. Shouldn¡¯t Sister Zhai Hua be in the camp?

    The little cute thing held onto her calves tightly. Qiao Nan had no choice but to carry Tian Yu up first before entering the house. ¡°Mom, why is Xiao Bao in our house?¡±

    Miao Jing looked at Tian Yu with relief. ¡°I¡¯m really not boasting about this kid. Fortunately, his character resembles that of Dongzi. He¡¯s totally different from Hua Hua. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle four kids in the house all at once.¡± Her three paternal grandchildren were much naughtier than her maternal grandson.

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth twitched. She did not seem to have asked this question. ¡°Xiao Bao¡¯s grandma is willing to put his precious grandson with us?¡± Especially when Sister Zhai Hua was not around? One had to know that Xiao Bao was Mother Tian¡¯s lifeline.

    Miao Jing patted her own thigh. ¡°That¡¯s not something of her choice. The nanny that the Tian family hired is on half a month¡¯s leave now as her son was getting married. She left three days ago. Yesterday, Xiao Bao¡¯s grandmother caught a cold and it seemed quite serious. They were afraid that they would spread the cold to Xiao Bao. Hence, they sent him to us.¡± The nanny was on leave and Xiao Bao¡¯s grandmother was unwell. There were only two men left in the house. How would they know how to take care of a small kid like Xiao Bao?

    The Tian family also had no choice but to send this precious darling to the Zhai family temporarily and let the Zhai family take care of him for a few days.

    After knowing the reason, Qiao Nan gave Xiao Bao a kiss on his face. ¡°Is Xiao Bao sleeping with your cousins or maternal grandparents today?¡± Xiao Bao seldom had sleepovers at the Zhai family. After all, the residences of the two families were located quite close-by. The Tian family also had cars and it was very convenient to drive to and fro. Even if Xiao Bao were to stay overnight, he basically slept with Zhai Hua.

    Xiao Bao chuckled like a little Buddha and said cleverly, ¡°Sleep with auntie!¡± That voice was so loud and clear.

    ¡°...¡± San Bao looked at Xiao Bao angrily. ¡°Mom is sleeping with us.¡±

    Xiao Bao titled his head and swirled his eyeballs. He said with his baby voice in a negotiating tone, ¡°Sleep to-together?¡± As long as he could sleep with auntie, he did not mind his cousins being on the same bed.

    San Bao snorted. ¡°On the ount that you are my cousin, alright, I agree.¡± If she was not the one who came up with Xiao Bao¡¯s name, she would not allow him to sleep with them either. This little bad egg. He was always pestering her mother and auntie never cared.

    Xiao Bao kicked and Qiao Nan let him down. As soon as Xiao Bao¡¯s feet touched the ground, he ran toward San Bao, swaying from side to side like a duck, and hugged her. He greeted her sweetly with a ¡®sister¡¯ and then kissed her on the face.

    This was because Xiao Bao knew that whenever he did this, his biological grandparents would be very happy.

    However, Xiao Bao did not know that San Bao was different from his grandparents. San Bao only liked her mother to kiss her. She shunned other¡¯s excessive saliva except for those from her mother¡¯s kisses. In particr, as Xiao Bao was still very young, he had smeared her entire face with saliva with one kiss.

    San Bao grimaced and she almost cried. ¡°Mom, my face doesn¡¯t feelfortable. Wipe. Not pretty anymore.¡±

    Seeing that her nephew had made her daughter cry, Qiao Nan quickly carried San Bao into the toilet and helped her wash her face. ¡°See, isn¡¯t it good now? San Bao is pretty now. San Bao is a big kid and ady. Xiao Bao is still young and doesn¡¯t know many things. San Bao is the elder sister. You will help us take care of Xiao Bao, right?¡±

    San Bao looked at herself in the mirror for a long time to confirm that her little face was still as pretty as before. She then nodded reluctantly. ¡°Okay, I will take care of Xiao Bao and y with him next time. However, he cannot kiss me in the future. It¡¯s all sticky saliva.¡± So ufortable.

    Looking at San Bao¡¯s wrinkled pinkish face and red little lips that were pouting so much that it could hang a sauce bottle, Qiao Nan could not stop smiling.

 Chapter 1402 - Yet Another Business Expansion

    <h4>Chapter 1402 - Yet Another Business Expansion</h4>

    1402 Yet Another Business Expansion

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself forining about Xiao Bao? When the three of you were younger, you liked to pout and give kisses to other people.¡± The triplets would give kisses to the elders at home. No one shunned their kisses that smelled of milk. Everyone loved it.San Bao flung her head. Her hair volume had increased. The little its on her head had turned longer and they bounced as she flung her head. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything that you said. I am older now, and I am the big sister. I won¡¯t do something so childish.¡± San Bao was close to saying that her mother lied to her as her closing statement.

    ¡°Alright. You are the big sister. Let¡¯s go. Xiao Bao is waiting for you. Since you gave Xiao Bao his pet name, you must treat him nicer than everyone else. Xiao Bao likes you very much. Let¡¯s not make him wait for too long, shall we?¡± Her daughter still looked very adorable despite being stubborn. True enough, everything about her children was perfect.

    San Bao felt much better now that she was able to preserve her dignity. She puffed her chest and nodded. ¡°Xiao Bao is small, but he has a big tummy. He must be hungry now. Mama, let¡¯s hurry. We must not let him go hungry. If he is hungry, he will cry like a small baby. Xiao Bao is already more than one year old. When will he grow up?¡±

    San Bao had a worried look on her face. Qiao Nan found her expression to be very adorable. ¡°Now that Xiao Bao is still very young, San Bao, you must take extra care of him because you are the big sister. You are right. Xiao Bao is hungry. We must not let babies go hungry.¡±

    The little girl was still a toddler, yet she sighed in exasperation that Xiao Bao was a baby and wondered when he would grow up. What a funny girl.

    San Bao held her mother¡¯s hands and walked with a bounce to look for Xiao Bao. She had no idea that her mother had unspoken criticism of her.

    They reached the living room and noticed that Xiao Bao was looking at them with apprehensive eyes. San Bao ran up to him and took his hands. ¡°Xiao Bao, are you hungry? I will bring you to have food.¡±

    Xiao Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. He patted his tummy. He was indeed hungry and he wanted food.

    San Bao smiled smugly at Qiao Nan. She had done a good job as the elder sister. She knew what Xiao Bao was thinking about, and Xiao Bao loved her very much. Since he was so well-behaved, she would allow him to nt a kiss on her cheeks next time.

    The four children sat side by side. It was a funny sight and it also went to show that the Zhai family was veryrge. Apart from the Zhai family, no other family would have four children at home.

    The triplets were already three years old. Among the triplets, Da Bao insisted on eating by himself, while Er Bao and San Bao grew to dislike it when the adults fed them under his influence. Since the adults could not dissuade them, the adults could only prepare small spoons for the triplets. Qiao Nan remembered that decadester, people would use small and clean training chopsticks specially designed to train children to use chopsticks. Therefore, Qiao Nan made a sketch of the chopsticks and asked Tian Dong for help.

    Tian Dong knew more business contacts and had more knowledge in that area.

    It should not be difficult to produce such small utensils.

    Tian Dong was a father. In the past, he would be nonchnt when he saw rted stuff. But things were different now. Whenever he saw baby products, he would not care if he had simr products at home and would buy a bunch of them for his son¡¯s future use.

    Therefore, Tian Dong found the training chopsticks to be a good idea. Besides, he believed that if he mass-produced the training chopsticks, there would be a demand in the market. The economy was booming and the standard of living had been increasing. Everyone had an increasing ie but they did not have many children at home. Therefore, no matter how expensive it was, the parents would be willing to provide the best for their child.

    In that case, there would be a huge demand for baby and mother products.

    Tian Dong was a businessman and he could tell that this was a great business opportunity. An idea came to his mind and Tian Dong started up a mother and infant productspany. He intended to venture into this industry. Once he was sessful, if he needed any products for his child in the future, there was no need to purchase it from elsewhere. He could then get it from hispany.

    Furthermore, since this was his own business, he could ensure that the products manufactured were of the highest quality. He did not want to have the good intentions but ended up bringing harm to his child.

    Zhai Hua had to return to the army. Unlike Qiao Nan, she could not provide breast milk for her child for as long as she could. Xiao Bao was still young. Since he could not have breast milk, he could only have baby form.

    There was once when the Tian family had run out of baby form and the baby form from overseas had yet to arrive. Xiao Bao was hungry but he had no baby form to drink. Tian Dong thought of buying the baby form in the country before the stock from overseas arrived in another half a month. When Qiao Nan learned about this, she immediately made a phone call to Tian Dong to stop him.

    After Qiao Nan had been through rebirth, she remembered that there was once when a certain brand of baby form contained mmine and it ended up to be a big scandal. Many children from multiple families were victims of the toxic baby form.

    Since Qiao Nan knew about this problem, she could never allow her children as well as Zhai Hua¡¯s child to drink toxic baby form. She sent all the remaining baby form that had yet to expire to the Tian family. She also gave Tian Dong a gentle reminder about the problem with the baby form.

    Apart from Tian Dong, Qiao Nan also let Shi Peng in on this. After all, Shi Peng would be able to do more in his capacity as a government official.

    If possible, Qiao Nan hoped that she could reduce the number of children who suffered from the baby form scandal, reducing the number of victims as much as possible.

    If she was not a mother, she would be indifferent about it. Besides, since 2010, people would have the mindset that other countries would have a stricter set of rules and regtions to ensure the quality of the products. Qiao Nan had the same thinking as well. Therefore, it was just a second instinct for her to get people to buy baby form from overseas for the triplets. She was only reminded of the baby form scandal recently.

    Luckily, the shortage of baby form in the Tian family jolted Qiao Nan¡¯s memory and she remembered the scandal about the baby form.

    The children were the flowers of the nation, the future of the country.

    Especially now that every family only had one child, if something happened to their only child, it would be devastating to the two families. Once Tian Dong and Shi Peng learned about it, they began working on it and checked whether the situation was really as what Qiao Nan had said.

    In the end, Shi Peng discovered that Qiao Nan was right. He was so furious that his eyes turned red. Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo had graduated, and they had been together for some time. As a father, he knew what was going on.

    Shi Peng had discussed with Zhu Chengqi and agreed roughly on a time for their children to hold the wedding and collect the marriage certificate if possible. After the marriage, they would be waiting to get their grandchild.

    Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo were preupied with their work in the army. It would be a problem as to who would take care of the child in the future. Elder Zhu from the Zhu family was not in good health. He would notst for more than two years. Zhu Chengqi was busy with work as well, so it was not feasible for the Zhu family to take care of the child.

 Chapter 1403 - Done a Good Deed

    <h4>1403 Done a Good Deed</h4>

    As for the Shi family, Shi Peng did not expect that his parents would help take care of the baby. He would be d if they could watch their behavior and did not create trouble for him. As for him, although he was just as busy, his wife had all the time in the world.

    If he really had a grandchild, Feng Cheng would be upied and she could y with her maternal grandchild.

    Since he had already thought of who would take care of the child after the child was born, undoubtedly, he would have thought of the issue of feeding the baby as well. As the mother, Shi Qing had no time to take care of the baby. All the more she would have no time to breastfeed the baby. Like Tian Yu, Shi Qing¡¯s child would have to drink baby form.

    However, Shi Peng was conservative and old-fashioned in some aspects.

    There were many brands of baby form in his country and several of them were quite famous and were widely received by the consumers. Since his country had their own baby forms, why would he have blind worship of foreign goods and ideas and buy the baby forms from overseas? Why would he let foreigners stand to gain?

    The Shi family would never do that!

    He did not care how the Zhai family and the Tian family raise their children. It was none of his business. Shi Peng had a different opinion from them, but he would not be obnoxious to persuade the Zhai family and the Tian family to support local products.

    However, he would make the decision as to what brand of baby form his grandchild should have in the future.

    Shi Peng was patriotic and insisted on supporting local products. However, he did not expect that he had yet to have a grandchild when a certain local brand of baby form ended up giving him a tight p to his face.

    With Tian Dong¡¯s help, they conducted random checks on baby forms from all over the country. In the end, the results were as Qiao Nan had said. There was a big problem with the baby form!

    Shi Peng was all ready to buy local brand baby form for his grandchild. When he learned of the results, he was so furious that he felt like killing someone. The country¡¯s economy was doing well, and everyone was earning more than before. Even if the products were of high quality, the bosses of the factories would have made a lot of profits from the mass production of the products.

    One did not expect that men would be so greedy. Men had insatiable desires indeed. Their carnal cravings were never satisfied and were the main obstruction on the path to enlightenment. They wanted to earn lots of money against their conscience. They should be shot to death for being so unscrupulous!

    Thankfully, they discovered the problem with the baby form before it got worse. Otherwise, Shi Peng could not imagine the countless number of children that would have suffered from the toxic baby form.

    Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief when she knew that the toxic baby form had been discovered before the problem had turned worse.

    Luckily, the impact was not as serious. The news of the toxic baby form caused an uproar in society but the government kept everything under control and it did not cause further rm in the society.

    Qiao Nan did not feel that it was because of her that the problem was resolved. She only hoped that all the babies in China could grow up to be healthy and strong.

    After the incident with the toxic baby form, Tian Dong realized the importance of the baby and mother products industry. It was not because of money that spurred him to venture into this industry again. He only wished that his child would note into contact with all these toxic products that failed to meet the standard.

    It was a coincidence that Qiao Nan had been through rebirth. Therefore, she was well aware of the events and happenings in the next decade.

    Since Qiao Nan was considered as a minor shareholder of the Tian Corporation, Tian Dong decided to cooperate with Qiao Nan to work on the mother and baby products industry. The training chopsticks became one of the products that were being mass manufactured.

    Since her family was into the production of the baby and mother products, Qiao Nan could take whatever that she needed for the four children at home. They would no longerck any daily household items in the future.

    The triplets had gotten used to using the training chopsticks to have meals. Although they still needed more practice, they had already got the hang of it. Xiao Bao watched as his elder brothers and sister used the training chopsticks to eat, while he was being fed by the adults. Xiao Bao was full of admiration for his elder brothers and sisters.

    Qiao Nan could tell that Xiao Bao could not wait to use the training chopsticks. Although she did not teach him how to use it, she prepared a pair of training chopsticks for him.

    Xiao Bao was very sensible. When he was having meals, he would grab the training chopsticks with one hand and poke at the rice and vegetables in his bowl with the training chopsticks. He would not wave the chopsticks in the air or poke himself identally. He would open his mouth for his food, like a young bird waiting for food, emptying all the contents on the spoon.

    ¡°Nan Nan, shall I feed him?¡± The auntie noticed that Qiao Nan had yet to have her meal and was feeding Xiao Bao. Qiao Nan had just returned from work and she must be tired. The triplets had finally grown older and they could learn to do things by themselves. Qiao Nan could finally lighten her load. Now that Xiao Bao was here, it seemed as if Qiao Nan returned to the days where the triplets were still one year old.

    It was rare that Xiao Bao, who was well-behaved, made known his feelings. He grabbed his small bowl tightly, shaking his head at the helper. ¡°No, no, auntie, feed me, auntie, feed me.¡± He did not want other people to feed him.

    Qiao Nan smiled as she rejected the auntie¡¯s kind gestures. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Xiao Bao is very well-behaved. There is no need for me to coax him. He will take the food that I give him obediently. He will finish them in no time. I can do it. Auntie, you can help me keep a watch on the triplets.¡±

    The auntie did not insist any further. She looked at the triplets proudly. ¡°The triplets are so well-behaved. They are young but they are very sensible. One would feel hungry when one looks at them when they are eating. Madam Zhai could not help but have more food when she looks at the way they are eating. The chief also said that madam seemed to have put on weight recently. I have seen quite a lot of children around the triplets¡¯ age in the quad, but the parents have to chase after them to feed them.¡±

    On the other hand, the triplets were already learning to have the meals by themselves, and they would finish the food happily. They would empty the bowl of rice, not leaving a single grain of rice behind.

    The auntie did not need to do much. She only needed to keep a watch on the triplets while they had their meals. If they wanted to have certain food but it was out of their reach, the auntie would use the serving chopsticks to get it for them.

    Qiao Nan smiled at the way the auntie praised the triplets. ¡°If they did not have a good appetite, they would not be chubby.¡± Compared to children from other families who were slim, her children were considered to be on the chubby side.

    ¡°It¡¯s good for the children to be slightly chubby. Moreover, those are not fat. Those are muscles. They are simr to their dad.¡± Miao Jing put in good words for her grandchildren. The three children seemed to know the difference between fats and muscles.

    They knew that muscles were good, while fats were not.

    Therefore, they would raise their arms, saying that they did not have fats. Instead, they had firm and strong muscles.

    Qiao Nan nced at the three little toddlers. How was it possible that toddlers would have muscles? They were soft and tender. They were only slightly stronger than when they were young. However, they were so chubby that one could not feel their bones!

 Chapter 1404 - Keeping a Watch on the Zhai Family

    <h4>1404 Keeping a Watch on the Zhai Family</h4>

    It must be because the children kept pestering her mother-inw that she said those words to coax them.

    After the meals, Qiao Nan held Xiao Bao in her arms as she made a phone call to the Tian family. Xiao Bao had a limited vocabry. He would also jump from one topic to another. He had yet to finish the current sentence and he would go on to talk about other topics.

    Although most of his sentences did not make sense, Mother Tian would turn soft-hearted when she chatted with him.

    Mother Tian would be overjoyed whenever she chatted with her grandson. She would take a long time to end the call as she could not bear to part with her grandson. ¡°Xiao Bao, I will recover very soon. By then, I will get your father to fetch you. Xiao Bao, I miss you terribly.¡± Mother Tian was almost in tears at her grandson¡¯s baby voice.

    It had been many days since she saw her grandson, and she could not hold her grandson who smelled nice and soft. Now that her grandson was not at home, Mother Tian felt scary staring at the house that she lived in. She was so lonely that she felt deste. It was worse than her cold virus.

    ¡°Emm, grandma. Be good. Take medicine. Take injections. Get well soon. Go back a few dayster. Apany grandma.¡± Xiao Bao had a sweet tongue. Although he was sittingfortably in his auntie¡¯s embrace, he still remembered to coax his grandma. He talked to his grandma on the phone with his auntie¡¯s help. While chatting on the phone, he would y with his auntie using his two hands. He was awfully busy.

    Xiao Bao seemed to know that his grandma had not recovered yet and he would not go back home to apany his grandma anytime soon. He could continue to stay with his auntie and y with his elder brothers and sister. Xiao Bao felt that he was blessed to lead such a life.

    Mother Tian had no idea what was on Xiao Bao¡¯s mind and turned softhearted at his baby voice. He even reminded her to be good and to take medicine and injections, hoping that she would recover as soon as possible. Mother Tian was so touched by his words of concern. ¡°Alright, I will listen to Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao, I miss you terribly. I will recover as soon as possible so that I can y with you.¡±

    Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

    Mother Tian missed her grandson very much.

    After saying what he wanted, Xiao Bao kissed the phone and ended the call without the slightest hesitation. He turned to snuggle into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace. ¡°Auntie, wash cleanly and sleep with brothers and sister!¡± Xiao Bao felt that he was blessed to have his beloved auntie, his closest brothers, and sister with him.

    Qiao Nan carried Xiao Bao with her. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go upstairs to wash cleanly and go to sleep.¡± Actually, not only was Xiao Bao tired, but the triplets were sleepy as well. If not for the fact that Xiao Bao was sleepy, Mother Tian would have wanted to chat with him throughout the night.

    Anyway, the Zhai family and the Tian family could afford the telephone bills. It was more important to have a good time chatting on the phone.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Perhaps the four children were exhausted from ying all day long, Qiao Nan had yet to finish one bedtime story but all of them, snuggled in bed, were fast asleep. Right then, someone knocked on the door. Qiao Nan opened the door to see her mother-inw, Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, did the Qiao family call you to ask anything of you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was getting married. The first and foremost problem would be the dowry.

    In the previous life, even after the marriage, Qiao Zijin insisted on asking for more. In this life, since Qiao Nan was married well and Qiao Zijin had Qian Nan¡¯s wedding as a reference, Qiao Zijin would be greedier and make more requests of her.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi did not have much money. No matter how hard she tried, she would not be able to get much money from them.

    Therefore, Qiao Zijin turned to target Qiao Nan. Furthermore, Qiao Nan had been her target right from the start.

    Qiao Zijin would notpromise easily in order to marry well.

    Seeing that her mother-inw was at the door, the first problem that Qiao Nan thought of was naturally Qiao Zijin. In fact, Qiao Nan would naturally associate all problems with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin had to me herself for being untrustworthy.

    ¡°No. This has nothing to do with the Qiao family. It is just that there seemed to be strangers who loitered around the entrance of the quad. They seemed to be up to no good. You have to work in the daytime. You must be careful when you go out. Remember. You must never go out or return home alone. If the chauffeur is busy, your dad and I have decided that we could hire another chauffeur.¡±

    It was alright to spend money to hire another chauffeur. After all, they could always earn the money that was spent. Nothing was more important than their safety. If anything happened, one could never turn back time.

    It had only been a few years since Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing did not wish for their son to be a widower or for the three smart grandchildren to be without their mother. That would be a pitiful sight.

    ¡°Are you saying that strangers loiter around but nobody did anything?¡± It was ridiculous that this could happen at the entrance of the quad in the military zone. This was the capital. How could the evil-doers be so brazen and bold?

    ¡°These people are quite a distance away from the entrance of the quad in the military zone, and they didn¡¯t do anything that would put the quad in the military zone in danger. You must know that one has tomit crimes to be considered going against thew. No one would say anything if one did not do anything illegal.¡± If one did not do anything that would endanger other people but only loiter around at the entrance, the most that one could do was to give them a verbal warning.

    However, they had already used that method but it was useless.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Alright, I will take note of this. Mom, don¡¯t worry. They are only loitering around the entrance, but we should still pay more attention. When you bring the children out to take a walk under the sun, you should bring more people with you. If not, you can ask Dongzi for help.¡± The Zhai family did not have enough adults around, but it should not be the case for the Tian family.

    It had been so many days. Since Mother Tian already missed her grandson terribly, Tian Dong must have missed his son as well.

    She did not believe that he did not miss him!

    If the father did note to check on his son, Xiao Bao might be part of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Okay, I will talk to Dongzi tomorrow.¡± Miao Jing valued the safety of the children. She valued her three grandchildren as well as her maternal grandson. The four of them were very precious to her.

    As soon as Qiao Nan went to work the next day, Miao Jing gave a call to Tian Dong, asking him for advice. ¡°How can there be such a thing?¡± The quad in the military zone is an important ce. Security should not be a problem since many important chiefs resided in that ce.

    If anything happened to the quad in the military zone, it would be a big issue for China. Notwithstanding suspicious characters, a mosquito could not even be allowed entry. Security should be very tight.

 Chapter 1405 - Who Is the Loser?

    <h4>1405 Who Is the Loser?</h4>

    ¡°Mom, prevention is better than cure. After I knock off from work today I will send someone over there. Mom, what do you think?¡±

    He believed that the security at the quad in the military zone was very tight. But now that this had happened, Tian Dong could not afford a single error as this concerned his son¡¯s safety. Although this might turn out to be a fruitless attempt, he would never save on the money or effort.

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s better to get this done as soon as possible. You should make the arrangements right away.¡± There might be suspicious characters at the quad in the military zone, but it was still safer than other ces. The Zhai family¡¯s residence did not have any people who were nursing illnesses like the Tian Family.

    Tian Dong could not take his son back home as his mother was sick. It would only cause further distress at home.

    Tian Dong preferred actions to words. Since this concerned his son, he did not dare to procrastinate.

    Those suspicious characters loitered outside the quad for several days until the day Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang were expected to receive the ambassador couple.

    Everyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was busy with arranging the schedule and tasks for today.

    Qiao Nan took a thick stack of materials with her. She flipped through them quickly, getting the materials ready for He Yi. Afterpleting her task, Qiao Nan handed the materials to He Yi. He flipped several pages to ascertain that everything was alright before he gestured for Qiao Nan to leave the office.

    Qiao Nan swiped her hands afterpleting her task.

    She realized that her duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were simr to what she used to do when she was in school. There did not seem to have any difference. She would need to do a lot of writings every day to the extent that her hands were sore. At times, when it was really hectic at the ministry, she would be several times busier than when she was at school.

    Now that Qiao Nan had finally finished with all the writing, she pinched her sore hands, wanting to take a breather.

    However, Deng Wenchang cast his sinister and unreasonable nce at Qiao Nan once again. It was as if he was trying to see through her.

    Qiao Nan turned her head to one side, avoiding Deng Wenchang¡¯s gaze as usual.

    There was no other office or working space in the ministry. If Qiao Nan wanted to sit elsewhere, she would have to change her seat with one of the seniors.

    However, what made Qiao Nan frustrated was that Deng Wenchang had failed terribly as a person. There were many people in the ministry, but nobody was willing to change seats with her to sit opposite to Deng Wenchang. After knowing that everyone rejected her request to change seats, Qiao Nan felt like asking Deng Wenchang if he had such a bad personality that everyone shunned him.

    Since no one was willing to change seats with her, the unwilling Qiao Nan had no other choice but to continue to sit at her original seat. She had to wait until one of the seniors in the department left the ministry for any other reasons, leaving the office empty, in order to move elsewhere.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan did not say anything to his odd behavior, Deng Wenchang continued with his old ways. Qiao Nan almost could not take it anymore and felt like digging his eyes out.

    ¡°Are you putting on airs now that you are the daughter-inw of the Zhai family? Are you looking down on your colleague? The young mistress of the Zhai family, if you want to put on airs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not the ce for you. You should go back to where youe from.¡± Qiao Nan was the young mistress of the Zhai family. She should enjoy life with the Zhai family. Why did shee to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to snatch the job from him?

    Now that Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, she was assured that she would not go hungry for the rest of her life. She no longercked anything, so why did she insist on joining the ministry?

    One should not be too greedy. Otherwise, one would suffer retribution.

    ¡°I suggest you save this for yourself. Aren¡¯t you here to be the ¡®young master¡¯? If you don¡¯t have the correct working attitude, I suggest that you give up the position to other talented people.¡± Qiao Nan had been tolerating Deng Wenchang, yet he reached out for a yard after taking an inch.

    ¡°Deng Wenchang, as a man, why do you behave like a woman and have so manyints? Don¡¯t you find it a bother? Don¡¯t you feel ashamed? Don¡¯t forget that today is an important day. Do you intend to let the ambassador couple know that you don¡¯t get along well with me and for them tough at us, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and even China?¡±

    ¡°Young man, will you please be serious and use your brains at work?¡±

    Deng Wenchang turned green in anger. He felt like pping Qiao Nan who had a bold and fearless expression on her face. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be too smug. We shall see who will have thestugh.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not do anything for the past five days. Therefore, he was certain that the additional information that he had researched on was far more detailed than the information that Qiao Nan had. He could not tell what game Qiao Nan was up to. Could it be that Qiao Nan had admitted defeat even before the war had started?

    Although Deng Wenchang always felt that he was morepetent than Qiao Nan, he wanted to win fair and square so that everyone at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would know that he was the rising star in the ministry. He wanted everyone to realize that it was a waste to put their hopes on Qiao Nan or treat her nicely.

    However, if Qiao Nan refused to ept the challenge, no matter how well Deng Wenchang performed, one could not tell that Deng Wenchang was capable as there was noparison. He would not feel as happy at defeating Qiao Nan in this manner. Perhaps after seeing Deng Wenchang¡¯s splendid performance, Qiao Nan woulde up with excuses for herself a few dayster, saying that she was ufortable and thus made a blunder and did not perform as good as Deng Wenchang.

    He should be proud that he defeated Qiao Nan with his outstanding performance. But if Qiao Nan came up with this excuse, it would seem as if it was by sheer luck that he defeated Qiao Nan.

    Deng Wenchang refused to suffer such grievances.

    It was none of his business that Qiao Nan did not do any research and was being overly confident. As the saying went, the moon waxes only to wane, water brims only to overflow. He would not stop Qiao Nan from doing herself in. His only wish was that Qiao Nan would suffer a crushing defeat and that she would note up with someme excuses to hide the fact that she was useless and continued to put on airs in front of him who was a gifted student. He found her to be irritating and annoying.

    Deng Wenchang was emboldened and dared to provoke Qiao Nan.

    The ambassador couple would be reaching the capital very soon. Even if Qiao Nan received important information now, she would not be able to memorize them within such a short period of time and use them in the exchangeter.

    The people that Peng Yu sent to keep a watch on the Zhai family ended up not being able to gather any useful information. Deng Wenchang felt as if he was being tricked. All he could do was to wait for the exchange today to make sure that Qiao Nan suffered a crushing defeat.

 Chapter 1406 - Regrets on Wrong Move and Words

    <h4>1406 Regrets on Wrong Move and Words</h4>

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth twitched. At the sight of Deng Wenchang¡¯s nostrils, she could not help asking, ¡°Deng Wenchang, did you inject chicken blood secretly?¡± Otherwise, did Deng Wenchang need to disy so much excitement? It was as if he had eaten a stimnt and hadpletely lost that sinisterly cold and restrained manner.

    Deng Wenchang smiled scornfully. He turned his chin and did not care about talking to Qiao Nan anymore.

    Qiao Nan only knew how to curry favor and pretend to be obedient in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The old ones in the ministry had been bewitched by lust and had lost all their sanity. That was why they had been cajoled and distracted by Qiao Nan, treating her like a treasure.

    He firmly believed that the foreign ambassador couple would not be taken in by such cheap tricks of Qiao Nan. Furthermore, they would not relent just because of Qiao Nan¡¯s pretty face. If good looks were really so important, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be renamed as the beauty pageant department then.

    Deng Wenchang did not reply. His snort made Qiao Nan feel goose bumps all over.

    Qiao Nan sneered, not willing to bother about such a sicko like Deng Wenchang. She felt extremely disheartened.

    Deng Wenchang was itching to have a go while Qiao Nan was in alert andbat-ready mode. Very soon, the ambassador couple arrived in China and was received by He Yi. Naturally, the initial weing was done by He Yi. They spoke about national affairs concerning the two countries. Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang only needed to listen attentively and conscientiously to the content of their conversation and remember the main points of it.

    No matter how proud and aloof Deng Wenchang was when he was in the department, thinking that he was a cut above the rest, the seniors in the department were still silently approving of his behavior during such critical times. If Deng Wenchang dared to make any mistakes at such important times, the department would send someone else to rece him at any point in time.

    Actually, other people did not understand this matter but some seniors in the department did.

    Between these two newbies, He Yi thought more highly of Qiao Nan and wanted to delegate important tasks to her. Everyone knew this in their hearts.

    However, Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan joined the department almost at the same time. Although Deng Wenchang did not perform better than Qiao Nan, he had never made any huge mistakes. Hence, if He Yi wanted to give Qiao Nan a chance, he had to bring Deng Wenchang along. Otherwise, if words were to spread, He Yi¡¯s method would ultimately attract criticism.

    This was also the reason why He Yi had never used any means to evict Deng Wenchang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs despite his dissatisfaction with Deng Wenchang.

    To put it bluntly, Deng Wenchang felt that his opportunity was here. He did not ponder deeply that his so-called opportunity waspletely due to Qiao Nan, whom he looked down on.

    Given this point alone, He Yi could trust Qiao Nan but he dared not feel totally at ease with Deng Wenchang.

    Who could be certain that Deng Wenchang, who did not make any major mistakes normally, would definitely maintain his sanity during critical times and not act foolishly? Until this moment that Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang took down the notes in shorthand, the person who was arranged to possibly rece Deng Wenchang adopted a more serious attitude than the two youngsters on this matter. He dared not rx at all.

    The meeting and discussion between He Yi and the ambassador were rtively sessful. The two parties had a friendly handshake before ending the exchange this time. All of a sudden, all the cameras and videos were shooting and shing nonstop at He Yi and the ambassador like guns and cannons.

    It was only when the reporters had taken down all the news materials that He Yi came down and walked toward Qiao Nan. He seemed to be telling Qiao Nan firmly with his eyes: I am passing the entire duty of the host to you from this point onward.

    As for the ambitious Deng Wenchang standing beside Qiao Nan, He Yi simply ignored him. Between the ambassador couple, the most important VIP was of course the husband and not the wife. Given abination like Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang, Deng Wenchang should be entertaining the husband while Qiao Nan the ambassador¡¯s wife.

    However, He Yi purposely wanted to reverse this order.

    The western countries were more open-minded and advocated gender equality more than the Asian countries. Hence, he would let Qiao Nan receive the ambassador and Deng Wenchang his wife.

    Didn¡¯t they say that it would be less exhausting when members of the opposite gender worked together?

    However, the extremely confident Deng Wenchang did not know He Yi¡¯s n at all. At the sight of the ambassador couple, he straightened the cor of his suit, tidied his sleeves and buttons, and walked forward to the couple to shake their hands, while smiling like a gentleman.

    Deng Wenchang was extremely satisfied with this beginning of shaking the ambassador couple¡¯s hands before Qiao Nan could do so. Women... They should obediently follow behind men. Although this was a male foreigner, he might not be entirely biased-free toward females. Otherwise, why would western countries use male chauvinist pigs to describe machismo men?

    After he upied the controlling role, Qiao Nan could only stand beside him abidingly and help him with some mundane matters.

    Qiao Nan could forget about snatching this opportunity away in front of him!

    Deng Wenchang made use of his long legs and deliberately moved a step forward to block Qiao Nan¡¯s actions. He Yi and the team could tell his intent and they frowned immediately. Although Deng Wenchang had been quite subtle, as a foreign ambassador, would he not be able to tell?

    He Yi was very worried that he would see a sh of scorn in the eyes of the foreign ambassador. If that was truly the case, Deng Wenchang would have embarrassed himself badly in front of the foreigners.

    True enough, he should have found an excuse to kick Deng Wenchang out from this event earlier and sidelined him. He wanted to give Deng Wenchang a fair chance topete. Unexpectedly, Deng Wenchang was too ipetent. He did not grab hold of hisst opportunity. Eventually, he did something so petty in front of the foreign ambassador. What a scheming guy.

    Deng Wenchang felt He Yi¡¯s stare on him. However, he acted as if hepletely did not realize his actions. So what if he had deliberately walked faster than Qiao Nan and blocked her? As long as he performed well thereafter and did not embarrass his country, wouldn¡¯t that do?

    He could guarantee that with his presence, this event did not require Qiao Nan at all.

    He was willing to let Qiao Nan sit by the side and act like an eye-candy, drink tea, and eat some melon seeds toplete the mission with him. He had allowed Qiao Nan to take so much advantage of him. He was already very good to Qiao Nan. Otherwise, if he was harsher, it was possible that he could simply stop Qiao Nan from appearing at this point in time.

    After a round of self-constion, Deng Wenchang hadpletely neglected Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    If Deng Wenchang really dared to plot against Qiao Nan at such a time and the Zhai family sought revenge on Deng Wenchang, the Deng family would be forced to keep their grievances to themselves. They would not be able to seek justice. Who told Deng Wenchang to be so daring to provoke the Zhai family? He deserved such retribution. If the Deng family dared to shout out their grievances, they would definitely attract a round of beating. They would feel so regretful of making the wrong move and saying the wrong words.

 Chapter 1407 - They Really Know Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 1407 They Really Know Each Other</h4>

    Deng Wenchang did not genuinely want Qiao Nan to follow by his side and pick up the achievements in the passing. It was because he dared not do anything to Qiao Nan. If he could, Deng Wenchang would not only make Qiao Nan miss this event but also simply evict her from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That would resolve all his worries at one go.

    In front of the foreign ambassador, Deng Wenchang was so brazen and fearless with this cheap trick of his. He was not at all worried that He Yi would make him leave since that would put the country in an awkward position in front of the foreign ambassador.

    After shaking his hands with the couple, Deng Wenchang introduced himself. When he saw that the ambassador couple did not feel any revulsion toward him, Deng Wenchang then specially mentioned that he had been to the United Kingdom before when he was studying overseas.

    He had a deep impression of the United Kingdom and even praised it for being a wonderful country.

    When Deng Wenchang felt that he had established enough presence in front of the couple and won a positive first impression, he gently stepped aside as if he had just recalled that Qiao Nan was behind him. ¡°Please allow me to introduce...¡±

    ¡°Oh, Qiao!¡± Just as Deng Wenchang moved slightly, revealing Qiao Nan behind him, and before he could finish his introduction, the ambassador couple widened their eyes in a pleasant surprise. They then opened their arms and walked to Qiao Nan.

    With a gracious and radiant smile, Qiao Nan also opened her arms and hugged the ambassador couple. They even kissed each other on the cheeks. ¡°I miss both of you too. Thank you very much for the previous matter.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The group from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gaped in shock as they watched the close interactions between Qiao Nan and the ambassador couple. Some of their jaws dropped so much they could barely retract them.

    He Yi raised his brow, his eyes shining brightly. When they were in the department previously, his little junior¡¯s expression did seem to reveal that she knew this new ambassador couple personally. So, this matter was true?

    He Yi was ted over the situation. He felt that it was useless no matter how hard Deng Wenchang worked. Deng Wenchang would definitely be Qiao Nan¡¯s essory today. When Deng Wenchang saw the situation, he stared nkly at Qiao Nan and the ambassador couple hugging and cheek-kissing. That affectionate behavior looked as though they were visiting rtives during the Lunar New Year. One would be able to feel the sincerity from the other party without even using their hearts.

    Next, he saw Qiao Nan chatting with the couple as if they were old friends. They were no longer talking about national affairs and the two countries¡¯ rtionship. On the contrary, they were onmon topics and showing concern for the recent happenings in each other¡¯s lives. Deng Wenchang had directly transformed into wind, blown until he turned into dust and could not be pieced together anymore.

    Damn! No one told him that Qiao Nan had rtives overseas!

    Damn! No one told him that Qiao Nan¡¯s overseas rtives were coincidentally the ambassador couple today.

    Damn! Who told him before that Qiao Nan had never studied abroad and did not step out of the country once, that Qiao Nan¡¯s maternal family was at the bottom of the ranks, and they were more ordinary than ever?

    All this wrong information... Damn! Who told him?!

    Deng Wenchang had taken too many blows. Seemingly struck by thunder, he could not recover his senses for a long time and almost needed to be sent to the hospital for emergency treatment. Qiao Nan was on very close terms with the ambassador couple. They were chatting smoothly and amiably. Under such an extremely harmonious atmosphere, a typical person did not even have a chance to interrupt them with one or two sentences!

    Since Qiao Nan and the ambassador couple were chatting so happily, why would they need another person by Qiao Nan¡¯s side to keep the ambassador couplepany? Qiao Nan alone would be more than sufficient to settle the couple.

    In addition, the content of their conversation was too run-of-the-mill. How would typical people know the lifestyle of these two new ambassador couple? What could they talk to them about? Weather?!

    The other people were not bothered. The person in the most embarrassing state such that he could dig a hole and bury himself in it was, of course, Deng Wenchang. Deng Wenchang was partnering with Qiao Nan toplete this mission. At present, Qiao Nan could settle this alone. In that case, Deng Wenchang only needed to sit by the side, drink some tea, watch Qiao Nan take the lead, and glory and thrash him.

    Deng Wenchang gnashed his teeth. Feeling indignant, he lifted his foot and moved forward. He had to give it a try and force his way through even if he could not interrupt them sessfully. No matter what, he could not let Qiao Nan snatch all the jobs. He would seem like a freeloader then.

    However, before Deng Wenchang could make that step, he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He Yi, the owner of the hand, smiled. ¡°Looking at the current situation, Xiao Qiao canpletely handle the situation at hand. Xiao Qiao and the ambassador couple are already so immersed in their chat. It¡¯s best that other people don¡¯t interrupt the three of them. Otherwise, they will inevitably feel uneasy with the unfamiliarity. We can lose anything except for face, especially those of our own people. Xiao Deng, do you agree?¡±

    It was seldom that his little junior would wield her power and amaze everyone with a single brilliant feat. She performed so well that everyone else was surprised. Of course, He Yi had to think of ways to protect Qiao Nan and not let others spoil such a ster performance.

    After the ambassador couple returned to the embassy, he had to look for and talk to his little junior. How exactly did she get to know the ambassador couple?

    At this moment, He Yi did not link this situation to his master, Lin Yuankang, at all. This was because he knew that the couple had never been on Lin Yuankang¡¯s list of friends. This couple was not very young. They were older than Qiao Nan by slightly more than ten years. However, to an elder like Lin Yuankang, the ambassador couple belonged to a much younger generation. As such, it was impossible that the two parties had any interaction before.

    In that case, of course, Qiao Nan¡¯s striking performance today did not have anything to do with Lin Yuankang.

    Without his master¡¯s connections and the Zhai family¡¯s help, how did his little junior get to know the ambassador couple?

    Regarding this, before he received an answer from the horse¡¯s mouth, He Yi could not figure it out despite much thinking. He secretly eximed in his heart that this little junior of his was simply a rare gem.

    There certainly would not be any problem at Qiao Nan¡¯s end now. He Yi instructed the rest of the people to pay attention while he quietly left and made a call to the Lin family¡¯s residence. ¡°Hello, master, it¡¯s me. Don¡¯t worry. Little junior performed excellently. There is no problem at all. Mmm, with Deng Wenchang¡¯s temperament, how could he not act smart? However, little junior is very quick-witted. No matter how Deng Wenchang plots against her, it is not possible for him to seed.¡±

 Chapter 1408 - Discerning Judgment That Could Differentiate Greatness from Mediocrity

    <h4>1408 Discerning Judgment That Could Differentiate Greatness from Mediocrity</h4>

    As he said this, He Yi felt especially proud. It was as if he, and not Qiao Nan, was the one who did all these things today.

    ¡°How did little junior do it? Master, I don¡¯t know too. Actually, little junior knows the ambassador couple personally. If it did not have anything to do with you, then little junior...¡± Where did this interpersonalwork and such fortunee from?

    Lin Yuankang stroked his mustache. ¡°This did not have anything to do with me or the Zhai family. After thinking, it seems that none of those by Nan Nan¡¯s side can help her with it. I have already said before that this little junior of yours is very capable. It is possible that Nan Nan got to know the ambassador couple herself and not through anyone.¡±

    The corners of He Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. He felt that his master¡¯s words were a little unrealistic. Although He Yi said that, there was a hidden voice in his heart that agreed with Lin Yuankang¡¯s words.

    Tsk. What exactly did his little junior do to be so close to the ambassador couple?

    Seeing as He Yi could not figure this out, all the more Deng Wenchang could not either.

    Qiao Nan was chatting enthusiastically with the ambassador couple. The trio even behaved as if this was their home,ughing out loud from time to time unreservedly and without a care for their image. At the sight of this, Deng Wenchang almost had the urge to vomit blood.

    No wonder. It was no wonder that there was no slightest bit of action at the Zhai family for the past week. Qiao Nan also did not look for anyone¡¯s help to gather more information about the ambassador couple. So, the truth was that Qiao Nan was already very familiar with them. Under such circumstances, would the information gathered by others be more urate than what was in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach?

    One had to know that at this moment, only what was in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach had the final correct answer.

    Deng Wenchang could not help grinding his teeth. Considering this, was Qiao Nan cheating? She was like a family to the ambassador couple. Under this pretext, it would be bizarre if he could be of any help in this matter!

    He Yi and Qiao Nan were clearly fooling and toying with him!

    Qiao Nan. It must be Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan did it on purpose!

    Deng Wenchang was stomaching his fury, looking like he was about to explode. The raging fire in his heart could not be extinguished no matter what. At this moment, it looked like it was going to break out anytime.

    Fortunately, the happy conversation between the ambassador couple and Qiao Nan ended.

    Qiao Nan hugged the ambassador¡¯s wife again and looked at the other party¡¯s tummy with gentleness in her eyes. After telling her to take care, the other party responded with an extremely heart-warming and happy smile. Without the need for Qiao Nan to prompt, the moment his wife stood up, the ambassador immediately reached out his hands and held onto his wife.

    It was only until when Qiao Nan personally sent them to the car and closed the door that the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs team regained their senses.

    When everyone gradually recovered from their incredulity, they moved forward to Qiao Nan and surrounded her.

    ¡°Come,e,e. Xiao Qiao, shouldn¡¯t you give us an exnation?¡±

    ¡°Right, tell us clearly about your rtionship with the ambassador couple. We have been colleagues for so long, but why haven¡¯t I heard you mention that you have rtives overseas, or who in your family is staying abroad and even have connections with such figures?¡±

    Do not think that they were blind. It was obvious that from the way the ambassador couple looked at Qiao Nan, they treated her like their own niece.

    If Qiao Nan did not have any rtionship with them, how could such a situation ur?

    It was obvious that there was something fishy.

    Having been surrounded by many uncles, with everyone acting like reporters and throwing loads of questions at her, Qiao Nan was only short of having a bunch of microphones in front of her, and she could look like a famous celebrity being interviewed. ¡°What overseas rtives? How is it possible that my rtives are overseas?¡±

    The ambassador couple was rted to her?

    Between the three of them, it was obviously so distant and unrted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Look at how close the three of you are. To say that you are not rted... You can ask any of us here. Who will believe your words? Confess to us honestly.¡±

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, honestly confess or be treated with hostility!¡±

    ¡°Minister, quicklye over. Aren¡¯t you going to say a few words to Xiao Qiao?¡±

    ¡°Coming.¡± He Yi swayed forward with a proud look on his face. One year ago, he was the one who insisted on letting his little junior intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time, everyone had a strong sense of revulsion toward Deng Wenchang. In the end, if Deng Wenchang had not graduated from a renowned college in America, they would not even be willing to agree to his internship.

    Who would have known that it was not enough to have one newbie? The minister also pulled in another local student who had not even graduated. Was he not messing around?

    Everyone was not very approving of it, but He Yi had already made up his mind. Hence, they only dared to keep the negativements to themselves. It was great now. Today¡¯s matter was enough to prove Qiao Nan¡¯s capability, and certainly, He Yi¡¯s judgment was not poor.

    Everyone was looking at He Yi in a different light. The minister was indeed the minister. He had a discerning sense of judgment that could differentiate greatness from mediocrity. Although today¡¯s problem was not a huge one to begin with, it was much easier to settle some matters where friends were concerned. This was considered a good thing for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Well, everyone had seen for themselves that the other party had such a great attitude toward Qiao Nan. Theypletely treated her as their junior. Fortunately, the rtionship between the two countries was not too tense. If the two countries had any interaction in the future, as long as this ambassador wasing, everyone felt that they did not need to work so hard. The other party would not take the chance to use all ways and means or wield a big knife to mercilessly sh a huge piece of flesh from China.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, give us an exnation, please. What is happening? However, if it¡¯s not convenient for you to tell, all of us will understand too.¡± It might not be convenient for his little junior to tell everyone. However, given his rtionship with her, they could have a private talk on this.

    Yes, yes. This method is excellent and problem-free.

    ¡°Hmph, some people are so insidious. She clearly knows them as a family, yet she never told the people in the department about it. She watched her colleagues work so hard and so nervously for the sake of this visit, while shezed around at the side, looking at us like we¡¯re some jokes. I really don¡¯t understand why a united department like ours has such a selfish person!¡±

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse as if his throat had been torn. It gave others strange and uneasy vibes.

    However, the change in his voice did not muddle others. Everyone could tell who he was directing the words at.

    Deng Wenchang was putting the me on Qiao Nan.

    me? Could he not me her?!

    Deng Wenchang had worked hard for so many days and spent so much time and energy so that he couldplete this mission with flying colors. He wanted to subdue Qiao Nan and prove to everyone that he was, in fact, the most outstanding one.

 Chapter 1409 - Celebrate the Victory

    <h4>Chapter 1409 Celebrate the Victory</h4>

    He did not expect himself to lose to Qiao Nan, who did nothing. It was all because she was rtives with the ambassador couple.

    If he had known that Qiao Nan and the ambassador couple were rtives, he would not have indulged in the fantasy of making use of this opportunity to subdue Qiao Nan fully and prove himself to everyone. If he had known that this was the case, he would certainly change his n, make use of Qiao Nan, and make the ambassador couple focus their attention on him.

    In that case, the situation of the ambassador couple pulling Qiao Nan to the side and chatting about everything under the sun today would not ur. He was like an invisible figure who stood foolishly by the side, watching Qiao Nan slowly rob away the limelight that belonged to him.

    After thinking, Deng Wenchang felt that the word ¡®insidious¡¯ could notpletely describe Qiao Nan¡¯s despicable nature. If heaven had eyes, he should not let a scum like Qiao Nan continue to live in the world and be a stumbling block to others.

    Deng Wenchang very much wished that what the elders in his family said about heaven¡¯s retribution was true. In that case, heaven could bestow lightning and turn Qiao Nan into wooden ashes with one strike. Henceforth, he would be rid of all worries and no longer troubled by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Aiyo, isn¡¯t this considered sour grapes?¡±

    ¡°Wrong. It¡¯s not just the problem of sour or sweet grapes. Xiao Qiao clearly said that she is someone with grapes. Somerades are proud and arrogant, looking at others with their nostrils. If they don¡¯t have it, they think that others can¡¯t have it as well!¡±

    After someone reminded, many people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled Qiao Nan¡¯s shocked expression when she first saw the photo of the ambassador couple. From her expression then, it was obvious that she knew the two people in the photo.

    However, no one really believed Qiao Nan at that time. In particr, Deng Wenchang even mocked at Qiao Nan with disdain and sarcasm. He told Qiao Nan not to use such a foolish method to make herself look good as it would be too shameless.

    Today¡¯s matter had proved that Qiao Nan was not praising herself. She really knew the ambassador couple personally. Besides that, they were on very good terms.

    Qiao Nan had told them the situation but Deng Wenchang did not believe it. He even mocked Qiao Nan. Now, he was so sarcastic in his words to Qiao Nan. Tsk, tsk, tsk... Deng Wenchang¡¯s words conveyed his extreme jealousy. He was not behaving like a man. ¡°I remember that some people not only generate such words but also behave in an ugly manner. Sometimes, I really doubt that, between someone and Comrade Xiao Qiao, who is the man and who is the woman.¡±

    There were many people watching them, and Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior was gracious, earnest, and down-to-earth.

    On the contrary, Deng Wenchang was spoiled, sensitive, and had excessive pride. He felt that all the seniors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should fawn on him and nurture him to be the next leader of the department. In addition, they had to help and support him unconditionally in any matter. If anything did not go his way, he would re up immediately and show a ck face. In addition, he was very narrow-minded. He would bear a grudge and find ways to seek revenge.

    They rarely encountered such newbies.

    They recalled the times when they first joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were very courteous and respectful when interacting with their seniors. No one behaved like Deng Wenchang, who looked down on one and detested another. It was as if besides the minister, Deng Wenchang was the only human left in the entire department. At the sight of that behavior, one could not help ring up no matter how big-hearted they were.

    A grown-up manpeted with a youngdy but he refused to admit defeat after losing. He was utterly shameless. If Deng Wenchang was the youngd in their family, they would definitely take a cane and beat this brat to death.

    To begin with, everyone felt positive about Qiao Nan and was dissatisfied with Deng Wenchang putting on airs. After today¡¯s matter, everyone could not stand Deng Wenchang any further. ¡°Minister He, the few of us have always felt that a ¡®talent¡¯ like Comrade Xiao Deng should go somewhere else that is more suitable for him. In this way, he will be able to shine and contribute to our country then.¡±

    In other words, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not suitable for Deng Wenchang at all. It was fine if Deng Wenchang continued to stay here and waste his own time. However, it was too hical of him to add on to their woes.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s face instantly turned red. Naturally, he understood the implied meaning in these words. He was so furious that he red at the other party with reddened eyes. At the sight of this, the other party felt the urge to beat him up again. This was a grown-up man. Forget it if he could not win against a youngdy. Was he so thin-skinned that he could not even take criticism despite hisck of capability? Was this kind of man still considered a man? It was truly an embarrassment to men.

    ¡°Hahaha, no matter what, it is a triumphant first battle for the newbie in our department. Let me give everyone a treat tonight!¡± Of course, He Yi wanted very much to kick Deng Wenchang out.

    However, that shameless cheap shot of Deng Wenchang today did not manage to harm Qiao Nan. Instead, he became Qiao Nan¡¯s essory. He was the thrown-out brick that lured the gem out. He Yi was in a very good mood today. Although debts had to be repaid, at the very least, it would not be today. It could be tomorrow or the day after. They should celebrate the happy asion first.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, given your situation at home, can you attend?¡± He Yi added. At the thought that Qiao Nan was a mother and the three children at home were only three years old, He Yi was hit by a wave of guilt after suggesting the celebration. He had no choice. His own master had been keeping a watch on him.

    If he dared to make the three babies cry when looking for their mother, his master would make him cry and look for his wife. However, words that were spoken could not be retracted anymore.

    He was already of this age and could be a grandfather in a few years. No matter what, he could not embarrass himself at this moment. He had to endure. Although spoken words were akin to spilled water, he had to wipe it clean and then squeeze them back into the basin!

    Everything revolved around the triplets in Qiao Nan¡¯s house. They were the most important ones.

    Qiao Nan was amused as she could tell the nervousness beneath He Yi¡¯s eyes. She did not know what her master had told Senior He such that her senior was so nervous when wanting to treat her to a meal. ¡°Minister He, don¡¯t worry. I will make a call home. No issue.¡±

    After all, she was a formal employee now. In order to maintain the harmonious rtionship between colleagues, it was necessary to have adequate social interaction. Ever since she was a permanent employee, Qiao Nan had graduallymunicated to the triplets to make them understand that asionally, and under very low frequency, she might be home a littlete for one or two days.

    However, she promised them that she would definitely be home before they sleep to tell them a bedtime story and coax them to sleep.

 Chapter 1410 - No One Is Toasting with You

    <h4>1410 No One Is Toasting with You</h4>

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was very sincere. She also treated them like adults and discussed this with them. At the sight of this, and after some consideration, the triplets nodded and agreed reluctantly. ¡°However, minister, I can¡¯t reach home toote tonight. It is almost five o¡¯clock, dismissal time, now. I have to be home before eight o¡¯clock. Is that okay?¡±

    Qiao Nan had not participated in such gatherings before and was not sure how long the fun would go on. Hence, it would not go wrong if she were to specify her condition in advance.

    ¡°Sure, I will definitely let you get home by eight o¡¯clock.¡± He Yi was overjoyed. It was rare that his little junior agreed to go out and have a meal with everyone and bond with her colleagues. He had some initial concerns. Despite his protection, subtle influence on the team to make them trust Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan¡¯s own capability, he wondered if anyone would feel as indignant as Deng Wenchang andmit petty acts to evict Qiao Nan after Qiao Nan seeded him.

    One had to know that rtionships between colleagues had to be built by spending time with one another. This kind of interaction was not only restricted to performance during work.

    During Qiao Nan¡¯s internship period, she had never participated in any of the department¡¯s activities. However, she was just an intern at that time. In fact, it was not very appropriate for Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang to join in then. However, He Yi was always supportive of Qiao Nan¡¯s usual approachable style of interaction that did not go overboard.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan was now a permanent employee and some ways of handling things had to change.

    If he were to continue to defend Qiao Nan the same way that he did during her internship, Qiao Nan would eventually give the colleagues the impression that she was either not easy to be trifled with or too cold and snobbish. It would not be easy to win the hearts of everyone then.

    Today, He Yi was ted when Qiao Nan agreed to have a meal with everyone. This little junior really made him feel at ease. He had not even reflected this situation to her and the problem was resolved. She had already thought of it.

    True enough, his decision to pass the baton to his little junior was correct.

    At the dining table, everyone only allowed Qiao Nan to drink beer as she was still young. The rest drank ording to their usual habits.

    When everyone was holding a ss of alcohol in their hands, someone immediately said, ¡°Come,e,e! For today¡¯s contribution, to our minister and our Comrade Xiao Qiao, cheers!¡±

    ¡°Cheers, right, cheers!¡± The newbie could chip in and share the responsibilities and burdens with the seniors. Who would not feel happy that someone was helping them out?

    ¡°Cheers, everyone, let¡¯s raise our cups.¡±

    Everyone, including Qiao Nan and He Yi, was in quite a good mood. They thus very willingly stood up and raised their cups. Of course, there was always someone who was a ¡®maverick¡¯ that appeared very unsociable.

    Deng Wenchang had a stiff expression on his face. It was as if someone had owed him ten million yuan for a few years. He slowly stood up and raised his cup a little in a reluctant manner. Throughout the entire process, Deng Wenchang was like a dumb person who did not know how to smile or talk. He turned the bustling atmosphere cold.

    ¡°...¡±

    The corners of many people¡¯s mouth twitched. They could not wait to strike a kick on Deng Wenchang¡¯s buttocks. Everyone was feeling quite happy. No one had forced Deng Wenchang toe. If he was so reluctant, he could go wherever he wanted to. Please do not stay here to be an eyesore and spoilsport!

    ¡°Cheers.¡± Qiao Nan simply ignored Deng Wenchang. She had not encountered many people like Deng Wenchang, but she had interacted intensively with them for two lifetimes. The more she treated Deng Wenchang with importance, the more he would kick up a ruckus. He was the same type of person as the Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin in her family.

    Ignoring such people would make them feel awkward and terrible. In the end, they might not even dare to fart at anyone.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s views, Deng Wenchang¡¯s age was simr to that of a child. The problem was that Deng Wenchang was not born to Qiao Nan and she was not obligated to forgive the sicko Deng Wenchang unconditionally again and again.

    He loved to pretend. Did he really think that the world would stop rotating without him?

    What a joke!

    Qiao Nan was very young and was not very forceful in her tone. At most, it was very clear and crisp. Nevertheless, it could bring on the atmosphere. A second ago, many people¡¯s face darkened at the sight of Deng Wenchang¡¯s behavior. The next moment, under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, they were ignoring Deng Wenchang and toasting to each other as per their wishes.

    Clink! The sound of the sses knocking onto each other was very crisp and clear. It stunned the hearts and livened up the atmosphere. Although Qiao Nan was ady, she was as game as the men. She drained the beer in her ss at once. Many shouted ¡®good!¡¯ at that.

    Next, wine and toast went around amidstughter and chats. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively. Everyone was wearing a smile on their faces and speaking with raised voices. The atmosphere was better than before. Of course, besides that exception.

    During the toasting, everyone had neglected Deng Wenchang. They had raised their cups high while Deng Wenchang was the only one who gloomily and listlessly raised his cup a little.

    Sure. If he was not willing to toast, they would not toast with him then.

    Everyone¡¯s sses touched except for that of Deng Wenchang, which remained silent.

    Thereafter, groups of people engaged in small talks. Everyone had someone to chat with and was chatting eagerly. Deng Wenchang was the only one alone and silent all the time. He did not even say ¡®yes¡¯ or ¡®mmm¡¯. Besides sitting on a bench, upying a seat and a set of utensils, he was no different from a block of wood. There was no sense of his presence at all. No one was willing to interact with an unsociable individual like Deng Wenchang. No one would be so wretched to do that.

    Before eight o¡¯clock, He Yi reminded Qiao Nan to go home.

    Throughout the entire event, besides not holding Qiao Nan back from her first ss of beer, He Yi had been keeping a watch on Qiao Nan in her subsequent drinks.

    Because of this situation, a few colleagues teased He Yi. ¡°I say, minister. I know you value talents and care about your juniors. However, aren¡¯t you a little overboard? If I am not aware that sister-inw has given birth to a son for you, and this nephew of ours is still schooling, I am really going to suspect whether Xiao Qiao is your daughter.¡±

    Besides her father, who would care so much for a youngdy?

    Everyone was men. Whether He Yi¡¯s concern for Qiao Nan out of a man to a woman or a senior to a junior, no one would make a mistake on this. Hence, there was no misunderstanding.

    In fact, besides He Yi, many people in the department treated Qiao Nan like a junior in their family. Hence, during the drinking session, none of them harbored any ulterior motive or force-fed Qiao Nan with drinks just because she was a woman.

    On the contrary, if Qiao Nan did not refill her cup, no one would say that there was no more alcohol and request to refill the cup quickly. In addition, Qiao Nan was the only one drinking beer. Hence, they had only asked the waiter to prepare one bottle of beer.

 Chapter 1411 - Old Friend

    <h4>1411 Old Friend</h4>

    ¡°Alright, I will go back first. I am really sorry to spoil the fun for everyone. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, I will treat all of you to a meal.¡± Qiao Nan picked up her bag and was about to leave.

    Deng Wenchang, who had been keeping quiet all along, spoke up. ¡°Before leaving, let me ask you a question. What is your rtionship with the ambassador couple? How do you know them?¡± If he did find out the answer, he would not be able to sleep tonight. Although he had lost, he wanted to know the reason so that he would not make the same mistake next time.

    He wanted to know how capable Qiao Nan was. She was married to Zhai Sheng, and Zhu Chengqi was her godfather. Shi Peng, who returned to the capital a few years ago, was doing very well in the government and his only daughter was Qiao Nan¡¯s best friend. On top of that, it seemed that He Yi and Qiao Nan had a close rtionship due to Elder Lin who had retired for many years.

    Qiao Nan had too many backers and supporters. Nobody could understand the excruciating pain that Deng Wenchang felt right now.

    He had always looked down on Qiao Nan. But apart from not going overseas, she had a stronger political background than him!

    He had figured out Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionships with other people, but what about the ambassador couple today? How did Qiao Nan get to know them? What other strengths and backers did Qiao Nan have? All these were pitfalls waiting for him.

    Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips and sneered. ¡°I have not been to other countries, and I did not go on overseas study. But I am hardworking. During my four years in college, I worked as a voluntary guide at the Pce Museum. I got to know the ambassador couple at that time. Previously, there were some reading materials as well as the materials regarding the evolution of English words from the Arabguage that I couldn¡¯t find in the country. They were the ones who found the materials for me.¡±

    It was also through interaction with friends from overseas that she got to constantly practice speaking and writing in English. Even when they returned home, Qiao Nan continued to chat with them using MSN, asking for their help to look for reading materials that she needed. They had a close rtionship with each other.

    The western friends were very friendly and warm. Initially, the ambassador couple felt that Qiao Nan looked young and fair. She looked simr to the dolls in their country in her pink long dress.

    The ambassador couple was not DINK[1]. They wanted to have children, but it had been more than thirty years and they did not have any kids. They have tried in vitro fertilization, but to no avail. It was no surprise that when they saw a youngdy who looked like the doll, they were particrly nice to Qiao Nan even when they were tourists.

    Qiao Nan was not only pretty-looking and good-natured, but she also had a good attitude when she was the volunteer guide. The ambassador lost his credentials during the trip. Qiao Nan searched high and low to look for them when there were not many tourists around. It took her three hours to search all corners before she found the ambassador¡¯s documents.

    After retrieving the documents, Qiao Nan merely passed them to her reporting unit so that they would return them to the ambassador.

    All the people in Qiao Nan¡¯s reporting unit were very fond of her who was hardworking at work. Since it was Qiao Nan who went to great pains to retrieve the documents, they would not take her credit. They told the ambassador what happened.

    That was why the ambassador couple had a good impression of Qiao Nan.

    They added each other on MSN. After the ambassador couple returned to their country, they kept frequent contact with Qiao Nan. When they knew that some reading materials could not be easily found in China and it was hard to get them elsewhere as well, they told Qiao Nan to send them the list of books, and they would think of ways to get them for her.

    Initially, Qiao Nan had her hesitation and doubts. Even if the book was sold in her country, it was akin to searching for a needle in the sea. After all, the current IT industry was not as developed as ten yearster.

    Strangely, whenever Qiao Nan needed a book, they were able to get the book for her.

    At first, Qiao Nan thought that they must have the means to find the books for her. It was only until a few days ago when she saw the photos of the visiting ambassador couple did Qiao Nan realize that they came from a family of political and military background. People like them would definitely have the means to find the books for her.

    ¡°I am not that capable, and I am not as smart. All I did was to treat people with sincerity. Comrade Deng, if you are satisfied, I have to go home.¡±

    That day, everyone could tell from Qiao Nan¡¯s expression that Qiao Nan knew the ambassador couple. However, Deng Wenchang made crudements, looking down on Qiao Nan. It turned out that Qiao Nan was not boasting. Instead, it was Deng Wenchang who had one¡¯s nose in the air and was given a tight p to his face.

    Qiao Nan did not expect a reply from Deng Wenchang. She took her bag and left the ce quickly to call a car to go home. If she dyed any further, the three spoiled brats might be throwing tantrumster.

    Qiao Nan left without any hesitation, but all the colleagues were in shock.

    ¡°Crap. This was the first time that I learned that something good wille out of social practice during college.¡± This would not do. After dinner, he would have to make an overseas call right away. He must remind his son that even if he was overseas, he must take the social practice seriously. If he was lucky, he might have a good encounter like Xiao Qiao as well.

    If he participated in social practice, there would be a chance of having lucky encounters. If not, he would not have the chance at all. It was obvious what decision he should make.

    ¡°Haha. Come on. Not everyone will have such a good encounter. Xiao Qiao is well-behaved and kindhearted. As the saying goes, the good would be well rewarded. Judging from today¡¯s happenings, it is very true.¡± The man who said that narrowed his gaze and cast a sideways nce at Deng Wenchang. It was obvious that hisments were directed at Deng Wenchang.

    ¡°Good. It¡¯s good that such a goodrade is from our department. Come, let¡¯s have another drink.¡± He was only concerned about Qiao Nan, who had a ster performance. As for Deng Wenchang, who performed badly, it was uncertain if he could continue to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Since he might not necessarily be part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was no need for him to treat Deng Wenchang as part of the department and for Deng Wenchang to leave a blemish on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Deng Wenchang, who was ridiculed, could tell that their remarks were directed at him.

    Since Qiao Nan could be big-headed and leave before the seniors in the department, he could leave as well. He would not ept that he was doomed to be worse than Qiao Nan and to be her stepping stone! Hmmph!

    Deng Wenchang stood up, turning green in anger. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I am needed at home. Minister, seniors, excuse me, I have to go. Next time...¡± Deng Wenchang did not finish the sentence. He was about to say that he would treat them to dinner next time.

    The reason being Qiao Nan made the samements before she left.

    [1] Double ie and no kids,

 Chapter 1412 - Unrealistic

    <h4>1412 Unrealistic</h4>

    Even if Deng Wenchang had such an intention long ago, since Qiao Nan already said so, Deng Wenchang was unwilling to make the same remarks. It would seem as if he copied her and that he lost to her once again.

    Since Deng Wenchang was born, he had never been thoroughly defeated like today. No matter how hard he tried, he could not turn the tables on Qiao Nan and he was ridiculed by his colleagues time and again because of her. The worst part was that the other party was a woman and she was younger than him and had lower educational qualifications than him!

    Nobody stopped Deng Wenchang from leaving.

    When Qiao Nan left, everyone watched her as she made a move. They reminded her to be careful on the way back and pay attention to safety and contact her family in the car.

    When Deng Wenchang made a move to go, no one bothered about him. They did not say a word but continued with their drinks. It was as if Deng Wenchang was already old enough to take care of himself. He could not possibly want the seniors to care for him as if he was a young man and to worry about his safety.

    Deng Wenchang did not drink, but he staggered as if he had finished one bottle of white wine by himself. The only way to prove that he did not have any drinks was the pallor on his face.

    People inside the room were full ofughter and fun, while Deng Wenchang was all by himself outside the door.

    Deng Wenchang gritted his teeth such that his gums were bleeding. He finally made his way back home.

    As soon as he opened the door, Father Deng began to ask how the situation was today. He had yet to ask and he saw the pale look on his son¡¯s face and knew the oue even without asking. ¡°How can this be? It is impossible.¡± The Zhai family did not do anything. It was impossible that Qiao Nan found out more information than his son.

    Even if He Yi showed favoritism to Qiao Nan, his son would still be the winner.

    Deng Wenchangughed at himself. ¡°It was useless to prepare any amount of information. We might have gone to great lengths to do research, but did we find out that the ambassador¡¯s wife is pregnant?¡± Qiao Nan went out for a short while before dinner. When she returned, he noticed that she had a receipt for mother and baby products in her pocket.

    He remembered that before the ambassador couple left, Qiao Nan was being very careful with his wife, and she would give her gentle reminders. When the ambassador couple chatted with Qiao Nan, he faintly heard the mention of ¡®child¡¯. He knew that the ambassador couple did not have any children. Therefore, he initially thought that the ambassador couple was talking about other people¡¯s children.

    But after seeing the receipt that Qiao Nan had, he realized btedly that the ambassador¡¯s wife was pregnant!

    Qiao Nan was privy to such personal information. No matter how much research his family did, they could not possibly know more than Qiao Nan.

    Deng Wenchang was notuding the spirit of the enemy and belittled that of his own. But this was the harsh reality and he had to face up to it. He could not possibly deceive himself now and close his eyes and cover his ears, pretending that he did not see or hear anything.

    Father Deng was dealt with a harsh blow. He did not look better than his son. ¡°How could this happen? How did Qiao Nan know all the details? Could it be that the Zhai family knows what we are going to do, and thus used other means to pass the ambassador¡¯s information secretly to Qiao Nan?¡± Unless the Zhai family had invincible powers, it was absolutely impossible.

    Deng Wenchang sat down on the sofa, feeling dejected. Hey listlessly on the sofa like a puddle of glue. ¡°Alright, Dad, you don¡¯t have to make any guesses. It¡¯s not what you think. This has nothing to do with the Zhai family. Qiao Nan is very lucky. She and the ambassador couple know each other and they have a very good rtionship. Speaking of which, it was due to the ambassador couple¡¯s help that Qiao Nan had a strong foundation and knowledge in the rted field. They spared no effort to help Qiao Nan find reading materials from overseas. This is why Qiao Nan could have a ster performance.¡±

    She did not resort to any tactics to find out more about the ambassador couple. Qiao Nan and the ambassador couple had built a strong friendship over the years!

    ¡°...¡± Father Deng was rendered speechless. No one would have guessed that the visiting ambassador would be Qiao Nan¡¯s friend! This was a harsh blow to Father Deng.

    Unless the countries had a good rtionship, it was impossible to be a friend of other countries¡¯ ambassadors. Furthermore, the United Kingdom was not on very friendly terms with China. Father Deng could not help but wonder. Would the newly appointed ambassador step down once he returned to his country since he had a personal friendship with Qiao Nan?

    But regardless of whether he stepped down or not, Father Deng knew that his son did not perform as expected today. Instead, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s stage, and his son merely blended into the background.

    Thinking of this oue, Father Deng was so angry that he felt like vomiting blood. ¡°Qiao Nan has not been to other countries. Why would she be friends with them? There is a big difference in age. How can they be friends?¡±

    ¡°Foreigners don¡¯t care. It is fine as long as they can get along with each other. They don¡¯t mind, and as Chinese, we don¡¯t necessarily care either. Qiao Nan might not have been to other countries, but the ambassador couple met Qiao Nan who was a voluntary guide when they came to China for a holiday.¡± At the mention of this, Deng Wenchang felt that it was the most ironic of all.

    Since she was a guide, she should just do her job. She must be very free to help people look for their credentials!

    Also, how could Chinese college students have so much time on their hands? The probability of having such an encounter was like striking the ten million lottery. It was almost impossible to win the lottery. She should have gone for her college lessons abidingly, yet why did she go to the extent of bing a voluntary guide? ¡°Dad, do you have a way to stop the ces of interest from epting student volunteer guides?¡±

    If there was such a rule, Qiao Nan would not have done so well today!

    Deng Wenchang knew that there was nothing that he could do now. But he refused to admit defeat. Therefore, he decided to take his anger out on Qiao Nan¡¯s juniors so that there would be fewer ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯ in the future!

    Father Deng waved his hand in frustration. ¡°This is meaningless. We can¡¯t do anything to Qiao Nan, and we might even implicate the Deng family.¡± Usually, it was the students from Peking University and Tsinghua University that would work as volunteer guides at these ces. It would be doing oneself in to hinder the development of the students from the two elite universities.

    It was unrealistic!

 Chapter 1413 - Worried

    <h4>1413 Worried</h4>

    Father Deng sighed. His heart ached at the dejected look on his son¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t think about it. It¡¯s all in the past. Instead of dwelling on the past, you might as well spend more time thinking about the future. You only lost to her this once. It does not mean that you will always lose to Qiao Nan. The most important thing is to look at the future. We have a lot of time, and we have the Peng family as our ally. We haven¡¯t lost yet!¡±

    Father Deng pulled Deng Wenchang up, telling Deng Wenchang not to think too much. He should take a bath, have a full meal, and go to sleep. He should have a good night¡¯s rest and recharge so that he would be ready to fight the hard battle tomorrow.

    Afterforting his son, Father Deng went back to his room. His wife was waiting for him. ¡°How¡¯s our son doing?¡±

    ¡°How can he feel good? Since a young age, I¡¯ve never seen him in this state. If he were still young, I reckon he would have cried now.¡± Father Deng was worried. Although it was summer, and summer was unbearably hot in the capital, Father Deng felt a chill inside. He covered his tummy with a thin nket. ¡°It would be good if we know that there is such a youngdy like Qiao Nan in Peking University.¡±

    Mother Deng did not understand. ¡°Why would that be good?¡± Why would it be good for their family and their son if they knew about Qiao Nan earlier? What was the link between the two?

    Seeing that Mother Deng did not understand his words, Father Deng sighed with regrets. ¡°Wenchang is not young. These two years, he did not have the time to get a girlfriend. You should help Wenchang keep a lookout fordies who are suitable ande from a good background. It would be good if they can aid Wenchang in his career.¡±

    If Qiao Nan was married to his son, Qiao Nan and Wenchang would be able to work hand in hand in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry would be their stage.

    Moreover, even if Qiao Nan was morepetent than Wenchang, she would not make things difficult for him. Instead, she would take the backstage and support him. If so, instead of Qiao Nan, Wenchang would be the one who shone today.

    In fact, it was beneficial to the Deng family to have a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan. Unless she was too obstinate and strong-willed, she would be a good help to them. After cooperating with the Peng family, Wenchang did not seem to be doing better than before. He seemed to be in the same position, not making any improvements.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry!¡± Mother Deng was unhappy.¡±Wenchang studied abroad for so many years, and he just returned two years ago. He has to work, and I only get to see him in the morning and at night for two meals a day. For instance, Wenchang did not have dinner at home today.¡±

    The family only had one son. Her husband was busy with work and she seldom saw her son. She did not spend much time with the two men that she loved most. If they had a daughter-inw at this time, her son would belong to someone else.

    Since she had a son and he was still in his prime and she did not need to be concerned about his fertility, she was in no hurry to find a wife for her son. One had to take a long time to find a good wife. They would not take any daughter-inw randomly.

    ¡°What did you say just now? Why didn¡¯t our son have a girlfriend in the past two years?¡± She thought that her son just returned from overseas and was not in a hurry to get a girlfriend. But from what Old Deng said, it was as if something had happened to her son. Could it be that he had no time to find a girlfriend?

    Her son returned from overseas study. He was highly educated and good-looking. Moreover, the Deng family was well-to-do. As long as her son wanted to get a girlfriend, the women would rush toward him just like how bees were attracted to honey.

    ¡°Nothing much. You should know that Wenchang has a hard time in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The only reason why he doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend must be that he has to work on his career. Alright, it¡¯s gettingte. Get some sleep. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to wake up in time to prepare breakfast for our son. By then, don¡¯tin to me that you don¡¯t get to see your son.¡±

    Father Deng yawned. He was reluctant to continue the impossible conversation with his wife. He switched off his bedsidemp, turned to one side with his back facing his wife, and made no furtherments.

    Mother Deng felt unhappy. But she knew that her husband was tired from work. She stifled her anger and switched off her bedsidemp as well, lying down to sleep.

    Father Deng opened his eyes when the other side of themp had been turned off. He was not lying when he said that Wenchang tried his best to prove that he was morepetent than Qiao Nan in the past two years. However, the oue was not what he expected.

    But it had been nearly three years since he returned to the country. He did not have a single girlfriend, and he did not have the time to have a girlfriend as he was busy with work.

    When Deng Wenchang was studying abroad, he would change a girlfriend almost every half a year. However, after he returned to the country, he did not have a single girlfriend. Father Deng could not help but feel sorry for his son. His son was upied with work every day and did not have any other entertainment. He seemed to be leading the life of an ascetic monk.

    Father Deng was a man and he had other women besides his wife. His son was young and at his prime, but he did not have any woman in the past two years, and he did not even get to hold their hands. Father Deng even suspected that perhaps it was due to the fact that there was an imbnce of yin and yang that his son was impatient and not in a good state of mind recently and his temper turned nasty.

    If possible, he should try to find a girlfriend for Wenchang.

    It was not early for Wenchang to get a girlfriend at this age. Some men already became a father at his age. But there was no suitable candidate right now. In fact, Father Deng also hoped that Deng Wenchang would have a permanent partner.

    These past few years, the father and son would always talk about one topic: Qiao Nan. Although his son was full of disgust whenever he talked about Qiao Nan, Father Deng still could not help but be worried. It was better to find a woman to distract his attention and for him to rx.

    It was better to be safe than sorry.

    Everything he did was for his son.

    Father Deng had made up his mind. He did not intend to take his wife¡¯s words seriously. Since Mother Deng was unwilling to help her son look for a girlfriend, he would not mind asking his colleagues to keep a look out for him. Perhaps they knew a girl from a certain family who was suitable, or they knew someone who was of simr age and came from a good background. They could bring them together and create a chance for them to get to know each other.

 Chapter 1414 - Exchanged Blows

    <h4>1414 Exchanged Blows</h4>

    ¡°...¡± Deng Wenchang, who was already lying on the bed, alternated between being awake and deep in his dreams. He could not tell whether he was dreaming or awake. Deng Wenchang shivered in the hot summer night. He grabbed a nket that was left at the side and covered himself with it. Could it be that there would be a drastic change in the weather tomorrow? It was already July, so how was that possible?

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, look who¡¯s here.¡± Zhai Hua patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulder, motioning for Zhai Sheng to look at the person walking toward them. Peng Yu was responsible for Elder Lin¡¯s safety when he went overseasst time. But with Elder Lin¡¯s help, Zhai Sheng took most of Peng Yu¡¯s credit at thest minute. Many people in the army knew about it and everyone was talking about it.

    The party concerned knew who spread the news around the camp.

    The reason why Peng Yu did that was to win over the people in the army. People would usually sympathize with the weak in normal circumstances. No matter how one looked at it, it was Zhai Sheng who was being dishonest. Peng Yu was being bullied by him.

    Although the soldiers would have a discussion among themselves, the higher-ups would not be affected by the discussion going around. They would base on their judgment when they decided who should take credit for the assignment.

    Whenever Zhai Sheng and Peng Yu happened to be in the ce, the atmosphere between the two of them would be interesting. People could not help but put down all the things on hand and watched how the two young and promising soldiers exchanged blows.

    ¡°Deputy Brigade Commander Zhai, are you having your meal?¡± Peng Yu, who looked like a schr and had a fairerplexion than Zhai Sheng, smiled. No matter how long he stood under the sun, he still had a fairplexion. He acted very friendly to Zhai Sheng. The two of them used to grow up together in the quad in Ping Cheng. It was just that Peng Yu moved to the capital earlier than Zhai Sheng.

    It was not an exaggeration to say that they were ¡®childhood friends¡¯. But it was just that Zhai Sheng and Peng Yu did not have a good rtionship with each other.

    Zhai Sheng swallowed thest bite of his meal and smiled. ¡°I thought that Regiment Commander Peng has good eyesight. I didn¡¯t know that your vision has turned worse.¡± Since he was in the canteen and was putting food into his mouth, he must be having his meals. If not, could he be there specially to wait for Peng Yu?

    Peng Yu did not mind that Zhai Sheng was being edgy. ¡°Is that so? It just happens that I have some questions to ask you. Can I take the seat opposite you after I get my food?¡±

    ¡°Well, Regiment Commander Peng, I am sorry to say that I have already taken the seat.¡± People who worked with Zhai Sheng could tell what Peng Yu was up to. He quickly took the seat that Peng Yu was after.

    Without waiting for Peng Yu to make furtherments, several other soldiers took the seats to Zhai Sheng¡¯s left and right-hand side. They also took the seats two seats away from Zhai Sheng¡¯s left and right-hand side, as well as the four seats adjacent to him. All of the seats in Zhai Sheng¡¯s three directions had been taken up.

    All these people formed a circle around Zhai Sheng and surrounded him as if he was a precious gem. Peng Yu had no way to get close to him.

    Peng Yu smiled at this situation. ¡°Deputy Brigade Commander Zhai, when did you be so timid?¡± There were so many people. He would be a fool if he made trouble for Zhai Sheng in the public without any apparent reason. The general opinion had just changed to side with him. If he was reckless now, all his efforts would be in vain.

    ¡°Do I have the guts? Zhai Sheng asked a rhetorical question, looking seriously at Peng Yu. ¡°Perhapspared to you, I might not seem to be as brave. Of course, you can also say that I am more steady and dependable instead of being excessively cautious.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew that his family had been targeted.

    He only needed to do a check and he knew that it had to do with Peng Yu. Peng Yu sent arge group of men to keep a watch on Nan Nan, a defenseless woman. Now that he thought about it, Zhai Sheng could not resist the itch to give Peng Yu a beating.

    Fortunately, in the end, the Deng family and the Peng family did not do anything to hurt the Zhai family. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng would not let Peng Yu go. He would not be able to talk to him right now looking perfectly fine. ¡°By the way, is Regiment Commander Peng free? I just finished the meal and I am thinking of doing some practice to aid in the digestion.¡± Zhai Sheng had never exchanged blows with Peng Yu. He did not want to give up the rare opportunity today, so he asked Peng Yu to exchange blows with him.

    Peng Yu smiled. ¡°Sure. I have this intention as well. We have known each other since a young age. We are so close but we seldom interact or talk to each other. We must make use of this opportunity to get to know each other.¡± Since a long time ago, Peng Yu had wanted to find out how good Zhai Sheng was with his fists.

    He only got to watch Zhai Sheng spar with his subordinates.

    Peng Yu could not get a real grasp of Zhai Sheng¡¯s real strength if he used others as a reference. He was afraid that he might have a wrong estimate of his abilities, and it might turn out to be a waste of time and effort.

    Since Zhai Sheng made the suggestion, Peng Yu would definitely agree to it. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, can you give me five minutes?¡± Zhai Sheng had finished his meal, but he had yet to have his meal. How could a soldier win a battle on an empty stomach?

    ¡°Five minutes?¡± Zhai Sheng stood up. ¡°I won¡¯t wait for you. I will go there first. Since I am exchanging blows with you, I have to be very serious about it. I will change into the right clothes to spar with you. You have five minutes, so take your time to have your meal. Do you know where to go to after the meal?¡± Zhai Sheng liked to be in control. Moreover, his opponent was Peng Yu.

    Zhai Sheng would not give in to Peng Yu in terms of decisive minor details. In this life, Zhai Sheng was only willing to wait for his family and his enemies. Zhai Sheng was particrly patient with his enemies. There was once when he was still an average soldier, he did not sleep for forty-eight hours. He kept his eyes open to prevent someone from leaking the information.

    It was an easy feat not to sleep in those forty-eight hours. What was worse was that there were a lot of mosquitoes. They could be considered as the mosquitoes in the autumn. Those who had been stung by mosquitoes would know that if one was stung by mosquitoes in the autumn, it would be very itchy and painful. It was sheer torture.

    After lying in ambush for forty-eight hours, Zhai Sheng had numerous mosquito bites on him. When he checked himself in the mirror, he did not look like he was in an ambush. Instead, he seemed as if he just had a sumptuous meal and enjoyed himself, the reason being his face was swollen and bloated.

 Chapter 1415 - Verbal Confrontation

    <h4>1415 Verbal Confrontation</h4>

    To Zhai Sheng, the process of ambushing was hard and tense. Most of the time, he would be able to take the enemy¡¯s life in the ambush. Apart from his family, everyone who made him wait had to pay a painful price for it.

    Zhai Sheng would not go to such extent with Peng Yu, but Zhai Sheng¡¯s habit would not change because of him. In Zhai Sheng¡¯s arrogant opinion, everyone who dared to make him wait was daring and reckless, not fearful of death.

    Zhai Sheng did not care that Peng Yu had a smile on his face. He went to the training field, changed intofortable clothes, and prepared himself as he waited for Peng Yu.

    Although Peng Yu had his mealter than Zhai Sheng, he arrived at the training field soon after Zhai Sheng. He took less than the five minutes that he requested from Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Do you need a few minutes to warm up?¡± Zhai Sheng looked very calm at the sight of Peng Yu. He was so cool and indifferent that it was as if they were having a friendly match to check out the other party¡¯s fighting skills.

    Peng Yu smiled as he took off his clothes and flexed his arms. ¡°There is no need for that. I am always ready to fight you.¡± Zhai Sheng was so much better in nning military strategies than before. He was curious to find out if his skills were as good as his intelligence level, and people who sparred with him would be ashamed of their shoddy skills.

    Zhai Sheng had given Peng Yu a chance to warm up, but he did not cherish it. Since Peng Yu said that he was ready, Zhai Sheng could not be bothered to repeat himself.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s get started.¡±

    As soon as Zhai Sheng finished his sentence, Peng Yu, who had a smile on his face and looked like the boy next door, turned serious. His bright smile vanished and there was a sharp look in his eyes. He seemed like the leopard that licked his paws and was ready to battle. He performed a lethal hook, aiming at Zhai Sheng. He swung his hands in the air, and there was a fishy smell that followed.

    Fortunately, Zhai Sheng was not to be trifled with. Peng Yu said that he was always ready ever since he regarded Zhai Sheng as his rival. In fact, Zhai Sheng was just as prepared as Peng Yu.

    It was rare to see the two young and promising soldiers who were the future tower of strength in the army topete with each other in a fierce fight. Many soldiers gathered to watch the fight. They were tensed up and cheered for their immediate superior respectively.

    It was also right then that the new recruits who joined the army recently realized that since the day they joined the army, things were no longer the same. They yed a special role now. They were soldiers!

    ¡°Great!¡±

    ¡°Marvelous!¡±

    ¡°Who do you think will win? Would it be Regiment Commander Peng or Deputy Brigade Commander Zhai?¡±

    The two young superiors seemed to be well-matched in strength. It was hard to tell who would win.

    ¡°It had to be Regiment Commander Peng!¡±

    ¡°Crap. It¡¯s impossible that a deputy brigademander will lose to a regimentmander.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s subordinates were unhappy. One could tell from the ranks that their deputy brigademander was better than the regimentmander.

    If the deputy brigademander lost to Regiment Commander Peng, did it mean that he had to give up his position as the deputy brigademander to Regiment Commander Peng? The two regiments did not get along well. Moreover, their regimentmander and the deputy brigademander seemed to be at loggerheads.

    No one could be calm andposed as they watched the match between the two men. It was all lies when people said that friendship muste first andpetition second. As a man, one had to maintain one¡¯s dignity. Nobody could afford to lose.

    Right then, there was a ¡®bang¡¯ that sounded like something heavy fell to the ground. This marked the end of the contest between Zhai Sheng and Peng Yu. Zhai Sheng threw Peng Yu heavily to the ground. Zhai Sheng also locked the hands and feet of Peng Yu in the fastest speed, trapping him firmly and preventing him from making any movements.

    If the two of them were real enemies and Zhai Sheng exerted more strength, Peng Yu would have died in his hands. If this was not considered as a win, then there would be no soldiers alive in Peng Yu¡¯s regiment.

    This was a private exchange between the two of them. There was no referee.

    Since there was no referee, the party who lost in the contest must take the initiative to admit defeat so that the contest would be considered asing to an end.

    Peng Yu was thrown to the ground by Zhai Sheng. He had a heavy fall and his back was t on the ground. He turned pale from the excruciating pain. If the ground was not covered with thick army green cushioned mats, Peng Yu might be disabled from the fall.

    Peng Yu¡¯s demeanor changed from the pain at his back. He was further upset that he lost to Zhai Sheng in front of so many people. It was difficult for him to ept defeat.

    Fortunately, Peng Yu, who had turned green in pain, smiled grudgingly without waiting for someone to speak up. ¡°Deputy Brigade Commander Zhai, my dad always told me to learn from you when I was a kid. Back then, I felt unconvinced that I had to learn from you. Now, it seems like not only did I have to look up to you when I was a child, but I have to do so even after I grew up. Deputy Brigade Commander Zhai, you are indeed capable!¡±

    He sounded calm at the beginning, but his tone was somewhat different toward the end.

    Since Peng Yu indirectly admitted that he lost, Zhai Sheng would not be so petty-minded to make things difficult for him and insist that he admit defeat. One had to have absolute capability in the army. Being formidable was the way to go.

    However, if one was too aggressive, instead of earning respect, one would create trouble for oneself and push those that he wanted to rope in toward his enemies.

    Zhai Sheng was shrewd and smart. He would notmit such a foolish mistake.

    Zhai Sheng loosened his death lock on Peng Yu, letting him go. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t say that. We are exchanging blows and learning from each other. We seek to improve as we learn from each other.¡± He was certainly formidable. He was stronger than Peng Yu when they were kids. Peng Yu¡¯s father even told Peng Yu to learn from him. So many years had passed. Peng Yu had improved, and so did he.

    Since they made progress at the same time, Peng Yu would always lose to him. He would not be able to bridge the gap and change the situation.

    Zhai Sheng sounded as if it was a friendly match, but Peng Yu was the only person who understood the hidden meaning. ¡°Well, let¡¯s all work hard and improve together.¡± One did not state that he could only make the same progress as Zhai Sheng. It was alright that he lost to Zhai Sheng now. He was younger than Zhai Sheng by a few years. There was still a chance of him defeating Zhai Sheng in the future.

 Chapter 1416 - Successor

    <h4>1416 Sessor</h4>

    Now, Zhai Sheng won because he was a couple of years older and had the upper hand in his physical strength. A few yearster, the day woulde whereby Zhai Sheng would lose because he was a couple of years older!

    After the exchange, they ¡®made peace¡¯ with a ¡®friendly¡¯ handshake and spurred each other on. The atmosphere was not too bad.

    Throughout the entire process, Zhai Hua could not helpughing. When Zhai Sheng walked toward her, Zhai Hua threw him the towel in her hands and Zhai Sheng caught it. ¡°Tell me. You made Peng Yu suffer so badly today. Given Peng Yu¡¯s character, he will not call it quits like that. To help Deng Wenchang, he even arranged someone to keep a watch on us. Aren¡¯t you afraid that Peng Yu will do something more extreme after you do this? Also, don¡¯t forget. My son is still at your house.¡±

    Besides considering the safety of her maternal family, she was more concerned about the safety of her son, Xiao Bao.

    ¡°Peng Yu is not so stupid. If he really does things in such a direct manner, it will be much easier to deal with him then.¡± However, Peng Yu had always carried out his ns in secrecy. Even for the matter this time, Peng Yu did it under the name of the Deng family. ¡°Today, take it that I am teaching him a lesson for this matter.¡±

    If this matter did not happen, Zhai Sheng would not be so harsh on Peng Yu.

    Zhai Sheng was certain that his earlier blow would bruise Peng Yu¡¯s back and a few parts of his buttocks. Soon, Peng Yu would realize it after he removed his pants. The area of bruising was not small and it would be quite frightening to look at. It was still fine if Peng Yu could lie in bed to rest. Otherwise, these bruises would definitely affect his movements tomorrow.

    If Peng Yu did not have the leisure time to rest in bed, he would have to find someone to rub and massage these awkward areas hard with medicated ointment to dissolve the blood clots.

    Regardless of the method, Peng Yu could not escape from the destiny of embarrassment and huge pain and suffering.

    Was it so easy to target his wife and family?

    Peng Yu did it under the name of the Deng family and did not cause any specific harm to the Zhai family. However, did Peng Yu think that he would close one eye, not take issue with him, and pretend that this matter did not happen?

    If that was really the case, he could only say that Peng Yu was sometimes too na?ve, ludicrously so.

    Zhai Hua patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulders. The siblings grew up together. Others might not know the temper of her younger brother, Zhai Sheng, but how could Zhai Hua not know?

    Although today¡¯s exchange was initiated by Peng Yu, in Zhai Hua¡¯s views, Zhai Sheng must have used some means to nt the idea into Peng Yu¡¯s mind. Hence, when Peng Yu said that he wanted to exchange blows with Zhai Sheng in front of everyone, he had already lost to Zhai Sheng.

    As for the subsequent exchange of blows, Peng Yu had obviously cemented the loss. He lost more miserably and suffered even more.

    Zhai Sheng had punished Peng Yu so greatly for a small incident of coveting. Zhai Sheng¡¯s main objective was to make Peng Yu remember the pain and suffering and to think over the matter carefully before he plotted against the Zhai family. He was better off not fiddling around with such petty tricks. His Zhai family would not show mercy to Peng Yu in such situations.

    Not to mention Peng Yu stretching out his ws, even if one strand of Peng Yu¡¯s hair flew across the boundary and polluted the air in the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng would chop away that part of Peng Yu¡¯s body with a knife on the spot!

    Mmm... Very good, very good. Xiao Bao had such an uncle. She did not need to worry about others bullying Xiao Bao again in the future.

    Speaking of this, Dongzi was quite good-tempered in front of her. However, to others, he was a tiger that could not be provoked. Today, Zhai Sheng had already taught Peng Yu a lesson. What action would Dongzi take after knowing this matter?

    With the crowd at the doors of the Zhai family, more or less, Miao Jing was a little shocked. Miao Jing was not worried for herself but Qiao Nan had to go to work every day, and the triplets were still very little and loved to y. Miao Jing was more worried for the juniors in the family.

    Miao Jing was the queen of the Zhai family. If Peng Yu dared to frighten the queen, of course, Zhai Sheng would not tolerate it and would teach Peng Yu a lesson.

    After Zhai Sheng took actions, and Mother Tian almost recovered from her cold, Tian Dong expressed that he was, after all, his mother-inw¡¯s son-inw. His mother-inw had been ¡®bullied¡¯. If he did not do anything, Hua Hua would kick up a fuss and sleep in separate rooms after her return, wouldn¡¯t she? One had to know that he was still a green card now. After having Xiao Bao, he still wanted to give birth to a little warm cotton jacket with Hua Hua.

    Where would the warm little cotton jackete from if they were to sleep in separate rooms?

    As such, without the need for Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua to do anything, Tian Dong had long nned not to let the Peng family off. ording to the country¡¯s regtion, one would not dabble in politics if he was in business, and vice versa. The Peng family¡¯s situation was simr to that of the Zhai family. Father Peng did not have any siblings who were in business to earn money and aid him in his political career.

    Hence, under the country¡¯s regtions, Father Peng would not be so stupid to do something so obvious. However, he had certainly done some under-the-table manipting to umte wealth through unfair means.

    As the big boss of the Tian Corporation, it was a piece of cake for Tian Dong to attack the Peng family through his business. Within one month, three consecutive business deals that the Peng family was involved in had been snatched by Tian Dong.

    Three might not seem like arge number but these three business deals, if sessful, would bring a lot of wealth to the Peng family. Looking at the losses in July, Father Peng felt so many pinches that he lost his appetite for two consecutive days. That night, blisters broke out in his mouth. It was so bad that he had to be sent to the hospital for consultation.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, are you able to attend the overseas trip this time?¡± It was August. He Yi asked Qiao Nan if she wished to follow him for an overseas business trip.

    ¡°This...¡± Qiao Nan hesitated for a moment.

    Qiao Nan would hesitate but not Deng Wenchang. ¡°Minister He, do you think I can also follow you?¡± Overseas business trip should not be a minor matter. Last time, Qiao Nan was in the limelight. This time, it was unreasonable such a good opportunity was only offered to Qiao Nan.

    He Yi ignored Deng Wenchang for the moment. He just smiled bitterly at Qiao Nan. ¡°Xiao Qiao, I feel that I should remind you of the department you are working in now and your age. I think retirement mode is not suitable for you. Otherwise, someone will feel sad about this...¡±

    Was He Yi trying to nurture Qiao Nan by bringing her overseas to widen her horizons?

    Qiao Nan was guarding her triplets and not willing to leave. She only wanted to sit in the office. Was this not considered in retirement mode? Which motivated youngster whom the superior thought highly of stay in the office every day? None!

    He Yi was full of expectations for Qiao Nan. He treated Qiao Nan like his sessor.

 Chapter 1417 - Wishful Thinking

    <h4>Chapter 1417 ¨C Wishful Thinking</h4>

    However, if Qiao Nan remained hesitant on overseas business trips like today and could not bear to leave her kids, insisting on guarding by their side, He Yi felt that his master¡¯s good intention would be forsaken.

    Given his current ability, he couldpletely transfer Qiao Nan to a role with less working hours and good benefits to give her more time to take care of her kids. There was no need to insist on making little junior stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If she were to stay, she would provoke a nuisance like Deng Wenchang easily.

    ¡°You can go home and consider it. Don¡¯t let others down, but don¡¯t let yourself down either. What you have to know is you should figure out clearly what you want. Don¡¯t choose the wrong path.¡± Pursue whatever you wanted to. Do not hoard the role and yet not do your best in it.

    There was really no need for that.

    He Yi thought highly of Qiao Nan and felt that she could eventually assume his role. However, if Qiao Nan did not have the same intent and adopted such a lukewarm attitude, He Yi would definitely not insist and continue to nurture only Qiao Nan.

    Deng Wenchang could not be nurtured. If he could not nurture Qiao Nan too, He Yi could only recruit a few more newbies and pick a suitable candidate among them. He would handhold the person for a few years before passing him the baton.

    After hearing He Yi¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was in a huge dilemma.

    She was never a career-minded woman. However, Qiao Nan felt a little reluctant to give up such a rare and good opportunity that was before her. ¡°Okay, Minister He, I will definitely consider it carefully.¡±

    Sensing her own inner feelings, Qiao Nan did not immediately decline He Yi¡¯s suggestion of going on the overseas business trip.

    She had to go home and discuss this matter with her three children. Yes, she was not seeking the views of her mother-inw, Miao Jing, but discussing this with the triplets. In fact, when Qiao Nan thought of this idea, she knew that the only thing that she needed to do was not to discuss but to find ways to persuade the triplets to make them understand and agree.

    Qiao Nan did not know if other three-year-old kids could participate in such discussions but Qiao Nan firmly believed that hers could!

    ¡°Minister He...¡± Deng Wenchang raised his voice a little. ¡°Minister He, I am avable. I wish to widen my horizons. Minister He, not sure if I will have an opportunity this time?¡± Obviously, Qiao Nan did not wish to go, yet He Yi insisted. Why was it that He Yi was assuming airs and refusing to give him a direct response when he volunteered himself?

    He Yi smiled lightly at Deng Wenchang. ¡°Xiao Deng, I know that you are a youngster who strives to progress and is willing to improve yourself. However, there are some rules in the department. Some matters cannot be rushed. If you really have such intentions, don¡¯t worry. I will definitely consider you if there is a chance next time. Given your diligence, I think that day will not be too far away.¡±

    There were important and unimportant overseas trips.

    Like overseas business trips that were akin to touring. Deng Wenchang wished to go, but he, this old one, wanted to find a chance to rest. It was just nice then. On the contrary, he would not agree to bring him on the more important business trips even if he had seven or eight more guts.

    At the thought of the impolite action of Deng Wenchang during thest visit by the United Kingdom ambassador, He Yi¡¯s eyelids could not help twitching a few times. Fortunately, the other party had some personal connections with Qiao Nan and was unlike past ambassadors that he had encountered, who were extremely picky and adopted an attitude of finding quarrel in a straw.

    Last time, He Yi had already given Deng Wenchang a chance. Deng Wenchang made He Yi regret it so badly that he almost wanted to sew up his mouth with a needle or turn the time back and give himself a few ps, lest he spout nonsense again. Now, if the matter was of importance, He Yi would not treat Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan equally just because they were both newbies unless his brain was damaged. Just because he gave Qiao Nan an opportunity to perform, it did not mean that he had to give Deng Wenchang a chance too.

    He Yi had decisively killed such ¡®simple and innocent¡¯ thoughts.

    Having said his piece, He Yi returned to the office and did not bother about Deng Wenchang anymore. After July, Deng Wenchang¡¯s rtionship with the team had been getting worse and worse. It had reached the stage whereby almost everyone did not want to be near him.

    As such, Deng Wenchang, who had a stomach full of grievances, could not find a confidant in the department to air his woes andints. He had no choice but to carry out his old trick again: casting resentful and sinister sideways nces at Qiao Nan as if all the unfair treatment that he had received was all ¡®thanks¡¯ to Qiao Nan.

    Such an obvious stare had fallen on her. Qiao Nan was not a corpse. She could feel it without even lifting her head.

    She had been well-trained. Although Qiao Nan did not have the capability to master the skills of forming an imprable shield or iron cocoon around her, under such intense stare by Deng Wenchang, she could still endure, y dumb, and focus on her tasks at hand.

    At dismissal time, Deng Wenchang stopped Qiao Nan. ¡°Comrade Qiao Nan, do you have time? Let¡¯s go for tea and have a chat?¡±

    ¡°Not avable!¡± She was hesitating when facing He Yi. However, she did not even need to think when facing Deng Wenchang. She tly declined him.

    Just as Qiao Nan was leaving, Deng Wenchang quickened his steps and continued to block Qiao Nan¡¯s way. ¡°Qiao Nan, one cannot be so unreasonable. Don¡¯t you think so? You should spare some mercy to others. There is a saying of not creating bad blood as we may meet again in the future. If you are too extreme, bad things can easily happen.¡±

    Qiao Nan was both angry and amused. Did he take her for an eighteen-year-old teenage girl by threatening her in this way?

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem for me to relent a little. However, I am worried that if I do that, once you grab a bit of chance, you will use all ways and means to take over everything that I have and force me into an impasse. If I relent on this kind of person, aren¡¯t I considered being cruel to myself? I personally dig a pit then. When the other party pushes me into the pit, I still have to take action to bury myself?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen!¡± Deng Wenchang¡¯s expression changed. He refused to admit that he was that kind of person. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t think of others in such a bad light. We are both youngsters and should understand each other more. I admit that my attitude toward you is very bad previously. But you can¡¯t me me too. Minister He is biased toward you. Anyone with eyes can tell. I am dissatisfied and vented my frustration on you. It¡¯s not strange at all.¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°Are you done? If you are, I am going home now. I am just a fresh graduate little girl. You should know my address very well now. Since you know, can I trouble you to give way? My three children at home are waiting for me.¡±

 Chapter 1418 - Discussion

    Chapter 1418 Discussion

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s tone was not good. It even carried a tinge of threat. Even if he were to tear his mouth by brownnosing Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan would not put in any good words for Deng Wenchang in front of He Yi. She would not pass the opportunity to Deng Wenchang even if she was not going for the business trip. ¡°These are my final words. Deng Wenchang, based on our rtionship, your earlier words are too amusing. I am telling you that this is the funniest joke that I have ever heard this year.¡±

    Look for your own enemy and request for his help to give you a chance.

    Hahaha!

    Deng Wenchang did not know what was good for him. He persistently took her for a moron and even stood in her way. Qiao Nan warned Deng Wenchang. ¡°We are in the department now. Tell me. If I shout, will anyonee forward to help me beat you up?¡±

    Qiao Nan had full confidence when she said this.

    In stark contrast with Deng Wenchang¡¯s rock-bottom poprity in the department, everyone in the office treated Qiao Nan like a junior of their own family. Be it sincere or not, at the very least, no one gave Qiao Nan cold shoulders.

    If Qiao Nan were to give a shout, most likely, the number of people who ran out could crush Deng Wenchang to death. They did not even need to beat him up.

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Deng Wenchang¡¯s expression changed. He retreated by three steps and maintained a safe distance from Qiao Nan, lest others misunderstand that he wanted to harm Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s smile turned more genuine. ¡°You should have done this earlier. Isn¡¯t this better? It¡¯s your fault that I will be home five minuteste.¡± Having said that, Qiao Nan walked into the lift which had coincidentally opened earlier and pressed the lift button. As soon as she left the office building, she got into her family¡¯s private car and rushed home in a fast and safe speed.

    Deng Wenchang punched the wall in anger. Certainly, the woman that Zhai Sheng fancied was not as simple and naive as a fresh graduate. It was not so easy to appease and cajole her. After interacting with Qiao Nan for some time, he realized that Qiao Nan did not have the amateurism of a college student. Instead, she was as slippery as a wily old fox. Although she was very quiet and low-key, she had never shortchanged herself in certain aspects.

    This made Deng Wenchang, who had studied abroad and encountered many of such obstacles before, feel even more dissatisfied and furious.

    As soon as Qiao Nan got into the car, she cast away all thoughts about Deng Wenchang. She only had one thing in her mind now: how to convince the three treasures in her family and make them agree to let her go on an overseas work trip for a few days. As soon as shepleted her work, she would definitely return to the country and to her three children¡¯s side as soon as possible.

    Although the existence of the triplets seemed to have gradually be a chain that shackled Qiao Nan, she had never regretted marrying Zhai Sheng upon reaching the legal age of marriage, bing pregnant quickly, and giving birth to the triplets.

    These three children might be burdens but they were sweet ones, something that she could not forsake. She was willing to bear these burdens. She believed that she could have a good discussion with her children and squeeze out some time for her work.

    Although it was a little difficult to achieve such an oue.

    True enough, as soon as they heard that their most beloved mother would be away from home for a few days and was not evening back at night, all the smiles on the triplets¡¯ chubby faces instantly disappeared. Their watery eyes were filled with reluctance. They pouted and asked, ¡°Mom, can you not go?¡±

    ¡°Mom, I will miss you.¡± Er Bao stretched out his little hands and wrapped them around Qiao Nan¡¯s neck. He used his action to express his longing for Qiao Nan if she were to leave

    On the other hand, Da Bao said unexpectedly, ¡°Give me a reason.¡± That expression and tone of his was the epitome of Zhai Sheng!

    ¡°Okay.¡± After pulling the triplets to her side, she tried hard to wrap her arms around all of them. ¡°My three babies, let¡¯s not talk about others. You still remember your dad, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The triplets nodded furiously. Their father was a great hero. He was a soldier of the people¡¯s liberation army. He carried guns and protected the safety of the country and all its citizens. Great-grandfather, grandfather, grandmother, and mother told them the same thing.

    They had heard this many times. Also, the triplets were getting more sensible as they grew up. Even if they did not see their biological father for more than a month in a year, they had strong memories of their father. Whenever they heard the word ¡®dad¡¯, their eyes shone brightly.

    ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, didn¡¯t the two of you often say that you want to be a soldier of the people¡¯s liberation army like your dad after you grow up? Once you be a soldier, you will spend less time at home. This is because that will be your career and your mission. When that timees, although Mom will miss you, like how I miss your dad, Mom will support you no matter how reluctant I am. This is because that is something that you want to do.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s example was too prominent. As soon as Qiao Nan said this, immediately, the triplets vaguely understood what their mother¡¯s words meant.

    Da Bao pouted his lips, looking aggrieved. ¡°Will you alsoe back after a long time like Dad?¡± Their mother was going to be a heroine. Would the time that she could spend with them be as little as in their dad¡¯s case?

    At that moment, Da Bao felt very empty at heart. He felt that he and his siblings were going to be children without any parents to love and care for them. It was so sorrowful.

    Er Bao and San Bao were more obvious in expressing themselves. They held onto Qiao Nan tightly, deeply fearful that Qiao Nan would leave them like their father. Without a word, he was already not at home the next when they opened their eyes.Qiao Nan forced a smile. ¡°Of course not. How could Mom bear to be away from you for so long? Mom can¡¯t bear to do so.¡± There were only kids who left their parents, and not parents leaving their kids. ¡°Mom will only be away for just a few days. Mom taught you about this calendar before, right? After every night, each wakes up in the morning from your sleep, and you can write a cross below this number. At most, after ten crosses, Mom will definitelye back. If it is possible, Mom will try my best toe back earlier.¡±

    ¡°At most ten crosses?¡± When Da Bao, who almost fell into bitter despair, heard that his mother would be back after ten crosses, his mood rose to the sky like a kite. His mother wouldn¡¯t be away for as long as his father would, which was so long that he could not even recall how his father looked like anymore. The pitch of his baby voice rose again.

    Ten days were not considered short, but inparison to his father who was often not at home, Da Bao could ept his mother being away from home for ten days.

    ¡°Right, ten crosses at most!¡± Qiao Nan nodded furiously, deeply afraid that her children would not believe her.

    After thinking, Da Bao finally nodded. ¡°Okay, ten crosses at most!¡±

    After settling Da Bao, Qiao Nan looked at Er Bao and San Bao,

    They were triplets after all. Da Bao was the elder brother. Er Bao and San Bao were reluctant, but when they saw Da Bao nodding his head and approving, the two of them wrinkled their noses. They could only follow suit. ¡°Mom,e back early. Will miss you.¡±

 Chapter 1419 - The Sticken Xiao Bao

    <h4>Chapter 1419 The Sticken Xiao Bao</h4>

    After sessfullymunicating with the triplets, Qiao Nan could finally give He Yi an answer.

    After receiving her answer, He Yi was overjoyed. He knew that Qiao Nan had not traveled overseas before. Hence, he reminded Qiao Nan to settle the administration matters such as passport application as soon as possible, in case they could not make it in time. Of course, given the department¡¯s connection, Qiao Nan was able to settle this faster than typical people.

    He Yi gave Qiao Nan many pointers and Qiao Nan noted all of them down in a book.

    When Qiao Nan boarded the overseas flight with He Yi under the sinister and gloomy watch of Deng Wenchang, Zhai Sheng, who was seldom home and wanted to give Qiao Nan a surprise, received one from her instead. To him, it was a surprise but not a pleasant one. ¡°Nan Nan went on an overseas business trip?¡± Why wasn¡¯t he aware?

    With the three children by her side, Miao Jing looked rxed. ¡°Who can you me? As you have to carry out missions, you can onlye home and stay for a few days, right?¡± When a soldier was out on a mission, he had to cut off all correspondences with the outside world and his family. Even if they wanted to inform Zhai Sheng, they also had to be able to find him to do so.

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    The triplets greeted Zhai Sheng listlessly. This was unlike the past whereby they would scream and pounced on Zhai Sheng and make Zhai Sheng y with them by lifting them high up in the air. Sigh, their mother was away. Even the candies did not taste as sweet as usual.

    Zhai Sheng was biased as he carried his chubby daughter. ¡°What is the matter? Not happy? Dad ys with you?¡± Zhai Sheng was not pleased that his wife was away. However, he was their father. He could not appear to be clingier to Qiao Nan than his children did in front of them.

    San Bao snorted and kicked. ¡°No mood.¡±

    ¡°Pfft!¡¯ Miao Jingughed. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you don¡¯t know. Today is the first day of Nan Nan¡¯s overseas business trip. As soon as Nan Nan left the doorsteps, the triplets became like that. The words they say sound like those of little adults. It¡¯s so funny.¡± Seemingly, Nan Nan¡¯s departure had be a key.

    Before today, she didn¡¯t know that these three grandchildren of hers were so fun and interesting.

    ¡°I think this situation will change very soon.¡± Miao Jing spoke while drinking water as if implying something.

    Zhai Sheng, who was also amused, patted his daughter¡¯s buttocks. ¡°Nan Nan will be back soon?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°Xiao Bao will usuallye to our house and stay overnight for two days a week. If Xiao Baoes and knows that his favorite auntie is away, I think he will have a more exaggerated reaction than the triplets. Nan Nan is simply the children¡¯s queen in our family. She¡¯s too popr with kids!¡±

    Er Bao swirled his eyeballs. Right, when Xiao Bao came and found out that their mother was away, he wondered what his reaction would be.

    What reaction?

    It was as if heaven and earth had copsed!

    As soon as Xiao Bao, who was happily hopping around like a kangaroo, entered the Zhai family¡¯s residence and found out that his auntie was away, the adults seemed to have witnessed the process of petrification on him at that instance.

    Miao Jing could not stopughing at that badly stricken look of Xiao Bao; he could not recover his senses after a long time. He did not even snort or make any noise. On the contrary, Tian Dong felt embarrassed at his son¡¯s reaction. His son liked Qiao Nan very much and often talked about Qiao Nan at home.

    Clearly, his teeth were not fully grown and he could not pronounce well. However, when he spoke the word ¡®auntie¡¯, the pronunciation was basically perfect. Even Tian Dong¡¯s mother was bing jealous.

    At the sight of his son¡¯s reaction now, Tian Dong felt both embarrassed and amused. Tian Dong touched his son¡¯s body. Sigh, upon his touch, his son fell to one side like a dough fritter. Dong was shocked, but with sharp eyes and agile hands, he managed to catch his son. He did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°My mom is already very jealous when at home. If Hua Hua sees this, our family can sell vinegar soon.¡± And it was the kind of vinegar that could kill someone and yet not suffer any punishment.

    As he thought of his son¡¯s ¡®nothing else is meaningful now¡¯ expression, Tian Dong could not help feeling a little jealous of Qiao Nan even though he was a grown-up man. Xiao Bao was someone with biological parents. Why was he so close with Qiao Nan, his auntie?

    He and Hua Hua spent very little time with Xiao Bao but neither did Qiao Nan. His retired parents should be the ones who spent the most time ying with and apanying Xiao Bao, no?

    Sore at his son favoring an ¡®outsider¡¯ instead of someone on one¡¯s own side, Tian Dong carried Xiao Bao and asked him, ¡°You know that auntie is not at home now. She won¡¯t be back tomorrow too. Are you going home with Dad, or do you wish to continue staying at maternal grandma¡¯s house? If it is thetter, Dad wille and fetch you home tomorrow?¡±

    Without Qiao Nan, this temptation, Xiao Bao would most likely go home with him. If that was the case, his parents would be happy.

    Xiao Bao snorted. ¡°Stay, stay here! Auntie!¡± Xiao Bao pointed at Qiao Nan¡¯s photograph on the wall with his stubby fingers. Xiao Bao expressed that he would not be easily taken in. This was auntie¡¯s house. There were her smell and many of her photographs. ¡°Brother, sister.¡± In addition, there were three ymates that he could y with!

    Go home? What going home? Not going!The corners of Tian Dong¡¯s lips twitched. So, although the person was not around, her photos and children could make up for it...¡±You¡¯re really not going home with Dad?¡± Qiao Nan must be a reincarnation of some vixen. Look at how smitten his son was.

    Xiao Bao swiftly pushed Tian Dong¡¯s hands away and ran over to the triplets. In his baby voice, he greeted ¡®brother¡¯ and ¡®sister¡¯ before joining their camp of ¡®looking at the things, reminded of the owner¡¯.

    Tian Dong looked at his son. Such a letdown! Zhai Sheng walked over and said something that pierced his heart. ¡°Looking at Xiao Bao, I thought of you when you were a child. Although you were bullied by Zhai Hua, you would still follow her around thereafter and y with her.¡± One must know that there was a reason for Xiao Bao¡¯s temperament and behavior; they were actually inherited.

    Shot by a few arrows, Tian Dong¡¯s heart was in so much pain that he could not recover. ¡°Don¡¯t say this anymore in the future.¡± Tian Dong looked guiltily at the four children who cuddled together. ¡°Especially in front of Xiao Bao.¡± A father must have a father¡¯s dignity.

    Zhai Shengughed. He did not reply, but he also did not reject him clearly.

    Looking at Zhai Sheng¡¯s response, Tian Dong understood his intent. If Zhai Sheng was in a good mood, he would definitely not expose his shorings in front of the children and let Xiao Bao know his embarrassing childhood matters. On the other hand, if Zhai Sheng was in a bad mood, what happened earlier might repeat. Zhai Sheng would mention his childhood embarrassing matters to train the functionality of his heart and lungs.

    Tian Dong could not do anything about Zhai Sheng¡¯s threat. Tian Dong was older than Zhai Hua by a few months. Hence, he was just older than Zhai Sheng for more than one year but less than two years.

 Chapter 1420 - Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 1420 Jealous</h4>

    Since he was a child, Tian Dong had been eating out of Zhai Hua¡¯s hands. He also could not stir up any huge waves when facing Zhai Sheng, this younger brother.

    In fact, how would the young Tian Dong, who was a child then, know what was romantic love? When Zhai Hua first bullied him, he disliked her. In fact, he detested Zhai Hua who behaved like a female tyrant!

    Hence, Tian Dong thought of a way to trick Zhai Hua and avenge himself.

    Never did he expect that Zhai Hua did not fall for his trap. Under Zhai Sheng¡¯s plotting. he fell into the pit that he had dug himself. Each time Tian Dong wanted to scheme against Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng would quietly teach Tian Dong a lesson on behalf of her. As it happened more often, the little Tian Dong vaguely understood that he could not seem to win this younger brother of his.

    As long as he bullied Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng would make him suffer. If he were to y with Zhai Hua more often, Zhai Sheng would take good care of him.

    Tian Dong seemed to be cut out for doing business since he was a child. Without the need to ascertain, Tian Dong immediately opted for the bright and easy path by pledging loyalty to Zhai Hua, this ¡®female boss¡¯. He would be protected by Zhai Sheng, this ¡®dark knight¡¯, then. As such, no matter the circumstances, Tian Dong would be able to lead a good life within the group of kids.

    This had increased the opportunities for Tian Dong and Zhai Hua to interact with each other. Gradually, Tian Dong discovered Zhai Hua¡¯s good points. In addition, after Zhai Hua joked that she would marry him, Tian Dong¡¯s annoyance at Zhai Hua had transformed into vague positive feelings for her after some time.

    Tian Dong had left the country at a young age and stayed abroad for more than twenty years. He did not expect himself to remember what happened during his childhood too. His love for Zhai Hua did not reduce because of time and distance. Instead, it grew deeper.

    From a certain perspective, Zhai Sheng was considered the matchmaker between Tian Dong and Zhai Hua.

    Of course, Tian Dong was more particr about the fact that he could not win his brother-inw Zhai Sheng since he was a child. Now that they had already grown up, Zhai Sheng still held onto his dark past. He was not sure whether it was because Zhai Sheng matured faster than other people, despite the fact that everyone grew up together; he was even a little older than Zhai Sheng.

    The problem was... he could not remember any jokes and embarrassing moments of Zhai Sheng. These were non-existent in his memory. When Zhai Sheng was at the age slightly older than the triplet¡¯s current age, he was already very smart. Tian Dong was clearly the big boss of a huge corporation. Yet, he could only surrender when facing his brother-inw Zhai Sheng, as per the current situation.

    In order to safeguard his image in Xiao Bao¡¯s heart, Tian Dong not only epted the threat but also did it willingly. ¡°Be rest assured. Qiao Nan¡¯s mission this time is not difficult. Minister He just wanted to gradually pass the connections in his hands to Qiao Nan. That¡¯s why he insisted to bring her along. At the same time, Qiao Nan will have the chance to gain more experience. He doesn¡¯t have much time left to guide Qiao Nan. Whenever there is a chance, he will definitely hold onto it. Don¡¯t worry. Qiao Nan will be able toe back in a few days¡¯ time. Right, you will still be at home and not the camp, right?¡¯

    Tian Dong had really touched the soft spots.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng was troubled that he was seldom home, yet Qiao Nan was away. When Qiao Nan came back from her business trip, the tragedy was that his leave would have ended. He had to leave before he could even hug his wife.

    Looking at Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression, Tian Dong¡¯s heart trembled a little. He instantly did the action of zipping up his mouth to express that he would shut up, lest he provoke Zhai Sheng and would not be able to make up for it.

    Xiao Bao insisted to stay at his maternal grandmother¡¯s house that had his auntie¡¯s smell and refused to leave. However, Tian Dong could not do the same. Zhai Hua was seldom at home. When he was not entertaining his clients, Tian Dong had to keep his parentspany on behalf of his wife, lest the two elders feel lonely.

    In particr, he had sent their favorite grandson away today. If their son was noting back, the two elders at home might feel very disappointed.

    Although their son was not as likable as their grandson, it was better than nothing. True enough, when they saw their soning back without their grandson following behind, there was a slight disappointment in Mother Tian¡¯s eyes. The positive thing was that she had already expected this oue as this was not the first incidence. Hence, Mother Tian calmed down very quickly. ¡°When is Xiao Baoing back?¡± Her grandson was away and she felt strange and upset all over.

    ¡°Tomorrow afternoon, I will go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence after work to fetch Xiao Bao home.¡± This was already the usual routine. However, Mother Tian had always harbored twenty percent hope that in the absence of herpany, Xiao Bao would cry, kick up a fuss, and request to go home.

    Although she was disappointed every time, Mother Tian could not help having such hopes repeatedly.

    As soon as she heard that she could only see Xiao Bao tomorrow, Mother Tian snorted uneasily. She was not willing to bother about Tian Dong, this son, anymore. ¡°Tell me. What¡¯s so good about the Zhai family? Why is it that Xiao Bao likes to go there and y?¡± Forget it that her son had been snatched away by Zhai Hua. Their family had a daughter-inw but it was no different from not having any. Her grandson, who was her only source of happiness, loved to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Nothing went ording to her wishes.

    Tian Dong looked at and hinted at his father. Meaning, please fix all of his mother¡¯s problems.

    Father Tian smiled and nodded, expressing ¡®no problem¡¯.Once he received the signal, Tian Dong smiled and gave his father a few words of constion before going upstairs to bathe and sleep. Tian Dong had already taken his dinner at the Zhai family¡¯s residence earlier.

    When Father and Mother Tian were sleeping on the bed, Mother Tian could not help nagging again. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with our family? Is there a difference in whether Dongzi has a wife or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course there is.¡± Father Tian did not feel so resentful about his current life. ¡°If Dongzi didn¡¯t marry a wife, where would Xiao Baoe from? What is the matter? Our grandson is not at home today and you don¡¯t like him anymore? If that is really the case, let Xiao Bao stay a few more days with the Zhai family. Please don¡¯t feel upset then.¡± His wife loved Xiao Bao so much. Without Zhai Hua, where would Xiao Baoe from?

    Their grandson resembled their son. He was just slightly over one year old but he had a sweeter tongue than his son when thetter was a child. At the thought of his grandson¡¯s witty demeanor, Father Tian was sure that his grandson would be more promising than his son after he grew up.

    Zhai Hua had given birth to such a good grandson for their family. He felt that Zhai Hua was a good daughter-inw.

    ¡°Would Zhai Hua be able to give birth to Xiao Bao without our Dongzi? Furthermore, wouldn¡¯t Dongzi have a child after marrying someone regardless?¡± Mother Tian felt indignant.

    ¡°Without Zhai Hua, even if Dongzi has a child, it may not definitely be Xiao Bao. Can you bear with the fact that Xiao Bao is not your grandson? Also, don¡¯t say that Dongzi would get married if there was no Zhai Hua. How long did Dongzi endure for Zhai Hua before he was willing to get married?¡±

 Chapter 1421 - On Television

    <h4>Chapter 1421 On Television</h4>

    ¡°If Zhai Hua was married to someone else, when was Dongzi going to relent and have a grandchild for you to carry?¡±

    Father Tian was very surprised that he actually had such a love-struck child. In addition, this child grew up in an open-minded and liberal western country. For twenty years, his son grew up in America, yet he was not led astray or adversely influenced. It was a miracle!

    ¡°Xiao Bao didn¡¯te back with Dongzi today. Are you really angry at Xiao Bao?¡± Knowing the soft spots of Mother Tian, Father Tian did not waste his energy either. He targeted Mother Tian¡¯s soft spots and poked at it again and again.

    True enough, Mother Tian¡¯s expression changed vehemently. ¡°Let me warn you. When Xiao Bao is back, don¡¯t talk nonsense in front of him. How will I not like my Xiao Bao? I love Xiao Bao the most. I only acknowledge Xiao Bao as my grandchild. I don¡¯t like other children. If you dare to spout nonsense to Xiao Bao and make him misunderstand me, I¡¯ll kick up a ruckus with you!¡±

    Mother Tian loved her grandson to the bones.

    Upon hearing Father Tian¡¯s words, Mother Tian only had to imagine a little before realizing that she would not be able to ept other children bing her grandchild. Xiao Bao was so adorable and obedient. He was such a good child. She would not bother if it were other children.

    Father Tian, who had taken a few hits from Mother Tian, was amused. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one shunning this and that? You said it yourself. Xiao Bao is very smart. Zhai Hua is seldom at home but it seems that Xiao Bao¡¯s rtionship with his mother and maternal grandmother¡¯s family won¡¯t be too poor. Don¡¯t cause Xiao Bao to be distant from the Zhai family because of your pettiness. Xiao Bao has such a maternal family... Wasn¡¯t that the reason that both of us agreed to let Dongzi marry Zhai Hua in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°That...¡± Mother Tian was speechless. Certainly, as her grandson was not around, she had nothing to do. Used to being busy, she was not ustomed to idling around. Hence, Mother Tian was too bored and started to let her thoughts go astray. As she thought of these family matters, she felt increasingly vexed and troubled. As such, she became dissatisfied with everything.

    To put it bluntly, Mother Tian could not deny that the situation of her family was already very good.

    Where else could she find inws like the Zhai family? There was nothing bad if Xiao Bao loved to be close to his maternal family. If Xiao Bao was unwilling to be close to them, she still had to teach him to do so. Qiao Nan was the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. In the future, Zhai Sheng had to listen to Qiao Nan.

    If Xiao Bao was on good terms with his auntie, no matter how they looked at it, it was to Xiao Bao¡¯s advantage in the future.

    Mother Tian knew all these but there was a knot in her heart, and she had deliberately thought on the dark side of things. As she thought about it, she got angrier and angrier.

    At the sight of Mother Tian¡¯s expression easing, Father Tian patted her shoulders. ¡°Your son didn¡¯t keep it from us on how close he is to the Zhai family. We are all aware. It is not easy toe to the current situation. Don¡¯t spoil it in the fit of your anger. Especially in front of Qiao Nan, don¡¯t make things difficult for your son.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan only helped provide some suggestions, she had sharp foresight and a good sense of judgment. Thepany set up by Dongzi and Qiao Nan had conquered the maternal and infant care market in China. He heard that the revenues had been increasing month-on-month. If this were to continue, the maternal and infant care market could possibly be one of the core businesses of the Tian Corporation.

    Father Tian was very certain of Qiao Nan¡¯s contribution to this. Without Qiao Nan, the Tian Corporation would not venture into this market so soon and be the market leader that upied the sales. The Tian Corporation had already established their reputation in this market in China. One had to know that the Chinese still cared very much about brand names.

    As long as they maintained the quality of its products, the Tian Corporation would be the gship of this industry in the future.

    At the thought of his family¡¯s business getting better and better, Father Tian seemed to have been injected with chicken blood. He was full of excitement. His wife must be having too much spare time to be able to let her thoughts run wild. It was seldom that he was in such a good mood. Father Tian switched off the lights and immediately pounced on his wife.

    Mother Tian was pleasantly surprised. ¡°Fortunately, Xiao Bao is not at home. If he sees us, how am I going to face anyone? You, this old ruffian... We¡¯re already of this age...¡±

    To begin with, Mother Tian was affirmative of the Zhai family¡¯s capability and Qiao Nan¡¯s contribution. After a round of ¡®physical persuasion¡¯ by Father Tian, on the next day, Mother Tian looked like a spring breeze. She even specially told Tian Dong, ¡°We don¡¯t have kids of simr age to y with Xiao Bao at home. It¡¯s quite good that Xiao Bao often ys with the triplets of the Zhai family. Xiao Bao said that these three children take very good care of him. Since Xiao Bao likes it, we don¡¯t need to rush to fetch him back today. Let Xiao Bao y at the Zhai family¡¯s residence for a few more days.¡±

    Anyway, Qiao Nan was not at home. Xiao Bao could only be closer to the triplets.

    Without Qiao Nan, this ¡®rival-in-love¡¯, Mother Tian was not very insistent on having her grandson back to keep herpany.

    Tian Dong was taken aback. ¡°Mom, if Xiao Bao knows, he will definitely love his grandma more.¡± He really could not tell that his father had such good skills. He not only appeased his mother to allow Xiao Bao to extend his stay with the Zhai family but also, most importantly, made his mother glow with happiness. The older ones were indeed wiser.

    Precisely, with Father Tian helping coax Mother Tian, Tian Dong felt that he could focus on hispany and expand his businesses.

    Mother Tian had absolutely no idea about the ¡®hidden pact¡¯ between Father Tian and Tian Dong. Under the joint coaxing of the father-and-son pair, her only conduct was to happily enjoy her life. Although her grandson loved to stay with the Zhai family, she was no longer feeling as jealous as before.

    The atmosphere at the Tian family was not bad. The situation at Qiao Nan¡¯s end was even better.

    After all, this was not Qiao Nan¡¯s first time. Although she had the same experience in her home country earlier while she was overseas now, Qiao Nan was not mentally young and would not feel as nervous as typical youngsters at such events.

    Qiao Nan could not help pondering. So, going through another lifetime would make one a little braver?

    As she was following He Yi around, the chances of her facing the cameras and videos would only increase, although she was not a celebrity. As it urred more frequently, Qiao Nan very quickly adapted to the lights and shes.

    Hence, Qiao Nan¡¯s little face, as fresh and tender as a flower, appeared on the state-owned television international news channel soon after.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s former ssmates, especially those from her college days, were able to recognize Qiao Nan very quickly. When Qiao Nan first appeared on the television screen, it was just a sh of a moment at lightning speed. However, despite this, those who had a deep impression of Qiao Nan could still recognize her.

    Tang Jiayun bit her soup spoon, leaving a few teeth marks on it. This was the international news channel. Diplomat... After Qiao Nan graduated, she actually joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs! This was a ce that Tang Jiayun dared not even think of in her entire life.

 Chapter 1422 - The Person on Television was My Classmate

    <h4>Chapter 1422 The Person on Television was My ssmate</h4>

    Not only had Qiao Nan wished for it, she really joined the ministry.

    Tang Jiayun could not help but throw the spoon back into the bowl, giving off a loud sound. True enough, her guess was correct. Perhaps the information on Qiao Nan¡¯s profile was false. She did not believe that Qiao Nan did not have any rtives who worked in the government.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you? Tang Jiayun¡¯s boyfriend knitted his brows, feeling slightly displeased. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that the soup has sshed out?¡±

    Tang Jiayun smiled guiltily. Among all her boyfriends, the current boyfriend had the worst looks, but he was rich. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I was taken aback while watching the news. I didn¡¯t mean it.¡± Tang Jiayun had an idea. Qiao Nan was cold and nonchnt; she would never give her ssmates a helping hand.

    Although Qiao Nan did not take the initiative to help her, she still had her way to stand to gain. She could make use of her name to get things to be in her favor.

    ¡°The news?¡± Tang Jiayun¡¯s boyfriend took a look at the news. ¡°I thought you hate watching this kind of news?¡± If he had not insisted, Tang Jiayun would have wanted to change channels to watch those useless dramas.

    Tang Jiayun was about to exin when the camera zoomed in on Qiao Nan. Tang Jiayun screamed in delight. ¡°Look, it¡¯s her, it¡¯s her. She was my college ssmate. We went to the same ssroom for lessons in the four years in college. I did not expect that she would work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after graduation and be a diplomat!¡±

    There was disbelief and amazement in Tang Jiayun¡¯s voice. ¡°Do you know that she used to stay in the same dormitory as me in my first year of college? We were roommates!¡± Tang Jiayun was really proud at the mention of her ssmate, Qiao Nan. It was a rare opportunity to go on television. Not everyone would be able to achieve that.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan was a diplomat. Who would have such good fortune like her to be able to be ssmates for four years with a future diplomat? They even stayed in the same dormitory in their first year of college.

    ¡°Really? Her boyfriend was somewhat skeptical. ¡°How could you know her?¡± No matter how much money his family spent, they would not have the chance to know people like the diplomat.

    ¡°Are you saying that you don¡¯t believe me? Wait a minute.¡± They did not eat out today. Instead, they had their meals in Tang Jiayun¡¯s rental ce. Tang Jiayun wanted to prove to her boyfriend that she was virtuous so that he would fall for her and he would put in good words for her in front of his parents. She hoped that they would ept her and they would get married as soon as possible.

    Luckily, they had their meal in Tang Jiayun¡¯s rental ce. Otherwise, Tang Jiayun could note up with the evidence to prove to her boyfriend that she was telling the truth. ¡°Look, this is my graduation photo. Does this person look exactly the same as the person on television? She is very pretty. If she wasn¡¯t cold and nonchnt at school and seldom stayed in school apart from lessons, given her looks, she would have been the school belle at Peking University.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Her boyfriend was surprised. ¡°You mentioned that the two of you were roommates in your first year of college, but what about the remaining years?¡± He knew that his girlfriend was vain. But he could not tell that apart from being a student from Peking University, she even knew such a capable ssmate.

    There was a sparkle of light in Tang Jiayun¡¯s eyes. ¡°She is a diplomat now. She is verypetent. It is impossible for her to share a dormitory with poor students like us. She wouldn¡¯t want to be restricted by the rules and regtions. She wanted freedom, so she moved out to stay by herself not long after she started school. I heard that she had her own house in the capital...¡±

    Tang Jiayun, who could not hold her head high in front of her boyfriend¡¯s family, was able to sit up straight because of this news.

    Qiao Nan and Tang Jiayun were not closely rted. No matter how sessful Qiao Nan was, it did not concern Tang Jiayun.

    However, one was marked by thepany one kept.

    Since Tang Jiayun and Qiao Nan, the diplomat, had a close rtionship, this indirectly implied that Tang Jiayun was just as outstanding. Tang Jiayun¡¯s boyfriend came from a well-to-do family. They did notck money. They onlycked an outstanding daughter-inw who would make them look good.

    Initially, they were d that Tang Jiayun was a Peking University student and hence allowed their son to date Tang Jiayun. But they changed their mind a few weekster.

    It wasmon to have a Peking University student as a wife. Peking University might be established in the country, but it was a different situation when overseas. If they wanted to have a good daughter-inw, they should be looking for students who came back from overseas study. They were too shortsighted to rejoice at finding a Peking University student as their future daughter-inw.

    Inparison, Tang Jiayun¡¯s future inws felt that Tang Jiayun was not as good. They told their friends to introduce a female student who returned from overseas study to their son. Seeing that things were not in her favor, Tang Jiayun prepared soups and meals for her boyfriend, hoping to gain his affection. It was her dream to get married into a wealthy family and enjoy life as a young mistress.

    Now that Qiao Nan appeared on television, coupled with the fact that she was Tang Jiayun¡¯s former ssmate, the female student who returned from overseas study had no hopes of getting the man. Tang Jiayun got her wish and she was engaged to her boyfriend. They had decided to marry and collect the marriage certificate one yearter.

    Tang Jiayun had always been good at toadying for personal gain. Although she had the worst rtionship with Qiao Nan in school, and she was the one who rallied everyone to ostracize Qiao Nan and to fall out with her, she did not feel ashamed when she made use of Qiao Nan to make herself look better. She sounded cheerful and joyous when she spoke of Qiao Nan. People who did not know their history would have the impression that Tang Jiayun had a good rtionship with Qiao Nan in school.

    They were ssmates for four years in college. No matter what, Tang Jiayun would have a better rtionship with Qiao Nan than other people. If needed, they would definitely help each other out in the future.

    Compared to Tang Jiayun, Yu Xiaoxiao and L¨¹ Yan were not as smart.

    L¨¹ Yan had finallypleted her four years of college. To her, those four years seemed to be like a nightmare. She could not wait to forget them and take it that it never happened. It was impossible for her to talk about the four terrifying years of her life upon seeing Qiao Nan on the television.

    ¡°Yan Yan, what is wrong with you?¡± Mother L¨¹ took some vegetables and ced them in her daughter¡¯s bowl, telling her to have her meal instead of watching the television. ¡°You have been staring at the television for a long time, and you don¡¯t eat rice or vegetables. Don¡¯t they suit your taste? Should I fry some other dishes for you? Quit staring at the television. It¡¯s bad for the eyes.¡±

    ¡°N-nothing. There is no need to fry more dishes. These dishes are tasty. Mom, the food you prepared is the best.¡± L¨¹ Yan felt ashamed at the love and concern that her parents had for her.

 Chapter 1423 - The Person on Television was My Classmate 2

    <h4>Chapter 1423 The Person on Television was My ssmate 2</h4>

    Luckily, her mother and father had never been to the capital. They were unaware of her situation in the capital or what she had done in the capital.

    Otherwise, after barely surviving the four painstaking years in Peking University, she might have to face a simr situation when she returned to her hometown.

    ¡°Yan Yan, why do I feel that the female diplomat looks very familiar?¡± Father L¨¹ had presbyopia and astigmatism. He had to squint when he wanted to take a closer look at the images on the television. He squinted at the television and creases formed on his forehead.

    ¡°Familiar? How is it possible that you have seen such an outstanding girl before?¡± Mother L¨¹ smiled. Her husband must be indulging in fantasy. It was impossible for the L¨¹ family to be associated with people who would appear on television.

    ¡°I am serious. I have really seen her before. You¡¯ve seen her before as well. Wait a minute.¡± Father L¨¹ put down the wine bowl, and he took out his daughter¡¯s university graduation album. It was not easy for people from the countryside to provide for a child to go to college, particrly when it was Peking University. Although it was just a very small graduation album, Father L¨¹ cherished it very much and he kept it carefully, treating it as his treasure. He did not allow L¨¹ Yan to leave it around the house. ¡°Look, does this person look the same as the person on the television?¡±

    ¡°It seems... so.¡± Mother L¨¹ widened her eyes. ¡°L¨¹ Yan, is the girl on the television your college ssmate?¡± The more Mother L¨¹ looked at it, the more she felt that they were the same person. ¡°Yan Yan, you really are the most outstanding person in our vige. Why didn¡¯t you mention to us that you have such a capable ssmate? Wow, the female diplomat on television is Yan Yan¡¯s ssmate. Why do I feel like I am dreaming?¡± Although she did not give birth to a son, since her daughter was ssmates with such an outstanding youngdy, it proved that her daughter was just as capable. She would not change her daughter for ten sons.

    Mother L¨¹ did not wait for L¨¹ Yan¡¯s reply. She smiled widely as she ran out with the graduation album to brag to other people, particrly her difficult mother-inw who keptining that she did not give birth to a boy for the L¨¹ family. ¡°Mom, did you watch the news on the state-owned television channel? The female diplomat on the news used to be ssmates with Yan Yan...¡±

    Mother L¨¹ shouted loudly. Not only had Father L¨¹¡¯s elder brother heard themotions but the neighboring families in the vige also heard her and came out to take a look...

    ¡°Xiao Xiao, why did you change the channel? Don¡¯t you like to watch the news on this channel?¡± Father Yu noticed that his daughter switched to other channels and he gave her a gentle reminder, lest she switch to the wrong channel.

    Yu Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. ¡°I watch the news on this channel every single day. I am tired of it. I feel like watching some other channel today. Dad, what do you and Mom like to watch? I will switch to that channel.¡±

    The parents were d that their daughter was being filial to them. ¡°Haha, we have no preferences. We can watch any channels that you like.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s look at this channel then.¡± Yu Xiaoxiao managed to switch the channel. But she kept quiet about seeing Qiao Nan on the television. She did not bring it up to her parents that she used to be ssmates with the youngdy on the television. They had the same age and they used to be from the same social ss.

    She was her ssmate and her roommate. Like Senior Xu, she could have settled down in the capital and be part of the working force with Qiao Nan¡¯s help. She could have her own house in the capital and she could bring her parents to stay with her.

    If she had known...

    Why was she so stupid and innocent in her first year of college to believe in Tang Jiayun who was only good with words but no actions? Why was she fooled by her to think that she was the most capable person in the dormitory and that she would be able to help her? If not for this, she would not have such a bad rtionship with Qiao Nan. She could only go back to her hometown in defeat after graduation,ing up with the excuse that she had graduated and she wanted to contribute to her hometown and helped her hometown develop and prosper. She could only use some high-sounding excuses to make it look good for herself.

    Yu Xiaoxiao did not wish to dwell on the foolish acts that she did in the past.

    Nothing could be changed. Since that was the case, she would simply not think about it so that she would not be upset and she would not aggrieve those near her and dden the enemy.

    Yu Xiaoxiao switched the channel, hoping that she would feel slightly better. Her parents had looked through her graduation album umpteen times. She did not want them to recognize Qiao Nan from the television.

    Qiao Nan might not be the official school belle in Peking University, but everyone was saying that if she was not cold and nonchnt and she did not stay away from the school activities, or when she did participate, she did not insist on working backstage, she would have be the school belle. Her ¡®Cups¡¯ song back then was the most perfect song that was sung in school.

    Although the position of the school belle was given to someone else in the end, everyone knew that there was only one school belle, and it was Qiao Nan. To this end, everyone in Peking University hailed Qiao Nan as the moon goddess. She was the hidden school belle of Peking University.When they were in school, Qiao Nan had fewer stage appearances than her, but right now, Qiao Nan was so dazzling that she could not open her eyes. Yu Xiaoxiao felt gloomy and upset. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m sleepy. I won¡¯t watch television anymore. The two of you can watch the shows. I have set the rm clock in my room. I¡¯ll wake up by myself for work tomorrow. Mom, Dad, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. You can have more sleep.¡±

    With that, Yu Xiaoxiao stood up and went back to the room without another word.

    Her parents did not notice that their daughter was behaving strangely. They continued to watch the channel that their daughter had switched to.

    Other than Qiao Nan¡¯s college ssmates, Qiao Nan¡¯s high school ssmates were the ones who were most excited when they knew that Qiao Nan became one of the few female diplomats in the country. Those youngdies who shared the same dormitory with Qiao Nan for three years in high school were particrly exhrated. ¡°Dad, Mom, look, it¡¯s Nan Nan! It¡¯s Nan Nan!¡±

    ¡°I am not too sure whether it¡¯s Nan Nan, but it does look like her.¡± They had not seen her for four years. They could not really remember how Qiao Nan looked like, but she looked simr to the youngdy on the television.

    ¡°Yes, this is definitely Qiao Nan. I shared the same room with her for three years. I can recognize her even if she turns into ashes. Wow! This woman has made it big. What happened to her after she went to college? Female diplomat? My high school ssmate is a female diplomat. If this gets out, it will be so cool and awesome!¡±

    Tang Mengran screamed about in her house. She shrieked and jumped like a kangaroo. She seemed to have forgotten how to walk.

    Tang Mengran made such a hugemotion that her neighbors could hear the screams as well.

 Chapter 1424 - The Pride of the Northern Quad

    <h4>Chapter 1424 The Pride of the Northern Quad</h4>

    Looking at the way their daughter behaved, Father Tang and Mother Tang felt d and proud of Qiao Nan¡¯s aplishments as well. They were happy that their daughter had such an outstanding ssmate.

    They smiled sweetly at the thought that their daughter had a close rtionship with Qiao Nan in high school. Actually, they also felt that the female diplomat who was in the limelight must have been Qiao Nan. But on the other hand, they were worried that their daughter who was thrilled with the news might brag about her ssmate before making sure that it was her. It would be awkward if she found outter that she had made a mistake.

    Fang Fang watched the news and was in awe. ¡°Mom, Dad, I have been ssmates with Qiao Nan for three years. Why does it seem like a dream to me?¡± Fang Fang knew that her parents yed an important role as to what she was today. Her parents made the necessary arrangements for her to receive a good education. She was one step quicker than other people in her learning progress.

    But even so, she still had to rely on Qiao Nan to spot the questions before the college entrance examination. It was with her help that she was admitted to a top tier key university. For that alone, her entire family was very grateful to Qiao Nan.

    In the blink of an eye, Qiao Nan had reached such heights in the past four years. She remembered that when they were in high school, Qiao Nan had a troublesome mother and a scheming elder sister who would not hesitate to smear her younger sister¡¯s reputation. At that time, Fang Fang felt particrly sympathetic toward Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had such a miserable life.

    Back then, she might be sympathetic toward Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan never needed her help. Instead, it was Qiao Nan who rendered her help. And right now, Qiao Nan had be a female diplomat!

    Fang Fang, who had strong support from her family, would never dare to dream of bing a female diplomat!

    Father Fang looked at his daughter lovingly and he gave a satisfied nce at Gao Yan who had been silently guarding his daughter. ¡°We always know that Nan Nan is an outstanding child. It is not easy for her toe this far.¡±

    Even so, the moment they saw Qiao Nan on television, Father Fang and Mother Fang still could not help but be surprised by the fact that Qiao Nan could get to such heights.

    With such a mother and a sister, most people could not imagine the hardships that Qiao Nan had and how she went through them. Although they knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s father, Qiao Dongliang, was much better than his wife and his elder daughter, his father was softhearted and would be easily confused and influenced by other people.

    Father Fang and Mother Fang were proud of Qiao Nan¡¯s achievements, but their hearts also ached for the hardship that she had to go through. Hard work made a great sess. Qiao Nan worked hard for what she had today.

    ¡°Fang Fang, eat this. It is especially fresh.¡± Gao Yan did not have anyments regarding Qiao Nan. He had known long ago that Qiao Nan would have great aplishments. Gao Yan knew that Qiao Nan had many unreliable rtives. But she was lucky to know many powerful and influential people.

    As long as Qiao Nan was willing, she could have even greater aplishments, and she could have achieved sess many years earlier.

    Everything was favorable to her, but she chose to take things one step at a time, and she waited until she graduated to shine and soar to new heights. In Gao Yan¡¯s opinions, he was considered as a patient hunter and businessman and this was a rare quality in his industry. But he paled inparison to Qiao Nan. He was full of admiration for her patience.

    Qiao Nan was even more patient than him and he seldom saw people who bade her time patiently like her.

    Qiao Nan could be high profile, but she insisted on keeping a low profile. Gao Yan would not y the bad guy to publicize her information. It was not that he did not want to tter the Fang family so that Fang Fang would acknowledge him as her boyfriend as soon as possible and to please his inws. Instead, it was because he knew that Qiao Nan was too formidable.

    After Fang Fang fell out of love, Gao Yan heeded Qiao Nan¡¯s advice and made a Herculean effort, spending nearly two years to gain Fang Fang¡¯s trust and bing her boyfriend on probation. Given Fang Fang and Qiao Nan¡¯s deep friendship and Fang Fang¡¯s trust in Qiao Nan, if he told them everything about Qiao Nan, Fang Fang might ¡®betray¡¯ him and ry everything to Qiao Nan.

    If Qiao Nan was angry...

    Gao Yan could not help but have goosebumps all over his body at the thought of the oue.

    In order to gain Fang Fang¡¯s affection, Gao Yan believed that the first thing he had to do to marry Fang Fang was to please Fang Fang and Qiao Nan. The next in line would be to please his inws.

    Therefore, Gao Yan did not dare to offend Qiao Nan. Even if Fang Fang was angry with him, he was sure that it would not cost him his rtionship with her. However, if Qiao Nan was angry, Gao Yan knew that things would get serious! He felt a chill at the thought of that!

    As a result, Gao Yan was particrly silent on all topics regarding Qiao Nan. He would only pay attention to getting food for Fang Fang. If Qiao Nan had anything that she wanted to tell Fang Fang, she would do so by herself. There was no need for Gao Yan to interfere.

    The Fang family of three was having a good time chatting. They did not realize that Gao Yan, who had a good reputation in the industry and was a seasoned and experienced businessman, would turn absolutely silent at the mention of Qiao Nan.

    At this moment, the quad in Ping Cheng was extremely lively as well.

    ¡°Hey, did you watch the news on the state-owned television channel? I saw Qiao Nan on the news!¡±

    ¡°Yes. I saw her too. I thought I had made a mistake and that I am suffering from presbyopia.¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I saw it too!¡±¡°Is Qiao Nan a female diplomat?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is indeed the most promising child in the quad. It¡¯s good that there is someone so outstanding in the quad.¡±

    Several families chatted within themselves while they walked toward the Qiao family¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Old Ding, are you at home? Did you and Zijin watch the news on the state-owned television channel tonight? Nan Nan is indeed the most promising child in the quad. She is amazing. She has be a diplomat and she is on television. Old Ding, you have good fortune. How did you manage to have such a good girl?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I wonder what Nan Nan usually eats. Can you give us some rmendations?¡± There was no way that their daughters and sons could match up to Qiao Nan. But they could put their hopes on their grandchildren. It would be just as good if their grandchildren could look up to Qiao Nan.

    Arge group of people sang the praises of Qiao Nan. Instead of feeling happy, Ding Jiayi, who liked to keep up appearances, looked upset.

    How to raise a child?

    Ding Jiayi would never forget the nces and stares that the neighbors in the quad gave her when Qiao Nan got married to Zhai Sheng four years ago. If Qiao Nan did well, it would only look bad on Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan had finally gotten married and studied at a college in the capital. It had been four years since Ding Jiayi was ridiculed and put in a difficult position.

 Chapter 1425 - The In-Laws were Different from Oneâ€™s Parents

    <h4>Chapter 1425 The In-Laws were Different from One¡¯s Parents</h4>

    But everything was disrupted today.

    The daughter that she disliked the most became a diplomat and went on the state-owned television channel. For a moment, Ding Jiayi felt a mixture of emotions. She could not really tell how she felt toward this daughter. She could not deny that Qiao Nan was outstanding. She could not insist that the elder daughter would be more promising than the younger daughter. She could not bring herself to say such foolish words.

    It was impossible that Zijin could find better inws than the wretched girl. In terms of capability, the wretched girl was from Peking University, while Zijin was a diploma studies graduate. The wretched girl was one of the few female diplomats while Zijin had to rely on the Zhai family to get a decent job for her.

    No matter how she looked at it, it was impossible for Zijin to be better than the wretched girl in this life.

    Qiao Nan might be outstanding, but she was not the child that she favored. Everyone in the quad knew that she had a bad rtionship with Qiao Nan. Although people asked this question in the past purely to ridicule her, today, they were serious about knowing the answer. But Ding Jiayi did not wish to answer them.

    What food did Qiao Nan have?

    Qiao Nan would have the same food as her. In fact, Qiao Zijin had better food than Qiao Nan!

    If one could be a diplomat through the food one ate, Zijin should have gotten a job in the government.

    Forget it. She did not wish to think about these questions. She would be in a bad mood if she thought about them.

    ¡°Alright, although it is summer, and eight or nine o¡¯clock is still considered as early, we have the habit of retiring early for the night. If there¡¯s nothing else, please go back. By the way, you have asked a funny question. What food could I possibly give her? She had the usual food that you used to have. She did not have any special food. Alright, go back now. We¡¯re going to sleep.¡± Ding Jiayi really did not wish to hear Qiao Nan¡¯s name again.

    Qiao Zijin, who trailed behind Ding Jiayi, was silent all the while. She felt like blending into the background.

    Since Ding Jiayi was in a hurry to send them away, the neighbors would not be so obtuse to insist on staying. Although they knew that Ding Jiayi did not get along well with Qiao Nan, they were mother and daughter after all. If Qiao Nan turned softhearted, she might be filial to Ding Jiayi. They would be asking for trouble if they offended Ding Jiayi.

    They did not care if the mother and daughter would patch up, it was better not to offend other people.

    Since Ding Jiayi could not wait for them to leave, the neighbors who were there to congratte Ding Jiayi left abidingly. They also asked if Ding Jiayi was free tomorrow, saying that they would have a chat with her tomorrow. If there was a chance, they would prefer to get to know Qiao Nan. If their grandchildren could learn from Qiao Nan, it would be the best arrangement.

    Everyone in the quad knew that when Qiao Nan was in high school, she used to hold tuition sses in the quad near Ping Cheng High School. Every student who had been to the sses either went to a good high school or a good college. After Qiao Nan left, those students who went to a good high school also managed to get into decent colleges.

    That was why many people hoped that Qiao Nan could continue to give tuition in Ping Cheng after she graduated from college. Qiao Nan had a good reputation of helping her students excel. If she decided to be a tutor, many people would spend lots of money to send their children to Qiao Nan¡¯s tuition sses.

    The money would be well-spent.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan did not want to be a big boss. Instead, she chose to be a female diplomat which was even more awesome. The people in the quad felt extremely proud of Qiao Nan, and some of them were so excited at her aplishments that it took them a long while to calm down. Qiao Nan was from the northern quad. Finally, there was a child from the northern quad who was more outstanding than the children from the southern quad.

    As children and residents from the northern quad, they could finally hold their heads high when they saw the people from the southern quad.

    Everyone from the northern quad felt proud of Qiao Nan¡¯s achievements. They could not describe the emotions that they felt.

    The people from the northern quad had finally left. Ding Jiayi felt disheartened and weary after sending them away. She closed the door and called for Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯ste. Do you want to watch television, or do you want to wash and sleep?¡± She was exhausted. She felt like slumping down on the bed.

    Qiao Zijin trailed after Ding Jiayi, staring nkly at the ck screen of the television which had been switched off. All she could think of was the images of Qiao Nan with her delicate and fine features on the television. She and Qiao Nan had the same parents. She was her elder sister and they grew up together.

    Since they had the same parents, why was it that she and Qiao Nan were worlds apart?

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why did you remain silent? If you want to watch television, you should at least turn it on. Right, have you and Xiao Zhoue to a decision regarding the wedding? You should be realistic. Don¡¯t think too much. Let¡¯s not talk about your rtionship with Qiao Nan. As the younger sister, it will certainly be nice of her if she is willing to help you prepare your dowry. If not, there¡¯s nothing you can do either. It¡¯s already August. You will be holding your wedding banquet in two months. I understand that you want a grand wedding. But it will be worse if you end up with nothing.¡±

    Zijin¡¯s situation was different from Qiao Nan¡¯s. Zhai Sheng really loved Qiao Nan. He did not mind that Qiao Nan had nothing with her. Zijin¡¯s boyfriend agreed to marry Zijin on ount of the Zhai family.The Zhai family epted Qiao Nan as their daughter-inw unconditionally. If Zijin did not handle the situation well, and something went wrong during the wedding banquet, the other party might not be forgiving toward Zijin. ¡°I might sound harsh, but loyal advice jars on the ears. I have your best interests. I will say no more. You should consider carefully.¡±

    No matter what she said, it was up to Zijin to decide what she wanted to do in the end.

    She had no hopes that Qiao Nan would fork out arge sum of money to prepare Qiao Zijin¡¯s dowry. It was considered good enough if Qiao Nan bought a big color television for Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi knew that when Qiao Nan got married, Zijin did not prepare any mary gifts or dowry for her. Qiao Nan got married to Zhai Sheng without taking anything from the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan did not take a penny from the Qiao family, but she was asked to keep on contributing to the Qiao family. No one would me Qiao Nan if she refused to do so.

    One had to have a willing heart to be treated unfairly but continue to be dedicated wholeheartedly!

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan was unwilling to help Qiao Zijin. Ding Jiayi could not help but be worried for her. ¡°Xiao Zhou knows about our family¡¯s situation. There is no need for us to puff oneself up at one¡¯s own cost. In the end, one would suffer further embarrassment.¡±

    ¡°So, are you telling me to marry into the Zhou family with my tail between my legs, looking like a disowned dog?¡±

 Chapter 1426 - Gave Up on Making Things Difficult for Her

    <h4>1426 Gave Up on Making Things Difficult for Her</h4>

    Qiao Zijin had bloodshot eyes. She was angry that Ding Jiayi spelled everything out. She felt a heavy burden on her shoulder that she could no longer stand straight.

    Compared to Qiao Nan, who had a glorious life, she could only be the rats in the sewer.

    They were biological sisters. How could Qiao Nan be so heartless toward her? She did not do heinous deeds to her or try to take her life. She had a good life, but why could she not help her?

    Qiao Zijin could not help but cry as she thought about it. ¡°Mom, why is Qiao Nan so cruel to me? I¡¯m her sister. Why doesn¡¯t she want me to do well in life? She refused to help her family but she was willing to help other people. What did she mean by that? If I do not marry well and other people ask her about it, it will not look good on her as well. I have never seen anyone who is more unfeeling than her. Did she forget that I am her elder sister? If I were her, I would not be so heartless and coldhearted like her. She does not even care that we are one family.¡±

    Qiao Nan only regarded those outsiders as her siblings, but she had no regard for her!

    ¡°Mom, you have to help me. You are the only person who can help me now.¡± She refused to resign to fate. She was unconvinced that she and Qiao Nan were worlds apart and that she could never bepared to her. A woman would marry once in her life. This was an important event for her. She wanted to be a white swan instead of an ugly duckling.

    Ding Jiayi waved her hand. ¡°Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t listen to me when she had yet to marry. Now that she is part of the Zhai family, how will I be able to help you? Zijin, you have to sort out your thoughts. Alright, you can continue to watch television. I am tired. I will go to sleep.¡±

    She knew that Qiao Zijin was going to push everything to her. Ding Jiayi had changed. She was no longer the Ding Jiayi from before. She would no longer do everything for Qiao Zijin. Instead, she would skirt the issue Qiao Zijin raised. Qiao Zijin had to depend on herself.

    Qiao Nan was like a dragon in the sky, while she was only a fish in the water. A flying dragon would never listen to an old fish.

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan would ignore her if she went looking for her. She was no longer young. It was tiring on her to create a din and end up not achieving anything.

    Qiao Dongliang seemed to be leading a good life. It took Ding Jiayi very long to understand, but she had decided to learn from Qiao Dongliang. She would wash her hands off Qiao Zijin. It was up to the children to settle their own problems. It was useless for the adults to meddle in their affairs.

    With that, Ding Jiayi fled to her room, closed the door, and avoided Qiao Zijin¡¯s unrelenting gaze.

    Ding Jiayi had just closed the door when a ss cup was being smashed to the floor. It made a loud sound as it crashed to the floor.

    Ding Jiayi thought for a while before letting go of the door handle. She switched on the electric fan in the room,y on the bed, and closed her eyes, getting ready to sleep.

    She had made her stand. She would not be involved in matters regarding Qiao Nan. There was nothing that she could do.

    Qiao Zijin was not a fool. She could sense that Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude had changed since a long time ago. Moreover, they had a bad quarrel when they came back from the capital the previous time. She would never forget that her father moved out of the house and never came back for months because of what she said.

    Since she and her mother never mentioned the incident again, as time passed, she tried to deceive herself that the incident never happened at all. Anyway, her mother treated her in the same manner as before.

    But when it came to serious issues, Qiao Zijin could tell that there was still a difference. ¡°It is so nice to get married to a good husband.¡±

    Before Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, her mother would always side with her, disregarding the fact that Qiao Nan was her daughter. Right now, although her mother disliked Qiao Nan, she would no longer make unreasonable requests of Qiao Nan or make things difficult for Qiao Nan in order to help her.

    Qiao Zijin knew what Ding Jiayi was up to.

    Ding Jiayi was no longer young and she needed her children to take care of her. Now that Qiao Nan married well, it was up to her to decide the amount of money that she would give Ding Jiayi every month. After all, Qiao Nan had the final say over her own money. Ding Jiayi stopped creating trouble for Qiao Nan, hoping that Qiao Nan would give her more money monthly.

    If she made trouble for Qiao Nan, not only would it be useless, but it would also affect her rtionship with Qiao Nan. Since that was the case, Ding Jiayi decided to give up on going against Qiao Nan. She would behave herself so that Qiao Nan would continue to provide for her.

    Money, money, money!

    Her mother would do anything for money. She did not have any principles. She did not care about her daughter. Her daughter could not be more important than herself. Her mother had two children, but she did not have their best interests. She did not intend to nurture them to be sessful. Instead, her only hope was that her children would give her lots of money when they grew up so that she could lead a good life.

    She was too selfish.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes turned red as she thought about her situation. The whites of her eyes turned reddish and bloodshot. In the end, Qiao Zijin returned to her room to make a call to her boyfriend. ¡°Yes, this is the situation. Will you shun me because of this? I will try my best in this regard, but I hope that your family will not have too high expectations of me. You know about my family¡¯s situation. My sister would like to prepare a bigger dowry for me, but I feel that it is inappropriate of me to ept this from her.¡±

    ¡°I was still in school when my sister married Zhai Sheng. I didn¡¯t buy a pretty dress for her, let alone prepare a dowry for her. I will feel bad to ept so many things from her now. After marrying you, I will be part of your family. I won¡¯t be able to return this favor by myself. I don¡¯t want to add to your burden.¡±

    Although she would not have luxurious dowry or a grand wedding like Qiao Nan did, Qiao Zijin had to put it nicely. Her inws must not think that Qiao Nan refused to prepare a dowry for her as she had a bad rtionship with her. Instead, it was because she refused to ept her kindness.

    One would reciprocate the favors that one had.

    If she married into the family and she brought dowry with her, her inws would have to return the favor to the Zhai family.

    Everything that she did was for the sake of her inws. Therefore, she must make sure that her inws understand that she was sensible and considerate of them.

    She no longer had any expectations of her parental family.

    If Qiao Zijin wanted to have good days ahead, she must make sure that she had a good rtionship with her inws. Her parental family did not seem like a family at all. They did not have her best interests.

    She had lived with her parents for more than twenty years, but she would have to spend the rest of her life with her inws.

 Chapter 1427 - To Marry Her or No

    <h4>1427 To Marry Her or No</h4>

    Therefore, her mother-inw must have a good impression of her so that she would have good days ahead of her. As for the troubles at her parental family, Qiao Zijin could no longer be bothered with it.

    Her mother had better be healthy and well. If anything happened, Qiao Nan had better take care of her mother. Her mother could give up the thought of getting a single cent from her. Since her mother refused to help her at all, there was no way that she would provide for her mother.

    Qiao Zijin had always been narrow-minded. Moreover, recently, Ding Jiayi refused to fight for her interests and she would keep her money with herself, refusing to spend any money on Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was merely learning from her. Since her mother valued money more than her and was unwilling to spend them on her children, she would be calctive as well. The only difference was that when she married, she would have children of her own. She had to take care of her own expenses as well as raise her children. She would not have extra money to provide for her mother.

    Qiao Zijin had totally forgotten about Qiao Dongliang. In her opinion, Qiao Nan had to be responsible for him. He was Qiao Nan¡¯s father. Her father left her and her mother to live with Qiao Nan during her crucial years in high school. From then onward, she told herself that she no longer had a father.

    Since she did not have a father, there was no need for her to provide for him.

    Zhou Zheng felt uneasy after receiving Qiao Zijin¡¯s call. He hesitated for a long while before he called his parents and told them everything that Qiao Zijin told him. ¡°Dad, Mom, do you think Qiao Zijin is trustworthy? Why do I feel insecure?¡±

    After dating Qiao Zijin for a year, Zhou Zheng was well aware of the shorings that she had. Like his name, Zhou Zheng was straightforward, rigid, and inflexible.

    It was because of the Zhai family that Zhou Zheng dated Qiao Zijin. The Zhou family had always wanted to be rted to the Zhai family. To their surprise, it was a dreame-true for them.

    Zhou Zheng knew the kind of person that Qiao Zijin was before they started dating. Zhai Sheng would not use Qiao Zijin to deceive others. Marriage was between two parties. Both had to be willing parties. It would not be right if there was any deception involved.

    Zhou Zheng knew Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality. If he was willing to start a rtionship with her, although he would not strike it big, the Zhou family could be assured that they would have better days in Ping Cheng. For instance, Zhou Zheng used to work as a contract worker in the government sector. Right now, he was converted to a permanent worker. Father Zhou¡¯s business did not expand, but he made more money now.

    The Zhou family and Zhou Zheng led better lives as Zhou Zheng was willing to be with Qiao Zijin and marry her despite knowing about her ws.

    Although it was not anything substantial, it was practical and would be a great help to their lives. The Zhou family was d that they had so many benefits even before marrying Qiao Zijin. If they became rtives with the Zhai family, they would be given even more benefits.

    Father Zhou finished the remaining cigarette in one single puff. He let out a painful breath, choking on the smoke.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that you are no longer young? Why did you smoke so many cigarettes like when you were young? Aren¡¯t you worried about your lungs? Are you courting death? Let me warn you. After Zhou Zheng marries Qiao Zijin and we have a grandchild, I forbid you from smoking in the house. What if the grandchild chokes on your smoke and falls sick?¡± Mother Zhou was indirectly telling Father Zhou and Zhou Zheng that regardless of what kind of girl Qiao Zijin was, or how strange the situation was, they would hold the wedding banquet in more than a month¡¯s time.

    The inws were different from the parental family. After Qiao Zijin married into their family, she would discipline and take her in. She would not allow Qiao Zijin to affect her husband¡¯s business or her son¡¯s job.

    A daughter-inw was supposed to fulfill two purposes: to bear the Zhou family a child and to bring benefits to the Zhou family.

    Qiao Zijin was so much better than otherdies in these aspects. There was no way that her son¡¯s previous girlfriend could bepared to Qiao Zijin.

    The previous girlfriend had the same temper as Qiao Zijin, but she was a spendthrift. She spent a lot of the Zhou family¡¯s money on herself. Although she had given her son a lot of money, he woulde asking them for money in no time.

    One would only know the truth upon aparison. Compared to her son¡¯s previous girlfriend, Mother Zhou preferred Qiao Zijin.

    Father Zhou understood the rationale as well. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Zijin and the daughter-inw of the Zhai family do not have a good rtionship? I don¡¯t understand. Why will the two daughters of the Qiao family not get along well with each other?¡± If his future daughter-inw had a close rtionship with the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, the Zhou family would be lucky!

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s face sank, apparently agreeing with his father.

    Zhou Zheng had differing opinions from his mother. Although his previous girlfriend was a spendthrift, they had been together for a long time and he liked her very much. If he was sessful and earned lots of money, it was alright that the woman that he liked spent his money. He spent the money so that his girlfriend would be well-dressed and it would look good on him when they went out on dates.

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s ex-girlfriend had nothing special except that she was good-looking.

    After being introduced to Zhou Zheng¡¯s girlfriend, his friends would sing her praises, saying that his girlfriend was prettier than the female celebrities on television.

    Qiao Zijin was not as pretty as Qiao Nan, and she could not match up to Zhou Zheng¡¯s ex-girlfriend. In general, she had regr features. Although she was not considered as pretty, she was not ugly either. Her fairplexion made her look refreshing.

    However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s boyfriend was Zhou Zheng. His ex-girlfriend was very beautiful. When one was used to having meat and fish and was keen on having more of the good food, one would naturally feel upset that one was forced to eat vegetables and tofu. Since he used to have such a pretty girlfriend, he would naturally make aparison and would not be in a good mood when he was with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin knew the reason why Zhou Zheng was willing to start a rtionship with her. She knew that the Zhou family benefited from their rtionship and the Zhai family would give them a helping hand. Therefore, Qiao Zijin did not curb her temper when she was with Zhou Zheng.

    If Zhou Zheng was polite to her, Qiao Zijin would rein in her temper and be gentle toward him. But if Zhou Zheng sounded as if he shunned her and that he preferred his ex-girlfriend, Qiao Zijin would not allow herself to be mistreated since the Zhou family had stood to gain from their rtionship. She would tell him outright that if he was displeased with her and despised her, they could break up right away.

 Chapter 1428 - A Brilliant Mother

    <h4>Chapter 1428: A Brilliant Mother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was easy to get a divorce now. One only needed to sign on the papers to get a divorce. It was even easier to get a breakup. The two of them could end a rtionship and never to see each other again.

    After getting to know Zhou Zheng, Qiao Zijin was certain of one thing.

    Because of Qiao Nan, the Zhai family disliked the fact that she was their rtive. However, she was lucky that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister. Qiao Nan could never be rid of her in this life.

    Unless she had her own means and ways, the Zhai family would definitely not rmend other families who were better than the Zhou family to her. Simrly, as long as she was able to ept families like the Zhou family, if she and Zhou Zheng broke up, the Zhai family was willing to rmend a few other families that had a simr background as the Zhou family.

    Since Qiao Zijin was certain of this, she was fearless in front of Zhou Zheng. ¡°After breaking up with each other, let¡¯s not meet or contact each other so that it will not be awkward for both of us. I want to have a home, a home that belongs to me. After we break up, if you see me with my new boyfriend, pretend not to know me.¡±

    Zhou Zheng dated her as he was after the benefits that the Zhai family gave him. She did not shun him for not being sincere toward her. Instead, he should be ashamed of himself for being pretentious in front of her. The Zhai family helped him convert from a contract worker to a permanent worker all because of her.

    With that, Qiao Zijin took out her cell phone and deleted Zhou Zheng¡¯s phone number. She also told Zhou Zheng to delete her phone number. After deleting his phone number, Qiao Zijin turned to walk away without the slightest hesitation.

    She knew that Zhou Zheng minded that she was not as beautiful as his ex-girlfriend. But how dared he do that! She did not even mind that his family background, looks, and intelligence were not as good as Chen Jun.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin became unyielding, Zhou Zheng panicked. Although he minded that she was not as beautiful, he did not dare to break up with her.

    Qiao Zijin had barely left and Zhou Zheng hurried forward to stop her. He grabbed her hand and begged her to appease her anger. Qiao Zijin was being very direct and straightforward. ¡°In the past, I was afraid that I would hurt your pride and self-esteem. Right now, I think I am being too softhearted with you. I have been thinking too much. Your ex-girlfriend only has one advantage over me, and that is she is prettier than me. Let me tell you about my ex-boyfriend. He is so much better than you. You should know who Chen Jun is. His father used to be a deputy policemissioner in the city and he is doing just as well now. Chen Jun is handsome, highly educated, and his father is very capable. If I wasn¡¯t foolish in the past and could not sort out my thoughts, you might not be the person who stands next to me discussing marriage ns with me today.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was really full of regrets now.

    She finally managed to do what Chen Jun requested her to do, but it was a pity he had broken up with her and she had no idea where he was now or whether he had another girlfriend now. Since the breakup, they had not seen each other at all.

    ¡°Since you feel that your ex-girlfriend is better, fine, let¡¯s have an easy way out. We have not been together for a long time. Even if your girlfriend has another man after breaking up with you, you can still get her back. By then, you should bring more money with you, and I am sure you will win her affection. As for me, since I am smarter than before, I might have a chance of getting back together with Chen Jun.¡±

    Qiao Zijin sounded very serious when she said she was getting back with Chen Jun.

    Previously, she did not harbor such intentions. After being agitated by Zhou Zheng, she felt that it was foolish of her to let go of Chen Jun, while she shortchanged herself to be with Zhou Zheng. He benefited from the rtionship but he kept giving her the cold shoulder.

    Was it worthwhile?

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin was emboldened and serious about breaking up, Zhou Zheng had no choice but to beg for mercy. ¡°I was wrong, okay? I was merely making ament. I didn¡¯t mean anything. Why did you re up? We¡¯re already discussing getting married. Why did you mention a breakup? Please don¡¯t be angry. Let¡¯s shop for clothes, shall we?¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t mind. I don¡¯t want you to feel that you are being shortchanged.¡± Qiao Zijin was merely throwing tantrums. Now that Zhou Zheng gave in, she was not as angry. ¡°My looks are ordinary. Won¡¯t you find it displeasing to see me every day? You can look for a beautiful woman, while I look for a handsome guy. Won¡¯t that be great?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. You don¡¯t look ordinary at all. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are beautiful.¡± If he put his mind to it, Zhou Zheng, who had been in a rtionship, was better at coaxingdies than Chen Jun.

    Although the two of them had a few small quarrels, they still agreed to hold the wedding this October.

    Now that he brought up this topic, Zhou Zheng felt uncertain. ¡°Mom, are you sure it will be good for our family if I marry Qiao Zijin?¡±

    Mother Zhou knew what her son was thinking about. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good? If so, you will still be a contract worker. Of course, it¡¯s okay if you feel that it¡¯s alright to be a contract worker. You can quit your job. It is difficult to get a permanent job in the government sector. It¡¯s normal that we all want to lead better lives. If you are happy with a contract job, I won¡¯t stop you. You can do anything as long as you are happy.¡±

    Zhou Zheng was at a loss for words at what his mother said. Contract workers had a much lower pay than permanent workers. They did not have the same benefits as well. Zhou Qing knew how it felt to be converted to a permanent worker. He had no wish to work as a contract worker anymore.

    ¡°Speechless? Since you know that it¡¯s good to have a permanent job, why did you ask me whether it will be good for our family if you marry Qiao Zijin? Qiao Zijin is foolish in how she deals with her younger sister, but she is smart in other aspects. You should have known whether she is a pushover or not. If you shun her, she may not be willing to shortchange herself to be with you. No matter what thoughts or opinions you have in mind, you should make a decision as soon as possible. You will need to send the wedding invitation in another half a month. It will be embarrassing if you back out by then.¡±

    Her son understood the rationale, but it was human nature to have insatiable desires.

    Mother Zhou did not bother to persuade her son. She knew that the more she persuaded him, the more he would go against her. If he did not feel like marrying Qiao Zijin, there was no way that she could force him. It was unnecessary to do that.

    ¡°Zhou Zheng, you are my son. I will always stand on your side. The Zhai family is not so small-minded. Even if things don¡¯t work out between Qiao Zijin and you, your job will not be affected. Of course, if you have any ns for your future, you will have to rely on your own efforts to achieve them. As for our family business, it will be the way it used to be after the two of you break up. We have been leading a fairly good life back then. If the two of you break up, it will not be a problem. Therefore, it¡¯s okay if you want a breakup.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you really allow me to break up with her?¡±

    Mother Zhou did not bother to persuade her son to stay with his girlfriend. She told him seriously that it would not have a drastic impact on the Zhou family if he broke up with his girlfriend. At most, it would be more difficult for them to make any improvements and Zhou Zheng might have to put in extra effort to get what he wanted.

 Chapter 1429 - Attend Wedding Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 1429: Attend Wedding Banquet</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhou Zheng panicked. Should he really break up with Qiao Zijin?

    Both Qiao Zijin and his mother said so. Zhou Zheng was like headless flies without any sense of direction, out of his wits. He could only pace about. He did not know what to do.

    Father Zhou was quick to react. ¡°Your mom is right. You should think about it. Your mom and I are no longer young. Given our family background, the three of us can lead a good life in the future. As long as you are satisfied with your life now, you can choose not to marry her if you don¡¯t feel like it. You should marry someone whom you like and one who is willing to join our family.¡±

    After saying this, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou went back to their room to sleep.

    Who was the one who was so happy that he was getting married and that he converted from a contract worker to a permanent worker, that he treated them to good food? If Zhou Zheng married Qiao Zijin, the Zhou family might have a better life. If he did not marry Qiao Zijin, the Zhou family would lead a good life as well. It would not make a huge difference. Therefore, they would leave the decision to their son.

    Zhou Zheng watched as his parents walked away. He was dumbfounded. ¡°Dad, Mom, aren¡¯t you going to give me any advice?¡±

    Mother Zhou turned back, feeling slightly displeased. ¡°You are at the age to get married and have children. You should be able to decide for yourself. When you sort out your thoughts and figure out what it is that you want, we will support you no matter what decision you make. Also, if you really like your ex-girlfriend, fine, you can get her back. I will approve of your marriage. Anyway, we have more than one house. We can move to another house and the two of you can have the entire house to yourself.¡±

    If the Zhou family business could not maintain its current ie, given that the ex-girlfriend was a spendthrift, their son¡¯s pay would not be able to pay for her huge spending. Even if they gave money to their son, it might not be enough to cover thedy¡¯s spending.

    The skincare products that thedy used cost several hundred yuan. Her clothes and bags cost several hundreds or even thousands of yuan. Mother Zhou wondered whether the products and essories were made of gold. Why were they more expensive than gold?

    Nevertheless, fools would rush in to buy them, and her son was the rich boyfriend, one of the fools.

    Mother Zhou was getting advanced in years. She felt weary. It was alright if her children did not treat her well, but she had no wish to worry over her son and daughter-inw.

    If they got along well, it would be livelier to stay under the same roof. She could y with her grandchild as well. If they did not get along well, they might as well stay apart. At the very least, she and her husband could take care of themselves. If not, they could always hire a caretaker.

    Her son was willing to spend a bomb on such a woman in the first ce. They had worked hard all their lives, so how could they be miserly on themselves and refuse to spend the money on a caretaker?

    What a joke!

    If so, her son would spend the money that she and her husband earned while they were young on the foolish hussy. If she allowed this to happen, she was even more stupid than those fools!

    The reason why Zhai Sheng introduced Qiao Zijin to the Zhou family was not that Zhou Zheng was a suitable brother-inw. Instead, it was due to Zhou Zheng¡¯s parents, in particr Mother Zhou, who was a brilliant woman.

    Zhou Zheng had a simr temperament as his father. But Father Zhou was slightly better than his son. Moreover, Father Zhou would listen to his wife. If his parents had the same opinions, Zhou Zheng would not be able to stir any troubles. Compared to going to the trouble of getting a smart husband who could control Qiao Zijin, Zhai Sheng felt that it was better to get a smart mother-inw for Qiao Zijin.

    Given Mother Zhou¡¯s temperament, if they did not get along well staying under the same roof, she would move out with her husband. In that case, there was no one that Qiao Zijin could create trouble for. She could not possibly orchestrate a full-scale drama by herself when there was no audience.

    Regardless of what Zhou Zheng was thinking about, the Zhou family¡¯s rtives received Zhou Zheng¡¯s wedding invitation by mid-September. The Zhai family who resided far away in the capital received the wedding invitation as well. After all, the Qiao family did not have many rtives. If Qiao Zijin did not invite them, she would have no rtives to invite and she might as well save the time and effort in sending out invitations.

    ¡°Getting married?¡± Qiao Nan ended up spending five days going abroad for work, two of which were spent on transport. Luckily, when she returned home, Zhai Sheng still had two days of leave before he had to report back to camp. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng¡¯s subordinates would be down on their luck. If men could not satisfy their desires, they would behave in a terrifying manner. Not long after Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Nan received the wedding invitation from Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a national day wedding.¡± Miao Jing was not surprised at the date as she had already heard that they would hold the wedding during the National Day period. It would take several days for the invitation to be sent from Ping Cheng to the capital. It was indeed lucky that the small invitation card did not get misced during the journey. ¡°Will you be going?¡±

    Qiao Nan put the invitation away. ¡°Yes. The Qiao family does not have many rtives. It will not look good if I don¡¯t go. I reckon I¡¯ll have to take the three kids with me. My dad misses them.¡± Qiao Nan had zero contact with her parental family, but she hoped that her three children would keep in contact with their grandpa. Qiao Nan wondered if the three children would still recognize their grandpa despite not seeing him for such a long time.

    ¡°Shall I go with you?¡± Miao Jing felt worried that the three children would be going as well. ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t be attending Qiao Zijin¡¯s wedding banquet. If it is inconvenient for you to bring the triplets with you to the wedding banquet, I can stay at home to look after them.¡±

    Miao Jing did not like Qiao Zijin. She would not give her face by attending her wedding banquet.

    The reason being Qiao Zijin had the audacity to ask Qiao Nan for dowry. Although it was Ding Jiayi who brought up the topic, if Qiao Zijin did not feel this way, Ding Jiayi would not dare to make this request of Qiao Nan.

    If she did not ask for a dowry, given that they were inws, the Zhai family was willing to prepare some dowry for Qiao Zijin. Miao Jing felt that it would look good on Qiao Nan if they helped Qiao Zijin prepare dowry. Otherwise, she would never think of preparing dowry for Qiao Zijin. To her, she would rather donate the money.

    Although Miao Jing intended to prepare some dowry for Qiao Zijin, now that Qiao Zijin took the initiative to ask for a dowry, the stubborn Miao Jing refused to give her a single cent.

    Qiao Nan felt that Miao Jing had made a good suggestion. ¡°Mom, I will have to trouble you to take care of them.¡± Qiao Zijin was someone who, when given an inch, would take a yard. If one was nice to her, she would take things for granted.

    It would look good on Qiao Zijin if the wife of the chief attended Qiao Zijin¡¯s wedding. Although it was small-minded of her, Qiao Nan had no wish for her mother-inw to attend her sister¡¯s wedding.

    Aftering to a decision, Qiao Nan informed He Yi and applied for leave. After making sure that she did not have any tasks during the National Day period, she and her mother-inw brought the triplets with them and flew to Ping Cheng on the twenty-ninth of September.

    On the thirtieth of September, Qiao Dongliang visited the Zhai family¡¯s residence in the southern quad in Ping Cheng to see his three grandchildren.

 Chapter 1430 - Who Does He Take After?

    <h4>Chapter 1430: Who Does He Take After?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°My three grandchildren have grown up so much. When will you be going to school?¡± The three children were clever and adorable. Qiao Dongliang, who had been living simply, found meaning in his life once again at the sight of them. It was as if he was basking in the sunlight.

    His younger daughter and three grandchildren were in the capital. He had cut off all ties with Ding Jiayi and did not see her for one whole year. He could not even stand the idea of talking to her.

    At the thought that Ding Jiayi instilled hideous thoughts to Qiao Zijin since a young age, sowing discord between him and his daughter, Qiao Dongliang had the impulse of killing Ding Jiayi. It was no wonder Ding Jiayi had no ce in her family. His mother-inw even showed up at his house with her grandchild for the first time simply to scold Ding Jiayi.

    Although Ding Jiayi¡¯s mother had a part to y that her rtionship with Ding Jiayi turned sour and she no longer wanted to live there, Ding Jiayi was a real piece of work as well. He should not agree to Uncle Lee¡¯s introduction right away without taking some time to find out what kind of person Ding Jiayi was. If so, Ding Jiayi would not have the chance to harm his two daughters.

    ¡°We are already in school.¡± San Bao looked adorable. ¡°San Bao goes to the toddler ss. The teacher teaches us to sing, recite poetry, and dance. There are many slides in the school. There are many children as well. All of them are crybabies. They are so noisy!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ right. They kept crying.¡± Er Bao agreed with San Bao. He never imagined that there would be so many crybabies in the world. ¡°Xiao Bao is much better-behaved than them. Xiao Bao seldom cries.¡± Now that there wereparisons, the triplets realized that Xiao Bao was well-behaved and adorable. He was much more obedient than the children in school.

    They would rather y with Xiao Bao than with the crybabies in school. ¡°They are full of tears and snot. They are so dirty.¡±

    Er Bao frowned, looking very disgusted. His expression was more vivid and exaggerated than the young actors who performed in skits on the televisions. He was funnier than them. ¡°Are these children so dirty and such crybabies? It must be hard on all of you to study with them.¡±

    ¡°Dad...¡± Qiao Nan did not know whether to cry orugh. ¡°The children are sent to school by their parents. They are not ustomed to leaving their parents, so it is normal to cry. Er Bao, San Bao, have you forgotten what I told you? They will no longer cry when they get ustomed to it.¡± On the first day of school, she took a day off to apany the three children throughout the day.

    When she sent the children to school the next day, they pouted and were unhappy when she was about to leave.

    But unlike the other children who ended up bawling, at the very least, the triplets stopped themselves from crying.

    Da Bao snorted. ¡°They took such a long time to adapt to it.¡± It had been almost a month, but some of the children would still cry.

    Qiao Nan hugged Da Bao and gave him a kiss. ¡°That is because all of you are much stronger and obedient than the other children. Everyone is different. You may be capable and outstanding, but you cannot ask that the other children are as good as you. Da Bao, don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Among the triplets, Da Bao was the eldest. The two of them would always take Da Bao as their guide. If Da Bao listened to her, Qiao Nan believed that under Da Bao¡¯s leadership, Er Bao and San Bao would be able to get along with the rest of the children.

    Da Bao thought for a while before he nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao are the most obedient and well-behaved children. All the other children cannotpare to us. I¡¯m asking too much of them. Er Bao, San Bao, we have to change our attitude. We must not behave in this manner in the future.¡±

    Er Bao and San Bao nodded. They did not rebut and agreed with Da Bao.

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Qiao Dongliang broke out intoughter. ¡°The three radishes are only toddlers, but they behave in such an interesting manner. You are too mature for your age. What do you mean by ¡®I¡¯m asking too much of them¡¯. Da Bao, who taught you that?¡± He was seldom in contact with children, but he had never seen such a smart and bright child like Da Bao.

    Qiao Nan sounded exasperated. ¡°Nobody teaches them at all. These three children are very crafty and cunning. At times, one can be so frustrated that one is at a loss for words. If we are to teach them, one will be driven to nuts by them. Dad, was I like this when I was young? I used to think that they inherited this trait from their father, but my mother-inw told me that Brother Zhai did not behave like them when he was young.¡±

    She had no recollection of how she was like when she was three years old. But she did not think that she had such behavior.

    ¡°You are very obedient since a young age. Very quiet as well, totally unlike the triplets.¡± Back when he disliked her behavior, he would feel that she was introverted and clumsy at speech. Now that he knew better, Qiao Dongliang knew that this was being gentle and refined. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin had a sweet tongue after she learned how to talk.

    Qiao Dongliang did not bring up Qiao Zijin. Although he was obviously reminded of Qiao Zijin, he did not say a single word. After all, Qiao Zijin had a sweet tongue and was good at coaxing people, while Da Bao was sly and artful and would drive people mad with what he said. Da Bao waspletely different from Qiao Zijin. Qiao Dongliang would not be so foolish topare Da Bao to Qiao Zijin, who was unfilial and radical.

    ¡°Then, who do they take after?¡± Since she was not artful and sly when she was a child, Qiao Nan felt all the more perplexed. If the triplets did not take after her and Brother Zhai, then who could it be?

    Miao Jing, who sat by the side and smiled secretly, finally decided to solve Qiao Nan¡¯s doubts. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me this question not long ago? Back then, I told you that Zhai Sheng and Hua Hua had a different temperament when they were young. Later, the old master told me secretly that when Old Zhai was young, he...¡± The old master said that Da Bao did not take after Zhai Sheng. Instead, his temperament resembled Old Zhai¡¯s temperament when he was young. Zhai Sheng also took after his father, but Da Bao had a very simr temperament to Old Zhai.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan finally cleared her doubts. It turned out that Da Bao inherited his sly and cocky temperament from his grandfather.

    Qiao Nan was surprised while Qiao Dongliang seemed quite happy about it. ¡°It¡¯s good that Da Bao is like the inw. When Da Bao grows up in the future, you must be a chief like him. How about that?¡±

    ¡°No, must be like Dad!¡± Er Bao shook his head. ¡°One should use guns like Dad to take down the bad guys. Tatata...¡± His grandpa would always sit at home while his father would go out to take down the bad guys. He wanted to be like his father. He did not want to be like his grandpa who sat around at home. He would rather go to school and watch other children cry.

    Da Bao twitched his nose and fixed his grape-like eyes on Er Bao. He seemed to be shunning him. Finally, Da Bao replied, ¡°I will take care of you in the future.¡±

    Er Bao knew nothing. His grandpa was much more capable than his father. His father still had to listen to his grandpa. Other than his father, many people had to listen to his grandpa as well.

 Chapter 1431 - Who Was the Most Powerful in the Family?

    <h4>Chapter 1431: Who Was the Most Powerful in the Family?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Da Bao came up with an equation in his head: his grandpa followed by his father and other people.

    Since he was part of the food chain, he had to be at the top of the food chain. He did not want to be in the middle like his father. He was Da Bao. He had to be at the top position. Er Bao was in the middle, so it would be suitable for him to be in his father¡¯s position. Da Bao reached his hand to touch San Bao¡¯s its. ¡°San Bao, don¡¯t worry. I will protect you.¡± Undoubtedly, San Bao had the lowest position in the food chain.

    San Boa knitted her brows. She could not really understand what Da Bao was talking about. ¡°Emm, Da Bao and Er Bao have to protect Mom and me.¡± Her father told them that the men in the family had to protect the women. San Bao was ady, so Da Bao and Er Bao had to protect her.

    ¡°San Bao, shall I protect you as well?¡± The three kids had a good rtionship with each other, and they were particrly funny and adorable when they were together. Their conversation was really hrious. But Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached when they talked about protecting each other. It would be good if Zijin and Nan Nan could have a good rtionship like the triplets when they were young. If so, everything might be different today.

    Qiao Dongliang could not change the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin. But he could salvage his rtionship with the triplets. He was their grandpa but he seldom spent time with his grandchildren. Qiao Dongliang hoped that he could have a closer rtionship with them. He might not have an affinity with his daughters, but he hoped to have a stronger bond with his grandchildren.

    San Bao was the only baby girl in the family. Qiao Dongliang would naturally pay more attention to San Bao than Da Bao and Er Bao.

    San Bao blinked and smiled at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Okay, you shall protect San Bao and Mom.¡± San Bao would not say no since there would be one more person who would protect her. Instead, she was d.

    ¡°Yes, I will protect San Bao and your mom.¡± Qiao Dongliang choked up at the mention of protecting Qiao Nan. Would he be able to protect Nan Nan in this life? Would he be able to make good on his oath?

    San Bao, unaware of her grandpa¡¯s feelings, giggled with joy and ran all over the house after receiving an affirmative answer. Qiao Dongliang smiled and caught up, making a funny face at her. He seemed like a big eagle whose goal was to catch San Bao. Qiao Dongliang kept chasing after her, and San Bao screamed excitedly, her short legs carrying her all around the house.

    Da Bao and Er Bao could no longer stay still. They ran together with San Bao, making Qiao Dongliang chase after them.

    Qiao Dongliang had little experience with coaxing children, but he was quite good at teasing them. The room was filled with the screams andughter of the triplets.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin heard that Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had returned to Ping Cheng. Qiao Zijin could not hide her smile when she learned of this news. Since Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were back, she did not believe that Qiao Nan would not do anything for her wedding.

    Previously, she had been mentally prepared that Qiao Nan would ignore her. Therefore, their arrival in Ping Cheng came as a surprise to her. But Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s happiness were short-lived. They heard that Qiao Dongliang was here and he specially went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to y with the three children. The thirtieth of September had almoste to an end and Qiao Zijin would get married to Zhou Zheng in another day. But they still did not get to see Qiao Nan and Miao Jing. The Zhai family also did not send people to invite them over to their house to catch up with each other.

    Ding Jiayi still remembered her past deeds. Although she knew that Qiao Dongliang was at the Zhai family¡¯s residence, she felt guilty and did not dare to visit him. Qiao Zijin was different. She mustered her courage to go to the Zhai family¡¯s residence and pressed the doorbell. To her surprise, it was the temporary helper that the Zhai family hired who opened the door. ¡°Who are you? Is anything the matter?¡±

    Qiao Zijin stiffened. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. I heard that she is back, so I came to see her.¡± The temporary helper that the Zhai family hired did not know of her existence. If it was in the past, Qiao Zijin would have pulled a long face and left.

    But right now, unless she did not want to lead a good life in the future, she could not afford to be willful.

    ¡°Are you Brother Qiao¡¯s daughter? That means that you are Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister?¡± The auntie was shocked. She had no idea that the Qiao family had another daughter. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe with your dad yesterday? Also, your dad brought the three children out to y this morning. Qiao Nan and Madam Zhai went with them as well.¡±

    Since they were close rtives, why was it that thisdy knew nothing about the Qiao family? Was she a swindler?

    Qiao Zijin forced a smile on her face upon seeing the doubts in the auntie¡¯s eyes. ¡°I see. Well... goodbye. But when theye back, please let them know that I¡¯vee to look for them. If possible, please let me know when they are back. I haven¡¯t seen the triplets for a long time. I wonder whether they will recognize their auntie.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± The auntie nodded. Regardless of whether she was a swindler or not, it was fine as long as she did not barge in since no one was at home. ¡°Rest assured. I will ry your words to them.¡±

    With that, the auntie closed the door so that no one would barge into the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    At the sound of the door closing on her, Qiao Zijin almost lost the smile on her face. She took heavy steps back to her house.

    ¡°Zijin, Zhou Zheng¡¯s on the phone.¡± Ding Jiayi passed the phone to Qiao Zijin. She came back at the right time.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. Her intuition told her that she would not be happy to answer Zhou Zheng¡¯s phone call. ¡°Tomorrow is the wedding. What is the matter?¡±

    ¡°I heard that your sister and Madam Zhai havee to Ping Cheng.¡± Zhou Zheng¡¯s voice was full of joy.

    ¡°Well, yes. Tomorrow is our wedding day. What¡¯s so strange about theming back?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice was very calm. She was not angry or unhappy. Her voice was as peaceful as theke that had no ripples.

    Zhou Zheng paused momentarily. ¡°Are you upset?¡± It would definitely look good on her if Qiao Nan and Madam Zhai attended their wedding. He heard that Zhai Sheng had been promoted to deputy brigademander and Qiao Nan was the wife of the deputy brigademander. He had never seen the wife of the deputy brigademander before, let alone Madam Zhai. Among the people that he knew, none of them had ranks higher than apanymander!

    ¡°Unhappy? I¡¯m getting married. Do you think I am happy or not?¡±

    ¡°Happy, of course you are happy. I am particrly happy at the thought that after tomorrow, the two of us can live together, and when I wake up every day and open my eyes, you will always be there by my side. Zijin, I can¡¯t wait until tomorrow.¡± Zhou Zheng was sharp. He did not divert to other topics lest he end up in an awkward situation.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Is there anything else?¡± Qiao Zijin replied faintly. She did not feel the least pleased at Zhou Zheng¡¯s honeyed words.

 Chapter 1432 - Did Not Inherit the Good Foresight

    <h4>Chapter 1432: Did Not Inherit the Good Foresight</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She was not stupid. She knew that Zhou Zheng¡¯s words were as sweet as honey because Qiao Nan and Madam Zhai were back. Since he did not say those good words because of her, there was nothing for her to be happy about.

    ¡°Well...¡± Zhou Zheng contemted for a while. ¡°It will be very tiring tomorrow. Have a good rest today. Don¡¯t tire yourself out.¡± Zhou Zheng was sounding Qiao Zijin out, checking to see if Qiao Nan met up with Qiao Zijin now that she was back.

    Qiao Nan seldom brought the three children to Ping Cheng. She could not possibly coop herself at home. Even if she could stay at home, her children would feel bored.

    If they yed with the children, the adults would not be able to match up to their stamina.

    Qiao Zijin crossed her arms. ¡°Why don¡¯t you be more direct? Qiao Nan is back to attend our wedding. She had been through her wedding and definitely knows that it will be very hectic tomorrow. Today is the National Day. Everywhere in Ping Cheng is bustling with activities. She and my dad went out with the three kids. Are you satisfied with this answer?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I am just concerned for you.¡± Zhou Zheng smiled, guilty. ¡°Have a good rest tonight so that you can be a beautiful bride tomorrow. I won¡¯t disturb you.¡± After hanging up the phone, Zhou Zheng told his mother the important information that he got through the conversation. ¡°Mom, it seems that the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin is not as bad as the rumors.¡±

    Mother Zhou rolled her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t take things for granted. I don¡¯t know much about them, but I feel that Qiao Nan is back not because of her good rtionship with her sister. Instead, it is because she is educated and polite and knows her manners.¡±

    Father Zhou agreed. ¡°You must bear in mind what your mother said. Don¡¯t think that just because they give you face ande back to attend your wedding, you and Zhai Sheng will have a close rtionship like normal brothers-inw. Your wife didn¡¯t figure this out in the past, so she ended up having a bad rtionship with them.¡±

    When she bullied Qiao Nan, she felt that she was older than Qiao Nan, so it was alright for Qiao Nan to make sacrifices. When she wanted to benefit from their rtionship, she would remember that they were siblings. She would have the impression that before getting married, they were the closest apart from their parents. There was no such thing in the world. How could one choose to forget that one used to hurt the other party and want the other party to fulfill all their requests under all circumstances?

    One¡¯s parents might not even be able to stand on the children¡¯s side under such circumstances.

    This kind of behavior was simply taking things for granted, being heartless and ungrateful.

    Whose heart was not made of flesh? One would feel disheartened and weary when faced with such circumstances.

    ¡°Is it that serious?¡± Zhou Zheng was unwilling to ept the truth. ¡°Dad, Mom, you know that she does not have a good temper and will re up and raise a rumpus for the slightest thing. But they are biological sisters, one family. Although they have arguments, they will forget about it eventually.¡±

    This time, Mother Zhou felt that the problem was indeed serious. ¡°Zhou Zheng, if this is your honest opinion, I feel that it¡¯s better to call off the wedding tomorrow. If this goes on and you and Qiao Zijin stir up troubles, the Zhou family might stand to benefit from the Zhai family now, but we will have to pay twice the price in the future.¡±

    It was already bad enough if one did not know one¡¯s limits. What made things worse was that her son was marrying Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, Qiao Zijin. If her son was muddlehead and the daughter-inw was bent on making trouble for her sister, the two of them would cause the Zhou family¡¯s downfall.

    Mother Zhou was full of regrets. ¡°Old Zhou, judging from what Zhou Zheng said, I think this is a bad marriage. It will bring serious trouble to the Zhou family. Zhou Zheng, we are getting on in years. We cannot handle any scares and frights that you and your wife might cause. We are not in good health. We will not be able to take it.¡±

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Mom, is that so serious?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Given the Zhou family¡¯s situation, it was already good enough if they could make a small fortune. But they did not have the fortune to strike it rich. If they harbored thoughts of striking rich or grabbing hold of the dragon¡¯s tail to soar into the sky, they might lose their grip when they were in the sky and fall to their deaths.

    ¡°You must listen to your mom!¡± Father Zhou could not help but give Zhou Zheng a few smacks. ¡°Otherwise, if anything happens in the future, don¡¯te asking for advice from us!¡± Father Zhou had been listening to his wife for most of his life, and his wife had proved to be making correct decisions.

    This was the only time that she appeared to be undecided as to whether she should allow her son to marry Qiao Zijin and to collect the marriage and hold the wedding banquet.

    If Qiao Zijin was being muddlehead, the three of them would be able to stop her and made her listen to them. However, if his son listened to Qiao Zijin, the Zhou family would be like what his wife had said. They would be down in their luck. ¡°I used to tell you that a man should listen to his wife. There¡¯s no harm in doing that. But that is only provided that your wife is as brilliant as your mom. Take for example your ex-girlfriend. Other than spending your money to buy things that she liked, she was not helpful to you or had your interests at heart.¡±

    Father Zhou looked gloomy at the mention of this. ¡°Why is it that you resemble me in all aspects except that you do not have good foresight like me? I might have taught you to listen to your wife, but since you did not manage to get a wife like your mom, you must forget what I taught you and don¡¯t listen to her!¡±

    Zhou Zheng, who was already undecided and uneasy, turned angry and was speechless at the way his father praised his mother. ¡°Fine, I will listen to Mom. Will that do?¡± Forget it. Anyway, he never dreamed of working in the capital. He heard that the capital had steep housing prices and serious air pollution.

    He should be down-to-earth and stay in Ping Cheng. Although he did not have a close rtionship with the Zhai family, it was already good enough that he would be doing better than his current situation.

    Zhou Zheng was not an ambitious man. Now that his parents gave him a serious lecture, he no longer harbored any thoughts of striking it rich. It was a good idea to be down-to-earth.

    However, he felt upset that his fatherined about his ex-girlfriend. Zhou Zheng lifted the corners of his mouth and refuted his father in his head. It was alright that she was not smart, had a bad temper, and was a spendthrift. What was important was that she had good looks. He felt happy looking and being with her. Anyway, he did not marry her. She would make a good girlfriend.

    ¡°Grandpa, I want toe down.¡± The triplets had lots of fun in Ping Cheng and they were exhausted. Qiao Dongliang carried San Bao all the way home. Once she reached home, she no longer felt like being carried by Qiao Dongliang. She kicked her legs, wanting to walk by herself. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arms were aching as well. Since she asked toe down, he let the chubby and sweet-smelling San Bao go reluctantly.

 Chapter 1433 - Educate Them from a Young Age

    <h4>Chapter 1433: Educate Them from a Young Age</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As soon as San Bao¡¯s little feet touched the ground, she ran into the house. ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m thirsty. I want to drink water.¡±

    ¡°Get us three cups of water!¡± Da Bao added on like a big brother.

    Qiao Nan had taught the three children from a young age to drink mineral water and not to drink Sprite, coke, or those so-called impure fruit juices when they were outside. Qiao Nan would always prepare the fruit juices at home and bring the fruit juices with them when they went out. The three children felt very thirsty and asked for boiled water as soon as they were home.

    When Er Bao entered the house, the auntie ced three cups of boiled water on the small tea table. The three small radishes lined up to drink the water. They held the ss cups firmly with their chubby hands as they gulped the water.

    The three children of the Zhai family were very well-behaved. If they could do it by themselves, they would seldom ask adults for help. Take for instance when they drank the water now. They would hold the cups by themselves. They could drink the water ording to their speed, which was much better than being fed by someone else.

    Initially, the temporary helper was hesitant when she heard that the house owner had three children of about three years old. Even if she was only required to work for a few days, and she would be paid handsomely, taking half a month of wages, she was worried that it would not be easy to look after three or four-year-old toddlers. It was already very tiring to look after one toddler, let alone three toddlers.

    When she met the three children of the Zhai family, she knew that she had been thinking too much. The three children were still as naughty and mischievous as other three-year-old children. However, they were sensible and could y by themselves, and they would not disturb other people. If they couldplete the tasks by themselves, they would not ask the adults for help.

    Furthermore, there were many adults at home, so there was no need for her to look after the children. She only needed to clean the house and prepare the meals.

    True enough, this was a good job. She wondered if this family woulde back in the future and whether she would be able to secure a long-term job.

    ¡°By the way, the mother of the triplets, ady came to our house today, saying that she is your elder sister.¡± The auntie remembered about Qiao Zijin and ryed the message to the house owner. ¡°She came to our house not long after you left in the morning.¡±

    Qiao Nan helped the triplets wipe their mouths. ¡°Oh, there is such a person. It¡¯s alright.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not make furtherments or ask any questions. She did not say if she was going to visit her sister. The auntie could sense that they must not have a good rtionship.

    It was no wonder that the sister only visited their house after the inws brought the three children out to y. It did not make sense at all. The auntie noticed something else that was odd.

    This family was from the capital. Since they were back to visit their rtives, why did theye back empty-handed? They did not seem like they were visiting their rtives.

    Miao Jing sat on the sofa to rest. ¡°Inw, stay for dinner. I¡¯ll get the driver to send you backter.¡± Miao Jing ignored the topic of Qiao Zijin, but she was very polite to Qiao Dongliang. Without Qiao Dongliang, the triplets would not have so much fun today. Since it was National Day, it was very crowded at the park today.

    Fortunately, they had three adults to look after each of the children.

    ¡°There is no need to send me back. I¡¯m familiar with Ping Cheng. I can go back on my own.¡± The Zhai family¡¯s chauffeur had moved to the capital with the Zhai family. Since Chief Zhai was still in the capital, the chauffeur had to stay there as well. When Miao Jing said that she would get a driver to send him back, she was referring to calling a cab for him. Qiao Dongliang could call the cab by himself. He would not stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence so that he could save the money on calling the cab. He would not embarrass his daughter.

    Miao Jing did not insist. ¡°Auntie, what will we have for dinner today? The three kids are hungry. They might be able to finish an entire table of food.¡± The triplets yed hard and they would be hungry in no time. They were still developing and growing. Their tummies seemed to be bottomless pits. No matter how much they ate, they would be hungry in no time.

    Er Bao touched his belly. He had a bitter look on his face. ¡°I am starving.¡± His mother forbade them from having outside food. She said that they were unhygienic. But he felt that they were hygienic and smelled nice.

    The auntie smiled. ¡°The rice has been cooked. I have washed the vegetables as well. All I need to do is to fry them. I will be done in ten minutes. By the way, I boiled some soup. Why don¡¯t I bring three bowls of soup for the triplets to have first?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Qiao Nan stood up and went into the kitchen with the auntie. She came out with a serving tray that had six bowls of soup on it.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan brought out so many bowls of soup in one go and was walking cautiously to avoid overturning the soup, Qiao Dongliang quickly walked forward to help her. ¡°Why did you bring out so many bowls of soup in one go? You can make two trips.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I can handle it.¡± In the previous life, when she worked to earn money, she was able to bring out the food without any serving trays. ¡°All of you must be hungry after a day of fun. Da Bao, can you bring a bowl of soup to grandma? San Bao, can you bring a bowl of soup to grandpa, and Er Bao, can you bring a bowl of soup to me?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I-I can get it myself.¡± Qiao Dongliang waved his hands. ¡°The three kids are hungry. They should have the soup first.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not wait to feed the soup to San Bao. Why would he need San Bao to pass him the soup with her short arms? He was worried that she would scald herself with the hot soup.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re adults. We can take the soup by ourselves.¡± Miao Jing had the same sentiments.

    Qiao Nan smiled, looking at the children.

    They were still very young and they did not have much strength in their arms. It was indeed difficult for them to bring the soup to the adults. But Qiao Nan still took the six bowls of soup from the serving tray and ced them on the t tea table.

    Da Bao gently pushed the bowl of soup toward Miao Jing. It had barely moved a few inches when Miao Jing took the bowl from the table. ¡°My goodness, Da Bao is very capable. You can bring me the soup now. This soup tastes really good. I love it. Da Bao, you should drink your soup as well.¡±

    Although Da Bao did not break out in a wide smile after being praised, there was a sparkle in his eyes and his lips curled upward. He was undoubtedly in a happy mood after being praised. ¡°Da Bao has grown up. I can take care of grandma now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. Da Bao is very capable.¡± Miao Jing had a bright smile on her face. The soup tasted very sweet. It was as if honey had been added into it.

    San Bao also followed suit. She pushed the bowl of soup slightly.

    Qiao Dongliang cherished the children more so than Miao Jing. The bowl of soup had barely moved but the soup looked as if it was about to spill. Like Miao Jing, Qiao Dongliang hurried to take the bowl of soup. He was worried that San Bao might scald her hands if he dyed any further. ¡°San Bao is very capable. The soup that San Bao gave me is very tasty.¡± Qiao Dongliang drank the soup, savoring it.

 Chapter 1434 - Had to Insist on It

    <h4>Chapter 1434: Had to Insist on It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang looked as if he was drinking tonics. San Bao giggled happily at the sight of him.

    Er Bao followed suit as well.

    Qiao Nan did not really mean for the three children to work. She only wanted them to have the awareness that they had to be filial to the elders. After Er Bao gave the bowl a slight push, Qiao Nan took the bowl and praised him. ¡°The triplets have grown up and are so capable. I am very happy. Alright, don¡¯t go starving. Have the soup to see if it is tasty.¡±

    As soon as Qiao Nan gave the approval, the three children slurped the soups. They paid all their attention to the soup in front of them. They were indeed starving. Qiao Nan made noments, but Miao Jing and Qiao Dongliang found it painful to watch them. They were already starving, yet they had to help serve the soup and be filial to them.

    Their children were very well-behaved.

    As the mother-inw, Miao Jing did not say anything. To her, Qiao Nan was their mother. She should not intervene with how she taught her children. Instead, it was Qiao Dongliang, the father, whoined to Qiao Nan that she was being too ¡®hard¡¯ on the children. ¡°They are still very young and they can¡¯t even take the bowls, yet you asked them to serve soups.¡±

    Qiao Nan was veryposed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me why I brought six bowls of soup in one go and was so hard on myself? ording to you and my mother-inw¡¯s personality, if I didn¡¯te out with six bowls of soup, the first three bowls would definitely go to the triplets. I don¡¯t want them to develop the habit that they will get to have the food first while the elders watch by the side. It¡¯s good that they are sensible. I don¡¯t want them to be spoiled.¡±

    In her opinion, some traditions in China were good.

    In ancient times, when people had meals at the dining table, if the eldest in the family did not start the meal, the juniors could not have the food no matter how hungry they were. If they gave all the good stuff to the children while the elders watched by the side, the children would be overbearing and not as well-behaved over time.

    Her mother had arge part to y in why Qiao Zijin did not have a good personality. She gave differential treatment and instilled in Qiao Zijin the wrong values. In order to buy over Qiao Zijin so that she would be biased toward her mother, Ding Jiayi would buy a watermelon in summer and allowed Qiao Zijin to have half of the watermelon by herself. When her father was back, the elders would only have two slices of watermelon, while Qiao Zijin, who finished half of the watermelon by herself, would have another quarter of the watermelon.

    If not for the way that her mother raised Qiao Zijin, she would not have the impression that everything in the family belonged to her and that it was right for everyone in the family to sacrifice for her.

    Qiao Nan had three children. She had a heavier burden than the average parents. She must make sure that she kept a watch on the three children and that what happened with Qiao Zijin must not happen to them.

    Qiao Dongliang could not deny that what Qiao Nan said was true. There were very few children in every family. Everyone would naturally treat them as treasures, not allowing them to go through any suffering. Despite that, Qiao Dongliang felt that it would not really matter who had the soup first.

    However, Qiao Dongliang seldom got to see Qiao Nan in a year. It was rare that they could have some time together. Qiao Dongliang did not wish to end up in a quarrel with her.

    Besides, Qiao Nan was the mother of the three children. There was no need for Qiao Dongliang to worry that Qiao Nan would not be good to them. Given how attached the children were to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was certain that Qiao Nan was a better mother than Ding Jiayi.

    Once he ascertained that fact, Qiao Dongliang put the matter aside and stopped himself from thinking about it.

    He did not have the right to meddle with her affairs. He had two daughters, one of whom had learned the wrong values while the other was estranged with him due to his behavior. He did not raise his children well, so he did not have the right to teach Qiao Nan how to raise her children.

    It was the second day of October. Qiao Zijin and Zhou Zheng would be getting married today. The northern quad set off firecrackers early in the morning.

    Qiao Nan woke up after hearing the loud cracking sounds of firecrackers. She did not forget what day it was today. The three children were sleeping soundly and snoring next to her. They looked like three little piglets, particrly Er Bao, whoid on his tummy, squashing his face and drooling in his sleep. His plump buttocks stuck up into the air, making an interesting sight.

    Fortunately, the weather was not cold now, and Qiao Nan prepared a two-meter long nket. Otherwise, given the way Er Bao slept, Da Bao and San Bao, who slept next to him, might catch a cold easily.

    If not for the three children who protested strongly against it, Qiao Nan would let them sleep in their own beds and have their own nkets like how they used to do back in the capital.

    They were already three years old. They were considered to be big children.

    With the teacher¡¯s guidance and Qiao Nan¡¯s persuasion, the triplets agreed to sleep by themselves in their own beds. However, their small beds would be ced in Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. They had moved the other big bed to the guest room to make way for the triplets¡¯ beds.

    Qiao Nan covered the triplets with the nket before she got up to brush her teeth and wash her face. She tidied herself and checked the clock at the bedside. It was only half past seven. Although Qiao Nan was Qiao Zijin¡¯s sister, she was unwilling to go to the Qiao family¡¯s residence at this time, being there as her parental family to send Qiao Zijin off.

    The invitation that Qiao Nan received stated that the wedding banquet would be on the second of October and it would start at half past ten in the morning. Qiao Nan only needed to arrive on time. It was considered good enough if the wedding banquet would start at eleven o¡¯clock.

    ¡°You are up.¡± Miao Jing woke up early in the morning due to the loud sounds of firecrackers. ¡°Are the three children still asleep?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they had a crazy time yesterday. They used to be awake at this time. But they are too tired and won¡¯t get up anytime soon. Mom, what did the auntie prepare for breakfast?¡± Qiao Nan sat next to Miao Jing, pouring a cup of warm boiled water for her.

    ¡°Most probably porridge,¡± Miao Jing replied after drinking some water. ¡°It is good for the stomach to have porridge in the morning.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not picky. She would have whatever that Miao Jing told her. Fortunately, the three children were not fussy eaters either. They would have whatever food that was prepared at home, and they would eat them heartily.

    Qiao Nan went upstairs to check on the three children. San Bao wriggled about on the bed like a worm. She whined and moved about, looking half-awake. Da Bao and Er Bao seemed to stir at the loud sounds that San Bao made. Qiao Nan happened to catch them moving about in their sleep.

    Qiao Nan fished San Bao from under the nket. ¡°San Bao, wake up. The sun is shining on your buttocks. Shall I bring you to the restroom to pee?¡±

 Chapter 1435 - Boasted About Her Daughter-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 1435: Boasted About Her Daughter-In-Law</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    San Baoy prone in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. She clung to her mother¡¯s neck and nodded with closed eyes. When her buttocks touched the cool toilet bowl, she slowly opened her eyes and greeted her mother. ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Qiao Nan kissed her daughter on her chubby cheeks. ¡°I will take you to the bed. Your clothes have been put on the bed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After putting San Bao back on the bed, Qiao Nan wanted to take her two sons to the restroom.

    However, after they went to school upon turning three years old, Da Bao and Er Bao were more aware of the different genders. In the past, Da Bao and Er Bao would allow their mother to bring them to pee and help them bathe. But now, the two children were starting to feel ufortable doing that. They insisted on going to the restroom by themselves. As for bathing, unless the male elders helped them, they would be very shy and tried to cover themselves.

    Qiao Nan approved of their behavior.

    It was better for the child to be aware of gender issues early in their development. It would be helpful to their growth. At the very least, they would be conscious of it and learn to protect themselves.

    Qiao Nan carried a half-awake Da Bao to the restroom. Da Bao was slow to react, but then, he saw himself in the big mirror in the house and turned awkward. ¡°Mom, I-I can go to the restroom by myself. I don¡¯t want you to help me. I want a small stool.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Luckily, due to having three children at home, they had equipped the house in the capital and Ping Cheng with necessary household items. Even if theycked any necessary items, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had already bought them yesterday.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Da Bao nodded. ¡°Mom, you can help Er Bao. San Bao has yet to wear her clothes.¡± Da Bao distracted his mother with his younger brother and sister. He really needed to go to the restroom. He could no longer hold it in.

    Seeing that Da Bao¡¯s face had turned red, Qiao Nan held back fromughing at him. She came out to help Er Bao and San Bao. San Bao had gone to the restroom and only needed to put on her clothes. Er Bao still had to wait for Da Bao before he could use the restroom. ¡°Mom, you can help San Bao get dressed. I have to wait for Da Bao toe out so that I can pee.¡±

    The three kids had a mind of their own. Instead of Qiao Nan making the arrangements for them, they were telling Qiao Nan what she should do next.

    Since Er Bao had said so, Qiao Nan draped a small piece of clothing on Er Bao as he waited for Da Bao outside the restroom. She then helped San Bao, who had undressed and was struggling with her dress, put on the dress. She arranged the cor of the dress and put it above San Bao¡¯s head so that she could pull the dress down and pull the cor over her head.

    ¡°My goodness.¡± San Bao finally managed to pull the cor over her head. She exhaled a long breath. It was no easy feat. ¡°Mom, d-don¡¯t help me. I will wear it by m-myself.¡±

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s help, San Bao had almost finished putting on her clothes. But now, San Bao was telling Qiao Nan not to help her. Qiao Nan smiled and retracted her hands. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t help you. You can wear it by y-yourself. Will that do?¡±

    San Bao, who tried hard to put on the dress, did not notice that her mother wasughing at her, mimicking the way she spoke. She was busy putting on her dress. She smiled lovingly, reaching out her hands to Qiao Nan after she had put on the dress nicely. ¡°Mom, brush teeth, wash face, smells nice.¡±

    Qiao Nan took her daughter from the bed and helped her put on her slippers. By then, her elder brothers hade out from the restroom. Da Bao and Er Bao brushed their teeth in their pajamas. It took her more than half an hour to help the three children dress neatly and smartly.

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m hungry.¡± The three children could smell the fragrance of the porridge as they came downstairs.

    Miao Jing melted at San Bao¡¯s embrace. She caressed her tiny face. ¡°My San Bao is hungry. You should eat now. My heart will ache if you go hungry.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, you have to eat together. If grandma is hungry, San Bao¡¯s heart will ache.¡± San Bao had a sweet tongue. She made Miao Jing happy with her words. Miao Jing personally helped San Bao sit on the children¡¯s high chair and ced her small bowl of porridge in front of her.

    San Bao grabbed the small spoon with her chubby fingers. She had a serious look on her face as she stirred the porridge so that it would cool down. Then, she scooped the porridge into her mouth.

    Qiao Nan had also put Da Bao and Er Bao on their seats. Da Bao and Er Bao had a steadier grip on the spoon than San Bao. The auntie who stood by the side to take care of them was amazed. Usually, three-year-old children would need the adults to feed them. Some of them would not sit down properly to have the food. The adults had to chase them around the entire house to feed them.

    The three children in the Zhai family were too sensible. Were they really three years old?

    After breakfast, the auntie could not help but praise the triplets while brewing the tea. She was serious, but at the same time, trying to tter Miao Jing. ¡°Madam Zhai, the three children are very sensible. You have taught them well. I have never seen children who are as well-behaved as them. They are so young, but they can have meals by themselves. They are very capable. My previous employer¡¯s child was four years old then. The grandma adored the child and insisted on feeding the child. If the child refused to eat and wanted to y, she would have to chase the child around the house. The child only finished half a bowl of rice in more than half an hour¡¯s time.¡±

    Although the child had yet to finish the food, the grandma was already exhausted. She returned the bowl to her daughter-inw so that she could take over.

    Miao Jing would not be modest when it was about the triplets. ¡°Well, the three children are good-looking and have good temperament. The most important thing is that their mother taught them well. Nan Nan might be young and she is a young mother, but she has been doing a good job as their mother. She is responsible for teaching the three children. She raised them up by herself. You should have seen for yourself how Nan Nan brought out six bowls of soup yesterday and insisted that the children served the elders first. The children are so young, but she insisted that they served the elders.¡±

    Speaking of which, Miao Jing had a brighter smile on her face.

    Her grandchildren were sensible and caring. They were sweet and adorable like heartwarming little jackets.

    In the past, she used to think that Zhai Hua did not seem like a daughter at all. She was full of regrets that she was not sweet and caring toward her. Now that she had the triplets, they had fulfilled her dream of yearning for a sweet and caring daughter, and she was given so much more love.

    ¡°Wow, I see.¡± The auntie was surprised. ¡°How old was the mother of the three children when she got married? She seems to be younger than my child who is in college.¡± It was impossible that the Zhai family who had two chiefs serving in the army would have low requirements of their daughter-inw.

    She was so young. Could it be that she quitted school as she had found a good man and decided to get married and settle down?

    ¡°Oh, my daughter-inw just graduated from college this year.¡±

 Chapter 1436 - Did Not Intend for You to Return the Favor

    <h4>Chapter 1436: Did Not Intend for You to Return the Favor</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°She was married to my son at a young age, and she was pregnant not long after the marriage.¡± Miao Jing sat up straight at the mention of Qiao Nan¡¯s educational qualifications. Miao Jing attained her high school diploma at the adult school. She did not really study hard in school.

    But Nan Nan was different. Nan Nan studied hard and sat for the examination, and she was epted into one of the best universities in the country.

    ¡°Peking University student?¡± The auntie felt an instant and jarring pain in her teeth. She thought that Qiao Nan bewitched the son in the Zhai family based on her looks, and perhaps she was already pregnant when she got married to him. No matter how pretty she was, she must becking in other aspects.

    To her surprise, the truth was far from it. The youngdy had good moral character and she was a genius.

    Qiao Nan went to one of the best universities in China. During the four years in college, Qiao Nan even married and had three children in one go. Moreover, all of them were so well-behaved.

    She was no longer curious about Qiao Nan. Now, she was more interested to know how the Qiao family managed to raise such a capable youngdy. Qiao Nanpleted the tasks that averagedies would not be able to achieve in their four years of college. Even if the other youngdies managed to do it, they would not do it as well as Qiao Nan.

    How did one manage to raise such a daughter? She was simply a genius and was much more capable than many men. ¡°Oh, by the way, I remember the children¡¯s mother is called Qiao Nan? If I am not mistaken, there is a college entrance examination top student from Ping Cheng who has the same name.¡±

    It was rare for someone from Ping Cheng to be the provincial top schr in the college entrance examination. It had been many years since Ping Cheng had such a good result. Back then, Ping Cheng news would report on Qiao Nan¡¯s excellent results in the college entrance examination. Although four years had passed, the auntie would never forget the only two people¡ªQiao Nan and Shi Qing¡ªwho went on television in these four years for being the college entrance examination top students.

    ¡°Hehe.¡± Miao Jing smiled modestly. ¡°Well, Nan Nan was indeed the provincial top humanities student from four years ago. The top science student of the province was Nan Nan¡¯s good friend.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The auntie was rendered speechless. She thought that Qiao Nan became Cindere by getting married to a rich man. But in the end, she realized that they were a good match. She was a humble top student who overcame the odds to be sessful.

    After knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s background, the auntie no longer harbored any dishonest thoughts about Qiao Nan. Instead, she was particrly humble toward Qiao Nan aspared to before. She knew that Qiao Nan achieved what she had today through her own efforts and did not rely on her inws.

    Qiao Nan found it strange that the auntie was more hospitable and polite to her than before. However, since she would not stay in Ping Cheng for long, and the auntie was a temporary helper, she did not look into it. After she left, she might not see her in the future. She would not be bothered with the auntie¡¯s changing attitude and mood as long as the auntie was hardworking and took good care of the children¡¯s meals.

    Miao Jing kept track of the time for Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s ten o¡¯clock now. Are you leaving now?¡±

    ¡°Almost... I will be leaving soon.¡± Qiao Nan took her bag, changed her shoes, and bade the triplets goodbye. ¡°I will be going out for a while. I will be back in a few hours. The three of you must be good. Stay at home to apany grandma and help me take care of grandma. Is that okay?¡±

    The triplets looked especially serious when they heard that they were given tasks. As the eldest brother, Da Bao represented them to give a reply. ¡°Mom, you rest assured. We will look after grandma and stop her from running about.¡±

    Obviously, Da Bao learned this from Qiao Nan. Since his mother told him to look after grandma, he used what Qiao Nan used to say and applied it to Miao Jing.

    Qiao Nan gave a kiss on each of the three children¡¯s cheeks before she felt assured and left the house.

    Qiao Nan intended to go to the venue directly. The Qiao family was not rich. They could not afford to hold a grand wedding banquet, but the Zhou family was fairly well-to-do. The Qiao family did not have many rtives while the Zhou family had a lot of rtives. Since that was the case and the Qiao family¡¯s rtives would not take up many tables, Mother Zhou told the Qiao family that the Zhou family would foot the bill for the wedding banquet.

    Mother Zhou knew about the Qiao family¡¯s situation. Since they had already collected the marriage certificate, she would not be calctive on the wedding banquet and embarrass the Qiao family and Qiao Zijin.

    Once she reached the hotel, Qiao Nan saw the big banner hanging at the entrance of the hotel, congratting the groom, Zhou Zheng, and the bride, Qiao Zijin, on their wedding and wishing that they would live a long and happy life together.

    Ten yearster, there would be a screen disy outside the hotel, whereby one could use theputer to control the wordings on the disy. Now, however, it was moremon to use the banner.

    With the help of the service staff, Qiao Nan reached the level where Zhou Zheng and Qiao Zijin held the wedding banquet. When she walked forward, the bride and groom were standing at the entrance. Qiao Zijin was dressed in a pure white wedding dress. She put on makeup and held a bouquet in her hands. There were two bridesmaids next to her, with a smile on their faces, weing all the guests to her wedding.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s smile froze momentarily when she noticed Qiao Nan. But she recovered quickly and left the groom and bridesmaids to walk toward Qiao Nan, spreading her arms to hug Qiao Nan in a passionate embrace. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re finally here. I thought that you had something on and would not be able toe!¡±

    Qiao Nan felt very ufortable. This was the first time in her two lifetimes that she was hugged by Qiao Zijin. She felt awkward and had goose bumps. Qiao Nan first patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s back in front of everyone, telling her not to be so excited. Qiao Zijin loosened her hold on Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan took a few steps back. ¡°Congrattions. I wish you a happy marriage and to give birth to a child soon.¡±

    With that, like other guests, Qiao Nan took out a fairly thick red packet from her bag and passed it to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan did not write her name on the red packet. It was clean and had no writings on it. Apart from the money inside, it looked as if it had just been printed in the factory.

    Qiao Nan married early and her children were already three years old. She did not intend for Qiao Zijin to return the favor in the future.

    Qiao Zijin held the red packet in her hands. She could tell that the red packet was quite thick. Qiao Zijin finally had a more sincere smile on her face.

    Today was an important day in her life. This was a once in a lifetime asion. Everyone who went to the Qiao family to join in the fun could not help but ask her when her younger sister wasing. Could it be that Qiao Nan would not be present even when she was getting married?

    Qiao Zijin did not ce as much importance on Qiao Nan¡¯s presence as the Zhou family. What she valued most was some form of gifts for her wedding from Qiao Nan since thetter was already in Ping Cheng. She would be very embarrassed if Qiao Nan did not do anything for her.

 Chapter 1437 - Deliberately Stirring Up Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 1437: Deliberately Stirring Up Trouble</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Fortunately, as soon as Qiao Nan appeared, she immediately stuffed the ¡®token¡¯ into Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. This made Qiao Zijin feel much more at ease.

    Qiao Zijin and Zhou Zheng were standing at the entrance to receive the guests. Of course, the parents of both parties were also standing and waiting there to usher their respective guests into the banquet hall. The moment Qiao Nan appeared, the Zhou family was ted. No matter how poor the rtionship between their daughter-inw and Qiao Nan was, as long as Qiao Nan was willing to give their daughter-inw and everyone face, it was already considered a great matter for the Zhou family.

    Regrettably, Mother Zhou simply could not tolerate Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior. Although it was said that this daughter-inw of hers had be smarter, her IQ did not seem to have grown much when she was in front of Qiao Nan. She was still as stupid as ever.

    Did a small red packet matter? No matter how huge the red packet was, it could not bepared to the face given to them by the daughter-inw of the Zhai family when thetter personally attended the wedding banquet!

    Thankfully, Mother Zhou sorted out her thoughts very quickly. At the sight that there was no change in Qiao Nan¡¯s expression despite Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior, she simply put aside this matter.

    Indeed, they were biological sisters. Qiao Nan knew clearly what kind of person Qiao Zijin was. Precisely due to this, Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin¡¯s rtionship was not close. Her biological sister was getting married, but Qiao Nan did not even return to the Qiao family¡¯s residence to send Qiao Zijin off.

    If Qiao Nan did not even attend the banquet today, Mother Zhou would have a headache then. Perhaps they had really married the wrong daughter-inw then. As soon as Qiao Nan appeared, Mother Zhou¡¯s unsettled heart immediately felt at ease. As a result, she received the guests more enthusiastically.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I heard that you have been back for some time. Why didn¡¯t I see you previously? Where did you go these past two days? Have you forgotten uncles and aunties, your old neighbors?¡± In the past, Qiao Nan invited the neighbors in the quad as guests of the maternal family to her banquet. Qiao Zijin did the same today.

    The difference was that Qiao Nan invited almost everyone except for those who were hical in their words and had been jealous of Qiao Nan. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin only picked a few neighbors who were usually glib-tongued and were not so sarcastic to her.

    Otherwise, Mother Zhou might not be willing to voluntarily fork out the banquet expense for the bride¡¯s guests if Qiao Zijin, like Qiao Nan, were to invite ny percent of the neighbors in the northern quad.

    As soon as Qiao Nan sat down, a group of old acquaintances surrounded her very quickly, questioning this and that.

    Facing the affectionate behavior of these old neighbors, Qiao Nan smiled weakly and replied, ¡°I arrived in Ping Cheng veryte on the first day. Hence, I did not disturb you all. On the second day, my dad came to visit the three children. Yesterday, three of us adults brought the triplets to the park to have fun. You all should know too. Three-year-old children have so much energy and it¡¯s so crowded during the National Day holiday. I¡¯ve been tied up and exhausted these two days.¡±

    As to all the questions rted to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan averted them and did not answer.

    ¡°Dad!¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan saw Qiao Donglianging in. ¡°Dad, wait a while. Where is your seat?¡± Mother Zhou invited Qiao Nan to sit on the same table with the bride. However, Qiao Nan was unwilling to. Hence, she sat at one of the tables for the bride¡¯s rtives and friends. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Zijin was not as good as before. However, he was still Qiao Zijin¡¯s father. Hence, Qiao Nan did not assume that her father would definitely sit beside her.

    True enough, as expected, Qiao Dongliang looked like his head was aching. ¡°Today is the once-in-a-lifetime event in Zijin¡¯s life. Just take it as me giving her face. After all, she has called me ¡®dad¡¯ for more than twenty years.¡± Although she might not have taken him as her father in her heart.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t leave a seat for you then.¡± Qiao Nan had long guessed the oue. She was not bothered by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reply at all.

    Since Qiao Dongliang sat down, his expression did not look good. He did not seem like a father who was marrying off his daughter. There was neither joy of his daughter reaching adulthood nor reluctance and sadness of marrying his daughter to another family. He wore a stiff and emotionless expression as if he was not very much rted to the bride today.

    Some sharp-eyed individuals noticed this, whereas some took it that this bride¡¯s father was more restrained in expressing his feelings and had hidden all his emotions and sadness. There were also such fathers in this world.

    At eleven o¡¯clock, music began to y and tes of dishes were finally being served to the table. The emcee engaged by the Zhou family was quite eloquent. He knew how to liven up the atmosphere well. Very soon, this emcee had drawn the attention of everyone until the newlyweds entered the hall.

    The entire process of the banquet was run-of-the-mill. Although some of the things were considered a novelty in the 2000s, Qiao Nan had seen most of it before. While many peoples¡¯ eyes were fixated on the emcee and newlyweds, Qiao Nan calmly picked up the dishes on the table and put them into her mouth from time to time, portraying the act of ¡®eating at the wedding banquet¡¯ vividly.

    However, the emcee¡¯s tone changed suddenly. ¡°Today is a joyous asion for the newlyweds. Let us listen to the blessings from their closest friends and next-of-kin. Now, let us invite the only biological sister of our bride up to the stage to say a few words of blessing to this pair of newlyweds.¡±

    Under the thunderous and loud apuse, Qiao Nan almost revealed a nk expression.

    Was this segment included at thest minute? Shouldn¡¯t this kind of segment be prearranged and rehearsed, and the congrattory messages prepared beforehand?

    Father and Mother Zhou looked more puzzled than Qiao Nan, let alone the party concerned. They looked absolutely baffled and doubted if their ears had made a mistake. Why was the bride¡¯s biological sister invited to the stage to say a few words of blessing?

    They were aware that Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were not on good terms at all. Besides Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan had never returned to the Qiao family to visit Qiao Zijin or spoken any words of concern before thetter was married. The pair of sisters did not even interact with each other. Would Qiao Nan have prepared such a congrattory message for such an asion? This was obviously a sneak attack, no?! In other words, if Qiao Zijin had arranged this, Qiao Zijin clearly wanted to watch Qiao Nan make a fool of herself.

    Mother Zhou¡¯s face stiffened. Her hands also trembled from anger. She very much wished that she could snatch the microphone from the emcee and said that he had made a mistake earlier.

    Undoubtedly, how would the emcee know that the bride had a biological sister? Obviously, besides Qiao Zijin, no one else could make the emcee say such a thing at this moment. As such, Mother Zhou could not help feeling nervous for Qiao Nan. If there were any hups on this matter, the Zhou family would not be able to exin themselves to the Zhai family.

    Fortunately, Qiao Nan¡¯s dressing was presentable and was not embarrassed by Qiao Zijin¡¯s sudden attack. ck, ck, ck! Looking calm andposed, she stepped onto the stage with her five-centimeter high heels. Suddenly, just with the sound of this pair of high heels, Qiao Nan had not only poised herself but also instinctively captured everyone¡¯s attention.

 Chapter 1438 - Stirring Up Trouble? Not Afraid!

    <h4>Chapter 1438: Stirring Up Trouble? Not Afraid!</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan had experienced asions, both locally and overseas, with constant flickers and shes of lights from countless cameras and video equipment within ten meters from her, which were capable of making one¡¯s eyes ufortable. Qiao Nan had managed such major asions steadily. Now, she was just attending a small wedding banquet and dragged onto the stage to deliver an impromptu speech. Could this be difficult for Qiao Nan?

    What a joke!

    Qiao Nan took over the microphone from the emcee in an unexpectedly calm manner. ¡°In my view, be it men or women, marriage represents the beginning of a second life. No matter how one¡¯s previous life was, the most important thing now is to grab hold of their second life and let it make up for the regrets and shorings of their first life. I sincerely hope that the bridegroom and bride can rationally manage their approaching second life with more mature foresight and mentality and live wonderfully, happily, peacefully, and healthily for the rest of their lives.¡±

    Initially, some people could not reallye back from their senses after listening to such a congrattory speech.

    It was only until when Qiao Nan returned to her seat that some people were struck by the logic of Qiao Nan¡¯s words as they reminisced. When one was in the maternal family, she was a daughter. After she was married, she would be someone¡¯s wife. Of course, she could not continue with her old ways of living in the maternal family when she was with the inw family. She had to adapt to a new way of life.

    This applied to both the bride and bridegroom.

    Not everyone could understand the profound part of the speech, but most people could understand the simple part. The bride¡¯s biological sister said that she hoped that the bridegroom and bride could lead a good life after marriage. There was no doubt about this point.

    At that moment, loud and thunderous ps for Qiao Nan could be heard again.

    Others could not understand these words, but not Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression turned pale for a while. Fortunately, she had applied blusher on her face. Otherwise, she would not be able to hide her pale face under the focus of everyone¡¯s attention.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands grasped the bouquet of flowers in her hands. This was the most beautiful moment of her life, yet Qiao Nan had to say such words of warning and sarcasm to her. Qiao Nan was truly a heartless and cruel bitch!

    She did not watch Qiao Nan make a fool out of herself. Instead, she was pped in the face a few times calmly by Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin had lost her interest in this wedding. If it was possible, she did not even wish to continue with it. Anyway, she and Zhou Zheng had already collected the wedding certificate. Was she not Zhou Zheng¡¯s wife if they did not hold the wedding banquet?

    After they went through the wedding process, the final step was for the newlyweds to give a toast to the guests today.

    Qiao Nan, who had taken her fill, wiped her mouth and informed her neighbors. ¡°My mother-inw is taking care of the three children alone at home now. I¡¯m a little worried and will make a move first. If there is a chance in the future, I wille and visit aunties and uncles again.¡±

    ¡°Aye, okay. Nan Nan, take your time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, pay attention to safety on the way home.¡±

    After greeting the neighbors, she also notified Qiao Dongliang so that thetter could pass the message to Qiao Zijin. After thinking, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°Wait a while. I will inform the inws that I am leaving with you. I miss the triplets too. Yesterday, I had so much fun with them. Perhaps the three of them are thinking about me, their maternal grandpa.¡±

    From the beginning to the end, Qiao Dongliang was only an ornament.

    During the short walk of the bride¡¯s first march in, Qiao Dongliang was dragged to be part of the ¡®crew¡¯. After he passed Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand to Zhou Zheng, it was ¡®mission aplished¡¯.

    The moment Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand was taken by Zhou Zheng, Qiao Dongliang had the feeling of a huge burden being lifted off from his shoulders. He could finally straighten his heavily saddled waist.

    Zijin was now married. In the future, he did not need to take this daughter in hand anymore. Whether her marriage life was good or bad would all depend on Zijin herself. If she did not have a good life, she was also the cause of the problem. He could not even take in hand the three women of his family, so how could he reach out to other people¡¯s family?

    ¡°Mom?¡± Click! As soon as the door was opened, the sharp-eared San Bao ran in the direction of the door.

    ¡°San Bao, look. Who am I?¡± Qiao Dongliang was quicker than Qiao Nan in showing his face, making San Baough.

    Pleasantly surprised, San Bao called, ¡°Maternal grandpa!¡±

    After two days ofpanionship, besides San Bao, all the three children¡¯s bond with Qiao Dongliang, this maternal grandfather, had deepened tremendously. At this moment, when they saw Qiao Dongliang appear, the triplets were ted. San Bao waved her hand. ¡°Maternal grandpa,e and catch San Bao!¡±

    ¡°Ooo-ah! The big tiger is going to eat the little rabbit.¡± Qiao Dongliang yelled, made his hands look like ws, and dashed toward San Bao. Da Bao and Er Bao alsoughed and ran, shouting, ¡°The big tiger can¡¯t catch us! The big tiger can¡¯t catch us!¡±

    Someone was ying with the three children. Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had nothing to do then. Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°How was it? Nothing happened, right?¡±

    ¡°Even if there was, it¡¯s not something major. I could handle it. It has been so many years. I am already used to it. Qiao Zijin is not capable ofing up with new or formidable tricks.¡± She was not controlled by Ding Jiayi anymore, and Ding Jiayi was no longer that old gun in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. After losing these two great assistants, Qiao Zijin could not stir up any waves in front of her.

    Miao Jing nodded understandingly. In that case, Qiao Zijin had really schemed against Nan Nan again on the day of her wedding. Unfortunately, the oue was to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice used to lure it. She was so miserable. She had to feel upset even when she was a bride. The most pitiful thing was that Qiao Zijin brought this upon herself.

    ¡°Mom, are we going back tomorrow?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s wedding was over. Of course, there was no need for her to continue staying in Ping Cheng.

    Miao Jing took a nce at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Are you sure about going home tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan clutched her head in pain. ¡°Why don¡¯t we stay for one more day? I seldome back and the chances of my dad going to the capital are very slim.¡± She stayed so far away and Qiao Zijin had the heart of a stone. Thinking about it, after Qiao Nan had children in the future, Qiao Zijin might not even be willing to let her child interact with her father and experience the joy of spending time with his grandchildren and family.

    It was no wonder that her father had always wanted a son. With a son, his grandchildren would not be too far away from him. However, with a daughter, it was uncertain how many times he could see his maternal grandchild in a year; it depended on where his daughter was married to.

    ¡°Fine, if you say so. We¡¯ll stay for one more day.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After finalizing the discussion, the mother and daughter-inw no longer talked about this topic. When they were having dinner, Qiao Nan invited Qiao Dongliang to continue to visit the old house of the Zhai family to look after the triplets. Qiao Nan also conveniently told Qiao Dongliang that they had reserved the flights to return to the capital for the day after.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s smile faded much after hearing it. However, on the day of the third, Qiao Dongliang came to the house of the Zhai family early in the morning and yed with the three children enthusiastically.

 Chapter 1439 - You Are This Kind of Person

    <h4>Chapter 1439: You Are This Kind of Person</h4>

    When the triplets needed to take an afternoon nap and wash up and brush teeth after waking up, Qiao Dongliang also learned to help them with the tasks. He cherished very much each and every second that he could interact with the three children.

    On that night, Qiao Dongliang stayed over at the house of the Zhai family for the first time. Qiao Nan and Miao Jing slept in the master bedroom upstairs while Qiao Dongliang slept in the guest room downstairs with the three children.

    When the fourth, the day for them to leave, arrived, the triplets and Qiao Dongliang became so close that they could not bear to leave each other.

    Tears welled up in San Bao¡¯s eyes, her little lips shriveling. ¡°Maternal grandpa, can you go home with San Bao? My house is very big. Let you stay. If not, San Bao let maternal grandpa sleep on my bed. San Bao sleeps with Mom.¡±

    Er Bao pulled a long face. ¡°Maternal grandpa, let¡¯s go home together. If you don¡¯t go back with us, what should I do if I miss you? What should I do if I cry when I don¡¯t see you?¡±

    Da Bao was reluctant to leave his maternal grandfather too. However, he seemed to know that his maternal grandfather¡¯s house was in this city and he was not staying together with them. After thinking, Da Bao waved his hands at Qiao Dongliang to request him to squat down.

    As soon as Qiao Dongliang squatted down, Da Bao gave Qiao Dongliang a hard kiss on his face. ¡°Maternal grandpa, you muste and visit us. If you can¡¯t, Mom will bring us to visit maternal grandpa when we have a holiday.¡±

    Er Bao and San Bao followed suit. Pouting, they kissed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face a few times. Besides feeling his heart crumbled, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes and nose felt so sour that he could not take it anymore. He was choking on his words when he said, ¡°Okay, maternal grandpa will visit you when I am avable. Or when you all are free,e and see maternal grandpa.¡± Do not forget maternal grandfather after you left Ping Cheng.

    No matter how reluctant they were, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had to board the ne with the triplets.

    The moment he saw the ne took off, Qiao Dongliang felt the impulse to go to and settle down in the capital. In that case, he would have more time to keep his three grandchildrenpany and watch them grow up healthily.

    However, when he thought of the property prices and cost of living in the capital and how poor he was¡ªeven the house in Ping Cheng where he stayed alone was given to him by his son-inw¡ªthe fire of enthusiasm in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart was immediately extinguished by a basin of cold water. He felt thoroughly cold.

    When the triplets were on the ne, they were still shouting for their maternal grandfather. Qiao Nan could barely appease them. Just when Qiao Nan was at a loss of what to do, the four of them were received directly by Old Master Zhai when they exited the airport.

    As soon as Da Bao saw Old Master Zhai, he flung away his grandmother¡¯s hands immediately and dashed toward him. ¡°Great-grandpa, I miss you so much. Where did you go?!¡±

    Facing a situation of the viin ¡®Da Bao¡¯ using the victim, Old Master Zhai was both angry and amused. However, when he held onto his great-grandchild¡¯s warm and cozy little body, all his anger was gone. ¡°Great-grandpa didn¡¯t go anywhere. Great-grandpa has been at home all this while, waiting for you three little devils toe home.¡±

    Da Bao had a sudden moment of realization. ¡°Oh, yes, we are the ones who visited maternal grandpa. Great-grandpa has been staying at home obediently.¡±

    ¡°Great-grandpa!¡±

    ¡°Great-grandpa.¡± Although Er Bao and San Bao were not as emotional as Da Bao, as soon as they saw their familiar next-of-kin, the sadness of being separated from their beloved maternal grandfather lessened greatly. The two toddlers also dashed toward Old Master Zhai, being coquettish and disying their cuteness. All the words of ¡®I miss you¡¯ made Old Master Zhai feel so sweet that he was smiling like a flower.

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth twitched. She secretly asked Miao Jing, ¡°Mom, does Dad behave in this way when he was a child too?¡± When she was a child, she was the ¡®introverted¡¯ one while Brother Zhai was ¡®cold and aloof¡¯. No matter how she looked at it, the couple¡¯s tongues were not as glib as these three children¡¯s.

    Miao Jing shook her head, but the smile in her eyes deepened greatly. ¡°I only heard your grandpa mention how your dad was like when he was a child. I have not seen it myself. But your grandpa seems so used to this... I think the situation should be thereabouts.¡± Miao Jing really did not expect that the Zhai Yaohui that she had always perceived as extremely reserved was like that when he was a child.

    Looking at the adorable manners of the three grandchildren and their childish and innocent words, Miao Jing had the hunch and illusion that she was looking at her husband when he was a child through her grandchildren. In addition, this illusion was bing increasingly real.

    Given this reason, one could imagine how much Miao Jing loved the triplets.

    Simr to Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts, the three grandchildren¡¯s cuteness made Old Master Zhai vaguely recall the time when his wife was still around, the happy times when Zhai Yaohui was only two to three years old. Although Zhai Yaohui became stiff and stern after he grew up, not amiable at all, when he was a child, the young brat had a glib tongue. He often coaxed all the neighbors so well that they were willing to take out all the good stuff in their home to feed his little mouth.

    The people in the vige often joked that the young brat did not have enough after eating at other people¡¯s houses, so he could bring more food home to continue eating thereafter. This young brat did not even need to be fed by his own family. When each of the family in the vige fed him a mouthful each, he could be a fat and chubby kid just from their feeding alone.

    It could be said that that period of time was the happiest time in Old Master Zhai¡¯s life. When one was old, they loved to reminisce about the past. However, he could not recall some matters no matter how much he tried to. His memory was so poor that even he felt afraid.

    Old Master Zhai wrapped his arms around the stubby bodies of his three grandchildren, who seemed to have grown bigger. His arms were not as strong as when he was young and could not carry all three children at once with his arms circling them. He did not know how many years were left of him to keep thempany. Nevertheless, he would apany them for as long as he could and look after them. The things that his wife could not watch, he would watch them on her behalf.

    In that case, when he left this world and met his wife in the other world in the future, he could tell her about the things that she did not know. He would have many topics of conversation with his wife.

    The big family returned home in a happy and bustling manner. When the old auntie at home saw the triplets, she felt as happy as seeing her own grandchildren. She wiped her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re finally back. When these three mischievous troublemakers were not at home, the whole house felt so quiet.¡± Besides her, even the old master and chief were not used to it. Those who stayed behind survived the days by craning their necks and counting down the days.

    Qiao Nan was not surprised by this. Previously, when she was on an overseas business trip with her senior brother, she had clearly left the triplets for only five days, but when she saw them again, she felt as though she had not seen them for five years. She could not bear to let go when she hugged them.

    After the children came back, be it Old Master Zhai or Zhai Yaohui, they obviously paid more attention to the triplets than before. Even Xiao Bao came and surrounded his cousins, refusing to leave. When he went to the bathroom, he shouted ¡®still around?¡¯ from time to time. After receiving his cousins¡¯ reply, Xiao Bao was then willing to continue to take care of his business, making even the triplets speechless.

 Chapter 1440 - Let Xiao Bao Stay at Your House

    <h4>Chapter 1440: Let Xiao Bao Stay at Your House</h4>

    Besides the speechless triplets, Tian Dong was the one feeling most upset. ¡°No wonder... Mom, why don¡¯t you bring our family¡¯s Xiao Bao along when you bring the triplets on a trip next time?¡± During the few days that Qiao Nan and the triplets were away, his son almost annoyed him to death.

    He did not discover it in the past. He had only seen through the naggy nature of his son now.

    Typically, Tian Dong would let Xiao Bao stay overnight at the Zhai family for two days a week. The days that the triplets were away this time coincided with the days when Xiao Bao went to the Zhai family¡¯s residence to y. Although Xiao Bao was unhappy when Qiao Nan was away on a business trip, his three cousins were still around to y with him. However, these four people were all away; even Miao Jing was not around.

    Seeing that there were only two ¡®old men¡¯ left in the Zhai family, Xiao Bao, having nothing left to yearn for, was carried by Tian Dong back to the Tian family. In the following few days, Xiao Bao was so listless. Not to mention Mother Tian, his grandmother, even Tian Dong, felt so jealous at this sight.

    After all, this was his biological son, Xiao Bao, who was upset. Although he felt jealous, Tian Dong felt his heart ache more.

    Rather than letting Xiao Bao continue to be moody, he might as well let his mother-inw and Qiao Nan bring Xiao Bao along if they were to go out to have fun. Coincidentally, his family did not have the spare time to do so. His mother-inw and Qiao Nan could even take care of triplets well. Would they shun having one more Xiao Bao?

    ¡°That¡¯s only your wishful thinking.¡± Miao Jing looked at Tian Dong, this son-inw, unhappily. ¡°Are you really prepared to dump Xiao Bao at our house? Will inw be happy? She already feels upset if she doesn¡¯t see Xiao Bao for one day. If you really let us bring Xiao Bao away for a few days, she will be lovesick.¡± Miao Jing was quite sure about this.

    Thankfully, they had three kids in the family and could not dote on them enough. The Tian family only had one precious darling, Xiao Bao. As such, they watched him like a hawk. In particr, Dongzi marriedte. When other family¡¯s children were going to attend primary school, Xiao Bao was not even two years old.

    The Tian family was only short of finding someone to follow Xiao Bao twenty-four hours per day, lest Xiao Bao be bullied or be injured by knocking into something or falling down. Given how anxious the Tian family was for Xiao Bao, Miao Jing dared not agree even if Tian Dong dared to let her take care of Xiao Bao.

    Tian Dong did not deny the importance that his mother ced on Xiao Bao. ¡°Of course, this is wishful thinking on my part. My mom is too anxious about Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao likes toe here to y. I think it is most likely because Xiao Bao feels more carefree at his maternal grandma¡¯s house.¡± Tian Dong also discovered his mother¡¯s issue. She was overly-anxious about Xiao Bao and forbid Xiao Bao to do this or y that.

    In the past, he did not discover this problem of his mother. However, after having Xiao Bao, Tian Dong simply suspected if his mother had changed her horoscope to the cleanliness freak Virgo. After Xiao Bao went home to y for a short while, his mother made Xiao Bao wash his hands more than ten or twenty times until Xiao Bao¡¯s hands turned red.

    Although his mother had applied baby¡¯s moisturizer on Xiao Bao thereafter, Tian Dong felt quite upset at the sight of Xiao Bao¡¯s miserable face. Xiao Bao was a son, not a daughter. They had gone overboard to raise him in this way. Unfortunately, Tian Dong could not open his mouth to persuade his mother as they were his elders. When he could not endure further and told his mother, she refused to listen.

    This time, even his father was not effective in resolving this. His mother refused to agree no matter what they said. She insisted that there were many bacteria nowadays and they had to pay attention to Xiao Bao more. He had been forced to wash his hands so many times at home. However, he only needed to wash his hands before he ate something in the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Xiao Bao was very young, but he was aware of the difference.

    There you had it. As soon as he was at the Zhai family, Xiao Bao considered himself having been set free.

    ¡°Your whole family had stayed overseas for so many years. I had thought that your mom is more open-minded and flexible than me.¡± After hearing what was happening ¡®inside¡¯ the family, Miao Jing could not quite figure out when this inw of hers had be so troublesome. It was no wonder Dongzi could bear to send his son to their house.

    Dongzi gave a bitter smile. ¡°This is because when you were awayst week, I promised Xiao Bao to let him stay over at your house for a few more days. Aren¡¯t the triplets still on the National Day holiday? It¡¯s just nice. The four children can gather and y together.¡± Qiao Nan would certainly be busy when she came back. She would not have time to keep Xiao Baopany.

    ¡°Alright. When your mom can¡¯t take it anymore, you cane and bring Xiao Bao away.¡± This matter could at most dawdle for a few days. Most likely, her inw¡¯s tolerance limit of not seeing Xiao Bao was three or four days. Miao Jing looked at Xiao Bao sympathetically. Her pitiful maternal grandson... He had met with such a strange paternal grandmother.

    Her temperament had such a sudden and drastic change.

    After returning to the house in the capital, there were many people who could help Qiao Nan look after the kids. As soon as the kids arrived home, she gave He Yi a phone call immediately. After the children rested for a while, Qiao Nan might as well bring the triplets and Xiao Bao to visit Elder Lin next door.

    She was not sure if Elder Lin¡¯s health had been poortely or he had not rested well. He not only caught a cold but was also quite seriously ill. As such, Qiao Nan let the four children wear masks before visiting Elder Lin.

    Elder Lin was very clear about how the cold virus spread. When he heard that Qiao Nan was back and even brought the four children to visit him, he spat words at the nanny angrily. He then asked the nanny to pass what he said, word-for-word, to Qiao Nan, ¡°I am having a cold, not some major terminal illness. The four children are still so young and they have weak immune systems. Even an adult like me has taken ill. How are the four little ones going to fight the virus? You are such an idiot. How did you be a mother? Is there someone like you who bring your kids to a patient¡¯s house? Won¡¯t your heart ache when the kids fall sick?¡±

    After being shot a round of scolding, Qiao Nan could only leave some local specialty products that she brought from Ping Cheng in the house and returned home with the four kids gloomily. Xiao Bao did not feel much. Anyway, he was here to join in the fun. When he saw the cousins and auntie going there, he simply followed them without knowing anything as he did not wish to be left alone.

    The triplets were different. They had a very deep bond with Lin Yuankang.

    This time, they bought many things from Ping Cheng. The triplets kept saying that they wanted to give these items to this person and that person, and those items to this person and that person. Amongst the recipients, the frequency of Lin Yuankang¡¯s name being mentioned by the triplets was higher than Zhai Yaohui, the biological grandfather.

    The triplets felt extremely disappointed that they could not personally give the presents that they selected for master grandpa to him. They pouted and snorted like ponies.

    ¡°Alright, didn¡¯t Mom already tell you? Master grandpa is sick now. His body is unwell and he needs to rest properly. If you really wish to see master grandpa, wait until he is fully recovered. Won¡¯t that do? At that time, you can tell master grandpa which of those presents were picked by you specially for master grandpa. I think master grandpa has already received your presents by now. Also, he must be feeling very, very, happy. When master grandpa¡¯s mood is better, he will definitely recover faster from his illness.¡±

 Chapter 1441 - Special Treatment

    <h4>Chapter 1441: Special Treatment</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Really?¡± Er Bao pulled Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and asked worriedly. ¡°Recover very soon. How soon? How many days? Will I be able to see master grandpa and ask him to y with me tomorrow?¡± Children did not have a strong sense of time. When he heard Qiao Nan say that he could recover faster, to Er Bao, it should be considered fast if master grandpa were to recover from his illness tomorrow.

    Da Bao pulled Er Bao¡¯s hands and led him into the house. ¡°Don¡¯t ask such a silly question. If master grandpa really recovers, you also have to let him rest well. You¡¯re only thinking of asking master grandpa to y with you. Not obedient at all.¡±

    ¡°But I also miss master grandpa,¡± San Bao said unhappily. ¡°I¡¯ve not seen master grandpa for a long time. Doesn¡¯t grandpa miss San Bao?¡± Using her two little arms, San Bao tried her best to draw a big circle to express the intensity of her longing for master grandpa.

    Watching the children walking in quick steps in front of her, Qiao Nan smiled. She realized that she might not need to work on the topic of master grandpa anymore. Perhaps Da Bao alone would be able to help her settle Er Bao and San Bao. Yes, it was a blessing to have an obedient and sensible elder son.

    His cousins were walking in front of him. Like a rabbit, Xiao Bao hopped and ran home, while wrapping his little hand around one of his auntie¡¯s fingers. He did not feel nervous about his cousin¡¯s bickering at all. Obviously, his mood was as good and high as a kite soaring high in the sky.

    Xiao Bao was granted his wish to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. During the day when his auntie went to work, he had his cousins keep himpany and y with him. When nighttime arrived, with a gentle voice, his auntie would always narrate a bedtime story to him.

    However, his cousins were already sleeping on their own. There was thus one more little bed in the bedroom prepared for him; he had to sleep by himself too. After sessfully sticking around at the Zhai family¡¯s residence for the remaining National Day holidays, Xiao Bao returned to the Tian family¡¯s residence, crying and screaming to heaven when Tian Dong forcefully carried him back.

    Miao Jing stroke Qiao Nan¡¯s face. ¡°No wonder Xiao Bao¡¯s grandma is always feeling jealous. Tell me. What did you do to Xiao Bao to make him like you so much? If this goes on, isn¡¯t Xiao Bao going to be a child of our Zhai family? I almost can¡¯t differentiate it now. I¡¯ve never seen a child crying in this manner when he is about to go home.¡±

    Hua Hua was seldom at home. In Xiao Bao¡¯s heart, the grandparents in the Tian family should be his closest and favorite kin. Unexpectedly, Xiao Bao loved the rtives at the Zhai family to the core although he clearly did not spend that much time at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    Her own child liked someone else so much that he did not fancy her attention. Just by imagining this, Miao Jing felt so upset that she almost lost her appetite for dinner. One could imagine how vexed and upset Xiao Bao¡¯s paternal grandmother felt when looking at how Xiao Bao behaved every day.

    After giving a bitter smile, Qiao Nan moved behind to give way. ¡°What can I do to Xiao Bao? I treat him almost the same as how I treat the triplets.¡± Qiao Nan also did not know why Xiao Bao liked her so much. She was a first-time mother. When she took care of the triplets, she was always worried and troubled that she would not be a good mother, that the triplets would suffer grievances or pick up bad behaviors.

    She did not think that she had the capability to ¡®seduce¡¯ Xiao Bao and steal his heart.

    Miao Jing revealed an unfathomable smile. Nan Nan treated Xiao Bao as well as she treated the triplets. Wasn¡¯t this already enough to make Xiao Bao pledge his loyalty to his auntie? Hua Hua had been a faked since she was a child. After she grew up, besides giving birth to Xiao Bao, Miao Jing had never seen Hua Hua behaving the slightest bit like a mother.

    In that case, Xiao Bao¡¯s longing and feelings for motherly love all came from Nan Nan. Was there any child that would not love to have a mother? Although to Xiao Bao, this ¡®mother¡¯ was, in fact, his auntie.

    ¡°Xiao Qiao, take a look at these documents.¡± He Yi threw a thick stack of documents on Qiao Nan¡¯s table. If there had been dust on Qiao Nan¡¯s table, it would definitely fly around when such a huge stack of items was thrown onto it.

    Qiao Nan looked at the stack of old documents, innocently blinking her eyes. ¡°Minister He, where did you dig out these antiques from?¡± At one nce, she knew that these documents had been in existence for ages. There were some pages that had turned yellow. If one was not careful when they flipped the pages, they could be ruined very easily.

    ¡°Since you know that these are antiques, please be a little more careful. I will ask you questions when you finish reading them.¡± He Yi rolled his eyes at Qiao Nan for not admitting to receiving a bargain. Even when others requested him, he did not agree to give out these antiques. Part of them was passed down to him from his master, and he was now passing them to his junior sister.

    Although Qiao Nan was smiling, her attitude was still as serious as ever. ¡°I promise that I willplete the mission tasked by Minister He.¡± Used to reading, Qiao Nan would feel uneasy all over if she were to flip fewer pages of a book a day. Qiao Nan was most pleased to ept such a task.

    After He Yi left, an elderly in the department approached Qiao Nan quietly. ¡°Tsk, Old He treats you quite well, almost treating you as his own daughter. I have worked in this department longer than Old He. After so many years, this is my first time seeing Old He take out these things for someone. One has to know. Old He was not even willing to lend these to some of his former colleagues who wanted to borrow them from him.¡±

    Actually, what this retiring senior wanted to ask most was whether Qiao Nan was He Yi¡¯s illegitimate daughter. Otherwise, why would He Yi let Qiao Nan have all the good things in the world? There were so many other people in the department and Qiao Nan joined thetest.

    Why was it that He Yi treated everyone normally except for Qiao Nan? He looked at her in such a different light.

    Qiao Nan did not seem to have detected the suspicion from this person¡¯s tone. She answered earnestly, ¡°Senior, rest assured. No matter what mission Minister He hands to me, I will definitelyplete and deliver it with both quantity and quality. This is such an excellent training opportunity. How can I give this up? I will strive to improve myself and not be a burden to the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. Read these documents properly. Keep a tight watch on them as well. Don¡¯t lose any piece of them. If that happens, you won¡¯t be able to exin to Old He.¡± This elderly was very curious but he was not a bad person. When he saw that he could not get any information out of Qiao Nan, he did not continue to pester her. He returned to his seat and continued with his work.

    Qiao Nan was not sure, but Deng Wenchang had long heard from his father that He Yi had a stack of extremely important old documents in his hands. Those were passed down from Elder Lin, who had retired from the central government. After He Yi became the sessor of these documents, as time and things evolved, he had tidied up and added a lot of contemporary information to them.

 Chapter 1442 - Slip of the Tongue

    <h4>Chapter 1442: Slip of the Tongue</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, even if He Yi was not willing to ept Deng Wenchang as his disciple, as long as Deng Wenchang could get this stack of documents from He Yi, his earlier efforts would not be in vain then.

    Although not acknowledging He Yi as his master was regrettable, the documents could make up for arge part of his loss that resulted from the failure of notpleting this mission.

    Unfortunately, after working so hard for two to three years, Deng Wenchang did not be He Yi¡¯s disciple. In addition, their rtionship was not as close as before. In the end, he did not get a master, and even the stack of useful documents mentioned by his father had been ced in front of Qiao Nan. Without lifting a finger, Qiao Nan was enjoying the fruits of other people¡¯sbor. What a great life, really.

    It seemed that Qiao Nan was basically heaven¡¯s daughter. Otherwise, why did she and not other people get all the good stuff?

    At the thought that He Yi personally came over to send the documents to Qiao Nan, Deng Wenchang did not know how to vent out that deeply umted resentment in his heart. ¡°Comrade Qiao Nan, it seems that your seat in the office will be changed in a few days¡¯ time? That¡¯s right. How can an ordinary old chair in the office be asfortable as the ¡®dragon chair¡¯ in the minister¡¯s office?¡±

    At the rate that He Yi was nurturing Qiao Nan, besides moving her cubicle, Qiao Nan would have a private space dedicated to her in less than three to five years¡¯ time. Most agonizingly, He Yi would definitely find excuses to beautify Qiao Nan¡¯s resume. He would give any progression opportunities avable in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Qiao Nan without any reservation.

    On what grounds!

    He had not done less work than Qiao Nan, and the quality of his work was not worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s. Both he and Qiao Nan were newbies. He had been performing quite well and never gotten the department into trouble. Before Qiao Nan joined the department, which of the misceneous tasks were not handed to him, and when did he ever fail toplete the task?

    Since his performance was not poorer than Qiao Nan¡¯s, on what basis did He Yi let out news of his intention to nurture Qiao Nan as his sessor to take over everything in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when Qiao Nan had only joined them for less than six months?

    He had been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs longer than Qiao Nan. Furthermore, he was a man. It was more at ease for him to carry out the work. Wasn¡¯t the gender ratio of the diplomats in the department enough to prove this point?

    Since that was the case, why did Qiao Nan have to join in the fun for no reason? Wasn¡¯t He Yi afraid of giving Qiao Nan too high hopes and make her misunderstand him? Qiao Nan would feel even more disappointed in the end.

    Until today, Deng Wenchang had not given up on the top role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He wholeheartedly hoped that He Yi would be fairer to him and that he would not disregard the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or sacrifice the interest of the country for that of his own family to fulfill the selfish and deep desire in his heart.

    During these few months, Qiao Nan had to face Deng Wenchang¡¯s ridiculous animosity and hostile line of sight from time to time. As time passed by, Qiao Nan was already used to them, especially such sarcastic and ¡®ttering¡¯ words form Deng Wenchang. Qiao Nan could alreadypletely y dumb. ¡°Is that so? Deng Wenchang, your news is so urate. You already know something that even me, the party concerned, don¡¯t know. However, I¡¯m not sure if this is true or false. Since you have already said such positive things, I will wish you a happy marriage and an evesting union.¡±

    It was impolite not to reciprocate.

    Deng Wenchang gave her such an auspicious greeting. Qiao Nan would not be a wet nket too. She politely gave her words of blessing to Deng Wenchang, hoping that he could quickly settle his marriage and not remain single.

    Qiao Nan could not help suspecting that Deng Wenchang had been targeting her all because he did not have a girlfriend. If Deng Wenchang was dating, he would have to go on dates with his girlfriend, no?

    After dating, they would discuss their future life ns and such. The discussion of such topics should be quite time-consuming, right? Most importantly, if a man with a girlfriend were to keep staring at another woman, an ordinary woman would not be able to ept it regardless of the reason. She would feel very uneasy at heart.

    If it was a real woman, there was a ny-percent chance that she would argue with her boyfriend.

    Undoubtedly, if Deng Wenchang had a girlfriend, this woman could help divert ny-five percent of his attention. In addition, despite being a man, he was so narrow-minded, pettier than a woman, and hot-tempered. Qiao Nan suspected that Deng Wenchang had be like that due to suffering from hormonal imbnce arising from long-term singlehood.

    Just having a girlfriend would be able to cause so many changes in Deng Wenchang and improve her life tremendously. Of course, Qiao Nan wished very much that Deng Wenchang could get married earlier. After getting married and having children, would the mother-and-child pair not grab all of Deng Wenchang¡¯s attention? When that time came, she could be considered truly free then!

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? I don¡¯t even have a girlfriend. Where did the happy marriage and evesting unione from? Qiao Nan, did you do it on purpose?¡± Deng Wenchang¡¯s face reddened. He was fuming and ring so much that his eyes were protruding. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be saying these to the people who are getting married?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt awkward for a moment. Alright, when Qiao Zijin was getting married, she seemed to have said that on the day of her marriage. Most likely, she had been too used it and did not manage to tweak her brains to change it. She had set someone on fire. ¡°Don¡¯t have a girlfriend? You can go and find one. You¡¯re not married now. After having a girlfriend, you can get married then. I am just bringing forward the words that I said earlier. I don¡¯t think there is a major problem with that. Don¡¯t tell me that you don¡¯t intend to get married in your entire life? Or you¡¯re not prepared to hear such words of blessing?¡±

    As for the slip of tongue, Qiao Nan refused to admit it. That was because she was worried that once she did so, given Deng Wenchang¡¯s character, he would definitely hold onto it endlessly and annoy people to death.

    Deng Wenchang was enraged. ¡°You have a reason for everything. Don¡¯t divert the topic. Clearly, we were not discussing this earlier. Whether I marry or not, what has it got to do with you? Do you need to care so much?¡± Deng Wenchang was flustered and exasperated. Qiao Nan was too shrewd in her words. She actually made things difficult for him with such a sly question within minutes.

    If he had not been clear-minded, he would have been led astray by Qiao Nan and forgotten his initial question.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your mother. Of course, I don¡¯t need to bother about your marriage. Don¡¯t worry. Whatever you like to do, that¡¯s up to you. We¡¯re colleagues. What does our lousy opinion matter? Most importantly, you have to like it.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled and led Deng Wenchang by the nose. Who told Deng Wenchang to bring up such a sensitive topic? He Yi was still at his prime age¡ªalright, maybe not prime age, but thest few years of it.

 Chapter 1443 - Donâ€™t Give Up Too Soon

    <h4>Chapter 1443: Don¡¯t Give Up Too Soon</h4>

    It was impossible that He Yi would pass the baton within three years.

    At this juncture, it seemed overboard and vicious for Deng Wenchang to discuss the topic of promotion with Qiao Nan. This was such a sensitive topic. Even when at home, they should not casually engage in such hate, let alone at the office.

    He Yi¡¯s identity and status were one of the reasons that Qiao Nan was unwilling to continue on this topic.

    Secondly, Qiao Nan was the newest employee in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No matter how well she had performed, obviously, she had limited contribution whenpared to the elders who had worked in the department for twenty to thirty years. She had far fewer opportunities than them.

    If Qiao Nan dared to admit that she had high chances of promotion, someone would send an anti-corruption and whistle-blowing letter to the top leaders tomorrow. The letter would be filled with the injustice, favoritism, partiality, and unfair practices of He Yi during his term at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    In short, if it were to reach this stage, it was very likely that both she and He Yi would be down on their luck.

    Deng Wenchang dug such a huge pit for Qiao Nan to jump in. Clearly, Qiao Nan had seen it. How could she still jump into the hole knowingly as if she had been possessed?

    This was such a sensitive topic. From Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective, it was best to cease it now.

    Deng Wenchang had been confused by Qiao Nan. Only after Deng Wenchang calmed down did he realize that Qiao Nan had diverted the topic. Qiao Nan neither denied nor gave any hints to the question he had posed. Given this attitude, everyone would think that there seemingly wasn¡¯t any major problem with Qiao Nan and He Yi.

    Deng Wenchang crumpled up a booklet in a furor. He really could not figure out why Qiao Nan could always answer his questions perfectly, covering all angles, although she was two years younger than him.

    His father had long said that He Yi had such useful and important documents. He Yi could bear to give Qiao Nan something so good. He did not believe that He Yi did not tell Qiao Nan about his future ns for her during their usual day-to-day interactions.

    She clearly knew that she would receive many excellent resources from He Yi in the future, yet she could maintain her silence on it. Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan too calm and resilient? Deng Wenchang could not see in Qiao Nan the impetuousness and conceit found in people of simr age. Was there really such a cid youngster in this world?

    ¡°Dad, did Peng Yu or his family contact us eventually?¡± After returning home from work, Deng Wenchang was so anxious that he did not even change out of his clothes. He sat on the sofa and looked at his biological father eagerly. ¡°It¡¯s best that the Peng family take action as soon as possible. The situation has changed.¡±

    ¡°Change? What changes again?¡± Father Deng removed his reading sses and looked at his son. ¡°This is not the first or second day that He Yi thinks highly of Qiao Nan. You should be used to it by now.¡± As to the means that He Yi used to dote on Qiao Nan, Father Deng was not interested at all.

    ¡°The documents that you mentioned to me previously... Over an hour ago, He Yi passed them to Qiao Nan in front of everyone. He not only asked Qiao Nan to read it properly but also said that he would check Qiao Nan¡¯s homework on it after she read them. Dad, tell me. Is He Yi mad? Why is he so good to Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re worried that after handing this set of documents to Qiao Nan, He Yi¡¯s next step will be to pass his most precious minister role to Qiao Nan?¡± Father Deng¡¯s expression was more solemn now. ¡°Qiao Nan has just joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not long ago. He Yi can still continue his term for another two years. Creating such a situation at this time, what is he thinking of?¡±

    It was very normal to nurture Qiao Nan. However, He Yi would feed on Qiao Nan¡¯s ambitions with such behavior.

    At this point in time, Father Deng could not guess what He Yi was trying to do even after pondering for a long time. ¡°Don¡¯t feel anxious about this matter. They won¡¯t seed within such a short time. Putting aside Qiao Nan, He Yi has not even reached retirement age. Even if he is willing to retire from his role and pass it to Qiao Nan or someone else, the leaders won¡¯t agree. Don¡¯t always be distracted or confused due to some minor matters. The time is not ripe for that yet.¡±

    Deng Wenchang sneered continuously. ¡°Dad, I think this is precisely He Yi¡¯s thoughts. He is prepared to boil the frog slowly. He is aware that he will be retiring in a few years¡¯ time. Hence, Qiao Nan will not be too much of a threat to him in these few years. At most, he will let Qiao Nan get some limelight. He Yi has been in this role for so many years. Obviously, he is capable. If he really passes down everything to Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan having more limelight won¡¯t be the only issue then.¡±

    The problem was that, when that happened, there would be a wide gap in capability between him and Qiao Nan.

    Now, Qiao Nan¡¯s work capability was slightly better than him. If he did not have the status of an overseas student, he would have long been subdued badly by Qiao Nan.

    He Yi would retire in a few years¡¯ time. At that time, would his status as an overseas student be as useful as now? It was very rare to have overseas students in ordinary families of the older generation. However, in his social circle, there were quite a number of people who studied overseas.

    Thereafter, no one could predict the situation.

    ¡°Dad, you should know very well the scarcity of females in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are a lot more men. What is the era now? People value gender equality. In other countries, some women are emperors. Qiao Nan is young and also a woman. It¡¯s much more difficult for her to take on that role. However, can you guarantee that the situation will remain as it is when He Yi retires? When Qiao Nan far surpasses me, with He Yi¡¯s insistence and the Zhai family¡¯s support... Dad, tell me. What are the chances of Qiao Nan getting promoted then?¡±

    At this juncture, Father Deng smiled bitterly. ¡°You have not said it all. Qiao Nan not only has the support of He Yi and the Zhai family. She is also thest disciple of Elder Lin. This point alone will give her at least ten percent more chances of winning. Besides this, there are also chances that the Zhu family, the Shi family, and the Lee family will give Qiao Nan a push. With the support of so many powerful forces...¡±

    Qiao Nan might even be able to take on a more powerful and greater role in the future, let alone the minister of foreign affairs.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s face turned ghastly pale ¡°This... So as to speak, there is no need to wait for a few years. Actually, it¡¯s already a sure loss for me, no?¡± Qiao Nan had the support of so many people but the Deng family was only coborating with the Peng family. How could hepete with Qiao Nan?

    Father Deng held back his actual thoughts and consoled Deng Wenchang. ¡°Wenchang, don¡¯t be like that. I¡¯ve said before. The situation is not that serious now. We must not give up until thest moment. Otherwise, it means that we have conceded defeat.¡±

 Chapter 1444 - Stir Up Matters

    <h4>Chapter 1444: Stir Up Matters</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s not confirmed who will have thestugh. What did I teach you when you were a child? Change is the only constant in the political world. Those who seem powerful now may not remain so in the future. If the Zhai family joins the wrong team or pick the wrong person, Qiao Nan, as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, will be the first to be down on her luck.¡±

    Without Qiao Nan, this opponent, did his son still need to worry about not getting that role?

    ¡°We have ample time. No need to be anxious. If you¡¯re worried that Qiao Nan will surpass you with He Yi¡¯s guidance, you should perk up. Without He Yi, do you think you won¡¯t have other ways to surpass or catch up with Qiao Nan¡¯s progressive steps?¡±

    If he had a choice, Father Deng really did not wish to say thest few sentences, which made him feel like vomiting blood. He had spent so much money on his son and specially sent him abroad for studies. Who would have known that his son¡¯s capability would be poorer than Qiao Nan¡¯s, who was a local college fresh graduate?

    If he had known that the quality of education in local colleges was so high, he wouldn¡¯t waste so much energy and dump a hill of gold to send his son abroad to study. Wasn¡¯t he looking for torture if he did? A few more years of studies and huge expenses, yet his precious only son was subdued by a youngdy. No one could understand how aggrieved Father Deng felt.

    Only Mother Deng knew that Father Deng had not slept welltely. As soon as hey down and the lights were off, Father Deng would sigh many times in the darkness, tossing and turning continuously.

    When Mother Deng asked him about what happened, he gave a very vague response. ¡°When Wenchang is married and has kids, why don¡¯t we send his kids to Peking University? Don¡¯t take the old path of Wenchang. When he was overseas, we could only see him once every few years.¡±

    ¡°Why did you say this without an apparent reason? It is in man¡¯s nature to strive for the better. Life will always get better. Wenchang has already finished his studies abroad. Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t bear to let your grandson go overseas?¡± Overseas students sounded so pleasant.

    Father Deng snorted. ¡°Will the overseas student status ensure that one will definitely find a good job? After entering the department, will he definitely be promoted faster than others? I feel that the quality of our local graduates is quite good. The overseas schools are not really gems either. Forget it. Not chatting anymore. Quickly sleep.¡±

    Mother Deng gave Father Deng a p on his body angrily. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who kicked up a fuss, refusing to sleep? You¡¯re rushing me now. Sick!¡±

    Of course, those were the conversation at night between Father and Mother Deng, which Deng Wenchang was unaware of. At this juncture, Father Deng did not wish to let Deng Wenchang know either. ¡°We can forget about He Yi¡¯s side. We don¡¯t need to consider him anymore. Besides He Yi, who else do you think is more suitable to be your old master?¡±

    Qiao Nan had He Yi to guide her along. He could also find an experienced master for his son.

    In conclusion, Wenchang must not be flung too far behind from Qiao Nan, causing the gap of an ocean between the two of them. If that really happened, even if the Zhai family had fallen from grace, implicating Qiao Nan and her promotion, his son could not be He Yi¡¯s sessor either. Instead, other more capable individuals would.

    ¡°Dad, I will listen to you.¡± Deng Wenchang was already very lost. His father gave him quite a reliable suggestion. Besides listening to him, Deng Wenchang could not think of any other solution.

    Fortunately, they still had the Peng family as an ally. They were not there for nothing.

    When the Peng family found out about the Deng family¡¯s situation, they volunteered to find Deng Wenchang an old master. This old master was once an ambassador and had set up embassies for China in other countries. He was very experienced, with profound knowledge and a gift of gab. As he aged, he wished to return to his home country in glory. Unlike others, he did not simply migrate overseas. Instead, he returned to his native country and led a peaceful and retired life.

    Such a talented elder could be termed as a wise man. Under the guidance of the old ambassador, Deng Wenchang¡¯s improvement was apparent, so apparent that many people could sense it.

    Sensing his progress and that he did not let Qiao Nan widen the gap between them, Deng Wenchang was increasingly motivated. He was more conscientious and serious in learning. At the very least, he definitely would not lose out to Qiao Nan in terms of ability on the day He Yi retired.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t. I¡¯m a primary school student now. I¡¯m going to join the Young Pioneers of China and wear a red scarf. I am already of this age. I will carry my own schoolbag.¡± In the blink of an eye, the triplets had reached the age of going to primary school. Qiao Nan was only helping San Bao hold her schoolbag when she was wearing her jacket. Who would have known that the little girl wouldment and jump, insisted on snatching back her schoolbag?

    Qiao Nan tapped her daughter¡¯s nose unhappily. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? I am only helping you hold it for a while. Who told you that I will be helping you carry it all the time? Wishful thinking. Xiao Bao carries his schoolbag when he attends kindergarten. I have to carry yours for you. Be careful that Xiao Bao willugh at you and say that you¡¯re younger than him despite the fact that you¡¯re older.¡±

    Four years had passed. From kindergarten children, the triplets had be primary school students. From a little toddler who swaddled like a duck when walking, Xiao Bao had also be a little boy who could sit properly in the kindergarten, eat fruits, and learn how to sing.

    Xiao Bao even threw tantrums because of this. ¡°Cousins, slower. Wait for me. I will catch up with you all very soon.¡± Xiao Bao wanted to attend school and study together with his cousins. Otherwise, it felt meaningless to be alone when his cousins were in school.

    Xiao Bao had maintained his childhood habits. He not only liked Qiao Nan but also was very attached to the triplets. However, Xiao Bao did not like to mix with other children of his age.

    Xiao Bao expressed that those who were younger or of his age only knew how to cry. He had already learned the song by heart the second time his teacher taught them, yet the boy sitting beside him was like an idiot. He could only sing bits and pieces of the song after learning for two to three days. Xiao Bao felt that no matter how smart he was, he would be stupid if he were to often learn alongside such children.

    Xiao Bao was reluctant to be close to those of the same age or younger than him. As such, Mother Tian thought of ways to find a few children of simr age as the triplets from her rtives¡¯ families to be Xiao Bao¡¯s ymates.

    The children¡¯s world was not asplicated as that of adults. Tian Dong¡¯s business was doing well. Many of the rtives by the surname of Tian needed Tian Dong¡¯s help. Before the children left the house, the adults told them that they had to coax Xiao Bao and make him happy.

    When the children were at their own houses, who were not precious darlings and little emperors of their parents? Initially, everyone could keep their promise to their parents. They could hold back their temper and tolerate Xiao Bao. However, after a few times, almost no one could y together with Xiao Bao.

 Chapter 1445 - Competing for Affection

    <h4>Chapter 1445: Competing for Affection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In particr, a few children saw that Xiao Bao had so many toys which they really liked. However, their parents often did not buy these for them. In a thrill of the moment, they had not only forgotten about Xiao Bao but also fought with him for the toys. In the end, they bullied Xiao Bao until he cried.

    Such children, without the need for Xiao Bao to say anything, Mother Tian would also not let them continue to be ymates with Xiao Bao.

    Sheined a lot about the Zhai family because she felt that the Zhai family had kidnapped his precious grandson. However, she had personally seen the way the Xiao Bao and the triplets interacted with one another. Among the triplets, even San Bao, this youngdy, took very good care of Xiao Bao. They typically would not fight with Xiao Bao for the things that he liked and always gave in to him.

    When Xiao Bao was with the triplets, his temper was especially good. They would take turns ying with the toys that everyone liked. There would not be a situation of fighting or kicking up a ruckus.

    With a bright pearl like the triplets as an example, the first person that could not tolerate it when other children from the Tian family came to her house and created a din was Mother Tian, let alone Xiao Bao.

    After half a day of torture, Mother Tian did not make any of the children stay behind to y with Xiao Bao. After some twists and turns, Xiao Bao¡¯s ymates were still left as the triplets.

    Xiao Bao liked to follow the triplets in everything. The triplets were studying now. Hence, Xiao Bao also babbled that he wanted to follow his cousins to school when he was two years old. He even carried the little bag that Mother Tian bought to coax him, as if he was also going to school with them. His stubby legs ran at lightning speed. Clearly, the littled did not even know the way, yet his daring stunt made others perspire.

    If the nanny at home was not quick enough to hold onto Xiao Bao when he was dashing out, she might lose sight of Xiao Bao once he got out of the entrance of the Tian family¡¯s residence.

    A group of elders surrounded Xiao Bao to coax and persuade him. They openly promised Xiao Bao that simr to the triplets, they would send him to kindergarten when he was three years old.

    At that time, Xiao Bao was happily grinning from ear to ear. He wholeheartedly believed that when he was three years old one yearter, he could continue to be his cousins¡±tail¡¯ and always be with them.

    Never did Xiao Bao expect that he had only remained happy for one year before the reality dealt him with another painful blow. When he arrived at the kindergarten, the triplets were already at the upper kindergarten ss, while Xiao Bao could only study at the lower kindergarten ss. They were studying in the same school but not in the same ss. Nevertheless, during dismissal time, he could still y toys with the triplets, just like what they did at the Zhai family¡¯s residence.

    This kind of happy and contented life onlysted for one year before it changed again.

    After knowing that the triplets were going to primary school while he had to continue studying at the kindergarten, Xiao Bao began to cry. In the end, Xiao Bao knew that he could not win no matter what. Helplessly, he asked the triplets to wait for him at the primary school, and he would catch up with them very soon.

    Er Bao looked at Xiao Bao sympathetically, rubbing Xiao Bao¡¯s head. ¡°Be good. No hurry.¡± Hadn¡¯t the pitiful Xiao Bao understood? When he entered primary school, the triplets would be promoted to another grade. Basically, as they studied at junior and senior high schools, Xiao Bao and they could only maintain the momentum of ¡®you are entering the school, while I am graduating¡¯.

    ¡°No, I feel very anxious. I¡¯m afraid that someone will bully Sister San Bao when I am not with her.¡± Xiao Bao clenched his fists. His elder sister was very pretty. In the past, many little boys in the kindergarten wished to y with her. In the end, all of them ran away because he hit them.

    Er Bao raised his brows. Which warrior dared to bully the tough woman in their family? Er Bao revealed a look of disbelief as he nced at San Bao, who was wearing a flowery dress. One second ago, San Bao looked obedient and quiet. The next moment, she showed her fist to Er Bao and reminded him not to look at her in that way: Be careful that she would deal with him!

    Er Bao, who had been warned, smiled at San Bao in an attempt to gain her favor and restrained the banter in his eyes. All of a sudden, San Bao touched her little ponytail. The corners of her lips curled up slightly like candy floss, looking so sweet. This was a baby blue flowery dress. It made San Bao look more introverted, like a little demuredy.

    Only those who were extremely close to San Bao would know that San Bao, who was smiling to you a second ago, could beat you up until you cry in the next second!

    ¡°Are all of you ready? Let¡¯s quickly go and enroll in school.¡± Today was not the official day of the start of school. Qiao Nan was bringing the triplets to the school for enrollment. Three years had passed. Qiao Nan¡¯s professional capability had be stronger. Under Old Master Zhai¡¯s suggestion, she attained a driving license and had also used her sry to buy a mobility scooter.

    ¡°Auntie, can I go too? I want to send cousins to school.¡± Xiao Qiao held onto Qiao Nan¡¯s thighs pitifully. His little nose sniffed, as if he was going to cry immediately if Qiao Nan did not agree.

    Qiao Nan moved her heavy legs. Xiao Bao, who was in his second year of kindergarten, was not light. His chubby body weighed almost thirty pounds now. ¡°Alright. When you sit in the car, you have to be obedient and listen to me, okay?¡±

    Xiao Bao revealed his millet tooth, smiling so obediently. ¡°Auntie, rest assured. Xiao Bao is the most obedient one. Xiao Bao loves to listen to auntie the most.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to pat Xiao Bao¡¯s little buttocks and let him follow the triplets.

    As the elder brother, Da Bao let Er Bao and San Bao board the car first. As he expected, when Xiao Bao received his mother¡¯s approval and wobbled over, Da Bao exerted strength in his arms and carried the chubby Xiao Bao into the car.

    Da Bao was only at the age of going to primary school. Most likely, the genes of the Zhai family were stronger. Although Da Bao had not begun to go through the second stage of puberty and was only at the first stage, the rates at which Da Bao grew taller and bigger were much faster than other children.

    Now, Da Bao¡¯s nominal age was only seven years old, but given his height, people would guess that he was about ten years old. As such, it was not a difficult matter for Da Bao to carry Xiao Bao into the car.

    At the sight of Xiao Bao moving his buttocks to sit between him and San Bao, Er Bao had a look of disdain on his face. ¡°Xiao Bao, if you don¡¯t eat less in the future, be careful, Da Bao won¡¯t be able to carry you anymore.¡± So fat, like a meat dumpling. Auntie and uncle were clearly quite thin. He did not know whose genes did Xiao Bao, this little bun, inherit and who he looked like.

    Xiao Bao made funny faces at Er Bao. ¡°Bad Er Bao, you bully me all the time. I don¡¯t like you anymore. Auntie tells me that I look especially good like this. Very cute and auntie likes it very much. Unlike you, skinny monkey, auntie doesn¡¯t like you. He likes me now.¡± Xiao Bao¡¯s expression seemed to be saying ¡®I know that I am good-looking. You are jealous of me and I won¡¯t fall into your trap.¡¯

 Chapter 1446 - Sleep in Separate Rooms

    <h4>Chapter 1446: Sleep in Separate Rooms</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After finishing his words, Xiao Bao lifted his face and kicked in a carefree manner. That smug look could drive one to the grave.

    Unexpectedly, Xiao Bao was not done with his words yet. ¡°Er Bao, Da Bao is the elder brother. You have to call him elder brother, not Da Bao. You are not obedient. Auntie will beat you!¡±

    All of a sudden, Er Bao felt like he was going to suffer from an emotional breakdown. He had a cousin who very much wished that he would be beaten up. How was he going to resolve this?

    ¡°Don¡¯t you also call me Er Bao?¡± This naughty little one who has never addressed me as his elder brother.

    Xiao Bao shook his head. ¡°Not calling, not calling. Just not calling.¡±

    ¡°Not calling. If you don¡¯t call me elder brother, I¡¯ll bite you. Oo-ah! I am a big tiger.¡± Er Bao pretended to be ferocious, cing his ws by the side of his face and pouncing on Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao was hiding and shouting for San Bao to help beat the ¡®tiger¡¯. He wasughing so loudly that he almost could not catch his breath.

    Da Bao, who was sitting on the front passenger¡¯s seat, stiffened his face, his voice turning serious. ¡°Mom is going to drive soon. Don¡¯t joke around when Mom is driving. If you continue to behave like that, I¡¯m not ying with you any more next time.¡± Da Bao did not want to say something so childish. If possible, he wanted to be like a man and teach these two, Da Bao and Er Bao, a lesson, especially Er Bao. Why wouldn¡¯t he grow up? He was older than Xiao Bao by so much, yet he loved to tease Xiao Bao.

    Unfortunately, Da Bao was afraid that Xiao Bao could not understand him if his words were too strict and serious.

    Hence, Da Bao simply used what Xiao Bao cared about most to threaten him. His mother had said that Xiao Bao was very pampered at the Tian family. Although Xiao Bao was a good boy, he was still young and did not know many things. As his elder brother and sister, they had to teach Xiao Bao well if he was not obedient. They could not pamper Xiao Bao like his auntie¡¯s family.

    Naturally, Da Bao was the first to take on this responsibility. As soon as Xiao Bao did something wrong, Da Bao¡¯s expression would look very ugly. Xiao Bao dared not be mischievous anymore. Sometimes, Xiao Bao¡¯s fear for Da Bao far exceeded that for his biological father, Tian Dong.

    Once Da Bao spoke, Xiao Bao immediately sat properly. He dared not even look at Da Bao. As for Er Bao, seeing that Qiao Nan was already sitting on the driver¡¯s seat, he was already prepared to stop even if Da Bao did not say so.

    ¡°After getting into the car, what is the first thing that you must do?¡± Qiao Nan reminded the four children when she was in the driver¡¯s seat. As soon as Qiao Nan spoke, the triplets automatically fastened their seat belts. Xiao Bao obediently allowed San Bao to help ¡®tie¡¯ him up on the baby seat.

    Seeing that all four children were done with the safety measures, Qiao Nan stepped on the elerator, started the engine, and headed towards the triplets¡¯ primary school. Today was the first day of September. Many parents rushed to the school¡¯s entrance with their children who were new to primary school. The scene was extremely lively and bustling.

    At the sight of the people squeezing with one another, Qiao Nan felt her head hurting a little. ¡°San Bao, you have to look after Xiao Bao well at all times. Xiao Bao, remember to hold hands with your sister. You must not let go. If you don¡¯t listen, auntie won¡¯t bring you out next time, understand?¡±

    Xiao Bao held on to San Bao¡¯s hands tightly, nodding furiously. ¡°Auntie, rest assured. I will be very obedient.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes had be messy from the squeezing before she finally got hold of the enrollment forms. Qiao Nan had seen the publicity material for this school before. Before enrollment, the school would administer a round of tests for all the new students. Qiao Nan did not understand a little. Shouldn¡¯t such tests be conducted before the enrollment as a form of selection criteria for students?

    After enrollment and payment, the children were already considered formal students of the school. They would only be assessed thereafter. Could there be any reason for this? When her family¡¯s three children had been allocated to ss One, Qiao Nan then realized that the so-called top ss also existed in primary school.

    When the triplets were taking the tests, Qiao Nan held onto Xiao Bao¡¯s hands. She might as well tour the school. ¡°Xiao Bao, you want to study together with your cousins, right? Since there is a chance today, you can take a good look at the school and see if you like it.¡±

    Xiao Bao¡¯s little head was turning happily. He had not even taken more than a few nces at the school, and his little mouth already answered, ¡°Love it. I will definitely love it.¡± Weren¡¯t all schools the same? The only difference was that his cousins were in this school. Even the three-year-old Xiao Bao had started to hatch a plot.

    If he was in the same school as his cousins, his auntie could also fetch him when she fetched his cousins home. Next, he would feign spoiled. He would be able to go to his maternal grandmother¡¯s house for dinner then. After dinner, he did not feel like moving due to exhaustion. He needed to rest for one day. The sky was dark and he was scared. He did not want to leave. He might as well stay over at his maternal grandmother¡¯s house.

    At the thought of this, Xiao Bao was in a wonderful mood. He could not wait for that day to arrive.

    The triplets were already at the age of going to primary school. The Zhai family had prepared a separate bedroom for them. Now, they were still little and could live together in one bedroom with three beds. When San Bao was ten years old, Miao Jing decided to let her grandchildren have one bedroom each. After all, they had two grandsons and one granddaughter. Her granddaughter could not always sleep in the same room as her grandsons.

    Xiao Bao had always liked to follow the triplets. When he saw that the triplets had their own rooms, he did not fuss the elders in the Tian family to prepare one for him. Anyway, he had been sleeping alone. His mother was seldom home and his father had to go to work at the office. His grandmother apanied his grandfather. He was alone.

    Hence, after he saw the triplets¡¯ bedroom, Xiao Bao babbled and insisted Qiao Nan prepare one more bed in his cousins¡¯ bedroom. Xiao Bao expressed that he had grown up and he did not need his auntie to keep himpany anymore when he was at his maternal grandmother¡¯s house. He would like to sleep in the same bedroom as his cousins.

    Fortunately, the Zhai family¡¯s residence was not small. They could still ce another small bed in the triplets¡¯ bedroom. However, in that case, this bedroom would be maxed out and there was no longer any space left.

    As such, Qiao Nan made some space in Zhai Sheng and her study room to let the three children have individual space to do their homework. Xiao Bao was very small-sized. He would be able to find a small space to draw and write as long as he squeezed beside one of the triplets.

    As one could imagine, Xiao Bao did not have fewer things than the triplets in the Zhai family. Xiao Bao loved to stay in the Zhai family. Tian Dong thus put away some of his clothes at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. He had never thought of taking them back. After some time, the Zhai family¡¯s residence had be Xiao Bao¡¯s second home. Therefore, when he suddenly said that he wanted to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s residence, it was not inconvenient. In fact, whatever he needed was already avable.

    Xiao Bao dared to have such an idea as he was well aware of this.

    He would hold onto anything that could give him an excuse to stay over at the Zhai family¡¯s residence. Xiao Bao was young but very smart. He had never missed any opportunities, having it all nned. He was exactly the same as his father when he was negotiating coboration projects with his business partners.

 Chapter 1447 - School Entrance Examination

    <h4>Chapter 1447: School Entrance Examination</h4>

    This also indirectly proved that Xiao Bao resembled Tian Dong more. He was unlike his mother, who was very sloppy in other matters besides the affairs of the army.

    Holding hands with his auntie, Xiao Bao very patiently toured the entire school. After returning to the starting point, Xiao Bao then lifted his head and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Auntie, when will cousins finish their exams?¡± How long more did we have to wait?

    ¡°See, I already told you. Xiao Bao, this little brat, will definitely feel anxious. I really didn¡¯t guess it wrong.¡± Er Bao¡¯s tone of ¡®watching a good show¡¯ could be heard. That ruffian-like look of his carried a wicked tinge of liking to make fun of others.

    San Bao rolled her eyes. ¡°Do you need to say that? We knew even if you didn¡¯t say it, okay? Furthermore, we had been in the examination hall for a long time.¡± If her mother had not reminded them many times not to be anxious during the examination and to read through the answers a few more times, the trio would have long been out.

    ¡°Wow, whose family are these kids from? They are out so early.¡±

    ¡°Child, is this school entrance exam difficult? Were there any questions that you didn¡¯t know how to do?¡±

    Before the triplets could walk to their biological mother, they were surrounded by a group of parents. All these parents were very concerned about the difficulty level of the examination. They had more information than Qiao Nan. Hence, they were very clear that the results of this examination would determine the ss that their child would be ced in and their child¡¯s future for the next six years.

    In front of their own family, the triplets would reveal a little of their true temperament. However, in front of outsiders, they would normally portray the images of obedient children.

    In particr, Er Bao. He put away the ruffian naughtiness of bullying Xiao Bao a while ago and then carried a smile as warm as spring. At a young age, he gave others the feelings of a well-learned gentleman. At that sight of him, everyone said that he looked like he was totally cut out for studies. ¡°Uncle and auntie, rest assured. I think the exams were quite easy.¡±

    ¡°Was there nothing that you didn¡¯t know how to do?¡± Er Bao gave them a feeling that he was an obedient and outstanding student in the school. Facing a child with good results, the parents were always more forgiving. Furthermore, Er Bao was young and very good-looking. When facing such an exemry child, who could bear to speak to him in a loud voice?

    ¡°No. I finished everything.¡±

    ¡°What about this youngdy?¡± Finished everything? Impossible. The school entrance examination was certainly not that easy. He had found out about the situation a few years ago. There was no exception.

    He could not gather anything from Er Bao. Hence, that person turned to San Bao. ¡°Little girl, what do you think? Was the exam difficult? Were there any questions that you didn¡¯t know how to do?¡± The little San Bao was wearing a baby blue flowery skirt. She had a rosy face and grape-like, watery eyes. That sweet smile of hers was sweeter than the candy floss that they had eaten before.

    San Bao gave a ¡®coy¡¯ smile. ¡°I feel that it was alright. It¡¯s not especially difficult.¡± San Bao was very gentle and demure when she spoke. Her voice was clear and crisp, like that of an oriole. It sounded extremely pleasant.

    ¡°The exams are almost ending. Very soon, uncle and aunties¡¯ children will being out.¡± At the sight that these parents did not intend to disperse, Da Bao added. Da Bao just wanted to express one meaning: The three of them had finished the examination earlier. They felt that the questions were easy but it was not an urate reflection of the difficulty level. Everyone had different standards and they would feel differently when attempting the questions.

    As if to prove Da Bao¡¯s words, the bell signaling the end of the examination rang. These parents jerked up their heads. No longer surrounding the triplets, they were trying hard to search for their own child among the group of children who wereing out.

    When the bell rang, the triplets felt liberated. They walked to Qiao Nan at their fastest speed. ¡°Mom, I feel so hungry. Let¡¯s go home quickly. I feel like eating the dumplings made by you.¡± San Bao almost wanted to rub her tummy to express the extent of her hunger.

    Fortunately, she did not as she very quickly realized that she was outside and not at home. Hence, she would definitely not do such a crude action outside.

    ¡°Yes, yes. Auntie, Xiao Bao is also hungry. Go home and eat the fair and chubby dumplings.¡± As the supporters of his cousins, just as San Bao said that, Xiao Bao immediately stood out and backed San Bao up. He took advantage of the fact that he was younger. He was well aware that his words were sometimes more effective than those of his cousins.

    There was no issue. If his cousins¡¯ words did not work, he would help repeat them, as long as the final oue was the same.

    Qiao Nan had not thought of declining San Bao either. It was very normal for children to feel hungry as they were still growing. Furthermore, as long as the children did not request for outside food, Qiao Nan had never rejected their requests for additional meals or special requests of homemade food. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go home and make dumplings. We will make the skin on our own too, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay, the dumplings that auntie makes taste the best.¡± Xiao Bao pped continuously and happily that even his hands had turned red from the pping. Homemade skin would taste especially chewy. The triplets and Xiao Bao especially liked the feel and taste of chewing the dumpling skin made at home.

    However, it was too cumbersome to prepare dumpling skin. Mother Tian was not good at cooking. Not to mention preparing the skin, she was also not very familiar with wrapping the dumplings. Even Mother Tian did not know how to it. One could not expect much from Zhai Hua then. As one could imagine, only the Zhai family could satisfy Xiao Bao¡¯s desire of eating such food.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get into the car.¡± Different from other parents who held onto their children once they were out, questioning them this and that to confirm how they had fared in the examinations, Qiao Nan did not mention the examination at all. She knew that her children were hungry. Hence, she asked them to get into the car quickly so that they could go home to make dumplings. Although the auntie would help Qiao Nan prepare the fillings, rolling the skin and wrapping the dumplings were allpleted by Qiao Nan alone.

    If they really wanted to eat dumplings, they still had to spend some time making them.

    It was only after the triplets left with Qiao Nan did the parents who surrounded the triplets earlier realize from their children¡¯s words that the three children who came out together were rare triplets and from the same family. ¡°How did the parents raise these three kids? So beautiful and smart.¡±

    Two of the children responded that the questions were not that difficult. Although the elder one did not say much, they could tell that he had not fared badly either. On the contrary, when they asked their own children, they said that it was difficult, something they had not learned before. At the sound of it, they knew that their children did not fare too well in the examination.

    Sigh, they were all children. Why was there such a huge difference between them? Why was it that the children who did not find the questions difficult were not from their family?

    ¡°They are triplets, right? Such a good fortune. The children are both beautiful and smart.¡±

 Chapter 1448 - Itching for a Beating

    <h4>Chapter 1448: Itching for a Beating</h4>

    Qiao Nan and the four children had already left the school. However, the matter of the triplets leaving the examination hall a few minutes earlier had generated a discussion among many of the parents.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re not asking us how we fared in the exams?¡± After returning home, Qiao Nan busied for an hour before the dumplings were ready to enter the children¡¯s tummies. After eating and drinking to their fill, Er Bao stood close to Qiao Nan and looked at her curiously. ¡°All the other parents seemed to be very concerned.¡±

    ¡°I am concerned too.¡± Qiao Nan smiled as she poured a cup of water for Er Bao. ¡°Er Bao, drink more water. It¡¯s good for your body. Mom does not ask because I trust you all. The three of you usually perform so well at home. When you are in kindergarten, you oftene home with little red flowers. I believe that your performance won¡¯t be too poor when you go to primary school.¡±

    This was a cognitive bias that a mother had toward her child.

    Er Bao was pleased. ¡°That¡¯s true. Grandma said that Dad did very well in his studies, and so did you, Mom. You¡¯re top scorer of the college entrance examination. As your children, how can we perform too badly?¡± Since the day they went to kindergarten, the triplets often heard their grandmother telling them the situations of their parents when thetter were schooling.

    Upon hearing that their parents were so good at their studies, the triplets quietly made up their minds. As their parents¡¯ children, how could they perform badly and make their parents lose face? Since their parents were good at their studies, they would certainly be good at it too. They would do wonderfully in their studies.

    Er Bao felt very pleased with himself after taking the school entrance examination today. ¡°Mom, during exams next time, I will definitely work hard to achieve the top ce.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re second!¡± San Bao suddenly called out. ¡°The top ce is mine.¡± Grandmother had said that she resembled her mother the most. Hence, she had to be like her mother and attain the top ce, being the top scorer!

    Er Bao raised his eyebrows. ¡°This first or second ce, it doesn¡¯t count when you or I say it. We will know when the results are out.¡± Er Bao was so cunning. He knew that San Bao was the onlydy in the family, and all the elders asked him to give in and take care of San Bao. It was fine for other matters but not his grades.

    Instead of fighting with San Bao and receiving his grandfather¡¯s beatings when San Bao cried, he might as well just speak the facts.

    Da Bao stood up, held Xiao Bao¡¯s hand, and tugged San Bao¡¯s hand. ¡°We¡¯ve rested enough and should take our nap. Otherwise, Xiao Bao can¡¯t endure any longer.¡± When Er Bao and San Bao were discussing their grades, Xiao Bao, who was the youngest, had already gone into his usual routine, nodding off like little chicks feeding on grains. He almost fell headlong off the sofa.

    Da Bao could only carry Xiao Bao for a short distance. However, if he were to carry Xiao Bao upstairs like an adult, it would be too difficult. Da Bao knew his own limits. He would not force himself to do something that he could not. Anyway, Xiao Bao was already old enough to climb the stairs on his own. It was not necessary for someone to carry him up.

    ¡°Brother Da Bao.¡± Xiao Bao leaned softly on Da Bao, speaking and yawning at the same time, even closing his pair of little eyes. He waspletely following Da Bao and not even looking at the direction.

    Da Bao pursed his lips. ¡°We¡¯re going up the stairs now. Be good. Walk yourself. I can¡¯t carry you.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Xiao Bao mumbled and reluctantly opened his eyes. His stubby legs seemed to have eyes grown on them. Without the need for Da Bao to teach him, when the tip of his shoes touched a blocked path, his other leg would automatically lift higher and walked up.

    Xiao Bao was short and had short legs, yet he wanted to shut his eyes and walked as he slept. That speed of his was almost equivalent to that of a snail crawling. Clearly, Da Bao could go upstairs within a minute, but to amodate Xiao Bao, he apanied Xiao Bao up the stairs, taking a step at a time.

    Er Bao and San Bao, who were bickering earlier, snorted at each other. They then ran after Da Bao and Xiao Bao upon seeing the situation. Their mother had told them that at this age, they had to eat, sleep, and y more. In that way, they could grow better and faster.

    ¡°Faster, Xiao Bao. I will go upstairs and be the first one to sleep.¡± Er Bao was a cheeky one since he was a child. As he grew older, he developed a little more humorous and silly side. Er Bao belonged to the type that could tease someone to confusion.

    Xiao Bao was very young and could not take spurring on. Initially, he was in a daze. As soon as he heard that they were going topete and Brother Er Bao was overtaking him, aiming for his first ce, he opened his eyes widely. He flung Da Bao¡¯s hand away and looked at Er Bao, his eyes shining. Seeing that Er Bao was really at a higher step than him, without a word, Xiao Bao crawled upstairs using both his hands and legs. Both Da Bao and San Bao couldpete for the first ce but not Er Bao.

    ¡°Come,e. Faster.¡± Er Bao did not mind watching the fun grow. Clearly, he could reach the top of the stairs earlier but he purposely made himself quicker than Xiao Bao by two to three steps. Thereafter, he stood and hurried Xiao Bao. Moreover, Xiao Bao especially liked to fall into Er Bao¡¯s trap. He was climbing enthusiastically.

    Da Bao quietly retracted his hands. Facing the sleepy and rogue Xiao Bao, Er Bao had more ways than him.

    After sessfully fooling Xiao Bao to the top of the staircase, with Xiao Bao gamboling into their bedroom and pouncing onto his little bed, Er Bao looked at Da Bao smugly, as if asking ¡®Look at how good I am. Without my help, you could wait for Xiao Bao to climb up the stairs for half a day.¡¯

    Stiffness was written all over Da Bao¡¯s expressionless little face. He seemed as mature as a little old man. Even Elder Lin had more expressions than him. That imprable look made Da Bao the one among the triplets who resembled Zhai Sheng the most. After hearing Er Bao¡¯s boast, Da Bao¡¯s eyeballs swirled. He opted to hide the truth and didn¡¯t utter a word. He would let Er Bao, this younger brother, feel happy for a while more.

    Was it because he did not have any solution?

    At this moment, as long as Er Bao turned his head and looked at the expression of their mother, who was sitting downstairs, he would know that this was not a matter of having no solutions but a matter of whether the solution was eptable.

    ¡°This Er Bao.¡± True enough, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression did not look good. Xiao Bao was only three years old. He was very small and his height was not much taller than that of the staircase step. Xiao Bao liked to follow the triplets. As he had seen the triplets ascending the stairs on their own, he insisted on doing the same at all times. Just from the looks of Xiao Bao dozing off and shutting his eyes, Qiao Nan might as well go over and personally carry him upstairs.

    Fortunately, Da Bao was sensible and knew how to hold Xiao Bao¡¯s hands, while carefully apanying him to ascend the stairs slowly and step-by-step. Out of trust for Da Bao, Qiao Nan did not bother about the situation. Unexpectedly, with Er Bao¡¯s spurring, Xiao Bao climbed up the stairs like a puppy crawling. Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes and heart almost leaped out at the sight of this.

 Chapter 1449 - The Top Studentâ€™s Children Are Also Top Students

    <h4>Chapter 1449: The Top Student¡¯s Children Are Also Top Students</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Er Bao was really itching for a beating!

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. If Xiao Bao were to find out that he had such a dark past during childhood, would he hate Er Bao, this rogue cousin, so much that he wished to kill him? Who would bully his younger cousin in this way?

    On the other hand, Miao Jing was thinking on the bright side. She asked Qiao Nan not to worry. ¡°I think Er Bao knows his limits. He is not fooling around with Xiao Bao. You¡¯re angry because you think that it¡¯s too dangerous for Xiao Bao to climb up the stairs in this way. No issue. Our Zhai family¡¯s children have very tough skin.¡± Xiao Bao had been spending more and more time at the Zhai family. It could be said that the Zhai family had taken on half of the responsibility of raising Xiao Bao.

    Hence, it was not exaggerated to say that Xiao Bao was a child of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Mom, you should know that I don¡¯t mean it that way. I am worried about that auntie in the Tian family.¡± Xiao Bao was the only grandson in the Tian family and Mother Tian ced great importance on him. In the eyes of ordinary people, what happened earlier was purely Er Bao spurring on Xiao Bao so that Xiao Bao could ascend the stairs faster and take his nap thereafter.

    The problem was how Mother Tian would view the earlier scene. It was hard to tell. When it went to other people¡¯s mouths, Qiao Nan did not want Er Bao¡¯s mischief to be a malicious intent of humiliating Xiao Bao.

    Speaking of this inw, Miao Jing wiped away some sweat. ¡°It¡¯s also strange. Look at Dongzi and his father. They are both quite good people. Why is it that Dongzi¡¯s mother will stir up some issues from time to time? No matter what, she is someone who has lived in America for more than twenty years. Didn¡¯t they say that people from western countries were more open-minded and liberal in their thinking? She has lived there for more than twenty years. Didn¡¯t she pick up the good things from there?¡±

    Which of the triplets did not take care of Xiao Bao and treat Xiao Bao like their biological younger brother? This included Er Bao, who was always bickering with Xiao Bao and making Xiao Bao¡¯s face swell like a puffer fish. There was once when the Tian family specially gave a Chihuahua to Xiao Bao as they felt that Xiao Bao would feel lonely on his own. Unexpectedly and unknowingly, the cute Chihuahua found Er Bao an eyesore. It always barked fiercely at Er Bao, even refusing to let Er Bao enter the doors of the Tian family.

    At the sight of this situation, Xiao Bao gave the Chihuahua a push and told Mother Tian on the spot that this puppy was too bad-tempered. He disliked it and did not want it anymore. He even gave it away. In fact, one hour before this incident urred, Xiao Bao had been hugging the little puppy, saying that its fur was very soft and he felt veryfortable carrying it.

    Xiao Bao and Er Bao were on very good terms. If Er Bao were to encounter any matter, Xiao Bao would protect him more than anyone else.

    Looking at Xiao Bao¡¯s reaction, Mother Tian should know that if Er Bao did not treat Xiao Bao well, would Xiao Bao be so close to him? Why didn¡¯t Mother Tian look on the positive side of things? She always liked to make a mountain out of a molehill, as if such young children already had dark thoughts in them. Towards this, Miao Jing was having a huge headache.

    ¡°Your Sister Hua Hua is not good at dealing with these problems. Fortunately, she had long discussed and agreed with Dongzi that she will not leave the army even after marriage and having kids. Otherwise, if your Sister Hua Hua stays a few more days at her inw¡¯s house, given her temper, she will surely stir up something. When that happens, Dongzi will be sandwiched between his wife and mother. He will be in a very difficult position.¡±

    Well, no one would be able to endure this kind of temperament.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that quite good? Sister Zhai Hua can avoid managing the mother and daughter-inw problem.¡± Qiao Nan did notment on Mother Tian much. However, there was certainly a little problem regarding her temperament. One word: paranoid

    In the end, Miao Jing gave a sigh and did not continue with this topic.

    Without Mother Tian¡¯s disturbance, Xiao Bao¡¯s life in the Zhai family was very carefree. If Tian Dong did note and fetch him, Xiao Bao basically did not want to go home.

    Soon after, the results of the school entrance examination for the triplets were out. The school sent the results to the parents via mobile messages. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s cell phone beeped thrice. The messages stated which child the results belonged to and the respective grades for the subjects.

    Although the total marks for that paper were 100, it seemed to be categorized into a few sections. It stated the percentage and total marks of each section, as well as the score of the child.

    As there were three children in the family, the three messages in Qiao Nan¡¯s cell phone looked very long. Fortunately, Qiao Nan was usually very patient. She was already very patient when reading books. Of course, she was even more patient when looking at her children¡¯s grades now.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Miao Jing was very concerned about the triplets¡¯ results.

    Qiao Nan simply copied the triplets¡¯ results into a table and passed to Miao Jing for her to take a look herself. Looking at the table, which revealed everything at one nce, Miao Jing was very clear. ¡°The triplets should have done well?¡± Miao Miao did not know how topare the grades for every subject. What she knew was that, out of 100 marks, Da Bao had attained 99 marks while Er Bao and San Bao 96 marks.

    From the basis of a 100-point system, at the very least, the triplet¡¯s results were not considered poor.

    ¡°Not bad.¡± Qiao Nan nodded with certainty. ¡°When the children came out, they didn¡¯t look good. I guess the exam questions were not too easy. Da Bao almost attained 100 marks. He may not be the top scorer but should be in the top three. As for Er Bao and San Bao, they should have high rankings too. I heard that the triplets¡¯ school has a ss that they pay particr attention to. Many parents are especially nervous about the school entrance exam as it is rted to getting into that ss.¡±

    ¡°This¡­¡± When Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were studying, it was much simpler to select the schools. Miao Jing did not spend much effort doing so. Unexpectedly, aftering to the capital for a few years, she still did not have much understanding of the situation in this area. Fortunately, Nan Nan, this biological mother, was very clear-minded and concerned about the children¡¯s future. ¡°So as to speak, our three children should be able to get into that ss?¡±

    Judging from this, that ss seemed quite formidable.

    If the triplets could attend that ss, they would definitely do as well as their parents in their studies.

    ¡°Yes, there shouldn¡¯t be any major problem.¡± Qiao Nan was aware of the situation of her own children. What Qiao Nan did not know was the standard of other family¡¯s children. There would definitely beparisons with the children who went into that ss. Fortunately, her three children were very outstanding. Qiao Nan felt that it should not be a difficult matter for them to get into that ss.

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Miao Jing pped her hands happily. ¡°This won¡¯t do. This is a joyous matter. Let¡¯s celebrate? Auntie, buy more of the triplets¡¯ favorite dishes. Each child must have one dish. Let¡¯s have a good feast to celebrate.¡±

    At the thought that the three children in her family performed so well, Miao Jing looked as though she had been injected with chicken blood, plunging into a small state of excitement.

 Chapter 1450 - Disdain from a Top Student

    <h4>Chapter 1450: Disdain from a Top Student</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The results are out?¡± Er Bao had sharp ears. He dashed over excitedly when he vaguely heard his mother and grandmother discussing the scores. ¡°Mom, did I attain the top ce?¡±

    When Er Bao said this, San Bao also rushed over. ¡°Mom, am I the top scorer?¡±

    Da Bao walked over leisurely with Xiao Bao, this little tail, following by his side. He quietly walked to Qiao Nan without saying a word. While Da Bao was calm and cool, Er Bao and San Bao almost quarreled. Two little mouths were ttering, filled with a taste of explosives. At the end of Er Bao and San Bao¡¯s ¡®discussion¡¯, both of their faces turned red with all the yelling.

    Qiao Nan could not help reaching out her hands and flicked on Er Bao and San Bao¡¯s foreheads. ¡°How old are the two of you? Quarreling to this extent in front of Xiao Bao? Aren¡¯t you afraid that Xiao Bao willugh at you? You¡¯re the elder brother and elder sister. Are you setting this kind of example for Xiao Bao?¡± This was just the rankings for an examination and they could quarrel until their faces and ears turned crimson. Qiao Nan was the first to disagree with such behavior.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this just the results of an exam? Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing to kick up such a ruckus? How did Mom teach you normally? Did you all fulfill Mom¡¯s expectations of you? If you behave like this, Mom is going to be angry!¡±

    Er Bao and San Bao immediately shut up and mumbled in their hearts: Mom, you are already angry.

    ¡°Hug, hug.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. Er Bao and San Bao liked topete. This was normal for every child. If it was a friendlypetition, Qiao Nan was supportive. However, in the current situation, the two were arguing nonstop and almost fell out with each other. Therefore, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude immediately turned serious.

    The triplets were usually very attached to Qiao Nan. However, when Qiao Nan scolded them with a strict face, they would be very obedient. They were afraid that their mother would be angry although she was especially good to them normally.

    When one who did not re up normally suddenly toughened her attitude, the triplets would feel that they had gone overboard.

    Once Qiao Nan spoke, Er Bao and San Bao dared not continue to kid around. They had long put aside the top scorer matter and hugged each other ording to Qiao Nan¡¯s request. One said ¡®sorry, sister¡¯ while the other said ¡®sorry, brother¡¯.

    Seeing that her children had admitted their mistakes, Qiao Nan did not continue to chide them. ¡°Your results are out. In Mom¡¯s views, all three of you have done very well. I am very satisfied.¡± There was an ancient saying of ¡®There is no best writer, nor is there a second-best fighter.¡¯ It was hard to differentiate the best in an academicpetition, but easy to find out the stronger one in a fightingpetition.

    Qiao Nan felt that she should have a good discussion with her mother-inw when she had time. Of course, it was not an issue to use Brother Zhai and her as examples for her children. However, it seemed that both Er Bao and San Bao had a distorted understanding of what attaining the top ranking meant. They were even so stubborn about it. That was a problem.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Cousins, you are awesome.¡±

    Having received their mother¡¯s praise, the triplets were especially happy. Even Da Bao, who already resembled more and more like his father with his strict and serious manner even at such a young age, also curled the corners of his mouth and revealed a smile.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true. Da Bao got 99 marks, while Er Bao and San Bao got 96 marks. The three of you did so well. Mom is very happy.¡± Having said that, Qiao Nan bent down and gave them a kiss each. Upon receiving their mother¡¯s praise and kiss, the triplets were smiling like pink flowers.

    Xiao Bao was anxious. He twisted his chubby body and squeezed in between his cousins. ¡°Auntie, I am also obedient and good. When I am in the kindergarten, I do very well. The teacher always gives me small little red flowers. Auntie, I want a kiss too.¡± His cousins received kisses. How could his auntie miss him out?

    Looking at Xiao Bao¡¯s anxious and red face, Qiao Nanughed and gave him a hard kiss on the face. Xiao Bao¡¯s fair skin resembled Tian Dong¡¯s and his bright eyes resembled Zhai Hua¡¯s. Qiao Nan did not know who his chubby face with baby fat looked like. However, just based on these, Xiao Bao was already a very adorable, lovely, and good-looking little boy.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan felt that she was taking advantage of Xiao Bao when she kissed him.

    This matter had passed. However, Qiao Nan did find time to have a heart-to-heart talk with the triplets thereafter. Qiao Nan hoped that Er Bao and San Bao could get Da Bao to y with them more. She did not want Da Bao to be so mature at such a young age and miss out onughter and happiness during childhood.

    ¡°Da Bao, Mom doesn¡¯t know how great-grandpa and grandpa usually teach you, but Mom wants to tell you that in front of Mom, you are always my son. You¡¯re still very young now. You don¡¯t need to feel anxious about many things. Don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. y and make noises when it is time to.¡± As the eldest son of the Zhai family, the pressure that Da Bao had to take on was much greater than that of Er Bao and San Bao.

    In front of Qiao Nan, Da Bao should have the childlike innocence of a seven-year-old child. ¡°Mom, rest assured. I know.¡± After thinking, Da Bao tugged Qiao Nan¡¯s sleeves. Qiao Nan bent down and lowered her head. Da Bao then whispered into her ears. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry about me. Actually, sometimes, I don¡¯t like to talk because I feel that some children are too childish.¡±

    Just take what happened earlier. He felt that the argument between Er Bao and San Bao was pointless. The examination was over and the results were already in their mother¡¯s hands. Would the rankings change just because one¡¯s voice was louder or he was fiercer?

    As the ¡®eldest one¡¯, Da Bao was still very confident of himself. He just could not be bothered to say that he did not think that the top ce would be snatched away by his younger brother and sister.

    The triplets¡¯ IQs were not low. They were all very intelligent children.

    Although Er Bao and San Bao were asionally a little ¡®stupid¡¯ in Da Bao¡¯s eyes, making him speechless, Da Bao was even more reluctant to bother about those children and ssmates in the school. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t know. During yesterday¡¯s exam, one of our ssmates was so anxious that he cried. I think he didn¡¯t know how to answer some questions. He kicked up a ruckus and wanted to go to the bathroom. He insisted the teacher bring him there, saying that he didn¡¯t know how to take off his pants.¡±

    At the end of his speech, the disdain on Da Bao¡¯s face was very obvious.

    He wasn¡¯t in kindergarten anymore, yet he insisted the teacher help him take off his pants when he went to the bathroom. Each time Da Bao recalled that he was in the same examination hall with such a child, he felt extremely unhappy. In his heart, Da Bao felt grateful more than once that Er Bao and San Bao were not like that.

    Even Xiao Bao. For those pants that were easier to remove, Xiao Bao did not want the adults to keep himpany. He would step on the stool and pee on his own.

    A primary school boy performing worse than his family¡¯s Xiao Bao¡ªit would be strange if Da Bao could see eye to eye with such a child.

 Chapter 1451 - A Brilliant Little One

    <h4>Chapter 1451: A Brilliant Little One</h4>

    ¡°Is that really the case?¡± Qiao Nan caressed Da Bao¡¯s little face. She realized that this action was not only popr with the triplets when they were younger during milk feeding times but also when they were older. The triplets would always reveal a smitten expression whenever she touched their little faces or heads.

    ¡°Yes, Mom. It¡¯s really the case.¡± Da Bao could not help rubbing his face in Qiao Nan¡¯s warm and cozy palm. He silently said in his heart ¡®I have the best mother in the world¡¯.

    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡± At this moment, Qiao Nan was not worried about Da Bao anymore. ¡°Er Bao, San Bao, I hope that the situation today won¡¯t happen again. The two of you should learn from Da Bao. Look at how mature and steady he is. It will be great if the three of you can moderate your characters.¡±

    When they were at home, Er Bao and San Bao would still be fussy. Da Bao had already achieved the stage of behaving the same way both in public and private. He was so quiet that Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached for him.

    It was true that the dragon had nine sons but all of them were different.

    San Bao blushed and tugged at her little dress. ¡°Mom, I am a demure little girl. I am very obedient. I won¡¯t argue with Er Bao again next time.¡± Having said that, the little girl snuggled into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms shyly, conquering the space in her mother¡¯s arms.

    Qiao Nan smoothened San Bao¡¯s little ponytail. ¡°Since you said that, Mom will believe you then. As a demure little girl, how can you quarrel with your brother? Isn¡¯t it just the top ce? It¡¯s not that important. I¡¯ve taught you all before. Scores are not important. What knowledge you have learned and how much of it you have mastered is the most important.¡±

    Next, without waiting for Qiao Nan to speak further, Er Bao immediately raised his hands and promised. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. I was just joking with San Bao. I just find it very fun to watch San Bao re up. Things like exams, I have done all that I could and was careful and detailed when I wrote the answers. How many marks I get in the end is actually not a big deal.¡±

    To other children, studying was a mission. However, to Er Bao, studying was no different from ying. He waspletely rxed about it.

    However, each time his grandmother talked about his parents¡¯ schooling days, she would mention how well they did in their studies and that they always came out on top. At that time, Er Bao did think of bing as outstanding as his parents. Later on, when San Bao expressed this intention first, Er Bao teased San Bao and said he wanted to do the same.

    The more he teased, the more serious he became, which caused such an embarrassing situation today.

    ¡°Little bad egg!¡± San Bao lifted her face from Qiao Nan¡¯s arms and made funny faces at Er Bao. ¡°Mom, look. Er Bao always bullies me. He still calls himself my elder brother. Mom, in the future, can I be the elder sister and Er Bao the younger brother?¡±

    Uh...

    The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°San Bao, this is a little too difficult. Mom can¡¯t do that.¡± Unless she stuffed Er Bao and San Bao back into her womb and swapped their times of birth, San Bao would never have the chance to be Er Bao¡¯s elder sister in this lifetime. ¡°But it¡¯s okay. San Bao still has Xiao Bao, this younger brother. Have you forgotten? You were the one who came up with Xiao Bao¡¯s name.¡±

    Upon hearing his name, Xiao Bao perked up. Lying on Qiao Nan¡¯s thigh, he inched nearer to San Bao. ¡°Sister, it¡¯s okay. You still have me, Xiao Bao.¡± He was also Sister San Bao¡¯s younger brother. He did not want other people to fight with him for his elder brothers and sister.

    After receiving this reply, San Bao had some regrets. She really wanted to be Er Bao¡¯s elder sister. Before Xiao Bao was born, San Bao was the youngest one in the family. When she was two years old, there was once whereby she kicked up a ruckus and said that she wanted to be the eldest and not the youngest one.

    Fortunately, when San Bao could differentiate who was older, Zhai Hua became pregnant. In addition, four months into her pregnancy, her tummy was showing and one could feel the fetus movement.

    After San Bao touched her auntie¡¯s tummy and felt the little baby inside, she knew that she would be able to fulfill her wish of being an elder sister after the baby was born. As such, San Bao stopped insisting Qiao Nan to stuff her and Er Bao back into the womb and swap the sequence of the births.

    Er Bao retorted with a funny face. She wished to be his elder sister? In the next lifetime!

    After coaxing the four children, including Xiao Bao, Qiao Nan gave Tian Dong a call to ask him to fetch Xiao Bao home. When the tripletsmenced primary school studies tomorrow, Xiao Bao had to return to school too.

    When Xiao Bao was leaving, he looked back every three steps that he took. Red eyes, tears swirling in his eyes and pouting lips¡ªit was as if Tian Dong was not his biological father but some human trafficker, kidnapping him away. Tian Dong was so angry that he had the urge to give his son a few punches.

    Was this his biological child? Which child would look as if he had been separated from his loved ones by life and death when he was going home with his father? This strong-headed child!

    After getting into the car, Tian Dong wanted to have a chat with Xiao Bao about ¡®life¡¯. Unexpectedly, as soon as Xiao Bao got into the car, his eyes were not red anymore and his tears gone. The only thing was that he was still pouting. ¡°Not kicking a fuss anymore?¡± He still thought that he had to give him a good round of persuasion, ¡®cede¡¯ his authority, and bow down before he could appease this little ancestor of his family.

    Since Xiao Bao suddenly contained all of his emotions, the numerous drafts in Tian Dong¡¯s mind could not be put to good use then.

    Xiao Bao snorted and sneered. ¡°Will you let me continue to stay at maternal grandma¡¯s house if I kick up a ruckus? Or let me go to primary school together with cousins?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Hmmph!¡± Since that was the case, why would he continue kicking up a ruckus? Wouldn¡¯t that be a waste of his energy? The purpose of his tears was to make his auntie¡¯s heart ache for him, in exchange for a few more kisses. It was such a waste to use them on a block of wood like his father.

    The child was young but very brilliant. When the child knew that crying would resolve the problem and satisfy his desire, crying would be his weapon. On the contrary, if the child knew that no one would bother about him no matter how miserably and loudly his cries were, which would expend his energy and lead to exhaustion, he would give up on the tactic of crying then.

    This phenomenon was perfectly portrayed by Xiao Bao in this case.

    After figuring out Xiao Bao¡¯s thoughts, Tian Dong suddenly felt like kowtowing to his son. ¡°Xiao Bao, next time when you take over mypany, Dad really doesn¡¯t need to worry that you will be conned, harmed by others, or let grandpa and Dad¡¯s life efforts go down the drain. If you don¡¯t con others until they go bankrupt or suffer huge losses, that¡¯s already considered good.¡±

    Xiao Bao snorted arrogantly and lifted his chin. He did not wish to speak to his stupid father.

    After the four children went to school, Qiao Nan felt more rxed now than the summer vacation. After sending the children to school, she rushed to her workce. The timing was just nice.

    At the sight of Qiao Nan rushing into the office, He Yi smiled. ¡°The three children are starting primary school today, right?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. That¡¯s why I woke up extremely early today. I slept for one hour less.¡±

 Chapter 1452 - It Was Worrying That the Children Were Sensible As Well

    <h4>Chapter 1452: It Was Worrying That the Children Were Sensible As Well</h4>

    When the children woke up early and excited, the person who suffered directly was none other than Qiao Nan, the biological mother. She had no choice. When the children were awake, regardless of how sleepy Qiao Nan was, she had to follow suit and wake up as well.

    He Yi had a look of understanding on his face. Four years had passed and He Yi¡¯s son had gotten married. More importantly, He Yi¡¯s daughter-inw was pregnant. A few monthster, He Yi could be a grandpa. Perhaps it was because that his family was going to have a newborn soon, but whenever He Yi mentioned the Zhai family¡¯s triplets now, his liking for them was well expressed not only in words but also on his face.

    Furthermore, He Yi was a newbie in raising grandchildren while Qiao Nan was a veteran.

    In order to wee the birth of his grandson, He Yi was like a good student, asking Qiao Nan a lot of questions. He even took notes. He Yi had already filled up the pages of the palm-sized notebook.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan¡¯s family operated the number one mother-and-infant chain store in China, He Yi asked what things were the most suitable for his grandson. He also asked Qiao Nan if she had any good rmendations.

    Ever since the poisoned milk powder incident, Qiao Nan had a discussion with Tian Dong. The mother-and-infant market was so big and there were so many products. Was it possible for them to invest more heavily in milk powder? She¡¯d rather thepany earn less money, or even not earn money at all, and produce the best and most nutritious milk powder for all the families in China.

    Good things were good, after all. A single use could produce qualityparison results. After some time, everyone could feel that the quality of the Baby Love milk powder from the mother-and-infant store under the Tian Corporation was especially good. A lot of kids had a higher level of eptance for the milk powder produced by them when weaning.

    Aside from weaning, Baby Love milk powder catered to different nutritional needs required by children of different ages. This allowed babies at every growing stage to get the full nutrition required and turn out healthy.

    If the milk powder was good, the children would naturally turn out well after drinking it.

    Over time, Baby Love milk powder became famous and also the most popr milk powder in the Chinese market. In addition to the advertisements they had created previously as part of their publicity efforts, everyone understood that Baby Love milk powder was of high quality and their profit margins were little just so that tens of thousands of families¡¯ children¡¯s health in China was ensured.

    All their efforts were not in vain. Even today, although Baby Love milk powder didn¡¯t seem to have brought thepany much mary gain, the presence of this top-notch milk powder influenced their other products, thus producing a positive result. As such, the money Baby Love earned didn¡¯t decrease at all.

    It was not clear to others that in a short period of four years, Baby Love, the subsidiarypany under Tian Corporation, had a booming business and a great reputation. Its performance in the headquarters was higher each year, exceeding those from the other well-established subsidiarypanies. As Qiao Nan¡¯s senior, He Yi knew that Qiao Nan had made great contributions.

    Since he had a good teacher beside him, a mother who had raised three children, He Yi didn¡¯t waste any time and asked Qiao Nan directly for advice.

    After understanding He Yi¡¯s needs, Qiao Nan was also generous. ¡°When the child is born, I¡¯ll give him a hundred-day gift bag. The contents of this bag are quiteplete. Use them for the child first. If you find them suitable, we can talk about the rest.¡±

    As such, before the little grandson from He Yi¡¯s family was born, he had already received Qiao Nan¡¯s gift.

    It was a give-and-take situation. Qiao Nan and He Yi had interacted for the longest. Among all the seniors, Qiao Nan naturally got along best with this senior.

    Upon hearing that the triplets were so excited about going to the primary school that they couldn¡¯t fall asleep, He Yi smiled. ¡°Could it be that this was the same for your Da Bao? Thest time I saw Da Bao, he had a stern look on his face. I thought that he had seen his father.¡± Upon mentioning Da Bao, He Yi¡¯s tone was full of appreciation.

    When elders looked at juniors, they naturally wished thetter to be livelier and happier. However, if the elder had different expectations of this junior, then he or she would naturally wish the junior to be more than that.

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that. I¡¯d rather Da Bao wake me up as he was too excited. Da Bao¡¯s the same as me. He woke up purely because Er Bao and San Bao were too noisy.¡± The old master had brought Da Bao up for a long period of time. After he had done so, her father-inw would pull Da Bao to the study room for a ¡®heart-to-heart talk¡¯ from time to time.

    Forget it that Zhai Sheng would be serious in speech and manner toward Da Bao when he was at home. When he pulled the three children together for training and sports, he had much higher expectations for Da Bao aspared to Er Bao and San Bao.

    Ever since the three children reached the age of five, Zhai Sheng would get them into the army when he didn¡¯t have any mission. It was unknown where Zhai Sheng got three sets of children¡¯s camouge clothes and he made them wear them during summer.

    Perhaps it was because the triplets were the children of the Zhai family that they had the natural perseverance to be soldiers. After the delicate San Bao entered the army, she alwaysined that it was tough when she talked to Qiao Nan over the phone. Thereafter, she insisted that Qiao Nan not to take her away from the army. She wanted to stay with Da Bao and Er Bao and believed that she could ovee these difficulties by herself.

    Since San Bao had already said so, how could Qiao Nan bring San Bao back just because she felt heartache for her? If she did so, she wasn¡¯t loving her but harming her instead.

    Because of this, ever since the children were five years old, Qiao Nan was never worried that they would be bullied by other children in school. When the children came to San Bao, they would only be bullied by her, let alone if they went to Da Bao or Er Bao. Every time she sent them to school, Qiao Nan would tell them that they must not take the initiative to bully other children in school.

    Of course, if they were being bullied, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t let them be foolishly beaten when they had the ability to protect themselves.

    Because of this, Qiao Nan was invited to the kindergarten thrice when they were still in kindergarten.

    Having grown under such an environment, Da Bao¡¯s behavior wasn¡¯t that of a usual seven-year-old. He was matured early, and that made Qiao Nan feel sour in her heart. However, the three generations of men in the Zhai family felt that it was a must to cultivate Da Bao in such a manner. Only then would it be good for Da Bao.

    Seeing that Da Bao was still enjoying himself and didn¡¯t have any resentment at all, Qiao Nan felt heartache but could only tolerate and not say anything to that.

    As such, in response to He Yi¡¯s question, it was basically impossible for Da Bao to disy behaviors of having a short temper or being unable to sleep due to excitement.

 Chapter 1453 - A Newbie That Caused People a Headache

    <h4>Chapter 1453: A Newbie That Caused People a Headache</h4>

    He Yi rolled his eyes at Qiao Nan. ¡°Da Bao¡¯s such a great kid. Why are youining? Others don¡¯t have someone like him even if they want to. You should be content.¡± It was estimated that he would only have one grandchild in the future. Regardless if it was a grandson or granddaughter, as long as he or she was half as sensible as Da Bao, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the He family¡¯s future.

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. Was sheining about Da Bao? She was obviously feeling heartache for Da Bao, who was taught to grow prematurely by the elders in the family. Da Bao wasn¡¯t as yful and mischievous as Er Bao and San Bao.

    Qiao Nan and He Yi had a harmonious rtionship. People in the office were long used to this. Their rtionship with Qiao Nan, a junior, was pretty good as well.

    Four years had passed. Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang were no longer considered newbies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Last year, the ministry epted two more people. In terms of hierarchy, these two were considered newbies. However, among these ¡®newbies¡¯, the youngest one was already one year older than Qiao Nan.

    In the department, Qiao Nan was their senior. However, in terms of age, Qiao Nan had to call them her elders.

    The scene that the old people were already used to didn¡¯t mean that the young people would be epting of it. Deng Wenchang belonged to the type that could not ept such a scene. Perhaps simrly afflicted people pitied each other. The two newbies didn¡¯t have a bad rtionship with Qiao Nan, but they had a better rtionship with Deng Wenchang.

    ¡°Take a look at my document and see if there are any issues.¡± Xu Xinming handed over the document he had organized to Deng Wenchang, wanting him to help see if there were any issues. After Deng Wenchang said that everything was good, he would hand the document over to the minister.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s pen paused and he looked at Xu Xinming. ¡°Is this document urgent?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s... still alright,¡± Xu Xinming replied in embarrassment. If hepleted it earlier, he could hand it over earlier and try to impress the minister. If he handed it overter, there wouldn¡¯t be any major issues. However, what if the minister misunderstood that he was incapable orzy?

    After getting his answer, Deng Wenchang pushed his spectacles. ¡°If it¡¯s not urgent, put it aside first. When I¡¯m done with the things on my hand, I¡¯ll help you take a look again. Of course, if it¡¯s really urgent, you can hand the document directly over to the minister. The minister takes care of newbies well. After all, there is one obvious example in the department. Everyone can see that. The minister is biased toward newbies. What is there for you to worry about?¡±

    Deng Wenchang was quite unwilling to help these ¡®newbies¡¯ suck up. Regardless if it was Xu Xinming or Li Dawei, both of them paled inparison to him and Qiao Nan back then.

    Qiao Nan had always maintained a record of zero errors. Even if Deng Wenchang had some mistakes, they were minor. However, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei made more mistakes than Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang back then. It was precisely because of this that He Yi didn¡¯t dare to pass anything too important to Xu Xinming and Li Dawei.

    Sensing He Yi¡¯s attitude toward them, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei wanted to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs more. They even hoped to be promoted in the future. As such, He Yi¡¯s impression of them became more crucial.

    After a poor performance once, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei let go of the arrogance in their hearts and ignored the fact that Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang were younger than them. They had entered the ministry first and were considered to be veterans. It was normal for Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang to perform better than them since they had more years of experience.

    If he was allowed to stay in the ministry for a few years, he promised that four yearster, his performance would definitely not be worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s and Deng Wenchang¡¯s today.

    It wasmon for newbies to ask their seniors wherever they were. As such, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei didn¡¯t feel any psychological pressure or burden when they asked Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang for help.

    Once or twice, Deng Wenchang felt that these two newbies were simr to himself. They looked down on Qiao Nan a little and felt that she wasn¡¯t suited to stay in the ministry. As such, he had helped them. To give directions to Xu Xinming and Li Dawei as a senior, Deng Wenchang felt pretty good in his heart as well.

    After Xu Xinming and Li Dawei joined them, Deng Wenchang, who had been suppressed by Qiao Nan all along, had such a thought for the first time: Indeed, it wasn¡¯t that his performance was poor. It was that Qiao Nan was too perverted.

    The reality proved that the first-day performance of these two newbies, who were older than him, was far worse than his five or six years ago.

    One should know that after he joined the ministry for a year, he had begun to deal with these issues independently. There wasn¡¯t a need for him to consult the elders in the department. He handed the documents over to the ministry with great confidence. Out of ten times, he hadmitted at most one or two minor mistakes. They weren¡¯t big issues.

    Looking at Xu Xinming and Li Dawei in front of him again, Deng Wenchang¡¯s eyes shed with annoyance. ¡°Xu Xinming, do you still remember thements I made previously? As the saying goes, the more you read, the more you learn. This is still quite practical.¡± If you know that you¡¯re not as capable or don¡¯t have as much knowledge, which resulted in acking performance, then work harder and try to catch up!

    To make up for theck of professional knowledge, one should ask their elder to impart more experience to them.

    If one knew that they were incapable, they should work even harder. In the current society, age did not equate to ability. Seeing that Xu Xinming and Li Dawei weren¡¯t as capable but weren¡¯t hardworking either, Deng Wenchang couldn¡¯t help but feel irritated.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei¡¯s appearance could only make Deng Wenchang happy for a short while as he became an outstanding person among the newbies. However, after interacting more with Xu Xinming and Li Dawei, his initial sense of superiority gradually faded. When he saw Xu Xinming again today, Deng Wenchang actually developed the mindset that instead of having colleagues like Xu Xinming and Li Dawei, he¡¯d rather work with Qiao Nan.

    After having such a mindset, Deng Wenchang¡¯s rtionship with the newbies was naturally not as good as before. Furthermore, He Yi valued the rtionship he had with Qiao Nan, so even if Xu Xinming and Li Dawei didn¡¯t like Qiao Nan in private and stood by Deng Wenchang¡¯s side, their attitude toward Qiao Nan in public was still pretty friendly.

    Although Deng Wenchang wasn¡¯t someone who was offended by unreasonable things, it was obvious that Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were trying their best to please both parties. He wasn¡¯t used to this and was more unwilling to help Xu Xinming. ¡°What¡¯s your decision? Are you going to hand it over to the minister now, or let me take a look first after I¡¯m free?¡±

    After all, Xu Xinming was a newbie and wasn¡¯t thick-skinned. After sensing that Deng Wenchang¡¯s words and attitude weren¡¯t good, he blushed angrily and took the document back. ¡°Since you¡¯re so busy, how would I disturb you? I¡¯ll hand this over to the minister directly for him to take a look.¡±

 Chapter 1454 - Outstanding Among the Rest

    <h4>Chapter 1454: Outstanding Among the Rest</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As he said this, Xu Xinming specially took a look at the name of the book in Deng Wenchang¡¯s hands.

    Reading a book?

    He was reading a book at his workce and saying that he was busy?

    The rtionships Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan relied on to enter the ministry were stronger than those of his and Li Dawei. He actually dared to be absent-minded in such a grand manner and even told him he was busy? For real!

    Xu Xinming felt that it was unfair and took back his document. He handed it over to He Yi in his office. After He Yi took a look, he revealed a pained expression, as if experiencing a headache. ¡°Xiao Xu, you have to know that this is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It¡¯s a very important department to the country and people. Thus, we have a huge burden on our shoulders and we have a lot of responsibilities. I need capable talents here. It shouldn¡¯t be a case where the student hands up his homework to the teacher and the teacher has to amend the mistakes for the student.¡±

    He Yi used a pen to draw a line on it. ¡°I just read the first page and you¡¯ve already made such a huge mistake. You even got the political style of this country wrong. Take this back and see for yourself. Also, Xiao Xu, perhaps you should reconsider if this ministry really suits you.¡±

    He Yi didn¡¯t understand. Since he was capable, why didn¡¯t he choose a department which he liked and could excel in? He just had to join his Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Xu Xinming¡¯s face flushed red upon He Yi¡¯s lecturing. After apologizing, he took the document back and redid it.

    Looking at Xu Xinming¡¯s back view, He Yi shook his head in anger. ¡°Young people nowadays are all impetuous. Theyck the stubbornness and perseverance in learning.¡± It was alright to not know. Who didn¡¯t start knowing from not knowing? As long as one was willing to work hard, everything wouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    It was alright to be stupid. However, if one wasn¡¯t hardworking enough, then that was a big problem.

    He Yi couldn¡¯t hold back and called the person who got Xu Xinming into the department. ¡°This is the situation now. Are you sure you want him to continue staying here? To tell you the truth, I don¡¯t think he would develop himself well in my department. You¡¯d better rearrange his future career prospect.¡±

    The other party hesitated for a while. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. He really wants to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Don¡¯t worry. I will consider this matter well and give you an answer soon.¡±

    The other party was obviously not willing to take this lying down. He had spent a lot of effort to bring Xu Xinming into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Until now, Xu Xinming didn¡¯t have any extraordinary performance. Instead, he received a call with He Yi¡¯s criticism.

    ¡°Okay.¡± He Yi didn¡¯t think that the other party would simply dismiss the thought of letting Xu Xinming stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs just because of his call. Smart people understood the importance of this department. It wasn¡¯t the first time that a situation simr to Xu Xinming¡¯s and Li Dawei¡¯s had happened. Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang have a little of that experience as well?

    ¡°However, I have to tell you this again. There¡¯s a lot of work to be done in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Xu Xinming isn¡¯t capable in this area but I¡¯m sure there¡¯s something for him to do in this huge unit. Don¡¯t argue with me then.¡±

    At this point, it showed that He Yi had sent Xu Xinming to sit on the cold bench and it was quite impossible for him to make aeback. He Yi believed that Xu Xinming would definitely perform well in the tasks of pouring tea, ordering lunch boxes, and running errands.

    The other party didn¡¯t want Xu Xinming to leave and carried some hope. He Yi wasn¡¯t a toothless tiger who had no way to take Xu Xinming out. If Xu Xinming couldn¡¯t perform well, he would be kicked to a corner. If Li Dawei behaved the same way, He Yi wouldn¡¯t go soft on him either.

    He had to let the newbies understand that he was the minister in the ministry, not some English lecturer or professor in a university. Unless one was below the university level, under normal circumstances, a teacher would not stare at one¡¯s homework every day, take a red pen out, and mark out everything clearly on it. That¡¯s ridiculous!

    Thinking of the two newbies in the department, He Yi couldn¡¯t help but start to carefully consider who would be the more appropriate out of the two to do menial tasks. After all, after receiving their due sry from the country, there should be other things for Xu Xinming and Li Dawei to do if they couldn¡¯t be in his department.

    He had to find out what these two were good at and make the best use out of them. After all, he had to match their monthly sry with their contributions.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei didn¡¯t know that not only did He Yi not want to give them a chance to develop themselves, but he was also considering what position to arrange for them so that they could showcase their passion and shine. Did they really think they could ck off, spend each day leisurely, and get their sryfortably at the end of each month? How was there such a good thing in this world?

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had to be worthy of all the taxpayers¡¯ money in China, right?

    ¡°Ahchoo!¡±

    ¡°Ahchoo.¡±

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei, whom He Yi was muttering about, couldn¡¯t help but sneeze, startling the people in the office. ¡°Did they catch a cold by any chance?¡± If that was the case, they had to pay attention so that they could avoid getting infected.

    ¡°No.¡± Xu Xinming shook his head. ¡°My nose was just itchy for a while. Perhaps the air conditioner was too strong?¡± The air conditioner in the department was centralized. Once it was switched on fully, the temperature would drop rapidly. However, no one in the office wore short-sleeved shirts or shorts. They were all wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

    Li Dawei stood up and walked toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Qiao Nan, take a look at this. Am I right to write it in this manner?¡± Li Dawei was older than Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan entered the ministry earlier than Li Dawei. As such, both of them addressed each other directly by their names.

    Compared to Deng Wenchang, whose attitude changed ording to his mood, Qiao Nan was more objective. She would help point out some problems. However, Qiao Nan was unwilling to help others at the moment. ¡°Li Dawei, if I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, you made a grammatical mistake here. You have already asked me this a week ago. It¡¯s the same grammatical mistake. It¡¯s just that the scenario has changed. You¡¯re wrong again?¡±

    Not only did Deng Wenchang not like these two newbies, but Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel good about Xu Xinming and Li Dawei either. Qiao Nan used to be curious about Deng Wenchang¡¯s performance. Was that all an international student was capable of?

    Or was it that Deng Wenchang was considered a scum among the people educated overseas?

    Qiao Nan understood that Deng Wenchang was already considered not bad only after knowing Xu Xinming and Li Dawei.

 Chapter 1455 - Banding Together to Defeat a Newbie

    <h4>Chapter 1455: Banding Together to Defeat a Newbie</h4>

    As for her performance, it would not be out of ce to describe it as extraordinarily unique.

    As she read quite a lot, she almost had no free time at all. In addition, she had a wide circle of friends. If she needed to find any book¡ªeven if exceptionally rare ones¡ªthere would always be someone who would help her find it. In some ways, she already had some advantage by reading more and remembering more.

    Besides, with the foundation from her previous life, she was already on a different levelpared to the others. While she was in junior high school, her ssmates were still learning simple sentences. As long as Qiao Nan was willing, she could easily pass the level four and level six tests for English. In the few years that followed, Qiao Nan had never been negligent about English just because she had an additional lifetime of experience.

    Coincidentally, after she acknowledged Yuan Kang as a master, Qiao Nan¡¯s knowledge had be so profound that domestic college students and even foreign college students of the same age could not match up.

    In this way, even though Qiao Nan, Deng Wenchang, and all the others differed greatly in their ages, Qiao Nan was notcking in any knowledge whenpared to Deng Wenchang just because she had been born a few yearster.

    She knew she was extraordinarily unique. And after having known Deng Wenchang for more than five years, having officially been colleagues for four, Qiao Nan could tell that Deng Wenchang was extremely petty. While observing and narrow-mindedlyparing between the opportunities and treatments given to the two of them, Deng Wenchang was constantly improving himself at the same time.

    Unlike Xu Xinming and Li Dawei who performed poorly when they had just entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She had treated these two asplete newbies who had just arrived and could not adapt to this new environment. Slowly, the situation might change.

    But who would have known that in almost an entire year, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei did not make any progress. Every time Xu Xinming encountered a problem, he would go to Deng Wenchang for help. It was as though Li Dawei was coborating with Xu Xinming. Every time Li Dawei encountered a problem, the person he would go to was always Qiao Nan. Other than Qiao Nan, there was no one else whom he would go to.

    ¡°Really? Is that so?¡± Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Li Dawei flushed with embarrassment. ¡°I don¡¯t seem to have any impression of that.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was not loud, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was rather quiet most of the time. As such, no matter how soft Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was, it was always very noticeable in the office. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll check it through again myself. I¡¯m so sorry to trouble you again.¡±

    With lightning speed, Li Dawei took back all the information that he had just handed over to Qiao Nan. After returning to his seat, he took out his pen and made corrections with a pretended air of importance. The sight of this was enough to render someone speechless.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was the most dumbfounded. If she ever had the chance, she had to ask her senior about his thoughts. Why did he have to leave these two in such unsuitable positions?

    Today¡¯s incident was not even the first time it had happened. Li Dawei wouldmit the same mistakes that he hadmitted before after some time. He would even present them to Qiao Nan for approval, without any knowledge of his mistakes.

    This was really too careless. Truly meticulous people who are eager to learn would prepare a notebook and jot their mistakes down. Once they have time, they would then read through the notebook to refresh their memory and consolidate their knowledge. As a matter of fact, that was already a foolish way of working hard.

    People who are truly intelligent would never search for the answers and memorize them by rote only after the problem appears. People who are truly intelligent will take the initiative to find the problem and fully understand it even before the problem appears.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei could not do thetter, but they were nowhere near close to even the edge of the former.

    Even if Qiao Nan¡¯s temper was good and she did not take issue with how Xu Xinming and Li Dawei would asionally look at her with contempt and disdain, Qiao Nan had never been soft with her admonishments in situations like this. She would never be gentler with her words or let them off easily just because Li Dawei was a ¡®newbie¡¯ or because men were afraid to be embarrassed.

    The word ¡®uncivilized¡¯ was really apt in describing people like Li Dawei.

    Was it because Xu Xinming and Li Dawei felt that Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan were the youngest ¡®seniors¡¯ in the department other than them? Or was it because they thought that it would be easier tomunicate with Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan since they were of the same age?

    Even if such a situation urred today, if anything happened the next day, Xu Xinming would still go to Deng Wenchang, and Li Dawei to Qiao Nan to ask for ¡®advice¡¯.

    The thought of such a situation made Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze darken.

    A year¡¯s kindness was more than enough. A senior would normally guide a junior for at most one or two months. No one would do it for a whole year or two! If Li Dawei was not willing to stop this, she would have to find a way to prevent Li Dawei froming to bother her in the future.

    ¡°How¡¯s it going? Have you thought of a solution?¡± Deng Wenchang¡¯s voice rang out close to Qiao Nan. Lifting up her head, Qiao Nan was taken aback by Deng Wenchang¡¯s closeness to her. ¡°Why are you here? And what solution?¡±

    Ever since she changed her seating arrangement, she was no longer seated next to Deng Wenchang. Deng Wenchang knew that Qiao Nan had specifically arranged it as such so as to distance herself from him. The arrogant Deng Wenchang was still unwilling for Qiao Nan to be seated too close to him. In these four years, Deng Wenchang had always made it a point to arrogantly walk around Qiao Nan¡¯s seat instead of directly walking past by her seat.

    It had already been four years, and this was the first time did Deng Wenchang not only not make a detour around Qiao Nan¡¯s desk, but he even took the initiative to talk to Qiao Nan!

    ¡°What else could it be?¡± Deng Wenchang frowned. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You don¡¯t have to pretend in front of me. Or do you feel that it¡¯s inconvenient to speak here? We can find somewhere to chat after work. I¡¯m annoyed.¡± Those people who relied on connections to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were not scary. It was the existence of people like Xu Xinming and Li Dawei that was really destructive.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. What kind of ce is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Do you mean any kind of Tom, Dick, and Harry can enter our department to pass their time? There are so many talents in China. Since we have positions, shouldn¡¯t we leave them for those with ability? We¡¯re really not prioritizing national interests by giving our positions to people like that.¡±

    If he could, Deng Wenchang really wanted to ask He Yi personally how these two fools managed to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Deng Wenchang did not even use vicious names to name these two fools. It could be seen that Deng Wenchang¡¯s patience towards Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had already run dry.

    Based on how Deng Wenchang clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth when mentioning the names of those two, Qiao Nan was sure that Deng Wenchang was prepared to be more merciless than her. Her only request was that Xu Xinming and Li Dawei be out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 Chapter 1456 - With Comparison Comes Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 1456: With Comparison Comes Hurt</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    One should not disturb her work, let alone do something that would encumber the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ruin the country¡¯s dignity and interests.

    The difference was that Deng Wenchang seemed to be determined to chase these two people out from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    ¡°They are notpletely useless. But I do admit that they might not be suitable for their positions. I don¡¯t have any good solutions. My only solution is to ignore them. In the future, no matter what Li Dawei asks me, I¡¯ll ignore him and say that I don¡¯t know anything.¡± Qiao Nan shrugged, expressing that she was not as ruthless as Deng Wenchang.

    To think that Deng Wenchang had initially thought that she was just a pretty face that had pulled on some strings to enter the department and that he would not need much effort to kick her out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    ¡°The benevolence of women.¡± Deng Wenchang eyed Qiao Nan contemptuously before taking his leave happily. Deng Wenchang could take Qiao Nan¡¯s words for what they were. If Qiao Nan was really determined, along with help from the Zhai family, he would never have been able to survive so long in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so peacefully.

    If Qiao Nan was not going to do it, then he would have to personally take care of Xu Xinming and Li Dawei. He did not believe that He Yi did not have anything to say about newbies like that. He was only afraid that He Yi would be willing to press on to see the sess of these two people.

    What Deng Wenchang wanted to do was beyond Qiao Nan¡¯s control. What Qiao Nan could control was her perseverance to the end. Ever since Qiao Nan said that to Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan strengthened her resolve. As long as Li Dawei came asking Qiao Nan for information, she would refuse to respond. She either replied that she was too busy and had no time for him, or simply coldly rejected him by saying that she did not know either.

    With such words and such an attitude, she had made it painfully obvious.

    Li Dawei was also one who cared about his dignity. He had not expected Qiao Nan to suddenly be so cold toward him after a whole year. Moreover, it was the kind of coldness where there was not even a sliver of warmness. Shepletely refused him. Li Dawei¡¯s face darkened and he could not help but scold Qiao Nan in his heart. What was there to be proud of?

    No matter how amazing or powerful Qiao Nan was, she was still nothing but a woman. She would never be the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    He would wait for Minister He Yi to step down from his position. And then, when the new minister took over, he would forge a good rtionship with the new minister. When that time came, he would show Qiao Nan what he was worth!

    If he was not a newbie, Li Dawei would not even be willing to take on such tasks. He would be more than willing to throw them into the hands of Qiao Nan in the name of giving a newbie more opportunities to practice. If anything went wrong, Qiao Nan would take the me. But if she did well, that was all because he had taught her well. Without his guidance, how would Qiao Nan be able to perform so well?

    It was such a pity that Li Dawei entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a few years after Qiao Nan.

    Li Dawei could only dream of such a wonderful work-life from time to time. In reality, even if he had never addressed Qiao Nan, neither had he put up a haughty or arrogant attitude in front of Qiao Nan. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not even have to do anything. With so many seniors in the department, just one word from each senior would harass Li Dawei so much that he would not dare to go to work for a few days.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s reply was that she did not know. But when Xu Xinming went to ask Deng Wenchang for help, Deng Wenchang was much more impatient. ¡°Why do you always have problems? Did you not learn properly while you were in school? Or did your teachers and professors not teach you well? If that¡¯s the case, I have two suggestions for you. If the problem is you, then please go back and learn. Don¡¯t be like a primary school student who simply goes to the teacher for help when you encounter a problem. You don¡¯t even want to solve it by yourself. Of course, if the problem lies with your teacher, then shall I rmend some reliable and more knowledgeable teachers to you?¡±

    Deng Wenchang was already thirty years old but was still childless. However, when faced with Xu Xinming, he felt as though he was taking care of his son.

    If he were to have any children in the future, and if they were going to be anything like Xu Xinming, Deng Wenchang would rather be childless for the rest of his life. He would much rather be like those westerners who worked their whole lives and not have children. Anyway, there were too many people in China. The state restricted childbirth and advocated the idea of giving birth to only one child.

    Even if it was just responding actively to the national policy, it would be better not to have this child if possible¡ªor aste as possible.

    Otherwise, if he had a child like Xu Xinming, Deng Wenchang would probably want to kill himself.

    In any case, with Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan putting up their fronts and attitudes, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei no longer had the cheek to turn to these two ¡®elders¡¯ for help just as when they were newbies in the past.

    Seeing this situation, many seniors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sniggered. This should have been the way since a long time ago. If it were them, they would have long ignored thesezy youngsters. There was a difference between newbies as well. Even if Deng Wenchang thought highly about himself, other than Qiao Nan whom he could not match up to, he was miles ahead of Xu Xinming and Li Dawei!

    Under such circumstances, people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs really had no need to pay any attention to Xu Xinming or Li Dawei. With tempers like those two, there was only one word to describe them wanting to be a part of the family: impossible.

    But there was no way to teach this. Qiao Nan had to stand up on her own. As such, when Qiao Nan finally strengthened her resolve, there was not a single person in the office who felt that Qiao Nan was being a hard-hearted senior. Rather, they felt that Qiao Nan had been too kindhearted to have put up with her juniors up until today.

    Unlike Deng Wenchang, who had been frustrated for a long time. If Qiao Nan had not continued to put up with her juniors, Deng Wenchang would have started ignoring Xu Xinming long ago.

    As a newbie in the same batch, Deng Wenchang had waited for a long time, expecting Qiao Nan to say something about the situation so that he would not seem mean and harsh to the newbies.

    Once Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan hardened their attitudes, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had no other choice. The duo could onlye together to think of a solution. After all, it would be impossible for either of them to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, much less progress in their careers if they performed poorly.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m the mother of Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin, and Zhai Yu. I¡¯ll be a littlete today. Can you please ask Teacher Yu to look after my three children for half an hour? I will rush down to the school and pick up my children within an hour after school ends.¡± As she had a lot on her te, it was inevitable that she would be bound up with work.

    At such a time, everyone in the department was usually busy at the same time and no one could leave first.

    Even though He Yi knew that Qiao Nan needed to pick her children up and offered to take over part of Qiao Nan¡¯s work to allow her to leave earlier, Qiao Nan herself refused!

 Chapter 1457 - Striving for a Good Performance

    <h4>Chapter 1457: Striving for a Good Performance</h4>

    Of course, if her work efficiency was high enough and she couldplete the task in advance, nobody would talk bad about her if she made a move first.

    No matter how fast Qiao Nan rushed, she could only make herself half an hourte.

    Worried that the children couldn¡¯t wait and would head home themselves first, Qiao Nan sent a short message to the children¡¯s headmaster, Teacher Yu, when she went to the washroom. Thankfully, the three children were in the same ss. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have to send out simr messages thrice.

    Within half a minute, the children¡¯s headmaster agreed to it. Only then did Qiao Nan feel more at ease. She left the washroom in a rush.

    Everyone in the office took Qiao Nan¡¯s speed seriously. When Qiao Nan finished organizing the information on her hands and wanted to key them into herputer, the crisp sound of typing with the keyboard could be heard. In the quiet office, this sounded even stranger and more attractive.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei looked at each other. This was the first time they saw Qiao Nan using aputer. They didn¡¯t know that Qiao Nan could type so quickly and she pretty much didn¡¯t need to look at the keyboard. From her typing speed and frequency, it was obvious that an average clerk couldn¡¯t bepared to Qiao Nan.

    They turned back and thought about how they always stumbled in their typing and couldn¡¯t type much content in an hour. Xu Xinming¡¯s and Li Dawei¡¯s faces tightened. It was rare for them to be stunned at Qiao Nan¡¯s all-rounded ability.

    After finishing her work, Qiao Nan hurriedly picked up her bag and was ready to leave to pick up the children.

    However, Li Dawei blocked Qiao Nan¡¯s way when she just stood up and walked a few steps. Qiao Nan¡¯s facial expression immediately turned ugly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please get out of the way. My children are already out of school, so I have to hurry and pick them up.¡± When the 27-year-old Qiao Nan was in the unit, not only could she generously mention that she was already a married woman, but she could also bring up the fact that she had children.

    Li Dawei blushed and looked at this girl who was younger than her. Her face was like a blooming flower, and she looked younger than a female university student.

    Li Dawei wasn¡¯t young anymore. Although he was unmarried, he never stopped having girlfriends. The first time he entered the ministry, he was surprised by Qiao Nan¡¯s looks. He felt lucky that not only was there a female in the department, but more importantly, this female was so pretty.

    Who knew that once Li Dawei had such a mindset, the seniors in the unit quickly reminded him that Qiao Nan was already married with children. At that point in time, Li Dawei felt that his face had been stepped on. That was the first day he entered the ministry and he had already made such an embarrassing mistake.

    Undoubtedly, the seniors in the unit spoke to him in such a manner because they noticed something was amiss by the way Li Dawei looked at Qiao Nan.

    It could be said that Li Dawei had made a big joke the moment he entered the ministry. Even if no one should know about this, he would, at the very most, just look at Qiao Nan a while longer if he felt his heart wavering. He had never pursued Qiao Nan and didn¡¯t confess to her before. After sorting out his thoughts, Li Dawei chose topletely forget the incident that happened on his first day of work.

    Who knew that Qiao Nan would suddenly reply in such a manner? Even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mean it, Li Dawei felt ufortable in his heart that Qiao Nan mentioned she was going to the school to pick up her children. He felt that Qiao Nan was being sarcastic to him. ¡°Qiao Nan, everyone is still busy working. It¡¯s not too good if you leave first, right? Our department is a very united ce. Since you do it fast, why don¡¯t you help everyone out?¡±

    Most importantly, Li Dawei had too many things on his hands and couldn¡¯tplete them.

    Even if he was willing to work overtime today, he couldn¡¯tplete the task. As soon as he was at work tomorrow, he would have to continue doing the work from the day before. Li Dawei didn¡¯t want to do such hard work. Anyway, Qiao Nan had alreadypleted hers. Nothing was wrong if she helped everyone shoulder a little bit of work so that everyone couldplete the task as soon as possible.

    By doing so, Qiao Nan would help improve their ministry¡¯s unity.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her lips tightly and said, ¡°Li Dawei, some things need to be made clear. It hasn¡¯t been a year since you joined the ministry. As such, you might not be clear about the matters in the ministry. I feel that if you don¡¯t know the situation, you shouldn¡¯t voice out. I have interned at the ministry for half a year now, and I have worked for more than four years. It¡¯s not the first time that we have encountered a workload like today. In the past, a simr situation like today had never happened before. Why is it that we must make exceptions now that you¡¯re here?¡±

    So many people in the ministry didn¡¯t ask her for help before. How did Li Dawei be so thick-skinned to have said that they should help one another out so that the whole department could be more united?

    Sure, she could help. However, who was going to help her pick up the triplets?

    ¡°Okay, you don¡¯t have to tell me anything. Let me make this clear. Before your arrival, our ministry had never encountered such a mess before. Everyone has their own workload. We should be maintaining the work attitude of each performing its own functions. We can only improve the ministry¡¯s operations if weplete our own tasks. I¡¯ll give you a suggestion. If you really want to strengthen the ministry¡¯s unity, as long as you do something well, I believe our ministry will be more united.¡±

    Knowing that Li Dawei wasn¡¯t someone who gave up easily, Qiao Nan interrupted Li Dawei and didn¡¯t give him a chance to speak. Since she gave him face and he didn¡¯t want it, Qiao Nan felt that there wasn¡¯t a need to give Li Dawei any face anymore. ¡°You and Xu Xinming have already joined the ministry for a period of time. Back when Deng Wenchang and I joined the ministry, we practically didn¡¯t have the same kind of performance as the both of you. I feel that if you could improve your personal capabilities and not cause others trouble, I believe that without your other efforts, our department would definitely not be disunited.¡±

    At this point in time, Qiao Nan¡¯s patience for Li Dawei broke.

    She didn¡¯t understand. Li Dawei obviously knew what his shorings were. Why didn¡¯t he try to improve himself but engage in such cheap tricks every day instead? Did water enter his brain? Did he really think that the ministry purely relied on brains to get things done and emotional intelligence to improve rtionships with others?

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± After Qiao Nan said these, Li Dawei didn¡¯t reply for a long time. ¡°Seeing at how moved you look, needless to say, you have must have understood it and are feeling ashamed. No matter what, it¡¯s never toote to make amendments. Change your shorings in the future and try not to cause trouble to other colleagues.¡±

 Chapter 1458 - Stabbing Back

    <h4>Chapter 1458: Stabbing Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Firstly, you have toplete your task with 100% quality. Don¡¯t worry. We will continue to look at you like the same way before. We would definitely not look at you with tinted sses or distrust purely because of your poor work performance before.¡±

    After saying thisst sentence, Qiao Nan stepped forward and brushed past Li Dawei. She rushed out faster than before.

    Qiao Nan waste for another five minutes because of Li Dawei. If she continued to dy Teacher Yu from knocking off work, she would feel embarrassed. Also, Qiao Nan was worried that the triplets were anxious while waiting.

    When she thought of how the triplets were waiting for her in school, Qiao Nan, who was walking quickly, hated Li Dawei even more. It looked like she was too ¡®gentle¡¯ to Li Dawei just now. She should have used simpler and ruder words to make Li Dawei feel ashamed. If the triplets threw temperter because she waste, she would definitely deal with Li Dawei the next time she saw him!

    Once Qiao Nan left the office building, a car directly stopped in front of her. Qiao Nan, who was already furious, red at it. She nearly wanted to kick this car that was in her way and leave a footmark. However, upon thinking that the car was made from iron and that the footmark could be wiped off easily, Qiao Nan held it back.

    The more anxious she was, the more things were crowded together. Qiao Nan told herself not to be angry and anxious and that the triplets were still in school waiting for her.

    Before Qiao Nan could walk around the car, the car windows were winded down. A cute and familiar face was revealed and she shouted sweetly, ¡°Mom! We are here with Dad to pick you up from work!¡±

    For the triplets, today was really a huge surprise.

    Their father was a big hero outside and the triplets only saw him a few times each year. Seeing that he suddenly returned, the triplets were so happy that they screamed with joy in school. They pulled their ssmates and introduced to them, saying, ¡°This is my dad.¡± Their ssmates were only short of replying, ¡°Why are you so happy? It¡¯s as if we don¡¯t have fathers and you¡¯re the only ones who have one.¡±

    After that, they heard their dad saying that he was going to bring them along to pick their mom up and became even happier. Although they were so grown up now, they had never picked their mom up before. It was always their mom who drove to pick the triplets up and head home.

    Once they reached the office building where their mom worked, before their dad could give her a call for her to head downstairs, they already saw their mom walking out from the door and standing in front of their dad¡¯s car. This must be the legendary ¡®great minds think alike¡¯!

    ¡°San Bao, the three of you and dad came to pick me up from work?¡± Qiao Nan was stunned and didn¡¯t understand what her youngest daughter meant. After Qiao Nan blinked and recovered, she looked toward the driver¡¯s seat. Indeed, she saw a cold and eye-catching face. ¡°Brother Zhai, when did you return?¡±

    Zhai Sheng got down from the car and helped Qiao Nan open the passenger door so that she can sit in. ¡°Just today.¡± When Zhai Sheng reached home, the triplets were about to end their lessons. He was afraid to miss the children, thus he didn¡¯t leave the house. However, after realizing that the four of them hadn¡¯t reached home when they should have, Zhai Sheng drove over to the school where the triplets were studying first.

    This was the first time Zhai Sheng went to the triplets¡¯ school after they started attending primary school.

    After confirming that Zhai Sheng was really the triplets¡¯ father, Teacher Yu agreed to let him pick them up. Through Teacher Yu, Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan knocked off workte today. As such, he brought the triplets along to pick Qiao Nan up from work. It was really rare for the family of five to have a day like today.

    After Zhai Sheng pulled open the car door, Qiao Nan naturally sat in the passenger¡¯s seat. ¡°Specially came back to celebrate the triplets¡¯ birthday?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. The triplets had been going to school for a month and it was National Day soon. This meant that the triplets¡¯ birthday wasing soon as well. It was said that after bing a soldier, he would care about the nation but not the family. However, Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng did a great job.

    For example, Zhai Sheng really spent very little time at home in a year. However, he would try to spend his vacation days on days that were of special significance to his family. The day the triplets were born was naturally the most memorable. As such, wherever possible, Zhai Sheng would try to take a few days off at the end of September.

    Even if Qiao Nan was already used to Zhai Sheng¡¯s practice, there were always sudden situations in Zhai Sheng¡¯s army. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to get the children¡¯s hopes up as they would be more disappointed in the end. As such, she didn¡¯t mention this scenario. As time passed and Qiao Nan was busy with work, she only remembered that it was the end of September when she saw Zhai Sheng return. There was at least a 70% possibility that Zhai Sheng returned home because of that.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Of course, it was also to see his wife. ¡°A lot of work today?¡± He heard from his mother that Nan Nan waste for quite a bit today.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. There¡¯s just a heavy workload. What I have a headache over is that there are two troublesome newbies who joined the ministry. I could suddenly understand how disgusted Deng Wenchang felt in his heart over my appearance when I joined the ministryter than him back then.¡± The arrival of a newbie meant that there was going to be a lot of trouble.

    Initially, Deng Wenchang treated her like a bimbo and was disgusted. After that, he was naturally disgusted because her ability was above his.

    ¡°Poor working ability?¡± Zhai Sheng understood how Qiao Nan was feeling. Regardless of where it was, there would inevitably be one or two of such scenarios. Whenever Zhai Sheng encountered such a thing, he would just throw the person to the corner without saying a word.

    After training, if the person¡¯s ability wasn¡¯t bad, Zhai Sheng was willing to give him a chance to perform. If the situation was the same as before, and that person keptining about the tough training, then it was even easier for Zhai Sheng. After kicking this person to a corner, Zhai Sheng would no longer bother about him and treated him as if he didn¡¯t exist.

    What was different was that Zhai Sheng had great power and could make such arrangements. He could first allow them to train their capabilities before deciding if he should give them a chance. If they weren¡¯t capable, then no chances would be given!

    However, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t do so. She was just an ordinary employee. Even if Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were not pleasing to the eye, aside from her being able to kick Li Dawei back when he came looking for trouble, there was nothing more Qiao Nan could do.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing to have a poor working ability. The attitudes of these two newbies are very extreme. They know that they have poor capabilities but are unwilling to work hard to improve themselves. They are just like primary school children, treating their task like an assessment and keep asking around forments. I¡¯m not afraid of children being stupid. I¡¯m afraid that after teaching them, they wouldn¡¯t be hardworking.¡±

 Chapter 1459 - Saying Strange Words

    <h4>Chapter 1459: Saying Strange Words</h4>

    ¡°I have already exined a point to him once. After the matter¡¯s done, he didn¡¯t revise and digest the information. When he encountered the same problem, he still got it wrong and even came to find me. Damn it!¡±

    In front of the three children, Qiao Nan had already tried her best not to use swear words. However, she was really angered by Li Dawei. She had not encountered such a situation before with her triplets at home, let alone an adult like Li Dawei. Her children were still studying in primary school. As long as she exined a problem and the children expressed their understanding, they wouldn¡¯t make a mistake again when encountering a simr problem.

    Qiao Nan felt that Li Dawei was hopeless because he didn¡¯t digest the information he was taught. ¡°I feel that this person is probablyzy. He will do his work once, and let others pick out his mistakes afterward. That¡¯s easy and simple. I find it strange then. I¡¯m doing double work but am I being paid double?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± Aside from Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Zhai Sheng rarely heard Qiao Nan¡¯s tone being so bad when mentioning a person. Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shone. The person Nan Nan was talking about was really a ¡®genius¡¯.

    Qiao Nan turned her face and looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°What do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°He¡¯s from your department, not my army. No matter what I think, I won¡¯t be able to do anything to him.¡± Of course, unless this person had rtives who were his men. Zhai Sheng would asionally take it out on others as well.

    Qiao Nan snorted, expressing that he didn¡¯t believe Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t hide Li Dawei¡¯s name and said it out loud.

    ¡°Li Dawei.¡± Sigh. Once Qiao Nan said this name, Zhai Sheng immediately realized that the world was huge but things were always so coincidental. ¡°It looks like people from the Li family like to go this route.¡± One of them went to the army while the other went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Did the people from the Li family think that every department in China was part of their backyard? Wherever there was a good ce, they would just stuff their children there. They wouldn¡¯t even take a look to see if their children had the strength and ability in the first ce. If not for giving the Li family face, would the person surnamed Li in the armyst for so long?

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn¡¯t the only ce the Li family was eyeing. They wanted to have some influence in Zhai Sheng¡¯s army as well. Qiao Nan drank a sip of water and quickly changed the topic with Zhai Sheng because the three children were still in the backseat.

    If it were other children, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be too worried. However, once they grew up, Qiao Nan had to worry about a lot more. Her children were too smart, especially Da Bao. Not only did he understand a lot of words, but he even knew how to analyze and remember things.

    Qiao Nan had to start from herself and try her best not to put too much burden and pressure on Da Bao.

    From the rearview mirror, she saw Da Bao pulling a long face and listening carefully to what they were saying. Qiao Nan felt disheartened and smiled. ¡°Da Bao, did you forget what you promised me earlier?¡±

    Da Bao blinked. ¡°You two have said so yourselves. Er Bao and San Bao had listened as well. Without earmuffs, I can¡¯t cover my ears.¡± It was purely because he was ¡®forced¡¯ to listen to everything today. His mom couldn¡¯t put the me on him. He had kept his agreement with her and tried his best not to consider these matters.

    Er Bao and San Bao were implicated by Da Bao before they could understand what their mother¡¯s words meant. Er Bao widened his eyes at Da Bao, with an expression that spelled ¡®I really didn¡¯t expect you to be such a person¡¯. Even San Bao looked like she suffered a huge attack. ¡°Da Bao, you have be bad!¡±

    ¡°Cough.¡± Da Bao cleared his throat and pretended to look away calmly, focusing on the scenery outside the car. However, his blushing ears revealed that Da Bao wasn¡¯t used to doing such things and he was feeling shy.

    It was rare for the Zhai family to be reunited. The Zhai family enjoyed their dinner well. Among them, Old Master Zhai was the most obvious in showing this. He even got Miao Jing to bring out the best wine in the house. He took a small sip. ¡°When I was young, I loved drinking wine. It¡¯s a pity that your mother was strict and didn¡¯t allow me to drink as she felt that it would be harmful to my body. I continued to drink a lot in my lifetime. When I fought in wars, I suffered a lot of injuries. At that point in time, your mother kept crying and asked why I didn¡¯t cherish myself. If something happened to me, what would she and Yaohui do?¡±

    ¡°Dad?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart moved and she raised her eyebrows. She felt that it was strange for Old Master Zhai to be saying these words. ¡°Aren¡¯t you doing well?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui became silent. He naturally had a deeper impression of his mother than anyone else but was still second to Old Master Zhai. After Miao Jing married him and gave birth to Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng, he lost his mother not too longter.

    When his mother was gone, Zhai Yaohui knew that his father didn¡¯t want to continue living. He wanted to die together with his wife. However, his father couldn¡¯t do so. He was still young and didn¡¯t have a high rank in the army. If something happened to Old Master Zhai then as well, then the Zhai family would have copsed by now.

    The Zhai family¡¯s perseverance didn¡¯t fall but instead became stronger and stronger. This was all thanks to Old Master Zhai, who hung in there when he was young.

    Everyone else thought that Old Master Zhai, who had been seriously ill before, managed to pull through for the sake of everyone in the family and that he couldn¡¯t bear to leave his two grandsons. Only Zhai Yaohui knew that Old Master Zhai could hang in there until today because before his mother left, she pulled Old Master Zhai¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Old Zhai, my body hasn¡¯t been good since I was young, thus I only managed to give birth to a son, Yaohui. However, our Yaohui can win against all the other children in other families. Old Zhai, it could be said that I didn¡¯t disappoint your family.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave earlier. I have already guessed this in my heart. Old Zhai, you have to promise me. We only have this one son and it took great pains for us to have grandchildren. You have to help me keep an eye on them more. When you¡¯re old, it¡¯s a huge blessing to have five generations in the family. Old Zhai, if our family works hard enough, can you take a look at the four generations on my behalf?¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s grandma¡¯s health was really not good. She had been ill ever since she was in her mother¡¯s womb. When Zhai Sheng¡¯s grandma was still young, a lot of people in the same vige felt that she had the life of a servant. Nobody would dare to marry a girl like her. Within a couple of days of marriage, the bride could be gone and it would simply be too unlucky.

    However, nobody expected that the most good-looking and capable man in the vige, Old Master Zhai, would fancy her, a girl who was despised by everyone.

 Chapter 1460 - Intensifying

    <h4>Chapter 1460: Intensifying</h4>

    Knowing that thisdy was weak, could not work after marriage, and had to recuperate, a bunch of people advised Old Master Zhai to marry anyone but this sick woman. Then, that person could at least take care of the family.

    But it was as though Old Master Zhai had fallen under a spell. He insisted on marrying thisdy.

    Three years after the two married, she was still not pregnant. As such, there were rumors that thisdy had already been gued with illness the moment she was born. It seemed like not only would her lifespan be short, but she was also barren.

    Right at this time, the Second World War broke out. There was chaos within the country and people¡¯s lives were particrly hard.

    It was said that Old Master Zhai made a decision to be a soldier based on one incident. Japan had invaded China and hadmitted countless atrocities. In particr, the ¡®Three Alls¡¯ policy generated hate from the Chinese. In Old Master Zhai¡¯s vige, there was a good harvest every year. And thus, it was only natural that it caught their attention.

    Old Master Zhai heard that the Japanese insulted Chinese women upon seeing them and his eyes burned with fury. Upon confirming the information that a small Japanese band of soldiers with guns wasing to his vige to rob the vigers, Old Master Zhai made up his mind. He banded together with the vigers and wiped out all the Japanese troops at once.

    After burying these Japanese troops, Old Master Zhai took the Japanese guns and bullets for himself and organized a vige militia to protect the vige.

    When an officer of the Red Army heard of this, he spotted some innate talent in Old Master Zhai and wanted to put such a talent to good use. Old Master Zhai¡¯s family was rather well-to-do in the vige. When he was younger, Old Master Zhai even studied in the town¡¯s private school. Thus, he was literate and civilized.

    If it was not for his excellent family background, Old Master Zhai would not be so popr amongst the vige girls.

    Then again, because Old Master Zhai was literate, his experiences were different from the ordinary folks¡¯. He knew that he had to protect his country if he wanted to protect his family. Even if he was able to protect his family alongside the vigers, he knew that as long as China did not win over Japan and chased the Japanese out of the country, such an incident was bound to happen again and again.

    If he wanted to protect his family, he would first have to protect the nation.

    And so, Old Master Zhai made a decision that shocked the whole vige. He decided to join the army.

    Upon hearing such an answer, everyone was dumbfounded. Thedy whom Old Master Zhai had married was not in good health and neither was she delicate. But Old Master Zhai liked her. Everyone in the vige knew that Old Master Zhai treated his wife like a gem. Thisdy had probably umted luck over a few lifetimes to meet such a good man like Old Master Zhai.

    But the problem was that once Old Master Zhai joined the army, there would be no one to take care of this frail and weakdy. Was Old Master Zhai really willing to leave his wife without anyone to take care of her? Was he not afraid that without his care, she would not be able to take it and would pass on just like that?

    Of course, Old Master Zhai was not such an unreliable person. Before leaving, he made arrangements for Grandma Zhai¡¯s life. Grandma Zhai was extremely supportive of Old Master Zhai¡¯s career and told Old Master Zhai that she had survived and lived well for eighteen years before marrying him.

    There was no reason that she would not be able to take care of herself and starve herself to death only three years after marrying him. She would much rather rely on herself. She promised to take good care of herself and await the return of Old Master Zhai.

    After the couple agreed on it, Old Master Zhai took with him only one set of clothes and two pairs of shoes that his wife had made for him and joined the army. Coincidentally, the night before he left, the woman who had be known in the vige as the precious hen who could noty eggs became pregnant.

    Fortunately, the timing could be matched. Grandma Zhai did not like to go out, and neither did she have any goings with other men. With Old Master Zhai in the army, the vigers were also willing to help take care of Grandma Zhai. All the vige elders and men knew that the baby in Grandma Zhai¡¯s stomach had to be Old Master Zhai¡¯s.

    Ten monthster, a baby was born.

    The moment Zhai Yaohui opened his eyes, there was not a single person in the vige who questioned whom the father of this child might be. Just based on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face, which looked like it had been formed from the same mold as Old Master Zhai, alone, there would be no one who would believe that the two were not father and son.

    Grandma Zhai had survived through such arduous times. And even without her husband at her side, she brought up a strong baby all the same. Gradually, the vigers changed their attitudes toward Grandma Zhai. Although her body was a little weak, she could still have children, raise children, and take care of the family. She was really not a bad woman.

    In the days that Old Master Zhai was not by their side, everyone thought that Grandma Zhai and Zhai Yaohui were livingfortably. Only Zhai Yaohui knew just how hard it was for his mother to raise him. If it was not for him, his mother would not be in such poor health. After the founding of the People¡¯s Republic of China, she did not enjoy many years of happiness before she passed on. Thankfully, she did have the chance to see her grandchildren.

    The early death of Grandma Zhai could be said to be an old sore of Old Master Zhai and Zhai Yaohui that couldn¡¯t be touched.

    Even after so many years, Old Master Zhai still could not forget Grandma Zhai. But he rarely spoke about Grandma Zhai in front of his whole family. As such, it was no wonder Miao Jing was so taken aback when he had suddenly mentioned it today.

    ¡°Dad, eat more vegetables.¡± Miao Jing had a little impression of her mother-inw. When she had just married into the family, her mother-inw was already ill in bed and they saw each other at most twice a day. Every time she went to look after her mother-inw, the smell of medicine was stinging. Of course, it was not that Miao Jing was unwilling to take care of her sick mother-inw. But as long as it concerned Grandma Zhai, Old Master Zhai did not like others to interfere and preferred to do it himself.

    Old Master Zhai had said that because of the war, he had only had a mere three years of time that he was able to properly spend with her after marriage. Now that their daughter-inw had married into the family and the country was at peace, he could finally stay by Grandma Zhai¡¯s side.

    When Zhai Sheng was born and weaned, Grandma Zhai could no longer take it and passed on in the next spring.

    While Old Master Zhai fought in the war, he had umted countless injuries and performed well. He had be a soldier early and made great achievements. With that, the people in charge acquiesced in Old Master Zhai¡¯s retirement and even gave Zhai Yaohui more opportunities to make up for Old Master Zhai¡¯s early retirement.

    As Zhai Yaohui set his sights on climbing thedder, Old Master Zhai had still notpletely recovered from the pain of losing his wife. Miao Jing quietly took up the responsibility of caring for the family. She not only had to take care of her elders and her children, but when she went out, she also had to endure Qi Min¡¯s ridicule and mockery. It could be said that the two to three years following Grandma Zhai¡¯s death were the hardest in Miao Jing¡¯s life.

    When Zhai Yaohui defeated Shi Peng, Zhu Chengqi became the youngest middle-aged chief through his own efforts, skills, and outstanding performance, thus intensifying Qi Min¡¯s mockery of Miao Jing.

 Chapter 1461 - Something Was Amiss with the Old Master

    <h4>Chapter 1461: Something Was Amiss with the Old Master</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this time, it was almost the end of the seventies and the beginning of the eighties.

    Aside from the tomboy Zhai Hua, there was only a female, Miao Jing, in the Zhai family. Miao Jing was bullied by Qi Min, and she didn¡¯t even have a close friend. Perhaps she was too agitated from Qi Min¡¯s bullying that after Old Master Zhai walked out from the sadness of Grandma Zhai¡¯s early passing, Miao Jing handed over her two children for Old Master Zhai to bring up. She stayed by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side, and as the chief of the army¡¯s wife, she flew around with Zhai Yaohui on business trips.

    At that time, outsiders really didn¡¯t perceive the Zhai family to be so morous.

    Old Master Zhai mentioned this today not to say anything else. It was just that he remembered Grandma Zhai¡¯s crying expression when he got injured. Who would have imagined that Old Master Zhai, who had fought in wars and lived in snowy mountains before, could live to his eighties and watch his three great-grandchildren go to school? However, Grandma Zhai could only see the birth of her two grandchildren.

    Old Master Zhai was old. He used to say that men seldom lived to their seventies. Furthermore, Old Master Zhai was already in his eighties. He had really led a long life.

    Today, listening to Old Master Zhai mentioning Grandma Zhai¡¯s passing, everyone in the Zhai family felt uneasy.

    Old Master Zhai, who had caused the people around him to feel uneasy, didn¡¯t realize this at all. After saying this, he kept his expression. Seeing that everyone was staring at him and not eating, he said, ¡°Why are all of you looking at me? Could it be that I have a flower blooming on my face? I¡¯m old. It¡¯s normal for me to think about the past. Okay, hurry up and eat. If you don¡¯t, the triplets will be too frightened and not eat as well.¡±

    The triplets were still young. Old Master Zhai didn¡¯t feel that they could understand anything. They must have been influenced by the emotions of adults.

    Miao Jing looked at Zhai Yaohui worriedly. Old Master Zhai had always been healthy. His mental health was good as well. The problem was his age. After hearing her father-inw say the words her mother-inw had said before her passing, she felt cold in her heart, as if it was an ominous sign.

    Zhai Yaohui patted the back of Miao Jing¡¯s hand, signaling her not to worry. ¡°What are you looking at? Haven¡¯t you heard what Old Master said? The weather¡¯s hot now. Cold dishes don¡¯t taste as nice as hot ones. Da Bao, eat a little more.¡± Zhai Yaohui was worried about Old Master Zhai as well. However, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t say anything or ask anything now.

    After the meal, Old Master Zhai was the first to return to his room to rest. Qiao Nan took care of the triplets first. After they fell asleep, Qiao Nan went to find Zhai Sheng as she was worried. ¡°Brother Zhai, why do you think the old master mentioned the past when everything¡¯s fine? How about you apany him tonight?¡±

    With elderly in the family, especially after they had behaved as such, under normal circumstances, the young people at home wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep with ease.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Even without Qiao Nan mentioning it, Zhai Sheng had such an intention. The most memories he had when he was young was Old Master Zhai¡¯s back view. When he saw Old Master Zhai looking blissful and sad every time he mentioned Grandma Zhai, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart becameplicated and contradictory.

    If it was possible, he didn¡¯t want to be caught in a woman¡¯s hand, like his grandpa. After this woman was gone, his grandpa had almost lost the motivation to continue living. This was simply too scary for Zhai Sheng, who was always calm and rational. It was so scary that he couldn¡¯t imagine the procedure.

    Hepletely couldn¡¯t ept that he would be the same as his grandpa one day. Besides yearning about a woman day and night, he would see the safety of her as more important than his own life. After his grandpa lost his grandma¡¯spany, he often gave Zhai Sheng a feeling of darkness and despair.

    How was Zhai Sheng willing to let all his emotions and feelings to be controlled by a woman?

    It was just that after seeing the example of Old Master Zhai and Grandma Zhai, regardless of how superfluous Zhai Sheng¡¯s worries were, the nonsensical thoughts he had when he was young became absurd after he met such a person. Wouldn¡¯t it be fine as long as he cherished and protected his own family in a peaceful age?

    To meet a woman whom he could love as much as his grandpa did his grandma, it wasn¡¯t a disaster in his life but God¡¯s blessing.

    After the couple discussed, Zhai Sheng carried a pillow downstairs to find Old Master Zhai. When he was heading down, Zhai Sheng coincidentally bumped into Zhai Yaohui, who also came out of the room with a pillow. ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Both father and son had the same idea. Without having to say anything, everyone understood each other. ¡°I¡¯ll apany him tonight. You¡¯ll apany him tomorrow.¡± Old Master Zhai was already old. Zhai Yaohui had already started to worry about Old Master Zhai¡¯s health condition.

    Even Zhai Yaohui was a little shocked at what the old master had said today.

    ¡°No, I spend less time at home. If nothing¡¯s wrong with the old master, then that would be the best. If I¡¯m not at home, Da Bao is still young. At that time, you will have to work harder.¡± Zhai Sheng disagreed. He spent too little time at home. As such, during the time he was around, he hoped to spend more time with his family.

    When he was young, he had grown up with Old Master. Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua¡¯s feelings for the old master didn¡¯t pale inparison to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s.

    ¡°Okay, why are you standing at the door? If you really want to, both of you can apany him.¡± Miao Jing heard some sounds at the door. It seemed that Zhai Yaohui hadn¡¯t headed downstairs yet. Donning slippers, Miao Jing came out to take a look and saw Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng standing by the door, discussing who should go and find Old Master Zhai.

    ¡°Count with your fingers yourself. Which one of you had spent more time by the old master¡¯s side? If there¡¯s a chance, the three generations should spend more time together. There¡¯s nothing bad to that. Hurry up and go.¡± Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t winter yet. If it was winter and they were discussing as such, they would first catch a cold before arriving at a decision.

    After listening to Miao Jing¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng looked at each other and felt that made sense. Old peopleckpanionship. They wouldn¡¯t dislike it if their juniors apanied them more.

    It was rare that the three generations could spend time together. Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng listened to Miao Jing¡¯s suggestions and both of them crept into Old Master Zhai¡¯s room.

    Zhai Yaohui stepped forward to take a look at the old master. He lowered his voice and said to Zhai Sheng, ¡°All¡¯s good. The old master¡¯s sleeping well.¡±

    Upon hearing Old Master Zhai¡¯s heavy breathing, Zhai Sheng nodded. ¡°The old master should be snoring in a bit. I¡¯ll make the bed.¡±

 Chapter 1462 - Death Will Come Eventually

    <h4>Chapter 1462:</h4>

    <h4>Death Will Come Eventually</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There was no shortage of such nkets in the Zhai family. As soldiers, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng had lived through much tougher circumstances. Tonight, they had justid down a futon in Old Master Zhai¡¯s room. Because the warm temperatures of September had notpletely passed, it was much more cooling to sleep on the floor rather than the bed, even if the floor was a little hard.

    After a night, Zhai Sheng, who was in his early thirties, did not feel anything at all. On the other hand, Zhai Yaohui, who was almost sixty, was feeling sore all over, and he looked frail.

    Seeing Zhai Yaohui in this state, Miao Jing quickly pulled Zhai Yaohui back to their room and helped Zhai Yaohui massage his back and waist. ¡°You¡¯re already quite senior in age. Just admit it.¡± In the past, there was no way that Old Zhai would face such severe consequences from sleeping on the floor for one night.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face darkened as he eyed Miao Jing impatiently. ¡°Are you disdaining me because I¡¯m old? Weren¡¯t you happy the night before yesterday?¡± Had his performance been so poor that he had been unable to satisfy Miao Miao?

    Miao Jing¡¯s face flushed with anger and shended a hard p squarely on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s back. ¡°You old foggy! What are you bbering about? The triplets are still young. Just wait and see how I¡¯ll deal with you if the triplets hear these dirty words.¡± Miao Jing did not wish for Da Bao and Er Bao to know too much and speak like hooligans.

    As for San Bao, she should be a pure girl who was clear like crystal. These dirty words were in no way suitable for any of her grandchildren to hear.

    Zhai Yaohui was dissatisfied. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one talking about it?¡±

    ¡°Did I mean that?¡± Miao Jing retorted with a shout.

    ¡°To men, as long as you mention it, that is what you mean!¡± Zhai Yaohui refused to back down.

    Qiao Nan, who had wanted to ask if she could help with anything, stood awkwardly at the door. She had inadvertently overhead her parents-inw flirting and felt second-hand embarrassment.

    In the past two years, Qiao Nan had clearly felt that her parents-inw¡¯s rtionship had improved tremendously aspared to ten years ago.

    At such a time, Qiao Nan naturally would not have been so foolish to knock on the door to interrupt her parents-inw. Instead, she got the triplets, who had already woken up and changed, to quickly head downstairs for breakfast before sending them to school.

    ¡°Great-grandpa!¡± Da Bao shouted loudly when he saw Old Master Zhai return to drink soymilk after shadowboxing.

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s expression lightened and he burst into a wide smile. ¡°Ah, good morning, Da Bao! Our Zhai family¡¯s children should be like this indeed. Greeting with a loud voice, just like shoutingmands in the army. Come, Da Bao. Come drink soymilk with great-grandpa!¡±

    Da Bao nodded and automatically sat next to Old Master Zhai, holding up his cup and drinking his soymilk. Old Master Zhai valued Da Bao but loved Er Bao and San Bao all the same. So the soymilk that the three children drank was all poured by Old Master Zhai alone.

    As such, Er Bao and San Bao had never felt as though their great-grandfather, Old Master Zhai, was ever biased. Their great-grandfather loved all three of them equally.

    ¡°Great-grandpa, we¡¯ve eaten our fill and we¡¯re going to school now.¡± Upon finishing their meal, the three children did not need any reminders or help from the adults. They picked up their hefty bags and followed obediently after Qiao Nan to take their leave.

    Old Master Zhai nodded with a smile. ¡°Okay. Great-grandpa will wait for you to return home.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± the three children replied in unison. Only with that did they let their mother send them to school.

    Qiao Nan and her children went to work and school respectively. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng, who rarely had time to spend at home, was idle with nothing to do. Zhai Sheng had discussed it with Qiao Nan, and he would find something to upy himself with. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going next door to see Old Lin. Nan Nan said that Old Lin rarelyes out to walk around nowadays. Sometimes, Nan Nan takes the three children to visit Old Lin but he is never willing to open the door for the four of them.¡±

    It was not just Old Master Zhai that worried them, but Lin Yuankang worried them too.

    The problem was that if Lin Yuankang did not open the door for them to enter, Qiao Nan could not possibly force the door open and scare Old Lin. But after a few days of not seeing Old Lin, Qiao Nan had be very uneasy. If not for the few sentences that they exchanged through the door, Qiao Nan might even think that...

    Qiao Nan did not understand why Old Lin refused to see her and her three children anymore. And since she could not make any progress, the only person Qiao Nan could call on for help was Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Miao Jing sighed anxiously. ¡°Old Lin is around the same age as our old master. I know that Nan Nan has been so worried about Old Lin¡¯s health these days that she hasn¡¯t been able to sleep well.¡±

    The mention of this topic made Miao Jing¡¯s eyes turn red.

    When the elderly reach a certain age, there is only one thing that their family constantly worries about. Moreover, Old Lin and Old Master Zhai¡¯s health was deteriorating by the year. It was not as if they did not know that.

    Two years ago, Old Zhu could no longer hold on and among the veteran revolutionaries, and he was the first to pass on.

    At Old Zhu¡¯s age, passing on could have been seen as a closure as well as joyful. But as joyful as it was, losing a loved one was ultimately painful for the Zhu family.

    Zhu Chengqi had already lost his wife at a young age. And now that even his father had passed on, he only had his son, Zhu Baoguo, by his side. Even though Zhu Chengqi had never uttered a single word, Miao Jing could still sense deep sorrow and loneliness in this tough chief.

    The only thing the Zhu family could rejoice about was that Old Zhu had always kept Zhu Baoguo in his mind before his death. Zhu Baoguo was already a young man of over twenty years old. As a mother, Qiao Nan did not want to say, but her children could fend for themselves and were already in kindergarten. But there was nothing from Zhu Baoguo¡¯s side. Old Zhu said that he was uneasy if he were to leave just like that.

    In order to reassure the old man, Zhu Baoguo told Old Zhu that he actually had a girlfriend and that his girlfriend was Shi Qing. It was just that the two of them were too passionate about the army and did not want to get married too early. Hence, they had kept it under wraps.

    Zhu Chengqi and Shi Peng had all along known about the situation between the two children. Thus, the two of them decided to arrange for the engagement of their children before Old Zhu passed on so as to reassure him.

    Old Zhu was rather satisfied with Shi Qing as his granddaughter-inw. He personally witnessed Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing exchange engagement rings. And maybe it was because his wish had been fulfilled that Old Zhu passed on that very night. When the Zhu family found him, Old Zhu¡¯s lips were still curled up in a smile.

    Half a yearter, Old Zhu¡¯s inw, who was also a family friend of the Qiao family, passed on as well. With the deaths of two veteran revolutionaries, everyone felt uneasy. Especially those of simr age, they were worried and did not know when such a day woulde for them too. Perhaps if they shut their eyes today, they would never open them again.

    The death of Old Lee cast another shadow on the Zhu family. On the day of Old Lee¡¯s funeral, Qiao Dongliang specially rushed back from Ping Cheng to mourn Old Lee¡¯s death.

 Chapter 1463 - Elder Lin Was Seriously Ill

    <h4>Chapter 1463: Elder Lin Was Seriously Ill</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing Elder Lee¡¯s deceased portrait, Qiao Dongliang cried uncontrobly. His agitated look wasparable to Elder Lee¡¯s children. Qiao Dongliang remembered that after he lost his father, Elder Lee was like a father to him as he helped him, took care of him, and watched him form a family.

    Even if Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t an understanding wife and loving mother and their lives were a mess in theter days, Qiao Dongliang never put the me for these things on Elder Lee and felt that it was his fault. Ding Jiayi was his wife. If something was wrong with Ding Jiayi, she should be managed by him, the husband.

    He was the one who didn¡¯t realize it and let Ding Jiayi have the chance to teach one of them bad and neglect the other of them, causing a family to be scattered. Words couldn¡¯t describe the sadness Qiao Dongliang felt when he thought of how much Elder Lee had helped him but he couldn¡¯t do much in the end to repay him.

    He even developed the worry that he would be like Elder Lee someday, where he suddenly couldn¡¯t see the sun of the next day.

    If other families had the same worry, the Zhai family naturally felt that way as well.

    After arriving at the Lin family¡¯s home next door, Zhai Sheng pressed the doorbell. Who knew that before Zhai Sheng could state his identity, the door of the Lin family¡¯s home opened electronically.

    Zhai Sheng was stunned and formed negative thoughts in his heart. Elder Lin refused to see Nan Nan and the triplets but was willing to open the door for him at this moment. It was afraid that Elder Lin¡¯s situation was no longer optimistic.

    Thinking of how much respect and importance Qiao Nan ced for Elder Lin, as well as how close his triplets were to him, Zhai Sheng¡¯s face sank. His footsteps were no longer as powerful as before. Instead, there was a feeling of stagnation.

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Upon seeing Zhai Sheng, Elder Lin smiled. It was just that when Zhai Sheng saw Elder Lin¡¯s skinny face, his heart felt like it had been hammered and he nearly couldn¡¯t breathe. ¡°Elder Lin, why did you...¡± Be so skinny?

    Seeing that Elder Lin was seated in a wheelchair, Zhai Sheng guessed that his weight should be lighter than an average woman¡¯s. ¡°Are there issues with your health? If yes, don¡¯t worry. We can rush to the hospital for treatment. Nan Nan will apany you. She¡¯s willing to do so.¡± Nan Nan mentioned before that she wanted to take care of him.

    Elder Lin smiled confidently and happily, ¡°I know. I epted this disciple myself. I know too clearly what kind of girl she is.¡± It was said that no filial son could be found by the bedside of a parent with long-time illness. However, he could proudly tell everyone that by his bedside, there would definitely be Qiao Nan, his disciple, who would not abandon him.

    It was just that one couldn¡¯t be so selfish.

    He Yi told him that this period of time was most critical for Qiao Nan. Through these years of hard work, Qiao Nan¡¯s capability and ability were not only recognized by a lot of people in the ministry but also by the leaders in the central authority, who understood that Qiao Nan, who was like new blood, existed and was injected into the ministry.

    There was nothing absolute in this world. There wasn¡¯t a female diplomat or minister in the history of China in the past. This didn¡¯t mean that there couldn¡¯t be one now.

    Lin Yuankang didn¡¯t want his matters to distract Qiao Nan. He wasn¡¯t afraid that nobody was willing to take care of him if he was sick and hospitalized. Instead, he was too worried about Nan Nan¡¯s filial piety to him. She would definitely apply for leave just to take care of him and miss the best chance to perform in vain. She would not leave him and would take care of him until hisst breath.

    No. He couldn¡¯t do that.

    He had worked so hard for so long and helped his disciple so much so that she could persist until today. Wasn¡¯t this all in hope that she could rece He Yi when he relinquished his role?

    His disciple now had the ability and qualifications. Her poprity in the ministry was also high. If something happened at this time, wouldn¡¯t his and his disciple¡¯s efforts and hard work for the past ten years be in vain?

    Zhai Sheng said in a low voice which carried with it a hint of disapproval, ¡°You should understand that if Nan Nan knows about the truth, she would definitely not be able to ept it and would feel pained. Nan Nan has a thin affinity with kinship. It could be said that Nan Nan¡¯s frozen heart was thawed because of your appearance back then and your care and love for her. To Nan Nan, you are her close kin. No one else could be more important in this world.¡±

    Of course, career couldn¡¯t.

    When Lin Yuankang epted Qiao Nan as a disciple, Qiao Dongliang was still a fool and Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart was biased.

    If not for Zhai Sheng¡¯s help and Lin Yuankang¡¯s approval, even if Qiao Nan could persevere and survive, her heart wouldn¡¯t have been able to be warm, let alone believe that others would have true feelings for her.

    Only Zhai Sheng, the person sleeping next to her, knew best that Elder Lin¡¯s appearance was the first beam of sunlight in Qiao Nan¡¯s life, who was in despair back then.

    Elder Lin sniffed and his voice became low. ¡°I know. Of course I know. This kid has a great heart. I understand. It¡¯s precisely because I understand that I can¡¯t. I have not lived my life for nothing. It has been pretty exciting. What you don¡¯t know is that I have been feeling empty as well. Nan Nan¡¯s my disciple. I dote on her like she¡¯s my daughter at times and love and protect her like she¡¯s my granddaughter at others. How would I bear for her to be sad and me herself?¡±

    Only heaven, earth, he, and his disciple knew who exactly was whose savior.

    ¡°No one can change matters of birth, death, illness, and old age. If Nan Nan stays by my side for a few more days, I won¡¯t live for a few more hours. However, I know that Nan Nan¡¯s heart has always been by my side. That¡¯s enough.¡± How could he let his own health burden his disciple¡¯s future?

    Two words: No way!

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, I let you see me today for the sake of widening Nan Nan¡¯s and the triplets¡¯ hearts. Perhaps, on the day that I leave, Nan Nan will me you. However, you must remember that you¡¯re a man. You should hold the sky up for Nan Nan. You have to tolerate her scoldings and beatings. We are doing this for the sake of Nan Nan. After I leave, you have to help me dote on her more, okay?¡±

    At Elder Lin¡¯s old age, he had seen all kinds of asions and experienced all kinds of life-and-death scenarios. However, now that it was his turn, he finally understood howplicated and pained his feelings were.

    When he was young, he was often scolded and beaten. In a foreign country, he fought hard to survive. Even if he had a hard time, he didn¡¯t shed a single tear.

    However, when Zhai Sheng mentioned Qiao Nan and the triplets, Elder Lin couldn¡¯t hold it back. Tears seeped out from the corners of his eyes. ¡°I... I can¡¯t bear it.¡±

 Chapter 1464 - Itâ€™s Too Difficult to Persevere

    <h4>Chapter 1464: It¡¯s Too Difficult to Persevere</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nan Nan¡¯s family rtionship was shallow, and so was his. No matter how much fame, fortune, and power he had, he still did not have any family by his side.

    Nan Nan¡¯s appearance truly filled a gap in his life.

    He had lived for eighty-odd years, but only in the ten-over years after epting Qiao Nan as a disciple did he really feel that he was living a good life.

    Old Lin always wondered why he had to ¡®leave¡¯ his good life so quickly in a blink of an eye after having endured so many hardships throughout his life.

    Every time he did not allow Qiao Nan and her three children to enter his house to see him, he saw the expressions on their faces. The person who was the most miserable from this was Old Lin. The moment Qiao Nan and her children left, Old Lin would lock himself in his room and not even open it for the auntie who took care of him.

    Even though Old Lin had made mental preparations, he still felt as though he was being stabbed when he finally opened up to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I entrusted Nan Nan to you. If you don¡¯t take good care of Nan Nan and let her suffer, I¡¯ll never let you go.¡±

    He no longer had any energy to continue protecting her. No matter how painful it was for Old Lin, or how much he could not let her go, he could only pass this sweet burden on to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°What illness?¡± Zhai Sheng did not reply, but Lin Yuankang knew that Zhai Sheng had agreed. After all, it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife and children they were talking about. Looking at Old Lin¡¯s frail body, Zhai Sheng shut his eyes and asked somberly.

    ¡°Stomach cancer.¡± In the face of his incurable disease, Old Lin replied calmly. ¡°It¡¯s in thete stage. There¡¯s no way of curing it.¡±

    ¡°How did it happen? Didn¡¯t you notice it earlier?¡± Zhai Sheng knew that if it was in the early or intermediate stages, it could still be cured.

    At this point, Old Lin was able to speak calmly with Zhai Sheng about his health problems. ¡°I did find out about it early.¡± With Qiao Nan as his disciple and his three lovely little apprentices, Old Lin thought that his life was a bed of roses and that his life was getting better and better.

    But as soon as one knows that his end is near, he will naturally start to appreciate life.

    Knowing that he was no longer young, he knew that there were parts of his body that were sure to ¡®malfunction¡¯ and need ¡®fixing¡¯. This was the only way to ensure he would lead a long life so that he could spend more time with Qiao Nan and her three children. And so, with such consciousness of his health, Lin Yuankang went to the hospital for physical examinations from time to time.

    Actually, the first time that the doctor found a problem with Old Lin¡¯s stomach was four years ago. That was thest time Old Lin went abroad for a business trip for the country while protected by Peng Yu.

    At that time, Old Lin not onlypleted the task that had been assigned to him by the state, but he had also gone to confirm his health status. After receiving the same diagnosis, Old Lin bought the treatment n from foreign doctors and returned to China for the Chinese doctors to treat him.

    At that time, Old Lin was suffering from only intermediate stomach cancer.

    As long as he removed the tumor and the tumor did not recur, Old Lin would recover.

    After a round of surgery, the doctor observed Old Lin for half a year and dered that Old Lin had recovered. But the doctor also reminded Old Lin that even though he had recovered, he should continue to return to the hospital for checkups just in case so as to avoid the recurrence of cancer and ate discovery.

    Although the first few years had been fine, when Old Lin returned to the hospitalst year for his checkup, he was not only informed that his stomach cancer had recurred but that his cancer had skipped the early and intermediate stages and had reached itste stage! There was no cure for it!

    After contracting cancer, Old Lin was willing to endure chemotherapy and medications. But there was no way his old body could endure such torture. Gradually, Old Lin was afraid that Qiao Nan would notice something amiss, so he made up the excuse that his legs were weak and asked the caretaker to push him around in a wheelchair. In this way, Old Lin put on more andrger clothes and covered his legs with a nket, saying that his legs were frail and could not withstand the wind blowing on it. Moreover, even when the two of them met, Old Lin never allowed Qiao Nan to stay in his presence for long.

    After half a year, Qiao Nan indeed mentioned asionally that Old Lin had lost some weight. But every time she asked Old Lin about it, he would deny it. Once, Old Lin even said, ¡°I¡¯ve lost weight, but it¡¯s quite normal. I¡¯m already old and I don¡¯t exercise much. My appetite is also not as good as you youngsters. People who gain weight at my age probably don¡¯t exist, right?¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan thought for a while. Indeed, she had never seen anyone who had gained weight at Old Lin¡¯s age. And so, Qiao Nan dismissed her suspicions. How would she have known that Old Lin would y a silly trick and put up a false front, sessfully cheating her? After all, she had never thought negatively and was thus naturally less suspicious.

    The caretaker auntie had been working for Old Lin for several years. Although Old Lin did not have any family, his temper was good and he was quite a good man. Whenever the caretaker auntie faced any troubles, like financial problems at home, Old Lin would always extend a helping hand.

    Thus, knowing that Old Lin wanted to hide it from Qiao Nan, the caretaker auntie helped out. Without her help, Old Lin would never have been able to hide it from Qiao Nan up until today.

    Hearing that Old Lin had admitted to Zhai Sheng that he was critically ill, the caretaker auntie could not help but cry out. ¡°Now, Old Lin practically can¡¯t eat anything.¡± A few months ago, Uncle Lin used to eat and then throw up, and then eat again.

    Because Uncle Lin knew that if he did not eat, he would be weak and without energy. Such an intelligentdy like Qiao Nan would definitely suspect something.

    Watching Old Lin force himself to eat in pain, the caretaker auntie was tempted to tell Qiao Nan the truth from time to time or snatch the food away from Old Lin. It¡¯s said that living is better than death, but living in this way was simply excruciating.

    Now, Old Lin¡¯s illness had reached such an advanced stage that he was no longer able to eat.

    Old Lin could no longer eat. That was a given. With his health condition, even if he deteriorated slowly, he would still deteriorate as long as he was still alive. In a mere two to three days, Old Lin, who was not fat to begin with, lost so much weight that he seemed like a skeleton.

    How could Old Lin allow Qiao Nan and her children to see him in such a state?

    Old Lin was a man. He did not care about beauty. But even then, he could not ept his appearance, let alone others. Hence, when Zhai Sheng entered Lin¡¯s house and found out about it, he found that there were no reflective ss surfaces in the entire house, much less a mirror.

    The caretaker auntie had been watching how Old Lin lived every day in pain and torture. Today, seeing that Zhai Sheng hade to visit, she was actually rather happy. She hoped that Zhai Sheng would be able to convince Old Lin to make up his mind and free himself. Really, it was much better to die than live like this.

 Chapter 1465 - The Last Perseverance

    <h4>Chapter 1465: The Last Perseverance</h4>

    The auntie expressed that if this were to happen to her, it was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to survive for three months, let alone a year, which was how long Elder Lin had persevered for.

    She¡¯d rather die readily instead of being tortured endlessly every day. Even if he had fallen asleep, his eyebrows were knitted together due to the pain he was experiencing. Within ten minutes, he would definitely wake up.

    The auntie knew that she couldn¡¯t tolerate the repeated process of waking up from the pain and trying to fall asleep after that. She would definitely go crazy.

    However, this thin old man in front of her had hung in there for so long. The auntie cried every day. She cried so much that tears couldn¡¯t seem to flow out today.

    After listening to her words, Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood became gloomier. ¡°Elder Lin, have you really decided to tell Nan Nan the truth only after you have persevered to the veryst moment? I¡¯m worried that your perseverance will let Nan Nan regret for life as she won¡¯t have the chance to see you for the veryst time. Elder Lin, you choose to hide from Nan Nan in the name of her own good butpletely ignore the pain she will feel after knowing the truth. Elder Lin, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too selfish?¡±

    In Nan Nan¡¯s heart, career would never be ranked above kinship.

    Elder Lin revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry. ¡°It¡¯s not the first day you and Nan Nan know about my bad character. I¡¯m old and about to die. Could it be that you¡¯re not willing to let me be stubborn for thest time before I die? I feel heartache for Nan Nan. I can¡¯t ept Nan Nan crying in front of me. No, I can¡¯t.¡±

    Elder Lin choked a sob and couldn¡¯t continue his words.

    If he had a choice, he wouldn¡¯t wish for this as well. It was just that when he thought of his disciple and the triplets crying, Elder Lin realized that his heartache was three times stronger than the physical pain his body was suffering from. Everyone said that he had a heart of stone and didn¡¯t care about rtionships. However, he realized he wasn¡¯t that strong. He couldn¡¯t even handle a single tear from his disciple and the triplets.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, we are all selfish. Don¡¯t worry. I have an arrangement for Nan Nan. After I leave, spend more time to apany her. With children, I believe Nan Nan will walk out of this very soon. In the future during Tomb-Sweeping Day and Winter Solstice, don¡¯t... don¡¯t... don¡¯t forget toe visit me in a family of five.¡±

    The auntie eventually couldn¡¯t hold it back. She covered her mouth and ran to the side to cry.

    If it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t hold on any longer, Elder Lin would definitely not say such things to Zhai Sheng. He was pricking Zhai Sheng¡¯s body with a knife, cutting the flesh from his heart. ¡°What shall we do? The triplets are about to celebrate their birthdays. Can... can I...¡± He only wanted to live for a few days more. Just a few days more.... At least until the triplets celebrate their birthdays this year. Would that be okay?

    Elder Lin didn¡¯t have much energy to begin with. After saying so many things to Zhai Sheng, his emotions fluctuated badly. Elder Lin couldn¡¯t breathe and his voice lowered. It hurt so much that he almost couldn¡¯t utter any sound.

    Zhai Sheng took a deep breath and poured a cup of water for Elder Lin. He ced his hand behind Elder Lin¡¯s back and soothed him. ¡°You¡¯re really suffering a lot.¡± Zhai Sheng could feel that if not for Elder Lin¡¯s perseverance, he would have already passed away from the pain he was suffering every second and minute.

    Not only did Elder Lin feel heartache for Qiao Nan, but he also loved the triplets.

    He didn¡¯t want the triplets to shed tears, especially on their birthdays, because of his illness, even if they could celebrate their birthdays every year.

    On the ount of Elder Lin working hard for the sake of the triplets, Zhai Sheng, who was the father, felt a sense of shame. He didn¡¯t think that his love for the triplets was any less than Elder Lin. However, the perseverance Elder Lin had was something he was unable to have now.

    ¡°It¡¯s... not tough.¡± Elder Lin had said these so softly that Zhai Sheng could hardly hear them. Elder Lin only had one thought, which was for Qiao Nan and the triplets to be happy for as long as possible. This was also why he was protecting Qiao Nan and the triplets. As long as they were well, all his sufferings were worth it.

    Seeing that Elder Lin was about to use up all his energy, Zhai Sheng quietly pushed Elder Lin back to his room. He carried Elder Lin to bed, personally removed his shoes, and helped cover him with the nkets.

    Before he left, he ordered the auntie to pay close attention to Elder Lin¡¯s situation. If Elder Lin¡¯s behavior was the slightest bit unusual, regardless of howte it was, she shouldn¡¯t hesitate and should inform him immediately.

    Elder Lin didn¡¯t have anyone else around him. Given that he was so seriously ill, if something unexpected really happened, she couldn¡¯t have handled it alone. Aside from bearing the pain and reluctantly agreeing to Elder Lin¡¯s perseverance, there was nothing else Zhai Sheng could do for this old man.

    The auntie¡¯s eyes were swollen and she cried until her throat was hoarse. She could only nod to express that she had heard and remembered Zhai Sheng¡¯s words.

    The moment he came out from Elder Lin¡¯s house and the second the door to Elder Lin¡¯s house was shut, Zhai Sheng suddenly thought of Old Master Zhai. Elder Lin would rather suffer, vomit, and tolerate the side effects from the medicines he took so that the triplets could celebrate their birthdays without being gloomy. What about his old master?

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui had slept on the mattress next to Old Master Zhai yesterday night. That night, Old Master Zhai slept especially well. Indeed, as what Zhai Sheng had said, he even snored. Upon hearing Old Master Zhai¡¯s snoring, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng felt more at ease and smiled.

    Based on the old master¡¯s loud snores, he should still be in the pink of health. Were they too sensitive? Upon hearing the old master mentioning his wife, they became worried that something had happened to him.

    However, at this moment, Zhai Sheng was no longer that certain.

    Those closely involved couldn¡¯t see clearly. Nan Nan trusted Elder Lin, thus she hadn¡¯t discovered Elder Lin¡¯s strange behavior. On the other hand, didn¡¯t this also prove that Elder Lin had put on a very sessful act in front of Nan Nan?

    At least from the appearance and mood, Nan Nan didn¡¯t feel that anything was wrong with Elder Lin¡¯s health condition.

    Old Master Zhai had already made him worried enough. He didn¡¯t expect that after going to the Lin family¡¯s home, he would find out about the pain and unbearable truth. Zhai Sheng had a cold face to begin with. Now, it turned so dark that even dogs would have to run around him if they saw him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look terrible. Did something happen to Elder Lin?¡± Miao Jing was shocked at Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. ¡°Say something. You know how much Nan Nan values her master.¡±

 Chapter 1466 - Couldnâ€™t Persuade Him

    <h4>Chapter 1466: Couldn¡¯t Persuade Him</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Although Nan Nan relied on her own efforts and bought a small house for Qiao Dongliang in the capital so that she could fetch him over and take care of him, we all know in our hearts that Qiao Dongliang isn¡¯t as close to her as Elder Lin is.¡±

    As such, if something really happened to Elder Lin, Nan Nan would be the first to be uncontrobly sad. Miao Jing didn¡¯t wish for such a situation to happen. Upon thinking that the triplets at home cared about Elder Lin a lot, Miao Jing became more upset. ¡°What exactly happened? I can tell you that if anything happens, you won¡¯t be able to coax even one of the three children, let alone Nan Nan.¡±

    They weren¡¯t afraid of anything if the elderly in the family became old. They weren¡¯t afraid that the elderly required people to take care of them if they were old. They were afraid that the juniors couldn¡¯t ept that the elderly¡¯s life hade to an end.

    ¡°Elder Lin¡¯s situation isn¡¯t optimistic. However, it¡¯s going to be the triplets¡¯ birthday soon. Elder Lin wishes for them to be happy. Thus, he has been dragging this matter.¡±

    With a ng, the shocked Miao Jing couldn¡¯t even hold the cup in her hands well. It fell to the ground, smashing into smithereens. ¡°How... how did this happen? He was still finest month. Why did he...¡± ording to Zhai Sheng, could it be that Elder Lin couldn¡¯t even survive for a day after the triplets celebrated their birthdays? ¡°No, why? How did this happen to Elder Lin? There should be a reason, right?¡±

    How would a healthy old man be at the risk of losing his life just like that? If it wasn¡¯t a terminal illness, then it should be an ident. Which category did Elder Lin belong to?

    ¡°Stomach cancer. Last stage.¡± Zhai Sheng took a deep breath. ¡°The auntie, who¡¯s taking care of Elder Lin, said that he is no longer eating. It¡¯s tough to take medicines to continue one¡¯s life. There are a lot of side effects from the medicine. Under such torment, even an average young man wouldn¡¯t hang in there and choose to give up, let alone an old man like Elder Lin. If not for the triplets...¡±

    If not for the triplets, Elder Lin didn¡¯t have to suffer so much and could choose to die from the illness a long time ago.

    Zhai Sheng felt very ipetent at Elder Lin¡¯s perseverance and stubbornness as he didn¡¯t know what he could do to help this old man relieve the physical pain. Furthermore, he was tolerating the pain for his wife and three children.

    Miao Jing was so shocked that she covered her mouth. Stomach cancer. Last stage!

    Oh, god. Why did something like this happen?

    ¡°Has he really reached that stage where there¡¯s no cure at all?¡± Of course, Miao Jing knew how scary cancer was. Just hearing the words st stage cancer¡¯ alone made Miao Jing feel terrified. She couldn¡¯t imagine someone around her having such a scary illness.

    Zhai Sheng sat down with a defeated look. ¡°If there¡¯s any possibility of saving him, do you think Elder Lin will bear not to see the triplets and Nan Nan for a few days? Elder Lin was worried that his current look would scare the four of them. He¡¯s not willing to let Nan Nan worry about him and neglect her own career in the process.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t say anything. However, she understood Elder Lin¡¯s mindset and thoughts.

    Zhai Sheng sighed. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not only worried about Elder Lin now. Do you still remember what the old master said yesterday night? Initially, when Dad and I saw his sleeping look yesterday night, we were both relieved. However, after seeing Elder Lin today, I¡¯m afraid...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re afraid that his mindset is the same as Elder Lin¡¯s and that they are both hanging there for the sake of the triplets¡¯ birthdays?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart shuddered. No, it couldn¡¯t be. It must not be like this. Elder Lin was in hisst stage of stomach cancer. He couldn¡¯t be cured, thus his days were numbered. However, the old master¡¯s health was always good. He didn¡¯t have any illness or pain, and he even insisted on doing a set of punches every morning.

    No matter how she looked at it, she didn¡¯t feel that the old master¡¯s situation was simr to Elder Lin¡¯s. ¡°Zhai Sheng, could it be that you have thought too much? He wouldn¡¯t do this. He has a strong rtionship with your grandma. It wasn¡¯t the first time that he mentioned her in front of us. It might be that he purely thought about your grandma that day and wanted to chat more about her with you so that you would remember that you had such a grandma. I think the old master didn¡¯t mean anything else.¡±

    At this point in time, Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare to agree that Old Master Zhai¡¯s performance yesterday night was because his health condition was simr to Elder Lin¡¯s and that he was hanging in there just for the triplets¡¯ birthdays. ¡°However, your worries are valid. Why don¡¯t we do this? Let¡¯s bring the old master to the hospital to do a physical examination since we are concerned for him. In that case, we can also buy peace of mind. The hospital results wouldn¡¯t be wrong, right?¡±

    Miao Jing still didn¡¯t feel that the old master was the same as Elder Lin and that they were about to finish walking thest moments of their lives. A few days ago, someone had seen the old master and even joked with her that based on how he was looking, he could probably still live for another seven to eight years.

    It was rare to see someone reaching his or her hundreds. However, it was highly possible that their old master could reach his nies.

    How could a man whom everyone felt could live to his nies just pass away without any warning when he hadn¡¯t even reached the age of ny? It should be that Zhai Sheng was too agitated by Elder Lin and felt that everything was pessimistic.

    ¡°Okay, you can just mention these words to me here. In front of your dad, don¡¯t say anything. Otherwise, he will hammer you to death. At that time, even I can¡¯t help you. As for Elder Lin, it¡¯s not easy to pass the stage with Nan Nan and the triplets.¡± If Nan Nan and the triplets knew about Elder Lin, they would definitely stay by Elder Lin¡¯s bed all the time.

    Miao Jing sighed. ¡°He chose to hide it from Qiao Nan such that she didn¡¯t even have a chance to take care of him. He made such a decision alone. Do you think that he will regret it after he passed away?¡± People were the most vulnerable when they were sick. She believed that Elder Lin not only needed Nan Nan¡¯s care but also desired it.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng shook his head, indicating that his mom had thought too much. ¡°I persuaded Elder Lin for a long time, hoping that he would be willing to tell Nan Nan his condition. However, regardless of what I said, he refused to agree to it. He even forced me to hide it from Nan Nan together.¡±

    There was no doubt about Elder Lin¡¯s feelings for Nan Nan. It far exceeded that for her parents, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi never paid attention to Nan Nan and never treated her as a daughter to be cherished. As for Qiao Dongliang, he wasn¡¯t the father of only Nan Nan.

    It was a tough call.

    Compared to these two people, Elder Lin¡¯s feelings for Nan Nan were simpler and stronger.

 Chapter 1467 - The Situation Doesnâ€™t Look Too Good

    <h4>Chapter 1467: The Situation Doesn¡¯t Look Too Good</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After getting such an answer, Miao Jing could not be happy for Qiao Nan. She was all too clear that once Qiao Nan found out the truth, what Qiao Nan would face was not sadness but the biggest blow from which she might never recover from. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I¡¯m anxious. I¡¯m afraid Nan Nan and the triplets may not be able to take the shock.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not say anything, but his expression was even more somber than Miao Jing¡¯s. Based on his understanding of Qiao Nan, not only would what his mother had said be true, but in reality, it would be even more extreme than what his mother had said.

    Old Lin sincerely treated Qiao Nan as his own kin, and so did Nan Nan.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not that she won¡¯t be able to ept it. Rather, she won¡¯t be able to bear it. I¡¯m also worried about this.¡± The previous day, he had gone to pick the four of them up from work and school. Along the way, he listened to the incessant chatter of Er Bao and San Bao. There was bound to be a mention of Lin Yuankang every few sentences. Even though he did not participate in the conversation, every time Er Bao and San Bao talked about not having seen Grandpa Lin recently and how they felt as though their lives had be empty and cold, Da Bao would perk his ears up and listen closely. The words of Er Bao and San Bao resonated deeply with him and Da Bao could not help but clench his face and nod along.

    Da Bao¡¯s care toward Old Lin was not any less than Er Bao or San Bao.

    If Old Lin was really gone, Zhai Sheng was afraid that Qiao Nan and the children would not be able to handle it and would break down. If it were really the case that Old Lin were to pass on, it would be difficult for him to persuade Qiao Nan and the children before he went to join the army.

    ¡°So what should we do?¡± Even Miao Jing herself had goose bumps upon hearing the news. The thought of Qiao Nan and the children being upset about Old Lin made Miao Jing panic. ¡°If that really happens, should Ifort Nan Nan or the three children?¡± There were too many ¡®treasures¡¯ in the family. Now that all four treasures were going to face a challenge at the same time, Miao Jing was in a panic about who tofort first.

    No matter who sheforted, Miao Jing could not bear to see them sad and shedding tears.

    Thinking of all these, Miao Jing was in a frenzy. ¡°Zhai Sheng, do you think the medical skills of doctors abroad are better? If we hurry and send Old Lin overseas for treatment, do you think we can buy some time for Old Lin?¡± Every day counted when they were talking about dying Qiao Nan and the children¡¯s misery.

    What if foreign medical equipment and treatment methods were so advanced that they could really cure Old Lin¡¯s illness?

    Actually, Miao Jing herself knew that this was superfluous.

    She had never suffered from cancer, but she knew how terrible this illness could be. Once a person suffered from advanced cancer, there was practically no medication in the world that could cure it. Besides, the problem of treatment would not be a long-term solution. In other words, advanced cancer could really only be cured by a miracle pill. Otherwise, there was no point in eating anything else. Even if they were to send him abroad and search through all the hospitals in western developed nations, she knew that it would only tire Old Lin out and make him suffer even more before his death.

    ¡°No, let¡¯s not talk about going abroad. With Old Lin¡¯s health condition now, he can¡¯t even get out of his house, take short-distance transportation, or even digest well.¡± Today, Old Lin had only said a few words to him, and while speaking, his mood fluctuated drastically. In the end, Old Lin was too tired to continue and his voice was raspy and he could not even speak any longer.

    If they insisted on sending Old Lin abroad for treatment, he could not guarantee that Old Lin could get on the ne safely in his current condition.

    This would no longer be about treatment but about sending Old Lin off even earlier.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Other than sighing, Miao Jing did not know what else she could do. ¡°How about I send Old Lin some nourishing chicken soup? It doesn¡¯t matter how much he can drink. However much he can drink, even just a single drop will be good.¡±

    With that, Miao Jing immediately stood up and huddled in the kitchen with the auntie to cook up chicken soup for Old Lin.

    Miao Jing, who had been consumed with cooking, hadpletely forgotten what Zhai Sheng had mentioned earlier about how he had suspicions that Old Zhai had simr thoughts as Old Lin, which was to survive to celebrate the birthday of the three children.

    Miao Jing did not believe that. She wanted to forget about this, but these words were spoken by Zhai Sheng himself. How could Zhai Sheng be confused by his mother and not remember what kind of important questions they had been discussing just five minutes earlier?

    Zhai Sheng would never rest easy about Old Lin and would call the caretaker auntie from time to time to check on Old Lin.

    Perhaps it was Zhai Sheng¡¯s return that gave Old Lin someone to talk to. It was not that Old Lin did not think of seeing himself as an ordinary elderly who needed someone to take care of him now that he had this illness.

    But his care for Qiao Nan¡¯s well-being triumphed over his own desires. And so, it was rare for Old Lin, who had been in a panic this whole time, to have someone to share his secrets and burden with.

    After he had endured for a period of time and finally getting a release, it was the most rxing day he had had ever since he fell ill. As Old Lin chatted and eventually fell asleep, he was carried into the room by Zhai Sheng and he rested for half an hour before he finally opened his eyes and realized that he had fallen asleep unconsciously.

    This had been the mostfortable and peaceful day that Old Lin had had in thest ten days.

    In this half an hour, Old Lin was peaceful and at rest and did not scrunch his eyebrows up in pain. Neither did he wake up suddenly in pain or in shock. And just half an hour of good sleep was enough for the auntie to be eternally grateful.

    When Qiao Nan came home from work after picking up the children, she immediately asked Zhai Sheng, ¡°Have you gone to see my master? What¡¯s the matter with him? Why has he been refusing to allow the children and me into his house? He¡¯s been saying he¡¯s down with the flu. Has he visited the doctor? What did the doctor say? This flu has been going on for too long.¡±

    Thest time her master had caught the flu, he had clearly agreed that they would be allowed to visit him as long as the children wore masks. This time, she wanted to use this method to enter, but her master would have none of it. He refused to see her, and even the children did not even stand a chance at entering his house. If they wanted to chat with him, they had to do so through a door!

    Thus, Qiao Nan had asked Zhai Sheng to take a look to get a clear answer. ¡°Is my master throwing a temper?¡±

 Chapter 1468 - Everyone Was Weird

    <h4>Chapter 1468: Everyone Was Weird</h4>

    At that time, she expressed that she wanted to use her sry to buy a small house for her father so that she could fetch him over and take care of him. Her master had thrown tantrums back then.

    He had so many houses that he could be andlord. Her master felt that there wasn¡¯t a need for her to waste this sum of money. Her father could just move in to his house. Not only would she save money, but there would also be someone looking after her master¡¯s house.

    However, Qiao Nan was not used to taking advantage of other people. She was bent on the house. Although the house was for her father to stay in, the owner of the house was Qiao Nan.

    Even if she had only bought a small house now, Qiao Nan knew that based on the soaring housing prices in the capital, the value of this small house would increase rapidly in a few years¡¯ time. She would earn no less than stocks and it was much safer than stocks. Or perhaps, these two couldn¡¯t bepared at all.

    Who asked this to be the capital and that the small house was in a prime location? The houses in 5th Ring Road wouldn¡¯t be cheap in the future. Furthermore, this house was in 3rd Ring Road. Based on this geographical location, it was difficult for the prices not to increase.

    One insisted on giving while the other refused to ept. The two of them, who had always been in a good rtionship, became anxious and angry over the house. Even if Qiao Nan had already softened her attitude and coaxed Elder Lin, he was still unwilling to ept it and wasn¡¯t appeased. Qiao Nan had no choice but to leave her three children with Elder Lin to coax him. She returned to her inws¡¯ ce so that she wouldn¡¯t continue to anger Elder Lin. If she caused him to burst a blood vessel, that would be terrible.

    That was what happened previously. The problem was that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any impression of what their contradiction was about this time around. ¡°Is my master angry over something and thus not willing to see us?¡± She was the only affected party back then. Now, even the triplets were rejected. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel at ease.

    How else could Zhai Sheng have answered? If he told the truth, Elder Lin would definitely not let him off. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. People will always throw tantrums. There might not be a reason for it. Elder Lin¡¯s like an old child. Once he throws tantrum, he¡¯s more unreasonable than a child. I think that Elder Lin will be appeased a few dayster. Also, tomorrow¡¯s the triplets¡¯ birthday. If you have any questions, you can ask him then.¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t dare to reveal any expression in front of Qiao Nan for fear that she would sense something.

    Upon thinking that the triplets¡¯ birthday was tomorrow, Zhai Sheng felt especially terrible in his heart. He was a 1.8-meter tall and big man. He obviously knew that such a situation had happened but he couldn¡¯t think of a solution and had to watch things develop in a negative direction helplessly.

    It was very rare for such a useless moment to appear in Zhai Sheng¡¯s life. Once it appeared, it was even more frustrating for him.

    It was the triplets¡¯ birthday tomorrow. This meant that after tomorrow, Elder Lin didn¡¯t need to force himself to be strong and tolerate the pain. However, upon thinking that this also meant that the old man, who doted on Qiao Nan and the triplets the most, could ¡®leave¡¯ any time after tomorrow, Zhai Sheng hoped that tomorrow would never arrive.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, help me take something from the warehouse. When we don¡¯t use it usually, it¡¯s all over the ce. Now that I need it, I don¡¯t know where to find it. There are too many things in the warehouse. I can¡¯t move them alone. Come and help me.¡±

    Miao Jing was worried that Zhai Sheng would expose himself in front of Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was asking more questions and specific details. Miao Jing was afraid that Elder Lin¡¯s condition would be exposed and could only pull Zhai Sheng away.

    If it was said that this was Elder Lin¡¯sst wish before he passed away, Miao Jing, who was also an elderly, felt that even if she was upset, she would be willing to respect Elder Lin¡¯s wishes and thoughts.

    ¡°I can help as well.¡± Da Bao put down his schoolbag and wanted to follow along. However, Miao Jing stopped him. ¡°The warehouse¡¯s messy and dirty, full of dust. What can you, a child, do there? Stay here to apany Er Bao and San Bao. Also, you just came back from school. There¡¯s so much dust. Go and wash your face and hands, then drink some water and eat some fruits. Understand?¡±

    Her eldest grandson was a smart child. Miao Jing had to be careful even in front of Da Bao, let alone in front of Qiao Nan. The triplets had an extremely good rtionship with Nan Nan. If Da Bao knew about the matter, it was impossible to hide it from Nan Nan then.

    At this moment, the auntie brought out a te of fruits that contained dragon fruits the triplets preferred to eat. Er Bao and San Bao cheered and pulled Da Bao along to wash their faces and hands. After cleaning themselves up, they ate the fruits.

    Da Bao wasn¡¯t that naive. He walked to Qiao Nan and said, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with master grandpa?¡± In the past, he was never like this. ¡°I feel that Dad and grandma are a little weird as well today.¡±

    If he helped his grandma in the past, she would always be happy. Even if he eventually wasn¡¯t of help, his grandma wouldpliment him. Today, his grandma didn¡¯t allow him to help out. This was different from the usual grandma.

    After ncing at Er Bao and San Bao, who were foolishly smiling, Qiao Nan gently pulled Da Bao to her side and asked, ¡°You think so as well?¡± Brother Zhai spent too little time at home. Although Brother Zhai had been promoted,pared to the other soldiers, the time he spent at home was already several times that of ordinary soldiers.

    However, in the past, every time Brother Zhai was at home, her mother-inw would never let him do anything. If Brother Zhai tried to do something at home, her mother-inw would stop him whenever she could. Furthermore, there were people at home and some things didn¡¯t need to be done urgently. Her mother-inw would rather Brother Zhai rest more and spend his time apanying the children. It was strange that her mother-inw had made the request today for Brother Zhai to help out.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Da Bao nodded. ¡°Mom, I haven¡¯t seen master grandpa for a few days. I miss him.¡± Da Bao really missed Elder Lin.

    Elder Lin was especially good to the three children. Zhai Yaohui was stern and Qiao Dongliang stayed at Ping Cheng previously, thus they interacted very little with the triplets. A few years ago, the triplets didn¡¯t even have an impression of Qiao Dongliang, their grandpa.

    What was different was that when the triplets were still drinking milk, Elder Lin had often apanied them. He yed with them, carried them, and touched their little hands. As such, when the triplets started to recognize people, they already showed that they were close to him.

    This time around, Elder Lin refused to see anyone. Da Bao felt terrible in his heart. ¡°Mom, does master grandpa not like us anymore?¡± The three of them were obedient and didn¡¯t get into trouble.

 Chapter 1469 - Fulfilling the Old Manâ€™s Wishes

    <h4>Chapter 1469: Fulfilling the Old Man¡¯s Wishes</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Er Bao was naughty in the past, master grandpa didn¡¯t get angry. He even said that boys should be more mischievous, and thus, it was good that Er Bao was like that.

    For the past few days, even Er Bao didn¡¯t provoke master grandpa. Why would he suddenly ignore them for no apparent reason?

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Qiao Nan answered Da Bao confidently. ¡°Master grandpa loves the three of you the most. When you were still in my stomach, he hoped every day that you woulde out soon so that he could give you this and that and teach you this and that. He said that he wanted to groom you so that you are more outstanding than me. Master grandpa loves all of you, so Da Bao, you can¡¯t doubt him.¡±

    Regardless of the circumstances, even if Qiao Nan and the three children were rejected by Lin Yuankang for the past few days consecutively, she never doubted that Lin Yuankang had treated them with this attitude because he had a change of heart and loathed them.

    ¡°Then, what happened to master grandpa?¡± Regardless of how smart Da Bao was, he was just a seven-year-old child. He didn¡¯t understand. If it wasn¡¯t that master grandpa didn¡¯t like them, why was he unwilling to see them? He missed his master grandpa a lot. Didn¡¯t his master grandpa miss him? ¡°We haven¡¯t seen him for a long time. We miss him.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Mom, master grandpa¡¯s unwilling to see us. Doesn¡¯t he miss us?¡± San Bao felt depressed as well. She was a girl and was especially favored by Elder Lin. In front of San Bao, he was simply an old man who had no limits when it came to doting on his grandchildren.

    However, at this moment, even San Bao wasn¡¯t an exception. He refused to see all of them. San Bao was so aggrieved that she felt like crying.

    Qiao Nan felt heavy in her heart. She said with pain, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Perhaps master grandpa encountered something. He will see you. Also, I feel that even if we can¡¯t see him, it doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t see us. Don¡¯t forget that he has a telescope at home. No matter how far we are, he can see us. Maybe when all of you go to school ande home from school, master grandpa had hidden to take a sneak peek at you.¡± Toward the end, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart twitched painfully.

    Some things didn¡¯t have to be spoken in order to be felt.

    Even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand the situation a few days ago, based on Elder Lin¡¯s behavior recently and what had happened to Old Master Zhai yesterday night, Qiao Nan already had a hunch.

    Qiao Nan knew that Elder Lin couldn¡¯t bear to not see the three children for so many days. The only exnation was that he didn¡¯t let them visit him, but he had hidden and secretly looked at the four of them.

    ¡°Why?¡± San Bao didn¡¯t understand. ¡°If master grandpa wants to see us, he can just do so openly. I will dress up prettily and wear the dress that he gave me. Isn¡¯t that better?¡± Could it be that she would be prettier if he hid and looked at her?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°That¡¯s because master grandpa is mischievous. He¡¯s even naughtier than the three of you. Even Xiao Bao couldn¡¯t bepared to him. Didn¡¯t I teach you before? If master grandpa throws tantrums, you have to help me coax him. He...¡± is already old. There¡¯s not much time you could spend with him.

    However, toward the end, Qiao Nan¡¯s throat hurt and she couldn¡¯t say the remaining words.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Da Bao¡¯s eyes changed. He stayed close to Qiao Nan and held her hand tightly. He didn¡¯t know how to exin, but after he heard her words, he felt that something bad was going to happen. He was scared.

    Qiao Nan hugged Da Bao gently. She slowly stroked his head lightly. ¡°Da Bao, master grandpa loves the way you smile. Da Bao, bring Er Bao and San Bao to change their clothes. Wear something nice, as if you are celebrating the new year. Shall we go and y in master grandpa¡¯s courtyard?¡±

    Da Bao sniffed and his eyes turned red. ¡°Mom, I want to see master grandpa. Is he willing to open the door for us today?¡±

    Qiao Nan forced out a smile and didn¡¯t answer him. However, her attitude had already answered Da Bao¡¯s question.

    Da Bao rubbed his eyes and pulled Er Bao and San Bao along to change clothes. When San Bao was changing into a dress, she couldn¡¯t help but ask Da Bao, ¡°Da Bao, what did you and Mom chat about? Why couldn¡¯t I understand?¡±

    Da Bao wore the suit that Elder Lin had given him and frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything to Mom. I¡¯m the same as you. We both miss master grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Da Bao, why isn¡¯t master grandpa willing to see us?¡± Until now, Er Bao didn¡¯t understand why master grandpa would behave as such.

    Da Bao sighed in distress. ¡°I was born only one or two hours earlier than you. How would I understand more than you? I... Mom said it. Master grandpa likes us. You don¡¯t have to know about the rest. Anyway, we can just dress up nicely and y in master grandpa¡¯s courtyard. He will be happy.¡±

    When they were in school, Da Bao usually wasn¡¯t as lively as Er Bao and San Bao. However, if something happened in ss, he was more concerned than Er Bao and San Bao. After listening to it once, he would remember it in his heart.

    Coincidentally, one of their ssmate¡¯s grandma was ill and passed away. Passed away meant that this person was gone and they couldn¡¯t be seen in the future.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Since Da Bao had said so, Er Bao and San Bao no longer asked questions. They listened to Qiao Nan and dressed themselves up.

    San Bao wore a dress and she ran to Qiao Nan. She turned in a circle. ¡°Mom, do you think I¡¯m pretty? Every time I wear a dress, master grandpa wouldpliment me that I¡¯m the prettiest girl in this world. Do you think master grandpa will like it?¡± Regardless, she liked how she looked now.

    ¡°Pretty. Our San Bao is the prettiest when wearing a dress.¡± Most importantly, her master said before that a girl like San Bao should wear a dress and put on shiny leather shoes. Her hair should be braided and she should be dressed like a butterfly. This was the correct way to raise a girl. ¡°You have put on such a beautiful dress. Let¡¯s go to master grandpa¡¯s courtyard to y. We can¡¯t waste this chance.¡±

    Qiao Nan got the three children to hold hands. She guarded them by walking on the outer side of the road and walked toward the Lin¡¯s residence.

    Although the four of them couldn¡¯t enter the Lin family¡¯s home, they could still enter the courtyard. Unlike previous times, they stayed in the courtyard to y and didn¡¯t knock on the door and announce that they were there to visit Elder Lin.

    The three children yed happily in the courtyard. Er Bao and San Bao were especially hyper.

 Chapter 1470 - The Cruel Truth

    <h4>Chapter 1470: The Cruel Truth</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Er Bao provoked San Bao. San Bao deliberately screamed and stomped her leg, then ran after Er Bao like a tigress.

    One of them was running and the other was chasing. The quiet courtyard became lively with these two children alone.

    The children¡¯s vigorousughter was very attractive. Furthermore, Elder Lin treasured the triplets. He had already noticed them when they appeared in the Lin family¡¯s courtyard.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan and the triplets seemed to be here to visit him, Elder Lin was both happy and sad. He hurriedly got the auntie to push him toward the hall. He quietly lifted a corner of the curtain of the ss windows and looked out. He was especially worried. If the four of them wanted to enter and visit him, his refusal would cause the triplets to reveal extremely sad expressions.

    What was strange was that this time around, his disciple didn¡¯t knock on the door. Instead, she brought her three children to y in his courtyard. Elder Lin noticed that they were dressed differently from usual, as if celebrating the festive period. When San Bao ran around, the corners of her dress were raised. To Elder Lin, she looked good.

    As Elder Lin looked at the triplets¡¯ happy looks when they were ying, he used his hand to rub the corners of his eyes. He didn¡¯t know how many more times he could look at such a beautiful scene. It was best to look at them more now.

    As such, Elder Lin couldn¡¯t bear to blink. He tried his best to open his eyes wide and kept staring at the warm smiling faces of Qiao Nan and the triplets.

    Qiao Nan let the three children go back to their home hand-in-hand after the auntie from the Zhai family told them that dinner was ready. From the start to the end, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t knock on the Lin family¡¯s door and call for her master to open the door to see the four of them.

    ¡°Uncle Lin, Qiao Nan and the rest have headed back. Do you want to take a break?¡± The auntie knew that as long as Qiao Nan and the triplets were still in the Lin familypound where he could still see them, Elder Lin would definitely not move.

    Seeing that Elder Lin had hung in there for so long, the auntie was worried that he would be tired. As such, she wanted to push him back to rest.

    Perhaps it was because Elder Lin had seen how happy the triplets were while ying that he seemed to be in a particrly good mood tonight. Upon thinking that it was the triplets¡¯ birthday tomorrow, not only did Elder Lin drink the soup that the auntie had specially brewed for him, but he even hummed a folk song happily.

    Regardless of whether the tune Elder Lin hummed was nice or not, the auntie could tell that he was in a particrly good mood.

    It was good that he was in a good mood. The auntie couldn¡¯t care about the rest.

    ¡°Uncle Lin, do you want to sleep early tonight?¡± She pushed Elder Lin back to the room on the first floor, helped him to bed, and helped him lie down.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll rest early today. It¡¯s the triplets¡¯ birthday tomorrow. I must rest well today so that I apany them for a great birthday tomorrow.¡± It was also thest birthday he would be celebrating with the triplets.

    Elder Lin didn¡¯t say this clearly. However, the auntie had already understood the hidden meaning in Elder Lin¡¯s words.

    The atmosphere of the Lin family improved as Elder Lin was in a good mood. However, the situation wasn¡¯t as good in the Zhai family.

    Once Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng came out from the ¡®warehouse¡¯, they heard the auntie in their home mention that Qiao Nan and the triplets had dressed up and gone to the Lin family.

    Upon hearing this news, Miao Jing felt panicked. She looked at Zhai Sheng and said, ¡°Why do you think Nan Nan brought the triplets to next door?¡± Regardless of the reason, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t calm down.

    If the mother and sons insisted on seeing Elder Lin, he would feel terrible in his heart for having rejected them. Having suffered such a serious illness and to be tormented psychologically as well, Miao Jing had the urge to pull the four of them back. If it was another possibility, Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare imagine what Qiao Nan would say or do after visiting him. The second ¡®possibility¡¯ was really full of many other possibilities.

    Zhai Sheng knew his wife well. He sighed. ¡°Elder Lin¡¯s situation is already very clear. Otherwise, Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t have gotten me to visit him specially. Perhaps she had already sensed that something is wrong with him. He wouldn¡¯t see her and the children but might be willing to see me.¡± That was because once Elder Lin was ¡®gone¡¯, he would be the only one who could rece and include Elder Lin¡¯s share of love and protection for Nan Nan and the triplets.

    As such, Elder Lin wouldn¡¯t see anyone else. However, he would definitely be willing to see him.

    From this point alone, Zhai Sheng could feel that although Elder Lin wanted to hide it from Qiao Nan, it might not be that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know anything. ¡°Nan Nan felt something.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s expression froze. ¡°Then, Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t do anything that worries others.¡±

    After Qiao Nan brought the children home, the expressions on their faces were still alright. Er Bao and San Bao smiled brightly. Miao Jing secretly heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s almost time for dinner. Why did the four of you head next door?¡±

    ¡°To y in master grandpa¡¯s courtyard.¡± San Bao exhaled and gulped down water. ¡°It¡¯s so hot.¡± It was still hot at the end of September. Coupled with the fact that Er Bao and San Bao were full of energy, sweat started to form on their faces and bodies within a minute.

    Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan carefully. Nan Nan brought the three children next door just to let them y in the courtyard? Were things really that simple?

    Zhai Sheng hinted Miao Jing with his eyes. ¡°Er Bao, San Bao, look at how sweaty both of you are. Go to the washroom and wash your face. Wipe away the sweat on your body. Don¡¯t catch a cold. Remember to wash your hands clean.¡±

    ¡°Here, grandma will bring you there.¡± Miao Jing couldn¡¯t gauge Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction and was afraid she would ruin things. Once she heard her son¡¯s words, she brought the three children to the washroom to wash their faces. Among the three grandchildren, apart from Da Bao, who hadpletely inherited the genes from his parents, even if Er Bao and San Bao were smart enough, their performance would, at most, be better than an average child¡¯s and wouldn¡¯t be as overboard as Da Bao¡¯s.

    As such, Miao Jing would rather face the three grandchildren than Qiao Nan. She was afraid that her words or even an action of hers would let the cat out of the bag.

    After Miao Jing led the three children away, Qiao Nan¡¯s slightly curved lips couldn¡¯t help but lower. Her spring-like temperament immediately became cold, and people couldn¡¯t help but feel heartache for her. Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. There are some matters we can¡¯t control no matter how unwilling we are.¡±

    He had already said before that his Nan Nan was the smartest girl in this world.

    Elder Lin¡¯s attitude was so abnormal and strong. How could Nan Nan not feel anything at all and not guess the truth? It was Elder Lin who had thought things too simply. This master-disciple pair always thought for each other, making people feel the heartache more.

    Qiao Nan buried her face in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and cried silently.

 Chapter 1471 - Could Not Help but Worry

    <h4>Chapter 1471: Could Not Help but Worry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was after summer and Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt wasn¡¯t thick at all. Within half a minute, Zhai Sheng clearly felt that the spot where Qiao Nan buried her face in waspletely soaked by her tears. Qiao Nan cried silently and this was especially heart-wrenching for Zhai Sheng. ¡°Stop crying. Mom will bring the triplets out soon. How are you going to exin to them if they see you like this? At the very least, we should learn from Elder Lin and not let the triplets suffer too much, right?¡±

    Qiao Nan rubbed her face against Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt. Her eyes were still red. ¡°Go and change your clothes.¡± The color of the shirt where her tears had dampened was darkened. If they didn¡¯t want the triplets to find out so early, of course she couldn¡¯t let them see Zhai Sheng in this attire.

    Zhai Sheng poured a cup of warm water for Qiao Nan. After watching Qiao Nan take a sip, he went upstairs to change his clothes.

    Under the help of their grandma, the triplets wiped the sweat off their faces and bodies. However, their father had changed his clothes. ¡°Dad, you took a shower?¡± San Bao tilted her head and looked at Zhai Sheng curiously. ¡°So early?¡±

    ¡°San Bao, the clothes you wore when you returned are different from what you¡¯re wearing now as well. The shirt Dad wore previously is dirty, so he changed into another one. However, don¡¯t worry. Dad will wash his own clothes.¡± Zhai Sheng pinched his daughter¡¯s nose as he saw her thoughts clearly.

    His three children were ssic examples of ¡®the powerful can do whatever they want; the weak are not allowed to do anything¡¯. If their clothes became dirty, Nan Nan could wash them. If his clothes became dirty, he had to be self-sufficient and not let Nan Nan get too tired.

    Seeing that she didn¡¯t get her way, she snorted unhappily. ¡°I¡¯m hungry and I want to eat. Grandma, Mom, I¡¯m hungry!¡± Dad was the most detestable. Every time he teased her and she teased him back, he never seemed to have fallen into her trap.

    Once she wasn¡¯t happy, she would change the topic. Miao Jing smiled and held her granddaughter¡¯s hand so that she was sitting next to her and could ce some food into her bowl. Compared to the smart Da Bao, Miao Jing naturally preferred to take care of the soft and cute granddaughter.

    Er Bao and San Bao behaved quite normally. Qiao Nan and Da Bao made people feel that they were quieter.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng shook his head, signaling that it wasn¡¯t a good time to say anything now and to ask questions only after dinner.

    As such, the dinner table at the Zhai family today was quieter than usual. Even Er Bao and San Bao no longer yed around. When Zhai Yaohui was eating, he paid special attention to the old master. He noticed that Old Master Zhai was eating the same amount of food as usual and felt more relieved.

    After dinner, Zhai Yaohui pulled Zhai Sheng into the study room for a chat. Only then did he find out about Elder Lin. ¡°No wonder.¡± Zhai Yaohui had heard about some movements in the central government but didn¡¯t find out the details.

    After hearing from his son that Elder Lin was diagnosed with cancer, Zhai Yaohui guessed that this happened only recently and understood everything. ¡°Elder Lin... He Yi isn¡¯t young anymore. He has reached the country¡¯s designated retirement age. Nan Nan is not thirty years old and is in her heyday. It looks like Elder Lin has made some arrangements for Qiao Nan.¡± To have a daughter-inw in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was something to be proud of.

    Zhai Yaohui knew that it had nothing to do with the Zhai family that Qiao Nan had reached where she was today. Qiao Nan had relied on her own capabilities and her master, Lin Yuankang.

    Who wouldn¡¯t wee a daughter-inw who not only didn¡¯t cause trouble but also won glory for her parents-inw?

    Back then, many peopleughed at the Zhai family for not being picky or being too arrogant. They had chosen a daughter-inw who was powerless, poor, and not of any help to the Zhai family at all. Aside from her face, she was without any positive traits.

    Those whoughed at Zhai Sheng for being befuddled by lust back then were probably given so many ps to their faces now that their faces were pretty much swollen. By the time Nan Nan really became the next minister of foreign affairs, those people probably wouldn¡¯t have any face left to meet anyone outside.

    ¡°Qiao Nan has a good rtionship with Elder Lin. Even our three grandchildren love and respect this elder. If Elder Lin really... Try and see if you can stay at home for the next few days. At this time, the four of them need your care. Thefort of others would be useless.¡± Even if Qiao Dongliang came, Qiao Nan would cry more sadly if she saw him.

    That was because the person who passed away was an elder who treated her better than her birth father.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m thinking of this as well.¡± If Elder Lin was no longer around, he would worry about leaving Nan Nan alone. The three children¡¯s emotions would be especially strong as well and the house would be in a mess.

    After keeping away the joy that his daughter-inw was about to be the next minister, Zhai Yaohui, who was also a grandpa, naturally thought more about the young people like Zhai Sheng when facing such life-and-death issues. He didn¡¯t know when, or which day in the future, would such a thing happen to him as well. ¡°Will Hua Hua be back this time around?¡±

    The Zhai family had a good rtionship with Elder Lin. Elder Lin didn¡¯t have other rtives. If he really passed away, Zhai Hua naturally had toe back and send him off.

    ¡°It¡¯s the triplets¡¯ birthday tomorrow. Zhai Hua should already be at the Tian family today,¡± Zhai Sheng said definitively.

    Zhai Yaohui nodded. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do this. You¡¯ll apany the old master tonight. I¡¯ll do it tomorrow.¡± After all, he was no longer young. The muscles on his body had stiffened after sleeping on the floor for a night.

    If he did so for two consecutive nights, Zhai Yaohui was worried that before something happened to Old Master Zhai, he would have to go to the traditional Chinese medicine hall first and do acupuncture.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Of course, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t refuse. Even if Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t mention it, he would do so as well. ¡°Sleep early tonight.¡± Zhai Sheng could smell the strong medicinal wine on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s body. He was not only good with his eyes and ears but also his nose.

    Zhai Sheng kept Old Master Zhaipany tonight while Qiao Nan continued to sleep alone. Shey alone on the big bed and looked at the bright moon peeping through the window curtains. Qiao Nan¡¯s sadness turned into a river.

    If something happened to Old Master Zhai, he would be guarded by his son, apanied by his grandson, and coaxed by his great-grandchildren. However, her master¡¯s health was deteriorating and he didn¡¯t even have a close rtive by his side.

 Chapter 1472 - Mom Is the Best

    <h4>Chapter 1472: Mom Is the Best</h4>

    She had always said that she would take care of her master in his old age. In this current situation, would it still be considered as her taking care of her master?

    Although they were both elderly and were in poor health at the same time, Old Master Zhai and Old Lin were treated quite differently. Qiao Nan pitied Old Lin for this difference in treatment and was in greater misery for not being able to fulfill her promise to stay by Old Lin¡¯s side and take care of him while he was ill.

    As a disciple, she had not fulfilled her responsibilities.

    The next day was the children¡¯s birthday, but the Zhai family was not joyful. Instead, the mood was somber.

    Zhai Hua, who had just returned home, was unaware of the situation. Upon seeing his son whom he had been separated from for a long time, Zhai Hua happily held Xiao Bao in his arms and forcefully kissed his son¡¯s face. ¡°Xiao Bao, did you miss me?¡±

    Xiao Bao, who was being hugged too tightly, pouted and disgruntledly wiped off the saliva from his face. ¡°I did. Mom, when are you free? Can you send me to the nursery?¡± Every time he went to school, his mother had never appeared. All the other children in the nursery had joked that he was an orphan.

    ¡°Sure, baby.¡± Zhai Hua was extremely proud. After all, he was like a piece of herself. Even though she did not spend much time with her son, her son still treasured her as his biological mother. ¡°Mom has a long holiday this time. Even after National Day is over, I won¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll send you to school then. How¡¯s that? Then, during the National Day period, I¡¯ll bring you over to grandma¡¯s house for a few days and y with you four for a while.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best! I love you!¡± Xiao Bao¡¯s eyes twinkled as he let out a squeal in his baby voice. His chubby little hands held onto Zhai Hua¡¯s face and he puckered up his cheeks to kiss her. ¡°Mom, why are you only back now? I missed you so much!¡±

    With Xiao Bao¡¯s sweet talk, Zhai Hua and Xiao Bao¡¯s intelligence and expressionpletely changed. Zhai Hua was up in arms by Xiao Bao¡¯s cajoling and after a few kisses from him, Zhai Hua was so absorbed that she could not tell the directions anymore!

    In an instant, the whole Tian family could only hear the sounds of Zhai Hua and Xiao Bao chatting. Xiao Bao would ask a question and Zhai Hua would reply. Then, Xiao Bao would say, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best.¡± Zhai Hua would then smooch Xiao Bao¡¯s face, replying that Xiao Bao was even better.

    ¡°This fruit is so fresh! Auntie bought it today. Try it!¡± Seeing that his own wife was about to erupt out of jealousy, Father Tian quickly took a piece of fruit and fed it to Mother Tian in an attempt to appease her. ¡°I ate it. It¡¯s not particrly sweet. It¡¯s a little sour, like the kind that you like.¡± This was not just a little sour. It was like a whole sea of vinegar that could drown someone in it.

    Was it abnormal for a son to stick to his biological mother?

    Even though Zhai Hua did not spend as much time with Xiao Bao aspared to his wife, it could not be helped since Zhai Hua was Xiao Bao¡¯s biological mother and had grown up with Zhai Hua¡¯s milk. How could it possibly be the same?

    After she had spent enough time with her son, Zhai Hua carried Xiao Bao and said, ¡°Xiao Bao, let¡¯s go to bed earlier today. It¡¯s your brothers¡¯ and sister¡¯s birthday tomorrow. We have to celebrate for them!¡±

    ¡°Okay! I want to sleep with Mom tonight.¡± Xiao Bao obediently sat within Zhai Hua¡¯s embrace. That sense of security made Xiao Bao feel as though he was being hugged by his father rather than his mother. Xiao Bao did not understand. It clearly felt different when his uncle and aunt hugged him, yet he got the same feeling when his mom and dad hugged him.

    ¡°Good boy.¡± Zhai Hua smiled serenely. ¡°So what kind of gift is Xiao Bao nning to give to your brothers and sister tomorrow? Have you prepared it already?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Bao nodded obediently. ¡°Grandma took me and we picked them out together. One each for Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao.¡± Xiao Bao held out his small hand, counting each name with a finger. He held up three fingers just as he finished saying the names of the three children. Zhai Hua was pleasantly surprised. ¡°Xiao Bao, you can count?¡±

    Xiao Bao smiled widely. ¡°Of course! From one to ten!¡±

    The atmosphere between the mother and son was great and they returned to their room while chatting.

    ¡°Mom, Xiao Bao¡¯s apanying Hua Hua. I¡¯ll apany you.¡± Tian Dong sat beside the empress dowager of the Tian family. ¡°Mom, eat these fruits. When you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll go cut some more for you.¡± Normally, just the Qiao family and the three children of the Zhai family were enough to make his mother feel sore. Now that Hua Hua was back, his mother¡¯s mood was sure to be even worse.

    Mother Tian¡¯s words dripped with jealousy. ¡°Apany me? It¡¯s rare that your wife is back. I thought that the two of you would only have eyes for Zhai Hua. Would you still remember that you still have your mother around? It¡¯s not easy. I didn¡¯t mean it. Forget it. Just go apany your wife and son. I still have your dad.¡±

    Most importantly, what she needed was for her grandson to apany her. Not her son. In the presence of her grandson, she could not care less for her son and husband.

    Now that Mother Tian had said that, Tian Dong could not rebuke her, but Father Tian could. ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying. You don¡¯t sound like an elder. Are there mothers-inw whopete with their daughters-inw for affection? Aren¡¯t you afraid that other people might make a joke of you because of this? What Dongzi suggested sounds good. Xiao Bao apanies his mother, so your son is going to apany you.¡±

    Mother Tian understood that, but it was another thing to ept it. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ve seen through it. You three are in cahoots against me. I¡¯m just an outsider. It¡¯ste and I¡¯m sleepy. I don¡¯t want to spend time with any of you. It¡¯s too frustrating.¡±

    Even though Mother Tian¡¯s tone was curt, at least she did not continue throwing her tantrum and instead decided to go to bed. Father Tian and Tian Dong breathe a sigh of relief. ¡°Your mom¡¯s temper is getting worse. Technically, your mom¡¯s menopause should be over, right?¡± Why was she still always throwing tantrums?

    Tian Dong felt a little awkward. ¡°I think that ever since Mom returned from abroad, she¡¯s had too much free time. It¡¯s only natural that her mind will wander.¡± As long as his father found something for his mother to do, his mother might no longer throw tantrums. ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t you take this opportunity during the National Day holiday and bring Mom on a holiday to have some fun? Don¡¯t worry about anything at home.¡±

    Tian Dong had not suggested this flippantly. He knew that Qiao Nan had gotten Shi Peng to use this method to appease Feng Cheng. Although his mother was older than Feng Cheng, Tian Dong felt that they were both women, so the results of such a method should be simr.

    Father Tian hesitated. ¡°Will that be okay? I¡¯m fine with it, but the question is whether your mother will be willing to go with me. You should know too. Ever since Xiao Bao was born, we¡¯re all less important than Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao is the most precious in your mom¡¯s heart. Will she be willing to leave Xiao Bao behind and go on a holiday with me?¡±

 Chapter 1473 - It Is Best to Be Content

    <h4>Chapter 1473: It Is Best to Be Content</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thest few sentences made Father Tian feel aggrieved.

    Now, in this family, they had no status anymore. In other words, they could notpare to Xiao Bao.

    Tian Dong patted his father on the shoulder and encouraged him. ¡°Just try it. It¡¯s been long since we had a National Day holiday. Even if Hua Hua didn¡¯te back, knowing Xiao Bao, he would definitely pester Mom to bring him over to the Zhai family¡¯s house to y. Since Xiao Bao won¡¯t be around, Mom will be bored to death either way. Maybe if you tell her that, she might agree. Dad, I believe in you. You can do it.¡±

    He thought about how his parents were already advanced in age. When they had left China for America that year, they had not exactly done it voluntarily.

    Now that Old Master Tian was no longer around, his uncle of his could no longer y any tricks on his family. As such, his family had a much better life in these past two years. But it could be due to theck of such worries that his mother had been too bored and her temper had gotten worse.

    When they had first arrived in America, Tian Dong remembered that the three of them lived a very tough life as a typical resident, let alone doing business there. At that time, China had not developed yet, and to a certain extent, there had been racial discrimination against Asians.

    Tian Dong had already heard of the insult ¡®f*cking pig¡¯ when he was young.

    When Father Tian arrived in America with no roots there, he had to start from scratch. Gradually, he expanded the family business. At that time in a foreign country, Father Tian not only struggled with his finances but also with interpersonal rtionships. One could only imagine how tough Father Tian¡¯s life was in the first few years that he started his business in America.

    In order for Father Tian to focus on his business, Mother Tian did her best to run the household on her own. Moreover, she also took it upon herself to help out in the business and treated herself like a regr employee. She earned little but did a lot, toiling alongside Father Tian.

    So the Tian couple suffered and endured through a lot while they were young but did not have many good days. Thinking about that, Tian Dong felt that it would be good for his father to bring his mother around the country for a tour to see the great rivers and mountains in the country, the unique scenery, or just enjoy the majestic atmosphere.

    Father Tian hesitated. He had toiled for so many years, and now that he was old, he did not want to lead a tough life. At their age, if they did not exercise more, they might lose all mobility in the future. ¡°How about I go for a tour of China with your mom?¡±

    He had had countless opportunities to travel abroad in the past. When Father Tian went on business trips, he would always bring Mother Tian along. After all, he always needed a female partner for evening balls. Father Tian did not say much to Mother Tian, unlike his elder brother. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, Father Tian either chose not to bring a femalepanion or only brought Mother Tian along.

    At that time, flying was always for business matters. Even though they visited dozens of ces, the couple never had the chance to walk around and go sightseeing. They always had to make the most of their time and seal the deal. After finalizing their agreements, they would have to implement it in their business as soon as possible to allow the production to be put into operation.

    So it could be said that the Tian Corporation was built by such efforts of the Tian couple.

    It was because of this that Father Tian was moved when he heard Tian Dong¡¯s suggestion. This time, the couple would be able to walk around freely to enjoy the scenery around the country. They would not be in a rush, as they would if they were to take a ne.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Although Father Tian was moved, he did not dare tomit to it. ¡°If I try, I¡¯ll probably be able to convince her. Your mom has been with me this whole time. It¡¯s been hard on her. When we were younger and I was running the business, if she was not helping me out, then she would be taking care of the family. If I think about it, I¡¯ve never really spent much time with your mom. It¡¯s really been hard on her.¡±

    Mother Tian, who had been standing by the staircase, cupped her mouth. With reddened eyes, she silently returned to her room.

    Initially, she had seen that her grandson had such a close rtionship with her son and daughter-inw,pletely forgetting about his grandma. Every time her grandson went to his other grandmother¡¯s house, he would refuse to return, making Mother Tian¡¯s heart ache tremendously.

    But Mother Tian returned to her room and realized that she had been so angry that she had not even drunk a sip of water. Her throat was hoarse and she was not going to torture herself, so she intended to go downstairs for a cup of water.

    But she had not expected to overhear the father and son discussing her when she reached the staircasending. To Mother Tian, who was still fuming, her first reaction to the duo talking about her was that these two were saying bad things about her behind her back.

    Otherwise, what could they possibly be saying only now that she had returned to her room?

    Mother Tian wanted to listen to what they had to say and then talk it out with the father and son. Her grandson was still young, so she could forget about it. It was understandable for him to be close to her mother and his mother¡¯s family. When he grew older, Xiao Bao would naturally understand that his paternal grandmother¡¯s family was the most important to him. But how could these two men, her husband and her son, gang up against her? How could they treat her as an outsider and favor Zhai Hua?

    With that, Mother Tian began eavesdropping while raging internally. But who would have known? As she continued listening, Mother Tian realized that these two men were not speaking ill of her but talking about how they would have the older Tian bring her on a holiday, while the younger Tian take care of the family.

    At this moment, Mother Tian¡¯s anger dissipated, but only a little. Because she knew that the duo only had such an idea because she had thrown a tantrum. But no matter what, it was good as long as the father and son did not simply favor Zhai Hua because she had given birth to Xiao Bao.

    Moreover, the father and son were just trying to coax her. If they tried their best but she was still unhappy, there was really no way she could continue living in this family. It would not be her that would not be able to survive but all the other family members. She was not going to be such a stubborn and callous person.

    But when Mother Tian heard what Father Tian said softly, Mother Tian was truly moved.

    It had not been a smooth-sailing journey for Father Tian to develop his business from nothing into a booming empire. Mother Tian had seen too many men who had simply abandoned their wives who had stuck with them through thick and thin and found mistresses or one-night stands after they had be sessful, but Father Tian had never done so.

 Chapter 1474 - Mom, You Are Really Weird

    <h4>Chapter 1474: Mom, You Are Really Weird</h4>

    It was rare to find someone with strict self-discipline like Father Tian, who was loyal only to his wife, who had shared her husband¡¯s hard lot.

    Under such aparison, Mother Tian always counted her blessings. Sometimes, when she lost her temper, she might not be willing to heed others¡¯ words. However, if the person who was persuading her was Father Tian, she would often restrain her temper.

    Those women and friends in the same circle were often envious of Mother Tian. They even persuaded her to count her blessings. It was rare for her to meet such a great man like Father Tian, and she had to cherish him well and not lose her temper.

    Of course, if she couldn¡¯t keep Father Tian by her side anymore, at least she was still better than this group of people. She had more better days and less worrying days. There was a saying that it was good to have someone. If not, don¡¯t ever lose yourself as well. In their circle, most of the men were like this. Mother Tian was already much more fortunate than them.

    Mother Tian herself thought that way as well after persuading many people.

    What was lucky was that until Mother Tian became a grandmother, Father Tian never had any other woman but her by his side. After listening to Father Tian¡¯s sincere and doting words, as a normal woman, how would Mother Tian not be moved?

    Father Tian and Tian Dong didn¡¯t seem to know that Mother Tian had heard most of their conversation.

    Father Tian was worried that Mother Tian wouldn¡¯t agree to him and had already drafted a script in his mind. Who knew that after he returned to his room and looked into Mother Tian¡¯s eyes, she gave him an affirmative answer within a minute? Father Tian had to keep back the persuasive words he had in mind. ¡°I was saying I want to go on a vacation with you. It might be domestic travel or foreign travel. If it¡¯s domestic travel, we won¡¯t return until half a monthter. If it¡¯s foreign travel, you won¡¯t see Xiao Bao for a long time.¡±

    Didn¡¯t his wife treat Xiao Bao as her precious and wanted to see him as much as possible?

    ¡°Besides me, the grandma, Xiao Bao still has his birth father, birth mother, and so many rtives in the inw¡¯s family. It couldn¡¯t be that no one will take care of Xiao Bao if I¡¯m not around, right? When I was young, it was tough for me to apany you around. When I¡¯m old, it couldn¡¯t be that my purpose is to help you take care of your grandson, right? I¡¯m not that foolish. There are so many nice and fun ces. I won¡¯t lock myself up at home.¡±

    Mother Tian said these words with her back facing Father Tian so that he couldn¡¯t see her slightly red eyes. ¡°Furthermore, it¡¯s popr for young people nowadays to go on a honeymoon. To think we had lived in the US for over twenty years. After being married to you for so long, we haven¡¯t been on a travel before, let alone a honeymoon. I find itte that you¡¯re mentioning this only now.¡±

    Father Tian didn¡¯t understand why it was so easy to talk to his wife today. However, since it was rare that she had agreed, of course he wouldn¡¯t probe into the details. If he asked too many questions, Mother Tian might feel irritated and not be willing to travel again. ¡°If you agree to it, I¡¯ll n the itinerary tomorrow and we can fly off the day after.¡±

    Tomorrow was the triplets¡¯ birthday. The Zhai family and the Tian family were inws. Seeing that National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival were happening together, both families should find the opportunity to have a meal together. Coincidentally, the triplets¡¯ birthday became this opportunity.

    On the triplets¡¯ birthday, the Tian family would have a meal with the Zhai family. On Mid-Autumn Festival, the Tian family could have a meal together in their family of five and not be disturbed by others.

    As such, Father Tian could only book the tickets and n the itinerary for this trip tomorrow. Furthermore, it was already midnight. Even if Father Tian wanted to find out more details, there wasn¡¯t anyone around to provide him with such information.

    After the couple finished talking, Father Tian and Mother Tian slept exceptionally well.

    While Father Tian and Mother Tian were sleeping peacefully, tonight was considered a passionate night for the newly-weds, Zhai Hua and Tian Dong, who were young and full of vigor.

    When Tian Dong hugged his wife agitatedly and rolled around in bed, he was thankful that Xiao Bao had already developed the habit of sleeping in a bed alone, just like the triplets. If his son was also sleeping on this big bed, how would he dare to be so impudent? He had given all this passion and ¡®savings¡¯, which had been umted for long, to his wife without any reservations. ¡°Wife, I saved a lot of ¡®grains¡¯ this time around. You have to satisfy me well.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face was charming. Upon hearing Tian Dong¡¯s words, she couldn¡¯t help but give him a kick. ¡°If you want to do it, just do it. Why are you saying so much nonsense for? Well? Would I be afraid of you?¡± She had great stamina. What was there for her to be afraid of?

    As a female soldier, Zhai Hua was confident of her stamina and didn¡¯t put Tian Dong¡¯s words to heart.

    As such, this couple went all out the entire night. The next day, when the sun was shining brightly, they werete. Xiao Bao was so angry that he climbed up the bed, pulled open their nket, and shaped his hands in the form of a trumpet to wake them up. ¡°Dad! Mom! It¡¯s the triplets¡¯ birthday today. We said before that we would go over to celebrate with them. Get up, get up! Get up quickly! Otherwise, we won¡¯t make it in time!¡±

    Seeing that his parents didn¡¯t move, Xiao Bao was so angry that he spread his legs and sat on Tian Dong¡¯s waist, as if riding a horse. He kept jumping up and down, treating Tian Dong¡¯s body like a trampoline.

    Tian Dong and Zhai Hua naturally woke up due to the noise their son was making since they hadn¡¯t died yet from the passionate night before. Zhai Hua was blushing. After seeing her son, it was rare for her tone to be gentle. ¡°Xiao Bao¡¯s awake? You¡¯re earlier than Dad and Mom. Xiao Bao, why are you so great?¡±

    Xiao Bao couldn¡¯t help but shiver, shocked by his mom. ¡°Mom, why are you speaking so weirdly today? You¡¯re weirder than yesterday.¡±

    Xiao Bao was long used to his mom¡¯s arms being simr to his dad¡¯s, and that the way his mom spoke was simr to that of his dad and grandpa. Xiao Bao was willing to cooperate yesterday as Zhai Hua had taken the initiative, offering to bring him over to the Zhai family¡¯s house to stay for a few days.

    How would Xiao Bao, who was extremely happy, care that Zhai Hua¡¯s tone was different from before? Of course, Xiao Bao would find that whatever Zhai Hua said was good.

    After the night, such a joy had cooled down in Xiao Bao¡¯s heart. Zhai Hua used an even gentler tone than yesterday to talk to Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao wasn¡¯t used to it.

    Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows. ¡°Weird? How is it weird? I clearly saw that every time your aunt talked to you in such a manner, you were very happy.¡± She even gave birth to a child. Of course she had to learn from Qiao Nan to be an understanding wife and loving mother and to be gentler.

 Chapter 1475 - Just Teach It Accordingly

    <h4>Chapter 1475: Just Teach It ordingly</h4>

    Zhai Hua had heard about Xiao Bao¡¯s attitude toward Mother Tian.

    Although Zhai Hua was not jealous like Mother Tian, she still felt ufortable knowing that her own son preferred someone else rather than her.

    Today, Zhai Hua was even willing to try things that irked her in the past for the sake of her son. Seeing how her son liked Qiao Nan, she tried learning from Qiao Nan too. She wanted him to know that she was the one who gave birth to him. No matter what, she did not want to behave like her mother-inw who could not do anything even after seeing that Xiao Bao preferred someone else.

    Zhai Hua had thought it through. It was rare that she had the time to return home, so eding to her son¡¯s request from time to time was very necessary.

    But something unexpected happened. They had been fine the previous day, but today, Xiao Bao¡¯s words dealt a strong blow to Zhai Hua. Even though it had been harmonious between the mother and son the previous day, in Xiao Bao¡¯s eyes, he did not think that she was gentle, only weird.

    How could this be possible?

    ¡°Auntie?¡± Xiao Bao did not even need to think. ¡°No, auntie doesn¡¯t speak like that. Her voice doesn¡¯t sound like that. When auntie speaks, her tone is always jovial, not like that. You¡¯re not auntie. You¡¯re my mom.¡± How could his mom be like his auntie? His mom could never be his auntie.

    With Xiao Bao repeatedly chanting this like a monk, Zhai Hua not only had a headache but also grew rather annoyed at her son. ¡°It¡¯s my fault as a mom. You¡¯re only three years old, not yet four. How could you possibly understand what I meant? Fine, go find your grandma for breakfast. Mom and Dad will join you soon. Then, we¡¯ll go to your maternal grandma¡¯s house and Xiao Bao can y with your cousins. How¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± This was Xiao Bao¡¯s ultimate goal. Upon hearing that his mom was going to wake up and was even going to bring him to his maternal grandma¡¯s house, Xiao Bao obediently climbed down from his father¡¯s body, put on his slippers, and ran downstairs to find his grandma for breakfast.

    ¡°Okay, Xiao Bao¡¯s gone. Hurry ande in.¡± Zhai Hua had woken up early but pretended to sleep in front of her son. Her hands secretly moved to her chest naughtily to tempt Tian Dong. ¡°If your sones back and makes a fuss, I won¡¯t be able to help you. You¡¯ll have to exin to him why we¡¯re sleeping without any clothes.¡±

    Because the two of them had been entirely naked, it was inconvenient for them to get up with Xiao Bao around. They were afraid that Xiao Bao would see something. It would be especially embarrassing for Tian Dong.

    Zhai Hua was not an ordinary woman. She was a cheetah with ws.

    It was in no way easy for Tian Dong to take advantage of Zhai Hua. While Tian Dong satisfied himself physically and mentally, he also sustained many injuries all over his body. There were scratches by Zhai Hua, even bites by Zhai Hua. Those injuries looked rather pitiful.

    Tian Dong was worried that if his son were to see him in this state, he would ask if the couple had a good rtionship and whether they had been fighting. Tian Dong did not know if he should give his son the correct answer and expose his son to sex education at such a young age.

    The reason why he was so ¡®pathetic¡¯ was not that he had fought with someone but, rather, because he was too ¡®close¡¯ to his wife.

    In this aspect, Tian Dong¡¯s mindset was more westernized. He felt that there was nothing wrong with telling Xiao Bao about it. Unfortunately, Zhai Hua did not agree. She was unwilling for Tian Dong to tell her son that. With Zhai Hua stopping him, Tian Dong was not hesitant and in a dilemma about how to exin it to his son. Since there was no good way of doing it, they might as well hide under the nket to prevent their son from finding out and asking questions.

    ¡°What¡¯s there that we can¡¯t exin? Just follow what I say. We might as well tell him at a younger age. There¡¯s nothing bad about it. If Xiao Bao learns about it earlier, he¡¯ll be good like his father and find a good wife.¡± After Xiao Bao left, Tian Dong got up quickly and walked to his closet to get his clothes.

    ¡°No way. Xiao Bao is only three years old. Even if you teach him now, he might not understand. If Xiao Bao leaks it and tells someone else about it, I¡¯ll lose all dignity.¡± In terms of her dignity, Zhai Hua¡¯s personality was rather masculine, but it did not mean that she would be flippant and negligent in everything that she did. When it came to the topic of sex, the Chinese people were rather shy, and so was Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Dignity? You¡¯re talking about dignity?¡± Tian Dong did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°I think Qiao Nan has done a good job in this respect. She¡¯s younger than you, but she is really a better mother than you are. I remember that when the three children were Xiao Bao¡¯s age, Qiao Nan already instilled some gender awareness in them. Now that they¡¯ve grown up, Da Bao and Er Bao know that San Bao is ady and they take better care of her when ying. When boys y with San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao will always stand in the way. Once, a nursery ssmate wanted to kiss San Bao and the two of them started throwing tantrums. Da Bao and Er Bao immediately taught that kid a lesson.¡±

    Tian Dong remembered this incident especially clearly.

    At that time, Xiao Bao was still babbling and unable to speak clearly, and his teeth were still growing out. Once he heard that Da Bao and Er Bao had punched the person who had bullied San Bao, Xiao Bao immediately waved his little fist around without hesitation, expressing his wish to beat the person too.

    Only when Xiao Bao returned and mumbled it in confusion did Tian Dong learn about this incident. ¡°Thinking about it, Xiao Bao should be a few months older than the three children were when that incident happened. Xiao Bao is in the intermediate ss now. When he¡¯s in the older ss and in primary school, he¡¯ll definitely have to learn about this, right?¡±

    The children were going to use separate restrooms in the future.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°I spend so little time at home. You spend much more time at home than me. How¡¯s this? If you really think that it¡¯ll be better to teach Xiao Bao, you do it. I only have one request. Do it when I¡¯m not at home.¡±

    Nan Nan had taught it too. It could not go wrong.

    But Zhai Hua felt that Xiao Bao was her son. If Xiao Bao were to gradually recognize the difference between genders and ask an awkward question, how would she as a mother answer? Anyway, Tian Dong was a man. Educating their son on matters like that should be Tian Dong¡¯s job.

    So there was nothing wrong with passing this task on to Tian Dong.

    ¡°Deal.¡± Tian Dong agreed with a smile. He had always felt that it was always better to learn about such things earlier rather thanter.

    When Tian Dong brought his whole family of five in his car to the Zhai family, his face was beaming with joy.

 Chapter 1476 - The Old Was Not as Valuable as the Son

    <h4>Chapter 1476: The Old Was Not as Valuable as the Son</h4>

    As soon as his grandma ced him down, Xiao Bao kicked his short legs and ran toward the Zhai family. ¡°Brothers and sister! Xiao Bao is here to celebrate your birthday!¡±

    The four adults had just gotten out of the car when Xiao Bao was already nowhere to be seen. Mother Tian sighed. ¡°He really likes his brothers and sister.¡± The children from the Tian family were to be med. None of them liked Xiao Bao. Some even openly bullied Xiao Bao and snatched his things away.

    If there were smarter children in the Tian family to y with Xiao Bao, how would Xiao Bao have such a good rtionship with the triplets from the Zhai family?

    ¡°Mom.¡± Zhai Hua stood next to Mother Tian and prepared to enter the Zhai family with her, unlike her son who didn¡¯t understand or say anything and just left Mother Tian alone to run into the house first.

    Indeed, Zhai Hua was not restrained enough and was like a tomboy. However, this didn¡¯t mean that she was unschooled in the ways of the world.

    Seeing that Mother Tian looked a little ufortable, at least she, as a daughter-inw, wouldn¡¯t rush to meet her parents and family. Instead, she kept by her mother-inw¡¯s side obediently and tried to win some brownie points.

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go in.¡± Indeed, Zhai Hua looked more like a woman standing by her side quietly. Mother Tian¡¯s face immediately softened as if she didn¡¯t bother with Xiao Bao¡¯s ¡®heartlessness¡¯. She entered the Zhai family together with Zhai Hua.

    The father and son from the Tian family saw this situation and smiled in relief. Tian Dong said proudly, ¡°I¡¯ve said this long ago. Hua Hua looks like a scatterbrain, but that¡¯s just her appearance. If Hua Hua was really that pure and innocent, even if father-inw had protected her, she wouldn¡¯t have stayed for a long time and held so many important positions in the army.¡±

    His wife was good at everything. Except for her EQ, which was a little low, there were no issues with her IQ at all.

    Father Tian nodded. ¡°One¡¯s your mom, and the other¡¯s your wife. You should understand them clearly andpletely. Let¡¯s go. If we walk slower, your precious son would probably cause trouble.¡± Xiao Bao kept saying that they must not bete to celebrate with the Zhai family¡¯s triplets. Otherwise, they would be unhappy.

    This morning, not only did Xiao Bao run to his parents¡¯ room to wake them up, but he even went to his grandparents¡¯ room as well, waking them up with sweet kisses.

    When Xiao Bao woke the two of them up, he also said something simr. That was why Father Tian knew why Xiao Bao felt so anxious.

    ¡°So be it. Would I be scared?¡± Who exactly was the father and who was the son?

    Father Tian smiled. ¡°How stubborn! If Xiao Bao really cries and no one can coax him, Qiao Nan would coax him. If Xiao Bao cries until his throat bes hoarse, you can justmit suicide to repay your sins. By then, your mother won¡¯t spare your life and your wife won¡¯t give you good looks.¡±

    Xiao Bao wasn¡¯t just his wife¡¯s precious. Zhai Hua¡¯s love for Xiao Bao would only be more than his wife.

    Compared to Xiao Bao, he had never won. His wife had always been biased toward Xiao Bao. Simrly, if Xiao Bao really threw tantrums, he wanted to see if his son could really hold it up and not be defeated by his grandson¡¯s cries.

    Tian Dong twitched his lips and helplessly followed the footsteps of Father Tian. He was stubborn, but the truth was the truth.

    The truth was if his mom and Zhai Hua were both present, Tian Dong really didn¡¯t have the guts to provoke Xiao Bao. If Xiao Bao cried, his mom was still alright. At most, she would just scold him. However, if he were to fall into Hua Hua¡¯s hands, ayer of skin would have to be removed even if he managed to survive.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re walking really slowly. Even grandpa is faster than you.¡± Once they entered the Zhai family¡¯s house, Xiao Bao¡¯s words of disdain traveled into everyone¡¯s ears. ¡°Even great-grandpa walks faster than you. Mom said that you have to exercise with us as well. In the future, you can box with me. You can let great-grandpa teach you. It¡¯s very easy to learn. I¡¯ve learned it as well. You can definitely do so too. After you get a hang of it, your walking speed would definitely be faster than now.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Tian Dong, whose father had guessed correctly, was speechless. Was this his son? Was this his biological son? How was there a son who criticized his birth father like this?!

    ¡°Brothers, sister, happy birthday. Xiao Bao specially chose these. Take a look. Do you like them?¡± Afterining about the speed his dad walked, Xiao Bao diligently took out the three gifts he had prepared and ced them one by one in front of the triplets. ¡°Remove the wrapper quickly. See if you like them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Xiao Bao.¡± Picking up his own present, Da Bao wasn¡¯t in an especially good mood. However, he felt embarrassed to reject Xiao Bao¡¯s kind intentions. Furthermore, master grandpa¡¯s matters had nothing to do with Xiao Bao. He shouldn¡¯t vent his bad situation on Xiao Bao.

    After Da Bao took the lead, Er Bao and San Bao happily picked up their presents. ¡°Xiao Bao, can we remove the wrapper?¡±

    Xiao Bao nodded forcefully. ¡°Please do. If you don¡¯t, how would you know if you like it or not?¡±

    After getting permission, Er Bao and San Bao tore the outeryer of packaging happily. Comparatively, Da Bao, who was the eldest, was more refined. He carefully removed the outer packaging bit by bit.

    Upon seeing this situation, most people wouldpliment Er Bao and San Bao for being real. As for Da Bao, they would say that he was sensible and polite.

    However, Zhai Hua found that something was wrong. She touched Qiao Nan with her elbow. ¡°Nan Nan, why do I feel that Da Bao is a little unhappy today? Did he fail his exams, or did you punish him because of something? I don¡¯t mean to say this but today is the triplets¡¯ birthday. If there¡¯s really something, you should put it aside and talk about it another day. You should let the three of them spend their birthdays happily today.¡± It wasn¡¯t toote to talk about Da Bao¡¯s mistake in the near future.

    Qiao Nan forced out a smile. ¡°No, Da Bao is pretty good. He scored 99 in the admission test and came out on top. I guess Da Bao didn¡¯t sleep wellst night, thus he didn¡¯t look energetic today. Don¡¯t worry. Children are like that. He¡¯ll be fine after a few days.¡±

    Definitely. She had survived all those hard times. Her days in the future would naturally get better and better.

    With her clenched fists, Qiao Nan¡¯s fingernails engraved deep marks on her palms.

 Chapter 1477 - Elder Lin Was Here

    <h4>Chapter 1477: Elder Lin Was Here</h4>

    Until now, Elder Lin had not yet appeared in the Zhai family. It was unusual for the neighbor not to be the earliest among the rest toe over and celebrate the triplets¡¯ birthday.

    Early this morning, the triplets had already stretched out their necks and looked at the door from time to time or raised their ears to hear if there was any movement next door.

    Every time the three children heard amotion but weren¡¯t sure where the sound came from, they widened their eyes and looked toward the door with eyes full of hope. However, they were left disappointed every time. Until now, Elder Lin had not knocked on the Zhai family¡¯s door.

    ¡°Da Bao didn¡¯t sleep, then what about you? You didn¡¯t sleep well as well?¡± How would Zhai Hua not have noticed Qiao Nan¡¯s strange look? ¡°I feel that you look worse than Da Bao. The arrangement for this birthday party isn¡¯t thatplicated. Furthermore, there¡¯s Mom and auntie to help you. You shouldn¡¯t have been handling everything alone, thus tiring yourself out. Or are you tired because Zhai Sheng was not sensible enough?¡±

    Everyone was part of a couple who were madly in love. Zhai Hua led a very sweet life. She felt that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng must be the same as well.

    In the past, Zhai Hua had seen clearly how much Zhai Sheng, her brother, yearned for Qiao Nan. Now, their rtionship shouldn¡¯t be worse off than before. After all, although they had been married for seven years now, the way they interacted clearly showed that they were still in the stage of love.

    When Zhai Hua said this, she meant it as a dirty joke. It was a pity that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t cooperate and couldn¡¯t smile. ¡°Nothing. Don¡¯t think too much. My workload has been heavier recently, so I¡¯m more tired. I was also busy preparing for the triplets¡¯ birthday. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll recover after resting for a few days.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right, where¡¯s your master? Today¡¯s the triplets¡¯ birthday. I thought he would be the first to reach. So many people have arrived but he hasn¡¯t yet. How rare.¡± Zhai Hua had to touch the tender spot. She said it herself that Lin Yuankang would be more nervous about and value the triplets more than anyone else.

    Something was definitely wrong since Lin Yuankang hadn¡¯t arrived. Wasn¡¯t she trying to stir up trouble by mentioning this at this moment?

    Indeed, San Bao, who had been pampered by Lin Yuankang since she was young, couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Her lips twitched, her eyes became red, and she sniffed. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s our birthdays today. Isn¡¯t master grandpaing?¡±

    Lin Yuankang had already spoiled San Bao since she started drinking milk. She was never once ignored by Lin Yuankang. This time around, San Bao felt that she was one of the most pitiful children to have celebrated her birthday. ¡°Mom, I want to see master grandpa.¡±

    Er Bao frowned. ¡°Mom, is it because master grandpa is old and his legs are weak, thus he couldn¡¯te over? Why don¡¯t we do this? Let¡¯s go next door and cut the cake at master grandpa¡¯s house, shall we?¡±

    Er Bao knew that one¡¯s legs would be weaker as one grew older. Not to mention others, Old Master Zhai¡¯s walking speed was obviously much slower than before.

    When the children were two or three years old, they followed Old Master Zhai and walked outside. Even if Old Master Zhai deliberately slowed down, they had to run a few steps from time to time in order to keep up with him. Now, they had to slow down from time to time or deliberately stop to look at the flowers and grass on the roadside so that they could maintain a simr walking speed as Old Master Zhai.

    In this year, in Er Bao¡¯s memory, he had rarely seen Lin Yuankang walking on his own. When he headed out, he was in a wheelchair and someone was pushing him. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t we get master grandpa to sit in that wheelchair and the three of us push him over? Which idea do you think is better?¡±

    Er Bao was a cunning child. He wasn¡¯t trying to get Qiao Nan to choose the better idea. He was just telling Qiao Nan that today was their birthday, and regardless, they wanted to see master grandpa. If he couldn¡¯te over, they would go over. As long as the end result was the same, it didn¡¯t matter to them where they cut the cake.

    As she listened, Zhai Hua felt that something was amiss. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Elder Lin?¡± In the past, Elder Lin cared about the triplets more than anyone else. Listening to Er Bao¡¯s tone, it seemed that the triplets hadn¡¯t seen him for a long time.

    Even the three children got impatient from waiting. How could Elder Lin hold it for so long and note over to look at them?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± At this moment, the Zhai family¡¯s door opened and Elder Lin¡¯s loud voice traveled over. ¡°Oh, have the presents been unwrapped? So early? I¡¯mte. How about the cake? Have you blown the candles?¡±

    ¡°Master grandpa!¡± At this moment, Er Bao and San Bao were extremely happy. They smiled and pounced on Lin Yuankang, who was seated in the wheelchair.

    Lin Yuankang hurriedly stretched his hand out and stopped Er Bao and San Bao, half-refusing them. ¡°The two of you are now as heavy as piglets. Three years ago, master grandpa could no longer carry you. By rushing over like this, you¡¯re going to break my bones. San Bao, you¡¯re a big girl now. You have to walk over slowly. Otherwise, you will fall. If you fall, you¡¯ll get hurt and bleed. Don¡¯t cry then.¡± Because at that point in time, master grandpa could no longer be by your side, wipe your tears, and coax you to smile.

    ¡°Master grandpa.¡± San Bao blushed like a flower. ¡°Master grandpa, is this dress pretty? Mom bought it for me.¡±

    ¡°Pretty. Our San Bao looks good in anything.¡± Lin Yuankang opened his eyes wide. He couldn¡¯t bear to blink and just looked at San Bao, then Er Bao and Da Bao. In short, he wasn¡¯t willing to miss a nce at any of them. ¡°After today, our triplets will be one year older. The three of you are the most good-looking and smartest children I¡¯ve ever seen. When you grow up, you have to be as outstanding as your mom, okay?¡±

    Lin Yuankang knew that because of how outstanding Qiao Nan was and how smart the three children were, people in the quad often praised that the Zhai family was lucky to have good-looking and clever grandchildren. Such an advantage was already demonstrated when the three children were in kindergarten.

    At this moment, someone said things like one might be intelligent when young but not when older and that the Zhai family might have produced three children simr to Fang Zhong Yong, the child prodigy who lost his talent when he was older.

    Faced with these malicious words, Lin Yuankang was angry.

 Chapter 1478 - The Heaviness of a Tear

    <h4>Chapter 1478: The Heaviness of a Tear</h4>

    What Lin Yuankang could do was to try his best to keep the greatness of the triplets unchanged.

    San Bao lifted her chin proudly like a peacock princess. ¡°But of course. My dad¡¯s formidable, my mom¡¯s formidable, so I¡¯m formidable as well. Da Bao, Er Bao, we are all formidable.¡±

    ¡°Me. There¡¯s still me, there¡¯s still me.¡± At this time, Xiao Bao jumped out to say that not only was he an obedient child but also smart. ¡°Master grandpa, Xiao Bao¡¯s good as well. Xiao Bao will be four years old in a month¡¯s time. Xiao Bao will be the same as brothers and sister and be ranked first in future examinations.¡±

    The triplets loved Lin Yuankang. Simrly, Xiao Bao was passionate toward Lin Yuankang as well. As the follower of the brothers and sister, Xiao Bao had all along looked up to them.

    ¡°Yes, Xiao Bao is a good child as well,¡± Lin Yuankang smiled and replied.

    Da Bao, who had been remaining quiet, walked to Lin Yuankang silently and wanted to pull his hand. ¡°Master grandpa.¡±

    Lin Yuankang smiled at Da Bao and took the initiative to hold his hand. ¡°Da Bao, you¡¯re Er Bao, San Bao, and Xiao Bao¡¯s brother. You will have a heavier burden in the future. Master grandpa knows that your life will be tough. So, Er Bao, San Bao, Xiao Bao, when you grow up, you have to work hard as well and make life easier for Da Bao, understand?¡±

    ¡°Master grandpa, it¡¯s fine. Er Bao and the rest are already very good and obedient. I can do it.¡± Da Bao held Lin Yuankang¡¯s hand tightly. He didn¡¯t know what those words truly implied. He just felt that the words master grandpa said today were different from before. He was obviously smiling, but when he looked into his eyes and listened to his words, he felt that master grandpa was very upset. It was even sadder than when Er Bao, San Bao, and Xiao Bao cried.

    As master grandpa was sad, he was sad as well.

    Zhai Hua felt that something was amiss. She could feel that Elder Lin seemed to be handing over things that would happen in the future, as if he no longer had the chance to see the triplets grow up. As such, Elder Lin was talking to the three children about everything while he still had the ability to speak.

    Zhai Hua nced at Elder Lin and was surprised to see that he was much thinner now. After taking a closer look, even if he was wearing a loose, long-sleeved shirt in this hot weather, it was obvious that someone was propping his shirt up.

    This generally meant that the body under the shirt was too skinny and could no longer support the weight of the shirt.

    As a businessman, Tian Dong was more sensitive than Zhai Hua as his feelings for Elder Lin were not as deep as the Zhai family¡¯s for him. As such, he had long noticed Elder Lin¡¯s anomaly.

    Tian Dong initially thought that he was just sensitive. He also thought that perhaps Elder Lin wasn¡¯t feeling very well recently. For an old man like Elder Lin, he could easily lose half his life after having a small illness. It wasn¡¯t strange that he would be thinner after an illness.

    After listening to the words Elder Lin said to the three children, Tian Dong was certain that he wasn¡¯t being sensitive. Indeed, Elder Lin wasn¡¯t in good condition.

    Seeing that his foolish wife was about to ask questions, Tian Dong hurriedly pulled Zhai Hua. He shook his head at her when she looked over, then used his eyes to signal to her to look at Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Until now, Qiao Nan had not uttered a single word.

    If it was the usual Qiao Nan, was this possible?

    Zhai Hua¡¯s heart froze. She looked at Miao Jing. Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but sigh and didn¡¯t say a word. Zhai Hua felt like her face was being hammered. The joy from the previous second hadpletely disappeared. Now, her heart was stained with sadness and panic.

    ¡°Er Bao, San Bao, Xiao Bao,e over. Let master grandpa hug you, alright?¡± Lin Yuankang couldn¡¯t hold these words back anymore. Initially, he wanted to just keep this to himself. However, in the face of the four children, especially the triplets, Lin Yuankang realized he wasn¡¯t as rational as he thought.

    He couldn¡¯t bear to leave these three children. He really couldn¡¯t!

    ¡°Master grandpa?¡± Er Bao started to feel that something was amiss and forced out a smile. ¡°Master grandpa, you¡¯re weird. When you wanted to hug us in the past, you would pounce over loudly like a big tiger.¡± As Er Bao thought he was ying with them, he deliberately sang a different tune and didn¡¯t let him hug him.

    In order to tease Er Bao, the more Er Bao said he refused to give him a hug, the more Lin Yuankang wanted to hug him.

    ¡°Master grandpa.¡± They were triplets after all. Once Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s emotions weren¡¯t right, the smile on San Bao¡¯s face disappeared and ayer of clouds covered it. She pounced onto Elder Lin¡¯s knee. ¡°Master grandpa, I¡¯m... I¡¯m afraid.¡± However, she couldn¡¯t say exactly what she was afraid of.

    San Bao didn¡¯t understand. Wasn¡¯t it their birthday today? Why was it so strange this year, different from previous years? Why couldn¡¯t she smile today? Why didn¡¯t she feel blessed and happy at all at this moment?

    Qiao Nan felt so terrible that she couldn¡¯t breathe. She gently pushed the four children forward and pulled Lin Yuankang¡¯s hand, helping him hug them. This hug wasn¡¯t a hug in the traditional sense. At the very most, Lin Yuankang was catching the four children with difficulty with his outstretched hand. Lin Yuankang¡¯s chin gently touched the top of the four children¡¯s heads and he wanted to lean his body back.

    It was a pity he didn¡¯t have the strength.

    He wanted to sit back and let go of the four children. He was afraid they would find out about his unusual condition and didn¡¯t want to scare them. However, his withered body didn¡¯t listen to hismand at all, and he had no strength.

    Before Zhai Sheng could help Lin Yuankang, Qiao Nan stepped forward. She held his skinny arm with one hand and his crooked back with the other. Lin Yuankang, who had be so thin, weighed very little now. He was so light that even Qiao Nan, a woman who didn¡¯t have much strength, didn¡¯t have to spare much effort to lift him back to the wheelchair.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tears fell uncontrobly and dripped onto the clothes on Lin Yuankang¡¯s back. As this tear was too heavy and dropped too quickly, no one but Lin Yuankang knew about its existence.

    ¡°Can we let the triplets make a wish and blow the candles?¡± Lin Yuankang almost couldn¡¯t continue pretending with that tear. He asked weakly if it was time for the triplets to blow out the candles.

    ¡°Yes. Auntie, bring out the cake quickly. Remember to put the candles in.¡± It was difficult for Miao Jing to recover from the shock.

 Chapter 1479 - Old Master Wasnâ€™t Funny

    <h4>Chapter 1479: Old Master Wasn¡¯t Funny</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this point in time, nobody would object to Elder Lin¡¯s words. Old Master Zhai sat quietly on the sofa. His lips curved slightly and he looked as kind as a Buddha. The ferociousness he had when he was young was gone, and he looked at this scene as if it were the evening sun.

    Lin Yuankang was slightly stunned and he made eye contact with Old Master Zhai. Old Master Zhai remained motionless while sitting but nodded to Lin Yuankang. It seemed like a greeting and also seemed to be acknowledging something.

    They had known each other for so many years. They knew it clearly how their tempers were like. Lin Yuankang wasn¡¯t suited for arousing enthusiasm while Old Master Zhai wasn¡¯t suited for remaining quiet. At this age, both of them had done things that didn¡¯t suit their tempers. The answer was self-evident and so full of helplessness.

    Lin Yuankang smiled bitterly. He looked at the few children before him with heartache and couldn¡¯t say anything.

    The auntie still wasn¡¯t clear about the situation. After hearing Miao Jing¡¯s orders, she brought out the big cake Zhai Sheng had ordered and ced it on the table. There were seven candles on the cake, which meant that the children were now seven years old. ¡°We can make a wish and blow out the candles.¡±

    The three children didn¡¯t feel as happy as half an hour ago about the birthday celebration. Da Bao led Er Bao and San Bao to stand in front of the big cake. They closed their eyes and made a wish. Xiao Bao, who was young and ignorant, joined in the excitement and followed what they did.

    After the three children made their wishes and blew out the candles, Da Bao, who had always been quiet, suddenly said, ¡°I made a wish just now, wishing for those who celebrated my birthday with me this year would also celebrate with me next year.¡± If this coulde true, he would only make this birthday wish every year from now on.

    Da Bao¡¯s words shocked all the adults present. When Da Bao spoke, he stared fixedly at Lin Yuankang. Obviously, his wish was directed mainly at Lin Yuankang. Lin Yuankang, moved and lost, nced at Old Master Zhai. He didn¡¯t know if those surnamed Zhai would be angry upon hearing Da Bao¡¯s wish.

    Old Master Zhai smiled. Indeed, he was the eldest great-grandson he had brought up. He had said these words so beautifully. Even if Da Bao¡¯s words were directed mainly at Elder Lin, he had incorporated everyone¡¯s thoughts, including his. He was such a clever and thoughtful great-grandson. How would he be angry? He was only happy.

    He had at least one-third of the credit for teaching such a great child.

    Old Master Zhai wouldn¡¯t be so foolish to fight with Elder Lin over this. Furthermore, both of them already had one foot in the grave. What meaning was there to fight over this? He even found the man surnamed Lin to be childish.

    ¡°Since we have blown out the candles, let¡¯s cut the cake.¡± Seeing that the usually cold Old Master Zhai was unusually gentle today and was theplete opposite of how he usually looked, Elder Lin thought that there was no meaning to this. ¡°I¡¯ll eat a little.¡±

    ¡°Here, let¡¯s eat the cake, everyone.¡± At this moment, Zhai Sheng had already cut the cake. The auntie distributed the cut cake to everyone.

    The Tian couple took a few bites after receiving it. Father Tian got Mother Tian to sit beside him. At this moment, he became more determined to bring Mother Tian out for a walk. Having lived to this age, he didn¡¯t know when he and his wife would be the same as Elder Lin. By then, everything would be toote.

    Mother Tian seemed to have been affected quite a bit as well. She became quiet. Even when she saw how Xiao Bao was sticking closely to the triplets and looking at Qiao Nan with full admiration, she couldn¡¯t get jealous.

    The people from the Zhai family sincerely treated Xiao Bao well. Even if Xiao Bao became closer to them, not only would he not learn the bad things, but he would even be better and better under their influence. Since it was good for Xiao Bao, why should she mind? Furthermore, Xiao Bao and the Zhai family were close. Was Xiao Bao not close to her, his grandma?

    No, they were close. Xiao Bao still shared a good rtionship with her.

    Xiao Bao didn¡¯t distance himself from her or dislike her because of the Zhai family. The Zhai family had such a good influence on Xiao Bao. Comparing with her husband and son, Xiao Bao would definitely benefit more in the future with the Zhai family. As long as everything was good for Xiao Bao, she was willing to open her mind. After all, he was her biological grandson.

    Mother Tian held Father Tian¡¯s hand. ¡°Shall we postpone the trip?¡± Elder Lin was left with only these couple of days. If they wanted to attend his funeral, their trip had to be put back.

    Father Tian wasn¡¯t in a hurry to travel. However, he shook his head at Mother Tian. ¡°No, I think that with Elder Lin¡¯s temper, he wouldn¡¯t want too many people to send him off the day he passed away. As long as the people most important to him are by his side to send him off, he should be satisfied.¡± It was best for them, the outsiders, not to interfere especially at moments like these.

    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Mother Tian¡¯s temper was exceptionally good today. Of course, she became easy to talk to as well. Whatever Father Tian said, she agreed.

    It was just that ns could never catch up with changes. The Tian couple could choose not to appear if Elder Lin passed away. However, with Old Master Zhai following suit after him, as the inws and Old Master Zhai¡¯s juniors, they couldn¡¯t not show up.

    After the triplets celebrated their birthday, that night, or precisely, at two in the morning of the next day, Elder Lin smiled and passed away.

    The auntie who was taking care of Elder Lin was very upset. However, she remembered what Elder Lin had told her and didn¡¯t dare to tell this news to Qiao Nan and the three children. She only told Zhai Sheng secretly.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng was keeping guard of Old Master Zhai, which was what he had been doing for the past two days. After finishing the call he had with the auntie hired by the Lin family, he returned to Old Master Zhai¡¯s room. The moment he saw him, he suddenly realized that something was wrong with Old Master Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng frowned and walked to Old Master Zhai¡¯s side. He touched his hand. Although there was still a bit of temperature in his hand, it was lower than the normal temperature of an average person¡¯s. Zhai Sheng held his breath and ced two fingers on Old Master Zhai¡¯s neck artery. There was no pulse!

    ¡°Old master? Old master. Grandpa? Grandpa!¡± Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but push Old Master Zhai. However, regardless of how he pushed him, Old Master Zhai didn¡¯t have any reaction. He seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep and couldn¡¯t wake up. ¡°Grandpa, grandpa, wake up. Don¡¯t crack such jokes. Grandpa?¡±

    Old Master Zhai stopped breathing. His body became stiff and he couldn¡¯t be awakened. All of these indicated to Zhai Sheng that Old Master Zhai was the same as Elder Lin. After the triplets¡¯ birthday, he passed away.

 Chapter 1480 - He Had Obviously Made a Wish

    <h4>Chapter 1480: He Had Obviously Made a Wish</h4>

    At this point in time, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t calm down. He notified Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing at the fastest speed and called Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan up.

    Dawn was just breaking. However, there was a hugemotion in the Zhai family.

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were so shocked that they just wore one piece of clothing and rushed downstairs without wearing their shoes. After entering Old Master Zhai¡¯s room and looking at this situation, he said, ¡°Dad, wake up. Wake up. Doctor, call the doctor quickly!¡±

    The auntie looked panicked. ¡°I¡¯ve already made the call. The doctor should be here soon.¡± The people who lived in this quad were important political figures in China. Units like the hospital would naturally not be too far away from them.

    Once the hospital received the Zhai family¡¯s call, the doctor immediately rushed over at the fastest speed. ¡°Excuse me, let me do a check on the elder.¡± After the doctor confirmed that his vital signs were gone and even his eyeballs had be cloudy, he shook his head helplessly. ¡°Sorry, the elder has already passed away. It could be seen that he left peacefully, so it¡¯s a joyous passing.¡±

    Everyone knew that Old Master Zhai was always in good health condition and rarely visited their hospital. Old Master Zhai didn¡¯t suffer from any illness or pain and had left peacefully in his dreams. Among the veteran revolutionaries, Old Master Zhai could be said to have left the most peacefully. It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to call it a joyous passing.

    Since it was a joyous passing, the Zhai family didn¡¯t need to be too upset. However, the problem was that their closest rtive was gone. How was it possible that the sadness in their hearts decreased just because it was a joyous passing?

    ¡°Dad!¡± Miao Jing was mournful. She had been caring about Elder Lin and didn¡¯t notice her father-inw¡¯s condition at all. ¡°He was all good. Why did this happen?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face turned pale. He walked up and grabbed Old Master Zhai¡¯s stiffened hand and was speechless for a long time.

    ¡°Grandpa? It¡¯s impossible. He wouldn¡¯t. He was still happily celebrating the triplets¡¯ birthday yesterday. It has only been a night. No, this must be a mistake.¡± Upon thinking about how he looked yesterday and how he looked now, he didn¡¯t seem to have passed away at all. ¡°Grandpa, wake up quickly. Since when did you love to crack jokes? This isn¡¯t funny at all. The four children will wake up in two hours¡¯ time. When they¡¯re awake and you¡¯re not, they willugh at you for being old.¡±

    Zhai Hua wanted to pull Old Master Zhai up from the bed. Tian Dong reached out to stop her. ¡°Hua Hua, I know you can¡¯t ept this in a short period of time. However, grandpa¡¯s really gone. Don¡¯t be like this. If not, grandpa won¡¯t leave peacefully.¡± Tian Dong was surprised as well. He only knew that Elder Lin¡¯s health wasn¡¯t good. Old Master Zhai didn¡¯t look like he was going to pass away at all.

    Just a few hours ago, they were still with them, celebrating the triplets¡¯ birthday together and eating cake. How did someone just pass away within such a short period of time? Even Tian Dong was confused, let alone Zhai Hua. He felt that he was having a nightmare and that everything before him wasn¡¯t real.

    But the sad atmosphere in the Zhai family told Tian Dong that all of this had really happened and it wasn¡¯t a dream. Old Master Zhai had really passed away. ¡°Oh, right, what about Elder Lin?¡± Old Master Zhai was no longer around. Would something happen to Elder Lin, whose health was worse than Old Master Zhai¡¯s, as well?

    ¡°I¡¯ll call and check.¡± Qiao Nan, whose hands and legs went soft, looked the worst among them. Old Master Zhai¡¯s sudden death was too sudden for anyone in the Zhai family. It was simply too shocking. What shocked Qiao Nan more was that she didn¡¯t know how her master was now.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Around half an hour ago, Elder Lin has passed away as well.¡± Zhai Sheng, who had just returned after contacting the auntie from the Lin family, said in a hoarse voice, ¡°Dongzi, father and I are here for the old master. Can I trouble you to go next door and change Elder Lin into some decent clothes?¡±

    When the auntie from the Lin family received Zhai Sheng¡¯s call that Old Master Zhai had passed away as well, she shouted, ¡°Oh, god!¡± She didn¡¯t know what day it was today. Why did both Elder Lin and Old Master Zhai pass away?

    ¡°Nan Nan!¡± Zhai Hua saw Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes roll back into her head and her body went soft after Zhai Sheng said that Elder Lin had passed away half an hour ago. Zhai Hua hurriedly reached out and grabbed Qiao Nan, who had fainted, when her body swayed forward.

    Qiao Nan fainted from the agitation, and Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua were in a flurry. As Miao Jing cried, she squeezed the towel. ¡°Go and wipe Nan Nan¡¯s face. What exactly is going on? Why is everything happening at the same time? How can Nan Nan handle such a huge blow?¡±

    When she heard the old master was no longer around, she noticed that something was wrong with Nan Nan. When Nan Nan heard that Elder Lin had passed away half an hour earlier than the old master, how could she handle this huge blow?

    Miao Jing took a wet towel and walked to Qiao Nan, wanting to wipe her face for her. Then, she saw a barefooted small figure with his eyes red at the door. Miao Jing¡¯s heart shuddered. ¡°Da Bao, why are you here?¡±

    Before making the arrangements for the old man¡¯s passing, the adults in the family nned not to tell the triplets and Xiao Bao first, for fear that they would be scared.

    But when Miao Jing took a closer look, Da Bao was already standing at Old Master Zhai¡¯s door. ¡°Da Bao, you... How long have you been standing here?¡± Seeing that Da Bao¡¯s eyes were red, Miao Jing wasn¡¯t able to selffort that Da Bao didn¡¯t hear anything and that he didn¡¯t understand what was meant by his great-grandpa was no longer around.

    After the breath in her heart eased, Qiao Nan coincidentally heard Miao Jing¡¯s words to Da Bao. Qiao Nan¡¯s tears fell and she waved her hands at Da Bao. Da Bao dashed toward Qiao Nan and snuggled tightly next to her. However, his eyes kept looking at Old Master Zhai.

    Qiao Nan carried Da Bao up and ced him on her knee. ¡°Why did youe over without putting on shoes?¡± Da Bao¡¯s feet were cold.

    His mom was holding his legs with warm hands. Unlike the past, Da Bao didn¡¯t feel any happiness or his mom¡¯s love for him. He was very scared at this moment. ¡°Mom, what happened to great-grandpa? What about master grandpa? I want master grandpa. Will they still celebrate my birthday with me next year? I even made a birthday wish!¡±

 Chapter 1481 - You Can Cry Today

    <h4>Chapter 1481: You Can Cry Today</h4>

    <strong>Trantor:?</strong>As Studios??<strong>Editor:?</strong>As Studios

    ¡°Nan Nan, take Da Bao out first. Since Da Bao¡¯s already awake, get him changed. The other children will be awake soon.¡± Zhai Yaohui let go of Old Master Zhai¡¯s limp hand that was already cold. ¡°It¡¯s such a coincidence that the two old men went together. Now, we¡¯ll have to discuss how we¡¯re going to organize their funerals. Actually, it might be good that they left together. When they were together, they always liked to quarrel with each other, but their rtionship was still incredibly close.¡±

    Now that they had gone together, they would at least have apanion and not be too lonely. They would no longer have to worry that the path that the two old men might take ¡®below¡¯ would be too arduous.

    Da Bao did not want to leave, but he dared not go against his grandfather¡¯s wishes. He really wanted to run over and pull his great-grandfather out of bed. He wanted his great-grandfather to wake up and bring him along to shadowboxing. It was already five in the morning. It was time for shadowboxing!

    Qiao Nan wiped away her tears. ¡°Okay, Dad.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s throat was hoarse and her eyes were stinging. They were so painful that she could not even utter a word. She knew that such a day woulde eventually. She had just never expected that it woulde so quickly. Her master alone was not enough. Old Master Zhai had to follow him too. These two men had been their country¡¯s powerful figures. Now, they even had to make a big fuss of their leaving¡­

    As Qiao Nan dressed Da Bao, Da Bao was especially obedient and did not insist on wearing his own clothes as usual. After Da Bao was dressed, he looked at Er Bao and San Bao who were about to wake up and sniffled. ¡°Mom, are master grandpa and great-grandpa really gone?¡±

    ¡°You heard it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Dad said so.¡± Because it had been said by his father, Da Bao knew that it had to be true. His father would never joke about such a matter. ¡°Mom, why are master grandpa and great-grandpa gone? If they¡¯re gone and I miss them in the future, what will I do? If Er Bao and San Bao find out about this when they wake up, they¡¯ll definitely cry. I won¡¯t be able tofort them.¡±

    As he said that, the matured Da Bao could no longer control his tears. ¡°Master grandpa was the best at coaxing San Bao. San Bao listened to whatever master grandpa had to say. Great-grandpa was the best and could make Er Bao listen to him. Mom, what will I do? Without master grandpa and great-grandpa, I won¡¯t be able to take good care of Er Bao and San Bao. Do you think master grandpa and great-grandpa will be disappointed with me? I don¡¯t want them to leave. I want them to stay here by our side forever.¡±

    As intelligent as Da Bao was, he was still only a seven-year-old child who did not understand the inevitability of death.

    He knew how happy everyone was when they were all together. Why were master grandpa and great-grandpa suddenly gone? Wasn¡¯t great-grandpa sleeping in his own home? Wasn¡¯t master grandpa next door? He was still there. What did they mean by ¡®gone¡¯?

    ¡°Be a good boy and don¡¯t cry, Da Bao. Once you cry, Mom will feel like crying too. Master grandpa and great-grandpa¡­ They were old and had white hair, right? That means they had lived for a very long time. Your great grandfather had your grandfather, and your grandfather had your father. Then, your father and I had you three. It¡¯s been a long journey and great-grandpa was tired too. It¡¯s been very hard on him, so he wanted to take a good rest. Your great-grandmother left early, so you three have never met her. Neither have I.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt a lump in her throat. ¡°But your great-grandpa and great-grandma are a couple, just like grandma and grandpa, and Mom and Dad. Great-grandma had been alone for a long time and great-grandpa was afraid that she would be too lonely. He said that he¡¯d been with us for decades, so he wanted to spend some time with great-grandma. Master grandpa felt the same way. Master grandpa toiled his whole life and wanted to get a good rest.¡± But this ¡®rest¡¯ was one that would never end.

    ¡°Can¡¯t great-grandma wait for a little longer? Won¡¯t it be better if we all apanied great-grandma together? If master grandpa was tired, then he should just take a nap and sleep. Every time I¡¯m tired, I rest for a while, go to sleep, and I wake up in good spirits the next day. So when will master grandpa and great-grandpa wake up from their rest and not feel tired anymore?¡± Da Bao asked stubbornly.

    Qiao Nan could not help but bury her face in Da Bao¡¯s shoulder, crying silently. She said with a muffled voice, ¡°Mom doesn¡¯t know if Da Bao¡¯s idea will work. I don¡¯t know if they will agree with it. How about this? Let¡¯s let great-grandpa apany great-grandma for a bit, and let master grandpa meet his family. When they¡¯ve had their reunion, we¡¯ll think of a way to discuss it with great-grandpa and master grandpa to see if they cane back again.¡±

    It was only September and his clothes were still not thick. Da Bao could feel that the clothes on his shoulders had beenpletely soaked through.

    Da Bao extended his little tender hands and embraced Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be upset. I won¡¯t ask anymore. If master grandpa and great-grandpa want to rest, Er Bao, San Bao, and I won¡¯t disturb them. When they wake up, I¡¯ll help you take care of them and exin it to them.¡±

    Qiao Nan wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes before looking up to face Da Bao. ¡°You¡¯re such a good kid, Da Bao. You¡¯re Mom¡¯s best helper. You don¡¯t know it, but great-grandpa and master grandpa think that Da Bao is such a great elder brother. They know that Da Bao will help Mom take care of Er Bao, San Bao, and Xiao Bao before they wake up. That¡¯s why they were able to leave so peacefully.¡±

    Da Bao shed tears once again. Actually, he already knew that master grandpa and his great-grandfather would never wake from their rest this time. In the future, on their birthday next year, and the following year, he would never see these two men who loved and adored him anymore. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m the big brother. I must be a role model for my brother and sister. I won¡¯t cry. But can I cry today?¡± Actually, it was because he could not hold it back any longer.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan sniffed. ¡°Today, you can cry, Da Bao. But try to cry softly and control it. Great-grandpa and master grandpa are so fond of the three of you. If they realize that they¡¯ve made you cry, they¡¯ll be upset. Let¡¯s let them leave peacefully, shall we?¡±

    ¡°If great-grandpa and master grandpa like us so much, then why did they leave? If they feel uneasy, will theye back if I cry?¡± So often, children choose to cry as a solution. But Da Bao had never done so. But he had seen other children use it, and sometimes, it was quite effective.

    In the past, Da Bao would never care to use such a method. It was just too childish.

 Chapter 1482 - Elder Linâ€™s Will

    <h4>Chapter 1482: Elder Lin¡¯s Will</h4>

    However, if crying could bring the two old grandpas who had loved and doted on them back today, Da Bao said that he would cry louder and shed more tears than anyone else. As long as master grandpa and great-grandpa could return together...

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. ¡°If it was possible, Mom hopes that they could return as well and never leave. However, do you remember that I bought you to your godfather¡¯s house before? At that time, your godfather¡¯s grandpa passed away as well. Godfather was so upset but his grandpa couldn¡¯t return. Da Bao, if you think this way, how would Er Bao and San Bao think? You have to help me persuade them, right?¡±

    Having received negative answers from Qiao Nan previously, Da Bao no longer demanded a solution from Qiao Nan on what he could do to keep the two old people.

    That was because he knew that he couldn¡¯t keep these two old men any longer. He had asked so many questions previously as he was unwilling to believe so.

    The mother-and-son pair chatted for a while. It was time for Er Bao and San Bao to wake up ording to their biological clocks.

    San Bao rubbed her eyes and shouted, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m waking up.¡± Qiao Nan took out Er Bao and San Bao¡¯s clothes and handed them over to the children.

    Er Bao changed into his clothes quickly. He saw that Da Bao looked unhappy. ¡°Da Bao, what¡¯s wrong with you? Was it because you couldn¡¯t wake up this morning? Don¡¯t worry. We can take an afternoon napter.¡±

    Da Bao rubbed his lips and walked to Er Bao. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you something. However, you have to promise me a condition first.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°When you cryter, control yourself a little. Don¡¯t scare San Bao and Xiao Bao.¡± Da Bao knew very clearly how influential Er Bao could be.

    ¡°Cry? Why should I cry? I rarely cry after I reached the age of five.¡± Er Bao was not willing to take this lying down. He wasn¡¯t as good as Da Bao, but this didn¡¯t mean that he was a crying scaredy-cat.

    Da Bao lowered his voice. ¡°Master grandpa and great-grandpa have passed away, just like our ss¡¯ Jin Shasha¡¯s grandpa. We won¡¯t be able to see them in the future.¡± Jin Shasha¡¯s grandpa¡¯s death was the first to make Da Bao have a real impression of death. It also made Er Bao and San Bao understand that death would separate families.

    ¡°Nonsense. Master grandpa and great-grandpa even celebrated our birthday with us yesterday. How could they have died like Jin Shasha¡¯s grandpa? You¡¯re lying to me. I don¡¯t believe it. I¡¯m going to find great-grandpa and master grandpa.¡± Er Bao became angry and pushed Da Bao away. He even ran until his slippers fell. He rushed downstairs to Old Master Zhai¡¯s room and called, ¡°Great-grandpa.¡±

    Not too longter, Da Bao, who was standing at the stairs, heard Er Bao¡¯s loud cries. He never stopped calling ¡®great-grandpa¡¯.

    ¡°Mom?¡± San Bao, who finished washing her face, was shocked. ¡°Why is Er Bao crying?¡±

    ¡°Yes, why is Er Bao crying?¡± Xiao Bao, who also woke up, sat on the bed and asked softly, ¡°Did someone bully Brother Er Bao?¡±

    This time around, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t reply. After helping Xiao Bao put on his clothes, she led the three children downstairs.

    The triplets understood the meaning of death. Only Xiao Bao wasn¡¯t particrly clear about it. As the follower of these brothers and sister, Xiao Bao saw that Da Bao, who was the strongest among the triplets, was about to cry. He opened his mouth wide and cried louder than anyone else.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to master grandpa¡¯s. Who wants to follow along?¡± Qiao Nan changed her clothes and wore a piece of ck cloth on her arm. She looked haggard.

    Da Bao looked at Er Bao. ¡°Er Bao, you can choose. Do you want to stay at great-grandpa¡¯s with San Bao or go to master grandpa¡¯s?¡±

    Er Bao cried until his snot was going to fall off. ¡°Can¡¯t we be at both ces?¡± He knew that once someone died, they would be sent to the crematorium. Once the fire burned, only ashes would remain and he could no longer see great-grandpa and master grandpa in the future. Today was thest chance. Er Bao didn¡¯t want to miss either of them.

    ¡°There will be such a time. However, the two of them can¡¯t be ced together now.¡±

    ¡°Then, you can stay with great-grandpa with Xiao Bao. I¡¯ll find master grandpa with San Bao.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The little brothers cried while discussing and didn¡¯t need the help of the adults next to them. After making a decision, Er Bao ran over to hold San Bao¡¯s hand. San Bao was held by Er Bao in one hand and her mom in the other. Only then did she feel safe.

    Walking toward the familiar Lin family¡¯s house, it was the first time that Er Bao and San Bao felt afraid of master grandpa¡¯s house, which was also their second home. Master grandpa passed away here.

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan, Er Bao, and San Bao had arrived, the auntie¡¯s eyes shone. However, she really couldn¡¯t smile. ¡°When Uncle Lin was still alive, he loved you and the three children. Uncle Lin would definitely be happy to know that you¡¯re here to send him off.¡±

    She had never seen such a good rtionship develop between people who weren¡¯t rted by blood. Uncle Lin had obviously treated Qiao Nan as his biological granddaughter and the three children as his biological great-grandchildren. ¡°As it was too early, he didn¡¯t make it in time. Thewyer Uncle Lin hired when he was still alive should arrive in half an hour¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°Lawyer?¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand and looked at her. ¡°Why did master hire awyer?¡±

    The auntie shook her head and didn¡¯t say much to Qiao Nan. At this point in time, Qiao Nan was only sad about Elder Lin¡¯s passing and didn¡¯t think about anything else. The auntie could really feel that the feelings between Qiao Nan and Elder Lin were real and mutual.

    Elder Lin had treated Qiao Nan as his biological granddaughter. Qiao Nan had treated Elder Lin much more sincerely than an average biological granddaughter would.

    ¡°Take a seat. Uncle Lin has already worn his clothes. There¡¯s only me in this house. As he left, you would also know that there¡¯s not much I could do and help with. Thankfully, Zhai Sheng came earlier. However, the elder in your home....¡± The auntie choked a sob. She didn¡¯t understand how the two old grandpas seemed to have a date with each other. They were still well yesterday and looked energetic. At least, the elder in the Zhai family didn¡¯t have any symptoms.

    Everyone who saw the old elder in the Zhai family would say that with his spirits, it wasn¡¯t an issue for him to live for another five or six years. Who knew that...

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t answer and touched San Bao¡¯s braids in understanding.

    Indeed, the two old men had agreed beforehand. Both of them doted on the triplets too much. They felt it in their hearts earlier that they were not able to make it soon. However, they held on to thatst breath and insisted on celebrating the triplets¡¯ birthday this year. Only then were they willing to spit out thatst breath and close their eyes.

 Chapter 1483 - Not Certain Enough

    <h4>Chapter 1483: Not Certain Enough</h4>

    These three children were so blessed. How could they have two old people who loved them so dearly?

    Controlling death?

    There were only a few people on earth who dyed their death with their mental strength and will alone. If she had known, she would have wanted her master to be free earlier. There was no reason for her master to be in such agony just to allow the three children to have a nice birthday. ¡°What kind of illness did my master have? Why is he so skinny?¡±

    The sight of Lin Yuankang lying in the coffin, with almost half of his shroud empty pierced through Qiao Nan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Late-stage stomach cancer. The doctor said that it was really not easy for Uncle Lin to have persisted until today. Initially, the doctor had diagnosed Uncle Lin with a critical illness, meaning that Uncle Lin could not hold on for long. But Uncle Lin exceeded the doctor¡¯s expectations by a whole month.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had arranged many things for Lin Yuankang personally.

    Unlike Old Master Zhai, Old Lin knew early on that he was about to pass on. He was pressing on solely for the three children. And as such, he had asked the caretaker auntie to prepare all the things that he knew he would need once he passed on.

    In this way, once Zhai Sheng appeared, he only had to take what was already there and helped Old Lin put on his shroud.

    On the other hand, Old Master Zhai gave no prior signs and suddenly passed on. When Tian Dong awoke, he immediately went out to buy the things that would be needed for the funeral without hesitation. Along the way, Tian Dong also informed his parents of Old Master Zhai¡¯s passing.

    The Tian parents were taken aback and rushed down to the Zhai family house to help out.

    Be it Old Master Zhai or Old Lin, the passing of these two veteran revolutionaries was bound to evoke a huge reaction in the centralmittee, let alone their own families. Together with their neighbors, the centralmittee quickly sent cadres to the Lin family and the Zhai family to attend the funeral of these two veteran revolutionaries, who had made great contributions to China¡¯s development.

    On the three children¡¯s birthday the previous day, both Old Master Zhai and Old Lin had sensed each other¡¯s situation, so before they both ¡®left¡¯, they had left behind instructions, which was to ce their urns side by side so that they would havepany.

    To lie alone with nopany was such a cold and boring thing to do.

    With the two urns together, the wave after waves of peopleing tomemorate the two elderly would pay their respects to one, and then the other. The four children stood two at each side. On Old Master Zhai¡¯s side, just Miao Jing alone could make everyone cry. On Old Lin¡¯s side, Qiao Nan remained silent, but everyone who saw her could feel a deep sense of sorrow.

    Very quickly, Deng Wenchang, who had received the news, came. Or rather, a few representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived.

    Lin Yuankang was the most senior in the early days of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It could be said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been founded by Old Lin himself.

    In the face of the death of their founder, it was impossible for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to react. Amongst them, He Yi was the most sorrowful. Unlike Qiao Nan, he could not apply for leave to stand guard by Old Lin¡¯s urn and send Old Lin on his final journey.

    So the best thing he could do to repay his master was to secure the position that his master had handed over to him. When the time was right, he believed that his junior, Qiao Nan, whom his master had taken a liking to, would be capable and powerful enough to take over.

    It was just that when He Yi arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s house along with Deng Wenchang and anotherpanion and bowed to pay their respects to the two deceased parties, Deng Wenchang¡¯s expression changed. He had always known that his father and Peng Yu were hiding something from him. He also knew that the Qiao family and He Yi¡¯s master seemed to be rather close.

    Initially, he had thought that He Yi was being kind to Qiao Nan because she lived next door to Old Lin.

    But just now, Deng Wenchang suddenly realized that Qiao Nan had be Old Lin¡¯s disciple long ago. And because of such a rtionship, Old Lin chose to purchase this house next door to Qiao Nan to live close to her, even though he already had countless other properties in the capital.

    Qiao Nan had such a close rtionship with Old Lin. No wonder He Yi always looked at Qiao Nan in a different light, and Qiao Nan always had opportunities that he never had. Qiao Nan was his equal, but how could He Yi treat him and Qiao Nan equally?

    Everyone knew that the only reason He Yi could ascend to his position was that his master, Old Lin, had intervened and supported him. So this could also be an inheritance.

    The leaders in the centralmittee all respected Old Lin. After all, the people that Old Lin brought up were all capable and had never lost. They were perfectly strong and sensible. As such, who could be better to be the next minister of foreign affairs if not someone cultivated by Old Lin himself?

    But he thought back to his father always reminding him that it was not over and the victor was not decided yet. At that, Deng Wenchang let out a self-mocking smile.

    It was not decided yet?

    Not certain enough?

    Just based on Qiao Nan¡¯s capabilities and her rtionship with Old Lin, could there really be a ¡®not certain enough¡¯? Not unless the sun rose from the west and set in the east!

    At this point, the deeply saddened Qiao Nan was in no state of mind to care about how Deng Wenchang was looking at her. Now, Deng Wenchang acted as though he were in the office and looked at Qiao Nan like she was a fighting rooster, but Qiao Nan would not respond.

    Looking at the photo of his master on the altar, He Yi wiped his eyes. ¡°Little junior, take care of your own health. I¡¯m sure that master would want that for you. So for him to go peacefully, you and the three children must be well.¡±

    For He Yi, Old Lin had not left suddenly. Old Lin had hidden his illness from Qiao Nan, but He Yi had known about it. He had prepared himself, but he had not expected the day toe so suddenly.

    Knowing that the doctor had given Old Lin a death sentence, he had seen Old Lin survive pass the doctor¡¯s expected death date by over twenty days. He Yi felt that Old Lin might even live through this year.

    Who knew...

    ¡°Thank you, senior. I know.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s voice was hoarse as though she had contracted a bad cold. She could hardly speak.

    At this time, thewyer that the caretaker auntie had mentioned, Shan Shan, arrived. Although she waste, she had still made it. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. There was a massive jam on the road that I took. By the way, which of you is Qiao Nan? Before he passed on, Mr. Lin left a letter for me to pass to Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°That would be me,¡± the kneeling Qiao Nan replied.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m thewyer that Mr. Lin found before he passed on. There were some matters he entrusted to me. When would be a good time to announce Mr. Lin¡¯s will?¡±

 Chapter 1484 - The Last Thing She Could Do

    <h4>Chapter 1484: The Last Thing She Could Do</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thewyer looked as if she valued Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion a lot. It was as though if she said a point in time, she would agree unconditionally and everything would be subjected to her wishes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for a while.¡± Qiao Nan only received the letter and wasn¡¯t in a rush to read the contents of Elder Lin¡¯s will. She didn¡¯t expect her master to actually leave a will. Qiao Nan knew that there would be a lot of people sending these two old men off today and really didn¡¯t have the time.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach growled at twelve in the afternoon. She was too hungry. Only then did she take a half-an-hour break.

    Qiao Nan used the time she was having her meal to read the letter Elder Lin left for her first.

    This was an extremely short letter and there were only a few sentences on it. ¡°What are you crying for? A good-for-nothing. You can just cry a little. Remember. I epted quite a number of disciples in this lifetime, but the triplets are the only ones who get my approval. Help me teach them well. Otherwise, I¡¯ll starve you in the future.¡±

    When Elder Lin was still alive, he often joked to Qiao Nan that he was really a ¡®failure¡¯ in life. He didn¡¯t even have any close rtives by his side. Those who stayed approached him only for his status and worth.

    He didn¡¯t care for such rtives.

    It was just that as a traditional Chinese man, he couldn¡¯t help but worry that if he passed away someday, would he be in such a pitiful state that there wouldn¡¯t be anyone mourning him? If that was really the case, he wouldn¡¯t have any face left to see his old friends and the familiar faces in heaven.

    Jokes aside, the letter Elder Lin left behind showed more clearly how much he valued and loved Qiao Nan. Mourning? It was fine to shed a few tears so that people knew that he wasn¡¯t a failure when he was alive. There wasn¡¯t a need for anything more. After all, there was a profession called mourning in this world.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Qiao. Do you have the time now to listen to the will Mr. Lin left behind?¡± Thewyer had been waiting for Qiao Nan. She would rather not waste her time and dy reading Elder Lin¡¯s will.

    Those who came to pay their respects in the mourning hall today were big shots. Even the main contact for Elder Lin¡¯s will was the old elder¡¯s daughter-inw. As long as anyone he met today took a shot at her, she could definitely be yed to her death.

    In the face of such a strong and powerful formation, thewyer didn¡¯t dare to harbor any thoughts.

    After reading Elder Lin¡¯s thoughts, Qiao Nan was forced by Zhai Hua to take a few mouthfuls of porridge. If it wasn¡¯t for the sake of leading those four children, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have taken even these few mouthfuls of porridge. In the end, she choked and swallowed it down. ¡°Tell me. What did my master leave behind? Are there any words left for me?¡±

    Thewyer took out documents from her briefcase and ced them in front of Qiao Nan one by one. ¡°Ms. Qiao, please take a look. These are the legal assets Elder Lin owned when he was still alive. This is a summary sheet. If you don¡¯t have any issues, I hope that you can sign on it. I¡¯ll handle all the procedures for you to inherit Elder Lin¡¯s inheritance and try not to cause you any trouble. You can be busy with Elder Lin¡¯s funeral wholeheartedly.¡±

    Thinking of the contents in that summary sheet, thewyer couldn¡¯t help but swallow her saliva. She felt ¡®greedy¡¯ at the sight of the contents and numbers on the summary sheet.

    If finding a master could earn her so much wealth and let her turn into a billionaire overnight, all the godfathers, etc. would have been eliminated as they wouldn¡¯t be useful to her.

    ¡°My master handed all of these over to me? Did you make a mistake?¡± Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t stunned by the wealth that seemed to have fallen from the sky. She just didn¡¯t dare to believe that her master would make such a will.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. This will is definitely legitimate. Elder Lin was apanied by a doctor when he came over to ourw firm to make a will. The doctor can vouch that Elder Lin had a clear mind and wasn¡¯t manipted by anyone when he was making this will. This will is definitely legally-binding,¡± thewyer said agitatedly. Theirw firm had quite a good reputation thus far.

    If thew firm¡¯s reputation got damaged because of this small doubt, how would they make a living in the future?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be agitated. I¡¯m not suspecting that this will is fake...¡± She just didn¡¯t understand why her master left everything behind for her alone. Most importantly, this will was as short and simple as the letter he had left behind. Her name was the only one which appeared in the will. The triplets weren¡¯t even mentioned.

    She initially thought that if her master had left behind a will, the benefactors would be the triplets instead.

    Looking at the astronomical figures left by Elder Lin for herself, Qiao Nan immediately got thewyer to do another thing.

    Thewyer was very surprised. ¡°Madam Qiao, are you sure you want to do this? You have to understand that ten million yuan is not a small sum.¡± Even if ten million yuan wasn¡¯t considered a huge sum in the will Elder Lin left behind, it was still a significant amount to an average person. However, Qiao Nan wanted to use the ten million yuan to do charity, supporting and taking care of those lonely elderly who didn¡¯t have any rtives by their sides.

    Qiao Nan nodded and was very sure. ¡°Yes. This is what I mean. I hope you can help get this done as soon as possible.¡±

    How could Qiao Nan not have understood why thewyer was so shocked? Until 2015, the monthly sry of an average person ranged from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan. Using 5,000 yuan as an example, even if there was only inflow and no outflow, the annual sry would only be 60,000 yuan.

    Ten million yuan. This was the amount of money a worker with an average monthly sry of 5,000 yuan couldn¡¯t earn in a lifetime unless they had a working life span of 167 years!

    Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t 2015 yet. It was only 2008. It will take 167 years to earn ten million yuan for the wages that would rise seven yearster. As for 2008, it will take more than two hundred years for a working adult to earn that amount of money.

    One had to know that such a figure was something Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even dare to imagine in her previous life.

    She was already satisfied that she could afford the down payment of a house in Ping Cheng, a second-tier or third-tier city, with the money she saved. However, she didn¡¯t even feel anything in her heart now that she had donated ten million yuan to charity. ¡°I hope that the elderly who don¡¯t have anyone to lean on in society would receive more care and attention. They had worked hard for the construction and development of the country. We shouldn¡¯t let them be lonely and poor in old age.¡±

    The reason why Qiao Nan did so was certainly because of Elder Lin.

 Chapter 1485 - We Are Still Around

    <h4>Chapter 1485: We Are Still Around</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan had made this decision seriously and thewyer was unable to continue to persuade her. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll draft up an entrustment contract regarding the ten million yuan beforeing back to find you. Madam Qiao, with your current situation, I will make a suggestion. Whether you listen to it will be up to you. Once Old Lin¡¯s things are in your possession, you can find a party to manage your money for you. As for the ten million yuan, you can also set up a foundation that will only be used to help the lonely elderly.¡±

    Awyer like him did not have such a wide scope. In Madam Qiao¡¯s situation, it would be best to find a professional to manage it for her.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°Thank you for your suggestion. I¡¯ll consider it carefully.¡± She was not too sure about things concerning this aspect. Perhaps it would be better to ask people like Dongzi or Gao Yan. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll trouble you with the rest. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Thewyer smiled humbly. It was not as though she was doing it for free. Even though the work was easy, she had gotten quite a heftypensation from Old Lin. Usually, such inheritance cases were quite tricky to handle. After all, anyone would be moved by such a huge sum of money.

    Madam Qiao and Old Lin had no blood rtions at all, but Old Lin still chose to leave such a huge fortune to Mdm Qiao alone. From what he knew, Old Lin¡¯s close blood rtives had all passed on early in his life, but there were still a few distant rtives.

    If Old Lin¡¯s will did not exist, then of course, such an enormous fortune would be distributed to all those distant rtives. But now that this will existed, there was no way any Lins could hope of getting even a dime from Old Lin.

    Now, Qiao Nan could possibly be his biggest employer who would pay his wages. Thewyer had to treat Qiao Nan nicely. ¡°Madam Qiao, I won¡¯t disturb you any further.¡± Thinking about those big shots outside whom she would usually only see on television from time to time, thewyer was a little empty inside.

    To say the least, Madam Qiao was quite an impressive character. At such a young age, and as a female, she was already quite a famous diplomat within China.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you off.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Madam Qiao. Please don¡¯t mind me and go ahead with what you have to tend to.¡± This Madam Qiao had everything she wanted: respect, money, and power. Most importantly, she was paid by the government. She had not met such an impressivedy in a long time.

    After thewyer left, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression worsened. She did not rejoice at the thought at such a windfall. Qiao Nan was really very surprised by this will. She thought that even if Old Lin were to leave anything behind, it would be for her three children, not her.

    In reality, Old Lin had left everything to her. In his will, the three children were not even mentioned a single time.

    How could Qiao Nan not be mournful at the passing of such an old man who cared for her so deeply?

    When Qiao Nan reemerged, she heard some noisesing from the door of the Zhai family¡¯s house. The noises made her head hurt. ¡°What¡¯s going on outside? Who¡¯s making all that noise?¡±

    ¡°No one really. Just some people who have nothing better to do.¡± Zhai Hua poured a cup of water for Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you want to rest for a while?¡± Qiao Nan was practically running the show alone on Old Lin¡¯s side. As for Er Bao and San Bao, they could not help much other than helping return the bows.

    In just one night, two old men who had been so important to the Zhai family had left. Even Zhai Hua was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

    ¡°No need.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Master knew many people and was close to many people too. I can¡¯t step away. But as for the four children, find some time for them to rest. They¡¯re still young and can¡¯t bear such a heavy burden. With the old master and my master gone, the four of them are very hurt too. I¡¯m more worried about their conditions.¡±

    Looking at the four depressed children, Qiao Nan was heartbroken. ¡°You three and Xiao Bao, it¡¯s still early. Go ahead and take a nap for a bit.¡±

    ¡°No, I want to apany master grandpa,¡± San Bao said stubbornly. She knew that after today, she would never get to see master grandpa in person anymore. When she missed master grandpa, she would only get to see his picture. Even though she knew that within that long, rectangr boxy the lifeless Lin Yuankang, San Bao was not only not afraid, but she was even more determined to kneel there.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°I understand how you feel, but it¡¯s just that there will still be four more hourster in the afternoon, and we probably won¡¯t get to rest so early on tonight. If you don¡¯t sleep a while now, how will you apany great-grandpa and master grandpater in the afternoon and tonight? Tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to send master grandpa and great-grandpa on their final journeys. Listen to Mom and be a good girl. Da Bao?¡±

    Da Bao sniffled and knowingly pulled Xiao Bao up before walking in front of Er Bao and San Bao, beckoning them to follow him.

    Xiao Bao naively followed Da Bao. Whatever Da Bao did, he would follow. Only when Da Bao carried him onto the bed did Xiao Bao ask between sobs, ¡°Brother Da Bao, will Xiao Bao never get to see great-grandpa again?¡± After hearing people say so much, Xiao Bao finally understood that great-grandpa was lying in that rectangr box and would never appear in front of him anymore to y with him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Da Bao helped Xiao Bao remove his shoes. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Xiao Bao. Great-grandpa and master grandpa are gone, but it¡¯s okay. Er Bao, San Bao, and I are still here. The three of us will be with you. We¡¯ll grow up together. There are still many good people who will be by your side and not leave.¡± At least, they would not leave Xiao Bao for the time being.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Xiao Bao nodded, finally feeling a little relief. When the nket covered Xiao Bao, he could not help but fall asleep in an instant.

    Er Bao and San Bao were older than Xiao Bao and did not need Da Bao to take care of them like he did Xiao Bao. They obediently climbed onto the bed andy down. Er Bao could not help but say, ¡°Da Bao, I¡¯m really sad.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± San Bao said quietly. She knew that Xiao Bao had already fallen asleep.

    Da Bao sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not just you guys. I¡¯m sad too. Mom¡¯s even sadder. Mom¡¯s already having a hard time. We have to be obedient and not add on to her worries, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± San Bao replied stiffly and pulled the nket over her head. Er Bao could not calm his own emotions, but San Bao and Xiao Bao were already asleep, so he could not say anything and could only shut his eyes.

 Chapter 1486 - I Havenâ€™t Given Up Yet

    <h4>Chapter 1486: I Haven¡¯t Given Up Yet</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Da Bao took care of himself after taking care of the three small ones. He covered himself with the nket and soon fell asleep.

    It was the first time the triplets had encountered something like that. Not only were the four children frightened, but they were also tired. They had previously insisted that they didn¡¯t want to sleep. However, after theyy on the bed, they fell asleep and even snored within three seconds. Zhai Hua opened the door to take a look. After confirming that the three children were sleeping well, she slowly closed the door again.

    The four children had fallen asleep. However, the situation downstairs in the Zhai family wasn¡¯t good. If not for the soldiers standing guard in the military and politicalpounds, the people at the door would have long rushed in, squeezed into the Zhai family¡¯s house, and smashed Elder Lin¡¯s urns.

    On what basis should the urns of someone from the Lin family be ced in the Zhai family? It wasn¡¯t as if everyone from the Lin family had died. One should know that there were plenty of people in the Lin family. Elder Lin¡¯s funeral should be managed by them, his rtives. Who was that daughter-inw from the Zhai family? She actually dared to manage Elder Lin¡¯s funeral on behalf of them.

    Everyone understood in their hearts what Qiao Nan was up to. Wasn¡¯t she going after the things in Elder Lin¡¯s hands?

    How shameless!

    Elder Lin had passed away. Everything he owned should be the property of the Lin family. What business was it of that person surnamed Qiao? Even if she was going crazy from being poor, she shouldn¡¯t have reached out and snatched the money away from someone else¡¯s pocket. If Qiao Nan really dared to do that, the people surnamed Lin would definitely not let this matter past. They would pursue it to the end and make sure that Qiao Nan spat out whatever she had eaten!

    It was a pity that the people from the Lin family had small hearts and were firm enough. The problem was that the people from the Lin family were not Elder Lin, and Elder Lin wasn¡¯t a soldier, yet he was able to stay in this quad. If the other people in the Lin family had the same ability as Elder Lin, how would they have eyed Elder Lin¡¯s things? Or, before Elder Lin passed away, after knowing that Elder Lin was seriously ill, they should have used all means to let Elder Lin recuperate by their sides, prevented Elder Lin to make any contact with thewyer, or used some methods to force Elder Lin to leave all the inheritance to them in the will.

    As such, the people from the Lin family were barking like dogs in the courtyard. They were kicking up such a big fuss that people thought that they had rabies and were afraid.

    Coincidentally, thewyer who had brought over Elder Lin¡¯s will and announced it to Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t left yet. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to leave. It was that the people from the Lin family came at such a right timing that she was trapped in the courtyard and couldn¡¯t head out.

    Upon hearing the mor of the Lin family, thewyer found it funny. Perhaps Elder Lin had deliberately made a trip to theirw firm a year ago and had cleverly brought along a doctor who could prove that he was sober because Elder Lin had expected that after his passing, the people from the Lin family would disy such disappointing behavior.

    The superficiality of human rtionships. The people from the Lin family were really good-for-nothings.

    No wonder Elder Lin would rather leave behind everything to his disciple than to leave a penny to anyone surnamed Lin. With Elder Lin¡¯s will around, no matter how these people kicked up a fuss, they would just be disgracing themselves and wouldn¡¯t be getting any benefits at all.

    Thewyer couldn¡¯t be bothered to say anything. They were just clowns. If they coulde up with any tricks in the quad, she would write her name upside down.

    Upon seeing this situation, thewyer had no other choice but to ask others if there was another way out of the quad. The front entrance was blocking everyone¡¯s way. It was difficult for anyone to enter, let alone leave.

    After knowing that thewyer was put in a difficult spot, someone from the Zhai family sent someone out to lead the way for her. Thewyer sessfully left and returned to work in herw firm.

    Of course, the people from the Lin family wouldn¡¯t give up so easily. However, since they couldn¡¯t enter by the main gate, they had no choice but to crowd around the gate andsh out. This caused the others in the quad to be somewhat disturbed.

    After hearing about the situation, Peng Yu smiled. ¡°Should we take action since it¡¯s rare to encounter such an opportunity? So many people want to tap on Elder Lin, but nobody could bepared to the Zhai family, who has enjoyed exceptional advantages. After Elder Lin¡¯s passing, seeing all the benefits that the Zhai family will gain, I think a number of people will be green with envy.¡±

    There were a few people who had the same mindset as those from the Lin family. They couldn¡¯t bear for Elder Lin to leave those things behind. Who asked Elder Lin not to have any children? What was different was that the people from the Lin family were surnamed Lin and shared the same ancestor as Elder Lin. Regardless of how shallow their blood rtionship was, it was a good reason for them to wage a war.

    If it were others, even if they didn¡¯t share the same ancestor but had a good enough rtionship with Elder Lin, they wouldn¡¯t be able to be greedy for his things.

    If these two groups of people teamed up to deal with the Zhai family, Peng Yu could imagine that that scene would be delightful.

    ¡°How do you want to take action?¡± His son had always been suppressed by Zhai Sheng for seven to eight years now. Perhaps he hadn¡¯t given up yet, but as the father, his wild ambition wasn¡¯t as vigorous as before. Father Peng said, ¡°Peng Yu, when are you getting married? Can some things be decided already? She can¡¯t possibly keep wasting time on you.¡±

    Upon mentioning his son¡¯s marriage, Father Peng had a headache. Two years ago, Deng Wenchang wasn¡¯t married yet either. Both families had a single, older male left. Father Peng didn¡¯t feel asplicated back then. After all, his son wasn¡¯t the only one. The problem was that this year, the Deng family¡¯s son seemed to be preparing to get married. When Father Peng looked at his son again, he started to feelplicated in his heart.

    At the mention of marriage, Peng Yu frowned in irritation. ¡°What¡¯s the rush for? Men can get married at ater time. They have the ability to impregnate a woman even at the age of fifty. It isn¡¯t convenient for a woman to conceive after the age of forty. You have a son. What are you worried about?¡±

    Peng Yu rejected marriage so much because of a previous joke.

    Peng Yu really had the desire topete with Zhai Sheng. The Qiao Nan Zhai Sheng married gave birth to three children: two sons and a daughter. This made many people with military and political backgrounds envious. Everyone wasining that they gave birth to too few children as they could only give birth to one.

    Who weren¡¯tcking sons and daughters? However, the country had made such a regtion. Nobody could work against the country.

    Giving birth to so many children in one go like Qiao Nan solved the problem of the number of children one could have and wouldn¡¯t affect someone¡¯s status in the military and political realm.

    As such, the triplets Qiao Nan gave birth to were still being talked about by the people in this circle as they were envious.

 Chapter 1487 - What Zhai Sheng Didnâ€™t Want

    <h4>Chapter 1487: What Zhai Sheng Didn¡¯t Want</h4>

    Seven years ago, after knowing that Zhai Sheng suddenly became the father of three children and everyone was praising him for his good fortune, it was unknown if Peng Yu was being spiteful as he casually said that it was either he didn¡¯t get married in the future, or if he did, her wife should not be worse off than Qiao Nan. The number of children his wife gave birth to couldn¡¯t be fewer than Qiao Nan¡¯s as well.

    These words were easier said than done. Those who had a family history of multiple births didn¡¯tpare to Qiao Nan in terms of educational qualifications, capabilities, and job. On the other hand, if they were simr to Qiao Nan in these aspects or even surpassed her, it was only that their families usually gave birth to only one child.

    Aside from Qiao Nan, it was one thousand times more difficult to find someone else who was abination of the two.

    When he was in the army, he usuallypeted with Zhai Sheng on wits and strength. Peng Yu didn¡¯t find a suitable marriage partner and thus, wasn¡¯t married even today, let alone being a father.

    On the other hand, Zhai Sheng, whom he saw as hispetitor, was not only a father but his triplets were already seven years old this year and attending primary school. Peng Yu himself wasn¡¯t anxious. However, Father Peng and Mother Peng were anxious to be grandparents.

    Father Peng sighed. ¡°That¡¯s true. However, are you really going to get married only at the age of fifty? Furthermore, how do you feel about Qiu Chenxi? Don¡¯t forget that she¡¯s already thirty-one this year. Even if you can wait, she can¡¯t. You should also give her a clear answer if you want to marry her or not. You can¡¯t possibly drag until she¡¯s forty or fifty years old, where she would havepletely lost the qualifications to be a mother, then give her a depressing answer, right?¡±

    After all, they were considered to have formed an alliance. Qiu Chenxi was capable as well. Basically, she had obtained a number of things from Old Master Shi.

    From this point alone, it could be said that Qiu Chenxi was not bad. If she really married into the Peng family, she could more or less help his son out. Moreover, his son was getting older every day.

    In the end, Father Peng didn¡¯t expect that this woman would get together with her son. Father Peng initially didn¡¯t ept a woman like Qiu Chenxi either. There were so many good women in the capital. Why should they consider Qiu Chenxi?

    However, his son had a strange temper. The other women became scared upon seeing him and got married before they could be his son¡¯s girlfriend. For so many years, Qiu Chenxi seemed to be the only one who had kept by his son¡¯s side and didn¡¯t break up with him because he was staying in the army for a prolonged period of time.

    Father Peng, who had long wanted grandchildren, had no choice but to forcibly ept Qiu Chenxi as a candidate for his daughter-inw.

    ¡°Her?¡± Peng Yu smiled sarcastically. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m not surprised that she could deceive Old Master Shi, that foolish old man. That¡¯s because he wasn¡¯t very smart even when he was young. At the very most, he was just more fortunate. I didn¡¯t expect her to have fooled you though. Regardless of who I marry, I can¡¯t possibly marry her.¡±

    Based on his dad¡¯s attitude, it showed that Qiu Chenxi had put on a sessful disguise as she could even fool his dad, who was a sly old fox.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean? Dad, Qiu Chenxi isn¡¯tcking men. As long as she¡¯s willing to, she could be the mother of a few children. The number of children she had before definitely wouldn¡¯t be less than Qiao Nan.¡± He had stayed in the army for a prolonged period of time. However, this didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t know anything and wasn¡¯t clear what kind of person Qiu Chenxi was.

    ¡°Moreover, I have never acknowledged that she¡¯s my girlfriend. From the start to the end, we are just business partners. She just casually threw a few smoke bombs. Based on the fact there aren¡¯t many people around me, you really think that she became my target? What a joke. I¡¯m picky as well, alright?¡±

    Anyone who was casually pulled off the streets would be better and cleaner than Qiu Chenxi.

    Father Peng was confused. ¡°Qiu Chenxi likes to mess around?¡± The number definitely wouldn¡¯t be less than Qiao Nan? Did this mean that Qiu Chenxi was pregnant before and not only once? It was highly possible that not even one of them belonged to the Peng family.

    Peng Yu smiled. ¡°Qiu Chenxi is a woman with wild ambitions and someone who couldn¡¯t stand loneliness at night. Not to mention anything else, based on the fact that she was someone Zhai Sheng no longer wanted, did you think I would have picked her up? I don¡¯t collect trash. You don¡¯t have to understand certain things. However, since we¡¯re mentioning this today, I¡¯ll just add in a few words. Dad, Qiu Chenxi leads a pretty exciting life. The number of men she had is more than the number of women I had. If she wanted to be the mother of my child, she had to be at least cleaner.¡±

    Forget it that she couldn¡¯tpete with Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife in any aspect. If she was dirtier than Qiao Nan, why would he want such a woman?

    Peng Yu didn¡¯t care what others said. However, he had to make it clear to his birth father. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m not rted to Qiu Chenxi at all. We don¡¯t even share an ambiguous rtionship. In the future, regardless of what she says, as long as she mentions me being involved with her, you can pretend not to hear anything. She can¡¯t get married to Zhai Sheng and is thus hitting the idea on me. She could only choose me if she didn¡¯t want to admit defeat and wanted to prove this to Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Not a lot of people dared topete with Zhai Sheng now. He was one of them. He was also the one who did so most obviously and was the most powerful candidate.

    He had intermittently created a lot of trouble for Zhai Sheng for the past seven years. Zhai Sheng got promoted quickly, but his speed wasn¡¯t any slower either. He still had just a little bit more to go before getting to the same rank as Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi had done her calctions and targeted him.

    It was a pity that even if he went blind, it was impossible for him to want a woman like Qiu Chenxi. Before marriage, he could fool around however he liked. However, he couldn¡¯t ept a woman who fooled around before marriage. He liked to be strict with others and lenient toward himself.

    It was impossible for a woman who failed his requirements to be the mother of his future child.

    Father Peng was really angry this time around. He had been cheated by Qiu Chenxi.

    His son was away from home all year round. During the holidays, Qiu Chenxi always went to their house. She said that Peng Yu wasn¡¯t free, so she was offering filial piety to them on behalf of him. They had thought that their son had epted Qiu Chenxi and both of them were in a romantic rtionship. He didn¡¯t expect that these words were of Qiu Chenxi alone from the start to the end, and Peng Yu didn¡¯t mean this at all.

    If it wasn¡¯t that he was in a hurry to be a grandpa, he wouldn¡¯t have minded who the woman was as long as his son was willing to get married and settle down with her. Otherwise, Father Peng¡¯s temper was the same as Peng Yu. After all, they were father-and-son.

    How was Father Peng willing to let his own son pick up the woman Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t want? Furthermore, Qiu Chenxi was alone.

 Chapter 1488 - Absolutely Not

    <h4>Chapter 1488: Absolutely Not</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Peng Yu wanted topete with Zhai Sheng in everything. Of course, women were no exception. Forget about not being able to find someone better than Qiao Nan, but picking up something that Zhai Sheng did not want?

    Father Peng had repeatedly lowered his standard, but he ended up with Qiu Chenxi. Father Peng fumed with anger. ¡°You stupid boy! Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier? If you were anyter, your mom would have brought Qiu Chenxi out to see the world. The only thing she won¡¯t say outright will be that she¡¯s your partner.¡± In the past, that was a hint, but now that he was of age, they had to be explicit because they both wanted their son to get married and have children as soon as possible.

    ¡°Hehe. This goes to show that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s methods are superior.¡± Even though Peng Yu wasughing, his expression was icy cold, and so was his tone. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s deception was almost wless, and she had almost seeded.

    He thought about how he had to bid Qiu Chenxi¡¯s will when they decided to coborate, but Qiu Chenxi did not return the favor. On the contrary, Qiu Chenxi took advantage of their coboration and almost finished his entire family. Peng Yu¡¯s gaze was ice cold.

    Based on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s actions, he almost wondered whether the person that Qiu Chenxi was in love with was actually still Zhai Sheng. She might have volunteered to stay by his side as a spy!

    ¡°Dad, Qiu Chenxi always thinks about others, but she¡¯s of no use to us practically. I guess such a ying piece is no longer of any use to us. Let¡¯s just give it up.¡± Qiu Chenxi was not only useless but could also bite back. Leaving such a ying piece around was a catastrophe waiting to happen. How could Peng Yu let Qiu Chenxi continue making trouble and increasing his burden?

    Father Peng said without hesitation, ¡°Fine. I will exin clearly to our auntie at home. If Qiu Chenxi were to turn up in the future, she will not be allowed into our house.¡± Qiu Chenxi would not even be able to take a single step into their house in the future.

    Youngsters nowadays were so daring to even lie to their elders, not only to the Shi family but even to the Peng family. Really too audacious. The Peng family would never ept such a person as a coborator, much less as a daughter-inw. Whoever coborated with Qiu Chenxi would find himself being made use of by her.

    When dealing with outsiders, her IQ immediately dropped in the negatives.

    The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about her anymore. And aren¡¯t you the cause of this all? That such a youngster sessfully lied to your mom and me? Fine. After so many years of suppressing your anger, it¡¯s time for you to recognize the truth. If you want to find someone who is better than Qiao Nan in every aspect and can¡¯t even lose in terms of children, that¡¯s practically impossible. Just find someone who¡¯s simr but better than Qiao Nan in some regards. That will be good enough.¡±

    If Peng Yu had been willing to find such a woman in the first ce, would he have fallen in the hands of a woman like Qiu Chenxi?

    Peng Yu knew that he was furious because of Qiu Chenxi. But this time, Peng Yu did not refuse. He felt that it was time for him to seriously settle down and get married. ¡°Fine. Why don¡¯t you and Mom help me look for one? As long as she¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll get married.¡± It was not easy to find someone who was better than Qiao Nan in every aspect, but it would be much easier to find someone who was much better than Qiao Nan in only some aspects.

    ¡°Deal. So we¡¯ll find you such ady. But will you suddenly stand us up once we find such ady?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± If he still did not marry, by the time he had a son, Zhai Sheng¡¯s sons would already be bringing home a girlfriend. He was probably used toparing with Zhai Sheng. The mention of having kids in the future naturally made himpare his children with Zhai Sheng¡¯s children.

    As soon as Peng Yu finished his sentence, the Peng family immediately released news that they were picking a daughter-inw the next day.

    The Peng family¡¯s background was not bad to say the least, but all those youngdies had all married because of Peng Yu. Peng Yu might want to get married, but he had never seen his blind date. Could the youngdies really be assured of their marriage? Besides, Peng Yu often stayed out and did not return home. It was not easy for the two of them to establish a rtionship, but he would not even reply to messages for two weeks or even a month, much less physical meetings.

    No matter how good Peng Yu¡¯s background was, with such an attitude, there was not a single youngdy who was willing to devote herself to Peng Yu. Of course, they would choose not to follow Peng Yu, but instead, find a suitable person to marry while they were still young. There was no reason to hang themselves on a tree that they had not even seen before.

    But this time, as soon the Peng family released the news, there were several girls who were moved. Inparison to the past, the Peng family made it clear that this time, they wanted a young, obedient, and educated youngdy.

    The more explicit the requirements made by the Peng family were, the more youngdies tried topare themselves to see if they fit the criteria and stood a chance in fighting for a ce in the Peng family.

    Now that two old people had passed away in the Zhai family, the Peng family obviously wanted to fight until the end with the Zhai family. Since the Zhai family was organizing a funeral, the Peng family would organize a wedding. The contrast was obvious.

    While Peng Yu was going on blind dates, he was still concerned about Old Lin.

    Unknowingly, the news that Old Lin had left his entire fortune to Qiao Nan had leaked, evoking strong responses from the Lins. Those people scolded Qiao Nan in all sorts of ways, each one even worse than the previous one.

    Upon hearing those words, Qiao Dongliang was in deep sorrow. ¡°Nan Nan, you weren¡¯t even hankering after any of those things when you acknowledged Old Lin as your master. Old Lin was so kind to you, and now that you¡¯re married to Zhai Sheng, why don¡¯t you just return Old Lin¡¯s things to them?¡± It could not be good to have such a ruckus every day.

    If they were to anger the Zhai family and pull them into this mess, what would happen if the Zhai family turned against Nan Nan?

    And what Qiao Dongliang was most worried about was whether the four children in the house would be affected by such a rowdy situation and be traumatized by it, affecting their future.

    No matter what, money could never be more important than family. Besides, he did not think that Qiao Nancked money.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan refused. ¡°All these were left to me by master. No matter what master means by that, I will never give away whatever he left to me. This was hisst arrangement. I won¡¯t disappoint him.¡± No matter what other people said about this, she would never back down on this matter.

    ¡°All these people have never even been good to master in their whole lives. They¡¯d only done things that hurt and disappointed master, even repeatedly asking for money from him. They¡¯d always mocked master for being alone in his old age, saying that they¡¯d still be the ones iming his body after he died. It was just a matter of when master¡¯s possessions would be theirs. Master was so angry that he almost went to the hospital. The money that master gave me can be used for anyone but those Lins. They won¡¯t even get a dime.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew all the bad deeds of the Lin family like the back of her hand.

 Chapter 1489 - Stopping the Funeral

    <h4>Chapter 1489: Stopping the Funeral</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When her master left, he¡¯d rather leave all his wealth to an ¡®outsider¡¯ and not mention a word to anyone from the Lin family. This was enough to exin Elder Lin¡¯s attitude when he was still alive. How could Qiao Nan bear to go against his wishes and do things that would make him unhappy? ¡°Dad, don¡¯t interfere in this matter. It¡¯s definitely not because of money.¡±

    ¡°However, this is so unpleasant. They have been kicking up a fuss for a long time. We should send Elder Lin off for thest time tomorrow. With the Lin family creating trouble, what shall we do if we carry the coffin to the cemetery tomorrow?¡± He was afraid that his coffin couldn¡¯t be carried out and he couldn¡¯t enter the crematorium. After autumn, the mornings and evenings were cool. However, the temperature during the day was still high.

    If this continued to drag on, even if Elder Lin and Old Master Zhai were in ice coffins, their corpses couldn¡¯t always lie in the ice coffins, right?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Brother Zhai has already arranged everything. If the Lin family wants to y rouge, they should see where they are at first. Not to mention master, did they think they could cause trouble to Old Master Zhai¡¯s funeral? Grandpa said that I¡¯ll n my master¡¯s funeral from the start to the end with him. This is called saving resources and times for the country.¡±

    The two elderly who had passed away had made great contributions to the construction and development of the country. nning two funerals meant that the central leaders had to be separated and participate in both funerals.

    Out of respect for their wishes when they were alive, who would dare object to their funerals being held together? One had to understand that the words of the deceased were great. No one could determine otherwise.

    ¡°What about the other people in the Zhai family?¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed. Nan Nan was still so stubborn. ¡°Would your parents-inw be upset?¡±

    ¡°No. They support my decision fully and don¡¯t object to this.¡±

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t have any opinions. Who was Qiao Dongliang to give opinions then? He knew that Elder Lin treated his daughter well. Upon knowing that he had passed away, Qiao Dongliang was upset as well. He knew that there was one less person in the world who doted on Qiao Nan.

    Upon thinking about his own negligence in duty, Qiao Dongliang was very worried. After Elder Lin passed away, if he did something that didn¡¯t meet the mark, Qiao Nan would have to suffer because of him then. It could be said that Elder Lin¡¯s existence had made up for his shorings. ¡°Nan Nan, burn more joss paper for Elder Lin. When Elder Lin was alive, he loved the three children. Remember to bring them to visit him more often in the future.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    This time around, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say anything because even if Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t say this, she would have done so.

    The day Elder Lin¡¯s and Old Master Zhai¡¯s coffins headed out to the cemetery, indeed, the Lin family had not given up. They wanted to force Qiao Nan to concede. ¡°Don¡¯t even think of leaving. This is the business of the Lin family. Every family should handle their own funerals. Hand over our old master. You don¡¯t have to interfere with this!¡± As long as they had taken over Elder Lin¡¯s funeral, they would have enough reason to inherit all the wealth Elder Lin left behind.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes started to glow when they thought of how wealthy Elder Lin was.

    They suddenly realized that Elder Lin¡¯s death was pretty good!

    When Elder Lin was still alive, regardless of who from the Lin family required anything and no matter how much they begged, Elder Lin was never willing to help them solve their problems.

    Now that Elder Lin was dead, if they wanted his money, Elder Lin couldn¡¯t stop them from getting rich!

    ¡°What is going on?¡± As Qiao Nan expected, on the day Elder Lin¡¯s and Old Master Zhai¡¯s coffins were heading to the cemetery, the leaders from the central authority had sent men down to participate in the funeral. The old revolutionaries whom Old Master Zhai and Elder Lin knew when they were still alive or their heirs had also rushed down to the Zhai family¡¯s house in the capital, preparing to send them off for thest time.

    The Lin family¡¯s shameless behavior was really an eye-opener for everyone.

    ¡°Do you know who is lying in there? You have to know that without these elderly¡¯s sacrifices and painstaking efforts, how else would you be able to lead a good life today? With the two revolutionaries gone, not only are you not upset, but you¡¯re even causing trouble here. Are you trying to bully us, thinking that we don¡¯t have enough people? If you want to y rouge in front of the soldiers, we canpete with our gun skills now!¡±

    As a solider, they should protect the wealth and safety of the country and the citizens. They couldn¡¯t be aggressive toward the unarmed people. However, they also couldn¡¯t let citizens run up to them, y rouge, and disrespect their revolutionaries.

    ¡°I...¡± The people from the Lin family turned pale and were afraid.

    In the Lin family, there were some who were sessful, but they didn¡¯t manage to survive those special ten years while hiding overseas. Only Elder Lin had insisted on staying here to prove his innocence. It wasn¡¯t easy for him to get through it. As he held on to thatst breath, injustice was undone.

    Aside from Elder Lin who became sessful, the rest of the Lin family were incapable people who didn¡¯t see many big shots in their lifetime.

    They dared to crowd in front of the Zhai family¡¯s gate because they heard that although the Zhai family held a high status, they had never used their authority to bully others.

    Who knew that the Zhai family had indeed not red up? However, those who weren¡¯t part of the Zhai family didn¡¯t have good tempers. Once they disyed their ck and shiny guns, how could the people from the Lin family not get frightened?

    Some of the more timid ones were so scared that their legs went soft. Although they weren¡¯t standing in front, they couldn¡¯t help but step backward. As their legs went soft, they even tripped over themselves and fell to the ground. That scene was really embarrassing and unsightly.

    ¡°Sir, don¡¯t be angry. We don¡¯t mean anything else. We¡¯re not here for Old Master Zhai. His blood sacrifices that year were in exchange for today¡¯s peace. We respect him a lot. However, we are innocent. Someone¡¯s ruthless enough to swallow our hard-earned money. We had toe. We can¡¯t let these wicked people ruin the old chief¡¯s reputation. We were forced by the old chief¡¯s granddaughter-inw toe here today. There¡¯s such a person in the old chief¡¯s family who ruined the Zhai family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Among the Lin family members, there were one or two who still had the ¡®brains¡¯ to ssh the dirty water on Qiao Nan first to prove their innocence and helplessness.

    The person who was addressed as ¡®sir¡¯ hesitated for a while. Then, he said firmly, ¡°The matters of the deceased are the most important. The old chief and Elder Lin have passed away. Nothing¡¯s more important than their funeral. If there¡¯s anything, wait until the funeral is over. If the truth is as what you have said, fine, I¡¯ll help you settle it. On the contrary, if you dare lie to me, I¡¯m not someone who¡¯s good to mess around with as well!¡±

 Chapter 1490 - Getting Really Bold

    <h4>Chapter 1490: Getting Really Bold</h4>

    Once he said such words, there was nothing else the Lin family could do.

    They did want to try not to let Elder Lin¡¯s corpse reach the crematorium and force Qiao Nan topromise. The problem was that their waists were not as strong as the soldiers¡¯ guns. Whoever was afraid first would lose first. Even if the people from the Lin family were unwilling, they could only temporarily agree to such an arrangement and settle Elder Lin¡¯s and Old Master Zhai¡¯s funeral.

    Seeing that the two elderly were pushed into the furnace bit by bit, the four children cried uncontrobly. San Bao hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s waist tightly and buried her face in her mom¡¯s arms. She kept shouting for great-grandpa and master grandpa.

    Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s feelings were more restrained. They only stood quietly by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. However, they couldn¡¯t seem to finish wiping away their tears. Very quickly, their faces were damp with tears. Only Xiao Bao was the youngest, so he cried the loudest. From the way he cried, nobody doubted that he had actually begun to understand the uncrossable distance between life and death.

    At this moment, all of them, no matter adult or child, had lost weight. The adults, such as Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, had to keep vigil and looked extremely haggard.

    On this day, He Yi applied for leave and came over as well. He represented those colleagues who were stationed abroad to send Elder Lin off for thest time. They hoped that this elder who had given guidance and support to them would leave peacefully.

    ¡°Little junior, are you okay?¡± After Qiao Nan hugged Elder Lin¡¯s ashes in her arms and personally ced them in the urn that they had bought earlier, He Yi asked with concern. ¡°If master was still around, he wouldn¡¯t want you to be like this. You still have three children who need you to take care of them. Master doted on them a lot. Now that he¡¯s no longer around, you have to include his love for them as well.¡±

    These three children were the treasures master and little junior had inmon.

    ¡°I know.¡± She held San Bao¡¯s and Xiao Bao¡¯s hands and said in a hoarse voice, ¡°I will try my best to recover my emotions. I understand master¡¯s expectations for me. I¡¯ll get my act together and definitely wouldn¡¯t disappoint master.¡±

    ¡°Have you thought about what to do with the Lin family?¡± When master was still alive, he was always impatient with the Lin family. Even if he nevercked money, he never helped anyone from the Lin family out when someone encountered a major incident that needed money to be resolved.

    He Yi had noments as to whether his master¡¯s approach was right or wrong. He Yi knew that things would be made difficult for Qiao Nan next. If Qiao Nan continued their master¡¯s working style when he was alive, based on the Lin family¡¯s temper, as long as they didn¡¯t achieve their purpose for a day, she would never be able to fling them aside.

    On the contrary, if Qiao Nan became softhearted, the Lin family would definitely turn into leeches and might even get Qiao Nan to provide for them for a lifetime. Furthermore, if Qiao Nan really became more lenient, it was inevitable that people would think that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t respect Elder Lin, her master, enough. Elder Lin had just left, but Qiao Nan had forgotten Elder Lin¡¯s character and did something against his wishes.

    As such, it wasn¡¯t easy to handle this matter. It seemed that no matter what she did, Qiao Nan would always be the one who was wrong.

    He Yi understood it clearly only after this point that it wasn¡¯t so easy to take what Elder Lin had left behind. The money could scald someone, especially since the people from the Lin family were scumbags.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to think about. I¡¯ll do exactly what master had done before. It¡¯s legitimate. At most, the people from the Lin family will just say a few words. They can¡¯t obtain any benefits from me. If they really make me anxious, I don¡¯t mind doing some things that would cause them a bleeding heart after they know about it.¡±

    Didn¡¯t the Lin family love money? It wasn¡¯t that difficult to deal with such people.

    ¡°Tian Dong helped me find a fund trustee. I set aside ten million yuan from the things master left behind for me to help those old and lonely people in the society who don¡¯t have any rtives by their side.¡±

    He Yi¡¯s eyes widened and he gave Qiao Nan a big thumbs-up. ¡°Little junior, you¡¯re formidable. No wonder master felt at ease to leave behind everything to you. Indeed, you have the ability to retain what master left behind for you.¡± If it was him, he wouldn¡¯t be aspetent as this little junior. After getting entangled by the Lin family, he would definitely let them obtain some of the benefits that they wanted so that they would leave temporarily.

    ¡°If they dare to force me, I can even do more formidable things. Aside from my master, the rest from the Lin family were unsessful in life, didn¡¯t have the gift in studying, and were not hardworking. Only one or two of the so-called more capable ones are doing business.¡± It was good to do business!

    If the people from the Lin family really made her feel anxious, she would dare to invest in theirpetitors to swallow the Lin family¡¯s business whole. By then, the Lin family wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything or y any tricks.

    ¡°Driving them to the corner?¡± Looking at the weak and gentle little junior, could she really be decisive and relentless when doing things?

    Qiao Nanughed coldly. ¡°Today¡¯s the day that master¡¯s and the old master¡¯s coffins were heading to the cemetery. They even dared to make trouble on such a day, disturbing the heroic souls of these two old men. Do you think there¡¯s anything I dare not do?!¡± She could do ruthless things. Anyway, these weren¡¯t breaking thew.

    He Yi sighed. The Lin family went too overboard this time around.

    If it were not for people from the central authority who appeared in time, Chief Zhai and their master might still be lying in their coffins, stuck in the military quad.

    Thankfully, the Zhai family didn¡¯t like to be in the limelight and had rejected all media participation and reports. Otherwise, with the Lin family causing trouble, even if the Zhai family was reasonable, they would still be subjected to a lot of unfounded malicious spection and verbal abuse.

    If they weren¡¯t careful, the political opponents of the Zhai family would use this matter to smear the Zhai family¡¯s reputation. The worse the matter got, the more unfavorable the situation would be for the Zhai family. Little junior¡¯s situation in her parent-inw¡¯s home would be sadder and embarrassing.

    ¡°You have to handle this more carefully. If no one¡¯s instigating anything, the people from the Lin family wouldn¡¯t be so bold. Although it can be said that a bird dies for food while a man dies for money, they aren¡¯t that bold all along.¡± Otherwise, seeing that their master had no other rtives by his side, the Lin family would have used their identity as rtives to forcefully manage their master¡¯s everything. This wasn¡¯t impossible.

    The Lin family had be so bold suddenly. Who would believe that no one had instigated them?

    ¡°I have a rough idea of who did it.¡± Qiao Nan exhaled. In order to win against Brother Zhai, Peng Yu would really try all means and ways and wouldn¡¯t let go of any opportunities. That was right as well. The Lin family was such a good piece of chess. Peng Yu was just taking advantage of this chance. It was already not bad that he didn¡¯t activate every single one from the Lin family.

 Chapter 1491 - A Slap to the Face

    <h4>Chapter 1491: A p to the Face</h4>

    Recently, the number of times that He Yi sighed was no fewer than Qiao Nan. ¡°Since we¡¯ve mentioned it, I want to tell you about two things. Deng Wenchang is getting married next month. Initially, quite a few people from the capital knew about it. Peng Yu and Shi Peng¡¯s niece were dating and were looking at an engagement date. But yesterday, the Peng family suddenly let out the news that they were looking for blind date candidates for Peng Yu. Peng Yu¡¯s requirements for thedy are that she must be young and educated.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan looked at Old Lin¡¯s photograph. ¡°He¡¯s finallye to his senses. Wasn¡¯t Peng Yu determined to find someone who could give birth to many children?¡± Qiao Nan asked, her voice full of sarcasm.

    She had heard that Peng Yu and Qiu Chenxi were together, and as such, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s status at many events had been elevated greatly. But Qiao Nan had never believed whatever she had heard. Based on ¡®what she had heard¡¯ about Peng Yu, he must be apletely different person from ¡®what she had heard¡¯ if he was willing to marry a woman whom even Brother Zhai was unwilling to marry.

    There was only one exnation. That whatever she had heard were only false rumors.

    She thought back to thest time she met Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi had worn a pair of pumps and walked past her arrogantly. Up until now, Qiao Nan could still remember that disdainful snorting from Qiu Chenxi.

    It was a mere three months¡¯ time since then. She wondered whether Qiu Chenxi could still snort if they were to meet again.

    What the Peng family had done was really a p to the face, and the only one who was being pped was Qiu Chenxi.

    Indeed, one could not talk about people behind their backs. Qiao Nan had just been talking about it, and less than two hourster, she really bumped into Qiu Chenxi. The sudden death of Old Master Zhai and Old Lin meant that there were a lot of peopleing to visit the Zhai household.

    The day of officially sending the two elders off had already passed, but some people had not been in the capital at that time and had not made it in time. Still, even though they had not been able to make it, they had to visit the Zhai family once they returned to the capital to pay their respects to Old Master Zhai and Old Lin.

    After being influenced by Qiao Nan, Shi Peng would spend at least a few days each year to bring Feng Cheng on a holiday. Coincidentally, the passing of Old Lin and Old Zhai was during the National Day holiday period. On the birthday of the three children, the Shi couple got someone to send the children a gift while the couple was already on the ne.

    When the couple learned of the passing of the two elders on the same night, it was already the second day of the month. Since it was the National Day holiday, there were practically no tickets to be sold. The couple did not care about the price or the flight and finally managed to return on the third day with great difficulty.

    As soon as the Shi couple returned, they changed into a set of ck clothing and rushed over to the Zhai family¡¯s house. Now that Qiu Chenxi was in the political circle, she had to show herself at the funeral of Old Lin and Old Zhai, unless she did not want to stay in the circle. Otherwise, she would never be able to gain power or leave good impressions on others.

    It was just that Qiu Chenxi had not forgotten for a second what had happened in the past. The thought of the Zhai family being Qiao Nan¡¯s territory made her hesitant. Initially, Old Master Zhai should have been her grandfather, and Old Lin her master.

    Originally, she should have had a close rtionship with these two powerful old men, but these were all snatched away by that despicable Qiao Nan. In the end, the one who should have had all the right to pay respects to these two elders was anonymous and in a dilemma as to whether she could do so.

    Coincidentally, the Shi couple returned at that moment. Thus, Qiu Chenxi decided to tag along with Shi Peng. She thought that Shi Peng could act as a shield for her, and Qiao Nan would not be so unreasonable as to put her down and make a fuss in front of Shi Peng. Qiao Nan had to know that she was not going to the Zhai family because of her. She was only going there to pay respects to the two departed elders.

    Qiao Nan did not know what Qiu Chenxi was thinking. Otherwise, she would definitely tell Qiu Chenxi that she was thinking too much.

    If the Lin family had not gone so far as to not allow Old Lin to rest in peace even after his death, Qiao Nan, who was already in sorrow, would not care about getting back at anyone. All she would want would be to take care of her own feelings and get back on her feet.

    Old Master Zhai¡¯s was a happy funeral, while Old Lin¡¯s death was a relief.

    The best way for Qiao Nan to remember the two elders was to live her life well, bring up the three children healthily, and not immerse herself in misery at the passing of the two elders and make a mess of her life.

    Even the Lins only gave Qiao Nan a little respect because of this. As for someone who was not important like Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan did not even want to waste her brain capacity thinking about it.

    Seeing Qiao Nan, who had lost weight, Shi Peng said out of concern, ¡°Nan Nan, you have to take care of yourself. The old chief and Old Lin definitely would not want to see you in this state. They cared so much about the three children and you. You shouldn¡¯t disappoint them. The only way for them to leave peacefully is if we live our lives well.¡±

    The passing of both elders in a single night was a double blow to the Zhai family. Even ordinary people would find difficulty in coping with such a loss, let alone Qiao Nan, who shared a close bond with Old Lin.

    Thinking about it, Shi Peng frowned slightly and nced at Qiao Dongliang, who was staying in the Zhai family house to take care of the three children.

    After all, it was entirely Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fault that Qiao Nan had shared such a close rtionship with Old Lin and had lost weight now that Old Lin was gone.

    If the Qiao family had not been so cold to Qiao Nan so much so that there were almost no rtions to talk about, Qiao Nan would not have ced all her desires for affection and all her attention on Old Lin.

    Now, Old Lin, whom Qiao Nan had given her heart to, was gone. If someone else was in Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes, it would probably not just be a matter of losing a few kilograms. Such a blow could often be utterly disastrous.

    Shi Peng felt that Qiao Dongliang was very lucky as a father, yet at the same time, felt that Qiao Nan was pitiful. It was as if the roles of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were always reversed. Usually, parents would buy houses for their children. But in Qiao Nan¡¯s case, she was the one who bought a house for her parents.

    Every time he thought about these things, he could not help but feel tired on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf, and he always used this to remind Shi Qing of what a lucky child she was.

    ¡°Thank you. Don¡¯t worry. I understand. I won¡¯t let them down. To me, they¡¯re still alive, just in a different way, in my heart. They will never disappear. This sounds clich¨¦, but it¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Nan tried to joke.

 Chapter 1492 - Congratulations In Advance

    <h4>Chapter 1492: Congrattions In Advance</h4>

    ¡°Since you said so, I think I can really rest assured. That¡¯s right. Ever since I knew you, you¡¯ve never been one to make others worry.¡± It was exactly because there was no need to worry about her that he felt sorry for her. Children that were too sensible were always likable. ¡°Your... your dad has been doing well, right?¡± Her family had note along to the capital because of Qiao Dongliang, right?

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for the time being.¡± But Qiao Nan could not be sure when Ding Jiayi woulde to the capital and cause trouble because of this.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Everything Shi Peng wanted to say was conveyed in this long sigh.

    Throughout the entire conversation between Shi Peng and Qiao Nan, Feng Cheng silently stayed by Shi Peng, with pity and sympathy in her eyes. She could not me Shi Peng and Qing Qing for treating this youngdy well. This youngdy truly led a tough life.

    Through Shi Peng, Feng Cheng already knew that Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with her biological parents could notpare to even a tenth of her rtionship with Old Lin.

    It felt as though Qiao Nan had umted bad luck through eight lifetimes to deserve such a pair of parents.

    ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re just going to look on like that?¡± When Feng Cheng left Shi Peng and Qiao Nan to get some water, Qiu Chenxi walked over to Feng Cheng and posed this ridiculous question.

    Feng Cheng¡¯s lips twitched and her expression was sour. ¡°I believe in your uncle. Qiu Chenxi, I don¡¯t me my Qing Qing for disliking you. No matter what, Shi Peng is still your uncle, and he hasn¡¯t got any bad records. You¡¯re purposely trying to instigate something between your uncle and me. Why? Now that you¡¯ve made your mark, you don¡¯t need rtives like us anymore? If that¡¯s the case, you can stop calling me auntie. I¡¯m in no need of people like you calling me auntie.¡±

    Feng Cheng had never liked Qiu Chenxi. When she was younger, Qiu Chenxi had always fought for attention with Shi Qing in the Shi family. When they grew older, the twodies fell for Zhai Sheng at the same time. Unfortunately, the person who got engaged to Zhai Sheng was Qiu Chenxi. Her own daughter did not even stand a chance.

    Thinking about it this way, for the first time, Feng Cheng felt that it was good that Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng. Without the appearance of Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife today could very well be Qiu Chenxi. Every time the rtives met, Shi Qing would see them together and be heartbroken. She might never recover from that.

    At least now that the person Zhai Sheng married was Qiao Nan, Feng Cheng realized that every time Shi Qing mentioned the Zhai family, she always had a jovial tone. As for the three children of Qiao Nan, she liked them so much that she recognized them as her godsons and goddaughter!

    Thanks to her daughter, Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo only got engaged, but Feng Cheng had already be a god-grandmother. Now, when Feng Cheng saw the Zhai family¡¯s intelligent and adorable three children, she did not feel much. Although she did not have as bad an impression of Qiao Nan as before, neither did she think well of Qiao Nan.

    But who would have expected that after all that Qiu Chenxi had done seven years ago, she once again instigated something to make Feng Cheng dislike Qiao Nan. Thus, Feng Cheng was quite aware of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s methods.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m too trusting of your uncle. But the truth is Zhai Sheng is quite a lot older than Qiao Nan, and he is your uncle¡¯s disciple. With such a rtionship, do you think that there can be anything going on between Qiao Nan and your uncle?¡± She could not deny that there were too many despicable and ridiculous things in society nowadays.

    In order to climb up thedder, no matter the era, there would always be such immoral transactions. It was not umon to see a man of status sleeping with women his daughter¡¯s age, or even younger than his daughter.

    But she dared to say that such a thing would never happen to Shi Peng, much less Qiao Nan.

    With such a gem like Zhai Sheng in front of her, how blind did Qiao Nan have to be to give up such a wonderful young man to find a second-ss thing outside?

    Feng Cheng could no longer stay calm and listen to Qiu Chenxi. Giving up Zhai Sheng, who was a good match for her, to get into a rtionship with Shi Peng? Even if she wanted to stir something up, she should have made up a believable excuse at the very least.

    After giving Qiu Chenxi a piece of her mind, Feng Cheng silently returned to Shi Peng¡¯s side. She knew that Qiu Chenxi would never run her mouth in the presence of Shi Peng. This also made Feng Cheng understand something. In Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes, she was probably a fool that could be coaxed well.

    Otherwise, why would Qiu Chenxi not find other people but only target her?

    Indeed, seeing Feng Cheng have no response to her provocations and simply return to Shi Peng¡¯s side, Qiu Chenxi was unhappy but could only shut her mouth and pay her respects to the two elders. She waited quietly by the side until Shi Peng and Qiao Nan finished catching up before she proceeded to leave with the couple.

    Noticing from the corners of his eyes that Qiu Chenxi had talked to Feng Cheng alone, Shi Peng looked at Feng Cheng uneasily. Feng Cheng raised her chin at Shi Peng with a haughty look.

    In an instant, Shi Peng and Qiao Nan both understood that Qiu Chenxi had indeed said something nasty to Feng Cheng. But this time, Qiu Chenxi had done so in vain.

    Perhaps she was really in a bad mood, but coincidentally, Qiu Chenxi had not realized that she had walked straight into Qiao Nan.

    Now that she was face to face with Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face stiffened. Her words were not as sharp as before and her tone was gentler. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about the old chief and Old Lin. I hope you¡¯ll take care of yourself.¡±

    In the few years that they had not met, the youngdy who still had to look up to meet her face was now a strongdy with poise and confidence. The thought of being less than Qiao Nan made Qiu Chenxi feel slightly inferior, and she ground her teeth in indignation. She was trying her best not to show any changes in her expression, lest she be made a joke by Qiao Nan.

    Qiu Chenxi unconsciously softened her attitude, causing Qiao Nan to sneer. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will. By the way, Miss Qiu, you¡¯re about the same age as Brother Zhai. Our three children are already in primary school. I wonder when I¡¯ll be invited to your wedding.¡±

    The person she had been in love with was now married and already had children in primary school. As for herself, she was still far from getting married. Such a stark contrast was a p in her face.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi felt as though the words were stuck in her throat. It was not as though she did not want to get married. She did. But who would marry her? She thought about how the Peng family was already arranging blind dates for Peng Yu. It seemed like Peng Yu was no longer trying to escape and ignore this problem. He was even enjoying the process! The thought of this made her turn pale.

    As Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned pale, it was as if the dark cloud covering Qiao Nan suddenly disappeared and light suddenly burst in. ¡°I have another question. When the timees, will your wedding be with Peng Yu? I¡¯ve heard from many people that Madam Peng always brings you around. You¡¯ve practically be the mistress of the Peng family already, so I¡¯ll congratte you in advance.¡±

 Chapter 1493 - Completely Pale

    <h4>Chapter 1493: Completely Pale</h4>

    Young mistress of the Peng family?

    Was it that easy?

    This time, Qiao Nan had Qiu Chenxi tremble in anger.

    The Peng family was looking for blind dates for Peng Yu, but as long as Peng Yu liked her, how could they not let her be the young mistress of the Peng family? In reality, the moment the Peng family let out the news that they were seeking blind dates for Peng Yu and were even looking at marriage within half a year, Qiu Chenxi had be the biggest joke in the circle. And so, many powerful figures got to know of the existence of Qiu Chenxi through such a unique way.

    It could be said that Qiu Chenxi became famous overnight through this alternative method.

    In the past, Qiu Chenxi had ridden on theurels of the Peng family. Now, she was facing double the humiliation and ridicules so much so that she was too ashamed to meet anyone.

    ¡°Seeing how you¡¯re so excited, I¡¯m guessing I¡¯ll be attending your wedding with Peng Yu soon? When the timees, please don¡¯t try to be polite. I¡¯ll definitely give you a nice red packet. No matter what, we¡¯ve known each other for a long time.¡± Qiu Chenxi was raging, but Qiao Nan acted as though she did not understand. ¡°Forget it. I might have something on and may not able to attend your wedding personally. How about I wish you and Peng Yu a happy future ahead even though it doesn¡¯t seem appropriate during such an asion like today¡¯s?¡±

    Qiao Nan had been using these words excessively, but the problem was that Qiao Nan loved using them. They were so useful. Only a few words could save her time and effort and even give a p in the face at the same time.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Please excuse me.¡± After enraging Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan felt as though the knot in her chest had been unbound and her mood lifted considerably. When she met other people, the sadness in her eyes had also lessened.

    Seeing the kind of impact Qiu Chenxi, whom he had brought along, had on Qiao Nan, Shi Peng was amazed.

    There was such a kind of person in the world: women!

    Qiu Chenxi stomped her feet. What did Qiao Nan have to be proud of? Her biological parents were not good, and her master who had been the only one to cherish her had just passed away. What right did Qiao Nan have to act all high and mighty in front of her? At least, she had a mother who was devoted to her by her side. As for her dad, before he went in, he had also treated his only daughter well.

    Compared to her, Qiao Nan was the one who was in need of some sympathy.

    ¡°Godmother.¡±

    ¡°Godfather.¡± The Shi couple had not been there for long before Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo arrived. The couple¡¯s faces were somber as they walked to Qiao Nan and took off their military caps. ¡°Please take this in your stride.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing lit incense for the two old men before Zhu Baoguo went to see Zhai Sheng, while Shi Qing stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and went to see the three children. ¡°Are you... alright?¡± When she posed that question, Shi Qing paid no attention to Qiao Dongliang, who had already moved to the capital.

    Shi Qing knew that Qiao Nan had asked Qiao Dongliang to move to the capital and had even purchased a house for Qiao Dongliang to live in. This was not because of a good father-daughter rtionship, but simply because Qiao Nan felt that she had the obligation as a daughter. If they wanted to talk about rtionships, Qiao Dongliang probably had a better rtionship with the three children.

    Now that Old Lin was no longer around, Shi Qing could hardly believe how Qiao Nan could have survived through this period.

    ¡°Good or not, as long as I¡¯m still here, life has to go on. Besides, I still have Brother Zhai and the three children. I¡¯m not the same me from before. I¡¯m sad that master is gone, but I know that I¡¯m not without anything.¡± Unlike in her past life up until she had been hit by a car and died, although she had resentment and hatred in her heart, there was an even greater sense of relief.

    Because at that time, she had been single.

    Perhaps no one would shed tears for her death, and some people may even have gotten a huge sum ofpensation and rejoiced at her death.

    For the people she loved and who loved her, Qiao Nan would not let herself be beaten down just like this. ¡°Life is filled with joy but also sorrow. Just give me a little more time.¡±

    Shi Qing nodded. ¡°Da Bao, you three, spend more time with your mom, okay? It has really not been easy for your mom toe to where she is now. You won¡¯t even be able to imagine how much she has suffered.¡±

    Shi Qing wanted the three children to know that it was difficult for their mother in the past. It was just that the three children¡¯s rtionships with their maternal grandfather were pretty good. If she were to say that, she was afraid that the children were too young and would ssify things too clearly as either ck or white. Then, the matter would only worsen.

    When the three children were older and understood that there were rights and wrongs in love in the world and that not everything was so clean-cut, there would still be time for her to tell them about what Qiao Nan had gone through.

    Uncle Qiao was unsuitable as a father, but he was not a bad grandfather.

    Thinking about how the three children had just lost the love from the two elders, it would be too cruel to let them know about how bad their beloved grandfather had been in the past.

    Most importantly, she was not saying this to turn the three children against their grandfather. She only hoped that the three children would better understand Qiao Nan,fort her, and help her get out of the grief from losing Old Lin.

    ¡°We understand.¡± Da Bao nodded. ¡°It¡¯s been hard on Mom.¡± Da Bao stood by Qiao Nan like a caring youngdy, acknowledging that Qiao Nan had toiled hard. ¡°Mom has to go to work, send us to school, and still has to care about our studies. When we¡¯re at home and have problems we don¡¯t understand or cannot solve, we always ask Mom. Mom is like our teacher. She knows everything.¡±

    In reality, the way Da Bao put it was already quite modest.

    Qiao Nan was a gifted student who had graduated from Peking University. She enjoyed reading and read books of all genres. Unlike professional teachers, however, Qiao Nan paid more attention to exposing herself to a wide range of knowledge and mastering them.

    Young children were strange, and at times, posed questions that ordinary adults would not be able to handle. But every time the three children thought of any bizarre questions, Qiao Nan would be able to give urate answers more than seventy to eighty percent of the time.

    Even if she could not answer them, Qiao Nan would honestly say, ¡°Sorry, Mom doesn¡¯t know the answer to this question either. How about we search it up together? Whoever finds the answer first will tell the other.¡±

    Every time the three children got an answer to their questions, they would be ted.

    When the three children started attending school and faced simr problems, they would naturally rush to ask their teacher. It was still fine when they were in the nursery. If they asked five questions, the teachers would still be able to answer at least two or three. But when they started primary school, everything changed.

 Chapter 1494 - Waiting For You to Take the Initiative

    <h4>Chapter 1494: Waiting For You to Take the Initiative</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was considered good if the teacher could even answer just once.

    In the end, the three children felt that their mother was still the most reliable in terms of imparting knowledge. Thus, in addition to the school¡¯s sybus, the three children much rather preferred to wait until the evening and ask Qiao Nan about knowledge outside of the textbook.

    It is said that once children go to school, the most intelligent person is their teacher and the one whose words they would trust the most is also their teacher.

    But in the case of the three children, it was simply not true. In their hearts, their mom was always first. Their mom was omnipotent and was even more intelligent than their teacher!

    Thus, even though Da Bao had no clue about his mother¡¯s past and her experiences, Da Bao viewed his dad as a hero who was never home.

    In other families, the fathers did this and that. But in their home, their mom did everything. In other families, the things that their moms would do were done by hired helpers and their grandmother. In their home, other than their auntie, most of the work was still done by their mom.

    Naturally, such a hardworking mother was the one who had it the hardest in the family.

    ¡°Mom is a superhero. She can do anything.¡± San Bao stuck her thumb up. Although superheroes were always portrayed by men in television shows, their superhero mom was a woman.

    ¡°Mom is the best.¡± Er Bao offered his ¡®praise¡¯ to Qiao Nan as well. In the eyes of the three children, Qiao Nan was omnipresent and was worthy of their admiration.

    ¡°You three rascals know how to say the sweetest things.¡± Shi Qing was amused. ¡°Your mom works hard indeed. She¡¯s the best and also the most blessed because she has the three of you precious little ones,¡± Shi Qing said especially sincerely.

    The three children were already seven years old. When they got to junior high school, which was the age at which she had first met Qiao Nan, the three children would be young eagles with wings that would be on their own soon. She thought about how time flew by. When she had first met Qiao Nan, she had not been much older than the three children. Now, Qiao Nan¡¯s children were almosting to that age. ¡°Nan Nan, how have the children grown up so quickly? It was just yesterday that they were a small bundle and were full of baby fragrance when I carried them in my arms.¡±

    The three children were most adorable at that time.

    ¡°If you really like the three children at that age, seeing that you and Zhu Baoguo have been engaged for a year or two, shouldn¡¯t you get that done too? Let¡¯s not talk about the engagement. You two are no longer young. It¡¯s time to give the three children some siblings. Our Xiao Bao is already sick of being the youngest in the family. He wants to be an elder brother. So please hurry up. Or are there problems between the two of you?¡±

    But every time Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo were together, there were always sparks between the couple. It was incredible that they had not gotten married until now. Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had even guessed that Shi Qing would end up getting into a shotgun marriage with Zhu Baoguo.

    As soon as her rtionship with Zhu Baoguo was mentioned, Shi Qing was not as direct and straightforward as usual. Rather, she beat around the bush. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry between me and Zhu Baoguo.¡± Since he¡¯s not in a hurry, why should she be?

    Marriage was between the two of them. Would it be any use if she alone was in a hurry? She could not possibly sign the marriage agreement alone. If Zhu Baoguo did not mean to get married, she was not going to put down her pride and take the initiative to beg Zhu Baoguo to get married.

    ¡°Teasing.¡± Qiao Nan finally understood. Shi Qing was waiting for Zhu Baoguo to make the first move. It meant that as long as Zhu Baoguo made any moves, Shi Qing would never reject and would ept it immediately.

    After getting such an answer, while Qiao Nany in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace that night, she specifically mentioned it. ¡°I¡¯ve got a reply to the thing you asked me about. But as a woman with her pride, how could she do something like proposing? Not implicitly, and definitely not explicitly.¡±

    In any case, there would be no getting around Zhu Baoguo making the first move to propose.

    Shi Qing cared very much about who made the first move, and she would never allow the sequence to be reversed.

    In summary, marriage had to be initiated by Zhu Baoguo. Otherwise, Shi Qing would rather dy the matter than to get married.

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan on the back and coaxed her by saying, ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll let Zhu Baoguo know about the situation. Then, we won¡¯t have to worry anymore about what happens after.¡± As a man, if he did not even dare to ask for his partner¡¯s hand in marriage and relied on someone else to do so, Zhai Sheng felt that Zhu Baoguo would never be his rival, be it ten years ago or ten yearster.

    Every time his wife mentioned Zhu Baoguo, her tone was no different from when she talked about Da Bao and Er Bao.

    Zhai Sheng was simply speechless at such a man who even dreamed of fighting with him over women in the past. At the time when he married Nan Nan, Zhu Baoguo had used so many underhanded methods. Now that seven or eight years had passed, why could Zhu Baoguo not use his efforts on Shi Qing?

    ¡°You should head back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tomorrow. If you still don¡¯t return, I¡¯m afraid Minister He Yi wille knocking on our door to look for you. Perhaps there might even be chaos in the department now that you¡¯ve been away for a few days.¡± Zhai Sheng caressed Qiao Nan¡¯s back which had clearly lost weight. Even her bones were obviously protruding now. Zhai Sheng was heartbroken. ¡°I¡¯ll ask the auntie to buy some chickens and boil soup to nourish you. Now that I¡¯m hugging you, I wonder if you were ever this skinny even when you were back in the Qiao family. I must help you regain all the weight.¡±

    ¡°Are you disgusted?¡± Qiao Nan had not felt as though she had lost weight. But with the passing of two loved ones, she had been so depressed and had also been taking care of all the different matters. It would be strange if she did not lose weight. But when Zhai Sheng mentioned it, Qiao Nan naturally had a reaction that most women would have. She was upset.

    Women always hope that they are the most beautiful person in their husband¡¯s eyes. Whether they gain or lose weight, the image of beauty should remain unchanged.

    ¡°No.¡± If he were disgusted, he would be chased right to the study room to spend the night. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about you. When the auntie finishes cooking the soup tomorrow, I¡¯ll send it over to you. Remember to drink up. It¡¯ll be best if you finish it. It¡¯s more important to nourish you, not just to fatten you up.¡±

 Chapter 1495 - With Comparison Comes Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 1495: With Comparison Comes Hurt</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll get the auntie to skin the chicken.¡±

    Qiao Nan was rather picky when it came to food, especially when it came to boiling chicken soup. She insisted on the chicken being skinned. Something about the fat on the chicken skin being hard to digest and not being good for the body.

    She refused to drink it otherwise and was especially careful when feeding the three children too. Under the leadership of Qiao Nan, the Zhai family also unconsciously adopted this habit. So when he talked about chicken soup today, Zhai Sheng provided additional exnations, which satisfied Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m sleepy.¡±

    ¡°Just sleep if you¡¯re sleepy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±

    ¡°...¡± It was rare for Zhai Sheng to have to coax Qiao Nan as though he were coaxing his children. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. Just go to sleep. I won¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll be with you forever. You still have us. You still have the three children.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s coaxing was unskilled and unfamiliar, yet reassuring and gentle at the same time. And so, Qiao Nan yawned and gradually got sleepier. After finding afortable position in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, she quickly fell asleep.

    Just as Zhai Sheng had said, when Qiao Nan returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the next day, she found out that chaos had indeed broken out.

    ¡°Minister He, you can actually give more work to us. We¡¯ve been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for quite a while. We are quite capable. It¡¯s just that weck opportunities to show our talents. Minister He, please do not go out of your way to take care of us just because we¡¯ve been in this department for a short time. We need more practice to grow and develop.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Minister He. As long as you are willing to give us the opportunity, we¡¯ll definitely be able to prove ourselves. All our seniors in the department are so busy every day. We are the only ones who have so much free time. We¡¯re really quite ashamed about that. Minister He, please train us more.¡±

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had already entered He Yi¡¯s office bright and early and eagerly begged He Yi to give them more opportunities to show their worth.

    Especially Li Dawei¡¯s words which could be easily mistaken.

    What did he mean by having no opportunities to prove his worth in the past? Was he not hinting that Qiao Nan was afraid that Li Dawei was more capable than her and would surpass her? Was that why she suppressed Li Dawei in the first ce? To prevent him from getting ahead of her?

    These two newbies who had only been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for just over a year dared to attack their senior with their words? Was it the end of the world?

    He Yi¡¯s eyebrows were already twitching. These two ¡®newbies¡¯ clearly thought he was a fool. He was not going to stand by and watch and rely on logic instead of rtions if someone pointed out Qiao Nan¡¯s faults, even if everyone in the department now knew that Qiao Nan was his junior.

    It was hrious how Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were so confident and thought that everything would progress ording to their n.

    ¡°Minister, it¡¯s rare that newbies have such down-to-earth ideas. I think they¡¯re pretty good. But these newbies are no longer newbies. They¡¯ve been here for a year. It¡¯s just as well that we take this chance to see how much our colleagues Xu and Li have improved since they joined our department. You know, it always used to be like this. Comrades Xu and Li should not be exceptions. After being in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a year, they haven¡¯t even gotten better. They¡¯re still totally green.¡±

    Qiao Nan knocked and entered He Yi¡¯s office after getting his approval. ¡°Moreover, since our minister has already assigned everyone their own work, I think it will be better for everyone to focus on their own work instead of helping each other so as to improve our efficiency. We should be responsible for our own tasks. If we try harder in some things and do more work, we¡¯ll gradually get used to them and they won¡¯t seem so difficult anymore.¡±

    The tasks were now entirely separated. If anything went wrong with Xu Xinming and Li Dawei, there would be no one to push the me to. More importantly, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei would have to faithfully take up that responsibility.

    As veterans who had been in this department for a year, leaving aside the fact that it might merit demerits, it was embarrassing that they still made mistakes in the most simple of tasks.

    It was rare for Xu Xinming and Li Dawei to ¡®take so much initiative¡¯. As a senior who had guided them, Qiao Nan wanted to satisfy their desires. She wanted very much to raise all her limbs in support of her colleagues¡¯ ideas.

    Work?

    She would give as much as Xu Xinming and Li Dawei wanted. If she gave any less, she would count it as her loss.

    ¡°Deal.¡± Before Xu Xinming and Li Dawei could return to their senses, He Yi made his decision. Before these two entered the department, even though there had been no hard and fast rules, the working conditions had been just like what Qiao Nan mentioned. There had been no such thing as not finishing or not doing well and having someone elsee to help.

    So it could be said that these two new colleagues ruined the atmosphere in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by making such a rulepulsory so that everyone would be clear of their roles and responsibilities. At this time, He Yi was firm with Xu Xinming and Li Dawei.

    If the two of them wanted to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then Xu Xinming and Li Dawei would take over all the manualbor and chores. He would treat it as though he had raised two ckers. As long as it concerned official matters and had to do with the state, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei would not even get to touch them.

    With such an idea, if Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were still unwilling to leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on their own ord, He Yi would be left with only one choice. He would be forced to find a big fault or tons of small mistakes made by Xu Xinming and Li Dawei. Then, with the umtion of all these mistakes, no one could say anything if he were to arrange them in unimportant positions.

    He Yi and Qiao Nan had already decided how to chase Xu Xinming and Li Dawei out of the department. In the past, these two were justzy. But now, they were true scumbags who wanted to make some trouble in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    In the face of such a change in Xu Xinming and Li Dawei, the whole Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not wee them, even Deng Wenchang, who was usually not in ord.

    It was rather funny to talk about it. It was exactly because of the appearance of Xu Xinming and Li Dawei that Deng Wenchang had be rejected by the entire department. But with these two newbies, everyone realized that it could only get worse. With them around, Deng Wenchang was not all that useless or annoying inparison.

 Chapter 1496 - Political Consciousness

    <h4>Chapter 1496: Political Consciousness</h4>

    In fact, Deng Wenchang was way moremendable than Xu Xinming and Li Dawei.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei finally caught on. They were here to snitch on Qiao Nan, but her appearance turned the tide, and the duo ended up in a disadvantageous position. Qiao Nan¡¯s pace didn¡¯t even allow them to react to the situation. What a sharp woman.

    It was no wonder that Qiao Nan could marry into the Zhai family as a lowly countryside girl.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had seen many who would do anything to protect their pride. Therefore, they assumed that Qiao Nan would bow to anything to keep her name clean. In fact, she would have to show that she is friendly and weing to the neers more than ever.

    They knew that this month was a pivotal time to determine their future in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and their performance so far hadn¡¯t been great. When they entered the department, they imagined their abilities to be more than enough to secure the job and what they need was trying to make showy achievements.

    However, it was far from the truth.

    The amount and depth of work exceeded their prediction, and the ever-umting quantity brought fundamental changes to their job scope. In short, they would neverplete it unless they worked twice as hard as they¡¯d studied.

    Even with the efforts of taking the college entrance examination, it would take months for them to bring their efficiency up a notch.

    The duo couldn¡¯t bear the time and effort needed, so they came up with the idea of framing Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang for picking on neers. Theter would have to take care of them to prove their innocence, and they could safely pass the end-of-year evaluation.

    However, He Yi wasn¡¯t affected by the exposure of his rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    He Yi¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan was not any different from before. Qiao Nan, on the other hand, hade back stronger than ever. If she were a soothing breeze from spring, she would be the piercing winter gale right now.

    Since Xu Xinming and Li Dawei wanted a game, Qiao Nan decided to go all in.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even close the office door earlier. After He Yi agreed, Qiao Nan turned and announced the news to the entire department. Before the two had a chance to take back their words, most of the members of the department were already informed about a new rule thanks to the ¡®neers¡¯.

    ¡°Comrade Xu and Comrade Li deserve ourpliments for such political motivation. Let¡¯s give them our support.¡± Qiao Nan was the first to apud. Xu Xinming and Li Dawei froze behind her, and their face went pale.

    ¡°Minister, no, no... Senior Qiao...¡±

    How did she infer any ¡®political motivation¡¯ from what they¡¯d said? When the hell did they talk about self-independence?

    All they wanted was Qiao Nan and He Yi taking on their work to protect their names. When the end-of-year evaluation came, He Yi would go easy on them, lower the requirements, and let them stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Their request was so simple and achievable, but why did these people have to be so cruel? It was like Qiao Nan wanted to kick them out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This woman was more vicious than any man!

    ¡°We definitely have to support their decision. Although I wasn¡¯t the first to apud, I will be the second.¡± Deng Wenchang was the most delighted one in the crowd as he could finally get rid of Xu Xinming.

    If Xu Xinming continued bothering him, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to smile on his wedding day. ¡°By the way, my wedding ising, and I have ced the invitation cards on everyone¡¯s desk. It¡¯s fine toe without gifts, but everyone should at least have a drink with me on my special day.¡±

    After all this time, marriage had finally arrived. Staring at the glittering invitation cards on the desks, Deng Wenchang felt lost for a moment. For some reason, he glimpsed at Qiao Nan. He wanted to see Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction to his wedding.

    Deng Wenchang didn¡¯t think of getting married anytime soon despite his age. It was his father who goaded him into agreeing on the marriage.

    Deng Wenchang couldn¡¯t even recount how things got to this stage. When he came back to his senses, the date and wedding were already arranged, and he was dragged into taking wedding shots with the bride.

    Deng Wenchang had no idea what he was expecting from Qiao Nan, but he was still hit with disappointment as Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was just as bright. If he did want a reaction from Qiao Nan, what would that be?

    Deng Wenchang was afraid to face that answer, and he wouldn¡¯t dare to look for one. Why did he not want to marry anyone despite his family grinding his nerves? He preferred battling with Qiao Nan, observing Qiao Nan¡¯s angered expressions, and waiting for her toe back stronger than before.

    Deng Wenchang gulped down a mouthful of icy water, and the warmth in his belly died out with it. Deng Wenchang¡¯s teeth chattered from the chill, making ttering noises.

    Nobody realized Deng Wenchang¡¯s strange behaviors.

    It was good news that the only old and single guy in the department was getting married.

    Everyone was discussing how much money they should gift and how they should crash the wedding night and prank Deng Wenchang. Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were different; they were busy figuring out ways to handle their work

 Chapter 1497 - Damn Skills

    <h4>Chapter 1497: Damn Skills</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In a unique department like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they couldn¡¯t even find any external help if they couldn¡¯t manage. If they did, He Yi and Qiao Nan would roll in the aisles. That¡¯s because the exposure of such behaviors would cause them to be fired despite their families¡¯ resources.

    Moreover, the families wouldn¡¯t be so helpful as not everyone would be selfless enough to make sacrifices for the two of them.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei nced at each other and sighed hopelessly.

    If they knew that things were going to get worse, why would theye up with such an idea? However, nobody would have predicted Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction. Didn¡¯t someone say that those with power were afraid of the slightest rumor?

    It was reasonable for the pair to have such a misunderstanding of Qiao Nan. After all, they hadn¡¯t heard of what had happened to the Lin family. To grab onto Elder Lin¡¯s inheritance, everyone in the Lin family united and pledged to expand its businesses using it.

    If someone would step into politics in the future, they could afford to pay their way up and miss great opportunities.

    The benefit was too great to be missed, so no one went against the decision. Even the somewhat sessful youngsters, who earned a bit from start-ups, were enchanted by therge sum of inheritance. They gave up their growing businesses and came back to take their part of the cash.

    To the outsiders, Qiao Nan was someone who minded her own business. When someone crossed the line, however, she would hunt him down.

    The Lin family put everything on the line to fight her. Since Qiao Nan decided to step up to the challenge, she drained the Lin family¡¯s resources from the start. The market waspetitive, and any business that could earn good profit would have newpanies kicking off every day.

    Only the ones that could survive the tests and elimination of the economy would stay as the winner. In the future, those are the ones that can remain in power and lead the rest.

    In such crucial times, the Lin family dropped everything to tackle Qiao Nan, so there was no reason for Qiao Nan to go easy on them.

    Qiao Nan was a boss herself; she held five percent of Tian Corporation¡¯s shares and almost half of that of Baby Love.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even need the help of Tian Dong or Gao Yan to destroy the Lin family if she wanted to.

    When the Lin family was still asking Qiao Nan for Elder Lin¡¯s inheritance, Qiao Nan had already targeted most of the Lin family¡¯s businesses. When the time came, she pushed Elder Lin¡¯s will to them.

    Elder Lin was wise and had taken care of everything in his will. Therefore, no matter how hard the Lin family tried, theirwyers couldn¡¯t find any loophole in Qiao Nan receiving Elder Lin¡¯s inheritance. In the end, they couldn¡¯t get a single cent from Qiao Nan¡¯s pocket.

 Chapter 1498 - Softhearted Women

    <h4>Chapter 1498: Softhearted Women</h4>

    In other words, there was simply no use to hire awyer. Even if they hired all thewyers, it would be to no purpose other than spending more of the Lin family¡¯s money. Thewyer hired by the Lin family clearly informed them that Qiao Nan had to decide to give up Old Lin¡¯s inheritance voluntarily and to return them to the Lin family.

    Otherwise, the Lin family would not even be able to get a single cent from Old Lin¡¯s inheritance, let alone his whole fortune.

    No matter how you looked at it, there was no point in fighting this case. Thewyer would not waste his own time or put his reputation at stake trying to fight this case.

    The rtionship between the Lin family and Old Lin was just too poor. Even the people from the centralmittee had heard and spoken out about it. They were not going to disappoint Old Lin, who had made great contributions to the development of the country.

    Even though Old Lin had no family by his side, he still had the party, the country, and the people. There were so many people who could provide for him in the Lin family. Old Lin would definitely not be alone in his old age.

    Just based on this situation, thewyer wanted to ask if the Lin family was mentally sound.

    Completely knocked down by thewyer¡¯s words, the Lin family finally realized in a daze that they had worked in vain. They did not even get to see Qiao Nan, let alone taking a dime from her. Even more so not to mention how they had bullied a youngdy into tears so much so that she was afraid of returning Old Lin¡¯s items.

    In the end, the one who was really scared to tears seemed to be themselves, no?

    The Lin family had not figured a way out of this mess. When they finally returned to their own lives, the two youngsters of the Lin family who were businessmen suddenly realized that there had been a drastic increase in the number of businesses like theirs in just a period of a month. Worse still, there were one or twopanies that had developed at an extreme speed and could nowpete with them for business.

    After several times of having their business being snatched away from them, the Lin family somehow felt as though someone powerful was targeting them. Otherwise, why was it that they had never been so unlucky up until now? It was as though their opponent knew their moves ahead of time, could finalize their own ns, sign contract procedures, and stay one step ahead of them, leaving the Lin family with no room at all.

    It was easy to be sessful in the business world. But in the same vein, if one did not do well, thepany could go bankrupt in the blink of an eye.

    Without Old Lin¡¯s help, the Lin family had finally been able to start something for themselves. However, before the new year arrived, they had already failed. As such, the Lin family could no longer maintain their lifestyles and became just like the normal working ss.

    When the Lin family finally regained their senses and knew who was attacking them, it was already toote. Luckily, Qiao Nan had never thought of being too brutal, totally eliminating the Lin family, because she still respected the fact that they were Lins.

    The Lin family used to live in Ping Cheng, but Old Lin had moved to the capital for Qiao Nan and her children. Thus, the Lin family moved northward as well, thinking that it would be easier to settle down in the capital by taking advantage of Old Lin¡¯s connections.

    In reality, the Lin family did not really need to even talk to Old Lin. As long as the Lin family used Old Lin as a ying card, many people would show some respect to the Lin family. This was the true reason how the family could buy a house and settle down in the capital in just a few years¡¯ time.

    Now that the Lin family could no longer survive in the capital, they decided to return to Ping Cheng. Ping Cheng was their hometown after all.

    On the day that the Lin family returned to Ping Cheng and were cleaning their house, they received a sum of money from a mysterious person. To an ordinary person, this was definitely a huge sum of money. But to someone who was in the business world, like the Lin family that had been bosses in the past, this was neither a lot nor insignificant.

    If the Lin family received this sum of money and was willing to live down-to-earth lives without coveting for luxurious lifestyles, then their lives would definitely not be much harder than before.

    Looking at the sum of money, the Lin family could roughly guess who had sent the money. Just the thought of this person made the Lin family itch with anger.

    If not for Qiao Nan, the Lin family¡¯s business in the capital had actually been quite good. Although it could notpare with the money that Old Lin had left behind, it was still enough for the Lin family to leadfortable lives in the capital. In ten or twenty years, who could say that the Lin family might not be the nouveau riches in the capital?

    But such a bright future was utterly shattered by Qiao Nan. And when the Lin family was at their wit¡¯s end, Qiao Nan sent such a sum of money to ¡®save¡¯ them.

    The Lin family could not bring themselves to like Qiao Nan. In fact, they bore a deep resentment against her. But they could not deny that they no longer had such a bad impression of Qiao Nan aspared to before.

    ¡°They went back already?¡± Tian Dong eyed the documents in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. Qiao Nan had never asked for help in what she had done to the Lin family, but Tian Dong knew all about it.

    ¡°Otherwise? The cost of living is so high in the capital. If they foolishly continue to stay in the capital, it¡¯ll be like mocking me with their own deaths. If the Lin family were really to choose that path, I would really gain some respect for them.¡± The Lin family had not left happily. They had been forced to leave the capital with no other choice.

    Without money, how could they be Beijing drifters?

    Normally, Beijing drifters were single or a family of three. Hardly were there those like the Lin family who boasted that they were famous and had an illustrious family background. Such arge family had alle to the capital to further their careers. Leaving all else aside, up until the day that they left the capital, the Lin family had not even earned enough to arrange for everyone in their family to have a permanent ce to stay in.

    It was truly difficult to purchase a house in the capital, let alone purchasing a fewrge houses. The Lin family was truly ambitious.

    But things were different in Ping Cheng. As long as they were willing to return there, everything was ready for them. The cost of living in Ping Cheng was low and the Lin family still had a bit of money. They would not have to worry about finances. With the additional sum of money that that person had sent to the Lin family, if they were willing to run a small and honest business, not a big business, there would be no problem livingfortably.

    ¡°You¡¯re not very vicious. Indeed, just like a woman.¡± Tian Dong raised his eyebrows. The business world was just like a battleground. Once he attacked, he never let up to give his opponents a chance ofing back, unlike Qiao Nan, who had softened her heart when she should have hardened it.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan was only a small shareholder in the Tian Corporation. She had almost never participated in thepany¡¯s decision making anyway.

 Chapter 1499 - Strange Groom

    <h4>Chapter 1499: Strange Groom</h4>

    Of course, Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior was the very reason there was barely any conflict within the family all these years.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°They belonged to the Lin family, after all. When my master was still alive, they had done worse things, but did you think my master couldn¡¯t contain the Lin family? If my master let a hint loose, there was no way for the Lin family to use my master¡¯s name.¡±

    In short, her master had been giving the Lin family a chance to develop despite his hatred for them. What she did must carry on her master¡¯s purpose.

    Since this was what her master wanted, she would continue down the same path.

    Tian Dong had no rebuttal for Qiao Nan¡¯s words. It was true that Elder Lin had been cutting the Lin family some ck. If Qiao Nan did bring down the Lin family, ultimately, it could dirt her reputation. On the contrary, when the Lin family received money from Qiao Nan, they wouldn¡¯t be targeting her like before.

    Moreover, Tian Dong knew what others didn¡¯t.

    The money that Qiao Nan gave to the Lin family was only part of the earnings snatched from them. It was more like Qiao Nan returned some cash to the Lin family.

    Using their own money to buy over the Lin family¡¯s favor, it was a great move that not many people in business could make.

    If the Lin family dide back and defeat Qiao Nan with this investment, it would be his fault and not Qiao Nan¡¯s. He would be the one weak enough to allow the Lin family to get the upper hand. For some reason, he had already fallen into the huge web that Qiao Nan had cast. How foolish of him to be calling Qiao Nan a soft girl!

    He was the one being deceived all this while.

    After reflecting on how stupid he¡¯d been, Tian Dong dared not give Qiao Nan any more ideas. Tian Dong figured that he was affected by Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua always spoke about Qiao Nan¡¯s history of having an unfortunate family background, which led him into thinking that Qiao Nan was an innocent being.

    When he gave it some thought, he realized that Qiao Nan had never put herself in a disadvantageous position since the day he met her. Most of the time, Qiao Nan coulde up on top with a few words.

    It didn¡¯t mean that Qiao Nan was someone who was all-talks. It just couldn¡¯t be helped that Qiao Nan¡¯s words worth more than those of others, and her ideas were innovative. He finally got the realization that Qiao Nan was not a girl who needed a man to protect.

    After figuring that out, Tian Dong felt that his mind was freed.

    November and December were the months that many walked down the aisles. Among those couples was Qiao Nan¡¯s colleague, Deng Wenchang. Being in the same department, Qiao Nan had the responsibility to attend his big day. At the wedding, Qiao Nan took a nce at the bride; she looked clean and obedient.

    Anyway, Deng Wenchang¡¯s age and family would guarantee him a good wife.

    However, Qiao Nan was busy, so weekends were a luxury for her. Since the children were free, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t bear being away from home for too long.

    Leaving the gifts behind, she waved Deng Wenchang goodbye after gobbling down a few bites.

    Deng Wenchang, dressed in a neat suit, watched Qiao Nan hurry away absent-mindedly. Seeing that he was motionless as if stuck in time, his wife nudged him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Uncle is still waiting for you.¡±

    Deng Wenchang dragged his mind back to life and grinned. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was disturbed as I recalled a contract. Uncle, cheers. Have fun today.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Treat our girl well, okay? Our family cherishes our baby girl.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I will.¡± Deng Wenchang didn¡¯t leave the girl¡¯s rtives embarrassed. It wasn¡¯t hard to put on a mask.

    If they did cherish her, why would they marry her to a friend whom she had only met for months?

    They had only known each other for months. Did her family really think that he loved the girl?

    The thoughts were to be stored in his heart. ncing at the alcohol in his ss, he dumped everything down his throat. The bride was worried as she red at the groomsmen. Groomsmen¡¯s job was to tank the alcohol for the groom. It would be a problem at night if the groom was drunk.

    Not only the groomsmen saw the bride¡¯s signal, but her uncle saw it as well. The men roared hysterically, and the groomsmen started doing their jobs. The bride¡¯s family refrained from toasting.

    However, the event was too grand for the groomsmen to save the man. Not many Chinese men would miss an opportunity to get the groom drunk. After all, there was no better time for it than the wedding day.

    The inevitable happened; Deng Wenchang had lost consciousness when he was carried to the wedding room. The bride couldn¡¯t wake him up in any way and eventually gave up on it. Although it was a pity, it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    The bride changed, washed up, and had to take care of Deng Wenchang¡¯s hygiene. When she finallyy under the sheets with a stinky man, she wondered if everything was just a dream.

    The next morning, Deng Wenchang woke up and did the groom¡¯s job. The bride¡¯s uneasiness finally faded. She would officially belong to the Deng family when she was pregnant.

    She knew that Deng Wenchang took his work seriously, so they agreed to postpone the honeymoon to next May. Right now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was too busy for Deng Wenchang to have a break.

 Chapter 1500 - A Different Ending

    <h4>Chapter 1500: A Different Ending</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The bride had studied Deng Wenchang¡¯s situation before marrying him. Since Deng Wenchang was indeed busy working to better their future, she would not be so dramatic to start a fight. Instead, she happily sent Deng Wenchang to work.

    Deng Wenchang¡¯s parents were delighted to witness this. A grandchild wouldn¡¯t be far off with the daughter-inw in the house.

    ¡°Xiao Deng, you are looking great. I hope you can be a father soon.¡± The older ones in the department smirked at Deng Wenchang. Every man and married woman could understand the meaning of that smile.

    Most people in the department had been holding back on the dirty jokes since Qiao Nan¡¯s arrival. It couldn¡¯t be helped that Qiao Nan had an innocent vibe. Although they knew that she was married and had three children, they still refrained from crossing the line.

    It was the first day after Deng Wenchang¡¯s marriage, so some couldn¡¯t help but crack a joke.

    Deng Wenchang knew that they meant no harm, so he replied nicely for once. ¡°I wish to be a father as well. Qiao Nan, who¡¯s younger than me, already has three kids in school. I still have no idea where my kids are.¡±

    ¡°They might already be in your wife¡¯s belly.¡± Someone took the chance. It was true that the bride might be pregnant unless Deng Wenchang didn¡¯t have any strength left on the wedding night.

    ¡°Tsk.¡± Xu Xinming clicked his tongue as he listened to the jokes. He was not married yet. What¡¯s so hard about getting married? Why were they making it seem like Deng Wenchang was the only one married in this world?

    Compared to Xu Xinming, who had the luxury of time to mock Deng Wenchang¡¯s marriage, Li Dawei¡¯s expression had turned serious. It¡¯s been over a year since Li Dawei had joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but it was the first time that he worked so hard in the department.

    Was there any other way?

    Qiao Nan had ousted all the tricks up his sleeves. If this carried on, Li Dawei knew that there would be no ce for him in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recalling how he showed off about joining the department, he knew that he would be jeered at by those who were once jealous of him. That¡¯s if he was kicked out of this ce.

    Li Dawei didn¡¯t want that to happen.

    When there was no way out, Li Dawei gave up struggling and picked up the sincerity he used to have in school.

    When a person puts his mind to work instead of trivial matters, he would naturally button his lip. While Xu Xinming had the time to join the fun, Li Dawei was busy flipping through the dictionary.

    Li Dawei¡¯s parents imed that Li Dawei worked even harder for this job than the college entrance examination. Seeing their son learning to work hard and not depend on his family¡¯s connections was a pleasant scene for them. The Li family working together to support Li Dawei¡¯s effort would bring him a higher likelihood of staying in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    On the other hand, Xu Xinming stillzed around despite his family¡¯s help. In the end, a family¡¯s power would only be wasted on hisckluster attitude.

    Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were divided, and He Yi and Qiao Nan felt the separation between them. Li Dawei was way more eptable right now.

    No one could stop Xu Xinming from digging his own grave, for he had no wish of turning over a new leaf.

    In January, Li Dawei¡¯s hard work paid off. He obtained results way better than that of Xu Xinming. When the Xu family forced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow Xu Xinming to stay, He Yi immediately agreed and arranged him to look after the old archives.

    Although there was absolutely no need for such a job, it couldn¡¯t be helped when there was an extra member in the department. Since he didn¡¯t fit in, it was only right for him to have a unique position. After all, this left no excuse for the Xu family to seek trouble as Xu Xinming was technically still in the department.

    The Xu family was enraged to hear this and demanded an exnation from He Yi.

    However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was out of the Xu family¡¯s reach no matter how powerful they were. In this department, He Yi was the one in charge. The Xu family¡¯s conspiracies would never work on He Yi, and Xu Xinming¡¯s position didn¡¯t move an inch.

    The Xu family had hands extended to every part of the country, but they couldn¡¯t change He Yi¡¯s decision. He Yi was never scared of the Xu family, and the Xu family had nothing to threaten him with. In his words, he could do anything he wanted with Xu Xinming as there would nevere a day where he would need anything from his family.

    He Yi¡¯s firm stand was not to be objected, and Xu Xinming couldn¡¯t change a thing. In the end, he had no choice but to pack up and head to the archives room. Such a job was usually for the retired elders!

    Xu Xinming graduated from a famous university and was an exchange student for a year. Who would have known that he would be arranged to look after the archives? Xu Xinming wanted to bury his head underground before anyone couldugh at him.

    Not only did he embarrass himself, but he also put his entire family to shame. If he knew that He Yi was such a tough guy, he would have never gone against him.

    After all, it was this brat, Li Dawei, who betrayed their friendship and surrendered to Qiao Nan. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be the only one sitting before a garage right now. Li Dawei was still working happily in his office chair, and what infuriated Xu Xinming the most was that the two of them were equally hated just weeks ago.

    It was like Li Dawei returned to normal thanks to his departure.

 Chapter 1501 - I Will Hand the Rest Over to You

    <h4>Chapter 1501: I Will Hand the Rest Over to You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Li Dawei got along very well with his seniors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as though they had never rejected him.

    Such a scheming scumbag used him as a stepping stone. Li Dawei would definitely receive retribution in the future.

    Xu Xinming resented Li Dawei. If Li Dawei had reminded him while he worked hard himself and pulled him along, then he would not have been cast into such a corner now. It was bad enough that none of his colleagues was on speaking terms with him. Worse still, the only ones who even appeared were worms.

    When summer came, the only ones appearing in his working area to add some life would be some flies and mosquitoes.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, this is what I¡¯ve justpleted. Please check through it and let me know directly if there are any problems. I¡¯ll get it through myself.¡± Li Dawei was much more restrained in front of Qiao Nan now. In the past, he had called Qiao Nan directly by her name. Now, he switched to calling her ¡®Sister Qiao¡¯.

    In the past, after asking Qiao Nan to look for his mistakes, he would still get her to correct them. Now, the difference was that the only thing he asked of Qiao Nan was for her to let him know if she found any problems with anything that he had done. As for the specifics and details of the problem and how it should be solved, Li Dawei no longer tested Qiao Nan¡¯s limited patience and instead learned toplete it himself. ¡°Sister Qiao, I hope you don¡¯t think I¡¯m being bothersome. This isn¡¯t our mother tongue after all. But of course, I might not have mastered my mother tongue either.¡±

    Was it not normal that his standard of foreignnguages was a little poor given that he had not even mastered his own mother tongue?

    Li Dawei¡¯s words were much nicer than before, and his attitude had improved. Naturally, Qiao Nan could not continue to put him down by making things difficult for him. ¡°There¡¯s no serious problem, and the small ones aren¡¯t very important. At most, the content is a little rough.¡±

    Butpared with his string of mistakes that he made repeatedly in the past, the way Li Dawei handled this document had already improved significantly.

    ¡°Thank you, Sister Qiao!¡± Li Dawei smiled in relief. Now that Qiao Nan had said that, he could finally rest assured. ¡°By the way, this is for you, Sister Qiao.¡±

    Seeing the envelope that Li Dawei put on her desk, Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow before picking it up. In broad daylight, Qiao Nan was not at all worried that there was anything valuable in the envelope. And by the looks of its thickness, it did not seem as though there was anything valuable in it. Li Dawei did not have that courage anyway. ¡°It¡¯s red. Is it a wedding invitation?¡± In old-fashioned terms, it was a ¡®red bomb¡¯.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Li Dawei closed his mouth and smiled widely like a youngdy. ¡°I¡¯m getting married.¡±

    ¡°1st January and New Year¡¯s Day have all passed. What other good dates are there to get married?¡±

    ¡°None. My wedding date has been set for next year. It¡¯s my first time being a groom and I¡¯m very excited, so I¡¯ve decided to prepare the wedding invitations for our department in advance. I was thinking that since I already prepared it, I might as well just give it out sooner rather thanter in case everyone gets busy preparing for the new year and cannot take time out to attend it.¡±

    Because he had given out the wedding invitations so early, everyone would be able to arrange their schedules ahead of time to attend his wedding.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll congratte you here in advance.¡± Qiao Nan received Li Dawei¡¯s invitation. After Xu Xinming had been transferred out, Li Dawei was the only remaining one of the Xu-Li team. Perhaps because he needed two to p, or because he was no longer under the influence of Xu Xinming, but Li Dawei had actually be normal.

    No matter what, at least everyone in the department no longer held so much resentment and dissatisfaction toward Li Dawei aspared to when he had just entered the department. Like now, when he handed out the wedding invitations to his colleagues, some of them not only received the invitations nicely like Qiao Nan, but they also gave him kind words of blessings.

    Seeing this situation, Li Dawei was not particrly disappointed. Based on his tense rtionships with his colleagues in the past, he had expected worse situations. Inparison to what he had expected, this was much better.

    Faced with such a result, Li Dawei quietly let out a breath of relief. He had finally finished something that his family had tasked him with. But unfortunately, it was quite certain that Qiao Nan was going to be in charge.

    If he were to have a bad rtionship with Qiao Nan, he believed that it would not be long before he would be sent to join Xu Xinming. Thinking about that dark and cold ce where Xu Xinming was, and how he had been mocked and ignored by others after he had been transferred out, Li Dawei shivered in fear.

    He would never let Xu Xinming be his best man. He had to find his ce in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had already changed for the better and would not go back to how he had been in the past when he used to be a smart aleck. He hoped that Qiao Nan would let him off and not make life difficult for him now that she saw that he was willing to change for the better.

    There was no way for him not to humble himself knowing the situation he was in.

    Xu Xinming¡¯s departure was a clear warning for Li Dawei and a constant reminder not to make the same mistakes that Xu Xinming had. Otherwise, he knew the dire consequences and how shameful it would be.

    ¡°Sister Qiao?¡± When He Yi heard how Li Dawei addressed Qiao Nan, he felt strangely fresh. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re now an older sister? From what I remember, you¡¯re a year younger than Li Dawei. Is it all right for him to address you in that way?¡± If other people were to hear it, they might talk about her behind her back.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve said a hundred times not to call me older sister. It¡¯s probably more appropriate for me to call him elder brother, but he insists on calling me older sister. I can¡¯t do anything about it. The only thing I can do is to return it by calling him elder brother sometimes.¡± And even so, Qiao Nan felt as though she suffered a great loss.

    Why did she have to call him elder brother just because he voluntarily called her his sister?

    She did not even want to call him elder brother!

    He Yiughed uncontrobly. ¡°There, there. Don¡¯t be angry. Since he¡¯s older, it¡¯s still fine for you to call him elder brother. I admit that he¡¯s only older than you in age. In every other aspect, he¡¯s less than you. The only problem is that this only advantage of Li Dawei is enough. As for the others, he doesn¡¯t need them.¡±

    Qiao Nan snorted but did not rebuke him. ¡°Li Dawei is getting married on the 26th of February. Are you going?¡± There was still a month to go. If they wanted to, it was still possible to take some time out for it. Li Dawei had informed everyone early, so few people refused to attend his wedding.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± He Yi did not have anything against Li Dawei. ¡°At least in front of me, he¡¯s changed for the better. When I retire and you take over, it¡¯ll be on you to see what kind of performance he has.¡± That would be beyond his control.

 Chapter 1502 - Iâ€™m Twenty-Nine

    <h4>Chapter 1502: I¡¯m Twenty-Nine</h4>

    This was an issue that always gave Qiao Nan headaches. ¡°Are you sure that you want to hand the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to me? I¡¯m a female, and female diplomats are rare. Why are you still acting like our master?¡± Female diplomats did exist. If she were the only one, other countries would call them out for sexism.

    However, females were still notmonly seen.

    Right now, master and her senior both wanted her to take charge, and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t think that it was a great idea.

    ¡°Why not? It can be the norm in the future, and you will be the first one. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of female emperors in the past. We are not asking you to be the president. It¡¯s just the minister. You are overthinking it.¡±

    He Yi had to admit that it would be challenging to push Qiao Nan to that position.

    However, anything was possible.

    Everyone knew the capabilities of her. Although she didn¡¯t have the confidence due to her gender, He Yi knew that the leaders had a good impression of her. When their master was still alive, he had paved the path for her.

    She had nothing to worry about. In fact, she would step up with poise.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do I need to remind you of our master¡¯s final wish? Don¡¯t let his efforts go to waste. Just think of it aspleting our master¡¯s unfulfilled dream. When he took me in, he said that he wanted his daughter to be the first female minister if he were to be married.¡±

    In their master¡¯s eyes, Qian Nan was more than just a disciple. She was like a daughter, maybe even a granddaughter.

    It was evident that he had expected great things from her.

    ¡°Enough.¡± Qiao Nan felt her heart clench whenever their master was mentioned.

    It¡¯s been over two months, but Qiao Nan¡¯s grief didn¡¯t ease a bit. All she could do was control her emotions to a certain extent. When He Yi talked about him, Qiao Nan¡¯s voice sank.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll stop talking about it.¡± He Yi gave in. Girls were more sentimental beings, after all. He was sad to hear about their master as well, but to cry like Qiao Nan was not something he could do. ¡°Anyway, you have to think this through.¡±

    He Yi felt that there wouldn¡¯t be any rumors as long as she was capable.

    Qiao Nan did what it took, so why would he give the opportunity away to others just because he was her senior? If he did, he would have to remind that person to take care of his little junior.

    Just like their master, He Yi thought that it was best to have Qiao Nan take care of herself. This would avoid plenty of unnecessary problems in the future.

    Qiao Nan sniffed. ¡°I will consider it.¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiao Nan picked up the kids, who were waiting in line before the school gate. The moment Qiao Nan arrived, the teacher let the kids dash to their mother. San Bao grabbed onto Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Mom, are your hands cold? Let me warm your hands.¡±

    Qiao Nan pecked San Bao on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m not cold. You should put on your gloves first. Da Bao, Er Bao, hop on. We are heading home.¡±

    On the way home, Qiao Nan drove cautiously. She wouldn¡¯t talk to the kids on the road, but she wouldn¡¯t stop the kids from chatting. ¡°Kids, it seems like we have a guest today¡± Qiao Nan saw a Jeep parked in the garage.

    ¡°Guest? Who is it?¡± Er Bao was curious. His tiny legs shuffled into the room to reveal the answer. ¡°Godmother!¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s yell kept Qiao Nan informed. ¡°Da Bao, San Bao, your godmother is here. She must have brought gifts for you. Quick, don¡¯t let Er Bao snatch everything.¡±

    Da Bao was not moved by Qiao Nan¡¯s words at all. He knew very well that Er Bao wouldn¡¯t dare to touch his portion of the gifts. San Bao was different. She loved to mess around with Er Bao, so she picked up the pace for the sake of quarreling with him.

    Watching San Bao disappear, Qiao Nan wasforted by Da Bao¡¯s presence. After Old Master Zhai and Lin Yuankang left, Qiao Nan began to like Da Bao¡¯s simrities to his father. Whenever she looked at Da Bao, it was as if Zhai Sheng was right there with her. That gave her the confidence to ovee anything.

    ¡°Where did you find the time to visit me?¡± It was surprising to see Shi Qing at their home. ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys addicted to military life?¡±

    Qiao Nan had epted her fate. Her husband, her sister-inw, her childhood friend, and her best buddy were all the same. When a pal like Xu Shengnan finally came by, she ended up a workaholic.

    It was fortunate for Xu Shengnan that her husband was a caring man who would spend more time on the family in her ce. Since Xu Shengnan was so capable, he didn¡¯t have manyints either. However, Qiao Nan always thought that Xu Shengnan should pay more attention to her family.

    In the end, those around Qiao Nan were a bunch of hard workers. Was it true that birds of the same feathers flock together?

    Inparison, Qiao Nan was the one who became the model mother.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Shi Qing grinned with a blush. ¡°My godsons are almost eight, and I am hitting twenty-nine.¡±

 Chapter 1503 - Confidante Getting Married

    <h4>Chapter 1503: Confidante Getting Married</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Your children are already in primary school, and I¡¯m even a year older than you. Shouldn¡¯t I hurry up and solve this personal problem of mine?¡±

    ¡°So, are you saying that you¡¯re getting married to Zhu Baoguo?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes widened and her tone was filled with surprise. ¡°Oh, how did you two finally get through to it?¡± This was probably the only piece of news that made Qiao Nan rejoice after the passing of the two elders.

    ¡°What do you mean how we got through to it? Since we¡¯re of that age now, we just decided to get married.¡± Shi Qing smirked proudly. ¡°He asked for help from people in the army and proposed to me. He knelt down in the presence of so many people. How could I not agree? If I refused, he would not be able to lift up his head in the army anymore. I only agreed because he looked rather sincere.¡±

    No matter how tough a woman appeared to be, there was always a soft and romantic heart within.

    Before, Shi Qing had been waiting for Zhu Baoguo to make the move to propose. This time, when Zhu Baoguo had performed so well, how could Shi Qing not agree?

    ¡°Have the reports beenpleted?¡±

    ¡°Your husband approved them.¡±

    ¡°When?!¡±

    ¡°The 19th of February.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll lend you my children to be flower boys!¡± This time, Qiao Nan was smiling out of true joy. A few years after the three children were born, Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing had started dating. They had survived even the seven-year itch but still made no mention of marriage. They were in no hurry, but that was not the case for all the old and young ¡®eunuchs¡¯ around them.

    Now that these two young ones were finally going to get married, Qiao Nan knew how ted the Zhu family and the Shi family would be.

    ¡°That¡¯s a must.¡± If Qiao Nan dared to disallow her children from being flower boys, she would force her to hand the children over.

    ¡°You¡¯re already going to be a bride. What are you doing in my house? Shouldn¡¯t you be making preparations? It¡¯s been too easy for you two toe to this decision. Do your families have enough time to prepare?¡± From the decision to get married to the wedding itself, there was only about a month in between them. Was there really enough time?

    She thought about Li Dawei, who was also going to get married in a month, but he had already been preparing for it for two to three months. Qiao Nan was truly worried for Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo and whether they would be able to make sufficient preparations. After all, it would be their lifetime regret if they did not do this once-in-a-lifetime event well.

    But Shi Qing was as calm as ever. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m my parents¡¯ only daughter. Besides, I am already engaged to Zhu Baoguo, so it¡¯s not as if the two families haven¡¯t been preparing for marriage. In fact, they¡¯ve been preparing for it for more than a year. So what could we possibly becking? Our parents were so afraid that we wouldn¡¯t make it in time that they¡¯ve already finished preparing the wedding invitations for us! I¡¯lle again in a few days¡¯ time to pass yours to you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Okay, she had forgotten about that. ¡°Are you sure that your dad and my godfather wrote the invitations because they were afraid you wouldn¡¯t be able to make it? Or was it that they were annoyed that you two have been holding guns for too many years and have forgotten how to hold a pen? They may have been afraid that your illegible handwriting would cause their rtives to be mistaken that the standards of your two families are as low as your poor handwriting.¡±

    ¡°Hah, haha.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Qiao Nan, your joke is really funny... Qiao Nan, you¡¯re already a mom. Why can¡¯t you show me some love and change that evil mouth of yours? Can you at least give me some respect as a godmother in front of the three children?¡±

    While she was still studying, Shi Qing¡¯s handwriting had been pretty good. But perhaps because she handled guns too often that she lost all chances of practicing her handwriting. When she registered for her marriage certificate with Zhu Baoguo, she had filled in the form herself and her handwriting had been so ugly that Shi Qing was unwilling to admit that she had written it.

    It was only after Shi Qing saw that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s handwriting was even ¡®wilder¡¯ and ¡®unrestrained¡¯ than hers did she gain somefort.

    Shi Qing had spent more time in the capital. The moment Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing finished writing their names, they went to collect their certificates. The next moment, Shi Peng immediately received a multimedia message. He stared at it and his eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets. He could hardly believe that those scrawls were his own daughter¡¯s.

    Then, he looked at his son-inw¡¯s. His lips quivered.

    To say the least, his daughter had been a merit schr in the sciences while she was still studying. He had been a civil servant himself, but why had his daughter regressed as she grew up? And as for his son-inw¡¯s scribbles, he really had to close both eyes.

    Shi Peng worried that if he were to have a grandchild, the grandchild might inherit their genes and have ugly handwriting. It would be depressing to go to school with such ugly handwriting.

    Because of this matter, Shi Peng berated Shi Qing for a long while. Even Feng Cheng did not try to step in to help Shi Qing.

    After this bloody lesson, Shi Peng discussed it with Zhu Baoguo and decided that it would be best for the adults to write the wedding invites, even if it was going to be more troublesome. Otherwise, he would lose all dignity.

    Zhu Chengqi was in the same state as Zhai Yaohui. He had toiled through the busiest period of his youth. At the age of a grandfather, he could finally rest easy. Now that he had free time, Zhu Chengqi was naturally unwilling to let Zhu Baoguo ruin the family name.

    Wang Yang had gotten married early. Now, Zhu Baoguo was the only one in the family who had not gotten married. In his generation, Zhu Baoguo was probably going to be thest one to hold a wedding. How would Zhu Chengqi be willing to let Zhu Baoguo ruin the family name? So he agreed with Shi Peng.

    This matter was too humiliating. The two parties involved, Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing, refused to mention it to anyone and tried to hide it. On the other hand, Shi Peng and Zhu Chengqi felt that it was too embarrassing to talk about it outside of their families. No matter what, the two children were already going to get married. Because of that, they could not let other people mock their children at such a crucial moment. As such, they decided to help the children hide the fact of the matter.

    Unexpectedly, Shi Qing had not even mentioned it but the moment Qiao Nan opened her mouth, the game was over.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Come, Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, bring your exercise books over and let your godmother check through them. Let her check if there are any incorrect characters.¡±

    The eyes of the three children sparkled. Even the most matured Da Bao pursed his lips and curled them into a smile. The three children were bright andpletely understood the conversation between Qiao Nan and Shi Qing. They knew that Qiao Nan intended topare their handwritings with Shi Qing¡¯s.

    The thought of their own handwriting being better than their godmother¡¯s put them in a very good mood indeed.

    There was a ruckus as the three children hurriedly ced their exercise books in front of Shi Qing. Afraid that Shi Qing¡¯s eyesight was poor, Er Bao specially put his exercise book right in front of Shi Qing. ¡°Godmother, help me take a look at it.¡±

 Chapter 1504 - A Born Soldier

    <h4>Chapter 1504: A Born Soldier</h4>

    ¡°If I have any mistakes, please correct me. Please teach me if my handwriting is bad.¡±

    The word ¡®please¡¯ sounded like Er Bao needed a good beating.

    ¡°Er Bao, are you asking for it?¡± Shi Qing grabbed Er Bao by the chest and lifted him as if she was about to toss him away. Instead of fear, all Er Bao had was excitement. ¡°Godmother, higher, higher!¡± No would lift him after his dad left. Mom said that grandpa was old, so he should be the one ying with grandpa.

    The game had its surprise continuation with godmother¡¯s arrival, and that was a wonderful thing to Er Bao.

    ¡°Bad boy!¡± Shi Qing wanted to teach Er Bao a ¡®lesson¡¯ as she raised him higher and spun around. She figured she would at least get him dizzy. How dare this boy mock his godmother!

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Put Er Bao down. Shouldn¡¯t you act your age instead of his? You guys must have the same mental age to be able to have such fun.¡± Er Bao was eight and weighed tens of kilograms.

    Qiao Nan was afraid that things could end up unpleasant.

    ¡°Godmother, my turn!¡± San Bao protested. Why was Er Bao the only one in the air? She liked it too!

    Shi Qing felt her arms go numb. She wanted to put Er Bao down as well, but whenever she lowered her hands, Er Bao grabbed onto her arms, asking her to carry on.

    Er Bao was enough to tire her out, and San Bao would be a torture. Shi Qing had a sudden realization that having children might be harder than military training.

    Qiao Nan knew her kids well. Before San Bao could ditch the image of a demure girl and climb onto Shi Qing, Qiao Nan grabbed San Bao to her side. ¡°San Bao, what happened to my demure girl? Do you still want a new dress this year?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± San Bao quickly gave up on the flight. ¡°I want a nice dress, not an ugly one. Mom, will you be making it?¡± The dresses that her mom made were way prettier than those sold.

    ¡°Be a good girl, and I will make one for you.¡± She sure wasmitted.

    San Bao was satisfied and she tidied up her outfit. ¡°Godmother, go ahead and y with Er Bao. I am a demure girl.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Shi Qing, who had finally put Er Bao down, was taken aback by the quick change in attitude. She never knew that one could handle a child like this. ¡°Qiao Nan, are all kids so easy to perk up?¡± If it was true, it seemed like having kids wasn¡¯t so difficult after all.

    If a simple dress were enough to settle her goddaughter, she imagined it would be easy to deal with her future daughter.

    ¡°Everyone has a tender spot. As long as you can find it, there is nothing difficult.¡± The key point was to know the kids¡¯ preferences.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes widened as she nodded. ¡°I see! I got it!¡±

    ...

    You got it?

    Bullsh*t!

    She couldn¡¯t spill any vulgarity before the kids, and neither could she embarrass the children¡¯s godmother. Therefore, she kept her words to herself. ¡°The invitation ising in a few days, so why are you here today?¡± She was curious.

    ¡°I have told Auntie Miao that I¡¯m staying here tonight. I¡¯m not leaving.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s chortling made Er Bao clench his fists. ¡°Godmother, yourughter is making me ufortable.¡±

    Although Er Bao had been spinning in the air for a while, he marched straight to Qiao Nan. Shi Qing ignored his words and asked monotonously, ¡°Er Bao, aren¡¯t you dizzy?¡± Even Shi Qing tumbled after putting Er Bao down.

    It was a good choice to put Er Bao down, or she might fall with him in her hands. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan called her crazy. She was indeed wacky at times.

    The question was, how could Er Bao not feel a thing when she was all light-headed?

    Er Bao blinked his eyes in confusion as he spun a few rounds on the spot. ¡°Dizzy? Why would I be dizzy? It¡¯s only been a few rounds. Godmother, it seems like your condition is much worse than mine. Let¡¯s spin another hundred rounds to see if I get dizzy.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Er Bao¡¯s sense of bnce seems to be exceptional.¡± Shi Qing scratched her chin. ¡°Do you and Brother Zhai have any ns for the kids in the future?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She wanted to let the children decide, but it seemed like Shi Qing had other ns.

    Shi Qing giggled. ¡°You should give in on this matter. Like father like son, like mother like daughter. You know about Brother Zhai and Sister Zhai Hua better than anyone. I think that more than one of your kids will join the army. Er Bao seems like a perfect airman. It would be cool to fly a ne!¡±

    Speaking of which, there was no airman in the family. She figured that Er Bao had the potential to be the first.

    Qiao Nan caught a glimpse of the sparks in Er Bao¡¯s eyes as she knocked Shi Qing in the head. ¡°There is no hurry. Let¡¯s think about that at ater time.¡± If possible, she wished that none of her children would be a soldier. Brother Zhai was enough. If her entire family were in the army, how was she going to live the rest of her life? They should at least leave her somepany!

    From the day Qiao Nan met Zhai Sheng, she was ready to be a soldier¡¯s wife. However, when the days actually came, it was harsh to ept.

    But there was no regret involved. To this day, Qiao Nan still felt that marrying Zhai Sheng was the best thing that happened to her.

 Chapter 1505 - Who Does Zhu Baoguo Like?

    <h4>Chapter 1505: Who Does Zhu Baoguo Like?</h4>

    After she became a mother, her focus in life changed. Without her husband by her side, she just wished that her children would stay with her.

    If all the kids were made to join the army, Qiao Nan would be genuinely lonely.

    Er Bao pouted. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you want me to be a hero like Dad?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I just think that you are still young, and I don¡¯t want the adults to influence you. Although your godmother said that you would be a great airman, you should still make the decision when you are older. If you persist or have any other ideas, you can tell me then.¡±

    Er Bao pondered and thought that it was a great idea. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Shi Qing stuck her tongue out. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Nan to take her words so seriously, and neither did she think that Qiao Nan would discuss with Er Bao. ¡°Qiao Nan, is it troublesome to look after the kids? How does itpare to the college entrance examination? You have to be honest with me.¡± She was uncertain again.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. She finally got a grasp of Shi Qing¡¯s real intention. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you hiding here because you are afraid of marrying Zhu Baoguo in a month?¡± That was something Shi Qing did back in the days as well.

    Shi Qing snorted. She didn¡¯t admit it, but neither did she deny it.

    There were things that she didn¡¯t want to say before the children. After passing Qiao Nan a signal to continue the conversation at night, she dashed to the kitchen to help Miao Jing out. ¡°Auntie Miao, I¡¯m here to help. Wah! These dishes smell great! I¡¯m starving.¡±

    Miao Jing was d to hear that. ¡°Right? These are the kids¡¯ favorites, and I made them all.¡± With the grandchildren and Shi Qing praising her, she couldn¡¯t hide her smile.

    After the kids started school, Miao Jing had more free time during the day. Compared tost time, she had an open mind now. Knowing that her cooking skills were worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s, she decided to join a cooking ss.

    During the day, Miao Jing would attend the ss, and the dish that she had learned would appear promptly on the dinner table. When the kids loved a new recipe, Miao Jing would be overjoyed. The satisfaction of watching the children gobble down her food was not something she could receive from Zhai Yaohui.

    Therefore, Miao Jing had discovered her new hobby. Just as Zhai Yaohui thought that it was time for Miao Jing to put all her attention on him, he was defeated by the kitchen. He failed again.

    That was why Shi Qing¡¯s words hit the right spot.

    Miao Jing had let go of her enmity toward Shi Qing since Shi Qing dated Zhu Baoguo. Thanks to Shi Qing¡¯s sweet words, she had be a third daughter in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes. ¡°Qing Qing, your training and mission in the army must be tough. You have to eat well at home. Being too slim at the cost of your health is not a good thing for you.¡± Miao Jing kept putting food on Shi Qing¡¯s te.

    ¡°Thanks, Auntie Miao. Don¡¯t mind me if I eat too much.¡± Shi Qing had always seen Qiao Nan as her own anyway. Miao Jing¡¯s reassurance let her out of the cage. After the meal, she immediately got into Qiao Nan¡¯s room and took a shower. Then, she put on Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, got into Qiao Nan¡¯s bed, and waited for Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®visit.¡¯

    When Qiao Nan came back after putting the kids to sleep, she was dumbfounded by what she saw. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± It should be Zhu Baoguo to ¡®visit¡¯ Shi Qing, not her. She didn¡¯t have the tool needed for the job.

    Walking to the bed, Qiao Nan covered Shi Qing¡¯s exposed legs with her flipped dress and tossed the thick nket onto her. Done!

    ¡°Why!¡± She took a while to get into a position to seduce Qiao Nan, who ruined the atmosphere. Howme. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that I was alluring?¡±

    ¡°That depends on your target.¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes and got under the nket. ¡°Don¡¯t you know the temperature right now? What if you catch a cold?¡±

    ¡°There is a heater, and I¡¯m feeling hot. There is no way I would catch a cold.¡± Shi Qing argued. ¡°To be honest, what do you think of my pose just now? Was it seductive?¡±

    Qiao Nan got a headache. ¡°You guys really love toe to me with all your doubts. Fine, I¡¯ll let it slide since you are going to be a bride soon.¡± It was a typical pre-wedding jitter. ¡°Should we start with the reason for doing this?¡± Qiao Nan pointed at her thighs and did a flipping action. ¡°You should still remember that I¡¯m a girl, right? If I weren¡¯t, would you have the guts to sneak into my bed?¡±

    She was confused by Shi Qing¡¯s intention.

    Shi Qing blushed. ¡°Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo has proposed to me. However, would the one he loves be you or me?¡± Most girls would be fighting over such topics.

    However, Shi Qing had no hatred toward Qiao Nan while discussing the woman in her man¡¯s heart. Shi Qing knew very well that Qiao Nan¡¯s kids were already eight. Even as students, Qiao Nan only saw Zhu Baoguo as a child, and there was no room for any misunderstanding between them.

    There was nothing else that Qiao Nan could do.

    If Zhu Baoguo did have other thoughts, the fault would lie in Zhu Baoguo, and not Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was touched by Shi Qing¡¯s conscience. ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish. Zhu Baoguo is marrying you, not me. There was nothing to begin with between Zhu Baoguo and me.¡±

    ¡°Not all guys marry the woman they love.¡±

    ¡°Zhu Baoguo is one that does.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Shi Qing raised her doubt.

    Qiao Nan leaned back. ¡°Don¡¯t forget one thing; I watched Zhu Baoguo grow up. How can I not understand him?¡±

 Chapter 1506 - I Raised Zhu Baoguo

    <h4>Chapter 1506: I Raised Zhu Baoguo</h4>

    ¡°I can assure you that if the youngdy that he likes was not you, he definitely would not have dyed this for so many years and even signed the papers with you. Even though it is true that he might have gotten engaged with you just to let Old Zhu leave peacefully, you should have a little confidence in yourself. Zhu Baoguo really likes you. Only you.¡±

    ¡°Then...¡± Shi Qing¡¯s voice faltered. Unlike her typical straightforward way of speaking, she murmured something intelligible. It was so soft that Qiao Nan frowned, tilted, and leaned over to try to hear her. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°Then...¡±

    ¡°...¡± Now that she had clearly heard what Shi Qing had to say, Qiao Nan was thoroughly speechless. ¡°Just for this? My goodness. Don¡¯t you know that there are responsible men in this world? They will never cross that line before it bes official.¡±

    Just because Shi Qing was willing to have a married life before marriage, she became suspicious that Zhu Baoguo disliked her because she had given her all, but Zhu Baoguo was not even moved. He refused to even touch a strand of her hair, and like a gentleman, he even used a nket to cover the semi-exposed Shi Qing.

    Upon hearing such a suspicion, the only thing that Qiao Nan could say was that Shi Qing had indeed only dated her first love, Zhu Baoguo. She had no knowledge of men. ¡°I¡¯m telling you that to men, there is no need for an emotional basis to do that thing in bed. Otherwise, will there even be prostitutes in this world?¡± Between the prostitute and her client, they would probably only have a second of eye contact. What kind of emotions would there be?

    ¡°But the problem is exactly that it doesn¡¯t need an emotional basis. Zhu Baoguo didn¡¯t even touch me. Doesn¡¯t that prove that Zhu Baoguo doesn¡¯t even feel what a normal man would feel when seeing a woman when he sees me?¡± Shi Qing¡¯s pre-marriage fears and hesitance was rather serious. It had reached the stage that she was scaring herself.

    ¡°Do you want to test whether Zhu Baoguo is really being a gentleman, or whether he doesn¡¯t have any feelings toward you?¡± Yes, based on the situation Shi Qing was in, Qiao Nan knew that no matter how much she tried to talk sense into Shi Qing or persuade her, it would just be wasting her efforts and time. If that was the case, she might as well let Shi Qing see for herself so that she could sleep well and be sure.

    Shi Qing¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°How do we do that?¡± She knew that she had not made a mistake to find Qiao Nan at such a time.

    Actually, Shi Qing had just mentioned this on the spur of the moment as a joke. They had been in discussions about marriage for a few years and had already been engaged for a year or two. But when she heard the soldiers in her troop discussing whether Shi Qing would suddenly be pregnant when she got married, Shi Qing became upset. How could she be pregnant? She was still a virgin.

    Other than holding her hand and pecking her on the face, that fool Zhu Baoguo had never dared to do anything more. How could she get pregnant?

    Shi Qing was not so naive to the point that she did not know how women became pregnant.

    After making a little fuss, Shi Qing suddenly realized that even if she was willing to tell others, no one would believe that she was still a virgin after having been in a rtionship for such a long time. Since no one would believe it, she might as well make it happen.

    But who would have expected Zhu Baoguo to have such a response even after Shi Qing was willing to put down her pride to tease Zhu Baoguo.

    It was rare for Shi Qing to make the first move. But not only had Zhu Baoguo not taken the bait, he had even wrapped Shi Qing up with the nket. Following that, Shi Qing was infuriated. Thankfully, she was thinking rationally. Otherwise, on the day that they had gone to sign the papers, Shi Qing would have given up on Zhu Baoguo and refused to sign those papers.

    But Zhu Baoguo seemed to have sensed that Shi Qing was upset. On the day that they signed the papers, Zhu Baoguo rushed to the Shi family¡¯s house early in the morning and half-dragged Shi Qing into his car. That was how they managed to sign the papers.

    If it was not for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s tough attitude on that day, the stubborn Shi Qing might have stuck to her guns. Just based on Zhu Baoguo¡¯s performance at that time, it was enough for Shi Qing, whose self-esteem as a woman had been hit hard, to say goodbye to him.

    Seeing that Shi Qing was no longer as troubled as before, Qiao Nan let out a yawn. ¡°Hand your phone over now and call Zhu Baoguo. Just say that you think getting married in February is too soon and that you haven¡¯t made up your mind. Since the wedding invites haven¡¯t been sent out yet, tell him that you want to dy it until May.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying this?¡± Shi Qing was confused.

    ¡°Just do it.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Shi Qing followed Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions and called Zhu Baoguo. ¡°Hello, you fool, it¡¯s me. I want to discuss something with you. I think we¡¯re rushing our wedding a little too much. I think the 1st of May is a good date too. Shall we change the date of our wedding?¡±

    The mobile phone was not close to Qiao Nan and she was so sleepy that she narrowed her eyes, almost falling asleep. After roughly hearing what Shi Qing said, she heard a deep angry breath from the phone. When the other party was speaking, his voice was not only loud but also anxious. He was speeding through his words and was basically in a state of rage.

    ¡°Oh, oh... Okay.¡± Shi Qing¡¯s face grew increasingly red. Not even a minute ago, she had just said that she wanted to postpone her wedding to the 1st of May. She had even been as fierce as a tiger when saying that. But in a blink of an eye, her reply was soft and gentle, as though she was tickling someone gently with a feather.

    It was even more teasing than when Shi Qing had lifted up her skirt to show off her pale thighs before.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo berated me and insisted that we have to get married in February. We can push it forward, but not back. So what¡¯s the result of your test?¡± After Shi Qing hung up, her attitude softened. She was no longer uneasy and short-tempered.

    Qiao Nan forced her eyes open. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what I¡¯m testing? Are you kidding? Why don¡¯t you continue to stay angry at Zhu Baoguo and continue doubting whether he truly likes you?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan...¡± Shi Qing pushed Qiao Nan angrily, yet coquettishly. ¡°You know that I¡¯m not good with these things. Don¡¯t tease me anymore. Can¡¯t you just be straightforward with what you want to say?¡±

    Now that a tomboy was acting coquettish, Qiao Nan felt goose bumps all over.

    Qiao Nan shivered. ¡°Zhu Baoguo insisted that your wedding can only be pushed forward, but not backward. This means that he can¡¯t wait to be your husband officially. Then, you two can do whatever you want. You know this subconsciously. That¡¯s why you¡¯re happy. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s stubbornness about the timing of the wedding also proves that what I said earlier isn¡¯t wrong. Zhu Baoguo hopes to have a married life with you after the wedding.¡±

    Afraid that Shi Qing was still in confusion, Qiao Nan added. ¡°Do you believe that even if you wrap yourself up like a dumpling on your wedding night, Zhu Baoguo will rip them all off?¡± Zhu Baoguo was a child that she had ¡®raised¡¯ herself.

 Chapter 1507 - â€˜Caughtâ€™ In the â€˜Actâ€™

    Chapter 1507: ¡®Caught¡¯ In the ¡®Act¡¯

    She could swear on her life that Zhu Baoguo was a fine and handsome man, the kind that was about to go extinct in the 21st century.

    How could Shi Qing be suspicious of the child that she had ¡®raised¡¯?

    Shi Qing became even shyer, twisting her body and lying on Qiao Nan. Moving close to Qiao Nan¡¯s ear, she said softly, ¡°You mean that Zhu Baoguo really means to do that with me after we have our wedding?¡±

    ¡°What else do you expect?¡±

    The moment Qiao Nan finished speaking, there was a series of rapid poundings on the door, frightening Qiao Nan and Shi Qing, who had been lying on the bed, especially Qiao Nan, who had been shocked out of her sleep. She bounced up from the bed and looked at the door in bewilderment. Seeing that familiar tall figure, Qiao Nan asked cautiously, ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re already back at this time?¡± It was in the middle of the night.

    Zhai Sheng stared down at Shi Qing so much so that her face paled and she shrank her neck toward her shoulders like a quail. Her hands quickly threw aside the nket as she sensibly crawled down from the bed and wore her shoes. ¡°C-can I go to Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s room to sleep?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression was dark, and his tone was even worse. ¡°Are you expecting to continue staying in my room and sleeping on my bed?¡± And all that while hugging his wife?

    At this moment, Zhai Sheng felt as though he could kill Shi Qing.

    After Shi Qing joined the army, she had always kept her hair short. After all that training, Shi Qing¡¯s shoulders were that much broader than an average girl¡¯s. Zhai Sheng had nned on giving Qiao Nan a surprise by returning in the middle of the night, and on such a freezing cold winter night like this, he wanted to hug his wife to sleep. Of course, it would be even better to do something that was beneficial to his mental and physical health before sleeping.

    But who knew that the moment he opened the door, the one who was surprised was not Qiao Nan but himself.

    Sadly, there was only shock and no joy. Which man would not be mistaken when he came home to see a feminine man lying in his own bed, sleeping where he should be, and lying on his side to speak to his wife?

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was rational for the most part.

    Such a ridiculous thought only briefly passed through Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind for a second. No matter what, this was the Zhai family¡¯s house. Other than the three children, there were still his parents. Which married woman would have an affair in her husband¡¯s house, much less with her parents-inw around?

    Zhai Sheng knew that his parents were not fools. Most importantly, he believed that Qiao Nan would never betray him.

    Once he calmed down, Zhai Sheng looked closely at the person upying his position on the bed. He realized that the person looked rather familiar. After confirming that it was someone he knew, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression remained dark even though he knew that it was a woman.

    Zhai Sheng had never really been fond of Shi Qing. Zhu Baoguo was a man. Even if Zhu Baoguo had such thoughts before, Zhu Baoguo was smart enough to know to avoid it between men and women. But Shi Qing was so annoying. Just because she was a female, she fearlessly came to snatch his wife from him.

    Sometimes, Zhai Sheng felt as though Shi Qing was a greater threat to him than Zhu Baoguo was.

    After he chased Shi Qing out of his room with his gaze, he looked toward where Shi Qing had been lying down. His expression revealed his disgust. ¡°Do we have any other quilt covers at home?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Qiao Nan smiled forcefully. ¡°Do you have to exaggerate so much?¡± When Shi Qing came, she had not been uneasy about lying down on the bed where Brother Zhai and Qiao Nan had done their private things.

    Zhai Sheng snorted scornfully. ¡°How can shepare with me? Her muscles are too thick to be a woman¡¯s. Anyway, she¡¯s already getting married to Zhu Baoguo. What¡¯s she still doing here?¡± If she had any problems, didn¡¯t she know to go to find Zhu Baoguo for help? If Zhu Baoguo couldn¡¯t help her, then what kind of man was Shi Qing marrying?

    In essence, now that Zhai Sheng had finished ranting about Shi Qing, he turned his attention to Zhu Baoguo. The only reason why he had granted the marriage report of these two so decisively was that he hoped that once the two of them got together, they would no longere over to the Zhai family¡¯s house whenever they had problems.

    But he had never expected that Shi Qing would stille over to his house, sleep on his bed, and hug his wife even though she was already going to get married!

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands itched. When he returned the army the next time, he would have to find Shi Qing and teach her a lesson on etiquette. As a woman, was it right for her to snatch someone else¡¯s wife? Was she that shameless?

    Zhai Sheng was someone who relied on actions, not words. After saying that he felt uneasy and wanted to change, he dug out a clean four-piece set of bedding, and without hesitation or even Qiao Nan¡¯s help, he changed everything on the bed quickly. In all, he spent no more than ten minutes doing so.

    When Qiao Nany back down, she felt as though the temperature where she hadid previously had not decreased sufficiently. Qiao Nan was still lost in her thoughts when Zhai Sheng, who had taken a bath,y down naked and embraced Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not try to avoid him. ¡°It seems like you haven¡¯t been away for long beforeing back this year.¡± Brother Zhai was back only after two months. This had never happened before.

    ¡°You prefer Shi Qing to spend time with you and the children rather than me?¡± Zhai Sheng bit Qiao Nan on the neck and expressed his dissatisfaction with his query.

    Qiao Nan burrowed deeper into Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace in an attempt to pacify him. ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant. I¡¯m just concerned about you. Don¡¯t get jealous so easily. If you¡¯re going to be like that, I¡¯m going to be so stressed out. Shi Qing is a woman!¡± Forgetting about how he disliked Zhu Baoguo in the past, Qiao Nan could not wrap her head around why Zhai Sheng was even more hostile to Shi Qing than Zhu Baoguo, even though Shi Qing was clearly female.

    She and Shi Qing were not lesbians. Shi Qing was even thinking about how to seduce Zhu Baoguo to go to bed with her. She did not have that kind of rtionship with Shi Qing. What was Brother Zhai worried about?

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan unhappily. ¡°Sometimes, women are scarier than men. You¡¯re already married, but she still dares to lie next to you with no self-awareness. I¡¯m warning you. No one else other than me and you can lie on this bed, even if they are women.¡±

    When the three children were younger, they slept on the couple¡¯s bed too. But Zhai Sheng could not say anything. After all, these were his children whom Qiao Nan had given birth to.

    Now that the three children had finally grown old enough to have their own rooms, they all had their own beds.

 Chapter 1508 - Pot Calling the Kettle Black

    <h4>Chapter 1508: Pot Calling the Kettle ck</h4>

    Zhai Sheng refused to allow someone else to continue upying his bed. ¡°My stubbornness about the bed is still better than your stubbornness about toothbrushes. I won¡¯t back down on this matter.¡±

    ...

    Now that hepared his bed to toothbrushes, Qiao Nan really had nothing else to say. ¡°Fine. I understand.¡± Indeed, she would never let anyone touch a toothbrush that she had used. Once someone so much as touched it, she would refuse to use it after. ¡°Okay, it¡¯s alreadyte. You¡¯re tired too. Let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Lying within Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, the sleepy bug that had been chased away once again came back to find Qiao Nan. After yawning, Qiao Nan hugged Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm as she rubbed her face against the pillow. She was ready to go to bed.

    But who knew that what Zhai Sheng meant by ¡®sleep¡¯ did not mean the same thing that Qiao Nan was thinking about.

    When Qiao Nan was sleepy again, a hot and thick hand filled with calluses started to lift up her clothes and found their way in.

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Nan stared at Zhai Sheng in disbelief when she realized that Zhai Sheng had not stopped his movements but were increasing in intensity instead. Qiao Nan wondered in frustration if she was going to be able to ¡®sleep¡¯.

    The next day, Qiao Nan was aching all over and her limbs were as limp as noodles. When she saw Zhai Sheng standing up tall under the sunlight after changing his clothes, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°I see you¡¯re in a good mood.¡± He had returned in the middle of the night. Instead of being tired, Brother Zhai had dragged her into several rounds of ¡®exercise¡¯.

    The thought of this made Qiao Nan clench her jaw even harder. ¡°How am I supposed to send the children to school today? And am I still supposed to go to work today? We¡¯ve been married for eight years!¡± It was clearly something that they did on a usual basis as a seasoned couple. But duringst night¡¯s activity, Brother Zhai acted as though he had not eaten meat and almost finished her up while she was still alive.

    The most infuriating thing was that the only person who had used his energyst night was Zhai Sheng. He had been in such good spirits. On the other hand, although she had been the one lying below, she no longer had any energy left to even get up today.

    ¡°I can send the three children to school. As for whether to go to work, do you want to apply for leave?¡± Even under Qiao Nan¡¯s intense gaze, Zhai Sheng did not feel the slightest bit shameful. His expression was so bright that Qiao Nan really wanted to punch him. ¡°If you want to apply for leave, I¡¯ll make a call for you. Just have a good rest.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± They had been married for eight years. If other people knew that she had applied for leave for such a matter, she might as well tender her resignation. Even after several years of working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qiao Nan had never taken leave before. If she were to break her own record for something like that, it would be a lifetime regret for Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s almost time. Hurry and send the three children to school. I¡¯ll see to going to work myself.¡± If Brother Zhai intervened, it would only get more embarrassing.

    Knowing that his wife was raging, Zhai Sheng rubbed his nose and stopped bothering Qiao Nan. He obediently went downstairs and sent the three children to school. The three children were already used to their fathering back only asionally for short periods of time each time. But every time their father returned, their mother would suddenly be very tired. All along, their mother had the good habit of waking up early. But when he was back, she would change this habit and sleep in.

    The three children said that they had grown up and were old enough to take care of themselves. They did not need their mother to spend all her time with them. Since their mother was so tired, they would let her have a good rest. Other than sleeping in for half an hour, their mother still had to go to work, just like how they went to school. It was truly difficult for her.

    As to why their mother seemed to have a hard time and could never wake up on time to send them to school whenever their father returned, the three children had never thought too much about that. After all, they would never guess the reason at their age.

    When Zhai Sheng returned from sending the three children to school, Qiao Nan was no longer at home and had insisted on going to work. Zhai Sheng frowned but did not say anything.

    Upon seeing that Zhai Sheng had returned, Zhai Yaohui, who had been reading the newspaper, gave a knowing look to the auntie. The auntie ced a cup of hot tea down before sensibly picking up her bags, saying that she was going on a grocery run. With Miao Jing away at her interest ss, only Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were left at home.

    Only after the scene was cleared did Zhai Yaohui start to talk to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, as a soldier, you¡¯re supposed to be disciplined. You should have self-control and self-discipline. Where has your restraint gone? Have you returned everything that your old man taught you? Are you being filial?¡±

    Thinking of how his daughter-inw had woken upte and how her legs had been wobbly when she came down for breakfast, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze turned hostile. Zhai Yaohui had been there before, so he knew all too well why Qiao Nan was behaving like that. He knew of Qiao Nan¡¯s dedication to her work, and how she left early and returnedte because of that.

    Her wonderful performance had almost been ruined by his own son. How could Zhai Yaohui not be angry? He could not understand how his son could be more affectionate than his wife, and how he could be so possessive. When Qiao Nan came downstairs earlier on, he was too embarrassed to even look her in the eye as a father-inw.

    After all, the one who had tortured her was his own son.

    After clearing the house of other people, the deeply dissatisfied Zhai Yaohui really wanted to teach Zhai Sheng a good lesson and ensure that he would correct his mistake. ¡°Don¡¯t do that next time. Qiao Nan has quite a bad temper. If you ruffle her feathers, you¡¯ll have a harder time in the future.¡±

    Once women lost their tempers, they could be much fiercer than men.

    That one sentence of ¡®go sleep in the study room¡¯ was enough to change the expressions of all men.

    Zhai Yaohui calmly took a sip of the tea that the auntie had just made. Then, as though he did not take any of his father¡¯s words to heart, he said, ¡°Dad, this is like the pot calling the kettle ck. Do you really think that I¡¯ve forgotten about all that happened between you and Mom? Unlike you, I don¡¯t have such a good life. Nan Nan will never have her world revolve around me, like how Mom¡¯s does around you. She won¡¯t stay with me in the army, so I haven¡¯t even applied for arger room. I¡¯ve been bunking with others.¡±

    Initially, when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan got married and became a couple legally, with Zhai Sheng¡¯s position in the army, it would have been a breeze for Zhai Sheng to apply for a position for Qiao Nan to follow him.

 Chapter 1509 - My Child Is the Best

    <h4>Chapter 1509: My Child Is the Best</h4>

    If Zhai Sheng did apply, it would definitely be permitted since Qiao Nan had the necessary qualifications.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan had no time to follow the troops.

    Among the soldiers¡¯ wives, a woman as sessful and busy as Qiao Nan was hard toe by. She had no time to think about her husband all day.

    Qiao Nan was the most independent wife among all.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan had her ns and lifestyle, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t want to restrain her. As long as Qiao Nan was happy, he gave her all the freedom she needed. However, this resulted in him spending less time with Qiao Nan.

    When he saw his soldiers getting married and bringing their wives and children to the camp, Zhai Sheng was envious as well. He knew very well that this day would note soon between Qiao Nan and him.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t live in the camp, so the only times they met was when Zhai Sheng came home.

    Thest time Zhai Sheng was back, Old Master Zhai said some strange things. When he visited Elder Lin, he found out that thetter had gastric cancer, which was in itste stage, and that he didn¡¯t have much time left.

    The two elders were like two mountains pressing against Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. In other words, although Zhai Sheng stayed at home for a long time, he didn¡¯t get to spend it with Qiao Nan. After all, worry turned into sorrow when the elders passed, and they didn¡¯t have the mood to do anything else.

    When it was time for Zhai Sheng to return to the camp, he didn¡¯t even get toy a finger on Qiao Nan. As an energetic and healthy man, it was a torture to be away from his wife for half a year.

    If he didn¡¯t do anythingst night, Zhai Sheng felt that he would have been burned alive by lust. If it weren¡¯t for the old master¡¯s teachings, it would have been wilder.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t think that he did anything wrong.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression was as if he had toned down a notch, and Zhai Yaohui found his shamelessness absurd. What¡¯s there to be proud of? When he was young, he was way better than him!

    However, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression soon froze, and a hint of grief was written on it. ¡°It¡¯s good that they are reunited.¡± Otherwise, Old Master Zhai would have been alone with no one around.

    Recalling his mother that passed away long ago, Zhai Yaohui could still feel the pain. The day woulde eventually for him as well, and Zhai Yaohui realized how hrious it was to be quarreling with his son. It was no wonder that Miao Jing thought he was more childish than Da Bao.

    Time treats everyone equally, and that includes Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who lived in Ping Cheng. ¡°Look, Zijin, is the woman on the news Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi was watching the news on TV, and she hurriedly called Qiao Zijin over.

    ¡°What is it? Why do you have to wake me up? Don¡¯t you know that I have to go outter?¡± Her body was exposed under a thin nightdress. Qiao Zijin yawned as her eyes followed Ding Jiayi¡¯s finger. Her face turned pale for a moment, but she soon came back to her sense. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Qiao Nan.¡±

    How many years had it been?

    Qiao Zijin realized that she couldn¡¯t recall thest time she had met her. When she was a child, she wished every day that Qiao Nan would disappear, and Qiao Zijin would be the only child. When the day finally came, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t the only one missing. Qiao Dongliang left with her as well.

    That was different from her childhood dream.

    ¡°Is... is she?¡± Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t even get her mind straight. ¡°Did she be a politician? Did she really make it into the executives? Impossible! No way!¡± Qiao Dongliang was so sessful, but he couldn¡¯t even be a battalionmander. How could someone like Qiao Nan find her way to the seat of a government executive?

    ¡°Mom, can you even read? Are you deaf? She¡¯s just a minister of foreign affairs! What¡¯s so amazing about that?¡± Qiao Zijin spoke against her heart. ¡°Also, she¡¯s just lucky to marry into a good family. Her husband was already a regimentmander, and he would probably be taking over his father soon. Qiao Nan can get anything she wants with such a background.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was saying that Qiao Nan¡¯s achievements were all thanks to marrying into the Zhai family.

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t stupid. ¡°This is not an easy position to get. The news said that Qiao Nan is the first female minister in our country. She¡¯s the first!¡± Even if she couldn¡¯t understand the rest, she knew what the word ¡®first¡¯ meant. She knew about the female emperor in the past, and she figured Qiao Nan would be something like that.

    ¡°Is Qiao Nan stepping up now? I saw nothing in her when she was young. She was all scrawny and quiet. How could a kid like that turn out sessful?!¡± She could never imagine the status of an executive of the central government.

    The highest expectation for Qiao Dongliang she had was only a battalionmander. Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t reach that goal in the end, but Qiao Nan became the kind of person that she dreamed of. That was something that she would never have imagined.

    If it were in the past, it would be like sending the butcher¡¯s child to the emperor¡¯s office.

    When she realized that a child of such status was her daughter, she couldn¡¯t hide herughter. ¡°Hahaha! Those women in the Ding family always mocked me for not having a son. They said that I would have no one to send me off. What now! Who else can give birth to a child as sessful as mine?¡±

 Chapter 1510 - What Reason Do You Have?

    <h4>Chapter 1510: What Reason Do You Have?</h4>

    ¡°I am the best in the Ding family. The Ding family will have to depend on me to live well. Me! Ding Jiayi!¡±

    Who else could raise a child to be as sessful as hers? It didn¡¯t matter if it was a boy or a girl. The only thing that matters was that her child was the better one. Who else could find a job in the capital? Who else could be a politician?

    Who?

    Who?

    Ding Jiayi was the only one! Her belly was the most worthy of all!

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you!¡± Qiao Zijin grabbed Ding Jiayi¡¯s sleeves. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. People might think that you are crazy if you keep acting like this. Also, don¡¯t forget about our rtionship with Qiao Nan. Would she even admit that you are her mother? What does her sess have to do with you?¡±

    ¡°Why would she not admit it? She has no reason not to admit it. She is a governor now, and the whole country has got eyes on her. I raised her, and no one would forgive her if she doesn¡¯t admit it. If she dares to do that, I will create a scene and bring her down with me!¡±

    Against Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi would never go easy. If she were a normal mother, she would never threaten Qiao Nan¡¯s job despite her anger. However, Ding Jiayi had no such worries. If she couldn¡¯t enjoy Qiao Nan¡¯s sess, why would she allow Qiao Nan to hold such a high status?

    She gave Qiao Nan her life, so what¡¯s wrong with making Qiao Nan repay her? How could Qiao Nan reach that position without her?

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s hard work was important, she was the one that gave birth to Qiao Nan, and she was the one that allowed Qiao Nan to do anything in the first ce.

    Ding Jiayi felt that there was nothing wrong with Qiao Nan repaying her, and she definitely didn¡¯t feel bad. ¡°I¡¯m moving out of Ping Cheng, I¡¯m going to live in the capital. I will never be a loser again. Hahaha!!¡±

    No one was as lucky as her, and she had the best child.

    She always knew that she was an extraordinary woman. The Ding family was ignorant, for they disliked her and sold her to an old and ugly man in exchange for her brother¡¯s wedding gift. Everything was the Ding family¡¯s fault, and she did nothing wrong!

    ¡°Zijin, I hate to say this, but how can you behave like this as a university graduate? Staying up through the night and sleeping during the day, what have you turned yourself into? Also, how long has it been since you visited your daughter? Do you still care about your marriage? Don¡¯t stay with me all the time. Go back to your husband!¡±

    She wanted to leave for the capital, and the house here would be empty. If no one took care of Zijin, Zijin would live like a pig. This house carried Ding Jiayi¡¯s memories, and she didn¡¯t want Qiao Zijin to turn it into ruins. The best solution was for Qiao Zijin to go back to her inws.

    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. ¡°The reason for me being here is that Zhou Zheng pped in the face. I¡¯ve never even been beaten by you. How could Zhou Zheng have the guts to p me?¡± Her parents neverid a finger on her before, so Zhou Zheng had no reason to beat her.

    Why would she need a man like that?

    He wouldn¡¯tpare to a fraction of Zhai Sheng, and Zhai Sheng would never beat a woman. These thoughts elevated Qiao Zijin¡¯s burning anger. She wanted to divorce and make the Zhou family return everything they had received from her.

    Didn¡¯t she have a mirror? Why was she acting like the victim when she was the one cheating? How shameless!

    Ding Jiayi frowned. ¡°How can you me Zhou Zheng for this? I think it was your fault. I have divorced with your father for so many years, but have I ever disgraced myself? Your father is still the only man in my life. You, on the other hand, are already messing around with other men while being married. As long as Zhou Zheng is a man, he would never forgive you for this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi found her embarrassing.

    Qiao Zijin had given birth to a daughter after two years into the Zhou family. Thankfully, the Zhou family didn¡¯t discriminate against her. The elders cherished their granddaughter, and they didn¡¯t even need Qiao Zijin to take care of her.

    Not only the elders, but Zhou Zheng loved his daughter as well.

    For that, Ding Jiayi was satisfied with the Zhou family. She had the right to discriminate against her daughter, but she wouldn¡¯t allow others to judge her granddaughter. Nothing meant more than that to Ding Jiayi.

    Who would have known that Qiao Zijin would start making a scene just a few years in.

    She was caught in another man¡¯s bed by Zhou Zheng. Instead of apologizing, Qiao Zijin went rampant. Zhou Zheng, enraged, gave Qiao Zijin a p across her cheek. Qiao Zijin then returned to her mother¡¯s ce in a fit of anger. It¡¯s been two months ever since, and Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t gone back to her inws.

    Qiao Zijin demanded Zhou Zheng¡¯s apology, or she would never return to the Zhou family. Why did he have to hit her? As long as Zhou Zheng raised his hand, he was the one at fault. There was no other way around this!

    At home, Ding Jiayi took care of Qiao Zijin just like before. Other than the fact that Qiao Zijin had to pay for her expenses, it was the same as the old days. Of course, Qiao Zijin had forgotten about returning to the Zhou family after she gotfortable at home.

    When Ding Jiayi wanted to go to the capital, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t control her temper. Ding Jiayi¡¯s scolding made her mood even worse. ¡°Mom, are you my mother or Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother? How can you turn against your daughter? Aren¡¯t you angry that Zhou Zheng hit me? He doesn¡¯t have the right to hit me no matter what the reason is!¡±

    Ding Jiayi snorted as she packed her clothes. ¡°Did Zhou Zheng not have a reason to hit you?¡±

 Chapter 1511 - Whoâ€™s Your Daughter?

    <h4>Chapter 1511: Who¡¯s Your Daughter?</h4>

    ¡°Then, let me ask you. What reason do you have to mess around with other men? Are you afraid that no one in Old Ding¡¯s vige knows what you have done and your dirty habits? Anyway, when the timees, and the vigers all give the same statement that she identally drowned in theke, the police won¡¯t be able to find out anything.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was in no way agreeable to Qiao Zijin hooking up with other men outside. But before Qiao Zijin was pped by Zhou Zheng, Ding Jiayi did not even know that Qiao Zijin had gotten into such a mess after getting married.

    Thus, in the two months that Qiao Zijin had been back, even if Ding Jiayi were to call the Zhou family, she would only ask about how her granddaughter was doing. She dared not even speak of Zhou Zheng pping Qiao Zijin, or even mention Qiao Zijin¡¯s name.

    In fact, Ding Jiayi felt as though she had no right to even raise her head in front of the Zhou family.

    For this reason, Ding Jiayi¡¯s world views seemed to be rather proper in front of ordinary people. Only in front of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi¡¯s world views were warped. They were world views of Ding Jiayi alone.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin was infuriated. She would do what she had to do, but she was unwilling for others to speak about her in that manner. And it was her own biological mother who kept talking about how she had gotten in rtionships with other men. Qiao Zijin could no longer hold back. ¡°How can Zhou Zheng be bothered by how I¡¯m not as pretty as his ex-girlfriend when he himself looks like this? And if Zhou Zheng had treated me well, would I even have done such things?¡±

    She had only done so because the Zhou family and Zhou Zheng had forced her to.

    ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t say such things to me. Tell them to those that like to listen to them. Knowing the Zhou family, they probably won¡¯te to pick you up. If you really don¡¯t want to go back to the Zhou family and want to continue living here, remember to clean up after yourself. You¡¯re already a mother. Be more hardworking. Can you really stand living in such a pigsty?¡±

    Earlier on, why had she not realized that Zijin was such a sloppy person? In her mind, Zijin had been hardworking her whole life.

    After being scolded by Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin pouted unhappily. When had she not been diligent? When she was younger, all the housework had been done by Qiao Nan. Her mom had never lifted a finger. When she went off to school afterward and spent little time at home, the burden of all the household chores fell on her mother.

    Up until the year that she got married, she had not done much housework!

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do that. How about I go to the capital with you?¡± When she married into the Zhou family, she had not done them either. Hadn¡¯t Qiao Nan made it big? Just as well, she would go to the capital and catch up with Qiao Nan. It would not matter even if she failed, but she had to give some attitude to the Zhou family to scare them at the very least.

    She snorted. It was entirely her efforts that brought the Zhou family to where they were today.

    Throwing her aside now that she was no longer useful. Did they really think that Qiao Zijin was a good target for bullying?

    ¡°You¡¯re going too?¡± Ding Jiayi hesitated for a moment. ¡°Anyway, I have no money. You¡¯ll have to let Qiao Nan pay for your expenses. That¡¯s your business. I¡¯m not going to care about that. But once you go to the capital, what will happen to your man? Are you going to split up with him?¡± When that time came, under the pressure from the Zhai family and Qiao Nan, would Zhou Zheng apologize to Zijin, who would then return obediently? Was that what Zijin had in mind?

    Qiao Zijin looked meaningfully at her newly manicured nails and huffed. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? Why do I have to break it off? I think the situation now is pretty good.¡± She was legally married, and her lover outside was handsome. Initially, she had liked it too, but she had not expected to be a mom and sleep with others.

    ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m washing my hands off you.¡±

    So, it was just as Qiao Nan took over He Yi¡¯s position that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin finished their discussion, bought ne tickets, and flew to the capital to find Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Grandpa, we¡¯re here to bring you for lunch.¡± In the capital, Qiao Nan had just picked the three children up from school. On the way home, she took a detour and stopped by the small apartment that she had purchased in the capital to bring Qiao Dongliang along to the Zhai family¡¯s house for lunch.

    The reason why Qiao Nan had brought Qiao Dongliang over to the capital was so that he could rest well in his golden years. She was afraid that he would be too lonely living alone in Ping Cheng. Therefore, on the weekends and during special festivals, Qiao Nan would always bring Qiao Dongliang over to the Zhai family¡¯s house to have a meal together.

    In the beginning, Qiao Dongliang was rather embarrassed. He always felt out of ce in the Zhai family¡¯s house. Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and part of the Zhai family, but he was only an outsider.

    Fortunately, after the passing of Old Master Zhai, Qiao Dongliang felt a little less stressed out. Moreover, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had a pleasant attitude toward Qiao Dongliang. Now that he visited frequently, Qiao Dongliang had started to ept it as part of his life.

    ¡°Why are you three children so happy today?¡± Seeing his granddaughter, Qiao Dongliang took her schoolbag from her. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t you think teachers nowadays are too much? These children are still so young, but they have to carry around so many books. They even have a stack of never-ending homework! I heard from Old Chen next door that his grandson had so much homework that he stayed up until eleven in the evening but still could not finish it and ended up crying. Do our family¡¯s children have to work so hard?¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, you¡¯re thinking too much. We always finish our homework before eight o¡¯clock. Mom said that children have to go to bed early and wake up early. This way, we¡¯ll grow up quickly. The three of us go to bed by nine.¡± Er Bao stopped himself frommenting about how ¡®efficient¡¯ that kid must have been to not have finished his homework even by eleven.

    Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s impressive. When your mom was younger, she was so intelligent too. She would never fail to rank in the top three every exam. In my memories, she would not do homework until eleven in the evening, let alone read a book. She always went to bed by ten.¡± In other words, it was just a difference in talents.

    ¡°Grandma said that we¡¯re smart like Mom. We¡¯re Mom¡¯s children!¡± San Bao added excitedly. The way this youngdy hopped around with her pigtails made her seem like a little bunny.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled widely and his eyes curved into crescents. ¡°Smart! Nan Nan is smart and you three are like her, so you¡¯re all smart. Amongst the five of us, your grandpa is probably the dumbest.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, hurry and get in the car.¡± Da Bao, who was walking ahead of them, had already opened the door of the passenger¡¯s seat to invite Qiao Dongliang in. Qiao Dongliang felt moved by this small gesture of Da Bao. This was not the first time Da Bao had done it, but every time he did it, Qiao Dongliang was always equally moved.

    Only after he got into the car did Qiao Dongliang have the chance to congratte Qiao Nan. ¡°Congrattions, Nan Nan.¡±

 Chapter 1512 - The Zhou Family Is Getting a Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1512: The Zhou Family Is Getting a Divorce</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯ve finallypleted thest mission your master left for you. He should be feeling at ease now.¡± Upon mentioning Elder Lin, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice was full of regrets. It could be said that after Elder Lin left, aside from Qiao Nan¡¯s family, only Qiao Dongliang went to visit him.

    He knew that when he was stillmitting mistakes and hadn¡¯t fulfilled his duty as a father, Elder Lin was the one who gave Qiao Nan recognition, care, and concern when she was going through difficult times. It could be said that without Elder Lin, there wouldn¡¯t be the Qiao Nan today.

    Based on this point alone, Qiao Dongliang felt an infinite amount of gratefulness to Elder Lin. Elder Lin had made up for his shorings so that Qiao Nan, who was a good child, didn¡¯t go to waste. The most important thing was that such a good child shouldn¡¯t have been treated that way.

    Upon mentioning this, Qiao Nan smiled. It was just that her smile wasn¡¯t deep and there was a hint of worry hidden in it. Blessing and misfortunee hand in hand. Qiao Nan never felt that good things could happen to her consecutively.

    ¡°What happened? Is someone causing you trouble?¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that it wasn¡¯t easy to be the minister of foreign affairs. A lot of people were eyeing that spot. It was just that the person who filled up that position was his daughter. Some people yed tricks when their wishes weren¡¯t fulfilled. Qiao Dongliang had already seen all of these when he was in the army. ¡°Isn¡¯t Zhai Sheng spending more time at home now? He no longer has to perform missions outside for a long time like before. If you really face trouble, give Zhai Sheng a call and get him to return to help you resolve the matter.¡±

    Nan Nan didn¡¯t need to be too independent such that Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t be of help to her.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been in the ministry for seven to eight years now. I¡¯m considered a veteran. The leaders above recognize my ability as well. Even if some people want to cause trouble, they can¡¯t afford to.¡±

    ¡°If it isn¡¯t about the ministry, why are you unhappy?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Dad, you have stayed in the capital for almost five years now, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± It was true. His daughter had fetched him to the capital to stay for almost five years now. Time flew.

    ¡°As such, have you forgotten those two people from Ping Cheng?¡± All these years, she didn¡¯t keep in contact with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. However, she never forgot their characters. ¡°The Zhou family called Brother Zhou a few days ago. Zhou Zheng wants to get a divorce with Qiao Zijin. We didn¡¯t stop Zhou Zheng and asked them to consider their own decisions.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang became agitated. He was afraid he would scare the three children behind, thus he said in a normal tone, ¡°Divorce. Why?¡± It was only after marrying Zijin off to Zhou Zheng that he felt relieved. Whatever happened to Zijin in the future had nothing to do with him and it would be managed by the Zhou family.

    However, once Zijin got a divorce with Zhou Zheng, then...

    ¡°Qiao Zijin had an affair.¡± Upon mentioning this matter, Qiao Nan¡¯s looks became terrible. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t married to Chen Jun but Zhou Zheng now. However, she still had an affair. Compared to her previous life, Qiao Zijin had an affair much earlier this lifetime. ¡°She was caught by Zhou Zheng and became angry. Not only did she admit it, but she even pushed the responsibility to Zhou Zheng. Zhou Zheng couldn¡¯t help but hit Qiao Zijin. After Qiao Zijin returned to her mother¡¯s home, she didn¡¯t return to the Zhou family for two months and didn¡¯t even care about the children.¡±

    ¡°...¡± After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang waspletely speechless.

    Qiao Dongliang really couldn¡¯t put the me on Zhou Zheng for this divorce. All in all, Qiao Dongliang had to me himself for not knowing how to teach and raise his daughter well. Her having an affair was something Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t even dare to think about.

    After getting a divorce with Ding Jiayi and having separated for so long, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t even find another woman, let alone having an affair. Based on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper, he would definitely scold Qiao Zijin harshly for having done such a shameless thing if she was in front of him. ¡°Your mother haspletely raised this child up badly!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was so angry that he didn¡¯t have the strength to speak. He didn¡¯t understand how ¡®capable¡¯ Ding Jiayi was to have raised up such a child. ¡°To think that when you were young, your mother didn¡¯t value you. I only realize today that your mother¡¯s bias toward your sister was simply the greatest gift to you. I dare not imagine if you were the same as your sister. What a failure I would have been in this lifetime!¡±

    If both daughters turned out to be like that, Qiao Dongliang was about to suspect that his family¡¯s genes were bad.

    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Qiao Nan really couldn¡¯t deny Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. Qiao Zijin always had this temper. Nobody knew if this was really attributed to Ding Jiayi¡¯s unique way of education. ¡°I¡¯m prepared not to care about Zhou Zheng¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters. I¡¯m worried about what kind of reaction my mother and Qiao Zijin would have after seeing the news from the ministry.¡±

    It was said that in times of prosperity, friends would be aplenty.

    Unless both of them hadn¡¯t seen the news, Qiao Nan felt that she was about to receive ¡®visitors¡¯ soon.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s words always made Qiao Dongliang speechless. ¡°If they really dare to cause trouble, no matter what they ask for, don¡¯t agree to them. If they be too overboard, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you.¡± Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t say these words with much confidence.

    If Qiao Dongliang could really manage Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, their family of four wouldn¡¯t have ended up in such a state today.

    As they chatted, the five of them had already reached the Zhai family¡¯s home. Qiao Nan unfastened her seatbelt. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s talk about this another time.¡± She hoped that she had thought wrongly and read too much into things. After all, the triplets were already about to graduate from primary school. For such a long period of time, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t contact Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin.

    Compared to her previous lifetime, she was thirty-four years old this year. However, she still hadn¡¯t given her sry to Ding Jiayi to raise Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Nan Nan, the triplets are about to graduate from primary school. Have you thought about what kind of junior high school to send them to?¡± Seeing that the three children were upright, Qiao Dongliang changed the topic and started caring about the triplets¡¯ studies.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let them take the exams.¡± Exams need to be taken to enter the capital¡¯s key junior high schools. Qiao Nan was optimistic. ¡°They usually have good results. The junior high school they enter wouldn¡¯t be any worse.¡±

    With the approval of their mother, the children were especially happy. Er Bao and San Bao lit up with pleasure. Only Da Bao rubbed his lips slightly and suppressed his smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Zhai Sheng heard the sounds and opened the door. Indeed, he saw his beautiful wife and three adorable children.

 Chapter 1513 - A Mother of High Caliber

    <h4>Chapter 1513: A Mother of High Caliber</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng had matured over the years of marriage, but Qiao Nan seemed to be spared by the passing of time as it left no mark on her beauty.

    Without the kids, others would mistake her for a university student; that¡¯s how young she looked.

    ¡°Dad.¡± San Bao dashed to Zhai Sheng and asked him to lift her. The kids must have taken on the genes of the Zhai family as they grew faster than the rest. It was natural for San Bao to sprout since she was a girl, but Er Bao and Da Bao were springing up as well. It was like they were on steroids.

    Ignoring Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s youthful faces, they looked like teenagers from their heights. It was hard to believe that they were still in elementary school.

    San Bao believed that she had to hurry, for Zhai Sheng would not be able to lift her when she¡¯s older. ¡°Dad, Mom said that I wouldn¡¯t be able to y with you after I go to secondary school. Since there¡¯s only one month left before my graduation, let¡¯s not waste any time.¡±

    The girl was good at shoving responsibilities to her dad. She was the one that wanted to y, but she imed to be doing it for Zhai Sheng. Otherwise, she was afraid that she would ruin her reputation in Xiao Bao¡¯s eyes.

    She wasn¡¯t childish; she was just a filial daughter. Since her dad liked to y, she had no choice but to y with him. Moreover, her dad was different from her uncle, and Xiao Bao would have been lifted many more times than her despite her being older.

    Reading San Bao¡¯s mind, Zhai Sheng put his hands under her arms and lifted her into the air. No matter how fast the children grew, they were still like dwarfs before their father.

    Qiao Dongliang was drawn to it.

    He studied Qiao Nan¡¯s expression while watching Zhai Sheng y with San Bao. When Qiao Nan was young, there was not a single day that he¡¯d spend with her like this.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t thinking so much. Compared to her past life, this was like heaven to her. Qiao Nan would never discount the contentment before her eyes for the entanglement of her past.

    Therefore, she wasn¡¯t jealous of San Bao¡¯s blessed life but beamed brighter than the child.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. Stop ying around. Wash your hands and dig in. The kids must be starving.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s culinary skills improved so much that she had overtaken Qiao Nan. The kids now preferred their grandma¡¯s cooking over their mother¡¯s.

    ¡°Grandma is the best. I¡¯m so hungry.¡± It didn¡¯t matter how heavy the breakfast was, Er Bao¡¯s stomach would always start growling after the third period. All the chatting was grinding Er Bao¡¯s patience.

    Miao Jing loved to hear those words. ¡°Is that right? Hurry up and get your hands clean. I¡¯ve made your favorite braised pork.¡±

    ¡°Hooray!¡± Er Bao cheered and sprinted away. It was true that boys his age could eat a cow.

    Although Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s appetites were far from Zhai Sheng¡¯s, they ate much more than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°The kids have been growing fast, so let¡¯s shop for new clothes onbor¡¯s day.¡± Miao Jing was satisfied to see the growth of her grandchildren. In the blink of an eye, the children were already heading to secondary school.

    Three years of kindergarten and six years of elementary school, the kids had performed well throughout the nine years. Countless people were waiting for the chance to mock the Zhai family¡¯s children. It was hard to say if the children would grow up to be as intelligent as their parents.

    Now, it was proven that the education and upbringing of the children didn¡¯t fall short of expectation. They grew up well, and their grades were outstanding. No one else in the neighborhood couldpare to them.

    Apart from academics, they were top-notch in sports. The kids would always bring back medals and trophies after sportspetitions, and Da Bao and Er Bao even broke a few records.

    Miao Jing had to appreciate Elder Lin for teaching the children foreignnguages since young. Despite their age, the kids spoke English as fluently as their mother tongue.

    Of course, apart from Elder Lin, Nan Nan yed an important role as well. After Elder Lin¡¯s teaching, Nan Nan oftenmunicated with the children in English, which deepened their understanding.

    Elder Lin once said that having a multilingual environment for the children would be beneficial in the long run. Qiao Nan¡¯s expertise was English, but basic conversations in othernguages were a piece of cake for her as well.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s and Elder Lin¡¯s upromising efforts, the children knew more than just English. Languages like French and Portuguese were within their field of knowledge as well.

    The ability tomunicate with people from any part of the world was enough to bring fame to the kids among the neighbors. Forget about the other kids. Even the adults in the neighborhood admired the trio and oftenpared them to their own children.

    Many said that it was fortunate to have Qiao Nan as a mother who was a diplomat that mastered manynguages. Such influence on the children was way beyond education in school.

    Even having anguage teacher would raise the child¡¯s foreignmunication skills, let alone having a mother of such high caliber. Unfortunately, not everyone could afford anguage teacher like this one.

    Be it finding a teacher or having a proficient mom, it wasn¡¯t easy to achieve. Who else could find a daughter-inw as educated as Qiao Nan?

 Chapter 1514 - Other Peopleâ€™s Children

    <h4>Chapter 1514: Other People¡¯s Children</h4>

    However, if such a woman became a mother, she wouldn¡¯t feel at ease to stay at home to raise the children up. She would always be busy with work. Once she was busy with her career, the time spent on children would reduce significantly.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s generation had already implemented family nning. No matter a son or a daughter, most of them are precious in the family. Such a daughter would more or less be spoiled in their parent¡¯s home. How many people would be able to handle the tiredness from work yet still have to take care of both the old and young in the family after returning home?

    As such, for families with such good conditions, they would rather find a better kindergarten or training ss, spend more money to send their children there, and let the people in the school raise their children up.

    No matter how small the ss was, there would always be around twenty children. However, there was only one teacher. The Zhai family was different. When Qiao Nan and Elder Lin raised the triplets up, it was always one to three. This way, Elder Lin and Qiao Nan could spend more time and attention on the three children and understand them better.

    Because of this, under Qiao Nan¡¯s training of at least one hour of foreignnguage conversation every day, the triplets¡¯ ability to speak in foreignnguages was powerful. There were so many children in the quad but none of them could bepared to the triplets.

    It was fine if they couldn¡¯tpare in terms of number. Now, they couldn¡¯t evenpare in terms of quality. How infuriating!

    In horse racingpetitions, the horses were categorized as first-ss, middle-ss, and low-ss. Why was it that the triplets from the Zhai family didn¡¯t have such a distinction? All of them were first-ss!

    The more they thought about it, the angrier they were, but the happier Miao Jing was.

    See? Our family¡¯s children are so capable that nobody couldpare to them. You¡¯re even jealous and always saying bad things about them. Now, it¡¯s a p to the face, isn¡¯t it?

    Serves you right!

    Now that the triplets were going to junior high school soon, Miao Jing spent even more time and effort on them. She knew that the three of them were undergoing puberty and would get hungry quickly. They needed nutrition as well. Miao Jing specially asked the teacher in the training ss what kind of dishes should she make for her three grandchildren to grow up well.

    After the teacher gave pointers, not only did Miao Jing¡¯s dishes look good and taste good, but they were also bnced in nutrition and all aspects were well taken care of. Miao Jing¡¯s considerations in cooking were soplete that she could be a nutritional chef.

    The triplets benefitted the most for having such a doting grandma. Now that the three children had grown up tall and strong, who would deny that the reason wasn¡¯t because of Miao Jing¡¯s hard work and achievements?

    ¡°Here, eat more. If it¡¯s not enough, remember to scoop more rice for yourself. You¡¯re undergoing puberty and must remember to eat more. San Bao, you too. Don¡¯t learn from those girls outside who only want to lose weight.¡± Miao Jing filled up the three children¡¯s bowls with dishes using her quick chopstick skills.

    After swallowing the food in her mouth, San Bao said, ¡°Grandma, you¡¯ve got to be kidding me. Why would I want to lose weight? I have almost no fat left on my body to do so. I still want to eat more so that I can gain a few pounds of meat.¡±

    San Bao was extremely proud when she said these words.

 Chapter 1515 - A BunChapter of Children

    <h4>Chapter 1515: A Bunch of Children</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As Miao Jing said, children nowadays matured early. They were only primary school students, but everyone knew how to doll themselves up. Now, skinny was considered beautiful. As such, the girls in school started to say that they wanted to eat less and slim down. At this time, San Bao, who never once controlled the amount of food she ate, was simply an oddball.

    In the beginning, peopleughed at the way San Bao ate, saying that she would turn into a fat pig soon. It was a pity that for the next few years, San Bao only ate more and more and didn¡¯t control her food intake at all. What was funny was that San Bao only grew vertically, not horizontally.

    As such, San Bao, who ate the most, remained slender. However, those girls who often said they wanted to go on a diet ended up having more meat than San Bao.

    Because of this, San Bao became extremely proud. She felt that the ssmates in school who wanted to lose weight were fools. What use was there to eat less? They had to exercise more. Her father had said before that when her mother was young, she was slender. No matter how she ate, she wouldn¡¯t gain weight. As such, she must be like her mother, eating and drinking when she should.

    She didn¡¯t wish to faint from hunger when she was halfway through ss. How embarrassing that would be.

    ¡°Yes, eat more. With your figure, you can afford to grow some more meat. You¡¯re like your mother. When she was pregnant with the three of you, only her stomach was big. From behind, no one could tell that not only was she pregnant, but she was also pregnant with three children. It wasn¡¯t easy for her to finally put on some weight. After giving birth to the three of you, within two months, Nan Nan weighed three to five pounds less than before you were born. All of you didn¡¯t know how tough a life your mother led in order to take care of the three of you.¡±

    ¡°...¡± It was the first time San Bao heard these words. She looked at Qiao Nan brightly. ¡°I know my mother is the best.¡± A lot of her ssmates were brought up by a nanny when they were young.

    There weren¡¯t a lot of parents like her mother who came personally to fetch their children home from school every day. Every time she saw this, San Bao wanted to cherish the happiness she had even more. Based on such a mother alone, they were already much luckier than the average children.

    Qiao Nan pinched San Bao¡¯s cheek. ¡°You only have more meat on your face. Focus when you¡¯re eating. Less talking, more eating. As for the exams, the three of you have always performed well. I believe this won¡¯t be an issue. Thus, don¡¯t give yourselves too much pressure. It¡¯s fine to score just like you did usually.¡±

    Every parent hoped that their child¡¯s results would be better and that they would be more outstanding. However, this wasn¡¯t the only criteria to judge if a child was good or bad. Qiao Nan¡¯s expectations for the triplets were to work hard and take the exams seriously. There wasn¡¯t a need to be too nervous or care too much about the results.

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. We understand.¡± Da Bao nodded wisely. There were some things he never heard of, but he understood how much his mother loved them. She didn¡¯t be partial to anyone or neglect anyone just because she had three children.

    Their mother was equally good to and concerned about all three of them.

    Da Bao mentioned that the expression other students had when mentioning their mothers waspletely different from how he felt when he thought about his own mother. His mother was really the best in this world.

    The three children ate happily. The whole family became happy from watching them.

    After the triplets graduated from primary school, the Zhai family became livelier as there were more children. Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t give birth to them. However, the people Qiao Nan knew had given birth to them. Xiao Bao, whom Zhai Hua had given birth to, loved his grandma¡¯s ce. It wasn¡¯t strange for him to stay there for a period of time.

    After Shi Qing married Zhu Baoguo, she gave birth to a chubby son ten monthster. Many people had joked and calcted that this was a honeymoon baby. He was nted in his mother¡¯s womb the first night of his parents¡¯ marriage and they were highly efficient.

    A few years after Fang Fang became Gao Yan¡¯s girlfriend, she agreed to marry him and be the Gao family¡¯s daughter-inw. When they got married, the triplets were the flower boys and flower girl. In the second year of their marriage, Fang Fang gave birth to a son.

    Going by this, the triplets in Qiao Nan¡¯s family were really outstanding, the single red flower in the midst of thick foliage.

    It was unknown if the Zhai family had a good aura or if Qiao Nan was really well-liked by children. After they grew up and could express their likes and dislikes, the Zhai family became theirmon choice. These children insisted on letting Qiao Nan carry them. Every time she did so, they would be so happy that they salivated. No words could describe how happy they looked.

    Thankfully, the triplets and Xiao Bao had grown up. Otherwise, with so many babies whopeted with themselves appearing at once, the ignorant children would definitely yell with anger. Initially, Xiao Bao threw tantrum for a few days.

    The triplets expressed that they were already primary school students and didn¡¯t need their mother to carry them every day. With so many little brothers around, they could temporarily let their mother y with them in the day.

    On May 11, these children came to the Zhai family¡¯s home in unison. Xiao Bao frowned. ¡°Auntie, why are they alwaysing over to our house to y?¡± Don¡¯t they have a home? Is it really good for them toe over to other people¡¯s house once it is the holidays?

    These children couldn¡¯t be so thick-skinned just because they were young and ignorant. This wasn¡¯t good, right?

    Xiao Baoined about these children ruthlessly in his heart. His sour tone made everyoneugh.

    Gao Yan nced at his son, who was squatting in a corner ying with his toys, from time to time. He said leisurely, ¡°Who asked your auntie¡¯s house to be so fun? It¡¯s simply too tempting and our children love to y here. Look at you. Aren¡¯t you alwaysing over to your grandma¡¯s ce as well?¡±

    ¡°Uncle Gao, don¡¯t you feel embarrassed arguing with a child like me?¡± Xiao Bao stood in front of Gao Yan and said angrily, ¡°Every time you sones over, he cries. My ears feel very ufortable. How shameful for a child to keep crying.¡±

    Every time Gao Yan¡¯s son was carried away by his parents to leave the Zhai family, he would indeed cry. However, he only cried then. The rest of the time, when Gao Feng stayed in the Zhai family, he was always an obedient baby. Anyone could carry him and he wouldugh whenever someone yed with him. He addressed everyone in a sweet voice and even threw outpliments as if they didn¡¯t cost anything.

 Chapter 1516 - Cheater

    <h4>Chapter 1516: Cheater</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Weren¡¯t you happy when my son called you an older brother?¡± Xiao Bao was the youngest in the Zhai family, and he hated that. Therefore, he had been hoping for a younger child to appear.

    It dide true.

    Only a few days after Xiao Bao had that idea, Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing¡¯s son, Zhu Yu, came to this world. Gao Feng came a monthter than Zhu Yu, so Xiao Bao had be the older brother of two kids within a month.

    Xu Shengnan and Qiao Nan were close, and she was married earlier than Shi Qing and Fang Fang. Her husband was from Beijing, and her daughter was way older than Zhu Yu and Gao Feng. However, Xu Shengnan was bothered by the Zhu family¡¯s situation, so she only visited asionally.

    At home, Xu Shengnan would always remind her daughter not to mention the Zhai family to her rtives. Qiao Nan¡¯s identity and appearance on TV were to be kept a secret as well.

    In fact, Xu Shengnan had been doing a good job hiding her rtionship with Qiao Nan. Ever since she started working under Gao Yan, she had managed to buy a house and fetch her parents to the capital. She had discussed with her parents, and they¡¯d agreed to not receive any more privileges because of Qiao Nan.

    Her parents were honest workers, and it was unsettling for them that Xu Shengnan got the job thanks to Qiao Nan.

    Therefore, they had the same idea as Xu Shengnan. After the family established amon understanding, all her inws knew was that Xu Shengnan had a close junior. asionally, Xu Shengnan would bring her child to visit that junior.

    Fortunately, she didn¡¯t visit frequently. Otherwise, Xu Shengnan¡¯s mother-inw would beining.

    If Xu Shengnan were the senior, shouldn¡¯t the junior be the one visiting her? Why would a senior visit her junior? What mattered the most was that Xu Shengnan had the habit of buying gifts, and she wouldn¡¯t visit her junior empty-handed.

    Before Xu Shengnan married her son, she always brought her gifts. She liked it back then, and she couldn¡¯t stop smiling when Xu Shengnan showed up.

    However, now that they belonged to the same family, Xu Shengnan¡¯s money should be spent on her son and granddaughter. How could Xu Shengnan be happy about spending money on others?

    Rtionships with inws had been an age-old problem. Nowadays, Xu Shengnan didn¡¯te to Qiao Nan with career problems anymore. It was more of the family issues that she had to face every day.

    ¡°Boss?¡± Xu Shengnan was flustered when she saw Gao Yan and Gao Feng in Qiao Nan¡¯s house.

    ¡°Xu Shengnan,e in.¡± Gao Yan wasn¡¯t surprised to see her here; he knew that she was close to Qiao Nan. ¡°What¡¯s with the teary eyes?¡± Xu Shengnan was known for being a workaholic in thepany.

    As her boss, seeing Xu Shengnan tear up was a rare sight for him.

    Qiao Nan red at Gao Yan. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ll leave this to you. Fang Fang, take care of the kids while I get something for Senior Xu.¡±

    Fang Fang nodded. ¡°Okay. We are used to hanging out at your house. You have no idea how jealous our old roommates were when they heard of me visiting your ce. Go ahead. I¡¯ll get the auntie if we need anything.¡±

    Gao Yan and Fang Fang woulde along with their children, but Zhu Yu often appeared alone. Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing were the godparents of Qiao Nan¡¯s kids, and Zhu Chengqi was Qiao Nan¡¯s godfather. After all, Qiao Nan was Zhu Yu¡¯s aunt.

    Since Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing were busier than Zhai Hua and Tian Dong, Zhu Yu spent more time in the Zhai family than Xiao Bao. Xiao Bao¡¯s grandma wouldn¡¯t bear to let him go, but Zhu Chengqi almost wanted his grandson to be gone as he tossed him to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Do you think everyone faces more problems after marriage?¡± After others gave her the privacy to speak, she could finally let her thoughts out.

    She couldn¡¯t discuss marriage with her parents as they would be too worried, and she didn¡¯t have many close friends that were still in contact. After pondering about, she realized that Qiao Nan was the only one she could talk to. ¡°Qiao Nan, do you think that all men would be fierce and horrible after marriage?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I think he is cheating on me.¡± Xu Shengnan couldn¡¯t hold the tears in her eyes any longer. ¡°He¡¯s always working overtime now, and there are more gatherings that he attends. He even asked me for more allowance. I always trusted him, and I wouldn¡¯t have known about him spending so much if he didn¡¯t ask me for money.¡±

    What Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t say was that she couldn¡¯t ept the possibility that her husband was spending her money on another woman. It was somewhatical.

    ¡°Cheating?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Are you sure? Did you get someone to check on it? Do you have any evidence? If it¡¯s just your guess, what made you think that way?¡±

    Thanks to Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t withstand a cheater. Although her marriage had been great, she couldn¡¯t bear to watch Xu Shengnan suffer from such things. ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, your mother-inw paid the down payment for your house, and you paid the loan, right?¡±

    Gao Yan¡¯spany was doing great, and Xu Shengnan had been a veteran.

 Chapter 1517 - This Couldnâ€™t Be Tolerated

    <h4>Chapter 1517: This Couldn¡¯t Be Tolerated</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As such, after thepany was brought to a new level, not only did Xu Shengnan¡¯s sry be higher, but Gao Yan, as a good boss, would also give a veteran like her a fat bonus at the end of the year.

    Within a few years, Xu Shengnan paid off the mortgage on the house she bought. After all, Xu Shengnan had bought a house much earlier. In the capital, the house prices a few years before and a few yearster had a huge difference.

    That year, Xu Shengnan listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. Once she had money, she bought a house in the capital. As she had done so earlier than others and had started working a few years earlier, Xu Shengnan had paid off the mortgage for that house.

    The man Xu Shengnan got married to had an ount in the capital as he had a small house there. Strictly speaking, they weren¡¯t from the capital. It was just that his parents moved to the capital to work earlier. With this house, the whole family became people from the capital.

    After the two talked about it, the man¡¯s mother knew that Xu Shengnan had a good job and a high sry. She was quite satisfied with this daughter-inw. After all, she had graduated from Peking University. It was a university that was much better than the one her son attended. With such a daughter-inw, she would have more face outside if she talked about her.

    It was just that after that, this future mother-inw expressed that it wasn¡¯t a big deal for Xu Shengnan to stay in the small house after she got married to her son. However, if Xu Shengnan gave birth to a child, then that house would definitely be smaller.

    As such, she wanted to sell the small house in her hands and use this amount of money to make the down payment for a bigger house. As for the future mortgage, she was already old and couldn¡¯t do much work. She could only rely on her son and Xu Shengnan to slowly repay the mortgage.

    After all, this had to do with Xu Shengnan. Her future mother-inw exined the situation and asked Xu Shengnan if she was agreeable. If she was, they would proceed as nned.

    Xu Shengnan felt that her mother-inw¡¯s words made sense. Her man¡¯s house was smaller than the one her parents lived in. It would definitely be cramped for everyone if she raised a child after marriage in this small house.

    Qiao Nan knew about this matter and mentioned it at this time.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why are you mentioning this at this time?¡± There were all kinds of people in the capital. Actually, Xu Shengnan knew about this. It was just that she was sad. Xu Shengnan hadn¡¯t thought if a divorce would be good for the children. Should she give her man a chance to turn over a new leaf again?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, tell me. Should I have another chat with my husband?¡± Perhaps, there was still room for negotiation.

    Qiao Nanughed coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t triedmunicating with your husband and inexplicably ran over to my house with red eyes. Your husband really has nothing to do with you crying today? You want to give him a chance to turn over a new leaf, but I¡¯m worried that he doesn¡¯t want to and even finds this to be pretty good. He has you to pay off the mortgage and you and your mother-inw to take care of your daughter. He has been a pretty sessful head of the family. If he finds himself to be working hard, he¡¯ll find a lover tofort himself. It¡¯s not wrong.¡±

    ¡°It... it can¡¯t be, right?¡± Xu Shengnan¡¯s face turned pale. She really didn¡¯t think about the problem of her willing to give her husband a chance but he wasn¡¯t willing to change. ¡°Indeed, something had happened today. I feel that I must have been too fierce and anxious when I was asking him then. He should be feeling quite panicky that I had found out. Sometimes, when people do something wrong, they would be fiercer because of their guilty conscience. He didn¡¯t do this deliberately, did he?¡± Toward the end, Xu Shengnan wasn¡¯t sure herself as well.

    ¡°I... Actually, I¡¯ve long felt that something was wrong. It wasn¡¯t his first day going to work. He had worked for so many years but started to attend entertainment activities only this year. However, I didn¡¯t hear that there was any movement from hispany, so he shouldn¡¯t be like this. Most importantly, every time he returned home to change his clothes, he would always smell of some other woman¡¯s perfume and even had a lipstick mark. I asked him what was going on. He answered me for the first time that there was a female colleague who got drunk at the event and identally printed a mark on him...¡±

    Xu Shengnan cried and tried to recall her memories. As such, her words were intermittent and incoherent.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan had good logic skills. Even if Xu Shengnan¡¯s words were messy, she understood them. Qiao Nan ced a packet of tissue in front of Xu Shengnan for her to wipe her tears.

    ¡°I was curious as well and thought why he had so many activities. Thus, I went to ask around. But his colleagues told me that there wasn¡¯t such a thing at all.¡± When Xu Shengnan received this answer, she was dealt a huge blow. She already had a lot of work in thepany and was very busy.

    Who knew that the person she was most intimate with would deal her such a blow?

    Telling lies,ing homete, the perfume smell, the lipstick mark, and a bunch of unexinable expenses¡ªthese told Xu Shengnan that there was something wrong with her man, and it was possible he had another woman outside.

    Xu Shengnan couldn¡¯t help but question her husband today. In the end, she didn¡¯t receive an exnation but an usation instead. ¡°How often do you spend time in the office in a year? Without me asking, you should know the answer, right? You have always been working overtime. Who are you trying to lie to? How many men are there in your office? You have spent so little time at home, yet do you see me doubting you? Are you sure you are clean?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Hearing Xu Shengnan¡¯s husband¡¯s rebuttal, Qiao Nan twitched her lips. ¡°Senior Xu, are you here at my house today purely toin to me, or do you want me to try and provide a solution? If it¡¯s the former, Senior Xu, I¡¯m sorry but if you can¡¯t make a decision or it¡¯s a decision that I can¡¯t ept, I don¡¯t like to listen to this. If it¡¯s thetter, I¡¯m very willing to share with you my thoughts and suggestions.¡±

    It was better to dismantle ten temples than to destroy a marriage.

    Sorry, but it was the other way around here. In the face of such situations, she would always persuade people to separate instead of staying together!

    ¡°...¡± Xu Shengnan hesitated for a while. The purpose of her here today was actually for the former. However, after seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s face, Xu Shengnan couldn¡¯t say these words out. After marriage, every couple would face some stumbling blocks. Who would get a divorce after a small conflict? Was it really that serious?

    Qiao Nan touched Xu Shengnan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Do you know that my temper is already restrained with this action? If it wasn¡¯t the first time I saw you crying so pitifully, this ¡®touch¡¯ would have been more forceful. Take it as I have OCD toward rtionships.¡±

 Chapter 1518 - A Poor Man Was More Trustworthy

    <h4>Chapter 1518: A Poor Man Was More Trustworthy</h4>

    ¡°You want to continue using a toothbrush that was used to brush the toilet bowl to brush your teeth. I admire your tolerance and unhygienic habits. Once a man is unfaithful, he can¡¯t be trusted anymore. If there was still room for negotiation with your man, he should have returned to your side honestly and broken off all connections with that woman outside once you had doubts, regardless if it was for the family or for the rtionship between the two of you.¡±

    Xu Shengnan nodded. Indeed, it should be like this.

    ¡°Then, take a look next if your man does this. Senior Xu, you¡¯re usually so strong and smart. I thought you... I didn¡¯t expect you to be so silly and confused with regard to this and could tolerate so well. Do you believe that if it was Senior Zou Wenxuan who encountered this matter instead, as soon as she grabbed hold of the other party¡¯s evidence, she would immediately get a divorce, find a new man who treats her well, and remarry?¡±

    In this lifetime, Xu Shengnan¡¯s biggestpetitor was Zou Wenxuan. Until now, Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t let go of any thoughts topete with Zou Wenxuan. Although Xu Shengnan stayed in the capital, Zou Wenxuan wasn¡¯t any worse. She actually found a good job in a multinational corporation in Mo Du.

    Xu Shengnan had a house in the capital. Zou Wenxuan had a house in Mo Du. Simrly, both of their houses weren¡¯t rented.

    Until now, bothpetitors were at neck-and-neck. What was different was that Xu Shengnan had taken into ount Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion, while Zou Wenxuan¡¯s rtive had helped her a little.

    The more well matched they were in strength, the more unsettled Xu Shengnan felt toward Zou Wenxuan. Qiao Nan used Zou Wenxuan as an analogy at this time. It was obvious she targeted her Achilles¡¯ heel.

    Qiao Nan indeed had this intention. If she didn¡¯t target Xu Shengnan¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel, she was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t have any reaction. Thus, it was either she didn¡¯t mention it at all, or if she did, she had toe up with a more ruthless example.

    Xu Shengnan clenched her fists. ¡°Qiao Nan, I understand what you mean. I... I will consider again and observe my husband to see what he does. If he really doesn¡¯t want this family anymore, my efforts alone would just to waste.¡±

    ¡°Senior Xu, regardless if you will listen to these or not, I have to remind you first. I¡¯m not worried about others. However, your husband is even asking you for money now. So, you must take note of this. Don¡¯t think that it¡¯s tacky to talk about money. Do you still remember how hard it was for you to earn money in the capital? As such, you have to make sure that you don¡¯t lose both money and your man. You can always find another man again if he¡¯s gone. Perhaps you can earn money back if it¡¯s gone. However, you must remember you¡¯re not alone. If you don¡¯t have money, what will your parents, your daughter, and even you eat, drink, and spend?¡±

    Qiao Nan had no choice but to highlight the seriousness of this situation to Xu Shengnan. Such a ruthless man really existed. Otherwise, when Xu Shengnan first raised her doubts, Qiao Nan¡¯s first question wouldn¡¯t be if she was still paying for the mortgage.

    ¡°I... I understand.¡± Perhaps life these few years had been too good and smooth-sailing for Xu Shengnan that she forgot how fearful, anxious, and agitated she felt when she first came to the capital to pursue her studies. Especially after her sophomore year, she was often worried if she would continue staying in the north or return to her old home upon graduation.

    She had really forgotten the uneasiness she felt back then after leading so many years of afortable lifestyle. Xu Shengnan naively felt that rtionships were more important than money. If she was capable, she could slowly earn back the money. However, it wasn¡¯t so easy to find rtionships.

    In a ce like the capital, if she wanted to survive, it would definitely not work if she only had rtionships and not money. She could bear the ordeal herself. However, she couldn¡¯t let her parents and her young daughter, whom she fetched over to the capital, suffer as well. Her parents were old. If they fell ill, a lot of money would be spent on hospital bills.

    Her daughter was still attending school and a lot of tuition sses and activities organized by the school. Not only did all of these cost money, but the amount to be spent each time wasn¡¯t small either.

    As she thought of this, Xu Shengnan realized in shock that it was perhaps just a moment of pain if she lost her marriage. However, if she couldn¡¯t keep her money, not only would she have to be in a sorry plight for a while, but she wouldn¡¯t even have the ability to respond if something happened to her rtives. After all, no other methods were required to deal with such situations, as long as Xu Shengnan produced a lot of banknotes.

    The pale Xu Shengnan became sober from the pain of being betrayed by a man. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t worry. I really understand what you mean this time around. I have built this family bit by bit after going through hardship for so many years and working so much overtime. These are all my hard work and efforts. I will definitely not let another woman take all of these away.¡±

    Sometimes, people had to be realistic.

    She had actuallypletely forgotten the principles she understood when she was studying after stepping into society and leading a good life of more than ten years. She couldn¡¯t evenpare herself to back when she was in university. Xu Shengnan really wanted to knock her head and ask herself what was going on.

    ¡°Sure. Since you¡¯re like this, I shan¡¯t say anything else.¡± Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. She was really afraid that the usually strong Xu Shengnan would y the fool in front of her now and that she would rather live with false happiness than to be liberated after going through a moment of pain. Thankfully, the Xu Shengnan from that year was still around. She didn¡¯t admit defeat and understood reality and wouldn¡¯t have too many unrealistic thoughts.

    Xu Shengnan came and left in a hurry.

    Once money was mentioned, Xu Shengnan had to perk herself up. She had registered a summer camp for her daughter and needed to spend about 8,000 yuan. Next year, she would have to go for a summer camp overseas and that would cost more than 16,000 yuan.

    All of these were money. She could sacrifice herself if shecked money, but she couldn¡¯t sacrifice her daughter.

    Her man was heartless to have spent money on another woman outside but not a single cent on their daughter. She was different. Her daughter was her precious. If they really got a divorce, she must take her daughter away. Oh, right. She had to consider this issue as well. She had to think of ways for her daughter to follow her after the divorce.

    It was either Xu Shengnan wasn¡¯t enlightened, or once she was, she would immediately n for the worst. She would also think about what thing she should hold onto tightly, aside from this man.

 Chapter 1519 - Utter Disdain

    <h4>Chapter 1519: Utter Disdain</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When she lost her marriage, she had to think of a way to minimize her losses, right?

    At that time, Xu Shengnan was fortunate that she had an amazing, daring, and capable junior. Otherwise, even after facing such humiliation, she would probably just cry and throw a tantrum but swallow the hurt herself in the end.

    After she found out about Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan did not immediately cast it aside. She was extremely concerned about Xu Shengnan.

    If Xu Shengnan and her man had really gotten to that stage, it was what would happen afterward that would be the most troublesome.

    ¡°Mom, after Auntie Xu came to find you, you haven¡¯t smiled. Did something bad happen to Auntie Xu?¡± Qiao Nan was feeling down and her children could sense that. Because of that, the children were especially obedient. They did not bother Qiao Nan to y with them just because she hade down.

    As the only youngdy in the house, there was nothing San Bao was worried about. Seating herself next to Qiao Nan, she was not much shorter than Qiao Nan herself. She coquettishly leaned against her mother and asked her what was going on.

    Qiao Nan stroked San Bao¡¯s head, sighing. ¡°San Bao, I¡¯ve said it before. As long as you are sensible and have your own limits, I won¡¯t stop you from dating early. But I have to say that it¡¯s easy to be taken advantage of as a girl. When you find a boyfriend in the future, there¡¯s really no hurry. You have to watch out for yourself and learn to protect yourself. Especially when marrying someone, you really have to look carefully.¡±

    Hearing about what had happened to Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan thought that she hadpletely forgotten about her past. But now, it was bloodily dug up yet again. The betrayal of Chen Jun, Ding Jiayi as a partner in crime, and Qiao Zijin¡¯s shamefulness¡ªthese three most important people to Qiao Nan had hurt her deeply at that time.

    Thinking back about it, Qiao Nan felt that she had been extremely strong at that time to not have been beaten down. If she were to face such a situation again now, she might never stand up again after such a heavy blow. After all, after the betrayal of these three people who were the closest to her, there was still her father who simply watched on from the sidelines.

    San Bao was confused by her mother¡¯s words, but after she thought through it with her brilliant mind, she finally understood parts of it. ¡°Mom, did something happen to Auntie Xu? Is that why you¡¯re so worried?¡±

    ¡°Yes, a little. I think it¡¯s a hard life out there for women in this world. You¡¯re my only daughter. I¡¯m worried for you.¡± Having given birth to a girl, Qiao Nan inevitably worried about her, especially after what Xu Shengnan had done. She was really worried that her daughter would meet a bast*rd in the future.

    If that really happened... Qiao Nanughed coldly. That bast*rd son-inw of hers would have to be prepared to face his two older brothers-inw and his father-inw.

    San Bao nodded obediently. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Mom. When the timees and I start dating, I¡¯ll ask you to help check. If you think he¡¯s bad, I¡¯ll break up with him immediately.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed, amused. ¡°How can there be such a thing? They always say that girls care more about outsiders. I¡¯m just afraid that if I¡¯m really against you being with your boyfriend, you might just throw a tantrum and run away from home!¡± Whether this was true, Qiao Nan was definitely happy that her daughter was willing to say such things to pacify her.

    San Bao was upset. ¡°I was clearly speaking the truth. Just wait and see if you don¡¯t believe me. I¡¯m such an obedient girl. If Mom doesn¡¯t agree to it, I won¡¯t do it. But when Da Bao and Er Bao get girlfriends in the future, I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll be as obedient as me. Mom, I¡¯ll definitely be the most obedient child!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Er Bao was unhappy, even though he did not have any interest in finding a girlfriend now. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Mom too. So many girls in school have confessed their love to me, but I haven¡¯t epted a single one. When I get married in the future, my wife will spend a lot of time with Mom. So if Mom doesn¡¯t like her, I¡¯ll only be adding to Mom¡¯s burden by trying to marry her. You¡¯re so mean, San Bao. Why are you trying to tarnish my image in front of Mom? I¡¯m a good son!¡±

    Da Bao knocked his brother and sister on their heads andughed. Did they think he was dead and could speak ill of him just because he was keeping mum? When had he ever done anything that made his mom unhappy? If his mom did not like it, he would never do it.

    It was also because of the influence of their elders that this concept was deeply rooted in the three children. Zhai Sheng wanted the children to remember that he was often away from home and that it was difficult for their mother to raise the three of them. So when they grew older, they not only had to be filial to her but also had to refrain from doing anything that might anger her.

    Miao Jing would also asionally talk to the three children about the ¡®past¡¯. In front of the three children, what Miao Jing most often praised Zhai Sheng about was that he had married a wife whom his mother liked very much. If Zhai Sheng had married someone else, Miao Jing would not be living such a good life now.

    In summary, grandma¡¯s and Dad¡¯s words together meant that they had to listen to their mom and find a partner that their mom was satisfied with.

    Of course, Qiao Nan did not treat the words of the three children seriously. But now that they had coaxed her with their words, all her anger had dissipated. ¡°Mom is the luckiest woman for having the three of you precious ones.¡±

    ¡°Me too, Mom. Kiss!¡± San Bao was the first one to rush into her mom¡¯s embrace and nt a kiss on her face. Er Bao had always likedpeting with San Bao, so he roughly nted a kiss on the other side of Qiao Nan¡¯s face. While his dad was not around, he had to make the most out of it and kiss his mom more often.

    In recent years, their father had been spending less time at home. Every time he stuck to his mother, his father would look at him in jealousy. It was truly frightening. Since his father was not at home today, he would not be punished for kissing his mother.

    Da Bao hesitated for a moment, but after seeing his brother and sister kiss their mother and be happy as if having stolen candy, he could not help but nt a kiss on his mother¡¯s face as well.

    With their elder brothers and sister taking the lead, the three younger ones could not hold back and rushed in unison toward Qiao Nan, especially Zhu Yu and Gao Feng. They took advantage of the fact that they were still young and slobbered all over Qiao Nan¡¯s face while kissing her.

    Now that the whole bunch of children had rushed over to her, Qiao Nan almost drowned in the sea of children.

    ¡°Tut!¡± Gao Yan was infuriated. ¡°This fool! Does he really not know who gave birth to him, feeds him, and provides for him? He can¡¯t even distinguish between who he should be closer to! He treats an outsider better than he treats me!¡± An asional hug was still all right, but when Gao Yan wanted to kiss his son, he would almost reject it.

    Sometimes, when Gao Yan stole a kiss, Gao Feng would always be full of disdain when he finally came to his senses.

 Chapter 1520 - King of Children

    <h4>Chapter 1520: King of Children</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Gao Yan did not get the chance to kiss his son, and neither did his son kiss him. Now that he saw his son kissing someone else so vigorously, it would be a wonder if he did not feel jealous. At times like these, it did no matter if you were male or female. You would get jealous either way.

    Fang Fangughed uncontrobly. ¡°It¡¯s not that my son cannot distinguish between who¡¯s close to him. My son mainly distinguishes between beauty and ugliness. Nan Nan is such a beautiful and gentle person. There¡¯s nothing strange about our son liking her. Why don¡¯t you think about how you always have stubble on your face when you want to kiss your son? You make his face all red. I don¡¯t me Feng Feng for not liking you and not letting you kiss him.¡±

    Bah, if Gao Yan was not her husband, she would not let him kiss her either.

    Gao Yan, who was despised by both his wife and son at the same time, looked jealously at Qiao Nan. He could not understand how his wife had been poisoned by Qiao Nan. If it had not been for Qiao Nan¡¯s help then, he would not have been able to marry Fang Fang. Why did he favor Qiao Nan instead of his own father?

    ¡°Fang Fang, do you think our son is so clingy to Qiao Nan because of you?¡± This was definitely set up by his wife.

    Fang Fang did not think this was a problem at all. ¡°Perhaps I mentioned Nan Nan frequently when I was pregnant with Feng Feng. I really wanted an obedient daughter then. You know all too well that Nan Nan is the prettiest amongst all the people that I know. So of course I tended to look at Nan Nan¡¯s photo more often then.¡±

    Fang Fang¡¯s looks could notpare with Qiao Nan¡¯s. She was just pretty at best. As to why Gao Yan took a fancy to her, Fang Fang always thought that Gao Yan was probably blind.

    Since she wanted an obedient girl, Fang Fang kept looking at photos of beauties while she was pregnant.

    Initially, someone had suggested looking at celebrities if she wanted to look at beauties.

    But Fang Fang disagreed. What if her daughter wanted to be a celebrity? Besides being beautiful, Qiao Nan was also a top student. Up until now, there were still legends of Qiao Nan in the Ping Cheng High School. If she looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s photos more often, she might get some of Qiao Nan¡¯s talents. Perhaps, her child would even be as smart as Qiao Nan!

    With Fang Fang¡¯s exnation, both the Gao family and the Fang family¡¯s parents could not object.

    After all, Qiao Nan had been the one to bring Gao Yan and Fang Fang together. If their granddaughter was really like Qiao Nan, it would be good news!

    Both their parents agreed that Gao Yan would spend more time working in the office than spending time at home with Fang Fang. So it was the first time that Gao Yan had heard about Fang Fang looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s photos while she was pregnant.

    Gao Yan stared at her in disbelief. ¡°How did I not know about this?¡± F*ck! He had always been wondering why his son would always cry upon seeing unfamiliar faces, but when he saw Qiao Nan, his son would always be smiling and would even stretch out his hands, asking Qiao Nan to carry him. He had never known that such a thing had happened in the past.

    ¡°My parents and your parents all know about it.¡± Fang Fang rolled her eyes. She did not think that it was her fault that Gao Yan did not know about it.

    Gao Yan gritted his teeth. ¡°Fang Fang, let¡¯s have a discussion. Feng Feng is already so old. Let¡¯s have another child. Maybe this time, it¡¯ll be a girl, one as beautiful and smart as San Bao.¡±

    They would give birth, even if it meant a fine!

    But this time, he would definitely not let his little princess look at Qiao Nan¡¯s photos while she was still in her mother¡¯s tummy. He would let his daughter look at his handsome photos. Then, once his daughter was born and grew older, she would definitely have eyes for only her father, and not Auntie Qiao Nan!

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m not going to give birth. If you want, you can give birth to one yourself.¡± Fang Fang shook her head. It was tough enough to give birth once. She was not going to do it again.

    ¡°Do you mean you don¡¯t want a daughter?¡±

    ¡°I have San Bao! In my eyes, San Bao is my daughter too. Without giving birth, I already have a daughter. Why would I still want to give birth?¡± Fang Fang had realized that she was not the best at taking care of children and always passed her child over to the couple¡¯s parents. Fang Fang felt guilty about not taking enough responsibility for her child.

    One child was already giving Fang Fang so much trouble, so she refused to give birth to a second one. ¡°Besides, I think you¡¯re too idealistic. Look at the children in this family. Who doesn¡¯t like Nan Nan? If I actually give birth to a daughter and she¡¯s like Feng Feng, you¡¯ll drown in your own sea of jealousy.¡±

    Fang Fang believed that even if she really gave birth to a second child, her daughter would probably be like her brother and stick to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan just had a certain attraction. Actually, it was not just children who liked to interact with Qiao Nan. She liked it too. Even though Gao Yan had once been the ¡®god¡¯ of his high school, he immediately came back down to earth in front of Qiao Nan.

    She wondered if Gao Yan was ignorant of this fact, or if he simply refused to admit to it. But since they were a married couple, Fang Fang would still let him have that bit of dignity. Every time Gao Yan was upset that Gao Feng was too close to Qiao Nan, Fang Fang had never mentioned how different Gao Yan¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan waspared with his attitude toward others.

    Once he heard that and looked once again at his son in Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace with a delighted expression, Gao Yan was like a deted balloon. He no longer put up a fight. ¡°Just one son is enough to make me angry. If I have another daughter like that, I might just die. Forget it. I¡¯ll listen to you. We won¡¯t have a second child.¡±

    Gao Yan was really just making a mention of the second child.

    When Fang Fang gave birth to Gao Feng, she had been in pain all day and night and had bled immensely. She was all bloodied before she finally gave birth to Gao Feng. Gao Yan was so frightened that he swore never to allow Fang Fang to get pregnant with a second child, even if the state were to allow it.

    Seeing that Gao Yan had finally given in to her, Fang Fang hugged Gao Yan¡¯s arm and said delicately, ¡°Be good and listen to me. When we go home today, you¡¯ll get a reward.¡±

    Gao Yan¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Fang Fang learned to speak like her son, flirting with Gao Yan.

    Gao Yan was electrified and his gaze toward Fang Fang grew hotter. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder. Regardless of whether Fang Fang was beautiful by other people¡¯s standards, every time she gave him that gaze, Gao Yan would obediently follow Fang Fang.

    Seeing Gao Yan, who normally acted tough outside, being so ¡®obedient¡¯ in front of her, Fang Fang was delighted. Even if all those women liked Gao Yan, their efforts were all in vain. Gao Yan¡¯s heart was loyal to her alone.

    After finishing their dinner at the Zhai family¡¯s house, Gao Yan finally brought his smiling wife and crying son back to the Gao family¡¯s house. Xiao Bao and Zhu Yu stayed at the Zhai family¡¯s house and slept together with the three children. Because Gao Feng knew about this, he burst out in tears when he left.

 Chapter 1521 - Came Knocking on Her Door

    <h4>Chapter 1521: Came Knocking on Her Door</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Everyone was little. Why was it that Baby Zhu and Xiao Bao could stay at Auntie Qiao¡¯s house but he couldn¡¯t and had to be forcibly kidnapped back home by his father?

    That wasn¡¯t fair!

    In the face of his son¡¯s cries, Gao Yan heartlessly suppressed them.

    What a joke. He had already seen his son stick to Qiao Nan for the entire day. His son didn¡¯t even bother to call him dad. If he continued to let his son stay in the Zhai family, it wasn¡¯t certain who this son would belong to in the future. He couldn¡¯t possibly lose his son at the same time his wife¡¯s heart was ¡®stolen¡¯, right?

    Fang Fang was suddenly happy after understanding clearly Gao Yan¡¯s misgivings and looking at her son¡¯s pitiful and wronged look. What Gao Yan was worried about seemed to havee true. It was a pity that Gao Yan, this silly father, still hadn¡¯t realized this yet. He still wholeheartedly thought that his son¡¯s heart belonged to him and he could firmly guard it.

    Should she remind him?

    After thinking for a while, Fang Fang felt that a white lie was necessary at times. As such, she didn¡¯t remind him.

    ¡°I heard San Bao mention that Xu Shengnan came over to find you today. After that, you didn¡¯t seem too happy?¡± Zhai Sheng came back at night. As Zhai Sheng progressed step by step, he eventually seeded Zhai Yaohui and became the next Chief Zhai. Zhai Sheng naturally had more time at home aspared to when they first got married.

    ¡°San Bao is a bad child. Is she specially telling on me?¡± Qiao Nan casually sshed some water on her face, applied ayer of cream, and turned to look at Zhai Sheng. ¡°She¡¯s about to be your little spy. Tell me honestly. How many benefits have you given to San Bao such that she would agree to watch over me?¡±

    Zhai Sheng still did what he did when they were newly-weds. He walked to Qiao Nan and carried her to the bed with a princess hug. He kissed Qiao Nan¡¯s red lips. ¡°If San Bao finds out that you¡¯re saying this of her, she would be very upset. She wasn¡¯t helping me watch over you and betraying you. She was concerned about you and afraid that something¡¯s troubling you. She can¡¯t be of help since she¡¯s little, so she asked me, the great and capable father, to help.¡±

    At the same time Zhai Sheng helped rify the misunderstanding about San Bao, he didn¡¯t forget to be narcissistic.

    Being cared for by her husband and daughter at the same time, how would Qiao Nan be unhappy? ¡°Senior Xu¡¯s man is dishonest. He must have another woman outside.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. He despised men who were irresponsible to their family. ¡°Do you want to help?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s see. If Senior Xu needs my help, I would definitely help. If she doesn¡¯t, I don¡¯t want to chip in either. We are all leading our own lives. What happens in the end depends on Senior Xu¡¯s own decision.¡± It was just that there was littlemon ground for understanding between persons of differing principles. She could give up Chen Jun back then. Now, if Senior Xu chose to forgive in the end, she wouldn¡¯t me her. She would only feel that they had some differences in mindset and their rtionship might not be as good as before if they continued to interact.

    Qiao Nan saw a lot of examples where the wife chose to forgive the husband for having an affair. Very often, these wives didn¡¯t manage to make their husbands change their minds because of their magnanimity.

    Men who had tasted cheating seemed to be addicted. Eighty percent of them would have an affair again. After that, the couple would naturally fall into infinite pain and end up in a divorce after one party couldn¡¯t tolerate any longer.

    Such a process was too entangled and long. Qiao Nan knew that she didn¡¯t have the patience to apany Xu Shengnan to walk through such a difficult divorce. She couldn¡¯t do it.

    When she split up with Chen Jun, she had spent only three minutes. If she had spent so little time on herself, how would she spend so much time and effort on someone else? She was also someone with a family. Her triplets were going to junior high school this year as well.

    ¡°If you have an answer in your heart, don¡¯t think about it anymore. If you really can¡¯t sleep, let¡¯s do something that can be beneficial to our husband-wife rtionship?¡± Zhai Sheng was asking this, but his hands, which were unbuttoning the buttons on Qiao Nan¡¯s pajamas, weren¡¯t prepared to give Qiao Nan a chance to refuse.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan secretly rolled her eyes. She didn¡¯t understand how Zhai Sheng could change the topic to this. Should shepliment her man that he was really capable?

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng spent a fiery and passionate night. For everyone else, they had simrly rested well, except for a few.

    The children considered the May 17 long holidays to be days where they could indulge in fun and happiness.

    Even if the triplets were about to go to junior high school, Qiao Nan felt that there wasn¡¯t a need for them to be in a hurry for these seven days. When it was time for them to rx, they should rx. As such, even though Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t free to apany them, Zhai Sheng, who was coincidentally free and at home, brought the triplets out to y for three days.

    It was also within these three days that Qiao Nan bumped into Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who came knocking on her door.

    Qiao Nan drove to the entrance of the quad and saw Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who were stopped outside the door. Qiao Nan¡¯s face darkened. She honked the horn and captured Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s attention.

    Ding Jiayi, who was kicking up a fuss and didn¡¯t find her behavior to be rude and disgraceful, scolded when she heard the horn. ¡°Even if you¡¯re part of a cadre, you aren¡¯t any betterpared to us, ordinary citizens. We talk about equality now and should look at everyone through the same lenses. Isn¡¯t it just a car? In Ping Cheng, my son-inw has a car as well!¡±

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t afford a small car. However, the Zhou family had one. Ding Jiayi had even sat in Zhou Zheng¡¯s car a couple of times before.

    ¡°Mother.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face darkened. ¡°At this time, why are you mentioning that person?¡± Zhou Zheng¡¯s car was worth only a few dors. How was it like the cars which could drive in and out of here freely? One could afford a house in their hometown of Ping Cheng with any one of these cars.

    As a married woman who didn¡¯t have much dowry, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shone when she thought of the house. She heard that Qiao Nan was rich. She didn¡¯t want much. She only wanted Qiao Nan to give her a house. Ping Cheng was fine, but the best was in the capital!

    ¡°So be it.¡± Ding Jiayi snorted. At this time, she despised Zhou Zheng a little. Zhou Zheng wasn¡¯t her only son-inw. Between her two sons-inw, not only was Zhou Zheng the worst, but he also paled too much inparison to Zhai Sheng. Seeing the quad of the Zhai family and thinking about Zhou Zheng again, Ding Jiayi started to despise him.

    Based on the Zhou family¡¯s condition, they actually dared to hit Zijin. They were too gutsy.

    Honk! Honk!

    ¡°What are you honking for! Haven¡¯t we already made way?¡± Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who had already walked to the side, saw that the car behind didn¡¯t make a move. Instead, the driver was honking at them and seemed to be very angry.

 Chapter 1522 - Two-Faced

    <h4>Chapter 1522: Two-Faced</h4>

    Ding Jiayi replied impatiently, ¡°Don¡¯t think that I¡¯m good to bully just because I haven¡¯t entered yet. Let me tell you. My younger daughter lives here. My son-inw is the chief. My inw was the old chief of the army. If you dare to offend me, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll end up in a sorry state.¡±

    At the entrance of this quad, once Ding Jiayi thought of the Zhai family, she would be full of courage and confidence. She wasn¡¯t afraid of the rest of the people in there at all.

    Ding Jiayi knew that the people who lived here were ordinary cadres. Unless there were people who were willing to be the country¡¯s leaders, they basically were no match for her son-inw. One had to look at the master before hitting a dog. Furthermore, she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw.

    Qiao Zijin tugged at Ding Jiayi¡¯s shirt and said softly, ¡°Mom, it seems to be Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°What? That wretched¡ªno, it is Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi held back her words in time. Qiao Nan had married well and she was now sessful. She didn¡¯t dare to call her a wretched girl anymore. Ding Jiayi hurriedly looked over. Huh, it was really Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s you. Have you returned from work? Let¡¯s talk at home?¡±

    Qiao Nan opened the car door. ¡°Get in.¡±

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes shone and got into the car happily. See? She had said long ago that she had given birth to Qiao Nan and she was her daughter in this lifetime. Regardless of how she treated Qiao Nan in the past, Qiao Nan had to provide for her. Furthermore, there wasn¡¯t any overnight hatred between mother-and-daughter. The past had already passed.

    Qiao Nan had never visited her for so many years. She didn¡¯t even mind that she only gave her a small amount of living expenses. It was rare to have a magnanimous mother like her. Qiao Nan had to count her blessings.

    Qiao Zijin was surprised as well. She thought that based on Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior for the past few years, it was definitely impossible for her to bother with her and her mother, and the two of them had to work extremely hard to get into Qiao Nan¡¯s car and make her relent.

    Ding Jiayi sat in the passenger¡¯s seat. Qiao Zijin naturally sat in the backseat.

    ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand and blinked her eyes.

    Qiao Nan pulled at the seat belt in front of her chest. ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡±

    Ding Jiayi said in dissatisfaction, ¡°How do I fasten this? I don¡¯t know how to. Let¡¯s forget it. We¡¯re about to reach home anyway. Why do I have to fasten this? It looks ufortable.¡± When she was in Zhou Zheng¡¯s car, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have a chance to sit in the passenger¡¯s seat. She naturally didn¡¯te into contact with a seat belt.

    Looking at the strap in front of her chest, Ding Jiayi naturally felt that once this belt was fastened, it would definitely feel ufortable.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She unfastened her seat belt first, stood up, helped Ding Jiayi put on her seat belt, then returned to her position. After this was done, Qiao Nan backed up, turned the car around, and drove out of the quad.

    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, aren¡¯t you heading home? Where are you driving the car to? Where do you want to bring me to?¡± Ding Jiayi became anxious. This obviously wasn¡¯t the way to the quad. Qiao Nan shouldn¡¯t want to take her and Zijin out to the wilderness and abandon them there, right?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed as well. She couldn¡¯t help but position her hand on the car door. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t do anything foolish. Think of your identity now. Furthermore, this is the capital. If something happens to me and Mom, you won¡¯t be able to hold on to the minister¡¯s position for long. The Zhou family knows that we came to the capital this time. If I don¡¯t contact the Zhou family tonight, do you believe that they will call the police immediately? You can¡¯t run away.¡±

    Qiao Nan saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s pale face from the rearview mirror andughed coldly. ¡°Oh, you share such a good rtionship with the Zhou family, huh? I really couldn¡¯t tell. Did Zhou Zheng decide to forgive you for making a cuckold out of him? Did the Zhou family decide not to take this matter to heart? I really didn¡¯t expect Zhou Zheng to tolerate this. Your parents-inw aren¡¯t ordinary people as well. They are alright with you making a cuckold out of their son? Are they all ¡®Ninja Turtles¡¯?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t do anything illegal to the both of you and get myself into trouble. I¡¯m not that stupid.¡± Both of you weren¡¯t as valuable as me!

    Qiao Nan stopped the car in front of a tea house.

    Seeing that the ce Qiao Nan parked her car was extremely lively and crowded, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin felt safer. However, the mother-and-daughter pair still followed Qiao Nan closely. They were afraid that if it got too crowded and they didn¡¯t take notice, Qiao Nan would have left them behind there.

    ¡°I want a room.¡±

    ¡°Okay, please follow me.¡± The waiter brought the three of them to a room. ¡°Do you need any tea and snacks?¡±

    Qiao Nan picked up the menu, casually pointed to a pot of tea and some set snacks, and got the waiter to prepare them. ¡°Okay, say whatever you want now. Why did youe to the capital for no apparent reason? It shouldn¡¯t be for travel, right? Also, Qiao Zijin, if you can¡¯t continue your life now, don¡¯t burden others. Just get a divorce. It¡¯s cleaner that way.¡±

    Brother Zhai had said before that among the Zhou family, Mother Zhou was the most aware of current affairs and wouldn¡¯t do anything muddleheaded. As such, even though Father Zhou and Zhou Zheng might be more foolish, both of them listened to her words. At least, there wasn¡¯t a big mess in the Zhou family before Qiao Zijin married over.

    As to whether Mother Zhou could manage Qiao Zijin or not, that was another matter.

    It was proven that Zhai Sheng had a very urate eye for people. After all, Qiao Nan had led a peaceful life for many years¡ªat least until today, where she met Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, these two ¡®familiar faces¡¯ again.

    ¡°Divorce? What divorce? Who said anything about a divorce? Will Zhou Zheng bear to leave me?¡± Qiao Zijin felt guilty and wasn¡¯t willing to admit that she and Zhou Zheng were getting a divorce. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to hearsay. There¡¯s nothing. Zhou Zheng and I are well.¡±

    ¡°If you and Zhou Zheng shared such a good rtionship, would Zhou Zheng have caught you finding another man outside? Why do you think I would mention the divorce? I¡¯m not sure if you want to get a divorce or not. What I know is that the Zhou family doesn¡¯t want Zhou Zheng to continue spending his life with you.¡± She didn¡¯t stop the Zhou family from getting a divorce. ¡°Do you understand? It¡¯s the Zhou family who wants Zhou Zheng to get a divorce with you.¡±

    Upon mentioning Zhou Zheng, Ding Jiayi rubbed her lips tightly and didn¡¯t dare to say anything.

    ¡°What are you doing? Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m your sister. If not for me, would Zhou Zheng be your brother-inw? Aren¡¯t you helping the wrong person?¡± Qiao Zijin felt irritated at the mention of divorce. She initially did have some thoughts on this. However, she was now a little unwilling to get a divorce.

 Chapter 1523 - You Have to Provide For Me Too

    <h4>Chapter 1523: You Have to Provide For Me Too</h4>

    She always felt that Qiao Nan would definitely mock her if she were to get a divorce. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t decided if I¡¯ll get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°Whether you¡¯ve decided is between you and the Zhou family. I don¡¯t care.¡± Qiao Nan no longer mentioned Qiao Zijin and turned to look at Ding Jiayi. ¡°How about you?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by you or me? Who am I to you for you to address me like that? Where have your manners gone? You are a university graduate. Did your teacher teach you that?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed and she was upset. From the time they met, Qiao Nan had never even addressed her as ¡®mom¡¯. What did she mean? Was she disowning her?

    Dream on!

    Qiao Nanughed coldly. ¡°Excuse me. My teacher taught me quite well, but unfortunately, parents are ultimately the first teachers in their children¡¯s lives and also the most important ones. My mother gave birth to me but never taught me well, so please excuse me.¡± Qiao Nan was unconfident of being so impolite to anybody else but Ding Jiayi alone.

    Was this all not because of Ding Jiayi? ¡°If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave!¡± Ding Jiayi quickly stopped Qiao Nan. ¡°I have something to say. Of course I have something to say. Otherwise, do you think I¡¯m so free toe all the way to the capital to find you? You¡¯ve had your father here in the capital for quite a few years, haven¡¯t you? Your dad had you, but I was the one who carried you for ten months. I had it much harder than him. Now that you¡¯ve made it in life and could provide for your father, don¡¯t you think you should provide for your mom too?¡±

    ¡°So the thousand yuan that I give you every month doesn¡¯t count?¡± Qiao Nanughed out of anger. Since Qiao Nan was young, Ding Jiayi had always been a housewife. Because of the country¡¯spulsory nine-year education, she had studied for nine years without spending much money. At most, she only had to pay for her textbooks. Even with that, her mother had secretly sold all her books.

    When she entered high school, the two of them started to live separately. From then on, she had not eaten a single grain of rice cooked by Ding Jiayi.

    Her parents had not fulfilled their responsibilities as parents. It was good enough that she was willing to support them, yet she dared to say that the money she spent on Ding Jiayi was way more than what Ding Jiayi had ever spent on her.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a thousand yuan. What can I even do with that?¡± Ding Jiayimented insincerely. In a small city like Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi could actually lead afortable life with a thousand yuan and did not need to go out to work. ¡°Now that you¡¯re an important official, your future is bright and you don¡¯tck anything. Why can¡¯t you think about your biological mother and let me have a good life like you?¡±

    ¡°Oh, is the worlding to an end? Haven¡¯t you always said that the only one of your two children who can let you enjoy life is Qiao Zijin? If you want a good life, wait for your eldest daughter to be filial to you. She¡¯s already in her thirties. You¡¯ve been waiting for quite a long time. She should be able to let you live a good life soon. I¡¯m not going to get involved.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words were words of anger that she had suppressed for two whole lifetimes.

    She really did not understand. It was Ding Jiayi herself who said that only Qiao Zijin was a smart and obedient child who had an unbridled future. So between her and Qiao Zijin, only Qiao Zijin would be filial to Ding Jiayi and let her lead a good life.

    If that was the case, why had Ding Jiayi never taken a single cent from Qiao Zijin? Instead, she had always been asking Qiao Nan for money to take care of Qiao Zijin! While Qiao Zijin was still studying, Ding Jiayi had to provide for her. After Qiao Zijin got married and had children, Ding Jiayi was still providing for her through her sry.

    It had been two lifetimes. Every time this time came around, Qiao Nan was curious as to whether Ding Jiayi really felt that there was nothing wrong with the way she lived and the words she had just spoken.

    Ding Jiayi smiled. She had indeed said that before, and not just once. Rather, before she separated from Old Qiao, she had said this for several years in front of her two children. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. Why do you still take it to heart? What? Do you want to settle these old debts?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t intend on doing that.¡± Qiao Nan calmed down quickly. With her arms around her chest, she looked at Ding Jiayi with an attitude of rejection. ¡°I¡¯m just reminding you that it¡¯s good to have your own opinions, but when you¡¯re too idealistic and have such requests, I think you should change your target and ask someone else. It¡¯s best if you ask the daughter whom you think so highly of. I can¡¯t stand it. You looked down on me, and I almost couldn¡¯t study because of you. You gave birth to me, but after high school, we didn¡¯t even meet. I have nothing to do with you. At most, I¡¯ll just give you the most minimal support. As for all those high hopes and expectations, it¡¯s best you leave it to your beloved daughter to fulfill them.¡±

    The living expenses that she gave Ding Jiayi every month was slightly more than what an average worker earned monthly. She dared say that based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude toward her since she was young and the hostility between the two of them, she was already the best daughter that she could be. As for anything more, she was sorry that she could not and would never agree to them.

    Ding Jiayi restrained her anger, took a deep breath, and smiled forcefully. There was no other choice. The money was Qiao Nan¡¯s. If she did not coax Qiao Nan a little, even if Qiao Nan¡¯s pockets were overflowing with money, she would not get a dime. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t get upset. Wasn¡¯t that all in the past? You¡¯re a student from Peking University. Your sister graduated from a third-ss university. How can she be better off than you? Your mom can¡¯t count on your elder sister to provide for her retirement. I can only count on you. I was foolish in the past. Please don¡¯t take issue with that.¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her hand and dered bankruptcy patiently. ¡°All right. Just spit it out. I will do it if I should. If I shouldn¡¯t, don¡¯t even dream of it.¡±

    ¡°I want to stay here in the capital too. You have to provide for me.¡± Ding Jiayi chattered, finally exining her intentions.

    They were both the parents of this stupid girl, but why was it that Old Qiao could stay in the capital while she could only live in Ping Cheng? She lived in Ping Cheng in a house that was hers, so she did not have to pay for rent. The rent for Old Qiao¡¯s house in the capital was surely paid for by Qiao Nan. Old Qiao did not have so much money to do so.

    The thought of Qiao Dongliang spending more than her on his rent every month upset Ding Jiayi. If Qiao Dongliang could spend that much money, why couldn¡¯t she? She could only spend more than Qiao Dongliang, not any less. After all, she had carried Qiao Nan for ten months in her tummy.

    To give birth to this daughter, she had worked so much harder than Qiao Dongliang. But why was it that Qiao Dongliang was being treated better than she was?

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Nan bit the corner of her lip. She had expected this day toe. Ding Jiayi would never give up a good opportunity. Compared to the past life, Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper had already improved, seeing that she had been able to endure it for so long beforeing up from Ping Cheng. But even so, she was still as annoying.

 Chapter 1524 - Donâ€™t Play Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 1524: Don¡¯t y Anymore</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯ll rent the house for you and continue giving you a thousand yuan for your living expenses every month.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Things are so much more expensive in the capital aspared to Ping Cheng! A thousand isn¡¯t enough. I want two thousand.¡±

    ¡°Only a thousand.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°In Ping Cheng, a thousand yuan can give you a luxurious lifestyle that is better than the average working ss. You¡¯re clearer about that than I am. A thousand may not be as much in the capital as Ping Cheng, but for retirement, at least you won¡¯t go hungry. If you don¡¯t buy off-season and expensive vegetables, you can still eat nutritiously. As for clothing, I¡¯ll pay for new clothes every season.¡±

    Ding Jiayi only needed to take care of her meals with one thousand yuan.

    With Ding Jiayi¡¯s stingy nature, she would probably still be able to squeeze out some money to save in the bank.

    ¡°My advice to you is to lower your expectations. If you get on my nerves, we might just cut all ties. I have to remind you of this. I¡¯m not your only child. If you really want two thousand, that¡¯s all right. Only I have to provide for you? How about Qiao Zijin? We¡¯re both your daughters, so it¡¯s only right that your living expenses should be footed by the both of us.¡±

    When Qiao Nan was asked to provide for their retirement, she had never refused. And she did not even ask Qiao Zijin to chip in.

    There was no reason for Qiao Nan to be providing for her retirement alone, while Qiao Zijin did not. After all, they were both Ding Jiayi¡¯s children. If Ding Jiayi dared to say that she would ask for two thousand yuan from Qiao Zijin, in addition to the two thousand yuan from Qiao Nan, she would definitely be scolded to the grave.

    Even in the capital, the average worker¡¯s sry had not been high before 2010.

    If Ding Jiayi alone could receive a living allowance of four thousand yuan, then other children would never survive. Exceptional old people like Ding Jiayi were not all that umon. If biological parents were like that, then how about step-parents? In that case, everyone would learn from Ding Jiayi and open their mouths as wide as a lion.

    If that were really to happen, society would be in a mess.

    The only thing that Ding Jiayi had against Qiao Nan was that she had given birth to Qiao Nan. And for that, Qiao Nan had obligations toward her. She knew that she held the upper hand since it was part of societal expectations. Qiao Nan had no other choice.

    But if public opinions were to support Qiao Nan and turn against Ding Jiayi, then Ding Jiayi would not be able to continue ying this game. Then, she would not only lose her status but also be ridiculed by the public.

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi knew that a thousand yuan was Qiao Nan¡¯s limit. If she asked for any more, Qiao Nan would drag Qiao Zijin into this and divide her requested allowance by half. Then, the money that she got from Qiao Nan would be a thousand yuan less.

    Although Ding Jiayi had often said that Qiao Zijin would be sessful in the future, ever since Qiao Zijin graduated and found a job, she had never given Ding Jiayi a single cent. At most, she would buy some vegetables home. Ding Jiayi knew that it was almost impossible for her elder daughter to be ¡®filial¡¯ to her.

    So when it came to her living allowance, Ding Jiayi did not even include Qiao Zijin in her n.

    ¡°This is for normal living expenses. If you agree, then I¡¯ll continue giving you a thousand every month and go ahead with the n we talked about earlier. If you don¡¯t, then whatever amount you want, I¡¯ll split it in half with Qiao Zijin. If you expect too much, that¡¯s all right too. I¡¯ll just not give you anything. You can do whatever you want as long as you have confidence that you won¡¯t be the one getting into trouble instead of me.¡±

    She was in a sensitive position, and the person she married was rather special. Even if it was just to preserve the reputation of her husband¡¯s family, Qiao Nan had no choice but to give Ding Jiayi a thousand yuan a month.

 Chapter 1525 - I Canâ€™t Afford To Provide For You

    <h4>Chapter 1525: I Can¡¯t Afford To Provide For You</h4>

    Even if Ding Jiayi continued throwing her tantrum, Qiao Nan would still be able to discuss the matter calmly with a clear conscience.

    ¡°Okay, I agree!¡± Ding Jiayi was ungrateful, but she knew her limits. She was clear of the kind of decision that would be the most favorable for herself. She did not even dream of getting a single cent from Qiao Zijin, much less a living allowance of up to a few hundred yuan or even a thousand yuan.

    With such aparison, Ding Jiayi had no choice but to settle for the thousand yuan from Qiao Nan every month.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that we¡¯re in agreement. Next, we have to discuss what will happen if your or Dad¡¯s health deteriorates. You¡¯ve agreed to follow my n in ordinary times. As for anything else, I don¡¯t care what requests you make to Qiao Zijin. But if you or Dad falls sick, I¡¯ll split the costs equally with Qiao Zijin. This is non-negotiable.¡±

    Since they were young, Qiao Zijin had had it better than her. Of course, Qiao Zijin could not just enjoy all these benefits until their parents passed away. She was going to have to pay them back too. There¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch!

    ¡°This...¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to agree, but she knew that it would be costly if she were to be hospitalized. Qiao Nan had a decent job but relied mainly on her husband¡¯s family. Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan enjoyed many benefits, but as to whether her sry was high, Ding Jiayi was not too sure. Qiao Nan had given birth to three children, of which two were boys.

    Now, her most expensive expense was providing for the elderly and children. But raising children could not be considered to be a waste of money, unlike providing for the elderly. Other things aside, in recent years, Ding Jiayi had seen how much the Zhou family spent on sending Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter to this enrichment ss and that music lesson. The amount spent was heart-wrenching.

    It was expensive to raise just one child, much less the triplets of the Zhai family!

    Because Qiao Nan had to provide for two elderly people in addition to her three children, she would not even have anything left to save. If she fell sick, she did not want to die just because she could not afford treatment.

    It was not wise to ce such a burden entirely on Qiao Nan alone. If this crushed Qiao Nan, she would have to rely solely on Qiao Zijin. If that time came, it would be hard for her to survive, much less live afortable life.

    She thought about how she might even have to re-enter the workforce to support herself in her old age if she were to lose Qiao Nan. As such, Ding Jiayi was agreeable to Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion. ¡°Deal. We¡¯ll go ahead with what you said. In the future, if Old Qiao or I get sick, you¡¯ll split the expenses equally with Zijin.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin was upset. ¡°Qiao Nan is more than capable of taking care of it alone. Why do you have to pull me in?¡± If she had any spare cash, should she not be allowed to spend it on some more clothes or a handbag for herself?

    ¡°Of course I have to pull you into this. Are you not my daughter? Did I not raise you? Didn¡¯t your dad and I pay for all your expenses before you got married? Are you not nning on providing for me after I raised you for so many years?¡± Ding Jiayi was annoyed. She did not pin her hopes on her elder daughter to provide for her to live the high life, but if she were to fall ill, was her elder daughter really not going to help her out financially and just watch on by the sidelines and shed some tears?

    For Qiao Zijin, she had suffered so much. She and her husband had actually given up their outstanding younger daughter just for her elder daughter. Ding Jiayi, who had always seen Qiao Zijin through rose-tinted sses, finally held a slight grudge against Qiao Zijin.

    In the end, if it was not for her elder daughter, her perfect family would not havended in such a mess. She clearly had two daughters, but now, it seemed as though she had lost one of them, and the other was lost herself.

    As for all the things she had done in recent years, Ding Jiayi did not think about them. She felt that she had spent so much money and effort on Qiao Zijin. But if Qiao Zijin had just put in a bit more effort, she would not have needed to lower her pride ande begging Qiao Nan for mercy.

    Wasn¡¯t this all because Qiao Zijin had not made any effort in her life?

    She had not been good enough, and her sacrifices all these years had been for naught. In the end, when she fell sick, Qiao Zijin was unwilling to pay for her medical bills. This time, Ding Jiayi would be crazy to agree to Qiao Zijin¡¯s unreasonable demands.

    After all, a leopard never changes its spots. Selfish people will never be able to hide their true selves.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to provide for you, but don¡¯t you know the situation I¡¯m in?¡± In the capital, she still had to rely on her mother¡¯s connections to survive. She could not afford to ruffle Ding Jiayi¡¯s feathers now. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not that capable. After marrying Zhou Zheng, I stopped working.¡± After running away from the Zhou family, she had not returned for two months. In that time, she had spent almost all of her personal savings that she had worked hard to save.

    To use her money to cover half the cost of the two elderly people¡¯s hospitalization bills?

    What a joke! She could hardly provide for herself!

    ¡°So what do you want me to say about you?¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to knock Qiao Zijin¡¯s forehead with an iron bar. This was how Qiao Nan was treated in the past. ¡°The Zhou family is not that bad. You had a good job, but you suddenly quit. The Zhou family didn¡¯t even say anything about it and gave you an allowance every month. Where will you find such a good family? Since you don¡¯t work, it¡¯s as though your inws are paying your sry for nothing!¡±

    When she first got married to Old Qiao, Old Qiao had no choice but to hand over his entire sry to her. Old Qiao did not have the ability to give her a separate allowance. Whether it was then or now, it was difficult to find inws like the Zhou family.

    But even with such good inws, Qiao Zijin made such a great fuss that the Zhou family no longer wanted her as part of their family. Hearing Qiao Nan talk about how the Zhou family nned on getting Zhou Zheng to divorce Qiao Zijin made Ding Jiayi panic. But Qiao Zijin herself was extraordinarily calm, so much so that Ding Jiayi could not even bother being anxious on her behalf.

    If Ding Jiayi were in her ce and such good inws, she would never think of finding a lover outside and would dedicate herself to being the best daughter-inw. Even with Old Qiao¡¯s meager ie, she had never gone astray in their marriage.

    But Zijin was ungrateful, discontent, andmitted such acts.

    Since Qiao Zijin returned to the Qiao family and Ding Jiayi found out what Qiao Zijin had done, Ding Jiayi had been too embarrassed to leave the house to chat with others about their children. Her greatest fear was that her neighbors would ask why Qiao Zijin was staying at her parents¡¯ house for such a long time and did not seem to have any intention of returning to her inws¡¯ house. If Qiao Zijin was not returning, was the Zhou family not going to pick her up? Did Qiao Zijin not need to raise her daughter?

    Ding Jiayi knew that she alone would never be able to answer all these questions.

 Chapter 1526 - Not Having a Guilty Conscience

    <h4>Chapter 1526: Not Having a Guilty Conscience</h4>

    It was also because of this matter that Ding Jiayi started to have a huge opinion on Qiao Zijin now. It was either they didn¡¯t mention this matter, or if they did, Ding Jiayi would get anxious with Qiao Zijin and scold her a vixen for not living her life well.

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t say these words in front of me. You don¡¯t have other questions, right? If not, I¡¯ll rent a hotel room for you first. You¡¯ll stay there for a night. I¡¯ll find a house for you tomorrow and you can move in. As for you, Qiao Zijin, I¡¯ve said my words clearly just now. I need to provide for her, not you. You have to take care of yourself. Regardless of how big a fuss you kick, it will be useless. There¡¯s no reason for a younger sister to provide for an older sister. Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. I¡¯ll give you one thousand yuan every month. I won¡¯t care how you spend it or who you spend it on. However, if you don¡¯t have enough, don¡¯t bother asking me for more. Even if you do, I won¡¯t give it to you.¡±

    Qiao Nan was indeed afraid of how foolish Ding Jiayi would be if she spent time together with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin especially knew how to coax Ding Jiayi.

    Not willing to condone this mother-daughter pair anymore, Qiao Nan gave Ding Jiayi a heads-up. If Ding Jiayi dared to squander all the money on Qiao Zijin, she wouldn¡¯t give her any additional money.

    Children were meant to support their parents. The problem was some parents loved to spendvishly and on things that were not within their means. It was impossible for children to sell their flesh and blood just to satisfy their parents¡¯ excessive consumption.

    On this point, Qiao Nan had always held on to a viewpoint. She could let Ding Jiayi enjoy all the good food, drinks, and clothes. However, that was all. If Ding Jiayi wanted to live an extravagant life where she could spendvishly, then apologies. Unless Qiao Zijin could provide it, she would never be able to achieve this.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± After saying her words, Qiao Nan paid for the tea and snacks and led Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to rent a hotel room.

    Ding Jiayi looked at the snacks on the table reluctantly. Money was spent on these. They didn¡¯t eat much and it was simply a waste. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t hold back and grabbed some of them in her hands.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to do so as well. However, when she was in Ping Cheng, she had consumed at such ces before as well. She wasn¡¯t willing to do the same as Ding Jiayi and held back. However, when she saw the bill, she was speechless. This was indeed the capital. The price of a sip of tea here was twice or thrice that of Ping Cheng.

    However, Qiao Nan had hardly touched the expensive tea and snacks. Under such circumstances, Qiao Nan was still willing to pay and just leave without eating anything. What did this show? This showed that Qiao Nan¡¯s conditions had really improved and she was leading a much better life than her.

    If it were Qiao Nan from ten years before, how would she let these go to waste?

    Could it be that a diplomat in the central government earned a high sry? Indeed, being supported by the government was good. The Zhou family didn¡¯t even lead such an easy life like Qiao Nan, let alone her.

    Qiao Zijin found it a pity that she couldn¡¯t bask in the glory of Qiao Nan¡¯s sess. Even her mother stood at the peak of human rtions. However, the Qiao Nan today was really too smart. Her words had shut all their paths out.

    She understood that aside from providing their mother with food and clothes, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t make up for anything else and let her lead the life of a rich man¡¯s wife. There was a limit to the amount of money she would provide, and her mother wouldn¡¯t have any excess cash. How was she going to find a way to coax the money out of her mother so that it became hers?

    Only then did Qiao Zijin develop the thought of wanting Qiao Nan to buy a house for her.

    Who knew that they hadn¡¯t met for a few years and Qiao Nan had be stingier than before, leaving Qiao Zijin little room to express her thoughts? She had no choice but to fall into an extremely passive state.

    Qiao Zijin sighed. Qiao Nan was better-looking and had a smarter brain. Why was it that she was luckier than her as well and managed to marry such a formidable husband like Zhai Sheng? If one calcted it, Qiao Nan had upied all the favorable climatic, geographical, and human conditions.

    This world was really unfair. She had waited for over ten years for Qiao Nan¡¯s luck to be down. Instead, she saw Qiao Nan living a better life day by day. Qiao Nan had already reached the stage where her neck would be sore if she looked up at her.

    How good it would be if she was Qiao Nan or if these good things happened to her. If Zhou Zheng was as outstanding as Zhai Sheng, would she resort to being charmed by other men outside? The man outside was much better than Zhou Zheng, and she felt happier only when she was with him.

    Nobody knew what Qiao Zijin was thinking about.

    After Qiao Zijin recovered herself, Qiao Nan had already sent her and Ding Jiayi to the entrance of the hotel. Qiao Nan booked a twin bedroom for them. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow at twelve. Remember what I said. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t tell you this beforehand. It has been over ten years. You should understand how firm my attitude is, right?¡±

    ¡°I know, I know! I really don¡¯t know if I¡¯m your mother, or you¡¯re my mother. How fierce.¡± Ding Jiayi was angry, but she knew she had to rely on Qiao Nan for a living. Shepletely didn¡¯t dare to yell at and scold Qiao Nan like before.

    If Ding Jiayi really infuriated Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi knew that the unlucky one in the end would be her. By then, Qiao Nan would ignore her, and Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be willing to provide for her.

    Miao Jing had been waiting for Qiao Nan. Seeing that she finally return home, she asked strangely, ¡°Why are you back sote today? Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°My mother brought Qiao Zijin over.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face changed. ¡°I know this, but I didn¡¯t let them in.¡± Bad things were bound to happen if they came knocking on the door. If not for their family¡¯s rtionship with the Zhou family, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have been qualified to marry over to the Zhou family.

    Who would have thought that Qiao Zijin was so shameless and didn¡¯t count her blessings after marrying into the Zhou family? She even had an affair. Miao Jing was relieved not only once that although Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were born to the same mother, Qiao Nan was nothing like Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise, whoever had a daughter-inw like Qiao Zijin would really cry to their death.

    It was more or less rted to their family that the Zhou family would have Qiao Zijin as a daughter-inw. As such, Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng said to give the Zhou family some benefits as a form ofpensation.

    The Zhou family had given face and didn¡¯t spread the word of Qiao Zijin doing such a shameless thing. However, Qiao Zijin was unwilling to relent and even stayed at the Qiao family¡¯s house for two months.

 Chapter 1527 - Who Was Pettier?

    <h4>Chapter 1527: Who Was Pettier?</h4>

    Qiao Zijin looked as if she would never return to the Zhou family if they didn¡¯t send someone over to bow down and admit their mistake.

    In short, this wasn¡¯t something a person should do!

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Qiao Nan had guessed that if the Zhai family hadn¡¯t said anything, the people at the door wouldn¡¯t dare to block Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin off after hearing that they were the inws of the Zhai family, as if they were not afraid of the consequences.

    ¡°Then, what happened?¡± Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were not the kind of people who were willing to give up. It was more or less rted to these two women that Nan Nan was back homete today.

    Qiao Nan changed her shoes, washed her hands, brought the dishes to the table, and shouted for Zhai Yaohui to have the meal together. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I booked a room for them. The main reason why my mother came to the capital is the same as my father, which is for me to provide them a living. I¡¯ll provide her a ce to live in. The rest would be like back when I was in Ping Cheng. I would give her living expenses of a thousand yuan each month. Qiao Zijin has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t have to provide for her. I¡¯ve already exined the situation to my mother and she should know what to do, so I¡¯ll let her be.¡±

    It was alright since she had already fulfilled all her obligations.

    Coincidentally, Zhai Yaohui heard these words and nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Based on our family¡¯s situation now, what Nan Nan did was right. Parents always have their good reasons. Based on the fact that she gave birth to Nan Nan alone, Nan Nan is bound to be at a loss.¡± Nan Nan needed to let Ding Jiayi understand her situation so that her behavior would be restrained and she wouldn¡¯t act as if it waswless.

    It was already considered easy to talk to for parents like Ding Jiayi who wanted to eat, drink, and live well. Zhai Yaohui had seen a number of examples whereby overly demanding requests were made. Based on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s definition, Ding Jiayi was just considered a little evil person.

    If she was a real evil person, no matter how good Qiao Nan was, Zhai Yaohui wouldn¡¯t have dared to let Qiao Nan be their daughter-inw.

    Miao Jing was a little dissatisfied but she couldn¡¯t undo Qiao Nan¡¯s decision. Zhai Yaohui was agreeable with what Qiao Nan did as well. ¡°It¡¯s two votes against my vote. What else can I say? How good it is to be a parent like Ding Jiayi. No wonder she insisted on giving birth to a second child back then even when Qiao Dongliang was at risk of losing his position in the army.¡±

    In a certain sense, Ding Jiayi had given birth to a great second child, Nan Nan.

    Based on the current situation, with regards to providing for Ding Jiayi, aside from counting on Nan Nan, there wasn¡¯t a second possibility. If Qiao Zijin could cause less trouble to Ding Jiayi so that she could enjoy herter years, it would be considered that she didn¡¯t let Ding Jiayi down.

    Like mother, like daughter. Nan Nan had to pay off her debt as Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. Ding Jiayi had to pay off her debt as Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother!

    Every bite and every sip was preordained. God wasn¡¯t foolish as it had arranged for Qiao Zijin, who was a big trouble, to be Ding Jiayi¡¯s precious eldest daughter.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s eat.¡± Zhai Yaohui was quite satisfied as to how Qiao Nan handled this. Although this matter was handled well, Zhai Yaohui knew that regardless of how well she had handled it, Qiao Nan would have been exhausted to face Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who had unique identities.

    His son and grandchildren weren¡¯t at home and they wouldn¡¯t be able to ease out Qiao Nan¡¯s anxiety. As the father-inw, he wasn¡¯t in a position to say anything. As for Miao Miao... Zhai Yaohui smiled. If Miao Miao could trouble Qiao Nan less, that would be considered not bad as well.

    As such, they had to finish this meal quickly so that Qiao Nan could return to her room early and rest. After recuperating, she could cope with Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi better tomorrow.

    ¡°Why are you up so early?¡± Qiao Zijin slept pretty well in the hotel room. When she woke up, she saw that Ding Jiayi was already dressed well and sitting by the bed for a while. ¡°What time is it now? Have you ordered some food? I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes at Qiao Zijin. ¡°If you¡¯re hungry, go and order some food yourself. Also, don¡¯t forget to pay for it afterward.¡± She took a look just now. Any casual item ordered would be expensive. Breakfast in the hotel could cost the same as a whole day¡¯s meal in Ping Cheng.

    Ding Jiayi knew that if she really ordered breakfast, she couldn¡¯t just order her share. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t go hungry. It was just that Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t bear to pay for a person¡¯s breakfast. If she were to pay for two people¡¯s share, wasn¡¯t that digging into Ding Jiayi¡¯s flesh?

    ¡°If you¡¯re really hungry, let¡¯s do this. I boiled some water. You can drink more water to fill your stomach. Qiao Nan will pick us up in the afternoon and might even treat us to lunch. You can eat to your fill then. If we don¡¯t have this meal, I¡¯ll go to the market to buy some ingredients and make some food for us.¡± No matter what, it would be more worth it than ordering something in the hotel.

    ¡°Mom, aren¡¯t you a little too stingy?¡± Qiao Zijin was dissatisfied. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that every time Qiao Nan gives you 1,000 yuan monthly, you would spend at most 200 or 300 yuan in Ping Cheng. It has been a few years, so you should have saved 40,000 to 50,000 yuan, no? You can¡¯t even bear to spend on breakfast. That¡¯s too stingy. I¡¯m your biological daughter. Do you want me to starve to death?¡±

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. She didn¡¯t expect her eldest daughter to know so clearly how much she had saved when Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even know. ¡°Do you still remember that I¡¯m your mother? You¡¯re already married and over thirty years old now. You¡¯re a mother as well. Qiao Nan knows how to give me living allowance every month. Why don¡¯t you give me a little as well? At this point in time, shouldn¡¯t it be you buying food for me? You still want me to fork out the money?¡±

    Qiao Zijin slept especially well. Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t used to sleeping in a foreign environment. Since she couldn¡¯t fall asleep despite lying on the bed, she kept thinking about whether Qiao Nan was serious about what she said to herself during the day. What was she going to do to lead a better life?

    Thinking of the past few years, aside from giving her living allowance, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t keep in contact with her at all. It was as if they were unrted. She had no choice but to believe that what Qiao Nan said was true.

    Even if she had over 40,000 yuan of savings in her hands, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t feel at ease. This sum of money was equivalent to her coffin money. Unless it was ast resort, she would definitely not touch the money in this ount.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t even bear to spend the money on herself, so how could she be willing to spend it on Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Stingy. I¡¯ve called you mom for over thirty years, yet you can¡¯t even bear to buy me breakfast. Mom, are you still my mother?¡± Qiao Zijin was unhappy.

    ¡°I¡¯ve provided for you for over thirty years. I don¡¯t see you giving back to me either. I¡¯m also thinking if I¡¯m raising a daughter or an ancestor!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath.

 Chapter 1528 - A Slap

    <h4>Chapter 1528: A p</h4>

    Her mother wasn¡¯t as easy to coax as before. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. I wanted breakfast not because I was hungry. I was just worried you¡¯re hungry. At your age, you should be enjoying life. Of course, you shouldn¡¯t go hungry. If you fall ill, I¡¯ll feel heartache. Furthermore, how expensive could a breakfast cost? Even if it was expensive, would it be more expensive than your health? If my conditions were as good as Qiao Nan¡¯s, I would have considered these a long time ago. I¡¯d guarantee that there¡¯s a good breakfast in front of you every time you woke up. You have to know that your health is more important to me than anything else.¡±

    ¡°What is money? If you spend it, you can always earn it back. Mom, if your health¡¯s gone, it¡¯s really gone. Mom, you have been hungry until now. Does your stomach feel ufortable?¡± Qiao Zijin sat next to Ding Jiayi and leaned on her body as if spineless.

    When Qiao Zijin was young, Ding Jiayi thought that her daughter was pouting when she did this. However, she was a mother now as well. When Qiao Zijin did this again, Ding Jiayi felt weird. Furthermore, when Qiao Zijin did this when she was young, it wasn¡¯t like that.

    Ding Jiayi felt ufortable and sat to the side. ¡°Sit properly. Why are you going all limp on me as if spineless? Why? Did the bones in your body end up in my stomach when I gave birth to you back then? Also, you weren¡¯t like this when you were young. Where did you learn such things from? Why are you acting like the vixens on TV?¡±

    How would Ding Jiayi have thought that Qiao Zijin had self-learned these and used them on men all along? It was rare that Qiao Zijin wanted to seriously coax Ding Jiayi today. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have seen this side of Qiao Zijin.

    It was just that when Qiao Zijin did this, she seemed to have forgotten something. Not only was this person before her a female, but she was also her biological mother. She wasn¡¯t the type of easy-going man she hade into contact with before.

    When a simr method was used on different subjects, it was obvious that the effect would be very different.

    As long as Qiao Zijin revealed this soft and charming side to her, even Zhou Zheng would be willing to give Qiao Zijin a little more living allowance when they were in Ping Cheng. It was needless to say for other men.

    However, Qiao Zijin had used this method on her own biological mother today. Not only did Ding Jiayi feel that she wasn¡¯t coaxed, but she even felt ufortable all over as if a hundred ants were crawling and biting her body. As such, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t get a breakfast out of Ding Jiayi, let alone some money.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re finally here. You don¡¯t know how hungry Mom has been. Before taking a look at the house, bring me and Mom for a meal.¡± Once Qiao Nan appeared in the afternoon, Qiao Zijin entered the car first and asked for a meal without another word.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any reaction to Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. She only looked at Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face flushed red. She said softly, ¡°Yes, we have been waiting for you. We haven¡¯t eaten yet and are hungry now.¡± Ding Jiayi found it a little unbearable that they didn¡¯t have a good breakfast. Now that it was time for lunch, Ding Jiayi was extremely hungry.

    ¡°Eat!¡± Qiao Nanughed coldly and handed over the rice box in her hands to Ding Jiayi. ¡°That was right as well. With me around, you would be so stingy that you wouldn¡¯t bear to spend on a meal. Forget it that you couldn¡¯t bear to eat, but since when couldn¡¯t you bear to spend on your precious eldest daughter as well? I didn¡¯t expect this at all.¡±

    In the past, Ding Jiayi would rather not eat than to let Qiao Zijin starve.

    She heard that the stomach of Qiao Zijin, who was sitting in the backseat, was indeed growling. Qiao Nan was surprised. Even if Ding Jiayi was unwilling to, Qiao Zijin would have used all ways to fill her stomach. It was precisely because of that that Qiao Nan only prepared a lunch box for Ding Jiayi.

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered to bring Ding Jiayi to eat at another ce. A meal wouldn¡¯t be cheap as well. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t very willing to spend on Ding Jiayi. Furthermore, she was going to help Ding Jiayi rent a house today. That was another huge sum of money.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t answer Qiao Nan. She knew that if it were in the past, she would really have done that. However, she only wanted to fill her stomach first now.

    The scent of the lunch box was very strong.

    Once Ding Jiayi opened the lunch box, she started to eat at an rming speed. In the blink of an eye, half of the white rice was already in Ding Jiayi¡¯s stomach. Qiao Nan casually handed over an unopened bottle of mineral water in the car to Ding Jiayi. She didn¡¯t want Ding Jiayi to choke on her food while eating in her car. She would have to send her to the hospital then.

    A full box of rice went down her stomach. Ding Jiayi gave afortable burp and looked satisfied. ¡°It feels good to be full.¡± After drinking a few sips of water, Ding Jiayi felt that such a life was pretty good.

    ¡°Me. What about me?¡± Qiao Zijin was anxious. She was still hungry.

    ¡°Yours? I didn¡¯t prepare it.¡± Qiao Nan turned the steering wheel and into themunity. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ve reached. Get down.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ding Jiayi, who had finished eating, had no opinion on Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement. Looking at the towering building, Ding Jiayi was thrilled. ¡°You rented a house for me here. I¡¯ll stay here in the future, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± With the key in her hands, Qiao Nan walked in front and pressed for the lift. She got Ding Jiayi to remember the unit number well. ¡°Remember where you live in the future. Don¡¯t forget how toe back home after heading out.¡±

    In a ce like the capital, it was already generous of Qiao Nan to provide a bedroom and a living room for Ding Jiayi alone, as this was equivalent to a small suite where an average family of three could live in. She had done what she could. Qiao Nan would definitely not let anyone have something to attack her with over such a small matter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not senile. I will definitely remember it.¡± In Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi had never seen such a house before. There were even elevators. Ding Jiayi was happy. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that among the people in the northern quad, only I have the blessing to live in such a good house. Is this the one? Let¡¯s take a look quickly!¡±

    Qiao Nan opened the door. Ding Jiayi entered. Initially, she was still smiling. Then, she frowned. ¡°This looks not bad. However, isn¡¯t it a little too small? It¡¯s only half of our house at the very most.¡± It looked like a bird¡¯s nest.

    Qiao Nan sat down and looked at Ding Jiayi. ¡°If the Qiao family¡¯s house is rented out, the monthly rental is only a hundred yuan, right?¡±

    ¡°...¡± It was less than a hundred.

    ¡°The rent here is five times that in Ping Cheng.¡± Qiao Nan reached out a palm as if wanting to p Ding Jiayi to her death.

 Chapter 1529 - Learning by Example

    <h4>Chapter 1529: Learning by Example</h4>

    The expensive rent was already half a month of Ding Jiayi¡¯s living allowance. ¡°Don¡¯tpare Ping Cheng with the capital. I¡¯ve said before that with the same 1,000 yuan living allowance, the quality of life you had in Ping Cheng couldn¡¯t bepared to the capital at all.¡±

    ¡°Five, five times?¡± Ding Jiayi waspletely speechless. She had only worked a few years in her life when she just got a divorce with Qiao Dongliang and needed to provide for Qiao Zijin¡¯s education. After that, she returned to her home and led a casual life, especially since the year Qiao Nan started to provide her living allowance.

    Ding Jiayi, who had little work experience, knew that if she didn¡¯t have Qiao Nan as a daughter, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to afford such a house in the capital even if she worked herself. The monthly rent was more than five hundred yuan. When she had worked in the past, she only earned at most two to three hundred yuan a month.

    In other words, she couldn¡¯t even afford the monthly rent with her sry, let alone food and drinks.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re clear. If there are no other questions, I¡¯ll give you this month¡¯s living allowance now in your face. I don¡¯t have to care about you anymore, right?¡± Qiao Nan ced a thousand yuan in cash on the table, handing it to Ding Jiayi. After doing this, Qiao Nan prepared to leave.

    Qiao Nan hadpletely neglected Qiao Zijin, who was sizing up the house. It was as if she didn¡¯t see her at all.

    After sizing up the house, Qiao Zijin looked at the money on the table and her eyes shone. ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to say that she was a bit cash-strapped recently and if she could lend her the one thousand yuan first. She would return itter.

    It was a pity there was no rtionship to talk about in front of money. Ding Jiayi was a step faster than Qiao Zijin and kept the money. ¡°Okay. I have received this month¡¯s living allowance. I won¡¯t ask you for more.¡±

    In Ping Cheng, she could save most of her money in a month. It was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to save so much from the one thousand yuan after being in the capital.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t let Qiao Zijin touch the money she had saved in the past. This one thousand yuan was more important to Ding Jiayi now, and it was even less likely that she would let Qiao Zijin touch it. ¡°All is good. You can head back. You¡¯re so busy at work. I don¡¯t want to disturb you. However, can I ask where your father is staying at? Is he in thismunity as well? Actually...¡±

    Even if she got a divorce with Old Qiao, they were still husband and wife initially. They could talk about patching backter. Rather than letting Qiao Nan rent two houses, why didn¡¯t she live with Old Qiao so that Qiao Nan could still save the rent of a house? If she stayed with Old Qiao, Qiao Nan should be able to provide them with a bigger house instead, right?

    She was used to staying in bigger spaces. Ding Jiayi felt a little suffocated for having to stay in such a small ce suddenly.

    ¡°Dad doesn¡¯t know you are here. This is his number. If you can¡¯t wait, you can contact him first.¡± Other than this, she didn¡¯t meddle in any of his other affairs.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Ding Jiayi grabbed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s number in her hands once again and didn¡¯t let Qiao Zijin take a look. She was worried that if Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t able to get any money from her, she would use this number to contact Qiao Dongliang and try all kinds of methods to coax Qiao Dongliang to hand over his money to her.

    It wasn¡¯t only the money in her hands. Even the money in Old Qiao¡¯s hands shouldn¡¯t be given to Zijin anymore.

    Qiao Zijin was already in her thirties, but she had never received a dime of Qiao Zijin¡¯s filial piety. Instead, when Qiao Zijin stayed with her for the past two months, she had paid for all her expenses. In these two months, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t even have the thought to provide some form of living allowance to her. The more Qiao Zijin was like this, the more Ding Jiayi became concerned about money.

    She had to have her meals. It was nothing to spare some food for Qiao Zijin. After all, she had given birth to her. However, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t that generous to give her own money to Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise, based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, Qiao Zijin would have long coaxed the money out of Ding Jiayi to buy a house.

    Not only did Ding Jiayi keep a tight rein on her money, but she also did the same to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s money. She understood that in their family of four, only Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart was the coldest and hardest. If something happened in the future and she needed money, Qiao Nan would fork out half the amount, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be willing to take any out, and Qiao Dongliang would definitely not look on if he knew her situation.

    To put it bluntly, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t afraid that Qiao Dongliang would be coaxed by Qiao Zijin to give her money. She was worried that if she needed it, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s money would have been used up by Qiao Zijin and he couldn¡¯t give any to her.

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s money was no different from hers. Thus, she had to take care of both aspects and not give Qiao Zijin any opportunity to take advantage of them.

    Qiao Zijin was angered by how Ding Jiayi was guarding against her like she was against a thief. Didn¡¯t they say that older people were more confused? Why did she feel that her mother was getting smarter?

    When she was young, it was pretty easy to coax her mother. In recent years, aside from eating and drinking at her mother¡¯s ce, she didn¡¯t receive a single cent from her before. How stingy. She really didn¡¯t understand. Her mother didn¡¯t earn this money. Qiao Nan had given it to her. She was taking advantage of Qiao Nan. On what basis that only her mother could take advantage of her but she couldn¡¯t?!

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m leaving. When we came over, I¡¯ve already pointed to you the direction of the market. I¡¯ll let you decide what to do next.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even look at Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi as theypeted. She picked up her bag and left.

    Qiao Zijin stomped her feet and chased after Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, I would like to discuss something with you. I left in a hurry this time around and I¡¯m about to finish spending all my money. Can I borrow some from you? I don¡¯t need too much. Just a few thousands will do. I¡¯ll have money when I¡¯m back and I¡¯ll return it to you. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan rejected. ¡°Number one, you don¡¯t have a job. Number two, Zhou Zheng is about to get a divorce with you. Once you divorce, you will only get a small living allowance from Zhou Zheng. You¡¯re borrowing money from me? How are you going to return it to me? You¡¯re not borrowing money here. You¡¯re demanding it. Don¡¯t treat yourself as a high-ss beggar. Also, don¡¯t think people¡¯s money, especially my money,e easily.¡±

    After rejecting Qiao Zijin mercilessly, Qiao Nan left satisfied. She returned to the ministry and continued the work on her hands.

    Li Dawei looked at the clock in the office. ¡°Minister Qiao took a longer lunch break today. It¡¯s half an hourter than usual.¡± As the minister, was it good to take the lead in beingte and leaving early? Could they learn by example in the future?

 Chapter 1530 - Deng Wenchang, Are You Willing to Accept This?

    <h4>Chapter 1530: Deng Wenchang, Are You Willing to ept This?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon hearing Li Dawei¡¯s words, Deng Wenchang looked up and sneered. ¡°Some people shouldn¡¯t think so much. It¡¯s best to understand where he or she stands. Making things difficult for her? Why don¡¯t you think who would be easier to make things difficult for? Don¡¯t force her to that. Otherwise, if something really happens, don¡¯t cry.¡±

    Li Dawei was more serious than Xu Xinming. After he was willing to work harder, He Yi agreed to give Li Dawei another chance. After Qiao Nan got promoted, she didn¡¯t find Li Dawei trouble. However, this didn¡¯t mean that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have ways to find trouble for Li Dawei.

    If Li Dawei couldn¡¯t understand this, he would be reunited with Xu Xinming and be close colleagues with him sooner orter. It was just that no one knew if their working rtionship this time would be as good as when it was five or six years ago.

    Li Dawei¡¯s face changed. ¡°Deng Wenchang, don¡¯t you find yourself strange? Besides, are you willing to let this person suppress you?¡± Didn¡¯t they say that Deng Wenchang was the first to eye the minister¡¯s position? The old minister had some friendship with the Deng family, but Qiao Nan had appeared out of nowhere and snatched that position away. He didn¡¯t believe that Deng Wenchang wasn¡¯t angry at all.

    But Deng Wenchang didn¡¯t help him when he was trying to make things difficult for Qiao Nan. Why was he siding Qiao Nan with his words?

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be unwilling about?¡± Deng Wenchangughed with ridicule. ¡°Li Dawei, do you think that it¡¯s better for Qiao Nan or yourself to be the minister? Between the two of you, who do you think I will submit to?¡± He knew what Li Dawei was up to. Li Dawei wanted to get rid of Qiao Nan and then take the position of the minister himself.

    In the face of Li Dawei¡¯s naive thoughts, Deng Wenchang couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I feel that it¡¯s better for Qiao Nan to sit in that position rather than someone else. Regardless, Qiao Nan is capable and has a formidable parent-inw family. If something happens to the ministry, her parents-inw can help solve the problem. You? What do you have for me to recognize you?¡±

    Don¡¯t tell him that Li Dawei was only capable of resisting. As long as Li Dawei sent Qiao Nan on a mission and let her y aplete role there, any problem that the ministry faced could be resolved.

    When Li Dawei¡¯s face changed, Deng Wenchangughed absurdly. ¡°Did you really think that way? Did you see yourself as an ancient emperor? Such things only happen in movies. As the leader of a department, how can you not have sufficient capabilities to convince others? If you only want to resist, you have to see if the other party is willing to listen to you. Fool.¡± The position of a minister wasn¡¯t omnipotent. He or she couldn¡¯t order the masses around and choose to execute someone if he or she wasn¡¯tpliant.

    Did he really think that it was so easy to be a minister of foreign affairs? Would words do?

    Deng Wenchang had to say that Li Dawei¡¯s mindset was really stupid. If such a person really became the minister, the country¡¯s face would be thrown. Once he thought of that ¡®beautiful¡¯ image, Deng Wenchang closed his eyes so that he could feel slightly morefortable.

    After being ridiculed by Deng Wenchang, Li Dawei felt both angry and embarrassed. He lowered his head and didn¡¯t say anything else to Deng Wenchang. He was worried that if he continued chatting with Deng Wenchang, he would be so angry that he burst a blood vessel. He didn¡¯t believe that he, Li Dawei, couldn¡¯t do something that Qiao Nan, a woman, could do.

    It was Deng Wenchang¡¯s problem that he admitted defeat. He would never be willing to be suppressed by a woman.

    Impossible? The more something was impossible, the more he wanted to try. When he seeded in pulling Qiao Nan off this position and pulling himself up, he wanted to see if Deng Wenchang dared to say these words like he did today to agitate him.

    To put it bluntly, Deng Wenchang would suck up to whoever was the minister. He really didn¡¯t have any backbone at all. If he had known that Deng Wenchang was such a person, he wouldn¡¯t have formed an alliance with Deng Wenchang and lowered his identity and style in vain.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that her beingte for half an hour as she was settling Ding Jiayi down had caused a small farce to happen between Deng Wenchang and Li Dawei.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin hade to the capital. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure when Qiao Zijin would be leaving, or if she would be leaving, but at least, she told her father about Ding Jiayi. ¡°Dad, this was what happened. Mom is here. She also asked me about you. I gave her your cell phone number. What happens after that, you can decide on your own.¡± She wasn¡¯t going to stop him.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temples throbbed. ¡°Did they cause you trouble again? Haven¡¯t you been giving your mother a thousand yuan of living allowance every month? Based on her character, she should have saved quite a bit over the years, right? Why did she have toe over to the capital if her life¡¯s good? Did she cause you trouble?!¡±

    His biggest mistake in this lifetime wasn¡¯t marrying Ding Jiayi. It was after marrying Ding Jiayi, he didn¡¯t realize what kind of person she was. Not to mention that Ding Jiayi had raised his two daughters up as such, but the older she got, the more foolish she became and the more trouble she caused.

    If he had known about Ding Jiayi¡¯s character when he was young, even if he didn¡¯t hit women, he would have used means to keep Ding Jiayi in check. Now that he was old, he didn¡¯t have the bad temper he had when he was younger. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi would only have to suffer.

    ¡°She wanted to stay in the capital, so I rented a house for her. The rest is the same as when she was in Ping Cheng. She hasn¡¯t caused me trouble yet. I¡¯m letting you know about this as I hope you¡¯ll have an idea about the situation.¡±

    ¡°Okay. As long as she doesn¡¯t cause you any trouble, the rest isn¡¯t important.¡± Especially the broken rtionship he had with Ding Jiayi. They had already gotten a divorce. What more was there to talk about? ¡°Nan Nan, if anything happens, remember to let me know. I¡¯ll help you.¡± Even if they were already divorced, if Ding Jiayi went too overboard, he would have to help Nan Nan.

    Ding Jiayi was Nan Nan¡¯s mother. He was still Nan Nan¡¯s father!

    With him around, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need to think about bullying Nan Nan alone, like she used to.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect Qiao Dongliang to help her. However, she thought that it was good that he had the heart to.

    ¡°Oh, right, the house you helped your mother find is your own?¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that after Elder Lin was gone, Qiao Nan obtained quite a number of things. These included many properties Elder Lin left behind for her. Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t ask how many valuable things Qiao Nan had in her hands, but he could imagine that this amount of wealth was something that he couldn¡¯t earn even half of it in his ten lifetimes.

    His daughter was rich. Qiao Dongliang was naturally happy for Qiao Nan. He could be truly at ease only if Qiao Nan led a good life.

 Chapter 1531 - This Divorce Had Better Proceed Quickly

    <h4>Chapter 1531: This Divorce Had Better Proceed Quickly</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No, I found someone to rent that house for me. It¡¯s got nothing to do with me.¡± Her master had indeed left many houses for her in the capital, but she would never let Ding Jiayi live in any of those houses.

    Qiao Dongliang initially felt that Qiao Nan was wasting her money by doing that. Qiao Nan herself would never live in those houses that Old Lin left to her. Since that was the case, why would she waste money renting someone else¡¯s house while leaving her own empty?

    But when Qiao Dongliang thought about it carefully, he finally understood Qiao Nan¡¯s intention. ¡°That¡¯s true. Anyway, it¡¯s not the time to be stingy about this sum of money. You¡¯ll save a lot of trouble by renting someone else¡¯s house. That¡¯s a good n.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi found out that she was staying in Nan Nan¡¯s house, it might really just end up in her hands in the end. Ding Jiayi might just refuse to leave and just live in the house forever, thinking that the house should belong to her since it belonged to Qiao Nan.

    With such thoughts, along with Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang could see how such an expensive property would eventually end up in the hands of Qiao Zijin through Ding Jiayi.

    In summary, there was no other advantage to allowing Ding Jiayi to stay in her own house, other than saving on that little bit of rent. Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan had to fork out a substantial sum every month to pay for her rent. Knowing Ding Jiayi, she would definitely try to get on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side and act carefully.

    Living in someone else¡¯s house, Ding Jiayi would not be so irresponsible as to make a mess in the house. But if it were her own house, Ding Jiayi might not only make a mess but might even make holes in the wall.

    With such an understanding, Qiao Dongliang naturally agreed with Qiao Nan¡¯s n and thought that such an arrangement was for the best and the most worry-free.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan responded with a word, not denying it at all. The reason why she was willing to spend that extra five hundred dors on renting a house for Ding Jiayi was indeed to prevent Ding Jiayi from iming her apartment as her own and then passing it on to Qiao Zijin.

    She did not have to think about being nice to people like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. She had to stay a step ahead and y the game dirty. Otherwise, the only one who would suffer was herself.

    ¡°All right, I won¡¯t bother you anymore. Don¡¯t fret over your mom. It has passed and everything will be fine. As long as Qiao Zijin is not by your mom¡¯s side, there will be one fewer person to put stupid ideas in her head. Even though she gets muddled sometimes, she won¡¯t cause too much of a problem. After all, she¡¯s already leading quite afortable life now because of you.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin got married and has a family and children. She won¡¯t be by your mom¡¯s side for too long. When she returns to Ping Cheng, you won¡¯t have to worry even if your mom stays in the capital. Nothing else will happen.¡± What he meant to say was that Ding Jiayi would be quite normal once Qiao Zijin left her side.

    But the most heartbreaking thing was that Ding Jiayi was the cause of such an abnormal Qiao Zijin.

    The thought of this mother-daughter pair caused two words toe to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mind: pure evil.

    After she hung up the phone call, Qiao Nan busied herself with her work. Not only had Ding Jiayi managed to get a living allowance from Qiao Nan, but she had also gotten a ce to live. Knowing where she could purchase her groceries, Ding Jiayi gradually started carving out her life.

    She did not have to worry about paying for her meals. Even her rent was paid for.

    Of course, under such circumstances, Ding Jiayi¡¯s life was such a carefree one that it was almost heartless for her to live such afortable life.

    Knowing that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin hade to the capital, Zhai Sheng could not stay still. In the earlier years, these two women had bullied Qiao Nan. But at that time, Zhai Sheng was still unknown and did not have a status. He could not have possibly used his position as a neighbor to fight back against them and teach them a lesson on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf.

    When the two of them got marriedter, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were threatened by Qiao Nan, and they no longer dared to show themselves before Qiao Nan. Thus, everything had been quiet for a few years, and there was no reason for Zhai Sheng to do anything.

    But as Qiao Nan¡¯s status rose and she became a public figure within the country, there were many things that Qiao Nan had to pay attention to. And it was at this time that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin boldly came to the capital. How could Zhai Sheng possibly give up this opportunity?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t your family nning on getting Zhou Zheng to divorce Qiao Zijin? Since you already have such ns, I think it¡¯s better that you don¡¯t drag it on any further. Besides, the reason why you¡¯re getting divorced and why your rtionship broke down is all Qiao Zijin¡¯s fault. Remember to prepare everything well before you officially propose a divorce. Many Chinese marriagews are about the division and distribution of a couple¡¯s shared property and assets at the time of the divorce. Find awyer and analyze carefully what you should be getting. Only then can you make sure that you won¡¯t lose out and get taken advantage of. Understand?¡±

    The Zhou family was extremely surprised to receive such a call from Zhai Sheng. They knew that Zhai Sheng was now the chief and was busy meeting important people daily. It was amazing that he still remembered about such unimportant people like the Zhou family. ¡°Chief Zhai, do you really mean it?¡±

    Zhou Zheng really did mean to get divorced from Qiao Zijin. Even before their marriage, he had not really liked Qiao Zijin. He had married her for the benefits such a marriage would bring him, but he had truly been loyal to Qiao Zijin after marriage.

    He had not liked the fact that Qiao Zijin was not as beautiful as his ex-girlfriend before marriage. After marriage, it was not as though there were no girls who were younger and more beautiful than Qiao Zijin who threw themselves at him. But for Qiao Zijin and for the sake of his family, he rejected them all.

    But Zhou Zheng had never expected that although he was able to resist all temptations and stay loyal to Qiao Zijin and his family, Qiao Zijin had gone behind his back and found a lover for herself outside.

    As a man, just thinking about that made Zhou Zheng want to kill Qiao Zijin. He could not understand how there could possibly be such a callous woman like Qiao Zijin. In the few years that she had been in the Zhou family, she had always been treated like a young mistress who never had to do any work. Even then, Qiao Zijin had been dissatisfied and gotten into an affair.

    To put it simply, Zhou Zheng could only feel disgusted on all levels at the thought of his wife, Qiao Zijin. He no longer despised Qiao Zijin. Was Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart made of stone? How could shemit such shameful acts?

 Chapter 1532 - A Good Case

    <h4>Chapter 1532: A Good Case</h4>

    If it had been any other man in his position, when faced with such a situation, he would never be able to pretend that nothing had happened. Zhou Zheng really intended to divorce that heartless woman, Qiao Zijin. No matter who he married, no one else would have been like Qiao Zijin and returned the Zhou family¡¯s kindness with such ungratefulness.

    The only thing stopping Zhou Zheng and the Zhou family was the Zhai family¡¯s attitude. Even if it was about their daughter, Zhou Ying, Zhou Zheng did not worry either. From a young age, Zhou Ying had been brought up by Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. Qiao Zijin being away for two months and not even returning for a visit did not mean much. In these entire two months, Qiao Zijin had never once seen her daughter, Zhou Ying.

    Zhou Zheng felt that Zhou Ying could not possibly have a good rtionship with such a mother like Qiao Zijin anyway.

    He was still young, had a good family background, and had money. If he were to get divorced from Qiao Zijin, would he still stay single for the rest of his life? If Qiao Zijin wanted her daughter, Zhou Ying, that was fine too. He would hand her over. If Qiao Zijin felt that Zhou Ying was a burden, then that was fine too. Surely, Zhou Zheng could afford to provide for his daughter.

    Now that Zhai Sheng himself had spoken, it strengthened Zhou Zheng¡¯s resolve to divorce Qiao Zijin. As long as he could divorce Qiao Zijin, anything else would be all right.

    Chief Zhai had reminded him that indeed, nothing in his house should belong to Qiao Zijin, and Qiao Zijin should not be allowed to take anything with her!

    After hanging up the call, Zhou Zheng dug out all his old photos. The Zhou family was quite rich and Zhou Zheng had a stable job. But he had also started a small side business. This business was done underground and he had done it in secret in coboration with others. In these few years, he had earned quite a hefty sum from it.

    Zhou Zheng had been concerned with running this business that he had not paid much attention to Qiao Zijin. It was only because he had heard some rumors about Qiao Zijin did he learn that Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior was out of line and that she could very well have cheated on him.

    No man could ept such a thing.

    Because of the Zhai family, Zhou Zheng was afraid that these were only rumors and not the truth. It would not be good if he were to wrongly use Qiao Zijin.

    Thus, Zhou Zheng seemed to do nothing on the surface. But in reality, he had found a private investigator to check up on Qiao Zijin. In less than two months, the private investigator indeed found that Qiao Zijin had a lover outside. The two were even showing affection publicly. Zhou Zheng had in his hands a pile of photos that showed these two people hugging and kissing and engaging in many more hical behaviors in public.

    Other than that, Zhou Zheng even had photos of those two people entering and exiting a hotel together, as well as records of them getting a room together.

    With all these photos, he had solid proof that Qiao Zijin was cheating on him. There was no way for Qiao Zijin to deny it.

    After sorting all his evidence out, Zhou Zheng immediately found a reliablewyer and exined his situation to thewyer, asking for advice.

    With this mountain of evidence, thewyer¡¯s eyes glistened. ¡°Do you have all the evidence of your wife cheating on you here? These are the original and even the copies. Especially this photo, who has the original copy?¡±

    Zhou Zheng looked at thewyer in confusion. ¡°What does this have to do with my divorce case? Of course the originals are with me. Even after developing the photos, I can¡¯t afford to throw the negatives of such important evidence away.¡± As long as he still held on to the negatives, he would still be able to continue proving that Qiao Zijin had indeed gone astray in their marriage even if the photos went missing.

    Zhou Zheng did not trust anyone with such important negatives, and so, he kept them himself.

    Thewyer pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose. ¡°That may be so, but if it¡¯s possible, you can actually leave those negatives with me.¡±

    Zhou Zheng hesitated and felt that thewyer was acting rather strangely. If his friend had not been the one to rmend thiswyer, Zhou Zheng would already have found someone else. Even after understanding the situation between him and Qiao Zijin, thewyer kept discussing the evidence rather than giving him practical advice. For example, he wanted to know the chances of him being able to get a divorce from Qiao Zijin without giving her a single cent.

    Thewyer bit on the corner of his lip, realizing that he had been too careless. Zhou Zheng was not a fledging kid who was that easy to control. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. If it¡¯s not convenient, that¡¯s fine too. I was just giving you a suggestion. Don¡¯t worry. With these photos, there should be no problem with your case. I have confidence that you¡¯ll win this case.¡±

    The evidence was all here. What else could be said?

    Even if Zhou Zheng was willing to hand over the negatives, thewyer would still not be sure if Zhou Zheng had handed all the evidence he had on hand over or whether he still had some other evidence hidden away. If he really did have some hidden away, there was no way he could help Chen Jun either, even if Zhou Zheng handed the photos over.

    Sigh. Since they were old ssmates, he would try to help out in any way possible. But if there was really no way of helping, he was not going to put himself in a tight spot either.

    ¡°Really?¡± After such a long meeting with thewyer, Zhou Zheng felt that this had been the only useful sentence that thewyer had spoken. ¡°We¡¯ll win this case for sure? My request is that Qiao Zijin will not be able to take even a single cent from our family. In the past few years that she¡¯s been married to me, she has never worked and brought home any money. All the money that she¡¯s spent was from me. Let¡¯s not talk about not working. She¡¯s never even lifted a finger to help out with household chores. Even when our child was still young, she would rather spend money on buying form milk than breastfeeding our child herself!¡±

    Zhou Zheng could not stop speaking once he mentioned Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior in the past few years in the Zhou family. His tone was filled with clear disgust.

    It was not only Zhou Zheng. After hearing Zhou Zheng, even thewyer had started taking a dislike to his old ssmate who was all bundled up with this married woman. He could not understand why his old ssmate, with an illustrious background and capabilities like him, would have no woman around him. Why did he have to do such an immoral thing and get into a rtionship with a married woman of all people?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Zhou. I have confidence in this case. It¡¯s good that you have the originals and the negatives on hand. Just in case, you¡¯d better keep them properly before the trial ends. As for all these on the table, I¡¯ll keep them and arrange them. If you two cannote to a settlement amicably and need to go to court, then I¡¯ll get these ready to submit them to the court.¡±

 Chapter 1533 - What Should They Do?

    <h4>Chapter 1533: What Should They Do?</h4>

    After saying his thoughts, thewyer started to do his work. He helped the client handle the matter and gave him confidence.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Lawyer Dai.¡± After getting a satisfying answer, Zhou Zheng revealed his first smile today. After shaking hands with Lawyer Dai, he walked back to his house with light footsteps.

    After he got a divorce with Qiao Zijin, he could usher in his brand new life.

    What Zhou Zheng didn¡¯t know was that after he left, Lawyer Dai made a call. The recipient of the call was none other than the male lead in the photos he had on hand. ¡°Hello? Is this Chen Jun? It¡¯s me, Dai Liang. Do you still remember this old ssmate of yours?¡±

    ¡°I remember, of course I remember. I remember when you were in university, you studiedw. You should be a bigwyer now, right? Where are you working at?¡± Chen Jun weed old ssmates like Dai Liang, who was awyer. If old ssmates connected more often and had deeper feelings for one another, it would be more convenient to do certain things if anything happened in the future, right?

    ¡°Where else can I work at? I¡¯m from Ping Cheng. Of course I returned to Ping Cheng. It¡¯s just that I took a longer time to studyw, thus I graduated two yearster than you. Furthermore, I don¡¯t have the same type of family background as you. It¡¯s really not easy for me to make a name for myself and contact the old ssmates again.¡± Both of them worked in the same city. However, it was coincidental that not only had they not contacted each other before, but they didn¡¯t even meet each other either.

    If not for Dai Liang taking the initiative to call Chen Jun today, Chen Jun wouldn¡¯t have known that Dai Liang had returned to Ping Cheng to be awyer. ¡°Haha, you¡¯re the best. Relying on yourself to be a talent. How¡¯s the business?¡± If Dai Liang handled cases well, they could keep in closer contact in the future.

    ¡°Business? Business is good, of course. It¡¯s because I received a case that I¡¯m giving you this call. Has your email address changed? I¡¯ll send something to you.¡± As Dai Liang said, he opened up his notebook and uploaded the photos that Zhou Zheng left behind so that he could send them to Chen Jun.

    ¡°No changes. Why? Your newly received case has something to do with me?¡± Otherwise, Dai Liang wouldn¡¯t have called him out of the blue.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out after looking at it. Old ssmate, it isn¡¯t that I want to say this of you, but if word of this spreads, you won¡¯t bebeled as flirtatious. You¡¯ll only be known as despicable.¡± Anyway, he didn¡¯t have any evil thoughts toward his woman.

    After Dai Liang¡¯s email was sent, Chen Jun opened it to take a look. His face went pale. ¡°These photos?¡±

    ¡°Your woman¡¯s husband gave them to me. Her husband wants to get a divorce and your lover to get out of the house. He has too much evidence on his hands. Not only does he have these intimate photos between the two of you, but he even has records of you checking into hotel rooms. Your little lover can¡¯t win this case. She will definitely be kicked out of the house. How do you wish to handle this?¡±

    Actually, there wasn¡¯t much to handle. As he said, the oue of thewsuit was already decided. There wouldn¡¯t be any changes. At most, his call would let Chen Jun know about the situation so that he would be mentally prepared for it.

    Dai Liang knew that the Chen family¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t as good as before. However, a lean camel was bigger than a horse. Compared to him, a poord who didn¡¯t have any family background, Chen Jun naturally had more means than him.

    As such, Dai Liang¡¯s call was to sell Chen Jun this piece of news to obtain a favor.

    ¡°What do you mean how to handle it? You should know what to do. You understand women. There¡¯s no need to be too serious or mindful. Everyone¡¯s out to y. I¡¯m quite surprised it hase to this. I¡¯m married and have a family. They can get a divorce but I can¡¯t. It¡¯s okay. You can just do what you have to do. There¡¯s no need to worry about me. Oh, right, thanks for the call. This shouldn¡¯t affect you in any way, right?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, there will be no impact.¡± Chen Jun was a smart person. If he didn¡¯t mention it, Chen Jun should also understand that this matter couldn¡¯t be talked about.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Let¡¯s meet for a meal sometime soon. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, we can keep in contact.¡± Chen Jun didn¡¯t take his extramarital affair with Qiao Zijin to heart. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t bear loneliness and he was just casually ying with her.

    He had invested so much in Qiao Zijin¡¯s body back then. Then, they split up and the money he had spent previously was in vain. Until today, Chen Jun still felt heartache over it.

    Who knew that they hadn¡¯t met in a few years, and once they did, Qiao Zijin had thrown herself at him? Back then, they had dated for a long time. He had kissed Qiao Zijin but didn¡¯t sleep with her. It would be a waste not to sleep with her since she had thrown herself at him. Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t as if he did it for free. The money he spent on Qiao Zijin could let him sleep with the best prostitutes in Ping Cheng for two to three months consecutively.

    In other words, in Chen Jun¡¯s eyes, Qiao Zijin was just a more expensivedy than the youngest and prettiestdy in a hotel. She was no different from a prostitute.

    He had just seen this as a physical transaction. How was it possible for Chen Jun to sacrifice his family because of Qiao Zijin? He had never thought of getting a divorce. If he did that and found a woman like Qiao Zijin, wasn¡¯t he doomed to be unlucky for life?

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s arrange again when we¡¯re free.¡± As his goal was achieved, Dai Liang no longer wasted his phone charges. He carefully sorted out the evidence that Zhou Zheng had left behind for him so that it would facilitate him in suing Qiao Zijin in the future if their private dissolution of divorce didn¡¯t work out.

    One would be put in a good position if there were status and power. Within three days, Qiao Zijin, who was in the capital, received a call from Ping Cheng Court. Qiao Zijin was informed about the situation. ¡°Now, both of you have two ways to resolve this. If both of you work hard to resolve this matter peacefully before the court session, then all is good. Otherwise, we will see you in court.¡±

    After receiving this call, Qiao Zijin was stunned. When she first heard that she was summoned to court, her first reaction was that she had received a scam call. Only toward the end did Qiao Zijin recover and think that this call might be real.

    During the whole process, aside from breathing, Qiao Zijin only uttered ¡®yes¡¯ and ¡®ah¡¯. After the other party hung up the call, Qiao Zijin shouted. ¡°Zhou Zheng actually dared to divorce me? Has he forgotten that if not for me, how would he have today¡¯s job and how would the Zhou family¡¯s condition be good? Ungrateful brat!¡±

    After Zhou Zheng and the Zhou family found out about this, she suffered a p and returned to her mother¡¯s house. During these two months, she didn¡¯t meet or date Chen Jun at all.

 Chapter 1534 - Sense of Superiority

    <h4>Chapter 1534: Sense of Superiority</h4>

    At the very most, she had gone to the bar and danced. Could it be that her attitude of admitting and correcting her mistake was not obvious enough? She had already given in but Zhou Zheng still wanted to divorce her. Wasn¡¯t that reaching out for a yard after taking an inch?

    Upon thinking about this, Qiao Zijin was so angry that she wanted to smash her phone to the ground.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What divorce?¡± Ding Jiayi walked out from the kitchen and saw that Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were red and she was shivering all over.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. ¡°Mom, Zhou Zheng, that shameless thing, actually dared to divorce me. He even applied to the court for awsuit!¡± They were even going to the courts. Qiao Zijin had no choice but to face the truth that Zhou Zheng was for real this time around and wasn¡¯t scaring her. ¡°I thought that I was wrong and broke off contact with that man outside. After these two to three months of cooling-off period, Zhou Zheng should no longer be angry. Who knew that he became even more worked up?!¡±

    ¡°Heh.¡± Ding Jiayi smiled coldly. ¡°Did youe back because you wanted Zhou Zheng to calm down or because you wanted to deliberately leave Zhou Zheng hanging so that he would bow down and admit his mistake to you? You know it clearly in your heart. There are only us here. You don¡¯t need to say these nice-sounding words to coax me. Even if you coax me, Zhou Zheng would still want to divorce you. The way you¡¯re handling this matter is definitely wrong. You must know your mistake. The one who had someone else outside is you, not Zhou Zheng. How difficult would it be for him to be willing to fetch you home?¡±

    The most important thing was that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with Zijin. As such, Qiao Nan would definitely not be willing to use her power to help Zijin suppress Zhou Zheng so that he would bow down to her. Furthermore, Zijin was in the wrong in the first ce. Qiao Nan was less likely to help. ¡°Okay, tell me. What do you n to do? What are your thoughts? If you don¡¯t want to lead a good life with Zhou Zheng, isn¡¯t it good that he wants to divorce you? If the two of you get a divorce, couldn¡¯t you be with your man outside?¡±

    Since they didn¡¯t have feelings for each other anymore and she herself was a divorcee, could Ding Jiayi still stop Qiao Zijin from getting a divorce?

    It was just that nobody expected Qiao Zijin to receive such a call today.

    The Zhou family was for real.

    ¡°What divorce? I never thought of getting a divorce. Indeed, Zhou Zheng isn¡¯t the best, but he isn¡¯t the worst either. If I divorce Zhou Zheng, I must find another man to remarry. Why must I work so hard? It¡¯s better to spend my time with Zhou Zheng, who¡¯s an old acquaintance,¡± Qiao Zijin said irritably.

    It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to get a divorce. The first day she hooked up with Chen Jun, her old lover, Qiao Zijin had already thought about the road of divorce.

    Between Chen Jun and Zhou Jun, Qiao Zijin was more satisfied with Chen Jun to begin with. Otherwise, after so many years of not meeting, why would Qiao Zijin just throw herself into Chen Jun¡¯s arms and have an affair with him after meeting him once again? She didn¡¯t hesitate at all, let alone think about the family she had with Zhou Zheng.

    The problem was that Chen Jun was unwilling for Qiao Zijin to get a divorce so that she could be with him.

    Only after both of them had rolled about in the sheets did Qiao Zijin remember to ask Chen Jun if he was married. Chen Jun had snorted and said, ¡°I¡¯m older than you. Based on the stretch marks on your stomach, you should be a mother already. Could it be that it¡¯s something overboard for me to be a father?¡± Both of them had split ways for about ten years now. How was it possible that Chen Jun didn¡¯t get married and didn¡¯t have another woman by his side for these ten years?

    To Chen Jun, who was once a love prodigal, this was simply a joke.

    If not for pursuing Qiao Nan, Chen Jun would never becking in bed partners.

    After Chen Jun¡¯s sarcasticments, Qiao Zijin felt a little wronged. One couldn¡¯t tell that they had just ended a passionate fight on the bed. ¡°You¡¯re married? Why did you refuse to marry me back then? Actually, as long as you gave me more time, I would be able to meet your requirements. Tell me. If it was now, would you... would you still be willing to marry me?¡±

    Forget it. She was also married now. Indeed, it wasn¡¯t too good to mind that Chen Jun had married another woman and gave birth to children. Let the past be the past. What mattered were the present and the future.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Chen Jun raised his eyebrows. It wouldn¡¯t be what he was thinking, right? ¡°Zijin, this isn¡¯t funny at all. I don¡¯t have the intention to get a divorce. I have a pretty good rtionship with my wife. Why? Are you not satisfied to be with me like this? I¡¯m not the type of man who likes to force women. If you¡¯re unwilling to, after we walk out of this door today, we can pretend that we don¡¯t know each other and that nothing happened today.¡±

    After getting married, he had yed with countless women. If all of them were Qiao Zijin, requesting him to get a divorce after sleeping with him once, wouldn¡¯t that be a mess?

    It looked like Chen Jun was serious. Qiao Zijin¡¯s wishful thinking would definitely note true.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for them to be reunited again. How would Qiao Zijin bear to just break up with Chen Jun like that? Qiao Zijin thought that since Chen Jun wasn¡¯t willing to divorce his wife now, then she had to continue to leave Zhou Zheng hanging. She believed that as time passed, Chen Jun would have a change of mind and would be willing to ept her and marry her like before.

    What annoyed Qiao Zijin was that before she got Chen Jun to agree to a divorce so that he could marry her, Zhou Zheng had discovered her rtionship with Chen Jun first.

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t said anything about divorcing Zhou Zheng yet when her rtionship with Chen Jun had just rekindled. Now, she hadn¡¯t contacted Chen Jun for over two months. He also seemed not to have remembered her existence. How was Qiao Zijin willing to lose Zhou Zheng, a long-term meal ticket, when she hadn¡¯t found someone else to settle down with? By then, she would really have nothing.

    After receiving this call, Qiao Zijin was flustered. She didn¡¯t know what she should do so that Zhou Zheng would have a change of mind and not divorce her for the time being.

    Unless Chen Jun was willing to marry her, she was unwilling to divorce Zhou Zheng. It would be hard to lead a life without money.

    ¡°Don¡¯t want to get a divorce?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know what else she could say. She felt that this daughter was hopeless. ¡°You don¡¯t want to get a divorce, yet you did such a shameless thing. He has already filed awsuit. If you don¡¯t want to get a divorce, hurry back to Ping Cheng and apologize to Zhou Zheng. If you beg the Zhou family for forgiveness, there might still be room for negotiation. Remember. After you return, you must have a good attitude. If you continue to be as arrogant as before, no one in the Zhou family would bother with you again.¡±

    ¡°He hit me and I have to apologize to him? Since young, you never even hit me once. Even my father rarely hit me. It¡¯s Zhou Zheng¡¯s fault for hitting me. On what basis should I apologize to him? He should be the one apologizing!¡± Qiao Zijin was unwilling to relent. In front of Zhou Zheng, she always had a sense of superiority.

 Chapter 1535 - The Adulterer Was Chen Jun

    <h4>Chapter 1535: The Adulterer Was Chen Jun</h4>

    It was precisely because of that that she felt there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with her not working and spending Zhou Zheng¡¯s money each month. In fact, she was obliged to do so. If not for her, how would Zhou Zheng get such a good job? His job was all thanks to her. It was fine for her to take all his money, let alone letting her spend a little.

    ¡°Fine. Then, get a divorce.¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have anything else to say. ¡°How big a matter is it that Zhou Zheng pped you? You went behind Zhou Zheng¡¯s back to find another man outside. That¡¯s the real and the most serious problem. Did Zhou Zheng ever touch a strand of your hair after you two have been married for so many years? I study less than you, but I¡¯m still able to understand clearly the order of matters. Zhou Zheng treated you well. If you didn¡¯t provoke him, would he have pped you? You asked for this p yourself. I feel that he should have pped you!¡±

    Qiao Zijin dared to have an affair outside. Who else would Zhou Zheng hit if not her?

    Even if Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother, she had to stand on Zhou Zheng¡¯s side and speak a good word for Zhou Zheng at this point in time.

    ¡°You... you talked about Zhou Zheng and said I deserve to get pped. Are you my mother or Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother? Why are you putting in a good word for him?¡± Qiao Zijin was so angry that she cried. She just wanted a loved one to be by her side supporting her now. Was that too much to ask for?

    Ding Jiayi pped her thigh. ¡°I¡¯m not going to talk to you. My food will be burned soon.¡± Ding Jiayi turned off the fire before continuing. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whose mother I am. You only know how to cry now. People from the courts have already called, but you don¡¯t want to apologize. You don¡¯t think that you¡¯re in the wrong, and you don¡¯t want to get a divorce. You don¡¯t want so many things. I don¡¯t know how else I can help you. Hurry back to Ping Cheng. This matter has to be resolved. I¡¯m guessing even if you don¡¯t go back and appear in court, the court would rule that the both of you are divorced.¡±

    ¡°Would the court not let me get a divorce with Zhou Zheng if I go back?¡±

    ¡°Silly child. Haven¡¯t I said it? If you don¡¯t want a divorce, you can tell Zhou Zheng. What use is there to tell me?¡± Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t wait to stretch out her leg and kick on Qiao Zijin¡¯s buttocks hard.

    This horrible child. The older she got, the more foolish she became. She couldn¡¯t evenpare to a person like her, who didn¡¯t read too many books.

    Ding Jiayi had already said so. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have any other choice. At this moment, she could only listen to Ding Jiayi¡¯s words and hurry back to Ping Cheng to resolve this matter.

    She was afraid that it would be like what Ding Jiayi said. If she didn¡¯t return to Ping Cheng and appear in court, the court would rule that the both of them were divorced. That would be terrible.

    Regardless of whether it worked or not, she had to return to Ping Cheng and see if it was possible to beg Zhou Zheng not to get a divorce.

    The moment she sent Qiao Zijin away, Ding Jiayi rxed her shoulders exaggeratedly. She felt that she had heaved a big sigh of relief. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand. She was such a good kid when she was young. Why did she be like this after growing up?¡± Not only couldn¡¯t shepare to Qiao Nan, but she couldn¡¯t evenpare to an average individual.

    If news of their married daughter having an affair behind the husband¡¯s back became widespread, this family would definitely be theughingstock of everyone in the quad.

    It could be said that the reason why Ding Jiayi made up her mind and insisted to live in the capital instead of continuing to live in the Ping Cheng quad was because of this.

    Qiao Zijin had stayed in her mother¡¯s house for two months and it looked as if she didn¡¯t have the intention to return to the Zhou family. The neighbors¡¯ questions became sharper. In the beginning, Ding Jiayi could still find some excuse to help Qiao Zijin out. After all the excuses had been used, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t find any other excuse to use when others asked again.

    She was worried that Qiao Zijin¡¯s affair would be exposed in the quad sooner orter.

    Rather than staying in the quad to be everyone¡¯sughingstock again, Ding Jiayi would rathere over to the capital and rely on Qiao Nan to arrange a ce to live for herself.

    The eldest daughter whom she pampered the most was ipetent. She even had to rely on her rtionship with her youngest daughter to lead a better life than an average person. Instead, the youngest daughter whom she didn¡¯t like since she was young led a better life day by day and had be a big shot.

    One kept being aughingstock while the other continued to bask in glory. Even a fool knew how to choose between these two daughters.

    Even if her mother-daughter rtionship with Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t good and there wasn¡¯t a way to recover it, it was alright. As long as she was still Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, Qiao Nan had to provide for her. At the very most, their rtionship would remain as it was.

    Nothing was more important than her leading a good life!

    At this critical moment, Ding Jiayi resolutely chose to side with Qiao Nan so that she could avoid her rtionship with Qiao Zijin. She didn¡¯t want everyone tough at her for not knowing how to teach her daughter and for teaching Qiao Zijin to be so shameless.

    Zhai Sheng knew about it the moment Qiao Zijin left the capital. In order to make Qiao Nan feel at ease, Zhai Sheng told her the situation. ¡°You can sleep peacefully this time around. She wouldn¡¯t be disturbing you for a while.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m worried that if Zhou Zheng really gets a divorce with her, she would simply follow Ding Jiayi and stay in the capital. She would even refuse to go back to Ping Cheng. If that happens, wouldn¡¯t I have more trouble? Brother Zhai, do you think I¡¯m adding trouble instead? If Qiao Zijin really gets a divorce, do you think she will be so thick-skinned to ask me to help her another time and find her a second husband?¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that the possibility of this was very high. Thus, she felt a headache.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°No, Qiao Zijin has already found her love. Both of them had an affair. Qiao Zijin can¡¯t keep her marriage any longer. Chen Jun and his wife still looked fine on the surface. Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, how would she be able to tolerate such a difference? Furthermore, Qiao Zijin still seemed to be obsessed with Chen Jun. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have betrayed Zhou Zheng for him.¡±

    Qiao Nan widened her eyes. ¡°Are you for real? The man Qiao Zijin had outside is Chen Jun? That same Chen Jun in the past? That Chen Jun whoter broke up with Qiao Zijin?¡±

    After knowing this answer, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what she should say as well.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin had double-crossed her and married into the Chen family by being pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child. Six monthster, they gave birth to a son. Who knew that after a few years, Qiao Zijin would find another man behind Chen Jun¡¯s back and Chen Jun had caught them in bed? She heard that the situation back then was quite chaotic.

 Chapter 1536 - Not Afraid of Settling Scores

    <h4>Chapter 1536: Not Afraid of Settling Scores</h4>

    Chen Jun used the fastest speed to get a divorce with Qiao Zijin. When he kicked Qiao Zijin out of the house, he also made sure that she was penniless.

    After marrying Zhou Zheng this lifetime, Qiao Zijin would actually cheat on him with her husband in her previous lifetime.

    Qiao Nan scratched her head. Back then, she was running around to earn money and didn¡¯t know much about Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters. The only thing she knew was that Chen Jun caught Qiao Zijin red-handed with another man. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to get a divorce, but she couldn¡¯t handle Chen Jun¡¯s means. As such, she had no choice but to cry and get a divorce.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Zijin had married Zhou Zheng and fooled around with Chen Jun. Qiao Nan wanted to ask in particr who the man Qiao Zijin had an affair with when she was still married to Chen Jun was. In Ping Cheng, the Chen family was powerful. Which brave soldier actually dared to steal Chen Jun¡¯s wife and make a cuckold out of him?

    Qiao Nan always felt that this matter of Qiao Zijin¡¯s was a little strange. She couldn¡¯t help but guess if the man who had an affair with Qiao Zijin when she was married to Chen Jun was Zhou Zheng.

    If that was really the case, Qiao Nan could only say that there was justice and one couldn¡¯t escape from their retribution.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why do you look so bad?¡± Zhai Sheng touched Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Your temperature¡¯s normal. It doesn¡¯t look like you caught a cold.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter was quite small. Qiao Nan shouldn¡¯t have been frightened by that.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She couldn¡¯t possibly tell Brother Zhai what had happened in the previous lifetime, right? ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m sleepy. Let¡¯s rest quickly. You brought the children out to y this time around and must be tired as well. You just returned but had to settle Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter as well. Let¡¯s sleep quickly. I still have to work tomorrow.¡±

    Chen Jun caused Qiao Zijin to get a divorce. Once Qiao Zijin was divorced, she would most likely cling to Chen Jun.

    Brother Zhai was right. Perhaps she would be able to continue leading a good life. After the divorce, Qiao Zijin might stay in Ping Cheng alone to take revenge and wouldn¡¯t rest until she achieved her aim. Anyway, there was a house in Ping Cheng. If Qiao Zijin had nowhere to go, she still had the keys to the Qiao family¡¯s house.

    ¡°Actually, I can afford to be a little more tired. I helped you settle the matter with Qiao Zijin. Shouldn¡¯t you show some appreciation to me?¡± As Zhai Sheng removed Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, he whispered lowly and blew some air into Qiao Nan¡¯s ear. Qiao Nan¡¯s ear turned red uncontrobly and things naturally went out of control on the bed.

    ¡°Remember. Don¡¯t be nervous. Look closely at the questions on the paper. Don¡¯t be in a hurry to answer them.¡± Very quickly, the day where the triplets had to take the exams arrived. ording to the usual practice, of course Qiao Nan had to send them to school. Today was different. It was rare that Zhai Sheng was home. Zhai Sheng said that he wanted to fulfill his responsibility as a father as well, thus he apanied Qiao Nan to send them to school.

    ¡°Mom, I feel that you¡¯re more nervous than us.¡± Er Bao smiled and said, ¡°Dad, remember to help usfort Mom well. Don¡¯t worry. There wouldn¡¯t be any problem for the three of us. We will take the exams properly. You can just wait for good news from the three of us.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Er Bao is right.¡± San Bao nodded. Her ided ponytail swayed as she moved, and she looked pretty. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not early anymore. You¡¯re the boss. If you take the lead in beingte, that won¡¯t be good. Hurry up and go to work. The three of us are fine.¡±

    ¡°Mom, drive carefully when you¡¯re going to work.¡± Upon thinking about the heavy traffic jams in the capital and that it was the peak period to go to work now, Da Bao¡¯s expression turned ugly. It was dangerous if there were too many cars.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The three of you can focus on taking the exams. I¡¯ll send your mom to work. After the exams are over, I¡¯ll pick you up.¡± Zhai Sheng, who was free, said that not only did he want to send the children to school and home, but he also wanted to send his wife to work and home. It really wasn¡¯t easy for Zhai Sheng to get to where he was today.

    Since it was with much difficulty that he was promoted to the chief position and now that he had some spare time, Zhai Sheng naturally wanted to make up the lost time to his children and wife as much as possible.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s assurance, the triplets felt relieved and entered the school, preparing to take the exams.

    When they were in the car, Qiao Nan looked on as Zhai Sheng fastened the seatbelt for her, just like he did before they were married, and asked, surprised, ¡°Are you really going to send me to work and pick me up from work? Actually, you can rest more at home if you have the time.¡± Qiao Nan would rather Zhai Sheng rest more at home. After all, she was already used to doing such things.

    ¡°I will rest, but I¡¯ll also send my wife and children to school, work, and home. Otherwise, what¡¯s the significance of me being a husband and a father? Didn¡¯t you see how happy the three children were when they heard that I¡¯m going to pick them upter?¡± No matter how matured the three children were, they would be childish and coquettish in front of their parents. Zhai Sheng liked how close the triplets were to him.

    Qiao Nan leaned against the seat and yawned. ¡°Okay, send me to work then. I¡¯m a little sleepy, so I¡¯ll close my eyes for a while. When we¡¯re there, remember to wake me up. Otherwise, people would gossip again.¡± Li Dawei¡¯s words inevitably traveled into Qiao Nan¡¯s ears. Looking at Li Dawei, who was still intending to y some tricks until now, Qiao Nan found it funny.

    If Li Dawei really had the capability to pull her off her position one day, she would rather change jobs than continue staying in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to let Li Dawei order her around. Based on Li Dawei¡¯s capabilities, he was still alright in doing the foundation work. However, it wasughable that he wanted to lead the entire ministry.

    It was good to have self-awareness. Li Dawei should have some of this too.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s help, not only did Qiao Nan manage to sleep for twenty minutes in the car, but she was also punctual for work. Li Dawei looked at Qiao Nan jealously. It was unknown what he was muttering but it felt ufortable.

    Deng Wenchang entered Qiao Nan¡¯s office quickly. ¡°You should know how petty Li Dawei is. Not everyone is like me, willing to work honestly under you after losing. You¡¯d better think of something so that Li Dawei can work closely with Xu Xinming again. Otherwise, I¡¯m worried that he would mess up our ministry.¡±

    Qiao Nan stopped her pen and smiled. ¡°You took the initiative to bring this matter up. Why? Wouldn¡¯t Peng Yu settle scores with your family?¡±

 Chapter 1537 - Bound to Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1537: Bound to Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Peng family had made some effort for Deng Wenchang to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Peng family hoped that Deng Wenchang could take her position so that they would have a more beneficial rtionship with the entire ministry. However, after she took on this position, Qiao Nan was surprised to find that Deng Wenchang was calm. It was as if he had long epted such an oue. What was more important was that Deng Wenchang¡¯s cooperation andpletion of the tasks assigned by her, the new minister, were above others.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but hesitate why Deng Wenchang did so. Could it be that he wanted to make her numb so that she would be careless and make mistakes easily? That way, he would have something of hers in his hands.

    However, as Qiao Nan observed during this period, she felt that Deng Wenchang shouldn¡¯t have such an intention. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s blessing to have a good worker like Deng Wenchang, who had decided to stop ying tricks and work with his full abilities.

    Today, Deng Wenchang had taken the initiative to mention this matter to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan wanted to know in particr what Deng Wenchang was thinking. Why did Deng Wenchang, the person who should have been ying tricks, be sober when Li Dawei was adhering to his foolish ways? He even specially came over to mention this to her. It was difficult for Qiao Nan not to feel surprised.

    ¡°The Peng family isn¡¯t an issue.¡± Deng Wenchang shook his head. ¡°Zhai Sheng is capable. Even if Peng Yu didn¡¯t want to admit defeat, he has lost again and again for the past ten years. Your Zhai Sheng is already the chief now. Peng Yu is still beneath him and is now trapped in Zhai Sheng¡¯s palms.¡± If that was the case, what was there for him to be worried about?

    The Peng family had an ulterior motive for helping him enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the past few years, he had provided the Peng family quite a number of news. He didn¡¯t owe the Peng family any favors he should return. Speaking of this, Peng Yu couldn¡¯t fight against Zhai Sheng and even lost to him, causing him to lose support and not being able to take Qiao Nan out to be the next minister.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan replied. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be anxious about Li Dawei. If he messes up, that¡¯s good. If not, how am I supposed to kick him out? I¡¯m different from Senior He. It¡¯s either I don¡¯t do it, or if I do, I¡¯ll make sure Li Dawei man the warehouse in the corner. However, this concerns the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so I¡¯m notfortable and I won¡¯t allow this!¡±

    Deng Wenchang smiled. ¡°It looks like not every woman is softhearted. Your means are harder than Uncle He¡¯s. It¡¯s fine as long as you¡¯re aware. I¡¯ll go back to work.¡± Indeed, it would feel better topletely kick Li Dawei out of the ministry.

    ¡°A man and a woman alone in a room. Why must they chat behind closed doors? The conversation¡¯s so long as well. Is this proper?¡± Li Dawei¡¯s eyes were like a timer. He started counting the second Deng Wenchang stepped foot into Qiao Nan¡¯s office and until he left.

    ¡°How gossipy, just like a woman.¡± Someone heard Li Dawei¡¯s low whispers in bad faith and responded unkindly.

    Li Dawei¡¯s face turned green. He buried his head and didn¡¯t talk reason to the person who had scolded him. If he got into an argument and this matter became widespread, he would most likely be scolded by the entire department instead of just one person alone.

    The veterans in the ministry treated Qiao Nan as their junior now. They were very supportive of Qiao Nan¡¯s work. The newbies who had joined the ministry from time to time these few years treated Qiao Nan as an idol, and they looked at her with admiration.

    Li Dawei didn¡¯t pin any hopes on these people. If he wanted to take Qiao Nan out, he had to rely on himself.

    Without Xu Xinming¡¯s help and Deng Wenchang¡¯s support, Li Dawei naturally became a general without an army and fought alone in this battle to pull Qiao Nan down. Faced with these difficulties every day, Li Dawei keptforting himself that he had to undergo both mental trials and bodily hardships to carry out the mission that heaven had descended upon him so that the benefits he reaped would be enormous in the future.

    The more he suffered and the less support he got, the greater his achievements would be the day he seeded. All the pain and suffering in front of him was worthwhile. He had to persevere.

    Li Dawei¡¯s eyes were like detection lights. He was constantly looking for opportunities to capture Qiao Nan¡¯s mistakes and fulfill his own wish. Qiao Nan continued to lead her life easily as if there wasn¡¯t a Li Dawei in the department who was constantly keeping a close eye on her.

    Not too longter, Li Dawei was like a gloomy cloud. Qiao Nan was shining brightly, making people more willing to ept her and enjoy the warm sunshine and spring breeze.

    Happy times were not slow for Qiao Nan. However, even if her life was carefree, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t forget about someone else¡¯s matter.

    When she saw Xu Shengnan¡¯s name disyed on her phone¡¯s caller ID, Qiao Nan¡¯s smiling face changed slightly. She let the three children y by themselves so that they kept quiet and wouldn¡¯t disturb her on the phone. ¡°Hello, Senior Xu.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan.¡± Xu Shengnan¡¯s voice was a little hoarse.

    ¡°Senior Xu, are you...¡± crying?

    Xu Shengnan sniffed. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m calling you today because I would like you to do me a favor. Their family is too much of a bully. He obviously cheated on me first, but his mother actually found a bunch of neighbors and aunties to criticize me, saying that my conduct was improper and that I made a cuckold out of him. It¡¯s not that I want to divorce him now. He wants to divorce me and make me leave without anypensation!¡±

    Once she thought of what had happened in the past few days, Xu Shengnan changed her usual strong style and cried until her eyes were almost blind. Xu Shengnan wondered if she was too headstrong before marriage and had cried too little. Thus, after marriage, God wanted her to undergo hardship and shed all the tears that hadn¡¯t been shed in a year to make up for it.

    She didn¡¯t expect that before Xu Shengnan made a move, the other party had acted so shamelessly. ¡°Senior Xu, are you sure you want to get a divorce? Or are you trying to express your attitude via a divorce? After your husband¡¯s attitude weakens and he admits his mistakes, would you continue to maintain your marriage, give your husband a chance to turn over a new leaf, and give your child aplete family?¡±

    Qiao Nan faintly revealed that no matter how many rtives and neighbors Xu Shengnan¡¯s mother-inw found, she would have ways to make Xu Shengnan the ultimate winner in this divorce case.

 Chapter 1538 - In the Progress of Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1538: In the Progress of Divorce</h4>

    However, Qiao Nan was an outsider, after all. What she could do wasn¡¯t important. What mattered was how insistent Xu Shengnan was.

    ¡°Impossible. I was never bullied in school. After getting married, he was the most important person in my life. The time we spent together was longer than how parents spent time with their children. Based on how he has treated me, I¡¯ve already given up. Having been bullied for the first time, am I going to be bullied a second time? If that was the case, I would have let my parents down for naming my name!¡± When Xu Shengnan hesitated, she was a little foolish. However, once she made up her mind, she took out the courage equivalent to that that she had when running an English club in university back then.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, help me. I¡¯m getting a divorce for sure. However, as the other party was the one who cheated, he doesn¡¯t need to think of getting away with the money I deserve. I don¡¯t deny that their family had paid the down payment for the house we are living in now. However, the person who had been paying the mortgage for the past few years is me. If we are really getting a divorce, I want half of the house.¡±

    When the time came, she would ept either money or the house. However, if they wanted to swallow her money and chase her out of the house, then sorry, that was impossible.

    ¡°Have you thought it through carefully? Are you sure you won¡¯t change your mind?¡±

    ¡°I have, Qiao Nan. If possible, can the child be left to me? I¡¯m worried that my daughter will be ruined sooner orter if she continues to live with such a family. Furthermore, in the past few years, I can see clearly that my mother-inw likes grandsons and despises me for giving birth to a daughter. Perhaps the reason he had an affair was so that he could give birth to a son. I¡¯m willing for my daughter and me to give up our positions at home.¡±

    There was only one child in the family and they didn¡¯t treat her daughter well. If that man remarried and gave birth to a son in the future, where would her daughter stand in the family? They didn¡¯t like her daughter, but she treated her as her precious.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan rxed and smiled. ¡°Since you have this intention, listen to me now. The repayment of mortgage must have been through your sry. Go to the bank now and pull out the monthly and yearly bills where you have paid the mortgage. Keep them safe. Also, you should be quarreling with them now. Bring your daughter back to your parent¡¯s house. They wouldn¡¯t stop you. At this point in time, don¡¯t ever let them have a chance to keep in contact with your daughter or even bring her away.¡±

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t worried about anything else. She was afraid that the other party would be too shameless and use this child to threaten Xu Shengnan to give up her everything.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have already inquired about all of these. I will take note. I¡¯m not going to let them take my daughter away and use her to threaten me.¡± Xu Shengnan had listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. Before making this call, she did ask for awyer¡¯s opinion.

    It was difficult to say everything clearly in a short period of time. Most importantly, if they really went to court, it was useless to just use words alone. In order for the court to pass judgment, they would require a lot of supporting evidence. Xu Shengnan wascking in evidence now.

    Although the other party wasn¡¯t from the capital, they had stayed in the capital for a long period of time and interacted better than Xu Shengnan. A bunch of neighbors hade out and said that Xu Shengnan left early and returnedte, totally unlike a daughter-inw at all. She put on makeup and wore dresses every day, looking indecent.

    Evidence like these would affect the final judgment of thewsuit. As such, if Xu Shengnan wanted to win, she had toe up with stronger supporting evidence and let the judge know that in their marriage, the man was the party who had been irresponsible to the family.

    On this point, Xu Shengnan couldn¡¯t do it herself. However, Qiao Nan could. After knowing that Xu Shengnan had such a friend, thewyer told Xu Shengnan to find this friend for help so that they could have all the supporting evidence on hand. With the evidence, he would proceed with the next steps.

    One had to know that this wasn¡¯t the first time he was fighting such divorcewsuits, especially the kind ofwsuits where the man was the one who had an affair but he maligned the woman and even found others to provide false evidence. Once these were verified, it was without a doubt that they would win thiswsuit.

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do this then.¡± After hanging up the call with Xu Shengnan, Qiao Nan called someone else. This person was considered Zhai Sheng¡¯srade, although he was retired. What was strange was that this man with a talentless hobby actually opened a detective agency. In this society where it was better to get ahead in life by abandoning one¡¯s scruples than to suffer poverty, the detective agency¡¯s business wasn¡¯t bad.

    Qiao Nan provided Xu Shengnan¡¯s information to the other party, wanting him to try and take as many substantive photos as possible so that substantive evidence could be obtained. Qiao Nan even spected. ¡°If you know who the woman is, maybe you can start with her. I know that this man¡¯s family favors males. Even his mother has stood out to put on such a big act. It might be that not only is the woman he is having an affair with is pregnant, but she might also be pregnant with a son.¡±

    It could only be due to this reason that the mother-and-son pair would be so impatient to force Xu Shengnan away and let the third-party and her son take her position.

    ¡°No problem.¡± The other party said with interest, ¡°Sister-inw, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s either you don¡¯t find me for this matter, or if you do, I¡¯ll make sure toplete this task and not throw our chief¡¯s face away.¡± If he couldn¡¯tplete this task, wouldn¡¯t the chief lose face in front of sister-inw in the future?

    The only way to prevent people from knowing is not doing it.

    A lot of things were already presented on the table. It wasn¡¯t a difficult thing if Xu Shengnan wanted a divorce and got back everything she deserved over the years.

    Once Xu Shengnan brought her daughter back to her parents¡¯ house, she told the teachers in school clearly that only she or her parents could pick her daughter up from school. If the child¡¯s grandmother or father came to pick her up, the school teachers must not release her to them. If they created trouble, regardless of when it was, the teachers should call her immediately so that she could settle it.

    Qiao Nan was really not worried for nothing. After Xu Shengnan finished talking to her daughter¡¯s teacher, the child¡¯s father walked into the school shamelessly within three days and insisted on fetching the child away.

    It could only be said that this father was a failure. When they were at home, even if Xu Shengnan was busy, she would be the one to pick her daughter up and care for her the most. When she was busy at work, her mother-inw would pick her up. As she liked grandsons, she would always be in a bad mood when picking her granddaughter up. From time to time, she would even call her granddaughter a money pit, wasting the big house her son had bought.

    Don¡¯t think that all children are young and thus insensible. They could actually understand what the adults were saying. Even if they didn¡¯t understand, based on the other party¡¯s expression and tone alone, it wasn¡¯t difficult to differentiate if the other party liked or hated them.

 Chapter 1539 - Breaking It with Actions

    <h4>Chapter 1539: Breaking It with Actions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Her paternal grandma had a bad temper, and her father did not care about others. Naturally, the ones that the little girl was most fond of were her mom and maternal grandparents. The moment she saw her fathere toward her in a threatening manner simr to the bad guys she saw on television, she did not even wait for a reaction from her teacher before she burst out in tears, refusing to let her fathere any closer. When her father drew closer, the little girl hid behind her teacher as though she was ying a game.

    In the end, the teacher informed Xu Shengnan about the situation. The moment Xu Shengnan arrived and threatened to involve the police, the other party had no choice but to leave in a rage.

    After this fiasco, Xu Shengnan ced more importance on picking her child up from school. Less than a week after that incident, everything Qiao Nan needed was ced in front of her. Seeing the ultrasound pictures of that mistress, Qiao Nanughed coldly. It was just as she had predicted. ¡°See for yourself, Senior Xu.¡±

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s hand that held the ultrasound pictures shivered furiously. ¡°No wonder. No wonder...¡± No wonder he had been keeping the fact that he had a mistress from her until recently. Or perhaps it was not even that she had discovered it. Perhaps that bast*rd pair had purposely let her discover the truth.

    ¡°He¡¯s clearly trying to pick a fight with me so that other people will misunderstand that I¡¯m being unreasonable. This way, he¡¯ll be able to chase me out of the house for her to take my ce!¡±

    ¡°Are you going to sue him?¡± Qiao Nan asked. With evidence, everything would be much easier.

    Xu Shengnan¡¯s breath was unstable. ¡°Not at the moment. Junior Qiao, don¡¯t be angry. I have my concerns. My daughter doesn¡¯t have a good rtionship with them. But after all, they are her grandma and father. I don¡¯t want my daughter to have such a bad impression of her closest rtives, less it leave a scar on her young mind. I¡¯ll try to settle it privately with them first. In short, I don¡¯t want what¡¯s not mine. They can dream on about taking what¡¯s mine. So we should just separate amicably.¡±

    As a mother herself, Qiao Nan calmed down quickly. ¡°You¡¯re right about this point.¡±

    ¡°Junior Qiao, just in case, can you lend me a hand? I don¡¯t have roots in the capital, and neither do I know many people. On the other hand, they have so many neighbors and rtives. I¡¯m just afraid that since they can¡¯t defeat me now that I have evidence, they might try to use force against me.¡± If the evidence that her junior had found were to be snatched away, there was really nothing else she could do.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be seen as petty than be the one getting hurt,¡± Xu Shengnan said as she cupped her face. She had been faced with too muchtely to the point she was about to copse. Could they really not get through the ¡®seven-year itch¡¯?

    Qiao Nan pushed the ss of warm water in front of Xu Shengnan. No matter how hot the weather was, she knew that Xu Shengnan¡¯s heart must be as cold as winter. ¡°Your idea to have people back you up just in case is good. Keep this phone well. When you meet them, call this number and he will solve it for you. I¡¯ve told him about your problem. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    It made no sense for only one person to worry about this problem. Thisrade of Zhai Sheng had not only opened a private investigationpany but also a securitypany. If they wanted to find a few people to scare others away, it was only right to find thisrade of his.

    She had always been addressed as an elder sister, and the other party¡¯s voice also seemed rather youthful. That was why Qiao Nan did not even know that thisrade was actually older than her by two years! Without Zhai Sheng as an ¡®elder brother¡¯, she would be the one addressing therade as ¡®elder brother¡¯ instead!

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Xu Shengnan epted Qiao Nan¡¯s help quietly. At this point in time, she did not know what else to say to Qiao Nan.

    What Qiao Nan did not know was that once she passed this phone over, Qiao Nan had not only helped Xu Shengnan get rid of this tragedy of a marriage, but she had also helped wee Xu Shengnan¡¯s true happiness. If a bad guy did not cherish a good girl, there would naturally be a wise man who would pick this gem up and take good care of it.

    ¡°Everything has been settled?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan¡¯s eyebrows were no longer furrowed, Zhai Sheng knew that Xu Shengnan¡¯s problem had more or less been resolved. Thinking about Qiao Nan¡¯s enthusiasm toward Xu Shengnan, Zhai Sheng was a little unhappy. ¡°First, it was Shi Qing. Now, it¡¯s your Senior Xu. May I ask Minister Qiao when you are going to care more about your husband?¡±

    ¡°When have I not cared about you?¡± Qiao Nan replied in a rxed manner, showing how firm she was about this. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t you know that after this incident with Senior Xu, my love toward you has only been ever-increasing? Brother Zhai, how did I ever find and marry such a wonderful man? If it were not for you, I might have stayed single my whole life.¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t meet me, you wouldn¡¯t get married at all?¡± Fine. With Qiao Nan¡¯s coaxing, it was as though Zhai Sheng swallowed a whole bowl of ice. He felt refreshed from the inside out. Eating ice in June was the best feeling ever.

    He heard Qiao Nan reply with a word, ¡°Yes.¡± Her ears flushed red and she nodded vigorously. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t met you, I¡¯d rather not marry anyone and just stay single.¡± Qiao Nan was not the least bit embarrassed to say that. After all, hadn¡¯t she been single up until her death in her past life? But...

    ¡°Brother Zhai, if you hadn¡¯t met me, would you still get married to some other woman?¡± Qiao Nan did not believe that with his status, a man in his forties like Zhai Sheng would be able to stay unmarried.

    ¡°Even if I got married, I would get divorced.¡± Zhai Sheng was clear of his own temper. He knew that even if he were to get married, the rtionship would notst. ¡°Not all women are so independent like you and are busier than me. And not all women can bear such loneliness. At least, none of the women that I¡¯ve met could take it.¡± Actually, there were only a few women whom Zhai Sheng had met.

    But he insisted that Qiao Nan was the only one who could have done it amongst all of them.

    Qiao Nan was upset and threw a small tantrum. So he meant that in his past life, he had not only gotten married but had also married someone other than her. As for whether he got divorced or not, Qiao Nan did not care. She cared only about whether he got married or not. He could only get divorced if he got married!

    In both lifetimes, this was her first marriage. Inparison, Zhai Sheng had already been married once.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was throwing a tantrum, Zhai Sheng was helpless. He could not understand what Qiao Nan was angry about. After all, this was all hypothetical. Looking at the clock next to the bed, he realized that it was almost ten, so he turned over and used his physical strength to fort¡¯ Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1540 - Division of Assets

    <h4>Chapter 1540: Division of Assets</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nan Nan was too free. That was why her thoughts wandered. If Nan Nan was ¡®busier¡¯, perhaps that would be better. With this thought in mind, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t polite to Qiao Nan at all. It had already been more than ten years since they fell in love. The seven-year itch had never happened to them before.

    On the contrary, when the two of them were together, they often gave people the feeling that they were very sweet.

    Qiao Nan entrusted Xu Shengnan¡¯s matter fully to Zhai Sheng¡¯srade friend. However, Qiao Nan knew a little of the follow-up development regarding Xu Shengnan¡¯s divorce.

    During the first few years of marriage, Xu Shengnan¡¯s man had performed well. He was honest and cared about his family. Knowing that his wife was busy at work and had to do overtime often, he practically pushed away all opportunities of overtime and socializing. He would return home after work to take care of his daughter.

    At that time, Qiao Nan felt that Xu Shengnan was quite blessed to have found such a husband.

    However, at this moment, Qiao Nan no longer thought so. She could only say that this man was too cunning. This man didn¡¯t work overtime and had stayed at home for a longer period of time. On the surface, it looked as if he had invested more time in this family than Xu Shengnan. How touching was it for a man to stay at home to bring up the child?

    However, Xu Shengnan lived with her mother-inw. With her mother-inw around, how would she let her son take care of her granddaughter? Everything should have been done by her mother-inw. Instead, a man who waszy to work overtime and would lie on the bed once he reached home actually became more family-focused than Xu Shengnan?

    After all, once the door was shut, aside from the people in this family, would any outsiders know what kind of life this family was leading?

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know about this in the past. She heard from Xu Shengnan recently that her mother-inw and husband favored sons. As such, it was impossible for the man to have taken care of the child. Even if the grandmother was taking care of the child, her attitude toward her wouldn¡¯t be any better.

    Otherwise, why would the child like her maternal grandmother more although she had spent more time interacting with her paternal grandmother?

    Qiao Nan also found out about this point only recently. After buying the house, aside from the down payment, Xu Shengnan had been paying the mortgage alone. That man didn¡¯t work overtime and received a basic sry every month. However, these wages weren¡¯t handed over to Xu Shengnan. Instead, he kept it in his own pockets.

    To put it bluntly, Xu Shengnan had been paying everything for the house except for the down payment. If that man hadn¡¯t created the image of a good man, Xu Shengnan wouldn¡¯t have had to work herself so hard and do the overtime that the man was supposed to do so that the mortgage could be paid off as soon as possible.

    Now, most of the mortgage had been paid off and there wasn¡¯t much left. As such, that mother-and-son pair felt confident that they no longer had to rely on Xu Shengnan to pay off the mortgage. If they saved a little more, they could pay off everything within a few years. Thus, theyid out the cards to Xu Shengnan, wanting both the grandson and the house.

    That mother-and-son pair had really taken all the good things in this world.

    However, one couldn¡¯t always get what they wanted. How were things that simple?

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s help, Xu Shengnan very quickly obtained evidence of her man¡¯s affairs. This man was too arrogant. When he brought his mistress to the hospital for an obstetrical examination, he imed to be her husband. Not only were the bills and money deducted from this man¡¯s sry, but he had also signed on all the necessary procedures.

    With these receipts and evidence, he couldn¡¯t run away from thebel of having an affair.

    There were cracks in their rtionship and they couldn¡¯t continue their marriage. It was naturally easier to get a divorce. Furthermore, both parties had the intention to get a divorce now. Thest point of contention was the division of assets after the divorce.

    The man expressed that he wanted their daughter, thus he wanted to have a bigger share of the assets. After all, this sum of money was for their daughter. Moreover, he asked Xu Shengnan to give their daughter a monthly living allowance of two thousand yuan. Although their daughter was still young, a lot of money was spent on her studies. That was especially so since Xu Shengnan liked their daughter to learn this and enroll in that.

    Of course, she had to continue studying those that she had already started learning. Xu Shengnan had to be responsible for this amount of money partially. Not only that, that man even set the condition of hoping Xu Shengnan could pay off their daughter¡¯s living allowance of ten years in one go. He didn¡¯t want to be a debt collector and keep asking Xu Shengnan for money every month. This was unsightly for both parties.

    Both of them had shared the same bed for almost ten years. Even if they had gotten a divorce, they were still friends. For their daughter, they didn¡¯t need to get themselves into an embarrassing situation. It was better for everyone to be more polite with each other.

    That man¡¯s requests sounded reasonable on the surface. Only the people who understood the truth knew how overboard and shameless this man¡¯s requests were.

    Seeing that the other party¡¯swyer had a hypocritical smile, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer didn¡¯t bother to talk nonsense to them. He threw out a bunch of evidence. ¡°We understand your requests. However, before determining the specific details of the divorce, perhaps you would be interested to look at these things.¡±

    ¡°These photos and photocopied documents have proven that your client had an affair and betrayed my client. We are allwyers. Under such circumstances, we all know it in our hearts who it will be more beneficial to if we go to court. Besides, their daughter isn¡¯t very young. I feel that it is more important to respect the opinion of the child when ites to whom she wants to follow after the divorce. Furthermore, your client is going to be a father again soon. From these photos, it¡¯s not hard to tell that he¡¯s looking forward to the child in this woman¡¯s belly and is very touched that he¡¯s going to be a father again. I think after this child is born, your client shouldn¡¯t have so much time to take care of two children, right?¡±

    When Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer took out the evidence, the man¡¯swyer changed his face almost immediately and looked at the man with unkind eyes. When it was determined that they could be going to court, thewyer had asked him a number of times if he hadmitted any wrongs during this marriage and if the woman had any evidence of it on her hands.

    That man told hiswyer time and time again that he didn¡¯tmit any mistakes and it was purely because their rtionship had broken down. They couldn¡¯t lead their lives together anymore and both parties had agreed to a divorce. The only reason why they were inseparable at the moment was because of the division of assets after the divorce.

 Chapter 1541 - Turning Mute

    <h4>Chapter 1541: Turning Mute</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He wanted their child, so he did not feel that he had done anything wrong by taking more. But if they were really to fight over it, he would naturally have to depend on hiswyer to help him gain a higher ground.

    Upon hearing this, the man¡¯swyer felt that a private settlement would be best. If it really went to court, this case would not be easy to win, but it would not be difficult either. Who would gain more marital assets would really depend on who gained custody of their child.

    But thewyer had never expected that his client had lied to him. Not only had his client been the one tomit wrongdoings in the marriage, but his wife had also gotten ahold of solid evidence against him. There was no way for him to refute it.

    It was just his bad fortune to meet such an uncooperative client!

    ¡°We¡¯re in the same line of work. You should understand that with the evidence that my client has secured, your client doesn¡¯t stand to benefit from it if we are to go to court. Even if your client feels no responsibility to his family and marriage and chooses to abandon it until the very end bymitting such an immoral act, my client doesn¡¯t have high expectations because he is the biological father of her child after all. After the divorce, my client will have custody of their daughter. Of course, your client will still have to pay alimony. Each of them will pay for half of whatever living expenses and tuition fees their daughter incurs. Whether it is paid in a lump sum or on a regr basis can be further discussed.¡±

    Seeing that his opponent was already in a state of loss, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer was even more so calm and collected. ¡°As for the marital assets...¡±

    Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer smiled and produced two pay stubs. ¡°This is my client¡¯s ie over the past twelve months. This is your client¡¯s. As you know, having an affair as a married man costs quite a bit of money. Your client pays for the rent of the house thisdy in the photo lives in. The rent is not cheap. It¡¯s something along the lines of 800 yuan a month. Now that thedy is pregnant, she needs more nourishment as well. After all, she¡¯s eating for two. So with all due respect, I¡¯d propose to you that your client doesn¡¯t even have enough to spend. He¡¯s probably even asking for money from my client.¡±

    To take money from his wife to support his mistress? Was there any other man who was more shameless than this?

    The man¡¯swyer turned pale. Ever since he became awyer, he had never felt so awkward and in a dilemma. Just a casual remark from the other party¡¯swyer rendered him speechless. But most importantly, when faced with such a bizarre situation, he actually did not want to even rebuke him.

    ¡°Other than this, let¡¯s talk about the issue of the house.¡±

    Fang Shiyou, Xu Shengnan¡¯s man, immediately spoke up. ¡°House? What house? That house is mine. It has nothing to do with Xu Shengnan. I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯ve never noticed how scheming Xu Shengnan is. She¡¯s probably had her eyes on me for a long time. It¡¯s really not easy for you to hold back your temper and finally erupt only today. But don¡¯t you think you should live with dignity, Xu Shengnan? Don¡¯t you remember how we got that house? My parents toiled their whole lives to be able to afford that small house. Don¡¯t be so shameless. Otherwise, how would Ling Ling see you as her mother in the future?¡±

    The house was the most valuable. Besides, it belonged to their family. Xu Shengnan could dream on about even having that house.

    Xu Shengnanughed coldly. ¡°I agree wholeheartedly about not being shameful, so I¡¯ll say it back to you. Even up until now, I¡¯ve never said a bad thing about you in front of Ling Ling, so I hope that you can do some self-reflection and stop doing embarrassing things. I don¡¯t deny that your parents paid for the down-payment of that house, but what about the mortgage? I think I paid for the entirety of it. You didn¡¯t even contribute a single cent.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. These repayment slips can confirm that apart from the twenty percent down-payment, my client took care of the remaining seventy-four percent of the mortgage. Now, only six percent of it is still unpaid.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The woman had obviouslye prepared. This piece of evidence delivered a huge blow to Fang Shiyou¡¯swyer, so much so that he could not even speak.

    Fang Shiyou was infuriated. ¡°Are you a mute? Say something! Don¡¯t forget that I gave you money and hired you! Rebut them! Xu Shengnan, this house is my mom¡¯s and mine. Don¡¯t even think about having it!¡± Talking about the house, Fang Shiyou could no longer sit still. He was in a panic, as though he had sat down on a nail. ¡°Xu Shengnan, why don¡¯t you just agree to divorce now? If you want our daughter, fine! You can have her. We can split her expenses fifty-fifty between us!¡±

    But that was all!

    Just thinking about how much he had spent on Fang Ling Ling in the past few years pained Fang Shiyou. He had not understood for a long time. Wasn¡¯t she just a girl? It was not bad that she was already going to school. Why did she have to go for enrichment sses and throw money away like this? When his daughter grew up, she would eventually get married. Then, she would be part of someone else¡¯s family.

    It was just like Xu Shengnan¡¯s case. No matter how capable she was, she had be part of his family after marrying him. All of her money had gone to paying for their house.

    So obviously, daughters were useless and a waste of money.

    ¡°I want to leave happily too, but I hope you can just let it go. I just have one request. Return what is mine. I promise that I¡¯ll not touch a single cent that is not mine.¡± She was not even expecting Fang Shiyou to give her anything. But looking at the current situation, she realized that it would be difficult for her to even get back what belonged to her.

    ¡°What do you mean by returning what belongs to you? Haven¡¯t you left everything that belongs to you back at your parents¡¯ home? That house is mine, and everything in it is mine as well. They have nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t be so shameless.¡± The only reason why that woman was willing to be with Fang Shiyou and even got pregnant with Fang Shiyou¡¯s baby was because of Fang Shiyou¡¯s house.

    That woman was not from the capital and knew that Fang Shiyou did not earn much. But he had a big house in the capital. As long as she married Fang Shiyou and changed her address to his house, both she and her child would be registered in the capital.

    ¡°So what? Do you want to exin to your client what belongs to my client in that house?¡± Xu Shengnan¡¯swyerughed and did not even bother wasting his breath on Fang Shiyou. Instead, he turned to Fang Shiyou¡¯swyer.

 Chapter 1542 - Donâ€™t Go Overboard

    <h4>Chapter 1542: Don¡¯t Go Overboard</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After their marriage, Xu Shengnan alone had paid for the mortgage, and she had paid for almost seventy percent! Even if the couple had paid for it together, Fang Shiyou had cheated. The Fang family should not be allowed to keep the house for themselves. Even though Xu Shengnan¡¯s name was not in the house deed, Xu Shengnan still had a share in it. Fang Shiyou could not deny that.

    ¡°Mr. Fang, please calm down. This matter can¡¯t be resolved by rushing through it. I¡¯m sorry to inform you that it¡¯s impossible for the Fang family to gain full control of the house. Moreover, Madam Xu has the greatest share of the house you¡¯re living in now.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! You¡¯re such a weirdwyer! I¡¯m the one who hired you and will pay you, but you¡¯re helping Xu Shengnan! I want to changewyers! I want to changewyers!¡± At this point in time, Fang Shiyou was really in a frenzy. Not only did the house not belong to him, but Xu Shengnan held the majority of it. No! This could not be happening!

    ¡°Sure, you can changewyers. I¡¯ll return the money to you.¡± He really did not wish to handle such a case like this. As they were both men, thewyer really felt that it was too embarrassing that there were men like Fang Shiyou around. ¡°But I¡¯ll leave you with a piece of advice. It¡¯s not that there¡¯s no way that you can continue sticking to your guns in this case, but even if you changewyers and hire the bestwyer in the world, the house will still not be yours.¡±

    With that, thewyer picked up his briefcase and prepared to leave.

    With a client like Fang Shiyou who was full of lies,cked cooperation, and even threw a tantrum toward him, thewyer dered that he would never want to see Fang Shiyou ever again. He wanted to earn money, but not Fang Shiyou¡¯s.

    ¡°No!¡± Now that thewyer was really going to leave, Fang Shiyou panicked again. ¡°I spent money to hire you. You have to help me solve the problem at the very least. Is there really no other way?¡± Fang Shiyou could not help but pull thewyer aside and said in a soft voice, ¡°Lawyer, please help me. I¡¯m willing to pay whatever it takes. I¡¯ll agree to whatever requests Xu Shengnan wants in this divorce, but the house is mine. What other way is there?¡±

    He would rather spend more money on thewyer than let Xu Shengnan have the house.

    If it was not for anything else, the house itself had increased in value in the seven or eight years that they had been living in it. The money that they had spent on buying such arge house would not even pay for a small apartment in the same location today.

    No matter what his intentions were, the house could never be Xu Shengnan¡¯s.

    ¡°There is, but only one.¡± Thewyer¡¯s gaze was cold. He felt that this method would never work. He would not talk about how ruthless and cold-blooded his opponent¡¯s client was, but his client was not only stupid but also ruthless.

    If it were him, he would never agree to these terms whether it was for love or just to show his anger.

    Fang Shiyou did not notice the coldness in hiswyer¡¯s eyes and beamed. ¡°What way is there?¡±

    ¡°For the female party to voluntarily give up her rights and sign the agreement.¡±

    ¡°How is that possible? Xu Shengnan will never agree to it!¡± If Xu Shengnan agreed to it, thewyer that she had hired would not even mention the issue of the house today.

    ¡°Then, there is no way.¡± Thewyer shrugged, his face showing his helplessness.

    ¡°Other than this method, is there really no other way?¡± Fang Shiyou was anxious. He had thought that it would be easy to get a divorce. Why had it be so tricky now?

    ¡°No, so it¡¯s best you discuss this with your wife.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Fang Shiyou thought about it and sat back down in his seat, letting out an innocent smile that Xu Shengnan was once familiar with. ¡°Shengnan, we¡¯ve been married for almost ten years. Now that we¡¯re separating, why make it so difficult for the both of us and make everyone sad? Can we separate amicably? My mom is already so old. Just take it as though you¡¯reforting my mom and let her enjoy her old age. Will you stop fighting with me over the house? That house was originally¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Xu Shengnan cut in without hesitation. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me about how we¡¯ve been a couple. If you really cherished our rtionship, you wouldn¡¯t have a mistress and a baby in her tummy. I just want to take back what is mine. I¡¯m already being nice by not having you hand over all our marital assets. In short, you have to return me whatever is mine. If you don¡¯t want to split the house, that¡¯s fine. But I¡¯ve made a record of how much I¡¯ve paid the bank over these years. You know how much the property prices have risen in the capital. Seeing that your mom is in her old age, I can take one step back.¡±

    Xu Shengnan took a deep breath with firm determination in her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to pay me back ording to the market value of my shares of the house. Just return me the amount that I¡¯ve paid for the mortgage over these past few years.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was already giving in significantly.

    When they first purchased the house, it cost slightly more than five million yuan. When they made the down payment, the Fang family had produced about nine hundred thousand, while Xu Shengnan had paid the remaining one hundred thousand. In the end, Xu Shengnan had been the one paying the monthly mortgage that amounted to almost four million yuan.

    The problem was that the house not only upied an area of over a hundred square meters, but it was also situated in a good neighborhood. Now, there was no way of purchasing such a good property with only five million yuan, so if she were to go by the market value, the Fang family would have to pay Xu Shengnan at least eight to nine million yuan.

    The Fang family was really at a great advantage now that Xu Shengnan was asking for only four million yuan.

    But the problem was that Fang Shiyou could not fork out even four million yuan. If he could do so, would he have married Xu Shengnan? In fact, Xu Shengnan felt that Fang Shiyou was honest, but Fang Shiyou despised Xu Shengnan for being too dominant andcking femininity. But she had graduated from a prestigious university, had a good job, and had a high sry.

    With such aparison, he had gotten a good deal when they got married.

    Indeed, after marriage, Xu Shengnan had been the one paying the mortgage, while he could choose to spend his sry freely. As such, Fang Shiyou was rather arrogant in front of his friends.

    ¡°Shengnan, you¡¯re clear of my family¡¯s situation. How can we suddenly afford to pay you such a huge sum of money? Don¡¯t be too greedy and force us to our deaths.¡± Where would he get such a huge sum of money?

 Chapter 1543 - There Is a Preface

    <h4>Chapter 1543: There Is a Preface</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Fang Shiyou could barely afford to pay for the ten years of his daughter¡¯s living expenses as per Xu Shengnan¡¯s request.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s change the solution. Return me the house and I¡¯ll give you money. You guys only paid nine hundred thousand then. I¡¯ll go ording to the market value of our property and pay you triple of that. 2.7 million yuan. Then, the house will be mine and Ling Ling¡¯s, and it will have nothing to do with you.¡±

    It was not exactly true that Xu Shengnan had a conscience. Based on how the property prices had risen in the past few years, Xu Shengnan knew that she would not even need another seven to eight years for the value of her property to double again.

    In other words, the 2.7 million yuan that she was going to give Fang Shiyou would easily turn into six million in just a few more years.

    On this matter, Xu Shengnan definitely had the upper hand. Just like what Fang Shiyou had said, Xu Shengnan was clear of the situation the Fang family was in.

    If they had not sold their own smaller apartment then, the Fang family would never have been able to afford to pay for thisrger house in the capital. They had received more than nine hundred thousand from the sale of their apartment. However, Mother Fang liked to have more cash on hand and wanted to take advantage of Xu Shengnan. Therefore, Xu Shengnan had paid over a hundred thousand when they made the down payment for the house in the capital.

    After selling the small apartment, Mother Fang used the remaining tens of thousands on gold ornaments for herself to show off during Xu Shengnan and Fang Shiyou¡¯s wedding. Other than that, when Fang Shiyou married Xu Shengnan, they had to offer a dowry to the Xu family. In addition, Fang Shiyou had taken this opportunity to borrow over two hundred thousand from his mother to purchase a car.

    With that, the million yuan that they had gotten from selling the small apartment was almost all gone after a short time. Moreover, Fang Shiyou did not have a high sry and even found himself a mistress. He had to take care of his mistress and spend even more money on her after she became pregnant.

    Based on her actions in the past six months, Xu Shengnan suspected that her mother-inw already knew about her son¡¯s affair. The only reason why Fang Shiyou could have told his mother about this was that his sry had been insufficient to cover the expenses of his mistress, so he had to borrow from his mother.

    For the sake of her grandchild, Mother Fang did not refuse him.

    When Fang Shiyou finally emptied Mother Fang¡¯s pockets, he had no choice but to approach Xu Shengnan for money. Just based on the amount of makeup the mistress put on in the photo, Xu Shengnan was sure that it was impossible for Fang Shiyou to cover all her expenses with only his monthly sry.

    Fang Shiyou was bold and daring to think of marrying such a woman. Did Fang Shiyou think that he was living afortable life because of his own abilities?

    No matter what, Fang Shiyou not only had no money on hand, but his hands were also tied. As such, even if Fang Shiyou were to sell everything he had, he would not be able to hand over four hundred thousand, let alone four million yuan.

    Upon hearing Xu Shengnan¡¯s proposal, Fang Shiyou¡¯s face flushed with anger. Seeing his grumpy appearance, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer warned Fang Shiyou through his gaze. He was afraid that Fang Shiyou would lose it and rush up to attack Xu Shengnan. Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer had ever encountered such a situation earlier on in his career. But with him present, he would never let Fang Shiyou hit Xu Shengnan.

    At this moment, thewyer that Fang Shiyou had hired finally spoke up. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s a third way of settling this.¡±

    ¡°What is the third way?¡± Fang Shiyou¡¯s eyes werepletely red from both anger and panic. 2.7 million yuan sounded like arge sum of money. It would take Fang Shiyou forty to fifty years to earn that amount of money at the very least.

    In other words, taking into ount Fang Shiyou¡¯s age, there was no way he would ever have 2.7 million yuan unless he worked until his death. But as much as Fang Shiyoucked money, he would never take this sum of money. Once he epted it, the house would no longer be his.

    It would be difficult for him to use 2.7 million yuan to purchase another house. Even if he were to purchase another house, it would not be in such a good location nor would it have such arge area as the current one. After purchasing the house, he would still have to spend money on renovations. During the period of renovations, he would still have to rent another house.

    All these were expenses to him.

    Fang Shiyou had led such a life when they had first gotten married. But at that time, Xu Shengnan had arranged everything, and Xu Shengnan had been the one supporting them with her sry. Fang Shiyou also knew that it had been hard on Xu Shengnan at that time and she had treated him very well. Thus, Fang Shiyou had also wanted to live happily with Xu Shengnan at that time.

    But Xu Shengnan had given birth to Xu Ling Ling, and not Xu Shi Shi. Because it had not been a son, he wavered. Moreover, he met the love of his life. And with that, Fang Shiyou chose true love unhesitatingly.

    In short, there was no way he could take the 2.7 million yuan. If he were to do so, the love of his life would never forgive him for it.

    ¡°That is to sell the house that you¡¯re living in now. Even if you can¡¯t give Madam Xu twelve million yuan, you should still be able to give her eight million, and you¡¯ll be left with six to seven million yuan. With that money, you can purchase arge house around the fifth ring. There¡¯ll be just over a decade of mortgage to pay back. This is quite a good solutionpared to all the others.¡± In this way, Fang Shiyou had the best deal.

    From his initial nine hundred thousand to six or seven million yuan, thewyer felt that the best thing that Fang Shiyou had done in his whole life was probably marrying Xu Shengnan. Marrying her had brought him a fortune.

    ¡°This...¡± Hearing that he would stand to gain six to seven million yuan, Fang Shiyou hesitated. With this sum of money, he would be able to purchase a house in other neighborhoods, even if they were not as good as the third ring. If that was the case, would his mother still reject the idea?

    ¡°Excuse me. I think you¡¯re mistaken about something.¡± Xu Shengnan¡¯swyerughed. He felt that those two were talking amongst themselves. ¡°The proposals that we put forth earlier were based on the premise that the house would be either your client¡¯s or my client¡¯s. If the house is sold, then the distribution of the proceeds will be a separate matter. Once the house is sold, Madam Xu would like the proceeds to be divided ording to how much each of you paid in the first ce.¡± Did they really think it was so easy to take advantage of her?

    If the house were to be sold for fifteen million yuan, Madam Xu would get at least twelve million yuan, nothing less. Allowing the Fang family to get 2.7 million yuan was already Madam Xu¡¯s limit.

 Chapter 1544 - Do Not Go Easy On That Bast*rd and His Mistress

    <h4>Chapter 1544: Do Not Go Easy On That Bast*rd and His Mistress</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The man had gone astray in this rtionship. It was enough that he was leaving the marriage without giving up any marital assets. Now, he wanted to take advantage of his wife to strike a fortune and buy a house to wee his mistress? There was no free lunch in the world. Thewyer from the man¡¯s side was being overly idealistic.

    ¡°Xu Shengnan, how can you be so ruthless? Are you really trying to drive us to our deaths? If my mom had not paid for part of the down payment, do you think you would have been able to buy the house? Now, you¡¯re trying to take the majority of the shares of the house. Do you even have a heart?¡± Fang Shiyou was on the verge of exploding. There was finally a solution that he was barely willing to ept, but it was immediately struck down by Xu Shengnan.

    Fang Shiyou had always thought that he would have the house to himself if they were to divorce and that Xu Shengnan would have nothing to do with it. They had to remember who paid the down payment. His family had contributed the greatest amount of money. Besides, Xu Shengnan¡¯s name was not even on the property records.

    ¡°Even if you could afford the down payment, without my constant contributions to the mortgage, the house would already have been repossessed by the bank over a hundred times with that meager sry of yours, Fang Shiyou!¡± Xu Shengnan was not going to back down. ¡°Now, I¡¯m giving you two options. Either you give me four million yuan, or I give you 2.7 million yuan and we get an amicable divorce. If you¡¯re not willing to pick any of these options, that¡¯s fine too. We¡¯ll go to court and see what the court says!¡±

    If they really went to court, she would make sure that Fang Shiyou would not even able to get 2.7 million yuan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. My client is a little upset. But I canpletely understand why my client feels this way. After all, she has made so many sacrifices for her family but was still betrayed in the end. We¡¯ll take our leave first. As for the house, please advise your client well.¡± Once Xu Shengnan stood up, herwyer naturally followed suit, with a wide smile on his face.

    How he wished he could take on more cases like this one, where it could be easily settled and he could get paid quickly.

    Once Xu Shengnan left, Fang Shiyou grabbed onto hiswyer¡¯s hand. ¡°Lawyer, you have to help me. You have to help me. Whether or not my family breaks apart will all depend on you!¡±

    Thewyer withdrew his hand as his temples throbbed. He really wanted to scream at Fang Shiyou. It was because of Fang Shiyou that his family was in this situation. It had nothing to do with thewyer at all.

    But thewyer had to be rational, so he forced out a stiff smile. ¡°Don¡¯t get so agitated. Being emotional won¡¯t solve the problem. You told me in the beginning that you wanted a divorce because you two no longer had feelings for each other. But now that I¡¯vepletely understood the situation, I¡¯m very sorry to tell you that you can only solve the problem ording to the proposal from the other party¡¯swyer. If you¡¯re unwilling to settle this amicably and want to go to court, the result will not only not change, but you might lose out even more by doing so.¡±

    No matter whether he was nning on continuing with the case, there was no one who was willing to help Fang Shiyou for free.

    In this case, Fang Shiyou could either take the 2.7 million yuan or pay four million yuan instead. Otherwise, if he were really to go to court, Fang Shiyou would either not end up with 2.7 million yuan or have to pay more than four million yuan.

    Thinking about Fang Shiyou¡¯s concern about money as well as that mistress¡¯ face, thewyerughed. Four million yuan? His client was not one who would have four million yuan. He might not even be able to borrow four million yuan.

    When Qiao Nan heard about Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation, her expression darkened. ¡°Senior Xu, it¡¯sing. You¡¯re already getting divorced. Why are you letting Fang Shiyou off so easily and let him have your money to live a good life with his mistress?¡±

    Xu Shengnan was momentarily stunned before she furiously shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. How can I possibly let that guy lead afortable life? I wish he could soak in ice-cold water every day and hang above a furnace! Don¡¯t worry. He won¡¯t be able to hand over four million yuan.¡±

    As long as Fang Shiyou could not hand over four million yuan, she would find a way to borrow 2.7 million yuan to hand over to Fang Shiyou. Then, that house worth more than ten million yuan would naturally be hers and her daughter, Ling Ling¡¯s.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her temples. ¡°Senior Xu, have you forgotten about the existence of loan sharks? Now that you¡¯re pressing him, and seeing as to how Fang Shiyou is so unwilling to let go of the house, he¡¯ll find a way to get those four million yuan to pay you and get the house in his hands. When that timees and once you¡¯ve gotten a divorce, do you think you¡¯ll have a say in whether Fang Shiyou sells the house? If Fang Shiyou sells the house and repays the loan sharks, he¡¯ll probably still have ten million yuan left. With ten million yuan, Fang Shiyou will lead a better life than if he epts hiswyer¡¯s third solution!¡±

    Without a house and with only 2.7 million yuan, Qiao Nan was very sure that Fang Shiyou¡¯s mistress would definitely break off with Fang Shiyou, and Fang Shiyou would definitely not be able to maintain his lifestyle.

    On the other hand, if the 2.7 million yuan turned into ten million yuan, that mistress would stick close to Fang Shiyou and dere her loyalty to him. Then, whether the couple would live lovingly until their deaths or separate in a few years¡¯ time, they would still leadfortable lives in their first few years together.

    In this case, Xu Shengnan had wasted all her time and effort in hiring awyer and a private investigator.

    ¡°Tell yourwyer now and get him to reiterate your stand toward the Fang family. Tell him that you¡¯ve changed your mind. It¡¯s good enough that you¡¯re not letting him get divorced and leave with nothing on the ount of all those years you two spent together. As for how the house should be split, it will be ording to the amount of money you guys contributed. If Fang Shiyou gives you enough money, the house will be his. Otherwise, you will pay Fang Shiyou and the house will be yours. If Fang Shiyou chooses neither of these two options and decides to go straight to court, then we¡¯ll let the court decide. If that doesn¡¯t work, see if the court can auction off the house and then distribute the proceeds.¡±

    ¡°Will... will that work?¡± Xu Shengnan did not know much about thew, and it was her first time getting a divorce. She did not know that there were so many workings of thew.

    ¡°How would I know? But based on how shameless the Fang family is, they will definitely not implement whatever the court rules. But in front of thew, everyone is equal. As long as they don¡¯t act in ordance with the court¡¯s rulings, and after the court gives them a couple of reminders, it won¡¯t be impossible for the house to be auctioned off.¡± At least on Qiao Nan¡¯s side, she could give Xu Shengnan some power.

    Even if Qiao Nan could not change the refusal into an eptance, she still had the ability to force the implementation of the eptance to speed up.

    Then, even if the Fang family was not agreeable, the matter would still be solved.

    In short, they could not let that scoundrel Fang Shiyou and his mistress gain an advantage from this situation.

    Now that Qiao Nan had said that, the initially hesitant Xu Shengnan strengthened her resolve.

 Chapter 1545 - Leaving No Room

    <h4>Chapter 1545: Leaving No Room</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Her initial n was not to let Fang Shiyou, his mother, and his mistress leadfortable lives. But she had not thought it through and had left such a huge gap for Fang Shiyou to take advantage of!

    Thankfully, there was still time. Fang Shiyou had not agreed. Besides, her verbal agreement was not legally binding, and she did not have to take responsibility for that. At that time, Xu Shengnan had to thank Fang Shiyou for his greed. If Fang Shiyou had agreed to it straight away, all her efforts would have gone to waste, and she would have helped Fang Shiyou and his mistress.

    With this new direction, Xu Shengnan immediately contacted herwyer. Actually, thewyer had considered this too, but he could not tell whether Xu Shengnan was trying to let Fang Shiyou off easily, or whether she was trying to save Fang Shiyou some dignity.

    Once he received Xu Shengnan¡¯s call, thewyer knew that Xu Shengnan was different from those softhearted women that he had met in the past. When Xu Shengnan talked about divorce, she was sure about it. It was not just a pretense.

    Even if Fang Shiyou caved in to Xu Shengnan¡¯s request due to pressure, then changed his mind, Xu Shengnan would not agree. Even though thewyer was a man, in such a situation, he was unwilling to help Fang Shiyou either. The only thing he admired was Xu Shengnan¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°All right, we¡¯ll do it that way. I¡¯ll contact the other party¡¯swyer and ry your stand. This should indeed be done in this way. We have to be clear whether we intend to leave any room for the other party. Otherwise, it will only be to our disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± Xu Shengnan breathed out a sigh of relief.

    Once both parties confirmed it, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer immediately made a phone call to Fang Shiyou¡¯swyer to tell him about Xu Shengnan¡¯s decision. Since they had not reached an agreement earlier, those terms could not be legally recognized. Fang Shiyou¡¯swyer had no choice but to ept Xu Shengnan¡¯s change in her decision.

    Anyway, he had already done his best to help Fang Shiyou as hiswyer. It was Fang Shiyou who was too foolish and greedy to not ept such a good deal. Fang Shiyou had sabotaged himself. He had no one else to me.

    Knowing that Fang Shiyou would not stand to gain anything from the divorce settlement whether they went to court or not, thewyer reluctantly conveyed Xu Shengnan¡¯s words to Fang Shiyou to mentally prepare Fang Shiyou. ¡°Mr. Fang, I¡¯ll say it again. In this marriage, you are the party at fault. Madam Xu has solid evidence of you cheating on her. If you really go to court, you don¡¯t even stand a chance of winning. If you want to achieve your goal and get the most out of this, there¡¯s only one way, which is to get Madam Xu¡¯s approval.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re always wee to try it out with anotherwyer.¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Knowing that he would not be able to get the house, and possibly not even twenty percent of the valuation of the property, Fang Shiyou¡¯s face turned pale. He smashed the phone down and shouted at thewyer rudely.

    After hanging up the call, Fang Shiyou still could not give up. Thiswyer was too useless. He could not even remember who had rmended such an unreliablewyer to him. That would not do. He would find anotherwyer.

    Fang Shiyou did not dare to dy any further as he was afraid that Xu Shengnan would act faster than him, causing him to lose out. What made Fang Shiyou vomit blood was that he had consulted several renownedwyers, but every single one of them told him that there was no way he would win if they were to fight this case.

    It was logical for Xu Shengnan to receive more than eighty percent of the property valuation. Based on the fact that Fang Shiyou had been the cheating party, it was not impossible for Xu Shengnan to ask forpensation by taking ny percent of it! After all, the couple still had a child. As long as the child was willing to remain in Xu Shengnan¡¯s custody, whether Xu Shengnan received ny or a hundred percent of the property would depend only on how capable herwyer was.

    In short, as long as they were going to fight a case and Fang Shiyou angered Xu Shengnan, the money he got would only decrease. If Fang Shiyou wanted to fight for the custody of their daughter, thewyer told Fang Shiyou that he was unlikely to win that either.

    Usually, children had better rtionships with their mothers, and the Fang family was unlikely to be an exception. Secondly, Fang Shiyou¡¯s cheating showed that he was irresponsible and did not care for his family. Since Fang Shiyou already had another woman and a child outside of the marriage, the judge would have to consider whether his elder daughter would still be treated fairly and be loved after his other child was born. No matter what, he would not be able to devote himself to his daughter like Xu Shengnan could.

    The most fatal point was that both Fang Shiyou and his mother valued boys over girls. Once this was made known in court, everyone would know that Fang Shiyou was getting a divorce from Xu Shengnan because of the boy in his mistress¡¯ stomach. Then, there would be no doubt that the custody of their daughter would be awarded to Xu Shengnan.

    If he could not gain custody of his child, he could dream on about the house. Their child belonged to the two of them. Fang Shiyou still had the obligation to contribute to raising her. This would not change because of Xu Shengnan¡¯s resolute attitude toward the house. Fang Shiyou had to consider all these aspects carefully ahead of time.

    All in all, there was nothing Fang Shiyou could gain from this divorce apart from the son that was in his mistress¡¯ stomach. But once a man was blinded by beauty, and even had a son along with that, thewyer felt that he had done the best he could by reminding him.

    Under such circumstances, there was no way Fang Shiyou could turn back.

    For some men, it was not that they were determined, but they simply did not know when to turn back. Only when they choked on the waters of the Yellow River and were on the verge of death would theye to their senses about how fortunate they were not to be in the river.

    To get such an answer after all his efforts, Fang Shiyou felt as though he had aged by ten years overnight.

    Seeing her son in this situation, Mother Fang asked out of concern, ¡°What¡¯s with you? You¡¯ve been in a bad mood the whole day. Is it because Xu Shengnan is unwilling to get a divorce? I knew it. Xu Shengnan is no good thing. She wants to see our Fang family die without any descendants to continue our line. You can¡¯t be softhearted about this. The one you¡¯re keeping outside is already pregnant. I can¡¯t let my grandson be illegitimate!¡±

    When she did not have a grandson, a granddaughter would suffice, but just barely. Now that she had a grandson, her granddaughter would only be a waste of money to the family. Mother Fang was not going to tolerate Fang Ling Ling.

    ¡°Shiyou, listen to me. You must not be softhearted toward Xu Shengnan and Ling Ling. Remember that you¡¯re about to have a son!¡±

 Chapter 1546 - Your Son Is the Most Important

    <h4>Chapter 1546: Your Son Is the Most Important</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°How can Ling Ling be more important than your son? Hurry and get divorced from Xu Shengnan! Didn¡¯t you say that if you guys were separated for two years, then Xu Shengnan would have no choice but to get divorced?¡± Thankfully, Xu Shengnan cared about her dignity. Once they started the divorce proceedings, Xu Shengnan had immediately taken Ling Ling to the Xu family¡¯s house.

    Mother Fang felt that it was a pity that the Xu family had purchased a house in the capital using Xu Shengnan¡¯s sry.

    Logically, Xu Shengnan had purchased that house, and Xu Shengnan had married her son, so Xu Shengnan¡¯s house should be her son¡¯s house. If that house was under Shiyou¡¯s name, that would be perfect. Then, when her grandson grew up, he would immediately have his own house!

    Fang Shiyou grabbed his own hair. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not that Xu Shengnan doesn¡¯t want to get a divorce. It¡¯s that it¡¯s not that easy to get a divorce anymore. Once I divorce Xu Shengnan, this house will belong to Xu Shengnan!¡±

    ¡°What? Why? We paid for the down payment of this house! Besides, Xu Shengnan¡¯s name is not on the property deed of this house!¡± Mother Fang was utterly shocked. How could this house just be Xu Shengnan¡¯s and have nothing to do with them?

    Fang Shiyou was dispirited. ¡°You know that we paid for the down payment, but out of the one million yuan for the down payment, Xu Shengnan had forked out about a hundred thousand yuan. In the past few years, Xu Shengnan has paid for about four million yuan in total. You and I both know that we haven¡¯t paid more than Xu Shengnan has for this house. Thew states that even though Xu Shengnan¡¯s name is not on the deed, she has a share in the house because she paid for it! And she has even forked out more money than we have... Mom, did you know that Xu Shengnan already knew about my affair and that that woman is pregnant? She has evidence against me. Just based on this alone, thewyer said that I will definitely lose the case and the house.¡±

    What made Fang Shiyou the most indignant was that Xu Shengnan went back on her word so easily. She had previously said that the house would be his as long as he could pay her four million yuan, but a few hourster, Xu Shengnan was no longer willing to do so. He had to pay her based on the market value of the property.

    How could he possibly have twelve million? Even if it was just two million yuan, he would still have to borrow it from someone! There was no way he would get twelve million even if he were to put himself up for sale!

    Frustrated, Fang Shiyou tussled his hair even more. In a moment, his hands were full of his strands of hair. ¡°Mom, I think that I will lose everything once I get divorced from Xu Shengnan.¡± Without a house, could he still have a son?

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s mistress had clearly spelled out to him that she wanted both she and her child to be residents in the capital. The father of her child had to be from the capital, have a house, and not a small one for that matter.

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s mistress was rather pretty. As long as she was willing to do so, she could easily hook up with a man who was richer than Fang Shiyou. In fact, the one whom his mistress had been eyeing on was Fang Shiyou¡¯s boss. Unfortunately, a big boss like him had no eyes for this youngdy.

    Fang Shiyou, who had been watching on from the sidelines, fell for the youngdy and began a rtionship with her. Learning that Fang Shiyou had arge house in the capital, she was not afraid that Fang Shiyou¡¯s sry was lower than his boss¡¯ or that Fang Shiyou was still a worker. She could not prevent Fang Shiyou from liking her to the point of being willing to get divorced from his wife to marry her.

    Compared to his boss, Fang Shiyou was younger and had better looks. It was just that he had a low sry. But with such aparison, the youngdy felt that it was all right to settle for Fang Shiyou.

    After all, women had to find someone who would take care of them for the rest of their lives. Since she had already found such a target, there was no point in dying it any further.

    One was blinded by beauty, while the other had her eyes glued on money. And so, the two of them got together and started an affair behind Xu Shengnan¡¯s back.

    Because she had already made herself clear from the start, Fang Shiyou knew that his mistress was sure to leave him if he did not have a house. To put it crudely, if the child in her stomach was not born, what Fang Shiyou would lose was a son. But if the child was really born, it would be a huge burden on Fang Shiyou.

    ¡°Then, what should we do?¡± Mother Fang was in a panic. They would be left with nothing. ¡°Do you mean that you shouldn¡¯t get a divorce? How about that? Don¡¯t get a divorce from Xu Shengnan. When that woman gives birth, we¡¯ll take the child and ask Xu Shengnan to raise it as her own. As for that woman, maybe Xu Shengnan will give her some money to chase her away.¡±

    They would treat this as a transaction to buy a grandson.

    To Mother Fang, having a house was crucial for living in such arge city like the capital. Her grandson was still the most important, but in such a situation that concerned the house, Mother Fang really did not care about which woman would be her daughter-inw.

    Mother Fang remained silent.

    What for?

    He was really in love with his mistress. She was young and tender, and her mouth was so sweet that she was always able to coax him. She was nothing like that tomboy Xu Shengnan. In front of Xu Shengnan, he always felt that he was not a man and that he was being suppressed by Xu Shengnan.

    Was there really no perfect solution to this?

    Fang Shiyou could not make up his mind and wanted to dy it further. Thewyer that Qiao Nan had found for Xu Shengnan earned his keep. Before Fang Shiyou even made his decision, the court summon had been sent to the Fang family and handed over to Fang Shiyou.

    Since they had not been able toe to a consensus, they would meet in court.

    In this way, both women who were rted to Qiao Nan were getting divorced at the same time. The difference was that with Qiao Zijin and Zhou Zheng, Qiao Zijin had been the one to have an affair. On the other hand, Xu Shengnan had been cheated on by Fang Shiyou, who appeared honest outwardly. In fact, he was the one hiding the most lies.

    ¡°Minister, here¡¯s the information that you wanted.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s working conditions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not been affected by these two incidents. Li Dawei handed over the documents in his hands. ¡°Minister, do you have any other special tasks that you require me to do?¡±

    ¡°No, just finish whatever work you have on hand,¡± Qiao Nan said as she received the documents over from Li Dawei without even lifting her head. Li Dawei¡¯s performance had only been slightly better than Xu Xinming¡¯s, so Qiao Nan had never dared to instruct Li Dawei toplete any important tasks that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dealt with.

    She had no other choice but to let Li Dawei handle some unimportant documents. Li Dawei did note anywhere near the core tasks that the ministry dealt with. Qiao Nan unhesitatingly rejected Li Dawei¡¯s ¡®eagerness¡¯ to learn, refusing to even give him a chance.

 Chapter 1547 - An Annoyance

    <h4>Chapter 1547: An Annoyance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Deng Wenchang had said before that Qiao Nan was a woman after all and that she was bound to be softhearted. In reality, when she was faced with a problem, Qiao Nan¡¯s style was much tougher than He Yi¡¯s.

    Now that she was not giving Li Dawei any opportunities to show off, Qiao Nan was not at all afraid that Li Dawei would publicize this situation andin that Qiao Nan was bullying newbies by suppressing them. Even though she was in a high position and had to set an example, as long as she did not go against her conscience, Li Dawei would have nothing to hold against her and threaten her with. What a joke!

    In her current position, even if she did not abuse her power, it was still not an excuse for her to be threatened because of her management style. As for those lobbyists that Li Dawei found, they had, unfortunately,e in vain.

    Qiao Nan had ever encountered such a situation in the past. The lobbyist that Li Dawei had found was not a simple person. In the face of persuasion from the other party, he expressed that Li Dawei had made mistakes while he was younger but had changed for good. As such, she should give Li Dawei a chance. Everyone was bound to make mistakes in life after all.

    On the surface, Qiao Nan smiled and nodded continuously. With that, the lobbyist that Li Dawei had found was ted. It seemed as though this female minister was not as arrogant as Li Dawei had described, and she even looked rather eloquent. It seemed to him that his status had made things easier for them.

    But no one had expected that Qiao Nan continued treating Li Dawei with the same attitude even after continuously agreeing. This stunned Li Dawei, who had just been on cloud nine. He felt as though someone had just beaten him down.

    At that time, Qiao Nan eyed Li Dawei with her eyes that were curved into crescents yet gave off an eerily cold feeling. Even if Li Dawei found a more impressive lobbyist, it would be of no use. Unless Li Dawei had a way of finding a ¡®big shot¡¯ over to force her out of her ministerial position.

    After Qiao Nan rose to the ministerial position, her performance at work had remained consistently good. Perhaps, it had even improved. In this case, no matter who Li Dawei invited over, nothing was going to move Qiao Nan from her position.

    Li Dawei did not have a high status, nor did he have anyone backing him up. Inparison, Qiao Nan was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s daughter-inw, and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng held high positions in society. As long as they wanted to, they could easily kick Li Dawei out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    As such, Li Dawei had thought of pulling some strings to beg Qiao Nan for an opportunity, but it was to no avail. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was not just this path that was impassable. Every path was impassable to him.

    Qiao Nan disallowed Li Dawei from doing anything, yet she put up a warm front when faced with Li Dawei. Qiao Nan had never ignored Li Dawei, let alone treated him coldly. What Qiao Nan was using was an invisible weapon. No matter how furious Li Dawei was, he had nothing of Qiao Nan that he could pit against her with.

    Although Li Dawei had a burning desire to perform well, it was as though Qiao Nan extinguished that me with an ambiguous statement to ¡®finish whatever work you have on hand¡¯.

    The fire in Li Dawei¡¯s heart could hardly put up a fight against Qiao Nan¡¯s ice-cold water. In the end, this small me was extinguished.

    Qiao Nan had not used force, but her firmness had caused the dispirited Li Dawei¡¯s lips to twitch. He could not understand. Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan younger than him by two years? Why was Qiao Nan acting like such an old soul? His father had said that even he might not be able to act like Qiao Nan. There was none of that temper that a young woman of thirty should have in Qiao Nan.

    Quite the contrary, Qiao Nan was even more open-minded than those in their seventies and eighties. She did not get into a rage easily but was mature and level-headed. There was only one word for her: respect!

    Once again, he had failed to achieve his goal. In the face of Qiao Nan¡¯s lukewarm and business-minded attitude toward him, Li Dawei¡¯s expression when he came out of Qiao Nan¡¯s office was so bad that one might have mistaken that Li Dawei had been constipated for an entire week.

    The newbies could only ¡®admire¡¯ Li Dawei for his persistence and dauntlessness. The moment they saw their senior exit the minister¡¯s office, they could not help butugh. ¡°His spirit is really worth learning!¡± Li Dawei was only good at talking. He could do a little of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs¡¯ work. Saying that he was capable and skillful was utter rubbish.

    Li Dawei was not very capable of getting things done. All he knew was to brag, and he was arrogant and snobbish. He never cared to interact with these newbies but was always eager to follow behind the minister, begging Minister Qiao for mercy and hoping that she would give him a chance.

    As a newbie, the work that they did on a daily basis exceeded that of Li Dawei, who was already a senior. To be honest, if Li Dawei were to be promoted, these newbies would definitely be angry about it. It was a fact that Li Dawei was older than them and had been in the department for a longer time. But in less than three years, they would definitely be able to surpass Li Dawei.

    Anyone could be promoted, except for Li Dawei.

    Especially when they saw how Li Dawei was so snobbish when meeting them, these newbies grew even more dissatisfied. They had no good feelings toward Li Dawei at all. What these newbies were most worried about was that Qiao Nan would eventually give in to Li Dawei¡¯s sweet talk and be unable to resist Li Dawei¡¯s ttery, eventually giving him a promotion.

    These newbies were not very old, but they were rather knowledgeable. They had already learned that most superiors would always keep one or two jesters around them. The only reason for their existence was to liven up their moods.

    To the newbies¡¯ delight, they had been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more than a year, and they had seen how Li Dawei had never given up his n to win over Minister Qiao. Minister Qiao always silently deflected Li Dawei¡¯s ttery and kept things professional. She did not care to give Li Dawei special treatment just because of this.

    Thinking about how the documents in their hands were even more important than what Li Dawei had, these newbies were extremely proud. ¡®Ha, don¡¯t think Minister Qiao is easily coaxed just because she¡¯s a woman! Minister Qiao is indeed a wise and intelligent leader, so she will never give people like Li Dawei a chance to prove themselves.¡¯

    The newbies had joinedter and did not care to spare Li Dawei a nce, so they hardly had any interactions with or understanding of Li Dawei. Therefore, they did not know that Li Dawei often stuck around Qiao Nan to tter her.

 Chapter 1548 - Ruinous Intentions

    <h4>Chapter 1548: Ruinous Intentions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In fact, Li Dawei always had ruinous intentions.

    He wanted to drag Qiao Nan down and take her position.

    For that, Qiao Nan would never think that Li Dawei was someone worth cultivating. He was a bothersome employee that always wanted to challenge the impossible, and no employer would dig that. When the time came to get rid of him, no one would go easy.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    The children danced their way to Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    Qiao Nan avoided them. ¡°Do you guys know how hot the weather is? Are the summer school¡¯s sses manageable?¡± The kids hadpleted elementary school, and their results didn¡¯t disappoint. They could make it into the elite ss in the top middle school directly.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to stress the kids out, but she wouldn¡¯t mind if they had the capability to perform.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Da Bao was holding two bags; one belonged to him, and the other belonged to San Bao.

    Er Bao swaggered over. ¡°Mom, you have to educate your oldest son on his outdated mentality. We are living in a time of gender equality, but he still values girls over boys. This is uneptable. You have to discipline him so that he won¡¯t drag our family down.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s skit made Qiao Nan speechless. ¡°Is it that serious? All Da Bao did was carrying San Bao¡¯s bag instead of yours. How did something like this elevate to a moral level?¡±

    Others might confuse Da Bao as a gruesome criminal who deserved a bullet.

    Qiao Nan knocked on Er Bao¡¯s forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll let you off since we are home, but don¡¯t say such things outside. What if others hear you and misunderstand Da Bao? Da Bao would have a hard time in school.¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± It didn¡¯t hurt at all, but Er Bao yelled in pain anyway. He just wanted Qiao Nan tofort him. ¡°It¡¯s obvious that we are joking around. How bored must they be to care about our family business? They should take the time to take care of their results.¡±

    No matter what happened within their family, it stayed within the family. Why would anyone else want to make assumptions about them? Did they want to be part of the family as well? If that was the case, sorry, but they had no intention of epting a new member.

    ¡°No way? What if it does happen? Just end the framing. If someone is talking behind Da Bao¡¯s back, you would be the first to fight him. Sometimes I wonder if you are just finding an excuse to start a fight.¡±

    If others started the fight, he would be in self-defense, which made him innocent. If he was the one to pick a fight, it wasn¡¯t his fault because others shouldn¡¯t be criticizing Da Bao.

    Recalling Er Bao¡¯s words from the past, Qiao Nan felt her head ringing. How should she deal with the drama king?

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s head home. It¡¯s burning outside, and I need a drink.¡± The children would rarely drink sweetened beverages thanks to Qiao Nan¡¯s education. They would always carry a water bottle around. There were dispensers in the ssroom, but San Bao had emptied her bottle. So, she was in a rush to get refreshments.

    The weather was heating up like a stove in August, and San Bao wondered if her cheeks were on fire.

    As soon as she left the air-conditioned room, sweat ran down her skin. She felt every one of her pores expand as she was drenched in sweat in no time.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s move.¡± Qiao Nan wiped the sweat off San Bao¡¯s cheeks, and the cool air in the car calmed San Bao¡¯s frustration. Da Bao poured some of his water into San Bao¡¯s bottle. ¡°Da Bao is the best! Thanks!¡± San Bao gulped.

    ¡°Da Bao, I¡¯m thirsty, too!¡± Er Bao was not too happy about that. It was legitimate that Da Bao was biased toward San Bao. He would carry her bag and share his drink, but Er Bao was never part of the equation. ¡°Da Bao, have you forgotten that you have a younger brother as well? You should take care of me, too.¡± Er Bao felt like he was losing his position as a younger sibling.

    Da Bao glimpsed at Er Bao. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll let you have the first sip when we get back.¡± God knows who filled San Bao¡¯s cup in the ssroom all the time was. Er Bao sure loved to act pitiful before their mom.

    It wasn¡¯t Da Bao¡¯s choice to have such aical brother. Who would have known that his mother would give birth to a triplet? If it weren¡¯t for the one-child policy, his mom might have made him another bunch of brothers and sisters. If everyone were as lively as Er Bao... Da Bao suddenly learned to appreciate the government¡¯s policymakers.

    ¡°Wee back. It must be burning out there! Wash up. Grandma has prepared your drinks. Should we have a watermelon straight from the fridge?¡± Miao Jing couldn¡¯t stop smiling when she saw the kids. Among the children in the neighborhood, her grandchildren looked the best.

    San Bao cheered. ¡°I¡¯ll wash up first.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m next.¡± Er Bao hurried.

    Da Bao took a deep breath as the cool air in the room refreshed his mind.

    After the siblings finished washing up, Da Bao headed to the washroom. When he came back, Er Bao and San Bao already had watermelon juice all over their chubby cheeks.

 Chapter 1549 - Eat More Tonics

    <h4>Chapter 1549: Eat More Tonics</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Are the both of you three years old? Why are your faces covered with watermelon juice? Should I find the bib that you used when you were young and put them on for you?¡± Da Bao felt helpless as well. They were all born to the same mother. Why was there such a big difference?

    This was especially so for San Bao. When they were outside, San Bao was the fairy that many young boys yearned for. When they returned home, San Bao immediately turned into a crazy little woman. Da Bao felt embarrassed for her.

    San Bao carelessly wiped her mouth with a tissue. ¡°How pretentious.¡± Da Bao wasn¡¯t old, but among the three of them, he loved to pretend to be matured. Snort. She felt a little awkward looking at him. Anyway, she didn¡¯t care how others looked at her.

    ¡°There¡¯s no meaning to this.¡± Er Bao feltfortable all over after eating. ¡°Da Bao, we are at home now. Is it fun to continue pretending? Sometimes, San Bao and I feel tired for you.¡± What was the reason for this? There were no ¡®blind¡¯ girls who were charmed by Da Bao at home.

    Da Bao was such a rigid person who didn¡¯t know how tough. Why did people have a secret crush on him?

    Er Bao still didn¡¯t understand that in school, he was known for his good looks, high IQ, and height. With these three conditions, it was no surprise that Da Bao was deemed as the most charming and handsome boy in school.

    After eating to her fill, San Bao leaned back against the sofa and touched her stomach, not caring about her image at all. ¡°Mom, Ling Ling hasn¡¯te to our house for a long time. Are she and Auntie Xu doing okay?¡± Since young, San Bao had onlye into contact with boys. Among her ymates, only Fang Ling Ling was the same as her¡ªa girl.

    San Bao cherished a same-gender ymate like her. Furthermore, she was slightly older than Fang Ling Ling. In front of the triplets, she was pretty obedient. Few people would dislike such a well-behaved and pretty girl.

    ¡°Your Auntie Xu¡¯s matter isn¡¯t resolved yet, so it¡¯s not convenient for Ling Ling toe to our house to y.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Even if Xu Shengnan had evidence of Fang Shiyou having an affair in her hands, both parties didn¡¯t enter into negotiations well due to the division of the house. This wasn¡¯t resolved even in court. With trials happening one after another, they might still not be divorced until after one or two years, let alone one or two months.

    Er Bao clenched his fists and made cracking sounds. ¡°Ling Ling¡¯s father is a good-for-nothing. Why don¡¯t we get Dad to teach him a lesson? To talk reason to such a person is simply a waste of breath. It¡¯s not worth it to waste time and feelings either.¡±

    Auntie Xu was such a good woman and Ling Ling was such an obedient daughter, yet that man didn¡¯t fancy them. Was he blind?

    The triplets knew that Fang Ling Ling¡¯s father was Fang Shiyou. They had known Fang Ling Ling and Xu Shengnan since they were young. However, they didn¡¯t even meet Fang Shiyou before, let alone know him. It was without a doubt that the triplets would side with Xu Shengnan and Fang Ling Ling when conflicts arose among the three of them.

    Furthermore, the triplets already had the concept of right and wrong. After knowing that Fang Shiyou betrayed his family and provided for an indecent woman, who was now pregnant with his baby, the triplets¡¯ tone was full of hatred and disdain when they talked about Fang Ling Ling¡¯s father.

    Qiao Nan squinted and knocked on the heads of her three children. She hit Da Bao¡¯s head harder than the rest. ¡°Da Bao, have you forgotten how I taught you? No matter what kind of person Ling Ling¡¯s father is, he¡¯s still your elder. You can ignore him, but you shouldn¡¯t be using such a tone when talking about him. He¡¯s just a stranger. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re on the losing end if others say that that you¡¯re rude and don¡¯t have proper upbringing just because of this stranger?¡±

    Da Bao carelessly touched the area where his mother had knocked on. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s not suitable to use the term ¡®on the losing end¡¯ here?¡±

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes in bad temper. ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re teaching me? Fine, you have eaten a lot of watermelon now. It¡¯s going to be dinner soon. Don¡¯tin to me that you¡¯re hungry at midnight if you can¡¯t eat dinnerter as you¡¯re still full from the watermelon.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Mom. I¡¯m done.¡± San Bao smiled and rubbed her red lips tightly. She crossed her hands and ced them on her knees. That quiet and happy look was like the image of a beautiful girl. People couldn¡¯t help but be fascinated. When they were outside, San Bao was always like this and managed to charm all the boys of the same age.

    If Da Bao was considered a male god in school, then San Bao was the female goddess. Er Bao, who was stuck in the middle, couldn¡¯tpete against Da Bao and didn¡¯t have the title of the most handsome boy in school. However, he was still considered good-looking. He had a face that was eighty percent simr to Da Bao¡¯s. If Da Bao was the most handsome boy in school, Er Bao wouldn¡¯t fall behind by too far.

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Although she obviously knew that her daughter was pretending to be obedient, Qiao Nan stillplimented San Bao. ¡°Okay, go and have dinner.¡± Seeing that the auntie was bringing out dishes and filling up the dining table, Qiao Nan wiped away the sweat on her forehead.

    When Qiao Nan first married into the Zhai family, even if Old Master Zhai was around and Elder Lin came over for a meal, the dishes on the table were at least less than half. However, ever since the triplets were born and knew how to eat, the food on the Zhai family¡¯s dining table had increased yearly. This year, it was even doubled.

    Of course, it was not only the dishes that were doubled. The white rice was doubled as well.

    Even if the auntie had prepared a table full of dishes, with the triplets around, Qiao Nan was never worried about food wastage. As long as the triplets ate at their normal levels, all the dishes could be cleared.

    It was just that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but sweat when she thought of how the pace was akin to feeding pigs. Did she really raise these three children, who could eat so well? The problem was that although she didn¡¯t have a small appetite all along, it wasn¡¯t big either. Her three children were tall, but they looked slender.

    It was because of that that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand where the food the triplets stuffed themselves with every day disappeared to. Why was it that the triplets had only grown taller, but there wasn¡¯t any extra meat on their bodies?

    ¡°Here, eat more. If it¡¯s not enough, refill your bowl. Auntie has prepared a lot of food. Eat more vegetables. There¡¯re a lot of nutrients there.¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t have as many thoughts as Qiao Nan. She didn¡¯t care about others. As long as the triplets could eat, it didn¡¯t matter where their food went to. Furthermore, didn¡¯t the triplets¡¯ heights from year to year exin everything?

 Chapter 1550 - Actually, I Know Everything

    <h4>Chapter 1550: Actually, I Know Everything</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Knowing that the three children were growing, Miao Jing discussed it with the auntie and prepared a pot of thick bone broth for the three children from time to time. This was to nourish the children so that they would not be malnourished while growing.

    That was why under the auntie¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s feeding, the three children¡¯s nutrition was much better than other children¡¯s, and they grew much faster as well. Miao Jing felt as though she was looking at a beautiful and tall bamboo that grew up from small, tender and plump bamboo shoots.

    The sense of achievement Miao Jing experienced from seeing the three children grow up was one she had never experienced with Zhai Sheng or Zhai Hua. Miao Jing felt that raising these children was getting increasingly interesting.

    If the state allowed it, the three children would already be in junior high school and would spend less time at home. When that time came, Qiao Nan could take that time to give birth to more children for her to raise.

    Yes, after having the first child, Miao Jing had the same thought as the three children. They thought that as long as Qiao Nan got pregnant a second time, it was likely that this pregnancy would not result in only one child. It was highly probable that it would be a multiple birth.

    As such, Da Bao was especially hurt just thinking about how he might have a bunch of brothers and sisters like Er Bao and San Bao.

    After he had his fill, San Bao was now interested in learning more about Xu Shengnan and Fang Ling Ling¡¯s situation. ¡°Mom, are you really not going to tell me more? Has Auntie Xu gotten a divorce? You have to know that I¡¯m really concerned about Auntie Xu and Ling Ling! In case anything happens to them, we can help them!¡± San Bao was very loyal to her only younger sister.

    ¡°Okay, the other party is trying to dy this divorce, so there¡¯s no way of settling it for the time being. Thankfully, the problem is not too serious. There¡¯s no way that Ling Ling¡¯s father can disagree to the divorce.¡± Once they got a divorce, that house would be Xu Shengnan¡¯s. She would say it again. As long as Fang Shiyou could not hand over the money, they would sell the house, and Xu Shengnan and Fang Shiyou would take whatever proportion of the proceeds that belonged to them.

    But thinking about the crazy property prices in the capital, Qiao Nan had already thought it through. If they were really going to sell the house, Qiao Nan would purchase the house on Xu Shengnan¡¯s behalf. Of course, it was not for free. The money used to purchase the house would be a loan to Xu Shengnan. After all, Xu Shengnan had arger share for that house.

    Xu Shengnan would have no other burden aside from the sum that she would have to hand over to Fang Shiyou, which was less than three million yuan. In other words, she would only have to lend Xu Shengnan three million yuan to help Xu Shengnan secure that house.

    What Qiao Nan was thankful for was that Fang Shiyou had not taken his mistress to that house in the past. Otherwise, it would be rather disgusting to keep the house. In that case, it would be even better to sell the house and purchase another one.

    In these past few years, Qiao Nan had earned quite arge sum of money. Knowing that property prices were on the rise, Qiao Nan had long ago taken the cash she had on hand to purchase properties. Based on her ie alone, Qiao Nan had gradually be andy. Afterward, when she inherited Old Lin¡¯s assets, Qiao Nan lost the desire to purchase houses.

    Her master, Old Lin, was truly crazier than Qiao Nan.

    Old Lin was rich, notcking in finances. The way he purchased things was much crazier than how Qiao Nan was. In the capital alone, Old Lin already had a few properties. Aside from the capital, Old Lin still had three vis in Ping Cheng. Old Lin did not even let go of Mo Du.

    What surprised Qiao Nan the most was that Old Lin even had properties in Hong Kong, and in the Banshan district no less!

    After seeing the vi that Old Lin had constructed in Sanya, Qiao Nan had nothing left to say. She really wondered whether she was the master of reincarnation, or whether her master was. Otherwise, how could her master purchase houses in such good locations?

    Old Lin had great insight. The locations of his properties were even more eye-catching. Moreover, the number of properties that he had purchased was impressive. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan had no interest in properties even though she had spare cash on hand. With these properties alone, Qiao Nan could rest easy at home and count her money every day.

    It was because of this reason that Qiao Nan could afford to fork out fifteen million yuan at once to help Xu Shengnan im the house. Otherwise, it would really be quite difficult for her to do so.

    It was not that the three young children did not know about how rich Qiao Nan was. What they were concerned about was whether there was a way for the three of them to give Auntie Xu a hand now that she was in trouble. Though they were young and did not have much power, they still had to show that they cared.

    With Qiao Nan as her best and strongest supporter, Xu Shengnan did not have to worry about her divorce case at all. Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer waspletely clear of the kind of friends Xu Shengnan had. As such, thewyer became even more so calm.

    Seeing that Fang Shiyou had been rather efficient in changingwyers, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer could not help butugh. Fang Shiyou was doomed to receive little money from that house, but he was still so adamant in finding so manywyers. Did he not know that he would need to pay all of them? He was seriously too dumb to be saved.

    But there was no reason for him to interfere if Fang Shiyou was willing to waste his money in this way. Since they were all in the same line of business, there was no reason for him to stop otherwyers from earning this bast*rd¡¯s money now that he was sure to earn money, as well as earn a reputation. In fact, Fang Shiyou could even hire a few more, or even an entire team ofwyers. That would be a big deal.

    At this moment, Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer watched Fang Shiyou as though he was watching a monkey doing tricks. The more Fang Shiyou did, the more exciting it became for him to watch. The only thing that he did not do was to throw some money at Fang Shiyou and shamelessly praise him for that.

    Xu Shengnan wanted to get a divorce from Fang Shiyou, but recently, Fang Shiyou no longer wanted to concede defeat. He had gone through all that trouble to hirewyers, dragging the case all the way to end-August, yet there was still only one result.

    Based on what Fang Shiyou had done, there was no chance of Fang Shiyou winning. Even if thewyers that Fang Shiyou hired told him that he had an extremely low chance of winning, the truth was it was nearly impossible. The only thing that they could do for Fang Shiyou was to try to get more for Fang Shiyou from the distributions of the proceeds of the house after the divorce.

    Moreover, Fang Shiyou and Xu Shengnan¡¯s daughter, Fang Ling Ling, was crucial. If Fang Shiyou could gain custody of his daughter, it would be beneficial for him.

    Now that Xu Ling Ling was already in primary school, she was able to make her own decisions and choices. So, when the people from the court asked her, Fang Ling Ling unhesitatingly replied that she would follow her mother, not her father.

    After all this time, Fang Ling Ling was already clear that her father, who was not exceptionally fond of her, had not only found another auntie outside behind her mother¡¯s back but that auntie even had a younger brother that her father and grandma loved in her stomach. Because of this younger brother, both her father and grandma had been exceptionally joyful recently.

 Chapter 1551 - Not Going to Give It to You

    <h4>Chapter 1551: Not Going to Give It to You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Her father and grandma didn¡¯t like her in the first ce. Now that she had a little brother they doted on, she didn¡¯t want to follow her father. Her mother only had her, and she treated her well. If she didn¡¯t follow her mother, her mother would have nothing. She liked her mother and wanted to follow her and her maternal grandparents.

    Fang Ling Ling clearly expressed her wishes and the court naturally handed her over to Xu Shengnan. With added support from Fang Ling Ling, the court also increased the percentage of Xu Shengnan¡¯s ownership of the house from eighty-two to eighty-five.

    Also, before Fang Ling Ling reached the age of eighteen, Fang Shiyou had to give her a living allowance. However, Xu Shengnan had to bear the expenses herself if she enrolled Fang Ling Ling into additional and more expensive tuition sses. Fang Shiyou had to provide for Fang Ling Ling¡¯s normal schooling fees and monthly living allowance.

    After the verdict of their divorce, the court gave Fang Shiyou a multiple-choice question. Number one, Fang Shiyou would give Xu Shengnan eighty-five percent of the house price so that the house belonged to him. Number two, if Fang Shiyou couldn¡¯t produce the money, Xu Shengnan would give him fifteen percent of the house price so that the house belonged to her. Number three, if both parties didn¡¯t have the money, they would sell the house and split the money ordingly.

    Of course, Fang Shiyou couldn¡¯t choose the first option. He could only naturally choose between the second and the third. ¡°I choose to sell the house!¡± Knowing that the house¡¯s price would increase in the future, Fang Shiyou was jealous. Even if the house couldn¡¯t belong to him, he would definitely not let Xu Shengnan have this advantage as well.

    Xu Shengnan was a really ruthless woman. He had taught their daughter badly, causing him to be left with nothing. Even his only house had to be given up. If he had known that Xu Shengnan was such a woman, he wouldn¡¯t have married her back then. Perhaps he wouldn¡¯t be bullied so badly by Xu Shengnan today.

    In the face of Fang Shiyou¡¯s usations, Xu Shengnan naturally refused to acknowledge them. ¡°Fang Shiyou, don¡¯t say your words so beautifully. Do you really think I don¡¯t know anything? You married me back then because I had a good job and a high sry. Most importantly, my family and I had just moved to the capital. Aside from my parents, I don¡¯t have any rtives. If any conflict happened between us, nobody would stand out for me. Do you think I don¡¯t know any of these?¡±

    Fang Shiyou was just trying to bully her, seeing that she was a foreigner and had no foundation in the capital. After getting married, only Fang Shiyou could propose a divorce. It was generally impossible for her to do so.

    It turned out that Fang Shiyou had harbored such bad ideas since the day they started to fall in love. She was too young back then and was deceived by Fang Shiyou¡¯s honest face. She definitely would not be tricked a second time if she met someone like Fang Shiyou again. ¡°So be it. I¡¯m okay. If I don¡¯t have the house, at least I have money.¡±

    Xu Shengnan really didn¡¯t want to be entangled with a man like Fang Shiyou anymore. It wasn¡¯t as if she didn¡¯t have a house. After selling the house for money, she could bring Ling Ling back to her parents¡¯ home. Coincidentally, her parents were lonely. They would definitely be happy if she brought Ling Ling home.

    Seeing that Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t seem to have any attachment to their house and she couldn¡¯t wait to sell it quickly so that she could get some money, Fang Shiyou was so angry that his face turned green.

    In order to prove that he didn¡¯t care more about their past than Xu Shengnan, after the court had made the ruling, Fang Shiyou took the real estate certificate and went to find an intermediary to sell the house without another word.

    ¡®Coincidentally¡¯, just as Fang Shiyou stepped into the intermediarypany, an intermediary was on the phone. Someone was asking for a listing simr to Fang Shiyou¡¯s house. ¡°Oh, okay. Boss, I¡¯ve noted down your requests. It should be within the 3rd Ring Road and more than a hundred square meters. The house price should be below twenty million yuan. Okay, I¡¯ll let you know immediately once we have news of such a listing.¡±

    If he could really sell this house, themission alone wouldn¡¯t be a small sum of money. He was going to be rich.

    ¡°Hello, sir. Do you want to buy a house or sell a house? Or perhaps, are you looking to rent a house?¡± Once the intermediary hung up the call and saw Fang Shiyou, he gave him a professional smile and asked him with politeness.

    Fang Shiyou looked embarrassed. When the intermediary was repeating the housing conditions just now, he had listened to every word of it. Upon thinking about the real estate certificate on his hands, Fang Shiyou revealed a pained expression. It was afraid that this house couldn¡¯t be retained anymore and had to be sold.

    ¡°Why? Can¡¯t bear to sell the house? I¡¯ve said it before. If you give me more than twelve million yuan or if I give you two million yuan, the house can still be retained. You refused both options, so let¡¯s do this simply. I don¡¯t want to continue keeping in touch with you. If it¡¯s possible, aside from Ling Ling, let¡¯s not meet in the future.¡± Xu Shengnan was expressionless. It was good if they sold the house. That way, she couldpletely abandon the past and lead a good life with Ling Ling.

    Fang Shiyou snorted andughed coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. Even if you could produce the money, I wouldn¡¯t leave this house to you and let you have an advantage. Sell!¡± Leave the house to Xu Shengnan and watch the house price increase? In her dreams!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t hesitate. She only wanted a result as soon as possible and didn¡¯t think as much as Fang Shiyou for the other aspects.

    There was a ready buyer. When Fang Shiyou first heard the call just now, he had a mistaken feeling that Xu Shengnan had found this intermediary and put on this act deliberately in front of him. However, Fang Shiyou couldn¡¯t be bothered with anything right now. He waspletely agitated by Xu Shengnan, who couldn¡¯t wait to draw the lines clearly between them.

    Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t find this intermediary. Fang Shiyou was very confident about this. Xu Shengnan couldn¡¯t wait to split ways with him. He wasn¡¯t willing to look at her face any longer as well. ¡°Hello, we are here to sell our house. Here¡¯s some basic information about the house.¡±

    ¡°Oh, how coincidental. I received a buyer¡¯s call just now. Your house suits his requests.¡± The intermediary¡¯s eyes shone. He was still thinking of working hard to close this deal. Who knew that before he could find out more information about the house, a ready seller hade knocking on his door? ¡°Are you sure you want to sell this house? If you are, I can help you contact the buyer now. What¡¯s the selling price you have in mind?¡±

 Chapter 1552 - An Immediate Buyer

    <h4>Chapter 1552: An Immediate Buyer</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If everything goes well, we can settle all the necessary procedures for this house in a week.¡±

    Upon thinking of closing a transaction worth tens of millions in a week, the intermediary¡¯s face flushed a healthy red.

    ¡°Selling for eighteen million yuan!¡± Fang Shiyou gritted his teeth and quoted a price. If it was destined that he couldn¡¯t retain this house, then the only thing he could do now was to try and sell this house at a higher price so that he would have more money on hand then.

    Fang Shiyou had already made the calctions. Although his sry wasn¡¯t as high as Xu Shengnan¡¯s, he had good benefits and there was a central provident fund. If this house could be sold for eighteen million yuan, he could still get 2.7 million yuan for his share of fifteen percent. Moreover, he had been contributing to the central provident fund for over ten years now.

    After putting the money together, he could still buy a small house within the 5th Ring Road. He had already given up buying a house within 3rd Ring Road. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t afford the down payment. It was that the subsequent payments were too difficult to handle. His sry wasn¡¯t as high as Xu Shengnan¡¯s. Otherwise, he could have bought a house that was approximately ny square meters within 3rd Ring Road.

    Fang Shiyou wasn¡¯t a hard-working person. Otherwise, Xu Shengnan wouldn¡¯t have been the only one paying for this house¡¯s mortgage. Instead of buying a house of ny square meters within 3rd Ring Road and making his life tougher in the future, he would rather buy a house of a hundred square meters within 5th Ring Road.

    Furthermore, the houses within 5th Ring Road weren¡¯t cheap. Three or four million yuan could only pay for half of the house. He still had to take up a house loan of three million yuan. Once he thought of this figure, Fang Shiyou felt a headache. This meant that he could no longer spend money so casually like he used to. Once there were opportunities, his mother and his true love would have to go out and work as well.

    Otherwise, if he was the only one paying the mortgage, even if his sry had increased, he would still have to pay the mortgage for at least ten years, right? If all his sry was used to pay for the mortgage, where would the living expenses for their family of foure from? Of course, he had to rely on his mother and his true love to earn some money so that they could continue leading their lives.

    Once he thought of these money issues, Fang Shiyou had the urge to die.

    Perhaps, he had been pampered by Xu Shengnan in the past. Xu Shengnan had paid for everything, including the mortgage, back then. Not only did she bear all the family¡¯s expenses, but she had also helped Fang Shiyou arrange everything properly. When Fang Shiyou was enjoying his blessings, he only remembered Xu Shengnan¡¯s domineering attitude and hadpletely forgotten how considerate she was to him.

    After leaving Xu Shengnan, Fang Shiyou had to rely on himself to settle and arrange everything. Even at the moment of receiving the divorce certificate, Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t have any thoughts of regrets. Instead, when he thought of how he was going to pay the mortgage in the future and how tough his life was going to be, he started to look at Xu Shengnan differently. ¡°Shengnan...¡±

    Xu Shengnan was so frightened by Fang Shiyou¡¯s tone that she shivered. In the past, Fang Shiyou had addressed Xu Shengnan in such a manner before. Back then, Xu Shengnan felt that she was blessed to have a husband who understood her well. Others felt that she was too domineering and would make men feel inferior. However, Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t feel that way. Instead, he felt that it was good for her to be like this and would always call her name gently.

    Now, Xu Shengnan knew that the happiness she once had was fake. After hearing Fang Shiyou addressing her in such a manner, Xu Shengnan had the urge to wash her ears. ¡°Eighteen million yuan? Fang Shiyou, do you think that your house has particrly good Feng Shui that it has to be three million more expensive than others? Do you think that everyone¡¯s a fool?¡±

    Upon hearing this price, it was clear that he wasn¡¯t sincere in selling. She had heard before that houses could be a few hundred thousand or one million yuan more expensive, but not three million yuan. Furthermore, the few hundred thousand or one million yuan was just part of the bargaining price range.

    ¡°Not bad...¡± The intermediary looked embarrassed. The couple came to sell their house together but their tones were harsh. It was clear that they were not on good terms. It was obvious this couple was divorced and was selling their house to split the money ordingly. It wasn¡¯t the first time that the intermediary had seen such an example. ¡°I¡¯m guessing this sir here is quoting eighteen million yuan because he heard the contents of my phone conversation just now, right? The buyer wants a house that costs lower than twenty million yuan. However, no one is a fool. The house must be priced ordingly. At this moment, it¡¯s not cheap or expensive to quote your house at fifteen million yuan. However, it¡¯s too overboard to quote it at eighteen million yuan.¡±

    The intermediary wanted to earn moremission as well. However, the problem was that transactions normally wouldn¡¯t be sessful with such ridiculous prices quoted. Which buyer wouldn¡¯t want a more realistic price?

    ¡°If you insist on eighteen million yuan, I can only say that the buyer on the call just now isn¡¯t suitable for your house. You can¡¯t rush when selling a house. If you¡¯re not in a rush, you can leave your house¡¯s information with me first. Perhaps, there would be someone who particrly likes your house in the future and wouldn¡¯t mind forking out such a price to buy it.¡±

    Although the intermediary had said these words, he was clear that there wasn¡¯t a high possibility to sell it out at this price, unless housing prices in the capital rose again within the next couple of months.

    ¡°We are in a hurry. We¡¯re not selling it at eighteen million yuan. Our asking price is fifteen million yuan. The buyer isn¡¯t allowed to bargain and quote a second price.¡± Xu Shengnan owned a higher percentage of the house. How would she let Fang Shiyou make the call? ¡°Fang Shiyou, even if you¡¯re asking for thirty million yuan, you would, at most, obtain 450,000 yuan. However, if you want to buy a house, thetter wouldn¡¯t help you much either. I¡¯ve said before that I don¡¯t want to contact you much again. It¡¯s rare that there¡¯s a ready buyer now. Let¡¯s split ways early then!¡±

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s face darkened and he squeezed these words out. ¡°Deal. Fifteen million yuan then. Please help us to make the contact.¡±

    After the negotiations, the intermediary smiled. The price of fifteen million yuan was quite sincere. After contacting the buyer, the buyer immediately agreed and even asked the intermediary to keep the couple there as he wasing over with the money to buy the house now. The buyer said that he knew someone in the unit and had all the money ready. He could even obtain the property certificate today.

    The more the intermediary listened, the happier he was. After being in the job for so long, he had never had a day as smooth as today. He spent only half a day for a transaction worth fifteen million yuan.

 Chapter 1553 - What a Realistic Young Lady

    <h4>Chapter 1553: What a Realistic Young Lady</h4>

    In less than two hours after the buyer appeared, a fifteen-million-yuan card indeed appeared in Xu Shengnan¡¯s hands. So, the property deed of this house naturally belonged to someone else.

    Once she received the money, Xu Shengnan immediately transferred the amount that the court had ruled as Fang Shiyou¡¯s into his ount without hesitation. ¡°Fang Shiyou, from now on, there is nothing between us.¡± With this, Xu Shengnan left without even turning back, leaving Fang Shiyou alone there in a daze.

    With the divorce certificate and his bank card in his hands, Fang Shiyou questioned himself as to whether it had been right for him to go through with this divorce.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± When Mother Fang saw that her son was listless, she knew that all procedures had beenpleted. From today, Xu Shengnan was no longer her daughter-inw. ¡°All right, now that things are the way they are, there¡¯s no use for us to keep thinking about it. You¡¯re free now, so you should be able to bring the one outside home, right? Don¡¯t forget that she has your son, my grandson, in her stomach!¡±

    Other than not being able to give her a grandson, Mother Fang had to admit that Xu Shengnan was a rarely seen good daughter-inw.

    Xu Shengnan had paid for everything in their family. As for whatever her son earned, it was up to him how he wanted to spend it. Even so, Xu Shengnan had never looked down on her mother-inw or her husband or bullied them just because she had spent so much on their family.

    Unfortunately, whatever she said or did was useless as long as she did not produce a son.

    Fang Shiyou entered the bathroom to freshen up. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to bring her back for the time being. The rented house she¡¯s staying in is pretty good. I¡¯ve already paid for the rent and the contract only expires in a month. Not only will she not move over here, but we¡¯ll have to move over there. The house is no longer ours, so we won¡¯t be able to stay here any longer.¡±

    Since this was no longer their house and they had to move out, there was no point in asking his girlfriend to move in and then move out. It would only be upsetting for everyone then.

    ¡°The total sum of what I¡¯ve saved over these years and the money I got today, as well as my pension, doesn¡¯t even add up to four million yuan. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll go to the 4th Ring and 5th Ring to see if there are any suitable houses for us to purchase. Then, our family of four can move over together.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not going to stay in the 3rd Ring neighborhood anymore? Won¡¯t it be far from your workce and difficult for you to travel back and forth?¡± Mother Fang did not think of much, but she was reluctant to let her son toil so hard after having enjoyed a good life for the first half of his life. ¡°If you really buy a house, how will you pay for the mortgage? You have to marry that woman, but you aren¡¯t as capable as Xu Shengnan to carry the entire burden of the mortgage.¡±

    Fang Shiyouughed bitterly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that everything was worth it as long as it was for my son? We can¡¯t say anything now that this is what the court ruled. No matter how hard it is, I¡¯ll have to bear that burden. Who else can I me for wanting a son and you wanting a grandson? If we have to live further, then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do. At least, Xu Shengnan wasn¡¯t so bitter and the car is still mine. And she didn¡¯t take a single cent of whatever savings I umted over these past few years.¡±

    He had made his own calctions before giving his mistress an allowance. Fang Shiyou would never touch the savings that he had umted. When his sry was insufficient, he would either ask Mother Fang or Xu Shengnan for money.

    At least, Fang Shiyou still had some money. Otherwise, at this point in time, there was nothing else Fang Shiyou and his mother could do but cry.

    ¡°Shiyou, do you think this will work? Why don¡¯t we forget about buying a house and just rent a house in the 3rd Ring?¡± It would be easier that way.

    ¡°No.¡± Fang Shiyou shook his head in refusal. ¡°In those days, you and Dad worked so hard just to buy a house. Dad had overworked himself while he was still young and that was why he left us so early. There¡¯s no reason for me to live like we did in the past and only rent a house instead of living in our own house, especially after how hard Dad had worked just to buy a house to settle down in the capital. Moreover, even if it¡¯s just a small house, without a house of more than ny square meters, your grandson¡¯s mother may not be willing to marry into our family. Then, your grandson may not even be able to enter this world.¡±

    Mother Fang¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Youngdies nowadays are so realistic. They don¡¯t look at a person¡¯s character but at his money? While you were with Xu Shengnan, our house was not big either. It was even smaller than the one that Xu Shengnan was living in. Xu Shengnan didn¡¯t even despise us even after moving from a big house to a small one. We were the ones who requested to sell that small house to move into a bigger one.¡±

    Now that shepared this youngdy to Xu Shengnan in the past, she was seriously much worse.

    Fang Shiyou did not know if he shouldugh at himself or his mother. Instead, he only said monotonously, ¡°Xu Shengnan is good at everything but giving birth to a son. That¡¯s her only weakness. That¡¯s enough to wipe out all her good points. That woman may have a thousand shorings, but she¡¯s able to give you a grandson, and that¡¯s enough to cover all her shorings. Mom, this is what you normally tell me.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Mother Fang was stunned for a moment and could not answer him. ¡°I-it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to, but a house this big like ours already costs more than ten million yuan. If we give it to Ling Ling, won¡¯t it be letting someone else stand to gain from it? If we have a grandson, that¡¯s different. I just want our Fang family¡¯s assets to be left to the Fang family¡¯s children. Isn¡¯t that only right after all?¡±

    A house worth ten million yuan¡ªshe had toiled her entire life with her husband but could not even afford a fraction of that. Mother Fang was extremely reluctant for such a huge fortune to be transferred to someone else the moment Ling Ling got married.

    Now, Fang Shiyou would no longer be mystified by such words.

    It no longer mattered whether their family had a son or daughter because that highly valued property was no longer the Fang family¡¯s.

    At this time, the news that Mother Fang had set the timer for suddenly popped up. It was just as well. Mother Fang felt as though Fang Shiyou was ming her for everything that had happened, so she decided to turn her attention to the TV to avoid eye contact with Fang Shiyou.

    But when Mother Fang saw that beautiful face on the TV, she was taken aback. Mother Fang rubbed her eyes, took a closer look at the face shown on the TV, and then rubbed her eyes again. Her eyesight was fine. ¡°Shiyou, who is this youngdy? Why is she on the TV? I remember I set the TV for CCTV.¡±

    ¡°This is the new minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who has only been in office for a few years. She¡¯s really impressive. She¡¯s not only beautiful but also capable. Very few women have the ability to be the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¡± Talking about this, Fang Shiyou thought of Xu Shengnan.

    Compared to ordinary women, Xu Shengnan had done what most others could not.

 Chapter 1554 - Donâ€™t WatChapter the News

    <h4>Chapter 1554: Don¡¯t Watch the News</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now that he thought about it rationally, capable women were really quite attractive despite giving off a suppressive air. Forget it. It did not matter what he thought now. Not only had he divorced Xu Shengnan, but the house had also been sold. The buyer had requested that he move out of the house within three days.

    ¡°You... wait a minute.¡± Mother Fang¡¯s expression changed drastically and she rushed into what used to be Fang Ling Ling¡¯s room. Then, she took out a photo from the room and passed it over to Fang Shiyou. ¡°Shiyou, look at this. This youngdy is the spitting image of that female minister on TV that you talked about. Don¡¯t they look like identical twins?¡±

    Fang Shiyou frowned and took the photo over from his mother. ¡°What do you mean by identical twins? This is that female minister. Wait, that¡¯s not right. Why do you have her photo? And why did Ling Ling take a photo with this female minister? When did this happen? Why don¡¯t I know about this?¡±

    Suddenly seeing his daughter standing with a centralmittee cadre to take a photo almost shocked Fang Shiyou out of his wits. ¡°Ling Ling has quite the luck to be able to meet a national cadre in tuition ss!¡±

    At this moment, Mother Fang could not even force a smile out. ¡°Ling Ling indeed has better luck than what you said. Ling Ling didn¡¯t meet this female cadre by chance. Ling Ling meets this female cadre a few times a year and has quite a good rtionship with her. Otherwise, we definitely would not have such a photo at home. Most importantly, I know that all the photos in the phone that Xu Shengnan bought for Ling Ling are of her and this female cadre!¡±

    Oh, my goodness! What kind of treasure had the Fang family given up?

    If they had known about this earlier, there was no way she would have allowed her son to get divorced from Xu Shengnan and even let her granddaughter follow Xu Shengnan. Since Ling Ling had such a good rtionship with this female cadre, she definitely would have a good career progression in the future. She might even follow in this female cadre¡¯s footsteps and join the centralmittee. She wouldn¡¯t exchange such a granddaughter for even ten grandsons!

    A grandson could carry on the family line, but Ling Ling would be able to bring the Fang family to even greater heights!

    ¡°Ling Ling meets this female cadre a few times a year and her phone is full of photos with this female cadre? How is that possible? Mom, what¡¯s going on? Do you know what you¡¯re saying?¡± Fang Shiyou¡¯s face paled. He suddenly realized that he knew so little about Xu Shengnan and Fang Ling Ling.

    Otherwise, why had he never heard about anything his mother was saying? If he had known that his daughter had such a good rtionship with such an important figure, he would never have let his rtionship with Xu Shengnan deteriorate to today¡¯s state so much so that he had even lost the house.

    Mother Fang let out a smile that was worse than crying. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Xu Shengnan have a junior whom she¡¯s very close to in the capital? I heard our ex-inws talk about it before. The reason why Xu Shengnan was able to secure such a good job was all thanks to her junior. Every holiday, Xu Shengnan will bring Ling Ling to visit that junior. This youngdy in the photo is Xu Shengnan¡¯s junior and Ling Ling calls her Auntie Qiao.¡±

    She had known that Xu Shengnan¡¯s junior had rmended her into the job. Otherwise, there was no way Mother Fang could have stayed silent without scolding Xu Shengnan every time Xu Shengnan visited her junior with her hands full of gifts. There were not many rtives, let alone juniors, who would be able to rmend others such a job.

    But Mother Fang had never expected that the junior not only had the ability to help Xu Shengnan enter such a goodpany but was even a national cadre living on government sry herself! She was a high-ranking important figure!

    ¡°She... she¡¯s Xu Shengnan¡¯s junior?¡± Fang Shiyou heard a buzz and felt as though his head was about to explode. As someone who had slept beside Xu Shengnan for years, Fang Shiyou was all too clear about how close Xu Shengnan was to that junior of hers.

    That was because the first time Xu Shengnan mentioned her junior, her tone was filled with gratitude. Other than that, Xu Shengnan had never described in detail what her junior did, who her family was, or what her background was like. After a while, Fang Shiyou simply assumed that Xu Shengnan had a close friendship with this junior during her university days.

    But who knew that the truth would be so surprising and sad at the same time.

    ¡°I guess so.¡± Mother Fang was reluctant to ept the truth too. ¡°I just know that there are many photos of thisdy in Ling Ling¡¯s phone.¡± The first time she saw this photo, she was shocked that Xu Shengnan had such a beautiful junior. No matter how she looked at it, these two did not match each other. They did not seem to have much inmon.

    Fang Shiyou was almost speechless. ¡°Mom, why didn¡¯t you tell me about this earlier?¡±

    He knew that Xu Shengnan was very grateful to this junior. Although they had graduated almost ten years ago, they had always kept in contact. As such, one could only imagine how close Xu Shengnan was with this Minister Qiao. This was really...

    Mother Fang was aggrieved. ¡°I only knew that she was Xu Shengnan¡¯s junior. I didn¡¯t know that this youngdy was so impressive!¡± If she had known about it, would she have nagged at her son daily to get a divorce from Xu Shengnan and to have a grandson?¡±

    She had been so arrogant in the past because she knew that the Xu family did not have many friends or family in the capital. If anything happened and they caused a ruckus, the Fang family would not be at a disadvantage. Had she known that Xu Shengnan had such powerful friends, she would have treated Xu Shengnan like a god.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Fang Shiyou really wanted to bow to his mother. What kind of monster was his mother? ¡°Although she has only been the minister of foreign affairs for a short while, she¡¯s been in the news quite frequently! She¡¯s even been on international news a couple of times! She¡¯s not a new face at all!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t use to like watching the news in the past! I¡¯ve never even watched any of those international channels...¡± Why would she watch a bunch of people speaking in anguage she did not understand?

    The truth was often so unexpected, even causing the desire for death. Fang Shiyou said with a wry smile, ¡°No wonder. I was wondering why Xu Shengnan was initially reluctant to get a divorce and even tried to salvage our marriage. But after she took a trip to the capital, she changed her mind and dered that we had to get a divorce. After that, she even produced so much evidence of me cheating on her. She had such a powerful person backing her up! I¡¯m just amoner. How could I win against Xu Shengnan? No wonder...¡±

 Chapter 1555 - Rising in Value

    <h4>Chapter 1555: Rising in Value</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No wonder Xu Shengnan¡¯swyer always looked at him as though he was looking at a fool. If anyone else were to marry a wife with such influential people backing her, they would definitely serve her obediently. Would they even dare to start an affair and get divorced?

    Thinking about it now, Fang Shiyou realized btedly that his divorce from Xu Shengnan had proceeded very smoothly. It was as though someone had worked behind the scenes to push everything forward. Even thest step of selling the house went on as nned as though it had been rehearsed a hundred times over.

    He regretted it. In this moment, Fang Shiyou really regretted everything. If he had known... Unfortunately, he had not.

    ¡°Junior Qiao, I can¡¯t be more grateful toward you for what you¡¯ve done this time!¡± After the divorce, Xu Shengnan felt as though she had finally relieved herself of a huge burden and felt much more relieved. ¡°I was really too foolish in the past. I thought that Fang Shiyou was honest and not like other people from the capital who looked down on me and would treat me well. But after I got married and before I had Ling Ling, I already adopted a ¡®son¡¯. At that time, I told myself that it would be fine even if he could not give me a luxurious lifestyle because he did not despise me for being a Beijing drifter. Since we were already married, it wouldn¡¯t matter if I had greater responsibility for the family...¡±

    It was only when she saw Fang Shiyou be gentle and caring toward another woman did Xu Shengnan realize in devastation that her husband actually could take care of others. It depended only on whether he wanted to do so or not. ¡°Thankfully, from today onward, I¡¯ll only have to raise my daughter, and not another ¡®son¡¯. I¡¯ll let his mistress take care of that giant baby.¡±

    She could not do it anymore. Fang Shiyou had been taken care of by her for so long. Even though Fang Shiyou was willing to coax his mistress, he was still ipetent in so many aspects. Would that mistress be able to help Fang Shiyou arrange everything like she had done?

    She was sure that in no time, with Fang Shiyou¡¯s character, the Fang family would be in a mess!

    ¡°Congrattions.¡± When she heard Xu Shengnan say that, Qiao Nan was relieved. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s good to raise a child. There¡¯s always something to worry about. Besides, you didn¡¯t even give birth to that ¡®son¡¯, but it took the most effort. I think you probably didn¡¯t even spend so much effort on Ling Ling inparison.¡±

    Xu Shengnanughed at herself. She did not even want to continue talking about this any longer. So what if she treated Fang Shiyou better than her own daughter? Fang Shiyou had still found himself another woman and started an affair, even getting that mistress pregnant. Thinking about how the mother-inw that she had been filial to for almost ten years unhesitatingly abandoned her because of that mistress¡¯ baby, Xu Shengnan was speechless. ¡°Thankfully, I have parents too. I don¡¯t expect other people¡¯s parents to love me. I have my own parents, and that¡¯s enough.¡±

    It was only her mother-inw after all. How could shepare to her own parents?

    In the two to three months staying in her parents¡¯ home, it had been heaven on earth for Xu Shengnan. She had not needed to do anything. Her parents had thought of everything and had prepared everything for her. She had not needed to worry about anything.

    What assured but depressed Xu Shengnan the most was that she felt that her daughter, Ling Ling, was getting increasingly happier as the days went by at her parents¡¯ home, and her daughter was smiling more often too. She was normally a quiet little girl, but now that she was staying with her paternal grandmother, when she came home from school, she would sometimes be like San Bao and skip around like a bunny.

    Thinking of her daughter¡¯s behavior with the Fang family, it was only now that Xu Shengnan realized that her young daughter had been so suppressed in the past few years living with the Fang family. Her daughter had been afraid to even express a normal child¡¯s behaviors.

    This was clearly her daughter¡¯s home, but her daughter treaded as carefully as she would on ice. Xu Shengnan could not help but think carefully about it. While she was not around, she did not know how Fang Shiyou and his mother treated her daughter. No matter what, her daughter was also part of the Fang family, the Fang family¡¯s granddaughter.

    Did this mother-son pair really have no heart at all? How could they bear to treat such a pure and kindhearted child like that?

    Seeing the change in Ling Ling made Xu Shengnan realize that ending this marriage was not just a relief for her but also a relief for her daughter.

    ¡°For you.¡± Seeing Xu Shengnan in a better condition than before her divorce, Qiao Nan had nothing to worry about anymore. Qiao Nan passed the property deed over to Xu Shengnan. ¡°Remember to return me the money.¡±

    ¡°The one who bought the house that day was you?¡± It was only when Xu Shengnan saw the property deed did she shockingly realize that Qiao Nan had quietly helped her.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°The property prices in the capital have been increasing like crazy. This house is in the 3rd Ring still has the potential to increase even further. It would be such a waste to just sell it like that. Just leave it be. When Ling Ling gets married in the future, she¡¯ll need dowry, won¡¯t she?¡± He was a bast*rd, but the house was still a good one.

    Xu Shengnan sniffled. ¡°Junior Qiao, you might think I¡¯m quite unlucky to have met a person like Fang Shiyou, but I¡¯ve never thought that way. God is fair. Everything happens for a reason. My luck wasn¡¯t good with Fang Shiyou. That was because all my luck was used on meeting a person like you! If it wasn¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have bitten the bullet and gotten a divorce from Fang Shiyou.¡±

    It was all right for her to suffer, but she could not bear for Ling Ling to suffer as well. It was not just for herself. If she had known that Ling Ling would be much happier after leaving the Fang family, she would never have continued living with Fang Shiyou.

    Now, her daughter was her everything.

    ¡°We all have ups and downs in life. There¡¯s nothing more important than being open-minded and grateful for what you have. I¡¯ve said that you have to return the money to me. Don¡¯t think that you won¡¯t need to pay me back after shedding these tears.¡± Qiao Nan was not as emotional as Xu Shengnan. To Qiao Nan, she had not done much.

    They were both women. Seeing Xu Shengnan go through what she had in the past, Qiao Nan was not going to let Xu Shengnan lose out, whether it was because Qiao Nan was trying to make up for her regrets, or whether she just wanted to help Xu Shengnan. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already gotten a divorce, have a good life in the future. As long as you think you can live a good life, I don¡¯t care if you remarry.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Junior Qiao! Thank you so much!¡± Xu Shengnan sniffled loudly and did not refuse Qiao Nan¡¯s kindness.

 Chapter 1556 - Self-Taught

    <h4>Chapter 1556: Self-Taught</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Xu Shengnan epted the property deed and passed the card containing twelve million yuan that she had just received over to Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ll return you the remaining two million yuan over a period of time. I assure you that I¡¯ll pay you back within three years.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Qiao Nan refused. ¡°Now that Ling Ling is studying, you¡¯ll spend a lot of money on her. I don¡¯t need that money. You can return it to me in ten or twenty years. It can even be Ling Ling who returns me the money. It doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±

    It was too costly to raise a child, more so when Xu Shengnan was so dedicated to raising her daughter, Fang Ling Ling. Fang Shiyou hadined because Xu Shengnan had spent too much money on their daughter. He would rather keep his money in his pocket and spend it all on his mistress.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Xu Shengnan did not refuse and immediately agreed. She wrote down the terms of the loan on a piece of paper and finally signed her name on it. ¡°Junior Qiao, I won¡¯t say about anything else, but as long as you need my help in the future, just ask. I will always remember what you¡¯ve done for me.¡±

    She did not want to bother her junior anymore. Who knew that after being married for so many years, she had started to ask for more favors from Qiao Nan, owing Qiao Nan even more. Xu Shengnan felt that she would never be able to repay Qiao Nan¡¯s kindness in her entire lifetime.

    But that was all right. If she was unable to do so in this lifetime, there was still her next lifetime and the following one. She would return it until she fully repaid her debts.

    Only when the Xu parents saw the property deed that Xu Shengnan brought home did they realize that Qiao Nan had done so much for their daughter behind the scenes. They knew that Qiao Nan had a high position and was usually very busy. Otherwise, the Xu parents would have visited personally to thank Qiao Nan for her help.

    The three children were all especially concerned about Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation. They had heard from Qiao Nan that Xu Shengnan had not only gotten a divorce from Fang Shiyou but had also taken custody of Fang Ling Ling. As such, the three children were ted.

    Er Bao¡¯s beady eyes turned. ¡°Mom, that Fang guy is going to have a son soon. I think it¡¯s such a loss for Ling Ling to still have Fang as a surname now that she¡¯s with Auntie Xu. Maybe Ling Ling should just change her surname to Xu since she has a better rtionship with Auntie Xu.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± San Bao nodded in agreement. If it were her, with such an annoying father, she would not want to have the same surname as him. But she was different from Ling Ling. Her father was the best father in the world who was even more attached to their mother than they were. Cheating would never happen in their parents¡¯ rtionship.

    Da Bao, who was holding a book, lifted up his head and agreed with Er Bao and San Bao¡¯s capricious suggestion. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that that woman is not a good person? Since that Fang guy doesn¡¯t even have a house now, nor does he have much money left, it¡¯s still a question whether that son will be born, right? It¡¯s quite good for Ling Ling to change her surname to Xu.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Upon hearing the thoughts of the three children, creases appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Is this something that you three children should be discussing? You three understand only a little. There¡¯s no need for you to put it all out there and analyze it like that.¡± The three children were too mature, so much so that it scared Qiao Nan.

    In the face of their ymate¡¯s father¡¯s infidelity, and then a divorce, the three children had taken it in their stride too calmly. ¡°Mom, have you been watching too many drama serials?¡± While spending time with their paternal grandma, they had watched too many of these dramas. That was why they knew so much. That was also why their words were so scary.

    The three children were indignant. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t look down on us. Do you think we need to watch those drama serials to know about these things? We¡¯ve seen all these things happen in school a long time ago. There was once someone came with her husband¡¯s mistress and fought at our school. We only found outter on that the child of that mistress was already in primary school. The day the mistress sent her child to school, she had been caught by the original wife, and they became embroiled in a fight!¡±

    The mention of that day¡¯s events made San Bao¡¯s eyes sparkle. Live events were much more interesting than watching the TV.

    ¡°...¡± If other people were fighting, shouldn¡¯t they, as children, find somewhere safe to hide instead? Did San Bao really think that it was interesting to watch other people fight? Qiao Nan massaged her temple. ¡°My goodness, you three are really like your father. You¡¯repletely different from me when I was a child!¡±

    Was it because of the Zhai family¡¯s dominant genes? Even though San Bao was the only girl among the three children, she was bolder and braver than other boys. When other people fought, she could even stand by the side to watch on in fascination. After hearing the whole story, Qiao Nan had to say that her daughter was indeed brave.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Wasn¡¯t I just trying to find out the truth of the matter? I was afraid that they would spread rumors that weren¡¯t the truth. In the spirit of boldly verifying the truth, I had to watch the events unfold.¡± After that incident, the mistress¡¯ child became well-known in their school.

    Within a month, that child transferred out of their school. He could not stand the way others were viewing him.

    Er Bao ran behind Qiao Nan and massaged Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. We already knew that there¡¯s such a dark side in society. It¡¯s good that we know, so we won¡¯t get cheated by others in the future. Especially San Bao, it¡¯s good for her to know about how bad some men can be so that she¡¯ll choose her husband well in the future. If she makes a mistake and chooses the wrong guy, San Bao can learn from Auntie Xu and find a way out of that rut.¡± His mother was open-minded, so he knew that his mother would support them wanting to learn about the truth of society.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± The strength her son exerted on her shoulders was just right, and Qiao Nan felt ratherfortable. Seeing as to how Er Bao was already used to this, Qiao Nan guessed that Er Bao probably used this method to coax his grandma often. ¡°Er Bao, who did you learn this from?¡±

    If Da Bao resembled Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could not see whom Er Bao resembled. From a young age, Er Bao had been unique. When he grew up, he grew even stranger. His mouth was so sweet that he could coax anyone.

    In modern terms, Er Bao would score full marks in terms of flirting with girls.

    She did not have a sweet mouth. As for Zhai Sheng, he believed more in action than talk. So, Er Bao resembled neither Qiao Nan nor Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan could not think of anyone whom Er Bao resembled.

    Er Bao arrogantly snorted. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re looking down on me. Do I need to learn such simple things like that? I¡¯m self-taught. I¡¯m naturally gifted!¡±

 Chapter 1557 - A Good Man Was Their Relative

    <h4>Chapter 1557: A Good Man Was Their Rtive</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Miao Jing nodded indifferently. ¡°How good it is for Er Bao to be like this. He knows how to please the girls. You don¡¯t have to worry about not having a daughter-inw in the future.¡± She was unlike her. If Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t too rigid, wasn¡¯t sweet with words, and didn¡¯t know to please girls in the past, given how she hated Qi Min, how would she have let her son marry Qi Min¡¯s daughter?

    It was all because her son was serious in speech and manner and didn¡¯t have any girls by his side. It was rare for Qiu Chenxi to be willing to give up her everything, abandon her reservations as a girl, and take the initiative to contact Zhai Sheng. In the end, Miao Jing had no choice but to recognize Qiu Chenxi as her daughter-inw.

    She couldn¡¯t possibly let her son miss out on what was highly his only chance to get married in this lifetime because of her personal likes and dislikes.

    ¡°I think Er Bao¡¯s pretty good like this. He¡¯s much better than his father. If he¡¯s sweet with words, he can coax girls easily. I believe the boys from our Zhai family are good. Er Bao¡¯s wife would be blessed in the future.¡± In the end, Miao Jing even added in these words. Upon hearing them, Qiao Nan had the urge to vomit blood.

    Qiao Nan drank a sip of water to suppress her nerves. ¡°Although I mentioned before that I¡¯m not particrly insistent or opposed to you falling in love at an early age, there must be a degree for everything. Furthermore, you¡¯re only junior high school students now. It¡¯s too early for you to be falling in love. I don¡¯t specify how much you have to score in exams every time, but as long as you¡¯re still studying and there¡¯s an obvious deterioration of scores, don¡¯t me me for teaching you why flowers are red. Understand?¡±

    Even if she couldn¡¯t bear to, she would definitely insist on using a feather duster to teach these three children a lesson.

    ¡°Mom, what are you saying?¡± San Bao blushed in embarrassment. Since she was in fourth grade, she would receive a lot of love letters every day. It was just that Da Bao and Er Bao had helped her handle those love letters well. She didn¡¯t care about this matter, let alone tell her mother about it.

    Today, Qiao Nan suddenly talked about falling in love at an early age. As a girl who had received a lot of love letters, when San Bao looked at Qiao Nan again, she would, more or less, feel a little guilty.

    ¡°Mom, there wouldn¡¯t be such a day,¡± Da Bao said indifferently. Even if Er Bao and San Bao had such thoughts, he would definitely appear in time andpletely remove these silly thoughts of theirs. ¡°I¡¯ll help you keep an eye on them. With me around, they wouldn¡¯t dare to do anything.¡±

    San Bao made a face to Da Bao. However, she didn¡¯t deny Da Bao¡¯s words. After all, what he said was the truth. When she had received her first love letter and was hesitating if she should hand it over to her mother, Da Bao had found out about it and took it away without a word.

    San Bao didn¡¯t know how Da Bao had handled this matter. San Bao knew that ever since that day, she didn¡¯t receive a second love letter during the remaining two months of the semester. Even the owner of the first love letter didn¡¯t appear before her.

    San Bao initially didn¡¯t understand the reason for this and thought that someone was joking with her. Otherwise, why was it that there was only a letter and no follow-up?

    It was only when Er Bao encountered a simr situation to her own that San Bao realized how much Da Bao had done for her and Er Bao.

    For some time afterward, San Bao kept observing Da Bao.

    They were triplets and looked simr. Among the three of them, Da Bao was the tallest and with the best results. It didn¡¯t make sense that she and Er Bao had received love letters but Da Bao didn¡¯t. As such, San Bao thought of a way to secretly observe Da Bao as she wanted to see if his situation was more overboard then hers and Er Bao¡¯s.

    However, before San Bao could find out the truth, she was already discovered by Da Bao.

    Even if Da Bao had found out about it and she didn¡¯t manage to continue observing him, San Bao believed that based on the fact that they were born to the same mother at the same time, Da Bao¡¯s poprity in the market wouldn¡¯t be worse than hers and Er Bao¡¯s. In fact, Da Bao might even have received more love letters and confessions than her and Er Bao.

    Otherwise, how would they be considered as triplets?

    San Bao had taken the initiative to forget about this matter. However, Er Bao had taken the initiative to bring this up. San Bao was both angry and curious. She was curious as to why Da Bao chose to respond at this time. Wasn¡¯t he afraid that their mother would sense that something was amiss?

    ¡°Okay, help me keep an eye on them. Da Bao, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe in you. I just feel that all of you are still too young. Da Bao, you have to take note as well. You¡¯re too simr to your father. When your father was young, there were a lot of girls circling around him.¡± If Brother Zhai was that popr in the market back then, Da Bao would definitely only outperform him now.

    Da Bao blushed and felt embarrassed. ¡°Yes.¡± He was like his father. If there was a chance in the future, he wanted to find a wife who was like his mother.

    Er Bao and San Bao noticed that Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude to Da Bao was different from them. They snorted unhappily and squeezed to Miao Jing¡¯s side. ¡°Grandma, Mom only likes Da Bao. She doesn¡¯t like Er Bao anymore. Er Bao wants to be nice to grandma. Grandma, you have tofort me.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m hurt by Mom¡¯s attitude. I have been obedient all along. However, Mom actually doesn¡¯t believe me. Grandma, I¡¯m so sad that I want to cry. Grandma, Mom doesn¡¯t love me anymore. I¡¯m a child that no one dotes on and loves. Boohoo.¡± Toward the end, San Bao even faked a cry.

    Miao Jing hugged Er Bao and San Bao in her arms. She said infort, ¡°Be obedient. You are grandma¡¯s precious grandchildren. How could your mother not dote on you or believe you? Also, you have to believe that grandma dotes on you. In this world, I only trust and dote on the three of you the most,¡± Miao Jing said happily as she touched Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Cough...¡± Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao had be the most important in Miao Jing¡¯s heart. Zhai Yaohui, who didn¡¯t know which position he was pushed to, was unhappy. He had to remind Miao Jing that he was still around and she had to have him in her heart.

    The three children stared at him. Those looks of confusion were the same as Qiao Nan¡¯s. Indeed, they were rted by blood.

    The triplets sniffed and went into Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Snort. Their dad stuck close to their mom and grandpa loved grandma. Even great-grandpa had chased after great-grandma and was no longer around. All the men in the Zhai family were like this.

    After Da Bao and Er Bao married their wives, they would most likely behave in the same way. As she thought about this, San Bao felt sour in her heart.

 Chapter 1558 - Donâ€™t Be Mischievous

    <h4>Chapter 1558: Don¡¯t Be Mischievous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After she grew up, would she be able to meet a man as good as the men in the Zhai family? Once she thought of great-grandpa, San Bao couldn¡¯t help but think about master grandpa.

    Every year, when San Bao thought about these two elders, she could only rely on photos to remember them.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nanughed lightly as she touched San Bao¡¯s ck hair. ¡°Haven¡¯t you always said that you¡¯re no longer a child and have grown up? If the younger brothers see this, they wouldugh at you.¡± San Bao especially liked to be the boss in front of the younger children. As there were a number of children bornter than her and Fang Ling Ling was a younger sister, San Bao waspletely satisfied with the role of a ¡®big sister¡¯.

    San Bao rubbed her face in her mother¡¯s arms and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to grow up today. I just want to be smaller. Mom, although I¡¯ve already graduated from primary school, I haven¡¯t entered junior high school yet. Strictly speaking, I¡¯m still a primary school student. What am I if not a child?¡±

    San Bao hadpletely neglected the fact that they had already gone through the registration process yesterday. San Bao said that unless she was already in a junior high school ss, she wasn¡¯t considered a junior high school student. She wanted to be a primary school student for thest time today.

    In the face of her daughter¡¯s coquettish behavior, Qiao Nan hugged San Bao and didn¡¯t push her aside. In the blink of an eye, the three of them were going to study in junior high school. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t carry the three children up as early as seven to eight years ago. Seeing that she still had the opportunity to hug them, she was going to hug them more.

    ¡°Grandpa, are you here to send us to school as well?¡± On the day that the triplets were formally in junior high school, Qiao Dongliang had rushed to the Zhai family¡¯s house early in the morning to send them to school. Aftering to the capital, Qiao Dongliang had ced all his focus on the three children.

    When Elder Lin and Old Master Zhai were alive, they had taken away a lot of the triplets¡¯ attention. Qiao Dongliang was even jealous over this. However, when the both of them were gone, Qiao Dongliang was especially sad. It was difficult for him to get through that sad period, and he became a morepetent grandfather.

    For instance, Qiao Dongliang wanted to send the triplets to school now. Ding Jiayi, who had been in the capital for a while now and had been receiving living expenses from Qiao Nan monthly, was nonchnt. In the three to four months she was in the capital, she had never once appeared in front of the three children.

    As such, the triplets liked Qiao Dongliang, their maternal grandfather. However, they didn¡¯t have much impression of Ding Jiayi, their maternal grandmother.

    ¡°Yes, today¡¯s an important day for the three of you, who are going to junior high school. Grandpa must be here.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Grandpa and your mother will send you to school.¡± He wasn¡¯t a good father, thus he wanted to be a better grandfather.

    After the two elders had passed on, he was more approachable than the retired Chief Zhai and had more time to spend on the three children. As such,pared to Zhai Yaohui, their paternal grandfather, Qiao Dongliang was better liked by the children and was closer to them.

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s excited look, Qiao Nan shook her head helplessly. ¡°Dad, are you reallying along? There are a lot of cars sending their children to school now. It¡¯s very cramped. Even if I send them earlier now, there might not be space in front of the school¡¯s entrance.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go. Why not? I know you¡¯re sending them early. Didn¡¯t I arrive early as well? Let¡¯s stop talking and hurry up. Otherwise, you yourself might bete for work after sending the children to school.¡± Qiao Dongliang was not only supportive of the triplets¡¯ studies but also of Qiao Nan¡¯s career.

    His daughter had be the minister of foreign affairs. People generally couldn¡¯t imagine how proud Qiao Dongliang was in his heart, even if Qiao Nan¡¯s achievements today had nothing to do with him. From the start to the end, not only was he not of help to Qiao Nan, but he also hindered her as the stupid wife he had married and his badly-taught eldest daughter had caused her trouble from time to time.

    Thankfully, the end result was good.

    ¡°However, Nan Nan, are you really going to let the three children live in the school hostel so early?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked nkly when he was in the car.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Nan, who was focused on driving, replied. ¡°If they don¡¯t stay when they should in junior high school, they would have to do so in high school as well. Since they have to stay sooner orter, let them start from junior high school. It¡¯s good to train them early.¡±

    ¡°Why would they need training? You have sent the three children to the army every summer and winter vacation for their father to train them. Isn¡¯t that enough? I didn¡¯t want to say this about you, but it was still alright to do so for Da Bao and Er Bao as they were boys. However, San Bao¡¯s a girl. See? Every time theye back from the army, they would be darker. Thankfully, she¡¯s fair-skinned like you. Otherwise, what would you do if she¡¯s tanned? Our triplets are so good-looking, but they have been burdened by this tanned skin.¡±

    When it came to his grandchildren, Qiao Dongliang was no longer as passionate about the army aspared to when he was young. He felt that the three children were still young, and it was too tiring and tough for them to be in the army at such a young age. This wasn¡¯t beneficial to their growth.

    At this time, the fair-skinned San Bao was naturally the focus of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s care.

    Er Bao, who had be tanner, grinned, revealing his white teeth. A stark contrast was formed, and this sight pierced Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. Qiao Dongliang, who doted on his grandchildren, couldn¡¯t bear to take a second look.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mischievous!¡± Da Bao patted Er Bao. It was obvious their maternal grandfather wasn¡¯t happy, yet Er Bao was still being mischievous. ¡°If you continue to be like this, I¡¯ll tell Dad so that he can teach you a lesson when he¡¯s back. Don¡¯t forget who was the one who refused toe back from the army every time!¡±

    Er Bao smiled at Da Bao, trying to please him. ¡°Don¡¯t be so serious. I¡¯m just joking and wanted to tease grandpa. Don¡¯t tell Dad anything. He¡¯s a wife-protector. Every time Mom treats me better, he would feel jealous. If you tell Dad that I bullied Mom, wouldn¡¯t he y me to my death?¡± Once he thought of how protective his father was of his wife, Er Bao was so frightened that he shivered.

    ¡°Be more honest if you¡¯re afraid.¡± When Da Bao was chatting with Er Bao, they had both kept their voices low. No matter how foolish he was, Er Bao was still his birth brother. Da Bao had to take care of him, didn¡¯t he?

    Da Bao had really unleashed his power. Er Bao shrank his neck and said, ¡°Honest? Aren¡¯t I honest enough? Can I be even more honest?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± San Bao, who witnessed the whole scene, hugged her stomach as sheughed. ¡°I think nothing¡¯s happier than watching Er Bao y the fool.¡± Er Bao was ridiculous. No wonder Mom always said that Er Bao was cheeky. It would be best for him to enter the entertainment industry.

 Chapter 1559 - Say So If Thereâ€™s Something Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 1559: Say So If There¡¯s Something Wrong</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Be truthful.¡± Qiao Nan sipped a mouthful of her drink. It had always been a rule to not y while Qiao Nan was driving. In her previous life, Qiao Nan had been knocked down by another car while she was outside. That was what led to her death. In this lifetime, Qiao Nan was thankfully sitting within the car, so she had to be even more responsible for the safety of herself and those sitting in her car.

    This time, Qiao Dongliang did not try to defend the three children, only eying themfortingly. ¡°You really have to pay attention while driving. Don¡¯t y around while your mother is driving. You¡¯ll affect her. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    The three children answered in unison, especially San Bao, who stuck her tongue out, because she knew she had vited her mom¡¯s rule.

    ¡°All right, we¡¯re here.¡± After driving into the school, Qiao Nan let the three children out. ¡°I¡¯lle to pick you three up on Saturday. As to the things that you need in the bedroom, I¡¯ve prepared everything. Do you still remember everything that I taught you?¡±

    It was the first time the children were staying in a hostel, so Qiao Nan was no less worried or anxious than Qiao Dongliang.

    Da Bao walked over to Qiao Nan¡¯s side andforted Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. When we lived in the army, we used to do everything ourselves. We¡¯re already used to it.¡±

    Fathers were indeed more ruthless than mothers. When the three of them first went into the army, their father had been so strict. The elder brothers had wanted to help these three young ones out, but in the end, they had been punished by their father to run ten rounds. After that incident, no one was willing to help them anymore.

    Thinking about those times, Da Bao felt that that was truly a tough life.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mom! Don¡¯t look down on your children. We know to dust our quilts when it¡¯s sunny and to wash our clothes after we change out of them. Mom! Do you think we¡¯re three-year-old children that you have to teach us even that?¡± Even if they needed someone to teach them that, it was already seven or eight yearste. When they were only five, they had entered the army. Whatever they could do, their father forbade anyone from helping them.

    They felt that their mother¡¯s care was like the gentle spring breeze, whereas their father¡¯s strictness was like the brutal winter wind. Er Bao sighed. Children with mothers were blessed.

    At this moment, San Bao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom! The three of us will definitely be fine. I¡¯ll go to the bedroom first. Mom, you¡¯d better hurry off to work too. As the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, won¡¯t you be embarrassed if you arete?¡± San Bao knew that there were some people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who despised her mom and were always trying to pick out her faults.

    Now that San Bao herself already took the lead and headed to the bedroom, Da Bao and Er Bao wanted to go to the bedroom to ce their things there too, immediately spoiling the atmosphere of reluctance. Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang were still reluctant to part with them, but the three children did not even turn back once.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched and she could not speak for quite a while. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s about time. If we don¡¯t leave now, I¡¯ll be stuck in the jam at the school gate. Get in the car. I¡¯ll send you back.¡±

    After getting in the car, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°The three children are right. It¡¯s quitete now. It¡¯s more important for you to get to work. Once we get out of the school, just drop me off at the bus stop. I¡¯ll take a slow ride back on the public bus to get familiar with the route around here. Next time when you¡¯re busy and I have to pick the children up, we can take the public bus.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not refuse. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go.¡±

    After alighting Qiao Dongliang at the public bus stop, Qiao Nan no longer stopped so as to arrive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as early as possible. Thankfully, the moment Qiao Nan arrived at the door of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was time for work.

    Every time she sent the three children to school, this situation was bound to happen. Once it happened too frequently, it would be awkward for Qiao Nan herself. It was as though she was unwilling to waste just a minute more in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now that she had be the director.

    Indeed, as soon as Qiao Nan arrived, someone said sarcastically, ¡°Minister Qiao, you¡¯re really ¡®on time¡¯. How did you prepare to do that? You¡¯ll have to teach us!¡± Li Dawei¡¯s tone was weird, and he was obviously being sarcastic.

    As a veteran of the workce, Qiao Nan was not affected by a sarcastic remark from Li Dawei. ¡°Comrade Li, you¡¯ve been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for quite a few years, right? But you can¡¯t evenpete with newbies who¡¯ve been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for only three years. How do you do it? But I guess our department doesn¡¯t need to know about your experience. It¡¯s best that no one learns from your attitude.¡±

    One learned, and the other did not. It was immediately obvious who was superior.

    Qiao Nan was the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other than Li Dawei, who coveted the position of the minister, when other people were faced with such a situation, there was no hesitation as to which side they would help.

    Many people¡¯s taunting gazes fell on Li Dawei. They all felt that Li Dawei did not know his ce. Even a few of the newbies in the department thought that Li Dawei was insane. Normally, the one who sucked up to Minister Qiao the most was Li Dawei. But every time Li Dawei failed, he never gave up.

    Logically, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li Dawei should be Minister Qiao¡¯sckey. But in reality, it was the contrary. In the entire department, only Li Dawei shot back at Minister Qiao!

    It was such an ironic contradiction that people sometimes felt confused when seeing Li Dawei¡¯s behavior. They could not understand how Li Dawei could continue in his self-contradictory actions.

    It was enough to be seen as a joke by the seniors in the department. After all, they were his seniors and it was normal to be mocked by people who had more experience than him. Li Dawei¡¯s face paled. He felt that Qiao Nan was crushing his dignity by mocking him in front of so many people.

    How could someone as unqualified as Qiao Nan be the minister? He did not believe that he would not be able to find a way to pull Qiao Nan down from her position. When he took over Qiao Nan¡¯s position, he would see what these people who mocked him today would have to say.

    Qiao Nan did not miss Li Dawei¡¯s angry and indignant gaze.

    Qiao Nanughed coldly. Acting like this in the workce was really just an expression of how foolish Li Dawei was. Did Li Dawei really think that everything would be fine as long as he tried to tter Qiao Nan at thest minute just before his annual appraisal?

    If that was the case, Qiao Nan could only say that Li Dawei was so naive that it was frightening.

    ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me.¡± Ding Jiayi called Qiao Nan.

    Upon receiving Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone call, Qiao Nan was calm as usual and her expression remained unchanged. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Speak!¡±

 Chapter 1560 - A Divorce For Real

    <h4>Chapter 1560: A Divorce For Real</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I called your dad, but he didn¡¯t pick up.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone was full of grievance. In the first few months after arriving in the capital, Ding Jiayi had been quite happy. Who had such luck like her to turn from being a Ping Cheng resident to a resident of the capital? But after staying in the capital for a while longer, Ding Jiayi realized that she did not know anyone.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to get acquainted with her neighbors, but unfortunately, she realized that these neighbors in the apartments were not as easy-going as those in the courtyard back in Ping Cheng. Usually, she would take a stroll in the park in the mornings and evenings and sit there for a while so as to try to integrate herself into themunity. But knowing that she was not from the capital, they were prejudiced against her.

    As such, Ding Jiayi specially mentioned her daughter Qiao Nan so as to gain some recognition. Thankfully, even though Ding Jiayi said that, her neighbors were unwilling to believe what she had said. The capital was only so big, but there were so many people. As long as one got out of their house, they were bound to meet someone with a special status. It was nothing out of the ordinary.

    But to brag that the Minister of Foreign Affairs was her daughter, that was pushing it a bit too much.

    If that was indeed the case, why hadn¡¯t they seen the minister visit her? Why didn¡¯t she visit the minister during the holidays? Or why didn¡¯t she invite her daughter over for a meal?

    Ding Jiayi wanted to prove that Qiao Nan was really her daughter. Adding to the fact that their mother-daughter rtionship was not good to begin with, Qiao Nan was truly busy. After taking on the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she had taken on many more responsibilities, and there were many more things she had to handle. Besides, she had to travel often to attend international events. Qiao Nan had almost be the past Zhai Yaohui, flying all the time.

    Ding Jiayi was free. She did not need to take care of her grandchildren, and neither did she need to go to work. Shezed around at home the whole day and needed only to reach out her hand to receive a living allowance from Qiao Nan. On the other hand, Qiao Nan not only had to work, but she also had to take care of her three children. If everyone was like Ding Jiayi and bored to their wits, there would be chaos in the world.

    As such, Ding Jiayi¡¯s wish of proving her point by asking Qiao Nan to make a trip down was not realistic at all.

    After a while, everyone thought that Ding Jiayi was just bragging. Thus, it became even more difficult for Ding Jiayi to settle down into her new life. Since she was unable to make new friends, Ding Jiayi could only look in the direction of her ¡®old friends¡¯. Ding Jiayi was not so bold as to find people from the Zhai family. She would not even dare to look for them even with her status as their inw.

    Apart from the Zhai family, Ding Jiayi was left only with Qiao Dongliang. Ding Jiayi thought that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation could not be much better than her own.

    When two familiar people meet in an unfamiliar city, their rtionship should be better than before. So, if she were to get in touch with Qiao Dongliang now, Qiao Dongliang would probably not reject her. Ding Jiayi was being too idealistic.

    The moment Qiao Dongliang received the call, he asked who was on the line. Once Ding Jiayi made just a little sound and was recognized by Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Dongliang did not even give Ding Jiayi a chance to speak and immediately hung up. When Ding Jiayi tried to call him again, she could not get through at all.

    Now that Ding Jiayi had no other choice, she could only beg Qiao Nan for help.

    ¡°Dad won¡¯t pick up your call, not me. There¡¯s no use calling me.¡± Qiao Nan massaged her temples.

    ¡°You have a good rtionship with your dad. Help me convince him. We¡¯ve been married for so many years. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s weird that our family lives our lives as two separate families? It¡¯s said that spouses are the ones who apany you in your old age. Your dad and I are no longer young. Qiao Nan, don¡¯t be so selfish. You can¡¯t expect your dad and me to stay lonely at our age, right?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had not finished expressing her opinion when she heard a familiar toneing from her phone. Qiao Nan had hung up.

    Ding Jiayi always had her temper. She was clearly trying to ask Qiao Nan for a favor, but the moment she spoke, she would start using Qiao Nan and try to force Qiao Nan to take up the responsibility to fulfill her own wishes.

    In short, she was shameless.

    Knowing that Ding Jiayi was not feeling unwell or in any serious trouble, Qiao Nan ignored every single one of the three calls Ding Jiayi made following that.

    Seeing that she could not get through to Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was so angry that her eyes turned red. ¡°You¡¯re abandoning your biological mother now that you¡¯ve be the minister? If you bump into me one day, we¡¯ll see how you beg me then!¡±

    She did not believe that Qiao Nan would lead a worry-free life and stay in a high position forever. There would eventuallye a day when she would need Ding Jiayi¡¯s help!

    Ding Jiayi was about to toss her phone aside when her ringtone chimed. Ding Jiayi smiled with glee. She thought that the call was from Qiao Nan, until she picked up and realized that the caller was indeed a Qiao, and was also her daughter. But instead of her younger daughter, it was her elder daughter. ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice was severely hoarse. She had clearly been crying for a long time. ¡°Mom, Zhou Zheng wants to get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really getting a divorce? Have you gotten an official divorce?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was mad. They were all finding trouble. ¡°What about that child? Did the Zhou family get custody of Ying Ying? You¡¯re still young. As long as... Since you were able to find a man like Zhou Zheng in the past, you¡¯d definitely be able to find another man with simr qualities as Zhou Zheng. It¡¯s okay. Getting married and divorced is not umon nowadays. You¡¯ll live like you used to and even better in the future.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were vague, but she was clearly hinting at finding Qiao Nan for help.

    Zhou Zheng had really treated Qiao Zijin well. Qiao Zijin had never needed to worry about money, and she had everything she wanted. Like how Qiao Nan had helped Qiao Zijin find a man like Zhou Zheng, she would just do it again and find Qiao Zijin a second Zhou Zheng.

    On the other end of the call, Qiao Zijin looked at the child by her side, and her voice grew hoarser. ¡°I got custody of Ying Ying.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Why? Now that she had a child, would Zijin still be able to get married to a good man with equal qualities as Zhou Zheng? ¡°Are you a fool?¡± Was Zijin not intending to remarry after getting divorced from Zhou Zheng? If Zijin was so deeply in love with Zhou Zheng, she would never have gotten into an affair in the first ce.

    ¡°This matter is tooplicated. I can¡¯t exin it clearly over the phone. Mom, can I bring Ying Ying over to visit you? The environment in the capital is better. I want Ying Ying to grow up in an entirely new environment where there are better teaching resources.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi hit her own chest. ¡°Since you have such great ns for Ying Ying, I will definitely support you as her grandma. Even if you decide to send Ying Ying abroad instead of justing to the capital, I will agree wholeheartedly!¡±

 Chapter 1561 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 1561: Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I have one question. It costs money to have a good education.¡± Money. Did she even have it? Did she have enough?

    If raising a child well was just a matter of talk, would she have forced Qiao Nan to work part-time while she was still in junior high school just so that she could pay for her elder daughter¡¯s school fees? It was exactly because studying was too expensive and having two children studying was too heavy of a burden that she had made such a decision, offending that foolish girl Qiao Nan.

    Without what happened then, her rtionship with Qiao Nan would not have deteriorated to such a bad state, so much so that Qiao Nan no longer recognized her as her mother.

    ¡°...¡± In the face of such a realistic problem, Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t, but Qiao Nan does! Mom, you also know that Qiao Nan struck a fortune! A huge one! The money that Qiao Nan has in her hands is more than we¡¯ll ever have in a few lifetimes! No matter what, Qiao Nan is still Ying Ying¡¯s aunt. Even if Qiao Nan were to raise ten Ying Ying, she would still have loads of money leftover!¡±

    After learning that Qiao Nan had such a huge fortune, Qiao Zijin had been so angry that she had been unable to sleep for three nights. Was it not enough that she was the Minister of Foreign Affairs? Now, she was even filthy rich! Even Chen Jun said that he could not tell how much Qiao Nan had on hand now. Qiao Nan could very well be one of the richest invisible tycoons in the whole of China!

    ¡°Mom, do you not know? Ten million yuan, ten million yuan! She just donated it out! And do you know who Qiao Nan donated it to? She started a foundation specially to support lonely old people to let them live out the rest of their livesfortably. How about me? We¡¯re her rtives, but we¡¯re living such hard lives. If she was really so kind, why didn¡¯t shee and help her rtives first? Mom, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still happy that she rented you a house in the capital. I¡¯m telling you that Qiao Nan has many houses in her possession. And those are big houses. These houses are all hers, but she didn¡¯t even tell you about it, much less let you into her houses. She¡¯s so heartless! Are you still thinking about her?¡±

    The more she said, the angrier Qiao Zijin got. After a while, Qiao Zijin started shouting.

    She wanted to get remarried too, and she knew that it would be inconvenient to have her daughter with her. But she had no other choice. She had to keep Zhou Ying by her side. Zhou Zheng wanted her to get divorced without receiving any alimony or marital assets, but Qiao Zijin refused to do so. Knowing that the Zhou family did not favor boys over girls, Qiao Zijin knew that they loved their granddaughter, Zhou Ying, greatly.

    Thus, Qiao Zijin made use of Zhou Ying and asked for a huge sum of alimony. Only then was she willing to get a divorce. Otherwise, since Zhou Ying was her daughter, she would bring Zhou Ying away with her.

    She had not expected that she would lose this game. Initially, the two Zhou elders were reluctant to give up their granddaughter. Even if Qiao Zijin had been at fault, they were still willing to give Qiao Zijin a sum of money. But the amount of money that the Zhou family was willing to part with was far from what Qiao Zijin demanded. Seeing how Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude was worsening, Zhou Zheng was furious. Since Qiao Zijin was Zhou Ying¡¯s mother, Zhou Zheng pushed Zhou Ying over to Qiao Zijin¡¯s side without hesitation. ¡°You hardly spent any time at home in the past, so you were never able to spend much time with your daughter. It¡¯s rare that you¡¯re willing to have your daughter by your side. It¡¯s just as well. Make it up to your daughter and let her feel how it¡¯s like to always have her mother by her side!¡±

    Had Qiao Zijin really thought that she held the upper hand over the Zhou family because of her daughter and could get away with anything? Where did she get such a naive idea?

    In this way, when Qiao Zijin finally returned from her trance, she had not only gotten her divorce from Zhou Zheng but also Zhou Ying¡¯s custody.

    After struggling for so many months, other than taking her daughter with her, Qiao Zijin had really been chased out of the Zhou family with nothing to her name. From then on, she had nothing to do with the Zhou family.

    Qiao Zijin had no money but still had to raise her daughter. How was she going to do it? She could only think of giving in to others. She wanted Chen Jun to marry her, but Chen Jun had only been ying with Qiao Zijin. He had wasted a huge sum of money on Qiao Zijin when he was young but had gained nothing from it at all. Now, he would just take it that Qiao Zijin was repaying her debt to him.

    Why would he get a divorce from his wife and wreck his family for such a foolish woman like Qiao Zijin?

    Not wanting Qiao Zijin to continue bothering him, Chen Jun thought of the perfect n. He decided to tell Qiao Zijin about Qiao Nan¡¯s enviable circumstance. Compared to him, Chen Jun knew that Qiao Zijin hated Qiao Nan much more.

    To push Qiao Zijin further, Chen Jun specially gave Qiao Zijin a ne ticket to the capital on the ount of their rtionship, knowing that Qiao Zijin herself did not have much money.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan was living the high life now, it was not only Qiao Zijin who was unhappy. Chen Jun was the most unhappy. Initially, he had worked together with Wang Yang to chase Qiao Nan. In the end, when he finally got in touch with Qiao Nan, the yboy Chen Jun felt for the first time in his life that there was a woman whom he was willing to be long-term boyfriend to, and perhaps marriage was not such a ridiculous thought either. At least when he faced Qiao Nan, he felt that life was worth living.

    He did not know why, but the moment he saw Qiao Nan, Chen Jun immediately felt that Qiao Nan was a suitable candidate for marriage and would be a woman who would take good care of her family. Every time he thought about getting married to Qiao Nan, Chen Jun felt a warm fuzzy feeling within his chest. But Qiao Nan never even bothered about him.

    Nothing that happened afterward was anything that Chen Jun had expected. He saw Qiao Nan marry Zhai Sheng and then move to the capital. Chen Jun himself did not know why he had never given up his obsession over Qiao Nan after so many years. He even spent money keeping track of everything that Qiao Nan did.

    He learned that Old Lin had paved the way for Qiao Nan, and that Old Lin had left his entire fortune to Qiao Nan alone. He also knew that the intelligent Qiao Nan was a shareholder of the Tian Corporation. Chen Jun suppressed something inwardly. It only umted as time passed, almost to the point of explosion.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin appeared in front of Chen Jun.

    Although he was angry, Chen Jun did not want to go against Qiao Nan, for fear of bacsh from the Zhai family. After being punished once, he was not going to be a fool a second time. Otherwise, he was not worthy to be a Chen. At this time, Qiao Zijin was Chen Jun¡¯s best choice.

    When Ding Jiayi asked about how Qiao Zijin was nning to raise Zhou Ying, the question was not about whether Qiao Zijin was going to raise her child well. The question was where she was going to get the money to do so. Without money, how was she going to raise her child? However, Qiao Zijin was so shameless as to directly mention Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1562 - Raising Us Up

    <h4>Chapter 1562: Raising Us Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She said it as if Qiao Nan deserved to be raising her daughter up. She sounded so righteous and confident that it made people want tough and cry at the same time.

    Upon hearing that Qiao Nan was so rich, Ding Jiayi was shocked. ¡°Where did you hear this from? Are you sure?¡± Was Qiao Nan really that rich?

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to care where I heard this from. You just have to know that this is the truth. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯tck money. Ying Ying can call her aunt and ask her to provide some money so that Ying Ying can continue to go to school. That is her role as an aunt. Mom, I¡¯m bringing Ying Ying over to find you. Help us prepare a room.¡±

    After saying this, Qiao Zijin hung up the call as she was worried that Ding Jiayi would refuse. After making this call, Qiao Zijin encouraged herself and squatted down. ¡°Ying Ying, Mom will bring you to the capital so that you can live there in the future. Don¡¯t worry. Mom will make sure that you lead a life better than before, just like a princess.¡±

    Qiao Nan was so rich and had so many houses. She even heard that many of them were vis. It wasn¡¯t difficult for her to let Ying Ying lead the life of a princess. If Qiao Nan dared to reject her, she would dare to blow up the matter and let everyone know that Qiao Nan was one of the heartless rich. After bing the country¡¯s minister, she didn¡¯t even acknowledge her rtives anymore.

    Zhou Ying blinked before smiling sweetly. ¡°Okay, Mom will let me be a little princess.¡± Zhou Ying didn¡¯t find these words unfamiliar. When they were at the Zhou family, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou had told her this as well.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded when she heard the beep sound from the phone for the third time. Her house wasn¡¯t big and there were only two rooms. She was already living in the bigger room. The smaller room was especially small and couldn¡¯t even fit a bed nicely. As such, she used it to put her things.

    Now, her eldest daughter was bringing her granddaughter over to seek refuge. She even asked her to prepare a room for them. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know what to say. She couldn¡¯t possibly let out her bigger room and squeeze in the smaller room, right? They had to know that Qiao Nan had specially rented this house for her!

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t feel that her life was getting better. After her eldest daughter¡¯s call, the matter became moreplicated and harder to resolve. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t stop her now even if she wanted to. Qiao Zijin was probably already on the ne to the capital.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that the big trouble Zhai Sheng sent away had returned with small trouble again. What was more ruthless was that after knowing all the things that she owned now, Chen Jun felt that if she hadn¡¯t rejected him back then, everything on Qiao Nan¡¯s hands would also be his now.

    Man and wife were one. After Qiao Nan became the minister, could Elder Lin have made some special arrangements for him, the husband of Qiao Nan, before he passed away?

    Stopping one from getting rich was akin to killing one¡¯s parents.

    Chen Jun felt that it was right for him to take revenge on Qiao Nan by sending Qiao Zijin over to trouble her. This was what Qiao Nan owed him.

    Things were always so coincidental. If these people unfavorable to Qiao Nan were crowded together, wouldn¡¯t they bring Qiao Nan a devastating catastrophe?

    On the first day Qiao Zijin brought Zhou Ying to the capital, of course, they moved into Ding Jiayi¡¯s house. When she saw the small room that Ding Jiayi had prepared for her and her daughter, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned ugly and Zhou Ying cried. ¡°Mom, I want to go home. The room in my house is big, and it¡¯s filled with pretty dolls. This house is too small and ugly. It¡¯s worse than the princess room at home. I want to go home and find grandpa and grandma. They wouldn¡¯t let me stay in such a broken room.¡±

    Qiao Zijin exhaled. ¡°Mom, it is fine for me to suffer for the time being. However, Ying Ying was brought up well by the Zhou family. I¡¯ve said before that the reason why I brought Ying Ying over to the capital is so that she could lead a good life. Let¡¯s do this. Your room¡¯s big, so I won¡¯t squeeze with you. Let Ying Ying sleep with you tonight. I¡¯ll find Qiao Nan tomorrow and would definitely not let you squeeze with Ying Ying again. How about that?¡±

    She was going to bring her daughter to stay in a vi tomorrow. A vi in the capital!

    Upon hearing Zhou Ying crying, Ding Jiayi felt a headache. Over these years, Ding Jiayi liked Zhou Ying. Once her granddaughter cried, she would feel heartache. The problem was that ever since Qiao Nan was three years old, Ding Jiayi had let her take care of herself. Now that Qiao Zijin asked her to take care of her granddaughter, Ding Jiayi felt that she didn¡¯t have the capability and couldn¡¯t bear the suffering.

    How would Ding Jiayi, a woman who had given birth to two daughters, not know how troublesome raising children could be?

    After thinking for a while, Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. ¡°Let¡¯s do this. Just one night tonight. No matter what the results are tomorrow and no matter whether Qiao Nan agrees to you or not, I¡¯ll let you and Ying Ying sleep in my room. I¡¯ll stay in the smaller room for a night. This shall not be repeated tomorrow. If Ying Ying finds the rooms to be too small, then you¡¯ll have to solve the problem yourself.¡±

    Even after knowing that Qiao Nan might be rich, Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s thoughts were overly optimistic. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t that easy to talk to. Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as a minister might not be the absolute reason for them to control Qiao Nan.

    Anyway, Ding Jiayi would definitely not involve herself in this matter. If she infuriated Qiao Nan, she might not even be able to guarantee the life she was leading now. If she didn¡¯t offend Qiao Nan, even without going out to work, her monthly allowance now was much higher than her sry at work in the past. She didn¡¯t have to pay the house rentals as well. She just had to think of ways to pass time every day. Life wasn¡¯t that bad.

    ¡°Also, let me give you a piece of advice. It¡¯s not wise to use hard tactics on Qiao Nan. She can be much ruthless than us.¡± If it was another person who had married into the Zhai family and be the minister of foreign affairs, based on their family situation, how would Zijin dare to provoke the minister? She would probably hide to the side.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t say anything. She obviously didn¡¯t believe Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. Qiao Nan was now a minister. How would someone like her not want face? If she kicked up a fuss, Qiao Nan would lose face and this might even impact her future development adversely.

    If she didn¡¯t have a good life, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have to think about everything going smoothly as well. If she really infuriated her, not only would she want Qiao Nan to lose her job as a minister, but she would also think of ways to pry out the money in her hands so that it became hers.

    Of course, if Qiao Nan knew what was best for her and was willing to fulfill her request, then everyone was still rtives and they were still sisters. After all, she and her daughter could only have a good life if Qiao Nan led a good life, right?

    Qiao Zijin had made up her mind at this time that not only was she going to pester Qiao Nan, but she was also prepared for Qiao Nan to provide for her and her daughter for life. Qiao Nan had to make sure that they led a good life.

 Chapter 1563 - She Was Rich

    <h4>Chapter 1563: She Was Rich</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Whatever Qiao Nan used and ate, Qiao Zijin should have it the same. Schools that Qiao Nan¡¯s children attend could not be better than Zhou Ying¡¯s as well.

    Since Qiao Zijin had made up her mind, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t bother stopping her. She had made her decision to live a peaceful life. Qiao Nan had been the only one bearing her cost of living, so she wouldn¡¯t owe Qiao Zijin anything as a mother.

    If Qiao Zijin insisted on seeking trouble, it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    After clearing her thoughts, Ding Jiayi decided to forget about the mess and take a nap in her room.

    Zhou Ying wasn¡¯t satisfied with her grandma¡¯s room. She hated the smell of Ding Jiayi¡¯s room. Unlike this ce, her house in Ping Cheng always smelled nice. However, her mother asked her to bear with it for a while. She believed that her mother would bring her to a better ce as long as she listened to her.

    Qiao Zijin looked for Qiao Nan on the weekend, and Qiao Nan was at home. The three kids were home as well. When they heard that Qiao Nan¡¯s rtive came to visit with a child, the Zhai family was surprised. ¡°Rtive? Which one? Did she give a name?¡±

    Recalling her son¡¯s wedding with Qiao Nan, there weren¡¯t many rtives that participated on the bride¡¯s side. The sudden appearance of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtive piqued Miao Jing¡¯s curiosity.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have many rtives.¡± Qiao Nan frowned. It wouldn¡¯t be anyone from the Qiao family, and Ding Jiayi had cut ties with the Ding family. It¡¯s been two lives, yet she had no idea who her grandparents were.

    Therefore, there was no way that her grandparents would find their way into the military and politicalpounds.

    They wouldn¡¯t even recognize Ding Jiayi as their daughter, let alone Qiao Nan. She couldn¡¯t figure out who the rtive was.

    ¡°She said that her surname was Qiao, and she was Minister Qiao¡¯s sister.¡±

    ¡°...¡± The Zhai family was at a loss for words. How could Qiao Zijin have the nerve to show up as Qiao Nan¡¯s rtive? It¡¯d been years since they¡¯dst met, and everyone thought that they would be living separate lives.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s sister?¡± Da Bao blinked his eyes. ¡°Mom, do you have a sister?¡± Why had they never heard about their mysterious aunt? In fact, Da Bao had realized that their maternal grandma was never mentioned to them as well.

    Due to Elder Lin and Elder Zhai, Da Bao had his guess that his grandma had passed away before they were born.

    Before he could figure out the truth about his grandma, an aunt showed up out of nowhere. From Qiao Nan¡¯s expression, Da Bao could feel that his mother was rather uptight about his aunt¡¯s arrival.

    Er Bao and San Bao exchanged nces; they could feel the atmosphere turning tense. This had never happened in their family. Who could this person be to wipe off the smiles of everyone¡¯s faces?

    ¡°Nan Nan, this is crazy. Let¡¯s just ignore her.¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t want to speak of Qiao Zijin¡¯s sordid history before the kids. Cheating as a married woman was something that Miao Jing could never ept.

    When she heard the news, she imagined that she would murder Qiao Zijin if Qiao Zijin were her daughter.

    It was something that would put everyone to shame!

    Er Bao¡¯s mouth was wide open as he realized that his aunt was up to no good. It was no wonder that his mom¡¯s face sank when she arrived. After all, his mom would have told them about her if she was a nice person, and this wouldn¡¯t be the first time that they¡¯d heard of an aunt.

    Da Bao red at Er Bao, signaling him to cut the act. ¡°Mom, do you want to tell us about her? You¡¯ve always said that we shouldn¡¯t be involved in adults¡¯ conversations, but I think that we are old enough to make judgments now. We will not step into the situation, but I think we should at least be aware of it. I do have the confidence that you will settle everything, but I think we should be prepared for any potential trouble in school.¡±

    They didn¡¯t want to be defenseless if someone showed up and criticized their mother.

    The kids were not as innocent as before, and they would like to prepare for any possible circumstances.

    What if... what if it did happen?

    Miao Jing glimpsed at Qiao Nan. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s appropriate to bring her into the house, but we can¡¯t have her stand in front of the gate all the time. Qiao Zijin really knows no shame. How about taking the conversation elsewhere? I know that you wouldn¡¯t allow her to act up all the time, so don¡¯t promise her anything.¡± Qiao Zijin always thought of herself as a queen, who could demand anything from others.

    How obnoxious!

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Nan stood up. She only carried a purse and left the car keys at home.

    After Qiao Nan had left, the children gathered around Miao Jing, waiting for her to tell them about their ¡®aunt¡¯.

    Miao Jing had no intention of covering up Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s ugly doings. If the kids weren¡¯t fond of Qiao Dongliang, Miao Miao even wanted to expose the entire Qiao family. She wanted the children to know about the kind of life their mother had lived before meeting their father.

 Chapter 1564 - As Good As Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 1564: As Good As Nothing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thankfully, Miao Jing still left Qiao Dongliang with some dignity and talked mainly about Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. As for Qiao Dongliang, if she could avoid it, she would. If they had no choice but to talk about it, she would just mention it briefly and pass over it.

    At the same time that Er Bao and San Bao were enraged at how Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin treated their mother, they felt as though something was wrong. Only Da Bao, who had remained silent, realized it.

    When Miao Jing finished speaking, San Bao bit on her lip. ¡°Grandma, if my maternal grandma and auntie are so bad, then what about grandpa? What is grandpa doing?¡± When these two women were bullying her mother, she had only heard about how her mother had worked hard and that was when her father and master grandpa had helped her mother.

    But no matter how they talked about it, there was always one person missing: their grandpa.

    Miao Jing did not say anything ill of Qiao Dongliang but took San Bao¡¯s hands into her own and said, ¡°You¡¯re still young. You don¡¯t understand. It¡¯s like how your mom would not help either of you if you and Er Bao start arguing. Rather, she would scold the both of you and get you two to reconcile. To Nan Nan, you are both precious to her. She can¡¯t possibly give up on either of you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the same. Mom doesn¡¯t help either of us because Er Bao and I are only ying. Our rtionship is superb! In the end, Mom always gets us to reconcile with each other. How about grandpa? Did grandpa get them to reconcile with each other? What did he do?¡± San Bao was dissatisfied with such a superficial answer.

    Other than being happy with the intelligence of the three children, Miao Jing could onlyugh sheepishly in response to the children¡¯s gazes that were full of curiosity. She would let the children figure out for themselves what herugh meant. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been easy for Nan Nan. There are some things that Nan Nan doesn¡¯t want to pursue anymore, so we don¡¯t want to talk about it in front of you three either. You three should understand that your grandpa treats you very well. Of course, he hasn¡¯t been bad to Nan Nan either, depending on who youpare him with. In that situation, if your grandpa did not help your mother at all, her life would have been much harder.¡±

    As much as she hated Qiao Dongliang and felt that he was an irresponsible father, Miao Jing still gave him credit where it was due and gave Qiao Dongliang a fair judgment.

    It was the first time the three children heard about what had happened to their mother when she was younger, and they were all stunned. What was hardest for the three children to ept was that such a thing had happened to their own beloved mother!

    Er Bao¡¯s face which was usually stered with a smile was now extremely serious. He looked like how Da Bao and Zhai Sheng looked like normally, and his hand unwittingly clenched into a fist. Er Bao, who was now a junior high school student, was a righteous young man. At this time, one could see some parts of Zhai Sheng¡¯s posture and spirit in him.

    ¡°Why does such a person stille to our house to find my mom?¡± Er Bao¡¯s voice was low. He was clearly enraged.

    The moment Er Bao thought about how that grandma whom he had never met in his life forced his mother to work while studying just to provide for his elder aunt whose academic performance was obviously not as good as his mother¡¯s, Er Bao was so furious that he wanted to find someone for a fight to vent all the anger within him.

    Leaving school to work?

    Ever since he was old enough to understand the world, he knew how much his mother loved to study, and even after bing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she would still spend at least two hours reading every day. Er Bao could not believe that his mother who had such a love for learning had almost lost the opportunity to pursue her studies. To his mother, it must have been excruciating.

    When his mother was faced with such cruelty, she was about the same age as he was now. Thinking about how he had been raised sofortably, Er Bao was even more enraged. ¡°Grandma, is my maternal grandma really my mom¡¯s mother?¡± Was there really such a biological mother in the world that would sacrifice the daughter who was gifted to let a daughter who clearly could not study?

    No matter how biased she was, she had to be rational, right?

    Miao Jing sighed. ¡°I really didn¡¯t want to tell you about this. In your mom¡¯s heart, she probably hopes that she isn¡¯t her biological mother either. If so, it would be much easier to ept everything that she went through.¡± But it was exactly because she was her biological mother that it was all even more frightening.

    Nan Nan was left to struggle on her own. And to uphold their own reputations, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin unhesitatingly smeared Nan Nan¡¯s. Qiao Zijin had been the one who got into an early rtionship, but the mother-daughter pair had forced Nan Nan to take the me.

    Qiao Nan had never mentioned all these ¡®small¡¯ matters to Miao Jing, but that did not mean that Miao Jing was ignorant of them.

    At that time, Miao Jing had not known that Qiao Nan was dating her son. Purely out of her like of Qiao Nan as an elder, she had wanted to understand Qiao Nan further.

    When Miao Jing found out what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had done to Qiao Nan while she was still in high school, Miao Jing waspletely speechless. Honestly, a part of Miao Jing¡¯s affection for Qiao Nan was due to Qiao Nan¡¯s experiences.

    Before Miao Jing gained affection for Qiao Nan, she had met Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, and at most, she felt sympathetic toward Qiao Nan. She pitied Qiao Nan for having such an unloving mother and such a selfish older sister. But once they got familiar with each other, Miao Jing felt that Qiao Nan was a really fine youngdy, and immediately, Miao Jing¡¯s sympathy turned into heartache.

    But if Qiao Nan herself did not talk about these experiences, Miao Jing was not going to pick at those scars even if it was out of love.

    Today, when her three grandchildren had asked her about it, Miao Jing had only said a little more. Otherwise, even she herself was on the verge of forgetting these events and would only remember that Qiao Nan¡¯s life had gotten better after leaving her mother, Ding Jiayi.

    Ordinary people would only see how glorious Qiao Nan was today. Who could imagine that Qiao Nan had such a sad past and childhood?

    ¡°Thankfully, Dad appeared. Dad is Mom¡¯s Prince Charming. He rescued her when she was struggling the most.¡± San Bao was conflicted. When her mother read her fairy tales when she was younger, she had always felt that fairy tales were fictional and could not possibly be true.

    She had never expected that fairy tales could happen in real life too. Her parents were such a couple!

    She thought about how her mother was abused so badly by her biological mother that she was always hungry as a child. When her mother met her father, her mother was already malnourished. In an instant, the three children lost any affection for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who had hurt their mother.

    Da Bao finally understood why his mother was so filial but had never mentioned their grandma in front of them. Having such a rtive was as good as having none at all.

 Chapter 1565 - Asking For the Sky

    <h4>Chapter 1565: Asking For the Sky</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now that all these people who had treated his mother so badly in the past were starting to stick to her, Da Bao frowned ufortably. ¡°Mom must be feeling terrible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. When Nan Nanes hometer, if she doesn¡¯t mention it, don¡¯t ask her about it either. Find a way to coax her and lighten her mood.¡± Miao Jing nodded in agreement. If that happened to her, she would feel ufortable too.

    She recalled that she had gone out to hide the moment Qi Min brought Qiu Chenxi home as a guest in the past. She had been so foolish to just ept it as it was.

    But after all, Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were outsiders. She had epted this mother-daughter pair reluctantly, but if she was unwilling to meet them, she could choose to hide outside. But Qiao Nan was different. One was her elder sister, and the other was her mother. Where could Qiao Nan hide from these two people? She would never be able to hide from them for her entire life.

    While the three children, whose hearts ached for their mother, wished they could hug their mother, their mother was now sitting in a tea house. Qiao Nan looked at both Qiao Zijin and Zhou Ying, who were sitting in front of her.

    Thest time she came to the tea house, Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude had been quite good and she had kept rather silent. But today, Qiao Zijin had reached her limit and her tone was sharp. After looking at her provocatively, Qiao Zijin burst out in dissatisfaction. ¡°Qiao Nan, I really don¡¯t mean to say anything about you. But why don¡¯t you think about what your status is? If you really want to drink tea, why don¡¯t you find a nicer ce? Why do you stille to such a shabby tea house? Aren¡¯t you afraid that other people willugh at you? Even though my status is not as high as yours, I wouldn¡¯t even go to such a ce like this in Ping Cheng. ces like this are always dirty. You¡¯ll get diarrhea if you eat anything here.¡±

    ¡°Spit it out if you have anything to say. If you¡¯re really dissatisfied with this tea house, you have another choice. We¡¯ll find a quieter part of the park to chat. That works too.¡± But in a ce like that, there would be no tea to drink, and neither would there be any air-conditioning.

    Qiao Zijin bit the corner of her lip and decided to give up. ¡°Fine. Since you¡¯re my younger sister, I¡¯ll give in to you. Guests have to go along with their hosts. We¡¯ll stay here if you say so.¡± She was no fool. How could she bring her daughter to sweat it out under the sun?

    Qiao Zijin nced at her daughter who was sitting next to her and started. ¡°I¡¯m here today to talk to you about a few things. Take note that I¡¯m not here to ask for your approval. I¡¯ve gotten a divorce from Zhou Zheng. From today onward, I¡¯ll bring Ying Ying to the capital and we¡¯ll live here. But you should know my situation well. Ying Ying and I need a ce to stay. Remember. Our Ying Ying is used to having only the best. Our residence can¡¯t be small. If it¡¯s small, Ying Ying and I will feel ustrophobic.¡±

    ¡°And also, my health is not too good. My sleep quality is quite poor, so it has to be quiet where I stay. It¡¯s best if there¡¯s no disturbanceing from upstairs or downstairs. Anyway, I will definitely not ept a ce like Mom¡¯s, which is small and noisy. Next, Ying Ying is still young and needs to continue her studies. Our Ying Ying will not go to a normal school. If there¡¯s nothing better, I guess she can settle for the school that the three children went to. Lastly, I can¡¯t do without any money. Either you rmend me afortable job with a high sry, or just give me a living allowance. I still have a daughter to raise after all.¡±

    Tussling Zhou Ying¡¯s hair, Qiao Zijin sighed and hinted. ¡°It¡¯s not easy raising a child now. Even this hair tie that Ying Ying is using costs quite a lot, so our living allowance can¡¯t be that little. It has to be at least four or five thousand at the very least.¡±

    Qiao Zijin either kept her mouth shut or the moment she opened it, she immediately asked for an allowance that was a few times that of Ding Jiayi.

    As Qiao Zijin went on with her monologue, Qiao Nan calmly sipped on her tea without cutting in or giving a response.

    As such, Qiao Zijin was ted. ¡°All right, that¡¯s all I have to say. Hurry and arrange all these for me. Especially for the house, Ying Ying and I have to move in today. It¡¯s too small over there at Mom¡¯s. Ying Ying and I tolerated it for a night, but we¡¯re definitely not going to do it again. You have quite a few houses on hand, don¡¯t you? Hurry and arrange something for me.¡±

    After hearing her mother¡¯s words, Zhou Ying looked straight at Qiao Nan.

    Even though she had been influenced by Qiao Zijin, Zhou Ying knew that even if she wanted to live like a princess, it would all depend on whether the pretty auntie sitting in front of her was willing to provide for her. But looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze, it did not seem like Qiao Nan was prepared to present them with such a gift. Even up until now, Zhou Ying had not dared to say hello to her auntie.

    The slightly raised chin was the spitting image of Qiao Zijin¡¯s when she was younger. Qiao Nan sighed. This youngdy was indeed Qiao Zijin¡¯s biological daughter.

    She had heard that this child had been mainly raised by the Zhou family. Qiao Zijin had been busy enjoying her life as a young mistress, so she rarely paid any attention to her daughter. Even so, that arrogant and mysterious air of Zhou Ying was identical to the young Qiao Zijin¡¯s. Qiao Nan had to admit that gics was indeed impressive.

    ¡°Did you hear what I said? Since there¡¯s still so much time left today, hurry and get it arranged for me. By the way, I have time today. To avoid any trouble in the future, why don¡¯t you just bring me and Ying Ying to all the houses you have and let us pick the one that we want? This way, it¡¯ll save us a lot of trouble in case our tastes differ from yours.¡±

    At the same time, she would be able to get a feel of how many houses Qiao Nan had in the capital.

    One person could only stay in one house at any given point in time. Would it not be a waste since Qiao Nan would not be able to stay in all her houses? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not do something that would benefit everyone? She would stay in one of Qiao Nan¡¯s houses and change the owner of that house.

    Honestly, there was no use for Qiao Nan to own so many houses. She was not even being greedy. She wanted only one. She was just trying to help Qiao Nan out by staying in one.

    ¡°Ha, hahaha.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯sugh was a textbookugh. It was just for Qiao Zijin to hear. ¡°I was right. You were the most lucid while you were still married. What¡¯s more, your IQ even increased. Unfortunately, once you got pregnant, you became dumb for three years. After having a baby, it seems as though the IQ that went up hase crashing downpletely. You haven¡¯t even been able to retain whatever knowledge you gained in university. All right. I¡¯ll go get the bill. Did you like drinking this tea?¡±

    She had known long ago about how shameless Qiao Zijin was, but she had not expected Qiao Zijin to dip to a new low!

 Chapter 1566 - You Can Try

    <h4>Chapter 1566: You Can Try</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The moment she opened her mouth, Qiao Zijin had not only asked for one of Qiao Nan¡¯s exclusive vis or a single unit with a yard. She had even asked for a living allowance of four or five thousand yuan a month!

    Hahaha.

    Other thanughing, Qiao Nan did not know how else to respond.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Zijin stopped Qiao Nan in time. ¡°You haven¡¯t brought me to see the houses and I haven¡¯t picked one yet. Where are you going? Don¡¯t think that four or five thousand yuan is a lot of money. In the capital, four of five thousand yuan isn¡¯t even enough for me to spend. You know well how I spent while I was in Ping Cheng. But I thought it through and I gave in a lot. Don¡¯t be unkind. Besides, if you rmend me afortable job that pays around ten thousand yuan, I¡¯ll go to work and you won¡¯t even need to give me money.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°No? What no? No job? Then, just give me four or five thousand yuan a month. Best if it¡¯s five thousand. I¡¯ll ept it too.¡± Even if the job was easy, it was still a job. Would working for someone be morefortable than staying at home every day?

    Wait, she seemed to have missed out on something. Whether she arranged for a vi or a single unit with a yard, someone had to clean such a big house. She had always hated doing household chores. If she were to live in a vi, she would not be able to clean her own room, let alone the whole vi.

    That would not do. She would have to mention it to Qiao Nan and find a nanny for herself. Of course, Qiao Nan would have to pay for the nanny¡¯s sry. If she were to pay for it herself, how would she and Ying Ying survive on that mere five thousand yuan?

    ¡°Not only do I not have a job for you, but neither do I have a house. I have none of all those requests that you have. I¡¯m not going to agree to a single one.¡± Qiao Nan did not deny that she did indeed own properties in the capital. ¡°Chen Jun treats you pretty well. After he destroyed his marriage and caused you to get divorced from Zhou Zheng, he even did such a huge favor for you. Why don¡¯t you seize the opportunity and marry a guy who can support you well? Why didn¡¯t such a good person like Chen Jun get a divorce for you and get remarried to you and support you himself?¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s fates of bad luck were really intertwined in both lifetimes.

    But she was the most pitiful. She had already done her best to hide from these two scums, but even after a few years, Chen Jun could still remember who she was and put up a fight against her by sending this unlucky charm, Qiao Zijin, over to her.

    Unfortunately, these two people really did not understand her. How could they have such ridiculous thoughts? ¡°Qiao Zijin, who do you think you are to demand these things from me? What makes you think that I have to agree to all these unreasonable demands that you make?¡±

    She was not even Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother. Besides, Ding Jiayi herself would not even be able to agree to these demands.

    Ding Jiayi could not, and Qiao Nan would not. But in the end, they would still arrive at the same result.

    ¡°Based on what? Based on me being your elder sister, and you being my younger sister. Based on the fact that you are the Minister of Foreign Affairs now. Based on you being a national cadre! Do you wish for the whole of China to know that you¡¯re abandoning your rtives now that you¡¯re doing well yourself? That you are living the high life, but letting your family live in poverty? Do you still want to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs?¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth, but very soon, she suppressed her anger. ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯re both clear that you¡¯re perfectly capable of agreeing to those demands given your current circumstances. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m being unreasonable. It will mean nothing at all to you to fulfill my requests. But to me and Ying Ying, it¡¯s important for our survival.¡±

    To Qiao Nan, it was harmless. It would not even move Qiao Nan¡¯s foundation a single bit. But to the mother and daughter, their lives depended on this.

    She had already put aside her dignity and asked Qiao Nan for a living space. She had not asked to live in luxury like Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had better be understanding and not force her into dire straits. If she was really forced, nothing was out of bounds for her.

    She promised herself that she would see to it that her threats would be reality.

    ¡°What you mean is that if I can¡¯t provide you with that luxurious life you¡¯re asking for, you¡¯ll drag me down with you and make my life difficult? Are you going to ruin whatever I¡¯ve worked hard for?¡± Yes, she had made herself quite clear, and Qiao Nan had understood it well.

    That¡¯s right. This was Qiao Zijin¡¯s style. Typical Qiao Zijin indeed.

    ¡°You¡¯re correct.¡± Qiao Zijin had not intended to say it so harshly, but that was indeed what she meant. But Qiao Nan herself did not think it was harsh and wanted to make it clear, so Qiao Zijin could not care less to rebuke her. It was better they made it clear, in case they got into an argument about it in the future.

    ¡°That is exactly what I meant. Qiao Nan, you can¡¯t be so selfish. Since I treat you well, you should treat me well too. You¡¯re a national cadre and a leader. I¡¯m just an ordinary citizen. My idea is very simple. I just want to lead my life. If my life is good, yours will be too. At least, any problems in your life won¡¯t be because of me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin gulped down a ss of iced water and lowered her pride again. ¡°Qiao Nan, we¡¯re biological sisters after all. Let bygones be bygones. Let¡¯s not think about it or argue over it. I made mistakes, but so did you. Let¡¯s just call it a truce. We still have decades of our lives ahead of us. What¡¯s wrong with living it happily as rtives?¡±

    Once Qiao Nan agreed to it, she and Ying Ying would have to rely on Qiao Nan to survive. It would not be beneficial to her to cut off her cash flow. In that case, she could only bow down to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Qiao Nan once againughed at Qiao Zijin. ¡°I¡¯m not at all surprised that you said that. You¡¯re clearly trying to get something out of me, but you talk about being benevolent and a win-win situation. Qiao Zijin, I don¡¯t care what you¡¯re nning, but I¡¯m telling you clearly today. It¡¯s impossible. I¡¯m not going to agree to whatever requests you have. As for what you do, I don¡¯t care. That¡¯s your own business.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll let you threaten me and be at your mercy now that I¡¯ve be the Minister of Foreign Affairs? You can try it. We¡¯ll see if I¡¯m truly afraid of what you¡¯ll do.¡±

 Chapter 1567 - Youâ€™re Still Complaining?

    <h4>Chapter 1567: You¡¯re Still Comining?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With that, Qiao Nan handed the money over to the waiter and left without turning back.

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Zijin had not expected that Qiao Nan would not only not be threatened, but her attitude was also tough. She had not left any room for negotiations.

    From the beginning to the end, it was as though she had been doing a monologue. Qiao Nan was just a spectator, looking on with a mocking smile while Qiao Zijin sang and danced, and even did tricks on stage.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face reddened. She was so furious that she could not utter a word.

    Zhou Ying furrowed her small brows. ¡°Mom, that auntie is gone. Where¡¯s the vi we¡¯re going to stay in? Where¡¯s my princess room?¡± That auntie¡¯s gaze was icy cold. Although she did not speak as loudly as her mom, she could feel that that auntie was incensed.

    Now that the auntie was enraged, was she still going to get her princess room?

    ¡°Auntie? That sounds nice. Why didn¡¯t you try calling her to appease her while she was here? Why didn¡¯t you cry in front of her to make her soften her heart toward us so that she would let us live?¡± Qiao Zijin was irate that her daughter had chosen to speak up only now.

    She was fuming now that her daughter called Qiao Nan her auntie. It was as though she was trying to get on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side. What infuriated her most was that Zhou Ying did not have the sense to coax Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan would be more likely to help the mother and daughter out on the ount that Zhou Ying was still a child.

    Now that she had left, there was no point in calling her ¡®auntie¡¯ anymore.

    Zhou Ying pouted. ¡°Mom, are you angry, or are you angry at me? Grandma and grandpa would never do that. Neither would Dad. Mom, that is wrong. I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. You shouldn¡¯t be angry at me. Grandma told me that even if I do anything wrong, you should teach me. Once I learn, I won¡¯t make the same mistake again.¡±

    When Zhou Ying, who normally did not speak very much, said these words, every word was articted properly and her thoughts were well-organized. It was as though an adult was speaking.

    Mothers knew their children best. Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°Who taught you to say this?¡± Ying Ying would never be able to say these things on her own ord.

    ¡°When you left, grandma specially taught me.¡± She knew that her grandma was teaching her this to help her, so she kept this in mind. Moreover, she had not done anything wrong. Why was her mother being so fierce to her? ¡°Mom, where¡¯s my princess room?¡±

    Her teacher had taught her that one had to fulfill one¡¯s promises to others. Her mom had promised to give her a princess room that was even more beautiful than her previous one. Her mom was an adult, so it was even more vital for her to fulfill her promise and let her stay in a princess room.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? I didn¡¯t say that your princess room is gone. Just wait for a little longer.¡± Qiao Zijin was both angry and frustrated. Her daughter talked quite a fair bit but did not utter a single word in front of Qiao Nan. Now that Qiao Nan was gone, she had so many requests. How annoying! ¡°I¡¯ll bring you to find grandma first. Don¡¯t worry, Mom will find a way for you to get your princess room. I didn¡¯t lie to you.¡±

    Zhou Ying pouted and threw a temper. ¡°Can we move in today?¡± She did not want to stay in her maternal grandma¡¯s house. It was not as good as her paternal grandma¡¯s house, and she missed her grandparents and her father. Her mom was still the same as before¡ªfierce. She was totally unlike her ssmates¡¯ moms who were especially gentle.

    ¡°Today... It¡¯s a bit difficult today, but Mom will try to get it done as soon as possible.¡± Qiao Zijin had lost all her confidence. Qiao Nan did not look like she was going to allow for any negotiations. If she did not do something to let Qiao Nan know that she meant what she said, Qiao Nan would never learn her lesson.

    Qiao Zijin had no idea if she was going to achieve her goal and when she would achieve her goal, so she would just try to appease her daughter as much as possible for now.

    Zhou Ying stomped her foot. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s already September. I should be in school. My previous ssmates are all in school. Only I¡¯m not! Mom, I want to go back to Ping Cheng. I miss grandma¡¯s house. I want to go to school!¡±

    ¡°School? You don¡¯t even like learning, so what¡¯s the hurry? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that you get to y for a few more days?¡± Since she was young, she had not excelled in her studies, and neither did she like studying. She would rather read romantic novels than her textbooks. She had also heard that Zhou Zheng¡¯s results had not been ster either. Would her daughter with Zhou Zheng be a good child who loved learning?

    What a joke!

    Her daughter was already in second grade and had been in school for four to five years. At that time, her daughter had never brought home a single award or certificate. She admitted that she spent little time with her daughter, but that did not mean that she waspletely ignorant about what was going on with her daughter.

    She was all too clear about that feeling of hatred toward studying while she was still a student. Qiao Zijin was sure that Zhou Ying would take after her and would get a headache from just the mention of studying. It would be a miracle for a student who hated studying to get ster grades.

    Zhou Ying got even more upset. ¡°It¡¯s one thing for me not to want to go to school, but it¡¯s another for everyone else to be going to school while I can¡¯t go to school. I don¡¯t care. Everyone is going to school. I want to go to school too! Mom, if you can¡¯t send me to school, then send me back to grandma¡¯s house. Grandma can send me to school.¡±

    She did not want to be the odd one out.

    If everyone went to school, Zhou Ying knew that it was not a good thing that she was being treated differently and that she was not going to school.

    She went to school every day but had never received an award for her results. Thinking about how it had already been a few days since the start of the school term, Zhou Ying was anxious. This was not about falling behind in her studies. This was about her pride.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was firm. There was no room for any negotiation. And her daughter was now throwing a tantrum. Qiao Zijin was not someone who could multi-task. After considering it for a while, Qiao Zijin decided to send Zhou Ying home to let Mother Zhou raise her daughter.

    When she had settled everything here and found her daughter¡¯s princess room, as well as a school for her daughter, she would bring her daughter over. It would be better than the current situation where they would squeeze in the same room and her daughter would not be in school.

    This was truly detrimental to her daughter¡¯s growth. At the same time, she would only be in her way and cause an even greater dy to something that was not even going smoothly.

    Hearing that Qiao Zijin was going to send Zhou Ying back to Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi thanked the heavens.

    When Qiao Zijin said that she had no money and asked Ding Jiayi for money to purchase the ne ticket, Ding Jiayi did not refuse either and just handed the money over.

    After receiving the money from Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin became unhappy.

 Chapter 1568 - Thereâ€™s No Choice but to Return for the Time Being

    <h4>Chapter 1568: There¡¯s No Choice but to Return for the Time Being</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s too little. With this little money, I can only buy two ne tickets. Ying Ying is not young anymore. When she takes the bus or ne, she has to pay for the full fare. You didn¡¯t give me money for Ying Ying¡¯s ticket.¡±

    ¡°I gave it to you. Didn¡¯t you say that the money I gave you is enough for two tickets? One for you, and one for Ying Ying. Doesn¡¯t that make two?¡± Why was it not enough?

    ¡°Then, how will Ie back?¡± There was still one ticket missing!

    Ding Jiayi replied while doing her household chores, ¡°You should have some money on hand. If you don¡¯t have enough money to buy a ne ticket back, then take the train. If you can¡¯t even do that, you can still drive. Now, you¡¯re not working and have no ie, and even the Zhou family won¡¯t give you any money. I¡¯ve worked so hard my whole life, but I¡¯ve never earned much. Nan Nan pays for everything. It¡¯s all your fault that my rtionship with Nan Nan is in shambles now. I don¡¯t expect you to support me anymore, and neither will I ask you for any money. Zijin, you have to be considerate. You can¡¯t always keep taking money from your mom. What kind of example are you setting for Ying Ying? Aren¡¯t you afraid that your daughter will act like this in the future?¡±

    She thought about how her elder daughter was already a mother but acted like an old woman at such a young age. She did not work and always asked for money from others as long as she was in need of it. Ding Jiayi could no longer hold it in anymore.

    If she had money, she would willingly give her beloved daughter as much as she wanted. But the most important thing now was that she herself did not have any money. All her expenses were taken care of by Qiao Nan. If she finished spending her allowance, there was no way Qiao Nan was going to give her more. Ding Jiayi had tried it before and thus knew for certain.

    She was not on good terms with her capable younger daughter, who was on the verge of cutting this rtionship offpletely. Giving her a living allowance every month was the most Qiao Nan was going to do. What frustrated Ding Jiayi the most was that the daughter she had thought highly of was the one who had not made something out of her life. Before she got married, she had asked for money from Ding Jiayi. After getting married, she had asked for money from her inws.

    Her daughter had chosen to forgo such a good life and cheated on her husband. Now, she was even bringing her daughter to beg for money! Don¡¯t underestimate the cost of these two ne tickets. It cost her half of her monthly living allowance!

    In recent years, prices had risen so much that it was frightening. Ding Jiayi had never thought that such a day woulde that not only was rice expensive, but the price of a bunch of vegetables wasparable to that of meat! Thankfully, she had fought for a higher living allowance with Qiao Nan. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi was prepared to ask Qiao Nan for a monthly living allowance along with a ne ticket. She might as well return to Ping Cheng.

    It was just that Ding Jiayi would never mention a thing about the increase in her living allowance to Qiao Zijin. She had no intention of letting Qiao Zijin know about this matter.

    She was clear that once Qiao Zijin learned that her living allowance had increased, Qiao Zijin would find some way to get money from her. She would only be finding trouble for herself if she were to let Qiao Zijin know.

    As she grew older, Ding Jiayi grew more anxious and ced more importance on money. She only had two daughters. She had to n ahead in case Qiao Nan was no longer willing to support her and prepare for anything to happen over on Qiao Zijin¡¯s side. Forget about paying for medical bills if she were to fall ill.

    If Qiao Zijin could get into less trouble and stop bothering her, it would already be being very filial to her mother.

    Since she could not depend on both of her daughters, Ding Jiayi decided to take things into her own hands and rely on herself. She would fight it out with whoever wanted a share of her retirement funds, even if it was her favorite elder daughter.

    As such, when Qiao Zijin asked her for money today, Ding Jiayi was adamant that she would only give her daughter enough money for two tickets. If it was not for the fact that she did not know how to purchase tickets herself, Ding Jiayi would have liked to check out the flights personally and buy tickets for the cheapest flight. It would be better than giving Qiao Zijin the money directly. A dor saved was still a dor saved.

    Thus, Ding Jiayi had thought through it. She would learn how to use a smartphone. She had heard that one could buy bus tickets, train tickets, and even ne tickets without even stepping out of the house.

    In that case, if she were to face such a situation again in the future, she would no longer need to spend unnecessary money.

    ¡°You¡¯re asking me to take a train when Ie back?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Ding Jiayi incredulously. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that it¡¯ll take more than ten hours toe back if I take the train? I¡¯ll be back in two to three hours if I take the ne!¡± The train was in no way asfortable or as convenient as the ne.

    Ding Jiayi was irate. ¡°Of course it¡¯s nice to take the ne, but it¡¯s expensive. If you have the money to take the ne, then do it. I¡¯m not stopping you from spending your money. It¡¯s up to you how youe back. I don¡¯t care.¡±

    As long as she was not the one paying for it, she did not care whether her daughter took the train or the ne.

    With that, Ding Jiayi returned to her own room. She was not in the mood to care about Qiao Zijin who was always asking her for money. Today, she had to return to the master bedroom. Zijin had to remember who the owner of the house was after all.

    ¡°Mom, I have my backpack with me. Send me back to grandma¡¯s house.¡± Zhou Ying did not care about what her mother was arguing with her maternal grandma about. She only knew that she was going to return to her paternal grandma¡¯s house and go back to school.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was tangled up in embarrassment, and she ground her teeth so hard that they almost fell off. Ding Jiayi had refused to give Qiao Zijin more money. Qiao Zijin was the kind of person who would rather enjoy luxuries herself than leave them for her children. She wanted to be the owner of these two ne tickets.

    The problem was that on the way back to Ping Cheng, there was no way she could leave her ten-year-old daughter alone on the train to go back to Ping Cheng, while she, as a mother, took the ne. If that was the case, she might as well just buy one ne ticket for Zhou Ying and save the rest of the money.

    But it was her daughter after all. Although Qiao Zijin was not in her right mind at times, she would not make such a foolish mistake. After taking a few deep breaths, Qiao Zijin immediately purchased two tickets for the cheapest flight to Ping Cheng that very afternoon. After having a meal with Zhou Ying at Ding Jiayi¡¯s house, the two of them left for their flight.

    At a time like this, a flight departing at eight or nine o¡¯clock at night was the cheapest.

    While waiting for the ne, Zhou Ying fell asleep. With no other choice, Qiao Zijin could only allow her daughter to sleep within her embrace. Thankfully, the two of them did not have any luggage. As such, carrying her daughter was not too troublesome for Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 1569 - I Guessed So

    <h4>Chapter 1569: I Guessed So</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After the Zhou family received Qiao Zijin¡¯s phone call, they smiled scornfully. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that she wouldn¡¯t be able to take it? Ying Ying is already ten years old, but she¡¯s never spent a single month alone with Ying Ying. See, it¡¯s only been a few days and she¡¯s already sending Ying Ying back to our house.¡±

    Mother Zhou was definitely happy that her only granddaughter wasing back home. Zhou Ying had practically been raised by Mother Zhou herself. But what Mother Zhou could not get over was how Qiao Zijin could be so heartless as a mother. How could she make use of her own daughter to threaten the Zhou family for alimony?

    Since Qiao Zijin thought that it was so easy to raise Zhou Ying, Mother Zhou would let her try it out for herself to see how normal mothers were like. Perhaps it was because she had done too much as a mother-inw that Qiao Zijin had had such a good life and had never experienced the pain of raising a child.

    Otherwise, she did not believe that Qiao Zijin would be shameless enough to threaten the Zhou family for alimony with Zhou Ying¡¯s custody.

    Hearing that his granddaughter was returning, Father Zhou was ted too. ¡°Of course, older people are always wiser due to their wealth of experience. How could Qiao Zijin win against you in this aspect? By the time our granddaughter reaches home, it¡¯ll be quitete. Why don¡¯t we prepare something for her first? I¡¯m afraid that she¡¯ll be starving when she gets home. You know that Qiao Zijin doesn¡¯t know how to take care of her own child since we¡¯ve been the ones raising Ying Ying.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. After Zijin called, I went to buy Ying Ying¡¯s favorite dishes!¡± Mother Zhou said proudly.

    Father and Mother Zhou had made quite a big fuss over the return of their granddaughter. On the other hand, her father, Zhou Zheng, was nonchnt. ¡°Mom, Dad, are you guys preparing for Ying Ying to follow me in the future?¡±

    ¡°Yes, why not? Are you unhappy about that?¡± Mother Zhou knew that her son was trying to find trouble. ¡°I¡¯m telling you that I don¡¯t care who you get remarried to because of Qiao Zijin. But if you get remarried to a troublemaker, your dad and I will just take Ying Ying away and live as a family of three. You can live with your beloved wife. That will never change. But Ying Ying is the Zhou family¡¯s granddaughter after all, and your dad and I raised her ourselves. Even if you don¡¯t like her, your dad and I do.¡±

    It was exactly because of Ying Ying that her son would have trouble getting remarried.

    It was not at all strange that she would not like a woman who saw Ying Ying as a burden. Even if her son were to get remarried, Mother Zhou¡¯s attitude would still remain unchanged. If her son were to marry a likable wife, all three generations of the Zhou family would live together happily. If needed, she would help take care of the family and raise her grandchildren. It would be a win-win situation for everyone. Living harmoniously would be the best possible scenario.

    On the contrary, if Zhou Zheng married a troublemaker, she could not stop him either. If that were to happen, Zhou Zheng could just live with his wife alone. She had her husband and her granddaughter by her side. What was there to be sad about?

    Mother Zhou still maintained control over most things in the Zhou family. Even the money that Father Zhou earned from his business was all kept by Mother Zhou. Zhou Zheng received a sry from the government, and thus had a stable ie. His sry and benefits were even higher than average, but that was it.

    Based on how quickly Zhou Zheng spent his money, it was already tough for him to take care of himself and a woman that he loved, let alone his daughter. If he wanted to live an even better life, he would have to ask for help from Father and Mother Zhou.

    In the Zhou family, Zhou Zheng did not dare to offend the one who held the purse strings¡ªMother Zhou.

    Mother Zhou had the guts to leave her son. Without her son¡¯s care, she would even be able to live a better life. But on the other hand, Zhou Zheng did not have such confidence to be able to livefortably without Mother Zhou¡¯s care.

    The moment Mother Zhou let out her words, Zhou Zheng¡¯s attitude softened drastically. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. I haven¡¯t even said anything. Ying Ying is my daughter after all. How can I dislike her? I am just quite worried that Ying Ying will be unhappy in our home. But most importantly, I¡¯ll respect your decision and do ording to what you say.¡±

    ¡°Humph!¡± Mother Zhou snorted scornfully. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re thinking. No matter how pretty that woman is, it¡¯s already been ten years. Don¡¯t tell me she hasn¡¯t aged at all in these ten years! You¡¯re already married with a daughter. Hasn¡¯t she gotten married and given birth to a son too? Our family doesn¡¯t despise her. In fact, we think that it will be a good match if you both get remarried to each other. But she¡¯s despising the fact that Ying Ying lives in our house? Let me tell you. We pay for all of Ying Ying¡¯s living expenses. She doesn¡¯t even spend any of your money. I really don¡¯t like her attitude!¡±

    Even when Qiao Zijin had married into their family, she had never said anything about how money was spent in their family. Qiao Zijin married into their family, addressed her as ¡®mom¡¯, but could not care less about how she spent her money. Now, this woman had not even married into their family and addressed Mother Zhou only as ¡®auntie¡¯, yet she already saw Mother Zhou¡¯s money as her own! How ridiculous!

    In short, Mother Zhou was in a terrible mood, knowing that her son had reconciled with his ex-girlfriend.

    Thankfully, she had received the call and learned that her granddaughter was returning home. Otherwise, Mother Zhou¡¯s mood would be much worse. It was so bad that Father Zhou wanted to teach his son a lesson as a way of getting back on his wife¡¯s behalf. Their son was someone else¡¯s husband, but his wife would be their daughter-inw!

    One was someone else¡¯s, while the other was their own. Father Zhou had no choice but to weigh their importance.

    Father Zhou extinguished his cigarette. Now that his granddaughter was returning, he would not be able to smoke like he had in the past few days. ¡°Zhou Zheng, I¡¯m not trying to be old-fashioned. But with your family background, you can easily find a twenty-something-year-old youngdy to get remarried to. In fact, it¡¯s not just your mother. Even I don¡¯t agree with you being with that woman again. Ten years ago, she was still young and beautiful, but neither your mom nor I took a fancy to her. Ten yearster, she¡¯s already gotten married and given birth to a child. She¡¯s already old. Do you think your mom and I will suddenly take a fancy to her?¡±

    There was no way their Zhou family could be reduced to such a state.

    ¡°Of course, your mom has said that marriage is your own business. Your wife is someone you¡¯ll spend the rest of your life with. If you¡¯re happy, your mom and I won¡¯t interfere in your remarriage. The renovation of our house in the Eryang district is almostplete. When it¡¯s done, we¡¯ll leave it for three months before moving over with Ying Ying if you¡¯ve really made your decision. It¡¯s just as well. You¡¯ll be able to enjoy your time with your wife without our disturbances. But this will be the second marriage for the both of you. There are some things I think we shouldn¡¯t do. Just have a small wedding and get on with it. There¡¯s no need for dowry and all that that we did with your first marriage.¡±

 Chapter 1570 - Having the Account Settled

    <h4>Chapter 1570: Having the ount Settled</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Marriage is never easy.

    When Zhou Zheng and Qiao Zijin got married, the Zhou family spent a fortune on Qiao Zijin. Gold and diamond essories were all given to her. The wedding gown was not rented but bought. Including the other full-dresses, there were four dresses in total.

    Others would rent the outfits, but the Zhou family was wealthy enough to buy them.

    Of course, Zhou Zheng¡¯s ex-girlfriend wouldn¡¯t receive the same treatment as Qiao Zijin once did. No matter her doings, Qiao Zijin was still a youthful girl when she married into the Zhou family andter gave birth to a daughter. Most importantly, the Zhou family did receive benefits from marrying Qiao Zijin.

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother treated Qiao Zijin well only to return the favor. Moreover, she didn¡¯t want to make it too awkward with Qiao Zijin as they would be living in the same family.

    Things did go as she thought for ten years before Qiao Zijin was caught cheating.

    If it were someone else, her attitude would have been very different.

    To avoid rumors of marital fraud, Zhou Zheng¡¯s father made things clear before his second marriage. ¡°Your mother and I will let you pay for your wedding gifts. You are thirty-odds, and you haven¡¯t bought anything for your parents. Now that you are having a second wife, you will have to take care of your family.¡±

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother had clear boundaries. If she were fond of the daughter-inw, she would pay for her expenses. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t oppose her son¡¯s choice if the daughter-inw didn¡¯t meet her expectations.

    However, don¡¯t expect her to pay a single cent for the wedding. Zhou Zheng would have to pay for whatever the bride needed as well.

    In her mind, raising a child meant watching him grow and leaving him a house to stay.

    The Zhou parents were renovating a second house at the moment. The new house was bigger and tidier than the current one, and it would be ready to stay in another two or three months.

    Typical parents would leave the new house to their son¡¯s family, but the Zhou family didn¡¯t work that way. Why should they give him the new home when they were the ones who worked for it?

    Initially, the elders wanted to give the house to Qiao Zijin. Words were going around that the country had ns to allow a second child. On top of that, Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother was registered as a countryside resident. If they reallocated Qiao Zijin¡¯s origin to her, Qiao Zijin would be allowed to have a second child.

    If there were two kids at home, the current house would have been too cramped.

    She would never allow her grandchildren to suffer. Therefore, she bought the second house without hesitation, only to find out about Qiao Zijin cheating with Chen Jun.

    When Zhou Zheng heard that he was not getting anything for his wedding, his face sank. That was equivalent to disagreeing with his second marriage.

    His ex-girlfriend had already done her research before marrying Zhou Zheng. If a cheater like Qiao Zijin could receive so many gifts, there was no reason for her to have any less.

    She demanded to have everything that Qiao Zijin had, and maybe more. In short, her wedding had to be better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    Zhou Zheng knew that this wouldn¡¯t be easy, and he figured that it would take some time before his parents would agree.

    However, Zhou Zheng¡¯s father made it clear that there was no room for negotiation regarding this matter. ¡°Dad, Mom, you are killing my marriage!¡±

    His mother smirked. ¡°What do you mean? We have given you your residence certificate, and you can get married whenever you like. Ying Ying is already ten years old, and she would have to hold her wedding in a decade. Are you nning to have us pay for her wedding too? I¡¯ve said it before, and I¡¯ll say it again. The money that we worked for belongs to us, and you have to wait until our death to im it. Otherwise, don¡¯t even bother trying.¡±

    No one couldy hands on her money, not even her son.

    Zhou Zheng was pissed, but there was nothing he could do. ¡°Dad, you... you have to help me out here. I¡¯ve told you about my ex-girlfriend¡¯s personality, and she will never marry me at this rate. Do I have to stay single for the rest of my life because Qiao Zijin cheated on me?¡±

    The marriage had cracked the family from within.

    Even if he did hold the wedding, his ex-girlfriend would bug him for the rest of his life. Things might even turn out worse than before.

    ¡°How can I help you? You know your mother better than anyone. All you had to do was find a girl that she likes. Since you¡¯ve decided to go against it, you have to face the consequences. Do you really want us to take care of you forever?¡±

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s father stood by his wife without a moment of hesitation. Every word that she said was almost obligatory. ¡°Don¡¯t get angry just yet. If you want, I can settle the ount with you. You have been married for ten years and have been working for over a decade.¡±

 Chapter 1571 - Victory in the Long Run

    <h4>Chapter 1571: Victory in the Long Run</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You must have stacked some cash after all these years, and even your yearly bonuses would add up to two hundred thousand. I¡¯m sure you can have a nice wedding with that money to satisfy your girlfriend. You can¡¯t me your mom for being angry.¡±

    If his son could handle his matters, there wouldn¡¯t be so many problems.

    His wife was happy about Zhou Ying¡¯s return, but his son only ruined the mood. Zhou Zheng¡¯s father finally understood how his wife felt. ¡°This is it. It doesn¡¯t matter what you say as we have made up our minds. Decide on the wedding date and inform the rtives. Other than money, we will do anything to support you and your marriage.¡±

    They could provide anything but money.

    Zhou Zheng squeezed out a smile. It didn¡¯t matter to him that his parents supported his wedding in every other way; everything was meaningless without money!

    After knowing that he couldn¡¯t get a cent from his parents, Zhou Zheng didn¡¯t even have the mood to celebrate his daughter¡¯s return.

    All he was worried about was his girlfriend knowing about his parents¡¯ decision. Should he still get married?

    ¡°Dad, Mom, let me drive you to pick Ying Ying up. Dad¡¯s eyesight is not good, so it would be dangerous if he drives. I¡¯ll be worried if the two of you go alone.¡± The Zhou parents waited until eleven at night, preparing to go to the airport and pick up Zhou Ying.

    It was evident that they genuinely liked their granddaughter, and it didn¡¯t matter that she was a girl.

    Zhou Zheng stopped them on their way out.

    His eyes were blood-shot, and Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother could see the veins in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You have work tomorrow. We can pick up Ying Ying by ourselves. Don¡¯t worry. We will take a taxi.¡±

    She wouldn¡¯t let the old man drive. She wanted to live long enough to watch Zhou Ying grow up, get married, and bring them a great-grandchild.

    The Zhou family didn¡¯t have to worry about money. If Zhou Ying ended up as the only child, they nned to find her a husband that lived in the Zhou family. Then, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about their granddaughter receiving any ill-treatment.

    Given their love for Zhou Ying, the chance of Zhou Zheng¡¯s ex-girlfriend winning their favor was dim. Even if she could give birth to a son, the elders might still discriminate against her.

    The reason would simply be that Zhou Zheng¡¯s mom¡¯s liking was the top priority of the family.

    ¡°Taxis aren¡¯t safe. I¡¯ve missed Ying Ying too, so let me drive you there.¡± His mother¡¯s words didn¡¯t fool Zhou Zheng, so he insisted.

    Qiao Zijin saw the Zhou family picking her up as she exited the airport. For a brief moment, she had the illusion that she was still part of the Zhou family.

    Of course, her heart was emptied when Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother took her daughter from her hands. The only emotions she had for Chen Jun was a fling of intrigue that arose from her desires as a teenager. Chen Jun¡¯s family was ordinary, so she didn¡¯t quite fancy him.

    During the ten years that she lived with the Zhou family, she had a good time as she watched her daughter grow. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t understand how things got to this stage.

    She couldn¡¯t call her inws ¡®dad¡¯ and ¡®mom¡¯ anymore as there was an ¡®ex¡¯ added to their names.

    ¡°Ying Ying,e home with grandma.¡± Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother didn¡¯t insult Qiao Zijin. Instead, she was overwhelmed by the joy of reuniting with Zhou Ying. ¡°Although thew gave you the right to raise Ying Ying, we are still her grandparents. We will take care of her since you are busy, and we won¡¯t let her disrupt your life. Go ahead and do what you have to do.¡±

    She was hinting Qiao Zijin that the Zhou family would take care of Zhou Ying if Qiao Zijin¡¯s new boyfriend didn¡¯t want a burden to carry.

    She didn¡¯t even step into her son¡¯s second marriage, let alone her ex-inw.

    As Qiao Zijin¡¯s concern was lifted off her shoulders, she didn¡¯t know if she should be ted or upset.

    Did the Zhou family not think about epting her and giving Ying Ying aplete family? Qiao Zijin knew that she did have that thought, and knowing that she wasn¡¯t weed made it more frustrating.

    Qiao Zijin beamed as she imagined her inevitable victory in the long run. ¡°Thank you. I am busy these days as I want to provide Ying Ying a better environment to live in. When I¡¯m done with my work, I will take Ying Ying to the capital. I¡¯m sure she will receive a better education there. I¡¯m sure you will support me, right?¡±

    Not taking her back into the Zhou family?

    Fine.

    When she had dealt with Qiao Nan, she would have everything she ever wanted. Even if the Zhou family begged for her to return, she would not agree to it. If the elders wished to visit Ying Ying, they would have to go to the capital.

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother smiled. ¡°That sounds great. You are Ying Ying¡¯s mother, and we would love it if you can give her a better life. It¡¯s gettingte. We will head back first. Call us after you¡¯ve settled things in the capital. We will send Ying Ying to you when the timees, so don¡¯t trouble yourself making your way here.¡±

 Chapter 1572 - You Have Heard It

    <h4>Chapter 1572: You Have Heard It</h4>

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s father took a glimpse of his wife, wanting to see if she was serious about her words. She loved Ying Ying so much. How could she bear to send Ying Ying away to the capital? It would be difficult to visit her in the future.

    She didn¡¯t look at him and held tight onto the little girl who was still asleep. ¡°Zijin, we¡¯ll meet again when the timees. Bye-bye.¡±

    ¡°See you.¡± Zhou Zheng¡¯s father nodded to Qiao Zijin and followed behind his wife. He tossed his jacket over his granddaughter before heading back.

    Throughout the conversation, Zhou Zheng didn¡¯t once look at Qiao Zijin, let alone talk to her. He marched forward as if Qiao Zijin was invisible.

    As a man who was cheated on, Zhou Zheng never wanted to have anything to do with Qiao Zijin anymore.

    He had never loved Qiao Zijin, but he settled down and treated Qiao Zijin the best he could. However, Qiao Zijin turned out to be the one cheating on him! If it were legal to kill, Qiao Zijin would have been burned to ashes.

    The Zhou family left without looking back. All they cared about was Zhou Ying, and Qiao Zijin was like a stranger to them. Qiao Zijin stomped her feet. She knew that the Zhou family wasn¡¯t as righteous as they acted. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have treated her so well all these years.

    Once she had taken care of Qiao Nan, the Zhou family would realize that she valued more than they could imagine. When the time came, she wanted to see if the Zhou family could still keep their calm.

    In the middle of the starry night, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to call a taxi to a bus stop before taking a bus home.

    The worst situation that Qiao Zijin had in mind was to take the Zhou family¡¯s car to the Qiao¡¯s residence. She even imagined that the Zhou family might take her in and try to revive her marriage with Zhou Zheng.

    The reality was far from her dreams, and she didn¡¯t seem to have any luck. The Zhou family didn¡¯t even bother to offer her a ride. They left straight after taking Zhou Ying, and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t even get a chance to say anything.

    She also knew that mentioning anything that hinted at the Zhou family to give her a ride would make her aughingstock. If that happened, she could never stand up against the Zhou family again.

    Someone as prideful as Qiao Zijin would never allow that to happen. Therefore, she changed transportation twice to save the cost and arrived at the Qiao¡¯s residence at one in the morning.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s target wasn¡¯t the Zhou family. Although she believed that Zhou Zheng must have missed her deep within his heart, she had to deal with Qiao Nan first beforeing back to this.

    When her true value was revealed, the Zhou family would alle running to her again. She could prove to everyone that she was better than Qiao Nan. No matter what position Qiao Nan held, she was the one at the top of the food chain!

    Qiao Zijin cheered herself up as she fell asleep.

    Qiao Nan knew about Qiao Zijin leaving the capital. When Qiao Zijin bought a train ticket to the capital, Qiao Nan knew about it as well. The one who ryed the message to her was no one but Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother.

    She knew that Qiao Zijin wanted to control Qiao Nan, but she never once thought that Qiao Zijin would seed. If Qiao Nan were so easy to defeat, she wouldn¡¯t be the minister today.

    Moreover, if Qiao Zijin were smart enough to defeat Qiao Nan, it would be her who married into the Zhai family and Qiao Nan that married into the Zhou family.

    Everyone could boast, but boasting would never be turned into reality. Therefore, Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother stood firmly by Qiao Nan. Just a short call would get her a favor from Qiao Nan, and the Zhou family could live well without Qiao Zijin.

    From that perspective, the Zhou family did benefit a lot from Qiao Zijin. If it were from her foolish son, it would have been even better.

    Qiao Zijin cheated on Zhou Zheng and caused the divorce. If Zhou Zheng were depressed after the divorce, the Zhai family would have topensate as they were the ones that introduced Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin was out of the family anyway. They might as well make use of her to make a fortune.

    Unfortunately, her son¡¯s intelligence couldn¡¯t evenpare to his father. He was beyond foolish. The moment he divorced, he started nning the marriage with his ex-girlfriend. It was like he wanted to tell the world that he never had feelings for Qiao Zijin, and he could finally escape her grasp.

    If Zhou Zheng were happy about the divorce, there would be no reason for the Zhai family to give them anything. Zhou Zheng first secured a job thanks to Qiao Zijin and found true love thanks to the divorce. He sure was a lucky man.

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother figured that she couldn¡¯t stop her son, who was in his thirties, from making his own decisions. If she hadn¡¯t spoiled her son, he wouldn¡¯t have been so foolish. After all these years, she had finally decided to let go.

    Zhou Zheng was the one to bear the consequences anyway. He would learn to make wiser choices after experiencing failures.

    After ending the call with Zhou Zheng¡¯s mom, Qiao Nany in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°You have heard it.¡±

 Chapter 1573 - The Money Didnâ€™t Go to Waste

    <h4>Chapter 1573: The Money Didn¡¯t Go to Waste</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°A centipede goes on wriggling even after it is dead. However, regardless of how many legs she has, I¡¯ll cut them all off for you.¡± In the face of this sister-inw, Zhai Sheng had directly listed her as the top three on his cklist. No matter what the circumstances, this woman seemed to not learn well and not get taught a proper lesson.

    Qiao Nan leaned in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and felt especially safe. Even if Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter was right in front of her, she didn¡¯t feel upset at all. She felt that this wasn¡¯t a big deal and it wasn¡¯t something that she couldn¡¯t resolve. ¡°How are you nning to help me cut off all her hundred legs?¡±

    ¡°Simple. We¡¯ll start from your parents.¡± With Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi around, Qiao Zijin was Nan Nan¡¯s sister. If both of them didn¡¯t acknowledge their rtionships with Qiao Zijin, then the sister rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t even exist in name.

    ¡°Are they so easy to talk to?¡± Qiao Nan expressed her doubt. ¡°My father is irresolute and hesitant. Completely ignoring Qiao Zijin is probably his limit. As for my mother, hah. You know that Qiao Zijin is her precious daughter. She would rather throw me into hell than pull Qiao Zijin down from the clouds.¡±

    ¡°Nothing is absolute. Leave this to me. I¡¯ll give you a satisfactory answer a few dayster.¡± Zhai Sheng was an expert in this. There wasn¡¯t a need to draw the boundaries so clearly with Qiao Zijin in the past. However, there was such a need now. Zhai Sheng would definitely not go easy on Qiao Zijin.

    While Qiao Zijin was still on the train and slowly rushing over to the capital, Zhai Sheng had already made the first move earlier than her. The first person Zhai Sheng looked for wasn¡¯t Qiao Dongliang, who seemed to be more biased toward Qiao Nan, but Ding Jiayi, who was the most protective of Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi, who was usually arrogant, became fearful when she saw Zhai Sheng, even when she knew that the person sitting before her was her own son-inw. ¡°Why... why are you looking for me?¡±

    Zhai Sheng looked inly at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi stuttered. She didn¡¯t say if she knew her ns or not, but it could be considered that she had silently agreed to it.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget the things you have done to Nan Nan in the past, and neither did we. You should know that if not for Nan Nan¡¯s status as a minister, based on your previous performance, whereby you had never been a responsible mother and fulfilled the obligation to bring your children up, we would end up going to court. If we really went to court, in the legal sense, it¡¯s okay for Nan Nan to ignore you or not give you money.¡± Supporting Ding Jiayi was already their biggest concession.

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi still couldn¡¯t say a word. However, she knew that what Zhai Sheng said was the truth. If Qiao Nan was alright to lose face, she wouldn¡¯t have any reason to get Qiao Nan to provide for her. It was the truth that she didn¡¯t support Qiao Nan all these years.

    In order to let Qiao Nan support her, she had already asked Qiao Zijin previously when she started to learn a littlew. Even if such things weren¡¯t certain, under the coercion of thew, if Qiao Nan really had to give her some money, it would just be two or three hundred yuan.

    This number was far from the life that Ding Jiayi wanted. Thankfully, Qiao Nan provided her a thousand yuan every month as living expenses. This was much higher than the two or three hundred that Ding Jiayi knew about.

    When Zhai Sheng mentioned this today, Ding Jiayi felt guilty. She didn¡¯t understand why Zhai Sheng was telling her this at this time.

    After finishing the premise, Zhai Sheng delved into the main topic. ¡°You should know clearly in your heart what kind of person Qiao Zijin is. If Nan Nan provides for you, it would be impossible for her to provide for Qiao Zijin and her daughter. If Qiao Zijin doesn¡¯t achieve her purpose, you should know what she¡¯s capable of doing, right?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi rubbed her hands and didn¡¯t want to be involved in this matter. Zijin wanted to rely on Qiao Nan for a good life. She wouldn¡¯t help Zijin, but she also didn¡¯t want to hinder her. If Zijin had the means to let herself lead a good life without her help, she was happy. ¡°Zijin is stubborn and doesn¡¯t listen to advice. If she really wants to do something, I can¡¯t stop her.¡±

    Zhai Shengughed coldly. ¡°If you can¡¯t stop her, then so be it. If Qiao Zijin kicks up a fuss and infuriates Nan Nan, at most, Nan Nan would just stop working and retire from the ministry. Nan Nan still has ie. Based on her capabilities, without the position of the minister, she could even lead a better life than now. Those people who created trouble for her have to be ready that Nan Nan won¡¯t be as easy to talk to like before. Rtives should just do their part in the future and keep their ways separate.¡±

    Did Ding Jiayi really think that she would not be implicated if Qiao Zijin infuriated Nan Nan?

    If there was no more face to talk about, then there wasn¡¯t any need to hide other things. They could just fall out with each otherpletely.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi understood it now. Due to Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as a minister, she had spent a bit of money to provide for a bad mother like her, thus saving her the step to go into litigation.

    If Qiao Zijin kicked up a fuss, Qiao Nan would no longer stay in the ministry. When that happened, Qiao Nan would have nothing to worry about and could just take revenge if she wanted to. It would be impossible for her to sit at homefortably and wait for Qiao Nan to send money over to fulfill her duty as a daughter, like now.

    Qiao Zijin, the troublemaker, was directly rted to the damage of her own interests.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood suddenly became different. ¡°This matter has nothing to do with me. Nan Nan can¡¯t put the me on me.¡± If Qiao Nan bore grudges, she should take it out on Zijin. Why must she take away her monthly allowance? She didn¡¯t kick up a fuss like Zijin did.

    ¡°Even if we don¡¯t count this, can we forget about the past? Didn¡¯t you do anything sorry to Nan Nan before? Are you really worth Nan Nan spending so much money to provide for you each month? How many mothers do you think are like you?¡± Zhai Sheng asked consecutive questions to Ding Jiayi, reminding her of the mistakes she made in the past. Compared to Qiao Zijin, she wasn¡¯t that innocent and couldn¡¯t be considered to have been implicated.

    When Ding Jiayi showed an unfair expression and said reprimanding words of Qiao Zijin when Zhai Sheng mentioned about her just now, Zhai Sheng felt that the money Qiao Nan had spent on Ding Jiayi for the past few years didn¡¯t go to waste. It wasn¡¯t easy to warm up Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart. At least, this could be done with a little money.

 Chapter 1574 - Rarely Polite

    <h4>Chapter 1574: Rarely Polite</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was a pity that although Ding Jiayi was living in the house Qiao Nan rented for her and relying on her money to lead a good life, when there was a conflict between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin again, Ding Jiayi still chose to give Qiao Nan up and support Qiao Zijin silently.

    As such, Zhai Sheng felt that there was really nothing else to be said between Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi in the future.

    Ding Jiayi turned pale. ¡°Then, what should I do? Zijin is really stubborn. She wouldn¡¯t stop unless you agree to her conditions. Even if I kneel in front of her, she wouldn¡¯t let Nan Nan off because of me, let alone me persuading her. I really have no way to help in this matter. If I do, I definitely would help.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi heard about this situation in the past, she wanted to look on and see who would win between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. At this moment, she was anxious but had no means to do anything.

    In front of money, the rtionship between mother and daughter might not shake Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart at all, let alone the rtionship between sisters.

    ¡°So you do know that Qiao Zijin is such a person. I thought you didn¡¯t know.¡± Zhai Sheng chuckled. ¡°Ideas are always thought of by people. Based on your cleverness, I believe that you can think of a solution. Remember this well. Nan Nan only needs to care about the criticism she faces from the society if she is still in that position. Otherwise, based on your rtionship with her, it¡¯s useless to use the so-called ethical imperative on Nan Nan.¡±

    Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t willing toe up with ideas for Ding Jiayi. He only told her the situation and got her to think of a solution.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin is already on the train to the capital. You have less than a day. It¡¯s up to you toe up with solutions in order to continue leading a life without having to worry about food and clothes.¡± After saying this, Zhai Sheng left coldly.

    Some things needn¡¯t be said too thoroughly. Based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s urgent desire to lead a good life, this motivation was strong enough for her toe up with a solution.

    Ding Jiayi, who was severely agitated, didn¡¯t remember to send Zhai Sheng off. There was a buzzing sound in her ears and she couldn¡¯t recover herself after a very long time. Her mind was in a mess and she couldn¡¯t think of anything.

    Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t give up. After returning to Ping Cheng and sending her daughter back to the Zhou family, she would definitely return to the capital at the fastest speed. Ding Jiayi had known this for a long time. This was definite and didn¡¯t require any guessing.

    However, what she didn¡¯t expect was that her eldest daughter would ruthlessly make her stumble on her way to seeking wealth and cause her to fall as well.

    Was there a need topare who was more important between her daughter and herself? Of course she was more important!

    However, what method should she use to stop Zijin from creating trouble so that Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t be angry and she wouldn¡¯t be implicated because of this?

    After thinking for a long time, Ding Jiayi made a decision at noon that day.

    Qiao Nan was a little surprised to receive Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. After listening to Ding Jiayi¡¯s request, Qiao Nan was even more shocked. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. Can we do this quickly? I want to move out today.¡± She couldn¡¯t continue living in this smallmunity. Anyway, she didn¡¯t make any good friends here. It wasn¡¯t a pity if she really moved away. On the contrary, if she continued to live here, Zijin would impose on her if she wanted to create trouble for Qiao Nan.

    Who asked Zijin not to have any extra money on her hands? Living in a hotel in the capital was akin to burning money quickly.

    Ding Jiayi felt guilty when she thought about how Qiao Zijin had stayed in the house Qiao Nan rented for her to create trouble for Qiao Nan, forcing her topromise and fulfill her unreasonable demands. This was too hical.

    What was different was that once she moved away from this smallmunity, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Zijin to find her again. Without a ce to stay, it wouldn¡¯t be that easy for Zijin to create trouble for Qiao Nan. The conditions Zijin wanted weren¡¯t a simple transaction determined by a single hit of a hammer.

    As long as Zijincked a foothold in the capital whereby nobody gave her any ce to stay or food to eat, Zijin would have to rely on herself for everything and use up the few yuan she had. As long as Qiao Nan didn¡¯t support Zijin financially, Zijin would be penniless and wouldn¡¯t be able to stay in the capital for three days, let alone a month.

    Ding Jiayi knew it clearly that the biggest source of Qiao Zijin¡¯s boldness to create trouble for Qiao Nan was her existence.

    At this time, for the sake of her life, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t afford to stand by the side and watch on silently. Instead, she had to think of ways to prove to Qiao Nan that she was biased toward her and not Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan must not take back the days where she could enjoy her life. ¡°I also wrote a rification note. Can you help me publish it?¡±

    Publishing a rification note required money. If she handed this to Qiao Nan so that she could do it on her behalf, she would be able to save a sum of money.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan was curious as to what important matter Ding Jiayi had for her to want to publish a note. Thankfully, Qiao Nan was still satisfied with Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude today. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t reject any request that Ding Jiayi proposed and agreed to all of them. ¡°Half an hourter, one of my men will go over to your house. Remember to give your things to him. He will naturally pass them over to me. I¡¯ll help you publish this. As for moving house, you just have to pack your own things. Move out today in the same way you moved in back then. Once I find a house, I will inform you immediately.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay, thank you.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t let private matters interfere with public duty. Once she spoke with her in a superior tone, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude immediately softened. After all, she had be a minister. Her tone of speech now was different from before. In the past, Qiao Nan would only lower her head and talk to her fearfully.

    Now, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even standing before her. Both of them were separated by the phone and Qiao Nan¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t harsh. However, Ding Jiayi, who had always been fearless in front of Qiao Nan, actually felt an inexplicable sense of guilt overwhelming her. She had no choice but to answer Qiao Nan¡¯s words carefully and didn¡¯t even dare to speak a little louder.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your man then. I have nothing else and won¡¯t disturb your work. Goodbye.¡± After letting her know what she wanted to do, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t dare to take up any more of Qiao Nan¡¯s time in office. She hung up the call first, and it was rare for her tone to be so polite.

 Chapter 1575 - A Moment of Foolishness

    <h4>Chapter 1575: A Moment of Foolishness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was now taking care of Ding Jiayi¡¯s needs. In front of Qiao Nan, it was difficult for Ding Jiayi not to behave herself. Who asked her to be reckless when she was young? She would feel guilty upon seeing Qiao Nan now and couldn¡¯t be self-confident.

    After hanging up Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow. Brother Zhai mentioned that he would take care of it. He really did take care of it. The biggest connection between her and Qiao Zijin was that they were born to the same pair of parents. With her father and Ding Jiayi around, she and Qiao Zijin would be sisters. If these two people weren¡¯t around, the so-called sister rtionship she had with Qiao Zijin would depend on the situation.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s side was settled. That was to say that her father¡¯s side would have a result soon as well.

    As expected, not too long after receiving Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, Qiao Dongliang gave her a call as well. The contents of their conversation were about the same. Both of them wanted to publish a rification note to remove their parent-daughter rtionship. From then on, Qiao Zijin would no longer be a member of their Qiao family.

    As an adult, although it wouldn¡¯t be recognized byw that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had cut off all ties with Qiao Zijin, it would still have some form of influence in terms of human rtions. Moreover, both of them had already fulfilled their duty of support for Qiao Zijin. To them, this rification note didn¡¯t vite anyws.

    How would Qiao Zijin have guessed that things had changed so massively when she arrived at the capital again?

    The weather in September was terribly hot. The moment she got off the train, Qiao Zijin felt as if she had been scooped up from the water. Thankfully, she was in good health and didn¡¯t feel faint from the heat. Otherwise, under such circumstances, it was highly possible for her to suffer a heat stroke.

    After squeezing the wet towel in her hands and looking at the water being squeezed out, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes turned red. All of these were her sweat. After wringing the towel dry, Qiao Zijin continued to wipe her face with it. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t remember how many years it had been since she had to rely on a towel to cool down and wipe off the sweat on such a hot day.

    However, on the train, it was really the most economical way for her to use a towel to wipe her face. Who asked her not to have any money?

    However, that was fine. She would be rich soon. Once she was rich, she would no longer take the train but only the ne. She wouldn¡¯t have to suffer on such hot days anymore. Even if she was taking a car, the car would be air-conditioned.

    Qiao Zijin, who was brimming with confidence, shook her hands and strode forward. She was prepared to find Ding Jiayi first. She couldn¡¯t see Qiao Nan in such a sorry state. She had to take a shower, change her clothes, and do her makeup beautifully first before meeting Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was still quite confident at this point.

    When working in the ministry, Qiao Nan had to wear formal clothing more often. The tailor makes the man. Qiao Zijin¡¯s looks couldn¡¯t bepared to Qiao Nan¡¯s. As such, she had to spend more effort dressing up so that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t surpass her.

    ¡°On what basis are you not letting me in? My mother lives in thismunity. A few days ago, I returned to my hometown. I was gone for less than five days and now you don¡¯t recognize me anymore?¡± Before Qiao Zijin could enter themunity Ding Jiayi lived in, she was stopped by the security officer. ¡°The weather is so hot. Get lost quickly. I¡¯m in a hurry to go home.¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t that she had only lived in thismunity for a few days and wasn¡¯t familiar with the people around here, she would have already quarreled with the security officer, who dared to stand in her way.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re not a resident of thismunity. If you want to enter, you have to register first. Please cooperate with us.¡± The security officer¡¯s temper was good. He didn¡¯t be fierce toward Qiao Zijin just because she was throwing a tantrum. As long as Qiao Zijin left behind her basic information and fulfilled their work requirements, she could still enter themunity.

    Qiao Zijin had no choice and rolled her eyes. After registering, she stepped on her high heels and walked in. After Qiao Zijin knocked on the door for a long time, she finally knew from the neighbors that a group of people had helped Ding Jiayi move house that afternoon. Ding Jiayi had already moved out!

    As to where Ding Jiayi moved to after leaving thismunity, they didn¡¯t know as it was none of their business.

    ¡°Moved out? Where to? Why did she move out without an apparent reason? Impossible. This is impossible.¡± How would her mother not let her know in advance that she was moving out? Her mother should know that she would definitely return to the capital in the shortest time possible to negotiate with Qiao Nan. She should also know that she didn¡¯t know anyone else in the capital.

    Before Qiao Nan agreed to all her requests, she could only rely on her mother and stay with her here.

    Her mother obviously knew about everything. How could she just move out without saying a word to her? Now that she had moved out, what was she going to do next? Where would she stay tonight?

    No. It was a definite no!

    Upon thinking that she was running out of money, Qiao Zijin became more panicked. She had lived to her thirties, but this was the first time she had encountered such a situation. She was extremely panicked.

    She didn¡¯t want to sleep on the bridge. Aside from Ding Jiayi, the only other person she could find now was naturally Qiao Nan, who was about to be extorted by her.

    As such, after Qiao Nan got off work and returned to the quad, she saw a pitiful-looking Qiao Zijin at the gate, as if she had been abandoned by the world. The Qiao Zijin now was really in an unprecedented sorry state. The clothes she wore were crumpled. It was obvious that she didn¡¯t manage to change out of the clothes which had dried up from the sweat.

    Qiao Zijin loved to look pretty. Not only did she like to grow her hair long, but she even liked to curl and dye it. At this moment, Qiao Zijin¡¯s hair looked greasy and clumpy.

    Upon seeing such a Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan thought of her previous life where she had to run around under the sun in summer to raise medical expenses to treat her uremia. An hour before her death, she should look sorrier than how Qiao Zijin was now.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. She honked the horn to get Qiao Zijin¡¯s attention.

    Qiao Zijin looked up and recognized Qiao Nan¡¯s car at once. She immediately turned from a pitiful stray dog that was abandoned by the roadside to a wolf dog with rabies. She bared her teeth and pounced toward Qiao Nan, letting out a ¡®bang¡¯.

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips. Her car was made of steel. Was Qiao Zijin trying topete with her car to see who was tougher?

    Qiao Zijin was too impulsive to have made that pounce and couldn¡¯t hold back that moment of foolishness.

 Chapter 1576 - No Way to Compete

    <h4>Chapter 1576: No Way to Compete</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The truth was, Qiao Zijin regretted it the moment her body collided with the car. She was in so much pain that her facial features were contorted. ¡°Qiao Nan, get down. Tell me. Are you ying tricks? Where¡¯s my mother? Where did she go? Dad as well. I want to know where they are staying now!¡±

    After sitting at the gate of the quad for a long time, Qiao Zijin felt that it wasn¡¯t a coincidence that her mother would suddenly move out. This meant that someone was ying tricks. Apart from Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t think of a second person who would do that.

    Since Qiao Nan had done this, she would definitely know where her parents were. She had to find them quickly. Otherwise, she might not even have a ce to stay tonight.

    Qiao Nan rolled down the car windows. ¡°Mom guessed that you would find her, thus she moved out. As a child, I think that I should respect Mom¡¯s wishes. Of course, I know you won¡¯t believe it. You can contact Mom on this number. Go and ask her yourself if you have any questions.¡± Qiao Nan ced the number she had prepared beforehand into Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. Then, she loosened the clutch, stepped on the elerator, and slowly drove into the quad.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to enter as well, but it was a pity that she was immediately stopped by the guards.

    Qiao Zijin stomped her feet. She took the paper with the number and made a call. ¡°Hello? Mom? Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you moved out? Where are you staying now? I¡¯ll go to find you.¡±

    ¡°Stop looking for me. I¡¯m living in a house rented by Qiao Nan. It¡¯s not suitable for you to stay. I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, thus she has to provide for me. You¡¯re just Qiao Nan¡¯s sister. She¡¯s not obliged to provide for you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, did Qiao Nan teach you these words? It¡¯s the same regardless of how many people are living in the house. I¡¯m living in your house and not Qiao Nan¡¯s house. How is it that she¡¯s providing for me? I¡¯m staying at my mother¡¯s house. This has nothing to do with her. Mom, don¡¯t be fooled by Qiao Nan. Where are you? I¡¯m about to die from the heat. I¡¯m tired, sleepy, and hungry. Mom, I miss you.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s words seemed to make sense but also seemed not to make sense. ¡°No, don¡¯t look for me in the future. I won¡¯t tell you where I¡¯m staying now. Zijin, I¡¯ve raised you up. I¡¯ve stopped expecting you to provide for the old me. You have never thought about providing for me and long wanted to push me to Qiao Nan, right? Isn¡¯t this just right now? I can promise you that whatever happens in the future, I will definitely not look for you or ask you for money. You just have to lead your life in the future. You don¡¯t have to worry about me at all.¡±

    She should have already yed her part as a parent. She raised Qiao Zijin up and didn¡¯t require her to provide for her. How much heart and money had she saved for Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Moreover, Zijin, let me tell you something. When you¡¯re free, go and take a look at the newspapers in the capital from the past few days. Zijin, don¡¯t me me. As your mother, I¡¯ve really done enough for you.¡± After saying this, Ding Jiayi hung up the call.

    For her eldest daughter, she hadpletely offended her youngest daughter.

    Because of that little blood rtionship, her youngest daughter didn¡¯tpletely abandon her and ignore her. However, whenever they met face-to-face or talked over the phone, Ding Jiayi could feel that in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes, she was no longer the mother who had raised her up.

    None of her daughters were close to her. She thought of how she was living and eating well now. However, she lived alone in such a big house. When she was feeling lonely, there was no one for her to talk to. Ding Jiayi felt sour in her heart.

    Old Qiao was really not going to forgive her and reconcile with her. Even if it was just to live with her and not remarry her, Old Qiao didn¡¯t agree to this. He wasn¡¯t even willing to see her.

    Back then, she was worried that Zijin would be too close to Old Qiao and not close with her. After she grew up, she would only listen to Old Qiao¡¯s words and not hers. That was why she taught Zijin all those nonsensical stuff. However, when Zijin was really working against Old Qiao, she did help Old Qiao put in a good word in front of Zijin.

    It was Zijin who had grown up to be as such. How could Old Qiao put all the me and responsibility on her? Qiao Nan as well. Five fingers were not of the same length. In a family with more than one child, which parent wouldn¡¯t be biased toward one of them?

    Everyone went through such times. Why was it that when it came to Qiao Nan, it looked as if she was the one who had done something sorry to her? It was obvious that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t magnanimous enough and she was too calctive. In the end, didn¡¯t Qiao Nan continue her studies and even graduated from university?

    No one understood the bitterness and heart of a benevolent mother. Ding Jiayi felt depressed that these negative emotions couldn¡¯t be dispelled. If Qiao Nan were like other children and listened to her words, then their family of four would definitely be leading a good life. Everyone would be talking andughing happily when having a meal together. They would be living in a good house with good financial conditions. What a blessing that would be.

    However, such a happy family was destroyed by the petty Qiao Nan. Until now, she still couldn¡¯t like such an inconsiderate and insensible daughter. Qiao Nan¡¯s temper was too bad!

    Ding Jiayi felt unhappy in her heart that she couldn¡¯t meet Qiao Zijin and even had to publish a rification note that she had cut off all ties with her. Ding Jiayi, who was in a bad mood, started to scold Qiao Nan vigorously! She felt that that the person who had caused everything today and destroyed a happy family was Qiao Nan. She was the Qiao family¡¯s biggest source of trouble. Back then, she really shouldn¡¯t have given birth to a second child!

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know about Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts. However, even if she did know, she was already used to it. The problem was that after knowing, she would definitely not let Ding Jiayi lead such a good life anymore.

    ¡°Peng Yu, are you sure you want to do this?¡± Father Peng had on a pained expression. After having a grandson, he was no longer that ambitious. Now, he just wanted to spend his remaining days happily. Father Peng had given up on all his career ambitionspletely. Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui were part of a lineal descent through the ages. When Old Master Zhai was still alive, he was formidable. His son and grandson were formidable as well.

    He had inadvertently met Zhai Sheng¡¯s two sons twice. Both of them were outstanding.

    He heard that they were now in junior high school and their grades were good. They could speak a few foreignnguages and were bold. From afar, the two boys from the Zhai family started to look manly.

 Chapter 1577 - Let Someone Else Do It

    <h4>Chapter 1577: Let Someone Else Do It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    These two children were so outstanding. As a grandfather, Father Peng simply couldn¡¯t say anything against his conscience. Father Peng knew that if his grandson grew up in the future to be simr to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s grandson, he would definitely be satisfied. ¡°You can¡¯t make aeback anymore. When Zhai Sheng became the chief back then, you might still be able to pull him down with some effort. A few years have passed since then. Zhai Sheng made great achievements and his position as the chief is now stable. You can¡¯t pull him down anymore.¡±

    It could be said that before Old Master Zhai¡¯s generation, the Zhai family were still bumpkins. However, ever since Old Master Zhai joined the army to fight against the Japanese, the Zhai family became different. For three consecutive generations, the Zhai family had the blood of soldiers flowing in their bones. From a group of good-for-nothing bumpkins, they had turned into a respectable family of soldiers.

    The Zhai family¡¯s heritage was what their Peng familycked. They lost not at the starting line but because of their ancestors! Their ancestors had already passed away. Could they possibly pull them out and ask why they weren¡¯t as capable as Old Master Zhai when they were still alive so that the generations after them could be sessful?

    It was unrealistic!

    ¡°So be it if I can¡¯t pull him down. How do I say this? After knowing that I have no ways to pull him down, there are a lot of things that I can¡¯t do and I feel that my life¡¯s so empty. If I have nothing to do, I¡¯ll just create some trouble for Zhai Sheng and give him some obstacles. When I see Zhai Sheng being busy and in a bad mood, I will be in a good mood.¡± Peng Yu¡¯s smile looked a little perverted and Father Peng was shocked.

    Father Peng patted his chest. He decided that he would have to bring up his grandson. He couldn¡¯t let his son do so. ¡°Peng Yu, are you okay? Why do I feel that you¡¯re a little weird? I heard that when young people are stressed nowadays, the string in their heads would be tight and something would go wrong. Why don¡¯t you have a chat with those psychologists? Just treat it as a chat to release your stress.¡±

    ¡°Dad, do you think that I have mental issues?¡±

    Father Pengughed bitterly. ¡°Don¡¯t refuse to consult the doctor. The economy is developing and the pace of life is too fast now. This is already amon phenomenon. It¡¯s not something extraordinary. Everyone has illnesses. Is it wrong to see a doctor if one¡¯s ill? I¡¯ve said it before that you can just treat it as a means to release your stress. I don¡¯t mean anything else.¡±

    Indeed, Peng Yu had gotten himself into a dead end and could no longere out of it.

    If he had known this earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have used Zhai Sheng as an example to educate his son when Peng Yu was young. One¡¯s son was the best. No matter how outstanding Zhai Sheng was, he had no feelings for him.

    Peng Yu held his father¡¯s hand. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s purely because of boredom that I¡¯m creating trouble for Zhai Sheng. If something was really wrong with me, I would have visited the doctor a long time ago. The longer I live, the more I can see Zhai Sheng being unhappy. See? Didn¡¯t the person who is out to make the Zhai family unhappy juste knocking on the door?¡±

    It was absolutely right for Zhai Sheng to have married Qiao Nan. However, who would have expected that there would be such a nasty family behind the outstanding Qiao Nan? Indeed, no one was perfect. God was still fair.

    He couldn¡¯t start something from the Zhai family. It was rare for Qiao Nan¡¯s side to have an opportunity. How could Peng Yu just hold it in and watch on? He would definitely make use of Qiao Zijin to start a conflict with the Zhai family.

    When Qiao Zijin had ¡®nowhere to go¡¯, Peng Yu sent someone to appear in front of her. It was as sacred as the appearance of a savior to lead Qiao Zijin out of the confusing mist.

    What happened afterward seemed to be uncontroble. With Peng Yu¡¯s help, Qiao Zijin sessfully contacted a media reporter. Regardless if it was taught by Peng Yu or Qiao Zijin had said it ording to her own heart, it caused an uproar immediately when the media began to report on Qiao Nan¡¯s family affairs.

    Even if Qiao Nan had be the minister of foreign affairs, she would definitely not appear in front of the camera unless it was for necessary activities. However, after the trouble Qiao Zijin created, Qiao Nan was like a celebrity in a TV drama. There would be a lot of people gathered nearby the ces where she might appear, wanting to interview Qiao Nan.

    A few regr newspapers didn¡¯t dare to report indiscriminately. The reporters were obliged to tell everyone the truth about the matter, and everyone had the right to know. However, before fulfilling this point, the biggest premise was that their reports must be true and there should be nothing false. After all, Qiao Nan belonged to the ministry. Once there was any untrue reporting on this matter, the consequences were equivalent to framing the ministry and legal action would be taken.

    Before investigating clearly or confirming the truth, it was clear that the regr media didn¡¯t dare to report indiscriminately.

    It was just that although the regr media didn¡¯t dare to do so, the smaller-scale media would do anything to put themselves out and gain recognition. As the minister of foreign affairs, Qiao Nan was on the headlines for both People¡¯s Daily and entertainment magazines. One could neitherugh nor cry at such a situation.

    ¡°A certain minister made it to the top and refused to acknowledge her poor rtives.¡±

    ¡°After attaining great sess, a certain minister abandoned her birth sister by the roadside.¡±

    ¡°The woman who stayed on the bridge today was actually a certain minister¡¯s sister.¡±

    ¡°A certain minister forgot her roots and forced her rtives with authority, shamelessly controlling her birth parents.¡±

    Articles of malicious attacks followed one after another. Even if the reports didn¡¯t state Qiao Nan¡¯s name, who in the capital wouldn¡¯t know that this certain minister was referring to the female minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Most importantly, the photos published in these reports were of Qiao Zijin in a miserable state, without Qiao Nan. However, no mosaic treatment was applied to Qiao Zijin¡¯s face at all. It was a magnified and clear photo, as if afraid that others couldn¡¯t recognize her.

    In the photo, Qiao Zijin looked pitiful and haggard. Her clothes were dirty and crumpled, and her hair was greasy. Even though people were just seeing Qiao Zijin through a photo, they could easily detect the heavy sweat smell on her body.

    In order to prove that their reports were true, there were one or two photos of Qiao Zijin sleeping pitifully under the bridge.

    With these reports, a number of keyboard warriors ranted their thoughts, including ¡®reason sides with the weak¡¯ and ¡®take revenge against the high-ranking and rich officials¡¯. They criticized Qiao Nan for being cold-blooded and heartless. How could people count on a person like her who didn¡¯t even care about her birth sister to put the country and the citizens first in her heart?

    One felt fearful at the thought of letting such a heartless person upy an important position in the country. Could it be that they couldn¡¯t find a person who was as capable as Qiao Nan but had a higher sense of righteousness and affection to take on the role of the minister of foreign affairs in their big country?

 Chapter 1578 - See It for Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 1578: See It for Yourself</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    They didn¡¯t believe it!

    The articles on Qiao Nan¡¯s family background did prove that there was a sudden surge in her status. Not only was Qiao Nan the minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but her husband was also a chief in the military who held a supreme position.

    Having such a powerful husband meant that Qiao Nan could likely be a minister regardless of her capabilities.

    The keyboard warriors were not afraid of Qiao Nan¡¯s background at all. Instead, they became more driven to seek justice for Qiao Zijin. Did Qiao Nan have the right to cut ties with her blood-bound sister after marrying into a superior family?

    The citizens of this country wouldn¡¯t allow her to stay in power!

    Some tforms were crashing under the enormous number ofments, and forums once empty were now filled with remarks. The hike of ¡®fame¡¯ was delightful to watch to some behind-the-screens.

    Li Dawei¡¯s new hobby was reading thements that attacked Qiao Nan. When he saw ones that said Qiao Nan should be taken off her role, Li Dawei had the urge to leave a like for thements.

    Luckily for him, he wasn¡¯t rash enough to forget that there were people monitoring thework. The moment he liked ament, everyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would hear about it within a minute.

    There were enough people involved in the mess, and he felt that he had to stay under that radar. Most importantly, Li Dawei knew that someone would have to rece Qiao Nan if she did get demoted.

    Who would that be?

    Li Dawei sure hoped that that person would be him, but he knew his limitations. Unless Qiao Nan was willing to help, the Li family wouldn¡¯t have the power to make him the minister.

    Getting Qiao Nan to help him would not be a simple task, for Qiao Nan had never liked him or given him a chance to prove himself. His performance in the department was even worse than the neers. Under such circumstances, taking the seat of the minister would be a fat hope.

    The new minister would still have to excel in his work if Qiao Nan were to be reced, and Li Dawei didn¡¯t have what it took.

    Tsk, Li Dawei didn¡¯t want to miss such a perfect opportunity. How could he win Qiao Nan over and take the seat that he had always dreamed of?

    Before he could figure out a solution, Li Dawei realized something; there was a strange look in everyone¡¯s eyes. The neers didn¡¯t even bother hiding their disdain as they avoided him.

    Li Dawei had decided to make friends with the other members before working on Qiao Nan, but it seemed like his n was denied.

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong? Why do I feel that everyone has been looking at me weirdly?¡± Unable to contain his curiosity, Li Dawei dragged a nice guy into the washroom. After asking, Li Dawei felt the butterflies.

    Could it be that someone had nominated him for the next minister? Was that why they were acting strange? If that were the case, why did he not receive any news? Or did someone want to give him a surprise?

    ¡°Be honest with me. I am mentally prepared for it. We have been working together all these years, and I won¡¯t forget about merits.¡± If he were the minister, he wouldn¡¯t be as heartless as Qiao Nan.

    For those who took his side now, he would remember the favor.

    The guyughed. He found Li Dawei pretty hrious. ¡°Do you really want to know the reason that we¡¯ve been acting strange?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Of course, he did. He wanted to know it as soon as possible.

    The guy gave him a forum¡¯s title. ¡°Search it for yourself.¡± He left after dropping a few words, feeling that he had done enough.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the forums?¡± Li Dawei was disappointed that his imaginations didn¡¯te true. Since there was a lead, Li Dawei quickly took a look at the post on the forum. Soon, his once-beaming cheeks sank with every word that he read.

    The post spoke about his ambitions, but he had no idea about the post¡¯s existence.

    Although the post did speak his mind, he wasn¡¯t the one who posted it. Qiao Nan was already in a whole lot of trouble, and even if he wanted to kick her when she¡¯s down, he wouldn¡¯t pick such bad timing. He knew very well that doing it would bring himself down with her.

    Li Dawei was flustered as he rushed to Qiao Nan. ¡°Minister Qiao, I want to rify something with you. If you misunderstand me, I might not be able to sleep tonight. There is a post going around, and I swear that I have nothing to do with it.¡±

    However, to those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was obviously Li Dawei who made a move.

 Chapter 1579 - Being a Scapegoat

    <h4>Chapter 1579: Being a Scapegoat</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Aside from Li Dawei, no one else in the ministry would have such thoughts and perspectives and give another kick to Qiao Nan at such sensitive times.

    However, Li Dawei himself knew that he didn¡¯t do this. He wasn¡¯t willing to be a scapegoat.

    Qiao Nan closed the information so that Li Dawei couldn¡¯t see anything. After hearing Li Dawei¡¯s exnation, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a particrly big reaction. ¡°Is that so? I understand the situation now. Go back and do your work.¡±

    It was apparent that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t believe his words. How was Li Dawei willing to return to work? If he didn¡¯t exin this matter clearly, he wouldn¡¯t even have a ten percent chance of being promoted without Qiao Nan¡¯s help. ¡°Minister Qiao, I¡¯m speaking the truth. I was framed. I didn¡¯t send that post. Minister Qiao, you have to believe me. I... I¡¯ll find someone to prove my innocence. The IP address will be enough to prove everything. This matter has nothing to do with me!¡±

    The more Li Dawei said, the more agitated he was. His voice became sharper uncontrobly.

    Li Dawei was too anxious when entering Qiao Nan¡¯s office and didn¡¯t close her office door properly. Once Li Dawei raised his voice, everyone outside could hear his words clearly.

    A few people revealed sarcastic looks. Did he treat them and Minister Qiao as fools? How would other people know about their affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Li Dawei was probably the only one who believed that he had nothing to do with the post. Even the blind could tell that Li Dawei was the author of the post who had described everything.

    IP?

    What was an IP address? Couldn¡¯t Li Dawei go to an Inte caf¨¦ outside to post this? If that was the case, then the IP address of the post would be different from the IP address of Li Dawei¡¯s home. Although they weren¡¯t experts in IP addresses, they still understood this basic knowledge. Don¡¯t bully them for studying too much!

    ¡°Okay, I get it. You can go out now.¡± Qiao Nan still didn¡¯t have any big reaction. She didn¡¯t say that she believed Li Dawei, and neither did she say that she didn¡¯t believe Li Dawei.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to give him a heartfelt remark. Li Dawei had butterflies in his stomach. How was he willing to leave? ¡°Minister Qiao, tell me. How do you want me to prove it to you before you deem me as innocent and that the post has nothing to do with me?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy for Qiao Nan to run into such big trouble. He definitely couldn¡¯t let any problems ur at his end. He was in his thirties, slightly older than Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan stepped down now and he couldn¡¯t step up, he probably wouldn¡¯t have such a chance in the future anymore.

    He could only sit at his little desk and be unknown for life until his retirement.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to prove anything.¡± Qiao Nan put down the pen in her hands. ¡°No matter how you prove it, you can¡¯t remove yourself from this matter and im your innocence.¡± It was set that Li Dawei was involved.

    ¡°Why?!¡± He really didn¡¯t do it. On what basis should he be the scapegoat? ¡°This has nothing to do with me. If I did this, I would have admitted to it long ago. I really didn¡¯t do this!¡± Li Dawei felt like crying. Forget it if he really did it. However, he didn¡¯t. That was why he felt depressed and pained.

    He was being wronged to death.

    Since Li Dawei insisted on an answer, Qiao Nan gave him an answer. ¡°Why? Let me ask you. Why would outsiders know so clearly about what is going on in the ministry? Who exposed these little matters in the ministry to outsiders? If it¡¯s not you, could it be me? The description of that post was based on your role. People generally wouldn¡¯t have such thoughts and feel that I was suppressing them. These should have been said by you, right?¡±

    Perhaps the author of this post was really not Li Dawei. However, it was afraid that someone had moved Li Dawei¡¯s real thoughts into the post.

    If Li Dawei didn¡¯t tell others his inner thoughts, how would others have known?

    ¡°I...¡± Li Dawei¡¯s face turned pale. The moment he saw the contents of the post, he already had a hunch. It should be that he had beenining to his friend when he felt that he was receiving unfair treatment, and the other party had remembered his words. That person then posted such a post in his capacity during such sensitive times. ¡°I... Iined a little to Xu Xinming before when we were drinking. I feel that the main content of the post is Xu Xinming¡¯s inner thoughts.¡±

    Li Dawei didn¡¯t dare to casually badmouth Qiao Nan. He was afraid that he would be cklisted. However, there was one person he wasn¡¯t afraid of being betrayed by, and that was Xu Xinming. Qiao Nan had personally transferred Xu Xinming out. Compared to Li Dawei, Xu Xinming bore a bigger grudge against Qiao Nan.

    Li Dawei knew that if Qiao Nan was doing well, Xu Xinming would have stronger emotions than him. What Li Dawei didn¡¯t expect was that Xu Xinming would frame Qiao Nan at this time not by posting his own affairs but by betraying him.

    Indeed, there was Xu Xinming¡¯s shadow on that post. However, he was very careful and only a small proportion of the content was his own inner thoughts. Everyone would just focus on Li Dawei and see his affairs as the main content.

    Li Dawei sniffed. He felt very wronged at this moment. ¡°Can the me be put on me?¡± He was just used by Xu Xinming. Xu Xinming had used his affairs to deal with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t me you, should I me myself?¡± Qiao Nan wrapped her arms around her chest. ¡°I¡¯m not the one who has such a deep friendship with Xu Xinming that we could talk about anything under the sky and badmouth our superior behind her back. Xu Xinming did this, but you should understand that your friendship with him had provided him this chance. You were framed by Xu Xinming. Who should you me if not yourself?¡±

    Xu Xinming left the ministry early. There were a lot of situations in the ministry he couldn¡¯t intervene in. If not for Li Dawei providing Xu Xinming so many details, would the post written by Xu Xinming be so deeply rooted among the people?

    Li Dawei was responsible for this post as well!

    ¡°We have already finished talking. Go out.¡± Li Dawei should be prepared for some things as well. She would definitely not let a person like Li Dawei who dared to bite his superior behind her back to continue staying in the ministry. The Li family didn¡¯t have any face for Li Dawei to continue staying either. As to which department Li Dawei would go to after leaving the ministry of foreign affairs to harm the next supervisor or minister, Qiao Nan expressed that she wouldn¡¯t care.

    Anyway, the central government should know how she had taught him a lesson. Everyone should know clearly in their hearts how to treat Li Dawei in the future.

 Chapter 1580 - The Manâ€™s Turn

    <h4>Chapter 1580: The Man¡¯s Turn</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Being ambitious and waiting to rise up in position was typical of men. Almost nine and a half out of ten would have such ideas. But one had to have his own limits as to when to do such things. Anyone who epted a subordinate like Li Dawei, who would add fuel to the fire, had to be bold and daring.

    Li Dawei was adamant. He felt that it was because of this post that things had once again spiraled out of his control. In the past, Li Dawei had treated Xu Xinming as his best friend. Now, Li Dawei hated Xu Xinming from the bottom of his heart.

    Unable to tolerate it any longer, Li Dawei ran directly to the ¡®isted¡¯ warehouse to find Xu Xinming. ¡°Xu Xinming, you¡¯ve gone overboard! I¡¯m not holding you back from taking Qiao Nan down, but it¡¯s enough to talk about your own matters. Why did you implicate me as well? Do you still think of me as a friend?¡±

    Xu Xinming leaned back with his legs crossed like a gangster. He did not give off a serious or strict air typical of a government employee. Rather, he resembled a hooligan. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re here. Do you want to see thetest posts on this forum? They¡¯re so interesting! Look at this, and this, and this! They¡¯re all scolding Qiao Nan! Brother, don¡¯t be angry. I did that to get revenge for the both of us!¡±

    Unlike Li Dawei who was in a rage, Xu Xinming was ted. He browsed the forum in a rxed manner, just like watching a movie in the cinema. From time to time, he popped a snack into his mouth.

    ¡°To get revenge for me? You said it wrongly, didn¡¯t you? Your main aim was to get revenge for yourself, and you smeared my name in the process. Don¡¯t call me your ¡®brother¡¯. Do you think that¡¯s what a brother should do?¡± Thinking about how the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs looked at him, and looking once again at Xu Xinming¡¯s rxed appearance, Li Dawei punched Xu Xinming in the face angrily.

    Xu Xinming had not seen thating and Li Dawei¡¯s punch sent him straight down from the chair to the floor with a loud thud. He clenched his jaw in pain. ¡°Li Dawei, are you crazy? You¡¯re hitting me for helping you? Don¡¯t push your limits! You¡¯ll get your retribution for kicking me away now that I¡¯ve outlived my usefulness!¡±

    ¡°Retribution? I¡¯ll let you get your retribution! Your retribution!¡± Men in their thirties were no less impulsive than seventeen or eighteen-year-old teenagers. Li Dawei typically never fought with anyone, but today, he had used all his might to punch his ¡®brother¡¯, Xu Xinming. ¡°I¡¯ll let you hurt me! I¡¯ll let you hurt me right now!¡±

    Did he really take him for a fool? Was he going to believe the words that he said?

    He wanted to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but so did Xu Xinming. When the both of them had first entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they had joined forces because Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang were theirmon enemies. As such, they banded together in an attempt to defeat Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang so as to achieve their own goals.

    Afterward, Xu Xinming had been transferred to the warehouse, and Xu Xinming hated the guts of Qiao Nan and He Yi. He had always been suppressed by Qiao Nan and had never had any opportunities to prove his capabilities. Not only that, but he had also been scolded by Qiao Nan, who said that he could not evenpare to the newbies who had entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eventer than he did. An enemy¡¯s enemy naturally became his friend.

    Without Qiao Nan as amon enemy, he would have fallen out with Xu Xinming sooner rather thanter. When Xu Xinming was transferred to the warehouse, it was as though he had been exiled. Even if more than ten ministers of foreign affairs had left their positions due to various reasons, Xu Xinming would never get a chance to rise to that position.

    But he was different. There woulde a day when that position would be his!

    As long as he gained the favor of Qiao Nan at such a critical time, he would definitely have a chance of getting into that position. But now that Xu Xinming had kicked up a huge fuss, whatever chances he had were now all gone. It would be good if Qiao Nan did not kick him out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before she left her the ministry. That alone would be being kind and softhearted, rewarding his evil deeds with kindness.

    But having interacted with Qiao Nan over the years, he had never felt that Qiao Nan would be softhearted just because she was a woman.

    Thinking of the prospect of being kicked out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs just like Xu Xinming, Li Dawei was ready to kill Xu Xinming.

    Xu Xinming groaned before immediately rebutting. ¡°Li Dawei, I¡¯m respecting you by calling you my brother. Do you really think you¡¯re my brother? Who are you to punch me? Aren¡¯t you the one who alwaysforts me by saying that people who are talented will always be noticed no matter where they are? Since our rtionship is so good, won¡¯t it be good for us to work together? Then, we can really be best buddies!¡±

    This time, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei were really fighting each other head to head.

    Li Dawei alwaysforted Xu Xinming with an air of superiority, and there was always a hint of ridicule in hisfort. Xu Xinming was not so foolish as to not know about that. Xu Xinming hadid low up until now and took this chance to kill two birds with one stone, taking down both Qiao Nan and Li Dawei at the same time.

    These two people proimed that they were each other¡¯s bosom buddies, but in fact, they held bad blood against each other. Other than when they came together to scold Qiao Nan, these two people never had a sincere word for each other. They were truly birds of the same feather.

    Xu Xinming¡¯s injury on his face was a little serious, and Li Dawei could not help but rejoice a little. Li Dawei wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth and smirked. ¡°Xu Xinming, I really underestimated you. Now that you¡¯ve done this to me, just wait and see what¡¯ll happen to you! If I don¡¯t get my revenge, I¡¯m not a Li!¡± This time, the stakes were higher than ever.

    ¡°Bring it on!¡± Xu Xinming¡¯s lips twitched in pain. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you? I¡¯m no coward! I¡¯ll wait for you to settle this once and for all!¡± Ha, who did he think he was? Did Li Dawei really think that he would be afraid of him? Bring it on! The one who backed down was a coward!

    The two of them, who had once been ¡®best brothers¡¯, now turned against each other. This was a fight between life and death.

    Although Xu Xinming had taken a hit, he was still in a very good mood. He wanted to see how Li Dawei could maintain his air of superiority and continue looking down on him once Li Dawei himself was kicked out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and banished to a corner, like the warehouse.

    ¡°Nan Nan, is there anything wrong?¡± It was noisy outside, but it was still considered quiet in the Zhai family¡¯s house which was situated in the quad of the military zone. Those who lived in the quad were not the kind of people who blindly followed others, unless they had the same ideas as the Peng family.

    Everyone was clear that someone had their eyes on Qiao Nan and was looking to bring her down. As such, sensible people would naturally not join in on this fuss, and the quad was quiet. But the Zhai family did not let their guards down, especially Miao Jing, who treated Qiao Nan as her own daughter. She was just shy of calling Qiao Nan every minute to report the situation at her station. ¡°If there¡¯s any trouble, don¡¯t just swallow it. Zhai Sheng and Old Zhai should be the ones fighting for you! You¡¯re part of our family, and I¡¯ll not let anyone bully you!¡±

 Chapter 1581 - Deliberately Biased

    <h4>Chapter 1581: Deliberately Biased</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If she could, the first person Miao Jing wanted to create trouble for was those magazines press that reported the matter indiscriminately. News agencies who only knew how to make false reports without concrete evidence shouldn¡¯t even exist in the first ce. They would only cause the good social atmosphere to be foul.

    ¡°Old Zhai, I really don¡¯t mean to chide anyone, but aren¡¯t there any regtions for this matter? You will just let them report this indiscriminately? The central government allows this?¡±

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Zhai Yaohui shook his head. It had been so many years. Miao Miao¡¯s character was still the same as when she was young. She had a fiery temper and was very anxious. ¡°This matter created an opportunity for us to take a look at the structure now. Once the limelight is over, we will take care of those who should be taken care of and won¡¯t let anyone escape.¡±

    Was it that easy to attack the people from the central government?

    If there were any rumors about Qiao Nan, would she still be able to take on the position of the minister of foreign affairs back then? Did they really think that the people from the central government and the leaders didn¡¯t know anything about the situation below and dared to casually use and promote anyone?

    It was impossible for the China leadership team to use someone who couldn¡¯t be used and malign someone just because of some rumors. It could only be said that those who wanted to create trouble didn¡¯t understand the central government fully.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious about this matter. As a junior, Nan Nan isn¡¯t even anxious. Why are you so anxious instead?¡± Zhai Yaohui felt a bit helpless that Miao Jing wasn¡¯t as steady as Qiao Nan. He always felt that this mother and daughter-inw rtionship was quite different. ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen it? Which influential media and news agency dared to report indiscriminately about this matter? When the timees and Nan Nan has rified the matter, these news agencies would spread the truth immediately and rectify Nan Nan¡¯s name. Have some patience, Miao Miao. Learn from Nan Nan. Be more steady.¡±

    As the party concerned, in the face of so many sharp and untrue attacks, Qiao Nan, who was only in her thirties, stood firmly in ce and didn¡¯t feel sad at all. Through this incident, Zhai Yaohui once again had a deeper understanding of Qiao Nan. He always believed that Qiao Nan could handle this matter well and wouldn¡¯t panic.

    However, he didn¡¯t expect that Qiao Nan could be so calm that it was as if she was just a bystander in this matter.

    Zhai Yaohui agreed once again that Zhai Sheng was simply lucky to have fancied Qiao Nan back when she was still young. At this age, he was still surprised by Qiao Nan¡¯s outstanding performance. Ten years ago, Qiao Nan was still childish. Zhai Sheng¡¯s foresight back then wasn¡¯t as sharp as now. It was purely out of appreciation for the opposite sex that Zhai Sheng would like Qiao Nan. He wasn¡¯t standing in the Zhai family¡¯s perspective to choose a suitable candidate to be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    It was precisely because of this that Zhai Yaohui understood that sometimes, luck was rarer than capabilities!

    Both his son and daughter-inw were so lucky that people would be jealous and envious of them. Zhai Yaohui felt at ease.

    Miao Jing frowned. ¡°Is that so? You¡¯re not just coaxing me? If that¡¯s the case, why hasn¡¯t there been any movement at all?¡± It wasn¡¯t just a day or two since this happened. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been so anxious. ¡°I get angry when I think about it. What kind of person is she? To think she had the cheek to cry in front of the camera and tell everyone that they are biological sisters. I really don¡¯t understand why she didn¡¯t feel shameless when she said this!¡±

    If they were biological sisters, why would Qiao Zijin dare to smear Nan Nan¡¯s reputation?

    The triplets already knew what had happened to Qiao Nan when she was young. As such, the Zhai family paid a lot of attention not to let the triplets see the nonsensical words Qiao Zijin had said or for them to get involved in this matter. The Zhai family was worried that the three children were still young and couldn¡¯t control their emotions well.

    Even Miao Jing, an adult, couldn¡¯t be of help in this matter, let alone the triplets. Since they couldn¡¯t be of help, it was useless for them to know and let their mood for studying be affected. Thus, it was better not to let the three children know about this.

    Zhai Yaohui poured a ss of water for Miao Jing. ¡°See, you¡¯re still not listening. Do you only know what kind of person Qiao Zijin is for the first time today?¡± Of course, Zhai Yaohui was quite ¡®convinced¡¯ by Qiao Zijin. Money moved people¡¯s hearts. In order to lead a good life, Qiao Zijin was so shameless and thick-skinned to have done thispletely without thinking. Did she still have any dignity left?

    Miao Jing waved her hands in irritation. ¡°Fine, I¡¯m not going to mention it again. The more we chat, the angrier I am. Such a person would definitely not lead a good life in the future. Her parents had published a rification note to break off all ties with her, yet she doesn¡¯t know how to reflect on this. Heh. Qiao Zijin must havepletely inherited Ding Jiayi¡¯s cold temperament.¡±

    This mother-and-daughter pair shared the same character.

    What made Miao Jing angry was that there was still a way to deal with Qiao Zijin. If they said no money was given, no money would be given. Even if Qiao Zijin kicked up a fuss and threw all her face, she didn¡¯t need to think about getting a single cent from Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan could ignore Qiao Zijin but not Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Nan. In terms of morality and human nature, it wasn¡¯t that good for Qiao Nan topletely ignore Ding Jiayi.

    If Qiao Nan led an ordinary life now, the criticism Qiao Nan faced would be rtively less. However, Qiao Nan had a high status and received a lot of inheritance from Elder Lin. Miao Jing knew that there were a lot of unreasonable people in society who badmouthed others nowadays, and they were deliberately biased.

    It was precisely because of this that even if they were unwilling to, due to their status in society, they had to go against their wishes and let Ding Jiayi lead a good life. Of course, they didn¡¯tck this amount of money. It was just that it was infuriating to let a person like Ding Jiayi spend their money.

    She would rather use this amount of money to build a school or subsidize poor students to study than to let Ding Jiayi gain from it. Thinking of middle-aged women who were of Ding Jiayi¡¯s age, most of them were still working and supporting themselves. Who would be like Ding Jiayi, having worked for less than five years when she was already in her fifties?

    To be honest, it was difficult to find people who could enjoy life simr to Ding Jiayi in this world.

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t understand why a heartless person like Ding Jiayi was luckier than ordinary people and could enjoy the monthly allowance provided by Qiao Nan. There was no reason for this! It was better to treat Ding Jiayi like Qiao Zijin, leaving her to die on her own. Even if she wasn¡¯t left to die on her own, Ding Jiayi should at least be forced to support herself and not be dependent on others to survive.

    Before Miao Jing married, she was a very independent woman. Her parents had died early as they were helping Old Master Zhai, causing her to be an orphan.

 Chapter 1582 - Fine for the Time Being

    <h4>Chapter 1582: Fine for the Time Being</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even though she had no choice but to be fostered by her uncle, she had never shirked away from chores while staying at her uncle¡¯s house. While living in argemunity, the chores that she did wereparable to an average male¡¯s.

    Miao Jing would never understand women like Ding Jiayi who relied first on their husbands, then on their daughters, and never relied on their own efforts. She really wanted to teach annoying women like Ding Jiayi a lesson.

    Just thinking about it made her blood boil, and she gulped down the ss of water that Zhai Yaohui had poured for her. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll have to do it. If I don¡¯t do it, I won¡¯t even need to have dinner tonight! I¡¯ll be full from my anger. I might even lose sleep tonight from being so angry.¡± People like Ding Jiayi were too scary. She was even more vicious than Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, eat some fruits.¡± Qiao Nan took some cut fruits from the auntie¡¯s hands and passed them to Miao Jing. ¡°These fruits are delicious.¡± Her mother-inw had an even greater reaction to the mention of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi than she herself did.

    Having been praised by her father-inw earlier, Qiao Nan was actually rather embarrassed. It was not that she was not angry, but she had already been furious her entire life. Qiao Nan had always felt that even if she had not been knocked down by a car in her previous lifetime, she would have been driven to her death by anger because of her biological mother.

    Since she already had experience being driven to her death by anger, this meant nothing to Qiao Nan today. She had fought greater battles. Thus, this was nothing much to Qiao Nan, and there was really no way that she was going to get agitated over this. She had faced even greater battles and even more shameful things, but she had always prevailed in the end. In the face of these bitter fruits, there was nothing Qiao Nan could do but swallow them reluctantly.

    Just like in her previous lifetime, all the money that she had given eventually ended up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets and became Qiao Zijin¡¯s dowry. There was nothing she could do. After taking the money, Ding Jiayi even asked for more living allowances. She had to take on even more part-time jobs just to satisfy Ding Jiayi.

    Now, Ding Jiayi held on tightly to every single cent that Qiao Nan gave her, without giving Qiao Zijin anything. After getting divorced from Zhou Zheng, Qiao Zijin was even worse off than in her previous life. She had no status, much less a dowry or a house. Now that her money was no longer going to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan was rather happy. Her expectations were not that high after all.

    After being coaxed by Qiao Nan, as well as persuaded by Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing¡¯s anger dissipated and she smiled. ¡°Fine, I¡¯m already such an old person. I don¡¯t need you guys to coax me like you do the three children. I¡¯m not angry. What¡¯s there to be angry over? You guys just have to remember not to let this kind of people take advantage of you. It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s eat. It won¡¯t be good to starve ourselves.¡±

    Now that there was a smile on Miao Jing¡¯s face, the Zhai family felt a sudden relief, and everyone could finally have their meals happily. Miao Jing had suffered a great deal while she was younger, and her health was not much better than Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. Old Lin and Old Master Zhai had ¡®left¡¯ on the same night. Since then, the Zhai family had paid more attention to the health of the elderly in their family. Thus, Miao Jing became the family¡¯s focus. Everyone tried to keep Miao Jing in a good mood so that her health would not be affected.

    The Zhai family did not want to let the three children know about Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation for the time being. Unfortunately, while the matter had not made news nationally, it was still quite well-known within the capital. After the three children first heard about the situation of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, the three children had been rather sensitive about anything rted to these two people.

    Especially this time, Qiao Zijin had kicked up a big fuss in the capital and had even implicated their most beloved mother. It was almost impossible for the three children to not have heard anything about this matter. Not only had they heard about the whole story, but they had already flown into a rage because of it. They were even more infuriated than Miao Jing. The three children were so furious that they wanted to rush home from school to check for themselves and see if Qiao Nan was doing all right and whether she had been bullied into tears.

    The three children wished very much to go home. Unfortunately, they were still studying, and in a boarding school of all ces. No matter how upset they were, they had to wait until the weekend break to return home.

    But the three children were shocked when they saw Zhai Shenge to fetch them. ¡°Dad, why are you the one fetching us? Where¡¯s Mom?¡± Indeed, their mom was distraught. Otherwise, why would their dade? Usually, their mom was the one who fetched them from school.

    ¡°I let your mom take a rest. Why? Are you disappointed that I¡¯m here to pick you guys up?¡± Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrow as he questioned the children in a disgruntled tone.

    Er Baoughed. ¡°Dad, how can that be? It¡¯s not that we¡¯re unhappy that you¡¯re picking us up. It¡¯s just that we¡¯re used to Moming to pick us up. Since we didn¡¯t see Mom today, we were just surprised. We didn¡¯t mean anything else. Don¡¯t use us falsely!¡±

    San Bao coquettishly rubbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m famished! Let¡¯s hurry home. I miss grandma¡¯s cooking!¡± And she missed her mom too. She wanted to know whether her mom was doing all right. If her mom was unhappy, she would be her mom¡¯sforter.

    ¡°You three devils.¡± Zhai Sheng could see clearly the three children¡¯s concern toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Hurry and get in the car. We¡¯ll talk about it when we get home. Your mom is much stronger than you think.¡± Nan Nan had survived through so many trials and tribtions throughout her life. Besides, Nan Nan would hardly take to heart this trouble created by that loser, Qiao Zijin.

    San Bao stuck out her tongue before obediently climbing into the car.

    Er Bao and San Bao sat behind, while Da Bao sat in the front passenger seat. ¡°Dad, is Mom all right?¡± Da Bao did not wish to address that woman as his elder auntie. In his short life, he had never met anyone as malicious as Qiao Zijin. The one who had framed his mother was his own aunt! And the purpose of that was simply so that she would not have to work and let his mother support her unconditionally!

    Da Bao seriously did not want to recognize her as his rtive based on either emotions or rationality.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°If Mom is doing all right, then why didn¡¯t shee to pick us up?¡± That was not their mom¡¯s way of doing things.

    Zhai Sheng sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not that Nan Nan didn¡¯t want toe and pick you up. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s unsuitable for her to do so for the time being. This matter has blown up within the capital, and many eyes are on her now. If Nan Nan continues to fetch you as usual, you might get photographed and exposed! Then, it will no longer be so easy for you to return to school.¡±

    Nan Nan did not wish for this matter to affect the lives of her children in school.

    It was all right for her to just swallow this bitter pill for the time being because she knew that the tides would turn if she would just wait it out. But she was afraid that the three children were still young and immature. If they were to be affected by this matter, their grades might plunge, or they might even be emotionally scarred.

 Chapter 1583 - Relaxing With a Holiday

    <h4>Chapter 1583: Rxing With a Holiday</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the face of Qiao Zijin¡¯s usations, even Qiao Nan, who had been calm initially, would be enraged and have the urge to kill Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°We¡¯re not afraid!¡± San Bao puffed up her chest. ¡°We¡¯re willing to go through thick and thin with Mom!¡± She hated the fact that she was still young and could not do anything to help her mom now that her mom had encountered such a huge problem. Thus, how could she hide far away for the sake of her own peace?

    Er Bao did not say anything, but he chewed on his lip, showing that he had the same thoughts as San Bao.

    Zhai Sheng smiled. These three children were indeed raised well. ¡°I¡¯m d you think this way. But you¡¯re still young and don¡¯t understand how parents think. Your mom has always been strict toward you and has never spoiled you. That¡¯s because she¡¯s afraid that you three will be spoiled children and that it will be to your disadvantage. But in such a situation, Nan Nan would rather carry the burden alone and leave only the good things for you three.¡±

    In front of the three children, Qiao Nan was considered to be a strict mother.

    There was no other choice. Other than Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, all the elders spoiled these three children. The three children had all taken their turns to pluck Old Lin¡¯s hair and tug on Old Master Zhai¡¯s beard. Everyone else trembled in fear at the sight of these two old men, but in the face of these three rowdy children¡¯s antics, the two men were not only not angry, but they evenughed heartily. It was evident how much control the three children had over the elders!

    Zhai Sheng was a truly stern father, but he spent too little time at home. If Qiao Nan were to be any less strict to these three children, there would really be no rules or boundaries for them. Qiao Nan was worried that her children would end up as the second, third, and fourth Qiao Zijin.

    With Qiao Zijin as an example right before their eyes, there was no way for Qiao Nan to loosen her reins on her children. Sometimes, Qiao Nan even worried that the elders were being too kind to the children to the point of spoiling them. As a mother, she was, unfortunately, the strictest. And because of that, she worried that the children might grow up to hate her or resent her.

    Today, the three children proved that not only did they not hate Qiao Nan, but they even loved her very much. She was their most beloved mother!

    No matter how smart the three children were, they were still adolescents. Thus, they naturally did not fully understand their mother¡¯s heart. But what they did understand was that their mother¡¯s love for them waspletely sincere and genuine.

    ¡°Dad, are you not going to do anything now that Mom¡¯s name has been smeared like that? You seem like quite a failure.¡± Er Bao was not willing to let it slide. Although they were still young and could not help, their father was already an adult, and even a chief! He was powerful! But why was it that he could not do anything when their mother faced such a problem?

    Er Bao could not do anything himself, but he wanted to encourage Zhai Sheng to get revenge for Qiao Nan. This young man¡¯s brain was especially flexible and creative.

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was driving. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng would definitely have knocked Er Bao on the head. He was already disying such bad behavior at such a young age. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This matter is still a little sensitive. I can¡¯t do anything when the time is not yet right. Do you think I¡¯ll let something bad happen to my own wife?¡± If he still needed the three children to teach him what to do in such a situation, he should just let the three children parent him instead.

    Er Bao huffed. That was just a nice way of putting it. This matter had already gone on for a few days, but he had not yet seen anyone taking control of the situation. Instead, they had just allowed the matter to develop. His father said that he knew what to do, so why was he not taking action? What was the use of just talking with no action? If they just relied on words, he could hoist his mother up into heaven. His words were much sweeter than his father¡¯s.

    That¡¯s right. Once he reached home, he would use his words to coax his mother to make her happy. At the very least, he would help lift his mother¡¯s spirits. He was not going to let such a matter get his mother down.

    With Zhai Sheng driving, he quickly reached home with the three children.

    When they alighted from the car, the three children did not hesitate to abandon their father who had been their driver. They rushed toward Qiao Nan, each loudly shouting ¡®mom¡¯.

    ¡°Mom, I haven¡¯t seen you in a week. I miss you so much! Mom, give me a hug!¡± San Bao was like a sparrow returning to its nest, rushing into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace with open arms and using her honey-sweet voice to butter up Qiao Nan. Fortunately, Qiao Nan did not suffer from diabetes. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would faint from just hearing San Bao¡¯s sweet talk.

    Holding her daughter¡¯s lean and growing body, Qiao Nan smiled sweetly. ¡°You¡¯re being so sweet the moment youe home. Did you get into trouble in school? Or did you score badly in an exam? Are you trying to put me in a good mood so that you won¡¯t be scolded?¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re looking down on me. I did very well in my exams!¡± San Bao was disgruntled. She took out her report card, showing this month¡¯s exam results for Qiao Nan to see. ¡°See, Mom, I¡¯m awesome, right? It¡¯s the seven-day National Day holiday. Mom, will I get a reward for scoring so well this time? I don¡¯t want Dad to bring me to y during this holiday. I want you to go with me.¡±

    Leaving the capital for a few days and not having the news haunting her, her mom¡¯s mood would definitely improve. And thus, she would no longer be so affected by this matter.

    On the way back home, San Bao had thought long and hard and had finally thought of a solution. The three children and Qiao Nan would go on a holiday together to heal her heart.

    ¡°But don¡¯t forget that you guys spent your birthdays in school this year. Don¡¯t you want to make up for it?¡± The three children were now in junior high school. On the day of their birthday, they were in school. Yesterday, Qiao Nan was unable to go to school to celebrate the three children¡¯s birthday. Now that the children were back, Qiao Nan wanted to make it up to them.

    Er Bao blinked and innocently sat beside Qiao Nan. ¡°Of course! Of course we¡¯ll have to make up for it. This year, our wish is for you to go on a holiday and have fun with us during National Day! Mom, I want to go to Xi An. I¡¯ve heard that there are many delicious snacks in Xi An, and I want to see the terracotta warriors!¡±

    ¡°Xi An? All right.¡± Da Bao nodded. He was rather interested in that ce too. But to tell the truth, he was willing to travel anywhere he had never been to. In particr, he wanted to see the terracotta warriors and experience for himself what was described so vividly in his textbooks.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± After the driver, Zhai Sheng, parked his car, he overheard this part of the conversation. ¡°Nan Nan, it¡¯s a good idea for you to go on a holiday with the three children.¡±

 Chapter 1584 - We Are Going Together

    <h4>Chapter 1584: We Are Going Together</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I will join you. It¡¯s been long since we went out as a family.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew that he was the reason that they didn¡¯t get to travel together. He worked hard for many years to be the youngest chief in the country, and he finally had some free time after achieving his goals. This would be the perfect chance to view the magnificent sceneries of his beloved nation.

    In a few years, the kids would have to focus on their academics, and there wouldn¡¯t be much time to travel. Their work and marriage would follow soon after, and Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng might be too old to have fun when the children were finally free.

    San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Dad, are you serious? Are you really joining us?¡± She had dreamed of this day since she was a child. The problem was that she could only meet her father a few times a year.

    To her surprise, her childhood dream was about to be fulfilled, and she couldn¡¯t contain her excitement.

    At this moment, San Bao was ready to cheer as long as Zhai Sheng nodded. This would be the best news that she¡¯d heard in a few days.

    Da Bao and Er Bao didn¡¯t say anything, but their curved lips reviewed their joy.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t disappoint. He had seen the anticipation in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. He loved his wife, and he wouldn¡¯t leave her hanging.

    Da Bao showed a bright smile for the first time today. ¡°What about grandma and grandpa?¡± They were spending less time with their grandparents after starting school. If they were to travel during the holidays, grandma and grandpa would be lonely. ¡°Dad, can we bring grandma and grandpa together with us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We should do that!¡± Er Bao agreed. It would be fun to travel as a family. ¡°We will have enough people to form a tour group if all seven of us travel together!¡±

    Miao Jing was interested in the n.

    Things were a mess in the capital as Qiao Zijin framed Qiao Nan. However, Zhai Yaohui and Qiao Nan told her to stay calm, and all Miao Jing could do was to suppress her anger. When she saw the gloat in the neighbors¡¯ eyes, Miao Jing could feel her blood boil.

    It was as if these neighbors wanted to watch the Zhai family fall. If Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were demoted because of the scandal, someone would have to rece them.

    In other words, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s failure would give others in the neighborhood a better shot at promotions. Although they pitied Qiao Nan for having a sister like Qiao Zijin, they were more than happy to watch the show. Most of them were secretly pushing their children to high positions.

    Miao Jing really couldn¡¯t bring herself to like these selfish neighbors. When they were in Ping Cheng, the atmosphere was way friendlier than the capital.

    That was why Miao Jing was interested in traveling with the family.

    The children rarely spent their holidays at home. Before Qiao Nan became the minister, she would take time to bring the kids overseas when she traveled to work. After finishing the job, Qiao Nan would let the kids participate in local events and enrich their lives.

    Miao Jing had not had the chance to travel other than business trips with Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Staying in the capital only makes my mood worse. We should free our minds.¡± Miao Jing raised her hands in concurrence.

    Seeing Miao Jing support whatever Da Bao said, Zhai Yaohui red at her. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll pass.¡± How could Miao Miao not bring him up when it was a family trip?

    ¡°Grandpa, join us!¡± San Bao knew that grandpa was the final target, and she wouldn¡¯t give up including the whole family. She shuffled to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side and grabbed onto his arm. ¡°Grandpa,e with us. If you don¡¯t join us, I won¡¯t get to see you for a week. What should I do if I miss you too much? Do you not love me anymore?¡±

    Although Elder Lin and Old Master Zhai had passed, San Bao had never forgotten about them. She knew that this trick would always work on the two of them.

    Grandpa was younger than the elders, but she figured that it would work the same.

    Just as she expected, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t win against his cute granddaughter. ¡°Alright, stop shaking my arm. Grandpa¡¯s bones are falling apart from this.¡± He had been trying to remain reserved all these years.

    Miao Jing knew that Zhai Yaohui wanted to go with them, but he needed the kids to appease him. ¡®How childish. Shouldn¡¯t he be the one coaxing the kids?¡¯

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t say her thoughts out loud; all she did was mocking her husband in her heart.

 Chapter 1585 - All Ready

    <h4>Chapter 1585: All Ready</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s settled then. This time, we¡¯ll go on a holiday as a family of seven!¡± San Bao jumped around in joy. Well, bad things happened often, but there would always be something to be happy about. Her mom was right. One could not always think negatively and had to look on the bright side of things too. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s hurry and get ready. Won¡¯t we be leaving tomorrow? Should we book ne tickets?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll book the ne tickets.¡± Zhai Sheng took over this task.

    Miao Jing patted her thigh. ¡°Great, you settle the tickets. I¡¯ll pack our luggage with Nan Nan.¡± It was still rather warm in October, so other than a few sets of clothes, they had to pack a few more things for the three children, such as flu medicine, just in case.

    Miao Jing and Qiao Nan had never thought of relying on the two men in the house to do something like packing their luggage. Thus, the responsibility of doing so fell on them.

    While folding clothes to pack into their luggage, Qiao Nan hesitated for a moment. ¡°My dad...¡± By that, she did not mean her father-inw Zhai Yaohui, but her biological father, Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang had been looking forward to the seven-day National Day holiday because the three children would be home, and he would finally be able to spend some time with his grandchildren.

    In the past, even if Qiao Nan did not mention it, she had always counted Qiao Dongliang as part of their ¡®family¡¯ due to the three children¡¯s filial piety. But they had recently found out from their paternal grandmother that such a good grandfather had made a horrible mistake in the past and treated their mother so badly. The three children had not had enough time to calm down and smooth out their thoughts and emotions. If they did not smooth it out, there would be resentment in their hearts forever.

    Many children enter their teenage rebellion period after entering junior high school. The three children were just unable to handle theirplex feelings in a mature manner and thus threw a small tantrum by ignoring their grandpa, Qiao Dongliang. Inparison to other children, the three children saved their parents a lot of worries.

    But even if the three children refused to mention him, Qiao Nan could not do the same.

    Miao Jing did not stop midway through what she was doing. She had already known that Qiao Nan was a softhearted child. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s actions had not been as outrageous as Ding Jiayi¡¯s or Qiao Zijin¡¯s. Hence, she was not at all surprised that Nan Nan would mention Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to Zhai Sheng and asked him to purchase an extra ticket. Hurry and make a call to your dad. Tell him to pack some clothes. He doesn¡¯t need to bring anything else. We¡¯ll have more than enough.¡±

    Well, due to Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s shameless actions, Miao Jing¡¯s feelings toward Qiao Dongliang, which had already been mixed to begin with, became even moreplicated.

    One was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife, and the other was his elder daughter.

    These two heartless women had such a close rtionship with Qiao Dongliang. As such, Qiao Dongliang had to take responsibility for their brazen and shameless actions. It was because Qiao Dongliang had not reined in his wife and child that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had grown into what they were today.

    But they all lived in the same house under the same roof. Qiao Dongliang had not been influenced by these two people and taken part in taking down Qiao Nan. Instead, he clearly had his own limits. With such a contrast, Miao Jing¡¯s resentment toward Qiao Dongliang lessened.

    There was no choice since there was no top-notch stuff in the Qiao family. Only one was rtively better!

    Qiao Dongliang, who only looked good whenparing with the others of the Qiao family, was a coward. But at least, he was still useful. Miao Jing herself could not leave her grandchildren. She understood the importance of the three children to Qiao Dongliang, as well as how much he loved them. If they were all to go on a holiday but leave Qiao Dongliang out, he was sure to feel lonely.

    But most importantly, Miao Jing had done her calctions.

    There was really no saving Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. But if the whole Zhai family were to go on a holiday and leave Qiao Dongliang behind alone, in these seven days, Qiao Zijin might find Qiao Dongliang and beg for mercy, even bringing Ding Jiayi along. Then, the three of them might band together even closer than before and conspire to take Nan Nan down. If that were to happen, Nan Nan would be too pitiful.

    People¡¯s emotions were fragile, and so were people¡¯s hearts.

    Anyway, she would never leave such an opportunity for Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi to take advantage of, so as to prevent them from pulling Qiao Dongliang over to their side again. For Nan Nan¡¯s sake, she would rather just fork out more money and bring Qiao Dongliang along with them on their holiday. That would let Qiao Dongliang realize that the only one who was good to him in the Qiao family was Nan Nan alone.

    She had to help Nan Nan hold on to their ¡®ally¡¯, Qiao Dongliang, firmly.

    To give up small profits to makerger ones¡ªMiao Jing understood this principle. She would not ruin herrger n just because of a moment of anger. If one failed to contain their anger at this moment, they would ruin the overall n in the long run.

    ¡°Thanks, Mom.¡± Hearing Miao Jing¡¯s words made Qiao Nan sigh in relief. She had not expected that her mother-inw had already thought about this and had even asked Zhai Sheng to prepare her father¡¯s ticket without her even having said a thing. ¡°I¡¯ll call my dad now.¡± Qiao Nan did not dawdle as she worried that Qiao Dongliang would have no time to get ready.

    Qiao Dongliang had been rather surprised to receive this phone call. Seeing Qiao Zijin kicking up a fuss every day, he knew that Qiao Zijin was doing it just to harm Qiao Nan. But other than publicly dering that he had disowned Qiao Zijin as his daughter, he had done nothing, mainly because he did not know what to do. Every time he saw a news report regarding Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang felt deeply apologetic toward Qiao Nan. This guilt built up so much so that Qiao Dongliang was too ashamed to even take the initiative to contact Qiao Nan.

    As much as Qiao Dongliang missed the three children, he dared not approach the Zhai family.

    When he saw that the call was from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had been afraid that Qiao Nan was calling to scold him. But it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise! Qiao Dongliang almost suspected that he was hallucinating. ¡°You¡¯re bringing me on a holiday? Me?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Brother Zhai has already purchased your ne ticket. It¡¯s for tomorrow. So hurry and pack a few sets of clothes. We¡¯ll prepare the rest. I¡¯ll get Brother Zhai to pick you up tomorrow morning, and we¡¯ll set off together from the Zhai family¡¯s house. Is that all right?¡±

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no need.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice was shaky, and his eyes expressed his surprise. ¡°That¡¯ll be too troublesome. The capital is so busy, especially with so many cars around. I¡¯ll hail a cab myself and meet you at the Zhai family¡¯s house. There¡¯s no need to trouble Zhai Sheng toe over specially to pick me up. I¡¯ll go pack my clothes now.¡±

    Yesterday, he had still been sad about how he would not be able to see the three children over these seven days of the National Day holiday. But the next moment, Qiao Dongliang was being lifted from hell to heaven. He was as happy as ark and could not wait to finish packing at the fastest possible speed.

    ¡°All right, go pack your clothes. We¡¯re still not done. You should know that there are quite a lot of things to prepare when going on holiday with three children.¡± She could tell that Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed, but Qiao Nan did not have anything much to say.

 Chapter 1586 - A Wealthy Elder

    <h4>Chapter 1586: A Wealthy Elder</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Right, the children have more to prepare, so don¡¯t miss anything. I will take care of myself. Just look after the kids. Bye.¡± Qiao Dongliang dashed into his room and grabbed a few sets of clothes. He didn¡¯t need a suitcase as he stuffed everything into a hiking bag.

    To a man, traveling is as simple as that!

    Although the trip was ast-minute call, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were quick to pack, gathering the essentials within an hour. In the remaining time, they thought about every possible situation to avoid missing out on anything important.

    ¡°What? Did Zhai Sheng order tickets to Xi An? How many of them?¡± The news dumbfounded Peng Yu. Qiao Nan was in trouble, but Zhai Sheng still had the mood to travel with the entire family. What the hell was going on?

    He didn¡¯t believe that Zhai Sheng had given up on Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng would never do that.

    ¡°Eight of them.¡±

    ¡°Eight?¡± Peng Yu did his maths. ¡°Old Master Zhai is gone, so shouldn¡¯t there be seven of them? Are they taking Qiao Dongliang with them?¡±

    After Ding Jiayi arrived in the capital, Qiao Nan would only meet her every month to pass her an allowance. She had never met the Zhai family, and the three kids had no idea that they had a grandma living in the capital. Therefore, the extra ticket wouldn¡¯t be for Ding Jiayi.

    If Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t join the fun, there was no way that Qiao Zijin would be invited. The only one left that could have such privilege was Qiao Dongliang. ¡°How generous of him. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to protect Qiao Nan from her family? Why is he so nice to Qiao Dongliang?¡±

    Shouldn¡¯t he hate the man who allowed Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to gang up on Qiao Nan?

    Shouldn¡¯t he hold onto his principles?

    If the Zhai family distanced themselves from everyone in the Qiao family, it would have added fuel to the me. Qiao Nan would be in a worse situation as a result.

    Peng Yu was disappointed that Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t on the side of his wife and older daughter, for it would be a great help to his master n. Why did Qiao Dongliang have to be the special one?

    Now that Qiao Dongliang was traveling with the Zhai family, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have the support from her father for sure. When Peng Yu thought about Ding Jiayi, his head ached in annoyance. That woman was not only nasty to Qiao Nan, but she also treated others just the same. She had the guts to ask for a fortune from everyone. Maybe she was wittier than Qiao Zijin by a little, but her stupidity was immeasurable.

    Did she think that money was something so easily obtained?

    Peng Yu¡¯s thoughts couldn¡¯t stop the Zhai family from their travel ns. The next morning, Qiao Dongliang took a taxi to the Zhai family enthusiastically. Miao Jing had told the kids that he wasing, so the children weren¡¯t surprised to see him.

    They would be delighted to see Qiao Dongliang in the past. Now, their smiles to him were a little forced.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t overthink it. He figured that the kids were simply sleep-deprived due to the early flight.

    Despite the children¡¯s awkward expressions, Qiao Dongliang had his spirits high. Alongside the one-sided excitement from Qiao Dongliang, the eight of them headed for the airport.

    ¡°What? My dad is traveling with the Zhai family?¡± When Qiao Zijin received the news, Qiao Dongliang was already on his flight to Xi An. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you inform me earlier? If I knew it, they wouldn¡¯t dream of getting on the ne. It would be the perfect chance to show everyone that Qiao Nan is biased against my mom and me!¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were crimson red. She didn¡¯t expect that Qiao Nan turned out to be doing fine. She had caused such chaos, but Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even give her a call.

    The begging for forgiveness that Qiao Zijin imagined from Qiao Nan never happened. In fact, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even bother threatening her. All the harsh replies that Qiao Zijin had prepared had no ce to be used.

    When she was married to Zhou Zheng, she would receive a monthly allowance from him. However, that money was barely enough for her to buy clothes. Things like traveling were too costly for her, so she could only tag along when the Zhou family was to travel.

    After giving birth to Zhou Ying, the elders put all their attention on the baby girl, and they wouldn¡¯t leave her side. Since Zhou Zheng¡¯s mother didn¡¯t want to leave her granddaughter, traveling became impossible for Qiao Zijin, who had no earning.

    She knew that Qiao Nan was only traveling to another city, but she was still envious that Qiao Nan had such good inws. The Zhai family must be rich to bring her father along.

    If the Zhai family didn¡¯t mind spending on the Qiao family, was it that big of a deal to give her a house to stay and issue her some allowance? Why did they have to be so stingy? She had also heard that Qiao Nan had loads of money that she inherited from Elder Lin.

    Qiao Zijin only found out recently that the master of Qiao Nan years ago helped Qiao Nan make a living and raised her status. Most importantly, that old man was a mogul with tons of money.

 Chapter 1587 - Fighting Back

    <h4>Chapter 1587: Fighting Back</h4>

    A person like this who was childless had willed everything to Qiao Nan before his death.

    What she was spending was not Qiao Nan¡¯s hard-earned money. Whatever Qiao Nan gave her was that dead old man¡¯s money. Even so, Qiao Nan refused. She was so stingy!

    ¡°Even if you had known earlier, you wouldn¡¯t have been able to do anything.¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not believe it and grabbed onto the phone in her hand ever tighter. ¡°How would you know I can¡¯t do it when I haven¡¯t even tried? Even if I can¡¯t, there will definitely be someone who can. Those people you lent me aren¡¯t good-for-nothings. Aren¡¯t they good at writing? As long as you give them a photo, they will be able toe up with a great story. Thinking about it now, the articles that theye up with should be even more exciting and interesting than those that they have written in the past. Don¡¯t you think so? You and I are both clear about what kind of status Qiao Nan¡¯s father-inw holds. If we bring the Zhai family into the picture, this piece of news will be explosive and will attract even more attention so that Qiao Nan will have no choice but to bow to public pressure and beg me for mercy.¡±

    Up until now, Qiao Zijin still had no idea who was silently helping her. After all, they had alwaysmunicated with each other through phone calls. She had already asked to meet this person face-to-face several times, but every time, the other party would refuse. Even though Qiao Zijin expressed that she was willing to hand over a portion of whatever she gained from Qiao Nan through this once this n was sessful, the other party was adamant about not meeting her.

    Qiao Zijin could not understand that. Were there really people who thought that they had too much money? How could the other party not be moved in the face of such a huge benefit? Even if she stood to gain from this, Qiao Zijin felt that there was something off about this.

    ¡°Hehe.¡± The voice on the other end of the call sneered. ¡°Invisibility is frightening. It¡¯s good to have brains. You should have some yourself. You know well what kind of status that Zhai guy has and you still have such a naive thought? With the Zhai family¡¯s contributions to the country, unless the men in the Zhai family really betray the party or the country, ormit treason, there¡¯s no way the country will give a hoot about these small family disputes even if you air them publicly. Do you really want to seek your own death by singling out one of the country¡¯s chief and a former chief?¡±

    Whoever dared to use Qiao Nan¡¯s matter to drag Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng down was in foolish.

    In China, things can be eaten carelessly, but words cannot be spoken carelessly. Even though citizens had the right to the freedom of speech, every adult and legal citizen had to take responsibility for whatever they said. If something went wrong and she identally maligned a leader of the country, she could be charged and would be sent to jail for the rest of her life.

    ¡°I-is it that serious?¡± Death? Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice faltered. ¡°Are you deliberately trying to scare me? I didn¡¯t kill anyone, and neither did I rob or ckmail anyone.¡± At the very most, she had said some things about them. Was it really that serious?

    ¡°It is that serious.¡± If Qiao Zijin had not been the one to direct this entire show, Peng Yu would not even bother with this fool that was Qiao Zijin. No wonder they were sisters. Qiao Nan had already be the minister of foreign affairs, but Qiao Zijin could only reach her hand out to ask for money. Qiao Zijin¡¯s fatal error was ying the game too early. Was that not a waste of his painstaking efforts to arrange everything and all the money he had thrown in?

    ¡°You can make a little trouble at the very most because you are her elder sister. But in the Zhai family, you can¡¯t afford to offend Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng in your entire life. Don¡¯t create trouble for yourself. If you get on the wrong side of the men of the Zhai family, I¡¯ll have to apologize because even I won¡¯t be able to help you.¡± So, be smart.

    Qiao Zijin was so frightened that her throat was hoarse. ¡°Oh... You won¡¯t leave me in the lurch, right? I¡¯ve done everything because of Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan is the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, so offending Qiao Nan is no different from offending the Zhai family. Are you here to help me or to harm me?¡± She did not know that offending the Zhai family would bring about such dire consequences.

    They lived in a civil society. She had notmitted any crimes. Why would the Zhai family be so harsh toward her and force her toward death?

    ¡°...¡± Peng Yu rolled his eyes rapidly. Had Qiao Zijin left her IQ in her mother¡¯s stomach when she was born? Had she not heard what he said? Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were talents that the state viewed highly. As chiefs, this pair of father and son held superior positions within the country. They were core leaders of the nation. If it was really true, it would be quite difficult to handle it. Not to mention how Qiao Zijin talked about Qiao Nan being the person she was targeting.

    What Qiao Nan did at most was being unfilial and immoral, but it was nothing that was restricted by thew. She could only use discussion and public opinions to suppress Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had not broken thew, and much less Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    Spilling dirt on national leaders and ruining their images in the people¡¯s minds was undermining the status of the nation¡¯s leaders. It was a great crime that sought to destabilize the country!

    Qiao Zijin was truly lion-hearted and dauntless to be digging out dirt on these important figures. If it were him, he would never do that. Going anonymous gave a person courage, but it did not mean that he would be innocent no matter what he did.

    ¡°If you continue speaking like this, I think that there¡¯s no need for us to continue working with each other. You have to remember that you have nothing to do with Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng. They are important military figures. Do you think that it¡¯s not serious to falsely use these important military figures?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face paled and beads of cold sweat started forming on her forehead. ¡°But I¡¯m their rtive! Zhai Sheng has seen me before and he even addressed me as his elder sister! I¡¯m his sister-inw!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re only the Zhai family¡¯s rtive and Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister-inw if they acknowledge you. But the question is do they actually acknowledge you as a rtive? Do you think you can just call yourself their rtive because you want to? If it was that simple, did you still have to do all these things? Don¡¯t say such silly things. Your behavior will just make me think that I¡¯m stupid for helping you!¡±

    Peng Yu took a deep breath. Perhaps, working with Qiao Zijin was the worst decision he had ever made. With such a coborator, he was afraid that Qiao Zijin would not even seed in bringing Qiao Nan down. Worse still, he might even get so angry at Qiao Zijin that he might get sent to the hospital.

    If one did not have a strong physique, it was best not to interact with Qiao Zijin at all. Otherwise, one was sure to be sent to the hospital after talking to her.

    ¡°Then, what shall I do?¡± The dazed Qiao Zijin asked another stupid question.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to do. You haven¡¯t dragged the Zhai family in anyway. Just attack Qiao Nan alone. Based on your kinship with Qiao Nan, and as long as you don¡¯t implicate anyone else, especially the Zhai family, you can rest assured. Whatever I said earlier won¡¯t happen to you if you follow what I say.¡±

 Chapter 1588 - Still a Fool

    <h4>Chapter 1588: Still a Fool</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Now you understand how much fate there was for the stars to have aligned to have the right time and ce for you and Qiao Nan to have been born to the same mother.¡±

    Initially, Peng Yu had thought that he would be the right person who would help Qiao Zijin defeat Qiao Nan. In that way, Qiao Zijin would have all three aspects: the right ce, time, and person. Then, he could only say that Qiao Nan was unlucky. But after what had just happened, Peng Yu no longer had such naive thoughts. Perhaps he could be Qiao Zijin¡¯s right person, but conversely, Qiao Zijin would definitely not be of much help to him.

    After hanging up the phone, Peng Yu knocked his forehead. ¡°You haven¡¯t settled this nicely this time. Before doing anything, I should have gained a good understanding of how Qiao Zijin is as a person and what kind of temper she has. If it was anyone else, or if we used a different method to expose this, the effect could have been much better.¡±

    Peng Yu had a vague premonition that it would not be a w in his ns that would lead to the failure of his ns to not be able to bring down Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, Qiao Nan. The greatest mistake he had made was to pick Qiao Zijin as his coborator.

    To have Peng Yu have such thoughts toward Qiao Zijin, one could only imagine how foolish Qiao Zijin had been in front of Peng Yu.

    Chen Jun had been far away in Ping Cheng but had always been paying close attention to what was going on in the capital. After learning of these events, he felt thankful on more than one asion that he had not gotten back together with Qiao Zijin after all. The only reason why he had reconciled with Qiao Zijin was that he had wasted so much of his money on her while he was younger but had never gained anything from it. As such, he deliberately yed along with Qiao Zijin. He had never expected that it was such a good decision not to get back together with her.

    Over ten years ago, Qiao Zijin had been a fool. Ten yearster, Qiao Zijin had grown crow¡¯s eyes and wrinkles, but her intelligence had not grown. In fact, her IQ had probably regressed too. If he had married a woman like Qiao Zijin, he would probably die early from needing to worry about a wife like that.

    Fortunately, he had gotten rid of this burden long ago. More than ten years ago, in fact. Now, Chen Jun no longer felt sorry for his unrequited investment on Qiao Zijin. He was only thankful that he was decisive. Abandoning her was probably the best thing he had done.

    Qiao Nan and her family practically spent the entire seven days of the National Day holiday outside. Only on the night of the sixth did the Zhai family and Qiao Dongliang return to the capital with tiredness and joy.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote. I¡¯ll get auntie to make up the guest room. Inw, why don¡¯t you rest here for the night and go home tomorrow?¡± It was already nine o¡¯clock in the night by the time they reached home. Miao Jing rubbed her shoulders. She had indeed grown old. When she had flown around all the time in the past, she had never felt sore. But she could not do that anymore.

    It was always difficult to get tickets for all kinds of transportation during the National Day holidays, just like during the Lunar New Year. Just thinking about it made Miao Jing tired. Perhaps, the biggest mistake they made this time was not that they had continued to y at their advanced age, but rather, going on a holiday during the National Day period. There were so many Chinese!

    Qiao Dongliang put down the things of the three children and smiled politely. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. It¡¯s only nine. It won¡¯t even be ten by the time I get home. I¡¯ll take my leave first. I won¡¯t bother you any further.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that the Zhai family did not really ept him as their inw. It was not that he did not know the reason. It was because he felt too ashamed to recall the past.

    As such, other than standing in front of the three children as their grandfather, Qiao Dongliang was too ashamed to face the Zhai family. He was afraid that others would mock him for being too shameless.

    ¡°Dad, auntie has already made up the room. Even if you¡¯re not used to it, why don¡¯t you just stay the night? I won¡¯t stop you from leaving tomorrow.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. After a few days of being away, she guessed that the house would be all dusty. The nkets had not been aired either. It would be ufortable to sleep with a damp nket. If her father slept over at the Zhai family¡¯s house for a night and returned home the next day, he could then air the nkets and clean up the house during the day so that he could sleepfortably at night.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, grandpa. It¡¯s already sote. Don¡¯t leave. I¡¯m tired.¡± San Bao yawned. Because of this trip, San Bao was starting to treat her grandfather, Qiao Dongliang, just like she did before. It was totally unlike her behavior just a week earlier, when her expression had been cold upon seeing Qiao Dongliang. ¡°If you don¡¯t agree to it, I won¡¯t be able to sleep in peace.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, just stay the night.¡± Da Bao¡¯s words carried more weight than San Bao¡¯s. Once Da Bao said that, Qiao Dongliang could not help but nod his head while looking at that face which bore an uncanny resemnce to his son-inw. It was as though Qiao Dongliang was still in the army and had just met his officer. He had no choice but to follow his superior¡¯s orders.

    The moment Qiao Dongliang agreed, San Bao smiled. ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯ll go wash up first. I¡¯m really sleepy and tired. Goodnight, grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, grandpa.¡± The three children were too sleepy, and one by one, they all yawned and stretched while walking back to their own rooms. Before the three children graduated from primary school, while they were still in grade five, Qian Nan had arranged for the three children to sleep in separate rooms.

    So right now, San Bao slept in a room, while Er Bao and Da Bao shared a room. Initially, San Bao had not been used to having a room to herself and had thrown a small tantrum. Thankfully, with Qiao Nanforting her, she slowly got used to it in under a week¡¯s time.

    ¡°Dad, although it¡¯s already nine o¡¯clock, I think it¡¯s better for us to eat something before we sleep.¡± The moment Qiao Nannded in the capital, she made a call home and asked the auntie to prepare an easily digestible supper, something like nutritious porridge.

    At such ate hour, the auntie could not cook aplicated porridge, but she was still capable of cooking an easier dish like porridge with lean pork and century eggs. By now, the porridge had been cooked such that the grains were soft and mushy. Even if one drank an entire bowl of porridge, there would probably be nothing left in their stomach once they went to the bathroom.

    ¡°Fine.¡± It was his first time staying over at the Zhai family¡¯s house and Qiao Dongliang was not used to it. Therefore, whatever Qiao Nan told him to do, he would do it so as to not create any trouble for Qiao Nan. After quickly drinking his porridge and finding out where his room was, Qiao Dongliang carried his backpack into the room, washed up, and went to bed.

    In reality, Qiao Dongliang himself was deadbeat. Qiao Nan¡¯s decision to let him stay over had made it much easier on Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang suspected that if he were to return home, he might have fallen asleep once he got on the car. When he arrived home, the cost of the ride would really depend on the conscience of the driver.

    Zhai Sheng allowed Qiao Nan to take her bath first. When he stepped out after his bath, he saw Qiao Nan sitting in front of her desk writing something, with her hair still dripping wet. ¡°Why don¡¯t you dry your hair?¡± The water dripping down from her hair was about to soak through her clothes.

 Chapter 1589 - Father-In-Lawâ€™s Move

    <h4>Chapter 1589: Father-In-Law¡¯s Move</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The weather is not cold yet, but it¡¯s still bad for your body to sleep without drying your hair,¡± Zhai Sheng said as he picked up a dry towel and helped Qiao Nan dry her hair.

    Qiao Nan did not even raise her head. She could not care less. ¡°Even though my hair is long, it dries quite quickly. Just let it drip for a while longer. In less than half an hour, the ends of my hair will definitely be dry. I¡¯ll be able to sleep then. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°What are you writing?¡± Zhai Sheng did not argue with Qiao Nan. Since he was at home today, he could help Qiao Nan dry her hair. Normally, Qiao Nan would not even shower sote at night, and neither would she be so tired that she would want to lie down on the bed immediately after her bath to sleep for twelve hours. Today was an exceptional situation.

    ¡°Nothing much. I¡¯m just recording how much we spent on this trip.¡± Qiao Nan closed the ounts book. This had been a habit from her previous lifetime that she had brought over into this one. Even if she no longer counted every single cent carefully and pinched pennies to get by like in her previous lifetime, Qiao Nan felt that it was necessary to have an ounts book like this to keep track of her monthly expenses.

    ¡°All right, since you¡¯ve finished recording it, let¡¯s go to sleep.¡± Seeing Qiao Nan close the book, Zhai Sheng did not hesitate to carry Qiao Nan onto the bed. ¡°It¡¯s already veryte. Hurry and go to sleep.¡± Zhai Sheng kissed Qiao Nan on the eyes and hugged her within his embrace.

    Qiao Nan hugged Zhai Sheng¡¯s slender waist. ¡°You¡¯re being so obedient today.¡± Was he not going to bother her?

    Zhai Sheng inhaled sharply and gave a hard p on Qiao Nan¡¯s buttocks. ¡°Since you know the situation I¡¯m in, don¡¯t provoke me. Even though you don¡¯t need to go to work tomorrow, we¡¯ve had a long day aftering back from our holiday. Rest well. We still have all the time in the world.¡±

    Although Qiao Nan had just taken a p on her buttocks, she was not angry. Instead, she chuckled stiffly. With a father like Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan had never experienced the mostmon love a daughter received from her father, let alone being treated like a princess. After being together with Chen Jun, Qiao Nan slowly understood how it felt like to be taken care of and loved by someone.

    But after getting married to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan finally understood how it felt to be treated like a princess. If her hair was dripping wet, there would be someone to dry it for her. If she got hurt and bled, Zhai Sheng would be even more concerned than her. Just like now, although Zhai Sheng clearly wanted it, he knew that her physique was not the best and that the trip had drained herpletely of all her energy. As such, he knew that she would need a good rest.

    Zhai Sheng, who was always ferocious and domineering in bed, controlled his urges so as to let her sleep well. It felt so good to be pampered like a princess.

    Qiao Nan smiled, and the next moment, she was already asleep.

    Feeling that delicate body in his arms that was not only soft but also fragrant and attractive, Zhai Shengughed bitterly before hugging Qiao Nan even closer. After reciting the military code of conduct in his heart, he finally fell asleep.

    That night, everyone had gone to bed early and woken upte the next morning. Thus, everyone was full of energy. Even Qiao Dongliang had forgotten that he was in the Zhai family¡¯s house instead of his own, and had slept sofortably that he only got up at eight o¡¯clock the next day.

    Seeing that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had already finished their breakfasts, Qiao Dongliang was extremely embarrassed.

    Zhai Yaohui waved Qiao Dongliang over. ¡°Hurry over and have your breakfast. You have enough rest, but your stomach is probably growling.¡±

    ¡°Okay, chief.¡± In front of Zhai Yaohui, Qiao Dongliang was not only stiff but also nervous. While he was still a soldier, the chief whom he had never had the fate to meet turned out to be his inw! Now, they were even sitting at the same table to have a meal together! This was like a dreame true for Qiao Dongliang.

    However, when Qiao Dongliang thought about how this honor was all due to his younger daughter, but his younger daughter had never relied on him after getting married, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mood sank again.

    Zhai Yaohui pushed the soymilk in front of Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Let bygones be bygones. It¡¯s not that the past isn¡¯t important, but if you feel apologetic toward Nan Nan, then even more so, you should seize the present and future to protect your daughter. It¡¯s never toote as long as you¡¯re still alive.¡±

    Instead of sitting here and sighing with a guilty expression, he might as well do something more practical to protect his child. Zhai Yaohui was used to the iron-blooded military style of handling things. There was no use just ¡®thinking¡¯. One had to ¡®do¡¯ it. Qiao Dongliang was just wasting his time and life by wallowing in shame and misery.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s lips twitched. No wonder Qiao Dongliang had left the army so easily after having a second child. If Qiao Dongliang had been a good soldier, his superior would never have agreed to it. His superior would even have persuaded him to stay, or given him a solution to this problem.

    But Qiao Dongliang leaving with such ease said a lot about his mediocre performance within the army. On the ount of their rtionship, no one had said anything while he was still in the army. But they were probably over the moon when Qiao Dongliang decided to leave the army on his own ord.

    In this way, Qiao Dongliang was neither a good soldier nor a good father. So up until today, what was the only thing that Qiao Dongliang had done well?

    ¡°Yes, old chief, you¡¯re right.¡± Qiao Dongliang sat upright, just like a young child being disciplined by his teacher. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, old chief. I¡¯ll try my best to help Nan Nan in this situation. Zijin cannot be saved, but I will never let Zijin ruin Nan Nan.¡±

    As for how he was going to do it, Qiao Dongliang was going to have to think carefully about it once he returned home. He had to find a way to win with just one move so that all these news reports could no longer develop, and Qiao Zijin could no longer continue with her antics.

    This matter had been going on for almost half a month. Qiao Dongliang felt that it was time to put an end to it.

    Qiao Dongliang had yet to think of a good solution. The moment Zhai Yaohui returned home, he received a piece of news and immediately told Qiao Nan that the time hade. It was said that the public was foolish and easy influenced and cheated. The truth was usually unexpected.

    As such, even though they held the real truth in their hands, Zhai Yaohui had not asked Qiao Nan to prove her innocence right away. If she did so, someone might take that opportunity to use her of having a guilty conscience. Otherwise, if she were truly innocent, Qiao Nan would not even need toe out and try to clear her name.

    After the matter had gone on for a while, many people had already released their pent-up emotions and were rtively calmer. They would naturally follow when Qiao Nan released the truth of the matter.

 Chapter 1590 - Canâ€™t Afford To Have SuChapter Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 1590: Can¡¯t Afford To Have Such Rtives</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Qiao Nan did not do anything else. All she did was to upload a recording on the tform on which she had beenmbasted.

    Half a month ago, people in the capital may not have recognized the voices of the two women in the recording. But now, once they opened the file, the majority of the public immediately recognized that arrogant voice. It belonged to the sister of a certain minister who had been sshed all over the headlines recently: Qiao Zijin.

    After listening to the contents of the recording, anyone with a brain could guess that the other one with a crisp and clear voice belonged to the main person embroiled in this scandal, that minister herself!

    After identifying the two main characters in the recording, everyone who discovered this uploaded recording and clicked on it to listen could not help but hold their breaths, reduce the ambient noises, and perk up their ears to listen.

    Once they finished listening to the recording in its entirety, many people were stunned. Was that really the truth of the matter?

    It could not be denied that the 21st century was the era of the inte. After this other truth surfaced, many people started to regret, worry, and even hesitate. With two truths, which one was the real truth?

    And so, there quickly emerged a whole range of keyboard warriors and ¡®analysts¡¯ who tried to determine the veracity of this recording. Very quickly, professionals determined that the recording was indeedplete. He could not tell if anyone had edited the start and end of the recording out, but he could confirm that the entire recording had not been pieced together or edited otherwise. This was because the voice tones of the two people had been the same throughout the whole recording. This showed that the voices had not been altered.

    As for the analysts, they based their analysis solely on the content of the recording, as well as whatever Qiao Zijin had publicly announced to the media in this past month.

    The analysts expressed that Qiao Zijin did not look her age. As for Qiao Nan, she was not only of age but also had the ability to work, and was even far from the age of retirement. Which abled adults with no fixed source of ie would not want to find a stable job to support themselves? Would they really use their own sister of ignoring them now that their sister had be rich?

    If Qiao Zijin was not looking to glean anything off her sister¡¯s fame, why would it be a problem for Qiao Zijin if her sister looked down on someone else? Sometimes, it was better if one was not too proud. After all, there would always be a difference between people. The younger sister was a minister, but no one had ever mentioned what the elder sister was. With such a difference in their social statuses, was it bad for the younger sister to be a little proud?

    Moreover, up until now, there was no evidence to prove that that certain minister¡¯s haughty behavior toward Qiao Zijin was due to her disdain for Qiao Zijin. Could it really be that their rtionship was poor solely because of the difference in their statuses? No, such discords between rtives were usually due to money.

    That certain minister had married well and had a good job. Even if she needed money, she would never have asked for money from Qiao Zijin. Conversely, Qiao Zijin, who had been making a fuss for the past half a month, did not look like she was at the age of retirement, yet she was not working. From this, it was easy to tell that Qiao Zijin was the one who needed money.

    The results of this analysis were hugely supported by the recording.

    Anyone who had ears to listen could tell that Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone in the recording was not only haughty, but she had even shamelessly opened her mouth and made ridiculous demands of her own biological younger sister. Not only had she asked for her sister to provide a living space for her free of charge, but it even had to be arge one, hinting at wanting to live in a vi.

    Hahaha!

    Where was this? This was the capital! Even renting a basement apartment cost a few hundred yuan a month! She wanted to live on other¡¯s expenses, and she even wanted arge space that was quiet, best if it was a vi. How could she be so shameless?

    They were only sisters, not mother and daughter. Even if they were really mother and daughter, children had no right to make such unreasonable demands toward their parents and force their parents to satisfy them. Simrly, parents should not make such ridiculous and inhumane demands toward their children either.

    If everyone did so, the world would be in chaos. How many people in the world were like Qiao Zijin and had rtives who were able to fulfill such requests? One had to be all sorts of rich to dare to even call Qiao Zijin their sister. Was Qiao Zijin made of gold? Or would they be able to live longer if they were to acknowledge Qiao Zijin as their sister?

    Otherwise, why did the elder sister not need to take care of the younger sister? Quite the contrary, it was the younger sister who had to support the elder sister and fulfill her demands?

    They really wanted to curse and swear. One must have umted bad luck over ten lifetimes to have such an elder sister.

    It was enough that she had hinted at wanting to live in a vi, but Qiao Zijin had still been so casual and gave off an air that said ¡®it¡¯s only because I think highly of you that I¡¯m taking your money¡¯. It was as though Qiao Zijin thought that giving her four or five thousand yuan a month was giving her sister a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bless her. ¡®I¡¯m not taking more from you because I¡¯m not greedy as an elder sister. I¡¯m not taking more because I¡¯m the best sister in the world.¡¯

    The analyst wanted tough out loud. It was true that four or five thousand yuan was not arge sum in the capital. But the problem was that looking at one¡¯s sry alone, four or five thousand was not considered small either. But, and this was the biggest but. She wanted it for free! Free!

    As an elder sister, she was taking money from her younger sister with an attitude as though she deserved it. Was this really a thing?

    If this was considered normal, and that certain minister did not refuse such a ridiculous request, everyone with siblings did not even need to think about living anymore.

    What? Did you say that the minister was rich and the ordinary person was not, so it would be all right for the minister to spare them some? After all, no matter how ridiculous Qiao Zijin¡¯s demands were, this was just a small change to that minister.

    Hahaha!

    Even if that minister had chanced upon a windfall, it was normal for her to support her parents. But was it really her duty to support her sister and her niece? If Qiao Zijin was paraplegic, blind, or bedridden, and had no way of providing for herself, then perhaps you could say that.

    But even if one had too much money, they should never spend it on someone who was able-bodied and was not disabled in any way, and was evenzing around at home. If you were in her ce, would you agree to it? Then, that would be good news for all the elder siblings out there. They did not need to study or work anymore. They did not need to worry about their future because there would be someone who would provide for them!

    It would be all right even if there was no vi. They could just squeeze together under the same roof.

 Chapter 1591 - There Was a Recording

    <h4>Chapter 1591: There Was a Recording</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even if they couldn¡¯t afford thousands, a few hundred would do too!

    Other than the ones who were the only child in the family, most keyboard warriors stopped the framing.

    In fact, even without the analysis, most people sided with Qiao Nan after hearing the recording. After all, not everyone lived like parasites like Qiao Zijin. Most worked hard just like Qiao Nan to make a living for themselves.

    No one would be willing to spend their hard-earned money on someone who drained them like a leech. It just didn¡¯t work that way!

    It was understood that the news of the minister abandoning her family was fake. It was Qiao Zijin, who was greedy andzy, that tried to achieve her goals by making up a story!

    Crap!

    The minister was sabotaged by her sister, but she endured the distress to this day. Recalling the scene that Qiao Zijin had made in two weeks, everyone grew empathetic toward Qiao Nan.

    Being a minister sounded like a glorious job, but it must be miserable to have a sister like this. Compared to Qiao Nan, being an ordinary citizen seemed better as there wouldn¡¯t be such concerns.

    Anyhow, the recording proved that Qiao Zijin was the one making things up, and not Qiao Nan.

    People started to be wise after the fact, arguing that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have be the minister if she had such an indecent character. The country wouldn¡¯t have allowed that to happen.

    The taxpayers despised Qiao Nan for condemning her family after seeding. Now that the cover was blown, they turned their hatred to Qiao Zijin, who could no longer run the show.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s recording was proved its validity, and Qiao Zijin became the one at fault. Earlier, some publishers had been posting aggressive articles against Qiao Nan without investigating the truth. That also resulted in a loss of Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation and the honor of the governors.

    Amongst the publishers, the authority picked the most active ones to issue rtive punishments. The government always had ways to deal with such deceptive publications; they were just waiting for the evidence to dere the judgment. After all, they couldn¡¯t shut a publisher down by their likings.

    Once the rtive authorities stepped in, there was no chance of escaping thew! Fake news was not something to be taken lightly, and not understanding that rule was an oversight that publishers couldn¡¯t afford to make.

    Those that once published simr articles were fearful after the authorities stepped in. They were afraid that they were on the cklist and hid in their shell while waiting for their punishment toe.

    Fortunately, the government wouldn¡¯t eliminate every publisher. The core idea behind the clearance was to limit the strength of the media, for the power of such uwful individuals were getting out of hand.

    It also served as a reminder to the media corporations that they should be mindful of what they published. Even if Qiao Nan¡¯s scandal was true, only the national media tforms should have the right to post about her after the higher-ups made relevant conclusions.

    Once the government officials took action, Qiao Zijin lost her cool. There had been no retaliation for so long, so Qiao Zijin thought that a minister like Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t win against her. She figured that even an ordinary citizen could easily rip a governor apart.

    Half a month had passed, and Qiao Zijin had forgotten her doubts as she gained great confidence in her victory. However, at that moment, Qiao Zijin lost it. It turned out that the country did care about Qiao Nan.

    What scared her more was the recording.

    Qiao Zijin was anxious and infuriated, and her face turned pale. ¡°No, I¡¯m done! Recording? How can there be a recording? I have never seen it! When did Qiao Nan record it?¡±

    If she knew that Qiao Nan treacherously recorded the conversation, she would... she would have destroyed the evidence. It was no wonder that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t contact her at all. She had a trump card in her hand all this while!

    What should she do?

    Qiao Zijin wanted to call Peng Yu, but she had no idea who her helper was or where he stayed. Peng Yu was always the one who contacted Qiao Zijin, and Qiao Zijin could never find him when she needed anything.

    If Qiao Zijin dialed the number that called her, it would be a suspended SIM card. The man would only use the number once.

    Qiao Zijin did find it strange in the beginning, but she thought that it was just a habit of rich people. The man looked for her and helped her out of nowhere. He organized events that followed, and all she had to do was speak in front of the cameras.

 Chapter 1592 - Is It That Bad?

    <h4>Chapter 1592: Is It That Bad?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After some time, Qiao Zijin finally realized a w in that. She could never find him when she needed to. She didn¡¯t think that it was a problem, but she started to figure out the reason.

    Did that man prepare for this day toe from the beginning? She had been the one speaking to the media, so the government would only look for her if something went wrong. There was no way of finding out the mastermind.

    It seemed like she had be the scapegoat of someone else. It was just like her mother, who would do anything in her ce to get what she wanted.

    There was clearly someone else who wanted to frame Qiao Nan, but he couldn¡¯t do it himself. Thus, he took the opportunity to use her as a weapon against Qiao Nan. If anything went south, that man would stay hidden in the dark while she was the one under the spotlight.

    Was she going to spend the rest of her life in prison? Qiao Zijin felt her legs go soft as she broke into a cold sweat.

    Ding Jiayi had not told Qiao Zijin her address, but Qiao Zijin did get her number from Qiao Nan. At times of crisis, Qiao Zijin could only dial that number and seek help from Ding Jiayi. ¡°Hello, Mom, it¡¯s me. Mom, you have to help me. You can¡¯t let Qiao Nan put me in jail. I¡¯m still young. My future will be ruined if I end up in prison.¡±

    She was over thirty, and she would turn forty if she stayed behind bars for a few years. She had a marriage with a daughter, and now she even had criminal records under her name. Would there still be a man that would marry her and treat her well?

    Qiao Zijin suddenly realized that her life in the Zhou family was cozy andfortable. It was like a dreand where she had everything she needed. Inparison, she scrambled around every day for the past two weeks but couldn¡¯t even get a single cent in return.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ding Jiayi paused. ¡°I saw you appearing in magazines every day. Isn¡¯t your life pretty glorious? Many say that you show up more frequently than some celebrities. Why are you going to prison all of a sudden?¡±

    Ding Jiayi sounded a little jealous as she spoke.

    Which woman wouldn¡¯t want to live under the spotlight? Seeing reporters queuing up to interview Qiao Zijin every day had made her slightly envious.

    If she weren¡¯t living in the house that Qiao Nan provided and spending money that Qiao Nan gave, Ding Jiayi might have joined Qiao Zijin long ago. For now, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t dare to do so as she wasn¡¯t sure if Qiao Zijin was going toe up on top.

    ¡°It¡¯s gone. It¡¯s ruined. Qiao Nan wants to destroy me forever. Mom, Qiao Nan is not going to let me off!¡± Qiao Zijin did think that she was living a morous life just a day ago. She wouldn¡¯t have spent so much effort responding to reporters otherwise. However, just after a day, Qiao Zijin loathed those reporters and magazines. They sabotaged her.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Ding Jiayi could feel her heart beating rapidly. It seemed like her worry dide true in the end. She had known how ruthless Qiao Nan was years ago. Before Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan had never helped her out. It was like Qiao Nan wanted her to divorce him. Qiao Nan had never wanted her to live a good life.

    If that¡¯s how Qiao Nan would treat her mother, she would never go easy on her sister, Qiao Zijin. ¡°Calm down and tell me everything.¡±

    Ding Jiayi took a deep breath and pressed the cell phone against her ear. ¡°Oh, I see. Is it... is it that bad? Does the government have the authority to arrest you? It¡¯s not like you did anything against thew. You are Qiao Nan¡¯s sister. Why would the government intervene with our family business?¡±

    While Ding Jiayi thered, she was pondering whether she would be locked up as well if she were the one that did the framing.

    It was an important question, for it would change how Ding Jiayi would approach Qiao Nan in the future.

    Qiao Zijin started bawling. ¡°How would I know if the government would step in? This is clearly between Qiao Nan and me. What does our family issue have to do with them? God knows what¡¯s wrong with the government to mind our business. Don¡¯t they know the difference?¡±

    If she knew that the government would take care of Qiao Nan, she would have figured out other ways to reach her goals. At least, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten herself so deep in trouble.

    ¡°What can you do now?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know what to do. Since the situation couldn¡¯t be changed, it was better to think of a solution than crying over spilled milk.

    The howling grew louder. ¡°That¡¯s the thing! I¡¯m asking you because I don¡¯t know what to do. Mom, you have to help me. You can¡¯t watch me being put in jail by that heartless woman. I¡¯m only over thirty. It won¡¯t be hard to find a man. If I go to jail, no one would marry me when I¡¯m out. Mom, do you want to take care of me for the rest of your life?¡±

    She would have a husband to look after her, but that wouldn¡¯t happen unless she was married. In that case, she could only follow her mother around for the rest of her life.

    Ding Jiayi almost dropped the phone, terrified upon hearing those words. ¡°There are so many people who had been in prison. It wouldn¡¯t be that bad.¡±

 Chapter 1593 - Stop with Your Nonsense

    <h4>Chapter 1593: Stop with Your Nonsense</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you mean that everyone who has gone to jail before is single? Don¡¯t be too nervous and don¡¯t think too much. The situation can¡¯t be so bad!¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not about whether people who¡¯ve gone to jail can get married. Mom, I don¡¯t want to go to jail. Can you help me tell Qiao Nan and order her not toe after me? I didn¡¯t cause any harm to anyone. I didn¡¯tmit arson or murder anyone. I¡¯m sure Qiao Nan was unhappy with me and used her position to get her revenge on me by framing me.¡± Up until now, Qiao Zijin still did not understand why she faced a possible jail term.

    All she knew was that even the most hardworking reporters who had just been interviewing her a few days earlier were now nowhere to be found. If even the magazines had been cklisted, could she alone be even more powerful than the entire magazinepany? She did not want to end up like those magazine publishers who would not be able to rise from the ashes in the future. ¡°Mom, how can shemit such brazen acts as an official? How can she just arrest someone because she wants to? Aren¡¯t there anyws in our country? When did our country fall into such a state? How willmoners like us live in the future?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Things can be eaten carelessly, but words cannot be spoken carelessly. Do you still think you haven¡¯t caused enough trouble? I¡¯m not sure about other things, but think carefully. You also said that Qiao Nan is an official, a national cadre. What you¡¯ve harped on is Qiao Nan not acknowledging her rtives and refusing to meet you after bing the minister of foreign affairs. It¡¯s no surprise that the state has interfered...¡±

    Now that Ding Jiayi was not agreeing with her, Qiao Zijin no longer yelled in injustice or grievance. ¡°All right, Mom. Stop analyzing it. I know that Qiao Nan and the Zhai family went on a holiday during the National Day period. But today is the seventh. She¡¯s definitely back. Hurry and help me think of a solution. Don¡¯t let Qiao Nan make me take responsibility for this! At most, I will stop this. If I have any requests, I will demand them nicely. There is still room for negotiation and bargaining when buying things. Qiao Nan is being too harsh by doing this!¡±

    Qiao Zijin had never thought of skipping the intermediate steps and whacking her to death. But this time, Qiao Nan had been too harsh on her and had left no room for her at all. If Qiao Nan had not gone so far, she would not have been so furious as to expose the truth to everyone. If Qiao Nan had just a tiny bit of conscience left in her, this matter would have been settled between them long ago.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi clutched her chest. ¡°So you mean that you¡¯re about to be thrown into jail by Qiao Nan, but you¡¯re still asking me to help you beg Qiao Nan for mercy and ask Qiao Nan to provide you with a vi, as well as five thousand dors of living allowance every month?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin spoke. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be a vi. It¡¯s all right as long as it¡¯s bigger than your house now. As for the living allowance, just give me however much she gives you. If it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll go find a job.¡± Qiao Zijin spat out thatst sentence rather forcefully and reluctantly. As if finding a job and taking less money from Qiao Nan was already giving in.

    ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to help you. But I¡¯ll give you two suggestions if you have such requests. Firstly, wait until Ying Ying grows up to enjoy a good life that she provides you with. Secondly, work hard to find a husband like Zhou Zheng. In these ways, your demands will be fulfilled.¡± There was no way she was going to live such a lifestyle on Qiao Nan¡¯s ounts.

    ¡°Zijin, as a mother, I really don¡¯t want to say this, but I can¡¯t hold it in anymore. Other than living in a different city, wasn¡¯t the Zhou family¡¯s house bigger than mine before you got divorced? Was the money that Zhou Zheng gave you every month less than what Qiao Nan gives me? The cost of living in Ping Cheng is low. The money that Zhou Zheng gave you was enough for you to spend and you didn¡¯t even need to go out to work. Look at yourself. After getting divorced, even if you want to stay in a house smaller than the Zhou family¡¯s, take less money than what Zhou Zheng gave you, go and work to get some money, Qiao Nan still would not agree to these requests. What have you been doing these few months?¡±

    While she was in Ping Cheng, Zijin was still the Zhou family¡¯s daughter-inw. She had led a life that was even better than what she was asking for.

    But Zijin had not wanted such a good married life and had started an affair outside. Ding Jiayi wondered if Qiao Zijin¡¯s brains were empty or if she was retarded.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Oh, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin inhaled sharply. It was not that she did not know. But she did not know what to say anymore.

    It really did seem true that her life in the Zhou family was much better than her current one. Even if she were to lower her demands, Qiao Nan would still refuse to give in and provide her with a house and living allowances. Why had she gone through so much trouble to get a life that could not evenpare to the one she had in the Zhou family?

    Ding Jiayi sat down dispiritedly. ¡°Zijin, actually, Qiao Nan has been pretty good to you. Don¡¯t rebut me without thinking it through. Now, you¡¯re finally seeing that your life after marrying into the Zhou family was not bad, right? Without Qiao Nan, there was no way you could have married Zhou Zheng. Can we look at this from another angle? After Qiao Nan helped arrange your marriage with Zhou Zheng, she has already fulfilled all your demands and helped you live a life that you wanted.¡±

    It was just that Zijin had not treasured it and had ruined such a good life.

    Whether she admitted to it, these were the facts.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice was filled with fatigue. ¡°I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s mom, but she never treated me as her mom. Apart from giving me a house to stay in and a monthly allowance, she refuses to speak to me. I¡¯ve never seen the three children either. Do you really think I¡¯ll be able to help you convince Qiao Nan to stop any legal actions against you? But if I can really do it, Zijin, can you stop with all your nonsense? Let¡¯s just live our lives quietly in the future, shall we?¡±

    She was not faking it. She was truly exhausted.

    Ding Jiayi had been making a din for almost two decades, but what had that led to?

    Her husband had gotten a divorce from her, and her elder daughter was selfish and stingy. It would already be filial if her elder daughter did not spend her money. Her younger daughter practically treated her as though she didn¡¯t exist. Other than duty, she did not have any rtionship with her. After spending time alone in her house for such a long time, there was no way Ding Jiayi was not going to feel lonely. Then, she recalled her past, especially the times before she got a divorce from her husband, before her family became a mess. Those had been good times.

    If making a fuss could make life easier, then it would be eptable. Ding Jiayi would not stop Qiao Zijin either. But the problem was that making a fuss would only worsen the problem.

 Chapter 1594 - Dream Come True

    <h4>Chapter 1594: Dream Come True</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In this case, was it still necessary to continue kicking up a huge fuss?

    It was probably better to simply cherish the life she had instead of letting her life get ruined and never being able to live in peace.

    Qiao Zijin sobbed uncontrobly. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me this when I was three? Why didn¡¯t you tell me this before you got divorced from Dad? Why didn¡¯t you tell me this before I got married to Zhou Zheng? What¡¯s the use of telling me all these now? Mom, you¡¯ve ruined my entire life. Mom, I hate you! Don¡¯t you care about this! I won¡¯t call you my mom anymore, and neither will I evere to see you again! Are you happy now?¡±

    She would much rather go to jail than listen to her mom reason with her. In this world, her mom was the only person who had no right to reason with her. In her next life, she would rather be an orphan than Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter.

    Hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s sobs and her usations that came from deep within her heart, Ding Jiayi waspletely stunned. She was in a trance for quite a long while and was rendered speechless.

    She had been biased her whole life, left everything good for her elder daughter, and spoiled her elder daughter rotten. Even though her elder daughter¡¯s results had not been as ster as her younger daughter¡¯s, she had chosen to let her younger daughter work part-time while studying just to pay for her elder daughter¡¯s school fees. After sacrificing so much for her elder daughter, this was what she had gotten in the end? Three words of ¡®I hate you¡¯?

    If it had not been for her elder daughter, there was no way her rtionship with her younger daughter would have deteriorated to such a state. She had sacrificed her marriage and her younger daughter. In the end, her elder daughter still hated her guts!

    After hanging up the call, Ding Jiayi hugged her knees tightly and squatted down. She wept loudly, even louder, even more helpless, and even more aggrieved than Qiao Zijin over the phone earlier.

    Qiao Zijin hadpletely fallen out with Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin had evene up with the same idea as her. In her next life, she would never want to be Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. Qiao Nan knew nothing about all these. After the National Day holiday, the storm that Qiao Zijin had stirred up had calmed down drastically. Qiao Nan had sessfully proven her innocence and restored her reputation.

    Even after going through the worst situation, such magazine publishers were still being stubborn and insisted on reporting on what Qiao Nan had done to Qiao Zijin. Even that was still eptable. But how about how Qiao Nan had never spent the new year with her mother in over ten years? Apart from providing for Ding Jiayi materially, Qiao Nan could not be considered to be a good daughter.

    In over a decade, the mother and daughter had not met more than ten times. In fact, they had only met after Ding Jiayi moved to the capital. Qiao Nan¡¯s three children were already in junior high school, but they had never met their maternal grandmother even once.

    All these different things showed that Qiao Nan was extremely aloof toward her mother, Ding Jiayi. Could it be that it was all right to just provide for one¡¯s parents materially with no emotional attachments in this day and age? These facts proved that what they had reported in the past was notpletely untrue. After Qiao Nan gained sess, she indeed did not pay attention to her family and did not have a good rtionship with her rtives. They were on the verge of breaking off all contact.

    No matter how one saw it, it was clearly Qiao Nan¡¯s fault for treating her mother in this manner.

    All that trouble that Qiao Zijin had created had served as a foundation, and as such, such news no longer drew much attention from the public. There was a huge societal pressure to find a job and get married once one became an adult. Then, young people would not only have to work hard for themselves but also to take care of their elderly parents on both sides and raise their children.

    Taking care of the elderly and raising children? All of these revolved around money.

    If one did not work hard, who would pay them a sry? There was no choice but to work hard and even work overtime so as to fulfill one¡¯s responsibilities. If one worked overtime, they would naturally have less time to sleep every day. Who would have the time to care about visiting the elderly? Was this a joke?

    Was it not the norm to only meet the elderly a few times every year aftering out into society to work? If that was the life of ordinary people, national cadres would only be even busier and have to work even harder.

    It was already considered good that Minister Qiao had never shortchanged her parents. Moreover, thest time Minister Qiao¡¯s sister kicked up a huge fuss, even an idiot would realize that Minister Qiao¡¯s family was not harmonious. In fact, there was probably a huge problem within their family.

    But it would really be no one else¡¯s business to interfere in her family affairs.

    As such, all the media reports that followed did not cause huge uproars, but rather just rode on the waves that had yet to cease.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really made your decision?¡± Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Deng Wenchang stared at Qiao Nan in amazement. ¡°You... you know our family¡¯s rtionship with the Peng family but you¡¯ve still decided to do that? Are you sure you won¡¯t regret it?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was indifferent. She was not in the least bit bothered by Peng Yu. ¡°I¡¯ve already said it. Of course I considered it for a long while before making such a decision.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Why did Qiao Nan choose a person like him at such a time? Deng Wenchang looked forward to Qiao Nan¡¯s answer. Why him? After all, there were quite a few capable newbies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qiao Nan¡¯s choices were not limited, so why had Qiao Nan chosen him of all people?

    Deng Wenchang knew that he should not be so excited, but he could hardly control his rapidly pounding heart.

    ¡°You entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around the same time as me. In theory, you should have as much experience as me. I thought long and hard about letting you take my ce. Secondly, your educational qualifications are good since you studied abroad. Thirdly, haven¡¯t you always wanted to be the minister of foreign affairs? Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that I¡¯m letting you take my ce? Why do you care about my reasons for that?¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan sighed heavily. She had thought through such a decision carefully. It was definitely not something she had done on a whim. There were too many eyes on her while she was in such a position, and there were too many people with first-hand information about her work schedule.

    In the long term, this was not beneficial to the development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Everyone worked for the country and the people, but each department was independent. There was really no reason for other people to know so much about what was going on in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was full of ambitious people like Li Dawei and Xu Xinming. Deng Wenchang was hardly the only one. Now that Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had been chased away, there would surely be new people who would appear. Since all these people did not think that this woman could be their ¡®boss¡¯, then she would simply help a man into the position. That would do it, right?

 Chapter 1595 - Last Day

    <h4>Chapter 1595: Last Day</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this time, Qiao Nan¡¯s first choice had not been someone else but her arch-enemy who had joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the same time as her, Deng Wenchang. Without her aura, and inparison with others, Deng Wenchang¡¯s performance was not only above average but was also very eye-catching. Unfortunately, Deng Wenchang was unlucky to have entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the same year as Qiao Nan. Thus, there was no way Deng Wenchang could outperform Qiao Nan.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had taken advantage of Deng Wenchang. Now, she was returning everything to Deng Wenchang even if it seemed a littlete to do so.

    As expected, he had not received the answer that he had hoped for and Deng Wenchang was unable to hide his disappointment. ¡°So that¡¯s it. Thank you for thinking so highly of me. I¡¯m grateful that you thought of me at such a time.¡± He should not have expected it. Qiao Nan was different from him. Although he felt something for Qiao Nan, it was not returned.

    ¡°Just take care of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs well in the future. That will be the best way to thank me.¡± Qiao Nan smiled meaningfully. ¡°How is it? It¡¯s a littlete, but at least, you¡¯ve finished what Peng Yu entrusted to you. Are you happy? Why don¡¯t you call Peng Yu now? He might even prepare celebratory champagne for you.¡±

    Peng Yu had gone all out with Qiao Zijin.

    In the end, she had pushed Deng Wenchang into the position of the minister of foreign affairs. Thus, Peng Yu¡¯s final goal had been achieved. Initially, Qiao Nan could have chosen someone else other than Deng Wenchang to make Peng Yu suffer. But after having worked in the department for more than ten years, she was emotionally attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    If she were to choose based on abilities, Deng Wenchang was second to none. For the sake of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she put her personal grudges aside. She could only hope that Deng Wenchang would not focus on working for Peng Yu and neglect his own position and ruin the reputation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once he became the minister. Other than that, Qiao Nan was already prepared to ignore everything else.

    ¡°I will! ¡± Deng Wenchang solemnly promised. ¡°Qiao Nan, there¡¯s one more thing you might not know about. Our Deng family no longer coborates with the Peng family¡± He was no longer Peng Yu¡¯sckey and no longer the Qiao family¡¯s enemy and opponent.

    ¡°It ended? When was that?¡± Was this an unexpected reward?

    ¡°During the National Day holidays. Peng Yu¡¯s father came over to our house to let my dad know. Uncle Peng was the one who proposed to end it, but even before he came to our house, I discussed it with my dad and my dad had agreed.¡± He was afraid that Qiao Nan would misunderstand that the Peng family had been the ones to end the rtionship and that Deng Wenchang was only bringing this up to tter her. In reality, he was very reluctant to end the rtionship with the Peng family. Deng Wenchang faithfully recounted the whole story to Qiao Nan without leaving out a single detail.

    The Deng family already had such an idea, so when Father Peng mentioned it, the Deng family immediately agreed to it without hesitation.

    Since the elders of both families already had such a tacit understanding, it did not matter what the younger ones in the family thought. In the Deng family, Deng Wenchang and his father shared the same thoughts. However, Deng Wenchang knew that Peng Yu was likely to be kept in the dark about this situation. Father Peng hade to end their coborative rtionship behind Peng Yu¡¯s back.

    A smile appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s nonchnt face. ¡°Is that so? This is the second piece of good news of today. Congrattions to you, and congrattions to me too.¡± Even if Deng Wenchang was going to be the minister of foreign affairs, she would not need to be worried about any negative impacts on Zhai Sheng¡¯s career.

    ¡°Yes, congrattions to me, and congrattions to you too!¡± Seeing Qiao Nan smile, which was a different smile from the usual one, Deng Wenchang was on cloud nine. He was extraordinarily rxed. ¡°We¡¯re still good colleagues in the future, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± She was just stepping down from the position of the minister, not leaving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    After Qiao Nan and Deng Wenchang came to a decision about this manpower reallocation, the news quickly spread within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, causing a huge uproar. Many people in the department expressed that they were more supportive of Qiao Nan as their minister. Hadn¡¯t the incident been investigated and hadn¡¯t Qiao Nan been cleared of all suspicions? There had been nothing at all.

    Since Minister Qiao was innocent, why was Deng Wenchang being promoted while Minister Qiao was being demoted? That was unfair!

    The moment this notice was posted, there was not a single person who has happy about the news, barring Deng Wenchang himself.

    It had been said that new officials were often on fire, and Deng Wenchang was no different. Once the notice was posted, Deng Wenchang had yet to take over from Qiao Nan, but he already used his power to send out another notice, which was to kick Li Dawei out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

    Deng Wenchang could easily spell out seven to eight reasons for firing Li Dawei from the department. Now that Deng Wenchang was the minister, he had sufficient reasons. To keep Li Dawei in the department? Not a chance!

    Li Dawei had not recovered from his joy of learning of Qiao Nan¡¯s demotion. He did not even question who had taken over her position now that Qiao Nan was gone. Then, Li Dawei read the second part of the announcement. Oh, Qiao Nan was out and Deng Wenchang was in.

    That was a bolt out of the blue!

    He had waited so long for this day toe, the day when Qiao Nan would finally be demoted. But it had not ended as a dreame true for him. The ministerial position would be taken over by Deng Wenchang. There was no time for him to even catch his breath. When he read the second announcement, Li Dawei felt that it might have been better if Qiao Nan had remained in her position and Deng Wenchang had not taken over.

    ¡°Comrade Li, it seems that today will be ourst day as colleagues. At least, it will be thest day of being colleagues in the same department.¡± Those who did not like Li Dawei immediately ridiculed Li Dawei the moment the second announcement was sent out. ¡°Minister Deng may have a hundred ws, but at least, he has one good point. Minister Deng has taken revenge for Minister Qiao!¡±

    God was fair!

    When Minister Qiao was still the minister, she had been extremely tolerant of Li Dawei. Apart from not giving Li Dawei opportunities to prove himself, Minister Qiao had also rattled Li Dawei from the position. Now, the day that Li Dawei had always been looking forward to finally came, but the moment Minister Deng took over, his first attack was against Li Dawei! He deserved it!

    ¡°...¡± Li Dawei¡¯s face was flushed with anger. ¡°I-I think differently from you.¡± He would not leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This announcement was the final result. He would have to find someone to help him. Who? Right, Qiao Nan!

    Although Qiao Nan was no longer the minister of foreign affairs, she had once been the minister. Other than Deng Wenchang, Qiao Nan would have the most say in this matter.

 Chapter 1596 - Feel Wronged for You

    <h4>Chapter 1596: Feel Wronged for You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Minister Qiao... Sorry, I¡¯m used to calling you that. I can¡¯t change this habit and I have never thought of changing it. Comrade Qiao, I really feel wronged for you. I feel wronged for myself as well. We have rified that what happened in the past had nothing to do with you. On what basis did the leaders pull you down and pull Deng Wenchang up? Compared to you, Deng Wenchang is really much worse off. He¡¯s not as capable as you and his character isn¡¯t as good as yours. He doesn¡¯t even handle things as fairly as you!¡±

    Once he saw Qiao Nan, Li Dawei started to scold Deng Wenchang. It was like how he scolded Qiao Nan every time he met Xu Xinming. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why the leaders would promote a person like Deng Wenchang. Comrade Qiao, I really couldn¡¯t help but find it unfair for you. All these years, you have been working hard even if you have not performed meritorious deeds. How could they still treat you like this when they know that you were obviously not in the wrong?! I¡¯m just as unlucky as you are. Minister Deng Wenchang eliminated me from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs first just after he got this position. Both of us are just too unlucky.¡±

    Deng Wenchang was now his and Qiao Nan¡¯smon enemy. He hated Deng Wenchang. Qiao Nan must have hated him even more. ¡°If I have just a bit of authority, Comrade Qiao, I will definitely do everything I can to let you continue to be the minister of foreign affairs. Comrade Qiao, in my heart, only you¡¯re the minister. Who is Deng Wenchang?!¡±

    After hearing Li Dawei ¡®express his loyalty¡¯, Qiao Nan had coincidentally finished packing the things in her office.

    Qiao Nan moved out from the Minister of Foreign Affairs¡¯ office. Instead of sitting back in her old position, she changed to another office. ¡°After saying so much, let me ask you one thing. Do you know exactly how Deng Wenchang became the minister of foreign affairs? Do you also know how I was pulled down from the position?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the leaders decide on this?¡± Li Dawei was stunned. What was there to know about? There was only this possibility.

    Qiao Nan smiled and drank a sip of water to soothe her throat. ¡°The leaders? Comrade Li, you seemed to have forgotten one thing.¡± What did her father-inw do? What did her husband do?

    With her father-inw and husband around, was it that easy for her to lose the position of the minister?

    Li Dawei was right about one thing. Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter had been exined clearly and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any moral integrity issues. Actually, she could continue to be the minister of foreign affairs. If someone wanted to pull her down from this position at this time, that would be by force. Who dared to do that? Wouldn¡¯t they be afraid that her father-inw and husband would look for them for trouble?

    If someone dared to force her, her father-inw and husband would dare to force them.

    ¡°Then... then, what is it?¡± After Qiao Nan¡¯s reminder, Li Dawei suddenly remembered that although Qiao Nan¡¯s family didn¡¯t have a strong background, her inws did. Oh, right. Qiao Nan¡¯s father-inw was the old chief. Her husband was the new chief. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Who would dare to pull her down from the position of the minister?

    Seeing that it was rare that Li Dawei listened to her words, Qiao Nan was kindhearted enough to enlighten him. ¡°It¡¯s because of me. I was the one who wanted to step down from this position. Nobody ordered me to do so. As for Deng Wenchang, if I didn¡¯t rmend him, he wouldn¡¯t be promoted as well. If I were to step down, of course I had to rmend a talent to the leaders. I feel that Deng Wenchang is quite good. The leaders also acknowledge Deng Wenchang¡¯s capabilities. As such, Deng Wenchang became the new minister.¡±

    Unfair?

    She had rmended Deng Wenchang herself. How was it unfair? Furthermore, she was the one who wanted to step down from this position. It had nothing to do with others.

    ¡°You... you?¡± Qiao Nan stepped down from her position because she wanted to and she was the one who rmended Deng Wenchang. Why? Since she was stepping down, why must she push Deng Wenchang up?

    He remembered that when Deng Wenchang and Qiao Nan entered the ministry, both of them didn¡¯t get along well with each other. Why did Qiao Nan help Deng Wenchang and not think of others when there was such a good opportunity now? There were so many talents in the ministry and a lot of them were younger than Deng Wenchang. On what basis did she not rmend others but only Deng Wenchang?

    If the person Qiao Nan had rmended was himself back then, would he have been the one to move into the minister¡¯s office today after receiving the notice instead of Deng Wenchang?

    Upon thinking about this possibility, Li Dawei was furious. They had simrly offended Qiao Nan, treated Qiao Nan as an eyesore, and gone against Qiao Nan. On what basis did Qiao Nan only rmend Deng Wenchang and not mention him at all when there was such a good opportunity? Why did Qiao Nan only provide a name at this time instead of a few more so that the leaders could have a choice?

    In this case, was Deng Wenchang the leaders¡¯ top candidate? Qiao Nan was the one who had clearly named him! As such, saying that the new minister was being elected was just Qiao Nan¡¯s own words!

    Seeing that Li Dawei¡¯s eyes widened and were full of usations, Qiao Nan became happy. ¡°You didn¡¯t say it, but I understand. It can¡¯t be said that it was just my own words. Deng Wenchang is quite capable, and he is above you. You can¡¯t deny this point. Also, I haven¡¯t been the minister for a long time, but I have done a lot of work. I do have some authority to speak about this. It¡¯s rare that the leaders think highly of me and are willing to use the person I¡¯ve rmended. How would I waste such an opportunity? As for what you have in mind, you have to work hard yourself. If Deng Wenchangmits a big mistake and your performance is exceptionally outstanding, the next appointed minister might be you.¡±

    It was impossible for her to rmend Li Dawei. At the critical moments, Li Dawei kept hindering her. Deng Wenchang¡¯s performance surprised her quite a bit. Not only did he try to calm the hearts of the people in the ministry during that sensitive time, but he also found someone tomunicate with those media who were reporting indiscriminately, asking them to stop making reports and headlines of her matters with Qiao Zijin.

    It could be said that during the most chaotic times, Deng Wenchang had been helping her. He had even used his identity as a senior to personally suppress Li Dawei.

    Aside from Deng Wenchang¡¯s own efforts, Qiao Nan¡¯s willingness to rmend Deng Wenchang was highly rted to his performance during this period of time.

    It didn¡¯t make sense that Deng Wenchang could let go of their hostile rtionship to focus on the ministry and help her but she wasn¡¯t willing to give Deng Wenchang an opportunity to perform. Without her, this opportunity to perform would have belonged to Deng Wenchang in the first ce.

    It was a littlete. However, at the very least, this opportunity had been returned to its rightful owner.

 Chapter 1597 - Intergenerational Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 1597: Intergenerational Rtionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thinking about it in this way, the burden in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart waspletely gone and her whole being felt liberated.

    Qiao Nan had never expected that her act of self-liberation would turn into such a thing in Li Dawei¡¯s words. Especially after seeing how aggrieved Li Dawei looked, Qiao Nan thought that it was funny and that she had watched a free show.

    Because of shock, Li Dawei¡¯s jaw hung open and his jaw bone had gotten stuck. ¡°Wh-what are you saying? You¡¯re taking me as a joke!¡±

    Waiting for Deng Wenchang to make a mistake? He would have to wait for his entire lifetime, and even then, Deng Wenchang would probably nevermit such a grave error even up until his retirement. Qiao Nan had stepped down voluntary even after the rumors had been proven to be false. Qiao Nan¡¯s assumptions did not hold true. He would never be able to see such a daye. Qiao Nan¡¯s words were clearly to mock him.

    ¡°All right, what I said doesn¡¯t matter. What¡¯s important is that no one has forgotten what you said. By the way, Li Dawei, before you ran into my office, did you think about my current position?¡± She was not sure if Li Dawei knew that this could actually mean a promotion for her behind the scenes.

    If Li Dawei did not understand that, then she would have to apologize. She was not his teacher and she was not ready to exin it to Li Dawei. ¡°If you have nothing else, please leave. After all, not everyone is as free as you are.¡± Qiao Nan patted the huge pile of documents on her desk, hinting that she wanted to get on with her work.

    Deng Wenchang exited Qiao Nan¡¯s office in a trance. It was as though he had just lost his soul. Now that Qiao Nan had reminded him of this, Deng Wenchang had suddenly realized that Qiao Nan was indeed no longer a minister, but her position would not be any lower than a minister¡¯s!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s power had not lessened, but her position was no longer as jarring as before. Th-this was no demotion. This was clearly a promotion! And a promotion into a protected position!

    What he had said earlier was about to be the greatest joke of the year!

    He had failed in finding an ally in Qiao Nan, and he had failed badly. In the end, Li Dawei thought that he had lost all his dignity in front of Qiao Nan. He would no longer keep struggling in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a pale face, he sullenly packed his things and moved them away from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to his new department.

    With Li Dawei gone, the whole Ministry of Foreign Affairs department erupted in cheers. There had only been one such annoying person left in the whole department.

    Now that Li Dawei had been transferred out, the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer ced their attention on Li Dawei. Instead, they worked even harder for the betterment of the department. But less than a few dayster, news of Li Dawei still ended up circting within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    This time, Li Dawei hadpletely left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Even though Li Dawei was extremely reluctant, the Li family had limited ability and could not send Li Dawei back into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, in these past few years, the Li family had already tried paving the way for Li Dawei several times.

    In the end, not only had Li Dawei not been able to repay the Li family for the efforts, but all the Li family¡¯s efforts had also gone to waste. After Li Dawei was kicked out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, many family members of the Li family were so infuriated that they could not even eat. The Li family decided to make onest effort to help Li Dawei to see if it was still possible.

    After learning that it was ¡®not possible¡¯, the Li family was not disappointed at Li Dawei, but rather, enraged. Without a doubt, the Li family had abandoned Li Dawei. If Li Dawei wanted to make any progress in his career in the future, he would have to rely on his own efforts. He would never be able to ride on theurels of his family anymore.

    Being kicked out of his favorite Ministry of Foreign Affairs was already a huge blow to Li Dawei. Subsequently, he was even abandoned by his family because their family could no longer hold their heads up high among their rtives. He had be a negative example among his rtives of the same age and had been the target of their mockery. In the past, Li Dawei had always been ¡®that family¡¯s child who had performed exceedingly well¡¯.

    Now that the situation was reversed, how could that proud and arrogant Li Dawei ept such a difference? How could he ept the envious gazes of his rtives turning into mocking gazes? Once his negative emotions umted to a certain point, Li Dawei did not dare to do anything to the Li family, but he would do something to other people.

    In the end, Xu Xinming, who had created the forum in Li Dawei¡¯s name during Qiao Nan¡¯s most sensitive period, became Li Dawei¡¯s target to release his pent-up anger.

    As a result, it was not just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but even the departments that were nearer to them all knew that Li Dawei and Xu Xinming had gotten into a fight and that it had been a fierce one. As civil servants, they had even fought at their workces of all ces. They disregarded the core principles ofw and discipline, damaging the image of civil servants.

    Well, once they fought, Xu Xinming and Li Daweipletely ruined their reputations. In the past, they had simply been exiled to the borders, but with this fight, where the two of them were going became the most extreme border of all borders. But no matter what kind of ¡®border¡¯ they were sent to within the central government, it was still a good ce. A position in the ¡®border¡¯ of a small ce would really be considered an exile.

    In short, the two of them were transferred out from the central government and into other smaller cities nearby to take care of warehouses.

    Now that matters had been resolved in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, what Qiao Nan was more concerned about was the matter with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan had thought that Ding Jiayi would have appeared in front of her to beg for mercy on behalf of Qiao Zijin. Once Ding Jiayi appeared, the show that Peng Yu had arranged may be able to continue.

    Strangely, Xu Xinming and Li Dawei had both left the capital, but Ding Jiayi was nowhere to be seen. Neither did Ding Jiayi try to contact Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, have you received any weird phone callstely? Or has anyone been loitering around the quad?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was in big trouble. How could Ding Jiayi, who saw Qiao Zijin as her precious baby, be so calm and not do anything? How could that be?

    ¡°No.¡± Miao Jing removed her sses. As she grew older, her eyesight had deteriorated and it was too difficult reading the small words in the newspaper. She wondered how much longer she could read the newspapers. ¡°We haven¡¯t even gotten a single phone call to our housetely. Your mom hasn¡¯t called, but your dad calls asionally to ask about how you¡¯re doing and whether your work has been affected by this.¡±

    It was probably because of the three children that Qiao Dongliang knew that if Qiao Nan were to be affected, it was bound to affect the three children as well. With the support of the three children, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude was much firmer. He stood unwaveringly on the side of Qiao Nan, hoping that Nan Nan would do well along with the three children.

    Miao Jing sighed. It was indeed true that grandparents were closer to their grandchildren than their own children!

 Chapter 1598 - Offended Someone

    <h4>Chapter 1598: Offended Someone</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan responded with just a word and did not pursue it any further. It was just as well that Ding Jiayi had not called. It would only make her more annoyed. After all, rejecting Ding Jiayi took some effort. Thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s persistence, Qiao Nan knew that just one less call from Ding Jiayi would make her life that much easier.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s almost time for the three children¡¯s tuition ss to end. I¡¯ll pick them up.¡± Without trouble from her family, and with her children all obedient, Qiao Nan was in a good mood.

    ¡°All right,e back earlier. Drive safely on the way back.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Qiao Nan replied happily, driving down the familiar road to the three children¡¯s tuition ss. ¡°Hello, teacher, you¡¯ve worked hard!¡±

    ¡°Hello.¡± When the three children¡¯s teacher saw Qiao Nan, she was very respectful. There was no choice. After the saga with Qiao Zijin, whether it was the three children¡¯s teachers in school or their weekend tuition teachers, everyone knew Qiao Nan and that the mother of their three students was their country¡¯s minister of foreign affairs. Even if she was no longer a minister, she was still a national cadre and a very impressive woman!

    As a woman herself, seeing such a strong woman in a political position, the three children¡¯s teacher could not help but respect Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re picking the children up personally? You¡¯re working so hard!¡± She had such a high status, but she was still picking her children up personally. That was a rare sight! It was clear that this female minister ced great importance on her family.

    She would never believe anyone who said that Minister Qiao disregarded her family.

    ¡°It¡¯s not hard. Isn¡¯t it our responsibility as parents?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were already held by the three children by her side. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave.¡±

    The three children immediately chimed in. ¡°Goodbye, miss.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, miss.¡± After bidding farewell, Qiao Nan and the three children headed downstairs to their car.

    The three children¡¯s teacher watched them from afar. ¡°They¡¯ve been taught so well. If it had not been for the news, I wouldn¡¯t have known that my three students came from such a privileged background.¡± She could not even tell that these three children had chiefs as their great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, and a mother who was the minister of foreign affairs.

    The three children were so obedient that they could be model children. The children who lived next door to her were a hundred times harder to discipline that these triplets.

    ¡°Mom, has everything been settled?¡± Because he could sense that the dark clouds around his mother had dissipated, Da Bao¡¯s mood was lifted as well. He had worried that this matter would have a negative impact on his mother¡¯s work. Thankfully, there was still his grandpa and dad at home. Moreover, his mom had not done a single of these bad things she was being used of.

    ¡°Of course! Mom was being wrongly maligned!¡± Er Bao patted Qiao Nan¡¯s back. His anger exceeded that of Qiao Nan¡¯s. ¡°Thankfully, Mom was smart and was prepared. Otherwise, Mom would never have been able to clear her name this time. Mom, you¡¯re awesome! I¡¯ll have to learn from you in the future!¡±

    Er Bao really wanted to say that he had been astounded when his mom produced this recording. He almost suspected that his mom could tell the future. Otherwise, how could she have known to record that day¡¯s conversation?

    But because of this incident, Er Bao had truly experienced how ¡®amazing¡¯ that legendary ¡®elder auntie¡¯ was. She was no longer a child, but she had so calmly demanded his mom to support and raise her, and her demands had even been so outrageous! Er Bao really wanted to meet Qiao Zijin and see for himself how thick Qiao Zijin¡¯s skin was. Could it be that Qiao Zijin¡¯s face had no meat at all but was made entirely out of skin?

    Otherwise, how could his ¡®elder auntie¡¯ even spout such ridiculous words? He would never be able to understand that.

    Er Bao wanted to lie down and shout that Qiao Zijin was simply unbelievable!

    As for the other legendary grandma, Er Bao could not help but sigh. After seeing the power of his ¡®elder auntie¡¯, he was not at all curious about his legendary grandma¡¯s temper. He pitied his mom for growing up in such an environment.

    If either Da Bao or San Bao had such a temper, he would definitely punch them so much so that they would not even be able to recognize their mother. He did not believe that violence would not teach them a lesson.

    ¡°Mom has always been smart. You¡¯re a little slow if you only realized that today.¡± San Bao purposely retorted Er Bao to cajole Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, grandma said that I¡¯ve grown to resemble you even more. Dad said so too. I¡¯m as pretty as Mom. That¡¯s great!¡± San Bao stroked her small face narcissistically. Sigh, there had been a few more boys who had confessed to hertely.

    Unfortunately, all these people were all too childish. They could not evenpare to Da Bao or Er Bao, much less her dad. She would never ept these confessions. She liked tall, handsome, and mature men.

    Upon hearing San Bao¡¯s words, Da Bao and Er Bao had the same reaction. As pretty? It was obvious that their mom was much prettier. San Bao had not even blossomed. At the very most, she was just a bud. How was she pretty? To say that San Bao was as pretty as their mom? That person must have been blind! Even if their dad had been the one to say it, all they could say was that their dad did not open his eyes wide when saying that.

    Qiao Nan took a nce in the rearview mirror andughed at the girl¡¯s narcissism. ¡°You¡¯re still young. When you grow older, I¡¯ll be old and you¡¯ll be much prettier than me then.¡± Qiao Nan had never thought ofparing her beauty with her daughter¡¯s.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Da Bao¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Mom! Stop! Stop!¡±

    The moment Da Bao screamed, Qiao Nan had already seen what Da Bao saw and she immediately stepped on the clutch and the brake simultaneously. At the same time, she continuously honked the horn, signaling for the people on the road to get out of the way.

    But this person had suddenlye out of nowhere and had been too close to the car. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed, finding it strange. It was as though this person had been eyeing her car and had waited for the best possible moment to jump out in front of her car. She had heard of such scams before but had never experienced it for herself.

    The moment this person appeared, Qiao Nan almost thought that this would be her first experience. But looking at the distance between this person and her car, Qiao Nan thought that this could not be a scam. Perhaps, this person was trying to end his life? If this was truly a scam, why would this person appear at such a great distance away?

    Even though Qiao Nan had never sped on the roads, and she was driving between thirty to forty kilometers per hour, it was inevitable that her car knocked the person down with a loud ¡®bang¡¯.

    In that split second that her car hit the person, that person lifted up her head and smiled insidiously at Qiao Nan who was still in the car. It had not only frightened the children but Qiao Nan as well. ¡°Qiao Zijin?!¡±

 Chapter 1599 - Three Birds with One Stone

    <h4>Chapter 1599: Three Birds with One Stone</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The loud screech from the brakes was ear-deafening. Most importantly, there had been quite a few cars and passengers on the road who had all witnessed how the ident had taken ce.

    ¡°Ah, she hit someone.¡±

    ¡°No, that person ran out on her own. She knocked into the car. The car didn¡¯t knock her down. Do you think it¡¯s a scam?¡±

    ¡°No way. Did that woman want to kill herself?¡±

    Upon hearing this, some car owners turned pale. Once their car hit someone, it would be considered unlucky to continue driving that car. Anyone who had ever driven a car would naturally try to avoid getting into an ident. It was unfortunate enough if one identally knocked a person down, but it was even more unfortunate to run into someone like this who was trying to get knocked down in a suicide attempt!

    ¡°Sit in the car, the three of you. Da Bao, use my phone to call 120 then 110. Er Bao, stay with San Bao. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle this.¡± Qiao Nan quickly unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car to check on Qiao Zijin.

    She was sure that in the moment her car had knocked into Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin had deliberately lifted up her head to let Qiao Nan take a good look at her face. Qiao Zijin had smiled at her. Smiled!

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan had been killed in a car crash. Truth be told, Qiao Nan had a fear of cars for a very long time. But Qiao Nan eventually went to get her license so as to send her children to school. No one would understand the difficulties she had to go through. For Qiao Nan, learning to drive meant oveing her psychological barriers. There was nothing scarier than dying under the wheel again.

    Unexpectedly, she had ovee all difficulties for the sake of her children. In this lifetime, she would not be the one pinned under the wheel. It was Qiao Zijin. No, she had not been driving quickly. It was even considered to be slow. Qiao Zijin should not be dead. She would not let Qiao Zijin die just like that. ¡°Hold on. I¡¯ve already dialed for the ambnce. They¡¯ll be here in a moment. The doctor will help you staunch that bleeding and take care of your wounds. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Pfft...¡± Qiao Zijin spat out. She was in great pain, but her heart was leaping with joy and life. ¡°Qiao-Qiao Nan, are you afraid now? Haha, ha. Aargh... You¡¯ve just knocked me over and killed me. Qiao-Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll live with this guilt for the rest of your life. You¡¯ll owe me in this lifetime. In the next lifetime, you¡¯ll have to work hard to repay your debts to me because you owe me my life.¡±

    ¡°Because of that, you purposely ran out in front of my car?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Zijin in disbelief. ¡°Are you crazy? What¡¯s more important than your own life? Qiao Zijin, I¡¯m telling you. If you really want to get your revenge on me, you¡¯d better survive. Do you see how many people there are around here? I¡¯m guessing there are probably cameras around too. I wasn¡¯t speeding and you were the one who jumped out in front of my car. I¡¯m not the one at fault. If you really die, I won¡¯t even go to jail because of that. So you have to press on and survive to get your revenge on me.¡±

    Qiao Nan thought that Qiao Zijin was willing to give up her life to get Qiao Nan into an ident so as to see Qiao Nan go to jail. But in fact, that was not the case.

    Qiao Zijin shook her head with great difficulty. The blood that she spat out covered her entire face. ¡°No, no. I don¡¯t want you to go to jail. There¡¯s no way you¡¯ll go to jail. I-I want to be your nightmare, just like how you¡¯ve been mine in these past ten years. Even if I can¡¯t be your nightmare, I¡¯ll be happy just haunting you. I won¡¯t die in vain.¡±

    She did not want to live anymore. There was no hope in her life. In the past few days that she had spent in hiding, what she had been afraid of was that she would be woken up by the police at her door. After having several nightmares like this, she decided that death would be preferable to going to jail.

    There was no way for her to return to the Zhou family, and getting remarried was no mean feat either. Just thinking about living with Ding Jiayi put her off. She had said that she would never meet Ding Jiayi again and that she hated Ding Jiayi. That was all true.

    She was afraid that she would have no other choice but to return to Ding Jiayi, but when that happened, she might only have a meal to eat. The thought of spending the whole day with the person who had ruined her life was excruciating. She might as well just die. She was afraid that after seeing Ding Jiayi, she would be unable to control herself and might very well just kill Ding Jiayi.

    It was her mother, Ding Jiayi, who had wanted a second child when Qiao Zijin was three years old. She experienced how she would have lived if the second child had been a son. It was Ding Jiayi who had distorted her outlook on life again and again, causing her to grow up with a warped idea of the world. It had also been Ding Jiayi who had taught her to bezy and not work hard. In the end, Ding Jiayi lectured her about how her life in the past had been perfect and how her own greed had ruined her perfect life.

    At such a time, Ding Jiayi told her to cherish her life, to be satisfied with what she had, and that Qiao Nan was already taking good care of her, emphasizing that Qiao Nan had never owed her anything. Even if Qiao Nan was unwilling to support her, she had no right to me Qiao Nan for that. Instead, she should ept it graciously and work hard to create a life that she wanted.

    Hahaha, she was the greatest liar in the world!

    How could Ding Jiayi be so shameless? What right did she have to say that? And most importantly, Ding Jiayi had told her all these way toote!

    No matter how much Qiao Zijin hated Ding Jiayi, she was clear that Ding Jiayi had given birth to her and raised her, so she owed Ding Jiayi her life. Since it was so, she might as well return her life to Ding Jiayi. From now on, she would not owe Ding Jiayi anything. In her next lifetime, she would no longer want to be Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter. She would choose somewhere far away from Ding Jiayi and be reborn into the embrace of a normal mother to receive a normal education.

    But in the end, Qiao Zijin could not take it lying down. When she was young, her results had been better than Qiao Nan¡¯s, and she had been more outstanding than Qiao Nan in every way. Why had that all changed when they grew older? Good grades, a good man, a good job, even a good mentor¡ªthey were all Qiao Nan¡¯s. She had nothing at all.

    Seeing Qiao Nan live so well, she was upset. Even if she died, she would still hold that grudge.

    And so, Qiao Zijin came up with such an idea, which was to knock into Qiao Nan¡¯s car. In this way, she would be repaying all her debt to Ding Jiayi. Moreover, she would no longer need to live such a meaningless life. At best, she would leave her most hated Qiao Nan with a nightmare. At worst, Qiao Nan would at least be disgusted for a short while.

    It was killing three birds with one stone!

    Qiao Zijin felt that the one thing she had done right in her entire life was getting familiar with the route that Qiao Nan took every day, running in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s car and dying under Qiao Nan¡¯s car.

 Chapter 1600 - Just to Gross Her Out

    <h4>Chapter 1600: Just to Gross Her Out</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s honest words silenced Qiao Nan. She didn¡¯t think that Qiao Zijin was tenacious enough to give up her life. Qiao Zijin even knew that Qiao Nan would not hold any legal liability.

    A life to gross her out?

    What could Qiao Nan say to Qiao Zijin¡¯s behaviors? How should she even react to it?

    After the call, Da Bao heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words when he came to report to Qiao Nan. The boy¡¯s face was red from anger. He finally knew who that woman was, which made him more infuriated.

    How shameless could this woman be? She must be nuts! It was no wonder that grandma got angry whenever her inws¡¯ family was mentioned. No one could contain their fury when faced with someone like that!

    ¡°Mom.¡± Da Bao walked to Qiao Nan. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve made the calls. There are CCTVs. We¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Did she want to gross his mom out? Keep dreaming!

    Er Bao, San Bao, and he, together with Xiao Bao and their dad, would keep their mother cheerful. Qiao Zijin would be wiped from her memory in no time, and they would live happily ever after.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s death would also mean that this was thest time she could disturb his mother.

    ¡°Da Bao, look away.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Get back in the car. I can handle this. Good job making the calls. Er Bao and San Bao need you now, so go ahead and take care of them. You won¡¯t let me be worried about you guys, right?¡±

    Such a bloody scene was not for the weak-minded; even Qiao Nan felt the urge to puke. Sometimes, the debris of memories would ovep, and she could see herself lying in the pool of blood just like her past life. Sweat was dripping down her cheeks, and her face looked pale. Her mind winded into chaos.

    ¡°...¡± Da Bao could only return to the car and stay by Er Bao and San Bao. His return did bring life to the siblings¡¯ faces, especially San Bao. They all knew that a life might be lost in this ident.

    Feeling San Bao¡¯s shiver, Da Bao contemted for a second before taking Er Bao and San Bao into his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Mom and I are here. It¡¯s going to be fine.¡±

    San Bao¡¯s hand grabbed onto Da Bao¡¯s shirt, and the other hand hooked onto Er Bao. No matter how courageous the kids were, they had never seen such a gory scene. While Da Bao and Er Bao could control their expression, San Bao was not as fearless as her brothers.

    The ambnce arrived soon, and the doctor examined Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation to be moderate. ¡°A small degree of fractures, but it might have hurt the organs. Prepare the blood packs and get her in the vehicle.¡± The experienced doctor gave an order, and Qiao Zijin was moved into the car swiftly.

    ¡°I... I don¡¯t need your help!¡± The doctor was quick, and Qiao Zijin had yet to feel her life paling away. She didn¡¯t want anyone to save her; she just wanted to die under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheels. She wanted to be Qiao Nan¡¯s worst nightmare.

    ¡°Please stop moving around.¡± The doctor was dumbfounded. It was the first time that a patient didn¡¯t want to be saved. ¡°It¡¯s my duty to save you. Nurse, secure her limbs so that she can¡¯t move about.¡±

    ¡°Yes, doc.¡± The nurse quickly helped the doctor tie her limbs up.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°Hi, doctor. I¡¯m the driver, and I¡¯m... her sister.¡±

    ¡°Fine, go to the hospital with us.¡± The doctor was shocked again. What are the chances that the patient was hit by her sister? The nursed seemed to recognize something as she nced back and forth between the twodies.

    God, this must be the famous sisters that had been making a scene. That meant the pretty and diligent girl was the minister of foreign affairs. ¡®Damn, she looks better in real life!¡¯

    ¡°Excuse me, please hold on. I was getting the kids home and didn¡¯t expect an ident. I¡¯ll have to notify my family to pick the kids up and make sure that they are safe.¡± Da Bao had handed the phone to Qiao Nan, so she dialed Zhai Sheng¡¯s number. ¡°Hi, Brother Zhai, I¡¯m caught up in something. Come and bring the kids home. My car... hit Qiao Zijin, and I¡¯m following her to the hospital. I¡¯ve sent you the location, and I need to inform my parents now.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath before calling Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin needed immediate medical attention, which meant the ambnce couldn¡¯t wait for Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan decided to drive the children to the hospital first. She didn¡¯t forget to remind Zhai Sheng to pick up the kids from the hospital.

    Zhai Sheng was quick to arrive. The kids were gathered around Qiao Nan as sheforted them. Zhai Sheng let out a sigh of relief. It seemed like his family was fine. ¡°How is it?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still undergoing surgery.¡± Qiao Nan finally had someone to lean on. ¡°The kids might have been frightened, so bring them back for now. It¡¯s not a good ce for the kids to stay.¡± Qiao Nan was worried that the children wouldn¡¯t fall asleep for a while.

    ¡°It¡¯s no hurry.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t rush to leave. He was worried about the kids as well, but he realized that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had yet to arrive.

 Chapter 1601 - Donâ€™t Accuse My Mom

    <h4>Chapter 1601: Don¡¯t use My Mom</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But Zhai Sheng¡¯s worry was indeed necessary. When Ding Jiayi rushed to the hospital with disheveled hair, the first thing on her mind was not to ask about Qiao Zijin¡¯s condition. Instead, she pounced on Qiao Nan fiercely. ¡°You wretched girl! How can you be so evil? How can you be so cruel? No matter how wrong Zijin is, she¡¯s still your sister. How could you knock her down? Do you want her dead? I know you want her dead!¡±

    After hearing that Qiao Nan had knocked Qiao Zijin down, Ding Jiayi was ready to tear into Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was already living such a good life. On the contrary, her elder daughter¡¯s life could not get any worse. Why was it that Qiao Nan could not let her elder daughter off? Why was it that her elder daughter had to die? She hit her with a car! A car!

    How cruel did she have to be to do that! ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m warning you. If anything happens to Qiao Zijin, I won¡¯t let you off. I¡¯ll sue you. I¡¯ll sue you until I die. You have to pay for her death with your life! You¡¯re a murderer! You evil b*tch!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who just rushed over, happened to overhear Ding Jiayi scolding Qiao Nan. He did not have time to care about Qiao Zijin either and simplynded a tight p on Ding Jiayi¡¯s face. ¡°Who are you scolding?¡±

    Thinking about how Ding Jiayi dared to scold Qiao Nan like this in front of his three grandchildren, Qiao Dongliang fumed. ¡°I dare you to say another word!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re heartless too! She knocked Zijin down! She wants to kill Zijin! Zijin is your daughter too. Qiao Nan is a murderer! How can you still help her at such a time? Zijin is going to die because of her! Don¡¯t you pity Zijin?¡± Ding Jiayi cried out in pain. Her poor Zijin! Why did she have to suffer so much? Her Zijin was a good daughter! Why couldn¡¯t the heavens see that and just let Zijin live a peaceful life? Why did Zijin have to go through trial after trial? When would everything end?

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Qiao Dongliang was infuriated. ¡°I¡¯ve sat in Nan Nan¡¯s car before. Nan Nan has been driving for so many years. She¡¯s never sped, and she always drives carefully and slowly. Besides, I don¡¯t believe that Nan Nan knocked Zijin down on purpose. Do you have a brain? How can you say such stupid things?¡±

    Nan Nan had a perfect family with three obedient children. Her life could not get any better.

    Would she give up on such a perfect life just to get revenge on someone she hated? Who would do such a foolish thing?

    It was not that Qiao Dongliang wanted to belittle Qiao Zijin, but given the two sisters¡¯ situation today, if Qiao Nan was a jade, then Qiao Zijin was, at most, a piece of rubble. Which piece of jade would try to touch a piece of rubble just to make the piece of rubble crumble? That would just be foolish. Moreover, Qiao Nan was a civil servant. She would never do anything illegal.

    No matter how one looked at this, this was simply an ident, even if it was one that was hard to ept. How could it be so coincidental that the younger daughter¡¯s car had knocked the elder daughter down?

    Today, Da Bao had seen for himself how impressive his legendary ¡®elder auntie¡¯ was. Now, Da Bao had also seen how ¡®amazing¡¯ his maternal grandma was too. Da Bao was fuming with anger.

    Da Bao took a step forward and stared menacingly at Ding Jiayi as though he was a tiger who had juste of age. ¡°Don¡¯t malign my mom! My mom didn¡¯t knock her down. She rushed out suddenly and purposely threw herself in front of my mom¡¯s car. My mom was only driving at thirty kilometers an hour. That¡¯s not fast at all! Even the doctor said that her injuries were less severe than a normal victim of a car ident. But she didn¡¯t want to live anymore and refused to let the doctors and nurses save her!¡±

    At the mention of this, Da Bao grew even angrier. ¡°She herself wanted to die and hit my mom¡¯s car on purpose. I think we all know in our hearts who the truly evil one is. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen anything like this before! Trying to drag my mom down even in her death!¡±

    Who was the bad one? Who was the evil one?

    He returned these words ad verbum to the woman who was lying in the emergency room.

    He clearly remembered that woman saying that she had done it on purpose. She had purposely run in front of his mom¡¯s car so as to gross her out and be a nightmare that his mom would never be able to get rid of her entire life. She was tired of living!

    ¡°You little beast! That¡¯s your elder auntie! What kind of attitude are you showing me? You¡¯re even lying to use your auntie? I¡¯ll rip your mouth into shreds!¡± Ding Jiayi did not want to believe Da Bao¡¯s words. She was even more unwilling to admit that Qiao Zijin no longer wanted to live and had run in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s car on purpose.

    On the way over, Ding Jiayi had asked a nurse about the condition of the female car ident victim. The nurse had clearly told her that the surgery was still in progress. But from the looks of it, her injuries had not been serious.

    But there was nothing that was certain in medicine, and the nurse could not guarantee anything to Ding Jiayi, who was the patient¡¯s family. The only thing that she could say was that Qiao Zijin¡¯s injuries were less serious than a normal car ident victim¡¯s.

    Once the nurse said that, Ding Jiayi understood that Qiao Zijin¡¯s injuries were not that serious. But she had still been hit by a car after all. The injuries could not be light. But as long as it was not a matter of life and death, that was enough for her. Thinking about Qiao Zijin¡¯s pathetic state, Ding Jiayi felt that this car ident could even be Qiao Zijin¡¯s chance to rise up from the ashes!

    Since Qiao Nan was the one who knocked into Qiao Zijin, she would not be so shameless as to pursue all those things that Qiao Zijin had done in the past and send Qiao Zijin to jail after she recovered, right?

    Qiao Nan was the one who had hit Qiao Zijin. Naturally, Qiao Nan had to be the one who forked out Qiao Zijin¡¯s medical bills. Since Qiao Nan was so rich, she could not skimp on all the expenses andpensation after Qiao Zijin was discharged. This meant that Qiao Zijin could even strike a huge fortune after she recovered!

    Once she had money, Qiao Zijin¡¯s life in the future would be set.

    Of course, she could even use this opportunity to make Qiao Nan agree to the two requests that Qiao Zijin had made earlier. Firstly, to give her a vi. Secondly, to give Qiao Zijin monthly living allowances.

    If they could settle these matters, Ding Jiayi even felt that it was worth it for Qiao Zijin to have been hit by Qiao Nan.

    While she was still downstairs, hundreds of thoughts raced through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind. They were basically all about how Qiao Zijin would gain a fortune from this incident. But the moment she reached the door to the emergency room and felt the somber atmosphere, Ding Jiayi¡¯s emotions went through a hundred-and-eighty-degree change. All of a sudden, she red up thinking about how Qiao Nan had hit Qiao Zijin.

    So as to help Qiao Zijin gain more benefits after the incident, Ding Jiayi did not hesitate to blindly use Qiao Nan of deliberately hitting Qiao Zijin, maligning Qiao Nan of wanting Qiao Zijin dead.

    Unfortunately, once Da Bao said his piece, Ding Jiayi¡¯s initial n fell out of the window. If Qiao Zijin had purposely jumped out in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s car, to put it simply, Qiao Zijin bore a huge grudge against Qiao Nan. First, she had tried to ruin Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation in the media. And now, she had hit Qiao Nan¡¯s car on purpose.

 Chapter 1602 - Saving Her Life

    <h4>Chapter 1602: Saving Her Life</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In truth, even if the person who had been sent into the emergency room was Qiao Zijin, the real victim here was actually Qiao Nan! Qiao Nan was the one who neededpensation. It was Qiao Zijin who had brought this upon Qiao Nan!

    Now that her n was almost ruined, how could Ding Jiayi not be furious and want to tear apart Da Bao, who had just spoken the truth?

    Ding Jiayi was different from Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang loved his grandchildren, while Ding Jiayi only liked her granddaughter, Zhou Ying. Ding Jiayi, who had favored males over females her whole life, ironically did not care for her grandsons, Da Bao and Er Bao. Just like how she hated their mother, Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi hated these two children.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s fierce attitude toward Da Bao, Qiao Nan sneered. It turned out that Ding Jiayi did not entirely favor males over females. She had heard that Ding Jiayi loved that daughter of Qiao Zijin. So, it was true that Ding Jiayi truly loved Qiao Zijin, even though it was also true that Ding Jiayi had instilled many incorrect world views in Qiao Zijin while she was still growing up.

    It was at this moment that Qiao Nan suddenly realized that she did not really care for such aplicated andplex love from her mother. She would much rather go down her old path than be spoiled with maternal love from Ding Jiayi, who had taught Qiao Zijin all those warped ideas of the world.

    All those skewed ideas that Qiao Zijin had were all because of Ding Jiayi. Aspared to receiving maternal love, she much preferred to be a normal person. She was living a much better life than Qiao Zijin now.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi reprimand Da Bao, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng quickly shielded the triplets behind them, making it even more convenient for Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang was already rather strong. Now that he was raging, he lifted Ding Jiayi off the floor with just one arm. ¡°Try saying just one more word! I¡¯m telling you that the triplets are my life! If you even say one more word about them, much less touch them, just wait and see how I¡¯ll deal with you! Believe it or not, I¡¯ll let the doctors have more to do after they save Zijin. They¡¯ll have to save you too!¡±

    Since this was a hospital, even if he punched Ding Jiayi aggressively, Ding Jiayi could immediately be sent in for an operation.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face momentarily paled. The duo had known each other and been married for more than thirty years, but it was the first time that Qiao Dongliang had been so fierce toward her. How could Ding Jiayi not be afraid in the face of such a ferocious Qiao Dongliang?

    ¡°Can your family members please lower your voices? This is a hospital. There are still operations going on inside. If you continue with your shouting, it¡¯ll distract the doctors inside. If you don¡¯t stop this, we¡¯ll have to call for security to escort you out.¡± The nurse from the operation theatre could no longer hold it in and came out of the operation theatre to warn these people outside.

    With that said, the nurse returned to the operation theatre to continue with the ongoing surgery.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Qiao Dongliang snorted coldly while releasing Ding Jiayi¡¯s cor from his hand. With a loud thud, Ding Jiayi fell straight to the ground with her buttocks taking a great hit. Ding Jiayi felt as though her buttocks had split into a million pieces and her tailbone hurt so badly that tears flowed down.

    ¡°Mom.¡± San Bao leaned closely on Qiao Nan. She had never expected to meet her grandmother for the first time under such circumstances, and neither had she expected her grandmother to be such a person. After hearing her grandmother use such vicious words against her mother, San Bao hated her grandmother. Just a few days ago, this old woman was nothing but an ordinary stranger to them.

    But now that they had addressed this woman as their grandmother, they realized that not all elders were friendly and kind like their paternal grandparents, great-grandpa, or master grandpa. There was also another kind like their ¡®grandmother¡¯. The kind that evoked hatred.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± Hugging her daughter¡¯s body, Qiao Nan¡¯s cold heart warmed up slightly. No wonder Brother Zhai refused to leave. It seemed like Brother Zhai had already anticipated that Ding Jiayi would throw a tantrum here. ¡°Brother Zhai, why don¡¯t you send the triplets home first?¡± Her father had already arrived. Even if Ding Jiayi wanted to make a scene, her father would have to grant Ding Jiayi permission to do so.

    Although her father did not treat her as well as he treated the triplets, there was no doubt that her father would never allow Ding Jiayi to hit or scold her. He would have his eyes firmly on Ding Jiayi.

    The couple had once been husband and wife, and they were of the same generation.

    If Qiao Dongliang were really to get into a fight with Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan, as their daughter, knew that she would not bother to advise Qiao Dongliang to save his strength or even to stop fighting. When faced with people like Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan had nothing to say.

    ¡°I¡¯lle and apany you in the hospital after I send the children home.¡± Now that Qiao Dongliang was here, Zhai Sheng could indeed leave for a short while with no worries. But Zhai Sheng would never agree to leaving Qiao Nan alone in the hospital. As for the children, there were still his parents at home. Besides, the triplets were already junior high school students. As long as there was food for them, the triplets could more or less take care of themselves without external help.

    ¡°Dad, just send Er Bao and San Bao home. I¡¯ll stay here with Mom.¡± Da Bao was unwilling to leave. In the short span of a day, he had experienced for himself the power of his ¡®grandmother¡¯ and ¡®aunt¡¯. Da Bao could not bear to leave his mother with any of these two ¡®powerful¡¯ figures.

    His mother was truly unfortunate to have such a mother.

    If his father had not been around earlier, and if his grandfather had not shielded his mother, there was nothing his mother could have done, other than hiding, when that old woman pounced on her. Unfortunately, his mother was a national cadre who represented the image of the country. No matter what, there was no reason for children to physically fight their elders.

    Da Bao understood this, but he was still deeply resentful. Thew was based on human rtionships. Why did this not apply to his mother?

    Now that he had seen Ding Jiayi¡¯s sloppy side, how could Da Bao rest easy knowing that Qiao Nan would be with Ding Jiayi? Although Qiao Dongliang would still be around even if they were to leave, Da Bao was still uneasy.

    ¡°Be a good boy, Da Bao. Go home with your father. It¡¯ll be fine here. I¡¯ll be able to return soon too. You guys should just go first.¡± Feeling her son¡¯s concern, Qiao Nan¡¯s cool fingertips warmed up considerably. She had known for a long time what kind of people Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were. There was really no need to be emotionally affected by these two people.

    ¡°It¡¯s not suitable for you to stay here. Don¡¯t worry. Mom will be fine with your grandpa here.¡± If her biological father was not around, even Qiao Nan herself would be unwilling to stay around Ding Jiayi at such a time.

    Leaving aside how dangerous it was, just looking at Ding Jiayi made Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes hurt, especially after hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯spletely distorted logic. What kind of genius was Ding Jiayi to have been capable of teaching Qiao Zijin these things?

 Chapter 1603 - No Need for Anyoneâ€™s Companionship

    <h4>Chapter 1603: No Need for Anyone¡¯s Companionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang immediately chimed in. ¡°That¡¯s right, Da Bao. Just return home with your younger brother and sister. Grandpa will be here. I won¡¯t let anyone bully your mom. Just hurry home. The hospital is not a good ce to stay in. Besides, you are children and it is Sunday tomorrow. You¡¯ll have to return to school in the afternoon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Shengmanded without giving Da Bao any chance to refuse. With that, the three children had no choice but to leave quietly with Zhai Sheng.

    But when Da Bao got into the car, his expression was even more serious than Zhai Sheng¡¯s. ¡°Dad, are you really not worried? I feel uneasy.¡± It was especially because it was his grandfather that he was even more so worried.

    Was his grandpa never at home before his mother met his father? If his grandpa was around, how could those two women bully his mom and his father had toe to the rescue? Among everyone, his grandpa¡¯s reputation was the worst and the most worrying.

    ¡°Your grandpa may be a little confused at times, but he¡¯s softhearted. Besides, it¡¯s been so many years, and Nan Nan has treated him so well. No matter how muddled he is, he should know when to do the right thing. And his love for the three of you is genuine. So, it¡¯s not just because Nan Nan is his daughter. It¡¯s also because of you three that he will never let Nan Nan lose even a single strand of hair so that you guys will never have to worry about Nan Nan.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was very sure of this.

    Da Bao chewed on his lip, clearly thinking of how Qiao Dongliang had stood up for him when Ding Jiayi was scolding him. Before their holiday, they had been depressed to see Qiao Dongliang once again.

    Their beloved grandpa had treated their most beloved mother so badly in the past. Should they forgive their grandpa and continue to be on good terms with him?

    This time, the triplets were even more hesitant because they knew that their grandpa loved them dearly. After a long time, Da Bao said gloomily, ¡°I haven¡¯t entirely forgiven grandpa. He may be a good grandpa, but he sure isn¡¯t a good father. I pity Mom.¡± She seriously had rotten luck to have such a mother and sister, and even a father like this!

    No wonder his mother was always smiling in his memories. That warm smile was just like the sun in winter that made people feel warm and blissful. Compared to her life in the past, his mom¡¯s life was indeed as good as it could get. That¡¯s why his mom tried very hard to convey happiness to the people around her as well.

    Er Bao and San Bao remained silent, but that was about what they meant too. Er Bao rubbed his face impatiently. ¡°Grandpa does treat us well, but why did he do that to Mom?¡± To say the truth, their mom treated their grandpa even better. The three of them could not really do anything and could not provide for their grandpa financially like their mom did.

    What was the reason that their grandpa would not like someone who treated him so well?

    This unthinkable phenomenon not only happened to their grandpa but also those two women whom they met today. Bizarre. It was truly bizarre.

    To think that their mom who had grown up in such a strange household was normal and not bizarre at all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about grandpa. I¡¯m feeling so depressed now. I don¡¯t want to hear that word.¡± San Bao was much more emotional. Before she clearly understood the situation, there was no way for her to be as close to her grandpa as she had once been. Now, when she heard the word ¡®grandpa¡¯, it felt as though a fire was burning within her chest and her whole body was on fire.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing knew that Qiao Nan had knocked Qiao Zijin down, and they had shouted at Zhai Sheng to pick the three children up.

    The moment her grandchildren arrived home, Miao Jing immediately greeted them tenderly. ¡°Are you alright? I hope you were not frightened.¡± Miao Jing especially took great care of San Bao and hugged her tightly within her embrace. ¡°You¡¯re a good girl, San Bao. If you can¡¯t fall asleep tonight,e and find grandma. Grandma will apany you tonight.¡± Miao Jing was afraid that San Bao would have nightmares tonight.

    In fact, even an elder like Miao Jing had never seen such a bloody scene in her entire life. As a grandma, she had never even experienced it before, but the three children had experienced it today. How could Miao Jing not be upset or worried?

    San Bao leaned against Miao Jing in her embrace and quietly grunted in agreement. Actually, San Bao wanted Qiao Nan to apany her to sleep tonight. She would be much more at ease with her mother by her side. But with the situation in the hospital, San Bao knew that her mother might not even be able toe home to rest tonight.

    She still had to return to school, and her mother, to work tomorrow. Her mother had it harder than her. She wanted her mother to have a good rest instead of worrying about her.

    Since her grandma had said that she would apany her, San Bao would definitely not reject it.

    ¡°Da Bao and Er Bao have each other¡¯spany. Since you guys are brothers, why don¡¯t you just put your beds together and sleep together tonight? How about your grandpa apanies you guys tonight?¡± Now that she had dealt with her granddaughter, Miao Jing quickly came up with a solution for her grandsons.

    Da Bao and Er Bao shared a knowing gaze before shaking their heads. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry about Er Bao and me. We¡¯re young men. Justfort San Bao well.¡± It was pushing it a little far by asking them to sleep together like when they were still young children. And to have their grandpa sleep with them? Forget it. They could never do it.

    The grown-up Da Bao and Er Bao understood their grandpa¡¯s obsession with their grandma.

    The moment their grandma said that she would sleep with San Bao, their grandpa, who was usually expressionless, immediately raised his eyebrow. They were not their grandma. If their grandpa were to sleep with them, he was sure to be upset. It was being filial to their grandpa that they refused the offer.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Miao Jing asked uneasily. ¡°Don¡¯t be too stubborn. San Bao may be a youngdy, but you two are still young as well. It¡¯s okay to admit that you¡¯re scared. We¡¯re at home. There¡¯s nothing embarrassing about it. Your health is the most important. Do you understand?¡± Miao Jing was worried that Da Bao and Er Bao were just putting up a facade and acting brave. When the time came at night when they were alone, they would not dare to sleep with no adults around.

    As for Zhai Sheng, no one assigned any tasks to Zhai Sheng at this time, not even the task of spending time with his two sons. That was because everyone in the Zhai family knew that Zhai Sheng¡¯s most important mission was to return to the hospital to apany Qiao Nan. After he finished his meal, he still had to pack some food and bring it over to Qiao Nan.

    Er Bao shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s really no need. Da Bao and I share a room. There¡¯s nothing for us to fear.¡± Although he spoke little today, it was not out of fear. It was just that there had been so much to take in today that the normally extroverted Er Bao kept his feelings to himself and needed time to think.

    To have heard about and to have experienced for themselves were two very different things. Now that the triplets had seen Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi for themselves, their pity for Qiao Nan only intensified.

 Chapter 1604 - Youâ€™re Weak, So You Have a Reason

    <h4>Chapter 1604: You¡¯re Weak, So You Have a Reason</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At this moment in the hospital, Qiao Dongliang was around. As a result, Ding Jiayi hardly dared to throw her tantrum. But her gaze toward Qiao Nan remained cold with hatred. ¡°If you still have a little bit of conscience, you¡¯ll be good to Zijin and take good care of her after knocking her down this time. Remember that you owe Zijin!¡±

    ¡°Bullsh*t!¡± Qiao Dongliang answered on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf. ¡°Are you dreaming? No wonder Da Bao said that Zijin was the one who ran out and knocked into Nan Nan¡¯s car. Actually, you two have been nning this, right? You¡¯re amazing. More than ten years ago, when Nan Nan wanted to attend the college entrance examination, she pushed you out so that you would get trapped under someone¡¯s wheel. You were hospitalized for several months. Now, to take money from Nan Nan, you¡¯re so vicious to push Zijin out again. Just for that sum of money, you two are willing to sacrifice even your lives!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was as ck as thunder. ¡°There¡¯s no need for Nan Nan to answer you. I¡¯ll give you an answer directly. More than ten years ago, the two of you put up a good show together, causing Nan Nan to miss the college entrance examination. But in the end, Nan Nan still became the top scorer in the college entrance examination. Now, ten yearster, Zijin was the one who ran in front of the car to get knocked down. Let¡¯s be clear. What¡¯s Nan Nan¡¯s responsibility, she won¡¯t shirk it. But if you want Nan Nan to provide for Zijin for the rest of her life, don¡¯t even think about it!¡±

    A person who was perfectly able-bodied refused to work and thought all day long about how to get someone else to support her instead. No matter how one saw it, it was Ding Jiayi who taught Zijin this wayward manner. Without Ding Jiayi¡¯s care and concern, Nan Nan had ironically be an outstanding person in her own right. She had even made extraordinary contributions to themunity and state!

    On the other hand, Zijin, who had grown up being pampered and spoiled by Ding Jiayi, was living the existence of a worm. It was not enough to have been supported while she was growing up. Now that she was all grown up, she was still looking forward to her sister supporting her! Idealistic! Too idealistic!

    ¡°Nonsense! That kid was lying to help Qiao Nan. He¡¯s so good at lying at such a young age. You always say that my education methods failed and that I failed Zijin, but the person who really raised her children badly is not me. It¡¯s her!¡± Ding Jiayi refused to admit or believe that that was the truth.

    She felt that it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s good fortune to have been knocked down by Qiao Nan. And it just so happened that her injuries were not serious, and she would not die.

    Now that everything was exposed, she had to take up the responsibility. What was wrong with asking Qiao Nan to provide for Zijin? Even if she could not provide for her, she was still going to take this opportunity to make some money off Qiao Nan. Whether it was a monthly payment or given in a lump sum, she and Zijin would be fine either way. She would not be picky about that. Whatever was convenient for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang could no longer be bothered to retort Ding Jiayi. ¡°Have you thought about how you¡¯re going to deal with this? Won¡¯t you lose out?¡± He believed that Da Bao would never lie just to help Qiao Nan. But this had happened so suddenly that he did not know if there would be any witnesses who could help prove Qiao Nan¡¯s innocence and prove that Qiao Zijin had purposely run in front of the car.

    Without clear evidence, there was no way Nan Nan would be able to get herself out of this situation even if she was truly innocent.

    Qiao Nan looked up and said calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. Just like thest time, nothing will happen to me. There were many people around when this happened. Just now, there were already people who stood up for me to prove my innocence. They said that they personally saw Qiao Zijin run out and wait for my car. Qiao Zijin said that she didn¡¯t want to live anymore. The doctors and nurses who were trying to save her can vouch for me that Qiao Zijin was trying tomit suicide by running in front of my car. It wasn¡¯t me who knocked her down. Besides, when the incident happened, I looked around and saw that there were CCTVs around the area.¡±

    With so much evidence that could prove her innocence, what was there to worry about?

    Money?

    She was only prepared to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s hospital bills. As for anything else, even just an extra dor, it would depend on her feelings. She would have to consider that further.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders rxed. ¡°Really? It¡¯s great if that¡¯s the case. I won¡¯t have to worry about you anymore.¡± With so many witnesses and solid evidence, Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan was not trying tofort herself. There was really no way that Qiao Zijin¡¯s ident could be med on her. ¡°Wait a minute. Did you say that Zijin said that she didn¡¯t want to live anymore? Did she really say that?¡±

    So it was not just for a scam. Zijin was tired of living and thus deliberately intended to die under Nan Nan¡¯s wheel!

    Why? Why did Zijin have to do that?

    Zijin was doing all right, so why did she suddenly want to end her life?

    As soon as he thought about this, Qiao Dongliang quickly remembered what Qiao Zijin had been up to recently. All right, she might not have been doing all right. Zijin hadmitted so many evil deeds against Nan Nan. Now, karma was biting back at Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you n to do about the previous incident?¡± Did Nan Nan really intend for Qiao Zijin to go to jail?

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin absolutely deserved to go to jail. But he was still the father of these two vastly different daughters after all. If any of them were bullied, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart would still be uneasy.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much.¡± Qiao Nan was used to Qiao Dongliang being softhearted to his daughters to the point of neglecting any moral obligations, so she was hardly affected emotionally seeing Qiao Dongliang act in this manner again. In fact, she waspletely numb. ¡°If Qiao Zijin ran in front of my car just for this matter, I can only say that Qiao Zijin is scaring herself. If I really meant to do anything, she would have received mywyer¡¯s letter long ago.¡±

    Her method of ¡®you¡¯re weak, so you have a reason¡¯ was truly too cruel and easy to use. Don¡¯t belittle the power of moral kidnapping. Even a grown man would have to kneel before it!

    She was a national cadre with a perfect family, a perfect life, and she was even rich.

    Qiao Zijin was jobless, a vagrant, and a divorcee. Even though the court awarded her custody of her child, she sent her daughter back to her inws because she could not afford to raise her child.

    Even if Qiao Zijin had been the cause of everything, and even if Qiao Zijin had been the only one in the wrong from the beginning, it was especially because of this contrast that she would be scolded and beaten up if she were to legally pursue Qiao Zijin and send Qiao Zijin to jail.

    Qiao Nan did not want to ruin her reputation in such an unjustified manner just for Qiao Zijin.

    The reason Qiao Nan could be promoted through what seemed to be a demotion was her ability to see the big picture, putting the reputation of the state before herself and being less concerned about her own personal feelings. With such a great performance, how could Qiao Nan¡¯s superiors not acknowledge her efforts?

    If Qiao Zijin had not taken the initiative today, she would never have bothered to deal with Qiao Zijin about this matter.

 Chapter 1605 - A Deep Impression

    <h4>Chapter 1605: A Deep Impression</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even if her promotion this time had the slightest bit to do with Qiao Zijin.

    But Qiao Nan always knew that if it was not for her preparations by recording that extreme conversation with Qiao Zijin, there was no way she would have been promoted. On the contrary, she would very well have been dragged down from her position, and she would have let her master down.

    It was not Qiao Zijin who had given her this opportunity. It was her own efforts that had turned these bad things into an opportunity for herself. Thus, her promotion really was not because of Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin should already be thanking the heavens that she decided not to pursue the matter. But what Qiao Nan had never expected was for Qiao Zijin to ¡®return¡¯ her favor with such a big ¡®present¡¯.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression warmed. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡± He should have known. Nan Nan was such a good kid. How could she bear to end Zijin like that? Even if they had no feelings for each other and were just strangers, there was no need to drive her into a corner. ¡°Now, we¡¯ll just have to wait for the oue of Zijin¡¯s surgery. Nan Nan, how long has Zijin been inside?¡±

    ¡°Probably just over an hour.¡± Qiao Nan nced at her watch.

    Ding Jiayi moved her lips but did not say anything unpleasant. When Qiao Zijin had begged her for help earlier, Ding Jiayi had refused to help her out of fear that Qiao Nan would stop giving her a living allowance, or that the cost of living would increase. She even advised Qiao Zijin to beg Qiao Nan herself and to stop being at ends with Qiao Nan.

    But who would have expected that both she and Zijin, who had been on the verge of breaking down, had just been thinking too much. Qiao Nan had never intended to throw Qiao Zijin into jail. It was because of their own guilty conscience that they thought that Qiao Zijin hadmitted a serious mistake and that Qiao Nan would never let Qiao Zijin off.

    After all, Qiao Nan had never been softhearted toward Qiao Zijin before. But they had never expected that it was toward such an important and crucial matter that Qiao Nan suddenly acted out of the norm and disyed some sense of kinship toward Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi pitied Qiao Zijin. If she had known that this was the case, Zijin would not have had to be pinned under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheel. No matter how one saw it, it was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault. Who would not be afraid if they were in Qiao Zijin¡¯s ce after causing such a huge uproar? Everyone had seen how even the most powerful magazine publishers had been shut down.

    Since Qiao Nan did not intend to take action against them, why did she not say so earlier? If Zijin had not been so afraid, would she have taken such drastic measures and wanted to end her life? For ordinary people like them who lived ordinary lives, going to jail was scarier than death.

    If she was in Zijin¡¯s ce, she would do the same. She would much rather die than go to jail. Anyone who went to jail could not be any good. Staying in jail for a day was a hundred, or even a thousand times tougher than a day outside.

    But no matter what, knowing that Qiao Nan was not nning to pursue the matter, Ding Jiayi felt relieved. ¡°You two, don¡¯t think I¡¯m deaf. Don¡¯t talk about Qiao Zijin like that in front of me. It¡¯s true that I got into an ident in the past, but that was purely an ident. Zijin had nothing to do with it. What has Qiao Nan taking the college entrance examination got to do with me? Would I have sacrificed my life just to stop her from taking the college entrance examination?¡±

    Nothing was more precious than her own life. Giving her life just for Qiao Nan? Over her dead body. Not in a million years!

    Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°Wow, you really don¡¯t know anything? Do you really think that it was purely an ident that you were knocked down in front of Nan Nan¡¯s school gate the year she was supposed to take the college entrance examination? When I asked you why you appeared in front of the school gate at that very moment, you didn¡¯t answer me, but I already knew the answer. I thought that you¡¯d already guessed what had happened. I never expected that you¡¯re still in the dark about this matter.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not know whether tough or cry.

    Ding Jiayi had raised Qiao Zijin skewed, and Qiao Zijin had never let Ding Jiayi off easy either. More than ten years ago, Ding Jiayi had already gotten retribution for the way she had raised Qiao Zijin.

    At that time, Ding Jiayi was in a much more serious condition than Qiao Zijin was today. If Ding Jiayi had arrived at the hospital just half an hourter, she would not even be sitting here, talking without a clue to him right now.

    ¡°No, that had nothing to do with Zijin. It was just an ident. Zijin is already lying there and you¡¯re still talking about her behind her back! Is Zijin still your daughter? What kind of father are you? If Zijin finds out about this, she¡¯ll be heartbroken!¡± Ding Jiayi had only a moment¡¯s hesitation and doubt about that matter.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin cajoled her and neither was Ding Jiayi willing to ept such a truth. As such, she intentionally ignored this matter and refused to think about the many impossibilities of that incident. Now that Qiao Dongliang had taken the initiative to bring this matter up, Ding Jiayi was even more adamant to pretend that she knew nothing about it.

    ¡°Dad, forget it.¡± Qiao Nan returned with bottles of water. She passed one to Qiao Dongliang, took one for herself, and ced one on the bench. Ding Jiayi could take it if she wanted to. ¡°You can¡¯t wake someone who¡¯s deliberately pretending to be asleep.¡± It was obvious that Ding Jiayi had guessed about the truth of the matter but was in denial. Qiao Zijin was not only cut off from her father but was even vicious enough to do that to her mother.

    Once Ding Jiayi admitted that that was the truth, then her life would indeed be aplete failure.

    Her biological mother hated her and refused to acknowledge her. In the few decades after she first got married, Ding Jiayi had never had any contact with her family. Even after being husband and wife for more than ten years, Qiao Dongliang never forgave her. He even resented her for bringing Qiao Zijin up in such a skewed manner. After their divorce, he was even unwilling to remain in the same city and only wished that they would never meet ever again.

    There was no need to talk about their daughters. Ding Jiayi had never ced her hopes in her.

    Qiao Zijin was different. Qiao Zijin was Ding Jiayi¡¯s whole hope. She was the only light in Ding Jiayi¡¯s world. But in these darkest moments, the next one to jump in front of a car to end her life might just be Ding Jiayi!

    In actuality, this incident was not Qiao Nan¡¯s worst nightmare. If Qiao Nan had not died from a car ident in her previous life, she would probably have been able to handle this incident even more calmly. Disgust. She had to be disgusted. Who wanted to knock anyone down with their car?

    But the words that Qiao Zijin had said before being sent up onto the ambnce left a ¡®deep¡¯ impression on Qiao Nan. Seeing Ding Jiayi now, there was just a slight fear and gratefulness in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 1606 - Necessary Prevention

    <h4>Chapter 1606: Necessary Prevention</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She was grateful for Ding Jiayi¡¯s dislike for her during her childhood, sparing her from this misery.

    She could not imagine how her life would turn out if the one that Ding Jiayi had favored then was her, and if she had been the one brought up in this manner by Ding Jiayi.

    Killing a child by supporting him¡ªwas Ding Jiayi going to go to the ends of the world to prove this?

    Perhaps, between Zijin and her, the truly unfortunate one was not her, but Zijin. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m suddenly not bitter anymore. I¡¯m not bitter at all. I was the one who was favored. If Qiao Zijin wakes up and can truly differentiate right from wrong, I think that this is quite a cruel thing to do to Qiao Zijin. She¡¯s much more pitiful than me.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not even stand the thought of being in Qiao Zijin¡¯s ce. Would she be able to live Qiao Zijin¡¯s life? Moreover, Qiao Zijin was the one who was truly living such a life.

    Perhaps, meeting Ding Jiayi was the greatest tragedy in both of their lives.

    As she thought about it, Qiao Nan sighed. Now, there was no hatred or resentment, or even disgust toward Qiao Zijin. She truly pitied Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang was stunned. He had never expected Qiao Nan to say such things at such a moment. She even said that she pitied Qiao Zijin! ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s the matter with you? Why are you suddenly saying these things?¡±

    If Nan Nan was really no longer resentful of Zijin, did not want to pursue the previous matter with Zijin, and was even willing to help Zijin until she was discharged, Qiao Dongliang would really have to thank the heavens. Nan Nan was a kind soul after all. But now that Qiao Nan no longer hated Qiao Zijin, and even softened her attitude toward Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang was not especially happy. On the contrary, he was scared by such a reaction.

    He could not understand how Qiao Nan could not get angry even after Qiao Zijin had done so many heinous acts. Favored? Between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin, there was no way Qiao Nan was the favored child.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang was not touching his heart and swearing against it, he still could not bring himself to tell such a lie.

    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was unable to understand the meaning behind her words, Qiao Nan did not want to exin it either. Now that Qiao Nan had forgiven Qiao Zijin, and even pitied Qiao Zijin, her gaze toward Ding Jiayi changed from one of calmness to one filled with indifference. As long as both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were alive, the struggle between the two of them would never cease. They would simply continue to hurt each other while facing retribution for it until they died.

    Fortunately, she had removed herself from this bizarre circle a long time ago. Now, she had a happy life of her own.

    ¡°Are you the patient¡¯s family members?¡±

    At this moment, a nurse who had been trying to save Qiao Zijin emerged from the operating theatre with bloodied hands. ¡°If you are, please hurry along with me to get your blood tested. We don¡¯t have a sufficient stock of the patient¡¯s blood type in our hospital, but our surgery is still ongoing. If we can¡¯t do a blood transfusion for the patient, I¡¯m afraid...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m her dad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m... I¡¯m her...¡± Did they not say that she was in no danger?

    Qiao Nan stood forward. ¡°The three of us can go get our blood tested. Can you tell us if the situation is serious? The doctor told me earlier that her condition was stable.¡±

    The nurse gasped and led the way. ¡°All right, thene with me. We¡¯ve never had such an uncooperative patient. Since she got into a car ident, there are signs of minor fractures in various parts of her body. Normally, such patients would be in such great pain that they wouldn¡¯t have any energy to fool around. But your family member is really strange. She still has the energy to fight back against us. She refuses to let the surgeons operate on her and insists on dying instead.¡±

    This was the biggest news of the year.

    Qiao Nan frowned and saw that Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression had changed because of the nurse¡¯s words. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she be put under general anesthesia to go for surgery?¡± Qiao Zijin had been in a car ident. She would definitely have sustained multiple injuries all over her body. If she was not under general anesthesia, there was probably no way they could carry on with a surgery anyway.

    At the mention of this, the nurse became even angrier. ¡°Is your family member immune to anesthesia?¡± Even after the entire dosage of anesthesia had been administered, the patient still retained movement in her limbs. If it was not for this reason, this surgery would not have dragged on for so long such that there was an insufficient stock of blood!

    The patient had no will to survive, but as doctors, they could not possibly abandon their patient on the operation table and leave her to die. A routine operation had be the most arduous task of the entire year! As such, the atmosphere in the operation theatre was terrible. It was even more somber than that of surgeries that were several times harder.

    After the blood tests were conducted, both Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan were approved to donate their blood. Ding Jiayi was not.

    With a life at stake, Qiao Nan put aside her grudges and lifted up her sleeve to allow the nurse to draw three hundred milliliters of her blood. Qiao Dongliang was a man and stronger than Qiao Nan, so he let the nurse draw four hundred milliliters at once.

    After the blood donation, both Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expressions changed slightly.

    ¡°Dad, drink more water for now. Once Zhai Shenges, there should be food for us.¡± After donating her blood, Qiao Nan always felt that her mouth was extremely parched and she could hardly open her mouth. She gulped down the remaining half bottle of water from earlier.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Dongliang had a simr feeling. He did not even wait for Qiao Nan to instruct him and simply took his bottle for a drink.

    Ding Jiayi hung her head and passed her half-empty bottle of water to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I still have some. Do you want it?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang eyed Ding Jiayi coldly. ¡°Nan Nan, do you still want some water? Shall I go get two bottles of water?¡± Would he really drink from the bottle that Ding Jiayi had touched? The biggest mistake in his entire life was allowing Ding Jiayi to raise his two daughters. For something as small as drinking water, he would much rather go thirsty than drink from the same bottle as Ding Jiayi.

    Moreover, this was no desert. If he wanted to drink some water, there would definitely be another way. He would even go to the toilet to drink water from the tap rather than take anything from Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go instead.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She no longer felt hate or resentment, but it was impossible for her to get along with Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin. She had put it behind her, but these two definitely had not. Even if she did not provoke them, they would take the initiative and attack her.

    It was just a matter of a few steps. Qiao Nan would rather Qiao Dongliang stay behind than face Ding Jiayi alone.

    Even though Ding Jiayi looked rather earnest now, who knew what she would say to Qiao Nan once Qiao Dongliang left? She might even do something to Qiao Nan! But Qiao Nan was too tired to even guess what she might do.

 Chapter 1607 - It Seems a Little Dangerous

    <h4>Chapter 1607: It Seems a Little Dangerous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I¡¯ll go too!¡± Ding Jiayi stood up. ¡°I didn¡¯t donate blood. I can apany Qiao Nan there. In case Qiao Nan gets giddy from donating blood, I can help support her.¡± Ding Jiayi, who was plotting something, could not give up the opportunity to be alone with Qiao Nan and wanted to go along too.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression darkened as he yanked Ding Jiayi away. At that moment, Qiao Nan increased her pace and took a turn. With that, Ding Jiayi lost sight of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± No, he should have asked what she wanted to do this time around.

    Ding Jiayi, who had not seeded in her attempt, pouted. ¡°Nothing.¡± She wanted to, but she had not seeded, right?

    ¡°Ha.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered, understanding what Ding Jiayi truly meant. What she meant was that she had indeed nned on doing something but had not been sessful.

    After a while, Qiao Nan returned, but she was not alone. After sending the three children home, he returned with two food containers. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve brought some food. Come and have one.¡± Naturally, the other was for Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes twinkled as she craned her neck, and she gulped down her saliva. She was clearly hungry as well and wanted to have a meal.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi act in this manner, Qiao Dongliang really had an impulse to smash his meal on her face. Zijin was still fighting for her life, but Ding Jiayi was in the mood for a meal. It was truly Ding Jiayi¡¯s fault that Zijin was in this state. But Ding Jiayi had no intention to reflect on her own actions, and she was even trying to push the me to everyone else, wanting others to take up the responsibility!

    ¡°This is for you.¡± Zhai Sheng treated Ding Jiayi as he would a stranger. Zhai Sheng did not care about how ¡®amazing; Ding Jiayi was. He had brought quite a lot of things, including two boxes of food and a pot of soup.

    Zhai Sheng could not possibly let Ding Jiayi stay hungry and watch them eat. So, on the way to the hospital, he stopped over and bought a pack of food for Ding Jiayi.

    One was home-cooked, while the other was just something casually bought along the streets. It was very obvious who was part of the family and who was just a stranger.

    Ding Jiayi was too hungry to care about how fragrant and enticing Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s food smelled. She could only concentrate on her own food. She could only stay by Zijin and take good care of Zijin after her surgery if she fed herself well.

    Zhai Sheng did not treat Ding Jiayi badly either. In Ding Jiayi¡¯s lunch box, there was an assortment of meat and vegetables. It was a nutritionally bnced meal.

    ¡°She¡¯s still not out yet?¡± Zhai Sheng asked while pouring soup for Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s been almost two hours. Is the situation dangerous?¡± Hadn¡¯t Nan Nan said in the first call that the doctor had said that Qiao Zijin¡¯s condition was not serious?

    Qiao Nan ate until she was half-full before she held out her cup and finished her slightly warm soup. Now that her stomach was filled, Qiao Nan felt alive again. ¡°I went to draw some blood with Dad earlier, and the nurse said that Qiao Zijin refuses to be saved and is being uncooperative in the surgery. The doctor tried to administer general anesthesia, but it doesn¡¯t seem to be working. Qiao Zijin isn¡¯t cooperating, so it¡¯s proceeding at a very slow pace.¡± Qiao Zijin was definitely the most uncooperative car ident victim in history.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng took the empty bowl from Qiao Nan and covered it. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here tonight. You should go home and rest.¡± If that was really the case, it¡¯s uncertain how long more this surgery would drag on for.

    ¡°No!¡± Ding Jiayi threw her empty lunch box over. Her voice was shrill and definite. ¡°She was the one who knocked Zijin down. Everyone else can leave, but she has to stay until Zijin is out of danger.¡± When facing Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi still had a little bit of confidence. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother after all. Qiao Nan would not dare to do anything to her.

    What was different was that Zhai Sheng was her son-inw. Ding Jiayi could not muster up her confidence in front of Zhai Sheng. If the person who stayed was Zhai Sheng, Ding Jiayi would not dare to request for anything. But if the person who stayed was Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi could say anything as she pleased.

    She did not expect Qiao Nan to agree to all her conditions, but she would definitely find a way to make Qiao Nan agree to at least one or two of them. As long as Zijin¡¯s life was taken care of, Zijin would no longer wish to die. Instead, she would live her life well to watch Ying Ying grow up and get married.

    Up until now, Ding Jiayi still did not believe that Qiao Zijin not wanting to live anymore had anything to do with her and that she had to take any responsibility. What she knew was that she wanted Qiao Zijin to stay alive and lead a good life. If Qiao Zijin could not survive anymore, then she would strive to create livable conditions for Qiao Zijin, and Qiao Nan would y a key role in that.

    Qiao Dongliang red at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s all right. I¡¯ll be here. Even if you leave Nan Nan here, nothing will happen. It¡¯ll be better for Nan Nan to stay than to leave now.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not mean to make it difficult for Qiao Nan, but Qiao Zijin had gotten into an ident and Qiao Nan had unfortunately been involved. Even before the previous stormpletely subsided, there might be someone who had their eyes on Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin. To improve Qiao Nan¡¯s image, it would be better for Qiao Nan to stay and repay all their evil deeds with kindness.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Zhai Sheng refused. He did not want Nan Nan to have to work so hard, much less for Qiao Zijin. She could forgo such an image.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed and looked at Qiao Nan. In front of Nan Nan, Zhai Sheng¡¯s words often only expressed his personal opinion, not the entire Zhai family¡¯s. Qiao Dongliang could only hope that Qiao Nan herself could calm down and think rationally instead of being emotional like Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan grabbed her own hair and said somewhat helplessly, ¡°Brother Zhai, why don¡¯t you stay here with me? When I¡¯m tired, I can lean on your shoulder.¡± She did not resent Qiao Zijin. She even pitied Qiao Zijin. But it was quite ufortable indeed to put in so much effort for Qiao Zijin.

    She was clearly the victim here!

    A deceiving moral kidnapping! A bunch of conniving keyboard warriors!

    This time, Zhai Sheng did not refuse. Seeing that Zhai Sheng did not intend to leave, Ding Jiayi¡¯s lips moved as though she wanted to say something to Zhai Sheng to force him to leave. In the end, the moment Ding Jiayi saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s dark gaze, her courage to speak up disappeared immediately. All she could do was to squat by the side and stay there as though she did not exist.

    As the minutes ticked by, none of the people waiting outside had rxed expressions on their faces. Their whole bodies were tense. As more time passed, it only meant that Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery was getting trickier and the risks were only increasing.

 Chapter 1608 - Scram

    <h4>Chapter 1608: Scram</h4>

    As a result, there was no way the people waiting outside could not be anxious.

    ¡°It¡¯s been three hours.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice quivered. ¡°Nan Nan, could something have happened to Zijin?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. You¡¯ll have to ask the doctor about that.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°If not, we¡¯ll ask a nurse if a nurse happens toe out.¡± Now, even Qiao Nan was a little worried. She was worried that Qiao Zijin would be uncooperative and this routine surgery would end with a death.

    Finally, the light of the operating theatre was switched off and the door was opened. The doctor walked out with fatigue written all over his face, his gaze filled with anger and somberness. ¡°I¡¯m extremely sorry. We¡¯ve tried our best. In a time like this, the patient¡¯s will to live is crucial...¡±

    The doctor had the urge to curse and swear after going through such a three-hour-long surgery. The patient had been alive and kicking but had turned a regr routine surgery into such a disaster!

    During the surgery, the doctor had asked the nurse to exit the operation theatre and bring the patient¡¯s family in so as to arouse the patient¡¯s will to live. But no one had expected that the patient, who had not entirely lost consciousness, suddenly became more agitated at the mention of her family. Her waves of emotion intensified the bleeding from her wounds.

    One could only imagine how much the main surgeon was on the verge of falling apart in the face of such an abnormal surgery. This was just like a person who was about to jump off a building, with one foot in the air. Bystanders would say, ¡°Don¡¯t jump! I¡¯ll get your family here. Have you forgotten? You still have a family?¡± No one would expect that the mention of family would cause the person to lift up her other foot and immediately jump off the building without hesitation. And with a thud, her life would end.

    In the moment, the main surgeon wanted to curse and swear.

    The doctor expressed that he would definitely die an early death if he were to do a few more of such surgeries.

    The doctor was too tired to speak, and the nurse exined the situation inside the operation theatre to the patient¡¯s family members. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate that it turned out this way. We were unable to save the patient in the end. But before the patient took herst breath, she said something. Ding Jiayi won¡¯t be allowed at her funeral. You guys should know who Ding Jiayi is, right? This is the patient¡¯sst wish. The family members should ultimately decide on what to do.¡±

    How deep her hatred must have been for her to say such a thing in herst moments. Besides, she made no mention of her loved ones. The nurse wondered if Ding Jiayi was the woman who snatched the patient¡¯s husband. Otherwise, how could she hold such a grudge against her?

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Those who knew whom Ding Jiayi was fell into silence and turned their gazes toward Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan could not help but think about how thest name that Qiao Zijin mentioned before her death and how herst act of rejection had not been toward herself! Did that mean that at the time of Qiao Zijin¡¯s death, the one she bore the greatest grudge against was not herself but Ding Jiayi?

    Ding Jiayi blew her nose and her eyes were bloodshot. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Zijin was still fine when she called me. How can you say that she¡¯s gone just like that? I don¡¯t believe you. Zijin is still alive. I don¡¯t believe that Zijin is gone. Are you guys lying to me? Are you trying to kidnap my daughter from me?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had not evenpleted her sentence when Qiao Zijin was wheeled out on a stretcher with a white sheet covering her body. The nurse did not take issue with what Ding Jiayi said. After all, she had just lost a daughter and had to send her own child off. ¡°Go take onest look at her.¡± In the future, she would no longer have a chance to see her in person. Photographs would be all she would have.

    ¡°Zijin? Zijin!¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand trembled badly, and she hesitated for a long while before pulling the white cloth down a little to reveal Qiao Zijin¡¯s ghostly pale face. ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t scare your mom! Hurry and get up! No matter what you want in the future, Mom will definitely be on your side to help you! The big vi that you want and the money that you want, Mom will help you get it. Qiao Nan has agreed to it. Hurry and get up! If you don¡¯t believe it, you can ask Qiao Nan yourself. Isn¡¯t that so, Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Zijin, mom was wrong. You¡¯re mom¡¯s most beloved little girl. How am I supposed to live without you now? You¡¯re really breaking my heart! Why don¡¯t you just bring me along with you? Without you around, what¡¯s the point of me staying alive? Zijin, don¡¯t leave your mom behind! Mom has a lot of money. How about I give everything to you? Zijin, hurry and open your eyes and look at me...¡±

    As Ding Jiayi rambled on, she began to weep pitifully. Upon hearing that tragic wail, the nurse almost shed tears herself.

    ¡°Take care of yourselves.¡± Other than this, the nurse did not know what to say tofort the family members.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi kneel by Qiao Zijin¡¯s body, crying her heart out, Qiao Nan thought that it was rather ironic. Qiao Zijin¡¯sst words probably meant that she would never want to meet her again in this life. Only now that Qiao Zijin was already dead was Ding Jiayi willing to fork out her money to satisfy Qiao Zijin. That¡¯s right. What a noble maternal love.

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but turn around and use his sleeve to wipe the corners of his eyes. No matter how unfilial this daughter of theirs was, this was the heart of a parent. She was still his first child after all, and so, Qiao Dongliang had deep feelings for Qiao Zijin. How could someone who had been alive and well pass away just like that? Especially when her injuries were not very serious. Now that everything had ended in this manner, Qiao Dongliang did not know how to react to this.

    Then, he thought of what the nurse had said about Qiao Zijin¡¯sst words. It was then that Qiao Dongliang came to his senses. It was because Zijin had a mother like Ding Jiayi that she lost the will to live. Thinking about how Ding Jiayi had not only brought her own daughter up in a wayward manner but had even forced her to the point where she had lost all will to live and had instead chosen to die, Qiao Dongliang grabbed Ding Jiayi¡¯s hair and pulled her away from Qiao Zijin¡¯s body. Then, hended a tight p on Ding Jiayi¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s your fault. It¡¯s all your fault. You were the one who forced Zijin to go down this path and forced her to lose the will to live! You were the one who killed Zijin! Why? Why do you have to harm both my daughters?¡±

    ¡°Did I owe you something in my previous life that I have to repay you in this life? Are you here to chase me for payment? Why did you have to touch my daughter? You¡¯d better scram, and scram far away. Don¡¯t ever appear in front of me ever again. Otherwise, it won¡¯t just be a p. Zijin already said that she doesn¡¯t want to see you!¡±

    With that said, Qiao Dongliang aggressively kicked Ding Jiayi.

    If he had known that such a day woulde, he would much rather not have had these two daughters than marry a woman like Ding Jiayi.

    Zhai Sheng had been protecting Qiao Nan, in fear that Qiao Nan would be dragged into the equation when Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi started fighting. But who would have expected Qiao Dongliang to stop and directly ask Ding Jiayi to scram after just a few powerful ps that caused Ding Jiayi¡¯s face to swell up?

 Chapter 1609 - Dead

    <h4>Chapter 1609: Dead</h4>

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes turn red and him panting, Zhai Sheng understood immediately why Qiao Dongliang would ask Ding Jiayi to get lost.

    That was because Qiao Dongliang was afraid that if he looked at Ding Jiayi any longer, he would really lose control and kill Ding Jiayi to take revenge for Qiao Zijin and himself.

    ¡°What are you doing? This is a hospital...¡± The medical personnel was stunned. The couple had lost their daughter. Why was it that the husband was still hitting his wife and taking it out on her as if she was the one who had caused their daughter her death?

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, get lost!¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang shouted Ding Jiayi¡¯s name, the nurse who had helped convey Qiao Zijin¡¯sst words on behalf of her looked shocked. ¡°The Ding Jiayi whom the daughter shouted before her death not to let her attend her funeral was her birth mother?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The people who came over to watch the fun became speechless when they heard the nurse¡¯s words. Before the daughter died, thest person she wanted to see was her birth mother. Everyone understood why the birth father would hit his wife after their daughter¡¯s death. There was a very high chance that this woman lost her life at such a young age due to this mother. Who would not feel hatred having to send one¡¯s own child off?

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like this!¡± Ding Jiayi, who had lost two teeth after being beaten, refuted after spitting out a mouthful of blood. ¡°It¡¯s not because Zijin hated me that she didn¡¯t want to see me. She knew that the person I loved most in this lifetime was her. She¡¯s worried that I would be too upset if I see her corpse. Zijin said this so that I wouldn¡¯t be sad! Silly child. No matter whether I can see you or not, I would feel such great heartache that I couldn¡¯t wait to leave together with you if you¡¯re gone.¡±

    Yes. This was the case.

    When she saw Zijin¡¯s lifeless face, she couldn¡¯t wait to leave together with her. Zijin understood that she had the loving heart of a mother. Zijin only told the nurse because she didn¡¯t want her to feel too upset. In this world, only Zijin knew her the best.

    ¡°...¡±

    Everyone else looked at one another. It was the same result, but different reasons. One reason was that she hated her mother too much. The other reason seemed to be that she loved her mother too much. Thus, was it hatred or love?

    A number of people looked at the nurse, wanting to get a response from her. The nurse smiled and didn¡¯t reveal the patient¡¯s privacy. As to whether it was love or hatred, the nurse dared to say with certainty that before this woman died, she heard her gritting her teeth at the mention of Ding Jiayi¡¯s name.

    Love? Would one grit their teeth because of love?

    Hatred. One would only grit their teeth because of hatred!

    ¡°Zijin, how would I lead my life in the future after you have abandoned me? Zijin, take me away with you. Otherwise, your father would misunderstand your words, think that I was the one who caused you your death, and couldn¡¯t wait for me to die. Zijin, why didn¡¯t you say your words clearly, causing your mother to be misunderstood by your father?¡± She loved Zijin so much and had given her most of her feelings in this lifetime. Zijin wouldn¡¯t hate her. The person Zijin loved most in this lifetime was her, the mother!

    Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t tolerate it any longer and pushed Ding Jiayi away. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, get lost now. Zijin said that she didn¡¯t want to see you again. Don¡¯te to the funeral I¡¯ll be nning for Zijin. Even if youe over, I¡¯ll not let you kowtow to Zijin.¡±

    He was so foolish this lifetime. He didn¡¯t take care of his younger daughter well, and neither did he take care of his elder daughter well. Zijin only had this one small wish before she died. No matter what, he couldn¡¯t let Ding Jiayi bother Zijin again.

    After pushing Ding Jiayi away, Qiao Dongliang retrieved Qiao Zijin¡¯s body alone and left. He was certain that Qiao Nan¡¯s forgiveness of Qiao Zijin was limited. Qiao Zijin sought death by choosing to collide with Qiao Nan¡¯s car out of so many other cars. Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t go against his conscience and say that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t do this deliberately to pick on Qiao Nan.

    As such, no matter if it was to take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s emotions or to preserve what was left of Qiao Zijin¡¯s dignity, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t ask Qiao Nan to manage Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. Qiao Zijin had parents. Naturally, they would be the hosts of the funeral instead of her sister, Qiao Nan, who was already married.

    ¡°It¡¯s not early anymore. Let¡¯s head back.¡± Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan and let her ce most of her weight on him. The soles of Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes didn¡¯t touch the ground much. She was practically being carried away by Zhai Sheng.

    In a confused state, Qiao Nan asked in disbelief after sitting on the passenger seat, ¡°Qiao Zijin is gone just like that?¡± Did their family have a grudge against cars? All four of them had been in car idents and sent to the hospital. She and Qiao Zijin had even died in the hospital because of this rtionship.

    Upon thinking that the one who had passed away in the previous lifetime was her and Qiao Zijin was the one who had passed away now, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know why, but she felt ufortable in her heart. She had always thought that Qiao Zijin would marry Zhou Zheng in this lifetime instead of Chen Jun. However, she still betrayed Zhou Zheng to be together with Chen Jun, thus ending up in a divorce.

    Then, a few yearster, Qiao Zijin should have realized that she had uremia and needed a change of kidney, just like in her previous lifetime. Some trajectories should have been the same and not changed. In her previous lifetime, she refused to donate her kidney. It was definitely not possible in this lifetime as well. When the time came, she would take out money to send Qiao Zijin off. At this time, it was considered a blessing to have used money to send Qiao Zijin off.

    Unexpectedly, before Qiao Zijin reached the age of getting uremia, she had first rushed out and collided with her car. This collision had caused her to lose her life.

    Wasn¡¯t this world too incredible?

    Knowing that Qiao Nan was feeling uneasy, Zhai Sheng held her hand. With a touch of his fingertips, Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were cold and didn¡¯t have any temperature at all. She was no better than a dead person. ¡°Frightened? You should have understood matters of birth, death, illness, and old age when Old Master Zhai and Elder Lin were gone.¡± At the very most, Qiao Zijin¡¯s death was more abrupt.

    Qiao Nan shook her head, feelingplicated. This wasn¡¯t the real knot in her heart. It was a pity that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t say out loud these concerns for Zhai Sheng to understand.

    That night, Zhai Sheng slept while wrapping around Qiao Nan tightly as he realized that after Qiao Zijin¡¯s death, Qiao Nan was cold all over. If he didn¡¯t wrap around Qiao Nan to warm her up, Zhai Sheng was worried that he would really have to bring Qiao Nan to the hospital for an examination.

    He had never seen Qiao Nan like this, not even when they had to send Old Master Zhai and Elder Lin off back then. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with Qiao Zijin. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction was because of the agitation suffered from Qiao Zijin¡¯s death.

 Chapter 1610 - Funeral

    <h4>Chapter 1610: Funeral</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The next morning, everyone in the Zhai family found out that Zijin had passed away. There was always a face of disbelief no matter who heard the news. Miao Jing asked directly, ¡°Nan Nan has never driven quickly. Didn¡¯t they say that Qiao Zijin¡¯s injuries were not serious?¡± If they had been serious, even an emergency surgery would be able to save her. Why were they not able to save Qiao Zijin, whose injuries were not serious in the first ce?

    Miao Jing frowned. ¡°It¡¯s true that Qiao Zijin was knocked down by Nan Nan¡¯s car after all. Now that Qiao Zijin is dead, will Nan Nan be in trouble?¡± This Qiao Zijin. Even in her death, she was making people... Never mind. They had to respect the dead. It was better not to talk about any of those evil deeds that Qiao Zijin hadmitted.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry about me. There were many people around who saw that it was Qiao Zijin who ran out in front of my car. Besides, there were many surveince cameras in the vicinity. When I was at the hospital yesterday, I described the situation very clearly to the police officers. Now, the police officers should already have a copy of the surveince footage with them at the police station.¡± Qiao Nan asked Miao Jing to rx. There was no way Qiao Zijin¡¯s death could be med on her.

    Initially, Qiao Nan would naturally have footed all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s medical bills, even if she had not been in the wrong. Now, what she needed to bear was the cost of Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral.

    If her father and Ding Jiayi had any needs, she would naturally fork out even more money to pay for their living allowances.

    When the police found out that the victim, Qiao Zijin, was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister, they realized that the victim and the car owner were a family. As such, the police chose not to interfere and instead let Qiao Nan resolve the matter within her family. If that did not work out, they could ask the public officials to interfere. Then, her parents could even bring their younger daughter to court.

    The police officers had exined all options to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang clearly,pleting their duty before leaving. After all, there was still a chance of saving Qiao Zijin¡¯s life at that time. Besides, the doctor had also said that Qiao Zijin¡¯s injuries were less severe than other patients¡¯. The way the police officers saw it, it would naturally be best if Qiao Zijin could be saved. In that case, the Qiao family would have to resolve the matter themselves.

    Qiao Nan had said that there were surveince cameras along that stretch of road. When the police officers investigated, the surveince cameras had indeed captured the whole scene that had taken ce that day.

    The surveince footage proved that Qiao Zijin had waited along the roadside for a considerable amount of time even as cars continued to drive past her. It was only when Qiao Nan¡¯s car appeared that Qiao Zijin clearly saw her opportunity and ran in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s car.

    With the surveince footage as evidence, the experts casually tried to find out Qiao Nan¡¯s speed at the time of the ident. Almost immediately, they realized that Qiao Nan¡¯s speed had always been at the lowest end of the limit. If Qiao Nan had driven any slower, she would have vited the traffic regtions for having driven too slowly.

    It was rare to see drivers who abided so strictly by thew. No matter how they looked at it, Qiao Nan was innocent. She was just unlucky to have been preyed on by Qiao Zijin. That was why she knocked into Qiao Zijin.

    The huge storm that Qiao Zijin had created earlier had not even entirely subsided yet. From the start, the police officers were surprised for having to deal with such a case: to get revenge on her younger sister, the elder sister wanted to die at her younger sister¡¯s hands.

    But when the police officers found out the identities of these two people, they started to realize that there was nothing too strange about this situation anymore. They once again realized that this former female foreign minister had led a tough life indeed.

    A month ago, this elder sister had been acting as though she was in a soap opera, trying to smear her younger sister¡¯s reputation and pull her younger sister down from her position. Thankfully, there was an audio recording that eventually proved the female foreign minister¡¯s innocence. Since that n did not work, she came up with another. But this n seemed a little too vicious. She even sacrificed her own life for it.

    The police officers could not help but wonder how this pair of sisters lived in their hometown beforeing to the capital to have such an acrimonious rtionship with each other. Could it be that this female foreign minister had oncemitted a heinous act to frame her elder sister?

    Thinking about his only encounter with this former foreign minister, the police officer instinctively shook his head. Even though he had only had a single encounter with her, he could feel that this former foreign minister had a good temper. She spoke softly and gently and had a set of beautiful eyes that were as gentle and warm as the spring rain.

    A person with such a set of eyes could not possibly be a viin.

    But no matter how curious this police officer was, Qiao Zijin was already dead. When the police officer continued his investigations, he interrogated the main surgeon and nurse who had conducted the surgery on Qiao Zijin. The doctor and nurse agreed unanimously that Qiao Zijin had lost all will to live and was uncooperative throughout the entire duration of the surgery. Qiao Zijin had sent herself to death on the operating table. One needed immense courage to die in this manner.

    At the same time, this also proved that Qiao Zijin really wanted to die. Her death had nothing to do with anyone else, and no one had killed her.

    With the statements from the doctor and nurse, it was much easier for the police officers to investigate the case. Qiao Zijin did not have the will to live, and even the doctor was unable to save her. In that case, it would be maligning an innocent if they were to me Qiao Zijin¡¯s death on that former foreign minister!

    The police officers avoided visiting the family during the period of Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. After the funeral, they nned on asking the parents of these two people what they were nning to do and whether there was anything they needed the former foreign minister to do.

    There was no problem with the police officers. After the incident urred, Qiao Nan immediately handed all relevant materials and evidence to her superiors for them to understand the situation. It could be said that Qiao Nan had taken a two-pronged approach to tackle Qiao Zijin¡¯s death so that she could be investigated and reviewed at the same time.

    Thankfully, there was solid evidence and the facts of the matter had been established early on. Thus, her superiors from the centralmittee had great trust in Qiao Nan. Other than punishment from Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan did not face any repercussions due to the death of Qiao Zijin, except for the revocation of her driving license. However, she was still allowed to reapply for it.

    After Qiao Nan cleared herself of this mess, she finally found time to visit Qiao Dongliang to see how Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral was being arranged. ¡°Are you all right, Dad?¡± Qiao Zijin did not want Ding Jiayi to appear at her funeral, so Qiao Dongliang had decisively deprived Ding Jiayi of all rights to do so and banned Ding Jiayi from showing up.

    ¡°Of course. The guy you found is very reliable. He¡¯s made the arrangements well and timely in every aspect. Zijin left so suddenly. If it was not for you as her younger sister, Zijin might not even have a niche for her urn in the capital.¡±

 Chapter 1611 - Feeling Aggrieved

    <h4>Chapter 1611: Feeling Aggrieved</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliangughed self-deprecatingly. The capital was really a gold mine. Even though a niche was just a square box of less than a square meter of space, the prices were still horribly expensive. While he was still working, he would have had to spend an entire year¡¯s worth of sry just to purchase this small square meter of space. But even after spending such a huge sum of money, there was no guarantee that he would be able to get the space ready in time.

    Qiao Dongliang did not wish for Qiao Zijin to have no resting ce even after her death. He would have hated it if he had to carry Qiao Zijin¡¯s ashes and travel thousands of miles back to Ping Cheng just to find somewhere toy Qiao Zijin to rest. ¡°Your sister had envied the bustle of the capital her whole life. People say that you should return to your roots, but I know your sister would have wanted to stay in the capital. I have no choice but to ask you to waste this sum of money.¡±

    His elder daughter had passed away so suddenly, and in such a tragic way as well. The car that had knocked her down was even his younger daughter¡¯s. After suffering from this double blow at once, Qiao Dongliang had no energy or spirit to deal with the details of Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral.

    Qiao Nan had already guessed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation and thus decided to hire one of Zhai Sheng¡¯s retiredrades to help out with this matter. In matters that required asking for favors, she would first use her own. If that failed, she would then resort to using the Zhai family¡¯s name. With this double reassurance, it was smooth-flowing for thatrade to deal with matters¡ªmuch easier than if Qiao Dongliang were to do everything himself.

    Qiao Nan bit on her lip. ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t mean to say anything against my conscience. But now that Qiao Zijin is gone, we should respect the dead. This money... I¡¯ll just treat it as umting karma. I hope that I¡¯ll never meet her again in my next life.¡± Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had not gotten along well as mother and daughter, and they were in no way happy. Her rtionship with her sister was an even greater mess. It could be said that her rtionship with her neighbor was even better than with her sister.

    In their next lives, it would be best if these three women never met in any way or even had a shred of rtionship. Even if they met on the streets, Qiao Nan hoped that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi would walk on the other side of the street. The three would be like parallel lines that would never intersect.

    Thinking about how she had already had two lives worth of rtionships with these two women, Qiao Nan did not know whether to cry orugh. Between the three of them, only she had such an experience. To that, she could not tell whether it was her blessing or Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s blessings.

    ¡°All right. You¡¯ll never meet in the future.¡± Qiao Dongliang patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder. If there really was a next life, he would rather be a bachelor his whole life than marry a woman like Ding Jiayi again. As long as he did not marry Ding Jiayi, even if he had children, it would not be Zijin or Nan Nan.

    With a different mother, his child¡¯s childhood and even the child¡¯s whole life would definitely be much happier than the ones Zijin and Nan Nan had. He, too, would be much happier with aplete family.

    As the father and daughter were chatting, a loud confusion of noise and cries came from outside.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan knew instinctively at the same time without needing to get out that the only person who would be making a din under such a situation could only be Ding Jiayi. No one else was capable of doing such a thing.

    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go have a look. Thankfully, it¡¯s thest day today. She¡¯ll never get a chance to disturb Zijin anymore in her whole life.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was as cold as frost.

    Hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Nan did not bother to persuade him otherwise. Instead, she started to burn paper money for Qiao Zijin as she looked at the photo of Qiao Zijin smiling on the altar.

    Around ten minutester, Qiao Dongliang returned with a sullen face and disheveled clothes. ¡°All right. It¡¯ll be fine now. We¡¯re in the capital. It¡¯s not like Ping Cheng. Zijin¡¯s coffin will leave tomorrow, and she¡¯ll have somewhere to rest in the capital. I won¡¯t have to deal with her anymore in the future.¡± This was a relief for everyone.

    Today was the first day after Qiao Zijin¡¯s death. Ding Jiayi hade dressed in white, with eyes that were as swollen as walnuts, to stay by Zijin¡¯s coffin. Unfortunately, Qiao Dongliang refused to let Ding Jiayi take even a step closer. ¡°Zijin said that she doesn¡¯t want you at her funeral. Zijin doesn¡¯t even want you to pay your respects. Do you think she would want you to stay by her coffin as her mother? Zijin is already dead. Could you just let her off and let Zijin take thisst journey peacefully? Or do you mean that you want Zijin to continue hating you like how she did just before her death?¡±

    After being scolded mercilessly by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi was even more heartbroken. In fact, Ding Jiayi had never forgotten thest call that she had had with Qiao Zijin before the incident. She had never let anyone know about the contents of this phone call, but she held it dear to her heart.

    From that day on, Qiao Zijin dered that she hated her, that she did not want to see her, and that she was going to cut off ties with her mother.

    Ding Jiayi felt aggrieved and anguished. She could not understand how Qiao Zijin could treat her in this manner even after she had devoted her whole life¡¯s efforts and love toward Qiao Zijin, even treating Qiao Nan as though she was a child picked up from the rubbish dump.

    If Qiao Nan did not listen to her and was not filial to her, Ding Jiayi would scold Qiao Nan for being heartless. And so, Ding Jiayi waspletely unable to ept that Qiao Zijin not only hated her but also refused to acknowledge her as her mother even after she had given up everything for her! Why? What rights did Qiao Zijin have to say that? Even Qiao Nan did not have the right to say that!

    What put Ding Jiayi in more anguish and embarrassment was that Qiao Zijin refused to let Ding Jiayie to her funeral. In the end, Qiao Dongliang really barred her, who was Qiao Zijin¡¯s mother, from entering! She was not even able to take onest look at Qiao Zijin.

    The grief-stricken Ding Jiayi felt as though she had used up her whole lifetime of tears in these few days. Her face was never dry for a second these days. Her close rtives, from her parents to Qiao Dongliang and her two daughters¡ªwhy did every single one of them hate her? She wished that she had never existed.

    Could it really be that she was such a failure? Was she really that annoying?

    No, no! That could not be the case! She did not believe it! Not a single bit!

    It was the fault of all these people! Her parents favored boys over girls. Even though she was smarter than her younger brothers, her parents had never allowed her to attend school. Qiao Dongliang was no better. She married Qiao Dongliang when he had nothing and had apanied him as he built his life. However, when she became old and haggard, Qiao Dongliang despised her and left her to live a better life with Qiao Nan!

    She had devoted her whole life to Zijin, but Zijin had let her down. Firstly, her academic results were poor. They were thousands of miles behind Qiao Nan¡¯s, let alone surpassing hers. Then, after she finally married into a good family, Zijin had to mess around with a man outside, ruining her perfectly good family.

 Chapter 1612 - Clashing

    <h4>Chapter 1612: shing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was the worst. She was the one who gave birth to Qiao Nan and gave Qiao Nan life. What was wrong with asking Qiao Nan for such an arrangement as a mother? Qiao Nan just had to follow what she said. She was not asking Qiao Nan to die. The path that she had arranged for Qiao Nan was more or less normal, aside from the fact that she did not get to study as much. She had not forced Qiao Nan into a corner. Did Qiao Nan have to resist so aggressively and cause her to get a divorce with Qiao Dongliang?

    That¡¯s right. It was the fault of all these people. Every single one of them let her down. She was the one who had been hurt the most. She had not wronged anyone. It was everyone else who had wronged her.

    Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan knew nothing about Ding Jiayi¡¯s warped ideas. The father and daughter spent three days before finally settling all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s things.

    Thinking about Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, Qiao Nan¡¯s tone deepened. ¡°Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter is called Zhou Ying, right? Whether it was Zhou Ying or anyone from the Zhou family, no one turned up this time.¡±

    Her dad had stopped Ding Jiayi and had refused her entry, but her dad had not forgotten to inform the Zhou family. The strange part was that everything had been settled, but in these three days, not a single person from the Zhou family appeared. Not even Qiao Zijin¡¯s biological daughter, Zhou Ying.

    Qiao Nan thought that this was rather strange. It was as though something was not quite right.

    She could understand Zhou Zheng not wanting toe. After all, it was already quite humane if a man who had been cheated on by his wife did not p in glee when his wife was knocked down by a car. And so, noting was understandable. However, even her daughter, Zhou Ying, did not appear to pay herst respects to Qiao Zijin. Wasn¡¯t this a little too much?

    Actually, Qiao Dongliang had been thinking about this matter as well. ¡°Should we give a call to the Zhou family and ask about their intentions? It¡¯s true that Zijin did something bad to the Zhou family, but she did nothing wrong to her child, Ying Ying. Now that her mom is gone, the Zhou family doesn¡¯t even want to let Ying Ying pay herst respects? No matter what, I think the Zhou family is being a little ridiculous.¡±

    The thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter not appearing at her funeral made Qiao Dongliang pity Qiao Zijin. ¡°Nan Nan, just look at the Zhou family¡¯s attitude. Do you think that Zijin did something wrong against Zhou Zheng because of something the Zhou family did to her? Maybe the Zhou family treated Zijin badly. Given Zijin¡¯s bad temper, she could have gotten into a rtionship with a man outside just to get revenge on the Zhou family and Zhou Zheng.¡±

    When he first found out that Zhou Zheng had angrily divorced Qiao Zijin because of her affair, Qiao Dongliang was no less infuriated than Zhou Zheng. His face was so flushed with anger that it seemed as though he was the husband who had been cheated on.

    But now that she was gone, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have changed his mind. Whatever he said needed to be filtered, and only then could anyone barely listen to what he was saying. ¡°At that time, when I heard that Zijin had done such a thing, I was so angry that I could have been confused. I didn¡¯t even stop to think about Zijin. I should have considered Zijin¡¯s point of view andmunicated calmly with her to find out why she had done such a thing. Why would she choose to ruin her life when she was living such a good life? Nan Nan, I think that something else must have caused Zijin¡¯s affair.¡±

    It was probably because he felt that Zijin had died at such a young age and had passed on before himself that Qiao Dongliang was heartbroken and had started to think about what Qiao Zijin had gone through while she was still alive.

    Without any basis at all, and based only on his own conjectures, Qiao Dongliang came up with the ¡®truth¡¯ of the matter. ¡°Nan Nan, we can¡¯t let the Zhou family malign Zijin like that. Zijin can¡¯t carry this with her even after her death. Maybe the Zhou family is even trying to smear Zijin¡¯s name in front of Ying Ying, and that¡¯s why Ying Ying didn¡¯t appear. I have to get to the bottom of this matter. I have to find out how Zhou Zheng treated Zijin in the past few years and how the Zhou family drove Zijin into a corner so much so that she decided to have an affair...¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you think it¡¯s possible? That Zijin¡¯s affair was actually made up? That they made this up so that Zhou Zheng could get a divorce from Zijin? Maybe Zijin had never done anything wrong toward Zhou Zheng! Maybe she was framed!¡±

    As Qiao Dongliang went on, he became increasingly serious and indignant. How he wished he could drag Zhou Zheng in front of him and interrogate him right then and there and demand Zhou Zheng to prove Qiao Zijin¡¯s innocence.

    It was probably a coincidence that Qiao Dongliang had just gotten these suspicions and Qiao Nan received a phone call before she could even say a thing.

    The moment Qiao Nan¡¯s phone rang, Qiao Dongliang naturally stopped talking. Qiao Zijin¡¯s innocence was important, and he had to clear the matter and prove his elder daughter¡¯s innocence, but his younger daughter¡¯s official matters were equally important. He could not ask his younger daughter to give up her career just for the sake of his elder daughter.

    ¡°Oh, I see. That¡¯s really coincidental that they¡¯ve shed. But is there really a need to be in such a hurry? It hasn¡¯t even been a few months since Qiao Zijin got divorced from Zhou Zheng, right?¡± She had just heard that Zhou Zheng had gotten married to his ex-girlfriend. And it was just so coincidental that their wedding had been held over the past two days, shing with Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. But what could Qiao Nan say?

    No wonder not a single member of the Zhou family had appeared. It was already polite of them not to p and rejoice in glee now that their ex-daughter-inw was dead. She could not possibly expect the Zhou family to put aside their son¡¯s second marriage, forgo his wedding, ande all the way to the capital just to attend the funeral of such a shameless ex-daughter-inw, right?

    Zhou Ying was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. Logically, even if everyone else in the Zhou family did not attend Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral, Zhou Ying still had to do so. The one who had passed away was Zhou Ying¡¯s biological mother after all.

    But Zhou Ying was too young, and it was inconvenient for the Zhou family to attend the funeral. Firstly, it was unlucky for their joyful asion to sh with mourning. Secondly, the date of Zhou Zheng¡¯s wedding happened to be the date of Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. The invitations had already been sent out and there was no way for them to change the date of their wedding. As such, the Zhou family was really unable to find someone to apany Zhou Ying to the capital.

    Her biological mother had died, and Zhou Ying had to attend her funeral. But did that mean she could not attend her biological father¡¯s wedding? It was Qiao Zijin herself who had sent Zhou Ying back to the Zhou family. So what was wrong if Zhou Ying was closer to the Zhou family?

    The Zhou family gave a hundred excuses as to why they would not be going, and neither would Zhou Ying.

    On the other end of the phone call, the ends of Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled up. She could not help but reply with a cheeky smile, ¡°I see. Congrattions to you! I hope you enjoy your new marriage!¡±

    If the person who had called today had been Mother Zhou, Mother Zhou would have been the one saying these words. And once Qiao Nan went home, she would immediately shoot at Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1613 - Discredited

    <h4>Chapter 1613: Discredited</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter how brilliant a woman was, she would still get muddled once she got old. The mourning period had not even passed, but the Zhou family was using such excuses to refuse to attend Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. That was seriously foolish, but utterly brilliant at the same time.

    Zhou Zheng had gotten married at such a sensitive time. She did not feel as though she owed the Zhou family a favor because Qiao Zijin had cheated on Zhou Zheng. But could she really not hate Zhou Zheng for doing this at such a time? He was practically insulting them. She was practically already a saint for tolerating the Zhou family even though their rtionship was thoroughly strained.

    She fought relentlessly with Qiao Zijin and could never get along with her. But both of them shared the same surname. If her rtionship with Qiao Zijin was really so strained, would she let Qiao Zijin marry into the Zhou family to lead a good life? Anyone with a brain would know that that would be impossible.

    Qiao Nan had always felt that her disagreements with Qiao Zijin were the Qiao family¡¯s problems. There was no need to air their dirtyundry out in public. At the same time, she had never thought of letting outsiders know about their strained rtionship as long as Qiao Zijin did not overstep her boundaries.

    Qiao Nan was all too clear about her status. Even if she had not entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. As long as she revealed just a hint of her disharmony with Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin would probably have a hard time trying to lead her own life not just in Ping Cheng or the capital, but half of China!

    Zhou Zheng never had any say in how she wanted to deal with Qiao Zijin.

    Zhou Zheng had done a terrible job in not being angry toward Qiao Nan. His tone was especially difficult to listen to when he was trying to exin the situation to Qiao Nan. Zhou Zheng¡¯s ecstatic tone and attitude made it seem as though he was Qiao Nan¡¯s creditor. Because of what Qiao Zijin had done, Qiao Nan owed him a huge favor.

    Such uncalled for confidence had to go!

    All Mother Zhou¡¯s efforts before had all been ruined by Zhou Zheng¡¯s one call!

    In short, Zhou Zheng¡¯s style and attitude had already reached Qiao Nan¡¯s bottom line. Even though bad things struck her one after another, and her rtionship with Qiao Zijin had been so strained, she had always still been able to say that the dead should be respected in the end. But who would have expected that Zhou Zheng had an even more ruthless and vicious attitude than Qiao Nan? It was no wonder Qiao Nan was fuming.

    If all her umted negative emotions were really to explode, it would not be a small matter.

    After hanging up the call, Qiao Nan looked at Qiao Dongliang, who was angrier than she was. ¡°How long has it been since Zijin got divorced from him? And he¡¯s getting married already? I knew it. I knew it wasn¡¯t Zijin¡¯s fault. It¡¯s definitely Zhou Zheng¡¯s fault. He¡¯s getting married so quickly. It must be that he already had an affair even before getting divorced from Zijin! Zijin was being falsely used! Zhou Zheng must have wanted to be with his mistress, so he purposely set Zijin up and used her of an affair to force her to get a divorce! Nan Nan, I won¡¯t me you if you don¡¯t care about this matter. But I¡¯m Zijin¡¯s father. I must get to the bottom of this. I must make Zhou Zheng and the Zhou family apologize to Zijin!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had just raised his suspicions when that bold Zhou Zheng made such a call that could be easily misunderstood. It was really no wonder that Qiao Dongliang was infuriated.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s better to do than just to say. Dad, believe me. Don¡¯t investigate this matter. If you try to investigate it, it¡¯ll only be shameful to our Qiao family. Don¡¯t you remember that the guy Qiao Zijin had found outside was Chen Jun? Zhou Zheng may have married his ex-girlfriend, but Qiao Zijin had also gotten into a rtionship with her ex-lover and ex-boyfriend. The Chen family has much higher standing than the Zhou family in Ping Cheng. If Zhou Zheng really only meant to smear Qiao Zijin¡¯s name to force her to get a divorce so that he could marry his ex-girlfriend, do you think that Qiao Zijin¡¯s partner would be Chen Jun? Zhou Zheng isn¡¯t so daring.¡±

    ¡°If he dared to do so, he should realize that once anything happened to him or the Zhou family, it would already be magnanimous of our Zhai family as long as we didn¡¯t add salt to the injury or deliberately get revenge against them. When they got into any trouble, they shouldn¡¯t expect our Zhai family to help him in any way. Besides, if the Zhai family didn¡¯t render help, the Zhou family wouldn¡¯t be able to deal with the Chen family alone. If this matter was really orchestrated, you wouldn¡¯t even be the first to act on it. The Chen family would have long ago made a mess of the Zhou family.¡±

    Wronged?

    If this matter was truly false, Chen Jun would be the first to refuse, and he would even cause a ruckus in the Zhou family. For such a setup, one could not possibly pick just any person. At the very least, the Zhou family and Zhou Zheng could not afford to offend the Chen family.

    Qiao Dongliang was especially unwilling to ept this fact. Now that Qiao Zijin was gone, even if it was toote, Qiao Dongliang still wanted to do something for Qiao Zijin as a father. It was just that Qiao Dongliang was not Ding Jiayi and was still rational.

    Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s analysis, he knew that Qiao Nan was right. If the Zhou family did not understand the times and looked at the Zhai family¡¯s reputation, Qiao Dongliang knew that there was no way Qiao Zijin could have married into the Zhou family on her own ount.

    Simrly, if Zhou Zheng was going to malign Qiao Zijin, the Zhou family would definitely have been prepared for the Zhai family to find out about it. If the affair was fake, they had even implicated Chen Jun. How could Chen Jun endure the Zhou family discrediting him in this manner?

    One was the Zhai family, and the other, the Chen family. The Zhou family could not even afford to offend the Chen family. How could they even dare to test the limits of the Zhai family?

    ¡°So, what do you intend to do? I really... can¡¯t ept that Zhou Zheng got married so quickly. No matter what, I won¡¯t let this matter rest just like that.¡± Since Zhou Zheng dared to treat Zijin like that, he had to get revenge on Zhou Zheng.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Dad, if I don¡¯t care about this, how do you intend to get revenge on the Zhou family?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face flushed as he cradled his head in anger without speaking.

    How would he get revenge? He had no power, no manpower, and no money. How would he get revenge? He had said that he was unhappy with Zhou Zheng¡¯s attitude and wanted to get revenge. Unless he really went up to Zhou Zheng and gave him a good beating, there was nothing else he could do.

    Zhou Zheng had gotten married so quickly and refused to allow Zhou Ying to attend Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. It was just that Qiao Dongliang was unwilling to let Zhou Zheng get his way just like that. But Qiao Dongliang reallycked the ability to do anything that would teach Zhou Zheng a good lesson. The only thing he had left was his daughter, Qiao Nan.

    Actually, Qiao Dongliang had been beating around the bush the whole time. What he had in mind was for Qiao Nan to teach Zhou Zheng a lesson.

    Qiao Dongliang scratched his scalp and sent the helve after the hatchet. ¡°Nan Nan, Zijin is already gone. Don¡¯t be so stingy with a dead person. Didn¡¯t you say that we should respect the dead?¡±

 Chapter 1614 - Caught Red-Handed

    <h4>Chapter 1614: Caught Red-Handed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dad is useless and can¡¯t do anything for Zijin. You¡¯ve been sisters with Zijin for more than thirty years. Are you willing to let Zijin be bullied like this even after her death?¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Nan had not even had a chance to say anything before Da Bao, who had heard the conversation,ughed. Smiling grimly, Da Bao ran to Qiao Nan¡¯s side and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand tightly. Only by doing this was he able to control the burning fire within him and not say cruel words to the miserable old man, Qiao Dongliang, who had just lost a daughter.

    Da Bao could not understand why kind people were so easily bullied. His mom was the victim and had been hurt countless times. Was his grandfather even humane? His mom had never said that Zhou Zheng would lead a nice and perfect life by doing so. Did his grandfather think that his mom had not been hurt enough? With all his calctions, he even spoke such words to his mom...

    Why did his mother have to take on all the hurt? And why did his mother have to do everything? Was this what his mother deserved! Aargh!

    ¡°Why did youe, Da Bao?¡± Upon seeing Da Bao, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fatherly heart caused him to rein in his temper. After all, Qiao Dongliang sincerely loved the three triplets from the bottom of his heart. He had never felt so much toward even Qiao Zijin. Naturally, he would not bully Qiao Nan in front of the three children, even if he was Qiao Nan¡¯s birth father.

    ¡°Our school¡¯s sports festival.¡± Da Bao¡¯s tone was extremely cold. After meeting his grandmother¡¯s entire family, Da Bao realized that there were two sides to a person. Everyone in his maternal grandmother¡¯s family was like that, even the grandfather who had always treated them well.

    In the short span of just a few days, Da Bao clearly recognized that his mom was the only one who was being bullied by everyone else in that family of four. She was at the bottom of the food chain, the one who was always eaten by others. Da Bao could not help but think about how his mom had been bullied all those years ago in the Qiao family when she had not yet made a name for herself.

    Ever since Da Bao had found out that his mom had not had an easy life in the Qiao family, Da Bao had constantly been trying to find a way to cajole Miao Jing into telling him about the details of Qiao Nan¡¯s life in the Qiao family. Thankfully, Miao Jing was able to resist it and only said that it had not been easy indeed. But she had never once spilled the details.

    But Da Bao had found another way. He had gotten it out of Xiao Bao.

    Xiao Bao was the Tian family¡¯s little emperor, and the elders of the Tian family adored him terribly. No matter how obedient Xiao Bao was, or how many people favored him, he would still inevitably have some small problems. Once, Xiao Bao tore his book. Zhai Hua learned about this matter and did not want Xiao Bao to cultivate this into a habit. Thus, she scolded him.

    Xiao Bao said that he had finished reading the book and no longer wanted it, so his solution was to tear it.

    Zhai Hua reprimanded Xiao Bao directly. ¡°Don¡¯t you love your aunt the most? Don¡¯t you know that your aunt loves books the most? Now, you¡¯re even tearing them apart? When your aunt was young and wanted to study, she couldn¡¯t even keep her own textbooks. All the textbooks that she had finished using were sold by her mother. Your aunt was so desperate that she cried and spent a lot of money to purchase other people¡¯s second-hand books from the garbage station just to continue studying. You¡¯d better learn from your aunt and take good care of your books. Stop tearing them. Do you understand?¡±

    Indeed, using Qiao Nan as a role model was a sessful way of disciplining Xiao Bao.

    Xiao Bao got rid of this bad habit of tearing his books, and he even tearfully told Da Bao that they should not tear books apart either. Otherwise, his aunt would be mad.

    Da Bao himself was someone who liked to study, so there was no doubt he knew that he had to keep all his old textbooks before graduating to the next stage. That was because all the knowledge in these old books would be useful when taking the graduation examination.

    The three children no longer kept their elementary school textbooks, but once they entered junior high school, Qiao Nan tirelessly kept every single one of their junior high textbooks for the three children after they had finished using them in school, without throwing even one textbook away.

    Thinking of Qiao Nan¡¯s mom selling the books that Qiao Nan had kept for herself, Da Bao was so furious that he could not even maintain that stony cold face that resembled his father¡¯s.

    At the same time, what made Da Bao most resentful was the difference in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior today. Qiao Dongliang was the head of the Qiao family. Why had he not cared when his own wife mistreated his daughter? Why had he allowed it to happen and just let Qiao Nan get bullied like that? Just thinking about this, Da Bao experienced what it meant by being so angry that it hurt the liver.

    Hearing could never be as shocking as experiencing it for oneself. When Qiao Zijin died, his grandfather wanted to be a good father and wanted to get revenge for his elder daughter. But did that mean that he could just take advantage of his younger daughter without any limits? Whom did his mom owe?!

    Then, he thought about how well Qiao Nan had treated Qiao Dongliang in the past few years. She had specially arranged for Qiao Dongliang to move from Ping Cheng to the capital, had arranged amodation for him, given him a monthly living allowance, and had even brought the triplets to visit him regrly. If it was not for the sudden appearance of his ¡®maternal grandmother¡¯ and ¡®elder aunt¡¯, they would never have realized how their grandfather had mistreated their mom in the past. Yet, their mom was still treating their grandfather so well!

    The division between right and wrong was clear in a child¡¯s world. If it was not ck, then it was white. They did not know that apart from ck and white, there was also the existence of gray areas in the grown-up world.

    Thus, Da Bao could not ept that Qiao Dongliang did not treat Qiao Nan well and even went overboard at times. In the face of such a father, why did Qiao Nan still do her best to support Qiao Dongliang? He thought about all those news articles he had seen whereby the elderly had devoted all their efforts to their children. But when their children finally made a name for themselves, not a single one of them cared about their parents and instead left their parents to die.

    By contrast, Da Bao felt that his mother was too kind. It was exactly because she was too softhearted that she was being taken advantage of.

    ¡°Oh, sports festival.¡± Qiao Dongliang could feel that Da Bao¡¯s gaze toward him had changed. With that, Qiao Dongliang felt so miserable that he did not even know what to do. ¡°Da Bao, are you angry at grandpa?¡±

    Da Bao chuckled. ¡°Grandpa, we¡¯re doing fine. Why did you suddenly ask that? Why don¡¯t you tell me if you¡¯ve done anything to make me angry?¡±

    Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s expressions were simrly bad. Because of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, the rtionship between the three children and Qiao Dongliang had suddenly gotten a lot moreplex. But because Qiao Nan was here, the children had stille.

    Or in other words, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s luck was not very good. It was only when he had finished dealing with Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral matters and enshrined Qiao Zijin¡¯s photo in his home that he had mentioned Qiao Zijin to Qiao Nan for the first time, hinting that Qiao Nan should seek justice for Qiao Zijin, who had already passed away, and make life difficult for the Zhou family.

 Chapter 1615 - What Are You Angry About?

    <h4>Chapter 1615: What Are You Angry About?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What was awkward was that Qiao Dongliang had been caught red-handed at once by the triplets. Their grandpa was bullying their mom!

    ¡°Mom, I haven¡¯t seen you for just a few days, but you¡¯ve lost weight! You¡¯re so skinny now that you¡¯re practically just bones!¡± Er Bao walked toward Qiao Nan while smiling. His tone was much warmer, but he did not even bother to greet Qiao Dongliang. It was as if he had not seen his grandfather at all. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll call grandma now and get grandma to buy an old hen to make some stew for you for nourishment. Mom, don¡¯t worry. Dad is dead set for you. In his eyes, there are only two kinds of women in the world. The first kind is his only wife, who is also my mother. The second kind is any other woman apart from you. Don¡¯t try to lose weight like those youngdies for the sake of beauty.¡±

    His mom was not even fat to begin with. If she were to lose even more weight, there would be no fats left for her to lose!

    ¡°Learn from those youngdies?¡± Qiao Nan was amused by Er Bao¡¯s words. She tugged gently on Er Bao¡¯s ear. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m already a mother of three. In a few days, I¡¯ll be turning forty. I¡¯m indeed not young anymore. Are you despising me for being old?¡±

    Her three children were already in junior high school and would then go on to high school and university. Once her children established their own families, she would soon be a grandmother.

    Er Bao deliberately feigned that he was in pain and cried out. ¡°Mom! Mom! This is your own son¡¯s ear! Be gentle! In my eyes and heart, you¡¯re not old at all! You¡¯re just like a flower that has just bloomed. Forever eighteen!¡± San Bao had grown old, but his mother had not.

    ¡°What an act!¡± San Bao¡¯s face was full of disdain. ¡°Mom, how could you give birth to a son like Er Bao? He¡¯s such a tease. When I¡¯m outside, I don¡¯t even want to admit that Er Bao is older than me and that he came out before me. Wouldn¡¯t it have been much better if you gave birth to me second and let me be Er Bao? Then, it wouldn¡¯t even matter if he got out of line since he would be the youngest brother anyway.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. Why is it my fault for giving birth to him in this way? It¡¯s his fault for growing up into what he is now.¡± Qiao Nan refused to take on the responsibility. ¡°If you want someone to me, you can only me Er Bao himself. It¡¯s got nothing to do with me. Just think about it. Are your dad and I like that? Your dad and I have no gic responsibility at all.¡± Er Bao had inherited this from his grandfather.

    But so as to not ruin Zhai Yaohui¡¯s image as a mighty grandpa in front of the three children, Qiao Nan kept thatst part to herself. Who would have known that Zhai Yaohui, who was typically more solemn than Zhai Sheng, would have such a side to him when he was younger?

    Perhaps he was afraid that he would reminisce about his past when seeing Er Bao, but every time Er Bao acted like that, her father-inw would either turn around or hide in a corner, refusing to give so much as a nce toward Er Bao. As such, before Er Bao went to junior high school, her father-inw tried to minimize his interactions with the bold and daring Er Bao.

    This almost made Er Bao misunderstand that his grandpa only liked Da Bao and San Bao and disliked him. Thankfully, every time Zhai Yaohui prepared gifts for the three children, Er Bao was never shortchanged. In fact, Er Bao often found that his grandpa¡¯s gift was exactly what he wanted.

    Er Bao could not help but think that his grandpa cared very deeply about him to be able to know what he was thinking and to give him gifts that suited him so well! All right, he had misunderstood his grandpa. His grandpa not only favored Da Bao and San Bao, but his grandpa also liked him very much.

    Bringing this up, San Bao felt a twinge of regret all over. ¡°Ah, if only I was Er Bao. How nice would that be. Compared to Er Bao, I¡¯m much more like an elder sister.¡± Er Bao was always going out of line. He was nowhere as reliable as Da Bao.

    Caressing San Bao¡¯s head, Qiao Nanughed but did not utter a word. While the three children were still in her stomach, she had no control over who was born first. Even if she had undergone a cesarean section, it would all depend on which baby the doctor brought out first.

    The three children chatted so eagerly with Qiao Nan, and the mother and children were all in good moods. Just looking at this scene was enough to warm one¡¯s heart, except for one person¡¯s. Qiao Dongliang realized that apart from the first few sentences when Da Bao had been talking to him, Er Bao and San Bao had never once called him ¡®grandpa¡¯ up until now.

    The way the three children gathered around Qiao Nan made Qiao Dongliang realize that the three children must have overheard the conversation between him and Qiao Nan. They must be angry that he was counting on Qiao Nan and even taking advantage of Qiao Nan to get justice for Qiao Zijin.

    If he had any other choice, he would certainly do it himself and get justice for Zijin from the Zhou family. However, he was incapable of doing so. What he did have was a capable daughter. Other than getting Nan Nan to settle this matter, what other choice did he have?

    Knowing that the triplets were angry at him, Qiao Dongliang felt that his life was miserable as a grown man. His rtionship with his grandchildren had been fine to begin with, but he was truly worried that today¡¯s incident would cause the children to distance themselves from him.

    When Old Lin was still alive, Qiao Dongliang envied the intimacy the three children shared with Old Lin. When Old Lin passed away, Qiao Dongliang had seen how heartbroken the children had been. He could not help but think that he would die with no regrets if the three children would be as heartbroken as they had once been when he passed away.

    Later, Qiao Dongliang found an advantage of Old Lin being gone. Gradually, he had grown closer to the three children. Qiao Dongliang had always hoped that he could be like Old Lin, or perhaps, even surpass Old Lin¡¯s position in the children¡¯s hearts. But with today¡¯s uproar, Qiao Dongliang knew that his wish would never be realized.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression became increasingly stiff. ¡°You three are here. Who sent you here?¡± His house was rather far from the Zhai family¡¯s house. It would be too unsafe for the three children to havee here on their own.

    After Qiao Zijin passed away in a car ident, every time Qiao Dongliang saw a car, it was as though he was seeing a monster. He was almost psychologically scarred. Other than Nan Nan, the whole family of four had all been pinned under cars before. As such, Qiao Dongliang had reminded Qiao Nan to be careful when driving so that she would not encounter the same thing that they had.

    ¡°Dad sent us here,¡± Da Bao replied coldly. He no longer liked his grandpa, but he could not ignore his grandpa. His mother had taught him to be polite. He could not act badly just because the other person was a viin. That would break his mother¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Yes, I sent them here.¡± Because Zhai Sheng had to park his car, he arrivedter than the triplets and had missed the conversation between the father and daughter. But the moment he entered the house, Zhai Sheng sensed that the atmosphere was a little strange. Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. His father-inw had always adored the three children immensely, so why were the children upset at his father-inw?

 Chapter 1616 - Simply Leaving

    <h4>Chapter 1616: Simply Leaving</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He had thought that his father-inw was the only adult in the world who would never be angry at the children and also whom the three children would never despise.

    Qiao Nan caught Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze but did not provide Zhai Sheng with any information.

    The moment he saw Qiao Nan¡¯s reaction, Zhai Sheng understood that the person that his father-inw had offended was not the three children. He had been bullying Qiao Nan again. Among the five people present, there was no one, including the three children and his son-inw, Qiao Dongliang dared to provoke apart from his biological daughter, Qiao Nan.

    Guessing that Qiao Dongliang was plotting something again, Zhai Sheng immediately changed his tone. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m here with the triplets to bring Qiao Nan home. Have the two of you finished chatting?¡±

    But that was not the truth. Qiao Dongliang was devastated about Qiao Zijin¡¯s death. Now that Qiao Zijin was dead, his rtionship with Ding Jiayi was even more strained. Perhaps it was because he felt that Qiao Zijin did die under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheel after all. Miao Jing was worried that Qiao Dongliang would be too heartbroken. Considering how he was already living such a lonely life, he might do something foolish.

    It was exactly because Qiao Zijin could not sort out her thoughts that she had refused to let the doctors save her even after being pushed into the operation theatre. A daughter like this was bound to have a simr father. Miao Jing had to consider this thoroughly to avoid having to organize another funeral before the year came to an end.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan had gone to visit Qiao Dongliang, Miao Jing directly ordered Zhai Sheng to bring the three children to visit Qiao Dongliang. It was way too troublesome and time-consuming to cook at home, so Miao Jing asked Zhai Sheng to bring Qiao Nan and the triplets out for a meal with Qiao Dongliang. With his daughter and grandchildren by his side, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s spirits would probably be lifted.

    No matter how upset the three children were, they still had feelings toward their grandpa, Qiao Dongliang. Knowing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mood was down, the triplets naturally did not have any reason to refuse. They had initially wanted to give their grandfather a surprise. But who would have expected their grandfather to have given them an even greater ¡®surprise¡¯!

    Da Bao had already thought of saying that from the start, but before he could even say anything, his father had expressed what Da Bao had wanted to say before even figuring out the situation. Since his father felt the same way, Da Bao was naturally overjoyed and looked at his father in awe. Dad was dad after all. He had not even said anything, and his dad had guessed the situation through observation alone and had made such a decisive decision.

    ¡°Dad, grandpa and grandma are still waiting for us at home. Grandma and grandpa aren¡¯t in good health. It¡¯s not good to keep them waiting to have their meals. What if they get too hungry? I think we¡¯d better hurry back. Grandpa, you should have a good meal tonight too. No matter what happens, your body is the most important. You must be in good health to carry on with other things.¡±

    Da Bao¡¯s mood had improved and his expression had warmed up significantly. Before leaving, he could even say such reassuring words tofort Qiao Dongliang.

    Now that he had heard Da Bao¡¯s concern, Qiao Dongliang, who had been uneasy at first, began to think that he had been overthinking the situation earlier. Da Bao had not been angry at him after all. Smiling, Qiao Dongliang said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Grandpa understands. You three are still young. Grandpa wants to see you grow up, go to university, and be outstanding people like your parents. When you have children in the future, grandpa will help you look after them.¡±

    The three children had not grown up yet, but they were part of the Zhai family after all. He pulled a long face and felt uneasy, as though he was facing the three old chiefs at the same time. Thankfully, the three children were still young and did not hold grudges for long. Perhaps, they did not really understand the conversation between Nan Nan and him either.

    In the future, he would have to be more careful when talking to Nan Nan. As the triplets grew older, they were sure to know more about the world. If the three children overheard the conversations between Qiao Nan and him, they were sure to get mad at their grandpa sooner orter.

    If anything were to happen, he knew that the three children would be upset. He would find an opportunity to speak to Nan Nan when the three children were not around.

    ¡°Grandpa, we¡¯re still young. Mom said that she won¡¯t oppose to us getting into rtionships early, but she will never allow our results to deteriorate just because of our rtionships. We won¡¯t dare to get into rtionships so early, so it¡¯ll take another ten more years before we get married and have children. Grandpa, we really can¡¯t spend any more time with you. We have to hurry back to have dinner with grandma and grandpa. Grandpa, we¡¯ll visit you again next time.¡±

    Er Bao held Qiao Nan in one hand and tugged thetter toward the door.

    Once Er Bao did that, Qiao Nan could only follow along with Er Bao in order not to fall.

    San Bao smiled at Qiao Dongliang and obediently waved at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Bye, grandpa. We¡¯lle and visit you with Mom another time. Grandpa, eat more nutritious food and stay healthy!¡±

    Saying a few more words did not require any money, and neither would it kill her. The way the three children spoke to their grandpa, no one would be able to tell that the three children were upset with their grandfather, Qiao Dongliang.

    If Zhai Sheng had not known that his mother had tasked him with bringing Qiao Dongliang for a meal today, the three children would have sessfully deceived him. The three children were not just angry at Qiao Dongliang, but they were infuriated.

    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re leaving.¡± Zhai Sheng was supportive of what the three children were doing. There was no way Zhai Sheng was going to allow him to have a meal with his family after bullying his wife. Zhai Sheng was ted. He was just his father-inw. Even if he was his own birth father, Zhai Sheng was not going to let this matter go so easily. ¡°Dad, take this money. You¡¯ve lost some weight recently. Buy some good food for yourself to nourish your body.¡±

    Before Zhai Sheng left, he took out a thousand yuan from his pocket, but he did not put it in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands. Instead, he simply ced it on the table. He took out half of the money that he had nned on spending on the meal and asked Qiao Dongliang to take care of himself. To Qiao Dongliang, this was no small sum.

    Anyway, both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin loved money very much. Since Qiao Dongliang was their family, even if he did not like money as much as they did, he would not hate it either. This thousand yuan was sufficient for Qiao Dongliang to have quite a few good meals, and it would even make Qiao Dongliang happy. As such, Zhai Sheng had no qualms doing so. Any problem that could be settled with money was not a problem at all.

    Qiao Dongliang would realize in the future that what hecked was not money but thepanionship of his loved ones. But when Qiao Dongliang finally realized that, he would never be able to find what he had lost.

    Qiao Dongliang looked embarrassed and wanted to return the money to Zhai Sheng. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I don¡¯t spend much money. What Nan Nan gives me is more than enough. You guys should take this money back. The three children are still young. They¡¯re still in junior high school. When they enter high school and university, they¡¯ll need to spend even more money. You guys had better save this money.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knew that he did not have much money and could not help with his daughter¡¯s expenses. Even the money that he spent on buying gifts for his grandchildren was from his daughter. But he really did not spend much and had always been frugal with his money. Especially in front of his grandchildren, all the more did Qiao Dongliang feel that he could not receive the money.

 Chapter 1617 - Coaxing Mom

    <h4>Chapter 1617: Coaxing Mom</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Afraid that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng would not receive it, Qiao Dongliang took up the thousand yuan and stuffed it into Er Bao¡¯s hands.

    Er Bao gritted his teeth and smiled. This thousand yuan was not given for nothing. If they did not give this thousand yuan out today, what their family would lose in the future would be far more than just a thousand yuan. Without hesitation, Er Bao took the money from his hands and pressed it into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pockets before taking Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and running off. ¡°Grandpa, remember to buy more good and nutritious food for yourself!¡±

    Now that Er Bao had started running, Zhai Sheng just picked up his pace slightly to keep up with him. There was no need for him to run since he had long legs. Da Bao and San Bao were triplets with Er Bao after all and had great chemistry among them. Once Er Bao turned around, Da Bao and San Bao followed along and ran with Er Bao, even running ahead of Zhai Sheng to let Zhai Sheng guard the rear.

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng was guarding the rear, Qiao Dongliang did not dare to take the money from his pocket to ce it in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands. Qiao Dongliang was not so bold when facing such a son-inw like Zhai Sheng.

    After the family of five finally got downstairs to the underground parking lot, Er Bao took a deep breath. ¡°Thankfully, we managed to get out. If we really had to stay on, I think I would have exploded.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just you. I was afraid that I wouldn¡¯t be able to maintain my image of a pure and innocent youngdy anymore.¡± San Bao patted her chest in relief. ¡°In the past, I never understood why I had such a grandmother and elder aunt and how grandpa could be so different from the two of them. But now, I understand that a family will always be a family. Grandpa, grandma, and elder aunt are all a family. That is for sure.¡±

    It was not that grandpa was a good seed, and neither was it that he did not do anything bad. It was just that grandpa had hidden that side of him so well in front of them. It was only in front of their mom would he reveal his ¡®true nature¡¯.

    Da Bao looked as though he had just escaped from a disaster. ¡°All right. It¡¯s good that we managed to escape. Let¡¯s not think about things like that in the future. I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll be sad thinking about it.¡± Da Bao took a deep breath and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, you had it hard in the past. If Dad bullies you or mistreats you in the future, be sure to tell me. I¡¯ll definitely be on your side to help you.¡±

    It did not matter that he was still young and his physique, power, or capabilities could notpare with his father¡¯s. One day, he would grow up. Then, his father would be old. And when that time came, he would take revenge on his father for his mother and himself.

    ¡°Me too.¡± Er Bao puffed up his chest. ¡°Dad, you heard us. We¡¯re the Zhai family. We¡¯re not used to being treated differently even if we¡¯re from different generations, so we¡¯re telling you this directly. In the future, the three of us will always be on Mom¡¯s side to help her. You can¡¯t let Mom feel wronged. Do you understand?¡±

    Now, their dad treated their mom quite well, but who knew whether he would continue to treat her this way in a few years¡¯ time or ten to twenty years down the road? It would be better to give him a heads-up than to have an ugly fight between father and son if that day were really toe.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was cold and he feigned a smile toward Da Bao and Er Bao. He raised his hands and unhesitatingly hit Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s heads forcefully. Da Bao and Er Bao were in such great pain that their faces were scrunched up. San Bao, on the other hand, covered her mouth and stoodughing in a corner.

    That was how she felt too. It was just that she had not had the chance to express her wishes. Thankfully, she had been slow in doing so. That saved her a beating.

    Having disciplined his sons, Zhai Sheng opened the door for Qiao Nan to get in the car.

    When the five of them were all in the car, Zhai Sheng finally burst out. ¡°Your mother is my wife. I¡¯ll take care of my wife. There¡¯s no need for you to worry about her or meddle in her business. If you have spare time, you¡¯d better just eat more and grow up quickly to find your own wife and marry her. When that timees, I won¡¯t care about how you take care of your own wife.¡±

    With him around, did he still need those two rascals to worry about Nan Nan? What a joke!

    In short, if Da Bao and Er Bao had such an idea, they might as well find themselves their own wives to lead their own couple lives.

    Da Bao and Er Bao harrumphed, their faces expressing their defiance.

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had already made preparations for only the two of them to have dinner together tonight. It was not only Miao Jing who was not used to it. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s behavior was also colder than usual. It was only when they heard from the auntie that Zhai Sheng¡¯s family of five had returned that the eyes of the elderly couple twinkled. Miao Jing stood up joyfully to wee her precious grandchildren. ¡°Why are you guys back? It¡¯s so early. Shouldn¡¯t you be in a restaurant having just ordered your dinner?¡±

    Logically speaking, there was no way for the five of them to have returned only after having a meal with Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°There was a small problem, so we came back. You and Dad haven¡¯t eaten, right?¡± Zhai Sheng did not borate any further. On the way back, Zhai Sheng had been meaning to ask about the matter, but he had held back after seeing that Qiao Nan¡¯s expression had just improved after leaving Qiao Dongliang¡¯s house. He was really curious about what his father-inw, Qiao Dongliang, had done to provoke his wife, but there was no hurry. Even if he could not ask Qiao Nan herself, he could always ask the three children. Based on how the children were behaving earlier, Zhai Sheng was certain that they knew what was going on.

    Zhai Sheng had not even understood the matter himself, so he could not give Miao Jing an answer.

    With just one look, Miao Jing understood what her son meant. ¡°That¡¯s right. Both your father and I haven¡¯t eaten. Since you were not around, we didn¡¯t have an appetite. Usually, you¡¯re in the military, the children are in school, but Nan Nan apanies us. Today, even Nan Nan wasn¡¯t around. It felt as though the whole house was so empty. Auntie, hurry and get some more dishes ready. We must have some more meat and vegetables. Cook more!¡±

    Now that there were suddenly five more mouths to feed, that little bit of food that had been prepared earlier was clearly insufficient.

    Thinking about it, Miao Jing was afraid that the auntie would not be able to prepare everything in time, so she squeezed into the kitchen as well and got busy with cooking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help out too.¡± Qiao Nan rolled up her sleeves and entered the kitchen.

    Ever since Miao Jing¡¯s culinary skills improved, Qiao Nan rarely stepped into the kitchen to help. But it was really because the auntie and Miao Jing alone were more than able to handle the preparations. Today¡¯s situation was an exception.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll help you wash the vegetables.¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes creased into crescents. Suddenly, all the women in the Zhai family were busy in the kitchen.

    Er Bao could not help but praise San Bao. ¡°Wow! You¡¯re doing well today, San Bao! You¡¯re using your eyes to work! Great job!¡±

 Chapter 1618 - Old Man

    <h4>Chapter 1618: Old Man</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Er Bao stuck out his thumb. Now that San Bao was in the kitchen with his mom, Da Bao and he would have the chance to tell his dad all about what had happened in his maternal grandfather¡¯s house earlier.

    ¡°Dad,e. Let¡¯s have a chat.¡± It was probably because he had really been agitated. It was the first time that Er Bao did not have a great reaction in front of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat about what happened at grandpa¡¯s house just now. If you choose not to stand up for Mom in this matter, Da Bao and I will do it ourselves.¡±

    Zhai Sheng sneered and flicked Er Bao on the forehead again. ¡°Da Bao and you are still children. How will you do that? He¡¯s my father-inw. It¡¯s not even convenient for me to do anything. More so for you two who call him grandpa! It¡¯ll be even more inappropriate for you two to do anything.¡± Besides, Qiao Zijin had just passed away. It was possible that Qiao Dongliang was hit hard by Qiao Zijin¡¯s death and was not in the right state of mind. That could be the reason he had done something wrong.

    His father-inw, Qiao Dongliang, had not even been able to do many good deeds while his mind was still clear, less so now when his mind was filled with grief and confusion.

    Da Bao was conscious of this first, so he let Er Bao speak first. ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient for us. It¡¯s inconvenient for you too. Then, is it convenient for anyone? Are we going to ask our paternal grandpa to do it? Or are we just going to let my mom be bullied like that?¡± Da Bao could not let the matter go just like that.

    Now that his elder aunt was dead and could no longer bully his mom, was someone else going to do it? Was his grandpa going to bully his mom? His mom did not owe these people a single thing!

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You might agree, but Da Bao and I definitely won¡¯t. Mom¡¯s life is already hard. That burden that is Mom¡¯s family isn¡¯t much. But to see them do such things to her, I really have to say something even if it isn¡¯t right for me to do so. That whole family is a burden to my mom. In the end, they even despise her for letting them have even better lives! What right do they have?¡± Er Bao was so furious that he mmed the table.

    Zhai Sheng smacked the back of Er Bao¡¯s hand. This was the third time Zhai Sheng warned Er Bao to rein in his attitude. There would not be a next time. The next time, Er Bao would be punished. ¡°What right? It was him and Ding Jiayi who gave birth to your mom. Without them, there wouldn¡¯t be your mom. Without your mom, there wouldn¡¯t be the three of you. Do you still not understand?¡±

    It was frustrating, but they had to ept that fact.

    Hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s faces darkened. After a while, Er Bao sullenly said, ¡°Dad, thankfully, you and Mom are not like that. Mom is nothing like the people in her family.¡± Otherwise, in just a few years¡¯ time, their lives would have been miserable.

    This time, Zhai Sheng was pleased. ¡°It¡¯s great that you know how good your mom and I are. When we get older in the future, the three of you have to be filial to us. And if you have your own families, take good care of them and don¡¯t cause trouble for us. If you have any problems, try to fix them yourselves. Don¡¯te looking for your mom or me, especially not your mom. Most importantly, once you have children, don¡¯t ask your mom to take care of them. When she gave birth to the three of you, she was still in university. Just think about how difficult it was for her to take care of the three of you.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s already raised the three of you, so when you have children in the future, you should learn to take care of them yourselves. Do you understand?¡± He did not wish for a bunch of women trying to steal his wife away from him before having children. After having children, he did not wish for a bunch of children to be fighting over his wife. He would hate to have to fight with a bunch of children for his own wife even when he was old and no longer mobile.

    Zhai Sheng was already feeling a little depressed. Was he the one marrying his wife or was he trying to help these people find a wife?

    When he was younger, Zhai Sheng was ambitious and there were just too many things he needed to do. With so many people constantly upying his wife¡¯s time and energy, Zhai Sheng was already quite upset. But if Nan Nan¡¯s attention was still going to be on other people once he retired like his father, Zhai Sheng would definitely not ept that situation.

    Nearing his old age, he and Nan Nan should get their own time after all.

    As for these children, the further they went, the better.

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao were momentarily silenced. So, their father¡¯sst sentence was the most important. Humph! What a petty man! His world revolved around his wife, and he was even fighting with his children for his wife¡¯s attention! Who would have expected that this majestic Chief Zhai, who was usually so suave and cold outside, was such a clingy old man at home!

    By the time Miao Jing and Qiao Nan brought out the dishes, the men of the Zhai family had basically finished theirpetition. Just as Zhai Sheng went up to take the dishes from Qiao Nan, Er Bao squeezed ahead. But Da Bao managed to run ahead of the both of them and took the dishes over from Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. ¡°Mom, you should¡¯ve called us when you were done with the dishes. We couldn¡¯t help with the cooking, but we can always help set the table!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Er Bao nodded. ¡°There¡¯s still more inside, right? I¡¯ll get them out.¡± Both he and Da Bao still dared to fight over the tes in his mom¡¯s hands. As for those in his grandma¡¯s hands, he would leave them for his grandpa. They had to leave some dignity for such a good grandpa after all. Otherwise, he would feel wronged on his grandpa¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°...¡± After being pushed aside by his sons who had formed an alliance, Zhai Sheng felt his temple throb. What should he do? These rascals were still not grown up and at the age to get married, but he already had the urge to kick them out of his house.

    Zhai Yaohui thoughtfully took the dishes over from Miao Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°Da Bao and Er Bao are right. Since you guys cooked, it¡¯s only right for us to serve it. The weather is cooler nowadays, but these freshly made dishes are still quite hot. Don¡¯t take any more of them out. Get some rest. We¡¯ll do it.¡± Anyway, Da Bao and Er Bao were fighting over the dishes in his daughter-inw¡¯s hands.

    Seeing his son concede defeat, Zhai Yaohui rejoiced within his heart. Whether it was when he was younger or now, he had his fair share of conceding defeat to his son and daughter! Every dog had its day. Now, it was time for his grandsons to take revenge on his behalf!

    The grandfather and grandsons were in it together. Zhai Sheng felt extremely helpless, but he could only pinch his own fingers. He had no choice now, but once the winter break came, he would send the three children back to the military. He would see how gleeful they could be then.

    It was often said that one couldn¡¯t avoid something forever. What¡¯s going toe woulde eventually.

    Da Bao and Er Bao did not yet know that their loving behavior toward their mom had evoked immense jealousy in their birth father. He would not let anyone who tried to fight for Qiao Nan¡¯s attention go. Not even his own sons!

 Chapter 1619 - Strange Old Zhai

    <h4>Chapter 1619: Strange Old Zhai</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui found out about what was going on, they returned to their rooms. Knowing how much Miao Jing cared about Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui did not wait for Miao Jing to ask him before telling her about the conversation between Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan. ¡°So that¡¯s what happened. I guess it was the first time the three children saw Qiao Dongliang being so unreasonable and clingy toward Qiao Nan. They¡¯re so upset. Da Bao and Er Bao have been finding an opportunity to get revenge on Qiao Dongliang on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf.¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t do!¡± Miao Jing raised her voice before lowering it again. ¡°Everyone in the quad knows about how good and obedient our three children are. It will be too unjustified for them to disrespect their elders and scold their grandfather just to get back at that muddleheaded old man, Qiao Dongliang. I can¡¯t let the three children ruin their names for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sake.¡±

    Could Qiao Dongliangpare with her three grandchildren¡¯s futures? If they did not take revenge, the three children would continue to hold resentment within their hearts and would not be able to rest easy. If there was no other choice, she would teach Qiao Dongliang a lesson on the three children¡¯s behalf.

    She was peers with Qiao Dongliang after all. Now, Nan Nan was not only Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter but was also the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. They had to be clear of their priorities. Qiao Dongliang was not bullying his own daughter but the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. Did Qiao Dongliang think that the whole Zhai family was dead and that he could just manipte Nan Nan as he wished? ¡°I¡¯ve decided. It¡¯s better for me to do this. I¡¯ll get justice for Nan Nan. Just because Qiao Zijin is dead, Qiao Dongliang only remembers Qiao Zijin alone as his daughter. Is Nan Nan a child that he picked up?¡±

    Seeing how Miao Jing jumped to conclusions without significant evidence, Zhai Yaohui felt the same way as his son: extraordinarily sour. Their children were often away from home, and the three children were in boarding school. Thus, it was their daughter-inw, Qiao Nan, who spent the most time with the two elders at home.

    Otherwise, Zhai Yaohui would really be upset with this daughter-inw of his.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng knows how to deal with this matter. Besides, it won¡¯t be appropriate for you to show up. It¡¯ll be better for me to do it.¡± Zhai Yaohui rejected Miao Jing¡¯s suggestion. If Miao Jing were to approach Qiao Dongliang about this matter, it would only make Qiao Dongliang feel embarrassed at the very most. But it would be different for him. As long as Qiao Dongliang remembered that he was once from the military, his words would be much more powerful. ¡°I¡¯ll find some time to have a chat with him. Nan Nan indeed has it tough. Thankfully, she met a good mother-inw like you.¡±

    In Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan was quite lucky. The time she spent with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang was only a little more than ten years. The problem was that Qiao Nan had already been married into the Zhai family for over ten years. Miao Miao¡¯s health was not the best, but there were no major problems, so it was possible for her to live for another two decades.

    Qiao Nan had lived with a bad mother for more than ten years, but Qiao Nan would live with a good mother-inw, Miao Miao, for more than thirty years. If one looked at it this way, meeting a good mother-inw was not any worse than being her biological daughter.

    Miao Jing proudly lifted up her chin. ¡°Then, you should take a closer look. No one is luckier than me to have a good daughter-inw like Nan Nan. Our two dreadful children, Zhai Sheng and Hua Hua, can¡¯t even match up to the time Nan Nan spends with me. As far as I¡¯m concerned, Nan Nan is even closer to me than my own daughter is. And I saw that you weren¡¯t in a very good mood when Nan Nan wasn¡¯t home for dinner tonight. Admit it. You treat Nan Nan like your own daughter too!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui raised his eyebrows, quietly turned off the lights, and covered himself with the quilt. Then, he said sullenly, ¡°You¡¯ve said it yourself that Qiao Nan spends more time with the two of us and has even given birth to three intelligent and obedient grandchildren. So, she¡¯s also a hero in the Zhai family. What¡¯s wrong with me treating her well?¡±

    It was only because Qiao Nan had made great contributions to the Zhai family that he treated Qiao Nan well as a daughter-inw. It was not as incredible as Miao Miao had put it.

    Miao Jing was over the moon. ¡°Act. Just act.¡± If he did not love Nan Nan from the bottom of his heart, why was Old Zhai even more anxious about Nan Nan than her own biological father was upon hearing that Nan Nan had encountered a problem and was being bullied?

    Of course, she could not rule out that Qiao Dongliang¡¯sck of reaction was because he was incapable. No matter how angry or worried he got, there was nothing that he could do for Nan Nan in the capital. The problem was his attitude. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior showed that he did not care for Qiao Nan as much as her father-inw did. That could not be right.

    It had always been said that even an honest and upright official would have difficulty resolving a family dispute. Was Old Zhai the kind of person who was willing to meddle in other people¡¯s father-daughter rtionships? Old Zhai had said that he would talk to Qiao Dongliang. Old Zhai must have thought it over carefully and felt that he, out of all people, would have the greatest impact on Qiao Dongliang and thus benefit Qiao Nan the most. Otherwise, there was no way Old Zhai could have readily agreed without hesitation the moment his son brought this matter up.

    Even though Old Zhai had already had such a n, he had waited for his son to beg him for help. Even then, he acted as though he was only agreeing to it reluctantly. What a trickster!

    Feeling that Zhai Yaohui seemed to be ¡®regressing¡¯, acting even more childish than Old Master Zhai had, and needing his three grandchildren to coax him at times, Miao Jing felt helpless. Thankfully, Da Bao and San Bao always wondered if Er Bao reincarnated in the wrong body since he was not like Nan Nan or Zhai Sheng at all. That was because Da Bao and San Bao had yet to see through their grandpa¡¯s true nature.

    In her opinion, Er Bao¡¯s personality was the spitting image of Old Zhai! That was what Old Master Zhai had said when he was still alive anyway. So that was it. Old Zhai was to be med for Er Bao¡¯s personality.

    After nagging at Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing finally switched off her bedsidemp andy down. Only then did Miao Jing cover herself with the quilt. Zhai Yaohui, whose back had been toward her, turned around and stretched out his arms to hug Miao Jing within his embrace. His outstretched hand smoothly pinched the corner of the quilt to prevent any openings for the cold wind to enter.

    It could be bitterly cold in the capital during November or December.

    Sleeping in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s embrace, Miao Jing could only smile. They were already a seasoned couple, but they still had to cuddle together while sleeping.

    Zhai Yaohui had taken the matter into his hands and said that he would handle it himself. To allow the three children to go to school with an ease of mind, he even gave them a definite answer. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The next time youe home, I promise that I¡¯ll have taken care of this matter. The goal is not punishment. It is more important to ensure that such a thing will never happen again in the future.¡±

    With their grandpa¡¯s reassurance, the triplets¡¯ expressions brightened. But Da Bao thought about it more than Er Bao or San Bao. He was the eldest son in the family. In the future, he would only be able to protect his loved ones if he was stronger. When he became a powerful and influential man, he would never let anyone bully his mother like that. Not even his maternal grandpa.

 Chapter 1620 - Worlds Apart

    <h4>Chapter 1620: Worlds Apart</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Up until now, Da Bao still did not understand why his grandpa treated his mom this way even though he was being supported by her. He had heard that in over three decades that his elder aunt had been alive, she had never been filial to his grandpa. She had never given him any money to spend. It would be considered good if she just avoided doing things that would anger his grandpa.

    Could it be that his grandpa and grandma liked naughty children and hated obedient children like his mom?

    But that did not matter. Even if his grandparents did not adore his mom, he did. He would live longer than his grandpa. When his grandpa died, he would still be young. When that time came, he would protect his mom even more and love her even more.

    Zhai Yaohui was a person who was always true to his words.

    Qiao Dongliang was still in distress about how he had not been able to get justice for his daughter against Zhou Zheng for having held his wedding during the period of Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. As such, Zhai Yaohui made his first visit to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s residence.

    Upon seeing Zhai Yaohui, Qiao Dongliang was stunned and immediately greeted Zhai Yaohui with a deep bow. ¡°Chief, why have youe?¡± Even though the two of them had been inws for more than a decade, Qiao Dongliang had never been able to adapt to such a role. In his eyes, Zhai Yaohui was not his inw, and neither was he his younger daughter¡¯s father-inw. Zhai Yaohui would always remain as his superior.

    Zhai Yaohui was more sensitive about this than anyone else, so he had never changed his attitude toward Qiao Dongliang. Since Qiao Dongliang did not treat him as an inw, there was no need for Zhai Yaohui to do so either. Anyway, it was not worth it. ¡°Sit down. I¡¯vee to talk to you about something.¡±

    ¡°Please sit down, chief. I¡¯ll get some tea for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was not only stiff but also terribly frightened. If one did not know, they would really not be able to tell that these two men were inws. The way they interacted was as though Zhai Yaohui was a much more superior creditor who was there to ask for repayments. It was as if Qiao Dongliang had owed Zhai Yaohui a huge debt and was a bast*rd who had to sell his children to repay his debts.

    ¡°You, too. Please take a seat.¡± Zhai Yaohui pushed the ss of water that Qiao Dongliang had given him to a side. ¡°Looking at how you are, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve had a good resttely.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled bitterly. ¡°Sending off my own child...¡± How could he have rested well? Besides, up until now, he had not been able to get justice for Zijin. He was a useless father. He had always been.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°It¡¯s not just for this reason alone. If it was just because of the Zhou family, then you can sleep well from tonight. At least in front of Zijin, you tried to be a good father. Compared to your other child, Zijin was much luckier. You can feel that you¡¯ve done enough for her.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not pay attention to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s use of the phrase ¡®other child¡¯. He had ced all his attention on the Zhou family. ¡°What¡¯s with the Zhou family?¡± Despite having not agreed to help him earlier, had Nan Nan gotten justice for Zijin from Zhou Zheng after all?

    ¡°It¡¯s not what¡¯s happened to the Zhou family, but what¡¯s happened to Zhou Zheng.¡± Zhai Yaohui corrected Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was indignant. ¡°It had not even been that long since Zhou Zheng got divorced from Zijin before he got married again. And he even stopped Ying Ying from attending Zijin¡¯s funeral, saying that it would be inauspicious for such an auspicious event to sh with a funeral. If they really thought that it was so inauspicious...¡± Zhou Zheng should not even have married another woman during such a time. It was not just Zhou Zheng¡¯s responsibility but also Father and Mother Zhou¡¯s. If they had been willing to stop Zhou Zheng, there was no way that Zhou Zheng could have carried on with his wedding.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze turned cold. This was the first time he was speaking privately with Qiao Dongliang, and it would be thest. He finally understood why his three grandchildren had been so worried before going back to school. They were actually quite tender-hearted, especially toward their loved ones. But the mere mention of Qiao Dongliang had brought about the gritting of teeth after that day.

    Now, Zhai Yaohui realized that his emotions were not dissimr to the triplets¡¯. He even told himself that this was the first time, but it would also be thest. If he were ever to talk one-on-one with someone like Qiao Dongliang again, any normal person would get so angry that he would experience symptoms of hypertension.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who your superior was when you were still in the military, but what I can say is that I would never have had subordinates like you under me. Without a clear investigation, you¡¯re speaking with no evidence or basis, simply making things up from your imagination. Don¡¯t you know about these things? Do you know about the Zhou family¡¯s current situation? Do you understand the whole story? Just because you have lost a disobedient and unfilial daughter, Qiao Zijin, are you going to lump all those people you hate and the people who have wronged Zijin together?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s resentment toward Father and Mother Zhou meant that Qiao Dongliang actually med Qiao Nan in his heart. He med Qiao Nan for sending Qiao Zijin into the Zhou family, giving the Zhou family the opportunity to wrong Zijin. Qiao Dongliang was resentful against Qiao Nan for only targeting Zhou Zheng and for letting him off too easily.

    What rights did he have to me someone else for doing too little? Was he not wallowing around at home in misery because he waspletely incapable?

    Qiao Dongliang was indeed worlds apart from them. He was thankful that Qiao Nan had not grown up wayward even after growing up in such an environment. Quite on the contrary, she even had an upright character and was a good role model. Perhaps, all the good energy and essence of the entire Qiao family had gone to Qiao Nan alone.

    Qiao Dongliang had left the military because of the birth of his second child, so he had failed to achieve his final goal of rising to the position of a battalionmander.

    But the way Zhai Yaohui saw it, there was no way Qiao Dongliang could have been promoted to a battalionmander even without the birth of his second child. Qiao Dongliang might even have been kicked out of the military soon after Qiao Nan¡¯s birth if he had stayed on.

    Apart from in front of Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was always short-tempered in front of everyone else. Qiao Dongliang pinched his own hand in embarrassment. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, chief. That¡¯s not what I meant. S-so, what happened to the Zhou family?¡± Zhou Zheng had remarried happily, and the Zhou family was probably rejoicing over Zhou Zheng¡¯s remarriage. Could something else have happened?

    Knowing that Qiao Dongliang did not believe it, Zhai Yaohui only stated the facts. ¡°Zhou Zheng is like his father, but his mind is even more unclear than his father¡¯s, nothing like his brilliant mother¡¯s. Mother Zhou had disagreed to Zhou Zheng¡¯s second marriage to his ex-girlfriend. Father Zhou stood on Mother Zhou¡¯s side, but Zhou Zheng insisted on getting married anyway. The Zhou family didn¡¯t really try to stop him either, but neither did they fork out a single cent for Zhou Zheng¡¯s second wedding.¡±

    In other words, Mother and Father Zhou¡¯s attitudes toward Zhou Zheng¡¯s second marriage was like night and day whenpared to Zhou Zheng¡¯s first marriage to Qiao Zijin, when they had spared no expense or effort.

 Chapter 1621 - Guilty Conscience

    <h4>Chapter 1621: Guilty Conscience</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhou Zheng¡¯s second wedding had not been as cheery or glorious as Qiao Dongliang had expected.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was taken aback. He had not expected that Qiao Zijin was the one who had wronged Zhou Zheng first. Even if he was Qiao Zijin¡¯s father, he felt that he had no right to stop Zhou Zheng from finding a second wife who was even younger and prettier than Zijin. But what he still could not get over was how Zhou Zheng specifically chose the day of Zijin¡¯s funeral to get married and even prevented his granddaughter from attending her birth mother¡¯s funeral.

    Other than that, Qiao Dongliang did not really mind if Zhou Zheng got remarried, although he did cling on to the hope that Qiao Zijin would reconcile with Zhou Zheng. Qiao Dongliang did not even mind, so he was extremely shocked to hear that Zhou Zheng¡¯s parents had disagreed. ¡°Wh-why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zhai Yaohui was gleeful. ¡°You¡¯re foolish, but that doesn¡¯t mean that other people are foolish too! Parents have a great wealth of experience that their children do not. Do you really have to ask why? No wonder your Qiao family is in such a mess. The father doesn¡¯t act like a father, but the daughter has to act like an ancestor. Just one woman can turn the whole family upside down and create so much trouble.¡± All these were just a good start for Qiao Dongliang. It was not just because of Ding Jiayi.

    As head of the house, as long as Qiao Dongliang had been smarter and taken responsibility, Qiao Dongliang should have been able to rein Ding Jiayi in no matter how brilliant or how foolish she was. Unfortunately, after the incident, Qiao Dongliang, as was his habit, simply pushed all responsibility to Ding Jiayi, feeling that it was entirely Ding Jiayi¡¯s fault that their two daughters turned out like this.

    No. Qiao Dongliang was the one who had ¡®contributed¡¯ the most.

    ¡°Not only that, but Mother Zhou had also renovated arge house, intending for Qiao Zijin to move in with her husband and children after she had a second child. I won¡¯t repeat whatever happened afterward. Since Zhou Zheng was going to get remarried, Zhou Ying¡¯s status and position in the family became rather awkward. So, Mother Zhou made a decision for the two elders to bring Zhou Ying to that new house and to leave the old house to Zhou Zheng and his newly-married wife, as well as the children that the woman would bring with her.¡±

    In this matter, apart from Zhou Zheng, the behavior of the Zhou family was indeed praise-worthy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind my harsh words. The truth is usually brutal. The Zhou couple has done so much more than you as a birth father for a daughter-inw who started an affair outside. I hope you won¡¯t disturb Qiao Nan anymore in the future if you have any problems. Now, Qiao Nan¡¯s most important identity is as the daughter-inw of the Zhai family. Secondly, as the mother of my three grandchildren. Thirdly, she¡¯s an independent individual. Being your daughteres in fifth or sixth ce. If you have any problems, it¡¯s best not to disturb ¡®other people¡¯.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang chewed on his lips. Zijin was gone, so Nan Nan was now his only daughter. How could he be ¡®other people¡¯ in Nan Nan¡¯s eyes?

    ¡°I know you haven¡¯t said a word, but you¡¯re silently disagreeing with what I just said. I won¡¯t try to beat around the bush with you.¡± Zhai Yaohui was used to bigger asions and matters, and not at all used to these trivial family matters. But his working style as a chief would never change. ¡°Qiao Nan has been married into the Zhai family for over a decade now, and the three children are already in junior high school. Have you realized that you have never addressed me as your inw and have instead always addressed me as your chief? As for me, I¡¯ve never taken the initiative to ask you to drop that courtesy and address me more casually since we are a family. I¡¯ve always taken it for granted that I should ept you addressing me as your chief.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt immensely guilty. He had indeed felt that way but had never asked about it. He had thought that it would be too embarrassing for him to ask about such a matter. ¡°I¡¯ve always addressed you as chief because I respect you deeply.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zhai Yaohui denied what Qiao Dongliang had just said. ¡°Is it because you respect me? Or is it because you feel guilty toward Qiao Nan and thus have no right to be her father? That¡¯s why you don¡¯t feel like part of the family even after Qiao Nan gave birth to three children. I¡¯m sure you know best in your heart.¡±

    From the beginning to the end, Qiao Dongliang himself was clearest about that.

    The one whom he owed the most to was not Qiao Zijin, but Qiao Nan. Because of this debt, Qiao Dongliang had never been able to stand tall in front of his daughter, Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang could not even face Qiao Nan proudly, much less Qiao Nan¡¯s inws.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m now on a tangent. Let¡¯s get back to the matter at hand. You¡¯re already clear of the Zhou family¡¯s attitude, so are you still thinking of having the whole Zhou family fall into bad luck along with Zhou Zheng?¡± Zhai Yaohui quickly stopped. He knew all too well that his words would be a p to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face, and that would cause Qiao Dongliang to hold back a little. But it would not be for more than a few days. After a few days, Qiao Dongliang would be back to normal.

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head as guilt filled his face. ¡°Chief, you¡¯re right. They have done much more than I have as a father.¡± He was useless. Whatever he had done for Zijin could notpare to whatever the Zhou family had done. ¡°In this matter, Zhou Zheng is the only one at fault.¡±

    If Qiao Dongliang still brought the rest of the Zhou family into this matter, then he was being utterly shameless. It would be no different from an ancient emperor who would drag all three generations of a criminal, or even his entire n, into the matter.

    ¡°Fine, since you¡¯ve said that, we¡¯ll continue our conversation. Nan Nan is a good kid. Because of Qiao Zijin, our family has made efforts to help Zhou Zheng have a stable job. You know that too.¡± Without their arrangement, there was no way the Zhou family would have treated Qiao Zijin so well and let her live such a luxurious life.

    Qiao Dongliang felt increasingly awkward. ¡°I... I know.¡± It was just that when he had his days, he chose to forget that the only few good years that Qiao Zijin had were all due to her younger sister, Qiao Nan. Although Qiao Nan disliked the Qiao family on the surface, she had never shortchanged them as her family. In fact, she had done more than what other daughters would do for their families.

    Qiao Nan had sacrificed too much for the Qiao family, but all three of them chose to ignore Qiao Nan¡¯s sacrifices. Instead, they focused on how stingy and revengeful Qiao Nan was. Because of some small incidents when she was younger, she chose not to acknowledge her mother and sister, and she even had a poor attitude toward her birth father.

    Zhai Yaohui led Qiao Dongliang on step by step. If Qiao Dongliang remained silent and did not answer him, he would not speak either. Only when Qiao Dongliang responded in the manner that he wanted did he continue. ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention earlier that Zhou Zheng isn¡¯t a particrly intelligent person? If he wants tomit any bad deeds, he won¡¯t be able to do it well. So, Zhou Zheng has already left his job and gone to find a new one somewhere else.¡±

 Chapter 1622 - Letting It Go

    <h4>Chapter 1622: Letting It Go</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With the Zhai family looking out for him, as long as Zhou Zheng did notmit a huge mistake, the Zhai family would simply remind the Zhou family, and Mother Zhou would help clean up after Zhou Zheng¡¯s mess before it escted into an even bigger problem. It was truly a joint effort between his parents and the Zhai family that Zhou Zheng was able to hold on to his position for so many years.

    On the contrary, the Zhai family would no longer try to help Zhou Zheng because of Qiao Zijin. Mother and Father Zhou had initially taken Zhou Ying with them and started to live separately from Zhou Zheng. Without help from the Zhai family, even if Mother Zhou was willing to acknowledge Zhou Zheng as her son and help him, there was no way for her to clean up the mess before the problem had happened anymore.

    And because of this, Zhou Zheng was dragged down from his position.

    Zhou Zheng was infuriated because his life was already in a mess because of his work. At such a time, would Zhou Zheng still care about whether Qiao Zijin was dead or alive? Even after Qiao Zijin had been buried for such a long time, he had never once taken Zhou Ying to pay her respects to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need me to tell you how pathetic Zhou Zheng is now that he doesn¡¯t have Mother Zhou looking after him and now that he¡¯s lost his job, right? I¡¯m sure you can guess.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Great! This was great! Zhou Zheng had indeed been bitten by karma and had been taught a lesson. People like Zhou Zheng should have it tougher. If it was not for his own incapability, Qiao Dongliang would really want Zhou Zheng to suffer even more so that he would regret getting a divorce from Qiao Zijin. If Zhou Zheng had not divorced Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin would still be alive and well in Ping Cheng. She would not have caused such a huge fuss and turned to suicide after her rtionship with Qiao Nan soured.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve settled the Zhou family¡¯s issue, let¡¯s talk about Qiao Nan.¡± On the ount that they were inws, Zhai Yaohui was giving Qiao Dongliang special treatment by wanting to talk it through politely with Qiao Dongliang before resorting to physical force. ¡°Do you remember the order of Qiao Nan¡¯s identities that I told you about earlier? Since you call me chief, you should understand how special our family is. The Qiao family had caused too much trouble for Qiao Nan, making her life very difficult indeed. I¡¯m not sure if your end goal is to make Qiao Nan be as ordinary as you guys so that she won¡¯t be able to survive in the centralmittee. Maybe you even intend for her to offend the Zhai family and get divorced from Zhai Sheng...¡±

    ¡°No, chief. You¡¯re mistaken. You¡¯re really mistaken. How could I have such a terrible thought? I know I¡¯m not a good father, especially to Nan Nan, and I¡¯m clear about how well your family treats Nan Nan. I also know that Nan Nan only knows how it feels like to have a family because she married into your family. How could I wish that Nan Nan would get divorced from Zhai Sheng? Zhai Sheng treats Nan Nan so well. If Nan Nan were really to get divorced from Zhai Sheng, she would never find a better man!¡±

    If a person was not afraid of losing something, it was because he knew there would be something even better ahead.

    But since there was no better choice than Zhai Sheng, Qiao Dongliang would never have such a thought. Even if Zhai Sheng was not so good, as long as the couple could lead a peaceful life, Qiao Dongliang would never rationally ask his daughter and son-inw to get a divorce.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled once again, but this was a cold one. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ve never thought this way? If it¡¯s true, then I apologize for having misunderstood you. I misunderstood your opinions toward Nan Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage. Don¡¯t mind me. It¡¯s really your family¡¯s actions that are misleading me. Who doesn¡¯t want to have a simple and peaceful life after getting married? But your family has not only caused so much trouble for Qiao Nan, but you guys have also made the Zhai family an easier target. Do you know that every single incident that you guys create can be an excuse for our enemies to use against the Zhai family? How do you think the Zhai family would view Qiao Nan if that were really to happen?¡±

    At the time when Qiao Nan had first married into the Zhai family, many bystanders had wondered if the Zhai family was doing charity by taking in a youngdy of such poor family background. Was it because they pitied her?

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang had felt eternally grateful to the Zhai family for not rejecting Qiao Nan as a daughter-inw just because of her family background.

    ¡°In ancient times, people were particr about whether a married couplees from equal family background and social status. Our family was already unbothered by Zhai Sheng marrying a wife who would not be able to help the Zhai family. I felt that Zhai Sheng was very ambitious in his career and should continue to climb up the ranks based on his own efforts to support his own family. That would be a real man. We can put aside nepotism in our family. The problem is that even after the Zhai family has looked past how his wife cannot help our family, her family is constantly trying to pull us down. What do you think about your family¡¯s actions, Qiao Dongliang?¡±

    ¡°While you guys were fussing around, did you really not stop to think about Qiao Nan and whether the Zhai family would turn against her because of these matters? Didn¡¯t you ever think that there woulde a day when we would finally explode after all those of years of umting our troubles and the couple would get a divorce?¡±

    ¡°No, you guys would never do that,¡± Qiao Dongliang said ¡®no¡¯, but his face was pale, and cold sweat dripped continuously from his head. ¡°Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan have a good rtionship, and they already have three children. The triplets can¡¯t go without their mom!¡± If Nan Nan were really to get divorced from Zhai Sheng, there was no question that the custody of the three children would be awarded to the Zhai family. At that time, Nan Nan would have nothing.

    ¡°You see, you know for yourself that we won¡¯t do such a thing, and not that we won¡¯t have such thoughts. So, you should be clear that whatever the Qiao family does will eventually affect our views toward Qiao Nan. Knowing is one thing, but it¡¯s obvious that you don¡¯t care. You¡¯re betting on my son¡¯s deep rtionship with Qiao Nan. You know that Nan Nan is a good kid who¡¯s filial and can never say no to her father. And because of that, you¡¯re always trying to squeeze Nan Nan dry, and you¡¯re even making the entire Zhai family work for you. Qiao Dongliang, let me ask you something. If Zhai Sheng were really to get divorced from Nan Nan, how would you ever make it up to Nan Nan? I¡¯m afraid you¡¯d never be able to make it up to her even until you die!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s hawk-like stare pierced through Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze. Everyone had thought that Qiao Dongliang was a useless man who could not even handle a woman like Ding Jiayi. But Zhai Yaohui had seen through the darker side of Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang, who was seemingly inept, had unknowingly be the person who was above even the Zhai family. It could be said that Qiao Dongliang was not just another incapable person. Quite on the contrary, he was at the top of the food chain.

    Initially, as long as the Qiao family kept their ce, Qiao Nan¡¯s temper was already quite good, and she let it go too.

 Chapter 1623 - What Type of Ending Do You Want?

    <h4>Chapter 1623: What Type of Ending Do You Want?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was like how Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were doing harmless things. Ding Jiayi wanted a house and money, while Qiao Zijin wanted to marry into a good family and bring Qiao Dongliang over to the capital so that she could provide him for his old age. Zhai Yaohui knew all of these and had silently agreed to them.

    However, in the face of how overboard the Qiao family had be recently, Zhai Yaohui wasn¡¯t as easy to talk to as before. He didn¡¯t let Qiao Dongliang squander his feelings and patience.

    If Qiao Dongliang could do it, he shouldn¡¯t me Zhai Yaohui for exposing him and making everything clear.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands shivered badly. He tried a few times but still couldn¡¯t pick up the teacup. ¡°No. No, chief. I know our Qiao family is in a mess and we have caused a lot of trouble to Nan Nan and the Zhai family. However, it¡¯s not like what you said. I have never...¡± Yes, he didn¡¯t. He really didn¡¯t.

    He already felt that he had let Nan Nan down. He only hated himself for being unable to make it up to Nan Nan and Zijin. How could he have harbored such overboard thoughts about Nan Nan? It wasn¡¯t like this.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s voice was indifferent. ¡°Perhaps, you really didn¡¯t have such thoughts...¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang rxed his expression, Zhai Yaohui snorted and added. ¡°However, you had really done it. It¡¯s actually harmless to have thoughts. It¡¯s like how thew only admits to factual crimes and wouldn¡¯t send someone who is just thinking ofmitting a crime to jail. What you have done is worse. You have turned your invisible thoughts into explicit actions and words.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you will change after our conversation today. I want to tell you that Nan Nan is filial to you and is softhearted. She might indulge in your every whim. However, sorry. Our Zhai family¡¯s rtionship with you is like how we address each other; there¡¯s actually no rtionship. When your behavior exceeds our Zhai family¡¯s tolerance, I¡¯m sorry. No matter how good Qiao Nan is, our Zhai family can¡¯t afford to have her. I¡¯m more curious as to how you will make use of Qiao Nan after leaving the Zhai family.¡±

    After saying these words which seemed to have put Qiao Dongliang into hell, Zhai Yaohui turned around and left coldly.

    Qiao Dongliang held the cup that was still warm tightly and kept taking deep breaths. He wanted to calm himself down. No, Chief Zhai was just scaring him. Nan Nan had such a good rtionship with Zhai Sheng. Looking at Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude toward Nan Nan, how would he divorce her? No. He definitely wouldn¡¯t.

    However, not too longter, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but panic. He was certain that the Zhai Sheng now wouldn¡¯t get a divorce with Qiao Nan. What about a few yearster or ten yearster? It wasn¡¯t that easy to maintain a husband-and-wife rtionship. He had divorced Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had divorced Zhou Zheng. Could it be that he really had to experience Qiao Nan¡¯s divorce?

    No, that was too scary.

    The house Qiao Dongliang lived in wasn¡¯t big. However, at this moment, Qiao Dongliang felt extremely lonely. He could only hear his breathing in this house. There wasn¡¯t anything else that was living.

    Qiao Dongliang, a man who had be a grandfather, suddenly hugged his head and started sobbing. He really didn¡¯t think of letting the Zhai family serve him because of his rtionship with Nan Nan. How would he have the guts to have such a mindset? He always hoped that Nan Nan could lead a happy life forever. However, someone told Qiao Dongliang that he had always been ruining the happiness that wasn¡¯t easy for Qiao Nan to get hold of.

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but admit that he had indeed feared nothing because Qiao Nan was his daughter. He didn¡¯t have such thoughts, but he had done so.

    He wasn¡¯t capable and he felt that his younger daughter was more capable. As such, he let his more capable younger daughter handle his elder daughter¡¯s affairs. He had never thought about the fact that regardless of how capable his younger daughter was, she was still a newbie in this circle and had limited connections with others. Furthermore, that was Ping Cheng, not the capital. Qiao Nan only joined the central government when she was in the capital.

    Since Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t do it, then the Zhai family had to help Qiao Nan do it.

    As such, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t deny that although he didn¡¯t think of it, he had actually done it.

    To a person like Qiao Dongliang, who liked to deceive oneself, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s simple and straightforward words had simply removed theyer of cloth that was covering Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face, giving him numerous blows.

    On this day, what Zhai Yaohui did was unknown to Qiao Nan. Theirst meeting was really unpleasant. Qiao Nan was still hesitating how to tell Qiao Dongliang that Zhou Zheng had lost his job when Zhai Yaohui told her that there wasn¡¯t a need for her to worry as Qiao Dongliang was already aware of this piece of news.

    Qiao Nan felt relieved. In a short period of time, Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t want to face Qiao Dongliang, her father, again. She had enjoyed too little in the Qiao family. However, if something happened to the Qiao family, she was always the one who had to shoulder it single-handedly. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t ept it anymore that she would naturally be the one to take care of things if something happened but was considered an extra if there was nothing.

    In the beginning, Qiao Nan only wanted to calm down. At the same time, she wanted Qiao Dongliang to reflect calmly. If the feelings parents had for their children became unreliable, then the filial piety children had for their parents would change as well. However, as time passed and it was going to be the new year soon, Qiao Nan realized in shock that since that incident, Qiao Dongliang had never looked for her once.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t look for Qiao Nan. Naturally, it was impossible for him to see the triplets. Qiao Dongliang might be avoiding Qiao Nan, but it was definitely impossible for him not to want to see the triplets. Thus, what was wrong with her father?

    After finishing her work at hand, Qiao Nan picked up her bag and prepared to head home. Without Li Dawei, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had returned to a harmonious state like before. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t curious at all what kind of life Li Dawei and Xu Xinming had been leading ever since they were transferred out.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Once the triplets saw Qiao Nan¡¯s car, they were especially happy. ¡°Mom, the final term exams are over.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Get in the car quickly. Put down your bags first. It¡¯s so heavy to carry them on your bodies.¡± Because of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan had already ovee her psychological obstacle for the second time and started driving. Initially, once she saw this car, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but think of Qiao Zijin and develop a phobia.

    In the end, it was naturally with the help of Zhai Sheng that she could recover herself and face that incident with Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 1624 - Acting Like a Young Lady

    Chapter 1624: Acting Like a Young Lady

    Of course, the three children had pulled their weight too, and the elders in the family took this to heart. So, every time they were driven around by their mom, the three children hadpletely different feelings.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it after finishing the exam. You¡¯re only in your second year of junior high school. Even if it¡¯s an examination, don¡¯t put too much stress on yourselves or let yourselves get too nervous.¡±

    ¡°Mom, rx. You¡¯ve said this so many times. We can probably recite it backward.¡± Nervous? Them? What a joke! Even though he had never been able to overtake Da Bao and im the first position in the level, he and San Bao were still equally matched. The second and third positions always belonged to either one of them, and they would take turns to hold those positions at any one time. But from this incident, Er Bao felt that Da Bao was no longer in agreement with him and San Bao.

    He and San Bao were still taking turns to im the second and third positions. Da Bao should asionally give up the first position and let him and San Bao im it too! Was it not boring to always im the first position?

    Knowing that Er Bao was going to start a rant, Da Bao gritted his teeth and forced a smile at Er Bao. It¡¯s not boring! He could give in at anything, except for his academic results. Besides, was it a matter of giving in when Er Bao and San Bao fought for the second and third positions? It was clearly because the two of them were not as stable as he was in their studies. And they even had the guts to push all responsibility to him?

    He was indeed the elder brother, but he refused to take on this burden.

    Seeing Da Bao change his icy cold fa?ade to reveal a smug smile, Er Bao fumed with anger. ¡°This is inappropriate in Mom¡¯s car. Why don¡¯t we have a go when we get home?¡± He would have to teach Da Bao a lesson to let Da Bao understand that he should love and take good care of his younger siblings. It was his duty to do so.

    Da Bao retracted his gaze indignantly. So be it. When had Er Bao ever won against him anyway? Perhaps, Er Bao would surpass him during the next examination and take the first position!

    ¡°Oh, right, why don¡¯t I bring you to visit...¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m hungry. I want to go home for lunch.¡± Da Bao cut Qiao Nan off because he knew what his mom wanted to say. Sorry, but he had not sorted out his own feelings and was unwilling to meet his grandpa. It might even be better if they saw less of their grandpa for the time being.

    If they saw less of him, they would slowly forget all the mean things that their grandpa had said to their mom as time went by. But if they met him again too quickly, he was afraid that he would recall the incident and re up even more.

    ¡°I can get something along the way...¡±

    Er Bao refused to eat junk food. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you always tell us that the food sold along the streets is unhygienic and dirty? Besides, they¡¯reden with MSG. Why are you changing your tone now? If you do that, we¡¯ll learn from you too. Don¡¯t regret it in the future.¡±

    San Bao kicked her feet and said, looking all innocent, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m really hungry. Even before school ended, my stomach was already grumbling loudly. The food sold outside is either way too salty or too heavy for my pte. Mom, I want to eat what grandma cooks. Grandma is definitely cooking something delicious at home for us now. Mom, it¡¯s not good to waste food. Grandpa and grandma won¡¯t be able to finish all that food.¡±

    If they were only three years old, maybe they would not have understood what their grandpa had said to their mom that day. At most, they would have felt that their mom was mad at their grandpa. Consequently, they would also be angry at their grandpa. But within a few days, they would be on good terms and ying happily with their grandpa again.

    But the fact was that they were already in their second year of junior high school. Not only did they understand what their grandpa had meant, but they also understood how wronged their mom must have felt because of this incident.

    She would much rather bebeled a bad kid than go visit her grandpa at this time. No! Definitely not!

    The three children were resolute and Qiao Nan was afraid of making a fool of herself. Therefore, she went along with the children and returned straight to the Zhai family¡¯s house instead of visiting Qiao Dongliang.

    As expected, as soon as the three children reached home, they were immediately greeted with fragrant wafts of food.

    Er Bao cheered loudly, dumped his schoolbag, and picked up a pair of chopsticks to stuff food into his mouth even before washing his hands. ¡°It¡¯s true that the nutritional value of the meals in our canteen is not bad, but grandma¡¯s cooking skills are so much better! What I miss the most while I¡¯m in school is always grandma¡¯s food. I¡¯m finally getting to eat it!¡±

    ¡°Rude.¡± San Bao made a funny face at Er Bao to tease him, but Er Bao knew that whatever San Bao had said in the car on the way home had been true. On the way home, he had really heard San Bao¡¯s stomach growling as he sat beside her.

    Er Bao said that he was her elder brother, so he would not be stingy with San Bao. With his chopsticks, he picked up an even bigger slice of food and stuffed it into San Bao¡¯s mouth. San Bao, who had still been joking with Er Bao a second earlier, opened her mouth widely upon seeing the piece of fooding her way and swallowed it whole.

    Er Bao said while feeding San Bao, ¡°We should really let those fools in school see how their favorite goddess behaves at home. You¡¯re opening your mouth so widely that I can see your tongue. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s ugly? And you said that you were a youngdy?¡±

    San Bao pped Er Bao on his elbow. ¡°This is my house. When we¡¯re at home, why would I need to pretend to be a youngdy? That¡¯s for outsiders to see. Anyway, grandma¡¯s food is really too delicious. I can¡¯t even stop myself from doing that.¡±

    ¡°You two have such sweet mouths! You¡¯ve only just stepped into the house but you¡¯re already coaxing your grandma like that. I¡¯m telling you that grandma will take your words to heart. If there are any leftoverster, you¡¯ll have to stuff them into your stomachs no matter what.¡± Miao Jing was overjoyed. She had initially learned to cook because of the three children, so there was nothing that would make her happier than hearing the three children¡¯s praises.

    ¡°Ahem...¡± Da Bao coughed, reminding Er Bao and San Bao not to go overboard. Of course there was a need to please such a good elder like their grandma, but there was still another emperor at home who became jealous easily. Even if it was to coax their grandma, they had to know their limits.

    Every time their grandpa coaxed their grandma and praised her cooking skills, their grandma was nowhere near as ted. When their mom or the three of them were not around, their grandma could not even be bothered to cook for their grandpa. It was their auntie who cooked for them.

    Their grandpa resented them quite a lot within his heart. Their mom was next in line after them. It was all right for them to deflect some hate for their mom, but if they went overboard, they would have to face both their grandpa¡¯s and dad¡¯s wraths at the same time.

 Chapter 1625 - Children, Donâ€™t Be Silly

    <h4>Chapter 1625: Children, Don¡¯t Be Silly</h4>

    The three of them were still young. Too violent a storm would make them die early.

    Da Bao knew his limits. When Er Bao and San Bao coaxed Miao Jing together, they would often not care about anything else. ¡°It¡¯s time to eat soon. Both of you follow me to the washroom to wash your hands. Something like this isn¡¯t good, after all. Don¡¯t be so stubborn just because grandma always pampers you.¡± Da Bao, who had a conscience, pulled Er Bao and San Bao into the washroom. The three of them stood in a row and started to wash their hands.

    Er Bao exhaled. ¡°When I first came in, I seemed to have seen grandpa¡¯s face turning dark. What¡¯s wrong? Grandma is throwing tantrums again and refusing to cook for grandpa now that we¡¯re leaving?¡± Their situation was really an unexpected cmity. They weren¡¯t the ones who asked their grandma to stop cooking for their grandpa. Their grandma was just following her mood. How could their grandpa vent all his anger on the three of them?

    San Bao snorted daintily. ¡°It¡¯s because we¡¯re still young and good to bully. Grandpa is like that, and Dad is like that as well. I¡¯ll just be on good terms with grandma and Mom to anger them to their deaths!¡±

    Da Bao looked at San Bao with eyes that spelled ¡®don¡¯t be stupid¡¯. ¡°San Bao, don¡¯t be ¡®pranked¡¯ by these two old men first before angering them to their deaths. Have you forgotten the extremely painful lesson we went through in our summer holidays this year?¡± Upon thinking of how tanned their fair-skinned sister became, Da Bao and Er Bao joined forces to challenge Zhai Sheng so that they could ¡®take revenge¡¯ for their sister.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t know how the three of them were arranging the elders in the washroom. What Zhai Yaohui knew was that he was satisfied with Da Bao for bringing away Er Bao and San Bao in time. When he was young, he would asionally find Miao Jing being too clingy. However, when the triplets were born, Zhai Yaohui found out that Miao Jing could be even clingier.

    It was a pity that Miao Jing was no longer clingy to him now. Instead, it was to the triplets. Over the past ten years, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t count the number of times Miao Jing had neglected him in order to take care of the triplets. Forget it that they were young in the past. The triplets were now junior high school students and were about to be senior high school students in one and a half years.

    Could it be that these three grown-up children didn¡¯t know how to take care of themselves? The triplets had parents. If anything were to happen, their parents should be the ones to worry. Why did Miao Miao join in the excitement? Miao Miao only needed to manage him well.

    ¡°Mom, your dishes are getting more and more delicious.¡± Qiao Nan was in awe. The ¡®Auntie Miao¡¯ who had ordered her around at home in the past was now the ¡®mother-inw¡¯ with superb culinary skills. Indeed, nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets their mind to it. Mom¡¯s talent for cooking was obviously much better than hers. ¡°I¡¯m starting to get worried. What should I do if the three children love your cooking and refuse to eat my food anymore in the future? Mom, why don¡¯t you teach me when you¡¯re free?¡±

    Miao Jing, who had something to do again, became happier. ¡°Sure. Mom will teach you whatever you want to learn. As long as you have time, I can make the arrangements on my end. Remember, in this house, Mom¡¯s time is all yours.¡± Miao Jing really didn¡¯t expect that she could be a master to someone one day. She felt a great sense of achievement.

    ¡°Mom, my wife¡¯s time is all mine.¡± Zhai Sheng added quickly when he heard this sentence upon reaching home. This was the tacit agreement between Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui. They would definitely not let each other¡¯s wife take up their own wife¡¯s time.

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t take Zhai Sheng¡¯s words to heart. ¡°Then, you have to be at home as well. If you¡¯re not at home, Nan Nan¡¯s time is all mine!¡± After taking care of the three grandchildren, Miao Jing had learned how to make simr childish expressions as theirs well.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng was helplessly and mercilessly defeated by Miao Jing¡¯s realistic words. Even though he was spending more time at home now, he still couldn¡¯tpare to his mother. When he wasn¡¯t around, Nan Nan¡¯s time was his mother¡¯s. This was a fact and he couldn¡¯t refute it. Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Yaohui pitifully. At the very least, when he was around, Nan Nan¡¯s time was all his.

    However, his father was old and was spending more time at home now, but his mother wasn¡¯t willing to spend any more time on him now. After making such aparison, Zhai Sheng could say with satisfaction that he was much luckier than his father.

    Money couldn¡¯t be exchanged for the lively atmosphere that was created when a family sat down together for a meal. ¡°Oh, right. Mom, Nan Nan, do you want to watch the Lunar New Year eve¡¯s evening show live?¡± Zhai Sheng asked when they were having fruits after the meal.

    As the Zhai family, it was appropriate for them to sit in the big hall to watch the Lunar New Year eve¡¯s evening show. It was just that when the Zhai family had first moved over to the capital from Ping Cheng, Zhai Yaohui wasn¡¯t willing to be too eye-catching. He also used the excuse that Old Master Zhai liked the peace and the quiet atmosphere would be more conducive to his health to reject the opportunity.

    The Zhai family had been living in the capital for over ten years now. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t directly decline the invite to the evening show this year. He felt that the timing was right. If his family wanted to attend, then they should. If not, it would be just like the previous years. It wasn¡¯t a problem to refuse. asions like this would only have issues of not having enough seats, and not that there were too many empty seats.

    Miao Jing frowned and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, do you want to go?¡±

    Qiao Nan understood immediately once she saw Miao Jing¡¯s expression. ¡°I don¡¯t. I prefer us as a family sitting down together for a meal. If there¡¯s a need to, we can watch the performance on the fifteenth day of the first month.¡± Qiao Nan was someone traditional as well. To her, it wasn¡¯t necessary for a family reunion on Mid-Autumn Festival. However, it waspulsory for a family to have a meal together on the eve of Lunar New Year.

    Even under the bad atmosphere of the Qiao family, it was rare for Qiao Nan to spend the Lunar New Year alone. Furthermore, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t someone who particrly loved crowds. As a Chinese, she was purely curious about how the live performances were. In the past, she could only watch it on TV. Now that she was qualified to watch it live, she did have some sort of reaction.

    However, when she saw that Miao Jing was unhappy, Qiao Nan refused without thinking further. ¡°Our reunion dinner only happens once a year. Let¡¯s stay at home. It¡¯s too tormenting and noisy to go outside. So many families like to book a table at a restaurant nowadays, but we don¡¯t even join in the excitement for this. We like to prepare the meal at our house. Let¡¯s forget about the evening show.¡±

    Miao Jing felt a little embarrassed. ¡°Nan Nan, could you tell that I wasn¡¯t very willing to go? Actually, it doesn¡¯t have to be like this. I¡¯m old and I don¡¯t like crowds. I can¡¯t tolerate loud noises. You¡¯re still young. If you like, let Zhai Sheng bring you there.¡±

 Chapter 1626 - Stunned

    <h4>Chapter 1626: Stunned</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I¡¯ll make it clear that you guys can go, but you can¡¯t leave the two of us alone to celebrate the new year alone. The triplets must stay behind to apany me and Old Zhai.¡±

    Since she could not hold her son and daughter-inw back, having her three grandchildren around was good too.

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s words made Zhai Yaohui, who had been slightly happy, upset. Why would the two of them not be able to celebrate the new year alone? He had even been considering bringing Miao Miao out on the first day of the new year for a date if there was no one else at home. That would be a perfect arrangement, but everything was ruined the moment Miao Miao spoke.

    ¡°...¡± The triplets who had been unwittingly brought into the matter were resentful. Why was their grandpa looking at them with such a strange gaze? They had not chosen to be a third wheel. In fact, they were more interested in being a third wheel to their parents!

    Qiao Nan wiped out the juice that had made her hand sticky. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not like that. I don¡¯t really like these events either. Haven¡¯t you seen that in all these years that I¡¯ve always been at home for my meals apart from the ones that I have no choice but to take in the office? Even when ites to department celebrations, I try hard to avoid them too. I love our family.¡± Of course, one could also describe her as a homebody.

    ¡°All right, so we¡¯ll still be celebrating the new year as a whole family this year!¡± Miao Jing grew happier, and her tone expressed her excitement. Er Bao and San Bao, who had grown curious about the New Year¡¯s G, kicked their feet in frustration. Sigh, they were going to be disappointed yet again this year.

    Qiao Nan quietly tussled with Er Bao and San Bao¡¯s hair. These two children were still young. There would be an abundance of opportunities in the future. When that time came, the three children would not even need to rely on their rtionship with Zhai Sheng to enter but would be invited in based on their own capabilities. That would be even more meaningful for the children. ¡°Don¡¯t be unhappy. We¡¯re advanced in age. How can we be as energetic as you kids? If I didn¡¯t have to go to work every day, you guys know very well that I¡¯m the epitome of a homebody!¡±

    The best-behaved Da Bao sat by Qiao Nan and peeled a mandarin orange for Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, the way you speak is so hip. Don¡¯t bother about these two monkeys. Our school organizes quite a few cultural and literary activities too, but the two of them never ever participate in them. Worse still, they often sleep through them! The New Year¡¯s G may be more expensive in terms of its facilities and organization, but in essence, it¡¯s almost the same. They won¡¯t even like something like this!¡±

    After peeling the mandarin orange and passing it to Qiao Nan, Da Bao started to lecture Er Bao and San Bao. ¡°Have you forgotten what great-grandpa taught us in the past? We have to look past the appearance of things to see their true essence. Don¡¯t act like a three-year-old and just join in wherever the fun is at!¡± It was more important to stay by their elders¡¯ side and ensure that they were in good moods.

    Da Bao¡¯s words warmed the hearts of everyone sitting there. Miao Jing could not help but wrap Da Bao within her embrace. She paid no heed to Da Bao trying to hide in embarrassment or Zhai Yaohui¡¯s piercing gaze at Da Bao. Instead, she continued shouting, ¡°You¡¯re such a good boy, Da Bao. You¡¯re a good grandson! Grandma is so pleased to hear what you just said! You¡¯re grandma¡¯s darling! How could our Da Bao be such a good boy? You¡¯re the best!¡±

    Da Bao was truly shy because he had already learned about the differences between genders. Now that he was being hugged by his grandma like that, Da Bao was feeling embarrassed. Da Bao pleaded Qiao Nan to rescue him, but Qiao Nan only returned aforting gaze. Son, just treat it as though you¡¯re pleasing your elders. Since it¡¯s the new year, just let your grandma be happy.

    Er Bao and San Bao, who had been disciplined by Da Bao earlier, were gloating at Da Bao¡¯s predicament now. After disciplining them, karma wasing back for Da Bao now!

    Would Da Bao allow his younger siblings to step all over him? No way!

    Da Bao shifted his gaze and immediately tried to shift Miao Jing¡¯s attention. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t just hug me! Think of how much Er Bao and San Bao love you! Don¡¯t just hug me in front of them! If you hug only me and don¡¯t hug them, they¡¯ll get upset and jealous and throw a tantrum!¡± Since it was unavoidable, they might as well ¡®suffer¡¯ together.

    It was not as though grandma was his grandma alone. If they needed to coax her, the three of them should do it together. None of them could escape andugh in a corner as a bystander. Humph! Did they think it was so easy to take advantage of him?

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°Hug! All three of you! You three are all grandma¡¯s darlings, grandma¡¯s precious little one! Come! Let grandma kiss you.¡± With all three children within her embrace, even if she could not entirely embrace them, Miao Jing was overjoyed.

    Miao Jing would not trade the world to have this: to have her three grandchildren together and to spend time together as a family.

    Even the three others who were not involved in this smiled along. Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan, with the widest smile. It was indeed true that mothers were a blessing to their children even at his age. With his mom around to take care of the three rascals, there was no one to fight over Nan Nan with him.

    Zhai Sheng had never given in to anyone over the ownership of his wife, not even to his own daughter, San Bao. Seeing Zhai Yaohui with empty arms and bitterly and aggressively downing tea, Zhai Sheng felt as though he was in heaven when he felt that figure within his arms and smelled that fragrance.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s lips twitched. He had just helped Zhai Sheng settle Qiao Dongliang¡¯s problem. Was this rascal going to kick him to the curb now that he had outlived his usefulness?

    Feeling Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze turning dangerous, Zhai Sheng did not forget that he was the father of the three children and smoothly rescued the children from their grandpa¡¯s piercing gaze. ¡°It¡¯ste. You children should head to bed. Children should go to bed early and wake up early. Only then will you be healthy and grow up well.¡±

    The triplets felt that they had been ¡®ravaged¡¯ by their grandma, and their father¡¯s words had undoubtedly saved them from their grandma¡¯s ¡®evil grip¡¯. The triplets had never listened to Zhai Sheng so well. ¡°All right, Dad. Whatever you say. We¡¯ll return to our rooms and go to bed early so that we can wake up early. That¡¯s great!¡±

    The three children were escaping after having started a fire. But they had learned this skill under the cold gazes of Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng.

    When they went to bed that night, Qiao Nan had only justid within Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace when she immediately grabbed onto Zhai Sheng¡¯s elbow and asked, ¡°My dad hasn¡¯t looked for me in a long while and hasn¡¯t seen the triplets either. That¡¯s really strange.¡±

    After forcefully nting a kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s lips, Zhai Shengughed with that low voice of his. ¡°Are you suspecting that I did something to your dad? Why? Does your heart ache for him? Do you pity him?¡± If he had really done something to Qiao Dongliang, that would be understandable too. He viewed Nan Nan as his treasure, but Qiao Nan was not even worth as much as a stalk of grass in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes!

 Chapter 1627 - Sharp-eared

    <h4>Chapter 1627: Sharp-eared</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nan Nan was at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s beck and call. Zhai Sheng was really eager to try and do something to Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan had aplicated look on her face, as if she was in a dilemma. ¡°Who asked me to be his daughter? Who asked him to be slightly better aspared to Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi? If I could be tolerant of the both of them, then my tolerance level for my father would naturally be higher.¡± However, regardless of how high it was, she would still feel hurt and upset. ¡°Don¡¯t change the topic. What happened?¡±

    Brother Zhai was her father¡¯s son-inw. As such, Brother Zhai would only be like her. It wouldn¡¯t be convenient for him toy a heavy hand on the Qiao family.

    ¡°Nothing much. It was just that my father was free and in a good mood one day. Thus, he had a chat with your father. That¡¯s it. How could the people from my family use violence on your father? You have thought too much.¡± Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s sote. It¡¯s not good if we disturb others by not sleeping. Let¡¯s do this. If you can¡¯t sleep, let¡¯s do some ¡®exercise¡¯. You¡¯re sure to sleep well after that.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Before Qiao Nan could roll her eyes, Zhai Sheng had already suppressed her. Men on bed were really bullish. No matter what topic they were talking about, it could always be linked to this. It was really not easy.

    After understanding the circumstances, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t take the initiative to contact her. Qiao Nan also didn¡¯t give Qiao Dongliang a call. As for living expenses, Qiao Nan had long given Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi a card each. She would transfer money to these two cards monthly. This way, Qiao Nan could avoid Qiao Dongliang morepletely.

    In the blink of an eye, it was close to the end of the year. It was the eve of Lunar New Year tomorrow. ording to the habits of previous years, knowing that Qiao Dongliang was alone in the capital, the Zhai family would invite him over for the new year. However, the situation was a bit awkward this year.

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare to ask Qiao Nan. As such, she could only ask Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Are we inviting him or not this year?¡± It was highly likely for Qiao Dongliang to spend the eve of Lunar New Year alone. When Miao Jing thought of how Qiao Dongliang probably wouldn¡¯t even be in the mood to celebrate the new year, she couldn¡¯t help but pity him.

    Zhai Yaohui turned the newspaper over. ¡°Women are capricious. No wonder Qiao Dongliang would have such a temper. If Qiao Nan could be ruthless, there¡¯s no reason why Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t change all his habits.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Nan Nan Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter? Is it right for a daughter to cure her old man?¡±

    ¡°No one else would know. What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked like he couldn¡¯t care less. ¡°Qiao Dongliang is a coward and doesn¡¯t treat Qiao Nan well. He changes his mind more frequently than women. However, we have to admit that he really didn¡¯t think of not letting Qiao Nan lead a good life. If Qiao Nan really did something to Qiao Dongliang, he would only tolerate it.¡±

    This could be considered the biggest shoring in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s character. When a child needed to be disciplined, stronger means had to be used to let the other party understand that this was definitely uneptable and to prevent a situation like this to happen a second time.

    He didn¡¯t manage when he should, and his love as a father grew when he shouldn¡¯t be managing. That was why Zhai Yaohui found him unpleasing to the eye. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s love never seemed to happen at the right time.

    If Qiao Zijin could do this, Qiao Nan could naturally do so as well. However, if Qiao Nan was half as ruthless as Qiao Zijin, would Qiao Dongliang have dared to make unreasonable demands to her? Qiao Dongliang¡¯s issue was formed out of habit.

    He didn¡¯t even pamper his own son and grandchildren. Would he let the people around him pamper an ¡®outsider¡¯ like Qiao Dongliang? What a joke!

    ¡°Let Qiao Dongliang spend the new year alone this year. However, let Qiao Nan know to transfer more money to him such that he could eat to his fill alone outside. I do want to see how he feels spending the new year alone with arge sum of money.¡± Nowadays, most children reached out to their parents for money.

    It wasmendable for Qiao Nan to provide for her parents. Now, Qiao Dongliang was left with only one daughter, Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang was good to Qiao Nan and their father-daughter rtionship had improved. However, Qiao Dongliang would only have to prepare for the new year alone in the years ahead.

    Miao Jing was happy to give Qiao Dongliang a lesson. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll tell Nan Nan then. Old Zhai, you¡¯re right. Nan Nan is too easy to talk to and has treated Qiao Dongliang well. We have to be cold toward Qiao Dongliang so that he can appreciate how good Nan Nan had been to him all along by bringing the triplets to see him from time to time!¡±

    Without a daughter like Nan Nan by his side, how different was Qiao Dongliang from a walking corpse?

    After the discussions, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was calm. On the 29th, she transferred a sum of money to Qiao Dongliang. Even if banks weren¡¯t operating on the new year, he could withdraw the money from ATMs. In terms of material needs, Qiao Nan had never treated Ding Jiayi badly before, let alone Qiao Dongliang.

    It was the eve of the Lunar New Year, and the atmosphere was lively in all households. Even if they were nning to head outside for a meal, the house was full of festive decorations with red flowers and words of blessings. As for those who were celebrating at home, preparations for the reunion dinner were in full swing.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve stir-fried the vegetables.¡± Qiao Nan followed Miao Jing and became her little assistant. San Bao joined in the fun and helped wash or cut the ingredients. She was only short of personally cooking up a meal in the kitchen now.

    ¡°It¡¯s crooked. Move to the left a little. Yes, that¡¯s it. Very good.¡± Er Bao and Da Bao were putting up words of blessings and spring couplets. As for spring cleaning, the whole family had already worked together on the 27th to get that done early.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s really not easy. It¡¯s already six in the evening. I¡¯m getting confused.¡± After a busy day, Er Bao¡¯s face was a little dirty. Da Bao looked at Er Bao with disdain. ¡°Before having the reunion dinner, I would advise you to wash your face as well as your hands. I don¡¯t know which dirty monkey from the zoo ran over to our house for a meal.¡±

    Er Bao, who had started paying attention to his looks, became anxious and ran to the washroom without a word. Before washing his hands, he cleaned his handsome face.

    Da Bao snorted. ¡°You¡¯re not San Bao. Why do you like to look pretty like her?¡±

    San Bao red at Da Bao. ¡°Don¡¯t think that I can¡¯t hear you just because I¡¯m helping Mom and grandma. Don¡¯t say bad things about me behind my back.¡±

 Chapter 1628 - Why Are You Calling?

    <h4>Chapter 1628: Why Are You Calling?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Da Bao was speechless. How did she hear about the bad things he was saying behind her back?

    Qiao Nan and Miao Jing brought out tes of hot dishes. Seeing that the three of them were at it again, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. ¡°Okay, stop. Before washing your hands, give grandpa a call and remind him to have a good meal outside tonight. You have to send him greetings tomorrow morning as well.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Da Bao responded and picked up the phone. He skillfully dialed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s number. The phone rang a few times and the other party picked up the call quickly. ¡°Hello? Is this Nan Nan?¡±

    Da Bao raised his eyebrows. Didn¡¯t grandpa use to ask about the triplets first when he picked up the call?

    ¡°Grandpa, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m Da Bao. Er Bao and San Bao are beside me. It¡¯s the eve of the Lunar New Year today, so we are giving you a call. Grandpa, remember that it¡¯s the eve of the Lunar New Year today. You must eat something good and stay healthy. Don¡¯t be reluctant to do so.¡± Da Bao knew that his mother had transferred a sum of money to their grandpa. There was definitely enough money for their grandpa to open three tables and invite people over to have a meal, let alone opening just one table.

    ¡°Yes, grandpa. Remember to eat something good. Just order whatever you want to. We can afford to eat one table of food and throw away the other table of food. We can be that willful since we have money.¡± Er Bao joined in the excitement blindly by the side. His grandpa would eat alone this reunion dinner, unless he was willing to invite outsiders over to eat with him.

    ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯ll call you again tomorrow and send you greetings,¡± San Bao stretched her body and said carelessly to the receiver. Regardless of whether they liked it or not, they had toplete the task assigned by their mother. Otherwise, their mother would be upset and their father would deal with the three of them.

    To save herself and on ount that it was the eve of the Lunar New Year today, the quirky and bad-tempered San Bao vowed to be an obedient child. Wasn¡¯t it just a call? How difficult was that? She didn¡¯t have issues sending him multiple greetings, let alone just one.

    ¡°Oh, oh. Yes. The three of you, remember to eat more as well. Eat something good so that you¡¯ll grow taller.¡± Qiao Dongliang seemed to have lost himself for a while and nearly swallowed the words that had reached his mouth. ¡°Da Bao, is there anything else you would like to say to grandpa?¡±

    The triplets had already given him a call. Even if he couldn¡¯t celebrate the new year with Nan Nan this year, didn¡¯t she have anything to say to him today?

    ¡°Oh, right, Mom is helping grandma with the dishes, so I¡¯ll say this on behalf of her. Grandpa, Mom said that your good health is her greatest blessing. She wishes for your health to be better in the next year.¡± Even though Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say these words, Da Bao could still say them at his fingertips.

    He had thought that their mom woulde over to say a few words after they were done? Their grandpa was too naive. If their mom had such thoughts, did she have to transfer money to their grandpa for the meal on the eve of the Lunar New Year?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was disappointed. Today was thest day of the year. He wasn¡¯t able to have a meal together with Nan Nan. Could it be that Nan Nan wasn¡¯t even willing to say a few words to him? Facing the loneliness at home, Qiao Dongliang felt that his mood was colder than the winter in the capital.

    Such an atmosphere reminded Qiao Dongliang of the helplessness he had experienced when Qiao Nan first fetched him over to the capital. At that time, how did he adjust his mentality?

    He had relied on his child, Nan Nan. Nan Nan kept visiting him and even brought the triplets over. With thepany of his family, he felt a small sense of belonging in the capital, which was a foreign city. Now, the child who made him feel a sense of belonging to the capital was no longer willing to take care of him. Qiao Dongliang became dazed for a while.

    Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but ask himself if there was a need to continue living in the capital given current circumstances. It was just that if he wasn¡¯t living in the capital, could it be that he had to return to Ping Cheng? Even if he returned to Ping Cheng, he would be left with nothing as well. He was only left with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had treated Qiao Dongliang well. It was only once such good treatment was gone did Qiao Dongliang truly realize that the indifferent Qiao Nan actually treated him, her undutiful father, well.

    Because of Qiao Nan, the triplets used to like him a lot and were willing toe over to y with him. On the contrary, he always knew that he had a granddaughter, Zhou Ying. Even when Qiao Zijin was still alive, she had brought her daughter over to Qiao Nan¡¯s to obtain benefits the first time Zhou Ying came to the capital. However, she didn¡¯t remember that he, the grandfather, had never seen Zhou Ying, his granddaughter, before.

    Now that Qiao Zijin was gone, Qiao Dongliang still didn¡¯t know how Zhou Ying looked like.

    What was different was that in the first few years when Qiao Nan was still studying in the capital, her yearly vacation period was limited. Even if she had time, Qiao Nan had to spend the time taking care of the triplets. The triplets were just born then and especially needed their mother.

    Qiao Dongliang felt ashamed to go to the capital to see the triplets. Qiao Nan proactively showed him photos of the triplets. It was when the triplets were a little bigger and could go out that he embraced the fleshy bodies of his three grandchildren.

    Through thisparison, Qiao Nan was really much morepetent than Qiao Zijin as a daughter. The more Qiao Dongliang thought about it, the more regretful he felt. He told himself repeatedly that he couldn¡¯t make Qiao Nan worry because of his daughter¡¯s matters. It was up to him how he wanted to help his daughter. However, when it really happened, why was it that he became foolish again?

    Qiao Dongliang was feeling troubled. Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t any better than Qiao Dongliang¡¯s. After losing Qiao Zijin, she didn¡¯t even have the chance to send her off on herst journey. No matter how much Ding Jiayiforted herself that Qiao Zijin said those words in order not to let her feel upset, in reality, Ding Jiayi understood that Qiao Zijin had really hated her and no longer wanted to be her daughter.

    Why did the daughter whom she had given all her love to look at her this way?

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how she had spent the Lunar New Year. Regardless of how cold the winter in the capital was, it couldn¡¯tpare to how cold she was feeling in her heart now.

    When it was February, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but give Qiao Dongliang a call.

    Once Qiao Dongliang saw that Ding Jiayi was calling him, he didn¡¯t want to answer it. It was just that the phone kept ringing and it seemed that Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t give up until Qiao Dongliang picked up her call. ¡°Why are you calling?¡±

 Chapter 1629 - Going Back Home

    <h4>Chapter 1629: Going Back Home</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°After Zijin left us, I think that there¡¯s no need for the two of us to have any contact anymore. Do you really have to torture Nan Nan until she dies too before you¡¯ll be happy?¡±

    Was it not enough that Ding Jiayi had already ruined the life of one of his daughters? Now, did she have her eyes set on Nan Nan to force her to her death too?

    In the face of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s relentless criticism from the other end of the phone call, Ding Jiayi was extremely calm. Even her breath was normal. ¡°Have you finished? If you¡¯ve said your piece, it¡¯s my turn. I called you to tell you one thing. I¡¯m going back to Ping Cheng to stay in the Qiao family house. You can tell Qiao Nan to stop paying the rent on my apartment from now on.¡±

    When Ding Jiayi hung up the call, Qiao Dongliang was baffled. ¡°Is Ding Jiayi for real? Or did she say those things just to please me?¡±

    Even if he doubted the authenticity of what Ding Jiayi had just said, Qiao Dongliang responsibly conveyed Ding Jiayi¡¯s intentions to Qiao Nan after receiving Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. ¡°Nan Nan, what do you think your mom means by this? Do you think she¡¯s being serious, or is she trying to y tricks on us? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll go and figure out what¡¯s going on, so you shouldn¡¯t go. Now that Zijin is gone, I¡¯m not sure if she¡¯s still normal after being so shaken up.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi had really gone insane due to Zijin¡¯s death and wanted to pin the me on Nan Nan and fight it out with her, Nan Nan would definitely be at a disadvantage. She was no match for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Give me your mom¡¯s address. I¡¯ll take a look. If she has really moved away, you can just stop paying the rent. Remember not to appear in front of your mom. I¡¯m afraid even I won¡¯t be able to handle your mom once she starts throwing a tantrum.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°All right, then. Thank you for making the trip down.¡±

    Suddenly hearing that Ding Jiayi wanted to move away from the capital and had even taken the initiative to revert to receiving only a thousand yuan of living allowance every month, Qiao Nan felt that this could not have been Ding Jiayi¡¯s words either. Ding Jiayi was the kind of person who would take all five thousand yuan from Qiao Nan if Qiao Nan earned five thousand yuan a month.

    Now, Ding Jiayi had taken the initiative to ask for her increased living allowance to be lowered once again. What kind of joke was this? Was this really Ding Jiayi?

    Even though Qiao Zijin had lost her life after intentionally jumping in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s car and refusing to let the doctors conduct a surgery on her, Qiao Nan did not put it beyond Ding Jiayi to me the whole incident on Qiao Nan.

    With that thought, Qiao Nan knew that it was entirely possible that Ding Jiayi was trying to fight it out with her over Qiao Zijin¡¯s death.

    ¡°It¡¯s not hard at all.¡± Now that he had finally reconnected with Qiao Nan after much difficulty, Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed. There was no way he would think that such a trivial matter would be hard on him. ¡°Nan Nan, you should still be working at this time. I won¡¯t bother you anymore. I¡¯ll help you keep a lookout on your mom¡¯s matter.¡±

    After hanging up the call, the frown on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face eased considerably, and he set off for the address that Qiao Nan had given him with light steps.

    When Qiao Dongliang arrived, he happened to see Ding Jiayie downstairs, carrying only a bag.

    Upon seeing this scene, Ding Jiayi¡¯s neighbors asked out of curiosity, ¡°Sister Ding, are you going somewhere to visit your rtives? Or are you going to find your useless daughter?¡±

    After living in their neighborhood for so long, they had never seen Ding Jiayi interact with anyone, nor had they ever seen any rtives visit Ding Jiayi at home. They had only heard Ding Jiayi say that she had an extraordinarily capable daughter who was working in the capital. It was this daughter who was taking care of all of her living expenses.

    So when they saw Ding Jiayi carrying a bag of things, they all thought that Ding Jiayi was going to visit her rtives.

    In these few months that they had not met, Ding Jiayi had grown much more haggard. Qiao Dongliang was sure that Ding Jiayi had lost a considerable amount of weight ever since theyst met at Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral. Most importantly, Ding Jiayi¡¯s hair had grown much whiter. In the past, she had more ck hair than white hair. Now, it was as though she had a whole head of white hair.

    Ding Jiayi smiled reluctantly, only tugging at the corners of her lips to force a smile out. ¡°I¡¯m not going to visit my rtives. I¡¯m thinking of moving back to my hometown. I¡¯m already so old, and I can¡¯t be of any help to my children. I¡¯m just a burden to her now. Now that I¡¯m old, it¡¯s best that I return to my roots.¡±

    She thought about how her days staying in the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard had been the best days of her life. Zijin had been born there and had grown up there.

    She would be much happier returning to the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard. It would not be like living in the capital. Although her house in the capital was big, and neither did she need to worry about her expenses, it was cold and she did not recognize anyone around here.

    Most importantly, Zhou Ying was in Ping Cheng.

    Now that Zijin was gone, she could not let anyone bully her granddaughter, Zhou Ying. She would look after Zhou Ying on Qiao Zijin¡¯s behalf. If the Zhou family treated Zhou Ying badly just because Qiao Zijin was no longer around, she was willing to throw aside her dignity and beg Qiao Nan to seek justice for Zhou Ying from the Zhou family.

    ¡°Going back home?¡± Everyone was taken aback. Everyone knew that Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger daughter was truly capable. No one else was like Ding Jiayi and could simply stay at home without working but still enjoy a life without having to worry about their expenses.

    Ding Jiayi was living such a good life in the capital, but she wanted to go home! She must be crazy!

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Ding Jiayi did not bother to exin anything to her neighbors. Her greetings were just out of courtesy. She did not mean to see any of these neighbors ever again.

    Seeing how Ding Jiayi was so casual about leaving, many of her neighbors were bewildered. ¡°What do you mean? Are you giving up such a good life to go home? Have you gone mad? Don¡¯t elders these days lead good lives wherever their children are at? What do you mean by going home alone?¡±

    ¡°Why do you care so much? It¡¯s got nothing to do with us. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang remained hidden in a corner like a peeping tom from the start until the end. Regardless, he was unable to rest easy and decided to hail a cab to follow behind Ding Jiayi. Only after seeing that Ding Jiayi had indeed bought a ticket back to Ping Cheng and had boarded the train did he believe that Ding Jiayi had not been lying when she said that she was going back home.

    As Ding Jiayi¡¯s husband, Qiao Dongliang could not understand what Ding Jiayi was trying to do.

    But at least, Ding Jiayi would not cause any more trouble for Qiao Nan now that she had finally left the capital.

 Chapter 1630 - Sounding Out Oneâ€™s Intentions

    <h4>Chapter 1630: Sounding Out One¡¯s Intentions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Based on this point alone, in the face of Ding Jiayi¡¯s departure, Qiao Dongliang really wanted to celebrate for Qiao Nan by setting off fireworks.

    ¡°She¡¯s really leaving?¡± After receiving Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call, Qiao Nan herself wasn¡¯t sure what her expression was like when she listened to the contents of the call. ¡°Okay. Trouble you for this matter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. We would normally walk more when we head out to shop as well. Nan Nan, you¡¯re about to knock off work. Head home quickly. Remember to have a good meal. Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself.¡± Whenever Qiao Dongliang called Qiao Nan now, he would definitely say words of concern and ask her to take care of herself.

    Qiao Nan would never have enjoyed such treatment back in the past.

    Qiao Nan felt extremely helpless when she felt Qiao Dongliang¡¯s change. She really didn¡¯t want to use the term ¡®worthless creature¡¯ to describe her father. However, when she treated her father well, he ignored her every day and looked as if she had thrown him outside alone to fend for himself.

    She hadn¡¯t really done so now, but a call alone had made her father so happy, and she enjoyed the treatment that only Qiao Zijin would have.

    After hanging up the call, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what else she could say besides sighing.

    No matter what, now that Ding Jiayi, a time bomb, was gone, Qiao Nan felt as if she had finished defusing a bomb and was rxed all over. She had always been guarding against Ding Jiayi because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s death. She was uncertain when she would ¡®explode¡¯ and drag her to be buried with Qiao Zijin since she was the one who had knocked her down.

    Qiao Nan, who had died in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands once, didn¡¯t feel that her thoughts were unfounded or that she had thought too much. However, this time, the rm was removed.

    Without these people disturbing her, to Qiao Nan, time was like sand in her hands. She had obviously grasped it tightly, but it was still running out so quickly.

    Seeing that Da Bao and Er Bao had grown up and were now studying in university, Qiao Nan said emotionally, ¡°It seemed that in the blink of an eye, the three of you had finished senior high school and are now in university. Looking at all of you now, I¡¯ve indeed grown old.¡±

    San Bao smiled and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. She said happily, ¡°Mom,e off it. Did you forget that someone else thought that you were my sister when we went out shopping thest time? Mom, tell me. Why does everyone else look older except you? How do you maintain this? Teach your daughter a trick or two. We can¡¯t let others misunderstand that we are sisters now and that I¡¯m the elder sister and you¡¯re the younger sister in the future.¡±

    San Bao¡¯s level of envy was still alright. When her godmother came over to their house previously and saw her mother¡¯s face, that was called ¡®hatred¡¯. Godmother said that her mother had obviously gotten pregnant earlier than her and had given birth to three children at once, but it didn¡¯t look as if she had aged. Instead, she looked like an auntie when she was standing next to her mother.

    Once she thought of how her peer looked like her junior, Shi Qing couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous. She couldn¡¯t wait to tear off Qiao Nan¡¯s face and stick it on her own.

    ¡°Don¡¯t learn from your godmother. Those words were filled with jealousy. Your godmother is a soldier and has to brave the wind and rain all day. The missions she carries out are dangerous as well. To be honest, I¡¯m already very happy that Zhu Yu still has both parents. I just don¡¯t understand why your godmother is still working so hard at this age. Even your godfather has conceded defeat.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because my godmother is a strong career woman,¡± San Bao said happily. Compared to other women, she liked her godmother more. Of course, she was pretty epting of women like Auntie Xu. ¡°Oh, right, Mom. Are Ling Ling¡¯s results still alright after attending senior high school?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°Ling Ling is a sensible child. She knows that it isn¡¯t easy for your Auntie Xu alone to raise her up, so she¡¯s exceptionally obedient and doesn¡¯t let your Auntie Xu worry.¡± When she talked about Fang Ling Ling, she felt happy for Xu Shengnan.

    Xu Shengnan might have married Fang Shiyou wrongly, but she definitely didn¡¯t make a mistake by giving birth to a daughter like Fang Ling Ling.

    Strictly speaking, the second year Xu Shengnan divorced Fang Shiyou, Fang Ling Ling was no longer called Fang Ling Ling and she had officially changed her name to Xu Ling Ling. Xu Ling Ling knew that her father and grandmother despised her for not being a son and didn¡¯t like her. Her father had found another woman behind her mother¡¯s back and wanted her mother to let out her title after this third party had given birth to a son.

    There was plenty of such news outside. When it really happened to her, Xu Ling Ling felt that it wasn¡¯t that difficult to ept.

    Furthermore, although her father and grandmother didn¡¯t like her, her mother loved her. Her maternal grandparents pampered her like she was their precious. Compared to other people, she was pretty fortunate.

    Xu Ling Ling knew that although she lived in a single-parent family, her mother was capable and didn¡¯t let her suffer financially in any way. She was even leading a life better than some children who had both parents in their families. All of these were because of her mother¡¯s contributions.

    Even though she didn¡¯t have a father¡¯s love, the sensible Xu Ling Ling never felt that she was a monster. She felt she was no different from others. She might not have a father¡¯s love, but her mother loved her wholeheartedly. She was more fortunate than everyone else.

    The more sensible Xu Ling Ling became, the fewer worries Xu Shengnan had. When Xu Shengnan was studying, her academic results were good. Otherwise, how would she have made it to Peking University? Under Xu Shengnan¡¯s nurturing, Xu Ling Ling became even more outstanding. Her academic results were always among the best.

    ¡°Yes.¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes moved. ¡°Mom, Auntie Xu is pretty and capable. She is not considered old either. Why doesn¡¯t she want to find another man? Could it be that she wants to get back with Ling Ling¡¯s father again?¡± That shouldn¡¯t be the case. Auntie Xu didn¡¯t look like a person who would turn back.

    It was just that her close friend, Xu Ling Ling, had such doubts and worries and wanted her to find out more information from her mother. For her close friend, San Bao said that she would help her at the loss of her life. Wasn¡¯t it just finding out more information? That wasn¡¯t a big deal!

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. How could she not understand her own daughter? ¡°Why do you ask? Who are you asking for?¡±

    ¡°Hehe, Mom, you¡¯re really formidable. I¡¯ve long said before that I could never hide it from you. Mom, tell me. I know that you have a good rtionship with Auntie Xu. Every time Auntie Xu feels lost and doesn¡¯t know what to do, she would definitely have a chat with you. Mom, tell me. Ling Ling said that her father has been pursuing Auntie Xu diligently recently and wants to remarry her. Her father obviously doesn¡¯t like her, but in order to reconcile the marriage with her mother, he even tried to work on her.¡±

 Chapter 1631 - Remarry?

    <h4>Chapter 1631: Remarry?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her lips lightly. ¡°Then?¡±

    ¡°What then?¡± San Bao rolled her eyes. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no then. Ling Ling doesn¡¯t like her father. She knows that the country now allows a second child in the family. Her father¡¯s real intention is to make Auntie Xu pregnant again after they are remarried so that he could see if she could give birth to a son.¡±

    By then, he would have both his son and his wife. The money his wife earned would be back in his pockets again. Ling Ling¡¯s father was really... San Bao expressed that she understood Xu Ling Ling¡¯s feelings well. She would rather be fatherless than have a father like him.

    ¡°Ling Ling is worried that Auntie Xu would agree. She kept hearing that father of hers persuade Auntie Xu that he wanted to give Ling Ling aplete family. He said that Ling Ling is different from other children because she doesn¡¯t have a father. Auntie Xu cares about her daughter the most in this lifetime. Ling Ling is worried that her father would use her to y the kinship card and Auntie Xu wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it.¡±

    How shameless. He still wanted to make Auntie Xu give birth at her age when she was at a higher risk level, and he even dared to say it was for Ling Ling¡¯s good. San Bao was willing to interfere in this matter after she heard Ling Ling talk about this situation. She was immediately angered and thus patted her chest and said that she would help Ling Ling get this matter done.

    Qiao Nan touched San Bao¡¯s face. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already said so? Your Auntie Xu cares about Ling Ling the most. Regardless of whether she chose to remarry or not, your Auntie Xu would definitely seek Ling Ling¡¯s opinion before deciding. Ling Ling is not a fool. Haven¡¯t you said that Ling Ling has a clear mind? As for the rest, you children don¡¯t have to worry about it.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect Fang Shiyou to have such a side. Even if he could hide his thoughts from Ling Ling, Ling Ling might not be willing to ept him as a father now. Furthermore, Ling Ling already knew what Fang Shiyou was up to. Upon thinking of Xu Shengnan¡¯s age, Qiao Nan expressed that Fang Shiyou was really daring to have thought of this.

    Senior Xu was already at this age. Anyone withmon sense would know how dangerous it was for her to be pregnant now. For his own son, Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t even care about Senior Xu¡¯s life and death.

    San Bao heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°If that¡¯s really the case, I don¡¯t have to worry about anything. I¡¯ll tell Ling Ling this now so that she¡¯ll feel more at ease.¡± That was true as well. If Auntie Xu were to get married, how would she not have told Ling Ling?

    If Ling Ling was against it, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her father to remarry her mother.

    After calming San Bao down, Qiao Nan personally sent her three children to university. All of them had scored well in their college entrance examinations. Da Bao was the first in the science stream while San Bao was the first in the humanities stream. Er Bao, who was second in the science stream, stomped his feet. He felt that San Bao had deliberately chosen to be in the humanities stream in the first ce so as to avoid Da Bao, a strong opponent.

    Great. Now, out of the three of them, he had be the one and only ¡®second child¡¯.

    Although Da Bao scored well in the college entrance examinations, he had enrolled in PLA National Defense University, which was the university Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo had studied in back then. Not only did Da Bao enroll in this university, but Er Bao did so as well.

    Knowing that the men of the Zhai family were passionate about being soldiers, Qiao Nan hoped that her children could live ording to their own wishes. As such, she didn¡¯t stop them. The only thing that made Qiao Nan¡¯s heart skip a beat was that San Bao nearly enrolled in PLA National Defense University as well.

    Da Bao was determined to follow the old path of the Zhai family¡¯s men and take the army route. Er Bao, who had extraordinary bncing skills, was prepared to develop himself in the air force. Out of thend, sea, and air forces, the triplets had already upied two routes. Back then, Er Bao joked that San Bao should have just developed herself in the navy.

    That way, all three forces would beplete.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care about her two sons. After all, if they really became soldiers in the future, it would be rare for them to spend time together with their family. Furthermore, they had to carry out so many dangerous missions. Qiao Nan wanted to keep her only daughter by her side.

    Upon thinking of how much San Bao loved to look pretty, Qiao Nan told her directly. ¡°I don¡¯t think that army uniform is nice. Haven¡¯t you remembered how many skirts and dresses you have bought since you were young? If you really be a soldier, you would basically say goodbye to these skirts and dresses in the future.¡±

    San Bao hesitated for a while. She always thought that the army uniform was nice and looked especially majestic. Furthermore, Da Bao and Er Bao had chosen this route. If she didn¡¯t, it would look like she wasn¡¯t sociable. However, what her mother said was a very realistic issue as well.

    Although San Bao was usually anxious and stubborn, she was still a girl after all. After growing up, she would be more caringpared to a son. San Bao knew that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t bear for the three of them to leave her. She was especially afraid that her daughter could not endure hardship and thus wanted to keep her by her side.

    There wasn¡¯t a choice. Who asked her to be the youngest in the family? Since they were young, Da Bao and Er Bao had taken care of her. Now that she was a grown-up, it was time to repay her brothers¡¯ kindness.

    After San Bao applied for Peking University, which was where Qiao Nan studied formerly, most people in the Zhai family heaved a sigh of relief. Er Bao even started to treat San Bao like she was a small ancestor. He understood that San Bao had sacrificed herself to fulfill his and Da Bao¡¯s wishes.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll go in with Er Bao. You can just send San Bao off.¡± Once Da Bao was of age, he obtained a driving license. This driving license was still new to him.

    Qiao Nan was wealthy. Even if she was stingy, she couldn¡¯t be stingy toward her three children. Since Da Bao had now obtained a driving license, Qiao Nan bought him a scooter. It wasn¡¯t particrly expensive but was cost-effective and practical.

    When they knew that the ¡®stingy¡¯ Qiao Nan had bought Da Bao such a car, Fang Fang, who often unted her wealth, said that she was willing to sponsor Da Bao and give him some money to buy a better car. Fang Fang wasn¡¯t the only one who said that. Even Zhai Hua joined in the fun.

    In the end, Da Bao rejected them. As a university student, it was already rare for him to own a car of his own. It was pointless to buy too eye-catching a car. After all, he went to school to study. The car his mother bought for him was the most suitable.

    However, Da Bao had a deeper understanding of these elders¡¯ wealth. They had children as well but didn¡¯t think of buying a car for their son. Instead, they felt heartache for him and felt that his mother was too stingy. Da Bao couldn¡¯t help but feel aggrieved for his two younger brothers, Xiao Bao and Gao Feng.

    If he didn¡¯t remember wrongly, Gao Feng wanted a higher quality camera for his tenth birthday.

 Chapter 1632 - Uneasy

    <h4>Chapter 1632: Uneasy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Auntie Fang Fang did not even give any thought to it before heartlessly rejecting it. Auntie Fang Fang said that Gao Feng was only ten years old and had not even earned a single cent for himself. He would be a wastrel to be spending money on a camera that cost more than ten thousand yuan! They would never tolerate such behavior.

    When Gao Feng grew older and truly understood what he needed, then they would reconsider whether to purchase the presents that Gao Feng requested for.

    When Da Bao bought a car, Fang Fang and Zhai Hua wanted to have a hand in it. The amount that they forked out must have been a six-figure sum. But toward their own biological son, Fang Fang had refused to give him a present that cost only ten thousand yuan. Da Bao expressed that it was indeed exhausting to be the one always favored by the elders, especially when those little ones looked at him with resentful eyes. He always had to make promises that drained his wallet.

    Thankfully, Da Bao was not an easily spoiled child. He was clear that his mom was the one who treated him the best. He believed that his mom had his own reasons for buying this car for him. And so, Da Bao rejected the elders¡¯ care for him.

    As a car owner, Da Bao felt that he could handle such a trivial matter like going to school on his own. He would no longer have to rely on his mom to send him around, and she would not have to work so hard anymore.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Da Bao and I aren¡¯t kids anymore. Dad has thrown the three of us into the military so many times. There¡¯s nothing we haven¡¯t seen. Do you think that we¡¯ll be beaten down by a university¡¯s reporting day? You¡¯d better just take care of San Bao.¡± Er Bao agreed with Da Bao.

    After all these years, as a young man who had already gotten his identity card and was about 1.89 meters, Er Bao felt a twinge of sadness being called Er Bao by his mom every day. Had he not said that he despised his mom addressing him as so? It was still all right for his mom to do so while they were at home, but to still call them Da Bao and Er Bao while they were outside? That did not seem too good. It would ruin his image as a strong young man.

    The thought of people at school hearing his mom addressing him as Er Bao made him feel as though his university life had ended before it had even begun. Once he started attending university, it would no longer be an early rtionship. He even hoped that he would start to receive love letters once he went to university.

    In order for his university life not to end before it had even begun, Er Bao felt that he had to stand tall on the front line with Da Bao. He had reason to believe that Da Bao would have the same thoughts as him. The nicknames of Da Bao and Er Bao were really only suitable for use at home.

    It was all right for a youngdy like San Bao, but he and Da Bao were already real young men.

    Da Bao side-eyed Er Bao, warning Er Bao not to go overboard. Even if he did have the same thoughts as Er Bao, he would not want to anger his mom by saying that they did not want other people to learn of their nicknames. There was no need for their father to get involved. He would rein Er Bao in before the situation became too dire.

    Er Bao hit his own head. Did he seem like someone who had no limits? He loved his mom very much too! If he were to anger his mom or make her sad, he would not need anyone to interfere. He would give himself a good beating before anyone did.

    Qiao Nan did not give it much thought and innocently thought that her sons had grown up. Moreover, her three children had always been more independent than other children their age, so it was nothing much for Da Bao and Er Bao to go to school on their own. ¡°Fine. Then, I¡¯ll send San Bao for her reporting day. You two shouldn¡¯t dawdle either. Remember to call home when you¡¯re free.¡±

    After discussing it through, it was decided that Qiao Nan would send San Bao to Peking University, while Da Bao and Er Bao would drive themselves to PLA National Defense University.

    ¡°Mom, I can handle the rest on my own. You can go home first. Since you have time, it¡¯s better for you to get some rest.¡± Once they reached the school, San Bao hurried Qiao Nan home. San Bao knew that her mom was even busier than her dad. Apart from her work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, her mom was the one who took care of all the three children. Her dad returned only asionally to take care of them.

    San Bao pitied her mom for needing to work so hard. Otherwise, she would not have given up her dream to enter the military and instead joined Peking University, where her mom was an alumnus.

    ¡°Can you really handle it on your own?¡± Qiao Nan was hesitant after seeing how other children had at least two adults with them for today¡¯s reporting day. This month, Zhai Sheng had other things to settle and had no time to spare for his children¡¯s university reporting day. Thankfully, Da Bao and Er Bao had gone on their own. That had significantly reduced Qiao Nan¡¯s burden.

    But Qiao Nan had never let the triplets feel any different from other children just because their parents were busy.

    ¡°Of course!¡± San Bao was just one step away from raising her right hand to make an oath. Her mom was just like any other mother, who was afraid that her child would be bullied. The problem was that her mom never stopped her father from throwing the three of them into the military every winter vacation.

    This was just reporting to university. She had not needed any help with making her bed or sunning her nket since the age of ten. San Bao felt that her father¡¯s military training was several times stricter than the university¡¯s.

    She had survived through her father¡¯s harsh training. Whatever she would have to face in university would be nothing to her. There was nothing to worry about. Perhaps, having gone through her father¡¯s hellish training, the university¡¯s military training might be a walk in the park!

    Hearing San Bao¡¯s words, Qiao Nan could finally rest easy and left.

    When Qiao Nan returned home, Zhai Sheng was coincidentally there too. Zhai Sheng reached his arm out and Qiao Nan instinctively sat down. ¡°It feels as though I¡¯ve grown old in the blink of an eye. The triplets are now university students, and I¡¯m an olddy now.¡± Qiao Nan held out her hands to count. She was already forty this year.

    Forty years old...

    In her previous life, she had not even turned forty by the time she died. Qiao Nan almost mistook her previous life for a dream. Perhaps, what Qiao Nan had now was what was truly real.

    In actual fact, two years ago, when Qiao Nan had been thirty-eight years old, Qiao Nan had tensed up. After all, this was when she had gotten into an ident and passed away in her previous life.

    Qiao Nan was most worried that it would happen during her children¡¯s vacation. Zhai Sheng had felt Qiao Nan¡¯s uneasiness and asked her about it. But Qiao Nan had refused to disclose anything. In the end, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to shorten the children¡¯s military training to return to Qiao Nan¡¯s side to apany her.

    It was not until a certain day passed did the Zhai family suddenly realize that Qiao Nan¡¯s uneasiness had suddenly disappeared and that she had returned to her previous calm demeanor.

 Chapter 1633 - No Response

    <h4>Chapter 1633: No Response</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At that time, the cheekiest Er Bao could not contain his curiosity and secretly asked his father, ¡°Dad, do you think Mom is going through menopause? But that can¡¯t be. Mom is still so young. Menopause doesn¡¯t ur so early on in life.¡±

    Or was it that his mom¡¯s hormones were out of control? Was it because his father was not spending enough time at home and was not fulfilling the responsibilities of a husband? Er Bao was just one step away from saying that Zhai Sheng was incapable and that was why his mom had be so dispirited and out of it.

    Without question, Zhai Sheng did not kill Er Bao for being bold enough to ask such a question, even questioning Zhai Sheng¡¯s capability, only because Er Bao was his own son. If he was not his son, that bast*rd would have died a terrible death!

    Of course, Er Bao could not possibly die. But he did get a terrible beating.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s temper had always been good. She had raised the three children herself, but as obedient as the triplets were, they were bound to be cheeky sometimes. Even when the triplets showed this side of them, Qiao Nan always took even more care and patience to teach the children slowly.

    Thus, it was the first time that anyone in the Zhai family had ever seen Qiao Nan in such an emotional state. It was not just the three children and Zhai Sheng who were worried. Even her father-inw, Zhai Yaohui, could not help but pull Zhai Sheng aside to ask if a troublemaker had recently joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had caused trouble for Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Yaohui was clear that there would only be more cases like Xu Xinming and Li Dawei. No one knew when, but there would definitelye a day when another Li Dawei would appear to bother Qiao Nan. If that was really the case, with Qiao Nan¡¯s long history in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was no reason for her to purposefully bully any neers. But there was no reason for her to be bullied by neers either.

    Zhai Yaohui was clear that Qiao Nan was the one who had pushed Deng Wenchang up into his position. On the surface, Deng Wenchang was the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But in actual fact, Qiao Nan was the one making the decisions when it concerned important matters. What Zhai Yaohui had never expected was that Deng Wenchang himself was an extremely ambitious person.

    Before Qiao Nan had risen into that position, Deng Wenchang had always wanted to fight with Qiao Nan for it. Afterward, Qiao Nan had pushed him into that position. With such a good opportunity, Deng Wenchang had not only not taken advantage of Qiao Nan but had even willingly acted as Qiao Nan¡¯s shield and clearly severed his ties with the Peng family. Until today, Zhai Yaohui had no idea how Qiao Nan had managed to do that.

    Logically speaking, if Qiao Nan was capable of doing so, there was no reason for her to be bullied by a neer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But one had to be prepared for all scenarios, and that was why Zhai Yaohui had called Zhai Sheng in for a discussion. If Qiao Nan was too softhearted to get rid of a neer and instead wanted to give the neer another chance, this was naturally Zhai Sheng¡¯s time to step in as a husband.

    What Qiao Nan was too embarrassed to do, Zhai Sheng would do it. If Qiao Nan was being softhearted, then Zhai Sheng should harden his heart to do it. In short, whatever Qiao Nan could not handle, Zhai Sheng should solve it as her husband.

    As such, when Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®menopause¡¯ period passed, everyone in the Zhai family heaved a sigh of relief.

    What the Zhai family was even more thankful for was that there was no sign of Qiao Nan falling into rpse for even a month or a year after that year. But just that one experience was enough for the Zhai family to remember for a lifetime.

    ¡°An old granny at forty years old? Where did you hear of such rubbish? Don¡¯t you know that our bodies are at their peaks at forty?¡± Zhai Sheng surveyed Qiao Nan¡¯s face that was still as tender as a youngdy¡¯s. He felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s words could be no further from the truth. ¡°I remember that people even mistake you for the children¡¯s elder sister whenever we go out!¡±

    Nan Nan did not look old. This meant that her life after marrying him had been quite good. This was probably the greatest praise she could give him.

    But Zhai Sheng did mind a little. When his wife and daughter stood together, other people mistook them for sisters. He was afraid that other people would get the wrong idea if he were to stand beside Qiao Nan. ¡°If other people were to hear that, our family¡¯s going to get into trouble again.¡±

    Normally, Zhai Hua did not act like a woman apart from being able to give birth to children. But at the mention of one¡¯s age, Zhai Hua would act very differently indeed. She would be like any other woman, who was very conscious of other people talking about her age.

    Zhai Hua and Shi Qing had been through thick and thin and all kinds of trials. Based on this alone, it would be foolish to seepare whose skin was more tender between Zhai Hua and Nan Nan. It would be likeparing someone¡¯s weakness with someone else¡¯s strengths.

    Obviously, Qiao Nan had thought of Zhai Hua¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s reactions. ¡°These two people are really too ridiculous. Don¡¯t they feel embarrassed to be fighting over this now that they¡¯re both mothers and have sons who are already in junior high school and high school? Aren¡¯t they afraid that their children willugh at them?¡±

    Qiao Nan was the youngest among the women, but her children were the eldest among their generation. Sometimes, Qiao Nan could not help but sigh that she had married and given birth to her children early. When others were still ¡®elder sisters¡¯, she was already a ¡®mother¡¯ and an ¡®auntie¡¯ in the eyes of other children.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you women all the same? Didn¡¯t you just say that you¡¯ve gotten old?¡± Zhai Sheng helplessly looked at his wife in his embrace. Women were fickle indeed. They were so firm and resolute when talking about others, yet they would never talk about themselves.

    Qiao Nan was infuriated. When she was younger, Brother Zhai had never acted in this manner. Even if he would not try to coax her with sweet talk like other men, he was not as obtuse as he was now. Now, he was just like a piece of wood that had no reaction at all. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua and Shi Qing are just concerned about their faces. I¡¯m concerned about my mentality. In a few years, Da Bao and Er Bao are going to bring their wives home and I¡¯m going to be a grandma. Is it wrong for me to say that I¡¯m old?¡±

    What was different was that Sister Zhai Hua was seven to eight years older than her but had gotten married and given birthter in life. The triplets were already in university, but Xiao Bao had just started high school, and Zhu Yu had just started junior high school. And this was excluding the whole line of elementary school students behind them.

    In the beginning, they had all been from the same generation, and she had even been the youngest. In the blink of an eye, the triplets were now the elder brothers and sisters among all the children. That caused such a mixed feeling.

    ¡°Grandma?¡± Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s skin that was just as smooth and tender as that of an eighteen-year-old with no sign of aging, Zhai Shengughed. ¡°When we really have grandchildren and when you bring them out, do you think that people will think they are really your grandchildren? Or will they think that you¡¯re their elder sister?¡±

 Chapter 1634 - Regretful Again

    <h4>Chapter 1634: Regretful Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was exasperated by Zhai Sheng. ¡°I know you¡¯re trying to tter me, but there¡¯s no need to go so far. Do you think it¡¯s even possible that anyone would mistake me for my grandchild¡¯s sister? You¡¯re being too ridiculous!¡± Between a grandma and a sister was a difference of a whole generation!

    ¡°I won¡¯t fight with you anymore. I¡¯ll go help Mom prepare dinner in the kitchen. Are you craving anything in particr? I¡¯ll tell Mom and ask her to prepare it for you.¡± Knowing that her mother-inw¡¯s cooking skills were now superior to hers, Qiao Nan did not try to show off either. Instead, she chose to stay by her mother-inw¡¯s side as an assistant.

    Things like frying things in a wok, Qiao Nan had always left them to Miao Jing.

    This meant that she would just ry Zhai Sheng¡¯s wants to Miao Jing. Whether she cooked it or not, it would all depend on Miao Jing¡¯s own decision.

    Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrow. ¡°Even my dad doesn¡¯t have the right to order his meals. I think I¡¯d better not be picky. The men in our family get jealous easily. There¡¯s no need to provoke my dad. I¡¯m not picky. I¡¯ll eat whatever my mom cooks. There¡¯s no need to specially prepare something for me. Just cook whatever is convenient for you.¡± If he were really to order his meal, his father would never let him off.

    Zhai Sheng did not allow his sons to fight for his wife¡¯s attention. It was best he did not do to others what he did not want them to do to him. On this matter, Zhai Sheng did very well. At least, Zhai Sheng was much more pleasing to the eye for Zhai Yaohui than his three grandchildren. Even if their youngest grandchild, Xiao Bao, came to visit, seeing Miao Jing prepare a full table of Xiao Bao¡¯s favorite dishes always evoked memories of Miao Jing¡¯s world revolving around him in his younger days.

    But there was no way that he would ever return to those glorious days.

    ¡°You¡¯ve probably asked me out for tea because of the recent incident, but you don¡¯t seem like someone who would do that.¡± Qiao Nan rarely had any free time to herself, but she had given that up. It was also rare that the sessful career woman, Xu Shengnan, did not have to work overtime. And so, the two schoolmates came together to have snacks and drink some tea together. Such days were truly hard toe by.

    Xu Shengnanughed bitterly. She even felt that the tea that she was drinking was bitter. ¡°Junior, hearing what you¡¯ve said, I¡¯m sure you know about my situation. I¡¯m... I¡¯m quite hesitant. I¡¯m not sure what I should do. I think I may have owed that guy, Fang Shiyou, in my previous life. That¡¯s why I¡¯m still repaying him in this life. I don¡¯t know why my whole brain is so muddled whenever I meet Fang Shiyou. It¡¯s just like I¡¯ve fallen in muddy waters. I¡¯m so afraid, so...¡± That¡¯s why she could only find her junior, Qiao Nan, for help.

    Qiao Nan put down her teacup. Qiao Nan was even more surprised to receive such an answer. ¡°Actually, if you can¡¯t make up your mind, why don¡¯t you try asking for the opinions of people around you?¡± All right, Xu Shengnan being muddled was even rarer than asking her out for tea.

    The pair had known each other for almost twenty years. At that time, Fang Shiyou had appeared rather honest. On the day Xu Shengnan married Fang Shiyou, Qiao Nan had even attended their wedding. Qiao Nan had not seen anything wrong with Fang Shiyou at that time.

    So, when Xu Shengnan fell into that grave that was called Fang Shiyou, Qiao Nan did not think that it was Xu Shengnan¡¯s fault. It was not because of Xu Shengnan¡¯s foolishness that had caused her to fall into Fang Shiyou¡¯s trap. Even after knowing someone for more than ten years, it was entirely possible not to know his true nature.

    But the only thing of Xu Shengnan that had disappointed Qiao Nan was that Xu Shengnan had not been resolute even after Fang Shiyou had supported his mistress and had even plotted to take Xu Shengnan¡¯s money. She had been too hesitant even after knowing that Fang Shiyou had been unfaithful to her and wanted to take what rightfully belonged to her.

    Qiao Nan had been firm in her stance and made clear that she felt that the best decision was for Xu Shengnan to get a divorce from Fang Shiyou. Otherwise, Xu Shengnan could very well have endured her moment in wrath in the hope that it would bring about peace in the future.

    Xu Shengnan sighed once again. ¡°I¡¯ve asked, but my parents...¡± Supported her reconciling with Fang Shiyou. They said something about a new one being no better than an old one. Getting remarried could not be any better than the first marriage. After so many years, Fang Shiyou must have already realized his mistake. Besides, that woman had not given birth to her son after all.

    Even if she really reconciled with Fang Shiyou, she would not have to take care of another woman¡¯s child. But Ling Ling would have aplete family and would be able to live with her birth father.

    ¡°Your parents told you to reconcile with Fang Shiyou, but you¡¯re hesitant because you don¡¯t wish to do it?¡± If Xu Shengnan did not have any intention of reconciling with Fang Shiyou, she would not have asked to talk to Qiao Nan when her parents expressed their opinion toward her. She was truly afraid that she would only find out once Xu Shengnan reconciled and got remarried to Fang Shiyou.

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan put down the teacup in her hands and looked at Xu Shengnan sternly. ¡°Senior Xu, actually, the person that you know is rather eye-catching to our Zhai Sheng. Otherwise, Brother Zhai wouldn¡¯t have forked out such a huge sum of money to help these people set up apany. But now that Fang Shiyou¡¯s matter is out in the open, have you decided whom you are going to choose? Don¡¯t think that these military men are tough just because of their outward appearances. There are no solid iron walls when ites to emotions. Everyone¡¯s heart is soft and can get hurt. Senior Xu, it¡¯s time you take out the courage you had in the past and make a decision.¡±

    When San Bao had asked Qiao Nan about it that day, Qiao Nan had only given San Bao a vague answer. But in reality, Qiao Nan knew much more about the matter than what she had revealed to San Bao.

    Initially, when Xu Shengnan was trying to secure evidence of Fang Shiyou cheating on her to get a divorce, Qiao Nan had introduced a retiredrade of Zhai Sheng¡¯s to Xu Shengnan to let this man help investigate Fang Shiyou.

    He was truly worthy of being a scout. It was putting great talent to waste by letting such a righteous and strong man be a private detective. Within a few days, the private detective was just one step away from finding out what color of underwear Fang Shiyou was wearing that day.

    With such solid evidence, it was naturally not difficult for Xu Shengnan to get divorced from Fang Shiyou and prevent Fang Shiyou from taking advantage of her. It could be said that Zhai Sheng¡¯srade had been the greatest help to Xu Shengnan in this matter.

    Initially, when Xu Shengnan got divorced from Fang Shiyou, she had even changed Fang Ling Ling¡¯s name to Xu Ling Ling. Qiao Nan had always thought that that was the end of the matter and that nothing would happen afterward. Since they were no longer rted to each other, there would be nothing more to this.

 Chapter 1635 - Wishful Thinking

    <h4>Chapter 1635: Wishful Thinking</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Who knew that within a few years, something happened to those people whom Qiao Nan thought she would no longer have anything to do with? Ever since Fang Shiyou wanted to get back together with Xu Shengnan, that rade¡¯ had presented aplete set of information to Xu Shengnan so that she knew how his life was after the divorce.

    If Xu Shengnan knew about it, it meant Qiao Nan knew as well. After the divorce, the life that Fang Shiyou was leading was definitely notparable to the times he had when he was together with Xu Shengnan.

    Fang Shiyou would asionally despise Xu Shengnan for not being caring enough as she was too focused on her career. He felt that she was unlike an ordinary woman who would care for her husband. However, Fang Shiyou knew it clearly that if not for Xu Shengnan working so hard, who would have paid the mortgage for the house they were living in now?

    It was because Xu Shengnan was paying the mortgagepletely on her own that he could ce all his wages in his pocket and spend however he liked. He didn¡¯t have to be like other colleagues, who had to hand over most of their wages and make their own lives miserable.

    It was just that men were always greedy. He obviously knew that Xu Shengnan was stronger than his colleagues¡¯ wives, but he felt that this wasn¡¯t enough.

    However, when the two were really divorced and Fang Shiyou was together with his ¡®true love¡¯, he would think of Xu Shengnan¡¯s pros from time to time and evenpared his current days to the previous.

    Without a capable assistant like Xu Shengnan, Fang Shiyou¡¯s monthly sry was simply not enough. That was the first time Fang Shiyou realized that he couldck money to this extent. More importantly, he realized that life could be so hard-pressed when he wascking money.

    Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t dare to attend gatherings with his colleagues at times, no matter if it was going Dutch or if someone was treating him. If they were going Dutch, Fang Shiyou couldn¡¯t afford it. The meals ordered during such gatherings usually wouldn¡¯t be cheap and would cost him approximately two to three hundred yuan.

    If someone was treating him, let¡¯s not be naive. How was it that he didn¡¯t need to return the favor?

    The so-called treat was just that it was your treat today but my treat tomorrow. Either way, nobody would be at the losing end.

    Before divorcing Xu Shengnan, Fang Shiyou loved to attend such gatherings. Regardless of whether it was going Dutch or taking turns to treat, Fang Shiyou would never refuse. He would do whatever others said. Back then, a lot of people were envious of Fang Shiyou for having married such a virtuous wife who didn¡¯t care how he spent his money at all.

    They were unlike him. Among the men who had a family and child, Fang Shiyou was the one who had the most freedom and lived the mostfortably. There were times they wouldn¡¯t attend such gatherings. However, only Fang Shiyou was one of those who would always be attending them.

    Back then, Fang Shiyou had enjoyed the envious looks of many people. After getting a divorce with Xu Shengnan and having to bear the burden of the entire family like other men, many of them would give him strange and even gloating looks when he rejected these gatherings time and again.

    He didn¡¯t want to lead a good life and had to break up a good family just for one woman. Was there any meaning in letting his life go back for fifty years? Was there a big hole in Fang Shiyou¡¯s brain?

    When Fang Shiyou¡¯s wife was still Xu Shengnan, not only did Fang Shiyou attend every gathering, but he would also be dressed nicely. After changing his wife, he looked extremely sloppy and didn¡¯t look as if he had new clothes from the new year.

    A lot of people were really jealous that a person like Fang Shiyou could actually marry such a good wife like Xu Shengnan. When they heard that Fang Shiyou had an affair and got a divorce with Xu Shengnan after she had found out about it, they were secretly apuding and were immensely satisfied.

    Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t have as high academic qualifications as them. He wasn¡¯t as good-looking and tall as them either. How was it possible that a man who couldn¡¯tpete with them in every way had married such an outstanding wife? Thankfully, things were set right in time.

    In short, without Xu Shengnan as his wife, the treatment Fang Shiyou received from his colleagues plummeted. The people who tried to get close to him in the past were now seeing him as a joke instead. Fang Shiyou used to have a lot of face in the past. Now, everyone was just stepping on him.

    For a man, nothing was more important than face.

    Based on this point alone, Fang Shiyou had sufficient reason to regret giving up Xu Shengnan, who had helped him earn a lot of face, for his ¡®true love¡¯. Furthermore, due to economic distress, Fang Shiyou could still tolerate for the sake of his son for a short period of time.

    As the saying goes, everything goes wrong for a poor couple. As time went by, Fang Shiyou started to have second thoughts about Xu Shengnan. Aside from the fact that his ¡®true love¡¯ might be pregnant with a son, she couldn¡¯tpare to Xu Shengnan in other aspects at all. Even her face was not as pretty as Xu Shengnan¡¯s.

    When it came to earning money, his ¡®true love¡¯ was nothingpared to Xu Shengnan. After buying a house for her family, Xu Shengnan even shouldered the burden of paying for the mortgage of the house they were living in. If his ¡®true love¡¯ was equally capable, how would she have found Fang Shiyou, who had both a wife and a child?

    After getting a divorce with Xu Shengnan, the Fang family was very cash-strapped. After losing Xu Shengnan¡¯s sry, the Fang family¡¯s monthly living allowance suffered a huge drop. It wasn¡¯t even one-third of the original amount.

    Thankfully, Fang Shiyou had some money from the central provident fund. Otherwise, the Fang family probably couldn¡¯t even spend that one-third of the living allowance.

    It wasn¡¯t only Fang Shiyou who couldn¡¯t tolerate it any longer. Even Fang Shiyou¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t hold back and started toin. ¡°Even when times were tough in the past when I was following your father, we had never suffered this much. Shiyou, the baby is not born yet. Once he is born, his milk powder and diapers will cost money. Things that a child requires are much more expensive than those of an adult. When the timees, are the three adults in our family not going to eat anymore? Are we just going to feed one child?¡±

    Mother Fang really didn¡¯t dare to imagine how bad their family situation would be once her new daughter-inw gave birth to the child.

    Just the thought of it made Mother Fang realize that she couldn¡¯t face that kind of life at all. Her head felt stiff and she had goosebumps all over. ¡°Shiyou, no. This won¡¯t do. We can¡¯t lead such a life. Don¡¯t you think that that new daughter-inw now looks at you differently?¡±

 Chapter 1636 - Whose Work?

    <h4>Chapter 1636: Whose Work?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s been so long, but she hasn¡¯t let you into her room, right?¡±

    She had already gotten a certificate with her son, and the two of them already had a child together! But she still refused to let Shiyou enter her room! Did she really think she was still a young virgin?

    Regarding this, Mother Fang red up. ¡°This doesn¡¯t even matter. She¡¯s already in her twenties. After you met each other, has she ever worked or earned a single cent for herself? We¡¯ve just bought this house. We don¡¯t even know when we¡¯ll be able to repay the mortgage on the house. When the baby is born, will we really not need to lead our own lives anymore? Don¡¯t you think you should have a discussion with her and ask her to go out to get a job?¡±

    She could not expect to stay at home and be supported by Shiyou, right?

    Thinking about the times when Xu Shengnan had still been her daughter-inw, Xu Shengnan had never idled around at home, apart from the three months when she had just given birth. Even when it was Xu Shengnan¡¯s turn for time off, she chose to work overtime so as to earn more money and relieve Shiyou¡¯s burden. Working overtime was asmon as having a meal for her.

    With such a pearl like Xu Shengnan in front of her, her first impression was that the fake pearl was bigger and rounder. But upon closer inspection, she naturally realized the differences between the real and fake pearls. The fake pearl¡¯s dull color could neverpare to the glistening and translucent glow of the real pearl. The fake pearls were too obviously fake.

    ¡°Work?¡± Fang Shiyou grabbed at his own scalp. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s the kind of person who would be willing to find a job?¡± Ever since he met her and got together with her, he had never seen her go out to work or earn a single cent.

    He thought about how he had never needed to care about household expenses in the past. He could always use his sry to support his ¡®true love¡¯. At that time, he had never felt hard-pressed for money orcked anything financially.

    If he had not gotten divorced from Xu Shengnan, and the three of them had maintained their rtionship as it was, he would still be living a good life now. Xu Shengnan would be his legal wife, while his ¡®true love¡¯ would be the one he had outside just to give birth to his son. With Xu Shengnan around, he would not even need to worry about finances at all.

    If his son was really born and there was no way to hide the matter anymore, he would simply register his son under Xu Shengnan¡¯s name. In that way, his son would not only have a register in the capital but would also be able to attend a good elementary school.

    To him, this was having the best of both worlds.

    Mother Fang had simr thoughts to Fang Shiyou. ¡°Shiyou, don¡¯t you think it would have been great if you hadn¡¯t gotten a divorce from Shengnan? I guess I¡¯m finding out now that there¡¯s no use of being a gentledy. It doesn¡¯t help us get by anyway. Women like Shengnan who can help us get by are truly suited to be wives. The one in the room doesn¡¯t look like a wife-material.¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little toote to be saying all these?¡± He had already gotten a divorce. It was provoking to talk about how it would have been better if he had not done so.

    Mother Fang smiled. ¡°There¡¯s nothing that is toote. Anyway, Xu Shengnan is still single, right? At the very most, you can just get remarried to her. She loves Ling Ling so much. As long as Ling Ling wants to be with her dad, do you think Shengnan will refuse to reconcile with you?¡±

    Forget it. She was resigned to her fate. Her daughter-inw, Xu Shengnan, was indeed a little domineering, but at least, she was capable. In the future, she would let Xu Shengnan handle all their family affairs. Since she was already a grandma, she would just stay at home and enjoy her life as an olddy.

    ¡°No!¡± Thinking about how resolute Xu Shengnan had been when the pair had gotten a divorce, Fang Shiyou still bore a grudge in his heart. ¡°If she doesn¡¯te to beg me to reconcile with her, I¡¯ll never turn back and beg her! A good man doesn¡¯t backtrack! I¡¯ve already gotten remarried. The one who doesn¡¯t have anyone is not me but her. Why should I go find her instead of hering to find me? Don¡¯t forget how happy she was when she managed to get a divorce from me!¡±

    It was easy for him to find a wife. But based on Xu Shengnan¡¯s temper, it would probably be far more difficult for her to get remarried.

    Once Xu Shengnan was badly bashed and battered from trying, she would know how good he had been to her. He believed that Xu Shengnan was bound to regret having forced him to divorce her.

    Even after he had his ¡®true love¡¯, he had not expected that he would divorce Xu Shengnan for sure. But Xu Shengnan had unexpectedly taken the initiative to ask for it. He was so angry that he could not refuse it.

    Fang Shiyou was truly stubborn and Mother Fang could not help it either. After all, if Fang Shiyou was not willing to approach Xu Shengnan, and if Xu Shengnan did note to find Fang Shiyou, all these would just be the wishful thinking of Mother Fang. No matter how grand her n was, there was nothing she could do.

    But she knew that Fang Shiyou¡¯s stubbornness would notst for long. After his ¡®true love¡¯ gave birth to his son, just the money spent on his son¡¯s milk powder and diapers was already a heavy burden to Fang Shiyou. Thankfully, it was not Fang Shiyou¡¯s first time being a father. At least, he still had his daughter, Ling Ling.

    So, he had a vague impression that when children grew older, not only would their milk powder be more expensive, but they would even start to eat more every day.

    Although this was indeed a son and it had only been two months, Fang Shiyou felt that if he were to continue supporting his son, his mother¡¯s words would turn into reality. If they were to feed his son, then the three adults in the family would all go hungry and starve to death!

    Fang Shiyou was already trying very hard to control himself. In the past, he had never refused any dinner appointments. But after getting remarried, he had never gone for a dinner appointment even once just to get some rxation. Now, the situation was so dire that if he chose to support his son, he would not be able to support himself. Fang Shiyou was on the verge of copsing.

    Fang Shiyou could no longer hold it in and beganmunicating with his ¡®true love¡¯. After all, she was not young anymore. She could not possibly stay at home as a full-time housewife, right? Moreover, his ¡®true love¡¯ had never cleaned or tidied up her house while she was still single. She had always hired a part-time cleaner to do all her household chores. His ¡®true love¡¯ was not only bad at cleaning up but hopeless in cooking as well.

    If he were to let his ¡®true love¡¯ stay at home, she would do nothing but snack and watch television. There would just be another mouth to feed. When Xu Shengnan was still around, Fang Shiyou did not mind his ¡®true love¡¯ resting at home because that would just show how capable he was. But now, Fang Shiyou could no longer take it. He really needed his ¡®true love¡¯ to chip in financially too.

    It did not matter how much she would make. Any amount would help. At least, there would be one less bum to feed. The way Fang Shiyou saw it, it would lessen his burden at the very least.

    At first, his ¡®true love¡¯ refused and tried to find various excuses to procrastinate until her son turned four months old.

    When Fang Shiyou was on the verge of breaking down, even Mother Fang could not hold on anymore. She took the initiative to discuss the matter with Fang Shiyou. If her new daughter-inw was unwilling to find a job, there was no way the four of them would survive on her son¡¯s sry alone. If there was no other choice, she would go out to work. Even if her sry was low, at least, she would still get an ie.

 Chapter 1637 - Divorcing With What?

    <h4>Chapter 1637: Divorcing With What?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She would just take however much she could earn. At this, his ¡®true love¡¯ finally reacted.

    ¡°I know that you mother and son despise me and my son for bumming around at home. But Fang Shiyou, do you remember how you coaxed me when you were still chasing me? Do you remember what you promised me? I always felt that I should never believe whatever men say but that you were different. Now, I know that I was too young and innocent. All men are the same. Men¡¯s words cannot be trusted. You don¡¯t love me anymore. You think I¡¯m a burden to you. You feel that I¡¯m an old hag now that I¡¯ve given birth to your son. Since you don¡¯t treasure me like how you did in the past and have forgotten about our rtionship in the past, then I won¡¯t bum around in your house anymore and degrade myself.¡±

    With such usations from his ¡®true love¡¯, Fang Shiyou¡¯s face flushed red. When he was chasing her, he had indeed said that he was capable of letting her stay at home without working once they got together. He would let her rest easy at home, while he would be responsible for earning enough to support the family. As for her, she would be responsible for keeping up her beautiful appearance.

    Unfortunately, he could not fulfill a single promise that he had made to her and had even asked her to find a job. At this, even Fang Shiyou felt a little shameful. Even so, Fang Shiyou gritted his teeth and did not change his mind. Through his silent attitude, he wanted to tell his ¡®true love¡¯ that there was no room for discussion about her going to find a job if they wanted to survive.

    Seeing Fang Shiyou¡¯s attitude, his ¡®true love¡¯ could not help but sneer. This was thest chance that she had given to her and Fang Shiyou. Since Fang Shiyou was treating her with such an attitude, neither was she going to be polite anymore. ¡°Since you¡¯re talking about this, I don¡¯t think I have to be polite anymore. Since you can¡¯t keep your promises to me, then there¡¯s no point in us continuing our rtionship together. Fang Shiyou, let¡¯s get a divorce. I¡¯ll take our son.¡±

    Initially, Fang Shiyou had told her that he had a huge house within the Third Ring neighborhood. But now, it was just a house of barely more than eighty square meters near the Fifth Ring. Where was the hundred-square-meter house that he had promised? Even so, she had not argued with Fang Shiyou and was still willing to get married to him. But now, Fang Shiyou¡¯s behavior was simply too disappointing.

    Divorce!

    Since she was not going to have anything if she stayed with Fang Shiyou, why would she bury herself alive in this grave along with Fang Shiyou?

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Both Fang Shiyou and Mother Fang were bbergasted. ¡°What did you say? I... I didn¡¯t catch you.¡±

    ¡°I said I want to get a divorce. I¡¯ll take our son. Don¡¯t you guys despise my son for spending too much and using expensive things? That¡¯s all right. When Fang Shiyou gets divorced from me, I don¡¯t need you to support my son. I¡¯ll raise him myself. That¡¯ll be my own business and nothing to do with you. When that timees, you mother and son can spend Fang Shiyou¡¯s sry on whatever you like. In short, I won¡¯t touch a single cent of yours.¡± His ¡®true love¡¯ spoke with a resolute tone, holding her child¡¯s hand even more tightly.

    Fang Shiyou took a deep breath. ¡°Are you crazy? If you get divorced from me, where can you go? You should know that this house has nothing to do with you! You aren¡¯t even Xu Shengnan! I paid for the entire down payment of this house. We haven¡¯t even been together for a long time. We got married less than a year ago, and you¡¯ve never made a single cent of contribution toward the mortgage of this house. If you think that you¡¯ll get half of this house when we get divorced, like Xu Shengnan, I think you¡¯d better think again.¡±

    If she really angered him, he would bite the bullet and really get a divorce from her.

    His ¡®true love¡¯ was entirely different from Xu Shengnan. Xu Shengnan had requested for a divorce because he had wronged Xu Shengnan. It was totally understandable that Xu Shengnan would get angry at him and make such a decision.

    But as for his ¡®true love¡¯? He had thrown away such a good wife for the sake of his ¡®true love¡¯. And because of this matter, he had not even seen his daughter, Ling Ling, in a long while. So, what rights or reasons did his ¡®true love¡¯ have to request for a divorce from him? Did she feel that threatening him like that would make him give in and allow her to continue bumming around at home?

    Impossible!

    His ¡®true love¡¯ snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m perfectly clear about how Xu Shengnan got divorced from you. I¡¯m indeed not as capable as Xu Shengnan to plot against the two of you. But no matter how capable Xu Shengnan was, didn¡¯t you still abandon her without any care? No wonder you two don¡¯t like me now. I¡¯m serious about getting a divorce. Let¡¯s get it done immediately. It¡¯s not the weekend today and I¡¯m sure the officials are still working now. The sooner we get divorced, the sooner the matter will end. I¡¯ll bring our son with me. Then, there¡¯ll be one less mouth to feed in this household. That¡¯ll lessen your burden.¡±

    ¡°Stop messing around!¡± Fang Shiyou tugged on her hand. ¡°If you go on with this nonsense, I might just treat this seriously. Our son is sleeping so well. Hurry and put him back in the room. Aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll scare him into crying with your loud voice?¡±

    ¡°Divorce. Quickly. I¡¯ll go first. Hurry and follow behind. I¡¯m really going.¡± His ¡®true love¡¯ held her son¡¯s hand, not letting Fang Shiyou touch him.

    With that, his ¡®true love¡¯ walked ahead of Fang Shiyou, really intending to get a divorce.

    Witnessing this situation, Mother Fang was infuriated. ¡°Just look at this! What kind of thing have you married? She¡¯s worlds apart from Xu Shengnan! She knows she can¡¯tpare to Xu Shengnan, but she¡¯s still so brazen! I¡¯ve never even seen Xu Shengnan act so brazenly after marrying into our family for more than ten years. She¡¯s going to be the death of me! Shiyou, your taste in women is really bad!¡±

    Fang Shiyou was utterly confused. ¡°Mom, do you think she¡¯s serious about getting a divorce, or do you think she¡¯s just threatening me so that she can stay at home and not need to find a job?¡±

    ¡°Of course she¡¯s just scaring you. She even has a son with you. What other paths will she be able to take if she gets a divorce from you? She¡¯s not Xu Shengnan. Xu Shengnan can rely on herself and can probably make a better life for herself without a man. Just take a look at her. I¡¯m afraid she might starve to death without a man at her side.¡± Mother Fang truly hated her new daughter-inw. ¡°Just go along with her. Let¡¯s see who¡¯ll get thestugh.¡±

    With Mother Fang¡¯s encouragement, Fang Shiyou helplessly left the house.

    When Fang Shiyou arrived downstairs, his ¡®true love¡¯ had already hailed a cab and was waiting for Fang Shiyou. Mother Fang remained upstairs and looked on at the couple below in glee. Did they really think she was an old foggy whose brain no longer functioned? Divorce? How would they get a divorce with no documents with them?

    As for this, Mother Fang specially watched the car leave before summarizing the situation into a short text to Fang Shiyou. Upon seeing Mother Fang¡¯s text, the initially uneasy Fang Shiyou started to rx. That¡¯s right. If they wanted to get a divorce, they would have to alter their marriage certificate into a divorce certificate. They had not even brought anything along. How would they get a divorce?

 Chapter 1638 - Ludicrous

    <h4>Chapter 1638: Ludicrous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Forget it. He was the one who had broken his promises to her. He would just let her vent her temper. Once she had finished venting her anger, as long as she was willing to find a job to support the family, this was no big deal to him.

    Fang Shiyou walked in through the door full of confidence beside his ¡®true love¡¯. But when he saw his ¡®true love¡¯ pull out the required documents for a divorce one by one, Fang Shiyou¡¯s expression changed drastically. This was not just threatening him so as not to go to work. This was clearly trying to get a divorce from him!

    In short, when Mother Fang saw her son again, Fang Shiyou was holding a divorce certificate in his hands. Her son was weak and listless, as though he was a de of grass that had been dried up by the summer heat in June. ¡°Shiyou, what¡¯s wrong with you? What¡¯s this?¡±

    She recognized the words carved on it when they were apart. But now that they were put together, she did not understand what it meant.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Fang Shiyouughed bitterly. ¡°What else could it be? It¡¯s a certificate of divorce. She had long taken with her all the documents required for a divorce. She really wanted to get a divorce from me. She even took our son away.¡± It was true. She had taken only their son. She had not taken a single thing in their house.

    Fang Shiyou could not understand how he could have gotten divorced twice in a short span of two years. Why did every woman appear so unhesitant and nonchnt when getting a divorce from him? It was as though they were breaking away from a sea of suffering by getting a divorce from him.

    Was he that bad?

    ¡°Is your wife crazy? Where can she go with a child after getting divorced from you? She won¡¯t even be able to find somewhere to stay today, right? Is she nning to starve to death on the streets with my grandson? No way! I¡¯m not going to let her do that! Hurry and get her back for me. If she wants to leave, I won¡¯t stand in the way. But my grandson has to follow us!¡± If it was not for a grandson, would the Fang family be willing to lose such a good daughter-inw like Xu Shengnan?

    If even her grandson was taken away, they would have worked so hard for nothing! They would have neither her grandson nor her good daughter-inw!

    At the thought of facing a double loss in her family, Mother Fang was on the verge of going crazy. ¡°Hurry! Where¡¯s she? Bring her back! Remember. The most important thing is to bring my grandson home! That woman is no good person either! It¡¯s probably better that she left. Now, you can get remarried to Xu Shengnan without any other considerations. Tell Xu Shengnan that you find her better than that woman after getting together with her and that you got divorced from that woman just to get her back.¡±

    Now that Mother Fang said those words, she suddenly realized that bad situations could be turned into good ones too. ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s what you should do. Then, I¡¯ll not only have my grandson but Xu Shengnan will also return to your side. With Xu Shengnan around, we¡¯ll be able to live a good life like we did in the past.¡±

    It could be said that that woman¡¯s departure meant a new beginning for the Fang family!

    Mother Fang¡¯s idea was great. She thought about the consecutive blows her son had been dealt with. Even a woman like his ¡®true love¡¯ who relied on men for their survival could be so decisive and resolute in getting a divorce without a moment of hesitation. Would a woman like Xu Shengnan, who was even stronger than a man, care for him? Would Xu Shengnan rejoice and be willing to reconcile with him just because he wanted to?

    Initially, Fang Shiyou knew his own limits at the very least and decided to press on without approaching Xu Shengnan for the fear of being embarrassed if he were to be rejected by Xu Shengnan. But after such a long time, nothing was important anymore. Not even his own dignity. What mattered was reality.

    After having toiled for a few years, Fang Shiyou did not care if Xu Shengnan would reject him or whether he still had a ce in Xu Shengnan¡¯s heart. He knew that he had to win Xu Shengnan back and get remarried to her in order to lead a better life.

    Otherwise... There was no otherwise. He could ept a future without Xu Shengnan. Such a future was too dark. He would lose all confidence to live.

    In the few years following his divorce from Xu Shengnan, he had had a hard time. If he had to receive retribution for cheating on Xu Shengnan and having an affair, this should make up for it, right?

    Moreover, they were still a family after all. Couples always eventually made up after their fights. At their age, what could be better than living together harmoniously?

    Fang Shiyou felt that Xu Shengnan would definitely not reject his request to reconcile with her. After the couple had split, he had remarried, but Xu Shengnan had not. Perhaps, Xu Shengnan was nning on reconciling with him too?

    As a man, he had ruined hisplete family with a single mistake. Since they both meant to reconcile, he did not mind taking the first step. He would just take it as though he was saving Xu Shengnan¡¯s dignity and would take the initiative to ask for reconciliation.

    What Fang Shiyou had not expected was that Xu Shengnan, who had remained unmarried, expressed her disbelief the moment Fang Shiyou said that he wanted to reconcile. Then, she unexpectedly rejected him. ¡°Fang Shiyou, we¡¯ve been divorced for so many years. We can¡¯t even be friends now. Do you think reconciliation is possible? Are you joking around with me? What will happen to your son¡¯s mother if you remarry me?¡±

    At that time, Xu Shengnan was still in the dark about Fang Shiyou¡¯s situation. She did not know that Fang Shiyou had gotten divorced barely a year after getting married to his ¡®true love¡¯. Moreover, his son had even been taken away by his ¡®true love¡¯! Even so, she did not think that there was any future with Fang Shiyou. ¡°All right. It¡¯s not April Fool¡¯s Day today. There¡¯s no meaning in you making such a joke. If you¡¯re here to see Ling Ling, I won¡¯t stop you. But I don¡¯t have anything to say to you.¡±

    Xu Shengnan was already bothered by the fact that someone was chasing her at her age. The problem was that the man knew that she had gone through a divorce. Without his help, it would not have been so easy for her to get divorced from Fang Shiyou and prevent Fang Shiyou from taking advantage of her. He knew clearly about her past, so she could not understand why he was still willing to chase a woman like her. Besides, he had been doing so for two years!

    The other party had spent two years chasing her. In these two years, he had never once wavered, nor changed his mind because of the appearance of youngdies around him. Xu Shengnan was not a man after all, and neither did she have an iron-d heart. So of course, Xu Shengnan was not entirely unmoved by this situation.

    Because of this matter, Xu Shengnan was already troubled enough. But who would have expected Fang Shiyou toe up to her and make such a ludicrous suggestion today? Xu Shengnan even doubted herself and wondered if she had developed hearing problems.

 Chapter 1639 - Suspicion

    <h4>Chapter 1639: Suspicion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Xu Shengnan was already trying very hard to hold back by not sshing the drink in her hands on Fang Shiyou¡¯s face to wake him up.

    Knowing that Fang Shiyou had no other legitimate reason for approaching her, Xu Shengnan did not hesitate to leave. Fang Shiyou, who had been left behind, blinked nkly in confusion. Did that mean that the reason Xu Shengnan had not found someone else after the divorce was not that she had been waiting for him? That was impossible. Xu Shengnan was definitely denying it and lying to him just because of that incident that happened a few years ago.

    If he were to give up at this moment, there would really be no chance of him being married to Xu Shengnan again in his entire lifetime.

    With his persistent and dauntless spirit, Fang Shiyou¡¯s attitude toward Xu Shengnan was even more eager than he had been when the two had first met when they were much younger. He did not treat Xu Shengnan lightly or put in less effort just because this was a remarriage. Now that he had gotten older, Fang Shiyou finally understood that he could no longer work so hard.

    In a few years, his elder daughter would graduate and join the workforce. At his age, he was going to reach the retirement age after a few more years of work. But the problem was that currently, not only did he have to work hard, but he even had to reduce his expenses to repay his mortgage.

    Once his daughter graduated, even if Xu Shengnan did not help repay the mortgage, at least his daughter could do so. Two people repaying it was better than one. He would put aside the matter of his second child for the time being. Up until now, he only had one daughter. That was Ling Ling. If Ling Ling were to help him repay the mortgage, would this apartment not go to her eventually?

    Even after having gotten a divorce, Fang Shiyou did not entirely ignore Xu Shengnan¡¯s matters. Initially, Fang Shiyou did not specially keep up with Xu Shengnan¡¯s situation.

    When the two of them had just gotten divorced, Fang Shiyou had devoted all his passion to his ¡®true love¡¯ and his son. After his ¡®true love¡¯ insisted on getting a divorce out of the blue and even took their son away after the divorce, Fang Shiyou was now helpless and troubled since he had neither money norpanionship. The thought of having to repay his monthly mortgage and live a bitter life killed Fang Shiyou¡¯s mood.

    One day, Fang Shiyou was unable to relieve his depression and went for a walk. He unknowingly returned to the gate of that huge house in the Third Ring neighborhood that he had shared with Xu Shengnan. What surprised Fang Shiyou was the sight of Xu Shengnan returning home with a smile on her face and Ling Ling¡¯s hand in hers.

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s first reaction was suspecting that Xu Shengnan felt the same way as he did. Perhaps, after their divorce, she realized that her happiest days were when they had not got divorced and were still living in this house together. So, Xu Shengnan had deliberately brought their daughter back to reminisce about the times that they had together before the incident.

    But before Fang Shiyou got his hopes up, he immediately saw two people that surprised him even more: his former father-inw and mother-inw, or in other words, Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents.

    Mother Xu¡¯s dressing was very homely. Just one look at her was enough to conclude that she had no intention of going out. Besides, there was a bag of rubbish in her hands. That clearly meant that she had juste out of the house and was intending to return home immediately after throwing away the rubbish. As for Father Xu, he was dressed casually, and he was rather rxed as well.

    Fang Shiyou had lived in this estate for a good eight to nine years. Upon seeing the direction that Father Xu was taking, he was clearly heading to the neighborhood minimart. No one would head directly to therge supermarkets if they were just asionally out of some basic ingredients at home. For the sake of convenience, they would head to the neighborhood minimart at times like this.

    Evidently, Father Xu¡¯s house was justcking some small items. That was why he was headed to the minimart. But the problem was that Father Xu and Mother Xu did not live here. Why had the two of theme down from there? And why did they act as though they lived here?

    Fang Shiyou could not hold in his curiosity. After registering his name under the visitors¡¯ list, he entered the neighborhood to take a look. When he saw Father Xu return happily with a bottle of soy sauce, Fang Shiyou hid himself once again and personally saw Father Xu enter the elevator. Only after the elevator doors shut did he run to the elevator and watch the ever-changing numbers on the elevator disy, which stopped at the number that he had pressed for eight to nine years.

    The same neighborhood, the same block, and the same floor.

    Did such coincidences really exist in this world? Did Xu Shengnan¡¯s family really purchase an apartment in the same building as their previous apartment? Moreover, the property prices in this neighborhood had long ago risen beyond affordable prices. Even if it was Xu Shengnan, she could not have purchased it so easily.

    Fang Shiyou had reasons to believe that the Xu family was staying in the exact same apartment that he and Xu Shengnan had purchased in the past.

    With such spection and suspicion, Fang Shiyou left with a dark expression.

    In the next few days, Fang Shiyou spent a Herculean effort to figure out this housing situation. When he had gotten divorced from Xu Shengnan, they had indeed sold the house to someone whom they did not know. But within a month¡¯s time, the apartment had once againnded up in Xu Shengnan¡¯s hands.

    Fang Shiyou was no fool either. His divorce from Xu Shengnan had indeed happened a few years ago. But even then, Xu Shengnan could not have coughed up such a huge sum of money to pay for the apartment in such a short period of time. So, there must have been someone who had helped Xu Shengnan get the house back into her possession.

    At this moment, Fang Shiyou did not even think about anyone else. The first person who came to mind was naturally Qiao Nan. Ever since he learned from his mother that Xu Shengnan¡¯s close junior was such a brilliant figure, one could tell at first nce just how envious Fang Shiyou was.

    Naturally, Fang Shiyou could not think of anyone else who had such a huge sum of money lying around to help Xu Shengnan settle the matter of the house. There could only be one person: Xu Shengnan¡¯s junior.

    Ever since he moved away from this apartment, his houses had only gotten smaller and further away from the city center. On the other hand, Xu Shengnan had happily moved into their previous apartment along with her parents and was now livingfortably. What right did she have to do that? Just because she had an outstanding junior?

    Fang Shiyou could not hold this in any longer. In the end, he spilled the truth of the matter to his mother. It felt like a stab in the back. Up until now, Mother Fang was still unable to forget their previous apartment. But who would have expected that Father and Mother Xu, whom she had looked down on foring from the countryside, were now living there in her ce! Mother Fang was just short of screaming her lungs out that the Xu family was shameless to have snatched their Fang family¡¯s house.

 Chapter 1640 - Iâ€™m the Person Youâ€™re Waiting For

    <h4>Chapter 1640: I¡¯m the Person You¡¯re Waiting For</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, after Fang Shiyou discussed with his mother for a long time, they decided toe up with a n: Fang Shiyou had to pursue Xu Shengnan, win her back, and remarry her. Xu Shengnan was the one who caused them to lose that grandson previously. As such, after they remarried, Xu Shengnan would still have to give birth to a son for the Fang family.

    Otherwise, their two families would owe three houses. Was it that easy to buy a house in the capital? It was already remarkable if an ordinary family could own one house. They were considered rich if they had three houses. This property alone would be worth at least tens of millions of yuan!

    If such a property wasn¡¯t passed down to a grandson of the Fang family, could it be that it would be left to Ling Ling and her future husband after she got married? What use was there to give birth to a daughter? She would be like Xu Shengnan. No matter how much she earned, these would all belong to the Fang family. Only by giving birth to a son would these things be passed down from generation to generation in the Fang family.

    After having this idea, Fang Shiyou started to work on Xu Shengnan. After pursuing her for two to three months, he realized that not only did Xu Shengnan¡¯s attitude to him not be better, but she had be irritated and started to avoid him. Fang Shiyou didn¡¯t hesitate to choose the second route and started to work on Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents and Xu Ling Ling.

    Of course, Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents liked Ling Ling. However, they felt that their daughter was still young. When Ling Ling grew up, not only would she head out to study, but she would also marry someone someday. Both of them were old and the time that they could spend with their daughter was getting lesser and lesser. Without a doubt, they would feel the safest if Xu Shengnan could find another good man to marry.

    In the past, no matter how they persuaded, Xu Shengnan refused to date another man. After a long time, it was inevitable Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents would misunderstand that Xu Shengnan¡¯s unwillingness to find another man was because she still couldn¡¯t forget Fang Shiyou.

    If that was really the case, it didn¡¯t matter if they liked Fang Shiyou or not. It was enough as long as their daughter was happy in the future. After being led around the nose by Fang Shiyou, Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents felt that since their daughter hadn¡¯t forgotten Fang Shiyou and that an original couple was still the best, they agreed to help Fang Shiyou.

    Once Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents¡¯ attitude changed, Xu Shengnan immediately became at a loss. She had no choice but to look for Qiao Nan toe up with an idea.

    Qiao Nan let Xu Shengnan drink some water to soothe her throat. ¡°Do you know that for families in China, what most parentsck with their children ismunication? They naturally want you to find another man so that he could apany you in the future. Otherwise, they would be worried that you¡¯ll be alone if Ling Ling gets married in the future. When you fall ill, there won¡¯t be anyone by your side to take care of you. You have to let them know what kind of life would make you happy and what kind of life you could no longer ept. Also, I think you can bring Ling Ling into the picture. Don¡¯t underestimate your daughter. Who knows? Ling Ling might be better than you when ites to persuading your parents.¡±

    After all, this was someone else¡¯s family affairs. Back then, Qiao Nan had intervened enough. That was why Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to do so much now. Furthermore, Ling Ling would be an adult who could get her identity card in two years¡¯ time.

    Nowadays, there were a lot of people who could help Xu Shengnan solve problems together. She wasn¡¯tcking her.

    ¡°Ling Ling?¡± Xu Shengnan was very surprised that Qiao Nan would mention Ling Ling. ¡°Do you think Ling Ling would want to live together with her father?¡± She was moved by that man. She could clearly feel thoughtfulness and peace of mind from that man, which was something she could never experience from Fang Shiyou in the past.

    Even if it was not for this man, she was actually not willing to be together with Fang Shiyou again.

    ¡°Rather than hesitating, worrying, and feeling scared here, why don¡¯t you be more open about it? Indeed, it shows that you¡¯re in love. What happened to your IQ? Don¡¯t be scared. Have an open conversation with your family. I assure you that there would be surprises.¡± She didn¡¯t know if other children would feel vulnerable under such circumstances, but she dared say that Ling Ling wouldn¡¯t.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s encouragement, Xu Shengnan finally mustered up the courage and had a conversation with her family.

    The end result was that Fang Shiyou would never be able to see Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents again. After knowing that their daughter no longer had any feelings for Fang Shiyou and didn¡¯t want to be together with him and instead had someone else in her heart, why else would they care about Fang Shiyou, the b*stard ex-son-inw?

    What a joke!

    Ling Ling¡¯s attitude was firmer. She liked a new father. She had not seen her birth father for so many years and couldn¡¯t remember clearly how he looked like. She only remembered the existence of such a person.

    Yes, Xu Ling Ling knew that there was an uncle who was pursuing her mother. Seeing that her mother didn¡¯t agree to this uncle¡¯s pursuit, she was also worried that her mother still liked that bad father of the past. If that was really the case, Ling Ling couldn¡¯t possibly stop her mother from being together with her bad father just because she liked that uncle, right?

    Thankfully, once someone started talking about it, it wasn¡¯t difficult to say the words that followed. In fact, all the misunderstandings had been cleared. Everyone understood that they were just caring too much about one another¡¯s feelings and had thus misunderstood one another. They were a family. After talking things out, they smiled and were ready to embrace the better days.

    Because of this incident, Xu Shengnan, who had been hesitating, finally epted this boyfriend. Both of them even discussed to get the marriage certificate three monthster. Although they might not have been in love for a long time, they had known each other for five to six years. Coupled with the two years he had been pursuing her, their understanding of each other was definitely deeper than that of ordinary people.

    When Fang Shiyou came knocking on the door again, he didn¡¯t see anyone from the Xu family. Instead, it was a person whom he had never seen before.

    He had dressed up, deliberately went to the salon to get a new hairstyle, and wore a suit which he had just bought. Fang Shiyou came early to the meeting venue and waited for Xu Shengnan to appear. He imagined that the two of them would reconcile after sitting down, and if everything went smoothly, they could get the marriage certificate tomorrow.

    It was just that when this man appeared in front of him, all the beautiful images in Fang Shiyou¡¯s mind disappeared. ¡°Sorry, someone is taking this seat.¡± Didn¡¯t he see someone as big as him? If he wanted to take a seat, he should have sat to the side. ¡°Although she hasn¡¯t arrived yet, I think there isn¡¯t a shortage of seats at this time, and there isn¡¯t a need for us to share tables.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the person you¡¯re waiting for.¡±

 Chapter 1641 - Inside Story

    <h4>Chapter 1641: Inside Story</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Sun Guohong sat down and tugged at the corners of his lips indifferently while looking at Fang Shiyou. ¡°I¡¯m here on behalf of Shengnan.¡±

    ¡°On behalf of Shengnan?¡± Fang Shiyou repeated, and his expression changed slightly. ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s your rtionship with Shengnan?¡± The man in front of him brought a strange sense of pressure on Fang Shiyou. The man was taller than him and had a better physique than him. But all these were not the main point. Fang Shiyou was now a middle-aged man, whose body had gained weight. His whole body was filled with soft fats.

    On the other end of the spectrum, Sun Guohong, who was simrly middle-aged, had a toned and muscr body. Even with a jacket, there was no way ofpletely concealing his toned body. Sun Guohong¡¯s agile posture and strong physique were envied by all men, yet not everyone could build a body like that.

    In the face of such an incredibly strong man, Fang Shiyou naturally felt extremely stressed as someone of the same gender.

    ¡°Actually, what you want to ask is what my rtionship with Sheng Nan is and what rights I have to sit here representing Shengnan, right?¡± Sun Guohong raised his eyebrows. ¡°You¡¯ll understand once you see this.¡± Sun Guohong handed over an invitation to the wedding between him and Xu Shengnan. ¡°You and Shengnan had an unpleasant past, but I¡¯m still grateful to you. Without you, I might never have met such a good woman like her at the right time.¡±

    ¡°An invitation? Who... who¡¯s getting married?¡± Fang Shiyou¡¯s hands trembled. He was fearful and did not dare to open it.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting married to Shengnan at the end of next month. Shengnan and I will be ted if you are able to join us. I promise you that I¡¯ll treat Ling Ling like my own daughter. Oh, right, please don¡¯t bother with a red packet. Shengnan and I won¡¯t mind about it.¡± It was not easy. He was finally getting married at such an old age!

    At the thought of this, Sun Guohong¡¯s face was almost filled with tears. No matter how he saw it, it was all because he had a good sister-inw. If not for his sister-inw, he would not have been able to win over his future father-inw and mother-inw so quickly. Even before the year came to an end, he would be able to hug his wife to sleep every night from now on.

    Sun Guohong was very clear that he had appeared very suddenly in front of the Xu family. Apart from Ling Ling¡¯s eptance of him, Father and Mother Xu had only epted him in such a short time entirely because of Qiao Nan.

    It was because of this good sister-inw that he could have Xu Shengnan as his wife so soon. Without his sister-inw, this good wife might not even be his!

    Fang Shiyou threw the invitation back onto the table loudly. ¡°You¡¯re getting married to Xu Shengnan? Nonsense! Do you know who I am? I¡¯m Xu Shengnan¡¯s husband! Do you have a death wish to say that you¡¯re marrying my wife in front of me?¡±

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s shrill voice immediately drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant. It was not umon to see mistresses fighting with the ¡®original¡¯. The problem was that these people were usually women. Today, both the ¡®mistress¡¯ and the ¡®original wife¡¯ were both men! That was rare indeed! Who was this woman that these men were willing to fight over?

    But no matter whether they were male or female, the third party would always be beaten!

    Was Sun Guohong willing to suffer because of Fang Shiyou?

    ¡°Fang Shiyou, when Shengnan found out about your affair a few years ago, the two of you already got a divorce. Since then, you¡¯ve had no rtionship with her. To Shengnan, you¡¯re just her ex-husband now. You¡¯ve been divorced for so many years now. I¡¯m not married, and neither is she. So why can¡¯t we get married? Oh, that¡¯s right. Besides the wedding invitation, I have something else to show you. At that time, you got a divorce from Shengnan for the sake of your mistress. Seeing that we are both men, I¡¯m going to tell you about this so that you won¡¯t always be bullied. That child isn¡¯t yours. It¡¯s someone else¡¯s. The photographs are all here. You can look at them yourself. And this is how ¡®your¡¯ son will look like when he grows up. You can justpare it to that man in the photograph and see if it looks like that man or you.¡±

    A plot twist. A god-like plot twist.

    That so-called husband was actually an ex, and the so-called third party was a new lover whom the woman had found years after that couple had gotten divorced. The biggest plot twist was that the ex had gotten a divorce for the sake of his son in his mistress¡¯ stomach, but that third party had another affair, and that son was actually someone else¡¯s son!

    Interesting. Too interesting! It was way more interesting than soap operas!

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! That¡¯s impossible! These are all fake! I won¡¯t believe a single thing you say! You¡¯re lying to me just to help Shengnan get revenge on me. That¡¯s why you created these photos just to cheat me, right? You two are downright disgusting. You¡¯re a pair of bast*rds! I won¡¯t ept that man-like woman Xu Shengnan even if you give her to me. And you¡¯re treating her like your treasure? Please suit yourself! I¡¯ll wait for your retribution! I won¡¯t let today¡¯s matter slide! Just you wait!¡±

    Fang Shiyou was raging, just shy of flipping the table. After yelling at Sun Guohong, he collected the photographs on the table without missing a single one and stuffed them into his bag. ¡°All these photographs are fake! I won¡¯t leave them in your hands, lest you and Xu Shengnan use them to humiliate me again! I¡¯m going to destroy them!¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Sun Guohong sneered. They were both men. He had taken all the photographs without leaving even just one behind, and he even imed that he was going to destroy them. Who was he kidding? If he really meant to destroy them, could he not just spill coffee over them?

    After sitting for a while, Sun Guohong finally cursed. ¡°F*ck! That fool ran off without paying. He¡¯s too stingy to even pay for a cup of coffee that costs less than a hundred yuan. No wonder he¡¯s shameless enough to ask Shengnan to reconcile with him. I¡¯m afraid that this fool, Fang Shiyou, has a cleaner pocket than face! Shameless indeed!¡±

    There was no other choice. Fang Shiyou had already escaped, and Sun Guohong could not possibly run after him. Sun Guohong could only pay for Fang Shiyou¡¯s cup of coffee. This angered Sun Guohong so much that he swore to chase Fang Shiyou for that money once he had the opportunity.

    It was not that he was too poor to treat someone to coffee. But he was really unwilling to spend his money on someone like Fang Shiyou. That was truly a waste of money.

    Just as Sun Guohong had expected, Fang Shiyou had taken all the photographs not because he was afraid that Sun Guohong and Xu Shengnan would use them to nder him. Fang Shiyou was hoping to see if he could use these photographs to find out where his ¡®true love¡¯ was and to see if that child looked like the boy in the photograph now that he had grown up.

    The boy in the photograph was about five or six years old and was rotund and chubby. Unfortunately, the boy¡¯s skin was too dark, unlike Fang Shiyou, who had pale skin and good facial features.

 Chapter 1642 - The Cheeky Girl

    <h4>Chapter 1642: The Cheeky Girl</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The boy¡¯s facial features were nothing like Fang Shiyou¡¯s. Their skin tones didn¡¯t match either. Aside from gender, nothing was simr.

    However, this child looked like the old man who had a beer belly and wasughing awkwardly in the photo. Even though they weren¡¯t seventy to eighty percent alike, they were definitely forty to fifty percent alike.

    If this boy who could run and jump wasn¡¯t the baby then, who he looked like had nothing to do with Fang Shiyou. What made Fang Shiyou troubled was that the age of the boy in the photo matched the baby who was taken away then. In the photo, his ¡®true love¡¯, that awkward-looking man, and the little boy who was holding a ball were standing together and smiling. Anyone who saw them would say that they were a happy family of three.

    ¡°Mom, take a look. Do you recognize this little boy?¡± Fang Shiyou took a deep breath. After returning home, he only took out the photo of the boy ying alone. He was afraid that his mother would jump to conclusions if she saw the other photos first.

    Mother Fang was shocked. Didn¡¯t Shiyou go to talk to Shengnan about their remarriage? Why did he let her take a look at a photo once he returned home?

    Mother Fang lowered her head. ¡°I have never seen this child before. He¡¯s not from ourmunity, right?¡± Mother Fang¡¯s first reaction was to deny it. After taking a look again, she sighed. ¡°How coincidental. This boy looks just like my grandson. Look at the neck here. There¡¯s a big ck mole. Do children nowadays like to grow a ck mole here?¡±

    Mother Fang had taken care of that grandson for only four months and had never seen him since then. However, even if it was just a short four months, she had a certain understanding of this grandchild whom she had waited so eagerly for. Mother Fang could still remember it clearly even after five or six yearster.

    Initially, Fang Shiyou was hoping that his guess could still be true. However, after hearing his mother¡¯s words, Fang Shiyou knew that Sun Guohong didn¡¯t lie to him. Back then, the child his ¡®true love¡¯ had been pregnant with wasn¡¯t his son.

    No wonder when he asked her to go out and find a job, she had dragged on for a few months and then became determined to get a divorce with him when the child was four months old. When she left, she didn¡¯t take anything along with her. All her clothes were still in his house. She only walked out with her son.

    This woman was still the woman he knew who wouldn¡¯t be able to survive without a man. The reason why she had walked out so easily was that she had found the child¡¯s birth father during that period of time. With a new financier, she would, of course, just throw him aside and bring her son to find his birth father to enjoy life.

    No one in this world would care how much Fang Shiyou had suffered, other than Mother Fang.

    However, for San Bao, who had just returned home from vacation, the whole world had changed in these short two months when she was studying in school. ¡°Mom, are you joking with me, or are you for real? Ling Ling is going to have a father soon? Who is it? Does Ling Ling know about it? Has she agreed to her mother remarrying?¡± How rare. Ling Ling didn¡¯t want her birth father but was willing to ept a stepfather? This was insane!

    ¡°It looks like Ling Ling has been quite tight-lipped this time and hid this from you,¡± Qiao Nan said in a gloating manner. ¡°Ling Ling has interacted with this new father for almost a year now. If not for her saying that she wanted this new father, your Auntie Xu might have dragged for another year before remarrying.¡±

    Sun Guohong was not bad and knew how to please the young girl. He had coaxed Ling Ling until she was now calling him ¡®father¡¯. When she thought of how Xu Ling Ling, who was initially the one who found it most difficult to ept Sun Guohong, had be the first to ept Sun Guohong, Qiao Nan could only say that they should really be a family.

    San Bao¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°I find it so incredible. Mom, are you sure that Ling Ling really, really, really epted this man? Ling Ling is also hiding this from me? Impossible!¡±

    Qiao Nanforted her daughter¡¯s broken heart after pinching her tender face. ¡°You can call Ling Ling and ask for yourself if this is real.¡± Based on San Bao¡¯s temper, she would definitely settle scores with Ling Ling. However, Ling Ling was clever. She would definitely have thought of how to coax San Bao. As such, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t worried for Ling Ling and her daughter at all.

    Let the children take care of their own affairs.

    ¡°I have to call her. If she can¡¯t give me a satisfactory answer for this matter, look how I¡¯ll deal with her in the future!¡± To think that before she attended university, she was still worried about Ling Ling¡¯s b*stard father. Ling Ling had never mentioned that Auntie Xu was already in a situation. What little conscience she had!

    In the end, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t interfere with how San Bao and Ling Ling resolved this matter. As long as the two of them didn¡¯t throw tantrums and were as close as birth sisters, the adults would naturally be happy to see favorable oues.

    Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong got married on New Year¡¯s Day. It was rare for the weather to be great then. It could only be said that even the weather was favorable.

    San Bao flicked a finger against Ling Ling¡¯s forehead. ¡°How does it feel to watch your birth mother marry another man? Is it still the same as what you told me before? Were you so happy that you couldn¡¯t fall asleep?¡± Ling Ling had exined to her why she didn¡¯t tell her about this in the past.

    San Bao expressed that this was the Xu family¡¯s matters after all. She didn¡¯t need to know the specific details since this wasn¡¯t her life. As long as Xu Ling Ling herself felt that this was good, the rest didn¡¯t matter.

    Furthermore, Auntie Xu hadn¡¯t epted Uncle Sun yet. Ling Ling was afraid that it would be inappropriate to reveal this matter too early. When she thought of how Sun Guohong was a soldier brought out by Zhai Sheng, San Bao felt a littleplicated in her heart. Before this, why didn¡¯t she know that a retired soldier who was previously under her father had started a business in the capital?

    ¡°It¡¯s a little ufortable.¡± Xu Ling Ling sniffed. ¡°From today onward, I¡¯ll no longer be called Xu Ling Ling. I¡¯m going to be Sun Ling Ling. I¡¯m not an adult yet, but I already have three names. I¡¯m really not used to it. I don¡¯t know if I can react in time next time someone calls me Sun Ling Ling.¡±

    Upset? Of course she was upset! Her mother had initially belonged to her. Even if she didn¡¯t have a father, as long as her mother was around, she would feel that she was more fortunate than other children. However, from today onward, her mother no longer belonged to her alone. She was going to share her with another person.

    San Bao rolled her eyes at Sun Ling Ling. ¡°Don¡¯t think that I dare noty a hand on you as your mother¡¯s getting married today. Little girl, asking for trouble?¡±

 Chapter 1643 - Playing Matchmaker

    <h4>Chapter 1643: ying Matchmaker</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He dared to fool around in front of her.

    Sun Ling Ling, who had taken a blow, could only reply honestly. ¡°I¡¯m actually all right. Sister Yu, don¡¯t worry about me. My new dad is a very good person. I¡¯m only saying this because it¡¯s you. I wouldn¡¯t tell anyone else.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± San Bao raised her eyebrow and leaned in. ¡°Hurry and tell me.¡±

    Sun Ling Ling bit on her lip. ¡°My new dad said that I¡¯ll be his only daughter in his entire life. In the future, he¡¯ll leave everything to me. You know, I¡¯m not eyeing my new dad¡¯s money, but I¡¯m quite happy that I won¡¯t be having any younger siblings in the future.¡±

    With a new dad to fight with her over her mom, Sun Ling Ling already felt a small sense of loss. If there was one more child in the family, Sun Ling Ling was not sure that she would be able to adjust and adapt if that day were really toe.

    Initially, Sun Ling Ling was all prepared to support Sun Guohong if there was really the appearance of a second child. But she then realized what Sun Guohong meant. There would definitely not be a second child. Because of this, Sun Ling Ling had no more worries.

    San Bao patted Sun Ling Ling¡¯s head. ¡°It seems that your new dad is pretty good. Auntie Xu is already quite old. It¡¯s too dangerous for her to give birth to a second child. Only your heartless birth father would have such an idea.¡±

    Sun Ling Ling stuck out her tongue and smiled. Then, she sat obediently by San Bao¡¯s side, observing her mom being a happy bride.

    Because of Xu Shengnan¡¯s second marriage, Qiao Nan had gotten busy as well. That was because Qiao Nan had been the matchmaker between Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong!

    Qiao Nan had never been interested in being the matchmaker, but she had be the matchmaker for the people around her over and over again. And she had even done a good job. Thinking about this, Qiao Nan realized that there was no one else apart from her.

    She was no longer young and was unlike Xu Shengnan, who was energetic and bubbly. After attending the wedding, Qiao Nan was so tired that shey down on the sofa to catch her breath upon returning home.

    The previous auntie who had worked in the Zhai family for two to three decades had finally retired, and Qiao Nan hired another one. Thankfully, this newly hired auntie was just as hardworking as the recently retired one, had a good temper, and did not talk too much. Upon seeing that Qiao Nan had returned and was fatigued, she quickly poured Qiao Nan a cup of tea.

    San Bao took the cup of tea from the auntie¡¯s hands and ced it in front of her mother. ¡°My dear mother, you¡¯ve worked hard. My dear mother, please have some tea.¡±

    Qiao Nan would not reject her daughter¡¯s act of filial piety. After taking a sip, she eyed San Bao. ¡°The sofa¡¯s so big. Why do you have to squeeze here with me? Do you have something to ask me, you curious child?¡± Otherwise, why was San Bao being so clingy?

    San Baoughed. ¡°The situation earlier was a little special and I was too embarrassed to ask. But I feel that there¡¯s something more to what Ling Ling said. Ling Ling said that Uncle Sun can¡¯t have another child apart from Ling Ling and that he¡¯ll treat Ling Ling as his birth daughter. Mom, does this mean that Uncle Sun isn¡¯t prepared to let Auntie Xu have another child, or is there something else to this?¡±

    As a university student, San Bao knew all about that thing that went on between men and women. There were tons of elementary students who were casually calling each other husband and wife, let alone university students. As for junior high school and high school students, it no longer sufficed to just write letters and hold hands while dating.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°This is a matter between adults. Why do you children need to know so much? Ling Ling¡¯s already said it. It¡¯s better that you just listen to whatever Ling Ling said. If you really care about Ling Ling, then you must remember one thing. Ling Ling won¡¯t have any younger siblings, and there won¡¯t be any idents.¡±

    Qiao Nan was really not in the ce to tell San Bao what she meant by ¡®no idents¡¯.

    San Bao could tell that her dear mother would probably get into a rage if she were to continue pursuing the matter, so she quickly raised her arms in surrender. ¡°I won¡¯t ask. I won¡¯t ask. If my dear mother won¡¯t let me ask, I¡¯ll definitely not do it. I won¡¯t ask anyone about this. I won¡¯t even mention it in the future. Don¡¯t get angry, my dear mother. Calm down. If you get angry, my dad will never let me off.¡±

    It was not easy being a good person.

    Thest time, she had almost been torn apart by her dear mother after asking about Auntie Xu¡¯s situation on Ling Ling¡¯s behalf. Today, her mother¡¯s gaze was clearly on fire. If she continued to pursue the matter, how could Er Bao everpensate for that obedient little girl¡¯s image she had in her mother¡¯s eyes?

    San Bao begged Qiao Nan for mercy and after appeasing her, San Bao immediately bowed her head and returned to her room to escape her mother¡¯s death re so that her mother¡¯s anger would not return.

    After returning to her room, San Bao picked up herptop and stealthily made a call to Er Bao. ¡°Oh, you picked up so quickly. I see that you¡¯ve been waiting for my call. Then again, Er Bao, why are you so interested in Ling Ling¡¯s affairs? Do you care about Ling Ling¡¯s family matters, or do you care about Ling Ling?¡±

    San Bao¡¯s tone was greasy. She felt that Er Bao¡¯s concern toward Ling Ling was rather abnormal. Had something happened between these two people behind her back? The problem was that Er Bao was already a university student, but Ling Ling was still young. Just like Xiao Bao, she had just entered high school.

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Afraid that San Bao could not see his annoyance, he purposely rolled his eyes. ¡°In my eyes, Ling Ling is just like you. I treat her like my younger sister. I won¡¯t talk about you, but at least, Ling Ling is like a younger sister. So many things have happened in their family, and these all concern her future and whether she¡¯ll be able to have a good time in the future. As an elder brother, it¡¯s only right that I¡¯m concerned about her. What¡¯s the problem? But even if I don¡¯t get you to ask about these things, do you think you¡¯ll be able to hold in your curiosity and not find out about them?¡±

    He knew San Bao all too well. He had onlye to ask San Bao about the matter after she had gotten a clear view of the situation. Whether or not he had asked San Bao to investigate the matter would not have any impact on San Bao¡¯s curiosity toward the matter.

    All right, San Bao was finally convinced by Er Bao. What Er Bao had said was the truth. ¡°Fine. I can¡¯t win against you. Don¡¯t worry. Ling Ling¡¯s life ahead will be even better than her current one. I¡¯ve seen that Uncle Sun today. He¡¯s quite a decent guy. I heard that Dad was the one who took care of him in the military, and Mom was the matchmaker. With both Dad and Mom around, you can rest easy.¡±

    ¡°Mom was the matchmaker? Really? Since when did Mom develop an interest in matching people together?¡± In all his time at home, he had never seen his mom act as a matchmaker to anyone. His mom would even avoid those old grannies who were always on the lookout for unmarried young men and youngdies.

 Chapter 1644 - Why

    <h4>Chapter 1644: Why</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In general, shouldn¡¯t those who truly loved being matchmakers do that?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Mom already too busy with her work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? How did Mom find any time to act as a matchmaker? Why do I feel that sounds so rare?¡± After saying that, Er Bao was overjoyed. His mom did not look like one who enjoyed matchmaking!

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t argue with me. I only found out about that today too. It¡¯s all thanks to Mom that Auntie Xu got married to that Uncle Sun. If you have so many questions, you can ask Mom yourself when you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve only heard so much about the matter that you asked me to find out for you. As for anything else, you¡¯ll have to go investigate on your own if you want to know more. I can¡¯t do much. If I pursue the matter any further, Mom¡¯s going to kill me.¡± San Bao cut Er Bao off. Attending someone else¡¯s wedding was quite tiring, and she was already sleepy.

    Hearing that San Bao¡¯s voice had changed, he knew that thisss was probably gettingzy after having a good meal at the wedding. ¡°All right, I won¡¯t disturb you. Go get some rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay, goodnight.¡± San Bao yawned again before hanging up the phone. She quickly showered as though she was in battle, undressed, snuck under her cover, and fell right asleep.

    Knowing that Sun Ling Ling¡¯s life would only get better now that Auntie Xu had gotten married, San Bao had nothing else bothering her.

    Da Bao, who had just returned to his room with a book, saw that Er Bao had just gotten off the phone and asked out of curiosity, ¡°I guess the ending¡¯s not bad now that you¡¯ve just gotten off the phone.¡±

    ¡°Yes, San Bao told me that Auntie Xu won¡¯t have another child apart from Ling Ling after getting married.¡± Er Bao was still wondering whether these words could be trusted and whether there would be any changes in the future.

    Da Bao put his book down. ¡°Is that so? It¡¯s great if that¡¯s the case. You should be happy!¡± Auntie Xu was getting remarried but was not nning on having a second child. For the rest of her life, she would have only one child, Ling Ling. As for the groom, this was his first marriage, and he did not have any illegitimate children either. So it was as simple as Ling Ling getting a new father.

    ¡°Da Bao, do you think we can trust these words? Why do I feel that these words seem unreliable? What kind of man would not want his own child after getting married? If he doesn¡¯t want children, then why would he get married? Wouldn¡¯t it be just as good to simply date Auntie Xu? Do you think it¡¯s possible that he said all these just to coax Auntie Xu into marriage? Once they get married, he would find a way to get Auntie Xu pregnant! I heard that it¡¯s not easy for Auntie Xu to get pregnant at her age. But it won¡¯t be easy to get an abortion either because of all the ill effects on her body. Sometimes, getting an abortion might be even more dangerous than simply giving birth.¡±

    If it reached that stage, that man would not only have a wife but also his own child!

    Da Bao flicked Er Bao on the head. ¡°What did you just call me?¡± Da Bao and Er Bao had agreed that they would never use each other¡¯s nicknames at school and would only use their proper given names. But Er Bao hadmitted a folly, calling Da Bao by his nickname.

    ¡°ssmate Zhai Yi, I¡¯ll let you go just this once because I¡¯m magnanimous. Just answer me.¡± Zhai Xin was helpless. All right, he could only hold it in since he was the one who first suggested it. But Zhai Yi had hit him a little too hard, just as hard as his dad did.

    Zhai Yi nodded in satisfaction. ¡°I don¡¯t know if Auntie Xu is so gullible, but do you think that those two people from our family are so easily cheated? If this guy is unreliable and not trustworthy, Dad would never trust him and help him, especially Mom. Mom just pulled Auntie Xu out of a fiery pit a few years ago. Do you think Mom can personally throw Auntie Xu into another fiery pit? Even if you don¡¯t trust Auntie Xu¡¯s judgment, you should at least trust our dad and mom¡¯s!¡±

    With both Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng in the picture, Zhai Yi did not question Sun Guohong¡¯s character or uprightness. Zhai Yi was calm, as though he knew Sun Guohong personally and understood him well.

    After getting reprimanded like this, Zhai Xin¡¯s face turned green. He was clearly suspicious of that man named Sun Guohong, but Zhai Yi had brought their parents into the picture to try to frame him! He was too much! He should be thankful they were in school. If they were at home, his mom would be hurt by Zhai Yi¡¯s words.

    ¡°Humph, I guess you¡¯re right. I¡¯m sleepy. I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± Zhai Xin forcefullyy down on his bed, so much so that his bed made a loud squeak. Moreover, he had even switched off the lights in the bedroom before sleeping, saying that the lights were too bright. How was he supposed to fall asleep if he did not switch the lights off?

    In the face of Zhai Xin¡¯s tantrum, Zhai Yi was not the least bit angry. He knew clearly what kind of temper his younger brother had and how he kicked someone to the curb once they had outlived their usefulness. Anyway, he had already borrowed the book. His book would not run away even if he did not read it tonight. He would just have to read it the next day.

    Zhai Yi was one who liked to strike a bnce between work and rest and not just bury himself in his studies all the time. It was because of Zhai Yi¡¯s cool temper that the brothers did not get into fights over trivial matters even when Zhai Xin threw a tantrum. After washing up, Zhai Yiy down on his bed, covered himself with his nket, and got ready to turn in for the night.

    Since Zhai Yi was good with his words, Zhai Xin naturally could not go overboard. Hearing that there was no sounding from Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin said out of guilt, ¡°Actually, you can just switch on a tablemp. It won¡¯t be too bright. Why don¡¯t you use the tablemp to read? Or you can just switch on half the lights. I¡¯ll just sleep with my back facing the lights.¡±

    Zhai Yi, who was lying in bed, smiled. He was always like that, like a child who could never grow up. ¡°It¡¯s all right. It¡¯s quitete. I¡¯m not going to read anymore. It¡¯s bad for the eyes to read at this hour. If my eyesight deteriorates, I won¡¯t even be able to enter the military in the future.¡±

    While Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin ced importance on their cultural courses, they also paid great attention to their eyesights so as not to let their eyesights deteriorate. Otherwise, their dreams of joining the military would be crushed. It was already sote. The ring lights were also not suitable for reading either.

    If it was not for this, Zhai Yi would pay no heed to his spoilt brat of a younger brother, not even if ten Zhai Xins were throwing a tantrum at the same time.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Zhai Xin answered awkwardly. When he was about to fall asleep, he suddenly remembered that Zhai Yi had been beating around the bush but had never given him a direct answer to his question. Instead, he had dragged their parents into the equation and even taken the chance to lecture Zhai Xin! Tsk, what an annoying sesame rice ball!

    In that instant that Zhai Xin was about to fall asleep, there was still a question in his mind: Why did Sun Guohong get married to Xu Shengnan if he did not want a child of his own? Was there really such a person in the world?

 Chapter 1645 - Accident

    <h4>Chapter 1645: ident</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Initially, when Qiao Nan had first gotten such a guarantee from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had asked Zhai Sheng the same question. ¡°You said that Sun Guohong is one who really wants a family of his own, a man who will be responsible toward his family. If that¡¯s the case, how can you be sure that he won¡¯t have his own children in the future and be biased against Ling Ling? Even fingers have different lengths. Even mothers have their own preferences among their children. There are already so many contradictions within a nuclear family, much less a reconstructed family. I¡¯m sure you understand what I mean. But what I¡¯ll say is that I¡¯ll not interfere in Xu Shengnan¡¯s choice of whether she¡¯ll ept Sun Guohong in the end.¡±

    Even if she felt that Xu Shengnan¡¯s life would get moreplicated after remarrying, as long as Xu Shengnan epted him, Qiao Nan would never do anything to sabotage Sun Guohong. No matter what, it was all thanks to Sun Guohong that Xu Shengnan could cut off her marriage so cleanly in the face of great loss, although Sun Guohong had epted money to help avoid the disaster. Even still, one could say that Xu Shengnan owed Sun Guohong a favor.

    Without Sun Guohong, someone else could have taken Xu Shengnan¡¯s money. But the matter might not have been settled so cleanly, and other people might even have requested for a greater sum than Sun Guohong had.

    So, as long as the two of them were all right with each other, she would not express her opinion, and neither would she prevent Xu Shengnan from getting remarried. But the thought that she had acted as a matchmaker between Sun Guohong and Xu Shengnan... Qiao Nan was in a hard ce. ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t think I can be a guarantor of this matchmaking. You know Xu Shengnan too. Just get someone else in.¡± If that was not possible, Brother Zhai himself could do it. It was not as though there were no male matchmakers.

    Zhai Sheng trapped Qiao Nan within his embrace. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s realistic for me to be a matchmaker for them? I was the one who raised Sun Guohong in the military. If he had not gotten into an ident during an operation that year, he would probably be an assistant battalionmander by now. Then, Xu Shengnan might not even stand a chance.¡± No matter what, there was no way an assistant battalionmander would marry a divorcee with a daughter in his first marriage.

    Qiao Nan retorted. ¡°You were the one who said that Senior Xu wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if he was an assistant battalionmander. But is he an assistant battalionmander now? If he has such thoughts, even more so I cannot guarantee this matchmaking. His heart isn¡¯t genuine.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was helpless. ¡°This is purely what I think. It doesn¡¯t represent Sun Guohong¡¯s. Sun Guohong... Because he was under me, the way he looks at Xu Shengnan is obviously different from me. It¡¯s only normal for me to think that Xu Shengnan isn¡¯t deserving of him. Just like how you¡¯re biased toward Xu Shengnan and don¡¯t like Sun Guohong after listening to me. So, we have to abandon our own opinions and leave them aside from our discussion.¡±

    All right. Now that Zhai Sheng had said that, Qiao Nan was willing to listen and could continue their discussion.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re concerned and worried about. I can tell you for sure that it won¡¯t happen. No matter what it is.¡± Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan even tighter. Did he not understand his own wife? Zhai Sheng had already guessed the two aspects that Qiao Nan was most worried about without her even saying anything.

    Firstly, children. Once Sun Guohong and Xu Shengnan had another child, Ling Ling would be in an awkward situation. Parents already had preferences among their own biological children, let alone if one was his biological child, while the other was not. It was only human nature for Sun Guohong to be biased toward his own biological child. The problem was that Xu Shengnan¡¯s maternal love had always belonged to Ling Ling alone. With another child, even if Xu Shengnan favored her elder daughter, Ling Ling, she would still have to split her attention and love with another younger child.

    Qiao Nan had a good rtionship with Ling Ling. Before the situation even urred, she had already thought of all possible scenarios and thought about them from Ling Ling¡¯s perspective.

    Secondly, the rtionship with her inws. The reason for Xu Shengnan getting a divorce from Fang Shiyou was due to Mother Fang¡¯s influence on her son. Initially, Fang Shiyou had been quite fond of his daughter, Ling Ling. It had been Mother Fang who had nagged incessantly at her son to give her a grandson, eventually causing Fang Shiyou to be greatly disappointed in Ling Ling. And that was why thisplete family eventually went through so many trials and was ruined in the end.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m just lucky that Mom treats me like her biological daughter. Even Sister Zhai Hua gets jealous sometimes and teases me about it. It¡¯s not that there aren¡¯t other people who have such great fortune like me, but it¡¯s really rare. I feel that finding a good mother-inw is probably even harder than finding a good husband.¡±

    Zhai Sheng bit Qiao Nan on the back of her neck. ¡°So you really have a great fortune! Not only do you have a good husband, but you also have a good mother-inw. To tell you the truth, Xu Shengnan won¡¯t be able to have it like you do and enjoy a good rtionship with her mother-inw if she gets married to Sun Guohong. Sun Guohong¡¯s mom is not to be trifled with. Sun Guohong¡¯s rtionship with his mother...¡±

    Zhai Sheng stopped himself in time and did not try to use Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Ding Jiayi as an example. ¡°Their mother and son rtionship is not very good, and Sun Guohong has a brother who is much younger. His mom is biased toward the younger one and has never treated Sun Guohong fairly since he was young. Sun Guohong suffered an ident and sustained severe injuries while he was on a mission. At that time, his mommitted a folly and from then on, there¡¯s been no way that the mother and son can coexist harmoniously. Sun Guohong only gives his mother a living allowance once a year. Even when he goes home to visit his mother, he leaves on the same day that he arrives. He never stays there overnight.¡±

    With such a situation, even if Sun Guohong¡¯s mother was hard to deal with, as long as Xu Shengnan did not spend any time with this mother-inw of hers, Sun Guohong¡¯s mother would have no chance to mess with Xu Shengnan.

    Zhai Sheng went through it vaguely, but because of her personal experience, Qiao Nan shed a tear for Sun Guohong. ¡°We¡¯re in the same boat.¡± From what she had heard, Sun Guohong¡¯s situation was no better than hers. But it was Sun Guohong¡¯s privacy, after all, so Zhai Sheng did not talk more about it, and neither did Qiao Nan ask. ¡°There won¡¯t be a problem with her inws, but what about children?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say that Sun Guohong got into an ident during a mission? That ident left him with severe injuries. He¡¯ll never be able to have his own children for the rest of his life.¡± This was a huge blow to a man.

    But right when Sun Guohong faced such a huge blow, Sun Guohong¡¯s mother and Sun Guoming formed an alliance to give Sun Guohong an even greater blow, and Sun Guohong almost did not get through it.

 Chapter 1646 - Whose Child

    <h4>Chapter 1646: Whose Child</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Although Sun Guohong had made it through eventually, he still bore a grudge against these closest rtives. These two people were no longer his kin, but devils. Blood-sucking devils!

    Zhai Sheng had always paid close attention to Sun Guohong¡¯s situation. Upon finding out about Sun Guohong¡¯s situation, he had asked Sun Guohong. His injuries were indeed a little embarrassing, but once he recovered, it would not hinder his participation in any further missions. With Sun Guohong¡¯s capability, he could return to the army and make a career for himself. Otherwise, it would be a waste for such a talent like Sun Guohong to leave the military.

    But Sun Guohong rejected Zhai Sheng¡¯s good intentions. ¡°It¡¯s all right, chief. Thank you for your concern during this period of time. Without you, I don¡¯t know if I would have been able to pull through. I¡¯ve spent so much of your money during my time in the hospital. I don¡¯t even know how long I¡¯ll have to work to repay this sum of money.¡±

    At that time, Sun Guohong was utterly dispirited. Perhaps, he would be gone in less than two years¡¯ time.

    He was the eldest son in the family, so he was destined to take on more responsibility from the time he was born. Mother Sun had gotten pregnant with Sun Guoming when she was thirty-nine years old. Given the Sun family¡¯s situation, they were not allowed to have a second child, even if they lived in the countryside.

    But Mother Sun had gotten an IUD ording to the family nning guidelines. She had gotten pregnant identally. Putting that aside, Mother Sun was already considered to be having a geriatric pregnancy. When she visited the hospital for a checkup, the doctor advised Mother Sun that abortion would be even more dangerous than giving birth. Mother Sun¡¯s body was unsuitable for an abortion. If the government insisted on it, their hospital would not bear any responsibility if anything were to happen to Mother Sun in the process.

    It was not that Mother Sun was unwilling to abort the child. She had also followed the government guidelines by getting an IUD, but the doctor had said that she was unsuitable to get an abortion and that she might even lose her life by doing so. The government could not possibly send a person to death just for the sake of family nning.

    There was no other choice. After the vige chief discussed the matter with the family nning department, they issued Mother Sun a special permit to give birth. After all, it was not Mother Sun¡¯s fault that she had gotten pregnant. If anything were to happen to Mother Sun because she did not give birth to the child, neither the vige chief nor the family nning department was willing to bear such a hefty responsibility. They could not possibly afford to repay a life!

    When Mother Sun turned forty, she finally gave birth to Sun Guoming. It could be said that Mother Sun was not the only one to have given birth to more than one child within the Sun vige, but Mother Sun was the only one who had obtained a special permit and was not fined for giving birth to an additional child.

    It was probably because of this extraordinary circumstance that she was extremely prideful. Even while Sun Guoming was still in her stomach, Mother Sun already ced great importance on this child. Once this child was born, Mother Sun realized that her younger son¡¯s physique was worlds apart from her elder son¡¯s.

    Seeing her tall and strong elder son, Mother Sun always lectured her elder son, reminding him to take good care of his younger brother, Sun Guoming, so that no one would dare to bully him. If Sun Guohong were to make a name for himself in the future, he had to bring his younger brother along and give him a hand.

    While Sun Guohong was still studying, his academic results were still all right. He had not fared poorly on his college entrance examination, and he had managed to enter a better third-tier university. Sun Guohong filled in his application, and as soon as his admission letter arrived, Sun Guohong would be able to go to university.

    But Sun Guoming, who was not yet two years old, suddenly suffered from appendicitis and had to be sent to the hospital for treatment.

 Chapter 1647 - An Awkward Injury

    <h4>Chapter 1647: An Awkward Injury</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Without any hesitation, Mother Sun took away half of the money that the family had saved up for Sun Guohong¡¯s university fees to pay for Sun Guohong¡¯s hospitalization bills.

    They were both his sons, so there was no reason for Father Sun to care only about his elder son while ignoring his younger son. Father Sun expressed that it was more important to save a life. In an emergency situation like this, it was all right to use this sum of money. But Mother Sun had obviously taken more than what was necessary. His younger son¡¯s hospitalization bills would not amount to such a huge sum. He asked Mother Sun to return the excess money and he would think of a way to gather more money to send his elder son to university.

    But Mother Sun refused. ¡°Mingming is still so young. It¡¯s so pitiful that he has to be hospitalized. You¡¯re only thinking about the hospitalization bills. Why don¡¯t you think about what Mingming will eat and drink throughout this period? Mingming is already sick. He has to eat nourishing food. Is that too much to ask for? I¡¯m even afraid that I might not have taken enough money! I¡¯m not returning it!¡±

    Seeing that Father Sun was in a rage, Sun Guohong tried to persuade him. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t fret over my school fees. I¡¯ve heard that you can take a loan to go to school now. I¡¯ll take a loan on my own. You and Mom don¡¯t have to pay the loan either. When I get a job after graduation, I¡¯ll slowly repay the loan myself. As for my living expenses, I¡¯ll find a job to pay for it. It¡¯s all right, Dad.¡±

    Sun Guohong knew that his family did not earn much from farming in an entire year. It was too heavy a burden on the family to raise two children. Besides, his younger brother, Sun Guoming, had already been weak and frail ever since he was born. When his mother was out of breast milk, the family struggled to even afford Sun Guoming¡¯s milk powder. Now that he was grown up, he would take care of his own tuition fees.

    But no matter how much Sun Guohong had nned, he could not out-n his own mother. Mother Sun asked, ¡°Since you¡¯re going to take a loan, can you take a bigger loan? You see, Mingming is still so young. We¡¯ll have to spend a lot of money to raise him. Your dad and I are already letting you go to university. Mingming will need money to study in the future too. Look. Why don¡¯t you take a bigger loan for Mingming? Mingming is your biological brother after all!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Sun Guohong was speechless. Was it his decision to say howrge of a loan he could take? Besides, this sum of money had to be repaid. If he borrowed more, he would have to repay more in the future. He did not want to increase his parents¡¯ burden, but his mom was not even afraid of increasing his burden!

    ¡°Can¡¯t you do that? You can¡¯t even do that? Didn¡¯t you say that you can work part-time while studying to earn some money? So just give me part of that loan. I¡¯ll save it up for Mingming. Go have a discussion with your teachers and tell them about our family situation. Tell them that you¡¯ll owe the school your tuition fees for the time being. When you find a job and earn some money, you¡¯ll pay off your debts. Your dad and I haven¡¯t raised you for nothing. Now, you don¡¯t even need us to pay for your tuition fees, and you can even take some money out to save it for Mingming!¡±

    Sun Guohong had not even agreed, but Mother Sun had already nned it all out for Sun Guohong to prevent Sun Guohong from rejecting her.

    Now that she had already put it so nicely, would her elder son be so shameless as to reject her?

    Sun Guohong, who had been so considerate toward his parents¡¯ predicament, immediately lost his confidence to attend university after hearing his mother¡¯s words. His mother had made such thorough calctions, but she had not stopped to think about Sun Guohong at all. He was only working part-time in whatever free time he had. How much could he possibly earn?

    The money he earned would barely cover his living expenses if he scrimped and saved. How would he ever be able to use his earnings to pay for his tuition fees? Even if he managed to save enough to pay off his school fees by selling his life, was he going to starve to death in school?

    Perhaps, it was because of his youth that he decided to forgo university in an act of defiance. Instead, he decided to sign up for the military, and that was how Sun Guohong met with a chief like Zhai Sheng.

    Sun Guohong stayed in the military for over ten years, turning from a young chap in his twenties to an uncle in his thirties. When Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s triplets entered elementary school, Sun Guohong had not gotten married yet.

    Before that mission, Zhai Sheng even joked with Sun Guohong. ¡°After you return from the mission, I¡¯ll rmend that you be promoted. Remember that you¡¯re not young anymore. It¡¯s about time you solve your personal problem. Didn¡¯t you say that you have a fianc¨¦e back in your vige? Hurry and finish that marriage report. I¡¯ll approve it for you. Just as well. Take the opportunity to get a good break after you¡¯re back from this mission and get married. It¡¯ll be best to have a child at the same time.¡±

    At that time, Sun Guohong himself felt that he was no longer young and could not keep thatdy waiting for him. As such, he answered Zhai Sheng¡¯s ¡®order¡¯ very seriously. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, chief. I promise I¡¯ll finish the task you¡¯ve assigned to me.¡±

    But who would have known that Sun Guohong would get into an ident during this mission, and an explosion would go off between his legs.

    Upon hearing that Sun Guohong had been hospitalized, Mother Sun brought Sun Guoming and Sun Guohong¡¯s fianc¨¦e to the capital to visit Sun Guohong. Zhai Sheng was delighted to hear this piece of news and felt that Sun Guohong had not sent money back to his family in vain all these years.

    But what had happened afterward caught everyone off guard.

    The site of Sun Guohong¡¯s injury was too sensitive, and after checking on Sun Guohong, the doctor privately told Sun Guohong that his injury would not affect his missions in the future, and neither would it affect Sun Guohong as a ¡®man¡¯. A normal married life was still possible. It was just that it would be much harder for Sun Guohong to get a woman pregnant in the future. Because of that explosion, almost all of Sun Guohong¡¯s sperm tubes were broken.

    Sun Guohong was stunned and unable to respond for a long time.

    No one knew how Mother Sun managed to learn of the news. But in short, she was in no way less capable than the scouts in the military. Upon understanding the situation, she immediately discussed the matter with Sun Guohong. ¡°Guohong, I know all about what happened. Don¡¯t worry. Mom will stay by your side. The most important thing right now is for you to get married with Yanyan as soon as possible!¡±

    Sun Guohong¡¯s heart warmed. ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t do that. I can¡¯t hurt Yanyan like that. Yanyan is a good seven years younger than me. Now that I¡¯m in this state, I can¡¯t possibly take away Yanyan¡¯s chance of being a mother, right? I¡¯ll personally exin my situation to Yanyan and call off the engagement. She can find a better man in the future.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Yanyan already knows about your situation, and she¡¯s even willing to marry you. Besides, there¡¯s no need to worry, Guohong. No one else apart from our family knows about this. No one willugh at you for this. Mom has a way of letting you be a dad!¡± Mother Sun¡¯s eyes twinkled.

 Chapter 1648 - Already Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 1648: Already Pregnant</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Sun Guohong, who had just been moved by his mother¡¯s words, was momentarily stunned. ¡°How can I still be a father in my state? It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t adopt a child, but he won¡¯t look anything like me. The whole vige will find out about this.¡± Since it was already a fact, there was no need to deceive himself and others. If he was going to adopt a child, he would do it openly.

    Nheless, he was not going to be able to be a father anymore. But there was nothing wrong with Yanyan¡¯s body. She could marry a normal man and have her own biological child.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. No one will be able to tell.¡± Mother Sun¡¯s words got even stranger, making Sun Guohong pause. ¡°It¡¯s normal that the child won¡¯t resemble me if it¡¯s not my child. It¡¯ll be even weirder if other people can¡¯t tell, right?¡±

    Mother Sun hesitated for a moment before pouring a ss of water for Sun Guohong. ¡°Guohong, listen to me. You can¡¯t me Guoming for this. It¡¯s just that Yanyan and he are both still young, and they¡¯ve spent a lot of time together. It¡¯s understandable that they were a little reckless. I¡¯ve already scolded Mingming, and he won¡¯t do it again in the future. He¡¯ll treat Yanyan as his sister-inw, and Yanyan will live honestly as your wife. She¡¯s already pregnant, but no matter what, it¡¯s still your brother¡¯s child. It¡¯ll be too ruthless to just abort the child.¡±

    Knowing that her elder daughter-inw had gotten pregnant with her younger son¡¯s child, Mother Sun was both infuriated and frenzied. She was not mad at her son formitting this act, but at Yanyan for having seduced her younger son. Everyone in the vige knew that her elder son had done well and was now apanymander in the military. The secretary¡¯s daughter and her younger son were dating and were even going to get married next year.

    If the secretary¡¯s family found out that Yanyan had gotten pregnant with her younger son¡¯s child, would they still allow their daughter to get married to her younger son? That was impossible!

    But because she loved her younger son, she loved everything of his as well. Just the thought of the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach being her younger son¡¯s, namely her grandchild, Mother Sun could not bear to force Yanyan to abort the child. This time, the three of them had alle together to visit Sun Guohong to make a good meal for Sun Guohong. After that, they would make him get drunk and put him naked on a bed along with Yanyan. A monthter, Yanyan would then say that she had gotten pregnant with Sun Guohong¡¯s child. Then, Sun Guohong would not get suspicious of anything.

    As long as Yanyan got pregnant, she would find an excuse to stay by Yanyan¡¯s side to help her through the pregnancy. After ten months, she would simply tell Sun Guohong that Yanyan had a premature birth, and this matter would simply end just like that.

    But they did not expect that the moment they arrived, they learned that Sun Guohong had gotten injured. Mother Sun saw that Sun Guohong¡¯s expression had changed for the worse after discussing his condition with the doctor. Mother Sun had then taken a lot of effort to find out about Sun Guohong¡¯s condition. At this, Mother Sun rejoiced. Sun Guohong would never be able to have a child of his own in the future. It was just as well that Yanyan¡¯s child would be left to Sun Guohong!

    Just thinking about such a shameless thing, Sun Guohong was unable to face such a situation himself. Not only had Yanyan slept with his brother before getting married to him, but she had even gotten pregnant with his brother¡¯s child! But because of a man¡¯s pride, he would not only have to bear with this adultery, but he would also have to act happy about it and acknowledge his nephew as his own son!

    Mother Sun did not say this explicitly, but Sun Guohong was no fool. Quite on the contrary, he was very intelligent and understood what his mother meant in an instant. Just thinking about how his fianc¨¦e was carrying his own brother¡¯s child made Sun Guohong suffer an even bigger blow than the news that he would never be a father.

    Moreover, he had to listen to Mother Sun chat idly about how he should hand over thepensation that he would receive from the military for this ident so that she could spend the money on his ¡®son¡¯ and nourish his ¡®son¡¯ well so that he could eventually go to university. At this, Sun Guohong finally exploded and asked Mother Sun to scram along with Sun Guoming and Yanyan.

    One had messed around with his future sister-inw, while the other had slept with her future brother-inw. Sun Guohong was utterly disgusted by the two of them.

    Sun Guoming could have been birthed by Father and Mother Sun, but he was raised on Sun Guohong¡¯s money. Yanyan was a youngdy from the neighboring vige, and her family had intended on exchanging her for her brother¡¯s marriage. However, the other party was not just an old man in histe thirties but even had a history of abuse. His first wife had not been able to withstand the abuse and hadmitted suicide by jumping into the river.

    Yanyan refused to get married to that guy and kicked up a huge fuss. When she went home during a holiday, she happened to chance upon Sun Guohong, who helped her out of that marriage. Afterward, Yanyan insisted on repaying Sun Guohong. Since her parents had taken Sun Guohong¡¯s money to get her younger brother married, she would get married to Sun Guohong.

    Compared with the man she was initially going to marry, Sun Guohong was a few years younger, better looking, and was even a soldier. At that time, Sun Guohong was already a toon leader. After that scare, someone like Sun Guohong was already a Prince Charming that the heavens had sent to her as a gift. Yanyan knew that she was not being taken advantage of by marrying Sun Guohong. On the contrary, this was even out of her reach!

    At first, Sun Guohong had not agreed to it. But what he had not expected was for his mother to organize an engagement party for Yanyan and him when he was back in the military. That was how Sun Guohong got a fianc¨¦e.

    Back in the vige, there was no much difference between engagement and marriage. If Sun Guohong insisted on not having Yanyan, there was no way for Yanyan to get married to anyone else. Whether he liked it or not, he would ruin that youngdy¡¯s reputation if he were to refuse. Now that matters had progressed to this stage, Sun Guohong had no choice but to take on this responsibility.

    After the couple got engaged, Sun Guohong would asionally send Yanyan some money so that she would have the chance to buy some books to study and so that she would not shortchange herself when it came to food. But what he did not know was that Yanyan had spent all of his money on beautifying herself. Otherwise, she would not have found herself pregnant with Sun Guoming¡¯s child.

    In short, be it Sun Guoming or Yanyan, Sun Guohong had a clear conscience. It was exactly these two people who came together and betrayed him! One could only imagine what a huge blow this was to Sun Guohong.

    What Sun Guohong could not ept the most was that these people could still say that they were young and impulsive. It was as though Mother Sun¡¯s brain was empty to think of asking Sun Guohong to acknowledge his nephew as his son and even marry Yanyan to carry this burden while he was sick!

    Of course, there was no way Sun Guohong could agree to such a ludicrous request. After chasing the three of them away, Sun Guohong gave up on himself and refused to receive any further treatment.

 Chapter 1649 - Still a Nephew, If Not a Son

    <h4>Chapter 1649: Still a Nephew, If Not a Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Sun Guohong felt as though his life was meaningless with such family members. The only one who supported him in the family was his father, but he had passed away three years ago.

    Perhaps it was because his father was no longer around that Yanyan had the chance to be with Sun Guoming. Otherwise, with his father around, Sun Guoming would never dare to be too close with his future sister-inw, let alone have a child together. If they had gotten too close, his father would have broken Sun Guoming¡¯s leg just to warn him.

    ¡°...¡± After hearing about Sun Guohong¡¯s past, Qiao Nan was speechless. ¡°I think that Sun Guohong is almost like a duplicate of me!¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Nothing has gone on between me and Qiao Zijin! In so many years, I¡¯ve not even spoken more than ten sentences to her.¡± So, how was Nan Nan like Sun Guohong? Nan Nan¡¯s words were an insult to him! No matter how poor his judgment was, he would never take a fancy to Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Nanughed dryly. She could not possibly say that Sun Guohong¡¯s situation was simr to hers in her past life, right? Ding Jiayi was biased toward her elder child, while Mother Sun was biased toward her younger one. She and Sun Guohong had both been the ones to be cast aside, the ones who had lost their opportunities to further their studies and the ones who had to use their hard-earned money to support their mother¡¯s favored child.

    The worst part was that Sun Guohong¡¯s fianc¨¦e was even carrying Sun Guoming¡¯s child! Qiao Zijin had forced Chen Jun to break up with her because she was pregnant.

    ¡°What happened afterward?¡± Qiao Nan interrupted. ¡°After the matter got to this point, what happened to that child in that woman, Yanyan¡¯s, stomach? Sun Guohong¡¯s mother could have taken care of the engagement, but there¡¯s no way a wedding could have happened without Sun Guohong around, right?¡±

    ¡°Actually, she did intend to do it without him.¡± A cold gaze shed through Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. ¡°Sun Guohong¡¯s mom had nned on organizing the wedding just as she had done for his engagement. I¡¯m sure you know that in the countryside, holding a wedding means that you¡¯re married. Sun Guohong¡¯s mom even told the vigers that Yanyan was already pregnant with Sun Guohong¡¯s child. It was just that Sun Guohong was too busy in the military to return home. There was no other choice. The Sun family could only do Yanyan this wrong and excuse Sun Guohong from his own wedding.¡±

    ¡°...¡± All right. Sun Guohong¡¯s mother was the true powerhouse! ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°Sun Guohong had probably guessed that his mother would do such a thing, so he made a call to the vige secretary. He told the secretary that he was a soldier and spent too little time at home. Because Yanyan was still young, it was expected that she would not be able to wait for him. Since Yanyan already had someone in mind and had even be pregnant with his child, he would not ask for Yanyan to return whatever money he had given to her and her family. He would just let her have her freedom, but from then on, he would have nothing to do with Yanyan. He would break off the engagement and wish Yanyan happiness in her future.¡±

    Sun Guohong¡¯s mother had organized a huge wedding party in the vige and had even told everyone that the baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was Sun Guohong¡¯s. But who would have expected that Sun Guohong would make a phone call back to say that Yanyan had not been able to wait for him and that the baby in her stomach was not his! Sun Guohong, who had been cheated on, was not even going to pursue the matter. He even wished Yanyan well!

    Of course, the vige secretary was no fool. He had been wondering about the matter because he knew that Sun Guohong was not an impulsive child. Sun Guohong was a soldier. If he wanted to get married legally, he would have to write a marriage report no matter what.

    That was how all soldiers got married. Sun Guohong could not have be so unreliable suddenly to have made such a huge mistake on this one important event in his life.

    Besides, Yanyan had only just left the vige with Mother Sun a while ago. In total, they had returned in about a month, and they were already saying that Yanyan had gotten pregnant? Even if Yanyan had gone to visit Sun Guohong with Mother Sun, could she really get pregnant so quickly and find out within a month? Did they really think that no one else had any experience of being young and having children?

    Sun Guohong had said that the baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was not his but another man¡¯s. But the strange thing was that Sun Guohong¡¯s mother had made a huge fuss the moment they returned to the vige and had even organized a wedding for the couple. She had even announced that Sun Guohong was about to be a father. This whole matter was just too strange.

    Sun Guohong was a man after all. If he was certain that the baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was not his child, there was no reason for the secretary to doubt him. But if the baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was not Sun Guohong¡¯s, why had Mother Sun forced Sun Guohong to acknowledge it?

    After thinking through and about how Mother Sun had been all smiles when talking about her grandchild in Yanyan¡¯s stomach, the secretary came up with a very frightening idea: it was his future inw¡¯s favorite son, Sun Guoming. It was because of this that he had allowed his daughter to date and get engaged to Sun Guoming.

    Initially, Sun Guohong was almost twenty-seven years old when he finally got engaged to Yanyan. Mother Sun had not even been particrly happy on the day of the engagement. That was totally unlike her behavior when Sun Guoming got engaged to his daughter. Many people hadmented that Mother Sun was over the moon, so happy that her mouth was almost crooked from smiling.

    Naturally, Mother Sun would not care for her eldest grandson if it were toe from Sun Guohong. And no one could even be certain that this was going to be a grandson. Thinking about how Sun Guoming would turn around to look at Yanyan¡¯s stomach from time to time, there was nothing that the secretary did not understand anymore. No matter how frightening his suspicions were, there was nothing as frightening as the truth.

    In an instant, the secretary¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Guohong¡¯s mom, Guohong just called me. He said that the baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is not his and that Yanyan already has someone she fancies. He¡¯s a soldier and can¡¯t spend much time with Yanyan, so he doesn¡¯t me Yanyan for falling in love with another man or even getting pregnant with that man¡¯s child. Guohong said that he¡¯ll just disregard his marriage to Yanyan and that Yanyan can get married to the child¡¯s father. He even wished Yanyan well. Guohong¡¯s mom, what are you trying to do by organizing this wedding? Are you so desperate to be a grandmother?¡±

    The secretary¡¯s words were like a bolt of out of the blue, stunning all the vigers who hade to attend the wedding. ¡°The baby in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is not Guohong¡¯s? So it¡¯s some other man¡¯s?¡±

    Yanyan, who had beenughing and smiling joyfully, immediately turned pale, and she began trembling in fear. She had never expected that Sun Guohong would never be able to father a child in his whole life but still be unwilling to ept his nephew who was in her stomach! She did not even mind that Sun Guohong was a man without any ¡®seeds¡¯, and she was even willing to marry Sun Guohong and spend her life with him.

    But Sun Guohong was so ruthless to refuse to marry her and give her baby a chance to live! He had to know that the baby in her stomach would call Sun Guohong ¡®dad¡¯ and was even Sun Guohong¡¯s biological nephew! Could Sun Guohong really bear to watch his nephew die in front of his eyes?

 Chapter 1650 - Not Going To Be Taken Advantage Of

    <h4>Chapter 1650: Not Going To Be Taken Advantage Of</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Could Sun Guohong bear to see his mom lose all dignity so much so that she would no longer be able to live in this vige?

    ¡°Secretary, why are you making such a joke on such a joyous asion? Guohong could not possibly have made such a call. Look at the vigers. They all believe what you just said.¡± Mother Sun herself got a huge shock, but she did not believe that Sun Guohong would disobey her like that.

    Since he was young, Sun Guohong had always listened to his mom. When his father was still around, Sun Guohong was most obedient to his father. Now that his father was no longer around, Sun Guohong listened well to her.

    The child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was Guohong¡¯s own nephew! There was no reason for him to dislike him. Besides, Yanyan was a fianc¨¦e that Guohong had picked out for himself. She had organized this wedding for Guohong and Yanyan without even asking for a single cent from Guohong. She was doing it for free! Guohong should be rejoicing over this. She did not believe that he would disrespect her by saying such things that would only serve to embarrass her.

    ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s not true? This is exactly what Guohong said.¡± The secretary was not blind. The moment he said those words, those of the Sun family¡¯s expressions looked strange, especially the new bride Yanyan, who was shaking and trembling. Even a blind man would be able to feel Yanyan¡¯s fear. If Yanyan did not have a guilty conscience, would she have such a reaction?

    ¡°Guohong¡¯s mom, let me ask you. If the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is not Guohong¡¯s, then whose is it? Everyone was still wondering how Yanyan managed to get pregnant with Guohong¡¯s child when you guys came back within a month of leaving. You¡¯re someone who has given birth to two children. What kind of woman can immediately find out about her pregnancy within a month? I¡¯ve calcted the timings for you, starting from the very day you guys left the vige. Based on what you¡¯ve said, you really wasted no time at all. While Yanyan was still traveling, she already got pregnant with Guohong¡¯s child? Pray tell me how Guohong managed to impregnate Yanyan. Through a dream?¡±

    Yanyan was not only one month pregnant. By the time Mother Sun found out about it, Yanyan was already two months pregnant. In addition to the month that they were away visiting Sun Guohong, Yanyan would soon be four months pregnant, and her belly would be showing.

    Because Yanyan had already been pregnant for a while, Mother Sun had intentionally made her calctions on the timings so as to make it seem as though Yanyan had only gotten pregnant after visiting Sun Guohong.

    But a lie was still a lie and could not withstand scrutiny. Once the secretary did his own calctions, the question of Yanyan¡¯s pregnancy was now out in the open.

    ¡°Let me ask you again. Whose child is that in Yanyan¡¯s stomach?¡± The secretary¡¯s expression darkened. No matter how much Mother Sun disliked Sun Guohong, she was still closer to him than Yanyan was. Not only was Sun Guohong Mother Sun¡¯s biological son, but it was also only because of Sun Guohong that the Sun family¡¯s life had improved drastically over the years. It was Sun Guohong¡¯s sry that had sustained them all these years. Yanyan¡¯s existence was just an additional cost to Sun Guohong.

    Even knowing that the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was not Sun Guohong¡¯s, Mother Sun was still able to joyfully organize a wedding for Yanyan, and even address the child in her stomach as her eldest grandson! The only possibility was that the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was indeed Mother Sun¡¯s grandson, but the child¡¯s father was Sun Guoming!

    The secretary thought about how Sun Guoming had already gotten engaged with his daughter, but Sun Guoming had done something to wrong his daughter even before their marriage. Sun Guoming had not only gotten into an affair with his own sister-inw but had also gotten her pregnant, and he was even trying to push the me to Sun Guohong! At this, the secretary was incensed. ¡°All the vigers heard your previous words. The child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is your eldest grandson. I don¡¯t know about anything else, and neither will I ask. Today, I¡¯ll end with this. Let¡¯s call off the engagement between our Nier and Sun Guoming. When the two of them got engaged, we received quite a lot of things from you. We¡¯ll return every single item to you.¡±

    With that said, the secretary left in a huff.

    If anything were to happen in the vige in the future, Mother Sun would never get to take advantage of her status as his inw. What a joke! The only normal one in the Sun family was their son, Guohong. Unfortunately, Old Sun had died early. Otherwise, Old Sun could still take control and rein in this mess of a family.

    ¡°No, secretary. Listen to me. This is a misunderstanding. It¡¯s all a misunderstanding. The child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is really Guohong¡¯s! Guoming has such a great rtionship with your Nier. It¡¯s too much of a pity to separate the two of them. Besides, they¡¯re already getting married next year. How can you make them break up now? I don¡¯t agree! It¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s just a misunderstanding! Secretary, don¡¯t listen to Sun Guohong¡¯s nonsense. He¡¯s just being a brat. He dared to do it but he doesn¡¯t dare to admit to it. That child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach is really Sun Guohong¡¯s!¡±

    Mother Sun was angry and anxious all at the same time, and she ran after the secretary. How could she just let Sun Guoming¡¯s secretary father-inw run off just like that?

    Mother Sun knew that Sun Guoming¡¯s health was not as good as Sun Guohong¡¯s ever since he was young. As such, she wanted Sun Guohong to take good care of Sun Guoming. But it would all depend on Sun Guohong¡¯s conscience as to how much he would take care of his younger brother when she was gone.

    So instead of relying on others, she decided to do something on her own. There was no way she could bear to let Sun Guoming join the military like Sun Guohong. As for doing something else, Sun Guoming¡¯s academic results had never been ster and could not evenpare to Sun Guohong¡¯s in the past. Since he was talented in neither literary nor military aspects, the only thing that Sun Guoming could show was his literacy. In a vige with a whole bunch of illiterates, Sun Guohong was considered to be highly educated.

    Mother Sun had the idea that Sun Guoming could ride on Sun Guohong¡¯surels and be a party cadre in the vige. Then, even when she was gone and even if Sun Guohong only took care of his own family, Sun Guoming¡¯s life would not be too bad either.

    Coincidentally, the Sun family had caught the eye of the secretary, who had a daughter, and the two young ones had clicked immediately. The secretary was not young and would retire in a few years¡¯ time. Mother Sun knew that as long as the secretary was willing to take on her son and help out, her son would inherit the position of secretary in the vige.

    Who cared whether the vigers had to vote? The vigers all trusted in the secretary. As long as the secretary backed Sun Guoming up and vouched for him as a goodrade, there was no way the vigers would oppose or not pick Sun Guoming as their next secretary.

    But now, if Sun Guoming¡¯s marriage with the secretary¡¯s daughter were to fall through, then Mother Sun¡¯s efforts would all be in vain, and her n would fail. Without the secretary as a father-inw, there was no way Sun Guoming would join the core leadership of the vige with his own capabilities, let alone be the secretary.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that!¡± The secretary was annoyed by Mother Sun. Thankfully, Guohong was honest and did not think that his family¡¯s dirty linen should not be aired in public. Otherwise, his daughter, Nier, might even get married to Sun Guoming and give birth to his child before finally finding out that Yanyan¡¯s child was actually Sun Guoming¡¯s as well. If that day were toe, their family would have no choice but to ept it. The more infuriating part was that Sun Guoming would still be his son-inw and his grandchild¡¯s father. And because of that, he would have no choice but to support Sun Guoming and help him rise up to hold the secretarial position.

 Chapter 1651 - Capable

    <h4>Chapter 1651: Capable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Just the thought of that possibility utterly disgusted the secretary.

    In an instant, the secretary understood that Sun Guohong had intentionally made a call to him to remind him to not be cheated by Sun Guoming and Mother Sun. ¡°I¡¯m reminding you that our Guohong is not just an ordinary person. He¡¯s a soldier. Soldiers¡¯ marriages are not recognized legally just because you¡¯ve organized a wedding in the vige. Besides, Guohong himself didn¡¯t even turn up for this wedding! Our society isn¡¯t like before. You can¡¯t get married just like that. Even after today¡¯s wedding, Yanyan will have nothing to do with Guohong, and neither will she be part of Guohong¡¯s family. Guohong¡¯s household register is no longer under the vige. Before Old Sun left, he already set up an individual household register for Guohong. Once Guohong finds someone that he likes and is suitable, he can get married to her.¡±

    Apart from wasting money, there was nothing to gain from this wedding that Mother Sun had organized.

    Thinking about how materialistic Mother Sun was, the vigers did not bother to give them any red packets for the wedding. There was no choice. Sun Guohong had not returned for this wedding. Besides, Mother Sun had said that they would hold another wedding when Sun Guohong took time off to return to the vige. It was just that they could not put the wedding off any longer due to Yanyan¡¯s baby.

    So as to give Yanyan and her baby a proper status, they had to settle for a simple wedding without Sun Guohong present.

    Even though they did not receive any red packets, Mother Sun had spent quite a sum of money on a good spread of fish and meat at the wedding. At the thought of Mother Sun¡¯s loss from organizing this wedding, the secretary was a little happy. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not going to waste any more time on you. I have to tell Nier to pack her things and return all the things that Sun Guoming has given her.¡±

    After that, the secretary paid no heed to Mother Sun and rushed home angrily. He then instructed his wife to find everything that the Sun family had sent them so as to return them all to the Sun family. They would return whatever his daughter had received from Sun Guoming if they could. For the things that they had already used, they would use money to offset it.

    The moment the secretary¡¯s wife and daughter learned that the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was definitely not Sun Guohong¡¯s, and could even be Sun Guoming¡¯s, they were both stunned and flushed with anger. ¡°The Sun family is such a bully! How can they do such shameless things? Call it off! We have to call this marriage off! It¡¯s not as though our daughter won¡¯t be able to get married. In the first ce, I wasn¡¯t even happy with Sun Guoming bing my son-inw. He¡¯s not worthy of our daughter! No matter how outstanding Sun Guohong is, Sun Guoming can¡¯t be Sun Guohong!¡±

    It was true that Sun Guohong was much older than Sun Guoming, but he would much rather let his daughter marry Sun Guohong than have a son-inw like Sun Guoming. Who would have known that Sun Guoming was even worse and even more shameless than everyone had expected? ¡°Nier, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s good that we found out about this early. If we only found out after you married into the family, we would really have to cry then. You¡¯re still young, and our family background is good. You won¡¯t have to worry about finding someone better than Sun Guoming. I¡¯ll tell you what. I¡¯ll get a few guys back for you to choose from.¡±

    The secretary¡¯s wife was a very decisive person. Once she made a decision, she did not hesitate for even just a moment and immediately took out all the things that the Sun family had given them. The secretary¡¯s daughter did not feel much for Sun Guoming either. It was just her father who felt that Sun Guohong was sure to make a name for himself in the future. After his daughter, Nier, married Sun Guoming and had a child, her child would have a powerful and intelligent uncle like Sun Guohong. Then, that child would be destined to be much more capable than his grandfather.

 Chapter 1652 - Not Going To Be a Solider Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 1652 : Not Going To Be a Solider Anymore</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After knowing that she and Sun Guoming were an unmarried couple, he even entangled himself with another woman, who was his future sister-inw. The secretary¡¯s daughter felt hurt and disgusted. She insisted on backing out from the marriage without a word.

    Backing out from the marriage would worsen her reputation. However, if she continued to be with such a man, she was afraid that she would lose more face then if Sun Guoming created more trouble in the future and did something more embarrassing.

    The secretary¡¯s family moved so quickly that before Mother Sun and Sun Guoming could think of ways to salvage the situation, the dowry they had sent to the secretary¡¯s family before was all returned. ¡°In the future, Sun Guoming has nothing to do with our Nier. It¡¯s none of their business who they choose to marry. Also, I warn you. We have already backed out from the marriage. Everything that belonged to you is already here. If anyone dares to say that you are rted to our Nier or badmouth her, don¡¯t me me for being rude!¡±

    Specify terms clearly at first and use a good deal of courtesyter.

    Mother Sun was so perverse that she said Sun Guoming¡¯s child was Sun Guohong¡¯s. When Sun Guohong wasn¡¯t at home, she even held Sun Guohong¡¯s and Yanyan¡¯s wedding banquet secretly, just like how it was that year when Sun Guohong got engaged.

    How was this a birth mother? Even a bandit wasn¡¯t as formidable as Mother Sun.

    Mother Sun had already treated her birth son this way. Would the secretary expect Mother Sun to show mercy to his daughter? The secretary knew it clearly in his heart what Mother Sun was up to.

    He didn¡¯t have a son. Even if Nier didn¡¯t get engaged with Sun Guoming, on ount of Sun Guohong, he had wondered if he should give Sun Guoming a chance. After that, the two of them would be inws. The secretary no longer had other thoughts about Sun Guoming. Mother Sun had also set her sights on this. It was a good phenomenon for both families to be working together.

    However, it was definitely impossible for the secretary to help Sun Guoming now. Moreover, he had to guard against Mother Sun from doing shameless things, ruining his daughter¡¯s reputation, and forcing his daughter to get married to Sun Guoming.

    The secretary smiled coldly. It was already the 21st century now. To put it bluntly, if Sun Guoming dared to force himself on his Nier, he would sue Sun Guoming and make him go to jail! He had already sorted out his thoughts even in this aspect. What other ways could Mother Sun and Sun Guominge up with to force him tomit a crime?

    ¡°Inw, no. It¡¯s really a misunderstanding. Don¡¯t listen to Guohong¡¯s nonsense. Who else could the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach be if not his? You can¡¯t let Guoming take the rap for Guohong. Guohong was the one who created this trouble. You have to know that Guoming is about to be your son-inw soon. Why didn¡¯t you believe Guoming? Why believe the words of an outsider like Guohong?¡± Mother Sun was about to cry. This was such a good marriage.

    One had to be realistic. It was already enough that Guoming could be the vige secretary. However, without a powerful father-inw, Guoming¡¯s ns of being a secretary could be considered to bepletely ruined.

    No. Absolutely no. She couldn¡¯t let Guoming¡¯s bright future be ruined just like that. ¡°Secretary, can you let me exin this to you?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± The secretary fell out with her. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before. I don¡¯t care which son of yours is the father of the child your daughter-inw is pregnant with. This is your family¡¯s affair. You just need to know it yourself. I¡¯m just an outsider. Why do I want to know so much? Don¡¯t call me inw anymore. Our family will not agree to this.¡±

    Without a doubt, the marriage between Sun Guoming and the secretary¡¯s daughter was unsessful. Mother Sun didn¡¯t have the ability to turn the tide.

    The secretary was willing to let his daughter marry Sun Guoming because he had a sessful brother, Sun Guohong. Now that he knew that Sun Guoming had done something sorry to Sun Guohong, as a man, the secretary understood that the rtionship between the two men would be broken.

    No one would have been able to ept such a matter.

    With a brother like Sun Guoming and a mother like Mother Sun, Sun Guohong was really unlucky.

    The secretary was right. Ever since that incident, Sun Guohong no longer contacted anyone from the Sun family. That was not it. In the past, Sun Guohong would not keep a single cent of the allowance he earned in the army. Instead, he would send all of it back to Mother Sun. With this amount of money, Mother Sun was able to build a three-story building for Sun Guoming in the vige.

    Sun Guohong no longer sent any allowance home. Sun Guoming¡¯s work was easy and he didn¡¯t earn a lot of money. He didn¡¯t have enough money to spend on himself, let alone providing for the family. The Sun family¡¯s days became difficult. It really wasn¡¯t easy to lead a life without money.

    Without Sun Guohong¡¯s allowance, the Sun family immediately had a lot of difficulties to cope with. With everything happening at once, Mother Sun, who was in a sorry plight, threw a huge tantrum. She cursed and swore at Sun Guohong before contacting him in the army. She wanted to urge Sun Guohong to send money back home quickly. Not a single cent could be missed from the two months that he didn¡¯t send back any money.

    There were a lot of expenses. Now, they had to feed Yanyan as well. Yanyan was Sun Guohong¡¯s wife. The son Yanyan was pregnant with didn¡¯t belong to Sun Guohong. If Sun Guohong didn¡¯t provide for this family, then who would?

    Mother Sun thought of a hundred reasons that could force Sun Guohong to resend allowance to her in her heart. However, they weren¡¯t as powerful as the words the people in the army told her. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re looking for Commander Sun? How are you rted to him? Oh, it¡¯s auntie. That¡¯s strange. Commander Sun is no longer a soldier. He left the army two months ago. Hasn¡¯t he returned home?¡± Even if he was walking, he should have walked home by now, right?

    ¡°What? He¡¯s no longer a soldier? How could that be? Could it be that the army no longer wants him now that he has suffered some injuries?¡± Mother Sun was shocked. ¡°How can the army do something like this? Didn¡¯t he get injured because of you? His injuries have recovered and they don¡¯t affect his movement now. On what basis do you not want him anymore and chased him out of the army?¡±

    The monthly allowance that the country gave to its soldiers was quite a huge amount. It was enough to let her build a building in her hometown. Most importantly, Sun Guohong stayed in the army every day. The army had provided for all his needs. Even if he had money, there was nowhere for him to spend. As such, Sun Guohong sent all his monthly allowance back home to her.

    Thus, Mother Sun was really reluctant to lose the money the army provided. If it was possible, she really hoped that Sun Guohong would be a solider forever. That way, the money which Sun Guohong had nowhere to spend on could all be given to Sun Guoming and provide him for life.

    The other party could neitherugh nor cry. He didn¡¯t exin much to Mother Sun either. ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken. Commander Sun was the one who wanted to leave. It¡¯s naturally impossible for the army not to want Commander Sun. After all, Commander Sun is a very outstanding soldier.¡±

 Chapter 1653 - Called Off

    <h4>Chapter 1653: Called Off</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Left on his own?

    Mother Sun¡¯s expression darkened. What a scoundrel! ¡°Then, do you know where he went? How about his address? Do you have a way to contact him? I need to contact him urgently. I... I¡¯m sick with a very serious illness. I¡¯m going to die soon. If he doesn¡¯t contact me, I might not even get to meet him for thest time before I die!¡±

    From Mother Sun¡¯s tone that was full of vigor, it was hard for Madam Fang to believe that she was about to die from an illness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. When Commander Sun left, he didn¡¯t leave any contact details. I don¡¯t know where Commander Sun is either. I¡¯m sorry. Someone else is calling me. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Why did Sun Guohong leave the military at that time?¡± Qiao Nan lifted up her head to look at Zhai Sheng. ¡°You probably couldn¡¯t bear to let him leave either, right? You put so much effort into cultivating him into apanymander. It would have been a huge loss if he were just to leave like that.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Zhai Sheng sighed. He had indeed put in a lot of effort in grooming Sun Guohong into apanymander. ¡°Sun Guohong had a chat with me, and I agreed with Sun Guohong. As a soldier, he represented the military. With his mom around, his mom would continuously make unreasonable requests. To protect the military, Sun Guohong had no grounds to reject his mom. Otherwise, Mother Sun might even nder the military by saying that Chinese soldiers don¡¯t care for the elderly and are even willing to let their younger brothers die, while the soldiers themselves lead good lives. It¡¯s just that Sun Guohong was no longer willing to unreservedly send his sry back home anymore. He felt too aggrieved to do so.¡±

    Now that Sun Guohong¡¯s mentality had changed, he was afraid that he would no longer be able to remain calm and collected whilepleting his mission and protecting the country even if he were to stay on in the military. After much hesitation, Sun Guohong finally made the decision to leave the military, giving up his career as a soldier that he was so passionate about.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know what line of work Sun Guohong is in now. Only after he stabilized his career did he continue sending money back to the Sun family. But what was different from the past was that he was now only willing to send his mother¡¯s share back home. In the countryside, the Sun family could grow their own rice and vegetables. Since they wouldn¡¯t spend much, Sun Guohong did not give much money either.¡±

    But the difference was that Sun Guohong was earning much more than he did in the military now that he was a private detective with his ownpany. He earned more but gave his family less. Thankfully, Mother Sun and the Sun family did not know about this. Otherwise, Mother Sun would definitely fly into a rage.

    ¡°But Mother Sun had really fallen ill and had even been hospitalized. Mother Sun had not yet found a way to contact Sun Guohong, but Sun Guohong had already paid off her hospital bills in advance!¡± That was Sun Guohong¡¯s limit.

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°What if Mother Sun used the money meant for her hospital bills on Sun Guoming? What if she was hospitalized again in the next few days? What would happen then?¡± Ding Jiayi had done this to her in the past.

    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Zhai Sheng couldugh with great ease. Obviously, this situation had not baffled Sun Guohong. ¡°Sun Guohong had already forked out money for Mother Sun¡¯s hospitalization. If Mother Sun were to get hospitalized again, Sun Guohong would wash his hands off the matter. Sun Guohong had already helped out. How could he let Mother Sun ask for limitless ess to money just because she fell sick just this once?¡±

    It had to be said that without the burden of a soldier¡¯s status, Sun Guohong no longer restrained himself in getting back at Mother Sun. He could even swear that he had done nothing wrong and thus had a clear conscience.

    Mother Sun was really ill, and the family did not have much money. Once Sun Guohong hardened his attitude, Mother Sun had no other choice unless she was willing to endure the torturous pain until she died. So Mother Sun had no choice but to return that money so as to treat her illness.

    Afterward, Mother Sun tried to extract money from Sun Guohong once again. Thest time, Mother Sun had indeed been sick. But this time, Mother Sun was only faking it. She insisted on being hospitalized for a mere cold just because it would cost more to stay in the hospital.

    She was thinking of immediately withdrawing the money once Sun Guohong transferred it to her. It was just a cold after all. She could simply treat it with any over-the-counter medications that would cost less than a hundred yuan.

    But who would have known that the very day that Mother Sun was warded in the hospital, someone passed a hundred yuan note to Mother Sun, saying that someone had asked her to pass it on to her?

    At first, Mother Sun was confused and wondered who could have given her this hundred yuan. But until the second day of her hospitalization, she had not yet heard any news of Sun Guohong transferring money for her hospital bills over to her. It was then that Mother Sun suddenly realized that this hundred yuan was from Sun Guohong. It was meant for her to seek treatment for her cold.

    Right then and there, Mother Sun broke out in tears. It was only a hundred yuan. It would not even be enough to pay for her hospital bills, let alone buy extra medications for her cold. In the end, Sun Guoming had to fork out a part of his sry to pay for Mother Sun¡¯s hospital bills before Mother Sun was able to leave the hospital.

    After this happened twice, Mother Sun finally learned her lesson and did not dare to risk her own health to ask Sun Guohong for any more money. She knew that Sun Guohong would not be deceived. Even though he had not appeared in front of her for a few years, he must be watching from afar and know about her situation like the back of his hand.

    So there was no way that she could ever sessfully deceive Sun Guohong, and neither could she cheat Sun Guohong of his money. If Mother Sun were to continue with her antics, what she would sacrifice was not Sun Guohong¡¯s money but Sun Guoming¡¯s.

    ¡°Smart.¡± Qiao Nan gave him a thumbs-up. It was only because she had been reincarnated that she had thought of ways to deal with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. As a native, Sun Guohong was much smarter than her by not being calctive about the past. But when Sun Guohong finally came to a realization, the Sun family was no longer able to take advantage of Sun Guohong. ¡°What about that child? Since his marriage to the secretary¡¯s daughter was called off and that child was Sun Guoming¡¯s, could Mother Sun bear to give up her eldest grandchild?¡±

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s back and stroked it. ¡°It can be said that Mother Sun¡¯s wish came true. You could tell from just one look that Sun Guohong¡¯s fianc¨¦e was a very scheming person. If she had not coaxed Mother Sun at that time, there was no way she could have had the chance to be Sun Guohong¡¯s fianc¨¦e.¡±

    ¡°She lived in the vige and thus knew that Sun Guohong was the most promising person in the Sun family, but the one who was most favored was Sun Guoming. Mother Sun had taken all of Sun Guohong¡¯s hard-earned money and used it all on Sun Guoming. She had even constructed a house for Sun Guoming, and that house was under Sun Guoming¡¯s name. She refused to let her husband¡¯s hard-earned money go to supporting someone else¡¯s husband. That was why she plotted such a scheme to get into a rtionship with Sun Guoming. She clearly had other ns in mind.¡±

 Chapter 1654 - Second Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 1654: Second Rtionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°She was intending on letting Sun Guohong support her entire family, including her, her husband, and their children.¡±

    But what that woman had not expected was that Mother Sun was even more scheming than she was! Mother Sun already had her eyes on the secretary¡¯s daughter as her younger daughter-inw.

    Unfortunately, when Sun Guoming and the secretary¡¯s daughter got engaged, she was already Sun Guoming¡¯s woman. Since that was a fact that could not be altered, that woman chose to stay with Sun Guoming. That way, Mother Sun would take better care of her too. She even had a joke whenever she saw Mother Sun. After all, Sun Guoming was Mother Sun¡¯s favorite son, and he even constantly reminded Mother Sun that Yanyan was a good youngdy.

    It was not until Yanyan got pregnant with Sun Guoming¡¯s child did Mother Sun find out about the rtionship between her elder daughter-inw and her younger son.

    ¡°Even after the marriage between Sun Guoming and the secretary¡¯s daughter was called off, Mother Sun was unwilling to let the matter slide. She felt that she had already found the first, so she would definitely be able to find a second one. Anyway, she had already organized a wedding for Yanyan and Sun Guohong, so Yanyan was her elder daughter-inw. Naturally, she would be able to find an even better younger daughter-inw for Sun Guoming. Unfortunately, the news had already spread like wildfire, and every single youngdy whom Mother Sun had her eyes on already knew that the child in Yanyan¡¯s stomach was not Sun Guohong¡¯s but Sun Guoming¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan understood that Mother Sun still wanted to find Sun Guoming a bride who had a better family background and whose family could give Sun Guoming a helping hand, but this was now impossible. Ordinary youngdies were not even willing to go for a blind date with Sun Guoming, let alone those youngdies with good family backgrounds.

    He had once enjoyed a glorious past as the secretary¡¯s son-inw, but now, no decent youngdy was even willing to meet with him. In short, there was no one else Sun Guoming could marry but Yanyan. The only youngdy who was willing to put aside everything to meet Sun Guoming was Yanyan alone. ¡°So that¡¯s to say that Yanyan eventually gave birth to a son and Mother Sun really got a grandson?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°So Sun Guoming married Yanyan?¡± That was quite a good ending. A bast*rd with a wh*re. It was not that Qiao Nan wanted to put Yanyan down, but Yanyan had really done some downright despicable things. Without Sun Guohong¡¯s assistance, she would have married an abusive old man long ago. Sun Guohong had simply done a good deed, but Yanyan firmly clung on to him. And that was how Sun Guohong decided to take on the responsibility and marry her. But Yanyan did not cherish such a good man like Sun Guohong, and she even got together with Sun Guoming...

    Toward such a woman, Qiao Nan could not, in good conscience, give her a ¡®good rating¡¯.

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Sun Guoming¡¯s son should be around ten years old, but this is Sun Guoming¡¯s first marriage.¡±

    ¡°??¡± Two question marks appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. How about Yanyan? If the child was around, then what about his mother?¡±

    ¡°She ran away right after giving birth.¡± Because Sun Guohong had stopped sending money back to his family for three to four months, the Sun family could no longer afford their own expenses. Mother Sun favored Sun Guoming, so it was all right for Sun Guoming to have a job with a low sry as long as it wasfortable and easy for him. But with Sun Guohong¡¯s allowance in the past, Sun Guoming¡¯s monthly expenses exceeded twice of his own sry!

    Without Sun Guohong¡¯s allowance, the Sun family¡¯s lifestyle underwent a drastic change. With no good life in sight, there was no way that woman would have suffered and stayed on in the Sun family or even get married to Sun Guoming. What she valued was Sun Guohong¡¯s money after all.

    Even if she were to be Sun Guoming¡¯s wife, she would not get to touch a single cent of Sun Guohong¡¯s money. And so, the Sun family was no longer attractive to that woman. After toiling for eight months in the Sun family, she immediately disappeared with no trace after giving birth and serving her confinement period. Sun Guoming did not have a wife, but he did notck a son anymore.

    After listening to Sun Guohong¡¯s story, Qiao Nan could not help but yawn. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take care of Sun Guohong¡¯s matter. I can tell that Senior Xu actually likes Sun Guohong, and Ling Ling has already epted Sun Guohong as well. The only troublesome part is Senior Xu¡¯s parents.¡± Both of them had once been hurt in their rtionships. Because of this, they would probably cherish each other and their family even more after getting together.

    ¡°Go to sleep.¡± Zhai Sheng covered the nket over Qiao Nan. He knew that as long as Qiao Nan agreed to this matter, Sun Guohong would definitely be able to get married by the end of this year. Xu Shengnan got along well with Qiao Nan, and Father and Mother Xu had always treated Qiao Nan as Xu Shengnan and the Xu family¡¯s benefactor. If Qiao Nan were to interfere in the matter, Father and Mother Xu would never reject Sun Guohong as a son-inw.

    Having finally settled the matter of Sun Guohong¡¯s marriage, Zhai Sheng was quite happy. He had so many soldiers under him, but Sun Guohong was probably the most pitiful. At that time, if that incident between Sun Guoming and Yanyan had not happened, Sun Guohong would probably have stayed on loyally in the military and devoted his life to being a soldier, even if his mother was a little overbearing.

    He was ountable to the country and its people, but Sun Guohong himself was betrayed by his closest kin. Thinking about how Sun Guohong was finally getting a new lease of life at the age of forty, Zhai Sheng was immensely grateful. Thankfully, he had met Nan Nan early and had formed a happy andplete family with Nan Nan.

    Staying alone until the age of forty and enduring another decade before getting married seemed like such a lonely life to lead.

    Zhai Sheng felt that he was getting old and felt sorry, and even fearful, about whatever Sun Guohong had experienced throughout the years. Thankfully, he was much luckier than Sun Guohong. Early on in his life, he had met the right one and had even written the best ending possible.

    Father and Mother Xu did not understand Sun Guohong, but neither did they want to. But once Qiao Nan appeared, the standstill between Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong was finally broken and changed for the better. But that was all Qiao Nan was going to do for Sun Guohong. She just hoped that Father and Mother Xu would give Sun Guohong a chance to introduce himself and that they would be more willing to try to get to know Sun Guohong better.

    If Father and Mother Xu still felt that Sun Guohong was unsuitable as Xu Shengnan¡¯s husband and Ling Ling¡¯s stepfather after all these, Qiao Nan expressed that she would not interfere in whatever followed. Neither would she try to persuade Father and Mother Xu.

    But Sun Guohong was a good man after all. What hecked was an opportunity to show himself off in front of Father and Mother Xu. If Sun Guohong was not desperate to have a family of his own with Xu Shengnan, he could probably get it done in two or three years with his own capability.

    But the problem was that both Sun Guohong and Xu Shengnan were in their forties. They did not have two to three years to spare. Otherwise, they would not have set their wedding date to be three monthster aftering to a mutual understanding. Qiao Nan¡¯s presence gave Sun Guohong this opportunity to rapidly move Father and Mother Xu.

    As one could imagine, on the day he got married to Xu Shengnan, he sincerely gave a red packet of a significant sum to Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1655 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 1655: Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, to Qiao Nan nowadays, she had no feelings no matter how much money was in Sun Guohong¡¯s red packet. It was simply because she knew how to earn money well.

    After epting Sun Guohong sincerely, the more Xu Shengnan¡¯s parents looked at Sun Guohong, the more satisfied they felt about him being their son-inw. They felt that he was so much better than Fang Shiyou. Thankfully, they didn¡¯t miss out on such a good son-inw and didn¡¯t let Xu Shengnan miss out on such a good man.

    Indeed, Qiao Nan was their daughter¡¯s greatest blessing in this lifetime. Even if something was initially bad, it would eventually turn into something good after their daughter met Qiao Nan.

    After Fang Shiyou received news that Xu Shengnan was now married to Sun Guohong, he couldn¡¯t ept it at all. He initially wanted to kick up a fuss in the Xu family such that they wouldn¡¯t dare to let Xu Shengnan marry Sun Guohong.

    Thankfully, the Xu family was long prepared. When Fang Shiyou came running to the Xu family as if he was looking for his enemy, he couldn¡¯t even enter the main gate of themunity, let alone kick up a fuss. The security officer had blocked his way at the door.

    Before Xu Shengnan officially married Sun Guohong, Fang Shiyou had tried all means. He even made a trip to Xu Lingling¡¯s school, wanting to persuade her to stop Xu Shengnan from getting married. He didn¡¯t believe that he would be the only one who was unhappy and unwilling to agree to Xu Shengnan marrying Sun Guohong.

    Xu Lingling¡¯s reaction should be stronger than his. From then on, there would be another person in the Xu family, and Xu Shengnan would no longer belong to Xu Lingling alone. He was different. He was Xu Lingling¡¯s birth father. As long as he remarried Xu Shengnan, their family would be reunited. As long as Xu Lingling stood on his side, he believed that he stood a chance of sess.

    In the beginning, Xu Lingling didn¡¯t n to see Fang Shiyou. However, upon thinking that her mother was about to get married, she hoped that Fang Shiyou would also find another partner seriously and not disturb her and her mother¡¯s lives from then on.

    After her mother married Father Sun, she felt that Father Sun would definitely not be happy if he saw her fathering over to find her mother often.

    What Xu Lingling didn¡¯t expect was that before she could say her words of persuasion, Fang Shiyou¡¯s words stunned her and she nearly couldn¡¯t answer him. ¡°Dad, after saying so much, do you mean for me tomit suicide so that I can force my mother not to get married?¡±

    ¡°Silly child. I¡¯ve already said that it¡¯s a fake suicide, not a real one. You¡¯re my only daughter. Can I really let you die? However, your mother is about to get married to that man. Aside from this method, I can¡¯t think of any other ways. Don¡¯t worry. Nothing will happen to you. At most, you will suffer minor injuries. If you don¡¯t get injured, your mother would take it as you lying to her, and she wouldn¡¯t take your words seriously. Ling Ling, for the sake of our happiness, this little pain is worth it. Don¡¯t worry. When your mother agrees to remarry me and dumps that man surnamed Sun, I will definitely make it up to you. When that happens, I¡¯ll give you the house that your grandparents are living in as a dowry. I guarantee that when you get married in the future, your inws wouldn¡¯t dare to belittle you.¡±

    There were three houses anyway. He would definitely feel the pinch for giving one to Ling Ling as dowry. However, no pain, no gain. He had two houses left anyway. He would leave them to his and Xu Shengnan¡¯s son.

    This time, if he had the opportunity to remarry Xu Shengnan, he promised not to be promiscuous in the future and do anything sorry to Xu Shengnan. He would lead a good and honest life with Xu Shengnan. Compared to those women outside, Xu Shengnan was so much better. With such a good wife like Xu Shengnan, he should count his blessings.

    Xu Lingling smiled. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. After Mom marries Uncle Sun, the house that grandpa and grandma are living in and our current house would all belong to me. Uncle Sun said that if there¡¯s a need, he can give me another house. Dad, you should leave your house for yourself. Indeed, it has nothing much to do with me. As for the dowry for my future marriage, Uncle Sun has already considered this for me. You don¡¯t have to bother yourself with it.¡±

    Even if her mother didn¡¯t have a husband, she would have two houses at least. If her father remarried her mother, the number of houses she had would be less. Even if she had never looked at the topic of whether her mother should remarry because of the number of houses she would receive, Xu Lingling couldn¡¯t help but feel disappointed when she heard her father say this.

    It turned out that only a son and a house was in the mind of her birth father. ¡°Dad, the reason why I came here to see you today is to tell you that Mom has already found her happiness, and I hope you can too. I know that the little boy that auntie previously gave birth to had nothing to do with you. I didn¡¯t grow up with you by my side as well. Since you¡¯re still young, quickly go and find a woman who¡¯s good to you, marry her, then try for another child.¡±

    After her father had another child, he could basically treat her as dead.

    However, even if her father didn¡¯t have another child, he could simrly treat her as dead. Anyway, in her heart, her birth father had the image of death. Well, a ¡®dead¡¯ father and a ¡®dead¡¯ daughter were fine, then. No one owed anyone.

    It was enough that she had such a father. If he came to look for her in the future, she wouldn¡¯t appear nine out of ten times.

    After saying this sentence, Xu Lingling ced a hundred yuan note on the table. ¡°Dad, we didn¡¯t get to have a lot of time to interact with each other. However, that¡¯s fine. The money herees from the pocket money Uncle Sun gave me. Even though I didn¡¯t earn this, make do with it first. I¡¯ll treat you to this cup of milk tea today.¡±

    Her birth father had spent money on women outside. However, her stepfather gave her quite a bit of money such that she didn¡¯t have to worry about money at all. If all the stepfathers in this world were as good as Uncle Sun, then those with a ¡®step¡¯ in their names wouldn¡¯t be a synonym for bad people. In their family, this stepfather was so much better than the birth father.

    ¡°You...¡± Fang Shiyou was so angry his face turned green. ¡°Are you really prepared to watch your mother marry another man? Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m your birth father. You have no conscience at all. No wonder I didn¡¯t like you since you were young. It¡¯s also for your own good that I disagree to your mother marrying another man. The man surnamed Sun looks like he¡¯s not short of money. If he really wanted to get married, he could have married anyone. Why did he fancy your mother?? Are you sure that the man surnamed Sun wanted to marry your mother and not you? Do you really think that it¡¯s good for an unrted man in the family to give you some money?¡±

    Fang Shiyou¡¯s words became more overboard and unkind. Xu Lingling was so angry that her face turned red.

 Chapter 1656 - At Stake

    <h4>Chapter 1656: At Stake</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Because she understood that Fang Shiyou¡¯s words were not just unpleasant, but they were also insulting. ¡°Humph! Just based on your words, I think Uncle Sun is a hundred times better than you are. Maybe even a thousand times! Uncle Sun treats me like his own birth daughter, and I often take myself to be Uncle Sun¡¯s daughter too! I guess you don¡¯t know that I was the one who persuaded Mom to get married to Uncle Sun when she was still hesitating. I even told Mom that she would regret it for her whole life if she were to miss out on Uncle Sun. That was why Mom agreed to Uncle Sun¡¯s proposal!¡±

    Since Fang Shiyou¡¯s words were already so unpleasant, Xu Ling Ling did not mind speaking her mind and being direct either.

    She was not an ignorant three-year-old toddler who would be deceived by Fang Shiyou¡¯s lies. She had eyes to see for herself as to whether Sun Guohong was a good guy or a bad guy. She could feel it too. At the very least, she did not feel anything bad about Sun Guohong. On the other hand, her birth father, Fang Shiyou, had made her feel utterly disgusted with his words today.

    She found it hard to believe that those words were spoken by a father to his underage biological daughter! He was perverted!

    With these provoking words aimed at Fang Shiyou, Xu Ling Ling raised her chin and walked away proudly. Fang Shiyou still wanted to scold her and even wanted to chase after Xu Ling Ling, pull on her hair, and ask if she had gone mad.

    It turned out that Xu Shengnan had not agreed at first, but it was because of Xu Ling Ling¡¯s help that Sun Guohong had finally seeded in proposing to Xu Shengnan. Upon learning of this fact, Fang Shiyou suffered a huge blow and felt that he had raised his daughter for nothing. Whose daughter was Xu Ling Ling? Whose side was she on?

    This was incredulous and ridiculous!

    But when Fang Shiyou saw the hundred yuan that Xu Ling Ling had thrown onto the table, he refused to leave. The two cups of milk tea probably cost only fifty yuan, so there would be half of that hundred yuan left. He did not want to let the waiter take that change.

    And so, Fang Shiyou sat down patiently and instructed the waiter to get him his change quickly. His time was tight. After he was done here, he still had to take care of matters elsewhere. As he said that, Fang Shiyou stretched out his neck and gazed in Xu Ling Ling¡¯s direction. Now, the only one who could change Xu Shengnan¡¯s mind about marrying Sun Guohong was Xu Ling Ling alone.

    His daughter now favored an outsider over him, so he would have to find a way to pull his daughter back to his side and make her stand on his side before the two of them got married.

    Unfortunately, in order to get his change of fifty yuan, Fang Shiyou never got a second chance to interact with Xu Ling Ling alone until the day of Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong¡¯s wedding.

    Upon finding out that the two of them had already registered their marriage legally and were now recognized as man and wife in the People¡¯s Republic of China, Fang Shiyou was so taken aback that he finished off a pack of beer all by himself. He got himself drunk with no apparent reason and howled at the moon, cursing and swearing that Xu Shengnan was a liar who had cheated on him. When the two of them got married, Xu Shengnan had sworn that she would never leave nor forsake him until the moment their lives ended.

    He would still have many more years to live, but Xu Shengnan had taken some other man¡¯s hand and stepped into the church for the second time. She hadpletely forgotten about his existence and their past together. Could it be that Xu Shengnan had not meant a single word she had said when they had gotten married?

    It was already troublesome enough for Fang Shiyou to try to win Xu Shengnan back while she was still unmarried. Now that Xu Shengnan had held her wedding with Sun Guohong, Fang Shiyou stood no chance at all. As such, he wallowed in self-pity and got himself drunk for three consecutive days and did not even bother returning to work. Thankfully, Fang Shiyou¡¯s sry was not high since his sry was docked whenever he applied for leave. If it got any more serious, he would not even be able to keep his job.

    With his monthly sry, not only did he have to support his family, but he also had to pay off his mortgage. As such, Fang Shiyou was almost neverte to work, and neither did he leave work early. In that case, his sry would not be docked. Because Fang Shiyou had such a good track record, he applied for a three-day leave to stay at home under the pretext that he was not feeling well.

    Otherwise, if Fang Shiyou were to go to work in such a mental state, he might not only make a slew of mistakes, but he might even lose his job! If Fang Shiyou lost his job again, putting aside how he would live, Fang Shiyou would be unable to repay his mortgage. Then, in no time, even this house that he had not paid off would be taken back by the bank.

    No matter how messed up Fang Shiyou¡¯s life was, Xu Shengnan, who had just gotten remarried, smiled blissfully. Only after meeting Sun Guohong did Xu Shengnan learn that a woman could have such a life after marriage. She had never thought that it would be possible after her marriage to Fang Shiyou. It turned out that after men got together with women, household chores were not only the responsibility of women, but men could take on that responsibility too. And when a man was doing that, a woman could restfortably in front of the television with her legs crossed and snack idly on some melon seeds in her hand just like men did.

    It was the first time she was enjoying life like that, and it did not feel bad!

    Compared to her previous marriage life, this was so much more blissful. Xu Shengnan felt that the second best thing she had done in her whole life was to listen to her daughter¡¯s advice to marry Sun Guohong. If she had married any other man apart from Sun Guohong, she would not be living such a happy and leisurely life!

    From Mrs. Fang to Mrs. Sun, Xu Shengnan¡¯s life improved by leaps and bounds.

    ¡°Mom, are you still intending on being a matchmaker in the future? I think it¡¯s not right for you to be a matchmaker, but those couples that you¡¯ve brought together are all doing well! You have a hundred percent sess rate!¡± San Bao gave her mom a thumbs-up. She felt that her mom could have some talent in this area. Otherwise, no matter how much effort one put in, it was bound to fail. But as for her mom who was unwilling to be a matchmaker, she sealed the deal once she put her foot down. The quality of her mom¡¯s work was even higher than other people¡¯s.

    San Bao stroked her chin. She was already twenty. If her mom introduced her to her future partner, perhaps she would be able to find a husband that was not only faithful to her but would also pamper her like a princess, just like her godmother, Auntie Fang Fang, and Auntie Xu had.

    If that was the case, she would not even rush to find a partner for herself in the remaining two years of university. She would simply wait for her mom to introduce someone to her.

    ¡°Matchmaking? No way!¡± Qiao Nan, frustrated, answered. It was not just San Bao who had posed this question. Many others had too. She did not even know when her reputation as a ¡®matchmaker¡¯ had started to spread.

 Chapter 1657 - Impossible

    <h4>Chapter 1657: Impossible</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was not just outsiders, but even people within the courtyard were spreading the news of how sessful she was as a matchmaker. The couples whom she had brought together had especially blissful lives after marriage, got along well, and hardly fought. Even if they were to fight, their rtionship only improved after that. It waspletely different from those couples who quarreled with each other, eventually ending in a divorce.

    Everyone wished that their children would lead blissful lives after getting married. They hoped that their children would fight less and smile more.

    Knowing about Qiao Nan¡¯s capabilities, at least a few people in the courtyard had individually approached Qiao Nan, requesting that she be their matchmaker. Thankfully, Miao Jing had managed to fend them off. Miao Jing said that Qiao Nan was a cadre in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was already overwhelmed with her work as it was. She had no time to spare to be a matchmaker. Besides, Qiao Nan was not in this line of work either.

    If their neighbors had such needs, they could find someone else. There were other people who were just as capable.

    Miao Jing did a decent job as a ¡®public rtions officer¡¯. Not only did she manage to fend off a lot of trouble for Qiao Nan, but she had also managed to pass the job on to others so that they would have the chance to make money. Qiao Nan had nock of money, but other people might not think that this matchmaker fee was unnecessary.

    Miao Jing had managed to get rid of all those who hade looking for Qiao Nan to be their matchmaker. But now, even her own daughter, San Bao, was joining in. Qiao Nan had the urge to punch someone. ¡°Are you trying to mess with me too? Do you think I don¡¯t have enough trouble? How old are you? You¡¯re still so young! What nonsense are you talking about being a matchmaker? What¡¯s in that head of yours? I¡¯ve said it before that you can¡¯t take it easy just because you¡¯re in university now. It¡¯s exactly because you¡¯re in university that you have to pay more attention to your studies. Your four years in university are crucial.¡±

    Qiao Nan had told San Bao this a hundred times.

    It was not that Qiao Nan had groundless worries or was overly anxious about her daughter. But there had been too many bloody lessons that left Qiao Nan in a frenzy. She had thought that there would be peace in the department after Xu Xinming and Li Dawei left. But who would have known that that was impossible? asionally, young people would dip their toes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    It was only when he was in that position did Deng Wenchang finally understand how He Yi had felt when facing him in the past. He finally understood why He Yi had always given his documents to Qiao Nan instead of him at that time. Young people did not even have the heart to work hard and were content with just floating along, yet they thought highly of themselves.

    In the face of these young people with self-deceiving confidence, Deng Wenchang could feel the malice of the graduation party toward their department. ¡°No wonder you were so generous to give me the position of the minister of foreign affairs. I¡¯ve faced so much trouble in this position. Is it toote to return this position to you?¡± Deng Wenchang looked at Qiao Nan and asked bitterly. This position was indeed not for just any ordinary person.

    Qiao Nan grinned at Deng Wenchang. ¡°Do you think you own the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Do you think you can just pass this ministerial position on so easily? If it¡¯s really so easy, would you have treated me like your enemy when we were younger? Alright. Since you¡¯ve already gotten the position, just hold on to it well until you retire.¡±

    Return it to her? What a joke!

    She had finally managed to hand the position over to Deng Wenchang after much difficulty. Now, she handled only practical affairs, while leaving public rtions to Deng Wenchang to handle. That alone was enough to keep her busy. If she were to be the minister of foreign affairs again, wouldn¡¯t she have to take over all the work she had finally been able to hand over to Deng Wenchang?

    Did he take her for a fool?

    Qiao Nan patted Deng Wenchang on the back with a face of helplessness, encouraging Deng Wenchang to continue his job with a smile. At that time, Deng Wenchang was just one step away from starting a full-on war with her. He even had Peng Yu, with his fierce gaze, by his side to help him. Now, Deng Wenchang wanted to pass on the position. How could so many good things happen to Deng Wenchang alone?

    It was impossible for Deng Wenchang to escape this sea of misery. The only thing Qiao Nan could do for San Bao¡¯s future superior was to manage San Bao well and get San Bao to master her knowledge while she was still in school. That way, when San Bao entered the workforce after graduation, she would not have only good grades but be poor at applying them practically. This would save her superiors a lot of trouble too.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t master the content in university, you¡¯ll be lectured with no end when you start working. I¡¯m just warning you in advance. If something like that ever happens to you, don¡¯t even mention the Zhai family or my name. We won¡¯t help you. If you mention our names because of that, we¡¯ll lose all dignity!¡±

    San Bao rolled her eyes at her mom¡¯s words. ¡°Mom, can¡¯t you expect more from me? Why do you think so lowly of me? Ever since I entered university, my grades have been excellent. I¡¯ve always won schrships! Do you think they¡¯re all fake and that I¡¯ve made them up?¡± She felt wronged. They had been talking about matchmaking. How had the topic of their conversation suddenly veered off to her career?

    ¡°Mom, just be outright if you don¡¯t want to be a matchmaker for me in the future. Why do you have to bring other matters into this matter and lecture me? Mom, you¡¯re not as gentle as you were in the past. Mom, are you going through menopause?¡± She made some mental calctions. She was already a university student. It would be no wonder if her mom was indeed going through menopause.

    Sigh, no matter how gentle and kind her mother was, there was bound to be a terrible year once she hit that period of menopause.

    Thankfully, her mom¡¯s menopause had only started a year or twoter than normal, and she was already in her second year of university. ¡°Mom, I saw an advertisementtely. That calming oral medication seems quite effective! How about that? I¡¯ll get two courses for you to try!¡± Her mother was so much better in the past. She could only hope that this menopause phase would pass quickly, and that gentle mother of hers would return.

    Qiao Nan knocked gently on San Bao¡¯s head in anger. ¡°You sure know how to bicker with me. By the way, you¡¯re already in your second year of university. Do you have a boyfriend yet?¡± At that age, she had already gotten married and given birth to the triplets. Qiao Nan really had no right to advise the three children not to start early rtionships. After all, she and Zhai Sheng had set a ¡®bad¡¯ example for them.

    ¡°No.¡± San Bao denied decisively. ¡°All those people are too childish. They can¡¯t evenpare with Da Bao and Er Bao. How will I ever take a fancy to anyone?¡± With those people, she did not feel as though she was dating. It was much more like taking Xiao Bao and his friends out to y.

    She had only evercked a younger sister, never a younger brother. If she really wanted a younger brother by her side to take care of, she had plenty. She could just call one of them out whenever she wanted.

 Chapter 1658 - Er Bao Has a Girlfriend

    <h4>Chapter 1658: Er Bao Has a Girlfriend</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She would just leave those ¡®younger brothers¡¯ in university to her seniors or juniors. She had no interest in them at all.

    ¡°How about Da Bao and Er Bao?¡± Males were always more impulsive than females. Da Bao and Er Bao had always been in good health. Now that they were in university, they would probably experience great sexual impulses, right? ¡°I¡¯m sure the three of you know when your dad and I got together. When I was your age, I already had the three of you. Do you think Da Bao and Er Bao will make me a grandma only when I¡¯m forty?¡±

    If she really became a grandma in her forties, in another twenty years, there would be children calling her great-grandma before she turned seventy!

    San Bao¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°Make you a grandma? That¡¯s an exaggeration! Da Bao and Er Bao won¡¯t dare to do that. You know it well that Da Bao is the spitting image of dad. He¡¯s as cold as an iceberg. I wonder if he¡¯ll have his first rtionship and first kiss while he¡¯s still in university. As for Er Bao... He has someone.¡±

    That bad Er Bao. She and Da Bao had not found anyone. As a triplet, how could Er Bao push Da Bao and her aside and have found a girlfriend first? He was too disloyal!

    But what made San Bao the angriest was that Er Bao had been extremely concerned about Xu Ling Ling a year ago when Xu Shengnan had gotten married to Sun Guohong. He insisted on San Bao making sure that Xu Ling Ling would not be hurt once Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong got married.

    Based on Er Bao¡¯s behavior at that time, it was not only Da Bao who suspected that Er Bao had feelings toward Xu Ling Ling. San Bao had such suspicions too. They had all grown up together, and Da Bao treated Xu Ling Ling as his younger sister too. Butpared to Er Bao, Da Bao was much less concerned about Xu Ling Ling.

    This only showed that Er Bao felt much more for Xu Ling Ling. Since they were not biological siblings, no one believed Er Bao when he said that he was merely concerned about Xu Ling Ling but had no feelings toward her.

    Of course, that was what San Bao assumed a year ago. A year ago, she had secretly asked Er Bao whether he had any feelings for Xu Ling Ling. At that time, Er Bao had immediately denied it, but San Bao refused to believe that Er Bao did not harbor any feelings toward Xu Ling Ling. But now, there was no way for San Bao not to believe that.

    There were no scums in the Zhai family. Now that Er Bao already had a girlfriend, it probably meant that he truly had no special feelings for Xu Ling Ling and only thought of her as his younger sister. In this one year, San Bao had tried to test Er Bao many times by taking the initiative to talk about Xu Ling Ling¡¯s situation. Every time, Er Bao never failed to say innocently, ¡°Why do you keep talking about Ling Ling? Do you think my workload is very light to have so much free time to gossip with you, miss?¡±

    San Bao had not expected such a reaction from Er Bao. Aside from his extraordinary concern toward Xu Ling Ling when Xu Shengnan and Sun Guohong had gotten married, Er Bao reacted in the same way as Da Bao whenever it concerned Ling Ling and never mentioned her in their conversations.

    After learning that Er Bao had gotten a girlfriend, San Bao finally gave up on Er Bao and Xu Ling Ling.

    However, even though San Bao knew that Er Bao was dating, she did not ry this news to Xu Ling Ling. After entering university, the number of times Er Bao asked after Ling Ling had decreased. But Xu Ling Ling was still as concerned about Er Bao as she had been before. Once, Xu Ling Ling even asked San Bao whether Er Bao was dating in school.

    At that time, San Bao had simply joked. ¡°There¡¯s nothing weird about Er Bao dating at this age. Why? Are you curious about the kind of sister-inw Er Bao has found for you? Don¡¯t be so anxious! If such a day everes, he¡¯ll definitely have to bring that youngdy home for my parents to meet her. Won¡¯t you know everything about her then?¡±

    San Bao realized that Xu Ling Ling¡¯s expression had changed right after she had said that. San Bao wondered if Xu Ling Ling thought of Er Bao as something more than just an elder brother. From then on, Xu Ling Ling had never mentioned Er Bao. If she mentioned him, she would always mention Da Bao as well.

    Xu Ling Ling behaved very nonchntly, no different than before, and she was no longer as curious about Er Bao as she had been. Before long, San Bao naturally gave up her suspicions on whether Er Bao and Xu Ling Ling had feelings for each other.

    ¡°So he¡¯s really dating.¡± Qiao Nan was just a little surprised, feeling that it was normal. ¡°But Er Bao is in the PLA National Defense University. Do you mean that his girlfriend is there too?¡± Was Er Bao nning on finding someone who would take the same path as him?

    Qiao Nan thought about how her sons did not spend much time at home and would take the same path that Zhai Sheng had taken back then once they really became soldiers. Qiao Nan was in a dilemma. That meant it was not just Er Bao who would do that, but his wife would do so as well? Then, would they still have time to take care of their children?

    ¡°No.¡± San Bao shook her head before hesitating and correcting herself. ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by not really?¡±

    ¡°Er Bao¡¯s girlfriend is a military performer. She¡¯s studying dance in the military. I heard that she was a very conscientious student back then, but her results weren¡¯t very good. Of course, they weren¡¯t that bad either. It was just coincidental that there was a chance for her to join the military as a performer, so she left school before graduating from high school and gave up the opportunity to attend university. I¡¯m sure you know that the military gives young people like her the opportunity to learn. Her educational qualifications won¡¯t be too bad.¡± San Bao had clearly listed out Er Bao¡¯s situation. To be more exact, Da Bao had listed out Er Bao¡¯s situation clearly before telling San Bao about it.

    Da Bao knew that Qiao Nan was most concerned about the three of them. Qiao Nan would definitely want to know about Er Bao dating, so he had given all the relevant information to San Bao in advance. When Qiao Nan wanted to know, San Bao could simply quote him ad verbum so that Qiao Nan would not get too anxious from not knowing anything.

    Qiao Nan had managed to see through that scheme. With suchplete information, this had definitely been prepared specially for her. ¡°She didn¡¯t even graduate from high school. This youngdy... isn¡¯t old, right?¡± She was not old, probably quite young.

    ¡°That...¡± San Baoughed but did not hide the truth. ¡°You¡¯re five years younger than Dad, right? That youngdy was quite intelligent when she was younger, and she even skipped a grade. So even though she¡¯s already been through high school, she is younger than Er Bao by... five years I think. It¡¯s just like you and Dad.¡±

    That youngdy¡¯s age was ¡®younger¡¯ than what her mom had said. Typical high school students would be just two or three years younger than Er Bao, but this youngdy had started school early and had even skipped a grade in elementary school. And so, she was five years younger.

 Chapter 1659 - Breaking Up or Not

    <h4>Chapter 1659: Breaking Up or Not</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Nonsense. Does Er Bao think that I won¡¯t be able to meddle in his affairs now that he is in school and so far away from me? He is young himself, but at least, he is already of age. That girl is probably only sixteen! Let¡¯s not talk about whether she is of age. She probably hasn¡¯t even gotten her identity card, right? Is Er Bao crazy? How could he have found a girlfriend like this? Does he really want to follow in his father¡¯s footsteps?¡±

    If Er Bao was in front of her now, Qiao Nan would not be able to hold in her anger and would give Er Bao a tight p right then and there, even though she loved her children dearly and was unwilling to use force against them. But this rascal deserved it!

    If Er Bao really wanted to learn from his father, then he had to see if that youngdy was like his mother, who had been reincarnated and was not actually a bumbling youngdy who did not know anything. In fact, she was an old auntie with a wealth of experience who was already approaching her forties!

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get upset! Don¡¯t get upset. It¡¯s not as bad as you think. That youngdy is a little young...¡± San Bao hugged Qiao Nan. When Da Bao told San Bao about this, he reminded San Bao that Qiao Nan¡¯s temper meant that she would probably get so upset that she would rush down to their school to give Er Bao a good beating. ¡°Don¡¯t get agitated.¡±

    ¡°A little young?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Is this just a little? I don¡¯t want to describe my son as one to rob the cradle. If that youngdy was twenty-one and Er Bao was twenty-six, I don¡¯t think I would have a problem with that. In fact, I think it would be just right. But the problem is that that youngdy is only sixteen. I...¡±

    She had not given birth to Er Bao and raised him so that he could mess around and simply get just any girl as his girlfriend. ¡°That won¡¯t do. If that¡¯s all he has learned in school, I¡¯d rather he not graduate from university. Fine. He shouldn¡¯t study for the time being. Ask him to take a leave of absence and join the military with his dad to polish this frivolous character of his. He¡¯ll return to school when he¡¯s more matured!¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not that serious.¡± San Bao did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just dating? Da Bao has already said that he¡¯ll have his eyes on Er Bao since they share a room. Er Bao won¡¯t have a chance to make a serious mistake either. Mom, even if you don¡¯t believe that Da Bao will be able to take care of Er Bao, you should have faith in yourself. You were the one who raised the three of us. Based on your teachings, do you think Er Bao will make such a low-level mistake? It¡¯s just unfortunate that that youngdy entered the military and even met Er Bao at such a young age. I heard that it was the youngdy who pursued Er Bao.¡±

    Her mom had never seen high school students, or even junior high school and elementary school students, calling each other husband and wife. She had experienced it more than once on public buses. Er Bao was one with clear limits. Aside from having such a young girlfriend, there was nothing else he would do to anger his mom.

    ¡°Mom, Er Bao is your son. I think Er Bao always fools around and doesn¡¯t appear serious. But when ites to serious matters, Er Bao has nevermitted a folly. Has he ever disappointed any of us?¡± Her mom could put more trust in Er Bao.

    Qiao Nan calmed down a little. ¡°I know Er Bao has good discretion. But what if he loses all sense on just this matter? What will we do? Even a tiger has moments when it dozes off. Do you really think that Er Bao will never make any mistakes at all? He¡¯s still young and might make mistakes. But it¡¯s exactly because he¡¯s young that I have to pay more attention to his mistakes and be strict about them. Not only do I have to get him to correct his mistakes, but I also have to make sure that he won¡¯t make such a mistake again in the future. That youngdy is only sixteen years old. If Er Baomits any mistakes now, he can still correct them. But what will happen to that youngdy? It¡¯ll be for her entire life.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that society is more open and that no one cares about this anymore. No matter how advanced China is as a country, we¡¯ll never have everyone being so open-minded. I think this shouldn¡¯t be allowed even if Er Bao is still young. Youth is no excuse for making a mistake.¡±

    San Bao leaned against Qiao Nan. She could feel that her mom had high expectations of the three of them. Her expectations were higher than other mothers¡¯, but that was why she could clearly feel her mom¡¯s love for them. Their mom was simply afraid that they were young and insensible and would do something unforgivable while they still did not understand anything. When they understood it and became more sensible, they would have a lifetime regret, knowing that some mistakes were irreparable and could never be forgiven.

    Their mom simply did not wish for them to spend the rest of their lives in regret and ming themselves. She was unwilling to let them spend their lives making up for that one mistake that they hadmitted in their moment of folly.

    Only by avoiding this would they be able to choose their own paths when they were truly grown up. Only then would there be no obstacles in their way for their future developments and their lives in the future. All their current constraints were for the sake of their freedom in the future.

    ¡°Mom, I know what you¡¯re worried about. I think Er Bao may not have heard your words today, but I¡¯m sure he knows, and Da Bao knows as well. All three of us can feel your love for us. Mom, I firmly believe that Er Bao won¡¯t make such a mistake. That girl is young, and I¡¯m even guessing that she might have tried too hard in pursuing Er Bao. Er Bao might have been afraid that the youngdy would be hurt and just agreed to just fend her off for the time being. I¡¯m sure you know about Er Bao¡¯s situation too. He and Da Bao may leave for a month or two at any time to go on a mission.¡±

    ¡°That youngdy is still so young. She probably just looks up to Er Bao and treats Er Bao as her hero. But because she¡¯s young, someone would have to coax that youngdy. While she¡¯s at home, she¡¯s pampered like a princess. Would she be able to ept her boyfriend not coaxing her? Then, Er Bao would not have to say a thing. That youngdy would take the initiative to break up with Er Bao. In short, the two of them have already confirmed that they are in a rtionship, but do you think that they¡¯ll be able to spend a lot of time together? Other people may not know about this, but shouldn¡¯t you be clear about it, Mom? I heard that you only met Dad twice a year while you guys were still dating!¡±

    Weren¡¯t her dad and mom together at the same age as Er Bao was now?

    But she could not believe that the girlfriend that Er Bao had found would be able topare to her mom. She was just afraid that that youngdy was still young and needed someone to coax her, but Er Bao might not have time for her and might contact her only sporadically. Because of this, that youngdy might just lose her temper and feel that there was no difference between having a boyfriend and not having one. Then, she would pester Er Bao for a breakup.

    Whether Er Bao truly liked that youngdy, she believed that Er Bao would not hesitate and would definitely agree immediately should that youngdy request for a breakup.

 Chapter 1660 - Slip of the Tongue

    <h4>Chapter 1660: Slip of the Tongue</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    So why was her mom so worked out over this? Putting aside the matter of whether Er Bao had discretion, it was obvious that this rtionship was not going tost anyway.

    ¡°Mom, I feel that if you really interfere in this matter, Er Bao¡¯s temper may re, and this rtionship may end upsting longer than it would originally have. You know Er Bao¡¯s temper as well. Er Bao hasn¡¯t gone through his teenage rebellious stage yet. Don¡¯t use up all of Er Bao¡¯s rebellion on this one matter. It won¡¯t be good if you make a fool out of yourself in the end.¡±

    With San Bao¡¯s persuasion, Qiao Nan finally calmed down. ¡°Well, I guess you¡¯re right. Sigh. I¡¯m old. I don¡¯t think in the same way that I did when I was younger. San Bao, be honest with Mom. Did Er Bao bribe you with something? Why are you helping Er Bao in every way on this matter? Er Bao bought you over, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Usually, when the three children were together, Er Bao and San Bao quarreled with each other the most. The two of them were like sworn enemies. There was sure to be a fight between the two of them before they could even finish ten sentences.

    But now, San Bao was wholeheartedly speaking up for Er Bao. There was no way for Qiao Nan not to think that this was strange. ¡°When did your rtionship with Er Bao be so cordial? I thought that you only liked Da Bao and despised Er Bao for being too childish anding before you, depriving you of the chance to be an elder sister.¡±

    ¡°I do hate it.¡± San Bao pped her thigh and said, ¡°Even up until now, I hate that he¡¯s so childish. But I¡¯m still his triplet and spent time with him in your womb. No matter how much we argue, we only do so behind closed doors. It¡¯s our own family matter. But in front of outsiders, I¡¯ll definitely stand with Er Bao. Mom, you belittle me and Er Bao. Putting aside my arguments with Er Bao, our rtionship is actually very good.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could only chuckle. It was good that they shared a close rtionship. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do as you said. As long as Er Bao has a clear idea of what he¡¯s doing. But I¡¯m warning you. You vouched for Er Bao in front of me. If Er Bao doesn¡¯t have as much discretion as you said and gets into trouble, I won¡¯t just deal with Er Bao. I¡¯ll take you down with him.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not worried about anything else. She was simply worried that Er Bao knew that San Bao was on his side and would get San Bao to act as his shield and cover for him because they shared a good rtionship.

    If the situation was truly like San Bao¡¯s analysis, then nothing would happen in the future. But if what Qiao Nan was afraid of really happened, San Bao would be in the wrong too and would have to be punished as well. Was it so easy to be a guarantor? If anything happened, the siblings would be punished together.

    San Bao scrunched up her face pitifully. ¡°What about Da Bao? There¡¯s no reason for Da Bao to get off with it alone, right? We¡¯re triplets. If Er Bao gets in trouble, I¡¯ll be in trouble too. But why should Da Bao be let off?¡± If that were the case, it would be too unfair. Da Bao had found out about Er Bao¡¯s rtionship even earlier than she had.

    Da Bao was even by Er Bao¡¯s side, but Da Bao had not even stopped Er Bao from getting into a rtionship. So if she was going to get into trouble, then Da Bao should not be let off either. Otherwise, this would be clearly unfair. Her mom was just being biased, and she and Er Bao were children whom no one loved.

    ¡°Don¡¯t spout such nonsense.¡± Qiao Nan tugged on San Bao¡¯s braids. ¡°The problem hasn¡¯t even urred yet, but you¡¯re already so eager for the three of you to be punished together? Don¡¯t worry. If any of you three make a mistake, the other two are not going to get away with it either. It¡¯s your fault for meddling in it. You¡¯re all my children, so I¡¯ll treat all of you equally.¡± If she were to punish them, the three of them would face the same punishment. None of them would be spared.

    San Bao could feel a murderous aura emanating from Qiao Nan. San Bao shrank her neck and her gaze lost their previous confidence. Once she returned to her roomter, she would make another call to Da Bao and confirm that Er Bao still had self-control and would not drag Da Bao or her down with him.

    It was Er Bao who hadmitted the mistake, so it was only right for Er Bao to be punished. But how unjustified it would be for both Da Bao and her to be punished as well! Neither she nor Da Bao had done anything. They had simply been obedient children.

    Seeing San Bao¡¯s hesitation and guilt, Qiao Nan smiled and did not stop San Bao from running back to her room. Being fearful was good too. Only if she was fearful would San Bao be concerned about the development of the matter and help keep Er Bao in check so that nothing would happen.

    ¡°Hello, Da Bao. It¡¯s me, San Bao.¡±

    Zhai Yi raised his eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure you want me to call you San Bao, and not Zhai Yu?¡± Ever since he started university, Zhai Yi had not heard anyone call him by the familiar nickname ¡®Da Bao¡¯ for almost two months!

    ¡°Bah, that was just a slip of the tongue. Eldest brother. Can I call you eldest brother?¡± The three of them had been born just minutes apart. As the youngest, Zhai Yu was annoyed that she had not been born just a little earlier. If she was born just a little earlier, she would not only be older than Er Bao, but she might even be older than Da Bao and be the eldest sister among the three children.

    Just because of that little difference, she had not only lost her status as the eldest sister but had also be the youngest. In the short span of a few minutes, she had suffered such a great loss.

    But today¡¯s situation was different. The moment she realized that Zhai Yi was upset, Zhai Yu did not even address him as Zhai Yi. Instead, she affectionately addressed him as ¡®eldest brother¡¯. It was obvious just how anxious San Bao was to be trying to suck up to him.

    The moment he heard Zhai Yu address him as ¡®eldest brother¡¯, Zhai Yi knew at once that his mom had scared Zhai Yu badly. ¡°Spit it out. What did Mom threaten you with? You¡¯re the only one who stays by Mom¡¯s side most of the time. Shouldn¡¯t your rtionship with Mom improve because of that? Why has Mom scared you so badly?¡± At twenty years of age, Zhai Yi knew that it was not easy to hear Zhai Yu address him as ¡®elder brother¡¯. It was even rarer than winning the lottery.

    ¡°Mom said that if Er Baomits a folly or makes a mistake, she¡¯ll punish both of us as well. Eldest brother, for the sake of our health, please keep an eye on Er Bao while you¡¯re by his side. Don¡¯t let him have any chance to make a mistake at all. Apart from ss time, don¡¯t let him have more than an hour to spend with his girlfriend every day, and this hour definitely cannot be in the evening. It has to be in the day. Of course, spending the night is absolutely out of the question. Even if he dies, you¡¯ll have to carry Er Bao¡¯s corpse back to your dormitory.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yi finally understood why Zhai Yu had been so afraid. So that was what it was.

 Chapter 1661 - Lacking

    <h4>Chapter 1661: Lacking</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    That was true. This indeed seemed like something his mom was capable of. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your second brother may have gotten himself a girlfriend, but he¡¯s still as trustworthy as before. Do you really think that we have it easy in our line of work?¡± Zhai Yi rubbed his forehead. ¡°Our workload is much heavier than yours at Peking University, and Zhai Xin is quite unlucky that he has a young girl clinging on to him now.¡±

    Zhai Xin was already suffering from being unable to get rid of that girl. How would he dare to touch even just a strand of that youngdy¡¯s hair? He would have to take responsibility for that. From then on, Er Bao would not get a chance to dump this youngdy for his entire life! ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Zhai Xin takes this matter more seriously than we do. As long as there¡¯s a chance for him to break up with her, he¡¯ll do so immediately.¡±

    Just the thought of Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend made Zhai Yi¡¯s head ache too.

    Before that youngdy had be Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend, Zhai Yi had the impression that he had bumped into her in school before.

    Zhai Xin was a conscientious student who had no interest in dating in university, so he never paid any attention to girls or anyone his age. Zhai Yi¡¯s standard was even deeper than Zhai Xin¡¯s. Zhai Yi, who had a brilliant memory, had one problem: he could never remember that youngdy¡¯s face.

    He had only met a youngdy a few days ago, but a few dayster, Zhai Yi could no longer recognize her. Neither could he recall her name and identity to say hello. Thus, he settled for a slight nod of the head.

    Under such circumstances, the fact that Zhai Yi had an impression of Zhai Xin¡¯s youngdy meant that Zhai Yi had seen Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend quite often, so much so that he had a good impression of her face.

    ¡°Zhou Xing.¡± After hanging up the phone, Zhai Yi wrote down the name ¡®Zhou Xing¡¯ in his notebook. This name was not anyone else¡¯s but that of Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend.

    But after writing down Zhou Xing¡¯s name, Zhai Yi quickly tossed Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin¡¯s matter aside and thought no more about it. Zhou Xing¡¯s name was rathermon. Besides, Da Bao was busy working on his homework recently. He was busy enough as it was. How he wished there could be forty-eight hours in a day so that he would not spend all of his precious time on a stranger.

    Speaking of the devil, Zhai Xin, who was making Zhai Yu feel extremely despondent at this very moment, was with his girlfriend, Zhou Xing. ¡°Zhai Xin, did you say that your mom gave birth to three children at once? Your mom is amazing! Twins are already so rare, let alone triplets! And she got both sons and a daughter at once! She¡¯s so lucky!¡± How enviable!

    Zhai Xinughed awkwardly. ¡°My mom is indeed lucky. Alright, it¡¯s not early anymore. I¡¯ll send you back. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to go back and will have to spend a night in the hotel. That kind of ce is a little unsanitary after all. Try to avoid going to such ces if you can.¡±

    The more Zhai Xin said, the more flushed his face got. There was nothing else he meant by that, and neither was he nning on taking advantage of Zhou Xing. He said this only out of concern for Zhou Xing. He was afraid that Zhou Xing would be unable to enter her dormitory if she were to returnte. He was not even trying to hint at anything else.

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Xing blushed and looked at Zhai Xin bashfully. ¡°I¡¯m actually a little afraid to stay in a hotel alone. I¡¯ve been timid ever since I was a child. If I really can¡¯t go back and have to stay in a hotel, will you stay with me, Zhai Xin? In such an unfamiliar environment, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to fall asleep without a familiar person who¡¯ll reassure me. But Zhai Xin, if you¡¯re by my side, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to sleep well.¡±

    Zhai Xin blushed but reminded Zhou Xing solemnly. ¡°Zhou Xing, I¡¯m not trying to crack wise, nor am I trying to exaggerate to rm you. But remember. No matter who your boyfriend is in the future, never ever invite them to sleep in the same room as you. Men are rather impulsive creatures. Letting a young man stay in the same room as you... Uh, it¡¯s not very good for you.¡±

    Even if they did not do anything, in such a situation, everyone would think that Zhou Xing hadmitted some unspeakable acts with the guy whom she had slept in the same room as. This would be detrimental to a youngdy¡¯s reputation.

    But when Zhai Xin said this, he had done so from Zhou Xing¡¯s perspective without considering his own problems.

    Zhou Xing blushed. ¡°Zhai Xin, you¡¯re so nice to me. Your words show how gentlemanly you truly are. I know that you¡¯re teaching me this so that no one else will take advantage of me. But Zhai Xin, you¡¯re my boyfriend now. I trust you. Anyway, if anything were to happen, will you dislike me for being young and not having a good figure andpare me with other women? I trust you, and I¡¯m willing too. I know you said that for my good, but did you say that also because you don¡¯t like me and don¡¯t want to be ¡®with me¡¯?¡±

    After all, Zhai Xin had told her to be careful with any men. Even Zhai Xin himself was no exception.

    Zhou Xing had to wonder whether Zhai Xin did not want to be ¡®with her¡¯. Otherwise, Zhai Xin should have excluded himself when he had said that earlier.

    Er Bao¡¯s flushed face returned to normal, and his gaze became stern. ¡°Zhou Xing, you¡¯re a girl. You shouldn¡¯t say such misleading things. I¡¯m a man too, so I¡¯m included in the scope of men I was talking about earlier. Even if you trust me, you should still be careful unless you¡¯re married. I won¡¯t talk about self-love. My mom always says that it¡¯s all too easy for girls to be taken advantage of.¡±

    Zhou Xing was even younger than San Bao, so hepletely treated Zhou Xing as a younger sister. If it was not for Zhou Xing threatening to end her own life, Zhai Xin had not been prepared to end his first love. His original intention was to allow his first love to develop for a while more and only end it once he found a suitable candidate.

    But who would have known that a younger sister like Zhou Xing would suddenly show up out of nowhere, ruining his n? As such, he had no other choice but to end his n ahead of schedule, even deviating from his life n.

    Zhai Xin took care of Zhou Xing and even took pity on her. But what wascking was that love between a man and woman. Hearing Zhou Xing talk about ¡®sleeping¡¯, Zhai Xin lectured Zhou Xing in the manner that he would lecture Zhai Yu. Actually, Zhai Yu had always been an obedient child. As Zhai Yu¡¯s second brother, Zhai Xin had never had the chance to lecture Zhai Yu like he had just done to Zhou Xing.

 Chapter 1662 - Unable to Tell

    <h4>Chapter 1662: Unable to Tell</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Zhou Xing, don¡¯t think that you have the right to make mistakes just because you¡¯re young. That idea is wrong and dangerous. A misstep now could have a great impact on your future. I think that your thinking is not matured enough because you¡¯re still so young. When you date someone in the future, you¡¯ll have to pay more attention to these sensitive topics. Don¡¯t let someone else take advantage of you!¡±

    Zhai Xin thought that Zhou Xing was lucky that the person she had met was him. Otherwise, with what Zhou Xing had said earlier, the majority of men in the world would immediately turn into wolves and gobble Zhou Xing up.

    Sigh. Youngdies should be more alert. It was way too easy to get deceived and taken advantage of. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s not early anymore. I¡¯ll send you back. Otherwise, it might really get toote and you won¡¯t be able to go back.¡± He might not have been able to change Zhou Xing¡¯s mindset in such a short while and make Zhou Xing do as he had said.

    Thankfully, there was not much of a problem now since he was Zhou Xing¡¯s boyfriend in name. As long as he was around, he would never do such a thing to hurt Zhou Xing, and neither would he allow any other guys to get close to Zhou Xing andmit such despicable acts toward Zhou Xing.

    He was a good civic-minded young man who could not get any more righteous. He treated Zhou Xing as a younger sister and would definitely not let any other boys take advantage of Zhou Xing or bully her.

    Without giving Zhou Xing the chance to refuse, Zhai Xin directly pulled Zhou Xing along and sent her back to her dormitory. The moment they reached the gate, Zhou Xing immediately stopped in her tracks. ¡°Thank god the gate hasn¡¯t been locked. Hurry and wash up and then go to bed. Remember not toe out of your room if there¡¯s nothing urgent. Even if someone asks you toe out, don¡¯t go out to y!¡±

    When Zhai Xin said this, he had no self-awareness that he was Zhou Xing¡¯s boyfriend.

    He had already sent Zhou Xing back to her dormitory. If anyone were to ask Zhou Xing outter in the night, it would most likely be a guy. If that were to happen, Zhou Xing would be betraying him by going out with another guy behind his back.

    Zhou Xing looked helpless and merely waved at Zhai Xin. ¡°Alright, I understand. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m a good girl too. It¡¯s already sote. I should go to bed once I wash up. I practiced a lot of my basic skills and dances in the day, so I¡¯m actually quite tired. I¡¯ll find you if I¡¯m free tomorrow?¡± She knew that it might be a matter of months or even years if she were to wait for Zhai Xin to find her on his own ord in his free time.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be free tomorrow.¡± Zhai Xin immediately shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m actually quite busytely. It wasn¡¯t easy for me to set aside half a day today. I think it¡¯s better for me to find you when I¡¯m free. Otherwise, you might make a wasted trip when youe looking for me. I guess you¡¯d feel bad if I have to put aside all my serious work just to go on a date with you when I¡¯m already so busy. I think it¡¯s safer for me to look for you instead. That way, it definitely will not be a wasted trip.¡± Zhai Xin added brightly and cheerfully.

    Zhou Xing nodded obediently. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait for you toe.¡±

    The dormitory auntie recognized Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin. Upon hearing Zhai Xin¡¯s words, the auntie smiled. ¡°Youngdy, you are so lucky. Auntie has lived for so many decades and has seen every kind of person there is out there. That chap earlier is not only handsome, but more importantly, he has a good character. He refuses to take advantage of young girls. You have a good judgment to have found such a good boyfriend.¡±

    All along, she had only seen men dawdling upon sending their girlfriends back, not wanting their girlfriends to enter the dormitory gates. More than once, she had even seen men sending their girlfriends back. But when they were merely ten meters away from the gate, they would drag their girlfriends into a bush by the side and hide there for a good half an hour before reappearing.

    Since she had been there before, the auntie immediately knew at once what was going on upon seeing those youngdies¡¯ slightly flushed and swollen lips that looked like they had just eaten chilies. For such a matter, as long as both parties were willing and those youngdies were even happy to be kissed, there was nothing an outsider like her could do. If she interfered and gave a few words of advice, they might even despise her for butting in.

    That should be exactly how to find a boyfriend. A guy like this who would not cross the line was definitely one who had already decided to spend his entire life with that youngdy.

    Upon hearing the auntie¡¯s words, Zhou Xing let out a blissful smile. ¡°Thanks, auntie. I know. My boyfriend is a very rare ¡®good¡¯ person. I like him very much, and I¡¯ll be sure to cherish his feelings. I won¡¯t let you worry about me.¡±

    With that, Zhou Xing turned around and headed upstairs.

    However, once Zhou Xing reached the staircase, not only did her soft and gentle smile immediately disappear, but there also seemed to be a little coldness in her expression. To tell the truth, this was her first time dating as well. She was worried that she would be experienced in dating if she were to get into a rtionship prior to this, and Zhai Xin would be able to tell. After all, with Zhai Xin¡¯s background, she had thought that Zhai Xin was sure to be an ¡®experienced soldier¡¯ and would be a veteran yer who had yed many games with no strings attached before.

    But as it turned out, Zhai Xin was so pure and innocent.

    With Zhai Xin even more ¡®innocent¡¯ than she was, Zhou Xing was a little hesitant. She wondered if her n would be sessful and whether Zhai Xin would take her bait. But whether or not he would, she had already worked hard for so many years and had finally be Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend. She had to stick to her guns and ride it until the end. Who knew? Perhaps, she would seed.

    At the thought of ¡®sess¡¯, Zhou Xing¡¯s expression quickly reverted to her upbeat expression that she had when she had bid farewell to Zhai Xin, and she made her way upstairs.

    ¡°You¡¯re still reading?¡± After sessfully concluding his date and safely sending Zhou Xing back to her dormitory, Zhai Xin was in a good mood. He saw that Zhai Yi was engrossed in his book and said, ¡°I say, Zhai Yi, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too serious? Even if you¡¯re just obeying Mom by gathering more knowledge, don¡¯t overdo it. I think you¡¯re going to be a bookworm at this rate. You¡¯re still so young, but you¡¯re hugging a book every day. You¡¯re wasting your precious and beautiful youth. I think you should take more time to walk around and find an overwhelmingly passionate girl to date so that she¡¯ll melt this iceberg of yours.¡±

    Perhaps it was because Er Bao himself was dating and felt that the feeling of dating was not bad after all. That was why he spared no effort in trying to encourage Zhai Yi to find someone for himself so that they would all be dating together. That way, if the elders in their family found out about it and lectured him about it, at least, Zhai Yi could take the punishment alongside him. They could share the burden and punishment!

    Zhai Yi raised his eyebrow and narrowed his eyes at Er Bao.¡±Looking at how carefree and rxed you are, I really can¡¯t tell that you¡¯re being forced into this rtionship and that you really have no feelings for that youngdy. Why? Are you treating this as a real rtionship now that you¡¯ve dated and realized that it¡¯s nice to be dating?¡± If that was really the case, he would have to sound the rm and pay closer attention to Zhai Xin in the future.

 Chapter 1663 - Quarreling

    <h4>Chapter 1663: Quarreling</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He could swear to San Bao that nothing would happen with Zhai Xin because Zhai Xin did not even take a fancy to this youngdy named Zhou Xing. Zhai Xin only regarded Zhou Xing as a younger sister like Xu Lingling. With such a pure sibling rtionship, if Zhai Xin were really to have any other ideas about Zhou Xing, he would be worse than a beast!

    But with the appearance of Zhai Xin¡¯s tone today, Zhai Yi was now on his toes again. He even considered whether he should find something for Zhai Xin to get busy with so that he would not have any free time to meet Zhou Xing for a date in the near future. It had only been a few dates, but Zhai Xin had already undergone such a huge change! If he were to let the two of them meet a few more times, Zhai Yi thought that his mom¡¯s greatest fear might even be reality!

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? I think of Zhou Xing as my younger sister. Just having another person by your side to chat with and talk a stroll with, your mood will improve as well. I¡¯m just afraid that you¡¯ll get bored. It¡¯s not a must for you to find a girlfriend, of course. As long as you¡¯re willing, you could just find someone to chat with you.¡± Zhai Xin suddenly transformed into an understanding elder brother who ced great importance on Zhai Yi¡¯s mental health. ¡°If you¡¯re not willing to find someone else to chat with, I¡¯ll sacrifice my personal time to chat with you more often. How¡¯s that?¡±

    He had no other choice. He and Zhai Yi shared the same mother after all. If he did not care about Zhai Yi, then who would?

    Naturally, once Zhai Yi found a girlfriend, he would hand this burden over entirely to Zhai Yi¡¯s girlfriend.

    Zhai Yi looked at Zhai Xin seriously. After confirming that there was no other situation, he finally rxed his raised brow. ¡°Thank you for your concern. As for your suggestion, I don¡¯t need it at this moment. For me, my studiese first before anything else. I¡¯ve just reached the age of twenty. I¡¯ll still have loads of time to find a girlfriend and discuss the matter of marriage in the future. But I¡¯ll only have a few more years to focus on my studies. Since you¡¯ve given me advice, I¡¯ll give you some advice too. Don¡¯t waste your most precious time on your ¡®younger sister¡¯.¡±

    She was not even his girlfriend.

    Younger sister? Neither was she his biological younger sister.

    He already felt that spending time on a girlfriend was wasting his time and life. As for someone like Zhai Xin, who was spending all his time on a younger sister he had taken on, that was even more meaningless. ¡°Zhai Xin, don¡¯t forget that your goal is to join the air force, not to be a psychiatrist and provide those ¡®younger sisters¡¯ with counseling and advice. I¡¯ll give you even more advice. Our family has more men than women, but I¡¯m sure both you and I are clear about the tempers of those women at home. You may view Zhou Xing as your younger sister, but in other people¡¯s eyes, Zhou Xing is your girlfriend. With this girlfriend by your side, you might miss out on a youngdy whom you really like!¡±

    Anyway, if the women in the Zhai family found out about this, Zhai Xin would, more or less, be in a situation of falling out of love. Even if it was merely out of pity, he should not offer himself out of pity. That would only deepen the misunderstanding and dig himself a deeper grave.

    He should just cut it off cleanly at this time. Otherwise, Zhai Xin would eventually get a taste of shooting himself in the foot. He could only hope that Zhai Xin could still smile and remain bright and cheery like he was now if that situation were to really ur.

    Zhai Xin paused for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re just exaggerating. If I really have someone that I like, I believe that that youngdy would understand why I did such a thing. If she can¡¯t understand that, then all I can say is that we¡¯re not of the same species and we won¡¯tst long together. Only someone who can understand me will be my true soulmate.¡±

    He was just doing a good deed and had no feelings for Zhou Xing. If she was going to get jealous over this and was going to be so petty without trying to understand him, he could never like a girl like that.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Yiughed but did not say anything more. Anyway, he had already done his due diligence in reminding his brother. He had never imagined that Zhai Xin would have such an idealistic side to him and such unrealistic ideas. One could not simply control the matters of the heart just because they wanted to.

    If Zhai Xin really liked someone but felt that she did not think in the same way as him and was thus not his soul mate, would he really be able to give up on her just like that? Innocent and childish! He would wait for that day when Zhai Xin would be pped in the face by his own words.

    At the same time, Zhai Yi confirmed something else. ¡®Dating¡¯ Zhou Xing could have given Zhai Xin some new feelings and stimtion. But up until now, Zhai Xin had not been truly moved by Zhou Xing. Otherwise, Zhai Xin could not be speaking so openly about the possibility of meeting a girl that he truly liked in the future.

    ¡°Zhai Xin, I hope that when that day reallyes, you¡¯ll be able to hold on to that. And you stink with sweat! Go take a shower!¡± Under their mom¡¯s influence, both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin ced great importance on their personal hygiene whenever it was possible.

    In other boys¡¯ dormitories, they might umte a whole week¡¯s worth of dirty socks and clothes and dump them into the washing machine all at once. But Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin did not have such a bad habit. The moment they undressed, they would wash their clothes right then and there. Because they had always been thrown into the military for training by Zhai Sheng, both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were adept at washing their clothes and even did it much faster and cleaner than normal youngdies!

    In this way, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin¡¯s room was always the cleanest.

    After this date, Zhai Xin said that he was busy and had asked Zhou Xing not to find him. As such, Zhou Xing held back and stopped herself from visiting Zhai Xin for an entire week. What Zhai Yi was pleased about was that in the week that Zhou Xing had not appeared, neither had Zhai Xin mentioned anything rted to Zhou Xing. As her boyfriend, he had never talked about Zhou Xing and much less shown that he was even thinking of Zhou Xing.

    Seeing Zhai Xin¡¯s reaction, Zhai Yi was pleased yet worried. He was pleased because he was right after all. There were truly no feelings between Zhai Xin and Zhou Xing. But what worried Zhai Yi was that Zhai Xin was already of this age, but why was he still thinking like a child in this aspect? He was not at all enlightened in this area.

    Earlier on, they had been worried that Zhai Xin would do things that adults did too early, resulting in an additional person in Zhou Xing¡¯s stomach. But based on Zhai Xin¡¯s behavior, Zhai Yi felt that they could put this worry aside and worry about it five yearster. In five years¡¯ time, if Zhai Xin were to get any woman pregnant, it would be much easier to resolve the problem then. They would just have to make Zhai Xin marry that girl.

    ¡°Zhou Xing, where¡¯s that handsome boyfriend of yours? I feel like he hasn¡¯te to visit you in a long while. Did you two quarrel with each other and break up?¡±

 Chapter 1664 - Quitting

    <h4>Chapter 1664: Quitting</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If that were the case, one should not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others. Instead of letting someone benefit from this, she should let her own roommates benefit from it!

    Hearing her roommates gloat at her misfortune, Zhou Xing brushed her own hair andughed. ¡°My rtionship with Zhai Xin is stable. You guys know as well that my boyfriend is a student of the PLA National Defense University and is usually packed with a heavy workload and training. He¡¯s not as free as other university boys who even have time to go to hotels with their girlfriends. It¡¯s only wise for men to put their careers first at any point in time.¡±

    Could they stopparing Zhai Xin with those indecent men? She could not even bother to spare a look at those men who could spend a whole day with their girlfriends and were so clingy to them. Those men could not even match up to a strand of Zhai Xin¡¯s hair!

    Upon hearing that, her roommate got upset since her boyfriend was exactly as how Zhou Xing had described. ¡°Oh, I see you understand your boyfriend very well. If I were in your ce, I wouldn¡¯t be able to do it. I have only one requirement for my boyfriend, and that is to always put me as his priority. He has to take good care of me and love me. If he ces greater importance on anything else, I¡¯ll definitely break up with him!¡±

    Zhou Xing smiled. ¡°I guess we think differently. I think that my married life will definitely be better if Zhai Xin focuses on his studies now and never lets me feel wronged in the future. Of course, if you¡¯re a romantic person, I rather envy you for thinking of life so simply!¡±

    That was a lie!

    Just dating? Did she really think that Zhou Xing had not seen the new phone in her hands? If her boyfriend did not have a job, would he have money to spend on her? Once that man finished spending all his money and could not fork out any more money to spend on her, Zhou Xing wondered how long more her roommate couldst before changing her boyfriend.

    Zhou Xing had been so realistic that her roommate was almost unable to retort her. After a long time, she finally said, ¡°Zhou Xing, we¡¯re still in university. Our rtionships now are still the innocent and simple ones. I think you¡¯re being too realistic to have so many considerations when finding a boyfriend. Do you really have any true feelings for Zhai Xin? I don¡¯t think as much as you do. If I like the guy, I¡¯ll just get together with him. If you have so many considerations, surely that can¡¯t be true love!¡± She was a helpless romantic who would jump into a rtionship with no hesitation at all.

    Zhou Xing burst out inughter. ¡°Is that so? Then, why did you break up with that boyfriend from high school? That guy did well academically and goes to a much better university than your current boyfriend. He is even handsome and has a good physique. Didn¡¯t you say that he was the most popr guy in high school? So did you choose your current boyfriend because he¡¯s uglier than your ex?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    It was not only Zhou Xing who wasughing. Even the other youngdies in their room startedughing as well. They knew all too well that she had broken up with that most popr guy because his family was poor. The only reason he could attend university was that he had earned a schrship based on his excellent academic results.

    It was not easy for that popr guy to support himself and finish four years of university in the capital, let alone support his girlfriend¡¯s materialistic wants.

    Because that popr ex-boyfriend of hers was poor, the moment she had a chance and met a guy with a better background, she could not care less about whether that guy was uglier than her ex and was willing to sweetly call him her husband and honey. True love? She was truly in love!

    ¡°But Zhou Xing, your boyfriend is really quite outstanding. The PLA National Defense University! The students from that university are all destined to be officials in the future. Although there are few females in the PLA National Defense University, it¡¯s not that there are absolutely none. Zhou Xing, aren¡¯t you afraid that someone wille between you and your boyfriend if you guys don¡¯t meet for a long period of time? If I were in your ce with such a brilliant boyfriend, I would definitely have a close eye on him. If a mistresses into the picture and snatches him away from you, won¡¯t you regret it for the rest of your life? Will you be able to find such a good boyfriend in the future if you lose this one?¡±

    Zhou Xing smiled as she rubbed hand cream on her hands. ¡°I have no confidence in other men, but I¡¯m rather confident in my boyfriend. My boyfriend is quite dimwitted. Unless he breaks up with me, I won¡¯t be afraid of another woman, or even ten other women. He won¡¯t change his mind about me.¡± He had heard that the Zhais were all obstinate.

    But she was different. Zhai Xin had personally admitted that she was his girlfriend. She had not been the one to dere herself as Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend without his consent.

    As such, unless she broke up with Zhai Xin, there was no way other women could snatch Zhai Xin away from her.

    Hearing Zhou Xing¡¯s certainty, her roommates were all taken aback. ¡°You guys haven¡¯t even been dating for a long time. Why does it feel as though you understand your boyfriend very well? Have you had a crush on your boyfriend since a long time ago? Is it true? Hurry and fess up!¡± Zhou Xing was only sixteen years old now. If she had been crushing on Zhai Xin, she would only have been thirteen or fourteen years old at that time! At such a young age, Zhou Xing had already set her eyes on this handsome guy!

    Tsk. Zhou Xing had matured too early! How could she have set her sights on Zhai Xin so early on and even seeded in getting Zhai Xin as her boyfriend?

    Zhou Xing only smiled while putting on light makeup. ¡°Thank you for your concern. Although I¡¯m confident in my boyfriend, the problem is that I¡¯m his girlfriend and I haven¡¯t seen him for a whole week. I¡¯m going to the PLA National Defense University to visit him in case those besotted girls think that Zhai Xin is still single and avable. I¡¯ll have to go show my ownership over him and chase those thick-skinned girls away.¡±

    It was true that she had to keep a watchful eye on a boyfriend as outstanding as Zhai Xin. She had seeded, but what if someone followed in her footsteps?

    ¡°You¡¯re such an enviable woman! How nice would it be to have such a handsome and faithful boyfriend! Zhou Xing, why don¡¯t you help us find out if your boyfriend has any brothers? I guess his brothers can¡¯t be that far off since they¡¯re a family.¡± Since Zhai Xin was out of the question, other candidates would be good too.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s expression changed slightly. ¡°I¡¯m dating Zhai Xin, not his family. How am I supposed to know whether he has any brothers? If I ask Zhai Xin, he might misunderstand that I¡¯m two-timing him!¡±

 Chapter 1665 - Time for a Change

    <h4>Chapter 1665: Time for a Change</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for me to find out about that on your behalf unless Zhai Xin takes the initiative to introduce his family to me. When that timees and such an opportunity arises, I could keep a lookout for you.¡±

    With that, Zhou Xing left the dormitory and headed to PLA National Defense University to look for Zhai Xin.

    ¡°...¡± After receiving Zhou Xing¡¯s phone call, Zhai Yi¡¯s expression was still neutral. ¡°Zhai Xin is rather busy these days. He might not have time to meet with you. He is not in the dormitory at the moment.¡±

    Upon hearing Zhai Yi¡¯s voice that was as deep as a cello, Zhou Xing could not help but blush. ¡°Elder brother, can you tell me what Zhai Xin has been busy withtely? I¡¯ve not seen him for an entire week! Have any other girls gone to find Zhai Xin in this week?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Yi frowned. Was Zhou Xing nning on making him her spy? ¡°Do you have anything else? Otherwise, I¡¯m going to hang up. I still have a ss in the afternoon.¡±

    Zhou Xing moved her lips. She did have something else, but she knew that Zhai Yi would not bother with her even if she were to say it out loud. ¡°No, elder brother. I won¡¯t bother you anymore. By the way, I quite like cooking. When I get the chance, I¡¯ll boil some soup for you and Zhai Xin. If it¡¯s not good, please be more understanding. Please feel free to give me your feedback too. I think that there¡¯s still room for improvement for my cooking skills.¡±

    If she wanted to hold on to a man¡¯s heart, she would have to first grasp his stomach. She did not believe that her dishes would taste that awful that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin would find fault with her since she had learned to cook for such a long time.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s so-called feedback was just her being modest. She was actually quite confident in her culinary skills. While other girls were still in elementary school, she had already started her culinary journey in the kitchen. Thankfully, her efforts had all been worth it thus far.

    The culinary skills that she had gained through much effort were finally being put to good use.

    Zhai Yi frowned. ¡°I think you should just call merade. It¡¯s still too early for you to be addressing me as elder brother. Also, it¡¯s good enough as long as Zhai Xin is satisfied with your soup. There¡¯s no need to count me in. Alright, goodbye.¡± This Zhou Xing was indeed just as sociable as she was in his memory.

    The thought of Zhou Xing affectionately addressing him as elder brother disgusted Zhai Yi.

    As a good elder brother, even if Zhai Yi could not get friendly with Zhou Xing, that was his own business. He would not try toe in between Zhai Xin and Zhou Xing. It was true that Zhai Xin was not in his room and was busy with other matters now. But he was sure to returnter. Thus, before heading off for his ss, Zhai Yi left a note for Zhai Xin, exining the situation.

    When Zhai Xin first saw the note that Zhai Yi had left for him, his first response was one of happiness. He had never expected that he would meet an ¡®outsider¡¯ who cared for him just like his family did so early on in his life. This was proof that his personality was charming!

    Even if the two of them had not shared the best start, and he had even been a little reluctant, his girlfriend, Zhou Xing, was really quite a good girlfriend. He had to reciprocate his girlfriend¡¯s good intentions. Even if he still did not have much time to go on a date with his girlfriend, he would definitely express his gratefulness toward his girlfriend for her kind intentions.

    And so, the moment Zhai Xin returned to his room, he immediately made a call to Zhou Xing. But what he had not expected was that Zhou Xing¡¯s line was busy! After two unsessful tries, Zhai Xin hung up the phone.

    Who could Zhou Xing be calling at this time? And by the looks of it, this call had been going on for quite a while. But Zhai Xin did not feel troubled about his phone call not getting through. When he was busy, Zhou Xing could not get hold of him either. He had to consider Zhou Xing¡¯s perspective too. Zhai Xin felt that it was normal for Zhou Xing to be busy and have someone else she needed to contact. There was no need to harp on it.

    Zhai Xin thought no more of this matter, but not Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Grandma, yes, I¡¯m doing pretty well. No one is bullying me. Grandma, I have a boyfriend now. His name is Zhai Xin. Yes, Zhai Xin, Qiao Nan¡¯s second son.¡± Zhou Xing¡¯s tone was gloomy and especially strange at the mention of Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

    ¡°...¡± Upon hearing her granddaughter¡¯s words, she paused. ¡°Xingxing, forget it. This matter... It has been so many years. Grandma isn¡¯t expecting anything. I just want you to be happy. There¡¯s nothing more important than your happiness. Your mom is no longer around. I just hope that you¡¯ll be able to live happily for your mother¡¯s sake too. You should hurry and break up with Zhai Xin. The two of you can¡¯t be together. The Zhai family isn¡¯t as simple as you think.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s not simple. If the Zhai family was that simple, would I humble myself to be with Zhai Xin? Although they look almost simr, Zhai Yi is the Zhai family¡¯s eldest son after all. In the future, Zhai Yi will surely be the one who¡¯ll take over Zhai Sheng¡¯s ce. I¡¯ve heard that Zhai Yi does have that ability too, and he¡¯s even more outstanding than Zhai Sheng was at this age.¡± Zhai Yi was her first choice, but there had been no results even after all her efforts.

    If she had not be Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend, Zhai Yi might not even know that a person like her existed up until now!

    How nice would it have been if the person who had taken her bait was Zhai Yi. Then, Zhai Yi would be her boyfriend instead. Once Qiao Nan found out who she was, the truth would hit Qiao Nan even harder and she would get even greater revenge!

    ¡°Xingxing!¡± Her grandmother seemed to be angry. She could not understand how Zhou Xing had suddenly grown up to have such a distorted mindset. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you want to be a celebrity? If you offend the Zhai family, you¡¯ll never be able to be a celebrity in this lifetime! Don¡¯t forget why you¡¯re called Zhou Xing.¡± Her grandma clearly wanted Zhou Xing to remember her dream so that she would leave Zhai Xin and work hard to fulfill her own dream.

    ¡°The Zhai family is powerful, and Qiao Nan is both powerful and rich. If I be Qiao Nan¡¯s daughter-inw, I¡¯ll have ess to the Zhai family¡¯s power and money. I could be a celebrity any time if I want. I¡¯m only sixteen now. If I rely on my own efforts, even when I reach twenty-six, I might not be a famous celebrity! Besides, I think it¡¯ll be more fulfilling to be pushed up into fame by my enemy¡¯s money and power.¡±

    Qiao Nan had three children by her side, and Zhai Xin was now her boyfriend. If Zhai Xin were to listen to her one day instead of listening to Qiao Nan and even help her say things that would hurt Qiao Nan, just imagine how hurt Qiao Nan would be.

    There was no way the heavens would allow a person to lead such a blissful life all the time. On behalf of the heavens, she would have to let Qiao Nan know that life could not always be so perfect. She had already enjoyed the splendor of the world when she was younger.

 Chapter 1666 - Car Accident

    <h4>Chapter 1666: Car ident</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was time for Qiao Nan to suffer a little and know what hardship was!

    She was going to be the one to end Qiao Nan¡¯s happiness!

    ¡°What if the Zhai family finds out about your identity? Don¡¯t forget that marriage isn¡¯t easy. If you really get to that stage with Zhai Xin, they would definitely find out about your background before you get married. Furthermore, if you get married to Zhai Xin, aren¡¯t you afraid...¡± Based on the rtionship between the two, it was obviously impossible for them to get married.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Zhou Xing was fearless. ¡°Let them investigate then. Anyway, they wouldn¡¯t be able to detect any issues from my ID card and family register. Grandma, as long as you don¡¯t tell anyone and betray me, my n will definitely seed. Grandma, you won¡¯t do that, right?¡± No one from the Zhou family knew what she was doing. Grandma was the only one who knew.

    Zhou Xing was confident that if her grandmother didn¡¯t betray her, she would definitely be able to smile while watching Qiao Nan cry in a few years¡¯ time!

    The other party felt a headache. ¡°I¡¯ve already said that it¡¯s not as simple as you think. Qiao Nan is extremely blessed. Let¡¯s not talk about whether Zhai Xin could do as what you¡¯ve described, helping his wife, and not his mother. Zhai Sheng would be the first not to tolerate his son being disrespectful to Qiao Nan and making her angry. Based on how much Zhai Sheng values Qiao Nan, if Zhai Xin dares to make Qiao Nan angry, he would dare to kick Zhai Xin out of the Zhai family. Once he loses his identity as someone from the Zhai family, Zhai Xin would be of no value to you. Lastly, never belittle the men from the Zhai family. Zhai Sheng dotes on Qiao Nan a lot. I feel that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin are the same. Perhaps the image you have imagined would never appear.¡±

    If Zhai Xin¡¯s heart was always biased toward Qiao Nan, his birth mother, no matter how hard Xingxing tried, they would all be in vain.

    When the timees, Zhai Xin could break up with Xingxing in the blink of an eye if she disrespected Qiao Nan. At this time, she herself wasn¡¯t sure how her granddaughter thought of Zhai Xin.

    At the mention of Zhai Xin, she could tell that her granddaughter¡¯s tone carried traces of happiness. However, at the mention of Zhai Yi, her granddaughter seemed conflicted and reluctant to part from him. She felt really troubled. ¡°Xingxing, I¡¯ve told you before. Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin could be considered as your brothers. Xingxing, stop this nonsense, alright?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t for anything else, but if the Zhai family really found out about what her granddaughter had done and wanted to deal with her out of rage, she couldn¡¯t stop them at all. One had to know that all the grudges were from the previous generation. If Xingxing took the initiative to acknowledge Qiao Nan, she might even take care of her and help her fulfill her dream of being a celebrity.

    The problem was that if Xingxing insisted on taking revenge on Qiao Nan, her rtionship with the Zhai family could be as bad as her mother¡¯s rtionship with them when she was still alive. ¡°If we make our identities known now, Xingxing, you might be able to be a celebrity and sing and act now. It isn¡¯t your ultimate goal to be a military performer. You have already met both of Qiao Nan¡¯s sons. Let¡¯s take a better path for you, alright?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Zhou Xing rejected without thinking. ¡°It¡¯s Qiao Nan, this wretched woman, who had caused me to lose my mother since I was young. You know how bad and ruthless that woman from the Zhou family was. I nearly lost my father as well. However, there¡¯s no difference whether I have a father or not now. He only has that woman in his eyes and the son whom she had given birth to in his heart. He even treats the child that that woman had from her preceding marriage as his precious. Out of the three children in the family, it¡¯s as if I was adopted. My parents don¡¯t love me. If my birth mother was still alive, do I have to be bullied so pitifully by that woman in my house?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t willing to take this lying down!

    When she was young, she had led such a tough life. Her mother didn¡¯t take care of her and she couldn¡¯t even get to see her father. This was all thanks to that woman named Qiao Nan. Since Qiao Nan dared to harm her, why couldn¡¯t she take revenge?

    Qiao Nan made her a child without her mother¡¯s love and protection. She wouldn¡¯t let Qiao Nan lead a good life. Qiao Nan and her three children had been leading a happy life until now. She would wait for the day when Zhai Xin no longer had Qiao Nan in his heart and always sang a different tune to her, angering her to her death. At that time, she wanted to see how Qiao Nan could smile happily when she was crying.

    ¡°Xingxing, not all men are like your father. Your grandparents have treated you really well and left everything at home to you. If you rely on the things they left for you, you can lead a good life in this lifetime.¡± Her grandmother felt heartache for Zhou Xing¡¯s unfortunate encounters when she was young.

    She always thought that even though her elder daughter was gone, she was still around. More importantly, aside from Zhou Xing¡¯s father, who was a fool to be fascinated by that vixen, Zhou Xing¡¯s grandparents doted on Zhou Xing the most. In their hearts, even the grandson who was bornter couldn¡¯tpare to her.

    It was a pity that her granddaughter¡¯s life was simr to her daughter¡¯s. Both of them didn¡¯t lead a good life. Her granddaughter didn¡¯t have a mother to dote on her and a father to protect her. She only had her grandparents and her by her side. Who would have expected Father Zhou and Mother Zhou to get into a car ident on their way back from a trip three years ago? They died on the spot before the ambnce could arrive.

    After Father Zhou and Mother Zhou passed away, both of them left behind a huge inheritance. Zhou Xing¡¯s father thought that since he was an only child, his parents¡¯ inheritance would undoubtedly be inherited by him alone.

    At that time, Zhou Xing felt extremely desperate. Her father didn¡¯t like her, let alone treated her well. She was already thirteen years old, but during the years after her mother passed away, she had never lived with her father for more than a week. If not for her grandparents protecting her, she might not even get a chance to study in school, let alone have a house to live in or pretty clothes to wear. It would be as if her parents were gone.

    With a stepmother, she would also have a stepfather.

    If all of the moneynded in her father¡¯s hand, she didn¡¯t need to think about spending a single cent in the future. It wouldn¡¯t be like when her grandparents were still alive, where the amount they spent on her alone was twice the amount spent on her stepmother and the two children.

    Zhou Xing was afraid that the huge inheritance her grandparents left behind would have nothing to do with her and she would have to lead a bitter life from then on. Unexpectedly, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou actually left behind a will when they were alive.

    The will stated that the house their son was currently living in now would belong to him. Apart from that, all the assets under their names would belong to their granddaughter, Zhou Xing.

 Chapter 1667 - Pitiful

    <h4>Chapter 1667: Pitiful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhou Xing¡¯s legal guardian would be her maternal grandmother. The things that were left to her would naturally be handed over to her maternal grandmother for safekeeping.

    After she turned twenty, her maternal grandmother would have to return everything to their granddaughter and she would manage them on her own.

    What a great turning point this was. Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother wasughing for only a few days. The appearance of this will made Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother¡¯s face darken.

    She always knew that her parents-inw didn¡¯t like her. Both of them were in their second marriage. When the two of them held a banquet, they didn¡¯t spend a single cent on them. Even the red packet that they gave to her, their daughter-inw, only contained five hundred yuan. Who were they trying to put to shame?!

    She knew that her parents-inw were quite wealthy. Her husband had a cradle-to-grave job and was paid a fixed sry. However, her father-inw was a businessman who did quite a big business and earned a lot of money.

    Although she obviously knew that her parents-inw didn¡¯t want to see her and were unwilling for her to be married into the Zhou family, after knowing that her treatment couldn¡¯t bepared to her husband¡¯s first wife at all and she was being looked down on by the Zhou family, Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother gritted her teeth and not only married into the Zhou family but also gave birth to a grandson for the Zhou family in the second year.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother was confident that since the Zhou family only had Zhou Xing as a granddaughter, she would be considered a great hero in the Zhou family for giving birth to a son, and her parents-inw would treat her well. Who knew that her status and treatment in her parents-inw¡¯s hearts didn¡¯t improve because of this grandson?

    After taking a look at her son, carrying him, and giving two red packets to him, those two old people still regarded Zhou Xing as their precious and didn¡¯t like to bother themselves with her son. She was just a money-losing daughter but her parents-inw still brought her over so that they could eat and live together.

    On the contrary, the precious son she gave birth to could only go to his grandparents¡¯ house once a week to have a good meal.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother thought of how her son had asked her, ¡°Mom, why is it that sister could live with grandpa and grandma but I can¡¯t? Their house is big and beautiful. I¡¯ve seen sister¡¯s room as well. It¡¯s bigger than mine and there are a lot of pretty dolls. Mom, I like robots and toy cars. Aren¡¯t grandpa and grandma going to buy them for me? There¡¯s a lot of delicious food at their house. I want to stay with them as well. I want to have good meals.¡±

    Every time she thought of her son¡¯s words, Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother hated Zhou Xing¡¯s presence to death. She also hated her parents-inw for being biased. They already had a grandson but were still treating a lousy granddaughter as their precious. How could there be such confused elders in this world?

    Initially, when Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother heard that her parents-inw got into a car ident and had passed away, she was still quite happy. The two mountains that were suppressing her all along were gone. Once they were dead, the big house that they lived in previously would definitely be theirs.

    She could bring her daughter and son over and live there. She could finally let her son live in the house that was known as big and beautiful to him. After the money that the two of them left behind was in her hands, she was going to buy her son a house full of toys so that he could y with them and throw them away at will.

    Who knew that the appearance of the will was like a bolt of lightning that stunned Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother and she couldn¡¯t recover herself for a long time? This will made it clear that the Zhou family¡¯s inheritance had nothing to do with her and her son at all. The two elders had made it clear that after their death, Zhou Xing¡¯s maternal grandmother would be Zhou Xing¡¯s caregiver and guardian. Even if her husband wanted to help Zhou Xing keep safe the Zhou family¡¯s inheritance using his identity of her father, this reason was useless.

    Her parents-inw were dead. Before their death, they still kept such a hand, blocking all her escape routes. Father Zhou and Mother Zhou immediately became the two most hated people in Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother¡¯s life.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s stepmother hated them to death, but Zhou Xing was happy. Aside from the fact that she had lost the two elders who doted on her, at least, there were no changes to her material lifestyle at all. The house she lived in waspletely hers. The house that her father was living with her stepmother was broken and old and wasn¡¯t as big as the one she was living in now.

    Her grandpa and grandma were willing to leave that small house to her father. She had no opinions on that and wouldn¡¯t snatch it from him.

    She had already lived with her maternal grandmother for three years. In these three years, Zhou Xing was dissatisfied with everything except for her material lifestyle. After leading a life that was toofortable and easy, she naturally started to let her thoughts wander.

    Although the Zhou family didn¡¯t have a lot of money, that child from the preceding marriage and her brother had parents by their side. However, even if she had a lot of money in her hands, she only had an old grandmother by her side. Upon thinking about this, Zhou Xing felt hatred. She didn¡¯t understand why she was so special and that she didn¡¯t have a parent to take care of her at all. She was more pitiful than children of single-parent families as she was considered the same as ¡®kinless¡¯.

    Who had caused her all these pains? It was Qiao Nan!

    Qiao Nan was her enemy. Could she just let this go? No, she wanted to take revenge!

    When she thought of how she had been living for the past three years, Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes were full of hatred. ¡°At this time, I don¡¯t know if I should thank my heartless father. If he didn¡¯t listen to that vixen¡¯s words, saw me as unpleasing to the eye, and kicked me out from their family register, grandpa and grandma wouldn¡¯t have created a new one for me and I would still be known as the daughter of Zhou Zheng and Qiao Zijin. Now that I ¡®have neither no kin nor rtives¡¯, how would the Zhai family be able to find out about me?¡±

    In Ping Cheng, she had no rtives or good friends. It wouldn¡¯t be simple for the Zhai family to check on her. ¡°I¡¯m called Zhou Xing now, not Zhou Ying. My mother has been dead for ten years. Seeing how Qiao Nan is living so happily now, I bet she has long forgotten that she was the cause of my mother¡¯s death. She probably doesn¡¯t remember that there¡¯s a young girl named Zhou Ying in this world, even if I¡¯m her only niece.¡±

    Qiao Nan was a murderer. She had knocked her mother down, causing her death. Why was it that she didn¡¯t have to bear any legal responsibility and could lead a carefree and happy life while she, a pitiful victim who had lost her mother because of Qiao Nan, had an irresponsible father who had beenpletely charmed by a vixen and didn¡¯t want his daughter after having a lover?

 Chapter 1668 - Retribution

    <h4>Chapter 1668: Retribution</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Why was it that others could lead a good life, but she only had the share of watching others lead a good life?

    This was unfair. She was unwilling to ept this! Heaven didn¡¯t help her but let her enemies lead a life so happy that they didn¡¯t remember her mother¡¯s existence instead. That was fine. She could take action personally and seek justice for both her and her mother.

    Zhou Xing believed that she was no longer rted to anyone from the Zhou family. Her father had treated her as dead, and they hadn¡¯t been together to celebrate the Lunar New Year in ages, especially since her grandpa¡¯s and grandma¡¯s deaths. When the Zhou family¡¯s inheritance was in her hands, the way her father looked at her was as if she was the one who had killed his parents. She had even changed her name.

    Traces of Zhou Ying¡¯s existence were wiped clean. The one who was alive now was Zhou Xing. As such, how would Qiao Nan have guessed that Zhou Xing was Zhou Ying and that it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter who had returned to seek revenge?!

    Ding Jiayi felt a headache. She didn¡¯t know why, but listening to Zhou Xing¡¯s words, she seemed to have seen Qiao Zijin¡¯s shadow from that year faintly on Zhou Xing now. ¡°That year, your mother... It was really an ident. Your mother... Xingxing, listen to me. If your mother was willing to open her mind that year, the things that followed wouldn¡¯t have happened. I really don¡¯t wish to see you follow your mother¡¯s old road. Grandma only has you as my kin now.¡±

    Ten years ago, she had to send her own child off and she nearly didn¡¯t survive.

    Her only obsession in life now was Zhou Xing, her granddaughter. If something happened to Zhou Xing, she would really lose all courage to live. She could lead a good life in Ping Cheng and help Zhou Xing keep safe everything from the Zhou family only if Zhou Xing was well. This was because all the work belonged to Zhou Xing alone.

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ve chatted with you for a long time now. I¡¯ll stop now. The sky is turning dark soon. Goodbye, grandma. I¡¯ll call you again. I¡¯ll return to the bedroom first.¡± Zhou Xing hated listening to Ding Jiayi¡¯s words of asking her to give up on revenge.

    Give up on revenge? On what basis?

    Qiao Nan was the one who did something sorry to her. It wasn¡¯t the other way around.

    If Qiao Nan had shown a little guilt and tried topensate her in the ten years her mother had died, she wouldn¡¯t have hated Qiao Nan so much. Since Qiao Nan could cause her mother her death and ignore her existence, then no matter what she did to Qiao Nan, it was just the retribution she deserved. She would give up on revenge only if Qiao Nan died first!

    Zhou Xing knew that it wouldn¡¯t be an easy task to take revenge on Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was already part of the central government while she was still an underage girl who hadn¡¯t stepped into society. The money she had in her hands was only enough for her father and stepmother to be jealous of. However, based on Qiao Nan¡¯s wealth, she wouldn¡¯t have taken into ount that little money she had seriously.

    Zhou Xing thought about it. She was still young, so there were very few ways to take revenge on Qiao Nan. Finally, Zhou Xing focused her attention on Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin.

    There was no other reason. Zhou Xing remembered that when her grandparents were still alive a few years ago, her grandmother had felt ufortable about how that vixen was treating her badly and hadined about her to her father. Her father didn¡¯t rebut but sided with that vixen wholeheartedly. Her grandmother was so angry that her face turned green.

    She remembered very clearly that her grandmother was exceptionally angry then and had said, ¡°Forgetting one¡¯s mother after having a wife.¡± After a few years, Zhou Xing had a deeper understanding of what this sentence meant.

    Thus, she was prepared to take on the path of her stepmother and be Qiao Nan¡¯s daughter-inw. As long as she had Qiao Nan¡¯s son¡¯s heart in her hands, she could make Zhai Xin do things that could anger Qiao Nan to her death. This would be better than her angering Qiao Nan directly. Thetter would feel more agitated easily and pained this way.

    Wasn¡¯t there a saying that only those one cared about would be able to hurt one the most?

    Compared to a daughter-inw who had emerged halfway, a disobedient son would be the biggest blow and the cruelest torment to Qiao Nan. Like what she told Ding Jiayi, she initially had her eyes on Zhai Yi, not Zhai Xin. Zhai Yi was Zhai Sheng¡¯s eldest son and was more valued by the Zhai family. She also heard that Zhai Yi was more outstanding than Zhai Sheng when he was young, and he had a more promising future.

    If Zhai Yi became her boyfriend, the entire Zhai family would be hers. At that time, it would be really easy for her to deal with Qiao Nan.

    It was a pity that either Zhou Xing was too young or that Zhai Yi waspletely uninterested in girls like Zhou Xing. After Zhou Xing had her eyes on Zhai Yi, she tried her best to create many encounters with him. However, after trying for a month, she still hadn¡¯t gotten Zhai Yi to remember her face.

    Only when she changed her target to Zhai Xin did Zhai Yi start to have an impression of her. Forget it. As long as she could achieve her goal, take revenge on Qiao Nan, and anger her to death, Zhai Xin would do. At the very most, he wouldn¡¯t have as great an effect aspared to Zhai Yi.

    With Ding Jiayi around, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Zhou Xing to understand the Zhai family¡¯s situation and how their temperaments were. Thus, she knew that as long as she was recognized by Zhai Xin, even if she was young or if there were countless girls who were older and prettier than her around, Zhai Xin would definitely not be seduced by these women. He waspletely different from her father, who hadpletely forgotten her mother¡¯s existence and treated her like an enemy just because her stepmother was a little prettier than her birth mother.

    Thankfully, a good man like Zhai Xin would be hers soon.

    Zhou Xing waspletely unwilling to listen to Ding Jiayi, who disallowed her from doing so. Aside from taking revenge, Zhai Xin was good-looking and had a strong background. In the face of such an outstanding man, it would be a waste not to get him as her husband. She couldn¡¯t bear to leave such a good man to someone else.

    As to whether close rtives could get married or not, Zhou Xing sneered coldly.

    Anyway, not a lot of people in this world would know that she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. In other words, she and Zhai Xin were rtives and she should rightfully call him cousin if she saw him. If there was really a day she got married to Zhai Xin and was pregnant with his child, it would be their blessing if the child was born healthy. If the child was born abnormally, she wasn¡¯t to be med either. It was all because the child¡¯s grandmother had done too many evil deeds and the child had to suffer the retribution now.

    No matter what method she used, she would make Qiao Nan receive her retribution!

    Hearing Zhou Xing hang up the call and listening to the beeping sound on the phone, the silver-haired Ding Jiayi suddenly squatted down and started sobbing after putting the phone back.

 Chapter 1669 - Guilty Conscience

    <h4>Chapter 1669: Guilty Conscience</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She was afraid. She was really afraid. She felt that the Zhou Xing now was exactly the same as Qiao Zijin back then, who seemed to have been demonized.

    She had already lost a daughter. God couldn¡¯t let her lose this granddaughter as well. She had the intention to stop her granddaughter from taking this so-called revenge. However, she didn¡¯t know what she should do to stop her. It was just like back when her daughter was pushed into the operating theatre. They had clearly said that the injuries Zijin suffered were not the worst in car idents and they should be able to save her. However, when her elder daughter was pushed out of the operating theatre again, her face was covered with a white cloth and she was pronounced dead.

    ¡°If Xingxing continues this nonsense, she would get into trouble sooner orter. If that happens, what should I do?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to betray her granddaughter. However, she felt that her granddaughter¡¯s n would definitely fail. Zhai Xin was her granddaughter¡¯s cousin. Even if Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have muchmon sense, she knew that if these two really got together, their child born in the future would most likely have issues.

    She didn¡¯t dare imagine what would happen if the Zhai family knew in advance that Zhou Xing was Zhou Ying, Qiao Zijin and Zhou Zheng¡¯s daughter back then. If the Zhai family became furious, it was unknown how they would deal with her granddaughter in the future. Just thinking about this alone made Ding Jiayi shudder in fear on behalf of Zhou Xing.

    ¡°No, I have to think of something. I must think of something. I can¡¯t watch Xingxing walk into a dead end. Regardless of the Zhai family or Qiao Nan, none of them are to be messed with. If it was really so easy to deal with Qiao Nan, why would Zijin choose to die under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheels back then? Qiao Nan has already ruined my Zijin. She can¡¯t ruin Xingxing as well.¡±

    Thankfully, Qiao Zijin¡¯s death that year still acted as a bit of a wake-up call for Ding Jiayi. Even though Ding Jiayi didn¡¯tpletelye to her senses because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s death, she was not as muddleheaded as ten years ago. She knew that it was impossible for Zhou Xing¡¯s n to seed. The Zhai family was so powerful that she had given up the thought of taking revenge.

    Now, the only thing she could help Zhou Xing with was to tell the truth to Qiao Nan and let the Zhai family stop Zhou Xing. She believed that Qiao Nan was ruthless and would no longer regard anyone from the Qiao family as her family. However, as long as the bottom line was kept and things weren¡¯t too overboard, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be so ruthless as to destroy someonepletely by all means.

    Picking up the familiar yet foreign phone number, Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth and dialed it.

    Qiao Nan was extremely surprised to receive Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. It had been many years since she received Ding Jiayi¡¯s call or had any contact with her. The one thing she did the most was to transfer Ding Jiayi¡¯s living allowance to her on time.

    Qiao Zijin was no longer around. As such, there wouldn¡¯t be someone like Qiao Zijin who was endlessly greedy and wanted to empty Ding Jiayi¡¯s pockets to benefit herself.

    The first year after Ding Jiayi returned to Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan had transferred Ding Jiayi¡¯s living allowance on a monthly basis. From the second year onward, she simply transferred the living allowance on a yearly basis so that it was less troublesome. As such, when she received Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, Qiao Nan felt that a lifetime had passed. ¡°Is anything the matter? Are you feeling unwell? Do you need money for hospitalization?¡±

    Upon thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s age, this was the only answer Qiao Nan could think of. ¡°How much do you need for hospitalization? Let me know. I¡¯ll transfer you the money after work.¡± Seeing that Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t disturbed her for more than ten years, Qiao Nan was toozy to investigate if Ding Jiayi was really sick or if she purely wanted to cheat a little more money from her own hands.

    Qiao Nan always believed in reciprocity. Ding Jiayi gave her a peaceful life for more than ten years. It was only now that she gave Ding Jiayi a little more money. This money was considered well-spent.

    ¡°No, this has nothing to do with money. I haven¡¯t finished spending the money you have transferred to me over the years. If there¡¯s really a need to see a doctor, the money you have provided me before is sufficient.¡± Until now, Ding Jiayi still didn¡¯t feel that Qiao Nan was a good daughter. However, she had to admit that regardless of how cold Qiao Nan was toward her, she had never shortchanged her in terms of money. ¡°I¡¯m calling you today to talk about something else. Zhai Xin is dating someone in school. Have you heard about this matter?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was asking in a careful tone as she was testing the waters. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know about this, her call would be equivalent to that of a reminder. She would find some way to change the topic, hang up the call, and never contact Qiao Nan again. However, if Qiao Nan already knew about this matter and had some thoughts about it, Ding Jiayi could only tell Qiao Nan Zhou Xing¡¯s situation, hoping that she would let her off.

    After all, what Zhou Xing had in mind wasn¡¯t good. However, if the big mistake hadn¡¯t beenmitted yet, there was still room for recovery. On ount that Zhou Xing was still young and ignorant, had lost her mother at a young age, and was no different from being fatherless, Qiao Nan shouldn¡¯t be too calctive toward Zhou Xing and fight over the smallest trifles with her.

    It was a pity Qiao Nan didn¡¯t let Ding Jiayi take any chances. ¡°Of course I know that my son is dating. The other party is quite young, so I don¡¯t want to talk about it. However, it isn¡¯t strange for me, the mother, to know that my son is dating. How did you know about this?¡± For the past ten years, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t disturb her or anyone from the Zhai family.

    Ding Jiayi was far away in Ping Cheng, and Er Bao was still studying in the capital. As such, how could Ding Jiayi know that Er Bao was in love? ¡°Who told you this?¡±

    She thought that Ding Jiayi had changed for the better. Was that to say that although Ding Jiayi was in Ping Cheng, her eyes were still on the capital and the rest of the family? What was Ding Jiayi¡¯s motive for spending such great efforts? ¡°You¡¯re calling me today and you even know about Er Bao dating. Tell me. What do you want?¡±

    Ding Jiayi blushed. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me as if it¡¯s through a crack in the door. I have no malicious intent toward you or the Zhai family. The good intentions of my call today are naturally not directed at you or the Zhai family. I¡¯m concerned about someone else.¡±

    Her rtionship with Qiao Nan was really bad. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t be bothered to act as if they were a deeply affectionate pair. ¡°You know that Zhai Xin is dating someone. Then, do you know who the girl he is dating is?¡± Indeed, Qiao Nan already knew about it when Xingxing and Zhai Xin had just confirmed their rtionship less than a month ago. From Qiao Nan¡¯s tone, she should have known about this even earlier.

    ¡°A girl named Zhou Xing,¡± Qiao Nan answered.

 Chapter 1670 - Chapter sixteen77: Guessed It

    <h4>Chapter 1670: Chapter sixteen77: Guessed It</h4>

    ¡°Wait, that girl is surnamed Zhou and she is sixteen this year. You¡¯re giving me a call for the first time today. I remember Qiao Zijin¡¯s husband was called Zhou Zheng back then. The daughter they gave birth to would be sixteen this year as well. However, isn¡¯t that girl called Zhou Ying?¡±

    Qiao Nan was a sensitive person, especially since Ding Jiayi was the kind of person who wouldn¡¯t go to her unless there was something to ask from her. It was already Qiao Nan¡¯s instinct to automatically trante Ding Jiayi into a conspiracy theory once she received her call.

    How were there so many coincidences in this world? Both of them were surnamed Zhou and were sixteen this year. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t contact her for a long time but did so when Er Bao was dating this sixteen-year-old girl surnamed Zhou. She even asked her bluntly if she knew who this girl Er Bao was dating was.

    After linking everything together, Qiao Nan thought of a most unlikely answer. Conan Doyle said before: After eliminating all the impossibilities, what is left must be the truth despite how incredible it might sound.

    It was also because of this that Qiao Nan would make a bold assumption that this girl named Zhou Xing was somehow rted to Zhou Ying.

    Qiao Nan immediately heard clearly the sound of a ss item in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands being shattered to the ground due to shock.

    Upon hearing this crisp sound, it was no longer necessary for Ding Jiayi to answer as Qiao Nan already had one in mind. ¡°So Zhou Xing is Zhou Ying? How absurd! If Zhou Xing was really Zhou Ying, she would be cousins with my Er Bao. That¡¯s within three generations! She shouldn¡¯t be serious about Er Bao if that was the case. She¡¯s dating Er Bao to take revenge on me? She¡¯s insane. Indeed, she¡¯s Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. When she goes crazy, she¡¯s just like Qiao Zijin. How could she use such a matter to seek revenge? Has water entered her brains?!¡±

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but feel exasperated. To be honest, among the people she had met in her two lifetimes, Zhou Xing was the craziest. When Qiao Zijin became ruthless, it didn¡¯t evenpare to Zhou Xing¡¯s behavior now. Was Zhou Xing prepared to throw herself into a fire pit as well? Didn¡¯t that mean something was wrong with her brains?

    ¡°No, Xingxing is not a scheming girl. Don¡¯t misunderstand her or be angry. Xingxing is a good child and a pitiful one. You also know that after Zijin¡¯s death, Xingxing lost her mother and was only left with her father, Zhou Zheng. It was a pity that Zhou Zheng remarried his first lover and the two of them even gave birth to a son after that. Zhou Zheng treated the child she brought over from her preceding marriage better than Xingxing, the birth daughter. If not for the old couple in the Zhou family who treated Xingxing well, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive in the Zhou family.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt panicked. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Nan to have guessed the truth of the matter when she had just made a call and hadn¡¯t even said anything yet. She even guessed that Zhou Ying had changed her name to Zhou Xing. She knew it. It wouldn¡¯t be as easy as what Xingxing had said. How could the Zhai family not have guessed whose daughter Xingxing belonged to?

    She knew it. She knew it!

    ¡°In this lifetime, only the old couple from the Zhou family treated Xingxing well. However, when Xingxing was thirteen, the old couple from the Zhou family met a car ident and lost their lives. Xingxing¡¯s heartless father immediately rushed over to the house Xingxing was staying and wanted to chase her out. Thankfully, when the old couple from the Zhou family was alive, they had left a will to leave everything from the Zhou family, except the house that Zhou Zheng is currently living in, to Xingxing. Otherwise, how would a thirteen-year-old child like Xingxing be able to survive with a father like that?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t young anymore. Back then, she couldn¡¯t even provide for her daughter, Zijin, let alone a granddaughter now.

    Thankfully, the old couple from the Zhou family had left behind quite a huge sum of money. It was sufficient for Xingxing toplete her studies and take away as dowry when she married someone in the future. As long as Xingxing didn¡¯t squander everything that was left behind by the old couple from the Zhou family, she could lead a good life without having to go out and work.

    At this time, Ding Jiayi was extremely thankful for the love and care the old couple from the Zhou family had provided Zhou Xing. It was because of their bias to Zhou Xing that she could still live on after their death.

    It was also at this time that Ding Jiayi simrly couldn¡¯t help but agree that Qiao Nan had really put in effort to help Qiao Zijin find a partner back then. Regardless of whether Zhou Zheng was a good man, the old couple from the Zhou family was good. Even if Zhou Zheng wasn¡¯t capable, at least, the old couple was.

    It was also at this critical moment that Ding Jiayi understood that to her daughter and grandchildren, an understanding and reasonable inw family was much more important than a reliable son-inw.

    Zhou Zheng couldn¡¯t let Zijin and Xingxing lead a good life. Once Zijin was gone, Zhou Zheng would remarry sooner orter. If it wasn¡¯t to his first lover, it would have been to another woman. With a stepmother, even if Zhou Zheng was any more reliable as a birth father, he would be a stepfather sooner orter.

    However, the old couple from the Zhou family was reliable and the situation was very different. She thought of how she herself liked sons and grandsons. However, when the old couple from the Zhou family had a grandson, they still always showered all their love to Zhou Xing. Only Ding Jiayi knew it in her heart how grateful she was to this old couple.

    Based on this point alone, she had to acknowledge that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t all that ruthless to her own family. If it wasn¡¯t for Zijin who had given up leading a good life and ended up having an affair with a man outside, Zhou Zheng would have been managed by the old couple from the Zhou family well and wouldn¡¯t have done anything sorry to Zijin.

    She knew that it was Zijin who had betrayed Zhou Zheng first and that Zhou Zheng reconciled with his first love after that. Even when Zhou Zheng¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t on Zijin, he had made sure he was loyal during their marriage. However, Zijin herself didn¡¯t do this. Upon thinking about Qiao Zijin¡¯s death, Ding Jiayi really couldn¡¯t say anything else, especially badmouthing Qiao Nan.

    ¡°She¡¯s pitiful? She wants others to be as pitiful as her just because she¡¯s pitiful? Did I cause her to be pitiful? She didn¡¯t know how Qiao Zijin died but you should know. How did you tell Zhou Xing about Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter? Qiao Zijin first positioned herself under my car, then refused to see you and wanted to seek death by rejecting the doctor¡¯s treatment. How is that rted to me? On what basis should she seek revenge on my son? If I really want to be calctive, you and Qiao Zijin were the ones who did something wrong to me but I still made arrangements to provide you a prosperous life. Comrade Ding, we have to talk about our conscience as humans. Aren¡¯t both of you too overboard?¡±

    Everyone had a soft spot. Qiao Nan¡¯s soft spot was naturally her three children.

 Chapter 1671 - Watching Closely

    <h4>Chapter 1671: Watching Closely</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter how much Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi wanted to deal with her, Qiao Nan would still be able to keep her cool and not get too angry. But once they brought her three children into the matter, Qiao Nan would be like a provoked lioness that could not wait to tear apart the other party.

    In the face of Zhou Xing¡¯s unreasonable revenge, Qiao Nan could not ept it and was understandably infuriated.

    ¡°No, you¡¯re mistaken. I know. I know everything. I did tell Xingxing about the whole matter. I didn¡¯t malign you...¡±

    ¡°Hehehe... Your favorite daughter did die under my wheel after all. I don¡¯t believe that your tone andments could have been fair and unbiased when you told Zhou Xing about this. It¡¯s your emotional memories that affected Zhou Xing, right? Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin would rather die than acknowledge you as her mom. You already ruined the life of your favorite daughter. Do you intend to ruin your favorite granddaughter¡¯s life as well?¡±

    She had been Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter for two whole lifetimes. Ding Jiayi could deceive others about her true nature, but Qiao Nan was definitely not going to be fooled.

    She did indeed believe that Ding Jiayi did not intentionally smear her name in front of Zhou Xing. But when speaking of the past, Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were bound to be biased and were sure to beced with her own subjective opinions, emotions, and judgment.

    What would a child like Zhou Xing know? When everything happened, Zhou Xing had not been in the capital, and neither had she experienced it first-hand. Everything she knew, as well as everything she based her emotions on, was from Ding Jiayi¡¯s descriptions of the matter.

    Naturally, Ding Jiayi had to bear the responsibility for Zhou Xing¡¯s huge misunderstanding about what had happened in the previous generation.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I loved Zijin the most, and Xingxing is my only granddaughter who grew up by my side. At that time, I was willing to leave the capital and return to Ping Cheng for the sake of staying by Xingxing¡¯s side, taking care of her, and watching her grow up. How could I bear to hurt Xingxing? You¡¯ve misunderstood me. I¡¯m not that kind of person.¡± Ding Jiayi continued to deny it. Her heart ached dearly.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Zijin¡¯s death had be her greatest regret. Even her divorce from Qiao Dongliang ranked below that. Without Qiao Zijin, Zhou Xing had be the only kin that Ding Jiayi cherished. Otherwise, she would not have called Qiao Nan to let her know of Zhou Xing¡¯s true identity.

    ¡°Alright. You should be clear of whether you did so or not, and I¡¯m sure you know best who influenced Zhou Xing such that her judgment is so warped today. I can¡¯t be bothered to waste my time on you. I can¡¯t manage someone else¡¯s daughter, but I¡¯ll very well manage my own son!¡±

    Initially, Qiao Nan had been prepared not to interfere in Er Bao¡¯s rtionship. But now that she had found out that Zhou Xing was actually Zhou Ying, there was no way she could not interfere. This was her biological son they were talking about!

    She could not be sure whether Zhou Xing had gotten together with Er Bao just to get revenge on her and how far Zhou Xing wanted to go with Er Bao. But no matter what ns Zhou Xing had, she had to stop them right then and there. She would have to make things right and let Er Bao know about the situation.

    After hanging up on Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan asked Minister Deng Wenchang for a long leave for the first time ever.

    Because Qiao Nan worked all year and hardly asked for leave, Deng Wenchang was rather surprised. ¡°Is something wrong with your health? It¡¯s rare for you to be applying for leave!¡± Although he said that, Deng Wenchang approved Qiao Nan¡¯s request at once.

    ¡°Something happened and I need to take care of it immediately. It can¡¯t wait. Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s nothing wrong with me. I go to the hospital for a checkup every year. I¡¯ve always been healthy.¡± Qiao Nan answered reluctantly. At this moment, her mind was filled only with Er Bao.

    She had never expected that her son would encounter such a ridiculous thing in his first rtionship just because of the previous generation. Should she say that she was unlucky or that Er Bao was unlucky? Why was there not even a single normal person in her family? Even Zhou Xing, who was of the next generation, was like two peas in a pod as Qiao Zijin.

    Should she say that Zhou Xing was indeed a child who grew up by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side? Any child who grew up by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side was sure to have a skewed view of the world and would do foolish things that no one could understand.

    ¡°Alright, hurry and take care of it. I¡¯ll take care of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for you. If anything crops up, I¡¯ll let you know at once. Don¡¯t worry and just leave.¡± Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen expression, Deng Wenchang did not waste Qiao Nan¡¯s time but urged Qiao Nan to leave quickly instead. He would watch after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Now that her leave had been approved, Qiao Nan did not waste any more time and made a call back to Miao Jing to tell her that she was going to make a trip to Er Bao¡¯s school. Then, Qiao Nan left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and drove toward the PLA National Defense University, where Da Bao and Er Bao studied.

    Upon learning that their mother was headed to their school, both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were taken aback. This was the first time in two years that their mom had personally made a trip down to visit them.

    As such, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin took this matter seriously. Knowing that Qiao Nan wasing, they took time out to pick Qiao Nan up at their school gate. At the PLA National Defense University, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had quite the reputations. Firstly, they were brothers and were triplets, not just twins. Their only sister was not studying at the PLA National Defense University with them. Secondly, the brothers excelled in every aspect so much so that it was perverted. Thirdly, the brothers were handsome.

    One could only imagine what an eye-catching sight it was for Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin to be waiting for someone at the school gate together. Even some tomboys who had learned of this news could not help but steal a few nces at them. This was truly a breath-taking sight. The two of them were clearly brothers and even shared a room, but it was really rare for the two brothers to be appearing together.

    Many people were wondering who it was that both of these two handsome guys, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, would be waiting for at the school gate together. It was probably some important figure based on how the two of them had appeared together.

    It was not only the students of the PLA National Defense University who had received the news. Someone else had received the news that both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had taken time out to wait for someone as well. This person was none other than Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend, Zhou Xing.

    Zhou Xing was an intelligent youngdy as well. Even though she knew that the men in the Zhai family were rather ¡®honest¡¯ and would not mess around once they found a girlfriend or partner, Zhou Xing was not like other typical girlfriends. Her intentions were much moreplicated andplex. Thus, the efforts she put into Zhai Xin were much more than other girlfriends would put into their boyfriends.

    Knowing that there were more males than females in the PLA National Defense University, she took advantage of her beauty and young age. With her coquettish behavior, she managed to hire a male student from the PLA National Defense University to keep an eye on Zhai Xin.

 Chapter 1672 - The Encounter

    <h4>Chapter 1672: The Encounter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Zhai Xin was free or if something happened to him, he must remember to inform her.

    Zhou Xing didn¡¯t spend money or give treats in vain. When Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin walked toward the school gate, Zhou Xing immediately received news of this on her mobile.

    Once she saw the news, Zhou Xing was so happy that her face was flushed red. Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were both free today. Could it be that today was her lucky day?

    Zhou Xing still remembered how Zhai Yi had rejected her when she called him Brother Zhai Yi previously. Zhai Xin shared a good rtionship with Zhai Yi. It was easy for her to sow discord between Zhai Xin and Qiao Nan. After all, a man would forget his mother once he had a wife. This was something verymonce. However, Zhai Yi was Zhai Xin¡¯s brother. It was more difficult to worsen their rtionship as brothers.

    If Zhai Yi had fancied her, then everything could be discussed easily. The problem was that she had changed her target to Zhai Xin as she couldn¡¯t hook Zhai Yi back then. Seeing that Zhai Xin was also around today, she didn¡¯t believe that Zhai Yi would not give her face in front of Zhai Xin like before.

    Using Zhai Xin to attack Zhai Yi was the best way Zhou Xing could think of.

    Zhou Xing was also curious about who could move both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin at the same time. It had better not be a girl. Otherwise, her situation would be dangerous.

    ¡°Oh? Why are you here?¡± When Zhai Xin saw Zhou Xing, he was extremely surprised. However, he had no intention to avoid her. Upon thinking that his mother wasing over today, didn¡¯t this mean that his mother would meet Zhou Xing? His rtionship with Zhou Xing was still unstable, or rather, he still didn¡¯t have that kind of feelings for Zhou Xing. Wasn¡¯t it too early for his mother to know about Zhou Xing¡¯s presence and for the two of them to meet each other?

    Zhai Yi frowned. He had more thoughts than Zhai Xin about the timing that Zhou Xing appeared.

    If he didn¡¯t have the ability to think about this, Zhai Yi felt that he wasn¡¯t suitable to study at PLA National Defense University. Of course, the current situation seemed to prove that Zhai Xin¡¯s current IQ was not on par yet. Thus, it was simrly unsuitable for him to be studying at PLA National Defense University.

    ¡°Nothing. Can¡¯t Ie over?¡± Zhou Xing avoided the question. She knew that if Zhai Xin knew about the things that she was doing at this time, he would definitely not ept it. ¡°You¡¯re to me as well. It has been almost half a month since ourst date. You have no time to see me but you have time now? Why didn¡¯t you inform me that you¡¯re free? Could it be that someone else is more important to you than me?¡±

    Zhou Xing was young and she looked tender. It was appropriate for her to be acting like a spoiled child.

    Once Zhai Xin saw Zhou Xing¡¯s look, he was reminded of how San Bao and Ling Ling were at home. His heart couldn¡¯t help but soften. ¡°Who said that I¡¯m free? I still have the heart, but the situation today is different.¡± His birth mother wasing over. Of course this was something more important than anything else.

    ¡°What¡¯s different? You¡¯re standing here with your brother and you seem to be waiting for someone. Who are you waiting for?¡± Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts. They really seemed to be waiting for someone. What kind of person could mobilize the two sons from the Zhai family? She prayed that the other party wasn¡¯t a woman. Otherwise, this woman was too big a threat to her.

    Because of Ding Jiayi, Zhou Xing knew that aside from the three children in the Zhai family, there was also the existence of Xu Lingling. Since they were childhood sweethearts, the feelings must be different.

    Zhou Xing was extremely worried that Xu Lingling would have feelings for Zhai Yi or Zhai Xin in ways more than what a sister would have for a brother, on ount that they had known one another since they were young. If that was the case, how was she going to win against Xu Lingling since she had appeared sote andcked presence for more than ten years?

    Thankfully, Zhai Yi didn¡¯t seem to have that kind of feelings toward Xu Lingling. She was also Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend now. Aside from Xu Lingling, there wasn¡¯t any other girl Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin would have known and developed strong feelings for, right?

    ¡°Waiting for... She¡¯s here.¡± Zhai Xin wanted to make Zhou Xing leave as it was really not too convenient for Zhou Xing to meet his mother now. It was a pity that before he could do so, the familiar sound of the car could be heard. Once he saw Qiao Nan¡¯s car, Zhai Xin¡¯s eyes lit up. It was as if a dog had seen a bone and pounced on it, without any care for anything else.

    It wasn¡¯t only Zhai Xin who had this expression. Even the cold Zhai Yi who wasn¡¯t easily approachable looked like he had the spring breeze and warm sun on his face.

    The brothers stepped forward and opened the car door. ¡°Mom, what brought you to our school today? Go and park the car first. We will bring you around PLA National Defense University today. This is such a rare chance. Back when godfather and godmother were studying here, you didn¡¯t have a chance to take a look here as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan was naturally happy to see the two sons whom she had not seen for a long time. It was just that when Qiao Nan saw that there was a young girl standing behind Zhai Xin, her face couldn¡¯t help but stiffen.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. Er Bao was an innocent party in this matter. He didn¡¯t know anything and she couldn¡¯t lose her temper with him. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll park the car first. Bring me to a quieter ceter where we can have a chat. That youngdy is around too, right? Let her stay. I want to have a chat with her as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t visit PLA National Defense University in the past. However, she knew where the parking lot was as most of the people around her had attended this university before. Shi Qing even sent her a thick stack of photos featuring the scenery of the school. Even if they weren¡¯t studying at the same university back then, she could send Qiao Nan photos of PLA National Defense University so that Qiao Nan could feel that she was studying together with her and they had never been separated.

    As such, it was normal for Qiao Nan to find the scenery of PLA National Defense University familiar even though it was her first time here. She didn¡¯t need Da Bao and Er Bao to provide her directions to park the car.

    Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were naturally happy that their mother was here. However, Zhou Xing¡¯s face changed a little. She asked anxiously, ¡°This person is...?¡± She was really confused. Aside from Qiao Nan, who could trouble the two sons from the Zhai family to pick them up?

    She didn¡¯t expect that woman to be Qiao Nan. She was prettier than how grandma had described her. If she hadn¡¯t seen for herself, she would have misunderstood that Qiao Nan was a university student if she saw her on the streets. She was already a mother of three children, but she couldn¡¯t see the slightest trace of aging on Qiao Nan¡¯s face.

 Chapter 1673 - A Chat

    <h4>Chapter 1673: A Chat</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No wonder her grandma always said that Qiao Nan was a lucky woman. Even time was particrly forgiving to Qiao Nan.

    She thought about her mother who had been dead for ten years. She could not even remember how her mother looked like anymore. Looking again at Qiao Nan¡¯s face that looked not much older than her own, Zhou Xing¡¯s gloom and hatred only deepened.

    ¡°My mom.¡± Zhai Xin did not try to hide the matter. ¡°Initially, I felt that it was too early to let my mom know about our rtionship.¡± It was mainly because Zhou Xing was too young, and he was afraid that his mom would get angry after learning about it. ¡°But my mom saw you earlier and she said that she wanted to have a chat with you. Don¡¯t leave. Come along with me.¡± Alright, his mom was being a lot more receptive than he had imagined.

    The moment she saw Zhou Xing, his mom had guessed that this youngdy could be his girlfriend. His mom was just as sharp as she had been in her youth. She had not gotten dumb just because of a pregnancy.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s auntie.¡± Zhou Xing forced a smile out.

    Zhai Yi nced at Zhou Xing. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be nervous. Mom found out about your rtionship a long time ago.¡± If she had wanted to deal with them, she would havee long ago. So what could his mom havee to the PLA National Defence University for today?

    ¡°She found out a long ago? When did Mom find out? Why didn¡¯t I know about it?¡± Zhai Xin jumped up. He was the party concerned, but why did he know nothing about this matter?

    ¡°The moment I knew, Mom knew too. Why? Are you scared?¡± Was it not just a rtionship? But Zhai Xin had been so frightened that his face was entirely drained. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom shouldn¡¯t be here to deal with you today. Mom is here!¡±

    Zhou Xing, who had wanted to speak up, could not find a good time to interrupt Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. Then, she heard Zhai Yi say that Qiao Nan had already known about her existence. She did not know how to feel about that. What she knew was that she had not expected to face Qiao Nan so early.

    In her n, she would only face Qiao Nan proudly once her rtionship with Zhai Xin had stabilized and once Zhai Xin confirmed that he would definitely marry her. Then, she would not have to worry about Qiao Nan objecting to their rtionship.

    It was way too early at this point in time.

    But she had not been able to escape in time. Seeing Qiao Nan who had returned from parking her car earlier than expected, Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes widened. This was no good. If she still wanted to leave, she would have to get Qiao Nan¡¯s permission. It would be too rude of her to leave now on her own volition without Qiao Nan asking her to do so.

    Her rtionship with Zhai Xin had not yet stabilized. If she were to embarrass Qiao Nan in this way now, Zhai Xin would surely get upset with her. Zhou Xing¡¯s face was almostpletely distorted. She could not understand how this matter could havended up in this state.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    In front of Qiao Nan, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were still children and did not behave any differently from when they were at home.

    On the contrary, the one who behaved differently was Qiao Nan. She was naturally overjoyed about seeing her two sons, but at this moment, she paid more attention to that young girl who was standing by Zhai Xin¡¯s side. Even though it was her first time meeting that girl, Qiao Nan was sure that the girl was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter.

    Appearances could not lie, especially those gentle but scheming eyes of hers that looked like two peas in a pod with Qiao Zijin¡¯s. Even though Qiao Zijin was no longer around, Zhou Xing was the spitting image of her mother!

    ¡°It won¡¯t be convenient to speak here. Can we find somewhere else?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhai Xin nodded. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t we head to our room?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Although the PLA National Defense University is much stricter than other schools, I remember that there¡¯s a street around here that¡¯s pretty crowded. Anyway, it¡¯s far away. Let¡¯s just walk over and pick a nice and quiet cafe.¡± It was just as well. Along the way, Qiao Nan could take her time to consider how to broach the topic and persuade Zhou Xing to back off.

    Actually, as long as she told Er Bao about Zhou Xing¡¯s identity, she knew that she would not have to borate any further. Er Bao himself would end the rtionship. Even though Qiao Zijin had died years ago, the three children still had a deep impression of Qiao Zijin and had never forgotten about her.

    After all, it was the first time that the three children had witnessed such a bloody scene. It was also the first time they had experienced first-hand just how malicious their biological elder aunt was toward their mother. Not to mention that Zhou Xing and Er Bao were such close rtives. They were practically brother and sister. Even if Zhou Xing did not care about brother and sister dating, it was impossible for Er Bao to ignore it.

    ¡°Mom, how about this shop?¡± Zhai Xin could feel that Qiao Nan was not in a good mood, and her face was a little gloomy. Zhai Xin looked at Zhai Yi. Had he not said that his mom had found out about his rtionship with Zhou Xing long ago? Since his mom knew about it and had note to deal with him earlier, why was her expression like this now?

    Zhai Yi frowned too, expressing his confusion. The only thing he could feel was that his mother¡¯s mood was very somber and she looked particrly troubled today.

    ¡°Take a seat. Just order what you want.¡± After Qiao Nan took a seat, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin¡¯s first reaction was naturally to sit around Qiao Nan to protect her like her bodyguards.

    Seeing Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin treating this old woman who was Qiao Nan like a princess, protecting her like her knights, Zhou Xing was especially sour. She had never experienced such care and love in her entire life.

    ¡°Mom, try drinking this. Is it nice? If it¡¯s not, I¡¯ll swap with you.¡± Zhai Xin handed Qiao Nan her drink and considerately squeezed the slice of lemon into Qiao Nan¡¯s drink.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. The taste is just fine.¡± Qiao Nan was already used to her sons taking care of her now that they had grown up. What she did not know was just how bitter Zhou Xing, who was sitting opposite her, was feeling upon seeing just how caring he was toward his mom butpletely forgetting about his girlfriend¡¯s existence.

    Thankfully, Zhou Xing suddenly remembered that she had not even been his girlfriend for two months. If she were to fight over Zhai Xin¡¯s affection with Qiao Nan at this time, there would be no chance for her to go ahead with her n. Her entire n would be ruined immediately.

    And so, she had no other choice. This was no time for her to be willful. She could only take her own drink meekly. At the very most, she would look at Zhai Xin with an aggrieved gaze to remind Zhai Xin of her presence and that she was his girlfriend who needed his care and love too.

 Chapter 1674 - Shocking Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 1674: Shocking Rtionship</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After taking two sips of her drink to suppress her nerves, Qiao Nan suddenly said, ¡°Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin. Do you still remember that you have an aunt?¡±

    Zhai Yi frowned and his face turned dark. ¡°Mom, why did you suddenly mention this person out of the blue?¡± How could he not have remembered? He had a deep impression of her. A woman who was particrly sick no longer wanted to live and chose to die under his mother¡¯s car wheels. That was already ten years ago. Because of that scene, Zhai Xin and Zhai Yu had nightmares for a long time.

    However, this was their Zhai family¡¯s matter. Zhou Xing was just Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend and wasn¡¯t considered part of their Zhai family. Why did their mother mention this aunt in front of Zhou Xing?

    Zhai Yi didn¡¯t understand. However, Zhou Xing couldn¡¯t help but clench her hands. The fingertips that were holding the ss cup turned white due to excessive force. Zhou Xing couldn¡¯t help but lower her head. She was afraid that the three from the Zhai family would notice the emotions that were brewing strongly in her eyes. No, the Zhai family must not know her rtionship with her mother yet.

    Even if she really got married to Zhai Xin, she must not let him know that she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to mention this at first. However, I have no choice but to mention it now as this woman is quite important. You have to listen, especially Zhai Xin. Promise me that when you listen, you have to remain calm. Zhai Yi, if Zhai Xin can¡¯t do that, help me manage him. Understand?¡± Qiao Nan kept her gaze firmly on Zhou Xing.

    Zhai Yi nodded and changed his position to sit next to Zhai Xin. Zhai Xin felt dismayed. He remembered that aunt as well. However, she had passed away for ten years now and he had treated that woman as if she had never existed. Why was it that upon the mention of that woman, his mother had asked Da Bao to look out for him? She even specifically called him out and asked him to remain calm.

    What a joke. How would he not remain calm because of that aunt? She wasn¡¯t part of their family. Even if he was angry, that was in the past. How would he not be able to remain calm?

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Xing couldn¡¯t help but break out in a cold sweat. She had a faint feeling in her heart. However, she felt that it was impossible. It was impossible for Qiao Nan to know about her background.

    ¡°You¡¯re Zhou Xing, right? Zhou Ying is a pretty name. Why did you change your name to Zhou Xing? Your decision to change your name should have nothing to do with our Zhai family, right?¡± She couldn¡¯t have changed her name just so that she could seduce the men from the Zhai family. ¡°I heard that you¡¯re a military performer in the army and like the arts and teaching dancing? Actually, your mother liked these a lot when she was still around. The both of you are simr, and you share the same hobbies.¡±

    In her and Qiao Zijin¡¯s generation, studies were valued the most. Only by learning well and getting into a good high school and university would one be sessful in the future. It was unlike now, where every profession produced its own leading authority. Even people who wanted to be celebrities could be found everywhere.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s hand shivered and nearly spilled the drink in the cup. ¡°A-Auntie, what are you talking about? Why do I not understand?¡± Perhaps Zhou Xing¡¯s words would have been more convincing if her face wasn¡¯t that pale or if her voice was calmer and not trembling.

    ¡°Auntie?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Although today is the second time we have met, you should call me ¡®aunt¡¯ and not ¡®auntie¡¯. Ten years ago, you were still a little girl holding a doll. In the blink of an eye, you have be a slim and graceful girl who is at the age of finding a boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin didn¡¯t expect that they would hear such a big secret. The brothers were tongue-tied at Zhou Xing¡¯s identity. If Zhai Yi was surprised, then it would have been considered a big blow to Zhai Xin.

    He had treated Zhou Xing like his sister, but in name, Zhou Xing was still his girlfriend. However, when his mother told him that he was dating his cousin, Zhai Xin felt that matter was both mysterious and ridiculous. ¡°Mom, are you for real, or are you joking with me? You know my temper. I only treat Zhou Xing as my sister and I don¡¯t have that kind of feelings for her. On ount that Zhou Xing is still young, I initially nned for her to meet a boy that she really likes in the future...¡±

    Thus, it was really unnecessary for his mother to say such terrible lies to scare him just so that he would break up with Zhou Xing.

    Zhai Yi looked at Zhai Xin. Would their mom joke about such matters? If she really wanted Zhai Xin to break up, she could just say that she didn¡¯t like Zhou Xing. This might not have worked for a lot of times, but Zhai Xin did listen to their mother and break up for the past three times.

    As such, Zhou Xing was really their cousin and she was even that aunt¡¯s daughter!

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush to deny your rtionship with Qiao Zijin. You wouldn¡¯t have thought that just because you changed your name, I wouldn¡¯t be able to check your background, right? ording to what I know, Zhou Zheng is still alive. Your stepmother could simrly prove if you are Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, Zhou Ying, or not.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what your grandmother had said to you when you were growing up. I don¡¯t want to know as well. What¡¯s your motive foring to the army to be a military performer and making such a bad joke with Zhai Xin? I want to let you know that a lot of things will not be reality just because you wish for it. The people from our Zhai family would always use our brains when doing things.¡±

    Cousins dating? Did Zhou Xing really think that this was the ancient times?

    In modern times, such marriages between close rtives are not allowed by thew! Er Bao wasn¡¯t the type who would be carried away because of love. Furthermore, their feelings for each other hadn¡¯t reached that stage yet. No matter what Zhou Xing was up to, it was destined that she would not be able to continue this act anymore.

    ¡°Hehe...¡± Zhou Xingughed coldly. ¡°That¡¯s right as well. You¡¯re one of the top ministers in the central government now. If this was the ancient times, you would only have one above you and millions under you, right? I¡¯m just an ordinary citizen. How could I fight against you? How could I hide whatever you want to know? In your profession, you could casually find a person to check on my ancestors for the past eighteen generations. Who knows? In the end, you might even be clearer than me about our Zhou family¡¯s history.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you admit to this.¡± As to Zhou Xing¡¯s unpleasant words, Qiao Nan had automatically blocked them.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Xin¡¯s face darkened and looked unkindly at Zhou Xing. His previous exnation that this was all just an overboard joke was no longer valid. Zhou Xing herself had admitted that she was indeed Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter.

 Chapter 1675 - Backing Off Shamefully

    <h4>Chapter 1675: Backing Off Shamefully</h4>

    In other words, Zhou Xing was his cousin.

    At the thought that Zhou Xing had always been clear of the rtionship between the two of them and had insisted on chasing him and making him her boyfriend, Zhai Xin¡¯s expression darkened.

    Zhai Yi had considered the matter more than Zhai Xin. With his arms around his chest, he narrowed his eyes and stared at Zhou Xing. ¡°So that means that you approached our family with bad intentions, and I was your initial target, right?¡±

    The moment Zhai Yi said that, Zhou Xing spat out even more of her drink. Everyone there had a tacit understanding. Even without Zhou Xing responding, the mother and son trio already knew the answer from her reaction alone.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was the worst. She had never expected that Zhou Xing was not only nning on getting revenge on her but had even set her eyes on Zhai Yi and had gotten together with Zhai Xin even though she had no feelings for him. Because Zhai Yi had not taken the bait, the more outgoing Zhai Xin had be Zhou Xing¡¯s second choice as her boyfriend.

    As a mother, the thought of Zhou Xing plotting against her two brilliant sons gave Qiao Nan the impulse to p Zhou Xing in the face.

    Was Zhou Xing nning on being Diao Chang and provoke Da Bao and Er Bao like Diao Chan did to Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu? Was she intending on making them her enemies? Did she really think of herself as a femme fatale? ¡°You¡¯re really like your mom.¡± Her thoughts were just as childish and unreasonable.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m my mom¡¯s daughter. If I don¡¯t resemble her, who else would I resemble?¡± There was no need for Zhou Xing to keep up her pretense. In the first ce, her rtionship with Zhai Xin had not yet stabilized. They had only gone on two dates together and had not even held hands, let alone had any other intimate contact. One was the mother who had raised him for twenty years, while the other was a girlfriend of less than two months. No matter how much Zhou Xing idealized the situation, she understood that there was no way Zhai Xin would choose to give up his mom just for her.

    But one¡¯s rationality is often separate from one¡¯s emotions.

    While saying this, Zhou Xing stared at Zhai Xin, hoping that Zhai Xin would respond to her. Unfortunately, up until the very end, Zhai Xin had never once revealed a look of anger or heartache for her.

    The disappointed Zhou Xing could not help but attack Zhai Xin. ¡°Zhai Xin, you¡¯re not a man. Even if you can¡¯t rebuke your mom for me, I¡¯m still your girlfriend. Shouldn¡¯t you try to protect me? Are you still unweaned? Does your whole world revolve around your mom? You don¡¯t even have opinions of your own! All you know is follow whatever your mom says! You treat your mom as though she was the Empress Cixi! You¡¯re such a coward! I¡¯m so unlucky to be your girlfriend! Do you mean to break up with me? Just be prepared to spend your whole life being a good son to your mom!¡±

    She had really expected the tall and muscr Zhai Xin to act like a young child in front of his mother and that he would follow Qiao Nan¡¯s every order. She could hardly believe that Zhai Xin had alreadye of age.

    Although her mother had died early, she could confidently say that even if her mom were still around, she would not agree even if her mom were to force her to break up under such circumstances.

    After scolding Zhai Xin, Zhou Xing could not help but look at Zhai Yi. She wanted to know if Zhai Yi, as the eldest son, was just like Zhai Xin and would never refuse Qiao Nan¡¯s request. Even if he grew up and got a girlfriend in the future, he would take Qiao Nan¡¯s words as thew.

    But by doing so, Zhou Xing had angered Qiao Nan and her two sons. Their anger was evident in their eyes. Zhai Yi had already made it clear about his suspicions of Zhou Xing¡¯s first target being himself and that Zhou Xing had only gone after Zhai Xin because he had not fallen for her tricks. With such a reaction, Zhou Xing had just exposed herself and admitted to Zhai Yi¡¯s suspicions being the truth.

    Of course, the one with the darkest and most vicious expression was Zhai Xin. Zhai Xin was so angry that he did not even know who he should scold. Even if he had no feelings, he had dated his own cousin! To put it crudely... He did not want to say such awful things, but that was the truth!

    He had be a couple with his own cousin! And she had even known about this rtionship between them from the beginning! Zhai Xin had already been exasperated to begin with, but now, he had even found out that he had not even been Zhou Xing¡¯s first choice! Her first choice had been Zhai Yi! Even though the matter was ridiculous in itself, Zhai Xin could not help but feel utterly degraded.

    He would never in a million years have imagined that his first rtionship would be so awful, let alone downright embarrassing and humiliating. As the party concerned, Zhai Xin finally understood how Qiao Nan felt about her rtionship with Qiao Zijin.

    Now that the mother was gone, it was time for the daughter to make her move. Why was there not a single person who was normal in his maternal grandma¡¯s family?

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Yi could not even be bothered to answer Zhou Xing. After all, this question would never be in their purview. His mom was not an unreasonable person and had not even had a huge reaction to the news of Zhai Xin dating Zhou Xing.

    If it was not for the news of Zhou Xing¡¯s true identity, his mom would probably not havee forward to prevent this rtionship from developing any further. But when Zhai Yi thought about how Zhou Xing was their cousin and even dared to date her own cousin, Zhai Yi could not help but view Zhou Xing as a lunatic.

    He could sense that the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin was not just a typical campus rtionship. If Zhou Xing had intended on staying together with Zhai Xin until the end, Zhai Yi could not imagine what their family would be if that were really to happen.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Since she had already achieved her aim, Qiao Nan did not have any hopes of Zhou Xinging to her senses, After all, this was something that Qiao Zijin had not managed to do even up until her death. A person would normally forget about the evils of the world and think of good things nearing death. But that did not apply to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan stood up and called the waiter over. After paying for the drinks, she said to Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, ¡°Before I came, I simply told your grandma that I was here to check on you boys. It¡¯ste and I have to make a move. Your grandma hasn¡¯t been in good health recently. When you two get the chance, try toe home to visit her. As for Zhou Xing, Er Bao, Mom believes that you¡¯ll handle it well. You¡¯re not a muddleheaded child, so I won¡¯t care about this matter anymore. You can do whatever you deem fit.¡±

    She did not even have any hopes that Zhou Xing woulde to her senses. So naturally, Qiao Nan was not expecting Zhou Xing to back off shamefully even after today¡¯s incident and leave Er Bao alone, much less put an end to this rtionship that should never have started.

 Chapter 1676 - Ask Your Grandma

    <h4>Chapter 1676: Ask Your Grandma</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since Zhou Xing was not someone with self-awareness, Qiao Nan could only hope that Er Bao had self-awareness and not be deceived by Zhou Xing and end up doing something that would only hurt his loved ones but please his enemies.

    The rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin had not even been as far as five generations! Even if they were really to get together, it would be illegal. In other words, they would bemitting a crime by getting married. Zhai Xin could not possibly ruin the reputation of all three generations of the Zhai family just for the sake of a cousin with evil intentions.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. You don¡¯t have to do anything about this anymore. I understand. I didn¡¯t have any feelings for her to begin with. Initially, I just thought that she was still young and did not know what she truly wanted and was simply confused.¡± Zhai Xin knew that both he and Zhai Yi were rather famous in the PLA National Defense University. Because they were brothers, they shared the title of the most popr guy on campus.

    Zhai Xin did not care for this title. After all, men should rely on their capability, not their appearance. But Zhai Xin knew that many women bought into that and felt that it was a respectable thing to be dating the most popr and handsome guy in school. After he and Zhai Yi were picked as the most handsome guys in school, Zhai Xin clearly felt that he had started to receive more love letters. And it was at such a time that Zhou Xing had appeared.

    Because she was not from his school, and Zhou Xing was really young with unstable emotions, Zhai Xin had relented because of her cries and agreed to meet up with Zhou Xing. But who would have known of Zhou Xing¡¯s true identity and that she was such a person! Zhai Xin only felt that he had wasted all of his good intentions and been foolish to have been softhearted this once.

    Once bitten, twice shy. He naturally tried to stay away from and not even interact with irrational people like Zhou Xing. Now, Zhai Xin thanked the heavens that Zhou Xing was not from his school and that their schools were separated by a great distance. Otherwise, he could not even imagine how he would act if he were to see Zhou Xing around the school.

    With such a decisive answer, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression finally warmed and she was relieved at longst.

    ¡°Mom, be careful on your way home. Zhai Xin and I will be sure to visit once we have time. Thank you for taking care of grandma.¡± Zhai Yi knew that his dad was indeed spending more time at home now aspared to the past when they were still young. But his mom was still the one managing the family matters. His maternal grandfather was still living in the capital and had not left. Thest time his grandfather fell sick, it had been his mom who had driven around to pay for his hospital bills and purchase medication for him.

    It was almost as though his mom was the only one taking care of the elders in both families.

    Sometimes, when Zhai Yi thought about how hard Qiao Nan¡¯s life was, he had the asional impulse to get into a different line of work so that he could spend more time with his family. At least, the burden would not always fall on that frail mom of his if his elders were to fall sick. But Zhai Yi had to think rationally. He knew clearly about his desire to join the military, and he knew even more clearly of his identity as the eldest grandson of the Zhai family.

    It might sound clich¨¦d, but as the eldest grandson of the Zhai family, he had to answer to his mission. His great-grandpa had been right. The men of the Zhai family were destined for the military.

    For the most part, Qiao Nan was not at all worried about Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. Even now, Qiao Nan had absolute faith in her two sons. After a few words, Qiao Nan drove home to the Zhai family.

    But what no one had expected was that Zhou Xing did not intend on giving up even after her identity had been exposed in this manner and knowing full well that she should not be appearing in front of the Zhai family. What was different, however, was that Zhou Xing had not approached Zhai Yi or Zhai Xin. Instead, she directly stopped Qiao Nan in her tracks.

    Upon seeing Zhou Xing open her arms wide to stand in front of her car, Qiao Nan felt her heart leap. In that moment, it was as though she had seen Qiao Zijin on that day ten years ago. That day, Qiao Zijin had jumped in front of her car and had been pinned under her wheel just like that too!

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan had not been driving quickly and had managed to apply her brakes in time so that she did not hit Zhou Xing. When the car stopped just a few centimeters shy of Zhou Xing, even Zhou Xing herself shut her eyes in fear. Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry at the scene before her. Before standing in her way, had Zhou Xing never realized that this was extremely dangerous? Did she really think that shutting her eyes would mean that the car would not knock into her and that she would not get injured?

    Even though this was her first time meeting the grown-up Zhou Xing, she already had a bad impression of Zhou Xing.

    When Zhou Xing opened her eyes and saw that Qiao Nan¡¯s car had stopped just short of her, she followed in her mom¡¯s footsteps and got all red up that Qiao Nan had almost knocked her over. Zhou Xing took a few steps forward andmbasted at Qiao Nan. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re too much? You knocked down my mom and killed her, and now, you want to kill me too? Don¡¯t think that you can just do whatever you want without facing any consequences just because you¡¯re the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw! I¡¯m warning you. If the same thing that happened to my mom happens to me, I can assure you that this will be the end of your life as a cadre!¡±

    She would not be like her mom, whose death had not even made the news even after she had been knocked down by Qiao Nan. Her mom had lost her life, but Qiao Nan was still living her peaceful andfortable life. This world was sure unfair! Everyone was supposed to be equal in front of thew, but why did exceptions like Qiao Nan exist?

    Not only did she not have to give up her own life after killing someone, but she did not even have to face any consequences at all! Qiao Nan¡¯s existence was like the ckest of all ck holes in the country.

    Qiao Nan wound her window down and looked at Zhou Xing seriously. ¡°If you haven¡¯t done a thorough investigation, you don¡¯t have any right to speak. As for your mom¡¯s incident, I have a clear conscience. The police station holds records about how your mom was knocked down by my car at that time. Not only that, but that ident was also recorded by surveince cameras. You can choose not to believe what I say, but the evidence is with the police. You can check it out yourself. Seeing it for yourself is much better than just listening to what other people say.¡±

    As long as Zhou Xing was willing to investigate the matter, Qiao Nan was sure that she would be able to prove her innocence. ¡°At that time, I had material evidence as well as witnesses. I didn¡¯t even know those witnesses personally. They just happened to be there at that time and saw your mother deliberately running in front of my car. Your mom¡¯s death has nothing to do with me. If you want to resent someone, I¡¯m not the one you should hold a grudge against. You might not know, but the doctor said at that time that your mom¡¯s injuries were not serious for a victim of a car ident. She could have been saved.¡±

    ¡°So why did my mom die in the end?¡± Zhou Xing could not believe it. If her mom had indeed only suffered minor injuries, how did she be a child with no mother?

    ¡°As for that, you¡¯ll have to ask your grandma. She can give you an answer.¡±

 Chapter 1677 - Did You See It Yourself?

    <h4>Chapter 1677: Did You See It Yourself?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Although this matter was over ten years ago, your mother¡¯s behavior back then was too bizarre. You can go to this hospital and ask for yourself what your mother had said to the nurse before she passed away.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mean to ssh dirty water on Ding Jiayi. It was just that she could no longer tolerate how Ding Jiayi had pushed all the responsibility to her and even misled Zhou Xing.

    Zhou Xing was the same as Qiao Zijin. Both of them were action-oriented.

    Zhou Xing was certain that Qiao Nan was the one who caused Qiao Zijin¡¯s death. As such, Zhou Xing deliberately found her son and wanted to make use of him to seek revenge on her. Ding Jiayi had created this trouble herself and couldn¡¯t me Qiao Nan in the future for telling Zhou Xing the truth of the matter.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes were full of doubt as she held the piece of paper with the address Qiao Nan had provided her. ¡°How can I be sure that the nurse I found wouldn¡¯t have been bought over by you? I know you¡¯re considered one of the shareholders in the Tian Corporation. All you have is money, and there is hardly anything in this world that money can¡¯t buy.¡±

    On what basis should she believe that the nurse¡¯s words were true and that it wasn¡¯t what Qiao Nan deliberately wanted her to hear? Zhou Xing was full of doubts and didn¡¯t have any trust in this world, especially toward Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Then, you¡¯re only left with going to the police station and see the footage of how I had knocked your mother down that year. I can¡¯t possibly buy the footage, right? Also, the facts are all in front of you. If you really want to believe that I was the one who had forged all the evidence, then I have nothing much to say to you.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t really want to talk to Zhou Xing. Zhou Xing was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. Qiao Nan knew how unreasonable Qiao Zijin could be when she was still alive.

    Like mother, like daughter. Qiao Nan never wanted to knock some sense into Qiao Zijin. Simrly, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t intend to persuade Zhou Xing. It was up to Zhou Xing to believe it or not.

    If not for the old couple from the Zhou family having passed away and Zhou Xing having grown up with Ding Jiayi by her side, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have bothered saying these words to Zhou Xing. Ding Jiayi had really caused so much harm, harming one after another.

    Zhou Xing had gone awry. If Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t change for the better, she didn¡¯t expect Zhou Xing to either. Zhou Xing was born with Qiao Zijin¡¯s character. They were unreasonable.

    Zhou Xing held the note that Qiao Nan gave her tightly. As Qiao Nan had said, even if there was footage, she would wonder if the video evidence in the police station was synthesized. IT was so developed nowadays. There was nothing aputer couldn¡¯t do.

    As one of the stakeholders in Tian Corporation, Qiao Nan didn¡¯tck any experts in this field. She was a child who had not even graduated from high school. How would she win against the skillful Qiao Nan? However, even if that was the case, she would go and understand Qiao Nan¡¯s so-called evidence and truth. ¡°I stopped you here today as I hope that you could promise me not to interfere in the matters between me and Zhai Xin. Don¡¯t stop us from being together and badmouth me in front of Zhai Xin either. I don¡¯t expect you to help me and Zhai Xin, but don¡¯t ruin it. I have already lost my mother. You wouldn¡¯t hate me like how you hate my mother and make sure I don¡¯t get my happiness, right?¡±

    All her ns had been destroyed by Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan tried to stop Zhai Xin from being together with her, Zhai Xin would probably agree without any resistance, based on what had happened today. If that was really the case, all her previous efforts would be in vain. ¡°Even if I take steps back and not discuss if you had deliberately knocked my mother down, the truth is that my mother had died under your car wheels. From this point of view, you owe me a mother. Shouldn¡¯t you return to me what you owe me? Do you know how tragic it is for a child to lose their mother? When you were happily smiling, do you know that I was crying so badly because I have lost my mother¡¯s love, and yet there wasn¡¯t a single person by my side who couldfort me? You owe me a happy childhood, and this is something you would never be able to make up to me in this lifetime!¡±

    She didn¡¯t expect much. She wouldn¡¯t let Qiao Nan return her a good childhood, but Qiao Nan was not to intervene in her affairs with Zhai Xin moving forward. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s influence, she believed that since she could seed in the past, she could simrly seed now.

    Zhai Xin¡¯s heart softened easily. He would never reject her.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. She had long known that as Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, Zhou Xing wouldn¡¯t be someone who listened to reason. However, Zhou Xing was more stubborn than Qiao Zijin back then. This was something Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect. It was really as if the whole world should have sided with them, the mother-and-daughter pair.

    Qiao Zijin deliberately ran out to hit her car and caused her car to be scrapped directly. Looking back, she was instead the one who had owed Qiao Zijin and Zhou Xing and thus had to give her second son up aspensation. Aside from ¡®hehe¡¯, what other reaction could Qiao Nan possibly have?

    Based on the fact that she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, she shouldn¡¯t have expected anything from Zhou Xing. She should just treat Zhou Xing how she had treated Qiao Zijin back then.

    Qiao Nan, who didn¡¯t say anything, hit the car¡¯s headlights and changednes. She stepped on the elerator and left, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust fumes for Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Qiao Nan...¡± Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t promised to her request. How could she just leave like that? ¡°Qiao Nan, you can¡¯t avoid this forever. You caused me to be a parentless child. Is it too overboard for you to repay me with one of your sons? Even if you¡¯re unwilling, you have to be willing. This is what you owe me.¡±

    Zhou Xing was stubborn and decided to entangle herself with Zhai Xin all the way to the end. He was already her boyfriend. How would it be easy for him to run away from her? Since Qiao Nan didn¡¯t answer, she took it as Qiao Nan silently agreeing to her words.

    Zhou Xing exhaled. She lost theposure she had when she was facing Qiao Nan and her eyes became uneasy. She looked at the address in her hands and thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s words again. In the end, Zhou Xing went to the few ces Qiao Nan had mentioned.

    It was rare for Qiao Zijin to reject the doctor¡¯s treatment and even insisted on the doctor to give up on her after she got into a car ident. Such a bizarre thing was indeed rare. As such, once Zhou Xing asked, the nurse who knew about this matter immediately had an impression. ¡°Indeed, such a thing happened. Before the victim passed away, she mentioned that she didn¡¯t want to see a person when we were talking about funeral matters. The people in our hospitalter found out that this person was the victim¡¯s birth mother. I even heard that during the funeral, the victim¡¯s father really didn¡¯t let that birth mother attend.¡±

    ¡°Did you see or hear this personally?¡±

 Chapter 1678 - Couldnâ€™t Admit

    <h4>Chapter 1678: Couldn¡¯t Admit</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No.¡± The nurse shook her head. ¡°These are all hearsay. This was something too rare. Within half a day, word had spread to everyone in the hospital. However, a few of them who had seen or heard this matter themselves are still in the hospital. Do you want to ask them?¡± Anyway, it wouldn¡¯t be for nothing. There was money to receive, so why not?

    The little nurse initially didn¡¯t want to talk about this. After all, she was working now. If she was caught by the head nurse, she would be criticized. What the little nurse didn¡¯t expect was that Zhou Xing was quite patient and hade looking for her again when she was having her meal at noon.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Thanks.¡± After giving the little nurse the money she had promised her, Zhou Xing came out of the hospital with a dark look. Before arriving at the hospital, Zhou Xing had already gone to the police station to take a look at the footage that Qiao Nan said had been recorded by the surveince cameras.

    Initially, since this matter had passed for so many years, the police officers shouldn¡¯t have reopened the file and let Zhou Xing take a look at the footage. However, Zhou Xing was Qiao Zijin¡¯s birth daughter. On ount that Zhou Xing was just an ignorant six-year-old when Qiao Zijin had passed away, the police officers gave Zhou Xing the convenience afterpleting the administrative matters.

    It was obvious that Qiao Zijin was seeking death. As such, the veterans in the police station had a deep impression of this matter. When Zhou Xing mentioned it, the veterans involved in this case could almost immediately remember the situation back then.

    There were too many pieces of concrete evidence in front of her. Furthermore, Ding Jiayi had told Zhou Xing more than once that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t exactly be med for the car ident that happened between her and Qiao Zijin. Zhou Xing initially thought that Ding Jiayi had said so to help Qiao Nan.

    Her mother had died so early and wouldn¡¯t have been able to repay her grandmother for bringing her up in time. Qiao Nan was different. It could be considered her grandmother¡¯s pride that Qiao Nan was a minister. After her mother was gone, Qiao Nan was the only one who had provided for her grandmother. Since her grandmother always received money from Qiao Nan, who else would she put in a good word for other than Qiao Nan?

    One had to know that after her grandparents left a will to leave most of the Zhou family¡¯s assets to her, her father no longer liked her. During that week, her father actually bought a puppet doll that she liked and came to school looking for her with all smiles. He acted like a loving father and said that he had missed her. He also said that they were a family and that they should be living together.

    In reality, her father wasn¡¯t trying to take care of her. He was just trying to use the excuse of taking care of her to move into the big house which her grandpa and grandma had left behind for her. Moreover, he wanted to spend the money her grandpa and grandma left behind for her using his identity of her guardian.

    People were that realistic.

    After her father remarried, he couldn¡¯t help but wish that this daughter of his never existed. However, under the temptation of money, he could pretend that he was a loving father who considered all aspects for her own good. If her father was like that, her grandmother was probably like that as well when she put in a good word for Qiao Nan.

    However, at this very moment, Zhou Xing couldn¡¯t help but seriously think if she had misunderstood her grandmother¡¯s words all along. Her grandma said that her mother¡¯s car ident had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. Did she really mean this and that there was no other meaning to it?

    Why didn¡¯t her mother sort out her thoughts? She was only in her thirties when she abandoned her. Why didn¡¯t she want to continue living and chose to go under Qiao Nan¡¯s car wheels instead?

    With a stomach full of questions, Zhou Xing had no choice but to call Ding Jiayi for verification.

    After Ding Jiayi finished the call with Qiao Nan, she was very afraid. She wasn¡¯t sure what kind of means Qiao Nan would use to deal with Zhou Xing. It was pitiful for Zhou Xing not to have a mother. However, as a mother, Ding Jiayi could understand if Qiao Nan was filled with uncontroble anger now that Zhou Xing was scheming against Er Bao.

    As such, when she saw that Zhou Xing had called, Ding Jiayi was filled with both expectation and fear. ¡°Hello? Xingxing?¡±

    ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s me.¡± Zhou Xing responded. ¡°Grandma, let me ask you. Why would Qiao Nan suddenly know about my identity? You didn¡¯t betray me and told Qiao Nan anything, right?¡± Upon hearing Ding Jiayi pick up the phone, Zhou Xing suddenly thought of another serious question.

    How did Qiao Nan find out that she was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter? If Qiao Nan realized itter, perhaps her rtionship with Zhai Xin would have been more stable by then. Then, she wouldn¡¯t have the worries she had today.

    ¡°Xingxing, I¡¯ve told you long ago. Don¡¯t belittle Qiao Nan. Think about it. When your mother was still around, I was helping her but she didn¡¯t manage to get any benefits from Qiao Nan at all. It¡¯s really not easy to deal with Qiao Nan.¡± Ding Jiayi evaded and didn¡¯t dare to answer Zhou Xing¡¯s question.

    She was afraid that Zhou Xing would know that Qiao Nan was suspicious of her identity because of a phone call from her. Zhou Xing would then feel that she had betrayed her and that she was biased toward Qiao Nan.

    With a clear conscience, she loved Zijin the most when she was alive. Once Zijin was gone, she ced all her love for Zijin on Xingxing. As for Qiao Nan, even though she was sessful now, her feelings for Qiao Nan had never deepened.

    It was only today that she realized that Qiao Nan was meant to collect debts from her in this lifetime.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s put aside this matter first. Let me ask you about something else.¡± That was right as well. There were so many capable people around Qiao Nan. Zhai Yi had said before that Qiao Nan had long known about her rtionship with Zhai Xin. It was close to two months now. If Qiao Nan wanted to, it wouldn¡¯t be strange at all for her to find out her family history of eighteen generations. ¡°Did my mother deliberately go under Qiao Nan¡¯s car wheels back then?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi looked embarrassed. Ever since she knew that Zhou Xing had chosen to study in the capital, she guessed that this day would arrive sooner orter. ¡°You have heard about it?¡±

    ¡°After my mother entered the hospital, did she deliberately refuse the doctor¡¯s treatment? They could have saved her, but she chose to end her life?¡± Zhou Xing felt suffocated and extremely pained in her heart.

    Did her mother know that she had tormented both herself and her? Did she know what kind of life her only daughter was going to face in the future after she had lost her mother?

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say anything. She couldn¡¯t deny or admit it. The truth was too cruel to Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Let me ask you thest question. Did you attend my mother¡¯s funeral?¡± If she didn¡¯t answer, that meant she wasn¡¯t denying it. If she didn¡¯t deny it, it meant her mother really didn¡¯t want to continue living.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s breathing became rapid, and her eyes and nose turned sour at the same time.

 Chapter 1679 - A Marvel

    <h4>Chapter 1679: A Marvel</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In her entire life, the most painful thing for her was that she had not been able to attend Qiao Zijin¡¯s funeral as her mother. She had not even been able to see Qiao Zijin for thest time. ¡°In my whole life, the one whom I¡¯ve loved the most was your mom. I even loved your mom more than myself. I¡¯m sure your mom understood how I felt and would not want me to be too upset.¡±

    Zhou Xingughed. ¡°Hehehe. Is that so? My mom¡¯s filial piety to you was indeed exceptional. When other people pass away, what they want is for their closest kin to be there to send them off. I¡¯m sure that my mom¡¯s love for you had surpassed that of a human¡¯s! Grandma, I think your rtionship with my mom was too amazing...¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi hesitated for a while because she had not been able to confirm in that moment whether whatever the granddaughter, whom she had raised, had said was just on a surface level, or whether there was more to her words.

    Zhou Xing took a deep breath. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve already gotten a good understanding of everything. I won¡¯t make such foolish mistakes in the future.¡± She had onlymitted those foolish acts because she had not known the truth of the matter.

    Thankfully, she was young and had been deceived by her grandmother. Even in front of Qiao Nan, she could use this as an excuse for her behavior. It was because she had been misguided at such a young age that she had misunderstood her younger aunt, Qiao Nan. To put it bluntly, she was a victim too!

    But then again, whether her mom had done it deliberately, her mom had died in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands after all. Qiao Nan was her younger aunt and had even caused her to be a child without a mom. Qiao Nan should be taking more care of her to make up for all the love that she had lost out on all these years.

    As for Ding Jiayi¡¯s misguidance in the past, Zhou Xing had no intention to pursue it. She would always remember that it was her paternal grandparents who had given in to her and had allowed her to continue living blissfully like a princess after her mom¡¯s death. After her paternal grandparents passed away, her birth father had been like an evil wolf. When he was about to snatch everything away from her, it was her maternal grandma, Ding Jiayi, who had bravely stood up for her and stayed by her side. It was Ding Jiayi who had shielded her from all those bullies and had even helped her avoid losses because of her paternal grandparents¡¯ wills.

    All these years, Ding Jiayi had been Zhou Xing¡¯s guardian and had been taking care of all of Zhou Xing¡¯s assets before she came of age. Truthfully, as soon as all these assets came into Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, Ding Jiayi could not wait to hand them over to Zhou Xing and let Zhou Xing manage them herself.

    Even though Zhou Xing was only thirteen years old at that time, Ding Jiayi told Zhou Xing that Zhou Xing reminded her of Qiao Zijin. Even though she was young, she was very sensible. While other children had the bad habit of spending their money carelessly at the age of thirteen, she believed that Zhou Xing would definitely be able to manage her money well and not splurge unnecessarily.

    Just based on this alone, Zhou Xing believed that Ding Jiayi¡¯s care and love toward her was not mixed with hidden agendas like money. Considering Ding Jiayi was the only one left who loved her and had stayed by her side all this time, it was understandable for Zhou Xing to be lenient to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°So have you broken up with Zhai Xin?¡± Ding Jiayi breathed a sigh of relief when her granddaughter stopped with her questions. After all, lies could not withstand scrutiny, so Ding Jiayi was afraid that her lies woulde back to bite her if Zhou Xing were to continue with her questions. Zhou Xing treated Ding Jiayi as her only loved one, and Ding Jiayi¡¯s feelings for Zhou Xing were even deeper. She could not imagine or ept losing Zhou Xing. How would she live without Zhou Xing?

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Zhou Xing said with a nasty tone. ¡°Grandma, why don¡¯t you have higher expectations of me? I haven¡¯t broken up with Zhai Xin, and I don¡¯t n on doing so! Even though Qiao Nan didn¡¯t really have anything to do with my mom¡¯s death, and Qiao Nan did not do it on purpose, Zhai Xin¡¯s conditions are too good. I¡¯m not so foolish as to give up on my own happiness just because of Qiao Nan.¡± Besides Zhai Xin, where was she going to find another boyfriend who was the son of a chief?

    Nothing was more real than her happiness for the rest of her life.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was on the verge of tears. Why was Xingxing being so stubborn? ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Nan already knows that you¡¯re Zijin¡¯s daughter? You¡¯re cousins with Zhai Xin. Thew won¡¯t allow it, and neither will Qiao Nan. Will Zhai Xin still be willing to stay with you now that he knows you¡¯re his cousin?¡±

    This was no television drama!

    Zhou Xing was unconvinced. ¡°What do you know, grandma? My family register is nothing much. As long as the Zhai family is willing, this is nothing but a small problem. Hadn¡¯t Zhai Xin agreed to be my boyfriend initially and hadn¡¯t we started dating afterward? I believe that Zhai Xin will ept me again. As for Qiao Nan, once Zhai Xin epts me, what can Qiao Nan do? Qiao Nan may have her hands in everything, but do you think she¡¯ll be able to control whom her son dates and gets married to? Even if Zhai Xin is so obedient to Qiao Nan, I¡¯m sure I¡¯m capable of changing Zhai Xin so that he¡¯ll only listen to me in the future.¡±

    It was just that this path would not be an easy one, and this task would be an extremely arduous one.

    If Zhou Xing was prepared to walk through this dark tunnel, there was nothing Ding Jiayi could do. The only thing she was thankful for was that Qiao Nan already knew about the truth of the matter. If the Zhai family already knew about the matter but was still unable to stop Zhai Xin from being with Xingxing, then no matter how angry the Zhai family got, they could only me themselves for not properly disciplining their son. The Zhai family would probably feel too ashamed to go after Xingxing.

    Zhai Xin now wondered if everyone, including Zhou Xing and Ding Jiayi, thought of him as an immoral person. By this time, Zhai Xin had already taken his third bath and was resting in his room.

    Seeing Zhai Xin in this state, Zhai Yi frowned. ¡°Nothing even happened between you and Zhou Xing. If you continue taking more baths, you can¡¯t me anyone for thinking that something did actually happen between you and Zhou Xing.¡± He was no youngdy, and neither had Zhou Xing forced herself on Zhai Xin. So why was he taking so many baths?

    Zhai Xin walked over with his hair still dripping wet. ¡°I feel so unlucky! I really wonder how Mom managed to live with such a person for more than ten years when she was young. I¡¯ve only known Zhou Xing for two months, but I feel as though I¡¯ve used up all my bad luck on her. Is she a nutcase?¡±

    Thinking about how the two of them were cousins, Zhai Xin only felt that he had been so unlucky, as though he had been stepping through a pile of dog poop for two whole months. It was for this reason that Zhai Xin had taken three baths.

    Zhai Yi threw a dry towel over Zhai Xin¡¯s face. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, only good things will happen to you from now on. Shouldn¡¯t you be happy?¡± Indeed, this incident involving Zhou Xing was truly a marvel that happened once in a blue moon.

 Chapter 1680 - Misjudged

    <h4>Chapter 1680: Misjudged</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He couldn¡¯t help but suspect if Zhou Xing was a person from ancient times. Cousins... Zhou Xing¡¯s brain structure was really different from ordinary people.

    ¡°I heard that children nowadays especially like to stay at home and read novels regarding time travel. Do you think that Zhou Xing might have read too much of such novels and thus her brain became abnormal and she mixed the story up with reality?¡±

    Zhai Xin wiped dry the water droplets on his hair and let out an exasperated low roar. ¡°How would I know? I have never seen them before. Also, hold it. From today onward, that woman¡¯s name has to disappear from both our mouths. Don¡¯t mention it anymore. If you do, I¡¯m afraid I might not be able to have dinner tonight.¡±

    He only wished that he could forget Zhou Xing as soon as possible. He wanted to treat Zhou Xing like a nightmare so that when he opened his eyes after waking up, the nightmare would disappear without a trace and leave nothing behind.

    Zhai Yi couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Zhai Yi had just finished saying so when the phone Zhai Xin threw to the bed started ringing. Zhai Xin thought that Qiao Nan had called to tell him she had reached home. He walked over and wanted to answer the call. However, when Zhai Xin saw Zhou Xing¡¯s name from the caller ID, he was immediately disgusted. He treated his mobile as a virus and threw it heavily on his bed, staying far away from it. ¡°She, she, she... she¡¯s calling me again. If she¡¯s sick, she should go to the hospital!¡±

    Why did she keep calling him? He wasn¡¯t a doctor and couldn¡¯t treat her.

    After thinking for a while, Zhai Xin picked up his phone again. However, he didn¡¯t answer the call. Instead, he used a needle and poked it into the hole, ejecting the SIM card. ¡°Are you my brother? If you are, apany me to change a new SIM card. After that, help me send a short text to Mom, grandma, and the rest that I¡¯ve changed my number.¡±

    On ount that Zhai Xin was ¡®hurt¡¯ and pestered by the mentally unsound Zhou Xing, Zhai Yi wasn¡¯t calctive toward Zhai Xin. It was rare for him to be good-tempered and do whatever Zhai Xin wanted him to do.

    Having just gotten out of such a deadly rtionship, his younger brother required properpanionship, which he, as a good elder brother, should provide. At the very least, he had to let Zhai Xin understand that even if he didn¡¯t have love, he still had kinship.

    Zhai Xin reced the SIM card at the fastest speed. Aside from family, he didn¡¯t inform any of his ssmates. Of course, the teachers and professors who taught him were exceptions. The reason why Zhai Xin didn¡¯t inform his ssmates about the change of his mobile number was also because of the lesson he learned today.

    An onlooker sees the game best.

    After Zhai Xin calmed down, how could he not have felt that when he and Zhai Yi had just appeared at the school gate, Zhou Xing was soon right behind them as if she had received news in advance? Zhou Xing¡¯s spies must be nearby! In order to prevent him from having a need to change his SIM card again, Zhai Xin decided to keep his mouth shut and not let any of his ssmates know.

    It was rare for Zhai Yi topliment Zhai Xin. ¡°There are times that you¡¯re still smart.¡± He always felt that ever since Zhai Xin dated Zhou Xing, even if he wasn¡¯t serious yet, his IQ had dropped by quite a bit.

    It was rare to hear Zhai Yi¡¯s exaggeration and approval, but Zhai Xin couldn¡¯t feel happy at all. If he could choose, he would rather not have thispliment. Zhai Yi¡¯spliment was no different from a p to his face.

    It was better not to have thispliment.

    Zhai Xin had originally spent most of his time and efforts on studies and training. After encountering a pitfall like Zhou Xing, Zhai Xin delved further into these aspects.

    In the past, Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo had already started receiving missions when they were students in school as their performance was good. Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin could be said to have strong family roots. Their family, from their great-grandfather¡¯s generation to their father¡¯s generation, had performed outstandingly after entering the army. One had to know that there were already three generations of chiefs from the Zhai family.

    Moreover, the Zhai family had an extremely good rtionship with the Zhu family, the Li family, and the Shi family. Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s son, Zhu Yu, could be said to have grown up in the Zhai family since he was young. He treated Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin like his birth brothers.

    With such a family influence, how would Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin not be great soldiers? Seeing that there was an opportunity, Zhai Xin applied to join the mission without saying a word. One had to know that it wasn¡¯t always good for veteran soldiers to appear in some missions. It would be easier to confuse the enemy and not be discovered by them by changing new faces from time to time.

    If it was an ordinary person, they would definitely be prohibited from carrying out a mission while still schooling. However, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were not ordinary students. Zhu Baoguo had an outstanding performance as well. After his father, Zhu Chengqi, became Elder Zhu, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin even started to call him their godfather.

    As for Shi Qing, even though she didn¡¯t manage to be a chief like Zhu Baoguo, she was already regarded as a famous queen soldier and general in the army. It could be said that apart from Shi Peng, Shi Qing was the most outstanding in the entire Shi family.

    Elder Shi had always looked down on Shi Qing. He only treated her as an ordinary granddaughter and thought of finding a capable young man who would be helpful to the Shi family and let Shi Qing marry him when she had grown up.

    In the end, not only did Shi Qing marry well, but most importantly, she was extremely outstanding. She was only within a stone¡¯s throw from the expectations that Elder Shi had for Shi Peng, his son, and had performed better than Shi Peng that year.

    As such, Elder Shi left with a smile. He felt that he could answer to their family¡¯s ancestors. The Shi family had always been bumpkins, until his generation. After that, Shi Peng worked hard and made it to the central government. Shi Qing was one of the most promising grandchildren the Shi family had. Although the Shi family had a short history, he could be said to have answered to the surname Shi.

    Actually, before he died, Elder Shi wanted to get closer to Shi Qing. All these years, he had given Qiu Chenxi all the resources he had. Shi Qing, his birth granddaughter, didn¡¯t get any benefits at all. Shi Qing climbed up the ranks and became a famous female general. In contrast, Qiu Chenxi, who had received Elder Shi¡¯s help, was unfit for a higher post but willing to take a lower one.

    She didn¡¯t get married at a young age and it was not easy for her to meet Peng Yu. The Peng family also treated Qiu Chenxi as their daughter-inw and had brought her around everywhere. Who knew that Elder Shi was only happy for a few days? In the blink of an eye, the Peng family had arranged for Peng Yu to marry an international student.

    Elder Shi threw a great tantrum because of this matter and asked Qiu Chenxi to settle scores with the Peng family.

 Chapter 1681 - Strong Background

    <h4>Chapter 1681: Strong Background</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi was initially unwilling to do so as this matter was simply too embarrassing. She knew that not only was Peng Yu getting married, but he had decided to do so shortly after he had a first date with the other party. It was like a huge p to Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face and she was ashamed. How would she have the face to run over to the Peng family and question them?

    If she went to ask, could it be that Peng Yu wouldn¡¯t marry that international student but her instead? Qiu Chenxi was worried that if she found out more from the Peng family, she would only suffer more humiliation instead.

    However, Elder Shi insisted on an answer. Qiu Chenxi had no choice but to be thick-skinned and go to the Peng family.

    The Peng family wasn¡¯t afraid of Qiu Chenxi questioning them. Even if Elder Shi had made a trip personally to their house, the Peng family could give Elder Shi and Qiu Chenxi a convincing answer. ¡°Have you dated our Peng Yu? Did our Peng Yu ever admit that you are his girlfriend? Also, did our Peng Yu ever say to marry you as his wife, or to be engaged to you, or to propose to you? Don¡¯t tell me there is a tacit understanding between the two of you. You don¡¯t have that with our Peng Yu. I have never heard of marriage proposals or engagements based on a tacit understanding either. If there was really a tacit understanding, even if there wasn¡¯t a proposal, there would be an engagement ring, right?¡±

    Peng Yu was never interested in Qiu Chenxi. It was purely because Qiu Chenxi had grudges against Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng that he saw his enemy¡¯s enemy as a friend. Qiu Chenxi and Zhai Sheng were childhood sweethearts. He had thought that he would yield twice the results by doing half the work with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s help to deal with Zhai Sheng.

    However, Peng Yu didn¡¯t expect Qiu Chenxi to be unreasonable. She had some ability to deal with and scheme against others. However, when she dealt with her enemies, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s means weren¡¯t worth mentioning.

    The Peng family had said it so explicitly, but Qiu Chenxi couldn¡¯t even answer a single question. She could only return in defeat and bring the Peng family¡¯s words to Elder Shi. She also told Elder Shi to forget it. If she went to the Peng family¡¯s house again, she would really be too ashamed to show her face in the future.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s development wasn¡¯t as good as Shi Qing¡¯s. They were both thirty years old. After much difficulty, the person Qiu Chenxi married couldn¡¯tpare to Zhu Baoguo, whom Shi Qing married. At this moment, Elder Shi couldn¡¯t help but feel regretful.

    If he had known that his granddaughter, Qiu Chenxi, was incapable, he would have handed over everything in his hands to Shi Qing. In any case, Qiu Chenxi was just a maternal granddaughter. Qing Qing was different. She was his paternal granddaughter.

    Even if Elder Shi felt regretful, he couldn¡¯t ask back the items he had given to Qiu Chenxi anymore. Shi Qing wouldn¡¯t bother to get what Qiu Chenxi had received either.

    As such, after Elder Shi understood who was the one between Shi Qing and Qiu Chenxi who could develop the Shi family and help make his wishe true, it naturally became just an extravagant hope when he tried to pick up his rtionship with Shi Qing again. Aside from the respect one should have for elders, Shi Qing didn¡¯t have any endearing feelings toward him at all.

    Later, when Elder Shi heard that the government would be allowing a second child to be born into the family, Elder Shi secretly discussed with Shi Qing, hoping that she could give birth to another child with Zhu Baoguo. Shi Qing¡¯s eldest son was surnamed Zhu and he was called Zhu Yu. After Shi Qing gave birth to a second child, regardless of gender, he or she would be surnamed Shi. The Shi family name must be passed down.

    When Shi Qing heard this, she felt that it was extremely funny. ¡°Grandpa, if you really have such thoughts, let me give you a suggestion. You have heard in advance that the government would be allowing a second child to be born into the family. Why don¡¯t you tell this to Qiu Chenxi? You have given Qiu Chenxi everything from the Shi family. It¡¯s right and proper for Qiu Chenxi to be giving birth to another child for the Shi family. Coincidentally, that child surnamed Shi can inherit from Qiu Chenxi everything that you have passed to her. In this way, everything would be returned to the Shi family.¡±

    She wouldn¡¯t meddle with the Shi family matters. If she herself wouldn¡¯t, how would she let her child be involved?

    ¡°You also know that Zhu Baoguo and I are usually too busy. My father has retired and thus has more free time to help me take care of Zhu Yu. When Zhu Yu was born, Zhu Baoguo and I had to return to the army. My father-inw was busier than us, and my father had a lot of projects at hand. My mother was even more inexperienced than me when it came to taking care of children. As such, if not for Nan Nan¡¯s help at that time, Zhu Yu might not have grown up well. If I don¡¯t have the time to bring up a child, I don¡¯t want to have a second child. I couldn¡¯t possibly trouble Qiao Nan to help me bring up my second child after she had brought up my first child, right? You might not have known this, but when Zhu Yu was at the Zhai family, he often called Qiao Nan as Mother Nan Nan.¡±

    Thankfully, she had a good rtionship with Qiao Nan. She also felt that she had owed Zhu Yu, her son, a lot. Otherwise, to listen to his son address another woman as his mother would really fill her up with jealousy.

    Actually, Shi Qing felt jealous at the start. After all, Zhu Yu was her only birth son. She naturally hoped that Zhu Yu would be closest to her. It was really ufortable to listen to his son address another woman as his mother.

    However, Shi Qing quickly let go of suchplicated thoughts. Within an hour, she recalled that she only had a son addressing Qiao Nan as his mother. However, the triplets Qiao Nan gave birth to had addressed her as their godmother since they were young. In that way, she had obtained two half-sons and one half-daughter from Qiao Nan.

    If those could be put together, she would have obtained one and a half of Qiao Nan¡¯s children. Based on this, she would have taken three times the advantage, aspared to Qiao Nan. This was really... The person who should feel jealous shouldn¡¯t be herself but Qiao Nan.

    It was also because she had too good a rtionship with Qiao Nan that Shi Qing used a very short period of time to adjust her mentality when her son called Qiao Nan his mother. After that first time, whenever Zhu Yu addressed Qiao Nan as Mother Nan Nan, not only was Shi Qing not angry, but she even smiled happily behind their backs as if she was a kitten who had just stolen a fish. She was only short of licking her paws.

    When she saw how intimate Zhu Yu and Qiao Nan looked, Shi Qing silently told herself that out of Qiao Nan¡¯s three children, at least two of them would follow Brother Zhai¡¯s footsteps to be a soldier. The army was her territory. Zhu Yu and Qiao Nan could be intimate now, but by then, she would let Qiao Nan¡¯s children who had entered the army to be equally intimate with her.

    Snort. How could she lose to Qiao Nan? Let¡¯s see who has the biggest advantage in the end!

    As one would have imagined, when Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin went to study at PLA National Defense University, they immediately received special care from Shi Qing. Aside from those students in school who didn¡¯t need to know, the rest understood how strong Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s backgrounds were.

 Chapter 1682 - Again

    <h4>Chapter 1682: Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    These two students had the backing of the most famous female general in the country.

    The moment the superiors saw that it had been Zhai Xin who had applied to join the mission, they immediately approved it without any hesitation.

    After receiving his approval, Zhai Xin made some basic preparations. ¡°Are you really not nning on going with me to get some experience? Godma and godpa did this too when they were younger.¡±

    If they performed well while they were still in school and had an outstanding performance in this mission, they would have a better starting pointpared to others when they really joined the military after their graduations.

    No matter what, everything that they had was all earned through their own hard work. They had not relied on their rtions. But Zhai Xin felt that efforts and shortcuts could go hand in hand.

    Zhai Yi shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I have my own ns. Remember to take care of yourself when you¡¯re on this mission since I¡¯m not by your side.¡±

    Zhai Yi knew that the only reason Zhai Xin was in a rush to go on a mission a whole year earlier than they had originally nned was because of Zhou Xing.

    Even now that things had gotten to this point, Zhou Xing had the cheek to call Zhai Xin. It did not seem as though Zhou Xing had any intention of calling to apologize after the truth was so shamefully exposed. Before they left, Zhou Xing had even criticized Zhai Xin angrily. Anyone with ears could hear that Zhou Xing felt that it was their mother who was against their rtionship.

    So Zhou Xing hoped that Zhai Xin could express a man¡¯s charm and decisiveness to rebel against his mother¡¯s ¡®tyranny¡¯ so as to protect his girlfriend.

    To go against his mother for the sake of a girlfriend whom he had not been dating for long? And one that he had no true feelings toward, no less! Zhai Yi once again confirmed that Zhou Xing had to be spending her free time on the weekends reading novels. Perhaps, Zhou Xing had not taken the college entrance examination because her academic results had been far from ster.

    To Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin who excelled academically, Zhou Xing¡¯s poor results were no different from bad students. Including Zhai Yu, the three siblings had always swept the top three level rankings. The three siblings were never troubled over having average academic results or worried about not getting into a good school through the college entrance examination.

    As for someone who often read novels and even transported herself into the novel, Zhai Yi thought that it was a smart decision for Zhou Xing to give up on high school and the idea of getting into university.

    What Zhou Xing was tackling now was performance. Apart from her usual training, she did have a lot of free time. Otherwise, Zhou Xing would not have found excuses to visit their dormitory with soup every two to three days. Every time Zhou Xing sent soup over, it was really quite a hefty portion. It was not only Zhai Xin who could be filled and energized, but even he could get his share of two bowls of soup!

    The soup that Zhou Xing cooked could notpare to their mother¡¯s or grandmother¡¯s, but her culinary skills were not particrly bad ifpared to an average person¡¯s. ¡°I hope that we¡¯ll never get any more soup in this room once you go on this mission.¡±

    It did not taste bad, but it was unfortunately too oily.

    Zhai Yi felt that it was all thanks to the great amount of training in school and their instructor¡¯s ¡®special treatment¡¯ that the brothers¡¯ training intensity was much higher than that of other students. It could evenpare to that of normal soldiers. It was also because of this that the two brothers did not gain weight from Zhou Xing¡¯s oily soup but managed to maintain a good physique instead.

    That kind of soup did not do much for hunger, but because of its high oil and water content, it provided the much-needed calories.

    ¡°It will... I hope.¡± Zhai Xin had wanted to say that it would. Since he had already broken up with Zhou Xing, she had no business sending soup over to his dormitory. But he thought about how Zhou Xing was currently not sending any soup over, but she had continued bombarding him with calls. If he had not changed his phone number, his phone might still be ringing at this very moment. Just in case, the second thing that Zhai Xin did right after switching off his phone was to disconnect the only phone in their room.

    He refused to let Zhou Xing find him through any channels.

    Zhai Xin had learned his lessons from the phone calls. That was why Zhai Xin¡¯s tone became hesitant when he talked about Zhou Xing noting to find him or sending soup to him anymore. An average person would surely note anymore. But Zhou Xing was not just an average person.

    An average person would never get into a rtionship all the while knowing that her boyfriend was her biological cousin and that their mothers shared the same mother. She even deliberately hid this information!

    At the thought of this, Zhai Xin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Even if she¡¯s shameless enough to send soup over to our dormitory, just don¡¯t ept it. This is a men¡¯s dormitory. She¡¯s a girl. She won¡¯t be able toe up.¡± Even if he had dated Zhou Xing, this was still a men¡¯s dormitory and women could not enter. That rule would not change.

    Now, even though Zhou Xing had be his cousin instead of his girlfriend, the rule still stood. She could not enter a male dormitory.

    ¡°Fine. That works,¡± Zhai Yi replied in satisfaction. If it was not for Zhai Xin, he would have rejected Zhou Xing the first time she sent soup over. Seeing that she had already progressed to sending soup over, Zhai Yi felt that Zhou Xing would not act ording to Zhai Xin¡¯s n. She would not break up with Zhai Xin or set her eyes on another target after seeing more outstanding male university students just because of her young age and immaturity.

    Even without any experience in dating, Zhai Yi could tell that much.

    Now that he had gotten Zhai Xin¡¯s permission, it would be much easier for Zhai Yi to work. To tell the truth, the reason why Zhai Yi had decided not to participate in this mission and stay by Zhai Xin¡¯s side but had instead chosen to stay behind was also because of Zhou Xing.

    He had to take the chance to clean up thest bit of this mess while Zhai Xin was on his mission. Zhou Xing was not one to give up easily, and many people in both schools knew that Zhou Xing was dating Zhai Xin.

    If Zhai Xin just dumped Zhou Xing without any reason, it would be detrimental to Zhai Xin. Zhai Yi did not wish for Zhai Xin to bebeled as a heartlessd and have his reputation ruined just because of Zhou Xing.

    What would happen if his future sister-inw heard of these rumors and misunderstood Zhai Xin? As Zhai Xin¡¯s elder brother, he had to help Zhai Xin tidy up these loose ends.

    After his discussion with Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin left for his mission without any hesitation.

    It had not even been two days since Zhai Xin left when Zhou Xing turned up just as expected. Zhou Xing was not just unwilling to give up but had also shown up at their school as Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend.

 Chapter 1683 - Proof

    <h4>Chapter 1683: Proof</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He saw Zhou Xing surrounded by several girls and boys, all of whom were looking at Zhou Xing with sympathy in their eyes. As for the guys, there was an additional look of pitiful love in their gazes toward Zhou Xing. Upon seeing this situation, Zhai Yi understood why Zhou Xing felt so good about herself. There were so many blind guys in their school!

    Then, he thought again about how there were more boys than girls in their school. There were simply too many boats chasing too few fish. Zhai Yi finally understood. ¡°Zhou Xing, what¡¯s the matter with you? Why are your eyes a little puffy?¡± Since she was already here, it did not seem right for Zhai Yi to remain silent.

    ¡°Do you still have the guts to ask me about it? It¡¯s all thanks to that younger brother of yours. Don¡¯t think that you can treat us girls so carelessly just because you guys are handsome and are the most popr guys in the PLA National Defense University. As a boyfriend, don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s normal to show more concern about your girlfriend? He suddenly ceased all contact, stopped answering Xingxing¡¯s phone calls, and has even gone missing now. What does this all mean? Does Zhai Xin have another woman so he wants to get rid of our Xingxing? Our school may not be as good as yours, but don¡¯t think that we¡¯ll be bullied so easily!¡±

    Zhou Xing¡¯s female ssmate was the first to jump out and seek justice for Zhou Xing. ¡°I hate people who y with the feelings of others. No matter what, your brother has to give us a good exnation for this. What exactly did our Xingxing do to anger him? Why does he have to torture and make life difficult for our Xingxing? If you guys have any conscience and a little bit of integrity as future soldiers, you¡¯d better get your brother out and apologize to our Xingxing. And he¡¯d better promise us that he¡¯ll treat Xingxing well in the future and not bully her anymore.¡±

    Actually, this female ssmate thought that it was much better for Zhou Xing to stop hesitating and crying and simply break up with Zhai Xin and find a better guy who would cherish her. It was true that Zhai Xin was handsome and a student of the PLA National Defense University, but he was a bast*rd after all. Since Zhou Xing had already discovered his true nature so early on, it was much better to end the rtionship as soon as possible!

    But Zhou Xing had been crying, saying that she truly loved Zhai Xin and could not live without Zhai Xin. As long as Zhai Xin got rid of his bad habits, she felt that she would be the happiest staying with Zhai Xin.

    Since the party concerned, Zhou Xing, was so stubborn and devoted, there was nothing her female ssmate could do. The only thing she could do was to be a moralist and lecture Zhai Xin to get justice for Zhou Xing, all the while reminding Zhai Xin to treat Zhou Xing well in the future.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say this today. If Zhai Xin is someone who toys with women¡¯s feelings, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s worthy of that military uniform or of being a soldier. I believe that the military will never ept a person like Zhai Xin!¡± If this matter blew up, it would have a drastic impact on Zhai Xin¡¯s future position in the military.

    Being softhearted was not going to work, so she had to bring in solid consequences. Otherwise, the Zhai brothers would think that the girls in their art school were easily bullied. When they liked it, they would date a girl. Once they got tired of her, they would treat her as trash and dump her aside without a second look.

    ¡°Zhai Yi, there¡¯s actually no need for this to be such a big matter. It won¡¯t be good for Zhai Xin. Zhou Xing is quite pretty, treats Zhai Xin well, and even sends soup over to Zhai Xin often. It won¡¯t be easy to find such a good girlfriend in the future even when you enter society. Zhai Yi, as an average person, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s good to know how to cherish whatever we have?¡±

    Even the male students of the PLA National Defense University spoke up.

    He knew all too well the struggles of not having a girlfriend. If he had a girlfriend, he would surely perform much better than Zhai Xin. There was no way he would let his girlfriend cry until her eyes were swollen. He would do his best to pamper his girlfriend like a princess so that she would never think of leaving him and would even step into the marriage hall together with him.

    This guy knew that the students of the PLA National Defense University would all be busy with their careers and would have no time for their families in the future. There were too many boys but too few girls in their school, making it incredibly hard for him to get a girlfriend. But if he did not get a girlfriend now, he would have even less time to get to know girls and get a girlfriend once he entered the military.

    How he wished he could be Zhai Xin. He would surely cherish a good youngdy like Zhou Xing. What era were they living in? Even his mom¡¯s cooking was very ordinary. Now, youngdies of Zhou Xing¡¯s age all lived pampered lifestyles and never had to dirty their hands with household chores. Zhou Xing was even willing to dirty her hands to make soup for Zhai Xin, and he had even heard that her culinary skills were pretty good.

    Where could he find such a good girlfriend?

    After someone took the lead, many more people who had apanied Zhou Xing here started to join in. ¡°That¡¯s right. Zhou Xing is such a good girl. Zhai Xin can¡¯t bully her like that.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhai Xin? Ask him out! Don¡¯t always hide behind his elder brother! Does he feel too ashamed to face us now that he knows he¡¯s done something wrong?¡±

    The mor was soon getting more out of hand, and themotion had even attracted a lot of attention from onlookers. Zhai Yi knew about that, but he was waiting for Zhou Xing to explode. Clearly, this fire that Zhou Xing had started was now big enough. Now that it had reached his desired level, Zhai Yi finally spoke up. ¡°You guys have been saying that Zhou Xing is Zhai Xin¡¯s girlfriend. I am confused by you guys. Who told you that Zhai Xin is dating Zhou Xing?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The moment Zhai Yi said that, Zhou Xing turned her head and leaned on her ssmate¡¯s shoulder before bursting out in tears.

    That girl who was full of righteousness flushed with anger. ¡°Who told us? We all know! Do you dare say that Zhai Xin did not save Xingxing two months ago and that they did not get into a rtionship? Zhou Xing has a good temper and knows that Zhai Xin is always busy, so she tries not to bother him. Ask around. I don¡¯t believe that no one in the PLA National Defense University doesn¡¯t know that Zhai Xin is dating our Xingxing.¡±

    Zhai Xin was the most handsome guy on campus. Even if people in the PLA National Defense University had not seen it for themselves, the news of the most handsome guy getting a girlfriend had surely spread like wildfire. Therefore, the girls were not the least bit worried that Zhai Yi would not admit it or even try to deny that Zhou Xing was in a rtionship with Zhai Xin.

    ¡°I think you guys have all misunderstood the situation. Zhai Xin was never with Zhou Xing, and the two of them have never dated.¡± Zhai Yi denied the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin,pletely ignoring the rumors that had been spread. Rumors were almost always false anyway!

    ¡°You...¡± At this, the girl not only flushed with anger but was rendered speechless by Zhai Yi¡¯s ¡®shamelessness¡¯. ¡°Dating is not like getting engaged. There¡¯s no ring as proof. But you brothers can¡¯t be such scoundrels! They were clearly in a rtionship, but you¡¯re denying it now! Don¡¯t force me! If you force me, I¡¯ll flip your university upside down just to find a few students to prove that Zhai Xin was in a rtionship with our Xingxing and that they went out together!¡±

 Chapter 1684 - Proof

    <h4>Chapter 1684: Proof</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    That was bad. It was always Xingxing who went to visit Zhai Xin, and the location of their dates was always PLA National Defense University. If it had been their own school, it would have been much easier for her to find someone to prove the rtionship between the two.

    Zhai Yi sneered. ¡°Who said that a man and woman walking together must be dating?¡±

    ¡°A man and woman being together alone is highly suspicious. Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re such a genius but you don¡¯t even know that? Or do you really think that there can be a truly tonic rtionship between a man and woman to the extent that they want to spend time together alone but are still not in a romantic rtionship? If they were not dating, why would Xingxing cook so much soup for Zhai Xin? She really fed an ingrate with all that soup!¡±

    That girl was once again provoked by Zhai Yi¡¯s shameless words. He was a gifted student in PLA National Defense University, and she had even heard that he was a top student! But how could his words be so shameless?

    Heaven would be too unfair if Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were really able to escape this time! Now, she was not doing it for her ssmate, but for justice. If she could not bring Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin down and prove that Zhai Xin had indeed been dating Zhou Xing, she would write her name in reverse!

    Zhai Yi could feel that the students from both schools, including those who had overheard their conversation, had turned their gazes toward him. Now that he had set up the scene perfectly, Zhai Yi brought up the main topic. ¡°So in your opinion, is there only love and friendship when a man and woman are together?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s neither love nor friendship, do you really think it could be kinship?¡± The girlughed angrily at Zhai Yi¡¯s words. He was getting increasingly ridiculous. No one would even believe that it was purely friendship between this pair of man and woman. To simply escte this friendship to kinship? Was he kidding? Did they simply skip the step of love?

    ¡°Why would it not be kinship?¡± Zhou Xing was indeed quite bothersome, even more so than his elder aunt that year. Thankfully, this pair of mother and daughter was not the sharpest tool in the shed. Even if they really fell in a trap set up by this mother-and-daughter pair, it would not be difficult to find a way out. Besides, he and Zhai Xin had no other talent, but they did have excellent physical fitness. Even a two or three-meter pit was just a small matter to him and Zhai Xin, let alone this small pit.

    ¡°...¡± The girl was almost rendered speechless. ¡°Can you get any more shameless with your words?¡± Why not kinship? The question should be why kinship instead! Were all top schrs in the capital idiots whocked even the most basicmon sense? He was not only trying to find extraordinarily unconventional ways to solve his problems, but he was also using a one-in-a-million phenomenon as an exnation and excuse!

    Stupid!

    So stupid that he could not be helped!

    There was no way he was really a top schr in the capital! It must have been the Zhai family who bought this title for him!

    Zhai Yi¡¯s expression was cold. ¡°I don¡¯t have the habit of beating women, but that does not mean that you can be reckless, unreasonable, and spout nonsense just because you¡¯re a woman.¡± The sight of Zhou Xing shivering while crying only made Zhai Yi be even colder.

    Everyone thought that Zhou Xing was sobbing because she was feeling heartbroken, and they all rallied around Zhou Xing tofort her, expressing their support for her. Even in front of their teachers and professors, they would stand on Zhou Xing¡¯s side and seek justice for her.

    Only Zhai Yi knew that Zhou Xing was sobbing not out of sadness but because she knew just what Zhai Yi was going to say.

    Just as Zhai Yi had expected, Zhou Xing was not heartbroken but extremely frightened, and she began trembling in fear. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Thank you all for your concern. I¡¯m... I¡¯m just too upset. I-I want to head back.¡± Today was not a good time. They had been making a fuss for such a long while, but Zhai Xin had still not appeared. She had cried for a long while and her eyes were now swollen, but she had still been unable to win Zhai Xin over and soften his resolve so that he would change his mind and return to her side.

    Zhai Yi was indeed much colder than Zhai Xin.

    She had better save those tears for when Zhai Xin appeared. If they kept this up, Zhai Yi might just expose the truth. Then, she would really have no way of saving this rtionship.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Xingxing. I don¡¯t believe that we won¡¯t be able to find something to say with so many people here!¡± Zhou Xing¡¯s previously god-like teammates were bound tomit mistakes as though they were fools just because Zhou Xing had hidden the truth from them. Now that this moralist friend of hers refused to let her leave, Zhou Xing¡¯s face drained of all color. That was because she knew that this righteous girl was going to do her a disservice from this moment on.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You can¡¯t just use someone like that in broad daylight.¡± Zhai Yi got even bolder and more confident than that moralist girl. ¡°Zhou Xing¡¯s mother is Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan is Zhai Xin¡¯s and my mother. Ding Jiayi is Zhai Xin¡¯s, Zhou Xing¡¯s, and my grandmother. Our mother and Zhou Xing¡¯s mother share the same mother: Ding Jiayi. So what¡¯s wrong with cousins walking together and Zhai Xin being concerned about whether his cousin would be able to adapt to this new and unfamiliar school and environment? Zhou Xing was just repaying Zhai Xin¡¯s good intentions by cooking some soup for her cousins. Is that wrong?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhai Yi¡¯s words were like a bolt out of the blue that made everyone fall into a trance for a long while. Their gazes darted foolishly between Zhou Xing and Zhai Yi. Those who had criticized Zhai Xin earlier felt especially cheated. It was as though they had been punched in the face.

    They studied at PLA National Defense University, and they had always been the best in the past. If they wanted to continue with this as their future paths, a sense of righteousness would undoubtedly necessary. But this false sense of righteousness without finding out the truth of the matter was detested. If their instructor found out about today¡¯s incident, they would surely be punished with a hundred rounds around the track.

    Thankfully, they had only been bystanders and had not said a single word. If anyone had really spoken up for Zhou Xing to scold Zhai Xin, he would really have to escape to his room and cover his face with a nket withouting out for a few days now. It would be too embarrassing!

    It was not just the boys from PLA National Defense University. Even the moralist girl who had been fighting for Zhou Xing from the very beginning was in a trance for a long while. Finally, the girl asked uneasily, ¡°Do you mean that Xingxing¡¯s mom shares the same mom as your mom?¡±

    With the three moms all in the picture, she had gotten confused about the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin. She had even bitten down on her own tongue so painfully that she teared up.

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Zhai Yi retorted coldly. ¡°Our grandmother may live in Ping Cheng and is far away, so we might not be able to call her over to prove it. But our grandfather in right here in the capital.¡±

 Chapter 1685 - Forced to Break Up

    <h4>Chapter 1685: Forced to Break Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you need me to call our parents over and ask my family to issue a certificate to prove that Zhou Xing is our cousin? Since when did we have to prove our family background, ancestors, and all our family rtions whening to university? Do you have that privilege, or do we have an obligation to do so?¡±

    Was it normal for cousins to spend time together alone? Of course! Nowadays, families had fewer children, so it was normal for children to address their cousins as elder sisters or brothers. The line between cousins and siblings was not so clear-cut anymore.

    Even so, they were still rtives!

    Since they were rtives, the younger sister was simply sending soup over to her two elder brothers to thank them for their concern. Was it normal? Of course! Even though Zhou Xing was still young, she was only young in age. She was actually very mature. Because she felt immensely grateful toward Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, she wanted to do a little something to express her gratitude toward her two elder brothers.

    It was such a pure and innocent kinship. What was the problem? What went wrong?

    The moralist girl¡¯s cheeks were flushed and were as red as a pig¡¯s liver. ¡°No, that¡¯s not necessary.¡± This was a family matter between Zhou Xing and the Zhai family. They had no obligation to report the matter to outsiders. More importantly, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were not even students from their school. Even if the two brothers had wanted to report the matter to the people in the girls¡¯ school, the brothers would have had no chance at all. The students of PLA National Defense University were outstanding and extremely busy with both their academic workload and training. She knew all that.

    The problem was that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin might not have had the time to exin the rtionship between the three of them, but Zhou Xing did have the time and opportunity to do so.

    At this moment, the girl finally came back to her senses. ¡°That¡¯s not right, Zhou Xing. Didn¡¯t you tell us that Zhai Xin was your boyfriend? How did your boyfriend be your cousin?¡± Zhou Xing had been the one to say that Zhai Xin was not only her boyfriend but had gone missing on purpose so that she could not contact him. This was why she was in tears about Zhai Xin¡¯s attitude toward her.

    If it was not for Zhou Xing¡¯s words, they would not havee all the way to PLA National Defense University in anger to seek justice for Zhou Xing. If they had known that Zhou Xing was Zhai Xin¡¯s cousin, they would have found nothing wrong with Zhai Xin busying himself with his studies or even spending time with other girls. Did Zhou Xing really expect Zhai Xin to give up his rights to a girlfriend just because Zhou Xing wanted Zhai Xin to take care of her as an elder brother?

    Was this not just pure nonsense?

    Most importantly, she was sure that Zhou Xing had always told them that Zhai Xin was her boyfriend, not her brother. If she had known that Zhai Xin was Zhou Xing¡¯s elder brother, she would never havee to PLA National Defense University and embarrassed herself in front of all these handsome guys from PLA National Defense University.

    How could there be such pure and simple moralists in this world? This girl was also a female, after all, and had heard about how brilliant Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were. It was just that Zhai Xin had already gotten together with Zhou Xing and was already her ssmate¡¯s boyfriend. She was unwilling to be the third party, and thus, she naturally did not try to interfere. But who would have known that she would have a chance to show herself to this Prince Charming, Zhai Yi, because of Zhou Xing¡¯s incident? What¡¯s more, she would even be able to express her strong sense of righteousness and justice, which was sure to make Zhai Yi have a deep impression of her.

    The girl had heard about Zhai Yi¡¯s family background and knew that the Zhai family members were all righteous and just. As long as she expressed her sense of righteousness, it would leave a positive impression on Zhai Yi. But Zhai Yi¡¯s initial stubbornness and inability to tell right from wrong shocked the girl.

    Best of all, there was nothing that was most shocking. There was only something even more shocking. The so-called couple only had a sibling rtionship between them!

    What the hell? She had just embarrassed herself in front of her Prince Charming!

    Thinking about this, the girl¡¯s tone was tinged with me and disapproval when she questioned Zhou Xing. This was all Zhou Xing¡¯s fault. If Zhou Xing had not misled her by lying that Zhai Xin was her boyfriend, and if she had known that Zhou Xing had such a familial rtionship with Zhai Xin, she would never have done something so foolish.

    She had also been wondering how such an intelligent person like Zhai Yi, who was even a top schr, would choose to behave so unconventionally against all logic and push all the me to Zhou Xing alone.

    ¡°Zhou Xing, be honest with us. Are you actually cousins with Zhai Xin, or are you guys in a romantic rtionship? Don¡¯t think that we¡¯ll believe everything you say and that we won¡¯t be able to find out the truth. Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin are both from the capital, so their mom is probably in the capital too. Didn¡¯t you say that their mom came to visit them a few days ago? Don¡¯t force us to do it.¡±

    Feeling that they might have been taken for a ride, the expressions of many people¡¯s faces changed, especially the girl who had been the most agitated. She had wanted to show off her sense of righteousness to her Prince Charming, not leave the impression that she was a fool who was even more foolish than a pig!

    If Zhou Xing did not give her a reasonable exnation, Zhou Xing should just wait and see how she would gang up with the other students in school to deal with Zhou Xing! She had all reason to believe that there were many girls who were waiting to deal with Zhou Xing because of this matter. After Zhai Xin became Zhou Xing¡¯s boyfriend, it was not just the girls in PLA National Defense University who went into mourning. Even girls from their art school had secretly cried under their covers.

    It was too shameless to have advertised a sibling rtionship as a romantic rtionship. Because of Zhou Xing¡¯s deliberately vague words, they had all misunderstood their two Prince Charmings. Zhou Xing had to bear the responsibility for this matter.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s face was covered in tears, and she looked pitifully at the girl with those doe eyes of hers, hoping that the girl would not try to pursue the matter any further at the moment. She would exin the matter fully once they got back to their university. As long as Zhai Yi was not around, the truth was whatever she said.

    After this time, she would never be so foolish as to bring so many people to find Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. The only one at a disadvantage was her. Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had nothing to worry about and would bepletely released from their predicament.

    ¡°What do you mean by this? Why are you looking at me? Do you still want to continue with your lies?¡± Yes, the girl had started to use the word ¡®lies¡¯. ¡°Did you really treat your brother, Zhai Xin, as a boyfriend?¡±

    What did she mean by treating him as a boyfriend? Just a few days ago, Zhai Xin was indeed her boyfriend, and she was Zhai Xin¡¯s real girlfriend! It was Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance that had ruined their rtionship, forcing them to break up.

 Chapter 1686 - Unnecessary

    <h4>Chapter 1686: Unnecessary</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If not for Qiao Nan, she and Zhai Xin would still be doing just fine right now. Nothing would have happened, much less this whole saga that happened today.

    Zhou Xing took a deep breath and suppressed these words. She was clear that the situation had begun to turn against her. Zhou Xing had to consider what to say so that she would not face such a great loss in this situation and be able to protect herself at the same time.

    It seemed as though there was no choice but to admit to the rtionship between Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin, and herself. The whole Zhai family was in the capital, and so was that grandpa that she had never met. If they were to call her grandfather here to prove the rtionship between Qiao Nan and her mom, she would really be done for. She would be aplete fool to continue telling a lie that could be easily exposed.

    After giving it some thought, Zhou Xing sniffled. ¡°Actually, Zhai Xin and Zhai Yi are indeed my brothers. But the three of us did not grow up together. I only met them after attending this school.¡±

    Zhou Xing subtly hinted that she was not at all familiar with the Zhai family. Although they were rtives, she was already sixteen years old and had found out for the first time how Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin looked like only aftering to this school. A discerning person would realize that something was going on in this family.

    Zhai Yi narrowed his eyes. Was Zhou Xing going to say that she had not known that they were siblings when she had first gotten together with Zhai Xin since they had not grown up together? It was because she suddenly found out about this and realized that they could not remain in a romantic rtionship that it was too heartbreaking for her to ept it. That was why she had not made her words clear and that had led to so many people misunderstanding the conflict between her and Zhai Xin.

    If this carried on, it would only lead to people finding out that his mom had not contacted her family after getting married to his dad. Apart from his grandpa, his mom did not really have a rtionship with his so-called grandmother and elder aunt.

    Zhai Yi¡¯s expression looked awful as he thought about how his elder aunt had attacked Qiao Nan brutally with this excuse before her death.

    The moment Zhai Yi¡¯s face changed, Zhou Xing rejoiced. Why should the Zhai family always maintain their high ground while she was the only one to be embarrassed? Since they dared to do it, they should dare to admit to it too. Was Qiao Nan afraid of saying it after she had done it? Zhou Xing even wanted to tell everyone about how her mom had been killed by Qiao Nan!

    Anyway, her family was not in the capital, and her mom was no longer around. No matter how serious this matter got, she was a child with no mother after all. As such, her ssmates¡¯ anger toward her would be limited. Perhaps, everyone would even pity her after learning about her tragic life experience and stand on her side once again.

    With her around, she would definitely think of a way to make Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin¡¯s lives interesting and full of trials and tribtions!

    Zhai Yi saw Zhou Xing¡¯s proud look in her gaze and suddenlyughed, giving people goose bumps and making their hair stand. If he did not get rid of Zhou Xing today, then he would pack his bags and leave for the military tonight so as not to embarrass the Zhai family. The military exercises tested one¡¯s strategy and psychological warfare, which was much more vicious than what Zhou Xing was doing.

    Did Zhou Xing have nothing to her advantage? She did!

    ¡°You really haven¡¯t seen me when we were young? I remember that you¡¯ve seen my mom. When my mom came to visit me and Zhai Xin, didn¡¯t you immediately recognize who she is? That¡¯s right. You know us better than we do you. The moment we started school, you appeared frequently by Zhai Xin¡¯s and my sides. You wanted to acknowledge us as your cousins but didn¡¯t know how to do so? I would think so too. Grandpa and grandma separated early, and your mom followed grandma, while my mom followed grandpa. Just like how you¡¯ve never met grandpa, Zhai Xin and I actually have no idea how grandma looks like. After all, you guys live in Ping Cheng, while we live in the capital.¡±

    Zhai Yi spoke casually, but the hidden messages within his words did not fall behind Zhou Xing¡¯s earlier words. Since Zhou Xing was not afraid of being humiliated, how could Zhai Yi be bothered to suffer in order to maintain his pride for the sake of some distant rtive and even smearing his own name?

    ¡°It¡¯s true that we¡¯ve never really met since we were young, and neither is our rtionship as good as other siblings¡¯. But we¡¯re already of this age. Even if you¡¯ve note of age, you should have the most basic ability to tell right from wrong. So many years have passed, and it¡¯s not as though everything couldn¡¯t be found out. Besides, Zhai Xin has gone on a mission and is not in school. It¡¯s naturally good that you want to further this familial rtionship and keep in contact. But on the other hand, since the rtionship is not very good anymore and since you guys view each other as enemies, there¡¯s no point in trying to have such a familial rtionship. Don¡¯t you think so, Zhou Xing?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s death that year was Zhou Xing¡¯s greatest advantage. No matter how deep the hatred, no biological elder sister would deliberately force herself under her younger sister¡¯s car. Even though Qiao Zijin was gone, Qiao Zijin had sacrificed her life to do such a thing! Considering this, it was obvious that the rtionship between the two families could not be good.

    Thus, if one were to look at the orphaned Zhou Xing who kept appearing by the Zhai brothers¡¯ sides, as a girlfriend at one time, and then as a sibling, no matter how one looked at it, one would realize that there was something more to this. A closer look would reveal that Zhou Xing might look pitiful, but she was actually scheming and full of bad intentions!

    Zhou Xing ground her teeth and stared at Zhai Yi sinisterly. This time, she finally figured out the difference between Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. The brothers were equally handsome and even fifty to sixty percent simr in their looks. But their personalities were worlds apart.

    Although she had only been together with Zhai Xin briefly, and Zhai Xin could only spend a little time with her, they had still gone on two dates together. During those dates, Zhai Xin had not only been very bubbly and cheerful, but he had also been very considerate toward her. He was truly a rare boyfriend.

    If Zhai Xin¡¯s mouth was as foul as Zhai Yi¡¯s, and his thoughts as cunning and crafty, she might have been the one initiating a breakup. The difference between the brothers¡¯ personalities was so stark. For Zhai Yi, who liked to put girls in a tight spot, one could use the word ¡®mean¡¯ to describe him.

    Zhou Xing understood that her mom died under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheel. As long as she said this, everyone would pity her. Simrly, since everyone was of the same age, if she did not talk about this matter, everyone would hate her. If the person in front of her had been Zhai Xin instead, Zhou Xing would have been pretty confident.

    But now, the person in front of her was not Zhai Xin, but Zhai Yi. In the few verbal confrontations that she had had with Zhai Yi, Zhou Xing had never gotten the upper hand but had been suppressed by Zhai Yi instead. Zhou Xing knew that if she were to continue, the situation that she had just saved with much difficulty would take a turn for the worst yet again.

 Chapter 1687 - There Was a Premise

    <h4>Chapter 1687: There Was a Premise</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhou Xing, who had no choice, sighed. She seemed to be willing topromise. ¡°Sigh. Since you want to know about this matter, I¡¯ll tell you. After all, you have tried to help me. I should let you understand. Zhai Xin and I are cousins, not a couple. How would it be possible for a brother to date a sister? I announced this publicly because I¡¯d discussed it with Zhai Xin. You also know that Zhai Xin is a gentle person and doesn¡¯t really know how to refuse girls. Although Zhai Xin and I are cousins, only insiders in school know about our rtionship. Zhai Yi¡¯s face is cold enough for other female students to choose to retreat.¡±

    He was cold. One had to know that her initial target was also Zhai Yi. However, when Zhai Yi¡¯s face turned cold and indifferent, she started to retreat.

    Initially, Zhou Xing still felt that it was a pity Zhai Yi was not as easily fooled as Zhai Xin to be her boyfriend. However, Zhou Xing no longer felt this way. Thankfully, Zhai Yi was cold enough and she dispelled those thoughts early to be together with Zhai Xin.

    She believed thatpared to the beautiful memories she had with Zhai Xin, one wouldn¡¯t know who would be the one taking revenge in her so-called revenge n if the person she dated was Zhai Yi instead.

    Had that been the case, she would have cursed Zhai Yi endlessly. If a man as cold as him who didn¡¯t know how to be considerate toward girls really met a girl he liked in the future, that girl would definitely not like him. Serves Zhai Yi right to be a virgin his whole life!

    ¡°After that, Zhai Xin thought of an idea, which was for me to pretend to be his girlfriend. We are all youths with upright worldviews and values. As long as Zhai Xin had a girlfriend, the female students who were interested in Zhai Xin would naturally not be a third-party who destroyed rtionships. It was proven that this method was useful. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m Zhai Xin¡¯s sister, after all. This fake rtionship had to end sometime. I didn¡¯t expect my ssmates to be so righteous. This had created unnecessary misunderstandings and caused everyone to work in vain. I sincerely apologize to all of you here.¡±

    Once Zhou Xing said so, she naturally became that kind and understanding sister who helped resolve problems for her brother. Zhai Xin managed to escape as he was carrying out a mission today. However, Zhou Xing was still around. Although both of them had done this, Zhou Xing was the only one who was apologizing.

    When he saw Zhou Xing stepping on Zhai Xin and trying to restore her image, Zhai Yiughed coldly. It was rare for him not to expose and embarrass Zhou Xing further.

    One doesn¡¯t push another to the wall.

    Compared to what Zhou Xing wanted to achieve in the beginning, this was already the best ending. After the turmoil today, people from both schools would quickly find out about the cousin rtionship between Zhai Xin and Zhou Xing. If Zhou Xing pestered Zhai Xin again and wanted to date him, he didn¡¯t even need to take any action. She would have drowned in the saliva of the people from the two schools.

    ¡°Since there¡¯s nothing else, hurry back to school. Even if you are studying in an art school now and learning dancing, I feel that you should put in more effort into dancing and train harder. Your teacher might have arranged fewer tasks for you, but you can definitely train harder yourself. Zhou Xing, you have to remember that you¡¯re different from other children. You¡¯re in a more unique situation. As a youth in the new generation, as long as you¡¯re capable, you don¡¯t have to rely on your parents. It¡¯s precisely because of this that you should work harder. Zhai Xin is carrying out a mission and my schoolwork is rtively heavier. I hope that you can cherish the few years of life in school.¡±

    In other words, if there was nothing¡ªno, even if there was something, don¡¯te to PLA National Defense University to find him and Zhai Xin. Their rtionship was different from others. Not only was it bad, but it had even reached the stage where they were at loggerheads with each other.

    The act was for others. If they weren¡¯t around, Zhou Xing didn¡¯t have to appear and be annoying.

    ¡°Big brother is right.¡± Zhou Xing forced a smile. Her cover was exposed. Zhai Yi didn¡¯t want to be her big brother and take care of her in the future at all. However, in front of everyone, he put on airs as a big brother and even started lecturing her.

    Zhou Xing really wanted to say that unless Zhai Yi really decided to control her in the future and let her realize her dream, he should keep his grand principles to his birth sister, Zhai Yu. Her surname was Zhou and she was a child from the Zhou family. She had nothing to do with the Zhai family. She didn¡¯t care for Zhai Yi¡¯s ¡®invaluable advice¡¯ at all. ¡°I¡¯ll head back first.¡±

    Once Zhou Xing left, the others dispersed as well.

    Actually, if one thought about it carefully, three were inconsistencies in Zhou Xing¡¯s words. How could the show end just like that? Based on the rtionship among the three, why would Zhou Xing do that? Wouldn¡¯t Zhai Xin¡¯s image bepletely ruined if he used such an excuse to break up? Zhai Xin wasn¡¯t that stupid to be so ruthless to himself, right?

    Secondly, Zhou Xing¡¯s previous words were simply too misleading. Even if it was time for the two of them to ¡®break up¡¯, couldn¡¯t a smart person like Zhai Xine up with better ideas? They didn¡¯t believe it.

    Most importantly, they didn¡¯t feel that the kind of sadness and abandonment Zhou Xing portrayed was real. Zhou Xing was just putting on an act.

    It was just that since the parties involved, Zhou Xing and Zhai Yi, weren¡¯t pursuing this matter and were prepared not to mention it in the future, how would these people, who were here to watch the excitement, still have so many ¡®whys¡¯ in their hearts? They could only shut their mouths obediently. After all, it was someone else¡¯s business.

    The farce ended just as it started.

    Thankfully, Zhou Xing managed to turn the tides in the end and preserve her jeopardized image in front of the students. As of Zhai Xin, he managed to get rid of thebel ¡®scumbag¡¯ with the sessful help of Zhai Yi.

    Now, the rtionship between the two was exposed. It was just that from today onward, Zhou Xing would have much lesser excuses to find Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. At this time, Zhai Yi could express graciously that since Zhai Xin wasn¡¯t around, Zhou Xing did not have toe and look for Zhai Xin or him again.

    They were just cousins and couldn¡¯t possibly neglect their studies just to take care of Zhou Xing. Nobody was more important than their futures.

    Even if Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin wanted to be good brothers, Zhou Xing had to be a good sister first.

 Chapter 1688 - Throwing the Burden

    <h4>Chapter 1688: Throwing the Burden</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Everyone knew that the students of PLA National Defense University were much busier than the students of art schools, and that was expected.

    Albeit knowing that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were extremely busy because of their studies, Zhou Xing had continually disturbed Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin and distracted them from their studies. Zhou Xing had gone overboard and had been too excessive. They were all a family, but no one would do that. Did Zhou Xing hope that Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s academic results and performances in every aspect would deteriorate? Was that why she spared no effort in pestering the brothers?

    If that was the case, others would really doubt whether these three were truly cousins. Why was Zhou Xing¡¯s performance nowhere near as good as Zhai Yi¡¯s or Zhai Xin¡¯s?

    With Zhai Yi¡¯s carefulyout and setup, even if Zhou Xing wanted to plot something against the brothers, no matter what kind of n she had, she would only find herself trapped and not be able to carry out her ns as easily as before.

    Thankfully, Zhai Yi¡¯s efforts were not wasted. When Zhai Xin finally returned at the end of the year, hepleted a whole semester¡¯s worth of content and hurriedly sat for his final exams. On the way home with Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin could not help but ask Zhai Yi, who was sitting beside him, ¡°Did you do something to Zhou Xing in the two months that I was gone? Why do I feel that everyone looks at me differently now that I¡¯m back? The atmosphere is even a little strange.¡±

    The only thing he was happy about was that Zhou Xing no longer called him on his phone ever since he changed his phone number, and neither had she taken the initiative to visit him anymore. ¡°Up until today, Zhou Xing has never contacted me. Do you think she has finally realized her mistake and decided to back off and not bother me ever again?¡±

    It was not just ¡®difficult¡¯ between him and Zhou Xing. It was simply impossible. He had to take his hat off to Zhou Xing¡¯s imaginative ideas. Even though she knew about the rtionship between the two of them, Zhou Xing had still tried to find a way to be his girlfriend. Zhai Xin thought that even a lunatic would be calmer than Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that good?¡± Zhai Yi drove very carefully, unlike other boys who paid no heed to thew and simply sped up with no hesitation.

    The scene of Qiao Zijin¡¯s death had not only agitated Qiao Nan. Even Zhai Yi was unable to forget that faithful day. Even if he did not have a huge psychological barrier and had even gotten his driving license early, he was always very careful and cautious while driving, just like Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Good. Of course it¡¯s good. I feel like I¡¯m on cloud nine.¡± While making his way back after his mission, what he was most worried about was that he would have to face a sobbing Zhou Xing the minute he got back. The thought of such a scene caused goose bumps to form on Zhai Xin¡¯s body. How he wished he would not have to return to school for some cultural exam.

    It would be great to head home directly to spend time with his grandparents and mom.

    Then again, if he was going to take the exam, then so was San Bao. After having seen a scheming and cunning girl like Zhou Xing, Zhai Xin felt a desperate need to take a few more looks at a pure and innocent youngdy like San Bao to cleanse his eyes and soul.

    Only then would he be able tofort himself and say that there were too many girls in this world who were so much better than Zhou Xing. Not everyone was as annoying and crafty as Zhou Xing.

    If all the girls in the world were just like Zhou Xing, Zhai Xin felt that he had no chance of getting married in his entire life, and neither would his parents ever get the chance to carry their grandchildren. If women were so scary, he would much rather stay single than get married to such a woman and spend the rest of his life with her.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. You don¡¯t have to know about anything else. Don¡¯t worry. Zhou Xing won¡¯t bother you anymore. If she reallyes to find you behind everyone¡¯s back, acts pitiful and sobs in front of you, just deal with her however you like. Don¡¯t care about what other people say. You don¡¯t have to worry about the consequences. There won¡¯t be any.¡±

    Upon hearing that Zhai Xin was happy, Zhai Yi¡¯s lips curled up into a smile. He was happy about getting such a response from Zhai Xin too.

    Zhai Xin raised his eyebrow. ¡°Why? Did you do something to Zhou Xing while I was on a mission these two months?¡±

    ¡°Why? Do you feel for her?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± What a joke! But this joke was not the least bit funny and he felt extremely cold. ¡°I just want to say that you¡¯ve done a wonderful job! You handled this matter a lot better than I did. If I had done it, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do what you did!¡± An onlooker saw the situation the most clearly.

    When his mom exposed Zhou Xing¡¯s identity, he went berserk and lost all sense of rationality. Now, just the sight of Zhou Xing was enough for him to fly into a rage, and all rationality and logic was gone too. If he were to handle Zhou Xing¡¯s matter on his own, he would not even be able to calm down. No matter what he did, he would only be at a disadvantage then, and Zhou Xing would benefit from it.

    Anyone could benefit from him, except for Zhou Xing!

    But now, everyone was good! Zhai Xin would not have to trouble himself over this problem that was Zhou Xing since Zhai Yi had resolved the problem on his behalf. From now on, Zhai Xin could sit back with his legs crossed and just treat Zhou Xing¡¯s matter as a joke.

    ¡°Mom said that grandma hasn¡¯t been in good healthtely. You¡¯re the best at cajoling people. When we get back, you¡¯ll handle grandma. You¡¯ll get it if you don¡¯t do it well.¡± Amongst the three of them, Zhai Yu was the only girl and had a fair temper.

    Actually, because Zhai Yu was the only girl of their generation, Zhai Yi knew that even if Zhai Yu had a bad temper, she would grow up happily while being pampered and loved. Moreover, Zhai Yu was a good child who was very considerate toward her elders.

    Apart from Zhai Yu, the one that most elders loved the most was Zhai Xin, who naturally had a sweet mouth. Zhai Xin retained his cheeky nature from childhood. Every time Zhai Xin did something, he was bound to bring joy andughter to his elders. Sometimes, theyughed so hard that their stomachs hurt.

    There was nothing better thanughter for a patient. Laughter could help a patient recover more quickly.

    Zhai Yi was not good at doing this, so he carelessly threw that burden over to Zhai Xin and tasked Zhai Xin with this mission. Thankfully, Zhai Xin was in a good mood. Besides, it was true that he was good at doing this, and so he did not find Zhai Yi¡¯s irresponsible act particrly repulsive.

 Chapter 1689 - No Problem

    <h4>Chapter 1689: No Problem</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since it was his talent, not only did Zhai Xin not reject Zhai Yi, but he even epted it happily. He then gestured a ¡®no problem¡¯ sign with his hands. He would take care of this matter.

    Sure enough, when her two eldest grandsons returned home, Miao Jing¡¯s mood suddenly improved. When a person¡¯s mood improved, so would her spirits. When her spirits improved, her illness would then get better. ¡°You two rascals are finally back. It¡¯s almost the new year! Grandma thought that you two wouldn¡¯t be spending the new year with grandma! I¡¯ve been so upset that I haven¡¯t been eating welltely!¡±

    She took a look at her eldest grandson before caressing her second grandson¡¯s face. Oh, they lost weight. They lost a lot of weight. It was no mean feat being students nowadays, especially her grandsons who were studying in key universities. It was a given that they would have it even harder than average students. ¡°Now that you¡¯vee back for the new year, I¡¯ll definitely prove myself and show you my skills. I promise that I¡¯ll get you chubby again and as handsome as you guys were before the next school term starts! Sigh, you three loved eating so much when you were younger and were so chubby. Why have you lost all that weight now?¡±

    ¡°Especially San Bao. She is in Peking University, which is actually just nearby. When your mom was in Peking University, she came home every day to take care of the three of you. San Bao doesn¡¯t even have the burden of children and doesn¡¯t have to run between her school and our house. But the strange thing is that San Bao eats a lot but never gains any weight. I don¡¯t really understand where all that food that San Bao eats goes to. Does it really go into her stomach? Where does it go afterward?¡±

    Miao Jing was just like any other old person, who felt that it was more adorable and healthy for children to be slightly chubby. Unfortunately, all her grandchildren, from Zhai Yi to Zhai Yu, were kids who never seemed to have an extra ounce of fat on them.

    This was a huge blow to Miao Jing who was determined to fatten the three children. Ever since she had learned to cook, she had just this one wish.

    Zhai Xin touched his own face. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? The food in our school canteen is so terrible whenpared to what grandma cooks! It¡¯s almost as bad as pig food! You¡¯ve spoiled me too much, grandma! How could I not lose weight in school? Grandma, you must make more delicious food for the three of us, especially for me and Zhai Yi, so that we can gain back whatever weight we¡¯ve lost!¡±

    Yes, even he felt that he had lost some weight this time. If this persisted, his handsome face would be so skinny to the point of having no fats at all.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yi was speechless upon hearing the conversation between his brother and his grandma. Every time they ate in the school canteen, Zhai Xin was the most excited and was always at the front of the line. He would always try to te his food as quickly as possible, and once he sat down, he would eat more quickly than anyone else. It was as though a bunch of noisy crows was flying over Zhai Yi¡¯s head.

    Pig food?

    Both he and Zhai Yi had already been studying there for a year and a half. Did that mean that they had been pigs for a year and a half? But why was Zhai Xin more excited than anyone when it came to eating that pig food?

    Zhai Xin really did not have any qualms about saying such things or evenparing himself to a pig just to coax his grandma. Zhai Yi had no issues with Zhai Xinparing himself to a pig. But Zhai Xin had implicated Zhai Yi in such an analogy! This really upset Zhai Yi.

    Zhai Xin coaxed Miao Jing so much that she was overjoyed like a blooming flower. Laughing, she sat up in her bed full of spirit and instructed the auntie to purchase a whole bunch of fresh vegetables so that she could whip up a good meal for Zhai Xin. At that, Zhai Yi kicked Zhai Xin from behind. ¡°Pig food?¡±

    Zhai Xin rubbed on his bottom where Zhai Yi had kicked him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that I was in charge of coaxing grandma? If not, you can do it. How could you want to interfere with what I say in this difficult task of coaxing grandma? I¡¯ll give you two choices. The first is that I¡¯ll say whatever I want, and your opinions won¡¯t matter. Secondly, you can you up. No can no bb.¡±

    Did Zhai Yi think that he could be bullied easily just because he was the second child and Zhai Yi was the eldest? Did he think he could just act however he wanted? Did Zhai Yi expect to be both the good person and the bad person all at once? There was no way such a good deal could exist in the world!

    Zhai Yi fell silent for a moment. ¡°I dare you to repeat yourst sentence when Mom returns!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Xin chuckled. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m a fool? The three of us learned our foreignnguages from master grandpa. Mom was by our side, supervising us the whole time. If I repeat those words, Mom will skin me alive.¡±

    At that time, their mom had been upset for quite a while because of master grandpa¡¯s death. Because they were still children then, they forgot things easily. No matter how upset they were, they would forget about it after crying for a while. But their mom was different. At that time, he clearly remembered that his mom had lost quite a few kilograms when two elders in their family passed away at the same time.

    His mom had never been fat to begin with. When she brought them to school, those who did not know them personally even mistook them for siblings. Because of this, their mom did not even weigh forty kilograms at her lightest. As for someone of 1.6 meters, forty kilograms was way too light.

    So it could be said that their grandma had been affected by how skinny their mom had gotten at that time. That was why she was devoted to fattening them up. After all these years, their mom had finally managed to regain weight after much difficulty and now weighed forty-five kilograms. This was all thanks to their grandma alone. Their grandma had spent more than ten years to help their mom regain these five kilograms.

    It was true that she gained one kilogram every year.

    Why was it harder for their mom to gain weight than it was for other women to lose weight?

    It was exactly because they had such a deep impression of this experience that the three children were especially careful about mentioning the two elders. They feared that they would upset their elders at home.

    But now, Zhai Xin had just spurted out a series of web ng in English because he was in a good mood. Zhai Xin did not dare to say that in front of his mom, as he was afraid of being punished by his mom.

    Zhai Yi snorted. ¡°Grandma will definitely cook a lot of dishes, so you had better eat more. Just wait and see what will happen if you don¡¯t gain at least one kilogram after the new year.¡± Was their grandma so easily coaxed? The weighing scales in their house had all been purchased by their grandma while she had been trying to fatten Qiao Nan up. They were to get a gauge of their mom¡¯s weight. Even if she could not fatten Qiao Nan up, at least, she could not let Qiao Nan lose any more weight.

 Chapter 1690 - Not To That Extent

    <h4>Chapter 1690: Not To That Extent</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course, their grandma naturally developed this habit. If their grandma wanted to fatten anyone up, recording their weight daily was their daily homework, and they would even have to weight themselves a few times a day! After a while, Zhai Yi wondered if his grandma could be a nutritionist instead.

    Sure enough, with Zhai Yi¡¯s reminder, Zhai Xin immediately thought of his grandma¡¯s way of doing things. ¡°Is it toote for me to regret it now? You know well that the three of us inherited Mom¡¯s genes of not gaining weight no matter how much we eat. I¡¯m not afraid of eating more. I¡¯m just afraid that I won¡¯t gain any weight after the new year even if I eat everything that grandma cooks! What will happen then?¡±

    Zhai Yu was a girl, so she was overjoyed about having such a physique. She never failed to praise her mom for being the best mom who had given her such amazing genes. As for the boys, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, they did not feel much about it. Apart from not seeing much effect from their grandma feeding them, having such genes was not bad at all other times.

    Being fat and overweight was not a good thing and was not attractive whether on a male or female.

    Knowing that their mom had once been the school belle of Peking University, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin did not really have any reaction to being the most handsome guys in their school on the surface, but they were actually quite pleased with the news. As the sons of the gifted Peking University school belle, they would not deserve to be their mom¡¯s sons if they did not get this title.

    Zhai Yi patted Zhai Xin on the shoulder silently, but it was all too clear that he meant to tell Zhai Xin to take this in stride. It was exactly because it was not easy to coax their grandma that he had handed this arduous task over to Zhai Xin.

    As a future soldier of the People¡¯s Liberation Army and as a man, he could not take back his words. Neither could he regret what he had said. Since he had said it, he would have to see it through.

    After leaving a mess for his younger brother to clean up, Zhai Yi headed downstairs as though nothing had happened and looked around the kitchen to see if his grandma needed any help. In the Zhai family, there was no rule that men could not enter the kitchen or touch anything in the kitchen.

    The men in the Zhai family were all used to washing vegetables, handing out bowls, or serving the dishes.

    Now that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were back, it was not just Miao Jing who was overjoyed. All their elders were happy about it too. Qiao Nan saw Miao Jing constantly sneaking looks at Zhai Xin. Seeing how easily her son had managed to coax her mother-inw and that her mother-inw was no longer sick in bed, there was nothing for Qiao Nan to be displeased about.

    At this moment, Qiao Nan pulled Zhai Yi over to the side for a chat. ¡°After that time, has Zhou Xing ever gone to find Zhai Xin? Has she created trouble for you two?¡±

    In the two months that followed, Qiao Nan had not asked about the details of the matter because she was confident that her two sons would be able to deal with the matter themselves. As such, she chose not to interfere in the matter any further. But now that her sons were back, Qiao Nan would feel uneasy if she did not get to the bottom of the matter with her sons.

    ¡°She did, but after that, I resolved all the problems. Zhai Xin and I are fine. Don¡¯t worry, Mom.¡± Zhai Yi did not hide the truth and told Qiao Nan exactly what had happened after that incident.

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°I really don¡¯t know whether to say that Zhou Xing is truly Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. Even though Qiao Zijin is gone and Zhou Xing was raised by the Zhou family, this temper of hers is exactly like her mom¡¯s!¡±

    The way she refused to give up without reaching her goal and did not mind to use unscrupulous methods to achieve her goal was the spitting image of her mother!

    Zhai Yi poured Qiao Nan a cup of tea to appease her. ¡°That could be because they were both brought up by grandma.¡± Even though their grandpa was a good man, he had his ws too and had indeed treated his mom unfairly. As such, he had no expectations toward that legendary grandma of his. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Zhou Xing¡¯s father didn¡¯t care about her after he got remarried? Once the old Zhou couple passed away, Zhou Xing grew up with that grandma of hers in the following three years, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    Just based on the way he addressed his grandmother by adding the word ¡®that¡¯, it was clear that Zhai Yi had no good feeling toward Ding Jiayi. The only reason he addressed Ding Jiayi as ¡®grandma¡¯ was that he could not deny the fact that Ding Jiayi had given birth to his mother. So logically, it was only right for him to address Ding Jiayi as ¡®grandma¡¯.

    He did so only because his mom had taught him well and because he had manners. That was all.

    As for anything else, like kinship, there was absolutely none. This was nothing but a polite greeting. It was no different from how they would have to address elders of their grandparents¡¯ generation politely with an honorific when they met them outside.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°If she was really influenced by that grandma of yours, I can only say that Zhou Xing is such an unlucky child. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll be following in her mom¡¯s footsteps.¡±

    When Qiao Zijin realized what kind of mother Ding Jiayi was, she had chosen death. If Zhou Xing was to follow in her footsteps, Ding Jiayi might have to experience the same pain of losing her beloved daughter through losing her most beloved granddaughter. Then, Ding Jiayi would probably break down for real.

    Forget it. There was no need for her to worry about this. What she had to worry about was what would happen in the future now that Zhai Xin had gotten himself entangled with Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Da Bao, let me ask you something. Answer me truthfully.¡± At home, Qiao Nan naturally changed to addressing Da Bao by his nickname. ¡°Ever since that incident with Zhou Xing, has Er Bao had any reaction to girls?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Yi shook his head in denial. ¡°Er Bao won¡¯t reject all girls and think that they¡¯re all bad just because of Zhou Xing. The men in the Zhai family aren¡¯t so cowardly. Besides, other than getting deceived, Er Bao didn¡¯t really lose much in this whole incident. It¡¯s a small lesson to learn, at most. It¡¯s not that serious.¡±

    If an average man encountered such a situation, his feelings might have been cheated.

    But Zhai Xin had not even liked Zhou Xing to begin with, so his feelings had not been cheated at all. Zhai Yi felt that no matter how upset Er Bao felt about this matter, there was no way Zhai Xin was going to get overly upset about it.

    ¡°All right, then.¡± Since her son had not be ¡®once bitten twice shy¡¯ from this experience, there was nothing else that Qiao Nan was worried about. She believed that Er Bao would walk out of this shadow very soon with Da Bao by Er Bao¡¯s side. Even if Zhou Xing refused to give up and continued to set her sights on Er Bao and was even thinking of getting back together with Er Bao, Da Bao would surely remind Er Bao not to let Zhou Xing¡¯s n seed.

    But she had to take her hat off to Qiao Zijin and her daughter. Qiao Zijin was so persistent even until the end and wanted to die under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheel. If her mother was crazy enough to sacrifice her own life, Qiao Nan could not be sure just how far Zhou Xing would go if she were to put her mind to it.

    Qiao Zijin had schemed against her for two whole lifetimes. Thankfully, she had never been harmed by Qiao Zijin. But she could not let Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter harm her precious sons either!

 Chapter 1691 - Believing Her Son

    <h4>Chapter 1691: Believing Her Son</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Zhai family was gathered together to celebrate the Spring Festival together. As such, the atmosphere was great. After giving Qiao Dongliang the cold shoulder for three years, the Zhai family once again invited Qiao Dongliang to celebrate the Spring Festival with them from the fourth year on. They even invited Qiao Dongliang to stay over at their house and only return to his home on the third day of the new year.

    He had learned his lesson in the past. Besides, Qiao Zijin had already been gone for eleven years. No matter how much Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart ached for Qiao Zijin for passing away at such a young age, Qiao Zijin had already been gone for eleven years. In these eleven years, he had never allowed the incense on Qiao Zijin¡¯s altar to go out. As for more practical matters, Qiao Dongliang did not do anything. Neither did he dare to do anything.

    In these eleven years, Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang had established a tacit agreement: never to mention Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi.

    On New Year¡¯s Eve, Qiao Nan dragged Qiao Dongliang to the study room for a chat because of Er Bao. This was the second time that Qiao Nan had been so serious and somber when talking to Qiao Dongliang after Qiao Zijin¡¯s death. Qiao Dongliang was so scared that he immediately sat up straight in his seat. ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t tell me that your mom is bothering you again?¡±

    He had thought that Ding Jiayi had been living apart from them for eleven years without any trouble. Ding Jiayi was already old and might not have many more years left. She probably would not try to cause trouble now. Or had he guessed wrongly? Could Ding Jiayi be a troublemaker even in her old age?

    ¡°This incident has nothing to do with Mom. I¡¯m just keeping you informed. Dad, you should remember that you have another granddaughter apart from the triplets.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Zijin¡¯s daughter?¡± Qiao Dongliang only knew about the existence of this granddaughter, but Qiao Dongliang knew nothing about how old she was, how she looked like, whether her academic results were good, or which school she attended. He had not raised that child, so it was only natural that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings toward Zhou Xing were not as deep as his feelings toward Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan told Qiao Dongliang about Zhou Xing¡¯s intentions. ¡°At that time, my life wasn¡¯t entirely bad. At least, I was still alive and had the chance to study. But it is true that I did not get to live like other children because of Qiao Zijin. I can forget about how you guys treated me. I even let Qiao Zijin marry into the Zhou family, but she was greedy and dissatisfied with what she had. I think that my conscience is clear toward my family and I have done my duty as a daughter. But my three children owe the Qiao family nothing. If anyone schemes against my three children, I won¡¯t care if the other party is my niece. I¡¯ll deal with her all the same. No one will be able to change my mind. Do you understand, Dad?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face paled. ¡°But as for this matter, even if you decide to be softhearted and not take issue with it, I won¡¯t agree to it either. If we really let Zhou Xing and Er Bao get together, what would happen? Wouldn¡¯t that be incest?¡± Now that there were fewer children, the rtionships between cousins were not all that different from between siblings. How could they get together?

    Leaving aside the Zhai family¡¯s identity, even if Nan Nan was married to an ordinary person, he would definitely not allow his granddaughter to get together with his grandson! ¡°I may not be as educated as you, but I know that thew doesn¡¯t allow for such unions. If the two of them get together and have a child, this child won¡¯t be normal. Isn¡¯t this putting someone in danger?¡±

    Endangering yourself was nothing, but it was too much to make the next generation bear the consequences!

    ¡°I think that thisss, Zhou Xing, is even crazier than Zijin in the past. I did say that your mom is the kind of person who knows nothing about raising a child. The Zhou family couple is indeed muddleheaded. How could they hand Zhou Xing over to Ding Jiayi? Ding Jiayi is Zhou Xing¡¯s grandmother, and I¡¯m her grandfather. If Zhou Xing had followed me, I would never have allowed Zhou Xing to do such a thing or even have such ridiculous and scary ideas.¡±

    If Zhou Xing dared to have such an idea, he would break Zhou Xing¡¯s leg immediately to prevent Zhou Xing from carrying out her n.

    At that time, he had already felt that Ding Jiayi had raised Zijin wayward. Because he pitied Zijin and felt that he owed Zijin, he had hardened his heart and decided to teach Zijin a lesson. That was why he ended up sending his own daughter off.

    If he were to get custody of Zhou Xing, he would nevermit the same mistake again with Zhou Xing. Spare the rod, spoil the child. Even if this was not set in stone, it was very often useful. If children were disobedient? Spank. Spank them until they were in pain. He did not believe that Zhou Xing would not repent.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this earlier? If I had known about this, I would have directly gone to her school to find Zhou Xing. Now, Zhou Xing must have gone back to Ping Cheng to spend the new year with Ding Jiayi. If this child continues to live with Ding Jiayi, she will turn into a second Zijin sooner orter. From next year onward, I¡¯ll take charge of Zhou Xing. I¡¯ll take Zhou Xing home during her holidays in the future!¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang had really made up his mind.

    Qiao Nan was not the least bit surprised at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s strong reaction to this matter. But Qiao Nan had not expected Qiao Dongliang to want to care for Zhou Xing.

    She had thought that it would already be very understanding of Qiao Dongliang if he did not me her for being so ruthless toward Zhou Xing. She had never expected that her father was prepared to be ruthless himself.

    For herself and for the sake of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan knew that it would be best for Qiao Dongliang to discipline Zhou Xing strictly. ¡°Alright, Dad. You¡¯ll pay more attention to that child, Zhou Xing. How Zhou Xing turns out in the future will depend on how ruthless you are and whether you¡¯re able to right this wrong.¡±

    Qiao Nan was unsure if Qiao Dongliang would be able to do something that he had not even been able to do with Qiao Zijin and whether he would truly be able to handle this responsibility.

    Anyway, she would let her dad take care of the matter first. Only when her dad could no longer do it would she interfere in the matter.

    The father-daughter duo finished their discussion before exiting the study room. When they emerged from the room, no one from the Zhai family questioned them about what they had talked about in the room. Because the issue of Zhou Xing was a little sensitive, Qiao Nan had not told Zhai Yaohui or Miao Jing about the matter. She had only informed Zhai Sheng about this earlier on.

    As such, Zhai Sheng did not ask about it, but he could guess that the father and daughter had been discussing how to deal with Zhou Xing.

    In Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, if Zhai Xin could not even handle such a small problem like Zhou Xing and was even confused by Zhou Xing, then he had raised his son for nothing. The problem was that he did not think that his son was such a fool. Besides, his son had grown up seeing his mother. Qiao Zijin was no good egg, so her daughter Zhou Xing was probably not much better.

    With a pearl like Nan Nan in front of him, Zhai Xin should be able to see just how crooked Zhou Xing was. Zhai Sheng chuckled. What more was there for him to say? It was always that sentence. He trusted his son.

 Chapter 1692 - Two-Faced

    <h4>Chapter 1692: Two-Faced</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Zhai Xin failed to live up to his trust and made his wife cry, he would personally disown his son!

    Seeing that Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang hade to a tacit understanding, Zhai Sheng was in no hurry to do anything. After all, there was no use for Zhou Xing to put in so much effort if Zhai Xin did not cooperate with her. The only thing Zhai Sheng had to do was to ¡®educate¡¯ his son. That way, it would not matter how Zhou Xing plotted against Zhai Xin. It would all be in vain.

    Zhai Xin, who was helping Miao Jing serve the dishes, suddenly felt an indescribable coldness attack him, and he could not help but shiver. Zhai Xin lifted up his head to take a look around him. It was already Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve, so it did not look as though there was going to be a drastic change in the weather. Besides, he was at home where there were heaters all around. Why was he feeling cold?

    Miao Jing saw Zhai Xin standing motionless with a dish in his hands and asked, ¡°Er Bao, what are you doing just standing here? You don¡¯t look too good. Are you feeling sick? Do you want to go to the hospital to get checked?¡±

    It was inauspicious to visit the hospital over the Lunar New Year, but there would be no choice if her grandson was really sick. Thinking about how Er Bao had always been as strong as a bull ever since he was young and had hardly fallen sick, Miao Jing got even more anxious. She was afraid that because Er Bao did not fall sick often, it would get out of control once he did, and it might even cost him his life!

    Zhai Xin smiled. ¡°Of course not. I think I just got a muscle cramp. I¡¯m feeling just fine. Grandma, you spent the whole day preparing so much delicious food for me to fatten me up, so how can I possibly feel unwell? Grandma, you¡¯d better go take a seat. I¡¯ll serve the dishes. The old master will surelye after us if you get scalded.¡±

    In a few years¡¯ time, it would be time for Zhai Yaohui to be a great-grandfather and take on the title as ¡®old master¡¯.

    ¡°All right.¡± Miao Jing patted Zhai Xin on his firm arms and smiled. Wow, this body was muscr and as tough as bricks. It was just like Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s bodies when they were younger. The men of the Zhai family were all the manliest of all men. Today, her grandsons were even more outstanding!

    Miao Jing was exceptionally proud of having raised two brilliant grandsons. ¡°I wonder which youngdy will benefit from your mom¡¯s and my hard work in raising the two of you.¡±

    She was not boasting. Her grandsons were truly the best kids in the courtyard. So many people had hoped that the triplets would grow up crooked, as though heaven was being unfair if the triplets did not grow up crooked. It would be as though everyone good in the world had been given to the Zhai family alone. What did they mean by trees having branches that looked good when they were young but became rotten with age?

    The triplets were already outstanding as young children. These people were rather shameless. And to think that they were the triplets¡¯ elders! Since the three children were already doing well as children, they could only hope that the children would change for the worse as they grew up.

    Humph. The children of the Zhai family, whether they were young or grown-up, were always that good, that brilliant, so much so that they outshone everyone else.

    The Zhai family not only had three good grandchildren. The most infuriating thing was that the children of the Zhai family were so excellent that just one of them could beat three other children. Whether it was in terms of quality or quantity, the Zhai family surpassed all the other families.

    Miao Jing actually disliked these gossipmongers. Who were these ¡®neighbors¡¯ who were so eager to see her grandchildren turn for the worse? How could they have the cheek to say such things about her grandchildren? Usually, when they bumped into each other, the triplets would even address them as aunties, uncles, or grandma and grandpa. How could these people be so shameless?

    If she were really to make aparison, her days living in Ping Cheng all those years ago in that courtyard were much morefortable. At least, the people there spoke sincerely. Knowing that the Zhai family had three grandchildren like the triplets, there would definitely be more people who were happy than those who hoped that they would fail.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Zhai Xin¡¯s expression changed the moment his grandma touched on this sensitive topic. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m still young and in my second year of university. I intend on joining the air force. I¡¯m going to give my life and time to our great mothend. I don¡¯t have any time to start a rtionship too early.¡±

    Benefit a youngdy?

    What was she talking about?

    After that experience with Zhou Xing, if he were to encounter a simr situation in the future, even if the truly only thought about the other party as his younger sister, he would never give her the chance of calling herself his girlfriend. Let alone talk about it with emotions.

    ¡°Haha, even if you wanted to, grandma can¡¯t bear to let you go. It wasn¡¯t easy for me to raise you. You should stay at home for a few more years.¡± Miao Jing was proud of how Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were only getting more brilliant. In no time, they would surpass their outstanding father and godparents!

    These were two promising young people.

    In the past, the Zhai family usually produced only one chief per generation. If this trend continued, perhaps there might be more than two chiefs per generation in the Zhai family! The state chose talents and did not have a rule that omitted family members of recruited elites. There was no rule that one son of the Zhai family would stand no chance and be eliminated if the other son was chosen. It was not as though one would lose out if the other was appointed.

    Once these two Zhai brothers reached that peak, the Zhai family would really take off. No inws could be better than the Zhai family, and no sons-inw could be better than Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin.

    Thankfully, these two people filled with potential were still young. As such, only those who lived with them and were familiar with the Zhai family knew about this matter. While Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were still single and avable, they tried to enjoy the benefits of their favorable positions and ¡®reserve¡¯ these two youngds for their own daughters or even their rtives¡¯ daughters.

    The men in the Zhai family were all good and responsible men.

    This was not just about finding a responsible and capable husband. It was to find a powerful ally for the whole family. That would be a win-win situation for their daughters and whole families.

    Knowing that there was everything to gain and nothing to lose, only a fool would not pay attention to these two Zhai children.

    One could only imagine the continuous stream of people with such an idea who visited the Zhai family daily to ask Miao Jing whether Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had anyone in mind and whether they wanted any introductions to youngdies. Each of them was afraid that they had been a step behind and that Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had already been imed by other people.

    In this kind of matter, he who strikes first prevails, and he who strikeste fails.

    What if they heard about how good their family¡¯s youngdy was and agreed?

    Seeing all these people, Miao Jing was indeed proud, yet she was extremely annoyed at the same time. Who were the people who were eager to see the Zhai family¡¯s children mess up and ruin the family name? Was it not these people? Those people who usually spoke ill of Da Bao and Er Bao put on one face. But now, they were revealing their other face!

 Chapter 1693 - Phobia

    <h4>Chapter 1693: Phobia</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Miao Jing was never one to be easily fooled, not even in her old age.

    Miao Jing refused without any hesitation. Da Bao and Er Bao were still young and were university students. It was better to put dating and rtionships aside until they graduated. Besides, today¡¯s society was all about the freedom to love. She had no requirements for her grandsons¡¯ rtionships. She only hoped that they would take after their father and have good judgment in finding girls who would love them back.

    As for those girls who were of bad character and came to visit, she could only say that she did not take a fancy to any of them.

    If they were really to consider their family backgrounds, would their family have epted Nan Nan as a daughter-inw or had the triplets as grandchildren?

    If family background was so important, then it should be the Zhai family running around to reserve those outstanding and brilliant youngdies for Da Bao and Er Bao.

    The Zhai family did indeed have two grandsons, but she had never worried that her grandsons would not be able to find girlfriends. For people like them, it was better to do without than to settle for something substandard.

    After a moment of feeling proud and pouring out her grievances, Miao Jing lifted up her chin and counseled Zhai Xin. ¡°Er Bao, your dad and Da Bao have given you a good start. If you really want to get into a rtionship in the future, we won¡¯t bother about the girl¡¯s family background. But when that timees, you have to think about your mom. A girl like your mom is truly a good youngdy, a youngdy that you can marry. There¡¯s an old saying that the husband of a virtuous wife seldom suffers misfortune. If a man doesn¡¯t marry well, he¡¯ll be unlucky his whole life. Our family has both positive and negative examples. So if Da Bao or you take a fancy to a girl, you guys had better think it through.¡±

    The positive examples were naturally their maternal grandpa, Zhai Yaohui, and their father, Zhai Sheng. As for the negative example, there was no way Qiao Dongliang could run away from this as the children¡¯s grandpa.

    Miao Jing used the most vivid, thought-provoking, and bloody example to remind Zhai Xin to open his eyes while looking for a partner. If he found a good partner, not only would his family be harmonious like his father¡¯s, but their lives would also only get better as days went by. If they were like Qiao Dongliang and did not open their eyes while looking for a partner, their family would break up sooner orter. Even if they stayed together, there would be disharmony and quarrels every day. There would be no peace to speak of. If his partner had a bad temper or a bad character or personality, that would still be all right. The most worrying thing was all these harming the next generation!

    That was absolutely uneptable!

    Zhai Xin nodded solemnly. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry. You and Mom are the best positive examples. Zhai Yi and I will find our girlfriends based on the traits of the two of you. I¡¯ve already discussed this matter with Zhai Yi long ago.¡±

    Zhai Xin was not embarrassed and even answered Miao Jing seriously.

    In the past, he had never felt deeply for these words. Even if the example of Qiao Dongliang hit close to home, he was not personally involved, after all, and had no way of experiencing his grandfather¡¯s feelings. But after the incident with Zhou Xing, Zhai Xin could not get a clearer understanding of the saying that the husband of a virtuous wife seldom suffers misfortune.

    Upon seeing a girl like Zhou Xing, he had only one thought, which was to run away as far as possible. How retarded would he be to jump into another grave the moment he climbed out of Zhou Xing¡¯s?

    ¡°Good boy. You have good judgment and a good mindset.¡± Because her words had been validated by her grandson, Miao Jing was incredibly pleased. Even though her sses had be thicker and her eyesight had deteriorated, her brain was still functioning well. Humph! It was the Lunar New Year and the children had finallye home for a few days of holiday. If they did not chat with each other and get updated about each other¡¯s lives, what was the point ofing home?

    It was for Da Bao and Er Bao to get familiar with those youngdies. If they fell in love at first sight with one of them, their mission would be aplished. Even if Da Bao and Er Bao did not fall in love with their daughters at once, giving them a chance to meet each other earlier would give their daughters a conversation starter should they ever ¡®bump¡¯ into each other in the future.

    Well, everyone grew up in the courtyard together. If they were really to talk about it, there was nothing wrong with being childhood sweethearts.

    The thought of those mboyantly dressed-up youngdies angered Miao Jing. The smell of perfume on these youngdies was so strong it made her feel faint. What kind of perfume was this? It was even ridiculously expensive! It was much more like poisonous gas! It was true that every household had heaters in their houses here up in the north. But it was freezing cold outside now. Did they not feel cold wearing such thin clothes under their coats?

    It was wintertime, and they chose to wear skirts instead of warm clothing. If women did not pay attention to this area, they would find themselves gued with a whole lot of health problems once they got older.

    Talking about these youngdies, Miao Jing had lots toin about.

    In the past, Miao Jing did not feel much about this matter. It was because the year wasing to an end that she finally had all three of her grandchildren by her side. She had not even spent time with her grandchildren, and now, these neighbors who had no rtion to them were ruining this moment for her! Could Miao Jing really stay calm and not get angry?

    Miao Jing was just shy of yelling at them about how she was already old and could not stand such a ruckus. If they did not care for their own family reunion, the least they could do was to not interrupt someone else¡¯s!

    ¡°Tell Da Bao that those youngdies who have visited our house in the past few days are all your younger sisters. When we talk about familial rtionships, these sisters are fake sisters. But when we talk about getting into a romantic rtionship, you two must remember that these are your biological sisters! Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Zhai Xin felt shivers running down his spine. Now, the phrase ¡®biological sister¡¯ was enough to send him into a panic. It was like a routine reaction to these words. ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry. Da Bao and I will definitely listen to you. They¡¯re all our biological younger sisters. We¡¯ve never had much contact with them, and nothing will develop in the future either.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Knowing that Zhai Xin hadpletely understood what she meant, Miao Jing burst into a wide smile. With light steps, she brought the dishes out.

    Seeing Miao Jing like this, Zhai Yaohui knew that Zhai Xin must have sessfully coaxed his wife. Zhai Yaohui could not understand. The two of them had enjoyed such a good rtionship while they were younger, but now that they had aged, there was no way he could coax Miao Miao once she got into a bad mood. But the moment Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin returned, Miao Miao would be in a joyful mood and be as bright as a flower without much effort from the boys.

    Was his charm of nopetition for his two grandsons now that he was old?

    The thought of this caused Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression to darken. No matter how he looked at his grandsons, they were no longer pleasing to his eye.

 Chapter 1694 - Celebrating the New Year

    <h4>Chapter 1694: Celebrating the New Year</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter how hepared them, his grandsons could not match up to his granddaughter. Among his three grandchildren, only San Bao was on his side.

    At this time, Zhai Yaohui felt thankful that Qiao Nan had not only given birth to sons but also a daughter. If their family had only grandsons who would swindle his wife away from him, he would really lead a miserable life as an old man.

    He was still upset about this when Zhai Yu took a newspaper over and said, ¡°Grandpa, shall I read the news to you for a bit?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was now advanced in age and was farsighted, but his temper was far worse than when he was younger, and he refused to wear sses. He felt that it was incredibly ufortable at his nose bridge once he wore sses. But Zhai Yaohui had already cultivated the habit of reading several newspapers daily to stay abreast of national matters.

    If he did not wear sses, he would not be able to see the small words in the newspaper. But if he wore sses, he would feel ufortable and throw a tantrum. For this, Qiao Nan had invested much thought and effort into this. Knowing that it was inconvenient for Zhai Yaohui to go out and that he was unwilling to go out, she decided to choose quite a number of frames for Zhai Yaohui to try on.

    She would then see which pair fit Zhai Yaohui the best and then bring Zhai Yaohui to that particr shop to get a pair of sses fitted for him. Unfortunately, her efforts all went down the drain when Zhai Yaohui refused to agree to a single frame that Qiao Nan had picked out. In the end, the only result was Qiao Nan being exhausted from all this effort.

    Seeing how Zhai Yaohui tortured Qiao Nan, Miao Jing went up in a rage. If he did not want to wear sses, then there was no need to make a pair for him. Anyway, the one who felt ufortable while reading the newspaper was not Nan Nan, but Zhai Yaohui himself. If Zhai Yaohui would rather deal with this difort than wear sses, no one else should have to worry about this on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s behalf and think of a solution for him.

    She felt that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s temper and tantrum was getting too out of hand as he aged. Thankfully, Qiao Nan was patient and did not see Zhai Yaohui as an evil father-inw. Even after spending a whole day busy with her own work, she was still willing to be tortured by Zhai Yaohui in this manner

    Miao Jing directly reprimanded Zhai Yaohui, saying that Zhai Yaohui should try doing this with someone else¡¯s daughter-inw and see who would even bother with him!

    After that lecture, Zhai Yaohui could only give in and rest his case. In the end, the good-natured Qiao Nan told Zhai Yaohui not to wear sses if he did not want to. She was typically busy with work, but she could still take some time out, of around half an hour, in the mornings and evenings to read the newspaper to her father-inw.

    It was only his eyes that did not work well. There was nothing wrong with his ears. Since he could not read, he could listen instead.

    It was only with Qiao Nan¡¯s solution that peace was restored in the family.

    Typically, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s job to read the newspaper to Zhai Yaohui. But now that the three children were back to celebrate the new year, Zhai Yu, who had returned the earliest, naturally took over her mother¡¯s job to read the newspaper to her grandpa, Zhai Yaohui.

    When Zhai Yu took over the job, the amount of time Zhai Yaohui could listen to the newspaper being read increased tremendously. It was as though he was reading the newspaper himself and was only satisfied when he finished flipping through the whole newspaper.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s read the newspaper.¡± The moment his granddaughter took the initiative to say so, the difort Zhai Yaohui felt in his heart immediately disappeared with no trace. Miao Miao had her two grandsons to coax her, while he had his granddaughter. No wonder people always said that girls were like heartwarming little jackets. San Bao was her grandpa¡¯s little jacket!

    Upon seeing that the three children had dealt with Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, the auntie secretly let out a sigh of relief. Compared to other employers, the Zhai family did indeed have a better temper. Even though the family enjoyed a high status, they treated her well and humanely.

    If she did not know better, she might even have mistaken her employer¡¯s family as an ordinary family. Their tempers were simply too good.

    But things were always rtive. No matter how good an employer was, they would always have times when they would throw a tantrum. What made her feel thankful was that her employers had never let their anger out of her even when they were in a bad mood. Typically, it was Qiao Nan who dealt with the two elders.

    It was rare to see a daughter-inw who got along so well with her parents-inw.

    Now that her employer¡¯s three children were home, the elderly couple was being coaxed into a good mood every day, and they never lost the temper. The three children had been brought up well by her employer, Qiao Nan. No matter how much the two elders fussed, the younger ones never made a big deal out of it. This was only because Qiao Nan had set a good example for them. Which other daughters-inw could be so caring toward their parents-inw?

    Zhai Sheng spent less time at home aspared to other men, and neither was he home every day. If anything cropped up at home, Qiao Nan was the one to handle it all alone. The auntie felt that it was truly not easy for Qiao Nan to be dealing with all these.

    But in the face of such a situation, Qiao Nan had still managed to arrange everything properly and let her elders livefortably. It was no wonder that the atmosphere in the Zhai family was different from other family¡¯s. It was exceptionally good. It was truly her good fortune to be able to work for the Zhai family.

    In the auntie¡¯s heart, she had secretly assigned a title for Qiao Nan: a good Chinese daughter-inw.

    She also had a son. When her son grew older in the future, she would have to find a daughter-inw with a temper like her employer¡¯s, even if she could not find a daughter-inw who could match up to her employer. A girl who had nothing inmon with her employer was definitely uneptable. She was afraid that she would have to tolerate her daughter-inw¡¯s temper and have no one to look after her in her old age even after sacrificing her whole life for her family.

    Qiao Nan had no idea that the auntie had so many of such ideas. This auntie was younger than Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan asked the young auntie to address her as Sister Qiao.

    ¡°All right, it¡¯s the Lunar New Year¡¯s Eve today. You¡¯d better hurry home and spend time with your family before it gets dark. Your son is still young. He¡¯ll probably cry if he doesn¡¯t get to see you.¡± It was almost seven o¡¯clock, so Qiao Nan instructed the auntie to take off her apron and head home to her family.

    As for everything else at home, there would not be any major problems with her around.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave first, Sister Qiao.¡± The auntie was rather happy. She had already done everything she could. Initially, she had already been starting to panic, wondering when she would be able to go home to spend time with her son. Now that her employer had said so, the auntie knew that she could really return home now.

    ¡°Yes, hurry on home.¡± Qiao Nan ced the apron that the auntie had taken off back into its position and handed the auntie a red packet. ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you this year. I¡¯ll have to trouble you to continue taking care of us next year. Happy New Year! Take this to buy some sweets for your son.¡±

    It was not the first time the auntie received a red packet from Qiao Nan. The amount of money in the red packet was not so much that it was frightening, but neither was it a small sum. It was almost two months¡¯ worth of her sry!

    It was quite a considerable sum for a red packet!

 Chapter 1695 - Biological Mom

    <h4>Chapter 1695: Biological Mom</h4>

    ¡°Thank you, Sister Qiao!¡± After all, this was not her first time receiving it, so the auntie received it happily without refusing. Where would she ever find such a generous employer with a good temper, was not petty, and did not make trouble for her?

    She had expressed long ago that the money earned from working for the Zhai family was good, but most importantly, it was worry-free!

    With this fat red packet, the auntie purchased some gifts for her son, elders, and her lover on the way home. The auntie even picked out a nice coat for herself. Since it was already the New Year, there were many clothes on sale. The auntie was exceptionally pleased, feeling that she had saved quite a lot of money this time!

    So as to protect the environment, the government had banned the use of firecrackers and fireworks within the city for the fear of air pollution. Even still, the air was still thick with the smell of New Year¡¯s celebrations.

    As she watched the Spring Festival G being broadcast on television, Qiao Nan heard the sounds of firecrackers being set off across several provinces. Qiao Nan felt that this was no different from setting off firecrackers in her own home.

    Zhai Yu felt that it was a pity. ¡°Mom, have we ever done this to celebrate New Year at home?¡± It had been twenty-one years, but she had no impression of ever doing so.

    ¡°We¡¯ve never set off firecrackers at home.¡± Qiao Nan answered with a smile.

    When she first arrived in the capital, the ban on firecrackers had not yet been implemented. The problem was that Qiao Nan was all too clear about the air quality in the capital. She knew that the issue of haze in the capital would be a hot topic, and there would be no sense of security going out of the house without wearing a mask.

    Even if it was just a small contribution, the Zhai family had never set off firecrackers under Qiao Nan¡¯s subtle influence. Then, the state explicitly implemented a ban on this. It was even more impossible for the Zhai family to knowingly go against thew and the state.

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that in the capital. Grandpa can bring you to our old home in the future. We can probably still do that back in my hometown.¡± Ping Cheng was not as developed as the capital. Such a ban was also implemented based on regions. Qiao Dongliang could not bear to see his granddaughter¡¯s disappointed face and thus brought up such a suggestion to Zhai Yu.

    Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at her daughter. ¡°Do you think you¡¯re a three-year-old child? Our family didn¡¯t even set off firecrackers when you were younger. Why are you suddenly interested in it even though the government has explicitly banned it? You¡¯re really regressing with age! You¡¯re not as obedient as you were when you were younger.¡±

    Return to Ping Cheng?

    She had not yet returned to Ping Cheng, but all the troubles in Ping Cheng hade to find her instead! If she were really to return to Ping Cheng, there would only be more opportunities for ¡®troubles¡¯ to find her and her family in the future.

    In recent years, even Ding Jiayi had stopped torturing her. But now that Qiao Zijin had left, it was Zhou Xing¡¯s turn. Since her mother was gone, her daughter was now taking her ce. It turned out that Qiao Zijin was her greatest creditor. Even after paying her back for two lifetimes, it was still insufficient! It seemed as though she owed her this debt for two whole generations!

    Qiao Nan vaguely remembered that in her previous lifetime, Qiao Zijin had not given birth to a daughter after marrying Chen Jun. Instead, she had given birth to a son. But simrly, Qiao Zijin had handed over the custody of her son to Chen Jun after their divorce.

    Perhaps it was because she was already too down and out at that time. Her life was nowhere as morous as this life had been. Apart from Qiao Zijin clinging to her like a leech and viciously picking at her blood vessels to suck her dry, she had never seen Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Chen Jun¡¯s son.

    At that time, Chen Jun had sessfully chased her and should have sessfullypleted the task set out by Wang Yang. With Wang Yang¡¯s support, the Chen family did extremely well. As the only grandson of the Chen family, how would he ever remember that he had a younger auntie who was still unmarried at almost forty years old if he did not lead a hard life?

    There was no way the Chen family could be bothered about small fry like her.

    Zhai Yu made a face at Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, we¡¯re celebrating New Year today, but you¡¯re so fierce! I¡¯m just joking. Why are you being so serious about it? Dad, I think you¡¯ve spent too little time at home with Mom. That¡¯s why Mom¡¯s hormones are imbnced and she¡¯s getting angry so easily.¡±

    He was not like Uncle Gao, who always stuck by Auntie Fang Fang¡¯s side. Auntie Fang Fang always acted as though she disliked Uncle Gao. But at least, when Uncle Gao was not around, Auntie Fang Fang was extremely kind and gentle toward the few of them. Even if Gao Feng was naughty and got into trouble, Auntie Fang Fang would never fly into a rage.

    No matter what, women who had men by their sides were always the gentlest.

    In their family, her mom did not just hold up half a sky. She supported the whole Zhai family¡¯s sky. Did her mom really think of herself as a man? She was too tough of ady! ¡°Dad, it¡¯s the New Year. Let¡¯s not go through all those outdated customs of visiting and all that. My mom has been married to you for twenty-three years, and we¡¯re already twenty-two years old, going into our third year of university. But you probably haven¡¯t even spent three years with my mom! It¡¯s only because my mom is good-natured. Other military spouses follow their husbands, but my mom decided to stay at home to take care of your whole family. After coaxing one, she has to take care of another. Dad, when will you coax my mom too and properly spend some time with her?¡±

    As she grew older and was about to face rtionship problems herself, Zhai Yu suddenly realized that it had truly been hard on her mom all these years.

    She was not denying that her birth father was good. But the problem was that her grandma had always said that the men in the Zhai family had never let their country, military, party, or the people down. The only people whom they let down were their own wives. This custom seemed to have been passed down from her great-grandma¡¯s generation to her mother, who was the third generation.

    At this time, Zhai Yu could not help but pity Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s future wives because these two youngdies would be the fourth generation of their Zhai family.

    Zhai Yu felt a little regretful that she had not been able to join the military and don the military uniform. But unlike other children, she had grown up in the military. In that sense, she had grown up wearing the military uniform and had fulfilled her dreams of being a soldier.

    As such, the first requirement she had for her future boyfriend was that he must not be a soldier. She had seen too many of those people. She felt that her mom and uncle were incredibly strong people. But she did not want to be so noble. She herself was not a soldier, so why would she find a soldier as her partner?

    Unless the situation was like in the case of her godparents, where both of them were soldiers. That would, at least, be fair.

    Since she could not join the military, neither should her partner be in the military. She was not her mother. She was truly afraid that she had not inherited her mother¡¯s good nature and tolerance for being alone. She was even worried that she would not be able to take up the responsibility of caring for the whole family like her mother had.

    After thinking about so much, Zhai Yu had finally formed her own opinions toward her father, Zhai Sheng. There was no choice since the one dearest to her was her own biological mom.

 Chapter 1696 - What Time Did You Go To Bed?

    <h4>Chapter 1696: What Time Did You Go To Bed?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Not to mention, this was her father¡¯s fault in the first ce for spending too little time with her mom. Zhai Yu could not help but think that their dad had spent more time with the three of them when they were younger than he had with their mom.

    The summer vacationsted for two months, and the winter break for one. Two times a year, for seven days, the three of them would always follow their dad to the military. So did their dad spend even a quarter of a year with their mom? Probably not.

    Upon hearing Zhai Yu¡¯s words, the atmosphere at the Zhai family¡¯s table suddenly became icy cold. Zhai Yu had only spoken the truth, so they could not say that she was wrong. But Zhai Sheng could not do as Zhai Yu had said.

    Amongst them, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings were the mostplex. In this life, he felt the sorriest toward his two daughters. There was no way he could ever make it up to his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, and no one could say if he would ever have a next lifetime. As for his younger daughter who was still alive and well, Qiao Dongliang did not have the ability to make it up to her even if he wanted to.

    Conversely, as a father, he had never been able to do anything for her younger daughter even until his three grandchildren had all grown up. From the time she was in high school, the house they had stayed in was all thanks to his younger daughter. He had not needed to spend a single cent. When his younger daughter went to university, she not only won schrships, but she even got married to Zhai Sheng.

    Thus, he had nothing to do with his younger daughter¡¯s expenses. All that fell on the Zhai family.

    Once his daughter was capable, he had not even been able to do anything for her before she started working and was even able to provide for him! Now that he heard that his son-inw had not been able to spend much time with his daughter, causing the responsibility of caring for both families to fall on his daughter¡¯s shoulders, Qiao Dongliang very much wanted to stand in Qiao Nan¡¯s shoes to lecture Zhai Sheng so that he would cherish Qiao Nan.

    But Qiao Dongliang did not dare to do so. If he was really topare, even though his son-inw spent little time by Nan Nan¡¯s side, Zhai Sheng treated Nan Nan much better than he did as a biological father.

    In that case, he had no right to reprimand Zhai Sheng as a father-inw.

    It would be even more awkward for Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing since the one being lectured was their own son. If their son made any mistakes, it was naturally because they had not raised their son well. If they really wanted to talk about it, the couple would then feel that they were being wronged. Zhai Sheng was doing well, after all. At least, he was doing much better than Old Zhai himself.

    The men in the Zhai family were all soldiers, so the women who married into the Zhai family could only ept their fates.

    Just as Zhai Yu made the atmosphere stiff, leaving everyone in an awkward position and speechless, only Qiao Nan was the calmest. Her expression revealed that she understood exactly what Zhai Yu meant. ¡°I¡¯ve already said that it¡¯s not easy for you to have a break from school. It¡¯s all right for you to give yourself a break from reading textbooks and read some other books for leisure from time to time, but you shouldn¡¯t get too engrossed in them either. Don¡¯t you know that you should strike a bnce between work and rest? It¡¯s because I¡¯ve been looking out for you that you don¡¯t have myopia. Now that you¡¯re able to make decisions for yourself, are you going to ruin your eyesight? Tell me. What time did you stop reading novels before going to bedst night?¡±

    Qiao Nan was drunk. She herself did not have any time to read those novels, but she had never opposed her daughter acquainting herself with these new things. Her daughter had always been obedient, but why did she have such poor self-control now?

    The first time Qiao Nan realized that her daughter had developed such a bad habit was three days earlier. Perhaps it was because she had drunk too much water before sleeping that Qiao Nan was awoken at around half past one in the morning.

    After going to the washroom, it was easy for her throat to be dry and itchy if she stayed in a heated area. Since Qiao Nan had already finished the ss of water that she had ced by her bedside, she had no other choice but to put on her clothes and head downstairs to get some water.

    When she passed by Zhai Yu¡¯s room, Qiao Nan realized that there was lighting from under Zhai Yu¡¯s door. Qiao Nan thought it was weird that the light in her daughter¡¯s room was still on. Could it be that her daughter had gotten up to use the washroom and needed to get a drink too? Qiao Nan knocked on the door, wanting to check on her daughter. However, even after knocking a few times, there was no answer from within.

    After about a minute, Qiao Nan frowned and entered her daughter¡¯s room without her daughter¡¯s permission. It was then that Qiao Nan realized that her daughter had not woken up in the middle of the night. In fact, she had not even gone to bed!

    Zhai Yu had been thrown into the military by her dad since she was young to be trained alongside Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. The three children had the habit of folding their nkets into dried-tofu shape no matter where they were. When Qiao Nan walked into the room, the nket on Zhai Yu¡¯s bed was properly folded into the shape of a square, with no signs of having been used.

    Not only so, but the garbage can beside Zhai Yu was even filled with tissue paper that it overflowed onto the floor. After Qiao Nan entered, she could clearly hear San Bao sniffling as though she was crying. Sure enough, Zhai Yu picked up a piece of tissue paper to wipe her face. Without even lowering her head, she tossed the used piece of tissue paper toward the already overflowing garbage can.

    That was how Zhai Yu was caught reading web novels by Qiao Nan, and she was the kind to read until two to three o¡¯clock in the morning! Qiao Nan finally understood why the auntie asked if Zhai Yu was exhausting herself at school. Because when she was back home this time, she always woke up just in time for lunch.

    It would be a wonder if she was able to wake up in the morning after reading web novelste into the night.

    After hearing Zhai Yu being ovee with emotions today, and then linking back to Zhai Yu crying until the waste paper basket was full, there was nothing her mother did not understand. This silly girl had been reading some kind of novelstely, was suddenly ovee with emotions in the moment, and had let them all out through her situation.

    The moment Qiao Nan finished her sentence, the Zhai family grew even quieter.

    Especially Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, who looked at Zhai Yu incredulously, with a stare that was enough to pierce a few holes in Zhai Yu¡¯s forehead. When he met Zhou Xing, Zhai Yi wondered more than once whether this youngdy had been reading too many novels so much so that she was able to do something as crazy as getting into a rtionship with Zhai Xin.

    But he had never expected that this situation would ur in his family, and to his very rational and logical biological younger sister, no less! How could Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin ept this shocking news out of the blue? ¡°Novels... Are they really that interesting and impactful?¡± Look. They were able to make even San Bao emotional! San Bao was no longer the same San Bao of the past.

    Zhai Yu, who had been exposed, was utterly embarrassed and stared straight back at Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. ¡°Isn¡¯t what I said the truth?¡± It was true that they did have a little impact on her, but just a little bit. She did indeed think that her mom had a hard life and was aggrieved.

    The difference was that she was never this emotional in the past. She knew that her father ced great importance on the military and the state, so she tried her best to understand his decision. But her emotions got the better of her, and the words that came out of her mouth were just that little bit different from usual, as though she had lost all control.

    ¡°What time did you go to bedst night?¡±

 Chapter 1697 - All of Them Have Grown Old

    <h4>Chapter 1697: All of Them Have Grown Old</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan did not let Zhai Yu off easily. What had to be asked had to be asked. ¡°I think you don¡¯t want me to wake up to check on your room tonight, right? How about I install an electric meter in your room? I¡¯ll check it before I go to bed and check it again when I wake up the next morning.¡±

    ¡°Mom, my good mother, you¡¯re exaggerating! You¡¯ve already taught me well with love. How can Imit these wrongs knowingly? I was really goodst night and went to bed at ten o¡¯clock. I¡¯m serious!¡± Zhai Yu felt aggrieved. If she got caught, she would have to return to being a child and sleeping beside her mother! How would she still dare to make such a mistake again?

    Actually, she rather enjoyed sleeping together with her mom when she was younger. But her biological father was simply too mean. He said that he wanted to develop their independence and thus made them sleep on their own beds. If she were to sleep together with her mom now, her dad would definitely cause trouble for her once he returned. This was her dad, her biological father, no less!

    With such a jealous father, Zhai Yu had no choice but to listen to Qiao Nan and promise that this would never happen again. She swore to go to bed by ten o¡¯clock and not stay upte into the night. It was only then that Qiao Nan gave up the idea of supervising Zhai Yu.

    Qiao Nan eyed Zhai Yu suspiciously. ¡°I¡¯ll believe you for now. But if I ever catch up again, you know what will happen. Besides, you have to restrain yourself in this area when you go back to school. Don¡¯t forget what¡¯s most important while you¡¯re in school.¡± She would ept rxing from time to time, but she would take matters into her own hands if her daughter was overly engrossed in it.

    ¡°For sure.¡± Oh, dear, her mother had only caught her just this once, but she was already bringing up the matter at the dinner table. If she were to make her mom get upset about this matter again, her dad woulde after her the next time. If that protective dad of hers were to make a move, she would only be in a worse-off state than now.

    At times, Zhai Yu was confused. Her dad treated her well when she was younger. Didn¡¯t everyone say that daughters were their father¡¯s lovers from a previous lifetime? But that was absolutely not the case in their family!

    She was not like her father¡¯s lover from a previous lifetime. Instead, she was much more like a love rival from her father¡¯s previous two lifetimes. When she was with Da Bao and Er Bao, her dad would still take care of her. But in front of her mom, nothing couldpare to her mom.

    Her dad treated anything or anyone who upset or angered her mom like an enemy that he needed to wipe out with full force. As such, there were two women that one could not afford to offend in the family. One was her grandma, and the other was her birth mom. That was because the emperor dowager and the emperor in the family ced great importance on these two people.

    It was already considered quite good that the adults in their family did not leave the three of them to fend for themselves.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Yu begged for mercy, so Qiao Nan finally let it go. She had only caught her daughter in the act once, after all. Of course, Qiao Nan never woke up in the middle of the night to get a ss of water from then on.

    ¡°San Bao, eat more to nourish your eyes.¡± While Qiao Nan was disciplining her daughter, Qiao Dongliang could not bear to see his granddaughter being scolded, but neither did he dare to cut in and protect her. But once Qiao Nan finished disciplining her child, Qiao Dongliang would always use actions like taking food for his grandchildren tofort them. ¡°San Bao, your mom is right. You¡¯re so pretty. You won¡¯t look good if you have to wear sses because of your poor eyesight in the future. Your mom¡¯s eyesight has been good ever since she was young. She didn¡¯t even like to watch the television. Young people nowadays are always either glued to the television orputers. Many young children who have just started going to school are already wearing sses that are bigger than their own faces!¡±

    Every time he witnessed this, Qiao Dongliang was d that not a single one of his grandchildren was like this. If they really wanted to join the military, having good eyesight was crucial.

    These children who started wearing sses from a young age had no affinity with the military. These children could lead such lives, but not the children of the Zhai family.

    ¡°Thanks, grandpa.¡± Zhai Yu had no intention of rejecting the pile of green vegetables in her bowl. On a winter day like that, vegetables were great. When the weather got cold, the prices of vegetables were even higher than that of meat. Thus, Zhai Yu ate it heartily.

    Zhai Yu did not need to control her appetite just because she was a youngdy. Since it was New Year¡¯s Eve, she would eat as much as she wanted. Of course, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin would only eat even more than their younger sister, Zhai Yu.

    Now that Zhai Yaohui was in his old age, his appetite was not as voracious as when he was younger, but it was still better than Qiao Nan¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s. After eating one and a half bowls of rice, he put down his bowl, saying that it was best not to eat too much. Otherwise, he would be too full to fall asleep that night.

    There was no change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s appetite. He was at his peak, an ¡®old man¡¯ of almost fifty, but his spirit and vigor was much better than that of a young man of twenty or thirty. As such, getting sufficient energy to maintain such a good mental and physical state was crucial.

    Zhai Sheng and his sons unanimously became the incarnates of rice buckets. Even though Qiao Nan and Miao Jing had prepared a whole table full of dishes, the father and son trio swept the whole table clean.

    Most of the time, as long as the father and son trio were around, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing never worried about having leftovers, wasting food, or that the food would no longer be nutritious when reheated. After a meal, they could cookpletely new dishes without needing to reheat leftovers. This was much healthier. Since they had been a family for so many years, Miao Jing and Qiao Nan had always taken this into consideration when preparing the dishes. It was with the knowledge of how much Zhai Sheng and his sons could eat that they prepared this whole table¡¯s worth of food for New Year¡¯s Eve.

    ¡°Wow, Da Bao and Er Bao are eating so well.¡± Seeing her two grandsons repeatedly refilling their bowls with rice made Miao Jing let out a wide smile. The sight of her grandchildren eating well made Miao Jing even happier than eating an extra bowl of rice herself. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate that you guys will be spending less time at home in the future. After today, I¡¯ll be a year older. I don¡¯t know how long more I¡¯ll be able to cook for the two of you. Maybe it won¡¯t be long before I¡¯ll get too old to even cook.¡± Miao Jing sighed emotionally.

    Her health was good sometimes and bad at other times. It was only slightly better than her mother-inw¡¯s health when she had still been alive, but far worse than a typical healthy old person¡¯s. Miao Jing could not be sure when her condition would improve. If this continued, she might not even have the strength to cook for her grandchildren even if she wanted to in a few years¡¯ time.

    Looking at the silver strands of hair sprouting out from between Miao Jing¡¯s ck head of hair, the triplets were beginning to feel upset. The three children had realized long ago that it was not only their grandparents who were beginning to grow more white hair. Their parents were not spared from it either.

 Chapter 1698 - In Another Twenty Years

    <h4>Chapter 1698: In Another Twenty Years</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Especially her mom. Even though she looked young, there was the asional strand of gray hair that constantly reminded them of the fact that their elders were growing older by the day.

    Zhai Xin thought for a moment before cajoling Miao Jing. ¡°Grandma, I want to join the air force in the future, but I¡¯ve heard that the food in certain areas in the army is really delicious. How about this? I¡¯ll try to learn from them. You¡¯re a year older, and so am I. Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m already a young adult. I¡¯ll cook for you in the future. Grandma, you won¡¯t despise my poor cooking skills, will you?¡±

    His grandma was already in her sixties. If not for her love for her grandchildren, a woman nearing the age of seventy would definitely not be able to go into the kitchen to whip up such a feast. Even if the majority of the food was cooked by his mom, and grandma had started to delegate work to his mom, it was still hard work.

    ¡°No?¡± Zhai Yaohui huffed. ¡°Your grandma took so much effort to raise you up and even made so many delectable dishes for all of you, yet you dare to ask your grandma to eat it? If you don¡¯t cook well, then you¡¯d better learn until you get good at it. We¡¯re already so old. We don¡¯t want to be your guinea pigs. Only when you¡¯re sessful should you serve the best and most satisfactory dishes to me and your grandma.¡±

    Was the food cooked by Er Bao even edible? Would they get food poisoning from it?

    Thinking about how he had never been able to hone his culinary skills, Zhai Yaohui looked at Er Bao, who was simr to himself, with a gaze full of distrust.

    When he was younger, Miao Jing had gotten pregnant and given birth to Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng. At times, their elders had not been able to rush down in time. Thus, the responsibility of taking care of Miao Jing naturally fell on him, her husband. Unfortunately, the soup that Zhai Yaohui made was as bad as drinking poison.

    Miao Jing had only tried it once in her life, but it was unforgettable. What was even more embarrassing was that he had wanted to take good care of Miao Jing for once, but he had made such a fool of himself. Zhai Yaohui clearly remembered that he had followed the instructions to boil the soup and had not taken matters into his own hands by adding whatever he pleased. Nheless, after Miao Jing drank the soup, she almost had no milk to feed her child, saying that something had triggered her.

    From then on, Zhai Yaohui gave up on honing his culinary skills. If he really wanted to take care of Miao Jing, he would find some other ways to do so. It was best not to expose such a weakness to others in the future.

    It was because of such an ¡®experience¡¯ that Zhai Yaohui had such a huge reaction upon hearing Zhai Xin¡¯s words. He was definitely more reliable than Zhai Xin. Even so, Miao Miao had no milk left after drinking the soup that he had made. If Miao Miao were to eat Er Bao¡¯s food, would she be sent directly to the hospital? That was too high a price to pay.

    After giving it some thought, Zhai Yaohui corrected himself. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you wanted to join the air force because your goal was to fly in the sky and not hide in the canteen as a cook? There¡¯s no point in learning how to cook. Our family has already hired an auntie. Your grandma¡¯s health is not good, but we have an auntie to help us out with the household chores. You don¡¯t need to worry about these small things.¡±

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui wanted to say that he and Miao Jing were living very well because they had a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan taking care of them.

    But knowing that his son, who shared the same temper as him, was present, Zhai Yaohui swallowed these words and held back. At this time, the auntie that the family had hired came in handy and Zhai Yaohui sessfully used her as an excuse.

    Upon hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Miao Jing recalled that ¡®special¡¯ memory, and she chuckled stiffly. At that time, she was a first-time mom, and Old Zhai had just be a dad for the first time. Her mother-inw¡¯s health was poor, and her father-inw tried his best to take time out to spend time with his wife and to take care of his wife. As for her, she was a military wife and lived with Old Zhai in the army camp.

    As such, when she gave birth, her mother-inw was not by her side to take care of her. Only when she gave birth to Zhai Hua did her mother-inw think that Old Zhai was not able to take good care of them. As such, she hurried down to the army camp to help out with Miao Jing¡¯s confinement.

    Because she had drunk Old Zhai¡¯s soup, she had almost run out of milk, causing Zhai Hua to starve for several meals. This angered her mother-inw so much that she beat into Old Zhai for a long while. Old Zhai was brilliant in every way, but he just could not get a hang of cooking.

    It was truly not an easy thing to have been able to drink the soup made by her own husband. Because Zhai Yaohui was willing to take the initiative to do such a thing and get down and dirty to make soup for her, Miao Jing was incredibly touched and thought that Zhai Yaohui was truly a good man.

    After her parents passed away, she had always been living with her uncle. When she was at home, she could only sit at the same table as her uncle when eating. It was exactly because of this that she had seen too many examples in the vige of husbands never helping out once women had given birth and were serving their confinement period.

    It was still manageable if the woman¡¯s mother-inw helped out. But for those without mothers-inw, there would be no peace for even a single day even during her confinement period. Although she would not need to battle the elements and work out in the fields, she would still have to single-handedly manage every single household chore in the family.

    Compared to those women, she was so much luckier to have met a good man. The more she thought that Zhai Yaohui was a good man, the more anxious Miao Jing got about Zhai Yaohui because she did not want to lose Zhai Yaohui. Especially with Qi Min nearby, Miao Jing¡¯s entire focus was on Zhai Yaohui while she was younger, ignoring the growth of her children.

    At this age, Miao Jing realized that she was now much calmer when she thought about everything that had happened in the past. She would no longer fly into a rage upon hearing the name ¡®Qi Min¡¯.

    No matter what, Old Zhai had only married a vige girl who was clueless and almost illiterate because her father had saved her father-inw¡¯s life. And in just a few years¡¯ time, she had transformed from a vige girl who was destined to be a farmer to an enviable wife of a chief.

    ¡°Actually, I think I¡¯ve been very fortunate my whole life.¡± Miao Jing had not been able to stop herself from blurting out her thoughts.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression changed and he gripped onto Miao Jing¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°It¡¯s the New Year. Don¡¯t talk about your lifetime. You still have a long time to live. When you and I both can¡¯t walk anymore and need people to push us around on wheelchairs, then you can talk to me about your lifetime.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s words would notfort anyone and would only make people feel a little jumpy, especially since it was New Year. She was alive and well, so why would she suddenly bring up her past and say that she was thankful for it? She still had a long way to go. Only people who were nearing their deaths would talk about their whole lifetime.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, grandma. You¡¯re still so young. When you go out with Mom, you guys are like sisters. What do you mean by a lifetime? We can talk about this in another twenty years.¡±

 Chapter 1699 - Warning

    <h4>Chapter 1699: Warning</h4>

    Zhai Xin was responsible for coaxing Miao Jing. ¡°As long as you stay happy every day and lead a happy life, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll live for twenty more years, or maybe even thirty to forty more years! People in ancient times rarely lived to their seventies. But now, you¡¯ll only be considered to have lived a long life if you live to your nies or even reach a hundred years old!¡±

    ¡°A hundred years old. That would mean that grandma would live a really long life.¡± Miao Jing chuckled and covered her mouth. A few days earlier, Miao Jing had lost a tooth. If this continued and she lost even more teeth, Miao Jing would not have many real teeth left. Zhai Yaohui said that he would bring Miao Jing to the dentist to see if she could get fitted with a pair of dentures once the holiday was over and after everyone had gone back to work.

    Otherwise, how would she eat all these delicious dishes?

    ¡°It isn¡¯t that far-fetched of an idea to live a long life nowadays.¡± Zhai Yaohui picked up some vegetables for Miao Jing. ¡°Don¡¯t talk anymore. Hurry and eat your vegetables. Otherwise, they¡¯ll get cold and won¡¯t taste good anymore. They won¡¯t be good for your health either.¡±

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t take any more food for me. My bowl is already filled to the brim. You know very well just how much I can stomach. Do you think I¡¯ll be able to finish it all if you give me so much food? And to think that you said that you understand me well. Don¡¯t you even remember how much I can eat?¡± Miao Jing frowned while looking at the huge bowl of food. She was almost seventy years old. Only when she was in her teenage years and after doing a full day¡¯s of hard work could she stomach so much food.

    At that time, eating rice was but a far-fetched dream. Now, her days were much better. She could choose to eat only vegetables without any rice, and she could even eat as much as she wanted until she felt bloated.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you still have me? I can help finish whatever you can¡¯t.¡± Zhai Yaohui was not at all worried that he had taken too much food for Miao Jing. Hearing Miao Jing go on, Zhai Yaohui very naturally picked up some food from Miao Jing¡¯s bowl and ced it in his own. ¡°How¡¯s that? Will you be able to finish all that? Otherwise, I¡¯ll take some more.¡±

    Miao Jing was exasperated. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just ce all that food into your own bowl in the first ce? What was the point of putting your food into my bowl before picking it up and cing it back in your own bowl? Wouldn¡¯t it be faster if you just put it into your own bowl in the first ce?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui tried to coax Miao Jing. ¡°Of course there¡¯s a point in doing so. Am I not helping you now? I didn¡¯t do it intentionally.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The triplets were already used to their grandpa showing his affection for their grandma from time to time. But they were all still single, after all. It was still all right when they were younger and unclear about what was going on. But now that they were all grown up, it was like a stab to the heart every time they witnessed this. They were celebrating the New Year with a feast. Could they stop with the dog feed? They would much rather eat some human food. If they ate that dog feed, wouldn¡¯t their grandma¡¯s ¡®precious effort¡¯ go to waste?

    Zhai Xin looked at Zhai Yi speechlessly. You¡¯ve seen it too. With grandpa around, do I still need to coax grandma? Grandpa has coaxed grandma so much that she¡¯s blushing like a teenage girl. I guess there¡¯s no one nowadays who can be like grandpa and take food from their girlfriend¡¯s bowl for himself. That would be too unhygienic.

    Zhai Yi looked at Zhai Xin calmly. If grandpa can coax grandma, won¡¯t your task be much easier? Besides, you¡¯re only back for a few days. If grandpa doesn¡¯t coax grandma, how long can grandma be happy for? Talking about cajoling grandma, grandpa is the true main force. You¡¯re just a backup, the middle man between grandpa and grandma.

    Zhai Yi was clear about this. A grandson coaxing her was different from her husband coaxing her, after all. To prevent their grandma from getting sick of her husband¡¯s coaxing, her grandson, Zhai Xin, was roped in to help cajole her into a good mood. Only then could their grandpa¡¯s coaxing continue to be effective in the future.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Xin, whopletely understood what Zhai Yi had meant through that gaze, was provoked. Zhai Xin moved toward Qiao Dongliang. He was single and had no girlfriend. His maternal grandpa had been divorced for many years and was single too. Zhai Yi¡¯s behavior was atypical. It was better for him to keep his distance from Zhai Yi. Sitting beside his grandpa gave him a greater sense of security.

    Zhai Xin, who had self-dered that he was not in a rtionship, hadpletely forgotten about the existence of Zhou Xing. He knew that Zhou Xing was his cousin and that Zhou Xing had been plotting something right from the start. Zhou Xing had had her eyes on Zhai Yi but had only changed and set her sights on Zhai Xin after her failure with Zhai Yi. How could such a rtionship count as a proper romantic rtionship?

    First love should be innocent and pure. Since it was neither innocent nor pure, Zhai Xin insisted that he had never had a rtionship and that his first love had not been ruined by Zhou Xing.

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea what Zhai Xin was thinking. He simply thought that his grandson wanted to get closer to him, so he smiled and picked up some food for Zhai Xin, asking him to have his fill. To Qiao Dongliang, there was no other time that made him happier than the New Year. In the Zhai family, the only time the whole family was gathered together was for the New Year.

    Otherwise, when others were on their breaks, the whole Zhai family, including his daughter, Qiao Nan, was extremely busy. Even during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the family was not asplete as during the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner.

    Having seen the triplets grow up healthy, with Da Bao and Er Bao growing into handsome young men, and San Bao bing an outstanding and beautiful youngdy like her mom, Qiao Dongliang was deeply moved. His life was not entirely filled with failure. At least, his younger daughter, Qiao Nan, was doing very well and had even given him these three grandchildren.

    It was just that...

    At the thought of the other granddaughter, Zhou Xing, whom he had never met, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face sunk. If he had not suddenly remembered that it was New Year¡¯s Eve, his expression might not even have brightened. Stealing another nce at Zhai Xin, who was leaning close to him, Qiao Dongliang felt especially sorry toward Zhai Xin.

    Had it not been the mess created by the Qiao family that he had not cleaned up, there was no way Zhou Xing would have set her sights on Zhai Xin and gotten him into such a bizarre rtionship. Putting Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin together was just like putting Qiao Nan of the past with Qiao Zijin together. As such, Qiao Dongliang decided to stand on Zhai Xin¡¯s side and support him without any hesitation.

    Qiao Dongliang had seen Zhai Xin grown up. Up until today, Qiao Dongliang had never once seen Zhou Xing.

    Qiao Dongliang stayed in the Zhai family¡¯s house until the fifth day of the new year before he finally returned home alone. Once he reached home, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression darkened, and he made his first phone call back to Ping Cheng in ten years.

    When Ding Jiayi saw that the caller was from the capital, she was taken aback. ¡°Hello, who are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°I guess your life must be quite fulfilling with your granddaughter that you don¡¯t even remember my phone number. Fine. I don¡¯t wish for you to remember my phone number either. I¡¯m calling just to warn you about one thing. If you let Zhou Xing walk down the same path that Zijin did, Ding Jiayi, I might just be a great-grandpa at my age.¡±

 Chapter 1700 - Is It Important?

    <h4>Chapter 1700: Is It Important?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough that you¡¯ve ruined one of my daughters? Are you nning on ruining my granddaughter, Zhou Xing, now? Ding Jiayi, believe it or not, I¡¯m ready to fight it out to the death with you!¡±

    ¡°Even if I die, Nan Nan will still be alive, and I still have my three grandchildren. Ding Jiayi, when you die, I¡¯ll bet that no one will be willing to burn paper money or pay respects at your grave. When Zijin died, she didn¡¯t even want to let you meet her for thest time. Zhou Xing is still young and insensible, so she¡¯s been cheated by you to believe that you¡¯re a good person. But one day, she¡¯ll be like her mom and finally open her eyes to see the truth. When that timees, Zhou Xing¡¯s attitude toward you will only be more resolute than Zijin¡¯s in the past. Remember. If you really want to go to that extent and force yourself into a corner, don¡¯t drag Zhou Xing down with you. Don¡¯t ruin Zhou Xing!¡±

    The only reason Zhou Xing got into a rtionship with Zhai Xin must have been because she had been influenced by Ding Jiayi. He could not understand how crazy Ding Jiayi must have been to have agreed to Zhou Xing doing such a thing given the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin.

    It was the New Year and with Qiao Dongliang scolding her so viciously, Ding Jiayi immediately broke down. ¡°What rights do you have to criticize me? Do you even know the whole truth of the matter? Right from the very beginning, I disagreed with Xingxing getting close to the Zhai family. Do you really think I don¡¯t know what will happen if she gets together with Zhai Xin? Do you think I¡¯ll stand by and watch Xingxing¡¯s offspring be abnormal?¡±

    Yes, even at this juncture, what Ding Jiayi cared about was only about Zhou Xing¡¯s child being abnormal, not Zhai Xin¡¯s child being abnormal.

    ¡°But Xingxing is just as stubborn as Zijin. She won¡¯t listen to me no matter how hard I try to persuade her. She¡¯s all grown up and has her own opinions. Besides, what can I do? She¡¯s studying in the capital, while I¡¯m back here in Ping Cheng. If I didn¡¯t call Qiao Nan to tell her about this, would Qiao Nan have found out about her identity? I haven¡¯t celebrated the New Year properly this year. Xingxing said that I had done her much wrong, that I betrayed her, and that I sold her out to Qiao Nan just for that living allowance that Qiao Nan gives me. I gave birth to Qiao Nan and raised her to marry her off. It¡¯s only right that I take her money. But how can Qiao Nan everpare to Xingxing in my heart?¡±

    It was torturous to Ding Jiayi. It was supposed to be a festive holiday, but Ding Jiayi had not even had a good night¡¯s sleep.

    When Zhou Xing returned, she found out that it was because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s call to Qiao Nan that Qiao Nan had found out that Zhou Xing was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter. As such, Zhou Xing had thrown a huge temper, saying that Ding Jiayi had betrayed her.

    But she was unlike Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi could only stay in the Qiao¡¯s small residence. Father and Mother Zhou had left two or three houses to Zhou Xing. In a fit of anger, Zhou Xing returned to the house that she used to live in with Father and Mother Zhou. She would much rather spend the New Year alone than spend time with Ding Jiayi. Even the sight of Ding Jiayi made her angry.

    Zhou Xing was stubborn, but Ding Jiayi was nowhere as stubborn as Zhou Xing. Zhou Xing was only seventeen years old this year. Ding Jiayi was worried about leaving Zhou Xing alone in such a big house and also worried about how Zhou Xing would settle her meals.

    As such, even though Zhou Xing was angry at her and did not wish to see her, Ding Jiayi still sent her home-cooked meals to Zhou Xing, for the fear that Zhou Xing would starve herself.

    At that time, Ding Jiayi hadpletely forgotten that Zhou Xing had signed up for culinary sses long ago. To attract Zhai Xin¡¯s interest in her, she had already found a ce to cook and even made soup for Zhai Xin. With such culinary skills, how could Zhou Xing starve?

    An onlooker sees the game best. Moreover, Ding Jiayi had gone through life in a daze and had never really been clear-headed.

    While others were having the time of their lives, she alone was lonely without even thepany of her favorite granddaughter. Ding Jiayi was still saddened by this when she received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lecture brought her to tears.

    ¡°Is that important?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who was on the other end of the call,ughed. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯ve always ced more emphasis on Zijin and neglected Nan Nan. Now, you¡¯re putting emphasis on Zhou Xing. You don¡¯t even think of Nan Nan¡¯s children as your grandchildren. That¡¯s why there¡¯s such a difference between the triplets and Zhou Xing. The triplets are already in a top-tier university, but Zhou Xing couldn¡¯t even graduate from high school and is now in some art school. Ding Jiayi, don¡¯t you realize that the children that you care about have made nothing out of their lives? Ding Jiayi, I think you¡¯re blind. You¡¯ve always had your eyes on the wrong people. Or maybe you¡¯re just unlucky. Whomever you like will definitely be unlucky as well.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words were indeed a little harsh. He was just shy of saying that Ding Jiayi was a jinx and whoever stayed with Ding Jiayi was putting their life on the line.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi liked Qiao Zijin. Now that Qiao Zijin was gone, she ced her focus on Zhou Xing. He was only afraid that Zhou Xing would be ruined sooner orter.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to admit to it. I¡¯ll just leave you to think about that question. I¡¯m calling you today to warn you. If you dare to spout any nonsense to Zhou Xing and nder Nan Nan and the three children, you¡¯d better watch out. Ding Jiayi, if you push me to my limits, I¡¯m capable of doing anything. If I had the guts to get rid of you when I was younger, there¡¯s no way you¡¯d be living a life like this now. Since you can¡¯t rein Zhou Xing in, I¡¯ll do it. Isn¡¯t she studying in the capital? It¡¯s nearby. I¡¯ll keep my eye on Zhou Xing. If you dare to butt in, just wait and see. Zhou Xing will be the second Zijin.¡±

    Upon finishing his sentence, Qiao Dongliang viciously hung up the phone with a loud thud.

    Qiao Dongliang was just calling Ding Jiayi out of courtesy. Once he took over the responsibility of caring for Zhou Xing, if Ding Jiayi had any opinions and wanted to stop him, he would definitely deviate from his beliefs in the past. He would probably lose his cool and hit women in a fit of anger, sending Ding Jiayi to the hospital.

    Even though he had never done such a thing in his youth, he would not mind doing it if Ding Jiayi forced him into a corner. After all, Ding Jiayi had owed him this beating for decades.

    Hearing the beeping sound from the other end of the phone, Ding Jiayi wailed even harder. Qiao Nan did not acknowledge her, and Zijin med her. Even her ex-husband wanted to fight it out to the death with her to prevent her from harming another child. Now, even her granddaughter, Zhou Xing, could not care less about her.

    Ding Jiayi felt that her life was so tough. She had sacrificed everything for her family and children, but why was she in this state where everyone was scolding her and ming her?

    Fine. She would wash her hands off Xingxing. Xingxing was indeed rather simr to Zijin in the past. Her temper was so bad that Ding Jiayi could not handle her. If Qiao Dongliang could do it, she would definitely not get in the way.

 Chapter 1701 - Not Allowed

    <h4>Chapter 1701: Not Allowed</h4>

    She wanted to see how well Qiao Dongliang could do if he were to be in charge of Zhou Xing. She would take this opportunity to show Qiao Dongliang that she was no jinx. It was just utterly untrue that anyone who got close to her would be unlucky. It just so happened that the children that she liked were all ¡®spoiled brats¡¯ who could not be controlled.

    Qiao Dongliang would only understand such a situation and her difficulties when he personally experienced it.

    Zhou Xing had no idea that this one call during the New Year meant that her grandpa would start supervising her strictly once she returned to the capital for her studies. As for whatever she had plotted against the Zhai family, Qiao Dongliang would nip them in the bud, depriving them of the chance to grow.

    As such, springtime this year was really a buzz in Zhou Xing¡¯s school.

    That boyfriend of Zhou Xing¡¯s from the PLA National Defense University became her cousin. And now, their mutual grandpa really came to visit.

    Someone with sharp eyes noticed that Qiao Dongliang hade in Zhai Yi¡¯s car and hade along with the Zhai brothers. After arriving, Qiao Dongliang had first apanied the brothers into the PLA National Defense University. Perhaps it was to take a look at the brothers¡¯ friends and their living environment.

    It was exactly because Qiao Dongliang had appeared together with his outstanding grandsons that other people had such a deep impression of Qiao Dongliang. When Qiao Dongliang appeared at Zhou Xing¡¯s school, people immediately came to the realization: That¡¯s right. Zhou Xing and the Zhai brothers were rtives. Since this old man was Zhai Yi¡¯s elder, he was most probably Zhou Xing¡¯s elder too.

    After visiting the Zhai brothers, it was only normal for their elders to visit Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Zhou Xing¡¯s grandpa. Can you give me some directions? I would like to find Zhou Xing.¡± After the New Year, Qiao Dongliang finally got a sense of how Zhou Xing looked like through a photograph. Zhou Xing did not resemble Qiao Zijin. In fact, she looked much prettier than Qiao Zijin. In other words, Zhou Xing had inherited the good traits of each of her parents.

    Thus, Zhou Xing did take after Zijin in the slightest bit but was much better-looking than Qiao Zijin had been as a student.

    It was after seeing Zhou Xing¡¯s photograph that Qiao Dongliang finally understood how Zhou Xing had the guts to date her own cousin. Thinking back to the past, if Qiao Zijin had looked like Zhou Xing, Qiao Dongliang wondered if Qiao Zijin would fight with Qiao Nan for such an outstanding man like Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°You¡¯re Zhou Xing¡¯s grandpa, so does that mean you¡¯re also Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s grandpa?¡± The other party asked curiously to confirm that Zhou Xing and the Zhai brothers were indeed cousins.

    Knowing about how her curiosity arose, Qiao Dongliang patiently answered the female student, even though he thought that such a question was rather inappropriate. ¡°If there¡¯s only one Zhou Xing in your school, then what I want to say is that I do indeed have two daughters. My younger daughter is Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s mom. My other daughter, who is no longer around, has a daughter named Zhou Xing.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, the way you speak is so interesting!¡± The female studentughed, sensing that her question was a little inappropriate. Zhou Xing had lost her mother, so that meant Zhou Xing grew up with her birth father. She wondered if Zhou Xing¡¯s father had gotten remarried after Zhou Xing¡¯s mother died.

    If she had a stepmother, she would probably have a stepfather. She was rather interested in such gossip.

    No wonder Zhou Xing was not familiar with the Zhai brothers. After her birth mother passed away, her birth father remarried. That would definitely mean that Zhou Xing had little contact with her maternal rtives. ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m free. Why don¡¯t I show you the way? I¡¯m not too sure about where Zhou Xing is at the moment. We have quite a few dance studios in our school. If the students have a need for it, we can even ask to borrow a dance studio to train in.¡±

    ¡°All right, thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded in agreement.

    Coincidentally, Zhou Xing had indeed spent some money to borrow a dance studio to train in today. Unlike other students, Zhou Xing had the entire fortune of the Zhou family in her hands. Zhou Xing could spend that money in any way she liked, and she could easily allow herself to lead a better life. As such, all those things that average students could not afford meant nothing to Zhou Xing.

    ¡°Oh, Zhou Xing, you¡¯re here. Look who I¡¯ve brought.¡± Upon finding Zhou Xing, the female studentughed and tried to win Zhou Xing over. Aspared to her father who had remarried, Zhou Xing should still have a good impression of her maternal grandma¡¯s family, not to mention just how amazing those maternal rtives of hers were.

    If she had a good rtionship with Zhou Xing, she might just be Zhou Xing¡¯s cousin-inw in the future! It did not matter whether she would be the elder or younger cousin-inw. Both Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were handsome and popr.

    ¡°Who?¡± Zhou Xing did not take a particr interest in her and simply wiped off the sweat from her face before picking up her cup to hydrate herself. She was destined to be a star. Zhai Yi might have been slightly harsh with his words, but what he had said was nothing but the truth. It was true that she should practice her basics and not forsake the basic skills.

    As long as she made a mark for herself, Zhai Xin would regret breaking up with her and would eventuallye back to chase her.

    ¡°We¡¯ve only just started the semester. Who¡¯se to find me?¡± It could not possibly be Zhai Xin, right? Other than Zhai Xin, she did not wish to see anyone who came to see her.

    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± Upon seeing the revealing and tight-fitting clothes that Zhou Xing was wearing, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Aren¡¯t you learning to dance? Why are you dressed like that? Is this a uniform? Or did you buy this yourself? If you bought this yourself, why couldn¡¯t you have bought something with more cloth on it?¡± One sight of her could tell you that she was no decent youngdy.

    The thought of San Bao, who was always dressed neatly and tidily, made Qiao Dongliang even angrier to see Zhou Xing in this state.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me now. If you¡¯re really free, we can chatter. Just leave with me now. I¡¯m going to get you some new clothes.¡± Qiao Dongliang was a soldier and he was extraordinarily inflexible.

    Qiao Dongliang had seen people wearing such revealing and tight-fitting clothes on television several times. It was just that he did not like seeing such things and would typically change the channel upon seeing them. Anyway, those people on television had nothing to do with him. It was all right once he changed the channel and could not see them anymore.

    But it was absolutely uneptable for Zhou Xing to do that. Zhou Xing was his granddaughter, and he had to rein her in. She was no longer allowed to wear such indecent clothing in the future. He never wanted to see it ever again.

    Only when Qiao Dongliang grabbed her elbow did Zhou Xing frown in pain and shout out. ¡°Wait a minute! Who are you to grab me the moment you arrived? We¡¯re in my school now and it¡¯s in broad daylight! I¡¯m telling you that you shouldn¡¯t even think of leaving our school if you¡¯re a kidnapper.¡± Human traffickers nowadays were too bold. They were evening to school to kidnap people?

 Chapter 1702 - Imparting Values

    <h4>Chapter 1702: Imparting Values</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was not as though she had no money to buy nice clothes. Would she really be cheated by nonexistent clothes that that person was talking about?

    ¡°Who am I? Haven¡¯t you heard Ding Jiayi mention me or seen my picture at Ding Jiayi¡¯s? When your mom was around, I didn¡¯t discipline her well before she passed away. The only thing I can do for her in this lifetime is to raise you well. Zhou Xing, listen. I¡¯m your grandpa. You have to listen to me. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang did not know whether Zhou Xing truly did not recognize him or whether she was simply pretending not to recognize him. Either way, that did not matter. All that mattered was that he recognized his own granddaughter.

    ¡°You¡¯re my grandpa?¡± Hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Zhou Xing immediately came to her senses and assessed Qiao Dongliang. Yes, if she looked closely, the man in front of her did resemble the man in her grandma¡¯s photo album.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know that you still have a grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Phew...¡± The female student who had brought Qiao Dongliang to see Zhou Xing breathed a sigh of relief. When she heard that Zhou Xing did not know Qiao Dongliang, and even said that Qiao Dongliang was a kidnapper, the female student had been badly frightened. She even thought that she had done something wrong! Thankfully, it was all a misunderstanding. ¡°Grandpa, this leotard was given to us by the school when we registered and paid our school fees. It¡¯s a uniform. I didn¡¯t purchase it myself. It¡¯s normal to wear such clothes when dancing because we get all hot and sweaty. Even if you were to buy one outside, all leotards look rather simr to this one.¡±

    It was issued by the school, after all. From the design to the cutting of the clothing, they were all as conservative as possible.

    She had not known that Zhou Xing¡¯s grandpa was so old-fashioned. They had not found anything wrong with such typical leotards, but why had it be indecent in Zhou Xing¡¯s grandpa¡¯s eyes?

    ¡°Issued by the school?¡± Qiao Dongliang was rather respectful toward the school. ¡°Why would the school issue such clothes to you youngdies? Do you have no other choice but to wear this when dancing?¡± He would have to go back and look around. He did not believe that he would not be able to find a looser-fitting piece of clothing with more cloth that would be more secure when dancing.

    Wasn¡¯t it just for a dance? Why did they have to dress so skimpily? No wonder Zhou Xing tried to leech on to Er Bao, trying to make Er Bao her boyfriend. At the very least, if Zhou Xing were to stop wearing such abnormal clothes, her mindset would be just a little bit more normal.

    ¡°Of course I can only wear this since it was issued by the school.¡± Zhou Xing took the opportunity to get away from Qiao Dongliang the moment he loosened his grip. Even if he had not, she had to!

    Just based on what Qiao Dongliang had said, Zhou Xing knew that there was no way she could ept the clothes picked out by Qiao Dongliang. Besides, this was her first time seeing this grandpa of hers! Was it so easy to be a grandpa? He had never gone to visit her, but the moment he appeared, he was picking on her dressing and criticizing her clothes for being too revealing as though he was her parent.

    Upon hearing that answer, Qiao Dongliang almost lost all respect for the school. What kind of school was this that they issued such revealing clothes to their girls? It was too indecent. ¡°What do you guys wear once you stop dancing?¡±

    Thankfully, Zhou Xing was alone in the room and was practicing alone when Qiao Dongliang entered the dance studio. There was not a single bystander, much less those boys whom Qiao Dongliang hated the most.

    ¡°We wear whatever we like when we¡¯re not dancing. We¡¯re not elementary school students. We don¡¯t need to always be in a uniform.¡± The female student who had led Qiao Dongliang hereughed. ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t think too much about it. In this school, we have more girls than guys. What you¡¯re worried about will never happen.¡±

    They were considered military performers, so there were males in this school as well. But just like the girls, they learned to dance and sing. No matter what, there was just some manlinesscking in them that failed to attract girls. Anyway, she would never take a fancy to them. As for Zhou Xing, she thought that Zhou Xing would probably not like those male military performers either.

    After all, Zhou Xing had such brilliant cousins like Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. Under Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s influence, Zhou Xing would never take a fancy to those men who were miles apart from the Zhai brothers.

    Otherwise, why would Zhou Xing have agreed to help Zhai Xin out by saying that the two of them were in a rtionship?

    Based on how Zhou Xing behaved during that period of time, she felt that Zhou Xing really had some talent in acting. At that time, Zhou Xing truly acted like someone who had just fallen in love with an extremely handsome boyfriend. Even the smiles of someone truly in love could notpare to Zhou Xing¡¯s sweet smile when she was acting.

    ¡°Yes.¡± With that answer, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression brightened significantly. ¡°Thank you for bringing me here. Zhou Xing, hurry and change out of these clothes. Let¡¯s find somewhere and have a good chat.¡± He felt as though he might go blind if he were to see Zhou Xing in these clothes any longer.

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Xing pouted. She was extremely reluctant.

    Last year, she had been on very good terms with Zhai Xin when Qiao Nan had suddenly appeared and requested to ¡®have a chat¡¯ with her. Right after that, she had been forced to break up with Zhai Xin. Now, the mention of ¡®having a chat¡¯ immediately made Zhou Xing feel all sorts of unease.

    But he was her biological grandpa, after all. In front of her ssmates, she did not want to disrespect her grandpa, but neither did she want to let others have something to attack her with. As such, she had no choice but to change out of her dance clothes and put on her day-to-day clothing to ¡®have a chat¡¯ with Qiao Dongliang.

    When Zhou Xing put on her own clothes, she could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. It was just the beginning of spring, so the temperatures had not risen by much. If she were to go out in thinner down jackets, she would shiver bitterly.

    Even though Zhou Xing was pretty, she did not make herself suffer. As such, she wrapped herself up warmly in long johns, a thick wool sweater, and a down jacket that went all the way down to her calves. Zhou Xing felt that Qiao Dongliang should have nothing to say about how she dressed now.

    When Zhou Xing emerged from the dance studio, the female student who had shown Qiao Dongliang the way was no longer around.

    Qiao Dongliang nced at Zhou Xing, who was all wrapped up, and nodded in affirmation. ¡°Winter here in the north is especially cold. Even when spring has alreadye, the temperatures are still low. It¡¯s better to dress warmly. Besides, it¡¯s only right for you to dress like that as a girl. There are a lot of bad people out in society today. Girls must know how to protect themselves. Not only is it ugly when you dress up mboyantly, but it¡¯s also easy for you to attract unwanted attention. When that timees, the only one who¡¯ll suffer is yourself. It will be toote to regret then.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang grabbed the opportunity to constantly impart values to Zhou Xing. He was afraid that if he were to be toote in doing so or be iplete in any aspect, Zhou Xing might very well fall into a pit that she would never be able to climb out of.

 Chapter 1703 - Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 1703: Sorry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At that time, would he still need to mobilize Qiao Nan to clean up Zhou Xing¡¯s mess?

    He had to think of a way to prevent such a situation from urring.

    ¡°Grandpa, can you stop talking?¡± What Zhou Xing hated the most was having other people talk to her about life principles. She was no three-year-old. She understood whatever she had to understand, but it did not matter whether she understood them or not. She would still not do whatever she was unwilling to do. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that we should find somewhere to have a chat? It¡¯s just as well. My stomach has something to say to you.¡±

    The situation today had been awkward enough. Thankfully, only one person had witnessed that scene. If any more people had been present, she would probably lose all respect and not even need to study in her school anymore.

    Based on just his appearance, Zhou Xing knew in her heart that her grandpa might act as though he cared for her, but in reality, her grandpa was biased toward Qiao Nan¡¯s family.

    Her grandma had told her long ago that even when her mom was still around, her grandpa had favored Qiao Nan and treated her mom badly. That was why after the divorce that year, her grandma had chosen to take her mom. As expected, her grandpa had chosen to take Qiao Nan.

    At that time, her grandpa had already made such a decision. Qiao Nan¡¯s three children had been raised by this grandpa. As for her, this was her first time meeting her grandpa. Zhou Xing was no fool. She knew exactly who was important and who was not in her grandpa¡¯s heart. ¡°Grandpa, there¡¯s no one else here. Why don¡¯t you just say whatever you have to say? I¡¯ll listen to whatever pleases me. Whatever I think is inappropriate, I¡¯ll just treat it as though we¡¯re chatting leisurely.¡±

    ¡°What kind of attitude is that? I¡¯m your biological grandpa, your elder. Everything I say is for your good. What do you mean that you¡¯ll listen to whatever pleases you and ignore whatever you think is inappropriate?¡± Qiao Dongliang stared wide-eyed at Zhou Xing. He almost choked after hearing Zhou Xing preempting him.

    Zhou Xing raised her hand in refusal. ¡°That may not necessarily be true. I have so many elders, but my dad. My birth father was intent on taking money from my pocket to help him support that vixen and to raise that favorite son of his from that vixen. My dad treats that mother-and-son pair extremely well. Even the child from her previous marriage is much more lovable than me in my father¡¯s eyes. Elder? Elders have never been reliable. Grandpa, you should know that you¡¯re just about the same. After my mom passed away and my dad remarried, my life in the Zhou family was never easy. However, I never once saw youing to express your concern as a grandpa, or even just to visit me.¡±

    In her most difficult times when she needed the most help, her grandpa did not even appear. Now that she was grown up and had a little capability, as well as her own judgment, she would not be so courteous to a grandpa with no conscience who suddenly appeared in front of her.

    If she had to listen to everyone else¡¯s words, she would have long ago been gobbled up by her own father and that vixen, so much so that there would only be her bones left.

    ¡°All right. What do you want to chat about?¡± She was used to being courteous after being impolite. As long as she stated her requirements right from the start, she could not be med for anything that happened afterward. Neither could her grandpa say that she was disrespecting her elders. After all, it was her grandpa who had done it knowingly. What could she do?

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lips were tightly pursed together. ¡°I cannot confirm what nonsense you¡¯ve heard from Ding Jiayi. You¡¯ve said that you¡¯re grown up and you have your own judgment. That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll tell you all about how your mom grew up with Nan Nan. I¡¯ll see if you truly have your own judgment.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had definitely only told Zhou Xing that Zijin had died under Nan Nan¡¯s wheel. There was no way this was the only incident between the sisters throughout their childhood together. If Ding Jiayi had not created so much animosity in the first ce and caused the resentment in Zijin¡¯s heart to umte, all that would never have happened.

    ¡°That¡¯s what happened. Your mom... waspletely brought astray by Ding Jiayi. I think your mom¡¯s attitude before her death is solid proof of everything. You can¡¯t listen to just Ding Jiayi alone on this matter. You also have to listen to what other people say to get a better picture of the whole situation. I dare say that Nan Nan had never done anything wrong to your mother. Your mom... I won¡¯t pass judgment on whatever she had done. You said you have your own judgment. Take time to think. Your mom is already gone. If it¡¯s possible, I hope that you have a better image of your mom.¡±

    There was no way Nan Nan should be med for any of these things happening. It was always Zijin bullying Nan Nan, and all these happened because Ding Jiayi had led Zijin astray. Without the foundationsid by Ding Jiayi, Zijin would never have grown up this way.

    Zhou Xing remained silent for quite a while. It was clearly her first time hearing whatever Qiao Dongliang had just told her. After a long while, Qiao Dongliang wondered if Zhou Xing actually believed him. Then, Zhou Xing asked in a slightly different tone, ¡°How do I know that whatever you¡¯re saying is the truth? You can¡¯t possibly deny that Qiao Nan is more important than my mom in your heart, right?¡±

    In that case, whatever her grandpa had said was simply unfair. It was understandable that he was used to speaking for Qiao Nan and thinking from her point of view. Knowing that, she had to take her grandpa¡¯s words with a huge pinch of salt.

    ¡°Ha...¡± Qiao Dongliang could not help but chuckle bitterly. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that my heart should be biased toward Nan Nan since I took Nan Nan and Ding Jiayi took your mom after our divorce. But in reality, I know that¡¯s not the case. I got a divorce from Ding Jiayi because she made too much trouble, so much so that Nan Nan almost lost the opportunity to further her studies. Think about what benefits I could bring to your younger aunt at the time I divorced Ding Jiayi. I let Ding Jiayi have the Qiao family¡¯s house in the small courtyard. If I had not done so, your mom wouldn¡¯t even have had a roof over her head after I got divorced from Ding Jiayi.¡±

    Simrly, without the Qiao family¡¯s house, he and Nan Nan were both homeless and had no choice but to rent an apartment.

    ¡°It can be said that Ding Jiayi spent all our family¡¯s money in order to let your mom study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. That was why I almost died because I had no money to pay for my surgery. The only thing of value in our family was that house that I left to Ding Jiayi and your mom. At that time, all the money I earned was spent on your mom, and the most valuable thing in our family was left to your mom. Zhou Xing, do you really think that I¡¯m biased toward your younger aunt and not your mom after I did all that?¡±

    He had done some of these things subconsciously without proper thought about what his goals and intentions were. Now that he was old and had a lot of free time, Qiao Dongliang could not help but reminisce about the past.

    The more he thought about the past, the more he realized that he had done much wrong to Qiao Nan. At his age now, the only thing he could do for Qiao Nan was to settle the matter with Zhou Xing so that Zhou Xing would not be a source of trouble for Qiao Nan in the future.

 Chapter 1704 - Giving In

    <h4>Chapter 1704: Giving In</h4>

    ¡°But you were part of thebor force and the main source of ie for the Qiao family.¡± Zhou Xing was in a dilemma. She seemed to be struggling with taking in what she had just heard and whether she should ept this truth that seemed topletely oppose what she had heard for the past ten years.

    If Zhou Xing had grown up in a normal family with both parents by her side, she might not have been able to tell whom Qiao Dongliang favored among his two daughters from his words. But Zhou Xing was not such an innocent and foolish youngdy.

    She was only seventeen years old, but she had a deep understanding of how important money was to survive in society. At the same time, as intion urred, money would be worth less as time passed. As such, the most valuable things were usually other things, such as houses.

    She had no mother, but she did have a birth father.

    Under such circumstances, her dad had not intended on leaving everything he owned to his daughter. What she could not ept was her dad trying all means to scheme against her to take over the money and houses that her grandparents had left to her. He had even tried to coax her as though she was a three-year-old child, just so that he could cheat her money.

    They were both fathers, but when her grandpa got a divorce at that time, he had spent all his money on her mom and had even left the house to her mom and her grandma. From this point alone, her grandpa¡¯s love toward her mom surpassed her father¡¯s love toward her by a hundred, or even a thousand times.

    Apart from himself, her grandpa had not taken anything along for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°But I was not the coolie of the family, and neither was I Ding Jiayi¡¯s or your mom¡¯s money-making tool. In a rtionship, you must sow to be able to reap. I¡¯ve told you about how Ding Jiayi raised your mom. Do you agree with how Ding Jiayi raised your mom? Could your mom still be normal after being brought up this way? Of course, at that time, I had no idea that this was how Ding Jiayi was raising your mom. I was just bitter that I had sacrificed everything for your mom, but your mom had even used me of being worthless and useless because I could not let her live a luxurious life. At that time, I was still lying in the hospital after going through a surgery that was paid for with the money your younger aunt borrowed from other people. I was toeing the line of death!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Xing bit on her lip. She could not say with a clear conscience that Qiao Dongliang should dedicate his life selflessly to her mom just because he was her father. Even if her mom really took Qiao Dongliang to be an ox, Qiao Dongliang would work tirelessly, trying to fulfill her mom¡¯s requests.

    With a father like Zhou Zheng, Zhou Xing understood what a good father Qiao Dongliang was. They were both daughters, but her mom had been much luckier.

    Her grandma¡¯s teaching methods might have been wrong, but her grandma truly treated her mom well and was cold-hearted toward Qiao Nan. Simrly, her grandpa had fulfilled his responsibilities toward her mom. Her grandpa had more than one daughter but had unhesitatingly given almost everything to her mom. Not all parents were willing to do that for their children.

    No, that was definitely not the case. Her father had never treated her as well as this for just a day!

    ¡°After going to high school, your younger aunt¡¯s results were ster, so she was always on a schrship. Then, she went off to university and married your uncle. Of course, I haven¡¯t needed to spend a single cent on your younger aunt¡¯s expenses. If we were really to talk about it, I probably didn¡¯t even provide for your younger aunt for many years. Apart from those few meals that I fed her, it¡¯s really pathetic how little I have given to herpared to how much I¡¯ve given to your mom.¡±

    In the first few years, education waspulsory, as stipted by the state. As such, Nan Nan only had to pay for her textbooks when going to school. When education was no longerpulsory and they needed to fork out arge sum of money for her to stay in school, Nan Nan strived hard. Initially, she won schrships through her ster results. Then, when she got into university, she married a good husband.

    As a father, he had done nothing for her. That was the truth of the matter.

    Zhou Xing clenched her jaw tightly, her face paling. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should believe your words. What you¡¯ve said is very different from what grandma has said, and grandma has never even mentioned some of these things.¡±

    Her grandma had only told her that her grandpa had cared a lot about his younger daughter, Qiao Nan. Her grandpa had gotten a divorce from her grandma for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. After their divorce, her grandpa wanted Qiao Nan and not her mom. Her mom was raised by her grandma, who had supported her until she finished her studies. That was the truth that she had known all her life.

    She had never imagined that there had already been a war in the Qiao family when the sisters were still in junior high school, over having Qiao Nan leave school to work so as to let her mom continue with her own studies.

    Between the sisters, it was obvious that Qiao Nan had better grades and that her mom¡¯s grades could not match up to Qiao Nan¡¯s. But the fight had started over having Qiao Nan leave school to work so that her mom could go to school. Based on this point alone, Zhou Xing could not help but suspect that her grandma had deliberately hidden part of the truth from her.

    Her grandma had simply said what was advantageous to herself and had hidden whatever was disadvantageous to her mom and herself. But what she had hidden was much closer to the truth. Without this portion of the truth, she had the most important basis for her judgment, leading to her wrong judgment.

    ¡°How about this? You can choose not to believe me, but you should at least clear out everything that Ding Jiayi told you from your mind. Before I got divorced from Ding Jiayi, and up until your younger aunt entered high school, we were a family of four living in the Qiao family¡¯s house. I¡¯m sure our neighbors still remember what happened to our family. You can go find out for yourself. If you¡¯re still doubtful, you can inquire at your younger aunt¡¯s high school as well. The incident between Ding Jiayi and your mom may have happened twenty to thirty years ago, but I¡¯m sure there are still quite a few people who still remember this incident.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was not afraid that Zhou Xing did not believe him. He was only afraid that Zhou Xing would not even bother to check up on the matter and relied only on whatever she had heard. As long as she investigated the matter, he had a bunch of witnesses to prove that whatever he had said was nothing but the truth.

    ¡°All right.¡± Zhou Xing lowered her voice. ¡°I think I can guess why you¡¯vee to find me before even saying anything. My mom and Qiao Nan... I may have had some misunderstandings, but I¡¯m sure I¡¯m not mistaken about who you¡¯ll choose between me and Qiao Nan¡¯s three children.¡±

    It was truly a tough call. They were all his grandchildren, so it was impossible that he had no feelings for her as her grandpa. The problem was that he did indeed have deeper feelings for Qiao Nan¡¯s children. There were three of them and only one of her, after all.

    Zhou Xing took a deep breath and gave in. ¡°I¡¯ll stop looking for Zhai Xin for the time being, and stop scheming against the Zhai family.¡± Until she got to the bottom of the matter and found out whether the truth was just as her grandma had said or whether it was like what her grandpa had said.

 Chapter 1705 - Asking Around

    <h4>Chapter 1705: Asking Around</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°All right.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression stiffened. He had not expected that Zhou Xing could be so direct and straightforward with her words once she had calmed down. ¡°You... you¡¯re more understanding than your mom. Thankfully, you¡¯ve only lived with Ding Jiayi for three years. The Zhou couple had raised you quite well. I don¡¯t want to discuss this, but all I can say is that I¡¯m just worried that you would follow in your mom¡¯s footsteps if you had been raised by Ding Jiayi from a young age.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang finally understood why Zhou Xing had only returned to Ding Jiayi when the Zhou couple passed away.

    It seemed that Qiao Nan must have been involved in Zhou Xing staying in the Zhou family and being raised by the Zhou couple. Ding Jiayi waspletely abnormal. In other words, she was not fit to teach a child. Ding Jiayi would only mislead a child.

    Zhou Zheng was heartless toward Zijin but was still quite normal in other aspects. If he had not been bewitched by that woman, Zhou Zheng would never have been so vicious toward Zhou Xing. But whatever Zhou Zheng had done could not evenpare with whatever Ding Jiayi had done.

    ¡°Grandpa, it¡¯s quitete. I¡¯ll go back to school first. Can you go back on your own?¡± Zhou Xing did not want to go on any further. After her paternal grandparents passed away, her whole world copsed. She felt as though she was all alone in this vast universe. Her birth father bared his fangs and was nning on swallowing her whole.

    At her most helpless and desperate moment, her maternal grandma appeared and pulled her out of the swamp in the Zhou family. Her grandma took care of her, cared for her, and did everything with her in mind. It made her feel some sort of warmth that she had felt only when her grandparents were still alive.

    ¡°Sigh... What a sin.¡± Seeing Zhou Xing suffer such a huge blow caused Qiao Dongliang to feel heartbroken too. Zhou Xing¡¯sck of expression was the most obvious expression. Children from poor families tended to mature earlier. Zijin had lived too enjoyable a life when she was younger and had never suffered. That was why she was so innocent and was never able to correct herself after being led astray by Ding Jiayi.

    But Zhou Xing was different. Zhou Xing was a child who had gone through trials and tribtions.

    It was indeed true that life should not always be so smooth-sailing. Only after experiencing both ups and downs and various trials would a child be able to be independent.

    Zhou Xing promised Qiao Dongliang that she would not look for Zhai Xin, and neither would she try to scheme against Zhai Xin for the time being, and she did indeed keep to her promise. Typically, Zhou Xing already had a busy schedule keeping up with her dance lessons in school. Even without a boyfriend like Zhai Xin, Zhou Xing was busy all the same and could not take any time out to investigate whatever Qiao Dongliang had told her.

    When the May Day holiday finally arrived, Zhou Xing did not tell Ding Jiayi that she was going back to Ping Cheng. Instead, she quietly bought a ne ticket returning to Ping Cheng and secretly went to visit the Qiao family¡¯s house in the quad.

    Zhou Xing had lived in the Qiao family¡¯s house with Ding Jiayi for three years, so she knew Ding Jiayi¡¯s routine like the back of her hand. She knew that Ding Jiayi would definitely be out at this time to purchase her groceries. Thus, Zhou Xing knocked on the door of a few neighbors who were more familiar with the Qiao family to find out about that incident from the past.

    The people in the quad all knew that Ding Jiayi had brought Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter home to raise her. At that time, there were already people who wondered whether Zhou Xing would turn into a second Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan was the one child that everyone in the quad was proud of and the person that they treated as a role model for their children. But for some reason, Ding Jiayi did not take a fancy to such an outstanding child. Instead, she always tried to create trouble for Qiao Nan, hindering Qiao Nan¡¯s career.

    If Zhou Xing were to be the second Qiao Zijin, these neighbors would not be able to step in to help at all. All they could do was to pity Qiao Nan. She was such a good child, but why were the people from her family all so evil?

    Thankfully, Zhou Xing had not done anything special in those three years. Thus, those three years passed by peacefully. Zhou Xing knew that her results in her cultural ss were above average at the very best and were nowhere near the excellent standard. She would never have much room to develop or a good performance if she were to focus on her cultural ss.

    But she had been practicing dance since she was a child. In the three years living with Ding Jiayi, Zhou Xing knew what her strengths were and decided to focus all her time on her strengths to hone her strengths even further so as to give herself a good future.

    And that was also why Zhou Xing had never had much contact with her neighbors in the quad or even chatted with them before in the three years that she had lived in the Qiao family¡¯s house.

    Now that Zhou Xing was visiting them to ask about the time when the Qiao family was still a family of four, the neighbors were taken aback. It was rare that Zhou Xing herself was willing to ask about it, so the neighbors were extremely frank about the matter as well.

    After they finished saying what they wanted to say, the neighbors were still afraid that Zhou Xing would not believe them, and they even said, ¡°What Ding Jiayi did was really too extreme, so much so that it embarrassed even the neighbors here in the quad. Your mom... She was led astray by Ding Jiayi. Really, we¡¯re not afraid of you asking around. Everyone who lives here in the quad knows about what happened to the Qiao family. If you still don¡¯t believe us, I can give you an address. After Old Qiao got a divorce from Ding Jiayi, he took Nan Nan and moved to this ce. Even though that father and daughter duo tried their best to hide, Ding Jiayi did not let Nan Nan go and would always try to cause trouble for Nan Nan, so everyone who lives around here will have an impression of this.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Zijin¡¯s child. Zijin is gone, but when she was younger, she was a really obedient and good kid. We won¡¯t say anything more. You might get upset if we say some more. Ding Jiayi really did your mom wrong. Your mom didn¡¯t meet a good mom. Old Qiao... All he knew was to work. He cared too little about what went on at home. Sigh. Thinking about it now, it¡¯s such a pity that this happened to your mom.¡±

    When she was still alive, Qiao Zijin was no different from Ding Jiayi, and she attracted a lot of hate from their neighbors in the quad. But now that she was no longer around, everyone¡¯s attitude toward a departed person softened. They gradually felt that if it had not been for Ding Jiayi¡¯s misguidance, there was no way such an obedient child could have grown up in this manner.

    ¡°All these were your Qiao family¡¯s matters. It¡¯s not appropriate for us outsiders to intervene or talk too much about it. But child, you¡¯re Zijin¡¯s daughter. We really don¡¯t want to see you walk down the same path that your mom did. Your grandma might have had good intentions for your mom, but she really doesn¡¯t know how to be a mom. In the future, it is best if you juste back to visit her asionally.¡±

    ¡°Th-thank you. I understand,¡± Zhou Xing replied dryly.

    She could tell that there was a lot of vagueness when her neighbors mentioned her mom.

 Chapter 1706 - Afraid

    <h4>Chapter 1706: Afraid</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was not because what had been said had not been clear, but because the other person had said it too clearly.

    The problem was that her mom was gone, and she was her mom¡¯s only daughter. It was inappropriate to speak ill of her mom in front of her, so the other party had simply chosen to avoid the topic altogether.

    Perhaps it was because she was unwilling to give up, or because she wanted to be utterly convinced to give up. Zhou Xing asked a few more families in the quad, but they all told the same story, and they even gave simr descriptions about what had happened at that time. This was a huge blow to Zhou Xing.

    From everyone¡¯s descriptions, Zhou Xing could tell that the neighbors in the quad had not ¡®heard about¡¯ these things but had witnessed these things personally. If they had heard about these things, it might have been just rumors that were simply made up. But because they had seen them with their own eyes, it was almost impossible that these things were made up.

    Zhou Xing ended up visiting two other ces afterward: Ping Cheng High School, where Qiao Nan had studied, and the ce where Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang had lived. No matter how many ces Zhou Xing visited and how many people she asked, other than the people in the quad, everyone had a deep impression of what had happened to the Qiao family. At thest two ces that she visited, she asked five people about the incident. Amongst them, three of them had an especially fresh memory of what had happened to the Qiao family and could even recount the incidents well.

    With that, Zhou Xing really believed that this was the truth.

    Before the May Day holiday ended, Zhou Xing returned to the capital.

    Zhou Xing had just returned to her room and was lying down on her bed, staring nkly into space as though her soul had left her body, when Ding Jiayi called.

    Upon seeing that it was Ding Jiayi, Zhou Xing hesitated before answering. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Xingxing, did you return to Ping Cheng for the May Day holiday? Why didn¡¯t I see you? Where are you now? Grandma cooked a whole table¡¯s worth of your favorite dishes! Hurry on home!¡± Ding Jiayi had heard from others that Zhou Xing had returned and had rushed to buy a whole lot of vegetables, intending to nourish her granddaughter.

    But the sun was almost setting, and Zhou Xing was not back yet. Ding Jiayi could not hold it in any longer and called Zhou Xing.

    Zhou Xing grabbed her phone tightly. ¡°I¡¯m currently in the capital. I just returned to the capital today.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re already in the capital? Why did you go back? You didn¡¯te to visit me while you were back in Ping Cheng?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone revealed her disappointment. The May Day holiday was only seven days, so she was already used to Zhou Xing not returning to Ping Cheng. As such, she had no expectations about Zhou Xing visiting during this period. But she learned from her neighbors that her granddaughter had returned. She thought that she would have the time of her life for a few days, only to feel as though someone had just poured a bucket of cold water over her.

    ¡°Something cropped up in school, so I had to return. I only returned to Ping Cheng at thest minute to get some materials for school. That¡¯s why I was in a bit of a hurry this time.¡± At this time, Zhou Xing did not feel that she could face Ding Jiayi.

    From the time she found out that her mom had said that she never wanted to see Ding Jiayi again right before her death and had not cursed Qiao Nan, she had already felt that something was not right. The truth was indeed different from what she had always known, and there was a huge difference.

    When she found out about the real truth, Zhou Xing did not know how to treat Ding Jiayi, who was the only person who treated her genuinely, liked her, cared for her, and was even her only kin.

    ¡°So that¡¯s the case. Actually, you can just give me a call if you need any materials. I¡¯ll just help you look for them and send it over to you.¡± Ding Jiayiughed. ¡°Xingxing, are you still in a bad mood over Zhai Xin? Xingxing, listen to grandma. Just forget about this. You are cousins with Zhai Xin. It¡¯s not right for the both of you to get into a rtionship. Don¡¯t go looking for Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin in the future, all right?¡±

    Since the Zhai family was being so resolute, Xingxing should know to take a step back too, right?

    ¡°Grandma, shall we never mention the Zhais or Qiao Nan ever again?¡± She finally replied after a long while. There was such a long pause that Zhou Xing herself thought she was going to lose the ability to talk. In a hoarse voice, she said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to know about my mom¡¯s past with Qiao Nan. My mom is gone, but you and I are still alive. As long as I still remember my mom and pay my respects at her grave, that will be enough.¡±

    She seriously did not want to listen to any more of the past that was distorted and mixed with personal feelings. If she had not been struck with grief from her grandparents¡¯ sudden death, her birth father trying to snatch her money, and her grandma¡¯s influence, which had all caused her to bear a grudge against Qiao Nan for causing her mom¡¯s death, she would never have gotten into a rtionship with Zhai Xin. She was truly intending on marrying Zhai Xin! If she were to give birth to abnormal children, she felt that that would be God¡¯s punishment for Qiao Nan!

    But that was such a ridiculous and frightening idea!

    That child was her child too.

    The most ridiculous thing was that she was only sixteen years old. To put it bluntly, she was just a child herself. How could she harbor such evil thoughts toward her future children? Her grandpa had been right about one thing. She had been influenced by her grandma.

    It was true that her grandma had only told her about the ¡®past¡¯ and had never instilled any ideas of revenge. But after hearing about the ¡®past¡¯ from her grandma, she was filled with injustice and felt aggrieved. She could not help but want to release all of her negative emotions by getting revenge on Qiao Nan.

    She was probably not the only one who experienced such feelings. She was sure that her grandma experienced them too. Otherwise, her grandma¡¯s description would have been much fairer.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi had never expected Zhou Xing to say such a thing and waspletely shocked. This time, it was Ding Jiayi¡¯s turn to be in a daze. After a very long while, she finally replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t you insist on getting revenge for your mother and seek justice for her? What¡¯s happened?¡± Why had she suddenly changed her mind? This did not seem like something Xingxing would say.

    ¡°Are you in a bad mood? Did someone bully you? Did the Zhai family bully you?¡± Xingxing meant to say that she was no longer willing to mention the Zhai family or Qiao Nan from that day on. ¡°How dare they do that! Xingxing, just wait. Grandma will go to the capital to find you. No one will dare to bully you with grandma around. Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I¡¯ll protect you to the end.¡±

    Zhou Xing¡¯s head was splitting. ¡°Grandma, there¡¯s no need for you toe. There¡¯s no one bullying me. I guess I haven¡¯t told you that grandpa came to find me two months ago. He talked to me about a lot of things, and these things were things that you¡¯ve never told me about.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s breath hitched and her face paled. Was she going to lose her granddaughter?

 Chapter 1707 - Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 1707: Sorry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Grandma, as long as you promise to never mention the Zhai family again, especially Qiao Nan, and that we will never look for them or visit them, we will still be on good terms like before.¡±

    ¡°...All right.¡± Ding Jiayi had no idea how she managed to utter those words. ¡°We won¡¯t look for them. I don¡¯t want to see them ever again. Anyway, I already have one foot in my coffin. I don¡¯t even want Qiao Nan to mourn for me after I die. I don¡¯t need her to be filial to me.¡±

    But did that mean that she would never be able to mention Qiao Nan or scold Qiao Nan in the future? Qiao Nan had done so much wrong toward her, Zijin, and even Xingxing! Why could she not talk about that anymore?

    Zhou Xing chuckled bitterly. ¡°Grandma, my mom was indeed your daughter whom you raised.¡± Her mom had said the same thing before her death, but it had not been targeted at Qiao Nan, who had hurt her, but her birth mother who had hurt her for her ¡®entire life¡¯. That was her grandma whom she was talking to at this very moment.

    In other words, she had no reason to believe that the person that her mom hated the most was Qiao Nan and that the person who had done the most wrongs to her mom was Qiao Nan. No. That was not the case.

    Zhou Xing could not help but worry that the person her mom hated the most was her grandma. If she were to continue living with her grandma and even got along well with her grandma, would her mom be angry at her for it and think that she was unfilial?

    Ding Jiayi felt a lump in her throat. She had also remembered Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior before her death and the exnation she had given to Zhou Xing for that. ¡°Xingxing...¡± Did Xingxing find out about everything? Including how Zijin had said that the person she hated the most was her birth mother and not that good-for-nothing Qiao Nan who had refused to help her?

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m really tired. I¡¯m really sleepy now. I just want to get a good night¡¯s rest. Let¡¯s continue another time.¡± Zhou Xing was not just physically exhausted, but her heart could not hold out any longer.

    Thinking back about what she had done in the past six months, it was absolutely ridiculous. Instead of a revenge queen, she had been a jester at worst, and cocky at best.

    ¡°All... right.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice wavered, and her hands trembled badly. ¡°If you¡¯re tired, it¡¯s best for you to have an early night. Shall I call you again tomorrow once you¡¯ve had enough rest?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not free tomorrow.¡±

    These four words were enough for Ding Jiayi to feel as though she had been sent straight down to hell. Did that mean that she could not even keep her only granddaughter by her side? Was Xingxing intending on disowning her?

    ¡°Our teacher is going to teach us a new dance tomorrow. After I learn it, I have to rent a dance studio to really memorize it. I want to be the main dancer the next time we get a chance to perform. How about I call you in about three days when I have more free time?¡±

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart, Zhou Xing was her only kin left. Why would Zhou Xing not think the same? Even though Zhou Xing knew that ¡®only¡¯ was rtive, she would not bear to throw that away. Ding Jiayi knew that she was lowly, but she was even more reluctant to let go aspared to Zhou Xing.

    Why would she force herself into such a state?

    ¡°Oh, okay. I¡¯ll wait for your call.¡± Upon hearing Zhou Xing¡¯s parting words, Ding Jiayi felt as though she had been raised from hell to heaven in an instant. ¡°Xingxing, do you still have anything to tell me?¡± Ding Jiayi was unsure about how much Zhou Xing had found out on this trip back.

    But Ding Jiayi knew very well that no matter how much Zhou Xing knew about this matter, Zhou Xing¡¯s attitude and mindset was sure to change along with her knowledge. That meant that Zhou Xing might not acknowledge her as a grandma for very much longer. Zhou Xing might very well get upset one day and decide to settle scores with her and disown her!

    The start of everything was like a ticking time bomb that was nted between Zhou Xing and Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi was unsure about whether it was ticking. Perhaps, it would explode all of a sudden.

    Ding Jiayi knew well how bad the consequences would be once the bomb exploded. But before that happened, Ding Jiayi was reluctant to even touch that ticking time bomb in the slightest. Instead, she wanted to hold on to that fleeting happiness and live her life that way.

    Zhou Xing had promised Qiao Dongliang that she would never look for Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin again. That was the end of her rtionship with Zhai Xin as well. Qiao Dongliang had no reason to doubt Zhou Xing. But if these words hade out of Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth, Qiao Dongliang might not have believed it.

    But the person talking today was Zhou Xing. Qiao Dongliang was willing to give the granddaughter whom he had only met once a chance and chose to believe Zhou Xing. From then on, unless Zhou Xing was willing, Qiao Dongliang would nevere knocking on her door. He would simply keep in contact with her through phone calls. Unless he got Zhou Xing¡¯s permission, Zhou Xing¡¯s ssmates would only know that Zhou Xing¡¯s grandpa hade to visit her once.

    Qiao Dongliang himself was uncertain about whether he had made the right call in trusting Zhou Xing this once. Thankfully, Zhai Xin gave Qiao Dongliang an answer before long.

    After the ¡®fake rtionship¡¯ saga, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin had quickly gotten news that Qiao Dongliang had gone to visit Zhou Xing after visiting them. The brothers had not expressed any opinions about that, and neither did they stop Qiao Dongliang from doing so. Qiao Dongliang was their elder. It was better and more effective for him as an elder to discipline Zhou Xing than them trying to persuade her as elder cousins.

    But before long, Zhai Xin received a letter. Apart from his address, the letter contained no stamp or name of the sender. Neither did it contain the sender¡¯s address.

    The handwriting in the letter was beautiful. It was obvious from just one look that it had been written by a girl.

    Zhai Xin had received many love letters, but his intuition told him that this letter was different from other letters. This was probably no love letter. Upon opening the letter, the letter¡¯s contents confirmed his suspicions.

    The content of the letter was simple. It was so simple that the letter contained only three words: I am sorry.

    Upon seeing these three words, Zhai Xin breathed a sigh of relief. He was finally over this ordeal with Zhou Xing. Zhou Xing would nevere to find him in the future, much less bother him just because of their rtionship as cousins. ¡°Look at this, Zhai Yi. Grandpa had a chat with Zhou Xing, and it seems that it was quite sessful. I thought that grandpa would just be wasting his breath trying to persuade Zhou Xing, but look! Grandpa was actually sessful! What do you think grandpa said to Zhou Xing that she suddenly changed her mind?¡±

    He had thought that Zhou Xing would be so bent on revenge that no one would be able to change her mind. But their grandpa had done a ¡®one shot one kill¡¯!

    ¡°How would I know?¡±

 Chapter 1708 - Brave

    <h4>Chapter 1708: ¡°Brave¡±</h4>

    Zhai Yi raised his eyebrows. To tell the truth, he was rather surprised by such an oue. His grandpa had been more sessful in persuading Zhou Xing than he had expected. ¡°No matter what, you¡¯re lucky that Zhou Xing isn¡¯t at that stage where she¡¯s beyond remedy. Obviously, once Zhou Xing gets to interact with some normal people, she¡¯ll be much more normal that her mom and will listen to advice.¡±

    Zhai Xin understood at once that the abnormal person that Zhai Yi was talking about was that ¡®grandma¡¯ back in Ping Cheng whom they had only met once.

    Not only had she raised her own daughter in this manner. Now, she had even raised her granddaughter in this manner. Zhai Xin had no children of his own, and neither did he have any experience being a father. But he could not help but ¡®respect¡¯ Ding Jiayi. Other people never grew tired of teaching others, while this ¡®grandma¡¯ of his never grew tired of ¡®ruining¡¯ others. What was most ridiculous was that his ¡®grandma¡¯ did not choose to ruin other people, but instead, she chose to ruin her own family members! Especially those closest and most beloved to her!

    Was there anything more extreme than this?

    ¡°All right, grandpa stepped up to help you solve the problem of Zhou Xing. Remember to be more restrained in your action in the future. Don¡¯t go around overflowing withpassion and love. Otherwise, Zhou Xing might have gone, but a second Zhou Xing might just appear. When that timees, grandpa couldn¡¯t possibly keep solving your problems for you.¡±

    After all, this whole matter had been a result of Zhai Xin¡¯sck of a strong will. Zhai Xin should have been like him and held firm to his principles even after Zhou Xing appeared. He should have put his focus on his schoolwork and not have been in a hurry to get into a rtionship. No matter who appeared, Zhou Xing should not have viewed the other party as a younger sister and allowed her to call herself his girlfriend just because she was young and insensible and did not know what she truly wanted.

    What happened in the end only proved that having too muchpassion would only lead to misunderstandings.

    Zhai Xin rubbed his face. ¡°Once bitten, twice shy. Not everyone can love others so selflessly. I, for one, can¡¯t do that. From now on, I have no affinity with selfless love. As long as I ensure that I am not one who purposefully destroys others, I¡¯ll not be wasting whatever Mom has taught me since I was young.¡±

    Cherish others selflessly?

    Not all flowers needed to be cherished by others. If you met one who was a bully, it would be best to avoid it. Otherwise, the only one who would suffer would be yourself.

    ¡°Remember what you¡¯ve just said.¡± Zhai Yi patted Zhai Xin on the shoulder. If Zhai Xin could really follow through with his words, this incident with Zhou Xing would not be a wasted one. With a younger like Zhai Xin, there was no way Zhai Yi could choose not to care about him. Zhai Xin was his only brother, after all.

    Zhai Xin looked at Zhai Yi. ¡°I have no other problems. Zhai Yi, you¡¯d better pay more attention to Zhai Yu in the future. You know that Zhai Yu is the one that resembles Mom the most amongst the three of us. Mom was the most popr girl in Peking University in her days. If she had not gotten married early and had the three of us immediately, there might have been a whole line of people waiting to chase Mom. Do you think that this incident with Zhou Xing will happen on Zhai Yu?¡±

    ¡®Someone¡¯ would set his sight on her just to get some so-called revenge for his mother. Based on the Zhai family¡¯s background, there were a countless number of people scheming against the Zhai family. If Zhou Xing had had her eyes on him, there was sure to be someone else who had set his sights on a youngdy like Zhai Yu.

    Everyone knew that Zhai Yu was the only youngdy in the Zhai family and was the precious golden goose of the whole Zhai family. With Zhai Yu¡¯s special position in the Zhai family, there would only be more people who were scheming against Zhai Yu than against Zhai Yi.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Yi put down the pen in his hand. ¡°You¡¯re worried about Zhai Yu? Zhai Yu may be the youngest among the three of us, but I guess it¡¯s because of the difference in gender that Zhai Yu is much more sensitive than you are in this aspect. There will definitely be more people like Zhou Xing in the future. But don¡¯t you worry about Zhai Yu. It¡¯s better for you to take care of yourself.¡±

    While they were still in junior high school, there were already boys who were eyeing on Zhai Yu. Perhaps, things had been more innocent at that time. Before he could even do anything upon learning about the matter, Zhai Yu had resolved the matter herself.

    He thought about how that boy always made detours upon seeing Zhai Yu afterward, acting as though he was a mouse running away from a cat. Initially, Zhai Yi had been rather curious about how Zhai Yu had managed to do that. After a lot of effort, he still failed to get the story from his own sister. Instead, he managed to coax the answer out of that boy whom Zhai Yu had rejected.

    Actually, Zhai Yu had not rejected him either. She had simply asked a few questions to pressurize and crush the other party. Zhai Yu expressed that she had recently found a few new questions that were pretty interesting and suggested that they went through them together. In the end, the boy had not even gotten an understanding of what the question meant while Zhai Yu had arrived at the answer. ¡°Ha. This question only looks interesting and a little challenging, but it¡¯s actually so easy. Sigh. This is an insult to my intellect.¡±

    Boys in junior high school cared a lot about having their dignity, so there was no way the boy would have admitted that he had not even understood the question, much less any idea of how to solve the question. If such a difficult question was an insult to Zhai Yu¡¯s intellect, and if he could not even solve this question, then his intellect...

    From then on, that boy no longer felt that Zhai Yu was the lover of his dreams. He only felt that Zhai Yu was too intelligent. No wonder she always ced among the top three in the level at every examination. Putting it in another way, the Zhai siblings were too outstanding.

    It was too easy for anyone to feel inferior in front of someone like that. An average person could not handle the pressure of staying by the Zhai siblings all the time.

    Incidents like this happened almost every term when a fearless boy would try to get close to Zhai Yu. Whatforted Zhai Yi was that Zhai Yu was able to handle all of them herself and handle them very well for that matter.

    It was rare that his sister was able to deal with things in a sensible manner herself. Since his younger sister was all grown up and able to deal with problems on her own, Zhai Yi felt that it was only natural for him to give his sister enough space to develop and show off her talents.

    This meant that Zhai Yi had absolute confidence in Zhai Yu and felt that she would definitely be able to handle whatever was thrown in her direction. On the other hand, Zhai Xin, who should have performed better than Zhai Yu, had a big fall when it came to Zhou Xing. Zhai Yi felt that this joke was the funniest joke that he had heard in this entire year.

    After hearing Zhai Yi¡¯s words, Zhai Xin looked depressed and covered his whole body with his nket. After he learned about Zhai Yu¡¯s ¡®bravery¡¯, Zhai Xin felt too shameful to meet anyone.

 Chapter 1709 - Upset

    <h4>Chapter 1709: Upset</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As Zhai Yu¡¯s second brother and the second child amongst the triplets, he had not even performed as well as Zhai Yu. How could he continue living his life?

    ¡°Mom, I guess you can finally rest assured now.¡± Zhai Xin was heartened by the letter and told Qiao Nan about the apology from Zhou Xing. But this call had been answered by Zhai Yu. Hearing that Zhou Xing had finally given up, Zhai Yu was rather happy. It had not been easy for Zhou Xing toe to a realization.

    If Zhou Xing had been obstinate and resolute, they would have no choice but to use some extreme methods to deal with her.

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry.¡± Qiao Nan had always been frowningtely. Now, she could finally rx. She had never expected that it would be so easy to resolve the matter with Zhou Xing. ¡°Zhou Xing doesn¡¯t seem to be that much like her mom.¡±

    If Qiao Zijin had been like Zhou Xing and had readily epted other people¡¯s advice and thought it through, Qiao Zijin would still be alive today. Zhou Xing would not have lost her mom at such a young age either.

    What Qiao Nan could not ept was how Qiao Zijin had still gone down the same path even after starting her own family in two whole lifetimes. Instead of taking care of her own family, she chose to have affairs. Without it, Qiao Zijin would not have gotten a divorce from Zhou Zheng. As long as she did not get divorced from Zhou Zheng, Qiao Zijin would only live well in Ping Cheng and watch Zhou Xing grow up healthily.

    What a beautiful and happy life that would be! But everyone was ruined by Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Zhai Yu leaned on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder, ovee with emotions. ¡°This only proves that it¡¯s crucial for children to have elders that can correct them properly. In fact, Zhou Xing grew up with her paternal grandparents. Mom, you¡¯re the clearest about how that old couple was. With those two people educating Zhou Xing, Zhou Xing could not go too far off the path.¡±

    After she learned about Zhou Xing, Zhai Yu used several contacts that her auntie, Zhai Hua, had given her to investigate Zhou Xing¡¯s background.

    After learning about what Zhou Xing had gone through in her childhood, Zhai Yu, who had grown up in a bed of roses, felt a little sympathy for Zhou Xing.

    Father and Mother Zhou did not like their grandson and were biased toward their granddaughter, Zhou Xing. But that was not without reason. After Mother Zhou got married, she had always been pampered by Father Zhou. Mother Zhou held the power to make the decision in all matters in the Zhou family.

    Before Zhou Zheng got remarried, he always listened to his mom in all matters. After Zhou Xing was born, she had been raised by Father and Mother Zhou. As such, Zhou Xing had a close rtionship with her grandparents since she was young. Moreover, Zhou Xing had a sweet mouth that was not unlike Qiao Zijin¡¯s when she was a child herself. As such, Zhou Xing was her grandparents¡¯ happy pill.

    When Zhou Zheng got remarried, Father and Mother Zhou had done nothing to help the couple other than turning up at the wedding venue as their elders. All the costs of Zhou Zheng taking a new wife and the cost of giving his father-inw some pocket money entirely came out of Zhou Zheng¡¯s pocket. Father and Mother Zhou had not forked out a single cent.

    Zhou Zheng had a stable job that had good welfare benefits too. The problem was that he did not have a high sry. Besides, he was not one who had much savings. Before he got a divorce from Qiao Zijin, he was used to giving a portion of his sry to Qiao Zijin as pocket money.

    One could imagine how different Zhou Zheng¡¯s second wedding was from his first. It was as different as night was from day.

    The bride had a sharp ear and had heard their guestsparing this wedding to that wedding with Qiao Zijin, saying that everything was too shabby and distasteful. It was obvious that this bride was not in the good books of her parents-inw. When Zhou Zheng had gotten married for the first time, it had truly been marrying a wife, the most important event in one¡¯s life.

    But this second wedding was as though they were just ying around. It was just too shabby.

    Even if it was for a second marriage, the bride was still proud as Zhou Zheng¡¯s favorite first love. When Zhou Zheng had married Qiao Zijin in the past, he had still listened entirely to his mom. After marrying this favorite first love of his, Zhou Zheng finally revealed his true nature of listening to his wife, which he had learned from his father. He allowed his first love to arrange everything and take care of all matters at home.

    At that time, Father and Mother Zhou had already taken Zhou Xing to live in that big house that they had purchased for Qiao Zijin.

    It did not look too bad, but neither was their home very good. As such, his first love¡¯s dissatisfaction reached a breaking point. But his first love was an intelligent person and chose not to throw a temper at Zhou Zheng. On the night of their wedding, Zhou Zheng apologized to his first love, saying that he had already strived hard, but he would strive even harder to let her lead a good life in the future.

    His first love was clearly full of rage but treated Zhou Zheng gently nheless. She kept reassuring that it was all right that this wedding could notpare to her first wedding. Because of Zhou Zheng¡¯s feelings toward her, she felt that she had married the right person and that she would lead a good life in the future.

    Upon hearing her say that, Zhou Zheng fell even deeper for her, and his guilt toward her intensified. In short, his first love¡¯s tenderness and consideration on their wedding night caused Zhou Zheng topletely give in to her. Zhou Zheng felt that his first love was actually the same type of person as his mom, the kind of woman who would treat her husband especially well.

    The next day, Zhou Zheng ran to his parents andined about the injustice faced by his first love. He even told Father and Mother Zhou about those sensible words that his first love had told him. ¡°Dad, Mom, listen. Huihui is really a good youngdy. She¡¯s so sensible. She¡¯s nothing like Qiao Zijin who¡¯s incapable and feisty. It¡¯s your son¡¯s good fortune to be able to marry such a good youngdy like Huihui. You two elders should treat Huihui better and fairer, even if it¡¯s just a little bit. Is that all right?¡± That would be fair to him.

    ¡°No!¡± Mother Zhou was not moved by her new daughter-inw¡¯s words to her son. In fact, she was fuming. ¡°Her words may be able to deceive a fool like you, but don¡¯t even think of trying to toy with me like that. I¡¯ve said long ago that this woman is not an oil-efficientmp. If you like her, just live your life with her. You¡¯ll have a hard time in the future!¡±

    Her son had actuallypared such a scheming b*tch with his own mother! Mother Zhou was heartbroken. She might have a hard temper and a strong personality, but she treated her husband and son well and genuinely. She had never done anything that would let her son down.

    If her daughter-inw¡¯s heart toward her son was like hers toward her husband, there was no way she would disagree to the remarriage. In fact, Qiao Zijin would not even have been in the picture. Mother Zhou could sense that this youngdy was pretty but was not actually sincere toward her son. All she wanted was to spend the money in her son¡¯s pocket.

 Chapter 1710 - Unexpected

    <h4>Chapter 1710: Unexpected</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After graduation and entering society, the world was much more realistic. That youngdy wanted to find someone with money who would allow her to lead a good life. That was why she did not take a fancy to her young and foolish son. She would not pass her judgment on thisdy¡¯s character. All she had to say was that this youngdy was not genuine and was not sincere in wanting to spend her life with her son.

    Qiao Zijin was indeed no good. Neither did she say that Qiao Zijin was good. The problem was that Qiao Zijin only had a bad temper when she was back at her own house because she had been spoiled rotten by her own family. But once Qiao Zijin married into the Zhou family, she was obedient. In the almost ten years that she had been married, she had never once caused trouble for her apart from having an affair.

    Qiao Zijin was unwilling to go out to work and wanted only to stay at home. But she spent only as much as her son gave her. Qiao Zijin had never fought with her over managing the family or money at home. The way Mother Zhou saw it, Qiao Zijin had led quite a decent and honest life in the Zhou family in those few years.

    On the other hand, she felt that this new daughter-inw was a troublemaker. Not only would she make Zhou Zheng rebel against her, but she would also stir up trouble in the Zhou family, disrupting their peace.

    So no matter how good this woman was, she could not even match up to Qiao Zijin. At least, she did not have to worry about Qiao Zijin. As for this new daughter-inw, she would have to worry about everything. What Mother Zhou could not ept the most was that her son had always listened to her and had enjoyed a close rtionship with her while Qiao Zijin was the Zhou family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    It was only the second day of her new daughter-inw entering the Zhou family, and yet, that obedient and filial son of hers was already screaming and shouting at her. Just listen to what she had said! What did she mean by this second wedding not matching up to her first? Only a deaf person would not be able to tell that this new daughter-inw of hers was feeling aggrieved over this wedding. That was why she had hoodwinked her son!

    Mother Zhou had been strong and capable her whole life. Was she going to let this b*tch get a hold on her now that she was old?

    Absolutely not!

    She did not need her son to support her, so why did she have to live her life looking at her daughter-inw¡¯s mood? Besides, now that Qiao Zijin was gone, it was just as well that they could live as a couple along with their granddaughter. With their granddaughter who had such a sweet mouth, why would she still need her son? If her new daughter-inw liked him, she would just give him to her.

    She had heard stories of sons neglecting their moms once they married their wives. She had never expected that her son, who was already in his thirties, would undergo such a drastic change overnight. He was suddenly making up for whatever rebellion he had not expressed in his teenage years.

    Father Zhou was a man who loved his wife deeply. Seeing how infuriated Mother Zhou was at their son, Father Zhou also felt that his son was not as lovable as he used to be. ¡°Since we¡¯re already living apart, let¡¯s just treat it as though we¡¯re twopletely separate families. If you¡¯re grateful to us for raising you up and giving you an apartment to live in, you¡¯re always wee toe and visit us if you¡¯re in the mood to do so. If you think that we¡¯ve failed as your parents and have let you and your Huihui down, that¡¯s fine too. It¡¯ll be better for you not to visit, then. At least, you won¡¯t anger your mom and me, and we¡¯ll be able to live longer lives. No matter what, we were the ones who gave birth to you. Just take it as though you¡¯re repaying our kindness for that. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Not only had he been chased out by his parents, but his own birth father had even chastised him in this manner.

    When he first arrived, he had been fuming and feeling that his parents had been too extreme. Now, Zhou Zheng felt ashamed. ¡°Dad, that¡¯s not what I meant. Of course I know how hard you and Mom worked to raise me. I...¡± In an instant, Zhou Zheng had no idea how to exin the tantrum that he had just thrown.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just go ¡®I, I¡¯. Can¡¯t you see that your mom is angry? All right, you¡¯d better go back and find your Huihui. I fed you, clothed you, provided for your education, and even bought a car and a house for you. Now, I have only one request to make. If you really care about your mom and me, you cane. But if you feel that you will only make your mom angry if you were toe, then just don¡¯te. Sounds good?¡±

    Father Zhou was not going to fall for Zhou Zheng¡¯s words. He opened the door and invited Zhou Zheng to leave. Father Zhou¡¯s words had indeed been gentler than Mother Zhou¡¯s, but he had also directly opened the door and chased Zhou Zheng out. That was an even tighter ¡®p¡¯ in Zhou Zheng¡¯s face.

    Upon finding out that Zhou Zheng had gone to her inws but had not only failed to seek justice for her but had also been chased out of the door because he had angered his mom, Huihui flew into a rage.

    Thankfully, Huihui calmed down very quickly. She was still young and had a long way to go with Zhou Zheng. She knew that the Zhou family¡¯s background was good. Even if Zhou Zheng did not have any money, the Zhou family did. As long as she married Zhou Zheng and waited for the old couple to pass away, no matter how much those two elders disliked her, their money would still eventuallynd up in her hands.

    As for the matter of marriage, if she were to argue with Zhou Zheng and lose his favor, that would truly be a mistake on her part. She would have fallen into the trap of those two elders.

    Before long, there was something that made Huihui overjoyed. She was pregnant with Zhou Zheng¡¯s child! During her first marriage, Huihui had given birth to a daughter. It was because of this that she had not had a good life in her inws¡¯ after giving birth to her daughter. Thankfully, Huihui herself was a female and liked daughters. As such, she never put it against her daughter for being a girl. Even after she got divorced from her rich husband, Huihui was firm in her decision of taking custody of her daughter after the divorce before marrying Zhou Zheng.

    This time, Huihui had many more considerations than when she had been pregnant the first time around. Only after marrying into the family did Huihui realize that the Zhou family was actually quite rich. When she had been dating Zhou Zheng, the Zhou family had already been in quite a good position. They could match up with her ex-husband¡¯s family.

    If she had known about the Zhou family¡¯s conditions at that time, she would never have broken up with Zhou Zheng. Instead, she would have clung on tightly with all her might to Zhou Zheng and simply marry Zhou Zheng. Her ex-husband was slightly richer than Zhou Zheng and slightly older, but he was nowhere near as good as Zhou Zheng in every other aspect.

    What she had not expected was that after her second marriage to Zhou Zheng, the conditions of the Zhou family far exceeded that of her ex-husband. Her ex-husband¡¯s family was not even as rich as the Zhou family, and their only son would inherit everything the family had!

    Those two old people had money, houses, and even factories. Surely they would want a grandson to inherit everything they had!

    As she rubbed her belly that was not yet showing, Huihui firmly hoped that this child would be a boy. She had an intuition that this child would for sure be a son.

    After ten months of pregnancy, Huihui¡¯s wish finally came true. She had indeed given birth to a son!

    Holding his son, Zhou Zheng smiled like a fool. Not only was this a son, but this was also a son from his first love! Zhou Zheng could not love this son any more than he did!

 Chapter 1711 - Grandson Taking Top Priority

    <h4>Chapter 1711: Grandson Taking Top Priority</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing how happy Zhou Zheng was, Huihui was ted too. ¡°Dear, now that our son is born, don¡¯t you think you should call your parents to tell them about this good news? We should tell them that they¡¯ve be grandparents again at the very least. Dear, what do you think we should name our son?¡±

    She had given birth to a son for the Zhou family. She was truly a great contributor to the Zhou family! She did not believe that the two old foggies would still stand on the side of that daughter from Qiao Zijin once they heard about the news of her giving birth to a son. She believed that they would just drop everything and run straight to the hospital. Once they arrived, just wait and see how she would deal with those two old foggies.

    They should not think that she could be easily bullied just because she had not said or done anything in this one year. With this son, she would make aeback in the Zhou family.

    Huihui made up her mind that she had the final say in who got to hold her son in the future since she was the one who had given birth to him. If she was in a good mood, she would let Father and Mother Zhou carry their grandchild. If she was in a bad mood, Father and Mother Zhou should not even think of touching even the corner of her son¡¯s clothes.

    One had to reciprocate what was given to them. Now that she had given them a grandson, should they not do something for her as parents-inw?

    She thought about how female celebrities not only received rewards from their husbands for giving birth to sons after marrying into a rich family, but they would also receive rewards from their parents-inw. She did not have extravagant requests. All she wanted was to stay in a big house. She had to have whatever Qiao Zijin had gotten when she had married into the Zhou family. But now that she had already given birth to her son, she had no intention of reorganizing another wedding. But all that money that should have been spent on that wedding should be handed over to her in cash.

    She was already giving in by not asking for additionalpensation.

    Even though Father and Mother Zhou did not like Huihui as their daughter-inw, they still loved their grandchildren, whether they were boys or girls.

    Upon receiving their son¡¯s phone call, the elderly couple did indeed head down to the hospital happily to see their grandson. That day had not been a weekend, so Zhou Xing, who had not yet changed her name, was at school. It was just as well for Father and Mother Zhou to visit their grandson.

    But in the end, Huihui gave the excuse that she had to feed her son and that her son was not feeling well and about to cry to prevent Father and Mother Zhou froming into contact with her son. Father Zhou was upset with the situation, and Mother Zhou seemed to have gotten a clear picture of what was going on. She knew very well that this was Huihui trying to y a trick on them again.

    Mother Zhou¡¯s expression hardened and she sneered. ¡°All right. Your child is still young. It¡¯s best for him to rest and eat more. It¡¯s more important for him to stay by his mom¡¯s side. Anyway, I¡¯m not very familiar with you, so I won¡¯t really be able to help you out. How about you ask your mom to help you out during your confinement period? You should be quite happy for your mom to help you out with your confinement period. When a person is happy, the body recovers faster. Your dad and I won¡¯t disturb your rest any longer. Remember to give us a call once you¡¯ve decided on your child¡¯s name.¡±

    Zhou Xing¡¯s previous name, Zhou Ying, was given to her by Mother Zhou.

    Today, she had not even been able to touch the hand of her grandson. Immediately, she understood that something like giving her grandson a name would never be her call to make.

    Humph! Who liked thinking of a name anyway? It was such a chore. She could not care less about it. If they had the guts, they would not even give him the surname ¡®Zhou¡¯!

    With that, Mother Zhou left in a huff, pulling Father Zhou along.

    Mother Zhou was not Huihui. When Huihui spoke, it was full of loopholes. If an intelligent person were to listen and pick apart her words, they would immediately be able to see through Huihui¡¯s dissatisfaction and grievance in between the lines. But Mother Zhou¡¯s every word had been for the good of Huihui and her son. Even if Huihui were to analyze Mother Zhou¡¯s words, she would never find anything to criticize.

    Huihui had never in a million years expected such a response from Mother Zhou. Once the elderly couple left, Huihui stared wide-eyed in shock at Zhou Zheng and burst into tears. ¡°Zhou Zheng, what do your parents mean by this? I¡¯ve just given birth to a son for the Zhou family, but they didn¡¯t even praise me. They even pped me in the face! Zhou Zheng, are we still going to live together?¡±

    Huihui had even wanted to raise her head high and puff her chest out in front of Father and Mother Zhou, but the elderly couple was having none of that! They treated her harshly in the past and were treating her even more harshly now. The elderly couple did not even care about the son that she had just given birth to.

    Zhou Zheng looked at his sleeping son awkwardly and helplessly. ¡°Who¡¯s to be med here? Even I can tell that you¡¯re throwing a tantrum at my parents and you¡¯re deliberately not letting my parents carry their grandson. Haven¡¯t I told you about my mom¡¯s temper? There¡¯s no one in this world that my mom will let bully her. By saying these things before she left, she was already leaving you some dignity on the ount that I¡¯m her son.¡±

    If he had been the one who had done that, his mom would have punched him in the face before leaving.

    Because he knew all too well about Mother Zhou¡¯s temper, Zhou Zheng understood that Mother Zhou had already been very restrained in her actions today and had left the young couple with some dignity. Mother Zhou was not only capable of doing more extreme things, but she had also done so in the past. ¡°Huihui, didn¡¯t you say that you would try to understand my parents and mend the rtionship between you and them? My parents were already willing toe. But why did you not want to let them carry our son?¡±

    Had she not seen that his parents had taken the initiative to visit them upon learning that they had given birth to a son? Zhou Zheng had been very encouraged by the fact that his parents hade to visit his son. Zhou Zheng had been depressed about his cold rtionship with his parents. He could not help but think that his family of five was still able to live harmoniously together even with Qiao Zijin¡¯s bad temper. But why was it that his family was turned upside down now that the good-natured Huihui was around?

    Without his parents around, and even with Huihui around, Zhou Zheng always felt ill at ease. He did listen to Huihui¡¯s words, but every time he did what Huihui instructed him to do, he felt uneasy. The confidence that he got when listening to his parents was not there.

    ¡°Why should I let them carry my son? Are there grandparents like them? They already knew that I had just given birth to a son. Do you think it¡¯s appropriate for them toe and visit their daughter-inw empty-handed? Let¡¯s forget about them neglecting their daughter-inw. But isn¡¯t our son part of the Zhou family? Isn¡¯t he their grandson? I¡¯m just feeling aggrieved on our son¡¯s behalf that they didn¡¯t prepare any gifts for our son!¡±

    Huihui was upset. She had imed such a huge victory for the Zhou family, giving birth to a son, the only sessor of the Zhou family. But even then, her parents-inw had been so petty and had not even made any effort to thank her. It was not just this time. In the future, she would still never agree to her parents-inw carrying her son!

    She had acted tough today, and there was still a long road ahead of her. She wanted to see whether her parents-inw would be so obstinate in the face of their own grandson. Her son was her son, after all. She would have the final say about how to raise her son. In the future, her son would definitely listen to her and stand on her side.

    Thus, Huihui decided to grasp Zhou Zheng tightly in her hands in an act of defiance.

 Chapter 1712 - Vicious

    <h4>Chapter 1712: Vicious</h4>

    After Father and Mother Zhou abandoned Zhou Zheng, they had abandoned Zhou Zheng for good and truly could not care less about Zhou Zheng. Without the elderly couple¡¯s guidance, Zhou Zheng struggled like a fly without a head. Huihui immediately reced Mother Zhou, bing the Zhou Zheng¡¯s ¡®guiding light¡¯.

    After having his son, Zhou Zheng hadpletely forgotten about the existence of his daughter, Zhou Xing. Instead, he treated the stepdaughter that Huihui had brought along as his own biological daughter.

    Knowing that the two elders in the Zhou family favored Zhou Xing, Huihui knew that there was nothing she could do to change the elderly couple¡¯s mind. As such, she simply turned her anger toward Zhou Xing and thought of her as a thorn in her eye. She tried all ways to boycott Zhou Xing and scheme against Zhou Xing, making so much of a fuss that Zhou Zheng treated Zhou Xing as though she were an enemy. Zhou Zheng even said to Zhou Xing, ¡°You¡¯re your mom¡¯s biological daughter indeed. You¡¯re just here to ruin my life. Your mom cheated on me, making me look like a fool in front of everyone else. But you¡¯re more vicious than your mom. You have such an evil heart at such a young age. Do you really think that everything in the Zhou family belongs to you now that my rtionship with your grandparents has soured? You¡¯re still young and insensible. To your grandparents, I¡¯m the closest kin they have. Don¡¯t me me for ignoring you even if you die in the future since you¡¯re so heartless to your own father now!¡±

    Zhou Zheng thought that Zhou Xing had been the cause of his parents being disappointed in him, and deciding to distance themselves from him so much so that they were not even willing to meet him. Of course, Huihui was the one who had made such an analysis for Zhou Zheng.

    After being reprimanded so viciously by Zhou Zheng, Zhou Xing was almost at her wits¡¯ end. Without her mom, the only one she thought of was her father. It had not been easy for her to meet the father whom she had missed so badly. But instead of a touching reunion, it had only been heart-wrenching pain.

    What had she done? What had she said to her grandparents?

    It was always her grandma telling her about what was going on. She had no idea about what was going on with her dad and that woman. ¡°What rights do you have to talk to me like that? You won¡¯t care even if I die? You¡¯re making it seem as though you ever cared for me after you got remarried!¡±

    Zhou Xing had been pampered while growing up too, so her temper was not particrly good. Even a saint would get angry after being maligned by their own father like that, much less Zhou Xing.

    ¡°You¡¯re so young, but you¡¯re already so scheming! Do you really need me to care for you?¡± Zhou Zheng sneered. ¡°I¡¯m warning you not to go too far. It¡¯ll be toote for you to regret if you force others to take extreme measures in the future just because you¡¯re being so extreme now! Chengcheng is so young. What does he know? He¡¯s just a child, and he¡¯s your younger brother. If you dare to speak ill of Chengcheng to your grandparents, be careful that I might punch you the next time I see you.¡±

    At the mention of this, Zhou Zheng was infuriated. He could understand why his parents were angry at him and Huihui. But there was no reason for his parents to ignore Chengcheng and refuse Chengcheng visiting them. As such, there was no way for Chengcheng to get acquainted with them. Chengcheng was only five years old. He was a chubby, intelligent, and extremely adorable kid.

    Neighbors always liked to carry him and y with him. How could they, as grandparents and parents, not like Chengcheng and refuse to see him?

    All this could only be because of what this bad child, Zhou Xing, had done!

    Huihui had been absolutely right. Zhou Xing was the spitting image of her biological mother and was nothing like the Zhou family. That was why she was so different from her father.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes were red. ¡°So that¡¯s the reason why you¡¯vee to make trouble for me. Do you know why grandma and grandpa don¡¯t let Zhou Cheng visit us? I guess you probably don¡¯t know. That woman probably told you something. That¡¯s why you think that I¡¯m the reason for this happening. But I¡¯ll tell you if you want to know. The moment grandma hears Zhou Cheng¡¯s name, she gets very excited and says that that woman is just dreaming. Zhou Cheng? It¡¯s a good name, but her dreams might not be reality. I¡¯m also telling you that that woman really knows how to teach her son. Zhou Cheng came over to our housest weekend and searched through grandpa¡¯s drawers. He even pocketed two thousand yuan that grandpa was going to use to pay for our utility bills.¡±

    ¡°He was caught red-handed by grandpa. When grandpa asked him to hand over the money, Zhou Cheng refused and even kicked grandpa, calling him an old foggie. He said that everything of the Zhou family was his. The Zhou family¡¯s money was also his. He was going to bring it back to his mom. He called grandma and grandpa old foggies. When they passed away, he would definitely not cry because they had treated his mom badly. They had treated him badly too. He would never pay his respects at his grandparents¡¯ death. He even told grandma and grandpa that he would never even address them as their grandparents in the future if they continued treating him badly!¡±

    Zhou Xing had always understood why her grandparents disliked Zhou Cheng, but she had never expected that not only did her dad not understand the situation, but he had even put the me entirely on her!

    ¡°Dad, do you think that that wife of yours really knows how to teach her son? Or do you mean that he speaks your mind too? Do you call grandma and grandpa old foggies in front of Zhou Cheng?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Zhou Zheng expression darkened and he could not hold his anger in. With one punch, he knocked Zhou Xing straight to the ground, causing a nosebleed. Zhou Zheng himself had not expected that his p would be so harsh. Seeing Zhou Xing on the floor and bleeding, Zhou Zheng was a little frantic, and he immediately helped Zhou Xing up. ¡°What are you looking at? I¡¯m just disciplining my daughter! What has that got to do with you?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to hit a child to discipline her. What if you injure her? You shouldn¡¯t use force to discipline children nowadays.¡± Other parents who had witnessed the scene expressed their displeasure. That child was his, so it was his fault if he decided to hit his child out in public. What if that scared their children?

    They had really never seen fathers who hit their children in front of so many other people. His child was already a teenager who would soon enter junior high school. At such an age, children were concerned about their dignities. They had heard everything. They knew that this man had remarried. No wonder he was so brutal to his child from his first marriage.

    ¡°Why did you hit Xingxing?¡± Mother Zhou, who hade to pick Zhou Xing up from school, had witnessed the scene. Seeing Zhou Xing¡¯s nose bleeding made her heart ache, and shended a hard p on Zhou Zheng¡¯s body. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Your son wants me and your dad to die early so that we won¡¯t stand in his way. Do you want to kill us too? Xingxing is still a child, and she is your daughter. How has she offended you? Why did you p her so brutally? Do you think you¡¯re fit to be a father?¡±

    The moment she saw Zhou Zheng, Mother Zhou red up.

    Mother Zhou did like her grandson.

    But Mother Zhou had never carried her grandson since he was young even if she liked him. Neither had she managed to hold her grandson¡¯s hand more than a few times.

 Chapter 1713 - An Argument

    <h4>Chapter 1713: An Argument</h4>

    It was not that she did not want to carry him. It was that Huihui did not even allow Mother Zhou to touch him. She was always waiting for Mother Zhou to admit her weakness and please her. But Mother Zhou could ept everything, except for someone else¡¯s anger toward her.

    She had been tough and strong her whole life. Would she let her daughter-inw, Huihui, gain a hold of her? She was already of such an old age. She had raised her granddaughter, and she had also raised her own son. It was not as though she had never carried children. She was not losing out on anything.

    She was not allowed to carry him? That was just as well. Not only did she save her own strength, but she had also saved herself some trouble.

    If she had shared a closer rtionship with her grandson, Mother and Father Zhou would definitely spend a significant sum of money on their grandson to give him the best. But their grandson¡¯s mom did not want their grandson to be close to them, so there was nothing they could do either. Apart from their grandson, they still had their granddaughter.

    Their grandson had both his father and his mother. On the other hand, their granddaughter had lost her mom, and having a father like hers was as good as not having one at all. Thus, the responsibility of taking care of their granddaughter fell on them.

    When her grandson had visited her that day, stole her money, and even called her an old foggy so viciously with that chubby face of his, Mother Zhou felt as though her whole world had copsed. The child was still so young. What did he know? If no one had taught him anything, he would never have been able to call her by such a name.

    There had to be someone calling those two elders by such names behind their backs while in the presence of their grandson.

    Thinking about how her son had married someone like that, Mother Zhou did not even want to acknowledge her own son. Now, Mother Zhou decided to simply put all her effort and emotions into raising her granddaughter. Anyway, her son visited her once a month at the very most after getting remarried. He acted as though the elderly couple was already dead. Her son was nowhere as filial and considerate as her granddaughter.

    Mother Zhou finally came to her senses and decided to ignore her son¡¯s family in the future. Huihui had already taught her five-year-old son to steal. She no longer wanted her son, less say her grandson. What did her grandson even mean to her? Mother Zhou simply told Zhou Zheng to never allow Zhou Cheng to visit her ever again. They were already advanced in age and could not help him raise children. Besides, Zhou Cheng was a troublemaker who would only cause them pain.

    Mother Zhou wanted to protect her granddaughter, but her son had evene down to her granddaughter¡¯s school and even pped her granddaughter! In that instant, Mother Zhou wanted nothing more than to return that p that Zhou Zheng had given Zhou Xing. ¡°What rights do you have to hit Xingxing? Just a few days ago, both your dad and I were sick and needed someone to take care of us. But where were you as our son? Xingxing¡¯s just a teenager, but she helped us boil water, fed us our medications, and even helped cook porridge for us. Yet, you have the guts to throw a tantrum at Xingxing! Why? Are you upset that Xingxing treats the both of us well and takes care of us when we¡¯re sick? Are you upset that she didn¡¯t let us die? You ingrate, you¡¯re just hoping that we die early!¡±

    The initial agitation and anger that Mother Zhou had gotten when her grandson had first said those words was all vented out on Zhou Zheng.

    Zhou Zheng was Mother Zhou¡¯s son, after all, so she was all too clear about what kind of person Zhou Zheng was. Her son had definitely not been the one to have taught her grandson those things. But wasn¡¯t her grandson her son¡¯s son? Did her son not care about him at all? Wasn¡¯t Huihui her son¡¯s wife? Did her son not know a single thing about what kind of person his lover was and how she was raising their son? Was he blind? His heart was truly too obscured.

    As head of the house, Zhou Zheng was such a failure to not know anything about what was going on at home, so all fault lied in Zhou Zheng. Zhou Zheng deserved this beating.

    ¡°Of course not, Mom. H-How could I ever? Xingxing is lying and maligning Chengcheng. Chengcheng is such a good kid. He likes you guys so much. How could he possibly call you guys old foggies? It¡¯s Zhou Xing. She must have taught Chengcheng to say that behind your backs. It was Zhou Xing who brought Chengcheng astray. How can you put the me on Chengcheng?¡±

    Initially, Zhou Zheng was totally unable to ept that his son had called his parents old foggies. After getting beaten by Mother Zhou, Zhou Zhou Zheng suddenly realized that it might have been Zhou Xing who had taught Zhou Cheng all these things.

    Zhou Cheng was still young, so he would definitely copy whatever other people taught him. The only person in the whole family who looked down on Zhou Cheng and wanted him to look bad in front of his parents was Zhou Xing. It had to be Zhou Xing who had taught him these things! Why had she turned out so wayward?

    ¡°Zhou Xing, were you the one who taught your brother those things? Chengcheng is your biological younger brother! How could you do such things to harm your younger brother? You¡¯ll have retribution for this in the future!¡±

    ¡°Retribution!¡± Mother Zhou¡¯s eyes were red. To her, her granddaughter was even closer to her than her son was. Whoever cursed her granddaughter in this manner was touching on one of Mother Zhou¡¯s taboos. ¡°Retribution already fell on me and your dad when you married such a woman. She¡¯s made it as though we no longer have a son. Now, she¡¯s even given birth to a grandson just to collect debts from us. If we had known about this, we should never have let you decide on who to get remarried to. I know that that woman hates me and your dad! If I had known about just how poor her character is, I would have used my life to stop her from entering our Zhou family!¡±

    Did she really think that she could be the empress of the Zhou family just because she held her son and grandson firmly in her hands? If so, she could continue daydreaming. She did not want her grandson. Anyone who wanted her son was free to have him too. She did not believe that a woman like this could protect both men and make it big in the future.

    That woman should not even dream of taking a single cent from her.

    Zhou Zheng had embarrassed Zhou Xing in front of her school. As such, Mother Zhou was not at all worried about airing her family¡¯s dirtyundry out in public and embarrassing Zhou Zheng even further.

    From the content of the quarrel between the mother and son, everyone had gotten the gist of what was going on. After Zhou Zheng had gotten remarried, not only did Zhou Xing get a stepmother, but her birth father had also turned into a stepfather! More importantly, even his biological parents had gotten a stepson. Zhou Zheng was entirely biased toward that second wife of his. He could not care less about his daughter or parents.

    What a shameless and heartless thing to dare to hit his own child in front of her school!

    Everyone looked at Zhou Zheng with disgust. He had both his parents and children to take care of, but Zhou Zheng had thrown aside both his parents and his child for the sake of a woman. This was something a person should not do as a father or a son. He had lost his most basic morality.

    Zhou Zheng was embarrassed by the using stares of the bystanders. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s been some misunderstanding. Chengcheng is a good kid. You¡¯ll realize that one day. I¡¯ll find some other time to exin this to you.¡±

    Unable to withstand the stares, Zhou Zheng walked away covering his face.

    Mother Zhou booed at Zhou Zheng before taking Zhou Xing to the hospital. Thankfully, that p had only caused a nosebleed, and Zhou Xing had not sustained any other serious injuries.

 Chapter 1714 - Instigating

    <h4>Chapter 1714: Instigating</h4>

    ¡°Xingxing, why are you not saying anything? Have you been frightened by today¡¯s incident?¡± Only upon reaching home did Mother Zhou realize that Zhou Xing had not uttered a single word ever since Zhou Zheng left.

    Zhou Xing¡¯s eyes were lost in a daze, resembling the eyes of a dead fish.

    ¡°Hey,e out quickly. Xingxing doesn¡¯t look right. She seems to have been badly frightened by Zhou Zheng. Shall we hurry and send Xingxing to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Let me take a look!¡± Upon hearing that, Father Zhou was frantic too. He immediately ran to Zhou Xing to check on her.

    Looking at her anxious grandparents around her, Zhou Xing burst out in tears. ¡°Grandpa, grandma, it¡¯s aching. My heart¡¯s aching...¡±

    Just this simple sentence caused Mother Zhou to tear up uncontrobly. In that instant, Mother Zhou felt as though someone had stabbed her in the heart. No one understood Zhou Xing¡¯s feelings more than Mother Zhou. Her heart ached because she had lost her son, while her granddaughter¡¯s heart ached because she had lost her father.

    Zhou Zheng was entirely bewitched by that woman and could not even listen to anyone else. What a scoundrel! She had wasted her efforts raising that son.

    ¡°Hubby, from today onward, remember to never open the door for anyone from that family. Even if Zhou Zheng himselfes, don¡¯t ever open the door for him. We¡¯ll just treat it as though we¡¯ve never had a son like him. In the future, we¡¯ll only have Xingxing as our granddaughter.¡± Qiao Zijin was really not outstanding at all. But even though Qiao Zijin had a hundred weaknesses, she still had two strengths.

    Firstly, when Qiao Zijin was around, Zhou Zheng had never acted so crazily. Secondly, Qiao Zijin had left Zhou Xing to apany her and her husband.

    Mother Zhou could not imagine how her son thought only about his wife and not about his parents now that he had gotten remarried. That woman did not look like she was easy to deal with. If they did not have Zhou Xing around, that woman might very well have taken control of the entire Zhou family!

    Having toiled so hard for decades with her husband to finally own whatever she did, Mother Zhou red up thinking about how it wouldnd up in the hands of such a scheming b*tch. But thankfully, that was just a supposition, not reality. Apart from her son, Zhou Zheng, she still had a granddaughter.

    Even if her granddaughter were to get married in the future and would no longer have the surname Zhou, she would still much rather leave everything she owned to her granddaughter than let Zhou Zheng and Zhou Cheng have anything of hers.

    It was at this point in time that Mother Zhou made a decision that she would find awyer and make a will with her husband. Zhou Zheng had gone behind their backs to find Zhou Xing and had even pped Zhou Xing while they were still alive and well. If they were to pass away and no one was around to protect Zhou Xing, she could only imagine just how badly her granddaughter would be bullied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. Xingxing, don¡¯t cry. Grandma and grandpa will always be by your side.¡± Father Zhou hugged his granddaughter and tried to coax her. He had a rough sense of what had happened. Father Zhou was angry about Zhou Cheng stealing from them too. In his whole life, he had never shortchanged anyone, even when he was running a business. The reason why he named his son Zhou Zheng was because he hoped that his son would be a righteous person.

    But who would have expected that his grandson would turn out to be a thief! Taking an elder¡¯s money without permission was also stealing!

    The thought of having such a thief in the Zhou family made Father Zhou infuriated. When he had caught Zhou Cheng in the act the other day and had even been called an old foggy by Zhou Cheng, Father Zhou had wanted to deal with Zhou Cheng right then and there. Even though Zhou Cheng was only a five-year-old child, he hadmitted wrongdoing and should have been punished for it.

    That was how he had taught his son and brought his son up. The saying ¡®spare the rod, spoil the child¡¯ may not entirely be true, but there was still some truth in it most of the time.

    Unfortunately, even though Father Zhou was willing to be tough on Zhou Cheng, he was no match for that little rascal¡¯s cleverness. Huihui had probably taught Zhou Cheng what to do in case Father and Mother Zhou did not like Zhou Cheng and wanted to beat him because of Zhou Xing instigating them.

    Thus, just as Father Zhou was about to hit Zhou Cheng, Zhou Cheng instinctively kicked Father Zhou¡¯s shin. Because the five-year-old Zhou Cheng was chubby, his kick was powerful and had hurt Father Zhou.

    Taking advantage of Father Zhou doubling down in pain, Zhou Cheng escaped from Father Zhou¡¯s grasp and rushed out of the Zhou family¡¯s house. After escaping, Zhou Cheng took out the phone hanging from his neck and made a call to his mom. ¡°Mom, grandpa was being bad. He wanted to hit me, so I ran out. Mom, hurry and pick me up. I¡¯m starving. I want to eat meat.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Huihui was frantic. Without hesitation, she rushed down to pick her son up. When they reached home and Huihui finally came to her senses, she asked her son why her father-inw wanted to hit her son. Was her mother-inw not standing by his side? Was it Zhou Xing who had instigated them?

    For some unknown reason, Zhou Cheng did not tell her the truth and did not say that his grandpa wanted to hit him because he had been caught in the act taking his grandpa¡¯s money just like his mom had instructed him to do. When he heard his mom put the me on Zhou Xing, Zhou Cheng¡¯s eyes sparkled and he nodded immediately.

    Zhou Cheng knew that he had two elder sisters. One of his elder sisters lived with him. That was his biological elder sister. He had a good rtionship with his biological elder sister. The one that stayed with his grandparents was a bad elder sister. He could not get along with that bad elder sister.

    So he could not be wrong in putting the me on that bad elder sister. Once Zhou Cheng nodded, Huihui unhesitatingly ced the me of her son almost getting hit on Zhou Xing. When Zhou Zheng returned home and received a call from Father Zhou to say that Zhou Cheng was no longer wee in their house, Huihui was even more convinced that Zhou Xing had been instigating them.

    Not only had Zhou Xing caused her son to almost suffer a beating from her father-inw, but she had even encouraged her parents-inw to stop seeing her son. Did they take her for a fool? Her parents-inw did like their grandson. But if they were to meet him less often, their rtionship with Zhou Xing would only get better, while their rtionship with her son would only fade.

    In that case, who could tell how much those two old foggies would leave to Zhou Xing.

    She had never expected that Zhou Xing would be even more scheming than her even though she was just an elementary school student. If she did note up with a n, everything that was supposed to be her son¡¯s would be taken away by Zhou Xing.

    That was why Huihui tried to influence Zhou Zheng, asking him to frighten and warn Zhou Xing to stop instigating Father and Mother Zhou.

    Zhou Zheng still bore hopes of reconciling with his parents and living harmoniously together again. A few years had passed, and his son was already five years old, but his parents were showing no sign of backing down.

    Zhou Xing was even instigating them! As such, without doing any investigations of his own, Zhou Zheng let out all his pent-up anger on Zhou Xing.

 Chapter 1715 - Capable of Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 1715: Capable of Confrontation</h4>

    From then on, no matter how hard Zhou Zheng tried to contact Father and Mother Zhou, they never answered him. He tried to call them, but his call would never get through. When he visited them, they would never open the door. Were they ying the waiting game? Father and Mother Zhou were trying to publicize what Zhou Cheng had done without any hesitation.

    Were they trying to say that the incident was fake and that Zhou Xing had not led Zhou Cheng astray? They even said that Zhou Cheng had been raised up wayward by that woman. If they were capable of doing so, they should just call everyone out so that they could confront each other. Zhou Cheng was just a five-year-old child. There was no problem with telling one or two lies, but there was no way Zhou Cheng could cover up everything so well.

    He really wanted to see who had led Zhou Cheng astray.

    Zhou Zheng wanted a confrontation so as to prove both his son¡¯s and his own innocence. But when he told Huihui about the matter, Huihui¡¯s expression was strange.

    Other people might not have known, but could Huihui be unclear about what she herself had said? She had indeed called her parents-inw old foggies in front of her son and had also told her son that everything of the Zhou family belonged to her son. Even her parents-inw¡¯s money was her son¡¯s. She was her son¡¯s mother. Once her son became rich in the future, he had to remember to be filial to her.

    When she first learned that her son was almost beaten, Huihui had been too angry and had immediately put the me on Zhou Xing. She felt that anything bad had to be Zhou Xing¡¯s fault. Zhou Xing had bullied Zhou Cheng simply because he was young and could not speak well. But afterward, Huihui could not help but ask her son about what had happened again.

    In front of his mom, Zhou Cheng quickly broke down and told her the truth. It was then that Huihui learned that Zhou Xing indeed had nothing to do with this matter at all. But it could not be too bad if this could further sour the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhou Zheng. The only thing she worried about was how long her parents-inw would stay angry at Zhou Cheng for.

    The angrier her son made her parents-inw, the more Zhou Xing would benefit from it and gain more advantages from her parents-inw.

    Right from the start, Huihui had never once imagined that Father and Mother Zhou would hand over their whole lives¡¯ efforts to their granddaughter, Zhou Xing, and leave only a little bit to their son, Zhou Zheng. As for Zhou Cheng, whom she thought should have been the apple of Father and Mother Zhou¡¯s eyes, did not even get a single cent from the Zhou family.

    At first, she had thought that there was no way Father and Mother Zhou would stay angry at their grandson and be so petty with a child since Zhou Cheng was their only grandson. Could they really give up their grandson? She did not believe that they would do such a thing. If she let her son stay away from her parents-inw for a month or two, perhaps her parents-inw might not only stop being angry but also miss her son!

    In the future, her parents-inw would never make trouble for her son over money, let alone a mere two thousand yuan. As long as her son was happy, there was nothing wrong with him taking it.

    But that day had not yete before she heard Zhou Zheng say that he would bring his son to confront his parents and clear the air. They would get to the bottom of the matter about who had taught Zhou Cheng to call his grandparents old foggies and to steal money.

    Huihui could no longer keep up her pretenses. She was clear that no matter how well she trained her son at home, her son was only five years old, after all. He would not be able to hold up against a few rounds of questionings. Then, he would let out everything that should never be known to outsiders.

    When that time came, her five-year-old son could im that he was just an insensible child who had been led astray by adults. But she was already a grown-up. She would lose all dignity and her reputation would be ruined if it were to be made known that she had said such things about her parents-inw in front of her child. She would be the epitome of a bad daughter-inw.

    After muttering on the phone for a long while, she refused to take Zhou Cheng to Father and Mother Zhou for a confrontation. Zhou Zheng had gotten annoyed now that the conversation had stretched on for half an hour. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Chengcheng was led astray by that wretched girl? Even Zhou Xing is not afraid. Why are you still hesitating? Hurry and bring Chengcheng over. If you don¡¯te over now, all of my parents¡¯ neighbors who¡¯ve heard about this will think that it was not Zhou Xing who led Chengcheng astray. They¡¯ll think that we¡¯re afraid of bringing our son over because of our own guilty conscience. They¡¯ll say that you were the one who said these things and taught Chengcheng to say them too...¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute. Don¡¯t tell me it was really you?¡±

    It was only then that Zhou Zheng finally came to his senses.

    If his wife had not done such a thing and was truly innocent, his wife would be more agitated than anyone else. There was no way she would refuse toe over. Suddenly faced with the truth, Zhou Zheng was shocked. ¡°Did you really call my parents old foggies in front of Chengcheng?¡±

    The thought of his wife disrespecting his parents caused Zhou Zheng to be so emotional that his voice broke.

    ¡°I... I was just too angry! Chengcheng is already five years old, but your parents have never carried Chengcheng. Neither have they ever given Chengcheng anything good. Take a look at Zhou Xing. She¡¯s gotten so many good things from your parents. Think about how much money your parents have spent on Zhou Xing. All of that money should be Chengcheng¡¯s. I just felt that your parents are being too foolish, giving Chengcheng¡¯s things to other people!¡±

    If they had not spent her son¡¯s precious money on someone else, would she have lost all control and said such things in front of her son? Would her son get to learn such things from her?

    ¡°Even so, there¡¯s no need to say such things about them! They¡¯re my parents! And I was still hoping that you would be acknowledged by my parents so that everything would return to what it was before our marriage. That was what you promised me. But look at what you¡¯ve done!¡± Zhou Zheng had always asked Huihui to teach Chengcheng well so that Chengcheng could help ease the tension between him and his parents. On the ount of their grandchild, they might just forgive him for stubbornly choosing to marry his first love.

    But who would have known that not only had his son not managed to ease the tension between him and his parents, but his son had even worsened their rtionship!

    ¡°Let me ask you. Did Zhou Xing tell Chengcheng to take that two thousand yuan? Or do you have something to do with that?¡± Since Zhou Xing had not taught Chengcheng to call his parents old foggies, it was only natural that Zhou Zheng suspected that Zhou Cheng had not been under Zhou Xing¡¯s influence when he took the two thousand yuan.

    ¡°It could have been me...¡± She had never expected her son to be so daring. Just because she had once said that everything of the Zhou family belonged to him, her son had really taken her father-inw¡¯s two thousand yuan just because he had seen it. It would have been all right if he had just taken it, but he had been caught red-handed by her father-inw...

    Zhou Zheng immediately hung up the phone. What else could he do if he did not hang up the phone? He had never imagined that all these bad behaviors had nothing to do with Zhou Xing at all. His son had behaved in this manner only because his own mother had influenced him.

    But the word had already gone out, saying that Zhou Zheng had a clear conscience and that he was willing to bring his son and wife down for a face-to-face confrontation.

 Chapter 1716 - No Need to Appear

    <h4>Chapter 1716: No Need to Appear</h4>

    It had not even been an hour since it had been announced. Now, Zhou Zheng was being pped in the face by reality. Zhou Zheng had no idea how he was going to clean up this mess.

    Making a huge detour, Zhou Zheng sessfully avoided other people and finally found Zhou Xing. ¡°Xingxing,e over. Dad has something to tell you.¡±

    Zhou Xing pouted and took small steps toward Zhou Zheng. She looked at Zhou Zheng straight in the eye as though she was asking Zhou Zheng what he had to say.

    Obviously, Zhou Zheng had not forgotten that he had been sure that Zhou Xing had led Zhou Cheng astray, and he had even pped Zhou Xing just some time ago. Zhou Zheng rubbed his nose awkwardly. ¡°Xingxing, you¡¯re a good kid, a good daughter, and a good sister, right? I know that I was the one who got it wrong about thest time. Chengcheng is still young and insensible. Hemitted a folly, but it had nothing to do with you. But Xingxing, you¡¯re all grown up. You¡¯re going into junior high school very soon. Chengcheng is still so young. He doesn¡¯t know what he¡¯s saying. Xingxing, you¡¯ll protect your brother with me, right?¡±

    After thinking about it, if he wanted to protect his beloved wife and son, the only solution was for Zhou Xing to admit that she had said those things and that she had been the one to lead Zhou Cheng astray. As for the reasons for that, it was because she did not want her younger brother topete for her grandparents¡¯ love.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dad will treat you well in the future. I¡¯ll never be angry at you, and I¡¯ll never beat you in the future. How¡¯s that? I¡¯ll bring you over to stay with me once your younger brother¡¯s matter is resolved.¡± That was just as well. If Zhou Xing spent less time with his parents, his parents would probably not treat Chengcheng differently from Zhou Xing.

    As long as Zhou Xing lived with him, his parents would never know the truth if he were to say that Zhou Xing refused to visit his parents. After a while, his parents would believe that Zhou Xing was an ingrate. When that time came and faced with their adorable grandson, his parents would naturally forget about Zhou Xing and turn their attention to Chengcheng.

    In that case, Huihui would no longer have to waste her efforts on teaching Chengcheng all these bad things.

    ¡°How do you want me to help Zhou Cheng?¡± Zhou Xing finally spoke up after a long while.

    ¡°Uh...¡± The awkwardness on Zhou Zheng¡¯s face intensified. ¡°Xingxing, you¡¯re all grown up. Since you¡¯re so smart, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already thought of a n, right?¡± Thoughts were just thoughts. Zhou Zheng knew that Zhou Xing was not young anymore and should be quite aware.

    If he were really to talk about his n... He really was not so shameless to say it with his own mouth. In other words, he would try to avoid saying it himself, but instead, he would try to guide Zhou Xing into thinking of that n herself. ¡°Xingxing, I believe that you¡¯ll definitely have a n to help your younger brother as long as you try. Look. Your brother is still so young. He doesn¡¯t know anything. Your brother must have scolded your grandparents only because he heard someone doing so and followed after them. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    ¡°Then, who taught Zhou Cheng to say those things?¡± Zhou Xing asked.

    ¡°...¡± Zhou Zheng was getting impatient. ¡°When that incident happened that day, there were only those few people who were by Chengcheng¡¯s side. Think carefully about who¡¯s always by Chengcheng¡¯s side. Who do you think would say such a thing? Xingxing, don¡¯t worry. Dad will help you no matter what happens. I¡¯ll treat you even better than your grandma and grandpa do. If your grandma or grandpa get angry at you, I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    He should have made it clear with his words, right?

    Hearing this, Zhou Xing smiled, turned around, and ran toward Father and Mother Zhou. Seeing this, Zhou Zheng felt a little uneasy yet expectant. Did this mean that Zhou Xing had understood what he had meant to say? Was that why she was going to e clean¡¯ to Father and Mother Zhou?

    Zhou Zheng heaved a sigh of relief. There was no better way of resolving this matter than having Zhou Xing take the me.

    But Zhou Zheng¡¯s sigh of relief hade too early. Before long, Zhou Xing¡¯s crisp and clear voice found its way into Zhou Zheng¡¯s ears. ¡°Grandma, grandpa, Dad wanted me to tell you that I was the one who taught Zhou Cheng to say those things. He wanted me to tell you that I was the one who told Zhou Cheng to steal your money. Dad even said that he would help me in case you guys got angry at me. He also said that he would bring me back to stay with him in the future. Grandma, grandpa, I don¡¯t want to leave you guys. I want to stay with you guys, not Dad. Can we go?¡±

    In the face of his parents¡¯ angry stares, Zhou Zheng was infuriated. ¡°What do you mean by I told you to say these things? You were the one who did these bad things!¡± This wretched child! She was indeed not at all close to him since he had not raised her. Even his stepchild from Huihui knew to help him remove his shoes and bring him his slippers when he returned home from work.

    ¡°If you¡¯re capable, don¡¯t threaten Xingxing like that. Didn¡¯t you say that Xingxing was the one who did those things and that it has nothing to do with your wife and son? Didn¡¯t you even want to have a face-to-face confrontation? It¡¯s been almost an hour. Since when has your house be so far from ours? It¡¯s been an hour but your wife still hasn¡¯t brought your son down to clear the air.¡±

    Mother Zhou protected Zhou Xing and looked at Zhou Zheng coldly. This son of hers was getting promising by the day. In the past, she had wondered if Zhou Zheng really had no idea how that woman raised Zhou Cheng. But now, she knew for sure the moment Zhou Zheng had asked Zhou Xing to take the me for Chengcheng that Zhou Zheng definitely knew that Zhou Cheng had indeed done those things.

    To Zhou Zheng, his daughter was nowhere near as important to him as his son was. Now that the matter had be known to the neighbors, was he trying to sacrifice Xingxing to protect Zhou Cheng? Ha. That would depend on whether they agreed to it.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s all a misunderstanding. Huihui feels that Chengcheng might get frightened because there are so many people around and he¡¯s still young. All this really has got nothing to do with Chengcheng. Chengcheng¡¯s a good boy.¡± What else could Zhou Zheng do but beg for mercy from Mother Zhou, constantly hinting through his gaze that Zhou Cheng was the Zhou family¡¯s only grandson and his only son, after all?

    They should just let this matter go by letting Zhou Xing take the me. Otherwise, Zhou Cheng¡¯s reputation would be ruined once people knew that he had called his grandparents old foggies and had even stolen his grandpa¡¯s money at just five years of age. He could not let a mistake made at such a young age impact his son¡¯s development in the future.

    Mothers knew best. Mother Zhou knew exactly what Zhou Zheng meant, but she was not going to let Zhou Zheng have his way and let Zhou Xing take the me. ¡°Don¡¯t make excuses. That¡¯s not what you said just now. Since your wife is scared that your son will be frightened because he¡¯s too timid, and not at all worried that this matter will affect Zhou Cheng in the future, there¡¯s no need for me as his grandma to worry about it either. Since we can¡¯t clear the air, let¡¯s forget about it. I¡¯ll say it again. Your dad and I still want to live a long life, so don¡¯te looking for us even if anything happens. When your dad and I fell sick, it was Xingxing who took care of us. You didn¡¯t even show up. It¡¯s better if your family of four never shows up again.¡±

 Chapter 1717 - Donâ€™t Know

    <h4>Chapter 1717: Don¡¯t Know</h4>

    ¡°Mom, no matter how angry you get, you shouldn¡¯t use such words against me. When were you and did even sick? How was I supposed to know about it if you didn¡¯t tell me? You know very well what kind of job I have. I¡¯m quite busy.¡± He really had no idea when his parents had fallen sick. If he had known, would he really have note to visit them and take care of them?

    He felt very wronged.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re really busy. Let¡¯s forget about you not being able to visit us. But you¡¯re so busy that you don¡¯t even have time to give your dad and me a call. You said that you didn¡¯t know that your dad and I fell sick. I won¡¯t talk about anything else, but I did call you about this matter. I guess you were in a meeting at that time, so I couldn¡¯t get through to your phone. Afterward, I called your wife, and your wife did pick up the call. But in the end, Xingxing had to apply for three days of sick leave to stay at home to take care of our meals and feed us our medications.¡±

    It was also because of this incident that Father and Mother Zhoupletely gave up on their son, feeling that their son was not even as filial as their granddaughter.

    When that incident with Zhou Cheng happened, Father and Mother Zhoupletely lost hope in the grandson. Since they could not count on their son or grandson, they would not do so. As long as their granddaughter was good to them, that was good enough for them.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, our medical bills and prescriptions are still with the hospital. And I¡¯m sure Xingxing¡¯s teacher still has a record of her applying for sick leave. As for whether or not I did make a call to your home, it¡¯ll be even easier to trace that. You can go to the telmunications bureau or the mobile carrier to check on it yourself. All right. Just leave. Don¡¯te back.¡±

    Mother Zhou shooed Zhou Zheng away wearily. Now, the sight of her son no longer brought her joy. Instead, it only angered her, so much so that her stomach hurt.

    Knowing that so many people had heard about him being unfilial, Zhou Zheng¡¯s face flushed in embarrassment. His head was so heavy that he could not even lift his head up and could only leave with his head down.

    Since Zhou Cheng had not turned up, there was no way of proving the truth. But there was no one who did not understand that Zhou Cheng was indeed a bad kid. Otherwise, there was no way he would note to prove his own innocence no matter how scared he was. As a male, even if he was only five years old, how was he going to be a man when he grew up if he did not even have the slightest sense of responsibility?

    It was obviously true that he had been led astray. But to be led astray by Zhou Xing? That was utter nonsense!

    Zhou Zheng had no way of exining this matter, and he had not even responded to the news of Father and Mother Zhou¡¯s illness. Zhou Zheng had even more so no way of exining that matter. The neighbors did know a little about Father and Mother Zhou¡¯s illness. In those few days, they had not seen the elderly couple get out of the house to buy necessities. It had been the young Zhou Xing who had done so alone.

    At that time, they had found it strange. The school term was still ongoing, so why was Zhou Xing always at home? It turned out that she had been staying at home to take care of her sick grandparents. How could such a good child ever teach Zhou Cheng to say such unfilial things?

    Zhou Zheng had lost all dignity and had no choice but to head home. The moment he returned home, Zhou Zheng called his wife into the room. Before long, the two children outside could hear their parents arguing loudly.

    In their memories, their father had always treated their mother well and had always listened to their mother. Their mother always had the final say. Their father had never spoken to their mother with his voice raised, let alone argued with her.

    Zhou Cheng was still young and did not understand what was going on. But Zhou Mengmeng, who was a year or two older than Zhou Cheng, understood much more than Zhou Cheng. She knew that their family¡¯s situation was because her mom was good at taming her husband. If it was not for her mom¡¯s skills, would it be possible that her stepfather had not even seen his own parents twenty times in five years?

    In front of her mom, her stepfather was like a little bunny. That was what made Zhou Mengmeng even more curious about what had happened that the stepfather who had always been a meek and mild bunny had suddenly transformed into a huge and ferocious tiger. She even heard her mom crying and apologizing.

    ¡°Sister, why are Dad and Mom fighting? Dad is scaring Mom. Dad is a bad person.¡± Zhou Cheng stood beside Zhou Mengmeng uneasily, pulling on Zhou Mengmeng¡¯s clothes.

    In this family, he was used to his dad listening to his mom, and his mom favoring him. That was why he was the little emperor in the family. Hearing his mom cry after being scolded by his father, Zhou Cheng was frightened.

    Zhou Mengmeng patted Zhou Cheng on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s normal for parents to argue in other families. Everything will be fine once they¡¯ve finished arguing.¡± As long as her younger brother, Zhou Cheng, was around, this family would never fall apart, and she would not need to be a child without a father. Although he was a stepfather, as long as she listened to her mom, her mom would not make her life in this family difficult. It would still be better than Zhou Xing¡¯s at the very least.

    Zhou Mengmeng would rather be satisfied with that.

    With Zhai Hua¡¯s help, it had not been difficult for Zhai Yu to find out about Zhou Xing¡¯s past. The vivid descriptions in the material that Zhai Yu had gotten hold of gave Zhai Yu the feeling that she was vicariously living in that situation.

    Initially, Zhai Yu had hated Zhou Xing because Zhou Xing was Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, and she was even so thick-skinned as to seek revenge for her mother by dating Zhai Xin. But after learning about Zhou Xing¡¯s past, added on with the fact that Zhou Xing was repentant and willing to change her ways and not disturb the Zhai family in the future, Zhai Yu could not bring herself to hate Zhou Xing anymore.

    It was true that despicable people were sure to have pitiable backstories.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s really been quite hard on her. She lost her mom, and her dad was just as good as gone. Sigh. If she did not have her grandparents, I think Zhou Xing might not have survived with a stepmother like that.¡± No matter how unreliable her elder aunt was, she would definitely have treated her biological daughter well.

    As long as her elder aunt was around, would her elder aunt allow other women to bully her daughter like that? Even if Zhou Zheng showed up, she was sure that her elder aunt would be able to make so much trouble for Zhou Zheng that he would kneel down in surrender because of her temper.

    ¡°Mom, since Zhou Xing has already learned her lesson and apologized to Zhai Xin, shall we just put this matter to rest?¡± Zhai Yu truly pitied Zhou Xing and felt that Zhou Xing was different from her elder aunt. Zhou Xing was still rational and had morals. Her worldviews were not too corrupted.

    Qiao Nan answered Zhai Yu, saying, ¡°When has our family ever taken the initiative to provoke other people?¡± Even when Qiao Zijin had wronged her, she had never thought of getting revenge on Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter, Zhou Xing, just because of what she had experienced at Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands.

    If Zhou Xing had note for them and hurt her child in this way to get revenge on her, she could not care less about how Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter was doing at the moment.

 Chapter 1718 - Impulsive

    <h4>Chapter 1718: Impulsive</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yu stuck out her tongue, feeling that she might have said it in a wrong tone. ¡°Don¡¯t get angry, Mom. I didn¡¯t mean it that way. You know very well that I¡¯ve been too emotionaltely, so I may not think through my words before saying them. I¡¯m sorry. Don¡¯t hold it against me. It¡¯s Zhou Xing¡¯s business whatever she does.¡±

    Zhou Xing¡¯s childhood was indeed miserable, but their family had not caused it. She had heard that it was because of her elder aunt¡¯s affair that the couple had gotten a divorce. After they got divorced, it was expected that Zhou Zheng would find a second wife.

    So even if her elder aunt was still around, there was no way Zhou Xing¡¯s father would have a close rtionship with Zhou Xing after getting remarried to her stepmother. Her previous thoughts were almost simr to that of Zhou Xing! Things could not be taken at the surface level just like that.

    Qiao Nan gently knocked her daughter on her head. Thankfully, she did not have a bad temper. Otherwise, San Bao would be getting a good beating from her. What did she mean by letting the matter go and letting Zhou Xing off? The correct way of saying it was Zhou Xing letting their family off. She had not been the one to cause trouble for Zhou Xing. She could not be happier that Zhou Xing had finallye to her senses and had decided to stop clinging to Zhai Xin.

    If she were to do anything to Zhou Xing, the rtionship between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin would only get even moreplicated, and it would be harder for the two of them to separate. She would never do such a foolish thing.

    Qiao Nan was not asking for much. She just hoped that Zhou Xing truly understood everything that had happened and would no longer disturb their family. In the future, she would put everything that had happened between her and Qiao Zijin in the past and mind her own business. She would not hurt Qiao Zijin¡¯s child, and Qiao Zijin¡¯s child should also live her own life. How nice would it be for them to live their own separate lives.

    After this incident with Zhou Xing, Qiao Nan realized a problem. The triplets were all grown up and about to enter their third year of university. Their four years in university was going to pass by in just a blink of an eye. It was Zhou Xing this time. But who knew what kind of star it would be the next time? The children were all grown up. There was no running away from rtionship problems in the future.

    There was bound to be a handsome young man who would marry her daughter and two gentle and beautiful youngdies who would marry Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. Qiao Nan only hoped that her three children¡¯s rtionships would be as smooth-sailing as her own had been. She hoped that there would be less pain and hurt and more happiness.

    Seeing it that way, the incident between Zhou Xing and Zhai Xin was no big deal at all. After all, Zhai Xin had never fallen for Zhou Xing and had only treated Zhou Xing as his younger sister. When Zhai Xin really took a fancy to a youngdy and there were troubles in their rtionship, that would be when Qiao Nan would truly need to feel worried and uneasy.

    ¡°That¡¯s the disadvantage of giving birth to a son.¡± When Fang Fang came over to visit the Qiao family, she had heard about the incident regarding Zhou Xing and had chatted with Qiao Nan about it. ¡°Think about how hard it was for me to teach our Gao Feng to walk, talk, and even cook. There¡¯s a popr saying nowadays. It takes a mother five years to teach her son to wear his pants but only a minute for his wife to pull it off.¡±

    In front of their wives, their mother was nothing.

    ¡°Have you been spending too much time with Gao Yan recently? You¡¯re running your mouth. Besides, Gao Feng is not like Da Bao or Er Bao. Isn¡¯t it too early for you to be discussing this topic?¡± She thought about Fang Fang¡¯s son. Qiao Nan remembered that Gao Feng was still in high school. He was still young!

    As for worrying about a daughter-inw, Fang Fang could think about it in a few years¡¯ time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even talk about it!¡± Fang Fang¡¯s face was flushed and she pped the sofa in anger. ¡°I¡¯m in the education sector. I¡¯ve raised other people¡¯s children so well. The children in my ss are so obedient. None of them have gotten into an early rtionship. But my own son has just entered high school, and he¡¯s already got himself a ¡®wife¡¯! I didn¡¯t even know about it! Actually, Gao Feng had already been together with the pretty girls in his ss since elementary school! When I found out about it, I got so mad that my blood pressure shot up!¡±

    He was only in high school. What wife? Did he even know what a wife was?

    To Fang Fang, her son was a hooligan. Even she had only started dating upon entering university. Gao Yan had only gotten a girlfriend after she had given her permission. She had not gotten into an early rtionship with Gao Yan, so why had her son matured so quickly?

    Fang Fang felt that Gao Feng was not mentally matured. The problem was that he was physiologically matured. He could do anything that he was supposed to do. What would she do if her son got into an ident with a youngdy and went out of line?

    At the thought of such a situation, Fang Fang very much wanted to resign from her job as a teacher. She could not even teach her own son well. It would be best if she did not get other people¡¯s children into trouble in the future. If she brought other people¡¯s obedient children up to be like Gao Feng, she would really have to be med.

    Qiao Nan patted Fang Fang on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not as serious as you think. You should have faith in Gao Feng. Don¡¯t you know that some men have glib tongues? Gao Yan¡¯s a businessman, so being a smooth talker and having a high EQ is crucial. Gao Feng¡¯s your son, so it¡¯s not at all strange that he inherited Gao Yan¡¯s high EQ.¡±

    Fang Fang felt that Gao Yan had started datingte in life. But the way Qiao Nan saw it, that was not the case at all.

    Who could have be enlightened and started dating earlier than Gao Yan? Gao Yan had not started datingte in life. It was that Gao Yan had fallen in love way too early. He had identified Fang Fang as his lover at an extremely young age. That was why there were no other girls who attracted Gao Yan, and neither was Gao Yan prepared to gain useless experience with girls apart from Fang Fang.

    Had she not seen Gao Yan surpass uncle and auntie and make a life n for Fang Fang? It was because Fang Fang had been stubborn and bore a grudge because of always beingpared with Gao Yan. That was why she kicked up a huge fuss and insisted on studying at Ping Cheng High School. Otherwise, even though the two of them were not of the same age, they would have still been schoolmates.

    Fang Fang had been living right under Gao Yan¡¯s nose, and Gao Yan was able to find out about Fang Fang¡¯s movements and resolve those ¡®problems¡¯ right away.

    In that way, Gao Feng was definitely Gao Yan¡¯s son. Both father and son were enlightened early on in life, and their characters were the spitting image of each other. Compared to Gao Yan who had identified Fang Fang as his own wife, there was no big deal now that Gao Feng was just calling someone his wife.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that young people nowadays are impulsive and have poor self-control? But I must say that this has never happened to my students.¡±

 Chapter 1719 - RiChapter Second-Generation Heirs

    <h4>Chapter 1719: Rich Second-Generation Heirs</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I heard that students from other schools... They¡¯re going to hospitals to get abortions at such a young age. It¡¯s really... Won¡¯t the parents of these girls be heartbroken?¡± So how could she possibly not worry?

    She was afraid that her son would be one of those irresponsible bast*rds.

    The more Fang Fang said, the more worried she got. She could not help but want to personally see to Gao Feng going to school and having Gao Feng get her approval before interacting with any girls.

    ¡°Drink some water to calm yourself.¡± Qiao Nan handed a ss of water over to Fang Fang to ease her anxiety. ¡°Fang Fang, how long have you had the habit of overthinking things?¡± She felt that Fang Fang was probably entering menopause. She was slightly more irritable, and her temper was worse than before. Moreover, she was more prone to overthinking things now.

    ¡°Probably half a year.¡± Fang Fang blushed but did not hide the truth from Qiao Nan and answered honestly.

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°It¡¯s all right. That¡¯s normal for a woman. It¡¯ll be fine as long as you try to remain calm.¡± It was nothing special. There was nothing moremon than a woman entering menopause. It was not just during menopause, but there was also nothing strange about a woman having mood swings once a month when on her period.

    Fang Fang took a few sips of water and sighed. ¡°Nan Nan, do you really think it¡¯s normal for me to be like that? I¡¯ve not had a good night¡¯s sleep for three days just because of Gao Feng¡¯s ¡®wife¡¯! I just feel uneasy in my heart. It feels like there¡¯s a bunny jumping around in my heart.¡± How could she sleep with such a flustered heart?

    Once Gao Yan pestered her, she only red up even further.

    It was all Gao Yan¡¯s fault. Their son had surely picked up all his bad habits from Gao Yan. More importantly, why had he given her a son instead of a daughter? If Gao Feng had been a daughter, it would have been much easier for her to have a heart-to-heart talk with Gao Feng and tell her to protect herself. But because Gao Feng was a son and not a daughter, she was embarrassed to say such things as a mother.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Gao Yan will help you settle this problem.¡± The mouth was the gate of misfortune and evil, after all. Gao Feng had been obedient as a child. But why was it that he had grown up to have such a greasy mouth and dared to say just about anything? Fang Fang had heard everything.

    Qiao Nan sighed. Gao Feng probably felt that he was truly unlucky.

    All he had done was call a girl his wife, and he had done so quitete in life. While he was still in elementary school, he had already heard his ssmates calling each other husband and wife. It was only when he reached high school that he started dating and went along with the trend of calling his girlfriend his wife. Who would have expected that his mom would catch him right in the act?

    Because he had upset his mom, his dad was infuriated.

    Thinking about his wallet that had grown much thinnertely, Gao Feng was on the verge of tears. If this went on, his source of cash for his rtionship would be cut off. How would he continue inviting his girlfriend out for dinner or bring her out to y?

    Mom, shall we not throw a tantrum like this? Calling someone your wife won¡¯t cost you your life. His girlfriend did not even mind it and even called him her husband. Mom, can¡¯t you just act as if you don¡¯t know anything and not interfere?

    ¡°Are you speaking ill of your mom in your heart again?¡± Gao Yan eyed Gao Feng coldly.

    Gao Feng begged for mercy. ¡°Dad, my dear dad. You¡¯re not that old-fashioned, are you? I¡¯m a grown-up with an identity card. Can¡¯t I get into a rtionship? Is there a need for such a huge reaction? Dad, are you going to disagree to it and force me to break up with my girlfriend like Mom?¡±

    His dad¡¯s rtionship with his mom was too good, so much so that he was being shown public affection every day. It had not been easy for him to wait until he came of age before getting a girlfriend, but even this was not allowed. Gao Feng felt that he was the most miserable kid on earth. ¡°Dad, please don¡¯t cut off my living allowance. You¡¯re my birth father, and I¡¯m your biological son. Mom¡¯s not on my side, but you have to be on my side!¡±

    Whatever he spent on his rtionship came from the money that his dad gave him every month.

    Gao Yan looked at his son in disdain. ¡°You¡¯re taking my money to get girls? I don¡¯t care if you want to treat your girlfriend well, take her out for good meals, or take her out to y. It¡¯s only right for men to treat the woman they like well. But you should rely on your own efforts to provide the woman that you like with happiness. What you¡¯re spending now is my money. That means that whatever happiness you¡¯re giving your girlfriend because of your money is ultimately from me. Do you understand the difference?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Gao Feng¡¯s face was all scrunched up.

    So that was to say that his dad was still on his mom¡¯s side and that his living allowance was going to be cut. That meant that he was not going to be able to continue with his rtionship and give his girlfriend happiness, right?

    Thinking about how this was how it was going to end, Gao Feng felt slightly annoyed.

    At this time, Gao Yan had given his son a very brutal and realistic first lesson in life. There was no one you could rely on but yourself. Whatever Gao Feng wanted, he first had to create it for himself. There was no use riding on his parents¡¯urels.

    Gao Feng grabbed his hair. ¡°Dad, do you have no faith in me like Mom? I¡¯ve always kept a safe distance from my girlfriend, and I¡¯ve never gone beyond the line. What you guys are worried about will never happen! Dad, you should trust me!¡±

    Gao Yan was already a sly old fox who had experienced countless battles. It was no big deal now that he was facing off with a little fox that he had given birth to. ¡°Why are you so impetuous? How did I teach you in the past? The most important thing is to remain calm no matter the situation. Your mom is just reducing your monthly allowance. She¡¯s not forcing you to break up with your girlfriend while you¡¯re still in high school. She¡¯s not mandating that you have to wait until you enter university to start dating, so what¡¯s there to be upset over?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Gao Feng was rendered speechless.

    ¡°You guys are still young. What¡¯s important should be your feelings, not money. If your mom really forces you to break up with your girlfriend, maybe you cane and look for me for help, then. If that timees, I might really have a solution for you. If your rtionship is not based on feelings and is not that simple, then the amount of money in your pocket will determine how long this rtionship willst.¡±

    ¡°No, no. We¡¯re not that kind of people.¡± Gao Feng refused to admit that he had lost.

    Gao Feng was never a spendthrift as a child, even though the Gao family was rich and Gao Yan had started apany that earned lots of money. Gao Feng was truly a rich second-generation heir.

 Chapter 1720 - Itâ€™ll Be Too Late If You Donâ€™t Date Now

    <h4>Chapter 1720: It¡¯ll Be Too Late If You Don¡¯t Date Now</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the past, Gao Feng often did not finish spending the money that his elders had given him and could even save some of it. But ever since he started dating, Gao Feng no longer had any excess from whatever allowance his elders gave him. In fact, whatever he had saved up in the past was also almost all gone!

    If Gao Feng had not been in a tight spot and had directly asked Fang Fang for money, Fang Fang would never have found out that her son had already started dating.

    Gao Feng was never a spendthrift who splurged on materialistic goods. It was truly rare for her son to have not enough money to spend and even had to ask for money from her. Initially, Fang Fang only thought that this was a fresh and rare situation.

    All the money that Gao Yan earned had always been managed by Fang Fang, so Fang Fang was the finance minister of the Gao family. When her son said that he had not enough money, Fang Fang handed five thousand yuan over to Gao Feng without hesitation.

    After ttering Fang Fang with a few praises, Gao Feng went back to his room.

    After Gao Feng left, Fang Fang finally came to her senses. Her son was no spendthrift. Neither did anyone around himck money. So why was he was short on money and even had to ask for money from her? If she remembered correctly, the piggy bank in her son¡¯s room was almost filled to the brim. Gao Feng was not the kind of child to ask his elders for money if he still had money on hand.

    Could it be that Gao Feng had spent all of that money in his piggy bank?

    Fang Fang felt that something was amiss and wanted to talk to her son. But the moment she opened the door, she saw her son lying on his bed with his phone in one hand, calling someone his ¡®wife¡¯. At the sound of this word, Fang Fang was so angry she nearly fainted from anger.

    It turned out that her son had started dating. That was why he had started spending more and even needed to ask her for money!

    Fang Fang was not as cunning as Gao Yan. After learning about the situation, Gao Yan had many more considerations than Fang Fang. Fang Fang purely felt that her son was still young and full of vigor and vitality. There was bound to be situations where the two young people would not be able to resist the temptations when they were together. It would be a disaster if her son hurt some other family¡¯s daughter.

    But it seemed a little too serious to let her son pay such a heavy price throughout the rest of his life just because he had done something while he was still young and immature. For her son¡¯s sake, Fang Fang was worried sick.

    But Gao Yan thought more deeply than Fang Fang. He had never gotten angry at his son. When other children went to high school, their allowances were slightly more than a thousand yuan at most, and that allowance included money for their meals. What they gave to Gao Yan was around two thousand yuan.

    In addition to that piggy bank in Gao Feng¡¯s room that was almost filled to the brim, Gao Yan made some calctions before arriving at the conclusion that his son had spent close to twenty thousand yuan in such a short span of time ever since he had started dating.

    He was just a high school student. What kind of rtionship was this that he had managed to spend twenty thousand yuan? They had not even been together for a long time. Not even an entire semester. Based on his calctions, his son would have to spend at least fifty to sixty thousand a year just to maintain his rtionship!

    The Gao family was not in need of this small sum of money. The problem was that Gao Yan could not ept other girls treating his son as a foolish rich boyfriend. This girl was still so young, yet she was already so materialistic and her spending habits were not far off from adults¡¯. Gao Yanughed while thinking about how ¡®promising¡¯ this girl would be once she grew up since this rtionship could only be maintained by spending almost a hundred thousand yuan a year!

    A hundred thousand yuan worth of rtionship funds was nothing in the grand scheme of things in the Gao family. But Gao Yan could not ept how his son had found such a money-loving girlfriend.

    Gao Yan knew just the way to deal with teenagers. Besides, his son had originally been a strong character. With such intelligence himself, he did not believe that his son could be too foolish. As a father, he could already sense that there was something wrong with the girlfriend that his son had found. As the party concerned, could his son really not feel anything?

    ¡°Gao Feng, have you ever told anyone in school that you¡¯re Gao Yan¡¯s son?¡± Gao Yan brought this question up at that moment.

    Gao Feng¡¯s face was flushed. ¡°Of course not!¡± How could he do that? When he was younger, he knew that his father was a nouveau riche in the IT industry. Now, he had ¡®old money¡¯. Gao Feng did not want to be famous because of Gao Yan. That was why Gao Feng had never been a spendthrift ever since he was a child.

    Gao Feng knew that everyone¡¯s attitude toward him would change once he told them that his father was Gao Yan, the CEO of Gao¡¯s Technology Capital. He could not care less about that.

    When his father was younger, he had been able to go from nothing to being able to provide his mom with such a good life. When he entered society himself, he would be able to do so too. There was no reason that he would be that different from his father.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± As long as that youngdy did not know about the Gao family¡¯s background, he and Fang Fang would not need to interfere. This matter would resolve itself very quickly without their help anyway. If Gao Feng had less pocket money and was not able to spend like he did before, that youngdy would not find it entirely uneptable to continue staying by Gao Feng¡¯s side, even though it was true that she was slightly materialistic.

    But of course, if the results were the opposite, that would be even better. If that youngdy could not bear with such conditions and wanted to break up with their son, could their son really me them for giving him a low living allowance? Gao Feng lived afortable and easy life. It was because he had a father like that and a mother like Fang Fang that his foundations were strong.

    If he had other people as his parents, there would only be the same result when Gao Feng encountered such rtionship problems.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s do it like that. It¡¯s actually not too early for you to get into a rtionship. If you still don¡¯t get into a rtionship now, it really might get toote. I don¡¯t care about anything else. But if your results take a toll because of your rtionship, and you upset your mom, you¡¯d better watch out.¡± Gao Yan patted Gao Feng on his shoulders, indicating the end of their conversation.

    Gao Feng heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Dad, Mom¡¯s already upset. Are you really not forcing me to break up with my girlfriend?¡± He had thought that his protective dad would do all he could to stop anything that upset his mom. He would not even blink an eye when killing his own son.

    Of course, Gao Yan knew what Gao Feng was thinking and smiled meaningfully. ¡°Your mom is my wife, but you¡¯re my only son. If you really have someone you like and are happy about it, I¡¯ll be happy for you too. Your mom has me. Her mood will improve in a few days¡¯ time.¡±

    It was just as well that he would use this opportunity to let Fang Fang understand that no matter how much she loved her son and thought that he was the best child in the world, there would eventuallye a day when her son would be someone else¡¯s husband and treat that woman well. When that time came, his mom would eventually be ced behind that woman.

 Chapter 1721 - A Reassuring Child

    <h4>Chapter 1721: A Reassuring Child</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But he was different. He was Fang Fang¡¯s husband. He was going to stay by Fang Fang¡¯s side for the rest of her life. He was the only one who would always rank Fang Fang first in his heart. He did not believe that he would still have to fight with his son for Fang Fang¡¯s affection after this incident.

    Older people were always wiser. Gao Feng was still too inexperienced to challenge him.

    As a wife lover, his son was not only just as superficial as clouds but was also the biggest third wheel on earth. It had not been easy for Gao Yan to chance upon such a precious opportunity. How could he call himself a businessman if he did not capitalize on this opportunity?

    He had to knock this rascal down, after all. Looking at it from this angle, Gao Yan was rather grateful for the appearance of this youngdy.

    How would Gao Feng ever imagine that his dad had such ideas? ¡°Dad, don¡¯t toot your own horn. Since when has Mom ever listened to you? I bet Mom must have gone to look for Auntie Qiao again. It¡¯s been so many years, but Mom still has such a good rtionship with Auntie Qiao.¡± At the mention of Qiao Nan, Gao Feng¡¯s tone improved, and his earlier impetuousness disappeared.

    Gao Yan hit Gao Feng on his head in jest. ¡°Can you stop trying to expose me? Don¡¯t you know just how many people are trying to suck up to me once I get out of our house? I don¡¯t even let them have that chance. It¡¯s rare to have the right time and ce for you to have such an opportunity, but you¡¯re saying such things instead. Are you a fool?¡±

    Gao Yan would never admit to the fact that he had waited for so many years to win against his son, but he would still never surpass Qiao Nan in Fang Fang¡¯s heart.

    Losing to a woman... Who would have guessed?

    But when Gao Yan thought about Tian Dong and Zhu Baoguo, who were in the same boat as him, Gao Yan immediately calmed down. It was all good as long as he was not the only one in such a plight and suffering losses.

    After this conversation, Qiao Nan really felt that she had grown old. It was not just Zhai Xin who had encountered rtionship problems. Even Gao Feng, who was only in high school, already had a ¡®wife¡¯. Qiao Nan did not even know what to say about these children nowadays. She was really unable to keep up with the pace of these so-called trends.

    Among the children in Zhai Yi¡¯s generation, other than her eldest son, Zhai Yi, who worried Qiao Nan the least, there were only Tian Haoran and Zhu Yu who never caused Qiao Nan any worries. In Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes, these two children were no different from the triplets. They were all her children whom she had brought up. Thus, she treated Tian Haoran and Zhu Yu just like how she treated the triplets.

    She wondered whether it was because he had been brought up ¡®astray¡¯. Tian Haoran was nothing like Zhai Hua and had a soldier¡¯s blood in him. From a young age, he expressed interest and love for the military and military uniform. Perhaps it was because he liked to join in the fun while he was younger and yed with his elder brothers¡¯ and sisters¡¯ toys.

    When he grew up, Tian Haoran¡¯s results were just as ster as the triplet¡¯s. He almost swept the first-ce ranking in the level. When the time came for Tian Haoran to pick a university, he chose to go to Peking University and became schoolmates with Zhai Yu without any hesitation.

    But Qiao Nan knew Tian Haoran¡¯s temper and habits well. She felt that Tsinghua University might suit Tian Haoran better. Whether it was Peking University or Tsinghua University, as long as it helped in a child¡¯s development, Qiao Nan felt that there was no problem in Tian Haoran not picking Peking University.

    That was Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion, and it was the only time she was rejected by Tian Haoran.

    Qiao Nan had be somewhat of a political celebrity. With her excellent foreignnguage skills, she was hired by Peking University as a nominal lecturer and honorary professor of Peking University. Even though Qiao Nan very rarely returned to Peking University to teach, Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Peking University was undeniable.

    Based on this alone, Tian Haoran refused to listen to anyone¡¯s advice and insisted on going to Peking University. Tian Haoran exined that he would definitely have to go overseas to further his studies in the future because of the major he was going to choose. Thus, there was no need to bother about whether he was going to Peking University or Tsinghua University. Besides, Peking University was such a good school and was excellent in his choice of major too. So why should he not go to Peking University?

    Indeed, Tian Haoran became a researcher. He did not like the idea of being a soldier and did not like business, but he really liked doing research and experiments.

    Zhu Yu¡¯s choice was much simpler. His father was a chief, and his mom was a famous female general. With such a family background and influence, it would be a waste and just as disappointing as Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin not following in their father¡¯s footsteps if Zhu Yu did not enter the military.

    From a young age, Zhu Yu¡¯s physique was much better than an ordinary child¡¯s. When other children used to get sick with flu or fevers, Zhu Yu had never. Especially during the change in seasons or the flu season, Zhu Yu was always the healthiest child that never worried Qiao Nan.

    Perhaps it was because he had been brought up by Qiao Nan and had been influenced by Qiao Nan that Zhu Yu was not as foolish as Zhu Baoguo had been when he was younger. The moment he entered the military, he was already extremely sharp both physically and mentally. Zhu Yu¡¯s intelligence hade entirely from his mom, Shi Qing, and was much higher than his father¡¯s. Under Qiao Nan¡¯s guidance, a young Zhu Yu had managed to skip three grades.

    Even after skipping grades, once he settled down, Zhu Yu had never fallen out of the top five rankings in his levels during his examinations. What¡¯s more, he would even catch up in the shortest time possible and rank among the top three in his level.

    That was why Zhu Yu was about the same age as Gao Feng, but while Gao Feng was still in high school, Zhu Yu had not only finished his college entrance examination but had also been invited to the military based on his extraordinary results.

    As for Tian Haoran, he had not inherited his father¡¯s emotional intelligence at all. Instead, he had matured extremely early on and had be a ¡®bookworm¡¯. Tian Dong was about 1.9 meters tall, and Tian Haoran had inherited these genes from his father. Moreover, Tian Haoran was fair and clear-skinned and was not a skinny and weak chicken. With all that and his extraordinary academic performance, there was a long line of girls who had a crush on Tian Haoran.

    But Tian Haoran had no interest in such things. Apart from performing experiments, he hardly had any interaction with ¡®outsiders¡¯. In the face of all these confessions, Tian Haoran would always reply with the same thing. ¡°Thank you for your wrongly-ced love, but I had not counted on having your love. I hope you¡¯ll find someone who¡¯ll love you back.¡±

    These lines had been used a thousand times and had never changed the slightest bit from the time he was in junior high school, all the way until he was in university. Because of this, the boys who had grown up together with Tian Haoran had to respect him for that.

    As for Zhu Yu, Qiao Nan had even less reason to worry. There was a saying that when one was in the army for three years, even a sow was considered pretty. Zhu Yu was so outstanding that he had surpassed Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin and had been recruited into the special forces. Other than bloodsucking mosquitoes, he did not even have the chance to see any female animals, let alone sows.

    In that case, apart from Zhai Xin, the one that Qiao Nan was more worried about at the moment was Gao Feng.

 Chapter 1722 - Two-Timing

    <h4>Chapter 1722: Two-Timing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thankfully, Gao Feng was different from both Zhu Yu and Tian Haoran. Fang Fang had lots of free time, and it was only natural that she had more time to keep her eye on her son aspared to other people. With both of his parents around, Qiao Nan felt that nothing much could go wrong with Gao Feng getting into an early rtionship.

    But it was always better to be safe than sorry in life. Gao Feng had not caused a huge mess, but to put it bluntly, it seemed as though love between the younger generation always had something to do with resentment and grudges from the previous generation, even if it was unintentional.

    Gao Feng seemed to like his girlfriend very much, and Gao Yan had always thought that reducing his son¡¯s allowance would cause the girl to break up with him. But no one had expected that Gao Feng would be the one to initiate the breakup.

    When she heard that Gao Feng wanted to break up with her, Ma Yuanyuan was stunned. ¡°Did you say something wrongly? Or did I hear something wrongly? What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡± Gao Feng expressed his frustration but repeated himself again at Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s request. ¡°I¡¯ve made myself very clear. You can keep whatever I gave you in the past, or you can choose to throw them away. Let¡¯s stop meeting each other in the future. Even if we bump into each other, let¡¯s just treat each other as strangers. Do you understand?¡±

    Ma Yuanyuan shook her head. ¡°Repeat it again. What did you say?¡± How could that be? Gao Feng had always treated her well, and he had always been willing to buy those things that her parents refused to buy for her.

    Initially, when she had just gotten to know Gao Feng as a friend, she had never expected Gao Feng¡¯s family to be so rich and for Gao Feng to be so generous toward her. But after she started dating him, Ma Yuanyuan always felt that it was good to have a boyfriend like Gao Feng. Most importantly, it was always her boyfriend footing the bill every time they went out for a meal. Looking at the envious gazes from her friends and ssmates, Ma Yuanyuan felt proud.

    ¡°Break. Up!¡± Gao Feng enunciated each word clearly. ¡°All right. I¡¯ve said my piece. Let¡¯s never meet again.¡± With that, Gao Feng turned around and left.

    When Ma Yuanyuan finally came back to her senses, she ran up and tugged on Gao Feng¡¯s arm. ¡°No. Why? We¡¯ve been good all along. Why are you suddenly breaking up with me? I¡¯ve done nothing wrong. Even if I did something wrong, you should just tell me nicely about it. I can change. Why are you suddenly breaking up with me without any apparent reason? Gao Feng, do you have another woman?¡±

    Gao Feng took a step back, distancing himself from Ma Yuanyuan. ¡°We¡¯re no longer in a rtionship. I think it¡¯s necessary to maintain a distance from each other. I¡¯m not such a flippant person, unlike some people... As for the reason for us breaking up? I think we¡¯re not suitable for each other. I don¡¯t like you anymore, so I want to break up with you. Correcting your mistakes? That¡¯s not necessary. Breaking up is sufficient for me.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. You treat me so well. How is it possible that you don¡¯t like me?¡± From the time she was still a child, there was no one else who treated her so well, apart from her own parents. Gao Feng was the only one aside from her parents who splurged on her. Her mom had said that a man who was willing to splurge on a woman might not necessarily like the woman, but a man who refused to splurge on a woman definitely did not love that woman.

    So, it was still possible that Gao Feng liked her.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not breaking up.¡± Ma Yuanyuan was upset. ¡°Gao Feng, I¡¯m telling you. I won¡¯t agree to this breakup. I¡¯m not breaking up with you.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself. As long as you don¡¯te looking for me in the future, I don¡¯t care whether we break up or not.¡± Gao Feng red up too. After hearing Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s words, he felt that he would never date Ma Yuanyuan ever again unless he was a bast*rd!

    Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes turned red, and Gao Feng had sessfully shrugged her hands off a couple of times. ¡°Are you mad at me for spending too much of your money? I told you from the start that I didn¡¯t want to spend your money or receive your gifts. You were the one who insisted on giving those gifts to me. How can you throw a tantrum at me and get angry at me just because you regret your actions? At the very most, you can stop giving me gifts in the future. It¡¯s nothing much not to get any gifts. I¡¯m in a rtionship with you because I like you. How would I have known that you¡¯re so rich?¡±

    She felt extremely aggrieved. She was really not as materialistic as he had made her out to be. At most...

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true you didn¡¯t make such requests. I remember the first time I saw you like a piece of clothing. You were quite moved when I spent eight hundred yuan buying it behind your back and giving it to you as a gift. From then on, you always mentioned to me about how this looked nice, and how that thing was pretty. When we were dating, I splurged on you. I won¡¯t put the me on you either. I¡¯m clear about what was going on. Let¡¯s part amicably. We¡¯re unsuitable, so it¡¯s best for us to break up. Since you¡¯re two-timing me, we¡¯ll break up eventually. What¡¯s the difference between breaking up now instead of in the future?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean I¡¯m two-timing you?¡± Ma Yuanyuan felt a little guilty.

    ¡°I saw what happened when your mom came to find you in school yesterday.¡± Gao Feng sighed. ¡°Speaking of this, it might be a little embarrassing, but I guess it¡¯s better to be honest in case youe looking for me in the future. I was worried that you would be in the same situation that I was in and that your mom woulde to scold you because she had found out about our rtionship. I was thinking of defending you, but I had never expected to overhear your conversation with your mom. You already have someone in mind for marriage, so you should just hunker down and conquer that target. ying around with me? I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not your toy. Thank you for thinking so highly of me, and thank you for wasting your time in high school on me. But I don¡¯t like hooligans.¡±

    Gao Feng had never expected that his kind and considerate girlfriend was so scheming. Ma Yuanyuan treated their rtionship as a ything. Even though he had never thought about whether he would go all the way and enter the chapel with Ma Yuanyuan, at least, he was serious toward Ma Yuanyuan and never toyed with her.

    What upset Gao Feng the most was that not only did he recognize Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s target, but it was his elder brother, Zhai Yi!

    Upon learning of that truth, Gao Feng felt utterly humiliated. At the same time, he was disgusted by Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s hypocrisy. She was dating him on the surface but was thinking about his brother in her heart. How daring was Ma Yuanyuan to be able to be eating from the bowl but still think of what was in the pot!

    ¡°You...¡± Ma Yuanyuan was scared stiff. Her mom had indeede to visit her yesterday, and it was indeed about her rtionship with Gao Feng. That person was called Zhai Yi. Apart from having a chief as a father, she had no idea about what kind of person he was, how he looked, or how he behaved. She knew nothing about him at all.

 Chapter 1723 - Different

    <h4>Chapter 1723: Different</h4>

    Ma Yuanyuan felt rather aggrieved that she had to make such a person her target for marriage. What if that guy was ugly or had a bad temper? Worse still, what if he was abusive? What would she do then?

    Compared to an ¡®old man¡¯ whom she did not know anything about, except for his name and family background, Ma Yuanyuan very much preferred Gao Feng, who was close at hand and who treated her well.

    When her mom had suddenly brought up the topic, Ma Yuanyuan had only replied that she was clear about whom she had to marry in the future just to cate her mom. But Gao Feng treated her well, so she was using Gao Feng as practice and was just fooling around with him. She would definitely break up with Gao Feng in the future. There was no need for her mom to worry about that.

    In fact, Ma Yuanyuan had thought everything through. If that person called Zhai Yi was really better than Gao Feng, it was not impossible for her mom¡¯s words to be reality. But if Zhai Yi could not match up to Gao Feng in any other way apart from his family background, she would rather have Gao Feng instead.

    Being a chief¡¯s wife was her mom¡¯s lifetime dream, not hers. She preferred having more practical things, such as the bags and clothes that Gao Feng had bought her. There was nothing fanciful about being a chief. No matter how high that position was, it was still of a lowly and poor soldier¡¯s. She loved pretty clothes, jewelry, and bags. What could such a poor soldier use to buy her these things? Was he going to steal them for her?

    Other people liked officials, but she preferred men with money!

    But Ma Yuanyuan would never have expected that Gao Feng had overheard those words that she had said to her mother. It was true that one could not speak ill of someone behind their backs! How could it be so coincidental?

    ¡°Gao Feng, I can exin this. That¡¯s my mom¡¯s wishful thinking. My mom has had that dream since she was young. She didn¡¯t manage to fulfill that dream, so I¡¯m the only one who can help her fulfill that dream now. I only said those things to pacify her. I didn¡¯t really mean it. That guy, Zhai Yi, is older than me by a few years. He¡¯s probably almost ten years older than me. He¡¯s such an old man. How can I possibly fall for him? Gao Feng, don¡¯t get upset at me. Please don¡¯t break up with me!¡±

    If he gave her a second chance, she would never ever say such nonsense to her mom in school ever again. What made her depressed was that Gao Feng had caught her right in the act of saying these things to her mom. ¡°Gao Feng, we haven¡¯t been together for a long time. But can you really say that I haven¡¯t been sincere to you? I¡¯ve said that I was only trying to cate my mom. I didn¡¯t mean those words at all. If you really mind, I¡¯ll apologize to you. But I¡¯m sure there¡¯s no need for us to break up, right?¡±

    Upon hearing Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s exnation, not only did Gao Feng have no intention of turning back, but he became even wearier. He did not feel that Ma Yuanyuan was saying those things just to cate her mom. He could tell what was real and what was not.

    Ma Yuanyuan might still have some interest in him now, but his elder brother, Da Bao, was also an outstanding person in every aspect. When Ma Yuanyuan found out about that, Ma Yuanyuan would definitely listen to her mom and break up with him to get together with his elder brother, Da Bao.

    Of course, Gao Feng did not think that Zhai Yi would immediately ept Ma Yuanyuan even if Ma Yuanyuan was willing to break up with him and set her sights on Zhai Yi instead. Once Zhai Yi found out about Gao Feng¡¯s experience with Ma Yuanyuan, Ma Yuanyuan was sure to be out of the game.

    After hearing Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s excuse, Gao Feng could not allow himself to continue being in a rtionship with Ma Yuanyuan.

    No matter how much Gao Feng liked Ma Yuanyuan in the past and how much Ma Yuanyuan tried to apologize to him, Gao Feng was still resolute on breaking up with her.

    It was just a breakup, not a divorce. It did not need both parties toe to an agreement before it could happen. After Gao Feng made up his mind to break up with Ma Yuanyuan, he stopped inviting Ma Yuanyuan out. When Ma Yuanyuan tried to ask Gao Feng out, not only did he refuse, but he even asked someone to reject her on his behalf so that he would not have to face Ma Yuanyuan himself.

    Gao Feng¡¯s attitude made it so obvious that the whole school knew about Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s and Gao Feng¡¯s breakup within three days. After this rumor spread, the matter developed beyond Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s control. No matter how much Ma Yuanyuan refused to break up with Gao Feng, and no matter how much she felt that the two of them were still in a romantic rtionship, the other girls in their school had already started chasing after Gao Feng once again.

    Gao Feng was handsome, had good academic results, and was even physically fit. In school, these studious and sporty guys were extremely popr. But in front of Ma Yuanyuan, Gao Feng never flirted with other girls. Since they were all schoolmates, Gao Feng kept his distance from every single girl.

    Even when girls confessed to Gao Feng, he would always reject them in a gentlemanly manner.

    Seeing the way Gao Feng handled this, many girls gave up their pursuit of Gao Feng. They felt that Gao Feng was the kind of student who was serious and conscientious about his studies. It was the three most critical years of their lives now that they were in high school. It was actually right to focus on their studies and only get into a rtionship after getting into a good university and securing a good future.

    Under Gao Feng¡¯s leadership, the learning atmosphere in the entire high school was very good.

    The problem was that Gao Feng had eventually gotten into a rtionship with Ma Yuanyuan. At this time, the girls who felt that Gao Feng was outstanding suddenly felt as though Gao Feng had only been putting up false pretenses in the past and that their idol had finallye down to earth.

    Ma Yuanyuan had already seeded once. Since Gao Feng had gotten into one rtionship, he would definitely be able to get into a second one. When would be a better time to strike than now?

    Thus, the number of girls who confessed to Gao Feng upon knowing that he had broken up with Gao Feng only increased by the day. It caused such an uproar that even the teachers found out about it.

    Because these students had not gone out of line, the learning atmosphere was still pretty good. Thus, the teachers could only try to convince them patiently and persuade them not to be distracted by other matters during such a crucial period. Their college entrance examination was the most important, after all.

    But thew could not be enforced when everyone was an offender. Since there were so many people doing it, and none of them had gone overboard, there was nothing the teachers could do besides giving their advice.

    Seeing those girls surround Gao Feng as though he was the only male in school infuriated Ma Yuanyuan. She had never even met that guy called Zhai Yi and knew nothing about him, but she was clear about how Gao Feng was as a person. She had not been in a rtionship with Gao Feng for a long time, but Gao Feng had treated her well.

    In the past, it was all right if she had not been able to spend like that. But everything had changed after she started dating Gao Feng.

 Chapter 1724 - No Turning Back

    <h4>Chapter 1724: No Turning Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As long as she took a fancy to a certain piece of clothing, she no longer had to resist her urges and could simply shop as she pleased. Not long after Gao Feng unterally broke up with her, Ma Yuanyuan immediately felt the inconveniences of breaking up with Gao Feng.

    She no longer enjoyed shopping because she knew that she could only eye those pretty clothes, but Gao Feng would not be around to foot her bill. No matter how pretty the clothes were, or how much she liked them, all she could do was take a few more looks at them before someone else bought them.

    In addition, when she was dating Gao Feng in the past, Gao Feng often treated her and her friends to meals.

    Without Gao Feng as her boyfriend, Ma Yuanyuan did not dare to be such a spendthrift. Before she had gotten together with Gao Feng, she was no different from other students and ate in the school canteen like any other student did.

    Thinking about how her friends and ssmates whom Gao Feng had treated in the past hade to ask her when Gao Feng was treating them to another feast, Ma Yuanyuan felt nauseated.

    Did all these so-called friends and ssmates really take her to be a pig¡¯s head and a sacrificialmb? It was only normal for people to take turns footing the bill. Why was she always the one who had to treat them to meals? They were clearly taking advantage of her.

    At that time, she was spending Gao Feng¡¯s money. Since this made her proud, she did not take the matter to heart either. She believed that Gao Feng knew very well whether he was able to fork out this sum of money and would never make her life difficult just because of this sum of money.

    Now that she no longer had her boyfriend footing the bill for her, Ma Yuanyuan was no fool either. There was no way she was going to treat these people to a feast in a restaurant. She was not even willing to treat them to a meal in their school canteen. ¡°Treat you guys to a meal? Talking about that, I treated you to quite a few meals when I was still with Gao Feng. It¡¯s part of our Chinese culture to reciprocate someone else¡¯s kindness. I spent quite a lot of money treating you guys to so many meals. How¡¯s that? Isn¡¯t it time for you guys to treat me someday?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t put it that way. If you really want to talk about it, you weren¡¯t the one treating us. Gao Feng was the one who paid.¡± What? She was not going to treat them, and she was even asking them to treat her? Was Ma Yuanyuan crazy?

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Ma Yuanyuan sneered. ¡°I really wonder when you guys were on such good terms with Gao Feng that Gao Feng was willing to treat you guys to meals. But why hasn¡¯t he asked you guys out recently? Think about why Gao Feng was willing to let you guys take advantage of him. I¡¯m sure you guys are clear about on whose ount Gao Feng was willing to treat you. I haven¡¯t said anything so that we can both save our faces. But since you guys are so thick-skinned, I might as well be straightforward with my words. It¡¯s true that Gao Feng was the one who treated you guys, so shouldn¡¯t you guys pay back the favor and treat Gao Feng to a meal? There¡¯s no need to call me along. You guys can just treat Gao Feng alone.¡±

    Now that Ma Yuanyuan said that, the rest of them were truly rendered speechless.

    They were used to taking advantage of others. It felt good to be able to enjoy a delectable feast outside of school. Eating the food in the school canteen every day was quite miserable indeed. They had thought that Ma Yuanyuan would suffer in order to maintain her pride and would spend her own money to treat them to a meal.

    They had never imagined that Ma Yuanyuan would be so amazing, refusing to treat them to a meal for the sake of her pride. Instead, she had even embarrassed them.

    They were the ones who hade up with such a scheming idea, after all, so they were the ones who would be embarrassed if a word were to get out. It might not matter for the girls, but there were a few boys amongst them. After being lectured by Ma Yuanyuan, those who wanted to maintain their pride dared not argue with Ma Yuanyuan and could only take their leave.

    But there was one person who was persistent and refused to give up. What he said revealed that he was smarter than the others around. ¡°Yuanyuan, you¡¯re so pretty. Others may not know about how well Gao Feng treated you in the past, but we know all too well. He liked you so much. How could he break up with you just like that? Do you mean he really has no more feelings for you? Don¡¯t worry, Yuanyuan. We¡¯re all friends. We¡¯ll definitely support you all the way. If you need any help, you¡¯re wee to find me for help. I¡¯ll try to help you to the best of my abilities.¡±

    Of course, the keyword was ¡®try¡¯.

    Ma Yuanyuan had no idea whether he was being genuine or not. Neither did she want to find out. The entire school had already found out about Gao Feng¡¯s attitude toward her. Wouldn¡¯t they take her for a fool if she were to try to get Gao Feng back? Especially those hussies who were clear that she was dating Gao Feng. They had immediately tried to get involved the minute she had gotten into a fight with Gao Feng.

    Her slightest actions were sure to spread like wildfire among them, and whatever news they spread was sure to be detrimental to her.

    Even though it was true that she did not want to break up with Gao Feng and still wanted to salvage their rtionship, she could not handle the matter in this manner. She had to find an appropriate solution that would allow her to maintain her dignity while sessfully reconciling with Gao Feng.

    The more so this happened, the more so she could not act out of anxiety. If she got anxious, she mighte up with a bad solution and make a misstep. She was not going to allow herself to fall into such a miserable and embarrassing state.

    As Gao Feng¡¯s parents, Gao Yan and Fang Fang quickly learned of their son¡¯s breakup. Initially, Fang Fang was upset that her son was in an early rtionship. But now that her son had broken up with his girlfriend, Fang Fang could not help but worry. ¡°Son, if you¡¯re feeling unwell or upset, do you want to have a chat with Mom? What Mom¡¯s trying to say is that there¡¯s more than one tree in the forest. You should just focus on your studies for now. Once you enter university, you¡¯ll realize just how beautiful and amazing this world is and that your life can be filled with all sorts of people whom you¡¯ve never met before in your life.¡±

    In short, once he interacted with more people, he would definitely meet a girl who was leagues above his ex-girlfriend. There was no need for her son to be so downcast over his first failed rtionship. It made her heart ache seeing her son in this state.

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, Mom.¡± He had almost said ¡®nonsense¡¯ before changing it to ¡®concern¡¯. He was afraid that his dad would give him a tight p if he were to say that his mom was spouting nonsense. ¡°But I was the one who initiated this breakup. I wasn¡¯t dumped. What¡¯s there to be upset about? Haven¡¯t you always disagreed to me being in an early rtionship? Now that I¡¯ve really broken up, shouldn¡¯t you be the most relieved?¡±

    He had thought that his mom would be so happy that she would even light firecrackers to celebrate upon learning of this piece of news.

 Chapter 1725 - One after Another

    <h4>Chapter 1725: One after Another</h4>

    Fang Fangughed. ¡°Do you mean that your mom¡¯s opinion is unimportant and that your own opinion and feelings are most important? Are you really not upset about breaking up? Is it really that easy for you?¡± Or was it just a smokescreen to confuse the adults? Could it be that they had broken up on the surface but were still secretly dating behind everyone¡¯s backs?

    This was clearly feigning something but doing another!

    Based on her son¡¯s intellect, Fang Fang knew that Gao Feng was definitely capable of doing such a thing.

    ¡°Easy?¡± Gao Feng let out augh that was uglier than a cry. ¡°Mom, this was your son¡¯s first rtionship. I really put all my effort into maintaining my rtionship, but it still ended in a breakup. Do you really think it¡¯s easy for me? I may be smiling now, but I¡¯m actually crying inside. Mom, can you stop causing trouble for me? If you really have that much free time, why don¡¯t you find Auntie Qiao for a chat?¡±

    Now that his mom had gone into menopause, no one could make his mom normal. Not him, not his dad. Only Auntie Qiao could do that.

    When he was younger, he always thought that Auntie Qiao could open apany for women to befriend other women if she no longer worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Women at his mom¡¯s age had strange tempers and were really out of control. Auntie Qiao had specialized in foreignnguages, but she was a natural psychologist. She would be able to calm those weird women undergoing menopause with just a few words.

    Gao Feng rubbed his face. He could not imagine the kind of life he would be living if his family did not have Auntie Qiao helping them out along the way.

    His mom was often undergoing menopause, and his dad was no different from his mom. Could it be that his wife had passed her menopause on to her partner because they lived together?

    If that was really the case, he would have to reconsider getting married when he grew up. He could notmit a folly without being sure of it. Otherwise, he might be as irrational as his father who was as crazy as his mother. That would really be too extreme.

    ¡°You little brat! What are you going on about?¡± Gao Yan unhappily knocked his son on the head.

    He was usually very busy because of hispany¡¯s business and expansion. It had not been easy for him to take time to spend some time with his wife, but his son was ruining things for him! He had asked Fang Fang to look for Qiao Nan! What was he going to do? Who would spend time with him?

    All these years, Qiao Nan had upied enough of his wife¡¯s time, and his son was such a fool to say such stupid things to Fang Fang. When he was younger, Fang Fang would definitely bring him along whenever he encouraged Fang Fang to visit the Zhai family. That way, he had many more ymates all at once.

    But now, he was almost going into university and had stille up with such a childish idea. He was truly hopeless.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡± Fang Fang was upset that her son was being hit. ¡°Our son has just broken up. Can¡¯t you show more concern as a father? How can you bear to hit him? Remember that he¡¯s not just your son. I carried him for ten months before giving birth to him. If you want to hit someone, go find someone else. I won¡¯t let you hit my son.¡±

    She was still worried about not having a touching reason tofort her son with. But Gao Yan was ruining the mood by hitting her son. If it was not for her son and the need to maintain Gao Yan¡¯s imposing image in front of his son, Fang Fang would have returned that p on her son¡¯s behalf.

    Gao Yan pouted. All right, Gao Feng was Fang Fang¡¯s son. Her precious son. He would not be able to do anything to this rascal while Fang Fang was around. But there were bound to be times when Fang Fang was not around. As long as Fang Fang was not under Fang Fang¡¯s watchful eye, he would have ample opportunity to deal with that rascal, then.

    Gao Feng, who had unknowingly irritated his father, felt that he was too aggrieved. Should he not be the one beingforted now that he had just broken up? Why had he suddenly be his father¡¯s eyesore and thorn in the flesh? Why was his father looking at him so menacingly?

    How aggrieved he felt! What had he done?

    Gao Feng felt that he had gotten the worst possible treatment for someone who had just broken up.

    His dad did not allow his mom to visit Auntie Qiao. But if he was free and wanted to visit Auntie Qiao, his dad should have nothing to say about that, right?

    As expected, Gao Yan did not have anything to say about that. His wife did not visit his greatest love rival, Qiao Nan, and the biggest third wheel around them, their son, had finally left them alone to have some time to themselves. Gao Yan felt that this was the life he should be living, and this was what his son ought to do.

    Gao Yan, who was as happy as ark, pulled Fang Fang along for a chat. He continuously persuaded Fang Fang that a boy of Gao Feng¡¯s age was stubborn. The more they tried to persuade him, the more he would want to rebel.

    As long as they gave their son enough time and space for him to cool down and think for himself what would be the best way to deal with the matter, their son would eventuallye to a realization.

    Before that, all they had to do as parents was stand aside and keep their eye on their son, allowing him to think independently to resolve this problem. In that way, they could witness their son¡¯s growth.

    As a businessman, as long as Gao Yan worked his magic, he could deceive even ghosts, let alone coax a person. In no time, Fang Fang, whose mind was all focused on education and simpler than others¡¯,pletely bought whatever Gao Yan had told her without any hesitation.

    Both sets of parents had known about how this couple got along with each other. Initially, Mother and Father Fang had always thought highly of Gao Yan and wanted him to be their son-inw. But they were a little worried about whether letting Fang Fang marry Gao Yan was them helping their daughter find a good husband, or whether they weremitting a folly and were actually pushing their daughter into a firepit.

    When the two of them were together, it was obvious that Gao Yan was that sly old fox who had everything in his control. In front of such a sly old fox, their daughter was an innocent bunny who simply followed whatever Gao Yan said. Thankfully, Mother and Father Fang were convinced by their inws.

    Although Fang Fang was not exactly ying dumb, they could not stop their son from falling for Fang Fang¡¯s trap. Even in terms of intelligence, Fang Fang seemed not to be able to match up to their son.

 Chapter 1726 - To Laugh or To Cry

    <h4>Chapter 1726: To Laugh or To Cry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The problem was that between the two children, Gao Yan had been the one who stepped into the pit first. Thus, it was not Fang Fang who had been coaxed to no end. On the contrary, it had been Gao Yan who was whipped for Fang Fang.

    Because of this, Gao Yan finally got his wish and married a beauty. They even had a son like Gao Feng.

    At this time, Gao Yan showed off his talent of being able to deceive Fang Fang, sessfully winning some time for the couple to spend together alone.

    When Qiao Nan heard about the matter from Gao Feng who hade to visit her, her eyes widened in shock. ¡°What did you just say? I didn¡¯t hear you clearly. Can you repeat yourself?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Qiao...¡± Gao Feng was embarrassed. He had gone all out for his first rtionship, but the girl whom he had chosen so carefully had been so fickle. She was dating him and was spoiled by him, but she had another man in her heart. What Gao Feng could not ept was that his girlfriend had set her sights on his own elder brother whom he adored and respected. He was too embarrassed to repeat what he had just said, much less in the presence of Auntie Qiao. Auntie Qiao might as well use a block of tofu to kill him!

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. ¡°Fengfeng, don¡¯t get upset. Perhaps, it¡¯s because Auntie Qiao has been busy with work and has gotten too confused. I apologize if I wasn¡¯t able to consider your feelings.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, it¡¯s not that serious. I¡¯m not that weak.¡± This time, Gao Feng was shocked. He knew that his dad seemed to dislike Auntie Qiao on the surface, but in fact, his dad had always told him that there was only one woman whom he respected in his whole life: Auntie Qiao.

    As for his mom, that went without saying. She was a true fan of Auntie Qiao.

    He was younger than Auntie Qiao, and Auntie Qiao had not even said anything wrong. If he dared to ept Auntie Qiao¡¯s apology, his parents would definitely gang up to get rid of him once they found out about this matter.

    ¡°Hold up.¡± Qiao Nan took a sip of water. ¡°Fengfeng, I hope you won¡¯t get angry. It¡¯s just that there¡¯ve been too many things going ontely. You said earlier that your girlfriend and her mom already have someone in mind. Who¡¯s their target?¡± She was beginning to suspect that she was having auditory hallucinations because of that incident with Zhou Xing and her second son.

    Logically, since something like that had already happened to Er Bao, it was only expected that Da Bao would be next.

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, it¡¯s true. My ex-girlfriend and her mom have set their sights on Brother Da Bao. I heard that that auntie is clear about the Zhai family¡¯s background and knows the kind of influence Uncle Zhai has in the army. That was why she asked her daughter to set her eyes on Brother Da Bao.¡±

    But that mother had never expected that the daughter whom she had groomed had not even entered university but had already found a boy who was not her target to get into a rtionship, and they seemed to be in quite a serious rtionship. ¡°Auntie Qiao, don¡¯t worry. Brother Da Bao is not such a muddleheaded person. I think that even if Brother Da Bao knows nothing about what went on between me and her, she would never be the kind of person that Brother Da Bao would fall for. When Brother Da Bao learns about her past rtionship with me, more so would Brother Da Bao reject her.¡±

    In his mind, his elder brother Da Bao had always been very rational and self-controlled since he was young.

    Whether it was based on the person or the incident, he could not picture his elder brother Da Bao ever falling into Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s trap.

    ¡°Ma Yuanyuan. That¡¯s such a coincidence.¡± Qiao Nan heard that the youngdy not only knew about her family background but had even set her goal on her eldest son. Then, she thought again about the surname ¡®Ma¡¯. There was something that made Qiao Nan feel slightly uneasy and suspicious. ¡°Do you know who Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s parents are? Or what their names are?¡±

    Could there be such coincidences in this world? But if it was not a coincidence, how would that pair of mother and daughter be so clear about the Zhai family¡¯s situation? The Zhai family was indeed quite famous within the country, but they were not so well-known that everyone should know of the Zhai family¡¯s situation so clearly.

    If it was so easy to inquire about the Zhai family, Peng Yu would never have spent so much time and effort on doing so. Now, his son was already in junior high school, but he had yet toplete his original mission. It was definitely no mean feat to find out about the Zhai family.

    Seeing Qiao Nan getting nervous, Gao Feng frowned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Auntie Qiao? Do you know Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s family?¡± He had grown up under Auntie Qiao¡¯s watch since he was a child. Auntie Qiao had always been gentle and organized when doing things. His mom even said that a person like Auntie Qiao¡¯s was the best because she was not impatient at all.

    His mom had even said that perhaps it was because he had grown up with Auntie Qiao that he did have some simrities with her in this aspect. But Auntie Qiao¡¯s current expression was one that he had never seen before.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t, then do you know what Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom is called?¡± It was not at all weird to share the same surname. There were only a few hundred surnames in the whole of China, after all. It would not be umon to share a surname. Even sharing names was not umon. But if both her father¡¯s and mother¡¯s name were the same, then it would definitely not be as simple as a coincidence.

    ¡°I think her surname is Qiu, but I¡¯m not too sure about her full name.¡± Gao Feng answered honestly.

    Both he and Ma Yuanyuan were still young. Even though they had started dating secretly during such a sensitive time in high school, they had not done anything too crazy. Of course, if they needed to be so secretive with something like holding hands, meeting their parents was still a matter of years away.

    Even the surname of Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom was only revealed by a slip of Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s tongue. When Ma Yuanyuan asionallyined about her mom¡¯s high expectations of her, she had once mentioned that ¡®Old Qiu¡¯. ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom works in the government sector too.¡±

    After learning about that, Gao Feng had thought that there would be no obstacles to his rtionship with Ma Yuanyuan. He did not care about Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s family background, but what if his parents did? As long as Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s family background was all right, there would be no major problems if he wanted to get together with Ma Yuanyuan in the future.

    Because of this, Gao Feng still had this impression of Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s family situation. Otherwise, Gao Feng would not even be able to answer Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden question today.

    After receiving such an answer, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or to cry. She had really guessed so. The Zhai family¡¯s background was undoubtedly good. Excellent, indeed.

 Chapter 1727 - Public Display of Affection

    <h4>Chapter 1727: Public Disy of Affection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But the Zhai family¡¯s situation was different from a typical family¡¯s. They were unlike those businessmen who were ranked as the richest man in China and among the richest people in the world. Those with prominent military backgrounds were not allowed to be exposed to the media in this way.

    If the family situations of those with prominent military backgrounds were to be exposed, the title of the national husband could no longer be assumed by those rich N-generation heirs. For that reason, unless they were familiar with the Zhai family, there was no way they would tell their daughter who had juste of age that her future husband must be no one else but Zhai Yi. Other than Zhai Yi, she couldn¡¯t have intimate contact or even fall in love with other boys.

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, if you¡¯re not feeling well, shall I send you to the hospital to get a checkup?¡± Gao Feng could feel that the smile of Qiao Nan¡¯s face was not a happy one. In fact, there was a tinge of uneasiness in it. ¡°Auntie Qiao, you have to take care of your health. We all care very much about you. Please don¡¯t hide it from us if you¡¯re feeling unwell.¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m healthy and I go for a yearly health checkup. I have no problems at all.¡± Qiao Nan quickly reassured Gao Feng, knowing that he was saying so out of concern for her. There was nothing wrong with her body. It was her ¡®heart¡¯ that had a problem. ¡°Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom... I know her, and so does your uncle Zhai. I guess you can say that we¡¯re old acquaintances.¡±

    If she had not remembered wrongly, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mom, Qi Min, had tried to snatch her father-inw away from her mother-inw. Following that, Qiu Chenxi had even proimed herself to be Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Now, Qiu Chenxi seemed to want her daughter to be her daughter-inw by getting together with Da Bao.

    Sigh...

    ¡°Old acquaintances? That¡¯s impossible!¡± Gao Feng denied it immediately. Such a thing was impossible. ¡°We children know that Uncle Zhai doesn¡¯t even know a single female apart from you and Sister San Bao!¡± Moreover, his Uncle Zhai could never distinguish between genders. He had even once suspected that his Uncle Zhai had a gender consciousness disorder.

    Of course, only when Gao Feng grew up did he gradually understand why apart from his wife, Qiao Nan, there was only one other female in the world in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, and that was his daughter. So when he met Ma Yuanyuan and his heart stirred, Gao Feng had been absolutely sincere with his feelings throughout this entire rtionship.

    Unfortunately, the effort he put in did not guarantee a return.

    Qiao Nan was tickled by Gao Feng¡¯s words. ¡°In your Uncle Zhai¡¯s eyes, it might be true that only San Bao and I are female. But the main point is that your Uncle Zhai is undoubtedly a man of high caliber in other people¡¯s eyes. Today, it¡¯s because of your Uncle Zhai¡¯s rtionship with me that they have all given uppletely. But they still have a chance with Da Bao and Er Bao. There was someone who failed to win over your Uncle Zhai. That is why she sets her sights on your elder brothers, Da Bao and Er Bao, after giving birth to a daughter.¡±

    Obviously, the one whom Qiu Chenxi had eventually decided on was Da Bao and not Er Bao. But Er Bao... Forget it. She would rather not talk about Zhou Xing. From what she knew, after Zhou Xing apologized to Er Bao, she had indeed never shown up in front of Er Bao ever again. Neither did she continue constantly bothering Er Bao by calling him to go out with her.

    ¡°...¡± Upon hearing such shocking news, Gao Feng did not know how to react. ¡°No wonder...¡± No wonder Ma Yuanyuan told her that she did not even know who Da Bao was and that dating Da Bao was just her mom¡¯s wishful thinking.

    He had initially been confused. If Ma Yuanyuan knew Da Bao, there was no way she would not know about their rtionship since he had such a close rtionship with Da Bao, so much so that they were practically biological brothers. Since Ma Yuanyuan had already made Da Bao her target and was even dating him in high school, Ma Yuanyuan was not practicing dating. Given his rtionship with Da Bao, Ma Yuanyuan was simply digging her own grave!

    Gao Feng bit on his lip. It was just that he had met a girl whom he had felt was right for him and wanted to get into an early rtionship. He had not expected such a rare thing to happen to him!

    As he found out more about her, Gao Feng gave uppletely on Ma Yuanyuan. Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom was someone who had fought over his uncle with Auntie Qiao! From a young age, his parents had constantly mentioned how good the rtionship between Uncle Zhai and Auntie Qiao was.

    Gao Feng believed that such an inflexible person like his Uncle Zhai would never have an affair. And thus, Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom had not seeded ining between the two of them since the one Uncle Zhai liked was Auntie Qiao. Twenty years on, she was getting her own daughter to marry Uncle Zhai¡¯s and Auntie Qiao¡¯s son!

    Gao Feng¡¯s lips twitched. He really had no idea how to assess Ma Yuanyuan and her mom. ¡°Ma Yuanyuan is a little pitiful.¡± It was impossible for Ma Yuanyuan toe up with such an idea.

    The only exnation was that Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom had constantly instilled this idea into her. Whether it was true or not, Ma Yuanyuan had no choice but to agree to it just to pacify her mom. It had been her mom¡¯s obsession for decades. If Ma Yuanyuan were to refuse, her mom would definitely pester her to no end.

    ¡°But it takes two to tango. Ma Yuanyuan is almost an adult and has the ability to think and judge for herself. It¡¯s not as though she¡¯s at home every day. She should find a bnce for herself. Of course, these are all the Ma family¡¯s affairs. What I¡¯m saying is that if Ma Yuanyuan is unwilling, parents can never force their children to do anything.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not really agree with the statement that Ma Yuanyuan was pitiful. Based on how Ma Yuanyuan had been able to date Gao Feng even after Qiu Chenxi¡¯s brainwashing, it could be seen that Ma Yuanyuan was an opinionated youngdy. She was not the kind of girl who would let her elders manipte her.

    Qiao Nan was not being narcissistic. But given the family background of the Zhai family and how outstanding Da Bao was, it was easy to be attracted to Da Bao. A possible reason for Ma Yuanyuan not rejecting Qiu Chenxi¡¯s idea right away was because she might have thought that Da Bao was indeed a good catch after learning about his family background. Thus, she left a possibility for things to develop between her and Da Bao.

    Qiao Nan was already an adult, so it was only natural that she looked at things moreprehensively than Gao Feng did. ¡°You came over for this matter?¡± Since Gao Feng already knew Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s ns, Ma Yuanyuan was no longer a problem given the rtionship between Gao Feng and Da Bao.

    ¡°No.¡± Gao Feng¡¯s face turned stiff. ¡°My parents are showing public disys of affection at home. For the sake of my own physical and mental health, I really can¡¯t stay at home any longer.¡±

 Chapter 1728 - Another Old Acquaintance

    <h4>Chapter 1728: Another Old Acquaintance</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, I can¡¯t wait to go to university. When the timees, I won¡¯t pick universities in the capital. I¡¯ll choose some other ce to study. That way, I can choose toe home only twice a year. Otherwise, I¡¯ll always be bullied for being single. Didn¡¯t you say that my mom didn¡¯t really like my dad before they got married and that my mom even had other boyfriends?¡±

    They had already been married for so many years, yet their rtionship was only improving by the day, and they seemed to be even clingier than young people nowadays.

    Gao Feng thought that his parents had a huge role to y in him getting into an early rtionship with Ma Yuanyuan. If they had not constantly shown off their affection for each other in front of him, would he have been in such a hurry to find a girlfriend and experience falling in love for himself?

    Because of the sparks that constantly flew around at home, Gao Feng¡¯s greatest wish was to be the one to create these sparks one day and show them some public disys of affection too. It was only right to reciprocate what had been given to him, after all.

    ¡°...¡± Upon hearing Gao Feng¡¯s excuse, Qiao Nan had only one word: respect. ¡°All right, you might as well have dinner at my house tonight.¡± Knowing that Fang Fang¡¯s rtionship with Gao Yan was getting better and better, Qiao Nan was naturally happy for Fang Fang. Gao Yan had really remained faithful after marriage and still cherished Fang Fang deeply.

    Qiao Nan was happy to see Fang Fang living a blissful life and being as happy as ark after her marriage to Gao Yan. Fang Fang¡¯s blissful life proved that those things that she had done in the past had not harmed anyone, and neither were they meddling in someone else¡¯s business.

    But because Gao Feng had mentioned Ma Yuanyuan to Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi was once again brought to Qiao Nan¡¯s attention after ten years.

    Peng Yu had wanted to deal with Zhai Sheng several times, but he had always failed to do so. Deng Wenchang was someone that Peng Yu had helped in joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now, Deng Wenchang had been the minister of foreign affairs for several years. Unfortunately, Peng Yu¡¯s n had never developed.

    Deng Wenchang had suddenly ended the Deng family¡¯s coboration with the Peng family at the veryst minute. It was at this time that Qiao Nan stepped down from her previous position and supported Deng Wenchang into the position.

    Because of that, Peng Yu had finally seen the dawn of victory. But it was exactly because of this that all his previous efforts had gone down the drain. The most infuriating part was that the helper whom he had found was no longer working for him and had even supported the one whom he was trying to defeat! This almost drove Peng Yu to his grave!

    After Deng Wenchang took over that position, many people knew that Deng Wenchang might have been the minister, but the one who had the most power in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was still Qiao Nan. In the face of such a situation, Deng Wenchang had not tried to change anything and had even epted it over the years.

    Based on this alone, it was clear that Deng Wenchang was on the Zhai family¡¯s side.

    This change caused the Peng family to be a joke in everyone¡¯s eyes, making everyone realize just how powerful the Zhai family was. It was not just anybody who could pull an enemy¡¯s ally over to their own side to be their own stepping stone.

    In short, Peng Yu and the Peng family became somewhat of a joke in the military circle because of Deng Wenchang. If Deng Wenchang was the Peng family¡¯s first joke, then Qiu Chenxi was undoubtedly Peng Yu¡¯s second.

    More than a decade had passed, and both Peng Yu and Qiu Chenxi had gotten married to their respective partners. Their children were all grown up too. The problem was that at that time, Peng Yu¡¯s parents had always brought Qiu Chenxi around by their side, acting as though Qiu Chenxi was their daughter-inw.

    Everyone was wondering what was wrong with Peng Yu. He was clearly at war with Zhai Sheng, but why was he acting so high and mighty after ¡®picking up¡¯ a woman that Zhai Sheng dumped?

    Was Peng Yu trying to prove to everyone that Zhai Sheng was blind, and Qiu Chenxi, whom Zhai Sheng had abandoned for Qiao Nan, was truly the best woman on earth?

    To tell the truth, they might have agreed with Peng Yu¡¯s way of thinking and actions in the past. But when the news spread that Qiu Chenxi was going to be the Peng family¡¯s daughter-inw, Qiao Nan¡¯s career had taken off and had already reached a certain height. There was no way for Qiu Chenxi to match up to that, much less surpass that.

    All they could say about Peng Yu having such thoughts was that all his efforts would eventually be in vain. After all that effort, Peng Yu would not be able to prove that Qiu Chenxi was more outstanding than Qiao Nan, or that he had better judgment than Zhai Sheng. What if he got a p in the face? How embarrassing would that be?

    Just as everyone was caught up in the uproar surrounding Peng Yu and Qiu Chenxi, Peng Yu got into a shotgun marriage with a girl who had just returned from abroad and gave birth to a son within a year.

    What was even stranger was how people were still discussing about when Peng Yu and Qiu Chenxi would hold their wedding banquet. Peng Yu had gotten into a shotgun marriage, and so had Qiu Chenxi with an official with the surname ¡®Ma¡¯.

    Peng Yu¡¯s wife had given birth to a son. Within a few months, Qiu Chenxi and that official with the surname ¡®Ma¡¯ also gave birth to their daughter. It seemed as though these two people werepeting with each other. Neither would lose to each other in terms of getting married or giving birth to their children. It was so bizarre that people could not even pick up with whatever was going on. When had getting married and having children be apetition?

    Initially, Peng Yu had wanted topete with Zhai Sheng. But now, it seemed as though he waspeting with Qiu Chenxi. Such a phenomenon made people who initially did not believe that Peng Yu was together with Qiu Chenxi be suspicious of whether the two of them were indeed in a rtionship.

    Otherwise, why did it seem as though Peng Yu and Qiu Chenxi were having apetition to get married and have children? Only lovers who had fought would do something so childish and foolish!

    There were also many people who were paying attention to Peng Yu, hoping to watch a good show. Upon hearing about the news regarding Peng Yu, Zhai Sheng, whom Peng Yu had always treated as his rival, did not show any response. He was so calm that it seemed as though Peng Yu was a stranger to him.

    Peng Yu thought of Zhai Sheng as his lifetime rival, but Zhai Sheng had never paid any attention to Peng Yu and did not think so highly of Peng Yu that he would be a rival of his.

    Whatever other people told Zhai Sheng about Peng Yu went in one ear and out from the other. asionally, when he remembered what was said, Zhai Sheng would subconsciously talk to Qiao Nan about it.

    That was why Qiao Nan had immediately realized whose daughter Ma Yuanyuan was the moment Gao Feng mentioned Ma Yuanyuan. Her mom was also a government official, and her dad¡¯s surname was ¡®Ma¡¯, and they lived near the capital. There were not many people who fulfilled all these criteria. Moreover, Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s mom¡¯s surname was ¡®Qiu¡¯. Qiao Nan was absolutely sure that Ma Yuanyuan was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s daughter.

 Chapter 1729 - A Better Attitude

    <h4>Chapter 1729: A Better Attitude</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had thought that Zhai Sheng would no longer be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s target now that she had Peng Yu. She thought that Qiu Chenxi would change her target. Who would have expected that Qiu Chenxi would get her daughter to inherit her mom¡¯s career and continue setting her sights on the men of the Zhai family?

    Faced with all three generations of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s family¡¯s obsession with the men of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan did not know how to react.

    That day, not only did Gao Feng have his dinner with the Zhai family, but he also spent the night at their house. Whether it was Gao Feng, Zhu Yu, or Tian Haoran, these children would always have their own beds when they slept over, even if they could not have their own rooms. In the capital where every square foot ofnd was precious, it was already not easy that the Zhai family could ce so many beds in their house.

    The house that the Zhai family was living in was given to the Zhai family because of Zhai Yaohui. With Qiao Nan¡¯s financial abilities, it would be easy for Qiao Nan to find a bigger and better ce than this, even though they were in the capital. Qiao Nan would not even have to spend a single cent on purchasing a new home. She would simply have to spend some time and effort to move her things over to a house that her master had left to her among the huge inheritance that he had passed down to her.

    But the Zhai family did not mind living the way they did, and Qiao Nan herself was not that extravagant. Since there were many kids at home, it was a little cramped. But that also meant that their home felt warmer and cozier. After all, the children were all grown up and spent more time outside than they did at home with their elders.

    If they were to move to a bigger house, it would befortable when there were more people around. But when there were fewer people, an empty house would seem too cold for Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui. Taking her parents-inw¡¯s opinions into consideration, Qiao Nan gave up the idea of moving.

    Sleeping in a familiar bed, Gao Feng slept well through the night. Gao Feng felt right at home with the Zhai family. His father was good at making money, and they were notcking financially. They had no problem buying any kind of house they wanted even in a ce like the capital.

    To let his mom livefortably, his dad had really bought a mansion. But there were not many people living in such arge house. Moreover, his parents had a good rtionship and were always showing public disys of affection. As such, Gao Feng had no good feelings toward his own mansion at all.

    No matter where he stayed, he felt the mostfortable and at ease at the Zhai family¡¯s house. Unfortunately, his childhood friends were not by his side. Otherwise, it would surely be more lively andfortable.

    He wondered if his elder brother, Da Bao, had found a girlfriend after entering university. It was best if he had. As long as Da Bao had a girlfriend, Ma Yuanyuan should not have the guts to appear in front of Da Bao. If Ma Yuanyuan really did that, she would be the third party in a rtionship. She would be interfering in someone else¡¯s rtionship and snatching someone else¡¯s boyfriend!

    Sigh. He could only hope that Ma Yuanyuan had her own limits and her pride as a person and would not blindly follow whatever her mom said regarding Da Bao andmit a folly because of that. Actually, whether his elder brother, Da Bao, was in a rtionship or not, Ma Yuanyuan did not even stand a chance either way. He liked girls like Ma Yuanyuan, but she was not the type of girl that Da Bao would take a fancy to.

    Realizing that he had constantly been thinking about Ma Yuanyuan after lying down, Gao Feng was slightly frustrated. He tried to stop himself from thinking of her. No matter what Ma Yuanyuan decided to do, it would still take two to tango. Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s lone efforts would not result in sess.

    Even if he could not trust Ma Yuanyuan, he should have faith in his elder brother. Yes, that was it. After convincing himself, Gao Feng finally threw the nket over himself and closed his eyes to sleep.

    Knowing that his son was not returning home and was going to spend the night at the Zhai family¡¯s, the heartless father, Gao Yan, was pretty happy. That would only mean that the third wheel would not be around, and they could continue having their time alone as a couple. Yes, actually, he would not mind if his son spent more time at the Zhai family¡¯s house when he came home on the weekends or during his school holidays.

    But Fang Fang was not in such a good mood like Gao Yan was. After her son entered high school, she could only see her son once a month. He had finally returned home but had gone to her sister¡¯s house to spend the night instead. She missed her son dearly. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. Can¡¯t you treat Fengfeng nicely? Why do I feel like you¡¯re treating Fengfeng as a free gift that you got when signing up for a mobile contract? Is he really your son?¡±

    ¡°Of course he is.¡± If he was not his own son, would he have let Gao Feng hog his wife for so long? If it had been any other man, Gao Yan would have sent him to his death no matter what kind of person or age he was after upying Fang Fang¡¯s heart for such a long time. It was just that the one snatching his wife away from him was his own biological son. No matter how ufortable that made Gao Yan, he had no choice but to swallow it.

    It could be said that Gao Yan had been jealous for an entire year while Fang Fang was still breast-feeding Gao Feng. He felt that he was sharing what belonged to him with another ¡®man¡¯. That was terrible! If he could, he really wanted to give this ¡®someone else¡¯s husband¡¯ away.

    The only reason that Gao Yan could not give him away was that he did not even know whether his daughter-inw had already been born, or who she was. Otherwise, Gao Yan might really have sent his son over to his future father-inw.

    It was better to cultivate their feelings for each other from a young age, after all. Just like how he and Fang Fang were childhood sweethearts. How awesome was that!

    ¡°Your own son? I can¡¯t tell at all.¡± Fang Fang could not understand what was in Gao Yan¡¯s head. All she knew was that her son had finally returned home, but Gao Yan had chased him back out. The angry Fang Fang stared at Gao Yan before hitting him with a pillow. ¡°Go sleep in the study room. I¡¯m angry just looking at you!¡±

    She was in a cranky mood now that her son was not at home. The sight of anyone made her upset.

    ¡°...¡± He had gone to great lengths to chase away the third wheel and had finally managed toplete all his work to free up some time to spend time with his wife. He was thinking that tonight would be a hot and passionate night.

    But who would have known that his enthusiasmpletely died down just because that dirty rascal was not at home. In the end, he even had to sleep in the study room!

    Looking at the pillow that Fang Fang had stuffed in his arms, Gao Yan raised his eyebrows. Sleeping in the study room? No way! He did not want to sleep in the study room. He wanted to sleep with his wife!

    With a loud scream, Gao Yan jumped toward Fang Fang, whose sulking back was facing him, and skillfully removed Fang Fang¡¯s clothes. Initially, Fang Fang was still upset at him. But with Gao Yan¡¯s teasing, she could only focus on the man on top of her and temporarily put her son aside.

    Gao Yan and Fang Fang got along well, and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Sheng was even better.

    Now, Zhai Sheng returned home more often. When Qiao Nany beside Zhai Sheng, it was only natural that the topic of their children came up.

 Chapter 1730 - Adultsâ€™ Affairs

    <h4>Chapter 1730: Adults¡¯ Affairs</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Brother Zhai, how should we resolve this? Should we let Da Bao settle it himself if it really happens? Or should you get involved?¡± As a mother, there was no way Qiao Nan could let the matter go, knowing that someone has their eyes on her son.

    ¡°Let him resolve it himself.¡± Zhai Sheng said domineering while hugging Qiao Nan. ¡°This is quite simr to that matter with Zhou Xing. They¡¯ll face many such problems in the future. If they can¡¯t even solve such a problem concerning a woman, how can I rely on them to ovee the difficulties and solve the challenges we encounter on missions in the military?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was rather surprised by this too. He had almost forgotten about the existence of Qiu Chenxi. He had never expected that Qiu Chenxi had even instructed her daughter to set her sights on his son. Zhai Sheng himself could not really understand what Qiu Chenxi was doing. It was not as though there were only the men of the Zhai family left in the whole world. There was really no need to be so obsessed with the men of the Zhai family.

    In the past few years, Qiu Chenxi had never appeared in front of him. Simrly, her mother, Qi Min, had not appeared in front of his mother. As a parent himself, Zhai Sheng always remembered how his mom would always hide away when Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min visited.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to pass your judgment. If my memory serves me well, Qiu Chenxi still thought of herself as your fianc¨¦e even after I became your girlfriend. She always came to cause trouble for me.¡± Brother Zhai had not handled the matter regarding Qiu Chenxi as cleanly and quickly as he expected Da Bao to do.

    ¡°At that time, if it had not been for Shi Qing¡¯s help, I would have suffered great losses at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands. Although we had not publically announced our rtionship, Qiu Chenxi made it seem as though it was shameful for us to be together. And you have to guts to talk about Da Bao and Er Bao now?¡±

    This woman¡¯s temper never changed no matter her age. Everyone was about the same.

    Because of her rebirth, Qiao Nan had decided to rebel against Ding Jiayi. That was how she had bumped into Zhai Sheng and had been won over by just a simple fever medicine. Her previous life had been ruined because she had cowardly epted the path that Ding Jiayi had arranged for her.

    Even though she lived in the same courtyard as Zhai Sheng and knew who Zhai Sheng was, Zhai Sheng never knew that there was a youngdy named Qiao Nan living in the samepound as him. In her previous life, she had almost turned forty years old but had remained single and had never had a boyfriend until her death.

    Qiao Nan could not believe that Zhai Sheng, who was five years older than her and at forty-four years old, was just like her, unmarried without any children.

    Qiao Nan felt a little sour when thinking about how her parents-inw had even identified Qiu Chenxi as their own daughter-inw when the two of them had been together. She could not help but think that Qiu Chenxi was the one that Zhai Sheng had married when she had not appeared in her previous life. In their previous lives, it had been Qiu Chenxi who had given birth to Zhai Sheng¡¯s children and had been the one who was the chief¡¯s wife.

    If that was really the case, Qiao Nan did not know whether to feel a little guilty toward Qiu Chenxi. Even if she had not taken the initiative to fight for this rtionship, it had been her appearance that changed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s original destiny. She had only thought about changing her own destiny. Because of the butterfly effect, she had not only changed her own destiny but someone else¡¯s as well.

    You reaped what you sowed.

    So would she need to repay her debts to Qiu Chenxi for changing their destinies? It did not matter for her, but Qiao Nan did not want to drag her son into the matter and give her son to Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°...¡± At the mention of this, Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude softened. ¡°I never like her. No one understands my mom¡¯s feelings toward the pair of mother and daughter better than me and Zhai Hua.¡±

    ¡°But I never saw your family being very persistent in ostracizing them. Didn¡¯t your families treat each other as inws? My father-inw¡¯s attitude was just like that, and neither did my mother-inw resist. Albeit clearly detesting them, you guys chose to feel depressed only in your hearts and hurt yourselves. It¡¯s not that I want to pass judgment on you or Sister Zhai Hua. The two of you should know that I have no objections. But it was because the two of you were neglected by your parents when you were younger that you guys bore resentment. Both of you felt that the adults should settle their own problems. You guys tried to help your mom, but there was a limit to your abilities. Mom herself disliked Qi Min and her daughter but was still willing to ept the both of them. You and Sister Hua Hua had the intention of following your parents and causing trouble for them.¡±

    It was not as though Qiao Nan did not know about what had gone on at that time. But at that time, the Zhai family¡¯s rtionshipcked a little sincerity, and there was even a tinge of indifference. The way the Zhai family got along with each other made Qiao Nan feel that the family might be living under the same roof, but they did not really care about each other. As long as someone thought that he was doing well, even if someone else thought that such an idea was wrong, he would not try to correct the other person. At most, he might give a suggestion, but it would ultimately be up to the other person to do whatever he deemed fit.

    Qiao Nan put up her hands and calcted the time Zhai Sheng spent at home. It was truly pitiful.

    Even then, her mother-inw and sister-inw had always told her that Zhai Sheng was now in contact with his family more frequently because she was in a rtionship with Zhai Sheng!

    Qiao Nan wondered what would have happened had she not appeared, given that Zhai Sheng was stationed in an army camp for the long-term. Zhai Sheng would not even have any time to get to know another girl apart from Qiu Chenxi, let alone date a girl!

    With the rtionship between Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui, it was actually quite easy for Qiu Chenxi to get married to Zhai Sheng if she wanted to. After all, Zhai Sheng did not know another youngdy apart from Qiu Chenxi, much less say like another youngdy, or get into a rtionship with her.

    Instead of finding a totally unknown and unfamiliar youngdy, Qiu Chenxi became the best choice for Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng rubbed his nose. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard that children shouldn¡¯t meddle in adults¡¯ affairs?¡± He could not deny that neither he nor Zhai Hua was close to their parents.

    He could see that his mom disliked Qi Min and her daughter, but the two families interacted more often than real inws. His mom would always put up a false smiling front but would cry behind their backs. Once she could no longer stand it, she would run out to hide. He and Zhai Hua knew about this, but they could not do anything. Neither did they want to do anything about it.

    As an adult and as the matriarch of the Zhai family, if their mom was going to behave in this manner, there was no reason for the two children to interfere. Saddened by the misfortune but angered by theck of resistance. That was the principle.

    Zhai Sheng had always thought that their family would continue getting along with Qi Min and her daughter in this strange way.

 Chapter 1731 - Jealous Rage

    <h4>Chapter 1731: Jealous Rage</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He and Qiu Chenxi might even reach that stage, but the appearance of Qiao Nan was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. Qiao Nan was like a hammer that had unconsciously smashed the Zhai family¡¯s ice wall that was as fragile as a ss ball, causing the stiff atmosphere in the Zhai family to gradually warm up like springtime.

    Zhai Sheng could feel that his parents¡¯ rtionship had improved, and Zhai Hua was gradually bing more willing to express her own feelings. At the mention of this, Zhai Sheng could not help but think about someone who had been long forgotten: Wei De.

    Actually, when Zhai Hua had first gotten together with Wei De and had even been willing to bring Wei De home to meet the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng was surprised. A year ago, Zhai Sheng believed that Zhai Hua would never have brought Wei De home or even let the Zhai family learn of Wei De¡¯s existence.

    On the other hand, Zhai Hua was definitely not one who would keep it from everyone to get what she wanted and go all out to aplish her dreams.

    There was no reason for Zhai Hua not knowing the Zhai family¡¯s temper. No matter how blindly in love she was, Zhai Hua should know very well that she could fall for anyone but a man like Wei De. She should never think that a man like Wei De was worthy of her.

    Therefore, the moment the Zhai family met Wei De, they would definitely not be seeing just one person. Zhai Sheng felt that Zhai Hua would directly fling their marriage certificates in front of them as proof. That was Zhai Hua¡¯s style.

    Since she had already guessed that her family would disagree to her being together with the Wei family, and she felt that she would live a blissful life with Wei De, there was no need to waste any more time. Anyway, the person getting married was her, not her family. There was no need to care about whether her family agreed to the marriage. She would just have to find a way to get married. Then, her family¡¯s objections would be useless.

    There was no doubt that the Zhai family would go to war if Zhai Hua had done so, and the rtionships between the family members would definitely sour. It might have seemed that Zhai Hua was being decisive and resolute in bringing Wei De home to meet the Zhai family for them to get to know him. Butpared to Zhai Hua¡¯s way of doing things in the past, this was already much milder and meeker!

    The whole family, including Zhai Sheng, knew that Zhai Hua had been under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence. That was why she had not let that happen.

    In the end, it was indeed true that Wei De was unsuitable for Zhai Hua. With this gentler style of handling matters, Zhai Hua had the opportunity toe to a realization and turn back, eventually finding her true happiness.

    The atmosphere at home only got better, and the rtionships between family members only got more harmonious. It was as though the sun was shining down on the family, chasing away the coldness on a cloudless winter day. This warmth was truly soothing, and it prated into their hearts and bones.

    This was how a family should really feel like.

    Qiao Nan was thankful that she had the opportunity to marry a good and real man like Zhai Sheng. Simrly, Zhai Sheng was grateful for Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance. It was Qiao Nan who allowed him to feel the warmth of a family.

    With such a blissful life today, Zhai Sheng did not even want to recall how his life had been in the Zhai family twenty years ago, when he had not yet met his wife, Qiao Nan.

    He had lived in that manner for twenty years! Their triplets were truly fortunate. Because of Nan Nan, the Zhai family had changedpletely by the time the children were born.

    ¡°Children shouldn¡¯t interfere in adults¡¯ affairs. But does that mean that adults should also just stand aside and observe children¡¯s affairs?¡± She had been married to Zhai Sheng for more than twenty years and had known him for almost thirty years. Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression meant that he felt guilty.

    Was that to say that if she had not been in the picture, Qiu Chenxi would really have be the chief¡¯s wife, and it would be a dreame-true?

    ¡°Don¡¯t let your mind wander. I can¡¯t deny that it would have been impossible between me and Qiu Chenxi if you weren¡¯t in the picture. After all, one has to get married and have children in one¡¯s life. My dad paid so much attention to Qi Min, and Mom¡¯s matchmaking was distorted. I didn¡¯t have much free time. Rather than wasting time on women, I would much rather sacrifice myself for my country and the army.¡±

    He would definitely get married, but it did not really matter to him whom his wife would be.

    As long as it was convenient and would not distract him or hinder his development in the army, he really did not care who his wife was. Based on his way of thinking, Zhai Sheng had never felt that the woman who married him would be at an advantage.

    A typical military spouse already had to deal with more than an average woman. To be Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, that woman would have to be the benchmark amongst military spouses and would have to deal with a lot more than ordinary military spouses.

    Whether the youngdy whom he married was one whom he wanted and liked, she would get a totally different treatment from Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan harrumphed and unhappily turned around. With her back facing Zhai Sheng, she huffed. ¡°If you had not met me and brought me home that day, and we had not known each other, you might just have married Qiu Chenxi. Qiu Chenxi would have be the chief¡¯s wife, and her daughter wouldn¡¯t even need to continue her work to be the chief¡¯s wife. So if you had married Qiu Chenxi, I would have had nothing to do with you. But I would have had to get married and have children eventually too. Who do you think I would have married?¡±

    Qiao Nan herself knew that if she had not met Zhai Sheng, she would probably have dated Chen Jun, who was scheming and had bad intentions from the start. But she would never have gotten married. In the end, she would stay single until her death.

    It was just that a ¡®situation¡¯ had arisen on Zhai Sheng¡¯s side and she could not afford to lose. She had to let Zhai Sheng understand that if he could have married someone else, so could she. No one would have been at a loss!

    Hearing that Qiao Nan could have married a man other than himself, Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression darkened immediately. It was just that Qiao Nan had her back facing him and could not see him.

    With a ck face, Zhai Sheng tried to suppress his anger. He had no intention of listening to such a topic. It was too harsh. ¡°Who else could you have married other than me? Even if there was someone willing to marry you, you couldn¡¯t have married him either. You could only marry me and be the mother of my children!¡±

    Now that he was unhappy, especially after hearing his most hated hypothetical situation, Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan into his embrace and forcefully undressed Qiao Nan without hesitation. Since they were upset from talking, they might as well do something that would lift their moods.

    ¡°You old rascal!¡± Qiao Nan stared wide-eyed at Zhai Sheng, who had already bared his arms, taken off his pants, and was now on top of her. She could hardly believe it. It had just been a moment ago that they were talking about serious matters. But in the blink of an eye, Zhai Sheng was already doing something like this. ¡°I-I¡¯m still angry!¡±

    Why was it that Zhai Sheng could marry someone else, but she could not?

    If Zhai Sheng were really to marry someone else, and she was still unmarried, that would be too unfair!

 Chapter 1732 - Audacious

    <h4>Chapter 1732: Audacious</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan wanted to push Zhai Sheng away, but she was no match for Zhai Sheng. The moment the tiger unleashed its power, a weak chicken like Qiao Nan could not do anything but beg for mercy after a few rounds. At the very most, she would never bring up this topic that made Zhai Sheng unhappy in the future.

    Qiao Nan realized that this was not the first time that they had mentioned this topic. But every time, it would always end in a ¡®fight¡¯. The next day, she would always be as weak as noodles. But on the other hand, Zhai Sheng would always be full of energy and vigor as though he had replenished his Yin and Yang. Usually, if she begged for mercy, Zhai Sheng would still try to restrain himself.

    But the agitation from talking about this topic made Zhai Sheng merciless. The mention of this topic initially made Qiao Nan feel psychologically ufortable and sour. But after doing ¡®that¡¯, Qiao Nan¡¯s whole body feltfortable.

    That was why Qiao Nan was the only one who ¡®got injured¡¯ every time this topic came up. Why would Qiao Nan still touch on it?

    Only when Qiao Nan fell asleep did she finally realize that they had had such a long chat, but they had note to a consensus about the matter regarding Ma Yuanyuan. What kind of attitude was Zhai Sheng showing? Was he going to interfere, or was he going to give Da Bao a heads-up?

    Er Bao was such a good kid, but he had nearly fallen for Zhou Xing¡¯s schemes. No matter how sensible and intelligent Da Bao was, he might justmit a folly after meeting Ma Yuanyuan. Gao Feng had already fallen into Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s trap.

    With Zhai Sheng as a ready-made example, Qiao Nan could not rest easy about Da Bao and Ma Yuanyuan. She was afraid that Da Bao would be the second Zhai Sheng and that he would simply ept Ma Yuanyuan.

    She thought about how Qiu Chenxi had been so ferocious and unreasonable, always trying to cause trouble. She did not wish to follow in her mother-inw¡¯s footsteps and have to hide away when Ma Yuanyuan and Qiu Chenxi came to bother them in the future.

    Zhai Sheng might not have answered Qiao Nan, but thankfully, he was a wife lover. Knowing about his wife¡¯s concerns, he would not let this matter develop any further for the sake of his wife, not his son¡¯s.

    After Qiu Chenxi got married, she remained in the capital to develop her career. Zhai Sheng knew about that. But after Old Master Shi passed away, Shi Peng did not unreservedly help Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min as Old Master Shi had. As such, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s career did not go far after her marriage. The man Qiu Chenxi had married was miles apart from Peng Yu, let alone Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi was a woman, after all. Her inws could not help her, and neither could her own mom, Qi Min, help her. As for that father of hers who had been released from prison, it was good enough that he did not do anything to drag Qiu Chenxi¡¯s down, much less help her.

    Thus, more than a decade had passed, but both Qiu Chenxi and her husband had not made much progress. In such a prosperous ce like the capital, they did not have much to their names.

    After getting hold of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s information, Zhai Sheng quickly got into action. Both Qiu Chenxi and her husband had been in the capital for quite a long while, but their annual appraisals were always very average. In the capital, no matter how average the couple was, that was still based on the standards of the central government, not anywhere else.

    Instead of letting the couple die in the pit that was the capital, it was better to demote them. Perhaps, Qiu Chenxi and her husband could take this opportunity to do something for the country and the people and stop wasting taxpayers¡¯ money.

    Zhai Sheng had just expressed his slightest intention of doing so and had not even said anything, but everything had proceeded so quickly. It might not be easy to help a person up through the ranks, but it was too easy to kick someone down. Even if he did not have a thousand reasons to do so, he had a hundred at least.

    Qiu Chenxi and her husband had always been performing averagely at best. Even though Shi Peng had risen through the ranks and had firmly established himself in the central government, his attitude toward his niece, Qiu Chenxi, had never changed. Qiu Chenxi might not have gotten any huge benefits, but she had still benefited quite a lot because of Shi Peng.

    Who did not know about those important people and rtionships in the capital? Qiu Chenxi¡¯s performance might have been average, but what she did have was an impressive uncle and a female general, Shi Qing, as her cousin.

    For the sake of the Shi family, no one dared to create any trouble for Qiu Chenxi or her husband. Even if they did not have many aplishments, they would simply allow the couple to continue squatting in the pit. With such family rtions, it was good enough if the couple did not make any mistakes or create trouble for them. They were not counting on the couple to do anything great for them.

    So it was not that Qiu Chenxi and her husband could not find anyone to help them if they wanted to stay in the capital. They did have someone whom they could ask. And so, upon hearing this news, Qiu Chenxi immediately went to find Shi Qing and Shi Peng for help.

    Shi Peng had reached the retirement age and had retired long ago. But Shi Peng still had influence. Upon hearing that Qiu Chenxi hade to visit him, Shi Peng expressed that he was old and was sore all over. He still wished to experience the birth of his great-grandchild, so he had to seek treatment with a traditional Chinese doctor. He really had no time to meet any guests.

    It was not his first day meeting his niece, Qiu Chenxi. Their families were not even on good terms to begin with, but they were trying to act like normal rtives and ask him for a favor? How could they be so naive?

    Shi Peng had never once forgotten how his sister, Qi Min, and Qiu Chenxi had abandoned him when he had still been in the army and needed to eat nourishing food when he had fallen sick. If it had not been for Qiu Chenxi, he would not even have needed to leave the army.

    The army was where Shi Peng longed to be. All his hopes and disappointments were in the army. To Shi Peng, there was aplicated nostalgia he felt toward the military. Even after he left the army and his health improved, Shi Peng knew that he would feel honored if he had died while serving the military.

    Because of Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min, he had not been able to fulfill that dream. Today, he lived quite afortable life, but that had nothing to do with Qi Min and her daughter. At that time, they had not considered his feelings at all when hurting him. It was through his own efforts that he had been able to create such a life for himself.

    As for a niece like Qiu Chenxi, Shi Peng could not kick her away any quicker.

    Of all people, Qiu Chenxi had chosen to provoke the Zhai family and be at loggerheads with the Zhai family. The audacity! If the Zhai family put the word out, there was probably no one in the whole capital who would dare to help her, much less himself.

 Chapter 1733 - Comparison

    <h4>Chapter 1733: Comparison</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If a person wanted to die, there was no way of stopping him. If he helped them this time, there was sure to be a next time.

    He was already advanced in age. All he wanted was to live his golden years restfully. He had no desire to get himself involved in this mess.

    Since Shi Qing refused to meet Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Chenxi had no other choice. Because she had not been able to get Shi Peng¡¯s help, Qiu Chenxi had no other choice but to find Shi Qing for help. Shi Peng was her uncle. Logically, it would probably be easier to persuade Shi Peng than Shi Qing. When they were younger, Qiu Chenxi had had many conflicts with Shi Qing and had even bullied Shi Qing.

    Shi Qing was never one who was good with words. Qiu Chenxi wanted to forget their childhood experiences but was unable to do so. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Qiu Chenxi had not wanted to ask Shi Qing for a favor, in case she was humiliated if Shi Qing were to refuse her.

    But at the present moment, Qiu Chenxi could no longer afford to consider that much. Qiu Chenxi had long realized that she had progressed quite smoothly initially based on what Old Master Shi had given her. Qiu Chenxi, who had only wanted to marry a good man all along, realized for the first time that it felt good to hold power and control over others.

    Unfortunately, such a good feeling did notst for very long.

    And Qiu Chenxi could not seem to further her career.

    She could not seem to go any further in the central government, but the capital was a good ce to be in, after all. There was no way Qiu Chenxi could ept being suddenly demoted and transferred out of the capital to suffer like a young employee. She would much rather have no chance of ever rising up in the ranks but being able to remain in the capital than be demoted and cast out of the capital.

    To be honest, it was impossible for her to have the ambition of a young person and have the drive to make a name for herself. That would truly be a joke. She was already advanced in years.

    In short, Qiu Chenxi had no intention of leaving. She did not want such an opportunity at all.

    Since she had not gotten anywhere with Shi Peng, and neither was she willing to deal with Shi Qing, she could only turn to Zhu Baoguo. The problem was that Shi Qing and Zhu Baoguo stood united. As long as she was able to convince either one of them, her problems would be solved.

    In the same vein, if either of the two was particrly against helping her, then there was really no way she and her husband could continue living in the capital.

    She hardly ever burned incense but expected Buddha to answer her prayers now. There was no such thing as a free lunch.

    When she was younger, Shi Qing had never been taken in by Qiu Chenxi. Now that she was a female general, she was not going to let anyone bully her. After getting married, even Zhu Baoguo listened to her in every matter. Especially after she had given birth to her son, even her father-inw looked at her in a different light.

    It could be said that her words held the most weight in the Zhu family.

    She had grown older by more than twenty years. How could Shi Qing regress with age and let Qiu Chenxi hold her captive now that Shi Qing had risen in ranks? Would she really just give Qiu Chenxi whatever she asked for?

    The moment Shi Qing heard that Qiu Chenxi hade to visit her, Shi Qing immediately got someone to ry a message to Qiu Chenxi: ¡°Don¡¯t think that the ce that you¡¯re headed to is very remote. If you dare to provoke the Zhai family, Qiao Nan, or even me again, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll realize that there are even more remote and isted corners in a prosperous country like China. When that timees, don¡¯t regret your actions. No one will be able to save you then.¡±

    It was true that the ce Qiu Chenxi was going to was not the remotest in the country. Shi Qing was sure she could find ces that were even more isted. Qiu Chenxi had not provoked them too badly yet, so they had simply thrown Qiu Chenxi somewhere outside the capital. Qiu Chenxi should already be thanking her lucky stars for that.

    Once they really did their homework and picked out somewhere especially for Qiu Chenxi and her husband, Qiu Chenxi would not even have the chance to cry then. She should know her limits. Did Qiu Chenxi really think that this was the best they could do?

    Perhaps it was indeed true that Qiu Chenxi had a home advantage when she was younger, but now that she had grown into a full-grown dragon that could fly, would she still be bullied by a mere snake that crawled on the ground? What a joke!

    Qiu Chenxi was almost at the age where she could be a grandma. Shi Qing could not understand how Qiu Chenxi had managed to stay the same over the past twenty, almost thirty, years. How could Qiu Chenxi not grow as a person at all after all those years? No wonder Qiu Chenxi had never been able to progress after her grandpa¡¯s death.

    She wondered if her grandpa would regret leaving whatever little things he had entirely to his son and granddaughter if he were to see Qiu Chenxi in this state today. He had wasted all his resources! Thankfully, she could not care less about whom her grandpa gave his assets to.

    When Old Master Shi passed away, Shi Qing did go to send him off. There was no way of salvaging the damage that had already been done in the past. By the time Old Master Shi realized that his son and granddaughter were the greatest hopes of the family, the rtionship between the three generations had soured so badly that there was no way of mending it.

    Old Master Shi could feel that Shi Qing and Shi Peng might have been willing to visit him asionally and hire someone to take care of him. But the problem was that his son and granddaughter were not at all close to him and did not treat him any better than they would a stranger.

    Since he was already advanced in his years, he also wanted to enjoy the joy of having his family and grandchildren close to him, unlike the past decade when he had been blinded by power. At that time, all he cared about was elevating the Shi family¡¯s status in society. Whoever could help do so would be his best child or grandchild. How would Old Shi ever have known that he would one day yearn for true kinship? By the time he desired it, there was no one in his family who was willing to be close to him anymore.

    Did he regret it?

    In thest few years of his life, it was a given that Old Shi regretted it. He watched on as his friends were surrounded by their children and grandchildren, all living blissful lives. He looked once again at himself. It was true that he lived in a mansion, with servants looking after his needs, but it was so quiet and lonely in his home. Old Shi had regretted it long ago.

    It was rare that his son and granddaughter came to visit. But when Old Shi tried to mend the rtionship between them, Shi Qing and Shi Peng stayed mum for a long while, pretending that they did not understand what he meant. Actually, Shi Qing and Shi Peng had already conveyed clearly through their attitudes that all they were willing to do was to provide for him while he was still alive. They would not do anything beyond that.

    All that about having the time of his life with his grandchildren and family would not work in the Shi family.

    The father and daughter were only fulfilling their duties of supporting Old Shi in his old age. Perhaps it was because of this that Old Shi was always downcast in thest few years of his life. Since he was unhappy, it was difficult for him to live a long life. Before Old Shi passed away, he had grabbed onto Shi Peng¡¯s hand and muttered some unintelligible words.

    Looking into his father¡¯s eyes, Shi Peng understood that his father had regretted his actions and was apologizing to him. Shi Peng patted Old Shi¡¯s hands. ¡°Dad, if you are reincarnated, I think it¡¯s better for you just have one child the next time.¡±

    If his father had only one child, he would never have to make aparison between his children.

 Chapter 1734 - Gaining Advantages

    <h4>Chapter 1734: Gaining Advantages</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    A parent would always pay more attention to the child that he hoped would go further in life, and he would give more help and resources to that child. On the contrary, he wouldpletely lose the reins on the other child who would then be deemed to be useless.

    So would this still be counted as raising a child?

    Shi Peng had just mentioned this in passing to Shi Qing, who had sneered upon hearing it. If it was not for the fact that Old Shi was already gone and she had to respect the dead, Shi Qing really wanted to say something: A person forgets about the evils of the world and thinks only of good things nearing death. The problem was that whatever her grandpa had said was utter nonsense.

    After Old Master Shi passed away, Shi Qing lost all contact with her aunt, Qi Min. As for Qiu Chenxi, whom Shi Qing could never get along with, Shi Qing kept her distance from her even more. ¡°Oh, I guess my dad could not care less about her. That¡¯s why she¡¯se to find me for help?¡±

    Zhu Baoguo looked at his wife, who was still as stubborn as ever, with a doting but helpless gaze. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just spouting nonsense? You should know best what kind of person Qiu Chenxi is. If she isn¡¯t at her wit¡¯s end, do you think she would have humbled herself to ask for your help? Qiu Chenxi has never been good at anything, but she¡¯s always been more prideful than anyone else.¡±

    Thankfully for Zhu Baoguo, his wife was unlike Qiu Chenxi.

    It had been more than a decade since that incident, and his own son had already entered university. Zhu Baoguo had already let go of whatever had happened while he was younger. Now, Zhu Baoguo treated Qiao Nan as his rtive and even saw her as his biological younger sister. Since Qiao Nan was his sister, it was only natural that Zhai Sheng was his brother-inw.

    Since he was young, his elders had always forced him to address Zhai Sheng as ¡®elder brother¡¯. Now, Zhai Sheng had be his younger brother-inw! Zhu Baoguo could not help but exim that it was awesome to have a younger sister like Qiao Nan. Because of her, he had be Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder brother!

    ¡°Humph.¡± Shi Qing snorted. ¡°If she¡¯s so unwilling, she might as well note. It¡¯s not as though I¡¯m dying to see her.¡± The sight of Qiu Chenxi evoked memories of how insensible she had been as a child and how she had always been bullied by Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi was truly a troublesome rtive. In fact, Shi Qing had other rtives who were kind and had only good intentions. These rtives were none other than the family of Shi Qing¡¯s maternal grandma, the Feng family.

    After Feng Cheng had Shi Peng¡¯spany, she did not care as much about her family. But the Feng family was still the same as before and always asked Feng Cheng to ¡®discuss and resolve¡¯ their problems. Feng Cheng had little choice since she was Shi Peng¡¯s wife and Shi Qing¡¯s mom.

    As long as they persuaded Feng Cheng, Feng Cheng would deal with her husband and her daughter. Then, the Feng family would have two powerful connections on their side.

    Feng Cheng also hoped that her husband and daughter would have good rtionships with her own family. If her daughter and husband made good progress and helped her family out, it would be a mutually beneficial situation in the future, and everyone could go even further. That would be the best possible scenario.

    But Shi Peng reasoned it out with Feng Cheng. They had been in the capital for such a long time. Logically speaking, it should be the Shi family who should be unstable and the one who should seek help from the Feng family. In reality, the father and daughter had struggled for years to establish themselves in the capital. During that period, the father and daughter had never gone to the Feng family for help. On the contrary, the Feng family constantly called the Shi family to ask them for favors.

    Beginnings were always the toughest. The Shi family had been able to get through even the most difficult part, which was the beginning. But why was it that the Feng family, who had always been living in the capital, had so many problems? Why couldn¡¯t they solve a single one of their problems but always had to ask for the Shi family¡¯s help?

    Of course it was good for everyone to grow together and help each other out, but the Feng family could not expect to receive help without giving any help, right?

    In the end, the Shi family might get so caught up with helping the Feng family up that they themselves might copse!

    It was only natural that a woman would think differently before and after marriage. Besides, Feng Cheng shared a good rtionship with Shi Peng and had a daughter like Shi Qing. In the past, when she had seen her parents-inw favor Qiu Chenxi and ignore her daughter, Feng Cheng had been heartbroken.

    Now, her family was trying to sacrifice her husband¡¯s and daughter¡¯s interests so as to benefit themselves. It would have been all right if this was just a one-off matter. But because it happened so frequently, it was not just Shi Peng and Shi Qing who were upset. Feng Cheng herself was upset and felt that they were trying to drag her down.

    Had it been a petty man in this situation, they would have gotten into a fight long ago. Feng Cheng knew that the Feng family had never helped them the slightest bit ever since their family of three moved to the capital. Based on this alone, the Feng family was being extremely unreasonable.

    After chatting with Shi Peng, Feng Cheng, who was already angry, decided to wash her hands off her family¡¯s affairs. She was not going to care about them anymore. Anyway, their eventual goal was always her husband and daughter every time they called to discuss a matter with her. She was like the middle man. She did not intend to live such an exhausting life.

    Aftering to her senses and getting rid of the burden that was the Feng family, Feng Cheng¡¯s life got much easier. Now that she had finallye to this realization, Shi Peng and Shi Qing were beneficiaries of it too.

    Shi Qing thought that it was rather funny that Qiu Chenxi hade to visit her today. Shi Qing did not even care about her grandma. What made Qiu Chenxi think that she would care about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affair? Did Qiu Chenxi really think that she had such a good rtionship with her? Or did she have too much free time on hand?

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t get upset. If you don¡¯t want to help her, just take a leaf out of your dad¡¯s book and refuse to meet her.¡± Zhu Baoguo was not at all affected by this. After all, he had no contact with Qiu Chenxi. There was nothing wrong with not meeting someone he was unfamiliar with.

    If he got angry every time someone came to ask for help, both he and his dad would have died long ago.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m not going to meet her!¡± Shi Qing mmed the table. ¡°She¡¯s treating me as her second choice and she¡¯s afraid that I¡¯ll get upset at her. Ha! What is she? Does she think I have so much free time? If I really have that much free time to get angry at her, I might as well read a few more resumes of those new recruits.¡± Getting angry at Qiu Chenxi would only waste her time and energy.

    Now that she was being refused again at the Zhu family¡¯s door, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression darkened. Ma Ji¡¯s face darkened and he took a deep breath. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to change anything.¡±

    When he had first gotten married to Qiu Chenxi, he had already been rather hesitant. He wondered if he had married the right woman. Of course, in the years following that, Ma Ji had gotten his fair share of benefits and advantages because of his wife, Qiu Chenxi.

 Chapter 1735 - Sarcasm

    <h4>Chapter 1735: Sarcasm</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi was a cadre herself and was in quite a good position. The Zhu family and Shi family had never thought of them as rtives. Thankfully, this rtion to them had still brought about many benefits.

    Before today, Ma Ji had always felt as though he had married the right woman and that Qiu Chenxi was the right one for him. But today, Ma Ji realized that there woulde a time when he would have to spit out all those benefits that he had once gotten because of Qiu Chenxi.

    The Zhu family¡¯s and the Shi family¡¯s attitudes were even more resolute that the rumors. They did not even bother to preserve some dignity for Qiu Chenxi. But that was understandable. They had already been in the capital for more than ten years and had been inws with the Shi family for more than a decade. Chief Zhu was even his younger brother-inw. But even with such outstanding rtives, he had never once had the opportunity to have a meal with them.

    Chief Zhu might be his brother-inw, but he had never dared to address Chief Zhu as his brother. Neither did Chief Zhu address him as an elder brother. asionally, the two of them would look at each other from afar. He would see Chief Zhu, but Chief Zhu hardly noticed his existence, much less show any affection toward him.

    Ma Ji sighed anxiously. ¡°Now that our family¡¯s moving away, you should go to Yuanyuan¡¯s school and handle the transfer procedures for her. My mom has already looked for a high school for Yuanyuan.¡±

    The Ma family had always been prepared for the worst. Now that the documents hade from their superiors, it was almost certain that they would not be able to change the oue. But nothing was impossible.

    Thus, upon learning of their son¡¯s and daughter-inw¡¯s reassignment, the two elders of the Ma family immediately started doing their homework. They had already found out about the ce and gotten a rough sense of the whole situation. Now that their son and daughter-inw were being transferred out of the capital, it might be years before they returned. So it was only natural for Father and Mother Ma to tag along.

    Wherever their son was, was where they would be.

    The most important thing was undoubtedly where they would stay. But other than that, Father and Mother Ma were also worried about which school would be suitable for their granddaughter. At the same time, Father and Mother Ma did not try to stop their son and daughter-inw from seeing if they could turn the situation around.

    If they could stay in the capital, their lives might get harder, but at least, it would be a happy ending for everyone. If they had no choice but to leave the capital, at least, they would not be caught off guard and things would not be so chaotic.

    ¡°Do we really have to leave?¡± Qiu Chenxi felt indignant. The capital was so good that she could not bear to leave.

    Ma Ji sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave either. But do you really think that we can choose not to leave? You know very well the situation of our Ma family. I don¡¯t have that ability, so I¡¯ll have no choice but to leave. If you¡¯re that capable, I¡¯ll support you.¡± But he did not want to embarrass himself alongside Qiu Chenxi anymore.

    Ma Ji could not understand how people could be so different. All the Ma family wascking was some connections. That was why he had married Qiu Chenxi, who was a few years older than him. He had hoped to improve the Ma family¡¯s connections through Qiu Chenxi¡¯s rtion to the Shi family and the Zhu family.

    Of course, before his marriage, Ma Ji already knew that Qiu Chenxi was not on the best of terms with the Shi family and the Zhu family. But Ma Ji had always thought that the conflict could not be too serious. They were rtives and a family, after all. As long as they all had genuine and sincere hearts, all these conflicts would eventually be resolved.

    When that time came, the Ma family would achieve meteoric sess!

    But in the past decade, he had never had any contact with the Shi family or the Zhu family. These two families did not even acknowledge the Ma family as their rtives! The Ma family did not have such opportunities. That was why he had to take such things into consideration when getting married. Love was nothing but a superfluous thing. It could not beat tangible and practical benefits, after all.

    Qiu Chenxi had such good fortune. Her own uncle had be an important cadre in the central government, and her cousin had be a famous female general. If he had been the one with an uncle and cousin like them, he would probably have risen by at least three ranks!

    How capable was his wife that she had been able to sour the rtionship with her rtives so badly that there was no hope of ever salvaging it? They were already married and even had a daughter in high school. Even if he knew what a failure Qiu Chenxi was as a person by wasting such good resources, there was nothing Ma Ji could do about it.

    He could not possibly separate from Qiu Chenxi just based on these reasons, right?

    ¡°...¡± After Ma Ji¡¯s sarcastic remarks, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face turned blue. But she had no way of rebuking Ma Ji because what he had said was nothing but the truth. She did not want to leave, but her uncle had refused to see her. Shi Qing had finally gotten this opportunity to mock her, but Shi Qing had chosen not to do so and simply ignore her instead. That was already quite kind of her.

    Qiu Chenxi had already thought of the worst-case scenario before visiting Shi Qing. She was worried that Shi Qing would not only refuse to help her because of what had happened during their childhoods, but Shi Qing might even mock and jeer at her. That was a very possible scenario.

    Thankfully, Shi Qing did not appear, and neither did she do that. But Shi Qing was just as heartless as her uncle had been. She refused to even meet Qiu Chenxi, let alone help her.

    Now that things had progressed to this stage, there was nothing Qiu Chenxi could do. Taking Ma Ji¡¯s advice, Qiu Chenxi could only rush down to handle the transfer procedures for her daughter, Ma Yuanyuan.

    Upon hearing that she was about to transfer schools and was even going to leave the capital with her parents for a remote city that she had never even heard of before, Ma Yuanyuan was stunned. ¡°Why do we have to leave? Haven¡¯t we been livingfortably here? What kind of ce is that? I¡¯ve never even heard of it before. I¡¯m not leaving. I¡¯m going to stay in the capital. Mom, neither should you and Dad go.¡±

    She would never leave such a good ce like the capital for a ce that she had never heard of before.

    ¡°The order has already been given. Your dad and I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Qiu Chenxi rolled her eyes impatiently. How could Yuanyuan think that she was a willing party in this matter? She was more reluctant than anyone else. No one knew just how much she had given up just toe to the capital. Leaving meant that she was giving everything up and returning to the past in just one day!

    ¡°Don¡¯t dawdle. The order was given in quite a hurry this time. Your dad and I have to leave immediately. If you don¡¯t leave with us now, you can choose to stay here in the capital alone. We¡¯ll give you a monthly allowance and you¡¯ll take care of yourself. Your other choice is to hurry up and not think about anything.¡±

    No matter how reluctant she was to leave, Qiu Chenxi was no longer resisting her fate that was already decided. All she could do was ept it.

    ¡°Why? I won¡¯t take a monthly allowance from you. Let grandma and grandpa stay here to take care of me. Won¡¯t that solve the problem?¡± Ma Yuanyuan had never done any household chores since she was a child. Even now that she was staying in a dormitory since she was in high school, she never washed her own clothes. She always waited to bring them home for her housekeeper or grandma to wash them.

 Chapter 1736 - So Wealthy

    <h4>Chapter 1736: So Wealthy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ma Yuanyuan knew that if she were to stay in the capital alone, not only would she have to wash her own clothes, but even having a meal would be a problem when she returned home from school during her holidays.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know your grandparents well? They are inseparable from their son. You¡¯re nowhere near as important as your dad is in their eyes. Your solution isn¡¯t feasible.¡±

    The Ma family had never despised her for giving birth to a daughter. In fact, her parents-inw had always treated their granddaughter, Yuanyuan, quite well. But Qiu Chenxi was always clear that in her parents-inw¡¯s hearts, Ma Ji would always take top priority. Even after her daughter was born, her parents-inw¡¯s hearts had always been set on Ma Ji alone.

    Her daughter would only lose tragically if she were to try to fight for her grandparents¡¯ affection with her own father. ¡°So? Have you decided? If you¡¯re going to leave with me, I¡¯ll get the transfer procedures done. But if you¡¯ve decided to stay, you¡¯ll have to wash your own clothes and learn to cook from now on.¡±

    The Ma family was not particrly well off. While they did not have to worry about affording necessities, they definitely could not afford to hire two housekeepers.

    Her parents-inw were already advanced in age. Being a filial son, Ma Ji had hired a housekeeper, hoping to lighten the burden on the elder couple. But that was the most that Ma Ji could afford. It was impossible for the Ma family to spend as much as they earned given their family situation. With Ma Yuanyuan in high school now, her tuition fees had increased by several times.

    Once Ma Yuanyuan entered university, they would have to fork out even more money. All this money would have toe from Ma Ji¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s savings. There was no way the couple could afford to pay for it with their sries alone. Thus, if Ma Yuanyuan wanted to stay behind in the capital, she would have no choice but to learn to take care of herself. Hiring a nanny was simply out of the question.

    Ma Yuanyuan pulled a long face. ¡°Is there really no way? Can¡¯t you or Dad do something about it?¡± Her parents had already been working in the capital for so many years. Was there really not a single person who could help them?

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed and she lowered her voice. ¡°Do you now understand why I didn¡¯t allow you to date other boys and wanted you to wait until you got the chance to get together with Zhai Yi? Zhai Sheng is a chief, a prominent figure whose smallest actions have a great impact. What do you think would happen if such an important figure became your father-inw? Think about it. What would your identity be in twenty or thirty years when your husband takes over that position? What I want to give isn¡¯t just any random title. This is truly infinite glory and prestige. Do you understand?¡±

    All she had wanted was to give Yuanyuan the best.

    Qiu Chenxi regretted, not for the first time, not having kept a closer eye on Zhai Sheng while she was younger. That was why Qiao Nan had managed to snatch Zhai Sheng away from her. The most exasperating thing was that Qiao Nan had not only snatched her husband away but had also snatched her master away!

    She knew that Old Lin had left a huge inheritance to Qiao Nan when he passed away. In the capital alone, he had left three or four houses to her, and they were all within the Third Ring neighborhood. Amongst them, one was a vi, and another was in the military courtyard.

    Thinking about the property prices in the capital, Qiu Chenxi felt the pinch. Qiao Nan had too many houses to live in. On the other hand, she could not even afford to buy a medium-sized apartment in a better neighborhood within the capital for her daughter as her dowry.

    If she had managed to be Old Lin¡¯s disciple at that time, even without a husband like Zhai Sheng, she would have gotten a huge inheritance anyway. Then, she would have nothing to worry about.

    ¡°...¡± Every time her mom mentioned Zhai Yi¡¯s name in the past, Ma Yuanyuan always felt repulsed. Otherwise, she would not have rebelled against her mom and started dating Gao Feng behind her mom¡¯s back. At Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s age, it was only natural that she was slightly rebellious.

    But at this moment, when her mom mentioned Zhai Yi, Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s attitude waspletely different. The name ¡®Zhai Yi¡¯ was no longer just a fictitious thing but a reality. ¡°Mom, is it really true that our family will not need to leave the capital for such a remote ce if Zhai Yi was my boyfriend now?¡±

    Was the Zhai family really that powerful?

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiu Chenxiughed while helping her daughter clear the things in her bedroom and pack them into suitcases so that it would be easier to bring them hometer. ¡°I¡¯ll put it in this way. Whatever power Zhai Yi¡¯s dad has now, Zhai Yi is bound to have eventually. Zhai Yi¡¯s mom... Don¡¯t underestimate that woman. Although she was not born into a powerful family, her tactics are brilliant. She¡¯s extremely wealthy and has a huge vi in the capital. If you get to live there in the future, you¡¯ll have a good life.¡±

    ¡°A huge vi? Don¡¯t fool me, Mom. What kind of ce is the capital? Purchasing just an average-sized apartment takes so much time to save up for it. How much would a huge vi cost?¡± Would she not know about how much a cadre in the capital¡¯s central government earned? She did believe that the Zhai family was powerful.

    It was almost for sure that her life would not be tough because the Zhai family was powerful. But the Zhai family was also rich? That had to be a joke!

    ¡°Well, she had a rich master. When you get together with Zhai Yi in the future, remember to get in her good books. Of course, you won¡¯t have to worry about this mother-inw as long as you stand united with Zhai Yi and get him to listen to you.¡± There were only sons who neglected their mothers after getting married. No mothers would ever abandon their own sons.

    If Zhai Yi¡¯s heart waspletely for Yuanyuan, Qiao Nan would have no choice but to treat Yuanyuan well as her eldest daughter-inw, and she would have to give Yuanyuan some benefits in order to maintain a good rtionship with Zhai Yi.

    ¡°But the men of the Zhai family... I¡¯ve told you before that Zhai Yi is almost definitely a filial child. In short, as long as you have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, you¡¯ll be able to lead a better-than-average life even if you were just to stay at home without working for the rest of your life. You¡¯ll be able to buy whatever you want. Your future mother-inw is richer than you can ever imagine. The most reassuring thing is that your future mother-inw¡¯s money has alle from legal sources.¡±

    They would not have to worry about the anti-corruption bureauing to confiscate Qiao Nan¡¯s money one day.

    ¡°Are they really that wealthy?¡± Ma Yuanyuan was taken aback. In that instant, Zhai Yi¡¯s name suddenly became much more real in her eyes. If she were to get together with Zhai Yi, not only would she gain power, but she would also have money on hand. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the Zhai family members are cadres in the central government and are all righteous? How did they get so rich?¡± And it had not been through illegal means.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure since I¡¯m not part of the Zhai family. How would I know all about your future mother-inw? Once you marry into the family, you¡¯ll have loads of time to figure out why she has so much money. She has three children in total, so you should know that you¡¯ll stand to gain more if you perform well and gain her favor.¡±

 Chapter 1737 - Three Forces

    <h4>Chapter 1737: Three Forces</h4>

    ¡°You should just keep in mind that there¡¯s nothing wrong with your future mother-inw¡¯s money. Once you marry into the family, you can rest assured and just take as much money as she is willing to give you to spend. When that timees, don¡¯t forget about how many ideas your mom has given you now.¡±

    She also wanted to live a life where she had an endless source of money to spend. Unfortunately, she no longer had a chance to do so in this lifetime. Her daughter might be able to get money from Qiao Nan, but there was a limit to how filial her daughter could be to her and how much money she could share with her.

    But that did not matter. Once Qiao Nan handed whatever she had over to her children, would Qiao Nan still be able to decide on how Yuanyuan should show her filial piety toward her? She had to take good care of her health so that she could live a long life. Even if it hade a few years toote, she would still be able to enjoy Qiao Nan¡¯s wealth during her lifetime.

    Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s gaze grew serious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯ll make sure to work hard. Mom, you¡¯re the one who treats me the best in this entire world. I definitely won¡¯t forget about you. I know you want the best for me, and you¡¯re doing everything for my good.¡±

    If she had known that being together with Zhai Yi would bring so many benefits to her and that she would be part of the upper ss, she would never have felt so repulsed toward Zhai Yi. Neither would she have started dating Gao Feng. Zhai Yi¡¯s background was truly exceptional. She would have to put in her utmost effort.

    Otherwise, such an outstanding person like Zhai Yi would definitely be picky when choosing his other half. If she did not meet Zhai Yi¡¯s requirements, that blissful life would not be hers.

    ¡°Mom, I understand your painstaking efforts. I won¡¯t do anything to disappoint you in the future. You did tell me about what Zhai Yi is like as a person and what kind of temperament he has. But at that time, I was upset about you taking things into your own hands and deciding on my behalf how my life should be and who my future partner should be. That was why I didn¡¯t take you seriously. I¡¯ll definitely remember whatever you¡¯ve taught me in the future. I¡¯ll work hard to be the kind of youngdy that Zhai Yi likes. Mom, I¡¯ll definitely seed.¡±

    Today, their family would leave the capital in dismay. But one day, she would return with her head held high.

    Hearing Ma Yuanyuan¡¯s determination, Qiu Chenxi was overjoyed. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve said that, I know that all my efforts in the past were not in vain. You¡¯re still young, and Zhai Yi hasn¡¯t graduated from university yet. As long as you¡¯re willing to work hard, there is still time. I believe in you. You¡¯ll definitely seed in anything you put your mind to.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The mother and daughter had a good chat and were both very enthusiastic, but they had no idea that their whole family was suddenly being transferred out of the capital because they had set their sights on Zhai Yi.

    If Qiu Chenxi and her daughter had chosen to live down-to-earth lives, ¡®outsiders¡¯ would not even care about the Ma family or bother to learn more about them. The more the mother and daughter desired to do so, the further away would the Ma family¡¯s wish of returning to the capital be.

    Knowing that the Ma family was finally leaving the capital with Qiu Chenxi and her daughter and were even bringing Qi Min along, Qiao Nan finally breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°The triplets haven¡¯t grown up fully yet, but there are already too many people eyeing on them. Brother Zhai, I¡¯m suddenly worried about our daughter. What should we do?¡±

    Qiao Nan was afraid that a youngdy like San Bao would be easily taken advantage of.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. You¡¯re just scaring yourself.¡± As an only daughter, it was only natural that Zhai Sheng ced great importance on San Bao. Even if Zhai Sheng did not pay as much attention to San Bao as other fathers did to their daughters, who treated their daughters like their lovers, Zhai Sheng¡¯s love for San Bao was no less than other father¡¯s.

    Even if the other party was a good and responsible man, Zhai Sheng had the urge to beat up whichever rascal that wanted to abduct his daughter. He could totally imagine a dirty rascal who had bad intentions and wanted to lie to San Bao like how Wei De had done at that time. Zhai Sheng chuckled. He had never met anyone who was so brave and bold.

    If he were really to meet someone like that, only then would he know in detail how he would deal with that person.

    Leaning in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, Qiao Nan could only try tofort herself. ¡°I do hope that I¡¯m just overthinking. After all, both Da Bao and Er Bao have already experienced it. Do you think San Bao will be able to avoid it?¡±

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s back and sneered even more coldly. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re really overthinking this. Among all the children, other than your senior who also has a daughter, San Bao is the only female. If San Bao were to have a boyfriend, don¡¯t you think that all those rascals will dig through the other party¡¯s family background and do a thorough check?¡±

    Those rascals whom they had raised were all wolf cubs. There were vicious ones, fierce ones, and impulsive ones. They had all sorts of differing tempers. If anyone wanted to abduct a youngdy from the Zhai family, they would really have to consider it carefully and think about whether they had any lives to spare and whether their bodies would be able to bear it.

    San Bao was the only rose among the thorns. Not only did all the parents cherish her, but they also all taught their sons to fight back on their sister¡¯s behalf if anyone were to bully her. No matter what happened, they would not have to worry as long as they did not kill the other party. If the matter got too serious, their parents would take responsibility for everything.

    As long as they were standing up for San Bao, not only would they not get in trouble, but they would also beuded for their good work and rewarded with a good meal! If they performed well, they would even be able to make a request for a reward!

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s reminder, Qiao Nan turned sullen. ¡°Brother Zhai, now that you¡¯re saying that, I¡¯m worried that San Bao might never find a boyfriend. Even if she finds one, I¡¯m afraid that they¡¯ll break up easily. When do you think San Bao will be able to get married and let me be a grandma?¡±

    With so many sly foxes and wolf cubs waiting around her daughter, would her daughter ever get married?

    Qiao Nan had been living a blissful life ever since she got married. Perhaps it was because her life was so blissful that she felt as though it had just been yesterday that she had just gotten to know Zhai Sheng. In the blink of an eye, the couple had already been married for more than twenty years, and their three children were already about to graduate from university.

    Zhai Yu had probably inherited Qiao Nan¡¯s talent for foreignnguages. Additionally, she had received training from Old Lin and Qiao Nan from a young age. As such, Zhai Yu performed quite well in foreignnguages. Not only had she be an alumnus of Qiao Nan¡¯s alma mater, but she had also be Qiao Nan¡¯s junior and colleague!

    As for Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin, their results had been so ster in school that they had graduated ahead of time. Zhai Yi had joined the army, and Zhai Xin had fulfilled his dream of joining the air force.

    The day he donned the military uniform, Zhai Xin had even joked with Zhai Yu that they would really have covered all three forces in this generation had Zhai Yu joined the military and gone into the navy.

 Chapter 1738 - Good Reason

    <h4>Chapter 1738: Good Reason</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After hearing Zhai Xin¡¯s words, no one had any ideas. But a thought suddenly shed through Zhai Hua¡¯s mind, and she turned her attention to her son, Tian Haoran. San Bao had not gone to the navy, but her son, Xiao Bao, could!

    Tian Haoran immediately saw through his mom¡¯s idea. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t even think about it. I won¡¯t survive in this industry.¡± He had no intention of being a soldier. He did not want to follow in his mom¡¯s footsteps and be away from home for a good part of the year. Tian Haoran knew that his desire for the military was nowhere as strong as her two elder brothers¡¯. Most importantly, his dad had left such a massivepany to him. He would eventually have to take over from his dad.

    Tian Haoran enjoyed doing research, and all the research that he did was on things that could be put into production in his ownpany. Based on this alone, it was clear that Tian Haoran had a n for his own future.

    Because of his son¡¯s decision, Tian Dong had been smug in front of Zhai Hua for a long time. True enough, their son took after his father and was not as crazy as Hua Hua to insist on bing a soldier. Knowing that Xiao Bao had no intention of joining the military and would instead take over the family business, his parents had been relieved at the time of their passing.

    The daughter-inw¡¯s family background was extraordinary, and she herself did not have a bad temper. Even if they had their own opinions toward Zhai Hua¡¯s career as her parents-inw, they had never mentioned it in front of Zhai Hua. When Zhai Hua was not around, they even helped take care of Tian Haoran.

    But Mother and Father Tian hadpletely different attitudes when it came to their grandson. They knew just how difficult it was to be a soldier, and they had seen it for themselves. Their grandson had grown up being pampered and spoiled by them. He had never suffered hardship or gone through any difficult times since he was a child. If he really went to the army, he would have to experience all these hardships first-hand.

    Suffering hardships was nothing much. What Mother and Father Tian were most worried about was the possibility of going to war. It was true that the country was at peace now, but soldiers never enjoyed any peace. Even if there was no war going on between countries, there would still be evil peoplemitting terrorist acts.

    Tian Haoran was the only grandson of the Tian family. If anything were to happen to Tian Haoran, the elderly couple felt that neither of them would be able to continue living anymore. Even if their grandson had not expressed keenness in the army like their daughter-inw, they could never rest easy with their daughter-inw around. They were deeply afraid that after they were gone, the grandson would be coerced by their daughter-inw to join the army and do those dangerous things.

    Knowing the dilemma that his grandparents were facing, Tian Haoran took the initiative to confess to them that he had no intention of joining the military. That day, Tian Haoran had chatted with his grandparents alone. Even his father, Tian Dong, had no idea about what the three of them had spoken about, let alone his mom, Zhai Hua.

    But what the couple realized was that after their son spoke to their parents, the elderly couple had never once worried about this matter again. They had been utterly convinced by Tian Haoran.

    Until now, Zhai Hua had not figured out how her son was so capable as to allow her parents-inw to pass on without any worries. Zhai Hua had asked Tian Haoran about this more than once, but Tian Haoran had never told his mom about what had happened.

    Because of this matter, Zhai Hua had even thrown a tantrum at Tian Haoran, saying that it was all Tian Dong¡¯s fault. Initially, Tian Dong had no idea what his son had told his parents either. But gradually, Tian Dong saw through Tian Haoran¡¯s n.

    Behind Zhai Hua¡¯s back, Tian Dong told Tian Haoran directly. ¡°Your mom and I have raised you in vain. Do you remember that you¡¯re a Tian, not a Zhai, or a Qiao?¡± The child that he had raised with so much effort was always thinking of others!

    He wondered how Zhai Hua would feel. Tian Dong himself felt a little sour. He had always loved his son, Tian Haoran, deeply and pampered him. But why had his son not followed in his path?

    Tian Haoran refused to take his father¡¯s bait. ¡°Are you sure you were the one who raised me? I can¡¯t deny that you and mom were the ones who gave birth to me, but I can¡¯t really say who really raised me. Believe it or not, if you tell Mom about what I think, Mom might give up the idea of sending me into the military to cover all three forces in our family. She might even support me taking over yourpany!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Tian Dong suffered a huge blow. ¡°Is Qiao Nan really that good?¡± Why was it that his wife and son all ced such importance on Qiao Nan¡¯s words? As a husband and father, he wondered how he was ranked in their hearts.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Tian Haoran nodded forcefully. He had always thought that his family had two fathers. Her mom was no different from his dad. All his impressions of what a mother was supposed to be like came from his aunt, Qiao Nan. There was truly no one who could beat Qiao Nan in this world. When he looked for a wife in the future, he had to find a youngdy like his aunt. His uncle had such good fortune.

    Tian Haoran and Qiao Nan were willing parties, so Tian Dong could not care less. But Qiao Nan waspletely clueless about all of this.

    There was only one reason why Tian Haoran wanted to take over the family business. It was because Qiao Nan had shares in the Tian Corporation. The revenue of the Tian Corporation had a direct impact on Qiao Nan¡¯s annual ie as well as her standard of living. If anything went wrong with the Tian Corporation, it would take a huge toll on Qiao Nan.

    That was why Tian Haoran had decided to take over the reins of his father¡¯spany and bring the Tian Corporation to greater heights. He knew that this was the only way he could help elevate the standard of living of his favorite aunt. The Tian family was wealthy, and all of this wealth would eventually be his. But if he were to directly hand some money over to his aunt, his aunt would definitely refuse.

    If Tian Corporation¡¯s revenue was high, his aunt would receive more dividends. He was sure that his aunt would not refuse in such a situation.

    To let his aunt and her family lead a better life, he had to be the boss of the Tian Corporation. He felt uneasy handing thepany over to someone else. How could anyone do a better job than him?

    Tian Haoran had good reason, and Tian Dong could not rebuke him.

    After all, his son and wife were all Qiao Nan¡¯s fans. Die-hard fans, no less. As head of the house, there was really nothing he could do about this mother-and-son pair. In the end, Tian Dong could only ept his fate like his parents had.

    Tian Haoran was close to the Zhai family and liked Qiao Nan very much. All along, Mother and Father Tian had their opinions regarding this. After all, their grandson should be the closest to them. Why was it that he was closest to his maternal grandma¡¯s family?

    Mother and Father Tian had been most worried about their grandson joining the military, but they had never expected that their grandson would resolutely choose to be a businessman because of Qiao Nan. He said it was because he wanted to bring the Tian Corporation to greater heights and increase theirpany¡¯s revenue.

    Tian Haoran¡¯s exnation was really hard for Mother and Father Tian to swallow.

 Chapter 1739 - Old Buddies

    <h4>Chapter 1739: Old Buddies</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Their grandson was the one who was going to be the boss, but he wanted to expand theirpany¡¯s business just to let Qiao Nan have a better life! It seemed as though the role and feelings of a boss and shareholder had been swapped.

    Even though this logic sounded ridiculous, Mother and Father Tian understood their grandson wholeheartedly. Their grandson would really do such a thing for Qiao Nan. Thus, Mother and Father Tian could finally be at ease.

    It did not matter what their daughter-inw thought. It would all depend on their grandson¡¯s decision, and their grandson¡¯s decision would always be influenced by Qiao Nan¡¯s existence. As long as it was for Qiao Nan, they could almost be certain that their grandson would not be lying.

    That was great. Now, all their problems had been solved. Even if Father and Mother Tian were to pass away at this very moment, they would do so without any regrets.

    Their son had gotten marriedter than others. Their daughter-inw had only married into their family when other family¡¯s children were already graduating from elementary school. But they had still managed to see their grandson grow up healthily into an intelligent and outstanding young man. Knowing that the Tian family had a sessor, there was nothing else that they worried about.

    Unable to see their grandson date or what kind of girlfriend he would find for himself was their only regret. Thankfully, they believed that with his parents around and an aunt like Qiao Nan watching over him, the wife that their grandson found for himself would surely be one of good character.

    With that knowledge, Mother and Father Tian both passed on peacefully.

    After graduation, the triplets fulfilled each of their own dreams and engaged in the work that they had longed to do. Naturally, that put them in a good mood. Tian Haoran followed soon after and graduated from university less than two years after the triplets had graduated.

    While Tian Haoran was studying, he had already been actively involved in scientific research. Quite a few of his research findings had been put into production after rounds of examination, approvals, and appraisals. All these had helped the Tian Corporation win many projects and had also increased the revenue of the Tian Corporation.

    As such, Tian Haoran had already made a name for himself within the Tian Corporation while he was still a student. The senior management of the Tian Corporation all knew that Tian Haoran was the crown prince of the Tian Corporation. At a young age, he was already so capable and was even bringing in revenue for thepany.

    They could not be more assured by the fact that Tian Haoran would be the one taking over thepany in the future. They werepletely convinced that the Tian Corporation would only develop even further, faster, and more steadily under the leadership of this crown prince, Tian Haoran, instead of under Tian Dong.

    In short, before Tian Haoran even became an official employee of the Tian Corporation, he had alreadyid down foundations for his reputation and prestige.

    When Tian Haoran entered the Tian Corporation, there had been no drastic changes made to the organization. No one in thepany dared to fool Tian Haoran or treat him like a young and foolish person who was easy to bully. On the contrary, their respect for Tian Haoran was no less than that for Tian Dong.

    The employees of the Tian Corporation were extremely clear that the Tian father and son were more than able to lead them to make even more money.

    Seeing Tian Haoran suddenly acting like a CEO, Gao Feng chuckled. ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk. Wearing a suit really makes you seem like a beast.¡± They had yed together since they were children and had grown up together. Because of their close rtionship, Gao Feng had never bothered to address Tian Haoran as his ¡®elder brother¡¯.

    Of course, Tian Haoran did not take issue with Gao Feng not addressing him as an elder brother. He did not want such a foolish younger brother like Gao Feng anyway. ¡°Aren¡¯t you in university now? In a few years¡¯ time, you¡¯ll be taking the same path that I have taken. I wonder if you¡¯ll be able to do as well as I have. There are lots of people who pride themselves on their seniority. If youck capability, you¡¯ll never be able to win these guys over.¡±

    Tian Haoran was clear that the employees in thepany were only respectful to him on the surface. In reality, there was bound to be one or two people who felt that he had just entered society, and was therefore foolish and easily deceived.

    They wanted him to focus wholeheartedly on research and leave the decision-making to the senior management of thepany. Did they really think he was a fool?

    If he were to agree to that way of running thepany, he might not even be the one making decisions in the Tian Corporation. The Tian family was the Tian Corporation¡¯srgest shareholder and boss. All these suggestions kindly put forward by these ¡®elders¡¯ made it seem as though he was working for someone else in his ownpany.

    Tian Haoran had been doing research for many years and did look a little inflexible. But Tian Haoran was the son of that sly old fox, Tian Dong. Putting aside teachings, by gics alone, there was no way Tian Haoran would be a little bunny who would allow himself to be surrounded by a pack of wolves and not do anything.

    Even if Tian Haoran was really a little bunny, he still had a set of teeth that could even bite through diamonds. Then, the wolves might not even get to eat rabbit meat. Quite the contrary, they might even get bitten by the rabbit, lose their limbs, and be disabled!

    Now, whatever troubles and problems Tian Haoran was facing, Gao Feng would experience them too when he entered his father¡¯spany. Because they were all friends, Tian Haoran had kindly given Gao Feng a heads-up so he would know what he was in for.

    Otherwise, he might not even want to recognize him as his elder brother when that time came. How meaningless would it be for him to be bullied so badly that he would be like a tortoise that was unable to stick his head out in front of all those old foggies?

    ¡°Heheheh...¡± Zhu Yu chuckled. ¡°Tonight¡¯s thest time being so carefree. Don¡¯t bother asking me out for any events in the future. Don¡¯t look down on Gao Feng. Apart from being a fool in front of women, he¡¯s quite smart when ites to everything else.¡±

    Because of this, he had often fallen into Gao Feng¡¯s trap, allowing Gao Feng to take advantage of him many times when they were younger.

    As such, Zhu Yu was not at all worried about his friend, Gao Feng. He felt that it would already be good if that bunch of old bones was not too badly bullied by Gao Feng. If so, all those years of rice that they had eaten would not go to waste.

    ¡°You? We¡¯ve never expected you toe out with us.¡± Gao Feng made a toast. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too early for you? You¡¯re only in high school, but you¡¯ve already been recruited into the special forces! Do you want to be the king of the soldiers?¡± Gao Feng pounded Zhu Yu¡¯s body. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s all muscles. My fist hurts.¡± He felt as though he was hitting a rock, not meat.

    Zhu Yu triumphantly showed off his muscles. ¡°Old buddies?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be all brawns and no brain, and end up as cannon fodder, and even give your life up!¡± Tian Haoran rolled his eyes at Zhu Yu. In the face of raining bullets, Zhu Yu¡¯s muscles would be all but useless. A single bullet would be enough to kill Zhu Yu. No matter how much muscles he had, they would never be able to shield him from bullets.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you say something more pleasant?¡± Zhu Yu was upset. ¡°If it wasn¡¯tte, I wouldn¡¯t even bothering out with you guys. I might as well ask Sister Zhai Yu if there has been anything going on recently.¡±

 Chapter 1740 - Just As Well

    <h4>Chapter 1740: Just As Well</h4>

    There was no point in staying together with a bunch of rascals. When Zhai Yu was around, she would always take care of his well-being.

    Unfortunately, by the time the state rxed its policies and implemented a two-child policy, his parents already had no intention of having another child. Otherwise, he might even have a younger sister to care for.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sister Zhai Yu. I¡¯ll take care of this. Which man is so blind? Hehehe...¡± Tian Haoran sneered darkly, giving others goose bumps.

    Gao Feng downed a mouthful of beer. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be able to handle it alone?¡± Zhai Yu was getting prettier by the day, and she resembled Auntie Qiao. If it was not for the few of them keeping their eyes on her, Zhai Yu would have long been abducted by those rascals. Humph. He was still a kid who had to ask his parents for pocket money, but he wanted to protect Sister Zhai Yu? Had he asked them for permission?

    The three young people sitting there might look young and fresh, but they were all either third-generation rich heirs or from prominent families. In addition to their good family backgrounds, every single one of them had strived hard and had not grown up wayward. Moreover, they were all capable.

    Typically, children who were still studying, even if they were in university, could never match up to the performance of Tian Haoran and his bunch of friends.

    In the courtyard, many people had expected to see the Zhai family crumble. There was no use in giving birth to so many children. Even if one knew how to give birth to them, one had to know how to raise them well. Then, that would be truly impressive. In such arge capital, they had heard countless stories about children being raised wayward and bing good-for-nothings in this very same courtyard.

    It might have been good news that the Zhai family had triplets. But was it really that easy to raise and teach them well considering there were three children of the same age? If even one out of three was raised wayward, they might as well have chosen to raise only one and raise that one well instead.

    In the end, everyone saw Qiao Nan¡¯s friends seeminglying to a tacit agreement and often dropping their kids off at the Zhai family. It seemed that these children spent more time with the Zhai family than their own families. All these onlookers were confused. Were the Zhu family and the Tian family only in charge of giving birth to their children? Were they not going to take care of their own children?

    Did these people treat the Zhai family as a kindergarten and Qiao Nan as their children¡¯s nanny? The Zhai family was already busy enough trying to take care of their own three children. Now that there were so many more children, were those parents really at ease leaving their children there? Were they not afraid that the Zhai family¡¯s triplets would bully their children or lead them astray?

    In normal families, some parents could not even raise just one child well, not to mention the Zhai family that had a house full of children. Other parents watched on with glee, waiting to see the parents of those children regret their decision of sending their children to Qiao Nan.

    Time treated every man equally. In the blink of an eye, the Zhai family¡¯s children were all grown up, and so were their own children. Their own children¡¯s performances were actually quite good, but the problem was that they paled inparison to the children of the Zhai family.

    Of all the children who grew up in the Zhai family, not a single one of them grew up wayward. In fact, it seemed as though they had all been on steroids! Not only were they healthy, but they were also intelligent and outstanding in their performances.

    Many people started to wonder whether it was the Zhai family¡¯s education methods that were good, or whether these children were good in the first ce due to their genes. Did the Zhai family and Qiao Nan have nothing to do with the children¡¯s performances and growth?

    Now that these children had grown up so well, all those people who had been waiting to watch some fun had a change in their mindsets. Now, their sons already had their own sons, and their daughters had their own daughters. If the Zhai family¡¯s education was truly that good, would their grandchildren be as outstanding if they were to be sent to the Zhai family?

    Qiao Nan was not young anymore. In another two years¡¯ time, she should be retiring. Thus, some people quietly visited the Zhai family to discuss this matter with Miao Jing. They wondered if Qiao Nan could start a kindergarten after her retirement. They could really rest assured if their grandchildren were being taken care of by Qiao Nan.

    Of course, Miao Jing did not even mention a thing about this to Qiao Nan and had refused all these ¡®old¡¯ neighbors right then and there. When they needed them, they said ¡®we believe in the Zhai family¡¯. But when they had no need for them, each of them crossed their arms, munched on melon seeds, and waited to see a good show to unfold in the Zhai family and just how wayward the children of the Zhai family would grow up to be.

    There was no such good deal in the world.

    It was true that Nan Nan could teach children well. She had already known about this a few decades earlier when Nan Nan was still in high school. Nan Nan knew how to take care of children and had made a name for herself in Ping Cheng long ago. In fact, many people were hoping that Nan Nan would go back to start a tuition ss for them.

    Someone had even said that the best results for the college entrance examination and middle school examination in Ping Cheng all had something to do with Nan Nan. The best results of the college entrance examination were naturally during Nan Nan¡¯s year. As for the best results for the middle school examination, it had been the year that Nan Nan had been a tutor.

    Had Nan Nan not be Old Lin¡¯s disciple and entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nan Nan would have flourished in the education industry with her ability.

    Everyone else had thought that the Tian family and the Zhu family were being too bold and brave by sending their children over to the Zhai family. But Miao Jing understood that there was no way these people would not be so brave. They were simply ¡®taking advantage¡¯ of Nan Nan by doing so. Miao Jing was not at all surprised that these people in the capital had no idea about Nan Nan¡¯s capabilities.

    But Shi Qing was Nan Nan¡¯s best friend, and Zhu Baoguo and Fang Fang had been Nan Nan¡¯s ssmates. As for Zhai Hua, there was no need to mention it. Had they not been close to Qiao Nan, they would never have known that Qiao Nan had such a glorious side to her. Aftering to the capital, everyone had maintained their silence and had never once mentioned Nan Nan¡¯s glorious past.

    Miao Jing had not told Qiao Nan about all these for fear that Qiao Nan would get angry. But Zhu Yu and the other children knew all about it. Zhu Yu downed a can of beer. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we find an opportunity to help Auntie Qiao move out of the courtyard? I don¡¯t understand how the people in the courtyard can be so petty and narrow-minded. Won¡¯t it be nice if everyone just minds their own business and stays in their ownnes? Why are there so many problems?¡±

    Tian Haoran raised his eyebrow. Had they not been talking about Sister Zhai Yu? Why had the conversation suddenly changed to talking about his aunt? But that was just as well. ¡°It¡¯s not as though auntie doesn¡¯t have any houses on hand. Why would we need to raise the matter if she wants to move?¡±

    He knew that his grandparents were not in good health. Besides, his grandpa was somewhat old-fashioned. That house in the courtyard belonged to the Zhai family, after all. But if he were to move somewhere else, he would be staying in his daughter-inw¡¯s house. His grandpa would never agree to that. His aunt was always one to please her family. Knowing his grandpa¡¯s temper, she had never thought of moving, much less mention it.

 Chapter 1741 - Feeling Unwell

    <h4>Chapter 1741: Feeling Unwell</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    His aunt had not even felt sad about leaving such a huge vi empty. Instead, she had even graciously handed the keys to the vi to these children, saying that they could stay at the vi if the need arose. His aunt had said that young people needed their own space asionally. As long as they did not go over the top and deal with things that they should not deal with, she was totally fine with them letting loose once in a while.

    Where else would he find such an enlightened and open-minded aunt?

    Qiao Nan herself had never been to any of the houses that Old Lin had left to her, including the vi. But these children had been there several times for various reasons, especially Tian Haoran, who was involved in research. Whenever he reached a bottleneck in his research and needed somewhere to calm down, he would always go to this house.

    Zhu Yu scratched his t head. ¡°If only these people were men instead of olddies. I would definitely fight with them and punch them and kick them. That way, everything would be solved.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that you¡¯re all brawns and no brains?¡± Gao Feng chuckled uncontrobly. He had once thought that Zhu Yu was quite intelligent. But after he entered the military and got recruited into the special forces, it seemed as though his brain regressed. He was no longer as cunning and sly as he was in the past, and he would choose to use his force to solve problems most of the time. ¡°Apart from going on missions and exercises, have you let your brain rest too much now that you¡¯re used to using physical force to solve your problems?¡±

    Zhu Yu rubbed his fists. ¡°Why? Do you want to fight me? Just say so if you do. Shall we go to the side and spar?¡± He might not be able to handle other people, but did Gao Feng really think that he would not be able to handle him?

    Gao Feng huffed. ¡°How unreasonable!¡±

    Did Zhu Yu think he was using his feet to think too? Even when they were younger, he had never won against Zhu Yu. Now, Zhu Yu was a special forces soldier and was on the path to bing the king of the soldiers. Fighting Zhu Yu now? That was just picking a losing battle. He had never allowed his brain to rest, so he would never do something as foolish as that!

    Zhu Yu replied gleefully, ¡°Have you forgotten what Auntie Qiao taught us? I can take on ten people!¡± Zhu Yu proudly raised his fist. ¡°In the face of guns, all reactionaries are nothing more than paper tigers!¡±

    ¡°There are so many paper tigers in front of Auntie Qiao. Why don¡¯t you defeat one to show me how you can defeat ten with your own strength?¡± Gao Feng impolitely embarrassed Zhu Yu. Everyone there had grown up together. Could they really deceive each other about their own abilities?

    Come on, just stop it.

    Zhu Yuughed. ¡°What a cheap brotherhood! Our friendship is so fragile, like a boat that can tip over at any time!¡± He could not continue with this conversation.

    Gao Feng was overjoyed. Zhu Yu was a special forces soldier, and ever since then, they had only been able to meet Zhu Yu twice in a year. But Zhu Yu was still as cheeky as he had been. He had not grown up at all, and neither had he be inflexible because he was now a special forces soldier. He was still that old Zhu Yu they were familiar with.

    ¡°Can you treat us to a ss of wine?¡± Just as they were in the midst of their chat, a woman scantily d and wearing heavy make-up walked toward the trio, smiling seductively. The woman pointed toward where she hade from. As expected, there were several other girls sitting there, dressed in the same manner as this youngdy was. They were clearly used to ying the game. What she meant by drinking was that she wanted to get to know them better to see if they could hit off. If they got along well, then it was unquestionably a night¡¯s out after that.

    Tian Haoran refused her politely. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We can treat you to a drink, but we won¡¯t be going over. Enjoy, beauty. But remember to pay attention to your own safety.¡± As children raised by Qiao Nan, all three of them were very self-disciplined and would not fall for such a trap. Not everyonecked self-discipline and was an animal that needed to let it out.

    Such things would only feel good if involved parties had feelings for each other.

    Actually, it was not just because of Qiao Nan¡¯s education. Their parents had all gotten together because of their feelings for one another. A good rtionship between parents would always have a good impact on their children. Tian Haoran and his friends were rather old-fashioned in this aspect and were not the kind to mess around.

    They were unlike those young people who liked to y around. Many parents did not really bother about how their own children yed around outside. What they cared about was that their daughter should find a partner like the children of the Zhai family. Only children like that could keep their daughter down to earth.

    Of course, families with sons also felt that marrying a wife like Zhai Yu would allow them to lead a simple and honest life. They could not appreciate the vibrant and colorful lives of young people nowadays. Their mindsets were old-fashioned and could not be changed. Otherwise, if their son brought home just any woman on the street, they would even have to worry about whether the baby in her stomach was their son¡¯s.

    ¡°Handsome, let¡¯s just have a chat and make friends.¡± That woman did not know how to give up. She was used to ying around, and her eyes were smoking hot. Even though the trio had not ordered expensive wine, she could tell from their clothes that these three people were not the kind who dressed up in expensive clothing just to show off.

    This woman also felt that they were handsome and tall. If they were rich as well, he would not just be a target for a one-night stand. They were clearly candidates for marriage!

    This one-night stand could turn into scoring a good husband. When would she ever get a second chance like this? As such, she refused to give up easily. She wondered if this was the first time that these three handsome guys hade to a ce like this. Were there still tall, handsome, and rich guys who were still innocent?

    If it was really true, she was in luck!

    Gao Feng lifted up his chin. ¡°Beauty, if you want to make friends, I think those few people over there seem interested. Why don¡¯t you give it a shot?¡± He had bumped into such a hard wall after getting into an early rtionship. To be honest, Gao Feng had be a little frightened at the thought of women because of his encounter with Ma Yuanyuan.

    Even though he was already a university student, and it would no longer be an early rtionship, Gao Feng was not yet prepared to get into one. Since he was not nning on getting into a rtionship, Gao Feng was even more so unwilling to ¡®make friends¡¯ like this. Gao Feng was worried that he might ¡®make¡¯ a friend tonight but get a good beating from his mom and dad once they found out about it tomorrow.

    The youngdy¡¯s expression soured. She had already thrown herself at them, but not only had they refused, but they had even offered her to someone else! Thedy pouted and eyed the trio ufortably.

 Chapter 1742 - Cold

    <h4>Chapter 1742: Cold</h4>

    In the end, the beauty harrumphed but epted Gao Feng¡¯s suggestion. With her ten-centimeter-high pumps, she whipped around and went off to ¡®make friends¡¯ with those handsome men.

    ¡°...¡±

    Tian Haoran and his two friends frowned. ¡°We¡¯d better strike this ce off our list. We are not suited for such a ce. We were just thinking of having a change of environment for once, but it¡¯s been proven that such an idea was wrong. I think we¡¯d better just head down to auntie¡¯s vi. There¡¯s nock of alcohol there, and we¡¯ve everything we need there too.¡±

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    ¡°Seconded.¡±

    Although Gao Feng and Zhu Yu had no experience in that area, it did not mean that they were fools and were ignorant about what that woman¡¯s nce meant earlier. It was truly because they were good-natured. Otherwise, they might very well have gotten into a fight with women like that.

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t get upset. Maybe she was trying to goad us into action. It would be ridiculous to treat people like that seriously.¡± After calming down, Tian Haoran thought more about the matter. He clearly realized that the beauty had indeed epted Gao Feng¡¯s suggestion. But the problem was that even while talking to those men, that woman¡¯s eyes would nce toward them from time to time. It was clear that she had not given up.

    That was expected. After all, when ordinary men encountered such a suspicious thing, and with the other party offering herself up to them at no cost, they would typically not be able to resist themselves and would fall for it.

    Tsk!

    Tian Haoran felt that their way of thinking made it seem as though they were not normal men. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the vi. It¡¯s already quitete. If we go back now, we¡¯ll probably wake the emperors and empresses at home. If that happens, there will really be amotion then.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Qiao is indeed wise.¡± Gao Feng raised both his hands in approval. Without Auntie Qiao¡¯s vi, they would have no choice but to stay in a hotel for the night. There was no way a hotel couldpare with their homes in terms offort. Long live understanding, long live Auntie Qiao.

    Zhu Yu hit Gao Feng¡¯s head. ¡°Auntie Qiao¡¯s not even here. Stop trying to suck up to her! She won¡¯t even know anything about this anyway!¡± Gao Feng was a rascal, who had known to curry favor from an early age. He had always tried to behave and please Auntie Qiao. How cunning!

    Gao Feng refused to take Zhu Yu¡¯s bait. ¡°You¡¯re just jealous that Auntie Qiao likes me better!¡± It was because Zhu Yu had not been able to win Auntie Qiao¡¯s favor when he was younger that he was always finding an excuse to fight with Gao Feng and to use his strength to take Gao Feng down. Was Zhu Yu a fool? Nonsense! Zhu Yu was just ying dumb to take advantage of him!

    Every time they fought, he would always lose. Moreover, all the adults always thought that Zhu Yu had been bullied first and had only tried to defend himself by fighting back. At least nine times out of ten, the adults would always feel that Gao Feng had been the one to start the fight with Zhu Yu.

    Gao Feng had been maligned by Zhu Yu while growing up. Gao Feng and Zhu Yu¡¯s rtionship was truly the epitome of loving and killing each other simultaneously.

    ¡°Can¡¯tpete with you?¡± Zhu Yuughed. ¡°I think you¡¯ve got it wrong. I guess it¡¯s because you won¡¯t be Auntie Qiao¡¯s favorite if you don¡¯t use some underhanded methods.¡± When they were younger, Gao Feng had already been annoying. Now that he was older, he had be even more irksome.

    ¡°All right, you guys are not three-year-old children anymore. Look at where we are, will you? Can you stop embarrassing me?¡± Tian Haoran quickly interrupted the childish fight between the pair, lest they be seen asughingstocks. Tian Haoran did not care how they settled it in private, no matter how childish it might be.

    But they were still outside, so they had to pay attention to their behaviors.

    If that beauty had tried to goad them into action earlier, Zhu Yu and Gao Feng foolishly fighting with each other would only make the beauty feel thankful that she had changed her target.

    Tian Haoran quickly left with Zhu Yu and Gao Feng before they embarrassed themselves.

    Seeing that the three of them were not taking her bait and were not as impulsive and temperamental as other young people, the beauty was upset. ¡°Handsome, you¡¯ve drunk quite a lot of alcohol, but the night¡¯s still young. Didn¡¯t you say that you have a car? How about bringing us for a joyride?¡±

    She might have been wrong. These three men looked rather young and fresh. Perhaps, she had made a wrong judgment. They were not rich, handsome, and tall. Maybe they were just tall and handsome, but not rich.

    ¡°All right.¡± The other party showed off the car key to his Mercedes-Benz. At that, the smile on the beauty¡¯s face rxed. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry up and get some fresh air.¡±

    They had not sat down and chatted for long before they finished their alcohol and left to take a spin. At the door, that beauty specially kept her eyes on the parking lot. She had calcted the time. If those three young men had a car, they would definitely not have left. But if she had left and did not see any sign of those three handsome men, that could only mean that those three handsome men were broke. No wonder they had refused to sit with them and treat them to drinks. Their pockets were cleaner than their faces, after all.

    People were often like that. It might not be good to get something, but one would miss it like crazy if they did not get it. Sigh. In the end, that beauty really saw it.

    Initially, the beauty had not been paying attention. When she saw the brand new Jaguar drive past her, she was still grumbling in her heart that this was truly the capital, where branded cars were everywhere. A Jaguar was somon. It was not until the Jaguar parked not far away from her and she saw Zhu Yu and Gao Feng walking toward the Jaguar and getting in the car that the beauty was truly dumbfounded. The man sitting in the driver¡¯s seat was the one who had treated her to a drink but had rejected her!

    She opened the door and widened her eyes to observe the scene carefully. It was really Tian Haoran!

    When the handsome man who had asked the beauty out arrived and saw her eyeing on the Jaguar, he chuckled. ¡°Kids nowadays are really something. I think those three boys haven¡¯t even graduated from university. It¡¯s sote at night but they even dare to drive their family¡¯s car out! I¡¯m a down-to-earth person. This car may not be the best, but it¡¯s still all right. At the very least, I bought it with my own money.¡±

    The man had wanted to show off his ability to make money and that he did not rely on his parents. He was different from those men who only knew how to ask their parents for money. Putting one-night stands aside, women should marry men like him.

    Unfortunately, the beauty did not buy that. What was wrong with asking their parents for money? If their parents did not have the ability, would they buy a brand new Jaguar for their son to drive at whim? She had never thought of enduring hardships with a man. She liked rich second-generation or third-generation heirs because she would be able to lead afortable life. What was wrong with that?

    If she had known that the three handsome men drove a Jaguar, she would never have been so stupid as to give up the tall, handsome, and rich guys for a sried worker who was so boastful! All of a sudden, that beauty lost all desire to go for a spin or to have a one-night stand. She came to the sudden realization that she had just brushed shoulders with three gold mines, but they had just gotten further and further from her until they were nowhere to be seen. In an instant, her heart felt tremendously cold.

 Chapter 1743 - Company

    <h4>Chapter 1743: Company</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had had good judgment and had picked out a gem. Unfortunately, she had not persisted and had given up such a gold mine! One would never be able to understand such a pain if they were not the party concerned.

    Because she could not take this lying down, the youngdy headed down to the bar every night for a whole month just to see if she had any luck bumping into the three young men who drove a Jaguar.

    Who could be so sure about something like fate? What if she really ran into them? If they had no fate, she would not have bumped into them the first time, right?

    Of course, Qiao Nan had no idea about this small episode. What she knew was that her two sons who had followed in their father¡¯s past were finally free toe home for a week. She was practically overjoyed. ¡°You two rascals! Now that you¡¯re in the army, you¡¯re even crazier than your dad was when he was younger! I¡¯ve lived half my life, but I¡¯ve never had such a hard time because of him. But I¡¯ve always been counting the days to see when the two of you would finally be back! Now that you¡¯re back, spend more time with your grandma and grandpa. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed. Now that she was older, her mindset had changedpletely. The triplets were all grown up and had already gone out into the workforce, but Qiao Nan had gotten married and given birth to her children early. Because of that, Qiao Nan still looked very young.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were really old. They were so advanced in age that they had to rely on crutches when going out and had to walk extremely slowly for fear that they might fall if they were to walk faster. At this age, their bones were particrly brittle.

    No matter how much Qiao Nan tried to nourish the two elders with calcium, she could not change the fact that the elderly couple was already in the seventies to eighties. Now, Zhai Yaohui was finally making up for his regret in his youth. He was finally able to stay by Miao Jing¡¯s side every day. And for that, he was rather happy.

    But Miao Jing felt differently because she had her regrets.

    Having five generations under the same roof was truly a great blessing because it was rare that five generations could live together. It was not particrly difficult for four generations to live together. Unfortunately, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were both soldiers and had no chance of meeting girlfriends at all. Her son, Zhai Sheng, had not gotten very early, and Zhai Hua had only married in her thirties. If her grandson and granddaughter were to get married sote in life, they might not even get the chance to meet their great-grandchildren!

    At the thought of this, Miao Jing could not help but sigh. Her father-inw had been much more fortunate than her. Not only had her father-inw been able to live with three other generations, but he had also had the good fortune of meeting three great-grandchildren all at once. She was not expecting to see three great-grandchildren just because she had three grandchildren. But the problem was whether she would even be able to meet even one!

    Thankfully, Miao Jing was old but not muddleheaded. These were just her thoughts. She would not go so far as to force her grandchildren to get married just because of her own wishes.

    Zhai Hua had married well, and Zhai Sheng had married even better. It was always better for young people to have feelings for each other as a foundation before progressing on. Only then would they have a good life together in the future.

    Qiao Nan could not be clearer about what Miao Jing was thinking about. Miao Jing might not have said anything to the triplets about her little private wish, and as their mom, it was even more so that Qiao Nan could not force her children to do something against their own will.

    It was indeed no mean feat to deliver a great-grandchild to the elderly couple all of a sudden. But her children had finally returned home, so Qiao Nan was still very willing for the triplets to spend more time with their elders.

    Even though that meant she would have less time and opportunity to spend time with her sons, she was still young. She would still have twenty to thirty years with her children. Thus, she was more willing to let her two sons spend time with her parents-inw now to appease them and put them in good moods.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯m sure grandma will be ted to see me.¡± Zhai Xin patted his chest to reassure her. He rarely had the time toe home, so he wanted to cherish this time more than anyone else to spend time with his family.

    When he was younger, Zhai Xin had held it against his father because other families¡¯ fathers were always by the children¡¯s sides, unlike their dad. Because they had spent so little time with their father when they were younger, he did not even have much of an impression of his father in the past.

    His mom had told him that it was only after they turned three that they finally remembered and recognized that the man who visited them once in a while was their father!

    Now that they themselves lived away from home, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin could finally understand their father¡¯s feelings and responsibility on his back at that time. They were beyond grateful that their father had set such a good example for them, and they even had a good mother, who took care of the entire household on their father¡¯s behalf. She had even constantly reminded them about how their father was a great hero.

    Thus, even though theycked a fatherly figure in their childhoods, the three of them had never felt that their childhoods had been any different from others¡¯. Neither did they have any regrets because of that. Perhaps, separation made the heart fonder and made people understand that it was truly precious to get together.

    Qiao Nan patted Zhai Xin on his shoulder and let out a meaningful smile.

    When Old Master Zhai was still alive, he had said that Zhai Xin¡¯s personality was the spitting image of her father-inw¡¯s when he had been younger. He had been as yful and cheeky as a monkey,pletely unlike his matured and stern self now.

    Her mother-inw had never seen her father-inw when he was younger. Hearing Old Master Zhai say that, her mother-inw had always felt that watching Er Bao grow up was as though she was participating in her father-inw¡¯s growth. As such, her mother-inw had shown a special preference toward Zhai Xin. This was the reason it had arisen.

    It was just that the Old Master Zhai had simply mentioned this in passing when the three children were still young. At that age, they might not have understood that. Even if they did, they probably would not have any impression of it anyway. When the three children grew older and started understanding the world around them, no one ever talked about how Zhai Xin resembled her father-inw when he was younger so as to protect her father-inw¡¯s image.

    Thus, the misunderstanding caused by her mother-inw¡¯s bias toward Zhai Xin had continued up until this very day.

    Qiao Nan, who knew the truth, simply smiled at her son without saying a word as though she was agreeing with Zhai Xin.

    ¡°Mom, this is today¡¯s newspaper, right? I¡¯ll bring it over and read it to grandpa.¡± When he was home, Zhai Xin did not give up entirely on training, even though the intensity of his own training was nowhere as high as it was in the army. Now that he was free, Zhai Xin unhesitatingly chose to spend all his time on his elders.

    In this way, Zhai Xin realized that he might havee home to rest, but it seemed as though he was even more worn-out and had less free time aspared to when he was back in the military.

    ¡°Go on.¡± Her father-inw¡¯s presbyopia had worsened significantly. If not for Zhai Yu who read the newspaper to her father-inw after returning from work every day, her father-inw might not have been able to continue with his habit of staying abreast of current affairs, given his dislike for wearing sses. ¡°Now that the two of you are back, Zhai Yu¡¯s spending less time at home. All three of you are getting busier by the day.¡±

 Chapter 1744 - Valued

    <h4>Chapter 1744: Valued</h4>

    ¡°Thankfully, I have your dad by my side. Otherwise, I really think I would not be able to pass my days.¡±

    She had thought that the children had been too noisy when they were younger. But now that she was older, Qiao Nan felt that there was nothing much to her life other than work since her children were not by her side.

    Qiao Nan, who was utterly bored, could not help but have the same idea as her mother-inw. How fulfilling would her life be if she had a grandchild whom she could take care of!

    Qiao Nan tried to restrain her smile. ¡°Don¡¯t forget about your maternal grandpa once you¡¯ve coaxed your paternal grandparents.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I know what to do.¡± Zhai Yi was the one who answered Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin still had some vague impressions of what had happened when they were younger. Just a few years ago, Zhou Xing had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and had refreshed their memories of their maternal grandma¡¯s family. Thankfully, their family had not encountered any more major problems after that. Neither had their maternal grandpa created any trouble or done anything wrong because of these troubles and problems.

    Thinking about their maternal grandpa¡¯s age, the sensible and grown-up Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin became much more considerate. Zhai Yu was the only child who stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. While Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were not around, Zhai Yu had done her brothers¡¯ share of filial piety on their behalves. As such, if anything happened to any of the three elders, Zhai Yu had to busy herself with both sides of elders.

    Zhai Yi¡¯s gaze was filled with tenderness. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s been hard on you all these years.¡± In the past, the one who had it the hardest had been their mom. Now, San Bao had taken over the burden from their mom, and she was now the one who worked the hardest amongst the three of them.

    In other families, it was usually the elder brothers who took care of their younger sisters so that their younger sisters would be able to live afortable and easy life. But in the Zhai family, it seemed as though they were always out of the ordinary. The women in the Zhai family always needed to bear more responsibilities than the men of the Zhai family.

    This was his only younger sister. He had wanted to pamper and spoil her.

    ¡°Children are their parents¡¯ debt, but you and Er Bao have to treat San Bao well in the future. When the dayes when your dad and I are no longer around, the only ones that San Bao can rely on are the two of you, her elder brothers. The three of you have to get along well. Do you understand?¡±

    Qiao Nan did not want to overthink matters. But seeing all the examples around her, she could not let it go just like that. There was a saying that men often neglected their mothers after marriage. Qiao Nan felt that with Zhai Sheng by her side, she would not despair even if her children really distanced themselves from her because of their partners. Of course, it was only natural that her heart would ache. But at least, she still had her life partner by her side.

    As long as her children lived good lives on their own, Qiao Nan would not mind it. Even if her children were to leave her, she would still find a way to enrich her own life. But if this were to happen to her own children, Qiao Nan felt that she might not be as calm and collected.

    Qiao Nan believed that her children were good kids, but what worried Qiao Nan was that the children were bound to have their own partners once they grew up.

    It was not just a matter of having another mouth to feed orying out another pair of chopsticks during mealtimes. Having an additional person in the family meant that there were one more person¡¯s feelings to consider. There might even be a problem between Zhai Yu and her sisters-inw. If there came a day when neither she nor Zhai Sheng was around, San Bao would naturally have to rely on only Da Bao and Er Bao.

    It was easy for girls to be taken advantage of. If San Bao was unlucky and they followed suit, judging a person wrongly and handing San Bao over to the wrong person, San Bao would suffer and be wronged in the future. Then, San Bao would need Da Bao and Er Bao to seek justice on her behalf.

    Da Bao and Er Bao would definitely not let it go if San Bao were to be bullied. Qiao Nan had never doubted that and had the utmost faith in her own sons. The only thing she was worried about was that Da Bao and Er Bao would have their own ideas after getting married and settling down with their own families. Perhaps, Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s feelings would no longer be as sincere and intense as before because of their partners¡¯ influence.

    ¡°You¡¯re all the Zhai family¡¯s children. Zhai Yu¡¯s desire for the army is probably as intense as yours and Zhai Xin¡¯s, but this child is considerate and chose to sacrifice herself for our sakes. It may be a little early to say this, but I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t understand even if I say it now since you have no context behind it and won¡¯t feel much for it. Whenever the two of you are away, San Bao¡¯s the only one who takes care of all three of your grandparents. She¡¯s already a grown-up youngdy. If she isn¡¯t busy with work, she¡¯s busy taking care of all three of your elders. She doesn¡¯t even have any free time to spend on shopping or catching a movie like any other youngdies her age should be doing, much less have any time to get herself a boyfriend.¡±

    At the mention of her sensible daughter, Zhai Yu, Qiao Nan¡¯s tone was full of tenderness and affection.

    ¡°Everyone praises San Bao for being a down-to-earth youngdy. To be honest, I had never wished for your sister to be so simple and down-to-earth given our family background. Do you mean we can¡¯t even afford a branded bag? Or pretty clothes? All those makeup products that youngdies use may be expensive, but couldn¡¯t our family afford them? It¡¯s just that San Bao¡¯s too busy. She¡¯s such a beautiful youngdy but has no time for herself! It breaks my heart as a mother.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a man, after all, and it was inevitable that he was a little crude and careless when it came to small details. What would a man who spent all his time in the military with other men know?

    But Qiao Nan was different. As a mother, Qiao Nan herself had once been a youngdy. She knew exactly how San Bao was feeling as a youngdy.

    In her first lifetime, she did not have the financial ability. In reality, when she was in her teenage years and in her twenties, she had handed all her earnings over to her family to raise Qiao Zijin. At that time, when she saw her peers dressing up beautifully while she had not been able to buy even a single piece of new clothing for herself even after a few years of work, Qiao Nan had not only felt inferior but had also felt extremely envious of her peers.

    Even in her second lifetime, Qiao Nan¡¯s conditions had not been very good. Before she married Zhai Sheng, her only goal in life was to graduate from university with her own efforts. After marriage, she was always busy with her studies, her family, and her career. She might look young and full of vitality, but she was inevitably older than many others.

    At that time, she really had no energy to care about putting in some effort to dress up.

    But San Bao was different. San Bao¡¯s life had always been sunny and bright. San Bao herself was bright and cheery. Whatever a typical youngdy liked, San Bao was sure to like it too. Such a vibrant youngdy was living the life of an olddy! How could Qiao Nan¡¯s heart not ache for her?

    Qiao Nan felt that it was apt to talk to her sons about this topic today.

    Between them, Qiao Nan valued Da Bao more. She knew that she only had to leave a strong impression on Da Bao. That way, even if Er Bao were tomit a folly in the future and treat San Bao poorly, Da Bao would definitely correct Er Bao.

 Chapter 1745 - Private Collection

    <h4>Chapter 1745: Private Collection</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom...¡± Zhai Yi was rather moved. He would never have thought of such a thing had his mom not said something about it. He had never known that the younger sister that he had always wanted to protect had sacrificed so much just so that he and Zhai Xin could fulfill their dreams. He had thought that he understood everything, but as it turned out, what he understood and knew was just the tip of the iceberg.

    He thought about how other younger sisters could party all day and throw tantrums willfully and recklessly. It might be chaotic, but at least, they were free. Then, he looked again at his younger sister. She was simply too obedient. She was so obedient that he really wanted to tell her that there was no need for her to be so obedient. She could live her life like other children did and throw a tantrum every once in a while.

    The princess of the Zhai family should not have to lead such a life!

    ¡°Da Bao, remember all that San Bao has done.¡± Qiao Nan said seriously and firmly while sping onto Zhai Yi¡¯s hand.

    Zhai Yiughed bitterly. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s the matter with you? San Bao is our only younger sister. If we don¡¯t treat her well, who¡¯ll we treat well? But I can¡¯t deny that I don¡¯t know enough about how much San Bao has sacrificed for us and how hard she¡¯s worked. Mom, thank you for telling me about this today. San Bao should lead a more carefree life! She¡¯s worked too hard just for Zhai Xin¡¯s and my sake.¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath, feeling that she might have gone a little over the top with her words today. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Perhaps my age is catching up on me. It¡¯s normal for older people to nag and reminisce, after all. I¡¯m fine now. Let¡¯s go have our dinner. Let¡¯s see if San Bao¡¯s back.¡±

    There were too many surprises in life.

    In the past, she had not even lived to the age of forty and had remained single with neither partner nor children her entire life. In this life, she had two sons and a daughter and even had such a good husband like Zhai Sheng. Perhaps it was because her life was too blissful that it felt too surreal and unrealistic to her.

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of anything else, except for the fact that she might wake up and suddenly realize that she was not Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, nor the triplets¡¯ mother. What would she do if this was nothing but a dream, and she would never get a chance to see her family and children again?

    It was because her thoughts had suddenly been stirred that Qiao Nan had said such worrying words to Da Bao.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re not old! My new colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have no idea about our rtionship, but they¡¯ve been asking me if we¡¯re sisters because of our resemnce to each other! It¡¯s true! Where on earth would we find another mother who looks just as fresh and young as her daughter? Mom, how did you take care of yourself? You should at least teach me! I¡¯m your only daughter!¡± Zhai Yu¡¯s eyes were slightly red, and her voice was also slightly hoarse.

    Obviously, Zhai Yu had heard Qiao Nan¡¯s conversation with Zhai Yi. That was why Zhai Yu had been so moved that her eyes reddened and her voice was hoarse.

    ¡°They¡¯re blind.¡± Upon seeing her only daughter, Qiao Nan burst into a warm and wide smile as though spring hade. ¡°How many people in this circle don¡¯t know that we¡¯re both working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Those who say such things are just trying to suck up to us. Do you really think they mean what they say? I¡¯m just like the bark of an old tree. How could I everpare to a youngdy like you? Don¡¯t deceive yourself and treat other people¡¯s ttery as the truth!¡±

    Qiao Nan had never taken it to heart when others called them sisters. She was already in her fifties. In another two years, she would reach the age of retirement. How ridiculous was it to say that she was still young and was just as fresh and tender as her daughter!

    Maintenance?

    All she could say was that those bottles on her dressing table were all gifts from either Shi Qing or Fang Fang. She had never spent a single cent purchasing any toners or creams for herself.

    At times, Qiao Nan felt that this was the advantage of having best friends. No matter what they bought, they would also have her in mind and would buy some for her too.

    Unlike Zhai Hua, Shi Qing had made better progress in the military aspared to Zhai Hua. But Shi Qing cared much more about beauty than Zhai Hua. Even when she was in the military, Shi Qing paid great attention to her face. Not only had Shi Qing never neglected the use of makeup and skincare, but all the products that she used only got more expensive by the year!

    It was Shi Qing who had taught Qiao Nan that she needed toyer all these skincare products onto her faceyer byyer until there were about seven to eightyers.

    Apart from Shi Qing, the other one who paid the most attention to dressing up was undoubtedly Fang Fang. Fang Fang was the kind who would always buy two sets of anything she bought so that she could give a set to Qiao Nan.

    For a period of time, Fang Fang had fallen so deep into her hole that she stocked Qiao Nan up with a good two years¡¯ worth of supplies! The money that Fang Fang spent was Gao Yan¡¯s. Gao Yan did not even control Fang Fang¡¯s spending, but the funniest part was that Qiao Nan had gotten so afraid to receive her gifts! After all, these were products with expiration dates. Qiao Nan felt that it would be better to use fresher products.

    It was fine if Fang Fang could not help herself and still wanted to shop. Qiao Nan simply hoped that Fang Fang would not purchase two sets of the same thing and send them over to her house.

    At that time, these two women bought only expensive anti-aging products. It was not even suitable for Qiao Nan herself to use, so it was even more so unsuitable for her to give them to San Bao.

    Of course, once San Bao grew up and started paying attention to her appearance, Qiao Nan never needed to worry about it. Fang Fang and Shi Qing had it all covered.

    Qiao Nan herself did not mind, but whenever someone asked her about her secret to staying so fresh and young, Qiao Nan could not help but wonder if it was thanks to the products that her two friends had been sending her.

    It was not just Shi Qing who gave her these products. Fang Fang did as well! And with all these products piling up at home, Qiao Nan was not one to be wasteful. In her previous lifetime, Qiao Nan would never have used such expensive products. Even if she were to walk past the brand in the shopping mall, she would have made a detour to avoid it at all costs!

    To someone who felt that buying a new piece of clothing was an unnecessary expense, splurging on such expensive skincare products was simply unthinkable!

    Now that she had this opportunity in this lifetime, Qiao Nan felt that she might as well be more daring when using these products, lest they go to waste after their expiration dates. Qiao Nan pped those products thickly onto her face as though they cost nothing at all. A single set of toner and cream wouldst Qiao Nan no more than three months.

    It was only by maintaining that speed that the stockpile in Qiao Nan¡¯s house had not increased. She had used good products and had used them sufficiently. Qiao Nan touched her face. Was there really a right way to do this?

    Seeing Qiao Nan touch her face, Zhai Yu was over the moon. She might not have admitted to it, but they were all women, after all. She could not believe that her mom really felt no joy upon hearing other people¡¯s praises about how she looked young. There was not a single woman on earth who would hate hearing such things. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be humble about it. My dad has been entranced by you for decades! Sigh. Why does the good guy have to be my dad?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. This good man has already be your mom¡¯s private collection. Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Upon hearing his daughter¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng was not moved. Instead, he added on very seriously.

 Chapter 1746 - A Dark Past

    <h4>Chapter 1746: A Dark Past</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s true that it¡¯s hard to find a man as good as your dad. But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you find someone who¡¯s just slightly inferior to me.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was not overjoyed by his daughter saying that she would like to marry her dad when she grew older. He already had a wife. He did not want his daughter to look for a husband that resembled him. It was more important to find a husband that was suitable for her.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yu rolled her eyes at that public disy of affection. She had never liked chatting with her dad since she was young. Every time her dad said something, she never knew how to continue the conversation. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve actually just returned home. I¡¯ll go get changed beforeing down to join you guys for dinner.¡±

    ¡°All right, go on.¡± Zhai Sheng, who stood by Qiao Nan¡¯s side like a guardian angel, had all his focus on his wife, Qiao Nan, alone. When his daughter was younger, he had not had the time to manage her. Now that his daughter was all grown up, Zhai Sheng felt that there was no need for him to manage her anymore. Even if something were to happen to his daughter, it should be her two elder brothers stepping in to help her out.

    Zhai Yi had already been used to having only his mom around and his dad having eyes for only his mom. As such, Zhai Yi quietly turned around and left so that he would not be an unnecessary third wheel.

    ¡°Da Bao, why did youe up?¡± Zhai Yu had just finished changing when she heard a knock on the door. She was rather surprised to see who hade into her room. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°I just want to have a chat with you.¡± Zhai Yi dragged a stool over and sat down. ¡°Did you hear everything Mom said earlier?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°San Bao, I¡¯ve always wanted to pamper you like a little princess...¡± Zhai Yi smiled bitterly. ¡°You are Er Bao¡¯s and my only younger sister. But in the end, you had to take on our responsibilities as well. Mom is right. You¡¯ve sacrificed too much. San Bao, it¡¯s been hard on you, and I¡¯d like to apologize to you.¡±

    He did not know why his mom had told him these things, but his mom was right. San Bao had indeed made huge sacrifices for him and Er Bao. He had never thought that he would forget about his younger sister, San Bao, even if he were to get married. But his mom¡¯s words today had been a timely reminder. At least, he would know to pay attention to this area when looking for a marriage partner.

    He would be away from home for long periods of time. If the person he married was not like his mom and could not take up the responsibility as the matriarch of the Zhai family and was not tolerant of others, it would not be good for the Zhai family. It might even be dangerous for San Bao.

    Marrying a wife was not just a matter of sharing his bed with another person. More importantly, he had to maintain a harmonious rtionship within the family.

    San Bao sniffled. ¡°Da Bao, would you believe me if I said that I had never thought that I had been doing anything impressive or amazing before hearing what Mom said? Perhaps it¡¯s because Mom is such a good role model for me that I¡¯ve always felt that she is the best woman on earth and that all good women should act just like her. I simply thought that everything I¡¯ve been doing is what¡¯s required of me. I¡¯ve never thought that I¡¯ve been doing anything special.¡±

    She had never expected that her mom would feel sorry and aggrieved for her because of everything she had done. Moreover, her mom had wanted an assurance from Da Bao on this matter.

    Zhai Yu was just a youngdy in her twenties. Of course, there were times when Zhai Yu felt exhausted and wanted to indulge herself. But at those times, she would think about how her own mother had toiled through all those years. If she herself felt exhausted and needed a break after only two years, would her mom not need a rest more than she did?

    ¡°Da Bao, I¡¯m actually quite happy hearing what Mom said because it makes me feel like I¡¯ve be just like Mom. But I feel like on the verge of tears hearing that Mom¡¯s heart aches for me. Da Bao, who do you think has been concerned about Mom all these years?¡±

    Her mom had sacrificed much more than she had. She could not even imagine what her mom had gone through since she was young. ¡°Da Bao, do you think Mom¡¯s happy having the three of us and Dad by her side?¡±

    ¡°Of course she¡¯s happy!¡± Zhai Yi nodded firmly and said, ¡°Have you forgotten how Mom used to hug the three of us whenever Dad was not at home and how she used to tell us that she felt so blissful that it all seemed like a dream to her?¡±

    When she was younger, Zhai Yi might not have understood what his mom had meant. But as he grew up and learned about what his mom had experienced at his grandma¡¯s house, Zhai Yi finally understood why his mom felt that such an ordinary and hard life was so blissful that it seemed like a dream to her.

    Zhai Yu smiled out of relief. ¡°Yes, Mom has never asked for much. She feels sorry for me, but she¡¯s never felt sorry for herself. Mom already thinks that such a normal life is an extremely blissful one. Da Bao, I have a request. I don¡¯t want a sister-inw who is unfilial and wants to fight for power. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    Zhai Yu was no fool. As a daughter of the Zhai family, she had her own ideas too. Zhai Yu was in her twenties and had already been in the workforce for two years. She had nevercked any suitors chasing after her. But Zhai Yu had always known that these guys who were chasing her were after either the Zhai family¡¯s name or her mom¡¯s shares in the Tian Corporation.

    As such, Zhai Yu had always rejected all these suitors who came with hidden agendas. Anyway, she was in no hurry to date, much less get married. If she really wanted to get married to a man who was only after her money and power, she would have no problems finding a man like that even in her seventies or eighties, less say now that she was still young. Life was just that realistic.

    Zhai Yu had never worried about this, but she could not help but worry about Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. ¡°There weren¡¯t many girls in the university that you two studied in. Now that you guys are in the military, you hardly even see a female mosquito. I¡¯m just worried that you and Zhai Xin might meet women with ill intentions and that you guys won¡¯t be able to distinguish them. Then, you might bring trouble into our family and create more trouble for Mom to worry about!¡±

    Zhai Yi¡¯s expression changed. All his previous overwhelming emotions disappeared in an instant, and he knocked Zhai Yu lightly on her forehead. ¡°You wretched girl. You don¡¯t have to worry about these things. What¡¯s Mom¡¯s will always be Mom¡¯s. No matter whom I get married to in the future, as long as she dares to set her sights on what¡¯s Mom¡¯s, I¡¯ll definitely divorce her! It¡¯s true that military marriages are protected, but I¡¯ll just have to go through a bit more of a hassle. As long as I write a report and have a good reason, I¡¯ll still be able to get a divorce.¡±

    Zhai Yi had never felt that he would be so blind as to ept a woman who was only after his family¡¯s wealth and power.

    Zhai Yu was unconvinced. ¡°Don¡¯t speak too early. Hasn¡¯t Zhai Xin already made that mistake? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know why Zhou Xing came after Zhai Xin and wanted to date him.¡±

    Zhai Xin was upset. ¡°Youngdy, it has already been a few years since that incident happened. If you had not mentioned Zhou Xing¡¯s name, I wouldn¡¯t even remember her. That was an ident. How can you use that as an example in this situation? San Bao, are you trying to pick on the chink in my armor?¡±

    Zhai Xin was depressed. That was a dark past that he himself did not even want to remember.

 Chapter 1747 - The Best

    <h4>Chapter 1747: The Best</h4>

    As his own biological sister, could she not mention it?

    ¡°What were you two even talking about? First, it was divorce, and then you suddenly brought Zhou Xing into the picture.¡± Zhai Xin looked curiously at Zhai Yi and Zhai Yu. ¡°Come on, talk to me too! Don¡¯t hide any secrets from me. We¡¯re triplets! Are you trying to leave me out?¡± That would not do. He would never agree to it.

    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Seeing Zhai Xin¡¯s cheeky self, Zhai Yu clutched her forehead. She felt as though she could no longer continue with this conversation. She could not understand how Zhai Xin alone had turned out to be such a weird freak when the three of them were triplets, and both she and Zhai Yi had turned out just fine. Based on Zhai Xin¡¯s personality and character alone, no one would know that Zhai Xin was part of the Zhai family if he made no mention of his name. He was too immature and childish and behaved just like a monkey.

    ¡°We were just talking about how we hope that you¡¯ll keep your eyes wide open in the future. The incident with Zhou Xing may be in the past, but we hope that we won¡¯t have to see another Chen Xing, Li Xing, and Bai Xing in the future,¡± Zhai Yi said half-jokingly.

    Zhai Yu was a girl and had a room to herself, while Zhai Yi shared a room with Zhai Xin. This answer was not enough to satisfy Zhai Xin¡¯s curiosity. When they returned to their rooms to sleep, Zhai Xin would bother him and keep him awake so as to satisfy his own curiosity.

    As such, Zhai Yu could choose to ignore Zhai Xin, but Zhai Yi could not. It was truly unfortunate that he shared a room with Zhai Xin.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Zhai Xin gave Zhai Yi a look as if to remind thetter that he¡¯s not a three-year-old. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine and nothing has happened recently. Zhou Xing even changed for the better after that. I¡¯m sure no one is willing to bring up Zhou Xing¡¯s name for nothing in this family. Tell me the truth. What provoked the two of you? What are you two hiding from me?¡±

    He had already asked the auntie when he came back, but she had replied that nothing had happened and everything had been peaceful.

    ¡°We¡¯ve not been provoked. Stop making wild guesses. We don¡¯t necessarily have to be provoked before we chat about such things. Perhaps, it could have just been that we were ovee with emotions. The three of us are not young anymore, and I¡¯m sure we all know about how grandma and grandpa are. Mom and Dad have never pressured us, but I think it¡¯s only a matter of time before we get married and have children. If we don¡¯t find good partners, there will be chaos in this family. We all know the reason as to why Zhou Xing became so stubborn. That was why San Bao and I started talking about how it was important to choose our future partners wisely, and Zhou Xing came up as an example.¡±

    There was really no way for Zhai Yi to exin today¡¯s situation clearly to Zhai Xin. After all, it had just been a hypothetical situation. He could not possibly tell Zhai Xin that their mom had been overly sensitive today and had specially let him know about how much San Bao had sacrificed for them and how she hoped that both he and Er Bao would be able to take care of San Bao when she was no longer around.

    Their parents were still so young. It might be a little more normal if their grandparents had said such things. The problem was that it was their mom who had said such a thing. It was truly strange to hear such words from their mom. It felt as though their mom was about to leave them and would no longer be able to take care of her three children.

    Because of such suspicion, Zhai Yi¡¯s gaze suddenly changed. ¡°San Bao, you¡¯re at home more often than we are. Has Mom been behaving abnormallytely? Has she felt any difort or gone to the hospital for any checkups?¡± Could it be that their mom was hiding something from them?

    ¡°No, don¡¯t scare me.¡± Zhai Xin became anxious all of a sudden. ¡°From what I remember, Mom has always been in good health.¡± On the other hand, their dad had always been on the front line in his years of service in the military. There was not a single male in the Zhai family who had not suffered from any internal injuries. He would believe it if there was something wrong with his dad¡¯s health, but there was no way his mom would be sick!

    Zhai Yu was utterly confused. ¡°No, there¡¯s nothing wrong with Mom¡¯s health. You guys know that Mom and Dad are of a certain position, so they go for annual health checkups. I always apany them there. I personally go through Mom¡¯s health reports and I even consult her doctors about it. How would I not know if there¡¯s something wrong with Mom?¡±

    It was not just her parents that Zhai Yu was concerned about. She was concerned about all three elders in her family and would arrange annual health checkups for every single one of them without fail. Even if the one who was clearest about the situation was Qiao Nan, Zhai Yu would always be by Qiao Nan¡¯s side when she collected her reports.

    ¡°Zhai Yi, have you gotten any news?¡± How could that be? Even San Bao had no idea. Zhai Yi had been in the military with him, so how could Zhai Yi know more than San Bao did?

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Yi spat out. ¡°All right, don¡¯t get anxious over nothing. Zhai Xin, why did you have to butt in? You almost made a mountain out of a molehill. All right, it¡¯s quitete. Everyone is probably waiting for us to have dinner together. You can¡¯t possibly be expecting them toe and get us, right?¡±

    Zhai Yi was the first to exit Zhai Yu¡¯s room with a gloomy expression. After rolling her eyes at Zhai Xin, Zhai Yu followed behind Zhai Yi. Zhai Xin, who had endured the stares of Zhai Yi and Zhai Yu, felt tremendously aggrieved. What wrongs had he done that Zhai Yi and Zhai Yu were ostracizing him in this manner?

    That would not do. He had to reason it out with Zhai Yi and Zhai Yu. They had all been in their mom¡¯s stomach together. The two of them could not be so biased and ostracize him alone.

    ¡°The three children in our family get along just as well as they did when they were children.¡± Seeing the grown-up tripletsing down the stairs, Miao Jing was in a good mood. ¡°Time really flies. Our triplets are already old enough to be parents.¡± She wondered if she had the good fortune of living to see that day.

    ¡°Grandma, we don¡¯t get along at all. Da Bao and San Bao have ganged up to bully me. Grandma, you have to help me!¡± Zhai Xin ran toward Miao Jing without hesitation and asked Miao Jing to be the judge.

    ¡°Of course! Of course I¡¯ll help Er Bao. Who will I help if I don¡¯t help Er Bao?¡± Seeing her tall and strong second grandson willing to squat by her side and pretend that he needed her help as he had done when he was younger just to coax her, Miao Jing was over the moon.

    Indeed, a family seemed like a family only when there were children around to liven the mood. Even if the children were all grown up, such a blissful feeling would never change or disappear.

    Zhai Xin was appeased. ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re the best! Da Bao and San Bao have been led astray by others now that they¡¯ve grown up. They¡¯ve forgotten who their real brother is.¡± He felt so aggrieved but said nothing about it.

    Zhai Yu had washed her hands and sat down to eat. ¡°That¡¯s right, brother.¡± Zhai Yu emphasized on the word ¡®brother¡¯. Zhai Yu really admired Zhai Xin for being willing to put down all pride for the sake of pleasing his elders. She really wanted to ask Zhai Xin how he managed to do it.

 Chapter 1748 - Dream

    <h4>Chapter 1748: Dream</h4>

    No wonder she had once heard her grandma let slip that Er Bao had been cheeky and full of mischief since a young age.

    Even though she no longer had many impressions of their childhoods, seeing Zhai Xin behaving in this manner, Zhai Yu could totally imagine how Zhai Xin had no moral values as a child. At that time, Zhai Xin would have had even less restraint than now.

    With such an elder brother who behaved like a younger brother, Zhai Yu silently mourned for three seconds.

    Was the doctor really sure that Zhai Xin had been born earlier than her? Was Zhai Xin really her second brother? Could it be that the doctor and nurses had gotten it wrong?

    Zhai Xin had no idea about these doubts in Zhai Yu¡¯s mind, much less Qiao Nan. In front of her lively family, Qiao Nan smiled widely and thought of bringing her dad over since everyone was at home. Everyone had grown older and since everything had already passed, she did not want to think about the past anymore. All she wished for was to live an even more blissful and fulfilling life at the present moment.

    Living and smiling were the most genuine things.

    When Zhai Sheng returned to his room with Qiao Nan, he asked Qiao Nan while hugging her, ¡°What¡¯s with you today? You¡¯re smiling so happily as though Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin brought their wives home.¡± Nan Nan was usually quite cheery, but today¡¯s smile was different.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I just feel that it¡¯ll be time for me to retire in a few years¡¯ time. Now that I have sons and a daughter, it probably won¡¯t be long before I have grandchildren. Most importantly, I have you by my side. I was just thinking about how I¡¯ve been fortunate and blessed in this life,¡± Qiao Nan said blissfully.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan seriously. ¡°Do you really feel that marrying me and having a family like this is something that brings you joy?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s hearing was very good. He had happened to pass by the children¡¯s room and had heard part of Zhai Yi¡¯s conversation with Zhai Yu.

    There was no reason for Zhai Sheng to be upset over his children feeling sorry for their mom.

    He knew that Qiao Nan had taken on a lot of responsibilities for his sake because his passion for the military meant that he was unable to make sacrifices for his family like other men did. Almost all women who married soldiers lived their lives like this.

    At times, Zhai Sheng felt that he had put Qiao Nan in a tight spot by marrying her. But what surprised Zhai Sheng was that Qiao Nan had always thought that their marriage was blissful andplete and that there was nothingcking. Compared to the other military spouses who always liked toin about their lives, it seemed like his Nan Nan was truly the most suitable one.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy. Extremely.¡± Qiao Nan nuzzled in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace like she had done when she was younger. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ve spent a few lifetimes¡¯ worth of luck on meeting you. Brother Zhai, I know that you think you¡¯ve spent too little time at home and with me. But it¡¯s all right. I don¡¯t mind. I know that you¡¯re always with me in your heart and you¡¯ve never left me. To me, you¡¯re the best and most perfect husband on earth.¡±

    Her current life was already so blissful that she felt as though she was floating amongst the clouds. It was all so surreal. If it got any more blissful, she might just faint from happiness.

    ¡°You¡¯re so easily satisfied.¡± Zhai Shengughed. After having been together for so many years, Zhai Sheng could tell when Qiao Nan was speaking the heartfelt truth and when she was just trying tofort him. Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s sharine tone, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart felt especially warm and touched. ¡°Contentment is happiness. To be honest, I¡¯m the one with good fortune for having married you.¡±

    Thinking about the number of people who had gotten into arguments with their spouses because of such issues, Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s sensibility and support had been the reason why he had been able to be a chief earlier than his dad had.

    If Qiao Nan had not taken care of his family by taking up the responsibility of caring for the elders and children at home, there was no way he could have turned all his attention to the military to be the youngest chief since the establishment of the state. It¡¯s just like what he had said in the military at that time. While it was true that his blood and sweat had gone into achieving what he had, there was also Nan Nan¡¯s sacrifices and support.

    Zhai Sheng felt that he had onlye so far because he had Qiao Nan as his wife.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re grateful for what you have. Anyway, it¡¯s not early anymore. Hurry and go to bed. I¡¯ll have to trouble you to fetch my dad over tomorrow and send him back home once Zhai Yi¡¯s and Zhai Xin¡¯s vacations are over.¡± Now that they were older, Qiao Nan herself might have put down the past, but that did not mean that others could do the same.

    Perhaps Zhai Yaohui¡¯s one and only heart-to-heart talk with Qiao Dongliang after Qiao Zijin¡¯s death had really hit a certain nerve. From then on, Qiao Dongliang had never put forward any more excessive demands on Qiao Nan. If the three children were not at home, Qiao Dongliang hardly ever went to disturb his daughter, Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan did not mind it, but Qiao Dongliang did. He was worried that his frequent visits and presence would only evoke those unpleasant memories of his daughter¡¯s past.

    At his age, there was nothing left that he could not let go. All he had left was his daughter, Nan Nan. As long as Nan Nan was living a good life, nothing else mattered to him. Besides, Nan Nan was not even trying to be filial to him.

    In this way, apart from being earnest in meeting his grandchildren, Qiao Dongliang tried his best not to disturb Qiao Nan¡¯s peaceful life.

    ¡°All right.¡± He always listened to whatever his wife had to say. ¡°It¡¯s still a little early to go to bed now. Let¡¯s exercise a little before going to bed.¡± Hugging his fragrant and charming wife in his embrace, Zhai Sheng smiled. If a man could really fall asleep like that, he was no man at all.

    As Zhai Sheng exerted his strength on her, Qiao Nan¡¯s face was entirely flushed. Her children were about to be parents themselves. She could not understand why Zhai Sheng was still so keen and passionate about this. Decades were truly nothing more than a day to him. As long as Zhai Sheng was at home and she was not on her period or feeling any difort, there was not a single night that she had been able to escape from her fate.

    After the couple¡¯s harmonious ¡®exercise¡¯, Qiao Nan always fell into a particrly deep sleep. It was also because Zhai Sheng was by her side that she could sleep peacefully. Because her mind was at rest, it was only natural for her to fall into a deep sleep.

    Being ustomed to having good days like these, Qiao Nan indulged herself in sleep. After all, Zhai Sheng would definitely wake her up the next morning. Even if Zhai Sheng did not, her daughter, San Bao, would. The mother and daughter had to go to work together since they were colleagues.

    What made Qiao Nan confused was the feeling that she had grown older. She had a feeling that she could sleep until the end of time.

    But the problem was that even though she felt that she had slept for a long time as though she had slept for several days, she could not wake up even if she wanted to. Worst of all, perhaps it was because they felt sorry for her that not a single person in her family came to wake her up. Instead, they thought that she hardly had any time to rx and thus decided to let her sleep in.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry because of this.

 Chapter 1749 - Car Accident

    <h4>Chapter 1749: Car ident</h4>

    She could not go on sleeping like that. What if she got thirsty or hungry?

    Just thinking about that made Qiao Nan¡¯s throat feel hoarse. Her mouth also felt dry and ufortable. Even though she was asleep, her eyebrows were deeply furrowed into a frown.

    Before long, she felt as though someone had smeared ayer of cold water on her mouth, slightly reducing the difort that she had been feeling.

    Qiao Nan herself had no idea how long she had been in this state. To her, it felt as though she had been in this state for a whole century. Once she woke up and could finally speak, she would have to give a good lecture to Zhai Sheng and her three children. Even if they wanted to let her have a good rest, this was no way of doing it. Were they not afraid that she would never wake from her sleep or that she might even be disabled?

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± The moment Qiao Nan¡¯s eyelids fluttered, a woman by her side was pleasantly surprised and asked if Qiao Nan was indeed awake.

    Qiao Nan very much wanted to reply to her, but she could not force any sound out of her mouth. What confused Qiao Nan was that this woman sounded rather foreign to her. It was neither the voice of the auntie at home nor her mother-inw¡¯s, much less her daughter, San Bao¡¯s. When had an unknown woman entered her house without her knowledge? Was this a newly hired auntie?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in too much of a hurry. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re thirsty. Get a sip of water.¡± That unknowndy had fair and tender skin, a particrly good attitude, and was dressed in white. She seemed so surreal under the sunlight. Thedy helped Qiao Nan up and fed Qiao Nan some water. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake. If you didn¡¯t wake up, you would have been in danger. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re hungry, but you can¡¯t eat or drink for now. Let me check if there¡¯s any porridge avable. It¡¯s better for you to have something light and liquid for now.¡±

    When the ss of warm water entered her stomach, Qiao Nan finally sobered up significantly.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyebrows were deeply furrowed. She waspletely baffled by the sight in front of her. ¡°It hurts...¡± What Qiao Nan knew was that the youngdy had only helped her up and stuck a straw into the mug for her to drink from. Such a simple action made Qiao Nan feel sore all over as though her bones and muscles had all been ripped apart. It was so painful that she wanted to cry.

    She could not even remember how long she had not felt such intense pain that was enough to bring her to tears.

    ¡°Bear with it. You were in a car ident, and you sustained fractures in many parts of your body. Thankfully, you were lucky, and none of your internal organs were damaged. That was why the doctor was able to save you. You¡¯re probably feeling intense pain because the anesthesia has worn off. I¡¯ll ask the doctor if you can have some painkillers for now.¡± How could it not hurt after she had gotten into an ident so serious that her blood had pooled on the ground?

    The surgery had been quite sessful, but weirdly enough, this patient had not reacted like other patients and had not woken up immediately after the anesthesia wore off. Instead, she had gone into a deep sleep for much longer than other patients.

    It had been three whole days. In these three days, the patient had no sign of ever waking up. It was as though she had been in a vegetative state. After a long analysis, the doctor said that the patient¡¯s recovery might pose a problem should she not wake up in time, even though the surgery had gone well.

    ¡°A car ident?¡± A vast white expanse entered her sight, and her senses were overwhelmed by the smell of disinfectants that was unique to hospitals. Qiao Nan blinked. ¡°I got into an ident and was hospitalized?¡±

    No, that was impossible. Just yesterday, she was clearly having a meal with her entire family. She had fallen asleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms and had not yet woken up. How could she have gotten into an ident and hospitalized in the blink of an eye?

    Besides, if she had really gotten into a car ident, there was no way her three children would not be by her side. Zhai Sheng would never leave her side either. There would surely be at least one or two of her family members around to take care of her at such a time.

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember anything?¡± The nurse could fully understand what Qiao Nan was going through. ¡°Miss Qiao, do you remember that you raised a hundred thousand yuan for your sister to undergo surgery three days ago? That¡¯s right. Do you remember that your sister got uremia and needed a kidney transnt? After that, you ran out from our hospital and were knocked down by a car on the main road in front of our hospital...¡±

    Hearing the nurse¡¯s long-winded exnation, Qiao Nan could not hold back her tears.

    Just yesterday, she had told her husband that her life was so blissful that it seemed surreal. In the blink of an eye, what she was worried about the most had happened! That blissful life, a responsible husband, a mother-inw who treated her like her own daughter, her three adorable children¡ªeverything had been nothing but an illusion that she had made up for herself in her dream. Nothing was real...

    No wonder there had been times when she had felt uneasy about having all these in her dream. But that dream had been too real and genuine. The nurse told her that she had been in aa for three days, but she truly felt as though she had crossed into another life and had been immersed in her dream world for decades.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± The nurse was at a loss upon seeing Qiao Nan in this state.

    Since Qiao Zijin had been hospitalized for such a long time, the nurses and doctors had found out all about the Qiao family¡¯s matters. They knew that the Qiao couple was biased toward their elder daughter, who had married well, and treated their younger daughter horribly. Their elder daughter had her own house but did not want to sell it. Instead, they forced their younger daughter to raise funds for their elder daughter¡¯s surgery.

    Such biased parents were truly a rare sight. Miss Qiao lying here on the hospital bed was really pitiful.

    The nurse could not bear to tell Qiao Nan about what had happened after Qiao Nan had gotten into an ident and undergone surgery. Because the car ident had happened right in front of their hospital, the hospital staff had immediately carried Miss Qiao back into the hospital to undergo surgery.

    What was most heartbreaking was that she had seen it with her own eyes! When Miss Qiao had gotten into an ident and was lying in a pool of her own blood, Miss Qiao¡¯s mother hadughed horrifically! She had even been going on about how they now had a kidney and money, so Zijin would not have to die anymore and that Zijin would be cured now.

    Up until now, the thought of the scene still gave the nurse shivers.

    After calming down and understanding her situation, Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze cooled. ¡°Nurse, you said that I¡¯ve been here for three days. Has anyonee to visit me in these three days?¡± She was back. It turned out that she had not died after that car ident and had not been driven to her grave by her mom. After being saved by the doctors, she had been asleep for three days and had had a beautiful dream. In that dream, she had apletely different life.

    No matter how blissful she had been in that dream, Qiao Nan could never forget about how she had pulled through in the other world. Although she had just woken up, Qiao Nan still clearly remembered all the details of what had happened before her car ident.

    Could she really forget it now that she had almost lost her life for it?

    ¡°Yes... Your dad came to visit you.¡± The nurse thought about it for a while before answering with the truth.

 Chapter 1750 - What Are You Laughing At?

    <h4>Chapter 1750: What Are You Laughing At?</h4>

    Miss Qiao¡¯s father had wanted toe to take care of her, but that amazing mother of hers had not allowed him to do so. That brilliant mother of hers said that she herself had to take care of her elder daughter and could not leave her elder daughter¡¯s side. Thus, Miss Qiao¡¯s father had to take care of both her daughter¡¯s and her own meals. As such, Miss Qiao¡¯s father had no time to take care of Miss Qiao at all.

    ¡°I understand. Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath, and her expression and emotions quickly calmed down.

    ¡°Miss Qiao, do you want to go to sleep?¡± The nurse especially pitied Qiao Nan and thus paid special attention to Qiao Nan when taking care of her. ¡°If you want to sleep, I can help you lower your bed and draw the curtains.¡±

    Qiao Nan forced a smile out. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I just want to have some time to myself. Oh, right, what about my hospitalization bills?¡± The day she had gotten into a car ident, she had been supposed to help Qiao Zijin pay for her treatment. She remembered that she had a hundred thousand yuan with her at that time. Hehehe. Her mom had probably been ted seeing her get into an ident since that would mean that Qiao Zijin would have both money and a kidney. That way, Qiao Zijin would not have to die.

    That hundred thousand yuan was probably gone and in Ding Jiayi¡¯s pocket by now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s been settled.¡± The nurseughed slyly. ¡°It was paid for with your own money.¡± If they had not used Miss Qiao¡¯s money to pay for her hospitalization bills, it would probably go to that woman with uremia. That would be letting her take advantage of Miss Qiao!

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan let out her first smile since waking up. That was good! At least, her hard-earned money had not gone to helping Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± The nurse was pleased because she had been the one who had done that. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The perpetrator will also have to take responsibility for this matter because his brakes weren¡¯t very functional. He had intended to send the car in for maintenance, but it was unfortunate that this ident happened before he was able to do so. Thankfully, that guy is willing to admit his mistake and bear all of your treatment costs. But the specific amount ofpensation hasn¡¯t been decided on yet because you had not awoken. Miss Qiao, I hope you don¡¯t mind me saying this, but you have to go through these negotiations yourself. Don¡¯t hand the money over to anyone else once you get it. Your sister has a house of her own. Do you think she really can¡¯t afford her own treatment?¡±

    The nurse¡¯s concern warmed Qiao Nan¡¯s cool and hurting body. ¡°Thank you. Thank you very much. Don¡¯t worry. I will.¡±

    ¡°All right, have a good rest, then. I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡± Now that she had finally let out all her pent-up anger, the nurse was feeling much more at ease. She really could not bear seeing parents being so biased. Qiao Nan was such a good person, but she was being bullied so badly.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan answered softly before shutting her eyes to rest.

    It was only when the nurse left the room and closed the door behind her that Qiao Nan opened her eyes and started weeping silently. She refused to believe that everything that seemed so real had been nothing but a dream. That blissful life was just an illusion created in her own mind because of her unwillingness to leave it lying down. Her husband was fake. Her children were fake. Her inws were fake, and even her friends, education, and career were all fake. Now that she had woken up, she still had to face those cunning and sly rtives of hers.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± There was suddenly another person in her ward. That person¡¯s tone had been rather hesitant and contradictory when calling her name. ¡°Nan Nan, are you crying? You¡¯ve just woken up. Are you hurting somewhere? Shall I get the doctor over?¡±

    Seeing his younger daughter who was bruised all over and with a face that was swollen beyond recognition, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze was filled with guilt and heartache. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? I made some porridge. Shall I feed you some? The doctor said that this is all you can eat for now. When you¡¯re better, Dad will make you some delicious food.¡±

    The sight of Qiao Dongliang once again made Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze and expression stiffen.

    In her dream, Qiao Dongliang had retired early and had moved to the capital along with her. Without the stresses of life, even though her three children had already grown up in her dream, her father had never seemed so old and haggard in her dream.

    She had been supporting her father in her dream. In reality, not only did her father have to work, and scrimp and save, but he even had to part with whatever little money he had for the sake of his elder daughter¡¯s pride. How could he not look old?

    ¡°Nan Nan, why are you not saying anything?¡± His younger daughter¡¯s silence only made Qiao Dongliang feel even guiltier. ¡°This was just an ident. The person who knocked you down didn¡¯t try to escape. He¡¯s been caught. Don¡¯t get upset about this. We¡¯ll surely pursue this matter and get to the bottom of it.¡±

    But thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s n, Qiao Dongliang did not dare to say what was to follow. Because Qiao Dongliang knew that if they were really to pursue the matter and get a huge sum ofpensation from the other party, Qiao Nan might have been the one who suffered the most, but she would not get a single cent of thatpensation. Qiao Dongliang knew it was not right to do so, but he had no means of stopping Ding Jiayi. Besides, his elder daughter¡¯s surgery had been put on hold, and a kidney transnt was an expensive procedure.

    Nan Nan and Zijin were biological sisters and were the closest kin they each had. Nan Nan would probably understand that her elder sister¡¯s life was more important than money.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lifeless eyes moved around before falling on Qiao Dongliang. In an instant, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face flushed red and he could not help but lower his head to avoid Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. He always felt as though his younger daughter¡¯s gaze was piercing and that she could see right through him. He had no guts to look his younger daughter in the eye.

    ¡°Hehe...¡± Qiao Nan sneered.

    Qiao Dongliang raised his head. ¡°Nan Nan, what are youughing at?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt particrly ufortable seeing Qiao Nanugh.

    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Qiao Nan blinked and her gaze reverted to her naturally calm and harmless state. Whether or not that had been a dream, there was no reason she could not do that now if she had been able to do that in her dream. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m thirty-nine years old this year, right?¡±

    ¡°...Yes.¡± That¡¯s right. His younger daughter was already thirty-nine but was still unmarried, let alone with children. At the mention of this, Qiao Dongliang felt as though he was being stabbed. His elder son-inw had originally been his younger daughter¡¯s boyfriend, but his elder daughter had gotten pregnant with his younger daughter¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s child. In the end, the couple got a divorce because of an affair.

    If that was going to happen, why had Zijin snatched Nan Nan¡¯s boyfriend away from her? Chen Jun was indeed outstanding, but Zijin had not cherished him even after snatching him away!

    ¡°Dad, before my ident, I heard Zijin tell Mom that I was the reason that she got divorced from Chen Jun. Dad, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°...Of course it has nothing to do with you. How can this possibly be your fault?¡± Qiao Dongliang was actually quite angry about this, but he could not bring himself to say that it was because Qiao Zijin had gotten into an affair that Chen Jun had divorced her.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin feels that if Chen Jun haspletely forgotten about me, he would be willing to give her a second chance even if she was caught in an affair by the Chen family. Dad, what do you think? Would your elder son-inw do such a thing?¡±

 Chapter 1751 - Too Busy

    <h4>Chapter 1751: Too Busy</h4>

    Qiao Nan transformed back into that softhearted and weak-willed person she had been in the past before her car ident. Her voice was as warm and polite as it had been before, but there was a tinge of aggressiveness in her words.

    In the face of a younger daughter like that, Qiao Dongliang was at aplete loss. However, he had no choice but to answer Qiao Nan. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not deny this. After being inws with the Chen family for more than a decade, would he not know how prideful the Chen family was? Even if it was him, he would never have been able to ept his wife cheating on him, let alone Chen Jun, who had such a high status.

    Chen Jun would never agree to it, and the Chen family would never soften their hearts toward Zijin.

    She had been caught right in the act with that man. Would they still give his elder daughter a second chance? That was totally impossible!

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips. ¡°Dad, I think you and I are the only rational ones in our family. I don¡¯t want to talk about how Mom treats Zijin, but I can rest easy now that you¡¯ve said that. I can¡¯t be med for Qiao Zijin¡¯s divorce from Chen Jun. At the very most, if news spreads, then everyone can be a judge and they can tell us whether I should be med for Qiao Zijin¡¯s divorce, or whether it¡¯s truly her own fault. We¡¯ll see if I¡¯m the shameless one, or whether she deserves it. Dad, I¡¯m hungry. Please bring more porridge for me tomorrow.¡±

    Now, she could only lie on the bed and think about the new life she wanted for herself. The first step to cutting all ties with the Qiao family so that she would no longer be controlled by them was to recover and get well.

    ¡°Ah, all right. I¡¯ll bring more for you tomorrow.¡± There was something in Qiao Nan¡¯s tone that made Qiao Dongliang feel as though there was something off about Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Her assessment of Qiao Zijin was especially harsh. Ever since Qiao Nan woke up, he had not heard his younger daughter address his elder daughter as ¡®elder sister¡¯. She had simply addressed her by her name. ¡°Nan Nan, are you angry at Zijin? The two of you are biological...¡±

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s only natural to get sleepy after filling your stomach. I want to rest. If you have anything else to say, let¡¯s talk about it another time.¡± Qiao Nan was genuinely sleepy. Of course, neither did she want to listen to Qiao Dongliang lecture her about how ¡®sisters were once in a lifetime¡¯.

    After being cut off by Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang naturally had no way of continuing. Qiao Dongliang quickly stood up and covered Qiao Nan with a thin nket. ¡°It¡¯s cold in the hospital. Don¡¯t catch a cold. Don¡¯t kick the nket away. If you¡¯re sleepy, have a good rest. That way, you¡¯ll recover faster.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± Yes. In her current situation, she could only sleep. But the moment she could get up and walk around, that would be the beginning of her new life.

    Qiao Nan had already done her own calctions but had not shown any sign of injustice in front of Qiao Dongliang. A dream was a dream, and reality was reality. If she could be hospitalized because of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi the first time, it was entirely possible that a second time could happen. Thankfully, she had not died this time and had even had a beautiful dream. The next time, she might just be sent into the crematorium and be burned to ash!

    Fortunately, the nurse in charge of taking care of Qiao Nan was really a good person and had told Qiao Nan all about what had taken ce in the three days that Qiao Nan had been in aa.

    After her car ident, Qiao Nan had been sent into the operation theatre for an emergency operation. At that time, Ding Jiayi had wanted to take the hundred thousand yuan for Qiao Zijin. Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan had been knocked down by someone else. Thus, it was only right for that driver to bear all of Qiao Nan¡¯s medical expenses.

    Not only would that driver have to pay for Qiao Nan¡¯s medical expenses, but he would also have topensate Qiao Nan for whatever she would lose mentally and physically.

    In short, that driver should not even think about shirking any responsibilities.

    There was no doubt that Ding Jiayi wanted to extort a huge sum of money from that driver. Of course, that had nothing to do with Qiao Nan who was still lying in the operating theatre. She would only go to such lengths for her daughter, Qiao Zijin. The driver had never intended to shirk any responsibility either. As long as Qiao Nan could be saved, he would personally discuss with her the terms ofpensation. He would agree to whatever demands she made as long as they were not too excessive. After all, he had been the one who had knocked her down.

    In the three days that Qiao Nan had beenatose, there had been no one apanying her because Ding Jiayi had been too ¡®busy¡¯.

    Before Qiao Nan¡¯s ident, Ding Jiayi spent most of her day by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side, feeling sorry that Qiao Zijin had gotten divorced and gotten such a grave disease at such a young age. She would even sob alongside Qiao Zijin. After Qiao Nan¡¯s ident, Qiao Zijin expressed that she no longer needed someone to stay by her side. Instead, she instructed Ding Jiayi to settle the more ¡®important¡¯ matters. It was fine with her.

    All of a sudden, both his daughters had been hospitalized, and both their conditions did not look optimistic. Qiao Dongliang was genuinely busy. Since Ding Jiayi was busy arguing with the driver over theirpensation, the responsibility of running around and taking care of their daughters fell squarely on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Nurse, can you give me that person¡¯s mobile number? I want to speak to him personally.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Not only did the nurse give the driver¡¯s number to Qiao Nan, but she even handed her phone over. Nowadays, everyone used smartphones. Only Qiao Nan alone still used an old-fashioned phone because it was simply cheaper. The phone that had been with Qiao Nan for the past five years had been smashed in the car ident.

    Only upon contacting the driver did Qiao Nan find out that the driver was willing topensate her for the hundred thousand yuan she had spent on her surgery. Moreover, the driver was even willing to give her an extra hundred thousand yuan ofpensation.

    In other words, the driver was willing to fork out two hundred thousand yuan to take responsibility for this ident.

    But Ding Jiayi had disagreed and had even asked for the sky by demanding apensation of five hundred thousand yuan! Ding Jiayi exined that her daughter, Qiao Nan, was truly a money-making machine. Apart from her full-time job, Qiao Nan also held two part-time jobs. Such a serious car ident could result in Qiao Nan not being able to work as per normal for at least a year or two!

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s abilities, she could earn up to twenty to thirty thousand yuan in a month. In just a year, she would earn three hundred and sixty thousand yuan. And that was just counting her basic sry! If you added her hospitalization bills and all the tonics and medications she would require after being discharged, that would amount to at least a hundred and forty thousand yuan. Together, that would make up five hundred thousand yuan. She would not give in on this matter.

    Because of this, the driver had been infuriated. His attitude had already been good enough. Neither had he said that two hundred thousand yuan was the most that he was willing to give. There was always room for discussion. But Ding Jiayi had been too vicious by immediately demanding five hundred thousand yuan! What did she mean by working two to three part-time jobs and earning twenty to thirty thousand yuan in a month?

    Based on those calctions, that youngdy whom he knocked down would have to work for at least twenty hours every day! Was she human? Even oxen did not work as hard as this girl did!

    He did notpletely believe the other party¡¯s words. Such an intense work schedule would be alright only once in a while.

 Chapter 1752 - Wait a Minute

    <h4>Chapter 1752: Wait a Minute</h4>

    But if this youngdy had worked in this manner for one to two months, or even for years, he would really have to investigate whether that youngdy had been hospitalized because of the ident or whether she had been hospitalized due to exhaustion.

    In the face of Ding Jiayi¡¯s harassment and absurd reasoning, the driver could only feel that he was down on luck. If not for theck of money, he would have chosen to simply spend five hundred thousand yuan to end this once and for all. In that way, he would never need to meet the Qiao family ever again. Unfortunately, he had not been able to do so, and the matter was thus unresolved.

    Upon receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s call, he was actually quite surprised. Even though he had already been troubled by Ding Jiayi¡¯s unreasonable demands for the past three days and his life was now in a mess, he was still rather rational when speaking to Qiao Nan. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Miss Qiao. I¡¯m really sorry about what happened that day. You¡¯ve suffered so much because of me. I was about to send my car for repair that day.¡±

    But who would have expected that to happen on the way to the car workshop? The driver could only me his rotten luck. If he had known that such an ident would happen, he would never have driven past the hospital just to beat a few traffic lights.

    ¡°What happened that day was an ident. You¡¯re to be med, but so am I.¡± Qiao Nan did not pin all me on the other party. It was because she had gotten into an argument with Ding Jiayi that day and had gotten into a fight on the road, with Ding Jiayi even pulling her hair. Otherwise, given her usual cautious and prudent character, she would definitely have avoided it. ¡°As for the issue ofpensation, I would like to ask a favor of you.¡±

    Upon hearing the word pensation¡¯, the other party¡¯s face immediately darkened. This was entirely Ding Jiayi¡¯s fault. But Qiao Nan was the party involved, so he was still willing to listen to Qiao Nan patiently. ¡°Miss Qiao, you can be straightforward with your words. But I¡¯ll say it again. I¡¯ll do my best and do whatever I can. I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t ept anything too excessive and demanding.¡±

    Money did not grow on trees. He thought that he was already paying for his actions, but the problem was that someone was trying to treat him as a sacrificialmb. How could she dare to ask for five hundred thousand? No one had even died!

    ¡°I know that my mom has been harassing and bothering you about the issue of thepensation. I have to apologize to you for that. You can do whatever you like to cate my mom or simply not open the door for her. I¡¯m the party involved. Even if we were to have a settlement, I¡¯ll have to be the one going down to the police station to authorize it. Five hundred thousand yuan is quite a lot indeed. How about you prepare three hundred thousand? But remember that you must hand the money to me directly, and not to anyone else in my family. Once I¡¯ve gotten the money, I¡¯ll go to the police station to sign the settlement with you immediately. What do you think?¡±

    It was not as though she had died. Even though she was already reaching her forties, she would work hard to earn money if she really wanted it. If Ding Jiayi wanted to make a fortune, she should just put her hopes on Qiao Zijin. As for her...

    ¡°Yes, sure.¡± The other party was stunned. He had never expected that Qiao Nan would be so decisive. He had no choice. Ding Jiayi had been too domineering and had repeatedly told him that she had the final say and that her younger daughter would definitely listen to her. If she said they would have a settlement, then they would have a settlement. If she refused, her younger daughter would never go against her.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s fierce appearance, the driverpletely believed her words. With such a stern and fierce mother, there was no way a child would dare to disobey her.

    But the woman who had been knocked down was so bold as to secretly contact him. She even reduced thepensation amount from five hundred thousand to three hundred thousand. Moreover, she requested that the money be handed over to her personally. Only then would the matter be resolved.

    He could not care less about what the Qiao family¡¯s situation was like. Now that this matter could be resolved and Qiao Nan was not too demanding in terms of thepensation, it was a good thing for him. ¡°Miss Qiao, it¡¯s great that you¡¯re so understanding. Let¡¯s do as you said. Are you feeling alright in the hospital? Rest well and we¡¯ll get everything done once you¡¯ve been discharged.¡±

    Even if the driver had managed to guess that there was a conflict amongst the Qiao family, he simply acted as though he knew nothing about it at all. His responsibility and guilt were toward the party concerned, Qiao Nan, not Ding Jiayi. With Qiao Nan¡¯s permission, the driver immediately started avoiding Ding Jiayi. Once Qiao Nan had recovered and could personally settle this matter, he would get in contact with Qiao Nan then.

    Because the driver hid away, Ding Jiayi was unable to find him and continue quarreling. As such, Ding Jiayi was getting more riled uptely. ¡°People nowadays really have no conscience. He knocked down someone who was alive and well, causing her to almost lose her life! It turns out that human life isn¡¯t worth much, after all. I only asked for five hundred thousand, not even a million yuan! But he¡¯s gone into hiding! Unless he wants to be imprisoned, I¡¯ll see where he can hide and how long he can continue hiding!¡±

    With such a huge sum of money, there would still be half of it left even after using it for Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt. With the money, they would no longer have to worry about leading good lives even though Zijin had gotten a divorce.

    Greed shed past Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. Five hundred thousand yuan was not a lot, but it was still a rather significant sum of money. Even though she had been married to Chen Jun for so many years, the Chen family had never given her so much money. She had never expected Qiao Nan to be rather useful in this aspect. She had simply allowed herself to be knocked down and this would bring about five hundred thousand yuan! ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan got into an ident and she¡¯s still lying on a hospital bed. So what will happen to her kidney?¡±

    Qiao Zijin got anxious thinking about her illness.

    For every day that the transnt was dyed, her risk of sumbing to her illness only increased. Unfortunately, it just so happened that kidneys were not an abundant resource. Donors had to be willing volunteers. A good eighty to ny percent of donors were people who were already dead. Qiao Zijin would only get to undergo a kidney transnt if someone was a willing organ donor.

    Qiao Nan had been extremely lucky and had not been killed in the car ident. Indeed, one had to have a string of bad luck before the tides turned. If Qiao Nan had been killed in the ident, thepensation would not just be a measly five hundred thousand yuan. It could possibly have gone up to a million yuan! Then, she would not only have a kidney. After her surgery, she might even have a million yuan in her bank ount!

    With a million yuan, she would have no problems getting a divorce from Chen Jun. She was confident that she would be able to get remarried to another man. At that time, she would have money and a house, and perhaps, she might even be able to find herself a handsome young man.

    Anyway, no matter how good the Chen family¡¯s conditions were, Chen Jun had only always given her a paltry allowance every month after their marriage. Every time he handed the money over, Chen Jun never failed to show his disdain for her. Spending someone else¡¯s money would not be morefortable than spending one¡¯s own money.

    Unfortunately, all these were nothing but fantasies. The reality was that Qiao Nan was still alive. And it was also true that the kidney was still in Qiao Nan¡¯s body. Why had Qiao Nan not died? What a pity!

    ¡°What do you mean? There¡¯s nothing we can do but wait.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s not dead. Since she¡¯s still alive, I can¡¯t make decisions for her about her kidney. She¡¯ll have to agree to it. She just woke up the day before yesterday, so her body¡¯s still frail and weak. I asked the doctor in private, and the doctor said that there¡¯s no way Qiao Nan can undergo surgery to donate her kidney to you.¡±

 Chapter 1753 - Additional Nourishment

    <h4>Chapter 1753: Additional Nourishment</h4>

    ¡°If Qiao Nan¡¯s willing, your surgery can still proceed once Qiao Nan recovers.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean I still have to wait for a long time? Qiao Nan will probably need another few more months to recover after this car ident, so she¡¯ll only be able to donate her kidney in a few months¡¯ time?¡± She hated that she had no choice but to be hospitalized. Looking at herself in the mirror, her face was only getting worse by the day. Her skin had turned yellow and pale, and she felt that she had be so ugly that she could not bear to look at herself in the mirror.

    Thinking about the debauchery and luxury in her life previously, and thinking then again about how the smell of perfume had been reced by formaldehyde, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood fell to rock-bottom. She questioned once again why Qiao Nan had been knocked down but had not died!

    To her, Qiao Nan would only be the slightest bit useful in this sense in her entire lifetime. But it turned out that Qiao Nan was so useless and could not even be put to good use. She could not understand the point of people like Qiao Nan staying alive. She was already an old woman of almost forty. She was neither married nor with a child. She did not have money or a house. To Qiao Nan, life was a pain.

    Her wish for Qiao Nan¡¯s death was for Qiao Nan¡¯s own good. Death would relieve Qiao Nan of such a hard life. She would burn more paper money for Qiao Nan and hire someone to conduct funeral rites for Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan would be able to be reincarnated to have a fresh start and lead a better life. This would be a mutually beneficial situation. She would benefit, Qiao Nan would benefit, and everyone would benefit. So why was Qiao Nan still alive and not dead?!

    ¡°I guess three months at the very least.¡± Ding Jiayi answered hesitatingly. It was said that one had to rest for a hundred days after injuring their bones and tendons. This time, Qiao Nan had sustained multiple fractures from the car ident.

    Thinking about what the doctor had told her frustrated Ding Jiayi greatly. ¡°We don¡¯t really understand all those medical terms. When Qiao Nan was hit by the car, her bones were the ones that were affected. Her kidney was not injured at all. In that case, why can¡¯t she undergo surgery to donate her kidney to you?¡±

    They already had the sum of money from thepensation in addition to Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney that would be voluntarily donated. Curing Zijin¡¯s illness no longer required them to fork out two hundred thousand, as was the case in the past. With money and a kidney, all they werecking now was time. Sigh. Zijin was suffering so much. Why did she have to suffer so much at such a young age?

    ¡°Another three months?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyebrows were knitted together. ¡°Can¡¯t you discuss it with the doctor and try to push the surgery forward?¡±

    ¡°No matter how early he manages to push it to, Qiao Nan has to fully recover. I don¡¯t think the doctor will be willing to give in on this matter.¡±

    Qiao Zijin ground her teeth. It was really too hard to endure the pain and suffering of living with an illness. The thought of having to wait another three more months before getting a kidney transnt filled Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart with unease. Who could guarantee that she would still be alive in three months for a recovered Qiao Nan to donate her kidney to her?

    Moreover, she knew that with Qiao Nan alive now, her mom would not have any say in Qiao Nan donating her kidney. What would happen if Qiao Nan refused to donate her kidney to her?

    ¡°Mom, how about this? Why don¡¯t you spend more time with Qiao Nan these few days? Qiao Nan needs someone beside her to take care of her now that she¡¯s gotten into a car ident. Besides, we still need her approval for the kidney donation. Ask Dad to make some nice and nutritious food to nourish Qiao Nan. This will be good for both Qiao Nan and me. Mom, do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Ding Jiayi stared wide-eyed at her. ¡°You can¡¯t be alone. You don¡¯t have to care about that wretched girl. I understand what you mean. I was the one who gave birth to her. Without me, she wouldn¡¯t even be alive. She¡¯ll have no choice but to listen to me if I ask her to donate her kidney to you. Just look at her. She¡¯s never once gone against me since she was young. There¡¯s no need to waste your energy worrying about this. Don¡¯t worry. One of her kidneys will definitely be yours. As for the other thing that you said, it should be feasible. I¡¯ll get your dad to make more delicious food to nourish that wretched girl. As long as she recovers well, you might not even have to wait for another three months.¡±

    People who were sick already had bad temperaments to begin with.

    She had only instructed Ding Jiayi to take care of Qiao Nan for the sake of that kidney in Qiao Nan¡¯s body, so Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were especially pleasing to Qiao Zijin¡¯s ears. ¡°Mom, I listen to whatever you say. I¡¯ll do whatever you ask me to.¡±

    ¡°What a good girl.¡± Ding Jiayi caressed Qiao Zijin¡¯s head and helped Qiao Zijin lie down to rest. Following that, she made another call to Qiao Dongliang, asking him to nourish Qiao Nan¡¯s body so that she would be able to recover. She had ced all of the family¡¯s money in the drawer. Ding Jiayi clearly told Qiao Dongliang to purchase whatever was good for Qiao Nan¡¯s body and whatever would help Qiao Nan recover earlier. He did not have to worry about the prices at all.

    Her heart ached for that money?

    Ding Jiayi knew that she would have at least a few hundred thousand yuan that would be deposited into her bank ount once this matter was settled. All these things to nourish Qiao Nan only cost a few thousand yuan. Besides, she had her sights set on one of Qiao Nan¡¯s kidneys. No matter how one looked at it, Ding Jiayi was the one who was gaining the most out of this deal. It was all worth it. She was not at a disadvantage at all.

    As for Qiao Nan, she had no choice but to let Qiao Nan take advantage of her. After all, she had given birth to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, smell this. Doesn¡¯t this turtle soup smell nice? This is a good turtle! It¡¯s a wild one that¡¯s especially nourishing. I didn¡¯t buy those that grew up eating turtle feed. Wild ones are better. One turtle alone cost me two to three hundred yuan! I made some soup for you. Be sure to drink more of it.¡± Qiao Dongliang was ted over having made something good for Qiao Nan.

    He had always felt guilty toward his younger daughter, Qiao Nan. Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi had the final say in their family. They were both his daughters. Since Qiao Nan was sensible and was willing to make sacrifices for their family, and since his elder daughter always encountered different problems from time to time, Qiao Dongliang had no choice but to help Qiao Zijin get her life together first.

    It was rare for Ding Jiayi to let loose and allow him to treat Qiao Nan kindly. As such, Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed. He finally had this rare opportunity to make it up to his younger daughter. ¡°Nan Nan, your mom specially instructed me to buy this wild turtle for you to nourish your body. Your sister is still sick in bed and can¡¯te to visit you, but you must know that she cares about you as well. You know how stubborn your mom is. She listens to only one person in our entire family, and that is your elder sister. We¡¯re all a family. Even when the bone is broken, there¡¯ll still be blood. Blood is always thicker than water. Let bygones be bygones. Look at how we¡¯vee together in such a critical moment. This is truly a family!¡±

    Qiao Nan had been drinking her turtle soup with a clear conscience. Upon hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lecture, Qiao Nan finished her soup and asked, ¡°Dad, do you know what happened before the car ident that day?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s casual words caused Qiao Dongliang, who had just been thinking about having peace in the family and being able to live harmoniously together, stiffen.

    Qiao Nan wiped her mouth before continuing. ¡°Oh, based on your reaction, I guess Mom must have told you about it. Dad, your turtle soup is really delicious. Is there any more? I would like another bowl of it.¡±

 Chapter 1754 - Not Picky

    <h4>Chapter 1754: Not Picky</h4>

    No matter what kind of tricks Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were ying, she would join them. All her sacrifices for the Qiao family and the money that she gave to her parents out of filial piety was enough to pay for an entire pond¡¯s worth of turtles, let alone one wild turtle.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I didn¡¯t mean to discuss this so early. I wanted to wait for you to get better to discuss the matter. But since you brought it up today, I have no choice but to talk about it. Nan Nan, you must know that you and Zijin are the closest kin you both have in this world. Zijin was unlucky that something like that happened to her. You have to help her!¡±

    When he had first heard that they would have to take one of his younger daughter¡¯s kidneys for his elder daughter, Qiao Dongliang had disagreed. The problem was that Ding Jiayi had flown into a rage and questioned Qiao Dongliang for disagreeing. Qiao Nan had two kidneys. They only wanted one. It was not as though Qiao Nan would die from it.

    But it was different with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin had gotten uremia. Each day¡¯s dy would only increase Qiao Zijin¡¯s risk of dying. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney, Qiao Zijin would definitely die!

    Was there anything more important than a life?

    Hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s reasoning, Qiao Dongliang thought about it and agreed. It was only natural for Qiao Nan to feel aggrieved. If a moment of suffering could save his closest rtive¡¯s life, he would definitely do it if he was the one in that position. ¡°Actually, Zijin is our daughter. Nan Nan is still young and has a long way ahead of her. Why don¡¯t both of us get ourselves tested? If it¡¯s possible, we can donate our kidneys to Zijin instead. How¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡±

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin unanimously rejected his suggestion. Ding Jiayi¡¯s reasoning was simple. Qiao Dongliang was still working and was the breadwinner of the family. For a man, losing a kidney was a huge matter.

    What would happen to their family if Qiao Dongliang¡¯s health were to be affected after he lost a kidney?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s reasoning was even simpler. She did not even care for Ding Jiayi¡¯s kidney, even though Ding Jiayi was a full-time housewife. She disdained Ding Jiayi¡¯s kidney for being old and useless. So how could she possibly want a kidney from Qiao Dongliang, who had been striving so hard for the Qiao family all these years? There was no way it would be better than Qiao Nan¡¯s. Qiao Nan was even two years younger than Qiao Zijin herself!

    Having a kidney that was younger than her original one created the illusion for Qiao Zijin that she would be the same age as Qiao Nan and be two years younger as long as she had Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney.

    ¡°Dad, you already work so hard. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s taken a toll on your body. What will you do if you donate a kidney to me? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯d rather die than undergo a kidney transnt.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears, and her words sounded genuine and sincere.

    Anyway, Qiao Zijin had already practiced these same words on Ding Jiayi earlier. Now that Qiao Zijin was saying them for the second time, it was nothing more than a walk in the park.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ding Jiayi nodded frantically, somehow feeling as though Qiao Zijin¡¯s words sounded familiar. ¡°Zijin is just feeling sorry for you as her father. Don¡¯t let Zijin down. This may sound harsh, but you treat Qiao Nan so well. Do you think Qiao Nan has no conscience at all and would rather you donate your kidney to Zijin than make such a sacrifice? If that¡¯s the case, it means she doesn¡¯t even feel sorry for you, her dad. In that case, why are you even trying to give so much to her?¡±

    In short, the final result was that the kidney had to be donated by Qiao Nan. Neither Ding Jiayi¡¯s nor Qiao Dongliang¡¯s would do.

    Qiao Dongliang was only one person against Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin together. Under the persuasion of the mother-and-daughter pair, Qiao Dongliang eventually gave in and agreed to this matter.

    Donating a kidney should not have any impact on Qiao Nan¡¯s life, and neither would it threaten Qiao Nan¡¯s life. But Qiao Zijin needed this kidney to save her life!

    Weighing the costs and benefits, Qiao Dongliang quickly made a decision.

    He knew that Qiao Nan had run out of the hospital unhappily and had been knocked down by a car because she had heard about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s n. But in the face of his elder daughter¡¯s imminent death, there was no way Qiao Dongliang could judge the matter fairly. It was only natural for him to be biased in this matter.

    However, doing was another thing. Qiao Dongliang told Qiao Nan about it in her face, but he was not Ding Jiayi and was not as bold or thick-skinned as Ding Jiayi was to say: ¡°Yes, I do have such a n. I want you to donate a kidney to Qiao Zijin so that she can be saved. The only contribution you¡¯re making toward our family now is donating your organs. When Qiao Zijin needs them, you¡¯ll have to give them to Qiao Zijin without expecting anything in return so that Qiao Zijin will be able to live a long life.¡±

    ¡°Dad, your culinary skills are improving. They¡¯re almost better than Mom¡¯s.¡± Seeing how Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face had be so flushed that it resembled a pig¡¯s liver and that guilt was written all over his face, Qiao Nan smirked in her heart.

    This was different from what had happened in her dream. In her dream, her dad had done some practical things and had tried his best to correct his heart that leaned toward Qiao Zijin. That had given her the opportunity to live a normal life.

    But in this life, her dad was only good to her in his words. His heart was not for her, let alone his actions. If Ding Jiayi had not allowed him to do so, her dad would never have the guts to take all that money that belonged to Qiao Nan in the first ce to buy some wild turtle to nourish her body.

    Qiao Nan knew exactly why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were being so generous to her all of a sudden.

    They were trying to get her kidney in exchange for a few good meals. There were truly no better or shrewder businesspeople than Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin in this world.

    Qiao Dongliang felt as though his face was on fire and could not even raise his head up in front of Qiao Nan. ¡°Good. It¡¯s good that you like it. I¡¯ll make some more for you tomorrow. Nan Nan, do you have anything in particr that you want to eat? I¡¯ll make it for you.¡±

    His younger daughter might have been smiling and her tone might have sounded cheery, but her deep and dark gaze sent a chill down Qiao Dongliang¡¯s spine. There was something amiss. Could it be that this car ident had not only injured his younger daughter physically? Why did he feel as though his younger daughter had suffered a blow to the head?

    Nan Nan seemed to havepletely transformed into a different person.

    ¡°No, Dad. I¡¯m not picky. I¡¯ll eat whatever you cook. I believe that you¡¯ll take good care of me while I¡¯m in the hospital.¡± If he did not take good care of her so that she could recover and be discharged, where would Qiao Zijin get a kidney for her kidney transnt from?

    Did they really take her for a fool? Did they think that she had no idea what this turtle soup was for?

    ¡°Are you all right, Nan Nan? If you have anything on your mind and feel aggrieved, shall I stay with you for a chat? I¡¯ll listen to whatever you have to say.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt exceptionally uneasy and wanted to stay behind to have a heart-to-heart chat with Qiao Nan to counsel her.

 Chapter 1755 - Still All Right

    <h4>Chapter 1755: Still All Right</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    They were all a family. There was no need to get angry over this matter. Blood was thicker than water, after all. No matter what happened, their family would still be their closest kin. No one had wanted such a horrible thing to happen to Zijin. If it was not a matter of life and death, he would never have agreed to his elder daughter taking a kidney from his younger daughter.

    It was all right for family members to have conflicts among themselves or even throw tantrums at one another. But at such a critical moment, the Qiao family had to stand together and not leave anyone in the lurch. Nan Nan had to donate her kidney to save Zijin.

    But he could not expect Nan Nan to donate a kidney with nothing in return, so he had thought it through and discussed it with Zijin. Once Qiao Nan saved Zijin¡¯s life, Zijin would have to get Nan Nan a sum of money. At her age, Nan Nan was still unmarried. Neither did she have a boyfriend. At the very least, she should have some money to buy herself a house. She could not possibly squeeze with others in a rented apartment for the rest of her life.

    Qiao Nan chuckled and behaved normally. She had no sign of getting upset at all. ¡°Dad, why would I feel aggrieved? Should I feel aggrieved? Are you saying that someone in our family has wronged me? Dad, if I¡¯ve really been wronged, do you think I should continue feeling aggrieved? Or should I do something about it and get rid of it?¡±

    Did he want to instill some values in her? Oh, sorry. She had just finished two bowls of turtle soup and had no extra space to hold all that poisonous chicken soup.

    Aggrieved? Did she really have to say it out loud? Would anyone with eyes and a heart not know about it?

    If he really wanted to treat her well, her dad should have taken practical action by now. She would not even have had to say a thing. Perhaps her dad¡¯s turtle soup had been too salty that she was feeling slightly thirsty now. Because her mouth was dry, she was unwilling to say anything more.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s questions left Qiao Dongliang speechless. Her tone had not been sharp, nor had her voice been very loud. Neither had her questions been harsh. His younger daughter¡¯s expression was still cheery and bright, but hearing her questions made Qiao Dongliang feel as though someone had pped him hundreds of times that his face was swollen and his mouth could not even be opened to speak.

    ¡°You... Aren¡¯t you sleepy? Have a good rest. I¡¯ll visit you again tomorrow. If you think of anything that you want to eat, remember to tell me. You can always borrow a phone from the nurse to reach me. If you don¡¯t have any cravings, I¡¯ll see to it tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could not understand how Qiao Nan seemed to have transformed into apletely different person after being knocked down by that car. The Qiao Nan of the past used to be cowardly and timid, but she yearned for family affection. Qiao Dongliang had no idea how longing affection felt like, but he knew that Qiao Nan looked at him and Ding Jiayi with a different gaze as that when she looked at others.

    Ever since Qiao Nan woke up from hera, he had never seen that same gaze in his younger daughter¡¯s eyes again.

    Qiao Dongliang had once been frustrated at how his younger daughter was too obedient to Ding Jiayi and would do whatever Ding Jiayi instructed her to. She was such a good youngdy but was still unmarried even though she was about to turn forty. She had even given up all of her ie for the family, only for it to end up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets.

    When his younger daughter had not been able to stand up for herself, Qiao Dongliang had been upset. Now, his younger daughter had finally toughened up and had undoubtedly be more opinionated. Her words now were like invisible weapons, piercing through his heart.

    Now that his younger daughter had suddenly undergone such a drastic change, Qiao Dongliang was upset too. He felt that his younger daughter was not as obedient as before and no longer respected him as much as before. She no longer seemed like a good child.

    ¡°All right, Dad. See you tomorrow.¡± Qiao Nan had seen Qiao Dongliang¡¯s dodging andplicated gaze and expression, but he was cautious not to let that show. She bid Qiao Dongliang goodbye politely and kindly as though she was an obedient child.

    Only when Qiao Dongliang shut the room door and got out of Qiao Nan¡¯s sight did he finally let out a sigh of relief and rx his stiffened back. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I have to consult Nan Nan¡¯s doctor and ask him to get Nan Nan¡¯s brain checked. Was her head really not injured at all in the ident?¡±

    Compared to his daughter now, Qiao Dongliang still preferred that daughter he had in the past. That daughter in the past had a mild temper and could not speak up for herself. He could not deny that it was exactly because she was mild-tempered and did whatever others instructed her to that there had been peace in their family, and they had been able to avoid many conflicts.

    If Qiao Nan had been any stronger and had known to defend her own interests, the Qiao family would have been in chaos long ago. They would never have enjoyed such peaceful lives. The peace in the Qiao family could be attributed to Qiao Nan¡¯s repeated concessions and sacrifices.

    Qiao Dongliang heaved a huge sigh of relief, and Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze returned to their normal state of calmness. The corners of Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled up into a sarcastic smile.

    This was not her dream world, so everything was different. She was unsure if Ding Jiayi had taught Qiao Zijin in the same manner as she had in her dream, but the reality was that Qiao Zijin still shared a close rtionship with Ding Jiayi. But her dad, Qiao Dongliang, was not being taken seriously and was even being ordered around.

    Qiao Dongliang probably only had one daughter in his heart, and that was Qiao Zijin. She had returned from her world of fantasy to reality. Based on what she had sacrificed for the family in the past, as well as this ident, she had paid all her debts to the Qiao family. She had almost given her life too!

    Qiao Nan stretchedzily and yawned. She no longer had anything to do with the Qiao family. To her, the most important thing she had to do was to recover. Only then would she be able to make detailed ns for her future.

    After having this conversation, Qiao Dongliang visited Qiao Nan daily with three meals each day, sending Qiao Nan delicious food to nourish her body. As for that topic that had been talked about the first time, neither Qiao Dongliang nor Qiao Nan bothered to bring it up again and had a tacit understanding to simply treat it as though they had never mentioned it before.

    Especially Qiao Dongliang, who had been greatly affected by that conversation. Every time Qiao Nan finished eating, Qiao Dongliang would always find an excuse to take his leave. Just that single heart-to-heart talk had nearly frightened Qiao Dongliang out of his wits. As such, Qiao Dongliang had given up on getting through to Qiao Nan and decided to simply take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s meals.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had suffered too badly and her body had been too skinny. Having been nourished by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s meals for two months, Qiao Nan not only recovered well but had also put on some weight. She no longer drew pity because of her frail frame.

    The nurse in the hospital was exceptionally nice. ¡°Actually, if we were to leave your mom and sister out of the equation, your dad treats you pretty well.¡±

 Chapter 1756 - Good That He Changed For the Better

    <h4><strong>Chapter 1756</strong>: Good That He Changed For the Better</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s good that he changed for the better in the end. It¡¯s all thanks to your father taking such good care of you that the doctor said that you¡¯ve recovered more quickly than usual.¡± All these meals over the course of two months probably added up to two to three thousand yuan.

    Thankfully, there was still someone with a conscience in their family.

    The nurse did not mention how there had not been a single person from the Qiao family who hade to visit Qiao Nan in the few days following her ident, even when she had been in a critical state. That included Qiao Dongliang, whose performance had suddenly changed for the better afterward. She was afraid that Qiao Nan would be in a bad mood upon learning about her family¡¯s behavior. It was better to chat about things that brightened one¡¯s mood.

    But the nurse had not expected that Qiao Nan would do something out of the ordinary and smiled along. ¡°My elder sister said that my parents are old and their kidneys are unsuitable. If she were to wait for a kidney donor, she would have to rely on other people¡¯s willingness to donate. She¡¯s afraid that she won¡¯t be able to wait for such a long time. That¡¯s why they¡¯re taking such good care of me now. If I don¡¯t recover quickly, how would they be able to take a kidney from me to save their precious daughter?¡±

    ¡°...¡± The nurse stared wide-eyed at Qiao Nan. ¡°Miss Qiao, a-aren¡¯t you overthinking it?¡± They probably would not go so far, right?¡± Taking care of Miss Qiao for the sake of a kidney transnt for the elder Miss Qiao in the other ward?

    This...

    Qiao Nanughed but did not say a word.

    If the nurse had not mistaken that there was still a good person in the Qiao family, she would not have said such a thing. Although she was almost forty, Qiao Nan wanted to be willful just this once. When she was younger, she had never been willful. In her dream, she had Brother Zhai taking care of her, so there had been no need for her to be willful. But now that she was at this heartbreaking age of thirty-nine, Qiao Nan wanted to be willful and kick up a fuss!

    Onlookers knew all about the Qiao family¡¯s dirtyundry. Since they already knew approximately ny percent of what was going on in the Qiao family, she had no qualms about letting them in on what was really going on. There were still good people in the Qiao family? Hehehe. That had to be the funniest joke she had heard in her entire life.

    The nurse hurried out of Qiao Nan¡¯s ward and happened to bump into Qiao Dongliang, who was enquiring about Qiao Nan¡¯s recovery status with the doctor.

    Seeing the thermal sk in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands, the nurse walked over and listened in on the conversation. When the doctor told him that Qiao Nan was recovering better than usual patients, Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed. The nurse frowned and tested the waters. ¡°Doctor, Miss Qiao said that she hasn¡¯t been feeling quite right in some other areas and wants to do a full-body checkup. Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not feeling well? Where¡¯s the difort? Is her kidney all right?¡± Qiao Dongliang was extraordinarily anxious because he was clear that any difort in Qiao Nan¡¯s body would have a direct impact on whether Qiao Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt could be conducted as soon as possible.

    The nurse¡¯s heart dropped. No, Miss Qiao had not been overthinking it. The Qiao family did indeed have such a n.

    Earlier on, she had heard that it was exactly because of the Qiao family¡¯s n for Miss Qiao to donate her kidney to the elder Miss Qiao that she had gotten into an argument with her mother and run out of the hospital. That was how she had gotten into an ident. She had initially thought that someone had simply made up this story. But now, it seemed like it was probably the truth.

    In such a case, if Miss Qiao was willing to donate her kidney, it would be out of her love for her sister. But if she was unwilling to do so, that was her prerogative too. Even if Miss Qiao were to donate her kidney, the elder Miss Qiao might not survive either. What if she recovered from uremia but her body rejected the donated organ? Besides, it was not entirely risk-free for Miss Qiao to donate her kidney. There would be impacts on her future life.

    In short, it was up to Miss Qiao to decide whether to donate her kidney or not. Even if everyone got along well as a family, even biological sisters would have to consider it carefully before deciding on something as serious as donating a kidney, let alone the Qiao family who were clearly not on good terms with each other.

    The whole family, apart from Miss Qiao, seemed like a normal family of three. But Miss Qiao seemed like a free gift that came along with a mobile phone n. She was practically worthless in their eyes.

    ¡°Miss Qiao¡¯s feeling difort in other areas? Then, we¡¯ll definitely need to do aprehensive check on her,¡± the doctor said responsibly. ¡°I¡¯ll get more details from Miss Qiaoter when I go on my rounds.¡±

    ¡°All right, doctor.¡± The nurse was not at all worried that her lie would be exposed. Ever since Qiao Nan got into an ident, she had been mostly confined to her bed. Since she had little chance of getting down from her bed, it was only natural to feel difort. Even a healthy person had times when he would feel difort, much less a patient lying in bed.

    ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you any further, doctor. I¡¯ll go check on my younger daughter.¡± Qiao Dongliang was uneasy and especially worried that any abnormalities in Qiao Nan¡¯s health would affect Qiao Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt. Two months had passed, and while Qiao Nan had gotten better with time, Qiao Zijin had only be frailer and weaker by the day.

    It was as though the weight that Qiao Nan had put on had fallen off Qiao Zijin¡¯s body. Qiao Nan had be nourished and healthy, while Qiao Zijin, who had always been chubbier than Qiao Nan, had finally aplished her lifelong goal of losing weight and had lost over five kilograms!

    In the face of such a situation, Qiao Dongliang was in a frenzy. He was dying for Qiao Nan to jump up from her bed right then and there so that she could undergo a kidney transnt to save Qiao Zijin. Even though their family now had the means to let Qiao Zijin undergo this surgery, Qiao Dongliang was afraid that Qiao Zijin might run out of time and would pass away before a legal source of kidney appeared.

    In that way, Qiao Nan had be the most crucial ying piece to Qiao Zijin¡¯s survival. ¡°Nan Nan, I heard from the nurse that you¡¯re feeling unwell? Does it hurt? Why didn¡¯t you tell me about it earlier?¡±

    Even a blind man could feel the worry in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. Besides, Qiao Nan was not blind. In fact, her eyes were sharper than ever. An idea shed through her mind and she guessed what had happened. ¡°You have it hard enough now that you have to run around for me. I didn¡¯t want to let you worry about me. Don¡¯t worry. My hospitalization bills are being taken care of. I definitely won¡¯t hide it from the doctor if I¡¯m feeling unwell. I¡¯ll be sure to get the doctor to check everything thoroughly before I get discharged. I¡¯ll be fine, Dad.¡±

    Upon receiving a confirmation from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face soured in an instant. He cared about Nan Nan¡¯s health, but he cared more about whether Zijin would be able to survive without Nan Nan¡¯s kidney. ¡°Nan Nan, if you really want me to worry less and rest assured, you must take care of yourself. Don¡¯t let anything happen to your body. Do you understand?¡±

    He could only hope that there was nothing majorly wrong with Nan Nan. After all, he himself had not been hospitalized, but he also felt difort from time to time. Such urrences were only natural. As long as Nan Nan was fine, it would not be long before Zijin could undergo her kidney transnt.

    ¡°All right. I understand.¡±

 Chapter 1757 - Easy to Deal With

    <h4>Chapter 1757: Easy to Deal With</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Neither did Qiao Nan bother to rebuke him. Instead, she graciously agreed. Since Qiao Dongliang had made delectable dishes for her, Qiao Nan gobbled them all down very willingly.

    Seeing Qiao Nan eating heartily, Qiao Dongliang let out his first smile of the day. ¡°Being able to eat is a blessing. I¡¯m really happy to see you have such a good appetite. I¡¯ll bring more for you tomorrow. Nan Nan, don¡¯t scare yourself. I think you¡¯re in quite good health. Even if you¡¯re feeling any difort, it won¡¯t be much of a problem.¡±

    He had never seen anyone who was truly unwell being able to eat like Nan Nan.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan twitched the corners of her lips but remained silent. As usual, she simply listened to whatever Qiao Dongliang had to say.

    After Qiao Dongliang finished packing his things, his mood sank. ¡°Rest well now that you¡¯ve finished eating. Try to recover as soon as possible. I might not be able to send dinner over personally because I have to work, but I¡¯ll get someone else to bring dinner for you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. I¡¯m your dad. Taking care of you is my duty. Have some rest. I¡¯ll visit you again tomorrow.¡± Knowing that he would be able to keep both his daughters by his side and that Qiao Zijin would no longer be in danger, Qiao Dongliang left in a jolly mood.

    The moment the door closed, Qiao Nanughed. Herugh was a much happier and cheery one aspared to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s. Immediately, Qiao Nan climbed out of her bed, stripped off her hospital gown, and changed into her usual clothes. Then, she picked up her bag and headed downstairs.

    In these two months, Qiao Nan had been particrly thankful for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s indifference and nonchnce toward her. Qiao Nan had indeed sustained many fractures in this ident, but thankfully, she had not injured her legs. And now, even her arm that she had injured was no longer much of a problem.

    In the past two months, Qiao Nan had actively cooperated with the doctors to undergo rehabilitation. Without her determination and persistence, there was no way Qiao Nan would have recovered faster than ordinary patients if she had relied solely on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s soups for nourishment.

    As such, neither Qiao Dongliang nor Ding Jiayi had any idea that Qiao Nan could get down from her bed on her own. Although her movements were slower than ordinary people¡¯s, and it was rather inconvenient for her to move around, the fact was that Qiao Nan was no longer a bed-ridden patient who had to rely on others to eat, drink, pee, and poop.

    ¡°Hello, Miss Qiao. It¡¯s nice to meet you. I¡¯m really very sorry about what happened.¡± The driver¡¯s face was filled with guilt upon meeting Qiao Nan. He had knocked her down, so he should have visited Qiao Nan much earlier. It was just that... The thought of Ding Jiayi made the driver¡¯s head hurt. It could be said that Miss Qiao¡¯s mother was the most difficult and annoying person he had ever encountered in his life.

    ¡°No, I understand the situation. You being here today is already proof that you feel sorry toward me and that you feel bad that I¡¯m having it harder than you are. Let¡¯s hurry and get the discharge procedures done so that I can go with you to the police station to sign the settlement. That way, both of us can avoid any trouble in the future.¡± Qiao Nan cut right to the chase.

    After all, she and Qiao Zijin were staying in the same hospital. Her dad had just left, so she did not have to worry about her dad suddenlying back. But Ding Jiayi was different. In order to take good care of Qiao Zijin, besides staying by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side, Ding Jiayi had to satisfy all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s other demands.

    Qiao Nan had heard from the nurse that Qiao Zijin had never stopped with her antics even though she had been hospitalized. Since she could not go out to shop, Qiao Zijin would often get bored and ask Ding Jiayi to buy some fashion magazines for her. Otherwise, she would have her cravings. At those times, Ding Jiayi would go around to run errands for Qiao Zijin without anyints.

    As such, in order to avoid meeting Ding Jiayi and causing an unnecessary ruckus, Qiao Nan had no intention of staying in the hospital for any longer than was necessary. All she wanted was to leave as soon as possible. Only by taking advantage of the Qiao family being ignorant and her quick actions would she be able to gain what was rightfully hers and resolve this matter sessfully.

    ¡°Actually, I got all the discharge procedures done before you came.¡± He had already prepared the three months¡¯ worth of Miss Qiao¡¯s hospitalization bills. No matter how hefty the sum was, he had no choice but to part with it. But he had not expected that Miss Qiao wanted to get discharged early even though she could have stayed in the hospital for a longer period of time.

    Upon confirming that Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi were truly worlds apart, the driver was exceptionally grateful. It was true that he wanted to take responsibility for what he had done, but he did not want to be a sacrificialmb just because of his upright morals.

    After roughly understanding what Qiao Nan meant, the driver got on board and helped Qiao Nan with her discharge procedures without hesitation. That way, the duo could leave immediately.

    ¡°All right, then I won¡¯t waste any more time. Let¡¯s go to the police station.¡± Qiao Nan nodded in satisfaction. There was no reason for Qiao Nan to not be happy now that she had managed to spend even less time in the hospital.

    Thus, Qiao Nan and the driver walked side-by-side and left.

    Ding Jiayi, who had gone out to buy a magazine for Qiao Zijin, caught sight of the back view of the two of them leaving the hospital. Ding Jiayi frowned and her lips were tightly pursed together. She stared at the couple for a long time. ¡°Hey, why does that woman look like that wretched girl? But that woman looks chubbier than that stupid bunch of bones. I guess some people just have doppelgangers.¡±

    Qiao Nan was almost forty and had no close male friends, let alone a partner. What she had just seen was clearly a husband fetching his wife who had just been discharged, so there was no way that woman could have been Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi shook her head and thought nothing more of it. Remembering that her beloved daughter was still waiting for her magazine to kill time, Ding Jiayi hastened her steps and rushed to the newsstand.

    Qiao Nan, who had been sitting in the car, looked around out of boredom and happened to see Ding Jiayi rushing toward the newsstand. This scene only made Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curl up into a sneer. She said nothing about it and did not tell the man beside her that the woman whom he was most afraid of had just passed by.

    Thankfully, all of the car¡¯s windows were one-way mirrors such that passengers in the car would be able to see the people outside, but the people outside would not be able to look into the car. Otherwise, knowing Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper, she would definitely have rushed up and grabbed the driver¡¯s cor, demanding five hundred thousand yuanpensation from him.

    If he refused, he should not even think of leaving!

    Qiao Nan very kindly decided not to remind the man sitting beside her about such an unpleasant possibility. The duo rushed down to the police station as quickly as possible and settled the matter. As for Qiao Nan¡¯s hospitalization bills, Qiao Nan had forked out a hundred thousand yuan. The driver had paid for any outstanding amount above that initial hundred thousand yuan.

    Qiao Nan did not really care how much more the driver had forked out because he had handed a cash card with a stored value of three hundred thousand yuan over to her and had given her the pin number. ¡°If you have any problems in the future, feel free to contact me.¡± Even though Qiao Nan had been discharged, the other party was afraid that there would be side-effects from the ident.

    Qiao Nan was affable and easy to deal with. Thus, the other party¡¯s attitude was simrly good.

 Chapter 1758 - Heard Through the Grapevine

    <h4>Chapter 1758: Heard Through the Grapevine</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now that he had finally resolved this matter, the driver heaved a huge sigh of relief. For each day that this matter dragged on, not only had the driver lost sleep, but he had also been unable to enjoy his meals properly.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qiao Nan took the card and parted ways with the other party. After leaving, Qiao Nan did her due diligence and checked that there was indeed money in the card. What surprised Qiao Nan was that the card did not contain three hundred thousand but three hundred and twenty thousand yuan! The other party had given her twenty thousand yuan more than what had been agreed!

    Thinking about how she was indeed short of money, Qiao Nan roughly guessed what the other party¡¯s intention was. After sending a thank-you note to the other party, Qiao Nan deleted the other party¡¯s number from her phone. She had no intention of contacting this unlucky man ever again.

    Now that she had money on hand, she was not anxious at all.

    The moment she returned to her rented apartment, which was the size of a bird¡¯s nest, Qiao Nan quickly packed up her luggage. She had Ding Jiayi and Zijin¡¯s years of exploitation to thank. To be honest, other than a few pieces of clothing, she had nothing else to pack.

    Since the house was rented, there were many things in the apartment that belonged to thendlord and had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.

    Once she finished packing her belongings, she exined to thendlord that she would no longer be leasing the apartment and wanted to return the ce. As such, she requested thendlord to conduct a check on his apartment. If everything was in ce, she would return her deposit and she would move away immediately.

    Qiao Nan had lived in this apartment for ten whole years. Thendlord was old acquaintances with Qiao Nan by now and knew how Qiao Nan was as a person. After ncing through the apartment and taking the keys from Qiao Nan, thendlord graciously handed over Qiao Nan¡¯s deposit. Before Qiao Nan left, she cautiously asked, ¡°Are you moving back to stay with your parents?¡±

    If that was really the case, that little girl of the Qiao family might as well continue staying here.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m moving on. But I haven¡¯t really thought through about where I¡¯ll be moving to. I¡¯ll be staying in a motel for a few days for now.¡± Move back to the Qiao family¡¯s house? To be the Qiao family¡¯s maid who would not only be unpaid but would also have to fork out her money?

    ¡°That¡¯s good news. Really good. Hurry and take your leave.¡± Thendlord knew all too clearly about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. She had given Qiao Nan advice in the past, but Qiao Nan refused to heed her advice and had always devoted her whole life to the Qiao family. Thendlord wondered what Qiao Nan had experienced that she had suddenlye to such a realization. As a bystander, seeing this change in Qiao Nan meant that the anger that she had been holding in could finally be released. With her pent-up anger released, she was in a much better mood.

    ¡°But you¡¯re really good-tempered. With a family like that, if it had been someone else in your ce, they would have... Forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about it. Remember to lead your life well in the future. People nowadays always say that nothing canpare to money, not even your rtionship with your parents. Lead a good life, okay?¡± Thendlord could not say anything else but stuffed some money into Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, on top of the deposit that she had already returned.

    With parents like that, thendlord knew that Qiao Nan did not have much money. Otherwise, she would never have stayed in this bird¡¯s nest of an apartment for ten whole years! Why had she done so? Because it was cheap!

    After waking up from her dream, even though the autumn heat had passed, Qiao Nan felt as cold as the brutal winter winds. It was as though there was no warmth at all, and the freezing cold was prating into her bones.

    But with the care of people like her nurses andndlord, Qiao Nan could muster up a reluctant smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± Because she had nothing to her name, she did not know what she could do other than saying thank you.

    Thendlord sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not easy for you either. Remember to lead a good life and treat yourself well after you move away. Try your best to stay away from the Qiao family. Although it is true that we shouldn¡¯t be heartless, you shouldn¡¯t be bullied like that either. You have to be more open-minded. Family may not always be reliable.¡±

    If it was possible, thendlord wanted more so to tell Qiao Nan that she could not possibly intend to stay single for the rest of her life.

    Because Qiao Nan had suffered so much in the past forty years, even more so should she find a man who would treat her well and take good care of her. Two heads were better than one, after all. If she had someone by her side, Qiao Nan¡¯s life would not be as tough as it had been.

    Having read between the lines, Qiao Nanughed bitterly. Finding a partner for marriage was not that easy. Having had such a realistic dream, finding another man to get married to would not be as easy as it sounded.

    Thinking about her husband in her dream, Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached badly. In reality, she had never had any contact with Zhai Sheng. The Zhai family did not like to be exposed by the media, and as such, Qiao Nan had never seen any news regarding Zhai Sheng.

    That was why she could not understand why she had gotten together with Zhai Sheng, who had such a high status, and had even had three children together.

    Did her dreams reflect her thoughts in the day?

    Was it because she had been too oppressed by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin that she had dreamed of that Chief Zhai, who had once been closer to her, to pull her out of this sea of misery?

    No matter what it was, a dream was only a dream. It was not real. It was indeed time for her to wake up from that dream. If possible, she would strive hard to embrace her next phase in life. She was only forty years old and could still live a long life. If she did not find a way to better her life, what would she do for the next few decades?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Thendlord sent Qiao Nan off.

    Qiao Nan knew that even though she had cut off contact with the Qiao family, there was no use in moving. After ending her lease, the next thing Qiao Nan did was to resign from her job.

    If it had not been for Qiao Nan¡¯s good performance and good work ethics in the past, the factory would have fired her based on her two months¡¯ absence while she was in the hospital. Upon hearing the news that Qiao Nan was resigning, Qiao Nan¡¯s superior specially requested for the ounting department to pay Qiao Nan an additional two months¡¯ worth of sry. In total, Qiao Nan was given three months¡¯ worth of sry before leaving.

    ¡°When you were in the hospital for the past two months, we were quite busy here in the factory. We epted quite a few new transactions, so we couldn¡¯t afford to take time off. But we did send our representatives to visit you at the hospital. We¡¯re all very happy that you¡¯ve been discharged. What are your ns now that you¡¯ve resigned? Are you nning on staying home to recuperate?¡±

    Her superior thought it was strange. Could it be that the Qiao family had finally found their conscience and was letting Qiao Nan quit her job to rest and recuperate at home since she had not entirely recovered after her ident?

    The busier things got at the factory, the greater the work intensity. Qiao Nan¡¯s superior had always known that Qiao Nan had always been taking on part-time work as well, but he did not care what his employees did after work hours as long as they did not make use of their working hours or lose their efficiency.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s supervisor had not only heard about her family situation but had also witnessed it with his own eyes!

 Chapter 1759 - Angry

    <h4>Chapter 1759: Angry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There had been several instances where Qiao Nan¡¯s birth mother had barged into the factory, demanding to check for herself how much Qiao Nan earned in a month.

    At times, when it came to the day when the factory gave out their wages, Qiao Nan¡¯s mom would immediately appear at the factory and wipe Qiao Nan¡¯s sry clean.

    That was why Qiao Nan¡¯s superior did not care about Qiao Nan¡¯s private life. Qiao Nan did not live with the Qiao family and had to pay for her own expenses. But every month, her mom would take away her entire month¡¯s worth of sry without fail. If Qiao Nan did not take on part-time work, she would probably starve to death.

    Because he knew that the Qiao family pestered Qiao Nan like blood-sucking devils, Qiao Nan¡¯s superior was full of doubts when Qiao Nan approached him to tender her resignation.

    It was true that the work intensity at the factory was slightly higher than usual, but the pay was good and their wages rose a little every year. Now that society had progressed and developed, the living standards had also been raised. They would not be able to survive without a raise in their sries.

    Initially, he had thought that the Qiao family would force Qiao Nan to work in the factory up until her death because of her high sry.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m thinking of moving away and changing my lifestyle. I¡¯m sorry for the trouble I caused in the past, but I guess there might be more trouble brewing. When that timees, just leave them alone. Anyway, I won¡¯t be around, so they won¡¯t be able to do anything.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Her superior was taken aback and asked cautiously, ¡°Have you finallye to a realization?¡± Even as a bystander, he could not bear to see how the Qiao family treated Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan¡¯s temper was too good for her own good. In fact, Qiao Nan probably did not have a temper at all. For her whole life, she had always been listening to the Qiao family and had never had her own personal space.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve already died once. I¡¯vee to my senses.¡± Qiao Nan did not borate on that, but Qiao Nan had taken note of what her superior had said earlier. ¡°I don¡¯t have any impression of anyone from the factorying to visit me in the past two months.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Her superior bit on his lip. ¡°They were not careful and ran into your mom...¡±

    As for what had happened afterward, her superior did not want to talk about it. He knew that it would just be a waste of his breath talking about it. Qiao Nan had no reaction to being bullied by her mom, so it went without saying Qiao Nan would not be able to do anything now that the employees of the factory had been scolded and insulted by her mom.

    Qiao Nan had gotten into a car ident, after all, and had sustained injuries serious enough to warrant hospitalization. Everyone knew that Qiao Nan led a hard life. As such, everyone had chipped in and pooled together a sum of money to express their concern for Qiao Nan after such a tragedy had happened to her.

    The representative had not been able to meet Qiao Nan but bumped into Ding Jiayi instead. Ding Jiayi kept Qiao Nan¡¯s monthly sry, and as such, she had a faint impression of Qiao Nan¡¯s colleagues at the factory.

    The moment she saw the other party, Ding Jiayi guessed the situation and quickly said, ¡°Are you here to see Qiao Nan? I¡¯m sorry that you had to make your way down. Qiao Nan sustained quite severe injuries in this ident and is still recuperating in her ward. The doctor won¡¯t let any outsiders in. When Qiao Nan recovers and returns to the factory, I¡¯ll be sure to get her to thank you all for your concern. Oh, you guys are too kind. You shouldn¡¯t have bothered bringing so many things to visit. Come, hand all these things over to me.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had sharp eyes and could tell straightaway that the fruit basket was worth several hundred yuan. Amongst them were several expensive and nutritious fruits that Ding Jiayi had never been willing to splurge on. This was just as well. She could wash them and let Qiao Zijin have them!

    The valuable fruit basket caught Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes indeed, but none more so than the envelope in the fruit basket. It was so thick. It could not possibly contain fruits. No matter how she looked at it, the envelope had to contain cash.

    Looking at its thickness, Ding Jiayi guessed that it should contain at least ten thousand yuan. Ding Jiayi had not expected that Qiao Nan¡¯s colleagues from the factory would be so generous as to send so much money over to Qiao Nan now that she was hospitalized.

    With ten thousand yuan, she would be able to make Zijin¡¯s stay in the hospital even morefortable. Didn¡¯t Zijin want some magazines? She would go to the newsstand and ask for simr titles and buy them all for Zijin.

    After making up her mind, Ding Jiayi did not even care about the other party¡¯s astonishment and grabbed the fruit basket over from the other party with great force. ¡°Thank you. You can leave.¡±

    Knowing the kind of person Ding Jiayi was, the colleague refused to let go.

    Ding Jiayi was no match for that young man. Upset, Ding Jiayi spat out unpleasant words. ¡°Hey, I think you¡¯re really strange. Isn¡¯t this for our Qiao Nan? Aren¡¯t you giving it to my daughter? Why aren¡¯t you handing it over? This isn¡¯t yours! It¡¯s probably something that your colleagues came together to give to my younger daughter, isn¡¯t it? Are you trying to im this fruit basket for yourself because it¡¯s valuable and even has a huge sum of money in it?¡±

    The colleague flushed red with anger and barely stopped himself from rebuking her.

    This was like the pot calling the kettle ck!

    Because they knew that Qiao Nan led a hard life under her mom¡¯s control, they were afraid that Qiao Nan would have no money to buy supplements for herself now that she was hospitalized. That was why they had pooled together some funds for Qiao Nan. If the money were to fall into Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, Qiao Nan would not get a single cent of it. No way was he going to let go. He wanted to personally hand it over to Qiao Nan.

    But he had never expected that Ding Jiayi would be just as thick-skinned toward other people as she was toward Qiao Nan. She waspletely shameless!

    As a grown-up man, he was being used by Ding Jiayi in public of wanting to steal a patient¡¯s money. Especially given Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship to Qiao Nan, a normal bystander would simply assume that a biological mother would never hurt her own daughter. In that way, it was definitely the colleague, who hade to send the money over, that was at fault.

    In the face of such public criticism, the colleague felt that he had never been so embarrassed in his entire life. He had done nothing, yet he had to be the scapegoat and take the me!

    In the end, that male colleague could not stand it any longer and his face turned purple. He let go of the basket and itnded right in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands. Following that, the male colleague immediately ran out of the hospital. If he were ever to fall sick in the future, he would never visit this hospital. It was way too embarrassing.

    The male colleague then told his boss about this incident. He had no other choice. After all, he owed his boss an exnation since the money had not been handed over to Qiao Nan. What if Qiao Nan returned to work knowing nothing about that ten thousand yuan? If their boss were to ask her about it and there was a discrepancy, everyone would misunderstand that he had been greedy and stolen Qiao Nan¡¯s ten thousand yuan.

    If that really happened, he would feel so wronged.

    Knowing that his good intentions had been trampled upon by Ding Jiayi and that Ding Jiayi had even humiliated his own employee, their superior was infuriated. Who on earth had no temper?

 Chapter 1760 - Keeping Their Mouths Shut

    <h4>Chapter 1760: Keeping Their Mouths Shut</h4>

    But what could he do? This was his employee¡¯s own family matters. If Qiao Nan could not stand up for herself and lift her head up, there was nothing they could do no matter how unhappy they were.

    Her boss had mentioned the issue of ten thousand yuan firstly to express the importance thepany ced on loyal employees like Qiao Nan. If thepany did not show any sign of concern when a loyal employee got into an ident and was hospitalized, would that not disappoint all employees? Secondly, her boss meant to give Qiao Nan a heads-up so that she would at least have an idea of the existence of this ten thousand yuan. He hated to see Qiao Nan being so foolish, not knowing anything, and even being controlled by Ding Jiayi.

    To put it harshly, the ten thousand yuan was also a favor.

    Ding Jiayi had taken the money in the end. If the favor needed to be returned in the future, Qiao Nan would be the one who had to do so. She would not be able to shirk her responsibility at that time. Her boss did not wish for such a good employee to be mistaken for having poor character and morals just because of her ¡®amazing¡¯ mother, Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath as her face flushed red. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Who went to visit me the other day? I¡¯ll apologize to him personally.¡±

    In the face of money, she could care less about her rtionship with her daughter, much less a colleague of a daughter whom she did not favor in the first ce. For the sake of money, her mom could say the most unpleasant things and do the most ridiculous and ugly things. Even though she had not been present that day, Qiao Nan couldpletely imagine how badly her colleague must have been treated.

    ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s his rest day today, but I can ry your message to him. It¡¯s not your fault either.¡± Her boss sighed helplessly. ¡°I understand your ns. You won¡¯t be our factory¡¯s employee in the future, but I still hope that your life will get better. Qiao Nan, you should really love yourself a little more.¡±

    Everyone who knew Qiao Nan told her the same thing over and over again: to treat herself better and to love herself more.

    Sometimes, parents were not the most reliable. If she did not love herself, there would be no one else in this world who would love her.

    Tears welled up in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes and she sniffled. ¡°I will, for sure! I will definitely love myself more in the future.¡± Or perhaps, she would even love herself the most!

    ¡°Go on.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s boss saw that Qiao Nan had indeed changed from the past and had even taken his advice. If Qiao Nan could really keep to her word and love herself even more in the future, he would definitely be happy for Qiao Nan. ¡°Go on. Remember to live a good life. You¡¯re always wee to visit us whenever you¡¯re free.¡±

    ¡°I will. Goodbye.¡± Qiao Nan gave a deep bow to express her gratitude for her leader. Only after that did she take the three months¡¯ worth of sry and leave. Even though her closest kin had been so coldhearted toward her that she felt as though all the blood in her body had been frozen, just like it had been in her dream, outsiders who had no rtion to her were constantly giving her warmth, telling her that winter was not the only season in the year and that brutal cold was not the only temperature that existed.

    Qiao Nan ran around visiting all her contacts that she had made before her ident to bid farewell to them and to settle her work. When all was finally done, it was already eight o¡¯clock in the evening.

    Qiao Nan had already ended her lease for her rented apartment, and Qiao Nan was not the least bit willing to take a step into the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. Thus, Qiao Nan found a decently clean and inexpensive motel to spend the night.

    Early the next morning, Qiao Nan packed up her light luggage but could not help but feel slightly lost and helpless. There was no need to hesitate about leaving the Qiao family and moving away to start a new life afresh.

    Leaving the Qiao family was a must. But where should she go to start her new life?

    After giving it some thought, Qiao Nan made a decision inwardly. Taking her identity card and household registration with her, she would leave Ping Cheng, a city that had gued her with a whole myriad of problems, to another city that would allow her to have some peace: Qingshui town.

    Sitting in the car and looking at Ping Cheng that was growing ever smaller in the distance, Qiao Nan smiled in relief. She had finally left her old life behind. Perhaps, she was really not suited for life in Ping Cheng. In both her dream world and reality, she had not led a good life in Ping Cheng. It was only when she left Ping Cheng that she had finally been able to get relief.

    Now that she had finally left Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan felt as though a huge stone had been lifted off her chest. But with her departure, chaos ensued in a certain corner of Ping Cheng.

    In front of Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang felt guilty for having his eyes on Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney. He had not been able to be as brazen and shameless as Ding Jiayi, who thought that Qiao Nan¡¯s sacrifices were justified. Qiao Dongliang felt guilty and sorry toward Qiao Nan and could not face her. As such, he tried to avoid any contact with Qiao Nan as much as possible.

    The better Qiao Nan¡¯s health was, the more obvious Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior got. Qiao Dongliang had always sent breakfast over to Qiao Nan personally but had always asked the nurse to pass it to Qiao Nan. He himself would leave straightaway after handing the meal over to the nurse. That afternoon, he had personally seen Qiao Nan finish her meal. He had only stayed because he had wanted to chat with Qiao Nan¡¯s doctor about her progress and how well she was recovering.

    As for dinner, Qiao Dongliang had gotten used to asking other people to send Qiao Nan¡¯s meal to the hospital for the nurse to hand it over to Qiao Nan.

    Thankfully, Qiao Dongliang had done this out of guilt. That had given Qiao Nan the chance to settle her past and leave everything behind. The moment Qiao Dongliang left after lunchtime, Qiao Nan quickly finished her discharge procedures and left the hospital as well.

    Quite a few nurses in the hospital knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s departure. Perhaps it was also because of Qiao Nan¡¯s good fortune. Qiao Nan had once told that nurse, who had been extremely concerned about her, that the Qiao family had their sights set on her own kidney for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake.

    When the person that Qiao Dongliang had entrusted the tasks of delivering Qiao Nan¡¯s dinner arrived, the nurse on duty almost let slip that Qiao Nan had already been discharged and wanted to question why they were still sending lunch boxes over.

    Right at that moment, the kind nurse, who had been taking care of Qiao Nan all along, stopped her colleague just in time. She epted the lunch box as usual and said that she would pass it to Qiao Nanter. With that, the other party left feeling assured.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me tell him?¡± The colleague asked out of confusion after the other party left.

    The kind nurseughed. ¡°Anyway, he¡¯s already sent the lunch box over. He looked like he¡¯s rushing off for his night shift. If you had told him that Miss Qiao had been discharged, wouldn¡¯t he have to bring this lunch box to his workce? How inconvenient would that be! At the very most, we can hand this lunch box over to the Qiao family tomorrow when theye. It isn¡¯t very nice to always bother others, after all.¡±

 Chapter 1761 - Missing Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 1761: Missing Daughter</h4>

    That Miss Qiao had not told a single soul about her discharge. Not a single member of the Qiao family had known about it. That could only mean that Miss Qiao had her own ns, and she was deliberately avoiding the Qiao family.

    The kind nurse had no idea about the specifics of Qiao Nan¡¯s ns, but since Qiao Nan was trying to avoid the Qiao family, the nurse would do all she could to help Qiao Nan buy some time so that the Qiao family would only find out about this aste as possible.

    It was nothing more than a lunch box. It was no big deal. Although her colleague did not really understand her intentions, there were too many patients to take care of in the hospital. As such, within a minute, that nurse had alreadypletely forgotten about this matter and had gone off to work.

    The next morning, Qiao Dongliang came to deliver breakfast to Qiao Nan with a haggard expression. Obviously, the news that there was something wrong with Qiao Nan¡¯s health and that she might not be able to donate her kidney to Qiao Zijin in time had taken its toll on Qiao Dongliang, who was now worried sick. Qiao Dongliang had only had a few hours of sleep the previous night.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m the family member of one of your patients. I¡¯ve brought breakfast for her. Please give me the lunch box from yesterday.¡± Because both his daughters had been hospitalized at the same time, the Qiao family had many thermal lunch boxes. They had prepared four lunch boxes so that they would be able to use them interchangeably. When delivering breakfast, Qiao Dongliang had to ensure that he took along the lunch boxes from the previous night. Otherwise, he would not be able to send lunch over.

    ¡°Oh, all right.¡± The nurse was already familiar with Qiao Dongliang by now. Seeing that there was a familiar thermal sk on her work station, the nurse immediately picked it up to hand it over to Qiao Dongliang. But when the nurse picked up the thermal sk, she could feel that it felt different from usual. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s still something inside. It seems that she didn¡¯t eat much.¡±

    ¡°Let me take a look.¡± After exchanging the lunch boxes with the nurse, Qiao Dongliang opened up the lunch box from the previous day. It was not that she had not eaten much. She had not even touched this at all! Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°Is my daughter feeling unwell? Is that why she has a poor appetite and didn¡¯t eat?¡±

    The nurse did not think much about it andughed. ¡°That might not be the case. If my memory serves me well, your daughter has been hospitalized for two months. You must know that our patients move around much less than an average person. Since they expend less energy, it¡¯s only natural that their appetite is poorer than the average person¡¯s. I¡¯ve always been curious about how your daughter has such a great appetite, seeing that your family sends so much food at every mealtime. Some healthy people asionally can¡¯t digest well or are too bloated to eat the next meal after a heavy meal. If you¡¯re really worried, maybe you can check on her or ask her doctor about how she¡¯s doing.¡±

    Perhaps even the heavens were on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. Some nurses knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s discharge, but it so happened that the nurse that Qiao Dongliang had met did not. She thought that Qiao Nan was still hospitalized. As such, she had delivered a reasonable answer very calmly.

    Qiao Dongliang could not tell that the nurse had been lying, and even the nurse herself did not know that she had unwittingly told a lie. The patient, Qiao Nan, had already been discharged the previous afternoon and was no longer a patient in their hospital.

    The nurse¡¯s answer was well-founded. And because Qiao Dongliang was not entirely without a conscience, he still could not find it in himself to face Qiao Nan calmly, as should be the case for having asked Qiao Nan to donate her kidney even after she had gotten into an ident and provided money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment.

    He only hoped that he would be able to decrease his contact with Qiao Nan before everything blew over. He was worried that he would not know how to react should Qiao Nan decide not to donate her kidney and even start crying in front of him.

    Qiao Nan herself had to agree to the kidney donation. As long as Qiao Nan refused to sign the agreement, the doctor would not conduct the surgery even if he and Ding Jiayi signed it on her behalf. He was afraid that he would be unable to face a weeping Qiao Nan and that he would be softhearted and relent. Then, Qiao Nan would not donate her kidney, and his elder daughter would be in trouble. He was worried that he did not have such a glib tongue to convince Qiao Nan to sign that agreement.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Ding Jiayi had to be the one to handle such aplicated matter.

    So when the nurse suggested that he visit Qiao Nan himself, Qiao Dongliang did not even think for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary. I still have to rush off to work. Your nurses and doctors are all extremely capable. I have no worries leaving both my daughters in your hands. Since that¡¯s normal, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll go see my daughter. I¡¯lle again at noontime.¡±

    ¡°All right, goodbye.¡± Only after Qiao Dongliang left did the nurse mumble under her breath. ¡°This Qiao family is really weird. Since he cares so much about his daughter, why wouldn¡¯t he take just one more minute to go see her personally since he¡¯s already here?¡±

    ¡°Since their behaviors are so illogical, this can only mean that their concern toward the patient is fake. It¡¯s not genuine, so there¡¯s nothing to be confused by.¡± The nurse who had helped Qiao Nan happened to hear her words, and she let out a sarcastic smile. ¡°I was on the night shiftst night. I¡¯mpletely exhausted. Can you take over? I have to go back and get some rest.¡±

    As for the breakfast that Qiao Dongliang had sent over, the kind nurse did not even bother taking a look at it.

    ¡°All right, you¡¯d better hurry home to get some rest.¡± If their concern was fake, then why were they still sending her three meals a day? Was this for real?

    ¡°Oh right, I¡¯d better tell you about this. The younger daughter of the guy who sent the meal over just now was discharged yesterday.¡± The kind nurse stripped off her nurse¡¯s uniform and put on her usual clothes. After packing up her belongings, she picked up her bag.

    ¡°Discharged? Then, why didn¡¯t you tell me about that when her family member was around? What should I do about this breakfast?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? There¡¯s nothing to remind you about. His daughter has already been discharged for almost twenty-four hours, yet he still knows nothing about it. Do you think we¡¯re to be med, or is it their fault? Besides, our hospital is so big. There are so many patientsing through our doors every day. Who can remember whether his younger daughter is still being hospitalized in our hospital or whether she¡¯s already been discharged? In short, if even her dad doesn¡¯t know, it¡¯s only normal that we nurses forget about it since we¡¯re so busy.¡±

    Humph, was she really going to take the Qiao family seriously? The Qiao family was not worth their time.

    ¡°Oh, all right.¡± What the kind nurse had said was the truth and the colleague did not argue with her over it. It was true that if a father did not know that his own daughter had been discharged, less so nurses who had to take care of so many people in a day. They would not remember who had been discharged.

    After handing over her work, the nurse who was supposed to knock off finally left.

    Thus, it was only when Qiao Dongliang sent lunch over to Qiao Nan that he finally realized that Qiao Nan was no longer in the hospital. ¡°Nurse, something¡¯s not right. I went to my daughter¡¯s ward, but she isn¡¯t there.¡±

 Chapter 1762 - Life Will Be Beautiful

    <h4>Chapter 1762: Life Will Be Beautiful</h4>

    ¡°Worse still, there¡¯s someone else lying on my daughter¡¯s bed! Nurse, where¡¯s my daughter? Where has she been transferred to? She wasining about being unwell previously. Did something serious happen?¡±

    Could it be that she had been sent back into the treatment ward?

    If that were the case, it would be a problem for Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt. If Nan Nan could not donate her kidney, Zijin would have no choice but to wait until a suitable kidney appeared.

    As he guessed whether that was really the case, Qiao Dongliang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It felt as though the heavens were ying a trick on him. It was not that he wanted to help Nan Nan and thought that Zijin¡¯s life was not as important as Nan Nan¡¯s kidney. But there was nothing he could do if there were problems with Nan Nan¡¯s kidney and she was thus unsuitable to be a donor.

    If Zijin could not hold up and wait any longer, then he and Ding Jiayi would get themselves checked to see whose kidney would be more suitable for Zijin.

    With that thought, Qiao Dongliang realized that he could keep calm when thinking about his daughter, Qiao Nan, unlike how he had been in the past when he had no guts to even see his daughter in the eye.

    ¡°Your daughter? May I know which ward your daughter was in? I¡¯ll have to check before I¡¯m able to answer you urately.¡±

    Hearing the nurse¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang immediately told her Qiao Nan¡¯s ward number.

    ¡°Oh, this patient. Congrattions. Your daughter haspletely recovered. She was discharged yesterday at noontime. Didn¡¯t she return home after being discharged? Weren¡¯t you guys the ones who picked her up yesterday?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned as though someone had hit him with a stick. ¡°You¡¯re saying that my daughter was discharged yesterday at noontime?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what our hospital records show.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible. None of us helped her with her discharge procedures. Could you have gotten her mixed up with someone else?¡± No, how could Nan Nan have been discharged? Nan Nan had not mentioned it to him when he hade to visit her just yesterday. ¡°Besides, I delivered dinner to herst night, and I even brought breakfast over this morning. How could my daughter...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was so agitated that his entire face was flushed. nting his eyes, he looked at the thermal sk that he had delivered this morning. ¡°Look. This was what I brought this morning. I...¡±

    Wait a minute. Nan Nan had not eatenst night¡¯s dinner?!

    Seeing how agitated Qiao Dongliang was, the nurse was taken aback and handed the thermal sk over to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It could be that there are too many patients in our hospital. Besides, our nurses work shifts as well. It could be that this was forgotten when we changed shifts. But isn¡¯t it good news that the patient has recovered and has been discharged?¡±

    His daughter, who had been sick, had finally recovered and could return home. But his reaction as a family member seemed a little out of the ordinary. ¡°Did the patient return to her own home?¡± Looking at this old man, she was sure that his daughter was already married with her own children. Now that she had finally recovered, wasn¡¯t it only natural for her to return to her own home?

    But then again, Qiao Nan had been hospitalized for quite some time, yet she had never seen Qiao Nan¡¯s inws.

    Understanding what the nurse meant, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face paled. He was too embarrassed to tell the truth that Qiao Nan was still unmarried though she was nearing the age of forty.

    Taking the thermal sk over from the nurse, Qiao Dongliang made his way toward Qiao Zijin¡¯s ward. But three stepster, he turned around and headed for the hospital¡¯s exit. He hesitated and went back and forth around five to six times. In the end, Qiao Dongliang was back to square one.

    At that moment, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart was pounding so rapidly that he felt as flustered as a headless fly that had no sense of direction.

    What should he do? What should he do now?

    Nan Nan had been discharged, but he had not known about it at all! Old Ding had probably not known either, right? If Old Ding had known, she would definitely have told him. Did that mean that Nan Nan had gone through the discharge procedures herself?

    Why had Nan Nan not told him or anyone else about getting discharged? Would Nan Nan? Probably not! He had not even discussed with Nan Nan about the matter of her kidney after she had woken up.

    Besides, Nan Nan was such a good kid. She had sacrificed so much for this family and for her elder sister, Zijin. She had alreadye so far. Now that Zijin was at death¡¯s door, all they needed was one of Nan Nan¡¯s kidneys. They were not asking for Nan Nan¡¯s life! Based on Nan Nan¡¯s usual temper and habit, Nan Nan would definitely not refuse.

    So there was no way Nan Nan would choose not to donate her kidney to Zijin or silently discharge herself without telling anyone else. Yes, that was right. Nan Nan was a good kid. He had known this fact all along.

    Nan Nan was probably afraid to trouble him and knew that Old Ding had to stay by Zijin¡¯s side to take care of her. That was why that sensible child had chosen to go through the discharge procedures all by herself. Nan Nan felt sorry for Old Ding because she had to worry about Zijin¡¯s illness and other things. That was why Nan Nan had decided not to add to their worries.

    Qiao Dongliang took a few deep breaths. When other people looked at him as though he was a lunatic, he finally rxed his shoulders and left the hospital with the thermal sk in his arms. Nan Nan had been discharged, but he was sure that she would not return to the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard.

    There were only that many rooms in the Qiao family¡¯s house. Even when Zijin had not been divorced, they had to leave a room for Zijin so that she had a single room to herself whenever she came home. From then on, Nan Nan had moved out of the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard and had never spent a night there.

    Now that Zijin had gotten a divorce and had moved back into her parents¡¯ home, even more so was it impossible for Nan Nan to return to the Qiao family¡¯s home to fight over a room with Zijin. In that case, Nan Nan must have returned to her small rental apartment upon her discharge.

    That would not do. This time, he had to have a proper chat with Nan Nan. After experiencing such a catastrophe, Nan Nan should learn to lead a better life in the future. Even if she could not return to the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard and wanted to rent her own apartment instead, she should at least rent arger one.

    In the future...

    In the future, if Old Ding ever asked Nan Nan for money on Zijin¡¯s behalf, he would definitely rein Old Ding in and disallow Old Ding from doing so. Nan Nan was already all grown-up, but she did not have any savings for herself. That was no good at all.

    To put it harshly, the house that Zijin had gotten as dowry had been bought entirely with Nan Nan¡¯s money! It was about time Nan Nan saved up to get herself a house. As long as Nan Nan donated her kidney to save Zijin¡¯s life, he was confident that he would be able to convince Old Ding to agree with his n.

    Everything was going well! His younger daughter had been discharged, and his elder daughter would be cured soon! In the future, Nan Nan would not need to sacrifice her whole life for Zijin any longer and could live her life well. That was how life should be, where everything was sailing smoothly. At this moment, Qiao Dongliang felt that life would only get more beautiful in the near future.

 Chapter 1763 - See It for Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 1763: See It for Yourself</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang had always known the address of Qiao Nan¡¯s rented apartment. He also knew that the apartment was rather small, but he had never visited it himself. As such, Qiao Dongliang had asked around for quite some time in order to find the apartment that Qiao Nan had rented.

    ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s dad?¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was pretending to be what he was not and looked as though he had quite thick skin, Qiao Nan¡¯sndlord sneered. So this was that bast*rd father of Qiao Nan. True enough, one should not judge a book by its cover. He looked rather honest and kind, but who would have expected that he could be so ruthless and treat his own daughter so inhumanely?

    ¡°That right. Are you Nan Nan¡¯sndlord? Thank you for taking such good care of Nan Nan. I¡¯m here to see Nan Nan. Which apartment is she in?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not notice thendlord ring at him. He had only said so because Qiao Nan had once mentioned to Qiao Dongliang that herndlord treated her well and that was why she was fine with living alone outside.

    Now that he had this rare chance, Qiao Dongliang thought of his responsibility as a father and thus thanked thendlord

    ¡°Which apartment?¡± Thendlord harrumphed and raised her voice. What a funny question! ¡°Why don¡¯t I bring you up to take a look?¡± If Qiao Nan herself was willing to rent such a small apartment for herself, there was no need for outsiders to feel bad for her.

    ¡°Oh, all right. I¡¯m sorry to trouble you.¡± Qiao Dongliang was embarrassed that he did not know which apartment his daughter was living in, and he even needed herndlord to show him the way. At the same time, Qiao Dongliang truly believed that Qiao Nan¡¯sndlord indeed took good care of her. Otherwise, thendlord would not be treating him so nicely so much so as to show him the way.

    Following behind thendlord, Qiao Dongliang had initially intended to climb up the stairs. But thendlord turned, and instead of heading upstairs, she walked beside the staircase. Qiao Dongliang already had one foot on the stairs and was thus puzzled upon seeing thendlord¡¯s actions. There were no apartments downstairs, so where was thendlord bringing him to?

    Actually, thendlord was not headed anywhere. Because this building was situated in a good location, the ground floor had been converted into shop fronts after knocking down the walls. As for the upper floors, they were rented out as apartments. However, there was a small dead-end corner in such a prosperous location, and that was the space under the staircase that was situated outside the shop.

    That small space housed one face of a wall and a door and had a small little window of its own. Sticking the key into the keyhole, thendlord opened the door. ¡°This was the ce where Qiao Nan used to live. Do you want to take a good look at it and experience it for yourself?¡±

    Thendlord was not the kind of person to forgo her conscience just to make money. Such a tiny ce was still all right in winter but was sweltering hot in summer. Because the ce was so narrow and small, thendlord had never intended to put up a wall under the stairs to create another room before meeting Qiao Nan.

    But at that time, Qiao Nan had been in such dire straits. She did not have much money on her and had no means of renting an apartment. Coincidentally, because thendlord had been renovating the apartments, the space under the staircase had been piled up with a lot of things. Thus, a small space of six to seven square meters was created in the hallway.

    When Qiao Nan had approached her to rent this space, thendlord herself had been taken aback. This was no room at all. It was too small for anyone to live in!

    But Qiao Nan insisted on it. Seeing that Qiao Nan was in a difficult situation, she finally relented under Qiao Nan¡¯s persuasion. Before Qiao Nan moved in, thendlord had specially hired some people to move the mess away. If someone was really to stay there, she would at least build a sturdy and solid wall. That did not cost much money anyway.

    She had not intended to use that small space anyway. Now that Qiao Nan was renting it, it would be an extra source of ie for her nheless. As such, thendlord had tidied up the space before letting Qiao Nan move in.

    Upon hearing thendlord¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang was dumbfounded and stuttered. ¡°You-you¡¯re kidding, right? This is nothing but a small walkway under the stairs. Isn¡¯t such a small space usually used to store your things? How can someone live here?¡±

    This was Ping Cheng, not the capital or some other ces wherend was extraordinarily expensive and where a small basement could be rented out for two to three hundred yuan.

    Even though Qiao Nan had always handed over most of her sry and had no money to buy her own apartment, Qiao Dongliang felt that there was no reason Qiao Nan would have to stay in such a wretched ce given her earning power. To be honest, this was the first time Qiao Dongliang had visited Qiao Nan¡¯s apartment.

    When anything happened in the family in the past, Qiao Nan would always return to the Qiao family¡¯s house. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi would take the initiative to find Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang thought that everything was fine and that his younger daughter was mild-tempered, good-natured, filial, and even handed all her ie over to her family. As long as Qiao Nan had more interactions with Ding Jiayi, Ding Jiayi would eventually be moved by Qiao Nan.

    But the problem was that the sight in front of Qiao Dongliang made him feel uneasy all over. It felt as though a cart of cooking condiments had been spilled in his heart and he was feeling all sorts of different emotions all at once. What he was not, though, was happy. ¡°Do you mean that Nan Nan has lived in this ce for several years?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang refused to give up and asked once again. Qiao Dongliang thought that he had it tough and could tolerate arduous conditions, but he would not be able to survive in this ce for a year, let alone a few years! But his younger daughter had done so quietly for several years!

    ¡°Not just a few years. Nan Nan has been living here for almost ten years. You¡¯re quite amazing as a father.¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang really had no idea about what was going on, thendlord did not soften her attitude toward him.

    This was his own biological daughter they were talking about, not just some girl he picked up on the streets.

    His unmarried daughter had been renting an apartment alone for ten years, but as a father, he had never once taken the initiative to check on his daughter or to take a look at her living conditions. How assured was he about his daughter? Or how indifferent was he toward his daughter that he was able to do such a thing? ¡°Since Nan Nan isn¡¯t here, don¡¯t mind me asking. Is Nan Nan really your biological child? Was she adopted?¡±

    How could they treat her like that if she was really their own child? Or even if she was simply adopted?

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s whole face was flushed and did not know how to answer her. After a long while, he finally managed to say, ¡°Has Old Ding visited this ce?¡±

    ¡°Of course she has. Every time you guys need money, your wifees over to kick up a huge fuss and take some money from Nan Nan.¡± Thendlord was ted. If the Qiao family did not know the kind of ce Qiao Nan was living in, she would not think badly of the Qiao family. Since Qiao Nan had already moved out, the Qiao family could just take it as though Qiao Nan was already dead and cut off all contact. If that were the case, she would have nothing to say.

 Chapter 1764 - Yes Or No

    <h4>Chapter 1764: Yes Or No</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang huffed. ¡°Nan Nan was discharged yesterday. Did shee back yesterday?¡± Qiao Dongliang did not want to talk about anything else. Or rather, he had nothing to say about this situation.

    His exnations would be in vain and could not cover up the fact that Qiao Nan had been suffering alone for so many years. He really had no idea that Nan Nan had been living in such an exceptionally small ce.

    When he had asionally asked about Qiao Nan, Old Ding would always tell him that the ce that Nan Nan had rented was not bad and neither was it particrly small. Even if it was small, Nan Nan was staying alone, after all. Nan Nan was really leading a good life now that she had left the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard and was renting her own ce. But he had never expected that Nan Nan was ¡®enjoying life¡¯ in this manner!

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang had the urge to capture Ding Jiayi and throw her into this small space under the staircase to let Ding Jiayi ¡®enjoy¡¯ ten years of her life there. Then, he would see if Ding Jiayi would still dare to use such a cynical tone when describing the ¡®good life¡¯ that Qiao Nan was enjoying alone. He could let Ding Jiayi enjoy such a ¡®good life¡¯ too!

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Thendlord sneered. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear that this was where Nan Nan used to live in? Nan Nan did indeed return yesterday, but she ended her lease. I¡¯m telling you that Nan Nan didn¡¯t tell me anything about where she¡¯s moving to. If you let your wife kick up a fuss here, don¡¯t me me for being rude to your wife then. I may not have much here, but what I do have are people!¡±

    She had been frustrated with Qiao Nan¡¯s mom long ago. If it had not been for the sake of leaving Qiao Nan some dignity, she would have dealt with that woman a long time ago when that woman had firste over.

    Now, not only had Nan Nan moved away, but she did not even know where Nan Nan had moved to. This just went to show how deeply the Qiao family had hurt Qiao Nan. Such an obstinate and stubborn person had finally given in and decided to forge a path for herself. Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden realization did not mean that Qiao Nan had finally figured it out. It only proved that the Qiao family was exceptionally evil.

    Since Qiao Nan was no longer around, there was no need to keep up any more pretenses. If such an unreasonable shrew like Qiao Nan¡¯s mom were toe again, she would not bother trying to reason things out. She much preferred to use her fists!

    If she were to give that shameless old woman a taste of her power, there was no way Qiao Nan¡¯s mom would ever return to create any more trouble for her.

    ¡°She ended her lease and moved away? When was this?¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a frenzy. Everything had happened too suddenly all at once. It seemed as though everything had been concentrated into a single day! These events that followed one after another caught Qiao Dongliang off guard. He had not evene to terms or even decided on how to resolve one matter before another trouble popped up.

    His younger daughter had been wronged, but his elder daughter also needed a kidney for her kidney transnt urgently. Even if they had a kidney donor, they would still have to fork out a sum of money for her surgery. Now, his younger daughter had moved away. But where had she moved away to?

    Whether it was the Qiao family or the Ding family, their family of four had no rtives. Once she left Ping Cheng, his younger daughter would not even have a friend to go to, let alone a rtive. It was inevitable that he would worry about his younger daughter since she was so unfamiliar with her surroundings.

    ¡°Are you deaf? I just said that Nan Nan moved away yesterday. Yesterday. So if you want to look for your daughter in the future, don¡¯t bothering over here. Other than Qiao Nan, there¡¯s not a single person in your family who has left a good impression on me. You¡¯re all blood-sucking devils! Scram! Apart from Qiao Nan, none of you from the Qiao family are wee. If any of you ever dare to step into my territory again, I¡¯m not going to say anything more. I¡¯ll simply call the police and report you for trespassing. Do you understand?¡±

    Thendlord¡¯s patience had run dry. She had deliberately shown Qiao Dongliang the living conditions Qiao Nan had been living with for ten years in an attempt to provoke Qiao Dongliang. But very quickly, thendlord wondered if anyone in the Qiao family had any conscience at all. Without such a thing like conscience, was she really hoping that the Qiao family would suddenly realize their mistakes and pity Qiao Nan for everything she had suffered through or even treat Qiao Nan better in the future just because of her provocation?

    What a joke!

    But whatever she had just done had just been a waste of her time and effort. It would truly be a waste of her life if she were to exert any energy on trying to get the Qiao family to understand this fact.

    Aftering to that realization, thendlord could hardly bother to look at Qiao Dongliang and tried to chase Qiao Dongliang away. The person Qiao Dongliang was looking for was indeed not here. Even if Ding Jiayi herself were toe, she would not find even a single strand of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair, let alone Qiao Dongliang.

    In the end, Qiao Dongliang himself was not very sure about how he managed to leave. When he finally returned from his trance, he was directly confronted with an endless stream of vehicles along the main road. His eyes were in such a daze that he had no memory of where he was, where he was going next, and what he was supposed to do.

    Qiao Dongliang could not figure it out and his eyes turned red and puffy. He was already a grandfather, but at that moment, he could not help but grab his hair while squatting down by the side of the road in anguish. Burying his head between his legs, he stayed in that position for a long while. Passersby could not help but stop to ask Qiao Dongliang whether he was all right.

    When Qiao Dongliang finally lifted up his head, his eyes were much redder and puffier than before. Qiao Dongliang sniffled. His expression was gloomy and his mood was rotten. Each step he took toward the hospital was heavier than the previous one.

    All these years, Qiao Dongliang had ignored many details. And now, Qiao Dongliang was finally willing to take some time to think about them once again. Qiao Nan had been earning quite a lot, so it was obvious that it was entirely Ding Jiayi¡¯s fault that Qiao Nan had to stay in such a horrible ce despite her high sry.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s house had been entirely paid for by Qiao Nan. This much Qiao Dongliang knew. But what he did not know was that Ding Jiayi had emptied Qiao Nan¡¯s pockets just to buy Qiao Zijin a house. He had always thought that Qiao Nan would have her own limits as to how much she would sacrifice for the family. He had always thought that she would at least have some money on hand so that she would not lead such a hard life.

    Qiao Dongliang had not agreed to Qiao Nan moving out not because he felt that there were insufficient rooms at home, but because he understood that Qiao Nan would always be under Ding Jiayi¡¯s control if she were to stay at home. Even the simplest act of eating a mouthful of rice would all depend on Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood.

    He had thought all along that Qiao Nan would be able to live her own life upon moving out. Then, Qiao Nan would never have to care about what Ding Jiayi thought and would be able to eat and drink freely. When she had free time, she would even be able to take good care of herself and enjoy her life.

 Chapter 1765 - Affected

    <h4>Chapter 1765: Affected</h4>

    He really thought that it would be better for Qiao Nan if she moved out. Who would have thought that after Qiao Nan moved out, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attention on Qiao Nan had never stopped? Ding Jiayi¡¯s grasp of Qiao Nan was not weaker than when Qiao Nan had not moved out. In fact, it was stronger than before.

    At home, if Ding Jiayi became overboard, he would say a few words and she would have to listen to them more or less. After Qiao Nan moved out, he wasn¡¯t aware of his younger daughter¡¯s matters. Who knew that it was precisely because of this that Ding Jiayi had the chance to redouble her efforts, causing his younger daughter to...

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re here? You seemed to be a littleter today. What did you talk to Nan Nan about?¡± Qiao Zijin was a little unhappy in her heart that Qiao Dongliang was a littleter than usual when visiting her today. Qiao Nan was only hit by a car and was long out of critical condition. It was estimated that she would recover soon and be discharged in two days.

    A slut had a hard life. Even in such a situation, Qiao Nan would be able to be discharged from the hospital before her.

    However, if Qiao Nan was about to be discharged from the hospital soon, this meant that Qiao Nan could give her her kidney soon. With Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney, she could simrly be discharged from the hospital soon.

    Upon thinking of the life she would be leading after being discharged from the hospital, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t throw tantrums. In fact, she even smiled.

    ¡°Nan Nan was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.¡± After entering Qiao Zijin¡¯s ward, Qiao Dongliang, who didn¡¯t look too good, found a ce to sit down. After finding out how his younger daughter had been living for the past ten years, Qiao Dongliang felt he was drained of all energy. Even if he was already sitting down now, Qiao Dongliang could feel that his legs were trembling nonstop.

    ¡°What? That wretched girl was discharged yesterday? Why didn¡¯t Zijin and I know that you had already helped her with her discharge procedures? Did you think you could hide from me and Zijin just because you are father-and-daughter?¡± Since she could be discharged from the hospital yesterday, then they could have long had a discussion with Zijin¡¯s doctor-in-charge to see when Zijin could undergo a kidney transnt. ¡°This wretched girl. She¡¯s always doing things without any arrangement and just has to waste everyone¡¯s time. Get her toe to the hospital quickly and do the blood test. See if she can donate her kidney to Zijin. Let¡¯s not waste any more time. Zijin is her biological sister and she¡¯s waiting for her to save her life. If she dawdles one day, Zijin¡¯s danger would increase.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t find her!¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t find her?¡± Ding Jiayi, who had wanted to be ruthless and act arrogant, repeated these words. She looked at Qiao Dongliang in shock. ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t find her? Where else could that wretched girl go? She must have returned to her house. Oh right, you haven¡¯t been to her rented house before. Alright, I¡¯ll give you her address now. Go and get that wretched girl toe to the hospital.¡±

    Right. She should also look for the person who had knocked that wretched girl down so that they could receive marypensation soon.

    After receiving half a million yuan, she was going to buy bird¡¯s nest of superior quality to strengthen Zijin¡¯s body. One had to know that after Zijin became the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw, she had always been eating bird¡¯s nest when she was pregnant.

    Hah. It was just the Chen family. What was there to be happy about? Wasn¡¯t it just bird¡¯s nest? As the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw, Zijin could eat bird¡¯s nest. As the Qiao family¡¯s daughter, Zijin could simrly eat bird¡¯s nest.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to find her. She can¡¯t be found. Nan Nan has moved away,¡± Qiao Dongliang said with a cold face. ¡°I went to take a look at the ce Nan Nan was living. She¡¯s not there. She has ended her lease. Nobody knows where she has gone to now. Old Ding, didn¡¯t you tell me before that although the rented house Nan Nan was living in wasn¡¯t big, it was still more than enough for her since she was living alone?¡±

    Once he thought of that rented house, Qiao Dongliang felt heartache. He thought again of how Ding Jiayi had previously used the term ¡®bird nest¡¯ to describe the house Qiao Nan was living in. This proved that Ding Jiayi actually knew in her heart that the ce Qiao Nan was living in was an exceptionally small space, yet she said that the space was considered more than enough for her since Qiao Nan was living alone. It was all nonsense!

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were purely meant to coax him, the fool!

    ¡°It is enough. She doesn¡¯t use the stove often. Even if she does, it¡¯s outside. Isn¡¯t it just nice that a bed could fit in that room? What¡¯s the most important in a rented house? Sleep is!¡± Ding Jiayi said in a bold and righteous manner that she didn¡¯t lie. A space of about four to five square meters was indeed enough for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°You have seen it in person as well. Then, you should know that a second bed could fit in that room as well. If she was smarter and found someone to share the space, she could even save half of the rent each month.¡± It was just right to ce two beds and have a space to put clothes.

    It was better for a person like Qiao Nan to live in squeezed conditions. She would feel warmer then.

    Qiao Dongliang smiled grimly. ¡°I¡¯ve finally understood your words. Okay, go on! I¡¯ll see how long you can maintain this!¡±

    Until now, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t mend her own ways. She had obviously made Nan Nan suffer. However, she was still saying these words so righteously as if Nan Nan was really leading a good life outside in her rented house.

    No wonder he was like a fool to have been fooled by Ding Jiayi all these years. It was only today when Nan Nan¡¯sndlord told him what kind of ce his younger daughter had been living in did he receive ps on his face and returned to reality from the lies.

    After saying these words, Qiao Dongliang red fiercely at Ding Jiayi. Then, he looked at Qiao Zijin with aplicated and pained expression. After that, he heaved a long sigh and left. He left just like that, without giving any basic exnation. It was as if he left after being in a casual quarrel.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin became anxious. ¡°Mom, what exactly did Dad mean by those words? Where did Qiao Nan go? I really can¡¯t wait any longer. If I continue waiting, I¡¯ll lose my life. Mom, since Qiao Nan has been discharged from the hospital, call Qiao Nan quickly and ask her toe to the hospital. I really can¡¯t wait any longer. Do you think it¡¯s possible for the doctor to arrange for me to have the surgery tomorrow?¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that if she didn¡¯t grab hold of Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney now, that kidney would leave her forever the next day. How could this be? Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney was rted to whether she could continue living!

    Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. After being urged by Qiao Zijin, she dug out her mobile from the pocket of her trousers in a hurry. ¡°Don¡¯t-don¡¯t be anxious. You know what kind of person that wretched girl is as well. She wouldn¡¯t dare to not listen to my words. If I ask her toe over, even if she ran to the end of the world, she would also have to return. Don¡¯t feel anxious. I¡¯ll call her now. Zijin, you have to remain happy. The doctor mentioned that your mood would affect your medical condition.¡±

 Chapter 1766 - Strange

    <h4>Chapter 1766: Strange</h4>

    ¡°Okay, stop being so long-winded. Call her now.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words made Qiao Zijin feel uneasy. If she didn¡¯t hear Qiao Nan¡¯s voice and couldn¡¯t confirm if Qiao Nan woulde over to the hospital tomorrow to do the kidney transnt, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t feel at ease at all.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling now.¡± Ding Jiayi knew Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number by heart. She was more familiar with her numberpared to Qiao Zijin¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. You will see that in less than three seconds, this call will be connected and she will pick up the call.¡±

    Upon hearing the dial tone from the other side of the phone, Ding Jiayi appeared to be calmer than Qiao Zijin. After waiting for three seconds, the call wasn¡¯t picked up and Ding Jiayi frowned. ¡°This wretched girl. She¡¯s so thick-skinned. She really thought that she could afford to be slower just because she ran into a car ident and stayed in the hospital once.¡±

    Qiao Zijin pulled her face and the uneasiness in her heart spread.

    The dial tone kept ringing and the other party didn¡¯t pick up the call. Ding Jiayi looked embarrassed. ¡°That wretched girl must have stuffed her phone in a corner and didn¡¯t hear it ringing or couldn¡¯t find it. Don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯ll call again. This time, it will be connected.¡±

    As Ding Jiayi reassured Qiao Zijin, she called Qiao Nan¡¯s number again. The issue was that this time, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even get a chance to listen to the dial tone. There was only a mechanical recording that told Ding Jiayi that the owner of this phone number had already switched off his or her mobile and to try againter. ¡°Switched... switched off?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan switched off her mobile at this moment. What do you think she means by this? She should have heard our conversation regarding the kidney transnt before she ran into a car ident. She knows that I¡¯m waiting for her kidney to save my life. She chose to disappear at this time. Does she want me to die and not want to save me?¡±

    Seeing Qiao Zijin turn pale, Ding Jiayi hurriedly walked over and half-hugged her. ¡°No, she wouldn¡¯t dare to. Zijin, don¡¯t be scared. As long as I¡¯m around, I¡¯ll definitely protect you well and won¡¯t let anything happen to you. It¡¯s best if Qiao Nan donates her kidney to you. Otherwise, she has no choice but to do so as well. I¡¯m her mother. I gave birth to her. She must listen to me. No matter what, wait for this kidney. I¡¯ll definitely get one for you!¡± If Qiao Nan cooperated, everyone would be polite toward one another. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t cooperate, she would also have ways to get her hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney.

    Who asked her to be Qiao Nan¡¯s mother? If she wanted Qiao Nan¡¯s life, Qiao Nan had to give it to her as well, let alone a kidney!

    ¡°Mom, you have to save me. You must save me. Now, you¡¯re the only person who can save me.¡± Her father hadn¡¯t been particrly good to her all along. Sometimes, he was biased toward Qiao Nan. As such, her father definitely wouldn¡¯t go all out to help her get her hands on Qiao Nan¡¯s kidney. At this time, only her mother was willing to do so for her.

    Ding Jiayi felt like a heroine as her beloved daughter was relying wholeheartedly on her. She patted her chest and assured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve said before that I would definitely not let anything happen to you. Wait obediently for my good news in the hospital. I¡¯ll grab Qiao Nan back. Tomorrow. I¡¯ll let you undergo the kidney transnt tomorrow!¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t consider at all if Qiao Nan¡¯s body was suitable to undergo a kidney transnt even though she was able to be discharged from the hospital after the car ident. She only wanted Qiao Zijin to live. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t care whose life was required for Qiao Zijin to continue living. As long as Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t die, anyone who loved to die could just die.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± At this time, apart from this sentence and believing Ding Jiayi, there was nothing else Qiao Zijin could do. She knew that if she made a move, Qiao Nan might not bother with her and be willing to donate her kidney. Her mom was all her hope.

    After pacifying Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was like a proud soldier as she first went to Qiao Nan¡¯s rented house to take a look.

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan¡¯sndy had a good rtionship with Qiao Nan. Every time she went over to Qiao Nan¡¯s to get her living allowance, that old woman would always say that she should count her blessings for having such a filial daughter like Qiao Nan and that she shouldn¡¯t know how to cry only when Qiao Nan was gone and there wasn¡¯t anyone else to take care of her when she was old.

    What nonsense!

    She had such a good daughter like Zijin. Why would she need Qiao Nan to provide for her? It was already considered a relief if as parents, they didn¡¯t have to worry about Qiao Nan if she encountered trouble in the future. She felt that it was more realistic to dream than to rely on Qiao Nan to provide for her.

    Ding Jiayi, who belittled Qiao Nan that much,pletely didn¡¯t think of why she always used the living allowance as an excuse to keep getting so much money from Qiao Nan and even used this sum of money to buy Qiao Zijin a house.

    This sum of money was enough for both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang to livefortably in their old age. On the contrary, it was the boastful Qiao Zijin who had never given her parents any money at all. She had been taking advantage of Qiao Nan all this while instead.

    When she arrived at Qiao Nan¡¯s rented house again, Ding Jiayi puffed out her chest and moved her eyeballs, as if observing the situation. In Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan¡¯sbat effectiveness was nothing. Qiao Nan¡¯sndy was much more ruthless. Although Ding Jiayi could get the money she wanted from Qiao Nan smoothly each time, she would always be criticized as shameless by Qiao Nan¡¯sndy.

    It was precisely because of this that Ding Jiayi changed her habits after that. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn¡¯t ask for money at Qiao Nan¡¯s house. She would call Qiao Nan and get her to send the money over to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard after she had prepared it. One had to know that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. This should be how Qiao Nan gave her money. How could she let her lead a tough life by making her go over personally to collect the money? She didn¡¯t see Qiao Nan wrongly. She was such an unfilial child who wasn¡¯t likable!

    Ding Jiayi shrank her neck when she didn¡¯t see Qiao Nan¡¯sndy. She quickly came to Qiao Nan¡¯s small stairwell door and knocked. ¡°Wretched girl, open the door quickly. Let me in.¡± This was the only way to avoid the eyes of Qiao Nan¡¯sndy. ¡°Quick. I¡¯m calling you, wretched girl. Do you really think you¡¯re dead? It¡¯s just two steps away. Aren¡¯t you lying on the bed? Open the door quickly. If you go any slower and make me embarrass myself in front of yourndy, I¡¯ll teach you a lessonter.¡±

    Even if Qiao Nan was already in her forties, if Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t happy and Qiao Nan disagreed with her words, she usually pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s body hard such that she became bruised.

    In the past, when Ding Jiayi said this, Qiao Nan would definitely be very obedient. If Ding Jiayi said one, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t dare to say two. If Ding Jiayi said to go to the east, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t head to the west. However, it was really strange today. It seemed like Qiao Nan had suddenly transformed into someone with temper.

 Chapter 1767 - Moved Away Long Ago

    <h4>Chapter 1767: Moved Away Long Ago</h4>

    Ding Jiayi shrank her neck while looking all around as though she was a thief hiding from Qiao Nan¡¯sndlord. It had been a full minute, but there had not been a single peep from the small space under the staircase.

    In the face of such a situation, Ding Jiayi could hardly resist the urge to kick the door down. If it was not for thendy, she would have kicked the door down long ago and would probably have torn the whole apartment building down by now.

    What was she up to? Did she really think she would not need to deal with everything that was going on as long as she continued to hide inside like a tortoise? Fat chance! Even if she continued staying in her shell, Ding Jiayi would stop at nothing to break Qiao Nan¡¯s tortoiseshell apart!

    ¡°Landlord, that ¡®amazing¡¯ mother of Miss Qiao is here again! Aren¡¯t you going to deal with her?¡± Ding Jiayi thought that she had restrained her voice and would not be easily discovered. In reality, everyone who had been at home had heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice crisp and clear. It was unrestrained and was just as noisy and piercing as usual.

    Unlike thendy who often fought for justice on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf, when the other residents saw what Qiao Nan was going through, they were in no mood to help Qiao Nan. Neither did they have the means to help her even though they pitied her. They themselves rented apartments in Ping Cheng and worked hard to provide for themselves. They were incapable of earning a high sry, but Qiao Nan was. It was her own pliable nature that caused her to give up all her money to her mom and live in suffering alone.

    Only fools would pity people like Qiao Nan, who was too weak to stand up for themselves.

    In short, ordinary people like them should focus on getting their lives together beforementing on whether other people were facing some sort of injustice or unfair treatment.

    That was simply what the renters thought. No one had any intentions of helping Qiao Nan, but they all respected thendlords¡¯ fighting spirit. Once, theirndy had gotten into an argument with Ding Jiayi just to train her voice, providing the tenants with good entertainment. Today, Ding Jiayi had already been causing trouble for more than five minutes, yet theirndy was nowhere to be seen. Many tenants were curious. Could it be that theirndy¡¯s heroic heart had finally been crushed by Qiao Nan¡¯s soft character?

    Thendy fanned herself. ¡°The autumn tiger¡¯s gone, but this autumn weather is still crazy. It¡¯s easy to get dehydrated with this weather. Won¡¯t I just be creating trouble for my liver if I were to get angry at some shameless olddy? She can make as much noise as she wants to. But if she damages any of my things, she¡¯ll have to pay for it all the same.¡±

    She had stepped in purely because she could not bear to see that old b*tch bullying Qiao Nan just because of her identity. Now that Qiao Nan was no longer around, that old b*tch would no longer be able to bully Qiao Nan. Or at least, she would not be able to witness it. Thus, thendy was no longer as stubborn or passionate about some things.

    Knowing that Ding Jiayi¡¯s tantrum would not have any oue other than tiring herself out, thendy was content to simply watch on from the sides without even moving a finger, just seeing Ding Jiayi getting upset.

    In short, as long as Ding Jiayi did not damage anything of hers, she could not care less about how big a fuss Ding Jiayi kicked up. She would just treat it as though she was watching a drama. Of course, if Ding Jiayi dared to damage any of her things, that would be even better. Then, she would be willing to call out to Ding Jiayi and pluck a few feathers off that miser.

    Sure enough, Ding Jiayi mored for twenty minutes. As the minutes ticked by, Ding Jiayi¡¯s frustration only grew and her shouts only got louder. Ding Jiayi entirely ignored the existence of thendy. Despite shouting until her throat hoarse, there was not a single response from within the space under the staircase.

    Ding Jiayi could not hold it in any longer, and in the spur of a moment, she finally decided to kick the door down with her own foot. But the door did not budge. As such, Ding Jiayi decided to use something to smash the door open.

    Immediately, thendy stepped in. ¡°What are you trying to do by damaging my property? Be careful before I report you to the police.¡±

    Upon seeing thendy, Ding Jiayi¡¯s anger almost immediately dissipated. ¡°I¡¯m here to look for my daughter...¡± At the thought that Qiao Nan was simply renting and had not bought that tiny space under the staircase, Ding Jiayi said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s just a door. If I really damage it, I¡¯ll pay you a hundred yuan.¡± In short, Qiao Nan should give up the thought that everything would eventually tide over as long as she hid away in her house. That was simply impossible!

    She was more than willing to pay for a door just to drag Qiao Nan out.

    There was no such thing as a free lunch. Whatever she spent on Qiao Nan today, she would demand several times of that from Qiao Nan one day. No matter what happened, she would never let herself be at a disadvantage and let that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, take advantage of her.

    At the mention of needing to pay for any damages, Ding Jiayi, who had never let herself suffer because of Qiao Nan, did not back down. Instead, she brazenly smashed the door and did so with all her might.

    Thendyughed. ¡°Our doors aren¡¯t made from just any cheap material. We buy good quality and ready-made doors. You¡¯re thinking of just paying me a hundred? This will cost at least two hundred!¡±

    ¡°All right. Two hundred it is, then.¡± Ding Jiayi was in a hurry to drag Qiao Nan to the hospital to retrieve her kidney. A mere two hundred yuan was no match for her daughter, Qiao Zijin¡¯s, life. Without any hesitation, Ding Jiayi dug out two hundred yuan from her pocket and stuffed it into thendy¡¯s hands. Then, she pushed thendy aside and demanded that she not get in the way.

    After receiving the money, thendy protested that this amount was insufficient. Ding Jiayi had gotten much more from Qiao Nan, after all. ¡°All right, smash this door as much as you want. Anyway, I¡¯ve had ns to demolish this small space under the staircase.¡± Not only would Ding Jiayi¡¯s fuss allow her to recoup her losses from the damage to the door, but it would also save her the trouble and money from hiring someone to demolish the ce.

    This truly was no mean feat. Ever since knowing that there was such a ¡®character¡¯ in Ping Cheng that was Ding Jiayi, this was the first time Ding Jiayi was still rather pleasing to the eye. Even such a bad person did something ¡®good¡¯ once or twice, after all.

    Ding Jiayi, who was entirely focused on smashing the door, was about to stop herself after hearing thendy¡¯s words. But just at that moment, she had not been able to stop in time and sprained her back instead. Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was all scrunched up, but she did not care about her pain at all and turned to face thendy in a panic. ¡°Wait a minute. You said that you¡¯re going to demolish this ce? Why?¡± In such a big city like Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to find and rent a ce as cheap as this one once it was demolished. In that case, she would have to return to the Qiao family¡¯s house.

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan¡¯s rent would increase and she would thus be able to get less money off of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached as though someone had cut off a piece of her flesh. ¡°Don¡¯t do that. Don¡¯t you like Qiao Nan? She¡¯s been renting this ce for so many years. Don¡¯t you guys have a good rtionship with each other by now? Don¡¯t demolish it. She¡¯ll have nowhere to go.¡±

    ¡°Your family is really strange. A father doesn¡¯t know where his daughter is living and what kind of conditions she¡¯s living in. Your husband just came over a few hours ago, and now, it¡¯s your turn. Why? Haven¡¯t you met your husband? Didn¡¯t he tell you that Qiao Nan¡¯s already moved away and is no longer staying here?¡±

 Chapter 1768 - Bigger Issue

    <h4>Chapter 1768: Bigger Issue</h4>

    Who cared whether Ding Jiayi knew about that or not. Anyway, the two hundred yuan was already in her pocket. Ding Jiayi should not even dream about taking that money back since she had already damaged the door, after all. That was a fact.

    All of a sudden, Ding Jiayi felt as though her hip began to hurt even more badly because of what thendy had just said. ¡°That wretched girl doesn¡¯t stay here anymore? Are you lying to me? I¡¯m not Old Qiao. I¡¯m not so gullible. I don¡¯t believe you. Open the door right now. That wretched girl must be inside.¡±

    If Qiao Nan was really gone, where would she find Qiao Nan to get her money and kidney?

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? Fine. I¡¯ll open the door for you.¡± Her goal had already been achieved and she had had enough entertainment for the day. It was rare that thendy had the opportunity to show Ding Jiayi some color. As such, she decided to open the door for Ding Jiayi to satisfy her curiosity. ¡°Look carefully. I¡¯ve already found someone toe and demolish this ce. I don¡¯t want anything in this apartment. If there¡¯s anything you want, you can take it home.¡±

    Thendy¡¯s words made it seem as though Ding Jiayi was a rubbish collector.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! I don¡¯t believe you!¡± Ding Jiayi could not believe that she had gone through all that trouble to smash the door, but it turned out that she had broken into an empty apartment and that Qiao Nan was truly not there at all! Actually, there was nothing much in the small space. Just a nce was sufficient to take everything in. But Ding Jiayi refused to believe what she had just heard and insisted on entering the apartment. Only when she had searched through the apartment did she ask thendy, ¡°Where did Qiao Nan go? Where did you hide Qiao Nan? I¡¯m warning you that I was the one who gave birth to her. You¡¯re breaking thew by hiding her away! I can sue you for that!¡±

    ¡°You can sue me if you want, but it¡¯s still too early to say anything about that. Your daughter¡¯s already reaching the age of forty. Do you think she¡¯s four? How can I hide her away? I¡¯m telling you again that all I¡¯ve done is rent a ce to her. Now that she¡¯s thought it through for herself, she left so that you people will never be able to find her and she¡¯ll finally be able to live a good life on her own. The door¡¯s already open and I¡¯m not nning on closing it. But I¡¯m warning you that it¡¯s still my business even if I want to demolish the ce. If you dare to continue making a din here, I¡¯ll make you pay for each item you damage. If you don¡¯t pay for them, that¡¯s fine too. I¡¯ll report you to the police!¡±

    With that, thendy felt as though she had gotten back at Ding Jiayi. Twisting her thick waist, she left joyfully.

    For some unknown reason, Qiao Nan¡¯s old neighbor was standing along the second floor¡¯s corridor. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Qiao Nan really moved away yesterday. I watched Qiao Nan leave with her luggage at noontime yesterday after she came back. There¡¯s no point throwing a tantrum here. You¡¯re just wasting your energy.¡±

    Now that there was one more person like himself who had to rely on his own efforts to support himself, the worker felt that this was something to rejoice over.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face paled. It was only then that she finally believed what Qiao Dongliang had told her back at the hospital. Initially, she had thought that Qiao Dongliang had been biased toward Qiao Nan. She had thought that Qiao Dongliang was trying to protect Qiao Nan because he felt that it was unfair for Qiao Nan to donate her kidney to Qiao Zijin after her car ident. That was why he hade up with a story of Qiao Nan moving away in front of her and Qiao Zijin, even saying that no one knew where Qiao Nan was or where she had moved to.

    But now, Ding Jiayi came to a sudden realization that Qiao Dongliang had been speaking the truth. That wretched girl, Qiao Nan, was really missing! Humph! She did not believe that Qiao Nan would be able to escape from her grasp. No matter how big Ping Cheng was, Qiao Nan had no boyfriend, good friends, or good colleagues. Based on herck of interpersonal rtionships, there were not many ces that Qiao Nan could go to even if she were to stop leasing this apartment.

    Could that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, have returned to the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard? Was she intending to snatch Zijin¡¯s room from her?

    That would not do. She had to return home to check on the situation. No. She should make a trip down to that wretched girl¡¯s workce to take a look. If she remembered correctly, that wretched girl still had one month¡¯s worth of sry that she had not imed. It was just as well that she made a trip down now so that she could im Qiao Nan¡¯s sry on her behalf. She would settle the rest of the ounts with Qiao Nanter on.

    To Ding Jiayi, money had always been the top priority. Without a second thought, she decided to forgo looking for Qiao Nan for the time being. She would instead take all of Qiao Nan¡¯s sry before deciding on her next step. Ding Jiayi thought that there was no way Qiao Nan could run away. The kidney that Qiao Zijin wanted was still safe and sound.

    Since the kidney was not a problem, the only thing she needed to focus her efforts on was to get more money on hand so as to make a n for Qiao Zijin¡¯s future life.

    Ding Jiayi had always urately predicted Qiao Nan¡¯s every action and had Qiao Nan firmly within the grasp of her palms. But this time, Ding Jiayi had made wasted trips at every single location. After busying herself for an entire afternoon, not only had Ding Jiayi not gotten a single cent, but she had even been mocked and ridiculed by others. In the end, they all said the same thing: Qiao Nan had already settled all her wages and had resigned before leaving.

    From now on, Qiao Nan would no longer be their employee. As such, unless Ding Jiayi had any business dealings with them, they would no longer wee Ding Jiayi to their workce, and neither would Ding Jiayi be able to enter their premises if she wasing to visit as a family member of an employee only to kick up a fuss about Qiao Nan¡¯s wages.

    Ding Jiayi had searched through several ces and had gone to almost everywhere that Qiao Nan frequented or could at least be contacted at. But it was all for naught. Not only had Ding Jiayi not been able to find Qiao Nan, but she had even learned from Qiao Nan¡¯s colleagues and superiors that Qiao Nan had officially resigned the previous day at noontime and had taken with her all of her wages.

    Thus, when Ding Jiayi asked them for money as Qiao Nan¡¯s mom, they could only apologize and express that Qiao Nan was their employee, and they had already given their employee her wages. There was none left for Ding Jiayi.

    After running about for almost a whole day, Ding Jiayi, who had gained nothing, had fatigue written all over her face. Afraid that Zijin would be able to guess that something was amiss if she were to go to the hospital now, Ding Jiayi had no choice but to return to the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard.

    The moment she returned home and saw Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi broke out in a loud and anguished wail. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you early on that that wretched girl has no conscience? She knows that Zijin is waiting for her kidney to save her life, but she ran away secretly! How could that wretched girl be so heartless? Does she really want to see Zijin die? Do you know what¡¯s worse? I made several trips to her workces today and she didn¡¯t even tell us about ending her lease or where she¡¯s moving to. She quit all her jobs and even took with her all of her wages. She didn¡¯t even leave a single cent for us. She wants us to starve to death! Zijin still has to undergo surgery. Such a huge sum of money...¡±

    At the mention of money, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tears dried up and she suddenly remembered the bigger issue at hand. ¡°That¡¯s not right. That driver who knocked her down still owes us a few hundred thousand yuan. Do you think that wretched girl resolved the issue on her own?¡± That was a muchrger sum of money!

 Chapter 1769 - How Harsh

    <h4>Chapter 1769: How Harsh</h4>

    Earlier, Ding Jiayi had not been able to get in contact with that driver. Of course, she had gotten angry over it, but she had not been in the least bit worried. She knew that her demand of five hundred thousand yuan was indeed on the high side. Thus, it was only natural for the other party to be upset and try to avoid her because of the fuss she was making.

    But that driver should not expect to live afortable life as long as they did not go down to the police station to sign an agreement. Before long, he would ruffle the feathers of their family so much so that she would directly send the driver to jail. There was no way there would be anyone who would willingly go to jail.

    But now, Ding Jiayi was truly starting to get afraid. After considering the situation thoroughly, she thought of a solution. ¡°I just remembered that I couldn¡¯t get in contact with that driver after Qiao Nan awoke from hera. Could that wretched girl really have... No, that won¡¯t do. That¡¯s the money Zijin needs to save her life. If I had known that that wretched girl would be so heartless, I would have just thrown her away after I gave birth to her even if it was illegal. Does she really want to see Zijin die? No wonder Zijin said that it¡¯s entirely Qiao Nan¡¯s fault that she had to get a divorce from Chen Jun. That wretched girl must have interfered in it!¡±

    With a loud sound, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pnded hard on Ding Jiayi¡¯s face after he heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s response. ¡°Are you awake now? Whose fault did you say it is that Zijin got divorced? Whose fault did she say it is?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze cooled. Could she simply push the responsibility of something that everyone knew about to anyone just like that? At the thought of all the things that Qiao Zijin had done, Qiao Dongliang was no longer like before. He no longer pitied his elder daughter for having gotten divorced and bing single at this age, and he retorted impatiently. ¡°Was it Nan Nan who asked Zijin to get into an affair and ask her to get caught red-handed by the Chen family? Did Nan Nan force Zijin to sleep with another man? Did Nan Nan threaten to kill Zijin if Zijin didn¡¯t sleep with another man? Tell me again whose fault it is that Chen Jun wanted to get a divorce from Zijin. Whose fault is it?¡±

    The p stunned Ding Jiayi for a moment, but upon seeing Qiao Dongliang, she retracted her cocky attitude and covered her face and started sobbing. ¡°It¡¯s her fault. It¡¯s her fault. It¡¯s true that Zijin was confused for a moment andmitted a folly. But husbands and wives should always resolve their differences after a quarrel. If it was not for that wretched girl, Chen Jun would definitely have given Zijin a second chance even after her mistake given their years of close rtionship they shared with each other. They would never have gotten a divorce.¡±

    ¡°He...¡± Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°You might be a woman, but don¡¯t say something like that so easily. What do all men hate the most? Being cheated on! Do you really not know what kind of family background the Chen family has? Or what kind of temper your son-inw has? I would find it even stranger if Chen Jun tolerated this. Do you really think that I wouldn¡¯t know about what happened that year because I didn¡¯t ask about it? Chen Jun was snatched over from Nan Nan by Zijin. Nan Nan was already being very generous by not ming Zijin. Now that she¡¯s done something wrong and gotten a divorce, she¡¯s still trying to pin the me on Nan Nan? She¡¯s already a mother. Does she even think about that? As a grandmother, where¡¯s your dignity? Have you fed it to the dogs?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°You¡¯ve gone around for a whole day but look where you¡¯ve gotten. It seems that Nan Nan¡¯s really left. It¡¯s good that she¡¯s left. She¡¯s finallye to her senses and is leaving after so many years. In the future, Nan Nan will never contact us, so don¡¯t bother Nan Nan either. Nan Nan¡¯s almost forty years old. How she chooses to lead her life in the future has nothing to do with you and you shouldn¡¯t try to interfere either. Stop spouting all that nonsense. Do you really think she¡¯s unfilial? Ever since she started working, all her ie has gone into your pockets to fund Zijin!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s my daughter. I was the one who gave birth to her and raised her. It¡¯s only right for her to give me her sry.¡± That was what Qiao Nan should do. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would be in the wrong. How was Qiao Nan any good? On what basis should she stop contacting Qiao Nan? Every single cent of Qiao Nan¡¯s earnings was hers!

    ¡°You gave birth to Zijin and raised her too. But why don¡¯t I see you asking her for money? Instead, you¡¯re always giving her money. Do you mean that Zijin is filial, but Nan Nan is not? How can you have the cheek to say such a thing when you¡¯re using Nan Nan¡¯s money? You¡¯re so ungrateful! You¡¯re a mother and Nan Nan¡¯s your daughter. But everything seems topsy-turvy when ites to you and Nan Nan. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s embarrassing at all? In the future, let your filial daughter support you. I want to see how filial that filial daughter of yours will be once Nan Nan¡¯s out of the picture.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was truly incensed by what he had seen today.

    He had been confused and had even pretended to be clueless, but he indeed had no idea about the actual situation. Based on Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s rtionship, Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin definitely knew about Qiao Nan¡¯s living conditions.

    With such a huge premise, Qiao Zijin had not only snatched Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend away from her but had also failed to cherish her days as part of the Chen family and had done such a shameful thing instead. Then, Qiao Zijin had even made use of her mother, Ding Jiayi, to suck Qiao Nan¡¯s blood, leaving Qiao Nan with no space to breathe at all. Qiao Dongliang was heartbroken at the thought of that.

    He could not wrap his mind around this situation. They were a family, after all. And all these years, Qiao Nan had treated them so well and had sacrificed so much for the family. How could Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin be so heartless toward her? Even if one¡¯s heart were made of stone, Qiao Nan¡¯s persistence and actions would have probably warmed and melted that stone heart by now.

    All these proved that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were the truly heartless ones.

    ¡°There are some things I don¡¯t wish to talk to you about anymore because you¡¯ve done more than enough for me to understand everything. You¡¯re always scolding Nan Nan, calling her a wretched girl and saying that you should have killed her the moment you gave birth to her. Since that¡¯s the case, just treat it as though Nan Nan¡¯s dead from today onward. In the future, we¡¯ll only have one daughter¡ªZijin. You don¡¯t have a second daughter anymore, so it¡¯s only right that Nan Nan¡¯s money has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t only remember that Nan Nan¡¯s your daughter when you want her money. Anyway, I¡¯m exhausted. I¡¯m going to bed. Do whatever you want.¡±

    Even if Qiao Dongliang did not ask about the matter, he had already guessed that Qiao Nan had probably resolved the matter with the driver personally behind the family¡¯s back.

    As for thepensation, it went without saying that Qiao Nan would have taken all of that herself.

    Unlike Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang did not hate Qiao Nan to the core for doing that. But he did feel slightly uneasy because he was clear that without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, he and Ding Jiayi would never be able to afford the two hundred thousand yuan needed for Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery even if they were willing to wait for a kidney donor.

 Chapter 1770 - Guilty Conscience

    <h4>Chapter 1770: Guilty Conscience</h4>

    Indeed, two hundred thousand yuan was Qiao Zijin¡¯s life-saving money.

    However, Qiao Nan had sacrificed too much for this family and Qiao Zijin in the past. With the money Qiao Nan earned over the years falling into Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets, it was enough for Qiao Zijin to change several kidneys, let alone just one.

    With this thought, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart became calm. It wasn¡¯t that easy to get the money from the car ident. His younger daughter had lost half her life! To put it bluntly, this was the money of his younger daughter¡¯s life.

    His younger daughter had already contributed her earnings from the past twenty years to the family. Could they still get her to leave behind all her life¡¯s money to Qiao Zijin, her sister? There was no such reason.

    ¡°I knew it. You¡¯re biased toward Qiao Nan and you don¡¯t like Zijin. To think that Zijin always remembered you as her father in the past. Whenever there was something good in the Chen family, she would think about you and leave it to you. You don¡¯t have any conscience. Qiao Nan¡¯s just like you in this aspect. Don¡¯t you know what situation Zijin is in? When Qiao Nan leaves, Zijin would neither have a kidney nor money. Do you want Zijin to die?!¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t retaliate when Qiao Dongliang gave her a p. Now that she heard Qiao Dongliang saying that she was not to go and find Qiao Nan in the future and take her money as it was right for Qiao Nan to take away all her earnings andpensation without leaving a single cent for the family, Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back angrily and used him of not caring about Qiao Zijin¡¯s life and death.

    Qiao Dongliang was someone who often worked. Even if he was already a grandfather, his strength would still surpass Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t get angry at Ding Jiayi and was holding back his temper as he knew that it wasn¡¯t easy for Ding Jiayi to take care of Qiao Zijin during this period of time as well.

    Now that Ding Jiayi was attacking him, Qiao Dongliang could no longer control himself and threw her to the ground. ¡°Ding Jiayi, don¡¯t go too overboard and force me to settle old scores with you. I¡¯ve already seen what kind of ce Nan Nan was living in for the past ten years. I didn¡¯t mention it to save you some face. If you continue making trouble... Ding Jiayi, have you really forgotten my temper when I was young?¡±

    She had let Nan Nan live in a ce like that and even told him daily that even though the ce was small, the entire house was only upied by Nan Nan alone. No matter how small it was, it was still considered big to Nan Nan. Nan Nan was really leading an enjoyable life outside by having a whole house to herself.

    It was precisely because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s words that Qiao Dongliang was misled. He had always thought that although Qiao Nan¡¯s rented house was small, it was stillplete with a bedroom and a bathroom.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t dare to see what kind of environment Qiao Nan lived in as he felt guilty.

    There were two daughters in the family. When they were young, Ding Jiayi¡¯s and his n was to introduce a son-inw who would bear their family name to their elder daughter. The younger daughter would be married away sooner orter. As such, the difference between the two made Qiao Dongliang spend more time and effort on Qiao Zijin.

    After the incident with Chen Jun, Qiao Dongliang felt unhappy in his heart. Based on the status disparity between the Chen family and the Qiao family, would Chen Jun be willing to be a son-inw who bore the Qiao family name?

    After Qiao Zijin got married to Chen Jun, Qiao Dongliang made up his mind. His elder daughter wouldn¡¯t be able to bring in a son-inw who bore the Qiao family name. Perhaps he should change his target to his younger daughter?

    Who knew that at this time, Ding Jiayi said that whoever was willing to be a son-inw who bore the bride¡¯s family name was usually a good-for-nothing? If one was capable, he would be like Chen Jun. What was the use of bringing in a useless son-inw?

    Moreover, she wasn¡¯t going to let Qiao Nan continue living at home and wanted her to move out. Firstly, Qiao Nan had already grown up and was of age to get married. It was good for Qiao Nan to have her own independent space. Secondly, the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Chen Jun, the older son-inw, was too sensitive.

    After Qiao Zijin got married, she would have to often bring Chen Jun back to the Qiao family as a guest, right?

    No matter the reason, even if it was only to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and troubles, it was best for Qiao Nan and Chen Jun not to meet each other whenever possible. If Qiao Zijin brought Chen Jun back to the Qiao family, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t stay at home as it would be awkward. It wouldn¡¯t be good if the brother-inw got too close with the sister-inw because tongues would wag.

    In short, Qiao Nan and Chen Jun must avoid suspicion. Chen Jun was already a married man. He shouldn¡¯t get too close with an unmarried woman like Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin were biological sisters, the rtionship had to be rified clearly without the slightest ambiguity.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were notpletely without reason. Qiao Dongliang was a man. He understood Chen Jun¡¯s heart better than Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin did.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know exactly how Chen Jun got together with Qiao Zijin and made her pregnant behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back, but he could guess a little. Between the two, Qiao Dongliang believed that Qiao Zijin had hically snatched away his younger daughter¡¯s boyfriend and took the initiative to be with Chen Jun.

    Men, especially young ones like Chen Jun, were weak in their abilities to hold themselves back. Anyway, he had foolishly got together with his elder daughter and even made her pregnant.

    If not for his elder daughter being pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child, in his opinion, Chen Jun clearly had deeper feelings for his younger daughter. It was estimated that Chen Jun had reached the age of wanting a child. The child in his elder daughter¡¯s stomach led her to win against her biological sister.

    Knowing that Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts were still on Qiao Nan and that his feelings for her were true, what else could Qiao Dongliang do? He could only continue to be biased toward Qiao Zijin, agree to Ding Jiayi¡¯s request, and let Qiao Nan move out.

    After all, no matter how immoral his elder daughter was, she was already married and pregnant. One should destroy ten temples rather than ruin a marriage. For his elder daughter¡¯s happiness in marriage, the small sacrifice his younger daughter had to make by moving out was worth it. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t that big a deal to move out.

    It was just right. After Nan Nan moved out, she would be free of Ding Jiayi¡¯s control and gain more freedom.

    The Qiao family¡¯s courtyard wasn¡¯t small. The house was big andplete with a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. However, even though the Qiao family had married a daughter off and the huge courtyard was left with only him and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan had moved away as well.

    Qiao Dongliang keptforting himself in his heart that this was to keep Qiao Zijin¡¯s marriage safe. To let Qiao Nan move out was something small, and everything would be worth it.

    However, in reality, Qiao Dongliang felt guilty when he had to face Qiao Nan. He felt that he wasn¡¯t worthy of Qiao Nan to address him as her father.

 Chapter 1771 - â€œGood Peopleâ€ Live Short Lives

    <h4>Chapter 1771: ¡°Good People¡± Live Short Lives</h4>

    There was clearly arge empty room in their house, and Qiao Nan had done so much for the family over the years, even giving all of her earnings to her family. But in the end, after Zijin got married, they chased Qiao Nan out of their family home. They would much rather leave the room empty and let Qiao Nan spend a fortune renting a ce for herself in an unfamiliar environment.

    Because of their actions, it was no wonder that their neighbors wondered whether Nan Nan was truly Ding Jiayi¡¯s biological daughter.

    Even Qiao Dongliang himself would have moments of doubt where he thought that his memory might have been hazy. Could it be that he had not seen Ding Jiayi personally giving birth to Nan Nan in the hospital and that Nan Nan was just a kid that he picked up from the streets?

    Now that Qiao Nan had left in despair, Qiao Dongliang had finally returned to his senses. He had to make right whatever was wrong in his family. Even if he could not entirely correct it, he could no longer simply ept these wrong attitudes.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you to stop being so unreasonable. You¡¯ve already made me lose a good daughter. You can deal with Zijin¡¯s matter in any way you like. I can¡¯t be bothered with it anymore. But I¡¯m curious to see how you¡¯ll live your life without Nan Nan sacrificing her whole life for you. Don¡¯t disturb me. I¡¯m sleepy. I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was truly too mentally exhausted to face Ding Jiayi now. At the sight of Ding Jiayi, he could not help but think about how Qiao Nan had been living her life all these years.

    It was not until now that Qiao Dongliang finally came to a realization that he could act as though he knew nothing and lived a peaceful life because Qiao Nan had been suffering in silence. It was because Qiao Nan had chosen not to kick up a fuss or argue with the family that he could remain silent and unaware of everything around him.

    If Qiao Nan had tried to stand up for herself just a little bit, his ideas would never have been realized.

    After ncing coldly at Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang returned to the room with a stone-cold expression and mmed the door behind him.

    Ding Jiayi, who was seated on the floor, could feel the coldness of the ground. But at this very moment, she felt that her heart was much colder than the ground. ¡°Sinned? What sins have Imitted to have such a heartless daughter and a capricious husband? My Zijin. What will my Zijin do? Zijin¡¯s still young and has her whole life ahead of her. We¡¯re all a family. Do you mean they¡¯re all waiting to see Zijin die from her illness before they¡¯ll be happy?¡±

    No, she could not let Zijin die. Zijin was her precious daughter.

    Just as Ding Jiayi felt as though her future was bleak, her phone rang. The sight of the caller ID frightened Ding Jiayi so much that her hands started trembling, and she almost dropped the phone. ¡°Zi-Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong? Why does your voice sound weird? Are you down with the flu?¡±

    ¡°N-No. I went to so many ces today. I was probably out for too long, so I¡¯m feeling a little unwell. I¡¯m afraid that I might pass the flu to you if I were to take care of you. That¡¯s why I came home directly instead of going to the hospital to find you. I¡¯ll see if I reallye down with the flu tomorrow before deciding whether to look for you at the hospital.¡±

    ¡°All right, Mom. Oh right, have you settled Qiao Nan¡¯s matters?¡± Qiao Nan was extremely obedient to her mom. If her mom asked Qiao Nan to donate a kidney to her, Qiao Nan would probably not dare to refuse.

    Qiao Zijin thought about how she would be able to undergo her kidney transnt soon and would even receive thepensation from that car ident from her mom once she was discharged. With that huge sum of money, she would be able to lead an unrestrained and carefree life! At the thought of all that, Qiao Zijin could not help butugh.

    With such a beautiful life waiting just ahead of her, she had to do her best and recover as soon as possible.

    Hearing Qiao Zijinugh, Ding Jiayi almost burst into tears yet again. She knew that Qiao Zijin probably thought that her illness would be cured soon. At the thought of how Qiao Zijin¡¯s kidney donor, Qiao Nan, had not only run away with all her money but that she also had no idea where Qiao Nan was since there was no way of contacting Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi could not help but feel injustice for Qiao Zijin.

    Why did her good daughter have such a heartless father and younger sister? They were all a family, but at a critical moment like this, all of them were simply leaving her in the lurch.

    ¡°Hello, Mom. What sound is that? Why is there someone else talking?¡±

    Hearing the recorded tone, Ding Jiayi frowned unhappily. ¡°I think it¡¯s reminding me that my mobile number is in arrears and that I should pay my bills soon. It¡¯s no big deal. All these aren¡¯t important. It¡¯s not early anymore. You¡¯d better get some rest. Mom will help you take care of everything else.¡±

    ¡°All right, Mom. I¡¯m going to bed then. See you tomorrow.¡± Ding Jiayi was already used to lying to Qiao Dongliang, so she could lie smoothly even to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was used to Ding Jiayi lying to Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan but had never thought that she would ever be on the receiving end of a lie from Ding Jiayi. Even though Ding Jiayi had not given Qiao Zijin a clear answer, Qiao Zijin, who had always been reassured by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, never spotted anything amiss.

    Based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s habit in the past, if she had sessfully grabbed hold of Qiao Nan, she would definitely announce her winnings very proudly to Qiao Zijin. Not only would she tell Qiao Zijin about how much she had gotten from Qiao Nan that day, but she would even tell Qiao Zijin about the exact date on which Qiao Zijin could get her kidney transnt.

    But today, Ding Jiayi had not said a single thing like that.

    Up until Qiao Zijin covered herself with her nket, shut her eyes to go to bed, and entered her dreamnd, she had note to the realization that her mom had been acting out of the ordinary today or that something was wrong.

    After hanging up the phone call, Ding Jiayi wiped away her tears, sighing that fate was treating Qiao Zijin so unkindly. Why did such a good child like Qiao Zijin have to suffer from such a serious illness while a bad child like Qiao Nan recuperated so quickly after getting knocked down by a car and was even living her own carefree life now? It was indeed true that good people did not live long lives while evil ones lived a thousand years!

    Thinking about how her mobile phone bill was due, Ding Jiayi stood up while holding on to the small stool. ¡°My phone bill is due? How can it be in arrears? That wretched girl, Qiao Nan. What a heartless girl! How can she forget about something like paying my phone bills and expect me, her mother, to remind her about something like that? How useless!¡±

    In the past, Qiao Nan had been the one taking care of Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s phone bills. Ding Jiayi had never needed to concern herself with it.

    All these years, this was the first time she had encountered such a thing. Ding Jiayi was in a rage because she had been embarrassed. Of course, it was Qiao Nan who had embarrassed her, so it was only natural that she would need to get somepensation from Qiao Nan. Otherwise, she would feel too aggrieved.

 Chapter 1772 - A Family

    <h4>Chapter 1772: A Family</h4>

    It was only when Ding Jiayi called Qiao Nan did shee to her senses that Qiao Nan had run away and disappeared without leaving behind any message for them. Not only did Qiao Nan no longer pay her phone bills, but she also took away all the money that was rted to her.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even care about Qiao Zijin¡¯s life and death. She had taken away the money that was meant for Qiao Zijin¡¯s operation without conscience. Would she still bother about her and pay her phone bills?

    Furthermore, if she really managed to contact Qiao Nan, she wouldn¡¯t waste this opportunity on the phone bills. What she really wanted to do and should do was to figure out where Qiao Nan was, grab hold of her, snatch Qiao Zijin¡¯s life-saving money back, and make Qiao Nan donate a kidney to save Qiao Zijin¡¯s life!

    Even if Ding Jiayi had already nned and arranged everything properly and thought of all the future paths to take, the problem was that she was stillcking the most important factor in making all her ideas happen: Qiao Nan herself.

    It was akin to a person having nned what they would do if they had one million yuan. They would first travel overseas, then buy a bag, then drive a sports car to leave exhaust fumes behind for their exes. The n was so perfect. It was just that only the money was missing.

    As long as Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan, all her ns were just pure fantasy.

    After understanding this point, Ding Jiayi cried again. ¡°What should I do? What should I do next?¡± Qiao Nan left just like that. Ding Jiayi realized in shock that unless Qiao Nan took the initiative to contact her, there was no way she could find Qiao Nan if she wanted to.

    If she couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan, everything else was just cheap talk.

    It was already sote. She had gone to all the ces she could find. What should she do next? Ding Jiayi, who was at a loss, had no other choice. The previous minute, she was still scolding Qiao Dongliang for being biased toward Qiao Nan and ignoring Qiao Zijin¡¯s life and death. The next minute, she went to find Qiao Dongliang again. ¡°Old Qiao, stop sleeping. Get up quickly. Let¡¯s discuss it again. That wretched girl has run away. Zijin can¡¯t afford to wait. What shall we do about Zijin¡¯s kidney? We need money for the operation as well. There¡¯s no money at home.¡±

    As there was a Qiao Nan at home, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi never had to worry about money. They were long used to finding Qiao Nan for money whenever they needed it. No matter what the situation, Qiao Nan would alwayse up with ways to resolve the financial difficulty faced at home.

    Without Qiao Nan¡¯s financial help, Ding Jiayi was like a headless fly when it came to money matters.

    ¡°Old Qiao, open the door. Why did you lock it? I haven¡¯t entered the room yet. I need to sleep too.¡± After trying for half a day, Ding Jiayi realized that she couldn¡¯t turn the handle and open the door. Without a doubt, someone had locked the room door from the inside. Unless she had the key, the only way she could enter the room was to wait for Qiao Dongliang to open the door for her.

    The key to unlocking the door was also in the room. Ding Jiayi had no choice but to shout.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was ck as hey on the bed without moving. ¡°If you want to sleep, return to your room to do so. I¡¯ve already moved all your things in the room outside. As to where you will be sleeping? You can sleep in the area Nan Nan did before she moved out. I¡¯ve already made the bed for you there. You can head over to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no. I say, Old Qiao, have you taken the wrong medicine today? Why are you like a lunatic? I haven¡¯t criticized you yet for helping that wretched girl when she ignored Zijin¡¯s life and death. How can you chase me out and let me sleep in that small ce? Old Qiao, Qiao Nan fell out with me. Do you want to do so as well?¡±

    At this moment, the sound of Ding Jiayi pping the door became louder. It was so loud that the neighbors were about to hear them.

    Qiao Dongliangughed coldly. He climbed up and opened the door. Before Ding Jiayi could enter the room, he picked Ding Jiayi up and threw her in the room where Qiao Nan used to live in. ¡°When Nan Nan stayed here previously, you didn¡¯t say such words. You said how big a space one person would need. You¡¯re alone now as well. Since this is such a good environment, you can live well here. I warn you. It¡¯s sote now, and I don¡¯t want to take care of you. If you kick up a fuss again, I¡¯ll hit you so hard you won¡¯t be able to meet anyone tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, are you... are you possessed?¡± Under the moonlight, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s contorted face due to his resentment looked a bit eerie. Only then did Ding Jiayi realize that the Qiao Dongliang today was especially evil. He waspletely different from usual.

    One had to know that in the afternoon, Qiao Dongliang also felt that it was fine for Qiao Nan to suffer a little as Qiao Zijin¡¯s life was more important than anything else. A kidney alone wouldn¡¯t threaten Qiao Nan¡¯s life and safety. As such, Qiao Dongliang was supportive of the operation.

    Qiao Dongliang had known beforehand and also silently agreed for the marypensation from the car ident to be kept for Qiao Zijin. Why was it that in just half a day, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have changed into apletely different person?

    ¡°Possessed? Haven¡¯t I been possessed to have married such a troublemaker like you? It¡¯s fine. There¡¯s nothing reasonable to say to a person like you. You keep calling her a wretched girl. I¡¯ll wait and see how good a life you can lead after you leave that wretched girl whom you deem as having no conscience and start to rely on the good daughter, Qiao Zijin, in the future. I¡¯ll wait and see!¡±

    Upon thinking of how Ding Jiayi had immediately thought of Qiao Nan as she wanted her to take care of the phone bills that she owed, Qiao Dongliang felt cold in his heart.

    Qiao Nan alone took care of all the big and small things in the family. It was as if he and Ding Jiayi were just Qiao Nan¡¯s parents and Qiao Zijin had no responsibilities or obligations at all.

    When Qiao Nan was willing to fork out money in the past, Qiao Dongliang never had to worry that no one would take care of him when he was old. As to whether it was his elder daughter who would do a bit more or his younger daughter who would give a bit more, Qiao Dongliang never had to spare the effort to think about this. If he thought too much and voiced out, Ding Jiayi might quarrel with him then.

    They were a family. It was right for the sisters to sacrifice more for this family. It wasn¡¯t a big deal. There wasn¡¯t a need to throw the house into chaos because of this.

    However, the situation was different now. His younger daughter became cold-hearted and wasn¡¯t willing to care about the three of them anymore. If he didn¡¯t sort out his thoughts now, when he reached his retirement age, not only would he not be able to enjoy the blessings of his daughters, but he might even have to work to earn money and continue providing for his elder daughter.

    It was undeniable that all the family expenses came from Qiao Nan!

    In other words, over the years, Qiao Nan had not only provided for him and Ding Jiayi but also Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 1773 - Returning â€œHomeâ€

    <h4>Chapter 1773: Returning ¡°Home¡±</h4>

    After learning about the truth, Qiao Dongliang felt that he had many things to consider. If he continued being so muddleheaded, the next person who would be unable to survive would not be Ding Jiayi but himself.

    The situation had already progressed to this stage, but Ding Jiayi was still scolding Qiao Nan to be a heartless and wretched girl! To this, Qiao Dongliang was extremely depressed and heartbroken. With his capabilities, it was true that he could notpare to Nan Nan at all in terms of raising such a huge sum of money in a short period of time to let his elder daughter undergo surgery.

    No matter how much hatred he felt or how angry he was, Qiao Dongliang could not stand by and watch his own daughter die. ¡°As for Zijin, it¡¯s not entirely a lost cause. But you¡¯d better tell Zijin about Nan Nan so that Zijin won¡¯t be waiting helplessly. If therees a time that the hospital really has a kidney donor avable, hurry and reserve the kidney and let Zijin undergo surgery. Money is nothingpared to a life, after all.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Money isn¡¯t as important as a person¡¯s life, but the problem is that without money, do you think that the hospital will be willing to donate the kidney to us and conduct Zijin¡¯s surgery for free?¡± Ding Jiayi was infuriated. Was money not important? Money was crucial in life! If one wanted to live, everything had to do with money! But the worst part was that Qiao Nan had taken with her all of the family¡¯s money and ie with her! ¡°Old Qiao, tell me honestly. Where is Qiao Nan? Do you really not know? If you know anything about it, hurry and get her back and get her to bring the money back! Old Qiao, we really can¡¯t dy Zijin¡¯s surgery any longer. If we dy it any longer, we won¡¯t have a daughter anymore.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had been Qiao Nan¡¯s mother for almost forty years, so she truly felt that Qiao Nan was not the kind to heartlessly abandon the three of them. Ding Jiayi was also clear that her thoughts toward Qiao Nan were often different from what she had always said about Qiao Nan.

    It was not just Qiao Dongliang. Even Ding Jiayi felt that if anything were to happen in their family, only Qiao Nan was the most reliable in their family of four. Even if Qiao Zijin had not gotten divorced from Chen Jun, the first person Ding Jiayi would think of if anything happened in the family would be Qiao Nan, and not that capable son-inw of hers, Chen Jun.

    Firstly, it was undoubtedly to help Qiao Zijin save some face. If the Qiao family had too many troubles, it was inevitable that Qiao Zijin would be unable to lift her head up in front of her inws. Secondly, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan was the only one who would give her all and wholeheartedly work to resolve any of the Qiao family¡¯s problems without even caring about her personal well-being.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery could not be dyed any further, Ding Jiayi had only one thing in mind, which was to find Qiao Nan as soon as possible to take up this responsibility. That way, both she and Qiao Dongliang could simply sit by peacefully and wait for Qiao Nan to take care of everything. All she and Qiao Dongliang would need to do would be to take care of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Ha.¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know how good you are as a mom. You¡¯re not a good mom and neither am I a good dad. All your praises are for Zijin but all your scoldings are left only for Nan Nan. Now that Nan Nan¡¯s gone, you¡¯re ming her for not being open-minded enough to let me know about her whereabouts. Is she not afraid that I¡¯ll be biased toward Zijin and pester her once I know about her whereabouts? I¡¯m telling you. Whether or not Zijin¡¯s surgery is sessful, it¡¯s a fact that we have lost a daughter.¡±

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s departure, Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Nan would never return to care for him, Ding Jiayi, or Qiao Zijin ever again.

    ¡°No. That won¡¯t happen...¡± If Qiao Nan really gave up on her and the family, then that would really spell the end for the family. ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense. She¡¯s not so heartless to watch us perish. She¡¯s just throwing a tantrum and scaring us. She¡¯ll be back to take care of this family and give us money like how she used to in the past.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just you who¡¯s going on about whether Nan Nan¡¯s heartless or not. You can say as much as you want. You can do whatever you want with regards to Zijin. I¡¯m really going to bed.¡± The more Ding Jiayi said things like that, the more exhausted Qiao Dongliang felt. Since she knew in her heart that Nan Nan was the better child, why did she always say such nasty things and do such mean things all the time? Did she really have to harden her heart to her child like that?

    The mentally exhausted Qiao Dongliang, who now had to worry about his own future, returned to his room with a hunched back.

    They had not cherished her while she was around. Now that they had lost her, the Qiao family was thrown into a mess and their future was so bleak that there was not a single ray of hope.

    In the Qiao family, Qiao Nan had always been the single source of support and the pir of the Qiao family.

    ¡°Miss, are you here in Qingshui to visit someone or for a holiday?¡± Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s joy, the driver asked curiously. Qiao Nan could not care less about how the Qiao family was doing at the moment. After leaving Ping Cheng and the Qiao family, she was faced with green grass and clear waters, and she felt as though the fog had finally cleared and there was only sunshine in her life now.

    Qiao Nan retracted her smile and there was a moment of confusion in her eyes. Actually, she herself wanted to know whether she was here in Qingshui Town as a guest or as a tourist. ¡°I guess... I¡¯m returning home?¡± Returning to the home of her dreams.

    Qingshui Town was actually the hometown of Old Master Zhai and where Old Master Zhai had gotten married to grandma to form a family and where they had given birth to Zhai Yaohui. In her dream, it was because she had gotten married to Zhai Sheng that she knew that the Zhai family¡¯s hometown was not Ping Cheng but Qingshui Town. As such, the Zhai family had an ancestral home in Qingshui Town.

    When Qiao Nan left Ping Cheng and had no idea where to head to, Qingshui Town suddenly came to mind.

    In her dream, Qiao Nan had only visited Qingshui Town once to bury Old Master Zhai together with grandma after he had passed on. But a dream was only a dream, after all. Only after sitting on the bus headed toward Qingshui Town did Qiao Nan let out a bitterugh. In reality, she had nothing to do with the Zhai family at all, so she had no idea about whether the Zhai family¡¯s hometown was truly in Qingshui Town.

    Perhaps this was just something that she had made up in her dream, and it was not real at all. But when she saw that the scenery in Qingshui Town was just as beautiful as it had been in her dream and was away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Qiao Nan could not help but feel good about this.

    But with the driver¡¯s question, Qiao Nan¡¯s mood dipped once again. Lately, she had been feeling as though she was no longer able to differentiate between reality and her dream world. After leaving Ping Cheng, she had foolishly headed for Zhai Sheng¡¯s hometown, Qingshui Town.

    Based on her dream, Zhai Sheng should be in the capital furthering his career at this moment. She wondered if the woman by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side now was Qiu Chenxi. Wait a minute. Did Qiu Chenxi really exist? Did she have anything to do with the Zhai family?

    Qiao Nan shook her head vigorously, trying to throw all this nonsense from her dream out of her head.

 Chapter 1774 - Blindly Kicking Up a Fuss

    <h4>Chapter 1774: Blindly Kicking Up a Fuss</h4>

    She left Ping Cheng and temporarily stopped contacting the people from the Qiao family to start a new life.

    If she left the Qiao family to jump into the pit of her dreams, then even if she came to a scenic small town, she would only be going from one prison to another at most.

    After reaching the destination, Qiao Nan got out of the car with her luggage. As the driver drove away, he said, ¡°This customer¡¯s so strange.¡± He saw this woman suddenly shake her head when she was in the car. If not for her looking and speaking normally, he would have suspected that she had not learned well and had eaten something bad that she shouldn¡¯t have.

    ¡°Hello, I would like to rent a house.¡± Qiao Nan wanted to break free of everything in her dream. However, reality seemed bent on going against her. A lot of situations in Qingshui Town really looked like her dream. Based on the memory of her dream, Qiao Nan soon rented a house.

    Upon remembering that this was the first time in her life that she had stepped foot into Qingshui Town, Qiao Nan feltplicated in her heart again when she faced everything in her dream. Was that really a dream? Or had she silently remembered all the details of Qingshui Town in her mind as she loved the environment after identallying across an introduction of it on TV?

    Not only did she dream of Qingshui Town, but Qingshui Town even became the hometown of the Zhai family?

    Qiao Nan sighed. There wasn¡¯t a need to think about this anymore. Perhaps the life in her dream was so good that she couldn¡¯t break free from it for a long period of time. If she was given a few days to slow down, she might be able to improve the situation.

    After sessfully renting a cheap house in Qingshui Town, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to linger. She immediately started looking for a job. Even though she had approximately 350,000 yuan in deposits, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t n to use it in the near future. She wanted to keep it.

    Qingshui Town had a good environment. It was far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and housing prices were much lower than Ping Cheng¡¯s. Qiao Nan was already considering buying a house in Qingshui Town if she could sessfully find a job here.

    Qiao Nan smiled when she saw the one-person-one-household household register in her luggage. Back then, her mother asked her to remove herself from the Qiao family household register as she was afraid that she would depend on the Qiao family, take advantage of Qiao Zijin, and have something to do with Chen Jun.

    Now, this one-person-one-household situation benefitted her. Even if she wanted to settle down in Qingshui Town, she didn¡¯t need to return to Ping Cheng and have any contact with the Qiao family. If she had any ideas, she could make a decision immediately. As Ding Jiayi had said at the beginning, the one-person-one-household situation would benefit everyone. If something happened to her, she didn¡¯t need to return to the Qiao family and get them to take the household register to resolve the issue.

    Qiao Nan might not be highly educated, but it wasn¡¯t difficult for her to find a job in Qingshui Town based on her qualifications. In addition, Qiao Nan bought aputer as she had decided to take a part-time job as a trantor online. In fact, Qiao Nan already had her own ount on the online trantion website.

    She epted a lot of jobs here. As shepleted her work well, the other party was very satisfied. Qiao Nan¡¯s ount status was not low at all. The biggest benefit of having a high ount status was that if someone wanted to engage Qiao Nan¡¯s services for trantion, the person had to pay a higher price. After all, you get what you pay for.

    Due to the hospitalization, Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t logged in for close to three months. Seeing a bunch of short messages on the back end, Qiao Nan was flustered. She replied to all the messages one by one, saying that she had run into an ident previously, had just finished settling everything, and could officially ept work again like before.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s regr customers weren¡¯t clear about Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden return. Life goes on without a Qiao Nan in this world. When Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t online, someone else would naturally ept the job if there were offers. As such, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have as much trantion work as before the car ident and her sry wasn¡¯t that high.

    Thankfully, in addition to trantion, she also found a rtively easier job for herself. Although Qiao Nan could no longer earn twenty to thirty thousand yuan monthly, like she used to in Ping Cheng, she could still earn ten thousand yuan.

    With this sry as a guarantee, Qiao Nan set her eyes on a location and bought herself an off-n house without a second word. It would take a longer time to get this room. However, she wasn¡¯t in a hurry. Her currentndlord wasn¡¯t bad. The environment was good and her neighbors weren¡¯t bad people. Furthermore, an off-n house was cheaper. In Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, an off-n house was more suitable for her.

    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk, there are all kinds of fishes in the sea. How could there be such a daughter with no conscience in this world? Upon knowing that her sister is about to die from an illness, she left her in the lurch and went to lead a good life on her own. How shameless.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s first month in Qingshui Town was pretty good. When she went to the small supermarket to buy a bottle of soy sauce home, the husband-and-wife owners of the supermarket were watching the news. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t see what news was being broadcast but heard a noisy crying.

    After listening to thedy boss¡¯s words, Qiao Nan nced at the TV. Then, her face darkened. The person crying on TV wasn¡¯t anyone else but Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi said in tears that she and Qiao Dongliang were already old and had no working ability. They should have been at the age of retirement now and enjoying the blessings of their children. However, they were unwilling to be their children¡¯s burden and thus only spent a few yuan a day. They could work hard to support themselves.

    It was just that their elder daughter was too seriously ill. If she didn¡¯t undergo a kidney transnt, the monthly cost of various treatments that could cure only the symptoms but not the disease would be exceptionally high. It was something that the two of them couldn¡¯t afford.

    At this moment, their younger daughter even yed the disappearing act. They really had no choice but to seek the help of the TV station to see if they could help find their younger daughter back. They didn¡¯t ask for a lot. They only hoped that their younger daughter would contribute a little on ount that they were biological sisters and not leave her in the lurch. Then, they wouldn¡¯t need to send off their own child.

    In front of the cameras, it was without a doubt that Ding Jiayi was very sessful in putting up a pitiful act. Wasn¡¯t thedy boss of the supermarket outraged by the injustice to Ding Jiayi?

    ¡°You women just like to blindly kick up a fuss. I¡¯m guessing that this woman, maybe even her entire family, isn¡¯t anything good. It doesn¡¯t mean that whoever is crying pitifully must be a good person. In this world, there¡¯s no such logic.¡±

 Chapter 1775 - Happy Ending

    <h4>Chapter 1775: Happy Ending</h4>

    The boss had a different opinion. He frowned in disgust, especially after seeing Ding Jiayi shedding streams of tears and mucus.

    Thedy boss became unhappy. ¡°What did you say? Are you despising me? Are you trying to say that my hair has grown longer but my knowledge has decreased? Tell me. What¡¯s wrong with this woman? Could it be that the daughter who had abandoned her ill sister and her parents who no longer have working ability is correct? You¡¯re the one with a twisted mindset. Isn¡¯t that woman leaving the old and sick in the lurch and watching them die? No matter what, it¡¯s unreasonable for that younger daughter to leave just like that!¡±

    Thedy boss harped on this and insisted the boss provide an exnation.

    The boss was at his wits¡¯ end. He was just casually replying to his wife¡¯s words. Why were they in a conflict now? ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Since you want to listen, I¡¯ll say it. Look at this auntie. She¡¯s not young anymore, right? How old do you think her daughters are? They should have their own families now, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Based on her looks, she should already be a grandmother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I thought that it was pretty strange. This old woman has been crying for half a day and kept holding on to her younger daughter. Since her elder daughter is sick, where is her son-inw? If she¡¯s suffering from uremia, she could just change a kidney. Compared to other major surgeries, the cost needed for a kidney transnt should be affordable to the two families. As for the elder son-inw, she didn¡¯t mention him at all. It¡¯s as if the responsibility of saving the elder daughter is that of the younger daughter alone. Don¡¯t you think that she¡¯s hiding something?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Thedy boss couldn¡¯t answer this.

    Right. If the wife was sick, shouldn¡¯t the person by her bedside help figure out a solution? Why didn¡¯t he show his face? This wasn¡¯t normal. ¡°Do you think that the elder daughter¡¯s a divorcee?¡± Wasn¡¯t divorce the only reasonable exnation for all of this?

    ¡°Perhaps.¡± The boss nodded. ¡°Let me ask you again. This old woman is trying to find her daughter, but is there anyone like her who does it this way? She only mentioned her daughter¡¯s name, how she looks like, and how old she is this year. Even if she was a lost child, there should at least be a photo, right? A child¡¯s looks might change after growing up. Her younger daughter is almost forty years old, and her appearance shouldn¡¯t change much. If she was really eager to find her younger daughter, why couldn¡¯t she produce a photo of her?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Thedy boss twitched her lips. ¡°Husband, based on what you¡¯re saying, do you think she¡¯s really trying to find her younger daughter or not?¡± What her husband said made sense. She couldn¡¯t rebut him. The way this old woman was trying to find her younger daughter was indeed different from ordinary people, and it was full of contradictions.

    ¡°How would I know? I feel that she wouldn¡¯t lose out by acting pitiful. In fact, she would be quite sessful. Her younger daughter ran away and her elder daughter is sick. The old couple is at the age of retirement and can¡¯t earn much money. This situation made it to the news now. No matter what, there would be a wave of donationsing her way. With money, it doesn¡¯t matter who ran away, let alone the younger daughter. Her situation will no longer be miserable.¡±

    ¡°I see...¡± Thedy boss drank a sip of water and realized that Qiao Nan, who was holding a bottle of soy sauce in her hands, seemed to have been standing there for a long time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to keep you waiting for so long. I was too engrossed in watching the news. My apologies. Let me check this item out for you. This bottle of soy sauce is eight yuan and twenty cents.¡±

    How embarrassing it was for her to have watched the news and ignored her customers.

    Qiao Nan smiled inly and gave thedy boss ten yuan. Thedy boss gave Qiao Nan a change of one yuan and eighty cents.

    Qiao Nan had heard the conversation between the couple. She had also seen for herself how Ding Jiayi had put on a pitiful act on TV.

    The boss had asked why Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t show a photo of her younger daughter on TV so that everyone could help find her more quickly. Qiao Nanughed coldly. It wasn¡¯t that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to or was trying to protect her or something. It was because she had never taken photos ever since she graduated from junior high school.

    The photos taken during junior high school were either identification photos or graduation photos. Aside from herself having them, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even have a small photo of her.

    Qiao Nan initially didn¡¯t want to bother with this matter. She had already left Ping Cheng. She didn¡¯t care about Qiao Zijin¡¯s life and death and didn¡¯t want to get involved. It was just that Qiao Nan¡¯s mindset changed after she heard the boss¡¯s words previously.

    After thinking about it, Qiao Nan searched for information on that TV station and publicmentary on the inte after reaching home. Perhaps Ding Jiayi had been too sessful in putting on a pitiful act. A lot of people were discussing this matter on public tforms. Of course, most of theseizens¡¯ remarks were simr to that of thedy boss. They criticized Qiao Nan for having no conscience.

    Only a few of them found it strange that the people from the Qiao family only mentioned the two daughters but not the two sons-inw when it was already reasonable to say that they had reached the age of being mothers.

    Of course, this was half-exined in Ping Cheng¡¯s newspaper¡¯s follow-up report. ording to the newspapers, due to rtionship issues, the ill Qiao Zijin had divorced her husband for less than half a year. Who knew that misfortunes didn¡¯te alone and Qiao Zijin contracted uremia after that? It was just that Qiao Zijin was stubborn and felt that since she had already divorced her ex-husband, she didn¡¯t want to disturb his life even if something happened to her.

    Her child lived with her ex-husband. If she had to ask her ex-husband for money for her illness, she¡¯d rather her own child lead a good life than treat her illness.

    To an ordinary person, such words would, without a doubt, make Qiao Zijin seem like a really good mother. Why did good people have short lives?

    Looking at all the unpleasant remarks criticizing her and how she had be a ¡®bitch¡¯ because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s news, Qiao Nan took a deep breath, suppressed the gloom in her heart, and calmly looked for the relevant personnel so that she could send a message.

    It was rare for the TV ratings of Ping Cheng News to be so high. Everyone seemed to increase their involvement in this broadcast news as well. To Ping Cheng TV Station, that was a joyous thing.

    For the sake of the ratings, the manager of the TV station said that this piece of news must be followed up on. It was best if they could find this younger sister, who had run away to enjoy life, via the influence of their news broadcast and the power of the masses. If they could get this younger sister to shed tears and repent in front of everyone before having a good ending that also acted as a reminder, there was nothing that could be more sessful.

    Sensational. It had to be sensational.

    ¡°Manager, look. The audience donated this amount of money to the Qiao family.¡±

 Chapter 1776 - Breaking News

    <h4>Chapter 1776: Breaking News</h4>

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been a day yet, but there is more or less enough money for that woman¡¯s kidney transnt. Manager, do you think we should announce on the program that there¡¯s enough money now and people should stop donating?¡± Otherwise, not only would there be enough money for the operation, but that person who appeared on the news could also make a fortune based on the situation this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s good too. Make a list of all the donors. We can¡¯t put it on the news, but we can do so on the tforms. We will make the donation amounts public.¡± Once money was involved, the manager¡¯s attitude became serious. Compared to the station¡¯s reputation, he couldn¡¯t bother with this small amount of money.

    As long as the station was doing well, there would be plenty of bosses willing to give them money for a spot in future advertisements. As such, it was not worth it to smash their reputation over such a small amount of money.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, manager. I¡¯ve already settled this. We can upload this on our tforms anytime. A donor can find their name listed there. If there is any missing data, we will ept point-outs and corrections.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do this then.¡±

    ¡°Manager, I have a situation to report to you.¡± At this moment, the technical staff who managed information on the tforms ran over hurriedly. ¡°Manager, can I borrow yourptop for a while? I received a piece of information from the back end just now. I¡¯m not sure if the news is true or not, but I feel that we should check it out.¡±

    The technical staff quickly showed the manager the news he received from the tform. ¡°Manager, take a look at this. Do you think this situation¡¯s real? If yes, what should we do? Should we pretend that we don¡¯t know about this or go check it out?¡±

    ¡°Hiss...¡± The manager widened his eyes. ¡°The woman who contracted uremia and would rather die than let her children live in hardship is Director Chen¡¯s ex-wife? Is this news reliable?¡±

    The technical staff was dumbfounded. How would he know if it was reliable or not? He only received this reminder from someone else via the back end. Initially, he thought to just click open casually and take a quick nce. After all, after the news was broadcasted, there were a lot of false rumors. He had never treated them seriously before.

    But this piece of news wasn¡¯t trivial. He couldn¡¯t make up his mind and could only go to the manager for ideas and give him a heads-up. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid that this is fake news. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s true.¡±

    The manager¡¯s looks became serious. He knew that what the other party said was correct. It was fine if it was fake news. He had listened to a lot of fake news before. The problem was that if it was true, then the situation would be very different. Previously on TV, that woman surnamed Qiao had earned the tears of a lot of women with her words.

    They were all mothers. A lot of viewers said that they understood Qiao Zijin¡¯s mindset well. Wasn¡¯t she justcking money? Even if Qiao Zijin was already divorced, the children who followed the father couldn¡¯t live without a mother. Once the ex-husband got married, would the stepmother treat the children well?

    As long as the biological mother was around, even if something happened at the father¡¯s ce, the children could still return to their mother and lead a good life. Many hands made light work. Everyone could just donate a little. No matter what, they couldn¡¯t let a good mother like Qiao Zijin die and increase the number of orphans in this world.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s statement was actually very misleading to many members of the public.

    After all, based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s statement, themon belief was that her ex-husband¡¯s family conditions were not very good. To her ex-husband¡¯s family, the kidney transnt operation¡¯s cost of more than two hundred thousand yuan was a huge burden. The children would spend a lot of money in the future. She wasn¡¯t willing to upy the children¡¯s resources for her own illness.

    At the very least, that was how the manager had interpreted Qiao Zijin¡¯s words himself before finding out that she was Director Chen¡¯s ex-wife.

    The problem was that if Director Chen was Qiao Zijin¡¯s ex-husband, then Qiao Zijin¡¯s misleading statement would bepletely non-existent. Director Chen didn¡¯t have money? Who were they kidding?! The Chen family¡¯s conditions were very good. He didn¡¯t need to mention the specifics.

    It was a breeze for Director Chen to fork out two hundred thousand yuan to take care of Qiao Zijin¡¯s medical expenses if she was his ex-wife. A mere two hundred thousand yuan couldn¡¯t do much damage to the Chen family¡¯s finances. Director Chen could afford to bring up two children, let alone just one.

    In short, two hundred thousand yuan wasn¡¯t considered a huge sum of money to the Chen family.

    ¡°Also, manager, look at this. It mentioned that Qiao Zijin has a huge house of 154 square meters in this ce. Do you think this is real?¡± The technical staff wanted to faint. He felt that thisizen revealed a lot of powerful information. ¡°Manager, who do you think is the person who sent this news? I feel that they understand the Qiao family particrly well.¡±

    A person who owned a 150-square-meter house couldn¡¯t afford to pay her medical bills and could only wait for death in the hospital? Then, should a person like him, who didn¡¯t have a house, just starve to death?

    The managerughed coldly. ¡°Thisizen could even list out the specifics of the address. Do you think this can be fake?¡± Based on their TV station¡¯s capabilities, they could easily find out such specific information.

    Previously, they didn¡¯t know about Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation and saw Ding Jiayi crying so pitifully and seeking help from the TV station. Coincidentally, he was worried that there wasn¡¯t any good news in his hands. As such, he was unknowingly ¡®tricked¡¯. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin was Director Chen¡¯s ex-wife. No wonder he didn¡¯t find any abnormalities about the Qiao family when he first got someone to check on them.

    Even if Qiao Zijin was already Director Chen¡¯s ex-wife, would Director Chen let others check on his ex-wife so casually? There would be people hiding the information that didn¡¯t obtain Director Chen¡¯s consent. Furthermore, he never suspected that the people from the Qiao family were lying or that there was an inside story. After all, Qiao Zijin¡¯s divorce certificate and the hospitalization evidence were all true.

    As nothing was found after checking the Qiao family¡¯s situation, he could only assume that everything was normal.

    ¡°What should we do now?¡±

    ¡°What else can we do? Let¡¯s get someone to find out more about this house and see who the owner is. If what thisizen said is true, Qiao Zijin really doesn¡¯t need anyone to donate money to her for her illness. She would have plenty of money in her hands. We create news not only for the development of the TV station but also to help others. However, if this person isn¡¯t worthy of our help, we can make corrections in time and not walk straight into a dead end.¡±

    ¡°Okay, manager. What about this sum of money?¡± They originally intended to send over this sum of money to the Qiao family this afternoon so that Qiao Zijin could undergo the operation.

 Chapter 1777 - Unable To Interfere

    <h4>Chapter 1777: Unable To Interfere</h4>

    Knowing that Qiao Zijin had a house, they were probably not going to hand this sum of money over to Qiao Zijin anymore unless they could be certain that the house at this address had nothing to do with Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Let¡¯s leave this aside for the time being and figure out whether these things are true before making a decision.¡±

    Because they had not thought of these things in the past, they had not been able to check on them. But now that the station knew all about it, it would be easy to find out whether Qiao Zijin was truly the mother of Chen Jun¡¯s son.

    While Qiao Zijin was the daughter-inw of the Chen family, she had not kept a low profile. But when Qiao Zijin was caught in an affair by Chen Jun, the Chen family had kept the matters under wraps and not many people knew about this. Since they had been getting along just fine, why had Chen Jun suddenly gotten a divorce from Qiao Zijin?

    Chen Jun was the person-in-charge at the Ping Cheng police station. As such, there was naturally no problem at all for him to get divorced from Qiao Zijin and find a younger and prettier youngdy. But Qiao Zijin was different. Qiao Zijin was old and had given birth to a child. Although she had been a little tender-looking when she was younger, her looks were nothing out of the ordinary.

    If Chen Jun did not have any chinks in Qiao Zijin¡¯s armor, there was no way Qiao Zijin would be willing to get a divorce!

    After contacting only a few people to investigate the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun, the staff from the station quickly got a definitive answer: Qiao Zijin¡¯s ex-husband was indeed Chen Jun. When the two of them had gotten married, this person had even attended their wedding dinner. Moreover, the couple had gotten into a shotgun marriage.

    Now, they had confirmed that half of the rumors were true. Because of that, the manager, who was holding a ss of water, trembled in anger. He was truly infuriated by the Qiao family.

    With inws like the Chen family, whether Qiao Zijin was diagnosed with leukemia or cancer, the Chen family would have no problems forking out money to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment, let alone for uremia. Why did they have to kick up such a huge fuss bying to the television station to ask for help, all the while smearing the name of their younger daughter?

    Because of this, the station manager, who had been ted by Qiao Zijin¡¯s news, was now in a huge dilemma.

    Since Qiao Zijin had already divorced Chen Jun, the station manager could not simply ignore Qiao Zijin just like that. Because of the existence of Chen Jun and the Chen family¡¯s status in society, the station manager had no choice but to give them some face. The station manager instructed someone to inform Chen Jun of this situation. After all, there was no way the Chen family did not know about Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation, right? To save the Chen family some face, Chen Jun had better take care of this matter well.

    Their station could do their best on their end to prevent Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Chen Jun¡¯s rtionship froming to light, but they would not be able to do anything to stop this news from creating an uproar in society. The station would bear no responsibility if something else caused this rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun to be exposed to the public.

    It was chaotic in the station because of this sudden situation, and the atmosphere in the Chen family was no better. At that time, Father and Mother Chen would never have agreed to someone from the Qiao family being their daughter-inw if it had not been for the fact that Qiao Nan was of use to Chen Jun and that Qiao Nan had done the Chen family a huge favor.

    As a mother-inw, Mother Chen had already set out her ns. Anyway, Qiao Nan had no idea about how she had helped the husband and son with their careers. Qiao Nan was marrying someone of a higher social status than her, so Mother Chen had to put on some airs to help her son keep Qiao Nan under control. Otherwise, she might very well embarrass the Chen family because of her lowly family background.

    Mother Chen had thought about a lot of things, but after interacting with Qiao Nan, Mother Chen¡¯s attitude was not as harsh and haughty as she had expected herself to be. She was only human, after all. Moreover, it could not be denied that Chen Jun had benefitted due to Qiao Nan. Even without Chen Jun, Qiao Nan would simrly be able to rise up in ranks after bing Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter, without any help from the Chen family.

    Perhaps it was because she thought that Qiao Nan could hitch a ride along with the Zhu family. Since Zhu Chengqi had already taken a liking to Qiao Nan once, there could be a second time. And perhaps it was because Qiao Nan was indeed a good youngdy who had a fair temper and spoke gently. Before long, Mother Chen was rather epting of Qiao Nan as her daughter-inw.

    But who would have known that Qiao Zijin would suddenlye into the picture after Mother Chen finally opened her heart up to Qiao Nan being her daughter-inw? Compared to the independent and financially-independent Qiao Nan, Mother Chen did not like Qiao Zijin at all. After Qiao Zijin married into the Chen family, there was not a single thing that Qiao Zijin had done to please her other than giving birth to a grandson.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin had even cheated on her son! If not for the fact that her son was in a bad mood over it, Mother Chen would have given her son a good lecture: Look how good Qiao Nan is. Just one look at her tells you that she¡¯s a good youngdy who¡¯s suitable for marriage. If you want to have an affair outside and y around, Qiao Zijin would be fine for that. But when ites to finding a wife, one should always look for someone like Qiao Nan.

    Mother Chen knew all about her son¡¯s wild actions during his college days. It was exactly because of this that Mother Chen was confused. It was not as though her son, Chen Jun, had not had any women around him. In fact, he had dealt with all sorts of women while in college. What had gone wrong with her son that he had taken a fancy to Qiao Zijin and had even gotten Qiao Zijin pregnant?

    But Mother Chen did not mention a thing about the past. When the couple finally got divorced, Mother Chen decided never to bring up the past ever again, lest she disrupt the peace in the family. There was no point in fighting over Qiao Zijin, who was no longer part of the family.

    But within a year of Qiao Zijin¡¯s divorce from Chen Jun, such a huge storm started in Ping Cheng, almost utterly humiliating the Chen family. Ever since the news broke, Mother Chen refused to step out of the house and even refused to get in contact with any of her close friends!

    No matter how much she liked her grandson, because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter, Mother Chen looked at her grandson in a different light now.

    ¡°Chen Jun, are you not going to resolve this matter? Do you know how many people are looking at us as a joke now? This is embarrassing! Too embarrassing!¡± As the matter blew up day by day, Mother Chen only got angrier at her son. But the family¡¯s nanny was rather bright. Knowing that the Chen family had mixed feelings toward Qiao Zijin¡¯s son, the nanny quickly coaxed the child into the room with toys at the mention of this subject.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve already said that it¡¯s inappropriate for me to contact the Qiao family now. If I interfere in the matter, won¡¯t it show that I still have a rtionship with Qiao Zijin?¡± Chen Jun felt humiliated too. He felt that the worst mistake he had ever made in this life was having been coaxed by Qiao Zijin that night into drinking with her.

    While he was still dating Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin had her world revolving around him. Chen Jun knew that Qiao Zijin was trying hard to please him and that she had her sights set on him. But because Chen Jun was used to women¡¯s tactics, Qiao Zijin¡¯s actions did not mean much to him.

    Besides, Chen Jun was not unlike other men. Not just anyone would have sisters chasing after them at the same time.

 Chapter 1778 - Willing?!

    <h4>Chapter 1778: Willing?!</h4>

    After he sobered up, Chen Jun did not take this matter to heart. He had just slept with Qiao Zijin for a night. There was no big deal about that. After all, he had spent the night with countless other women in the past. After that night, he had evenpensated Qiao Zijin heftily, reminding her that that would be the end of their rtionship. He had even reminded Qiao Zijin to eat a contraceptive afterward.

    But who would have known that he would fail miserably in such a simple task? Not only had Qiao Zijin done the exact opposite of what he had instructed her to do by not consuming contraceptives, but she had even been in cahoots with the Qiao family to force Qiao Nan to break up with Chen Jun on the basis that she was pregnant. Thus, he had no choice but to marry Qiao Zijin.

    Because of his rtionship with Wang Yang, Father Chen quickly rose in ranks. After all, reputation was still very important as a new official. Chen Jun had been dating the younger sister and had even set a date for their wedding, but he had gotten the elder sister pregnant! If word were to get around, the Chen family¡¯s reputation would be in ruins. As such, asking Qiao Nan to back down and letting Chen Jun marry Qiao Zijin was already the best oue there was.

    The Chen family understood from the beginning that Qiao Nan was the only good person in the entire Qiao family. The other three, especially Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, were all ckers. One who was down did not need to fear falling down. Once Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi started creating trouble, the Chen family would suffer great losses. In fact, the Chen family might very well lose everything they had gained after much difficulty thanks to Wang Yang because of this scandal involving Qiao Zijin!

    After losing such a good daughter-inw only to fetch a cker home, there was not a single person in the Chen family who took a liking to Qiao Zijin. After the child was born, Mother Chen immediately took over the responsibility of raising that child for fear that Qiao Zijin would bring the child astray.

    Qiao Zijin did not mind that at all and even felt more rxed since she did not need to take care of her child. Every month, Chen Jun would give her a monthly allowance, and all she needed to take care of was dressing up, having fun, and living afortable life as the mistress of the family.

    The more Qiao Zijin acted in this manner, the more displeased Mother and Father Chen were with her. When Qiao Zijin was caught in the act ofmitting adultery, the Chen family unanimously agreed that the couple should get divorced even if Qiao Zijin argued against it. In actual fact, the Chen family had long been waiting for this moment. They had always wanted to seize upon the chinks in Qiao Zijin¡¯s armor so that they could end this unsuitable and ill-fated marriage between Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun.

    But what the Chen family had never counted on was for Qiao Zijin to be so vicious and unreasonable like a white-eyed wolf!

    After their divorce, the Chen family thought that they had finally gotten rid of Qiao Zijin and would not have anything to do with her anymore. But Qiao Zijin getting on the news almost drove the Chen family to their graves, especially Mother Chen, who was immediately sent to the hospital after her blood pressure had shot up. In the moment that she was transported into the ambnce, Mother Chen exhausted thest of her energy grabbing onto Chen Jun¡¯s hand, telling him that they could go to any hospital but the one where Qiao Zijin was.

    Otherwise, sending her to the hospital would not save her. Quite on the contrary, it would drive her to her grave!

    Although Mother Chen¡¯s health quickly stabilized and she was able to return home, her mood had never improved since then. Because Mother Chen spoke brusquely, Father Chen was enraged too. ¡°Qiao Zijin is already in the news. I don¡¯t think our rtionship with Qiao Zijin can remain hidden for much longer.¡±

    When that time came, everyone in Ping Cheng would know about what kind of character Qiao Zijin had to be able to have an affair behind his son¡¯s back, humiliating the Chen family. At the thought of that, Father Chen could not help but regret allowing his son to chase Qiao Nan so that he would be able to rise in ranks at that time. If his son had never gotten to know Qiao Nan, would they have fallen into Qiao Zijin¡¯s trap?

    He could not wrap his mind around how such a good youngdy like Qiao Nan could have such a dysfunctional and abnormal mother like Ding Jiayi, and sister like Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Wrong, wrong, wrong. Every single step we¡¯ve taken has been wrong! At that time, we should never have allowed Qiao Zijin to marry into our family even if she had been pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child. She¡¯s capable of snatching the fianc¨¦ of her biological younger sister. What else would she not be capable of? Even if it might have affected our Chen family¡¯s reputation, as long as we handled it well and salvaged the situation, with Qiao Nan¡¯s forgiveness and her standing out to speak up for us, that incident might not even have had any impact on my standing!¡±

    But one was just a possibility, while the other was a certainty. As such, they had foolishly chosen the certainty at the point in time and had given up the possibility. At that time, he trulycked foresight. A troublemaker like Qiao Zijin should not have been allowed into the family!

    But it was toote to regret it now. The Chen family had been severely discredited just because of their ex-daughter-inw, Qiao Zijin. At this time, Father Chen viewed Chen Jun and his wife with a simr gaze: one filled with fury. His son had nevercked any women by his side, so why had he chosen Qiao Zijin of all people? Did he not know about how Qiao Zijin was rted to Qiao Nan?

    Ancient people were spot-on when they said that lust was dangerous.

    But when Father Chen thought about how Qiao Zijin was not even that outstanding in terms of her appearance, he had to resist the urge to kill Chen Jun. He was destined for great things but could not even keep his pants in check. There was no wonder why his son was now being gued by Qiao Zijin and had even dragged the whole family down with him. With their hands tied and with no chance to perform, their days were only getting from bad to worse.

    ¡°All right. It¡¯s toote to be saying these things now. Why don¡¯t we talk about how to resolve this problem? How much face must we lose before this matter will finally die down?¡± Mother Chen asked wearily. ¡°Juner, it¡¯s already been two days. Have you thought of a solution?¡±

    Chen Jun, who had been silent this whole time, burst out like a frustrated beast. ¡°If killing someone was not illegal, the best way would be simply to make Qiao Zijin disappear from this.¡±

    ¡°...How about something else?¡± Mother Chen rubbed her temples. This method was not feasible since it would be knowingly going against thew. He should not even have brought it up.

    ¡°I¡¯ve contacted the Qiao family. Although it was Ding Jiayi who said it, I¡¯m guessing that Qiao Zijin was the one who came up with the idea.¡± No one was as regretful as Chen Jun. After all these years, Chen Jun had never really entirely given up on Qiao Nan.

    Besides, he had not really liked Qiao Zijin anyway. He had only married Qiao Zijin because of his child in Qiao Zijin¡¯s stomach. After getting married, Chen Jun had just as many women outside as he had had while he had still been in college because he had married a woman whom he did not like. But Chen Jun was brilliant and discreet about it. How could Qiao Zijin have found out about it if Qiao Nan herself had never even suspected a thing?

    With such a colorful life and with different women in his embrace every night, Chen Jun could not help but wonder if his life would still be in such a state if he had never slept with Qiao Zijin and had instead married Qiao Nan.

    When Chen Jun asked himself this rhetorical question, he realized that his answer was actually that he was willing!

 Chapter 1779 - Denial

    <h4>Chapter 1779: Denial</h4>

    He could not be certain that he would really not touch any other woman except for Qiao Nan if he had really gotten married to Qiao Nan. But what he could be certain of was that he would only do that once in a while as a means of spicing up his rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    At the thought of Qiao Nan, his impetuous heart could finally calm down. He felt as though only a ce with Qiao Nan was a warm andforting ce that enticed him to return. But these were feelings that Qiao Zijin had never been able to provide him with. Perhaps he should never have let his pride get the better of him at that time.

    His father was right. One misstep led to a fall down the wrong path.

    Even though they were biological sisters, Qiao Zijin waspletely different from Qiao Nan. Because of Qiao Zijin, he had missed out on Qiao Nan, causing his life to spiral into a mess, so much so that his life was actually regressing!

    ¡°What did Ding Jiayi say?¡± Father Chen looked at Chen Jun. Father Chen agreed with Chen Jun¡¯s assessment of Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Zijin. Ding Jiayi was rather brainless. As such, no matter what she did, she always listened to whatever Qiao Zijin told her to do. She truly thought that her daughter, Qiao Zijin, was extraordinarily intelligent and promising, and thus, she would never go wrong by following Qiao Zijin¡¯s advice. Hence, whatever Ding Jiayi said was sure to be what Qiao Zijin had said. There was no doubt about that. But there were some things that Qiao Zijin felt were inappropriate for her to say. To leave a good impression on others, she pushed all that responsibility to Ding Jiayi, who thus became her spokesperson.

    Father Chen had nothing to say about Ding Jiayi deceiving herself like an ostrich because he could not even be bothered to evaluate it.

    ¡°She said that our family must take responsibility for Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery fees and give her a five-thousand yuan monthly living allowance once she¡¯s discharged.¡± To be honest, this was not a difficult request for the Chen family. They werepletely able to afford it.

    Before the couple had gotten divorced, Chen Jun had also been giving Qiao Zijin around four to five thousand yuan worth of monthly living allowances. But the problem was that they had not yet been divorced at that time. Now that they were divorced, it did not make any sense for him to support Qiao Zijin as though they were still married!

    He thought about how a woman like Qiao Zijin had the guts to cheat on him. If this was not a civilized society, he would have killed Qiao Zijin long ago when he first saw Qiao Zijin lying naked in some other man¡¯s embrace, let alone now that he was expected to support her.

    No wonder people always said that the ugly always created more trouble.

    At that time, Qiao Zijin had already shown that she had no limits and that there was nothing she dared not do after she had snatched him over from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Mother Chen was the first to disagree. ¡°Does money grow on trees? She¡¯s asking for a few hundred thousand yuan just like that!¡± Qiao Zijin was only forty years old. Now, it was not umon for people to live to their seventies or eighties. A year¡¯s worth of allowances was sixty thousand yuan. Ten years¡¯ worth would be six hundred thousand yuan. Thirty years¡¯ worth would be a million and eight hundred thousand yuan! With the cost of the surgery, that would add up to almost two million yuan!

    How could Qiao Zijin be so ¡®capable¡¯ that she could pocket two million yuan from just opening her mouth? ¡°We absolutely cannot agree to her terms. Believe it or not, once we agree to this, she might just ask for a one-time payment. When that timees, our family will have to fork out at least two million yuan all at once. If we were really to pay her, we¡¯ll be creating trouble for ourselves.¡±

    As government officials, the mention of money would always draw other people¡¯s attention, even if the money was obtained through legal means. When arge sum of money came into the picture, they would be easy targets.

    ¡°We have two choices now. One, we can choose to go bankrupt. That is, of course, not without its risks. Two, we can choose to be humiliated.¡± Father Chen¡¯s expression was not much different from Mother Chen¡¯s. At the mention of his ex-daughter-inw, Qiao Zijin, Father Chen was utterly disgusted and frustrated. The Chen family had truly umted ten lifetimes worth of bad luck and exhausted it all on getting an ex-daughter-inw like Qiao Zijin.

    When their son got remarried in the future, the elderly couple would have to keep their eyes open to ensure that there would be no second Qiao Zijin in the Chen family. If this happened a few more times, their lives would definitely be shortened.

    It was either bankruptcy or humiliation. Faced with such a choice, Chen Jun would much rather go bankrupt than let the whole world know that the wife of the policemissioner of Ping Cheng cheated on his husband! But going bankrupt was not as simple as it seemed. It could very well involve the sensitive topic of corruption.

    It was not as though he could choose to go bankrupt as he wished. ¡°So I guess we can only choose to get humiliated?¡±

    ¡°I guess. Juner, be more open-minded about this. Even though not everyone knew about her getting married into our family, we¡¯ve already been humiliated ever since she married into the Chen family. It¡¯s just that not many people knew about this. Now, it¡¯s just that more people will find out about this matter. Just let her have her way. I¡¯ve finally understood that Qiao Zijin is a scoundrel! The nicer you treat her, the more she¡¯ll bully you by putting in unreasonable demands.¡±

    Pitiful? What nonsense!

    How could a woman who had cheated on her husband and had been caught red-handed be pitiful? She could not wait for this woman, who had ruined the Chen family¡¯s reputation, to die! Why was she not dead yet?

    ¡°All right. We¡¯ll just leave this matter aside and let Qiao Zijin kick up as much fuss as she likes. Your mom is right. We¡¯ve already been humiliated by her. All that¡¯s happening now is that we¡¯re getting even more humiliated. Anyway, I¡¯m not feeling very well. I¡¯m going back to my room to rest for a bit. Don¡¯t bother calling me for dinnerter. Just let the auntie bring my dinner into the study room.¡±

    Even he had started to worry that the sight of his grandson would remind him of his grandson¡¯s mom. If that were to happen, he would not even need to eat anything. His anger would fill him.

    In an instant, the situation with Qiao Zijin¡¯s son, who had once been treated like a precious gem in the Chen family, became incredibly awkward. Initially, he had been pampered and treated like a little emperor in the Chen family. But because of a mom like Qiao Zijin, he was now out of favor.

    Chen Feng naturally felt the change in his grandparents¡¯ attitudes toward him. It was not just his grandpa and grandma. Even when his dad got home from work now, he no longer asked about his son¡¯s day nor fussed over his son. Chen Feng was not young anymore, and he knew whatever he should know.

    He knew that his mom had done something wrong against his dad. That was why the two of them had gotten a divorce and his mom had returned to live with his maternal grandma. Recently, his mom had even been in the news, and it was exactly because of this that the Chen family had been utterly embarrassed.

    The thought of his ssmates in school asking him about whether that woman on television was his mother and why they looked alike, Chen Feng¡¯s expression darkened. In school, he absolutely denied that that woman was his mom.

 Chapter 1780 - Dowry

    <h4>Chapter 1780: Dowry</h4>

    He could not understand why other moms were so good while his own mom was so bad.

    In the past, his grandparents and father had liked him very much and had treated him very well. But now, all the adults in the family disliked him and were starting to shun him. The auntie at home said that the sight of him reminded his grandparents of his mom, which infuriated them. It was entirely his mom¡¯s fault that their family had gotten into such a situation. He hated his mom to death!

    Chen Feng had not been brought up by Qiao Zijin but by Mother Chen. As such, Chen Feng had never been on especially good terms with Qiao Zijin. Even after Qiao Zijin had gotten divorced from Chen Jun and left the Chen family, Chen Feng had never thrown a tantrum because he missed Qiao Zijin. In fact, to the young Chen Feng, there had been absolutely no impact on his life whether Qiao Zijin was around or not.

    Little Chen Feng pouted, and with a face simr to that of Chen Jun, he silently returned to his room. Recently, no one in the Chen family had been in the mood to sit down together for a proper meal.

    Qiao Nan had already known that the Chen family would be implicated in Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter, but she had not thought much about this situation. From the day Qiao Zijin got pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child, she had nothing to do with Chen Jun anymore, much less the Chen family.

    No matter how bad the Chen family¡¯s situation got because of Qiao Zijin, that was between the Chen family and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°See, I told you so. I knew that there would be a sequel.¡±

    After having received the news, the station could not afford to test their luck and thus investigated the information that had been sent in anonymously. After a thorough investigation, they found that everything the anonymous sender had said was, in fact, true! Not only was Qiao Zijin the policemissioner¡¯s ex-wife, but Qiao Zijin also had a house that was worth almost two million yuan under her name!

    F*ck! If someone who had a property worth two million still needed donations, then what would those people who had neither a house nor savings do? Should they all jump into the river to end their lives?

    What Qiao Zijin was doing could be counted as donation fraud. There were tons of poor people in the world. Given Qiao Zijin¡¯s background, she should never qualify for donations from other people.

    With solid evidence in hand, the staff from the station immediately headed to interview Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. ¡°We would like to ask whether Miss Qiao is truly so poor that you¡¯re unable to afford your own surgery. Is your family really unable to afford Miss Qiao¡¯s kidney transnt?¡±

    At the sight of the reporters, Ding Jiayi was stunned. Had they not already posed these questions before? Why were they asking them again? ¡°Of course. Of course, it¡¯s real. If you don¡¯t believe us, we can show you our bank books. You¡¯re from the television station. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re able to check our bank ounts to see how much money we have in our ounts.¡±

    Of course it was all real. Their family was already almost at the end of the road. They could barely fork out the money to pay for Zijin¡¯s hospitalization bills, let alone Zijin¡¯s surgery.

    Now that she wascking financially, Ding Jiayi could not help but reminisce about the days when Qiao Nan was still around. At that time, she had never needed to worry or fret over finances. Even if the person in need of money was Qiao Zijin, the one who would eventually solve the problem for them would always be Qiao Nan.

    But this wretched girl was so vicious. Qiao Nan clearly knew that Zijin was waiting for this sum of money to save her life, but she had been so heartless as to donate all that money away, wanting to see Zijin die. That was impossible. No matter what it took, she would never let Zijin die.

    Since Qiao Nan was heartless enough to leave Zijin to die, Qiao Nan would simrly leave Old Qiao and Ding Jiayi in the lurch if anything were to happen to them in the future. The only one she could rely on was Zijin alone. Once she grew old and could no longer walk, she would have to rely on Zijin to take care of her. If Zijin was gone, she and Old Qiao would simply have to wait for death.

    ¡°Madam Ding, are you sure that you¡¯re telling the truth?¡± There was a glint in the reporter¡¯s eyes. If it was not for the evidence she had in her hands, she would really have been deceived by Ding Jiayi¡¯s insistence. Hahaha. What a drama queen. They were all great actors and actresses. Their lies were more convincing than the truth!

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure. I¡¯m really sure. I¡¯ve said that you can go check it for yourself if you don¡¯t believe me!¡±

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, do you know that we, as reporters, have no right to check on your bank ounts? But Madam Ding, since you¡¯re so certain, can we ask whether you know how much the house you¡¯re living in is worth? If you guys sell this house, you¡¯ll get at least a million yuan. Is this money not enough for Miss Qiao¡¯s treatment?¡±

    ¡°How can you say such a thing?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression darkened as she became upset. ¡°How can we sell our house? Where would our family of three sleep if we were to sell our house? Are you asking us to sleep on the streets?¡±

    Their family did not have cash, but they had never said that theycked a roof over their heads. Earlier on, they had always been harping on the issue of cash. But why was their house suddenly being brought into the picture?

    ¡°Is that so? Does your family really not have a second apartment to live in once you sell this house?¡± The more Ding Jiayi insisted on her stance, the more upset the reporter got. She had no other choice. Their station had received a huge sum of donations, but now, they knew for sure that Qiao Zijin was not poor at all. In fact, she owned a property! Even if they were to sell this house, the Qiao family would still have another house for Qiao Zijin to live in. The money they would receive from the sale would be more than enough for Qiao Zijin to have ten kidney transnts!

    Why would someone like that need any donations? This would simply be ruining their station¡¯s reputation!

    If Ding Jiayi had not rushed in front of the camera while wailing and sobbing during the live broadcast that day, begging the station for their help, their station would never have made such a simple error. They would never have reported the Qiao family¡¯s situation after only doing a rough background check to ensure that the Qiao family¡¯s situation was more or less the same as what Ding Jiayi had said.

    Without this huge premise, their station would never have made such an error in their reporting. Moreover, they had no idea whether their way of handling the matter afterward would be enough to salvage their station¡¯s reputation and allow them to regain public trust.

    Ding Jiayi did not sense a problem, but Qiao Zijin sensed that something was amiss. ¡°Miss Reporter, why are you suddenly asking about that?¡± The reporter was clearly asking whether their family only had one house. Everything had been fine, so why had the reporter suddenly brought up the issue of their house?

    Would Qiao Zijin really not know about her own finances? Of course Qiao Zijin knew everything about it. Qiao Nan had taken on the burden of paying for the mortgage of a house. At the time of purchase, that house had only been worth six hundred thousand yuan. But now that the property prices had soared, it was worth more than two million yuan!

    That house was her dowry. It was her personal asset that could not be touched!

 Chapter 1781 - Who Bought the House?

    <h4>Chapter 1781: Who Bought the House?</h4>

    Initially, she had never thought of selling that house for her kidney transnt. Qiao Nan was quite useless, but with some effort, two hundred yuan was not that difficult to attain.

    But no one had expected that Qiao Nan would be so heartless and run away secretly with all that money that was meant for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment, all the while knowing that Qiao Zijin was waiting for her to save her life! If Qiao Nan had not created this mess, she would never have had to act so pitiful in front of a camera. She did indeed have the money to treat her illness, but hadn¡¯t Qiao Nan taken all of that money away with her?

    There was no way she would touch that house.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, would you like to answer this question personally? After getting a divorce, is it really true that you have absolutely nothing and have no means of saving yourself now that you have uremia?¡± The reporter did not answer Qiao Zijin and instead relentlessly pursued an answer from Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°What are you doing? Don¡¯t you know that Zijin¡¯s sick? Is this how you treat a patient? I looked for you guys because we¡¯re truly out of options. I didn¡¯t look for you to get questioned like a suspect. My daughter is sick and frail. What if you scare her and her condition deteriorates even further? I-I¡¯ll get you to take responsibility!¡± Ding Jiayi was guilty and angry all at once.

    It was not as though she was aplete fool. She had understood what the reporter meant. The Qiao family still had a house that they could sell, and the money from the sale would be sufficient to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment. Since they had the means to do so, why had they painted such a pitiful portrait of themselves in front of the camera? The house was not cash indeed, but it was worth some money and could be changed into cash.

    If they sold it, would they not have money for the treatment?

    The problem was that Ding Jiayi could not possibly say that she did not want to sell the house because she would have nowhere to live after selling the house. Ding Jiayi knew that once she said that, everyone who got to know her through this television program would spit at her in the future whenever she left her house.

    Was her family¡¯s money money but other people¡¯s money not money? Did other people¡¯s money grow on trees?

    What made Ding Jiayi even guiltier was that it was true that the Qiao family did not own just one property. The Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard was actually a rather big plot ofnd. Although it could not be demolished to make way for a new house, it was still located in a good location and would sell for a good price. But Qiao Zijin¡¯s apartment was an entirely different case. Not only was it big, but it was also in a good location and had the best amenities around.

    Actually, Qiao Nan had wanted to buy that house for herself at that time. But knowing that Qiao Nan had been saving money for herself and had even made the down-payment for a house, Ding Jiayi was infuriated by the fact that Qiao Nan had been hiding money from her! Ding Jiayi had put in a tremendous amount of effort in wiping Qiao Nanpletely dry. From then on, the moment Qiao Nan received her sry, Ding Jiayi would make a trip down to check on how much Qiao Nan had earned. Then, she would take everything from Qiao Nan, leaving nothing to Qiao Nan.

    Later, when Ding Jiayi had told Qiao Zijin about this matter, Qiao Zijin thought about how she had nothing except for a pregnant belly when she married into the Chen family. A thought came into her mind. Instead of saving the money that Ding Jiayi had gotten from Qiao Nan, they might as well purchase that apartment that Qiao Nan had her sights on. It was just as well since she had no dowry anyway.

    Qiao Zijin had simply done it on a whim. She had never even considered the location of the apartment or thepany that was constructing the building. It did not matter to her since she was not the one paying the down payment, and neither would she be the one paying the mortgage in the future. No matter where the house was located, there was no way she would be on the losing end since this house was free anyway.

    Thus, Qiao Nan¡¯s earnings and the house that Qiao Nan had set her sights on all became Qiao Zijin¡¯s. As the property prices rose by the day, Qiao Zijin was gleeful about how she was the one who had benefited from Qiao Nan¡¯s foresight and earning power since the house was hers alone.

    Qiao Nan was fated to lead a hard life and be a coolie for her so that she could enjoy the joys of life.

    In front of the media, the Qiao family had subconsciously ignored the existence of this house. They had not even mentioned the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard, let alone this house. Now that the reporter relentlessly asked about whether they truly had no other properties, whether they had no means of paying for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment, and whether they truly needed the donations, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could not help but panic.

    Before today¡¯s incident, the staff from the television station had been very sympathetic toward their plight and had even joined them in calling Qiao Nan a heartless person. It waspletely different from today¡¯s expressionless faces and cool tones used when talking to them. It was as though this was the calm before the storm.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s pupils quavered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just underwent treatment today, so I¡¯m not at my peak mentally or physically today. I¡¯m feeling a little dizzy. Shall we continue this interview another day when I¡¯m feeling better? I just want to rest for a while and have some time to myself.¡±

    Qiao Zijin clutched her head. Her tone had been normal just a while ago, but now, her voice was toned down as though she was truly feeling unwell.

    Having been in this line for a long time, the reporter had seen many patients over the span of her career. However, she had never seen a ¡®patient¡¯ who confidently and spiritedly asked what the reporter meant one minute, and said that speaking was too exhausting for her in the next.

    Qiao Zijin stuttered while speaking. Not only was she dishonest and cunning, but she also looked nothing like someone who would take bullying just like that. In that case, the younger sister, who had beenmbasted by thousands, could very well be the one being bullied instead!

    The elder sister had a property worth two million yuan in her possession but kept going on about how she had no money to treat her illness, and she had even called her younger sister out for taking all of her money away, leaving her elder sister to die. Drawing a connection to the evidence she had in her hands, the reporter sneered. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We asked the doctor all about Miss Qiao¡¯s condition beforeing here. Miss Qiao¡¯s condition is still the same as before. If Miss Qiao was able to give us an interview before, there¡¯s no reason why you aren¡¯t able to do so today.¡±

    ¡°Miss Qiao, we¡¯re very curious. You only worked for a short period of time before getting married, and your sry wasn¡¯t that high either. After you got married, you immediately resigned from your job to be a full-time housewife. I have some information on hand that has been verified by my colleague. It says that Miss Qiao, you have a house that¡¯s worth two million yuan under your name. Can I ask why your family is acting poor and iming to have no money for your treatment even though you guys clearly have two houses? And as someone who hasn¡¯t been in the workforce for such a long time, how did you manage to buy that house? Who gave you the money? Was it your ex-husband? But the strange thing is that when we checked on the mortgage on that house, it¡¯s always the Qiao family that has been repaying the mortgage, and the funds have always been transferred from your mother¡¯s ount.¡±

 Chapter 1782 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 1782: Shameless</h4>

    ¡°Madam Ding, didn¡¯t you say that you have never worked before? How did you get the hundreds of thousands of yuan to buy a house for Miss Qiao?¡±

    Qiao Zijin basically never worked. For the old Qiao couple, one of them was paid a fixed sry while the other did housework at home without earning any sry. Where did the hundreds of thousands of yuane from then? At this time, everyone couldn¡¯t help but think of the younger Qiao sister, the one who so-called ran away with the life-saving money for her biological sister¡¯s treatment.

    Some things were not based just on Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s words alone. What they said wasn¡¯t facts that everyone should believe right away. It wasn¡¯t the truth at all. Of course, their words naturally couldn¡¯t stand scrutiny.

    Out of the Qiao family of three, two of them were full-time housewives and led an idle life. The pir of the Qiao family was getting older and was paid only a fixed sry. Going by this, wasn¡¯t the only person actually working in the Qiao family the younger Qiao sister who had ¡®ran away with the life-saving money¡¯?

    The three from the Qiao family couldn¡¯t earn much money. Qiao Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt operation needed quite a sum of money. Here was the issue again. Where did the money the younger Qiao sister ¡®ran away¡¯ withe from? It couldn¡¯t be that someone had donated to Qiao Zijin, right?

    The only exnation was that this sum of money originated from the younger Qiao sister!

    If Qiao Zijin really didn¡¯t have any assets and could only rely on her biological sister to save her life, and her biological sister had left with her own money, then from the legal side of things, the younger Qiao sister didn¡¯t have to bear any obligations. However, from the morals and kinship side of things, Miss Qiao was indeed to be med.

    However, the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and the younger Qiao sister wasn¡¯t like that at all, alright?

    Qiao Zijin had already obtained a house from the younger Qiao sister. She still wanted to continue exploiting the younger Qiao sister and get her to fork out the money for her medical treatment. Even Ding Jiayi, the biological mother, didn¡¯t treat Qiao Zijin this well. On what basis should Qiao Zijin ask her biological sister to fork out money and sacrifice for her in this way?

    Qiao Zijin clearly took advantage of her biological sister.

    The person who imed to be miserable was, in fact, not miserable at all. Instead, the sister who was almostmbasted to be heartless was the real and only tragic character in the Qiao family.

    ¡°Miss Qiao, ording to our investigations, when you were ill, your sister ran into a car ident. You said that your sister had taken away all your life-saving money. That was, in fact, the marypensation to her by the driver who had knocked her down. Is what we have found out true? Is the truth like this?¡±

    Qiao Zijin regarded the marypensation from the car ident as her own and felt that it was wrong for the younger Qiao sister to take it away. Should the whole world belong to Qiao Zijin? How shameless.

    The reporter today was twice as angry aspared to when she had first heard about this incident. What was different was that the reporter¡¯s anger was initially directed at Qiao Nan. Now, it was directed at Qiao Zijin. Ever since working as a reporter, she had often seen shameless people, but not such shameless ones. Her lower limit was repeatedly refreshed by these shameless people.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. This time, she wasn¡¯t pretending. She was really frightened. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well. I¡¯m really not feeling well now. I¡¯m not going to ept your interview. I want to rest. Please go out. Doctor. Doctor!¡± In the face of the camera, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t act as skillful and calm as before. She pulled up her nket in embarrassment to cover her face.

    Actually, this guilty action of Qiao Zijin had already answered the reporter¡¯s question. Everything the reporter found out was the truth. The Qiao family wasn¡¯t poor at all. In fact, their family conditions were pretty good. They had two houses with a total value of more than three million yuan.

    Was such a person pitiful? Did she really need the donations?

    Whoever donated was a fool. If the TV station wanted to continue helping Qiao Zijin, it would just be ruining its own reputation.

    Qiao Zijin must have been extremely bold to fool the public and the media. She was courting her own death!

    Everyone didn¡¯t understand why Qiao Zijin did such a thing when she was really sick. They couldn¡¯t figure out Qiao Zijin, who had pulled up the nket to cover her face on TV. Qiao Nan expressed that she understood this. In her dreams, she had already seen such a simr scene once.

    Indeed, as long as she didn¡¯t cooperate, Qiao Zijin would always put on a pitiful act, regardless if this was in her dreams or not. The reason why she dreamed about a simr situation might be because she had long guessed that Qiao Zijin bore such temper. Upon thinking of her dream where Qiao Zijin gave birth to a daughter and Zhou Xing became a celebrity eventually, Qiao Nanughed coldly. Qiao Zijin had an innate desire to put up a performance, she supposed.

    ¡°Sorry for the long dy again. I¡¯ll check out these items for you.¡± After watching the news, thedy boss realized that she had once again kept Qiao Nan, the customer, waiting. She didn¡¯t know why, but she seemed to see this customer often recently. It seemed like this customer didn¡¯t like to order takeaways and liked to cook for herself at home. She used up oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar faster than others.

    Qiao Nan pointed to the items on the counter. ¡°Yes, these items.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Thedy boss calcted the price quickly. ¡°You¡¯ve seen the news just now as well. I didn¡¯t expect that there would be such shameless people in this world. The family owns two houses. If she casually sold one away, she would still have a ce to live in and would have plenty of money to spend on medical treatment. Now, she even wanted people to donate money for her operation. Isn¡¯t this a scam?¡±

    Thedy boss muttered and started to discuss Qiao Zijin¡¯s news with Qiao Nan. ¡°Thankfully, I didn¡¯t donate. If those people who had donated suddenly realized that the recipient of their donation was much richer than themselves, I don¡¯t know how they would feel. Initially, I was still quite angry at that younger sister for being mean. Now, it looks like the younger sister is quite pitiful. Needless to say, that old couple wasn¡¯t the one who bought the house. It should be the younger sister who forked out the money.¡±

    The younger sister forked out the money for a house that became the older sister¡¯s. The older sister wasn¡¯t willing to sell the house when she was sick and expected the younger sister to fork out the money...

    Upon thinking that the money imed by Qiao Zijin to have been taken away by the younger sister was actually the marypensation received by thetter for the car ident, thedy boss became even more speechless. In this world, only Qiao Zijin treated her own life as important. The lives of others were not important at all.

    ¡°That mother is too overboard as well. Both are her daughters but she¡¯s so biased. Do you think that younger daughter might have been adopted?¡± Otherwise, why was it that one was the money-making machine for the family while the other could just sit idly and enjoy the fruits of others¡¯ work? Even the marypensation from the car ident belonged to her.

    Qiao Nanughed sarcastically. ¡°Who knows? If that¡¯s really the case, it might even be considered a blessing for that younger Qiao sister.¡±

 Chapter 1783 - Having an Ax to Grind

    <h4>Chapter 1783: Having an Ax to Grind</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s not umon for an adoptive mother to treat her like this. If she was the biological mother... How heartbreaking.¡± Thedy boss nodded repeatedly.

    The boss became speechless. ¡°Okay, stop dying the customer¡¯s time. You have already kept her waiting for so long. Now, you¡¯re even dragging her to chat with you. Are you nning to give her a sry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not that Qiao Zijin. How is it that I couldn¡¯t afford her sry?¡± Thedy boss became unhappy. She was chatting happily with the customer. The customer didn¡¯t seem to be unhappy either. Why did her husbandment as such? It was so irritating.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the money. It¡¯s exact, so there¡¯s no need for any change. Bye.¡± Seeing that the couple was about to argue because of her, Qiao Nan took out the money, ced it in thedy boss¡¯s hands, and hurriedly left with her items.

    Qiao Nan had sent out the information that was received by the TV station. Qiao Nan knew that unless nobody from the TV station saw her message, someone from the TV station would definitely check on the information she provided regarding Qiao Zijin¡¯s financial situation. Qiao Nan bought an off-n house that was still under construction. Her rented house didn¡¯t have a TV, thus it was inconvenient at times to watch the news and she had to make a few trips to the supermarket to use their TV instead.

    Upon seeing a result that satisfied her and that the public¡¯s kind donations were not wasted on a person like Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan felt happy. This world could be cold to some and warm to some. However, warmth shouldn¡¯t be extended to a cold person like Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan walked back to her rented house in a rxed mood. At this time, Qiao Nan saw an extremely familiar car. In her dreams, she had sat in this car for a few years. However, wasn¡¯t that only a dream? Why did the car in her dreams actually exist in real life?

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t recover herself for quite some time after seeing the car leaving her sight. Even the license te was exactly the same as the one in her dream. This license te had a special significance. Only people in the military and political circles would have it. If that was the case, could the owner of the car be the same as the one in her dream?

    The confused Qiao Nan rubbed her face and copsed on the bed. She felt that she was going crazy. She always wanted to distinguish the difference between reality and dream. Why did she keep encountering the same situation from her dream again and again in reality?

    Feeling extremelyplicated, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help it and went to see a psychiatrist. It was just that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t satisfied with the result. The psychiatrist said that she was getting older and was living in poor conditions, thus she might have desired strongly in her heart a person who could pull herself out of the pit. She also had an assumption of this person in her heart, thus she had made a dream that projected this reality, causing the reality and dream not to be clearly distinguished.

    She repeatedly encountered the same situation from her dream because the subject of her emotional projection had long received her subconscious attention. She had also subconsciously read information about this person and memorized it. As such, everything was reflected in her dream. It was just that she didn¡¯t notice this subconscious.

    In short, her dreams reflected her thoughts in the day.

    Qiao Nan fancied Zhai Sheng and thus got married to him in the dream and formed a family with him. In reality, Qiao Nan led an unsatisfactory life. She was getting old, but not only was she not married, but she also didn¡¯t have children. As such, in her dream, Qiao Nan was blessed to have given birth to triplets. All of this was a projection of Qiao Nan¡¯s mood.

    The psychiatrist¡¯s exnation didn¡¯t make Qiao Nan¡¯s condition better. Instead, it made her feel more irritable, like a trapped beast. As she looked at the mirror in all directions, she couldn¡¯t figure out if she was in the mirror, or if the person the mirror reflected was her.

    Just as Qiao Nan was about to walk into a dead end, someone came knocking on the door. ¡°Is anyone home?¡±

    Qiao Nan tidied her hair so that she wouldn¡¯t look like a madwoman and scare her guest away. ¡°I¡¯m home. Hello,ndy? Is anything the matter?¡± When she saw that the person who came looking for her was herndy, Qiao Nan was surprised. ¡°Is there anything I can help with?¡± The rental was paid thrice. She was paying the utility bills herself. There shouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. It has nothing to do with the house.¡± Thendy¡¯s smile contained a little ttery. Qiao Nan felt inexplicable.

    In her dream, Qiao Nan had seen too much of such a smile. The problem was that this was reality. She was only a tenant. Why would thendy try to please her?

    ¡°Oh, okay. Then, tell me. What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiao Nan nodded. Perhaps the psychiatrist¡¯s words had caused her to be even more confused, and her eyes weren¡¯t working well as well. She could actually see the look of ttery and guilt from thendy¡¯s face. Aside from the high-spirited self in her dream, she was a nobody.

    Thendy took a deep breath. ¡°If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, you came over from Ping Cheng, right? You¡¯re a local from Ping Cheng?¡±

    ¡°Uh, yes.¡± Doing a check?

    ¡°Oh, then that¡¯s great.¡± Thendy smiled happily. Thankfully, she had indeed not remembered wrongly. Otherwise, she would be embarrassed. ¡°I would like to ask you for a favor. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not for nothing. You will receive some money. It could be said that you¡¯re helping me. It could also be said that I¡¯m introducing a part-time job to you. Do you think that works?¡±

    This would be mutually beneficial.

    She observed that this tenant was not bad. She usually lived very quietly, had good hygiene, and cooked her meals at home. She was a woman who knew how to lead a life. As to why she was old but still single and didn¡¯t have a man by her side, thendy didn¡¯t care so much, and it wasn¡¯t convenient for her to ask either.

    Most importantly, she thought of this tenant immediately when she encountered this problem because the tenant was working, but she didn¡¯t know what jobs she was taking. She looked rxed and stayed at home every day.

    In this way, her time matched the job that she wanted to introduce to her.

    Upon hearing that thendy wanted to introduce a job to her, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. She wasn¡¯t unemployed and she didn¡¯t owe thendy money. She didn¡¯t understand why she wanted to introduce a job to her. ¡°Actually, I am employed.¡± Not only was she employed, but she was also a part-time trantor.

    ¡°I know. I don¡¯t mean anything else.¡± Thendy hesitated on what to say. After all, she had an ax to grind for introducing this job to Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before that my main purpose isn¡¯t to introduce a job to you.¡± Where would she have the skill and time to care if the tenant had a job?

 Chapter 1784 - Starting Next Month

    <h4>Chapter 1784: Starting Next Month</h4>

    ¡°Actually, I want to ask you for a favor. If you ept this job, you¡¯re considered helping me and I¡¯ll waive a year of rent for you. See if this works. If you want to continue staying at my ce in the future, I promise not to increase your rent and I wouldn¡¯t want your deposit. We can sign another contract then as well. Do you think this is fine?¡±

    Even though she said it was going to be mutually beneficial, thendy knew that it was mainly her begging Qiao Nan. It didn¡¯t matter to Qiao Nan if she didn¡¯t have this job or sry. As such, she naturally had to give Qiao Nan some good conditions such that she would be moved and agree to it.

    How much was the rental? Nothing was more important than her son¡¯s future.

    Seeing that thendy looked anxious, Qiao Nan was curious about what type of job could have such a huge impact on her. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t you share with me what kind of job this is? For all you know, I might not be able to be of help.¡± Waiver of a year¡¯s rent was pretty impressive. Anyway, she didn¡¯t know when she could receive her off-n property. It was naturally a good thing if her rent wasn¡¯t increased.

    ¡°It¡¯s like this. My son¡¯s boss came back to Qingshui Town to recuperate from his illness. Perhaps his position is too high and his temper isn¡¯t particrly good. He doesn¡¯t scold or hit people, but he just doesn¡¯t like smiling and talking. Aftering over to Qingshui Town, he had a poor appetite. This isn¡¯t good for his illness. My son thought that since his boss is from Ping Cheng, he could find an auntie from that area to take care of him. The sry wouldn¡¯t be low, and the workload wouldn¡¯t be too heavy.¡±

    Her son¡¯s boss had originally hired an auntie to take care of him. However, the dishes she made didn¡¯t suit him, so she quit. If he didn¡¯t eat properly, how could he recuperate well from his illness?

    Her son cracked his brain. Although the boss¡¯s hometown was in Qingshui Town, he had grown up in Ping Cheng since he was young. Perhaps the taste and cooking habits were different in both ces. He might as well find an auntie from Ping Cheng to take care of his boss.

    If the boss was well taken care of, her son could im merit in the future. If not, he might even receive demerits!

    For this matter, thendy was worried as a mother. When she heard her son mention this, she was slightly depressed. Where would she find an auntie from Ping Cheng to take care of her son¡¯s boss in such a short period of time?

    Unless her son made a trip specially to Ping Cheng and brought over all the nannies from Ping Cheng to Qingshui Town and let his boss try them one by one. After that, thendy was inspired. She vaguely remembered that she had a new tenant recently. It was a woman and she seemed to be from Ping Cheng!

    When thendy¡¯s son first heard about his mother¡¯s n, he disagreed. His boss had a bad temper, and it wasn¡¯t that easy to get close to him. Was it really appropriate to approach their tenant for this? If something went wrong, it wouldn¡¯t be a beautiful sight.

    Thendy was hesitant as well. However, when she saw how perplexed her son was, she said directly, ¡°Let¡¯s not care if it¡¯s appropriate or not. Give it a try first. If this doesn¡¯t work, then we¡¯ll find another person. That woman surnamed Qiao looks good-tempered. The rented house is always kept clean and she never orders takeaways. She looks like someone who knows how to lead a good life. Such a person would know how to take care of others. Furthermore, haven¡¯t you said so yourself? Your boss isn¡¯t easy to get close to. However, he isn¡¯t bad-tempered. Let her try. At least, there¡¯s still someone taking care of your boss for now.¡±

    If her son really went to Ping Cheng to find a good nanny, it would take time too, right? During this period of time, it wasn¡¯t that big a problem to let that tenant take care of him.

    When her son heard this, he felt that it made sense and agreed. Once her son nodded, thendy immediately came to find Qiao Nan, hoping that she could help her. Thendy dared to say that they were helping each other. Qiao Nan might not becking this sum of money from this job, but she urgently needed a helping hand, namely Qiao Nan. ¡°See if you can help me? Don¡¯t worry. Although the person you¡¯re taking care of looks cold, he isn¡¯t bad-tempered. Furthermore, you can give it a try and take care of him for a few days first. If it really doesn¡¯t work out, I won¡¯t force you. There¡¯s no choice then. What do you think?¡±

    Thendy didn¡¯t say the specifics. She was afraid if she revealed the other party¡¯s identity, she would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. However, if she said it too vaguely, she felt especially guilty as well. She obviously needed the other party for help but refused to speak clearly. That was considered making trouble.

    ¡°Just take care of him for a few days?¡± One could tell that thendy was put in a difficult spot. Qiao Nan felt the same way too. Regardless of whether it was inside or outside of her dream, she didn¡¯t have the experience as a nanny.

    ¡°Yes, my son¡¯s already nning to make a trip to Ping Cheng to take a look. You just need to take care of him for a few days. Once you agree, my son will set off. Once he brings someone back, you can choose not to continue this job.¡± Thendy also thought of herself for this job. However, it was obvious her son¡¯s boss wasn¡¯tfortable with the people in Qingshui Town. Regardless of how good the nanny was, she ended up resigning.

    After being andy for a good half of her life, she was really not used to serving others.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Thendy¡¯s conditions were tempting, and she only had to take care of him for a few days. Qiao Nan agreed.

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Thendy¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°I promise to fulfill all the promises I made to you just now. If you don¡¯t believe it, I can prepare a contract now. If I increase rent in the future, you will definitely not be affected. I¡¯ve also said to waive this year¡¯s rental for you. Let me know if you want to start calcting from this month or from the month you started renting. If it¡¯s thetter, I¡¯ll return you the money you¡¯ve paid earlier.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s start from next month.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Do you want to make a trip with me now?¡± Her tenant was really easy to talk to.

    Qiao Nan was slightly surprised. ¡°So anxious?¡± She couldn¡¯t seem to wait for a day, let alone an hour.

    Thendyughed awkwardly. ¡°Sister, you should know how to cook, right? It¡¯s like this. My son¡¯s boss came here to recuperate from his illness. However, since he arrived, his appetite had been poor. Why don¡¯t you make some authentic Ping Cheng dishes for him when you reach there?¡±

    Anxious? Of course she was.

    Her son mentioned that his boss ate very little every day. If this continued, he might suffer from gastric problems before recovering from his illness. She couldn¡¯t understand it. As a soldier, no matter how tough the environment was, he could persevere. Why was it that in the face of a good life, he was like a picky three-year-old?

    Could it be that the older one got, the more bad-tempered one was?

    ¡°Okay. Let me change my clothes.¡± It didn¡¯t matter if she looked sloppy when she was alone at home. She was now going to take care of someone. Qiao Nan changed her clothes to show her politeness.

 Chapter 1785 - The Old House of the Zhai Family

    <h4>Chapter 1785: The Old House of the Zhai Family</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You can lead the way. I¡¯ll follow you.¡± Seeing that thendy was walking quickly, Qiao Nan sped up as well.

    When she saw the strange roads be more familiar as well as the surname Zhai, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart beat rapidly. ¡°Landy, you would like me to take care of this family?¡±

    Thendy pped her forehead. ¡°Oh, right. I¡¯m such a fool. You¡¯re from Ping Cheng. You should know what kind of big shotse from Ping Cheng. It¡¯s okay for you to know about this matter. Don¡¯t share this with others. Yes, it¡¯s that big shot from your Ping Cheng. As such, you must do me this favor. Nothing can go wrong. My son is a soldier under him.¡±

    After getting an affirmative answer, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know if she shouldugh or cry. She was already trying her best to distinguish between dream and reality. She wanted to separate everything in her dream from reality so that she wouldn¡¯t be immersed in the dream world and get stuck.

    Who knew that aftering over to Qingshui Town to start a new life, she would bump into that person in her dreams? This was really...

    ¡°Landy, after I¡¯m here today, your son will head to Ping Cheng to find another nanny to take care of him, right?¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She was already at his door. She couldn¡¯t say that she regretted her decision and wasn¡¯t willing to take care of the other party. Thankfully, it was going to be just for a few days. A few days wouldn¡¯t cause her to not distinguish between her reality and dream.

    Furthermore, regardless of how good Zhai Sheng treated her in her dream, that was just a dream. In reality, she and Zhai Sheng were, at most, two parallel lines that would never intersect. This time was just an ident. After a few days, she and Zhai Sheng would return to being strangers.

    Thendy nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t feel stressed. Yes, it¡¯s just for a few days. Nothing will happen. Once my son brings over a nanny, you can return.¡±

    Thendy¡¯s face eased. It was no wonder she was overthinking. When Qiao Nan first came to rent a house, thendy had asked about Qiao Nan¡¯s basic information. She knew that Qiao Nan was unmarried. Zhai Sheng was a chief. His status was extraordinary. Actually, when she first went to look for Qiao Nan, she was also afraid of doing bad things with good intentions and would end up doing harm to her son instead.

    A lot of women would want to get close to a big shot like Zhai Sheng. Who wouldn¡¯t want to be the wife of the chief? What if Qiao Nan caused the chief to be unhappy and burdened her son? That would be awful.

    When thendy saw that Qiao Nan seemed unwilling to have too much contact with Zhai Sheng and only wanted to end the task of taking care of him earlier, she was very happy. This meant that when Qiao Nan saw Zhai Sheng, she wouldn¡¯t do anything that was too rude or annoying.

    That was right as well. He was the chief. He could have any woman he wanted. How would he fancy an unmarried old woman in her forties? One look at her tenant and she knew she was sensible. In the face of a big shot like Zhai Sheng, she should feel nervous too, right?

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath and followed thendy into the Zhai family¡¯s ancestral house. The three generations of the Zhai family were chiefs who had made great contributions to safeguarding the country¡¯s people and assets. In her dream, this house was built when Old Master Zhai was still alive.

    Initially, the mayor of Qingshui Town wanted to fork out some money, but the Zhai family didn¡¯t ept it. Prices in Qingshui Town weren¡¯t high, and the standard of living was affordable. As such, even if they really rebuilt the Zhai family¡¯s old house to be a courtyard full of ancient vors, the Zhai family could stillpletely afford it.

    This house was probably well taken care of. That was why it still looked pretty new as if it was built not too long ago.

    ¡°Mother, is it this auntie?¡± Thendy¡¯s son was in his twenties. He was tall and dark-skinned. Once he saw Qiao Nan, he stuttered a little. He wasn¡¯t sure if he should address Qiao Nan as sister or auntie. In the end, he called Qiao Nan auntie shyly for fear that she would be unhappy if he addressed her as someone younger.

    Thendy pped her son¡¯s body. ¡°Do you know your manners? Call her sister.¡± In this world, which woman would like others addressing her as old? Auntie? She was only ten years older.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°No need. It¡¯s quite appropriate to address me as auntie. Landy, you address me as sister. If your son calls me sister as well, it would sound like a mess.¡± In front of this soldier, it was fine for him to address her as auntie.

    ¡°Haha...¡± The soldier smiled. No wonder his mother insisted on rmending this person. Indeed, she was pretty good at talking, and was someone one would feelfortable with. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to trouble you. I¡¯ll make a trip to Ping Cheng for a few days and will be back soon. Also, don¡¯t think too much of our chief looking cold. Actually, he isn¡¯t bad-tempered. He doesn¡¯t scold others, let alone hit others. If the chief doesn¡¯t talk, you can just leave him alone. There¡¯s nothing else you should pay special attention to in other aspects. Just one point, though. The chief doesn¡¯t like to be disturbed.¡±

    The soldier was really anxious. Ever since the chief came to Qingshui Town, he hadn¡¯t been eating well. Even if he ate his medicines, he always felt uneasy in his heart. The medical facilities in Qingshui Town weren¡¯t as good as Ping Cheng¡¯s. When he went to Ping Cheng this time around, not only was he going to hire a nanny to take care of the chief, but he was also going to get a doctor to give the chief a full health check.

    The chief was extremely important to their mothend. In the event something happened to the chief when he was in his hands, he would be a huge sinner to the country in the future.

    As soon as the soldier saw Qiao Nan, he approved of her. He really couldn¡¯t stay in Qingshui Town any longer. He couldn¡¯t wait for wings to grow on his body and fly to Ping Cheng so that he could settle all his worries.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan loosened her eyebrows. Indeed, a dream was a dream. Once she encountered the situation in reality, Qiao Nan could immediately distinguish between dream and reality. In her dream, although Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t a man who talked a lot, he was definitely not a quiet man. When the two of them were interacting alone, Zhai Sheng rarely kicked up a fuss.

    As such, the Zhai Sheng in her dream waspletely different in reality.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving just like that?¡± Thendy could understand the meaning in her son¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯s really that urgent?¡±

    ¡°It is. I¡¯m so anxious. After reaching Ping Cheng, I have to get a doctor over to do a health check for the chief. The chief doesn¡¯t like hospitals as he hates the smell. If I don¡¯t invite a doctor over, I won¡¯t know exactly how the chief is doing now. The chief must do regr health checks.¡±

    ¡°Okay, shall I drive you over to the car now?¡± Thendy took out her car keys. Nothing was more important than her son¡¯s job.

 Chapter 1786 - Stutter

    <h4>Chapter 1786: Stutter</h4>

    ¡°No need. A car was sent to the chief. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s driving it usually. I¡¯ll use the chief¡¯s car to drive to Ping Cheng.¡± The soldier didn¡¯t tell his biological mother that this car was different. If he drove the chief¡¯s car to Ping Cheng, he could save a lot of trouble and pick up those people whom he should pick up earlier.

    Thendy sighed. ¡°Okay. Go ahead.¡± She wanted to send her son to the station so that she could spend some more time with him. It was rare for her son to return to his hometown, and he didn¡¯t need to continue receiving long-term training in the army. The problem was that after her son returned to Qingshui Town, she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to see her son if she didn¡¯te over to the Zhai family¡¯spound.

    However, it was also good that her son was closer to her. She could take the initiative toe over to see him.

    ¡°Sister, go in. If you¡¯re careful, you can¡¯t go wrong. I shan¡¯t enter.¡± After her son left, thendy got Qiao Nan to enter the Zhai familypound. However, she didn¡¯t do so. Obviously, she remembered that Zhai Sheng was a person who loved the quiet and needed quiet rest.

    Qiao Nan tried hard to lower the shoulders that she had lifted. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll enter now. Aside from what I¡¯m supposed to do, I won¡¯t do anything else and cause trouble to you.¡±

    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t mind me.¡± Thendy loosened her eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s simply because this big shot is too unique. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be so nervous. Actually, I don¡¯t really understand. He¡¯s such a formidable big shot. Even if he needs to recuperate in the capital, there would be a team of specialists taking care of him. Why did he have to return to Qingshui Town?¡± That gave her son a lot of work.

    ¡°It¡¯s because he¡¯s here at Qingshui Town that you have a chance to see your son.¡± Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but speak up for Zhai Sheng. It was true that Zhai Sheng¡¯s life and health was no longer just his own concern but the country¡¯s. As such, if something happened to Zhai Sheng, there was a need to mobilize everyone.

    Zhai Sheng had already minimized the big battle bying over to Qingshui Town to recuperate. No matter when or under what circumstances, the men of the Zhai family weren¡¯t arrogant to consider everybody and everything beneath them.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Thendy let go of her unhappiness quickly. Without this incident, she wouldn¡¯t have seen her son so many times this year. Furthermore, after receiving the task of taking care of the chief, her son had always been happy and excited. Her son was nervous because he was worried that he couldn¡¯t take good care of the chief. He didn¡¯t find any problems with the chief. ¡°Our conversation has caused some dy again. Sister, hurry in now. Oh right, there are some ingredients in the refrigerator. Perhaps you could make something for the chief to eat?¡±

    ¡°All the ingredients are in the refrigerator. Aren¡¯t there any fresh ingredients that were bought today?¡± Qiao Nan pressed her lips into a thin line. Unless fresh fruits and vegetables from the market couldn¡¯t be bought due to seasonal reasons, she generally didn¡¯t like cooking with ingredients in the refrigerator.

    ¡°There are,¡± thendy said hurriedly. ¡°The ingredients for the chief are delivered fresh every day. It¡¯s just that the chief has a poor appetite and doesn¡¯t eat much. The prepared ingredients weren¡¯t used, so they could only be stored in the refrigerator. My son told me that the fresh ingredients today are all on the table.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take a look and prepare ordingly.¡± She had worried too much. Zhai Sheng was so important to the country and people. Even if he came over to Qingshui Town to recuperate and no matter how simple the trip was, the country wouldn¡¯t ill-treat someone like Zhai Sheng.

    Wait a minute. That was pretty strange. Zhai Sheng returned to the Zhai family¡¯spound in Qingshui Town to recuperate. Then, what about her parents-inw¡ªno, Zhai Sheng¡¯s parents? Why didn¡¯t they apany Zhai Sheng and take care of him?

    Zhai Sheng was forty-five years old this year. His parents must be old, but they should still be around, right?

    Upon thinking of Zhai Sheng¡¯s family situation, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but slow down her steps. Actually, it was not only strange that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing weren¡¯t by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side. Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife wasn¡¯t around either. Was that appropriate? Could it be that Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife let him return to the Zhai family¡¯s ancestral house to recuperate alone so that she could take care of the children?

    ¡°Did Xiao Xu get you here?¡± Qiao Nan suppressed the questions she had. Before she could understand them, she met Zhai Sheng on the way. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t standing but was seated in a wheelchair instead. He looked at Qiao Nan inly. Even though Zhai Sheng was seated, Qiao Nan felt that she was looking up at Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan blushed. Her voice trembled a little and she stuttered. ¡°Y-Yes.¡± Thendy¡¯s husband seemed to be surnamed Xu. As such, the Xiao Xu Zhai Sheng spoke of should be thendy¡¯s son.

    Zhai Sheng heard Xiao Xu mention this before. He saw Qiao Nan standing there quietly without asking any questions and feltfortable looking at her, unlike the rest. As such, Zhai Sheng nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll trouble you these few days. Also, can you prepare some food for me?¡±

    After returning to Qingshui Town, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t sure if it was because of his mood or body, but he didn¡¯t consume as much food. Zhai Sheng knew that Xiao Xu was fretting every day. However, he couldn¡¯t help it that he didn¡¯t have any appetite. At this moment, he felt hungry. Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t ill-treat himself. Thus, he came out to get someone to cook for him.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. She stepped forward and stood behind Zhai Sheng¡¯s wheelchair. She grabbed the handles and pushed Zhai Sheng, who wanted to return to the house, into the courtyard outside. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you have any preference for food or if you feel like eating anything in particr today? The weather is pretty good today. Don¡¯t coop yourself in the house. You can go out to the courtyard and bask in the sun. Do you have chess in your study room? I¡¯ll bring it out. You can y chess with yourself.¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t actually do this. In her dream, Old Master Zhai liked to y chess with himself. Zhai Sheng had learned from Old Master Zhai his ability to y chess. Instead of doing nothing and sitting quietly in the courtyard to bask in the sun, he could y chess with himself to kill time.

    Zhai Sheng was stunned. All along, he was the only one giving orders and asking others to obey them. In his impression, he couldn¡¯t remember how long it was, but nobody dared to go against his words and even make arrangements for him.

    After listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng realized that he didn¡¯t feel irritated at Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement. As such, he silently agreed to it. ¡°From your ent, you don¡¯t seem to be a local from Qingshui Town.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m from Ping Cheng. I grew up in Ping Cheng and only came to live in Qingshui Town this year.¡± Qiao Nan stopped after pushing him to a position that she felt was mostfortable.

 Chapter 1787 - Pick It Up for Me

    <h4>Chapter 1787: Pick It Up for Me</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I¡¯ll get you the chess.¡± After saying this, Qiao Nan turned around and ran.

    As he basked in the warm sun, Zhai Sheng felt that his mood seemed to be better again. He turned and looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s back view. He wanted to call Qiao Nan back. This was the first time Qiao Nan stepped foot into the Zhai family¡¯spound. There were quite a lot of rooms. Even Xiao Xu would be confused at times which was his study room, let alone Qiao Nan, who only came to take care of himself today. How could Qiao Nan find it?

    When Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan running straight to his study room without any hesitation, his eyes shed and he frowned.

    ¡°You can y chess for a while. I saw that your study room has some books on chess, so I brought them over for you as well. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll just cook up a casual meal to fill your stomach first. As for the rest, we can discuss it again. Or perhaps I can check with Xiao Xu to see if he has any good suggestions after asking the doctor.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know anything about Zhai Sheng¡¯s illness or why he had to be in a wheelchair. She didn¡¯t dare to cook anything casual for Zhai Sheng either. It wouldn¡¯t be good if that further worsened Zhai Sheng¡¯s illness.

    Upon thinking about that always-motivated and high-spirited Zhai Sheng in her dreams and looking at this Zhai Sheng in a wheelchair before her, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes became slightly wet. Even if her dream was different from reality, there wasn¡¯t a need to have something wrong with Zhai Sheng¡¯s legs such that he couldn¡¯t stand up in reality, right?

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Zhai Sheng became a little suspicious of Qiao Nan. However, upon seeing that Qiao Nan was looking at his legs with distressed eyes, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but exhale. It was obvious Qiao Nan was persistent. However, he didn¡¯t seem to be particrly willing to doubt this woman and think of her badly. ¡°Oh right, what¡¯s your name? How should I address you in the future?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m... I¡¯m surnamed Qiao. I¡¯m Qiao Nan.¡± They were children who belonged to the same quad once. Zhai Sheng was like his name, the most dazzling sun in the east. She? She was a mouse in the gutter at most. Zhai Sheng shouldn¡¯t remember that there was a neighbor like her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Sheng said in a slightly strange tone. ¡°When you were in Ping Cheng, did you live in the quad as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the... younger one?¡± Zhai Sheng had an impression of Qiao Nan¡¯s name due to ¡®The Three Kingdoms¡¯. In that book, there was a pair of renowned sisters, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. Coincidentally, there was also a family surnamed Qiao in the Ping Cheng quad. There were two daughters, and they were called Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao as well.

    The Qiao family was quite ¡®active¡¯ in the quad, even if there were some bad rumors. As someone who had lived in the quad in Ping Cheng for a long time, Zhai Sheng still had a little memory of the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan revealed a smile that was uglier than a cry. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m the younger one.¡± This wasn¡¯t in a dream. In the quad, who didn¡¯t know that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eldest daughter was pretty, sweet with words, and had high educational qualifications? Even if she was already divorced, she had married a husband with good qualifications before the divorce.

    As for the younger daughter of the Qiao family, she was theplete opposite of her biological sister. She went to work at a young age without graduating from junior high school. Over the years, who had remembered that when Qiao Nan was still studying, her results were actually much better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s?

    As time passed, everyone only remembered that Qiao Nan started working when she hadn¡¯t graduated from junior high school. Only those with poor grades would do that. Unlike Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin attended junior high school, senior high school, and university.

    When Zhai Sheng asked if she was the younger daughter from the Qiao family, Qiao Nan had the urge to cry. In reality, she was unlike her dream. She wasn¡¯t the top student in the high school entrance examination, and neither was she the top student in the college entrance examination. Her reputation was too bad. She didn¡¯t know if Zhai Sheng would still want her to continue taking care of him after knowing who she was.

    Unlike Qiao Nan¡¯s worries, not only did Zhai Sheng not look at Qiao Nan with disdain, but he even said meaningfully, ¡°That was tough on you.¡±

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t recover herself after a long time. She dared not believe that Zhai Sheng had said such words to her. When Qiao Nan brought the egg porridge she cooked to Zhai Sheng and saw him eating three bowls of it, the expression on her face was still as confused as before.

    Zhai Sheng knew that the inte was developing rapidly and there were a lot of inte terms. In the past, he couldn¡¯t understand the description of dazed and cute. In the face of dazed individuals, he would always feel anxious and calmly kicked the other party out of his team. One had to know that a distracted moment could very likely affect the sess of a mission or threaten the safety ofrades, let alone being in a daze.

    However, when he saw Qiao Nan like this, Zhai Sheng realized that someone being in a daze might not be so irritating, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯m done. You can clear the bowl.¡± Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan kindly. Qiao Nan replied with an ¡®oh¡¯ like a robot. When her hand touched the cool water to wash the dishes, her mood changed.

    Ring! Ring! Ring! The mobile Zhai Sheng ced on the table rang. Upon hearing this ringtone, Qiao Nan revealed an expression of wanting to faint. No one had helped Zhai Sheng change his mobile¡¯s ringtone. As long as Zhai Sheng bought a mobile, he would only recognize this old ringtone.

    Qiao Nan picked up the mobile and saw Zhai Yaohui¡¯s name from the caller ID. Her hand trembled, and she nearly dropped the mobile to the ground. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure why she had such a reaction as well. It was as if she had a guilty conscience. Qiao Nan wiped her hands dry and ran toward Zhai Sheng with the mobile in her hands. ¡°Ch-Chief Zhai... Your call.¡±

    Zhai Sheng caught a glimpse of his biological father¡¯s name. He could guess without answering the call what his father wanted to talk to him about. ¡°There¡¯s no need to call me Chief Zhai. We are considered to have grown up together in the same quad. I¡¯m older than you by a few years. You can just call me Brother Zhai.¡±

    ¡°Brother... Brother Zhai?¡± Qiao Nan reminisced about these simple words for a long time. The more she reminisced, the moreplicated she felt. Brother Zhai again?

    ¡°I¡¯m reading the chess book now. Help me pick up the call.¡± After responding to Qiao Nan addressing him as Brother Zhai, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t reach out for his mobile. He only expressed that he was holding a book with one hand and the chess piece with the other, and didn¡¯t have a third hand for the mobile.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t hesitate. After pressing the answer button, Qiao Nan¡¯s body froze. As she addressed him by Brother Zhai, she felt like she had returned to her dream and almost regarded herself as Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. As such, she felt it was right and proper to pick up this call. However, it wasn¡¯t appropriate to pick up this call on behalf of Zhai Sheng!

 Chapter 1788 - Impossible

    <h4>Chapter 1788: Impossible</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But since she had already picked up the phone, Qiao Nan could not do anything else but put the phone up to her ear and answer in a soft voice. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui, who had wanted to lecture that unfilial son of his, suddenly stiffened up. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m looking for my son. May I ask who you are?¡± What rtionship did she have with his son? His son was still as single as an iron tree that never blossomed. He had never gotten into a second rtionship, so how could there be a woman by his side?

    Or could it be that his son had lost his mobile phone and that it had been picked up by a woman? Or could it be that a woman had stolen Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone from him?

    ¡°I¡¯m the nanny who¡¯s been hired at thest minute to take care of your son over the next few days. Brother Zhai is beside me. I¡¯ll hand the phone over to him. You can speak to him directly.¡± Qiao Nan had hardly had any time to distinguish between her dream and reality before all these people, whom she had once been close to in her dream, appeared before her one by one. With such a sudden change, Qiao Nan was caught unprepared and had no idea how to react.

    At this time, Qiao Nan had absolutely no ability to think for herself. She was simply running on her instincts. It was as though there was a nk screen in her mind.

    Qiao Nan quickly handed the phone over to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng nced at Qiao Nan, indicating to her that he had no free hands to receive his phone and thus asked Qiao Nan to hold the phone up to his ear. Everything happened so quickly that Qiao Nan had not realized that this action might have been too intimate. All she could do was to follow Zhai Sheng¡¯s order to hold the phone up to his ear.

    Once she did so, Qiao Nan finally felt all sorts of unease. Except for Chen Jun, Qiao Nan had never been so physically close to any other men. Besides, that had been more than a decade ago. Qiao Nan had alreadypletely forgotten how that felt.

    ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me. Just speak your mind. And remember that I¡¯m at home to recuperate.¡± There was no point in asking about the things that were simply impossible. Otherwise, the one who would get angry would only be the person on the other end of the line.

    Zhai Yaohui raised his eyebrows. ¡°You¡¯re recuperating? Then, what about your mom¡¯s and my heart disease? You should help treat it too. It may be a new era now, and traditions may no longer be as important. But think about your mom¡¯s and my age. You may not have the filial piety to let your mom and I have a grandchild while we¡¯re still alive, but at the very least, your mom and I shouldn¡¯t have to worry about whether you¡¯ll have someone by your side up until our deaths! Do you really intend to spend the rest of your life with your rifle?¡±

    Facing his son, Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui actually felt rather guilty. If it had not been his and Miao Jing¡¯s insistence, Zhai Sheng would never have had such a failed marriage. Everyone had to bear some responsibility for this failed marriage, but Zhai Yaohui knew that the biggest problem was actually him and Miao Jing.

    Zhai Yaohui was not even willing to call that woman his ex-daughter-inw. She was simply unworthy of that title. Thinking about how that woman still wanted to turn back and reconcile with Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui was utterly disgusted.

    ¡°After grandma passed away, didn¡¯t grandpa spend his whole life alone too?¡± There was nothing wrong with spending the rest of his life with his rifle. After all, all the men in the Zhai family loved their rifles. Their love for their rifles far surpassed their love for their wives.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui wished that he was five years younger and had a better physique. That way, he could pull on Zhai Sheng¡¯s cor and give Zhai Sheng a good beating until Zhai Sheng was willing to listen to him. When his son was younger, he had been extremely obedient and had always been that typical ¡®other family¡¯s kid¡¯. Neither he nor Miao Miao had ever needed to worry about him.

    But who would have known that rebellion would eventuallye?

    His son had never worried him as a child and performed outstandingly as part of a respected family. But who would have known that his son would be unmarried and childless in his fifties while his parents were already in their old age!

    Even though men¡¯s fertilitysted much longer than women¡¯s, if this continued for any longer, the Zhai family¡¯s line might very well end here. He and Miao Miao could not possibly just leave Zhai Sheng alone to spend his days with his rifle, right?

    If they had known that this was going to happen, they would never have agreed to the marriage, much less have any contact with that family at all.

    ¡°You might not want it, but the problem is that someone else does. I¡¯m sure you know what kind of person Qiu Chenxi is after being her husband for a few years. She¡¯s probably had enough fun and wants to settle down now. A few days ago, she came to look for your mom and me. She kept calling us her parents-inw and begged for our forgiveness. If you don¡¯t find someone suitable, she¡¯ll definitely continue pestering you. She might even think that you¡¯ve not gotten remarried all these years because of her. If she continues to pester you, once you really find someone you fancy, that girl might just be frightened away by Qiu Chenxi!¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had rather sharp ears, heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s name, and her expression darkened significantly. Zhai Sheng had indeed married Qiu Chenxi!

    As for the other news that was revealed in the call, saying that Qiu Chenxi had already been divorced from Zhai Sheng for several years, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to think about it. Now that she had her answer, Qiao Nan felt as though an age-old bottle of vinegar had toppled in her heart. Her heart was raging with jealousy.

    But Qiao Nan could not tell whether this jealousy was because of the Zhai Sheng in her dream, or whether it was because of the Zhai Sheng who was in front of her.

    The person who felt worse than Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng, who hated Qiu Chenxi to the guts. ¡°Why? Has she been so hardworking in visiting the hospitaltely that her illness has already been cured?¡±

    ¡°Illness? What illness?¡± Zhai Yaohui was confused. Why did he know nothing about Qiu Chenxi being sick and needing to visit the hospital? Why did Zhai Sheng know about it? Did that mean that Zhai Sheng still had feelings for Qiu Chenxi? If that was really the case, they would never have gotten divorced in the first ce.

    He believed that as long as Zhai Sheng was willing to do so, Zhai Sheng would definitely have the ability to control Qiu Chenxi, even if Qiu Chenxi enjoyed living a colorful life filled with debauchery. It was obvious that Zhai Sheng had not only refused to control Qiu Chenxi, but he had even allowed Qiu Chenxi free rein to do as she pleased.

    If Zhai Sheng had no feelings toward Qiu Chenxi anymore, then why did he still care so much about Qiu Chenxi and know about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s condition?

    ¡°When I went for my checkup in the hospital thest time, I happened to see and hear about it,¡± Zhai Sheng said monotonously. ¡°I think she¡¯s yed around too much and had too many abortions. Her uterine wall is too thin, so she¡¯s prone to miscarriages now. Besides, even while her body was not clean yet, her life had been so messy that she contracted transmittable diseases.¡±

    Even if it was not as serious as syphilis or AIDS, anyone who got close to Qiu Chenxi should still be prepared to be admitted to the hospital for a year.

    Qiu Chenxi was probably a frequent visitor at the hospital. From what Zhai Sheng heard, this was not the first time that Qiu Chenxi was visiting the hospital for such an illness.

 Chapter 1789 - Flare-Up

    <h4>Chapter 1789: re-Up</h4>

    The doctor responsible for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s treatment lost his temper. This was not the first that the doctor had warned Qiu Chenxi to pay attention to this aspect. But his patient had not taken the advice to heart and had instead run amok, contracting all sorts of illnesses in the meantime. Then, she even med the doctor for being ipetent and unable to treat her. Even a saint would be infuriated by this, let alone a doctor.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attending doctor was the most famous gynecologist in the whole area. There was no wonder that Qiu Chenxi would look for him.

    ¡°...¡± After hearing his son¡¯s exnation, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s whole face darkened. ¡°I¡¯m warning you not to make the same mistake again. Your mom and I won¡¯t care about you this time, but making the same mistake twice is really foolish. Whether or not she pesters you like she did in the past and repents, your mom and I will disown you if you soften your heart toward her!¡±

    Thinking of how he had arranged a marriage with such a woman for his son, Zhai Yaohui was downright disgusted.

    To put it bluntly, he would much rather his son spend the rest of his life with his rifle and remain childless and unmarried than stay together with a shameless and unscrupulous woman like Qiu Chenxi. Since it was already a given that his son would never have children, he would rather his son remain single than reconcile with Qiu Chenxi.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you and Mom understand. I will never have that problem. I was just repaying your kindness in my first marriage. Now that it¡¯s my second time, I¡¯ll never let you make that decision for me no matter who my partner may be. Don¡¯t forget what you just said if Mom ever softens her heart and cries.¡± He had never loved Qiu Chenxi in the first ce.

    He would never have had anything to do with Qiu Chenxi had it not been for his father saying, ¡°If you don¡¯t have any feelings for Qiu Chenxi, who do you have feelings for? You¡¯re already thirty years old. Are you not going to get married?¡±

    ¡°Are there really children who speak to their parents in this manner? Forget it. I¡¯ll just treat it as though I owe it to you. I¡¯m going to hang up.¡± Zhai Yaohui was worried that if he did not hand up the phone, he would be too angry and his old illness would re up again.

    Zhai Yaohui had finally wanted to hang up, so Zhai Sheng was not going to stop him from doing so. ¡°Qiao Nan, put the phone back.¡± Because of this phone call today, his ears would be able to have a rest for a period of time.

    He had not intended to tell his parents about Qiu Chenxi to provoke them, but he was truly frustrated with his parents keeping a watch on him simply because they were too free. He had no intention of ever getting remarried. Without any other choice, Zhai Sheng could only bring up Qiu Chenxi¡¯s matter in hopes that the elderly couple would be more restrained in the future.

    In his younger days, they had hardly cared about him, but they had interfered in the matter of his first marriage. Now that he was older, they even wanted to interfere in his second marriage. They were already advanced in age. Was it not enough that they had controlled him the first time? It was time for the elderly couple to take a step back and live their own livesfortably.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Hearing Zhai Yaohui urging Zhai Sheng to get remarried and Zhai Sheng¡¯s thoughts about that, Qiao Nan got a better idea of Zhai Sheng¡¯s current situation. After putting the phone back in its ce, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng, who was ying chess alone under the sun. At that moment, she felt rather conflicted. ¡°Your leg?¡± Brother Zhai had already gotten divorced from Qiu Chenxi, but she had heard Old Chief Zhai talk about children. Did that mean that Brother Zhai had a child with Qiu Chenxi?

    ¡°My leg? It¡¯s all right. I got injured when I was younger. It¡¯s just been a little painful recently.¡± Zhai Sheng mindlessly patted his leg. There was nothing wrong with his leg, but the doctor had advised him to recuperate for now. While he was younger, he had been shot in the leg during a mission. Because the bullet had pierced through quite aplicated position, he had been advised to pay more attention to his recuperation.

    Qiao Nan sighed in relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± It seemed like Brother Zhai was more fervent about the army than he had been in her dream. It would have been such a pity if Brother Zhai had had to leave the army because of his leg.

    She thought about how Zhai Sheng had been full of anguish when telling her about how Sun Guohong had left the army due to his personal reasons in her dream. If this happened to Brother Zhai, he would be even more regretful. It might even be his lifetime regret.

    After that, Qiao Nan did not chat with Zhai Sheng anymore, and the duo simply sat there in silence. Zhai Sheng yed chess alone while Qiao Nan prepared food for Zhai Sheng, poured drinks for him, and reced Zhai Sheng¡¯s chess books. The duo did not have much interaction with each other, but if someone were to observe the duo at this very moment, they would realize that the atmosphere between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng was brilliant.

    No matter what Zhai Sheng needed, Qiao Nan seemed to know right away. Zhai Sheng¡¯s nce was enough to tell Qiao Nan what he needed and wanted, and Zhai Sheng was extremely pleased with everything that Qiao Nan did. There seemed to be an unspeakable bond between the two of them, leading to a harmonious atmosphere.

    When evening came, Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan packing up and his eyes were fixed on Qiao Nan. Up until Qiao Nan left, he only said a single thing. ¡°Be careful on your way home. Are you staying very far from here?¡± Little Xu¡¯s mom had probably sent her here earlier.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± Qiao Nan picked up her belongings. ¡°Thendy told me on the way here that there are public buses nearby. I¡¯ll be able to reach home by taking bus number 71. It¡¯s quite convenient.¡± Herndy had asked for her help, after all, so it was only natural that herndy had already thought of all these details.

    Qiao Nan hade in herndy¡¯s car, but she could not possibly always rely on herndy to send her here. But herndy had already thought this through. Only after some observation had she told Qiao Nan about this route.

    Thankfully, because Qiao Nan had intended on purchasing a house and moving her household registration to Qingshui Town, she had been able to get a public transportation card. As such, she needed to pay only one yuan to take the bus. A return trip would cost her no more than two yuan. That was not a hefty cost to Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ve kept some lean pork and century egg congee in the rice cooker. If you get hungry at night, do you think you¡¯ll be able to get some for yourself?¡±

    Of course, Qiao Nan felt that she had quite a good grasp of Zhai Sheng¡¯s appetite. She had only made two meals for Zhai Sheng today. At the very most, Zhai Sheng would not be hungry, but neither would he be full. In that case, Zhai Sheng would surely start feeling hungry again at around eight or nine o¡¯clock at night.

    Qiao Nan had no means of preparing anything moreplex, but she could at least make some congee and keep it warm in the rice cooker. ¡°You¡¯re still recuperating, so you shouldn¡¯t be eating too richly. You should eat more nd food for the time being. When you get better, you can tell me what you want to eat, and I can make it for you.¡±

    Since she had already considered his supper, Zhai Sheng had nothing to nitpick at. ¡°All right. Hurry home and remember to watch out and stay safe.¡±

 Chapter 1790 - Cut Off

    <h4>Chapter 1790: Cut Off</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s leg was not entirely all right, but neither was he entirely crippled. He would simply have to walk about less in the meantime. Besides, his hand was still in perfect condition. Qiao Nan¡¯s congee was all ready for Zhai Sheng. He was still able to scoop some out for himself.

    ¡°All right. See you tomorrow.¡± No matter what, today¡¯s experience had brightened up Qiao Nan¡¯s bad mood. Today had been the happiest and most rxing day she had ever had since she had woken up from her dream.

    It was said that people should enjoy themselves at that given moment. Even if she was confused between her dream world and reality, as long as her ¡®foolishness¡¯ did not cause any harm or confusion to others, there was nothing wrong with remaining foolish. At least, she was happy. Perhaps she might even be able to ept this reality even better if she were to face it with such an open mind.

    She had already been through so much and hade so far. All these small challenges would not faze her.

    Zhai Sheng was observant and noticed that Qiao Nan had walked away with light and quick steps, proving that Qiao Nan was in a good mood.

    ¡°Don¡¯t send me off. I¡¯ll lock the door behind me. But thendy¡¯s son has gone back to Ping Cheng, and I¡¯m going home now too. Will you be fine spending the night alone?¡± Qiao Nan was about to shut the door when she realized that Zhai Sheng had followed behind her in a wheelchair.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhai Sheng answered loudly and a little sensitively without even caring about what the premise of her words was. Once a woman brought up the topic of whether ¡®it was all right¡¯, very few men could keep their calm. At least at that moment, Zhai Sheng expressed how much men minded that topic when Qiao Nan mentioned it.

    Once Zhai Sheng returned from his trance, he naturally realized that Qiao Nan had no other meaning to her words and that he had been overly sensitive. Zhai Sheng awkwardly patted his waist. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll have any problems with this apanying me?¡± Robbers would probably not be so unscrupulous as to strike and rob the Zhai family¡¯s house now that he was still injured.

    ¡°All right, then. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Thinking about how Zhai Sheng had a gun and his superb shooting skills, Qiao Nan felt that her question had indeed been rather unnecessary. If Zhai Sheng was unsafe alone, how had she survived all these years after having moved out of the Qiao family¡¯s house?

    After Qiao Nan left, Zhai Sheng, who had only returned to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi to recuperate, suddenly felt a little weird. He realized that he had gotten used to having someone around him, even if the other party did not really speak to him. After that person left, the atmosphere changed, and he was now unused to it. It seemed as though the peace and quiet he had been after were too quiet for his liking.

    He was a grown man who did not have the habit of reminiscing, so what was this weird feeling that he had all of a sudden? A confused Zhai Sheng wheeled his wheelchair back to his room to get some rest.

    In order to recuperate, Zhai Sheng, who hardly had any time to rest, had started to sleep even earlier than elderly people!

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had finally regained their own peace, but there was still unrest in the Zhai family in Ping Cheng. Miao Jing looked at Zhai Yaohui in surprise. ¡°Do you mean that the person who picked up was a woman and not Zhai Sheng? Are you joking around? Are you sure you didn¡¯t hear wrongly?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up. I¡¯m just afraid that the higher your expectations, the greater the fall. Do you not know about Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper? So what if it was a woman? Weren¡¯t there quite a few nurses and female doctors who had been interested in him? They had interacted with Zhai Sheng and had taken care of him the entire time he was ill, but was there anyone he had any reaction to?¡±

    Zhai Sheng himself did not mind it, but his personal problem had be a huge headache for his parents.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Miao Jing was confused.

    ¡°I suspect that this woman is no different from those nurses and doctors from before. She¡¯s only staying by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side to take care of him for a certain reason. Zhai Sheng has absolutely no feelings for that woman.¡± That was the person who had been hired to take care of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°That may not be the case.¡± Miao Jing was excited. ¡°Think about it. It was exactly because of those female nurses and doctors that Zhai Sheng eventually found a male doctor and no longer had much interaction with those nurses. This time, he insisted on returning to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi to recuperate and brought only one soldier with him! He brought no females at all!¡± No matter how they looked at it, that woman could not be just any ordinary woman to be able to stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side to take care of him!

    Perhaps there really was some hope!

    There was nothing Zhai Yaohui could say about his wife¡¯s wild imagination. Both of them knew very well about their son¡¯s temper. He truly did not believe that such a thing would happen to Zhai Sheng.

    If just anyone could get close to Zhai Sheng, stay by his side, and get remarried to him, did he and Miao Miao really need to worry so much about how Zhai Sheng would remain single once they were gone?

    But what Zhai Yaohui, whopletely disagreed with Miao Jing, did not know was that a woman¡¯s sixth sense could be scarily urate at times. There were no absolute impossibilities in the world. Once the impossible became possible, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression would only be more interesting than Miao Jing¡¯s feelings at this moment.

    Of course, Zhai Yaohui had no idea that such a future woulde. At this point in time, he was more concerned about Qiu Chenxi. ¡°You¡¯ve never liked Qiu Chenxi and neither has Zhai Sheng ever had any feelings for Qiu Chenxi. If Qiu Chenxi everes knocking on our door in the future, don¡¯t let her in. She has nothing to do with our family anymore.¡±

    Before today¡¯s call, Zhai Yaohui had already been infuriated at Qiu Chenxi for cheating on his son. But Zhai Sheng had refused to get into another rtionship after his divorce from Qiu Chenxi. Even if there was only a millionth of a chance, Zhai Yaohui could not cut Qiu Chenxi off.

    What if Zhai Sheng really could note to terms with it and would not be satisfied with simply being in love with Qiu Chenxi and insisted on getting married to Qiu Chenxi even if he had no feelings for her because he felt that it was his neglect that caused her to have an affair? What would happen then?

    If that was really the case, at least he and Miao Miao could rest assured that Zhai Sheng would have someone by his side once they were gone, even if the couple did not have any children in the end.

    But now, things were different. Zhai Sheng had told him about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s situation so calmly. This was proof that Zhai Sheng would much rather remain single his whole life than have anything to do with Qiu Chenxi ever again.

    Zhai Yaohui himself had entirely cut himself off from Qiu Chenxi. From now on, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing should follow suit and cut her off too. It was apt to say that the two families would simply sever all ties.

 Chapter 1791 - Too Late to Regret

    <h4>Chapter 1791: Too Late to Regret</h4>

    ¡°Fine!¡± Miao Jing agreed without hesitation. More than a decade ago, she and Old Zhai had gotten into a misunderstanding and had not cleared the air between them. Because of their distant rtionship, Qiu Chenxi had been able to take advantage of the situation to marry Zhai Sheng, bing her daughter-inw. Now, she had cleared the misunderstanding with Old Zhai. Neither Qiu Chenxi nor Qi Min would ever have the chance to get close to their family again.

    Miao Jing regretted being so stubborn and unwilling to take a step back to talk it out with Zhai Yaohui. That was why her son had been forced into such an unfortunate marriage.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper, even if Zhai Sheng did not like his partner, as long as that woman did not do something unforgivable like Qiu Chenxi had, Zhai Sheng would never request for a divorce even if he had no feelings for his partner.

    Based on this alone, Miao Jing was already filled with regret and hate for Qiu Chenxi. But Qiu Chenxi had no self-awareness at all, and she always showed up in front of her, saying, ¡°Mom, I know I¡¯ve made a mistake. Give me one more chance. Forgive me.¡± Hearing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words was enough for Miao Jing to re up.

    Qiu Chenxi had not even been married to her son for two years before she had been caught cheating on him. What infuriated Miao Jing the most was that it had not been the Zhai family who had caught her red-handed, but the wife of that man whom Qiu Chenxi had been in an affair with. That meant that Qiu Chenxi and that lover of hers were both finished.

    The divorce had happened more than a decade ago, but she was only apologizing and begging for forgiveness now! What had Qiu Chenxi been doing all these years?

    Miao Jing was clear that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s personal life had gotten way moreplicated and messy after her divorce from Zhai Sheng. After more than a decade, Zhai Sheng had never gotten remarried. It was not that Zhai Sheng could not find someone better than Qiu Chenxi, but he simply had no desire to get remarried. Qiu Chenxi did, but it was not easy to find a partner to get remarried to.

    Anyway, after more than ten years, Qiu Chenxi had nevercked a partner by her side. But it was because she had been through ¡®so much¡¯ that she finally regretted and said that her feelings for Zhai Sheng were the most genuine and sincere. What a joke!

    ¡°If anyone dares to open the door for her when shees in the future, I¡¯ll chase that person out of our house!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s words were directed not at the Zhai family but at the family¡¯s nanny. The old auntie that the Zhai family had hired had retired due to her age, and the Zhai family had found a younger new auntie to rece her.

    This new auntie was scheming and thus made more mistakes while working. She knew that what Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing worried most about was Zhai Sheng finding a partner to get married to and have children with, and someone to spend the rest of his life with.

    But Zhai Sheng had not done anything in that respect for a long time. Besides, Qiu Chenxi had once been a woman whom Zhai Sheng had agreed to marry. The new nanny felt that there was a very high possibility that Qiu Chenxi would return to be the mistress of the family. Even though Qiu Chenxi hadmitted a mistake in the past, Zhai Sheng might only have requested for a divorce impulsively. Maybe he truly liked Qiu Chenxi.

    As the caretaker of the Zhai family, she knew that there was no point in getting in the good books of her master. At times, it was more important to gain her mistress¡¯ favor. As long as Qiu Chenxi returned, the one in charge in the Zhai family would be Qiu Chenxi. Miao Jing could simply retire and enjoy her golden years.

    With such a thought, the new caretaker auntie often ryed the situation in the Zhai family to Qiu Chenxi, trying to suck up to Qiu Chenxi. Moreover, she even took advantage of the Zhai family¡¯s good-naturedness and spoke up for Qiu Chenxi in front of the Zhai family from time to time. The first time, she had only been trying to test out the waters to see the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward Qiu Chenxi.

    Although the Zhai family only expressed disagreement on their faces after hearing the caretaker auntie¡¯s praises of Qiu Chenxi, they did not rebuke her. As such, the new nanny thought that there was still a chance. In fact, it was not just Zhai Sheng. The rest of the Zhai family only had Qiu Chenxi as their top pick.

    With this self-righteous trial, the new nanny became much bolder and daring in her actions.

    But no matter how nice a person was usually, they would still have a temper. Moreover, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s existence was the only stain of the Zhai family, and they already tried their best not to think about it. However, the new nanny reminded them daily of how their stubbornness in the past had led to such an ill-fated union. Upon finding out that this new nanny had sold the Zhai family¡¯s information to Qiu Chenxi to curry her favor, the Zhai family unhesitatingly fired this nanny.

    The Zhai family was the one paying her wages, after all. It would be difficult for this caretaker to find another job in Ping Cheng with a reputation of being disloyal to her own employers. Whether it was out of respect for the Zhai family, or whether they refused to be the second Zhai family, no one was willing to hire a caretaker like that.

    With this example, the Zhai family, who was rather good-natured, significantly raised their requirements for their nannies. As long as any nanny whom they hired dared to speak to Qiu Chenxi or interact with her, they would send her packing. Anyway, the Zhai family could not afford to hire such nannies.

    Thankfully, this third nanny was much better and had not done anything foolish. But Miao Jing, who was still angry over the matter, rang the rm bells for this new nanny. Otherwise, the caretaker might really do something foolish and sob over getting fired. She might even refuse to leave!

    The new auntie shrank her neck into her shoulders. Beforeing, the person who had rmended her into this job had already told her about the foolish things her predecessor had done. But she was no fool. The Zhai family¡¯s members were nice people who paid her a good sry. There was no reason for her to put her job at stake just to curry favor from a person whom she did not even know.

    Besides, from what she had heard, was something going on with Zhai Sheng?

    If that was really the case, Qiu Chenxi would stand no chance at all. She would be nothing more than a dead cricket.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been kicking up a huge fuss all this time. What¡¯s the point of regretting only now? Ten years ago, you were pretty and tender, but Zhai Sheng still chose to leave you. Now that you¡¯re a wrinkled vegetable, would Zhai Sheng still ept you when he has a whole harem of eighteen-year-olds to choose from?¡± Frustrated, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father, Qiu Qin, looked at Qiu Chenxi, who seemed intent on putting everything out there for Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Qin might once have been proud of having a daughter like Qiu Chenxi and might even have felt that other people¡¯s sons could not even match up to his only daughter. But now, Qiu Qin was absolutely disgraced by his daughter and felt that Qiu Chenxi had let down all their ancestors.

    Because Qiu Chenxi had married Zhai Sheng, Qiu Qin had risen through the ranks rather quickly because everyone knew that he was Chief Zhai¡¯s inw. In the future, he would probably be the father-inw of a chief too. But Qiu Qin had never expected that Qiu Chenxi would get caught red-handed in bed with another man before he had be the father-inw of a chief!

 Chapter 1792 - Absolutely Unexpected

    <h4>Chapter 1792: Absolutely Unexpected</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This matter had not only embarrassed the Zhai family, but even more so the Qiu family. After all, Qiu Chenxi had been birthed and raised by the Qiu family.

    As such, after Qiu Chenxi¡¯s divorce from Zhai Sheng, Qiu Qin had never once been promoted. Moreover, even the simplest of mistakes at work would cause him to be lectured harshly, especially by those people who disliked him who never once let a mistake go.

    Before Qiu Chenxi had gotten a divorce from Zhai Sheng, Qiu Qin had never known that he was someone with ¡®long hair¡¯. Only after he lost his son-inw, Zhai Sheng, did he realize that he had a long braid on his head that others always tugged on. It was excruciating.

    Everything was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s fault, so how could Qiu Qin not hate his daughter, Qiu Chenxi? Not only was his daughter unable to help him, but she even added on to his problems over the years as though he owed her something. Even now that he was retired, he was still unable to have his name up proudly in the department and retire gloriously like others had.

    ¡°All right, Chenxi didn¡¯t mean for that to happen either.¡± Qi Min had mixed feelings about this. Perhaps it¡¯s because her daughter had fulfilled the obsession she had had when she was young. Her daughter might have married Zhai Sheng and be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, but her daughter had only been the daughter-inw of a chief, not the wife of a chief.

    She could not understand why her daughter had ended up like this even after she had paved the way for her daughter. Sigh...

    ¡°Chenxi, you¡¯re over forty years old now. You can¡¯t keep up with this nonsense. What n do you have for yourself? Do you really intend on doing this for the rest of your life?¡± Qi Min was worried sick about her daughter, Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi started sobbing uncontrobly. ¡°What¡¯s the point of telling me all these now? Mom, why don¡¯t you find my father-inw and try to beg for forgiveness on my behalf? It¡¯s true. I¡¯m no longer the same person I was ten years ago. Even if Zhai Sheng treats me the same way that he did in the past, I¡¯m sure that I¡¯ll be able to handle the loneliness and not do something that wrongs Zhai Sheng again. People make mistakes, but I¡¯ve changed for the better. Can they give me a chance?¡±

    It had been over a decade. She had really had her fair share of fun over the span of a decade. Now, she truly had no desire to continue with this lifestyle. All she wanted was to live an honest life and have a family. Her demands were not excessive, so why couldn¡¯t the Zhai family see that she had changed for the better? Why were they harping on the mistakes that she had made in the past?

    Besides, if Zhai Sheng had treated her well when they had first gotten married, would she have found another man outside and gotten into an affair?

    Throughout their marriage thatsted three years, Zhai Sheng spent all his time in the army and had never so much as touched her. She had been Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife in name, but the couple had never consummated their marriage. Qiu Chenxi had refused to talk about such a humiliating thing before her divorce.

    Zhai Sheng refused to touch her, making it seem as though she was so terrible that Zhai Sheng was trying to shun her. It was only when they reached the stage of getting a divorce that Qiu Chenxi finally revealed that she had not wanted to leave, but there was a sound reason for her getting into an affair. After all, Zhai Sheng had refused to touch her.

    Everyone had been taken aback by Qiu Chenxi¡¯s revtion. Because they were unwilling to lose such good inws, the Qiu family had wanted to salvage this marriage and hoped that the Zhai family would give Qiu Chenxi a second chance. They assured the Zhai family that this would never happen again.

    But this time, the Zhai family refused to give Qiu Chenxi a second chance. A military spouse had to endure loneliness. There were indeed few spouses who had to endure three years like that, but it was not unheard of. Qiu Chenxi was definitely not the only one.

    If every military spouse was like Qiu Chenxi and cheated on their husbands because their husbands left them for long periods of time, then there would be no military spouses at all. If she was not prepared to do so, then this woman was not worthy of being a military spouse.

    In short, Zhai Sheng¡¯s actions were not a good enough reason for Qiu Chenxi to have an affair. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affair would only be eptable if the Zhai family agreed to this logic, but Miao Jing said straightforwardly that Qiu Chenxi could simply ask for a divorce if the couple did not have feelings for each other. After their divorce, Qiu Chenxi would then be able to find a man whom she really loved. That would be the Qiu family¡¯s business.

    It was wrong for Qiu Chenxi to have done such immoral acts before getting divorced. If Zhai Sheng wanted to get a divorce, there would be no room for any discussions. They simply had to get divorced. Of course, if Qiu Chenxi refused, then she would just have to go to jail. Was it that easy to ruin a military marriage?

    ¡°There¡¯s no point in telling us that.¡± Qi Min grabbed a piece of tissue for Qiu Chenxi to dry her tears. ¡°You have to let the Zhai family feel your remorse, especially Zhai Sheng. If they don¡¯t ept it, your father and I can¡¯t do anything about it either.¡±

    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you just help me talk to my father-inw?¡± She did not believe that it was impossible between Zhai Sheng and her. After so many years, Zhai Sheng had not remarried and neither had she.

    Even if Zhai Sheng disliked her, her three-year marriage to Zhai Sheng proved that she was the only woman whom Zhai Sheng was willing to marry, so what was wrong with her being together with Zhai Sheng? She did not believe that her parents-inw would prefer Zhai Sheng remain single for the rest of his life than let them reconcile.

    It was obvious that the Zhai family had such an intention!

    If she presented her sincerity and took the initiative to reconcile the rtionship, the Zhai family would simply be too mean if they were to still reject her. As long as they did not go overboard with their actions, she would not fight back no matter how difficult the Zhai family made it for her. However, if the Zhai family still refused to allow her to reconcile with Zhai Sheng, she would have nothing else to say to that.

    ¡°What do you expect me to say?!¡± Qi Min red up at the mention of that. Initially, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude toward her had been rather good, and she got the feeling that he was still reminiscing about their past together. After a while, Qi Min actually thought that this was the truth.

    Every time she saw that Miao Jing was jealous of her and was displeased with her, yet had to tolerate her for Zhai Yaohui¡¯s sake and hold her anger in, Qi Min felt proud and in high spirits. So what if Miao Jing had be the wife of a chief? Zhai Yaohui¡¯s heart was still thinking of her! There was nothing that made Qi Min feel prouder than being able to evoke jealousy and pain in Miao Jing, who was the wife of a chief.

    But ever since Qiu Chenxi had been caught red-handed and had divorced Zhai Sheng, something had happened between Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui. The couple¡¯s rtionship changed for the better and had improved significantlypared to when they had been younger. No one had expected this to happen.

 Chapter 1793 - Eavesdropping

    <h4>Chapter 1793: Eavesdropping</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was also from that moment that Zhai Yaohui started to keep a distance from herself and didn¡¯t want to see her again. The way he protected Miao Jing was as if protecting a national treasure. Anyone would feel jealous upon seeing that.

    Qi Min, who was once invincible in front of Zhai Yaohui, could no longer say anything in front of him today, let alone be qualified to intercede for her cheating daughter on ount of the rtionship they had back then.

    ¡°Hah.¡± Qiu Qinughed coldly. He knew about the past his wife had with Zhai Yaohui, and he didn¡¯t mind it at all. They had been married for so many years, but it was only recently that Qiu Qin knew how bold Qi Min was when she was young. On the surface, she and Zhai Yaohui were already publicly recognized as a couple. In private, she dared to date other boys behind Zhai Yaohui¡¯s back.

    Qiu Qin wouldn¡¯t be jealous of this. Anyway, it was enough that Qi Min was clean when she married him. Furthermore, he was willing to marry Qi Min not because of the little past she had with Zhai Yaohui before.

    Everything was the same as what he had originally nned. His only mistake was that he didn¡¯t teach his daughter, Qiu Chenxi, well. His daughter became as promiscuous as Qiu Chenxi, thus wasting all his efforts.

    Qi Min pushed Qiu Qin angrily. ¡°Our daughter became like this and you¡¯re stillughing. Why are youughing? Hurry up and figure out how our daughter can remarry Zhai Sheng. How long more can we apany our daughter? Her future happiness depends on whether she can remarry Zhai Sheng.¡±

    This man was a little clever but wasn¡¯t charming. What she looked down on the most were his power and influence. He treated the mother-daughter pair well as they were beneficial to his development in the future. Qi Min couldn¡¯t help but regret that when she was younger, even if she didn¡¯t marry Zhai Yaohui, she should have opened her eyes wide and not casually married a selfish viin like Qiu Qin.

    ¡°Think of a way? What can I think of?¡± Qiu Qin had already given in. He was already retired, thus he had long stopped hoping for being able to get some benefits from his daughter, Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Use your brain and think. Yes, Zhai Sheng is already in his forties. The problem is that even if he is in his fifties or sixties, he can still get a woman pregnant, let alone him in his forties. Don¡¯t forget that Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t have children yet! Conversely, she¡¯s in her forties as well. Can she get pregnant? I dare not ask if she can do so in her fifties or sixties. If Zhai Sheng were to remarry, do you think it¡¯s to find a partner or a woman to give birth to a child to?¡±

    They were both men. In the face of a woman who made a cuckold out of him, if she couldn¡¯t even give birth to a child for him, why should they talk about remarriage? Furthermore, Zhai Sheng¡¯s conditions were good. Why would he choose to suffer and stay with such a woman again? Was he a fool?

    ¡°People nowadays are very open-minded. Even if... I can adopt a child with Zhai Sheng. I promise to treat that child well. If that doesn¡¯t work and Zhai Sheng, and the Zhai family, insists on a biological child, I¡¯m willing topromise and let them find another woman to give birth to a child. However, after this child is born, she will have to let me adopt him. That woman had better disappear after receiving money and not appear in front of us again.¡± She felt ashamed toward Zhai Sheng. Thus, she could tolerate Zhai Sheng betraying her once and let another woman be pregnant with his child. However, it was only once.

    Qiu Qin said sarcastically, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why wouldn¡¯t Zhai Sheng marry the child¡¯s mother directly? Why must it be you? He¡¯s already willing to let another woman carry his own child. What other reason is there for him to insist on remarrying you?¡±

    There must be a reason for everything, right?

    As such, where did Qiu Chenxi¡¯s confidencee from to think that although Zhai Sheng was willing to make another woman pregnant, he would still insist on remarrying Qiu Chenxi, a rotten pit? What was the beauty of Qiu Chenxi?

    ¡°Dad, can¡¯t you say something nicer? Must you say such infuriating words? Would it benefit you if I can¡¯t please him? If I remarry Zhai Sheng, wouldn¡¯t your thoughtse true?¡± Qiu Chenxi was angry. Forget it that others didn¡¯t think highly of her. Even her biological father thought so. Qiu Chenxi couldn¡¯t ept this.

    Qiu Qin crossed his legs. ¡°I would certainly be happy if you can remarry Zhai Sheng, but it might not happen. Nobody¡¯s a fool. Stop thinking about it. You mother and daughter can continue talking. I¡¯m heading out. I shan¡¯t waste my time and breath on you anymore.¡±

    Upon seeing that Qiu Qin really walked away, Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi were furious. Qiu Chenxi gritted her teeth. ¡°Does this matter concern only me? It¡¯s the Qiu family¡¯s business. Mom, you¡¯re not going to care about Dad?¡±

    ¡°Care? Can I?¡± Qi Min was filled with hatred. ¡°Why do you think your dad is treating you so badly? He already has a son. Why would he still care about you, a daughter who only knows how to give him trouble and not benefits? Why do you think he¡¯s retreating so happily this time around? He¡¯s just making room for his biological son!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi was stunned. ¡°Son? Where did my dad¡¯s sone from?¡± Her mother had only given birth to her. It shouldn¡¯t be what she was thinking, right?

    ¡°Your dad has long provided for another woman outside. That woman¡¯s son is in his twenties this year. He just graduated from university and started working. If your dad doesn¡¯t retreat, that bastard can¡¯t enter. As such, whether you can reconcile your marriage with Zhai Sheng or not no longer bears any significance to him. He certainly won¡¯t be eager to help you get your happiness back.¡± Qi Min was full of grievances.

    She always thought that Qiu Qin was like a dog by her side who listened to her words. As long as she said to go east, Qiu Qin wouldn¡¯t dare to go west. Who knew that Qiu Qin had long provided for another woman outside since more than twenty years ago and the two of them even gave birth to a son?!

    ¡°Did you think that your father really brought your grandparents to the farmhouse to y every month? The Qiu family was just there to see the vixen and the son she gave birth to behind our backs!¡± To think that she was clever her whole life but stupid this once. She was deceived by this scheming Qiu family.

    Where did Qiu Qin get the money to provide for the vixen and raise the bastard up? If he didn¡¯t rely on the rtionship she and her daughter had, would he have such an ie?

    Upon thinking that her help to Qiu Qin hadpletely benefited that vixen and the son she gave birth to in the end, Qi Min felt more regretful of the wrong choice she made that year,pared to Qiu Chenxi.

    Qiu Chenxi felt that something in her heart broke, and she couldn¡¯t piece them back together again. ¡°Mom, when did you confirm this?¡±

    ¡°I identally heard about this when the two old folks were gone.¡±

 Chapter 1794 - The Child Was a Problem

    <h4>Chapter 1794: The Child Was a Problem</h4>

    Before the old woman died, she called Qiu Qin to her side and sent her away. Initially, she didn¡¯t think too much of it and really left. It was just that the moment the door closed, she felt that something was amiss and deliberately left a small gap to eavesdrop.

    Perhaps the people in the house felt guilty. The old woman was very anxious, as if afraid she wouldn¡¯t be able to finish her words before she died. Before confirming that the door was really closed and she was really gone, they spoke directly. The old woman told Qiu Qin that all these years, she had saved up all the money she had gained from others and from filial piety in the name of her grandson. The passbook was in her room. After she passed on, she hoped that Qiu Qin would send over the money she left behind to her grandson.

    Mother Qiu even said that everything in the Qiu family should belong to her grandson and that they shouldn¡¯t let Qiu Chenxi gain anything. She felt that Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t look like she was going to turn out to be someone good in the future. As such, Mother Qiu said that once the time was right, Qiu Qin must allow her grandson to acknowledge his roots and ancestors, return to the Qiu family, and take over everything from the Qiu family.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°How much did grandma leave behind for that bastard? All that money went into that bastard¡¯s pockets?¡± Her grandma retired early and had no pension. As such, her grandma¡¯s money was all hers and her mother¡¯s, which was given out of filial piety. She had used their money to provide for the bastard. Indeed, only grandsons had it the best in this world.

    Qi Minughed triumphantly. ¡°Six hundred thousand yuan.¡± She didn¡¯t expect that the old woman knew how to save so much. Based on their filial piety alone, she thought that the passbook would have one hundred thousand yuan at most. Who knew that there was six hundred thousand yuan? ¡°I yed some tricks to get all that money out. None of it fell into the hands of that vixen and her son.¡±

    Qi Min felt morefortable in her heart after receiving this six hundred thousand yuan. This six hundred thousand yuan should have included the old couple¡¯s savings as well. Qiu Qin had taken their money to provide for that vixen and bastard. This six hundred thousand yuan could be said to bepensation.

    Qiu Chenxi heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best. At this point in time, I can only say that you must find ways to help me with the matter with Zhai Sheng. Tell me. Uncle is no longer around. Do you think Zhai Sheng would be willing to see me and agree to remarry me on ount of my uncle?¡±

    Back then, didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng agree to the marriage because of that very reason?

    ¡°If you really want to use your uncle to talk about this, your foundation is a little weak. If you could find Shi Qing back to help you, the possibility is higher.¡± Her brother had died working in the army. In the end, Zhai Sheng was the one who carried her brother¡¯s body back. Her brother was Zhai Sheng¡¯s master and the person Zhai Sheng respected the most. After her brother was gone, her sister-inw was someone weak. She nearly caused Shi Qing to be bullied to death by the people from her grandmother¡¯s family.

    If her brother didn¡¯t die, how would Shi Qing be a child who had lost her father¡¯s love and be bullied by others so miserably? She almost couldn¡¯t even decide on what type of person she wanted to get married to. Was the Feng family trying to marry off a granddaughter? They knew how the other party was like but still insisted on marrying Shi Qing over. That was obviously selling their granddaughter!

    Others might not know about this, but Qi Min did. Shi Qing didn¡¯t marry and even took on her brother¡¯s old path because Zhai Sheng was helping Shi Qing. Without Zhai Sheng helping Shi Qing behind her back, based on her sister-inw¡¯s and Shi Qing¡¯s original temperament, those wolves from the Feng family would have long swallowed them whole.

    As such, if they really wanted to get someone to intervene, it wouldn¡¯t be enough if the Qiu family alone did so. If Shi Qing was willing to help them out, she could do the job of two.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to call her,¡± Qiu Chenxi said directly. She was unwilling to ask Shi Qing for help. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know that Shi Qing likes Zhai Sheng as well. She had been interested in Zhai Sheng since she was young. Back then, Zhai Sheng was still my fianc¨¦. To be honest, I have always been worried about Shi Qing. Look at how old she is now. Yet, she¡¯s unmarried. Has Shi Qing always been waiting for Zhai Sheng? What if she snatches my man away from me instead of helping me?¡±

    Without Shi Qing causing trouble, it was already very difficult for her to remarry Zhai Sheng. She couldn¡¯t receive any news from the Zhai family recently. It wasn¡¯t that Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t have any tinge of self-awareness. If one had to choose between her and Shi Qing, even a fool would know to choose Shi Qing.

    This would be Shi Qing¡¯s first marriage. Furthermore, she had indeed done something wrong in her marriage with Zhai Sheng. If it was her, she would also be willing to choose Shi Qing, a woman who was clean and could help Zhai Sheng in his career.

    In front of Shi Qing, Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t have any chances of winning at all.

    Upon thinking that Shi Qing was old but she refused to get married, she was really worried that Shi Qing was still waiting for Zhai Sheng. If Shi Qing confessed to Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family found out, she was afraid that she would only have to wait for their wedding invitation.

    Qi Min hesitated for a while. ¡°What you said is correct as well. What shall we do then? My words carry no weight, and neither do yours. The Zhai family isn¡¯t even willing to see us now. How would they be willing to listen to us and let you and Zhai Sheng remarry?¡±

    Qi Min sighed and looked at her daughter¡¯s stomach. ¡°Look at you. You¡¯re not young anymore. Why are you doing so many insensible things? If the Zhai family finds out that you can no longer conceive, it would be even more impossible for you to get together with Zhai Sheng again.¡±

    ¡°Then, I shan¡¯t let the Zhai family know about this.¡± Anyway, the Zhai family shouldn¡¯t have cared much about her situation over the years. ¡°Let¡¯s talk again after I remarry Zhai Sheng. We can talk about things in the future. Both Zhai Sheng and I are old. Perhaps Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t even want children. A man who wants children is almost forty-four years old, yet he hasn¡¯t remarried?¡±

    If Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like children to begin with, wasn¡¯t she just right for Zhai Sheng since she could no longer conceive? If another woman got married to Zhai Sheng and had to go with Zhai Sheng¡¯s mentality of not wanting children, how cruel would it be for her to lose her qualifications as a mother even though she was healthy?

    As such, based on Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation, it was still better to find someone like her, who couldn¡¯t give birth.

    Qi Min wasn¡¯t so optimistic. ¡°Fine. These are all in the future. Until now, the Zhai family hasn¡¯t said anything to you. Let¡¯s settle the most critical issue now.¡± As long as her daughter could remarry Zhai Sheng, there was always a solution when it came to children. However, without this big premise, they would just be overthinking even if they had considered all the problems that would ur afterward.

    Once these words were spoken, Qiu Chenxi immediately looked sorrowful. Yes, what method could let her remarry Zhai Sheng so that she could be the wife of the chief?

 Chapter 1795 - A Seven-Grade Official

    <h4>Chapter 1795: A Seven-Grade Official</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In this world, it was really impossible to find another man who was more outstanding and could bring oneself more glory than Zhai Sheng. After having the best and most perfect man in this world, it was fine to have fun with those with ws or even iparable ones. However, when it came to marriage, Qiu Chenxi was not interested at all.

    It didn¡¯t make sense that the man she was going to find after the divorce with Zhai Sheng was going to be worse, right?

    ¡°Mom, you could tolerate my dad having another family outside. Can¡¯t Zhai Sheng just forgive me this once? Could it be that men are pettier than women?¡± Why was it that men had to be calctive about the things women could do?

    What was more important than two people being happy together?

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about this matter. It¡¯s impossible for Zhai Sheng to forgive you on this.¡± Even if she was her biological daughter, Qi Min couldn¡¯t say anything that went against her conscience. ¡°Your grandfather was long gone. Your uncle died even earlier. Although Shi Qing is pretty promising, our rtionship with her hasn¡¯t been very good. If not for me not having a family who could back me up, do you think I would really not have cared about your dad¡¯s affairs outside? There are generally two scenarios for not caring and not minding. One is that our rtionship is too deep and I¡¯m willing to give the other party another chance. The other is that I purely don¡¯t have the capability to be calctive.¡±

    Although Zhai Sheng was once her son-inw, she could tell that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have any feelings toward her daughter at all. If not for Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing agreeing back then, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t have married Chenxi at all.

    If Zhai Sheng had any feelings for Chenxi, would he not have touched her even once when they had been married for three years?

    Without this big premise, Chenxi might not have an affair and do something sorry to Zhai Sheng. However, Chenxi was ultimately the wrong party. If one wanted to pursue the matter, a couple could just get a divorce if they didn¡¯t lead a harmonious husband-wife rtionship. There wasn¡¯t any reason to have an affair.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have any feelings for her daughter and was a very capable man. In the face of her daughter¡¯s affair, Zhai Sheng would naturally rather remain single for a lifetime than give her daughter a chance to turn over a new leaf.

    Qi Min didn¡¯t say it explicitly, but Qiu Chenxi understood the meaning in her biological mother¡¯s words. What she was looking forward to would definitely not happen. ¡°What should I do then?¡± She really didn¡¯t have any other choice. If not for this, she wouldn¡¯t have had such a naive idea.

    It wasn¡¯t as if she really didn¡¯t understand. It was just that when she was at her wits¡¯ end, she could onlye up with a whimsical idea to see if there were other possibilities and opportunities.

    What else could Qi Min say?

    ¡°Forget it. Don¡¯t be anxious. If you are, the Zhai family would definitely be more anxious than you. As long as Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t have another woman by his side and he doesn¡¯t n to remarry, your chances of sess would at least be a little higher than the rest.¡± Who asked Chenxi to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s only marriage partner in the past forty years?

    From this point alone, even though her daughter had an affair, she still had a certain advantage.

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t know about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s and Qi Min¡¯s ns. Otherwise, they would really want to give this shameless mother and daughter a p. They were really amazed at their self-confidence.

    However, there¡¯s something Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t know and couldn¡¯t have guessed. Who said that there wasn¡¯t any woman by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side apart from Qiu Chenxi?

    Qiao Nan was one!

    Thendy¡¯s son only spent two days to bring back a new nanny and a specialist doctor to the Zhai family¡¯s old house in Qingshui Town.

    Upon seeing the scenery of Qingshui Town, the doctor gave a high degree of affirmation. ¡°No wonder the chief would want toe here. The water¡¯s clear, the air¡¯s fresh, and the environment¡¯s quiet. Indeed, it is very suitable for one to re... recuperate.¡± The doctor initially wanted to say to retire. After all, after seeing the environment of Qingshui Town, the first thought that appeared in his mind was that when he retired, he could perhaps buy a house here.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± As a person from Qingshui Town, Xiao Xu was extremely proud. ¡°This is the chief¡¯s old house. I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± As they were walking, Xiao Xu deliberately reminded the newly-hired nanny that the chief liked the quiet and didn¡¯t like to be disturbed.

    Aside from cleaning the house and cooking meals for the chief, the nanny didn¡¯t need to do any other unnecessary things. She also didn¡¯t need to bring the freshly prepared meals and cut fruits to the chief personally. It was fine as long as they ended up in his hands.

    He was a person who insisted on a male doctor and a male nurse to take care of him. Xiao Xu really didn¡¯t dare to let the nanny get too close to Zhai Sheng. Otherwise, the nanny might cause Zhai Sheng to be irritated, and he would have to make a trip to Ping Cheng again to get another nanny.

    It was easy to find a nanny. However, to find one that could take good care of the chief wasn¡¯t as easy.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Don¡¯t worry. I still remember everything you¡¯ve said on the road. I won¡¯t make any mistakes. As long as the chief doesn¡¯t call for me, I won¡¯t appear in front of him.¡± The new nanny was approximately in her thirties and seemed quite honest.

    She dared not be dishonest. She had given her best time to her ex-husband. Who knew that her ex-husband earned a little money after starting his business and started to despise her? He wanted to divorce her and marry a poprizen. Upon thinking about this, she was furious.

    Indeed, after getting married, she no longer went outside to work. However, without her taking care of everything at home on behalf of her husband, serving the four elderly people well, and teaching the children properly, would her ex-husband be able to devote himself to his career?

    She wasn¡¯t willing to spend her ex-husband¡¯s hard-earned money. In the end, the money she saved benefitted that shameless vixen. This was what broke her heart most.

    She became a divorcee in her thirties. She really didn¡¯t dare to believe that after divorcing her ex-husband, she couldn¡¯t find a job to support herself. She was going to earn even her son¡¯s living expenses!

    The nanny had no other skills. However, she was really good at taking care of people and doing housework. Knowing that being a nanny now could earn quite a bit of money, she decided to use her expertise and enter this business.

    What she didn¡¯t expect was that the first time she tested the waters, she would be so lucky to have been fancied by the soldier. He said that he was going to let her take care of some chief. He sounded like a big official.

    No matter what, she would benefit from taking care of such a big shot in the future. Didn¡¯t they say that one was a seven-grade official in front of a prime minister? It should more or less be the same meaning if she became the chief¡¯s nanny. She wouldn¡¯t be worse off than a seven-grade official.

 Chapter 1796 - Well Managed

    <h4>Chapter 1796: Well Managed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If her ex-husband knew that she would have a rtionship with the chief after she became a nanny, she didn¡¯t know what her ex-husband¡¯s expression would be like. She had a feeling that her ex-husband would regret it sooner orter for divorcing her and choosing to marry a poprizen instead!

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Xiao Xu could rest assured after knowing that the nanny was willing to abide by the rules. Seeing that this nanny was quick and nimble in her chores, Xiao Xu hesitated for a long time before deciding if he should hire her. He wanted to hire her as he had seen her work, and she was quick and nimble indeed. She was highly efficient, and the food she made was delicious. However, he hesitated because this nanny was a little young, only in her thirties. Furthermore, she had just gotten a divorce.

    Upon thinking that the chief was nearing forty-five years old and was simrly single, Xiao Xu couldn¡¯t help but worry that the nanny might have other thoughts about the chief after understanding his situation. The chief was annoyed about this the most. If he failed to do this well and left a bad impression on the chief, he might lose more than gain.

    Thankfully, until now, Xiao Xu didn¡¯t feel any strange emotions from the nanny. ¡°Oh, right. Don¡¯t call me sir in the future. I¡¯m not any sir. At most, I¡¯m just a little soldier taking care of the chief. I¡¯m surnamed Xu. You can call me Xiao Xu. Sister Zhao, you¡¯re a few years older than me. You don¡¯t mind me calling you sister, right?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Sister Zhao didn¡¯t mind being addressed as sister. ¡°It¡¯s my blessing if you are willing to call me sister.¡± One look at this soldier and she knew he was young. It was just that she was hired to work. If the other party didn¡¯t say anything, how would she dare to be so bold and be his sister?

    ¡°Okay. These are the things you should pay attention to. After seeing the chief, you don¡¯t have to be worried. The chief doesn¡¯t like to talk or smile, but he isn¡¯t bad-tempered. He doesn¡¯t have the habit of shouting at others. You can just rx.¡±

    Upon thinking of Zhai Sheng¡¯s cold face, Xiao Xu hurriedly gave the both of them a heads-up so that they wouldn¡¯t be shocked. However, he didn¡¯t know how the auntie his mother had found two days ago was interacting with the chief in the two days he had left. He didn¡¯t have any other thoughts. He only hoped that the chief didn¡¯t go hungry for the past two days.

    ¡°Chief, I¡¯m back.¡± Upon seeing that Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t in the study room reading but was in the courtyard, basking in the sun, Xiao Xu was a little surprised. ¡°You¡¯re basking in the sun? That¡¯s good. Isn¡¯t that so, Doctor Wang?¡±

    ¡°Yes, basking in the sun helps increase calcium as well.¡± Doctor Wang responded. He first observed Zhai Sheng and realized that his condition wasn¡¯t as worrying as what Xiao Xu had said it to be. That radiant look obviously showed that the chief was in a good mood recuperating here.

    After getting an affirmative answer, Xiao Xu ran to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Chief, are you hungry? Sister Zhao, whom I¡¯ve hired this time, is very good at cooking. Do you want to try?¡± He nned to make it up to the chief today for all that he had not eaten previously.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Next time.¡± Zhai Sheng, who had just eaten, didn¡¯t have the stomach to even taste any food, let alone eat a little.

    In the face of dishes that didn¡¯t suit his pte before, even if they didn¡¯t taste good, Zhai Sheng would still eat a little so that he wouldn¡¯t go hungry. As a soldier, what kind of hardship had he not experienced before? It was nothing to eat food that he didn¡¯t like. At times when circumstances became difficult, they had to eat food that ordinary people wouldn¡¯t even eat, let alone something that they didn¡¯t like to eat.

    Simrly, in the face of the dishes that he liked, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have the habit of overeating. It was rare for him to finally eat normal meals for two days. Zhai Sheng really looked better after Xiao Xu left.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Xiao Xu carefully sized up Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood and looks. He realized that Zhai Sheng¡¯s mental condition was better than before he left, even though his stiff eyebrows showed that he was still as indifferent as before, looking emotionless. However, after staying by his side for a long time, Xiao Xu could faintly feel that Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood was pretty good now. ¡°Chief, what did you eat in the afternoon? Was it nice?¡±

    ¡°Sweet and sour fish.¡± As a man, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like sweet stuff. On the first day, even if he didn¡¯t say anything to Qiao Nan and wasn¡¯t having high hopes for her, he didn¡¯t expect the dishes Qiao Nan made to look homely but taste good.

    As such, on the second day when Qiao Nan asked Zhai Sheng what he would like to eat, Zhai Sheng just asked Qiao Nan to make the arrangement for him. It was toote for Zhai Sheng to regret after Qiao Nan killed the fish and said that she was preparing sweet and sour fish.

    Not being picky didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t have any food he disliked. All along, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like sweet stuff and fish. Sweet and sour fish fulfilled both dislikes.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t one to waste food. After taking over, she didn¡¯t prepare too many dishes for Zhai Sheng in a day. It was fine as long as there were a meat or fish dish and a vegetable dish every day. As such, Qiao Nan only prepared a single fish dish of sweet and sour fish.

    Qiao Nan said that since Zhai Sheng could eat a few bowls of rice, he could finish off the sweet and sour fish easily. As for dinner, it certainly would be freshly cooked. That way, it would taste better, fresher, and healthier.

    ¡°S-Sweet and sour fish?¡± Xiao Xu eximed in his heart when he heard those words. He had left in a hurry yesterday and didn¡¯t tell that auntie what the chief¡¯s taboos were. ¡°Chief, are you hungry? It¡¯s fine. Your body is the most important. I think Auntie Qiao wouldn¡¯t mind. You can treat it as snack time.¡±

    Of course, Zhai Sheng understood what Xiao Xu meant. When he heard that he was having sweet and sour fish for lunch, his thoughts were initially the same as Xiao Xu. What he didn¡¯t expect was that after taking a bite to test the taste, he realized that it wasn¡¯t bad. It wasn¡¯t too sweet, and it tasted smooth and fresh.

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t describe thatplicated feeling. However, he knew that he didn¡¯t hate the taste of sweet and sour fish. On the contrary, he epted it pretty well.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng ate three bowls of rice. Indeed, he had finished off a one-kilogram fish alone. Of course, when Qiao Nan was buying the fish, she had already considered Zhai Sheng¡¯s intake volume. As to why Qiao Nan could calcte it so urately, she felt a little depressed as well. Since when an ordinary thing like dreaming became so unsafe?

    Even if it was highly possible that she had inadvertently watched the news and thus had a deep impression on the Zhai family¡¯s house, why was it that Zhai Sheng¡¯s appetite and preference were simr to those in her dream as well?

 Chapter 1797 - Expectations

    <h4>Chapter 1797: Expectations</h4>

    No news reports or interviews could reveal so clearly about Zhai Sheng¡¯s preferences. How had she gained such an understanding of Zhai Sheng? What was the basis for her dreaming of Zhai Sheng¡¯s habits?

    ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t give it to him. He doesn¡¯t exercise much now. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll get too bloated if he eats any more. Are you Xiao Xu? The weather is rather pleasant today. It doesn¡¯t seem good for him to sit there all day. Why don¡¯t you bring him out to the yard for a walk?¡± Qiao Nan, who happened to overhear the conversation as she walked out, was taken aback. Zhai Sheng would probably not be able to keep his figure if he were to continue eating.

    In her dream, Zhai Sheng had an intense training regime in the military. Even at home, Zhai Sheng had never forsaken training and ran so much that it scared others. But now, everything was different. Even if there were no major problems with Zhai Sheng¡¯s leg, there were probably other minor problems.

    In the two days that she had been here, she had never once seen Zhai Sheng stand up. As to how Zhai Sheng crawled onto his bed to sleep or how he managed his nature calls once she went home, Qiao Nan truly had no idea. What Qiao Nan knew was that Zhai Sheng had never asked her to help him with these matters.

    It was not as though Zhai Sheng was under her watchful eye for the whole day. From Qiao Nan¡¯s calctions, there was no way Zhai Sheng would only use the toilet once a day. Since Zhai Sheng did not require her help in this area, she was not worried about it either.

    But since Xiao Xu was back now, Qiao Nan felt that she should assign him some tasks too. ¡°It¡¯s not good to always stay seated. You should let him soak his feet, help him massage them, or help him walk around from time to time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are?¡± Doctor Wang looked at Xiao Xu. After learning of Qiao Nan¡¯s surname from Xiao Xu, he quickly answered, ¡°This... Madam Qiao... I know what she¡¯s saying about the chief¡¯s condition. Indeed, moderate exercise can help you recuperate faster.¡± The chief had already passed the stage of absolute rest. ¡°Of course, it was right for you to decrease your exercise in the first few stages of recuperation, but you should start increasing it gradually.¡±

    Knowing that he would soon have work to do, Xiao Xu was ted. ¡°So it turns out that the chief can walk around already! Alright, chief, I¡¯ll help you!¡±

    Not only was Zhai Sheng tall, but he was also extraordinarily muscr. Of course, this meant that Zhai Sheng weighed quite a lot. Qiao Nan did have such a n, but she was a singledy, while Zhai Sheng was a divorc¨¦. Qiao Nan had no strength to help Zhai Sheng around, and neither was it appropriate for her to be so physically close to him.

    Now that Xiao Xu was back, all their problems would be solved.

    When Qiao Nan saw Zhai Sheng reading about his medical records in his study room yesterday morning, Qiao Nan had already had such an idea.

    When the four of them saw the harmonious atmosphere, the remaining Sister Zhao felt extremely awkward. She would not need to cook since the chief was not hungry. The chief would need to learn to walk again with the doctor¡¯s guidance, and Xiao Xu would be helping him with that. Although the other woman was not in the picture, that woman had been the one who had arranged all these. At that moment, only she had nothing to do.

    Sister Zhao frowned. Officer Xu had not told her that the chief¡¯s wife would be around. If Xiao Xu had known that the chief¡¯s wife was around, he should have given her a heads-up. Gaining the favor of the mistress was way more important than gaining the favor of the master.

    Thinking about that, Sister Zhao got close to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hello, Madam Zhai, my surname is Zhao. You can call me Xiao Zhao. You can simply instruct me on how to take care of the chief or if you need help with making anything for the chief to eat. I¡¯ll definitely do my best as long as I know how to do so. If I don¡¯t, I promise that I¡¯ll do my best to learn it well.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    In an instant, the other three people were rendered speechless because of Sister Zhao¡¯s words. Xiao Xu was so angry that he had to cup his forehead. He had never once mentioned that the chief was married, much less that the chief¡¯s wife was taking care of the chief. How could Sister Zhao have such a vivid imagination? He wondered if the chief would be infuriated by such an assumption.

    ¡°Chief, this has nothing to do with Sister Qiao!¡± Neither does it have anything to do with me!

    How could he possibly tell Sister Zhao that Sister Qiao was the chief¡¯s wife? He was the one who had found Sister Zhao. Before today¡¯s meeting, Sister Zhao did not know Sister Qiao at all, and Sister Qiao had no time to mislead Sister Zhao either.

    So it was entirely out of Sister Zhao¡¯s imagination that she had addressed Qiao Nan as the ¡®chief¡¯s wife¡¯. Both Sister Qiao and he were innocent. Neither of them had ever sent a wrong signal to Sister Zhao to mislead her!

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, but I wonder if Miss Qiao will be affected?¡± Zhai Sheng was extremely calm. ¡°Miss Qiao, although there¡¯s no one here apart from the five of us, if word gets out and your husband gets the wrong idea, I can exin the situation for you.¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Nan opened her mouth but did not know how to respond. Or perhaps it could be said that she wanted to simply reply with a vague ¡®yes¡¯. Qiao Nan felt a little weird having to talk about whether she was married in front of Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan had not wanted to talk about it and had even wanted to simply gloss over it, but unfortunately, she had a noob ally, Xiao Xu. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, chief. Sister Qiao is just like you. She¡¯s still single.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± Zhai Sheng answered meaningfully yet normally. ¡°It¡¯s good that there¡¯ll be no misunderstanding. But even if there is any misunderstanding, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll be able to exin it.¡± It turned out that she, too, was divorced.

    Zhai Sheng himself was not sure why he suddenly felt at ease after he had brought up this issue out of the blue and had gotten such an answer.

    Zhai Sheng, Xiao Xu, and the rest of them had already gotten a hold of the situation, but Sister Zhao was only getting even more confused. So this was not the chief¡¯s wife? But no one had gotten angry by the slip of her tongue! The chief¡¯s temper was too good! Besides, ording to what Officer Xu said, the chief had no wife?

    As a normal woman, the sight of a simr-aged man who was outstanding in every way would evoke some feelings in her heart. Otherwise, that woman was abnormal. Even though she had gotten a divorce, Sister Zhao was not prepared to spend the rest of her life alone.

    Her ex-husband had already found his match for his second marriage before even getting divorced, so there was no reason she could not think about this personal problem now that she was already divorced.

    Of course, these were all just her own thoughts. She would still need to make a tremendous amount of effort to get a man like Zhai Sheng.

    Thus, such a thought disappeared in a sh. She knew very well of her own position, what she should do, and what she should not do.

    But Qiao Nan seemed a little embarrassed at this moment. She had heard the words ¡®chief¡¯s wife¡¯ many times in her dream, but this was the first time that she had been mistaken for one in reality. It was truly a first. She had not even graduated from junior high school. How could she ever expect to be the wife of a chief?

 Chapter 1798 - Not Here to Steal Your Job

    <h4>Chapter 1798: Not Here to Steal Your Job</h4>

    It was exactly because she knew that her family background was poor that she had never intended on heading northward to find the Zhai family even after leaving Ping Cheng in her dream. ¡°About that... I was sent here to take care of Zhai¡ªChief Zhai. Now that a recement has been found, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Even after knowing that this ¡®Xiao Zhao¡¯ would be her recement, Qiao Nan did not dislike Xiao Zhao.

    No matter what, she hoped that there would be someone who would be able to take good care of Zhai Sheng and nurse him back to health. Now that that person was here, she would only feel unnecessary and excessive if she were to continue staying here.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Thinking about how Qiao Nan had been busy the whole day, Zhai Sheng thought that Qiao Nan was leaving because there was someone to take over her shift now. ¡°What time are youing tomorrow? What are you going to make?¡± If Qiao Nan was not leaving now, Zhai Sheng would have asked Qiao Nan what she was going to cook for dinner, even though his lunch had not yet been fully digested.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips curled into a dry smile. ¡°Chief Zhai, I won¡¯t be returning tomorrow since Xiao Xu and Xiao Zhao are both here. As for what you¡¯re eating tomorrow, why don¡¯t you discuss it with Xiao Zhao?¡± No wonder thendlord said that it would only be for a while. It was true. She had only made four meals for Zhai Sheng. Time had passed quickly indeed.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, sorry for troubling you this time.¡± Since the chief had posed such a question, Sister Qiao must have done a good job in taking care of him these past two days. He had not expected that the person his mom had found at thest minute would be even more reliable than those nannies that he had hired in the past. If he had known that the chief would ept Sister Qiao so easily, he would never have gone to such an extent.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you not want toe? Or do you think that there¡¯s no need for you toe?¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow, instinctively disliking Zhai Sheng¡¯s question. ¡°Is there any difference?¡± The end results were the same anyway. She would note either way.

    ¡°Of course there¡¯s a difference.¡± Since the reason for noting was different, the oue would naturally be different as well. There were not many people whom Zhai Sheng allowed to take care of him. But if Qiao Nan herself did not want toe, it did not seem right for him to force her to take care of himself either.

    ¡°...¡± Xiao Xu scratched his head, feeling that the conversation between the chief and Sister Qiao was a little weird. Had something happened between the chief and Sister Qiao in the time that he had been away? ¡°Chief, I heard Sister Qiao address you as brother earlier?¡± He had not heard or remembered it wrongly, had he? Sister Qiao had indeed addressed Chief Zhai as Brother Zhai. ¡°Do you two know each other?¡±

    No wonder Sister Qiao got along with the chief so well. It was because they knew each other. He would have to tell his fellow soldiers in the future. Who said that Chief Zhai knew no other woman apart from his mother and sister? Wasn¡¯t there one right before his eyes? Sister Qiao did seem a little old, but she was still beautiful and did not look old.

    ¡°We used to live in the same quad.¡± Before Qiao Nan could deny it, Zhai Sheng replied while looking into Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Because Zhai Sheng had answered first and was staring down at her, Qiao Nan could only agree with Zhai Sheng.

    That was a fact. There was probably no big deal in not denying it.

    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± His mom was amazing. She had simply found a tenant to take care of his chief for a while, but she had managed to find a familiar face! No wonder he felt that the chief was in a better mood this time when he returned. It was because he had finally met his childhood friend.

    Sister Zhao was slightly confused. ¡°What about me?¡± It turned out that this woman was just like her and had been hired to take care of the chief. But the problem was that there was only one chief. There was only one person whom the two of them had to take care of. She was all right with the two of them working together. She would receive her sry all the same and there would even be someone to work with.

    But if they were only to hire one person, she might very well be sent back after just one day. This job offered a slightly higher sry than other jobs, after all.

    Now that Qiao Nan was no longer someone she needed to suck up to, and had instead be someone who was going to snatch her job from her, Sister Zhao¡¯s thoughts toward Qiao Nan were extremelyplicated.

    Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. She had never meant to snatch Xiao Zhao¡¯s job from her. ¡°Actually, I have a job. It¡¯s just that my job is not demanding and I have quite a lot of flexibility in arranging my time. It¡¯s just as well that you¡¯re here. I can finally make up for all the tasks I missed out on for the past few days.¡± When she returned home yesterday, she saw that several of her previous clients had already found her for trantion work.

    It was just that she had been meticulously analyzing the menu for Zhai Sheng that she had not been able to start working.

    It was truly unexpected that she had met Zhai Sheng and had even interacted with him in real life. She hade to Qingshui Town with the mentality of retiring. Qingshui Town was a good ce, and there was no need for her to give up on life in this small town because of a dream.

    But Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance in her life changed everything. The more she interacted with Zhai Sheng, the more afraid Qiao Nan got that she would never be able to wake up from that dream. Even while she was preparing lunch for Zhai Sheng, she had done so ording to her habits in her dream.

    In reality, she knew why Xiao Xu insisted on Xiao Zhao making a meal for Zhai Sheng the moment she arrived. It¡¯s because Zhai Sheng disliked fish and sweet tastes. This one dish broke both taboos. But the problem was that fish was high in protein and low in fat. It was good for health.

    She cooked ording to how she had done in her dream, and Zhai Sheng had indeed epted her dish. But now that Zhai Sheng¡¯s habits in her dream were being confirmed one by one, Qiao Nan could not help but panic. Reality was being intertwined with her dream.

    Before this, she had never had any contact with Zhai Sheng. Neither had the Zhai family ever exposed their lives to the media. Where had she learned that Zhai Sheng disliked fish and sweet tastes that she had been able toe up with it in her dream? Her dream had been so realistic that it was frightening.

    As her guesses were proved correct one by one, Qiao Nan could not help but be afraid. If this continued, she would truly never be able to pull herself out of her dream and separate her dream from reality. Even though Zhai Sheng had already gotten a divorce from Qiu Chenxi and was now single, she had no chance or qualifications to be with Zhai Sheng, apart from her age.

    Daydreaming did not seem like a good thing, especially in her case.

    Qiao Nan wondered if she should distance herself from Zhai Sheng in case she startedparing everything that happened in reality to what had happened in her dream.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good.¡± Xiao Zhao smiled. As long as she was not trying to snatch her job away. Without thepetitive rtionship, Xiao Zhao was now much friendlier toward Qiao Nan and thought that Qiao Nan was a good person. The chief seemed to be very used to Qiao Nan taking care of him. That familiarity had caused her to mistake Qiao Nan for the chief¡¯s wife.

 Chapter 1799 - Ulterior Motives

    <h4>Chapter 1799: Ulterior Motives</h4>

    She saw how the other party had been taking care of the chief while telling Officer Xu what to do. Her mistress¡¯ tone had been too obvious. Anyone would have mistaken her for the chief¡¯s wife, not just her.

    After giving her instructions, Qiao Nan was finally at ease. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll hand everything over to you then. I just got here myself, so I¡¯m not very sure about many things either. You can ask Xiao Xu directly if you have any doubts. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±

    ¡°Shall I send you off, Sister Qiao?¡± Xiao Xu asked.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. The bus stop is just a few steps away, and it¡¯s so bright and early. There¡¯s no need to send me there. I can head there on my own. It¡¯s best that you three stay by Brother Zhai¡¯s side and take care of him.¡± Xiao Xu was clearest about Zhai Sheng¡¯s condition. Who would the doctor ask if he wanted to understand more about Zhai Sheng¡¯s condition if Xiao Xu were to leave?

    After persuading Xiao Xu, Qiao Nan picked up her bag and rushed off.

    Xiao Xu rubbed his small and t head in confusion. ¡°Sister Qiao seems rather spirited. She walks so quickly.¡± Her speed made it seem as though there was a ghost chasing her. Could it be that there was really something in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi that scared Sister Qiao?

    Xiao Xu should not have mentioned anything. The mention of it caused Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression to darken. ¡°I don¡¯t want to take a walk anymore. Take me into the study room.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Doctor Wang, who had been ignored all this time, propped up the sses on the bridge of his nose. ¡°Chief, why don¡¯t I do a full-body examination on you first? Where do you think is more suitable for that?¡±

    ¡°The chief¡¯s room?¡± Xiao Xu offered timidly. ¡°Sister Zhao, could you go cut some fruits in the kitchen first?¡± It was best that no one was around while the chief was getting his checkup, especially women, in case the chief felt uneasy.

    ¡°Oh, all right.¡± Sister Zhao answered with a smile. ¡°Right, Officer Xu, where¡¯s the kitchen?¡± Wow, this house was humongous. There were so many rooms. She had only seen such houses on television. Where was the kitchen?

    ¡°Take a left turn and head down through the corridor. Go past the courtyard and you¡¯ll find a room beside it,¡± Xiao Xu answered smoothly.

    Zhai Sheng, whose expression was still dark, heard it and asked, ¡°Xiao Xu, when you brought Qiao Nan over, did you tell her about where the kitchen and study room are?¡± Xiao Xu did not seem like such a meticulous person. But yesterday, Qiao Nan had indeed not even asked about where those two rooms were and had headed toward them immediately without getting lost.

    Comparing her to Sister Zhao, who looked as though she was already confused by Xiao Xu¡¯s words, that strange feeling Zhai Sheng had felt yesterday emerged once again. Indeed, he had not been overly sensitive.

    ¡°No.¡± Xiao Xu shook his head. ¡°I was in a rush when leaving yesterday. It was ast-minute decision to have Sister Qiaoe to help.¡± He had thought that it would be all right for someone unsuitable to take care of the chief for just one night. Anyway, he would bring the new nanny in the next day. Nothing would happen in just one night.

    In order to return earlier, Xiao Xu had left early. Except for those few moments in which he conversed briefly with Qiao Nan and thought that she was all right at the door, he had not gotten to know the Qiao family, much less tell her about where everything was in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    Xiao Xu knocked himself on the head, btedly realizing his own muddleheadedness and carelessness. ¡°Chief, was Sister Qiao unable to find the ce, creating trouble for you? It¡¯s my fault for not telling Sister Qiao about it. You can¡¯t me Sister Qiao for it. It¡¯s my fault.¡± Because he had been in such a rush to leave, he had left Sister Qiao with such a hefty burden without havingmunicated everything to her.

    This was totally unlike how Sister Qiao had specifically told Sister Zhao about everything before she had left, and she had even asked her to find him if she faced any problems.

    After getting the answer that he wanted, Zhai Sheng looked at Xiao Xu, who was beating himself up. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not holding anyone ountable. You know how I work. You¡¯ll be the one bringing things over to me in the future.¡± He did not want to have any contact with that ¡®Sister Zhao¡¯.

    Zhai Sheng did not have much experience in this aspect. Apart from his birth mother, the ones he had interacted with the most were his elder sister, Zhai Hua, and Qiu Chenxi, whom he had not interacted much with throughout that three-year marriage.

    But interaction with these three women was more than enough to make Zhai Sheng stay away from women. He felt that women were irrational creatures who could notmunicate with others. With these three people as specimens, Zhai Sheng was not used to having other women around him. Even when he went to the hospital, he would always choose male doctors.

    The Zhai family med this all on Qiu Chenxi. In reality, Zhai Sheng had no intention of ever getting married. If those female doctors or nurses did not throw themselves at him willingly, the Zhai family would arrange blind dates for him.

    Knowing that these people harbored ¡®ulterior motives¡¯, there was no way Zhai Sheng would take a fancy to them. As long as he distanced himself from females, Zhai Sheng would safely avoid everything his family tried to plot. Even though Sister Zhao was only a nanny who had been hired to take care of him for the time being, Zhai Sheng was unwilling to break his habit for Sister Zhao.

    Otherwise, if the Zhai family were to hear about this, he would never be able to lead his life in peace in the future.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, chief. I¡¯ve already told Sister Zhao about your rules. Sister Zhao really needs this job, so she won¡¯t knowingly go against your rules.¡± He had already made it clear to Sister Zhao that if she were to break any of the chief¡¯s rules, he would have no choice but to send her back. Even he dared not break any of the chief¡¯s rules, let alone Sister Zhao, who was just a nanny.

    Xiao Xu had made it clear and Sister Zhao truly needed this job. So she would not be so foolish as to do things that were not allowed. Even her own husband, whom she had been married to for several years, had proposed a divorce after getting slightly rich. As such, she did not count on any outsiders softening their hearts toward her.

    ¡°All right, push me into my study room. I have a call to make.¡± Knowing that there would be nothing wrong on Sister Zhao¡¯s side, Zhai Sheng felt that he had to resolve Qiao Nan¡¯s matter.

    For safety purposes, he should investigate the Qiao family¡¯s abnormal behavior at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    ¡°All right, chief. I¡¯ll wheel you in.¡± After pushing Zhai Sheng into the study room, Xiao Xu spared no effort and asked, ¡°Chief, which book would you like to read today?¡± It was inconvenient for the chief to take any of his books, so he had to help out.

    It seemed like Sister Qiao had been the one taking the books out for the chief these past two days. When he returned home, he would really have to praise his mom for a job well done.

    Sister Qiao said she had a job, but his mom had roped her in nheless.

 Chapter 1800 - On the Safer Side

    <h4>Chapter 1800: On the Safer Side</h4>

    Otherwise, seeing as to how Sister Qiao had taken such good care of the chief in the past two days, wouldn¡¯t it have been good for Sister Qiao to stay behind to take care of the chief?

    There was no problem having two people taking care of the chief. The chief had all the right to enjoy such privileges.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯m not reading for now. I have to make a call. Remember to shut the door behind you when you leave.¡± Zhai Sheng had not thought of changing the book in his hands. His attention was not on a book, but on a certain woman.

    ¡°Oh, all right.¡± Xiao Xu nodded and left, closing the door behind him so that no one would be able to overhear Zhai Sheng¡¯s conversation.

    Of course, the chief¡¯s phone call was not for ordinary people like him to listen to.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Chief?¡± The other party answered hesitatingly in a confused tone.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The other party was pleasantly surprised. ¡°Chief, I heard that you went back to your family¡¯s old vi to recuperate. Why have you suddenly thought of this old man?¡± He had thought that it would take another few years at the very least before he would be able to speak to the chief again. The reason why he coulde so far and achieve what he had was all thanks to the chief¡¯s care and concern for him. Otherwise, he would never have made it this far. Perhaps, he might not even be alive today.

    ¡°I want you to help me check on something. More specifically, someone.¡± Zhai Sheng did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

    Sun Guohong, who was on the other end of the line, raised his eyebrow. ¡°Check on a person?¡± The chief had all kinds of talented people under his helm, but instead of finding professionals in the army to investigate this person, he came to an ex-military private investigator. He was clearly not trying to use public property for his own personal use. So what did this person have to do with the chief?

    Sun Guohong unknowinglyughed. ¡°Male or female?¡± The chief was almost an old man of forty-five years old but did not even have a single woman by his side. Did that seem logical? Even he himself had already walked out of that dark shadow in his life, even though it was certain that he would never have his own children.

    Thankfully, the woman whom he had married was good-natured. After finding out about his past, the couple had gone to the orphanage and adopted a child who had yet to be weaned. Indeed, it was true that a family only felt like a family with a woman and a child around. As for whether the child was adopted or his own biological child, it made no difference to him because of his situation.

    ¡°Female.¡± Since he intended to let Sun Guohong investigate her, Zhai Sheng naturally did not try to hide Qiao Nan¡¯s gender. ¡°Her name¡¯s Qiao Nan, and she was originally from Ping Cheng, but she¡¯s now living in Qingshui Town.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same town that you¡¯re from? Is there something wrong with this woman, or do you have something against this woman?¡± Sun Guohong made a double-edged remark. He felt that thetter was more likely. But given the chief¡¯s brutal and vigorous actions, he would have found evidence long ago and would have taken that woman in for interrogation if that woman had a problem. The chief would never have made a call to him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. Just tell me how long you¡¯ll need to find out everything about her. How long will I have to wait before I can see everything regarding Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Sheng said bluntly with a tone that seemed a little harsher than before.

    Zhai Sheng had not picked up on Sun Guohong¡¯s joking tone. He was a chief, but his ex-subordinate had climbed over his head and over such a sensitive topic at that. Because of how the Zhai family had been coercing Zhai Sheng into marriage for over twenty years, the mention of this topic caused Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude and tone to worsen.

    There was no other choice. Zhai Sheng was on the verge of getting a psychological scar. If it was possible, Zhai Sheng himself would like to have his emotions under control and not behave in this manner either. It was too easy to get agitated and express his emotions.

    ¡°Is this womanplicated?¡± If it concerned any sensitive or important figures, it would not be easy to find out about Qiao Nan. On the other hand, if there was nothing wrong with Qiao Nan and it was purely out of curiosity that Zhai Sheng was looking into her, investigating such an ordinary person was a piece of cake to Sun Guohong.

    Three to five days was more than enough for him to dig out every single detail about a person and present a full report to the chief.

    ¡°She should be a simple person.¡± Even though Qiao Nan had shown an unexpected familiarity with the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, Zhai Sheng¡¯s instincts told him that she was not a bad person. Even so, he still wanted to know all about Qiao Nan and why she was so familiar with the Zhai family. Was it simply because he used to live in the same quad as Qiao Nan?

    Even though they had lived in the same quad, he had never had a single interaction with Qiao Nan before this. Not even a single conversation.

    ¡°All right. To be on the safer side, give me a week. Is that all right?¡±

    ¡°All right. In a week¡¯s time, pass me all the relevant documents.¡±

    Sun Guohong did not wish to embarrass himself in front of the person whom he respected the most. Thus, he specifically asked for seven days, in case he made any errors in his investigation. But what Sun Guohong had not expected was that he had taken all precautions but others had not been as reliable.

    Thankfully, the unreliability of other people was only advantageous to him. In less than three days, he could say for certain that everything he had in his hands about Qiao Nan was true and without any falsehood or fiction.

    Seeing the description of the first half of Qiao Nan¡¯s life, Sun Guohong could not help but pity Qiao Nan, even though he was a grown man. His heart ached for Qiao Nan because Qiao Nan had had a hard life, just like him. His fianc¨¦e had cheated on him with his younger brother and had even gotten pregnant with his younger brother¡¯s child. Not only had his mom not felt sorry toward him, but she had even thought that he would have a descendant as long as he acknowledged his nephew as his son and helped his younger brother clean up his mess.

    Hahaha.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s fianc¨¦ had simrly been snatched away by her elder sister, who had gotten pregnant, and had forced Qiao Nan to back off as a mistress. Sun Guohong felt for Qiao Nan. They were in the same boat. He had the urge to recognize Qiao Nan as his younger sister.

    ¡°Chief, here¡¯s the information that you want. Chief, I think that there¡¯s nothing wrong with this person. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re checking on her. If there¡¯s nothing much, let¡¯s not bully this youngdy as men.¡± Seeing how engrossed Zhai Sheng was in Qiao Nan¡¯s information, as though he was reading through some top-secret confidential report, Sun Guohong could not help but speak up for Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 1801 - Baffled

    <h4>Chapter 1801: Baffled</h4>

    That youngdy¡¯s life was already so miserable. She had never done anything wrong in her life, and yet, she had been bullied so extensively. There was no need for outsiders like them to add to this youngdy¡¯s troubles. This youngdy¡¯s life was even more miserable than his own!

    At least, he had met his savior, the chief, at the lowest point in his life. After he retired from the military, the chief had made a suggestion and had even lent him money to start his ownpany. Qiao Nan had no such savior in her life to pull her up at her lowest.

    ¡°Youngdy...¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction was a little strange at the mention of these two words. ¡°She is indeed still a youngdy.¡± And a youngdy nearing the age of forty at that.

    When he had first heard that Qiao Nan was single, Zhai Sheng¡¯s first thought was that Qiao Nan was just like himself and had gotten married but then gotten divorced years ago. That was why he had felt at ease. But now that he knew that Qiao Nan had never been married, Zhai Sheng could not understand why, but he felt joy in his heart.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? With a family like this, she would never have the chance to change her status of a youngdy even if she wanted to!¡± Sun Guohong felt that it was unfair to Qiao Nan. He was thankful that he could make his own decisions as a man.

    At least, after learning of the kind of person his younger brother was, he had safely held all his earnings in his own hands and had not let his mom or brother take advantage of him any longer. But Qiao Nan was different. Even after knowing what kind of people her family was, Qiao Nan had still been oppressed and squeezed dry for so many years. She was almost forty years old, but she did not even have a boyfriend, let alone a partner for marriage.

    The only time she had ever dated in her life, she had almost walked into a church and gotten married. But everything had been ruined by her own biological mother and sister. ¡®Pitiful¡¯ was insufficient to describe her situation.

    ¡°The news has been talking about their family of fourtely. Chief, you might not have watched the news. That¡¯s why you haven¡¯t seen how ugly her mom is. Before everyone knew about their family¡¯s situation, she had been sobbing and acting pitiful. She had even painted a horrible portrait of the Qiao family. Now, everyone knows that the Qiao family not only has a house but even has two apartments. But they still imed that they¡¯re poor and have no money for treatment, and they even begged others for donations. Knowing that they wouldn¡¯t be able to get those donations, that crazy woman went on a rage and called everyone around her all sorts of nasty things!¡±

    The more Sun Guohong saw, the more empathetic he felt toward Qiao Nan. He finally understood why Qiao Nan had decided not to stay in Ping Cheng and had instead moved to such a rural town like Qingshui Town.

    If she did not move away, Qiao Nan would never be able to lead a good life with her family around. It was only by distancing herself from her family would Qiao Nan be able to start a new life afresh. Forty was not a young age. If she did not start a new life for herself, Qiao Nan¡¯s whole life would truly be a tragedy.

    ¡°I saw it.¡± Sun Guohong¡¯s information was rather detailed, but he had not been able to show Zhai Sheng the clips from the news. However, Sun Guohong had managed to include newspaper clippings and articles from magazines for Zhai Sheng to see. ¡°You said that this is Qiao Nan¡¯s first time in Qingshui Town. Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry, chief. This is absolutely reliable.¡±

    ¡°From your impression, do you think it¡¯s possible that the situation of the Zhai family¡¯s old vi could have been leaked?¡± Since this was Qiao Nan¡¯s first time in Qingshui Town, she must not have been to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi in the past. If that was the case, wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior even more worthy of consideration and attention?

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Sun Guohong shook his head. ¡°When the Zhai family¡¯s old vi was being rebuilt, Old Meng personally found someone to do it, and he was the one who personally oversaw the rebuilding. There¡¯s no way it could have been leaked.¡± Old Meng had not been in such a dire situation as he had, but he had simrly been unable to continue in the army after getting injured during a mission.

    In the end, with the chief¡¯s help, Old Meng set up an architecture team and started constructing houses. No one had expected that the property market in China would be such a booming industry and that the property prices would rise so dramatically. Of course, Old Meng¡¯s team in the construction industry earned a hefty sum from that.

    It was rare that the chief finally had something for him to do. As such, he gave his all and did everything to the best of his abilities to help the chief. Knowing the special position the chief was in, they all sealed their mouths shut about the Zhai family, the Zhai family¡¯s house included. They had never leaked a single thing regarding the Zhai family.

    Only Old Meng and his workers knew about the internal structure of the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Even he himself did not know which room was which without anyone guiding him, let alone outsiders. ¡°Chief, is there anything wrong?¡± The chief kept asking whether anyone else knew about the internal structure of the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Could it be that someone had found out about it?

    ¡°No, there¡¯s nothing much.¡± The strange thing was that Qiao Nan had behaved quite abnormally. But Zhai Sheng did not tell Sun Guohong about this situation. ¡°All right, now that you¡¯ve given me all the documents, you can leave. I heard that your business is boomingtely. I won¡¯t stand in the way of you getting rich.¡± Zhai Sheng had been rather happy that Sun Guohong had pushed aside all other orders to help him settle this matter.

    The soldier that he had raised was no ingrate.

    Sun Guohong pulled on the corners of his lips, feeling as though he was being thrown aside now that he had served his purpose. ¡°Chief, you¡¯re so realistic. Do you know that I had to fly over from the capital just to hand this over to you? Can I im the cost of my return airfare?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Zhai Sheng, who was now in a jovial mood, knew that Sun Guohong was simply joking with him, but he still asked seriously, ¡°How much did you spend on those two tickets? I¡¯ll transfer the money over to you. I won¡¯t shortchange you of that!¡± After all, Sun Guohong¡¯s service fees were much more expensive than the cost of those two tickets.

    ¡°I¡¯m kidding, chief.¡± Sun Guohong became a little awkward.

    Zhai Shengughed. ¡°Do you think I was being serious or was I joking?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Sun Guohong did not give in. ¡°Chief, don¡¯t joke around with me. My heart can¡¯t take that kind of stress. Chief, you should rest well since you¡¯re recuperating. You¡¯re so fierce. Do you think there is anyone in this world who isn¡¯t afraid of you?¡± If his memory served him well, the parents of the chief could not handle him either.

    If not for the fact that he could not have biological children, he would not have adopted a child. But the chief was different. The chief could still have his own biological children. He was practically an old man, yet still refused to get remarried, much less talk about having a child.

    At times, Sun Guohong truly could not understand Zhai Sheng. He wondered what Zhai Sheng was being persistent about and what he was avoiding.

 Chapter 1802 - Ask About It Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 1802: Ask About It Yourself</h4>

    Did the chief really not want a child?

    Children were small and soft. Hugging them felt like hugging a pillow with no bones. They were extremely adorable. What was there not to like?

    ¡°You can¡¯t take jokes? Then, why aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± Zhai Sheng was finally willing to let Sun Guohong off. ¡°I¡¯m not joking about this. You can leave. I still have many things to settle. I can¡¯t keep ying host to you around here. But if you¡¯re hungry, you can stay for a meal. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ll be used to the dishes cooked by the new nanny that Xiao Xu hired.¡± He still felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s cooking suited his pte more.

    Sun Guohong pretended to wipe away his sweat. ¡°Wow, it was so difficult to get treated to a meal. I really have to thank my chief.¡± To be honest, Sun Guohong was truly hungry. He had not been in a hurry to leave because he was looking for a chance to take a look at the woman named Qiao Nan.

    After knowing the chief for twenty years, this was the first time that the chief was taking such a keen interest in a woman outside of the Zhai family! He believed in whatever he had found. Qiao Nan was not an aggressive woman, and neither was there anything wrong with her. As such, it was really interesting that the chief was paying so much attention to her.

    He had to see for himself what kind of woman she was to be able to move a man like the chief, who was like an iron tree that had not bloomed in years.

    Xiao Xu had heard Zhai Sheng and hade to bring Sun Guohong for dinner. Xiao Xu was probably clear that Sun Guohong had once been his senior, an old soldier who had been under Zhai Sheng¡¯s helm. As such, Xiao Xu¡¯s attitude toward Sun Guohong was very good. He affectionately addressed Sun Guohong as his ¡®elder brother¡¯.

    ¡°Oh, you mean that your mom was the one who found the caretaker for the chief? Your mom¡¯s amazing! She¡¯s always thinking about you and helps you out! Xiao Xu, you¡¯re really blessed.¡± Sun Guohong patted Xiao Xu on the shoulder a little too strongly. There was no other choice. Even if Xiao Xu did not know about Sun Guohong¡¯s situation, it was truly asking for a beating by talking about how amazing his mom was in front of someone who did not have a mom.

    Of course, Xiao Xu felt a little pain in his shoulder. But he only took it as Sun Guohong emphasizing how good his mom was and did not pay any attention to it. ¡°That¡¯s right. My mom treats me so well! Her judgment is great too!¡± His mom had done a great job in finding Sister Qiao this time!

    Looking at Xiao Xu, who did not seem to understand what was going on, Sun Guohong sighed. Without the chief in the picture, Xiao Xu should probably address him as ¡®uncle¡¯. It did not seem too good to be bullying his junior. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m not nning on leaving just yet. I¡¯m thinking of having a tour around Qingshui Town. Do you have any rmendations? Where¡¯s your house?¡±

    He had found all information rted to Qiao Nan, but they all dated back to before Qiao Nan had left Ping Cheng. It had only been two months since Qiao Nan left Ping Cheng and moved to Qingshui Town. There had been nothing much for him to investigate these past two months. Besides, Zhai Sheng had only asked him to look into Qiao Nan¡¯s past in Ping Cheng. Thus, Sun Guohong truly had no idea about where Qiao Nan was living.

    The innocent and simple Xiao Xu hid nothing from the sly and cunning fox, Sun Guohong, and directly gave Sun Guohong his address. ¡°Qingshui Town has a good environment, but I don¡¯t think we really have any interesting attractions around. If you like to enjoy the scenery and take in some fresh air, I can rmend two ces to you. These two ces are in the mountains and are surrounded by good scenery. They¡¯ve built a path so that hikers can go up there. You can hike and train your body while enjoying the view! Some people like things like that.¡±

    Because Qingshui Town had a good environment, all those projects that would pollute the environment were banned in Qingshui Town. Over time, Qingshui Town still retained the taste of the ancient days whenpared to the new and ever-changing world outside.

    ¡°Oh, I see. Alright. Thanks!¡± Sun Guohong automatically filtered through Xiao Xu¡¯s words, keeping only the important information and simply chucking the unnecessary ones away. ¡°All right. You still have to stay by the chief¡¯s side to take care of him. I¡¯ll go and have a look around. I had a little too much food just now. I think a walk will help my digestion. Oh, should I go to the pharmacy and get some digestive pills?¡±

    ¡°Do you need me to guide you to the pharmacy?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Don¡¯t you see that I have a mouth? If I really can¡¯t find my way there, I¡¯ll just ask someone along the way. Thinking about it, Qingshui Town¡¯s residents should be quite helpful, right?¡± Sun Guohong shook his head. Would he not be shooting himself in the foot if he let Xiao Xu follow him? He could not possibly bring Xiao Xu along to see what kind of woman Qiao Nan was, after all.

    Zhai Sheng could not be left alone in such a huge old vi. Apart from Zhai Sheng himself, there was only Sister Zhao, who had just arrived. It was truly difficult to find a third living person in such a big house. As such, Xiao Xu quickly nodded. ¡°All right. Be careful.¡±

    Sun Guohong patted Xiao Xu¡¯s shoulder with normal strength this time. ¡°You rascal, have you forgotten what I used to do? If I had not retired from the military at that time, I¡¯d be your boss now. You¡¯re undermining your superior¡¯s abilities. Rascal, don¡¯t doubt the abilities of your leaders!¡±

    If people like him had to watch out for his safety, then other people would not even dare to leave their houses.

    Knowing that his concern had been treated as a joke, Xiao Xu scratched his scalp and remained silent. Perhaps all businessmen had such glib tongues. If he were to say anything more, he might make a bigger joke of himself.

    After sessfully ditching Xiao Xu, Sun Guohong headed directly to the apartment that Qiao Nan had rented.

    Coincidentally, Qiao Nan had identally dropped the keyboard she had been using, breaking it. If she bought another one on Taobao, the earliest her parcel would arrive was the next day due to the different regions. She might even have to wait several days.

    Because of taking care of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s work had piled up over the past few days. What gave Qiao Nan the biggest headache was that it was nearing the end of the year. As such, there were quite a fewpanies that were trying to settle their ounts, and they looked for Qiao Nan for trantion works, thus increasing her workload by more than ten times!

    Of course, with the two days¡¯ worth of work that she had already owed, the rapid increase in her workload meant that Qiao Nan was struggling to cope. Waiting a day for a new keyboard meant that she would lose another day¡¯s worth of work. Qiao Nan could not afford to wait any longer. She did not have any more time to waste.

    The functions of keyboards were all quite simr. At most, they differed slightly in terms of functionalities. In order to clear her workload as soon as possible, Qiao Nan decided to head downstairs to the supermarket to buy a new keyboard.

 Chapter 1803 - Something Wrong Again

    <h4>Chapter 1803: Something Wrong Again</h4>

    Qiao Nan was rather happy that she was able to purchase the keyboard at the supermarket. She had indeed picked a good location. Otherwise, she would have wasted another day.

    Unexpectedly, Qiao Nan bumped right into Sun Guohong while heading back with her newly-purchased keyboard. Sun Guohong hade to see Qiao Nan and had spotted her from a distance away. He had made his own evaluations and judgment of Qiao Nan. She was a woman of almost forty years old but looked no less fresh and tender than a youngdy in her twenties. She was beautiful and had a good figure as well.

    Sun Guohong could not deny that he was superficial and had a preference for slim and thin women. Someone who had gone through so many trials and tribtions like Qiao Nan would never be able to grow fat. Not to mention how Qiao Nan was naturally the kind of person who would never gain weight no matter how much she ate.

    Based on her appearance from the back, Sun Guohong had already rated Qiao Nan an eighty-five out of a hundred.

    When Sun Guohong finally returned from his trance and wanted to take a look at Qiao Nan¡¯s face, what he saw was Qiao Nan¡¯s surprised expression and her open mouth. Sun Guohong raised his eyebrow in confusion and looked around him. There was no one. Apart from him, only Qiao Nan was on the same walkway as him.

    So who was Qiao Nan¡¯s expression of familiarity meant for?

    Sun Guohong did not know Qiao Nan. If not for Zhai Sheng, he might not even know that there were other people in the same boat as him who probably led even more miserable lives than him. Since he, a private detective, did not know Qiao Nan, how could Qiao Nan, who had not even graduated from junior high school and had never left Ping Cheng, know him?

    Qiao Nan took in Sun Guohong¡¯s reaction and quickly closed her gaping mouth, acting as though her earlier expression had not been because of Sun Guohong. Then, she simply walked off toward her rented apartment with her keyboard in hand.

    Yes, in this lifetime, not only had she never interacted with Brother Zhai, but neither did she ever have the chance to know Sun Guohong. If she were to call Sun Guohong at this time, she might very well scare him to death. But there was indeed such a person with such a face! Was his name really Sun Guohong? Did he know Zhai Sheng?

    It had clearly been a dream that she had constructed in her mind, but people that she could never have known in real life were now starting to appear in front of her one by one. Qiao Nan frowned and her heart fell into disarray yet again.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Qiao Nan rushed to leave, wanting to clear her thoughts, but Sun Guohong immediately stopped her. Qiao Nan stopped in her tracks and looked at Sun Guohong in a frenzy. ¡°Is-is there anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not a bad guy and neither do I have any ill intentions. I¡¯m just here to look for someone and wanted to ask for directions. Oh right, I¡¯m looking for Xiao Xu.¡± Thinking about how Qiao Nan was staying in Xiao Xu¡¯s family¡¯s house, he quickly mentioned Xiao Xu so that Qiao Nan would not have any misunderstandings toward him.

    ¡°Xiao Xu?¡± Qiao Nan rubbed her temple as the uneasiness in her heart grew. ¡°Oh, they don¡¯t live here. They live on the next street. The house with red roof tiles is the Xu family¡¯s house.¡±

    Xiao Xu was the soldier that took care of Zhai Sheng. Since Sun Guohong knew Xiao Xu, would he not know Zhai Sheng?

    If it had not been inappropriate, Qiao Nan would have asked for the other party¡¯s name. But she felt that doing so would be too out of the blue, so she could only leave with her keyboard after pointing out the directions to Sun Guohong.

    ¡°She¡¯s quite pretty and her voice is nice too. Her only weakness is that she¡¯s a little timid like a bunny.¡± Sun Guohong touched his face. He was not exceptionally handsome, but neither did he look very fierce. Why had Qiao Nan been in such a hurry to get away from him as though she had encountered a ghost?

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng was infamous for being stern and unsmiling, there was not a single new soldier who would not be scared by Zhai Sheng, let alone women. The suspicion that had just arisen in Sun Guohong¡¯s mind thus quickly dissipated.

    He did not feel that anything would happen between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan¡¯s background was truly a sight to behold. Besides, with Qiao Nan¡¯s mouse-like courage and Zhai Sheng¡¯s fierce appearance, the two of them did not seem to match each other at all. If Qiao Nan were really to get together with that fierce man, Qiao Nan might get scared to death in just a few years¡¯ time.

    But what Sun Guohong did not know was that Qiao Nan was not actually timid. She had only been frightened by his sudden appearance. If the person who had appeared in front of her had been Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would not have been frightened. She would have been extraordinarily bold instead.

    After returning to her rented apartment, Qiao Nan had almost lost all her mood to open her newly-purchased keyboard. If not for the sight of the mountain of undone work on herputer screen, Qiao Nan might just have wasted another day because of Sun Guohong¡¯s appearance even after purchasing a new keyboard.

    The frustrated Qiao Nan stood up and sshed her face with cold water in the middle of winter. The shock caused goose bumps to rise up all over her body. But that was the only way to chase all those random thoughts and suspicions out of her mind and sober up.

    Qiao Nan spent a good three days, working for more than twelve hours a day, before she was finally able to finish her work. With her high efficiency and with this mountain of workload, it was only natural that Qiao Nan forgot all about Zhai Sheng and Sun Guohong.

    Just then, there was a series of knocks on the door.

    Qiao Nan, who had just finished her work, stretchedzily before heading to the door breezily. ¡°Who¡¯s that? Is anything the matter?¡± Qiao Nan was in no rush to open the door and instead waited for a reply. She then tiptoed and looked through the peephole to scan the situation outside.

    As a singledy who had spent more than a decade renting an apartment alone, Qiao Nan was already used to being this vignt and alert.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, it¡¯s me. Xiao Xu.¡± Xiao Xu¡¯s face was flushed and he looked embarrassed.

    Only after confirming that it was Xiao Xu did Qiao Nan open the door. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. What¡¯s the matter? Shouldn¡¯t your mom be the one looking for me?¡± Xiao Xu had his job and had to stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side to take care of him. If there was anything wrong with the house, there was no reason for herndlord to bother her son.

    ¡°Yes, something¡¯s wrong...¡± But how should he phrase it?

    Qiao Nan bit on her lip. ¡°Does it have to do with the house?¡± There was probably no other probability than the house, right?

    ¡°No, no. There are no changes to what we initially agreed on. Sister Qiao, would you like to have two years of free rent?¡± Xiao Xu was too embarrassed to even ask, but he felt that tempting her with something like that would make it easier for him to bring up his request.

 Chapter 1804 - Not Greedy

    <h4>Chapter 1804: Not Greedy</h4>

    Qiao Nan looked at Xiao Xu, not knowing whether tough or cry. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. We shouldn¡¯t be too greedy as people. You¡¯ve already waived a year¡¯s worth of rent for me. I already feel quite embarrassed about that. How can I let you waive another year¡¯s worth of rent?¡± Was Xiao Xu here because of Zhai Sheng?

    What could be wrong with Zhai Sheng? Did he not have someone to take care of him?

    Help should be rendered in times of urgency and not poverty. She had rendered her help during an emergency earlier as a favor to herndlord. But why were they still looking for her even now that Zhai Sheng had someone to take care of him?

    Xiao Xu¡¯s pupils quavered. ¡°Sister Qiao, if you really feel bad for having one year¡¯s worth of free rent and are too embarrassed to ept it, I¡¯ll give you another chance so that you can receive it with no shame.¡± He could simply change the way he spoke about this matter as long as he aplished his goal and reached the same oue in the end.

    Qiao Nan crossed her arms in front of her. Was he trying to trick her? In her dream, she had been a teacher to so many soldiers in the military. What had she not seen or handled before?

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯ve already discussed this with thendlord. I¡¯m sorry. Everything¡¯s already settled and I have no ns of changing anything. Since I already feel embarrassed, let¡¯s not make me feel any more embarrassed, shall we?¡±

    Xiao Xuughed guiltily. ¡°Sister Qiao, have you already guessed it?¡± Sister Qiao was indeed impressive. His mom had told him that Sister Qiao had agreed to her request at once. He had thought that Sister Qiao would be very easily persuaded and would agree without any hesitation as long as he asked.

    But he had beaten around the bush and had yet to have a chance to tell Sister Qiao about the true reason he was here. Sister Qiao was truly not one to provoke!

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡± If she admitted that she had already guessed why he was here, and yet disyed such an attitude, was she not telling him that she was unwilling to help him out? She could afford not to care about Xiao Xu, but she still had to give herndlord some face. As such, acting as though she knew nothing was the best solution.

    Seeing Sun Guohong a few days earlier had nearly driven her crazy. She had taken three days to numb herself with work and let herself calm down. Seeing Zhai Sheng again? No way!

    ¡°Sister Qiao...¡± Xiao Xu said with a sad face. ¡°Just do some good and help me out. The chief¡¯s appetite hasn¡¯t been very good these few days. He keeps saying that he wants to eat this and that, but once Sister Zhao makes them, the chief keeps criticizing them, saying that they don¡¯t taste right. I have no other choice. The chief says that what you cook is the kind of thing he wants to eat.¡±

    He had never imagined that such a brilliant and powerful chief could be as willful and stubborn as a child, being picky about the food he ate. However, because of his habit of not wasting food, he would still swallow them forcefully with no other choice.

    Although Xiao Xu thought that whatever he ate was delicious, the chief disagreed and kept saying that he had no appetite and did not feel like eating. Otherwise, he would criticize the dishes for not tasting right. Thinking about how much he had been forced to eat over the past few days, Xiao Xu almost burst into tears. He suddenly thought about how Sun Guohong had been hesitating about whether to buy some digestive pills on his walk a few days earlier. Sun Guohong had no need for that! Xiao Xu was the one truly in need of them!

    ¡°Xiao Xu, you won¡¯t be able to solve your problem like that. Even with the same ingredients and recipe, the final dishes will still taste different when made by different people. Xiao Zhao¡¯s dishes may not suit the chief¡¯s taste buds. My suggestion for you is for Xiao Zhao to continue doing all the other household chores and find someone else to rece her in the kitchen. I can help out with one or two meals asionally, but if I help out for any longer, are you prepared to waive my rent forever?¡±

    She could tell that Zhai Sheng would still have to stay in Qingshui Town to recuperate for quite a while longer. If one meal meant a month¡¯s worth of free rent, she would get a year¡¯s worth of rent for free in just four days. If she worked for forty days, that would be forty years¡¯ worth! Did Xiao Xu really think that she intended on staying in their house forever?

    She had already bought a house. It would take ten years at most for her to be able to move into that house. Perhaps it would only take three to five years.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. Instead of finding me to save you all the time, why don¡¯t you ask Chief Zhai to endure it for a few more meals while you work hard on finding someone who¡¯ll be in charge of only cooking for Chief Zhai? That seems like a good way to solve your problem once and for all.¡±

    ¡°About this...¡± Xiao Xu scratched his head. He had already said something simr to this to the chief. It could have been his own illusion that he had misunderstood the chief. Or perhaps, that was exactly what the chief meant. He felt that finding another chef would not be a long-term solution to the chief¡¯s appetite. Only by bringing Sister Qiao back would he be able to aplish his task of taking care of the chief.

    But why did he feel this way?

    Was he crazy?!

    Xiao Xu wanted to hit himself on the head to sober himself up. But no matter how much he struggled internally, he only dared to act ording to his instincts and not his rationality. At such a time, instincts seemed more reliable than logic.

    Xiao Xu scrunched up his face. ¡°Sister Qiao, help me just this once! The chief has made great contributions to the people and the nation! The Zhai family is an old revolutionary family and their family background is truly impressive. The chief has done so much for the country and the people. Just take it as though you¡¯re taking care of the chief on behalf of the nation and the people. Sister Qiao, I¡¯m begging you.¡±

    If he did not manage to bring Sister Qiao back today, his task would not be aplished.

    If he had known that this would be the case, he would never have made that trip down to Ping Cheng to find Sister Zhao. He would simply have allowed Sister Qiao to continue taking care of the chief. ¡°Hey, what if I address you as ¡®auntie¡¯? Auntie, just take it as though you¡¯re helping a junior out. If you don¡¯t agree, what about I get my mom down to talk to you?¡± He did not hold enough power. His mom was still the more impressive figure who could guarantee sess the moment she showed up.

    Now, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to be rendered speechless. Had she just been cornered?

    ¡°Are you sure you want your mom toe down? I¡¯m just a tenant. Your mom returned me my deposit recently. I just helped you guys cook a couple of meals and you¡¯ve waived a few months¡¯ worth of rent for me. Honestly, even if I were to move away now, I¡¯d lose nothing.¡± Yes, she would have to give herndlord some face if she were to show up.

    The problem was that if she were to move away and have a newndlord, would she still have the responsibility to uphold the Xu family¡¯s dignity?

    The more Xiao Xu begged her to go, the more Qiao Nan did not want to go. Without meeting Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was already having a hard time sorting out her feelings. If she were to keep meeting that husband from her dream, what would she do?

    ¡°Sister Qiao...¡± This time, Xiao Xu was really at his wit¡¯s end. Qiao Nan had even suggested moving out. Xiao Xu was not ill-tempered and had brought his mom into the picture with much difficulty. That had already been Xiao Xu¡¯s limit.

 Chapter 1805 - Can I Take a Look?

    <h4>Chapter 1805: Can I Take a Look?</h4>

    Xiao Xu could not go to the extent of forcing Qiao Nan to move out because of this matter.

    After a long discussion, Qiao Nan was still unwilling to agree. Thus, Xiao Xu had no other choice but to leave. Earlier, upon knowing that Qiao Nan was still single, Xiao Xu had been afraid that a woman of her age would harbor ulterior motives and try to stick to the chief because of his excellent background.

    Now, not only had that not happened, but Sister Qiao was even trying her best to avoid the chief. She was not even willing to take a step closer. What should he do? The chief really did enjoy eating Sister Qiao¡¯s dishes.

    Qiao Nan thought that Xiao Xu would finally give up now that he had left. She was no professional chef and was capable of cooking some simple dishes at most. It would not be a difficult task for Zhai Sheng to hire someone who could cook authentic Ping Cheng dishes. If one was unsuitable, he could just try another one until he found someone suitable.

    ¡®Borrowing¡¯ her to help out was a bad idea. One always needed to return whatever they borrowed.

    Since that was the case, he might as well find someone whom he could ept from the start so that that person would never have to leave. In that way, Xiao Xu would not need to waste so much time and effort.

    Xiao Xu had willingly left and neither had herndlord turned up. Thus, Qiao Nan had thought that that was the end of this matter and that she could lead her own peaceful life from now on. But who would have expected the matter to have been moreplicated than that?

    When someone knocked on her door again the next day, Qiao Nan did not think much about it and simply asked who it was. Upon hearing the same answer and learning that it was Xiao Xu once again, Qiao Nan pursed her lips before opening the door. ¡°Xiao Xu, what I suggested was... Why are you here?¡±

    The person who had answered her earlier had clearly been Xiao Xu, but the moment she opened the door, she realized that the person standing in front of her was not Xiao Xu, but Zhai Sheng. ¡°Where¡¯s Xiao Xu?¡± Zhai Sheng was sitting in his wheelchair in front of the door. Clearly, Zhai Sheng had still not been able to get rid of his wheelchair in such a short period of time. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng would never have chosen to use his wheelchair outside of his house, given his temper. He would never reveal his weakness in front of outsiders.

    ¡°Xiao Xu is keeping an eye on the car,¡± Zhai Sheng replied. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to invite me in for a drink? This is my first time getting out of the house ever since I¡¯ve been in Qingshui Town.¡±

    Qiao Nan indeed did not want Zhai Sheng to enter her house. It did not seem right for a male and a female to be in an enclosed space together with no third party around. What if something happened and they were unable to exin it in the future?

    But before Qiao Nan could reply and ask Zhai Sheng to have a chat somewhere else, Zhai Sheng had already barged his way into the house. Qiao Nan had no choice but to let go of the door and step aside, allowing Zhai Sheng to enter her house.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s head hurt as she poured a ss of water for Zhai Sheng. ¡°Chief, have some water.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes were sharp and he scanned through Qiao Nan¡¯s apartment. Even though she lived alone, he could tell that Qiao Nan was hardworking and maintained her rented apartment well. Moreover, the seasonings in the kitchen had all been opened and were half-empty.

    This meant that Qiao Nan often cooked for herself too. From his observation, this apartment did not seem like Qiao Nan¡¯s rented apartment. Qiao Nan had put in a lot of effort into creating a home for herself.

    ¡°Chief?¡± Zhai Sheng picked up the ss and took a sip. ¡°I remember that you used to call me Brother Zhai. Why have you suddenly changed your way of addressing me in just a few days¡¯ time?¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Chief, don¡¯t joke around with me. Even though we used to live in the same quad, we¡¯ve never met before this. I wouldn¡¯t dare to address you as my elder brother.¡± More importantly, addressing Zhai Sheng as Brother Zhai would only make it seem as though she was still in her dream.

    The words ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ were an affectionate term in her dream. But in reality, these words were like a curse.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right if you don¡¯t have that confidence. I can give you that confidence.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze sank. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a way of addressing me? Don¡¯t think too much about it.¡±

    Seeing how stubborn Zhai Sheng was about her addressing him as an elder brother, in order to differentiate her dream from reality, Qiao Nan could only change her tone. ¡°Can I address you as Bro Zhai then?¡± As long as it was not ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯. After all, she had been addressing Zhai Sheng as ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ throughout her marriage in her dream for twenty to thirty years, up until the moment she woke up.

    There was no difference between ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ and ¡®husband¡¯ to her.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine too. It¡¯s all up to you.¡± Although ¡®Bro Zhai¡¯ did not sound as pleasing to the ear as ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯, Zhai Sheng still epted it reluctantly. ¡°I heard that you don¡¯t want toe back to help out? Do you treat the Zhai family¡¯s old vi as a ferocious beast? Or do you think I¡¯m a ferocious beast?¡±

    Qiao Nan had already guessed that Zhai Sheng hade to find her for this matter. ¡°Bro Zhai, I won¡¯t lie to you. I¡¯ve already said earlier that I have a job. Earlier on, I only agreed to help out because I knew that I would only be needed for two days. Because of those two days, I had a lot of backlogs to catch up on and had to work nonstop for twelve hours a day for three days before I finally managed toplete all my work. I¡¯m not young anymore. This kind of work intensity is too straining on me. Spare a thought for me. Now that I¡¯ve finally got a chance to rx a little, I should grab this opportunity by the hand and live a little!¡±

    ¡°How much do you earn in a month?¡±

    ¡°...¡± It was rather strange for Zhai Sheng to be asking her about this. Could it be that Zhai Sheng was trying to win her over with money? ¡°I make as much as I work. If I work more, then I¡¯ll make more money. I have a few return clients who prefer me to take on their jobs. If I split my workload out well and do a little bit every day, I¡¯m not actually that busy.¡±

    As such, she really had no time to care for Zhai Sheng¡¯s meals if she wanted to lead a morefortable life.

    ¡°What¡¯s your job?¡± It seemed so flexible.

    ¡°Online trantions.¡±

    ¡°Are you good at English?¡± Zhai Sheng was rather taken aback because he knew that Qiao Nan had not even graduated from junior high school before she had been forced to leave school to work to support Qiao Zijin. Sun Guohong¡¯s investigation report had only said that Qiao Nan had taken on many part-time jobs. He had not seen tranting as one of them.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She knew that Zhai Sheng was a soldier, but he was a gifted student too. In her dream, she and her master had taught the triplets foreignnguages from a young age. When the triplets spoke foreignnguages, Zhai Sheng did not miss a beat and could reply to them fluently too. Even though that was just a dream, it could not be denied that many things that happened in her dream seemed to reflect reality. As such, Qiao Nan dared not look down on Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability in case she made a fool out of herself. ¡°Technology is really advanced nowadays. You don¡¯t have to leave the house to get a job. There are many different kinds of jobs that you can find online. Clients can also make their requests online. On legal sites and with bound ounts, everything is quite safe. There won¡¯t be any problem of information being leaked.¡±

    ¡°Can I take a look?¡±

 Chapter 1806 - Maligned

    <h4>Chapter 1806: Maligned</h4>

    After being rejected once again by Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng did not rush to veer the conversation back to the original topic. Instead, he turned his focus to Qiao Nan¡¯s lifestyle.

    Qiao Nan wanted very much to say no because this felt as though her privacy had been invaded. Even her mom, Ding Jiayi, did not know anything about her ounts on herputer. If her mom knew all about it, there was no way she could havee up with a hundred thousand yuan in such a short period of time after Qiao Zijin was diagnosed with uremia and was hospitalized.

    She had imed that the hundred thousand had been a loan. In reality, however, it was her earnings from her online trantion work. It was just that she had not settled her ounts earlier and had simply left the money in her online ount. Qiao Nan was no fool. She was neither married nor did she have any children. If she did not save up now, retiring would pose a problem in the future.

    If not for Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness and how she might actually die if she did not get a kidney transnt, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have forked out a hundred thousand yuan. Even after withdrawing her money, Qiao Nan yed safe by saying that she had taken a loan for this sum of money. But she did not count on her family working and helping her repay this hundred thousand yuan.

    At least, Ding Jiayi knew that she had a debt of a hundred thousand yuan and had taken it on only because of Qiao Zijin. That would keep Ding Jiayi at bay for a period of time. This period of time might not be sufficient for her to make up a hundred thousand yuan, but she would be able to get back half of that at the very least.

    It was no wonder that Qiao Nan felt uneasy and unwilling to expose a secret that not even Ding Jiayi knew about to Zhai Sheng.

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan simply opened the site she worked on but did not enter her personal ount details. ¡°Look, Bro Zhai. This is where I work. The details and contents of our trantion work are a little sensitive. We have to sign confidentiality agreements for them.¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re really a bigpany, there¡¯s no reason why they can¡¯t afford such talents within their ownpany, right?¡± Since it was confidential, they might as well raise a worker within their ownpany instead of trusting a virtual person that they could not see on the inte.

    ¡°Foreignnguages are already somon. Is there still a demand for such work?¡±

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. Zhai Sheng had hit it where it hurt. He was right. Bigpanies had vast amounts of resources and the ability to hire all sorts of gifted students. Someone like her who had never graduated from junior high school did not even have the qualifications to fill in an application form, let alone enter such argepany.

    As more international students entered thesergepanies, their jobs were slowly being taken away. Compared to the situation a few years ago, it was not just a little harder to work in this industry now. But this did not mean that there was entirely no way for her to survive in it.

    Thankfully, she had entered the industry rather early and had made a name for herself. Many of those clients who were willing to look for her had already worked with her for several years.

    ¡°Take a look.¡± Zhai Sheng closed the site. ¡°I feel that you still need the job over on my end. Now that the industry¡¯s tightening, you don¡¯t have as many jobs. What¡¯s different is that you¡¯re not being picky about these online jobs, but you¡¯re being picky about mine.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was truly impressive. He had only nced at the website for a while and had been able to draw such conclusions about the market as a whole. The remunerations for trantions of different difficulty levels were different. But even the highest level was not much in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes.

    Since Qiao Nan had been able to umte three days¡¯ worth of work and had even worked for twelve hours a day, she was definitely not being choosy about the jobs she took on. In that case, his instincts had been right. Qiao Nan had been avoiding him.

    Now that Zhai Sheng had already made his intentions clear, it was a little hard for Qiao Nan to continue acting as though she did not know anything. ¡°Bro Zhai, think about it. You¡¯re divorced, right? I¡¯m unmarried. At our age, it¡¯s best to keep our distance. More importantly, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll never be able to get married and have children if I were to get used to you.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had no other choice, chose to tter Zhai Sheng.

    That¡¯s right. If she got used to seeing such an outstanding man like Zhai Sheng, she would never take a liking to any man who was worse-off than Zhai Sheng. ¡°Bro Zhai, I don¡¯t want to talk about my life in the past. I left Ping Cheng and came to Qingshui Town because I wanted to start a new life afresh. If I were to face you day and night, it would be no fresh start for me. It¡¯s like walking into a dead end!¡±

    It was not as if she had not heard it. She had been the one to pick up the phone that day. Had Old Chief Zhai not questioned Zhai Sheng upon hearing a woman¡¯s voice?

    In her dream, she had confidently stood by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side all the while. But in reality, it was impossible for her to be with Zhai Sheng!

    ¡°You¡¯ve said that you¡¯re unmarried and have no boyfriend. I¡¯m single too. Does it really matter what other people say?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes glimmered for a split second. It was so brief that Qiao Nan did not notice it.

    Qiao Nan was dismayed. ¡°Of course. Once those people open their mouths, they won¡¯t have anything nice to say. Bro Zhai, think about your status and position. My situation... That¡¯s right. You don¡¯t know about it yet, do you? I have no boyfriend and I¡¯m unmarried.¡± Qiao Nan spoke as though she had given up on herself.

    She was neither ugly nor disabled, yet at almost forty years of age, she neither had a boyfriend nor a husband. This was not something to be proud of. In fact, she was utterly ashamed of it. As such, Qiao Nan felt especially embarrassed having to put herself down in front of her idol and her husband in her dream.

    But now that she had already started, it was easier to spill out all those things that were even more so embarrassing.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that we¡¯re both single and no one can say anything about us since we¡¯ve not done anything immoral. But you¡¯re a chief and I¡¯m a woman who¡¯s nearing forty years of age and has never even graduated from junior high school! It might be fine when talking about you once our names are put together. But think about how people will look at me! I¡¯m just an ordinary woman. My heart isn¡¯t that strong. I¡¯ll feel upset and depressed if people look down on me and despise me. Besides, there¡¯s nothing going on between us!¡±

    If that really happened, she would feel better about bearing that responsibility. But what scared her the most was that others might misunderstand and think that she was trying to seduce Zhai Sheng if they were to hear her address Zhai Sheng as ¡®Bro Zhai¡¯. Who would dare to speak ill of Zhai Sheng? They would only speak ill of her! But she did not even have such intentions! She would be truly maligned if she had to listen to all that name-calling!

    ¡°You care about gossip?¡± Zhai Sheng asked.

 Chapter 1807 - Want

    <h4>Chapter 1807: Want</h4>

    Qiao Nan retorted, ¡°Do you not? People¡¯s words are scary. I¡¯m already of this age. It¡¯s best that I live a simple life.¡± It took too much effort to endure being scolded andmbasted for something that was fictional and a figment of their imagination.

    Just like how Qiu Chenxi had always caused trouble for her in her dream, Qiu Chenxi had found the right owner in the end. She had indeed been Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend. As such, Qiao Nan had not been too surprised at that time.

    But everything was different now. She had nothing to do with Zhai Sheng. She was just a hired help at the very most. So why did she have to bear that burden of being humiliated andmbasted?

    ¡°Since you know very well that you should lead a good andfortable life, why do you care about the gossip? You¡¯re the one living your life, not others.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan wanted to grasp at her hair. ¡°Why don¡¯t you understand? All right, Bro Zhai. Think about it. If I really agree, I¡¯m just your hired help. The problem is that I don¡¯t need your sry, but I¡¯ll have to suffer maliciousments hurled at me because of it. What would you do if you were in my position?¡±

    It did not seem worth it to have so many people scolding her for a job that she did not even need. It was not as though she needed this sry to save a life. Even though it was no longer as easy to survive on the tranting website now, it was not difficult to support herself with whatever she earned there. Even if she could not survive on this job alone, it was not as though there were no other jobs in Qingshui Town. In fact, she already had one on hand.

    Since she was drawing a sry all the same, why would she not find a simple and pure job instead of one that would bring trouble to her? She was not even hankering after fish, but other people were taking the initiative to offer it to her! She was being wronged!

    Zhai Sheng finally understood a little more. ¡°What if it¡¯s real?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s real?¡± Everything she had said was merely a hypothetical situation. Nothing was for real yet.

    Zhai Sheng, who had always been invincible in front of Qiao Nan, suddenly felt a piercing feeling in his head. Before Zhai Hua had gotten married, she had always said that he was a robot without any feelings. Now, he suddenly realized that his emotional intelligence was not very low. In fact, there was someone who had an even lower emotional intelligence right in front of him.

    ¡°You¡¯re forty this year and I¡¯m forty-five. We¡¯re actually still quite young. We should still have another forty years left in our lives. Have you made any ns on how you¡¯re going to spend the rest of your life? Are you nning on remaining single and free like you are now? From what I hear, you¡¯re looking for a man to settle down with, right? Perhaps you can consider me.¡±

    She should probably understand what he meant now.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nannded a tight p on her own face. ¡°Oh, am I still dreaming?¡± It hurt. Yes, it hurt. But the problem was that she felt pain in her dream too.

    It must have been because Xiao Xu had looked for her yesterday that she had misunderstood and was now dreaming again. Now, she had dreamed that Zhai Sheng had not only personallye to visit her, but Zhai Sheng had even fallen for her at this age, saying that he wanted to get together with her. This dream was too ridiculous and frightening. She had to wake up as soon as possible!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I think I¡¯m still dreaming. Why don¡¯t you return first and let me wake up? Once I wake up, everything will be fine. But Bro Zhai, your words are scary even in a dream!¡± Thinking that she was still in her dreand, Qiao Nan put down her defenses toward Zhai Sheng and treated him more freely. ¡°It¡¯s true that you dream of what you think of in the day. If I had known this would happen, I would never have agreed to meet Xiao Xu yesterday. I¡¯m dreaming about you wanting to get together with me! If this goes on any longer, I think I¡¯ll go crazy!¡±

    Perhaps her n of living in Qingshui Town would no longer be feasible. Should she leave Qingshui Town and move elsewhere? But Zhai Sheng would only be in Qingshui Town to recuperate for a few months. Once he got well, the country and army would not allow him to remain in Qingshui Town.

    Once Zhai Sheng left Qingshui Town, she would move back. After all, she had already purchased a house in Qingshui Town.

    ¡°You often think of me?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s p had caught Zhai Sheng off guard. Even though she had not pped him, Zhai Sheng felt pain on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf. Although Qiao Nan¡¯s words were confusing, Zhai Sheng had understood the gist of it.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng with an urge to cry. ¡°I don¡¯t just miss you. I miss the triplets as well.¡± When she was alone and felt lonely, she especially missed the family she had had in her dream. She had a father-inw, mother-inw, a husband who loved her, and three adorable children. That dream had been like heaven to her.

    ¡°The triplets?¡± It was understandable that she missed him, but who were the triplets?

    Seeing that Qiao Nan looked a little unwell, Zhai Sheng did not press her any further. ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you should return to your room and get a good rest. Keeping your body healthy is the most important thing. We can chat again once you¡¯ve gotten some rest.¡±

    Perhaps his words hade as too much of a shock to Qiao Nan. It was not just Qiao Nan who had been surprised. He himself had been surprised by his own words. He hade to find Qiao Nan today for a very simple reason. He had simply wanted to incite Qiao Nan back to take care of him. Clearly, there were other women of about the same age.

    But he felt rather at ease when Qiao Nan was by his side, even if she did not speak to him or do anything. Zhai Sheng had subconsciously epted Qiao Nan in those two days that she had taken care of him.

    Butpared to Xiao Zhao, Zhai Sheng suddenly realized that he did not despise Qiao Nan. He actually quite liked that peaceful feeling that Qiao Nan brought to him.

    It was only because Qiao Nan kept harping on how she was afraid that other people would gossip about her that Zhai Sheng could not help but say what if he did indeed have a rtionship with Qiao Nan. What about that?

    Zhai Sheng did not know how other people would react to this, but what Zhai Sheng knew was that unlike a decade ago when he had agreed to marry Qiu Chenxi, this time, he did not feel oppressed and upset about such a hypothetical situation. In fact, there was a voice in his head telling him that his second marriage would not be such a chore if he were to get remarried to Qiao Nan.

    It seemed like his future would be good if he were to choose to spend it with Qiao Nan. Now, Zhai Sheng had a little recollection and felt that Qiao Nan was a veryfortable person to be around with, was pleasing to the eye, and he had feelings for her!

    Even without any feelings for Qiu Chenxi, he had managed to live with her for three years. Now, it was clear that he felt differently for Qiao Nan from other women. It was not that passionate love written in books but a more subtle warm feeling like the sun in spring.

 Chapter 1808 - Are You Picky?

    <h4>Chapter 1808: Are You Picky?</h4>

    After finding out his true feelings for Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was no longer in a hurry to force Qiao Nan back to take care of him. Could it be that the difort he had been feeling these past few days had been due to lovesickness? If he truly had such feelings toward Qiao Nan, he could not possibly ask Qiao Nan to take care of him. He would have to take care of Qiao Nan instead.

    Zhai Sheng was not a person who relied on his thoughts without putting it into action. With such a thought, Zhai Sheng felt that he should return home and settle some matters. In that way, he would eventually be able to get married to Qiao Nan. Otherwise, such a future would never be realized.

    Things had to be done. They were not going to get settled simply by thinking about them.

    Qiao Nan nodded and returned to her room. She took off her slippers and covered herself with a nket before going to sleep. Zhai Sheng left Qiao Nan¡¯s house, closing the door behind him. Right then, Xiao Xu ran out of the car toward Zhai Sheng. ¡°Chief, has Sister Qiao agreed?¡±

    Xiao Xu did not have much hope when asking that. Sister Qiao did not look like someone who needed this job. The moment Sister Zhao had arrived, Sister Qiao left immediately. If it had not been for his mom, Sister Qiao would never have agreed to help them with this favor.

    Sister Qiao was really strange indeed. She was still unmarried at this age. Did she not like men? Otherwise, why had she not been moved by the chief who was more masculine than other men? He had caught Sister Zhao stealing nces at the chief from time to time, but she had never crossed the line. She only did her job before handing it over to Xiao Xu to pass it to the chief.

    Well, people were very strange indeed. Earlier on, Xiao Xu had been afraid that Qiao Nan would take a fancy to Zhai Sheng because of her single status. Now, he was confused about how Qiao Nan had such poor judgment when it came to men. She had not even been moved in the slightest bit by such a good catch. It was as though Qiao Nan liked women instead of men.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We¡¯ll resolve this matter soon.¡± Now that he had changed his mindset toward the matter, it was only natural that Qiao Nan¡¯s position and status would change as well once she returned to his side. ¡°Send me back.¡±

    ¡°All right, chief.¡± From the chief¡¯s expression, it seemed that his mood had improved. Why did it feel like he knew less about the chief nowadays?

    After returning to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, Zhai Sheng immediately made a call to Zhai Yaohui. Whether or not they had a good rtionship, Zhai Sheng had always respected the existence of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s rare that you¡¯re taking the initiative to call me.¡± Zhai Yaohui wanted to ask if the sun would rise from the west tomorrow. He had thought that he would never receive a call from Zhai Sheng up until the day he died.

    It was not that Zhai Yaohui was pessimistic, but there was nothing Zhai Yaohui was not open to now that he was already advanced in age. When he was younger, he had been too full of himself and had paid too little attention to his family. As such, Zhai Yaohui did feel a little guilty. The way he saw it, both his children¡¯s marriages had been failures.

    His son had gotten a divorce, and although his daughter had not, she might as well have done so. But his daughter was stubborn and refused to give in, and chose to endure the hardships the marriage brought instead. They did not even mind and had paved the way for their daughter to get a divorce, but there was nothing they could do since Zhai Hua herself disagreed.

    He had to repay his debts. When he was younger, he had never cared about his children. Now that they were both grown up, he could not care for them and neither could he control them. The one whom he had managed to control ended up in a divorce, while the one he could not control chose to persist to the very end, all the while knowing that it was wrong. At the thought of his children¡¯s situation, there were times when neither Zhai Yaohui nor Miao Jing could sleep well at night.

    Their children were all grown up and it was only right for them to let go and let their children lead their own lives. But they felt guilty, after all. Seeing their children lead unhappy lives meant that they themselves could not feel happy either. He had had a sessful career and had not let the people or nation down, much less his departed parents. The only people whom he had let down in his life were his two children.

    Now that he was old, he had to repay the debts he had owed since his youth. Both he and Miao Miao were now unable to enjoy their golden years and instead spent their time worrying about their children. Zhai Yaohui regretted having been so conceited in his youth. He had let Miao Miao suffer and have so much resentment toward Qi Min, and even his son had been dragged down too.

    Now, Qi Min had lost all face in front of Zhai Yaohui, and Zhai Yaohui almost treated her as an enemy. He knew that Qi Min was quite intelligent. But no one was perfect. Qi Min was scheming and could be as scheming as a traitor!

    Seeing that his son had called, Zhai Yaohui, who never showed any sign of being afraid even in battles, was obviously shaken. ¡°Is anything the matter that you¡¯re calling today? Do you need your mom to listen to this?¡± Their son and daughter did not have a very good rtionship with them, but the children still shared a rtively closer bond with their mom.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just tell you.¡± Zhai Yaohui no longer disyed that youthful vigor and was instead prudent and careful when speaking to his son. It was not that Zhai Sheng had not noticed it, but he had tried to convince his father in the past to no avail. ¡°I might as well tell you. My mom will surely listen to what you say.¡± In his whole life, his mom listened to no one else but his dad.

    As long as he got a definitive answer from his dad, he would simply let his dad inform his mom about this.

    ¡°Fine, what¡¯s the matter? Is it about your illness?¡± That could not be. Miao Miao had just spoken to Zhai Sheng¡¯s doctor yesterday. He had said that Zhai Sheng¡¯s leg was recuperating well and that there was no problem at all.

    Zhai Sheng remained silent for a moment before saying, ¡°I¡¯ve said that it¡¯s impossible between Qiu Chenxi and me. If I remain unmarried for the rest of my life, will you force me to get closer to Qiu Chenxi?¡± Zhai Sheng understood his parents¡¯ persistence.

    At that time, he had agreed to marry Qiu Chenxi not because he felt anything toward Qiu Chenxi, but because his parents approved of him being together with Qiu Chenxi. Under the influence of both their parents, he had not interacted with any other women except for Qiu Chenxi. As such, he had no other choice in marriage partners apart from Qiu Chenxi. That had led to a misunderstanding.

    ¡°No, we won¡¯t.¡± Zhai Yaohui only felt that his mouth tasted exceptionally bitter as he said those words. Did his son really intend on staying single and not getting remarried?

    ¡°You¡¯re unhappy?¡± Zhai Sheng could tell at once. ¡°What if I tell you that I¡¯ll get remarried without you guys forcing me to do so? But will you guys be picky about the partner I get married to?¡±

 Chapter 1809 - Regret

    <h4>Chapter 1809: Regret</h4>

    To Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s status had never been a problem. But Qiao Nan herself minded, and Zhai Sheng was indeed afraid that Qiao Nan¡¯s fears would be realized. It did not matter what outsiders said, but his family¡¯s attitudes and opinions did matter indeed.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s first reaction was to rejoice before he lowered his voice, afraid that Miao Jing would hear him. ¡°Is your marriage partner a woman?¡± Zhai Yaohui knew that there were men who did not like women. It was not entirely impossible for his son, who had been hurt by women, to suddenly change his orientation.

    Since their son refused to get married, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would flip through relevant books while they were free in a bid to understand their son and help him walk out of his shadow. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s question evoked augh from Zhai Sheng, who nearly got frustrated. ¡°Of course it¡¯s a woman!¡±

    If he had no interest in women, would he have any interest in men? His dad was getting confused because of his age!

    ¡°Of course there¡¯ll be no problem if it¡¯s a woman!¡± As for anything else, Zhai Yaohui could not care less. ¡°Is she still single?¡± That was right. He would not agree to anything immoral either.

    ¡°She¡¯s always been single. She¡¯s never been married.¡± It was her first marriage.

    Zhai Yaohui was pleasantly surprised. Not only had his son finally decided to get married, but he was even getting married to a youngdy! ¡°How old is she?¡± Did his son prefer youngerdies? Hearing that it was her first marriage, Zhai Yaohui thought that the other party would be rather young.

    ¡°She¡¯s forty, so she¡¯s five years younger than me.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s forty and she¡¯s never gotten married? Could it be that...¡± There was something wrong with her?

    Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°Fine, then I won¡¯t get married.¡± He truly could not understand his parents. At his age, his children should already be in junior high school. Perhaps it was because he was not a parent himself that he could not understand his parents¡¯ mentality.

    When he said that he did not want to get married, his parents told him that they simply wanted him to have someone by his side, whether it be a male or female. Now that he said that he had someone in mind for marriage, they asked about the person¡¯s gender, age, whether he or she had a partner, and whether he or she was sick. They sure had a whole lot of concerns.

    Apart from things concerning the military, Zhai Sheng had very little patience for anything or anyone else. Since the Zhai family hardly spent time together nor contacted each other regrly, they did not have a close rtionship. They had never tried to have heart-to-heart talks in the past. Now that their parents were trying to do so, both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua detested it.

    If they agreed to it, they should say so. Otherwise would be fine either. They were all grown up and did not need to listen to their parents when making their own decisions as long as they themselves thought that it was all right. Why did their parents have so much to say? Had this not been the way they had grown up?

    While they were younger, it was true that they had needed someone to supervise them. But neither of their parents had done so. Now that they were grown up and had their own families, why did their parents have to interfere? Who could stand having parents like these?

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Zhai Yaohuiughed bitterly. He had angered his son yet again. ¡°All right. As long as you¡¯re happy and think that she¡¯s suitable for you, I won¡¯t have any questions. If I agree to it, your mom will agree as well. Your opinions are the most important.¡± Initially, he had already lost all hope about his son¡¯s remarriage.

    Not getting remarried was fine with him too. If his son got lonely in the future and wantedpany, he could still adopt a child even if he did not have a woman by his side. Not forcing his son to get married and have children to continue the Zhai family¡¯s line was already the greatest change in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s mindset.

    Zhai Hua was already married, but she had given birth to a daughter. Besides, her daughter¡¯s surname was not Zhai. To traditionalists like them, Zhai Sheng¡¯s child was different from Zhai Hua¡¯s child, after all.

    Now that something as hopeless as this had a spark of hope, Zhai Yaohui could not possibly have so many things to nitpick at. ¡°When are you getting married? Are you going to hold the wedding in Qingshui Town or in the capital? Don¡¯t worry. I understand what you mean and what you¡¯re worried about. There won¡¯t be any problems of this sort.¡±

    There might not be any major issues with ady of forty, but there were bound to be other minor problems. If the other party had a good background, she would already have gotten married and have had children of school-going age. Zhai Yaohui had no choice but to make ns while expecting the worst.

    In the end, Zhai Yaohui could onlyfort himself by telling himself that it was certainly true that the other party had never had a boyfriend or a husband, given his son¡¯s temper. Neither would the other party be a terrorist. She might have some weaknesses, disabilities, or perhaps might even be a little ugly. But as long as his son epted her and liked her, nothing else mattered.

    When Zhai Yaohui told Miao Jing about what their son had said, Miao Jing was happy and sad at the same time. She was ted because her son would not remain single for the rest of his life. Based on their son¡¯s attitude, it seemed that that woman¡¯s background was truly not ideal. Their son had such an outstanding background, and there were throngs of women willing to marry him. But why had their son settled for someone like that?

    ¡°All right, if our son himself doesn¡¯t mind, why should you? Our son might not like those women that you think are good for him. On the other hand, our son may be satisfied with those women whom you think are not suitable. Do you want our son to be satisfied, or do you want to be satisfied yourself?¡± Zhai Yaohui persuaded his sobbing wife gently while passing her a piece of tissue.

    Miao Jing wiped her tears. ¡°This is evil! This is too evil! When I think about Zhai Sheng and Hua Hua, I regret ever going out with you, Old Zhai!¡± If she had known that her life would turn out like that by getting together with a handsome and dashing soldier, she would never have agreed. She would much rather have eked out a living for herself under the control of her rtives.

    She had gotten lucky and had married someone of a higher social status. It was true that there had been good times, but there had been many more painful moments in her life. In the end, she had even dragged her children down. Neither of them had enjoyed a blissful marriage.

    If the person beside her had not been Zhai Yaohui, even if she had only had one child, her only child might have had a better life than Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua!

    She had not figured it out in her youth and had allowed her world to revolve around men. Now that she was old and wanted grandchildren around, her daughter refused to get close to her. As such, she had a distant rtionship with her grandchild, much less any opportunity to take care of her. Her son was even better. After getting divorced, he simply refused to get remarried and was thus childless.

    Outsiders always spoke well of the Zhai family, but she knew that there were many people who were mocking the Zhai family. So what if they were sessful in their careers and had a high societal status? Once it reached Zhai Sheng¡¯s generation, the family did not even have a child to light up their lives.

    No matter how good the family background was, because of theck of good familial ties and theck of a child, there was always some joy missing in the family. Whenever other people started talking about their grandchildren, the Zhai family would never participate in the conversation.

    As time went by, Miao Jing simply chose not to associate herself with those olddies who liked to poke fun at her.

 Chapter 1810 - Resentment

    <h4>Chapter 1810: Resentment</h4>

    She was truly envious. She could not care less whether it was a grandson or a granddaughter as long as she had a grandchild. Now, she even dreamed of having a grandchild, but she dared not force Zhai Sheng for fear that Zhai Yaohui woulde after her.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face paled. Miao Miao had gone crazy because of her desire for a grandchild. He did not believe that Miao Miao would choose to leave him and get married to another man if she really had the chance. But these words hurt him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your dreams of having a grandchild might be realized very soon.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that that woman can still give birth even though she¡¯s almost forty years old?¡± Miao Jing knew that she should not have so many demands on Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage partner. But a person¡¯s greed was a bad habit that could not be gotten rid of so easily.

    Upon hearing that Zhai Sheng¡¯s target had an extraordinarily bad background, Miao Jing could not help but feel bad for Zhai Sheng because she felt that Zhai Sheng could marry someone with much better conditions. Now that Zhai Sheng had the intention to get remarried, Miao Jing could not help but want more so as to satisfy her own regrets.

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at Miao Jing helplessly. ¡°Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t even tell me about how thatdy looks, what kind of person she is, or what her family background is like. I¡¯m his father, not his son. Does he need to tell me so much? We¡¯ll only know the details when we meet her in person. I¡¯ve decided to make a trip down to Qingshui Town.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had only said that he had someone in mind but had not mentioned when he would bring thisdy over to the capital to meet them. Thinking about his son, Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui could only make such apromise.

    Since the mountain would not move, he would.

    If his son was not going toe, then he would bring his wife to find his son. Then, they would be able to take a look at thedy whom their son had chosen at the ripe old age of forty-five at the same time. To be honest, Zhai Yaohui felt that thisdy must have been quite capable. Both he and Miao Miao had already given up all hope, but there had suddenly been such a drastic turn.

    It was not bad indeed.

    Whoever was able to change his son¡¯s mind about marriage was a female hero!

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s take a trip back to Qingshui Town.¡± Anyway, she hated her life here in the quad. Everyone was always talking about their sons and grandchildren. She had a son too! And in no time, she would have a grandson or a granddaughter too. In the future, she would join in their conversations and even bring her grandchild over!

    To Miao Jing, there was nothing more important than her son¡¯s marriage. Now that the iron tree was finally blooming, Miao Jing could not wait to burn some incense in the temple as thanksgiving. But because the matter of her daughter-inw had not yet been confirmed, she decided that it was more important to tie her daughter-inw down now in case she got away.

    After making their decision, the couple booked a ticket to Qingshui Town right away. There was no airport in Qingshui Town. As such, the couple had to transit in Ping Cheng before heading to Qingshui Town.

    Simr to Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua did not have a close rtionship with her parents. But Zhai Hua could not possibly act as though she did not know that her parents hade from the capital. Thus, she drove to pick her parents up before sending them to the Zhai family¡¯s small courtyard. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you guys here?¡±

    Even though Zhai Sheng had been transferred to the capital, he stayed in the army daily. As such, her parents were left at home alone. But they had never expressed any desire to return. That was why Zhai Hua had been rather surprised when the elderly couple called to inform her that they were returning.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng is finally willing to get remarried. Your dad and I are back to take a look at Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage partner. If she¡¯s all right, we¡¯re not going to dy this any further. We¡¯re going to let the two of them get married as soon as possible.¡± The two of them were not young anymore. Only by getting married early would they be able to have children as quickly as possible. Giving birth to children might not have been Miao Jing¡¯s only requirement, but now that there was a chance of having a grandchild, she had to make some effort.

    Zhai Hua, who was driving, was taken aback. ¡°Are you serious?¡± Why did it seem like a joke that Zhai Sheng was willing to get married? ¡°Do you know who Zhai Sheng is getting married to?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Miao Jing answered honestly while shaking her head. ¡°Zhai Sheng said nothing about that in his call. That¡¯s why your dad and I had to rush back. But no matter what kind of person she is or what her family background is, your dad and I have no demands of her as long as she¡¯s willing to marry your brother.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhai Hua sneered. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I shouldn¡¯t have rushed to get married at that time. I should have taken a leaf out of Zhai Sheng¡¯s book and waited until I became an olddy. Then, I would get the whole family¡¯s blessings even if I were to get married to Wei De.¡±

    She had found herself a marriage partner, but her family nearly turned their backs on her. All these years, she had gradually gotten more distant from her family and had swallowed the bitter life she had all because of the scene her family had made because of her marriage that year.

    Every time something happened to Wei De, he would always bring up how the Zhai family looked down on him as a son-inw. Even though he had strived hard all these years and had been promoted over the years, the Zhai family had still refused to acknowledge his existence.

    It was Zhai Hua¡¯s fault that she had not done her duty to improve the Zhai family¡¯s image of him. Wei De was now in a much higher position than he had been in initially and had made his mark. Butpared to the Zhai family, he was still miles apart. This was truly a sore point for Wei De.

    Apart from his brother-inw giving him a hand when he had first gotten married, neither his brother-inw nor his father-inw, Zhai Yaohui, had cared about him ever again. They had simply left him to his own devices and allowed him to climb the ranks based on his own abilities.

    Without the Zhai family¡¯s help, Wei De had struggled for a long time as apanymander before being promoted to a deputy battalionmander. He had wanted to be promoted to an actual battalionmander but had not had the opportunity. It would be impossible for him to be promoted from a battalionmander to a regimentmander without the Zhai family¡¯s help.

    The greater Wei De¡¯s demands, the more dissatisfied he became with Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua was the only daughter of the Zhai family. He could not understand how Zhai Hua could be such a failure that she could not even win over the hearts of her parents and brother. If his parents-inw were fond of their daughter, Zhai Hua, the Zhai family could very well regard him as a second Zhai Sheng and raise him as a second son.

    Given his performance and with Zhai Sheng¡¯s help, he would have be a regimentmander long ago, let alone a battalionmander.

    Wei De was truly dissatisfied with Zhai Hua and had extravagant demands on the Zhai family. When they could not be satisfied, Wei De was filled with rage. Since he could not pour it out on the Zhai family, his targets naturally turned to Zhai Hua and their daughter, Jiajia.

 Chapter 1811 - Purposely

    <h4>Chapter 1811: Purposely</h4>

    Wei De was full of rage, and so was Zhai Hua. Not a single person in her family had thought well of their marriage in the first ce. She had always known that her parents would not support her rtionship. But she had thought that her brother would understand her and support her for sure. After all, they had grown up together.

    But how would she have known that upon knowing that Wei De was her partner, Zhai Sheng immediately criticized her and told her that Wei De was not a good man? If she were to marry Wei De, she would definitely regret her decision in the future.

    Did she regret it?

    All these years, Zhai Hua did regret it. It was just that her pride didn¡¯t allow her to ever express her regret in front of the Zhai family. Even if all her teeth fell off, she would swallow them whole with blood and water. She would neverin about it to the Zhai family.

    Her marriage life with Wei De had not been as blissful as she had expected. Zhai Hua had transformed from a cool and decisive person to an ordinary woman who was full of resentment and grudges. Zhai Hua could not forget how she had had such a humble and pathetic wedding banquet when she had gotten married to Wei De. What¡¯s more, none of her rtives had congratted her on her marriage.

    The Zhai family had disagreed because Wei De¡¯s family background was poor and so was his character. Now, Zhai Sheng had found someone whose family background was not much better than Wei De¡¯s. But look how concerned her parents were. As elders, they did not even wait for that woman to visit them. Instead, they had taken the initiative to visit that woman.

    In short, their son, Zhai Sheng, was still more important than their daughter. Otherwise, why was there such a stark difference in treatment?

    At that time, she had even taken the initiative to bring Wei De to meet her parents. Withoutparison, there had been no hurt. But now that she had aparison, she could really tell that she was not worth much in her parents¡¯ eyes.

    ¡°When have we ever meant that?¡± Hearing the change in her daughter¡¯s tone, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes reddened. It was true that Wei De was not good. All these years, Hua Hua¡¯s life had been worse than her life had been before she had gotten married!

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to fetch your mom and me, you don¡¯t need to do it. Since you¡¯re already here, stop speaking with such a tone. Yes, your mom and I had disagreed to you getting together with Wei De, but you still insisted on it and married Wei De in the end. If your mom and I had truly disagreed and refused to hand your household registration book over to you, you¡¯d still be single up until today! You¡¯re already living the life that you¡¯ve always been dreaming of. Why is there so much resentment in your words? Are you not happy? Zhai Hua, do you remember the kind of person you were before you got married? Would you say such things?¡±

    The sight of his daughter, Zhai Hua, angered Zhai Yaohui. It was true that he had less patience for Zhai Hua than he had for Zhai Sheng. His son refused to get married, but in many other aspects, his son was not the kind of person who allowed himself to be at a disadvantage or on the losing end.

    He had disliked Qiu Chenxi but had married her nheless. When Qiu Chenxi had cheated on him, Zhai Sheng had not hesitated in getting a divorce from Qiu Chenxi and digging himself out of the grave. When she was younger, Zhai Hua had been full of vigor and energy. The old master used to say that he had two grandsons when he was still alive. He had always believed that he had two grandsons instead of a granddaughter and a grandson.

    But it was only when something happened that Zhai Yaohui realized that he might have been wrong about his daughter. His son was his son, while his daughter was his daughter. His daughter was inevitably indecisive and hesitant when dealing with matters.

    Even if she did not get a divorce from someone like Wei De, there was no point in having so much to say to Wei De since he could not stopining. Using force would settle it once and for all.

    Wei De was truly not a capable person. He had only managed to be apanymander in the army ten years ago because of Zhai Sheng. Was a person who could not even be promoted without his wife¡¯s help a talent? What a joke!

    His daughter had truly been blind when she had said such a thing at that time. It would have been forgivable since he had not truly known the kind of person Wei De was. But he did not believe that Zhai Hua was still ignorant of the kind of person Wei De was now. But what had Zhai Hua done in response to that? She had refused to divorce Wei De and had instead chosen to swallow all of her grievances along with her daughter without fighting back.

    He did want to help his daughter, but what could he do if his daughter was unwilling to receive it?

    Debt. Children were all their parents¡¯ debts!

    If he had known that this would happen, he would much rather have allowed Zhai Hua to remain single for her whole life instead of marrying such an incapable man like Wei De, who constantly med his inws for not helping him.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face darkened and she did not utter another word. No matter what she did, it was always wrong in her father¡¯s eyes. A divorce? Why would she get a divorce? Would that not be letting Wei De take advantage of her? As apanymander, there would definitely be young and prettydies in the literary troupe who would be willing to marry him as long as he wanted to get remarried.

    Thinking about how Wei De had only managed to be apanymander because of the Zhai family, she realized that Wei De only had the qualifications to get remarried because of the Zhai family too. The Zhai family had helped Wei De through so much. Why should she let Wei De throw her aside after she had sacrificed everything for him and had turned old after staying with him? She would not allow Jiajia to have a stepmother. She would stay by Jiajia¡¯s side and raise her herself.

    After her marriage to Wei De, Zhai Hua had initially remained in the military. After all, the couple had discussed this matter before their marriage, and Wei De had been willing to support Zhai Hua¡¯s career. Unfortunately, these beautiful memories were all in the past. Everything changed once Zhai Hua got married and pregnant.

    Because of his promotion, Wei De had the ability to provide for his parents. As such, being the filial son he was, he brought not only his parents over but even his younger sister and nephew too. At that time, Zhai Hua had been supplementing the household ie and she paid for quite a lot of the household expenses. Initially, Father and Mother Wei treated their daughter-inw, Zhai Hua, quite well. But after Jiajia¡¯s birth, the Wei family¡¯s attitude changed.

    Father Wei did not say much, but Mother Wei always nagged at Zhai Hua, saying that women should do their duty as women and that careers should be left to men. She was basically asking if Zhai Hua could return from the military to take care of Jiajia and be a good mother.

    Thinking back about it, Zhai Hua felt that someone could have done so intentionally. There was not just one child in the family. There was also Wei De¡¯s nephew. Because of her parents-inw¡¯s negligence, Jiajia had fallen sick under their care. When Jiajia was sent to the hospital, she had already been in such a serious condition that they had nearly lost her.

    It was because she had nearly lost her daughter that Zhai Hua had made the painful decision of giving up her passion for the military to return home and be a good wife and mother. What she hated most was that her parents had ignored her while growing. Now that she herself was grown up, she would not make the same mistake and be irresponsible toward her child.

 Chapter 1812 - Where To?

    <h4>Chapter 1812: Where To?</h4>

    There was more than one child in the family, and Wei Wei had to go to school. Zhai Hua, who had no experience in taking care of children, truly thought that the family needed someone to help out with child-rearing at home. Without her, her parents-inw and sister-inw had been unable to manage the children. That was why Jiajia had gotten sick without anyone¡¯s knowledge.

    But when Zhai Hua returned, she realized that that was simply not the case.

    Since Wei Wei was already in school, apart from fetching him to and from school, the three adults were all free for the rest of the time while Wei Wei was in school. She alone was able to take good care of Jiajia, much less three people. There was no reason that not a single one out of the three adults had been able to detect Jiajia¡¯s illness while Wei Wei was not at home.

    At that time, Zhai Hua had just been married to Wei De for a short period of time. As such, Wei De¡¯s attitude toward Zhai Hua had not yet been as intense. It was just that he no longer supported Zhai Hua as much as he had while they were still dating. Zhai Hua had her suspicions but dared not be too pessimistic over the matter. On the surface, her parents-inw and sister-inw treated her well. After all, they had never asked her to do any household chores.

    Having lived such a normal life for more than ten years, Zhai Hua had changed her mind about several things no matter how innocent and naive she was. While in the military, she had seen the most cunning and sly of people, she had never once thought that such cunning and treacherous behavior would ur in her inw¡¯s family. But it was all toote.

    Zhai Hua had given up on her dream to be an ordinary housewife, and the Wei family behaved arrogantly as though they had flown to the sky on a dragon¡¯s tail.

    The only thing that Zhai Hua could do for her daughter was to purchase a house so that she would no longer need to live with her inws. Zhai Hua had used her own money to purchase this property. But when she had registered for the property deed, the Wei family insisted that both Wei Wei and Wei De¡¯s names should be on the property deed as well.

    Zhai Hua had not agreed to it. She could consider adding Wei De¡¯s name, but what right did Wei Wei have to treat the house that she had purchased with her own money as his own? It was then that Zhai Hua changed. Instead of putting her own name or Wei De¡¯s name down, she chose to put her daughter, Jiajia, as the sole owner of that property.

    It was only right for all of her money and assets to go to her daughter. No one else should harbor any thoughts toward them, not even Wei De. Knowing that the house had been registered under Wei Jiajia¡¯s name, Mother Wei had flown into a rage and had gotten into an argument with Zhai Hua. But Mother Wei had no choice since Zhai Hua refused to alter a single thing.

    The money was Zhai Hua¡¯s and the house had already been purchased. Since Zhai Hua knew so many people, Mother Wei would not be able to stop Zhai Hua even if Zhai Hua did not go down personally to register for her property deed. It was also because of this property that Mother Wei had severed all ties with Zhai Hua. Now, Zhai Hua and her daughter were nothing more than nuisances in her eyes.

    She said that it might have been true that the Wei family had a booming family business, but they could not afford to have such a failure like Zhai Hua as their daughter-inw. Property prices were rising by the day. Wei Jiajia was still a young child and would eventually get married to someone else once she grew up. Would it not be allowing someone to take advantage of their family to have that house under Jiajia¡¯s name? But Wei Wei was the Wei family¡¯s grandson. As such, all of the Wei family¡¯s money and assets should be left to Wei Wei alone. Zhai Hua was clearly trying to ruin their family.

    Hearing her mother-inw¡¯s argument, Zhai Hua had almost been rendered speechless. Her mother-inw was amazing indeed. She used her own money to buy her daughter a house. Even if her daughter were to get married in the future, that was none of the Wei family¡¯s business. Since when had her money be the Wei family¡¯s and even Wei Wei¡¯s?

    Just because their daughter¡¯s child had the surname ¡®Wei¡¯, they were prepared to give everything they had to Wei Wei instead of Jiajia? It was also from the Wei family that Zhai Hua truly felt for the first time how people valued men over women. Nheless, Zhai Hua had not thrown a tantrum at her parents-inw. Instead, she simply distanced herself from them and moved away.

    But in front of her own parents, Zhai Hua could hardly hold her anger in anymore and had let out a little steam. But Zhai Yaohui was known to have a strong temper all his life. He would never allow his daughter to upset his wife. Zhai Yaohui had already guessed that it was most likely due to the Wei family that his daughter was in such a fury.

    ¡°If some people are really so capable, then they should go throw a tantrum at those who¡¯ve upset them, not their family who cares about them. But I think some people know in their heart who treats them the best. That¡¯s why they don¡¯t dare to throw a tantrum in front of other people and have chosen to kick up a fuss in front of those who are concerned about her.¡±

    Not only had Zhai Yaohui scolded Zhai Hua, but he had also given Zhai Hua a p in the face with his straightforwardness.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes reddened as she took a deep breath, but she did not retort him. It was true. She had been under too much stress because of the Zhai family. It was also true that she had not let it all out in front of the Wei family. But what Zhai Hua was unwilling to admit was that she was truly closer to her biological family.

    Was her biological family any different from her inws? Anyway, she would always be someone who would never be valued and someone with poor judgment. She did not have good parents, and in the end, neither had she married a good husband. Now, she wanted nothing more than to protect Jiajia well and to watch her grow up.

    When Jiajia grew older and had a boyfriend of her own, she would have to open her eyes to see through that guy. She would never let her precious daughter walk down the same path that she had. Perhaps it was true that Wei De was unsuitable for her. Wei De had undergone a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree change not long after marriage.

    Zhai Hua took a deep breath. ¡°Shall I send you to Qingshui Town directly, or do you want to have a rest at the Zhai family¡¯s house?¡±

    ¡°The Zhai family¡¯s house!¡± Miao Jing answered agitatedly.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Miao Jing curiously. On the way here, had Miao Miao not been talking about how she wanted to rush down to Qingshui Town at the earliest possible time to take a look at Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage partner? Why had Miao Miao suddenly changed her mind now that their daughter had asked them about it?

    Miao Jingughed awkwardly. She could not possibly say that she was a little nervous meeting her son¡¯s marriage partner in front of her daughter. Besides, her son had finally changed his mind after such a long time. It was almost certain that this woman would be her daughter-inw. If they were to miss this chance, there might be no chance at all.

    In short, they could only seed. Failure was not an option.

    As a future mother-inw, Miao Jing felt that she had to make some preparations at the very least, whether it was cash or jewelry. She would not shortchange that woman out of courtesy and etiquette. If she were to head down to Qingshui Town now, she would have no chance to make any preparations. It did not seem too nice to meet someone in such in clothes that she had not yet changed out of.

 Chapter 1813 - Preparing a Gift for the Daughter-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 1813: Preparing a Gift for the Daughter-In-Law</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The other party might misunderstand that they were dissatisfied with her, didn¡¯t value her, and had a different opinion from their son, what should they do if they break up?

    Courtesy costs nothing.

    It wasn¡¯t toote to go to Qingshui Town to see her daughter-inw after returning to the Zhai family¡¯s house and thinking about the details of wedding gifts, dowry, and even the type of banquet to be held. In short, her performance had to be good. She must help her son marry this woman home.

    Seeing that Miao Jing didn¡¯t want to exin, Zhai Yaohui naturally wouldn¡¯t put her in a difficult spot. ¡°Sure. Listen to your mom. Return to the Zhai family¡¯s house first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Miao Jing was unwilling to share, and Zhai Hua was toozy to ask. On the contrary, the more Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing wanted to rush down to Qingshui Town like anxious monkeys, the more ufortable Zhai Hua would feel in her heart. At this time, Zhai Hua felt better after knowing that Miao Jing decided to return to the Zhai family¡¯s house to rest.

    This was right. They shouldn¡¯t have favored one over the other. Zhai Sheng¡¯s match didn¡¯t have good conditions. On what basis did her parents ce more importance on that woman than Wei De back then? They said that Wei De wasn¡¯t good. However, they also hadn¡¯t seen that woman and weren¡¯t clear about what kind of person she was. Since that was the case, this meant that there was differential treatment between her and Zhai Sheng!

    After arriving at the Zhai family¡¯s house, Zhai Hua helped carry the luggage.

    Seeing that the Zhai family¡¯s house was like before, Miao Jing had a feeling of nostalgia. ¡°Old Zhai, what do you think if we don¡¯t leave this time after we¡¯re back?¡± The capital was good, but it didn¡¯t give her thefortable feeling Ping Cheng did.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this againter.¡± Zhai Yaohui nced at Zhai Hua. He didn¡¯t agree immediately as he was afraid that Zhai Hua would make somements. Zhai Sheng¡¯s job was still in the capital. Once Zhai Sheng recovered from his illness, he would definitely have to return to the capital. Once Zhai Sheng got married, and if he had a child, regardless of whether the child was a boy or a girl, he dared say that Miao Jing would definitely run back to the capital to take care of her grandson or granddaughter.

    The child was now Miao Miao¡¯s obsession.

    Miao Miao had spoken too soon. If she couldn¡¯t do it and returned to the capital again, Zhai Hua¡¯s misgivings toward them would be deeper. When the three of them met in the future, they couldn¡¯t possibly be like enemies and keep ring at one another with hatred, right?

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t think as deeply as Zhai Yaohui. However, she was used to not rebutting his words. ¡°Hua Hua, when will you bring Jiajia over to see me and your dad?¡± In the past, Hua Hua always said that Jiajia had to attend school and participate in all kinds of tuition sses, so she didn¡¯t have time to go to the capital. The number of times she saw Jiajia, this granddaughter, in a year could be counted with just one hand.

    Now that she was in Ping Cheng, the distance between them was shorter, and there were more chances to see Jiajia, right?

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thister.¡± Zhai Hua used Zhai Yaohui¡¯s previous words. ¡°Jiajia has a lot of homework. If she¡¯s free, I¡¯ll bring her to see you both.¡± Zhai Hua also didn¡¯t understand why she didn¡¯t like her daughter to visit her parents. She just knew that she didn¡¯t like it. Thus, she asked her daughter to keep a distance from the Zhai family.

    Perhaps her husband¡¯s family wasn¡¯t too good and her husband had changed too quickly. The only thing that made Zhai Hua feelforted was that she had given birth to a good daughter. Jiajia was very caring and considerate of her hard work and helplessness. With such a sensible daughter by her side, it could make up for the negative emotions caused by the absurdity of her husband¡¯s family.

    ¡°Sigh...¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua left after sending them back to the Zhai family¡¯s house, Miao Jing felt sour in her heart. ¡°Old Zhai, can our rtionship with Hua Hua only be like this? It has been more than ten years, and Jiajia is already in junior high school. Why is Hua Hua still ming us? Isn¡¯t she clear what kind of person Wei De is and how the Wei family is like? As parents, we would always want the best for our children. Hua Hua is a mother now as well. Why does she still refuse to forgive us until now?¡±

    It had been proven that their persistence and dissatisfaction toward Wei De back then was correct. They really wished that Hua Hua could lead a better life. Wei De wasn¡¯t worthy of her, and that¡¯s why they were resolute in their dissatisfaction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. Our daughter is arrogant. Her self-esteem is especially stronger in front of those she cares about the most. The more we do things right, the more she is reluctant to admit it in front of us. She¡¯s already a mother, but she¡¯s still so stubborn. I hope she can figure things out soon.¡±

    She was close to fifty years old. If his daughter could figure things out now, she would lead a happier life for the next twenty to thirty years at the very least. Men were unreliable. However, didn¡¯t Hua Hua like her daughter, Jiajia, a lot?

    The reason why he and Miao Miao were more worried about Zhai Sheng than Hua Hua was because they knew that once Zhai Hua figured things out and left Wei De, there was still Jiajia by her side. Zhai Sheng was different. Once both of them left, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side whom he could talk to.

    Aside from sighing, it was useless for Miao Jing to think too much. Who asked the two children to be so hard to talk to? ¡°What do you think we should prepare for Zhai Sheng¡¯s match?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because of this?¡± Zhai Yaohui finally understood why Miao Jing wanted to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s house for a night.

    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s the first time we¡¯re seeing our daughter-inw. We can¡¯t be unprepared. What if that woman misunderstands us for not valuing her or thinks that we are dissatisfied? She¡¯s in that situation, while our family has such good conditions. I bet that woman must be feeling a lot of psychological pressure. If we don¡¯t sound convincing, Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife will leave. I don¡¯t know if the two of us will still be alive to wait for Zhai Sheng to agree to getting married again then.¡±

    Since they were still around, they could help push their son. They couldn¡¯t let him be rude in front of others.

    When Miao Jing said these words, she hadpletely forgotten that Zhai Sheng was married once and this wasn¡¯t the first time she saw her daughter-inw. What was different was that Qiu Chenxi was too close with the Zhai family back then. When she faced Qiu Chenxi, Miao Jing didn¡¯t feel nervous at all. It was Qiu Chenxi who thought of ways to marry Zhai Sheng and not the Zhai family who begged Qiu Chenxi to marry over. The mentality between the two waspletely different. In front of Qiu Chenxi, Miao Jing wouldn¡¯t be nervous at all.

    Furthermore, when Qiu Chenxi wronged Zhai Sheng and caused the Zhai family to be embarrassed, Miao Jing no longer treated Qiu Chenxi as her daughter-inw. She hadpletely erased Qiu Chenxi from her own memory.

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t think it was necessary. They were just here to take a look at the person. Wouldn¡¯t it be fine if they simply acted as if they didn¡¯t know about that woman¡¯s existence? If they were afraid of being rude, they could just prepare a red packet easily. However, after listening to Miao Jing¡¯s words and seeing how nervous she was, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t object to it.

    In the Zhai family¡¯s eyes, the woman who could make Zhai Sheng agree to marriage was no less than a hero. It was rare for this ¡®heroine¡¯ to appear. They had to keep her. Otherwise, even if they wanted to in the future, they might no longer have a chance to do so.

 Chapter 1814 - She Was Really Blessed

    <h4>Chapter 1814: She Was Really Blessed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When Zhai Yaohui was young, he didn¡¯t apany Miao Jing to shop. Who knew that when they were old, the couple would shop together to select a gift for their future daughter-inw?

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui weren¡¯t experienced in this area. As such, they could only ask the shopping guide. ¡°May I check what kind of jewelry women like nowadays?¡±

    One look at the two and the shopping guide knew that they were rich. She became more passionate in her service. ¡°Diamonds. Nowadays, they like diamonds. They look pretty. May I check how old the recipient is?¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s nearing forty. It¡¯s for my daughter-inw.¡± In order to choose something that was more appropriate for Qiao Nan, Miao Jing didn¡¯t hesitate to share the details.

    The shopping guide¡¯s mouth formed an ¡®O¡¯. Wow. A forty-year-old daughter-inw. Did that mean she was married once or twice before? It wasn¡¯t her first wedding, but the parents-inw still valued her so much. It was either there was something extraordinary about this woman or this old couple was exceptionally good parents-inw.

    After knowing the age of the recipient, the shopping guide asked carefully, ¡°I¡¯ve been in this industry for quite long. Some people like gold regardless of their age. Does your daughter-inw show a special interest in gold jewelry?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing looked at each other. They hadn¡¯t met her before. How would they know if Qiao Nan liked gold or not? If they knew her preferences, would they still have to ask the shopping guide what kind of jewelry people liked nowadays?

    They had no choice. With Miao Jing urging him, Zhai Yaohui walked to a corner and called Zhai Sheng. ¡°Hello? It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re back in Ping Cheng?¡± Zhai Sheng was a little surprised. He had only made the call yesterday, but they were already in Ping Cheng today. Indeed, they were anxious to get him married. Even after listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s background, they were still so anxious. But Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t feel irritated. He felt that this was just as well. The attention of his parents should help him and Qiao Nan avoid the wrong path.

    ¡°Yes. Do you know what your match likes? Does she like gold jewelry?¡±

    ¡°Buying a present for her?¡± Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t seem to have such treatment back then.

    ¡°Your mom feels that it¡¯s better to be polite. Otherwise, you might be at risk of staying single for life.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone improved a little. ¡°Actually, for things like gifts, it¡¯s the thought that counts, not the value. You can just do as you see fit. She¡¯s not a particr person.¡± His instinct told him that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t a superficial person. Attitude was more important than gift.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± If Miao Miao made random purchases and caused that woman to be unhappy, he shouldn¡¯t me it on them when the time came. Zhai Yaohui was really more concerned about the two children now.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Your mom and I will do as we see fit then?¡±

    ¡°Okay. Just remember not to buy anything too extravagant. She¡¯s a pretty good person and doesn¡¯t have a vain personality. You might scare her instead if you assume too serious an attitude.¡± Zhai Sheng was only short of saying that Qiao Nan was a simple and unadorned woman.

    Zhai Yaohui was a little surprised. ¡°Really?¡± It was either he didn¡¯t find, or once he did, he found a woman that they would like as well?

    Back then, it was also after Qiu Chenxi married over that Zhai Yaohui realized that not only did she know how to lead a life, but she was also exceptionally extravagant and vain. However, she had already married over. As a father-inw, what else could Zhai Yaohui say?

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to say much about what kind of person she is. If there¡¯s a chance, you can take a look at her yourself. I believe you will develop good feelings for her.¡± Upon talking about Qiao Nan, the gap between Zhai Sheng and Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t seem to be that huge anymore. They talked more to each other, and there were more fluctuations in emotions. It was unlike the past, where every additional word said would seem to cut out a part of Zhai Sheng¡¯s flesh.

    ¡°Good. Good!¡± She could let his increasingly cold and indifferent son have such a huge change, making him seem more human. Based on this point alone, even if he hadn¡¯t seen her yet, Zhai Yaohui had already given this future daughter-inw a score of eighty.

    One was marked by thepany one kept. If that woman wasn¡¯t someone good, Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude in front of them wouldn¡¯t have improved. His son was influenced by a good role model. Zhai Yaohui was naturally happy. ¡°Okay. As long as what you say is true, I have a better understanding of what to prepare for her.¡±

    After hanging up the call, Zhai Yaohui walked toward Miao Jing. He made up his mind after seeing the items on the counter. ¡°You should sell watches here, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The shopping guide nodded. Although she felt regretful in her heart, she always had a smile on her face. ¡°Take a look at that counter. There are Longines and Tissot. Our brands here are quiteplete. You can take a look and choose a good one.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± After seeing the counter and brands, Zhai Yaohui pulled Miao Jing along to buy a Tissot watch. It looked like it cost around four to five thousand yuan.

    Miao Jing looked at the watch hesitantly. ¡°Is this too light? Isn¡¯t there a Longines next to it? I saw one that cost around twenty-three thousand yuan. It looks good and is suitable fordies.¡±

    Compared to Qiu Chenxi, who used to casually spend twenty to thirty thousand yuan on a bag, it was more worth it to spend the same amount of money on a watch that could be worn a lifetime. After seeing how Qiu Chenxi squandered money, Miao Jing¡¯s shopping awareness level had been greatly increased.

    ¡°Believe me. It¡¯s enough.¡± Zhai Yaohui patted Miao Jing¡¯s shoulders so that she wouldn¡¯t feel so uneasy. ¡°Furthermore, I didn¡¯t say that we¡¯ll be done with just one gift.¡± After buying the watch, Zhai Yaohui pulled Miao Jing to the counter just now. ¡°Wrap this bracelet up. I want it.¡±

    The shopping guide just now became shocked. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already bought a watch?¡± The cheapest Tissot would have cost at least thousands of yuan. It wasn¡¯t too bad as a first-time gift. Furthermore, the bracelet that the other party wanted to be wrapped cost a hundred thousand yuan...

    ¡°A watch is a watch. Our family wants this bracelet as well. You can just ring up our order and wrap them up.¡± Zhai Yaohui had been thrifty all his life. He only made an exception this once. As long as the other party was as good as Zhai Sheng imed to be, Zhai Yaohui felt that the money spent today was worthwhile.

    The shopping guide could earn quite a bit ofmission for closing such a big deal. She felt that happiness came too suddenly. After seeing the couple go to buy a watch, the shopping guide was prepared for her wasted effort. Who knew that there would be such a big surprise afterward?

    Upon seeing that Zhai Yaohui had really paid the bill, the shopping guide couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°She¡¯s really blessed to have you value her so much. Both of you will definitely be blessed as well.¡±

 Chapter 1815 - Prospect

    <h4>Chapter 1815: Prospect</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If she was that woman, she would probably faint out of happiness. Not everyone would be willing to purchase a hundred-thousand-yuan bracelet!

    When she had gotten married, her parents-inw had sent her away with only a five-piece gold ornament set that was worth a little more than ten thousand yuan. Thinking about how a forty-year-old woman who was getting remarried could receive such a gift while she had only gotten simple gold ornaments when she had gotten married at a young age, the shopping guidedy could not help but wonder why there was such a stark difference in their lives.

    The day after making their purchase, the couple called a taxi and headed for the Zhai family¡¯s old vi in Qingshui Town. ¡°The environment here is really great. It¡¯s no wonder Zhai Sheng was willing to return here. Old Zhai, we should spend some time here too.¡±

    Having been abused by the air in the capital for a long time, Miao Jing was really happy seeing such beautiful scenery in Qingshui Town. She had asked Zhai Hua to bring her granddaughter, Wei Jiajia, to visit her yesterday, but up until the moment she left today, she had yet to meet her granddaughter. Zhai Hua had called, saying that her granddaughter was busy with some kind of English enrichment ss.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡± Zhai Yaohui, who was old and could no longer run around, felt that it was not important where he lived. What was important was who he lived with. ¡°This rascal. When has he ever put himself at a disadvantage apart from that incident? When the old master was still alive, his heart and mind were always on this house. I guess he probably feels the same way about this house since he was close to the old master.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not have much feelings for the old vi. By the time he was old enough to recognize his surroundings, he had already been living in the quad in Ping Cheng. He had only heard about how this had been the ce where his parents had gotten to know each other and thus had a special ce in the old master¡¯s heart. His parents¡¯ ashes had always been buried together here in Qingshui Town. ¡°We have to go pay our respects to the old master and my mom now that we¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I took care of those things before we left yesterday. We can visit your parents today if you¡¯d like.¡± As a daughter-inw, Miao Jing had always had such an intention.

    Zhai Yaohui had always been at ease letting Miao Jing handle these things. ¡°When we pay our respects to my parents, it might not just be the three of us this time. We might have an extra person tagging along.¡± Zhai Sheng had not said anything. All he had done was mention that he had a prospect in mind. But he had not said anything about how he got along with that woman or how far they had progressed. As such, he knew nothing as well.

    To be honest, Zhai Yaohui felt that the hundred-thousand-yuan bracelet was just a backup. After all, they could prepare these things in advance. They could not express their support if their son had not progressed to that stage.

    ¡°Do you think thatdy will be at home?¡± Miao Jing wished to see thedy whom her son had his eyes on, yet she did not want to be seen. If she was there, that would mean that the two of them shared a good rtionship. After her experience with Qiu Chenxi, she preferred someone who would be more reserved even if she had never been married.

    ¡°Old-old chief!¡± Xiao Xu was scared stiff by the sight of Zhai Yaohui. The old chief was something of legends in the military now. Xiao Xu had always known that this old chief was his current chief¡¯s father but had never met him up until today. ¡°I-I¡¯ll let the chief know.¡±

    My goodness! The old chief hade to visit the chief!

    Upon hearing Xiao Xu¡¯s voice, Xiao Zhao had actually been rather curious and had wanted to take a look outside. It was just that she had Xiao Xu¡¯s words in mind. Unless he called her, she had better not go up to others. Otherwise, not only would they dock her pay but they might fire her as well!

    On the ount of the good sry, Xiao Zhao dared not go against Zhai Sheng¡¯s rules. Even though she was curious about the guests who had just arrived, she simply did her job by making tea and cutting fruits in the kitchen. She would then let Xiao Xu bring them outter.

    The moment Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing returned to the old vi, a pair of eyes had already started to observe silently.

    There was nothing special about the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, and it was very simple. It seemed as though no one had taken the effort to spruce the ce up. As for anything belonging to women, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had not seen any of such things.

    A whileter, Xiao Xu walked out of the kitchen with Xiao Zhao, holding freshly-cut fruits and freshly-brewed tea. The moment Xiao Zhao walked out, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up and she looked questioningly at Zhai Yaohui. Was this thedy?

    Zhai Yaohui patted Miao Jing¡¯s hands, asking her to calm down. How would he know if this was thedy? Zhai Sheng would give them the answer very soon.

    As the only other woman present, Xiao Zhao was being carefully observed. After all, Xiao Zhao was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s only suspect. Knowing that the chief¡¯s parents were here, and knowing how the chief¡¯s father had been more outstanding than him, Xiao Zhao did not feel ttered by the elderly couple¡¯s keen observation. In fact, she was rather frightened.

    She could not help but look down at her own clothes. They were rather normal and were not unsuitable. Why were the chief¡¯s parents looking at her as though she had done something wrong?

    Of course, Zhai Sheng knew what Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s gazes meant and thus answered straightforwardly, ¡°No, she¡¯s not here.¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s not here.¡± Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°She¡¯s not taking care of you?¡± If that were really the case, she was not a gooddy.

    Thinking about the phone call from a couple of days earlier, Zhai Yaohui asked, ¡°Is it thedy who picked up the call the other day?¡± Zhai Sheng did not like using such products, but he cared very much about his own privacy. That was why there was a reason to suspect someone who had answered Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone on his behalf.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s she?¡± Since he already had someone in mind, why was there another woman in the house?

    ¡°Back at home.¡± He had not reached that stage with Qiao Nan yet. In fact, Qiao Nan did not even know that he had an intention of marrying her, so how could Qiao Nan be living in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi?

    Zhai Yaohui did not nitpick. ¡°Is she a local?¡± That would mean she was from the same hometown as the old master.

    ¡°No, she¡¯s like us. She¡¯s from Ping Cheng. She used to live in the same quad as us. Her surname is Qiao.¡± He would have toe clean about Qiao Nan¡¯s identity sooner orter. Zhai Sheng did not think that there was anything wrong with Qiao Nan¡¯s past. The problemy with the Qiao family, not Qiao Nan, who was simply being made use of. As such, Zhai Sheng did not try to hide anything about Qiao Nan¡¯s background.

    Xiao Xu blinked in confusion. A Qiao? Was the chief talking about Sister Qiao? Amongst the people he knew, there was only one person who had the surname ¡®Qiao¡¯, was from Ping Cheng, and knew the chief. That was Sister Qiao! No wonder he had heard Sister Qiao address the chief as ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯ when he had returned with the doctor and Sister Zhao the other day. He had initially thought that he had heard it wrong or that Sister Qiao had had a slip of the tongue.

 Chapter 1816 - Selling the House

    <h4>Chapter 1816: Selling the House</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, the two of them were old acquaintances. Why had Sister Qiao never mentioned it?

    ¡°From the quad in Ping Cheng?¡± That could only be fate! The surname ¡®Qiao¡¯... Zhai Yaohui thought about it carefully for a while. There had indeed been such a family. ¡°Your mom and I got here yesterday and happened to chance upon this news...¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the family. Qiao Nan is their younger daughter.¡± Zhai Sheng was clear about the Qiao family¡¯s news. Now that technology was so advanced, Zhai Sheng could simply do a quick search on the inte to find out about thetest news in Ping Cheng. As such, Zhai Sheng knew the gist of thetest happenings regarding the Qiao family because he wanted to understand Qiao Nan better.

    Qiao Zijin was indeed sick and had contracted uremia. If she did not undergo a kidney transnt, she would die sooner orter. As for what the Qiao family said about their younger daughter taking all of the family¡¯s money and running away, that was the truth too. But what was different was that the reporter¡¯s in-depth investigation had revealed that the younger daughter had gotten into a car ident herself and had not fully recovered from it.

    Their two daughters had been hospitalized at the same time. Their elder daughter had never been left alone, but not a single person had gone to take care of their younger daughter even when she was toeing the line between life and death! Even when their younger daughter finally awoke from hera, the Qiao family¡¯s concern toward her was simply preparing three meals a day for her. And that had been because they thought that the food provided by the hospital was too expensive and was not worth their money. They had only prepared her meals to save money.

    In fact, the money that their younger daughter had ¡®stolen¡¯ was her own money! She had not earned it through working but had almost exchanged her life for it. It was thepensation she had gotten from the car ident. The funniest thing was that not only had Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin taken this sum of money as their own, but they had even wanted one of Qiao Nan¡¯s kidneys!

    Through an ¡®anonymous interview¡¯, an insider had revealed that the Qiao couple had forced their younger daughter to donate a kidney to their elder daughter in order to save their elder daughter. They had not cared about the health of the younger daughter, who had not even fully recovered from her car ident.

    In front of Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were undoubtedly perfect parents, who, like all other parents, sacrificed all they had in order for their children to lead better lives. But when Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was exposed, Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s praise-worthy performance were now being denounced.

    Their younger daughter was nothing more than a money-making tool and an organ-storage device for their elder daughter. If their elder daughter got sick and needed a repair, they would simply get it from their younger daughter. In the past, it had been said that once the cloning technology matured, everyone could own their own clones. That way, they would have backups in case any of their organs were to fail.

    But the Qiao family had been even more brutal. Instead of getting a clone, they had simply given birth to a second child in case anything went wrong with their elder daughter. Their second child led such a pitiful life!

    Knowing that there were too many things going on in the Qiao family that their viewers would never be able to ept, the television went through a tremendous amount of effort to return all the donations to each and every donor. After learning about the truth, all those donors felt as though they had been taken for a ride by the Qiao family and were incensed.

    Some felt that it was right that their money was being returned to them, while others expressed their desire to donate their money nheless. But instead of donating to help Qiao Zijin, they would like to donate to help Qiao Zijin¡¯s sister, Qiao Nan.

    The Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard had been sold once to fund Qiao Zijin¡¯s education, but Qiao Nan had worked hard and earned enough to purchase it again. Thereafter, Qiao Zijin¡¯s house had been entirely paid for by Qiao Nan too.

    The family had two properties under their names, but Qiao Nan had been forced to live in a rental apartment, with nothing to her name up until now. In fact, whatever she had now was nothing more than thepensation that she had nearly given her life for. It was ridiculous not to donate to someone like that.

    These people were still willing to donate their money, but the television station was unwilling to receive their donations. They had had countless interactions with the other three people from the Qiao family, but they had never interacted with Qiao Nan, who had been scolded the most harshly in the beginning. Because of their own mistake, Qiao Nan had been maligned for a good few days. The thought of Qiao Nan made the staff from the television station feel guilty.

    Besides, now that Qiao Nan had left, the television station¡¯s staff had no idea where Qiao Nan was now, how to get in contact with her, or how to hand the money over to her. If they were really to ept the donations but had no way of handing the money over to Qiao Nan, they might very well get themselves into trouble and even be used of misappropriating the funds.

    Because of the twists and turns in this piece of news, it had been particrly sensationalized and had received a tremendous amount of attention. The Qiao family¡¯s story was more interesting than a soap opera! There seemed to be no end to it!

    Even people who could just return to Ping Cheng, like Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, had found out about the Qiao family by switching the television on. One could only imagine how ¡®hot¡¯ the Qiao family was in Ping Cheng now.

    Someone had recognized Qiao Dongliang as Qiao Zijin¡¯s father as he was doing his grocery shopping and had said, ¡°Oh, herees the cheater. I¡¯m sorry. We¡¯re just a small business. We don¡¯t have that much money for you to scam. Besides, we¡¯ve worked hard for this money. Will you spare us and go scam someone else?¡±

    Such mockery utterly humiliated Qiao Dongliang. He had never intended to scam anyone. Qiao Dongliang had never agreed to having others donate for his daughter¡¯s medical bills. It was true that their family was not rich, but they did have a house that they could sell for cash.

    In short, the Qiao family was not so hard up that they needed someone to donate to them. Qiao Zijin could still keep her house if they sold the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard again. There would even be leftover money if they were to sell the house and use the money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment.

    That was what Qiao Dongliang thought, but Ding Jiayi did not think in the same way. Although the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard had already been sold once because of Qiao Zijin, it had been an entirely different situation in the past. At that time, Qiao Zijin would never have been able to continue her studies or graduate from university if they had not sold the house. This time, even if they did not sell the house, they would still have enough money to treat Qiao Zijin with donations. In fact, they might even have money to spare!

    With such a huge premise, why was there a need to sell the house?

    Ding Jiayi had initially owned a key to Qiao Zijin¡¯s house, but Qiao Zijin eventually changed the locks. That meant that unless Qiao Zijin handed over the keys to Ding Jiayi, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang would have no roof over their heads if they were really to sell the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard. If they did not want to live on the streets, they would be left with no choice but to rent an apartment like Qiao Nan had done in the past.

 Chapter 1817 - Unable to Hide

    <h4>Chapter 1817: Unable to Hide</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, Qiao Nan had been away for such a long time. The news had been going on for just as long. Ding Jiayi did not believe that Qiao Nan had no way of watching the news or that she knew nothing about the Qiao family¡¯s situation. Even after learning of their situation, Qiao Nan had not appeared. Neither had she called them, nor wired money over to them. It was obvious that their daughter had heartlessly left the elderly couple for dead.

    Ding Jiayi knew that she would never be able to repurchase the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard if they were to sell it now that they were without Qiao Nan¡¯s help. They were old and were naturally not as open-minded as they had been in the past.

    Ding Jiayi wanted a house and a ce she could assuredly return to. Thus, she would never agree to sell the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard.

    Since Ding Jiayi insisted on her way, Qiao Dongliang could not do anything to stop her. Qiao Dongliang might have been unable to stop Ding Jiayi, but he had not been so vicious as to spill the entire Qiao family¡¯s situation to the television crew, asking them not to conduct a donation drive.

    He had initially thought that this matter would not blow up. The donors would donate within their means, and they would not force anyone to donate to them. Besides, apart from the fact that they had not mentioned their house, everything the television station had broadcasted about the Qiao family was a hundred percent true!

    As such, Qiao Dongliang chose to turn a blind eye to Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s nonsense. But Qiao Dongliang had never expected that his one moment of indulgence would turn him into a street mouse despised by everyone. Now, he had to endure mockery and criticism even while doing a grocery run.

    Qiao Dongliang dared say that he had lived an upright life his whole life. But now that he was old, he wasbeled as a scammer! As a grown man in his sixties, Qiao Dongliang was humiliated and ridiculed in front of so many people! He almost had the urge to hide his head within his own trousers!

    There was no way he was going to buy groceries in peace!

    Without a moment of hesitation, Qiao Dongliang ran away with his face covered.

    Those people scolding him were all saying, ¡°Oh, how did your family manage to do that? How did you guys buy a house without any money? We¡¯re peasants who have a little money but no house. How much are you going to donate to us?¡±

    After being bombarded by such questions, Qiao Dongliang once again regretted his decision topromise and give in to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Now, not only had they not been able to receive a single cent of donations, but they had also gotten themselves into deep trouble. Their family was out of money and could no longer afford to let Qiao Zijin remain in the hospital.

    So they did not want to sell the house? That was fine! Then, Zijin would just have toe home from the hospital and wait for her death.

    Qiao Dongliang was infuriated at his daughter, Qiao Zijin. He felt that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi hadpletely ruined his reputation. They had never listened to his advice. In fact, after creating such a huge mess, they had no way of cleaning it up and were counting on him to clean up after them!

    He had not even been capable of doing so when he was younger, so it went without saying that he had no such ability at this age. Since Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin wanted to kick up such a huge fuss, he would not care about them in the future. They could do as they pleased.

    Not only had he heard suchments while purchasing groceries but he had also heard them in the quad when he ran into his neighbors or acquaintances. In the short span of just a few days, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s image had transformed from an honest and loyal man to that of a scammer whom everyone was scolding. Qiao Dongliang was utterly humiliated.

    There was no other choice. Thus, Qiao Dongliang packed up his belongings and moved out of the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard. When he moved out, he brought the property deed along with him. In the past, Qiao Nan had constantly made sacrifices for the family but had never felt sorry for herself. As such, there was no reason for Qiao Dongliang to feel sorry for Qiao Nan either.

    Now that Qiao Nan had finally started to think about herself a little more, he had no way of touching that house under Qiao Zijin¡¯s name. After all, Qiao Zijin was a single woman who had gotten divorced. If he did not leave even this house to Qiao Zijin, he would really be pushing her into a corner.

    Qiao Dongliang felt that the only thing he could do for Qiao Nan was to hand the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard over to Qiao Nan. As for the fact that the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard had been repurchased with Qiao Nan¡¯s money, Qiao Dongliang conveniently chose to ignore it.

    They had bought the house using Qiao Nan¡¯s money, but he was now saying that he was seeking justice for Qiao Nan by returning her the house that had been bought with her own money. The Qiao family was probably the only people who could have such an idea.

    Knowing that his son had fallen for such ady, Zhai Yaohui was conflicted. From the news, he could tell that Qiao Nan had given her all for the Qiao family up until the day she left. As a child, she had treated her family so well and had been oppressed by her own family for such a long time before she had finally decided to fight back and leave with everything. From that, Zhai Yaohui was sure that Qiao Nan was not a bad person. In fact, she was probably the kind of person who was too softhearted and would simply silently endure bullying.

    He would not have to worry about his new daughter-inw treating his son poorly or that she did not care enough about his son. But he had to worry about the Qiao family creating trouble for Zhai Sheng if he were to marry Qiao Nan.

    No matter how he looked at it, the Qiao family did not seem to know their limits. In fact, what the Qiao family was best at was taking advantage of others. His son would have never-ending problems if he were to have anything to do with such people. ¡°Are you sure that you won¡¯t change your mind even now that you know about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation?¡±

    Life was never perfect.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about. But from my interactions with Qiao Nan, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s someone who doesn¡¯t know how to say no or someone who will foolishly sacrifice for others. Whatever the news mentioned... I guess she was just young and insensible and thus did not know better to think more about herself. But everyone grows up eventually. I think Qiao Nan is now grown up and could finally think it through.¡±

    If Qiao Nan had not grown up, she would never have left with all the money without uttering a single word to her family, causing the Qiao family to use such an extreme method of going on television to find her. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s weird that the news had been so skewed earlier on? But all of a sudden, they came out with a piece of news that exposed all of the Qiao family¡¯s assets. The television crew had been able to investigate so clearly in such a short period of time. Do you think this was idental, or did someone do this on purpose?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had nothing but time now. Some things could deceive ordinary people, but they could never deceive Zhai Sheng if he put his mind to it.

 Chapter 1818 - A Love Rival

    <h4>Chapter 1818: A Love Rival</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you mean that the media had suddenly found out about the Qiao family¡¯s assets because of Qiao Nan¡¯s whistleblowing?¡± If that were really the case, his earlier worry could be reduced by half. ¡°Where¡¯s she?¡± Zhai Yaohui had still not seen the main character whom the father and son had been discussing.

    Zhai Yaohui felt that he would be able to get a good grasp of the kind of person Qiao Nan was if he had the chance to meet her personally.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said that she¡¯s at home. She¡¯s in her own home. It seems like she¡¯s truly been hurt by the Qiao family and intends on settling down in Qingshui Town. She used her money to purchase a house and has been renting an apartment from Xiao Xu for the time being.¡± He had already answered the question before. It seemed that his dad was indeed getting forgetful now as he aged.

    Xiao Xu, who had been called on with no preparations, was stunned. He did not say anything and could only stand there, nodding foolishly, agreeing with whatever the chief had just said. He understood thest part of the chief¡¯s words, but why couldn¡¯t he understand anything about what the chief had been talking to the old chief about?

    The moment the old chief arrived, he had been constantly asking about Sister Qiao. He was sure that Sister Qiao and the chief were old acquaintances. But what he had heard next seemed a little mysterious. If he had not heard wrong, the chief viewed Sister Qiao as a marriage partner, and the old chief had made a trip down to take a look at his future daughter-inw, Sister Qiao.

    That could not be right. He must have been thinking too much, just like he had a few days earlier when the chief had made a special trip down to look for Sister Qiao. He was thinking too much.

    Xiao Xu could not resist the urge to pinch himself on the thigh. It hurt so badly that Xiao Xu¡¯s eyes were now brimming with tears. He was so harsh to himself! But because that pinch brought him to tears, Xiao Xu was sure that he was not overthinking this. This had been exactly what the old chief and the chief had been talking about.

    In mere three days, Sister Qiao had turned from a temporary caretaker of the chief that his mom had hired into the future wife of the chief! That was crazy!

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng were deep in conversation. Because the father and son had not interacted at length like that in a long time, Miao Jing chose to remain silent and allow the father and son to continue their conversation. Anyway, Zhai Yaohui knew exactly what she was curious about and would pose her questions on her behalf. All she had to do was perk her ears up to listen carefully.

    From Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Miao Jing had gotten a rough sense of the kind of person Qiao Nan was. But Miao Jing felt that there was nothing better than seeing her for herself. That would be the only way for her to make a judgment call. Up until now, she had only heard about how Qiao Nan was as a person. What she really wanted to do was to ¡®see¡¯ for herself. ¡°Zhai Sheng, we¡¯ve been talking for such a long time. You should at least let us see her.¡±

    The bracelet was still in her possession. She wanted very much to give it away.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be possible for now.¡± Zhai Sheng refused.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Why!¡± Compared to the calm and collected Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing was much more agitated. ¡°Do you mean that she doesn¡¯t want to get married?¡± That could not be the case. She was almost forty years old. Since they were both women, Miao Jing knew that it was impossible for Qiao Nan not to yearn for a family of her own or to have children at such an age.

    Perhaps, once Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan, they would not even have to do anything before Qiao Nan would find a way to catch thest bus and have a child while she was still fertile.

    Even though Miao Jing did not know how long more she could look after children for, she now had hope of having a grandson at the very least.

    It was still his father who knew Zhai Sheng best. Thinking about Zhai Sheng¡¯s ambiguous answer, Zhai Yaohui asked, ¡°Are you already together with Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Sheng had given him a heads-up, meaning that he intended on getting married.

    Since they were both at such an age, as long as they were serious about the rtionship, marriage was a very natural step. Zhai Sheng was an extremely decisive person and would probably be even more decisive in marrying Qiao Nan than he had been when marrying Miao Miao at that time. It was just like how the Zhai family and the Qiu family had only found out about Zhai Sheng¡¯s divorce from Qiu Chenxi after the couple¡¯s marriage certificate had been changed into a divorce certificate.

    So the only exnation for Zhai Sheng refusing to let Miao Miao and him meet Qiao Nan was that he had not even been able to get a hold of thatdy whom he had taken a fancy to.

    ¡°How could that be? The chief has only known Sister Qiao for three days! No, they¡¯ve only met three times!¡± Xiao Xu, who had been silent all this while, could no longer hold it in. He leaped in to borate on Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation. He was sure that the chief and Sister Qiao had not been on close terms before his mom had asked Sister Qiao to take care of the chief.

    Even in the three days that followed, the rtionship between the chief and Sister Qiao had not progressed to that stage either. How could they have talked about marriage in that case? What a joke!

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were bbergasted. It was already strange enough that their son had finally changed his mind. Even though their son had finally agreed to remarry, they had simply treated it as though their son had finally found someone pleasing to his eyes and someone he felt he would be able to live with. Neither Zhai Yaohui nor Miao Jing had ever thought about things like love.

    It had initially been enough that their son was finally willing to get married. Love was just an extravagant and unnecessary thing. As such, this was an even greater surprise to them.

    A woman whom their son had only met three times had been able to change his mind about marriage. So it was impossible that their son simply thought of that person as tolerable. Zhai Yaohui thought that his son certainly had some feelings for that woman.

    Upon confirming that Zhai Sheng had truly changed his mind about marriage this time and that it had been because of love, Zhai Yaohui was now at ease and was no longer in a hurry. ¡°All right. Thankfully, your mom and I are not in a hurry and can stay in Qingshui Town for the time being. You should work quickly. You may think that it¡¯s all the same without children, but women may not share your opinion. If you work any slower, this might be a lifetime regret. During this period of time, your mom and I will spend more time with your grandma and grandpa. Anyway, you¡¯ve only hurt your leg. You¡¯re not disabled. Be careful that she might be snatched away if you¡¯re not fast enough.¡±

    In this kind of matter, he who strikes first prevails, while he who strikeste fails.

    Even though the woman whom Zhai Sheng had taken a liking to was already forty years old and single, she could not be too bad if Zhai Sheng had fallen for her. Considering she had met Zhai Sheng, wouldn¡¯t others have discovered her as well? After all, precious things would always be discovered. Zhai Sheng might not be the only one. If he worked slowly, she might very well be snatched away from him right under his nose. At that time, he would be in despair, and Zhai Sheng would never get remarried.

    Sometimes, one¡¯s worst fears came true.

    Zhai Yaohui reminded Zhai Sheng that Qiao Nan was a gooddy. Even though she was already forty, he might not be her only suitor. He could be bold and daring in pursuing her.

 Chapter 1819 - Fresh Start

    <h4>Chapter 1819: Fresh Start</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Just as they had said, a rival suitor had indeed shown up in Qingshui Town just two days after the Zhai couple had arrived, and he had headed straight for Qiao Nan¡¯s rented apartment.

    Given the Qiao family¡¯s abilities, they would never have been able to find out where Qiao Nan had moved to. But as for certain people, especially government officials, they definitely had the means of doing so if they really wanted to.

    Standing in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s door, Chen Jun was a little hesitant. He was unsure of how Qiao Nan would react upon seeing him. After the two had broken up, his ex-girlfriend had be his sister-inw. All these years, Chen Jun had never forgotten about Qiao Nan and had always been concerned about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation.

    Qiao Nan had always thought that Ding Jiayi had never wanted Qiao Nan to get married, in case she had her own children after getting married. That would mean that whatever money she earned would go into raising her children and that Ding Jiayi would never be able to get any money from Qiao Nan to support Qiao Zijin. As such, she had ruined Qiao Nan¡¯s blind dates one after the other. Every time she found a prospect, Ding Jiayi would always scare the other party away. She even scolded the matchmakers so harshly that they no longer dared to help Qiao Nan out.

    In fact, Ding Jiayi had considered Chen Jun¡¯s encouragement and bewitchment.

    Chen Jun had gotten married to Qiao Zijin and even had a son with her, namely Chen Feng, but Chen Jun still led a colorful life outside and had gotten to know many other women. But out of all these women, the only one Chen Jun had not been able to let go of was Qiao Nan alone.

    Men were all like that, especially men like Chen Jun, who was simply even worse by nature. He had countless affairs and fanned the mes to encourage his mother-inw to prevent his sister-inw from getting married. Although Qiao Nan was already forty, she was still as single as the day she had broken up with him and had never had any contact with other men. Qiao Nan had a special ce in Chen Jun¡¯s heart.

    Now, the reputation of all three members of the Qiao family had been ruined. Thankfully, Qiao Zijin had not dragged the Chen family into this matter and made him a joke in front of the public. This was something the Chen family felt rather grateful for.

    Following that, Mother Chen had asked Chen Jun what kind of woman he would look for. After all, Chen Feng was still young. Chen Jun might be a grown man, but he also needed someone to take care of him. So Chen Jun had to find a second wife. But he had better not find another troublemaker like Qiao Zijin.

    If Chen Jun had anyone in mind, they would take their time to observe that person carefully. There was no way they were going to fall into another pit now that they had finally climbed out of one called Qiao Zijin. It did not matter how evil or cunning those women Chen Jun yed with were. Given Chen Jun¡¯s capabilities and status, he could afford to do so. But a woman he wanted to marry had to be someone who would lead a simple and honest life. That was Mother Chen¡¯s only requirement.

    Hearing that his mom was asking him to get remarried, the image of Qiao Nan in Chen Jun¡¯s mind only got clearer as time went by. After some time, he could no longer resist it and simply asked for his parents¡¯ opinion about getting remarried to Qiao Nan.

    Mother and Father Chen¡¯s disapproval resounded loudly. Why? It was not that Qiao Nan was not good enough. In fact, Qiao Nan was an excellent choice for marriage. The problem was that Qiao Nan was Qiao Zijin¡¯s younger sister! At that time, Chen Jun had only gotten to know Qiao Zijin because of Qiao Nan, and he had married Qiao Zijin only because he had gotten her pregnant.

    None of them had forgotten about what had happened at that time, so was it possible for Qiao Nan to have forgotten about it? Even if the Chen family was not afraid of being mocked about how Chen Jun¡¯s first marriage had been to the elder sister while his second marriage was to the younger sister, they did not think that Qiao Nan would be able to dly ept Chen Jun¡¯s proposal and marry into the Chen family because of what had happened in the past.

    The elderly couple felt that it was simply impossible.

    Yes, it was true that the Chen family had a good background. Chen Jun had inherited his father¡¯s position, was handsome and dashing, and was at his peak now. The problem was that they had felt Qiao Nan¡¯s sadness when Qiao Zijin had forced Qiao Nan to back off because of her pregnancy at that time, but Qiao Nan had never tried to cling to Chen Jun.

    After Chen Jun got married to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan had never visited the Chen family. When Chen Jun visited the Qiao family from time to time, not only would Qiao Nan never take the initiative to approach Chen Jun, but she would not even nce at Chen Jun. It was as though Chen Jun was invisible. Unless Ding Jiayi assigned any chores to her, Qiao Nan would be wherever everyone else was.

    Father Chen knew that his son had probably gone to meet Qiao Nan alone while he was gone. Now that his son was grown up, Father Chen did not have much say in his son¡¯s actions. Besides, his son was quite intelligent. As such, Father Chen had full confidence that his son would be able to resolve any differences between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan if he were to get together with Qiao Nan.

    Moreover, Qiao Nan was extremely mild-tempered. Even if she were truly to get together with Chen Jun, she would never fight with Qiao Zijin like other mistresses did, relying on their children to gain affection from their husbands or making a fuss to gain attention.

    But he had never expected that Qiao Nan could be so stubborn if she really wanted to, even though she had always been so softhearted toward the Qiao family. In front of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan was so foolish that it was pitiful. But in front of Chen Jun, Qiao Nan was not at all muddleheaded. Qiao Nan chose to stick to the crowd at all times, giving Chen Jun no chance to speak to her alone or to confess to her.

    Of course, it was not entirely impossible for Chen Jun to get back together with Qiao Nan behind the Qiao family¡¯s backs.

    Based on this whole incident, Father Chen did not think that Qiao Nan would be willing to reconcile with her ex, Chen Jun. But if the two were really to get back together, there would be an advantage to that. He would never need to worry about his grandson, Chen Feng, being abused or neglected by his stepmother. No matter whose child Chen Feng was, or whether he was Qiao Zijin¡¯s son, Qiao Nan would never be so heartless.

    Because of his parents¡¯ analysis, Chen Jun could only hold in his own thoughts.

    But things quickly took a turn. The Chen family had always been living in Ping Cheng and had risen to the top ranks in Ping Cheng. If they wanted to further their careers, they would have to move out of Ping Cheng. Coincidentally, there had been such an opportunity! Wang Yang had remembered the top figure, Chen Jun, and had decided to give Chen Jun this chance.

    With Chen Jun¡¯s promotion, he could very well leave Ping Cheng with his whole family to a new city. At this time, Chen Jun once again thought about getting back with Qiao Nan. In the past, Father and Mother Chen had disagreed with this idea because they thought that it was well-known that Qiao Nan was Qiao Zijin¡¯s younger sister and had once been Chen Jun¡¯s sister-inw.

    It would not reflect well on the Chen family if word were to spread about Chen Jun marrying Qiao Nan after having gotten a divorce from Qiao Zijin.

    But if the Chen family were to move to an entirely new location and Chen Jun were to be an official in a brand-new city, no one would be any wiser about the situation between him and Qiao Nan. That could be a fresh start for him!

 Chapter 1820 - Iâ€™m Not Against It

    <h4>Chapter 1820: I¡¯m Not Against It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After going to an unfamiliar city, who would know what had happened between Qiao Nan and Chen Jun, let alone say anything bad?

    In the face of this situation, Father Chen and Mother Chen remained silent this time around and didn¡¯t say anything against it. In private, Mother Chen went to ask Chen Feng how he would feel if Chen Jun married Qiao Nan.

    What surprised Mother Chen was that even Chen Feng, the son, didn¡¯t help Qiao Zijin. He was like his biological father. He felt that Qiao Nan, his young aunt, was much better than his biological mother. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve always thought that young aunt is pretty good. She¡¯s prettier and more good-tempered than my mom. She treats me pretty good too. However, grandma, after young aunt marries my dad, should I call her mom instead? After young aunt bes my mom, will she be like my biological mom and treat me badly?¡±

    Qiao Zijin liked to enjoy life. She was impatient and bad-tempered as well. When Chen Feng was just born, he didn¡¯t know how to speak and would cry whenever he felt unwell. Ding Jiayi had pampered Qiao Zijin since she was young. How would she be willing to wash Chen Feng¡¯s little buttocks which were full of shit? That was impossible. Even if it was her biological son, Qiao Zijin treated him with disdain as she found him to be dirty and smelly.

    As such, Mother Chen had brought Chen Feng up in his infancy days. But when Qiao Zijin returned to her family, she would bring Chen Feng with her. Once she reached home, she would ask Qiao Nan to take care of Chen Feng. She felt that she had relied on Chen Feng to snatch Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan. Now, if Qiao Nan had to take care of Chen Feng, she must be feeling very sad in her heart.

    Every time like this, Qiao Zijin would have a contorted sense of satisfaction. This led to a strange phenomenon. When Qiao Zijin returned home, she might not bring along Chen Jun, but she would definitely bring along her son, Chen Feng. After reaching home, Qiao Zijin would throw Chen Jun to Qiao Nan. She even told her son that he must not leave Qiao Nan and look for her if there¡¯s anything. Qiao Nan had to serve her son well.

    As such, Chen Feng spent more time interacting with Qiao Nan, his young aunt, than his biological mother. Qiao Nan was soft-hearted to begin with. Even if she hated Qiao Zijin and knew that all the money Ding Jiayi asked from her went to supporting Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan would still produce the money every time Ding Jiayi put on a pitiful act.

    The matters of adults had nothing to do with children. In Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes, Chen Feng was innocent. Qiao Nan only felt a littleplicated in her heart during the year when Chen Feng was still a baby who knew nothing. After that, she adjusted her mood very quickly and regarded Chen Jun as her brother-inw and Chen Feng as her nephew.

    As such, when Chen Feng started to remember things, he only remembered that his young aunt treated him especially well and had a gentle voice. She would ask him if something was delicious or fun. If he did something wrong, his young aunt would teach him, unlike his mom, who would push him to his grandma every time something happened.

    Chen Feng wasn¡¯t close to Qiao Zijin. This didn¡¯t mean that a child didn¡¯t long for maternal love. In the Chen family, there was Mother Chen to bring him up. In the Qiao family, Qiao Zijin left Chen Feng to Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t realize that every time she did this, it was nothing that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t refuse. However, every time Chen Feng left his biological mother¡¯s side, there wasn¡¯t any bit of reluctance. He even ran to Qiao Nan¡¯s side and yed with her. This was where she failed as a mother.

    Chen Feng, who usually didn¡¯t express his opinion, amazed the world with a single brilliant feat today. Chen Feng was already a few years old and a primary school child. It wasn¡¯t true that children at this age didn¡¯t know anything.

    Chen Feng¡¯s words shocked the Chen family.

    Mother Chen stood in front of her grandson and looked into his eyes. ¡°Feng Feng, tell grandma. Who taught you those words just now? Was it grandpa or young aunt?¡±

    When did the Qiao family instill such thoughts into Feng Feng? Why were they unaware of this?

    ¡°No, these are my original thoughts.¡± Chen Feng shook his head. ¡°I really think that young aunt is nice and treats me well. Young aunt will buy food for me and care about my homework. When I was in first grade, I scored badly in the first semester, and all of you were unhappy. Mom even threw a temper at me. After that, young aunt was the one who gave me lessons and helped me with my homework. Young aunt is really smart. After listening to young aunt, I even became the top five in my ss.¡±

    In Chen Feng¡¯s eyes, there was nothing his young aunt didn¡¯t know or was bad at.

    ¡°...¡± The Chen family was once again surprised. They cared about Chen Feng¡¯s homework as well, but not to Qiao Nan¡¯s extent. When Chen Feng didn¡¯t score well, they didn¡¯t care much. When Chen Feng¡¯s grades improved, they thought that it was the teachers who had taught him well and that their lecturing words, which were due to his previous bad grades, had worked on him.

    They didn¡¯t expect it was Qiao Nan who had taught Chen Feng how to master his homework.

    Chen Jun said in a nostalgic tone, ¡°I remember that Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were exceptionally good when she was studying. Before dropping out, she was always ranked top three in her grade.¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s studies were good as well. When Chen Feng scored badly in the first semester, Chen Jun suspected that Qiao Zijin¡¯s genes must have affected Chen Feng adversely. When he was studying, he didn¡¯t score so badly before. It must be because he had Qiao Zijin as a mother that his grades were so bad.

    Later, when his son¡¯s results became better, Chen Jun simply thought that his natural genes had taken effect. Hepletely didn¡¯t expect Chen Feng¡¯s progress to be man-made.

    Mother Chen feltplicated in her heart. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us that your young aunt treats you so well?¡± Every time they went over to the Qiao family, as long as Qiao Nan was around, they saw that Chen Feng was pretty cold to her.

    Even if they asionally mentioned Qiao Nan at home, Chen Feng, who was listening to their words as he was ying, had no reaction at all. It was as if he hadn¡¯t heard their words at all. Based on Chen Feng¡¯s performance, the Chen family didn¡¯t expect Chen Feng to have such a good impression of Qiao Nan and that he actually liked her very much.

    ¡°Young aunt taught me to do so. Aside from her, I can¡¯t show that I like her a lot in front of anyone else. If I do, she wouldn¡¯t have the chance to y with me again in the future. She also said that no matter who I hear talking about her, I should treat that I¡¯m young and couldn¡¯t understand anything. After listening to their words, I should forget them quickly and not tell her anything. Grandpa, grandma, Dad, I really feel that young aunt is great.¡±

    Chen Feng didn¡¯t understand Qiao Nan¡¯s words fully. However, as time passed, Chen Feng transformed from an ignorant child who only knew to listen to Qiao Nan to a child with his own thinking ability.

 Chapter 1821 - Considering to Move House

    <h4>Chapter 1821: Considering to Move House</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Chen Feng gradually understood that Qiao Nan¡¯s words were for his sake.

    Chen Feng wasn¡¯t a fool. When his family, especially that mother who left, mentioned his young aunt, their words were always unpleasant and scolding her. Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but ask Qiao Zijin once, ¡°Mom, isn¡¯t young aunt your biological sister? Why do you have to scold her?¡±

    Chen Feng was just a child who asked questions. Who knew that this question would turn Qiao Zijin into an exploding firecracker? From that day onward, Chen Feng understood that Qiao Nan¡¯s words were meant to protect him.

    Chen Feng liked to y with Qiao Nan. His young aunt had said before that as long as he did this, he would have a chance to follow her in the future. He did whatever his young aunt had said. As for the rest, he didn¡¯t care.

    Perhaps it was Qiao Nan who had taught well or Chen Feng who was a great actor at a young age, but before today, no one in the Chen family had expected Chen Feng to like Qiao Nan much more than his biological mother, Qiao Zijin. In the few months that Qiao Zijin left, they had never seen Chen Feng crying for his mom.

    When they mentioned Qiao Nan today, Chen Feng had a happy look of approval on his face. His reaction made the Chen family hate Qiao Zijin extremely. How big a failure was Qiao Zijin as a mother? Even her biological son didn¡¯t need her.

    ¡°Feng Feng, you really like your young aunt?¡± Father Chen wasn¡¯t concerned about others. He only cared about the words Chen Feng used to describe Qiao Nan. It was undeniable that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t married, was childless, and had never been a mother before. However, it was obvious that Qiao Nan could teach children better than those women who had given birth before.

    His grandson was taught well by Qiao Nan. He knew that his grandson was close to her, but she didn¡¯t sow discord between his grandson, the Qiao family, and the Chen family. If his grandson hadn¡¯t been honest today, even he would not have realized that his grandson unknowingly had a deep rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Chen Feng replied very loudly. ¡°If you let young aunt be my mom, I won¡¯t be against it.¡± Anyway, his young aunt had long existed as a mother in his heart.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, see?¡± Chen Jun was happy. He didn¡¯t expect that there was hope again to what was already deemed as impossible with the help of his son. He could feel that his parents¡¯ hearts were wavering. ¡°Nan Nan is nice and smart. You know about the Qiao family¡¯s situation as well. She¡¯s just unlucky to have such parents and sister. Otherwise, based on Nan Nan¡¯s conditions and intelligence, the university she could be admitted to might even be better than mine. It¡¯s okay not to have high educational qualifications as long as one is progressive. Look at how well she has taught Feng Feng. You don¡¯t know that Qiao Nan has always been doing trantion, right? Hermand of English is great.¡±

    What were educational qualifications? Having real capability was what mattered most.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s English had passed the test. It wasn¡¯t any worse than the university students who had taken the foreignnguage course. In fact, her actual working ability was better than those students.

    Compared to Qiao Zijin, Father Chen and Mother Chen recognized Qiao Nan more. Only Qiao Nan was the daughter-inw they were willing to acknowledge back then. Now that their son was still interested in Qiao Nan and even their grandson didn¡¯t mind Qiao Nan bing his mom, what else could they say?

    Once Chen Jun¡¯s transfer order arrived, Father Chen and Mother Chen let Chen Jun go to find Qiao Nan. They would leave together with Qiao Nan and live in an unfamiliar city. Chen Jun would remarry Qiao Nan and hold a banquet there.

    It was estimated that the people from Ping Cheng and the Qiao family would know about Chen Jun remarrying Qiao Nan only after a very long time.

    Once Father Chen and Mother Chen were agreeable, Chen Jun¡¯s n to pursue Qiao Nan no longer faced any obstacles. He guessed that Qiao Nan was no longer in Ping Cheng. However, before Qiao Nan left, she had bought a train ticket and that would require an ID card.

    Chen Jun used a little of his abilities and found out that thest train ticket Qiao Nan bought after leaving Ping Cheng was headed toward Qingshui Town. Then, Chen Jun checked on Qingshui Town¡¯s temporary residence information registered by outsiders.

    Chen Jun had a vastwork. There was only information that Chen Jun didn¡¯t want to know and nothing that he couldn¡¯t find out.

    Chen Jun stood in front of Qiao Nan¡¯s door excitedly. After staring at the door for three minutes and preparing the words he wanted to say, he lifted his hand to knock on Qiao Nan¡¯s door. He had already thought of how to apologize for his mistake back then and seek Qiao Nan¡¯s forgiveness so that she would be willing to leave with him and start anew, giving each other a second chance.

    A misunderstanding was a misunderstanding. Happiness was the most important. He and Qiao Nan had already missed a happy life for more than ten years. How many years were there in one¡¯s lifetime? He and Qiao Nan had to cherish all the years after this and not waste time on quarreling.

    ¡°Who is that?¡± Qiao Nan was quite sensitive to knocks on the door recently. Once she heard knocking sounds, she would react like a cat that had gotten its tail stepped. Qiao Nan sighed. Perhaps she should really consider renting another house before getting her own.

    That day, Zhai Sheng came over for no good reason and even said strange things. That wasn¡¯t a good sign.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± The voice outside the door clearly sounded like a man, but she was not familiar with it. The hand that Qiao Nan ced on the door stopped. ¡°Who are you?¡± When she asked, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help butugh. What kind of reply was this?

    There are 4.1 billion people in China. Was she a supeputer? Would she be able to remember the other party¡¯s identity whenever they said ¡®it¡¯s me¡¯?

    Chen Jun was embarrassed for a while. ¡°Nan Nan, are you doing this deliberately? Do you really not recognize my voice?¡± In the past, every time he went to find Qiao Nan for a date, Qiao Nan could immediately recognize him once he spoke, even if she hadn¡¯t seen him yet. The importance his girlfriend ced on him made Chen Jun feel proud for quite some time.

    He thought that bying over to find Qiao Nan today, she would definitely be very agitated and recognize him the first instance, just like before. ¡®Who are you?¡¯ made Chen Jun feel extremely embarrassed. It was as if what he had thought of was too narcissistic. The good memories the two of them once shared seemed to be just his own imagination.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face darkened. Aside from her dream, only two people would call her Nan Nan in reality. The first was her dad when he felt guilty toward her, and the second was Chen Jun, her ex-boyfriend before he had hooked up with Qiao Zijin. ¡°How do you know I¡¯m here? Did you inform the Qiao family?¡±

    She thought that it wasn¡¯t easy for Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin to get a divorce, so he shouldn¡¯t be interfering in the Qiao family¡¯s messy matters anymore. Now, it seemed that it was imperative for her to move house.

 Chapter 1822 - Sincerely

    <h4>Chapter 1822: Sincerely</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°No, why would I inform the Qiao family? Nan Nan, you should know that I¡¯ve always been helping you. You should be following the news about the Qiao family too, right? If I were to tell the Qiao family about you, that would be creating more trouble for you. Nan Nan, you¡¯ve had it hard all these years. Can you give me a chance to make it up to you and a chance to give you happiness? Can the two of us start afresh again? I promise you that I¡¯ll never make the same mistake again. I¡¯ll have eyes for you only!¡±

    The excited Chen Jun could not even wait for Qiao Nan to open the door and simply spilled out his confession, asking for reconciliation.

    Only in the moment that he said this did Chen Jun realize just how much he missed those times he had had with Qiao Nan and how much he wished his rtionship with Qiao Nan could return to what it had been in the past. He yearned to be with Qiao Nan and to be her husband. He had sincere feelings for her.

    ¡°Nan Nan, please open the door. I miss you very much. Can I just meet you for a while? Nan Nan, I really miss you.¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s confession that he thought expressed his deep feelings and regret disgusted Qiao Nan so much that she nearly vomited. ¡°Initially, I already intended on not opening the door for you. Now, even more so I can¡¯t open it for you. Chen Jun, just leave. Half a year ago, you were my brother-inw. Today, you¡¯re still my ex-brother-inw. Besides these two identities, you¡¯ll never have another one with me. Don¡¯te looking for me in the future. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll ever be with you. I must be retarded and blind to get back together with you.¡±

    Ten years ago, she had already been agitated by the sight of Qiao Zijin showing off her stomach in front of her. She had already closed her heart off to this man, Chen Jun.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I know that you¡¯re still angry at me and you still hate me because of what happened that year. But Nan Nan, life is short. We don¡¯t have much time left to waste. Now that we¡¯re middle-aged, we should cherish the happy times we have instead of wasting time on regret and hatred. Nan Nan, right from the beginning, you are the only one I¡¯ve ever loved. I fell for Qiao Zijin¡¯s trap that day. She was the one who made me drunk.¡±

    If it was not for the fact that he had been drunk, he would definitely have worn protection while doing it with Qiao Zijin, even if she was unwilling to eat a contraceptive. Qiao Zijin would never have had the chance to get pregnant.

    ¡°Nan Nan, give me another chance. Just one. I assure you that I¡¯ll prove my determination to you in the future. As long as you¡¯re willing to return to my side, you can get back at me or punish me in any way you like!¡± As long as Qiao Nan agreed to return to his side and give him a feeling of home.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡±

    If not for the fact that she could not open the door, Qiao Nan wanted very much to chase Chen Jun away with a broom. This man was downright disgusting. When Qiao Zijin had been hospitalized, she had unknowingly overheard Qiao Zijin saying that she had cheated on Chen Jun because Chen Jun had done so first. Chen Jun had a countless number of women outside of their marriage.

    She had never made a fuss out of it, not out of ignorance, but because she did not want to create trouble. She had once received a call from a twenty-year-old university student, asking her to back off and allow this ¡®true love¡¯ to have her rightful position.

    ¡°Chen Jun, I¡¯m not going to open the door for you today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. You might think that I¡¯m refusing to open the door for you or reconcile with you because I¡¯m still upset about your betrayal. But I¡¯m telling you now that that¡¯s not the case. I¡¯m doing this for the sake of my own happiness, so I¡¯m never going to get back together with you. Even if all the men in this world die, I¡¯d much rather remain single for the rest of my life than marry you. Don¡¯t talk about hatred. I¡¯ve long lost any feelings toward you!¡±

    Hatred? Nonsense!

    There was still a little resentment.

    But even this had all but disappeared the moment she woke up after the car ident. In her eyes, Chen Jun was simply her brother-inw¡ªex-brother-inw, to be exact. There was nothing more to it. Even if Chen Jun was so shameless and wanted to get back together with her, she was not!

    Qiao Nan could not help but pick up her phone to call the Chen family. ¡°Are you not going to care about Chen Jun¡¯s ridiculous actions? The Chen family is still a reputable family in Ping Cheng. Is your family prepared to be humiliated by your son clinging on to his ex-wife¡¯s sister who was once his sister-inw?¡±

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s questioning, Father Chen frowned. ¡°What tone are you using on me? Is this how you should be treating your elders? Actually, both your mom and I already agreed to you being with Chen Jun at that time. It¡¯s just that something unfortunate happened. It¡¯s true that this is slightlyplicated to deal with. You¡¯re not shameless enough, and with the Qiao family bugging you, I understand that you¡¯re feeling frustrated. But your concerns are no longer a problem. Chen Jun will be transferred out of Ping Cheng, and our whole family will be leaving together. You can just get married to Chen Jun once we reach the new ce.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words might have been unpleasant and her tone curt, but at the very least, what she had said had been out of consideration of the Chen family. Based on this, Father Chen was willing to forgive Qiao Nan just this once, but he would never do so again. Qiao Nan could not speak as agitatedly and sharply as Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan finally understood why Chen Jun could be so brazen and shameless as to demand a reconciliation, not caring aboutments from others. It was because the Chen family had already found a way out of this mess. She had been curious about it. After all, Chen Jun was not such a shameless person, much less Father and Mother Chen.

    There was no way the Chen family could care so much about her that they were willing to give up their reputation. Now, the facts proved that she was indeed not so important to the Chen family, much less to Chen Jun. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Uncle Chen. I hope that you¡¯ll make a call to your son. I have absolutely no feelings for Chen Jun. I only treat him as my brother-inw. I hope you understand. Chen Feng is still young and needs someone to take care of him. I hope Chen Jun will get remarried. As long as you have someone suitable in mind, I wholeheartedly support Chen Jun getting remarried.¡±

    If a woman had true feelings for a man, she would never support him marrying another woman, especially when he had just proposed reconciliation.

    ¡°Are you saying this out of spite? Or are you really sincere about it?¡± Father Chen was much calmer than Chen Jun. He thought that Qiao Nan was someone who looked soft on the outside but was strong on the inside. Although she was docile and gentle normally, she could re up once she got angry. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have been trampled upon by the Qiao family long ago. He himself had not forgotten about that incident, so it was no wonder that Qiao Nan still kept that in mind.

 Chapter 1823 - Made Her Stand Clear

    <h4>Chapter 1823: Made Her Stand Clear</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s cool tone in blessing his son¡¯s remarriage, Father Chen sighed. Having missed it once, his son had missed it for his whole life. Qiao Nan truly did not have feelings for Chen Jun anymore.

    Father Chen did not think that his son would not be able to find a suitable partner for marriage even if he were to leave the Qiao sisters. But it would probably be hard to find someone as suitable for marriage as Qiao Nan. He already had an extremely good understanding of Qiao Nan. If a newdy were to appear, no matter how much effort he put in, most of what he understood of thatdy would still be superficial or even fake. If they were not careful, they might even end up with another troublemaker in the Chen family. That would not be an ideal situation at all.

    It was easy to simply talk about understanding a person and marrying that person. But Qiao Nan was such a person!

    ¡°Truthfully.¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Father Chen had understood her intentions. Father Chen was a sly old fox and would never do anything that disadvantaged himself. Chen Jun was still young, after all, and could not stand it. Indeed, she had only been able to convince Father Chen. ¡°Let your son leave. Chen Jun said something that is absolutely right. I¡¯m not young anymore, and I don¡¯t have much time to waste. If someone else sees us and misunderstands, I¡¯ll have no exnation for them. Uncle Chen, you should know that the Chen family still owes me an apology for what happened that year. You misunderstood me once. It shouldn¡¯t happen again, right?¡±

    Qiao Nan deliberately remained ambiguous, allowing Father Chen to misunderstand her words in hopes that he would chase Chen Jun away.

    ¡°You have someone in mind?¡± Father Chen¡¯s tone was a little different. It was not just Chen Jun who misunderstood but Father Chen as well. Would Qiao Nan really not get married if Ding Jiayi did not allow her to do so? Qiao Nan was not a three-year-old child! Could it be that Qiao Nan still had some feelings for Chen Jun? Was that why she had remained single up until the age of forty?

    But Father Chen knew that he had been overthinking. It was not that Qiao Nan could not get over his son, Chen Jun, and had been unwilling to start a new rtionship. In fact, it was because of the Qiao family that Qiao Nan could not get married even if she wanted to.

    If that was not the case, why was it that Qiao Nan suddenly had someone in mind and seemed to be getting married soon after leaving the Qiao family for no more than two months?

    Everyone had dignity, after all. After understanding that Qiao Nan did not intend on getting back with Chen Jun, Father Chen did not want his highly-respected son to cling to an old single unmarrieddy like Qiao Nan. As such, Father Chen came to a decision. ¡°All right. I¡¯m happy for you too that you¡¯re living a good life. You¡¯re right. The Chen family owes you an apology. If you encounter any problems in the future, you can stille and look for us. I¡¯ll ask Chen Jun to leave.¡±

    People were just soplicated sometimes. Father Chen knew that it would not be easy to find ady that was more suitable for Chen Jun than Qiao Nan. Thus, he had only allowed Chen Jun to reconcile with Qiao Nan because Qiao Nan would be advantageous to the Chen family.

    But now that Qiao Nan had refused and had subtly hinted that she was taken, Father Chen was not going to insist on it and persistently chase after her. In fact, how he truly felt was that Qiao Nan should scram since she was being so picky and choosy even though the Chen family did not even mind her age.

    ¡°All right, thank you.¡±

    Even though Qiao Nan had no intention of ever looking for the Chen family, she simply agreed. All she wanted was for Father Chen to chase Chen Jun away as quickly as possible. She was especially afraid that other people would see Chen Jun looking for her.

    Then, she might even have toe up with a ton of exnations for Chen Jun¡¯s visit. Qiao Nan did not wish to exin anything personal.

    Thankfully, Father Chen was a man of actions. For the sake of his dignity, Father Chen was unwilling for his son to die for Qiao Nan. After a moment of music, the knocks on the door and the confessions ceased. Qiao Nan guessed that Chen Jun must be talking to Father Chen on the phone.

    At this moment, Qiao Nan could not help but frown and try to recall what had happened in her dream. In her dream, she had not taken the same path as she had in reality. She had not gotten back with Chen Jun, and she had even suspected that Chen Jun had originally dated her with an ulterior motive. In the quad, the Zhu family had been pretty impressive.

    But in reality...

    In her dream, she had been a little firmer in her stance. Chen Jun had not continued to pester her and had, in fact, given up. Why were the Chen Jun in real life and the Chen Jun in her dream so different? The Chen Jun in real life was even thinking of marrying her! How frightening!

    Qiao Nan, who had goose bumps all over, had overlooked one fact. She had never gotten into a rtionship with Chen Jun in her dream. The ever-sessful Chen Jun had met with countless obstacles while chasing her. With no feelings between them, there was no way Chen Jun would have developed any feelings for Qiao Nan in the face of all these obstacles.

    In reality, Qiao Nan had dated Chen Jun for a period of time and had even reached the point of discussing marriage. Without a solid foundation, after achieving his own goals, Chen Jun could have simply dumped Qiao Nan, let alone marry her. No matter how bad Chen Jun was, it was only natural that he could not be as proud as he had been in her dream because of his feelings.

    After hanging up on Father Chen, Chen Jun was bbergasted. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. He¡¯s lying. I don¡¯t believe him.¡± How could that be? Qiao Nan was leaving him and had fallen for another guy? And she was even getting married to that guy? That was impossible!

    ¡°Qiao Nan, open the door. Tell me truthfully. Which man did you hook up with behind my back? Who could you possibly marry apart from me? Who? Bring that bast*rd out right now. Open the door! Right now!¡±

    On his way here, Chen Jun thought that he might need to suffer a little before getting back together with Qiao Nan. After all, Qiao Nan was not going to forgive him so easily. Chen Jun had been prepared for all that. But Chen Jun had been absolutely confident that he would never fail this mission.

    Upon hearing that Qiao Nan no longer liked him and that she even had someone else in mind, Chen Jun could not help but fly into a rage. ¡°Open the door now! Open it!¡±

    Chen Jun shouted as he pounded against the door. After a while, he even used his leg to kick against the door. Looking at the door quaking and the position of the lock shifting a little, Qiao Nan was taken aback.

    Chen Jun had once been part of the military police and had spent time in the military. It went without saying that he was powerful. With Chen Jun¡¯s way of kicking against the door, it was highly likely that he would eventually kick the door open. No one would know what might happen once Chen Jun saw her.

 Chapter 1824 - Making a Move

    <h4>Chapter 1824: Making a Move</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of ¡®speaking¡¯ to Chen Jun. She was simply afraid that Chen Jun would use brute force and drag her away. What would she do then? Chen Jun was amissioner and was about to be transferred. She, on the other hand, was just a normal civilian. How would she be able to fight back against Chen Jun?

    Qiao Nan turned pale at the thought of this and quickly called herndlord, requesting some assistance. She was renting an apartment, after all. Chen Jun would have nothing to say about herndlording to check on someone damaging her property.

    But the strange thing was that herndlord did not pick up her call, and the call went straight to herndlord¡¯s voicemail. Could it be that herndlord had forgotten to bring her phone along with her? The problem was that she could not afford to wait any longer with this present situation.

    Qiao Nan needed someone, but she was in Qingshui Town, an unfamiliar environment. Now that it was almost the new year, her neighbors had mostly returned to their hometowns to celebrate. Even those who had stayed behind were probably working overtime. Because herndlord was unreachable, there was no one Qiao Nan could turn to.

    In that moment, Qiao Nan suddenly realized that her entire mind was filled with Zhai Sheng¡¯s name. She had truly been too affected by her dream. Thankfully, after thinking of Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan thought of another person: Xiao Xu.

    Xiao Xu was thendlord¡¯s son and would definitely inherit the house in the future. If she was unable to get in contact with herndlord, getting in touch with Xiao Xu was fine as well. Xiao Xu was still in the army, and his strength should not be any less than Chen Jun¡¯s. If she got anyone else to help her, she would even have to worry whether those people would be a match for Chen Jun. They might even get punched by Chen Jun instead!

    But if Xiao Xu were to turn up, Qiao Nan would not have to worry about that. As such, Qiao Nan took a deep breath and quickly took out her phone to make a call to Zhai Sheng. She had no other choice since she did not know Xiao Xu¡¯s mobile phone number. Thus, she could only call Zhai Sheng to look for Xiao Xu.

    ¡°Chief, Sister Qiao is calling.¡± Since that first time he had heard the conversation between the chief and his family, Xiao Xu realized that he had been unable to face Qiao Nan. The chief had truly fallen for Sister Qiao and wanted Sister Qiao to be his wife. Thinking about how his brothers in the military had been worried about the chief staying single at his age and wondering about what kind of woman the chief would eventually marry, Xiao Xu almost suffocated from holding such a huge secret in. He could hardly wait to rush back to break the news to all of hisrades.

    Seeing Qiao Nan call Zhai Sheng, Xiao Xu was so excited that he nearly dropped the phone. The chief¡¯s wife was calling the chief!!

    ¡°Oh, bring it over.¡± Overlooking Xiao Xu¡¯s excitement, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes glimmered. This was the first time Qiao Nan called him on her own ord after getting his number. ¡°Hello, Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Bro Zhai!¡± Zhai Sheng answered the call immediately, causing Qiao Nan¡¯s voice to change. Zhai Sheng could sense that something was amiss through Qiao Nan¡¯s tone. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? And what¡¯s that noise over on your side? Are your neighbors fighting?¡±

    ¡°Bro Zhai, I¡¯m looking for Xiao Xu. I¡¯m in a little trouble. Can you get Xiao Xu to make a trip down?¡± Qiao Nan did not give a direct answer and only asked Xiao Xu to make his way to her rented apartment. Looking at how Chen Jun was kicking up a fuss, Qiao Nan was afraid that Chen Jun might just tear down her rented apartment.

    From the call, it was only natural that Zhai Sheng was not able to figure out what kind of trouble Qiao Nan had gotten into. But this did not stop Zhai Sheng from wanting to help Qiao Nan. ¡°All right, we¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Zhai Sheng stood up from his wheelchair. ¡°Xiao Xu, get the car out and follow me to Qiao Nan¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Oh, all right.¡± Because the phone call had been so short, Xiao Xu had not been able to hear the contents of the call. But Xiao Xu did not think that it was strange for Zhai Sheng to go and find Qiao Nan. In fact, Xiao Xu wondered why the chief was not taking any actions on his own since he had feelings for Sister Qiao and since his parents had alreadye all the way to meet their daughter-inw. Could it be that the chief was waiting for Qiao Nan to ask to be his wife?

    Now that the chief was finally making a move, Xiao Xu supported him all the way and quickly drove the car out. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, who had just returned from their walk, asked Xiao Xu, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Old Chief, Madam Zhai, the chief is going to meet Sister Qiao.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s finally making a move?¡± Zhai Yaohui had the same thought. They had already been here for three days but had not seen that youngdy even once. After several chats, Zhai Yaohui had gotten a better understanding of Qiao Nan. All right, it seemed that his son had fallen for ady who did not care for him and one who knew her ce and had been keeping her distance from him.

    No wonder Zhai Sheng had not allowed Miao Miao and him to pick an expensive gift for Qiao Nan. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s description of Qiao Nan was urate, a bracelet worth a hundred thousand yuan might very well scare Qiao Nan off.

    ¡°Can we tag along to take a look? Old Zhai and I can make our own way there.¡± If they were to ask Zhai Sheng, he would surely reject that suggestion. After hearing praises of thatdy, she had to see and experience it for herself. Miao Jing pushed Zhai Yaohui to agree.

    She could not count on her son, so she could only hope that her man would be able to satisfy her desires.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Once your son settles your daughter-inw, he¡¯ll bring her to meet you.¡± Zhai Yaohui was curious as well. But as a father-inw, he had to be steady and mature in front of his daughter-inw. Since thatdy was in no hurry, all the more they should not be in a hurry. They had to be steady and wait.

    Otherwise, they might leave a bad impression on their daughter-inw. ¡°All right, hurry on. Don¡¯t let Zhai Sheng wait for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Xiao Xu drove to the door, where Zhai Sheng was already waiting. ¡°Chief, where¡¯s the wheelchair?¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t bring it.¡± If the noise in the call was not from her neighbor but from the trouble Qiao Nan was talking about, going in a wheelchair would be creating more trouble for Qiao Nan instead of helping her. ¡°Drive faster. I¡¯m clearest about my own body. I don¡¯t have much problem moving around now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Xiao Xu nodded curiously. Just a few days earlier, the old chief and Madam Zhai had wanted to meet Sister Qiao, but the chief had refused to make an appointment with Sister Qiao. It seemed a little rushed that the chief was suddenly being so passionate today.

    It was only when Xiao Xu parked his car did he realize why Zhai Sheng was in such a hurry. ¡°F*ck! Who¡¯s that kicking my door?¡± Of course Xiao Xu recognized his own house. ¡°Wait a minute. Isn¡¯t that Sister Qiao¡¯s rented apartment? Has he gotten the wrong person? Even so, he shouldn¡¯t kick on the door!¡±

 Chapter 1825 - Whereâ€™s This Lousy Good From?

    <h4>Chapter 1825: Where¡¯s This Lousy Good From?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Immediately, Xiao Xu hopped off the car and rushed up to the person kicking on his door. ¡°Hey, who are you? Why are you kicking my door? Stop right now!¡±

    Chen Jun was enraged. He had not been able to find Qiao Nan¡¯s partner, but Xiao Xu had turned out on his own ord and had imed that this was his house! Was it possible for Chen Jun not to misunderstand him?

    Chen Jun did not look carefully at Xiao Xu and thus failed to realize that there was no way Qiao Nan would be together with him since he was only a young chap of twenty-something. All he knew was that Xiao Xu had admitted that this was his house and his door!

    ¡°You little brat! You¡¯re still a kid and you¡¯re trying to snatch my woman away from me? Are you tired of living?¡± Chen Jun¡¯s face turned green and he swung his fist toward Xiao Xu.

    Xiao Xu was totally unprepared for a fight, but his body reacted instinctively. Not only did he manage to dodge the blow but he was even able to attack Chen Jun. Xiao Xu, who was adept at martial arts, left Chen Jun helpless. After a few blows, Chen Jun suffered a great loss. One was a new soldier who had never stopped training, while the other was amissioner who had not worked in the armed police force for a long time. One did not even need to think to know who was better at fighting.

    With a swift move, Xiao Xu pinned Chen Jun against the wall. ¡°Be a little humbler. You should take a look at the line of work I¡¯m in before bragging and showing off in front of me. Tell me who you are! Why have youe to wreck my house?¡±

    Chen Jun¡¯s face was ck and blue at that moment. Not only had Qiao Nan cheated on him, but Qiao Nan¡¯s man had even beaten him up! Chen Jun had never been at such a great disadvantage throughout his whole life. ¡°Do you know who I am? I¡¯ll make your life unbearable if you dare to do this to me.¡±

    Xiao Xu chuckled. ¡°Oh, I really have no idea who you are. Why don¡¯t you surprise me? I grew up being surprised!¡± He took care of the chief and he had even met the old chief. He wondered what kind of important figure the guy he had caught could possibly be to be able to frighten him.

    Now that Xiao Xu had said that, it was truly inconvenient for Chen Jun to expose his own identity. He was not in such a high position that ordinary people across the country would recognize him. ¡°I¡¯m warning you to let go of me. You¡¯ve gotten yourself into big trouble with your actions today. I¡¯ll make your life in Qingshui Town unbearable!¡±

    The sound of Chen Jun kicking on the door ceased, and what followed was the sound of people fighting outside her door. Qiao Nan released a breath of relief. Only then did she dare to look outside. She did not see anything, but Chen Jun¡¯s voice had not disappeared either.

    Through the door, Qiao Nan could not help but ask, ¡°Xiao Xu, is that you?¡±

    ¡°Sister Qiao, it¡¯s me. You can open the door now. This lousy good is under my control.¡± Humph. He kept going on about how Xiao Xu was in big trouble now, but he had not revealed his own identity. Was he tooting his own trumpet and exaggerating?

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Hearing that Xiao Xu had Chen Jun in his grip, Qiao Nan was relieved and opened the door. ¡°Thank you, Xiao Xu. I¡¯m sorry for making you make this trip down.¡± Xiao Xu had his own job, and it should have been thendlord couple taking care of anything to do with the house.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, you¡¯re being too polite. This is what I should be doing now that you¡¯re living in our house.¡± If he did not protect the chief¡¯s wife well, hisrades would make a joke of him before giving him a severe beating because he had been in the military for such a long time.

    They had finally managed to get themselves a matriarch, and the chief had finally found a new start in his life. If he were to ruin this rtionship, he would be too ashamed to face hisrades again.

    ¡°This is your house?¡± Chen Jun only knew that Qiao Nan was renting an apartment but did not know who thendlord was. Hearing Xiao Xu say that this was his house, Chen Jun hadpletely misunderstood him. After a long while, Chen Jun finally had some rationality in him. ¡°Brother, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding. I thought you were... I¡¯m her husband. I¡¯m here to pick my wife up. You should have a girlfriend at this age, and you should know that women can be quite unreasonable once they throw tantrums. Can you leave us alone to handle this matter between us?¡±

    Now that he had already embarrassed himself, Chen Jun could not possibly reveal his identity and leave such a mark on his name right before leaving Ping Cheng.

    So this young chap was Qiao Nan¡¯sndlord. He had thought that Qiao Nan had found a stray dog for herself.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Xiao Xu¡¯s face flushed red with anger. ¡°What a cheater you are! Or are you a kidnapper? Sister Qiao is single!¡± More importantly, Sister Qiao was going to be the chief¡¯s wife in the future. How could she be married to such a useless thing? The chief was a hundred, even a thousand, times better than this lousy good here! How could this fool try to fight with the chief over Sister Qiao? He was too bold! Thinking about how the other party was trying to snatch Sister Qiao away from the chief, Xiao Xu had to resist the urge to punch him.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. We¡¯re really married. We got into an argument and she left home. I¡¯m here to bring her home. Our child is still waiting for her at home.¡± Chen Jun had no choice but to use Chen Feng as an excuse.

    Since Chen Feng shared a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan definitely liked Chen Feng. He did not believe that Qiao Nan would not feel a thing at the mention of Chen Feng. For Chen Feng¡¯s sake, Qiao Nan would probably follow him back obediently.

    Hearing Chen Feng¡¯s name, Qiao Nan did not know whether tough or cry. Of course she remembered this child. What¡¯s more, she especially remembered how Qiao Zijin had thrown Chen Feng over to her, and how she had raised Chen Feng.

    She had only treated Chen Feng well because she felt that the child was innocent. At that time, Qiao Zijin had snatched Chen Jun away on the basis of Chen Feng¡¯s existence. The premise of that was that Chen Jun had acted waywardly too. She did not believe that Chen Jun had not been able to recognize that Qiao Zijin had been trying to hit on him. Knowing that his fianc¨¦e¡¯s sister had feelings for him and was trying to take her ce, Chen Jun had allowed himself to spend time with Qiao Zijin alone, and he had even gotten her pregnant. Qiao Zijin was responsible, and so was Chen Jun. But Chen Feng had nothing to do with all this.

    Chen Feng was her only nephew, so it was only right for her to treat Chen Feng well.

    But Chen Feng was nothing more than her nephew. How foolish would she have to be to decide to marry a sly old fox like Chen Jun and sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of a nephew? He was just a nephew. Why should she sacrifice so much for someone that was not even her son?

    Where had Chen Jun gotten such a ridiculous idea?

 Chapter 1826 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 1826: Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What Chen Feng needs is his mother, not his aunt. If you really care so much about Chen Feng, you should have a discussion with Qiao Zijin to see how to treat her illness.¡± Qiao Nan did not want Xiao Xu to misunderstand and have the idea that she was the kind of woman who would abandon her own husband and son, especially when the person concerned was Chen Jun. She had no intention of taking the rap for Chen Jun. ¡°If you can find me, I¡¯m sure you can get in contact with Qiao Zijin. Perhaps she¡¯s been waiting all day for you to call her.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that b*tch!¡± No matter whom he married, he would never let Qiao Zijin enter the Chen family ever again. ¡°Qiao Nan, you should know that you¡¯repletely different from Qiao Zijin, and you should also know all about what Qiao Zijin did to me. It¡¯s true that I let you down in the past, but I didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I wanted to marry you and you¡¯ve been the only one I¡¯ve loved all along. That was just an ident. Why must you say such things to hurt me and yourself?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    So the chief¡¯s wife actually knew this guy and had even had a rtionship with him. ¡°I knew it! I knew you weren¡¯t any good!¡± He had already been in a rtionship with the chief¡¯s wife but had gotten her sister pregnant! What a bast*rd!

    Thankfully, this fool was a bast*rd. Otherwise, Sister Qiao would never have gotten the chance to meet the chief or be the chief¡¯s wife.

    Zhai Sheng, who had been much slower than Xiao Xu, finally caught up. ¡°How do you n on settling this matter?¡±

    ¡°You... Why are you here?¡± Upon seeing Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had an inexplicable sense of guilt. She did not dare to look Zhai Sheng in the eye, much less talk about Chen Jun in front of Zhai Sheng. She did not even understand why she felt guilty.

    ¡°Oh, I was worried about you.¡± It was just a simple sentence, but it was rather arousing. ¡°Have you thought about how you intend on dealing with this matter? If it¡¯s inconvenient for you, I can help you out.¡±

    With Sun Guohong¡¯s help, Zhai Sheng knew all about how Qiao Nan had once dated Chen Jun and had even nearly gotten married to him even though Qiao Nan had not said anything to him.

    If it had not been for Chen Jun¡¯s own poor self-control that he had chosen Qiao Zijin, Zhai Sheng would not even stand a chance now. In fact, Zhai Sheng had to thank Chen Jun for his blunder at that time. Regardless, he had to punish Chen Jun for hurting Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan eyed Chen Jun. ¡°There¡¯s no need to deal with him. He¡¯s quite a well-known person in Ping Cheng. He¡¯s only here to make a fuss in Qingshui Town because no one will recognize him here. If the news I received is correct, he¡¯s been promoted and will be transferred out of Ping Cheng. From now on, there will be no chance for me to meet him again.¡±

    What nonsense! Chen Jun had not gotten married to her. He had only gotten engaged to her. Even after Chen Jun married Qiao Zijin, he had continued partying and having affairs. Compared to Qiao Zijin, what she had suffered at that time was nothing. Most importantly, Qiao Nan had absolutely no feelings for Chen Jun. Not only did she feel distasteful looking at Chen Jun, but she also felt that Chen Jun was nothing more than an eyesore. She wished that Chen Jun would disappear from her sight as quickly as possible.

    If she were to try to deal with Chen Jun, there might very well be no end to this whole matter.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know what has gotten into you that you¡¯ve made a trip down to spout all this nonsense to me. I¡¯ve made my stance very clear and I believe that your dad has told you all about it. Don¡¯t evere here again. Even if we bump into each other in the future, I hope that you¡¯ll pretend not to know me. It was probably an umtion of ten lifetimes worth of bad luck that I met you. Don¡¯t tell me that it was an ident that Qiao Zijin got pregnant with your child. To me, the oue is the same anyway. If at any point in time you decide to forgive Qiao Zijin and are willing to reconcile with Qiao Zijin to give Chen Feng aplete family, I might forgive you for what you did with Qiao Zijin. If that¡¯s the case, there¡¯s no point in me holding a grudge since the three of you will have a blissful life anyway.¡±

    In short, it was simply impossible between Chen Jun and her.

    She would much rather stay single for her whole life than get married to this bast*rd, Chen Jun, much less for Chen Feng¡¯s sake.

    ¡°You¡¯re so heartless!¡± She had already taken Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter out as a basis ofparison. No matter how self-absorbed Chen Jun was, he was able to feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s heart had indeed changed. He was nostalgic about the past he had had with Qiao Nan and wished that those things had never happened. More than anything, he wished that his rtionship with Qiao Nan could return to what it had been in the past.

    Chen Jun gritted his teeth unwillingly. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard that children will have stepfathers once they have stepmothers. Do you know how Chen Feng will be affected if I were to marry a woman apart from you?¡±

    Qiao Nan was so angered by Chen Jun¡¯s shamelessness that she could not help butugh. ¡°You know very well that Chen Feng is your son, not mine. He¡¯s just my nephew. I think I¡¯ve already been very kind and generous by treating Chen Feng just like any other nephew even after what happened that year. Now, you¡¯re expecting me to treat him as my biological son and sacrifice my own happiness for his happiness and his future?¡±

    Chen Feng was Chen Jun¡¯s biological son. Chen Jun had not spared a thought for Chen Feng and had even said such a thing as to how he was willing to let his new wife abuse Chen Feng. So what could she do as an ¡®outsider¡¯? There was nothing she could say or do. This was the Chen family¡¯s own matters. She had nothing to do with it at all.

    ¡°The ones who should be worried about how Chen Feng is doing should be Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Chen Jun, you¡¯re looking for the wrong person.¡± Qiao Nan was mentally exhausted. With Chen Jun¡¯s background, he could easily find an eighteen-year-old youngdy to get married to. Why was he clinging on to an olddy in her forties? What was going on in Chen Jun¡¯s mind? ¡°Xiao Xu, let him go. He won¡¯t be able to leave if you don¡¯t let him go.¡±

    Xiao Xu nced at Chen Jun and finally let him go after ensuring that Chen Jun would not be a danger to them. ¡°I¡¯m warning you to be more humble in front of us.¡± If he dared to do anything to the chief¡¯s wife or say anything mean to her, he would no longer be so polite toward him. He might even go all out.

    Chen Jun¡¯s hands hurt from Xiao Xu¡¯s grip on him. Chen Jun looked at Qiao Nan with a steely face. ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re turning forty this year. Do you really think you¡¯ll be able to find someone better than me? Will you really not regret it? I¡¯ve already given you a chance. Don¡¯t regret it after today. You¡¯re no different from Qiao Zijin from now on! Don¡¯t think that the Qiao family is the only one with daughters in this world!¡±

 Chapter 1827 - Rubbish

    <h4>Chapter 1827: Rubbish</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In front of outsiders, especially since he had already humiliated himself, Chen Jun¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan hardened and his words were nasty and mean. But whatever Chen Jun had said was the truth.

    ¡°Is that so? How good are you?¡± Zhai Shengughed. It was truly a novel experience for Zhai Sheng that a man was bragging about himself in front of him and was even trying to snatch away the woman he liked.

    Zhai Sheng posed that question as he stood by Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng¡¯s small action was enough for all the men present to understand what Zhai Sheng meant. Only Qiao Nan thought that Zhai Sheng had stood beside her to embolden her.

    Xiao Xu¡¯s eyes widened like saucers. Was the chief finally showing off his power?

    Chen Jun¡¯s eyes were red in anger. A young one had just left, and now it was this old guy¡¯s turn?! Qiao Nan had indeed found some wild men. No wonder Qiao Nan refused to ept his apology and forgive him no matter how hard he begged. ¡°What are you... And you are... Aren¡¯t you just a pair of rotten old sneakers? I didn¡¯t know that there are so many people who like collecting rubbish in this world. I guess you aren¡¯t very well off yourself if you¡¯re willing to ept someone like Qiao Nan at your age. You¡¯re just a lousy good! I¡¯ll give her to you if you want her!¡±

    The enraged Chen Jun was now speaking freely and started to insult Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng, whose expression had been rather peaceful all this time, narrowed his eyes and tilted his body as soon as he heard Chen Jun¡¯s words. He pushed Chen Jun ever so slightly, and Chen Jun fell straight to the ground some distance away. For a while, Chen Jun was so stunned that he had not been able to pick himself up.

    ¡°You...¡± Chen Jun had already known about Xiao Xu¡¯s martial arts skills. Xiao Xu had been able to subdue him, and with the different aura that he gave off, Chen Jun understood perfectly that Xiao Xu was from the military. But unlike him, Xiao Xu had undergone more rigorous and torturous training to have such amazing skills.

    In short, this young man was a soldier.

    The problem was that Chen Jun had gotten an idea of Xiao Xu¡¯s identity, but he had not focused on Zhai Sheng, who seemed to be an old man who had trouble even walking.

    But now that Zhai Sheng had shown his hand, Chen Jun could not help but take notice. ¡°Who are you? I-Is your surname Zhai?¡±

    The Zhai family held an extraordinary position in Ping Cheng.

    Chen Jun had taken a great amount of effort to get to know Wang Yang. Of course, his true target had not been Wang Yang, but the Zhu family who was backing Wang Yang. The Zhai family had been of the same status as the Zhu family and had even surpassed the Zhu family by now. How could Chen Jun not want to get acquainted with the Zhai family that was even more impressive than the Zhu family?

    Of course he did!

    The problem was that Chen Jun had only managed to get acquainted with Wang Yang because of his girlfriend, Qiao Nan. It would be even harder to get connected to the Zhai family and be part of the Zhai family.

    Chen Jun knew of the Zhai family¡¯s situation but had never interacted with any of them in the past. After stealing a few nces at Zhai Sheng, Chen Jun felt that Zhai Sheng looked particrly familiar. Chen Jun¡¯s dark expression immediately turned pale. Could he be that important figure?

    That was impossible. If such an important person were to appear, there would definitely be a whole bunch of people surrounding him. Besides, the Zhai family had already moved to the capital a few years ago. Why would they appear in such a remote town like Qingshui? Wait a minute. The Zhai family¡¯s old vi seemed to be in Qingshui Town. After Chief Zhai¡¯s grandpa passed on, the Zhai family had returned to Qingshui Town to rebuild the old vi.

    So it was not entirely impossible for Zhai Sheng to appear in Qingshui Town.

    ¡°What does it have to do with you whether our chief¡¯s surname is Zhai?¡± Humph, who was he to question the chief with such a tone? His chief was amazing! He had thrown that rascal out with only one hand!

    Xiao Xu¡¯s words pretty much admitted Zhai Sheng¡¯s identity, indirectly proving that Chen Jun¡¯s conjecture had been correct.

    Upon confirming who Zhai Sheng was, Chen Jun did not know how to react. He had just imed that Qiao Nan would never be able to find someone better than him. In less than a minute, someone who was several times better than him, and someone whom he aspired to be was standing right next to Qiao Nan, and that person had even publicly dered his thoughts toward Qiao Nan.

    This p in the face was extremely painful for Chen Jun.

    Since he was already a chief and at the peak of his life, why did he have to snatch these olddies who could not get married from insignificant soldiers like himself? Was there a need to have such a particr taste? Could he not simply pick a few young and prettydies?

    ¡°Are you going to stay to kick up an even greater fuss, or are you going to leave?¡± Zhai Sheng respected Qiao Nan¡¯s decision. Since Qiao Nan did not have any intentions of quarreling with Chen Jun or settling their old scores and wanted only for Chen Jun to leave as quickly as possible, there was no reason for Zhai Sheng to say otherwise.

    Upon hearing Chen Jun¡¯s feelings for Qiao Nan and his desire to reconcile with Qiao Nan and marry her, Zhai Sheng had been anxious for a split second.

    Perhaps ordinary people would think that Chen Jun would be able to get married to someone better with his status. Why did he have to turn back and get back together with Qiao Nan, who was like a flower that was almost wilting? But only Zhai Sheng understood that Chen Jun was not being foolish. In fact, Chen Jun¡¯s mind was exceptionally clear, and this was truly a smart move.

    Who said that pretty and young women were the best? What nonsense!

    Most of those who looked for pretty and young girls were not really looking for good women to marry and have children together. No matter how young or beautiful these women were, there would eventuallye a day when these flowers would wilt. When that time came, would these men suddenly change their preferences for women?

    As such, these people led very ¡®interesting¡¯ and turbulent lives.

    Zhai Sheng was not a person like that. When he was younger, he had never like women like Qiu Chenxi. Now that he was already forty-five years old, it was only natural that he would never regress and have such shallow thoughts.

    But it was umon to see men like Chen Jun, who was superficial andcked self-control, toe to such a realization at their peak.

    Continue making a fuss? What rights did he have to do so?

    He had been proud that he had once been an armed police officer. But in front of Chief Zhai or that soldier, his skills were no different from a three-year-old trying to wield a sword. It was simply ridiculous. If they were topare their statuses, he could not match up to Zhai Sheng. If they were topare their martial arts skills, he would definitely lose out too. So what was there left for them topete with for Qiao Nan¡¯s hand? There was simply nothing else!

 Chapter 1828 - Not to â€˜Scareâ€™ You

    <h4>Chapter 1828: Not to ¡®Scare¡¯ You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Chen Jun crawled up from the ground in embarrassment. ¡°Chief Zhai, I¡¯m sorry. I-I wasn¡¯t lying. It¡¯s truly a private matter between me and Qiao Nan. But since we¡¯re unable toe to an agreement, I won¡¯t force her either. I¡¯m sorry for causing any trouble today.¡± Chief Zhai had personallye down to deal with him.

    Chen Jun¡¯s gaze, which was full of confusion,nded on Zhai Sheng from time to time. Did Zhai Sheng mean that he was intentionally helping Qiao Nan and had done so to scare Chen Jun away? Or did Zhai Sheng really have feelings for Qiao Nan and intend to marry her?

    At the thought of that, Chen Jun¡¯s face turned green and purple, then ck and red all at once. It was as if his face was a palette of colors.

    ¡°Chief, what do you think that rascal meant by his expressions when he left?¡± Xiao Xu scratched his head and asked curiously. ¡°I think he got a cramp in his face.¡± Xiao Xu tried imitating Chen Jun¡¯s expressions but realized that it was too difficult to do so. Xiao Xu had gotten a cramp from trying but was still unable to imitate Chen Jun¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Ugly,¡± Zhai Sheng said in disgust, scaring Xiao Xu so much that he did not say anything and he quickly returned to his usual self. ¡°Sister Qiao, are you alright? Were you frightened?¡± That rascal was a bast*rd! A huge bast*rd!

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thankfully, you guys made it here in time.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. If Xiao Xu had gotten here anyter, she could not be sure of what would have happened next. What she knew was that her door would not be able to withstand Chen Jun¡¯s kicks. ¡°Oh right, Xiao Xu. I think that door was damaged pretty badly. It¡¯s probably time to change it. I¡¯ll pay for it.¡±

    If it had not been for her, Chen Jun would never have found this ce and taken his anger out on Xiao Xu¡¯s door. Besides, only by changing the door would Qiao Nan be able to continue living there with peace of mind. Otherwise, with the door in its current condition, Qiao Nan would not even be able to fall asleep tonight.

    Thinking about how Chen Jun had not been joking around and had truly wanted to reconcile with her for her to be the stepmother of her nephew, Chen Feng, Qiao Nan felt a chill run down her spine. How could Chen Jun have such a ridiculous idea? And how could Father and Mother Chen not object to his idea? Was the Chen family crazy?

    Even if she could not get married, she would never fall for Chen Jun again.

    Qiao Nan could not even ept the thought of being dragged away by Chen Jun to be Chen Feng¡¯s stepmother. If that were to be reality, Qiao Nan would much rather die.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s our house. Besides, it¡¯s not your fault that that rascal came to create trouble for you. We¡¯ll change the door for you.¡± It was just a door. Would he argue with the chief¡¯s wife over such a trivial matter? As long as the chief¡¯s wife could lead a good life with the chief in the future and give birth to a small chief, he would not have a singleint demolishing this house to build a new one for her, let alone change a single door.

    Of course, it was still a little too early to say such things. Xiao Xu dared to think about these things but dared not voice his thoughts out loud.

    Qiao Nan had thanked Xiao Xu incessantly but had not said anything to Zhai Sheng. Because of that, Zhai Sheng felt a little sour. Zhai Sheng looked toward the door and said, ¡°You can¡¯t use this door anymore. You can¡¯t just change the lock. Xiao Xu, how long will it take to buy a suitable door, install it, and get a lock fitted?¡±

    Initially, Xiao Xu had wanted to ask Zhai Sheng what he meant by that. With his handy hands, he would take no more than an hour to change a door.

    But when he heard Zhai Sheng talking about buying a suitable door, installing a lock, and all those procedures that soundedplicated, Xiao Xu finally understood what Zhai Sheng meant. ¡°This...¡± While saying that, Xiao Xu looked at Qiao Nan helplessly. ¡°Sister Qiao, don¡¯t mind me speaking the truth. What happened today was an ident. No one wanted it to happen. This is our house, so if any repairs are needed, it¡¯s only right for us to bear the costs.¡±

    ¡°No, no.¡± Qiao Nan felt extremely guilty. ¡°I should pay for this door.¡± She was only a tenant. If anything in the house was damaged during her lease, she would have topensate herndlord for it. She would not shirk away from this responsibility.

    She had to call a spade a spade. Even though Xiao Xu was willing to take the me for this, Qiao Nan absolutely refused to give in.

    As for anger, where should she start? She was already thanking the heavens that Xiao Xu had not gotten angry over the incident or decided to end her lease over the trouble she had caused him.

    Xiao Xu chuckled. Qiao Nan was indeed fit to be the chief¡¯s wife with her uprightness. Qiao Nan was just as righteous as them soldiers from the military. ¡°Sister Qiao, don¡¯t worry. How much could a door and a lock cost? More importantly, money is not our concern at the moment. You know that it¡¯ll be the new year in half a month. Qingshui Town is a small town. Quite a few shops have already shut their business in preparation for the new year, so I¡¯m afraid that no one will be able to fix this door for the time being.¡±

    Qiao Nan was dumbfounded. ¡°So what should we do?¡±

    The door was on the verge of falling apart. Qiao Nan would not be able to get through the night with the door in this state, let alone wait until after the new year!

    Xiao Xu nced at Zhai Sheng from the corner of his eyes, observing Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction as he said that. If Zhai Sheng had no reaction, Xiao Xu would simply continue and speak based on his assumptions. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyebrows were furrowed, Xiao Xu would change his tone and steer the conversation in another direction.

    Qiao Nan, who had been in a panic about what she should do before the door was repaired, had missed this scene before her eyes. She was too immersed in her own worries.

    ¡°I think it won¡¯t be too difficult to solve this problem. I¡¯ll just have to trouble you a little, Sister Qiao. Why don¡¯t you find somewhere to stay for the time being before we change the door?¡± Chief, this is what you meant, right?

    Qiao Nan furrowed her brows. ¡°Do you mean a hotel? If I have no other choice, I guess I¡¯ll look for one and rent a room for a month.¡± As soon as she said that, Qiao Nan felt a pinch. Renting a hotel room would not be as cheap as renting an apartment. With the money spent on a month¡¯s rent on a hotel room, Qiao Nan could pay for two to three months¡¯ rent in an apartment.

    But because she had ¡®invited¡¯ trouble over, Qiao Nan could only swallow this bitter fruit.

    Xiao Xu felt his scalp tighten. ¡°Sister Qiao, I¡¯m not trying to scare you, but Qingshui Town is a really small ce. Just like what you said, we only have small motels. There aren¡¯t anyrge hotels around. The security in small motels can¡¯tpare with those ofrge hotels. I think you might as well continue staying here if you decide to stay in a small motel.¡±

 Chapter 1829 - Donâ€™t Consider It Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 1829: Don¡¯t Consider It Anymore</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He was not exaggerating at all. There were quite a lot of those people who eyed on single women and would give them name cards or knock on their doorste at night. But as long as the other party did not cross the line, the police could not do anything more than issue a verbal warning.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s head hurt. ¡°Where else can I stay then?¡± Could it be that she had lucked out when she had first arrived in Qingshui Town? She had never experienced any of those things that Xiao Xu had just mentioned. Although she had not experienced such things, Qiao Nan did not doubt Xiao Xu. Soldiers would not lie, after all.

    Besides, the boss of the motel had told her about such a situation too. If it were to happen, she would just have to ignore the other party and lock the door.

    She did not dare to stay in a motel, and neither would she be able to stay in this rented apartment. Thinking through all her options, it seemed to Qiao Nan that she would have to return to Ping Cheng to find somewhere safe to stay.

    Xiao Xu nced back and forth. He was just shy of telling Qiao Nan to simply stay at the chief¡¯s house. The chief¡¯s house was huge and had its own yard. Even if the house itself was not the biggest, it had many rooms, and its security went without saying. Besides, he would be there. Sister Qiao would be able to take her pick of the rooms and stay as long as she liked. It would be best if she decided to stay forever and not leave.

    Moreover, it would be the new year soon. If Sister Qiao remained at their house, she would probably spend the new year alone. If she were to go to the chief¡¯s house, Sister Qiao would be able to spend the new year with other people. Only then would she be able to feel the true atmosphere of the new year!

    Unfortunately, it was not Xiao Xu¡¯s ce to say such things explicitly, so he could only give some subtle hints through his gaze. But Qiao Nan had not caught that, so Xiao Xu was in a frenzy.

    To Zhai Sheng, Xiao Xu had performed rather well today. Seeing Xiao Xu¡¯s flushed face, Zhai Sheng was finally willing to speak up. After all, he was the one who had fallen for Qiao Nan, and he had been the one toe up with the idea for Qiao Nan to move to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. So how could he possibly push the responsibilitypletely to Xiao Xu, who was now scared stiff? ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, you can stay at my ce for the time being.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had finally been able to spit it out. Xiao Xu could not help but let out a sigh of relief on Zhai Sheng¡¯s behalf. The chief definitely had no experience in chasing girls. Otherwise, why was he so gentle and indecisive in his actions? Sister Qiao looked gentle but was, in fact, an extremely opinionated person. If the chief continued acting in this manner, when would he be able to marry Sister Qiao and give birth to a young chief?

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not very convenient.¡± Qiao Nan dared to say such impolite and embarrassing things when facing Zhai Sheng. Because her dream had influenced her quite significantly, Qiao Nan was not afraid even in the face of such an important figure like Zhai Sheng. ¡°I¡¯ll go back to Ping Cheng. As long as I stay out of the city center, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Qiao Nan had never thought that Zhai Sheng would not have any understanding of the news in Ping Cheng while he was staying in Qingshui Town. Besides, everyone around Ping Cheng had already heard about the Qiao family¡¯s matter.

    The only people she had to avoid were the Qiao family.

    ¡°Not convenient?¡± Zhai Sheng was surprised that Qiao Nan had rejected his invitation so readily as if she was not afraid that he would get upset. But Qiao Nan¡¯s firm stance would undoubtedly be a boon to him chasing after her. ¡°What¡¯s so inconvenient?¡±

    There was no one else around!

    Qiao Nan could not help but cry out from the bottom of her heart. To her, being in close proximity with Zhai Sheng was the greatest inconvenience.

    Qiao Nan hesitated and remained silent. Zhai Sheng continued. ¡°You were previously worried that it would be inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone together. Now that there are many people in my house, what¡¯s there for others to misunderstand?¡± After all, all those guesses were not misunderstandings but reality.

    Thinking about how there would still be Xiao Xu and Xiao Zhao in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, Qiao Nan seemed less hesitant to agree. ¡°Would I be too much of a burden?¡± It was also because of her self-confidence and her dream that she felt ufortable in Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence.

    But even if she had any thoughts or ideas about Zhai Sheng, would she really be able to get together with someone like Zhai Sheng just by thinking about it? Since that was the case, there was no need to worry about it at all. Besides, she would probably not do anything foolish with Xiao Xu and Xiao Zhao around.

    But Qiao Nan did not know that she would not even have to act on her ideas or thoughts. All she had to do was ¡®think¡¯ and ¡®dream¡¯ about them.

    Both Zhai Sheng and Xiao Xu saw that Qiao Nan was now wavering on her stance.

    Xiao Xu felt that he had to put in a little effort at such a time. ¡°Sister Qiao, don¡¯t consider it anymore. There¡¯s no need for you to feel burdened or pressured. You¡¯re from Ping Cheng and the chief is quite used to the dishes you cook. If you feel bad that you¡¯re troubling the chief, you can make it up by preparing a few of your specialty dishes during the new year for everyone to share. That would be a lot more practical than your apologies. Sister Qiao, it¡¯ste. You¡¯ll be staying over for quite some time. Do you want to go get some clothes? As for this house, I¡¯ll inform my mom about thister. I promise you that none of your belongings will go missing while you¡¯re away. But of course, you should bring your valuable items along with you.¡±

    With Xiao Xu urging her, Qiao Nan muddleheadedly went back into the house, packing her money, household registration book, and clothes into a bag.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan had only packed a few pieces of clothes for the winter and the start of spring, Xiao Xu had to resist the urge to grab Qiao Nan¡¯s luggage over from her to stuff all of Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes in.

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze caused Xiao Xu to restrain himself. If he allowed Xiao Xu to do that, all his effort would be in vain. No matter how foolish Qiao Nan was, she would be able to sense that something was amiss. Not to mention that he had quite a few people at home now. In fact, those people were much more important than he was.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, what else do you use more often? But it¡¯s fine if you forget about them now. When you remember about them, I can always drive down to pick them up for you. It¡¯s very convenient. Otherwise, I can ask my mom to retrieve it for you when she visits me.¡±

    That was right. He would ask his mother to retrieve it for her. If he said that he would retrieve it, Sister Qiao might be too embarrassed and might want to return to pick it up herself. Then, she might refuse to return to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

 Chapter 1830 - Incomparable

    <h4>Chapter 1830: Iparable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Okay...¡± Qiao Nan was confused by Xiao Xu¡¯s barrage. By the time Qiao Nan had returned from her trance, she was already in the back seat of the car on the way back to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    Qiao Nan felt especially uneasy with Zhai Sheng sitting right beside her. It was in the middle of winter, and the heater had been turned on in the car. Moreover, the seats of the car were made of leather. Qiao Nan wondered if it was her own illusion that she felt as though she could feel the heat from Zhai Sheng¡¯s thighs because of the leather seats.

    Qiao Nan was in a trance for a while when she suddenly remembered that she had once gone to the Zhai family¡¯s warehouse to study when she had still been in school in her dream. At that time, Zhai Sheng had been seated beside her. The warmth and embarrassment that she had felt were exactly how she felt at this very moment.

    But... In her dream, she had still been young. Zhai Sheng would probably not have taken advantage of her at that time. The problem was... She had already been kidnapped by Zhai Sheng to be his girlfriend when she was still in high school. What about now?

    Qiao Nan stole a nce at Zhai Sheng. She had not expected Zhai Sheng to look right back at her the moment her gazended on him. This scared Qiao Nan so much that she did not even have time to process what had happened before she turned away.

    ¡°...¡± Xiao Xu, who was driving, was speechless. They were already in their forties. Why were they more innocent than young children in their first rtionships? Why did they have to feel embarrassed and shy about looking at each other? Why was Zhai Sheng taking it so slowly? When would the young chiefe at this rate?

    Zhai Sheng stared coldly at Xiao Xu, who immediately sat straight up in his seat and dared not think about when the young chief woulde. The chief was staring at him now, but he would wait and see how Sister Qiao would deal with the chief once they arrived at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. He had to remember that there were two more people in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi today. And they were two important figures.

    If Sister Qiao was old acquaintances with the chief, then she would definitely know the old chief and his wife too. At that time, Sister Qiao would surely be shocked and she would definitely let the chief have it then. Knowing that Qiao Nan would throw a tantrum, Xiao Xu was not at all worried about Zhai Sheng and was even ready to witness a good show.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, we¡¯re here. You can leave your luggage in the car and go inside with the chief first. I¡¯ll bring your luggage inter.¡± Although he wanted to watch the show, he was afraid of getting implicated. It was better for him to be more careful and avoid gunfire. He would be satisfied with whatever remaining gunfire or the traces that it left.

    The moment Qiao Nan got off the car and walked to the car trunk, Xiao Xu left Qiao Nan with these words without opening the car trunk. Instead, he immediately drove the car into the garage behind the Zhai family¡¯s vi.

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Bro Zhai, what¡¯s with Xiao Xu today? I feel that he¡¯s been acting weirdly.¡± If Xiao Xu had not undergone training, he would never have driven off with someone standing right next to the car. He might very well have driven over that person¡¯s toes!

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either.¡± Zhai Sheng denied knowing anything. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because he¡¯s still young that he¡¯s jumpier. There are always those few days in a month that he¡¯s as cheeky as a monkey.¡±

    ¡°Those few days in a month?¡± Were those words not used only when women were on their periods? Could it be that Xiao Xu had be a woman?

    ¡°Go on in.¡± It was not good to stand at the door. Xiao Xu was indeed too young. Qiao Nan had sensed something wrong in such a short period of time.

    Thinking about how Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were around, Zhai Sheng could not help but wonder if Qiao Nan would be so afraid upon seeing them that she would run away. But did Qiao Nan recognize his parents?

    Miao Jing, who had been waiting by the door, anxiously gripped Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arm the moment she heard a noiseing from the other side of the door. Knowing that Zhai Sheng had not managed to deal with thatdy, Miao Jing thought that she might not have the chance to present her gift to thatdy before the year ended. But she had not expected that the opportunity woulde so quickly. ¡°Do I look all right? Do I look presentable?¡±

    Would she create trouble for her son and scare her son¡¯s prospect away?

    Knowing that Qiao Nan did note from a well-off background, Miao Jing did not dare to wear too mboyant clothes. After rummaging through her clothes for a long time, Miao Jing had finally found a piece of clothes that looked rtively older. Initially, Miao Jing had wanted to give Qiao Nan a good first impression to help her son out a little. That was why she had brought good-looking clothes that were of good quality as well.

    Because of that, Miao Jing had nearly gone out to buy a new set of clothes that would not be too antagonizing. In the end, Zhai Yaohui managed to persuade Miao Jing to give up that idea and to wear something that she had brought along.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It looks fine.¡± When he had met Miao Miao for the first time, there had been mud all over her face. She had not cared about her own appearance at all. Because of Zhai Sheng, Miao Miao cared much more about an outsider¡¯s opinion than his own.

    Zhai Yaohui could not help butpare Miao Jing¡¯s attitude today to her attitude when he had met her for the first time. In the end, he was defeated miserably and he felt bitter.

    ¡°Old Chief, madam, have some tea.¡± Sister Zhao carefully brought out some tea and freshly-cut fruits. Her mind was filled with curiosity and tons of questions. She could not wrap her head around the situation. Before leaving, Xiao Xu had clearly said that he was going to pick Sister Qiao up.

    But the old chief and the madam were talking about waiting for their future daughter-inw. Could it be that... No, no way.

    It was only when Xiao Zhao saw that the person Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had been talking about was indeed Qiao Nan did she drop her jaw in shock. So when she had met Qiao Nan for the first time, it had not actually been a misunderstanding. She should have been praised for her foresight!

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan, who was walking next to Zhai Sheng, was a little stiff. Only when she reached the living room did she know that there would be even more awkwardness toe. ¡°...¡±

    Meeting Zhai Sheng again in real life was almost too much for Qiao Nan to ept. Now that the parents-inw who had treated her so well in her dream were alive and well in front of her eyes, Qiao Nan was so taken aback that she could hardly react. Why was her father-inw... Why were the old chief and his wife here too?

    When she had been here previously, the elderly couple had not been in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. She remembered Xiao Xu saying that Zhai Sheng had returned to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi alone to recuperate. None of the other Zhai family members had followed him. Could it be that they had all returned to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi to celebrate the new year with Zhai Sheng?

    That could very well be the case. Would Sister Zhai Hua bring her family along to celebrate the new year with them as well?

    ¡°My dad, my mom.¡± Zhai Sheng introduced his parents.

    ¡°Uncle, auntie¡ªno, Old Chief, madam. How do you do?¡±

 Chapter 1831 - Nearly Scared Away

    <h4>Chapter 1831: Nearly Scared Away</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan, who was in a daze after hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s introduction, instinctively responded by calling them uncle and auntie. The problem was that this was a conversation meant for boyfriends and girlfriends. She did not share such a rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    Now that she knew who Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were, she had no right to address them as uncle and auntie. She had to use honorifics when addressing them, just like how ordinary people would address them.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be a family soon. There¡¯s no need to be so courteous and address us so distantly. Addressing us as uncle and auntie will do.¡± Miao Jing had tried her best to restrain herself but had still failed miserably. And so she tookrge strides toward Qiao Nan and grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hands without giving her the chance to refuse.

    Yes, her hands were a little rough, but she could tell that Qiao Nan was a hardworkingdy. A hardworkingdy was good. With Qiao Nan around, neither she nor Old Zhai would need to worry about Zhai Sheng anymore. Qiao Nan would definitely take good care of Zhai Sheng.

    What Miao Jing had been most concerned about was not just whether Qiao Nan would be able to take care of Zhai Sheng, but also whether Zhai Sheng would be willing for Qiao Nan to take care of him. But she had confirmed that Zhai Sheng would be willing for this. It was truly difficult to find someone whom Zhai Sheng was pleased with.

    Based on this alone, Miao Jing had already rated Qiao Nan a high score of ny in her heart.

    ¡°Ha, haha...¡± Qiao Nan was so frightened that she could not utter a word. They would be a family soon? She knew what each of those words meant, but now that they formed a sentence, it seemed that her brain failed to understand what the whole sentence meant. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, madam.¡±

    ¡°Call me Auntie Miao.¡± Miao Jing insisted. ¡°Come, have a seat. You¡¯vee a long way. Tell auntie if you¡¯re hungry. I¡¯ll let Xiao Zhao prepare whatever you want to eat.¡±

    Qiao Nan could only sit down with Miao Jing dragging her along, but she was sitting very uneasily. This was getting stranger. Earlier, she had been in the same position as Xiao Zhao and had been hired to take care of Zhai Sheng. She had been the one cooking. In such a short span of time, she had be a guest of the Zhai family and could enjoy Xiao Zhao¡¯s service.

    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m not picky. I¡¯ll eat whatever is served. I¡¯m sorry for inconveniencing you. I didn¡¯t want this to happen either. I didn¡¯t expect that I would have to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi for a month because I couldn¡¯t find any temporary amodation now that it¡¯s almost the new year. Auntie Miao, I hope you won¡¯t find me a burden. Once my house is repaired in a month¡¯s time, I¡¯ll definitely return home. I¡¯m sorry for troubling you. Of course, I¡¯ll try my best not to add to your troubles.¡±

    Qiao Nan was unsure if Miao Jing had misunderstood her rtionship with Zhai Sheng. The way she spoke and her attitude toward her did not seem as though she viewed Qiao Nan as a friend who was bunking over for a month. It seemed more as though... But that was not the case between Zhai Sheng and her. There was nothing going on between the two of them.

    Zhai Sheng was already divorced and was now single. If the elderly couple misunderstood the rtionship between her and Zhai Sheng, causing a dy in Zhai Sheng¡¯s remarriage, she would be in big trouble. ¡°Brother Zhai is a really good person. Because we¡¯re from the same hometown, he¡¯s generously offered me a room after finding out that I¡¯m in trouble. Brother Zhai¡¯s such a good person. I believe that good people will be well-rewarded. Brother Zhai will surely find the right person and lead a blissful life in the future.¡±

    Whether or not she had been misunderstood, Qiao Nan felt that it was best for her to rify her stance. Even if Zhai Sheng were to have someone in mind, it would never be her! The elderly couple had better not make a mistake and anger Zhai Sheng¡¯s true prospect, which might even lead to a breakup!

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. My son may not have much to say, but he¡¯s a good and responsible man. I believe that whoever marries him will be very fortunate too. At that time, the two of them will lead their own blissful lives. Then, his dad and I will never have to worry about him anymore.¡± Miao Jing nodded vigorously and praised Zhai Sheng so much so that it seemed as though Zhai Sheng was an unseble product that she could not wait for Qiao Nan to take away with her.

    In that way, the moment Zhai Sheng left with Qiao Nan, thetter would be the one in charge of everything rted to Zhai Sheng. Then, she and Zhai Yaohui would have fulfilled all their duties as parents.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s head hurt. Could it be that she had not made it clear enough with her words? But she felt that she would offend someone if she were to be any more explicit. Why was Auntie Miao still behaving in this manner? Was there something wrong with the way she had phrased it? What else could it be? For the first time, Qiao Nan realized that she was not good with words.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan was on the verge of tears because of Miao Jing, Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan up. ¡°We have quite a few rooms in this vi. Although you¡¯re only going to be here for a month, you can pick the room that you like best so that you¡¯ll feelfortable. Come on, I¡¯ll go with you.¡± If he allowed his mother to go on, Qiao Nan might really just be scared away.

    ¡°Huh? Oh.¡± Qiao Nan did not think that it was necessary for her to choose a room for herself. She could stay in any room they picked out for her. But at this moment, Qiao Nan would much rather follow Zhai Sheng to pick out a room than stay behind and face Miao Jing¡¯s incessant questioning. It would be too awkward.

    After Qiao Nan was dragged away by Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing excitedly hit Zhai Yaohui¡¯s elbow so much so that Zhai Yaohui grimaced in pain. ¡°Did you see that? Did you see that? That rascal took the initiative to hold thatdy¡¯s hand! Ha, I really didn¡¯t see it in him to take advantage of a girl just like that. Does he really think I¡¯m blind? Thatdy has absolutely no feelings for Zhai Sheng. How could he be so shameless as to act like a hooligan and hold her hand?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s hands were a little rough butpared to her son¡¯s, they were still rather small and tender.

    She had never expected that rascal, Zhai Sheng, to make a move, and when he did, he had been so shameless to take advantage of her, acting as if he was saving a damsel in distress!

    Acting shameless was one thing. She would overlook it as long as he managed to marry her and give her a granddaughter or a grandson. She did not care about anything else.

    Zhai Yaohui rubbed the area where Miao Jing had just hit him. ¡°Zhai Sheng only did so because he was afraid that you would scare her away. Didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t have any romantic feelings for our son? I guess you can say that she¡¯s either righteous or cowardly.¡±

    Qiao Nan was aware of the gap between herself and the Zhai family, as well as Zhai Sheng. That was why she never thought that it was possible between her and Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan simply pretended as though she had not heard anything and had not understood any of Miao Miao¡¯s words, or perhaps she had stubbornly insisted that she had misinterpreted Miao Miao¡¯s words.

 Chapter 1832 - Kidnapped

    <h4>Chapter 1832: Kidnapped</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    A woman who had no principles and threw herself blindly at Zhai Sheng was definitely uneptable. But they could consider someone like Qiao Nan, who tried their best to shy away from Zhai Sheng. Besides, she had great potential.

    ¡°Old Zhai, what do you think? Do you think Qiao Nan is a good woman?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not bad.¡± To people like them, someone with self-awareness was naturally better than someone with none. Besides, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was something most people would have. It was not strange at all. ¡°She knows her ce and boundaries. That¡¯s much better than some others.¡± Zhai Sheng was almost forty-five. At that age, he could not afford to have a woman with a capricious nature. It was better to have a mature and calm woman by his side.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that Qiao Nan is suitable for Zhai Sheng and that we can consider her to be our daughter-inw?¡± Apart from Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi as examples, Miao Jing trusted Zhai Yaohui¡¯s judgment of people.

    Zhai Yaohui took a sip of water. ¡°She¡¯s already entered our old vi. With Zhai Sheng¡¯s skills, I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t be able to run away. Since she won¡¯t be able to run away, let¡¯s not be so hasty in making our decision. Anyway, don¡¯t we still have a whole month to observe her?¡± Zhai Yaohui was already certain that Qiao Nan would only be staying in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi temporarily for a month. But in a month¡¯s time, she would be able to live in her own house with no shame at all.

    Zhai Yaohui had not said much, but after years of marriage, Miao Jing could still understand Zhai Yaohui¡¯s true feelings in his words.

    Miao Jing was ted by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude. They had indeed found the right daughter-inw this time! Within this month, she would do her best to help her son change her mind so that he would rid himself of that identity of a bachelor as soon as possible.

    The couple was having a heated discussion, but Qiao Nan was still feeling guilty over the whole situation. After being dragged out by Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could not hold back anymore, and she asked Zhai Sheng in a low voice, ¡°Bro Zhai, has auntie misunderstood something?¡± At this time, she had not brought Zhai Yaohui into the picture. After all, Miao Jing had been the only one expressing her thoughts earlier. ¡°If auntie has any misunderstandings, how should I exin it to her?¡±

    She could not put it in a mean way, and neither could she afford to offend or agitate Auntie Miao. She was truly in a tight spot. Besides, she was unsure of what Zhai Sheng wanted.

    ¡°Yes, she has.¡± Zhai Sheng did not deny it. It would be foolish not to deny it at this point in time. ¡°You know about my situation as well. I got marriedte in life and got divorced less than three years after getting married. I¡¯ve stayed single ever since then. Apart from me, my parents have another daughter named Zhai Hua. She¡¯s older than me and is married with a daughter. Since I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s unmarried, it¡¯s inevitable that my parents pay more attention to me. It¡¯s hard for them not to misunderstand when anything happens. Even if it has nothing to do with that, they will try their best toe up with something. I¡¯m sorry about what happened just now. Thank you for being so patient and not throwing a tantrum even after my mom bothered you for such a long time.¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Qiao Nan waved him away. ¡°I canpletely understand Auntie Miao¡¯s feelings.¡±

    ¡°Do you feel bothered by my mom? If you do, I¡¯ll tell her not to disturb you in the future.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes glistened. His mom had already taken the initiative. As long as he could achieve his goals, he believed that his mom would not mind him saying such a thing. In fact, she would be more than pleased.

    ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± She was here as a guest. It was not the Zhai family bothering her but the other way round. How could Qiao Nan possibly admit that Miao Jing¡¯s actions were indeed bothering her? Always the good person, Qiao Nan could only say that she was perfectly fine with the current situation. ¡°Bro Zhai, please don¡¯t say that. If you do, I¡¯ll feel bad for staying here for a whole month. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s inconveniencing you. Actually, regarding Auntie Miao... I¡¯ll just treat it as though I was chatting with her. It¡¯ll be fine. But Bro Zhai, it won¡¯t be so good for Auntie Miao if we don¡¯t rify this misunderstanding. Will it affect you?¡±

    Auntie Miao had only misunderstood her rtionship with Zhai Sheng because she was worried about Zhai Sheng still being single. She could totally understand how Miao Jing would mistake her for Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend now that she had suddenly appeared by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side, even though she was already an olddy in her forties.

    A misunderstanding was still a misunderstanding, after all. They had to rify the situation.

    What if Auntie Miao treated this misunderstanding as the truth and stopped pressing Zhai Sheng to go on blind dates with otherdies? She could not possibly deny Zhai Sheng of the chance of getting remarried because of such a small misunderstanding!

    Qiao Nan suppressed the slight joy in her heart that has arisen from this thought. She could not possibly deprive Zhai Sheng of the right to pursue his own happiness just because of her dream. She had to deal with this fairly and justly.

    It had been painful for Qiao Nan to say it, and Zhai Sheng had been upset hearing it. He knew that Qiao Nan did not have any romantic feelings for him as of yet. But what did she mean by that tone and those words urging him to get married to someone other than her? It was all right if she did not like him, but did she have to hate him and try to push him away?

    When had he done anything to anger Qiao Nan so much so that she could not wait to get rid of him?

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a look at your room?¡± Beginnings were always the hardest step. He had not reached that stage with Qiao Nan, after all. As such, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to swallow all his grudges and dissatisfactions for the time being. Zhai Sheng pushed the door open for Qiao Nan to enter the room. He who was the closest had the greatest advantage. Since she was already staying in his house, how could he, as a soldier, let his prey escape from his grasp?

    Up until now, his prey had let her guard down and he had allowed for that to happen.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯m all right with staying anywhere.¡± Qiao Nan had never had the intention of picking a room to stay in anyway. Leaving with Zhai Sheng had been nothing more than an excuse. Qiao Nan had already thought through it. She would simply pick whichever room she saw first.

    It was just that Qiao Nan had once again been frightened by Miao Jing¡¯s hospitality. She had not realized that they had walked past several rooms earlier. Now that Zhai Sheng pointed a room out for her, Qiao Nan simply agreed to it without hesitation.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave you to unpack. We should be able to have our meal in half an hour.¡± In a gentlemanly fashion, Zhai Sheng stopped outside Qiao Nan¡¯s room, giving Qiao Nan some space.

    ¡°All right.¡± Qiao Nan nodded, suddenly realizing that she had not used her brain and seemed to have lost all sense of rationality upon stepping into the Zhai family¡¯s old vi this time. ¡°I-I know my way around. I can head over on my ownter.¡±

 Chapter 1833 - Coaxing

    <h4>Chapter 1833: Coaxing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The moment she finished her sentence, Qiao Nan had the urge to p herself. She had spoken as though she were truly a guest of the Zhai family and was waiting for Xiao Zhao to serve her.

    ¡°All right, then you can make your way overter.¡± Zhai Sheng did not force Qiao Nan too much. His mom alone was more than enough for Qiao Nan to handle. He was in no hurry to make a move. Anyway, he had already achieved all his goals of the day.

    The moment Zhai Sheng left, Qiao Nan immediately calmed down now that she was no longer affected by Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence. It was as though she was a phone that had just been cut off from the Wi-Fi connection. Qiao Nan patted her chest. ¡°F*ck! I guess I underestimated Brother Zhai¡¯s influence on me. Why does it feel like my brain is on strike with Brother Zhai around?¡±

    Feeling herself in an abnormal situation, Qiao Nan began panicking. She could not go on being so muddleheaded. If she did, she would ¡®get into trouble¡¯ very soon.

    Qiao Nan was like a cat on a hot tin roof. After pacing around the room several times, Qiao Nan¡¯s head suddenly shot up in confusion. Upon looking around the room, she hit herself on her head. ¡°My brain is not only on strike! My IQ is practically in the negative region!¡±

    It was only now that Qiao Nan finally realized that she seemed to have been tricked once again. But Qiao Nan did not dare to guess who had tricked her, much less pin the me on Zhai Sheng. What Qiao Nan knew was that she had been asked to choose her own room previously. Even though she had not picked a room and had agreed to stay in any room, she had never expected to stay right next door to Zhai Sheng! That was not just ¡®any room¡¯!

    Looking again at her luggage that had already been ced on the bed, Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze becameplicated. She had not said a single word to Xiao Xu from the time she had alighted from the car. Simrly, Xiao Xu probably had had no interactions with Zhai Sheng since then. How could it be so coincidental that Zhai Sheng had brought her straight to the room next to his and that Xiao Xu had urately brought her luggage into this room without any hesitation either?

    Xiao Xu¡¯s actions undoubtedly proved that Zhai Sheng had intended on doing so long ago. But how was that possible?

    Qiao Nan copsed on her bed, paralyzed by worry. Her brainpletely shut off. She had refused to allow herself to overthink anything, but why was it that people around her were doing things that made her misunderstand and get more confused?

    She could not withstand a life like that!

    No matter how depressed and confused Qiao Nan felt, she could only throw a small tantrum in her own room. When it came to dinner time, she dared not wait for anyone to call her, much less allow others to wait for her at the dinner table.

    Seeing Xiao Zhao, who had taken over her job and brought the dishes out, Qiao Nan felt as though there were nails on her chair, and she felt extremely uneasy. ¡°Xiao Zhao, is there anything I can help you with?¡± In short, she did not feel at ease sitting there and waiting for her meal.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no need.¡± Xiao Zhao was pleasantly surprised by Qiao Nan¡¯s offer but rejected her kind offer. Qiao Nan was still unclear about the Zhai family¡¯s intentions, but Xiao Zhao had overheard their conversations more than once. That was why Xiao Zhao was clear that her ¡®senior¡¯ had gotten lucky and had caught the eye of the Zhai family.

    Just some time ago, Qiao Nan had been in the same position as she was in, a caretaker of the family. But today, their statuses were as different as night and day. Qiao Nan was the master sitting at the table, waiting to be served, while she was still a sried caretaker.

    Sigh. Why was there such a stark difference between people¡¯s lives? Why were some people always so lucky and fortunate while others were not?

    Xiao Zhao had only thought about such a thing for a moment before she quickly got rid of such a thought from her mind. Qiao Nan, who had once been her peer, had been able to achieve what she had only dreamed of for a moment! It was no wonder that Xiao Zhao had thought about it for a long while. Thankfully, Xiao Zhao was no Qiao Zijin. Her thoughts were merely her thoughts, and she would not act on them.

    Xiao Zhao would not be so foolish as to offend Qiao Nan instead of trying to please her now that she knew that Qiao Nan was very likely going to be the mistress of the family. Working in the Zhai family was not hard, and the sry was not low either. Most importantly, she was working for the chief.

    Having worked under Zhai Sheng for a month, Xiao Zhao had already experienced the benefits of working for the chief. Earlier on, there had been some problems with the household registration for her son. As such, she had been unable to register her son for school. She had not talked to Zhai Sheng about it but had mentioned it in passing to Xiao Xu. As expected, within the same week, she received news that her son would be able to attend a better school when the terms started in spring!

    When the family of Xiao Zhao¡¯s ex-husband found out about how Xiao Zhao¡¯s mom hadpletely taken care of her child¡¯s schooling problem, the whole family was dumbfounded. They could not be clearer about Xiao Zhao¡¯s abilities. Their family was rich, but Xiao Zhao had neither money nor power. How had Xiao Zhao been able to solve a problem that even their family had not been able to solve?

    Afterward, her ex-husband¡¯s family heard that Xiao Zhao was working as a caretaker for a powerful and important figure. Of course, as long as she did not make any mistakes and did her job well, she would be able to find someone to help her out with something she had no ability to solve.

    Hearing the change in Xiao Zhao caused Xiao Zhao¡¯s husband to reconsider his situation. He knew that if he had connections with someone in the government sector, his business would improve by leaps and bounds. Not only would he be able to have more business, but it would alsoe much more quickly. Thus, he visited Xiao Zhao to ask her of this favor.

    Xiao Zhao¡¯s ex-husband expressed that he would give Xiao Zhao a million yuan for her retirement once he made it big, as long as Xiao Zhao was willing to do him this favor. He even promised that all of his earnings would go to their son, and not anyone else. As such, Xiao Zhao would indirectly be helping their son as well.

    Having been tricked by her ex-husband once, Xiao Zhao was no fool this time. She was not after the one million yuan, but she had to consider the fact that her ex-husband¡¯s assets would eventually end up in her son¡¯s hands. As for whether she would be able to help her ex-husband out, that was something else. What was most important was helping her son get hold of her ex-husband¡¯s assets.

    She had been the one by her ex-husband¡¯s side and had toiled alongside him toe to where the family was today. Without her, there was no way her ex-husband¡¯s family would be so sessful today. As such, it was only natural for all of her ex-husband¡¯s assets to be passed down to her son. Thus, Xiao Zhao made her ex-husband sign a letter of guarantee that ensured that he would transfer all of his assets to her son.

    Her ex-husband had only been trying to coax her with those words. The new wife that he had just married was already pregnant with a child. With a new child in the family, her ex-husband would definitely favor that child from his new wife. How could he possibly be willing to leave all his assets to her son?

    Besides, he was still young and still had to work hard to bring his family business to greater heights in the future. On what basis should he hand the family business over to his son who had never done anything for the business? Xiao Zhao¡¯s ex-husband had never expected that there would be such an improvement in Xiao Zhao. Now, words alone were no longer able to move her. If he was capable, he would have to sign a letter of guarantee and get awyer to settle the paperwork. Otherwise, she would never believe him!

 Chapter 1834 - Celebrating the New Year

    <h4>Chapter 1834: Celebrating the New Year</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Xiao Zhao was absolutely resolute. However, no pain, no gain. In the end, the couple failed toe to an agreement. Thus, Xiao Zhao never mentioned anything about her ex-husband in front of Zhai Sheng.

    After this incident, Xiao Zhao¡¯s son, who was starting to be more sensible, realized that his mom loved him more than his dad did. His dad¡¯s heart had long been biased toward that child in his stepmother¡¯s tummy.

    Children were not that gullible, and they could distinguish between people who treated them well and those who did not. Besides, children were usually closer to their moms when they were younger. After seeing how his parents treated him inpletely different manners, his heart was entirely biased toward his biological mother, Xiao Zhao, even though he continued living in her ex-husband¡¯s house. The moment anything happened in her ex-husband¡¯s family, her son would immediately ry the matter to her without missing a beat.

    That was how Xiao Zhao had found out about how her ex-husband¡¯s family had been unable to resist the urge and had finally gone to check on whether the child in that woman¡¯s stomach was a boy or a girl. In the end, the ultrasound scans revealed that the child was a girl. Upon finding out that they were having a granddaughter instead of a grandson, Xiao Zhao¡¯s ex-parents-inw no longer treated their new daughter-inw as well as before. Only her ex-husband¡¯s passion did not die down, and he even imed that having a daughter was pretty good as well.

    Thinking about how she not only had a son but a son whose heart was entirely for her, Xiao Zhao felt much more at ease and calm, even toward her ex-parents-inw who had treated her so poorly.

    She was someone who already had a son. She had heard that Sister Qiao was not only older than her but was also unmarried. Perhaps, Sister Qiao had suffered so much in the past, and all of her umted blessings were being used now.

    Now that Xiao Zhao herself was leading a good life, there was no reason for her to hope that someone else would have a harder life than her. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Sister Qiao. Please remain seated. I¡¯m almost done. I know that the chief likes to eat the dishes that you cook. Please try what I¡¯ve made and let me know how it is. Please tell me about my shorings so that I¡¯ll be able to improve on it and make the chief happier.¡±

    She should not feel that she¡¯s left behind just because Sister Qiao had been doing a simr job in the past. In fact, she should be happy.

    Even though she had not interacted much with Sister Qiao, she had a rather good impression of Sister Qiao. Sister Qiao was good-natured, and it would be her good fortune to have a mistress like Sister Qiao. With the chief¡¯s background, he could very well marry a troublemaker, just as her ex-husband had. If that were to happen, her life would be just as hard as it had been before her divorce.

    At this moment, Xiao Zhao could only sigh. Once she found out about how Qiu Chenxi had once been together with Zhai Sheng, and after she experienced for herself the kind of person Qiu Chenxi was, Xiao Zhao would definitely and resolutely cling on to Qiao Nan and be determined to have Qiao Nan as her mistress.

    Zhai Sheng was a leading figure in the whole of China, let alone a small town like Qingshui or Ping Cheng. Qingshui Town was rather remote. The only reason it had been slightly developed was due to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. In other words, Qingshui Town had produced three generations of chiefs. Was this not something to be proud of?

    Today, it was not just Zhai Sheng who was recuperating in Qingshui Town. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were around too! Zhai Yaohui had already stated that Zhai Sheng was here to recuperate and that they could save those unnecessary red tapes and procedures. It was best that official visits be avoided as well so that they could give Zhai Sheng a peaceful environment to recuperate. That would be more helpful to Zhai Sheng.

    Even so, now that it was almost the new year, there were many peopleing to visit the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Of course, these people had note empty-handed either and had always brought some gifts along. But because of the country¡¯s strict anti-corruption rules, the Zhai family did not ept valuable gifts from their visitors. Thus, their visitors were all rather careful and only brought some imported fruits along with them. Not a single valuable or expensive item appeared.

    Because of such a fuss, more people got to know about the Zhai family¡¯s presence, and with that, even more people started to visit the Zhai family¡¯s old vi as well.

    At the Wei family, Wei De changed out of his military uniform and into his casual clothes. Ever since retiring from the military, Zhai Hua was turning into an average housewife. As she helped Wei De keep the clothes that he had just removed, he said, ¡°Your parents have finallye back. Do you think we should pay them a visit? Shall we spend the new year with your family?¡± They had been spending the new year with his parents all these years. This year was exceptionally important.

    In fact, if it was possible, Wei De very much wanted to spend every New Year¡¯s Day with the Zhai family. He truly longed for a better rtionship with his father-inw. At his age, he was still apanymander and had the desire to be promoted even further. How nice it would be to be promoted directly to a regimentmander, entirely bypassing the position of a battalionmander.

    Wei De knew very well that if he had not married Zhai Hua, he would never have be apanymander, let alone a regimentmander. His goal had remained as clear as day even after marrying Zhai Hua. He had never even dreamed of bing a chief like Zhai Sheng. His eventual goal was still to be a regimentmander, and to do so, he would definitely need the support of the Zhai family.

    Zhai Hua stopped in her actions. ¡°How are you going to exin it to your parents? Your dad will be fine, but you should know well about your mom¡¯s temper. She¡¯s already said that she¡¯s getting a daughter-inw, not giving her son away. Won¡¯t your mom fly into a rage if you spend the new year at my house?¡±

    Her mother-inw wished for the Zhai family to support the Wei family and to push Wei De up through the ranks. She even felt that Wei De had done the Zhai family a favor and was their benefactor by marrying an olddy whom no one else wanted.

    Thinking about how her mother-inw looked down on her, Zhai Hua¡¯s expression was sour. Based on her character in the past, she would never have used her words to defend herself in front of someone as unreasonable as her mother-inw. She would always use her force. But dating and marriage were two separate things. If she had known that Wei De had a mother like that, she...

    In fact, Mother Wei was the main reason that Zhai Hua had distanced herself from the Zhai family and had refused to visit her parents. She herself could not stand Mother Wei¡¯s behavior. She thought about how her parents had been certain right from the start that Wei De was not a good person, but she had insisted on her way and had married him nevertheless. From that, it was certain that her parents would never take a liking to someone like her mother-inw. In fact, they would probably re up if they were to know about her.

    Of course Zhai Hua had feelings for her own family. Only with such aparison did Zhai Hua realize that her family treated her well. It was just that Zhai Hua had always used her indifference to disguise herself since she was young. After Zhai Hua became a mother, Zhai Hua did not know how to express herself in front of her daughter.

 Chapter 1835 - Sequential

    <h4>Chapter 1835: Sequential</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, she was afraid to contact her family and did not know how tomunicate with them either. That was why the Zhai family misunderstood that Zhai Hua was still angry at them and bore a grudge because they had disagreed to her marriage to Wei De at that time.

    But in reality, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was still for her family.

    At the thought of her mother-inw¡¯s temper, Zhai Hua asked Wei De impolitely whether he had a n to deal with his mother.

    At the mention of his mother, Wei De felt his head hurt a little. Thankfully, Zhai Hua was already out of the military and her temper had improved tremendously. Otherwise, given Zhai Hua¡¯s temper in the past, she would have gotten a divorce from him a long time ago with all the fuss his mom had made.

    If so, all of his efforts would truly be in vain. But through this incident, Wei De had gotten a little fearless. After giving birth to their daughter, not only was Zhai Hua unable to leave him, she had even lost all the temper she had had in the past! ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my mom. There shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    His mom would probably not be so clueless as to be an obstacle to his future.

    After hearing about Wei De¡¯s n, his mom had indeed gotten upset, just like Zhai Hua had expected. ¡°It¡¯s the new year. Our family should spend time together. What do you mean by leaving your dad and me alone while you spend time with another family? If you really treat them as your family, you should invite them over to have a meal with us!¡±

    If her son had not been kind enough to marry Zhai Hua, the Zhai family would have been disgraced by their daughter who could not be married. They were all white-eyed wolves who were full of ingratitude!

    ¡°Mom.¡± Wei De did not say anything, but his tone changed slightly and he looked at his mom with a different gaze. Mother Wei quickly tried to salvage the situation. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. That¡¯s just what I think. How could I really stop you guys? I¡¯m just upset on your behalf. Did the Zhai family allow you to join them when you guys wanted to join them thest time? I¡¯m just feeling bad for you, son.¡±

    It was only then that Wei De¡¯s expression eased. ¡°Mom, no pain, no gain. I want to fulfill my dreams of bing a regimentmander. Only then will I be able to help Xiao Wei surpass me.¡±

    In that way, their Wei family would only get better and better from generation to generation. When it came to Xiao Wei¡¯s generation, their family would not be much worse off than the Zhai family even without the Zhai family¡¯s help. Once he became a grandpa, he would be the one who would have made the greatest contribution to the Wei family.

    ¡°If you can bear with it, what else can I say? Why don¡¯t you bring Xiao Wei along this time instead of Jiajia? Jiajia is a girl. It¡¯s better for her to stay at home and learn to be docile. Xiao Wei is a boy and has to get to know the world.¡± A scolding was a scolding, but Mother Wei was clear that her family depended on the Zhai family.

    Her son relied on the Zhai family, and more so would her grandson have to in the future.

    All along, she had never given Jiajia the opportunity to get close to her maternal grandparents. She was afraid that Jiajia would follow in Zhai Hua¡¯s footsteps and start to hate her son. In that case, she would have wasted money raising Jiajia! Xiao Wei was such a good kid, and it was just as well that the Zhai family had no children. If her grandson caught the eye of the Zhai family, her grandson would have an unbridled future!

    That was why Mother Wei did not want to pass up such a good opportunity and wanted Wei De to bring Wei Wei along.

    After giving it some thought, Wei De said, ¡°We can bring Xiao Wei along, but we have to bring Jiajia as well.¡± If they did not bring Jiajia along, he was afraid that the Zhai family would not even be willing to open the door for his family to enter and celebrate the new year together.

    Mother Wei thought that her grandson was the best kid in the world and that there was no way anyone would dislike him. But Wei De was still rational and knew that the Zhai family would take a different view toward Wei Wei. As such, he knew that such self-infatuation and confidence woulde back to bite him. It was better to remain calm at times like these. Only then would he be able to fulfill his goals and reach the greatest height.

    Wei De was not Mother Wei and was clear that the Zhai family¡¯s door might not even be open to them if they did not bring his daughter along. Up until now, the only person that the Zhai family disliked was himself. They still treated their granddaughter, Jiajia, very well. Besides, it would make no sense for him to bring his ¡®nephew¡¯ without bringing his daughter along.

    It had not been easy for Wei De toe this far, and he was not going to allow such a small error to obliterate his existence in front of the Zhai family. If he exposed everything, his efforts over thest ten years would have been in naught.

    His ¡®nephew¡¯ was important, but his future was even more so. Only if he was in a stable position and had connections would he be able to help Wei Wei be a second-generation official and have a smooth journey. Besides, Wei Wei was still young. There was no need to rush into certain matters. His own affairs took precedence.

    Hearing that her grandson would not be able to go over and only that money-wasting granddaughter would, Mother Wei was upset. Fortunately, Mother Wei listened to whatever her son said when it came to important decisions. There was not a single person she knew that was more capable than her son. It was her son who had allowed the family to live such afortable life and let her live the life of a rich olddy, like she had seen on television.

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll listen to you. You can take Xiao Wei along next time when you get the chance. Ah De, don¡¯t forget about Xiao Wei. He¡¯s our Wei family¡¯s only hope. You have to help him.¡±

    Sigh. She did not know whether it was a good thing that her son had found the Zhai family as his inws. Now that he was already their son-inw, shouldn¡¯t the Zhai family do all they could to push him up through the ranks? Once Ah De was in a good position, they could handle Xiao Wei¡¯s matter on their own.

    She could not understand why the Zhai family was being so petty and stubborn, refusing to help her son. They were all a family now that Zhai Hua had married their son. After all these years, her son was still a merepanymander. She had always known that her son¡¯s goal was to be a regimentmander.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Wei De was pleased that his mother was no longer going to kick up a fuss. Only when New Year¡¯s Eve was almost over did Wei De tell Zhai Hua. ¡°Have you bought new clothes for Jiajia for the new year? Don¡¯t save on it. Get Jiajia a few more sets of clothes. I¡¯ll send you guys down to Qingshui Town tomorrow for a few days so that Jiajia can spend some time with your parents.¡±

    Zhai Hua looked at Wei De. ¡°Are you serious? Have you talked to your mom about this?¡±

    ¡°Yes, does my mom look like such an unreasonable person? Jiajia has been spending time with her all these years. It¡¯s rare that she¡¯s getting the chance to spend some time with your family during the new year. Of course she¡¯ll agree to it.¡± Wei De was unhappy. His mom had always been rather reasonable, and he had always been obedient to her.

    Zhai Hua sneered but remained silent. That was only natural. The one her mother-inw loved the most was not Jiajia but Xiao Wei.

 Chapter 1836 - Not His Biological Mother

    <h4>Chapter 1836: Not His Biological Mother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course her mother-inw would not mind since she was only bringing Jiajia along, and not Xiao Wei. ¡°We¡¯re bringing only Jiajia?¡± Zhai Hua was clear about the Wei family¡¯s intentions.

    An unmarried daughter had given birth to a son out of wedlock. The Wei family had been rather funny. Even now that Wei De was already apanymander, they had never thought of finding that irresponsible father of Wei Wei to give him aplete family. Instead, they had excitedly taken Wei Wei, who was the son of some unknown man, as the grandson of the Wei family and had even treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia.

    All these years, Zhai Hua had umted quite a lot of pent-up anger.

    It was exactly because of how much the Wei family adored Wei Wei that Zhai Hua knew that the Wei family would stop at nothing as long as it benefitted Wei Wei. No matter how shameless they had to be, they would still do it for Wei Wei¡¯s sake.

    The Zhai family¡¯s background was simply too enticing. There was no way the Wei family would be able to control themselves and not let Wei Wei try to get connected with the Zhai family. Thankfully, Zhai Hua could rest assured about this.

    Even after Wei De had married her, all the Zhai family had done was help Wei De get into the position of apanymander. Wei Wei? There was no way the Zhai family would be willing to help him out. If Wei Wei really wanted to get into the military, he had to strive hard for it. There was no way the Zhai family would interfere.

    In that way, even though Zhai Hua had a clear idea about what the Wei family was up to, she had never expressed any opinions. She knew that the Zhai family would never agree to it. If she were to disagree with the Wei family, she would be ostracized by her mother-inw for several days. It was all right for her to be treated in this manner, but Zhai Hua was not going to let her daughter, Jiajia, be implicated and be ostracized as well.

    ¡°You¡¯re indeed Xiao Wei¡¯s good aunt.¡± Wei De was overjoyed that Zhai Hua had taken the initiative to talk about Wei Wei. Because the Zhai family had notpletely epted him as a son-inw, Wei De had rationally decided not to bring Wei Wei along. But Zhai Hua was different. Zhai Hua was the daughter of the Zhai family, a precious gem in the Zhai family¡¯s eyes, after all.

    If Zhai Hua was the one who decided to bring Wei Wei along, the Zhai family would have to endure it even if they were unhappy about it. If they could not do so, their anger would be directed at Zhai Hua anyway. There was no way he would be implicated in the matter. After all, he had gotten an opportunity recently. As long as the Zhai family was willing to help him out, he would be promoted to a deputy battalionmander and would be one step closer to bing a regimentmander.

    ¡°Do you mean that you want to bring Xiao Wei along as well?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. Did he really think she was that same fool she had been ten years ago? ¡°I¡¯m just curious because you didn¡¯t mention Wei Wei this time. Our whole family knows just how much emphasis you and your mom ce on Wei Wei. Since you¡¯ve discussed it with your mom and have decided not to bring Wei Wei along this time, I¡¯ll definitely respect your decision.¡±

    When she was at home, Jiajia did not always get things that Wei Wei had. This time, Jiajia had the chance to go to the Zhai family¡¯s house, while Wei Wei did not. It would definitely help sort out some of her daughter¡¯s feelings.

    ¡°Neither of us feels that it¡¯s unsuitable for Xiao Wei to go. We¡¯re just afraid that your parents might be unhappy seeing Wei Wei around. Of course, if you¡¯re willing to speak well of Xiao Wei in front of your parents, we can definitely bring Xiao Wei along.¡± At this moment, Wei De had the urge to call Wei Wei over to cajole Zhai Hua.

    ¡°I think that you¡¯re both right. My parents will definitely be unhappy seeing Xiao Wei. It¡¯s the new year. Let¡¯s not do something that will anger my parents. If we¡¯re going to anger them, we might as well spend the new year at home ourselves.¡± Zhai Hua was no fool and was not going to take the bait.

    When she had first met Wei Wei, Zhai Hua had treated him well. Butter on, he had been pampered by the Wei family so much that he became a bully. The moment Jiajia was born, he was so envious of Jiajia that he started bullying her.

    Before Jiajia had started on solids, she had not been able to speak yet and was always crying. Zhai Hua had been worried and had thus sent Jiajia to the hospital for a thorough examination. The doctor who examined Jiajia said that Jiajia was in good health. It was just that the young nurse had found some bruises on Jiajia¡¯s body when she had undressed her. Those marks looked like they were from pinches, but the prints were so small that they could not have been an adult¡¯s.

    Afterward, Zhai Hua had even caught Wei Wei right in the act of pinching Jiajia. It was then that Zhai Hua had decided to give up her passion for the military to take care of her daughter.

    Not only was the Wei family aware of Wei Wei bullying Jiajia, but Mother Wei had even defended Wei Wei by saying that it was because Wei Wei loved his younger sister so much that he was touching her. She was basically saying that it was only because Wei Wei had been unable to control his strength that he had identally hurt Jiajia. Children were unaware of their own strengths, after all.

    Although many years had passed since that incident, Zhai Hua had never once forgotten about it as a mother. From then on, Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude toward Wei Wei underwent aplete change, and she never took the initiative to interfere in Wei Wei¡¯s matters. It was always Wei De who dealt with any matters regarding Wei Wei. Even if Wei De asked for her help, she would always push the responsibility away.

    When Wei Wei grew a little older and understood what was going on around him, he gradually realized that the person who ruled the family might be his grandma, but the most powerful and impressive person in the family was actually his aunt, Zhai Hua. However, Zhai Hua refused to ept Wei Wei¡¯s ttery at this point in time.

    Now that Wei De was praising Zhai Hua as Wei Wei¡¯s good aunt and that she did everything with Wei Wei in mind, Zhai Hua refused to ept it. She would have to put in a tremendous amount of effort to be worthy of that praise.

    She was still in the right state of mind. There was no way she was going to ept such ttery.

    ¡°You¡¯re still angry at Xiao Wei. No wonder Xiao Wei told me that his aunt doesn¡¯t like him.¡± Wei De¡¯s head hurt. It did not mean that he had forgotten about it just because he had not mentioned it.

    Xiao Wei had truly been spoiled by his mom. Just because Zhai Hua had turned all her attention to Jiajia the moment thetter was born and no longer treated him as well as she did before, he had been upset and had bullied Jiajia. From then on, Zhai Hua had never bothered about Xiao Wei.

    When he first brought Xiao Wei to Ping Cheng, Zhai Hua had been the one to arrange for Xiao Wei to attend kindergarten. From then on, Zhai Hua refused to help him anymore. Although Xiao Wei was not attending a terrible school, it was much worse than he had expected.

    He had not treasured it while he was young. Now that he was older and knew how much of an impact his school would have on his future, it was toote. Zhai Hua no longer cared about Xiao Wei and had turned her attention to Jiajia alone.

    ¡°You know very well that I¡¯m only his aunt, not his biological mother. Isn¡¯t it normal for me to dislike him for bullying Jiajia? To me, he can¡¯tpare to Jiajia. Even his biological father doesn¡¯t like him and doesn¡¯t want to be with his mom. It¡¯s even more normal that I don¡¯t like him.¡± The man who fathered Wei Wei had abandoned him so mercilessly. Not to mention how Wei Wei had once bullied her daughter.

 Chapter 1837 - Hit Me?

    <h4>Chapter 1837: Hit Me?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Wei De¡¯s expression changed because of Zhai Hua¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far in saying that. Don¡¯t you know how sensitive Xiao Wei has been because he doesn¡¯t have a father? Don¡¯t you dare say such a thing in front of Xiao Wei. He¡¯ll be hurt! Xiao Wei was young and insensible in the past, but he¡¯s admitted his mistake. As an elder, don¡¯t you think that you should give Xiao Wei a chance to correct his mistake? Can you forgive Xiao Wei? He really likes you.¡± And he really needed his aunt¡¯s help as well.

    Zhai Hua sat straight up and the coldness in her expression was even clearer. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see you telling your mom these things? Your mom treats Wei Wei well and cares more about Wei Wei. If I don¡¯t favor Jiajia, I¡¯m afraid that she might be hurt.¡±

    There were so many people who loved and adored Wei Wei. They did not need another one to adore him. But apart from her, there was no one else who loved Jiajia, so it was only natural for her to reserve all her love for her daughter. Naturally, that would also mean that she had no extra time to care about Wei Wei.

    ¡°You...¡± Wei De had nothing to say at the mention of his mom. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true that my mom cares more about Wei Wei, but isn¡¯t that because Wei Wei is her grandson? She¡¯s advanced in age. Why are you being so petty with her? Don¡¯t you know to respect your elders and love your juniors? You¡¯ve done neither.¡±

    ¡°Wei De, do you mean that one may steal a horse while another can¡¯t even look over a hedge? Your mom is an old foggy and treats Wei Wei better than Jiajia. Not only do you not feel bad for Jiajia, but you¡¯re even asking me to respect your mom and not take issue with that? All right, I won¡¯t. I can¡¯t be bothered to talk to you guys. Do you think I¡¯m doing something wrong by treating my daughter well and not wanting to love a child who doesn¡¯t have a father? Wei Wei, how can you be so shameless? Do you really think that I¡¯ll only be a good daughter-inw if I think about the Wei family in everything that I do and have my world revolve around your family?¡±

    Did he really think that she had no temper just because she had not exploded?

    Thinking about how aggrieved Jiajia had been because of the Wei family and how Jiajia had always been exceptionally quiet and refused to speak or smile in front of the Wei family, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart ached.

    Whose fault was it that her daughter was not close to her grandma at all? Was it not that old woman¡¯s fault? As a father, Wei De had never once been on Jiajia¡¯s side tofort her. Instead, he always told Jiajia not to hold it against her grandma because of her age and that she had to be filial to her grandma.

    Why should she?

    ¡°Wei De, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know anything just because I haven¡¯t said anything. Have you forgotten about how angry your mom was when I bought this house to give Jiajia a better living environment? Because of that, you were humiliated in the army and even threw a tantrum at me. In the eyes of your Wei family, a child without a father like Wei Wei is more important than Jiajia and is better than Jiajia in every way. Since you guys have made Wei Wei into a little emperor, what¡¯s wrong with me spoiling Jiajia like a princess? Why? Will you only be happy only if I kneel before Wei Wei and sacrifice everything to be his ve? Do you guys really think that you¡¯re the royal family?¡±

    Recalling what the Wei family had done over the years, Zhai Hua truly thought that the family was insane!

    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Wei Wei was not deaf. Quite on the contrary, his ears were rather sharp. Wei Wei, who was in high school, had overheard his aunt speak ill of him, and his self-esteem had been hurt badly. He looked at Jiajia with reddened eyes. ¡°Yes, I might not have a father. You have a father and a mother, aplete family. You have a much more blissful life than me, so why can¡¯t auntie care a little more about me?¡±

    Was it because he had bullied Jiajia when he was young and insensible? His aunt was so petty! It had been more than ten years since that incident, but she was still speaking about him in this manner! She did not think that he was part of her family!

    He hated this family to the guts and could not wait to go back to his grandparents. Apart from his mom, only his grandma loved him the most. His uncle said that he loved him like a father would, but he was only an uncle, after all. He could notpare to a real father.

    Jiajia felt no better than Wei Wei, but in the face of Wei Wei¡¯s usations, she was not going to back down. ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy. I¡¯m proud to have a mom who loves me with all her heart. It¡¯s all right that grandma and grandpa don¡¯t like me or that Dad favors you. I still have the best mom in the world. I don¡¯t care about anything else. I can give them all to you since you don¡¯t have a father!¡±

    Now that both Jiajia and Wei Wei had grown up, the conflict between the two of them had only intensified.

    Jiajia disliked Wei Wei and had never had an amicable rtionship with him from the start. But she had always known that her mom loved her and treated her well. Because she had heard her mother¡¯s words firsthand, Jiajia was much moreforted.

    Because of her family¡¯s influence, Jiajia was still aware of some practical problems in real life. Jiajia knew that her dad had only been promoted to the rank of apanymander because he had married her mom. Wei Wei had his uncle, and his uncle treated him well. But she had her uncle too. She had heard that her uncle was a chief and that even her dad was afraid to meet her uncle. Her grandpa was even more impressive and was an old chief.

    Jiajia had never said anything, but she had always taken whatever she had heard to heart. As such, Jiajia felt that the Wei family was trying to take advantage of the Zhai family. Her dad had married her mom with ulterior motives because her mom was a daughter of the Zhai family.

    Wei Wei yearned to get some affection from her mom not because he truly liked his aunt but because her mom was a daughter of the Zhai family. As long as her mom was willing to put some effort into helping Wei Wei, he would be able to study in a better school and would have a better future. He might even get the chance to study abroad.

    No one else in the Wei family could provide him with such a bright future apart from her mom. What Wei Wei cared about was not his aunt¡¯s love and concern. It was the unbridled future that his capable aunt could provide him with that he was concerned about.

    Jiajia was not of age yet but had gradually matured because of the cruel reality around her. She was not naive or a helpless romantic like usual junior high school girls were.

    ¡°You!¡± Wei Wei had not expected that his words would not evoke sympathy orfort from Jiajia. In fact, Jiajia had said the exact same thing her mom had. Hearing her call him a fatherless child made Wei Wei so infuriated that he wanted to punch Jiajia straight in the face.

    Jiajia knew that Wei Wei had been trained by Wei De since he was young and his martial arts skills were rather decent. That was why no one dared to provoke Wei Wei in school. ¡°Why? Do you want to hit me? I dare you to touch me!¡±

 Chapter 1838 - No Need to Worry

    <h4>Chapter 1838: No Need to Worry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you believe that I¡¯ll get you expelled from your high school if you so much as touch a strand of my hair? If you want to benefit from my mom, you¡¯d better act honestly and humbly in front of me. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re trying to show off in front of me. Have you forgotten that this is my mom¡¯s house and not your grandma¡¯s?¡±

    That¡¯s right. It was ¡®her mother¡¯ and ¡®his grandma¡¯. In Jiajia¡¯s heart, Mother Wei was Wei Wei¡¯s grandma, not hers.

    ¡°Why are you speaking to your brother like that?¡± Wei De came out upon hearing how Jiajia was speaking to Wei Wei. Even he wanted to p his daughter. Jiajia was indeed Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter. The way she spoke was exactly the same as Zhai Hua!

    But Zhai Hua supported her daughter. It did not matter that no one else in the world loved Jiajia. Zhai Hua¡¯s love was for Jiajia alone. ¡°Wei Wei, how can you upset your sister as a brother? If you can¡¯t get along with Jiajia, then you¡¯re not wee here. You can behave however you like in the Wei family¡¯s house. That¡¯s your business. But not here in my house!¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua, you¡¯re too much! How can you say that to a child?¡± Wei De¡¯s face darkened. No wonder Jiajia dared to say such things to Xiao Wei. Zhai Hua had taught her to do so.

    Zhai Hua stood by her daughter¡¯s side, allowing her daughter to hold her hand. Without any fear, she stared right back at Wei De. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with what I said? I think I spoke the truth. If you aren¡¯t used to what I said to Wei De, you can take everything that I just said. I¡¯ve left some things unsaid not because I¡¯m unwilling to admit that I was young and foolish but for the sake of everyone. Wei De, if you¡¯re really upset and feel that you can¡¯t stay here, you should just return to the Wei family¡¯s house with Wei Wei. It¡¯s true that you¡¯re more like a family with Wei Wei. Neither Jiajia nor I am part of your family.¡±

    Her words caused Jiajia to cling to Zhai Hua even more closely.

    ¡°You¡¯re already at this age. Jiajia already knows about everything. Even if you¡¯re not frustrated about arguing about Wei Wei all day, I am. Since we can¡¯t seem to get along, let¡¯s not live together anymore. It¡¯s true that it¡¯s difficult to get divorced in the military, but you know my family¡¯s situation too. No matter how difficult it is, we¡¯ll get it done. Don¡¯t worry. Our divorce won¡¯t have an impact on your position as apanymander. You won¡¯t have to take any responsibilities. The Zhai family will take care of the divorce.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Wei De, who had originally intended on kicking up a huge fuss suddenly mellowed at the mention of a divorce. It was true that his position as apanymander would not be affected, but a divorce would mean that he would never be promoted to a deputy battalionmander, battalionmander, or a regimentmander.

    In the short run, his divorce from Zhai Hua might not have any impact on his position as apanymander, but it was hard to say what would happen in the long run.

    So there was no way Wei De would be willing to divorce Zhai Hua. It was not Zhai Hua that he would miss but the career that he would be able to get because of Zhai Hua. ¡°Hua Hua, we¡¯ve been married for such a long time, and Jiajia is also grown up. How could you talk about divorce in front of our kids? Aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll scare Jiajia? I¡¯m sure you know how Xiao Wei was bullied while growing up for having no father. Do you want Jiajia to be bullied like that too? Jiajia is my only daughter. If I don¡¯t love Jiajia, who could I possibly love? I can¡¯t bear for her to go through so much suffering!¡±

    Wei Wei, who had been used as aparison, felt as though someone had stabbed him multiple times, and he was now bleeding uncontrobly. Wei Wei¡¯s face turned red as he burst out of the door. Wei Jiajia was right. This was her home, not his. His home was with his grandma. In the future, he would never visit his uncle¡¯s house anymore to avoid hearing such things about himself.

    ¡°Xiao Wei!¡± Wei De could not let Wei Wei return home alone. Mother Wei¡¯s house was quite a distance away. Even though Wei Wei could take public transport alone, Wei De had always fetched Wei Wei from Mother Wei¡¯s house and sent him home afterward.

    Besides, Wei De¡¯s feelings toward Wei Wei were not purely those of an uncle toward a nephew. It was just that it was better to leave that unsaid. ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done! Why did you have to hurt his heart? He won¡¯t go since you said so! I¡¯m worried about Xiao Wei going home alone. I¡¯ll send him back.¡±

    Grabbing his car keys, Wei De rushed out of the house.

    Zhai Hua was not the least bit surprised that Wei De was only concerned about whether Wei Wei had been hurt at this moment. He had never thought about Jiajia¡¯s feelings. Hugging her daughter¡¯s frail body, Zhai Hua felt utterly guilty. ¡°Jiajia, it¡¯s Mom¡¯s fault.¡±

    She should never have ignored her family¡¯s advice at that time and naively married Wei De, certain that Wei De would give her happiness. It was fine that Wei De had not been able to give her happiness, but why did he have to treat Jiajia in this manner? Was someone else¡¯s son really more important than his own daughter?

    Jiajia sniffled. She was already used to this. ¡°Mom, do you think grandpa and your family will like me?¡± Her paternal grandma and her family did not like her, but she still had her maternal grandparents. ¡°Will they think that I¡¯m a good kid now that we¡¯re going to visit them?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure they will.¡± Zhai Hua kissed her daughter¡¯s face. ¡°You know, if not for... Your grandparents love you very much and have always wanted to see you. They want to have you by their sides. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re still studying and your studies are important. We couldn¡¯t do it in the past, but now that your grandparents are in Ping Cheng, Mom will bring you over to celebrate the new year with them.¡±

    Zhai Hua had no doubt that her parents would genuinely love Jiajia. She knew that the Zhai family would definitely provide Jiajia with the love and affection she craved.

    ¡°Mom, I want to meet grandpa and grandma as soon as possible. I¡¯m already on vacation. Can we meet them tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°All right, we¡¯ll go over tomorrow. I¡¯ll send you over. I¡¯ve already helped you pack your clothes into the luggage in your room. Jiajia, would you be willing if your grandparents want to bring you to the capital to study?¡± She did not believe a single word of Wei De now.

    For her daughter¡¯s future, she should not keep her daughter by her side. It might be better for her parents to bring her daughter to the capital. She was willing to do whatever was best for her daughter.

    ¡°Mom, will you go too?¡± Jiajia was hesitant. It was her first time, after all, so it was only natural that she felt uneasy.

    Zhai Hua hugged her daughter tightly within her embrace. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s still too early to be thinking about it. There¡¯s no hurry to make a decision. Go to bed early tonight so that you¡¯ll have enough energy to meet your grandparents tomorrow. Oh, your uncle is injured, so remember not to bother him too much.¡± Zhai Hua had not forgotten about Zhai Sheng¡¯s injury.

    Before her marriage, Zhai Hua had been closest to Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1839 - Understanding

    <h4>Chapter 1839: Understanding</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But in the end, the rtionship between the siblings had staled because of Wei De¡¯s appearance. For so many years, Zhai Hua had never once admitted defeat to Zhai Sheng. Even now that she knew that Zhai Sheng was recuperating in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, she had not put down her pride to visit Zhai Sheng.

    If not for her daughter as an excuse this time, Zhai Hua might never have mustered up the courage to face her family again.

    People were often like that. People who were typically bold and courageous often became hesitant and indecisive when it came to official matters.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Jiajia¡¯s mood improved now that she knew she was about to meet her grandparents. Upon returning to her room, she saw that her luggage had indeed been filled. Her mom had packed all her clothes on her behalf. Thus, Jiajia simply washed up, brushed her teeth, and went to bed. She knew that she would finally be meeting rtives who were not the Wei family when she awoke the next day.

    Although there was finally peace with Jiajia and Zhai Hua, there was chaos over on the Wei family¡¯s side.

    Wei De had run closely behind Wei Wei the moment he ran out. He had been afraid that Wei Wei would run too quickly and that he would not be able to catch up with Wei Wei. But when he drove out of the gate, he saw Wei Wei waiting for him.

    Wei De heaved a sigh of relief and opened the door for Wei Wei. ¡°You rascal! You have such a hot temper! Do you know how worried I was when you ran out without a word? I¡¯m d you still have some conscience to wait here for me.¡±

    It was actually not because of his conscience but his slyness. He had expected Wei De to leave Jiajia and Zhai Hua to chase after him. It was not as though something like that had not happened in the past. Every time this happened, Wei Wei felt as though he had won against Jiajia, who had a father and a mother, and had a better life than her.

    So what if she had a father? When anything happened to him, his uncle would abandon his daughter to chase after him anyway.

    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re so good to me. How nice it would be if you were my dad.¡± Wei Wei was not only hurt but also angry because he had always been mocked and ridiculed for being fatherless. Today, it had been his aunt, who held the highest position in their family, who had said such a thing. Wei Wei felt that he was being looked down on.

    He wanted a father too. It was not as though he had chosen to be fatherless. ¡°Just how heartless is my father. You and grandma have always been telling me that I¡¯m an outstanding kid, but my dad doesn¡¯t want me. Uncle, I hate my dad. If he everes to acknowledge me as his son in the future, I¡¯ll definitely punch him. You¡¯ll have to save me then.¡±

    Wei Wei knew that it was wrong to beat other people up. If he went too far, he would even have to go to jail. But that did not matter since he had apanymander as his uncle. At that time, his uncle could even be a regimentmander! As long as no one died, it would not be difficult for his uncle to save him from jail.

    Life was blissful as a second-generation official.

    Upon hearing Wei Wei¡¯s hatred toward his father, Wei De¡¯s face subconsciously scrunched up. ¡°Do you really hate your dad that much? Perhaps your dad has his own difficulties and has never given up on you. On the contrary, he might love you very much. Maybe he¡¯s done everything for your good.¡±

    Wei Weiughed dryly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, uncle. You¡¯ve been trying tofort me with these words for years. Do you really think I¡¯m still a three-year-old child who will be appeased by these words? Why haven¡¯t I seen himfort or love me when other children are ridiculing me for being fatherless? Forget it. If I¡¯m fatherless, then so be it. In my heart, you¡¯re my father.¡±

    If his uncle became his father and was good to only him, then Jiajia would not have a father. So what if he was fatherless? He could snatch someone else¡¯s father to be his own andugh at someone who hadughed at him!

    Humph! Who was more pitiful in that case?

    Wei De did not know whether tough or cry at Wei Wei¡¯s words. Wei Wei was still young, after all, and he was only saying such things out of spite. As such, there were some truths that he still had to hide from Wei Wei for the time being. Otherwise, he would have worked hard for nothing all this while. Only by persisting in this moment would Wei Wei have a more stable and secure future.

    For a better future, it was better for Wei Wei to suffer a little now. He still had to keep some secrets to himself. Wei Wei was still young and impulsive. If Wei Wei knew who his biological father was and spilled this secret, there would be no way to salvage the situation.

    Having been married for such a long time, Wei De had changed, and so had Zhai Hua. The couple knew very well how the other had changed. Wei De no longer tried to coax Zhai Hua as he had done when they had been dating, and Zhai Hua was no longer as innocent and easily coaxed or appeased as she had been in the past. The rtionship between the couple had staled a long time ago, and they were now treading on thin ice. With any more agitation, Zhai Hua¡¯s mention of divorce would no longer be a mere warning but reality.

    Wei De sighed. Before reaching his goals, he would have to spend some time and effort in trying to cajole Zhai Hua. Recently, he had been too self-absorbed and had forgotten how to woo Zhai Hua carefully and meticulously. That was why he had not been able to resolve the issue of Wei De¡¯s schooling.

    ¡°Xiao Wei, you¡¯re all grown up. I know that you understand quite a lot. It¡¯s just that you¡¯ve been used to your grandma spoiling and pampering you that you think that your aunt should treat you well because you¡¯re the only son in the Wei family. Apart from your grandma and your parents, it¡¯s only natural that no one else will treat you well. Don¡¯t listen too much to your grandma. Your aunt has quite a fierce temper. It means nothing even if your grandma adores you to death. It¡¯ll be better for you to get your aunt to love you and take care of you like her own son. Xiao Wei, you still have a chance to do so now. Don¡¯t regret not grabbing this opportunity in the future!¡±

    As long as Xiao Wei coaxed Zhai Hua well, he could have whatever he wanted in the future. It was true that his rtionship with Zhai Hua was a little still and that it was difficult for him to get Zhai Hua to listen to him now.

    If he were to anger Zhai Hua again because of Xiao Wei, he might face some trouble bing a deputy battalionmander, let alone solving the issue of Xiao Wei¡¯s schooling. Of course, if Xiao Wei managed to gain Zhai Hua¡¯s affection through his own efforts, there would be no such troubles. ¡°Xiao Wei, you¡¯re smart. I¡¯m sure you know exactly what to do. Stop quarreling with Jiajia in the future. Even if you win an argument with Jiajia, the only one at a disadvantage is you.¡± Xiao Wei should understand such a principle.

    He could only suck up to an aunt like Zhai Hua. She was certainly not someone he could offend.

 Chapter 1840 - Eavesdropped

    <h4>Chapter 1840: Eavesdropped</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Wei Wei, who was already in high school, didn¡¯t need to be taught to understand. After all, there were so many students in school. Wei Wei had often heard topics such as ¡®how much money my dad earns¡¯ and ¡®what kind of official my dad is¡¯ being discussed. Wei Wei realized that as long as he mentioned his aunt, all the students would shut up. Thus, he understood that Zhai Hua was a capable woman.

    It was just that time couldn¡¯t be turned back. He was willing to let bygones be bygones, but his aunt disagreed. ¡°I have tried, but my aunt doesn¡¯t like me. I apologized to her, but she didn¡¯t ept it.¡± Didn¡¯t he pinch Jiajia when he was young and insensible? How many years ago was that? But his aunt still remembered it until today. No wonder his grandma didn¡¯t like his aunt and despised her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before. It depends on how capable you are for your aunt to reept you and treat you as her son again. If you make it, you¡¯ll lead a happier and easier life than me in the future. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be able to escape from tasting the bitterness I experienced back when I was young.¡± If he couldn¡¯t be promoted to the regimentmander¡¯s position, he wouldn¡¯t be able to make a good arrangement for Xiao Wei in the future.

    Wei Wei felt distressed. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll think of ways again to see how I can resolve the conflict between me and Jiajia. Aunt cares about Jiajia the most. If Jiajia is willing to treat me as a biological brother, I think aunt wouldn¡¯t treat me too harshly.¡±

    Sigh. He didn¡¯t understand it. His grandma had taught him since he was a child that girls weren¡¯t valuable and that Jiajia, who was a money-losing daughter, wasn¡¯t as important as him. Why was it that when he grew up, he had to please a girl instead?

    Indeed, grandsons or granddaughters weren¡¯t important. What was important was to have good parents!

    After Wei De sent Wei Wei off, he didn¡¯t leave immediately. Instead, he pulled Mother Wei into the room for a chat. ¡°Mom, do you still want the best for me and Xiao Wei?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± She wanted this even in her dreams. ¡°If I don¡¯t, would I let you marry Zhai Hua, that old woman whom no one wanted, and cause Xiao Wei to be a fatherless child since young? Do you know how many times Xiao Wei had fought with others as they hadughed at him for being fatherless?¡±

    Her grandson had really suffered huge grievances.

    Wei Wei, who coincidentally came over to find Mother Wei, was about to open the door when he heard Mother Wei¡¯s words. In the Wei family, Wei Wei had the biggest say. He never had to knock on anyone¡¯s door upon entering. This habit was naturally formed because of Mother Wei.

    Wei Wei was stunned. Didn¡¯t grandma say that his mother had an affair with a man outside and then gave birth to him? Why did his grandma¡¯s words sound like he had known who his father was all along?

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t say such words often in the future. If anyone hears them, there will be trouble. Do you know that Zhai Hua has always been angry that you only treat Xiao Wei well andpletely ignored Jiajia? She even mentioned that she wanted a divorce today.¡± Wei De had a headache. If it was possible, he didn¡¯t want anyone to mention his real rtionship with Wei Wei.

    His ¡®sister¡¯ was honest. Even if she was resented and hated by Wei Wei, she never mentioned the topic of ¡®father¡¯ in front of the children. Instead, in order to make him feel guiltier toward Wei Wei, his mom had mentioned this matter from time to time to stimte him.

    If he didn¡¯t do so back then, it would be a problem for him to be a toon leader today, let alone apanymander. Who knows? He might even be forced to retire early because of his poor performance. How then would the Wei family be able to lead a good life today, and how would his mom be able to be an old privileged woman?

    This topic was a taboo in their Wei family. His mom was really confused.

    Mother Wei looked embarrassed. ¡°I didn¡¯t say it to anyone outside. Aren¡¯t we at our own house where there are only the both of us? I feel wronged for Xiao Wei. If there were others around, I wouldn¡¯t have mentioned this.¡± She wasn¡¯t a fool.

    ¡°Wait a minute. You said that Zhai Hua wants to divorce you. How thick-skinned is she to mention that to you? Even if someone should mention it, it should be you! If you hadn¡¯t married her back then, who else could she have married given her age? Now that she¡¯s married and has children, she wouldn¡¯t be able to find another man after getting a divorce. She wants to divorce? Is she insane?¡± Once Mother Wei started speaking, she degraded Zhai Huapletely. It was as if Wei De was no different from a garbage collector when he married Zhai Hua back then.

    Wei De rubbed his temples and sat down. ¡°Okay, Mom. Don¡¯t use this set of rhetoric in front of others. Back then, if I didn¡¯t pretend to be a grandson, how would I pursue Zhai Hua sessfully? The women from the Zhai family aren¡¯t eager to get married. As long as the Zhai family is willing, Zhai Hua could get married a third or fourth time, let alone a second time. The men she finds might even be stronger than me.¡±

    This was the truth. This was the benefit of having power!

    As such, he wasn¡¯t willing to take this lying down and admit defeat. In this lifetime, he had such a huge difference with Zhai Hua. He had to pretend to be a grandson to marry Zhai Hua. Regardless of the number of times Zhai Hua was married, someone would still want her. How unfair was this reality?

    He had already experienced such a lifestyle. He didn¡¯t want his son or his son¡¯s son to be the same as him, living without dignity and face. To sacrifice his generation so that the generations after would lead a good life, Wei De felt that everything he had suffered was worth it.

    After hearing what her son said, Mother Wei didn¡¯t feel good in her heart. How good was her son? Compared to others, especially with Zhai Hua, he was onlycking in terms of family background. Her wonderful son was ruined by an old woman like Zhai Hua, but the Zhai family wasn¡¯t grateful and even bullied Ah De. On what basis? That the Zhai family had a high status?

    If their family had a high status as well, that old woman from the Zhai family would just be waiting to die alone. Hadn¡¯t she relied on the Zhai family¡¯s status at her age as well? Did she really think that she was an eighteen-year-old youngdy whom everyone was vying for?

    ¡°Okay, since you don¡¯t like to listen, I won¡¯t say it anymore. As long as you and Xiao Wei lead a good life in the future, I don¡¯t have any other expectations in this lifetime. You and Xiao Wei are the most important people in my life. Nothing is more important than you father-and-son pair being well. Starting today, if I see Zhai Hua in the future, I¡¯ll treat her and Jiajia better. I¡¯ll treat that mother-and-daughter pair like ancestors to coax them. Will that do?¡±

    As long as she did this, the Zhai family would be willing to return like for like and treat her son and grandson better. If that was the case, it wasn¡¯t impossible for her to treat Zhai Hua and her daughter the same way. What she wanted was reciprocity. They could continue to be rtives if everyone was more polite with one another.

    The Zhai family treated her son well. She would treat the Zhai family¡¯s daughter well. The logic was that simple.

    ¡°Oh...¡± Wei Wei was stunned. What did his grandma¡¯s word mean? What was meant by ¡®you father-and-son pair¡¯?

 Chapter 1841 - I Hate Them

    <h4>Chapter 1841: I Hate Them</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    That was to say, not only was he not a child with an unknown father but his uncle was his dad. However, was this possible?

    Wasn¡¯t his mom his uncle¡¯s sister? If his mom was together with his uncle, what would that be?

    Before Wei Wei could exim, someone had covered his mouth and pulled him away. When he was forced to return to his room, Wei Wei realized that the person who had pulled him back was none other than his mom, Wei Xiaomei. ¡°Mom?¡± Was everything he heard just now true?

    Wei Xiaomei touched her son¡¯s head. One had to know that Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t dare to do this in the past as she knew that her son hated her and didn¡¯t like her touch. However, today was different. Her son knew about the grievances she had suffered all along. She believed that her son could understand her now. ¡°How many years has it been, Xiao Wei? You¡¯re finally willing to be close to Mom again.¡±

    When she said this, Wei Xiaomei cried. She often pondered whether the decision she had made that year was correct or wrong. In the face of her precious son¡¯s look of hatred, how would a mother not feel heartache?

    It was just that she didn¡¯t have a choice. In this lifetime, she didn¡¯t have much of a choice. She couldn¡¯t choose her birth or the family she was living in when she was young. Simrly, when she got married to Wei De, she didn¡¯t have a choice as she was raised by the Wei family since she was young and didn¡¯t have any chance to reject anything.

    Thinking back of when she was young, she really didn¡¯t understand after knowing Zhai Hua¡¯s existence. She and Wei De had obviously held a banquet, and she had officially married him to be his wife. Why did she be that shameless woman who couldn¡¯t be seen in public and had to be Wei De¡¯s sister in name in the end?

    Before Zhai Hua¡¯s appearance, her son was the most favored grandson in the Wei family. After Zhai Hua¡¯s appearance, although her son was still the Wei family¡¯s grandson, he became a ¡®fatherless¡¯ child. Aftering over to Ping Cheng, he was often bullied by other children.

    Upon thinking of her son¡¯s sufferings, Wei Xiaomei felt heartache for her son. As such, even if her son, who didn¡¯t know the truth and thought that she was indecent to give birth to a fatherless him, hated her, Wei Xiaomei was never calctive with him.

    Finally, her son no longer rejected her touch. Wei Xiaomei felt happy in her heart. ¡°Xiao Wei, you must remember not to think of anything now. Those matters, your uncle¡ªno, your father and grandma will do them on your behalf. You would still be how you were like before. You¡¯re still young and don¡¯t have to know so much. Most importantly, you have to make yourself forget everything that happened today. You should also understand how serious the consequences would be if outsiders know about what you have found out today. We have worked hard for over ten years. We can¡¯t let everything go to waste now.¡±

    ¡°Mom, is uncle really my dad?¡± He had a father. He was no longer a fatherless child. ¡°You and my uncle?¡±

    ¡°Mom is a child adopted by the Wei family. I¡¯m not rted by blood with your father. You know what a child bride is, right? Mom is something like that. As I¡¯ve grown up in the Wei family, the Zhai family didn¡¯t find anything unusual when they performed checks on me and thought that I was really your father¡¯s sister. Xiao Wei, we¡¯ve hidden this from you for so many years. You should understand our painstaking efforts. We did this for your own good. Can you ept it?¡± Wei Xiaomei was filled with emotions as she held her son¡¯s hand.

    She kept thinking when her son would finally know the truth and understand everything she had done for him. She had never done anything sorry to the Wei family, let alone embarrass the Wei family or smear the Wei family¡¯s reputation.

    The Wei family had smeared their reputation themselves. She was the most pitiful. She didn¡¯t do anything wrong but wasbeled a bad woman by everyone. Even until now, Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t understand what wrong she had done to suffer so much since she was young. She didn¡¯t even know who her biological parents were. Now, her son was like her. He had a father but could only be a ¡®fatherless¡¯ child.

    ¡°Mom, why?¡± His mom wasn¡¯t his uncle¡¯s sister, and his uncle was actually his father. Their family¡¯s rtionship was legal. On what basis did he be a fatherless child since young? Upon thinking that Wei Jiajia and Zhai Hua had snatched away his father and the happiness that belonged to their family, Wei Wei was filled with hatred.

    ¡°Why?¡± Wei Xiaomei curled her lips and mocked herself. ¡°I¡¯m just an abandoned baby raised by the Wei family. If not for the poor conditions of the Wei family back then and that I¡¯m a female whom they could get as a daughter-inw for free in the future, would the Wei family have raised me up? Your mom is an abandoned baby and Zhai Hua is the old chief¡¯s daughter. Given the Wei family¡¯s background, if your dad didn¡¯t be a soldier, he wouldn¡¯t have the blessing to meet the old chief¡¯s daughter. How would your dad not grab hold of this rare opportunity? As such, you became a fatherless child and I became an indecent woman.¡±

    How good was it to have a chief as a father? All men woulde knocking on their door. They wouldn¡¯t even want their sons.

    ¡°Mom, I hate them. I hate the Zhai family!¡± Wei Wei clenched his fists. It was the Zhai family who had robbed him of his happiness and a childhood without any worries.

    Wei Xiaomei sighed. She was unwilling to leave and always stayed here as she was afraid her son would have this mindset. Wei Xiaomei pulled Wei Wei over and sat down. Both of them had a chat. ¡°Xiao Wei, do you know why I shared so much with you? I was afraid you would have such irrational thoughts. You always thought that mom had done something bad in the past and caused you to be embarrassed. That was why you weren¡¯t willing to be close to me. I don¡¯t me you for that as the Wei family had caused this to happen. However, I¡¯m afraid every time I see you hanging out with your grandma so often. When you said such words, I knew that my worries were not unfounded. Your grandma has led you astray.¡±

    Her son was in high school and was about to reach adulthood. How would he have such irrational thoughts otherwise?

    Wei Wei suppressed the anger in his heart. ¡°Mom, what do you mean by those words? Don¡¯t you hate the Zhai family? If not for the Zhai family, you would be my dad¡¯s wife and I would be a child with a father.¡± He didn¡¯t believe that his mother didn¡¯t feel any resentment at all that Zhai Hua¡¯s appearance caused her to be a woman who couldn¡¯t be seen in public.

    Wei Xiaomei smiled coldly. ¡°How could that be? However, what can I do? If the Zhai family knew that I¡¯m Wei De¡¯s wife and gave birth to you... Do you think your dad is an immortal and the Zhai family¡¯s daughter could only get married to him if she had no one else to marry? Didn¡¯t your grandma tell the Zhai family that I¡¯m your father¡¯s sister to hide this matter?¡±

 Chapter 1842 - Confused by the Contradiction

    <h4>Chapter 1842: Confused by the Contradiction</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The Zhai family isn¡¯t aware of this matter. If they did, Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t have married your father. Until now, the Zhai family still doesn¡¯t know about this.¡±

    Although Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t want to say it, the meaning she expressed was very clear. Compared to her, the Zhai family was considered a victim too. The Zhai family didn¡¯t have to use power to snatch Wei De away as a son-inw. Wei De wasn¡¯t that outstanding, and the Zhai family wasn¡¯t willing to do such immoral things.

    Everything was based on Wei De¡¯s deception to the Zhai family. If the Zhai family knew that Wei De had a wife and a child, they would naturally ask him to get lost as far as possible.

    ¡°I saw your recent performance, and I know you have already understood how helpful having an aunt like Zhai Hua would be. If your father didn¡¯t marry Zhai Hua, the Wei family wouldn¡¯t have today and your father couldn¡¯t possibly be apanymander. All of these were the Zhai family¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s blessings. Do you understand?¡±

    The purpose and significance of Wei De marrying Zhai Huay in this.

    ¡°Mom, do you mean that the Zhai family is a victim as well and the party who has done wrong is our family? If you really think that way, why didn¡¯t you tell the Zhai family the truth and snatch your husband back?¡± As long as his mom said it, the Zhai family would definitely make his aunt leave his dad. Even if the Zhai family didn¡¯t talk about it, based on his aunt¡¯s temper, she might not be able to tolerate this matter anyway.

    Wei Xiaomei clenched her fists. ¡°Why? Why would I do that?¡± Toward the end, Wei Xiaomei¡¯s eyes turned red and her tone was full of resentment. ¡°Heaven has never been fair to me and treated me kindly. I finally resigned to fate and wanted to lead a life with your father. However, heaven arranged for him to meet Zhai Hua, and both of them even became a couple. Since heaven never wants me to lead a good life, on what basis should I be a good person and tell the Zhai family everything? You should still have an impression of your childhood, right? The Wei family¡¯s conditions weren¡¯t good. If the Zhai family knew about your father¡¯s rtionship with me, what meaning is there to snatch him back?¡±

    Wei Wei became silent. Even though he couldn¡¯t remember it clearly, he more or less had some impression. The house in the countryside was in tatters. As they reared chickens, the muddy yard was always full of chicken shit.

    When Wei Wei was young, his living environment had always been like this, so he didn¡¯t feel that anything was amiss. However, it was different now. Wei Wei lived in a high-rise building. His house was full of clean floor tiles and wooden boards, and the walls were white-washed. Upon recalling the living conditions in the countryside, Wei Wei shuddered, signaling that he couldn¡¯t ept it.

    ¡°If this matter is exposed, your father would no longer be a soldier and could only return to the countryside to farm. If I keep your father, my husband, I won¡¯t be able to live in a big house and lead a good life. Most importantly, it doesn¡¯t matter how much I¡¯ve suffered, but Xiao Wei, you can¡¯t. I can¡¯t bear for you to suffer so much. Mom hopes that you can enjoy all the blessings I¡¯ve never managed to enjoy. Even if Zhai Hua changes in the future,pared to the past, I feel that everything I did is worthwhile.¡±

    Indeed, her son had led a different life from her. For her son, everything was worth it.

    ¡°The Zhai family didn¡¯t figure out what kind of person your father is and was conned by him. That has nothing to do with me. I was brought up by the Wei family. I can¡¯t betray the Wei family. I was stupid to be cheated by the Wei family and your father. I can¡¯t put the me on others. Xiao Wei, you must remember that we aren¡¯t viins. However, we are not obliged to be extremely good people too. All these years, we have never suffered. As such, what we are enjoying now is what we deserve. Do you understand?¡±

    There were gains only if there were sacrifices. She and her son had sacrificed and were wronged for over ten years. The life that they were leading now was what they deserved. She enjoyed it with peace of mind.

    Wei Xiaomei might not have been highly educated, but she was used to the hard days since she was young. Some of her thoughts were still quite mature. She knew that the Zhai family couldn¡¯t be med for this, and all of these happened due to Wei De¡¯s greed and Mother Wei¡¯s instigation. As such, the mother-and-son pair and the Zhai family were cheated and hurt. Wei De and his mother really did a good job at deceiving everyone.

    Even if everyone were victims, Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t feel that she was obliged to fight alongside the Zhai family to get everything back. Wei De wasn¡¯t reliable as a husband. Instead, the benefits the Zhai family brought to Wei De were more reliable, rewarding all her sufferings.

    After confirming this, Wei Xiaomei had never said a word for so many years as she tolerated her son¡¯s hostile look of hatred. Even after Wei De had fetched Wei Wei over to Ping Cheng and left her alone in the countryside, Wei Xiaomei had gritted her teeth and endured everything.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Wei Xiaomei¡¯s words sounded normal, and there weren¡¯t any words that were hard to understand. However, it was still a bit difficult for Wei Wei to understand the meaning of these words. ¡°Mom?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still young, and the knowledge you¡¯ve gained is from the textbooks. It¡¯s inevitable that your thoughts are simpler and you think that everything is either ck or white. However, it¡¯s fine. You will understand in the future. Remember Mom¡¯s words. Don¡¯t hate the Zhai family and don¡¯t pick on Jiajia. However, you don¡¯t have to feel guilty toward the Zhai family as well. You lost a ¡®father¡¯ to enjoy everything today. The Zhai family didn¡¯t give you this for free. However, don¡¯t be so stupid like your grandma to scheme against others and even say that they are useless.¡±

    It was rare for her to have this opportunity. Wei Xiaomei shared all her ways of doing things with her son.

    Wei Xiaomei said these words pretty coldly. Undeniably, her mentality was indeed the best for her and Wei Wei¡¯s life. If she guarded Wei De, she could only farm in the countryside. If she silently agreed to Wei De marrying Zhai Hua, she only had to tolerate hardship for a few more years. Look. Wasn¡¯t she living in a big house and wearing new clothes now? Her son was in high school as well.

    She had already suffered for more than twenty years. How couldn¡¯t she tolerate the remaining few years? She had suffered for thirty years in total. However, thanks to the Zhai family, she managed to regain a good life for ten years.

    Wei Xiaomei, who knew how to be calctive, knew that she had benefited regardless.

    Wei Wei plucked a few strands of hair from his head. ¡°Mom, let me take a break. I¡¯m feeling confused. How should I think about this matter?¡± Indeed, Wei Wei was confused by what the textbooks had taught him about this world. He never knew that his mom had operated in this manner.

    He faintly felt that his mom was right. However, he felt extremely ufortable in his heart. A lot of thoughts were contradictory now.

 Chapter 1843 - I Only Like You

    <h4>Chapter 1843: I Only Like You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Okay, Mom shan¡¯t disturb you anymore. I¡¯ll leave you alone to think this through carefully. However, remember this. Even if you know that your uncle is your father, you must not express this in front of the Zhai family. Even if your father really bes a regimentmander, if the Zhai family is unhappy, it¡¯s very easy for them to pull your father down from that position and make us lead the lifestyle from the past, let alone that he¡¯s just apanymander now. Remember Mom¡¯s words. Don¡¯t be as stupid as your grandma. We must never offend the Zhai family. Understand?¡±

    In reality, seeing that a big shot like the Zhai family was deceived by Wei De and she was hiding the truth, Wei Xiaomei felt a contorted sense of satisfaction as she watched how the Zhai family made a fool of themselves. Even if she was a lowborn, she felt great that she had surpassed the Zhai family.

    ¡°I understand. I will definitely not bully Jiajia anymore in the future.¡± This time around, Wei Wei said his heartfelt words. He always felt imbnced. Why did Jiajia have parents and such a formidable grandpa? If all of these were his, how good would that be?

    Now, he knew that Wei Jiajia¡¯s father was his father. However, the Zhai family¡¯s blood flowed in Wei Jiajia but not him. If he dared to bully Wei Jiajia, the Zhai family would definitely not have a good impression of him. As such, his father might even be implicated by him then and wouldn¡¯t be epted by the Zhai family.

    The Zhai family was their Wei family¡¯s backing. They must not offend the Zhai family. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. As long as I¡¯m around, I¡¯ll persuade grandma. She listens to me the most.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand.¡± Seeing that her son was enlightened, Wei Xiaomei felt that the day she had been waiting for was finally here. The clouds dispersed and she could see the sun. It was fine as long as her son knew about her hardship and persistence. When she turned old and her son became sessful in life in the future, her real good days would certainlye!

    As such, as humans, one should always set their sights further. What meaning was there to fight for a man like Wei De, who only knew how to climb up by pulling his wife¡¯s skirt? Raising a lovable and promising son was more useful than finding a hundred men like Wei De!

    Wei De and Mother Wei didn¡¯t know that not only did Wei Wei find out about his rtionship with Wei De, but Wei Xiaomei had also shared such shocking words with Wei Wei.

    After all, they had some disagreement previously. The next day, when he went to Qingshui Town to see Zhai Yaohui and the rest, Wei De regretted that he didn¡¯t bring Wei Wei along. He thought that if there was a chance next year, he might be able to do so.

    ¡°Uncle, aunt, Jiajia, have fun. Don¡¯t be in a rush toe back. Jiajia, don¡¯t be angry with me. I wasn¡¯t willing to agree in the past that girls are more mature than boys. Now, it seems like I wasn¡¯t like an older brother at all. After you return from Qingshui Town, I¡¯ll apologize to you and treat you to a meal. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Before the family left for Qingshui Town, Wei Wei happily came over to send the family of three off. He even helped Jiajia carry the suitcases and put them in the trunk of the car. Wei Wei¡¯s hardworking attitude scared Jiajia. She had known since young that she had an older brother. However, this was the first time she encountered something like this. ¡°Wei Wei, did you take the wrong medicine?¡±

    This brother-and-sister pair was considered to be in a harmonious rtionship if they didn¡¯t confront each other with daggers all day. For them to love, protect, and rely on each other like how other brother-and-sister pairs were, that was something that would definitely not happen to Wei Wei and Wei Jiajia.

    Wei Jiajia couldn¡¯t help but size up Wei Wei¡¯s face. ¡°If you aren¡¯t feeling well, go back to rest and remember to see a doctor.¡± Was Wei Wei running a fever, causing him to burn his brains?

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, Jiajia. I am pretty good and feeling great. Nothing¡¯s wrong with me. Uncle, remember to drive carefully on the roads. Slow down and don¡¯t hurry. Actually, Jiajia has a bit of motion sickness. If you drive and stop, stop and drive, it would be easy for Jiajia to feel ufortable. Uncle, you must pay more attention to her.¡±

    Wei Wei had a total change of attitude toward Jiajia. Wei De was pleasantly surprised, let alone Jiajia, who couldn¡¯t adapt to it. ¡°Okay. Indeed, you¡¯re a man who¡¯s about to be a year older. You know how to take care of your sister and not to throw tantrums anymore. Uncle is really happy that you¡¯re sensible. Don¡¯t worry. Jiajia is uncle¡¯s only precious daughter. How could I not take good care of her? Have a good time with your grandma and your mom at home. If you want to eat anything, just get your grandma to prepare them.¡±

    If the rtionship between Xiao Wei and Jiajia could be improved so that they were like biological siblings, he could worry a lot less in the future. If he wanted to bring Xiao Wei over to the Zhai family, it would be more justifiable.

    He didn¡¯t believe that Zhai Hua would reject his request. However, Zhai Hua would reject her daughter¡¯s request if Jiajia wanted to bring Xiao Wei along. ¡°Hua Hua, take a look. I¡¯ve said it before that Xiao Wei was young and ignorant in the past and was probably not suited to be an older brother then. Now, he¡¯s enlightened. Look how well he¡¯s treating Jiajia. I believe that their rtionship will keep getting better in the future. Jiajia, as an older brother, Xiao Wei has already lowered his head to you. Don¡¯t go too overboard and bully him. It¡¯s about time you check on your temper too.¡±

    Upon thinking of how they used to be at loggerheads with each other, Wei De immediately warned Jiajia to not go overboard. In short, if Wei Wei was willing to lower his head, Jiajia had to ept with pleasure and not throw tantrums. All the decision rights were with Wei Wei, and Jiajia had no right to refuse.

    There was something Wei Wei was right about. In this aspect, girls really matured earlier than boys.

    Her biological father handed all the decision rights to Wei Wei. She was like a puppet in Wei Wei¡¯s hands and could only react in response to Wei Wei¡¯s actions. As such, Jiajia felt very irritated. On what basis?!

    Wei Jiajia couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Dad, actually, you¡¯re the same as grandma. You like sons and not daughters, right?¡±

    ¡°Why would you say that?¡± Wei De felt a little guilty. Of course, daughters couldn¡¯t bepared to sons. ¡°Your mom and I only have you as a child. Regardless of whether you are a daughter or a son, I will dote on you the most.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Jiajia didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Why don¡¯t I feel that? I feel that you treat Wei Wei better than me.¡± Otherwise, why did her father never ask Wei Wei to take care of her more and not to bully her? Instead, he always asked her to understand Wei Wei and said that it wasn¡¯t easy for Wei Wei.

    Her mom said that when she was young, Wei Wei had secretly pinched her behind everyone¡¯s back until she cried. She wouldn¡¯t think of such a thing and wouldn¡¯t bother herself to do it. However, Wei Wei had done so.

    In her opinion, her father liked the fatherless Wei Wei more than her, the only daughter. In her father¡¯s heart, it was obvious that a son was more valuable than a daughter.

 Chapter 1844 - Entering the Zhai Familyâ€™s House

    <h4>Chapter 1844: Entering the Zhai Family¡¯s House</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter how valuable Wei Wei was, he was not her dad¡¯s son anyway. What was the point of her dad cing so much importance on Wei Wei? Instead of paying attention to someone else¡¯s son, he might as well treat his own daughter well. Wei Jiajia could not understand her father¡¯s mindset.

    ¡°Nonsense! The one I love most apart from your mom is you! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask your mom!¡± There was no way Wei De would admit to cing more emphasis on Wei Wei. Zhai Hua had more than onceined to him about this matter, and she hadined so much that she saw no point in doing so anymore.

    But in front of their child, Wei De believed that Zhai Hua would be on his side and would help him. Even if it was just to coax their daughter, she would not let her daughter get upset over such a trivial matter during the new year period.

    This time, however, Zhai Hua refused to cooperate with him. ¡°Why are you asking me about this? Jiajia is all grown up and has the ability to judge for herself. Even if she doesn¡¯t understand some things now, she¡¯ll eventually understand whatever I teach her. It¡¯s best for Jiajia to think about all that when she grows older.¡± Besides, she felt that what Jiajia had said was the truth.

    Agreeing to celebrate the new year with her family was the first step Zhai Hua was taking to correct her mistake of getting together with Wei De. People said that the first step was almost the hardest. With Wei De¡¯s help, Zhai Hua managed to take the first step. That meant that everything else that followed would be a breeze.

    She was not an orphan. Besides her daughter, Jiajia, she had her father, her mother, and her younger brother, Zhai Sheng. How had she managed to live all these years and get herself into such a terrible state? If someone had told her that her life would be in such ruins ten years ago, she would never have believed that person and might very well have beaten that person up.

    Because her mother had not taken her father¡¯s bait to lie to her, Wei Jiajia was ted at being respected. She held Zhai Hua¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Mom, how are grandma¡¯s and grandpa¡¯s tempers? Should I take note of anything?¡±

    Both she and her mom had led ratherfortable lives in the Wei family because of this impressive family that her mom had. As such, she had to form a strong bond with her grandma¡¯s family. She knew that Wei Wei had wanted to tag along to go to Qingshui Town. Her grandma had even wanted her father to bring only Wei Wei, and not her!

    She understood her grandma¡¯s intentions without even using her brain.

    Her mom had said that only she was the Zhai family¡¯s grandchild. Wei Wei had nothing to do with the Zhai family. Why would her grandparents favor a child who had nothing to do with their family instead of her? No matter how brilliant Wei Wei was, the Zhai family would not be so foolish and ignorant as to not know who was an outsider. Besides, Wei Wei had never been an outstanding child.

    Caressing her daughter¡¯s hair, Zhai Huaughed. ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything special or watch out for anything. Your grandparents will love you all the same.¡± Zhai Hua was confident about that.

    ¡°Mom, grandma and grandpa are great!¡± They were much better than her paternal grandma.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Hua answered sourly. Had it not been for her tantrum at that time and Wei De coaxing her, her family should have met with her daughter long ago. In that case, even if Jiajia could not get the favor and love of her paternal grandparents, she would at least bring joy to her maternal grandparents.

    The situation would be unlike how it was now, and the Zhai family was clearly fond of Jiajia. But Jiajia was uneasy because she had never met the Zhai family. ¡°If you like it, you can always go over to stay with your grandma in the future. I¡¯ll send you over. Your grandma loves youngdies like you. When I was younger, I was a tomboy and did not like to wear dresses or put on makeup. I refused to wear any of those pretty clothes that your grandma bought for me. With a little princess like you, your grandma will have a lot of work to do in the future.¡±

    ¡°Mom, does grandma like you more than my uncle?¡± With Wei Wei¡¯s presence, Wei Jiajia understood that grandsons were different from granddaughters. Moreover, having been in school for a long time, she knew that this was the case in many of her ssmates¡¯ families as well.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes reddened and her voice nearly choked. ¡°It¡¯s not just your grandpa and grandma. Actually, your great-grandpa loved me more than your uncle too.¡± Even though the men in the Zhai family were not expressive with their words, they were naturally gentler and more caring toward the females in the family. It was just that she had been too young at that time and had simply believed what a certain someone had ¡®said¡¯ and thus had never thought about what her family had done for her.

    Upon receiving confirmation from her mother, Wei Jiajia was even more excited to meet her grandma.

    Wei De, who had been listening to the conversation between the mother and daughter, felt bitter in his heart. He had always felt that Zhai Hua shared a special bond with Jiajia and was always excluding him. He felt as though he was no more than a hired chauffeur.

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Seeing an unfamiliar structure in a familiar environment, Zhai Hua had almost failed to recognize her old home where Old Master Zhai had raised Zhai Sheng and her.

    Wei Jiajia alighted from the car to take a look. ¡°Wow, this ce is huge. I guess this must be the courtyard.¡± How interesting.

    ¡°Yes, the courtyard. Your mom grew up here in the courtyard.¡± It was only when she got married to Wei De that she bid farewell to the courtyard. Seeing the ce where she had gotten sick and tired of as a child, Zhai Hua found herself reminiscing about the good old days.

    Seeing the closed door, Zhai Hua took a few steps forward with her daughter and hesitated for a moment. She was filled with mixed emotions now that she was standing at the door. Zhai Hua could not help but feel timid and feel the urge to leave.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mom?¡± Wei Jiajia looked at Zhai Hua in confusion, not understanding why her mom was not knocking on the door or calling her grandma to the door.

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Hua wanted to suggest looking for somewhere else to stay in Qingshui Town for the night before returning the next day. But right at that moment, the door opened.

    Of course, it was not that that person was omniscient and hade to open the door specially for Zhai Hua¡¯s family. It was just that Qiao Nan had been so frightened by the whole Zhai family¡¯s strange attitudes that she had goose bumps all over. Even Xiao Zhao was especially hospitable toward her. With nowhere else to go, Qiao Nan had decided to leave with the excuse that she was heading out to buy some things so that she would have a moment to herself.

    What Qiao Nan had not expected was that she would bump into another ¡®old acquaintance¡¯ at the door¡ªher sister-inw, who was also her best friend, Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you¡¯re here?! Why didn¡¯t you make a call beforeing? No one knows that you¡¯re here! Hurry on in. I heard that it¡¯s going to snow soon. If you left anyter, I guess you wouldn¡¯t even have made it here.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t... I... You...¡±

    Zhai Hua, who was being pulled into the house by Qiao Nan, was utterly confused. Was this not the Zhai family¡¯s house?

 Chapter 1845 - Happy New Year

    <h4>Chapter 1845: Happy New Year</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Although the house was newly constructed, she had clearly seen the Zhai family¡¯s name on the gate. She was not illiterate and could still recognize her surname.

    The problem was that she did not remember having such a person in her family. And that person even addressed her affectionately as ¡®Sister Zhai Hua¡¯! Zhai Hua might have retired from the military, but her martial arts skills were not so poor to the point that she was unable to get out of Qiao Nan¡¯s grip. It was just that Zhai Hua did not feel that the other party harbored any ill intentions. Her warm wee was genuine and sincere, so there was no need to try to get away.

    There was suddenly someone in the Zhai family whom she had never met in her life yet was being so friendly toward her. Did this not mean that her parents still cared very much about her as a daughter, and Zhai Sheng about his sister? That was why the hired help in the family recognized her!

    ¡°Mom, auntie, wait for me!¡± Wei Jiajia smiled. Her mom was right! Her grandma¡¯s family was indeed nice and weing toward her mom. It was a pity that her grandma¡¯s family did not recognize her. Otherwise, they would treat her no differently.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Qiao Nan was momentarily stunned. She stopped in her tracks and looked back at the youngdy who bore some resemnce to the rest of the Zhai family. ¡°Is that Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°Yes, auntie. I¡¯m Jiajia. Hello, happy new year.¡± Jiajia smiled. She had yet to introduce herself, but the auntie already knew her name! Her grandma¡¯s family was truly amazing!

    ¡°Wow, Jiajia! You¡¯re all grown up. You¡¯re just as beautiful as your mom! I¡¯m sorry for not recognizing you earlier. I didn¡¯t even dare to call you earlier because you¡¯re as beautiful as a flower!¡± Seeing Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter, Jiajia, who should have been a son, Xiao Bao, Qiao Nan was in a frenzy and her words showed.

    She had never met Jiajia, and neither did she have much understanding of Jiajia. But her words had created a pleasant misunderstanding with Zhai Hua and Jiajia.

    Wei Jiajia had only interacted with her rtives from her paternal side, but she had few rtives on that side, and even then, they favored Wei Wei. Only Wei Wei would be treated in this manner. Today, Wei Jiajia was overjoyed that she was finally being treated in this manner. ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re joking with me. You¡¯re the beautiful one.¡±

    Why hadn¡¯t her mom told her that there was such a beautiful auntie in her grandma¡¯s house? Right, who was she?

    In the face of her daughter¡¯s curious gaze, Zhai Hua felt exceptionally awkward. She could not possibly tell her daughter that she had never had much contact with her family all these years. As such, she had no answer as to who this woman who gave off a good feeling was and what rtionship she had with the Zhai family.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Sister Zhai Hua hase with Jiajia!¡± The sight of Zhai Hua had truly excited Qiao Nan so much so that she had forgotten that she had wanted to leave, and instead, shouted at Zhai Sheng toe out.

    Qiao Nan had indeed never met Jiajia, but she had heard Zhai Sheng mention that Zhai Hua had a daughter named Jiajia.

    Upon hearing that Zhai Hua and Jiajia had arrived, Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction was rather normal, but Miao Jing was exceptionally excited. She left her husband behind and rushed straight out of the door. ¡°Where¡¯s grandma¡¯s Jiajia?¡± Seeing the youngdy standing by her daughter¡¯s side, Miao Jing burst into tears. ¡°Jiajia, you¡¯re really Jiajia. You look so much prettier than you are in the photos!¡±

    Miao Jing could not resist hugging Jiajia in her arms. Seeing that Jiajia was almost as tall as she was, Miao Jing¡¯s tears fell uncontrobly. ¡°You¡¯re all grown up...¡± She had not even gotten the chance to carry Jiajia when she was young and had yet to learn to walk. Now that she had finally met Jiajia, she did not have the strength to carry Jiajia anymore.

    Zhai Hua saw the regret in Miao Jing¡¯s eyes clearly. At this moment, Zhai Hua could not help but me herself. Wei De had been afraid that Jiajia would have deep feelings for the Zhai couple if she were to grow up under their watch and that she might reject Wei Wei. That was why she had listened to him when he coaxed her by saying that Jiajia was still young and would only be a burden to her parents.

    At that time, she should not have stubbornly held a grudge against her parents because of their disapproval of her marriage to Wei De. She should never have stopped her parents from visiting Jiajia or letting them hold her. She had been too selfish.

    ¡°Grandma.¡± Feeling that Miao Jing¡¯s feelings toward her werepletely different from those of her paternal grandma, Jiajia could feel tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°Grandma, grandma.¡±

    ¡°Jiajia, grandma¡¯s precious Jiajia. You must spend more time with grandma this time. I¡¯ve missed you all these years. Of course, now that you¡¯re all grown up, I won¡¯t be able to carry you even if I want to. Jiajia, do you resent me for never having carried you?¡±

    ¡°Grandma, I like you very much.¡± She had grown up with her paternal grandma. She had always seen her grandma carry Wei Wei, but her grandma had never once carried her.

    Even though both of them had never hugged her, Jiajia knew that her maternal grandma was different from her paternal grandma. Her maternal grandma had simply been unwilling to carry her. On the other hand, her maternal grandma had wanted to do so but had never had the chance. Jiajia knew that it was her paternal grandma who had prevented her from getting close to her maternal grandma. Her paternal grandma would always ask her parents to bring Wei Wei along to meet her maternal grandma¡¯s family instead of bringing her along.

    As such, Jiajia did not me her maternal grandma¡¯s family at all. She knew that her paternal grandma was the one who was to be med.

    ¡°Old Zhai,e take a look at how well our Jiajia has grown up. She¡¯s grown up better than her mom!¡± Miao Jing was ted that she had finally met her granddaughter, but she had not forgotten about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s existence.

    What else could Zhai Yaohui, who had been abandoned, say? At least, Miao Miao had not entirely forgotten about him. ¡°Are you Jiajia? You¡¯ve grown up well indeed. You look like a sensible girl. Better than your mom.¡±

    She was a sensible girl because she had suffered throughout her life.

    Zhai Hua had been spoiled and pampered from a young age and had never suffered as much. That was why she had been insensible and willful even after growing up. In the end, not only had she suffered from that, but she had also dragged Jiajia down with her.

    ¡°...¡± Her parents were always putting her down andparing her daughter to her while praising her daughter. Zhai Hua wondered if she should be happy because her daughter was being praised, or whether she should be upset because she was being criticized. ¡°Dad, Mom, shouldn¡¯t you at least try to paint a good picture of me in front of Jiajia?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui harrumphed and remained silent, but his stance was clear. One had to earn and deserve his own dignity. It was not simply given. When Zhai Hua was younger, he had never thought that he had a son and a daughter. Instead, he had always thought that he had two sons.

    It was only when Zhai Hua got together with Wei De that he realized the difference between his son and his daughter. At least, Zhai Hua had not performed up to his expectations in this matter regarding Wei De. Someone like that had managed to charm Zhai Hua so much so that he had suspected that Zhai Hua had been possessed.

    ¡°Grandma, grandpa, happy new year.¡± Wei Jiajia was a witty child. Upon seeing Zhai Yaohui upset, she hurried over to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side and tried to cajole him.

 Chapter 1846 - Donâ€™t Call Me Mom

    <h4>Chapter 1846: Don¡¯t Call Me Mom</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Grandpa, you haven¡¯t introduced this auntie to me.¡± She was unaware of the existence of such a person in her grandma¡¯s family.

    It was just that this auntie had been so warm and weing toward them, and she had even addressed her mom as ¡®Sister Zhai Hua¡¯ as though she recognized her mom. Besides, this auntie had been the one to open the door for them earlier, and she had walked out of her grandma¡¯s house. That meant that this auntie had to be part of the family.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you already call her auntie?¡± Zhai Sheng cut in before Zhai Yaohui could say anything.

    ¡°...¡± Wei Jiajia was not an elementary school student and would not be deceived so easily. There was no way this auntie was nothing more than an auntie. Other than a caretaker, who would allow such a ¡®stranger¡¯ in their house? From her looks, this auntie did not seem like a caretaker either.

    Zhai Hua eyed Miao Jing, simrly asking about Qiao Nan¡¯s identity. Since when had they had such a person in their family? Why had she not been informed about this?

    Wait a minute. Her parents hade to Qingshui Town because of Zhai Sheng¡¯s partner. Did that mean that this woman was the woman who had caught Zhai Sheng¡¯s eye?

    Miao Jing nodded at her daughter secretly, indicating that it was exactly what she thought it was. Thisdy could very well be Zhai Hua¡¯s future sister-inw. Both she and Old Zhai were old. Hua Hua had not married well and would have to depend on Zhai Sheng in the future. As such, it was crucial for Hua Hua to get on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side.

    Upon confirming that Qiao Nan was indeed thedy that her brother liked, Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Zhai Hua. I¡¯m Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister. Oh right, do you know me?¡± Zhai Hua shook Qiao Nan¡¯s hand while assessing her.

    Zhai Sheng was her younger brother, after all. While Zhai Hua was happy that Zhai Sheng had finally met someone new, she also hoped to be able to help Zhai Sheng take a closer look so that they would be able to avoid another shameless woman like Qiu Chenxi. The first impression she had gotten from this woman was a veryfortable and warm one. Her eyes were clear, unlike those of someone harboring evil intentions. For the time being, she would score her an eighty out of a hundred.

    ¡°Of course she does. She used to be our neighbor in the past and she lived in the quad in Ping Cheng. Her name is Qiao Nan.¡± Miao Jing introduced Qiao Nan warmly to Zhai Hua, hoping to bring Zhai Hua closer to Qiao Nan. Both her son and daughter were important to her and she would not leave any of them behind.

    Wei De, who had just entered after parking the car, frowned and expressed his dissatisfaction toward Qiao Nan. ¡°Do you mean the Qiao family that has been making waves in the news back in Ping Cheng?¡± Someone as ¡®important¡¯ as the Wei family should not have known about such trivial news. It was because this matter had blown up that even Wei De had heard about it.

    Thinking about the family that he had seen on television, Wei De¡¯s first impression of Qiao Nan was as bad as it could get. This was a woman who would bring shame to them. She was old and poor, and she even had a bunch of troublemakers as rtives. How could such a person show up at the Zhai family¡¯s house? ¡°Dad, Mom, is this the new auntie that you¡¯ve just hired?¡±

    The way he saw it, if she was really the auntie who had been hired to take care of his brother-inw, it would be best to fire her and send her back immediately. It was not as though the Zhai family had any financial issues. It was easy to hire someone better. There was no need to bring a troublemaker home.

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s expression darkened. Anyone with ears could hear Wei De¡¯s disgust toward Qiao Nan, let alone Zhai Hua, who shared a bed with Wei De.

    Zhai Hua thought about how Qiao Nan was the person whom Zhai Sheng had fallen for and seemed to have gotten the approval of her parents. Zhai Hua did not want her brother to remain single for the rest of his life. As such, before she could prove that there was something majorly wrong with Qiao Nan, not only should they not chase Qiao Nan out, but they would even have to support her.

    If Wei De angered Qiao Nan and ruined the matter for Zhai Sheng, where would Wei De find another sister-inw for her whom Zhai Sheng would ept?

    ¡°If you don¡¯t know what to say, you should just keep quiet. Nan Nan is our guest, not our helper.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face was even darker than Zhai Hua¡¯s. If Miao Jing were to rank the people whom she hated the most in this world, Qi Min and her daughter had once swept the top five rankings. But ever since Wei De appeared, he had ¡®risen¡¯ to the third ce.

    In Miao Jing¡¯s eyes, Wei De had never been her son-inw. He was simply a bad guy who had snatched her daughter away from her and treated her poorly.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Wei De was upset. His inws were not giving him any respect in front of outsiders. So many years had passed, but they were still dissatisfied with him. He was fine with that, but was he really so bad that he could not evenpare to an outsider in the Zhai family¡¯s eyes, even though he was Jiajia¡¯s father?

    In actual fact, he truly could notpare to her.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Miao Jingughed upon hearing that word. It was a long and meaningfulugh. Miao Jing could not even be bothered to exin the reason behind it. ¡°All right, since you¡¯ve already sent Hua Hua and Jiajia here, you¡¯d better hurry home since the new year is in two to three days¡¯ time. If you don¡¯t return, your mom¡¯s going to kick up a fuss, saying that we¡¯ve snatched her son. I can¡¯t afford to take the me for that.¡±

    What she wanted was only for her daughter and granddaughter to return. Wei De? Sorry, there had never been any space for him in the Zhai family.

    Ever since Zhai Hua refused to send Jiajia over to the Zhai family¡¯s house a few times, Miao Jing¡¯s dissatisfaction toward the Wei family had reached her limit. Miao Jing understood her own daughter well. She knew that no matter how stubborn Zhai Hua was, she would never stop her family from interacting with Jiajia. But she could not say the same of Wei De.

    Afterward, Wei De had even asked if he should send his nephew to the capital so that the elderly couple would not feel too lonely. There was nothing Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui did not understand. Wei De clearly favored his nephew and was ready to sacrifice Jiajia to benefit his nephew. Right from the start, Wei De had never really thought about Jiajia.

    In that case, it was clear as day why Jiajia had never visited them in the capital.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would never ept such a son-inw. Not now, not in ten years¡¯ time, not ever.

    Wei De felt a little embarrassed. Were his parents-inw chasing him away? Why? Even the outsider had not left, so as a family member, why did he have no right to stay? ¡°Dad, Mom, our family of three has decided to celebrate the new year with you guys. I¡¯m not leaving. Jiajia, what do you say?¡±

    Knowing that the Zhai family did not like him, Wei De could only rope his daughter in to help him out.

    Jiajia sighed. No matter how bad her dad was, he was still her dad, after all. She had to help him. ¡°That¡¯s right, grandma and grandpa. We¡¯re not leaving this year. We¡¯re staying to celebrate the new year with you.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who had been looked down on by Wei De, felt a moment of difort, but she calmed down very quickly.

 Chapter 1847 - Understanding the Situation

    <h4>Chapter 1847: Understanding the Situation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This was not the first time she was being looked down on by Wei De anyway. In her dream, Wei De had even tried to form an alliance with her even while despising her, wanting to enter the Zhai family with her help.

    So Sister Zhai Hua had actually married Wei De and had a daughter, Jiajia?

    Zhai Hua had gotten married and had given birth to a daughter. It was just that her rtionship with her family had not been as amicable as it had been in her dream. It was obvious that the Zhai family had something against the person whom Zhai Hua had married. As such, Qiao Nan had been curious about whom Zhai Hua had married in this lifetime.

    It seemed unexpected, yet expected, that Zhai Hua had indeed married Wei De in the end and that Jiajia was her daughter with Wei De.

    Thinking about everything that had happened in her dream, Qiao Nan was unsure of whether she had gotten more muddleheaded, or whether she had gotten clearer in her mind. Was her dream really a dream? Did it really have nothing to do with reality?

    Perhaps it was just like the psychiatrist had said. She had not paid attention to these details, but that did not mean that they did not exist. She could have unintentionally seen information regarding the Zhai family, remembered it, and projected it in her dream. That was why everything she knew about the Zhai family wasing true in real life.

    Based on this exnation, she must have seen the news of Zhai Hua marrying Wei De and had some impression of it. And she must have heard some rumors to have had a ¡®profound¡¯ understanding of Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with Wei De.

    No, that was not the case. Definitely not.

    Qiao Nan seemed to have gotten on to something but did not dare to believe that something like that was happening to her. If she wanted to find out whether her guesses were true, it was simple. She would just have to ask a few questions. Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, their family¡¯s affairs had never been exposed to the public.

    As long as she looked up all the news reports regarding the Zhai family andpared them to what had happened in her dream, she believed that she would have an answer very soon.

    Wei De himself was not weed by the Zhai family and had even expressed his own dissatisfaction toward Qiao Nan. This was a rather ridiculous situation. Miao Jing was especially worried that Qiao Nan would be angered by Wei De¡¯s words and attitude. If Qiao Nan bore a grudge against them, she might just move out since she had been ¡®kidnapped¡¯ here by her son anyway.

    Qiao Nan, who was lost in her own thoughts, had no time to think about leaving or preventing more misunderstandings. Her only thought now was to prove whether her dream had been an illusion or whether her dream reflected reality.

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, where¡¯s my room? Can you bring me there?¡± As a good daughter, she would help clean up the mess her father had created. If Auntie Qiao were to leave, her grandparents would surely hate her father even more. She had finally met her grandparents and wished to spend the new year with them in a joyful mood.

    It was just as well since Qiao Nan wanted to prove her suspicions. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll bring you around the Zhai family¡¯s house. We have quite a few empty rooms. You can pick out the one that you like and I¡¯ll help you tidy it up.¡± Qiao Nan was not the owner of the house, while Wei Jiajia could be considered as half an owner. As such, Qiao Nan would not make the decision of assigning a room to Wei Jiajia.

    ¡°All right. Thank you, Auntie Qiao.¡± Wei Jiajia breathed a sigh of relief. Her dad had treated Auntie Qiao so impolitely, but Auntie Qiao had not even gotten angry and had even treated her just as well as she had earlier. Auntie Qiao was such a good person. No wonder her grandpa and grandma protected Auntie Qiao without even caring about her dad.

    In the past, she had never understood why her maternal grandma¡¯s family disliked her father. Today, Wei Jiajia finally understood why her grandma¡¯s family had such an attitude toward her dad.

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, I apologize on my father¡¯s behalf for his words. My dad has been spoiled and pampered by my grandma and Mom. He¡¯s like a child. Please don¡¯t hold it against him. Sometimes, I get mad at him too!¡±

    Yes, her dad had been spoiled by her grandma and her mom. Sometimes, her dad was even more childish than her own ssmates.

    ¡°That¡¯s all right.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. Wei De¡¯s attitude would never hurt her. She was already used to such treatment, after all. ¡°Jiajia, can I ask you a few questions? I... I¡¯ve lived with the Zhai family for quite some time, and I know that your grandpa and grandma miss you very much, especially your grandma. She always hugs your photo, saying that you look really good in that photo. But why is it that she only has a photo of you from your childhood? She¡¯s touched it so much that the sides of that photo have turned yellow. Jiajia, do you not like your grandma¡¯s family?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was divorced and was childless. Besides, he was always in the military. Apart from each other, the old chief and Auntie Miao had no one else by their sides. It must have been lonely celebrating the new year alone all these years. Without any doubt, what they looked forward to the most was naturally Jiajia¡¯s arrival.

    ¡°Ah...¡± Wei Jiajia did not want to talk about that since it was her family¡¯s own dirtyundry, but Auntie Qiao seemed to have a special rtionship with her family. She could very well be her uncle¡¯s wife in the future. In that case, Auntie Qiao would eventually find out about her family¡¯s situation. So should she tell her about it now?

    Seeing that she had put Wei Jiajia in a tight spot, Qiao Nan quickly changed the conversation topic. ¡°Jiajia, I heard that you have an elder brother over at your paternal grandma¡¯s house.¡± Did Wei Wei really exist like he had in her dream?

    Qiao Nan could be sure of one thing. When she had still been living in the quad, Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage to Wei De had not made such a big ssh like it had in her dream, and not everyone had found out about how Zhai Hua had found someone who could not match up to the Zhai family. In fact, she had found someone with absolutely no qualifications.

    It had been such a huge matter in her dream because of her ¡®big mouth¡¯, causing Wei De¡¯s rtionship with his ¡®sister¡¯ to be exposed. Zhai Hua thought that she had been cheated on. That was why it had gained so much attention. Without all those scandals, her marriage should have been rather low-key in this lifetime.

    Since there had not been any news of her marriage, it was impossible for the news of the Wei family having an unmarried daughter who had a son out of wedlock to spread. Dirty linen should not be aired in public, after all. The Zhai family would not want others to know that they had inws like that, and neither did the Wei family want others to know about such a stain in the family, which would result in them being even less qualified to be the Zhai family¡¯s inws.

    ¡°I guess grandma has told you all about it.¡± Auntie Qiao was indeed going to be her aunt. There was no running from it.

    ¡°Is his name Wei Wei?¡± To be absolutely sure, Qiao Nan was unwilling to let go of even the smallest details. It was best to rify such matters in case she got into a misunderstanding and thought that she was going crazy because she was unable to differentiate between her dream and reality.

    ¡°Yes, his name is Wei Wei.¡±

 Chapter 1848 - Your Uncle Is Better

    <h4>Chapter 1848: Your Uncle Is Better</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But she had never regarded Wei Wei as her elder brother. Simrly, Wei Wei had never had the self-awareness to act as an elder brother.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her temple, trying to ease her headache. So Wei Wei did exist. ¡°His mom... Where are they staying?¡± If everything was true, then Wei Wei was probably Wei De¡¯s son, not his nephew.

    Wei De would definitely have kept his son close to himself. But in order to prevent others from finding out about the truth, had Wei De left his ex-wife back in the vige?

    Jiajia was in distress. Why did Auntie Qiao know all about her family? Jiajia felt rather uneasy because a stranger whom she had met for the first time today knew about the mess in her family like the back of her hand. It was as though she had been stripped off all her clothes in broad daylight. ¡°Wei Wei lives with his mom and my grandma. I live with my mom.¡±

    ¡°What? Wei De brought his younger sister along?¡± Wei De was too daring!

    Since she had already said it, it was much more natural for Jiajia to continue. ¡°I heard from my mom that my aunt had been cheated on when she was younger and had gotten pregnant with Wei Wei. Initially, my dad felt sorry for Wei Wei because he¡¯s a fatherless child. Since there wasn¡¯t much opportunity for any development in the countryside, he moved Wei Wei over to live with us. Not long after that, I was born. After that, my grandparents moved from the countryside to Ping Cheng. Initially, my aunt lived in the countryside alone, but my dad thought that it was too pitiful for her to live in the countryside alone. Besides, everyone makes mistakes when they¡¯re young. We can¡¯t exclude her and ostracize her because of a mistake. We have to give her a chance.¡±

    In other words, Wei De had left Wei Xiaomei alone in the countryside for a period of time. But after a period of observation, he realized that no one had any suspicions about Wei Wei and thus decided to bring the child¡¯s mom over as well?

    Qiao Nan couldpletely understand why Wei Wei lived with Mother Wei, while Jiajia lived separately with Zhai Hua. With a son like Wei De, Qiao Nan was sure that there was another hypocrite in the Wei family.

    If there had not been someone as shameless as Wei De in the Wei family, the fact that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s son would have been exposed long ago. Someone in the Wei family must have arranged everything for Wei De and hidden the truth of Wei Wei¡¯s origins. Qiao Nan guessed that this person was probably Wei Wei¡¯s mom.

    Jiajia¡¯s words matched up with Qiao Nan¡¯s dream. Not only did Wei De have a ¡®sister¡¯, but she had almostmitted a blunder in her youth and had given birth to her son, Wei Wei, out of wedlock. ¡°Jiajia, if you mind, you can choose not to answer me and treat it as though you¡¯ve never heard me. Of course, if you¡¯re willing, can you tell me if you feel that your dad treats you better, or whether he treats Wei Wei better?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, did grandma ask you to ask me about this?¡± Her grandma probably felt that she had suffered too much and wanted Auntie Qiao to ask her about it. Wei Jiajia sniffled as her emotions reached their brim.

    She wanted to be a good daughter. She knew that her grandma¡¯s family held a grudge against her father and did not ept her father. At such a time, she should speak well of her father so that her grandma¡¯s family would change their opinion toward him. It was just that she did not want to do so. She wanted to speak the truth because that was indeed how her father treated her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be straightforward. Your grandma wants to know about it, but she doesn¡¯t dare to ask you about it. She¡¯s afraid that she won¡¯t be able to handle your answer. She¡¯s worried that she had not been rational enough at that time and had not been stubborn enough in trying to stop your mom¡¯s marriage. She¡¯s also afraid that you might misunderstand this attitude as her disliking you and not wanting you to be born.¡±

    Even if she had not asked Miao Jing about it, Qiao Nan could still understand the concerns of her mother-inw from her dream.

    Hearing this, Wei Jiajia began sobbing uncontrobly. Her paternal grandma disliked her, and as such, her paternal grandma would always say mean things in her face. She never worried about whether she would hurt Jiajia. On the other hand, her maternal grandma cared deeply for her. It was out of her own concern about whether Jiajia would get hurt that her grandma had chosen to suppress her curiosity.

    It was true that worry stemmed from love, and fear stemmed from worry.

    Qiao Nan handed the youngdy a piece of tissue paper, questioning herself if her question had been too heartless. Actually, if she really wanted to know about it, she did not have to ask Wei Jiajia. She could have found out about the situation from others as well. It was just that the answer would be more direct and urate if she heard it from Wei Jiajia¡¯s mouth.

    After crying for a while, Wei Jiajia finally stopped and said, ¡°Auntie Qiao, I¡¯ll take this room. Shall we go in and have a chat?¡± It was just as well. She needed to pour out all her grievances.

    She had never dared to mention her sufferings at her paternal grandma¡¯s house to her mom because she was clear of her mom¡¯s temper. If she were to say anything, her mom would definitely get into a fight with her paternal grandma¡¯s family. Her mom might have a hot temper, but her grandma was the best at creating trouble in the family. Her dad was always on her grandma¡¯s side, and if her mom got into an argument with her grandma, her dad would always scold her mom. More than once, he had lectured her so harshly that she had teared up.

    As time went by, Wei Jiajia simply made it a habit to suck up all these grievances. She had already been wronged anyway. There was no point in letting her mom suffer with her. Besides, this was no big deal. It would pass as long as she endured it for a while.

    ¡°My aunt gave birth to Wei Wei, and because Wei Wei is fatherless, my dad eventually decided to name the child Wei Wei and that he would be a child of the Wei family. He even registered Wei Wei under the Wei family¡¯s household. My grandpa is pretty all right, but my grandma favors boys. She always calls Wei Wei her eldest grandson and doesn¡¯t care about me at all. My dad... He keeps saying that Wei Wei doesn¡¯t have a father and only has an uncle and that I¡¯m much more fortunate than he is. As Wei Wei¡¯s only uncle, if he doesn¡¯t treat Wei Wei well, no one else would. I¡¯m different because I have a father and a mother, so I shouldn¡¯t argue with Wei Wei. But what rights does he have? He¡¯s only Wei Wei¡¯s uncle, but he¡¯s my dad!¡±

    ¡°So what if I have a dad? My own father treats someone else¡¯s child better than he treats me! My own dad can¡¯t evenpare to Wei Wei¡¯s uncle!¡±

    This youngdy had a lot of pent-up anger, but she had never expressed it in the past because of her maturity. With Qiao Nan, Wei Jiajia felt like pouring out all of her grievances. Sheined to Qiao Nan as she wept. Her tears fell even more freely now as though it was raining.

    Looking at how badly this youngdy was crying, Qiao Nan was sure that this youngdy had been cruelly bullied in the Wei family.

    ¡°You have an uncle too, and your uncle is definitely better than Wei Wei¡¯s uncle.¡±

 Chapter 1849 - More of What?

    <h4>Chapter 1849: More of What?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, she was ny percent sure that Wei De was not even Wei Wei¡¯s uncle. Wei De was Wei Wei¡¯s biological father!

    Someone as selfish as Wei De would never favor his nephew over his own daughter, even if he were to favor boys. His nephew was someone else¡¯s child, but his daughter was his own! If nothing else worked, Wei De would find a way for someone else to give birth to a son for him. In short, anyone else who was not his own child would not matter.

    ¡°But my dad is worse than other dads!¡± Wei Jiajia clenched his fist tightly and pounded against the bedhead. ¡°My friends¡¯ parents always send them to school. I don¡¯t have anyone but my mom to send me. When I was younger, peopleughed at me, saying that I was a fatherless child. At that time, I could honestly say that my dad was in the army. But when I grew older and Wei Wei went to high school, my dad personally sent him to school. Even when I went to junior high school, my dad could not even be bothered with me. My friends have good rtionships with their dads, but me and my dad...¡±

    Even though her dad was in the military, he spent way too little time at home. But he seemed to always be able to find some time for Wei Wei. Yet, he was never willing to use some of that time for his own daughter.

    What was the reason?

    ¡°Aunty Qiao, are sons really that good? And that son is not even his own son! If my dad can treat someone else¡¯s son well, why can¡¯t he care more about his daughter?¡± Wei Jiajia could not wrap her head around this. ¡°Do you think my dad would treat me better and be more caring toward my mom if I were a boy? If my dad performs well, do you think grandma and grandpa will ept him and we¡¯ll be able to have a normal life like other families?¡±

    Wei Jiajia had felt that the atmosphere and rtionships in her family were abnormal more than once. It had almost be a dream of hers to have a normal life.

    What else could Qiao Nan say at this time other than hugging this hurt child in her embrace, lighting patting Wei Jiajia¡¯s back tofort her?

    Even though she had already confirmed her suspicions, she could not simply say such things without absolute evidence. She could not act so flippantly in case she alerted the enemy.

    This chat with Wei Jiajia was mostly Wei Jiajia venting her emotions. Qiao Nan still had a ton of questions in her mind, but at the sight of the pitiful Wei Jiajia, she really had no heart to continue asking.

    Wei Jiajia sobbed violently in Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace,pletely soaking the clothes on Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. Only then did she stop crying. To Qiao Nan¡¯s relief, Wei Jiajia was in good spirits after crying, and she seemed to be in a better mood than when she had just arrived. This child had truly held it in for too long. ¡°Since you like this room, take a look around and see if there¡¯s anything missing. Auntie Qiao will help you prepare it.¡±

    At this time, Wei Jiajia¡¯s eyes were as red as a bunny¡¯s, and she was exceptionally embarrassed. ¡°Auntie Qiao, I¡¯m sorry to have troubled you. It looks like everything is here. I don¡¯t need anything else. Thank you, Auntie Qiao.¡± She was already a grown-up and no longer a young child. That was why she had held it in without saying a thing.

    But now that she had told Auntie Qiao about it, she realized how much she had suffered. After spilling it all out, she felt relieved and rxed. ¡°And Auntie Qiao, can you...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t tell anyone about what happened today.¡± Qiao Nan knew that children of Wei Jiajia¡¯s age were particrly sensitive. After all, she had once been the mom of three children. ¡°I¡¯ll go boil two eggs for you to soothe your eyes. Otherwise, people might think that I bullied you and made you cry.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After sending Qiao Nan out, Wei Jiajia jumped onto her bed and buried her face in her covers. She was not a three-year-old child and had met Auntie Qiao for the first time today. Why had she spilled everything to Auntie Qiao and even cried in Auntie Qiao¡¯s embrace like a kid?

    Thinking about how she had never even cried in this manner in front of her mom, Wei Jiajia felt even more embarrassed.

    Qiao Nan took a turn and headed to the kitchen, hearing Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng leaving quietly. Along the way, Zhai Sheng asked Zhai Hua, ¡°Is this the happiness that you persisted and gave up everything for?¡±

    Zhai Hua hadined that her parents favored males over females and ced more emphasis on Zhai Sheng than her. That was why she was going to marry someone who valued her, and that man was none other than Wei De.

    At that time, Zhai Hua¡¯s words had hurt Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing deeply. How could an outsider treat their own daughter better than they did? The couple did not know whether to be angry with their daughter, Zhai Hua, or to be hurt that their daughter had misunderstood them to such an extent. If even her own parents did not love her, why did Zhai Hua think that someone else would be able to truly love her?

    It was not that such a case did not exist, but the probability was minuscule.

    Obviously, Zhai Hua was certain that she had to be that lucky one and thus threw herself into Wei De¡¯s arms and married him without any hesitation.

    Zhai Sheng did not say much, but this one sentence was enough for Zhai Hua to feel attacked.

    Wei Jiajia had not said much, but Zhai Hua¡¯s actions spoke for themselves. Before Wei Wei had started pinching Jiajia secretly, Zhai Hua had been more concerned about Wei Wei than Jiajia, who was still in infancy and could not speak.

    Her reason for that was simr to Wei De¡¯s. Wei Wei was a fatherless child, while Jiajia had both her parents loving on her. As such, it was only right for them to pay more attention to their nephew, Wei Wei.

    Zhai Hua knew that she cared more about Wei Wei. After all, Jiajia was still young, and all she needed to do was to make sure Jiajia could sleep and eat well. There was nothing else she needed to worry about. But Wei Wei was different. He was about to start school and had to attend enrichment sses. To develop Wei Wei, Zhai Hua ran around, pulled on her strings, and spent money on him.

    It was only when Zhai Hua realized that she had neglected her own daughter because of Wei Wei, and Wei Wei had even been sore about her caring less about him now that she had Jiajia and had bullied Jiajia because of that, did Zhai Hua finallye to a realization.

    So what if Wei Wei did not have a father and Jiajia had both her parents? Was it Jiajia¡¯s fault that Wei Wei was fatherless? Wei De was in the military, and she came to the difficult decision of retiring from the military to stay at home to take care of Jiajia, bing a ve for Wei Wei¡¯s matters. But instead of gratitude, what she received in return was Wei Wei bullying her daughter!

    In that case, what did Jiajia have? Did she have her father¡¯spany or her mother¡¯s care? All Jiajia had was a bad brother who stole her father¡¯s concern and her mother¡¯s love from her, and one who even liked to pinch her secretly!

 Chapter 1850 - What Did This Mean?

    <h4>Chapter 1850: What Did This Mean?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was also because of that incident that Zhai Hua came to her senses and was no longer willing to care about Wei Wei¡¯s matters anymore. A lot of things were not finalized when Wei Wei was still studying in kindergarten as he was still young. However, when he was in primary school, junior high school, and even senior high school, he had brushed past good opportunities again and again without Zhai Hua¡¯s help.

    After Wei Wei understood what it meant by having such a formidable aunt like Zhai Hua, a lot of things were irreversible, and Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t willing to give Wei Wei a chance to recover anything. That was because at this point, Zhai Hua had already seen clearly that her mother-inw liked Wei Wei, the grandson, more and her father-inw was just a silent old man who only knew how to smoke cigarettes and not express opinions. Wei De was forever using ¡®Wei Wei is a fatherless child¡¯ to prevaricate himself so that he could continue to treat Wei Wei better than Jiajia.

    Her daughter was only left with her now. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t allow herself to spend any energy on Wei Wei and make her daughter¡¯s life more unfair than hers in the past.

    Zhai Hua tried her best to give all her love to her daughter so that she could avoid feeling unhappy. However, she didn¡¯t expect her daughter, who was always smiling at her, to have kept so many words in her heart.

    It wasn¡¯t that Jiajia didn¡¯t mind or epted the treatment in her grandma¡¯s house. Jiajia just didn¡¯t want to fight with Wei De so that there would be peace in the family. As such, she had shouldered everything herself.

    If it weren¡¯t for Qiao Nan finding Jiajia for a chat today so that she could confide her thoughts and if it weren¡¯t for her being worried and insisting oning over, then coincidentally overhearing the conversation between her and Qiao Nan, when would she be able to rely on herself and find out her daughter¡¯s true thoughts? When would she understand her daughter¡¯s inner world and understand that she didn¡¯t lead a happy childhood at all?

    When she thought of the uproar back then, Zhai Hua suddenly found herself to be ridiculous. Happiness? Was it really happiness? Was she happy, or was Jiajia happy? She was afraid that only the Wei family was happy. If not for marrying her, just like what Zhai Sheng had said over ten years ago, based on Wei De¡¯s capabilities, how would he be able to get promoted to toon leader, let alonepanymander?

    Wei De had told her more than once that his goal in life was to be a regimentmander. Why did he share his goal with her? It was obvious that Wei De wanted her to know his thoughts so that she could work on her family and get Zhai Sheng to promote him to that position.

    Since she didn¡¯t like him and her daughter wasn¡¯t happy, what was the significance of her insistence to marry Wei De and be together with him? Her daughter had cried so much. What was the significance of her suffering in silence all these years then?

    However, to get a divorce?

    Upon thinking of a divorce, Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t as decisive as when she had wanted to marry Wei De back then. That was because she knew that if Jiajia wished for her to get a divorce, then why didn¡¯t Jiajia share with her all the grievances in her heart? Jiajia wanted to maintain the apparent peace of this family. Did this mean that no matter how ipetent Wei De was as a father and how biased her grandma was, Jiajia eventually wanted this family?

    For herself, Zhai Hua felt that getting a divorce was nothing. However, if it was for her daughter, then there were a lot of issues she needed to consider and care about.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t say anything. Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t be bothered to ask anything else either. Compared to Zhai Hua, he wanted to municate¡¯ with Qiao Nan even more. It looked like it wasn¡¯t that he was too sensitive when he first felt something strange. Indeed, Qiao Nan knew too much about their Zhai family.

    Zhai Sheng was even more surprised by what Qiao Nan had asked Jiajia today. Qiao Nan could actually ask a question that even their Zhai family didn¡¯t know about. Since this was a situation that the Zhai family wasn¡¯t aware of, didn¡¯t Qiao Nan, an outsider, know too much? How did Qiao Nan know all these? Why did she understand the situations of the Zhai family and the Wei family so clearly?

    If Qiao Nan was suspected of having bad faith toward the Zhai family because of her quirks, then Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t believe it. He was very sure that not only did Qiao Nan not bear any malicious intent toward the Zhai family, but she even had the best intentions for them. Take Jiajia crying in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms for example. If Jiajia didn¡¯t feel Qiao Nan¡¯s good intentions, how would Jiajia be willing to confide in Qiao Nanpletely when she never confided to Zhai Hua?

    This woman had really kept a lot of things from him!

    Qiao Nan thought that she had already avoided everyone¡¯s gaze. She didn¡¯t know that not only were there people who overheard her conversation with Jiajia, but Zhai Sheng had also caught hold of her vulnerability and she had nowhere to escape from him.

    She was a person who understood the Zhai family very well. She also cared very much about the Zhai family. Even if Qiao Nan was willing to say that she wasn¡¯t interested in Zhai Sheng at all, one had to see if Zhai Sheng was willing to be a fool to believe in Qiao Nan¡¯s lies.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s conversation with Jiajia influenced Zhai Hua greatly. After knowing that her daughter had cried so much and that it was inappropriate for her to find her daughter at this time since that would not be giving her face, she could only return to her room. It was just that when she saw Wei De, who looked like he wanted to settle scores with her, sitting in the room, Zhai Hua lost all her mood.

    There was one thing Zhai Hua was right about. Indeed, Wei De wanted to settle scores with her. ¡°Zhai Hua, what does your family mean by this? That woman surnamed Qiao is just an outsider. For an outsider, your parents actually didn¡¯t give me, the son-inw, face and even treated her better than me? Regardless, I¡¯ve married you and you are my wife. Since they don¡¯t give me face, does that mean that they are no longer willing to give you, the daughter, face as well? Also, I can tell you that the Qiao family is a bunch of troublemakers. Quickly ask your parents to chase Qiao Nan out of the Zhai family. Don¡¯t have anything to do with her. Otherwise, when trouble hits, don¡¯t regret not listening to my advice today!¡±

    Did water enter the Zhai family¡¯s brains? There was such a big scandal in the Qiao family. Who didn¡¯t avoid the Qiao family when they saw them now? The Zhai family was really something. Not only did they not avoid the Qiao family, but they even took the initiative to get close to them. Was there something wrong with their brains?! If he was the one who owned everything in the Zhai family, he wouldn¡¯t be like the Zhai family who kept stepping on steel wires!

    ¡°Troublemakers?¡± Upon hearing this, Zhai Hua wanted tough. ¡°Do you think that our Zhai family has less trouble?¡± Since the day she married Wei De, the Zhai family¡¯s troubles were never less.

    Qiao Nan was different from Wei De. Following Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance, she could obviously feel that the rtionship between her parents and Zhai Sheng had eased a lot. Due to Qiu Chenxi, her parents had always felt that they did something sorry to Zhai Sheng. In reality, Zhai Sheng had also be colder and more indifferent than before.

 Chapter 1851 - How Did You Think?

    <h4>Chapter 1851: How Did You Think?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This time was different. When Zhai Sheng heard that she was worried about Jiajia, he even went along with her to take a look.

    The Qiao family¡¯s situation was a mess, but the Wei family¡¯s situation was no better. There was a scandal in the Qiao family. Wei De had Wei Xiaomei, a sister who gave birth out of wedlock, and Wei Wei, a fatherless nephew. So what if the Qiao family had a scandal? This wasn¡¯t caused by Qiao Nan, and the scandal had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.

    Wei De blushed. ¡°What do you mean by this? Are you looking down at our Wei family and think that our Wei family can¡¯t bepared to your Zhai family? Do you find that our Wei family has been giving your Zhai family trouble? Zhai Hua, do you have a conscience? Are you insane? I¡¯m your husband. To you, Qiao Nan is just a stranger. For a stranger, you¡¯re saying bad things about your inw family? We are celebrating the new year soon. Zhai Hua, don¡¯t think that I¡¯ll be afraid if you return to the Zhai family. You want a fight, huh? Do you think you have a lot of backing if you return to your own family?¡±

    ¡°I have backing all along!¡± Zhai Huaughed coldly. ¡°Not admitting that the Wei family is troublesome? Sure. This means that I don¡¯t have to say anything to my dad and Zhai Sheng for your matters, right? You can settle them on your own? That¡¯s pretty good, then. Indeed, the Wei family is not troublesome. As for Qiao Nan, although my rtionship with her isn¡¯t deep yet, she will have to call me sister not too longter.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± If it was said that Zhai Hua had a lot of confidence and backing, then Wei De was obviouslycking in these aspects. It was impossible for him not to find his father-inw and brother-inw for help. If the two of them didn¡¯t help him, theing promotion would be none of his business.

    ¡°Hua Hua, it¡¯s such a good day today. Can we not fight? Husband and wife should be of one mind. As long as the two of us are good together, I believe there¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t do. Everything I¡¯ve worked hard for is for the both of us. It¡¯s to prove that your choice back then wasn¡¯t wrong, and it¡¯s also for Jiajia¡¯s future.¡±

    At this time, aside from disying weakness, there was nothing else Wei De could do.

    The more Wei De did this, the more he hated Zhai Hua in his heart. He felt that Zhai Hua was useless except for her background. She couldn¡¯t even bepared to Wei Xiaomei as she had no virtues of a traditional Chinese woman.

    In ancient times, people abided by the three obedience and the four virtues. He felt that this was still a necessity now. Look at how considerate Wei Xiaomei was. She knew that for his future, she had to take on the me of giving birth to a son out of wedlock. She obviously knew that Xiao Wei hated her because of this situation. However, Xiaomei never told Wei Wei that he was actually his father.

    Wei Xiaomei had suffered so many grievances because of him, but she never uttered a word. On the contrary, ever since Zhai Hua married him, she had never been good to him wholeheartedly.

    Based on the position Zhai Hua held in the Zhai family, would he still not be promoted to deputy battalionmander today if she was really dedicated to him? He should have long fulfilled his life-long dream of being a regimentmander. He really felt that he was very unlucky to have a wife who wasn¡¯t of one mind with him.

    If Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t the Zhai family¡¯s daughter, how would he have married Zhai Hua, a woman who wasn¡¯t feminine and considerate? Even Wei Xiaomei was more attractive than Zhai Hua.

    Wei De was still looking fierce just now. However, upon the mention of promotion to deputy battalionmander, he immediately admitted defeat and apologized. How could he stay angry? The more Wei De was like this, the more disappointed Zhai Hua felt in her heart.

    She wasn¡¯t blind. How could she not see the dissatisfaction and anger in Wei De¡¯s eyes? Wei De didn¡¯t feel that he did anything wrong. He was strict with others and lenient toward oneself. In his opinion, the Wei family¡¯s matters weren¡¯t troubles. Those were their own family matters, and she had to try her best to resolve them without any disdain.

    The rest was just a bunch of poor and pathetic people here to take advantage of their family. Wei De looked down on these people, thinking that these people couldn¡¯t bepared to the Wei family. When did the Wei family be so high and almighty? Why didn¡¯t she know about it?

    He didn¡¯t feel that he was in the wrong but admitted his wrong to her. Besides, it wasn¡¯t because of his feelings for her. Words could no longer describe the disappointment in Zhai Hua¡¯s heart. ¡°Forget it. Some things shouldn¡¯t be said but done.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua was leaving, Wei De hurriedly pulled her back.

    ¡°Both of us are in a bad mood today. You¡¯re right. This is the Zhai family, my own family. Upon returning to my own territory, I do have a lot of backing. Furthermore, the Zhai family is big. There are plenty of rooms. This conversation isn¡¯t pleasant at all. Seeing that you¡¯re irritated, I need to calm down. Let¡¯s sleep separately today.¡±

    Zhai Hua curled her lips and mocked herself with thest sentence.

    Sleep separately? When Wei De was in the army, she was usually at home with her daughter. The chances of the couple sleeping together on the same bed in a year were very slim. Only then did Zhai Hua understand why her mom used to chase after her dad when she was young.

    At that time, the Zhai family already had conditions.

    There were both elders and children in the family. She couldn¡¯t join the army. Her mom didn¡¯t need to be in the army anymore. Her dad didn¡¯t spend a lot of time in the army but had a lot of business trips. If her mom didn¡¯t take more initiative, it wouldn¡¯t matter much whether her dad still had to stay in the army or fly around for business trips. In the end, her mom wouldn¡¯t be able to spend much time interacting with her dad. As such, her mom could only take more initiative.

    You win some, and you lose some.

    Her mom managed to interact more with her dad, but she naturally had to sacrifice the time spent with her children. This caused her rtionship with Zhai Sheng and the rest not to be as harmonious as how it should have been.

    She was in the same predicament. She spent less time interacting with Wei De but had gotten close to her daughter. Thus, she had long lost the feeling she had for Wei De back then. Simrly, Wei De was getting more impatient with her. Only when he needed her help would his tone be softer. Zhai Hua knew everything in her heart clearly.

    ¡°You! If you do this, what would your parents think of me? What would brother-inw think of me? They would think that I¡¯ve mistreated you and that our rtionship isn¡¯t close.¡± The Zhai family didn¡¯t like him to begin with. If the Zhai family misunderstood that he didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with Zhai Hua, it would be considered good if he could still retain the position of apanymander, let alone a deputy battalionmander.

    Picking up her clothes, Zhai Hua nced at Wei De. ¡°They don¡¯t have to think. Do you think we share a close rtionship?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Like what his mother had said, nobody would want a woman like Zhai Hua. He was the only good-hearted one who was willing to ept her. In the Wei family, Zhai Hua had the final say. If Zhai Hua wanted to buy a house, they would buy a house. If Zhai Hua said to leave the house in Jiajia¡¯s name, he had no objections and even took the initiative to support Zhai Hua.

    It was his Wei family, but Zhai Hua always had the final say.

 Chapter 1852 - No Room for Discussion

    <h4>Chapter 1852: No Room for Discussion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Hua was already so smug and arrogant in the Wei family. Whose daughter-inw could be as cocky as Zhai Hua? And she dared to say that he did not treat her well enough? It was best to be content with what she had and know how to reciprocate. He treated Zhai Hua so well and yet, Zhai Hua said that their rtionship was not good? Had her conscience been eaten by dogs?

    Zhai Hua rebuked without thinking. ¡°You must be dreaming. I don¡¯t even want to talk about whatever your Wei family has done. Wei De, it¡¯s best to have some self-awareness. I bet you¡¯ve forgotten all those anniversary dates now that we¡¯re married. Do you remember how you promised to spend my first birthday after marriage with me? But after we got married, your promise became a piece of crap, didn¡¯t it?¡±

    The most ridiculous thing was that she had been so moved by Wei De¡¯s crap talk that while everyone had objected to her marriage, she had stubbornly insisted on marrying Wei De. In the end, this was what she received in return.

    ¡°That-that¡¯s different.¡± Those were words he used just to pacify Zhai Hua so that she would agree to marry him. Now that Zhai Hua was already married to him and they even had a child together, there was no need for such things. Since he had been able to capture his prey with just one sentence, there was no longer the need to put on a pretense.

    ¡°Except for your person and your heart that are different, there¡¯s nothing else that¡¯s different.¡± This time, when Zhai Hua wanted to leave, Wei De could not stop her because he had no grounds for doing so.

    If Zhai Hua wanted to be petty about it, Wei De did feel rather guilty about it, even though he felt that those words that he had used to coax Zhai Hua before marriage no longer counted. The Wei family remembered what he had told Zhai Hua before marriage: He did not have a good family background, and the Wei family did not have a high status or position.

    If they were topare these qualifications, he would never be able to surpass Zhai Hua. But if he were to get together with Zhai Hua, he would definitely treat her well. He could not help it in other areas, but as long as it was within his control, he would do his best to give Zhai Hua a blissful life. He would never forget their anniversary dates and would let Zhai Hua be happy for the rest of her life.

    After marriage, however, Wei De fulfilled not a single thing in that list. Thinking back to Wei De¡¯s earlier deration, everything made sense. Yes, the Wei family was not in a good ce and he could not match up to her, but she had married him anyway. Since she was already his, there was no need to cajole her. Did she really think he would treat her like a princess? She should learn how to be a daughter-inw!

    In this way, Zhai Hua¡¯s only reason for choosing Wei De was no longer valid. Thus, her choice at that time had be a joke. And now, Wei De was even talking about their feelings for each other and their bond as a couple!

    What a joke!

    Now that they were at the Zhai family¡¯s house, there was no way that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would not know about their daughter sleeping in a different room, separated from their son-inw. Hearing that her daughter was now sleeping in the room beside her granddaughter¡¯s, Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached. ¡°Old Zhai, why did Hua Hua make such a big fuss at that time? Didn¡¯t we tell her about what would happen? But she refused to listen no matter what we said. I really...¡±

    Now, she was suffering because she had failed to take the advice of her elders.

    Facts proved that they had not made a wrong judgment about Wei De. It was true that he would not be the one to bring Hua Hua happiness. But what she had not expected was that her daughter would act as though she had been bewitched, thinking that Wei De was the best in every possible way and that he would be the one to bring her happiness.

    No matter how much she disapproved of the marriage, Miao Jing would have been happy as long as her daughter and granddaughter led blissful lives, even if that meant losing a little face. But as her suspicions were proven to be true one by one, Miao Jing was not the least bit happy. In fact, she was so infuriated that she might faint from anger.

    Her daughter had distanced herself from her family and had even gotten into a huge fight with Zhai Sheng over someone like that! It was not worth it at all!

    ¡°All right. Jiajia is all grown up. There¡¯s no point in saying such things anymore. Wei De might have a hundred or a thousand bad things about him, but there¡¯s one good thing. It¡¯s because of him that we have Jiajia. Jiajia is different from Wei De. I think it¡¯s because she has the blood of the Zhai family that she¡¯s more like a child of the Zhai family.¡± Zhai Yaohui was much more rational and was unwilling to be caught up in the past. All he wanted was to look to the future.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Wei De decided to bring Zhai Hua and Jiajia here because of his conscience. My bet is that he wants our help in something. I remember that he¡¯s been in thispanymander position for quite a long time. Given his ambition, he must want to be promoted.¡±

    His son-inw was incapable and unable to suffer through hardship. Without any performance worthy of praise within the military, he still wanted to get promoted! Given Wei De¡¯s performance at the annual review, there was no way Wei De would ever get promoted. On the other hand, his name might appear on the list of soldiers to be demoted.

    It was probably his status as the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw that had allowed him to keep his position as apanymander.

    He was relying on the Zhai family¡¯s name to hold on to that position of apanymander. Zhai Yaohui could not understand how someone like that had the cheek to demand a promotion. Did he think that he deserved it just because he was a son-inw of the Zhai family?

    If that was the case, he would much rather disown his daughter, Zhai Hua, than let Wei De unt his identity as the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw. That would only ruin the discipline and culture of the military.

    ¡°You definitely cannot agree to that. There¡¯s no room for discussion.¡± Miao Jing disagreed too. At that time, Miao Jing had not been able to convince her daughter otherwise, and her daughter had gotten married to Wei De. But the situation was different now. In the past, her daughter had the greatest say, and that was why she had not been able to change anything and could only watch on helplessly as her daughter married Wei De.

    Now, it was Wei De asking the Zhai family for a favor. As such, they would call the shots. No matter what, she would never let Wei De have his way this time. If Wei De really got what he wanted, she might never have the chance to meet her granddaughter, Jiajia, again. In fact, she would only hear more about Wei Wei, that child who had nothing to do with the Zhai family at all.

    One could only imagine how Miao Jing felt about having such a disgusting son-inw.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, take a look at this. Is there anything I should take note of? Are these dishes enough? Shall I make more?¡± Xiao Zhao was busy in the kitchen.

    Xiao Zhao had always thought that Zhai Sheng did not have a big appetite. Even if there were guests at home, she thought that she would just have to increase the portion sizes by a little. But when she was about to cook the rice, Qiao Nan instructed her to double the portion sizes!

    Upon hearing what Qiao Nan asked for, Xiao Zhao was shocked. She thought that there were more guestsing. Qiao Nan did not give an exnation and simply asked Xiao Zhao to prepare the dishes as instructed.

 Chapter 1853 - Settling Accounts

    <h4>Chapter 1853: Settling ounts</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan said that it was fine to have too much rice, but it would reflect badly on Xiao Zhao if she made too little and had to make it again.

    If the Zhai family got upset that there was too much rice, Qiao Nan assured Xiao Zhao that she would take the me.

    Since Qiao Nan said that, Xiao Zhao could only follow Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions and double the amount of rice. Afterward, Xiao Zhao simply helped Qiao Nan as she cooked, and of course, Qiao Nan was only in charge of cooking.

    ¡°I think that won¡¯t be necessary. This looks about right.¡± Qiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief as she rubbed her aching wrist. The Zhai family had finally gotten together for a reunion after a long time. Although they did not show it on their faces, they were probably all in a good mood. Because they were in a good mood, their appetites would probably increase as well.

    At this moment, Qiao Nan felt less lost and more confident. She knew that her dream had not only been a dream. Perhaps the heavens had given her another chance to lead a blissful life to make up for all the pain and hurt she had suffered in the past.

    Xiao Zhao nodded. Of course it was enough. It would be New Year¡¯s Eve only the following night, but they seemed to have prepared even more than what Xiao Zhao prepared for her family¡¯s reunion dinner. If this was not enough, she would not know what to do. ¡°I¡¯ll bring them out then.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go wash my hands first.¡±

    ¡°Sister Qiao, you should take a rest first. I only helped wash and cut the vegetables. You were the one who cooked this whole meal. Actually, I can bring the dishes out alone. If I really can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll ask Xiao Xu to help me out.¡± Knowing that Qiao Nan was in a different position to the Zhai family, Xiao Zhao did not dare to look at Qiao Nan as if they were of the same rank.

    Xiao Zhao thought about it carefully and felt that Qiao Nan had acted no differently from how a family¡¯s mistress would act.

    Xiao Zhao thought that building a good rtionship and getting on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side was extremely crucial.

    ¡°All right.¡± Qiao Nan agreed without much thought. She had indeed taken over much of Xiao Zhao¡¯s job. If she were to argue with Xiao Zhao over bringing out the dishes, she would be putting Xiao Zhao in a tight spot. It was only because she had been used to cooking for the Zhai family in her dream that she had not been able to resist the urge to do so today.

    Since Qiao Nan had decided to leave everything else to Xiao Zhao, she decided to return to her room to get a change of clothes instead of simply washing her hands. Otherwise, she would feel ufortable with the smoky smell on her clothes.

    But the moment Qiao Nan stepped out of the kitchen, she bumped into Wei De, whose expression was cold and haughty. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve put in quite a lot of effort to please the Zhai family. You¡¯re so hardworking that you¡¯ve taken over all of the caretaker¡¯s job. I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t think that you¡¯ll be able to have a rtionship with the Zhai family just because you¡¯ve made a meal for them. You¡¯re on a different level from us. Don¡¯t even think about it. This table full of dishes means nothing. Even if you make a whole banquet¡¯s worth of food, we¡¯ll just pay you some money at the very most.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s intelligence had regressed with age. How could he have found such a cheap thing like Qiao Nan? Wei De¡¯s head hurt because of that. The only thing he could do to help the Zhai family now was to chase this troublemaker, Qiao Nan, away while the whole Zhai family was being so irrational. He was the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw, after all, and his interests were closely tied to the Zhai family.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to say nasty things, but we should all have some self-awareness. As long as you¡¯re willing to leave and never meet the Zhai family again, I¡¯ll consider any requests that you make.¡± Wei De was not so self-absorbed to think that Qiao Nan, who harbored ill intentions, would know to retreat because of his words.

    He understood people like Qiao Nan the best. Only the mention of benefits would be able to chase them away. The talk of status was useless.

    Ordinary people might very well have been frightened by Wei De. After all, she was an outsider, while Wei De was the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw. Unfortunately for Wei De, the person whom he had bumped into was no ordinary person. He had bumped into Qiao Nan. It would be even stranger if Qiao Nan would be scared by Wei De¡¯s words. ¡°Is that so? You say such things so smoothly, but didn¡¯t other people tell you the same thing in the past?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Wei De immediately flipped. What he hated most was other peoplementing about how he had only managed to rise through the ranks because of his marriage to Zhai Hua. He was even more so unwilling to recall the anger and shame he had felt in the past when everyone had looked down on him while he was still a measly soldier.

    ¡°People who humiliate others have been humiliated themselves. Wei De, you should know very well how the Wei family started and how you were able to progress in your career. I¡¯m not as gullible and ignorant as you think. You know very well what you¡¯ve done. You¡¯re someone with chinks in your armor that people can seize upon. You don¡¯t live your life honestly, and neither do you treat your wife and child well, yet you still dare to threaten others! You¡¯re really too much! And don¡¯t repeat what other people said to you in the past to me. I¡¯m not you. Besides, don¡¯t you feel like you¡¯re being pped in the face when you repeat what other people said to get you to back down? Why does it seem like your face is all swollen?¡±

    Qiao Nan was unsure about whether someone had really said something like that to Wei De in this life, but she was sure that someone would definitely have such thoughts toward Wei De.

    Arguing on the basis of their families alone, Wei De was almost on equal grounds with her. Neither of them could look down on the other. More importantly, Wei De had indeed married Sister Zhai Hua, while she had no such intentions toward Zhai Sheng.

    Even if she knew that her dream had not been entirely fictional and could very well have been an alternative reality, she had never once seen herself as Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife or even his future wife!

    But in the face of such a shameless man like Wei De, and thinking about how pitifully Jiajia had cried, Qiao Nan felt that she would be letting the heavens down for having such a miraculous experience without doing something about it.

    In her dream, she had not known anything and had exposed the truth of Wei Wei being Wei De¡¯s biological son, and his sister being his ex-wife all the same. Since she had done so once, she did not believe that she would not be able to do it again. But there was no hurry. She would take her time in doing so. After all, Wei De was sly and cunning and had managed to hide the truth from the Zhai family for more than a decade, sessfully married Zhai Hua, and even had a daughter like Jiajia.

    Wei De stared down at Qiao Nan and he raised his fist as though he was about to punch Qiao Nan.

    It could be said that Qiao Nan¡¯s words had hit Wei De exactly in the areas where it hurt the most, enraging Wei De. Wei De was a little flustered. Qiao Nan was clearly an outsider, but she knew the Zhai family¡¯s situation like the back of her hand. She even knew about the situation between him and Zhai Hua.

    Wei De could not help but wonder who had told Qiao Nan about the Wei family¡¯s background and what had happened between him and Zhai Hua in the past. If Zhai Sheng had been the one to spill the beans, who would he find to settle the ounts?

 Chapter 1854 - For Your Good

    <h4>Chapter 1854: For Your Good</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, was Zhai Sheng doing this to remind Qiao Nan, or was he using Qiao Nan to warn him? What Wei De was most concerned about was that Zhai Sheng had told Qiao Nan such a secret. Did that not mean that Zhai Sheng was already certain that he was going to marry Qiao Nan?

    Wei De had not forgotten how he had managed to marry Zhai Hua and even felt proud of that. The Zhai family had not been able to prevent Zhai Hua from getting married to him. Simrly, the Zhai family would not be able to prevent Zhai Sheng from marrying Qiao Nan either. What angered him the most was how his parents-inw did not acknowledge him but seemed to be friendly toward Qiao Nan as though they had already epted her.

    In that case, Qiao Nan would be the chief¡¯s wife. If she was nice and polite, she would address him as her brother-inw. If she was nasty and unkind, he would have to address that ex-caretaker of the Zhai family as the chief¡¯s wife.

    No, that could never happen.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xiao Xu, who was bringing the dishes out, had just happened to witness this scene and rushed up to stop Wei De¡¯s fist. ¡°I¡¯m warning you that this is the chief¡¯s house. If you dare to do anything to the chief¡¯s wife... If you dare to touch Sister Qiao, I won¡¯t let you off.¡±

    So what if he was the old chief¡¯s son-inw? He had never heard the old chief or the chief talk about Wei De before. He was apanymander but could not even defeat a soldier and could only fight against weak women. No wonder the chief had never mentioned having such a brother-inw.

    If he was in their section, he would never have the chance to even be a soldier, let alone apanymander.

    ¡°Who are you? This is none of your business. Let me go!¡± Wei De wanted to beat Xiao Xu up as well. The problem was that he was not as skilled in martial arts as Xiao Xu, and neither would he be able to beat Xiao Xu in terms of strength. He was only slightly older than Xiao Xu. As such, the frustrated Wei De was helpless and could only ask Xiao Xu to let go of him. ¡°Do you believe that I¡¯ll be able to kick you out tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Xiao Xu had not even gotten the chance to answer him before Zhai Sheng, who had juste down for dinner, replied to him. ¡°Xiao Xu was sent here to take care of me. Who are you to tell him to scram? Do you have direct connections with the central government? Since when did you have such an ability? Shall I lend you my phone for you to make a call so that Xiao Xu will scram?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, I¡¯m your brother-inw. We¡¯re a family. How could you treat your brother-inw like that in front of outsiders?¡± Wei De was infuriated, especially because Qiao Nan and Xiao Xu were present. Wei De¡¯s self-esteem did not allow him to grovel in front of Zhai Sheng. He thought only about his status as Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder brother-inw and that Zhai Sheng should respect and obey him.

    He was Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder brother-inw and was older than Zhai Sheng. It was only right for Zhai Sheng to listen to him.

    Standing next to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng asked, ¡°Are you all right?¡± Seeing Qiao Nan shake her head and upon confirming that Qiao Nan had indeed not suffered any injuries, Zhai Sheng finally replied to Wei De. ¡°Company Commander Wei, when have I ever acknowledged you as my brother-inw? And since when have you ever been part of the Zhai family?¡±

    He should stop trying to praise himself so tantly.

    The moment Zhai Sheng appeared, he immediately went to check on Qiao Nan,pletely ignoring Wei De. This was enough to disgrace Wei De, who had acted all high and mighty as a brother-inw. Zhai Sheng¡¯s words that followed utterly humiliated Wei De. It was as though someone had put his face on the ground and had trampled all over it.

    This was an awkward situation. Wei De had wanted to prove to Xiao Xu and Qiao Nan that he was the one who had close connections to the Zhai family. But instead, in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, Xiao Xu and Qiao Nan were both people whom he had to protect. On the other hand, Zhai Sheng had not taken Wei De, who was his brother-inw, into consideration at all, and had embarrassed him in front of everyone. ¡°My parents are in Qingshui Town, and since Zhai Hua isn¡¯t a soldier anymore, she should spend more time with my parents. After the new year, you can leave if you need to. Zhai Hua and Jiajia can stay behind with my parents. As for Jiajia¡¯s schooling matters, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. Anyway, Zhai Hua has been the only one worrying about it all this time. Given our qualifications, you can rest assured that we¡¯ll develop and nurture Jiajia better than you can ever do so that she can inherit whatever you have, and even surpass you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was hinting to Wei De that his dream of bing a regimentmander would eventually be fulfilled by his daughter, Jiajia, as long as she was willing to do so. In another thirty years¡¯ time, he would personally see Jiajia rise to that position. It was just as well for his daughter to fulfill her father¡¯s unfulfilled dreams.

    In the past, he had been too easy on Wei De. That was why Wei De had developed an attitude, thinking that his rtionship with the Zhai family would never change and that he would rise through the ranks because of such a rtionship after he married Zhai Hua and had Jiajia.

    Wei De¡¯s face paled. Wei De had only seen Zhai Sheng having such a resolute and strong attitude once in his life. That was when he wanted to marry Zhai Hua. At that time, Zhai Hua had expressed her wish to marry him in front of the Zhai family for the first time, and naturally, that had been the first time he had appeared in front of the Zhai family as Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend. At almost the same time, the Zhai family not only had to ept Wei De as Zhai Hua¡¯s boyfriend but also that he would be Zhai Hua¡¯s husband.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng¡¯s attitude had been just as firm and resolute as it was now. There had been no room for any discussion. What was different was that Wei De had been less worried and afraid at that time because Zhai Hua had always been on his side.

    But today, hecked Zhai Hua¡¯s support. In front of Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua¡¯s support was almost the key to winning.

    Wei De took a deep breath. He always knew that he would only be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw when Zhai Sheng wanted to treat him politely. Otherwise, he had no right to act like a brother-inw in front of Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I¡¯ve been married to your sister for so many years. You should know how I treat her and how hard I¡¯ve tried to give her happiness. As your rtive and brother-inw, you must believe that whatever I¡¯m doing is for your good.¡±

    If he had not remembered how Zhai Sheng was only a few years younger than he was and was already past the stage of impulsiveness, he would really want to scold Zhai Sheng for being so confused and blinded by love. He must have lost all rationality to want someone like Qiao Nan.

    If Zhai Sheng had found a twenty-five-year-old youngdy to get married to, Wei De would not be so disapproving, even if that youngdy¡¯s family background was not as illustrious as the Zhai family¡¯s. They were both men, but he could not understand Zhai Sheng¡¯s mindset. He had thrown aside twenty-five-year-old youngdies for an olddy of forty.

    After Zhai Sheng had gotten divorced from Qiu Chenxi, he had not taken any action for a long time. Because of that, he had thought that Zhai Sheng had very high standards. Wei De had even wondered about what would happen if Zhai Sheng decided to remain single and childless for the rest of his life. Would the Zhai family¡¯s line end in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands?

 Chapter 1855 - Yes, They Are Both Mine

    <h4>Chapter 1855: Yes, They Are Both Mine</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Jiajia was the only child of the Zhai family. However, she was a female. If he performed well, he might be able to ce Wei Wei by the Zhai family¡¯s side. As time passed by, Zhai Sheng might really be willing to nurture Wei Wei and give him a way out.

    One should always dream. What if it became real?

    If Wei Wei became the chief, even if he was just a regimentmander, he was still a chief¡¯s father. He would still reach the same goal albeit by different means.

    However, Zhai Sheng was going to get married now. His match was Qiao Nan, a woman whom he couldn¡¯t even fancy. Wei De was very dissatisfied. On what basis did Zhai Sheng refuse to give him, the brother-inw, face because of Qiao Nan? Back then, he didn¡¯t allow Zhai Hua to marry him. Until today, he had never officially addressed him as ¡®brother-inw¡¯ once.

    ¡°Wei De, don¡¯t think so highly of yourself.¡± Zhai Sheng looked coldly at Wei De. If he didn¡¯t give Wei De a lesson, Wei De might just go crazy soon. ¡°Sure, since you¡¯re so unhappy staying here, I shan¡¯t keep you any longer. You drove here yourself, so you can drive away now. I¡¯ve said it before. You don¡¯t have to worry about Jiajia and Zhai Hua.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy for the family to be reunited. Zhai Sheng really didn¡¯t want to see Wei De, an unweed person, on such a joyous and festive day like the new year. Furthermore, even if nobody took notice of Wei De, he had to just jump out and make his presence known, treating himself like a master of the Zhai family. Zhai Sheng really couldn¡¯t tolerate this.

    Wei De red at him. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to leave at this time?¡±

    Night fell quickly in winter. It was dinner time now. The sky outside was very dark and the trip from Qingshui Town to Ping Cheng would take one to two hours. Upon thinking that Zhai Sheng wanted to chase his own brother-inw away for an outsider like Qiao Nan, Wei De really wanted to punch Zhai Sheng in the face.

    Favoring an outsider instead of someone on his own side. He really couldn¡¯t differentiate between his family and the outsider who should be chased away.

    Wei De was always bad-tempered. Since he was chased away, how would he still be thick-skinned enough to stay? Even if he were to stay, Zhai Sheng had to apologize to him, and the Zhai family had to force him to stay. Otherwise, not only would he lose face in front of Qiao Nan and Xiao Xu, but he would also no longer be able to raise his head in front of them in the future.

    ¡°Okay, you want me to leave, right? I will! However, Zhai Hua is my wife and Jiajia is my daughter. We are celebrating the new year now. Of course we have to do so as a family. Since you can¡¯t tell who is part of your family and who is an outsider, I can! I¡¯ll bring both my wife and my daughter away,¡± Wei De said stubbornly.

    This sentence made Qiao Nanugh. ¡°You really have a backbone. Your backing and confidencee from your wife and daughter. Since you know that they are your support in the Zhai family, why didn¡¯t you treat them better? ¡®To drink the ocean and then call it salty¡¯ is really apt in describing people like you.¡±

    How shameless. If he had the ability, he shouldn¡¯t pull others down. He could leave by himself, and they¡¯d see who would make him stay.

    ¡°What does that have to do with you?!¡± Even if Qiao Nan had said the truth, Wei De would definitely not admit it. His face turned red and he walked from Xiao Xu¡¯s side. Action speaks louder than words, right? He didn¡¯t believe that if he brought Zhai Hua and Jiajia away, the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t feel ufortable. Those two elders without any grandchildren would definitely feel upset.

    Who asked them to make him feel ufortable? He wouldn¡¯t let these people lead afortable life either. It was the new year, but they wanted him to feel terrible, right? Then, all of them would just feel terrible together and hurt each other!

    ¡°You...¡± Seeing that Wei De was headed toward Jiajia¡¯s room, Qiao Nan felt anxious. Jiajia was just a child. She definitely wouldn¡¯t dare to oppose her biological father or have the ability to oppose. Wei De had this bad habit of always picking the weak ones to bully.

    She obviously knew that Wei De did something wrong to Zhai Hua and Jiajia and kept Wei Wei a secret from them. Not only was Qiao Nan unable to tell the mother-and-daughter pair about this now, but she also had to watch Wei De bullying them on ount that he was their husband and father. Qiao Nan was extremely angry.

    Zhai Sheng patted the back of Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s not worth it. You have to remember that no one from the Zhai family is easy to bully. Zhai Hua asked for it herself in the past. If she doesn¡¯t stand up for herself today, even if Wei De won¡¯t hit her, I will.¡± Anyway, when they were young, they had often ¡®fought¡¯.

    ¡°Forget it, both of you! Do you really treat Sister Zhai Hua as a man? A woman has her own thoughts. There are times your Zhai family¡¯s tough tactics wouldn¡¯t work too. Rather than you fighting with Sister Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t we get Auntie Miao to have a good chat with Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Not everything could be resolved with fists.

    When Sister Zhai Hua married Wei De, Old Master Zhai was still alive. Old Master Zhai had disagreed with their marriage, but Zhai Hua still went ahead to marry him. She didn¡¯t believe that back then, Zhai Sheng and Sister Zhai Hua didn¡¯t engage in the ¡®old ways¡¯ to resolve this problem. In the end, Sister Zhai Hua had suffered a beating, but she went ahead to get married anyway.

    Perhaps when she first wanted to marry Wei De, Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was set at eighty percent, but after that beating, she had a hundred percent of determination.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t refute and that she understood the Zhai family¡¯s situation so clearly, Zhai Sheng¡¯s doubts came to mind again. It was just the same as before. Zhai Sheng still firmly believed that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t bear any bad intentions toward the Zhai family. Perhaps this was a manifestation of his fate with Qiao Nan.

    Ever since he was young, Zhai Sheng had never believed in fate. After over forty years, he came to believe in the existence of fate. Upon thinking of this, Zhai Sheng thought that he was ridiculous as well.

    ¡°Leave the dishes to Xiao Xu and Xiao Zhao. Mom and Dad are waiting outside for us to have a meal. You don¡¯t have to worry about Wei De. It¡¯s time for Zhai Hua to sober up.¡± Today, he believed that Zhai Hua could ¡®stand up¡¯ for herself.

    Qiao Nan sighed anxiously and agreed with Zhai Sheng. It wasn¡¯t good for others to intervene in the affairs of a couple. Wait a minute. ¡°That¡¯s your dad and mom!¡± Zhai Sheng had said it strangely. It was as if the both of them shared the same parents.

    ¡°Yes, my dad and my mom. They are both mine.¡± Zhai Sheng admitted it readily. However, in Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion, he might as well not admit it. Didn¡¯t he see Xiao Xu and Xiao Zhao shrinking their necks andughing? It sounded as if Zhai Sheng was just coaxing her unreasonable self. The problem was that the two of them were obviously not in that kind of rtionship. That was cheating!

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing saw Qiao Nan walking over with their son. Miao Jing asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Hua Hua and Jiajia?¡± As for the son-inw, Wei De, Miao Jing wasn¡¯t willing to give him face, let alone mention his name.

 Chapter 1856 - Aunt Was Great

    <h4>Chapter 1856: Aunt Was Great</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He had used sweet talk to marry her daughter but not treat her well. He also let her granddaughter suffer so many grievances and even wanted to put a child who had nothing to do with the Zhai family into the Zhai family. Did he think that no one knew what he was trying to do?

    Every time she thought of how Wei De treated a fatherless nephew better than his biological daughter, Miao Jing became angry.

    ¡°I asked Wei De to go back to celebrate the new year.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t exin much but only provided a statement.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°That¡¯s good as well. They always celebrate with their Wei family every year. They couldn¡¯t possibly break the Wei family¡¯s habit just because Miao Miao and I are back.¡± Zhai Yaohui also felt that it wasn¡¯tfortable to have Wei De around when their family was celebrating the new year. It was good that Wei De left. Now, only the real family was left.

    His daughter was already in her teens, but Wei De¡¯s image in the hearts of the Zhai family was still so unbearable. This showed how much of a failure Wei De was as a person. It had been over ten years, but he never tried to change his image in the hearts of the Zhai family. Instead, as time went by, the Zhai family¡¯s impression of him kept deteriorating.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng. Indeed, Brother Zhai had asked Wei De to go back. However, Wei De said that he would leave together with his wife and Jiajia. Was Brother Zhai not going to share this with the old chief and Auntie Miao? In the event Sister Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t stand up for herself and stop Wei De from taking Jiajia away, how was Brother Zhai going to answer to the two elders then?

    Miao Jing could not understand the look in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes and only thought that Qiao Nan was also interested in their son and was flirting with him. Zhai Hua, whose face was flushed with fury, pulled Jiajia over for a meal. ¡°Dad, Mom, why aren¡¯t you eating yet? Were you waiting for me and Jiajia? There¡¯s no need to.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, uncle, Aunt Qiao.¡± Jiajia greeted everyone sensibly. Now, Jiajia already knew that Qiao Nan was really her uncle¡¯s match. However, before that was confirmed, she couldn¡¯t address her as ¡®aunt¡¯ casually. Upon thinking that Qiao Nan was family, it didn¡¯t seem so embarrassing for her to have cried in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms.

    Qiao Nan exhaled when she saw Jiajia. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, Jiajia, both of you sit here.¡± Qiao Nan let Zhai Hua and Jiajia sit next to Miao Jing. There was no doubt that the empty seat next to Miao Jing was for the only child in this family, Jiajia. ¡°Jiajia, if there¡¯s anything you would like to eat, remember to tell me. We¡¯re still in time to buy some ingredients. You can just have a simple meal today first.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt heartache when she saw Jiajia. In her dreams, Xiao Bao was a silly and sweet child when he was young. Although his mom was always in the army, Tian Dong, the father, always took care of Xiao Bao. The two elders from the Tian family had doted on Xiao Bao like he was an ancestor. Furthermore, Xiao Bao had three older brothers and a sister to y with since he was young, unlike Jiajia.

    When shepared Xiao Bao¡¯s silly and sweet look with Jiajia¡¯s face now, Qiao Nan felt sour in her heart and didn¡¯t know what she should say.

    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qiao.¡± Jiajia smiled sweetly. At her grandma¡¯s house, only her mom would care about what she liked to eat, whereas her grandma would always only prepare the dishes Wei Wei liked to eat during reunion dinner.

    Jiajia would throw tantrums initially. However, after being lectured by Wei De, Jiajia no longer kicked up a fuss. Wei De said that since they were celebrating the new year, she shouldn¡¯t learn from her mom and cause everyone to be unhappy because of her temper and stubbornness. If there was a dish she liked, she should eat more of it. If there wasn¡¯t any, she should eat less. If she still felt hungry after the meal, she could get her mom to prepare something for her. If she caused her grandpa and grandma to be unhappy, then she was being unfilial.

    Since Wei De had already lectured her so, what else could Jiajia say? She could only not say anything.

    When asked about her favorite dishes today, Jiajia felt warm in her heart. It could be said that she received simr treatment in her maternal grandma¡¯s house now.

    ¡°Try the taste. How do you find it? Is it too salty or nd? Or do you prefer something sweeter or spicier?¡±

    Jiajia tasted the dishes seriously. She turned her head and smiled at Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s not too nd or salty. The taste is just right. These dishes are delicious and I love them. Aunt Qiao, you¡¯re really formidable. How did you know my taste?¡± Jiajia wasn¡¯t saying this out of politeness. Indeed, there were a few dishes she liked to eat on the table. The taste was simr to her preference as well.

    This aunt was really toopetent!

    Jiajia silently threw Zhai Sheng a look of appreciation. She felt that the aunt her uncle found was really great. It was all thanks to her uncle that she had such treatment. When would her uncle start working harder so that she could address Qiao Nan as her aunt instead of Aunt Qiao?

    Seeing that Jiajia had misunderstood, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t bother to exin and only threw Jiajia a look that signaled ¡®soon¡¯. At this time, Zhai Sheng acknowledged one of Wei De¡¯s strengths. Wei De wasn¡¯t good at anything except for having Jiajia as a daughter. Compared to Wei De, Jiajia, the niece, was much more pleasing to the eye.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you like it.¡± Qiao Nan felt a little guilty. She had only known about Jiajia¡¯s existence recently. How could she have understood her taste? It was just that in her dream, she had brought Xiao Bao up and thus understood Xiao Bao¡¯s preference.

    Qiao Nan had purely tried to make some dishes that Xiao Bao liked. Perhaps it was because Zhai Hua was the mother of both children. Even if Jiajia¡¯s and Xiao Bao¡¯s preferences for food weren¡¯t a hundred percent simr, they were at least more than fifty percent simr.

    Seeing this situation, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know if she should feel happy or sad. Xiao Bao was Xiao Bao. Jiajia was Jiajia. Both of them were different and independent of each other. She shouldn¡¯t think of Xiao Bao whenever she saw Jiajia. One had to know that they had the same mother but different fathers.

    She also didn¡¯t know where Tian Dong was now.

    As she recalled the young Zhai Hua¡¯s joking words of marrying only when she was thirty years old and Tian Dong¡¯s stubbornness, Qiao Nan felt tired in her heart and pinched her nose bridge. If this was real as well, then there was really a great marriage that was missed in vain due to a childhood joke and stubbornness.

    ¡°Aunt Qiao, what¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well?¡± Was Aunt Qiao tired from cooking all those dishes for her?

    On the way there, Zhai Hua had given her daughter a heads-up that the dishes today were all prepared by Qiao Nan. She was, after all, her future aunt. In any case, Zhai Hua asked Jiajia to give Qiao Nan face.

    Jiajia was already mentally prepared to eat a few more mouthfuls even if she didn¡¯t like the food so that she could win more impression points for her uncle. Of course, Jiajia was quite satisfied with the final taste of the dishes.

 Chapter 1857 - Angry Face

    <h4>Chapter 1857: Angry Face</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She didn¡¯t need to pretend about those dishes at all. Based on the taste, she would give a score of ny-nine, if not one hundred.

    Upon seeing that Qiao Nan was feeling unwell, Jiajia, who loved Qiao Nan¡¯s dishes a lot, became nervous. What if her future aunt became tired from cooking dishes for her? She would feel very embarrassed.

    ¡°No, it should be because of the wind just now. Nothing¡¯s wrong.¡± Qiao Nan waved her hands. She didn¡¯t expect a small action of hers to attract so many people¡¯s attention. ¡°The weather¡¯s cold now. Let¡¯s eat quickly. If the dishes turn cold, they wouldn¡¯t taste good anymore.¡±

    ¡°Yes, everyone, let¡¯s eat.¡± Miao Jing gave Qiao Nan face and agreed with her words. ¡°Jiajia likes to eat this, right? Here. Eat more so that you can gain some meat. Jiajia, we can¡¯t learn from the youngdies outside. Why lose weight? A girl should have some meat on her body to look good. Most importantly, she would be in good health.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, grandma. Grandma, eat more too.¡± At this moment in her maternal grandma¡¯s house, Jiajia felt that she was the happiest child in the world. It turned out that not only her mother treated her well. In reality, there were a lot of rtives in her maternal grandma¡¯s house who treated her as their precious child, doting on and pampering her. She was also a princess at home.

    As soon as the meal started, the atmosphere of the Zhai family became warmer again. It was as if the people around the table were a real family and there were no outsiders at all.

    The Zhai family ate happily. However, Wei De, who was ¡®chased away¡¯, was ck-faced throughout the journey. He drove back to his home, where his parents, ¡®sister¡¯, and ¡®nephew¡¯ were.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s almost nine. Ah De, why are you back at this timing? Didn¡¯t you say that you would be celebrating the new year with your inws?¡± There were two days to celebrate the new year, but Ah De came back at this timing. Could it be that he returned to see her as he was afraid she would miss him dearly?

    As she thought of this, Mother Wei became extremely touched. ¡°Ah De, isn¡¯t it just a few days? You usually stay in the army every day. Even if I miss you, I have gotten through it. Don¡¯t be like this in the future. It¡¯s unsafe and cold to drive in the middle of the night.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention this!¡± Wei De felt unlucky. ¡°Mom, is there anything to eat at home? I¡¯m hungry. Prepare more food for me.¡±

    ¡°What? You haven¡¯t eaten yet? Wait for a while. I¡¯ll prepare some dishes for you.¡± Mother Wei turned around and pulled Wei Xiaomei into the kitchen to prepare food for Wei De. It was New Year¡¯s Eve, so there were a lot of ingredients at home. The ready-made dishes were prepared quickly for Wei De. ¡°Ah De, hurry up and eat. Don¡¯t hurt your stomach.¡±

    Wei De gobbled his food until his belly showed. He put down his chopsticks and said, ¡°Mom, this is too infuriating. The old couple from the Zhai family is back and Zhai Hua felt that she has a strong backing. Mom, you¡¯re right. There¡¯s no need to treat women well. They are all just wretches. I should be fiercer. Ipromised and let her return to her family to celebrate the new year. She¡¯s about to forget that she¡¯s no longer a daughter of the Zhai family but a daughter-inw of the Wei family!¡±

    He had wanted to pull Zhai Hua and Jiajia back to scare Zhai Sheng. Who knew that Zhai Hua didn¡¯t cooperate and even said that Zhai Sheng did right since he went overboard first? Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind was unclear and he was falling head over heels for Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng helped put in a good word for Qiao Nan and ostracized him, the brother-inw. They were both men, so he could still understand this.

    However, who was Zhai Hua? Zhai Hua was his wife!

    No matter what happened under what circumstances, Zhai Hua should stand by his side unconditionally and help him. Who knew that Zhai Hua would favor an outsider like Qiao Nan and not help her husband? When she knew that Zhai Sheng had chased him away, not only was Zhai Hua not angry, but she even agreed with Zhai Sheng and let him go!

    In reality, Wei De wasn¡¯t the kind of person to give up so easily.

    Of course, the best result was that Zhai Sheng apologized to him and begged him to stay. Otherwise, he was going to leave together with his wife and daughter and return to the Wei family. He wanted the old couple from the Zhai family to lose the rare chance of reuniting with their granddaughter.

    Who asked them not to give birth to a good son? After giving birth to a son, they didn¡¯t discipline him properly, and he ended up being so rude to him, the brother-inw. Serves them right for not having the joy to interact with their family. He wanted them to pay the price because of their son, Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Hua was an adult and had the right to choose her own behavior. However, Jiajia was still young. Even if he couldn¡¯t bring Zhai Hua away, he wanted to bring the daughter whom he didn¡¯t ce much importance on back. He gathered thatpared to Zhai Hua, the daughter, the old couple from the Zhai family cherished Jiajia, the granddaughter, more.

    In short, if someone made him feel ufortable, he was going to leave the Zhai family with no chance to celebrate the new year properly!

    Wei De always had the final say in the Wei family. Nobody dared to oppose his words and everyone would just implement what he said. It was these days that made Wei De forget what kind of wife he had married and what type of situation his inws were in.

    Seeing that Wei De was using force on his daughter to pull her away and was even hurting her with malicious words, Zhai Hua became furious. In the past, Wei De had indeed valued Wei Wei, the nephew, more. However, on the surface, he was still alright toward Jiajia. As such, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t throw a temper at Wei De.

    She couldn¡¯t possibly say that she hoped Wei De would treat their daughter better. If she really said so, Wei De would just say that Jiajia was a daughter and not a son and that he was a father. When his daughter grew up, it wouldn¡¯t be too appropriate for him to get too close to Jiajia. As such, she shouldn¡¯t alwayspare Jiajia with Wei Wei.

    In the past, Zhai Hua had tolerated Wei De¡¯s words. However, today, Zhai Hua could no longer tolerate his words and actions. Generally, women were in a weaker position if they wanted to use violence on men as they couldn¡¯t win in terms of strength.

    However, who was Zhai Hua? When Zhai Hua was in the army, she was a female officer. She was someone who could knock down a hundred recruits.

    Wei De had sessfully been promoted from a recruit. After he became apanymander, he was negligent in training and only thought of how much further he could climb up the ranks. Zhai Hua was different. After Zhai Hua retired from the army, she missed the army more and more while at home.

    Wei De didn¡¯t spend a lot of time at home. Coupled with the fact that Jiajia was attending school after she grew up, Zhai Hua¡¯s time at home alone became particrly long. But no one knew that Zhai Hua had been doing physical training.

    When couplesy a hand on each other, the wife would normally be subjected to domestic violence as her strength couldn¡¯t bepared to the husband¡¯s. However, once Wei De made a move, Zhai Hua sessfully pressed Wei De down within three moves.

 Chapter 1858 - Stop It

    <h4>Chapter 1858: Stop It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Jiajia, who had seen her parents fighting for the first time, was stunned. Before she could be afraid, her mom had won against her dad. Her dad was like a tortoise when her mom pressed him down such that his face was stuck to the cold wall. ¡°Wei De, let me tell you. Don¡¯t think that ten years are enough for your Wei family to wear down my temper. I just felt that we¡¯re a family and thus didn¡¯t want to mind it too much. Leading a good life is more important. If you continue to be this overboard, I don¡¯t mind letting you think of how I was already a deputy battalionmander before I retired!¡±

    She was different from Wei De. Wei De was promoted topanymander due to his rtionship with Zhai Hua. When Zhai Hua was in the army, she had relied on her actual strength and military merits to get promoted. One was superior in strength while the other wasn¡¯t worthy of his name. When the two of them fought, there was no suspense as to who would win, alright?

    ¡°Zhai Hua, good for you!¡± He had thrown his face in front of Qiao Nan previously. Who knew that at this time, he fell in front of his own daughter? They were about to celebrate the new year. Wei De almost had the illusion that everyone in the world was against him and that he could no longer lead a good life.

    Zhai Hua loosened her grip on Wei De¡¯s hands and feet and adjusted her clothes. ¡°Of course. Everyone in the Zhai family is good. Wei De, I finally understand why you only nag about wanting to be a regimentmander every day in front of me but there¡¯s no improvement in your performance in the army.¡±

    It was easy to tell if one was an expert when they made a move.

    Zhai Hua herself was an outstanding soldier to begin with. Even if she had retired for more than ten years, some situations would never change. Zhai Hua knew about this all along. Judging from the situation just now, to be honest, Zhai Hua no longermented that Wei De¡¯s fortune wasn¡¯t good. She was no longer anxious that he had no opportunity to showcase his talent.

    Regimentmander?

    What a joke!

    Whoever dared to make Wei De a regimentmander was just treating the entire army as a joke. Even the position of apanymander was too high for Wei De, let alone a regimentmander. If Wei De was given the position of a toon leader, it was definitely not because of his capabilities but the number of years he had spent in the army.

    When Wei De annoyed her and Mother Wei nagged her in the past, Zhai Hua had asional hesitations if she should help Wei De again. Even if she didn¡¯t follow the path of the Zhai family, she still had some connections and could help him achieve his goal.

    At this time, the idea hadpletely disappeared from Zhai Hua¡¯s heart. It was nothing to help Wei De. However, she had to be responsible to the soldiers under Wei De. She suspected that the soldiers wouldn¡¯t have the potential to develop themselves if they had Wei De as an officer. If all the good seedlings were destroyed by Wei De, then she would be doing something sorry to the party, the country, the people, and those soldiers who loved the army.

    ¡°Okay, are you going to leave, or do you want to continue to stay?¡± If he stayed, she would certainly give him face. On the contrary, if Wei De wanted to leave, she wasn¡¯t going to make him stay, lest everyone feel ufortable. The premise was that if Wei De wanted to leave, he would be the only one leaving.

    Initially, Zhai Hua wanted to let Jiajia choose. Jiajia was a teen now and had the right to choose. It was just that when she saw Wei De pulling Jiajia by force to leave, it was obvious that Jiajia was reluctant but she didn¡¯t dare to resist Wei De out of filial piety. This made Zhai Hua furious.

    If she had been like Jiajia when she was young, she wouldn¡¯t have married Wei De and she wouldn¡¯t have Jiajia as a daughter now. Her daughter¡¯s performance made Zhai Hua realize that she was too pampered by her family when she was still a daughter in the Zhai family that she was so bad-tempered now.

    On the contrary, no one favored and pampered Jiajia aside from her, the mother. As such, Jiajia became more sensible and filial but also more sensitive. She wasn¡¯t sure how other children became sensible. In her opinion, Jiajia wasn¡¯t born to be sensible. She and Wei De didn¡¯t have this excellent gene to pass to Jiajia. Zhai Hua felt heartache when she knew that circumstances had shaped Jiajia to be this sensible.

    It¡¯s fine that she didn¡¯t get to lead the life as guaranteed before her marriage with Wei De after marrying him. In the end, her daughter led a life that was even worse than hers when she was young. So what¡¯s the point of her holding on for so many years? She even felt that she had suffered so many grievances all these years. Was everything purely her own doing?

    It was precisely because of this that when Qiao Nan saw Zhai Hua, she could obviously feel the anger and dissatisfaction from Zhai Hua.

    At this time, Wei De, who had returned home, shared what had happened with Zhai Hua. Mother Wei was so angry that her eyes were about to spit fire. ¡°I asked you to take care of her a long time ago, but you just refused to listen. See? Now, she even dares to climb above your head! That woman is old and bad-tempered. She and her family are white-eyed wolves who don¡¯t know how to be grateful. What sin has our Wei familymitted to have such a daughter-inw? Look how I¡¯ll take care of her when she returns home!¡±

    Mother Wei knew that she was Zhai Hua¡¯s mother-inw. No matter how she argued with her, Zhai Hua could only respect her and not do anything. Otherwise, Zhai Hua would just be waiting for everyone to curse and swear at her. However, her son couldn¡¯t do this. Both of them were equals. Once they started a fight, her son would be on the losing end. ¡°Ah De, listen to me this time around. I¡¯ll help you manage your wife. Women really couldn¡¯t be pampered.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the New Year¡¯s Eve. Can you mother-and-son pair just stop?!¡± Mother Wei kept saying how she was going to take care of Zhai Hua and how she was going to punish Jiajia to make Zhai Hua feel terrible. She said that only if she cut Zhai Hua¡¯s flesh would Zhai Hua feel the pain and be afraid. Upon hearing how ruthless his partner was and how she was going toy a hand on their granddaughter, Father Wei became angry and used an ashtray to hit Mother Wei¡¯s body hard.

    Mother Wei, who was beaten, raised her eyebrows. ¡°Who am I doing this for? It¡¯s all for Ah De. Is Ah De your son or Zhai Hua your daughter? Wretched old man. Don¡¯t be so foolish!¡±

    Father Weiughed coldly and looked at Wei De. ¡°It¡¯s because I still treat him as a son that I disallow you to do so. Have you been leading such a good life that you became confused? Don¡¯t feel afraid only when there¡¯s no turning back.¡± If they really reached that stage, his wife would think that she had been helping their son, but their son would me his wife for ruining his home and future!

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mother Wei wasn¡¯t willing to take this lying down. ¡°Zhai Hua has stepped on Ah De now. You¡¯re still helping other people¡¯s daughter?¡±

 Chapter 1859 - Pay More Attention

    <h4>Chapter 1859: Pay More Attention</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was good to give birth to a son, a son belonging to their own family. A daughter-inw was someone else¡¯s daughter. If someone dared to bully her son, she would go all out with that person.

    Father Wei knocked on the long-stemmed Chinese pipe and nced at Wei Xiaomei, who was silently standing next to Wei De and taking care of him. Father Wei knew that this pair of ¡®siblings¡¯ was fooling around together again. His son was flirtatious to begin with. If not for the Zhai family¡¯s identity and that Wei De was afraid of his vulnerability being caught, he would have been together with Wei Xiaomei again.

    Who asked Wei Xiaomei to be his sister in name? Nobody would find it strange if he spent a lot of time at his parents¡¯ house. Besides, nobody would expect that Wei De wasn¡¯t apanying his parents at home but was sleeping with his ¡®sister¡¯.

    The Wei De now was enjoying life with two wives.

    ¡°If the Zhai family knows about Ah De and Xiao Mei, who do you think will lose out in the end?¡± Upon thinking of Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei, Father Wei felt guilty. He never came into contact with his daughter-inw for two reasons, the first being his natural awe and respect for soldiers and the second being Wei Xiaomei¡¯s and Wei Wei¡¯s rtionship.

    As he liked his grandson, Father Wei pretended to be deaf and mute and let Wei De and Mother Wei bully Zhai Hua. However, he always remembered that his family did something sorry to Zhai Hua, their daughter-inw.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention this!¡± Wei De turned his face. This topic was the most untouchable. Even if it was his biological father who had said this, Wei De simrly felt frightened. Without mentioning it for years, Wei De had chosen to selectively forget this matter. Even if he would be sleeping with Wei Xiaomei now that he was back, he never took the initiative to retrieve the memories of Wei Xiaomei being his wife once.

    They could sleep with each other. However, in name, Wei Xiaomei was just his sister.

    ¡°You old man. You obviously know that Ah De doesn¡¯t like anyone mentioning this. Only our family knows about this matter. No one else does, and it¡¯s impossible for the Zhai family to find out. Furthermore, this happened before Ah De met and married Zhai Hua. On what basis should the Zhai family me Ah De?¡± Ah De wasn¡¯t to be med for this. It was just that Zhai Hua had appearedter.

    Father Wei put the pipe aside. ¡°We don¡¯t know yet if there will be a day someone finds out about this. Anyway, the morals my elders taught me aren¡¯t like that. Wife, stop being so stubborn. Since you really think that it¡¯s okay for the incident between Ah De and Xiaomei to happen before Zhai Hua came into the picture, do you dare to tell Zhai Hua about it? If you dare not to, Ah De wouldn¡¯t dare to either. The Zhai family wouldn¡¯t be willing to suffer this loss.¡±

    Yes, indeed, this happened before the two of them knew each other. However, with this premise, neither the Zhai family nor Zhai Hua would have epted Wei De as a person. So what if Zhai Hua was a little older? How many women would be willing to marry a man who was married once and had a child in their first marriage?

    Mother Wei became speechless at Father Wei¡¯s words. ¡°Whose father are you? Who are you helping? If you continue to be like this, be careful that Ah De wouldn¡¯t treat you well in the future.¡± Their son wouldn¡¯t be filial to him since he kept saying words that were against their son!

    Father Wei looked at the silent Ah De as well as Wei Xiaomei, who had silently distanced herself from Wei De. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that if I didn¡¯t say these words, all of you would becent and forget what you have done. It¡¯s better not to burn bridges. Now, you¡¯re a mother-inw who picks on Zhai Hua and treats Jiajia badly. Let me ask you. If anything happens in the future and Zhai Hua wants to get a divorce, have you thought of what to do? Do you really think that after giving birth to Jiajia, Zhai Hua would stick around the Wei family and that it would be impossible for her to leave Ah De? Who gave you such confidence?¡±

    This was the matter Father Wei was most anxious, worried, and afraid about. He never felt that his daughter-inw wouldn¡¯t dare to divorce his son because of Jiajia, their daughter. With the Zhai family around, Zhai Hua had nothing to worry about or fear.

    ¡°No, Jiajia wouldn¡¯t wish for Ah De to divorce her mom.¡± Mother Wei didn¡¯t sound as confident as before.

    Father Wei drank a sip of water. ¡°Speaking of Jiajia, both you and Ah De shouldn¡¯t be that confident. Did you think about how you treated her? Zhai Hua and Jiajia might seem simpleminded and usually don¡¯t think too much, but don¡¯t the two of you feel that your usual practices are too obvious? Jiajia is willing to care about you, the grandma, and you, the father, because she doesn¡¯t know about your rtionship with Xiao Wei yet. I feel that this child¡¯s temper is simr to her mom¡¯s. If she really knows what happened at home, Jiajia might not be a child who¡¯s that easy to speak to.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re exaggerating. Jiajia is my daughter. If her heart is not with me, who else could it be with?¡± Wei De wasn¡¯t willing to acknowledge Father Wei¡¯s words. The reason why he was so confident to be fierce toward Zhai Hua was because of Jiajia, their daughter.

    He knew that a lot of women would choose to suffer in silence in the face of grievances for the sake of their children.

    ¡°Do you only know that Jiajia is your daughter after realizing that you have to rely on her to keep Zhai Hua as your wife? Why didn¡¯t I see you treat Jiajia well usually? You and your mom always treat it as if there¡¯s only a child, Xiao Wei, in the family. Have you thought about how Jiajia would feel if she saw this? Would she be unhappy? Would she throw tantrums? She¡¯s already in her teens. She knows how to be upset as well.¡± Toward the end, Father Wei wasn¡¯t willing to continue saying anything.

    In short, ever since his son married Zhai Hua and was sessfully promoted to toon leader andpanymander, this mother-and-son pair started having crazy thoughts. They really thought that they were the emperor and that everyone beneath them would just have to follow what they said. In this world, how could there be so many good things that they could take for granted?

    ¡°Dad, what exactly are you trying to say?¡± Although Wei De was unhappy, he knew that his dad made sense. Indeed, Zhai Hua had suffered a lot of grievances, and Jiajia was growing up. Upon seeing Zhai Hua¡¯s temper improvepared to before they got married, he did be too smug.

    No matter how much he disliked Zhai Hua¡¯s toughness and how she favored outsiders, he never thought of separating from her and getting a divorce. If they really got to that stage, not only would divorce not make Zhai Hua sumb but also kill his own future.

    ¡°What I mean is very simple. Pay more attention.¡± It was rare that his son was finally listening to his words. ¡°In the future, you, and especially your mom, should think twice for everything that is being said and done. When you feel that Zhai Hua is no longer of use to our family and it doesn¡¯t matter if Zhai Hua leaves our family or not, I wouldn¡¯t care what trouble you create for her. I won¡¯t say a single word about it.¡±

 Chapter 1860 - Donâ€™t Be Happy Too Early

    <h4>Chapter 1860: Don¡¯t Be Happy Too Early</h4>

    ¡°On the contrary, you have to remember that our family can¡¯t do without Zhai Hua. Treat Zhai Hua and Jiajia better in the future. For us, there¡¯s still Xiao Wei. However, in Zhai Hua¡¯s heart, she only has Jiajia.¡±

    They were mothers. Why couldn¡¯t they understand the mindset of a mother?

    One could treat oneself badly. However, if one treated one¡¯s own child badly, every mother in the world would feel angry. Women might not get a divorce for the sake of their children. However, it was possible for them to get a divorce for their children as well.

    Her son agreed with what Father Wei said and no longer supported her words like before. What else could Mother Wei do? She could ignore Father Wei, but she couldn¡¯t ignore her son¡¯s emotions and thoughts. ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is that after Zhai Hua returns, not only can I not help our son, but I must also please that old woman Zhai Hua and treat the money-losing daughter Jiajia well?¡±

    Just thinking about it made Mother Wei feel ufortable all over, let alone doing it. She had a grandson. Why should she treat the money-losing granddaughter well instead of her grandson?

    Father Wei didn¡¯t reply to Mother Wei. He knew that Mother Wei would not listen to anyone else¡¯s words but their son¡¯s. As such, he only had to persuade their son and he would take care of Mother Wei. ¡°Ah De, I didn¡¯t mean to deliberately say bad things on such a festive day. You were a person who had survived step by step. Before you married Zhai Hua, how cautious were you? You have to understand my ultimate goal is not to make you treat Zhai Hua and Jiajia well. I just don¡¯t want any ident that will cost you your life goals to happen. We can¡¯t go too overboard for certain things. Ah De, if you destroy your rtionship, have you thought of what else you have in your hands to keep Zhai Hua around?¡±

    Wei De rubbed his face and stood up. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯ll go to the washroom to wash my face. Wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. I¡¯ll get you some warm water.¡± Mother Wei stood up and wanted to serve her son. Wei De shook his head and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I only want to use cold water to wash my face.¡±

    Only then could he have some peace and quiet.

    Wei Xiaomei stood anxiously, not daring to sit. She always felt that Father Wei knew that these were her thoughts.

    Father Wei looked at the ¡®daughter¡¯ she had raised since young. ¡°Xiaomei, don¡¯t be afraid. Find a stool and take a seat. I don¡¯t have any bad intentions. I just want to remind you that we shouldn¡¯t think that no one knows what happens in one¡¯s own home. One can never be too careful. If Zhai Hua finds out about this, what should we do? Have you thought about this?¡±

    If Zhai Hua knew about Xiao Wei¡¯s true identity, they were worried that Zhai Hua would definitely not ept it and that she would separate from Wei De. Moreover, if Zhai Hua knew that after marrying Wei De for so many years, Wei Xiaomei, who came over to live together with them, had fooled around with Wei De and in the house that she paid for, how would Zhai Hua feel?

    ¡°You were brought up by our Wei family. Xiaomei, it could be said that our Wei family didn¡¯t let you down. Don¡¯t hurt Ah De because of your little thoughts. You have to know that if that ident really happens, you will not only hurt Ah De in the end but also Wei Wei. The Zhai family had promoted Ah De. The Zhai family is also absolutely capable of pulling Ah De down. Without Ah De, what are you and Xiao Wei left with?¡±

    Some things had to be restrained after knowing that it was all thanks to Zhai Hua. Wasn¡¯t it just a man?

    When Ah De married Zhai Hua, not only did Xiao Mei lose a man by her side, but her son was also fetched away. During the first three to four years, Xiaomei was pretty wise. She stayed quiet and didn¡¯t kick up a fuss. When she thought of her son, she never said anything about wanting to fetch him back or raise him by her side.

    It was a pity that she started to be jealous at this age. Father Wei couldn¡¯tprehend Wei Xiaomei¡¯s change. This was the rhythm of going bad to worst.

    ¡°Xiaomei is Ah De¡¯s wife to begin with. They should be together. Why should she pay attention?¡± Mother Wei said. She wasn¡¯t helping Wei Xiaomei but her own son. ¡°I haven¡¯t said anything about Zhai Hua, that old woman, being older than Xiao Mei. Her temper is worse than Xiaomei¡¯s as well. She doesn¡¯t look like a wife at all. She doesn¡¯t serve Ah De well, yet she refuses to let someone else do the job for her?¡±

    Father Wei red at her. ¡°Sure, if you want to say it that way, you can treat whatever I said just now as nonsense. I didn¡¯t say a single word, so you don¡¯t have to remember anything either. Don¡¯t find me if anything happens in the future. I¡¯ve already tried my best!¡±

    He was already trying his best to save everything before anything happened. Who knew that the woman he married didn¡¯t have any brains and still dared to be so barbaric?

    Wei De, who had finished washing his face with cold water, was on Father Wei¡¯s side this time around. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯ve thought about it. You¡¯re right. Actually, ever since Zhai Hua married me, her temper has improved. However, Zhai Hua is still Zhai Hua. If she knows about me and Xiaomei, regardless of whether it was in the past or now, Zhai Hua would never forgive me and would definitely get a divorce. Zhai Hua is not alone. She still has the Zhai family as backing. The Zhai family wasn¡¯t happy that she married me back then. I¡¯m sure they would be more than happy now if Zhai Hua wants a divorce. Once the Zhai family interferes in this matter, Zhai Hua and I would definitely be getting a divorce. It would be useless even if we put Jiajia in the picture then.¡±

    His father was right. He couldn¡¯t leave Zhai Hua. Even if he reallypleted his life goal and became a regimentmander, he simrly couldn¡¯t divorce Zhai Hua. It wasn¡¯t easy to climb up the ranks. He had to continue to be in that position until Wei Wei grew up and was qualified to take his position. Before that, he couldn¡¯t lose Zhai Hua.

    Otherwise, regardless of how he climbed up to the position of a regimentmander, he would definitely fall from it within three years.

    ¡°In this lifetime until death, my wife can only be Zhai Hua alone. Otherwise, all my hard work and efforts over the years would be in vain. Wei Wei wouldn¡¯t have a bright future either.¡± For himself, his son, and his family, he had to hold on to Zhai Hua tightly.

    Only then did Father Wei feel better in his heart. ¡°Ah De, it¡¯s good that you understand. All these years, you and your mom were too overboard. I knew that the both of you wouldn¡¯t listen to me no matter what I said before. Today is quite a good opportunity. Ah De, think about it. Before you married Zhai Hua back then, what thoughts and attitude did you have toward her? It doesn¡¯t mean that everything would be going well after you married her. After marriage, there¡¯s still the possibility of a divorce.¡±

 Chapter 1861 - Too Cowardly

    <h4>Chapter 1861: Too Cowardly</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The truth was that before Father Wei mentioned this, he had simrly felt that after having Jiajia as a granddaughter, everything would go well for their Wei family. However, today, the Zhai family had kept both Zhai Hua and Jiajia for reunion dinner to celebrate the new year but chased Wei De away. This made Father Wei realize that the Zhai family didn¡¯t change their attitude toward Wei De because of Jiajia¡¯s existence. The Zhai family still looked down on his son, their son-inw.

    After feeling scared, Father Wei couldn¡¯t help but talk to Wei De. ¡°Ah De, Dad¡¯s a useless man. I can¡¯t manage your mom. You spend less time at home, so you have to be careful. If you can¡¯t manage someone like your mom, you have to know what to do in the future if anything happens.¡±

    Her son was the most important to her. Anyone else in front of his wife would just be deemed as people without any status.

    An ordinary person had to be scared of her and respect her because she had Zhai Hua as a daughter-inw. Zhai Hua was from the Zhai family. This meant that she was inws with the old chief. Zhai Hua had to be afraid of her and treat her well. She shouldn¡¯t fight back or scold her as she was Zhai Hua¡¯s mother-inw.

    In short, in Father Wei¡¯s eyes, Mother Wei¡¯s lethality was no less than Wei De¡¯s. What was different was that their lethality was not targeted at others but themselves.

    Wei De didn¡¯t say anything else. He only looked at Mother Wei and said, ¡°Mom.¡± Yes, Zhai Hua was bad-tempered and couldn¡¯t tolerate grievances. The Zhai family had treated her so well, but she stillined that she didn¡¯t lead a good life there. His mom treated Zhai Hua badly, yet she could tolerate it until now. The question was how much longer Zhai Hua could tolerate it.

    Wei De wasn¡¯t sure what decisions Zhai Hua would make. Since he didn¡¯t have the capital and backbone to leave Zhai Hua and live alone, some things should be paid attention to.

    ¡°Okay, okay. I get it. I totally get it. In the future, I¡¯ll treat Zhai Hua and Jiajia as if they are our Wei family¡¯s ancestors. Will that do?¡± Even if she wasn¡¯t happy or didn¡¯t like it, there wasn¡¯t anything she couldn¡¯t do for the sake of her son.

    Hadn¡¯t she already done it once when she first saw Zhai Hua, this old woman?

    ¡°Mom, it has been tough on you because of me.¡± Wei De felt heartache for his mom for having topromise as a mother-inw. If he didn¡¯t have the chance to be together with Zhai Hua and Xiaomei was his only wife, his mom couldpletely treat her daughter-inw based on her own will and temper.

    A mother-inw was a mother-inw. She should put on some air in front of the daughter-inw.

    Mother Wei was still feeling a little unhappy before. When she heard her son¡¯s words, her unhappiness disappeared. ¡°It¡¯s not tough at all. For you and Wei Wei, I¡¯m a willing party. Everything is worth it. As long as both of you are well, I won¡¯t say a word even if I have to get down and let Zhai Hua and Jiajia use me as a horse, let alone treat them as ancestors.¡±

    Not only did she want her son to be well, but she also wanted her only grandson to be well. Zhai Hua had not outlived her usefulness yet. If they couldn¡¯t make her bring out all her usefulness for her son and grandson to have a bright future, then their Wei family would really suffer a huge loss.

    He had already married Zhai Hua, this old woman, but hadn¡¯t taken any advantage yet. Wasn¡¯t this akin to trying to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice?

    As the Wei family talked about this, Wei Xiaomei knew that in the days toe, she was going to lead a life without a husband again. Even that little bit of sneaky passion would be lost.

    Wei Xiaomei felt regretful not because she missed Wei De. Wei Xiaomei knew that if she slept with Wei De, his heart would be biased toward her and her son. Most importantly, on what basis could Zhai Hua snatch her man but she couldn¡¯t snatch hers?

    Wei Xiaomei felt a distorted sense of satisfaction when she lived in the house bought by Zhai Hua and slept with Wei De behind Zhai Hua¡¯s back.

    It was just that from today onward, she would no longer be able to enjoy such satisfaction anymore.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that after Wei De returned home and got lectured by Father Wei, he became so arrogant that he forgot who the Wei family had relied on to lead such a good life today.

    The Wei family had relied on the Zhai family. If the Wei family dared to treat Zhai Hua and Jiajia badly, then they were reallyining that they were leading too good a life.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know about these troubling matters. However, after leaving the Qiao family and returning to her inws¡¯ ce in her dreams, Qiao Nan felt that she had celebrated the new year happily andfortably.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t only Qiao Nan who was happy. Zhai Hua realized that her daughter was smiling much more and herughter was louder than when she was in the Wei family. In the past when they were at the Wei family¡¯s house, even if her daughterughed, it was a in one without any sound. Back then, she thought that her daughter¡¯s temper was unlike hers, and she was moredylike.

    However, after returning to her parents¡¯ house to celebrate the new year, Zhai Hua realized that she was wrong. Actually, her daughter was pretty simr to her, especially when sheughed. It was a loud and heartyugh.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve already received Aunt Qiao¡¯s red packet. When is uncle going to allow me to call her aunt instead? I must say that uncle is too slow in his actions. They are already celebrating the new year together, so why is he dawdling? I¡¯m going to look down on him soon.¡± Jiajia became a lot livelier and more cheerful recently, and she dared to talk to Zhai Hua about Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Jiajia held her cheeks. ¡°Every time I see uncle standing next to Aunt Qiao, I nearly can¡¯t stand it. We have people in school falling in love as well. Even though uncle and Aunt Qiao aren¡¯t like my ssmates, addressing each other by husband and wife, that type of sweetness when they were together is much more exaggerated than my ssmates¡¯. However, it has been a week. I¡¯ve observed that uncle hasn¡¯t even held Aunt Qiao¡¯s hand, let alone progress to the stage where I could address her as aunt!¡± How weak!

    Zhai Huaughed at her daughter¡¯sugh. ¡°Don¡¯t say this in front of your uncle. He wants face, especially when he¡¯s in front of the woman he likes. Didn¡¯t you see that your uncle used to look like a block of ice, expressionless and emotionless? After Qiao Nan¡¯s arrival, your uncle changed quite a bit.¡± At least, he seemed more human now.

    She thought that all the men from the Zhai family were like that, just like Old Master Zhai and her father. As such, she didn¡¯t feel surprised at how Zhai Sheng was when she was young.

 Chapter 1862 - No Evidence

    <h4>Chapter 1862: No Evidence</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But afterward, the rtionship between her parents warmed up, and it was then that Zhai Hua realized that there was another side to her parents.

    Today, Zhai Sheng seemed to have met the right person, Qiao Nan, and his change had been just like her father¡¯s at that time. Did that mean that the old master had been this way because her grandma had left too early?

    Thinking about how the old master had been infuriated about how she had insisted on marrying Wei De even when he passed on, Zhai Hua felt incredibly upset. ¡°Jiajia, I¡¯ll bring you along to visit your great-grandpa tomorrow.¡±

    She had not been filial to the old master while he was still alive and had even angered him greatly. She wondered whether the old master would forgive her since she was even bringing her daughter to visit him now.

    ¡°All right, Mom. Let¡¯s go visit great-grandpa and great-grandma. When you miss them, I can always follow you here to pay them a visit. Ping Cheng isn¡¯t that far from Qingshui Town, and the environment here is good too. We can spend our holidays here in the future.¡± Aspared to Ping Cheng, she felt that Qingshui Town felt much morefortable.

    Seeing that her daughter truly liked it here, Zhai Hua nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Sister Qiao, what¡¯s up with youtely? I feel like you¡¯ve been worried about something.¡± Xiao Zhao tried to ask Qiao Nan. In reality, when the two of them had been preparing dinner, Qiao Nan had gone into a trance and had remained silent for a long while. Xiao Zhao had already encountered such a situation several times. ¡°Sister Qiao, are you too tired? If that¡¯s the case, I could have prepared dinner myself. I think there should be no problem for me to whip up a meal on my own every once in a while. Besides, you¡¯ve been by my side recently. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve picked up some skills from you. Do you want to go back to your room and get some rest?¡±

    She did not dare to tire Sister Qiao out because that would be her fault if she were to do so.

    ¡°No, I just have some things on my mind. It¡¯s inevitable that I¡¯m lost in thought sometimes.¡± Qiao Nan denied it. The new year was already over, and she had thought that she would be able to whip up a few meals for the Zhai family as a way of reminiscing the times in her dream for thest time. Besides, Wei De and Wei Wei¡¯s matter had been weighing down on Qiao Nan¡¯s mind.

    She had been hesitating about where to start and break through. There was one more thing. This was a ratherplicated and awkward matter. Who should she talk to about it first?

    ¡°Do you really not need some rest? Sister Qiao, don¡¯t hold on if you can¡¯t. I can manage on my own.¡±

    ¡°How about this, Xiao Zhao? Since you said that you¡¯ve learned a few things from me, I¡¯ll let you handle today¡¯s meal. I have something to take care of, and I need to go find Sister Zhai Hua.¡± After giving it some thought, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and decided to start from Zhai Hua.

    She was a woman too. As a woman, she did not wish for Zhai Hua to be thest person to find out about Wei De¡¯s matter.

    ¡°All right, hurry on and get some rest.¡± Xiao Zhao only wished for Qiao Nan to get some rest instead of always staying in the kitchen to tire herself out. As for whether Qiao Nan truly got some rest or went to handle her own affairs after leaving the kitchen, Xiao Zhao could not possibly question Qiao Nan about it.

    After handing over her duties in the kitchen, Qiao Nan took off her apron and went out to find Zhai Hua. Qiao Nan was relieved to see Zhai Hua alone in the room without Jiajia. If Jiajia was there, she would have to find an excuse to chase Jiajia out of the room.

    On the very night Wei De had left, Zhai Hua had simply moved into her daughter¡¯s room. Zhai Hua thought that this would be an opportunity for her to get closer to her daughter and to understand her daughter¡¯s real inner thoughts and feelings.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, where¡¯s Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re here. Come and have a seat. That cheeky monkey, Jiajia, has turned wild after meeting Zhai Sheng. I wonder if I gave birth to a fake daughter. She must have gone to find her uncle again.¡± It was only now that she found out that Jiajia took an interest in military boxing.

    When they had been in the Wei family in the past, Mother Wei had never allowed such a thing. She thought that it was too ugly and udylike for Jiajia to participate in such an activity. Now that they were in the Zhai family¡¯s house and no longer under the influence of Mother Wei, Jiajia was finally able to show off her true nature. Zhai Hua did not think too much about it. She had been able to participate in whatever activities she enjoyed when she was younger, so why couldn¡¯t her daughter do so?

    Besides, it was better for girls to learn some martial arts skills. That way, she would not be so easily bullied when she was outside. In case Jiajia ever got into a fight with her husband in the future, she would not need to be worried about Jiajia being beaten up by her husband. In fact, Jiajia would even be able to beat some sense into her husband.

    Zhai Hua had felt this strongly when she had managed to subdue Wei De when he had wanted to pull Jiajia away. At that time, she knew that she would have to let her daughter learn some martial arts skills. Otherwise, she would be easily taken advantage of. There were too few men who would keep to their word of not touching a single strand of her daughter¡¯s hair.

    Wei De had made countless promises to her before marriage, but in the end, the couple had always used their physical force to ¡®talk¡¯ to each other and solve their problems.

    Upon hearing that Jiajia had gone to find Zhai Sheng to learn some martial arts skills and would not be back for a long time, Qiao Nan was a little more rxed. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you might think I¡¯m being a busybody, but I think I have to talk to you about some things. I think it¡¯s best that I talk to you about this matter first. You might not be able to keep your cool and calm, but I think it won¡¯t be fair to you if I talk to you about this matter only after I¡¯ve told everyone else.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s smiling face changed. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is it that serious?¡±

    She had never seen Qiao Nan in the quad in the past, and this was her first time interacting with Qiao Nan. If Zhai Hua were to describe herself as someone as hard as a rock, then Qiao Nan was truly as gentle as water. But now that Qiao Nan was being so serious and solemn, there was no way Zhai Hua could not be serious either.

    The more serious Qiao Nan acted, the more Zhai Hua believed that what Qiao Nan was about to tell her was the truth. ¡°Tell me about it. Does it have anything to do with me? I¡¯ve seen you in a trance these few days. Is it because of this matter? If that¡¯s the case, you should havee to look for me earlier.¡±

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. She had wanted to look for Sister Zhai Hua earlier too so that Sister Zhai Hua would not continue to be cheated by that bast*rd. But how was she supposed to talk about it?

    Firstly, she had no evidence on hand. Secondly, she herself had been rather doubtful about her dream.

    She could not possibly rush over to Sister Zhai Hua, telling her that she had dreamed about the rtionship between Wei Wei and Wei De. That meant that Sister Zhai Hua had been blind and had married the wrong person ten years ago. If she were to say that, even if Sister Zhai Hua did not punch her because it was the new year, she might very well be sent to the mental hospital.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, this is just my suspicion. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m being too sensitive, but it¡¯s been very ufortable trying to hold it all in. I think that you can discuss this with Brother Zhai and decide on how to handle this matter.¡±

 Chapter 1863 - Too Alike

    <h4>Chapter 1863: Too Alike</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The more hesitant Qiao Nan was in spilling the beans, the more anxious Zhai Hua got. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I¡¯m getting goose bumps from seeing you in such a dilemma. Is the sky going to fall?¡±

    Qiao Nan had to resist the urge to reply to Zhai Hua, saying that it was pretty much the same. If what she was about to say was true, wouldn¡¯t the sky be falling in Zhai Hua¡¯s world?

    ¡°I heard Jiajia say that her dad treats his nephew, Wei Wei, very well. Jiajia has always felt that her dad always treats that child better than her, his biological daughter. Sister Zhai Hua, is that only Jiajia¡¯s illusion?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s expression turned cold. How should she put it? She did not really want to discuss the Wei family¡¯s matters with Qiao Nan. That was a domestic disgrace that Zhai Hua herself did not want to face. Qiao Nan had not yet married into the Zhai family. As such, Zhai Hua thought that it was rather embarrassing for her to talk to Qiao Nan about how she had gotten into an argument with the Zhai family over her marriage to Wei De at that time and about how the Wei family was treating her daughter poorly.

    However, very quickly, Zhai Hua¡¯s expression changed and her stiff shoulders drooped. ¡°I¡¯ve never been willing to talk about this topic. If I mention it, I¡¯ll lose all dignity in front of my family. But if I don¡¯t, I¡¯d feel bad for Jiajia. He always says that Wei Wei¡¯s a fatherless child and that Wei Wei has suffered a lot and has been ridiculed because of that. If even he doesn¡¯t treat Wei Wei well as his only uncle, there¡¯ll be no one else who will treat Wei Wei well. But Jiajia only has one father too!¡±

    If Wei De had not neglected Jiajia because of his care toward Wei Wei, she would never have mentioned a thing about this. But now, Wei De ced more emphasis on Wei Wei than Jiajia. That was crossing the line.

    ¡°My mother-inw favors males over females, and because Wei Wei has the Wei family¡¯s name, and is a boy, my mother-inw is biased toward him, even though we don¡¯t know who his father really is. I feel really bad for Jiajia because of this. Qiao Nan, if you look for a husband in the future, you must take note of this. Our family is pretty good in this aspect, and such a thing would never happen. Most importantly, my mom likes granddaughters more than grandsons. Just look at how well my mom is toward Jiajia.¡±

    Probably, Zhai Hua had finally had some self-awareness of her identity as an elder sister, feeling that Zhai Sheng had finally met the right person at his age. As his elder sister, she had to help Zhai Sheng boost his image and that of the family in front of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan was slightly stunned, thinking that Zhai Hua had veered off the main topic. As such, Qiao Nan had to guide Zhai Hua back to their initial conversation. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I actually think that favoring males over females is not that much of a problem whenpared to the problem I found. I¡¯ve found something wrong with the family portrait in Jiajia¡¯s phone. I¡¯ll say again that I¡¯m not entirely sure of it. Perhaps I¡¯m just too sensitive or have been watching too much television.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Was the problem so serious that favoring males over females was no longer a problem?

    ¡°Take a look at this.¡± Qiao Nan took a picture out of her pocket.

    Looking at the photo in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Zhai Hua raised her eyebrow in surprise. ¡°You developed it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Jiajia sent the photo to me, and I asked Xiao Xu to help me develop it. Sister Zhai Hua, please don¡¯t mind me interfering in this matter.¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± It was just a photo. Once Qiao Nan married into the family, they would have to have another photo taken with Qiao Nan inside. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this photo?¡±

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath as she pointed to Wei Wei, who was standing beside Wei De in the photo. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t you think that Wei Wei resembles Wei De?¡± Not just a little. There was at least a thirty to forty percentage of simrity between the two.

    In her dream, she had pointed this suspicion out while Wei Wei was still young and had not fully developed. At that time, Wei Wei had only resembled Wei De slightly. Now that Wei Wei was all grown up and a teenager, his facial features and smile did indeed resemble Wei De. They looked exactly like a father-and-son pair.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for them to look simr? They¡¯re an uncle and nephew, after all.¡± Zhai Hua did not take Qiao Nan¡¯s words to heart.

    Qiao Nan said agitatedly, ¡°But Jiajia said that her aunt was adopted by the Wei family and was not the Wei family¡¯s biological daughter. It¡¯s only right for nephews to resemble their uncles if their parents are siblings, right?¡±

    Wei Xiaomei was not even the Wei family¡¯s child, so was it not strange that her child, Wei Wei, resembled his uncle?

    At that time, Wei De had put in a tremendous amount of effort in chasing Zhai Hua, whereas Wei Xiaomei had her reasons to get closer to Wei De.

    Zhai Hua resented her parents for favoring males over females. She hated that her parents treated Zhai Sheng better than they treated her. But Wei De had proved to her that this did not happen in the Wei family with Wei Xiaomei¡¯s existence.

    The Wei family already had a son, Wei De, but had pitied Wei Xiaomei, who had been abandoned by her family. As such, they had taken Wei Xiaomei in and raised her as their own. Later on, when Wei Xiaomei grew up and got cheated on by a man, she had given birth to a child out of wedlock. Even then, the Wei family had not abandoned Wei Xiaomei, and they had even helped her raise her child.

    Any other family would have simply found a random family for Wei Xiaomei to marry into, given her situation. But their family had not done so because they knew that there would be no one who could match up to their standards and would be willing to marry a single mother.

    Instead of letting Wei Xiaomei marry someone, it would be like throwing her into a pit.

    They had raised Wei Xiaomei, after all, and were thus unwilling to see Wei Xiaomei suffer. They would much rather Wei Xiaomei stay single for the rest of her life since she already had a son, Wei Wei, after all. Even if she remained unmarried for the rest of her life, she would still have a son to provide for her in her old age.

    Initially, Zhai Hua had felt rather uneasy when she had first heard about this. She felt that Wei Xiaomei¡¯s situation would never have urred in a typical family. But Wei De had managed to convince Zhai Hua otherwise. From his words, the Wei family was portrayed in an extremely positive light, where there was no way that they favored males over females. After all, they had treated an adopted daughter so well. Was this not the kind of family Zhai Hua had been looking for?

    In the past, no one had ever brought up the issue of Wei Wei resembling Wei De to Zhai Hua. Even though Zhai Hua knew that Wei Xiaomei had been adopted, the Wei family truly treated Wei Xiaomei and her son extremely well. It was to the extent that Zhai Hua often forgot about the truth of the situation.

    But now that Qiao Nan mentioned it, Zhai Hua had taken it for granted and had even brushed Qiao Nan off with an excuse that sounded rather reasonable.

    ¡°This. This...¡± At the mention of Wei Xiaomei being adopted, Zhai Hua was stunned. ¡°That¡¯s probably because Wei Wei grew up around Wei De. That¡¯s why he looks a little like Wei De.¡± Didn¡¯t they say that children would always take after the people who raised them?

 Chapter 1864 - Donâ€™t Scare Me

    <h4>Chapter 1864: Don¡¯t Scare Me</h4>

    Qiao Nan bit on her lip. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t you think that that logic seems a little wed? It might be true that spending time with someone can cause one¡¯s actions and expressions to resemble those of the other person, thus giving people a sense of resemnce. But I¡¯m not talking about such things between Wei Wei and Wei De. I¡¯m talking about their appearances. Under normal circumstances, resemnces in appearances are due to gics. Unless Wei Wei¡¯s unknown father is not only rted to Wei De but also a very close rtive... Perhaps it¡¯s his brother or uncle.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Zhai Hua denied. ¡°The Wei family does have rtives, but I¡¯ve met most of them. None of them fit your description. Besides, you¡¯ve said that these people are of a different generation from Wei Xiaomei, so how could they have gotten into a rtionship with Wei Xiaomei, much less had a son like Wei Wei? If it¡¯s really someone within the family, there¡¯s no way they would have allowed Wei Xiaomei to remain in the family with Wei Wei. Qiao Nan, I think you¡¯re overthinking it.¡±

    Qiao Nan had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She was certain that she was not overthinking this. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you¡¯re not catching the main point. Since Wei Wei¡¯s father can¡¯t possibly be Wei De¡¯s uncles, think about what other reason there might be for Wei Wei to resemble Wei De. Have you never had any suspicions even though you guys meet each other so often? Times must have been hard in the past. Which family would have been so kind as to adopt a youngdy and even continue supporting that youngdy and her son even after that youngdy did something to disgrace the family? Is the Wei family a bunch of saint people? I wouldn¡¯t say so from what I¡¯ve seen.¡±

    She had nothing to do with Zhai Sheng and was simply receiving some help from Zhai Sheng for the time being. But Wei De seemed to be afraid that she would not know her ce and would even cling on to Zhai Sheng. As such, he had taken on the responsibility of chasing her away on the Zhai family¡¯s behalf.

    Could such a person really be a saint? The Wei family was full of saints? That was such a hrious joke!

    Zhai Hua was suddenly flustered. ¡°Qiao Nan, what are you actually trying to say?¡± She felt that there was something between the lines of Qiao Nan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, do you really not understand what I mean?¡± If Sister Zhai Hua truly did not know what she was thinking, she had said all that for nothing. Based on this alone, she had decided to talk to Sister Zhai Hua first.

    She did not wish for Sister Zhai Hua to be thest one to find out about Wei Wei¡¯s rtionship with Wei De. Simrly, since this was Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage, if Sister Zhai Hua did not want to take issue with this matter and wanted only to protect her family, she was not in the position to ruin this family. If she told the Zhai family about Wei Wei¡¯s rtionship with Wei De before telling Zhai Hua, there would only be one possible oue. Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s family would definitely be destroyed.

    The Zhai family had already allowed Zhai Hua to be willful once, but they were definitely not going to allow for it to happen a second time. If it happened a second time, Zhai Hua would not only lose her marriage but also her true family.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you should understand my purpose ofing to talk to you. You can think about it, and I¡¯ll respect your decision once you¡¯ve made one. I¡¯ll do whatever you tell me to. Anyway, I¡¯m only staying here for the time being. In a few days¡¯ time, I¡¯ll move back to my house once my door has been fixed. In the future, I probably won¡¯t have any more opportunities to meet your family.¡±

    Not meeting the Zhai family meant that she would never have the chance to tell the rest of the Zhai family about the rtionship between Wei Wei and Wei De. Zhai Hua could rest assured about that.

    Zhai Hua felt as though there was a small hammer pounding beside her ear, making her all dizzy. ¡°Hold on a moment. Don¡¯t be in a hurry. Let me think through it.¡± Zhai Hua shook her head as she said it. ¡°My brain is in a little bit of a mess at the moment. Qiao Nan, can you be a little more straightforward about what you¡¯re trying to say about Wei Wei resembling Wei De?¡±

    Since Zhai Hua kept saying that she did not understand what Qiao Nan meant, Qiao Nan would have to be straightforward and direct about it. Qiao Nan would have to stop beating around the bush and tell Zhai Hua exactly what she meant. Only then would she be able to leave the Zhai family¡¯s house with peace of mind. ¡°What I mean is that I suspect that Wei Wei is not a fatherless child. In fact, his father has always been taking care of him. Although I¡¯ve only seen Wei De once, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s the kind of selfless person who¡¯ll willingly sacrifice his life for someone else without expecting anything in return.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s the kind of person to treat someone else¡¯s child better than his own child. Only if both children are his will it make sense for the Wei family to favor Wei Wei, a boy, over Jiajia, just like what Jiajia said.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Zhai Hua had not even gotten the chance to deny it before Jiajia, who had just returned from her training to change out of her sweaty clothes, pushed open the door and shouted. ¡°Auntie Qiao, I think you¡¯re overthinking it. That¡¯s impossible. Wei Xiaomei is my aunt. Even though she isn¡¯t the Wei family¡¯s biological child, she grew up in my grandma¡¯s family. She¡¯s a sibling to my father. How could they possibly have gotten together behind my mom¡¯s back and had Wei Wei? That¡¯s ridiculous! Thank you for your concern, Auntie Qiao, but I think you¡¯re thinking too much!¡±

    Wei Jiajia preferred Wei De treating Wei Wei well out of pity than epting the fact that Wei Wei was actually her father¡¯s biological son. Besides, all these were just suspicions. They had to be false! Yes, that was exactly what it was. It was false. It was not the truth.

    Jiajia¡¯s appearance caught Qiao Nan off guard. But because the most important person concerned was present, Qiao Nan calmed down. ¡°Jiajia, have you ever heard of child brides? I¡¯m sure the Wei family¡¯s conditions in the countryside weren¡¯t very good, right? In a time when they could hardly even afford to feed themselves, do you know how hard it must have been to feed another person? Finding a bride was not easy at that time. Besides, your dad was a soldier. It was understandable for the Wei family to do that since they had not expected your mom to appear.¡±

    Wei Jiajia forced a smile out. ¡°Mom, please exin it on Dad¡¯s behalf. Dad might not have a good temper, but he¡¯s responsible toward our family. My dad would never do such a thing to us, right? He¡¯s a good person, right, Mom? Auntie Qiao, you¡¯ve scared me. This is just your wild guess, but you¡¯ve made it sound so real! Look how you¡¯ve scared my mom!¡±

    Qiao Nan had already spilled too much to back down. ¡°Jiajia, you told me that your mom was the one who bought the house that your grandma is living in now. It has three bedrooms and two living rooms, right?¡± It was a huge house.

    ¡°Yes, but what does the house have to do with this?¡±

 Chapter 1865 - I Should Return

    <h4>Chapter 1865: I Should Return</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Since there are three bedrooms, your grandparents live in one of them. The otherrger one is for Wei Wei and isbined together with the study room. Thest one is for your aunt, right?¡± Qiao Nan put her fingers up for Wei Jiajia to count.

    Wei Jiajia nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. My aunt¡¯s room isn¡¯t very big. It¡¯s smaller than the typical study rooms.¡±

    ¡°And you told me that your dad asionally spends the night at your grandma¡¯s house, right? Your dad is a soldier and doesn¡¯t even have much time to spend time with you and your mom. Do you think it¡¯s normal for him to stay at your grandma¡¯s house instead of spending time with his wife and child? Moreover, since the three rooms already have their owners, have you ever thought about where your dad sleeps when he sleeps over at your grandma¡¯s house?¡±

    ¡°My-my dad...¡± Wei Jiajia was speechless. She had no idea where her dad slept when he spent the night at her grandma¡¯s house. ¡°Maybe he sleeps in the living room!¡±

    Her dad would never sleep in her grandparents¡¯ room. Her dad had never talked about it, but she knew that her dad thought that there was a smell in their room because her grandparents were advanced in age. Wei Wei had grown up being spoiled and pampered. He had been upset about sharing a room with someone else in his school¡¯s dormitory, so there was no way he would share his bed space with someone else, even if this ¡®someone else¡¯ was the uncle who had raised and treated him well.

    With her aunt...

    No, that was impossible!

    ¡°Since you guys don¡¯t know where he sleeps in the Wei family¡¯s house, there¡¯s no way I would know. I¡¯m just a bystander looking at this matter in a very rational manner. That¡¯s what I think. They¡¯re not biological siblings. Even biological siblings aren¡¯t that close once they grow up. Besides, Wei Xiaomei is already a mother with a child, even though she¡¯s never gotten married in her life. Do you think it¡¯s appropriate for a grown man like your dad to sleep in the living room when he has a younger sister who¡¯s so old and unmarried? Is it appropriate for him to be staying over at the Wei family¡¯s house?¡±

    China was still a conservative and traditional country. Such a situation had to be avoided at all costs. Otherwise, it would only attract gossip.

    ¡°It¡¯s already quite humiliating that Wei Xiaomei had Wei Wei out of wedlock. Even if your dad doesn¡¯t mind that Wei Xiaomei has almost no reputation left, do you think he would not care about his own reputation?¡± Others might not consider this, but Wei De would surely be the first person to consider such a situation.

    ¡°There are many things that are taken for granted because people get used to them. Actually, that¡¯s a very scary habit to have. You seem to have forgotten about why the neighbors never seem to have anything to say about Wei Wei staying with the Wei family. That¡¯s because they have no idea that Wei Xiaomei is an adopted daughter of the Wei family.¡±

    Even aftering to Ping Cheng, everyone else apart from the Zhai family thought that Wei Xiaomei had given birth to Wei Wei after getting married and had then gotten divorced. It was just that the man she had gotten married to was not a good person and had not wanted anything to do with his son after getting divorced.

    Because she was too upset, Wei Xiaomei had never talked about that man. Even Wei Wei himself had no idea what his father¡¯s name was. This was why he had been mocked and ridiculed in school.

    Since the neighbors did not know that Wei Xiaomei had been adopted, no one would find it strange if Wei De were to asionally spend the night at the Wei family¡¯s house. That was why no one had suspected or misunderstood anything.

    It was exactly because of such an environment that everyone had taken it for granted and overlooked the illogical and unreasonable parts. As long as their neighbors found out that the Wei family had adopted Wei Xiaomei, those people would probably start rumors about the Wei family when they thought back about the Wei family¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Say something, Mom. I don¡¯t believe Auntie Qiao.¡± It was true that her dad did not treat her as well as he treated Wei Wei, but she did not believe that her dad and his family were people like that. They could not have been lying to her mom, to her, and to her maternal grandma¡¯s family all this time.

    ¡°I...¡± Zhai Hua was confused and couldn¡¯t think critically. At this time, Zhai Hua had not returned from her trance and was unable to say anything.

    Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°There¡¯s no need for us to keep guessing. It¡¯s very simple for us to find out the truth. When you go back, take anything with Wei Wei¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s DNA. It can be a strand of hair. Sister Zhai Hua, given your capabilities, I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll be able to find someone to do a DNA test. Let¡¯s not start baseless usations and make wild assumptions. Let¡¯s put our trust in science. What do you guys think about that?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Hua remained silent. She was like a fly without its head.

    Wei Jiajia gritted her teeth. ¡°Fine!¡± Testing their DNA would be better than letting their imaginations run wild and scaring themselves. They needed an answer to this anyway. If Auntie Qiao had gotten it wrong, she would never be envious about her dad treating Wei Wei well in the future and would even apologize to her dad for her suspicions.

    On the contrary, if it turned out to be true...

    Wei Jiajia looked at Zhai Hua worriedly. Apart from herself, the one who would be dealt the hardest blow was her mom.

    ¡°Jiajia, are you sure?¡± Zhai Hua had only reluctantly agreed because her daughter had agreed to it. She was unable to ept it, and she could tell that Jiajia would be even more unable to handle such truth. She preferred Wei De treating Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei well out of the goodness of his heart instead.

    But if it turned out that Wei Wei was indeed Wei De¡¯s biological child, she would be a huge joke.

    ¡°All right, since Jiajia thinks we should do it, let¡¯s do it!¡± Zhai Hua clenched her fist. ¡°It¡¯s already the fifth day of the new year tomorrow. I should bring Jiajia back home. No matter what, thank you for your concern, Qiao Nan.¡± At least, Qiao Nan had brought this problem up so that she would no longer have to worry about this problem in the future if they investigated it now.

    Aftering to a decision, the mother-and-daughter pair left the Zhai family¡¯s old vi for Ping Cheng the next day. Of course, it was not just Zhai Hua and her daughter who left this time. Since it was already the fifth day of the new year, Qiao Nan thought that her door would be fixed by now since it had been half a month since that incident. If it was not, she would buy a lock and learn how to fix it herself.

    Qiao Nan felt uneasy staying in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi for the long term.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, there¡¯s no hurry for you to leave. Our house is so big and we have so many rooms. You can continue staying here! Now that Hua Hua and Jiajia are gone, I¡¯ll have no one to apany me if you leave too!¡± Now that the new year celebrations were over, Miao Jing was regretful that she had not been able to present her watch as a gift, let alone that bracelet.

    Why was it so easy for other people to give their gifts away? They had already prepared their gifts but had never gotten the chance to give it away!

    ¡°Auntie Miao, thank you for your hospitality. I¡¯ve been bothering you for way too long. My rented apartment should be fixed by now. I have to return eventually.¡± And so, it was time for her to bid farewell.

 Chapter 1866 - Mausoleum

    <h4>Chapter 1866: Mausoleum</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She could not possibly continue staying in someone else¡¯s house. Even though the Zhai family had not chased her out, Qiao Nan still had some self-awareness. It would be humiliating for her to stay long enough for the Zhai family to get frustrated with her and chase her away.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, I¡¯m still living in Qingshui Town. How about this? I cane to visit you whenever I have the chance.¡± She probably would not have the chance to do so. Zhai Sheng was only in Qingshui Town to recuperate, after all.

    Recently, Zhai Sheng had been spending more time walking around. When the doctor performed a checkup the previous day, he had said that Zhai Sheng was recovering rather well. As a doctor, he would not stop Zhai Sheng from returning to the military after another short while of recuperation.

    In other words, Zhai Sheng would be leaving Qingshui Town very soon. If Zhai Sheng were to leave, would Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing still stay behind? Qiao Nan was leaving not only because it was the right thing to do, but because she felt that what she had told Zhai Hua was true. After this farewell, she would probably never have the chance to meet the Zhai family again.

    In actual fact, this meeting outside of her dream and being able to celebrate the new year with the Zhai family had already been enough for Qiao Nan. It was best to be content with what one had. Qiao Nan was already extremely content that she had been able to have a reunion with the Zhai family outside of her dream. This experience alone would be enough for her to relive for the rest of her life.

    Miao Jing had no idea what Qiao Nan was thinking and finally smiled upon hearing that Qiao Nan intended to return to visit her. ¡°All right, then. You muste to visit me. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll visit you instead.¡± Miao Jing might have been old, but she was no fool. Miao Jing had taken note of Qiao Nan¡¯s passivity.

    Miao Jing was rather frustrated by ady like Qiao Nan who ¡®knew her limits¡¯ all too well. Actually, there was no need for Qiao Nan to act in this manner. Qiao Nan could very well be more motivated. It was true that Zhai Sheng was slightly old, but he was a good man and extremely suitable as a husband. Why was Qiao Nan not moved at all in the face of such a good prospect?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips and remained silent for a while before answering, ¡°All right. I won¡¯te to visit you, then. You cane over to my ce.¡±

    Auntie Miao was just being courteous, right?

    In the end, Xiao Xu sent Qiao Nan back to her rented apartment. Upon seeing the door that had been repaired, Qiao Nan sighed in relief. ¡°Xiao Xu, this door has been changed, right? It looks sturdier than the previous one.¡± Although Chen Jun had already been transferred out of Ping Cheng and would probably never return to find her or even kick on her door, it was still better for her to have a sturdier door. She felt safer that way.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Xiao Xu nodded.

    In actual fact, the very afternoon Qiao Nan had been picked up, the Xu family had found someone to remove the door and rece it with a sturdy metal door.

    Of course, it was done as per Xiao Xu¡¯s request.

    This house was the house of his chief¡¯s future wife. If the chief¡¯s wife ever came back to stay and were to get into an ident because the door was not sturdy enough, the people in the army would definitelye looking for him. Most importantly, he would never be able to face the chief if the chief¡¯s wife were to get into an ident in his territory.

    Because of their son¡¯s vehement request, the Xu family did not dare to dy the matter any further and immediately helped their sonplete the task.

    When thendy heard that her tenant was about to be the wife of her son¡¯s boss, she was stunned and did not return from her trance for a long while. She could not believe that something so dramatic had happened right before her eyes! She had not known that the short span of taking care of the chief would turn into a whole life¡¯s work!

    Thankfully, Xiao Xu had always kept in mind Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®dutiful¡¯ attitude and told his mom to keep it to herself that the chief had such ns since Qiao Nan had not agreed to the matter yet. If they said anything and scared the chief¡¯s wife away, he would never be able to make a living for himself anymore. Their family would just have to pretend that they knew nothing about the matter and act just like they had before.

    ¡°Will other tenants make a fuss that you¡¯ve installed a metal door for only my house?¡±

    ¡°No, we¡¯ve already thought of an excuse. There won¡¯t be any trouble. Sister Qiao, take a look around and let me know if there¡¯s anything else that needs to be fixed.¡± He had to ensure that Sister Qiao was well-fed and treated well before she got married to the chief.

    Qiao Nan felt much more at ease now that she had returned to her own rented apartment. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. This house is pretty good, and there aren¡¯t any other problems. Xiao Xu, you should head back. Xiao Zhao won¡¯t be able to handle it alone if anything happens. I¡¯m a grown-up. Do you think I won¡¯t be able to take care of myself?¡± Besides, this was like putting the cart before the horse. Xiao Xu did not have to care so much about her.

    If there was really something wrong, she would contact Xiao Xu¡¯s mom directly.

    ¡°All right, then. I¡¯ll take my leave, Sister Qiao. See you again when we get the chance.¡± Hopefully, when that time came, he would be able to address Sister Qiao as the chief¡¯s wife instead of ¡®Sister Qiao¡¯.

    Qiao Nan was in a trance now that she had returned to the rented apartment. But her expression darkened when she remembered that she had only moved to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi because of Chen Jun.

    If it had not been for the fact that she had moved into the Zhai family¡¯s old vi and had no time to think about Chen Jun, Qiao Nan would have wondered what was wrong with Chen Jun long ago that he had returned to ask for reconciliation. The most ridiculous thing was that the Chen family had not objected to it!

    Thinking about how Chen Jun had probably only appeared before her because of Wang Yang, Qiao Nan felt like she had been stabbed in her heart. In this life, Zhu Baoguo...

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face paled because of these three words. It had been almost half a year before she had finally thought of Zhu Baoguo. He had yet to appear in this lifetime. Did that mean...

    She gritted her teeth. Perhaps she should leave Qingshui Town and go back to Ping Cheng to take a look. Qiao Nan did not dare to ask around about Zhu Baoguo and the Zhu family. If her guess was right, Zhu Baoguo had not been resuscitated in time after being beaten up by a hooligan. It did not seem appropriate to talk about such a matter during the new year period.

    Besides, the Zhu family wielded quite a lot of influence in Ping Cheng. It might draw suspicion if she were to ask about the Zhu family. What should she do to understand Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation then?

    Qiao Nan kept pondering this question while on her way back to Ping Cheng. When she was on the bus, Qiao Nan had no idea what she was going to do. But the moment she alighted from the bus, she seemed to have gotten an answer. Qiao Nan headed straight for a mausoleum.

    In her previous lifetime, she had visited this ce at least once a year because Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother was buried here. Later on, when Old Li had passed on, he had been buried here too. Old Li had said that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother had passed away early on in her life and he had sent a younger person off. When he was dead, he hoped to be able to spend more time with his daughter.

 Chapter 1867 - Sensible

    <h4>Chapter 1867: Sensible</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As such, the plots beside the grave of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother had all been reserved, one of which was for Old Li. Up until the moment she awoke, the other side of the grave had still been empty. That had been reserved by Zhu Chengqi for himself.

    Walking ahead to the grave of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother, Qiao Nan started weeping. Both sides of the grave had been filled. Old Li was on one side, while the gravestone on the other side disyed Zhu Baoguo¡¯s young face. The space beside Zhu Baoguo was the space that had been left empty. Qiao Nan guessed that that was the space that Zhu Chengqi had left for himself.

    Thinking about how that big boy had eventually married Shi Qing and had a son and had eventually matured in her dream, Qiao Nan¡¯s tears flowed uncontrobly. Unfortunately, she had been the one to save Zhu Baoguo¡¯s young life in her dream. In reality, time had not turned back when she opened her eyes. The heavens had not given her another chance to save this young life.

    Qiao Nan bent down and ced a bouquet of flowers in front of each of the three graves. ¡°Although you may not have any memory or impression of me in this lifetime, I think that our fates are intertwined. I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯ve onlye to visit you now. I hope that the three of you will be able to reunite with one another in another world. In reality, the one in greatest pain is the one who¡¯s been left behind. If you have the chance, please try to appear in his dreams more often. It¡¯s not easy for him either.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not imagine how Zhu Chengqi, who had lost his only son after losing his beloved wife, felt. The Zhu family might berge, but there was no one who could let Zhu Chengqi feel the warmth of a family anymore. Wang Yang¡¯s family did not treat Zhu Chengqi sincerely. Otherwise, Wang Yang would not have led Zhu Baoguo astray just because of his greed for the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Neither would he have found people who identally killed Zhu Baoguo by mistake.

    Qiao Nan wondered whether Zhu Chengqi would be able to ept the truth if he were to find out about it. However, Wang Yang, who hadmitted all those wrongdoings, had never gotten the punishment that he deserved. After killing Zhu Baoguo, he had even enjoyed everything that should have belonged to Zhu Baoguo. Qiao Nan could not help but feel injustice for Zhu Baoguo.

    If not for Wang Yang, she would never have met a troublemaker like Chen Jun, who would go on to ruin her life. If she were to think about it in that way, it was true that she and Wang Yang were enemies in this life.

    After cing her offerings and fresh flowers in front of the graves and wiping their photos, Qiao Nan finally left. ¡°I¡¯ll definitelye back to visit you when I get the chance.¡±

    To Qiao Nan, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grave was not any ordinary grave. It was the pain of losing a close friend. Qiao Nan, who was a little depressed, left with a pair of red and swollen eyes, and her head hung low. Just as she left, she happened to brush shoulders with an old man in a ck suit.

    Unlike Qiao Nan, who continued walking forward with her head lowered, that old man stopped in his tracks and looked back at Qiao Nan. ¡°Why is she here?¡± Had the news not said that she had already left Ping Cheng?

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± A car stopped right beside Qiao Nan in a hurry. The moment the passengers alighted from the car, they continually urged the other party to move faster and increase their speed. ¡°Hurry up. We have to confirm whether uncle came here. If... There¡¯s no if...¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± The woman who alighted from the car had a head full of curls and lips thick with red lipstick. ¡°Isn¡¯t he just an old man? Where can he possibly go? Why do you have to be so anxious? Dear, I¡¯m not trying to say anything about you, but you¡¯re really too much of a scaredy-cat. Uncle doesn¡¯t even have any other children. You¡¯re the only rtive he has left on this earth. His assets won¡¯t run away. They¡¯re all yours.¡±

    All of the Zhu family¡¯s assets belonged to them alone. Whether they came or not, the result would be the same. She could not understand why her husband was in such a hurry. She had not even been able to change into some decent clothes before leaving the house!

    ¡°Why do you know?¡± Wang Yang frowned and his lips were pursed tightly together. That old foggy, Zhu Chengqi, might seem to treat his nephew well and helped him with everything, but he knew that if Zhu Chengqi truly wanted to help his nephew, there was no way he would only have gotten this much.

    He could not just look at things on the surface. Zhu Chengqi could give him much more than what anyone else expected. He was the only one by his uncle¡¯s side. If his uncle did not treat him well, who would his uncle treat well?

    He did not have such ridiculous and self-absorbed thoughts.

    Thinking about how retarded Zhu Chengqi was for wanting to acknowledge a woman who had nothing to do with the Zhu family as his goddaughter, Wang Yang was infuriated. He was giving up a close nephew for a distant goddaughter! If he really acknowledged that woman as his goddaughter, there would be no ce for Wang Yang in the Zhu family!

    Thankfully, he was clear of his uncle¡¯s temper and had gone a step ahead and gotten rid of that woman. Otherwise, even those little assets that slipped through his uncle¡¯s fingers would never be his.

    ¡°Remember that my uncle hasn¡¯t been in the best of healthtely. The doctor told me that he can¡¯t say for sure when he¡¯ll pass away and that we have to be prepared for that to happen. Before he passes away, you¡¯d better treat him well and coax him properly. As long as my uncle doesn¡¯t get any weird ideas, all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets will be mine. Then, I¡¯ll buy you whatever you want, and I¡¯ll be able to settle your brother¡¯s matters for you too. On the contrary, even if you make my uncle unhappy, leading to the Zhu family having nothing to do with me anymore, I still have the Wang family. As for you, don¡¯t forget why I married you in the first ce. I have no need for useless things by my side. If that timees, don¡¯t me me for being heartless and throwing you back to where you came from.¡±

    Wang Yang spoke harshly, scaring that woman who had been extremely rxed just moments earlier.

    At this time, Qiao Nan was already long gone. Otherwise, she would have realized that this woman resembled her. The simrity was in the appearance, not the behavior.

    ¡°Darling, don¡¯t get upset. Don¡¯t bother about my brother. No one can save him. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll perform well in front of that old man. I¡¯ll definitely be able to make him happy. I promise you that I won¡¯t be a burden.¡± Although the woman felt aggrieved, she dared not mention a thing about how she felt.

    She had married someone of higher social status by marrying Wang Yang. When she found out that her existence was useful to Wang Yang, she had been rather fearless and did not feel that she could not match up to Wang Yang. She was clear that Zhu Chengqi was the key to her remaining in the Wang family. It had not been easy for her to get married into such a good family. If anything happened to her own family, the Wang family could always help them out. She had no intention of ever going back to her days of suffering and hearing her family nag at her.

 Chapter 1868 - Found

    <h4>Chapter 1868: Found</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Remember what you just said.¡± Wang Yang¡¯s tone improved slightly upon hearing the woman¡¯s words. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s health had been deteriorating recently, and Wang Yang could not wait for Zhu Chengqi to pass on. Once Zhu Chengqi was dead, he would sessfully receive all of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s assets due to his rtionship with Zhu Chengqi.

    On the other hand, if Zhu Chengqi was alive, there was still a possibility of someone else inheriting Zhu Chengqi¡¯s assets in the end. But as long as Zhu Chengqi was still alive, Wang Yang would turn all his attention to Zhu Chengqi and coax his ¡®ancestor¡¯ well, in case Zhu Chengqi made a sudden change in his mind and found another goddaughter to inherit his assets.

    When Zhu Chengqi had done that at that time, Wang Yang had almost peed in his pants from fear.

    Wang Yang had all reasons to suspect that the person whom Zhu Chengqi acknowledged as his kin would be his greatest enemy who would snatch away everything he had been dreaming of all his life.

    The woman patted her clothes and put on her persona, suddenly bing a lot more gentle and generous. ¡°Dear, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m worried about my uncle. It¡¯s the new year, and here¡¯s the only ce that he cane to. It¡¯s just as well. I¡¯ve been thinking of aunty as well. Shall we join uncle and have a chat with aunty and the rest?¡±

    It was the new year, but that old man was not letting them rest easy. Where else could that old man go but visit the graves? He did not even have any friends whom he could visit. At the thought of how she had not been able to have some fun over the new year and instead had to follow her husband to some graveyard, Wang Yang¡¯s wife almost exploded in anger.

    Wang Yang was extremely pleased with how his wife had been able to change in an instant as though she was a face-changing performer. ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s go and bring him back. Before he takes hisst breath, you¡¯d better stay by his side in case he doesn¡¯t have anyone to take care of him when he feels unwell and needs someone to run his errands.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± That meant she could not let anyonee into contact with that old man up until the very moment he took hisst breath. Otherwise, that old man might suddenly go crazy and leave a mess of a will behind. Not only would thatplicate matters, but it would even hurt Wang Yang¡¯s and her interests.

    Wang Yang¡¯sst sentence alluded to the fact that she had better pay attention towyers in particr.

    There were some things that the couple did not need to say out loud to have a tacit understanding between the both of them. When they arrived at the gravestones of the Zhu family, Wang Yang and his wife indeed spotted Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Uncle, why didn¡¯t you call me along to visit grandpa and auntie? I wanted to visit them too. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been too caught up with work. I should have taken the initiative to follow you here.¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, auntie, Baoguo, we¡¯vee to visit you.¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife ced the hefty fruit baskets one by one in front of the gravestones. They had already known that Zhu Chengqi woulde to visit the three gravestones whenever he had any free time. As such, they had a constant supply of fruit baskets in the back of the car so that they would not need to make a stop to purchase offerings before heading to the cemetery.

    At such times, these fruit baskets could be put to good use. Wang Yang was not so foolish to only say that he wanted to visit the Zhu family but not express it through his actions.

    ¡°Uncle, did you buy these bouquets of flowers?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife was taken aback by the two bouquets of flowers ced in front of each of the gravestones. ¡°What¡¯s the special asion today? Or is there anything special about this year?¡± Usually, there was only one bouquet for each person. This had never happened before.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife was a woman and naturally paid more attention to the number of flowers and type of flowers aspared to Wang Yang.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing special. I just bought it because I felt like buying it.¡± Zhu Chengqi did not bother exining that he had only bought one of those bouquets. The other had been given by someone else who had visited the three of them. It was just that Zhu Chengqi had already gotten used to no one but himself remembering his departed family members.

    In reality, Zhu Chengqi had been even more surprised than the Wang couple when he had first seen the offerings in front of the three gravestones. But Zhu Chengqi felt that there was no need to tell the Wang couple about this matter.

    Wang Yang was not a person who was all talk and no action. Once his wife ced the offerings before the gravestones, Wang Yang rolled up his sleeves, wanting to wipe the gravestones. But when he touched the headstones, he realized that they were rather clean. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯ve finished cleaning them already?¡± They were already extremely fast and they had hurried after his uncle less than five minutes after his uncle had left his house.

    Everyone who knew the Zhu family knew that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s health was deteriorating by the day and might pass on any day now. But Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son had passed away in junior high school, and Wang Yang was the only rtive he had around. Of course, Wang Yang was naturally the one to take care of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s matters.

    Seeing how Wang Yang had forsaken his business to take care of his uncle, Zhu Chengqi, there were many people in support of Wang Yang. Zhu Chengqi was an old revolutionary and had made great contributions to the nation. It was nothing much for Wang Yang to decrease his working hours to take care of an old revolutionary like Zhu Chengqi.

    The government had not disagreed with Wang Yang stopping his work temporarily to take care of Zhu Chengqi either.

    Wang Yang, who had applied for leave, was left with no work to do and was thus in an awkward position. Was his uncle not on the verge of passing away? Why was it that he was more agile than he had been in his youth? His uncle had not even left a single thing for him to do. How embarrassing!

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much longer I¡¯ll be able to wipe their gravestones for them.¡± Zhu Chengqi changed the topic and did not answer Wang Yang directly, but at the same time, it seemed as though he had acknowledged Wang Yang¡¯s words.

    Wang Yang did not think more about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s words. After all, everyone in the Zhu family, apart from Zhu Chengqi, was already gone. Of course, Wang Yang¡¯s surname was Wang. He had always had his sight set on Zhu Chengqi¡¯s assets, but he had never thought of himself as part of the Zhu family. Now that the Zhu family was gone, the only one who would wipe the gravestones was Zhu Chengqi.

    The Wang couple stood in front of the gravestones with Zhu Chengqi for a while. Wang Yang and his wife seemed to be freezing in the cold, while Zhu Chengqi seemed perfectly fine. Wang Yang asked, ¡°Uncle, you¡¯ve been standing here in the wind for a while. I¡¯m sure grandpa and the rest would feel bad for you if they knew about it. Why don¡¯t wee back again tomorrow? I can follow you here tomorrow too. Even if you want toe every day, I¡¯ll bring you here as well!¡±

    But not today. He had been in a rush to get out today and had not worn a thick coat. If he were to stand out there in the open for any longer, he would definitely catch a cold.

    Seeing that the Wang couple¡¯s expression looked rather bad, he nodded in agreement. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go back. I won¡¯t be back tomorrow. I¡¯ll see when I feel likeing again.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, let me help you.¡± Wang Yang breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, that old man had not insisted on it. If his uncle had insisted on staying, he would have to suck it up no matter how cold it was.

 Chapter 1869 - Who Are You?

    <h4>Chapter 1869: Who Are You?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ll help you too!¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife gave a stiffugh. All she wanted to do right now was to return home to warm up her body.

    That evening before they went to bed, Wang Yang verified Zhu Chengqi¡¯s situation again. ¡°After I left today, did anything happen? No one visited the old man, right?¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife rubbed on her face cream while admiring herself in the mirror. Sheughed before saying, ¡°Dear, I think you¡¯re a coward. I wasn¡¯t around when the old man was younger, so I have no idea whether he used to have a strong temper. But now, I¡¯ve seen the old man so often and he only has one rtive left. There won¡¯t be any idents with the Zhu family¡¯s assets. That old man won¡¯t be so stupid to give his assets to an outsider instead of his own rtive. Are there such stupid people in this world?¡±

    All he had left was his only nephew. It was unrealistic to leave his assets to apletely unrted outsider instead of his own nephew. She knew that Wang Yang had only married her because she looked like a certain youngdy.

    Of course, Wang Yang had not married her because he liked thatdy. If that had been the case, she would never have taken it lying down. The true reason why Wang Yang had married her did not make her very happy either. She had heard that that old foggy, Zhu Chengqi, thought that one of his neighbor¡¯s daughters had grown up well and had wanted to acknowledge her as his goddaughter.

    Wang Yang had been afraid that Zhu Chengqi would hand over all of his assets to that woman.

    What a joke!

    It was not as though that woman was truly the Zhu family¡¯s goddaughter. Yes, that woman had not gotten into any kind of rtionship with Zhu Chengqi in the end. Wang Yang¡¯s wife thought it was unrealistic and impossible that Zhu Chengqi would go so far as to give all his assets to that woman.

    ¡°Nothing will go wrong if you¡¯re careful.¡± Wang Yang yawned. He had worked for a full day and had run around for Zhu Chengqi¡¯s sake. He wondered if he would be this tired if his parents were gone. But he would get to reap whatever he sowed. As long as the Zhu family¡¯s assets were his, this much suffering was nothing at all. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Stop rubbing so much cream on your face. Who are you showing it off too? I¡¯m going to bed. Hurry and switch the light off.¡±

    With that, Wang Yang switched off the bedsidemp on his side of the bed, covered himself with the nket, and fell asleep immediately.

    His wife¡¯s face stiffened. What did he mean by whom she was putting on the cream for? Of course it was for her husband! Initially, she had wanted to make herself all beautiful and fragrant to have a hot and passionate night with her husband. But Wang Yang had fallen asleep the minute he hit the bed!

    She could not possibly wake Wang Yang up to do what she wanted in the way she wanted.

    Thinking about the difference between her and Wang Yang and about that mess back with her family, Wang Yang¡¯s wife could only sigh. She remained silent and could only think about how she would grab on to her husband, Wang Yang.

    When all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets became her husband¡¯s, not only would her husband rise in rank and position, but her status and position would rise as well. With this in mind, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had no resentment left in her heart. She could only hope that Zhu Chengqi would ¡®go quickly¡¯.

    Of course, Qiao Nan had no idea about this episode. After paying her respects to the Zhu family members, Qiao Nan was in a very heavy mood. Zhu Baoguo was gone, so who would Shi Qing marry in this lifetime? Since Zhu Baoguo was no longer around, that sensible and adorable kid that she knew of would naturally have no chance of being born.

    It was just a small difference that had resulted in such a vast change in her world. Dream and reality were too different. This difference only made it clear to Qiao Nan once again that they were indeed two separate worlds.

    After such an agitation, Qiao Nan no longer had the courage to find out about other matters, much less about how Shi Qing was living now, or whether she was even alive now.

    After spending the night in Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan rushed back to Qingshui Town on the first bus out. It was only when Qiao Nan arrived in Qingshui Town did her rapidly pounding heart calm down a little.

    It was on such a tranquil morning that an unexpected guest showed up at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. ¡°Who are you?¡± Upon hearing the knocks on the door, Sister Zhao opened the door to see someone dressed in a fashionable and foreign style. Sister Zhao had never seen this woman before, and neither did she recognize her.

    ¡°You¡¯re the caretaker of this family, right?¡± Qiu Chenxi took off her sunsses. ¡°You¡¯d better open your eyes in the future. It¡¯s best you recognize the person who pays you your sry. I¡¯m the mistress of this family. I¡¯m back. Hurry and go get me some water. I¡¯m thirsty.¡± As she said that, Qiu Chenxi walked right into the house with her bag.

    Sister Zhao widened her eyes and puffed up her chest, stopping Qiu Chenxi. ¡°Look at you. You look rather wealthy, but you¡¯re nothing but a liar! If you really want to deceive others, you should at least try to ask around and understand our family¡¯s situation. Scammers nowadays are so bold. You even dare to scam our family? I¡¯m not sure about anyone else, but I¡¯m sure that our chief isn¡¯t married. But even if he isn¡¯t married, he already has someone in mind. Who are you to say that you pay my wages? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had not gotten the chance to re up at Sister Zhao for standing in her way before she got agitated by Sister Zhao¡¯s words that her master had already found a marriage partner. ¡°Did you say that Zhai Sheng already has a marriage partner? That¡¯s impossible! He¡¯ll never get married to anyone else but me!¡±

    And that was why she had absolute confidence that she would be able to return to Zhai Sheng¡¯s side and be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw once again.

    If Zhai Sheng were to get married to another woman, what was the point of her existence to the Zhai family? There would be no chance for her to get remarried to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Who¡¯s that woman? Did my parents-inw rmend her to my husband?¡±

    That had to be the case. Those two old people, especially Miao Jing, had not liked her from the start. They had finally been able to see the day Zhai Sheng divorced her. There was no way Miao Jing would give up this chance. She must have stuffed a countless number of girls to Zhai Sheng¡¯s side. Miao Jing had done so for her own happiness and had not cared about Zhai Sheng¡¯s happiness at all.

    Miao Jing had insisted on doing so even though Miao Jing knew that Zhai Sheng would never marry anyone apart from her! That was atrocious! What angered her most was that Zhai Sheng had agreed to it. If Zhai Sheng had not given in, there would be a higher likelihood for the couple to reconcile. Would that not be a happy ending?

    ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense. Our chief found that woman himself. Who are you?¡± This woman did not sound like a scammer.

 Chapter 1870 - Slamming the Door

    <h4>Chapter 1870: mming the Door</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This woman seemed to know exactly what was going on in the Zhai family. Otherwise, she would not have the guts to address them as her parents-inw. Wait a minute. The chief had once been married. Could it be that this woman was the chief¡¯s ex-wife?

    Sister Zhao became a little hesitant. She only knew that the chief had once been married, but she did not know why the two of them had gotten divorced.

    From the surface, Qiu Chenxi was dressed fashionably and beautifully. Qiu Chenxi did at least look a little more refined than Qiao Nan because of her makeup. Zhai Sheng was a man too. All men liked beautiful women.

    Looking at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s appearance, Sister Zhao was unsure if this woman was the one who had gotten divorced from the chief. Besides, it had been the chief who had asked for a divorce. But this woman was still talking about the Zhai family as though they were her own family, addressing the old chief and his wife as her parents-inw. This meant that this woman had not wanted to part from the chief. What was the chief¡¯s view toward this?

    ¡°I said... Forget it. There¡¯s no point in me telling you so much. You¡¯re just a caretaker drawing a sry. I won¡¯t put you on the spot. Go in and tell my parents-inw that their daughter-inw, Qiu Chenxi, is here to see them. Then, you can open the door for me after that.¡± That old woman, Miao Jing, was too evil and would never take a second look at her, but her father-inw was rather nice and liked her very much.

    If they knew that she was here, no matter how unwilling Miao Jing was, her father-inw would definitely be willing to see her, and he might even give her a second chance! She did not think that the woman Miao Jing had randomly introduced to Zhai Sheng could be any better than herself. If it was really that easy, she would not have been the one getting married to Zhai Sheng at that time.

    In front of someone who was lesser than her, Qiu Chenxi felt that she had a good chance of winning. As such, she was fearless.

    ¡°Oh, all right. Hold on.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attitude let Sister Zhao breathe a sigh of relief. Sister Zhao closed the door slightly and rushed over to let Zhai Yaohui and Madam Zhai know about this situation. ¡°Old Chief, madam, there¡¯s a woman outside. She said her name is Qiu Chenxi, and she¡¯se to find you guys. She even said that she¡¯s the chief¡¯s wife.¡±

    At least, that was indeed how the woman had described her rtionship with the Zhai family.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s faces changed in an instant, especially Miao Jing. Her face darkenedpletely and she mmed the table angrily. ¡°She has the cheek toe here and even dares to say... We don¡¯t have such a person in our family. Ask her to scram!¡± Thinking about what Qiu Chenxi had done in the past, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes narrowed and her piercing gaze fell on Zhai Yaohui. The look of me was evident in her eyes.

    Zhai Yaohui did not rebuke her and pursed his lips tightly together. ¡°There¡¯s no such person in our family. Xiao Zhao, remember this person. If she turns up again in the future, you don¡¯t have to ask her who she is. Just ignore her and let her leave.¡±

    Even when Zhai Sheng had not yet found Qiao Nan, the Zhai family had not been very willing to meet Qiu Chenxi, much less now that Zhai Sheng had expressed his interest in Qiao Nan. Qiu Chenxi¡¯s appearance was not a good sign. Even now that the new year was over, their future daughter-inw, Qiao Nan, had not been officially introduced.

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng had been dragging this on, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could not help but worry for the couple. After the new year, one of them was forty, while the other was forty-five. They were no longer young and were, in fact, rather old. But they were still dawdling. How many more years did they have to dawdle on like this?

    Moreover, before they coulde to a decision, Qiu Chenxi had decided to join in on the fun too. Zhai Yaohui hoped that Qiu Chenxi would leave as soon as possible. She had better not affect the rtionship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    ¡°All right, Old Chief.¡± Sister Zhao straightened her back. It was fortunate that she had been witty enough earlier and had not put in her efforts in vain. She knew that the person whom the chief liked was Sister Qiao and that both the old chief and Madam Zhai were especially pleased with her. How could there be another mistress suddenly turning up out of the blue?

    It seemed like not a single person in the chief¡¯s family had thought well of that woman after she had gotten divorced from the chief. In that case, Sister Qiao¡¯s position was as steady as a mountain and would not waver. If she had to serve a mistress, she would much rather acknowledge Sister Qiao as her master¡¯s wife. After all, she was acquaintances with Sister Qiao.

    ¡°So? I said that...¡± When Sister Zhao emerged again, Qiu Chenxi lifted her foot and was about to head in. It was clear through her posture that she thought of herself as the mistress of the house.

    Thankfully, Sister Zhao had been prepared and had grabbed hold of the handles of the main door. Because she held on firmly to the door, Qiu Chenxi had not managed to step into the house and could only take a step back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The old chief and madam said that we don¡¯t have a person like you in our family. You want to acknowledge them as your family? I think you¡¯ve found the wrong house and the wrong people.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense. Are you sure that this is what the old chief said, and not something you made up?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face flushed red with anger. She felt as though that caretaker had just humiliated her. ¡°Did you take someone¡¯s money so that you¡¯d hide the truth for them? I¡¯m warning you not to y such a dirty trick. The one who¡¯ll suffer in the end will only be you. Let me give you some advice. You¡¯d better tell the Zhai family truthfully that I¡¯m here. I might just let you off this time. If you still continue to hide the fact that I¡¯m here from the Zhai family, don¡¯t even dream of me helping you beg for mercy when the Zhai family finds out about this.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi felt threatened, and needless to say, this threat hade from that Sister Zhao¡¯s mouth. In Qiu Chenxi¡¯s opinion, someone must have bribed Sister Zhao. That was why Sister Zhao had not told the Zhai family about her arrival and had even lied that the Zhai family imed that she did not exist.

    If she was angered by these words and left, that woman would naturally be able to marry Zhai Sheng more easily, snatching away her husband and the position of the chief¡¯s wife that was hers to begin with. She had never imagined that there would be such an impressive character in a remote town like Qingshui Town.

    Now that Qiu Chenxi was throwing a tantrum, Sister Zhao was even more upset. ¡°You¡¯re such a strange person. I guess you must have watched too many television dramas that your brain is filled with drama. I¡¯m not lying and I¡¯ve done nothing of that sort. The old chief and madam are both here, and they both said that they don¡¯t have someone like you in their family. The old chief even instructed me to remember your face so that I won¡¯t open the door for you in the future. Forget it. There¡¯s no point in me telling you all these. You can believe what you want.¡±

    With that, Sister Zhao mmed the door shut and locked it securely. It was hard speaking to people who did not have a grip on reality.

    Qiu Chenxi, who had almost been hit by the door, was no longer flushed red in anger. Her face was now green. In all her years, she had never once seen someone m the door so heartlessly in her face! And it had been a caretaker who had just done that!

 Chapter 1871 - Blaming Me?

    <h4>Chapter 1871: ming Me?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi was fuming, but she could not possibly leave. Even though Sister Zhao had said that, Qiu Chenxi could not believe her words. Apart from her, Zhai Sheng would never want to marry anyone else. Her father-inw, Zhai Yaohui, had treated her rather well in the past. She did not believe that the Zhai family would be so unfeeling to her and would say whatever the caretaker had just told her.

    All these had to be done by that woman who had set her sights on marrying Zhai Sheng. If she were to leave because of her anger now, she would have fallen for that woman¡¯s trap and would have allowed that woman to take advantage of her! Would Qiu Chenxi do such a foolish thing?

    Thankfully, the hotels in Qingshui Town had already opened now that it was spring. After looking through several hotels, Qiu Chenxi finally found one that she thought she would be able to spend the night in. Then, she made a call to her mom. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m in Qingshui Town.¡±

    ¡°Are you in the Zhai family¡¯s house?¡± What Qi Min really wanted to know was where her daughter was. Her daughter¡¯s current location would determine whether she still had any chance of getting back together with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi did not lie. ¡°No, I¡¯m in a hotel.¡±

    ¡°As expected...¡± Even though she was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s biological mother, she felt that her daughter had gone overboard and could not be forgiven this time. Even she, her mother, thought so, much less Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, who were Zhai Sheng¡¯s parents. They would never be able to forgive her daughter for betraying Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s too early to say such things. It¡¯s not my fault that I didn¡¯t manage to enter the Zhai family¡¯s house this time. It was not the Zhai family¡¯s fault either. It was because of another woman.¡± She was the Zhai family¡¯s only daughter-inw. Even if she had done something wrong and had let Zhai Sheng down in the past, she had all reasons to believe that the Zhai family would not go so far as to refuse to meet her for Zhai Sheng¡¯s sake.

    ¡°What do you mean? Why¡¯s there suddenly another woman in the picture? Are you talking about Miao Jing?¡± The only woman who hated Chenxi in the entire Zhai family was Miao Jing.

    At the mention of this, Qiu Chenxi red up. ¡°It¡¯s not that stupid old woman, but I bet it has something to do with that stupid old woman! Haven¡¯t they always wanted Zhai Sheng to get remarried to another woman? I guess the Zhai family must have found a partner for Zhai Sheng behind my back. That woman is rather impressive. She managed to bribe the caretaker of the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, and that was why the caretaker refused to let me in to see the Zhai family.¡±

    Initially, Qi Min was infuriated as well. How could there be such a bold and daring caretaker who cared more for an outsider than someone on her own side? But very soon, she calmed down. ¡°This is the Zhai family we¡¯re talking about. The Zhai family will never make such a low-level mistake and be taken for a ride by a caretaker. Are you sure that those words were those of Zhai Sheng¡¯s partner and not the Zhai family?¡±

    She did not think it was strange for Zhai Yaohui or Miao Jing to have said such a thing. If she had a son and if her daughter-inw were to have an affair behind her son¡¯s back, she would much rather her son remain single for the rest of his life after his divorce than allow her son to meet with that shameless ex-daughter-inw ever again.

    ¡°Chenxi, I¡¯m not trying to be nasty, but I hope that you¡¯ll calm down and think it through. It¡¯s very hard for the Zhai family to forgive you for what you¡¯ve done. I don¡¯t know if that woman you¡¯ve talked about really exists, but what I do know is that the Zhai family may very well take it as though you¡¯ve never existed and has instructed the caretaker not to open the door for you.¡±

    Having excessive self-confidence was not good either.

    ¡°Mom, do you mean that even my father-inw is still angry at me and refuses to see me? And that they don¡¯t want me to have anything to do with Zhai Sheng?¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face darkened. This was thest situation that she wanted to face.

    If not a single person in the Zhai family had a good opinion of her and was willing to stand on her side, it would be an uphill battle to reconcile with Zhai Sheng and to have a future with him.

    ¡°Chenxi, this is more than just being angry. You have to think about your health. The Zhai family cares very much about continuing their family line. If you had not made that mistake while Zhai Sheng had been in the military, the Zhai family would have tolerated you no matter how much they like children, even though you can¡¯t give birth to children. They would never have taken issue with your trouble with fertility. The problem is that you did, in fact,mit a mistake, and moreover, you can¡¯t give birth to children. In that case, why would the Zhai family still want you as their daughter-inw and give up the chance of having a grandchild?¡±

    If Chenxi wanted the Zhai family to ept her for who she was, she had to have some advantages.

    This had already reached a dead end. There was no way of salvaging the situation. If there was the slightest chance of salvaging the situation, she would never have sshed cold water on her daughter or upset her daughter.

    Besides, Qi Min was already too ashamed by this matter.

    Was it due to gics that her daughter was unable to give birth to children? No. The daughter she had given birth to had been just like any other woman, with the ability to conceive and be a mother.

    But her daughter had not cherished herself after her divorce. Not only had she partied and gotten into dozens of rtionships with men with shady backgrounds, but she had never taken any precautions either. As such, she had gotten pregnant several times and had undergone abortions each time. It was because of what her daughter had done to her own body that she had gotten infertility problems.

    She wondered if the Zhai family would pursue the matter and find out why her daughter had suddenly be infertile. Previously, her daughter had undergone a pre-marital checkup before getting married to Zhai Sheng. The report from that checkup had not said that her daughter was infertile.

    After all these years, her daughter had suddenly be infertile. Added on with the fact that she had led such a messy life all these years, no family would want a daughter-inw like that, even if she had not let Zhai Sheng down at that time.

    Qi Min was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s biological mother, but even she felt that a typical family would never want her daughter as their family¡¯s daughter-inw, much less the Zhai family.

    Infertility had be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel. She was already over forty, almost turning fifty. Other children were about to enter university, yet she would never have the chance to have a child of her own who shared blood ties with her. What a cruel reality this was.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face paled, and her fingers gripping on the phone turned even paler. ¡°Can you me me for that? If we¡¯re going to talk about it, it¡¯s actually Zhai Sheng¡¯s fault! We¡¯d been married for three years, but in those three years, Zhai Sheng had always been in the army and had never touched me even once! It was because he made me so lonely that I eventually got into an affair. It was his choice that I got into an affair. It¡¯s his fault. The Zhai family shouldn¡¯t have pushed all the me to me. Neither should they have made me divorce Zhai Sheng!¡±

 Chapter 1872 - Be Careful

    <h4>Chapter 1872: Be Careful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Zhai Sheng had not gotten a divorce from her and had instead given her a chance to live like a normal couple, she would never have gotten into such a lifestyle and thrown her health away after such a loss.

    It was only because Zhai Sheng had divorced her that she had abandoned herself and allowed herself to fall into such dire straits. Zhai Sheng had to take up seventy percent of that responsibility. So was she wrong to demand that Zhai Sheng reconcile with her and take responsibility of her for the rest of her life? She had done nothing wrong. This was just what Zhai Sheng should have done in the first ce!

    Qi Min was rendered speechless. No matter how terrible she was, this was still her own daughter, after all. Qi Min felt pangs of pain in her chest. She could not say any nasty things to her daughter since she had been the one who had raised her daughter in this manner. As such, scolding her daughter would be akin to scolding herself.

    Yet, if she did not scold her daughter, Qi Min knew that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mindset would remain wrong. It was horribly wrong. Not only would Qiu Chenxi never be able to get back together with Zhai Sheng, but she would even have to worry about whether her daughter, who should have be a grandma in a few years¡¯ time, would live well up until her death. She worried that her daughter¡¯s life would only get more miserable as she aged.

    Qi Min, who was in a huge dilemma, had no choice but to press the button to end the call.

    ¡°Hello, Mom? Mom?¡± The dial tone beeped. Qiu Chenxi thought that the call had ended because the signal in Qingshui Town was not good. But when she tried to make another call, the person in question directly declined her call. When she returned from her trance, she finally realized that her mom had hung up on her. This had nothing to do with the signal.

    ¡°Everyone is trying toe against me one by one. Will they only be happy when they see that I¡¯m leading a miserable life?!¡± Qiu Chenxi threw her phone onto her bed. Even her biological mother was acting in this manner. In an instant, Qiu Chenxi lost much of her previous confidence of being able to remarry Zhai Sheng.

    If Qi Min had been in front of Qiu Chenxi, Qiu Chenxi would definitely have asked her mom, ¡°Am I your daughter, or is Zhai Sheng your son? If even you don¡¯t stand on my side at this point in time, how am I going to persevere?¡±

    Of course, Qi Min was not in front of Qiu Chenxi. In fact, she had even refused to pick up Qiu Chenxi¡¯s phone call. As such, Qi Min had very cleverly dodged this question.

    The enraged Qiu Chenxi was obviously not going to let these small ¡®setbacks¡¯ and the discouragement of ¡®outsiders¡¯ get her down. She was not going to give up her dream of a bright and glorious future just like that.

    That was all right. It did not matter if everyone thought badly of her n. The only opinion that mattered was her own. Faith could move mountains. Had she not sessfully gotten married to Zhai Sheng at that time because of this faith?

    If she could seed once, there would naturally be a second time. The difference was that she had had absolute confidence that begging for the Zhai family¡¯s mercy and forgiveness would be more than enough before she had arrived here.

    The problem was that the Zhai family¡¯s caretaker had said some disconcerting things. If there truly was a woman by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side, this woman was greatly disadvantageous to her.

    Even if this woman had a hundred, or even a thousand, wspared to her, there was one thing that Qiu Chenxi could never match up to. That woman had never betrayed Zhai Sheng. That was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel.

    Moreover, given the Zhai family¡¯s background, it was not at all difficult for Zhai Sheng to find a woman who was better than her in more than just one way. If Zhai Sheng did not even discriminate against a woman like that, what should she do to win Zhai Sheng back?

    After contemting it for a long time, Qiu Chenxi finally decided that the first thing she had to do was to find that woman. She had to soften her attitude toward the Zhai family. They would never give in to her just because of her headstrong attitude. But she could do that to this woman! She had to let that woman know that she was the third party, who had ruined her blissful marriage with Zhai Sheng. She had to make that woman take the initiative to leave Zhai Sheng.

    As long as this woman left and was unwilling to marry Zhai Sheng, the Zhai family would have no other choice but to reconsider her. It was just that it would not be easy making that woman leave Zhai Sheng. No fool would give up a man like Zhai Sheng, who had such a good background.

    Qiu Chenxi, who had had her fun outside, realized one advantage of Zhai Sheng. Compared to other men, Zhai Sheng would never betray her or do anything to put their marriage in danger. He would never get into aplicated rtionship with other women, causing her to be called ¡®an old hag¡¯ by that third party either.

    Because she had seen arrogant mistresses bullying the legal wives to tears, Qiu Chenxi had never agreed to marry any of those men whom she had slept with, even if they were willing to do so. All along, Qiu Chenxi had always been passionate in bed but did not care about them once she changed into her clothes. In fact, she was even more decisive than men in this aspect.

    With those men asparisons, Qiu Chenxi finally understood that Zhai Sheng might have spent very little time at home with her, but Zhai Sheng was, in fact, the most reliable one, who would never cause a scene for his wife. Qiu Chenxi had once been the one to cause a scene for a man¡¯s wife, but Qiu Chenxi would never wish for a day when her husband would bring home a younger and more beautiful woman to provoke her and call her old and ugly.

    Upon calming down, the first thing Qiu Chenxi did was to move to a different hotel¡ªone that was nearer to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, from which she would be able to spy on the Zhai family¡¯s old vi with a telescope. She believed that she would definitely be able to catch that vixen by keeping a close eye on the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had been downright disgusted by Qiu Chenxi chasing Zhai Sheng all the way to Qingshui Town, even dering to Sister Zhao that she was the family¡¯s mistress.

    ¡°Is there anything wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng was surprised that Zhai Yaohui hade to find him. ¡°Do you want to go back already?¡± Zhai Sheng did not make clear whether he was asking about returning to Ping Cheng or the capital, but Zhai Sheng thought that it was more likely for the elderly couple to return to Ping Cheng since they had got along well with Jiajia over the new year.

    He could tell that Jiajia was more like the Zhai family than the Wei family and had a good temper. She was quite a good niece indeed.

    ¡°You can¡¯t wait for us to leave?¡± Zhai Yaohui eyed Zhai Sheng from the corners of his eye. ¡°But I¡¯m not here with good news. Qiu Chenxi is in Qingshui Town. I¡¯m sure you know quite a lot about her situation. She still hasn¡¯t given up. Qiao Nan is quite a decentdy, though shecks a temper. Given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s way of doing things, be careful that Qiao Nan might just get frightened and bullied away by Qiu Chenxi if you don¡¯t keep an eye on her!¡±

 Chapter 1873 - Why Donâ€™t You Hold On Tight?

    <h4>Chapter 1873: Why Don¡¯t You Hold On Tight?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiu Chenxi was definitely capable of doing such a thing.

    Did Zhai Sheng really intend to spend the rest of his life as a bachelor if Qiu Chenxi were to chase Qiao Nan away? If it really got to that stage, Zhai Yaohui felt that both he and Miao Jing could finally give up. That was how their son, Zhai Sheng, was going to spend the rest of his life.

    Zhai Yaohui had not had many interactions with Qiao Nan, butpared to Qiu Chenxi, Qiao Nan was definitely meeker and less aggressive. Qiu Chenxi was different. She was someone who had cheated on her husband, lived such a wild lifestyle that she could no longer bear children, and was even someone who was ill. Even then, she still had the guts to ask for reconciliation with her ex-husband. Even a fool could tell that Qiu Chenxi harbored no good intentions.

    Upon hearing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s name, Zhai Sheng¡¯s reaction changed slightly. Even though his reaction was not out of concern, Zhai Sheng felt the same way and thought that Qiao Nan would be no match for Qiu Chenxi. ¡°She still dares toe here?¡±

    Knowing that Qiu Chenxi hade to find him, Zhai Sheng was utterly frustrated with that woman, who was once his wife. ¡°There are some things that I feel should be done. You won¡¯t mind, right?¡± Zhai Sheng had been unhappy with the Qiu family for a long time, whether it was then or now.

    Zhai Sheng was all too clear about why the Qiu family was not preventing Qiu Chenxi from harassing him and not giving up on him. The Qiu family had always thought that being inws with the Zhai family was a glorious thing, and having him as a son-inw was something to be proud of. He did not mind giving the Qiu family a gentle reminder that it was not always such a wonderful thing to have a rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Do what is necessary.¡± This time, there was no way Zhai Yaohui would stand in the way. If he were to do that, his daughter-inw would escape very soon, and there would be no hope of him ever getting a grandson. Compared to his own family, the rtionship he had had when he was young meant nothing. Besides, his past rtionship with Qi Min had long ago turned into a bitter memory.

    Because of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng nced at his father in surprise. ¡°Are you serious? The person I¡¯m targeting is Qiu Qin. He¡¯s not just Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father but also Qi Min¡¯s husband. Once Qiu Qin¡¯s luck is bad, Qi Min won¡¯t have a good time either.¡±

    Every single member of the Zhai family was aware of his father¡¯s special care and attention toward Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Do you think I have Alzheimer¡¯s disease? Of course I still remember all that. And don¡¯t you dare talk about this in front of your mom. Are you trying to ruin my rtionship with your mom by bringing up all these things of the past?¡±

    Miao Miao was like a huge vinegar barrel. In the past, she almost exploded upon hearing Qi Min¡¯s name. Even now, he tried his best not to bring up anything regarding Qi Min or the Qiu family in front of Miao Miao because they had not yet brought a daughter-inw into the family nor had a grandchild yet.

    ¡°Ruining the rtionship between you and Mom? Do I really need to do that?¡± Zhai Sheng spat out disdainfully. ¡°Wasn¡¯t your rtionship with my mom already on the rocks some years ago? Forget it. You¡¯ve finally repented, and it¡¯ll be good as long as you stay by my mom¡¯s side and stop caring about any other women apart from my mom.¡±

    He had protected an outsider more so than his own wife. Zhai Sheng disagreed with the way Zhai Yaohui had acted in his youth. When he was younger, Zhai Sheng had refused to get married. Firstly, it was true that he had not met anyone who had managed to convince him to get married. Secondly, he felt that there was no point in getting married after witnessing Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing¡¯s married life.

    There would be fewer opportunities to hurt each other without marriage in the picture.

    Zhai Yaohui was speechless. Of course, it was not that he had nothing to rebut his son with. He was simply too infuriated to speak! He had finally repented? Was it right to use such a term on him? No way!

    In the end, Zhai Yaohui decided not to argue with this ¡®old bachelor¡¯. No matter what, he still had Miao Miao by his side, while Zhai Sheng had yet to sessfully court Qiao Nan. The two of them had not gotten official, and now, Qiu Chenxi hade into the picture too! Qiu Chenxi¡¯s appearance only meant that it would be much harder for Zhai Sheng to get together with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I know very well about my rtionship with your mom. I think you¡¯d better spend more effort thinking about your own problems. Do you really intend to only marry Qiao Nan once your mom and I are gone? Your mom and I don¡¯t care about anything and don¡¯t have any requirements either. Can¡¯t you just work a little faster?¡±

    There was something else that Zhai Yaohui had not said. This was something that Miao Jing had said. The gist of it was that Qiao Nan was already forty this year. She might be a little older, but as long as they grasped the chance, there was still a chance of having children. As long as Qiao Nan gave birth to Zhai Sheng¡¯s children, Miao Jing could die the next day with no regrets at all. At least, she would be able to answer to Old Master Zhai and her mother-inw.

    It was the new year. Zhai Yaohui thought that it was bad luck to say such things and thus made no mention of that to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s mindset was just as traditional as Zhai Sheng¡¯s in some areas. It would not be too much to ask for grandchildren if his son were to get married to Qiao Nan, right?

    Marriage did not mean having children, but having children was something that all elderly looked forward to. It was as simple as that.

    Zhai Yaohui had not said it explicitly, but Zhai Sheng understood exactly what he meant. ¡°Whether we have children will depend on Qiao Nan. If she wants to, then we¡¯ll have children. It¡¯s fine even if we don¡¯t have children in the end. I think you can tell that I don¡¯t really care about whether I have children or not.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s words did not push the responsibility of having children to Qiao Nan, and he made it clear that he would be the one to be med if they did not have children.

    If he really wanted to have children, he would definitely convince Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan did not have children because he did not want to, she was doing nothing more thanplying with his wishes.

    ¡°Humph! You haven¡¯t even married her, but you¡¯re already protecting her?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s words seemed to imply that he was willing to cast his parents aside for the sake of his wife. ¡°Do you really like her that much?¡± He understood his son well. From how Zhai Sheng was thinking about Qiao Nan¡¯s well-being in everything he said, it was clear that Zhai Sheng truly cared about Qiao Nan. ¡°What¡¯s good about her?¡± Was she really that good she could move his icy-cold son? He appeared the same as before on the outside, but in fact, Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for Qiao Nan were as deep as the ocean.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhai Sheng gave it a thought and answered truthfully. ¡°Perhaps, I should say that I think that she¡¯s good in every way. More importantly, she¡¯s the best in every aspect in my eyes.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui was ovee with emotions. That emotionless son of his had truly fallen in love with thatdy named Qiao Nan! ¡°Since you already have such feelings for her, why don¡¯t you do something and marry her quickly? It¡¯s not for me or your mom. It¡¯s for yourself! Don¡¯t you want her to be the first person you see every morning when you wake up?¡±

 Chapter 1874 - Jiajia Is With Me

    <h4>Chapter 1874: Jiajia Is With Me</h4>

    ¡°To put it bluntly, the person whom you think is so good may not be that good in other people¡¯s eyes. I heard Xiao Xu say that Qiao Nan came over for help during the new year because she got into some trouble with another man?¡±

    He had to ce a little pressure on Zhai Sheng. He did not believe that Zhai Sheng would allow another man to snatch Qiao Nan away now that he was so infatuated with her.

    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± No matter what Zhai Yaohui or Miao Jing said, Zhai Sheng had only one answer: that he knew what he was doing.

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. Did he really know what he was doing? If so, why couldn¡¯t he give a clearer and more explicit answer? Had he not realized that Miao Miao had lost weight recently from worrying about this matter all day and night and could not sleep well?

    ¡°How wishy-washy. You might say that now, but if there reallyes a day when you don¡¯t have anyone to cry to, you can find your mom and me. We won¡¯tugh at you. If it doesn¡¯t work out, the three of us can still live happily while your mom and I are still alive.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not think highly of Zhai Sheng¡¯s dawdling. A good woman would neverck good men chasing her. Whoever acted quickly would get her, and whoever acted slowly would lose out.

    Zhai Yaohui was frustrated by Zhai Sheng¡¯s speed, but it was not that Zhai Sheng himself did not realize that. Unfortunately, every time he was on the verge of doing something, an ident would always ur.

    Before Zhai Sheng could say anything to Qiao Nan, an explosive piece of news spread from Ping Cheng to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Because of that, the whole family, including Xiao Xu, dropped everything and rushed down to Ping Cheng to find Zhai Hua.

    However, the Zhai family did not meet Zhai Hua at her home but at the police station. Zhai Hua was sullen and sat in a daze, her hair tousled untidily and her clothes spattered with tiny red dots.

    With just one nce, Zhai Sheng was sure that those spots on Zhai Hua¡¯s clothes were from human blood.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Miao Jing had been in a panic upon hearing the news from Ping Cheng. All had been well, so why had Hua Hua suddenly attempted to kill Wei De and his sister? The matter was so serious that she had even been brought to the police station! Why had Hua Hua been so impulsive? One was her husband, while the other was her sister-inw. Why would she want to get back at both of them at the same time?

    Zhai Sheng instructed Zhai Yaohui to stay with Miao Jing, who refused to leave Zhai Hua¡¯s side. Then, he found the person-in-charge to understand the situation. Knowing the Zhai family¡¯s background, the other party was very honest, yet helpless. ¡°Chief, I¡¯m sorry for being inept. The truth is that up until now, she... She hasn¡¯t said a thing about why she hit them. The victims have already been sent to the hospital, and we¡¯ve just been informed that the victims were discovered in time, so their lives are not in any danger, though their injuries are quite severe. We¡¯ll have to settle this well. Otherwise...¡± The chief¡¯s sister might very well be jailed for two to three years.

    ¡°All right. Thank you.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Can you give us a room? Perhaps, we can try asking her about the things you haven¡¯t been able to get out of her. That would be cooperating with you too.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± The chief¡¯s sister refused to utter a single word, and they would not be able to get anything out of those two victims in the hospital for now. It did not seem right for the situation to be at a standstill either. If the chief could get his sister to answer them, that would be good. They had to handle this situation well.

    Otherwise, he would really have to worry if his position was safe.

    Once the family of four was finally left alone in a room, Zhai Sheng got a response from Zhai Hua with only one sentence. ¡°Did you ever think about Jiajia when you did that? Where¡¯s Jiajia now?¡± Her biological mother had almost killed her biological father. Her father had then been sent to the hospital, while her mother had been sent to the police station. Zhai Sheng could not count on the Wei family treating Jiajia as their granddaughter and taking care of her after this incident.

    Up until now, Zhai Sheng had not seen Jiajia.

    There was a sudden glimmer of light in Zhai Hua¡¯s dull eyes. ¡°Jiajia?¡± That was right. Where was her daughter? ¡°Could she be at the Wei family¡¯s house? Zhai Sheng, if you still treat me as your elder sister, can you help me check if Jiajia is at home? Jiajia must have been scared stiff by what happened today.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re finally thinking of Jiajia?¡± Zhai Sheng sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already instructed Xiao Xu to find Jiajia, and he¡¯s gone to your house to check on her. I don¡¯t think Jiajia would have gone to the Wei family¡¯s house. That¡¯s not a good ce for her. Besides, the whole Wei family must be at the hospital watching over Wei De and his sister. There¡¯s no way Jiajia would be at their house.¡±

    At the mention of Wei Xiaomei, Zhai Hua could not help but clench her fists that were on the table, so much so that the veins on the back of her hand were popping out.

    ¡°Hua Hua, can you tell me what happened? You¡¯re scaring not just Jiajia. You¡¯re scaring me too. What happened? Why did you beat Wei De so harshly?¡± Had Hua Hua not been the one who had insisted on marrying Wei De?

    Zhai Hua lowered her head, refusing to speak or give any exnation. All she wanted to know was where her daughter, Jiajia, was and whether she was all right. She was worried that Jiajia would be affected by today¡¯s incident.

    Since Zhai Hua kept mum, the atmosphere in the room was stiff once again and they were making no progress. Zhai Yaohui was consumed with anger. ¡°You¡¯ve already done it, but you¡¯re refusing to tell us the reason why, so what was the point of that? You¡¯re really crossing the line. Do you know that you¡¯re driving your mom and me to our deaths? Are you getting back at your mom and me for favoring your brother over you when you were younger? Didn¡¯t you say that Wei De would treat you well and that he would give you all the love that we didn¡¯t give you? So why did you try to kill such a good man?¡±

    Zhai Hua remained silent, but her head sank even lower.

    The conversation was now at an impasse. At this moment, Zhai Sheng¡¯s phone suddenly rang, breaking the cold silence. ¡°Hello, Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Sheng was surprised that Qiao Nan had taken the initiative to call him. Other than that time when Qiao Nan had run into trouble with Chen Jun, this was Qiao Nan¡¯s second time calling him.

    ¡°Jiajia is with me.¡± Looking at the pale youngdy who was shivering even while wrapped up in her thick coat and was in a trance, Qiao Nan spoke in a low voice. ¡°Jiajia is at my house now. She¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll take care of her. Don¡¯t worry. Tell Sister Zhai Hua not to worry either.¡±

 Chapter 1875 - Adding Fuel to the Fire

    <h4>Chapter 1875: Adding Fuel to the Fire</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°And please tell Sister Zhai Hua that there¡¯s no problem that cannot be solved in this world. It¡¯s not worth it to sacrifice her own life for a scumbag like this. Sister Zhai Hua has to remember that she isn¡¯t alone. She doesn¡¯t have the right to be willful because she¡¯s a mother now. She has to deal with this rationally and calmly for Jiajia¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°You know what¡¯s going on?¡± Zhai Sheng could tell that she knew something. ¡°Did Jiajia tell you about it?¡±

    ¡°Something like that. Brother Zhai, you have to look after Sister Zhai Hua and have a good talk with her to discuss how she intends to deal with Wei De. Even though Sister Zhai Hua was the one who hit him, we can¡¯t afford to let it slide.¡± Qiao Nan had never expected Zhai Hua to find out the truth in this manner.

    The most tragic part was that she had found out about it alongside her daughter, Jiajia!

    How bold of Wei De!

    ¡°Ask Qiao Nan toe! Ask Qiao Nan toe to Ping Cheng! I want to see Qiao Nan!¡± Upon hearing that Qiao Nan had called, Zhai Hua, who had refused to say anything, suddenly reacted strongly, screaming for Qiao Nan toe to Ping Cheng to see her. That vicious appearance almost made Miao Jing misunderstand that the next person Zhai Hua wanted to deal with after Wei De and Wei Xiaomei was Qiao Nan.

    There was no need for Zhai Sheng to ry Zhai Hua¡¯s request to Qiao Nan. She had clearly heard Zhai Hua¡¯s voice. ¡°Tell Sister Zhai Hua that I will head down to Ping Cheng. I¡¯ve already purchased my bus ticket, and I¡¯ll bring Jiajia along with me. If you don¡¯t mind, you can let Jiajia stay with me for the time being. You guys have too much on your te, and it¡¯s inconvenient for Jiajia to return to the Wei family.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re willing, then it¡¯s fine. Sorry for troubling you with Jiajia.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed to hand his niece over to Qiao Nan. There was nothing he needed to worry about.

    After hanging up the call, Zhai Sheng finally looked at Zhai Hua. ¡°Qiao Nan will bring Jiajia here. Now, can you talk to us and tell us what happened?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I need some rest. I want to have some time alone to rest.¡± Zhai Hua refused to cooperate, especially after hearing what Zhai Yaohui had said earlier. She had no intention of telling her family what had gone down today. ¡°What¡¯s with Jiajia?¡± Jiajia had gone to find Qiao Nan...

    The thought of this situation caused Zhai Hua¡¯s gaze to turn cold and full of sarcasm. The Wei family was really something. Without her, would the Wei family be living suchfortable lives? But in the end, how had the Wei family treated her and Jiajia? In the past, she must really have been blind to believe that everyone would be alright as long as she took a step back and gave in.

    It was only now that she realized that she could never give in to the Wei family because the Wei family would never be grateful to her! In fact, they were ingrates who were no different from that venomous snake that the farmer had kindly rescued.

    Upon encountering such a situation, Jiajia had chosen to find Qiao Nan, whom she had only known for a few days, than to stay in Ping Cheng and look for her paternal grandmother¡¯s family. Jiajia¡¯s reaction caused Zhai Hua to lose all hope in the Wei family. From now on, she would sever all ties with the Wei family. They were enemies from this day on.

    The Zhai family could not do anything about Zhai Hua and could only do as she said. More importantly, Miao Jing felt sorry for her daughter and felt that Zhai Hua must have been hurt very badly. Otherwise, her daughter would never have done such an extreme thing. Her granddaughter had been so frightened that she had taken the bus all the way to Qingshui Town alone!

    The moment Miao Jing eded to Zhai Hua¡¯s request, Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng had no choice but to follow suit.

    Zhai Yaohui stuffed a cup of warm tea into Miao Jing¡¯s cold hands. ¡°All right. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°How can I possibly not worry?¡± Miao Jing burst out in tears. ¡°I feel like my heart¡¯s going to jump out of my chest now that something like this is happening to Hua Hua! We¡¯ve questioned her so many times, but she still refuses to tell us what¡¯s going on. I¡¯m afraid that Hua Hua might just destroy herself if this goes on any longer!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not say anything. The way he saw it, his daughter, Zhai Hua, had already ruined her life the moment she had decided to get together with Wei De. The facts proved that his daughter had indeed beenpletely ruined by Wei De. In the past, he had never imagined that his daughter would live the life of a good wife and mother like other women once she got married.

    It was just that they could not get a good grasp of the situation since Zhai Hua refused to utter a word. Zhai Yaohui was unwilling to say any more disheartening words at such a time to make Miao Jing even sadder than she already was. Thus, he decided to remain silent.

    Qiao Nan took about three hours to get to Ping Cheng with Jiajia. Along the way, Jiajia followed closely beside Qiao Nan, her silent expression simr to Zhai Hua¡¯s. The moment Qiao Nan entered the police station, she immediately inquired about Zhai Hua. ¡°How¡¯s Sister Zhai Hua?¡± Although Jiajia had not said it, her gaze expressed concern, just like Qiao Nan. She was very concerned about her mother¡¯s situation.

    After the incident happened, Jiajia had chosen to go to Qingshui Town because her grandmother¡¯s family was in Qingshui Town. She knew that the only people she could get help from were her maternal grandparents¡¯ family. At that time, Jiajia had been so frightened that she hadpletely forgotten that she could have simply made a phone call.

    When Jiajia arrived in Qingshui Town, she found out from Sister Zhao that the entire Zhai family had left in a hurry because of a phone call. Upon finding out that her grandmother¡¯s family was not around, Jiajia was frightened to tears. In the end, Sister Zhao told her that she could find Qiao Nan for the time being.

    Without giving it much thought, Jiajia agreed to Sister Zhao¡¯s suggestion. Thankfully, Sister Zhao knew where Qiao Nan lived. Otherwise, Jiajia would really have been unable to do anything alone.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you¡¯re here.¡± Miao Jing could not say anything to Zhai Yaohui or Zhai Sheng. She knew that the father-and-son pair might not understand how she felt even if she were to tell them about it. Now that Qiao Nan had arrived, Miao Jing felt as though she had gained an ally. ¡°Qiao Nan, what should we do? Hua Hua refuses to tell us what¡¯s going on and why she hit them. What can¡¯t be solved by talking things through? Why did she have to resort to violence? I heard that Wei De and his sister were beaten to a pulp!¡±

    ¡°Good, they deserved it. It¡¯s good that Sister Zhai Hua even spared their lives.¡± Qiao Nan deliberately raised her voice. The moment she arrived, she realized that Miao Jing¡¯s gaze was constantly on that tightly-shut door. Qiao Nan guessed that the person in the room had to be Zhai Hua.

    Miao Jing was dumbfounded. She could not understand why Qiao Nan would say that at such a time. It was akin to adding fuel to the fire! Was she trying to say that Zhai Hua should have killed Wei De? The Zhai family had never abused their power so freely!

 Chapter 1876 - No Wonder

    <h4>Chapter 1876: No Wonder</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng eyed Qiao Nan, and upon confirming that Qiao Nan had a n, he nodded at Miao Jing, asking her to remain silent. Qiao Nan breathed a silent sigh of relief that the Zhai family had not ruined her ns. ¡°Auntie Miao, where¡¯s Sister Zhai Hua? I want to meet her. Jiajia misses her. I guess she would want to see Jiajia too, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Zhai Hua finally spoke up, but the person who had opened the door was, of course, not Zhai Hua but a police officer. Even though the person in question was Zhai Hua, the police officers did not dare to mess around.

    In the end, the door was opened, and only Qiao Nan and Jiajia were allowed in.

    The moment Jiajia saw Zhai Hua, she ran into Zhai Hua¡¯s arms. ¡°Mom, nothing can happen to you! I have only you! If anything happens to you, I¡¯ll be an orphan!¡± She did not wish to lose both her father and mother.

    Because Jiajia started crying, Zhai Hua could not help but cry too. Even though she did not make any noise, her tears flowed down freely from her eyes. ¡°Jiajia...¡±

    Seeing the mother and daughter hugging each other and sobbing, Qiao Nan did not interrupt and only stood silently by the side. When the duo had finallyposed themselves and let out all their emotions, Qiao Nan finally spoke up. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I¡¯m sure you heard whatever Jiajia just said. I believe that you won¡¯t behave like Wei De and hurt Jiajia, right? On the way here, I already asked Jiajia, and she said that she¡¯ll follow you after you split from Wei De.¡±

    Since things had gotten to this stage, divorce was certain.

    ¡°Divorce?¡± Zhai Hua understood her words. ¡°If I¡¯m willing to get a divorce, won¡¯t I be letting this bast*rd pair go easy?¡± Up until now, Zhai Hua, whose eyes were still red, was still unable to erase the scene that she had witnessed from her mind.

    She had been the one who purchased the Wei family¡¯s house!

    And Wei De dared to sleep with that woman, Wei Xiaomei, in a house that she purchased! Did he think that she was dead?

    Yes, after hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words and suggestion, she had not even gotten the chance to test Wei De¡¯s, Wei Xiaomei¡¯s, and Wei Wei¡¯s DNA before she had caught Wei De red-handed in the act with Wei Xiaomei! Not only that, this whole scene had unfolded in front of Jiajia¡¯s eyes!

    Even though Zhai Hua had immediately covered Jiajia¡¯s eyes and pushed Jiajia out of the door, Jiajia, who was already in junior high school, was clear of what had just happened. Her dad was sleeping with her aunt!

    It was only today that Jiajia finally realized that Wei Xiaomei was not her biological aunt but a child that her grandmother had adopted. Even so, Jiajia had believed that Wei Xiaomei¡¯s rtionship with Wei De was no different from any other siblings¡¯. So how could they be sleeping together behind her mother¡¯s back? Her father was even a soldier!

    If she had not witnessed such a scene for herself, Zhai Hua would never have been so enraged to beat Wei Xiaomei and Wei De up so badly that they had to be sent to the hospital. If the elderly Wei couple had not returned with Wei Wei and heard them screaming for help, Wei De and Wei Xiaomei might not have escaped with only these injuries. Their lives might very well have been in danger!

    At this point in time, there was no need to test their DNAs anymore, and neither did she have to hesitate about it any longer. The facts were right before her eyes. Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicions were true. It was the truth. Wei De was indeed in a secret rtionship with Wei Xiaomei behind her back. Wei Wei was Wei Xiaomei¡¯s child, and as such, it was not surprising that he shared such a close rtionship with Wei Wei.

    Zhai Hua sneered. ¡°I dated him for several years, and we¡¯ve been married for over ten years. I can¡¯t believe that an outsider is clearer about the kind of person he is than me. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s funny? You¡¯re right. Someone as selfish as Wei De would never have treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia even if he favored boys over girls if Wei Wei was not his own son...¡±

    The most ridiculous part was that she had been coaxed so well by Wei De before Jiajia had been born, and even after Jiajia had been born, that she had almost treated Wei Wei as her own biological son!

    Just thinking about this made Zhai Hua want to kill Wei De. She could not understand how there could be people like that in the world. Wei De had made her support his son whom he had had with another woman! How dare he!

    Jiajia felt like she had just been struck by lightning. Hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words made her so shocked that she could not even call her mom.

    Upon seeing Jiajia in a daze, Qiao Nan quickly wrapped Jiajia up in her embrace, stroking Jiajia¡¯s head. ¡°Jiajia, listen to me. Don¡¯t punish yourself because of what someone else did. All these things are between the adults. It has nothing to do with you. But because it involves your father and mother, you have a right to know about this and make a choice for yourself. Some errors can never be corrected, and at times, your filial piety and perseverance will do no good.¡± Because Wei De was such a bast*rd, it was not worth letting Jiajia sacrifice herself to lead the life that Wei De wanted.

    Jiajia¡¯s face paled and her lips trembled. Her voice quavered. ¡°A-Auntie Qiao, my-my mom said that Wei Wei is my dad¡¯s son. Is that true?¡± Wei Wei was her dad¡¯s son!

    No wonder Wei Wei addressed her grandma as his paternal grandma. No wonder her grandma treated Wei Wei so well but never liked her. It was not that her grandma was muddleheaded and did not know how to differentiate between an outsider and her own family member. It was because Wei Wei was her grandma¡¯s biological grandson! Since she already had a grandson, why would she care about a granddaughter?

    Qiao Nan remained silent for a moment. ¡°This is just a suspicion. We don¡¯t have concrete evidence at the moment.¡± It was only because Sister Zhai Hua had caught them red-handed in bed that she was sure of the rtionship between Wei De and Wei Xiaomei. But they had no proof about Wei Wei¡¯s rtionship to Wei De yet. It was all still her own ¡®suspicions¡¯ and ¡®guesses¡¯.

    Zhai Hua smirked. ¡°Given their rtionship, do we really still need a DNA test to tell us who Wei Wei¡¯s father is?¡± Testing it would only prove once again just how blind she had been at that time to have gotten into such a huge argument with her family over a man like that, to have given up her passion for the military, and to have be the kind of woman she hated most just for a man like this.

    It was ridiculous.

    ¡°Of course we have to!¡± Qiao Nan was serious. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, have you ever thought about how you¡¯re going to handle your rtionship with Wei De from now on? Are you really not going to get a divorce? A man like Wei De is like money that has dropped into the toilet bowl. To others, it seems like a pity not to pick it up, but it¡¯s also disgusting to pick it up at the same time. But are you saying that you can¡¯t bear to give up that hundred yuan?¡±

    A pity? Of course not! She could not wait to get rid of this ¡®hundred yuan¡¯!

 Chapter 1877 - You Wonâ€™t Believe Me If I Call You a Fool

    <h4>Chapter 1877: You Won¡¯t Believe Me If I Call You a Fool</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I know you¡¯re unwilling to take this lying down, but no matter how unwilling you are, you¡¯re not yet fifty. If you decide not to get divorced in an act of defiance now, you¡¯ll recall the scene you witnessed today every time you see Wei De in the future. Won¡¯t that be too difficult for you?¡±

    ¡°Mom, get a divorce. I¡¯ll support you. If you really get a divorce, I¡¯ll follow you.¡± Jiajia did not really want to say anything now, but she had to say these words.

    ¡°Jiajia, do you really think that I should get divorced too? If I really get divorced, you won¡¯t have a father.¡± Zhai Hua could choose not to listen to other people, but she had no choice but to listen to her daughter.

    Jiajiaughed bitterly. ¡°Mom, how big of a difference could it be from now given the situation?¡±

    ¡°All right, then, I¡¯ll get divorced.¡± Zhai Hua nearly chipped a tooth from grinding them together. She would have to face it eventually. ¡°Qiao Nan, what do you think I should do next? My mind is filled with... I can¡¯t consider many things rationally anymore.¡±

    ¡°Test their DNAs and prove that Wei Wei is Wei De¡¯s son. Then, find someone to investigate Wei De¡¯s and Wei Xiaomei¡¯s situation back in the countryside. When you married him at that time, his military status should have shown that he was unmarried. I know that people in the countryside usually have the practice of holding wedding dinners but not applying for marriage certificates. But now that our country¡¯sws are moreprehensive, even marriages that are done through wedding dinners without getting certificates are now legally recognized. Hemitted bigamy by hiding the truth of his marriage and denying his rtionship with Wei Xiaomei to marry you. Just based on this alone, he¡¯ll be punished quite severely by thew.¡±

    They had to prove that Wei Wei was indeed Wei De¡¯s son. Because Wei De was a soldier, cheating in his marriage was already something that Wei De would be harshly punished for. But that was not enough. For Sister Zhai Hua topletely rid herself of Wei De, the key was proving Wei Wei¡¯s blood rtion to Wei De.

    Reality was different from her dream. In her dream, Sister Zhai Hua had only been Wei De¡¯s girlfriend. To put it bluntly, dating involved two people, but as long as one party was firm enough, a breakup was inevitable. However, marriage was much moreplicated. If Sister Zhai Hua wanted to get divorced but Wei De refused to do so, it might take a long time before a divorce would be official.

    However, if they could prove that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s son and that Wei De had gotten together with another woman behind Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s back during their marriage, it would be an entirely different case. If Sister Zhai Hua were to propose a divorce, there was no way it would be rejected.

    ¡°All right. A DNA test.¡± Zhai Hua had been part of the military as well and was clear about the strict discipline required of soldiers. Thinking about Wei De¡¯s sense of belonging and ambition in the military, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was filled with revenge and pleasure. ¡°He¡¯s still dreaming of bing a regimentmander? Aftermitting such immoral acts, I¡¯ll see if he can continue staying in the military!¡±

    In reality, what Zhai Hua was talking about was exactly what Wei De, who was still lying in a hospital bed, was afraid of. Looking at his parents by his side, Wei De¡¯s expression was pale. ¡°Where¡¯s Jiajia? Mom, Dad, hurry and get Zhai Hua out of the police station before the Zhai family gets here. We have to settle this amicably without blowing this up. Once you bail Zhai Hua out, remember to lecture me in front of Zhai Hua and beg for her forgiveness on my behalf.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Mother Wei screamed with a shrill voice. ¡°As a wife, she was bold enough to beat her husband up so badly. She deserves to go to jail! I hope that she spends the rest of her life in jail!¡± Thankfully, times had changed. Otherwise, a wife like Zhai Hua would definitely be beaten to death by her inws, and even then, it would have been justified.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if I go.¡± Father Wei sighed. ¡°Your mom clearly can¡¯t think straight. Your mom cares deeply about you, but she doesn¡¯t know how to do it right. If we let your mom go, I¡¯m afraid that the matter will only get moreplicated. When that timees, we won¡¯t even be able to clean up the mess. Ah De, don¡¯t you think that you were wrong? How could you and Xiaomei... And you were even caught red-handed by Zhai Hua!¡±

    At the thought of this situation, Father Wei did not know whether to reprimand his son or to deal with Wei Xiaomei.

    Lust was truly dangerous. Xiaomei had grown up together with Ah De and was not an attractive woman. He could not understand how Ah De could have faulted in such a thing given his intelligence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it.¡± Wei De was frustrated too. Although such things had not happened often, he had never once been caught. Over time, Wei De had gotten used to having such a married life, feeling that Wei Xiaomei¡¯s gentleness lifted his mood.

    He had never expected to be caught in the act by Zhai Hua! If he had known about this earlier, he would never have touched even a strand of Wei Xiaomei¡¯s hair.

    Father Wei had to prepare for the worst. ¡°Ah De, have you ever thought about what will happen if Zhai Hua decides to get a divorce from you because she found out about you and Xiaomei? Zhai Hua has already gone to the police station, and this is no small matter. Do you really think you will be able to hide this from the rest of the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that Zhai Hua has the right to beat Ah De up? Even if the Zhai family finds out about it, they should be the ones apologizing to us. Look at the kind of daughter they raised!¡± Mother Wei said indignantly.

    This time, Wei De was truly incensed. ¡°Mom, things have already reached such a stage. Can you stop adding fuel to the fire? If you continue being like this... Anyway, Dad, you¡¯ll deal with Zhai Hua alone. Don¡¯t let my mom get involved. And Mom, remember not to say a word in front of Zhai Hua and the Zhai family unless you want to disown me!¡±

    Wei De did not have that air of superiority that Mother Wei did.

    Not only had he cheated on his wife but he had also been caught red-handed by his wife and daughter! No matter how one looked at it, he was definitely at fault. Zhai Hua was not in the wrong even if she had hit him. If the Zhai family found out about this, they would never let him off. As such, he had to hide it from them at all costs.

    ¡°Dad, my mom is an old foggy. I think it¡¯ll be good as long as she doesn¡¯t drag me down now. Dad, you¡¯re the only one I can rely on now. You have to help me convince Zhai Hua not to take issue with this and not tell the Zhai family about this incident. I promise that I¡¯ll never meet Wei Xiaomei again in the future. I¡¯ll admit my guilt and allow her to punish me in whatever way she deems fit. I¡¯ll listen to whatever she says.¡±

    ¡°Ah De, you hurt me with those words. Don¡¯t you know that I did everything for your sake?¡± Mother Wei was sad. She had thought of her son wholeheartedly, but her son had said that she was less reliable than his father! Why was she unreliable? She was the most reliable person around!

    Father Wei could not help but smack the back of Mother Wei¡¯s head. ¡°You still don¡¯t admit that you¡¯re a fool!¡±

 Chapter 1878 - Critical Moment

    <h4>Chapter 1878: Critical Moment</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°So what if Zhai Hua beat Wei De up? Wei De slept with another woman behind her back. If you were in her ce, I guess you would have ripped the other party¡¯s skin out. Think about this from another perspective. If Zhai Hua had found another man behind our son¡¯s back and we found out about it, would you think that our son would be in the wrong for beating Zhai Hua up? Would we have to bow our heads to the Zhai family just because Ah De hit their daughter?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Mother Wei was at a loss for words.

    Just like what Father Wei said, if Father Wei had gotten into a rtionship with another woman, she would definitely deal with both that vixen and Father Wei. In fact, if Zhai Hua were to start an affair, her son would not even have to do anything. She would volunteer to go to jail after killing Zhai Hua herself.

    ¡°Dad, you have to help me convince Zhai Hua.¡± Wei De rubbed his face, feeling that he was in the worst possible situation. If he had known that so many things would happen because of a new year¡¯s visit, he would have just chosen to stay at home. At the very least, he would still have left a good impression on them.

    What could Father Wei say apart from agreeing to his son¡¯s request? ¡°I can¡¯t promise that I¡¯ll be able to do it, but you can rest assured that I¡¯ll try my best. I¡¯ve never treated Zhai Hua as badly as your mom has. I think she¡¯ll give me some face at the very least.¡±

    Father Wei was thankful that he had never acted like his wife had and had never thrown his weight around as Zhai Hua¡¯s father-inw, even when his wife had acted spitefully toward Zhai Hua.

    Compared to how spiteful his wife was, he believed that his image as a father-inw was still rather good in Zhai Hua¡¯s mind. Since that was so, Zhai Hua would probably agree if he were to beg Zhai Hua.

    But Father Wei had been too idealistic. Mother Wei¡¯s words were indeed nasty, and Father Wei had indeed never once acted like Mother Wei and had never bossed Zhai Hua around as a father-inw.

    However, even when Mother Wei had red up and unreasonably scolded Zhai Hua, Father Wei had simply stood on by the sidelines. He had never once stepped in to interfere nor had he ever tried to keep Mother Wei in line.

    Sometimes, Father Wei¡¯s attitude of staying silent inevitably gave off the feeling that he approved of Mother Wei¡¯s actions. Even though Father Wei did not utter a word, in Zhai Hua¡¯s heart, Father Wei was not much better than Mother Wei. In short, Father Wei was not a good father-inw, and neither was Mother Wei a good mother-inw.

    Wei De had already made himself clear that if Mother Wei were to lose her temper and put all the me on Zhai Hua, angering Zhai Hua, Mother Wei would lose Wei De as her son. No matter how reluctant Mother Wei was, she had no choice but to listen to her son and husband at this point in time.

    It did not matter to her who her daughter-inw was, but she only had one son.

    Seeing both her husband and son anxious over this matter and feeling that they needed to give in to Zhai Hua and appease her, there was nothing Mother Wei could do. Of course, she had no choice but to obediently listen to the words of the two most important men in her life. As such, she retracted her ws and tried to tone down her anger. ¡°All right, whatever you guys say. When we meet Zhai Huater, I¡¯ll act pitiful and not utter a word. How¡¯s that?¡±

    After calming down and thinking once again about what had happened today, Mother Wei finally felt a tinge of guilt. They had kept their son¡¯s rtionship with Wei Xiaomei a secret from the Zhai family all these years.

    If they really reached the stage of a divorce, Mother Wei knew that Zhai Hua would be more than willing to do so, but not the Wei family. Once Wei De got divorced from Zhai Hua, she would no longer have a chief as her inw. Without a wife like Zhai Hua, there was no way her son was going to get promoted in the military.

    Her son had expressed his wishes of bing a regimentmander. They needed the Zhai family¡¯s help.

    For her son¡¯s future, this divorce could never happen. ¡°Ah De, don¡¯t worry. I know what to do when we meet Zhai Hua. If she dares to get angry at you and wants to get divorced, I¡¯ll convince her to change her mind even if that means I have to get on my knees to beg her.¡±

    Sigh. The Wei family had to keep such a terrible daughter-inw. It was truly their family¡¯s bad luck.

    Father Wei and Wei De breathed a sigh of relief in unison, and Wei De forced out a slight smile. ¡°Mom, it seems like you¡¯re finally thinking a little rationally. Mom, I will never get divorced from Zhai Hua. My wife can only be Zhai Hua alone. If I get divorced from Zhai Hua, our family will have nothing. Dad, Mom, why don¡¯t you find Jiajia first? Zhai Hua cares a lot about Jiajia. As long as Jiajia still wants me as her dad, Zhai Hua won¡¯t destroy this family for Jiajia¡¯s sake. She might even help cover this matter up and not tell the Zhai family about it.¡±

    That was right. At this point in time, Jiajia would be his best bet. Jiajia was indeed his daughter. At such a critical moment, she could be such a great help to him!

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You and Zhai Hua still have Jiajia. As long as Jiajia is around, Zhai Hua will never get divorced.¡± Father Wei¡¯s eyes twinkled, feeling that a guidingmp had suddenly appeared to guide him through this bleak path. ¡°Wait a minute. Where¡¯s Jiajia? Dear, have you seen Jiajia?¡±

    Had he not said that Jiajia had been together with Zhai Hua and had ¡®witnessed¡¯ that scene? Zhai Hua had been taken in by the police, but where was Jiajia?

    Half a day had gone by before Father and Mother Wei finally remembered that Jiajia had been present. But when they finally thought of Jiajia, they realized that not a single person had any idea about where Jiajia was. They could not even be certain about whether Jiajia had followed Zhai Hua to the police station, or whether she had followed them to the hospital out of concern for Wei De.

    Wei De¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Dad, hurry and take a look to see if Jiajia is at home. Remember to bring Jiajia along when you beg for Zhai Hua¡¯s forgiveness. Before that, you have to make sure that Jiajia is on my side. After you find Jiajia, call me. I¡¯ll convince her. I believe that Jiajia will listen to her dad.¡±

    He had always known that Jiajia had always wanted him to care more about her and love her like he did Xiao Wei. As long as Jiajia stood on his side this once and helped him out, he promised that he would treat Jiajia as well as he treated Xiao Wei.

    Indeed, during such a critical moment, only his own flesh and blood was the most reliable. Even though Jiajia was only a daughter, she yed a critical role.

 Chapter 1879 - Did I Get into Trouble?

    <h4>Chapter 1879: Did I Get into Trouble?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry. I understand. Jiajia has been an obedient child all along. She will definitely stand on our side and understand us.¡± Ah De was willing to dote on Jiajia well in the future. After knowing this piece of news, Jiajia would definitely be happy and help them persuade Zhai Hua. With Jiajia around, Zhai Hua would be softhearted and agree to conceal today¡¯s matter.

    Father Wei always thought that Mother Wei was pretty stupid to have thought of everything from Wei De¡¯s perspective alone and take everything for granted. The truth was they were a family, after all. He was no betterpared to Mother Wei.

    He felt that Jiajia couldn¡¯tin if Wei De didn¡¯t care about her. When Wei De was willing to give a little paternal love to Jiajia, even if such paternal love wasn¡¯t pure, Jiajia should feel grateful and ept readily, or rather, ept with gratitude.

    It was a pity that he had forgotten Jiajia was already in junior high school and was a young adult with independent thinking ability. All along, Jiajia knew in her heart how the Wei family had treated Zhai Hua and herself. Moreover, Jiajia had personally seen Wei De and Wei Xiaomei sleeping together on the same bed. One had to know how serious this blow was to a teenager.

    If not for Jiajia finding Qiao Nan and receivingfort and guidance from an acquaintance in time, nobody would have known what kind of side effects Jiajia would suffer from in the face of such agitation. Zhai Hua and Jiajia had a tense rtionship with the Wei family to begin with. Now that such a thing had happened, even if Jiajia had any bit of admiration for Wei De, she no longer held any expectations of him.

    The Wei family didn¡¯t expect that not only did Zhai Hua catch Wei De and Wei Xiaomei together in bed, but she was even more certain that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s son. Since Wei De and Wei Xiaomei already had Wei Wei as a son, no matter who tried to persuade them, Zhai Hua and Jiajia could no longer ept such a family anymore.

    Nobody in the Wei family knew about this situation. Father Wei and Mother Wei also couldn¡¯t figure out where Jiajia was. Under Wei De¡¯s guidance, Father Wei and Mother Wei realized for the first time how useful Jiajia, this granddaughter, was to the Wei family. The old couple rushed back to the Wei family, but Jiajia wasn¡¯t around. Then, they went to the house Zhai Hua bought, but Jiajia was still nowhere to be found.

    After failing to find their granddaughter at both ces, Father Wei and Mother Wei were dumbfounded. Jiajia didn¡¯t live with them, and ever since they had Wei Wei, their grandson, Father Wei and Mother Wei didn¡¯t care for her.

    All along, Mother Wei¡¯s words weren¡¯t pleasant. Although Father Wei didn¡¯t say anything, his attitude toward Jiajia was the same as Mother Wei¡¯s. Jiajia was already in junior high school. However, they didn¡¯t know what kind of ssmates or close friends Jiajia had in school.

    Father Wei had no choice but to call Wei De. What was more embarrassing and helpless was that Wei De didn¡¯t know anything at all either. Wei De obviously had more excuses than Father Wei and Mother Wei. ¡°Dad, you know that I spent at least 364 days in the army in a year. It was already an exception that I coulde home to celebrate the new year this year. How would I know what kind of close friends Jiajia has in school? On the contrary, both of you live in the same city as Jiajia and are considered to be living close to each other. Both of you really don¡¯t have any idea at all?¡±

    Wei De realized a shocking phenomenon for the first time. Everyone in the Wei family, including him, had neglected Jiajia too much. Nobody knew that the three of them knew about Wei Wei¡¯s true identity. As such, not only were they more concerned about Wei Wei, but they had also neglected Jiajia. This was definitely not a good sign.

    Nobody was a fool. Wei De was more worried about Jiajia than Zhai Hua. Jiajia was young and temperamental. He didn¡¯t know if she would bear any grudges toward the Wei family because of this situation. He managed to marry Zhai Hua so easily back then because she was dissatisfied with the Zhai family since she was young.

    It was his fault. He had neglected this situation. Thankfully, Jiajia wasn¡¯t an adult yet. Hopefully, he would still have the chance to redeem himself so that Jiajia wouldn¡¯t be like Zhai Hua in that she had no gratitude to her family who had raised her up but only felt grievances and resentment.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know.¡± Father Wei was dumbfounded. Jiajia was his granddaughter. How was it convenient for him to care so much about her? ¡°Ah De, what should we do now that we can¡¯t find Jiajia? Do you think Jiajia would find Zhai Hua directly?¡± Or even the Zhai family?

    If it was the former, Father Wei was not worried at all. As long as he promised Jiajia that they would get Zhai Hua out of the police station and not pursue the matter of her hitting others, there was no reason Jiajia would be stubborn and unreasonable over this since she was still a child with a simple mindset.

    What Father Wei was afraid of was thetter. If Jiajia went to find the Zhai family directly for help, Jiajia would really be a sinner that destroyed the Wei family and Wei De, her birth father.

    Zhai Hua must guarantee that she was willing to spare Wei De and ignore this matter since it wasn¡¯t appropriate for the Zhai family to know about this too early. One had to know that Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude was the key.

    Even if the Zhai family was dissatisfied with Wei De, as long as Zhai Hua was willing to forgive Wei De and refuse to get a divorce, what can the Zhai family do? It was simr to how the Zhai family couldn¡¯t stop Zhai Hua from marrying Wei De back then. If Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t willing to get a divorce, the Zhai family could only stand aside.

    ¡°No. Jiajia should know what kind of impact it will have on me if she goes to find the Zhai family. She isn¡¯t an insensible child. Dad, go with Mom to quickly find Jiajia. I think Jiajia was just frightened and thus found a ce to hide. Remember to call me if anythinges up. I¡¯ll try harder on my end as well to see if I can contact Jiajia.¡± Wei De kept pinching his forehead, feeling irritated.

    Everything had happened at the same time, causing the matter to be soplicated and difficult to resolve. Where exactly did Jiajia, his daughter, go? Didn¡¯t she know that the family was in a mess and that they needed her to make Zhai Hua reconcile with him?

    The Wei family was like headless flies. Wei Xiaomei, who was sitting in Wei De¡¯s ward, looked at Wei De uneasily. ¡°Brother, did I get into trouble?¡±

 Chapter 1880 - Self Sacrifice

    <h4>Chapter 1880: Self Sacrifice</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ever since Zhai Hua bought another house, she had always been living in it with Jiajia and rarely returned to the Wei family. She didn¡¯t expect Zhai Hua toe running to the Wei family today. If she had known, she wouldn¡¯t have been so stupid to sacrifice Wei De¡¯s and her son¡¯s future for a moment of joy.

    Ever since she became Wei De¡¯s woman, she had only slept with him a few times. To her, it didn¡¯t make any difference, and she didn¡¯t have that kind of need. However, Wei Xiaomei was smart. She knew that she couldn¡¯t hold a man if she felt average about such matters.

    Before Zhai Hua married over, Wei De treated her more indifferently by the day. He never mentioned her when he asionally contacted his family. However, ever since Wei De married Zhai Hua, there was once or twice that Wei De treated her better and was more attentive to Wei Wei, their son.

    In addition, as Wei Xiaomei often apanied Mother Wei to watch TV, she could gradually catch a little bit of Wei De¡¯s attention. In order to safeguard herself more and let the Wei family pay more attention to her son, it¡¯s not a big issue to sleep more often with Wei De since she was his wife to begin with.

    Furthermore, Wei Xiaomei always understood in her heart that Zhai Hua would never have married Wei De if she knew that she was once Wei De¡¯s wife. It was Wei De and the Wei family who had concealed her existence. However, reason and emotion were always kept separate.

    In Wei Xiaomei¡¯s eyes, it was all because of Zhai Hua¡¯s appearance that caused her to be a culprit who had given birth to Wei Wei, a ¡®fatherless¡¯ child. It was Zhai Hua¡¯s appearance that caused the ¡®first half of her life¡¯ to be so miserable and unbearable.

    As such, Wei Xiaomei always had the pleasure of taking revenge against Zhai Hua when she slept with Wei De in Zhai Hua¡¯s house behind her back. So what if Zhai Hua was the chief¡¯s daughter? She had slept with Zhai Hua¡¯s man. Wei De was willing to sleep with her instead of going home to apany Zhai Hua. This was sufficient to show that in Wei De¡¯s heart, she was actually better than Zhai Hua.

    Revenge was revenge. However, Wei Xiaomei never thought of letting Zhai Hua know about her rtionship with Wei De, let alone seeing them together with her own eyes. Upon thinking of that scene, Wei Xiaomei still felt lingering fear, and her face turned pale. Under the psychological influence, the ces where Zhai Hua hit before ached even more.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who got into trouble.¡± Wei De closed his eyes. At this moment, he didn¡¯t shirk his share of responsibility and push all the me toward Wei Xiaomei. Although Wei De didn¡¯t let Wei Xiaomei bear all responsibility, he still held a grudge against her. As such, he chose to close his eyes and not look at Wei Xiaomei.

    To be honest, Wei Xiaomei was not as pretty as Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t ugly. On the contrary, as she was a soldier previously, there was a special heroic charm to her. Furthermore, Zhai Hua grew up in the Zhai family. Her temperament that naturally formed due to family influence couldn¡¯t bepared to Wei Xiaomei¡¯s at all.

    Thus, Wei De couldn¡¯t understand. Was his brain not working well, or was he blind previously? Why did he spend the rare time and energy he had on Wei Xiaomei instead of Zhai Hua, coaxing her so that she becamepletely biased toward him?

    In reality, didn¡¯t he do a good job before marriage? It was precisely because he had coaxed Zhai Hua well that he was thepanymander now. Why was it that after marriage, when sess was more easily attainable, he became confused and foolish, causing the rtionship with Zhai Hua to be so tense now?

    ¡°Brother, what should we do now? Will Sister Zhai Hua get a divorce with you?¡± Upon mentioning this, Wei Xiaomei¡¯s face turned paler. She was really worried that Zhai Hua would divorce Wei De. Wei Xiaomei understood more than anyone in the Wei family that everything the Wei family owned today was all thanks to Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua could let the Wei family lead a good life. Simrly, if the Wei family lost Zhai Hua, they would lose everything and drop from heaven to hell, going back to their lives before.

    Upon thinking that her son was going to leave Ping Cheng and return to the countryside to study in a school with poor teaching quality and a poor environment and that he would either be a farmer or a manualborer like the other children in the countryside in the future, Wei Xiaomei felt uncontroble pain.

    No, her son must not lead such a life. Her son should enjoy the best in this world and have the brightest future, bing an elite. Otherwise, what was her suffering in silence and enduring all the pain over the years for?

    Wei Xiaomei gritted her teeth so hard that they were about to be crushed. ¡°Brother, why don¡¯t we do this? Go and tell Sister Zhai Hua that I was the shameless one who removed my clothes to seduce you and you were an unwilling party. I even drugged you so that you would have sex with me in an unconscious state. As such, you hate me to death now and would never want to see me again in this lifetime. Brother, send me back to the countryside. Let¡¯s not meet each other again in the future. Just treat Sister Zhai Hua well in the future.¡±

    Only if he coaxed Zhai Hua could this matter be regarded as the past and her son¡¯s future would be secure.

    Wei De looked at Wei Xiaomei in surprise. ¡°Are you serious?¡± If that was the case, as long as Zhai Hua was willing to y a fool and believe his words, this matter could be resolved just like that. There was no other way.

    ¡°Of course I am. As long as you and Xiao Wei are well, I¡¯m a willing party no matter what I have to do. Brother, after I¡¯m gone, take good care of Xiao Wei.¡±

    Wei De looked at Wei Xiaomei differently now. This was the first time he valued Wei Xiaomei¡¯s existence. A woman was willing to sacrifice herself for him to this extent. It was undeniable that Wei De¡¯s self-esteem as a male was greatly satisfied, and he was also moved by Wei Xiaomei¡¯s sacrifice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The rest don¡¯t know, but you should know. Xiao Wei is my only son, and I can only have Xiao Wei as a son. Jiajia is a daughter, and she will be married off sooner orter. Everything I have will definitely be inherited by Xiao Wei alone. You don¡¯t have to worry about this at all.¡±

    He had never changed his mindset about this at all.

    Wei Xiaomei silently heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother, quickly share this with Sister Zhai Hua and send me away.¡±

    What Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t say was that it was nothing to be caught in the bed. It had been so many years and so many times. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t catch them in the act all this while, but an ident like this happened this year. What Wei Xiaomei was afraid of was that the rtionship between her son, Wei Wei, and Wei De would be discovered one day, just like the rtionship between her and Wei De.

 Chapter 1881 - Itâ€™s Good That You Know

    <h4>Chapter 1881: It¡¯s Good That You Know</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If it really came to that point, Zhai Hua would never forgive Wei De no matter what he said, even if she was killed and he refused to acknowledge Wei Wei as his son. Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude would decide the Wei family¡¯s fate. As such, they could not afford to offend Zhai Hua.

    Wei De had thought about Wei Xiaomei¡¯s worries too.

    He had not been as bold as he was now when he had just gotten married to Zhai Hua. Even though Zhai Hua had been willing to bring Wei Xiaomei over from the countryside to live with them in Ping Cheng out of sympathy, Wei De had immediately rejected her suggestion, saying that Wei Xiaomei was used to the life in the countryside and would not be able to adapt to living in a city like Ping Cheng. He told Zhai Hua that there was no point in doing such a thing out of kindness since it would end up hurting Wei Xiaomei.

    But when Wei De saw Zhai Hua treating Wei Wei like her own biological son, he gradually became bolder and eventually brought Wei Xiaomei over to Ping Cheng. After all, no matter how good Zhai Hua treated Wei Wei, she did not really see him as her son. How could an ¡®auntie¡¯pare to a biological mother?

    In terms of taking care of Wei Wei, Wei De had more faith in Wei Xiaomei than Zhai Hua.

    After today¡¯s incident, Wei De¡¯s courage immediately dissipated, and he was just as meek as he had been when he had just gotten married. All he wanted was to send Wei Xiaomei as far as possible, as soon as possible. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once you return to the vige, I¡¯ll send you three thousand yuan every month. If you need anything or need any money, you can contact me. I¡¯ll just wire more money over.¡±

    Instructing Wei Xiaomei to return to the countryside was not entirely disregarding Wei Xiaomei¡¯s opinion. As a vige girl, Wei Xiaomei was much more understanding and was much more outstanding than Zhai Hua in this aspect. Wei De was softhearted toward such a good woman like this, and he wanted her to lead a good life.

    Initially, Wei Xiaomei had not nned on epting the living allowance of three thousand yuan. After all, she did not have many expenses while living in the countryside. Eventually, she decided to ept it. Firstly, Wei De was her man. It was only right for him to provide her with a monthly living allowance. If she did not need it, she could always save it up. In another ten years¡¯ time, she would be able to present her son with a gift of thirty thousand yuan!

    Secondly, why would she refuse Wei De¡¯s money? Wei De¡¯s money was also Zhai Hua¡¯s money. Wei De¡¯s sry as a soldier was rather meager, and the Wei family had expenses to pay. All these expenses added up to quite a significant sum over the span of a month. It was definitely higher than Wei De¡¯s wage as a soldier.

    In other words, it had only been because Zhai Hua had been chipping in that the Wei family had been able to lead such carefree lives. In that way, the three thousand yuan that Wei Xiaomei got was not from Wei De but Zhai Hua.

    Wei Xiaomei was willing to give in without a bottom line for her son¡¯s sake, but that did not mean that she had no opinions of Zhai Hua. Even while giving in, Wei Xiaomei had always thought of using such alternative ways of getting back at Zhai Hua.

    ¡°All right. Your injuries aren¡¯t so serious. Take this card and leave today.¡± Since they had already formted a n, Wei De did not want to waste even a single minute. The earlier he chased Wei Xiaomei away, the better he would be able to prove his ¡®disdain¡¯ toward Wei Xiaomei. In that way, he should be able to appease Zhai Hua so that she would let this matter slide, right?

    Looking at the bank card on the table, Wei Xiaomei¡¯s pupils constricted for a moment, but she obediently epted the card. ¡°Brother, I¡¯ll take my leave then. I... I won¡¯t visit Xiao Wei, in case Sister Zhai Hua makes life difficult for Xiao Wei in the future. Brother, you have to guide Xiao Wei well and improve his rtionship with Sister Zhai Hua.¡±

    Not being able to meet her son onest time before leaving was the cruelest thing to Wei Xiaomei. Wei Xiaomei was unsure of how her son would react upon hearing about this incident. She could only hope that her son would be rational and act wisely in front of Zhai Hua and her daughter.

    No pain, no gain.

    As long as they could tide through this arduous period, all their efforts would be worth it once her son became established.

    Wei De¡¯s tone was gentle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what to do. Xiao Wei is a smart kid. I believe he¡¯ll understand our pains and know what to do. Once you leave, don¡¯t worry about what goes on in Ping Cheng. I¡¯ll deal with it myself.¡±

    As long as Wei Xiaomei left and without this source of anger for Zhai Hua, everything would be much easier to handle.

    Wei Xiaomei had proposed this idea herself, but Wei De¡¯s eagerness to see her leave upset Wei Xiaomei. This time, Wei Xiaomei was much more decisive in taking the bank card.

    Wei Xiaomei knew that all the money in this card was Wei De¡¯s money that he had saved up secretly behind Zhai Hua¡¯s back. After she took this sum of money, given Wei De¡¯s character of having no sense of security without money, she was sure that Wei De would find an excuse to recover this sum of money from Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua was the reason she could not acknowledge her husband and could not even visit her son. Her family had been ruined by Zhai Hua. All she had done was made Zhai Hua fork out a little money. She had gotten the short end of the stick!

    The moment Wei Xiaomei got on the bus to leave Ping Cheng, she sent a text message to Wei De. Upon receiving the text message, Wei De, who had been tense the whole time, finally let out a smile. ¡°I hope that everything will be resolved well now that Xiaomei has left.¡±

    Since Xiaomei had left, he could answer to Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua would not be so unreasonable to not forgive him, right?

    Wei De felt that everything would be solved easily now that Wei Xiaomei had left. The problem was that while he was dealing with Wei Xiaomei¡¯s problem, Zhai Hua had already decided to meet with the Zhai family. Moreover, with the Zhai family¡¯s help, she had already gotten a DNA test done on Wei Wei and Wei De.

    ¡°Have you really thought it through this time?¡± Knowing that Zhai Hua had been bullied so badly by Wei De, Zhai Sheng was infuriated. Even the rational Zhai Sheng had the impulse to kill someone.

    Zhai Huaughed cynically. ¡°Yes, I have. I think if I haven¡¯t made up my mind by now, the person you guys would be angry at would not be Wei De but me. Even if you don¡¯t kill me, you would want to open my skull up to check if I have a brain at all.¡±

    Zhai Sheng harrumphed, implying that Zhai Hua seemed to understand her own situation well. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already thought it through, I¡¯ll help you handle everything. The bail procedures are almost done. Bring Jiajia home. Oh right, I guess you¡¯ll want custody of Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Her marriage to Wei De had been like a nightmare. The only saving grace was her daughter, Jiajia.

 Chapter 1882 - Change of Positions

    <h4>Chapter 1882: Change of Positions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Jiajia said that she¡¯ll follow me. Wei De already has his son, Wei Wei. He doesn¡¯t care about his daughter, but I do. I¡¯ll never let him have Jiajia.¡±

    Otherwise, the Wei family would probably bully Jiajia so that they would be able to gain from the Zhai family.

    When Zhai Hua emerged, Jiajia sat quietly by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. She had been waiting for a long time. Jiajia¡¯s eyes sparkled the moment she saw Zhai Hua, and she immediately skipped over to Zhai Hua¡¯s side to hold on to Zhai Hua¡¯s hand. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt her eyes redden. Her daughter had never been to the Zhai family¡¯s house but still viewed the Zhai family¡¯s house as her home. The Wei family was truly such a failure to have created such animosity that Jiajia was willing to call an unfamiliar ce her home. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go home. Back to our real home. A home that feels like a home.¡±

    Seeing Zhai Hua and her daughter in this state, Miao Jing finally let out a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s all go home. Let¡¯s have a good meal and wash up. Tomorrow will be better.¡±

    As the Zhai family reunited and headed back home, Qiao Nan subconsciously followed along. But then, she sensitively took a few steps back. The Zhai family would head home, but it was alreadyte at night. There would probably not be any buses to bring her back to Qingshui Town. She would just have to find a motel for the night and return tomorrow.

    The Zhai family now knew all about Zhai Hua¡¯s situation. Qiao Nan believed that Zhai Hua would definitely not be at a disadvantage with the Zhai family on her side. The Zhai family would naturally help Zhai Hua resolve her problems. As an outsider, there was no need for her to step in and interfere. She could take a step back now.

    Zhai Sheng, who was standing by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, asked in a low voice, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving?¡±

    Qiao Nan lifted her eyes to meet Zhai Sheng¡¯s. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s time for me to go home too.¡± Qiao Nan lifted her foot, heading in the direction of the bus stop but was immediately stopped by Zhai Sheng. Frustrated, he asked, ¡°Where are you going? The car is here.¡±

    Qiao Nan was slightly angry, yet aggrieved. ¡°So what if the car is here? This isn¡¯t my car. Besides, you have too many passengers!¡± She was a Qiao and had nothing much to do with the Zhai family. What right did she have to get in the car, especially when the Zhai family was having a warm reunion? What was her identity?

    At the mention of having too many passengers, Zhai Sheng was stunned. He had indeed neglected this problem. But seeing Qiao Nan pouting like a child, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart softened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t have too many passengers. No matter what, you came all the way to Ping Cheng because of our family. Although the matter has already been resolved, we have to take responsibility for you now.¡±

    Zhai Sheng then walked toward the car and said to the person in the passenger seat, ¡°Drive this car home. I¡¯ll get another car with Qiao Nan.¡±

    Zhai Hua, who had just been released from the police station and whose emotions had beenplicated, could not help butugh. ¡°Do you mean that you¡¯re abandoning your parents and sister now that you have a wife?¡±

    Qiao Nan was truly important to him for him to leave his entire family and apany her alone.

    She had been married for over ten years and had given her all for her family. Not only had she never been pampered like a princess, but she had even treated her partner like a king. But in return, she had gotten years of lies and betrayal. Zhai Hua was almost dying of grief because of Wei De, but right at this moment, it seemed like Zhai Sheng¡¯s spring wasing.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll provoke me and that I¡¯ll create trouble for Qiao Nan?¡± Zhai Hua had moments when she was unreasonable as well. Was he not afraid that she would do something upon seeing how well the couple got along with each other?

    Zhai Sheng was not at all threatened by Zhai Hua. ¡°Qiao Nan has just done you such a big favor. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be so evil as to do something like that. Without Qiao Nan, we wouldn¡¯t even know where Jiajia is. You¡¯d better set a good example for Jiajia in front of her.¡±

    Jiajia, who had been unwittingly ¡®arrowed¡¯, blinked in confusion, feeling that the world of adults was too confusing. Auntie Qiao had obviously not done anything. Why was her mom targeting Auntie Qiao? While she had been in the police station, no one but Auntie Qiao had been around. She thought that her mom got along well with Auntie Qiao!

    To be honest, Jiajia had only memories of her mom¡¯s upromising side. As such, Jiajia had been surprised to see Zhai Hua¡¯s willingness to take Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. If not for the fact that she was certain that her mom had never crossed paths with Auntie Qiao before the new year, she would have suspected that Auntie Qiao was her mom¡¯s long-lost best friend.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Jiajia did not know how to respond at such a moment, but her uncle was not wrong. After arriving in Qingshui Town, she had not been able to find her grandma¡¯s family. Thankfully, she had Auntie Qiao. Otherwise, she might have gone into hiding out of shock and fear.

    Zhai Hua had no other choice since her daughter was nowining about her hunger. She had already lost her marriage and her husband, Wei De. Now, the most important thing to Zhai Hua was undoubtedly her daughter, Jiajia. Jiajia was her first priority now. Since her daughter was hungry, the first thing Zhai Hua had to do was to go home and prepare a feast for her daughter.

    It was not only Jiajia who was hungry. Zhai Hua was hungry too. When the incident had happened, it had been noontime. The mother-and-daughter pair had taken both meals at once, so it was only natural for them to be hungry.

    Miao Jing hesitated for a moment. ¡°We came back too suddenly, so I guess there won¡¯t be any vegetables at home, right?¡± Even though her daughter and granddaughter were both hungry, there was no way she would suddenly be able to whip up a meal on such short notice.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Yaohui was taken aback too. It seemed as though he did not have a solution either.

    Zhai Sheng whipped out his phone and made a call. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re not going to go hungry now that you¡¯re going home. It¡¯s all right if we have no ingredients at home. I¡¯ll just call for delivery.¡±

    Zhai Hua hit herself on the head. ¡°I almost forgot about that. Aren¡¯t you always in the army? Why do you know so much about this?¡± As a housewife, it was normal to know about such things. Apart from her, given the Zhai family¡¯s situation, everyone else was no different from cavemen.

    It was exactly because of this that Zhai Hua was shocked that Zhai Sheng had thought of this.

    After making his order, Zhai Sheng kept his phone. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know so much. You just have to know that your younger brother won¡¯t let the two of you starve now that you¡¯reing home. Don¡¯t be naggy. Hurry and change your position.¡±

    After saying that, Zhai Sheng did not say anything more.

 Chapter 1883 - Unsuitable

    <h4>Chapter 1883: Unsuitable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Apart from Zhai Hua and her daughter, the only ones left in the car were Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing. It was not that Zhai Hua did not know how to drive. With her around, did she really dare to let her elderly parents drive?

    Of course not.

    If Zhai Hua did not drive, they might as well remain there and see if they should get a valet over.

    Seeing Zhai Sheng use such methods against her for the first time, Zhai Hua was amused, yet bitter at the same time. It was normal for a man to forget about his mother once he had a wife. If he could forget about even his mother, she was nothing in his eyes since she was only his elder sister.

    With no other choice after having been abandoned by Zhai Sheng who had ¡®forgotten¡¯ about his sister due to his own lust, Zhai Hua could only move from the passenger seat to the driver¡¯s seat.

    Jiajia looked around and climbed to the passenger seat. Then, upon witnessing Zhai Sheng drag Qiao Nan into another car, Jiajia asked out of curiosity, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s Auntie Qiao¡¯s rtionship with my uncle now?¡±

    Thinking about it, Jiajia felt a little embarrassed. On the surface, Qiao Nan had nothing to do with the Zhai family. How could she not feel embarrassed from finding an ¡®outsider¡¯ when something happened to her?

    ¡°Who knows? It¡¯s a mystery.¡± To Zhai Hua, this was perhaps the only piece of news thatforted her slightly. She was on the verge of losing her marriage. While Zhai Sheng did not seem like he was lovelorn, he was still single. The siblings¡¯ rtionship statuses were not that far off from each other.

    Zhai Yaohui eyed Miao Jing. Since Hua Hua could tell Jiajia such a thing, it seemed like Hua Hua had not only made a decision regarding Wei De, but she had also be more open-minded. Hua Hua should not be pretending to be strong, right?

    Zhai Yaohui lifted his chin to express that his daughter had always been this strong. There was no need for any pretense. If she had not met Wei De, Zhai Hua¡¯s performance would have been this brilliant all along. One was marked by thepany one kept. Now that she had left Wei De, Zhai Hua would return to being that daughter who was even more outstanding than a son.

    When Zhai Hua returned to the Zhai family¡¯s house with the other three members of her family, Zhai Sheng coincidentally alighted from the car too.

    Actually, Qiao Nan had already regretted her actions the moment sheined to Zhai Sheng about overloading the car at the police station. The moment she said that, it sounded as though she intended to leave with the Zhai family. She had not meant that at all. Initially, she had simply thought that it would be better for the Zhai family to remain together at such a time.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s inappropriate for me to go to your house. It¡¯s sote at night, and I can¡¯t return home either. If you really feel sorry, you can just book a hotel room for me. I won¡¯t stop you from booking the best hotel in the area.¡± It had been more than half a year since Qiao Nan had woken up from her dream. As such, Qiao Nan was a little afraid of entering that slightly unfamiliar quad in Ping Cheng.

    Moreover, the Qiao family was in that quad too. Although one was on the south side, while the other was on the north, Qiao Nan had grown up in the quad. As such, there were a lot of neighbors who recognized her. If she got caught by her neighbors, the Qiao family would definitely learn of her presence in Ping Cheng.

    Up until now, Qiao Nan had not gotten herself ready to meet the Qiao family. When she had left thest time, Qiao Nan seemed to have made up her mind never to meet the Qiao family ever again. She was all too clear that her mom would never change.

    Elderly people would never change their mindsets. In fact, this elderly person would probably only get more stubborn with age. Besides, Ding Jiayi had someone by her side who constantly encouraged her: Qiao Zijin. Although they could not be rtives, she did not want them to hurt each other either. It was better that they severed all ties so that she would not get hurt anymore.

    But once the Qiao family learned of Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts, it went without question that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would act like leeches and would never let her go. Qiao Nan felt bad for describing her rtives in this manner, but it was the truth.

    No matter what the reason was, Qiao Nan had no desire to step into the Zhai family¡¯s house in the Ping Cheng quad.

    Zhai Sheng did not agree. If he were to continue being wishy-washy any longer, it would not only be his father who could not stand it. Zhai Sheng himself would be unable to tolerate it either. He could sense that Qiao Nan had always been trying to avoid him and that Qiao Nan felt that it was impossible between the two of them. If he were to give in to Qiao Nan despite knowing that Qiao Nan had such thoughts, Zhai Sheng knew that he would really remain a bachelor for the rest of his life.

    If he wanted to get married and have a wife and children, the first thing he had to do was to pull Qiao Nan out of her shell. ¡°It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have any space in our house. We have more than enough rooms. Why do you have to stay in a hotel? You understand Zhai Hua¡¯s situation, but we don¡¯t. Don¡¯t think that Zhai Hua¡¯s decided to leave Wei De for sure. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s upset in her heart. Today, she only managed to have a small fight with Wei De. What if she can¡¯t go to sleep and wakes up at night to deal with Wei De again? I can¡¯t even be sure of how bad that will be. I think you get along quite well with Zhai Hua. She¡¯ll listen to whatever you say. Just treat it as though you¡¯re helping me take care of Zhai Hua by staying at my house.¡±

    Yes, Zhai Hua was still a little useful at such a time.

    But Zhai Sheng only said that to coax Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng did not mean what he had just said. After all, he had grown up with Zhai Hua. He was all too clear about Zhai Hua¡¯s temper.

    If Zhai Hua really wanted to kill Wei De, there was no way Wei De would be lying in the hospital with minor injuries. Although Zhai Hua no longer had a gun after retiring from the military, there were still knives and scissors at home. If she had used any of these things to stab Wei De a few times and gouge holes out of him, Wei De would probably be dead by now.

    Now that Zhai Hua had agreed to get a divorce, she would probably never turn back no matter what happened. Since she would never change her decision, it was even less likely that she would be unable to snap out of it. But it was only natural that she would be upset for a while.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua still had Jiajia around. Even if it was for the sake of her daughter, Zhai Hua would not do anything foolish. A mother was in apletely different position from her daughter. Zhai Hua was no longer that willful youngdy from the past. She was Wei Jiajia¡¯s mother.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng naturally did not tell Qiao Nan anything about Zhai Hua¡¯s change in mindset and behavior due to her change in status. If he were to do so, there would be no reason for Qiao Nan to stay.

    ¡°Are you unwilling to spend the night at our house because of the Qiao family?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s one of the reasons, and the other is that it¡¯s inappropriate for me to stay at your house.¡±

 Chapter 1884 - Overly Aggressive

    <h4>Chapter 1884: Overly Aggressive</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°How is it inappropriate?¡± There was a sh in Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. Qiao Nan reminded herself to keep a distance from Zhai Sheng at all times. Did this mean that Qiao Nan¡¯s heart would fall if she did not maintain her distance? Qiao Nan definitely had feelings for him. That was why she was behaving so strangely.

    Qiao Nan moved her mouth awkwardly. She could not possibly tell Zhai Sheng that it was because they were both single. If she were to enter the Zhai family¡¯s house, others might misunderstand their rtionship. Qiao Nan felt that she was thinking too highly of herself if she were to say that out loud. In the eyes of everyone else, they would probably guess that Qiao Nan had something to discuss with Zhai Sheng even if she were to spend the night at the Zhai family¡¯s house. There was no way they would link the two of them together.

    Since Qiao Nan remained silent, Zhai Sheng said, ¡°Since you can¡¯t give me a reason, I¡¯ll make the decision for you. Let¡¯s go to my house. It¡¯s all thanks to you that Zhai Hua finally came to her senses and that Jiajia is safe and sound. Our family owes you a huge favor.¡±

    Afterward, Zhai Sheng did not even give Qiao Nan a chance to refuse. In the blink of an eye, they had already arrived in front of the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard. That was how Qiao Nan, who was pulling a long face, was dragged off the car by Zhai Sheng, bitterly following Zhai Sheng into the house.

    ¡°How did uncle and Auntie Qiao return faster than us?¡± Jiajia asked incredulously as she alighted from the car.

    Zhai Hua smirked. ¡°Your Auntie Qiao is too good at running, and your uncle is afraid that she might run away.¡± That young brat! He knew how to abuse his power! She had thought that Zhai Sheng had always been indifferent to women outside the Zhai family.

    Looking more closely at Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua was still unable to understand how Qiao Nan was special. How had she been able to cause such a drastic change in Zhai Sheng? No matter how much she looked at Qiao Nan, she could not find any extraordinarily attractive or unique traits in Qiao Nan that could have changed Zhai Sheng.

    She was just an average woman, except that she was a little older...

    ¡°Jiajia, let¡¯s go. We have many rooms here. Pick any that you like.¡± Miao Jing did not care about Zhai Sheng. As long as Zhai Sheng had a n and expressed his feelings for Qiao Nan, Miao Jing could not ask for more. The youngsters would settle their own problems. If he wanted to marry a wife, he would have to be more hardworking. No one else would be able to win Qiao Nan over on his behalf.

    Miao Jing wanted to bring her granddaughter, Jiajia, away in case her granddaughter interrupted her son chasing after Qiao Nan due to her young age and curiosity. That would be terrible. Therefore, Miao Jing practically bundled her granddaughter up and hurried her to see the rooms.

    ¡°Grandma, my clothes are still in the other house.¡± Jiajia blushed. Everything had happened too suddenly today, and this was her first time staying over at her grandma¡¯s house. As such, there were no clothes for her or Zhai Hua to change into after taking a shower. This worried Jiajia, who had the habit of showering every day.

    Along the way, Jiajia had already tried her best not to think about that family. But there were some situations that forced her to think about that family. As a child who had just entered junior high school, what Jiajia had seen today was devastating.

    Thankfully, the atmosphere over at the Zhai family was good, and Qiao Nan hadforted her in time. Otherwise, Jiajia was not even sure whether she would have been able to get through the day. When she had first found out that her grandmother¡¯s family was no longer around and that she had been left alone, Jiajia felt as though her whole universe had copsed.

    Her father had betrayed her family, her grandmother¡¯s family had disappeared, and her mother was still in the police station. Jiajia was extremely grateful toward Qiao Nan for being an elder whom she could rely on when she had been at a loss.

    Miao Jing scratched her head. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, but I haven¡¯t had the chance to buy you any clothes yet. How about we go out to buy some clothes after we have our dinner?¡± The Zhai family did notck financially, but they didck opportunities to spend their money.

    ¡°But it¡¯s already sote.¡± Jiajia blushed. It was a new experience shoppingte at night for her own clothes. The Zhai family had inculcated in their children not to leave the housete at night if they had nothing on. Instead, they should stay at home and spend time with their family. Even after Zhai Hua had gotten married, that was what she had taught her daughter.

    As such, Jiajia rarely had the chance to go out after dinner.

    ¡°That¡¯s all right.¡± As long as Jiajia was willing to do so, the time did not matter. Miao Jing eyed Qiao Nan. ¡°Your Auntie Qiao brought you over to Ping Cheng and left in a hurry too. I guess she won¡¯t have any clothes with her either. Your Auntie Qiao will have to get some clothes too.¡± No matter howte it was, Miao Jing was more than happy to buy something for her daughter-inw.

    Whether it was her granddaughter or her daughter-inw, these were the two people whom Miao Jing had been looking forward to the most in recent years. There was nothing better than being able to buy clothes for the people she had waited an eternity for.

    Sitting down with the Zhai family for a meal was enough to make Qiao Nan feel uneasy, but they had even arranged for her to go shopping after dinner! Qiao Nan was extremely reluctant. She could not possibly be such a freeloader. She had already gotten a free meal and free amodation. She could not expect to get free clothing too!

    Zhai Sheng half-pushed and half-carried Qiao Nan into the car. ¡°Just go with them. It¡¯s just as well that you can help Jiajia pick out some clothes. It¡¯s the first time Mom¡¯s buying clothes for Jiajia. I don¡¯t really trust Zhai Hua¡¯s taste. Jiajia is still a child and will only pick the ones that she likes instead of the right ones. It¡¯ll be good for you to be by their sides.¡±

    Qiao Nan flushed red with anger and stared at Zhai Sheng. She very much wanted to tell Zhai Sheng that he had crossed the line. Earlier, Zhai Sheng had practically carried her into the car. Had that not been taking advantage of her? But Qiao Nan did not have the guts to say those words out loud. As such, she could only suppress her anger and berate Zhai Sheng through her gaze.

    Zhai Sheng smiled as he met Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze. There was not a hint of guilt in his gaze. In fact, he looked rather pleased with himself. Zhai Sheng had only done so because he knew that Qiao Nan would never speak up to scold him. He was not someone who lived in ancient times anyway. There was no need for unnecessary red tape.

    Hugging his wife was what mattered most.

    Zhai Sheng was extremely pleased with that hug. His wife looked rather skinny but was so soft in his arms. She felt perfect. Was this what hugging a woman was like?

    Although Zhai Sheng had been married once, he had never truly been a bridegroom before. This was Zhai Sheng¡¯s first time hugging a woman.

    ¡°Hua Hua, start the car.¡± Seeing Zhai Sheng¡¯s firm attitude in carrying Qiao Nan to the car, Miao Jing and Zhai Hua were dumbfounded. Just that afternoon, they had been discussing how such a strong Zhai Sheng appeared like a coward in front of Qiao Nan, taking no action at all.

 Chapter 1885 - For One

    <h4>Chapter 1885: For One</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Who would have known that Zhai Sheng would do such a shocking thing that very evening? He had directly skipped a few levels. They had not even held hands, and neither had he even confessed to her. Yet, he had already held her in his arms! Would the next step be sharing a room or even a bed?

    Although Miao Jing was shocked, she gave a stunning performance as a mother. While Qiao Nan had not returned from her trance, she quickly urged Zhai Hua to start the engine. Once they started driving and entered the mall, Qiao Nan would have no say in whatever she bought. The money was in her pocket. Qiao Nan would have nothing to say if Miao Jing wanted to buy anything.

    Once she had already bought it, since Qiao Nan had no other clothes to change out into, Qiao Nan would have no choice but to change into the clothes that Miao Jing had bought. Now that her daughter-inw had worn the clothes that she had bought, it would probably not be long before Qiao Nan would address her as ¡®mom¡¯.

    Miao Jing, who had been feeling down the entire day, suddenly brightened up. That son-inw was indeed a bad person who had treated her daughter and granddaughter poorly. Thankfully, her daughter would soon have nothing to do with that son-inw, and her daughter would finally be able to dig herself out of that pit.

    Her daughter would be able to rid herself of misfortune, while her son was getting his happiness very soon. It seemed that the Zhai family was moving toward a bright future. Was there anything more gratifying than this?

    Through the rearview mirror, Zhai Hua could see that Miao Jing¡¯s mouth was almost crooked from smiling. She felt sour. After all, she was about to be a divorc¨¦e, and Jiajia was about to be a child without a father. Did her mom not care about her feelings or Jiajia¡¯s feelings at all?

    ¡°Mom.¡± Jiajia, who was seated in the front passenger seat, lightly touched Zhai Hua¡¯s hand and let out a brilliant smile. ¡°Mom, I think that this is quite good.¡± Jiajia was naturally sad that her parents were going to split up and that she had a father like that. But Jiajia was grateful and knew to cherish what she had.

    Her paternal grandma¡¯s family had always treated her in this manner. Even if her parents did not get divorced, that would never change. But without her paternal grandma¡¯s family, she gained the love and affection of her maternal grandma¡¯s family. Compared to the past, she would only gain even more from this, except for her parents¡¯ divorce.

    Her maternal grandma¡¯s family worried a lot about her and her mom. Jiajia did not wish for them to worry about them.

    Thinking about how well her maternal grandma treated her, Jiajia understood just how much her maternal grandma¡¯s family must have wanted to meet her all these years. Unfortunately, due to her parents¡¯ rtionship, she had met her maternal grandma¡¯s family for the first time this year. With such aparison, Jiajia cherished her happiness even more. She wanted nothing more than to get along with her maternal grandma¡¯s family and live a peaceful life, unlike in the past.

    Since her daughter had already said that it was all right, there was nothing else Zhai Hua could say. Zhai Hua tidied up her thoughts and replied to her daughter. ¡°It¡¯s all good as long as you like it.¡± It did not really matter to her. This marriage had exhausted Zhai Huapletely. She was not going to try a second time. Moreover, she had Jiajia by her side. It really did not matter to her whether she got remarried as long as she had her daughter.

    At this time, Zhai Hua finally understood why Zhai Sheng had never wanted to get remarried after his divorce from Qiu Chenxi, even though he did not have any children.

    Upon reaching the shopping mall, Miao Jing threw aside all her worries. To make up for all those years of longing, the moment she saw any clothes that fit Jiajia, Miao Jing would hand them over to Jiajia, asking her to try them out. Of course, Miao Jing did not neglect Qiao Nan either. She was no less eager to pick out clothes for Qiao Nan than she was for Jiajia.

    In an instant, Miao Jing became the happiest among the four of them while picking out clothes.

    Zhai Hua understood the situation well. One was a granddaughter whom her mom had longed to see for over ten years, while the other was a daughter-inw whom her mom had waited for more than twenty years. With two VIPs around, this disobedient daughter was probably not on her mom¡¯s mind today.

    Since Zhai Hua did not have any clothes to change into either, she had to rely on herself. If her mom was not going to pick out any clothes for her, she would have to do it herself.

    Zhai Hua spent a long time looking at the racks absentmindedly but had not been able to pick one out to try. Her mind was filled with Wei De, Wei Xiaomei, and Wei Wei. Thinking about how these three people shared the same surname, Zhai Hua was in a terrible mood. She could not understand how there could be people like the Wei family in this world. How could anyone be so shameless?

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t you try this?¡± Zhai Hua suddenly felt a piece of clothing being shoved into her arms. Zhai Hua lifted her eyes to see Qiao Nan¡¯s calm face in front of her. ¡°No, there¡¯s no need. I¡¯ll take my time and pick something. You can just choose something for yourself.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan resisted the impulse to roll her eyes. Did she still need to choose anything for herself? If she did not make herself busy, she would be like Jiajia, who was spending all her time in the fitting room. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, go try it on. I picked this out. Jiajia has something simr. It¡¯s a mother-and-daughter outfit that this mall justunched. It¡¯s quite pretty.¡±

    ¡°A mother-and-daughter matching outfit?¡± That piqued Zhai Hua¡¯s interest. Without a husband, Zhai Hua now turned all her attention to Jiajia. That was why Zhai Hua reacted in this manner the moment she heard that it was a matching outfit. ¡°Shall I go try it out?¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡± She was not the one who needed to enter the fitting room anyway. Even though she had only tried on three outfits, Qiao Nan was already exhausted. The price of those three outfits made Qiao Nan shiver. The cost of all her clothes added up was still less expensive than the total price of those three outfits that she had just tried on! It was extravagant!

    Even though she had only tried them on and had not bought them, Qiao Nan, a poor peasant, could not handle it. Besides, one had to buy it once they tried it on. But Qiao Nan could not afford such luxurious items and had no intention of splurging on such clothing. There was no need to spend a whole month¡¯s worth of living expenses on an outfit.

    Since Qiao Nan had not been getting much ietely, the only thing she could do was to reduce her expenses. This level of consumption was definitely not something she could afford.

    ¡°All right.¡± Zhai Hua tried on the outfit and felt that it was pretty good. It resembled a suit in a cowboy¡¯s style and was clean-cut. Jiajia gave off a refreshing air when she wore it, while Zhai Hua seemed rather dashing. The mother-and-daughter pair looked amazing in the matching outfits.

    Many shoppers stopped in their tracks upon witnessing this scene, feeling that their eyes had been treated to a great sight.

 Chapter 1886 - Your Mother-In-Law Is Great

    <h4>Chapter 1886: Your Mother-In-Law Is Great</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even a few shoppers¡¯ daughters inquired if they could try on the same outfit.

    ¡°Jiajia, do you like it?¡± Miao Jing was satisfied too. She had mainly picked out skirts, dresses, and other clothes with floral patterns for Jiajia. Miao Jing had never even considered these single-colored and in-looking clothes. After all, Jiajia was still young.

    It was only when Jiajia tried on the outfit did Miao Jing proudly dere that Jiajia was indeed the Zhai family¡¯s child. Such a style did indeed suit Jiajia better because she was part of the Zhai family.

    ¡°I like it!¡± Jiajia nodded. It was Jiajia¡¯s first time wearing such an outfit too. She had never imagined the result to be that good. Actually, Jiajia had already been extremely pleased when she had seen herself in the mirror in the fitting room. ¡°Mom, Auntie Qiao has such good taste! It feels like we can take some artistic photos without needing to borrow other people¡¯s clothes!¡±

    ¡°Jiajia, you want to take photos? All right, but it¡¯s toote today. I¡¯ll bring you to take some photos tomorrow with your mom.¡± Hua Hua had already retired from the military long ago and no longer had to return to the camp every day. Since she was already going to get a divorce, there was no need for Hua Hua to have any contact with the Wei family before they went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to change her marriage certificate into a divorce certificate. Since she was free, she might as well spend some time with Jiajia and help her adjust to her new surroundings before school started. They had to ensure that Jiajia would not be affected by this incident and lose the ability to concentrate in school.

    ¡°Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you try your clothes out?¡± Because her daughter and granddaughter had already found the outfits that they were most satisfied with, Miao Jing turned her attention to Qiao Nan. ¡°Go on in and try them on. There are some clothes that you¡¯ll only know how they look once you try them on. You¡¯ve picked out such nice pieces for Jiajia and Hua Hua. You should choose something for yourself too!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. This beautifuldy has a good eye. Thankfully, she¡¯s only a customer. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to worry about losing my job to her! I wouldn¡¯t even need to be here to rmend customers any clothes.¡± The shopping guideughed while trying to tter her. She had no choice. The moment these four women arrived, she had not been able to say a thing before the four of them had gone their way and had started picking out their clothes.

    The shopping guide could tell that these fourdies had the financial ability to purchase these clothes. Themission from the mother-and-daughter outfits alone would be more than a hundred yuan. If each of the four of them were to purchase an outfit, perhaps even a few, she would certainly meet her daily sales quota.

    Everyone liked such easy-going clients.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Why don¡¯t we pick something out for Jiajia instead?¡± Qiao Nan did not know what the shopping guide was thinking, and neither was she prepared to cater to the shopping guide¡¯s wants. ¡°Jiajia, do you have any clothes that you want? You can just tell me. I¡¯ll pick something simr for you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. These are more than enough.¡± Zhai Hua refused. Her mom had chosen quite a few pieces of clothes for Jiajia. Given her mom¡¯s character, her mom would not only purchase all of them but would even purchase three to four of each piece of clothing. ¡°Jiajia is still a growing child. She might grow out of these clothes next year. There¡¯s no need to waste any more money.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± This was Jiajia¡¯s first time buying so many new clothes at once. She had never experienced this in her life. Jiajia knew that she had already tried on quite a few pieces and they would have to pay for them. She was already in a panic because of that. If they picked out any more, Jiajia herself would be too embarrassed to try them on.

    The Wei family had to thank Zhai Hua for boosting their family¡¯s business, increasing their ie tremendously. Otherwise, Zhai Hua would never have had the funds to purchase two properties and even shoulder the burden of paying for the Wei family¡¯s expenses on Wei De¡¯s behalf.

    The family¡¯s expenses were not an insignificant sum. Besides, the Wei family had two children. One was Jiajia, and the other was Wei Wei. Jiajia had to attend all sorts of interest sses, and Wei De spared no effort in cultivating Wei Wei too. The problem was that the money spent on Wei Wei ultimately came from Zhai Hua¡¯s pockets.

    The family truly spent a huge sum on developing the two children in the family. Because of this, Zhai Hua had never had spare cash to allow Jiajia to spend as she liked.

    In retrospect, Zhai Hua wanted to p herself. She had been the one to earn the money. Was she incapable? No. Did she have money? Yes. With her capabilities and money, she could have allowed her daughter to buy whatever she liked since she was a child without ever having to worry about how her daughter would no longer be able to wear the same clothes the next year.

    She had let her own child suffer and let Jiajia make a habit of being frugal. On the other hand, she had used the money she had saved to raise her husband¡¯s son! Was there another woman more foolish than her?

    But today, Zhai Hua felt that she still needed to control her spending a little since she was spending her mom¡¯s money, after all. But she would never act in this manner ever again. As long as Jiajia liked it and would not waste it, she would never stop Jiajia from buying whatever she wanted.

    She would make up for whatever Jiajia had lost in the past ten years little by little.

    ¡°All right, these will do then. I¡¯ll go get the bill.¡± Looking at the pile of clothes, Miao Jing was ted. Thankfully, they had driven to the mall. Otherwise, it would probably be a struggle for the four women to carry all those clothes home. ¡°Next time, we should call Zhai Sheng along with us when we go shopping. We should get the men to do things like carrying our shopping bags.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking Zhai Sheng toe shopping with us? Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Mom!¡± Was Zhai Sheng the kind of person who would be persuaded by their mom? Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes fell on Qiao Nan. But if Qiao Nan was the one to call Zhai Sheng, the results might just be different.

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Qiao Nan felt a pang of pain in her liver as she pulled on Miao Jing¡¯s arm. ¡°Auntie Miao, I think we shouldn¡¯t take these.¡± She had not tried on as many outfits as Jiajia. Jiajia had tried on seven or eight outfits, while she had only tried on three outfits. The problem was that Jiajia had only bought four outfits, while Auntie Miao had simply taken all three outfits that she had tried on into her hands. That could only mean that she intended to purchase all three of them.

    That would not do!

    ¡°Auntie Miao, out of these three outfits, I only like this one. I¡¯ll pay for it on my own.¡± Qiao Nan wanted to take that piece of clothing over from the clothing guide to pay for it herself.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Miao Jing reached out to push Qiao Nan¡¯s hand away. ¡°You did our family a great favor today. These three outfits are nothing. In my heart, all these clothes can never bepared to Hua Hua and Jiajia. We¡¯ll pay for them together. If you keep this up, I¡¯m going to get angry.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s attitude was firmer than Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    If Nan Nan had not been willing to try on only three pieces of clothing, she would have bought Nan Nan four pieces of clothing as well, just like Jiajia.

    ¡°Beauty, you have such great fortune. This is your future mother-inw, right?¡±

 Chapter 1887 - How Pitiful

    <h4>Chapter 1887: How Pitiful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At her age, she must have good fortune to have been able to find such a good mother-inw. Before she had gotten married to her husband, her inws had never treated her so well. They had never been so decisive in buying clothes for her. This pile of clothes cost at least ten thousand yuan!

    Qiao Nan blushed. ¡°No, no. You¡¯re mistaken.¡± She had clearly addressed her as ¡®auntie¡¯.

    ¡°Future. I know.¡± The shopping guide blinked. This beautifuldy was slightly older, but calling her a beauty was right. She was indeed quite attractive. She was married and had some experience. The way this auntie looked at that beautifuldy was definitely that of a mother-inw looking at her daughter-inw. If this beautifuldy was not her daughter-inw, this auntie would never spend so much money on her. Who would buy three sets of clothes for an outsider just like that?

    Unlike the awkward Qiao Nan, Miao Miao was over the moon. ¡°Haha, you¡¯re good with your words. Let¡¯s go pay for all these. Where¡¯s the cashier?¡± Miao Jing did not offer an exnation, but she did not deny it either. Had she not just silently acknowledged the shopping guide¡¯s words then?

    ¡°No...¡± Qiao Nan had already made the painful decision to pay for those three outfits on her own so that there would be no misunderstandings. But before Qiao Nan could say anything, Zhai Hua pulled Qiao Nan to the lingerie department. ¡°I think your taste is pretty good. You¡¯ve never been a mom, but your judgment is better than me as a mom. Jiajia is growing now. Apart from those clothes, she needs some underwear too. Come and help me pick some out.¡±

    Talking about growing, Jiajia blushed in embarrassment. Her face was just as red as Qiao Nan¡¯s. However, Jiajia still quietly walked over to Qiao Nan¡¯s side and tugged on Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes, asking Qiao Nan to help her out.

    Qiao Nan wanted very much to hit her throbbing head. Why did she feel as though she had just walked into the trap of these three Zhai women?

    But because Jiajia was tugging on her, Qiao Nan had no choice but to do some ¡®honest work¡¯ and help Jiajia pick some clothes out. ¡°For the time being, Jiajia should wear training bras like this first. Next year or the year after, you can get her proper bras. It¡¯s better to get those without underwire now that she¡¯s just starting off. When she¡¯s a little older and wants to dress up, you can buy those with underwire. Actually, it¡¯s all right for Jiajia to get ones made purely of cotton.¡±

    Qiao Nan did have experience raising a daughter, after all, even if it was just in her dream. Qiao Nan had not forgotten about how to raise a daughter just because she had woken up from her dream.

    As such, Qiao Nan had been able to go on about how to choose underwear for Jiajia at a rapid speed. Before Zhai Hua could respond, Qiao Nan already had a pile of underwear in her hand.

    Initially, Zhai Hua had asked Qiao Nan to help Jiajia pick out some underwear as a way of preventing Qiao Nan from making trouble and trying to pay for her clothes. Now that Qiao Nan mentioned how to pick underwear out for her daughter, Zhai Hua perked up her ears and paid attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s words, trying to keep them in mind.

    Looking at the underwear that Qiao Nan handed over, Zhai Hua was confused for a moment and asked her daughter, ¡°Is that all?¡±

    Jiajia¡¯s face was still flushed and she nodded shyly. ¡°I guess so.¡± That was what the shopping guide had told her in the past when she had bought them in the past, and that was how she wore them too.

    ¡°Do you like these designs?¡± There were some patterns on the underwear, and Zhai Hua asked for Jiajia¡¯s opinion on them.

    Jiajia replied in a small voice. ¡°Auntie Qiao has quite good taste.¡± She was rather pleased with those designs, and there was not one that she disliked. Her mom was right. Auntie Qiao might not have been a mom before, but she was a much better mom than her own mom was. Her mom had never picked such things out for her in the past. She had always handed her the money and asked her to purchase them for herself.

    Seeing her daughter satisfied, Zhai Hua took the pile of items and headed to the cashier without a second of hesitation. ¡°You heard everything Auntie Qiao said, right? It might take another year or two. I¡¯ll remember a little, and you can remember a little too. I think she shouldn¡¯t be wrong, right?¡±

    Even though she was a woman too, Zhai Hua knew nothing about bras having underwire or not, or how to differentiate between the different types of underwear. As such, she was not in the position to critique Qiao Nan¡¯s teachings and could only instruct her daughter to remember whatever Qiao Nan had said.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jiajia was a youngdy, after all, and liked dressing up. So, she tried her best to keep in mind Qiao Nan¡¯s little tips.

    As the mother and daughter were chatting, Qiao Nan handed a few more pieces of underwear over. ¡°These are yours. Pay for them together.¡± As for the one in her hand, Qiao Nan had picked it out for herself. It did not make sense to purchase a whole set of clothing without purchasing some underwear. The way she saw it, she would much rather not change her outerwear than not change her underwear.

    ¡°Me too?¡± Zhai Hua had no special feelings upon seeing the underwear that Qiao Nan had selected for her. ¡°But do you know my size?¡± Even she had not been able to tell the shopping guide her size when she had purchased underwear for the first time. She had only found out after going into the fitting room and trying some on.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. She had purchased Zhai Hua¡¯s underwear for over twenty years in her dream. ¡°My judgment is pretty good. I can roughly gauge your size just by looking. Since we¡¯re still here, you can go try it on if you¡¯re afraid.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze fell on Zhai Hua. Even though Zhai Hua had already retired from the military, she had maintained her figure well. She probably would not have made an error.

    Zhai Hua bowed her head. Ever since she had gotten married, she had more than a decade¡¯s worth of experience purchasing underwear for herself. She definitely knew her own size. When she flipped thebel of the underwear, it was indeed her size. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Your eyes are sharp indeed.¡±

    Because Qiao Nan had already selected it for her, Zhai Hua suddenly realized that it was not only her daughter who needed them but she needed them too. Thus, she paid for them unhesitatingly. As she was making her payment, Zhai Hua took the piece in Qiao Nan¡¯s hand over. ¡°You¡¯ve helped Jiajia and I pick things out for a long time. Just take this as my way of thanking you.¡±

    Ever since returning from Qingshui Town, Zhai Hua had gotten a better understanding of Qiao Nan¡¯s life. Knowing that Qiao Nan had once lived with such a family, Zhai Hua knew that Qiao Nan had had it tough all these years and would not have much money on hand.

    If Qiao Nan had more money, would Qiao Zijin have been able to buy that house?

    Zhai Hua felt that she was rather pitiful for having been lied to for over ten years. But she thought about how Qiao Nan had been bullied ever since she was born. Worse still, the bullies had been her closest kin!

 Chapter 1888 - Feudalism

    <h4>Chapter 1888: Feudalism</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    One was her birth mother and the other was her birth sister. She also had a foolish birth father. Hers was more than ten years, but Qiao Nan¡¯s was decades. Whenparing both of their experiences, Zhai Hua immediately felt bnced in her heart. She wasn¡¯t that miserable, after all.

    Zhai Hua unscrupulously found a feeling of bnce from Qiao Nan, thus she decided to buy her a set of underwear. Zhai Hua felt that she had taken great advantage of Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan had suffered a great loss. If she couldn¡¯t bear to part with her money for this set of underwear, then she was really a failure in life.

    The underwear in her hands was snatched away. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect to snatch it back. The women of the Zhai family were experts in this aspect. She was no match for them at all.

    In the end, when the four women returned fully loaded, Qiao Nan and Jiajia had gained the most. Jiajia was first while Qiao Nan was second.

    Upon thinking of the bags in the trunk and the ones that belonged to her, Qiao Nan felt strange. If she didn¡¯t remember wrongly, before she married Zhai Sheng in her dreams, Auntie Miao seemed to have gone shopping with her like that as well. But back then, she was Auntie Miao¡¯s future daughter-inw. Now, she was nothing to the Zhai family.

    Could it be that just because she had persuaded Sister Zhai Hua and brought Jiajia over from Qingshui Town, the Zhai family had such a high level of gratitude toward her that they were willing to buy a lot of things for her as if she was their daughter-inw?

    Once the four women reached home and before Qiao Nan could get out of the car, Zhai Sheng had already automatically opened the trunk, took all the items out, and carried them into the house.

    Zhai Sheng silently sized them up and vaguely knew which ones belonged to Qiao Nan. Of course, Miao Jing had helped Zhai Sheng in cheating. When Miao Jing ced Qiao Nan¡¯s bags in the trunk, she deliberately put them together in one pile and in the same corner.

    Qiao Nan was still an ¡®outsider¡¯. How would she know what the Zhai family was thinking?

    There were a few big shots in the quad in Ping Cheng. Besides the Zhai family, there was the Zhu family. Zhu Chengqi lost his wife when he was young. He lost his son when he was middle-aged, and within a few years, his father had also left. Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t remarry, and the Zhu family gave off the dying vibe. On the contrary, even if the Zhai family wasn¡¯t especially blessed, they were aplete family.

    Zhai Hua was married and had a daughter. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t young anymore. As long as he was willing to get married, he could add another child to the family in a matter of minutes. The Zhai familypound, which had been quiet for many years, suddenly became lively. Quite a number of people noticed this, regardless if it was the southern quad or the northern quad.

    ¡°The Zhai family has returned to stay? I saw their car in and out several times today. The Zhai family is so lively.¡±

    ¡°It seems like it. The Zhai family has returned!¡± The Zhai family was the biggest star in their quad.

    ¡°Look, the people in the car are getting out. Eh? Four women? Since when did the Zhai family have so many people? Who is the extra woman behind Zhai Sheng? Does this mean that the Zhai family is going to hold a wedding soon? No wonder they have returned with everyoneplete.¡±

    That was true as well. The Zhai family¡¯s roots were in Qingshui Town. Their rtives and friends were in Ping Cheng. If Zhai Sheng were to remarry and hold another wedding banquet, he would definitely have to return to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Eh? Don¡¯t you feel that the back view of that woman is quite familiar?¡± Among the four people who got out of the car, one was the wife of the old chief, one was their daughter, and the youngest one was obviously Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter. Who was that middle-aged woman then? Her back view was too familiar.

    ¡°Do you feel that she looks simr to the younger daughter of the Qiao family?¡± That seemed to be the case.

    ¡°Now that you mention it, yes. She hasn¡¯t stayed in the quad for many years. Every time she returned, she would leave in a hurry. If you didn¡¯t remind me, I really couldn¡¯t remember. However, based on the situation in the Qiao family, their daughter shouldn¡¯t be so silly to have returned during this time. She has sacrificed so much for that family but isn¡¯t married yet at this age. If she returned now, wouldn¡¯t the Qiao family swallow her whole?¡±

    Following the in-depth broadcast of the news, not only did the people from Ping Cheng understand the Qiao family more, but the people from the quad as well.

    Everyone in the quad knew that the elder daughter from the Qiao family was sessful, had high qualifications, and had married well. She could be considered a sessful role model among the girls from the quad.

    However, nobody expected that the outstanding performance of the elder daughter from the Qiao family was based on Qiao Nan¡¯s sacrifice and suppression. The Qiao family was really something. Both of them were their daughters. Qiao Nan¡¯s grades were obviously much better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s when Qiao Nan was young, yet they let the one with the good grades drop out of school to provide for Qiao Zijin¡¯s studies.

    Many people said that based on Qiao Nan¡¯s results, Qiao Nan might have been a graduate from a prestigious university had she continued her studies, unlike Qiao Zijin, who was a graduate from an average university.

    Yes, because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s mischief and shamelessness, the people from the TV station were angered. They wanted to give them trouble? They wanted to see who would be creating trouble for whom in the end.

    As such, the people from the TV station did a thorough check on the Qiao family. Then, they realized that the people from the Qiao family were light-fingered. It was alright if they didn¡¯t do checks. Once they did, the affairs of the Qiao family could be yed out as a long ethical drama.

    They had seen biased people before, but not such biased ones.

    It was obvious that the younger one had better grades. The Qiao family wasn¡¯tcking the money to provide for another child¡¯s studies. Furthermore, the country implemented a nine-yearpulsory education. However, the Qiao family didn¡¯t even let Qiao Nan graduate from junior high school. At the age of sixteen, she was forced to drop out of school to work and earn tuition fees for Qiao Zijin. Such parents were really unheard of.

    As soon as the news was broadcasted, a group of parents started scolding them. They were worried that their own child didn¡¯t like to study and couldn¡¯t achieve good grades. If their child didn¡¯t want to study, they would use all sorts of ways to make him or her attend school. However, there were parents who had a child that they didn¡¯t have to worry much about, but they didn¡¯t cherish her. They didn¡¯t even give her the opportunity to study.

    If they really couldn¡¯t afford it, why did they give birth to two? Was the existence of the second child purely to serve the firstborn for life? What kind of strange parents were they? They had failed to appreciate what happiness really meant.

    The more the TV station exposed, the worse the reputation of the Qiao family in Ping Cheng was. Not only was the Qiao family¡¯s reputation in the quad tarnished, but their interpersonal rtionships were also damaged as well. Many people in the quad felt ashamed to have the Qiao family as their neighbor. It was already the twenty-first century. Why were there such feudalistic and biased people?

 Chapter 1889 - The Bed Was Broken

    <h4>Chapter 1889: The Bed Was Broken</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Nobody was willing to admit they were neighbors with such people. Everyone just treated it as if the Qiao family didn¡¯t live in the quad or near them.

    The neighbors in the quad used to say that Qiao Zijin was much more outstanding than Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan was in such a sorry state for not being married even though she was in her forties andpletely didn¡¯t look like she was born to the same mother as Qiao Zijin, and that Qiao Nan paled inparison to Qiao Zijin. But now, the tides werepletely reversed, and everyone pitied Qiao Nan.

    No matter how outstanding someone was, if shecked the opportunity, how could she turn out to be outstanding?

    Qiao Nan was so smart and good in her studies. If she wanted to be outstanding, she had to have the opportunity to continue her studies. The Qiao family had deprived Qiao Nan of even this small opportunity. She could only work, and even the money she earned from working was taken away by the Qiao family. Under such circumstances, how was it possible for Qiao Nan to turn out to be outstanding?

    Even if Qiao Nan wanted to go to a night school, she needed money. Upon thinking of the news that was exposed after Qiao Nan left the quad and how she had led such a miserable life for close to ten years, many people in the quad, who were her old neighbors, shed tears of sympathy for Qiao Nan. They really didn¡¯t expect someone close to them to be leading such a life. She was too pitiful.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s image might have gradually faded out from people¡¯s sight, but her name was still a household name in Ping Cheng.

    However, upon seeing the four women who got off from the Zhai family¡¯s car today, the neighbors in the quad suddenly felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s image became vivid. Qiao Nan was no longer just a name but a well and alive person.

    ¡°Is she really the younger daughter of the Qiao family? It couldn¡¯t be, right?¡± Those who knew Qiao Nan were her seniors who were no longer young. Not only were they now grandparents, but their grandsons and granddaughters would graduate from university in a few years. It was inevitable for their eyesight to be poor once they were old. However, a few people were skeptical that they were wrong. However, they felt that that woman was the younger daughter of the Qiao family.

    But how could the Qiao family¡¯s Qiao Nan alight from the chief¡¯s family car? Didn¡¯t someone say that Zhai Sheng was going to remarry and that the woman sitting in the Zhai family¡¯s car was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw? One had to know that Zhai Sheng was already the chief now. If she married Zhai Sheng, she would be the chief¡¯s wife.

    The younger daughter from the Qiao family, whom everyone in the city was sympathizing on recently, suddenly alighted from the chief¡¯s car and seemed to be marrying into the chief¡¯s family to be the chief¡¯s wife. These old neighbors instantly felt that their lives were more spectacr than TV dramas. If their eyesight were working fine and if the younger daughter from the Qiao family was marrying Zhai Sheng to be the chief¡¯s wife, why would she need their sympathy?

    If Qiao Nan required sympathy, then ordinary citizens like them certainly required more sympathy.

    ¡°Are you mistaken?¡±

    ¡°People are simr. It¡¯s not strange if we¡¯re mistaken. Only the back view looks familiar. We must have been mistaken.¡± The old neighbors smiled awkwardly. The woman who first pointed out that the woman¡¯s back view was simr to Qiao Nan¡¯s didn¡¯t know what to say at this moment.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s runningte. Let¡¯s sleep. Old people like us can¡¯t stay upte. My eyes are tired.¡±

    The old neighborsughed, supported their waists, and hurried home.

    It was the middle of the night. If not for the Zhai family returning, they would have long gone to bed. One had to know that the early spring was still quite cold. It was precisely because it was the middle of the night that the woman who looked like the younger daughter from the Qiao family really gave them a scare. It was safer to sleep earlier so that their thoughts wouldn¡¯t wander.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that a number of people had already seen and even suspected that she had returned to Ping Cheng as the Zhai family was too eye-catching. To Qiao Nan, living in the quad again was both a beautiful and contradicting thing.

    As a guest, Qiao Nan could naturally sleep alone in a separate room. It was just that when Qiao Nan knew where she was going to sleep, she had the urge to turn around and run out of the Zhai family. The room she was sleeping in was exceptionally big and good. It was precisely because this room was so good that in her dream, after she married Zhai Sheng and gave birth to the triplets, she had arranged for Da Bao and Er Bao to stay in this room. Not too longter after the triplets had grown up, this room became their yroom.

    Qiao Nan could still clearly remember at this moment that when the triplets were young, there were three beds in the room. She could even remember how these three beds were arranged in the room.

    It was a pity that the three small beds in her dream became a big bed in the middle. One could imagine how ufortable Qiao Nan felt with regard to such a change.

    ¡°Nan Nan, take a look. Are you still missing anything? There¡¯s a 24-hour convenience store around. If you¡¯re really missing something, you can get Zhai Sheng to drive you there to buy what you need. It¡¯s very convenient.¡± When Miao Jing entered the room, she saw Qiao Nan sitting next to the study desk in a daze, staring at the big bed that she was going to sleep in. ¡°Is anything wrong with this bed? Is it broken?¡±

    After all, they had not lived in this house for over ten years. Miao Jing wasn¡¯t certain if the furniture at home were still all good. Upon seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s look, Miao Jing felt guilty. She thought that there was something wrong with the bed as no one had slept on it for over ten years, causing Qiao Nan unable to sleep.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this? Since this bed is broken, I¡¯ll change another one for you. I¡¯ll let Zhai Sheng sleep in the living room today, and you¡¯ll sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. Is this alright?¡± Oh, this was a good idea. Qiao Nan should be sleeping in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room. Why was she sleeping in the guest room, even though it was one of the better rooms in the house apart from the master bedroom?

    Qiao Nan recovered herself and shook her head. ¡°Auntie Miao, you¡¯re mistaken. This bed is pretty good. Nothing is broken. Too many things have happened today. I might be suffering from a little motion sickness and my head feels heavy. Don¡¯t be mistaken. Look, this bed is pretty good.¡±

    Sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room? Let her off.

    She was feeling so ufortable that she wanted to cry. Her mind was filled with the triplets¡¯ faces. If she lived in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room, she really didn¡¯t have to continue living.

    In order not to live in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and to prove that what she said was true, Qiao Nan immediately sat on the bed and even jumped a few times deliberately so that she could convince Miao Jing.

    It was a pity that the right time and people didn¡¯t seem to be on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. As Qiao Nan was sitting and jumping, the bed that looked well suddenly let out creaking noises. The moment Qiao Nan felt that the area under her buttocks was unstable and seemed to be moving, Qiao Nan hurriedly jumped up and stood on the ground.

 Chapter 1890 - A Matter of Mind

    <h4>Chapter 1890: A Matter of Mind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    There were originally four legs to stabilize the bed. After one of them was warped, the other three followed suit and became warped too.

    It took no more than one to two seconds for the bed to shorten for almost half because of this. Afterward, the already-warped legs could not support the bed for much longer and the whole bed crashed down onto the floor into a mess.

    That crash turned Qiao Nan¡¯s face red. She had all reasons to believe that the bed had suddenly turned into this state because she had jumped on it a few times after sitting on it. That meant that she had broken a bed because of her weight!

    Qiao Nan felt like digging a hole for herself. How could she face anyone like this?

    Qiao Nan was blushing out of embarrassment, while Miao Jing¡¯s face was red due to holding herughter in. Miao Jing¡¯s breath was unsteady and her voice was intermittent. However, she did not dare to show it too obviously for fear of provoking Qiao Nan. ¡°N-Nan Nan, don¡¯t bother about it. The bed spoiling has nothing to do with you. No one has stayed in this house for over ten years. I¡¯m sure you saw that the bed was only 1.5 meters. More than ten years ago, a bed of this size was considered a big one, unlike how we have 1.8 or even 2-meter beds now. It¡¯s because the bed was left alone for such a long time that it spoiled. It has nothing to do with you. We don¡¯t really have anywhere to buy a bed at this time. We have many rooms in this house, but the problem is that we don¡¯t have many beds. I¡¯ll tell you what, you¡¯ll sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and Zhai Sheng will sleep in the living room.¡±

    Zhai Hua had her own room in this house, so it was only natural for her to sleep in her own room. Jiajia had expressed her desire to sleep with someone tonight. Besides, the Zhai family did have many rooms, but they did not have enough beds. As such, Jiajia slept with Zhai Hua tonight.

    There was another bed that was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s. No matter how they counted, Qiao Nan had no choice but to sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room for the night. It was logical and rational, and she could not possibly refuse.

    Miao Jing knew that Qiao Nan felt a little embarrassed and knew that such an arrangement seemed a little ambiguous. But that was exactly what she was trying to create. She hoped that Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with her son would be confirmed as soon as possible. She could not be more pleased with such an arrangement.

    To prevent Qiao Nan froming up with other solutions, Miao Jing quickly called out to her son. ¡°Zhai Sheng, hurry and let Qiao Nan have your room. The bed in the guest room is spoiled and no one can sleep in it. Since you¡¯re the host, you¡¯ll have to take it in stride. Sleep in the living room.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Auntie Qiao.¡± Qiao Nan wanted very much to cover Miao Jing¡¯s mouth but dared not do so. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s a good way to solve this. This bed may be broken, but it¡¯s just the legs that don¡¯t work well. The base of the bed is still perfectly fine. I¡¯ll just take it as though I¡¯m sleeping on the floor. There¡¯s the bed frame, a mattress, and a quilt. That¡¯s enough for me to go to sleep.¡± Anyway, she did not want to sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room.

    ¡°Auntie Miao, you know better than me that Brother Zhai¡¯s leg was injured and he only managed to recover slightly after recuperating in Qingshui Town for a while. You have to let Brother Zhai rest well at night. It¡¯s not right for Brother Zhai to sleep on the sofa. The sofa is short and small. It¡¯ll be too hard on Brother Zhai.¡±

    If nothing else worked, she could sleep on the sofa instead.

    She was not very tall and was quite petite. Sleeping on the sofa was still all right for her. But letting Zhai Sheng, who was 1.9-meter tall, sleep on the sofa was really wronging him.

    Miao Jing knew that her son would be ufortable sleeping on the sofa, but it was Zhai Sheng who had not managed to sessfully win Qiao Nan over yet. If he did not make some sacrifices, how would he get his wife? It was worth tolerating a moment¡¯s grievance!

    Besides, she did actually have another solution, but would Qiao Nan agree to it? Miao Jing was afraid that she would scare Qiao Nan away with this n.

    Because Zhai Sheng had gone to Qingshui Town to recuperate, there was a room in the Ping Cheng house for Zhai Sheng when he needed to visit the doctor. The Zhai family¡¯s courtyard had many rooms and beds, but only Zhai Sheng¡¯s was regrly cleaned and refreshed. As such, Zhai Sheng¡¯s bed was a two-meter-long bed!

    It would fit both Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng just fine. If Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had children, their children could sleep with their parents. That two-meter-long bed was more than enough space for a family of three.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan was not even Zhai Sheng¡¯s partner at this point in time. As such, they could not share the same bed. If she really proposed such an idea, it would be no different from chasing Qiao Nan out.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Your Brother Zhai has thick skin. Sleeping on the couch for a night won¡¯t be much of a problem. Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll go get a new bed. One night won¡¯t cause much of a problem. It¡¯s the new year. Just listen to me.¡± As she said that, Miao Jing took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and pulled Qiao Nan over to Zhai Sheng¡¯s room.

    When she reached Zhai Sheng¡¯s room and saw Zhai Sheng leaving without his quilt, Qiao Nan blushed red all over as he brushed past her. ¡°Brother-brother Zhai, I¡¯m so sorry that I have to trouble you tonight.¡±

    Zhai Sheng answered calmly, ¡°It¡¯s no trouble.¡± Actually, it was all right if she caused even more trouble for him.

    ¡°All right. Hurry and get some rest. You may be energetic, but Nan Nan is sleepy.¡± When Nan Nan had been in the guest room, she had already been on the verge of falling asleep. Looking at how her son¡¯s gaze never left Qiao Nan, Miao Jing was angry and amused at the same time. He cared so much about her, so when would Qiao Nan finally address her as ¡®mom¡¯?

    There was no point in looking at her in this manner. He had to do something more practical. No matter how much he looked at her, he was never going to get his wife just like that!

    Zhai Sheng had given up his room for Qiao Nan. Entering Zhai Sheng¡¯s room, sleeping on Zhai Sheng¡¯s bed, and covering herself with Zhai Sheng¡¯s quilt, Qiao Nan almost lost sleep because there seemed to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s scent all around her, especially Zhai Sheng¡¯s bed and quilt that she had shared with Zhai Sheng for decades in her dream. Now, Qiao Nan was embarrassed to even cover herself with Zhai Sheng¡¯s quilt.

    In the end, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to pinch herself on her thigh and pat her face lightly to remind herself not to let her imagination run wild. The Zhai family had only made such an arrangement because she had helped Zhai Hua and Jiajia out. There was no other meaning to it. She should not feel that the situation was ambiguous just because she had taken over Zhai Sheng¡¯s room, was sleeping in Zhai Sheng¡¯s bed, and had covered herself with Zhai Sheng¡¯s quilt.

    As long as she calmed herself down, this would all seem quite normal. It was just a matter of mind.

    Indeed, onlookers were able toprehend the situation the most clearly.

 Chapter 1891 - Unaffected

    <h4>Chapter 1891: Unaffected</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If anyone else in the Zhai family apart from Zhai Sheng did not mean that, they would definitely have found a better solution. How could they have let an unmarried woman like Qiao Nan sleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s room considering he was unmarried as well? If the Zhai family did not mean that, what else could they possibly mean?

    As Jiajia hugged Zhai Hua¡¯s arm to sleep, she could not help but murmur, ¡°Mom, when can I call Auntie Qiao my auntie?¡± This was too draggy. Her ssmates were all rather decisive and straightforward when dating. If one party confessed and the other epted, they would get together. If the other party rejected, then that was it. If they epted each other, they would be holding hands the next day, calling each other ¡®husband¡¯ and ¡®wife¡¯.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°Although your uncle has been married once, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯m seeing your uncle acting so romantic.¡± There were some things better left unsaid in front of her daughter since she was still young. As a married woman with a child, Zhai Hua could tell that Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan even more enthusiastically than before.

    Like today, Zhai Sheng had looked at Qiao Nan so warmly that it seemed as though he could not wait to swallow Qiao Nan whole. She did not know about other men, but she was clear about her brother, Zhai Sheng.

    Men loved because of sex, while women had sex beacause of love. Zhai Sheng was different. Zhai Sheng saw love and sex as the same thing. It was because of love that he had the impulse to have sex. Since Zhai Sheng lusted for Qiao Nan, it was proof that Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for Qiao Nan had reached a certain point.

    Her younger brother was not a loose person. Otherwise, Zhai Sheng would not have been able to stop himself from touching Qiu Chenxi during their three years of marriage.

    At that time, the couple had gotten a divorce rapidly because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affair. At that time, no one had mentioned how Zhai Sheng had never touched Qiu Chenxi in their three years of marriage. This meant that not only had Qiu Chenxi gotten into an affair, but her first time had also not been with her husband, Zhai Sheng!

    Because of this, the Qiu family and the Shi family had been rather down-to-earth about the separation. Old Master Shi did not even dare to use his deceased master¡¯s name, Shi Peng, to use Zhai Sheng or prevent Zhai Sheng from getting a divorce.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll definitely have an auntie before the year ends.¡± Based on how passionate Zhai Sheng was, he would probably go berserk trying to hold it in any longer. For the sake of his own ¡®happiness¡¯, they could no longer wait, much less Zhai Sheng himself. As such, Zhai Hua was not at all worried about Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan.

    She had realized through this matter with Wei De that Qiao Nan was much calmer and more rational than she was. But everyone had their own weaknesses. Qiao Nan¡¯s were the Qiao family and Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Mom, do you think Auntie Qiao likes my uncle?¡± There was no question that her uncle liked Auntie Qiao, but she could not be sure whether Auntie Qiao liked her uncle. Her uncle was such an outstanding man. If Auntie Qiao had feelings for him, she should have made a move, right? Besides, the ages of the two of them added to more than eighty!

    Zhai Hua yawned. ¡°Your Auntie Qiao¡¯s IQ toward someone whom she doesn¡¯t like is around 110.¡±

    ¡°Just like an average American student¡¯s.¡± She had heard about this before and knew about it too. ¡°Then, how about toward someone she likes?¡±

    ¡°I should say that your Auntie Qiao¡¯s IQ toward people she has feelings for is 250.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s had been 250 while she had been studying, so Jiajia did not understand what Zhai Hua meant in that moment. ¡°So-so high? That¡¯s extraordinary!¡± She was a genius!

    Zhai Hua cackled. ¡°What do you mean by two hundred and fifty? I meant that she¡¯s a fool! It¡¯s a homophone!¡± Qiao Nan was almost turning forty and had just left that bunch of blood-sucking devils that was the Qiao family with her own money to lead her own life. That was more than enough to prove how foolish she was.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure she has feelings for your uncle. Do you know why Qiao Nan stayed in your uncle¡¯s house for the new year?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s ex-boyfriend came back, wanting to reconcile with her and even get married with her. Qiao Nan refused and directly asked for help to punch that guy and get rid of him. She didn¡¯t even hesitate.¡±

    Jiajia¡¯s eyes twinkled. Did that mean that her uncle had a love rival?

    ¡°Then, look again at how Qiao Nan treats your uncle. Why do you think that Qiao Nan interfered in my matters and told me that something was wrong with your dad¡¯s rtionship with Wei Wei? Think about it again. It¡¯s true that you¡¯re a child, but why would she treat you so well and care so much about you? Actually, Qiao Nan is quite intelligent. She knows that it¡¯ll be easier for her to get together with your uncle if she wins his family over first. But talking about that, I¡¯m quite pleased with the effort she¡¯s made.¡±

    If Wei De had made such great effort at that time, she would never have gotten into such a huge fight with her family¡ªone thatsted over a decade¡ªand neither would she have had so many regrets.

    Perhaps, from this alone, she could tell that Wei De¡¯s love for her was nowhere near as sincere as Qiao Nan¡¯s love for Zhai Sheng before she had gotten married to him, or even in the ten years of marriage to him.

    Qiao Nan knew to take good care of her and Jiajia.

    Jiajia¡¯s lips moved but she remained silent. She did not agree with her mom¡¯s thoughts. She did not think that Auntie Qiao was treating her well for her uncle¡¯s sake. Humph! That was purely her mom¡¯s thoughts. She felt that Auntie Qiao treated her well purely because of who she was. It was definitely not because of her uncle!

    The youngdy threw a temper and unhappily turned her back to her birth mother. In less than three minutes, she fell asleep. Even though such a huge matter had happened today, Jiajia felt assured and peaceful enough to fall asleep with her biological mother by her side.

    Hearing her daughter¡¯s deep breaths, Zhai Hua sighed and caressed her daughter¡¯s head. It was already considered not bad that she and Jiajia could fall asleep tonight. Today had been an arduously long day for Zhai Hua, as though an entire year had passed.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua did not feel too miserable with her daughter by her side. Hearing her daughter¡¯s familiar breathing, Zhai Hua subconsciously fell asleep too. When she woke up, she felt her daughter leaning against her. The sun rays were bursting through the windows, and the birds outside were chirping incessantly.

    The earth was still rotating and life had to go on. All that had happened was that she had met a bast*rd and that she would be getting a divorce. That was no big deal. At least, even after she had gotten divorced from Wei De, there would still be so many people supporting her by her side.

 Chapter 1892 - Benefitting

    <h4>Chapter 1892: Benefitting</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Trouble and misfortunes never came alone, while blessings never came in a pair. There were some troubles that always found their way in somehow. When this happened, the only thing Zhai Hua was thankful for was that her family was the one getting targeted, not her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you can¡¯t enter.¡± The people in the courtyard held Qiu Chenxi back, preventing her from meeting the Zhai family. It could be said that Qiu Chenxi was first on the Zhai family¡¯s cklist. No matter where they went, the Zhai family did not find it bothersome or embarrassing, and they would always make a point to cklist Qiu Chenxi.

    Of course, the moment Qiu Chenxi returned to Ping Cheng and tried to enter, she was denied entry.

    Qiu Chenxi, who was being barred from entering everywhere, was in a foul mood. At this time, she could not help but reminisce about how it had been in the three years that she had been married to Zhai Sheng. At that time, it was as though she held a green pass in her hands. No matter where she went, she never heard the word ¡®no¡¯.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you understand? I-I¡¯m part of this family. Don¡¯t you know? What right do you have to stop me from going back to my own house?¡± Qiu Chenxi was frustrated. After marrying Zhai Sheng, she had only stayed in this house for a few days before moving to the capital. In the capital, she had stayed in the military courtyard. At that time, Qiu Chenxi had been extremely proud and happy about that.

    Now that many years had passed, it seemed that the soldiers of the militarypound had changed and they did not recognize her as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw who had been part of the Zhai family for three years. Qiu Chenxi could not do anything about this.

    ¡°Since there is such a person in the Zhai family, why don¡¯t you tell me your name? I can help you ask Chief Zhai¡¯s family.¡± The soldier was resolute and refused to let Qiu Chenxi in. Even though Qiu Chenxi insisted that she was part of the Zhai family, the soldier refused to back down.

    ¡°I...¡± Because she had been looked at in a different light after mentioning her name previously, Qiu Chenxi was reluctant to reveal her identity. After meeting with dead-ends a few times, Qiu Chenxi realized that she had been cklisted by the Zhai family.

    Qiu Chenxi was upset. She had indeedmitted a mistake while she was younger. But that was all in the past. She was sensible now and would not make any more mistakes. Did the Zhai family think that their reputation was more important than Zhai Sheng¡¯s happiness and partner? How selfish!

    ¡°Fine. Tell the Zhai family that I¡¯m from the Qi family.¡± Qiu Chenxi used her mother¡¯s surname instead of her own surname. Qiu Chenxi had no other choice. The Zhai family had such a strong opinion against her, but if they knew that the person who came was her mother, they would probably not be as stubborn since they had been friends for decades.

    ¡°Please wait here for a moment. I¡¯ll help you ask them.¡± The soldier was not deliberately trying to embarrass her, but he could not possibly allow just anyone to enter. However, asking Chief Zhai¡¯s family if they approved of this visitor would do no harm.

    ¡°Someone from the Qi family?¡± When Zhai Sheng first heard this name, he had not realized what was going on. But once he caught sight of Zhai Yaohui, he finally regained his senses. There was only one person with that surname who had contact with the Zhai family. Zhai Sheng was not a ¡®gossipmonger¡¯, and the moment he heard the name, he handed the phone over to Zhai Yaohui. It would be up to his father whether he wanted to see that person with the surname ¡®Qi¡¯.

    The moment Zhai Yaohui heard that someone from the Qi family hade to find him, the person who came to his mind at once was Qi Min. But his impression of her now waspletely different. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see her.¡±

    At that time, Qi Min had created so much trouble but he had not even taken issue with that. In the end, Qi Min had even raised a daughter like Qiu Chenxi to harm his son! He never wanted to see that woman again in this lifetime. If he were really to meet her, Miao Miao would definitely not take it lying down.

    For the sake of his family¡¯s peace, Zhai Yaohui would be a fool to meet Qi Min.

    Having been rejected even after she used the Qi family¡¯s name, Qiu Chenxi was in a horrible mood. She was right in front of the Zhai family¡¯s house. That was her inw¡¯s house, but she was being barred from entering it! Was there anything worse than not being able to return home?

    Since she could not even meet them, Qiu Chenxi had no other way of begging for the Zhai family¡¯s forgiveness to allow Zhai Sheng to get back together with her. Since there was nothing else she could do, Qiu Chenxi returned to the Qiu family¡¯s house after achieving nothing.

    Upon arriving at the Qiu family¡¯s house, Qiu Chenxi saw only her mom. Her dad was not at home. ¡°Did my dad go out to find that vixen and his son again?¡± What was so good about having a son? She could not understand what her dad was thinking. ¡°Once I reconcile with Zhai Sheng, my dad should never think of getting any benefits from the Zhai family because of me. He should just rely on that son of his if he wants to get promoted or get rich in the future!¡±

    If she could turn back time, she would never have tried to carry her family up when she had just gotten married for the sake of elevating her status so that she would match up to Zhai Sheng. Her dad had betrayed their family and had found a woman who had given birth to his son! Her dad was not worth her help!

    ¡°...¡± Qi Min was speechless after hearing her daughter¡¯s optimistic words. ¡°It¡¯s been a month. Have you met the Zhai family or spoken to Zhai Sheng?¡± She had to have made slight progress after so much effort.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know the kind of people the Zhai family is and the kind of habits they have. They don¡¯t like going out and won¡¯t visit others. Even waiting at their door won¡¯t be that easy. But I don¡¯t know why the Zhai family suddenly returned to Ping Cheng yesterday. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have returned either. I¡¯ve already asked my friends to find out what¡¯s going on in the Zhai family. I¡¯m guessing that Zhai Hua must have gotten into some trouble, and that¡¯s why the entire family made their way back here.¡±

    Thinking about how Zhai Hua had been so arrogant and dismissive toward her when she had first gotten married to Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi was enraged. If Zhai Hua was truly down on her luck now, Qiu Chenxi felt that this was simply retribution for her attitude back then.

    Marrying Wei De was the most stupid thing Zhai Hua could have done. Zhai Hua¡¯s family background was outstanding, while Wei De¡¯s family background was terrible. Zhai Hua would have to suffer a lot because of Wei De. Her mom did not have much for her dad to take advantage of, but her dad had always relied on her and her mom to rise to his status today. Even so, he had found himself a mistress who had even given birth to his son!

    Given Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with Wei De, it was only a matter of time before Wei De would no longer be able to tolerate Zhai Hua¡¯s power and would simrly find himself a mistress to give birth to his son.

 Chapter 1893 - Thought It Through

    <h4>Chapter 1893: Thought It Through</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What Qiu Chenxi did not know was that her thoughts almost reflected reality. The greatest difference, however, was that Wei De had found this woman well before getting married to Zhai Hua. He had even gotten married to that woman and had a son. The order had been reversed.

    ¡°You¡¯re happy because you think Zhai Hua got into trouble? Chenxi, do you really intend to remarry Zhai Sheng? Don¡¯t harp on how fiercely the siblings fought when Zhai Hua married Wei De. Zhai Hua is still Zhai Sheng¡¯s elder sister, after all. You also said that the entire Zhai family returned. Can¡¯t you tell that they¡¯re a tight-knit family and ce great importance on Zhai Hua?¡± If Chenxi had such a mindset and thought that Zhai Hua deserved the trouble she was going through, it would be impossible for Chenxi to reconcile with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi was upset. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s up with youtely? Why are you always siding with outsiders? I¡¯m your daughter. Besides, I¡¯m no fool. I¡¯m only telling you my deepest inner thoughts in front of you. Do you really think I don¡¯t know how to behave in front of the Zhai family?¡±

    Qi Min sighed in exhaustion. ¡°Chenxi, you¡¯ll understand when you get to my age. While you were not around, I thought about it a lot. It¡¯s not entirely your dad¡¯s fault that our rtionship has deteriorated to such a state. I¡¯m at fault too. When I was younger, I oftenughed at your dad for being a freeloader. If not for me, he would never have gotten to where he is today. Because of this, I never had much respect for your paternal grandparents while they were still alive, much less treated them like my own parents. Since I never treated them sincerely, it was only natural that they were never biased toward me either. Chenxi, you have to remember that everyone¡¯s heart is made of flesh, after all. Only sincerity will be able to move someone¡¯s heart. You¡¯re always so scheming. The Zhai family isn¡¯t foolish either. On the contrary, they are very clever. Your acting skills may be top-notch, but once the Zhai family sees just a little of what you really think, it¡¯ll be impossible between Zhai Sheng and you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you can act, and you may be good at it. But the problem is that you¡¯ll be with Zhai Sheng for the rest of your life. Will you be able to keep up that pretense for the rest of your life? Don¡¯t think that you should be more important than Zhai Hua because you¡¯re Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife and you¡¯re the one who married him. If his wife is really more important than his elder sister, then why did you get divorced from Zhai Sheng? It¡¯s obvious that his wife is an outsider to him.¡±

    Her daughter had never shared a good or close rtionship with Zhai Sheng, while Zhai Hua had grown up alongside Zhai Sheng! One was an immediate family, while the other was someone who popped up along the way and had even betrayed him. Even a fool would be able to differentiate between who was more important, much less the brilliant Zhai family.

    There was no way her daughter would be able to hide her scheming ideas from the Zhai family.

    ¡°I know that you want to remain strong and you won¡¯t admit defeat even now. Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t be insisting on reconciling with Zhai Sheng instead of settling for an average man and leading an average life. Zhai Sheng is a chief. Besides Zhai Sheng, there won¡¯t be another man who will let you be a chief¡¯s wife. Mom was once young too. I understand your ambition. But I want to teach you today that you can¡¯t treat yourself as the only intelligent person in this world. You¡¯re scheming against other people and evenining about them not taking your bait. That makes no sense at all. I have to say it even if you don¡¯t want to hear it. If you really want to get remarried to Zhai Sheng, there¡¯s only one thing you need to do. That is to fall in love with Zhai Sheng and devote your life to Zhai Sheng and his family. Treat Zhai Sheng like you really care for him. To put it bluntly, if you treat every single person in the Zhai family like you treat me, there might be hope for you and Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Qi Min had already lived to such an age and no longer cared about fighting over men. There was nothing else she would be bothered by.

    The only worry she had was her daughter finding a good partner before she passed on. The Zhai family was indeed a good target, but their standards were high.

    Because of her daughter¡¯s reckless behavior over the years, as well as her barren state, Qi Min knew that the Zhai family would never be able to simply ept her daughter. After all, they were not saints, and neither were they operating a charity.

    It was almost certain that her daughter¡¯s dream would nevere true.

    In such a huge home, Qi Min was the only person apart from the caretaker. Thus, Qi Min had lots of time alone to reflect on her life. It was rare that Qi Min had finallye to her senses.

    It was exactly because of this that Qi Min had be even more miserable. She hade to her senses, but her daughter had not. She was already in her seventies and did not have many more years left. Not being able to see her grandchild was a regret, but her greatest regret was that her daughter had not found someone who would take care of her for the rest of her life.

    If Qiu Chenxi was willing to listen to her, Qi Min wanted very much to persuade Qi Min to give up on Zhai Sheng. Her daughter probably did not really love Zhai Sheng either. Otherwise, she would not have gotten into affairs or rtionships with so many men after her divorce, eventually paying for her lifestyle with her health.

    The only thing that attracted her daughter was Zhai Sheng¡¯s status as a chief.

    Being the chief¡¯s wife gave her daughter pride but not necessarily happiness. Instead of climbing this peak that was the Zhai family so blindly, why did she not find a man who was more suitable for her?

    But Qi Min was clear that given her daughter¡¯s situation, there would probably not be anyone who was willing to marry her daughter purely out of sincere love. That man would probably have his own hidden agendas too.

    Even so, her daughter seemed to be in the dark about this situation and insisted on targeting Zhai Sheng.

    Qiu Chenxi was already in her forties. How could she be as innocent as she had been in her twenties? Actually, she had already subtly felt whatever her mother had just said.

    But she just could not take it lying down. She would feel aggrieved if she did notugh at Zhai Hua now that she had run into some trouble. Daughters who married out were like spilled water. Zhai Hua was a daughter who had married out of the family. She was the one who had married into the Zhai family. After marrying Zhai Sheng, she was the Zhai family¡¯s mistress.

    As such, why did she not have the right to fight back at Zhai Hua at her lowest since Zhai Hua was an outsider who had not only done nothing to please her but had even tried to provoke her? Why should she try to help andfort Zhai Hua? She was willing to treat Zhai Sheng well, but not Zhai Hua!

    But in order to remarry Zhai Sheng, there were some things she would have to do even if she did not enjoy doing them. There was no choice since Zhai Sheng was biased toward the Zhai family instead of her.

    Qiu Chenxi bit on her lip and made a decision. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you worry about me again in the future. I¡¯m certain of the path I¡¯m going to take now. I¡¯m sure that Zhai Hua¡¯s in trouble because of that useless husband of hers. I¡¯ll figure out the situation and see how to help Zhai Hua.¡±

 Chapter 1894 - They All Know

    <h4>Chapter 1894: They All Know</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°At the very least, before Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for me be deeper than they are for the Zhai family, I¡¯ll strive hard to treat the Zhai family just like how I treat you.¡±

    As long as she could get remarried to Zhai Sheng and be the chief¡¯s wife, she was willing to endure whatever hardship that woulde her way.

    Upon hearing this, Qi Min understood that her daughter had not truly understood her words. However, this change was still goodpared to her daughter¡¯s mindset in the past. She was uncertain if the Zhai family would be willing to give her daughter a second chance due to this change, but since her daughter was still unwilling to give up, she would just have to allow her daughter to take another shot.

    Unfortunately, the matter between Zhai Hua and Wei De had not created too much trouble. Although Zhai Hua had been taken to the police station while Wei Xiaomei and Wei De had been sent to the hospital, the police officers had wisely chosen to keep mum about the situation after learning of Zhai Hua¡¯s identity. There were some situations where they could follow the rules strictly, but there were some things that could never be said.

    As for Wei Xiaomei and Wei De, who had been sent to the hospital, they would never reveal to outsiders why they had been hospitalized or who had beaten them up. The hospital only knew that they had epted two lightly injured patients. They knew nothing apart from that.

    Because of that, it was difficult for Qiu Chenxi to learn about what had happened to Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua gradually calmed down, and Jiajia also slowly recovered thanks to the support from the people around her. But the entire Wei family was sleepless that night.

    Father and Mother Wei had wanted to find Jiajia at that very moment and use her as a bargaining chip to settle the matter with Zhai Hua. The problem was that Father and Mother Wei had practicallybed the entire Ping Cheng but had still not managed to find their granddaughter, Jiajia.

    Since the elderly couple paid no heed to their granddaughter, Jiajia, at all, they had no clue about where to look for her besides the two houses. With no other choice, Father Wei thought of calling Jiajia¡¯s teacher to ask whom Jiajia was close to in school.

    Within a minute ofing up with this solution, Father Wei then realized that he knew where Jiajia studied, but not who her teacher was or her mobile number. After all, Zhai Hua had been the one taking care of all these matters.

    ¡°We have no direction at all?¡± Wei De did not know how to respond to such an answer. This was the first time he truly felt how neglected Jiajia was by his parents. ¡°Dad, Mom, you guys are really too neglectful. Jiajia is your granddaughter and Zhai Hua¡¯s only daughter. It¡¯s not as if Jiajia can¡¯t feel how you guys treat her. Zhai Hua can see that too! How much feeling could Zhai Hua and Jiajia possibly have for our family? How else will I be able to persuade Zhai Hua to let go of this matter?¡±

    Their interpersonal rtionships were truly too weak.

    Mother Wei realized her mistake, but it was toote for that now. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you taking care of your daughter, Jiajia, either. Besides, I still have my grandson, Wei Wei.¡±

    Mother Wei had always ced more emphasis on her son, Wei De. Whomever her son liked was whom she liked too. In Mother Wei¡¯s heart, her grandson, Wei Wei, would never match up to her son, Wei De. She gave birth to her son, while her grandson was someone else¡¯s child.

    Since Wei De ced more emphasis on his son, Wei Wei, and had even revealed his dissatisfaction toward Zhai Hua in his words, Mother Wei had unhesitatingly stood on Wei De¡¯s side and had long ago expressed her dissatisfaction for her daughter-inw, Zhai Hua. As such, she had also beenpletely biased toward Wei Wei in front of Jiajia, treating Wei Wei like a king.

    Without her son¡¯s attitude as a guide, Mother Wei would never have treated Wei Wei and Jiajia so differently. Now that her son was ming her, Mother Wei had to exin herself. Her different treatment of her granddaughter and grandson was because of her son¡¯s love.

    Wei De¡¯s head was splitting. He could not find a good rebuttal to his mother¡¯s exnation since that was the truth. It was shocking. Had he really been so obvious in his difference in treatment? If even his mom had seen it so clearly, how could Zhai Hua and Jiajia not have experienced it?

    Wei De still remembered the promises he had made to Zhai Hua before their marriage. If he had not given Jiajia enough paternal love all these years, Zhai Hua would probably already have had lots to say about that. ¡°It might be good for us that Jiajia is missing. Zhai Hua cares a lot about Jiajia. If I perform well now, there might be a way to salvage the situation. Mom, Dad, help me get the discharge procedures done now. I want to find Jiajia.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right.¡± Mother Wei disagreed. ¡°Your injuries aren¡¯t light. If you don¡¯t recover well now, you¡¯ll never recover.¡± It would be even better if her son did not need to return to the military and could stay at home to recuperate for another three months. That was what the Zhai family¡¯s son had done. Why could other family¡¯s sons do that but not hers?

    ¡°I think Ah De¡¯s solution sounds quite good. He hasn¡¯t been injured that badly anyway. If we keep waiting until Ah De gets a divorce from Zhai Hua, our family will really have nothing then.¡± No matter what, it boiled down to the fact that the Wei family had nothing to call their own and depended solely on Zhai Hua. They knew that they would be left with nothing once Zhai Hua severed her ties with their family.

    If he had known that such a day woulde, he would have helped Zhai Hua out a little more. In that case, he would be able to convince Zhai Hua to forgive Wei De as her father-inw. Without having established any rtionship previously, Father Wei knew that Zhai Hua would never listen to him even if he was thick-skinned enough to beg for mercy on Wei De¡¯s behalf. If he were really to do that, he would only be embarrassing himself.

    After Father Wei and Wei De came to an agreement, Father Wei immediately handled the discharge procedures for his son. It was only then that the Wei family found out that the Zhai family had already returned to Ping Cheng.

    Upon hearing the news, Wei De, who had just been discharged, turned pale. ¡°It seems like the Zhai family has already found out about me and Xiaomei.¡± Otherwise, why would the Zhai family turn up all together in Ping Cheng? ¡°Dad, Mom, when we go to the Zhai family¡¯s houseter and if they want to beat me up, remember not to stand in their way. You should even try to join in and help them beat me and scold me. Anyway, I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t die from that. All these injuries don¡¯t mean anything.¡±

 Chapter 1895 - You Must Be Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 1895: You Must Be Crazy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In order to keep his position, Wei De was more than willing to endure this pain. At such a time, Wei De was clearer than anyone that his family had to do so for him to be in an advantageous position.

    Although Mother Wei was reluctant to do so, her husband had already agreed to it. Besides, her son had been the one to suggest it. To be honest, Mother Wei had already gotten used to the life of a wealthy mistress. She did not want to give up her life in Ping Cheng. Mother Wei had not forgotten that the house she was living in had been purchased by Zhai Hua and had been purchased before her marriage to her son. As such, it was considered a premarital asset.

    Mother Wei regretted her actions. Had she known that such a day woulde, she would never have let her son put up an act and convince Zhai Hua to have the house deed in her name.

    At the time of purchasing this house, Zhai Hua had beenpletely devoted to Wei De and thought wholeheartedly about him. She was afraid that the Wei family would be ufortably living in that house and thus suggested that the house be purchased under Wei De¡¯s name. Initially, Wei De had been touched too. Given his meager sry as a soldier, it would already be good if he could let his parents stay in a nicer apartment back home. He would never have been able to afford arge house in a city like Ping Cheng.

    Who would give up the chance of owning a house?

    But to prove that he was only with Zhai Hua because of love and not because of any other ill intentions, Wei De disagreed with Zhai Hua¡¯s idea and insisted that Zhai Hua put her own name down.

    When Zhai Hua refused to do it, Wei De had even gotten upset over it.

    In the end, Zhai Hua purchased the house under her own name. But afterward, Zhai Hua was even more determined to be with Wei De. Before getting pregnant with Jiajia, she even treated Wei Wei like her own son. After all, it was not just Father and Mother Wei who had seen Wei De¡¯s bias toward Wei Wei. Even before marriage, Zhai Hua had realized it.

    At that time, Zhai Hua had been foolish and gullible, thinking that Wei De treated Wei Wei well out of sympathy and responsibility because Wei Wei was fatherless. That meant that Wei De would treat their own child even better than he treated Wei Wei.

    In this way, Zhai Hua had pampered Wei Wei before Jiajia was born.

    When Zhai Hua gradually felt that the atmosphere in the Wei family was strange and that the Wei family was cing much more importance on Wei Wei than Jiajia and voiced it out, there were some things that had already been set in stone. The owner of the house could no longer be changed. That house deed was already under Zhai Hua¡¯s name. When Zhai Hua decided to purchase another property, she was much more cautious.

    Before marriage, she had offered to register the house under Wei De¡¯s name. She had been willing to do so at that time. But after marriage, since she was still the only one paying for the property, she would have to be the one to decide whose name was on the property deed. The more the Wei family tried to coerce her into putting Wei De¡¯s or Wei Wei¡¯s name in the property deed, the more Zhai Hua refused.

    As such, Mother Wei was always clear that the moment her son divorced Zhai Hua, the Wei family might very well be homeless in Ping Cheng the very same day. The two properties that were worth several million yuan were both Zhai Hua¡¯s.

    Although Mother Wei was always muddleheaded, there were times when her mind was clear too. When Mother Wei had no clue about where to find Jiajia the previous day, she had taken the opportunity and spent some money consulting awyer. She exined that her rtive had encountered such a situation and asked what her rtive should do to maximize their interests.

    Thewyer told Mother Wei that the male party had to obtain custody of their daughter. Only then would the male be able to retain guardianship of the house under the daughter¡¯s name as her guardian.

    The problem was that the male had deliberately concealed his marriage status and had even lied that his son was his nephew. This was cheating someone into marriage. Besides, the one at fault was the male. With all these factors, if they were really to go to court, the male party would be at a severe disadvantage. Because of the male¡¯s dishonesty and deception, it was very likely that custody would be awarded to the child¡¯s mother.

    Thewyer was an expert at reading people too. Just based on what he had heard, he could roughly guess what Mother Wei had not said either. After hearing what Mother Wei had described, thewyer had even boldly asked if the child shared a closer rtionship with her father or her mother. Mother Wei had not answered, but her expression had given everything away. Thewyer exined that there was no case to be fought if the daughter preferred to follow her mother. It was a losing case.

    If the male party wanted to minimize his losses, it was best to negotiate with the woman and settle the matter amicably. Not getting a divorce was the best result for the male.

    Thewyer had seen all kinds of people and he knew straightaway that this man was probably a loser with a powerful wife. It was clear from how afraid of his wife he was that this man depended on his wife and dared not offend her. He did not dare to offend her, yet he still got into an affair behind her back. How bold of him! He truly deserved whatever he was going through now!

    Mother Wei knew nothing about what thewyer truly thought, but after receiving such an answer from thewyer, she understood that Jiajia had to follow Wei De. Otherwise, the moment Wei De divorced Zhai Hua, the whole Wei family would have to go back to farming in the countryside.

    Mother Wei had no intentions of doing so. As such, when she heard about her son¡¯s n and how he would give his life for that, Mother Wei did not try to stop him.

    After reaching a consensus, the trio raced to the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard with panicked looks on their faces, demanding to meet the Zhai family. It was not Wei De¡¯s first time visiting the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard. When Zhai Sheng had brought the elderly couple to the capital, Zhai Hua had been the one to solve any problems in the courtyard when situations arose. Wei De had apanied her there several times. As such, Wei De was not exactly unfamiliar to the people in the courtyard.

    But when Wei De rushed in as usual, he was stopped by the guards. Wei De was confused. The guards had even touched his wound while trying to stop him. It was so painful that Wei De felt the hairs on his body stand straight up. ¡°It¡¯s me. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t recognize me. I¡¯m the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw. I have something urgent. Hurry and let go of me.¡±

    He was in a hurry to win Zhai Hua back. At this time, Wei De was in no mood to throw his weight around as apanymander or throw a tantrum.

    Since he had not thrown a tantrum, the soldier gave an exnation. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t have permission to enter. If you really need something, I¡¯ll help you ask Chief Zhai¡¯s family if they¡¯re willing to meet you.¡±

    Mother Wei was unhappy. He was just a watchdog. How dared he stop her son? ¡°You must be crazy! The Zhai family¡¯s daughter is my daughter-inw and my son¡¯s wife! The Zhai family is our inw! We¡¯re rtives. What does this have to do with an outsider like you?¡±

 Chapter 1896 - I Was Forced

    <h4>Chapter 1896: I Was Forced</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You should really get your brain checked if you want to stop us. Believe it or not, I can fire you if I just mention this to my inw!¡±

    The soldier frowned. ¡°That won¡¯t do. Unless Chief Zhai agrees to it, you can¡¯t enter. As to whether I get fired, I¡¯ll receive my instructions from the military.¡±

    Seeing Mother Wei throwing a tantrum, Wei De stopped her immediately. That would be too embarrassing for him. ¡°All right. Please let him know. Just tell him that it¡¯s a very important matter. Jiajia is missing and we have to find her!¡± Once they knew that their daughter was missing, he would not even have to step in. Zhai Hua would definitely rush out at once to find their daughter with him.

    Hearing that a child was missing, the soldier was frantic too. But very quickly, the soldier remembered that there had been a teenage youngdy sitting in the Zhai family¡¯s car when they went out the previous night. That youngdy hade back after shoppingte at night too. She had not gone missing. Could it be that there was another child in the Zhai family?

    No matter what it was, the soldier ryed Wei De¡¯s message to the Zhai family, who sneered at those words.

    Miao Jing mmed the table in anger. ¡°It¡¯s been an entire day. Is he only thinking about Jiajia now? Why didn¡¯t he think about Jiajia and Hua Hua yesterday? Ask him to scram!¡± Who was he taking as a fool? There was no way Wei De would be in a hurry to find Jiajia out of his concern for her.

    The Zhai family was a huge tree that Wei De clearly did not want to lose.

    What made Miao Jing most upset was that the incident had taken ce a whole day earlier but Wei De had onlye to find them now. Wei De truly did not care about Zhai Hua or Jiajia. This paternal love was too fake that she did not even want to let Jiajia know about it in case she got upset.

    The soldier could not help but ask, ¡°The child isn¡¯t lost, is she?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Afterward, the soldier did not pose any more questions. Since the child had not gone missing, nothing else was important. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Chief Zhai¡¯s family does not have time to entertain you. Please leave.¡± Yesterday, Chief Zhai¡¯s family had already made the announcement never to let the Wei family in. The privileges that had once been granted to them were now being withdrawn, including Wei De, who was the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw.

    The soldier was curious why the Zhai family had suddenly returned to Ping Cheng to stay in the courtyard but kept his curiosity to himself. It was best for him to do his job without being too nosy. But he was not blind. There had to be something going on in the Zhai family for them to have made such a huge move. Now that they had given specific instructions to restrict the Wei family¡¯s ess, it could only mean that the problemy with the Wei family. The child was certainly not missing, but the Wei family had said that she was missing. This was interesting.

    As outsiders, they could only listen to their leaders¡¯ instructions and carry out their duties dutifully. Everything else had nothing to do with them.

    ¡°Are you sure that the Zhai family said that? You¡¯d better go ask Zhai Hua. Isn¡¯t she anxious that her child is missing?¡± Wei De did not believe that Zhai Hua would tell him to scram. He believed that Zhai Hua hated that he had been in an affair with Wei Xiaomei. But Zhai Hua would never neglect her own daughter out of anger. Zhai Hua was incapable of doing that.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Please leave. Don¡¯t block the entrance,¡± the soldier said straightforwardly, embarrassing the Wei family.

    Wei De clenched his fist. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t embarrass you either. I-I¡¯ll make a phone call to Zhai Hua myself.¡± Up until now, Wei De had not thought of how to face Zhai Hua or exin that he had not done all these willingly. But at this point in time, Wei De had no choice but to face Zhai Hua and thus made the phone call.

    With the Zhai family¡¯s attitude, Wei De was slightly worried that Zhai Hua would refuse to answer his call. Unexpectedly, his phone call had gotten through after just three dial tones. In the instant that his phone call was connected, Wei De¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Hua Hua, it¡¯s me. Listen to me. I¡¯m not lying. Jiajia is really missing...¡±

    ¡°Wei De, let¡¯s get a divorce. You can choose whether we should get a divorce amicably or whether we should go to court.¡± Zhai Hua was willing to ept this phone call not because she wanted to hear Wei De spout his nonsense. She was clear about whether her daughter had gone missing. Yesterday, if Qiao Nan had not brought her daughter home, Jiajia might very well be missing for real today. Had that happened, she would not be a Zhai if she did not kill the Wei family.

    The Wei family knew all about Wei De¡¯s rtionship with Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei¡¯s heritage. That was why they had never cherished their granddaughter, Jiajia, since they already had a grandson.

    After having her daughter, Zhai Hua had not been able to ept the Wei family¡¯s indulgence in Wei Wei. Now that Zhai Hua had found out the truth of the matter, even more so she could not tolerate the Wei family¡¯s shamelessness. Since their grandson was so good, she would help the Wei family and let their family reunite. She would let the fatherless Wei Wei have his father so that Wei De would no longer have to pamper his son so secretly by saying that he was Wei Wei¡¯s uncle.

    Wei De felt as though there was something buzzing in his ears, as if something had just exploded in his head. ¡°Hua Hua. What-what are you saying?¡±

    ¡°Divorce.¡±

    ¡°No! I¡¯m not going to get a divorce!¡± Wei De roared. ¡°Hua Hua, why don¡¯t you give me a chance to exin? I can exin to you what you saw yesterday! We¡¯ve been a couple for so many years. Don¡¯t you have a little trust in me? It wasn¡¯t voluntary! I was tricked into it! I didn¡¯t know that Xiaomei felt that way toward me. She-she drugged me. When I sobered up, I was mad. Even though she isn¡¯t our family¡¯s biological child, I¡¯ve always seen her as my little sister. After what happened yesterday, I can¡¯t face her in our family anymore. So, I sent her back to the countryside yesterday. Hua Hua, I¡¯m innocent! I¡¯m a victim too!¡±

    Wei De could not care less about the guards standing at the courtyard entrance and tried to exin everything to Zhai Hua in a frenzy. No matter what, he would never get divorced from Zhai Hua. He had never thought of ending his rtionship with Zhai Hua! In this lifetime, his wife would be Zhai Hua alone. He would never get a divorce! Never! If he were to get divorced, his position as apanymander would be in danger, let alone bing a regimentmander. Without a wife like Zhai Hua, he would have nothing.

    He could not afford to let his twenty years¡¯ worth of effort go down the drain because of his marriage.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Zhai Hua almost believed Wei De, who seemed to have been full of reason. ¡°You know best whether you did it voluntarily with Wei Xiaomei. I don¡¯t want to be the person who stands in the way of your family reunion. Congrattions. I only gave birth to Jiajia, but you have good fortune indeed. Your son is even older than Jiajia.¡±

 Chapter 1897 - Getting More Serious

    <h4>Chapter 1897: Getting More Serious</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°In the future, Wei Wei can stand up tall when going out and tell others that he actually has a father. In fact, his father has always been by his side. All these years, your family of three has been living under the same roof, yet you haven¡¯t been able to acknowledge each other. It¡¯s really been tough on you. Thankfully, these difficult times are finallying to an end. Congrattions to you!¡±

    Did he really just try to deceive her again like a fool?

    If she had not known that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s son, she probably would have wavered and epted Wei De¡¯s exnation, thinking that this was the first time this had happened between the two of them.

    Earlier, Qiao Nan had reminded her about the problem of Wei De¡¯s sleeping arrangement every time he returned home to the Wei family¡¯s house.

    At that time, Zhai Hua had not wanted to think about things so negatively. After all, that house was not small. There would be a ce for Wei De to sleep in at the very least. Besides, no matter how bad Wei Wei¡¯s temper was and how much he liked to sleep alone, Wei De was his uncle who had raised him after all. Wei Wei would probably treat Wei De differently.

    But today, Zhai Hua was no longer going to buy such a ridiculous exnation. There was no doubt that Wei De slept with Wei Xiaomei when he visited his parents¡¯ house.

    At the thought of that, Zhai Hua was utterly disgusted. If Wei De had not brought the matter up, Zhai Hua would never have wanted to talk about Wei De and Wei Xiaomei ever again.

    Wei De was dumbfounded and felt as though someone had hit him on the head with a hammer so hard that he nearly fainted. ¡°Hua-Hua Hua, what nonsense are you spouting? Don¡¯t let your imagination run wild just because of this one incident and try to make your husband the bad guy! I-I didn¡¯t even know that Xiaomei felt that way about me, but I think it was a recent progression. What does Xiao Wei have to do with me? Xiao Wei is Xiaomei¡¯s son with another man...¡±

    Did this mean that Zhai Hua knew that Xiao Wei was his son? That was impossible!

    It had already been over a decade, but Zhai Hua had never been suspicious about that. No matter how angry Zhai Hua got about their family treating Xiao Wei better than Jiajia, Zhai Hua had never said such things even in their arguments. So, why would Zhai Hua suddenly mention Xiao Wei being his son?

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you admit it or not. Don¡¯t forget what my family does and the kind of friends I have. I¡¯ll ask you again. Do you want an amicable divorce, or shall we go to court? You can choose either. If you want an amicable divorce, let¡¯s find a good time to get together for a negotiation. We¡¯ll settle everything and sign the divorce papers. It¡¯s okay if you choose to go to court too. It won¡¯t take too long either. At the very most, it will take another few more days aspared to getting an amicable divorce. Anyway, I¡¯ve already wasted over ten years. What¡¯s another few more days? I made a mistake, but I think that I can still correct it. There¡¯s no need for me to go down that path of mistakes again.¡±

    She would not allow herself to continue on that path because of her daughter. She had to start a new life afresh for her daughter¡¯s sake.

    ¡°Hua Hua, can we meet? I don¡¯t know what happened that led to your great misunderstanding of me. Were you traumatized by this incident? I¡¯ve said that I¡¯m innocent. That¡¯s the truth. I love only you in this lifetime. You¡¯re my only wife. Believe me. We can clear any misunderstandings we have once we meet. No matter what doubts you have, I can rify them. I know you¡¯re angry at me for treating Xiao Wei too well, but that¡¯s because I pity Xiao Wei for being fatherless. Hua Hua, I can¡¯t do without you or Jiajia. I swear that I won¡¯t meet Xiao Wei in the future. I¡¯ll never deal with Xiao Wei ever again. I¡¯ll care only about Jiajia. Since Xiao Wei¡¯s father didn¡¯t want him and doesn¡¯t care about him, I¡¯ve already done my part as his uncle all these years. Hua Hua, will you forgive me this once?¡±

    Wei De was frightened stiff. He could tell that Zhai Hua was serious about the divorce.

    In their ten years of marriage, he had gotten into quite a number of arguments with Zhai Hua and had even gotten the silent treatment several times. But no matter how bad their arguments got, Zhai Hua had never mentioned the word ¡®divorce¡¯.

    Initially, Wei De thought that the matter would be easily solved because Wei Xiaomei had left and he had been able to pin the me on Wei Xiaomei drugging him. He had thought that he would be able to get away with just some beating and a lecture from the Zhai family.

    But Wei De had never in a million years expected that the situation had gotten so serious. The Zhai family could not even be bothered to see him, beat him, or lecture him. The moment Zhai Hua spoke, she decisively proposed a divorce without any room for negotiation.

    They had been fine just a few days earlier. He had been the old chief¡¯s son-inw and Chief Zhai¡¯s brother-inw. He thought that he might even be promoted to the rank of a vice battalionmander since he had allowed Zhai Hua to go home for the new year. But in the blink of an eye, Zhai Hua was now asking for a divorce! All those titles above his rank were going to disappear from his reach.

    No, this could not be. Something must have gone wrong somewhere. Was he having a nightmare? How could things havended in this state?

    ¡°All right, I understand. Since you want to go to court, you¡¯ll receive a court summon very soon. As for the military, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. They are quite understanding. You can return to the military once you¡¯ve solved your personal matters. Before that, the military will never be in a hurry to call you back or ask you to handle anything. They will have someone to take over the work you have on hand. I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t let themselves suffer.¡±

    At this time, Zhai Hua had no need to reason it out with Wei De. She had done that for over ten years and was through with it. Now, she would just do as she deemed fit. All his excuses were just ugly lies. The more she listened to him, the more she felt that marrying Wei De at that time had been a retarded decision.

    After thosest words, Zhai Hua decisively ended the call without waiting for Wei De¡¯s exnation. Then, she added Wei De¡¯s name to her cklist as well. If they were really going to court to fight for a divorce, it would be better for herwyer to handle these matters.

    ¡°You¡¯ve made it clear to him?¡± Miao Jing had been listening to Zhai Hua¡¯s conversation with Wei De. To be honest, thinking about how her daughter had made such a din and had insisted on marrying Wei De against her parents¡¯ wishes, Miao Jing was afraid that Zhai Hua would have been taken in once again and would change her mind.

    If that was really the case, Miao Jing did not know what she should do to make Zhai Huae to her senses. Thankfully, that was just overthinking on her part. Her daughter was still level-headed and had not fallen into Wei De¡¯s trap.

    Tearing down ten temples would be better than destroying one marriage. But as for her daughter¡¯s marriage, it would be much better for her to get divorced. Hearing how resolute her daughter was in getting a divorce, Miao Jing felt much more at ease.

 Chapter 1898 - Getting a Divorce or Not

    <h4>Chapter 1898: Getting a Divorce or Not</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be clear about. If he doesn¡¯t understand, I¡¯ll just have to make him understand with my actions.¡± Zhai Hua sneered. If they relied only on ¡®talk¡¯, Wei De would definitely win. Wei De had ten mouths and would be able to persuade someone to believe the most ridiculous things.

    Because she knew exactly how Wei De was and how his temper was, she had not bothered to persuade him. She would use her actions to show Wei De that there was no room for any change in the situation between them.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Zhai Sheng¡¯s already arranged thewyers for you. As for yesterday¡¯s DNA report, I think the results should be out soon. With that report and the report from your friend about Wei De¡¯s past in the countryside, I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll get your divorce.¡±

    China is awful society. Wei De¡¯s behavior was cheating someone into marriage. Since their marriage was not based on equality and fairness, it was only natural that their marriage would not be epted.

    Miao Jing hoped that her daughter¡¯s life would get better after the divorce.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Hua replied monotonously. Her actions would mean much more than just talk. With all these materials and evidence, thewyer had said that the probability of winning this case was over ny percent. As long as she did not change her mind and insisted on getting divorced from Wei De, she would definitely be able to do so. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to check on Jiajia.¡±

    ¡°All right. Have a good chat with Jiajia.¡± Usually, no child would be willing to see their parents get divorced. No matter how bad Wei De was, he was still Jiajia¡¯s father. Before knowing about the rtionship between Wei De and Wei Xiaomei, Jiajia had still looked up to her father even though he had not treated her very well.

    Wei De had harmed so many people, even his own daughter.

    If a person like this was not punished and could lead a smooth-sailing life, it would be too unfair!

    When Zhai Hua entered the room, Jiajia was having a chat with Qiao Nan. It was not really a chat since the two of them were simply sitting there in silence while her daughter seemed to be contemting something. ¡°What are you guys talking about? Why are you so serious?¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua had arrived, Jiajia secretly breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Auntie Qiao rmended that I transfer out of my current school.¡±

    Jiajia was in the midst of considering whether to do so. Although she did not have any close friends in school, much less anyone whom she would miss in this school, she had been there for more than a year. As such, she was already familiar with the school and its environment. If she were to transfer to another school, she was afraid that she would not be able to adapt to the new environment.

    She was a junior high school student and was about to take the high school entrance examination. She was afraid that the change in surroundings would affect her studies.

    It was under Wei De¡¯s influence that Jiajia ced great emphasis on her academics early on. Wei De took his position and performance in the military seriously, and Jiajia knew that she needed to do well in school and maintain good grades so that she would have a good life in the future.

    In fact, the only positive contribution Wei De had ever made in his daughter¡¯s life was to inculcate this positive mindset in Jiajia that she had to work hard for her future.

    Of course, Wei De¡¯s intention of inculcating such a value in Jiajia was so that Jiajia would create less trouble for Zhai Hua in the future. In that way, he would be able to ask Zhai Hua for help on Wei Wei¡¯s behalf. Wei De was all too clear that Zhai Hua would definitely choose to give up Wei Wei and pour everything out for Jiajia if there was a conflict between the two of them.

    Wei De could not think for Zhai Hua and could not force Zhai Hua to pity the fatherless Wei Wei and let her only daughter fend for herself. Zhai Hua had never been someone like that. Even an average person would never do that. As such, all Wei De could do was to take Jiajia¡¯s hand and try to teach her to be ¡®independent¡¯ and to have a strong character so that Jiajia would be less likely toe into conflict with Wei Wei.

    Now that her parents were on the verge of getting a divorce, Jiajia had to think this through and determine if there was really a need to transfer to another school when she was about to take the high school entrance examination and the kind of impact it would have on her studies.

    ¡°Why do you have to transfer to another school?¡± Zhai Hua asked in confusion as she sat down. ¡°That school may not be the best in Ping Cheng, but it¡¯s not bad either. Jiajia¡¯s already used to that school, and it won¡¯t be long before she graduates. Won¡¯t Jiajia be too tired from transferring to another school at this point in time?¡±

    As long as it concerned her daughter, Zhai Hua would take the time to listen and think about it.

    ¡°It¡¯s necessary.¡± Qiao Nan insisted. ¡°I¡¯m worried that if you don¡¯t take this opportunity and let Jiajia transfer out now, she might not have a good learning environment once the school term starts. Not only might her learning environment be ruined but she might be affected emotionally as well. Then, she won¡¯t be able to concentrate on her studies. So, I think it¡¯s better that we make some preparation ahead of time to prevent these things from happening.¡±

    Qiao Nan had only made such a suggestion out of concern for Jiajia. Qiao Nan was clear that the high school entrance examination was important to Jiajia. That was why there was an even greater need to avoid all unnecessary trouble.

    To be honest, Qiao Nan had more experience with such things than anyone else in the Zhai family. After all, she had always grown up under such circumstances, whether it was in her dream or in real life. There was no use in just talking or hiding. The only thing to do was to go away as far as possible and to sever all ties with the other party.

    Thinking about it for a while, Zhai Hua quickly realized what Qiao Nan was concerned about. ¡°You¡¯re worried that the Wei family will bug Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not just worried about it. I¡¯m sure that it¡¯ll happen.¡± Qiao Nan spoke in a low voice. ¡°I think that you¡¯re pretty clear of why Wei De married you in the first ce. It wasn¡¯t as beautiful as you imagined it to be. In reality, his reasons were very realistic. You¡¯re clearer than me about how ambitious Wei De is with regards to his career. Even though you were his wife, his dreams were not fulfilled that quickly either. Now that you guys are getting a divorce, Wei De is pretty much bidding goodbye to his military career. Do you think that Wei De would agree to this divorce?¡±

    Wei De knew that he would never be able to convince Zhai Hua, and neither did he dare to show up in front of the Zhai family. As such, Jiajia was Wei De¡¯s only choice. Perhaps she was Wei De¡¯s best choice even. One should never underestimate how much a mother can sacrifice for her children.

    There were many families in China in which couples had already reached their breaking point in their rtionships. But in many cases, women chose to suffer meekly and refuse to divorce because they were the weaker party.

 Chapter 1899 - Youâ€™ll Understand When Youâ€™re Older

    <h4>Chapter 1899: You¡¯ll Understand When You¡¯re Older</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was just to give their children aplete family since their children did not want them to separate.

    For almost all women, children were their weakness.

    Wei De was smart and did not need to even understand thismon phenomenon. All he had to do was have a little understanding of Zhai Hua. Then, he would target Jiajia and use Jiajia so that Zhai Hua would not proceed with the divorce.

    ¡°If I wasn¡¯t mistaken, I heard that the Wei family came over and said that Jiajia was missing, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Hua replied indifferently. The Wei family¡¯s concern and anxiousness were too fake and unbearable.

    ¡°As a mother, the one thing you thought about when you first entered the police station was about Jiajia¡¯s whereabouts. If it were you, the Zhai family would have mobilized all its resources yesterday and would have flipped Ping Cheng upside down just to find Jiajia. Think about what the Zhai family would do and then think about how the Wei family only thought about Jiajia today. Why do you think the Wei family suddenly thought about Jiajia?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s question was so realistic that Jiajia¡¯s eyes turned red. After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s question, even a child like Jiajia understood that Wei De refused to get a divorce from Zhai Hua. That was why he had suddenly thought of his daughter, Jiajia, in such a situation, thinking that she would serve him some purpose. That was also why he had been in such a hurry to find her.

    Jiajia knew that Wei De¡¯s concern toward her now was not out of pure love. Her father was merely treating her as a means to an end of saving his marriage with her mother.

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate the Wei family¡¯s ability to pester people. Once the Wei family is left with nowhere to go, and since they aren¡¯t willing to let you go, Jiajia will be their target. The Wei family is rted to Jiajia, so the school won¡¯t have any right to stop them from picking Jiajia up. If that is really the case, the school might not be able to give Jiajia a peaceful and quiet learning environment even if they were to find out about her family background despite the Wei family not taking Jiajia away and the Zhai family protecting her well. Children may not always mean what they say, but it is exactly because of that that their words are even more so hurtful.¡±

    After saying all that, Qiao Nan could not help but sigh.

    She was not saying that Zhai Hua and the Zhai family were not thinking about Jiajia. In her dream, she had lived with the family for over ten years and knew the Zhai family¡¯s characters. It was already not easy that the Zhai family still had such a pure and kind side to them in the military and society.

    They were truly good to Jiajia and had Jiajia¡¯s wellbeing at heart. In Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes, Jiajia was the Wei family¡¯s granddaughter, after all. Even though the Wei family did not treat Jiajia as well as they treated Wei Wei, they would probably not harm Jiajia either.

    Yes, the Wei family would not deliberately harm Jiajia. But they might very well hurt Jiajia in the process while trying to achieve their own goals. The Wei family would never consider Jiajia while trying to protect their own interests.

    ¡°Mom, since there are still a few days before the school term starts, let¡¯s go get the transfer procedures done.¡± Thankfully, Jiajia had been decisive enough, and the moment Qiao Nan said such things, Jiajia immediately made a decision. ¡°Mom, I want to transfer to Ping Cheng Junior High School. Ping Cheng High School is quite a good school, and I¡¯d like to attend Ping Cheng High School. It¡¯s even better if I go to the affiliated junior high school.¡±

    When Zhai Hua had first purchased her house, she had already thought about the quality of education at Ping Cheng Elementary School and Ping Cheng High School. But there were no houses she could purchase near those schools. Besides, Zhai Hua was the only one paying for the house. When she had purchased the first house, she had chosen the location considering its distance from Wei Wei¡¯s kindergarten. But when Jiajia grew up, there were no schools nearby that had a reputation like Ping Cheng High School.

    Ping Cheng Junior High School did not have any boarding facilities. As such, it was a little troublesome for Jiajia to attend that school. But high school was different. Boarding was required in high school. That would be much more convenient. Jiajia¡¯s initial intention was to attend Ping Cheng High School when she got to high school. But with an opportunity like that, Jiajia decided that it was better if she attended her dream school even earlier.

    Zhai Hua hesitated for a moment. ¡°Do you really not want to go to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?¡± Its reputation was better than Ping Cheng High School¡¯s, after all. Initially, Wei De had spared no effort in trying to get Wei Wei into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China because his grades had not made the cut. Thus, they had to rely on their rtions and money to get him in. In fact, Zhai Hua had always known that Wei Wei had only gotten into the school due to Wei De¡¯s efforts. Wei De had been the one who had sacrificed his reputation.

    The Wei family had spent a lot of money to allow Wei Wei to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. As such, finances had been tight for the Wei family for a long time. During that time, the Wei family had relied on Zhai Hua¡¯s allowance to get by. But the school fees of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China were high. The sum of money donated to get Wei Wei in was in no way sufficient.

    On the surface, Zhai Hua had to raise her daughter and was not willing to support Wei Wei. But in reality, if it was not for Zhai Hua supporting the Wei family, paying for their expenses, and even giving the elderly Wei couple three thousand yuan a month, Wei Wei would never have been able to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    In short, Zhai Hua had been the one paying for Wei Wei¡¯s education.

    Zhai Hua had helped someone else¡¯s son study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. As such, there was no need to neglect her daughter and force her to attend a school that was less than The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

    ¡°No way.¡± Jiajia¡¯s expression soured and she refused decisively.

    Zhai Hua sighed and her helplessness could be seen on her face. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. Once you get into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Wei Wei would have graduated and gone to university. You won¡¯t be in the same school.¡± Wei Wei had transferred over from a vige school and had thus started elementary school a littleter. But Jiajia was different and had started elementary school early.

    As such, although there was an age difference of six years between the two of them, they were only three grades apart in school. Jiajia was like her studious uncle, Zhai Sheng, after all, and had skipped a grade in elementary school. If not for the Wei family finding an excuse to say that it was better to solidify her foundations and that there was no need to deprive Jiajia of a happy childhood, Jiajia would have been able to skip another grade in elementary school.

    When she was younger, Jiajia had thought that her grandma¡¯s family meant well for her. But now, Jiajia realized that if she was only two grades away from Wei Wei, if both she and Wei Wei were to enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and the family was unable to carry that burden, her paternal grandma¡¯s family was afraid that her mom would choose to give up on her nephew, Wei Wei, to support her own daughter. Her mom paid for the family¡¯s expenses, after all.

 Chapter 1900 - Whole World Collapsing

    <h4>Chapter 1900: Whole World Copsing</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Her grandma¡¯s family was afraid that there would be a conflict between her and Wei Wei, but she hated Wei Wei and did not want to be in the same school as him.

    Jiajia could not help but wonder if Wei Wei had always known who his father was. Thinking back to how Wei Wei always tried to grab her father¡¯s attention and win against her every time, Wei Wei could very well have been mocking her. Jiajia was disgusted at the thought of that.

    One was her father, while the other was her cousin, who was now her elder brother. And he was the most disgusting kind of elder brother, no less. Thinking about her paternal grandma¡¯s house now felt like a nightmare to Jiajia.

    Jiajia refused to admit that Wei Wei was part of the reason she did not want to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but this was just part of the reason indeed. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re overthinking it. Wei Wei doesn¡¯t have much to do with me not wanting to study in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I prefer the learning environment at Ping Cheng High School. If Ping Cheng Junior High School provided boarding, I would have gone there too.¡±

    Seeing Zhai Hua¡¯s miserable face, Jiajia could only beg Qiao Nan for help. ¡°Auntie Qiao, what do you think about Ping Cheng Junior High School? I think it¡¯s pretty good.¡± Jiajia winked at Qiao Nan, asking her to help her out.

    She had realized that her mother usually listened to Auntie Qiao¡¯s advice.

    Qiao Nan let out a weak smile. ¡°I think that Ping Cheng Junior High School is not bad. I attended that school too. As an alumnus, I can¡¯t possibly put it down.¡± Unfortunately for her, she had not been able to graduate. To make up for her regrets, she would walk this path again.

    That was an unexpected surprise for Jiajia. ¡°Really? Then, won¡¯t I be schoolmates with you if I go to Ping Cheng Junior High School? See, Mom? I want to go to Ping Cheng Junior High School. Anyway, we¡¯ll probably be living in grandma¡¯s house, right? Grandma¡¯s house is near Ping Cheng Junior High School. If you buy me a bicycle, I¡¯ll be able to cycle to school. You won¡¯t have to worry about me. It¡¯ll be convenient.¡±

    In the past, Jiajia knew that her mother had not been on good terms with her maternal grandma¡¯s family and had not kept in contact with them. Although she knew that her grandma¡¯s house was near to the school of her dreams, the sensible Jiajia had never made such a request or hoped that Zhai Hua would be able to fulfill them.

    But now, the situation was different. Jiajia felt that she might as well put it out in the open now that she had such an opportunity. It was easier to resolve all their problems this way.

    Seeing how happy and excited her daughter was to attend Ping Cheng Junior High School, Zhai Hua felt a little sour. After all those years of perseverance, not only had she made her own life miserable, but she had also made her daughter suffer. That was to say that she had not even noticed just how much she had neglected her daughter all these years!

    Zhai Hua lowered her voice. ¡°If you really want it, I¡¯ll get the transfer procedures settled tomorrow.¡± She could not care less about her pride or persistence in front of her daughter. She was someone with her own family. As long as her family stood by her side, there was no one who would be able to bully her, not even the Wei family. Her daughter should have been able to live such a carefree life from the start.

    It had already been over ten years. There was no point in letting her daughter live such a life anymore. She would use all of her resources for her daughter now. Jiajia had been too obedient in the past. How nice it would have been if she had been just a little more willful or selfish.

    After making that decision, Zhai Hua immediately got the transfer procedures done. As such, on the first day of school, Jiajia had be a student of Ping Cheng Junior High School. It was also on this day that Wei De, who had been granted a ¡®vacation¡¯ from the military, was served a court summon. His divorce case with Zhai Hua was going to court.

    The moment he received the court summon, Wei De¡¯s hand trembled. Even though Zhai Hua had already said that she wanted a divorce in her call, Wei De had held on to the hope that Zhai Hua had only said so out of anger. Besides, he had been trying hard to find Jiajia to use her to change the situation.

    But after receiving the summon, Wei De understood just how determined Zhai Hua was to get this divorce.

    When Mother Wei saw it, her whole face turned pale too, and she immediately started sobbing while pping her thigh. ¡°Does this woman really want to drive us to our deaths? She¡¯s trying to drag our family down with her! Shouldn¡¯t she think about how no one had been willing to marry her at her age and how Ah De sacrificed himself to marry her? Why doesn¡¯t she know how to be grateful? Our Ah De is so good, but she¡¯s asking for a divorce! She¡¯s heartless! A scum!¡±

    ¡°All right. Stop crying.¡± Father Wei was utterly frustrated. He wanted to smoke a cigarette, but his shivering hands could not even get the cigarette alight. After a while, Father Wei eventually ced the cigarette down and slight-eyed Wei Wei, who was hiding in a corner quietly. ¡°Xiao Wei, you¡¯re in your final year of high school. It¡¯s the most critical period for you now. Don¡¯t get yourself into the adults¡¯ matters. Go back to your room and revise your work. You¡¯re still young. It¡¯ll be better for you to study harder and get good grades.¡±

    Father Wei had to make some preparations now that his daughter-inw was getting divorced from his son. It would be impossible to rely on his daughter-inw for his grandson¡¯s future. If his grandson¡¯s results were good, he would still be able to get into a good university and find a good job in the future. That way, the Wei family would not be good-for-nothings at the very least and would be able to survive in Ping Cheng.

    Since his grandson could no longer rely on Zhai Hua or Wei De, Father Wei had no other choice but to let Wei Wei fend for himself. Not only did Wei Wei have no one to rely on now, but the Wei family might even have to rely on him in the future.

    Father and Mother Wei had already gotten used to living the high life. Their lives had been tough back in the countryside, where they had been farmers. Because of their daughter-inw, Zhai Hua, the elderly couple had retired. Although Mother Wei had adapted well in the first two years, Father Wei, who had been working all his life, had felt a little ufortable.

    But over a decade had passed, and Father Wei had already gotten used to such a lifestyle. He was used to not needing to work while still receiving an allowance of one thousand five hundred yuan from his daughter-inw every month. Without such an allowance, the Wei family¡¯s expenses would be a problem on their own.

    At this time, Father Wei finally realized how greatly the Wei family would be affected now that they were losing their daughter-inw, Zhai Hua. Without Zhai Hua, the Wei family had nothing.

    ¡°Ah De, do you really have to get a divorce from Zhai Hua?¡± Father Wei asked as his head throbbed. As long as this divorce did not go through, they would have no problems at all. But once they were to get a divorce, the Wei family¡¯s world would copse.

 Chapter 1901 - Can We Not Get a Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1901: Can We Not Get a Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try talking to Zhai Hua? What happened between you and Xiaomei was in the past... It won¡¯t happen again. It¡¯s nothing much for men to make mistakes. Why is she being so serious about it? You guys even have Jiajia. Xiao Wei is the best example of that. It¡¯s not good for children not to have their fathers around.¡±

    Wei De wanted very much to rip the court summon apart, but he knew that ripping it did not mean that it no longer existed. If he did not attend the court hearing and simply ignored the order, the Zhai family would naturally have a way of getting Zhai Hua a divorce without him even being present.

    The Zhai family was different. Trying to be a cker would never work against the Zhai family.

    Wei De took a deep breath. ¡°It won¡¯t work. Zhai Hua seems to know that Xiao Wei is my son. Given the Zhai family¡¯s characters, I¡¯m guessing that Zhai Hua already has evidence that Xiao Wei is my son since she dares to tell me about this situation.¡±

    If he and Wei Xiaomei had only done that once, and he had convinced Zhai Hua that Wei Xiaomei had drugged him, Zhai Hua might very well have forgiven him. At the very most, the rtionship between the couple would be stale for a period of time. But after a while, their rtionship would eventually return back to normal.

    Ever since Zhai Hua got married¡ªno, ever since Zhai Hua became his son¡¯s marriage partner, he had already made preparations for his grandson. This was not difficult for him.

    But the problem was that Zhai Hua had found out about Xiao Wei¡¯s rtionship to him! With this huge premise, Wei De knew that Zhai Hua would never reconcile with him, much less continue staying married to him!

    All these years, he had unknowingly turned all his attention to his son and had not treated his daughter well enough. Over time, Zhai Hua had already formed her own opinion of him. Now that she had finally exploded, the magnitude was quite significant indeed. Zhai Hua had a bad temper, and now, there was nothing that could change her mind.

    If he had known that this would be the case, he would never have brought Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei over to Ping Cheng. Actually, he should have simply brought his parents over and rebuilt the house in the countryside and given Wei Xiaomei an allowance. With that money, Wei Xiaomei would have been able to lead a good life with Wei Wei in the countryside.

    Who cared about his son now that he could not even be sure of his own future? What was the point of having a son? His son was only dragging him down.

    Wei De had ced emphasis on his son earlier in the hope that Wei Wei would be able to inherit whatever he had worked hard for, such as his career and wealth. Now, Wei De was on the verge of losing everything. What could he pass down? Wei De could not even ensure that he would be able to survive. He had no time to care about his son at this moment.

    ¡°What? Zhai Hua knows about your rtionship with Wei Wei? How?¡± Father Wei was stunned. ¡°Does that mean that Zhai Hua will never forgive you and that you have to get a divorce?¡± This had been a well-kept secret for over ten years. Why had Zhai Hua suddenly found out?

    It was only then that Father Wei realized how serious Zhai Hua was about the divorce this time. Father Wei remembered that Zhai Hua was the chief¡¯s daughter. How could the chief¡¯s daughter tolerate her husband sleeping together with another woman and even having a child together?

    All these years, they had always been biased toward Wei Wei and had neglected Jiajia. As long as he remembered that, Father Wei could not help but feel guilty. After all, he knew that they were at fault. Not only had they hidden the truth of Wei De¡¯s rtionship with Wei Xiaomei, but they had even lied that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s nephew and had let Zhai Hua take care of him.

    Yes, Zhai Hua had not been young when she had gotten married to Ah De. But Zhai Hua had been a virgin who was getting married for the first time. Inparison, this was Ah De¡¯s second marriage. The chief¡¯s daughter would never marry someone who had once been married and even had a son!

    Not only had they kept Zhai Hua in the dark about Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei, but they had even treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia. Father Wei¡¯s face flushed red. He opened his mouth but was unable to say anything for a long while.

    Mother Wei, who had always thought her son to be the best, was upset. ¡°Zhai Hua is just a hen who can¡¯ty eggs. She didn¡¯t give the Wei family a son. Do you mean that our family should just let our line die off instead of finding someone else to have our grandson? We didn¡¯t even take issue with the fact that she didn¡¯t give birth to a son. What gives her the right to make such a fuss?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Wei De closed his eyes as he felt his head pounding. Wei De was not as shortsighted as Mother Wei and knew that no one would agree with Mother Wei¡¯s old-fashioned logic even if they were to return to the countryside. ¡°We¡¯re in big trouble now. If Zhai Hua really has evidence that Xiao Wei is my son, we¡¯ll probably have to get a divorce. Once we get a divorce, this house will probably be returned to Zhai Hua. We won¡¯t be able to stay here.¡±

    ¡°Why? She married you and she¡¯s part of the Wei family. Her things are our things. Who dares to steal our things? I¡¯ll never move out of this house no matter whoes! If she dares to do that, I¡¯ll go make a din at the courtyard. I don¡¯t believe that the Zhai family won¡¯t care about their face and will snatch other people¡¯s things!¡± Mother Wei jumped up. This house was her life. Without the house, their family would have to sleep on the streets! That would never do!

    ¡°Heh.¡± Wei De rubbed his head and sneered. ¡°They don¡¯t have toe to collect the house. Zhai Hua has been the one paying for the utility bills. As long as she stops paying for them, we won¡¯t be able to stay here anymore once they cut our power and water. Besides, what if Zhai Hua sells the house? You can make a fuss if you want, but no one will stand on our side. You¡¯ll just be embarrassing yourself. Zhai Hua bought this house before we got married. There¡¯s no way that this way will be ours.¡±

    Besides,pared to what he would lose due to this divorce, this house meant nothing.

    Mother Wei could not rebut her son and could not throw a tantrum at her son. ¡°So, what shall we do? How are we going to survive? What do you think I should do? Shall I find Zhai Hua and beg her to not divorce you?¡±

 Chapter 1902 - After the Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1902: After the Divorce</h4>

    Their family could not do without Zhai Hua as a daughter-inw. Once Zhai Hua was no longer her daughter-inw, she would never be so nice as to give her a thousand five hundred yuan of monthly allowance. Besides, she had nevercked any new clothing during the new year.

    For her son and for her own sake, Mother Wei felt that kneeling down to beg Zhai Hua for forgiveness meant nothing. She would do anything to get Zhai Hua to agree to not get a divorce. ¡°I promise that I¡¯ll only treat Jiajia well from now on. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Zhai Hua cared a lot about her daughter. She had never treated her granddaughter, Jiajia, well in the past. But as long as Zhai Hua did not get a divorce, she was willing to treat Jiajia well and treat Zhai Hua and her daughter like her ancestors.

    She had not expected that her daughter-inw, who had treated her so well for the past ten years, would be so stubborn once she threw a tantrum and would insist on getting a divorce.

    At this time, Mother Wei regretted not having treated Zhai Hua and Jiajia better in the past. Mother Wei was clear that Zhai Hua had never thrown her weight around just because she was the chief¡¯s daughter and had never thrown a tantrum toward her even if she had any problems.

    But there was no way she could force Zhai Hua to listen to her like she did Wei Xiaomei. Since she could not control Zhai Hua like she did Wei Xiaomei, Mother Wei could only treat Zhai Hua and Jiajia nicely, in hopes that Zhai Hua would change her mind.

    ¡°I¡¯m not Zhai Hua. How would I know if she¡¯ll agree to it?¡± Wei De paced around the house in a panic. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. She¡¯ll never agree to it. She¡¯ll definitely want to get a divorce. She already knows that Xiao Wei is my son. I think that there¡¯s no way of changing the situation now. Zhai Hua doesn¡¯t even want to meet me.¡±

    He had been extremely careful while he had been dating Zhai Hua and had never even told Zhai Hua about how he had a sister who ¡®had gotten pregnant out of wedlock¡¯ and how he had a ¡®fatherless nephew¡¯.

    He did not understand how he had gradually started living the life he wanted after getting married to Zhai Hua. It seemed as though this lifestyle had gotten to his head. Even while knowing Zhai Hua¡¯s temper, he had still treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia. Had he been out of his mind in these ten years?

    If he had been more careful and had pampered Zhai Hua and her daughter, and if he had not brought Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei over and had instead left them far away from him, this situation would never have happened.

    He would have been living a peaceful and beautiful life with Zhai Hua.

    Wei De could not help but stare at his favorite son, Wei Wei. With this situation, Wei Wei had almost be a thorn in Wei De¡¯s side. He felt that it was entirely Wei Xiaomei¡¯s and Wei Wei¡¯s fault that his marriage with Zhai Hua had broken down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic. We¡¯ll deal with this one step at a time.¡± The court summon had sent the Wei family into chaos. Father Wei was so frantic that he plucked a few strands of hair from his head. ¡°Ah De, tell me what our family will be left with if you really get divorced from Zhai Hua.¡±

    Only by understanding what their family was left with would he be able to decide on how to continue with their lives. Even if there was no way of reversing the situation, they had to get on with their own lives, after all.

    ¡°What we will have? What else can our family have?¡± Wei Deughed sarcastically. ¡°We¡¯ll have whatever we had before I got married to Zhai Hua. We won¡¯t have whatever we didn¡¯t have then.¡±

    ¡°Who says so? We still have a house in the countryside! It¡¯s a three-storied vi!¡± At that time, their family had constructed the first three-storied house in the vige. The vigers had been envious that she had given birth to a good son. A three-storied house in the vige was equivalent to a small vi in arge city. Without Zhai Hua, the Wei family would not exactly be left with nothing.

    ¡°Yes, apart from that house in the countryside, we have nothing. So, after I get divorced from Zhai Hua, you¡¯ll have to return to the countryside.¡± He had no means of buying a house for his parents here in Ping Cheng. Even if they rented a house, that would be a significant expense.

    There was something else that worried Wei De the most. Wei Wei was studying in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. His school fees had already been on the higher side. Now that society was more developed, there were more activities avable for students in school too. But to participate in these activities, they had to pay school fees too, and they were no insignificant either!

    In the past, with Zhai Hua giving his parents an allowance, his parents had been able to save a little. Zhai Hua had been the one paying for the family¡¯s daily expenses. As such, the money that his parents saved up was just enough to pay for Wei Wei¡¯s extracurricr activities.

    Now, without Zhai Hua¡¯s allowance, it would be difficult for Wei Wei toplete his studies in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China for the rest of the year.

    ¡°You guys know just how much I get from the military every month. I always hand it all over to you. Zhai Hua has never touched a single cent of that. Do you think that I¡¯ll be able to provide for you in Ping Cheng? I can still afford to pay for the rest of Xiao Wei¡¯s high school fees if I try, but we¡¯ll have to see the kind of university Xiao Wei gets into with his results before we¡¯ll know if the Wei family will have a university graduate.¡±

    Because of his experience in society, Wei De knew that he would have to spend even more money on Wei Wei¡¯s education if his results were not ster.

    Thinking about Wei Wei¡¯s results, Wei De¡¯s expression darkened. He had spent a lot of money to let Wei Wei attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. His results were slightly better than they had been in junior high school, but it was still insufficient to get him into the best university so that he could turn the Wei family¡¯s situation around. Wei Wei had no talent in his studies and did not work hard enough either. All his results were due to their family spending money on him.

    Without money and connections, Wei De had no hope for Wei Wei¡¯s future. Instead of hoping that his son would make something of himself, it would be better for him to take the plunge and see if he could secure himself the position of a vice battalionmander. He would have to wait until his next lifetime to fulfill his dream of bing a regimentmander.

    Although Wei Wei had always been the center of attention in the Wei family, the focus today was entirely different. In the past, the Wei family had always pampered and spoiled Wei Wei like a king. Even though Wei Wei was a fatherless child, Wei Wei felt like a little emperor at home.

    At that time, he had not known that his uncle was actually his dad. Even so, he knew that his family would always try to satisfy his demands.

 Chapter 1903 - Blind

    <h4>Chapter 1903: Blind</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Neither would his family ever treat him like outsiders and speak ill of him because he was fatherless. On the contrary, the Wei family had always stood on his side and protected him, asking Jiajia to give in to him whenever he had gotten into an argument with Jiajia because he was ¡®fatherless¡¯.

    But today, Wei De, who was already grown up, felt that the Wei family was looking at him in a different light. Their gazes were not warm or friendly, especially his ¡®uncle¡¯, who seemed to be looking at him rather fiercely.

    Wei Wei was no fool either and could think for himself. As such, Wei Wei could feel that the Wei family was ming him for Zhai Hua requesting a divorce.

    Wei Wei remained hidden in the corner for fear of provoking his elders even further. But his heart was in turmoil and he was enraged about his current situation.

    He had not chosen to be fatherless, and neither had he chosen for his uncle to be his father. He had no control over his birth, so why was he at fault? His dad was the one who had gotten into a rtionship with his mom in the first ce.

    He was almost fifty but was still so clueless. Even though he knew that the entire family relied on his aunt, he should have been thankful that he had been able to keep his past rtionship with his mom under wraps. He should have taken that secret with him to his grave. His mom was not even as pretty as his aunt, so he wondered why his uncle chose to sleep with his mom instead of his aunt when he got the rare chance to return. What was he thinking?

    They were ming him for causing her aunt to propose a divorce, while he hated the Wei family for being so stupid. They had already gotten his aunt, who was like Buddha, into their family, but they had been the ones to chase her away!

    Without an aunt like Zhai Hua, his life would never be as carefree in the future.

    When Wei Wei had talked to Wei De in the past, Wei De had on more than one asion said that he would ask Zhai Hua to send Wei Wei abroad for his tertiary education. Without his aunt around, he would not need to think about going abroad. In fact, even his tertiary education posed an issue. He would have to rely on his own efforts.

    His bright and smooth-sailing future had suddenly be such an arduous path. He had not gotten angry over that yet! He would much rather his uncle remain as his uncle and he remain as a fatherless child than have his uncle be his father while having to give up such a good aunt like Zhai Hua.

    Wei Wei hid in the corner with resentment in his heart, hearing the elders talk about the remaining assets the family had. Wei Wei could only say that the family was in a pitiful state. They were too poor. What the Wei family was left with could not evenpare to the amount of money he had paid in thest two years for his school fees. His aunt had been brilliant indeed to have been able to support such a huge family withoutining about how the family¡¯s expenses were too huge or that there was not enough money to go around.

    Wei Wei had no respect for Wei De. He had already married into a rich family but had lost everything for a woman who was not even pretty. He was a disgrace to all men. The only thing Wei Wei thought that he could learn from Wei De was to marry a woman who had a better family background than himself.

    At the same time, he would learn from Wei De¡¯s lesson and distance himself from his family if he really married such a capable woman. Otherwise, he might make such a foolish error and be dragged down by this family from the countryside. Then, there would be no way of turning back.

    If his grandma¡¯s behavior had not been so bad, causing there to be no rtionship between them and his aunt and Jiajia, his aunt would never have been so decisive and determined about getting a divorce.

    After calcting the remaining assets of the Wei family, Father Wei, Mother Wei, and Wei De remained silent for a long while. At this time, the whole family had the same thought as Wei Wei. Their family was too poor.

    Wei De felt pinched. ¡°I¡¯m sure you two can tell what situation our family is in. Xiao Wei will graduate from high school in half a year¡¯s time. Xiao Wei¡¯s results haven¡¯t been the best after entering The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but they have indeed improved. There¡¯s no reason for him to transfer out of that school now that he¡¯s almost graduating.¡±

    More importantly, thest half a year was the most critical period. Wanting to transfer to another school would not be easy either. No school would ept transfer students at this point in time, and he would not be able to achieve ¡®extraordinary circumstances¡¯ either.

    Zhai Hua was already getting a divorce from him. Wei De was worried that he would not be able to use Zhai Hua¡¯s connections to transfer Wei Wei into another school, and neither did he know how to face his friends once they found out that he was getting a divorce from Zhai Hua.

    In reality, even when he had not gotten a divorce from Zhai Hua, Wei De could already feel Zhai Hua¡¯s friends looking down on him every time they interacted.

    If not for his son, Wei Wei, Wei De would never have interacted with all those people. He would much rather spend all his time in the military and hear his subordinates address him courteously as apanymander. All men cared about looking good, after all.

    Because of this, Wei De would much rather grit his teeth and pay for the remaining school term for Wei Wei toplete his education than let Wei Wei transfer out. He carried the hope that Wei Wei would suddenly have a breakthrough and would get good enough results to enter a good university.

    The Wei family held on to the belief that sons had to provide for their parents in their old age.

    Wei De wanted Wei Wei to take care of him in his old age. As such, he had to find a way to improve Wei Wei¡¯s grades so that he would be able to find a good job in the future since Wei Wei¡¯s job would directly determine how he lived in his old age.

    ¡°So, what will happen to your dad and me?¡± Mother Wei stared nkly at Wei De. ¡°It¡¯s not cheap to rent a house in Ping Cheng.¡± Their son¡¯s sry from the military was just sufficient to pay for Wei Wei¡¯s school fees at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, but there would be no money for her and her husband.

    ¡°You and Dad will have to return to the countryside. You still havend and Wei Xiaomei there. You won¡¯t have to spend any money on food and drinks.¡± In fact, if his parents were a little more hardworking and sold their goods, they would even be able to earn some money. He would never be able to afford his son¡¯s university fees alone. Thankfully, there was still Wei Xiaomei. Wei Xiaomei was not old and would still be able to find a job to earn some money.

    Mother Wei¡¯s jaw dropped and she was speechless. She was almost at the age of bing a great-grandmother, but not only would she not be able to enjoy her golden years but she would also have to go back to the countryside and work in the fields? Mother Wei really wanted to say that she had already forgotten how to use a sickle.

    Mother Wei remained silent and looked at Father Wei. She would never go back to such a life ever again.

 Chapter 1904 - Not Giving Any Face

    <h4>Chapter 1904: Not Giving Any Face</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If the old man could do it, then she could stay at home and clean up the house and prepare the old man¡¯s meals as she had done before. That would be all right with her.

    But Father Wei was unwilling to do so either. Not only was farming hard work, but it also did not earn much money. More importantly, everyone in the vige knew that their son had done well and had married a chief¡¯s daughter. That was why they could lead such carefree lives.

    Now that their family was returning to the vige, what would they tell the vigers? Could they really tell them that their son had not been able to resist his urges and had been caught in the act by their daughter-inw? Father Wei could not afford to be embarrassed like that.

    Since his parents were staying mum at this moment, Wei De was even more frustrated. Wei De was not foolish and was no fool. He could tell how reluctant his parents were to return to the countryside to lead such a hard life. Wei De was annoyed that they wanted to lead good lives while being clear that it was only Zhai Hua who could provide such a life for them.

    But why had his parents not reminded him to treat Jiajia better when he had been so muddleheaded? And how could his parents be so bold as to offend their cash-cow, Zhai Hua, by treating Wei Wei better than Jiajia? That was why Zhai Hua had umted over ten years of anger.

    Without all these precedents, he believed that Zhai Hua would never have been so heartless just because of one mistake that he made. ¡°Mom, Dad, did you guys slip your tongue in front of Zhai Hua?¡± This was what Wei De cared most about and hated the most!

    If Zhai Hua had not found out that Wei Wei was his son, he would never have gotten to the stage of divorce with Zhai Hua. At the very most, he had justmitted a mistake that all men would make. Zhai Hua had told him that after marriage, the old chief had still been in an ambiguous rtionship with his ex-girlfriend. He had even gone overboard by asking his son, Zhai Sheng, to marry that old me¡¯s daughter!

    Even if no one else understood him, the old chief would definitely sympathize with him and give him a chance. The problem was that Zhai Hua and the Zhai family had already found out that Wei Wei was his son. Thus, none of those assumptions held true. No matter how ridiculous the old chief behaved, he had only asked his son to marry his ex¡¯s daughter. That daughter was not the old chief¡¯s daughter after all, but Wei Wei was his son!

    As such, the root of everything was not that he had been in a rtionship with Wei Xiaomei. It was that someone had sold him out!

    ¡°No, of course not! How could I tell Zhai Hua such a thing? You know how much I love Xiao Wei. I haven¡¯t even told Xiao Wei about it and Xiao Wei never even knew that you are his dad.¡± Mother Wei was scared stiff. No matter how foolish she was, she would never make such a low-level mistake. How could she give Zhai Hua a reason to divorce her son and create chaos in the family? She was being maligned!

    ¡°Your mom is not that stupid.¡± Father Wei thought that Mother Wei would not have done so either.

    Wei De grasped at his hair. ¡°Then, who was it? Could it be that Zhai Hua overheard you guys talking about it?¡± He had to find out who had betrayed him! He wanted nothing more than to chop that person to bits! But why could he not find that person?

    At that time, the three of them turned their eyes to Wei Wei in unison. ¡°Xiao Wei, why aren¡¯t you shocked hearing that your uncle is your dad? Did you already know about this? Who told you?¡± The Wei family seemed to have finally returned from their trance, realizing that Wei Wei was acting abnormally. This situation was no different from how the Wei family had only remembered about Jiajia after a whole day and realized that she would be useful to them.

    Wei Wei had intended to hide it, but now that the three of them were staring down at him, he could not hold it in. ¡°I-I knew about it, but I only found out a few days ago. My mom was the one who told me, but I didn¡¯t say anything about this to auntie or Jiajia. It wasn¡¯t me!¡± He was still relying on his dad to persuade his aunt to send him abroad for his studies in half a year¡¯s time.

    How could he not know what impact that truth would have on the family?

    He had hoped that his rtionship with his uncle could be hidden for his entire life. Only then would he be able to leech off his aunt and lead a good life. In this family, his aunt was the most reliable person, not his ¡®uncle¡¯. Wei Wei was clear about that.

    Wei Wei did not like Jiajia and bullied her because he had thought that he was a fatherless child and that his mother had gotten pregnant with him out of wedlock. On the other hand, Jiajia lived a blissful life. Not only did she have both her father and mother, but her grandma¡¯s family also had such a high status.

    Jiajia had everything he wished for but never had. It was out of envy for Jiajia that he disliked Jiajia and often bullied her when she was younger.

    ¡°Your mom told you? When did she tell you?¡± Wei De¡¯s eyes widened. It was Wei Xiaomei again. Wei Xiaomei had been the cause of all this. Had Zhai Hua overheard the conversation between Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei?

    ¡°It was when you were talking to grandma in the room, saying that you¡¯re my dad. That was when Mom told me about it. It was alreadyte at night that day, and auntie had already brought Jiajia to the Zhai family¡¯s house. She didn¡¯t evene back afterward. So, it could not have been my mom either.¡± Wei Wei did have feelings for his mom, Wei Xiaomei, and did not want Wei Xiaomei to take on the me without knowing anything.

    It was the responsibility of destroying the Wei family. He did not care if anyone else took that me, but he would not let his mom do it. Wei Wei had already felt the change in his situation in the Wei family. All these rtives who had once treated him well now looked at him in a different light and med his mom¡¯s and his existence for everything that was happening now.

    Even more so, Wei Wei knew that neither his mom nor he could make a mistake now. Otherwise, they would be giving the Wei family a reason to ignore them. He was still studying. Even if he could not go overseas to further his studies, he still wanted to be a university student. Only then would he be able to find a good job and improve his life.

    Without his aunt, he could only rely on his uncle to foot the bill. As such, he could not afford to offend the Wei family no matter how much he resented them.

    The moment Wei Wei said that, both Mother Wei and Wei De thought back to that day. That day, Wei De had sent Zhai Hua and her daughter over to the Zhai family¡¯s house for the new year. The problem was that Wei De had run into Qiao Nan and had been upset about Zhai Sheng being involved with someone like Qiao Nan, who would only bring trouble instead of benefits to the family.

    Because of Qiao Nan, Wei De had gotten into a fight with Zhai Hua because Zhai Sheng had not given him any face as his brother-inw in front of an outsider.

 Chapter 1905 - Not Bad

    <h4>Chapter 1905: Not Bad</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, Wei De was enraged and had been chased back by the Zhai family.

    It was also because of his rage that he had talked to Mother Wei about this matter. They had never expected that Wei Wei had overheard their conversation. Now, Mother Wei and Wei De could understand why Wei Xiaomei had told Wei Wei the truth.

    Wei Wei was still young andcked life experience. It was only natural for him to be unable to ept the truth after hearing it. If Wei Xiaomei did not exin the situation to Wei Wei, Wei Wei might be unable to control his own emotions and might let them slip in front of Zhai Hua.

    So, did that mean that this matter had nothing to do with Wei Xiaomei?

    How did Zhai Hua find out that Wei Wei was Wei De¡¯s son, then?

    No matter how hard Wei De thought, he could never have guessed that his rtionship with Wei Wei had been exposed by Qiao Nan, whom he had looked down on. After a long time of contemtion, there was no doubt that the Wei family could not survive without Zhai Hua.

    What¡¯s more, Wei De could not even use the excuse of needing to return to the military to dy the court session. The Zhai family had a significant influence and status in the military, after all. Wei De had no say in the military, but the Zhai family did.

    On the day of the court session, Wei De appeared restless and showed up looking pitiful with his disheveled clothes. ¡°Hua Hua...¡± The moment that he saw Zhai Hua, Wei De¡¯s eyes lit up as though he had seen the most important person in his life. A smile found its way onto his face. ¡°Hua Hua, I¡¯m finally seeing you again. I miss you.¡±

    Unlike Wei De¡¯s expression of affection, Zhai Hua was utterly disgusted by Wei De. He missed her? Because he missed her, he had slept with Wei Xiaomei? Because he missed her, he had always spent the night back from the military at the Wei family¡¯s house instead of spending time with her and Jiajia?

    Who could tell if Wei De had been spending time with Father and Mother Wei or Wei Xiaomei?

    What Zhai Hua knew was that Wei De would much rather spend all of his free time on everyone else but her or Jiajia.

    ¡°Hua Hua, you¡¯ve always been a good child. You¡¯ve never despised our family because of our background and you¡¯ve never looked down on me because of my past. Wei De was insensible and did something foolish, but can you forgive him just this once on our ount? Don¡¯t worry. From now on, your dad and I promise that we¡¯ll keep our eyes on Ah De, and we¡¯ll never let himmit this mistake ever again. It was his fault that I¡¯m going to lose such a filial daughter-inw. Don¡¯t get angry. I¡¯ll beat him up for you. Why did you go astray and cheat on Hua Hua? You like only Hua Hua, so why did you let someone else take advantage of you?¡±

    Mother Wei rushed up and tugged on Zhai Hua¡¯s hand as though Zhai Hua was her biological daughter while Wei De was her son-inw. As she told her sob story, Mother Wei actuallynded a few tight ps on Wei De¡¯s body.

    This was already a breakthrough for Mother Wei. Mother Wei had never scolded Wei De, much less beat him.

    Zhai Hua sneered. It seemed as though the Wei family could really not bear to see her get a divorce from Wei De from how Mother Wei was even willing to hit her son. Was this what going all out meant?

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Hua Hua. Your mom is right. I don¡¯t usually like to say anything. Your mom might be a little fierce, but she cares a lot about you and Jiajia. You¡¯re a very good daughter-inw. We would much rather lose our son than lose you. Jiajia is still young and needs aplete family. Hua Hua, for Jiajia¡¯s sake, you should reconsider this divorce. Your mom and I have been missing Jiajia a lot these days.¡±

    Father Wei, who had always remained silent at home, had finally spoken, making Zhai Hua realize that her father-inw was quite eloquent with his words. She did not understand why it was just unpleasant listening to her mother-inw. If not for Wei De, Jiajia, and this family, she would never have cared to interact with a woman like Mother Wei.

    Now, the problem came. Mother Wei was never good with her words while Wei De could coax others so smoothly. That was exactly how she had been deceived by him at that time. So, who did Wei De resemble? Zhai Hua finally got her answer today. It must have been from Father Wei.

    All for Jiajia¡¯s sake. That sounded nice.

    But she understood that what the Wei family really meant by for their child¡¯s sake was that they cared about their grandson, Wei De¡¯s son, Wei Wei, and not Jiajia.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Wei Weie? After this court case ends, he won¡¯t be a fatherless child anymore. He¡¯ll have a father and a mother. I thought that I would be able to meet him today and congratte him. After all, I was the one who raised him since he was young. I should congratte him about this, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    Zhai Hua was not foolish anymore and was not going to be deceived by the Wei family any longer. The Wei family had only talked about how Wei Xiaomei had drugged Wei De and how Wei De had been unwilling. But in the previous call, the Wei family had refused to talk about Wei De¡¯s rtionship with Wei Wei.

    Did the problem not exist just because they refused to talk about it?

    ¡°Hua Hua, it¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s just a misunderstanding.¡± Father Wei¡¯s eyes darkened. His daughter-inw, who had suppressed her dissatisfaction toward the Wei family, had suddenly be so stubborn and headstrong. Even though they, her elders, had already humbled themselves before her, Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude had not softened, and she seemed bent on destroying them. But at this point in time, they had no choice but to lower their pride since they were the ones who did not want to end this marriage. ¡°We¡¯re not sure who told you such a lie. Xiao Wei is Ah De¡¯s nephew. How could he be Ah De¡¯s son? That¡¯s a lie! He¡¯s being maligned! Hua Hua, you can¡¯t believe such lies and fall for such a trap!¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right! We only have one granddaughter, and that¡¯s Jiajia. We don¡¯t know who Xiao Wei¡¯s father is. Why is Ah De being used? He¡¯s being maligned! Hua Hua, don¡¯t believe them! It¡¯s a lie! It¡¯s fake!¡± Mother Wei quickly backed Father Wei up. As long as they could clear Ah De¡¯s rtion to Wei Wei, Zhai Hua would not be so determined to divorce Wei De.

    Zhai Hua smirked. ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re doing quite a good job.¡±

 Chapter 1906 - Impossible to Win

    <h4>Chapter 1906: Impossible to Win</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I think that¡¯s my favorite sentence that you¡¯ve said thus far. It¡¯s fake. It¡¯s all fake. Wei Wei isn¡¯t Wei De¡¯s son. Whether you say it or whether I say it, it all doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯ll leave it to science.¡±

    They would just use the DNA test. There was no point in wasting her breath.

    Because of Zhai Hua¡¯s words, the Wei family knew that Zhai Hua had indeed gone to conduct a DNA test and probably had the results in her hand.

    Father Wei¡¯s face paled and his voice faltered. ¡°Hua Hua, your dad farmed his whole life and didn¡¯t get much education. But I do know one thing. Science is never a hundred percent reliable.¡±

    Even if the DNA report said that Xiao Wei was Ah De¡¯s son, this could always change.

    ¡°Dad? I won¡¯t call you that anymore. I think I¡¯ll address you as uncle. You¡¯re right. Science isn¡¯t a hundred percent reliable, but if you really think so, I¡¯ll just hand the report over to the judge and see how the judge rules with the evidence. I believe in thew. Uncle, I¡¯ve just realized that you¡¯re good with your words, and your IQ and EQ aren¡¯t low either. Wei De is a spitting image of you.¡±

    In short, barking dogs did not bite. No matter how impolite it was, Father Wei seemed like the kind who would not bark but would bite even more fiercely.

    Who would have thought that a farmer like Father Wei would even deny the results of the DNA report?

    Withdrawing her hand from Mother Wei¡¯s hand, Zhai Hua walked toward the court without turning back. She would never cancel thiswsuit unless Wei De gave up on being a soldier. Otherwise, Wei De would have to attend this court session whether he wanted to or not.

    ¡°Hua Hua! Hua Hua!¡±Mother Wei was used to Zhai Hua following her wishes no matter how angry she was. She had never expected that Zhai Hua would simply walk off in front of so many people. It was like she was a new person. The unprepared Mother Wei had no way of stopping Zhai Hua and could only call out her name while chasing her.

    The moment the situation worsened, Father Wei could no longer hide his impatience and wanted very much to smoke a cigarette. However, the court was a solemn ce, and in order to give a good impression, Wei De had disallowed Father Wei from bringing his cigarettes along with him. Because of his addiction to smoking, Father Wei felt utterly miserable. ¡°Ah De, you have to be prepared. She means business. She¡¯s not going to let you go easy on the ount of your years of rtionship.¡±

    Mother Wei was trembling in fear. ¡°Ah De, does that really mean that your dad and I have to go back to the countryside and start farming again after your divorce?¡±

    Mother Wei had never enjoyed living that kind of life since she was young. All of a sudden, she had been saved from that life more than ten years ago. Mother Wei did not even want to think about returning to the countryside ever again.

    Her son was a soldier and apanymander. He was an important official, so why did she have to go back to such a hard life?

    Father Wei sighed. He had discussed the situation with Ah De for a long time. As long as Zhai Hua refused to change her mind, there was nothing they could do to change the situation either. The worst part was that Jiajia had witnessed the scene. Because Ah De had been at fault, Zhai Hua would not need to pay them any alimony. On the contrary, Ah De might even need topensate her.

    Jiajia would definitely choose to follow her mom, Zhai Hua. Jiajia would definitely lead a good life with Zhai Hua. Besides, they had never treated Jiajia better than Xiao Wei all these years. Jiajia was not foolish and she would have felt it too.

    Father Wei was confused. Just a few days ago, he had bragged to his neighbors that his son was apanymander and that his daughter-inw was the old chief¡¯s daughter. Their family had been farmers for generations, but his son¡¯s generation was different. The one thing he had done right in his life was giving birth to a son like Wei De and having a daughter-inw like Zhai Hua.

    That had just been a few days ago. His neighbors had even been envious of him being the father of apanymander. But after today, he might be nothing more than a good-for-nothing that had to return to the countryside.

    ¡°Ah De, we have no other choice. Why don¡¯t you beg Hua Hua and sweet-talk her? What will happen to Jiajia? Doesn¡¯t she care that Jiajia will be a fatherless child?¡± Mother Wei could act aggressively at home, but she did not dare to raise her voice in a solemn ce like the court. Mother Wei felt her legs and stomach trembling nonstop.

    If possible, she would not even want toe to such a ce. ¡°Is that DNA thing really that powerful?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡± Wei De rubbed his face. Indeed, he should find a chance to have a chat with Zhai Hua. He was not his dad or his mom, so he was clear that what he should be worried about was not just whether Zhai Hua was going to divorce him. He also had to be worried about how Zhai Hua¡¯s assets would have nothing to do with him and how his family would never get to touch a single cent of Zhai Hua¡¯s money ever again.

    What Wei De cared most about was that his past rtionship with Wei Xiaomei would be something that others could threaten him with. If they were to consider this carefully, he hadmitted bigamy and had cheated someone into marriage. The military was strict on discipline and would punish him harshly for it.

    He could forget about bing a vice battalionmander. But what if they removed his rank as apanymander and demoted him? What would he do then?

    After going to court, the situation was just as bad as what the Wei family had expected. Zhai Hua did indeed have quite a lot of evidence on hand and thewyers whom Zhai Hua had hired were all extremely eloquent, leaving the Wei family at a loss for words. Father and Mother Wei had never known that their neglect toward Jiajia could be used as a reason for divorce.

    Actually, if Wei Wei did not have such a rtionship with Wei De, the Wei family¡¯s treatment of Jiajia would never have been such a big deal. However, Wei Wei happened to be Wei De¡¯s son, and the Wei family had deliberately hidden this fact from Zhai Hua. Moreover, they even treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia. There was no way this would make sense.

    As such, during this first session, Wei De¡¯swyers had not had much time to speak before being rebutted by the opposingwyers. After understanding the whole matter, Wei De¡¯swyers told the Wei family that there was no possibility of ever winning the case and that they should not hold such high hopes.

    If the Wei family¡¯s and Zhai family¡¯s positions were reversed, there might still have been some hope.

 Chapter 1907 - How to Coax

    <h4>Chapter 1907: How to Coax</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But it was the Wei family, who already had such a poor family background to begin with, who had been the cheating party. The gall of them! To that, thewyer had nothing left to say.

    ¡°Lawyer, why didn¡¯t you say anything just now? How can we win the case like that? My son spent a lot of money hiring you. You can¡¯t just take our money and do nothing.¡± After the first session concluded, Mother Wei clung on to thewyer¡¯s suit frantically and spat at thewyer, who was utterly disgusted.

    Thewyer took a deep breath. ¡°Before the court session started, I already presented an analysis of this case to you. Unless the other party is willing to settle, there is no way you will win this case no matter who you hire Of course, if you feel that I haven¡¯t done my duty, I don¡¯t mind you changingwyers. I¡¯m willing to refund you the fees you paid earlier.¡±

    He would just take it as though he had worked for nothing in the past few days.

    After understanding the facts of this case, thewyer had spent less effort on this case. It was clearly a lost cause. He was not a judge, but even if he was, there was no way he would not agree to a divorce.

    ¡°Lawyer, don¡¯t. My mom is just too anxious and was a little harsh with her words. She means well. But can you try a little harder in thiswsuit?¡± Wei De himself could not do much. He had looked for manywyers for hiswsuit, but every single one of them had replied to him in the same manner.

    There were even a fewwyers who simply refused to take on the case after realizing who Zhai Hua was. They could not afford to ept this money. Who would be foolish as to say no to money? Wei De was confused about thesewyers¡¯ attitudes.

    It was only because Wei De was polite that thewyer¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°Company Commander Wei, I gave you my suggestion earlier on. If you really want to fight thiswsuit, you can¡¯t match up to them in any way. I believe that your rtionship with your wife should have been pretty good to have married her at that time. Since you could do it at that time, as long as you work as hard now as you did then, I believe that you¡¯ll be able to reach a settlement eventually. As long as your wife agrees not to get a divorce, everything will be resolved. The key to thiswsuit lies in your wife¡¯s hands.¡±

    Thewyer was just short of saying that Wei De should just use the same underhanded methods and same efforts as he had done as a peasant boy to win Zhai Hua over. She was just a woman. Words would appease her.

    If she insisted on thiswsuit, Wei De would definitely lose badly.

    After leaving Wei De with a heartfelt suggestion, thewyer took his leave. He had more on hand than this case he was sure he would never win.

    ¡°Ah De, why don¡¯t you take thewyer¡¯s advice and think of how to win Zhai Hua over?¡± Mother Wei asked cautiously. She felt that thewyer did make sense. When Zhai Hua had married her son, her son had not even been apanymander. He had been a mere soldier.

    Her son had managed to woo such an important youngdy like Zhai Hua even with his poor background. There was no reason that Ah De would not be able to appease Zhai Hua and win her back now that they had been husband and wife for over ten years, had been promoted to apanymander, and even had a daughter like Jiajia.

    Wei Deughed bitterly. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t want that to happen? Do you think that I¡¯m not familiar with Zhai Hua¡¯s temper after so many years? I was the one who didn¡¯t pay close enough attention to Wei Xiaomei¡¯s matter. I thought that it would never see the light of day since it had been buried for so many years. Zhai Hua¡¯s temper also changed drastically after marriage that I got too cocky. Without Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei, Zhai Hua would definitely help me beg the Zhai family for help if I caused any trouble. But now...¡±

    No matter what he did or said, there was no way Zhai Hua would ever forgive him or agree to continue staying married to him.

    Women were such strange creatures. No matter how big of a mess he created, Zhai Hua would never give up on him even if the world came crashing down. On the contrary, because he had slept with another woman and had had a child with said woman, Zhai Hua felt that it was worse than the world copsing and was even more unforgivable. She was even denying their ten years¡¯ worth of rtionship.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about coaxing her. Unless it¡¯s a court session, I won¡¯t even be able to meet with Zhai Hua. How will I ever coax her? Zhai Hua is serious this time. I don¡¯t have any other choice. Haven¡¯t you realized that our family hasn¡¯t even seen Jiajia? Zhai Hua and the Zhai family are preparing to push me into a corner.¡±

    This was the first time Wei De realized just how much he missed his daughter, Jiajia, and wanted to see her.

    This divorcewsuit was not as easy as he thought it would be unless they both came to a settlement.

    Although the divorcewsuit would take a while to end, Zhai Hua was not worried about it at all. Conversely, her mood was getting better as she became more open-minded. It was just a divorce. It was no big deal. She still had her family and a wonderful daughter, Jiajia. Without that bast*rd, Wei De, Jiajia¡¯s and her life would only get better.

    As Zhai Hua finally put all that down, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation deteriorated slightly. On the second day, Qiao Nan had wanted to leave Ping Cheng and return to Qingshui Town to continue her life. Although no one else knew, she had been living in the same courtyard as the Qiao family again. Under normal circumstances, there was no way the Qiao family would find out that she had returned.

    The problem was that the Qiao family might not have learned of it, but there were many other neighbors who recognized her. As soon as someone recognized her and told the Qiao family about her arrival, she would have to deal with the Qiao family¡¯s clinging on to her in front of the Zhai family. That would be horrible.

    No matter what, Qiao Nan did not want to disgrace herself in front of the Zhai family. So, it was best for Qiao Nan to take the opportunity to leave Ping Cheng and return to Qingshui Town before things progressed to that stage.

    But every time Qiao Nan brought up the matter of leaving, Zhai Sheng would find an excuse to refuse, causing Qiao Nan to dy her leaving day by day. It seemed as though she would not return to Qingshui Town before Zhai Hua¡¯s divorcewsuit was settled.

    And the facts proved that Qiao Nan¡¯s worries were not groundless but were, in fact, very necessary. What Qiao Nan did not know was that on the third day she returned to Ping Cheng, a certain person from the Qiao family had already learned of it. What Qiao Nan did not know either was that from that day on, that person would make a round around the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard from time to time so as to peek on her and see how she was doing and whether she was leading a better life than before.

 Chapter 1908 - Reluctant to Sell It

    <h4>Chapter 1908: Reluctant to Sell It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon seeing Qiao Dongliang return home, Ding Jiayi expressed her dissatisfaction. ¡°What¡¯s up with you nowadays? Why are you always heading out? Zijin is so ill. Why don¡¯t you care more about her?¡±

    Thinking about her elder daughter whose condition was deteriorating by the day, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached. Because her family¡¯s situation had been exposed more and more, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who had been pitied by the public, were now being looked down on. Eventually, Qiao Zijin, who had run out of money, could no longer withstand the public scrutiny and chose to be discharged from the hospital and to return home.

    Up until today, Qiao Zijin¡¯s condition had not improved in the slightest. The kidney donor was still a difficult problem they had yet to resolve.

    Upon hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang nced at Qiao Zijin¡¯s room. ¡°Didn¡¯t the hospital call to say that they found a suitable kidney? Didn¡¯t they ask us if we want it? If we want it, they¡¯ll arrange for a surgery as soon as possible. Once she undergoes the surgery, won¡¯t Zijin be cured?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang realized that Qiao Zijin¡¯s door had been left ajar. As such, he knew that Qiao Zijin could hear his conversation with Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi stared angrily at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I know. But do we have enough money to ept that kidney? epting it and undergoing surgery will cost us four hundred thousand yuan. With our family¡¯s situation, where will we find four hundred thousand yuan? If that wretched girl was still here, we might have been able to fork out that money and let Zijin undergo the surgery.¡±

    That wretched girl had no other use than to earn some money. Initially, that wretched girl had already gotten a hundred thousand before getting into an ident, and she had even said that she would hand over another hundred thousand soon. As for the initially agreed upon two hundred thousand suddenly bing four hundred thousand, Ding Jiayi had been infuriated over it. Was this not a set cost?

    But there was no room for bargaining. Kidneys were a scarce resource and the hospital would not give them much time for consideration. If they thought that it was too expensive, there would always be another person who would be willing to fork out that sum of money in exchange for their health.

    Thinking about how Zijin had cried in front of her, Ding Jiayi could not help but say, ¡°Old Qiao, nothing¡¯s more important than a life. We only have one daughter left. We can¡¯t possibly watch her die, right? We can still earn more money, but we won¡¯t be able to revive her. Do you think we should sell this courtyard and hand over the money for Zijin¡¯s surgery?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Dongliang refused. ¡°We already sold this courtyard once to send Zijin to a better university. If not for Nan Nan, we would have lost this house a long time ago. Do you still think that there will be someone to help us repurchase this house if we sell it this time?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zijin was right. She and Old Qiao were that wretched girl¡¯s birth parents. Could that wretched girl possibly hide for her entire life withouting back up until their deaths? The moment that wretched girl appeared, repurchasing this courtyard would be her duty because she had to support them. ¡°We can talk about the house in the future. We should let Zijin undergo her surgery first.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang thought differently from her and liked to help Qiao Nan, so she did not speak her mind. No matter what, it was more important to book this surgery. Otherwise, that kidney might no longer be avable by the time they decided to sell the house.

    ¡°No. I said no. We already sold this house once for Zijin. We can¡¯t sell it a second time. You and Zijin shouldn¡¯t even think about selling this house.¡± Qiao Dongliang even took the effort to nce toward Qiao Zijin¡¯s room. He knew that Ding Jiayi had not been the one toe up with this idea. It had definitely been Qiao Zijin.

    At that time, they had donated a sum of money in order to get Qiao Zijin into a better university. To do so, they had sold the house. The moment they had done so, Ding Jiayi had regretted it and nagged all day. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would not have worked so hard to earn enough money to repurchase the house.

    In just a few years, the price of that same house had increased drastically.

    That was how it had been at that time. Now that so many years had passed, Qiao Dongliang knew that the property prices were even scarier than they had been in the past, especially for old houses like this courtyard. They were hard toe by even if one had the money.

    Qiao Dongliang was clear that they would never be able to afford this house again, even if Qiao Nan was willing to work all day and night and spend all her money on purchasing the house again.

    Besides, Qiao Dongliang had another n in mind for this house, but he was not prepared to let Ding Jiayi in on this n. Ding Jiayi had been a little concerned when Qiao Nan had repurchased this house.

    She knew that Qiao Nan had paid for the house alone, and if she had listened to Qiao Zijin and had registered the house under Qiao Zijin¡¯s name at that time, she would never have been able to answer to Qiao Nan. Besides, Ding Jiayi still had ns to make more money off Qiao Nan.

    Thus, Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin that it would not be possible with this house. But that did not mean that she would never have a house. After all, Qiao Nan was good at making money. She would just try her best to get all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money. Then, she would be able to buy another property for Qiao Zijin.

    At that time, Qiao Zijin had not known the true value of the quad. To be honest, she did not really care for the quad since she had grown up there and very much preferred a high-rise apartment.

    Because Ding Jiayi had said so, Qiao Zijin felt the same way and did not insist on having it her way either. When the house was repurchased, Ding Jiayi used the excuse that the house was the Qiao family¡¯s old vi and that it would be her and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lifetime sustenance. As such, the house would be registered under Qiao Dongliang¡¯s name now that it had been repurchased.

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang felt that he still had a certain status in his wife¡¯s heart. Otherwise, she would have found a way to register it under her name alone. In that way, she would have control over the allocation of the house.

    Ding Jiayi did not think much about it, but that did not mean that Qiao Zijin did not. Qiao Zijin wanted to live, and she wanted to live well. She wanted to let those people who had mocked her know just how capable Qiao Zijin was. They wanted to make a mockery of her? They had better lead better lives than her, then.

    Qiao Zijin truly cherished herrge apartment. The quad was expensive and was under his name. If they were to sell the quad, not only would Qiao Zijin be cured, but she would also get the leftover money from the sale. Conversely, if they were to sell her apartment, she would have nothing valuable to her name anymore.

 Chapter 1909 - Continue Supporting

    <h4>Chapter 1909: Continue Supporting</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The quad was not hers. It was her father¡¯s.

    Qiao Zijin was very clear of the concept of ownership. As such, she hinted to Ding Jiayi to sell the quad to pay for her treatment.

    Ding Jiayi did not understand what Qiao Zijin meant by that, but Qiao Donglian did. It was exactly because he understood Qiao Zijin¡¯s intentions that he would never sell the house.

    At this moment, Qiao Dongliang could never rest easy about Qiao Zijin. For her own benefits, Qiao Zijin was willing to sell the quad once and again. Without the quad, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s personality, there was no way she would care about the elderly couple, much less invite them to herrge apartment to live with her.

    ¡°Then, what will happen to Zijin? Are we really going to let her die?¡± Ding Jiayi was unskilled and had no other choice. Other than selling their house, they had no other way of forking out such a huge sum of money in such a short span of time. ¡°We really can¡¯t afford to dy Zijin¡¯s treatment any longer.¡±

    It was urgent. Her elder daughter¡¯s treatment could not wait any longer. In the past, her daughter had been attractive and healthy-looking. Now, she was so skinny that she was left with just skin and bone. Qiao Dongliang had seen all these and was frantic too.

    As a father, he had lost countless strands of hair worrying about this situation, but Qiao Zijin herself was still in the mood to preserve her own interests even as she toed the line between life and death. Worse still, she was even trying to maximize her own interests! That was what made Qiao Dongliang so coldhearted.

    It was not as though Qiao Zijin had no other choice. If she really cherished her life, Qiao Zijin would have made a decision to sell her apartment in the first ce. If she had sold the house, would she be worrying about money now? Qiao Zijin wanted that house, but she also wanted her life and money. Should everything belong to Qiao Zijin? Who said so?

    Thinking about how Qiao Zijin was still so scheming, Qiao Dongliang felt that there was no need for him to hurry. Anyway, Qiao Zijin herself was in no hurry to save her life. Would he not be taken as a joke if he spent too much effort worrying about her?

    His elder daughter was the one who was ill, and it was his elder daughter¡¯s life. If his elder daughter cherished her life and wanted to live, she would know what to do. If she no longer had the will to live, there was no reason for her to drag the elderly couple down with her, especially since she had never supported them in her entire life. Even if Old Ding was willing to do it, he was not.

    He had not seen Nan Nan get married and have children yet. He could not bear to die at this moment. ¡°If you can¡¯t wait, then just get treated.¡±

    ¡°Treated? Where¡¯s the money?¡± Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Dongliang still did not understand her point. If that was so easy, why would they be so worried and have dyed it until now?

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re not asleep yet, are you? Since you¡¯re not asleep,e on out and listen to us. Let¡¯s hear what ns you have for yourself. This is your illness, after all.¡±

    After hiding in the room for a long time, Qiao Zijin had gotten anxious over how Ding Jiayi had not managed to settle the matter after such a long time. Initially, Qiao Zijin had already wanted to jump up from her bed to settle this personally. Now that Qiao Dongliang had invited her out, Qiao Zijin indeed emerged from her room.

    She wanted to rify the situation too. Her dad had only one daughter left, so what did her dad really want to do? Did he really intend to watch her die and put his hopes on Qiao Nan, who had run away and had not returned for a few months?

    She was her parents¡¯ only hope now, and only she would be able to support her parents in their old age. Once her parents passed on, this house would still be hers. Since it would eventually be hers, would it not be the same to sell it and pass her the proceeds of the sale now?

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Zijin did not feel the least bit guilty. After emerging from her room, she picked afortable spot and sat down. ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve always been good to me. I¡¯ll listen to you no matter what ns you have.¡± Since she had already said that, she did not believe that her dad would really wash his hands off the matter and let her die.

    ¡°No. This is not about what ns I have. It¡¯s what ns you have. Zijin, I¡¯ll give you three options. You can pick any one of them. First, your mom and I will go get ourselves checked tomorrow to see which of our kidneys are more suitable for you. Then, we¡¯ll quickly borrow some money for you to get your surgery done.¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin in the eye with a little expectation in his heart.

    Qiao Zijin did not know the dilemma Qiao Dongliang was in and immediately rejected this idea. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve already said that this won¡¯t work. I haven¡¯t been filial to you and Mom, and I haven¡¯t provided for you guys yet. How can I let you suffer while I live?¡±

    Her parents were already advanced in age. As such, she was sure that their kidneys were no better than her own. She was afraid that she would need to undergo another surgery in another ten years¡¯ time if she were to receive a kidney from her parents.

    This did not count. Even if she did not mind her parents¡¯ kidney and epted it, it would only solve the problem of a kidney donor. The problem was that the surgery fees alone were not something that the Qiao family could afford. They still had to borrow money from others.

    If this had been Qiao Zijin in the past, she would never have been worried about it. There was no big deal about borrowing money. As long as Qiao Nan was around, she would never have to worry about returning the money she borrowed. But the situation was different now. Qiao Nan was no longer here. Her parents would pay for whatever money her parents borrowed while they were still alive. But once they were gone, she would have to take on that debt and return the money.

    How could she agree to that?

    Ever since she got married to Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin had never worked at all. If the family had such a huge burden to carry, Qiao Zijin could imagine that once she was discharged, her parents would definitely pressure her into finding a job and would work her as hard as Qiao Nan in the past.

    If that were the case, she might as well refuse the surgery. Working that hard would shorten her life. Even a fool knew that.

    Ding Jiayi was moved by Qiao Zijin¡¯s words while Qiao Dongliang was shocked by Qiao Zijin¡¯s calctions and schemes. He did not want to think so badly of his daughter, and neither did he want to admit just how scheming his daughter was. As such, Qiao Dongliang continued. ¡°The second solution... Zijin, don¡¯t you still have an apartment? Just sell that apartment. Didn¡¯t you tell Nan Nan at that time that your mom and I have a share in that apartment? Don¡¯t worry. Even after you sell that apartment, there will always be a room for you in our house. Besides, there will be some money left even after paying for your treatment. Your mom and I won¡¯t touch that. You can keep it for yourself.¡±

    In other words, as long as Qiao Zijin sold her apartment and treated her illness with that money, Qiao Dongliang was still willing to support his daughter, Qiao Zijin, who was already in her forties.

 Chapter 1910 - Cannot Bear to Look

    <h4>Chapter 1910: Cannot Bear to Look</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was already rare for a parent to raise a child to this age, especially since Qiao Zijin did not work. No matter how much the children of other families relied on their parents, they would find a job for themselves at the very least. Then, they wouldin that their sry was low. But Qiao Zijin had skipped this entire process!

    Hearing this solution, Ding Jiayi thought that this was a n too. Initially, Ding Jiayi had thought that there was no big deal in selling the quad to treat Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness. This house would eventually be passed down to Qiao Zijin, after all. But selling the apartment would be the same too.

    The most important thing was to treat Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness. Ding Jiayi did not care which property they sold. ¡°Zijin, this solution sounds good. Haven¡¯t you always been staying here in the courtyard after you got divorced from Chen Jun? You grew up here, so you can just continue staying here. Just sell that apartment.¡±

    It would be a pity since that apartment was huge and beautiful, with gorgeous white marble lining the floor. After owning the house for such a long time, she had not even moved in yet. It would be such a pity to sell a new house that she herself had not lived in.

    ¡°No way!¡± Qiao Zijin immediately retorted. ¡°We can¡¯t sell that apartment. If we have to sell anything, it has to be this quad.¡± Qiao Zijin was frustrated. This quad was hers too. Since they were all hers, why could she not decide on how to deal with them?

    Qiao Dongliang drew a sharp breath and asked straightforwardly, ¡°If we sell this quad, where will your mom and I live?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had not realized the meaning of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words and said naturally, ¡°Of course we¡¯ll rent an apartment. After you sold this house, didn¡¯t you rent an apartment too? Since you could do it then, you can do it now too. I¡¯ve already thought about it. I¡¯ll rent an apartment with a room and a living room for you. It¡¯s more than enough space for you and Mom.¡±

    ¡°Right. That¡¯s right. That¡¯s much better than the apartment we lived in at that time. Old Qiao, look at how much Zijin thinks about us. Remember how we had to squeeze into a rented room thest time we sold our house? I told you that Zijin¡¯s much better than that wretched girl. Did that wretched girl give us such a good life at that time?¡±

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had already discussed renting an apartment. It was natural that they turned to renting an apartment after selling the house. At that time, they had squeezed into a room after selling the house, causing Ding Jiayi to regret her decision.

    Thinking about how hard she had had it at that time, Ding Jiayi had been rather reluctant to sell the quad too. Seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s unwillingness, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to bring up the idea of renting a small apartment for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi so that they would still livefortably, just like they had done at home.

    Qiao Zijin even said that her parents had spent their whole lives in the quad and had never experienced living in an apartment. It would be good for them to have a change in environment and experience living in a different kind of home.

    Now that Qiao Zijin had said that, Ding Jiayi had indeed agreed to it. They were mother and daughter, after all, and shared simr ideas.

    Seeing how Ding Jiayi was overjoyed and defending her elder daughter even after being deceived, Qiao Dongliang was almost speechless. After a long while, Qiao Dongliang asked, ¡°If you rent an apartment with only one room, where will you stay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll return to my own house.¡± She had her own house and did not have to worry about having nowhere to live. ¡°You and Mom toiled your whole lives for me and Qiao Nan. You¡¯ve never been able to enjoy your own lives. I¡¯ve thought about it. Once we sell this house and treat my illness, the two of you can have your own lives in that apartment. You don¡¯t have to worry about me. My mom will just have toe over once a week to clean up for me. Then, you will not only be able to live your own lives, but I¡¯ll even sign you up for a tour to Thand for you to have a vacation!¡±

    To make it sound as though she was renting the apartment out of filial piety, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to spend twenty thousand yuan on a tour for her parents.

    ¡°Right, that¡¯s what Zijin means.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was glowing. Going abroad. That was something she had never gotten the chance to do in this whole lifetime. And it was her daughter forking out the money for her to go on a holiday with Old Qiao! She had said long ago that Zijin was a good kid and they could only rely on Zijin in their old age.

    Now, facts proved that her judgment had been much better than Old Qiao¡¯s. Zijin was good, while that wretched girl was wretched indeed. She was such an ingrate! ¡°We¡¯ve worked hard our whole lives to raise two children. That wretched girl is too heartless. I don¡¯t even want to acknowledge having a daughter like her. I¡¯ll just take it that I raised her for nothing. In the future, let¡¯s live our own lives. I¡¯ll go help Zijin clean up her house from time to time and help her cook. Old Qiao, I¡¯ve never imagined that I would be able to live such a good life at our age!¡±

    She had been as pretty as a flower when she had just married Old Qiao. They had not had much time together before they had their elder daughter, Qiao Zijin. Now that they were old, they were leading lives that could not even match up to young people¡¯s! It was actually quite embarrassing.

    Qiao Zijin was cheating Ding Jiayi of her money, but Ding Jiayi was still gleefully trying to help her! The sight of the mother and daughter¡¯s interaction left Qiao Dongliang at a loss of words.

    No matter how nicely she said it, it could not change the fact that their elder daughter despised them and was unwilling to stay with them. Renting them a house? Did they not have a house in the first ce? They were only homeless because they were selling the house for their elder daughter¡¯s treatment.

    They were doing all these for their elder daughter, but she was still reluctant to live with them. What else could Qiao Dongliang say to that? And Old Ding would even have to go to her elder daughter¡¯s house from time to time to clean and cook? So, that meant that their elder daughter did not want to live with them but wanted them to work for her! In that way, she would be able to save some money on hiring a caretaker.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart dropped when he realized just how callous his elder daughter was and felt provoked by Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. Did this wife of his have no heart or brain of her own? Could she not think or feel for herself?

    Ding Jiayi had forced their most filial daughter away and was now calling their evil-hearted and mean-spirited elder daughter a good child. Qiao Dongliang suddenly realized that not only was he unable to live with his elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, any longer, but he could not even stand to look at his wife, Ding Jiayi, anymore.

 Chapter 1911 - Silence

    <h4>Chapter 1911: Silence</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you¡¯re not selling your house, we won¡¯t sell this quad. I have a quad and arge house. Our family has two houses. If I can¡¯t stay in the other house after selling one of them, why should I sell the quad?!¡±

    How would Qiao Dongliang be softhearted after knowing about his elder daughter¡¯s wishful thinking? She had really treated him and Ding Jiayi as burdens. His elder daughter had not recovered from her illness yet and needed her parents to do everything for her. However, she was already thinking of how to get rid of the two of them after she had recovered. Qiao Dongliang felt that he shouldn¡¯t be concerned about his elder daughter now but his livelihood in the future instead.

    Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s n, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t feel that Qiao Zijin would find a job to earn money and lead a good and honest life once she had recovered from her illness. Since Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t work but loved to spend money, where would the moneye from? Of course, it woulde from selling the quad.

    Seeing how Qiao Zijin was idling at home, even if the quad was sold for a high price, it would not be able to withstand Qiao Zijin¡¯s spending. At that time, not only would he and Old Ding not be able to enjoy their old age in peace, but they might even have to sweep the streets and earn a meager ie of slightly more than a thousand yuan a month in their seventies and eighties.

    ¡°Dad, you...¡± She didn¡¯t expect her father to be as bad as her mother. Both of them wanted to live in her house. Although her house had been around for several years, hardly anyone lived in it after it had been renovated and it was considered brand new. How would she let her parents live in such a good house?

    Qiao Zijin despised Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi and felt that the two of them would dirty the house if they stayed in it. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯m thinking for you and Mom so that you could live your lives alone. Dad, I¡¯m really doing this for the both of you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s fine that you don¡¯t appreciate Zijin¡¯s good intentions, but how can you throw temper at her? Zijin, don¡¯t mind your dad. He¡¯s ill-tempered and doesn¡¯t know right from wrong.¡± Ding Jiayi supported Qiao Zijin. She felt that her elder daughter¡¯s arrangement was pretty good.

    With a living room and a bedroom, it was at least much better than the days when they had to sell the quad for the first time.

    After ncing at the stupid Ding Jiayi who couldn¡¯t even tell right from wrong but had the cheek to tell others off, Qiao Dongliang refused tomunicate further with her. Anyway, the quad was under his name. If he disagreed, nobody could sell it. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before. Since I¡¯m not willing to sell this house and Zijin is not willing to sell the big house, then we have to resort to the third method, which is for Zijin to stay at home every day and see if God is willing to give us a miracle so that she doesn¡¯t need to undergo surgery or could get better just by taking medicine.¡±

    The truth was that the first suggestion Qiao Dongliang put forward was already the biggest sacrifice he could make for Qiao Zijin as a father. At his age, would Qiao Dongliang not have known how big an impact undergoing a huge surgery like a kidney transnt would have on his health?

    He would rather sacrifice his own health and shorten a few years of his life so that his daughter could live for a few more years. It was a pity that although he wasn¡¯t afraid of shortening his life, his daughter was worried that his kidney wouldn¡¯t work well and couldn¡¯t let her live for a few more years. Not only was his elder daughter not touched, but she even disdained him. Qiao Dongliang felt that this was his and Ding Jiayi¡¯s misfortune as parents.

    The proposed solutions were rejected repeatedly. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fatherly love and patience were gone.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words shocked Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin turned pale. ¡°Dad, by the third method, do you mean for me to wait for death?¡± For an illness like hers, how was it possible for there to be a miracle?

    The doctor had said very clearly that even if she epted the kidney transnt, her illness wasn¡¯t fully free from recurrence. She might not fully recover from the illness even if she went for treatment. Then, wouldn¡¯t it just be waiting for death if she didn¡¯t?

    Did she hear wrongly or did her father say wrongly? How could her father say such cold and ruthless words to her?

    ¡°Old Qiao, are you confused? Do you not know what you have just said?¡± Ding Jiayi was shocked. Old Qiao and she were only left with one child, Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Zijin was gone, there might not even be someone to n for their funerals when they passed away in the future. ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be mistaken. Your father is just too anxious about your illness and he¡¯s ill-tempered. No matter what, he doesn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t repeat the words ¡®waiting for death¡¯ to persuade Qiao Zijin and help Qiao Dongliang ¡®clear his name¡¯.

    Qiao Dongliangpletely didn¡¯t want to ept Ding Jiayi¡¯s ¡®good intentions.¡¯¡±I¡¯ve already been home for an hour. Old Ding, go and prepare a meal. After the meal, I want to rest earlier today.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything wrong, and neither was he joking. His words couldn¡¯t be more serious. As to what his elder daughter and Ding Jiayi wanted to think, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t control them.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s life was hers. The right to choose was also in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. The doctor said that it was rare for them to have a kidney source. If their family couldn¡¯t make a decision as soon as possible, then sorry, the hospital wouldn¡¯t drag this on as other patients needed it urgently as well. Once the time was up, this kidney source would be arranged for other patients.

    For the sake of money, Qiao Zijin would rather miss out on this kidney source than to care for her life. Qiao Dongliang felt that there was no use in him worrying so much. If Qiao Zijin wanted to survive, she had to fight hard to do so. If Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to continue living, there wasn¡¯t any way for an old man like him to prevent her from seeking death. He wasn¡¯t a doctor, and Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to ept his kidney.

    ¡°Why are you in a daze? Didn¡¯t you hear me asking you to prepare a meal? Do you want to starve me to death as well? When that happens, Ding Jiayi, you¡¯ll be the only one left in this house. Nobody would care about you after you pass away. Are you happy then?¡± Old Ding could no longer be described as foolish. If Old Ding continued this way, he and Old Ding might not be able to continue living together.

    As long as Old Ding was around, no matter what idea his elder daughter came up with, it would only cause trouble and unrest to all. Nan Nan was already so frightened that she went into hiding and didn¡¯t dare return. At his age, he would only be more afraid of trouble than Nan Nan. If he couldn¡¯t continue living with Old Ding, then so be it.

    After being yelled at by Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi, who was still being stupid, could only stand up and go to the kitchen. It wasn¡¯t until she finished preparing dinner did she recover and realize what had just happened.

    The Qiao family ate this meal in silence. Nobody was talking. Qiao Zijin pulled a long face and returned to the room expressionlessly after having a few mouthfuls of rice.

 Chapter 1912 - Having a Chat Again

    <h4>Chapter 1912: Having a Chat Again</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Seeing Qiao Zijin like this, Ding Jiayi was pretty afraid. ¡°Old Qiao, your words were too unkind just now. Zijin took your words seriously and became angry.¡±

    Qiao Zijin answered Ding Jiayi after eating his fill. ¡°She¡¯s already a mother in her forties. Think about it yourself. How long has she worked for? She¡¯s already an adult but keeps relying on others and her parents for a living. We don¡¯t despise her, yet she dares to be rude toward us. This daughter is filial, really filial. We have raised such a good daughter up. If you¡¯re afraid, go and coax her. I won¡¯t do it. Also, if Zijin took my words seriously, you¡¯d better take my words seriously as well. If she¡¯s unhappy, I¡¯m not going to stop her. Doesn¡¯t she still have a house? She despises us both and isn¡¯t willing for us to stay in her new house. I won¡¯t go over, but she can stay there herself. I promise you that if she stays in the big house, I would definitely not go over out of greed. I am surnamed Qiao!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was really not afraid or worried at all that Qiao Zijin was angry. Alone in his old age? Sorry, but he was really not worried. If he still couldn¡¯t figure out at this time which daughter was the truly filial one, all the years of rice he had eaten would have gone to waste.

    He admitted that he didn¡¯t treat Nan Nan well enough and caused her to suffer. However, he believed firmly that even if he was an ipetent father and had treated Nan Nan badly, Nan Nan would definitely be the first to stand up and take on the responsibility if he needed someone to provide for him when he was old.

    He had someone to provide for him. When he passed away, there was someone to n his funeral and cry for him. Thankfully, he wanted a second child back then. Otherwise, at this time, he really had to be like Ding Jiayi and be worried about his old age in the face of such an unfilial daughter!

    Although Qiao Zijin returned to her room angry without eating much, she was really worried that her father¡¯s words were true and that he wouldn¡¯t change his mind again. If that was really the case, didn¡¯t it mean that she could only be waiting for death since she refused to ept her parents¡¯ kidneys and was unwilling to sell the big house?

    At her age, she still had a lot of good days ahead. She didn¡¯t want to die. She wanted to live well!

    As such, the person who was truly afraid the most was Qiao Zijin herself.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Upon seeing Ding Jiayi walk in, Qiao Zijin stood up nervously. ¡°Mom, after I left, what did Dad say? Did Dad regret it but couldn¡¯t bring himself to apologize to me? Although Dad¡¯s words were overboard, I won¡¯t be calctive toward him. Did Dad say to sell the quad quickly for my treatment?¡±

    The kidney source really couldn¡¯t wait for her any longer!

    Embarrassed, Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin and didn¡¯t say anything. Not only did Qiao Dongliang not say the words Qiao Zijin mentioned, but he even said that he couldn¡¯t be more serious. ¡°Zijin, I don¡¯t know what happened to your father suddenly either. However, you should think clearly. The hospital might be arranging the kidney for another patient tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that something in her body broke. ¡°Mom, does Dad mean that he really wants to watch me die and not want me anymore? Could it be that to him, money is more important than my life? How is there such a ruthless father in this world? Am I your birth child? Qiao Nan has already run away. I¡¯m your only daughter left. Is Dad prepared to live his life together with the quad so that when he dies, the quad can n his funeral instead?¡±

    ¡°Softer!¡± Ding Jiayi stepped forward and covered Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth. ¡°Your father is obviously holding a grudge against you. If he hears this, you really should forget counting on the house for your surgery.¡±

    Old Qiao was the decision-maker in the family. If Old Qiao wasn¡¯t willing to sell the house, there was no point in her being a willing party.

    ¡°Zijin, why don¡¯t you listen to your father and choose one of the two former methods? Didn¡¯t you say that being alive was more important than anything else? What is more important is that our family of three is always together. I was listening just now, and the second method seems feasible. Why don¡¯t you sell the big house? Anyway, you have always been staying at the quad. Of course, if you really like the big house and want to sell the quad, I don¡¯t think your father means anything else. He just cherishes you, this daughter, and wants to stay together with you. Let me and your father stay with you in the big house. We¡¯re already an old couple. People willugh their teeth off if they find out we still want to have some alone time. As long as you let me and your father stay in the big house, he might be willing to sell the quad.¡±

    Things have not reached the worst yet. Aside from thatst sentence, Old Qiao¡¯s words made sense and he didn¡¯t say anything overboard.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t think too much. As long as her daughter and husband were by her side, it didn¡¯t matter where or with whom they stayed. Ding Jiayi could ept the result of the two of them staying in a house with a living room and a master bedroom or with their daughter.

    Ding Jiayi could ept it, but the problem was that Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t. However,pared to her life, she had to learn to ept things that she couldn¡¯t ept. ¡°Mom, initially, I wanted you and Dad to live together alone. However, since you¡¯ve already said this and Qiao Nan is like that, I will definitely be the one to take care of you and Dad in the future. Let¡¯s sell the quad first. When I¡¯ve recovered from my illness, the three of us will live together in the big house.¡± Would that do?

    Qiao Zijin knew it clearly in her heart that the big house was under her name and the real estate certificate was in her hands. It couldn¡¯t run away from her. However, the quad was different. The quad was under her father¡¯s name. It might not necessarily belong to her in the end. Also, once the quad was sold, the money for selling the quad would be in her hands. Was there anything more realpared to this?

    Anyway, she didn¡¯t like the quad. She had long thought about it. When there was a chance in the future, she would stay in the big house. At the very most, she would move in a little earlier. She really couldn¡¯t tell that her father had more thoughts than her mother. Not only did he not understand his child¡¯s predicament, but he also did some things deliberately to burden her.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. I think this idea works. Your father will agree to it.¡± Ding Jiayi was extremely satisfied. To be honest, after listening to Old Qiao¡¯s words, she was worried as well. She and Old Qiao were only left with Qiao Zijin. Once the quad was sold, she felt insecure that she and Old Qiao would be living in a rented house and their only daughter wasn¡¯t by her side.

    As long as everyone stayed together, Ding Jiayi could ept this answer. ¡°Have a good rest. I¡¯ll speak to your father.¡±

 Chapter 1913 - I Wonâ€™t Stop You

    <h4>Chapter 1913: I Won¡¯t Stop You</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°After the chat, we¡¯ll reply to the hospital tomorrow so that you could undergo surgery quickly. We can¡¯t drag this any longer. If we don¡¯t say anything tomorrow, the hospital might act first.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded nervously. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t we do this? After discussing with Dad, call the hospital immediately and tell them we want that kidney and ask them to please arrange a kidney transnt for me as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom has always ced your matters first in my heart. There won¡¯t be any problem.¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to im the credit. She felt that she had persuaded Qiao Zijin and wanted to prove her sacrifice to her. As such, Ding Jiayi happily entered Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. ¡°Old Qiao, Zijin has agreed to it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too much as well. You¡¯re already a grandfather, but your temper is worse than Zijin¡¯s. You don¡¯t act like a father at all.¡±

    ¡°Agreed to it?¡± Could it be that he had seen Zijin wrongly just now and she could still be saved? ¡°Which method did she choose?¡± As long as it wasn¡¯t the third, everything else was still easy to say. However, the third was a dead end. Zijin shouldn¡¯t have chosen that either.

    ¡°What other methods are there? Of course it¡¯s the second one.¡± Ding Jiayi sat on the bed and looked at the main house with nostalgia in her eyes. Ever since Old Qiao knew what kind of environment Qiao Nan had been living in for the past ten years, he threw a temper at her. Until now, she was still sleeping in that small room.

    Since she had resolved Zijin¡¯s matter this time around, Old Qiao should be appeased and would agree to her moving back again, right?

    Really, they were already an old couple but sleeping separately. Weren¡¯t they afraid that others would see them as a joke, or Zijin, their daughter, would know about this?

    Qiao Dongliang was happy at first. Then, he asked suspiciously, ¡°Zijin is willing to sell her big house?¡± If Zijin really chose the second method, this was considered good news for Qiao Dongliang. This meant that between money and parents, Qiao Zijin still felt that parents were more important.

    It was just that Qiao Zijin had broken his heart not too long ago. Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t dare believe within a short period of time that Qiao Zijin would be filial again, that while cherishing her life, she would think that it wasn¡¯t easy for her parents.

    Ding Jiayi pped Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back. ¡°Old Qiao, why are you such a blockhead? Why is it that only the big house can be sold but not the quad? Didn¡¯t you just want to stay with Zijin so that if anything happens to us in the future, Zijin can take care of us? Zijin said that we are left with only her. After selling the quad and she has recovered from her illness, our family of three will stay in the big house.¡±

    Upon mentioning the big house, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face glowed. ¡°Old Qiao, after the renovation, you haven¡¯t been to the big house, right? You don¡¯t know how big and beautiful that house is. It¡¯s on the eighteenth floor, and it feels good to see it being so up high. I really didn¡¯t expect myself to have such a blessing when I¡¯m old. Look at howpetent and capable Zijin is. I think if I can live in such a big house, I¡¯ll wake up smiling even in my dreams.¡±

    She had said long ago that when she and Old Qiao were old, they could only rely on Zijin. It was really better to bring up one child rather than two children.

    After getting such an answer, Qiao Dongliang felt that he was on a roller coaster ride. After reaching the peak, he plummeted to the bottom. ¡°Competent?¡± Upon mentioning this, Qiao Dongliang was so angry that heughed. Indeed, he shouldn¡¯t have expected anything from Qiao Zijin, his daughter. ¡°Did Zijin let you stay in that house? Indeed, it belongs to Zijin. However, Nan Nan provided you the money to buy that house, right? Did Zijin fork out a single cent? The house that was bought with Nan Nan¡¯s money belongs to Zijin. Now that she¡¯s letting you stay in it, it bes Zijin¡¯s credit. Only you can say such words.¡±

    She was so biased. Old Ding had lost all sense of rationality and IQ.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi felt ufortable. She was used to praising Qiao Zijin. When she said those words just now, Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t remember how that big house was bought. In her impression, that big housepletely belonged to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Why are you so calctive? Isn¡¯t it fine as long as Zijin is filial? So what if Qiao Nan knows how to earn money? It¡¯s useless if she¡¯s unfilial. Look at how good Zijin is. She even lets us stay in that big house.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is unfilial? If Nan Nan¡¯s unfilial, how would you, a person who doesn¡¯t go to work, be able to provide Zijin the money to buy the house? Zijin married well. Did Zijin buy this quad? Old Ding, I only realize today that not only do you not have any conscience, but you¡¯re also heartless. I¡¯m going to sleep now. Get out of here!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t be bothered to talk to Ding Jiayi anymore. Anyway, to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin, who had contributed nothing to this family, was someone godlike. In this world, only Ding Jiayi was capable of giving birth to such an unparalleled daughter.

    Ding Jiayi, who was pushed, almost fell to the ground. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Old Qiao, what¡¯s wrong with you? I even helped you put in a good word in front of Zijin. Why are you throwing a temper? What am I working so hard for? It¡¯s all because of you and Zijin. You¡¯re even scolding me now. Since when do I not have any conscience?¡± She was really being wronged.

    ¡°You have given all your conscience to Zijin. Do you not understand that I want you to get lost? Do you want me to drag you out?¡± After knowing Qiao Zijin¡¯s final decision, Qiao Dongliang had given up.

    It was still that same sentence. It was up to Qiao Zijin how she wanted to consider things. As for the quad, he had his own arrangement. Nobody else¡¯s words mattered.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was both angry and anxious. ¡°Old Qiao, can you stop making trouble at this time? Zijin¡¯s illness can¡¯t wait, and neither can the hospital. I have to call the hospital quickly and get them to arrange the kidney transnt for Zijin. Otherwise, the hospital will give that kidney to someone else.¡±

    Old Qiao looked angry. What were his thoughts on selling the quad to stay in the big house?

    At this time, Ding Jiayi felt inconvenient. If she had known there would be such a day, she would have registered the quad under her own name back then. That way, she didn¡¯t have to discuss with Old Qiao and could just sell the quad directly to provide Zijin money for her treatment.

    Qiao Dongliang pulled up the nkets, flipped over, and faced Ding Jiayi with his back. ¡°If you have the money, then make the call. I¡¯m not stopping you from making this call.¡±

 Chapter 1914 - Acting Pitiful

    <h4>Chapter 1914: Acting Pitiful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Qiao Zijin is my daughter. If she could live, would I want her to die? You can go and settle this matter yourselves.¡±

    Ding Jiayi could neitherugh nor cry. ¡°Where is the real estate certificate of the quad? Hand it over to me quickly. Once I have it, I can make the call.¡± They were going round and round. Why couldn¡¯t Old Qiao still understand?

    Qiao Dongliang snorted coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve already kept the real estate certificate of the quad. You can¡¯t find it. Out of the three methods I¡¯ve proposed, none of them involves selling the quad. From the day Nan Nan bought back the quad, I¡¯ve already decided to live in the quad all my life. Even if I die, I will die in this house. Zijin is already in her forties. I¡¯ve raised her up so that she could be an outstanding person, and I don¡¯t expect her to be filial toward me. However, as a father, I¡¯ve already sacrificed enough for her. She¡¯s already an adult but is still trying to exploit her parents to benefit herself. That¡¯s too overboard.¡±

    There was no room for discussion for this matter.

    If Ding Jiayi wanted to secretly find the real estate certificate to sell the quad, then sorry, once bitten, twice shy. Knowing how the mother-daughter pair was both ck-hearted and evil, he had long hidden the real estate certificate well as a precaution.

    As long as the quad wasn¡¯t involved, he didn¡¯t care how his elder daughter¡¯s kidney transnt was made sessful.

    After saying these serious remarks, Qiao Dongliang closed his eyes and went to sleep.

    Ding Jiayi was stunned. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Dongliang to be so reluctant even when Qiao Zijin had already made a concession. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know why but her heart turned cold when she heard Qiao Dongliang say that he had guarded against her and hidden the real estate certificate well in advance such that she wouldn¡¯t find it. No words could describe that feeling.

    They were a couple. It was normal for them to quarrel and throw a temper. However, wasn¡¯t Old Qiao too overboard in his attitude? Did he not treat her as family? He had obviously guarded against her as if she was a thief!

    Qiao Zijin, who had been resting in her own room, was quite confident. She felt that since she had already agreed to her parents living in her own big house, they should be able to feel her filial piety fully. Didn¡¯t her father want that? She had already agreed to it. Her father no longer had to create any trouble.

    As such, when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were having a discussion, Qiao Zijin was very confident and stayed in her room to wait for the good news. When she saw her mother walking in, Qiao Zijin sat up on the bed. ¡°Mom, did you call the hospital and ask them to arrange the surgery for me as soon as possible? It¡¯s still considered early now. There are people on duty in the hospital 24/7. Hurry up and make the call. It¡¯s not toote.¡±

    Seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s happy face, Ding Jiayi opened her mouth and didn¡¯t know how to tell her about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reaction. Before this, Ding Jiayi also felt that as long as their family of three could live together in the big house, Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t have any reason not to agree.

    However, in reality, things were twisted like this. What they felt were impossible eventually happened.

    ¡°Mom, what happened? Say something. Have you made a call to the hospital? Hurry up and do so. The earlier this call is made, the sooner I can feel at ease. Otherwise, I can make the call myself.¡± This was her life-saving call. They couldn¡¯t dy it. If they were even one secondter, that kidney might belong to someone else.

    Ding Jiayi snatched away the phone from Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°You can¡¯t make the call. It¡¯s useless even if you do so. We don¡¯t have the money for your surgery.¡±

    It was four hundred thousand yuan, not forty thousand yuan. If it was forty thousand yuan, she could still try to borrow from others. However, no matter what happened, she couldn¡¯t make up four hundred thousand yuan. If the call was made and their family couldn¡¯t pay the surgery fees in advance during the day of the surgery, the hospital wouldn¡¯t proceed with it.

    Ding Jiayi had long thought of this method. Ding Jiayi told the hospital that once there was a suitable kidney source, they could proceed to do the surgery for Qiao Zijin. However, the hospital said that they had to pay the fees in advance. Ding Jiayi said that surviving was the most important, so they should do the surgery first. As for the money for the surgery and kidney source, their family would fork it out no matter what.

    The hospital had its own rules. This was really not something that Ding Jiayi alone could decide. If everyone operated like Ding Jiayi, the hospital would not have been sustainable.

    After all, which hospital didn¡¯t have its fair share of freeloaders?

    Furthermore, almost everyone in Ping Cheng knew about the Qiao family¡¯s situation. The Qiao family had money. Even if they didn¡¯t, they had a house. If she wanted to undergo a surgery, then the Qiao family should hand over the money first. It was the hospital¡¯s responsibility to save the dead and heal the wounded. They would perform Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery without a second word.

    If they didn¡¯t have money? There were a lot of other patients waiting for the kidney transnt. Those were human lives waiting to be saved as well.

    It was precisely because of this situation that Ding Jiayi snatched over the phone and didn¡¯t let Qiao Zijin make the call. Ding Jiayi had heard the story of ¡®the boy who cried wolf¡¯. If they didn¡¯t have the money but made the arrangements for the surgery, as long as they didn¡¯t pay the fees tomorrow, the hospital would just arrange the kidney for someone else without a second word.

    ¡°We have if we sell the quad.¡± Qiao Zijin smiled. She knew that her family didn¡¯t have money. However, after selling the house, she would have money to undergo the surgery. Her mother was really funny. That was right as well. Her mother was already old and foolish.

    Ding Jiayi let out a long sigh. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t agree to sell the quad. He said that if we were to sell it, it could only be that big house of yours. After selling the big house, if you don¡¯t have a ce to stay, you can continue staying in the quad. There¡¯s no room for discussion for anything else.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. ¡°No, Mom. Didn¡¯t you tell Dad that after selling the quad, I¡¯m willing for our family of three to live together in my big house?¡±

    ¡°I did, but your father still disagreed. He said that he would definitely not move out of the quad. Even if he dies, he wants to die in the quad.¡± Ding Jiayi really had no other choice. After all, Qiao Dongliang had already said such words.

    Upon hearing that Qiao Dongliang was so unreasonable and didn¡¯t care about her life and death, Qiao Zijin really wanted to yell ¡®if he¡¯s really that capable, die for me right now.¡¯

    If her father died, he would have died in the quad. Once her father died, nobody would stop her from selling the quad to pay the hospital for her treatment, right? Thankfully, Qiao Zijin was still a little rational. She knew that such words couldn¡¯t be said, thus she swallowed them.

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Zijin started to cry in front of Ding Jiayi and acted pitiful.

 Chapter 1915 - Frantic

    <h4>Chapter 1915: Frantic</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m already in this state and so is this family. Mom, what do you think Dad means by this? Does he think that this quad is more important to him than I am?¡± Would he rather own this house for the rest of his life and let her die?

    Ding Jiayi was frantic. ¡°How would I know what your dad is thinking? I want to know what¡¯s wrong with him too! Your dad treats me like a thief! He told me just now that he already kept the property deed safe so that I¡¯ll never be able to find it. Do you know how pissed off I was after hearing that?¡±

    She was part of Old Qiao¡¯s family. If Qiao Zijin had not gotten so ill, she would never have wanted to sell the house either. Why could they not even have a day of peace in this house?

    The mother-and-daughter pair stayed silent for about three minutes. Ding Jiayi had no solution. She was already at her wit¡¯s end. Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin helplessly. ¡°Zijin, if your dad insists on it, I can¡¯t think of any other solution. You know who is best at earning money in our family. But that wretched girl ran away and your dad won¡¯t change his mind. You¡¯ll have to think about what you¡¯re going to do about your illness tonight.¡±

    Old Qiao was unwilling to sell the quad while Zijin was reluctant to sell herrge apartment. She, who had nothing at all, could only stand by the sidelines and look on. Anyway, even if they were to sell her away, she would not even be worth four hundred thousand. There was no way she would be able to help Zijin get through this storm.

    Ding Jiayi, whose head had started to hurt, expressed that she was incapable of doing anything and returned to her room to sleep while holding her head. Other than sleeping, there was nothing else she could do.

    Once Qiao Zijin was left alone in her room, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face was not only dark, but her gaze was also cold. Great. Amazing. These were her birth parents. Even while knowing that she was on the verge of dying, not one of them was willing to save her. Qiao Nan had already run away, and her dad would choose to hug the quad and watch her die, while her mom stood by and said things that did not matter.

    Hehehe. There was not a single person in her family whom she could rely on. They did not love her at all. All they knew to do was to scheme against her and hope that she would lead a difficult life. Would the Qiao family be happy only if she had a hard life?

    Since they all wished that she would die early, she would never grant them this wish. Not only would she not die, but she would also live better than every one of them. She would wait and see what kind of retribution all these people who gave up on her and abandoned her today would get in the future.

    The Qiao family was abandoning her today. There was bound to be a day that these people would experience being abandoned themselves.

    Qiao Zijin cherished her life, after all. Her house was important, but her life was the most important. Even up until now, Qiao Zijin did not want to ept Qiao Dongliang¡¯s or Ding Jiayi¡¯s kidney. epting her parents¡¯ kidney would indeed save Qiao Zijin some money, but Qiao Zijin felt that she still had a long way ahead of her since she was only in her early forties.

    If she epted her parents¡¯ kidney just to save money, she might encounter problems with her kidney in another ten years¡¯ time. At that time, she might not even have the chance or time to wait for another suitable kidney.

    More importantly, the country was developing, and the cost of living was skyrocketing. Just like property prices, medical bills were getting more expensive by the year. Today, she needed four hundred thousand yuan for her kidney transnt, but in a decade¡¯s time, it might cost five hundred, or even six hundred thousand!

    As such, it was better for her to undergo the surgery now while the cost was still four hundred thousand.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin contacted the hospital herself and informed them that she intended to undergo the surgery. It was also Qiao Zijin who found someone trustworthy to put her house up for sale after confirming that her apartment was worth around two million yuan.

    She had purchased the house many years ago, but it had been left vacant all these years. It was in brand-new condition. A house like that was probably popr with buyers.

    Thinking about how her only apartment had been put up for sale, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood was foul even though she was about to get a new lease of life through her surgery. She felt as though her heart was bleeding.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be outside. I¡¯ll be with you and I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡± Ding Jiayi was overjoyed seeing her daughter lying on the hospital bed and being pushed into the operation theatre. What scared her most were Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tempers. The father and daughter were at loggerheads and were fighting to see who would give up first.

    This fight between the father and daughter did not matter to her, but it would really be the end if the kidney that Zijin needed was no longer avable.

    ¡°Zijin, when the doctor injects you with anesthesiater, just treat it like you¡¯re taking a nap. When you wake up, everything will be over. Mom will take good care of you. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Ding Jiayi spoke warmly as she clutched onto Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand.

    Qiao Zijin forced a smile out. ¡°Mom, I already put my house up for sale, and I had to borrow money for this surgery. Although my worry might be a little excessive, I think that it won¡¯t be easy to sell that house. In case anyone wants to view the house or negotiate a price, don¡¯t be in a hurry. You must wait for me toe out so that I could handle the negotiation myself.¡±

    That was her only asset. Every single cent from the sale had to go into her hands. Her mom was materialistic. If she allowed her mom to interfere in this matter, she might not even be able to recover all the proceeds from the sale. Qiao Zijin would never let such a thing happen.

    ¡°All right. Don¡¯t worry. Mom won¡¯t care about it. You can handle it yourself once you recover.¡± Ding Jiayi nodded. Whether it concerned Qiao Nan or Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi dared to butt in. Because Ding Jiayi was clear that there would be money involved. Once the moneynded in her hands, Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang should never hope to get it back.

    But her daughter, Qiao Zijin, was different. Ding Jiayi had never taken anything from Qiao Zijin. It had always been Ding Jiayi giving Qiao Zijin things.

    ¡°This is the entrance to the operation theatre. The family members of the patient have to wait here.¡± The nurse stood in Ding Jiayi¡¯s way. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The doctor will do his best. If the surgery is sessful, your daughter will feel better.¡±

    Whether she liked it or not, the nurse had to do her job to the best of her abilities. She was clear of that principle.

    ¡°Of course. My Zijin will get better and live a long life.¡± If anything were to happen to Zijin, neither she nor Old Qiao would be able to live. So, Zijin had to get better.

    Of course, Qiao Nan knew nothing about Qiao Zijin being in the operation theatre and spent every day in fear in the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard, trying her best not to go out if possible for fear that she would be caught.

 Chapter 1916 - Bad Impression

    <h4>Chapter 1916: Bad Impression</h4>

    But on the day of Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery, Qiao Nan had no choice but to get out of the house because there was a delivery for her.

    When she heard that there was a delivery for her, Qiao Nan was confused. She did not have the habit of shopping online, and neither was it possible for anyone to send anything to her. More importantly, there were only a few people who knew that she was staying at the Zhai family¡¯s house. So, who could have sent her a parcel?

    When she received the delivery, Qiao Nan confirmed that she was indeed the intended recipient. Someone had sent her a document.

    Qiao Nan squeezed the envelope. It seemed a little empty. There was only something that felt like a small booklet in the corner of the envelope. When Qiao Nan opened it up, she was dumbfounded. The envelope held a property deed! How could that person send a property deed in the mail? Was he not afraid that it would be lost?

    But what came next stunned Qiao Nan even more. When Qiao Nan analyzed the property deed, she realized that it was the property deed of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard! In that instant, Qiao Nan did not even know how to react.

    Qiao Nan closed the property deed booklet with mixed feelings and took out the paper that came along with the deed. The gist was simple. The property deed had been sent by her father, and her father had already consulted awyer to draft a legal will. Once he passed on, Qiao Nan would inherit the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard.

    Just in case, Qiao Dongliang had sent Qiao Nan the property deed of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard in advance.

    Aside from the property deed, Qiao Dongliang had mentioned another matter. Before the new year, he had received a call from Chen Jun. Chen Jun already knew where Qiao Nan was staying and had intended to let the Qiao family know. Qiao Dongliang understood what Chen Jun was trying to do and wanted Qiao Nan to know too.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang had kept this phone call under wraps, and neither Qiao Zijin nor Ding Jiayi knew of Qiao Nan¡¯s address for the time being. However, Qiao Dongliang reminded Qiao Nan to find a new residence or even a new city if she was only renting her apartment.

    The Qiao family¡¯s courtyard would definitely go to Qiao Nan. The Qiao family owed this to Qiao Nan. But Qiao Dongliang had only one request. If he were to pass on, he hoped that Qiao Nan would not rush to take back the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. He hoped that she would allow Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to remain there until Ding Jiayi passed on.

    After that, Qiao Dongliang did not care about how the Qiao sisters handled the matter.

    After reading the letter, Qiao Nan coldly ripped it apart. It was easy to deal with the letter. It was the property deed in front of her that Qiao Nan did not know how to handle. It was no trouble at all for Qiao Nan to receive the property deed. Just like the letter said, the Qiao family owed Qiao Nan the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. She was only taking back what belonged to her. There was nothing wrong with that.

    It was the second part of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s letter that upset Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was unsure about what Qiao Zijin had done to anger Qiao Dongliang so badly. But the letter clearly pointed to two possible scenarios. Firstly, Qiao Dongliang was angry at Qiao Zijin, and he was very angry indeed. That was why he left it up to Qiao Nan as to whether she would allow Qiao Zijin to remain in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard after Ding Jiayi¡¯s death.

    Secondly, Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Zijin was unreliable. Instead of leaving the house to Qiao Zijin, it was safer to leave it to Qiao Nan. At the very least, Ding Jiayi would not go homeless if the house were to go to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang was giving the house to Qiao Nan in case Qiao Zijin treated Ding Jiayi badly after his death.

    Qiao Nan did not have any more feelings toward the Qiao family. Qiao Nan¡¯s cold heart toward them had not been warmed just because of this property deed. Qiao Dongliang cared about too many people and had too many considerations. Qiao Nan might have gotten the property deed, but the problem was that it came along with too much trouble and too many problems!

    In the face of such a situation, there was no way a mere property deed would rekindle Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings and hope toward the Qiao family. Even until the very end, she would still be someone else¡¯s ve. At this thought, Qiao Nan sneered. Should she thank her father for thinking highly of her?

    She stared at the property deed for a long while but could not think of a good way to deal with it. Out of her selfish desires, Qiao Nan wanted to take back what belonged to her. But at the same time, she was unwilling to get herself entangled in the Qiao family¡¯s problems. Even if the property deed legally belonged to her, Qiao Nan felt uneasy holding on to it.

    This was just the property deed of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard, yet she was already feeling so uneasy. She wondered how she would feel if she were to get the property deed of the house that she paid for but became Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Hua saw Qiao Nan in a daze as she came out. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Zhai Hua nced at the booklet in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and saw the words ¡®property deed¡¯. ¡°A property deed? Can I take a look at it?¡± This property deed did not look like the Zhai family¡¯s. After all, her parents were not the kind to use a property deed to win others over.

    Qiao Nan had not reached that stage with Zhai Sheng wherein he would entrust her with a property deed, and neither would her parents try to win Qiao Nan over with money. Because of that, Zhai Hua knew that this property deed could not possibly belong to her family.

    ¡°Here.¡± Qiao Nan was used to interacting with Zhai Hua in her dream. It was just a property deed anyway, nothing indecent. Thus, Qiao Nan had no intention to conceal it.

    When Zhai Hua saw that the property deed was for the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard, she was taken aback. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that your family is biased toward your elder sister and treats you badly? Property prices have skyrocketed these days. The property prices in the courtyard have risen even more than anywhere else. Are they really willing to leave this valuable thing to you?¡±

    Could it be that the Qiao family was not as evil as the news had reported? But that did not seem like the case either. Ding Jiayi had sobbed uncontrobly while talking about Qiao Nan¡¯s heartlessness in front of the camera. If not for the camera, Zhai Hua wondered if Ding Jiayi would go so far as to insult Qiao Nan using some mean words instead of simply using her.

    Anyway, Ding Jiayi had meant just that in her gaze.

    At that time, the people of Ping Cheng had been supportive of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin and were sympathetic toward them. Qiao Nan had beenmbasted badly. At that time, Zhai Hua had not had a good impression of Ding Jiayi because of her gaze. As such, she had not agreed with public opinion and scolded Qiao Nan for being heartless. Instead, she had her reservations toward Ding Jiayi¡¯s words.

 Chapter 1917 - Asking for Love

    <h4>Chapter 1917: Asking for Love</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    To Zhai Hua, although Qiao Nan¡¯s actions were considered selfish, she wasn¡¯t ck-hearted. She had taken away Qiao Zijin¡¯s life-saving money, but this amount of money was Qiao Nan¡¯s to begin with. She had only taken away her money and didn¡¯t take away anything else that didn¡¯t belong to her in the family. Was this considered ck-hearted? She had heard about worse situations before.

    If that was the case, even if Qiao Nan was selfish, at least she had her own moral values baseline. What was wrong with Qiao Nan wanting to keep her personal interests? They were already in their forties and she had her own family.

    ?

    If Qiao Nan made selfless dedications for Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness and didn¡¯t even want her own family, then something was wrong with her.

    Since Qiao Nan¡¯s actions were not considered wrong in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes, she ced more of her attention on Ding Jiayi. Indeed, she saw how distressed Ding Jiayi was. Upon mentioning her daughter¡¯s illness, she couldn¡¯t wait to be sick on behalf of Qiao Zijin. A lot of people had praised Ding Jiayi as a good mother.

    At that moment, Zhai Hua thought about it again. Which good mother in this world would criticize her birth daughter on TV and couldn¡¯t wait for everyone in this world to scold her younger daughter such that she was forced out?

    Could Ding Jiayi not know what kind of impact this would have on her younger daughter once the news was broadcast? If Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t know, then it must be because she cared about Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness. How good a mother she was if she only cared about the life and death of her elder daughter but didn¡¯t think about her younger daughter at all? As long as one wasn¡¯t a fool, one could tell that Ding Jiayi¡¯s style was inherently problematic.

    At the same time, if Ding Jiayi knew that her daughter¡¯s reputation would be ruined for life by saying this but she still insisted on doing so, then it wasn¡¯t selfish of Qiao Nan to leave with her own money and ignore the life and death of her family. It should be regarded as self-protection.

    This piece of news tested everyone¡¯s IQ and EQ. Zhai Hua, who had nothing to do after leaving the army, spent some time and effort to analyze this matter. Zhai Hua had an impression of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Qiao family.

    Leaving the real estate certificate of the quad to Qiao Nan was definitely not something that Ding Jiayi, who was on TV, would do.

    ¡°My dad sent this over.¡± Her mother? Her mother couldn¡¯t wait to squeeze whatever she could out of her. How was it possible for her to take the initiative and give something to her? ¡°It¡¯s not that easy to receive this real estate certificate.¡± Taking this real estate certificate meant that she had to take care of Ding Jiayi¡¯s life and death.

    Even if she never nned to, she could really ignore Ding Jiayi coldly if she couldn¡¯t continue living anymore. However, because of this house, Qiao Nan felt that she would have more contact with the Qiao family than she thought. She was already trying her best to distance herself from everyone in the Qiao family and be a familiar stranger.

    It could be said that the appearance of this real estate certificate caught Qiao Nan off guard and she couldn¡¯t ept it.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t know how to reply to Qiao Nan. In the end, Zhai Hua said, ¡°You¡¯re obviously a few years younger than me, but judging by how you persuaded me to deal with Wei De, your thoughts seem to be quite mature. I didn¡¯t expect you to have times where you would be hesitant to make decisions as well.¡±

    It was true. When handling Wei De, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel like a peer but a trustworthy senior who was more reliable than her parents. To be taught by her future sister-inw, Zhai Hua felt embarrassed and that she was too useless.

    Thankfully, seeing how Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t seem to handle things with the Qiao family, Zhai Hua recovered her dignity as an aunt. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t always that capable or invincible. It turned out that Qiao Nan¡¯s shoring and weakness was the Qiao family. That was right. This was how a peer should be like.

    ¡°One would be at a loss if the matter concerns oneself. Nobody can avoid this.¡± No, if she didn¡¯t die once, her situation would be more serious. ¡°If I could handle the rtionship with the Qiao family well, I wouldn¡¯t have no house today. Someone even feels that a real estate certificate could tempt me to shoulder the big trouble the Qiao family is in. To me, money isn¡¯t important. If it was, I would long have a house and a car.¡±

    Her father thought that she would be the same as Qiao Zijin and that she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to shoulder this burden for the courtyard. He was really wrong.

    Yes, the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard should have belonged to her, including Qiao Zijin¡¯s big house. However, as long as she could cut off rtionships and contacts with the Qiao family, she didn¡¯t mind losing money to prevent misfortune and give both houses to Qiao Zijin. From then on, everyone would be passersby if they met again.

    ¡°Then, what do you n to do? You don¡¯t want this?¡± Even if one didn¡¯t find money important, nobody wouldin if they had more. Zhai Hua found it a pity if Qiao Nan decided to return the real estate certificate. She was going to file a divorcewsuit with Wei De. The two houses the Wei family had were bought with her money. She wanted to get both of them back and not leave any for the Wei family.

    Zhai Hua had already thought about it. The house under her daughter¡¯s name would remain. After her daughter grew up, she can decide what to do with it. As for the house the Wei family is living in, she found it disgusting. After the court¡¯s decision, she would sell it without a second word.

    Qiao Nan pinched her nose bridge. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I still have to think about it.¡±

    ording to her father¡¯s letter, only he knew that she was in Ping Cheng now and that she was staying in the Zhai family, which was just a few steps away from the Qiao family. Based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, if they knew that she was back, they would have ignored everything ande to find her, forcing her to raise all the money that was going to be used for Qiao Zijin¡¯s surgery.

    As such, Qiao Nan admitted that Qiao Dongliang was protecting herself. Qiao Nan also believed it when Qiao Dongliang mentioned that Chen Jun had deliberately called a year ago to tell the Qiao family that she was in Qingshui Town.

    Chen Jun was a despicable person to begin with. Not only did he fail to reconcile, but he only left after Xiao Xu and Brother Zhai took care of him. It was normal for Chen Jun to do so since he knew Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude toward her. It could be said that from then on, her father had started to silently protect her so that she would not be disturbed by Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi.

    Facing how Qiao Dongliang was ¡®asking for love¡¯ was the hardest part for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I¡¯m nning to return to Qingshui Town this afternoon. The rest are not around. After I¡¯ve left, help me tell uncle and auntie sorry and goodbye.¡±

 Chapter 1918 - How Wonderful

    <h4>Chapter 1918: How Wonderful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If she continued to stay in Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan was afraid that her affairs with the Qiao family would be more troublesome. Her father already knew that she was back. It was hard to say when Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would find out as well. She didn¡¯t want her trip to Ping Cheng to be her nightmare.

    In front of the Zhai family, she was naturally unwilling to let the Zhai family see her in a sorry state, even if she had just apanied Zhai Hua through one of the darkest periods in her life.

    ?

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t hold her back this time as she knew it clearly that Qiao Nan was scared away by the Qiao family. Just like how Qiao Nan didn¡¯t bring her away during the divorce and only wanted her to consider some things carefully, Qiao Nan eventually wanted to avoid the Qiao family by hiding. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t approve of the way Qiao Nan handled things. ¡°Okay, you can leave first. I¡¯ll tell my family about your matters. When Jiajia is on holiday, I¡¯ll bring her over to y with you.¡±

    Jiajia really liked Qiao Nan, the future little auntie. Zhai Hua was very happy for Jiajia to interact more with Qiao Nan. After seeing how shameless the Wei family was, Zhai Hua¡¯s thoughts were no longer as naive as when she was young, and she started to be more realistic.

    Wei De had such a rtionship with Wei Xiaomei, and the both of them even gave birth to a son like Wei Wei. They had been husband and wife for more than ten years, but Wei De never broke the rtionship with Wei Xiaomei and only maintained a distance from her like how siblings would. He continued to lead a husband-and-wife life with her behind her back. All of these were enough to prove that on a rtionship level, Wei De favored Wei Xiaomei more, and not her. The person Wei De wanted to lead his life with was Wei Xiaomei, and not her.

    Then, why did Wei De still want to marry her and was unwilling to get a divorce? It was all because she was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter and was Zhai Sheng¡¯s birth sister.

    The most promising person in the Zhai family was naturally her brother, Zhai Sheng. Jiajia would have torgely depend on her uncle, Zhai Sheng, for her future development. For the sake of Wei De, she had long used up almost all her resources. If Jiajia and Qiao Nan had a good rtionship, she believed that with Zhai Sheng around, Jiajia¡¯s future wouldn¡¯t be that bad.

    Although she didn¡¯t have the capability to influence Wei De, this didn¡¯t mean that Zhai Hua didn¡¯t understand the power of influence. Based on how serious Zhai Sheng was about Qiao Nan, as long as Qiao Nan epted Jiajia sincerely, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have any opinion on how good Zhai Sheng treated Jiajia.

    He was obviously her closest kin. However, because of her own stubbornness, she had to be calctive and see how well an uncle could treat his niece now. Zhai Hua knew that she had already paid a painful and severe price for her stubbornness when she was young.

    ¡°Okay, as long as you and Jiajia are free, you are wee toe and y anytime.¡± Qiao Nan smiled for overestimating her capabilities. In Qingshui Town, she rented a house, unlike the Zhai family, who owned a house. However, it was fine as long as everyone understood what she meant.

    After greeting Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan immediately bought a train ticket to Qingshui Town without a second word.

    After knowing that Chen Jun had told on Qiao Nan and the Qiao family now knew about her address, Qiao Nan naturally couldn¡¯t foolishly rent the same house again. Thankfully, Xiao Xu had a number of houses. Once he heard that Qiao Nan wanted to live in a different ce, he immediately got his mother to take care of this.

    After changing a new environment, Qiao Nan told Zhai Hua her new address in Qingshui Town so that she wouldn¡¯t go to the wrong ce when she brought Jiajia over to y in the future.

    Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows. Qiao Nan really acted fast. Upon thinking of the content that she had guessed in Qiao Nan¡¯s letter before tearing it up, Zhai Hua touched her chin and smiled. She didn¡¯t expect Zhai Sheng to have a love rival.

    ¡°Why is it only you? Where¡¯s Nan Nan?¡± When Zhai Sheng returned home after dealing with outside affairs, he realized there was only Zhai Hua sitting in the living room. At this time in the past, Qiao Nan would be together with Zhai Hua. The rtionship between the two was as good as birth sisters, and they would be chatting with enthusiasm.

    It was coincidental that Zhai Sheng headed out today as he had something to do, and Zhai Yaohui and his wife were out as well as they wanted to visit friends. Actually, before the couple headed out, they wanted to bring Qiao Nan along. She was the female owner of the Zhai family in the future. It was necessary for her to interact with the Zhai family¡¯s circle of friends earlier. However, due to Zhai Sheng¡¯s slow actions, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could only dispel this idea.

    Upon thinking about the watch and bracelet that had been lying in their house for almost two months now and had not been given out yet, Miao Jing looked at Zhai Sheng with disdain. She felt that he was too disappointing. At this age, she really didn¡¯t understand why her son was taking his own sweet time.

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡± Wow, he had called her so intimately. ¡°Nan Nan returned to Qingshui Town today. She asked me to tell you, Mom, and Dad, sorry and goodbye. Oh right, she invited me and Jiajia over to Qingshui Town to y together when we are free.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s ostentatious expression was quite annoying. Zhai Sheng dismissed her little tricks. ¡°That¡¯s fine. Thentern festival is over. I should return to Qingshui Town as well to recuperate.¡±

    As such, what was there for Zhai Hua to be proud of? For Jiajia, Zhai Hua had to wait until it was her school holidays before they could go to Qingshui Town to visit Nan Nan. He was different. He was someone who was going to recuperate at Qingshui Town.

    Upon hearing that Zhai Sheng was going to abandon her and chase after Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but scold him. ¡°You¡¯re such an ungrateful thing. I¡¯m still battling awsuit here. Do you only want your wife but not your sister?¡± As long as her marriage rtionship with Wei De didn¡¯t end for a day, Zhai Hua would feel extremely ufortable all over.

    With regard to this matter, Zhai Hua only hoped that there could be a result as soon as possible so that she and her daughter could have a new beginning.

    Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t prepared to apany her even though she was facing such a major matter like a divorcewsuit. Zhai Hua expressed that she was upset and heartbroken and that her sibling rtionship with Zhai Sheng was so vulnerable.

    Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t fall for Zhai Hua¡¯s tricks. ¡°You¡¯re not even prepared to appear in court for the next hearing as you have passed all the authority to your attorney. What difference would I make to you if I stay or not?¡± He wasn¡¯t the one battling thewsuit. He was also not the one who¡¯s getting a divorce. He wasn¡¯t obliged to be present.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°Anyway, you¡¯re justcking conscience. It looks like I, the sister, don¡¯t have to give Qiao Nan¡¯s new address to you. Serves you right for taking so long to chase after your wife. You can be prepared to remain single for a longer period of time.¡± She had a trump card in her hands. She didn¡¯t believe that Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t take the bait.

    At this time, Zhai Hua felt that life was beautiful with Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance. She had grown up together with Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1919 - Angry

    <h4>Chapter 1919: Angry</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, ever since Zhai Sheng became sensible, she had never won against her younger brother once. However, following Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance, Zhai Hua felt that although she was in her forties, there was actually still a chance for her to make aeback. It was really good to have a prospective sister-inw.

    ¡°Nan Nan shifted house?¡± Zhai Sheng really didn¡¯t know about this.

    ?

    Zhai Hua waved the phone in her hands. ¡°That¡¯s right. After Nan Nan returned today, she immediately sent me her new address. So, do you want it?¡± If you want it, you¡¯d better show me a better attitude and say some nice words to make me happy. Otherwise, I¡¯m not going to give it to you.

    Zhai Sheng raised his head and silently took out his mobile. ¡°Hello, Xiao Xu. It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Chief. Sister Qiao is already back. When are you returning?¡± To Xiao Xu, since Qiao Nan was a couple with his chief and Qiao Nan had already returned, it was going to be the chief¡¯s turn next. ¡°Shall I drive over to pick you up?¡± He couldn¡¯t possibly let the chief return by train just like Sister Qiao, right?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shed the word ¡®indeed¡¯. ¡°Is the new house you arranged for her still alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Chief, don¡¯t worry. I can¡¯t possibly let Sister Qiao stay in a bad house.¡± Could it be that he wasn¡¯t afraid of offending Sister Qiao and the chief? If it wasn¡¯t disallowed or inconvenient, he would have given up his own house for Sister Qiao to live in.

    Sister Qiao was the future wife of their chief. She was a heroine who won over the chief and a great benefactor who could potentially give birth to a little chief. He naturally had to serve Sister Qiao well like she was his ancestor.

    During the times when the Zhai family and Qiao Nan were in Ping Cheng, Xiao Xu had some time to contact the people in the army. When the people in the army knew about their chief¡¯s situation and that he was about to end his singlehood, everyone howled in excitement. They were envious of Xiao Xu¡¯s good luck. Not only could he take care of the chief, but he could also obtain first-hand information quickly.

    Being envied by therades in the army, Xiao Xu felt proud. It was exactly the same as when he had defeated the enemy until his birth mother couldn¡¯t recognize him back when there was a situation at the borders. After showcasing himself in front of hisrades, the attention Xiao Xu paid to Qiao Nan was almost catching up with what he paid to Zhai Sheng.

    Once he heard that Qiao Nan was going to stay in a different ce, how would Xiao Xu dare to disagree?

    The ce Qiao Nan originally lived in was still considered quiet. However, it wasn¡¯t the best house in the Xu family¡¯s hands. After the incident with Chen Jun, if he wasn¡¯t afraid that his big movements would arouse Qiao Nan¡¯s suspicion, Xiao Xu wouldn¡¯t have just changed a door back then. He couldn¡¯t wait to transform the first house Qiao Nan rented into an iron bucket such that unless Qiao Nan wanted to open the door, outsiders couldn¡¯t enter even if they were carrying cannons!

    Qiao Nan wanted to change a ce to stay out of her own ord. Xiao Xu immediately got his mother to make the arrangements. Her living environment had improved by more than a notch, but the Xu family didn¡¯t increase Qiao Nan¡¯s rent by a lot. Qiao Nan was even the one who had insisted on increasing the rent as she saw the difference between the houses. If Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t insisted, Xiao Xu would have rented out this house at the same price as the one she had lived in before.

    Upon hearing Xiao Xu¡¯s sincere answer, Zhai Sheng felt very satisfied. ¡°Xiao Xu, well done. Send me her new address. I¡¯ll take a look at her new ce once I return to Qingshui Town.¡±

    Xiao Xu was happy. ¡°Chief, aren¡¯t you making an unnecessary move? I can pick you up and send you straight to Sister Qiao¡¯s. Why would you still need her address?¡± With him around, the chief didn¡¯t need to spend any additional effort.

    ¡°Okay,e and pick me up tomorrow.¡± Zhai Hua was being silly and he had followed suit as well, causing him to be aughingstock in front of a small soldier like Xiao Xu. Zhai Sheng gave Zhai Hua a side nce. Indeed, he couldn¡¯t spend too much time with someone who wasn¡¯t too smart. It was proven that silliness was a contagious illness.

    Even if Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t say it out loud, both of them had lived together for the first two decades. As such, one look at Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua knew that he had eliminated her in his heart. ¡°Fine, you have a way. You¡¯re awesome. Will that do?!¡± Damn. She had forgotten about Xiao Xu, the ¡®spy¡¯. If she had known earlier, she would have warned Xiao Xu first to keep his lips sealed regarding Qiao Nan¡¯s matters. She would definitely not have allowed Xiao Xu to share with Zhai Sheng Qiao Nan¡¯s address.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re so awesome, when Mom and Dad are back, you¡¯ll tell them that Qiao Nan has returned to Qingshui Town.¡± Their parents were anxious for Zhai Sheng to get married. If they knew that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t manage to woo her and even let her run away, she didn¡¯t believe that they wouldn¡¯t control him.

    In the face of Zhai Hua¡¯s childish tricks, Zhai Sheng was not afraid at all. ¡°Sure. Thankfully, you¡¯re about to get a divorce with Wei De soon and the both of you shouldn¡¯t have any ties in the future. Otherwise, it¡¯s fine if you became stupid, but Jiajia couldn¡¯t be ruined by the both of you.¡± Thankfully, Jiajia wasn¡¯t as stupid as Zhai Hua yet. Otherwise, he didn¡¯t know how much dowry he had to prepare for Jiajia in the future so that she could marry a good man.

    Zhai Hua gritted her teeth. She was not going to waste her breath on Zhai Sheng now. When their parents returned, she was going to see how Zhai Sheng would ount to them that Qiao Nan had returned to Qingshui Town.

    When Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing returned, Zhai Hua understood why Zhai Sheng was so confident and wasn¡¯t worried at all that Qiao Nan¡¯s departure would upset them. Zhai Sheng was calm and rxed as he ignored Zhai Hua¡¯s yful look and said, ¡°Dad, Mom, Nan Nan has returned to Qingshui Town first. Xiao Xu is going to pick me up tomorrow. Do you want toe along?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were shocked. Then, they calmed down. ¡°But Hua Hua¡¯swsuit hasn¡¯t ended yet, and Jiajia is still schooling.¡± It wasn¡¯t too good to Hua Hua and Jiajia if she left like that, right? Although a daughter-inw was important, her daughter and granddaughter were important as well.

    Zhai Sheng looked calm. ¡°I¡¯ll head back first. You cane over after settling Zhai Hua¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s divorce.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui made a decision. ¡°That¡¯s settled, then.¡± Children were debts from their previous births. Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t forget the words Zhai Hua had said when she insisted on marrying Wei De back then. Even though the Zhai family was bound to win this divorcewsuit, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could only stay behind to apany their daughter and granddaughter first so that their daughter would not make any noise.

    As for their son and future daughter-inw, they would owe him first. There were plenty of chances in the future for them to double thepensation.

    She initially thought that she would win against Zhai Sheng, but she didn¡¯t expect him to use her in return. Not only did their parents not pursue the matter of Qiao Nan¡¯s departure, but they also felt guilty toward Zhai Sheng because of that.

    Zhai Hua, who stomached the anger, expressed that twenty years ago, Zhai Sheng was a cunning little fox.

 Chapter 1920 - It Didnâ€™t Feel Good

    <h4>Chapter 1920: It Didn¡¯t Feel Good</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Twenty years had passed and Zhai Sheng was now a sly old fox! Over the years, Zhai Sheng had never left the army and the days he spent were not in vain. He had won this psychological battle beautifully. If the person who had lost so badly wasn¡¯t herself, Zhai Hua would have given Zhai Sheng a thumbs-up. The problem was that the person who lost was herself. As such, all Zhai Hua wanted to do was pull Zhai Sheng to a corner where there wasn¡¯t anyone else and have a good fight with him, just like what she did before getting married!

    Miao Jing was immersed in the guilt that she could only care about her son and not her daughter. As such, she didn¡¯t sense the tension between Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng. As the father of these two foxes, Zhai Yaohui was not so easy to lie to. He felt that the atmosphere between the siblings was different and guessed that they had fought again because of the Qingshui Town matter.

    ?

    Before Zhai Hua got married, the siblings often fought like this. Simrly, before Wei De¡¯s appearance, Zhai Yaohui always thought that them fighting among themselves was harmless and their rtionship would only improve. However, after Wei De¡¯s appearance, Zhai Hua said that she felt her parents were being partial to Zhai Sheng.

    It was precisely because of Zhai Hua¡¯s usation that Miao Jing self-reflected for a long period of time. She wondered if she was really such a silent onlooker that she had identally hurt her daughter, Zhai Hua. However, Zhai Yaohui never wavered. It wasn¡¯t that there was something wrong with the way they got along with each other. It was just that the person next to his daughter was a big issue.

    After deciding that they would stay behind, Zhai Yaohui mentioned something practical. ¡°Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan is forty this year. We¡¯re not hoping for you to get married as soon as possible because we see Qiao Nan as a tool to give birth. However, you should be able to tell that during this period of time recently, Qiao Nan likes Jiajia a lot. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a chance to be a mother before. This doesn¡¯t mean that she doesn¡¯t want to be a mother at her age even though she¡¯s not married. A woman in her forties faces a higher risk in pregnancy. If you continue to be this slow, your mom and I won¡¯t be so anxious, but the ones in pain would be you and Qiao Nan. Do you understand?¡±

    This was already the second time Zhai Yaohui emphasized that Qiao Nan would face higher risks if she were to get pregnant. After getting along with each other for a period of time, Zhai Yaohui could tell that Qiao Nan liked children a lot and desired to be a mother.

    As Qiao Nan got older, the problem of children would cast a shadow on their lives after marriage, regardless if Qiao Nan could give birth in the end, if she could get pregnant but not give birth, or if it would cause great harm to Qiao Nan¡¯s body.

    It made sense to give birth while young.

    This time, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t refute, let alone say that he knew it clearly in his heart. Instead, he showed a look of deep thought. His family was testing Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward children. However, Qiao Nan was so immersed in her love for children that she keptplimenting that they were good-looking or cute and didn¡¯t sense that there was another meaning to this.

    Zhai Sheng only wanted to marry Qiao Nan. Regarding children, they would follow fate. However, if Qiao Nan was obsessed with children, Zhai Sheng felt that he had to consider the issue of age and timing indeed. ¡°Start preparing with Mom. I¡¯ll marry Nan Nan in three months¡¯ time.¡±

    ¡°!¡± Upon hearing that Zhai Sheng had decided alone that he would be marrying Qiao Nan in three month¡¯s time, Zhai Hua, who was drinking tea, was so shocked that she nearly spat out the tea in her mouth. She was only short of creating a rainbow effect. ¡°You... say it again. Cough, cough...¡±

    ¡°Sure. Your mom and I will take care of everything. Three monthster, right? Then, it¡¯s about time your mom and I write the wedding invitations.¡± Zhai Yaohui was unlike his wife and daughter, who looked like they were in disbelief. Since his son dared to make this remark, he¡¯d better show it to him. Otherwise, he would break Zhai Sheng¡¯s legs even if he was the chief!

    Miao Jing¡¯s reaction was the same as Zhai Hua¡¯s. She choked on her own tea. ¡°Old Zhai, Zhai Sheng is fooling around, but why are you doing the same? You¡¯re already a grandfather!¡± Marriage was such a big matter. Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t just decide it on his own. Upon thinking that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even Zhai Sheng¡¯s girlfriend yet, but her son dared to say that he would be marrying her in three months¡¯ time, Miao Jing wanted to give Zhai Sheng a beating. He shouldn¡¯t say words that could make people overjoyed for nothing, alright?!

    ¡°Wedding invitation? Who¡¯s holding a wedding?¡± Jiajia returned after school with a fresh look. One could tell that after she went to her desired school, Jiajia adapted well to the new school life.

    Zhai Hua took her daughter¡¯s schoolbag from her. ¡°Our family is. Your uncle said that he¡¯s marrying your Auntie Qiao in three months¡¯ time. Are you happy?¡± Zhai Sheng had boasted this himself. If he dared to make her daughter happy for nothing, she was going to fight Zhai Sheng.

    Jiajia jumped in excitement. ¡°Is this true? Uncle, since when did you be so powerful? The next time I see Auntie Qiao, can I start calling her aunt instead?¡± It wasn¡¯t a must that she could address her as aunt only when the two of them got married. She hoped that she could call her aunt sooner.

    ¡°The next time you see her.¡± Without waiting for Zhai Sheng¡¯s answer, Zhai Hua provided her daughter this answer on behalf of him. If they were holding the wedding banquet three monthster, how could they not allow Jiajia to call her aunt the next time she saw her? Anyway, if Jiajia couldn¡¯t address her as aunt, she was going to y with Zhai Sheng to his death. Who asked him to brag when he was incapable?

    Zhai Sheng nced at Zhai Hua and replied with a ¡®yes¡¯ inly.

    Jiajia formed an O with her mouth and quietly moved to Miao Jing¡¯s side. ¡°Grandma, why does it feel that there¡¯s a strong smell of explosives between my mom and uncle?¡±

    When she was at her father¡¯s house, regardless of how unreasonable her grandma was, her mom would only stare at her but not throw a temper. However, ever since they returned to her maternal grandma¡¯s house, even though her mom¡¯s face didn¡¯t have such an angry expression, she could obviously feel that her mom¡¯s temper became worse. She always thought that her mom was a traditional Chinese woman who liked to be a good wife and mother.

    It was only after returning to her maternal grandma¡¯s house did Jiajia realize that there was such a side to her mother.

    Miao Jing smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m used to seeing this. Before your mom was married, she had such a bad temper. She was often like this with your uncle. Back then, your mom was still in the army. When there was any disagreement between them, they would go straight to the yard to fight it out without another word. They always had fierce fights...¡±

    It was a pity that such a beautiful sight seemed too far away from the Zhai family.

    Upon hearing this, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t feel good in her heart. Before marrying, she really didn¡¯t think of how well she was treated in this family. Now that she was a mother herself, Zhai Hua understood how carefree she was back in the Zhai family when she was still a daughter. For a scumbag like Wei De, she had given up the army that she was most passionate about and the career she liked the most.

 Chapter 1921 - Old Master

    <h4>Chapter 1921: Old Master</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Indeed, she was extraordinarily stupid back then and couldn¡¯t tell right from wrong. ¡°Jiajia, you just returned from outside. Quickly wash your hands. We¡¯ll be having dinner soon. As for your aunt, leave it to your uncle. If he doesn¡¯t have a way to chase after your aunt, I¡¯ll settle scores with him on behalf of you.¡±

    Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t toote now. Although her grandpa was no longer around, her parents were still alive.

    Based on her temper, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t dare imagine how she would really continue her stubborn ways with the Zhai family if she didn¡¯t find out about Wei De¡¯s and Wei Xiaomei¡¯s rtionship and continued to be kept in the dark by the Wei family. Could it be that their family wouldn¡¯t experience such a scene like today even until her parents were gone?

    Just thinking about it, Zhai Hua felt that such a ¡®future¡¯ was too scary. She was still feeling regretful that when Old Master Zhai left, he was still worried that she wouldn¡¯t be leading a good life after marrying Wei De. If her parents¡¯ regrets were added to this, she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to continue living in this lifetime.

    Jiajia stuck out her tongue. ¡°I¡¯ll wash my hands first. Uncle, go for it. Auntie Qiao¡¯s pretty good. You¡¯ll regret it if you miss her out.¡± Her uncle could marry any woman, but she felt that her uncle needed a woman like Auntie Qiao by her side. Regardless of how she thought about it, it would just be awkward if there was another woman standing by her uncle¡¯s side.

    ¡°Uncle knows.¡± He patted Jiajia¡¯s head. Compared to Zhai Hua, his worrying sister, Zhai Sheng found Jiajia to be more pleasing to the eye. At least, Jiajia wouldn¡¯t hinder him. Comparing the mother and daughter, the daughter was still more sensible. Zhai Hua really hadn¡¯t grown up yet.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that after she left the Zhai family, Jiajia had already started addressing her as aunt. It was just that when a familiar stranger came knocking on her door, Qiao Nan feltplicated in her heart. She was very unwilling to let the person before her enter her house or have any form of interaction with her.

    She didn¡¯t understand. Why was it that no matter where she went, there would always be those people who appeared in her dreams or were rted to the Zhai family? ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t think I know you. Did you find the wrong ce?¡±

    Even though the Qiu Chenxi now looked older than the one in her dream, Qiao Nan could still recognize her immediately. Once she saw her, Qiao Nan wanted to m the door shut.

    She had no choice. There was once in her dream that Qiu Chenxi came knocking on her door as well. At that time, Qiu Chenxi wasn¡¯t sure of her rtionship with Zhai Sheng but started to scold her that she was a vixen. Such a memory wasn¡¯t good at all. The scene now was about to ovep with the one in her dream.

    In this world, nobody would like it if someone suddenly came knocking on your door to scold you.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiu Chenxi. I know you don¡¯t know me, but I didn¡¯t find the wrong ce. Zhai Sheng and I... No matter what, I really want to thank you for this period of time. Jiajia suddenly ran out that day. That frightened my family. Thankfully, you were there. If I lost Jiajia, I wouldn¡¯t know how to ount for it to my older sister.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi wasn¡¯t fierce toward Qiao Nan. Instead, she looked as if she was very grateful to her.

    Qiao Nan knew that Qiu Chenxi was an only daughter and she didn¡¯t have an older sister in the family. As for Shi Qing, she was younger than Qiu Chenxi. As such, Qiao Nan guessed that the ¡®older sister¡¯ Qiu Chenxi was referring to was Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here for Jiajia. She¡¯s not with me. I¡¯ve already sent her back to the Zhai family.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mention that she knew about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s existence in the Zhai family. Seeing that Qiu Chenxi was vague about her identity, she didn¡¯t continue to probe what she meant.

    Since Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t want to say it clearly, she didn¡¯t want to ask that clearly either. As for news pertaining to the Zhai family, Qiao Nan had said it very skillfully as well. She only provided Qiu Chenxi the information that she already knew. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mention anything about the things that Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t know about.

    Anyway, from the pauses Qiu Chenxi made earlier, it was already clear that she had a close rtionship with the Zhai family. Since she was close with them, it should be Qiu Chenxi telling Qiao Nan, the ¡®outsider¡¯, matters regarding the Zhai family, instead of Qiao Nan telling Qiu Chenxi the ¡®insider¡¯.

    Qiu Chenxi felt a little anxious. She started to suspect if Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t good with words, or if she did so deliberately. It should be the former, right?

    Qiu Chenxi wanted to find out more about the Zhai family¡¯s situation so that she could think of a way to use Zhai Hua¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s divorce as a breakthrough point to let the Zhai family feel her sincerity and heart to change. She wanted to return to that family and have a family that belonged to her and Zhai Sheng. She could change or tolerate anything else.

    It was a pity that if Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t ask, Qiao Nan would definitely not take the initiative to mention the Zhai family¡¯s situation. This made Qiu Chenxi seem very passive. If she took the initiative to ask about the Zhai family¡¯s situation, it would seem inappropriate. The most important thing was that she didn¡¯t have the chance to tell Qiao Nan yet that she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife and she had the intention to reconcile with him now.

    Qiu Chenxi tried her best to smile. ¡°I know. I know you sent Jiajia back to the Zhai family, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m here today to thank you. Our family only has a child, Jiajia. She¡¯s the lifeline of everyone in our family. Even if Jiajia ran into a little ident, it would still be a big blow to our family. This is our small gratitude. I hope you don¡¯t reject it.¡±

    Of course, Qiu Chenxi couldn¡¯te empty-handed to thank Qiao Nan. She was carrying a bunch of things in her hands.

    Qiao Nan was ttered. She had simrlye knocking on her door. However, instead of scolding her, Qiu Chenxi even thanked her and brought so many gifts for her. This time, Qiao Nan really felt the difference between reality and her dream.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to. You¡¯re really too polite. Jiajia¡¯s a child of the Zhai family. I had the opportunity to take care of Chief Zhai for a while. The Zhai family could be considered my old master. Jiajia¡¯s a good child. I should be doing this. Furthermore, the Zhai family has already thanked me. I really don¡¯t need these. You can take them back.¡±

    Although she was pleasantly surprised, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare and didn¡¯t want to ept Qiu Chenxi¡¯s things. After all, Qiao Nan was someone who had seen the world. She could tell at a nce what the things Qiu Chenxi brought over were. They were red and big boxes, making Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hands full.

    In reality, these were just shy items. The packaging was not bad, but there wasn¡¯t much content. Since there was nothing much, they naturally didn¡¯t cost a lot. Of course, these skills were taught by Miao Jing after she married Zhai Sheng in her dream.

 Chapter 1922 - An Opportunity

    <h4>Chapter 1922: An Opportunity</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s identity and status, there were naturally a good number of people who wanted to send gifts to the Zhai family every New Year. Besides, Qiao Nan still had Lin Yuankang as a master. Since there was no one else in the Lin family, Qiao Nan alone was responsible for Lin Yuankang¡¯s contactster in his life as his disciple.

    Qiao Nan was the only one who decided on whose gifts Lin Yuankang could ept and whose he could not. After receiving these gifts, it was also Qiao Nan¡¯s job to decide on how to return this favor. Qiao Nan had handled both the contacts of the Lin family and the Zhai family, and she had been rather sharp and critical.

    After finding out what Qiu Chenxi had sent, Qiao Nan understood Qiu Chenxi¡¯s attitude. Qiu Chenxi seemed intent to leave a good impression on her. That could only mean that Qiu Chenxi had a favor to ask of her. But in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan knew that she was no more than a passerby and could not render her much help. As such, Qiu Chenxi actually looked down on her and did not pay much attention to her. Qiu Chenxi was trying to get rid of her by giving her some useless and invaluable things.

    But she did not have to pay for it, after all, and she was on the receiving end. She could not possibly take issue with it and tell Qiu Chenxi that she did not want such invaluable and cheap things, or ask Qiu Chenxi to take it back for herself.

    Qiu Chenxi would be embarrassed if Qiao Nan did not cooperate with her. Besides, Qiu Chenxi would never stop if she did not achieve her goal. ¡°That¡¯s different. That¡¯s from them. This is from me as Jiajia¡¯s aunt. Thank you so much!¡±

    Here was the main point! Qiu Chenxi thought of herself as Jiajia¡¯s aunt!

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng had indeed been treating her rather warmly these days, Qiao Nan felt sour. ¡°Aunt? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve heard that Chief Zhai¡¯s married. I only heard that he was once married.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s eyes brightened. This stupid caretaker might be useful to her! Immediately, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face changed into a sad and hurt expression. ¡°Although we shouldn¡¯t air our dirty linen in public, you saved Jiajia, after all, and have done a great favor to our family, so I guess it¡¯ll be okay to tell you just a little. We were young and ignorant at that time. We had feelings for each other, but we were obstinate and could not give in to each other. That was why we ended up getting a divorce. Thinking back about it, it wasn¡¯t a very big matter. As long as we each took a step back, we could have resolved that matter easily. I¡¯ve been separated from him for over ten years, but I¡¯ve never found the one and he¡¯s been single ever since...¡±

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words made it easy for others to misunderstand that neither of them had gotten remarried after the divorce because they still harbored feelings for each other. Even though they had gotten into a misunderstanding and had gotten divorced, they had been unable to forget each other.

    Given the Chinese habit of persuading people to remain married instead of splitting up, the average reaction would be to convince Qiu Chenxi to reconcile with Zhai Sheng. Since they were both single, there was no need to wait any longer.

    But what Qiu Chenxi had not expected was that Qiao Nan was not an average person. After hearing Qiu Chenxi talk about how the couple had been obstinate and stubborn, and how they had only gotten a divorce because they had not been able to give in to each other, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression wasplicated. ¡°Can such a matter really be solved by taking a step back and giving in to each other?¡±

    The couple had gotten a divorce because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affair. But what Qiu Chenxi had said earlier meant that she was willing to remain loyal to Zhai Sheng and never cheated on him again. Simply put, she expected Zhai Sheng to tolerate her mistake and reconcile with her as though nothing had happened.

    Was it expected for one to give in to their partner regarding loyalty in marriage? Was loyalty not something that was expected in a marriage?

    Qiu Chenxi hesitated for a moment. The woman in front of her was just a caretaker of the Zhai family. There was no way she would know about the real reason for their divorce, right? Thinking about it that way, Qiu Chenxi nodded. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so? It was just a small misunderstanding, but we refused to give in orpromise. My mom often advised me to resolve our differences as a couple. But we were young and stubborn, and neither of us was willing to back down. Thinking back now, if I had known that I would never get remarried even after getting divorced, I would never have bothered getting a divorce.¡±

    With that, Qiu Chenxi looked at Qiao Nan expectantly, hoping that Qiao Nan would encourage her to get back together with Zhai Sheng.

    In the face of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expectant gaze, Qiao Nan felt ashamed. She felt sorry that she would never tell Qiu Chenxi what she wanted to hear. But why had Qiu Chenxi taken the effort toe all the way here just to say such weird things?

    Qiao Nan had not questioned Qiu Chenxi about that. Otherwise, she was sure that Qiu Chenxi would have answered her. There was a point in doing so¡ªan important one, in fact. After being enlightened by her mother previously, Qiu Chenxi had decided to win over the hearts of the Zhai family so that they would ept her.

    It was just that the Zhai family had refused to even interact with her. As such, she would never have the chance to show off her sincerity to the Zhai family. As long as she remained in this limbo, bing the chief¡¯s wife would remain as nothing more than a dream.

    At this time, Qiao Nan had appeared in front of Qiu Chenxi, who then sensed an opportunity. Qiao Nan was indeed a caretaker who had only taken care of Zhai Sheng for a few days and had no influence in the Zhai family. But Qiu Chenxi knew that Qiao Nan had been so good at taking care of Zhai Sheng that she had been invited to spend the new year with the Zhai family.

    Thankfully, Qiu Chenxi had always thought of Qiao Nan as the Zhai family¡¯s caretaker. Qiu Chenxi had never thought that someone of such a low status like Qiao Nan could have celebrated the new year with the Zhai family for any other reason. Qiu Chenxi only felt that Qiao Nan must have left a good impression on the Zhai family to be invited to celebrate the new year with them. Otherwise, they would never have epted an outsider like her.

    When Jiajia had returned to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi in Qingshui Town, Qiu Chenxi had seen her running out with a panicked expression. Qiu Chenxi did not think that a teenager like Jiajia could go missing, but she did not want to miss this opportunity.

    It was quite funny thinking about it. Had Qiu Chenxi not been staying in Qingshui Town and had seen Zhai Hua leaving the Zhai family¡¯s house with Jiajia, Qiu Chenxi would never have known about Jiajia or her rtion to the Zhai family. After confirming that Jiajia was Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter and looking at how afraid she was, Qiu Chenxi rushed out of the house, wanting tofort Jiajia.

 Chapter 1923 - Not a Big Difference

    <h4>Chapter 1923: Not a Big Difference</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Jiajia was the Zhai family¡¯s only child. She did not believe that the Zhai family would remain so cold and indifferent toward her if sheforted Jiajia while she was crying and if she sent her back to the Zhai family.

    What angered Qiu Chenxi was that Jiajia had treated her too badly. She had wanted to get closer to Jiajia and hug her tofort her out of the kindness of her heart, but Jiajia had been so afraid that she had run off in the opposite direction. Jiajia¡¯s reaction had made Qiu Chenxi suspect whether Jiajia saw her as a bad person or even a human trafficker!

    Afterward, Qiu Chenxi opened her mouth. ¡°Jiajia, don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t run away either. I¡¯m your aunt. I¡¯m...¡±

    Before Qiu Chenxi could finish her sentence, Sister Zhao emerged. Her eyes widened. ¡°Why is this liar here again? What are you trying to say to our child? Are you a kidnapper? Do you believe that I¡¯ll call the police on you now and get them to throw you in jail?¡± She was horrible! Did she not know whom she was dealing with? Was it not enough that she had tried to scam them once? Now, she even dared to kidnap their child! Was she trying to get revenge on them because they had not fallen into her trap the previous time?

    The moment Jiajia heard that this was not the first time this unfamiliar woman hade to scam them, Jiajia, who was already fearful, trembled even more violently. ¡°Auntie Zhao, I-I want to meet Auntie Qiao. Let¡¯s go find her.¡±

    This woman had only lied to her and had yet to harm her physically. Apart from lying that she was her aunt, she had not had the chance to lure her away. Jiajia knew that there was no way for them to get the police to arrest Qiu Chenxi.

    Upon finding out that Qiu Chenxi was a bad person, Jiajia was even more frightened. All she wanted to do was to have an adult whom she trusted and could rely on by her side.

    Sister Zhao nodded. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll bring you to find Sister Qiao. Remember to hide from this woman if you see her again in the future. Do you understand?¡±

    It was then that Qiu Chenxi realized that Qiao Nan, who had only taken care of Zhai Sheng for two days, had left a good impression on the Zhai family. While Jiajia had been scared stiff, she had insisted on looking for Qiao Nan instead of the caretaker who was always in the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    Initially, Qiu Chenxi did not know whether to me Jiajia for not knowing to differentiate between her rtives and outsiders, or whether to me Qiao Nan¡¯s existence for missing out on such a rare opportunity to prove her worth as an aunt.

    It was just that Qiao Nan had sent Jiajia home in the end, and her image had improved even more in the Zhai family¡¯s eyes. Even though Qiao Nan was only an ex-caretaker, as long as Qiao Nan was willing to speak well of her, or even bring her into the Zhai family¡¯s house, the Zhai family would let her in for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake, right?

    If she could get to that point and enter the Zhai family¡¯s house, it would not be difficult not to leave. In short, Qiu Chenxi regarded Qiao Nan as a stepping stone back into the Zhai family.

    In the face of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s wonderful performance, Qiao Nan thought that Qiu Chenxi had not lived for nothing. At the very least, Qiu Chenxi had grown much morepared to how she had behaved like a madwoman, calling her a shrew in her dream. ¡°I don¡¯t know your name yet, but it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m not sure what a small misunderstanding or a big problem is to you, or where the line should be drawn.¡±

 Chapter 1924 - Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 1924: Breakthrough</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I think that¡¯s between the two of you. It¡¯s better for you not to mention this to an outsider like me.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi, who had gone astray in her marriage, had managed to describe her affair so eloquently. Qiao Nan thought that the reason Qiu Chenxi had not remarried did not lie in Zhai Sheng. It was because Qiu Chenxi thought that there was no need for it. After getting married, Qiu Chenxi would get into rtionships with other men. How awful that sounded. As long as she remained unmarried, she could sleep with whomever she wanted. Of course, that would be her private business and outsiders could not control her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just that I feel like we¡¯ve met somewhere before. You¡¯re really kind, and it makes me feel like I¡¯m meeting a long-lost best friend. That¡¯s why I subconsciously said so much. I hope you won¡¯t mind.¡± Qiu Chenxi had yet to reach her goal. There was no way she would let Qiao Nan go just like that.

    She had indeede to find a friend in Qiao Nan today. If she did not befriend Qiao Nan, how would she be able to take advantage of Qiao Nan and enter the Zhai family¡¯s house? ¡°There are some things that I haven¡¯t even told my family. I feel aggrieved and I¡¯ve been holding it in. It¡¯s quite ridiculous how we got divorced over such a small misunderstanding. I calmed down very quickly and apologized. But Zhai Sheng... You also know about their family¡¯s situation. His temper is quite strong, and he¡¯s a man who pays a lot of attention to his dignity. I admitted my mistake, but he refused to forgive me. At that time, I thought that Zhai Sheng had had a change of heart and had found someone else because of his attitude. That was why I stubbornly left. But ten years have gone by and he¡¯s still as single as I am. I realized that he feels the same way that I do. I still wonder why he was so resolute at that time. His decision caused both of us to suffer for so many years and be without a partner for so many years.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. It seemed like Qiu Chenxi now regretted it and wanted to reconcile with Zhai Sheng. That was nothing. But Qiu Chenxi was even telling her all about her own private matters in front of her house? Was Qiu Chenxi crazy?

    Thinking about this, Qiao Nan sighed and told Qiu Chenxi in the friendliest tone she could muster. ¡°I¡¯ll forget all this very quickly. My memory isn¡¯t very good. Of course, if the situation is really as you described, I suggest you have a good chat with Chief Zhai.

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°Do you think that I don¡¯t want to have a chat with Zhai Sheng? The Zhai family is too overbearing! I guess they think that they¡¯re too brilliant because they¡¯ve had three generations of chiefs. Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s status and capabilities, he can marry any woman he pleases. Would they allow Zhai Sheng to suffer by marrying an old woman like me? But they¡¯re not considering Zhai Sheng¡¯s happiness at all. Do you think Zhai Sheng would have waited until now if he wanted to marry any other woman? They would rather Zhai Sheng remain single for the rest of his life than give me a chance to get together with Zhai Sheng!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi rubbed her eyes. As she said so, Qiu Chenxi could feel her emotions bubbling up. ¡°You¡¯re younger than me, so I¡¯ll just address you as my younger sister. Sister, you don¡¯t know how hard it¡¯s been on me. I¡¯m my family¡¯s only daughter and I have my own pride and dignity too. If not because I think that we can¡¯t dy it anymore because of our age, I wouldn¡¯t have put down my pride and taken the initiative to approach the Zhai family. But who would have known that the Zhai family would take it so far and stop me right at the door? They even hid it from Zhai Sheng that I visited. Sister, how could there be such an evil family in this world? Do they really think that their reputation is more important than their rtive¡¯s happiness?¡±

    Qiao Nan blinked helplessly. If she did not understand the Zhai family¡¯s situation and know what kind of woman Qiu Chenxi was, as well as the true reason why Qiu Chenxi had divorced Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would never have been able to see through Qiu Chenxi¡¯s brilliant acting. ¡°Is your surname Qiu?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I addressed you as my younger sister. You can address me as Sister Qiu.¡± She had only had a few encounters with this caretaker. She did not even regard Shi Qing as her sister, so how could she really think of this caretaker as a sister?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze was cold. ¡°You might think that this is a littlete, or you might misunderstand me for wanting to watch a good show. I spent a short period of time in the Zhai family¡¯s house, and through my interactions with them, I feel that the Zhai family is rather down-to-earth. As for Chief Zhai¡¯s divorce, the Zhai family did mention it to me before I met you. I think that there¡¯s no need for the Zhai family to lie to me about such a matter. It doesn¡¯t reflect well on them either. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ll regard as a big problem if the reason for your divorce was only a small matter. No man will be able to ept such a thing. I¡¯m not sure. I think you should talk to Chief Zhai instead.¡±

    Qiao Nan had not explicitly mentioned how Zhai Sheng had gotten a divorce from Qiu Chenxi due to her affair, but she had expressed that through her vague words.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lies could deceive anyone else, but there was no point in unting them off in front of Qiao Nan. She would never be deceived.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face was distorted due to her anger. ¡°The Zhai family told you about it?!¡± They told her that she had found another man behind Zhai Sheng¡¯s back and had even been caught red-handed in bed by Zhai Sheng? Was the Zhai family retarded? Why would they tell a caretaker such private matters? Was the Zhai family not afraid of being embarrassed, or did they want the caretaker to stand on their side and fight against her with them? Did they know that dirty linen should not be aired in public? They were out of their minds!

    More importantly, even though Qiu Chenxi addressed Qiu Chenxi as her younger sister, she had never truly thought highly of Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was nothing more than a stepping stone. She would simply throw her aside once she was done using her. Qiu Chenxi felt utterly embarrassed that the greatest scandal in her life had been exposed to an outsider. The Zhai family had gone overboard!

    Men made mistakes, so why were women not allowed to make mistakes? When men corrected their mistakes, they were praised for repenting. So, why was the Zhai family unwilling to give her another chance now that she had decided to live an honest life and not make such a mistake ever again? Why had they even embarrassed her in front of a mere caretaker?

    All that talk of gender equality was garbage!

    Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath. Qiao Nan was the breakthrough she had thought long and hard about.

 Chapter 1925 - Reminiscing

    <h4>Chapter 1925: Reminiscing</h4>

    In spite of such a setback, Qiu Chenxi was unwilling to give up so easily. After getting remarried to Zhai Sheng, she would simply find a way to kick this caretaker as far as possible.

    She had not crossed this river yet, and even then, Qiu Chenxi was already thinking of how to get rid of this bridge. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re also a woman. The Zhai family are prejudiced and don¡¯t understand me, but I believe that you¡¯ll understand me. I admit that I was insensible and did some foolish things when I was younger, but I know I¡¯m wrong now. Even saints make mistakes. Why won¡¯t they give me a chance to make amends? It¡¯s true that I¡¯ve changed for the better. Sister, will you help me? I really like¡ªno, I really love Zhai Sheng. I¡¯m the only daughter, and my family background is quite good as well. Apart from Zhai Sheng, I can always find other men to get married to, but they¡¯re not Zhai Sheng. It was only after my divorce that I realized that I love only him. That¡¯s why I want to get back together with him. Sister, will you help me?¡±

    They were already talking about her affairs, but Qiu Chenxi was still reluctant to leave and was still addressing Qiao Nan as her sister. Qiao Nan frowned in frustration. ¡°Miss Qiu, I¡¯m really sorry. I won¡¯t be able to help you with that. I¡¯m an outsider in the Zhai family as well. What right do I have to speak up for you in front of the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°You do. As long as you¡¯re willing to do it, you do. Without you, Jiajia could very well have gone missing. She might even have gotten kidnapped! Jiajia is the Zhai family¡¯s only child. As long as you¡¯re willing to speak up for me, the Zhai family will definitely give you some face.¡± Otherwise, she would never spend so much effort talking to a caretaker.

    No matter how much she looked down on Qiao Nan, Qiu Chenxi had put all her hopes in Qiao Nan. As such, there was no ttery that Qiu Chenxi would not resort to. Besides, the way Qiu Chenxi saw it, Qiao Nan did indeed have an influence on the Zhai family. It was just a matter of whether Qiao Nan was willing to help her.

    Qiu Chenxi was shameless enough to make such a proposition, but Qiao Nan was not. She could not possibly ask the Zhai family to ept Qiu Chenxi, who had cheated on their family. As for whether there was indeed gender equality in this matter, Qiao Nan knew that she would never do such a thing.

    Since she was unwilling to do it, Qiao Nan would never speak to Qiu Chenxi about such a matter that would only make her feel uneasy and ufortable. ¡°Miss Qiu, I thought that you would understand what I meant. Whether I was there or not, or whether I found Jiajia or not, I would never ask the Zhai family for anything.¡±

    The corners of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s lips drooped down. ¡°Do you mean that you¡¯re not going to help me?¡± She had already put down her pride and humbled herself before Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan still refused to help her! That was too much!

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression changed immediately, and Qiao Nan lost her patience. ¡°Why should I help you? Miss Qiu, you think too highly of yourself. We didn¡¯t even know each other before today. It¡¯s our first meeting and you¡¯re asking for such a big favor of me. Miss Qiu, don¡¯t you think that you¡¯ve crossed the line?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. You just have to open your mouth. It¡¯s not that difficult.¡± Qiu Chenxi did not think that this would put Qiao Nan in the spot. How difficult could it be to just say something? How would Qiao Nan be embarrassed?

    Qiao Nan smirked. It seemed as though Qiu Chenxi had had a much better life in reality aspared to in her dream. She seemed disconnected from the world. How could she think that asking such a huge favor of someone was no big deal at all? What could Qiao Nan do apart fromughing?

    ¡°Miss Qiu, if this matter can be settled so easily, would you still need a caretaker to resolve it for you? I think you¡¯d better find someone else. I can¡¯t help you.¡± If Qiu Chenxi insisted on saying such a thing, there was no point in Qiao Nan trying to reason it out with her since Qiu Chenxi would always think that she was right.

    Qiu Chenxi was so enraged that she was rendered speechless. If anyone could solve this matter, would she have humbled herself and put her dignity aside to ask a mere caretaker for help?

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face darkened and her attitude became haughty. It was aplete transformation from her previous false kindness. She wrapped her arms around her chest and lifted up her chin. ¡°Perhaps, I was being too naive, thinking that there are many good people in this world. I¡¯m clearer than you about the Zhai family¡¯s status. It¡¯s true that it doesn¡¯t seem right for you to gain nothing from helping me apart from me addressing you as my sister. I think we all understand each other here. You can just spit it out. Tell me. What do you want before you¡¯re willing to help me?¡±

    So, she was being so arrogant just because she had not offered any benefits? It was all right. She understood. There was nothing bad about clearing the air about this.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was at a loss for words. So, that was to say that Qiu Chenxi had not even intended to give her anything in exchange for her help, apart from addressing her as her sister? Should sheugh at Qiu Chenxi¡¯s pettiness or her foolishness? ¡°Since you¡¯re in the position to make such an offer, I believe that you¡¯re not short on people who can help you. I¡¯m really sorry that I won¡¯t join on in this.¡±

    Yes, once this seeded, Qiu Chenxi would once again be the chief¡¯s wife. With that status, there would be people throwing themselves at Qiu Chenxi, who would be able to offer them countless benefits. Would the future chief¡¯s wife really need a mere caretaker¡¯s help? How ridiculous!

    Qiao Nan was prepared to return Qiu Chenxi the things that she had brought. ¡°Miss Qiu, it¡¯s not early anymore. I still have things to take care of, so I won¡¯t dy you any longer. Goodbye.¡± With that, Qiao Nan shut the door. She did not even spare another look at the things that Qiu Chenxi had ced at her door.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Nan had actually shut the door in her face! The gall of her to do that! Qiu Chenxi was infuriated. ¡°You¡¯re all looking down on me because I¡¯ve divorced Zhai Sheng, right? I¡¯ll never let you trample on me. You won¡¯t help me now? Fine. I¡¯ll keep all of you in mind and get my revenge once I get back together with Zhai Sheng!¡±

    She was so unpopr now that even a caretaker dared to m the door in her face. Was it not just because she had gotten divorced from Zhai Sheng? She would remarry Zhai Sheng very soon. At that time, she would see how those people who looked down on her would react then.

    The more setbacks she encountered, the more Qiu Chenxi reminisced about the times when she had still been married to Zhai Sheng and the three years that she had been the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. In those three years, everyone had treated her so respectfully. Not a single person had dared to disrespect her, much less m a door in her face!

 Chapter 1926 - Selling the House

    <h4>Chapter 1926: Selling the House</h4>

    If she had held back when she had been younger, she would have been the one throwing a tantrum at these people today. Her mom had chosen the best path for her, but she had not cherished it and had made a foolish mistake. Now, even a caretaker looked down on her!

    There woulde a day when all these people who looked down on her would be afraid of her and have to bow down to her.

    Looking at the pile of items on the floor, Qiu Chenxi thought that they were an eyesore. These things seemed to be reminding her of how even a caretaker looked down on her because she had left Zhai Sheng. In the end, Qiu Chenxi gave these things a good kick before picking them up and throwing them into the bin.

    Thankfully, these things had not cost her much anyway. She would rather throw them away than leave them at Qiao Nan¡¯s door and let Qiao Nan take advantage of her.

    From her footsteps, Qiao Nan could hear just how enraged and unjust Qiu Chenxi felt. Qiao Nan was indifferent about the situation. She would be thankful as long as Qiu Chenxi left and never came back because of this matter.

    But Qiao Nan¡¯s troubles did not lessen just because Qiu Chenxi had left. Looking at the property deed on her table, Qiao Nan was troubled again. Qiao Nan knew how Qiao Dongliang was, and she knew even more clearly about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s tempers.

    Qiao Nan had never thought of asking for ownership of that big apartment. In fact, she had never thought that she would have anything to do with the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. She had expected everything to go to Qiao Zijin. She was not the only one who had thought that way. Even Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin thought so as well.

    Initially, when she had left with all her hard-earned money, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had hated her so much that they had gone on television to encourage the entire Ping Cheng city to go against her. They could not wait to turn her into a street mouse who would get cursed at on the streets. If they knew that the property deed of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard was in her hands and would even be hers, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would only kick an even greater fuss than before.

    Because of that, Qiao Nan did not sense Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fatherly love for her when she saw the property deed. All she felt was the fear and uneasiness due to the trouble that the property deed would bring.

    Qiao Nan was troubled over the property deed, but there was someone who was even more troubled than her. That was Qiao Dongliang. When he heard that Qiao Zijin had finally been willing to sell her big apartment to pay for her surgery, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s feelings had been mixed. He was clearer than Ding Jiayi that Qiao Zijin had made such a decision not because it would not be good for them to undergo a kidney donation at their age.

    When he had gone for his medical checkup earlier, the doctor had already advised him against a kidney donation if possible because of his age. It was still a question whether Qiao Zijin would be able to make a full recovery if she were to ept her parents¡¯ kidney. Even the doctor could not say for sure how donating a kidney might affect Qiao Dongliang or Ding Jiayi.

    Of course, that had not been the main point. The main point was that the doctor had told Qiao Dongliang something. ¡°Hasn¡¯t your daughter asked me about all these? Why? Has she gotten so frightened that she hasn¡¯t told you about this? Of course, you cane and rify any doubts you might have. I think that your family has to consider this carefully.¡±

    Upon hearing the doctor¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart sank. Qiao Zijin had already understood from the doctor her chances of recovering if she were to ept her parents¡¯ kidney and how that would affect her life and health in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang knew his daughter well and did not think that Qiao Zijin had gone to understand all these out of concern for Ding Jiayi¡¯s or his own health if they were to undergo the surgery. What she was concerned about was her own health.

    While Qiao Zijin underwent her surgery, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi waited outside the operation theatre. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s worries werepletely different from Ding Jiayi¡¯s, and his feelings were much moreplicated than Ding Jiayi¡¯s. ¡°Old Qiao, do you think Zijin will be fine?¡±

    They had spent so much money and had even sold the big apartment. This family would be finished if anything were to happen to Zijin.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor say that this surgery isn¡¯t very difficult as long as we can find a suitable kidney? We¡¯ll just have to see if Zijin¡¯s body will be able to ept this new kidney, or whether it¡¯ll reject it. Don¡¯t worry. Zijin will be fine.¡± Qiao Dongliangforted Ding Jiayi dryly. No matter how bad Qiao Zijin was, she was still his daughter.

    They had not cherished such a good daughter like Nan Nan and had instead chased her away. He and Old Ding had to worry so much at this age because of their own actions. It was their own fault.

    Ding Jiayi was unsure of how long she had waited before the door of the operation theatre finally opened. She felt as though her legs were numb, but she had no time to care about that. She hobbled forward and asked hurriedly, ¡°Is my daughter fine? Was the surgery a sess?¡±

    The doctor removed his mask and forced a smile out. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The surgery was a sess. As for everything else, we¡¯ll just have to wait and see. Normally, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s good. We didn¡¯t waste money. It wasn¡¯t a waste. As long as my daughter¡¯s alive!¡± Ding Jiayi was over the moon. They had not thrown four hundred thousand yuan away! Zijin would no longer be ill or be in pain!

    Thinking about how Qiao Zijin had lost a significant amount of weight because of her illness, Ding Jiayi thought only about how to nourish Qiao Zijin and what to prepare for her during her period of recovery.

    After every sessful surgery, the patient¡¯s family would always have words of thanks for him. But it was the first time the doctor was hearing something about how she had not wasted her money. The doctor wiped away his sweat and did not hold it against Ding Jiayi. After leaving the nurses with a few instructions, the doctor returned to his office to rest.

    He had another surgery to conduct after Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    After almost half a day, Qiao Zijin groggily woke up as the anesthesia wore off. But her mind was clear and she asked, ¡°Mom, has my house been sold?¡± It had not been easy to get the money for her surgery, but selling the house was almost like cutting a piece of Zijin¡¯s body off. It felt even more painful than the wound from her surgery.

    Ding Jiayiughed while caressing Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. ¡°The property prices are going up every day. It won¡¯t be that easy to sell your house.¡±

 Chapter 1927 - What to Do If There Isnâ€™t Money

    <h4>Chapter 1927: What to Do If There Isn¡¯t Money</h4>

    ¡°How would there be news if we haven¡¯t put up the listing for more than a day? You just woke up after the surgery. Don¡¯t think about anything and just focus on getting your body well. Don¡¯t worry. If there¡¯s any news on the house, I won¡¯t make the decision for you. You can settle it yourself after you¡¯re well. Will that do?¡±

    Qiao Zijin heaved a sigh of relief when she heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. The house was hers, so only she could sell it. The money from selling the house was naturally hers, and she should be the one to have it all. Her mother ced a lot of importance on money. If the money entered her mother¡¯s pockets, she would probably not be able to get it back in the future. Qiao Nan was a good example.

    Qiao Zijin knew that everything Ding Jiayi had given her came from Qiao Nan¡¯s pockets. The problem was that Qiao Nan was gone now. Qiao Zijin was worried that without Qiao Nan, not only would Ding Jiayi not provide her with money but she would also focus her attention on her. Ding Jiayi would treat her in the future like how she had treated Qiao Nan in the past.

    The more worried she was, the more careful Qiao Zijin was with regard to money matters. After that, Qiao Zijin smiled. That was right as well. The house was valuable. Nobody had the ability to spend so much money on a house at once. Perhaps the matter wouldn¡¯t bepletely settled yet even after she was discharged from the hospital and back home recuperating.

    What Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t expect was that other people¡¯s houses didn¡¯t sell so quickly but their house did.

    Soon after the anesthetics on Qiao Zijin¡¯s body wore off, Ding Jiayi received a call on behalf of Qiao Zijin. ¡°What? There¡¯s a buyer for the house?¡± When she heard this answer, Ding Jiayi felt dizzy. There were so many rich people nowadays. They could buy a house worth two million yuan so easily.

    Why did she feel that it hadn¡¯t even been a few hours since her house was listed? Or was there a serious shortage of houses in Ping Cheng now?

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll let my daughter know about this. My daughter just finished her surgery today. She will contact you immediately once she can be discharged.¡± After hanging up the call, Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin, ¡°Zijin, someone¡¯s willing to buy our house. Did the doctor say when you can be discharged to settle the house?¡±

    That was two million yuan. She had never seen so much money in her life before. If she didn¡¯t remember it wrongly, the money she had gotten from Qiao Nan to pay for the house back then was approximately six to seven hundred thousand yuan. This meant that the price of the house had tripled over the past few years. Oh god. Upon thinking about this figure, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but feel excited.

    It was two million yuan. Even selling all members of their family couldn¡¯t fetch such a price. Their family was going to have two million yuan soon. Didn¡¯t that mean that their family was going to be a millionaire?

    When Ding Jiayi thought of the higher value of the quad, she couldn¡¯t help but stand and jump on the spot to express her inner excitement. This was the first time she truly realized how valuable the two houses were.

    Thankfully, she was clever back then and got quite a bit of money from that wretched girl to buy those two houses. Otherwise, the money would have benefited that wretched girl for nothing.

    Qiao Zijin was simrly surprised. ¡°There¡¯s a buyer so soon?¡± When she saw how excited Ding Jiayi was that her face was flushed red, Qiao Zijin hid her expression. Indeed, her worry was necessary. Once her mother heard that there was so much money, she became a different person. Based on this, she couldn¡¯t let her mother take care of this matter. She felt more at ease if she handled it herself.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯vepleted my surgery. There isn¡¯t any major problem. After twenty-four hours of observation, I can return home to recuperate if there aren¡¯t any issues. Mom, I would like to go home tomorrow.¡± Living in the hospital was too expensive. Although the house could be sold for two million yuan, she had already spent four hundred thousand yuan on her surgery today. Upon thinking that she had already lost one-fifth of the two million yuan which she had not yet obtained, Qiao Zijin felt heartache.

    She missed the days when Qiao Nan was a human cash machine for them. In the past, as long as she wanted to spend money, her mother could obtain from Qiao Nan all the money she required. How was it like now, where she had to resort to selling her house to undergo a surgery that cost four hundred thousand yuan?

    She didn¡¯t understand it. How good was it to stay in her own home? No matter how fierce her mom was, she was still Qiao Nan¡¯s birth mother. Could it be that Qiao Nan¡¯s life outside was much better than at home? It must be because kinship wasn¡¯t as important as money in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. No wonder her mom always scolded Qiao Nan as a heartless person without any conscience.

    ¡°Sure. If you want to head home to recuperate, then go ahead. Don¡¯t worry. Mom will definitely try her best to nourish you well during this period of time. However...¡± Ding Jiayi did have the intention to nourish Qiao Zijin well. However, Qiao Nan had already left for a few months and she had already spent most of the money at home. She didn¡¯t even have money to buy ingredients for the next few days. Ding Jiayi looked embarrassed. ¡°Zijin, you should know that I¡¯ve already taken out all the money at home to treat your illness. I don¡¯t have any money to buy ingredients the day after tomorrow. What do you think we should do?¡±

    What to do?

    Upon hearing these three words, Qiao Zijin nearlyughed out loud.

    Qiao Zijin found these words familiar. When Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Nan for money in the past, she always said that Qiao Nan was having good meals outside but the two of them didn¡¯t even have the money to drink porridge and eat salted pickles at home. She asked Qiao Nan if she had a conscience.

    Upon thinking of how Ding Jiayi gained weight over the years, only the honest Qiao Nan could deal with her nonsense of drinking porridge and eating salted pickles every day. Qiao Nan would give her mom the money she asked for. She wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan and wouldn¡¯t be as stupid as her. She had to lead a good life as well. She herself had a son as well.

    Qiao Zijin thought that Ding Jiayi was using the same way she dealt with Qiao Nan to deal with her now. Very quickly, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t smile. She had just finished the surgery today. She had to be kept under observation for twenty-four hours and couldn¡¯t eat anything too oily or delicious. However, Qiao Zijin felt like she was put in a difficult spot when her mother mentioned that she didn¡¯t have money to buy ingredients the day after tomorrow. It wasn¡¯t today or tomorrow. This made Qiao Zijin unable to refuse her.

    If she didn¡¯t give her mother money and she really cooked porridge and salted pickles for her the day after tomorrow, then she would be the only one suffering.

    In the past, when Ding Jiayi used this excuse to ask Qiao Nan for money, Qiao Zijin looked like she was watching a good show and would chip in from time to time toplement Ding Jiayi¡¯s words to agitate Qiao Nan. Now that the roles were switched and she became the person in Qiao Nan¡¯s position, Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression became stiff.

 Chapter 1928 - Distributing Money

    <h4>Chapter 1928: Distributing Money</h4>

    ¡°In that case, give me your phone. I¡¯ll transfer five hundred yuan to your card. That shouldst you for a period of time.¡±

    Thankfully, she didn¡¯t have any cash on her. Otherwise, her mother would have definitely taken away all the cash on her when she was undergoing surgery. Thankfully, her mother wasn¡¯t good at paying with her phone as well. Otherwise, what should she do if her mother had been using her phone to transfer money to her ount behind her back?

    The more Qiao Zijin thought about it, the more worried she became. She decided to study her phone. In the past, because of convenience, she didn¡¯t set up any phone lock settings and anyone could turn on her phone. No one knew her payment password, but her mother might, as she had used her birthday.

    Right. She should do a fingerprint lock so that it¡¯s more secure.

    Upon hearing the text message prompt from her phone, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin had already transferred the five hundred yuan to her. When she saw the five hundred yuan, not only did Ding Jiayi not feel the joy from receiving money out of filial piety from her favorite daughter for the first time, but she felt disinterested instead.

    Five hundred yuan. Five hundred yuan...

    If she remembered correctly, that wretched girl only gave her a few hundred yuan at the beginning when she just came out of school and wasn¡¯t earning a lot. Later, that wretched girl¡¯s sry increased and she was doing part-time as a trantor. The money she gave her increased month by month. When other children were still earning one or two thousand yuan a month, that wretched girl was already giving her ten or twenty thousand yuan a month.

    If that wretched girl didn¡¯t give her so much money each month, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to afford the courtyard or big house.

    Ding Jiayi was already used to receiving a five-figure amount from Qiao Nan for her ¡®living allowance¡¯. Qiao Zijin suddenly decreased this five-figure amount to five hundred yuan. Even if this money was given by her favorite daughter, Ding Jiayi still felt particrly troubled when she saw this small amount.

    It was rare for Ding Jiayi to speak sincerely. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s pretty good when that wretched girl was still at home. She made contributions to this family.¡± At least, in terms of money, the amount that the three of them made wasn¡¯t even half of what that wretched girl could earn.

    When the wretched girl was still around, she didn¡¯t need to bother much about money. Now, Zijin only gave her five hundred yuan. This amount couldst her ten days in normal times if she scrimped and saved. However, Zijin had just finished her surgery and needed more nutrition. It might not evenst her five days, let alone ten days or a week. Was she going to ask Zijin for money again five dayster?

    There was no other choice. She wasn¡¯t working and Old Qiao was already retired. His retirement sry wasn¡¯t high enough. She had to ask Zijin for money to spend on the items to nourish her body.

    If not for Qiao Zijin having just finished her surgery, Ding Jiayi wanted to discuss with her how much she was going to provide her as a monthly living allowance for the days toe. Otherwise, it was not only troublesome but also pointless to ask her for money once every few days or a few times a month.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s worries were notpletely unfounded. Although Ding Jiayi had provided the money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s initial hospital stay, the money taken out from Ding Jiayi¡¯s pockets were all obtained from Qiao Nan. Once Qiao Nan broke the habit of giving Ding Jiayi money, the money in her hands decreased day by day. In addition, Qiao Zijin was still hospitalized. Ding Jiayi had spent all the few tens of thousands yuan she had obtained, which were initially meant to provide her for her old age.

    When Qiao Nan was still around, Ding Jiayi never hesitated and just kept asking Qiao Nan for money to provide for Qiao Zijin. Although Qiao Nan was gone now, Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s lives were still continuing. Qiao Nan aside, Qiao Zijin was also her daughter. She had just sold a house for two million yuan. Ding Jiayi, who didn¡¯t have any money, would definitely have to ask Qiao Zijin for money.

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s worldview, there was nothing wrong with this. In fact, it was correct.

    After confirming that Qiao Zijin had no issues with her surgery after twenty-four hours of observation, the doctor shared with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang about some conditions and allowed the Qiao family to handle the discharge procedures for Qiao Zijin. It was unknown why, but when the family left the hospital, they couldn¡¯t help but heave a huge sigh of relief.

    What the three of them didn¡¯t notice when they left was that there was a shing camera behind their backs. The night Qiao Zijin was discharged from the hospital, Ping Cheng followed up with a piece of news. A month ago, they were still kicking up a fuss, saying that Qiao Zijin had no means to survive as Qiao Nan had taken away all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s life-saving money. However, this afternoon, before Qiao Nan returned, not only did Qiao Zijin not die, but she even had the money to ept the kidney transnt and was discharged from the hospital in good health.

    This proved that without Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin still had some money in her pockets.

    Qiao Zijin was so angry when she saw the news that night that her wound started to hurt. After taking a few mouthfuls of the pigeon soup, she returned to her room and sulked. After divorcing Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin thought that she was still in her early forties and hadn¡¯t lived half of her life yet. It was impossible for Chen Jun not to remarry. She didn¡¯t have to keep her chastity for Chen Jun after the divorce. She didn¡¯t even do so when she was married, let alone now that she had gotten a divorce.

    It was just that once this piece of news was broadcast, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she could find a man in Ping Cheng who was willing to marry her. Upon seeing the content of the news, Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s faces turned dark. Ding Jiayi kept saying that this was fake news, but Qiao Zijin could see her sorry state from the news.

    Based on this piece of news, it was difficult for her to even make friends in the future, let alone find a man who was willing to marry her.

    Lying on the bed, Qiao Zijin felt so ufortable that she tossed and turned and couldn¡¯t go to sleep. The news made her upset. During the meal just now, her mother kept repeating that she had already spent more than two hundred yuan out of the five hundred yuan within a day, which made Qiao Zijin feel even more ufortable. There was only one motive for her mother to have mentioned money, and that was to get money from her.

    She said that it didn¡¯t matter what she and her father were eating but she was still recuperating, so she didn¡¯t dare to buy only vegetables. It sounded nice, but in short, it was about money and asking for money. The two million yuan had not reached her hands yet, but she had already spent four hundred thousand yuan. Her mother was still asking for money every day. It was afraid that the remaining one million and six hundred thousand yuan will be spent sooner orter as well.

    No, she had to think of a way. Moreover, once the house in her hands was sold, she would be homeless. In the past, she didn¡¯t fancy the courtyard and wanted to sell it for money. Now that the big house was sold, it was better not to sell the courtyard. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have a ce to stay in. There was a need to sell the house, but the courtyard had to belong to her.

    Right. Once the one million and six hundred thousand yuan was in her hands, she would give her mother ten thousand yuan.

 Chapter 1929 - Attitude

    <h4>Chapter 1929: Attitude</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Afterward, she would even be able to talk to her mom about the courtyard. Since it would be hers eventually, what was the big deal in giving it to her now?

    One could only rest assured with a way to feed oneself. Now that she hade up with a solution to her problem, Qiao Zijin, who had been troubled all this while, could finally rest easy and shut her eyes to go to sleep.

    Qiao Zijin had not forgotten why she had wanted to be discharged. The property agent told her that someone was willing to purchase her house. Qiao Zijin thought that it was a little fast, but the other party had not forked out the money yet. Perhaps, they would decide not to go ahead with the purchase after viewing the house. Selling a house was a big deal, and there was no way it would bepleted within two to three days.

    It was only after Qiao Zijin finished the transfer procedures, received a bank card with 1.6 million yuan in her hands, and walked out dizzily from the agency that she realized that a house worth two million could be sold so easily.

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan had been good at earning money and had spent only six hundred thousand on this house, and how she might not even have had the chance to have such arge amount of cash otherwise, Qiao Zijin felt a little sad. There was really no one who couldpare to Qiao Nan in terms of being able to earn money in the Qiao family. Ever since she was in high school, Qiao Nan had been quite capable in terms of earning money.

    ¡°Zijin, has the two-million-yuan-house really been sold? Have you gotten the money?¡± Ding Jiayi was rather excited. Her family had never had so much money in their lives. Ding Jiayi felt that she would not even be able to fall asleep just thinking about the 1.6 million yuan. ¡°Zijin, you have to keep the money safely. Do you want me to keep it for you in case you lose it?¡±

    Qiao Zijin quickly covered the bank card securely. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Mom. I¡¯m all grown up. How can I possibly lose it? I can keep it well myself.¡± What a joke! This was 1.6 million yuan! If this got into her mom¡¯s pockets, would she even be able to retrieve it in the future?

    At the thought of the courtyard, Qiao Zijin quickly changed her mind. ¡°Mom, the bank is right ahead. I¡¯ll bank this in. Wait outside for me.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Ding Jiayi agreed that she had to be careful with such arge amount of money on hand. What if someone got close to Zijin and robbed her?

    When Qiao Zijin was done, she returned home with Ding Jiayi. Upon returning home, Qiao Zijin realized that Qiao Dongliang was not home. It was just as well. She would not have to worry about her father overhearing her conversation about the courtyard. ¡°Mom,e to my room.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ding Jiayi wiped her hands dry. ¡°I¡¯m washing the vegetables. If I don¡¯t do it now, your dad will definitely be unhappy if he doesn¡¯t have anything to eat when hees back at noontime.¡± She had already spent half of the five hundred yuan that Zijin had given her a few days back. She would have to ask Zijin for more. She wondered how much Zijin would give her this time. If it was not enough, she would just have to ask for more.

    Qiao Zijin smiled and took something out of her bag and passed it to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, look at this. This is for you. Take your time to spend it.¡±

    The moment Ding Jiayi saw the envelope, she had a rough idea of what it was. With just a nce and her twenty years of experience taking money from Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi asked directly, ¡°Ten thousand?¡± It had always been much thicker every time that wretched girl handed hers over.

    Ding Jiayi was sick and never liked Qiao Nan making a transfer to her. It felt too virtual and it did not feel real at all. What if the money went missing during the transfer? Or what if Qiao Nan tried to shirk her responsibility? Besides, it was just a bunch of numbers. It could notpare to the feeling of thick, heavy cash.

    As such, Ding Jiayi requested Qiao Nan to hand her sry over in cold-hard cash. She did not like transferring money and doing that sort of thing. Besides, mobile transfers had only been poprized in recent years. Since Qiao Zijin did not use it, Ding Jiayi did not either.

    Because of the twenty years of experience with Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi could estimate the amount of money in the envelope the moment Qiao Zijin took it out.

    Hearing theck of surprise in Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice, and even a little disappointment, Qiao Zijin was upset. She had never given her mom money, but her mom had always praised her for being a good daughter. Now that she was giving her mom ten thousand yuan, her mom was disappointed? No wonder her mother had never been happy no matter how much Qiao Nan gave her in the past.

    ¡°Is it too little?¡± Qiao Zijin tried to suppress her anger.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°No, not really. I¡¯m just not used to it.¡± Whether it was ten thousand or five hundred, she had never gotten so little money from that wretched girl. Sigh. Having that wretched girl around had been pretty good. At least, that wretched girl had been much more easy-going about her money.

    The moment Ding Jiayi said that, Qiao Zijin lost the desire to continue the conversation. ¡°Mom, thanks for staying by my side and taking care of me after my surgery. I don¡¯t know how I would have made it through otherwise. Thank you so much, Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin took a step forward and hugged Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart softened and she patted Qiao Zijin on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re my only... You¡¯re the daughter I care most about. How could I not stay by your side? Nothing is more important than you being healthy and well. Don¡¯t worry, Zijin. Mom will never leave you alone. Even if everyone else leaves you, I¡¯ll never leave you.¡±

    Since Zijin knew how good she was, she should know how to be filial to her now that she had 1.6 million yuan in her hands.

    ¡°Mom, where do you think Qiao Nan is now?¡±

    ¡°...¡± At the mention of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Why are you talking about that heartless wretched girl? I don¡¯t care about where she is! She can die for all I care. It¡¯ll be even better if she just dies outside and doesn¡¯t make trouble for us. She¡¯s already forty and she¡¯s still unmarried. If I were her, I would be too embarrassed to be living in this world. She¡¯s a scum who abandoned her parents! Even if she goes to hell, she won¡¯t be forgiven! She¡¯ll suffer in hell!¡±

    Thinking about how she and Qiao Dongliang had been taking care of Zijin¡¯s surgery without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, Ding Jiayi was enraged. If this happened to any other family, the younger generation would be the ones dealing with all these matters. Both she and Old Qiao were already advanced in age and did not even dream of relying on their children. But when something like this happened, was it not expected that she should at least treat them as her parents?

 Chapter 1930 - Owner of the Courtyard

    <h4>Chapter 1930: Owner of the Courtyard</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan had taken all of the family¡¯s money, left her elder sister to die, and had abandoned her parents. She would wait and see what kind of retribution a heartless thing like Qiao Nan would receive in the future. Anyway, if Qiao Nan dared to return, she would never let Qiao Nan step into the Qiao family¡¯s house if she did not return ten times of what she took away and kneel down to apologize for her mistake.

    If Qiao Nan dared to return, she would break Qiao Nan¡¯s leg. Then, she would see if Qiao Nan would still dare to run away in the future.

    Seeing how Ding Jiayi¡¯s anger toward Qiao Nan had not dissipated even though she had been dissatisfied with the amount of money Qiao Zijin had given, Qiao Zijin sighed in relief. This proved that she was still more important than Qiao Nan in her mom¡¯s heart. She was still her mom¡¯s favorite daughter. That was good. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t mind me for being straightforward. I¡¯m only saying this because I feel sorry for you and Dad.¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been easy on you raising me and Qiao Nan all these years. You¡¯ve shed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Dad even left the military because you guys had Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan¡¯s my sister and I care about her as well. If her departure hurt only me, I would never have said a thing. But her selfishness caused you and Dad to worry a lot, so I really can¡¯t hold this in anymore.¡±

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°What? Just say it? Do you have anything that you can¡¯t tell me?¡± It seemed rather serious.

    Qiao Zijin said in the calmest tone possible, ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. You know that this courtyard is under Dad¡¯s name, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s under his name, if you and Dad are no longer here anymore, I¡¯ll have to split this house equally with Qiao Nan ording to thew. She¡¯s filial to you, but she can¡¯t get along with me. I¡¯m willing to give her the entire courtyard, let alone half. If not for Qiao Nan, this courtyard would have been someone else¡¯s. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s gone overboard this time. She should have been here to help out while I was ill. She made the two of you work so hard. I think that it¡¯s unfair that you¡¯ll have to give her half of your assets. I¡¯m not saying this because of the money involved. Mom, I can promise you that I¡¯ll donate half of what this house is worth to the Red Cross if the courtyard bes mine. I¡¯ll use the money to help the helpless who have a sense of righteousness and love.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words moved Ding Jiayi deeply and she sniffled. ¡°Mom has always known that you¡¯re the best child in the world. I don¡¯t even want to talk about that fool, Qiao Nan. She was so heartless toward your dad and me, and she even left you to die. What right does an ingrate like that have to inherit anything of our family? I would rather throw everything we have into the river than let her have anything! She wants the house? She can dream on!¡±

    Holding her ¡®good daughter¡¯s¡¯ hand, Ding Jiayi thought about it. ¡°But what do you mean by donating your money? Do you not have to live? It doesn¡¯t matter to your dad and me since we¡¯re already so old. But that won¡¯t do for you. You¡¯re still young. You should find someone to take care of you. It¡¯s better to have more money on hand just in case. This house has nothing to do with Qiao Nan. The house is your dad¡¯s and mine. It¡¯ll go to whomever we prefer. Qiao Nan won¡¯t have a say in this. Don¡¯t you dare donate your money. We¡¯re not rich. Keep everything for yourself. Besides, you¡¯ve already sold your big apartment. You¡¯ll have to live in the courtyard in the future. Don¡¯t sell it!¡±

    A family was only a family with a house. She knew how much the courtyard was worth, but the way she saw it, the courtyard was her home. It was not a temporary amodation that they paid for. As such, Ding Jiayi had never equated the courtyard with thatrge sum of money.

    With her goal achieved, Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. That was just a suggestion. I won¡¯t sell the house. I grew up here and it¡¯s full of memories of our family. I can¡¯t bear to leave this ce or sell it. But Mom, can you really give me this house without leaving anything to Qiao Nan?¡±

    To put it bluntly, this was only her mom¡¯s idea. She was only listening to her mom¡¯s wishes. She had no intention of discriminating against Qiao Nan. She would not be at fault if anything were to happen in the future. She was sisters with Qiao Nan, after all.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what she thinks. She took away all of our family¡¯s money even while knowing that you needed it to save your life. I made my own calctions. She took with her almost four to five hundred thousand yuan! If she can¡¯t repay me four to five hundred thousand for her mistake, I¡¯ll never acknowledge her as my daughter. Is it that easy to steal from our family?¡±

    Ding Jiayi spoke with viciousness in her voice. At the mention of money, Qiao Zijin could always hear Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart break. Qiao Zijin nodded in agreement. It was indeed a huge sum of money. If they had that four or five hundred thousand yuan, would she have needed to sell her house? It was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault.

    That big apartment had been sold for two million. If she wanted to purchase another house in the future, it would definitely have to be a bigger one than before. In that case, she would need at least four to five million yuan. If Qiao Nan could fork out that sum of money to make up for her loss, she would consider acknowledging Qiao Nan as her sister again.

    ¡°Mom, what you said doesn¡¯t count. I heard today that Qiao Nan will still be able to inherit half of this house if you and Dad pass away.¡± Qiao Zijin blinked forcefully. Damn! Her mother had almost caused her to forget the main topic. ¡°We can¡¯t just rely on what you say.¡± They had not even had a witness here today. If they were to go to court in the future, the court would never admit this as evidence. In the end, Qiao Nan would receive half of what was rightfully hers.

    ¡°So, what should we do?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned. ¡°Zijin, do you already have a n?¡± Ding Jiayi was no fool. Her elder daughter¡¯s conversation was mainly about the courtyard. She could feel that her elder daughter was already scheming something. Otherwise, there was no need for her to harp on this matter.

    ¡°Yes...¡± She should not have to say it so explicitly. Why was her mother so foolish? She had already made herself so clear. Did she have to state it so explicitly? Since she did not want to hand the house over to Qiao Nan, she could either hand it over to her now or get awyer to draft a will.

    But between the two solutions, Qiao Zijin very much preferred the former, which would directly make her the owner of the courtyard.

 Chapter 1931 - Consequence

    <h4>Chapter 1931: Consequence</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In that way, she would own a house again, giving her a sense of security. On the other hand, if they drafted a will, as long as her parents were still alive, her dad could still change his mind and leave the house to Qiao Nan. Then, she would have nothing.

    It was always best to have it for herself. It was not as though she was her parents¡¯ only daughter. It would be safer and reliable to im all of the family¡¯s assets as her own now.

    Qiao Zijin had been in such a hurry that she had almost directly asked Ding Jiayi for the house. But then, Qiao Zijin suddenly had a brilliant idea. Her mom hated Qiao Nan. Her mom would never be able to bear the thought of Qiao Nan iming half of such a valuable property. Her mom would be even more miserable than her if that were to happen!

    After a while, her mom would definitely think of a solution. ¡°That¡¯s alright with me. Now that you¡¯re healthy, you¡¯re thinking about your dad and me. About the courtyard, your dad and your opinions matter most. If you guys really want to give half of this courtyard to Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll respect your decision even if I¡¯m unhappy. It¡¯s alright. Nothing will happen.¡±

    Knowing Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts toward the matter, Qiao Zijinfortably stood up and sat back down on the sofa, switching on the TV to watch a drama series after leaving Ding Jiayi with such heartwarming words. Qiao Zijin had banned all of Ping Cheng¡¯s news channels. She was fed up with those people attacking and reproaching her.

    ¡°Zijin, I think your phone in the room is ringing. Is someone calling you?¡± Ding Jiayi had not understood the situation before she heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s phone ring.

    Qiao Zijin replied to Ding Jiayi without even looking at her. ¡°You should have just brought my phone over when you heard it ringing. Do I have to tell you to do that? Hurry up, Mom.¡± Ever since she was hospitalized, she had not received any calls for a long time. Could it be someone who dialed the wrong number or a salesperson promoting some useless item? That would be meaningless if that was the case.

    Qiao Zijin had not yet guessed the caller before Ding Jiayi ran out with a wide smile on her face. ¡°Zijin. Hurry and answer the call! It¡¯s Chen Jun! It¡¯s my son-inw! Maybe Chen Jun¡¯s regretting it now and wants to reconcile with you! If that¡¯s the case, Zijin, you must not re up. You were in the wrong when you guys got divorced. Now that Chen Jun¡¯s willing to put his pride aside and call you first, you must grasp this opportunity. Remember to live a good and honest life once you remarry Chen Jun. Don¡¯t create so much trouble anymore!¡±

    Ding Jiaiyi thanked the heavens. Blessings wereing one after another. First, Zijin had been cured of her illness. Now, her son-inw was no longer upset with her daughter and wanted to reconcile with her! Without that jinx, Qiao Nan, the Qiao family¡¯s lives were indeed getting better day by day. Perhaps, all of the family¡¯s bad luck might go away now that Qiao Nan was gone. If that was the case, even if Qiao Nan were to return with the four or five hundred thousand yuan that she deserved, she would ept the money and chase Qiao Nan away, in case the family¡¯s feng shui was affected again.

    Qiao Zijin had not even thought about that when she had heard that Chen Jun was calling her. But now that her mom had said that, Qiao Zijin blushed and her expectations rose. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t talk about that. I¡¯ve already died once. How could I still be that insensible? I¡¯ve thought about it in this period of time. My life was pretty good when I was with Chen Jun. This time, I¡¯ll really cherish it.¡±

    Because of the news, Qiao Zijin felt that she would never be able to find a second man willing to marry her. But who would have expected Chen Jun to call her? Chen Jun had even been promoted! Qiao Zijin knew that it would not be easy for her to find another man, much less one who was more qualified than Chen Jun.

    Chen Jun was well-qualified and was willing to be with her. What else could Qiao Zijin be picky about? This time, she would lead an honest life, just like her mom said. She would not even spare those men outside a nce.

    Actually, if Chen Jun had not been so cold toward her and spent time with those vixens out there, she would never have gotten so angry, leading to her learning from Chen Jun and sleeping with other men.

    Forget it. She was already at this age. As long as Chen Jun did not cross the line in the future and get those vixens to call her toin, forcing her to get a divorce, Chen Jun could have as much fun as he wanted outside. All she asked for was to be the only Mrs. Chen. ¡°Hello?¡± Qiao Zijin answered the call with her gentlest voice. ¡°It¡¯s you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that she had been gentle, but Chen Jun, who was on the other end of the call, was incensed. ¡°Look carefully at who I am before trying to hook me up. I¡¯m not a stray dog that you¡¯re raising. Speak to me normally.¡± Humph! She was already trying to hook up with men right after her surgery. This woman did not know her ce at all.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression soured. ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s because I knew who called me. That¡¯s why... Chen Jun, can¡¯t we have a peaceful conversation as a couple? How¡¯s our son? I miss him.¡± Did the Chen family not care greatly about her son? They would probably let her return on her son¡¯s ount, right?

    Thankfully, she had the good fortune to not only have married Chen Jun but also to have given birth to the Chen family¡¯s grandson.

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about your son only now? It¡¯s toote. Anyway, I don¡¯t want to waste my time on you. I¡¯ll delve straight into it. Qiao Nan ran away. Since when have you guys been so generous not to deal with her?¡±

    Up until today, Chen Jun still thought about the beating he had received at that time. He had not even looked down on Qiao Nan for her age and had chosen to marry a woman in her forties instead of a youngdy in her twenties. Any other person would have been moved to tears, but Qiao Nan had not only rejected him but had even found someone to beat him up!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s rejection seemed like a hundred ps in the face to Chen Jun, humiliating Chen Jun. Qiao Nan had never even hated Chen Jun for starting an affair, but Chen Jun hated Qiao Nan to the guts for what happened that day.

    Did Qiao Nan mean to embarrass him? All right. Then, Qiao Nan should not hope to be able to lead a peaceful life either. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were two blood-sucking devils. As long as these two women were alive, he would just wait and see how tough Qiao Nan¡¯s life would be. This was the consequence of provoking him!

 Chapter 1932 - What Reconciliation

    <h4>Chapter 1932: What Reconciliation</h4>

    After getting beaten up, Chen Jun had immediately made a phone call to the Qiao family upon returning to Ping Cheng before he had even moved away. Even though Qiao Dongliang had answered the call, Chen Jun did not pay much attention to that. He did not think that Qiao Dongliang would be an exception in the Qiao family and would treat Qiao Nan so well.

    Having been the Qiao family¡¯s son-inw for over a decade, Chen Jun had always known that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin bullied Qiao Nan openly. On the surface, Qiao Dongliang did not say anything and never participated in it, but he allowed Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to do as they pleased. It was obvious that they were in cahoots. Qiao Nan was like an outsider who was being bullied badly.

    As the breadwinner of the family, Qiao Nan had taken all of the family¡¯s money and left when Qiao Zijin was gravely ill. Chen Jun thought that the Qiao family would hate Qiao Nan for doing so, including Qiao Dongliang. After learning about Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts, the Qiao family would definitely rush over and make life difficult for Qiao Nan.

    It had been a long while since that call, but he had not heard any news of anything happening to Qiao Nan. Chen Jun could no longer suppress his curiosity. That was why he had made a call to Qiao Zijin, whom he hated the most. ¡°Qiao Nan has always been kind, but since when have the rest of you changed so drastically and be so kind as well? Can you really just let Qiao Nan off and live a peaceful life just like that?¡±

    He did not believe that the Qiao family hade to such a sudden revtion. Unless Qiao Nan passed away, the Qiao family would never let Qiao Nan off.

    Chen Jun had just been promoted and transferred to a new location. It was only natural for him to be enthusiastic and busy with many things. Besides, it was the end of the year. After he had finallypleted all the work he had on hand, Chen Jun was now free to ¡®worry¡¯ about the Qiao family again.

    The corner of Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips drooped down. ¡°What do you mean? I don¡¯t understand you. Qiao Nan... She ran away a long time ago. We don¡¯t even know where she is. Chen Jun, why are you spouting such nonsense?¡± Neither Qiao Zijin nor her mom wished for Qiao Nan to return home, but Qiao Nan had taken away a few hundred thousand yuan! That had to be returned! That was her money! What right did Qiao Nan have to take it away with her?

    The longer Qiao Nan stayed away, the lower her chances of recovering that sum of money. Qiao Zijin had previously consulted awyer. The money that Qiao Nan had taken with her was Qiao Nan¡¯s alone and had nothing to do with the Qiao family. Legally, the Qiao family had no grounds to demand that sum of money back from Qiao Nan. As long as Qiao Nan was unwilling to give it to them, the Qiao family had no say in how Qiao Nan used the money.

    Qiao Nan had already dared to run away with the money, so Qiao Zijin knew that she could not count on Qiao Nan saving the money without spending a single cent. As such, she had to find Qiao Nan as soon as possible to minimize her losses.

    Qiao Zijin had just undergone her surgery. If her health had been good, Qiao Zijin would already have gone to the ends of the earth to look for Qiao Nan. Now that Chen Jun was mocking her, Qiao Zijin was infuriated. Yes, in Chen Jun¡¯s eyes, there was not a single Qiao who was good, barring Qiao Nan. Other than Qiao Nan, the entire Qiao family was evil wolves and evil ghosts!

    Having been married to Chen Jun for so many years, Qiao Zijin was clearer than anyone just how good of an impression Chen Jun had of Qiao Nan. Every time she was at home and did something that upset the Chen family or Chen Jun, they would always say that Qiao Nan had never behaved in this manner.

    Every time she heard that, Qiao Zijin¡¯s hatred for Qiao Nan grew. What had Qiao Nan done that she had met Chen Jun and had even left such a good impression on his family?

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, Qiao Zijin was naturally better than Qiao Nan in every way. Because she had been used to hearing such things, she had not expected her inws to praise Qiao Nan and im that Qiao Nan was better than her in every way. It was no wonder that she could not ept it.

    Qiao Zijin had not gotten into an affair and gotten divorced from Chen Jun because of a moment of folly. It was a decision she had made after long consideration in order to relieve her stress. It was true that her life now after her divorce could not bepared to that before her marriage. But without that environment where she could not match up to Qiao Nan in every way and hearing her mother put Qiao Nan down, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood was much better.

    It was only when shecked money did Qiao Zijin think well of the Chen family. She had just had the slightest hope that Chen Jun would have realized her importance because of what had happened over the past year and would thus want to reconcile with her. But Chen Jun¡¯s aggressive words that were full of malice immediately caused all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hope toe crashing down.

    ¡°I mean, don¡¯t you guys already know where Qiao Nan is? Are you guys really not going to look for her?¡± Were they not going to continue demanding money from Qiao Nan and making life difficult for Qiao Nan? Were they really going to let Qiao Nan lead a peaceful life? This was not the Qiao family¡¯s style. He did not believe that Qiao Zijin had changed for the better just because she had been hospitalized.

    Qiao Zijin took a few deep breaths. ¡°We don¡¯t even know where Qiao Nan is, all right? Chen Jun, if you really need to throw a tantrum, go find someone else. You¡¯re always talking about Qiao Nan. I know you don¡¯t like me and you¡¯ve always been looking at her even while being married to me. Don¡¯t you know how disgusting that is? Since you like her so much and can¡¯t be apart from her, why don¡¯t you marry her if you¡¯re so capable?¡±

    She did not believe that Chen Jun would be willing to marry an old woman in her forties after getting used to those twenty-year-old youngdies. Since he could not do that, why was he being so shameless and pretending that he had such deep feelings for Qiao Nan in front of her?

    Chen Jun refused to broach that topic. He was reluctant to admit to his most hated ex-wife that he wanted to marry Qiao Nan, but she had rejected him. Although these words would definitely provoke Qiao Zijin and embarrass her, it would be humiliating for him as well. ¡°You don¡¯t know? How can you not know? Didn¡¯t I already tell you Qiao Nan¡¯s address?¡±

    ¡°When did you tell us?¡± Qiao Zijin could no longer suppress her anger. ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense! This is the first time I¡¯m receiving a call from you ever since we got divorced. Do you think my mom would have kept it from me if you called?¡± Her mom had even thought that Chen Jun had called her to get back together with her.

    A reconciliation? What a joke! Chen Jun had only Qiao Nan in his heart.

 Chapter 1933 - More Like a Vixen

    <h4>Chapter 1933: More Like a Vixen</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan was scarier than those twenty-five-year-old girls. She was more like a vixen!

    ¡°No...¡± He had obviously made a call before, but his ex-father-inw had answered it. Could it be...¡±Your dad didn¡¯t tell you and your mom?¡± As such, the person who had deceived everyone this time was the honest-looking and quiet ex-father-inw? He was really silent about it. ¡°Wasn¡¯t your dad in a hurry to get those hundreds of thousand yuan?¡±

    Forget that Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t tell what kind of person Qiao Zijin was. Don¡¯t tell him that Qiao Dongliang, a big man, couldn¡¯t figure out what kind of person the elder daughter he had raised was as well?

    He dared say this. If the person ill was Qiao Nan and if Qiao Nan died as she couldn¡¯t receive medical treatment in time, even if Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi still had Qiao Zijin as their daughter, when they were old or ill in the future, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone by their side to take care of them, let alone Zijin being around to support and provide for them. The only daughter with a conscience whom Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could rely on was Qiao Nan.

    As an outsider, Chen Jun couldn¡¯t be bothered to tell this to the Qiao family if they didn¡¯t understand it. He had already looked down on the Qiao family, but Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sudden move surprised Chen Jun more than the fact that Qiao Zijin had turned vegetarian. He had always thought that the person most ruthless to Qiao Nan in the Qiao family was the father, Qiao Dongliang.

    Only then did Qiao Zijin realize that the problem lied with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°You¡¯re saying that you had previously given us a call and even told my dad about Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts?¡± Qiao Zijin squinted and looked at Ding Jiayi, as if asking her if she was aware of this.

    Ding Jiayi looked dumbfounded. Ever since the phone content between her elder daughter and elder son-inw involved Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but pay attention to it. When her elder daughter looked at her with questioning eyes, Ding Jiayi felt that she was wronged and shook her head repeatedly. If she had known where that wretched girl was, even if she didn¡¯t find that wretched girl back to continue working for their family, she would have at least taken back that sum of money for Zijin¡¯s surgery.

    If it wasn¡¯t that they really didn¡¯t have a choice, she wouldn¡¯t have wanted Zijin to sell that big house away. That would be a loss. Houses¡¯ value kept increasing, whereas money was bing less and less valuable. That she understood.

    Old Qiao actually hid such a big thing from her as well. What a mess he had created. Zijin found out about this matter today. She didn¡¯t know what Zijin would misunderstand again. What was Old Qiao thinking? They were only left with a daughter, Zijin. Not only did he not treat Zijin well, but he even treated that wretched girl who wascking conscience well. Did Old Qiao not want Zijin anymore?

    Chen Jun understood that it wasn¡¯t the Qiao family who was feeling benevolent but that Qiao Dongliang had hidden it from them. Chen Jun very ¡®kindly¡¯ shared Qiao Nan¡¯s old address with Qiao Zijin. ¡°Okay, I have nothing else. There¡¯s no need for us to contact each other again.¡± Anyway, after this call, he would throw away this calling card.

    ¡°Aside from Qiao Nan¡¯s matters, isn¡¯t there anything else you want to say to me?¡± Qiao Zijin was not willing to give up. She didn¡¯t believe that after being married for so many years and having a son, there was nothing they could talk about except Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Heh.¡± Chen Jun snorted and hung up the call with a m. He used practical actions to tell Qiao Zijin what kind of attitude he had when facing a woman who had made a cuckold out of him.

    ¡°Asshole!¡± Qiao Zijin was so angry that she nearly smashed her phone. She knew what Chen Jun¡¯sughter meant. ¡°Big asshole, what right do you have tough at me? I did cheat on you with other men, but are you any better than me? If you didn¡¯t cheat on me first and let that vixenugh at me for being old and haggard so that I would want a divorce, did I have to...¡±

    Back then, she was so angry that she went to a bar to get drunk. After cheating the first time, she couldn¡¯t control herself and took revenge for a second and third time... All in all, Chen Jun was the cause. He had forced her into this.

    Chen Jun didn¡¯t hear Qiao Zijin¡¯s grievances. Even if he did, he wouldn¡¯t have minded. He was already in such a state of life before getting together with Qiao Nan. After using simr means to be together with him, wasn¡¯t itughable that Qiao Zijin actually hoped that he could treat her well?

    As Ding Jiayi listened, she became confused. She only felt that there was so much information in today¡¯s call. She initially thought that it was already formidable that they had Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts. When she heard that Qiao Dongliang had hidden the news about Qiao Nan from them, Ding Jiayi wanted to rush outside, find Qiao Dongliang, and have a good fight with him.

    Didn¡¯t he know how difficult it was for the family previously? In order to see a doctor, Zijin had sold her house. That wretched girl took away so much money from the family. That sum of money belonged to them and they should take it back. If there was still time, they could even buy back that house which they had sold earlier.

    Old Qiao was really a fool to have done such a wrong thing.

    But after hearing the rest of the conversation, Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t know what to say. So it turned out that Zijin had cheated outside. She only knew that Zijin¡¯s and Chen Jun¡¯s rtionship wasn¡¯t that good after marriage. However, since Zijin didn¡¯t want to say anything, she was too embarrassed to mention it either.

    She knew that the Chen family was good and Qiao Zijin had used means so that she could hold a shotgun wedding with Chen Jun. In the years they were a couple, Ding Jiayi never put on the airs of a mother-inw in front of Chen Jun, the son-inw. Every time she saw Chen Jun, she almost always regarded him as an ancestor.

    However, she didn¡¯t expect that the rtionship between Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin was no longer just not good. Chen Jun went behind the Qiao family¡¯s back to have so many women outside. What Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t ept the most was that there was even a vixen who called Qiao Zijin to mock her. She didn¡¯t dare believe that Qiao Zijin actually led such a sorry life before she got a divorce.

    ¡°Zijin, why didn¡¯t you tell us earlier that Chen Jun was such a man? If we had known that he was like this, your dad and I would have long gone to the Chen family and talked some sense into them. This is too overboard. Indeed, that wretched girl was up to no good. She knew that Chen Jun wasn¡¯t a good person, so she brought him to our house and pushed him to you. She did this deliberately to take revenge on you!¡±

    Upon thinking that if not for Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have married Chen Jun and led such a horrible life, Ding Jiayi was full of anger and started to harbor bad thoughts and resentment.

 Chapter 1934 - Stepmother

    <h4>Chapter 1934: Stepmother</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t hesitate to put all the me on Qiao Nan. She hadpletely forgotten that Qiao Zijin was the one to have snatched Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan.

    She wasining that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t choose a good enough boyfriend such that after Qiao Zijin snatched him away from her, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t manage to lead a good life.

    ¡°What is there to say? Would Chen Jun be able to control his own belt and not let it loose outside after I¡¯ve said it?¡± Qiao Zijin was so angry that she kept hitting the sofa. Why did she have to say it? On what basis should she say it? If she said that she had married a rotten person like Chen Jun, Qiao Nan would definitely be gloating and happy as she had snatched away a lousy Chen Jun from her hands. Her intervention had saved Qiao Nan from an ordeal.

    However, what made Qiao Zijin angrier was that she somehow felt that when Chen Jun was together with Qiao Nan, he didn¡¯t have this kind of temper or mannerism. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to admit that Chen Jun had other women outside as he had married her, and if Chen Jun had married Qiao Nan, he would have guarded her and led a good life with her.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to have such thoughts and didn¡¯t hope that this was the truth.

    Under the influence of such thoughts, Qiao Zijin was even more unwilling to let others know how she had gotten along with Chen Jun back then. If not for this call today, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have imagined that Qiao Zijin¡¯s life after marriage was like this.

    What she knew was that every time Qiao Zijin returned to her family¡¯s home, Chen Jun would apany her at least seven out of ten times. In front of them, Chen Jun¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t bad. The Qiao family didn¡¯t have good conditions and couldn¡¯t be of help to Chen Jun. However, Chen Jun was willing to apany Qiao Zijin home again and again. Ding Jiayi always felt that it was Chen Jun¡¯s way of doting on Zijin as he loved her.

    Only if Qiao Zijin was pampered by the Chen family would Chen Jun be good to Qiao Zijin and value the Qiao family. Who knew that this wasn¡¯t the case? ¡°If Chen Jun is such a person, why did he follow you back every time to your family¡¯s home in the past?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Could it be that she wanted her to admit that Chen Jun was willing to apany her back to her family¡¯s home even if he could take only a nce at Qiao Nan? Yes, she was first pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child before marrying him. She had the title of Mrs. Chen. However, Chen Jun¡¯s heart was never on her.

    She was not going to say such an embarrassing matter.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier? If you did...¡± If she had said so earlier, she would definitely have let Qiao Nan leave Ping Cheng and not return all year round, as long as she handed over the money to her. If Chen Jun couldn¡¯t see Qiao Nan, he would have to give up and lead a good life with Zijin.

    Zijin had really suffered grievances. It turned out that she was bullied after marrying Chen Jun. How would the daughter she had raised up not be good? Even if Zijin had some wrongdoings, they were all forced out by Chen Jun and that wretched girl.

    ¡°Okay, Mom. The problem lies with Chen Jun. Also, I don¡¯t want to hear Qiao Nan¡¯s name at this point in time.¡± Even without Qiao Nan, Chen Jun had plenty of women outside. Those women had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. ¡°All these years, you have gotten Qiao Nan to rent a room outside and lived in the courtyard. Nobody can stop Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts. Every time I was back, I would leave my son to Qiao Nan. Since when did you see Qiao Nan and Chen Jun hanging out alone, let alone her seducing Chen Jun? Even if Chen Jun had such thoughts, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t dare. She did a good job. However, with Chen Jun around, she¡¯s either out with my son or always under our watch. She did these well.¡±

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t blind over the years. When Chen Jun was still Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend, yes, she had been together with Chen Jun and even got pregnant with his child deliberately. She had used such disgraceful means to snatch Chen Jun over. It was inevitable that Qiao Zijin would project her own shorings on Qiao Nan.

    However, as long as the two of them were in the Qiao family, although Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t say anything on the surface, she always secretly watched Chen Jun or Qiao Nan closely. As long as the two of them were not under her watch at the same time, she would be very worried. She had to find out if they were together, or if there were others next to them.

    The more Qiao Zijin cared about this, the more she realized that Qiao Nan had done a good job avoiding this situation. When Qiao Nan brought her son out to y, Chen Jun was by her side. When Chen Jun wasn¡¯t around, Qiao Nan would be sitting in the living room.

    Qiao Zijin asionally saw a look of anxiety and eagerness in Chen Jun¡¯s eyes. Based on Chen Jun¡¯s faint anxious expression, Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t give him a chance for them to be alone and she always stayed far away from him.

    It was also precisely because of Qiao Nan¡¯s performance that every time Chen Jun agreed to apany her back to her family¡¯s home, Qiao Zijin felt that she had gained a lot of face. At the same time, she could see Chen Jun¡¯s anxious look for Qiao Nan. It could be said that the trip back to her family home could take revenge against Qiao Nan and torture Chen Jun. This made Qiao Zijin feel good.

    Ding Jiayi always thought that Qiao Zijin was filial and often returned to her family home as she missed her and Qiao Dongliang. In reality, she never truly understood the reasons why Qiao Zijin was willing to return to her family home more often.

    Ding Jiayi had mentioned this matter today. It was also rare for Qiao Zijin to be willing to put in a good word for Qiao Nan. ¡°If Qiao Nan had any thoughts, she should have be my son¡¯s stepmother now.¡±

    Even if she was unwilling to admit it, Qiao Zijin would only say that even though Qiao Nan was already in her forties, as long as she was willing to, a man like Chen Jun would be willing to marry an unmarried old virgin like Qiao Nan more than a twenty-five-year-old girl.

    Upon thinking about the flirtatious girl that was going to marry Chen Jun, sleep in her bed, dominate her man, and hit her son, Qiao Zijin felt angry. She became even angrier when she thought of how Chen Jun would be treating this new wife better than herself back then.

    Inparison, Qiao Zijin was surprised to find that if Chen Jun¡¯s second marriage partner was Qiao Nan, she would have been more epting of such a result. Chen Jun was Qiao Zijin¡¯s boyfriend to begin with. She had snatched him away from her. Now that Qiao Nan was marrying Chen Jun, it could be considered that she had returned him to the rightful owner.

    She was worried about other vixens. After those women married Chen Jun, they would give birth to children for him. How was there a good stepmother? Her only son would definitely be bullied. More importantly, the children those vixens gave birth to would snatch things away from her son when they grew up.

 Chapter 1935 - Another Person

    <h4>Chapter 1935: Another Person</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Chen Jun were to get remarried to Qiao Nan, the situation would be different. Based on her rtionship with Chen Jun, Qiao Nan had always treated her son well, causing her son to throw tantrums, demanding to y with his younger auntie when he was younger. Qiao Nan would definitely treat her son well if she were to be his stepmother.

    If Qiao Nan dared to do anything in this regard, the Qiao family would have their eyes on her. Chen Jun was getting more impressive by the day. No one in the Qiao family was an official, apart from Chen Jun. It would be a pity to sever all ties with Chen Jun. All these problems would be solved by Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage to Chen Jun.

    In short, Chen Jun had a brilliant background. Instead of letting someone else take advantage of them and sacrificing her son¡¯s interests, she might as well be gracious and encourage Chen Jun to get back together with his ex, Qiao Nan.

    Chen Jun liked Qiao Nan very much and they still had an influence on Qiao Nan. Perhaps, the Qiao family would still be able to benefit from Chen Jun after Qiao Nan got married to Chen Jun. In fact, they might even benefit more from this marriage than when she had been married to Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin did not have much feeling for Chen Jun either and had only chased after him due to the Chen family¡¯s background. Apart from pride, Qiao Zijin had not gotten much happiness in the years together with Chen Jun. Thus, Qiao Zijin did not feel too sad about pushing Qiao Nan back to Chen Jun.

    She had been angry about it in her youth. She was more outstanding than Qiao Nan, after all. Why could Qiao Nan, who had not even graduated from high school, find such a good man like Chen Jun while she, as a university graduate, could not? All her boyfriends had graduated from her university and had simr backgrounds to the Qiao family. Life was so unfair! Someone like Chen Jun was her ideal man.

    Even without any feelings for him, Qiao Zijin had set her sights on Chen Jun, had seduced him, and had even slept with him.

    Qiao Nan was conservative, while Chen Jun was used to ying around. It was only natural that things developed after Qiao Zijin had seduced him for a while after they had both gotten drunk. Chen Jun thought nothing of that night since they had both satisfied their own desires. It was only when Qiao Zijin got pregnant and the Qiao family forced them into marriage did Chen Jun realize how shrewd Qiao Zijin was. She waspletely different from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Zijin, why are you keeping quiet now? Did that wretched girl anger you? Don¡¯t get angry. Mom will help you get your justice. Don¡¯t speak well of that wretched girl. You might think of her as your younger sister, but she doesn¡¯t think of you as her elder sister. She left you to die! Where did Chen Jun say that wretched girl is? Once I find her, I¡¯ll not only take the money back, but I¡¯ll also give her a good beating! I¡¯ve grown old. I don¡¯t even remember how I used to deal with her when she was younger. She¡¯s really got the gall!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was so infuriated that she had the urge to hit Qiao Nan with a wooden stick. How could she be so shameless as to seduce her own brother-inw? It was Qiao Nan¡¯s fault that Chen Jun had treated Zijin so poorly!

    It was because of this that it did not matter whether Zijin got remarried in the future. That wretched girl had to support Zijin until her death, give Zijin an allowance, and let Zijin live the rest of her life carefree and happy. This was really what that wretched girl owed Zijin!

    Humph! If she had known that this would happen, she should have been stricter toward that wretched girl all these years. She had allowed that wretched girl to live a carefree life even aftermitting all those evil deeds!

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no hurry.¡± Qiao Zijin held Ding Jiayi back. ¡°Mom, you know that Chen Jun isn¡¯t young anymore. While we were married, he had a whole bunch of women outside. Now that I¡¯ve gotten divorced from him, he¡¯s free to do as he pleases. I couldn¡¯t even control Chen Jun while I was married to him. Now, I have no right to criticize Chen Jun¡¯s lifestyle. Actually, I¡¯ve already gotten used to him cheating on me and I didn¡¯t even try to stop him at that time. I¡¯m just worried that he¡¯ll cross the line and give my son another brother. What will happen if that child fights with my son for the Chen family¡¯s assets?¡±

    ¡°What shall we do?¡± Ding Jiayi panicked and repeated Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. It was a fact. She had been unable to stop her son-inw from divorcing her daughter, and she would be even more helpless trying to stop her son-inw from having another child. This was indeed a problem.

    That grandson of hers was handsome and intelligent. The thought of such a brilliant grandsonnding in the hands of a stepmother broke Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart. He was so pitiful.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t control what Chen Jun does now that we¡¯re divorced. But all of the Chen family¡¯s things should belong to my son. I definitely won¡¯t agree to anyone trying to snatch them away from him. I¡¯m also worried that Chen Jun¡¯s new wife won¡¯t treat my son well.¡±

    ¡°Then, do you have a n?¡± Yes, her grandson was very important. As long as everything of the Chen family belonged to her grandson and her grandson were to inherit Chen Jun¡¯s position, all these would belong to Zijin and the Qiao family. There was no difference. The huge premise was that all of the Chen family¡¯s assets had to belong to her grandson alone.

    Qiao Zijin had thought of the n herself but felt a little uneasy saying it. ¡°Look, Mom, after Qiao Nan ran away, the three of us knew nothing about where Qiao Nan was. But Chen Jun knew. Why do you think so?¡±

    ¡°Why else? That shameless wretched girl must have been trying to seduce Chen Jun behind our backs! I knew she wasn¡¯t any good. She was trying to stab you in the back while you were down! First, she cheated us of all the money we needed to save you. Then, she tried to seduce Chen Jun behind our backs! She¡¯s too evil! If I knew that she would be such a heartless person, I would have drowned her in the toilet when I gave birth to her.¡± She refused to admit that she had given birth to such an evil daughter.

    Hearing Ding Jiayi use such mean words to describe Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was at a loss for words and pitied Qiao Nan just a little. The older her mom got, the fouler hernguage got. Was her mom really not clear about the kind of daughter she had given birth to?

    She did not think that Qiao Nan was any good, but neither did she think that Qiao Nan was someone who would be able to seduce Chen Jun behind their backs. If Qiao Nan had wanted to, Chen Jun would not have waited untilst year to get a divorce from her. Given Chen Jun¡¯s temper and his feelings for Qiao Nan, Chen Jun would already have married Qiao Nan three years into their marriage, before her son could recognize people around him.

 Chapter 1936 - Elder Son-In-Law to Younger Son-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 1936: Elder Son-In-Law to Younger Son-In-Law</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be ridiculous. Qiao Nan probably has nothing to do with Chen Jun knowing about her whereabouts. It¡¯s Chen Jun. I already said that Chen Jun likes Qiao Nan a lot. I guess that he¡¯ll want to get together with Qiao Nan now that he¡¯s divorced me. You know what Chen Jun does too. It¡¯s difficult for us normal folks to find out where Qiao Nan went, but it¡¯s nothing more than a phone call away for Chen Jun.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression stiffened. Was Zijin kidding? What was going on? Why was Zijin always speaking up for that wretched girl today? She had scolded that wretched girl because her heart ached for Zijin and she felt that Zijin had suffered because of that wretched girl. ¡°So? If Chen Jun wants to get together with that wretched girl, why did he call us to tell us where that wretched girl is? Will Chen Jun be able to marry that wretched girl if we look for her and make a din?¡±

    What was Chen Jun doing? Did he like her or did he hate her?

    Qiao Zijin bit on her lip, not bothering to exin to her mom the meaning of a ¡®love-hate rtionship¡¯. ¡°Men care a lot about their pride, especially men like Chen Jun. Think about it. Qiao Nan¡¯s already forty. There are so many women crying and begging to marry Chen Jun, but Qiao Nan¡¯s like a piece of wood and hasn¡¯t shown any sign of affection for him. That¡¯s why Chen Jun¡¯s upset.¡± To put it more urately, his embarrassment had turned into anger.

    Something must have happened between the two of them, but she was not clear about what Qiao Nan had done to anger Chen Jun. All she knew was that Chen Jun¡¯s concern that they had not made trouble for Qiao Nan could only show how much he cared for Qiao Nan.

    Chen Jun did not like her and she had even cheated on Chen Jun. Apart from getting a divorce from her and not giving her any alimony, Chen Jun had not done anything overboard. Qiao Nan was different. Qiao Nan was someone Chen Jun had thought of for over ten years. If Qiao Nan had not restrained herself and left him with some dignity, Chen Jun might have flown into a bigger rage.

    ¡°So, what does he mean by his phone call, telling us where Qiao Nan is and even asking us to kick up a fuss in front of Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi was getting more confused as she listened to Zijin. Was this how youngsters dated nowadays? It seemed like such a mess to her.

    Qiao Zijin poured a cup of water for Ding Jiayi and pulled Ding Jiayi onto the chair, changing the conversation topic from the property deed to Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Chen Jun. ¡°Think about it. Qiao Nan¡¯s never made many friends even when she was in school or when she went out to work. She might be so reclusive that she might not even have someone to talk to. If we make trouble for Qiao Nan now and she can¡¯t handle it, who do you think Qiao Nan will turn to for help? Who do you think Qiao Nan knows who will also be able to convince us not to create any more trouble for her?¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun?¡± Yes. Yes! As long as Chen Jun made a request, she could only follow suit. She always felt a little uneasy when she looked at Chen Jun, but she could not tell why.

    She was unreliable and Old Qiao was useless. In front of Chen Jun, Zijin was helpless as well. Right. As long as Chen Jun were to interfere in the matter, the Qiao family would be like deted balloons, utterly helpless. ¡°So, Chen Jun wants us to create trouble for Qiao Nan so that she¡¯ll look for him for help?¡±

    Seeing Qiao Zijin nod, Ding Jiayi could not help but ask, ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s the point in your telling me all this? Why don¡¯t you just tell me what you¡¯re thinking of doing? You know that I¡¯m not as intelligent as you are. If you don¡¯t tell me frankly, I¡¯m afraid that I might mess it up for you.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I want Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun and be my son¡¯s stepmother.¡± As long as Qiao Nan married Chen Jun, all her worries would disappear. Perhaps, if she insisted on Qiao Nan not having her own children, Qiao Nan would not even dare to get pregnant. Once her son was old enough and had the ability to take most of the Chen family¡¯s assets as his own, she would then be so kind as to allow Qiao Nan to be a mother.

    Qiao Zijin was clear that she would never be able to control whether Chen Jun¡¯s second wife gave birth to a child, unless that woman was Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi pinched herself on the thigh. It hurt so badly that she scrunched her face up. ¡°Zijin, have you been angered by that wretched girl so badly that you¡¯ve gone mad? Why are you spouting such nonsense? Zijin, what did you just say? I didn¡¯t hear you clearly. Can you repeat yourself?¡±

    ¡°Mom, I want Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun and be my son¡¯s stepmother.¡± Qiao Zijin almost repeated her words ad verbatim. ¡°Mom, I haven¡¯t gone crazy, and neither am I being foolish. I¡¯m serious. Mom, listen to me. So many people looked up to you in the courtyard because Chen Jun was your son-inw. I¡¯m sure you haven¡¯t forgotten about that. Do you know just how many of our neighbors looked down on us andughed at you, asking when Chen Jun woulde to visit you? Aren¡¯t you angry at them and hurt because of that? Don¡¯t you want to retaliate?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do!¡± Even in her dreams, she had started to dream of Zijin getting married to someone with higher qualifications than Chen Jun after getting divorced from him. But the moment that piece of news emerged, Ding Jiayi had given up such a dream.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°That¡¯s good. Mom, as long as you want it, I¡¯ll try my best to fulfill it. Chen Jun was promoted again. If the person he gets remarried to is Qiao Nan, then Chen Jun would be your son-inw again. Won¡¯t that be good?¡±

    ¡°It is. But what will happen to you.¡± It seemed a little strange for her elder son-inw to be her younger son-inw, but it was fine as long as he was her son-inw.

    ¡°What do you mean? If Chen Jun marries Qiao Nan, he¡¯ll be my brother-inw in the future. I have such a huge check in my hands, living in such a good house, and even have a brother-inw like Chen Jun. Think about it, Mom. No one will dare to bully me if I encounter any troubles. It won¡¯t be easy for me to find another man, but I¡¯m sure that once Chen Jun bes my brother-inw, there will be a whole line of men with better-than-average qualifications lining up to marry me. After they marry me, they won¡¯t even dare to bully me like Chen Jun did in the past. What¡¯s so bad about that?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was almost convinced by Qiao Zijin¡¯s words because the picture that Qiao Zijin painted did seem rather ideal. ¡°If this is really what you want, I don¡¯t have anything against it. To me, there¡¯s nothing more important than you.¡±

    The more Ding Jiayi thought about it, the more she felt that Qiao Zijin was right.

 Chapter 1937 - Did You Want to Eat Her Whole?

    <h4>Chapter 1937: Did You Want to Eat Her Whole?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Whether it was for the Chen family¡¯s assets or for the sake of her grandson, allowing Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun was not a bad idea. ¡°Zijin, if that¡¯s the case, tell me what I should do. I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Nothing would go wrong as long as she followed Zijin¡¯s instructions.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Chen Jun want us to find trouble with Qiao Nan so that this could force Qiao Nan to seek help from him and he could have a chance at saving the damsel in distress? Let¡¯s do what Chen Jun said. I believe that after we have done so, Chen Jun would have already thought of how to help Qiao Nan.¡± Chen Jun was a wolf. A wolf with many thoughts.

    They didn¡¯t need to worry about Chen Jun. If they did what he said, Chen Jun would naturally have ways to make his dreame true. ¡°Mom, bring over a piece of paper and pen. While I still remember, quickly write down Qiao Nan¡¯s address. I¡¯m afraid that if we continue chatting, I would forget about Qiao Nan¡¯s address.¡±

    This was important. Upon hearing Qiao Zijin say so, Ding Jiayi hurriedly took out a piece of paper and a pen and handed them to Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin paused when she was holding a pen. Ding Jiayi blinked. ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s wrong? Why aren¡¯t you writing? Have you already forgotten? Anyway, Chen Jun is asking us to help with this. If you really can¡¯t remember, let¡¯s give Chen Jun another call. He will share the information again.¡±

    After all, Chen Jun wanted to marry a wife. If Chen Jun himself didn¡¯t put in more effort, he didn¡¯t need to think about marrying.

    Embarrassed, Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°No, I still remember. There¡¯s no need to give Chen Jun a call.¡± After saying this, Qiao Zijin casually wrote a few words on the paper and noted down the address. There wasn¡¯t any choice. Qiao Zijin¡¯s results were not good when she was studying. After being a madam for over ten years, not only was Qiao Zijin incapable of working, but she also returned whatever knowledge she had learned in school back to the teachers.

    Even if Qiao Zijin knew Qiao Nan¡¯s address and could read it out, she had forgotten how to spell some words. As such, Qiao Zijin could only write words that sounded simr instead.

    After writing this, Qiao Zijin remembered what the real important thing was. ¡°Mom, for the happiness of Qiao Nan, my sister, I¡¯m considered to be really generous. I¡¯m even willing to give my ex-husband to her. Think about how embarrassing it would be for me if others know that we married the same man. Who asked Chen Jun to have such good conditions and Qiao Nan to be my sister? Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t do so. I¡¯ve already shown extreme magnanimity toward Qiao Nan. As such, for the other aspects, I won¡¯t give in to Qiao Nan anymore.¡±

    Qiao Zijin sized up the courtyard. It was a bit old, but it was in a prime location. The selling price now was scarily high. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan has such a good husband like Chen Jun. She can have anything she wants. If she really wants money, she doesn¡¯t have to worry about this at all. I¡¯m different. I¡¯m a divorcee and I just sold a house. If Qiao Nan is leading such a blessed life but still wants to snatch this courtyard away from me, that would be too overboard. Mom, don¡¯t say I¡¯m overbearing, but I¡¯m not prepared to share this courtyard with Qiao Nan. What else is she missing if she has such a formidable husband like Chen Jun?!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Ding Jiayi nodded in agreement. ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t say so, this courtyard has nothing to do with that wretched girl. It¡¯s all yours. Let¡¯s do this. I¡¯ll let your father know and ask him to transfer the courtyard over to your name so that it won¡¯t be a long night fraught with dreams.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mom!¡± Not only had shepleted her goal, but she evenpleted it ahead of time. Qiao Zijin felt the best today ever since her surgery.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± The mother-daughter pair was still chatting happily when a thunderous roar of anger scared the two of them. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned green and he was so angry that he threw the things in his hands to the ground. ¡°What nonsense are the two of you talking about?!¡±

    Blessed? She was forty years old and unmarried. She didn¡¯t have money or a house. How was Nan Nan, someone without a boyfriend, blessed? Why couldn¡¯t he tell at all? If this was happiness, he was very willing for his elder daughter to have a taste of ¡®happiness¡¯ more.

    He had long known that his elder daughter and wife had great abilities to lie through their teeth, but he didn¡¯t expect them to reach the stage where they no longer cared about the truth at all. ¡°Also, let me warn you. You can take a meal indiscriminately, but some words can¡¯t be said irresponsibly. Nan Nan is not rted to Chen Jun at all. Even if Chen Jun has divorced Zijin, he is still Nan Nan¡¯s ex-brother-inw. Don¡¯t spout nonsense and ruin Nan Nan¡¯s reputation. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being rude!¡±

    If words could be said casually and their conversation was heard by others, how shameless would it be for their family? Would Nan Nan still be able to live on?!

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want Qiao Nan to be understood as a bad woman who was entangled with her brother-inw. It wasn¡¯t that Nan Nan wanted to be together with him. It was obviously his elder daughter who had snatched her own brother-inw away when she was young. Back then in the quad, some people also heard that Chen Jun was Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend.

    It was until everyone knew that Qiao Zijin was going to marry Chen Jun that they felt confused and wondered why their rtionships were so messy. They had a clear impression that Chen Jun was Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend. However, why was he marrying Qiao Zijin? They dared to say that they didn¡¯t remember this point wrongly.

    The joke that was created that year was still fresh in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s memory. Now that there was nothing, the mother-daughter pair nearly created a big scandal. They were really not going to let it rest until they had caused Nan Nan her death!

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t you know that Chen Jun has always liked Qiao Nan? After we get a divorce, he can be together with Qiao Nan openly. He has never stopped thinking about her. Otherwise, why is it that all of us don¡¯t know where Qiao Nan is but he does?¡± Zijin said unhappily. What she said wasn¡¯t important. What was important was that Chen Jun dared to do so.

    On what basis could Chen Jun and Qiao Nan do such shameless things but she wasn¡¯t even qualified to say anything? Indeed, her dad was biased.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes widened and she became fierce. ¡°Speaking of this, Old Qiao, let me ask you. Did Chen Jun give you a call earlier and tell you where that wretched girl was? Why didn¡¯t you tell us?! They have already done all these ugly things. What else are you hiding from me and Zijin? You¡¯d better take advantage of today¡¯s opportunity and exin everything to me!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled grimly at Ding Jiayi. ¡°You must have been living such afortable life that you have forgotten how my temper was when I was young, right? I let you sleep in a small house recently. Not only did you not remember about the past, but you even threw a temper at me? Do you want to go to heaven?¡±

    Ding Jiayi shivered and couldn¡¯t be fierce.

 Chapter 1938 - No, I Want to Give You a Beating

    <h4>Chapter 1938: No, I Want to Give You a Beating</h4>

    ¡°What is the meaning of this? Why are you so fierce? Do you want to eat me whole?¡±

    ¡°No, I want to give you a beating.¡± As long as Ding Jiayi was together with his elder daughter, no good things would happen. There was a high chance that Nan Nan would be the victim and sacrifice of this discussion. ¡°I don¡¯t care if Chen Jun has such thoughts. Nan Nan¡¯s my daughter. I understand her. Even if Chen Jun has divorced Zijin and he is the only man left in this world, Nan Nan won¡¯t get together with him. You don¡¯t have to worry about this. Nan Nan will not snatch any of Zijin¡¯s things away. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    When Qiao Dongliang returned, he only heard thetter half of the conversation. He didn¡¯t listen to the former half at all. As such, he had misunderstood that after Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts, they had mistaken Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Chen Jun. When he realized that Qiao Nan so-called marrying Chen Jun was purely decided by the mother-daughter pair in order to protect their own interests, Qiao Dongliang was so angry that he nearly went mad.

    Ding Jiayi was not willing to take this lying down. From the way Old Qiao was being fierce toward her, it seemed like she was more of an enemy than a wife. He didn¡¯t care about Zijin and only had Qiao Nan in his heart. ¡°Don¡¯t say such words too early. Don¡¯t forget what kind of conditions that wretched girl is in now. She¡¯s already forty-years-old now but doesn¡¯t even have a boyfriend. She should thank God if someone is willing to marry her. How would she still have the cheek to be picky and despise Chen Jun?¡±

    Upon hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang, whose temper had simmered a little, immediately became furious. Seeing the broom at the side, he picked it up without saying a second word and started hitting Ding Jiayi. ¡°Yes, Nan Nan¡¯s forty-years-old and is an olddy now! You despise her for being embarrassing, huh? Why is it that she¡¯s unmarried at this age and doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend? Others might not know about the sins you havemitted, but will you not know?! You still have the cheek to say this!¡±

    Ding Jiayi howled in pain. Qiao Dongliang had never lectured Ding Jiayi in such a manner even when she was young. Now that Ding Jiayi was already the age of a grandmother but was lectured by Qiao Dongliang like she was a granddaughter, the pain was unbearable to her.

    Ding Jiayi looked up. As she blocked herself, she ran. ¡°Old Qiao, why did you be crazy? Ouch. It hurts...¡±

    ¡°Dad?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked as well. This was the first time she had seen her father so angry. He evenid a hand on her mother. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong with you? Simmer down. Stop hitting. Let¡¯s sit down and have a chat. There isn¡¯t anything that can¡¯t be solved. Mom¡¯s already at this age as well.¡±

    When she heard how Qiao Dongliang¡¯s strokes sounded when he was hitting Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin shrunk her neck. She stared at the broom intensely and was afraid that it wouldnd on her body if Qiao Dongliang made a wrong hand. Even though she was trying to persuade him with words, Qiao Zijin also found a rtively safe ce where she would not be hit so easily by Qiao Dongliang.

    As to rushing forward to hug Ding Jiayi so that she would not be beaten, that was something that would never happen.

    Things made of stic were too soft and not firm enough. After Qiao Dongliang used it for a while, it actually broke. Good thing that it broke as well. Otherwise, he would not have stopped just like that.

    Qiao Dongliang threw the broken broom heavily on the ground. He exhaled and said, ¡°I warn you. The two of you¡¯d better not hit any ideas on Nan Nan. It has been more than twenty years. Nan Nan had provided you toplete your university studies and even bought this house. Don¡¯t think that you feel wronged just because you sold the house. If Nan Nan didn¡¯t provide you so much money, where would you have a house to sell in the first ce so that you could treat your illness? You, especially, took so much money from Nan Nan but still badmouthed her. I want to see how good a life you will be leading if Nan Nan doesn¡¯t give you money in the future.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was his daughter, after all. Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t speak too bluntly. What Qiao Dongliang really wanted to say via thest sentence was that without Qiao Nan¡¯s filial piety, he wanted to see how Ding Jiayi could rely on her beloved daughter, Qiao Zijin, to lead a life better than before.

    Although Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t say this, it didn¡¯t mean Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t hear the meaning in his words.

    Upon seeing Qiao Dongliang walk away angrily, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale and she walked to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. ¡°Mom, what did Dad mean by that? Is he looking down on me? Does he think that I¡¯m not as useful as Qiao Nan and that the both of you can only lead a good life with Qiao Nan around?¡± Her father actually looked down on her this much?

    Ding Jiayi was in agony. She sucked in a cold breath of air from time to time. When her movement involved the muscles that were hit by Qiao Dongliang, her eyebrows knitted closely together. ¡°Your dad¡¯s an old fool. The older he gets, the more unclear about things he is. It hasn¡¯t been once or twice. I¡¯m long used to it. What I didn¡¯t expect was that the both of us are already at this age, but he actually...¡±

    Thankfully, her grandson was not around. Otherwise, how embarrassed would she, the grandma, be? However, to be beaten in front of her daughter was not something glorious either. ¡°He¡¯s a fool. Don¡¯t mind him. Anyway, I know you¡¯re good. Don¡¯t mind your dad¡¯s words. When he has suffered in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, he would naturally know how good you are in the future and regret today¡¯s words.¡±

    Qiao Nan was good?

    Regardless of how good Qiao Nan was and how capable she was at making money, she was already gone. Even if they could find her back after she had run away once, there was bound to be a second or third time. At that point, Old Qiao would know how that wretched girl had no conscience.

    No, she asked Qiao Nan to remove her name from their household register as they were afraid that she would embarrass her family in the past and be evaluated badly by outsiders. This time, after finding Qiao Nan, she had to include Qiao Nan back in their household register. Not only that, but she had to take all of Qiao Nan¡¯s identification documents.

    She did want to see how Qiao Nan could run again if she had neither the household register nor any identification documents.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t mind it that much. No matter what, he¡¯s also my dad. He can treat me badly, but I can¡¯t be unfilial to him.¡± Qiao Zijin said insincerely, ¡°However, Mom, based on Dad¡¯s attitude, will he agree to put the courtyard under my name and not Qiao Nan¡¯s?¡±

    Qiao Zijin still had the confidence previously. However, after seeing how Qiao Dongliang had beaten Ding Jiayi up, Qiao Zijin no longer had such naive thoughts. The Qiao family had really changed. In the past, her mother would have the final say in the Qiao family and nobody could refute her words.

    However, as long as her father didn¡¯t agree to it now, whatever nice words her mother said would just be bubbles that could be broken easily.

    ¡°...¡± Upon mentioning the ownership of the courtyard, Ding Jiayi hesitated for a while. Based on her temper, the courtyard would definitely belong to Zijin alone.

 Chapter 1939 - Could Not Eat

    <h4>Chapter 1939: Could Not Eat</h4>

    That wretched girl had better not even dream of having a piece of the courtyard. But given Old Qiao¡¯s attitude, she could not say for sure.

    The courtyard was worth a lot more than that big apartment that was sold off.

    If she had known that keeping the courtyard would bring about so many problems, she would have stood on Zijin¡¯s side and insisted on selling the courtyard instead of the big apartment. If they had sold the courtyard instead, all these problems would not even have appeared.

    Qiao Zijin was a little anxious that Ding Jiayi was silent. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan¡¯s so unfilial to you guys. It¡¯s not right for you to give the courtyard to her. I¡¯ll be really hurt if you do that.¡± The courtyard was her emotional support. Only the courtyard could give her peace. Without it, she felt like she was floating on water.

    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t count on Dad. The only person I can rely on is you. Mom, you have to make a decision for me. Don¡¯t be like Dad and do things that will hurt my heart.¡±

    After being coaxed by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had almost lost all sense of direction. Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin and reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom¡¯s here. Your dad¡¯s opinions are not important. As long as I¡¯m here, do you think I¡¯ll let your dad shortchange you? Just count on me for the property deed.¡±

    Old Qiao was confused but she was not.

    Previously, she had wondered if Zijin was overthinking it. After all, Qiao Nan had been so unfilial and evil. How could Old Qiao leave a portion of the courtyard to Qiao Nan? But facts had just proved that Zijin had not been overthinking it. Old Qiao¡¯s attitude was indeed frustrating.

    At that time, if she had not pressed that wretched girl for money, could they have repurchased this courtyard? That wretched girl would have spent all her money long ago. So, she was the true owner of this courtyard. No one could stop her from handing the house over to whomever she pleased. It was her right to do so.

    Ding Jiayi felt that she could not directly confront Qiao Dongliang about the ownership of the courtyard. After all, she had just suffered a beating, and her wounds had notpletely healed. Ding Jiayi did not want to provoke Qiao Dongliang a second time so quickly.

    The courtyard was worth quite a lot, but it was not exactly big. There were only those few ces where they could hide things around the house. Old Qiao was muddleheaded, but she would not let that go on any longer. She was Old Qiao¡¯s wife and Zijin¡¯s mom, after all. She had to worry about the rtionship between the father and daughter.

    ¡°Mom, are you thinking of...¡± Not going through her dad and directly looking for the property deed?

    If possible, Qiao Zijin hoped that she could gain ownership of the courtyard openly. But given her dad¡¯s attitude, Qiao Zijin was afraid that such a day would nevere and that her dad would never agree to it. If that was the case, it was indeed true that her mom¡¯s solution was the best one and the least troublesome one.

    Earlier, Qiao Zijin had already thought through this problem and what she would do if her father disagreed. Before her surgery, she had even thought of asking her mom to steal the property deed to sell the house secretly. But selling the house was different. Once the buyer appeared, their deeds would be exposed very quickly.

    Now, all she was doing was to transfer the ownership of the house from her father to her. No one was going to reim the house, and there would not be any changes in the status quo. If nothing happened in the family, they would not even need to see the property deed. In that way, her father would never even realize what had happened. ¡°Mom, thank you so much. Will Dad have a misunderstanding toward you because of this?¡±

    Ding Jiayi patted her chest and assured her. ¡°This is no big deal. No matter what your dad thinks, you are my only daughter. No one else can interfere with how I decide to divide my assets. My things are yours alone. No one else should think of getting a single cent of it. This is, at most, handing my assets over to you in advance. What¡¯s wrong with that? Just wait. I¡¯ll definitely find it for you!¡±

    Once the name on the property deed was changed to Zijin¡¯s, there would be nothing for Old Qiao to get confused over. And once they got the property deed of the courtyard, Zijin would finally realize just how difficult it was to be a parent.

    Ding Jiayi confidently assured Qiao Zijin that she would handle this matter. With Ding Jiayi¡¯s reassurance, Qiao Zijin dropped the matter of the courtyard. ¡°Mom, Dad knew where Qiao Nan was but he didn¡¯t look for her. What about us?¡±

    What about the few hundred thousand yuan in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands? Qiao Zijin could not leave it lying down just like that. She would really be suffering a huge loss if she could not retrieve that sum of money.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We¡¯ll take it a step at a time.¡± The few hundred thousand yuan in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands could notpare to the courtyard. She had to make this most valuable asset Zijin¡¯s before going to find Qiao Nan for her to hand over every cent that belonged to the Qiao family.

    Qiao Zijin thought that that was reasonable. It did not seem logical to give up a whole forest for a tree. ¡°Mom, that makes sense. I¡¯ll listen to you. I¡¯ll do whatever you say. Mom, I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going to get some rest in my room. Call me when you¡¯re done cooking.¡± After her surgery, her uremia had indeed been cured, but she always felt as though shecked energy, and standing for a while longer made her legs and hips ache badly.

    Ding Jiayi quickly urged Qiao Zijin to rest. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier that you weren¡¯t feeling well? You know very well the condition you¡¯re in. You have to recuperate well. Don¡¯t worry about anything else. I¡¯ll do the worrying. Just rest.¡±

    Once she chased Qiao Zijin into her room, Ding Jiayi, who had Qiao Zijin¡¯s trust, was in a jovial mood and skipped into the kitchen while humming a song. Just as she was about to pick up her knife to cut the vegetables, she suddenly thought of her injuries that were hurting badly.

    Ding Jiayi returned to her room unhappily and took off her clothes to check on her injuries. Seeing the skin that had been bruised, Ding Jiayi once again felt that Qiao Dongliang had intended to kill her today.

    They were already so advanced in age. Not only did Qiao Dongliang dare to hit her, but it also seemed that he was getting more brutal every time. Her life...

    Ding Jiayi took a deep breath and rubbed the bruises with safflower oil. Since she could not see or reach the bruises on her back, she could only leave them be. When Ding Jiayi dished up the mealden with a safflower oil smell, Qiao Dongliang remained indifferent and simply ate what he wanted to.

    Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°Mom, did you identally pour safflower oil in? Why do the dishes smell like safflower oil? It smells horrible! Can these still be eaten?¡±

 Chapter 1940 - Scram

    <h4>Chapter 1940: Scram</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi felt rather aggrieved. She wanted to tell her that she could not possibly have poured safflower oil into the dish by mistake. She had tried to rub her injuries with safflower oil. That was why there was a little safflower oil vor in the dishes.

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi mockingly. This was their daughter indeed. Ding Jiayi had given birth to such a great daughter. This was just the beginning. In another few years¡¯ time when she could no longer move, Ding Jiayi would enjoy even ¡®greater fortune¡¯ then.

    Because he had already seen through Qiao Zijin¡¯s act and knew that she was heartless, Qiao Dongliang could not even be bothered to get upset at this moment. He simply finished his meal, left his bowl behind, and returned to rest in his room. One was a wife whom he had married blindly, while the other was a daughter whom he had not taught well. He would have to get by with what he had.

    Qiao Zijin was already in her forties. Qiao Dongliang felt that there was no way of correcting Qiao Zijin at such an age. Besides, there was Ding Jiayi, who was always praising Qiao Zijin, who stood in his way. As such, Qiao Dongliang had lost all hope in Qiao Zijin.

    He could not teach her, and neither would she learn from scolding or beatings.

    In that case, he would just shut both his eyes and ignore it. He did not have many years left anyway. Once he was gone, he would be unable to care about the kind of life Qiao Zijin lived.

    Qiao Nan had no intention of knowing how frustrating the Qiao family¡¯s lives were. What troubled her was that these ¡®troublemakers¡¯ were appearing in front of her one by one, especially this person, who came right after Qiu Chenxi.

    If Qiu Chenxi were to find out about this matter, Qiu Chenxi might kick up a fuss again.

    Qiao Nan lifted her head to look at the tall and muscr Zhai Sheng. ¡°You want me to help you choose a present for Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Jiajia¡¯s the only child in our family. I haven¡¯t had any experience with children, especially since Jiajia¡¯s a youngdy. As an uncle, it¡¯s my first time giving Jiajia a birthday present. Of course, I¡¯ll want to give her something that will suit her. I¡¯ve thought about it and I think only you can help me out with that.¡± As soon as he finished his matters in Ping Cheng, Zhai Sheng rushed back to Qingshui Town and went straight to Qiao Nan¡¯s apartment.

    Qiao Nan understood where Zhai Sheng wasing from. Before all this happened, Zhai Hua had not been very close to the Zhai family. Jiajia herself had said that she had never gotten the chance to interact with her maternal rtives at all. ¡°If you really want to give Jiajia a present, why didn¡¯t you get something in Ping Cheng? The environment in Qingshui Town might be good, but it¡¯s nowhere as developed as Ping Cheng. Ping Cheng has more shops that carry more things.¡±

    How would Zhai Sheng be able to pick out a good present in a small town like Qingshui Town?

    ¡°Jiajia has quite a good personality and is unlike the Wei family. Since you¡¯re giving her a present for the first time, I think she¡¯ll be happy no matter what you give her. Of course, Jiajia is a youngdy. I¡¯m sure Jiajia will like it if you buy her pretty clothes. Also, most girls like plush toys. You can get someone to help you purchase a life-sized one. I¡¯m sure seventy percent of girls like theserge plush toys.¡±

    She had already given Zhai Sheng so many suggestions. Zhai Sheng would not need her to apany him to pick out a gift, right? After giving it some thought, Qiao Nan reported Qiu Chenxi¡¯s visit to Zhai Sheng. ¡°By the way, Brother Zhai, I think I should tell you about something. On the second day that I returned, a woman by the surname of Qiu, who imed to be your ex-wife, came looking for me with a whole bunch of things. As for the reason she came to find me... She said that she still has feelings for you and asked for help. I rejected her, but I don¡¯t think that she¡¯ll take it lying down just like that.¡±

    If Qiu Chenxi could look for her, she would definitely look for others until she reached her goal. It was better for her to let Zhai Sheng know about it, in case he fell into Qiu Chenxi¡¯s trap by ident.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze hardened and a sh ran through his gaze as though he was a hunter who had just spotted his prey. ¡°Oh, you rejected her? Why?¡±

    Qiao Nan bit on her lip. She was not going to be a matchmaker, especially not for Zhai Sheng. She herself could not match up to Zhai Sheng, but she was not going to prevent Zhai Sheng from looking for a partner. However, she was still ufortable being his matchmaker.

    But Qiao Nan could only keep these words in her heart. The reason that she provided sounded more rational. ¡°I know just what kind of person she is. A leopard never changes its spots. She was the one who was at fault but she tried to lie to me. One look at her tells you that she isn¡¯t up to any good. Since I don¡¯t even have a good impression of her, wouldn¡¯t I be harming you if I were to help her? Besides, given your status, are you worried that you won¡¯t be able to find a marriage partner? I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need a caretaker to interfere in that, right?¡±

    Because what Qiao Nan said was not the answer he was looking for, Zhai Sheng was slightly disappointed. But when Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan¡¯s uneasy expression that revealed that she did not really mean her words, Zhai Sheng was overjoyed. ¡°Is that so? Even you can tell that she¡¯s not a good person. Nan Nan, what I¡¯m saying is that you have good judgment. Indeed, she¡¯s not a good person. It might be a new era, but we shouldn¡¯t go overboard with our actions either. She¡¯s already lost the right to be a mother in this lifetime.¡±

    Qiao Nan was unsurprised that Qiu Chenxi had been so promiscuous after her divorce from Zhai Sheng. Indeed, Zhai Sheng had already gotten divorced from Qiu Chenxi. She had cheated on him and they had separated after that. But why was it that Zhai Sheng was so clear about her situation? Why did he care so much about her?

    If he did not care about her, how would Zhai Sheng know about how Qiu Chenxi was living her life after their divorce? Zhai Sheng was not a petty person who would only want to know that Qiu Chenxi was living a life that was worse-off than his own so as to get his revenge.

    Did Zhai Sheng really mean to reconcile with Qiu Chenxi? At that thought, Qiao Nan felt as though a whole jar of vinegar had toppled in her heart. She was raging with jealousy.

    The enraged Qiao Nan grabbed the door handle, wanting to m the door in Zhai Sheng¡¯s face as she had done to Qiu Chenxi just a few days ago. Since Zhai Sheng had intended to get back together with Qiu Chenxi, that would be their business. Why did theye to look for her, especially since she was only an ¡®outsider¡¯? Were they trying to rub it in her face?

    Scram!

    Seeing how Qiao Nan¡¯s face was flushed red in anger, Zhai Sheng quickly held the door. ¡°We were chatting just fine. Why are you suddenly closing the door? I¡¯m already here. Aren¡¯t you going to invite me in for a drink?¡±

 Chapter 1941 - A Clear Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 1941 : A Clear Exnation</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Although he wanted to enter the house as its owner, it was still a little early for that. But he would soon be its owner as long as he persevered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have tea or water. If you¡¯re thirsty, there¡¯s a minimart in front where you can help yourself. We were having a good chat, but it can¡¯tpare to how open-minded you are. Since you have the same thoughts as Qiu Chenxi, you can just have a chat with her. There¡¯s no need for an outsider like me to interfere. There¡¯s no point in telling me so much. I¡¯m closing this door so that I save some time for you to go back and chase your own happiness!¡±

    It seemed as though Qiao Nan was grinding her teeth by the time she finished her sentence.

    At this time, Qiao Nan seemed nothing more than a panicked cat whose hairs were all standing and ws were all showing. ¡°Chasing after my happiness? Nan Nan, have you watched too many dramas? This may sound a little old-fashioned, but I married her out of obligation to my parents. I had no feelings for her at all. I didn¡¯t take the initiative to find out about her situation. I can only say that it was fate. Didn¡¯t I injure my leg and need to recuperate? Beforeing to Qingshui Town, I bumped into her when visiting the doctor in Ping Cheng. As a soldier, my ears and eyes are a little sharper than average. That was why I overheard things that I shouldn¡¯t have.¡±

    If he did not exin himself now, Nan Nan might never open her door for him again even if he were to visit in the future. He could not carry the usation of a cheater. Once he did, his wife would run away!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s face was filled with doubt. ¡°Really?¡± Had he said that just to appease her? ¡°Are there so many coincidences in this world?¡± Qiu Chenxi had gone to visit the doctor for such an illness and Zhai Sheng had just happened to bump into her and overheard her conversation?

    ¡°If possible, I wish it wasn¡¯t so coincidental either. You can see just how easily other people can misunderstand me for it. I didn¡¯t have any feelings for her while we were younger. Now that we¡¯re already divorced, I feel so aggrieved that people mistake me for having feelings for her and wanting to reconcile with her. I¡¯m not young anymore, and I can¡¯t go through such trials anymore. What if the person I have in mind runs away because of this misunderstanding? Who willpensate me with a wife? Nan Nan, you can¡¯t say such things again. Will you pay me if my wife runs away?¡±

    Zhai Sheng said such things in a joking manner but with a serious expression.

    Qiao Nan felt like a deer caught in headlights and tried to avert her gaze. ¡°I-I can¡¯t afford that. If it¡¯s really a misunderstanding, it¡¯s best to clear the air. Any misunderstandings will surely affect you getting a wife. Brother Zhai, I hope you won¡¯t mind me telling you this. Actually, women are all very petty. Even if you meet a woman who seems generous and understanding, don¡¯t believe her words. No woman will allow her man to remain in an ambiguous rtionship with his ex.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was in no hurry. He was already clear of Qiao Nan¡¯s timidity and avoidance. If he wanted to im his stakes, he would naturally have to analyze his ¡®enemy¡¯s¡¯ situation carefully. Although he did not mind, it did not mean that others did not mind either.

    Perhaps, there were even people in the Zhai family who cared that Qiao Nan did not have an equal status to him. If the Zhai family cared about such a matter, then even more so outsiders. Zhai Sheng did not mind, but he could not be sure that Qiao Nan did not either.

    He did not wish for Qiao Nan to be ridiculed and mocked when they were together, causing her to have trauma from that even before they entered a rtionship.

    There were some things that he would never be able to resolvepletely, but he would at least try to give Qiao Nan a good living environment. If he could not even do that, he could not me Qiao Nan for trying to avoid him or ignoring him. It would not be worth it for Qiao Nan to muster up her courage and fight for someone like that.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. There are some misunderstandings that have to be exined. There¡¯s another thing that I agree with. Women are indeed petty. It¡¯s just as well. I already have someone in mind. Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you help me analyze it? Normally, she¡¯s a good person, and even the child in our family likes her. But I didn¡¯t expect her to be so adorable when she gets angry and petty. Yes, she doesn¡¯t really look like such a generous person, but I guess there are advantages of being petty. If she had not shown that side of her to me, I wouldn¡¯t have known that not only do I like her, but I actually also have deep feelings for her. Women are petty indeed. Don¡¯t you think so, Nan Nan?¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s words were obviously targeted at a certain someone.

    Jiajia was the only child in the Zhai family, and Zhai Hua and Jiajia had only started contacting the Zhai family at the end ofst year. No matter how Qiao Nan thought about it, there was only one woman, no matter her age or status, who got along with Jiajia and knew the Zhai family.

    Thinking again about her agitation and reaction earlier, Qiao Nan felt her heart pounding even more rapidly. ¡°How-how would I know whether being petty is good? That¡¯s for you to decide. I-I won¡¯t give my opinion on it.¡±

    Humph! Who was being petty? She was not petty! She was not angry either. No, the person Zhai Sheng was referring to might not even be her. Who said that he was interested in her? Qiao Nan¡¯s mind was in a mess and could not even rationalize anything at this moment.

    The redder Qiao Nan¡¯s face got, the surer Zhai Sheng was that he had not been wrong. Qiao Nan¡¯s avoidance of him was because she had feelings for him. What could make him happier than knowing that the woman he liked liked him back?

    ¡°All right, you don¡¯t have to tell me now. You¡¯re wee to let me know your opinion any time you want to. I¡¯ll keep your suggestions in mind. But men are different from women, and age matters as well. There are too many styles and patterns of clothes for youngdies nowadays. Just the sight of them makes me confused. Qingshui Town might be small, but there are still shops around. Why don¡¯t you go shopping with me first? If we can¡¯t find anything right, we can go to Ping Cheng to have a look.¡±

    As he said that, Zhai Sheng took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and pulled her along without giving her a chance to refuse.

    There was no way Qiao Nan could rival Zhai Sheng¡¯s strength, and all she could do was to be dragged along by Zhai Sheng. ¡°Wait a minute. If we¡¯re really going out, I have to lock my door. No matter how good the security around here is, I can¡¯t leave my door unlocked. Hold on.¡±

 Chapter 1942 - Disheartened

    <h4>Chapter 1942: Disheartened</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng did not reply but he did react. Zhai Sheng was tall and muscr and he simply hooked the door with his foot and pulled on it with his hand. With a click, the door was closed.

    Once Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan got in the car, Xiao Xu, who was driving, had an expression that was only slightly better than Qiao Nan¡¯s. Through the rearview mirror, Xiao Xu stole nces at Qiao Nan¡¯s hand in Zhai Sheng¡¯s from time to time. His heart leaped with joy. They were holding hands! He had seen the chief holding Sister Qiao¡¯s hand from the moment they stepped out of the door! YES!

    Although Xiao Xu¡¯s reaction was not obvious, Qiao Nan was sensitive. Since she was sitting in the back with Zhai Sheng and was too embarrassed to interact with Zhai Sheng, the only person she could ce her attention on was Xiao Xu.

    It was only when a third party like Xiao Xu looked toward her hand did Qiao Nan realize the situation she was in. Looking down, her face flushed red and she pulled her hand away while coughing to remind Zhai Sheng.

    After having held her hand for a few minutes, Zhai Sheng, who had enjoyed that feeling, finally released Qiao Nan¡¯s hand with a little regret. When their hands were finally separated, the two men were filled with nothing but regret, whereas Qiao Nan secretly heaved a sigh of relief but felt a little lost.

    Of course, that feeling dissipated the moment she alighted from the car. Zhai Sheng had alighted before her and had even opened the door for her. No sooner had Qiao Nan heard the door close did her hand get grabbed by Zhai Sheng again.

    Before Qiao Nan could say a thing, Zhai Sheng said frankly, ¡°It seems like there¡¯s a festival going on here today. It¡¯s really busy here in Qingshui Town. We¡¯d better hold hands so that we don¡¯t lose each other. It¡¯ll be easier for us to work together and pick out a present together. Otherwise, who will I ask if we get separated? Also, I hold you so that you don¡¯t get injured because of the crowds. I brought you out, so I have to take responsibility for you.¡±

    Qiao Nan blinked nkly. It was just a crowd. She was not a three-year-old child who needed someone to hold her hands. Why did he have to talk about taking responsibility? Wasn¡¯t this too over-the-top?

    Qiao Nan felt that holding hands was too strange, but there was someone else who had been watching this scene unfold and thought that it was even stranger. It was so strange that her expression darkened. Qiu Chenxi had known that Zhai Sheng had been recuperating in Qingshui Town. Afterward, the entire Zhai family had returned to Ping Cheng because of Zhai Hua.

    Inparison to the courtyard in Ping Cheng, it was easier to stay close to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi in Qingshui Town. Qiu Chenxi had taken a gamble that Zhai Sheng would eventually return to Qingshui Town after settling Zhai Hua¡¯s divorce. As such, Qiu Chenxi had returned to Qingshui Town after the new year, intending to repair her rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    After she had failed to get Qiao Nan¡¯s help the first time, Qiu Chenxi had been so infuriated that she had refused to meet that caretaker, Qiao Nan, a second time. She was unwilling to meet Qiao Nan, but she still cared about Zhai Sheng. As expected, Zhai Sheng had returned to Qingshui Town. Before she could think of a way to approach Zhai Sheng and make Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart soften toward her, Zhai Sheng had gone out again.

    This was a huge opportunity for Qiu Chenxi!

    Besides the Zhai family¡¯s old vi, wherever Zhai Sheng visited was a public area. That meant she could visit that ce as well. Then, there would be no one who could stop her from getting close to him. Once she got close to him, she would then be able to confess her feelings for him!

    Qiu Chenxi was truly determined. Because she had decided on staying in Qingshui Town, she had signed a long-term lease on an apartment, and she had even driven her car from Ping Cheng to Qingshui Town so that it would be more convenient for her to go out.

    As such, when Zhai Sheng had gone out to find Qiao Nan in Xiao Xu¡¯s car, Qiu Chenxi had found her way to Qiao Nan¡¯s apartment since she had been there before, even though she had lost sight of Xiao Xu¡¯s car. It was just that she had not driven into theplex.

    While she was in her car, Qiu Chenxi was confused. What kind of rtionship could Zhai Sheng possibly have with a caretaker like Qiao Nan, who had only taken care of him for two days? Could it be that Zhai Sheng had specially gone to thank Qiao Nan for saving Jiajia? If that was the case, she could only hope that Zhai Sheng had another destination for the day. Otherwise, she would have made a wasted trip.

    Perhaps, he had heard Qiu Chenxi¡¯s prayer for Qiu Chenxi saw that Xiao Xu was not headed toward the Zhai family¡¯s old vi! But before she could get her hopes up, she could make out the silhouette of another person in the car and that person was a woman with long hair! At that, her expression soured.

    In the three years that she had been married to Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng had never touched a strand of her hair. Even if he was at home, Zhai Sheng would always move away when she tried to sit next to him. When they went to sleep at night, Zhai Sheng would always leave some space between them. Every time she heard Zhai Sheng sleeping soundly, Qiu Chenxi questioned whether Zhai Sheng treated her as a woman or as a fellow soldier. Was that why Zhai Sheng did not feel anything or any impulse even when they slept next to each other?

    Of course, Qiu Chenxi had also suspected that Zhai Sheng, who was already so aplished at his young age, had been injured. If he had been injured in that area, he might not be able to do what normal men could. But that conjecture was quickly overturned.

    Zhai Sheng was a soldier and had the habit of waking up early. Qiu Chenxi, on the other hand, was a typical urbanite. If Zhai Sheng was not around, Qiu Chenxi was a night owl who went to bedte and woke upte. As such, by the time Qiu Chenxi woke up, almost half of Zhai Sheng¡¯s day had already gone by.

    To figure out whether it was because Zhai Sheng did not have feelings for her or whether there was something wrong with Zhai Sheng¡¯s body, Qiu Chenxi set an rm for five o¡¯clock in the morning. It was then that Qiu Chenxi realized that Zhai Sheng was a normal man, after all. Zhai Sheng had morning wood just like any other man. There was nothing wrong with his body.

    That evening, once Zhai Shengid down, Qiu Chenxi deliberately stripped off her clothes under the nket, threw herself in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, and looked seductively into Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes. She did not believe that a normal man like Zhai Sheng would ignore a naked beauty in front of him.

    But the truth humiliated her badly. Even with Qiu Chenxi¡¯s naked body in front of him, Zhai Sheng did not so much as move, much less reach out toward Qiu Chenxi. All he did was look indifferently at Qiu Chenxi. That gaze caused Qiu Chenxi to be disheartened. Zhai Sheng knew exactly why Qiu Chenxi had done so, and that was why he had not tried to avoid it. He wanted to let Qiu Chenxi know the consequences so that she would never dare to do it again.

 Chapter 1943 - Humiliated

    <h4>Chapter 1943: Humiliated</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Their bodies were stuck against each other. There was nothing wrong with Zhai Sheng, but he had not touched her even after such a long while, and neither had he moved away. But she had not seen the reaction that she had seen in Zhai Sheng that morning. Did that mean Zhai Sheng had no interest in her at all?

    The humiliated Qiu Chenxi flew into a rage and scolded Zhai Sheng before asking him to sleep in the study. Zhai Sheng was not afraid of Qiu Chenxi, but he was more than happy to sleep in the study. Without saying a word, he picked up his pillow and left.

    From then on, Qiu Chenxi could not help but observe if Zhai Sheng treated all women in this manner. If it only applied to her, Qiu Chenxi had to worry that Zhai Sheng had found a vixen outside, who would threaten her position.

    But if he treated all women in this manner, Qiu Chenxi would be angry nheless. She knew that there were men in this world who did not like women and could even be homosexuals.

    Qiu Chenxi was waiting for Zhai Sheng to trip up so that she would have something to hold against him, but she had not even one thing to threaten him with. With no other choice, Qiu Chenxi had to back down. In their three years together, Qiu Chenxi had observed that Zhai Sheng had not been close to her, but neither did he have any other women he was close to.

    Unless there was a special situation in which he had to hire a professional like a nurse, Zhai Sheng did not have many opportunities to get close to females. How Zhai Sheng treated her was exactly how he treated other women.

    This discovery made Qiu Chenxi happy and sad at the same time. She was happy that he did not, in fact, have a mistress outside. What upset her was that while it was only right for Zhai Sheng to treat those other women in this manner, she was a different case. She was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. How could Zhai Sheng treat her in the same manner as those unfamiliar women outside? She had a special ce in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart!

    Qiu Chenxi did not see any problem in Zhai Sheng not getting close to any other women. Besides, as a soldier, Zhai Sheng¡¯s timetable was no different from a student¡¯s. He had no free time at all. In that way, Zhai Sheng did not even have any personal time to spend with anyone he fancied.

    Of course, the past did not matter to Qiu Chenxi anymore. What mattered was the scene before her. It pierced Qiu Chenxi¡¯s heart.

    Apart from her wedding day, she had never had the experience of sitting in the same car as Zhai Sheng. But a mere caretaker like Qiao Nan had been able to do that! On that day, a soldier had been their chauffeur, and there had been another soldier in the passenger¡¯s seat. She was unsure why Zhai Sheng had gone to find Qiao Nan this time, but what she knew was that given Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper, either he or Qiao Nan would have sat in the front passenger¡¯s seat even if he had gone to find Qiao Nan for an official matter.

    Why was she seeing Zhai Sheng sitting in the back with Qiao Nan? It even looked like they were sitting rather close to each other! She had never been in such close proximity to Zhai Sheng even before their divorce!

    Thankfully, Qiu Chenxi had not driven into Qiao Nan¡¯s apartmentplex and had not seen Zhai Sheng holding her hand when they got out of the house.

    Qiu Chenxi, who had roughly guessed Zhai Sheng¡¯s intention of looking for Qiao Nan, felt numb in her heart. She had always felt that Zhai Sheng was like a gun, dangerous and cold. Zhai Sheng would never participate in a festival in a small town. On the contrary, he would try his best to avoid it. But Zhai Sheng hade to participate in one today. What¡¯s more, he had even brought a caretaker, Qiao Nan, along!

    Before Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had alighted from the car, Qiu Chenxi couldfort herself and tell herself that it was not impossible for a caretaker to be with Zhai Sheng. As an old employer, Zhai Sheng could be looking for Qiao Nan for some official matters.

    Unfortunately, when Zhai Sheng alighted from the car, she saw that the person who had always been cold toward her had not only opened the door for Qiao Nan but had even ced his other hand over the car door in case Qiao Nan bumped her head on it whileing out. Qiao Nan had not hit her head, but Qiu Chenxi felt like she had been stabbed in the heart.

    Qiu Chenxi had thought that that was the biggest blow, but the two of them had not taken a few steps before Zhai Sheng grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand in his. Because of how close she was, Qiu Chenxi could be sure that Zhai Sheng had taken the initiative to hold Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. After holding Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, Zhai Sheng had not shown any difort on his expression, and he even seemed as though he was enjoying it.

    Seeing Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth move, Qiu Chenxi saw some unwillingness in Qiao Nan¡¯s expression. At that moment, Qiu Chenxi felt as though someone had hit her on the head with a hammer. Her mind was entirely nk.

    Qiu Chenxi was just like a stalker, following behind the couple, all the while calcting just how long Zhai Sheng had been holding onto Qiao Nan¡¯s hand for. Afterward, her heart dropped when she saw the two of them walk into different shops like a couple.

    What made Qiu Chenxi nearly lose her mind was a shop ownerughing andmenting when the two of them had walked into a shop while holding hands. ¡°You look like a great couple. You¡¯re even holding hands! I was the same when I was younger, but now that I¡¯m older, she¡¯s annoyed with me and doesn¡¯t let me hold her hand anymore. Are you picking something out for your daughter? What does your daughter like? Do you want me to rmend you something?¡±

    A couple?

    What a joke!

    Qiu Chenxi, whose heart was already in a mess, had the urge to rush forward and tear that shop owner¡¯s mouth apart before gouging his eyes out. What was the point in having eyes if he was not using them? One was a chief, while the other was only a caretaker! How could they look like a good match? How could they look like a couple!

    It was the first time Qiao Nan was interacting with Zhai Sheng alone and they had even held hands! Even if Qiao Nan had been unwilling, and even though they were still not in an official rtionship, Zhai Sheng was still overjoyed. Because of his joy, he naturally let his guard down.

    It was only when he led Qiao Nan back to the car with bags in his hand did Zhai Sheng finally realize through the reflection of the car that there seemed to be someone sneaking behind him and Qiao Nan.

    He was unsure how long that person had been following him for, what intention he had, or whether that person was an enemy or a spy.

    ¡°Chief?¡± Xiao Xu piped up when he noticed Zhai Sheng¡¯s unusual expression.

 Chapter 1944 - Fate

    <h4>Chapter 1944: Fate</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After handing the things in his hands over to Xiao Xu, Zhai Sheng gave Xiao Xu a look, asking Xiao Xu to pay attention to that figure who had been following him. Xiao Xu looked around and noticed that person as well and nodded at Zhai Sheng, telling him that he would handle the matter.

    After cing the things in the car, Xiao Xu said to Qiao Nan, ¡°Auntie Qiao, I have some family matters. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to send you and the chief back. You know that the chief is injured and I worry about the chief going back alone. Can you help me out and apany the chief back? I¡¯ll take over once I return. How¡¯s that? The military tasked me with taking care of the chief because of their trust in me. I don¡¯t trust anyone else, so you have to help me, Sister Qiao. Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to ount for my superiors andrades when I return.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched when she heard Xiao Xu¡¯s excuse. Even if Zhai Sheng were to return, he would not be alone. Would there not be Xiao Zhao whom they had hired? Whatever she could do, Xiao Zhao could as well. What was there to worry about?

    Xiao Xu was alert, and upon seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s dissatisfaction, he quickly cut in. ¡°Sister Qiao, I¡¯ll take it that you¡¯ve agreed to it since you haven¡¯t said anything. Sister Qiao, you¡¯re such a good person. You¡¯re always helping me out when I need help. Sister Qiao, you¡¯re a real-life heroine! I¡¯ll hand the chief over to you!¡± With that, Xiao Xu quickly shut the door so that he would not need to hear Qiao Nan¡¯s refusal and then handed the keys over to Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng patted Xiao Xu on the shoulder, instructing him to stay safe. He had only seen one person. If this person was a lone wolf, there was nothing to worry about given Xiao Xu¡¯s abilities. What he was afraid of was that this person was only there to gather information and that there would be a bunch of people waiting to pounce on Xiao Xu.

    But Zhai Sheng did not think that that was very likely.

    Had it not been for Qiao Nan by his side today that he had let his guard down, he would have noticed that person¡¯s presence long ago. That person¡¯s stalking skills were unrefined and unprofessional. Even a private detective¡¯s skills were much better than that person¡¯s, let alone a spy.

    While driving, Zhai Sheng did not insist on Qiao Nan sitting beside him in the front passenger seat. Firstly, it was because he had been affected by someone following him. Secondly, he was afraid that he would get distracted with Qiao Nan in such close proximity while he was driving. If Xiao Xu had been the one driving, there would have been no problem for Qiao Nan to sit beside him. ¡°Thank you so much for following me around today. Xiao Zhao should already have prepared dinner. Since you have to help Xiao Zhao take care of me, why don¡¯t you stay for dinner as well?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan could not believe her ears. How could Zhai Sheng say such shameless words? Zhai Sheng did not even need a wheelchair anymore and could move around just fine. She remembered that the doctor had previously said that it would be no problem for Zhai Sheng to return to the military around April.

    That meant that Zhai Sheng was almost fully recovered. Why did he have to put up a pretense and insist on someone apanying him? Did he not feel embarrassed because of Xiao Xu¡¯s words? Shouldn¡¯t Zhai Sheng apologize to her and ask her to hurry home after reaching the Zhai family¡¯s residence?

    ¡°All right, that¡¯s that then.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s wide-eyed expression tickled Zhai Sheng. He had never felt this way while he was younger and in his twenties. This was new, but he did not dislike it.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was once again at a loss for words. A deal? Who had made a deal with him? Had she?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, look at the time. It¡¯s already seven...¡± She did not have the habit of returning homete. If she was to have dinner at the Zhai family¡¯s house and have a cup of tea afterward, she might not even reach home by eight-thirty. Besides, there was no bus service to her house at that time of night. Hailing a taxi would mean that she would only reach home at nine. By the time she washed up and got ready for bed, it would be ten.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s already seven. I¡¯d never shopped before. I think it¡¯s actually quite fun. I didn¡¯t expect to spend so long shopping. You must be hungry. Don¡¯t worry. My driving skills are better than Xiao Xu¡¯s. Give me another ten minutes. We¡¯ll be home and there will be food very soon.¡± Yes, as long as he had the right person by his side, something as mundane as shopping was eptable to him.

    Qiao Nan was taken aback. ¡°Please don¡¯t. Take your time. Safety is of utmost importance.¡±

    It was already seven, and the streetmps had already been switched on. It was dangerous to speed up at this time. Qiao Nan had sat in Zhai Sheng¡¯s car more than once, but most of the time, Zhai Sheng had no interest in showing off his skills and always prioritized safety.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    It seemed as though Sister Zhao had already known that Qiao Nan would turn up and had thus prepared several of Qiao Nan¡¯s favorite dishes specially for her. The moment she saw those dishes, Qiao Nan felt as though Zhai Sheng had nned this ahead of time.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng with aplicated gaze. Given what had happened today, Qiao Nan could not help but ¡®tter herself¡¯ no matter how ¡®self-conscious¡¯ she was. Qiao Nan knew exactly how Zhai Sheng was as a person and how his temper was. If Zhai Sheng did not have feelings for her, he would never get so close to her.

    In her dream, apart from the women in the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng would only be this affectionate to her and San Bao. She believed that Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper would be simr in real life. So, that could only mean that Zhai Sheng¡¯s behavior and attitude toward her was not her own narcissism or her overthinking the situation.

    Ever since she woke up from her dream, Qiao Nan had never dreamed of having a blissful life or a perfect husband like Zhai Sheng in reality. She dared not tie reality to her dream or regard Zhai Sheng as her partner.

    If she had not been so engrossed in finding that happiness in her dream, she would never have escaped to Qingshui Town and settled down there in her humble pursuit of happiness and so as to escape the Qiao family. But at times, such was life. She had never even considered it, but because she had rented Xiao Xu¡¯s apartment, she had gotten the chance to enter the Zhai family¡¯s old vi and had even gotten to know Zhai Sheng so well.

 Chapter 1945 - Self-Awareness

    <h4>Chapter 1945: Self-Awareness</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In her dream, she had managed to do it. So, would she be as brave to take a step out in that direction in reality?

    After dinner, Zhai Sheng naturally sent Qiao Nan back. Along the way, Qiao Nan remained silent. Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan had to be contemting their rtionship. As such, Zhai Sheng did not rush her, and it was only when they reached Qiao Nan¡¯s house did Zhai Sheng alight from the car as well. ¡°Shall we have a chat?¡±

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a moment before nodding. ¡°All right. Come on in.¡± Qiao Nan poured Zhai Sheng a cup of tea. ¡°If you wanted to have a chat with me, why didn¡¯t you do it while we were at your house? Why are we only having a chat now?¡±

    ¡°I know that you wouldn¡¯t befortable talking about this in my house and you wouldn¡¯t be able to think about it properly on your own.¡± Zhai Sheng had already sensed that Qiao Nan cared a lot about the Zhai family¡¯s matters and understood them to a great extent. That was why she was affected by them. He respected Qiao Nan and hoped that Qiao Nan would get together with him voluntarily. As such, he was naturally willing to give Qiao Nan space to consider this rationally.

    But Zhai Sheng did not want to think about why Qiao Nan was clearer about the Zhai family¡¯s situation than he himself was. People were rarely that muddleheaded. He had already felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s care toward him and his family was genuine. In that case, Zhai Sheng was willing to attribute Qiao Nan¡¯s behavior to his fate with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m serious about you. I believe that you know just how I am as a person. This might sound a little cheesy, but I¡¯m a person who would rather do without than have something substandard. You¡¯ve heard a little about my marriage to Qiu Chenxi, but you don¡¯t know the full story. I think I should tell you about it today. In those three years, I spent more time in the military, and I guess I didn¡¯t even spend ten full days with her in total.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was particr about this and hoped that Qiao Nan would be able to understand him and would not have any misunderstanding in this regard that would affect their rtionship. After all, Qiu Chenxi, who had no self-awareness at all, was still eyeing him.

    Zhai Sheng did not think that there would be any problem on his side. But he had to make some preparations in case Qiu Chenxi tried to attack Qiao Nan first.

    Qiao Nan blushed. She could not deny that she had felt joy in her heart upon hearing these words. Which woman would not be happy hearing such words from their partner? Qiao Nan was the most average person and naturally had the most average feelings as well. Besides, she could reply to Zhai Sheng in the same manner in this regard.

    ¡°Nan Nan, we¡¯re not young anymore. I think we should cherish this even more. Don¡¯t you think so? If you agree to it, I¡¯ll write a marriage report right away. Of course, you can tell me if you have any requests. I¡¯ll try my best to fulfill them. In order to improve efficiency, I think that we can get married before dating.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had done his homework to chase Qiao Nan and knew that women nowadays enjoyed romance and liked the feeling of being pursued and being pampered like a princess. Zhai Sheng wanted Qiao Nan to be his wife, and once they were married, he would pursue Qiao Nan in whatever way she liked. He would not only treat Qiao Nan as a princess while they were dating, but he would treat Qiao Nan like a princess for the rest of his life.

    No matter who upset Qiao Nan, he would never let a single one of them go. That included his future children. ¡°Nan Nan, you like Jiajia very much, and I think that you¡¯ll want a child of our own too. For the sake of your body, I think we shouldn¡¯t be dyed anymore. Of course, if you don¡¯t want children, we can go slower.¡±

    ¡°No, I like children!¡± Even if she could not have the same good fortune to have three outstanding and adorable children at the same time, she still wanted to be a mother and have a child with Zhai Sheng, whether it was a girl or a boy.

    Zhai Sheng was over the moon. ¡°I don¡¯t have an opinion in this regard. Of course, it¡¯ll be better to have one. If you want a child, I¡¯ll do my best to fulfill that request. After we get married, I¡¯ll try to get you pregnant as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan felt a little strange. Why did that sound wrong? ¡°No, no...¡± They had not gotten married yet. Why was he talking about having children? He seemed a lot like a pervert now.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face fell. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say that you want to be a mother? Why are you changing your mind now?¡±

    Qiao Nan was taken aback by Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯m not regretting, but don¡¯t you think that your sequence is entirely wrong? Marriage isn¡¯t such a simple thing. It doesn¡¯t involve just two people. It involves two families. Brother Zhai, I think that most women will be moved by such an outstanding person like you. Yes, I like you, and I acknowledge your feelings for me, but you know about my family background too. Wei De might have been a little crude with his words the other day, but I can¡¯t deny that what he said isn¡¯t the truth.¡±

    With a family like the Qiao family, Qiao Nan had no other choice but to avoid them as far as possible. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were her blood rtives that she could never get away from. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had already sucked her dry. If they were to find out that she was together with Zhai Sheng, they would definitely try to do even more outrageous things to take advantage of her rtionship with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m just an ordinary person. I like you, and I care about the Zhai family. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to let you guys see my ugliest side. A family like that makes me feel utterly humiliated, and don¡¯t you dare underestimate a person¡¯s greed and that family¡¯s greed.¡±

    The Qiao family was Qiao Nan¡¯s obstacle and Zhai Sheng understood that. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that Wei De¡¯s affair and his rtionship with Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei are shameful too? I guess every other man would have tried to hide a marriage like mine to Qiu Chenxi. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s shameful too? You said that you¡¯re an ordinary person, but so are I and everyone else in the Zhai family. What is family for? Shouldn¡¯t family members stay by one another and support one another when we face such humiliating things? Nan Nan, haven¡¯t you felt through my actions that the Qiao family isn¡¯t a barrier between us?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes reddened. In the face of all these matters, she had almost regarded herself as part of the Zhai family, and not as an outsider.

 Chapter 1946 - Personally Witnessed

    <h4>Chapter 1946: Personally Witnessed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As such, Qiao Nan had never thought that such an incident was shameful or would spoil the Zhai family¡¯s image in her mind. It was only when faced with her own matters that she became irrational and subjective.

    Qiao Nan sniffled as her voice turned hoarse. ¡°Then, what about the old chief and Auntie Miao? Will they agree to it?¡± She was not that brilliant student in her dream. She did not have the title ofing out on top in the college entrance examination, and neither did she have an impressive mentor like Lin Yuankang, much less entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be a female diplomat. Of course, she had not graduated from Peking University since she had not even graduated from high school!

    Would the Zhai family still treat her as well now that she was facing them with a different status and had nothing to her name? Would they even ept her? She had already said that marriage was not just between two people. It was between two families. Qiu Chenxi was the best example of that.

    After her divorce, Qiu Chenxi had allowed herself to go wild and had even hurt her own body, thus losing the right to be a mother. Qiao Nan felt that if her marriage to Zhai Sheng would only end in divorce, she might be even less able to control herself aspared to Qiu Chenxi, and she might even give up on herself. Having happiness was nice, but it was devastating to lose it after having it.

    Zhai Shengughed and moved to sit beside Qiao Nan, hugging her in his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t you know my family well enough? Can¡¯t you feel my family¡¯s attitude toward you?¡± Not only would the Zhai family not reject her, but the whole family also hoped that he would act quickly to bring her home.

    ¡°But at that time, I was just a caretaker who had taken care of you for a few days. Zhai Hua treated me as a friend and Jiajia treated me as an auntie.¡± If she were to get together with Zhai Sheng, her identity wouldpletely change.

    Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s reddened and watery eyes, looking all pitiful, Zhai Sheng could not help but peck Qiao Nan. ¡°You little fool. Do you really think that my parents came all the way back from the capital just to see their unfilial son? They came back to see their daughter-inw. Why do you think Wei De had such a great reaction the other day? It¡¯s not because Wei De misunderstood our rtionship. It¡¯s because the Zhai family already knew that I liked you at that time and were trying to help me get into your good books. Do you understand that now?¡±

    Qiao Nan was in a trance. She had never considered that the Zhai family had all gathered at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi for her. She had always thought that the Zhai family had onlye to show concern for Zhai Sheng because of his injury. ¡°Do you mean that the old chief and Auntie Miao have both agreed?¡±

    They had agreed to someone like her being with their outstanding son?

    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on yourself. You¡¯re the best in our eyes.¡± Besides, their family had no reason to disagree. The Zhai family had long agoe to the point where they would agree to anyone as long as he was willing to marry them. ¡°So, you don¡¯t have any more concerns now, and I can go ahead and write my marriage report?¡±

    It was still that same old sentence. They would get married before dating. Getting married was more important and took priority over dating.

    ¡°All right.¡± Qiao Nan mustered up all her courage to reply to him. Yes, at their age, they did not have much time to waste. She wanted to be a mother, even if she could not be a mother to triplets. It would still be good being a mother. If she did not give birth now, it might really be toote in the future.

    Now that he had officially confirmed this rtionship, Zhai Sheng was over the moon. Because of that, he moved closer to the person he loved and did something that he had wanted to do for a long time, which was to hug Qiao Nan within his embrace and kiss her as much as he wanted.

    All right, his soldiers were right. Women were fragrant, soft, and sweet. There was nothing that couldpare to this. Zhai Sheng did not like sweets, but this sweetness was immeasurable!

    When Qiao Nan sent Zhai Sheng off, she waspletely out of breath and her lips were swollen.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s red lips, Zhai Sheng could not help but lean in for another kiss. ¡°All right, there¡¯s no need to send me off. Go back and have a good rest.¡± As a man, he did not need someone to send him off, but it did feel nice being sent off by his partner. Zhai Sheng could not wait to get married so that Qiao Nan could live with him.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan nodded. Brother Zhai had already said that he would handle their marriage. Qiao Nan did not know how much conflict other women had after marriage, but she had got along well with the Zhai family. With her experience from her dream, Qiao Nan was not at all nervous. She only felt that everything had moved a step closer to aligning with her dream.

    Only after seeing Zhai Sheng drive off did Qiao Nan shut her door and sit on her sofa in a daze. It was only when she heard a series of rapid poundings on her door did Qiao Nan return from her trance and realize that she had been rather foolish today.

    She nced at the clock. It was already nine. Who could that be? Could it be Brother Zhai had left something behind or had returned to tell her something?

    Thinking that it could be Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan quickly stood up. But upon seeing that it was Qiu Chenxi and not Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart sank and she shut the door without hesitation.

    Unfortunately, Qiu Chenxi was prepared, and before Qiao Nan could shut the door, she had already kicked the door open, forcing Qiao Nan to back down.

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Are you crazy? This isn¡¯t the Qiu family¡¯s house. This is a private residence. You¡¯re trespassing. It¡¯s illegal. I¡¯m sorry, Miss Qiu. You¡¯re not wee here. Please leave.¡±

    ¡°You shameless vixen!¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s face was extremely sour. She hade with the intention to beat someone up. She was not Qiu Chenxi if she did not deal with this caretaker today. She was just a mere caretaker! How dared she seduce her master! Had she watched too many drama serials?

    Thinking about what she had gathered from stalking Zhai Sheng throughout the day and the scene she had witnessed at Qiao Nan¡¯s doorstep, Qiu Chenxi was burning with rage. In the three years that she had been married to Zhai Sheng, he had never even been willing to touch a strand of her hair, but he had been so intimate and affectionate with a caretaker at the door and had even kissed Qiao Nan!

    Qiu Chenxi had experience, and even with the limited lighting, Qiu Chenxi could tell that Qiao Nan¡¯s swollen lips had not been a result of a single kiss.

 Chapter 1947 - No Status

    <h4>Chapter 1947: No Status</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    So that meant that these two people had done much more intimate and private things in a closed room. ¡°No wonder you were unwilling to help me! It was because you had such an intention! You shameless mistress! I¡¯d better teach you a lesson for snatching someone else¡¯s husband today. Otherwise, you won¡¯t learn what etiquette, righteousness, integrity, and shame are!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi flew into a rage and wanted to grab Qiao Nan¡¯s hair.

    If someone else was in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, they would have lost out since Qiu Chenxi was the one to strike first. Thankfully, the person whom Qiu Chenxi had encountered was Qiao Nan. As a woman of the Zhai family, Qiao Nan had no other ability, but she did know how to protect herself.

    The moment she saw Qiu Chenxi reach out for her hair, Qiao Nan grabbed Qiu Chenxi¡¯s hand and twisted it, holding it down. Qiu Chenxi gasped in pain and felt that all energy had been drained from her arm.

    Qiao Nan turned pale, but she felt anger rising up within her. ¡°Don¡¯t keep calling others mistresses and take other people¡¯s patience for granted! You don¡¯t deserve to know why I refuse to help you. You¡¯ve already gotten divorced from Brother Zhai, and there¡¯s no possibility of reconciliation. I¡¯m unmarried and so is he. It¡¯s much more moral for me to be with him than you cheating on him during your marriage. You know best who the truly shameless one is!¡±

    Since she had already decided to get together with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was not going to back down just because Qiu Chenxi had turned up at her doorstep. She could give in on any other matter but this. ¡°I¡¯m warning you to leave now. Otherwise, I¡¯ll call the police.¡±

    Qiao Nan did not dare to let go because her opponent was Qiu Chenxi. She was afraid that Qiu Chenxi would go crazy and make a din if she were to let go. As such, she maintained a firm grip on Qiu Chenxi and only let go when she chased Qiu Chenxi out of her house. Before Qiu Chenxi had the time to turn around, Qiao Nan quickly locked her door.

    Qiu Chenxi was reluctant to give up and kicked and pounded against Qiao Nan¡¯s door, shouting nasty words. ¡°You still don¡¯t admit it? Even if I got a divorce from Zhai Sheng, he¡¯s still my husband! We¡¯re going to reconcile! What are you if you¡¯re not a mistress for barging in at this time? You have the cheek to do it, but you don¡¯t dare to admit to it? I¡¯m warning you that the Zhai family is not just any ordinary family. Didn¡¯t you think about your status before getting yourself into this? Do you think that the Zhai family will agree to this marriage if you seduce my husband? Fat chance! Just wait and see. If the Zhai family finds out that Zhai Sheng¡¯s fallen for someone like you, they¡¯ll find a way to get Zhai Sheng to reconcile with me!¡±

    She did not believe that the Zhai family would not think that it was shameful for Zhai Sheng to marry a caretaker. Inparison to Qiao Nan¡¯s status and background, she did not think that her past mistakes were that unforgivable. No matter what, her family background could match up to Zhai Sheng¡¯s.

    ¡°Is that so? Then, why are you still here looking for me? Should I congratte you in advance that your dreams havee true?¡± Qiao Nan had to give it up to Qiu Chenxi for being so unaware. It was true that her family background was terrible, but she had lived a decent and honest life, unlike Qiu Chenxi.

    The Zhai family was not one to suffer just for the sake of maintaining their dignity. Would they ept an honest and decent daughter-inw or one who had a good family background but was a failure as a daughter-inw? It was not just the Zhai family. Even if it was any other family, the odds did not seem to be in Qiu Chenxi¡¯s favor.

    Perhaps, it was because of the three years that she had been married to Zhai Sheng that Qiao Nan felt that the Qiu Chenxi before her was even more foolish and unaware than the Qiu Chenxi in her dream.

    Qiao Nan wondered if Qiu Chenxi would be able to remain so confident about winning if she were to tell her that everyone in the Zhai family, including Zhai Sheng, knew about the ridiculous lifestyle she had lived after the divorce and how she could no longer bear children.

    Looking at the tightly shut door and Qiao Nan¡¯s indifference, Qiu Chenxi¡¯s expression was indescribably foul. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude, Qiu Chenxi knew that she would never be able to scold that shameless and immoral Qiao Nan into realization, nor force her to back down.

    That was expected since she was a vixen anyway. How could she have counted on Qiao Nan to have some morality to not snatch someone else¡¯s husband away?

    But that was not the end!

    After returning to her car, Qiu Chenxi did not return to her rented apartment. Instead, she sped back to Ping Cheng.

    It was almost one in the morning when Qi Min realized that her daughter had returned and was shocked. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t return before you got back together with Zhai Sheng? Why are you suddenly back in the middle of the night? You should have waited until tomorrow at the very least.¡± Qi Min yawned in exhaustion.

    Qiu Chenxi mmed the table in rage, chasing Qi Min¡¯s sleepiness away at once. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you run into another wall at Zhai Sheng¡¯s? Did you only realize Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper and personality today after growing up with him? You should have prepared yourself for this the moment you decided that you wanted to get back together with him. What¡¯s the point of getting angry now? Are you giving up now?¡±

    If she was not giving up, she would not have returned in the middle of the night.

    ¡°Giving up? Zhai Sheng is mine. I¡¯m the chief¡¯s wife. Why should I give my man to someone else, especially someone who¡¯s so much worse than me?¡± Qiu Chenxi mmed the table even harder.

    Qiu Chenxi was dumbfounded and poured a ss of water for Qiu Chenxi. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Does Zhai Sheng... have someone in mind?¡±

    Had the Zhai family finally found someone whom Zhai Sheng was willing to get married to? No wonder Chenxi was so angry. Chenxi had always been gleeful that Zhai Sheng had been unwilling to marry any other woman and had confidence in her own chances.

    ¡°What nonsense! I¡¯m Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife! Zhai Sheng¡¯s a married man. That¡¯s not a partner. That¡¯s a shameless vixen and a mistress! How can Zhai Sheng cheat on me behind my back!¡± Zhai Sheng was hers and hers alone!

    Qi Min rubbed her forehead. Chenxi did not seem to be in the right state of mind recently. What nonsense was she spouting? ¡°You¡¯ve already gotten divorced from Zhai Sheng. He¡¯s no longer your husband. It¡¯s neither immoral nor illegal for him to get together with another woman.¡± She had to be clear of that.

    ¡°But I want to get back together with him! So, how can he get together with another woman?¡± As long as she remarried Zhai Sheng, her rtionship with Zhai Sheng would be legally recognized and protected. Qiao Nan was just a woman with no status!

 Chapter 1948 - Understanding

    <h4>Chapter 1948: Understanding</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Chenxi, I¡¯ll bring you to the doctor tomorrow.¡± Qi Min had no choice but to say such words. It was obvious that Qiu Chenxi was not thinking rationally.

    If they really got remarried, it would indeed be wrong for Zhai Sheng to be with another woman. But before that happened, it was up to Zhai Sheng whomever he wanted to be with. No one else had a say in it. Even though her daughter was Zhai Sheng¡¯s ex-wife, she could not control whom Zhai Sheng got together with.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not crazy. I¡¯m very normal and I know what I¡¯m saying. I want to make a call. I want to call the Zhai family. I want to call my parents-inw. I don¡¯t believe that they¡¯ll stand by the side and not do anything once they know that Zhai Sheng¡¯s giving up on me for a mere caretaker! Don¡¯t they despise me for the mistakes that I made in the past? But it¡¯s even more shameful for Zhai Sheng to be with that caretaker! They have to do something about it!¡±

    As long as the Zhai family disagreed, Zhai Sheng would never be able to get together with Qiao Nan!

    ¡°A caretaker? What do you mean? Does Zhai Sheng really have someone in mind?¡± That was unexpected, yet expected. Qi Min¡¯s heart pounded. Ever since Chenxi had gotten divorced from Zhai Sheng, she knew that this day woulde eventually, but she had not expected that ¡®that day¡¯ would be today.

    ¡°She¡¯s not a partner. Zhai Sheng must just be ying around with that caretaker. That woman¡¯s already forty and is an old woman. I heard that she didn¡¯t even graduate from high school. How is it possible that Zhai Sheng¡¯s serious with her? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s just ying around. The most ridiculous thing is that that caretaker thinks that Zhai Sheng really likes her and is trying to fight with me for Zhai Sheng. I¡¯m going to let that woman know what the real world is like!¡±

    Given Qiu Chenxi¡¯s insistence and stubbornness, Qi Min felt a little lost. No matter how much her daughter erred, she was still better than a caretaker, after all, right? After learning about this, the Zhai family had better rein in Zhai Sheng. He was already at the age where he should be a father, but he might justmit a mistake if they did not do anything.

    As such, it was at this ungodly hour that the Zhai family¡¯s phone started ringing nonstop until someone picked it up.

    The Zhai family¡¯s caretaker was in the most awkward position. She was naturally the one to answer the phone at such ate hour. She would only hand the phone over to the old chief if it was important. ¡°Hello?¡± The caretaker yawned. It was already past one. Who was so crazy to call them at this hour? ¡°Hello, this is the Zhai family. Who are you looking for? Is anything the matter?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. I¡¯m looking for my parents-inw...¡±

    With that, the caretaker mmed the phone down without a second of hesitation. Yes, she was a newbie who had been hired just a few months ago, but this did not mean that she would be easily deceived. She knew just who the old chief had in his family.

    The old chief had a son and a daughter. His son was brilliant and had be a chief in his own right and had only left recently to recuperate. As for the old chief¡¯s daughter, she was already married and stayed in this house. But very soon, she would be divorced since there was no way she would lose her divorcewsuit.

    The Zhai family¡¯s family tree was as simple as that. The old chief did not have a daughter-inw. This phone call was indeed ridiculous! And she was even calling them her parents-inw! She must have dreamed so much about marrying into the Zhai family that she had made such a call.

    Tired, the caretaker yawned and squinted, preparing to return to bed. Just as she was about to return to her bed, the phone that she had just hung up rang again. ¡°Again?¡± The caretaker stared at the phone in frustration, not wanting to pick it up.

    It was not right for her not to pick it up, but she did not dare to pull thendline out either. Yet, she was afraid that the calls would wake the Zhai family up.

    Indeed, Zhai Yaohui had been awoken by the calls. He opened the door and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why aren¡¯t you picking up the phone?¡±

    ¡°Old Chief, I¡¯m a little confused about this call. There¡¯s a woman calling you her father-inw, and calling madam her mother-inw. She¡¯s looking for the both of you...¡± Did the old chief and his wife really have a daughter-inw? Was that the person Chief Zhai had just found?

    Zhai Yaohui put on his clothes and walked over. ¡°Where¡¯s it from?¡±

    ¡°Locally.¡±

    ¡°Locally?¡± If Qiao Nan had called, it would be a foreign call, and not from Ping Cheng. ¡°All right. Go and have some rest. I¡¯ll pick up the phone.¡± Zhai Yaohui decided to pick up the call in case Zhai Sheng had gotten into some trouble. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡± Qiu Chenxi was ovee with emotions when she heard Zhai Yaohui¡¯s voice.

    Qiu Chenxi¡¯s one word was enough to wake Zhai Yaohui up. ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong number.¡± With that, Zhai Yaohui did exactly what the caretaker had done and hung up the phone. Zhai Yaohui did not think that there was a need to waste his breath on a person like Qiu Chenxi.

    He had just hung up the phone before the phone rang again. The caretaker could not help but pull the nket over her head. Anyway, the old chief was taking care of this matter.

    Zhai Yaohui was more thorough than the caretaker. The caretaker dared not pull out thendline but Zhai Yaohui did. Anyway, most people used mobile phones nowadays. An outsider like Qiu Chenxi did not know the Zhai family¡¯s mobile phone numbers.

    After unplugging thendline, the Zhai family finally had a good night¡¯s rest.

    When Zhai Yaohuiy back down on his bed, Miao Jing moved over and asked blurrily, ¡°Who called us in the middle of the night? Is anything wrong?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui patted Miao Jing and instructed her to get a good rest. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong. They just got the wrong number. Hurry and sleep. Tomorrow¡¯s thest court session of Zhai Hua¡¯swsuit against Wei De. We¡¯ll finally get closure to this. We have to be with Zhai Hua tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Miao Jing answered breezily. Hua Hua would finally be free of that bast*rd tomorrow. Sigh. She had an experience of that because of Zhai Sheng. Anyway, Hua Hua already had her daughter, Jiajia. She would let Hua Hua make her own decision as to whether she wanted to get remarried.

    If Hua Hua was lucky enough, she would definitely support her. If Hua Hua did not intend to do so, she would not force her either. Zhai Sheng was already of this age, but fate could not be stopped. There had been no use for her to urge him in the past. There were some things that she could never understand about her children no matter how much she thought about them.

 Chapter 1949 - A Turn

    <h4>Chapter 1949: A Turn</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This divorcewsuit had been going on for two to three months. That sounded like a long time, but inparison to other divorcewsuits, it was already rather efficient. Zhai Hua and the Zhai family had only shown up during the first andst court sessions.

    That day, the Zhai family and the Wei family had bumped into each other at the entrance, and both Wei De and the Wei family were very emotional. Wei De, in particr, seemed to want to get closer to Zhai Hua and tell her something. Unfortunately, given Zhai Yaohui¡¯s status, going out entailed having bodyguards around him.

    With the protection, no one, including the Wei family, could sessfully break through the security border and get close to the Zhai family. Wei De was ipetent and could not match up to the bodyguards. As such, he could only watch as Zhai Hua entered the court indifferently under the protection of those bodyguards.

    ¡°Ah De?¡± Mother Wei felt the guiltiest. Ever since they had started the divorcewsuit, Mother Wei had increasingly realized just how important Zhai Hua was to the Wei family. The Wei family, who had been rather wealthy, was getting worse off by the day without Zhai Hua as the mistress of the family.

    At this timest year, Zhai Hua had gotten the family two new outfits for the new season. But they had not done so this year. When Mother Wei, who was used to showing off, went out for groceries, she was afraid of running into her friends. She was more afraid that they would ask about that filial daughter-inw of hers who was a chief¡¯s daughter.

    Thinking about how Zhai Hua had contributed to the family so selflessly and had never thrown her weight around as a chief¡¯s daughter, Mother Wei truly regretted her actions. If she had known that such a day woulde, she would have treated Zhai Hua better normally.

    How would she have known that the Zhai family, who had treated Zhai Hua as someone who had died all these years, who had not helped Zhai Hua or her son, would have returned in full force to help Zhai Hua get a divorce this time?

    If she had known that the Zhai family had always cared about Zhai Hua and were only treating Zhai Hua that way because she was stubborn, she would have pampered Zhai Hua and treated her like a Buddha.

    Mother Wei had always felt that Zhai Hua was useless since she could not even coax her family. She had only allowed her son to marry an old woman who could not get married because of the Zhai family¡¯s status. If Zhai Hua had a ce in her family¡¯s hearts and had pulled on some strings so that the Zhai family would have helped her son, she would have treated Zhai Hua like how she treated her ancestors!

    In reality, the couple had been married for more than a decade, but her son had not been able to fulfill his dream of bing a regimentmander. Contrarily, it seemed as though he would never get promoted from his rank as apanymander. Besides, Zhai Hua had never been in contact with the Zhai family all those years. The chief¡¯s daughter was nothing but a title.

    It was also because Zhai Hua¡¯s temper had been so good and she had been too nice toward the Wei family. She had tried her best to be a good wife, a good daughter-inw, and a good mother that she had been trying to live her life to prove to the Zhai family that she had not made the wrong decision.

    Even with her status, she had not put on any airs. That was why Mother Wei¡¯s uneasiness had turned into her strong and overbearing behavior as a mother-inw. Everything was a result of mutual influence.

    When Zhai Hua finally prided herself as part of the Zhai family, Mother Wei realized that it was toote for her to regret it now. Because she had gone overboard during normal times, there was nothing for her to rely on at this critical moment. There was nothing she could do since she had never treated Zhai Hua well, and even treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia.

    Father Wei nced at Mother Wei. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go in. It¡¯s too embarrassing to stay out here.¡± Mother Wei had her regrets, and so did Father Wei. He had always felt that he had a better image in Zhai Hua¡¯s mind since he had never tried to interfere whenever Mother Wei bullied Zhai Hua.

    He had thought that Zhai Hua would take his advice as a father-inw once he spoke. But reality gave Father Wei a tight p in the face.

    Anyone could have seen just how indifferent and scheming Father Wei had been all along. He had just gotten the chance to say something to Zhai Hua before she rebutted him. ¡°Uncle, I might not have said anything in the past, but that doesn¡¯t mean that I don¡¯t know anything. At that time, we were a family and I tried to tolerate all of you as much as I could. Uncle, I¡¯m sure you like Wei Wei very much as a grandson. I¡¯ve seen it for myself.¡±

    If they did not ce emphasis on their grandson, would they use their granddaughter¡¯s resources to help their grandson?

    In that way, Father Wei naturally had no way to use his good father-inw image to persuade Zhai Hua to make up with Wei De since they had a child and to forget about the divorce.

    After entering the court, the family of three found a spot by the window to have some fresh air. Ever since the day Zhai Hua had brought up a divorce, the atmosphere in the family had been stifling. After a long time, Father Wei finally spoke up when he realized that the pocket where he normally ced his cigarettes was empty. ¡°Is there any change in your situation in the military?¡±

    Wei De was dejected. ¡°No.¡± He had thought that losing the chance of promotion after getting divorced from Zhai Hua was the greatest punishment he would get for being together with Wei Xiaomei in his youth. It was only when he received a call from the military that he realized that it was not easy for Zhai Hua to pull him up, but it was no effort at all for the Zhai family to drag him down.

    Both calls from the military were not out of concern for Wei De. In the first call, the people from the military expressed that they understood that it was important to resolve his personal matters. As such, they were willing to grant him time off to settle these matters.

    Less than a monthter, Wei De received yet another call from the military. Because of Wei De¡¯s dishonesty, the military had reason to believe that his character and morality were poor. More importantly, Wei De had organized a wedding dinner and had gotten married to Wei Xiaomei in the countryside. Afterward, he had cheated Zhai Hua into marriage. That bigamy was an extremely severe crime that had ruined the image of the military. As such, the military had made the decision to expel him.

    The phone call was a bolt out of the blue for Wei De. He was already in despair that he would never be a regimentmander. Now, he could not even continue being a soldier, let alone a regimentmander. There was no ce for him in the army anymore.

    Simrly, it was only when Wei De received this call did he realize just how frightening it was to get divorced from Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 1950 - Pushing Them to Their Deaths

    <h4>Chapter 1950: Pushing Them to Their Deaths</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    All his achievements originated from Zhai Hua. As soon as he and Zhai Hua got a divorce, he seemed to be beaten back to his original form.

    Wei De thought of how others were discussing back then that the army would be dismissing him soon as he had no achievements at all. This was when he hadn¡¯t wooed Zhai Hua yet. He remembered how he felt back then.

    His physical fitness was alright. He didn¡¯t have any other capabilities and only knew how to be a soldier but wanted to be an officer. As such, he could only continue to be in the army and keep trying to climb up the ranks. When others looked down on him and felt that he would be dismissed sooner orter, he wanted to prove to these people that he had a better life than them in the army.

    The more it was like this, the more unwilling Wei De was to have a divorce. As long as Zhai Hua didn¡¯t agree to this divorce, Wei De would do anything Zhai Hua wanted. Even if Wei De were to kneel in front of Zhai Hua now, not only would he not frown, but he wouldn¡¯t even hesitate to do so at all.

    He couldn¡¯t leave the army. If he left the army, his fifty-year-old self would really be left with nothing.

    After such a big change, not only did Wei Xiaomei return to her hometown, but Wei Wei was sent back as well. Thoughts about continuing toplete the remaining semester in school, striving to achieve outstanding performance in the college entrance examination, and entering a good university in the future disappeared from Wei De¡¯s mind.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t like Wei Xiaomei. She would definitely hate Wei Wei too. He hadn¡¯t thought of ways to get Zhai Hua back yet. If he let her see people she didn¡¯t like, then his rtionship with Zhai Hua would be even more hopeless.

    If he couldn¡¯t even take care of himself, how would Wei De have the thought to take care of his son?

    Father Wei and Mother Wei knew about Wei De¡¯s dismissal from the army. Mother Wei¡¯s eyes turned red and she nearly cried. ¡°Why is Zhai Hua so cruel? At the very least, Ah De has been husband and wife with her for over ten years. Didn¡¯t they say that a day together as husband and wife means endless devotion for the rest of your life? She really isn¡¯t going to leave us any way out? She wants to push us to our deaths?!¡±

    Her son was her pride and the biggest officer in their vige. Now that her son was no longer apanymander and wasn¡¯t even a soldier, upon thinking of how their lives would be in the future, Mother Wei felt bitter. They really couldn¡¯t lead such a life.

    Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t going to give them any money. Her son was dismissed from the army. This meant that they would no longer give allowances. Forget thinking about the long term and if it was possible to nurture Xiao Wei into a university student. If her son didn¡¯t find a job soon, their family would run out of living expenses soon.

    Wei De had a menacing look. ¡°Since she and the Zhai family want to push us to our deaths, let¡¯s die for them one by one.¡± His mom was right. Zhai Hua was too ruthless. The Zhai family was even more ruthless. After all, they had been family for over ten years. They didn¡¯t leave him any way out now. They wanted to see him die, huh? He would die and just let the Zhai family be equally embarrassed as well!

    Of course, Wei De wasn¡¯t really nning to die. A person like Wei De would know that it was better to live than die. He only hoped to use such a tactic to force Zhai Hua so that she would dare not to divorce him and the Zhai family would help him return to the army.

    As such, before thest trial started, there was a big piece of news about someone wanting to jump off from the opposite building. ¡°Look quickly! There¡¯s someone sitting on the roof railing of the opposite building. He looks like he¡¯s going tomit suicide. Hurry up and call the police.¡±

    ¡°Oh god. What happened such that he couldn¡¯te to terms and wants tomit suicide? He doesn¡¯t look young either.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said that his wife wants to divorce him. He doesn¡¯t want to as he doesn¡¯t want his family to be separated and his daughter to have an iplete family. I heard that his inws are very powerful and forced the couple to divorce. They even caused that man to lose his job.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, the Zhai family¡¯s looks turned ugly.

    Zhai Hua gritted his teeth. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be him, right?¡± If the person who was going tomit suicide was really Wei De, Zhai Hua had the urge to blind herself. How bad were her eyes back then that she fancied Wei De and argued with her family for more than ten years?

    How did Wei De manage to do such a shameless and embarrassing thing?

    ¡°That¡¯s hard to say.¡± Zhai Yaohui knew of the saying that a dog will leap over a wall in desperation. Wei De wasn¡¯t someone good to begin with. Now, all the facts had proven that Wei De married Zhai Hua back then not because he really liked her, but because of the Zhai family¡¯s conditions. What kind of things would a person like Wei De, who relied on a woman and didn¡¯t recognize his wife and son just to climb up the ranks and achieve his motives, not do?

    Furthermore, the content of those people¡¯s discussions coincided too much with Wei De¡¯s situation. It was estimated that there wouldn¡¯t be any idents in this matter.

    Miao Jing felt a headache. ¡°What should we do? Why don¡¯t we get Zhai Sheng back?¡± Miao Jing, a woman who had encountered so many things when she was young, had never tried the method of seeking death. She didn¡¯t expect that a method that even she, an old woman, found disdainful would be used today, and it was by her son-inw nheless.

    Miao Jing looked at Zhai Hua helplessly. She felt that her daughter was too unlucky. She was afraid that her daughter only knew about Wei De¡¯s true colors today. Could a man like this still be called a man?

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s personal matters were considered important as well. ¡°Wei De¡¯s a clown. Do you really need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Let him be. If he really jumps down from the rooftop and dies, then so be it. That has nothing to do with our family. If someone wants to die, even the King of Hades can¡¯t stop him, let alone us.¡±

    In short, who cares about Wei De¡¯s life and death?

    ¡°Do you think Ah De can really do this? Why am I so afraid? If Ah De loosens his hand... We only have one son.¡± Mother Wei¡¯s legs were shaking, and her face turned pale. She was starting to feel a little regretful. All was good as long as her son was here. Why don¡¯t they just give up everything about the Zhai family?

    If anything happened to her son, she really couldn¡¯t live anymore.

    Father Wei was also worried. However, he felt determined. ¡°You¡¯re just a timid woman whocks knowledge. As the saying goes, deploy troops in such a way as to leave no room for maneuver or route for escape so that the soldiers will fight for their dear lives out of desperation and eventually win the battle. For our Wei family and Ah De¡¯s future, I¡¯m supportive of Ah De. Furthermore, Ah De was a soldier. I believe Ah De knows it in his heart and won¡¯t let anything happen to him.¡±

    If not for him being too old and his fear of heights, it would have been more appropriate for him or his wife to do this. He wanted to see if the Zhai family was really so cruel and shameless, and that in order to make Zhai Hua divorce Ah De, they were going to force the Wei family to their deaths.

 Chapter 1951 - Both of You Should Be Happy

    <h4>Chapter 1951: Both of You Should Be Happy</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He really didn¡¯t believe that the Zhai family would be so shameless and didn¡¯t care about their reputation at all.

    Seeing that there were more people watching the excitement, Father Wei knew that it had begun to take effect. When other people rushed in, Father Wei hurriedly said, ¡°Ah De, don¡¯t be silly. Jiajia is still young. She can¡¯t do without a father. Your mom and I are already old. You can¡¯t let us send off our own child. Come down first. We can discuss everything. There¡¯s nothing that can¡¯t be resolved. If you don¡¯t want to get a divorce, then don¡¯t. You and Hua Hua have been husband and wife for more than ten years. I believe the two of you still have feelings for each other and Hua Hua simrly can¡¯t bear to leave you as well. Everything can be resolved as long as you persuade Hua Hua¡¯s parents. Listen to Dad, ande down quickly.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. What is it that you can¡¯te to terms with that you have to use your life as a joke? It¡¯s better to dismantle ten temples than to destroy a marriage. Your inws shouldn¡¯t want to see their own daughter getting a divorce. Just discuss the conflicts between the both of you and resolve them.¡±

    Other people didn¡¯t understand this situation much.

    It sounded that the person who wanted tomit suicide was in the midst of getting a divorce from his wife. Of course, this man didn¡¯t seem to want to get a divorce, and ording to the man¡¯s father, neither did the woman. However, the woman¡¯s parents seemed to be quite powerful and insisted on separating this couple.

    ¡°Come down first. It¡¯s extremely dangerous up there. It¡¯s not convenient for us to speak either. It doesn¡¯t sound like too big a problem. If you can¡¯t persuade your inws alone, we will all help you. It¡¯s better for a couple to make peace than break up. There¡¯re so many of us here to talk reason to them. We can do it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Divorce isn¡¯t a big deal. If the two of you don¡¯t want to be separated, nobody, even birth parents, can be involved in this. Where¡¯s your wife? As long as you are of one mind, there¡¯s nothing to be worried about. Come down quickly.¡±

    It was a fact that Wei De and his parents led a miserable life recently. One look at them and it was clear they weren¡¯t in a good state. It was easier for people to sympathize with the weak. All three members of the Wei family weren¡¯t young anymore, especially Father Wei and Mother Wei, whose hair was white and faces were wrinkled. The only strong Wei De was sitting on the railing of a tall building and looked like he no longer wanted to live.

    It was obvious that all public opinion leaned toward the Wei family and they criticized the Zhai family for being too unkind. If the couple didn¡¯t want to be separated, who were the Zhai family to join in the excitement and insist on their daughter getting a divorce? What kind of parents were they? Weren¡¯t they too cruel?

    A few people even asked Wei De what his inws¡¯ surname was and where they were from. They wanted to see for themselves such unreasonable people as well.

    Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t nning to bother about Wei De initially. Zhai Yaohui said that Wei De wouldn¡¯t jump and was just trying to scare them at most. Furthermore, someone had already called the police, and this was taking ce at the tall building opposite the court. Would a court becking police forces? As such, once the news was out, the police and the fire department were ready to save people.

    The police had already deployed their full force. Coupled with the fact that Wei De didn¡¯t really want to die, the more he kicked up a fuss, the more their family didn¡¯t need toe forward. Wei De might not want face, but their Zhai family did.

    Upon hearing Zhai Yaohui say so, Zhai Hua silently agreed to his attitude in dealing with things and didn¡¯t bother about Wei De. She let him y a one-man show alone. It was just that when she heard the news spreading outside, Zhai Hua could no longer tolerate it. Their Zhai family was beingmbasted although Wei De was obviously the one who did wrong.

    Without saying another word, Zhai Hua stood up and rushed outside.

    ¡°Hua Hua...¡± Miao Jing tried to pull Zhai Hua back. People outside were already saying such ugly words. If Hua Hua went to see Wei De at this point in time, it would definitely not be good. What if under the pressure of those people who weren¡¯t in the know, Hua Hua decided not to get a divorce from Wei De? Miao Jing was worried that Zhai Hua would be kidnapped by her morals and suffer a big loss in silence.

    Zhai Yaohui pulled Miao Jing back. ¡°Zhai Hua decided herself then that she wanted to marry Wei De. Now that she wants to get a divorce today, she should bring out her courage. If she was so straightforward in getting married, the same should apply now that she¡¯s getting a divorce. Let her resolve this matter by herself.¡±

    Divorce? That wasn¡¯t embarrassing!

    As long as Zhai Hua did things in an upright manner, there was nothing she couldn¡¯t say to everyone in an open manner. The Wei family would show their true colors sooner orter. ¡°She¡¯s already a mother now. You should let her experience some things herself so that she knows our difficulties back then. I don¡¯t have grievances that she misunderstood the both of us back when we were young. I¡¯m doing this for Jiajia as well. After they get a divorce, Jiajia will definitely be living with Zhai Hua in our family. If Zhai Hua doesn¡¯t grow up, who will Jiajia rely on in the future? Could it be the both of us? Even if there was Zhai Sheng, the uncle, his care for Jiajia would be limited once he has his own family and children. Zhai Hua is the only one Jiajia could always rely on. As such, we have to let go.¡±

    Regardless of whether it was for their daughter or granddaughter, Zhai Hua was the only one who could resolve this. Blindly protecting them wasn¡¯t loving them but harming them.

    When Zhai Hua was young, they had protected Zhai Hua so much that she wasn¡¯t good at recognizing people and decided to follow Wei De. It was good to experience a rough fall as well. In the remaining decades, even if he and Miao Miao were no longer around, he believed that Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t have any major issues and would raise Jiajia, her daughter, well.

    Zhai Yaohui already tried to reason with her. Aside from listening, there was nothing else Miao Jing could do. She only hoped that after today, Zhai Hua would no longer have any rtionship with Wei De and that they wouldn¡¯t have any interaction in the future. Even if Hua Hua was as tough as a boy since young, she couldn¡¯t handle torments like this again regardless of how strong she was.

    ¡°Old man, look. Our daughter-inw is here.¡± The moment Zhai Hua appeared, Mother Wei was overjoyed. They had an inw rtionship for over ten years, but this was the first time Mother Wei looked at Zhai Hua so happily. ¡°Hua Hua, you¡¯re finally here. We only have Ah De as a son. We¡¯re all a family. Can we sit down and talk about the issues together to resolve them? If Ah De is gone, the both of us can¡¯t live anymore. You have such a good rtionship with Ah De. He will definitely listen to whatever you say. Hua Hua, let Ah Dee down. I¡¯m about to have a heart attack seeing him like this.¡±

    When everyone heard that the main character was here, they stared at Zhai Hua with interest. ¡°Yes, this is between the two of you. As long as you don¡¯t have that intention, you don¡¯t have to listen too much to your parents. Both of you should be happy. You¡¯re already a grown-up. Could it be that you don¡¯t know what kind of life you want?¡±

 Chapter 1952 - Child Bride

    <h4>Chapter 1952: Child Bride</h4>

    Zhai Hua¡¯s face was dark. She looked at Wei De, who was full of hope and love, sarcastically. ¡°Wei De, you want tomit suicide?¡±

    ¡°Hua Hua, I don¡¯t want to get a divorce. I can¡¯t live without you. As long as we don¡¯t separate from each other, I¡¯ll listen to whatever you say in the future. I¡¯ll do whatever you ask me to. I promise to work hard so that your parents will like me. I know I haven¡¯t done well in the past ten years, so your parents don¡¯t ept me. However, Hua Hua, the marriage is between the two of us. You can¡¯t leave me because of your parents.¡±

    ¡°Tsk. Are there still such parents in this world? That¡¯s too overboard.¡±

    ¡°Where are they from? Why are they so arrogant? How can they insist on their daughter getting a divorce? These old people are too horrible.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s words were biased toward Wei De, criticizing the Zhai family badly. Zhai Hua was so angry that she couldn¡¯t wait to reach out and push Wei De down hard. A shameless person like Wei De would be wasting fresh air by living. He was better off dead.

    ¡°Wei De, you can only coax outsiders with your words. What has it got to do with my parents that we¡¯re getting a divorce? Since when was our rtionship good? If that was the case, would you sleep with your adopted sister behind my back at the house that I bought? If our rtionship was good, would you have given birth to a son with your adopted sister and hidden his identity from me so that I would raise him up on your behalf as I¡¯m the so-called aunt? We have been husband and wife for over ten years. Our rtionship is so good that a few months ago, you let me catch you in bed with another woman with my own eyes? Wei De, tell me. How good is our rtionship?¡±

    She had already lost him. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t mind losing more.

    Wei De said it like they had no contradictions between them and that it was purely because the Zhai family didn¡¯t find Wei De, the son-inw, pleasing to the eye that they wanted her to get a divorce. Sure, they wanted to shed all pretenses of cordiality, right? They could do that together. Let¡¯s see who was more shameless.

    Talk reason?

    She loved to talk reason to others.

    As long as they understood the truth of the matter as to why she was getting a divorce with Wei De, could Wei De still expect someone to stop him frommitting suicide?

    ¡°Wei De, you hid your adopted sister¡¯s and son¡¯s identities from me so that I would raise them for you for over ten years. Are you so used to lying that you treat everyone as fools? Do you treat me as a three-year-old? If there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with you, would I get a divorce? Back then, my parents didn¡¯t like you as they felt that you didn¡¯t treat me sincerely and wholeheartedly. I was stupid to be fooled by you. It is proven that one will suffer from not listening to an old man¡¯s advice. Forget that I have taken care of your parents. I even helped you take care of your mistress and the son you had with your adopted sister. Tell me. Is our rtionship so good that we still need to be husband and wife?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    The faces of those people who were still on Wei De¡¯s side previously turned green. They felt that their faces hurt and they were so stunned that they couldn¡¯t say anything.

    What a powerful reversal. They thought that the inws were too overbearing and didn¡¯t fancy the son-inw, thus forcing the loving couple to get a divorce and making the man feel like he couldn¡¯t survive any longer. It was obvious that this man was a scumbag. On top of the fact that his wife had raised the family, he even got together with another woman and had a son behind his wife¡¯s back.

    Upon thinking that the mistress was the man¡¯s adopted sister, the kindhearted onlookers looked at Wei De in disdain.

    Even if she wasn¡¯t his birth sister, an adopted sister was still a sister.

    Rabbits don¡¯t eat the grass by their burrows. To put it bluntly, this was incest!

    ¡°What a scumbag!¡± Women were the first to react. They were filled with amon hatred. They hated a scumbag like Wei De, who cheated and yed with other women behind his wife¡¯s back, the most. If it were them, would they still keep such a man by their side to celebrate the new year together instead of divorcing him? Of course it was better to get a divorce as soon as possible. Another look at him and they would feel nauseous.

    After knowing that Wei De was a scumbag and not an affectionate man, many women immediately lost the mood and walked away. A scumbag like him wasn¡¯t willing to get a divorce as he wanted to continue leeching off the other party for life. It was obvious that this woman¡¯s family was rich. The man didn¡¯t want to get a divorce not because he couldn¡¯t bear to leave his wife and child, but because he was reluctant to part with his wife¡¯s money.

    Men had moreplicated thoughts than women. Men who were upright would definitely look down on a man like Wei De, who had relied on his wife to support the family and had an affair behind his wife¡¯s back. Men who were slightly scheming felt that Wei De was a fool. It was difficult for him to marry an outstanding woman with looks, money, and background. He could have saved decades of struggle in his life.

    Wei De didn¡¯t cherish the blessed life that they couldn¡¯t even ask for, and he even let his wife catch him and his mistress in bed. If it were them, they would definitely not do such a stupid thing. They could have spent the wads of cash in their hands however they liked.

    ¡°Misunderstanding. That¡¯s all a misunderstanding.¡± Father Wei¡¯s face turned pale. Zhai Hua had aired their dirtyundry to everyone so openly. Not only would their Wei family be embarrassed, but the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t be any better. After all, Zhai Hua was the one who was betrayed and abandoned. ¡°Hua Hua, you¡¯ve misunderstood. Xiao Wei... It¡¯s like this. We never knew that Xiaomei had such thoughts about Ah De. You saw them in bed as per her scheme. Xiao Wei¡¯s birth was also part of her scheme.¡±

    All in all, Ah De wasn¡¯t a willing party to be sleeping with Xiaomei. Xiao Wei, the son, was also just an ident. It had nothing to do with Ah De. Father Wei felt that if he said so and as long as Zhai Hua believed it, she shouldn¡¯t be as angry with Wei De as before.

    At this time, Father Wei didn¡¯t dare say that Wei Wei had nothing to do with Wei De. In the past two times, Zhai Hua¡¯swyer had already produced the DNA confirmation report between Wei De and Wei Wei. Although there wasn¡¯t a hundred percent in medicine, the report had an uracy of 99.9%. It was already epted by the court as evidence, and they had agreed that Wei De was Wei Wei¡¯s father.

    Even the court had said so. At this time, if Father Wei continued to deny, he would just be deceiving himself.

    ¡°You can¡¯t force an ox to bend its head to drink. Your Wei family has a good conscience. For no reason, you have adopted a girl to be your adopted daughter. Who are you trying to coax? Do you find the evidence we have presented not clear and obvious enough? I have a bunch of testimonies from your fellow vigers. More than ten years ago, a wedding banquet was held in the countryside to celebrate Wei Xiaomei bing your daughter-inw. She was your family¡¯s child bride!¡± Child brides actually existed!

 Chapter 1953 - Go to Hell

    <h4>Chapter 1953: Go to Hell</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You hid your rtionship with Wei Xiaomei. That¡¯s a fraudulent marriage! There¡¯s no room for discussion. Today¡¯s the final trial anyway. Wei De, to tell you the truth, I don¡¯t care if you jump down or not. We must get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m stepping out to say so much today to pay for the decision I¡¯ve made blindly when I was young. A lot of people know who has done who wrong. Indeed, I should pay the price for being blind when I was young. However, if you bring in my family again and smear their reputation... Wei De, I warn you. It¡¯ll be a life for a life at most. If you don¡¯t jump, I¡¯ll push you down!¡±

    Zhai Hua was really mad. She was not a good-tempered person to begin with when she was young. Now that she was forced into anxiousness, the temper she had restrained for more than ten years exploded. There was no ambiguity at all.

    Zhai Hua was really sick and tired of Wei De¡¯s shameless tricks. The more unbearable Wei De¡¯s performance was, the more Zhai Hua understood her ignorance and reckless behavior when she was young. If it wasn¡¯t for her family pampering her, she wouldn¡¯t have fallen out with her family just to marry Wei De, this scumbag.

    Back then, everyone in her family told her that Wei De wasn¡¯t a good person, that he had a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and that his feelings for her weren¡¯t true. She didn¡¯t listen to a word at all. She was raised by Old Master Zhai since she was young. However, until the day Old Master Zhai died, he didn¡¯t forgive her for marrying Wei De.

    When Old Master Zhai left, Zhai Hua was very upset and angry. She didn¡¯t understand why until hisst breath, Old Master Zhai didn¡¯t try to ept Wei De for the sake of her happiness or help her persuade her parents and Zhai Sheng. As long as Old Master Zhai was willing to, she believed that her family would listen to him.

    Old Master Zhai left with regrets. This made her feel even guiltier. Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but think if Old Master Zhai did this deliberately to punish her for insisting on marrying Wei De.

    However, at this time, Zhai Hua regretted it so much that she wanted to p herself numerous times for having such thoughts back then. Old Master Zhai had seen through Wei De¡¯s true colors and was afraid that she would be hurt. That was why until hisst breath, Old Master Zhai was still the most worried about her, the granddaughter.

    She felt that her family favored boys over girls and valued Zhai Sheng more than her.

    However, in the end, the one who made her family worry the most was her. The most heartless person was also her. She had disappointed her family repeatedly. However, when she ran into trouble, only her family stood by her side and apanied her through the difficulties.

    Indeed, the young her was a heartless person who couldn¡¯t tell right from wrong!

    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t do that. His life isn¡¯t as valuable as yours. It¡¯s not worth it.¡± It was easy for them to favor Zhai Hua instead. Compared to how unclear Wei De was, Zhai Hua was crystal clear. ¡°Haven¡¯t the firefighters downstairs ced a safety air cushion? Just let him jump down. He might not die, but since this is such a tall building, if he doesn¡¯t jump down properly, it¡¯s still possible for him to be disabled. However, who cares about his life and death? Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Their kindness was misused and they were being yed like fools.

    Upon thinking that they were deceived by Wei De and that they had nearly helped a big scumbag, they became unhappy. They wanted to be good people and do good things. However, it was undesirable if they did bad things with good intentions.

    Zhai Hua sniffed and forced the tears in her eyes back. Even if the tears weren¡¯t for Wei De, she wasn¡¯t willing to reveal such a weak side in front of Wei De anymore. ¡°Today¡¯s the final trial. I won¡¯t stop you if you want to jump down. It¡¯s all up to you.¡±

    It was better if Wei De didn¡¯t turn up! That would be considered contempt of the court. Wei De didn¡¯t need to think of getting any benefits.

    After making things clear, Zhai Hua really ignored Wei De. She turned around and left.

    ¡°Hua Hua, don¡¯t go. It¡¯s all a misunderstanding. You have been husband and wife with Ah De for more than ten years. Both of you have Jiajia as well. This family can¡¯t be separated. How do we live if that¡¯s the case? You can¡¯t just divorce Ah De because of a misunderstanding. Those vigers ought to be struck by lightning. They are envious that we are leading a good life, so they deliberately said those words to deceive you. Xiaomei¡¯s really our adopted child, not a child bride. We didn¡¯t hold any wedding banquet. They are lying. After they go to hell, their tongues will be pulled out! Hua Hua, don¡¯t be fooled by those people and separate from Ah De. They are just unhappy that we¡¯re leading a good life. Don¡¯t be fooled.¡±

    If she knew who had said those words to Zhai Hua, she would take a chopper and rush to their houses. Stopping someone from being rich was akin to killing one¡¯s parents. If the Wei family couldn¡¯t lead a good life after losing such a good daughter-inw like Zhai Hua, then nobody needed to think of having a good time!

    ¡°Heh...¡± Until now, Mother Wei was still saying such words to coax her like a fool. Aside fromughing at herself for beingpletely stupid in the past, what else could she do? If not for her being too stupid in the past, would the Wei family have treated her like a fool and deceive her?

    Mother Wei used to be a farmer back in the countryside. However, after enjoying the blessings in the city for more than ten years, she had gradually lost her strength. Indeed, Zhai Hua was a female. However, when she was young, she was a female soldier in the army. Over the past ten years, she hadn¡¯t really given up on training. If they really wanted topete on strength, even Father Wei or Wei De was not as strong as Zhai Hua, let alone Mother Wei.

    As such, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t be bothered with Mother Wei¡¯s harassment and absurd reasoning. She pulled away from the hand Mother Wei was using to tug at her clothes and walked away with a gust of wind. Mother Wei was forced to let go. Zhai Hua¡¯s strength made Mother Wei feel that she was in pain.

    ¡°Hua Hua, Hua Hua...¡± Mother Wei couldn¡¯t chase after her. She cried and made a fuss. She sat on the ground, patted her thigh, and cried. ¡°This family¡¯s going to be separated. It¡¯s going to be gone.¡± Hua Hua was actually so cruel to Ah De. She didn¡¯t care about their husband-and-wife rtionship and even asked Ah De to die.

    ¡°Hey, you, are you still jumping down? After creating such a bigmotion, you should jump down for us to see.¡±

    Nobody was a fool. Initially, there were still people who wondered if Wei De was going to jump down or not. After this happened, everyone understood. Wei De had done something wicked and his wife wanted a divorce. He didn¡¯t want a divorce, thus he usedmitting suicide as a scare tactic.

    Wei De was a big man. There was really no other way for him but to use the tactic ofmitting suicide to force Zhai Hua and the Zhai family.

 Chapter 1954 - Losing Money to Prevent Misfortune

    <h4>Chapter 1954: Losing Money to Prevent Misfortune</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    They didn¡¯t manage to force the Zhai family to retreat, and they even got scolded by Zhai Hua and were seen as a joke by outsiders. He felt that his life was over once he got a divorce. His hard work in the past two decades would go to waste.

    It wasn¡¯t known if he was triggered by others or that Wei De really wanted to die. Wei De closed his eyes and really let go of the hand holding the railing. With a bang, he scared quite a few people.

    ¡°Damn. He really jumped.¡± The person who was digging at him previously didn¡¯t look good. He shrank his neck and wanted to leave. He thought that that man wouldn¡¯t dare to jump. Who knew he really jumped down? However, this had nothing to do with him. Even if he didn¡¯t say anything, didn¡¯t that man want to jump down anyway?

    ¡°Ah De!¡± Mother Wei shouted heartbreakingly. She hurried over and leaned on the railing to take a look. The height made Mother Wei feel dizzy.

    Father Wei hurriedly caught hold of Mother Wei. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s alright. Wei De¡¯s fine.¡±

    Just like what the onlookers said before, the fire department had alreadyid arge intable cushion downstairs. It couldn¡¯t kill anyone. What nobody knew was that Father Wei was actually the one who disguised his voice and made the call to the fire department. It was better to be safe than sorry. No matter when it was, Father Wei never wanted to lose Wei De, his son. Even if Wei De really had to jump, he could prove to the Zhai family and Zhai Hua that he was determined to turn over a new leaf.

    He didn¡¯t expect that not only did this jump fail to express Wei De¡¯s attitude toward the Zhai family, but Wei De had jumped down as he was triggered by onlookers. Father Wei¡¯s face turned dark. He was feeling regretful for agreeing to his son to do this and to fool around with Wei De.

    The news of Wei De¡¯s jump reached the Zhai family. It was just that back then, it was considered a contempt of court as the Wei family was absent. Moreover, this was the final trial. Both parties had already submitted all the evidence and materials that should be submitted. Even if Wei De and the Wei family didn¡¯t appear, the court¡¯s decision was not affected.

    After hearing the court¡¯s ruling that she was divorced from Wei De, Zhai Hua felt that a mountain had been taken off her back. She and Wei De were no longer husband and wife. She no longer had to face those messy affairs of the Wei family in the future.

    When the Zhai family received the answer that they wanted, they were stopped by someone on their way home. Mother Wei cried. ¡°Hua Hua, you have been husband and wife with Ah De for more than ten years. You can¡¯t ignore him at this time. It¡¯s just a misunderstanding. You can¡¯t fall for Wei Xiaomei¡¯s tricks and misunderstand him. To prove his innocence, Wei De had jumped down from the building. He¡¯s already sent to the hospital now. He seems to have fractured his leg bone. Hua Hua, you have to save Ah De. After all, Ah De is your husband and Jiajia¡¯s father.¡±

    They initially thought that everything would be alright since there was a huge intable cushion at the bottom. Father Wei thought that his son was a soldier who usually had more difficult training in the army. Since he coulde up with this idea, he should know it better in his heart.

    How did Father Wei know that Wei De no longer valued his skills after being the toon leader, which was all thanks to him being the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw? Furthermore, there was a huge gap between ¡®thinking¡¯ and reality to begin with.

    Wei De didn¡¯t expect his skills to have deteriorated so much as well. He had jumped from a higher distance and under harsher conditions in the past, but nothing had happened to him then. Who knew that he didn¡¯t jump well today? Although hended on the cushion, he suffered a fracture.

    Wei De didn¡¯t manage to create a scandal where ¡®the old chief forced his son-inw to his death¡¯. Instead, he fractured his leg bone. Indeed, even God wasn¡¯t willing to pay attention to him and couldn¡¯t care about his life or death.

    ¡°So? He was the one who wanted to jump down. I didn¡¯t push him. Why must I go and see Wei De? Did I owe him?¡± Zhai Hua didn¡¯t understand the theory behind the Wei family¡¯s words. She had never seen a viger¡¯s inferiorityplex in the Wei family before. Instead, Zhai Hua found it an eye-opener that the Wei family was always so self-confident.

    Mother Wei wiped her tears. ¡°Hua Hua, you can¡¯t be so heartless. After all, you and Ah De were husband and wife for more than ten years. How can you leave him in the lurch? Ah De fractured his bone and needs to undergo surgery. Our family¡ª¡± didn¡¯t have the money. If they didn¡¯t pay the hospital, they wouldn¡¯t perform the operation.

    Ah De still wanted to go back to the army. If he didn¡¯t take care of his fracture and that resulted in a physical disability, even if Ah De was still the son-inw of the old chief¡¯s family, it would be impossible for him to return to the army. ¡°Hua Hua, even if Ah De did wrong, he has received his punishment. His bone is fractured. He jumped down the building just to prove to you that he really knows that he is in the wrong. We are all a family. Give Ah De a chance. You don¡¯t wish for Jiajia to be fatherless, right? Don¡¯t worry. As long as you forgive Ah De this time, he would definitely not do anything sorry to you in the future. I will dote on you like you are my birth daughter. If Ah De treats you badly, I, I will be the first to beat him to his death.¡±

    Upon hearing what Mother Wei said, Zhai Hua knew that the Wei family had not given up yet. The more the Wei family was like this, the colder Zhai Hua¡¯s heart became. The Wei family didn¡¯t really think that she, Zhai Hua, was good and that they couldn¡¯t bear to leave her, the wife and daughter-inw. The Wei family was obviously reluctant to part with the benefits she brought along.

    No one surnamed Wei treated her sincerely. She had actually lived in such a family environment for more than ten years. Upon thinking about this, Zhai Hua only found it incredible. ¡°Enough. You mean that Wei De was sent to the hospital with a fracture, but you don¡¯t have the money to pay the bills, right? I¡¯ll pay the hospital fees and wouldn¡¯t let Wei De end up with a physical disability. However, don¡¯t thank me. I¡¯m doing this for Jiajia.¡±

    She no longer had any feelings for Wei De. However, she knew clearly about the Wei family¡¯s situation. Without her, Wei De was the onlybor force of the Wei family. If anything happened to Wei De, the Wei family really couldn¡¯t go on with their lives.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t care about the Wei family¡¯s life and death. However, who asked her to be unlucky to have a rtionship with the Wei family? Furthermore, these people were her daughter¡¯s grandparents. For her daughter, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t watch Wei De be physically disabled. Otherwise, in the years toe, such a Wei family and Wei De would only be huge burdens for Jiajia.

    Zhai Hua was treating it as losing money to prevent misfortune. ¡°You people surnamed Wei, don¡¯te and find me or appear in front of me again in the future. Jiajia is Wei De¡¯s daughter. However, Jiajia is still a student and she needs to study.¡±

 Chapter 1955 - No Need to Fret

    <h4>Chapter 1955: No Need to Fret</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯ll fully respect Jiajia¡¯s personal opinion for the future. Goodbye.¡±

    They wanted her to reconcile with Wei De? Unless she was dead, the Wei family didn¡¯t have to continue dreaming.

    When Zhai Hua was dealing with this matter, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing remained silent throughout. However, both of them didn¡¯t deny Zhai Hua¡¯s words either. They assumed a tacit attitude.

    The family of three got in the car only after Zhai Hua had dealt with the matter. Miao Jing let out a long sigh. ¡°All¡¯s good now. Everything¡¯s over. The skies have cleared up after a storm. Our lives will be good now.¡± The Wei family was really a mess.

    She thought of how simple and innocent her daughter was when she was young, where she had a fiery temper and was always straightforward. After spending all her time in the Wei family, she became more tactful. As a mother, Miao Jing hoped that her daughter could always be so simple and happy. However, that wasn¡¯t the case as her daughter was also a mother now. Her daughter should have some changes and improvement.

    Zhai Hua was someone who lived up to her words. Mother Wei¡¯s pleas were of no avail. Father Wei knew Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude when he saw Mother Wei return home alone. ¡°That woman is too ruthless. She¡¯s really leaving us in the lurch. Does she really want Jiajia to be a fatherless child? Will she be happy only then?!¡±

    He had seen quite a number of women, but this was the first time he met someone as ruthless as Zhai Hua. The matter between Ah De and Wei Xiaomei wasn¡¯t that big a deal or that serious a mistake. All these years, Zhai Hua was the only wife of Ah De on the surface. Since when did the Wei family not give Zhai Hua face or embarrass her?

    Regardless of whether it was at home or outside, he had given Zhai Hua quite a lot of rights.

    They should really let Zhai Hua go to their countryside and take a look at how other women were as daughters-inw. People in the city were temperamental. They didn¡¯t even have the qualities a wife should possess. If Zhai Hua were to be a wife for someone in the countryside, a woman like her would have been long dealt with miserably.

    Their Wei family was too kind. Ah De had pampered Zhai Hua so much that she waswless and didn¡¯t take her man seriously. When Ah De was with Zhai Hua, he should have given her a beating if she was disobedient. After all, which woman wasn¡¯t scared after being beaten?

    Father Wei was an old farmer by nature. He had seen a lot of men beating up women in the countryside since he was young. After being beaten up, not only would the woman not throw tantrums, but she would even have to continue serving her man. As such, he always felt that this was the norm.

    In the Wei family, Wei De didn¡¯t even touch a single strand of Zhai Hua¡¯s hair. He even let her throw tantrums. This was a situation where the daughter-inw was extremely pampered.

    However, who asked Zhai Hua to be born to a good family? They could only continue to pamper her.

    What Father Wei didn¡¯t know was that having grown up in such an environment with such a mindset, Wei De had always seen how he had hit Mother Wei when he was young. Of course, when Wei De was angry and couldn¡¯t control his temper, he might haveid a hand on Zhai Hua as well.

    It was a pity that Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t the kind of woman who didn¡¯t have the ability to fight back. On the contrary, Zhai Hua¡¯s physical fitness and skills were much better and stronger than Wei De, the husband.

    Wei De subjecting Zhai Hua to domestic violence? Oh, please. Zhai Hua being good-tempered and not subjecting Wei De to domestic violence was already her biggest restraint and change in temper after she married Wei De.

    ¡°That might not be the case...¡± Mother Wei heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°She said that Ah De is Jiajia¡¯s father, after all. She will pay for Ah De¡¯s surgery fees on ount of Jiajia. Beforeing back, I did ask around. Indeed, someone had paid for his fees. Ah De should be receiving treatment now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Upon hearing that there was money and his son was receiving treatment, Father Wei¡¯s looks became better. ¡°Aside from this, did Zhai Hua say anything else?¡± Zhai Hua was considered to have the self-awareness of being someone¡¯s wife since she was still willing to pay for the bills.

    Mother Wei cried. ¡°What else could she say? Today¡¯s the final trial. Didn¡¯t thewyer say that we don¡¯t stand a chance at winning? This happened to Ah De, and no one from our family was present in court. The divorce is done. Zhai Hua is no longer rted to our family. She¡¯s no longer Ah De¡¯s wife.¡±

    Without this daughter-inw, she would no longer have nice clothes to wear. She also couldn¡¯t eat and drink all day at home and lead a good life easily withoutbor. ¡°It¡¯s that troublemaker Wei Xiaomei¡¯s fault. What¡¯s wrong with her? She¡¯s such a slut. Xiao Wei¡¯s already a child of that age, but she¡¯s still feeling coquettish. She has harmed Ah De and our family. Will she die if she has to live without a man for a day? How dare she seduce Ah De at home? Without Wei Xiaomei, how would our family end up in this state today?¡±

    Without Wei Xiaomei, she would still be living in a big house and wearing pretty clothes. She would even have the chief¡¯s daughter calling her mother-inw. How would it be like now, where her son lost his job, his future was gone, and their family didn¡¯t even have the capability to continue living in this city?

    ¡°If I had known that Wei Xiaomei would cause our family to be in such a pitiful state, I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to you adopting Wei Xiaomei back then. I should have ignored her.¡± She regretted letting Wei Xiaomei marry her son and give birth to Xiao Wei back then the most.

    If her son was gone, what use would a grandson be to her?

    As long as Zhai Hua was around, even if Ah De only had Jiajia as a daughter, that was nothing. At the very most, they could take in a son-inw when Jiajia grew up. In that way, wouldn¡¯t Jiajia¡¯s child be surnamed Wei as well? What mattered wasn¡¯t a grandson or a granddaughter, but who the grandson¡¯s or granddaughter¡¯s mother was.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s all in the past. Stop mentioning it. The most important thing now is Ah De¡¯s surgery. Besides, what shall we do in the future?¡± If they really had to return to the countryside, let¡¯s not talk about if he still had the skills to farm. What Father Wei couldn¡¯t ept the most was that he would be returning with humiliation.

    He thought of how his son had picked him up to stay in the city. All the vigers were looking at him with eyes full of envy. It could be said that that was the moment Father Wei was most proud of in his life. If he had to return in a desperate manner now, he couldn¡¯t pass the hurdle in his heart.

    He could totally imagine how the people in the countryside would gather and mock him if they knew the reason for his return. However, if they didn¡¯t return, there was no ce for them to go. Regardless of how bad their hometown was, at least there was a small three-story building for them.

    After returning to their hometown, they didn¡¯t need to worry about where their family would live.

 Chapter 1956 - Jiajia

    <h4>Chapter 1956: Jiajia</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What else can we do? Let¡¯s go back.¡± Mother Wei, who was feeling especially tormented, shed tears. ¡°I can see that this time, Zhai Hua is really ruthless. Ah De can¡¯t even return to the army now. Everything in Ping Cheng is expensive. We won¡¯t be spending money. We will be burning money. After returning to the countryside, we can lead our lives easier.¡±

    In Mother Wei¡¯s heart, her son¡¯s life was more important than having a good life. Initially, they just wanted to scare the Zhai family so that they wouldn¡¯t dare to fight this divorcewsuit.

    Who knew that her son actuallymitted suicide in the end? Although he didn¡¯t die, he had a fracture. Upon thinking of how pale her son looked when he was sent to the hospital, Mother Wei felt heartache. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our hometown. We can¡¯t stay in this ce anymore.¡±

    Indeed, after Zhai Hua left, the Wei family, who came from the countryside, didn¡¯t have the means to continue living in the big city. Mother Wei always thought that their Wei family waspletely different. However, once the divorce took ce, Mother Wei realized that their family was never from the city. As such, they were immediately returned to their original state.

    ¡°I was so frightened by what happened today that I didn¡¯t even know how I arrived at the hospital. If Ah De does this again, I don¡¯t have to live anymore. I might as well just die together with Ah De. You have said it as well. Zhai Hua¡¯s not an ordinary woman. Their family ys hard tactics. I don¡¯t wish for anything else but for our family to beplete and Ah De to live well.¡±

    She didn¡¯t have money, but she had her son and grandson. As long as these two men were still alive, there was still hope for the Wei family in the future. On the contrary, if they continued to stay in Ping Cheng to keep an eye on the Zhai family and fight with them to the end, she was afraid that she would lose either her son or grandson in the end.

    She could have another grandson again if she was gone. However, if her son was gone, there was really nothing left.

    Upon hearing what Mother Wei said, Father Wei¡¯s face darkened. Even if he was unwilling, he couldn¡¯t say anything to refute Mother Wei¡¯s words now. As long as they had the ability to continue living in Ping Cheng, then it¡¯s fine if he wasn¡¯t willing to leave. However, their family had lost this ability, and that was why they shouldn¡¯t let go of Zhai Hua. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Let¡¯s see how Ah De¡¯s surgery went. We can see Ah De¡¯s decision for everything after he has woken up.¡±

    He was already old and no longer the decision-maker of this family. Everything would be decided by Ah De.

    Zhai Hua transferred money over and Wei De received medical treatment in time. His fractured leg was naturally saved. As long as he recuperated well, Wei De could recover to his original state before he was injured within half a year.

    After Wei De woke up, the first thing he heard was that he was already divorced from Zhai Hua. Mother Wei wiped her tears. ¡°Ah De, to me, you being alive is much more important than anything else. Ah De, let¡¯s return to the countryside.¡± Life in Ping Cheng was really something that they, as vigers, couldn¡¯t afford.

    It cost a lot of money to rent a house. Vegetables in the city were more expensive than meat in the countryside. Zhai Hua used to be in charge of these. She only needed to cook and eat. One didn¡¯t know how expensive oil and salt were until they had to pay for them. Only when Zhai Hua was gone did Mother Wei truly realize how much their daily expenses would be for a year if they were to continue living in Ping Cheng.

    One only knew how good the other party was after losing her. As she started to manage this family, Mother Wei subconsciously realized that Zhai Hua had sacrificed so much and spent so much money on this family. Even if everyone from their family went out to work, they couldn¡¯t earn the same amount of money at all.

    Wei De gritted his teeth. His feeling of unwillingness was much stronger than Father Wei¡¯s. It was so difficult for him to finally walk out of the countryside and into the big city to be apanymander of the army. He had to go back with nothing now? Wouldn¡¯t the people from his hometown mock him?

    Even if he could continue living after returning to his hometown, it was afraid that he would never be able to raise his head or straighten his back anymore. This was definitely not how he, Wei De, should be living. He should be upright and a big shot everyone looked up to. ¡°Dad, Mom, after my leg¡¯s better, both of you head back first. I¡¯ll stay in Ping Cheng for the time being.¡±

    Nothing was impossible. More than ten years ago, when those people in the army knew that he was together with Zhai Hua, they allughed at him, saying that she was way out of his league and that he was just dreaming. And then? Not too longter, he married Zhai Hua and they had a daughter, Jiajia.

    The Zhai family was stubborn. After Zhai Sheng divorced Qiu Chenxi, he didn¡¯t find another partner all these years. Even if the court ruled today that he was divorced from Zhai Hua, she might not find another partner after the divorce, just like her brother. As time passed by, he didn¡¯t believe he couldn¡¯t win over Zhai Hua and make her have a change of mind.

    Most importantly, even if he was really unsessful and couldn¡¯t be husband and wife with Zhai Hua anymore, that was nothing. He still had Jiajia, their daughter! He didn¡¯t believe that Jiajia would ignore him if anything happened to him. If he ran into some trouble, Jiajia, as his daughter, would have to help him.

    It was fine that Jiajia was young and had limited abilities. As long as Jiajia knew how to go to the Zhai family for help and did a great job at crying and begging the Zhai family, he might be able to enjoy the special treatment that he couldn¡¯t receive from Zhai Hua back then.

    As such, Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t hisst trump card. Without Zhai Hua, he still had Jiajia, their daughter. Perhaps in the Zhai family¡¯s eyes, Jiajia was even more favored than Zhai Hua. As long as there was Jiajia, it wasn¡¯t a total loss for him. Regardless of whether he had treated Jiajia well in the past, he was still Jiajia¡¯s father in this lifetime. Jiajia didn¡¯t need to think about getting rid of him.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going back?¡± From Wei De¡¯s eyes, Father Wei knew that his son was not willing to give up. ¡°You¡¯re trying to... Jiajia?¡± Oh, yes. There was still Jiajia, their granddaughter. How did he forget about her?

    He usually only cared about his grandson. Who knew that during critical times, the most reliable person was actually Jiajia, his granddaughter? Jiajia was surnamed Wei. The Wei family¡¯s future depended on Jiajia. ¡°I think that¡¯s possible. Jiajia is surnamed Wei. She might even be more capable than Zhai Hua. Ah De, after you stay behind, you have to think of ways to meet Jiajia andmunicate with her. Let¡¯s leave the past behind. Jiajia is still young and you¡¯re her father. As long as you treat her better, she will remember you as her father.¡±

    Children were forgetful. In the past, Ah De only treated Xiao Wei well and treated Jiajia ordinarily.

 Chapter 1957 - Not in the Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 1957: Not in the Wrong</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He didn¡¯t believe that Jiajia didn¡¯t crave Ah De¡¯s attention. Now that Ah De was willing to give Jiajia all his fatherly love, Jiajia was bound to be happy. Once they had a good father-daughter rtionship, on ount of Jiajia, the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t treat Ah De too badly.

    What if Ah De had the chance to return to the army again as apanymander and even get a promotion?

    Upon thinking about these possibilities, Father Wei¡¯s looks improved. ¡°Ah De, after this incident, we have sorted out our thoughts. Even if Jiajia is only a granddaughter, she¡¯s the second most useful person in our family aside from Zhai Hua. So be it that she¡¯s a girl. Xiao Wei¡¯s still my grandson. We cannot go too overboard and treat them unfairly. I¡¯m afraid that Jiajia¡¯s petty, just like her mother. We have been magnanimous enough with Xiao Wei as well.¡±

    Once bitten, twice shy. Zhai Hua had such a huge reaction toward Wei Xiaomei. Now that the rtionship between Wei Wei and Wei De has been exposed, Father Wei was worried that Jiajia wouldn¡¯t be able to face Wei Wei the same way as before.

    For the future of the Wei family, he could only choose to sacrifice his grandson. Furthermore, over the years,pared to the children from their hometown, Xiao Wei had led a good life and enjoyed the blessings that others couldn¡¯t. This was all thanks to him being a child of the Wei family. They didn¡¯t do anything sorry to Xiao Wei.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I understand all of these. I¡¯ve already fallen once. Would I still fall a second time at the same spot? No!¡± He had already suffered injuries from this one fall. If there was another time, he would really not be able to recover fully.

    Jiajia¡¯s temper was best described as ¡®the pupil surpassing the master¡¯. Jiajia usually didn¡¯t have any particrly big reactions as no one poked her in the ribs. If Jiajia really became anxious, her temper would only be worse than Zhai Hua¡¯s.

    After receiving the Wei family¡¯s call, Wei Wei didn¡¯t look too good. Wei Xiaomei looked uneasy. ¡°Xiao Wei, what did your grandparents say? How¡¯s your dad?¡± Ever since they returned to their hometown, Wei Xiaomei looked like she had lost her soul.

    Although she was the one who proposed to return to her hometown herself, Wei Xiaomei felt that she was at a loss when her closest son was not by her side. But when Wei Wei returned as well, Wei Xiaomei panicked even more. Didn¡¯t she sacrifice so much and suffer so many grievances so that her son could be well?

    How well could he be now that he had returned to the countryside?

    After that, the mother-son pair stayed in the countryside and waited for a call from Ping Cheng. They wanted to know an answer and wanted to confirm if Wei De had seeded in getting Zhai Hua back.

    Wei Wei snorted coldly. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t think about it. That aunt of mine has a bad temper. For her to forgive my uncle? That¡¯s the funniest joke I¡¯ve ever heard. That call just now was from grandpa. Based on what he¡¯s saying, the both of us have been abandoned. They couldn¡¯t suck up to my aunt, so they¡¯re preparing toy a hand on Jiajia. You know how much Jiajia used to hate me. In order to please Jiajia, it¡¯s impossible for them to take a look at me again in front of her.¡±

    To think that he was still the precious grandson of the Wei family and the Wei family¡¯s only hope a year ago. Wei Jiajiapletely couldn¡¯tpare to him. It was just a few months, and the Wei family didn¡¯t even care about his remaining half a semester of studies and forced him to return to the countryside. It was very likely that he wouldn¡¯t be able to attend the college entrance examination in the end.

    Wei Wei had always been highly regarded by the Wei family in the past. Now, he suddenly experienced the feeling of falling into hell. Even a mature adult might not be able to ept such a huge change so quickly, let alone Wei Wei being a young boy who was not even in his twenties yet.

    Wei Wei knew that this time, he had really lost his father. What was different was that it wasn¡¯t his father who didn¡¯t want him. He was the one who didn¡¯t want his father. Upon knowing that Zhai Hua wanted a divorce, the Wei family, who knew they had to rely on others to support themselves, felt that Jiajia was a way out and that he was now a pawn that could be discarded.

    They still expected him to support them when he grew up in the future? In their dreams.

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t want to be someone like my aunt. No one from this group of people surnamed Wei is good. They have bullied us for so long and don¡¯t think it¡¯s enough. I don¡¯t think the Zhai family is still willing to bother about them. Jiajia¡¯s not a fool either. When they realize this and are willing to ept this fact, they would definitely look for us to take care of them. Mom, I don¡¯t want to feel vexed by this. If they don¡¯t want me, I don¡¯t want them either. Mom, I¡¯m already a grown-up. I¡¯ll have a way to earn money and support you. Mom, let¡¯s go!¡±

    Wei Wei had changed. He hated the Wei family, especially when they asked him to return to the countryside this time with the excuse of revising so that he could better prepare for the college entrance examination. After this trip, Wei Wei suddenly learned of Wei Xiaomei¡¯s background.

    Not only did he have a father, but his mother also had parents. The old vige chief was his grandfather. He and a widow had given birth to his mother. The old vige chief said that ever since he left his mother at the door of the Wei family and the Wei family adopted his mother, the Wei family started to guess that his mother was the old vige chief¡¯s daughter within two days and began to get some benefits from the old vige chief.

    All these years, the Wei family seemed to be benevolent on the surface. Not only did they raise Wei Xiaomei, but they even let their son marry her. Otherwise, a person like Wei Xiaomei couldn¡¯t have married a young man like Wei De. Even if the Wei family was poor, Wei De was tall and muscr and looked upright.

    However, what was the reality?

    The old vige chief had secretly bought and sent over all the food for Wei Xiaomei to the Wei family. If too many food items were missing at once, how would the old vige chief¡¯s wife not find out? She wasn¡¯t blind. Also, the reason why Wei De could be a soldier back then was also because of Wei Xiaomei.

    The Wei family had pleaded with the old vige chief for help. Back then, for Wei De to be a soldier, his only request was to marry his daughter first. As long as a wedding banquet was held and Wei Xiaomei became Wei De¡¯s woman, he would settle the matter for Wei De without saying another word.

    After knowing the truth, Wei Wei was so angry he almost died of anger. It turned out that his ¡®uncle¡¯ was a real and thorough scumbag. First, he relied on his mother so that the Wei family could survive during difficult times. Then, he relied on his mother to be a soldier so that he could have the opportunity to meet Zhai Hua.

    Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t the first victim. The first victim should be his mother, and he was the second. If one counted seriously, then Zhai Hua could only be considered the third!

    Compared to the grievances they suffered, Zhai Hua¡¯s was nothing. All these years, he had spent quite a bit of Zhai Hua¡¯s money, but he didn¡¯t feel that he was in the wrong.

 Chapter 1958 - Rebellion

    <h4>Chapter 1958: Rebellion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Wei De had all the bad and wrong things. He and his mother were innocent. Even if they saw the Zhai family in the future, he could walk past them with his head held up high!

    Wei Wei knew about this truth. However, he didn¡¯t tell Wei Xiaomei as he didn¡¯t want to. He knew that the Wei family and that old vige chief were bad. The old vige chief really thought that the Wei family was leading a good life in Ping Cheng and that his mother had apanied him back to find a quiet learning environment to better prepare for this year¡¯s college entrance examination.

    Out of the ten sentences that the old vige chief said to him, three or four of them would emphasize and repeat how his mother wouldn¡¯t have been around today without him. If his mother wasn¡¯t around, it was even more impossible for his existence. One had to be grateful. Furthermore, he was his birth grandfather. When he was sessful in the future, he had to respect and be filial to his birth grandfather. When he was capable in the future, he had to let him live the same or even better life than his grandfather in the city.

    Compared to his grandfather, he had sacrificed much more for him...

    Upon thinking about how simr the old vige chief¡¯s words were to the Wei family, Wei Wei wanted tough. It was their credit that he was sessful. Whose credit was it then that he and his mother had been scolded, bullied, and rolled eyes at since they were young?

    They hoped that he would be sessful in life and support them for their old age in the future as a means of repayment? He was already magnanimous enough if he didn¡¯t seek revenge from them.

    ¡°Go? Where to?¡± Wei Xiaomei looked confused. In this lifetime, her life had always been like this. Even if she felt wronged in her heart, she wouldn¡¯t dare utter a sound. Who asked her to be a parentless child and had relied on the generosity of the Wei family for a living? ¡°You¡¯re still young. You¡¯re still a student who¡¯s going to take the college entrance examination this year. I don¡¯t have money and I don¡¯t know how to earn money. In the next half a year, you¡¯ll still be studying. I don¡¯t have the ability and I can¡¯t make you a university student.¡± As she said this, Wei Xiaomei looked sad and inferior.

    ¡°Mom, stop dreaming. My uncle¡¯s not a soldier anymore. He¡¯s even expelled from the army. Do you think he can earn money now and let me go to university? You can¡¯t, but the Wei family can¡¯t either. From the call just now, what I heard is that my grandpa wants me to stop studying. He feels that I¡¯m of age to work and support myself.¡± Moreover, he could provide for them and even the entire Wei family.

    After leaving Zhai Hua, the Wei family, who was used to enjoying life, was no longer willing to farm and earn their own living. They were still nning for him to work so that he could support them. He had a birth mother, whom he couldn¡¯t wait to provide for. Why should he provide for the heartless and cold-blooded Wei family? Did they treat him as Zhai Hua?

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go. Anyway, I¡¯ll no longer have the opportunity to continue studying. I¡¯m not willing to provide for the Wei family as I don¡¯t want to spend my hard-earned money on such people. Mom, leave with me. Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯ll provide for you in the future.¡±

    Seeing her son¡¯s look of seriousness and persistence, Wei Xiaomei cried. What was different was that this time, Wei Xiaomei was no longer confused. She felt that her future was bleak and she couldn¡¯t see any hope at all. Wei De was an unreliable man. She simrly always knew that the Wei family was unreliable. What she knew more was that she herself was also an unreliable person.

    However, that was fine. It was okay if none of them were reliable as she now had a reliable son. A reliable son was more important than anyone else. ¡°Okay, Mom will leave with you. From now on, you¡¯ll be the decision-maker of the family. I¡¯ll listen to whatever you say.¡±

    They were all simrly surnamed Wei. Wei Wei¡¯s temper might not be any better than the Wei family¡¯s. Back when Wei De and Zhai Hua got married, Wei De was still timid. As he was afraid that Zhai Hua would find out about his rtionship with Wei Xiaomei, he only fetched Father Wei and Mother Wei to Ping Cheng and let Wei Xiaomei live alone in the countryside.

    Back then, Zhai Hua and Wei De had a good rtionship. She doted on Wei De¡¯s nephew like he was her own child. She knew that Wei Xiaomei grew up with Wei De since young and they were no different from a pair of siblings. They were both women. After knowing Wei Xiaomei¡¯s ¡®encounter¡¯, Zhai Hua sympathized with Wei Xiaomei and suggested that Wei De fetch her over from the countryside.

    The vigers knew about Wei Xiaomei¡¯s not-so-glorious past and Wei Wei¡¯s birth. On the contrary, the people from Ping Cheng didn¡¯t understand the Wei family¡¯s situation. They felt that Wei Xiaomei might have a better life if she was fetched over from the countryside.

    Furthermore, Wei Xiaomei was still young. She couldn¡¯t possibly be left alone in the future just because of a scumbag, right? In short, fetching Wei Xiaomei over would be very helpful for her future.

    The more Zhai Hua cared about Wei Xiaomei, the more Wei De didn¡¯t dare to fetch Wei Xiaomei over. If Zhai Hua ced too much attention on Wei Xiaomei and found out the rtionship between him, Wei Xiaomei, and Wei Wei, then he had to get a divorce immediately after he had just married Zhai Hua and be the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw.

    After finding a bunch of reasons to reject, Wei De was afraid that Zhai Hua would be unhappy. As such, he hurriedly suggested transferring their newly-built three-story house to Wei Xiaomei¡¯s name. In that case, Wei Xiaomei was like living in his own home. Her sense of belonging would be stronger, and they wouldn¡¯t be afraid of Wei Xiaomei suffering in the countryside.

    Zhai Hua naturally didn¡¯t disagree with Wei De¡¯s words. As such, the house Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei were living in shouldn¡¯t be considered to be the Wei family¡¯s. It should be Wei Xiaomei¡¯s. All the procedures were done properly back then. It was, after all, a new marriage back then. Knowing that Zhai Hua was concerned, how would Wei De dare to y any tricks?

    In addition, after Zhai Hua became the Wei family¡¯s daughter-inw, the Wei family¡¯s life was getting better every day. They couldn¡¯t wait to enjoy life in the big city. How would they care about the days in the countryside? As such, as time passed, the Wei family had long forgotten to get the house back from Wei Xiaomei. Until now, the Wei family still hadn¡¯t remembered this incident.

    The Wei family didn¡¯t recall this, but Wei Wei found out about this situation after looking at the real estate certificate. They were going to leave soon. How would Wei Wei be willing to benefit the Wei family?

    This house was his mother¡¯s. It was right for him to sell it. After selling this house, he wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with the Wei family. Wei De still wanted a son to provide for him and send him off on the day of his funeral? In his dreams!

    Wei Wei sold the Wei family¡¯s house in the countryside quickly. He couldn¡¯t do anything about the plots of farnd under Father Wei¡¯s name. After selling the house, and with the money on hand, Wei Wei left his hometown with Wei Xiaomei and went to live in another city without a second word.

 Chapter 1959 - Everything Was Gone

    <h4>Chapter 1959: Everything Was Gone</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He naturally didn¡¯t tell the Wei family what he did. It was only when Father Wei and Mother Wei returned to the countryside, saw that someone else was living in their house, and wanted to fight and snatch the house back did they find out that the ownership of the house was already transferred.

    When Mother Wei knew that the person who sold the house was her birth grandson and that after selling the house, Wei Wei brought Wei Xiaomei to somewhere they didn¡¯t know, she cried. It was just that Father Wei¡¯s and Mother Wei¡¯s crying was futile. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to return to their hometown. However, their decent three-story house had nothing to do with their family anymore.

    Father Wei and Mother Wei didn¡¯t have a ce to live in. Out of desperation, they went to find the old vige chief, scolding him for partnering with Wei Xiaomei to cheat them of their Wei family¡¯s money.

    It was only because Father Wei and Mother Wei had kicked up a fuss did everyone know that Wei Xiaomei¡¯s birth father was the old vige chief, even though the Wei family had picked her up and adopted her. No wonder Wei De could be a soldier. The old vige chief had helped out.

    All of a sudden, the shameless things the Wei family and the old vige chief did over the past ten years were exposed and their reputations were ruined.

    Upon receiving his mother¡¯s call, Wei De¡¯s looks turned ugly when he heard her cries.

    His current situation was difficult enough. In order to continue living in Ping Cheng and have the chance to get close to Zhai Hua and Jiajia, the penniless and jobless Wei De went to carry sandbags to earn some money out of desperation. While doing hard work and earning a meager sry, the ce Wei De could afford in Ping Cheng was no bigger than the small house that Qiao Nan initially rented.

    A few months ago, Wei De was still looking down on Qiao Nan. Who knew that in just a few months, his situation became the same as Qiao Nan¡¯s two months ago? What was different was that it wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know how to earn money, but that her hard-earned money was taken away by the Qiao family. As for him, aside from being a coolie, it was either that he couldn¡¯t do other jobs or the bosses didn¡¯t fancy him and were unwilling to hire him.

    Wei De¡¯s life in Ping Cheng was tough and he was struggling. Who knew that he would hear such an earth-shattering piece of news when he made a call back to his hometown? ¡°Ah De, Xiao Wei and Wei Xiaomei are really ingrates. Both of them obviously know what kind of situation our family is in. They still dared to sell the house behind our backs. You don¡¯t know that for the past two days, your father and I have been living in the unwanted temple on the mountain. Ah De, you can¡¯t leave us alone. If this continues, the both of us wouldn¡¯t be able to continue living. We can¡¯t survive!¡±

    Previously, they had to leave the prosperous Ping Cheng. But when they returned home, they didn¡¯t even have a house to live in and had to stay in the broken temple for a couple of nights. Every morning when she woke up, Mother Wei would pray that everything was just a nightmare and that when she opened her eyes, all the nightmares would be over.

    It was a pity that the piece of ruins before them and the asional sound of rustling caused by rats running around at night told Mother Wei that it wasn¡¯t a nightmare. How could there be such a real nightmare?

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t cry. I know about this. I¡¯ll think of a solution.¡± Wei De boasted, but hepletely didn¡¯t know where his solution woulde from. He could still survive these couple of days because there were some unused medical expenses provided by Zhai Hua back then since he came out of the hospital ahead of time.

    Initially, with this amount of money, Wei De was reluctant to find a better ce to live in or find an opportunity to start up a small business.

    Now that this situation happened in his hometown, Wei De no longer had to think about keeping this amount of money. He couldn¡¯t possibly watch his parents die, right? Furthermore, it was difficult to start a business with this small amount of money in his hands. It might also not be enough to get a ce for his parents in the countryside.

    Father Wei asked Wei De about the situation. ¡°Ah De, this house is obviously our family¡¯s. Wei Wei, that little rascal, sold the house behind our backs. Can we also file awsuit and get that house back? As for money or whatever else, ask those people to demand it from Wei Wei, that little rascal!¡±

    That house belonged to the Wei family and had nothing to do with Wei Xiaomei. Their family had even provided for Wei Xiaomei. Since young, she didn¡¯t go to work or earn money. Where did Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei have the guts and confidence to snatch away their house? How shameless!

    If Zhai Hua could file awsuit and get a divorce from his son, then they could also file awsuit since Wei Xiaomei and Wei Wei had sold the house behind their backs. If those people couldn¡¯t get their money back from Wei Wei, then they deserved it. Who asked them to mix around with Wei Wei and buy things from him?

    At this moment, Father Wei almost regarded Wei Wei as an enemy. He only wished to get the house back through legal means. Father Wei didn¡¯t care if the buyer found Wei Wei trouble or if they couldn¡¯t find Wei Wei and lost both their house and money. He only wanted to give those people who struck a man when he was down a lesson.

    Of course, the best result was that these people caught Wei Wei and gave him a beating. Father Wei expressed that he still had Jiajia, a capable and promising granddaughter. The ingrate, Wei Wei, didn¡¯t need to think of stepping into the Wei family¡¯s house again.

    If he saw Wei Wei in the future, he would definitely break his legs!

    Wei De rubbed his temples. Nobody would have guessed that Wei Wei would take such a drastic measure. ¡°I don¡¯t think we can.¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡± Wei Wei and Wei Xiaomei were obviously the ones who stole and sold their house. On what basis couldn¡¯t they get the house back? ¡°Didn¡¯t thew protect our people? Our house got snatched away. Why can¡¯t we get it back?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because more than ten years ago, the name on that house¡¯s real estate certificate was Wei Xiaomei. It was no longer one of ours.¡± Father Wei and Mother Wei might have forgotten, but Wei De still remembered. Back then, Wei Xiaomei didn¡¯t want to find another partner. She only wanted to protect her son and stay by Wei De¡¯s side.

    As such, it wasn¡¯t a big deal to transfer the house to Wei Xiaomei¡¯s name. After all, she had given birth to a grandson for the Wei family. Wei Xiaomei deserved this house. Things given to Wei Xiaomei were also Wei Wei¡¯s. Wei Wei¡¯s things naturally belonged to the Wei family.

    They were a family. It was just a matter of transferring from one pocket to another. Wei De didn¡¯t mind at all whose name was stated on the real estate certificate.

    However, the situation today came too suddenly and unexpectedly.

    Who knew that Wei Xiaomei, who was so devoted to him, would dare to betray him and leave him? Before leaving, she even sold what little things the Wei family was left with.

 Chapter 1960 - Find the Real Estate Certificate

    <h4>Chapter 1960: Find the Real Estate Certificate</h4>

    Thankfully, in order to coax Zhai Hua back then, they only transferred the house to Wei Xiaomei. Those plots of farnd were still in his father¡¯s name.

    Otherwise, when his parents returned this time, not only would the house change owners, but the plots of farnd would as well. Wei De didn¡¯t doubt this at all. Indeed, Wei Wei was an ingrate. Wei Wei obviously knew what situation the Wei family was in, but he still dared to do so. Of course, Wei De wouldn¡¯t be so naive to think that Wei Wei would still want to be family with them.

    By doing this, Wei Wei was making a clean break with the Wei family. Everyone kicks a man who is down. Wasn¡¯t the reason why Zhai Hua no longer had feelings for him and had gotten a divorce so simply because he had treated Wei Wei better than Jiajia and she was thus disappointed?

    Now, it looked like this was how Wei Wei repaid him! If there was a day he became sessful again, not only would he not pay attention to Wei Wei again, but he would also return everything Wei Wei had done to him then.

    He would use his capabilities to tell Wei Wei that if he could be sessful once, he could be sessful twice. However, as long as anyone betrayed him once, he was not going to give the other party a second chance. When he made it big in life, he could have as many sons as he wished, let alone women. If Wei Wei thought he could act recklessly as he was his only son, then he was going to let Wei Wei understand what was known as the cruel reality!

    At this moment, sons and daughters meant nothing to Wei De. No wonder there was an old saying that a close son was no better than money. Indeed, when it came to critical moments like these, a son was useless!

    ¡°...¡± As his son mentioned this, Father Wei remembered that the house was long under Wei Xiaomei¡¯s name. ¡°However, our family forked out all the money to build the house. Wei Xiaomei and the old vige chief didn¡¯t contribute anything at all. They didn¡¯t pay any money. The house is ours. The homestead is ours too. On what basis could they be sold by Wei Wei, that little rascal?¡±

    ¡°Homestead?¡± Upon hearing this word, Wei De had an idea. ¡°Dad, do this with Mom tomorrow... Indeed, the name on the real estate certificate is Wei Xiaomei. However, the homestead still belongs to our family. Back then, I didn¡¯t give the homestead to Wei Xiaomei. As such, Wei Wei can sell the house but not the homestead. Based on this situation, our family can still earn another sum of money. You and Mom use this amount of money to buy a small house first.¡±

    Generally, no one would sell the homestead. However, the house no longer belonged to their family and they couldn¡¯t let the other party remove the house from their homestead. The cadre in the vige had to be adjusted. Wei De wasn¡¯t sure how much money could be obtained from the homestead.

    Thankfully, there was this sum of money. He didn¡¯t need to worry about his parents¡¯ future livelihoods. It could be considered that this was the solution to their family¡¯s urgent needs.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ve remembered whatever you said. I¡¯ll not let anyone take advantage of our family so casually.¡± It was good that there was an idea. Father Wei was most afraid of his son not having ideas. Their family was like a headless fly.

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t expect that the Wei family¡¯s situation would be so bad. After the divorce, the Zhai family simply left the Wei family at the back of their minds, thinking that they would no longer be rted to the Wei family.

    The divorced Zhai Hua felt rxed and she coincidentally returned from outside. Upon thinking of Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua decided to walk to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. Zhai Sheng liked Qiao Nan. The marriage was probably going to happen soon. The people who lived in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard would more or less be rted to their family in the future.

    Even if it was for Zhai Sheng, her brother, she had to be concerned a little.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t enter the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard and just went around it. However, even if that was the case, she could still hear the dispute from the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice was somewhat suppressed and he seemed to be holding back his anger.

    Compared to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s forbearance, Ding Jiayi¡¯s voice was more hysterical. ¡°Where are we going? You gave the house to that wretched girl who has no conscience. Where else can I go? Of course I¡¯m going to get the real estate certificate back! When our family was having difficult times and Zijin was about to die, that unscrupulous girl took away our family¡¯s money. That was Zijin¡¯s life-saving money, but she ran away with it and had a carefree life. Now, she even had the cheek to take our family¡¯s real estate certificate. I¡¯m going to ask her where her confidence came from. If I had known she was going to be such a bloodsucker, I should have strangled her to death when I gave birth to her then!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she know how difficult our family situation is? How can she ept the real estate certificate? She¡¯s obviously trying to force us to our deaths. An ungrateful thing like her would definitely have her retribution sooner orter. Serves her right for being forty years old now but without a partner. She¡¯s not married yet and doesn¡¯t even have a child. Wait and see. When she¡¯s old, she wouldn¡¯t even have someone taking care of her. She would definitely sleep on the bridges and be an old beggar. Nobody will take care of her funeral when she¡¯s dead. This is her retribution for abandoning her family, ignoring her birth sister¡¯s life and death, and snatching away everything from our family. God will not spare her!¡±

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t wait to use the most vicious curses in the world on Qiao Nan and use the ugliest words to scold her.

    In order to maintain the harmony of this family, Ding Jiayi had to protect Qiao Zijin¡¯s interests. She was going to secretly find the real estate certificate and transfer it to Qiao Zijin behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back so that he wouldn¡¯t be unhappy when he found out.

    Who knew that it had already been a week since Ding Jiayi carefully looked through the corners of the small courtyard thrice? She even flipped over all the pockets of the old clothes that belonged to the family of three. However, she didn¡¯t manage to find the real estate certificate. The desperate Ding Jiayi realized that she was only short of digging three feet ofnd to turn their house into a plot of farnd.

    As such, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the real estate certificate was at home. If it was, it was impossible that she couldn¡¯t find it. She had searched everywhere. There was only one home. How could there be a good ce to hide things at home which she didn¡¯t know about?

    After searching to this extent but not finding it, Ding Jiayi could only suspect that Qiao Dongliang ced the real estate certificate somewhere outside their home.

    Ding Jiayi fretted. There were so many ces outside their home. What ce was safe to Qiao Dongliang so that the real estate certificate wouldn¡¯t be lost but not within her reach?

 Chapter 1961 - You Still Have the Cheek to Say

    <h4>Chapter 1961: You Still Have the Cheek to Say</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t thought of a solution yet. Qiao Zijin, who was very anxious, kept asking Ding Jiayi if the real estate certificate was found. Being pressed by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi could only share this situation with Qiao Zijin so that she could helpe up with ideas and think where else could Qiao Dongliang ce the real estate certificate.

    It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Zijin was smart. It was just that Qiao Zijin always had that worry that the situation before her was really going to happen. Qiao Zijin¡¯s first reaction was to ask, ¡°Mom, Dad has always been biased toward Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan left me in the lurch and took away all my life-saving money, his heart has never changed, let alone med Qiao Nan. He even finds me unpleasing to the eye. Mom, you said that you have searched through everything at home but still couldn¡¯t find the real estate certificate. Could it be that he has already given the house to Qiao Nan? Before my surgery, didn¡¯t Dad say that he already had ns for this house? Was his n to give the house to Qiao Nan? Is he crazy?!¡±

    Everything in the Qiao family belonged to her. It had nothing to do with Qiao Nan. On what basis did her father give her things away to others? They were hers!

    Qiao Zijin turned pale. Indeed, her worries before her surgery came true. For things that weren¡¯t hers, there would always be some changes. Only those things that had been firmly grasped in her hands were real. That¡¯s why she wanted to sell the courtyard first before her surgery. ¡°Mom, you said that before my surgery, Dad was not willing to sell the courtyard at all. Was it then that he had already given the courtyard to Qiao Nan? Tell me. When did Dad give the courtyard to Qiao Nan? Qiao Nan has no conscience. She doesn¡¯t care about my life and death. She will simrly do the same to you and Dad in the future. Qiao Nan¡¯s already like this, but Dad still treats her so well. What does he mean by this? Is Qiao Nan his birth daughter but I¡¯m not?¡±

    The more Qiao Zijin thought about it, the angrier she became. If he had long given the courtyard to Qiao Nan, then he definitely didn¡¯t me Qiao Nan for her departure. Otherwise, if her dad despised Qiao Nan for abandoning this family, why was it that when Chen Jun called to tell him where Qiao Nan was, not only did he not find Qiao Nan to get the real estate certificate back, but he even kept Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts from her and her mom?

    If her dad gave the real certificate to Qiao Nan after that... Upon thinking of this possibility, Qiao Zijin knew that she would definitely hate Qiao Dongliang to death. Qiao Nan ignored her life and death. She didn¡¯t give her a kidney or money and couldn¡¯t wait for her to die sooner. She was such a heartless person who ignored kinship, but her dad actually gave the courtyard, which was the only thing valuable in this house, to her?

    Did her dad feel that what Qiao Nan did was right? Did her dad also think that she shouldn¡¯t be alive and that she should die after getting uremia?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious and don¡¯t overthink. Who said that just because I can¡¯t find the real estate certificate, it means that your dad must have given it to Qiao Nan, that wretched girl? I don¡¯t believe your dad¡¯s that foolish. If he gives the house to Qiao Nan, does that mean he doesn¡¯t expect you to provide for him in the future? Or is he expecting Qiao Nan to have him in her heart and that she would be willing to take care of him in the future? No, I think he must have hidden it.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Zijin was good and Qiao Nan was bad. She wished that she had never given birth to Qiao Nan before. After Qiao Nan ¡®absconded with the money¡¯, she felt that it was only natural that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mindset was the same as her own. They had to see Qiao Nan¡¯s true colors clearly.

    Everyone knew that Qiao Nan was bad. Even if Qiao Dongliang was a fool, he wouldn¡¯t have given the courtyard to Qiao Nan. If he really did that, he wouldn¡¯t be giving himself a good path to walk on.

    This time, regardless of how Ding Jiayi persuaded her, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t listen to her words. As soon as Qiao Dongliang was back, Qiao Zijin delved straight into the topic without saying another word. ¡°Dad, did you give the real estate certificate of the courtyard to Qiao Nan?¡±

    This question came too suddenly. Qiao Dongliang was not prepared at all. Although he didn¡¯t answer with a ¡®yes¡¯, he also didn¡¯t say a ¡®no¡¯ after a while.

    Upon seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reaction, Qiao Zijin understood everything. As she cried, she made usations. ¡°Mom, you were still telling me that this wasn¡¯t the case. Look at Dad¡¯s reaction. It¡¯s obvious he gave the real estate certificate to Qiao Nan. In his heart, only Qiao Nan is his daughter. Qiao Nan is his precious daughter, and I¡¯m worthless. Dad, you¡¯ve made me so disappointed and hopeless. I¡¯m your daughter too. Why do you have to be so cruel toward me? Qiao Nan took away all my life-saving money. You didn¡¯t me her and even gave the courtyard to her. You obviously knew that I was waiting for the money to save my life. You didn¡¯t want to sell the courtyard and even forced me to sell my house. Dad, are you my birth dad?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that I¡¯m divorced? Don¡¯t you know that aside from that house, I don¡¯t have any money at all? After the divorce, I have to rely on that house for a living. Are you trying to force me to my death?¡±

    After being pointed at and scolded by Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned red. He became angry and scolded her. ¡°I don¡¯t treat you as a daughter? Then, do you treat me as your dad? Is there anyone who speaks to her father like that? Are you treating me as your son to scold? The courtyard is mine. I can give it to whoever I like. You don¡¯t have a say in this. I can¡¯t be bothered who you want to give your things to in the future as well. Yes, I gave the courtyard to Nan Nan. So? On what basis couldn¡¯t I do this? In a way, this courtyard isn¡¯t mine as well. Back then, in order to let you study in university, I had long sold the courtyard. Nan Nan bought it back with her hard-earned money. I¡¯m just returning everything to its rightful owner by giving the real estate certificate to Nan Nan. Why can¡¯t I do that?!¡±

    Qiao Zijin choked a sob. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s not married. The money she earns belongs to this family. Why is it hers? Dad, you¡¯re biased. You¡¯re just biased and unreasonable!¡± Whose family wasn¡¯t like this? Before marriage, all the money earned would belong to the family. Since the money belonged to the family, using it to buy the courtyard meant that the courtyard belonged to the family. It had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qiao Dongliangughed sarcastically. ¡°You worked for a few months before you got married too, right? During the few months that you worked, why is it that I didn¡¯t see you taking a single cent out for your mom and me to spend?¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t my sry low then? Furthermore, I was still young and unmarried. I have to buy clothes...¡± Not only was the money she earned back then not enough for her to spend, but she also secretly got more money from Ding Jiayi in private. Qiao Zijin remembered all of these.

    Qiao Dongliang was so angry that he mmed the table. ¡°You still have the cheek to say this!¡±

 Chapter 1962 - I Will Give It to Whoever I Want

    <h4>Chapter 1962: I Will Give It to Whoever I Want</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°You¡¯re a college graduate who doesn¡¯t even earn as much as Nan Nan, who didn¡¯t even graduate from high school. What do you have to be proud of? Your mom always praises you, saying that you¡¯ll aplish great things someday, that Nan Nan can¡¯tpare to you, that Nan Nan¡¯s results weren¡¯t as good as yours, and that Nan Nan¡¯s pay is not as high as yours. But were you the one who found that son-inw that your mom looks so highly upon? If not for Nan Nan, do you think you would have been able to marry into the Chen family and get married to Chen Jun?¡±

    Yes! Of course!

    Zijin could not match up to Nan Nan in every way, and whatever she had was snatched away from Nan Nan, yet what Ding Jiayi was saying was that Zijin was very capable herself!

    In the past, he had been muddleheaded and had allowed Ding Jiayi to do as she wanted. But now, he was no longer muddleheaded. His elder daughter had better not treat him as a fool either.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face paled. ¡°Dad, are you despising me for earning less than Qiao Nan?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Am I the one despising you for that? These are your mom¡¯s words. Your mom is the one despising you. Ding Jiayi, haven¡¯t you always praised Zijin for everything and said that Nan Nan is no better than Zijin? Come. Why don¡¯t you tell me in detail everything that Zijin has done well in without Nan Nan¡¯s involvement? What has Zijin done alone that has pleased you? It¡¯s best you exin clearly what¡¯s good about this perfect daughter you care so much about. If you can really prove it, I might just agree with you and acknowledge Zijin as our only daughter and abandon Nan Nan!¡±

    While saying this, Qiao Dongliang yanked Ding Jiayi over in front of him. Ding Jiayi felt pain from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s vigorous pull. She stumbled and nearly fell. Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression was nk. ¡°Zijin is a university graduate!¡± Zijin was obviously better than that wretched girl. Was there a need for anyparison?

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Zijin the one whopleted her university course by herself? Do you mean that that wretched girl helped Zijin study, take exams, and graduate?¡±

    Qiao Zijin puffed up her chest. That¡¯s right. Had she not relied on her own efforts to graduate from university? Even if she had not passed her exams, she had taken supplementary papers herself. When had Qiao Nan ever helped her?

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed his face. ¡°While Nan Nan was studying, she always ranked among the top three. When has Zijin ever ranked among even the top five? If Nan Nan had not gone out to work before graduating from high school, do you think Zijin could have finished her three years of high school relying on just you and me? Yes, Zijin did go to university and she was indeed the one taking the exams, but is that something to be proud of? Didn¡¯t all of Zijin¡¯s ssmates do that too? Why do you think she¡¯s the most special and the most hardworking? Everyone willugh at you if they hear what you¡¯ve just said. The problem is that if Nan Nan had not gone out to work to support Zijin, could Zijin have graduated just by taking an exam? Money! It¡¯s all about money!¡±

    At the mention of this, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart broke. ¡°Did Zijin manage to get into Tsinghua University or Peking University? You¡¯ve been bragging but don¡¯t you remember what kind of school Zijin studied in? As long as you have money, you¡¯ll definitely be able to graduate from that school! I¡¯ve never said it, and neither has Nan Nan, but are you two not clear about that? To put it bluntly, Zijin¡¯s identity as a university graduate was bought with Nan Nan¡¯s money!¡±

    It was just an educational certificate that had been bought with Nan Nan¡¯s money. He could not understand why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were proud of it. Thinking about it, it was actually humiliating. Was a university graduate like that a true university graduate? But there were two people in his family who could never understand the situation and had been proud of it. Initially, he had had such foolish thoughts as well. Just thinking of it gave Qiao Dongliang the urge to p himself. How shameless!

    Qiao Dongliang was the one arguing rationally, but Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were both people who did not care about rationality. Neither of them could convince the other, and Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin insisted that the courtyard should be Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    It was not right for Qiao Dongliang to have secretly given Qiao Nan the property deed. They would have to get it back. Apart from the property deed, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had other devious ns in mind.

    Firstly, Qiao Nan had left with a few hundred thousand. Would they be willing to let Qiao Nan ¡®take advantage¡¯ of them just like that? Secondly, Qiao Zijin had some feelings for her son, after all. Besides the mother-son bond, she cared more about everything the Chen family had. Upon getting a stepmother, a father was bound to be a stepfather too. If all of the Chen family¡¯s assets went to the second child, what would her son do?

    Chen Feng was her son. The Chen family¡¯s assetsnding in Chen Feng¡¯s hands was no different fromnding in her hands. It did not matter if she would have to wait for a few years. Would Chen Feng disregard her, his mother, in the future? The better Chen Feng¡¯s conditions and background was, the more she would be able to enjoy her life in her old age.

    As such, before her son gained control of the Chen family¡¯s assets, she would have to find a way to keep a close eye on all of their assets. Qiao Zijin had no way of controlling other women, but she did think that she could, at least, control Qiao Nan. All the while, Qiao Nan had been pretty good to Chen Feng. Besides, Qiao Nan was already turning forty. Perhaps, if they scolded her, she might just get married to Chen Jun and not have kids anymore.

    As long as Chen Feng remained as Chen Jun¡¯s only child, there was nothing Qiao Zijin had to worry about. Thinking about how Chen Jun had feelings for Qiao Nan and how Chen Jun might no longer lead a wild life outside after marrying Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was miserable, feeling that this was the only way to ensure Chen Feng¡¯s and her survival.

    If Chen Jun did not y around with other women, there would be no illegitimate children to fight over the Chen family¡¯s assets with her son.

    As Chen Jun¡¯s rank rose and his path got smoother, there would be even more youngdies willing to marry him, even if he was in his fifties or sixties.

    As such, they had to take the opportunity before all these women appeared and get Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun as soon as possible so that Qiao Nan could help them keep an eye on Chen Jun. This should happen sooner rather thanter. They had not had the chance to broach the topic since they had not even met her. This time, they could kill three birds with one stone. They had to find Qiao Nan and settle these three matters once and for all.

    Knowing that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were about to find Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang thought that the pair simply meant to retrieve the property deed. He had not expected that the mother-and-daughter pair had so many other devious schemes up their sleeves. But even if it was just for the property deed, Qiao Dongliang would not let them go either. ¡°No, you can¡¯t go. It¡¯s my name on the property deed and this house is mine. I¡¯ll give it to whoever I want.¡±

    At this moment, the person who frustrated Qiao Dongliang the most was not Qiao Zijin but Ding Jiayi, who had not fulfilled her role as a mother.

 Chapter 1963 - You Can Find Me

    <h4>Chapter 1963: You Can Find Me</h4>

    He had given the property deed to his younger daughter out of fear that he would pass on before Ding Jiayi, who would have only one daughter, Qiao Zijin. Then, there would be no one to take care of her, and worse still, she might not even have a roof over her head.

    But these were just Qiao Dongliang¡¯s own suspicions. There was no way Qiao Dongliang could express those suspicions of Qiao Zijin being an unfilial daughter out loud. It would just be embarrassing himself since he and Ding Jiayi were the ones who had raised such a heartless daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that even if he were bold enough to say so, Ding Jiayi had already been poisoned by Qiao Zijin. Even if he was willing to rationalize with Ding Jiayi, she had to be willing to hear him out. Now, Ding Jiayi was unwilling to listen to anything. Her daughter, Qiao Zijin, was the best thing in the world.

    That was why Qiao Dongliang had not bothered wasting his breath on Ding Jiayi.

    He had taken such an effort to find a way out for Ding Jiayi on the ount of their years of marriage. But who would have known that Ding Jiayi herself would try to destroy that path?

    In the face of Ding Jiayi, who was so foolish, Qiao Dongliang had the urge to let Ding Jiayi drive herself into the ditch. Very soon, however, Qiao Dongliang calmed down, knowing that he could not let her do so.

    If his elder daughter truly did not care about Ding Jiayi, she would not care about her own reputation either. Of course, his elder daughter did not have much of a reputation to begin with. His elder daughter could abandon Ding Jiayi, but would his younger daughter do so? The heavens were always watching one¡¯s actions. His younger daughter was nowhere as heartless and vicious as his elder daughter.

    When Ding Jiayi became a problem, she would be his younger daughter¡¯s problem.

    Qiao Dongliang had insisted on giving Qiao Nan the courtyard not only to give Ding Jiayi a solid insurance n for her old age but also to avoid any possible trouble that might arise because of Ding Jiayi.

    It was unavoidable that Zhai Hua had overheard the Qiao family¡¯s quarrels since Zhai Hua had intentionally taken the route past the Qiao family¡¯s house. Zhai Hua stroked her chin. ¡°Does that mean that the Qiao family knows where Qiao Nan lives?¡±

    Should she give Qiao Nan a call to let her prepare? Wait a minute. Just a few days earlier, had Zhai Sheng not called her mom, saying that Qiao Nan had moved? If they were really going to Qingshui Town, they had better not find Qiao Nan at her old address. Qiao Nan was not there. She wondered if the Qiao family had Qiao Nan¡¯s old address or her new one.

    Before Zhai Hua coulde to a conclusion, someone had already delivered the answer right in front of her. ¡°Yes, Uncle Qiao?¡±

    Looking at the person before her, Zhai Hua wondered what Qiao Nan¡¯s father could be asking for. On Qiao Nan¡¯s ount, she had no choice but to address him as ¡®uncle¡¯.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was awkward. He was clear that he was in no position to be addressed as an ¡®uncle¡¯, and Zhai Hua was simply being polite. ¡°I-I know that Nan Nan stayed at your ce for a few days. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not here to find out about Nan Nan. I know that Nan Nan has had it tough, and I¡¯m really grateful that you guys are willing to help her.¡±

    The courtyard had been abuzz about Qiao Zijin¡¯s uremia initially, but Ding Jiayi had not heard about it and neither could Qiao Zijin care less about it. It was Qiao Dongliang who had heard most about it.

    When he heard the rumors that his younger daughter had gotten close to the Zhai family and had even gotten together with the Zhai family¡¯s son, who was a chief, Qiao Dongliang could not help but feel excited and overjoyed. Nan Nan was already forty. Even if she was only twenty-four, with their family background, how could she ever get acquainted with the Zhai family?

    Those people had to be joking and were trying to make the Qiao family into jokes themselves!

    Even though the Qiao family had indeed gone through some embarrassing times, Qiao Dongliang was not so shameless to think that Qiao Nan had indeed gotten close to the Zhai family just because of these rumors.

    Qiao Dongliang had never even once considered that Qiao Nan could have gotten together with Zhai Sheng. He simply thought that Qiao Nan had encountered some trouble after moving out, and the Zhai family had happened to help her. The Zhai family was an old revolutionary family, and Zhai Sheng was a chief. It was normal for them to help others out when they were in trouble.

    That was his younger daughter¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family.

    After hearing the humility and ¡®self-awareness¡¯ in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Zhai Hua¡¯s lips twitched and she did not know how to continue the conversation. Perhaps, it could be a simple misunderstanding if it had happened to someone else. But with Qiao Nan, it was not as simple as a misunderstanding.

    However, she could not possibly say anything about that at this point in time. Zhai Hua cleared her throat. ¡°Uncle Qiao, have youe to find me just to convey your thanks?¡±

    That could not be. Just a few minutes earlier, she had walked past the Qiao family¡¯s house and had heard them having a huge argument. It had been just a matter of a few minutes. They could not possibly have solved their problems by now.

    ¡°I have no other intentions. I just want you to help me out by making a call to our Nan Nan. I-I¡¯m really useless. Just tell Nan Nan that her mom and her sister have gone to find her. It takes about two to three hours to get to Qingshui Town from Ping Cheng. If it¡¯s possible, it¡¯ll be best for her to hide or move away.¡±

    There was actually no need for Nan Nan to live such a tough life, trying her best to hide from her family as though she hadmitted a crime. But there was no choice since this was how their family was. Since Nan Nan had already hidden from them once, she would just have to do it again.

    ¡°Oh. They¡¯ve set off.¡± Zhai Hua nodded. No wonder Uncle Qiao hade to find her within a few minutes¡¯ time. ¡°Uncle Qiao, can I know which address they¡¯ve gone to find Qiao Nan at?¡± At least, she could find out if the Qiao family had Qiao Nan¡¯s old address or new address.

    Ever since finding out where Qiao Nan lived, Qiao Dongliang had never bought a bus ticket to Qingshui. However, he had memorized Qiao Nan¡¯s address. The moment Zhai Hua asked, Qiao Dongliang immediately said it so smoothly as though he was saying his name.

    Upon hearing that address, Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°I see. If that¡¯s where they¡¯re headed, there¡¯s no need to worry, Uncle Qiao. They won¡¯t find her there. Qiao Nan had some trouble and moved away a month ago. Her current address is a little far from that address you just told me.¡±

    ¡°She moved?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes twinkled and he heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good. Then, Nan Nan... I don¡¯t have anything else. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Uncle Qiao, you can alwayse to find me if you have any matters regarding Qiao Nan in the future.¡±

 Chapter 1964 - Empty

    <h4>Chapter 1964: Empty</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Did Uncle Qiao want to ask where Qiao Nan was now? Unfortunately, he had not dared to do so. It was probably because of the situation the Qiao family was in that Uncle Qiao did not have the guts to ask about Qiao Nan¡¯s whereabouts.

    Qiao Nan did not know that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had gotten her address from Chen Jun and were rushing to find her with some devious ns up their sleeves. By the time Qiao Nan received news of it, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had already been scared away by the fiercendlord.

    Thendlord was surprised when she talked to her son about this. ¡°Xiao Qiao looks like a nice person to me. She has a good temper and she never raises her voice. She looks so gentle. How could a person like that have such an unreasonable mother and sister? That¡¯s not right. Xiao Qiao doesn¡¯t look like them either. Were they scammers?¡±

    Thendlord thought that this was a ratherughable situation. In her years of experience, she had never once seen people like that. She had already exined that Xiao Qiao had moved away and that she had no idea about Xiao Qiao¡¯s whereabouts. She was indeed andlord, but she could only look after Xiao Qiao while she was a tenant. It was unreasonable to expect her to know where her tenant had moved to and even more so ridiculous to demand that she be responsible for finding Miss Qiao for them.

    This made no sense at all.

    She was merely andlord. Why should she have to do that?

    Upon learning that Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother and sister hade, thendlord had thought of getting them to know them. Xiao Qiao had already found a partner in the chief¡¯s son. As long as she got along well with Xiao Qiao, the chief would probably treat her son better in the future. She had to get along well with Qiao Nan, but she had clearly just messed up her rtionship with Qiao Nan¡¯s family!

    No matter how great thendlord¡¯s n was, she could not prepare for what Ding Jiayi had in mind.

    Upon learning that Chen Jun had feelings for Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was sure that Qiao Nan was still in that house. She shouted for someone to open the door, but no one came. This made Ding Jiayi think back to the time when she had gone to Qiao Nan¡¯s old apartment to look for her. At that time, Qiao Nan had secretly terminated her lease without letting her know, causing her to stand at the door foolishly for half a day.

    The infuriated Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan was deliberately hiding from her. She was clearly at home but was simply trying to avoid her. Even that experience in the past was not enough for Ding Jiayi to learn anything from it.

    It was just that afternoon that she had found out that Qiao Dongliang had handed the property deed of the courtyard over to Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi had been holding her anger in all this while. Now, she was truly enraged. As such, she could not care less whether Qiao Nan had bought this apartment or whether she had simply rented it. Without a second thought, she started kicking the door.

    Anyone would care about their own house. Besides, one should not be so unreasonable. As soon as thendlord saw Ding Jiayi kicking her door, she immediately pulled Ding Jiayi aside roughly.

    Three women make a market, not to mention how both Ding Jiayi and thendlord were strong as bulls. Just the two of them alone would be able to make a market. There was no need for a third.

    Thendlord was infuriated. Clearly, Ding Jiayi was not looking for her daughter out of kinship. Thendlord was not foolish either, and after tugging on Ding Jiayi a few times, she simply said, ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Xiao Qiao¡¯s mother? During the new year period, I saw that Xiao Qiao was alone and she didn¡¯t even receive any calls. I thought that all of Xiao Qiao¡¯s family was dead. I didn¡¯t know that they are still alive. I guess I can finally understand why someone with a family like Xiao Qiao would rather escape to a rural and small town like Qingshui Town. After all, Qingshui Town doesn¡¯t have that many evil and vicious people around. I¡¯m warning you that this is my house, and this is my door. Xiao Qiao did rent an apartment here in the past, but she moved away a month ago.¡±

    Looking at the footprints on her door, thendlord was upset. ¡°You¡¯ve destroyed someone else¡¯s property by kicking on it. It¡¯s illegal. Thankfully for you, I¡¯m magnanimous. Since the door isn¡¯t spoiled, I won¡¯t ask you topensate me for it, but you¡¯d better wipe off all of your footprints from the door. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll make sure the policee to help me out!¡±

    ¡°She moved away? Where did she move to?¡± Qiao Zijin had the biggest reaction. She had thought that she had finally found Qiao Nan. Why had she suddenly moved away again? Was this not too much of a coincidence? ¡°My mom might not have a good temper, but she¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother, after all, and I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. My mom¡¯s only angry because Qiao Nan was at fault. My mom simply wants to teach her a lesson. My mom will definitely wipe off those footprints from the door. But I hope that you can tell us where Qiao Nan is. No matter what, we¡¯re still Qiao Nan¡¯s family.¡±

    Qiao Nan was also a little evil. Which of Qiao Nan¡¯s acquaintances did not know that their mom had such a temper? Even while knowing that their mom had a foul temper, those people still dared to help Qiao Nan and had even given all the money to Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin had reason to believe that Qiao Nan had already badmouthed the Qiao family in front of thendlord. That was why thendlord had lied to them, saying that Qiao Nan had already moved away a month ago.

    Thinking about how all outsiders, including Chen Jun, were so friendly toward Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin felt sour. Qiao Nan was so dull and introverted. Were all those people blind? Why could they not differentiate between good and bad people?

    But thendlord was not Ding Jiayi and had not fallen for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tricks. Thendlord had even seen through Qiao Zijin¡¯s tricks. ¡°You can believe whatever you want. You¡¯d better wipe those footprints off. She doesn¡¯t stay here anymore. After wiping those footprints off, you¡¯d better scram! Otherwise, I¡¯ll call the police.¡±

    She had been too muddleheaded. Xiao Qiao had been staying here for almost half a year. Xiao Qiao was such a good person but had never mentioned having any family, much less having any contact with her family. Based on that, she should have guessed that Xiao Qiao probably had no family or that her family was not worth keeping in touch with.

    Otherwise, who would be willing to uproot and move to an unfamiliar ce to start a new life?

    Thendlord had already made her words very clear. There were other witnesses who also supported the im that the person living in that apartment had not been around for about a month. They had wondered about it, but this scene had proved their suspicions.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had rushed to Qingshui Town angrily because of their house and money. They had been rehearsing how they would lecture and punish Qiao Nan to the point of crying once they met her. But who would have known that Qiao Nan had already vanished into thin air?

 Chapter 1965 - Whenâ€™s the Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 1965: When¡¯s the Wedding</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin was confounded and Ding Jiayi was in a rage, demanding that thendlord tell her where Qiao Nan had moved to. Otherwise, thendlord had better find Qiao Nan herself and bring her before them. After that, it would be between the Qiao family. She would not leave if thendlord did not fulfill her demands.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi ying rogue, thendlord spat at Ding Jiayi before whipping out her phone and dialing a certain number. ¡°Hello, is this the police station?¡±

    It was only when they realized that thendlord had really called the police that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were finally willing to back down. After reluctantly wiping the door clean, they finally left.

    The mother-and-daughter pair had spent half a day on this return trip. However, even after slogging away, they had not managed to find Qiao Nan. In fact, they had not even gained anything from this trip. They had finally gotten news of Qiao Nan after such a long time, but it had turned out to be useless.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s keep this between the two of us. I¡¯ll just let Sister Qiao know of it, but let¡¯s not interfere in anything else.¡± This was truly an eye-opening experience for Xiao Xu. He had finally realized how terrible a family Qiao Nan had. He understood why Qiao Nan had never wanted to mention her family.

    If anyone else were in her ce, they would simply have taken it as though they had no family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. At my age, I¡¯ve eaten more salt than you have rice. Do you need to teach me how to act?¡± Thendlord rolled her eyes at her son. ¡°I¡¯m asking you to let Xiao Qiao know about this. From the looks of it, that mother-daughter pair probably encountered some problems and is urgently looking for Xiao Qiao to solve it. Xiao Qiao¡¯s temper is too good when facing people like them. If they are reluctant to give up and insist oning again, we have to let Xiao Qiao know. What do you think your chief is trying to do?¡±

    If Xiao Qiao was going to get married, these people should know to restrain themselves, right? Was the chief¡¯s family so easily bullied?

    ¡°Aiyo. Don¡¯t you worry about this, Mom.¡± How could he tell his mom that there was no one in more hurry than his chief? Even so, his chief could not do anything since Sister Qiao was in no hurry. Saying something like that would damage his chief¡¯s reputation. As his chief¡¯s man, he naturally stuck by maintaining his chief¡¯s image, preventing ¡®others¡¯ from learning about how his chief was already whipped even before marriage.

    Upon hearing her son¡¯s words, thendlord remained silent. If even the parties concerned in the marriage were in no hurry, there was no point in outsiders trying to rush them. After what she had witnessed today, she simply felt that it would be better that they took the opportunity to get married earlier rather thanter since it was a question of whether they would even be able to get married in the future.

    Thendlord had already known that there would be trouble along the way if Qiao Nan were to get married to Zhai Sheng, but these troubles were even moreplex than she had expected.

    The moment Zhai Hua had sessfully divorced Wei De, the atmosphere in the Zhai family lightened significantly. Even though she knew of this result, Jiajia was always smiling. This result clearly did not affect her too much.

    As long as there was nothing wrong with Jiajia, the adults were naturally at ease.

    Since Wei De was no longer a problem, Miao Jing started harping on past matters. ¡°Old Zhai, when are we going to Qingshui Town?¡± She was afraid that Zhai Sheng would not try hard enough if she was not around and that getting her daughter-inw would have to wait until next year.

    ¡°We¡¯re not going.¡± Zhai Yaohui, who was reading the newspaper, answered indifferently. ¡°Didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng ask us to prepare for the wedding reception in advance? It¡¯s only been two months since he submitted his military order. Weren¡¯t you the one who was so excited and had refused to allow others to pack the candy, wanting to do it yourself? If you go to Qingshui Town, are you going to leave Jiajia to do it alone?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui knew that this might be Zhai Sheng¡¯s second marriage, but in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, his marriage to Qiao Nan was his first true marriage. His son was already forty-five and was finally getting married for real. Could his mother possibly not get excited and emotional?

    That was why Miao Jing wanted to do everything herself.

    It was only upon seeing Miao Jing¡¯s reaction did Zhai Yaohui realize that not many people in the Zhai family had been happy when Zhai Sheng had married Qiu Chenxi more than a decade ago. Whether it was their son or their daughter, neither of their first marriages had been a good one. What was different, however, was that he had seen through Wei De. On the contrary, he had not seen through Qiu Chenxi, who had grown up under his nose.

    But that mistake had already been made. There was no point in bringing up a mistake that had been made more than ten years ago. It was rare that Miao Jing was so happy, and there was the atmosphere of a joyful asion in the Zhai family for the first time. As long as Miao Jing did not tire herself out, Zhai Yaohui would not try to stop Miao Jing from helping out if she wanted to.

    If he were to stop her, he would be the bad guy.

    Thinking about the wedding invitations and candy, Miao Jing smiled. ¡°Jiajia and I work quickly. We¡¯ve finished almost half of everything. Can I not care about it now that my son is getting married? Jiajia is such an understanding child. She¡¯s been worried that I¡¯ll be tired and always asks me to rest. She even tells me that she can handle it alone. This child is even more obedient than her mother. How can I let a child who¡¯s about to take the middle school examination work so hard? I¡¯m only asking her to help out because I¡¯m afraid that her eyesight will deteriorate from studying too hard.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Your granddaughter is the best and the most obedient in the world.¡± Zhai Yaohui felt as though there were worms crawling in his ears when he heard his wife praising Jiajia. He wondered how his wife had not grown tired of praising her.

    ¡°Of course! My granddaughter is the best!¡±

    ¡°And my grandma is the best too!¡± Jiajia, who had just returned from school, joyfully bounced over to Miao Jing¡¯s side and hugged her. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m starving. Is there anything to eat at home?¡± Jiajia rubbed her stomach. She realized that ever since moving into her grandma¡¯s house, her mood had improved and so had her appetite. Most importantly, she had grown.

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s the soup dumplings that you love most. I specially asked auntie to make them. I¡¯ll get her to steam them. They¡¯ll be down in about five minutes. You must eat them while they¡¯re hot.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart leaped with joy as Jiajia hugged her. She was in luck this year. Everything was going her way and life was only getting better!

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were already advanced in age and there was a limit to how much they could eat. Sometimes, when the auntie asked her what to prepare, Miao Jing would tell her to make a decision on their behalf. Now, everything had changed. Because there were more people in the family, especially with a growing child like Jiajia, Miao Jing finally found meaning in deciding what to prepare for their meals every day.

    ¡°Grandma, when are you and grandpa going to Qingshui Town? When is my uncle going to have his wedding?¡± She had been packing those candies for way too long.

 Chapter 1966 - Good Taste

    <h4>Chapter 1966: Good Taste</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She counted by pinching her fingers. Her uncle would probably marry Auntie Qiao in June. ¡°It¡¯d better not be the day when I¡¯m taking the middle school examinations. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll fight it out with my uncle!¡±

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Miao Jing smiled and said, ¡°Your uncle will definitely get married on a day that you¡¯re avable. You¡¯re taking the middle school examinations in mid-June. Isn¡¯t it perfect if your uncle gets married inte June?¡±

    ¡°Grandma, aren¡¯t you anxious?¡± Her mom told her that her grandparents were eager for grandchildren. Jiajia wasn¡¯t jealous of the unborn younger brothers and sisters even though she might not be able to enjoy everything at her grandma¡¯s ce for long.

    Jiajia heard from her mom that when she was young, her grandparents wanted to take care of her. However, her paternal grandparents refused by making all sorts of excuses. As such, there was always this regret in her grandparents¡¯ hearts.

    Seeing that both silver-haired grandparents had been working hard for their children and had so many concerns even when they were so old, Jiajia hoped that they could lead a happier life. Furthermore, she felt that if Auntie Qiao was the one who gave birth to a younger brother or sister, she would definitely like it. She would also definitely be a good sister.

    Miao Jing touched Jiajia¡¯s face and said, ¡°Even if I¡¯m anxious, it wouldn¡¯t be just for these couple of days. You¡¯re grandma¡¯s precious as well. I won¡¯t leave you alone.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re so great.¡± Jiajia felt warmth in her heart and shook Miao Jing¡¯s arms. ¡°Jiajia, after your uncle married Auntie Qiao, do you think they will give birth to a child as sweet as you?¡±

    Jiajia tilted her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ll like it regardless of whether the child¡¯s a younger brother or sister!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui, who was reading the newspapers, shook the newspapers in his hands and secretly snorted. Who said that it would be a granddaughter? He felt that it should be a grandson. It wasn¡¯t only women who had a sixth sense. Men had a sixth sense too.

    The phone rang. Zhai Yaohui, who was sitting next to it, picked up the call. ¡°Hello? Yes, it¡¯s me. Old He. Is anything the matter? Yes... You have received the news quickly. I haven¡¯t sent you the invitation but you know that my son¡¯s getting married. Caretaker? Who have you heard this from? Regardless, what¡¯s most important is that the children are willing parties. Yes, remember to attend the wedding then.¡±

    After putting down the phone, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face darkened a little.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Miao Jing patted Jiajia and asked her to eat the soup dumplings which should be steamed by now. Jiajia was smart and obedient. She knew that if her grandparents had serious matters to talk about, they didn¡¯t need a child to interfere. As such, she raced to the kitchen. ¡°There¡¯s a child at home. If you frighten Jiajia, don¡¯t me me for getting even with you.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui nced at Jiajia, who was happily eating soup dumplings in the kitchen.¡±Jiajia¡¯s a child of our Zhai family. How would she be frightened so easily? You have thought too much.¡±¡±Who called just now? Why did I hear the word ¡®caretaker¡¯?¡± Then, Old Zhai¡¯s face darkened.

    Zhai Yaohui put down the newspapers. ¡°Someone must have been uttering nonsense. As such, Old He asked me today if Zhai Sheng was going to marry a caretaker.¡± Zhai Yaohuiughed coldly. He roughly knew who this someone was.

    To know who was close to the Zhai family and could even get in touch with them, this person was obviously part of their family previously. Zhai Yaohui had never acknowledged Wei De as a son-inw. Even if he didn¡¯t pick on Wei De, it was impossible for him to bring Wei De into the Zhai family¡¯s social circle.

    There was only one person who had received such special treatment from Zhai Yaohui before: Qiu Chenxi.

    Upon thinking about the call that he had received one day in the middle of the night, Zhai Yaohui understood everything.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Miao Jing was so angry that she nearly couldn¡¯t control herself hurling vulgarities. ¡°Nan Nan was only invited to take care of Zhai Sheng for a few days. When did she be a caretaker? Furthermore, this is my family business. What¡¯s wrong with a caretaker? Looking down on a caretaker? A caretaker is also relying on their ability to earn money. What¡¯s wrong?!¡±

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t mind Qiao Nan¡¯s background or what kind of jobs she had done before. As long as one was self-sufficient, there wasn¡¯t any distinction between jobs. This was often said, but there weren¡¯t a lot of people who could really not mind this like the Zhai family.

    However, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t ept that Qiao Nan was rumored to be a caretaker just because she had taken care of Zhai Sheng for a couple of days and that she now appeared as lowly in front of others.

    Upon talking about this, Miao Jing became angry. ¡°Let¡¯s minimize interaction with that person surnamed He in the future. All of them are interfering in our family matters. There should be a limit to their care and concern. When Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have a marriage partner in the past, he asked you daily when Zhai Sheng was going to get married and shared how well his granddaughter was. Did he really think that we didn¡¯t know what he was thinking? I just can¡¯t be bothered seeing that he¡¯s old and that you are long-time friends with him. He¡¯s trying to take advantage of that, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Heh...¡± Zhai Yaohui smiled. He knew that Old He¡¯s call didn¡¯t bear good intentions. Old He had a niece who was also divorced. She was about the same age as Zhai Sheng and their family backgrounds werepatible. Since both of them were divorced, what Old He meant to say was they shouldn¡¯t despise each other. Furthermore, Old He¡¯s niece was a student who graduated from a prestigious university.

    Even if Zhai Sheng was the chief, his niece was worthy of Zhai Sheng and he didn¡¯t need to suffer much. Yes, with Zhai Sheng¡¯s identity, he could marry a young and pretty girl. However, the Zhai family¡¯s identity determined that Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife mustn¡¯t be the kind of frivolous girl who couldn¡¯t handle big asions.

    It didn¡¯t matter if the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw was young and pretty. What was more important was that she was gracious and capable.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t mention this to Miao Jing as he knew that this would definitely not work. Not only did he not mention this to Miao Jing, but he also didn¡¯t say a single word in front of Zhai Sheng. He initially thought that this matter was over. However, after receiving this call today, Zhai Yaohui knew that it wasn¡¯t over.

    As he had rejected him, Old He always felt unhappy in his heart. He wanted to see if Zhai Sheng was nning to remain single for life or he was going to marry a woman who was better than his niece.

    As Old He waited, his niece hadn¡¯t remarried yet, but he heard that Zhai Sheng was going to marry a caretaker. He became angry and felt that the Zhai family belittled them. Couldn¡¯t his niecepare to a caretaker?

    Before Zhai Sheng got married, Old He hurriedly made a call to mock Zhai Yaohui and also to remind him that there wasn¡¯t any meaning in deciding on a caretaker as his daughter-inw. His niece wasn¡¯t remarried yet, but she might not fancy Zhai Sheng anymore if he got a divorce again in the future.

 Chapter 1967 - Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 1967: Nothing</h4>

    Zhai Yaohui understood Old He¡¯s meaning, but he didn¡¯t agree with it at all. However, Zhai Yaohui agreed with Miao Jing¡¯s words. The He family was going downhill. In recent years, not only did they side with the wrong people, but they also relied on the fact that they were veteran revolutionaries and put on airs everywhere. None of their descendants were capable.

    If it wasn¡¯t that the He family was incapable, would Old He still keep his divorced niece from getting married until now? Wasn¡¯t he just waiting for him to nod in agreement so that they could interact more?

    No matter how noble Old He put it, he just wanted to take advantage of the Zhai family to pull the He family up the ranks. It was that simple.

    Old He became utilitarian. He was scheming for this even though they were old friends. Friends were to stay if they got along well but free to leave if they didn¡¯t. Since Old He had such thoughts, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t think that there was any issue in distancing themselves from the He family. ¡°Just forget about this matter after listening to it. You don¡¯t have to care too much. Old He has long changed.¡±

    Old He didn¡¯t overstep his boundaries before, so he couldn¡¯t be bothered with him. He didn¡¯t expect Old He to really think that they had a solid friendship and that he wouldn¡¯t mind no matter what he did. In the face of a capricious old friend whom he wasn¡¯t so close to anymore, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin so much. He would only use practical actions to tell Old He that the rtionship between the two of them wasn¡¯t as close as he thought.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s not send an invite to the He family for Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding this time. Based on his call today, I feel that he will definitely be unhappy if he attends the wedding, so why bother? Not inviting him is good for both him and our family.¡± A wedding was a joyous asion. She was afraid that Old He couldn¡¯t control his mouth and would spout nonsense in front of Qiao Nan.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for their family to have a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan. How was an outsider as important as their daughter-inw? Miao Jing was particrly clear about this point. Furthermore, Miao Jing had long detected that Zhai Yaohui was interacting lesser with Old He. He rarely mentioned Old He as a friend.

    She understood her own man. Based on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude, Miao Jing knew that their family¡¯s rtionship with the He family was not as good as before. Who would have thought that Old He didn¡¯t realize this and even pretended to be a big bad wolf? How ridiculous.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡± Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t have an opinion on these matters and let Miao Jing make the decision.

    After ncing at Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui suddenly remembered how it was a few decades ago when he was going to marry her. Back then, a lot of people had looked at Miao Jing the same way as they had at Qiao Nan today, right?

    Seeing that Jiajia had finished half the soup dumplings, Miao Jing hurriedly raised her voice and gave a reminder. ¡°Jiajia, that¡¯s enough. We are going to have dinner in half an hour. If you are full from soup dumplings now, you won¡¯t be able to have dinner and will wake up hungryte at night.¡±

    ¡°Got it, grandma.¡± Jiajia stopped quickly. She knew that her grandparents had already finished their discussion. ¡°Grandma, why isn¡¯t my mother back yet?¡± Ever since she lived in her grandma¡¯s house, she realized that her mother was so busy. She was even busier than when she was back at that house.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what your mother has been busy with recently either. However, she didn¡¯t give me a call. I believe that she should be back for dinner soon.¡± Miao Jing felt that ever since the divorce, Zhai Hua had really grown up. She could worry less about her. ¡°Oh, right. Old Zhai, who did you say had shared our family matters with Old He?¡±

    Miao Jing hated Old He for being a busybody and not treating himself as an outsider at all, but she hated the person who publicized the Zhai family¡¯s personal matters even more. They were going to stop their interaction with the He family. As for the person who spouted nonsense, they had to look at the situation and give them a lesson.

    Zhai Yaohui looked slightly embarrassed.

    Except for that mother-daughter pair, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t think of a third person who could make Zhai Yaohui reveal such an unnatural expression in front of her. Miao Jing snorted coldly. ¡°So, it¡¯s them.¡±

    Jiajia blinked. Who was it? Why didn¡¯t grandma finish her words? She didn¡¯t understand. Who was the one who had publicized uncle¡¯s and Auntie Qiao¡¯s marriage in advance? This person even made up rumors about Auntie Qiao. They were obviously full of schemes.

    Zhai Yaohui felt extremely helpless. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense in front of Jiajia. This happened so many years ago. Haven¡¯t I already exined it to you clearly?¡± Everything was just a misunderstanding. He didn¡¯t like Qi Min at all. He only had Miao Miao in his heart.

    Zhai Yaohui had no choice but to foot the bill for his negligence when he was young.

    ¡°Talk is cheap. That mother-daughter pair will keep finding our family trouble. Are you going to take action only when they really do something and Qiao Nan no longer dares to marry Zhai Sheng?¡± It turned out that the mother-daughter pair was still very important in Old Zhai¡¯s heart. Could it be more important than their son¡¯s happiness for the rest of his life?!

    Upon mentioning Qi Min and her daughter, Miao Jing was like an ignited firecracker. Zhai Sheng¡¯s first marriage was ruined in the hands of these two women. If there was going to be a second time, not only would Miao Jing find Qi Min and her daughter to settle scores, but she would also fight it out with Zhai Yaohui.

    If not for Zhai Yaohui, would Zhai Sheng not only have to be forced into marrying someone he didn¡¯t like in his first marriage but also be made a cuckold out of?

    In short, if Qi Min and her daughter did anything that resulted in Zhai Sheng having any losses, the person who was most responsible would be Zhai Yaohui.

    Jiajia, who saw her grandma angry for the first time and couldn¡¯t tell who the ¡®she¡¯ was after listening to their conversation, was shocked. She didn¡¯t know if she should do some persuasion now. However, who should she persuade? Her grandpa? She didn¡¯t even know what had happened. How was she going to persuade him? Her grandma? She was so sad. It was obvious she was the one being bullied.

    Just when Jiajia was in a dilemma, Zhai Hua returned. It could be said that she rescued Jiajia. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s all eight hundred years ago. The two of you have the cheek to argue about this in front of Jiajia. Didn¡¯t you see that she¡¯s confused by the two of you? Mom, Dad did make a mistake when he was young. His mind was unclear, and he couldn¡¯t differentiate family from outsiders.¡±

    After being scolded by his daughter, Zhai Yaohui looked at Zhai Hua warningly: You¡¯re here to persuade her, not add fuel to the mes. Know your ce well.

    Zhai Hua smiled. ¡°However, don¡¯t you know how Dad is like? Qi Min¡¯s an old hag. Qiu Chenxi is a divorced woman. Both of them are detestable. However, who asked them to be women, and women with nothing at that?¡±

 Chapter 1968 - Background

    <h4>Chapter 1968: Background</h4>

    ¡°My dad wants to deal with them, but how should he do that? Warn them? Would that work? Get someone to beat them up? Wouldn¡¯t we be throwing the Zhai family¡¯s reputation down the drain then?¡±

    Zhai Hua felt bad for Zhai Yaohui on this ount. Qi Min was old now. If Qiu Chenxi worked, her dad could have retired a long time ago. Unfortunately, Qiu Chenxi had ideas of her own. Whether it was before or after her marriage, she had never wanted to work and had insisted on her family supporting her.

    The men of the Zhai family did not know how to deal with such a woman.

    Miao Jing was reluctant to back down. ¡°We can¡¯t retaliate? All our family can do is suffer?¡± She could not take it lying down. She did not believe that there would be no solution to this matter.

    ¡°That might not necessarily be the case.¡± Zhai Hua sat downfortably, enjoying the water that her daughter had brought her. It was so sweet. It was indeed water that her daughter had given her. ¡°Didn¡¯t my dad already deal with Qiu Qin? Otherwise, he could have retired by now and enjoyed life as an old cadre. That¡¯s all gone now. But I¡¯ve always been a little hesitant about that. Do you think that was punishing Qi Min and her daughter, or we were helping them instead?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Miao Jing frowned in confusion.

    ¡°Mom, you should know that Qiu Qin had an affair behind Qi Min¡¯s back while he was younger, right? They even had a son. That son graduated from university and has a stable job now. He¡¯s even gotten married and has a son himself. Qiu Qin no longer goes home and lives with that woman instead, spending time with his grandson. His life can¡¯t get any better.¡±

    Qiu Qin had lost his privileges as an old cadre, but someone might have benefitted from that situation. However, Qiu Qin did know that it was entirely Qi Min¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s faults that he had been robbed of those privileges. As such, he was even more unwilling to return home to face the mother-daughter pair and chose to spend all his time with his grandson instead.

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Miao Jing was taken aback. ¡°That¡¯s just as well. I¡¯m sure the loss of those privileges must have some impact on the Qiu family.¡± Qiu Qin did not have those benefits, and neither did Qiu Chenxi nor Qi Min work.

    Thinking about how quickly Qiu Chenxi spent money, Miao Jing was sure that Qi Min would be very miserable, let alone Qiu Chenxi, especially since Qiu Qin was not receiving any benefits as an old cadre. She had no money to spend!

    ¡°Dad, Qiu Qin was probably the one who took care of his son¡¯s job, right? I checked on it recently. We can do something.¡± Whether it was to punish Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min, or whether it was because she looked down on that illegitimate child, Zhai Hua felt that they could take some action in this regard.

    The look in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes told Zhai Yaohui that she had some ns in mind. ¡°Do whatever you want but don¡¯t go too far. Leave them with some room to breathe at the very least. Even if you do something, make sure you target the correct person.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what to do.¡± She simply felt that Qiu Qin should clear up the rtionship between these two women at least. His marriage to Qi Min existed in name only. That mistress he was supporting outside was a more authentic wife than Qi Min herself, and she lived even more happily.

    Sorry, she could not stand the sight of either of these two old women. She would simply deal with them at the same time. Qiu Qin had been riding on the Zhai family¡¯surels to allow that mistress to live such afortable life and find his son such a good job. Now, she would simply be retrieving whatever the Zhai family had lent Qiu Qin.

    Qiu Chenxi only knew that Old He shared a decent rtionship with Zhai Yaohui. When she learned that Old He intended to introduce his divorced niece to Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi grew to hate Old He. Miao Jing only scolded Old He just now, but Qiu Chenxi had alreadymbasted Old He one too many times in her heart.

    It was only when she realized that Zhai Sheng had gotten together with Qiao Nan, whom she could not control, did Qiu Chenxi suddenly realize that Old He seemed like a good pawn. That night, Qiu Chenxi, who had been provoked and run into obstacles with Qiao Nan, made several calls to the Zhai family.

    Unfortunately, she could not go any further than ¡®Dad¡¯ before the call was cut off by Zhai Yaohui. Following that, the Zhai family simply unplugged the phone. Since she could not get in contact with the Zhai family, Qiu Chenxi could not be sure of how the rest of the Zhai family, apart from Zhai Sheng, felt about Qiao Nan.

    She refused to believe that she would lose to a caretaker like Qiao Nan. No matter how bad she was, was she worse than someone like Qiao Nan? She was a hundred times more outstanding than Qiao Nan! So, how could the Zhai family choose a caretaker over giving her a second chance?

    Since she could not get in touch with the Zhai family, Qiu Chenxi could only settle on starting somewhere else. Because she knew that Old He¡¯s rtionship with Zhai Yaohui was no longer as good as it had been, she was slightly nervous. Unlike the Zhai family that had gradually risen through the ranks, the He family had simply grown in number. Seeing his brother in arms rise in position, Old He¡¯s neck almost got too strained from looking up in jealousy.

    Qiu Chenxi might not understand others, but she was clear about how someone like Old He felt. As long as Old He still had some form of contact with the Zhai family, she was confident that her n would definitely work.

    After reporting the matters to Old He, Qiu Chenxi anxiously awaited the results. She did not believe that Zhai Yaohui would not be moved by Old He¡¯s words that he delivered in that weird tone. Even families with lower social statuses than the Zhai family would not ept a caretaker as a daughter-inw, much less the Zhai family.

    If the Zhai family were ridiculed, would they still allow Zhai Sheng to be with Qiao Nan?

    ¡°All right. Stop pacing around.¡± Qi Min knew what ¡®good deeds¡¯ her daughter had done. There was no use, and everything that Qiu Chenxi had done would yield nothing. But her daughter had already gone too far for saving. Qi Min knew that nothing she said mattered.

    ¡°Mom, do you think my father-inw would have already gone to find Zhai Sheng and bring him back from Qingshui Town, warning that caretaker to stay away from Zhai Sheng? I guess that should be it, right?¡± Qiu Chenxi got even more excited as she dreamed of this possibility. ¡°Mom, say something.¡±

    Qi Min sighed. ¡°Chenxi, have you forgotten your mother-inw¡¯s background?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiu Chenxi was left in a trance and her face stiffened. Yes, she had almost forgotten. Her ex-mother-inw had been nothing more than a countryside bumpkin who was a farmer before marrying into the Zhai family. Her situation had been no better than Qiao Nan¡¯s today.

    Knowing that her daughter had realized that, Qi Min continued.

 Chapter 1969 - Immensely Regretful

    <h4>Chapter 1969: Immensely Regretful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°The Zhai family...¡± Qi Min was extremely sour. ¡°The men of the Zhai family are all good men who treat their women well. They often say that everyone is equal in modern society and that it doesn¡¯t matter whether you¡¯re rich or poor. There are very few people who can truly practice what they preach, but the Zhai family is an example.¡±

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui had not despised Miao Jing for being a countryside girl. Not only had he married Miao Jing, but he had even treated Miao Jing so well all these decades. That was unlike Qiu Qin, who had coaxed her when they were young but had already betrayed her a long time ago by finding a mistress outside and had even had a son out of wedlock.

    Compared to the men of the Zhai family, all other men, including Qiu Qin, could not be considered good men.

    The better the Zhai family¡¯s men were, the more Qi Min hated her daughter. She hadmitted a folly in her youth, thinking that her now-deceased brother could havepeted with Zhai Yaohui for the position of a chief. That was why she had looked down on Zhai Yaohui, causing her to miss out on him, leading to Zhai Yaohui marrying Miao Jing instead.

    Her daughter was different. She had groomed her daughter from a young age to marry Zhai Sheng. In reality, her daughter had indeed seeded and Zhai Sheng had married her. Who would have known...

    Good men like those in the Zhai family were almost extinct. Someone as outstanding as Zhai Sheng had been thrown aside by her daughter, who was then left in even more dire straits than she had been in her youth. She had lost to Miao Jing. But at least, Miao Jing was at her prime and Miao Jing¡¯s father was the Old Master Zhai¡¯s benefactor. If they were really to talk about it, it was not that she had not been outstanding enough that she had lost to Miao Jing, who had a much lower social status than she did. That was why it had not been such a humiliating loss.

    But Chenxi¡¯s situation was different. That caretaker was an old woman of almost forty, and there was no way her education couldpare to Chenxi¡¯s. Even then, a woman who couldpare with Chenxi in every way and had no prior rtionship to the Zhai family had won against Chenxi and was about to be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    With such aparison, her daughter had lost badly.

    Qiu Chenxi burst into tears. ¡°Why does everyone in the Zhai family ept Qiao Nan who¡¯s a caretaker? Do they not think that it¡¯s humiliating? Don¡¯t you think the Zhai family is full of monsters? Why can¡¯t they think more like normal people? What do you mean by good men and bad men? The men in the Zhai family are only good toward that caretaker but bad toward me! I only made one single mistake, but they aren¡¯t even willing to give me a second chance! I¡¯ve already learned my lesson. I¡¯ll live honestly and simply for the rest of my life. I won¡¯t go out and y around anymore. But look at how vicious and heartless the Zhai family is toward me! They don¡¯t even want to see me just once! The Zhai family¡¯s men are no good at all! They¡¯re scums!¡±

    Yes, Qiu Chenxi finally realized. That was good.

    Even men with lower statuses than Zhai Sheng would find mistresses outside to satisfy their own desires. It was only normal. Qiu Chenxi had no desire to be the one needing to tolerate that affair just as her mom had.

    When Qiu Chenxi had gotten married to Zhai Sheng at that time, it had been too glorious. Everyone around her had been envious of her. But when Qiu Chenxi got divorced, they were all standing on the sidelines, waiting to see what would happen next. There were even some ¡®sisters¡¯ who had directly told Qiu Chenxi when she had gotten married, ¡°A divorce is no big deal. Chenxi¡¯s pretty and outstanding. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be able to find a man who¡¯s better and more outstanding than Zhai Sheng after her divorce. Do you think that it¡¯s possible for our Chenxi to regress and find someone worse off than Zhai Sheng? Chenxi, when you get remarried, you¡¯d better look for us. Don¡¯t forget me. When that timees, I¡¯ll definitelyugh at Zhai Sheng on your behalf!¡±

    These words embarrassed Qiu Chenxi. Perhaps it was because she had drunk some alcohol, or perhaps it was because she did not want to get divorced, or that Zhai Sheng had practically forced her into a divorce that Chenxi had announced that she was the one who had grown annoyed with Zhai Sheng first.

    Since she had been the one to say so, she had to take responsibility for her words.

    Even though it had been years since those words were spoken, those ¡®sisters¡¯ who had heard Qiu Chenxi say those words at that time would still specially call her from time to time, asking when she was getting remarried, and whether she had already found someone better than Zhai Sheng. If she had indeed done so, she had better remember to tell them. They had already prepared fat red packets for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s marriage.

    In the face of these constant reminders of her actions at that time, Qiu Chenxi could not forget about them even if she wanted to. Now, Qiu Chenxi told Qi Min while wiping away her tears. ¡°Mom, what should I do? Do you think Zhai Sheng will really get together with that caretaker? If the Zhai family doesn¡¯t mind, there¡¯s nothing else I can do. Mom, I¡¯m already at this age and can¡¯t give birth to any children. If I don¡¯t reconcile with Zhai Sheng, I don¡¯t have much hope for the rest of my life.¡±

    Seeing her daughter, who was already in her forties, crying her heart out helplessly, Qi Min was heartbroken. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work with the Zhai family, you can try that caretaker. I¡¯m sure she has an inferiorityplex. That caretaker¡¯s background is just ordinarily bad. You can think of a way to make that caretaker voluntarily leave Zhai Sheng.¡±

    In her whole lifetime, Chenxi was the only one who mattered to her. She had already given up her husband, Qiu Qin. The only one she could not bear to let go of was her only daughter, Chenxi, and she hoped that she would lead afortable life.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use. I¡¯ve looked for that woman. It¡¯s exactly because of her poor background that she won¡¯t ever give up on Zhai Sheng since it wasn¡¯t easy for her to be so lucky. Mom, I have no other choice. I really have no other choice. Mom, I feel like I can¡¯t live anymore!¡± Qiu Chenxi sobbed while hugging Qi Min. ¡°If I can¡¯t get back together with Zhai Sheng and have to watch him get married to another woman, I might as well die!¡±

    Qiu Chenxi thought about how she did not have much hope for the rest of her life at this age. She did not even have a child of her own at this age. She did not want to think about her father, and her mother was already old and could not be with her for much longer. Once her mother was gone, she would have no other kin left in this world. What was the point in living in that case?

    ¡°Mom, I regret it. I really regret it now. I should have listened to you and cherished myself in the past. I shouldn¡¯t have thrown a tantrum. I should have tried to salvage my marriage. I shouldn¡¯t have led such a wild life and wrecked my own body. Mom, I want a child.¡± If she had a child, her life would not be so miserable and devoid of hope at the very least.

 Chapter 1970 - He Knows Everything

    <h4>Chapter 1970: He Knows Everything</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Caressing Qiu Chenxi¡¯s head, Qi Min felt simrly, thinking that it would be better if Qiu Chenxi had a child by her side. ¡°Are you thinking of adopting a child?¡± Qi Min had already lost all hope of Qiu Chenxi having her own child. Qi Min had not forgotten the doctor¡¯s words. Qiu Chenxi was now barren.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to raise anyone else¡¯s child.¡± There was no point in doing so.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qi Min¡¯s hand stopped midair. Who would hand their own child over to Chenxi apart from the orphanage?

    ¡°Mom, I want to raise Zhai Sheng¡¯s child.¡± The only way she would be able to remarry Zhai Sheng and be the chief¡¯s wife was by raising Zhai Sheng¡¯s child and being the mother of Zhai Sheng¡¯s child.

    Because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s words, Qi Min, who was almost seventy, took the long journey to the far-away town of her memories, Qingshui Town. Qi Min was not even sure if she would seed in her mission this time.

    But for the sake of her daughter¡¯s happiness, she had to make this journey, and she would do her best to ensure her sess. ¡°Hello, is anyone there?¡±

    Upon hearing a stranger¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan hesitated. It was also because she had almost been scared to death by Qiu Chenxi making a scene at midnight the other day. That day, she had been fortunate that Qiu Chenxi had turned up alone. If Qiu Chenxi had called a whole gang of people along, as she had done in her dream, she would probably have been gone by the time the police arrived.

    As such, Qiao Nan was a little hesitant to open the door this time. ¡°Who¡¯s that? What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qiao Nan asked while trying to peer outside. Then, she saw a stranger who looked a little familiar. Thinking carefully about it, Qiao Nan finally realized who that woman in front of her door was.

    ¡°I¡¯m...¡± Qi Min did not know how to introduce herself to Qiao Nan either. If she introduced herself as Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother, Qiao Nan would probably refuse to open the door. However, if she did not state her identity, Qiao Nan would probably not care about her either.

    ¡°Please wait a minute.¡± Qiao Nan did not harp on Qi Min¡¯s identity and decided on a call to Zhai Sheng. She could not understand why these people were alling to find her one after the other, especially Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min. Shouldn¡¯t they look for Zhai Sheng instead?

    Upon receiving Qiao Nan¡¯s call, Zhai Sheng rushed to Qiao Nan¡¯s house. Qiao Nan had not even told Zhai Sheng about Qiu Chenxi appearing the previous time, but now that Qi Min had turned up, she had conveniently told Zhai Sheng about that incident too.

    After waiting outside for a while, Qi Min sensed that something was amiss. When she spotted Zhai Sheng with a dark expression, Qi Min could only stare nkly. He was undoubtedly Zhai Yaohui¡¯s son. No matter how bad the background of that woman inside was, the men of the Zhai family could not care less about such a thing as long as they were moved. They were like saints.

    Qi Minughed sarcastically. ¡°You¡¯vee so quickly?¡±

    Zhai Sheng could not even be bothered to address her. ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m here. You can open the door now.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed that Qiao Nan should not need to face Qiu Chenxi or Qi Min alone. Qiao Nan was simple and was not scheming like Qiu Chenxi, and neither did she have wide connections.

    Upon opening the door, both of them entered. The first thing Zhai Sheng did upon entering was to instruct Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, go and pack up your things. I¡¯ll bring you back to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. My marriage report has already been approved. There¡¯s no need for us to be hiding anything.¡±

    To soldiers, a marriage report being approved was as good as being married, and this was a military marriage, no less.

    The reason why Zhai Sheng had said these things in front of Qi Min was to warn her. At that time, Qiu Chenxi had cheated on him and had destroyed a military marriage. If Zhai Sheng really wanted to take issue with that, would Qiu Chenxi have been able to live so freely? She would have been thrown into jail to be reformed!

    Even if no one else respected her, she had to respect herself!

    At the mention of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s affair, Qi Min was too ashamed to face Zhai Sheng. She had not even despised Qiu Qin for having an affair, but she felt too ashamed to persuade Zhai Sheng to cherish her daughter, who had been at fault. ¡°Zhai Sheng, is there really no turning back on the ount of all those years of your rtionship with Chenxi? Chenxi knows she¡¯s wrong and she¡¯s really changed for the better.¡±

    Zhai Sheng faced Qi Min calmly. ¡°It¡¯s good that Qiu Chenxi realized her mistake since her life is her own. But the one who should feel happy should be her future partner, not me.¡± Whether or not Qiu Chenxi changed for the better had nothing to do with Zhai Sheng.

    As such, it wasughable that Qi Min was telling him such things so solemnly.

    ¡°You were husband and wife for so many years. Do you really not have any feelings for her?¡± Could it be Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance that caused Zhai Sheng to be unwilling to give Chenxi a second chance? Thinking about how Qiao Nan¡¯s existence had resulted in her daughter losing her happiness, Qi Min eyed Qiao Nan coldly.

    Zhai Sheng shielded Qiao Nan, no longer treating Qi Min amiably. ¡°I guess Qiu Chenxi truly inherited her self-centeredness from you. She was the one at fault but she¡¯s pushing the me on others. Qiu Chenxi is indeed your daughter.¡±

    If Qiu Chenxi had not cheated, the marriage would havested even if he had no feelings for her. There was no point in mentioning feelings. In those three years, he had never loved Qiu Chenxi. However, he was a soldier and had already been a soldier even before his marriage. Qiu Chenxi should already have considered the loneliness she would face as a military spouse even before marriage.

    Qiu Chenxi could be unhappy about the marriage, but there was no way she could cheat on him or be unfaithful.

    ¡°But she¡¯s already...¡±

    ¡°So what if she knows she¡¯s wrong? Not all mistakes should be forgiven. Even if they¡¯re forgiven, not all mistakes can be epted. An honest person won¡¯t do anything underhanded. In the years after our divorce, Qiu Chenxi led quite a good life, but did she visit the hospital too many times? It isn¡¯t every day that I return to Ping Cheng after getting injured, but I just so happened to bump into her. Qiu Chenxi isn¡¯t young anymore, so it¡¯s best she look after her health. Don¡¯t ruin her life just because of a moment of greed.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s cool tone was just short of letting Qi Min know directly that Qiu Chenxi had gotten all those diseases because of her wild lifestyle. As someone with such illnesses, Qiu Chenxi should know to love herself even more instead of trying to drag others down.

    Qi Min¡¯s face paled. ¡°You knew?¡± Zhai Sheng knew all about Chenxi¡¯s illnesses... Were the heavens really unwilling to give Chenxi a second chance?

 Chapter 1971 - Child

    <h4><i>Chapter 1971</i>: Child</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Sheng did not reply but his expression revealed everything.

    Qi Min also saw that Qiao Nan seemed to have no reaction to this piece of news as though she had already known all about it. Qi Min felt extremely embarrassed for both herself and Qiu Chenxi. She could not understand why Zhai Sheng would tell her daughter¡¯s love rival about such a thing since they had been husband and wife once.

    No wonder this woman dared to fight against Chenxi for a man even though she was merely a caretaker. Because she knew of Chenxi¡¯s past, she had the right to be confident even though she was only a caretaker.

    In an instant, tears started streaming down Qi Min¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m a mother and you should know that I don¡¯t have many years left to live. Can we find somewhere to sit down and have a chat? I¡¯m old and my legs aren¡¯t strong anymore. I can¡¯t stand for long.¡±

    No matter how embarrassing it was, Qi Min had no choice but to press on. Children were debts, and for the sake of her daughter¡¯s happiness, Qi Min had no other choice.

    Zhai Sheng looked at Qiao Nan. Seeing that Qiao Nan did not refuse, Zhai Sheng then said, ¡°Alright, thene on in. Anyway, we¡¯ll be moving tomorrow.¡± Nan Nan would not be living here in the future. There would be no problem letting Qi Min in for a chat.

    The way Zhai Sheng treated Qiao Nan as the center of his world and the way he listened to her made Qi Min extremely sour and heartbroken that she had lost such a good son-inw. She had always known that the men of the Zhai family were good men who would be much more considerate toward their partners than other men.

    Initially, as long as Chenxi had been intent on living an honest life, this happiness should have been her daughter¡¯s.

    After entering the house, Qiao Nan prepared three cups of warm water and did not prepare any tea for Qi Min. Since her guest did not mean well, there was no point in Qiao Nan treating Qi Min as a revered guest.

    Qi Min held the warm cup in her hands but her heart was cold. ¡°Zhai Sheng, how much do you know about Chenxi?¡± The conversation had already been started, and Qi Min¡¯s initial n had been ruined. As such, she could only choose another path.

    ¡°What I know is naturally more than what you want to hide from me.¡± Zhai Sheng had been tired of dealing with Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min since a long time ago. ¡°All these years, my parents have been quite worried about my second marriage. I¡¯m sure your family is clear of that. After I marry Nan Nan, we¡¯ll have a child as soon as possible to fulfill my parent¡¯s dreams of being grandparents. It¡¯s Qiu Chenxi¡¯s second marriage, and I can¡¯t control the kind of man she finds. But if she really wants children, my suggestion is for her to adopt one or find a man with a child.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qi Min¡¯s face lost all color. She had truly not expected that Zhai Sheng had already found out about this fact that she had thought was well-hidden. ¡°Zhai Sheng, if Chenxi was healthy and still fertile, would you¡ª¡± not be so insistent on not wanting Chenxi to the point you wanted to get together with a caretaker?

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®if¡¯. If we really want to talk about it, don¡¯t you think that my behavior during those three years of marriage is enough to prove my stance? In those three years, I was extremely irresponsible, unlike my usual self. My family has always taught me to take on responsibilities as a man, but do you know why I didn¡¯t do so after marrying Qiu Chenxi?¡±

    Zhai Sheng talked to Qi Min about his three-year marriage to Qiu Chenxi for the first time. ¡°That¡¯s because I had no feelings for Qiu Chenxi. Before I got married, I made it clear to Qiu Chenxi that I didn¡¯t like her and didn¡¯t want to marry her. If she cared about her own happiness, she had better note to our family. But she still chose to get married. After making that decision, I once again told her that I was a soldier, and with no foundation of feelings, the only thing I can promise her was that I would never cheat on her or betray her. At the same time, I didn¡¯t think that I was responsible for her feelings or happiness.¡±

    Before getting married, Zhai Sheng had already made himself clear and had told the Zhai family that he did not want to marry Qiu Chenxi.

    But after finding out about this situation, Qiu Chenxi had taken the initiative to look for the Zhai family and had even convinced them that she would persuade Zhai Sheng otherwise. Since Qiu Chenxi was the one who chose that path, Zhai Sheng had simply fulfilled everything he had said before his marriage.

    Zhai Sheng did not think for a moment that Qiu Chenxi hadnded in this state because of him, and neither should he have to take responsibility for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s happiness.

    ¡°My rtionship with Qiu Chenxi before she did all those immoral acts was no better than it is now. Qi Min, if you really care about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s happiness, I hope that you¡¯ll let Qiu Chenxi know that there is no possibility between her and me. If she continues with her nonsense, the only thing she¡¯ll be doing is wasting her own time. Her actions will not have any impact on my future happiness.¡±

    Qiao Nan had been keeping mum the whole time, but she blushed at thest part of Zhai Sheng¡¯s words. She understood what Zhai Sheng meant by his words: since Qiu Chenxi was barren, she should not try to disrupt his ns of having descendants.

    Qiao Nan silentlyughed at herself. She was probably overthinking it. How could that have been what Zhai Sheng meant?

    Qi Min¡¯s eyes were read, and watching a seventy-year-old auntie cry was rather heart-wrenching and emotional. ¡°So you know everything. Yes, Chenxi can¡¯t have children, but she¡¯s my daughter. No matter how wrong she is, I can¡¯t give up on her.¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s not my daughter. The moment she decided to give up on herself and decided to end our marriage, I already had nothing to do with her. Do you mean that I should lose my right to happiness for the sake of her happiness?¡± That was such a ridiculous idea that only Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min coulde up with.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re willing, there can be a perfect solution to this. Chenxi has been proud all her life. After getting divorced from you, those friends of hers haven¡¯t been goodpany. Just take it as though you¡¯re fulfilling a mother¡¯s wishes. Zhai Sheng, get remarried to Chenxi. I don¡¯t care about those three years and how you treated Chenxi. I won¡¯t even care about how the two of you get along after you get married, but Chenxi won¡¯t be as insensible and do those foolish things again, nor will she have too many demands on you. I know that it¡¯s about time for you to have your own child at this age. Both Chenxi and I agree on that. It¡¯s alright if you¡¯re unwilling to be with Chenxi. It doesn¡¯t matter who you choose to be with. Once you have a child, everything of the Zhai family will belong to that child. My only request is that this child must call Chenxi ¡®mom¡¯.¡±

 Chapter 1972 - Impossible

    Chapter 1972 : Impossible

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    As Qi Min said that, she looked at Qiao Nan since her ¡®perfect n¡¯ required Qiao Nan¡¯s agreement and cooperation. If Qiao Nan disagreed, Zhai Sheng would not agree to it either given how much he cared about her.

    Thinking about her daughter¡¯s frail look and frequency of crying these days, Qi Min gritted her teeth and kneeled down before Qiao Nan. ¡°Miss Qiao, I know that it¡¯s very shameless of me to be saying this, but I have no other choice. Chenxi is my daughter. I have no other wishes but for her to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife in name. You guys can do whatever you want in private. Miss Qiao, I hope that you can fulfill the wish of someone who has one foot in the grave.¡±

    What Qi Min meant was that the person who married Zhai Sheng had to be Qiu Chenxi and that Qiu Chenxi would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s legal wife and the chief¡¯s wife. It did not matter if Zhai Sheng gave all of his love and affection to Qiao Nan in private.

    At the very least, Qiu Chenxi would not be alone. If Qiao Nan were to give birth to Zhai Sheng¡¯s child, this child would simply have to address Qiu Chenxi as ¡®mom¡¯. Apart from that, Qi Min did not care about how that child would interact with Qiao Nan, and neither would she make any other requests, much less ask that child to stay by Qiu Chenxi and be raised by Qiu Chenxi.

    1

    In reality, before kneeling down, and even before Qiao Nan had called Zhai Sheng over, Qi Min had already thought of such a n. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would not feel inferior getting married to Zhai Sheng with a background like hers.

    Qiu Chenxi had already said that she could not give birth to children but wanted to have a child by her side, and this child had to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s, no less. If she were to adopt a child that had no rtion to Zhai Sheng, Qiu Chenxi thought that it would be meaningless to raise that child. On the other hand, it would be different if she were to raise Zhai Sheng¡¯s biological child.

    The one who raised a child was more important than the one who gave birth to the child, after all. As long as she held this child within her grasp and shared the same ideas as the child, she would still be able to live as the matriarch of the Zhai family and the mother of that child even if Zhai Sheng did not like her and did not have feelings for her.

    Because of Qiu Chenxi¡¯s desires, Qi Min had finallye up with this solution after a long while. This child had to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s, but Zhai Sheng loved Qiao Nan. Thus, she could give Qiao Nan a sum of money. That way, Zhai Sheng could fulfill his wishes of being with Qiao Nan and she could make Qiao Nan have Zhai Sheng¡¯s child.

    Chenxi might have such a n but Qiao Nan did not. The way ordinary women thought was that as long as a man had only one son, all of the man¡¯s assets would immediately be his son¡¯s. Then, whatever belonged to her son would belong to her too. There was no difference in that.

    She allowed Qiao Nan to have Zhai Sheng¡¯s child and promised that everything in the Zhai family would belong to that child. In that way, Qiao Nan would have no reason to refuse. Moreover, she would even give Qiao Nan a huge sum of money. After giving birth to the child, Qiao Nan could then take the money and move to a better ce.

    Yes, after Qiao Nan gave birth, she would have to leave. If Qiao Nan wanted her money, her requirement would be for Qiao Nan to never see the child again before he came of age.

    Qi Min was worried that the child would no longer be on Qiu Chenxi¡¯s side if Qiao Nan were to meet the child often.

    But Qi Min did not dare to say anything of that manner. She was begging Qiao Nan to leave Zhai Sheng so as to let her daughter take that ce. Besides, looking at how much Zhai Sheng cared about Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng might just get angry if Qiao Nan were to leave after giving birth to the child. Then, he might decide to only raise the child and not marry Qiu Chenxi, ming Qiao Nan¡¯s departure on Qiu Chenxi. What would happen then?

    Qi Min had no other choice and could only humble herself even more. Apart from being the chief¡¯s wife in name, Zhai Sheng could give everything else to Qiao Nan. Neither she nor Qiu Chenxi would care or try to stop him as long as Qiao Nan agreed to it and was willing to let them have their way.

    Of course, Qiao Nan could not ept Qi Min kneeling before her. As such, the moment she saw Qi Min kneel down, Qiao Nan could not stop her, but she could at least move away from the direction Qi Min was facing. ¡°Brother Zhai is right. Qiu Chenxi is indeed your daughter. Without a mother like this, there would never be a daughter like her.¡±

    Qiao Nan had already felt that what had happened in the Qiao family had been ridiculous enough. Who would have known that she had encountered an even more ridiculous thing today? What Qiao Nan could not understand was how her chances of encountering such bizarre situations were so high when others did not encounter these situations even once in their lives! ¡°Brother Zhai is willing to marry me and the Zhai family has already epted me. I can be the Zhai family¡¯s wife legally and publicly. Why should I be a mistress just because of your request?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that only getting your daughter to be Mrs. Zhai in name is the biggest concession you¡¯re making? You seem to be forgetting that I can have everything that you¡¯re asking for. Why would I choose to give up being Mrs. Zhai to be a lowly mistress? How did you evene up with such an idea? How could you even bear to bring it up? Do you really think I¡¯m retarded?¡±

    What Qiao Nan wanted to say was that Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min were probably mentally unsound. Only a fool would agree to such a request.

    Qi Min felt as though she had exhausted all of her remaining dignity by kneeling. She already had once step in the grave, but she had never knelt down before anyone but her parents and her ancestors. Today, however, she had kneeled down before a caretaker who was even younger than her own daughter. This was the greatest shame in Qi Min¡¯s life.

    But she had no other choice since her daughter could not fight for herself. For the sake of her daughter¡¯s happiness, it did not matter even if she had to sacrifice a little of her own dignity. But who would have known that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t make way for her and had even said such humiliating words? Qi Min could no longer hold it in.

    Qi Min looked at Qiao Nan sharply. ¡°Miss Qiao, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re only a caretaker. You should treat me with respect. Be careful that you¡¯re struck by lightning because of that attitude of yours!¡± Even without Qiu Qin¡¯s help, it would be easy for her to deal with Qiao Nan.

    1

    She had wanted to have a discussion with Qiao Nan not because she was afraid of Qiao Nan, but because she did not want Zhai Sheng¡¯s impression of her daughter to get any worse, turning something that was almost impossible into truly impossible.

 Chapter 1973 - Ridiculous

    <h4>Chapter 1973: Ridiculous</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If not for Zhai Sheng standing in the way, she could have finished off someone like Qiao Nan with her words.

    If Qiao Nan thought that she could put on airs in front of her, she was horribly wrong.

    ¡°Natural disasters can¡¯t be avoided, but man-made ones can.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice was low. ¡°You¡¯ve been living in Ping Cheng. Haven¡¯t you heard anything? Everything of the Qiu family has already been reimed by the state. Perhaps, you missed it because you made a trip down here today.¡±

    A starving camel is still bigger than a horse, butparing her family¡¯s power with the Zhai family¡¯s was trulyughable.

    He knew that Qiu Qin was dishonest, but he had never expected Qiu Qin to be dishonest to such an extent. If they really wanted to find out about everything that Qiu Qin had done, merely taking away his privileges as an old cadre was already letting him off easily. As long as they had evidence of the money that Qiu Qin had been bribed with and embezzled, it did not mean that Qiu Qin could escape punishment just because he had spent that sum of money.

    In short, the government had confiscated everything that Qiu Qin owned, including thatrge house Qi Min had been living in.

    People? Qi Min would never find anyone willing to ¡®help¡¯ her. Rats leave a sinking ship, after all. Everyone would try their best to avoid the Qiu family as much as possible for fear that they might be misunderstood for having been involved in the Qiu family¡¯s shady dealings due to their close rtionship. Helping the Qiu family? They were already kind enough by not treating the Qiu family as jinxes.

    The Qiu family had lost its power and its assets had been confiscated. That meant that Qi Min had neither power nor money. Was it not ridiculous how a seventy-year-old olddy was talking about torturing a forty-year-old junior to death?

    Qi Min shuddered. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I mean? If you don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying, I wouldn¡¯t mind you making a call to check on the Qiu family¡¯s situation. Qiu Chenxi should still be in Ping Cheng, so she should be able to tell you about the situation.¡± When Nan Nan made a call to him, saying that the Qiu family had turned up at her door, he was confused about why the Qiu family was not concerned about their own situation and could even be bothered to look for Nan Nan at such a time.

    That could only mean that the Qiu family got into trouble very shortly after Qi Min left.

    Qi Min might be old, but that did not mean that she was so confused that she did not understand what Zhai Sheng meant. She had always known that Qiu Qin was useless and had not even been able to keep his pension as an old cadre. That was why he had let out all of his anger on her and Chenxi and had left to live with that vixen and his illegitimate child.

    But Qi Min did not believe that the Qiu family would fall so easily and so thoroughly just like that. If all of the Qiu family¡¯s assets were really confiscated, where would she and Chenxi live? Besides, would they only confiscate what the Qiu family had on the surface? What about whatever that vixen and that illegitimate son of Qiu Qin had?

    Qi Min was clearly in an agitated state, her hand trembling while holding her phone. It seemed as though that phone might just drop to the ground at any moment. Any impatient person who witnessed the scene would have grabbed the phone over from Qi Min to make the phone call on her behalf.

    ¡°Hello...¡± Qi Min asked unsteadily. ¡°Is this Chenxi?¡±

    Qi Min had not finished her sentence before she heard a cacophony of noises from the other end of the phone. She could even make out the sound of someone crying. These cries were not unfamiliar. In fact, Qi Min was very familiar with the sound of this cry. What was different was that every time she heard this sound, that voice was always very happy, especially when that person was in front of her, since that person was younger than her and was able to capture Qiu Qin¡¯s heart better than her. This woman was none other than Qiu Qin¡¯s mistress who had even given birth to his son.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Qiu Chenxi¡¯s voice sounded a little numb as though she had lost the ability to think or feel. ¡°Mom, where are you? Come back. I¡¯ve thought it through. I won¡¯t get married. Mom, let¡¯s go to the orphanage and adopt a child. In the future, the three of us will live together. We won¡¯t need anyone else.¡±

    Just within a few hours, Qiu Chenxi hadpletely given up on Zhai Sheng. What made Qiu Chenxi lose all hope was her own biological father, and not Zhai Sheng himself. That was the most ridiculous part.

    She nced at the sobbing woman who looked not much older than herself, then at the tall and muscr young man who should have only been a few years older than her child. Then, Qiu Chenxi continued. ¡°Mom,e back. In the future, I¡¯ll support you. Let¡¯s lead good lives with just the three of us.¡±

    She did not care about how others would live their lives.

    ¡°Chenxi?¡± Qi Min was all too clear about how desperately her daughter wanted to get back together with Zhai Sheng. It was exactly because of this that Qi Min could not understand why her daughter had suddenly changed her mind. Shouldn¡¯t Qiu Chenxi¡¯s desire to get back into the Zhai family increase as the Qiu family¡¯s situation worsened? Why was it the exact opposite? Had the Zhai family done something to Chenxi?

    Qiu Chenxiughed self-deprecatingly as though she knew that Qi Min had some ideas running through her mind. ¡°My dad found out that his daughter is still rather useful at critical moments like this. As long as I get remarried to Zhai Sheng, his son will be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw. No matter how much the Qiu family loses today, they¡¯ll be able to recover even more tomorrow. Mom, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s just ridiculous? Mom, after you return, get a divorce from my dad, and don¡¯t let him take advantage of you. He has a mistress and has evenmitted the crime of bigamy.¡±

    Qiu Chenxi had always been an extremely selfish person. The only reason she had wanted to reconcile with Zhai Sheng was for the sake of her own pride and afortable future. It was never for the sake of a certain someone in the Qiu family.

    Upon finding out that Qiu Qin had another family and another son outside, Qiu Chenxi had already lost all feelings for her father, Qiu Qin. Initially, it had already been difficult to get back together with Zhai Sheng. But today, as the Qiu family was losing everything, Qiu Qin had brought his mistress and their illegitimate son to the Qiu family¡¯s house, asking her to take good care of her brother! For the first time, Qiu Chenxi realized how Qiao Nan must have felt when she had gone to find her.

    It was truly ridiculous!

    How could she have wanted to reconcile with Zhai Sheng to benefit others, especially that bast*rd that she hated the most? That would even benefit that mistress!

 Chapter 1974 - Send Her Back

    <h4>Chapter 1974: Send Her Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Then, she thought again about how Qiu Qin had exposed the fact that she was barren in front of that woman¡¯s family and how he had dered that her brother¡¯s child was also her child.

    Even if she could not have her own children, her brother would send his own children over to her for her to raise them once she got back together with Zhai Sheng so that she would not have to worry about growing old alone.

    Bah!

    Qiu Chenxi did not believe a single word of Qiu Qin and felt that his words were ironic. Instead of an adopted child, she had to raise a child with blood ties to Zhai Sheng to feel as though her status in the Zhai family was secure. In that case, could she possibly bring that shameless bast*rd son who addressed her as his auntie to enjoy life in the Zhai family?

    At that very moment, Qiu Chenxi lost all will to fight because of Qiu Qin¡¯s words.

    Qiu Chenxi would never let her hard work benefit others. The only reason she had wanted to reconcile with Zhai Sheng was to take advantage of the Zhai family¡¯s power to teach her cheating father, that mistress, and her son a lesson. If her marriage benefited the people whom she wanted to lecture the most, that would be utterly ridiculous.

    Thankfully, the events that followed made Qiu Chenxi feel relieved. After Qiu Qin found himself a mistress, Qiu Qin had been the one forking out the money for all of her expenses. Initially, everything had been under that woman¡¯s name and everything had been fine. But for some unknown reason, everything had suddenly been transferred to their son.

    That son¡¯s job had also been arranged by Qiu Qin. Now that Qiu Qin was in trouble, his son was not spared either, and however much he had gained due to his father, they were all taken away. Naturally, all of the assets that Qiu Qin¡¯s son owned were confiscated as well.

    Because he had lost that family, Qiu Qin had no choice but to bring his true love, son, and grandson back to the Qiu family¡¯s house, instructing Qiu Chenxi to get along well with her brother¡¯s family and to treat that ¡®auntie¡¯ like her own mother. From today on, they would have a family reunion and stay under the same roof.

    But just as Qiu Qin finished his words, the inspectors arrived at the Qiu family¡¯s house. Earlier, they had confiscated the son¡¯s everything. Now, they were there to confiscate all of Qiu Qin¡¯s assets. They had to conduct their affairs systematically. They were not going to leave anyone out.

    Qiu Qin had been retired for a few years and had handed everything in his career over to his son. What Qiu Qin had done in the past was exactly what his son continued to do. As such, the government was simply getting rid of those in power early on so that they would not do even more harm to the country, its people, and the government in the future. After cleaning up the younger one¡¯s affairs, they naturally had to settle their ounts with the older one so that they would both cough up whatever they owed the country and the people.

    Such a huge incident had just happened in their family, yet her daughter was still able to speak with her calmly. Moreover, what she had just said was simply shocking that Qi Min was scared stiff. ¡°Chenxi, are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m very awake. I don¡¯t think my mind has been clearer. Mom,e back....¡± Before Qiu Chenxi couldplete her sentence, there was a deafening noise at the other end of the phone call. Qiu Qin seemed to have heard what Qiu Chenxi had told Qi Min and had scolded Qiu Chenxi for being unfilial for abandoning her father and younger brother, wanting only to support Qi Min. What she heard seemed to be a p.

    Because she could only hear but not see what was going on, Qi Min¡¯s expression turned pale. She could not be sure of who had delivered the blow and who the victim was.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She did not know what was going on, but she could guess that the Qiu family¡¯s situation did not seem very optimistic. In her dream, Qiu Qin was someone who hadmitted treason by stealing and selling the country¡¯s confidential documents. Thankfully, the police had managed to catch Qiu Qin in time and retrieve the documents before any real damage was done.

    The problem was that no one might have noticed that in this lifetime. Qiao Nan did not even dare to think about how much damage Qiu Qin could have done toward the country and the people in the decades that he had been working.

    Now that he was exposed, they would simply lump everything together to settle the ounts. Given Qiu Qin¡¯s age, even if he would not get caned, he would never live to see another day outside jail.

    Qi Min did not seem to be in a good state, and Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng awkwardly. Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan, trying tofort her. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to send her back.¡± It was true. Qi Min was advanced in age, and it was alreadyte at night. Zhai Sheng would never let Qi Min return alone.

    But Zhai Sheng had never expected Qiu Chenxi, who had been making such a din, to have agreed so unhesitatingly to disappear from his sight in the future just because of Qiu Qin. He had thought that Qiu Chenxi would definitely turn up in front of him, crying and making a fuss because of Qiu Qin¡¯s situation. She might even beg Zhai Sheng to help settle Qiu Qin¡¯s matter.

    Now, it seemed that Qiu Chenxi did not have much of a rtionship with her father, Qiu Qin, anymore.

    After sending Qi Min off, Qiao Nan finally breathed a sigh of relief. Qiao Nan had experience dealing with Qiu Chenxi, but not Qi Min. ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s not early anymore. You¡¯d better go back and get some rest.¡±

    ¡°Are you kicking me to the curb now that you don¡¯t need me anymore?¡± Zhai Sheng asked coldly. She was trying to kick him out now that he had just solved her problem. He had not even had time to drink the cup of tea that Nan Nan had prepared for him earlier.

    Qiao Nan blushed but did not admit to it. ¡°Since when have I done that? Was I the one who invited this trouble over?¡± But she had to admit that Qiu Chenxi¡¯s and Qi Min¡¯s brains were wired quite differently. It was not as if Qiu Chenxi was the only woman left in the world. How desperate would Zhai Sheng have to be before agreeing to reconcile with Qiu Chenxi?

    It was impossible between the two of them. Even a normal outsider knew that. The first person that Qiu Chenxi had to eliminate from her list if she wanted to get married was Zhai Sheng!

    Zhai Sheng frowned, thinking that it was not his fault that this troublesome mother-daughter pair caused trouble either. Truthfully speaking, it was his father who had brought this trouble to them. He was simply taking on this responsibility on his father¡¯s behalf. ¡°Didn¡¯t we say that you¡¯re moving to my house? Let¡¯s leave together. Have you finished packing?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was serious about Qiao Nan moving to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min might no longer be a problem, but who was to say that they would not cause any more trouble for them? Before the New Year, had a man note knocking on her door previously?

 Chapter 1975 - Settling Together

    <h4>Chapter 1975: Settling Together</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°We¡¯re really moving?¡± Qiao Nan took things as they were. She felt depressed that Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi kept troubling her. However, they were gone now, and it didn¡¯t seem that they would be returning in the future. Qiao Nan felt a littlezy to move house. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s nothing much now. It¡¯s inappropriate for me to move over now.¡±

    Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re still hesitating? Haven¡¯t you thought it through? I¡¯ve even typed the marriage report out. If you regret it now, it¡¯s the same as you being a hooligan.¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed even more as she leaned in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°No hesitation, no regrets. I just feel that our rtionship hasn¡¯t reached that stage yet, so it¡¯s inappropriate for us to live together.¡± The main point was that people could easily gossip. If such gossip could be avoided, then there¡¯s nothing wrong with wanting to listen to it less.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re not regretting it or hesitating, what are you saying so much for? Just move in. I believe in your actions more.¡± Zhai Sheng was a decisive person. He never cared about other people¡¯s gossip. He understood that even if Qiao Nan was a perfect person, there would still be gossip when the two of them were going to be together.

    This was unavoidable. Why should he sacrifice his happy times because of outsiders¡¯ opinions? ¡°Your room¡¯s there, right? It seems like you haven¡¯t finished packing. Let me help you. I normally pack luggage quickly. Take a seat outside and drink that cup of tea. Give me five minutes. I promise to help you pack your luggage. We¡¯ll return together.¡±

    Since Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t taking the initiative, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t mind being more proactive. He was a big man. He should be taking the initiative. Furthermore, for a heavier task like packing luggage, Qiao Nan should indeed sit down, rest, and have a cup of tea. He should do it.

    As he finished his words, Zhai Sheng moved quickly into Qiao Nan¡¯s room. He dragged out the big suitcase that Qiao Nan ced in the corner, opened the closet, and started working.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a lot of clothes. Even if she had left the Qiao family and lived alone, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t add too many clothes for herself. It was because of Miao Jing¡¯s insistence when she went to Ping Cheng this time that Qiao Nan added a few more new clothes. Qiao Nan had little clothes and Zhai Sheng moved fast enough. When Qiao Nan recovered herself and wanted to stop Zhai Sheng, the suitcase was already one-third filled.

    Qiao Nan stopped Zhai Sheng in a flurry. ¡°There¡¯s no need to. I can do it myself. Go and have a drink outside. I¡¯ll pack my luggage quickly.¡± The clothes in the closet were already half empty.

    After packing the clothes, he would be pulling out the underwear from the drawers next. Upon thinking about these intimate items, how would Qiao Nan dare to say that she didn¡¯t want to pack her luggage? It was already not bad if she could put these items into her suitcase with her own hands.

    It was a pity that Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and feet were not as quick as Zhai Sheng¡¯s. When Qiao Nan grabbed the remaining coats from the closet, Zhai Sheng had already pulled out the drawers without a word. With a nonchnt look, he ced the neatly folded pile of underwear into the suitcase.

    Qiao Nan could feel smoke rising from her head. Especially when she saw her underwear in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands, Qiao Nan felt that she could consider dying. ¡°Brother Zhai, I really don¡¯t need your help. I can do it myself. Go out and rest. Give me five minutes. I¡¯ll be done soon.¡±

    This time, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t give Zhai Sheng the opportunity to refuse. She stood between Zhai Sheng and the cab so that Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t get close to it and reach out for the clothes again. She also ced both hands on Zhai Sheng and kept pushing him outside.

    How would Zhai Sheng pay attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s strength? As long as Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t willing to, it was impossible for Qiao Nan to even get him to move a step, let alone being pushed outside.

    It was just that one must know their limits. Furthermore, Qiao Nan had already promised to move to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. Since he had already obtained the result he wanted, he should slow down his attacking speed.

    After leaving Qiao Nan¡¯s room obediently, Zhai Sheng sat down and drank a ss of water. Not a single drop was left. After drinking water, Zhai Sheng still felt thirsty. However, he lowered his head and reached out his hand. He seemed to be measuring something. ¡°So, were they that small?¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t forget the feeling when he had those silky fabrics in his hands. In fact, his heart suffered quite a bit of agitation. Zhai Sheng was embarrassed to show it in front of Qiao Nan just now. Now that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t around, the action of Zhai Sheng reaching out his hand and squeezing it in midair seemed a little awkward.

    When Qiao Nan finished packing and walked out with her luggage, she was still blushing. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m done.¡± Initially, Qiao Nan still wanted to dawdle in her room. She felt quite shy to look Zhai Sheng in the eye now.

    However, based on Zhai Sheng¡¯s performance just now, Qiao Nan was worried that if she was slower, Zhai Sheng was going toe in and take the initiative to pack her luggage again. Upon thinking of that extremely embarrassing moment when Zhai Sheng held her underwear in his hands, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any further thoughts. How would she dare to y any tricks?

    Zhai Sheng cleared his throat and stood up. ¡°Let me take your luggage.¡± Zhai Sheng took her suitcase in one hand and held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand with the other. The couple left side by side.

    Xiao Xu had been waiting in the car. Upon seeing that Qiao Nan really walked out with Zhai Sheng, he smiled heartily. ¡°Sister Qiao, should I address you as Madam Zhai now?¡± He shouldn¡¯t be addressing her wrongly now, right? She was going to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi soon. It would be too overboard if she didn¡¯t let him address her as Madam Zhai.

    Qiao Nan felt a headache. ¡°Don¡¯t rush to call me that. I¡¯m fine if you want to call me Sister Qiao or Auntie Qiao.¡± She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to be addressed differently. Please let her deceive herself a while more.

    ¡°Is something troubling you?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s look of deep thoughts attracted Zhai Sheng¡¯s attention. ¡°Weren¡¯t you alright a few days ago?¡± Nan Nan¡¯s performance today seemed to be back to how it was a few months ago. She was more sensitive now.

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. ¡°Even if there is something, I can¡¯t hide it from you. Let¡¯s talk again when we¡¯re home.¡± Xiao Xu was around now. It wasn¡¯t convenient for Qiao Nan to mention the Qiao family¡¯s situation. She didn¡¯t want Xiao Xu to listen to a joke.

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan by the shoulder so that she leaned in his arms. He was telling Qiao Nan silently that she shouldn¡¯t feel embarrassed no matter what happened. He would always be by her side and apany her to resolve the issue.

 Chapter 1976 - Something Happened to Jiajia

    <h4>Chapter 1976: Something Happened to Jiajia</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This time, Qiao Nan was moving into the Zhai family¡¯s old vi as half the owner. She felt different. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s room was unchanged. After all, they weren¡¯t married yet. There wasn¡¯t a need for them to stay in the same room before getting married. Thankfully, when Qiao Nan was living in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi before, her room was just next to Zhai Sheng¡¯s. Now that Qiao Nan was moving in, of course her room would remain the same.

    On the way back, Xiao Xu gave Sister Zhao a call and asked her to clean up the room Qiao Nan previously lived in. Sister Zhao said that she had always been cleaning Qiao Nan¡¯s room. Even her quilt was exposed to the sun in the day. She guaranteed that there would be no problem.

    Upon hearing Sister Zhao say this, Xiao Xu becamepletely relieved.

    Sister Zhao diligently brought water and fruits into Qiao Nan¡¯s room. From the corners of her eyes, she saw Zhai Sheng standing next to Qiao Nan all the time like her protector. Sister Zhao understood it more in her heart now. ¡°Sister Qiao, if there¡¯s anything missing, remember to let me know.¡±

    Even though Sister Qiao might be more familiar with this house than her, her identity was different now. When Sister Qiao returned this time, she was going to be the mistress of the house and her master.

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken a look. Everything¡¯splete. Thanks for your hard work, Xiao Zhao.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She could tell that someone had been cleaning up her room all this while. Even before sitting on the bed, she could faintly feel the warmth and dryness of the room from the sun.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get going first.¡± Sister Zhao didn¡¯t forget her identity. After doing what she was supposed to do, how would she dare to continue staying and prevent her owners from dating?

    Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan and sat down. ¡°You can tell me now, right? Aside from Qi Min, did you run into anything else?¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed. She initially didn¡¯t want to say this. However, Qiao Nan felt that she should say this now. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua called me. The Qiao family already knows that I had been living in Qingshui Town. Thendyter told me that there was a mother-daughter pair from Ping Cheng who came to find me yesterday. Brother Zhai, you should understand, and you should be able to tell that the Qiao family isn¡¯t nning to just let me off like that. There¡¯re four people in the Qiao family. However, the only one who¡¯s capable of earning money is me. They are still expecting to count on me to provide a living for them. They want me to work hard so that they can lead a good life.¡±

    Qiao Nan understood this very clearly.

    She hadn¡¯t outlived her usefulness yet. If she still had something of value, how would Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin be willing to let her off?

    Zhai Sheng narrowed his eyes. ¡°So it¡¯s regarding this. Before deciding to be together with you, I¡¯ve long known about your family situation. I still want to marry you regardless. This means that I¡¯ve long considered it carefully. From a legal or human perspective, children have the obligation and responsibility to support their parents. However, there¡¯s no reason to provide for them together with your sister. Even if you are providing for your parents, they can¡¯t demand everything. Rest assured. No matter how unreasonable the Qiao family is or how much they kick up a fuss, it doesn¡¯t mean that everyone is obliged to indulge them.¡±

    More importantly, he and the Zhai family would provide support to Nan Nan. They wouldn¡¯t let her be controlled without limits by the Qiao family anymore. Yes, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t willing to use the term ¡®family¡¯ to describe the Qiao family.

    At this time, both Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan thought that the main reason why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin came all the way to Qingshui Town to find Qiao Nan was the money in her pockets. When they found out that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin even nned for Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun, be Chen Feng¡¯s stepmother, help Qiao Zijin keep an eye on the Chen family¡¯s inheritance so that it could be handed to Chen Fengpletely in the future, and do all the hard work for Qiao Zijin so that when everything in the Chen family became Chen Feng¡¯s in the future, she could return the position to Qiao Zijin, both of them knew that not only was the Qiao family¡¯s mindset absurd, but also very scary.

    Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi couldn¡¯t think as much as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Zhai Yaohui initially nned for Zhai Sheng to bring Qiao Nan back to Ping Cheng so that the Zhai family could hold a wedding banquet for the couple. However, an unexpected incident disrupted Zhai Yaohui¡¯s original n such that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had to return to Ping Cheng in a rush ahead of schedule.

    When Qiao Nan met the Zhai family again, it was in a hospital. Seeing that the Zhai family didn¡¯t look good, Qiao Nan stepped forward and walked next to Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, why did Jiajia get into a car ident out of the blue?¡±

    Hatred shed in Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s all Wei De¡¯s fault. It¡¯s fine that he doesn¡¯t cherish a daughter after having a son. But he even wanted to kill Jiajia!¡± If not for Wei De finding Jiajia at school and pestering her on the main road, how could Jiajia have been knocked down by a car?

    What made Zhai Hua infuriated was that everything was just an ident. Wei De didn¡¯t do this on purpose, and he was Jiajia¡¯s father. Even if this matter was investigated, Wei De didn¡¯t need to bear any legal responsibility. Upon thinking that her daughter was still in the operating theatre receiving treatment but nothing was happening to the culprit, Wei De, who caused all of this, Zhai Hua wished she had a gun beside her so that she could rush over and kill Wei De.

    If thew couldn¡¯t punish Wei De, then she would do it!

    Seeing the hatred in Zhai Hua¡¯s bloodshot eyes, Qiao Nan could only continue tofort Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be too worried. Jiajia is a good child. Nothing will happen to her.¡±

    Didn¡¯t the call say that although Jiajia ran into a car ident, her condition wasn¡¯t too serious? The other party was driving carefully and not at a fast speed. Moreover, after Jiajia was knocked down, the car owner immediately sent Jiajia to the hospital and also contacted Jiajia¡¯s family.

    Jiajia wasn¡¯t the Qiao Zijin in her dreams. As such, Qiao Nan believed that nothing bad would happen to an obedient child like Jiajia.

    Indeed, within half an hour after Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Jiajia¡¯s operation was over. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The patient¡¯s operation was very sessful. Thankfully, that car wasn¡¯t speeding and the patient¡¯s injury was quite minor. Except for a slight fracture in some ces, no internal organs were injured. The patient is young and has a fast metabolism. I believe her recovery speed wouldn¡¯t be too slow.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, doctor.¡± Upon hearing that his granddaughter was fine, Zhai Yaohui hugged the frightened Miao Jing and thanked the doctor.

    The doctor knew Zhai Yaohui¡¯s identity. How would he dare to ept the old chief¡¯s word of thanks? However, being thanked by the old chief undeniably made the doctor feel very proud.

 Chapter 1977 - The Appearance of Tian Dong

    <h4>Chapter 1977: The Appearance of Tian Dong</h4>

    After sharing some points to take note of, the doctor left and continued his work.

    Once Jiajia was pushed out, Zhai Hua rushed forward. ¡°Jiajia, don¡¯t be afraid. Mom¡¯s here. Mom¡¯s here with you.¡±

    Jiajia had already gained a little consciousness, but the anesthetic had not worn offpletely yet. She only knew that her mom was by her side. As such, she shouted ¡®mom¡¯ a few times vaguely and didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Seeing that her originally lively and healthy daughter was lying in bed sickly and had some serious bruises and swellings on her body, Zhai Hua felt extreme heartache. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill Wei De, that beast.¡± On ount of Jiajia, she didn¡¯t settle scores with Wei De and only let him lead a life that he wished he was better off dead. That was her biggest mistake.

    If not for her being too softhearted, how would Wei De have the chance to harm her Jiajia again?

    Zhai Sheng grabbed Zhai Hua. ¡°You¡¯re already a mother. How are you still so impulsive? How can you not think before speaking? Let¡¯s not talk about you killing Wei De. Even if you just cripple him, you might arrogantly think that you have helped Jiajia avenge her. The next second, Jiajia would immediately lose a father and have a mother who¡¯s in jail. Did Jiajia owe you in her previous life? Must you, her mother, torture her like that as well?¡±

    ¡°Then, what should I do? Should I just let this go and benefit that beast?¡± She was unwilling to take this lying down!

    ...

    Zhai Sheng was silent for a while. In the past, the Zhai family was really polite to Wei De for Jiajia¡¯s sake. They only made Wei De lose everything that he had gained from relying on Zhai Hua and didn¡¯t drive him to a corner. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t have ways to deal with Wei De or teach him a lesson.

    After Wei De caused Jiajia to be in a car ident and hospitalized, even if it was for Jiajia, this matter could no longer be left alone. It was just that they were in the hospital now and not their own home. Some things could be done, but some words couldn¡¯t be said outside. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m Jiajia¡¯s uncle. Of course I will care about Jiajia¡¯s matters and give the both of you an exnation.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was not surprised not to see Wei De in the hospital. Wei De was an irresponsible man to begin with. Jiajia wasn¡¯t Wei De¡¯s only child and wasn¡¯t a boy. Wei De¡¯s feelings for Jiajia were just like that. If Wei De dared to stay in the hospital at this time, he would definitely be beaten up severely by the Zhai family.

    Anyone with a brain could imagine these situations.

    In reality, Wei De wasn¡¯t afraid of being beaten up. He was still worried that he wouldn¡¯t have a chance to be beaten up and use the tactic of self-torture to gain pity. If the Zhai family beat him up but was still unwilling to forgive him and give him another chance, then he would really be disadvantaged.

    Wei De was in a terrible situation now. He had no money, no power, and no one. It was very difficult for him to continue living in Ping Cheng. If he got beaten up for nothing and the Zhai family wasn¡¯t appeased, he might end up being unable to work anymore and having to spend a lot of money in the hospital. Wei De knew that even if he was hospitalized for the first day, he would have to be discharged the next day. Who asked him to have no money?

    His health and the money in his pockets determined how long he could continue living in Ping Cheng and how much time he had for Zhai Hua and Jiajia to change their minds and ept him again. Wei De didn¡¯t dare to risk making losses. As such, it wasn¡¯t that he was reluctant. He just felt that he stood little chance of winning and might lose badly instead. That would not be worthwhile.

    Wei De became smart. However, the Zhai family became more silent now.

    Seeing that even Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t talking now, Zhai Hua was nearly angered to tears. The sins she had created were nothing. No matter how much she fell, she would always tell herself that she deserved it! Who asked her to be blind that year? Everyone told her that Wei De wasn¡¯t good and was unreliable. She would rather believe an outsider than her family. Not only was she blind but also deaf. If she wasn¡¯t unlucky, who else would be? Wei De was too much of a scumbag that she had to wonder who else was as stupid as her to be scammed by him.

    As such, no matter how painful her heart was, Zhai Hua had nothing else to say. However, she couldn¡¯t tolerate the fact that her willfulness in her youth had caused so much pain to her only daughter. The child was innocent. Didn¡¯t Wei De have even the most basic instinct as a father to protect his child?

    Even a vicious tiger wouldn¡¯t eat its cubs. Wei De wasn¡¯t evenparable to a beast!

    The previously silent Qiao Nan asked, ¡°After all, this involves a car ident. The police would have filed a record, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s more troublesome to hold someone ountable for this matter. However, it doesn¡¯t mean that we can¡¯t ask for a statement. Wei De¡¯s inappropriateness caused Jiajia to be in a car ident. Moreover, he hasn¡¯t appeared to see Jiajia until now. This is the truth. Although the court decided to give Jiajia to us back then, it didn¡¯t deprive Wei De of the right to see Jiajia. However, based on the incident today, I feel that in this regard, there is room for further negotiation.¡±

    As long as Wei De was deprived of the right to see Jiajia, the chances of Wei Deing into contact with Jiajia would be greatly reduced. At least in school, even if they heard that Wei De is Jiajia¡¯s father, they could reject Wei De¡¯s request to see Jiajia. No matter how one looked at it, since it was based on the court¡¯s ruling, at least public opinion wouldn¡¯t cause too much harm to Jiajia.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°Can that be done?¡± It wasn¡¯t too bad if Wei De couldn¡¯t see Jiajia again in the future.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this.¡± Zhai Sheng expressed that it was certainly possible. Even if it wasn¡¯t, it had to be. Jiajia was already hospitalized after being in a car ident. Wei De, as a father, didn¡¯t do anything. He still wanted to see Jiajia in the future? In his dreams!

    ¡°Is the child alright?¡± At this moment, a male voice suddenly interjected. Qiao Nan looked back and was so shocked that she couldn¡¯t recover herself.

    ¡°No worries. Thank you.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s tone was not bad when he saw the man, even though he was the car owner who knocked down Jiajia. However, if not for Wei De¡¯s harassment, which forced Jiajia to avoid him in a panic, the car owner wouldn¡¯t have encountered such a bad thing.

    Not to mention that after Jiajia was knocked down, the car owner had immediately sent her to the hospital. The sooner the car owner sent Jiajia to the hospital, the more helpful it was for Jiajia to receive better treatment. As luck would have it, the car owner was an ¡®acquaintance¡¯ of the Zhai family.

    Tian Dong shook his head. ¡°After all, I was the one who knocked her down. All is good as long as the child¡¯s fine.¡± Upon thinking of how Jiajia¡¯s body was covered with blood, Tian Dong felt heartache for her.

 Chapter 1978 - They Had Known EaChapter Other Since They Were Young

    <h4>Chapter 1978: They Had Known Each Other Since They Were Young</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He didn¡¯t expect this girl to be Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter. She didn¡¯t look like Zhai Hua. Perhaps she looked more like her father.

    Upon seeing Tian Dong again, Qiao Nan was shocked. Compared to the Tian Dong in her dreams, Tian Dong in reality seemed to be colder. His suit and cold eyebrows revealed that Tian Dong was a cold and difficult person to approach. Tian Dong¡¯s coldness and Zhai Sheng¡¯s coldness feltpletely different.

    Zhai Sheng had a sense of military might. On the other hand, Tian Dong had apelling sense of decisiveness and restraint.

    The Tian Dong in her dreams was a sessful businessman, so much so that he could make Qiao Nan rich as well. In themercial world that was full of sudden and perplexing changes, Tian Dong, as a returning Chinese businessman, could firmly upy the market and be a leader. This proved that even if it was in a dream, Tian Dong was never a weak junior who could be easily bullied.

    However, no matter how shepared, the Tian Dong in her dreams was more approachable than the Tian Dong in reality.

    As Qiao Nan sized Tian Dong up, Tian Dong simrly noticed Qiao Nan¡¯s presence. Tian Dong was actually quite ¡®familiar¡¯ with the Zhai family. However, only Qiao Nan was quite foreign to him. Perhaps he knew of Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation as he smiled at him and asked, ¡°When are you going to invite me to your wedding banquet?¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter got into a car ident. Apart from Zhai Sheng¡¯s other half, Tian Dong couldn¡¯t think of another person who could stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side now and care about Jiajia¡¯s situation together with the Zhai family.

    ¡°A monthter.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t rebut him. ¡°If you want to attend the wedding banquet, you have to give me your address, right? How long are you staying in the country for? When are you going back?¡± The Tian family had been developing abroad. Apart from the year when Old Tian passed away that Tian Dong and his family returned to the country for a month, they were always overseas. ¡°If you¡¯re in a rush, you might really not be able to attend my wedding banquet.¡±

    Tian Dong frowned. ¡°A month? No matter what, I¡¯ll think of ways to attend your wedding banquet.¡± Tian Dong returned to the country only for business. Now that the country was getting more developed, Tian Dong felt that his business could get a foothold here. For convenience¡¯s sake, not only did Tian Dong buy a car in Ping Cheng but also a house.

    Initially, the Tian family had a house in Ping Cheng. Everyone thought that since the Tian family went abroad when Tian Dong was a child, they would have sold their house in Ping Cheng. However, the Tian family didn¡¯t do so.

    It wasn¡¯t until Tian Dong was thirty-five years old that he returned to the country for the first time to intervene in business. That was when Tian Dong sold the Tian family¡¯s house. In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed. Tian Dong didn¡¯t seem to have any intention to buy back the Tian family¡¯s house. Instead, like an ordinary person, he bought a big house in a district with good security to act as his temporary lodging when he returned to the country for business.

    Tian Dong wrote down his address for Zhai Sheng. ¡°I¡¯m staying here now. My number¡¯s below. We can keep in contact more if there are opportunities in the future.¡±

    The Tian family did business, whereas the Zhais were officials. If the Tian family¡¯s business could receive a little care from the Zhai family, their journey would definitely be smooth sailing. Even if they couldn¡¯t get the care of the Zhai family, it would definitely not be wrong for the Tian family to have a good rtionship with the Zhai family.

    Zhai Sheng received Tian Dong¡¯s paper. ¡°What happened today has caused you quite a lot of trouble as well. We will keep in contact in the future.¡±

    After chatting casually with Zhai Sheng and greeting the rest of the Zhai family simply, Tian Dong left. He was very polite throughout. However, it seemed that he wasn¡¯t particrly close to the Zhai family.

    After Tian Dong left, Miao Jing, who had been leaning against Zhai Yaohui, suddenly sighed loudly. As for the reason, aside from Miao Jing herself, only Zhai Yaohui, her husband, would understand.

    After a long time, Zhai Hua suddenly said, ¡°Damn. Dongzi left just like that? I didn¡¯t expect Dongzi, who was quieter than a girl when he was young, to be taller than Zhai Sheng after growing up. I really can¡¯t tell. We were all childhood ymates. How could he leave without saying hello to me? That¡¯s too unjust!¡±

    She suddenly saw her childhood ymate, and her daughter got into a car ident. Zhai Hua was distracted and her IQ wascking. She was especially agitated when she saw the childhood ymate who was often bullied to tears by her had grown up into a man she had to look up at. She always thought that even if they were to meet a thousand yearster, Tian Dong should be as weak as when he was young and needed someone to protect him.

    Unexpectedly, when they met again when they were middle-aged, even if Tian Dong didn¡¯t say anything to her and was just standing at the side quietly, she actually felt the pressure?!

    Upon thinking about the pressure, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart raced. ¡°What did Dongzi eat overseas? He¡¯s so tall now. Did he get hormonal shots?!¡± He must have resorted to unspeakable means. Otherwise, how would Dongzi grow up to be so manly? His figure was no worse than an army veteran!

    Seeing that after her daughter met a man like Wei De, she still had such a normal reaction when seeing other men, Miao Jing could only sigh heavily.

    ¡°Dad, Mom. I¡¯m going to see Jiajia.¡± Zhai Hua paid attention to Tian Dong only for a few seconds. In her heart, only Jiajia was the most important. Thankfully, Jiajia¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t serious. The doctor said that she could be discharged from the hospital not too longter. Otherwise, Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t be able to have such a reaction even if the emperor was here, let alone Tian Dong¡¯s appearance today.

    Miao Jing nodded. ¡°Go and apany Jiajia. She must be frightened by what happened today. I¡¯ll get the auntie to give Jiajia more supplements.¡± Jiajia was growing up. Now that she was injured, how else would she be able to keep her body well if not for supplements?

    To the Zhai family, Tian Dong¡¯s appearance was just a small episode. However, for Qiao Nan, Tian Dong¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t that simple. It was just that she was hiding a lot of words in her heart. It wasn¡¯t convenient for her to tell anyone, so she could only hold them back in silence.

    After returning to the Zhai family, Zhai Sheng pulled Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and wanted to have a private conversation with her. ¡°You know Dongzi?¡± Nan Nan¡¯s reaction when she saw Dongzi today was quite different.

    Qiao Nan froze before shaking her head to deny. ¡°No. I saw him for the first time today. I just find it strange. I didn¡¯t expect Sister Zhai Hua to know such an outstanding man. You¡¯ve known each other since you were young. Is he on good terms with Sister Zhai Hua?¡±

    ¡°It could be considered that we¡¯ve known each other since we were young. However, their family went abroad within a few years. Dongzi grew up overseas. Their rtionship? They had a good time ying with each other back then.¡±

    Back then, everyone was young and knew nothing but having fun.

 Chapter 1979 - Decision

    <h4>Chapter 1979: Decision</h4>

    Zhai Sheng could sense that what Qiao Nan meant to ask was not about a tonic rtionship between those two. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Zhai Hua may be divorced, but she still has Jiajia by her side. Getting married and having children aren¡¯t her only way out.¡±

    Zhai Sheng himself had gone through an undesirable marriage. At that time, he had never thought that remaining unmarried and childless was a mistake. Because he had had such thoughts in the past, Zhai Sheng was not going to force Zhai Hua to find another suitable partner so quickly after getting a divorce from Wei De so as to give Jiajia a stepfather.

    If he, someone without a child, did not think that remarriage was important, much less Zhai Hua, who already had a daughter. Zhai Sheng thought that it was more important to consider whether Zhai Hua herself wanted to get remarried. If Zhai Hua met someone whom she fancied, and as long as that man was not anything like Wei De, he definitely would not stop Zhai Hua.

    Conversely, if Zhai Hua no longer wanted to get married and simply wanted to live out the rest of her life with only Jiajia, he did not see a problem with that either.

    Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng had misunderstood her. She did not mean to be a matchmaker for Sister Zhai Hua and pull Sister Zhai Hua closer to Tian Dong, even if Tian Dong had promised to get married to Sister Zhai Hua when she turned thirty, just as he did in her dream. After all, Zhai Hua had gotten married to Wei De and had even given birth to Jiajia.

    At that time, Sister Zhai Hua had gotten together with Wei De. Since Sister Zhai Hua had already gotten married to another man, Tian Dong could not possibly have remained unmarried just because of that promise he had made. After all, the one who had broken their promise was Sister Zhai Hua, and not Tian Dong.

    Qiao Nan guessed that Tian Dong should have gotten married after Zhai Hua had done so herself. Qiao Nan felt that it was a pity that Zhai Hua had missed out on such a good man.

    Qiao Nan thinned her lips. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t you think that Tian Dong should be married at his age?¡± She was only curious about Tian Dong¡¯s marital status.

    She was already forty but was still unmarried. However, Zhai Sheng had once been married. She had no intention of being a matchmaker, but what if Tian Dong and Sister Zhai Hua were fated for each other?

    Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua could have gotten divorced, but Tian Dong could very well still be married. However, if Tian Dong happened to be divorced as well, it would not be impossible between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s hypotheses were all based on whether Tian Dong had gotten divorced. Otherwise, even she would not agree to it. She could not possibly ruin some other woman¡¯s happiness and family just to give Zhai Hua happiness, right?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhai Sheng could sense Qiao Nan¡¯s care toward Tian Dong. But this time, Zhai Sheng was not jealous because he knew that Qiao Nan was only concerned because of Zhai Hua. ¡°After the Tian family went abroad, my family hardly kept in touch with them. This was the first time we¡¯ve met since they went abroad.¡±

    Because they had not kept in touch, the Zhai family had not received any news about whether Tian Dong had gotten married or had children. Although Jiajia had not been severely injured, the random encounter today had not been a good opportunity to catch up. They had not even spoken much to each other since the Zhai family had to continue staying by Jiajia¡¯s side.

    Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. Perhaps, this was all excessive concern. Whether or not Zhai Hua wanted to get together with Tian Dong did not depend only on whether Tian Dong was single. Jiajia¡¯s opinions mattered too. Forget it. She would put this matter aside for the time being. No matter how much she was stressed out over it, she probably would not be able toe up with an answer. ¡°Do you think that Jiajia¡¯s performance in her middle school examination will be affected by her condition?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I heard from Zhai Hua that Jiajia¡¯s results are quite good and she finished learning everything from the textbook quite early on. Now, she¡¯s been revising all that knowledge. But now, her results aren¡¯t that important. It¡¯s more important that she recuperates well.¡± Jiajia¡¯s situation was different from Wei De¡¯s. Jiajia herself was an extremely hardworking child, and in the face of such a situation, Zhai Sheng was extremely willing to help Jiajia out.

    Wei De might be her father, but he could not even match up to his own daughter. Every time Wei De asked the Zhai family for help, he relied on his mouth and did not try to do anything for himself. Instead, he relied only on the fact that he was the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw and waited to see sesse his way, thinking that it was only right for things to go his way.

    In the face of someone who simply waited for a free lunch like Wei De, Zhai Sheng had never once helped Wei De just because he was Wei De¡¯s brother-inw. He had never acknowledged Wei De as his brother-inw anyway. Even if Wei De had been a blood rtive, Zhai Sheng would never have helped Wei De either.

    The Zhai family cared very much about Qiao Nan¡¯s opinions. Jiajia had gotten into a car ident, after all. She was a student in herst year of middle and was about to take her middle school examination. After such a major incident happened, the court obviously had to consider the new requests made by the Zhai family carefully for Jiajia¡¯s best interests.

    Without a doubt, the Zhai family still had the greatest chance of winning this case. It was because of Wei De¡¯s carelessness that the ident had happened. After all, it was someone else who had knocked Jiajia down. Wei De¡¯s biggest mistake was not checking his environments, thus leading to the ident.

    But it was an ident, after all, and no one had wanted it to happen. Because of that, the court had no intention of pursuing the matter. However, the one grave mistake Wei De had made was not turning up after his daughter was hospitalized. He had not even tried to take responsibility by paying for his daughter¡¯s hospitalization bills, much less care for her.

    As a father, Wei De was not just an average failure. He was truly a great disappointment. After his daughter got into an ident, he had not even tried to take up any responsibility or care for her at the very least. Moreover, Wei De had been the cause of the ident in the first ce. Based on Wei De¡¯s behavior, the court agreed that Wei De should never be allowed near Jiajia in the future without the Zhai family being present.

    The Zhai family were not at all surprised by the court¡¯s decision, but the troublesome part was that no one knew Wei De¡¯s whereabouts after the decision was made. As such, no one had been able to inform the Wei family about the court¡¯s decision.

    Thankfully, that made no difference for the Zhai family. Zhai Hua had decided to send Jiajia to school and pick her up from school once she was discharged. It was not that Jiajia was still young, but she had simply been toox about her daughter in the past because she had felt that her daughter was obedient.

 Chapter 1980 - Agreed

    <h4>Chapter 1980: Agreed</h4>

    If Wei De were to show up, Jiajia would not know how to face her father and might not know how to reject him.

    If Zhai Hua was around, the situation would be entirely different. Zhai Hua would be the one dealing with Wei De and would also be the one rejecting him. Once Jiajia graduated from middle school and went to high school, it would be even more convenient. Once she was in high school, Jiajia would be in a boarding school. Then, Zhai Hua would only need to send and pick Jiajia up once every two weeks.

    Jiajia, who learned of this decision after waking up from anesthesia, did not refuse. ¡°Mom, why has Dad be like this?¡± Both she and her mom had witnessed her dad sleeping with her aunt. After the court agreed to her parents¡¯ divorce, her dad had the cheek to show up in front of her, saying that it was entirely her aunt¡¯s fault and that he was innocent.

    Jiajia said that she might be young and thus ignorant about the adults¡¯ world and rtionship troubles. However, she did know that Wei Wei, who was a few years older than her, was her father¡¯s son. That could not be denied. With Wei Wei¡¯s existence, all of her father¡¯s exnations did not matter to her. He was not being truthful, and he was even trying to lie directly in her face! Did he treat her as a three-year-old child?

    Jiajia was broken and infuriated because of her father¡¯s foolishness. In Jiajia¡¯s heart, her father had always been an upright soldier. A hero!

    Because the hero in her eyes had suddenly be a big fat liar, Jiajia had no intention of seeing Wei De for the time being. The more interactions she had with him, the greater the destruction of her father¡¯s image in her mind was until there was nothing left.

    Even after she got into a car ident, Jiajia still could not understand why her father was so different from the image she had of him in her mind. Her father was not sincere, not great, and not upright at all. In fact, her father was much more like those evil viins in the television dramas that her grandma used to watch!

    It was also because Wei De himself had destroyed the upright image of him that Jiajia had that Jiajia tried her best to avoid him. It was because she was trying to get away from him that she had not seen the oing traffic and had been knocked down and hospitalized. Now, as the anesthesia was slowly wearing off, Jiajia could not help but wonder if she had had a nightmare or if this was reality.

    It was only when the anesthesiapletely wore off and the pain in her injured areas struck her that Jiajia confirmed that she had not been dreaming and that this was, in fact, reality.

    Jiajia had intended to ask some questions, but upon seeing Zhai Hua feel sorry and heartbroken for her, Jiajia swallowed those questions and asked instead, ¡°Mom, why did you fall for Dad at that time? You must have been blind. I have never met my great-grandpa, but I¡¯ve seen how good my grandpa and uncle are. With such great examples by your side, how could you have married someone like my dad? You¡¯re amazing, Mom!¡±

    If this had not been her dad, her words would have been much ruder.

    Real men should be like her grandpa and uncle. Her dad could neverpare with her grandpa or uncle. Her grandpa respected her grandma, and even though they were already old, they shared a better rtionship than young couples nowadays. Even though her uncle had not married Auntie Qiao yet, her uncle treated Auntie Qiao with so much care and protection.

    They were nothing like her dad or paternal grandpa, who alwayszed around on the sofa, waiting for the women in the house to serve them like they were emperors. Even though her dad¡¯s actions were not as exaggerated when they were in their own house, her dad was always trying to be controlling although her mom was the one forking out the money.

    After seeing how the women in the Zhai family lived and thinking about how her mother lived, Jiajia could not understand how her mother had managed to regress to such a stage. She wondered if her mother had really grown up together with her uncle. After getting used to living with the Zhai family, how could her mom have epted the Wei family¡¯s lifestyles?

    ¡°At that time, your mom wasn¡¯t just blind. Her whole mind was filled with water!¡± Since her daughter was in the mood for jokes, Zhai Hua yed along. Zhai Hua had always felt guilty toward Jiajia. Just because of a mistake that she had made in the past, she had lived a miserable life in the following decade after getting married. More importantly, she had implicated her daughter, Jiajia.

    She had once said that she would let her daughter live a better life than herself if she ever had a daughter and would never let her daughter go through whatever she had. But in the end? Her daughter had never gotten what she had never had, and neither did her daughter have what she had.

    Jiajiaughed, discovering for the first time that her mother was rather humorous. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s forget it. But in the future...¡± Jiajia was rather sensible since she was already a teen. She knew that her dad had wronged her mom, betrayed their family, and hadmitted an unforgivable sin.

    What Jiajia had not said was just how much she had given up on her father, Wei De, in that moment she had gotten into the ident. She had fallen backward indeed, but as long as her father had grabbed onto her, she might not have been knocked down. But her father had been afraid. Not only had he not tried to save her, but he had even jumped backward to save himself!

    Her father had been chasing her all the while and had even been so close that he would have been able to grab onto her if he stuck his arm out. Then, there was a loud screeching noise before Jiajia felt as though she had been electrocuted. Initially, she only felt that she had been knocked down but did not feel any pain.

    It was only when she saw her father panic did Jiajia slowly start to feel the pain. She did have some memory of all this. But in the end, the one who sent her to the hospital was not her father.

    ¡°In the future, as long as I don¡¯t agree to it, he¡¯ll never have the chance to meet you or interact with you,¡± Zhai Hua said coldly. ¡°We reapplied to the court, and because of his behavior, the court agreed. Jiajia, you don¡¯t have to worry. Mom will protect you.¡±

    After a long while, Jiajia only hummed in agreement. Jiajia did not know what more she could say. Jiajia was still a child and had moments of willfulness. After getting into such an ident, it was hard for Jiajia not to get angry at Wei De or even find an excuse for him. Besides, Wei De had never even shown up to express his concern. Taking all these into consideration, Jiajia had no intention of meeting her father, Wei De, for the time being. She was simply afraid that seeing him would hurt her again.

 Chapter 1981 - WatChapter Where Youâ€™re Going

    <h4>Chapter 1981: Watch Where You¡¯re Going</h4>

    Once Jiajia returned home after being discharged from the hospital, everyone who was on good terms with the Zhai family had found out that the Zhai family were about to hold a wedding. Zhai Sheng, who had been divorced for quite a few years, was finally willing to end his bachelor life and get married. However, no one seemed to have found out whom Zhai Sheng was about to marry. It seemed as though thedy he was going to marry was not from within their circle.

    But no one cared whether that bride was a real-life Cindere and only thought that this woman must be rather capable to make Zhai Sheng agree to marry her. It was no wonder that the Zhai family did not care about that woman¡¯s background. Nothing could be worse than Zhai Sheng remaining single, after all.

    It was also the Qiu family¡¯s fault for having raised such a daughter. Many people could not understand how Qiu Chenxi could have turned out in this manner. However, when Qiu Qin¡¯s deeds were exposed, everyone finally came to an understanding. Aspared to her biological father, Qiu Qin, Qiu Chenxi was simply throwing a small tantrum. It was no big deal at all.

    ¡°What are you looking at, uncle?¡± Wang Yang saw Zhu Chengqi holding something in his hands as he came down. Wang Yang thought that it was strange. Ever since his uncle started recuperating from his illness, he stopped reading the newspaper. At the very most, he would watch the news on television from time to time. So, what was it that was written in such a small font that his uncle was willing to squint to read?

    Zhu Chengqi ced the invitation on the table. ¡°It¡¯s the Zhai family¡¯s invitation. Zhai Sheng¡¯s getting married.¡± What shocked Zhu Chengqi was the bride¡¯s name.

    Wang Yang raised his eyebrow, hoping to watch a good show. ¡°Is that so? Where did this amazing and capable womane from?¡± It was not just in his youth. Even now, Zhai Sheng was still someone he looked up to but could never catch up with. The only thing that Wang Yang could feel proud of was that Zhai Sheng was still unmarried and childless at his age.

    In both aspects, he had won against Zhai Sheng. ¡°Uncle, can I take a look?¡± Though this was so, Wang Yang felt a little embarrassed. The Zhai family had already produced three chiefs, and what was most frustrating was that China was a democratic country. As such, the three generations of chiefs in the Zhai family had not inherited their positions from their fathers. They had relied on their own capabilities and military achievements and had earned those positions.

    Because of that, even though Zhai Sheng was getting remarried at the age of forty-five, there would still be countless people who would be willing to attend his wedding, not to mention how these people would all be powerful people in high positions acknowledged and recognized by the Zhai family. In short, everyone who was invited had a certain social standing.

    Within their circle of acquaintances in Ping Cheng, everyone knew that it was Wang Yang who was taking care of his uncle, Zhu Chengqi, who was childless. Zhu Chengqi had received an invitation but Wang Yang had not. This could only mean that the Zhai family was inviting only Zhu Chengqi and not the Wang family or Wang Yang.

    This meant that Wang Yang was not in the Zhai family¡¯s circle and that the Zhai family had not epted Wang Yang yet.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Zhu Chengqi did not stop him. If he did not let Wang Yang look at it now, Wang Yang would eventually find a way to take a closer look at the invitation anyway. Besides, there was still a month to the wedding. He was definitely not the only one who had received an invitation. If Wang Yang did not get a satisfactory answer here, he would try his best to get wind of the situation elsewhere.

    Instead of letting Wang Yang waste his effort to find out about it, Zhu Chengqi preferred letting Wang Yang take a look at it in case Wang Yang had any suspicions of his own.

    ¡°Qiao Nan?!¡± At the sight of those two words, Wang Yang¡¯s expression changed. It was not just Wang Yang. Even Wang Yang¡¯s wife, who was drinking some congee, choked.

    Wang Yang took a deep breath and his expression eased slightly. ¡°Uncle, do you mean that the woman Zhai Sheng¡¯s marrying is called Qiao Nan as well?¡± This Qiao Nan was not that Qiao Nan, right? If that was the case...

    Wang Yang suddenly thought of something. After Zhu Baoguo passed on, Zhu Chengqi had mentioned in passing that it would be good to have a son like Zhai Sheng and a daughter like Qiao Nan. Even if he had a son, that would be all right as well, as long as his son married ady like Qiao Nan.

    Had this invitation not satisfied exactly what Zhu Chengqi had said at that time?

    The two young people whom Zhu Chengqi had named and praised were now together. Wang Yang¡¯s heart pounded furiously and uneasily. ¡°Uncle, you haven¡¯t entirely recovered. Are you still going to attend this wedding in a month¡¯s time?¡± If he was indeed going, was he nning on going alone, or was he going to bring him along?

    Wang Yang still wanted very much to enter the Zhai family¡¯s circle, but thinking about how he would see the two people whom he hated the most together, Wang Yang did not really want to get involved.

    ¡°There are so many people who share the same surnames in China. How would I know whether the Qiao Nan that Zhai Sheng¡¯s marrying is the same Qiao Nan that I know? Anyway, there¡¯s still a month to the wedding. If my health gets better by then, I might decide to go. After all, our family shares a long history with the Zhai family. Since I¡¯m not in the best of health, I¡¯m not going to risk my own health just to attend a junior¡¯s wedding.¡±

    Compared to Wang Yang¡¯s wife, who dared not eat too much because she was afraid of gaining weight, Zhu Chengqi could not each too much because of his poor health. ¡°I¡¯ve finished eating. You two can go on.¡±

    After Zhu Chengqi left to return to his study, Wang Yang was no longer in the mood to continue eating. He mmed his chopsticks down on the table in frustration. Anyway, Zhu Chengqi was already old and his hearing was not as good as before. As such, Wang Yang had no qualms about being heard by Zhu Chengqi. ¡°That old foggy...¡± If he wanted to die, he should do it as soon as possible!

    Once Zhu Chengqi was really dead, he would be in luck! But now, no matter how bad Zhu Chengqi¡¯s health was, he was still pressing on day after day. As long as Zhu Chengqi was still alive, Wang Yang had to watch his every step and keep up his facade as an obedient nephew in front of Zhu Chengqi.

    Otherwise, Wang Yang¡¯s years of effort might very well go down the drain if Zhu Chengqi were to change his mind or his will.

    Wang Yang could never wrap his head around it. The rest of the Zhu family was already dead and he could be considered to be part of the Zhu family too. Was it not logical for Zhu Chengqi to leave the Zhu family¡¯s assets to him? Why did he have to put in so much effort to get something that he deserved? He could even forget about that, but Zhu Chengqi¡¯s tantrums from time to time meant that Wang Yang could never live peacefully.

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Wang Yang had always reminded her that they were in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s territory. Even though the caretaker took instructions from the couple, this was the Zhu family¡¯s house, not the Wang family¡¯s.

 Chapter 1982 - Not a Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 1982: Not a Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Besides, she had always heard Wang Yang talking about how capable and impressive Zhu Chengqi had been in his youth. Even now that he was old, no one had ever taken advantage of Zhu Chengqi. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s wife was even more cautious. ¡°Neither you nor I know whether that old man¡¯s hearing is really bad. Only he has mentioned it. The old man just left and you made such a loud noise by mming your chopsticks down. What if he heard it? What would he think of us? We¡¯re living such miserable lives with that old man now. We¡¯re still young and can¡¯t possibly die before him.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife leisurely took a sip of her congee. ¡°Today¡¯s pain is tomorrow¡¯s strength. He¡¯s already on the verge of dying while we still have half our lives ahead of us. What¡¯s the hurry?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Wang Yang calmed down. After working so hard for so many years, the day he had been waiting for was finally within reach. Indeed, he had to be more calm and tolerant. ¡°I only got agitated and threw a tantrum because I saw that invitation.¡±

    Seeing Zhai Sheng¡¯s name was one thing, but seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s was another, and her name made Wang Yang feel just the slightest bit guilty. No matter how good Zhai Sheng was, Zhu Chengqi had only talked about having a son like Zhai Sheng. On the other hand, if Qiao Nan could not be the Zhu family¡¯s daughter, even being their daughter-inw would be good. Qiao Nan held a higher standing in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s heart aspared to Zhai Sheng.

    There was no way Zhai Sheng could be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son. He cared for whatever the Zhai had, but Zhai Sheng did not really care for them. But Qiao Nan was different. Qiao Nan was just an olddy, and neither was she the Qiao family¡¯s only daughter. Wang Yang was extremely unsettled by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s satisfaction in Qiao Nan.

    As such, the moment that he saw Qiao Nan¡¯s name, Wang Yang was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife had always heard of Qiao Nan, and that made her even more curious. ¡°Do I really look like her?¡± Wang Yang had married her simply to coax that old man and prevent that old man from trying to get Qiao Nan to satisfy his desires. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s wife really wanted to meet the real Qiao Nan to see how she looked like. Was Qiao Nan really that good that Zhu Chengqi would rather hand all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets over to an outsider than care about his own nephew?

    Wang Yang eyed his wife without answering him. She resembled her in terms of her appearance, but not her spirit. Anyone unfamiliar with them might mistake her for Qiao Nan, but no one would make that mistake upon a closer look. As for why Qiao Nan was so easily recognizable, Wang Yang was not sure either.

    But Wang Yang thought that that was the reason why Zhu Chengqi cared so much about Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan had no strengths at all, he would be infuriated for having lost to such an outsider.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like this? That¡¯s right. She¡¯s getting married to Zhai Sheng. Why don¡¯t you show me a photo of her to let me get to know her?¡± It was all right if he did not want to tell her anything. As long as he showed her a photo, she would naturally have an answer for herself. Initially, she had thought that once the old man was no longer around, she would be able to embarrass Qiao Nan as Wang Yang¡¯s wife. After giving Qiao Nan some benefits, she would then be able to settle all their ounts with Qiao Nan and have nothing to do with Qiao Nan from then on.

    But she had never expected that a forty-year-old like Qiao Nan was getting married and was about to be the chief¡¯s wife. Because of this, Wang Yang¡¯s wife was a little upset since that meant that she would never be able to embarrass Qiao Nan.

    On the contrary, if they were to meet each other one day, she might even have to take advantage of resembling Qiao Nan, and she might even need to address Qiao Nan as her ¡®elder sister¡¯. If she was sessful in doing that, she and Wang Yang might benefit greatly from that!

    She thought about how she would have to suck up to Qiao Nan after finishing with Zhu Chengqi and how this was never-ending. When would others try to suck up to her instead then?

    Wang Yang had no idea what his wife was thinking. ¡°You know that old man¡¯s temper very well. I rescued your brother once, but I¡¯m sure you know what will happen if the same thing happens a second time and the old man learns of it. If you really care about your brother, you¡¯d better keep an eye on him. Otherwise, even though I¡¯m his brother-inw, I won¡¯t be able to help him.¡±

    At the mention of his brother-inw, Wang Yang fell into a bad mood again. Apart from her face, this woman had not been useful to him at all. In fact, she had even dragged him down.

    Upon receiving Wang Yang¡¯s threatening nce, Wang Yang¡¯s wife shrank her neck and answered in a soft voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already talked to my parents. Before that old man dies, there won¡¯t be another opportunity for him to create any trouble.¡± It was not just for her family. She was doing this for her own future.

    Wang Yang might be able to marry a young and prettydy if they were to get divorced, but she would definitely not be able to find a better man than Wang Yang. If her family wanted to leadfortable lives, they would have to go along with whatever she asked and they would have to rein her brother in. If Wang Yang were to leave her, both she and her family would be at a loss.

    Thankfully, although her brother might be a troublemaker, he was quite sensitive. Upon hearing that his brother-inw had thrown a tantrum, he immediately distanced himself from those bad influences for fear of ruining his brother-inw¡¯s ns.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Wang Yang coldly said. Although his inws were not especially capable, at least, they listened well to him. Otherwise, he would never have married his wife even though she did have such a face. It was true that he did not want the old man to have a good impression of Qiao Nan, but he was not intentionally trying to use his wife to discredit Qiao Nan.

    Wang Yang knew that if something were to happen, the problem would not be with Qiao Nan but his wife. Wang Yang could not afford to lose this person and this was his only requirement of his wife¡¯s family.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time. You should go to work.¡±

    ¡°Alright, keep an eye on the old man.¡± Wang Yang had limited days of leave. While he was around, he naturally spent his time ¡®apanying¡¯ Zhu Chengqi. While he was not around, his wife hardly left Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side either. The couple took turns to keep a close eye on Zhu Chengqi.

    At times, his wife would question if he was overthinking it or if he was being overly sensitive. Wang Yang replied that he had grown up with his uncle and he was clearer than anyone else just how his uncle was.

    It was exactly because his uncle was very calm that he felt uneasy. In the past, he had been young and had never been able to understand why he was in such a situation. He was clearly more sensible than Zhu Baoguo and was even smarter than Zhu Baoguo!

 Chapter 1983 - Pot Calling the Kettle Black

    <h4>Chapter 1983: Pot Calling the Kettle ck</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But why was it that when outsiders talked about them, he always ranked behind Zhu Baoguo?

    When they grew older, Wang Yang finally understood that it was not that others really felt that Zhu Baoguo was better than him. The reason why those people praised Zhu Baoguo was that Zhu Baoguo was the Zhu family¡¯s only paternal grandson, while he was a maternal grandson. Compared to Zhu Baoguo, he did not mean much. Everything of the Zhu family would eventually belong to Zhu Baoguo, and based on this alone, Zhu Baoguo had won against him.

    To tell the truth, Wang Yang hated Zhu Baoguo very much. However, he was not evil and did not have veryplex schemes toward Zhu Baoguo. All he was thinking of was having Zhu Baoguo mix around with those gangsters so that he would eventually be useless. After all, there was no saying whether all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets would truly go to Zhu Baoguo alone.

    Every time his uncle saw him, his uncle would always praise him and treat him well.

    Wang Yang had never expected that Zhu Baoguo had gotten into an argument because of his short temper and had eventually lost his life. Wang Yang had been scared out of his wits at that time. Thankfully, security within the country had not been as tight at that time as it was now. Wanting to arrest the criminal involved, the police had put up his photos all over the inte.

    Because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, every single one of those gangsters had been shaken and had all run away. Although the Zhu family had never given up on this matter, this short period of time was enough for the Wang family to interfere and pave the way for Wang Yang such that anyone who was arrested would never implicate Wang Yang.

    After Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, the entire Zhu family was understandably upset. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s abnormal behavior at that time had gone unnoticed by the Zhu family. They simply took it that Wang Yang was upset by Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death as well. That was why the usually alert and intelligent Wang Yang suddenly looked as though he had lost his soul for a few days.

    That incident had happened so many years ago that Wang Yang had almost forgotten about how he was the root cause of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. But Zhu Baoguo had died such a long time ago, and now, his son was almost at the age that Zhu Baoguo had died. And it was now that Wang Yang started to feel uneasy, especially in front of Zhu Chengqi.

    It went without saying that Wang Yang would never have anything to do with anything that belonged to the Zhu family if Zhu Chengqi were to find out about the truth of the matter. As long as Zhu Chengqi found someone, Wang Yang might very well be implicated.

    One did not need to be afraid as long as they did not do anything against their conscience.

    Seeing that Zhu Chengqi did not have much longer to live, Wang Yang felt even more so uneasy. Even when he napped, he would dream of what happened to Zhu Baoguo. With everything that had happened, it was inevitable for Wang Yang to be on the edge. Even his wife felt that Wang Yang was being overly anxious.

    Yes, they were indeed after the Zhu family¡¯s assets, but Zhu Chengqi did not have other rtives. If Zhu Chengqi were to pass away, Wang Yang would definitely be the legal sessor. Besides, Zhu Chengqi was not in good health because of how hard he had worked in his youth. It had nothing to do with Wang Yang¡¯s family.

    They had not caused Zhu Chengqi¡¯s illness, and neither did they have anything to do with how long more Zhu Chengqi could live. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s wife could not understand why Wang Yang was always so anxious as though they had killed someone.

    Despite this, Wang Yang¡¯s wife did not dare to bring this up to him. She knew that Wang Yang might not tell her what was going on even if she were to ask him. As long as she did her job and did as Wang Yang instructed her to, the day Wang Yang prospered would be the day her own family would as well. After reminding herself of this, Wang Yang¡¯s wife told herself to press on and tolerate everything that was happening.

    As a young woman in her early thirties, she never left the house to go shopping. Instead, she spent all her time looking after Zhu Chengqi, who seemed to have one foot in the grave. But she had neverined about anything, much less showed any sign that she was miserable in front of Zhu Chengqi.

    Because of her obedience, Wang Yang found a job for that troublemaker brother-inw of his without hesitation and gave him a sum of money, instructing him toy low for the time being. His wife¡¯s performance was good and his brother-inw listened well to him. All that wascking now was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death.

    No outsiders knew about what was going on within the Zhu family. Everyone that was close to the Zhu family knew that Zhu Chengqi no longer seemed to be in good spirits after his son¡¯s death. He initially already had a cold expression. After his wife and son¡¯s death, Zhu Chengqi had be a recluse and hardly kept in touch with his oldrades.

    The only understanding everyone had of Zhu Chengqi was that they had not seen Old Zhu in a long time but that he was still alive.

    Outsiders might not have understood the Zhu family¡¯s situation, but they were all surprised when receiving the wedding invitation. Oh, Zhai Sheng had finally agreed to get married. They would definitely have to make time to attend this wedding.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s imminent wedding was certainly a joyous asion for the people in the Ping Cheng quad.

    Especially those neighbors who had seen Qiao Nan staying in the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard for a few days. They could not help but wonder whom Zhai Sheng would be getting married to. Could the bride really be the youngdy from the Qiao family?

    But that was impossible. While the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter was not ugly, she was old and already forty. Those neighbors thought that a chief would have certain standards and would never marry Qiao Nan who had such a background. Besides, Zhai Sheng¡¯s status and position were much higher than their own. There was no way Zhai Sheng would take a fancy to someone whom they themselves did not.

    If it was not Qiao Nan, then which youngdy had won the heart of this chief, Zhai Sheng?

    There were some who could no longer hold their curiosity in and immediately ran to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard to ask about the matter. ¡°Is Old Ding around?¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was sunning her quilt, was not very happy upon hearing her neighbor¡¯s voice. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ding Jiayi knew that the Qiao family had gone through too muchtely, especially on the news. Their neighbors had been treated to a good show. At one time, their neighbors had evenmbasted her and Zijin, saying that they had exploited Qiao Nan.

    As such, Ding Jiayi could not find it in her to be friendly toward these old neighbors or even try to get along with them. Even though they all stayed in the same quad, they had never shared good rtionships. The Qiao family was not very well-to-do, and these neighbors in the northern part of the quad were alwaysparing to see which family was better off. It was ridiculous that the pot was calling the kettle ck.

 Chapter 1984 - Wrong Person

    <h4>Chapter 1984: Wrong Person</h4>

    ¡°What can be going on? I just want to have a share in your family¡¯s joyous asion. We¡¯re neighbors, after all, so you should invite us to this wedding. When that timees, I¡¯ll be sure to give you a fat red packet.¡± It was the chief¡¯s wedding. They had never been invited to a chief¡¯s wedding.

    The Zhai family might have held a wedding in the past, but they had not even been treated to candy, let alone been invited to Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding.

    Logically, since the Zhai family had two children, they must have organized two weddings. The funny part was that the Zhai family did not seem to have cared much about their daughter getting married. It was only when their son was getting married did everyone in the quad learn that Zhai Sheng had a partner. Apart from that, they knew nothing at all.

    Although both Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua had been married once, the people in the quad felt that Zhai Sheng¡¯s remarriage did not seem any worse off than his first marriage. In fact, the way they saw it, this seemed to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s first marriage. After all, this was exactly how everyone else held their weddings. The Zhai family was organizing arge-scale wedding for the first time and had even prepared a whole bunch of candy to distribute to their neighbors in the quad.

    Even those who typically hated eating sweets were more than willing to have their share of the Zhai family¡¯s. Now that they had finished eating the Zhai family¡¯s, they tried to get on the good side of the possible bride¡¯s. Both the male and the female¡¯s candies were equally appetizing.

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Ding Jiayi stared at them, wanting to chase them away. There was nothing their family had not been implicated in. Since they did not share a good rtionship, there was no point in trying to put up a false front. ¡°Don¡¯t you guys know about our family¡¯s situation? How can you say such things? Scram! All of you!¡±

    After Qiao Zijin received her kidney transnt surgery, she had not exhibited any signs of rejecting the organ and had even been recuperating rather well. However, the atmosphere in the Qiao family had not gotten better just because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s recovery.

    Ever since Qiao Zijin found out that Qiao Dongliang had already handed the courtyard¡¯s property deed over to Qiao Nan behind their backs, she had never once been in a good mood. Knowing that her ex-husband had never forgotten Qiao Nan all these years and how snatching her ex-husband from Qiao Nan had been a failure, Qiao Zijin had never felt good, even though she had the intention of marrying Qiao Nan to Chen Jun.

    After all these years of marriage and even after having a son, Qiao Zijin could not feel nothing toward Chen Jun having feelings for Qiao Nan. As such, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had rushed down to Qingshui Town to drag Qiao Nan out after getting the address from Chen Jun.

    While she had been in the hospital, she had med her divorce on Qiao Nan. That was a hundred percent true!

    Qiao Nan had caused her to lose her marriage and her husband, and she had also caused her to lose years of her youth. Qiao Nan owed her so much. All she wanted was a bit of Qiao Nan¡¯s money. Was that too much to ask for? She had not gone overboard at all. In fact, she was already being magnanimous by simply asking for money from Qiao Nan.

    If it had been any other woman in her position, they would have fought Qiao Nan to death. But on the ount that they were sisters, she would be gracious and let Qiao Nan have Chen Jun and be her son¡¯s stepmother if Qiao Nan gave her some money.

    But that did not mean that she did not feel miserable.

    After returning from a fruitless trip, Qiao Zijin was gloomy and picked a fight with everyone she saw. Of course, the one whom she was most angry at was Qiao Dongliang since Qiao Dongliang was the one who had handed her courtyard over to Qiao Nan secretly. At the same time, Qiao Zijin was displeased with Ding Jiayi as well.

    All these years, Qiao Zijin had seen just how much Qiao Dongliang had listened to Ding Jiayi and followed her everymand.

    Was her mom not capable? There was nothing her mom could not do, right? But the most ridiculous part was that her dad had given the property deed of the courtyard to Qiao Nan, and this had happened right under her mom¡¯s nose, but her mom did not even know anything about it! If she had not wanted to get what rightfully belonged to her early, she might not even have found out about this until her mom¡¯s death!

    A woman who could not even manage her husband and his assets was truly useless.

    Qiao Dongliang could not care less about Qiao Zijin being upset, but Ding Jiayi did care. This whole week, Ding Jiayi had been walking on eggshells and treating Qiao Zijin like an empress, hoping that Qiao Zijin would calm down. At the very least, she should not put all the me on her.

    There seemed to be a cloud looming over the Qiao family that would never dissipate. Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood was terrible living under such oppressive conditions. Now, these irritating neighbors were evening to congratte her and ask for wedding candy! The annoyed Ding Jiayi could only pick up her broom to chase them out of her house. These people were clearly trying to make fun of her family.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to give these neighbors candy as well, even though they did not have a good rtionship. Because that would mean that Zijin had found a suitable marriage partner and would lead a good life in the future. The problem was that the expected intelligent son-inw who could pick out a gem had not yet appeared.

    ¡°We¡¯re justing to congratte you, yet you¡¯re being so nasty! Wow, you¡¯ve not be the chief¡¯s mother-inw yet, but you¡¯re already putting on airs and not acknowledging us as your old neighbors?¡± Her neighbors were upset. They had not confirmed if the person whom Zhai Sheng was marrying was indeed the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter. They were here only to try their luck.

    To make it clear, they thought that there was a great probability that it was not the case. If Qiao Nan was getting married, could the Qiao family not know about it and not be doing anything?

    Inparison to the Zhai family who was busy getting ready, the atmosphere in the Qiao family seemed cold. It was even colder than other families who were not celebrating any joyous asions. Seeing that, these neighbors were even more certain. The woman getting married to Zhai Sheng was not their daughter. Of course, it could not possibly be that old and unmarried woman from the Qiao family.

    After making sure of that, the neighbors were not afraid of offending the powerless Ding Jiayi. At this time, they were simply using the wedding to pour salt on Ding Jiayi¡¯s wound.

    ¡°What chief¡¯s mother-inw? Have you guys got the wrong person?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s anger dissipated. The only chief in the quad was in the Zhai family. What a family! She did, in fact, want to be inws with the Zhai family. The problem was that the two families did not know each other, and Zijin had never even met them before.

 Chapter 1985 - Pure Evil

    <h4>Chapter 1985: Pure Evil</h4>

    As such, there was no way the Zhai family could have known that such a good youngdy like Zijin existed within the quad. In that case, how could she possibly be the Zhai family¡¯s inw?

    Unfortunately, it was so near, yet so far. If the Zhai family knew that there was such a good child like Zijin in the quad, she would definitely have be the Zhai family¡¯s inw!

    Talking about the pride of the quad, the Zhai family, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude softened and she no longer acted like a provoked hedgehog who wanted to chase her nosy neighbors out of her house. ¡°Isn¡¯t Zhai Sheng divorced?¡± Those ex-inws of the Zhai family were no longer worthy of that title. That was all in the past.

    The neighborsughed in bad faith. ¡°So what if he got divorced? He can only get remarried because he¡¯s divorced. We¡¯ve lived together for so many years! How could you not say a thing when such a joyous asion is happening? If your family gets too busy, you can always ask us for help! What¡¯s there to hide about such a joyous asion? You should have told us and we would have been happy on your behalf! It hasn¡¯t been easy for Nan Nan, and her day is finallying. She¡¯s already an olddy of forty. She¡¯s been unmarried all this while, and now that she¡¯s getting married, she¡¯s getting married to the best person in this entire quad!¡±

    At the mention of Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was annoyed. This also made Qiao Zijin, who was about to step out, stop in her tracks. Instead ofing out, she left the door open to eavesdrop on the conversation.

    Ding Jiayi furrowed her brows. ¡°You old women are spouting nonsense! What does the Zhai family¡¯s joyous asion have to do with us or that wretched¡ªI mean, Qiao Nan? Why did you bother mentioning Qiao Nan?¡±

    That wretched girl was already forty. If it was not for Zijin¡¯s kindness and willingness to give her a chance, that wretched girl would probably be a bag of old bones before she could find a man who was willing to marry her. Humph! She did not even know to cherish such a good sister like Zijin. Where was that wretched girl even hiding now?

    If Qiao Nan were to appear after Chen Jun got remarried to some other woman, it would be toote to regret it then.

    ¡°It seems like you really don¡¯t know anything about it. Or are you trying to hide it from us because you¡¯re scared that we¡¯ll try to ride on yoururels? Everyone knows about the Zhai family¡¯s situation, and it¡¯s difficult for our families in the northern courtyard to even enter the southern courtyard. I haven¡¯t even been inside myself. Qiao Nan¡¯s really impressive. She¡¯s the pride of our northern courtyard! Not only did she manage to enter the southern courtyard, but she even managed to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s house for a few days. Now that the Zhai family is organizing a wedding, who could it be if not your Qiao Nan? She¡¯s such a properdy, and she even stayed in someone else¡¯s house for a few nights. Who would believe that nothing happened? Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t allow herself to be taken advantage of, right?¡±

    Humph! She was already an olddy of forty. How could she be so lucky to enter the Zhai family¡¯s house in the southern courtyard? If Qiao Nan really thought that she would be able to be a modern-day Cindere and have a rtionship with the Zhai family, then it would truly be too shameless of her!

    Now that the Zhai family was organizing a wedding, Qiao Nan should have some self-awareness and distance herself from the Zhai family instead of adding trouble to the new bride. Someone like that was not likable at all.

    It was not just Ding Jiayi. Even Qiao Zijin almost flew into a rage. She had to resist the urge to rush out and confront those neighbors. What did they mean that Qiao Nan had stayed in the Zhai family¡¯s house for a few days? When did that happen? Why did she know nothing about that? Besides, when had Qiao Nan gotten to know the Zhai family and gotten so close?

    Not only had she managed to enter the southern courtyard, but she had even stayed a few nights at the Zhai family¡¯s house! She had never even dreamed of doing such a thing! How could Qiao Nan be so lucky and daring to do something that she had never dared to do?

    In that moment, Qiao Zijin had tossed Chen Jun to the back of her mind. Even in another twenty to thirty years, Chen Jun and all his descendants would never climb to a position that could match up to the Zhai family¡¯s. As such, Chen Jun was nothingpared to the Zhai family.

    If Qiao Nan had known the Zhai family all along, why had she wasted her time and youth on Chen Jun? There was noparing Chen Jun and the Zhai family. Even if she did not get married to Zhai Sheng, as long as someone in the Zhai family was willing to take her on as a goddaughter, she would have a whole range of men to choose from.

    What was different was that those men would never cheat on her like Chen Jun had, and they would even treat her like a queen.

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan had deprived her of that happiness, Qiao Zijin was seething in anger. She had always known that Qiao Nan was such an evil and scheming person but her dad had never believed her, even saying that she owed Qiao Nan. Now, he had better open his eyes and see who the one who owed the other was!

    Qiao Nan owed it to her! Qiao Nan would never be able to repay her debt in her entire lifetime or even a few lifetimes! Qiao Nan had ruined her biological sister¡¯s life!

    Unlike the enraged Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi was confused but calmed down very quickly. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Don¡¯t make up such things. As a mother, I¡¯m much clearer than you are just what kind of person Qiao Nan is. If you want to make a fool of us, you should, at least,e up with something sensible. No one in our family knows the Zhai family.¡±

    She could describe that wretched girl¡¯s life without even looking at her. She was sure that that wretched girl was busy working. There was no way she would have time to suck up to the Zhai family, much less find a marriage partner, date, or get married.

    Zijin was a university graduate. Even if there was such a chance, the one entering the Zhai family¡¯s house in the southern courtyard would be Zijin, not that wretched girl. If Zijin had not been able to do so, there was no way that wretched girl would have been able to do it. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m brain-dead? This is just like striking the lottery! But I would have to buy a lottery ticket before I even stand a chance of winning! Since I didn¡¯t even buy a ticket, how can I believe you when you say something like that?¡±

    How could she rush up to the Zhai family¡¯s house and treat them as inws? That was utterly ridiculous! These neighbors were really just waiting to watch a good show for free.

    They had been neighbors for decades, but Ding Jiayi had never expected their hearts to be pure evil.

 Chapter 1986 - Never Considered

    <h4>Chapter 1986: Never Considered</h4>

    These people had not only taken her for a fool but had even yed such a cruel prank on them, wanting the Qiao family to get into even more trouble for them to use as a basis for their chats in their free time.

    These neighbors could not deny that they were waiting to watch Ding Jiayi as though they were watching a show, but Ding Jiayi¡¯s words upset them. ¡°Don¡¯t be so mean. We¡¯re just trying to help you. It¡¯s true that Qiao Nan did stay over at the Zhai family¡¯s house for a few days. Quite a few of us saw Qiao Nan getting off the Zhai family¡¯s car with severalrge bags. The Zhai family treats Qiao Nan extremely well. It¡¯s not just us who know about this. Old Qiao knows about it too. How could you, as a mother, know less about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation than outsiders like us? Don¡¯t tell me that you didn¡¯t even know that Qiao Nan came back?¡±

    But it was normal for her not to know either. As long as Qiao Nan was no fool, she would not be so foolish as to return home and jump into the fiery pit with a mother like Ding Jiayi around.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi was almost speechless, and she felt utterly humiliated since there was yet another matter that Qiao Dongliang had known but she had not. In the past, the couple had always discussed matters with each other, especially Qiao Dongliang, who had never made any decisions behind Ding Jiayi¡¯s back.

    Now, Qiao Dongliang practically treated Ding Jiayi as an outsider. No matter what decision he had to make, he did not even bother letting Ding Jiayi know about the matter, much less discuss it with him.

    Ding Jiayi might not have believed everything else, but she had no choice but to believe them once they said that Qiao Dongliang had known that Qiao Nan had stayed in the Zhai family¡¯s house for a few days. After all, she had a perfect example in front of her that was the incident with the property deed. In fact, that incident was not over yet.

    Because of the property deed, Ding Jiayi had gotten angry at Qiao Dongliang and had not spoken to Qiao Dongliang in two to three days. Now that this was happening to her too, Ding Jiayi felt so aggrieved that she was on the verge of tears.

    Ding Jiayi, whose eyes were all red, unhesitatingly chased all her neighbors out. ¡°Get out, all of you! No matter what, these are all my family¡¯s affairs. I don¡¯t care who you are. You¡¯d better scram!¡± These outsiders had absolutely no say in her family¡¯s affairs!

    Since this was not their house, they had no choice but to leave. They could not afford to stay, in case Ding Jiayi decided to report the matter to the police.

    After chasing those nosy neighbors away, Qiao Zijin walked in front of Ding Jiayi, tears filling her face. ¡°Mom, tell me the truth. What does Dad mean by this? Thest time, he knew that Qiao Nan was in Qingshui Town but he didn¡¯t tell me about it and even handed the property deed over to her! He knew that both you and I were anxiously looking for Qiao Nan since she stole the money I needed urgently to save my life. Dad even knew that Qiao Nan was back in Ping Cheng and even in this quad. It wouldn¡¯t even have been a hundred meters away for us to look for her. Why didn¡¯t my dad say anything? Why did he hide it from me?¡±

    And it had happened recently!

    At her lowest and when she had one foot in the grave, Qiao Nan had gotten to know the Zhai family, and because of this rtionship, Qiao Nan was now living such afortable life. On the other hand, she had to sell her house to raise enough funds for her surgery.

    She could not understand the difference in her dad¡¯s treatment toward her and Qiao Nan since they were both his daughters. It seemed as though Qiao Nan was her dad¡¯s only daughter while she had been picked up from the dumpster. Even if one was biased, they could not be any more biased than her father! Did her father want to see her be sent to jail?

    She thought about the damage that the news had done to her while she had been receiving treatment in the hospital. If those people had known about their family¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family, would they have treated her in that manner? Of course not!

    Qiao Nan wanted to ruin her, and so did her dad. Why? Why were her rtives all like that?

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. We haven¡¯t confirmed it yet. When your dades back, we can clear things up and get your dad to exin the situation to us. It wouldn¡¯t be good for us to malign your dad if those people were just spouting nonsense, right?¡± Ding Jiayi tried tofort Qiao Zijin, hoping that these were not true. She truly hoped that Qiao Dongliang had never done anything to wrong her or Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin wept as if trying to dry her tears. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s a disaster. Even you don¡¯t believe what you just said. My dad is so vicious. He knows that Qiao Nan has struck rich, and he can¡¯t be bothered with me since I don¡¯t have a job or a husband and can¡¯t be filial to him. He needs only Qiao Nan as his daughter to enjoy his old age. He¡¯s looking down on me!¡±

    Her dad clearly thought that Qiao Nan was more capable than her and would be better able to take care of him. With such a capable daughter like Qiao Nan, he could very well just kick this useless daughter out, right?

    At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin sneered. What kind of biological parents were they? They did not really love her or Qiao Nan. They were simply treating them as tools to support themselves. As pitiful as Qiao Nan was, she was nowhere better.

    Qiao Zijin had not stopped crying by the time Qiao Dongliang returned. The moment she saw Qiao Dongliang return, Ding Jiayi ran over anxiously and clutched onto him. ¡°Old Qiao, hurry and exin the situation to Zijin. Just now, a few of our neighbors came over and said that Qiao Nan has been back for a while and living in the Zhai family¡¯s house in the southern courtyard. They even said that you knew all about it. You should have heard the kind of nonsense those people spouted! They said that Zhai Sheng¡¯s getting married, and they even dared to say that the person whom Zhai Sheng is going to marry is Qiao Nan! How could that wretched girl ever have such good fortune? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s ridiculous?¡±

    It was impossible. Zijin had not been able to marry into the Zhai family, so how could the Zhai family have taken a fancy to someone like Qiao Nan, who was so stingy and ugly? That was a lie that no one would believe!

    ¡°Zhai Sheng¡¯s marrying Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan had lived with the Zhai family while she was back in Ping Cheng. The problem was that Qiao Dongliang had not known about the extent of Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family, and neither did he dare to ask about it.

    But Qiao Dongliang had never even considered the possibility of Qiao Nan getting together with Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 1987 - Impossible

    <h4>Chapter 1987: Impossible</h4>

    Ding Jiayi hit Qiao Dongliang a few times. ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t even know the Zhai family. How could she possibly get married to Zhai Sheng? Those people who said that just want to embarrass our family. How could you stand on their side? Do you think that our family hasn¡¯t gotten enough attention? How can you be so shameless to try to associate us with the Zhai family?¡±

    They had a treasured son-inw like Chen Jun, who was nothing. Inparison to the Zhai family, Chen Jun was nothing more than a stalk of grass. Ordinary people like them could not even dream of getting close with the Zhai family. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Think this through carefully. We can¡¯t let those people make fun of us anymore. We weren¡¯t even the ones who came up with this rumor. These people really have too much free time on hand that they dare to spout such nonsense!¡±

    Ding Jiayi got agitated as she spoke, wanting those neighbors to appear in front of her so that she could rip all of their mouths apart right then and there.

    It was normal for their family to have a small argument every three days and a big fight every five days.

    These neighbors of hers were so evil. They dared to y such pranks on them even while knowing that their family¡¯s situation was not good. People like that were sure to be sent to the lowest levels of hell after their deaths!

    ¡°Let go of me.¡± Qiao Dongliang returned from his trance and flung Ding Jiayi away, returning to his room alone. Although it had happened a littlete, Nan Nan had finally found a marriage partner, after all. Marrying one¡¯s daughter was not just a matter of talk. He had to prepare some things for Nan Nan. He could not possibly let Nan Nan marry into the Zhai family with nothing at all, right?

    But perhaps, he should try to get in touch with Nan Nan to determine whether this matter was indeed true.

    Thinking about how he had learned about his daughter¡¯s marriage from his neighbors, Qiao Dongliang felt sour and hurt. But he dared not put the me on Qiao Nan because he knew that Qiao Nan had the least responsibility in how this family turned out.

    With Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin around, it did not matter what Qiao Nan did. As long as the two of them were around, there would never be peace or harmony in their family.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had returned to his room, Qiao Zijin wiped away her tears. ¡°Mom, what does Dad mean by this? Is he admitting to it, or is he denying it?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart felt cold. Chen Jun had told her dad about Qiao Nan a long time ago, but her dad had kept that from her mom.

    She had not believed it then, but when the truth was finally exposed, it was indeed proven that her dad had been hiding it from her mom. Now, her neighbors were saying that her dad had already known that Qiao Nan was back in Ping Cheng, was living in the Zhai family¡¯s house, and even had a close rtionship with them! Her dad was not denying it. Did that mean that it was true?

    Qiao Nan really knew the Zhai family and was even getting married to that impressive and powerful Zhai Sheng?

    At the thought of this possibility, Qiao Zijin did not feel upset but despair. She had lived forty-two years of her life suppressing Qiao Nan and beating Qiao Nan in every aspect. Now that half her life was over, she was in a downward spiral. On the contrary, Qiao Nan seemed to be rising to the peak of her life.

    Qiao Zijin could not get over this stark difference.

    Especially when she thought about how so many people had agreed with her about Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan were to get married to Zhai Sheng, all those people would unhesitatingly change their stances. How they had praised her and denigrated Qiao Nan at that time would be exactly how they would do it now, only with different subjects.

    From then on, she would be a negative example in everyone¡¯s eyes, while Qiao Nan would be the epitome of sess and ¡®other people¡¯s kids¡¯ that everyone talked about. Qiao Zijin was anxious. She would never be able to ept such a day befalling her.

    Ding Jiayi was in a panic too. She had never even dreamed that she would have such a close rtionship with the Zhai family one day. And this was all Qiao Nan¡¯s credit. How could that be?

    How could it not be Zijin who raised the Qiao family up to be the family that everyone envied? How could it be that wretched girl, Qiao Nan? Was the Zhai family crazy? Did they not know that Qiao Nan had not even graduated from high school and had low educational qualifications? Did they not know that Qiao Nan was only semi-literate?

    Apart from that semi-literate Qiao Nan, they still had Zijin, who was a university graduate, in their family. Even a blind man would know that Zijin was a hundred, or even a thousand times, better than Qiao Nan. If they really wanted a daughter-inw, they should at least have chosen Zijin and not that semi-literate Qiao Nan! ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t panic. We still aren¡¯t sure about the situation. Even if what they¡¯re saying is true, I have reason to believe that the Zhai family has been duped by Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Even if outsiders don¡¯t know about Qiao Nan¡¯s background, we do. Qiao Nan¡¯s nothing more than an unmarried and unqualified old woman of forty. She¡¯s not pretty or smart, and neither does she have a sweet mouth. Does she even have any qualifications? If wepare you and Qiao Nan, she¡¯s so bad that I can¡¯t even stand taking a second look. Our family¡¯s so ordinary, and even I wouldn¡¯t take a fancy to Qiao Nan. The Zhai family¡¯s no fool. Would they give up good youngdies for someone like Qiao Nan? There must be a misunderstanding somewhere. We have to think of a way of letting the Zhai family know the truth. We can¡¯t let them be taken in by Qiao Nan¡¯s lies!¡±

    Once the Zhai family learned of Qiao Nan¡¯s character and background, she would never have a chance of marrying into the Zhai family. Perhaps, she could even take this chance to let the Zhai family know about the existence of such a good youngdy like Zijin in the quad. If the Zhai family had fallen for Qiao Nan¡¯s tricks, there was no reason that they would not take a liking to such a good youngdy like Zijin.

    At the thought of this, Ding Jiayi was ted. Not only would she be able to expose Qiao Nan¡¯s lies and punish her for abandoning her family when Qiao Zijin was seriously ill, but she would also be able to secure the happiness of her elder daughter!

    If Zijin were really to get married to Zhai Sheng, Chen Jun had better run as far as he could and not have any contact with Zijin in the future. What a joke! Did they really think she was a piece of sweet cake that everyone could get a piece of if they wanted?

    ¡°Zijin,e. Don¡¯t you think Mom¡¯s analysis is right? Didn¡¯t you say that there are many people who can make fake identity cards now? And there are even so many studentsing back after studying abroad. Don¡¯t you think that Qiao Nan came up with an illustrious background for herself to dupe the Zhai family? Anyway, think about it. When Chen Feng grows older, would you let your son marry someone like Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Qiao Zijin replied without a second of hesitation.

 Chapter 1988 - Donâ€™t Fancy Her

    <h4>Chapter 1988: Don¡¯t Fancy Her</h4>

    ¡°Our Feng Feng has such a good family background. He could marry any girl. Why would he want someone like Qiao Nan?¡± Qiao Nan was totally unqualified to stand next to Feng Feng. Even if Ding Jiayi was just using an analogy, Qiao Zijin felt that using her son as an example together with Qiao Nan was an insult to him.

    Ding Jiayi smiled. Indeed, she didn¡¯t think wrongly. ¡°That¡¯s correct then. The Zhai family¡¯s conditions are much better than the Chen family¡¯s. You yourself aren¡¯t willing for Chen Feng to marry a girl like Qiao Nan. The Zhai family¡¯s requirements would definitely be higher than ours. It¡¯s either that this matter¡¯s fake, or Qiao Nan forged her identity to deceive the Zhai family. Qiao Nan¡¯s from our family. By doing this, she is embarrassing us. We cannot let Qiao Nan ruin the Qiao family¡¯s reputation. Zijin, if you do this well, our family might really have a chance to be inws with the Zhai family. It won¡¯t be a lie.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan was impossible, but she was full of confidence in Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin blushed. ¡°Mom, what are you talking about?¡± Compared to Qiao Nan, her conditions were naturally better. However, if their hypothesis was valid and Qiao Nan forged her identity, this meant that the Zhai family had pretty strict requirements on Zhai Sheng¡¯s other half.

    She was only much better than Qiao Nan¡¯s real conditions, not better than Qiao Nan¡¯s forged conditions. The Zhai family had a good sense of judgment and might not necessarily fancy her. ¡°Mom, the reason why I want to say everything clearly to the Zhai family is not to leave a good impression in front of them so that we can have a good rtionship. I just feel that since Qiao Nan¡¯s from our family, I don¡¯t wish for a liar to be in our family.¡±

    Of course, if the Zhai family really felt that she had a good character, she was very willing to interact with them. Qiao Nan had lied to the Zhai family. Actually, she should indeed get closer to the Zhai family and treat them well topensate them for being cheated by Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with all of you. You shouldn¡¯t go to the Zhai family now but the hospital!¡± After looking around for a long time, Qiao Dongliang felt quite helpless that he didn¡¯t have much money in his pockets to prepare a dowry for Qiao Nan. There wasn¡¯t a choice. When he was working, his sry wasn¡¯t high. The Qiao family had relied on Qiao Nan for a living.

    Later when Qiao Zijin fell sick and was hospitalized, Qiao Dongliang used most of the money he had saved with great difficulty to treat Qiao Zijin. After seeing the numbers on his passbook, Qiao Dongliang realized how embarrassing he was. Based on those pitiful numbers in the passbook, how would he have the face to say that he would prepare a dowry for his younger daughter? Even if he couldn¡¯t let his daughter marry off in a glorious state, it had to be at least decent.

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but think of the remaining money Qiao Zijin had from selling the house. Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t mention this previously not because he really felt that the house Ding Jiayi bought with Qiao Nan¡¯s money should all belong to Qiao Zijin. If one wanted to be calctive, this sum of money belonged to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang said nothing when Qiao Zijin waited for this life-saving money earlier. Now that Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness was better and she still had so much money in her hands, he didn¡¯t want everything. He only wanted Qiao Zijin to fork out three hundred thousand yuan, of which he would use two hundred thousand yuan to buy Qiao Nan a car and give Qiao Nan the remaining to buy home appliances.

    With this three hundred thousand yuan as a base, Qiao Dongliang felt that if Qiao Nan were to really marry Zhai Sheng, her dowry wouldn¡¯t look too shabby.

    Qiao Dongliang had been thinking about how to convince Qiao Zijin to fork out this sum of money. Before he could do so, he first heard Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin discussing how they wanted to reveal Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®secret¡¯. Qiao Dongliang was so angry that his face turned green. ¡°You always say that Nan Nan has no conscience. I think both of you are inferior to pigs and dogs. You¡¯re simply perverse!¡±

    The furious Qiao Dongliang poked Ding Jiayi¡¯s head with his hand. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s a piece of meat that fell from your body after you were pregnant for ten months. Do you not want to see Nan Nan well? Will you be happy only after you step on her? Did Nan Nan owe you? You¡¯re the one who owes Nan Nan! I¡¯ve never seen a mother more ruthless than you. You don¡¯t even treat Nan Nan as your daughter. However, you have the cheek to snatch Nan Nan¡¯s things and give them to Zijin on the basis that you¡¯re Nan Nan¡¯s mother. You¡¯re really shameless.¡±

    ¡°And you, Qiao Zijin. You¡¯re really your mom¡¯s good daughter. Your cold-bloodedness is exactly the same as your mom¡¯s. I haven¡¯t said it, but do you really not remember what shameless things you did before? The thing I regret the most was that you asked Nan Nan to drop out of school back then and I agreed in cowardice as I felt that it would be too tough to provide for both children¡¯s studies. Back then, how did you marry Chen Jun? Chen Jun was Nan Nan¡¯s boyfriend and your brother-inw. You slept with him and even got pregnant with his child. You have really thrown our Qiao family¡¯s face for eighteen generations straight! I really regret it. Why didn¡¯t I give you a beating back when I knew about this so that you would be scared and understand what face and values are all about? I should never have let you give birth to Chen Feng!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was really filled with hatred. Qiao Zijin was already forty-two years old. He didn¡¯t know if it was still useful to beat her now. However, he simply couldn¡¯t tolerate it anymore.

    Both of them scolded Nan Nan like she was their enemy. However, once they talked about snatching Nan Nan¡¯s things away, they became excited. It was as if Nan Nan¡¯s things should rightfully belong to them. Those ugly looks were simply unbearable!

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t understand how one of these two ugly women could be his wife and the other, his elder daughter. His father was still an old revolutionary who had killed foreigners on the battlefields.

    If his father knew that there was a granddaughter like Zijin in the Qiao family, he would have been angered to death alive. He was wrong. He didn¡¯t know how to teach children, but Ding Jiayi only knew how to lead them astray!

    Qiao Dongliang, who was filled with hatred, couldn¡¯t be bothered if Qiao Zijin was already a grown-up and even a mother. He picked up things and started to hit Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin with them. Both of them couldn¡¯t escape.

    To Ding Jiayi, who had been beaten and had bruises on her body that hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared, this didn¡¯t seem to be something unusual. She gradually got used to being beaten. However, to Qiao Zijin, who had always been spoiled, that waspletely different.

    Even when Qiao Zijin was young and didn¡¯t do well in her exams, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi never scolded her, let alone hit her. Even when she was pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child back then and had forced Qiao Nan to break up with Chen Jun so that she could marry Chen Jun, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯ty a hand on Qiao Zijin either.

 Chapter 1989 - She Can Fork Out the Money First

    <h4>Chapter 1989: She Can Fork Out the Money First</h4>

    She was already forty-two years old but was actually beaten by Qiao Dongliang. How could Qiao Zijin stand such treatment? As she avoided the hit, she felt hatred in her heart. ¡°I knew it long ago. Now that Qiao Nan managed to be on good terms with the Zhai family, you think that she is promising and only recognize her as your daughter. It wouldn¡¯t be a pity even if you beat me to death, right? You don¡¯t even recognize me as your daughter anymore. On what basis are you qualified to hit me? Go and find your obedient daughter!¡±

    No matter how weak the forty-two-year-old Qiao Zijin was, she was still middle-aged. Even if Qiao Dongliang was a man, he was already in his sixties this year. As soon as Qiao Zijin resisted and flung him back, Qiao Dongliang, who never thought that Qiao Zijin would dare to retaliate, was caught off-guard. He fell backward with a crack. From the sound alone, it was clear that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fall was quite solid.

    ¡°Old Qiao!¡± Ding Jiayi saw Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes widen. His face looked stiff and something seemed very wrong. She tried to pull Qiao Dongliang up from the ground. Qiao Dongliang was in so much pain that the veins in his neck bulged and the bones in his body made a light crisp sound. After that, he fainted. ¡°Are you insane? He¡¯s your dad. How can you hit him? Quick. Call 120 quickly! Something¡¯s wrong with your dad. He has fainted.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know that her attempt to support the injured Qiao Dongliang was aggravating the situation. She was the one who caused Qiao Dongliang to faint and the culprit to cause him a second injury.

    Qiao Zijin was shocked. She refused to admit that this was her doing. ¡°Don¡¯t me it on me. My dad must be pretending. Haven¡¯t Qiao Nan been pretending over the years as well? My dad¡¯spletely looking up to Qiao Nan now and is deliberately trying to frighten me. How did I hit him? I didn¡¯t even push him. At the very most, I ran when he was hitting me. This is none of my business. Don¡¯t push the responsibility to me. Dad, don¡¯t pretend to faint. If you¡¯re really admitted, don¡¯t expect me to fork out that huge sum of money for you. I¡¯m a divorced woman. I¡¯m counting on this sum of money for a living.¡±

    After talking for a long time, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t dial 120. Qiao Zijin knew it in her heart how much power she exerted. She just flung her hand. After that, she didn¡¯t even touch a corner of her dad¡¯s clothes. She was beaten up so badly by her dad, but she wasn¡¯t in a hurry to go to the hospital. Her dad was pretending so well as if it was real.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart shivered. ¡°You damned child. Something¡¯s really wrong with your dad. I¡¯m not lying to you. Call an ambnce quickly!¡± Didn¡¯t she see how Old Qiao had fainted? ¡°When your dad fell behind on his bottom, I heard the cracking sound of his bones. I don¡¯t know if your dad has a bone problem.¡±

    After hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words and seeing that Qiao Dongliang had fainted with cold sweat on his forehead, Qiao Zijin became afraid and took out her mobile to dial 120.

    On the way to the hospital, the doctor asked how Qiao Dongliang got injured. Qiao Zijin lowered her head and didn¡¯t say anything. Ding Jiayi, who always ced Qiao Zijin first, said vaguely, ¡°The floor was slippery. He identally fell.¡±

    ¡°After his fall, did you touch the patient?¡± The doctor¡¯s face changed. This person was old. His physical mechanism naturally couldn¡¯t bepared to when he was young. His bones were especially brittle now. To an elderly, a heavy fall can be fatal, let alone a slip.

    ¡°No. We aren¡¯t doctors. We don¡¯t know what to do.¡± The doctor heaved a sigh of relief at Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. However, what Ding Jiayi said next made the doctor secretly cry for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°When he fell, I was afraid that the floor would be too cold for him. I tried to lift him up. However, I was too weak and didn¡¯t manage to do so.¡±

    After hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words, the doctor didn¡¯t want to say anything else. To an injured person, not having the slightestmon sense of medical care was really terrible!

    The doctor wasn¡¯t sure what Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was like now. He definitely suffered a fracture. However, the specific details could only be confirmed after taking an X-ray back at the hospital.

    ¡°Zijin, what are you doing? Hurry up and hand over the money. Didn¡¯t you hear the doctor say that your dad suffered a fracture? He needs to take an X-ray and might even need to undergo an operation.¡± There was only one person in the family who was sick and had to do a kidney transnt. Ding Jiayi was very familiar with the hospital procedures.

    Qiao Zijin moved her mouth unhappily. ¡°My dad will spend a lot of money to see the doctor, right? It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t care about his life and death. I just feel that he isn¡¯t just my dad alone. A lot of money has to be spent on him today. Someone will provide a living for Qiao Nan soon. I still have to provide a living for myself, you, and Dad. I only have that little money in my hands. What if I give all of it to Dad today for his treatment? How would our family of three continue to lead a life in the future?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t gotten the courtyard yet. However, she had to part with a part of the one million yuan in her hands today for her dad¡¯s hospitalization. Upon thinking about this sum of money which she wasn¡¯t even willing to spend on herself but now had to first spend it on Qiao Dongliang, who no longer had her in his heart, Qiao Zijin felt unhappy.

    She had a house in her hands. However, she would rather stay in the hospital for months just so that others would fork out the money to treat her illness. If she could be so cruel to herself, then without a doubt, she would be crueler to anyone other than her who was deemed as an ¡®outsider¡¯.

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t really a fool. She was taken aback and asked, ¡°Zijin, your dad got injured because of... Do you not want to use this sum of money for your dad¡¯s illness?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. I only have a dad. How can I not care now that he¡¯s sick? However, he doesn¡¯t only have me as a daughter. Everyone should care about him together.¡± It was such a huge sum of money. On what basis should she fork out the money all by herself?

    The Zhai family was providing for Qiao Nan. She was definitely notcking money and would have a lot of good days in the future. Now that Qiao Nan became the chief¡¯s wife, she had to take care of the rtives from her own family, right? Her dad¡¯s hospitalization was the best time for Qiao Nan to do something.

    If she did everything, then what else could Qiao Nan do? She couldn¡¯t possibly prevent Qiao Nan from being a filial daughter, right?

    In short, she could fork out the money, but it shouldn¡¯t be her alone. Also, Qiao Nan¡¯s current conditions were much better than hers. If they really had to fork out money, Qiao Nan should pay most of it. For her, a divorcee and jobless woman, to fork out a bit of money was more than enough.

    There wouldn¡¯t be anything else that she was willing to fork out.

    ¡°Mom, Dad¡¯s already hospitalized. Quickly make a call to Qiao Nan and tell her about this. After she¡¯s here, she can fork out the money first. If it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll add on to itter.¡±

 Chapter 1990 - The Issue of Money

    <h4>Chapter 1990: The Issue of Money</h4>

    ¡°Both of us are Dad¡¯s daughters. Since something major happened to Dad, we can¡¯t keep it from her, right?¡±

    Now that they had to fork out money, Qiao Zijin especially hoped that what the old neighbors said was true.

    There was no choice. She couldn¡¯t contact Qiao Nan and didn¡¯t know where she was. If they couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan, how were they going to get her to fork out the money? However, if Qiao Nan was really marrying Zhai Sheng, then the Zhai family would be their Qiao family¡¯s inws. As long as they could find the Zhai family, it didn¡¯t matter if they couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan.

    As the inws, the Zhai family had to do something now that her dad was injured and hospitalized, right? Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan going to marry Zhai Sheng? If her dad didn¡¯t recover from the injuries and couldn¡¯t be discharged from the hospital earlier, how was Qiao Nan going to marry Zhai Sheng?

    The Zhai family should be more concerned about her dad¡¯s health condition than their family.

    Ding Jiayi stared at Qiao Zijin in a daze. ¡°You mean we have to call Qiao Nan over and fork out the money?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Mom, didn¡¯t you also say that Qiao Nan became ambitious and she¡¯s no longer close to us? It¡¯s really nothing for me to spend more money on you and Dad. However, it doesn¡¯t make sense for Qiao Nan to take our family¡¯s money but ignore your lives. I¡¯m not asking for much. I just want Qiao Nan to hand over all the money that she had taken away from our family back then. If there isn¡¯t enough for Dad¡¯s illness this time, I will provide the shortfall no matter how much it is.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t it just a fracture? It should cost less than a few tens of thousands yuan.

    Hearing that the nurse was already urging them, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes became damp. ¡°Zijin, see if this works? Your dad¡¯s in a hurry to undergo the operation. You fork out all the money first. When we¡¯ve found Qiao Nan, I¡¯ll get her to pay you back whatever you have forked out. Do you think this is alright?¡± When she thought of how the doctor looked, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang had suffered a really bad fall this time.

    Ding Jiayi deeply understood how much of a money-burning ce the hospital was two months ago. She was really afraid that the dyed payment would adversely affect Qiao Dongliang¡¯s condition. If Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t recover well from this fall, he would have to rely on her alone to serve him in the future. Just thinking with her toes, Ding Jiayi knew that if Qiao Dongliang faced difficulty moving in the future, not only would Qiao Zijin not serve him, but she might not even be willing to feed Qiao Dongliang a mouthful of food.

    As such, whether Qiao Dongliang could get better and whether his ability to move about would remain the same as before he was injured were directly rted to Ding Jiayi¡¯s future quality of life. Compared to money, Ding Jiayi would rather spend more money now so that she could lead an easier life in the future.

    Qiao Zijin dawdled for a while. ¡°Mom, Dad¡¯s already hospitalized. When I was hospitalized, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care. She can¡¯t possibly not care about Dad now as well. I feel that you should make a call quickly to the Zhai family and let them tell Qiao Nan that Dad¡¯s hospitalized. Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan marrying Zhai Sheng soon? Qiao Nan might be at the Zhai family now as well. Call the Zhai family quickly. Qiao Nan would arrive immediately within ten minutes.¡±

    Her mom asked Qiao Nan to fork out the money? If this happened a year ago, she would definitely believe it without thinking. However, now... If her mom had the ability to control all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money, would she have to resort to selling her own house?

    Qiao Zijin said a lot of things wrongly in the past. However, it was only this time that everything was guessed pretty urately. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to fork out money. Ding Jiayi was worried that if Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t receive timely treatment, his inconvenient actions in the future would have a great impact on her life. Especially when the X-ray was out and the doctor told Ding Jiayi that Qiao Dongliang suffered a fracture more than once, even if she had to be thick-skinned and p herself in the face, Ding Jiayi could only make a call to the Zhai family.

    Ding Jiayi previously said that Qiao Nan would definitely not be lucky enough to be on good terms with the Zhai family and that she must have used deceptive means to get close to the Zhai family. Now, Ding Jiayi became thick-skinned and addressed the Zhai family as inws so that they could help find Qiao Nan and ask her to rush to the hospital where Qiao Dongliang was.

    As such, when Qiao Nan, who had avoided Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin for half a year, met them again, it was at the hospital. Of course, Qiao Nan was not alone when she arrived at the hospital. Zhai Sheng had apanied her. Once she heard that Qiao Dongliang fell and suffered more than one fracture, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say another word. She took her passbook, got into Zhai Sheng¡¯s car, and rushed to the hospital.

    The Qiao family looked for her only for one thing: money. Aside from money, it was still about money. Even if Qiao Zijin had a lot of money in her hands, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect her to be willing to fork out the money at this time to treat Qiao Dongliang¡¯s illness.

    Qiao Nan really appeared and she even brought along Zhai Sheng. When the two appeared side by side, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were so shocked that they couldn¡¯t speak. Qiao Zijin looked at Ding Jiayi carefully. She didn¡¯t forget what Ding Jiayi told her when they were at home.

    Zhai Sheng was every child¡¯s role model in Ping Cheng¡¯s quad. Qiao Zijin had heard of Zhai Sheng¡¯s name a lot, but this was the first time she saw him in person. It could be said that before Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance, Chen Jun was the best man Qiao Zijin had seen before, in terms of looks and background. However, when she saw Zhai Sheng now, Qiao Zijin suddenly realized that she couldn¡¯t even remember clearly how Chen Jun, whom she had gotten a divorce with less than a year ago, looked like.

    This man before her could make any woman fall in love with him. It was just that when the blooming Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Nan, who was standing next to Zhai Sheng, she felt particrly ufortable. Did this mean that what the old neighbors said was true? Qiao Nan got close to the Zhai family and she stood a chance at marrying Zhai Sheng?

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say anything. Due to Zhai Sheng¡¯s presence, it wasn¡¯t convenient for Ding Jiayi to say anything to Qiao Nan either. When Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng stood together, Ding Jiayi subconsciously got closer to Qiao Zijin as if she was finding an ally. What Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know was that Qiao Zijin actually wanted to get closer to Zhai Sheng more now.

    It was a pity that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t so gutsy.

    To be honest, Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t look good. Her rtionship with her dad wasn¡¯t as good as that in her dreams. At this moment, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even have the energy to ask how Qiao Dongliang got injured out of the blue and was sent to the hospital.

    Thankfully, after an hour, the doctor came out. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s no problem with the operation. What the patient needs next is to recuperate well. Also, the patient isn¡¯t young anymore. You should pay more attention to him when at home and give him more calcium supplements. It¡¯s still alright this time. When he gets older in the future, it will not be a trivial matter anymore if he suffers a fall like today again.¡±

 Chapter 1991 - Involvement

    <h4>Chapter 1991: Involvement</h4>

    Upon learning of the reason for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s fall, the doctor could only say that the patient¡¯s family did not take care of the elderly well. Not only had he taken a bad fall, but it was so severe that he had even been injured a second time!

    ¡°Thank you, doctor.¡± Qiao Nan was not at all surprised that Qiao Dongliang was fine. In her dream, Qiao Dongliang had been even more severely injured and had been hospitalized. Then, he had recovered all the same.

    ¡°No worries.¡± With that, the doctor left.

    Qiao Nan pushed Qiao Dongliang into the ward with Zhai Sheng by her side. Perhaps, the hospital was not as busy these few days. As such, Qiao Dongliang was the only person in his ward. After the nurse took her leave, the only ones left in the ward apart from the Qiao family was Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Dongliang had not awoken and the four people who were awake dared not take the initiative to speak, making the atmosphere extremely awkward.

    Qiao Zijin wrapped her arms around her waist, poking Ding Jiayi, asking her to take the first step. Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression was stiff. If Zhai Sheng was not around, she would have scolded Qiao Nan to death a long time ago, so much so that Qiao Nan would not even have the guts to lift her head. But because Zhai Sheng was around, Ding Jiayi had no idea what she should say.

    Qiao Nan had been away from home for a long time, yet Ding Jiayi could not bring herself to express concern toward Qiao Nan. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi felt as though Zhai Sheng would beat her up if she were to scold Qiao Nan in front of him.

    Apart from throwing airs around Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi was not of much use at other times. Zhai Sheng had a different air to him, and people with ill intentions like Ding Jiayi shivered in fear at the sight of him.

    But she could not keep silent forever. Qiao Zijin was hurrying and urging her to say something. If she remained silent any longer, Qiao Nan might just take her leave. She thought about how Qiao Dongliang would incur even more expenses after being discharged since he would need to recuperate at home. In short, Zijin was right. Old Qiao was not Zijin¡¯s father alone. Qiao Nan was her and Old Qiao¡¯s daughter too.

    Qiao Nan had to take up the responsibility and fork out some money now that Old Qiao had gotten into such a situation and needed money for his rehabilitation. Zijin was divorced and had not found a job yet. There was no way Zijin would be able to bear this responsibility of taking care of Old Qiao on her own.

    After clearing her throat, Ding Jiayi looked guiltily at Zhai Sheng before saying, ¡°Qiao Nan, your dad was injured so badly this time. We¡¯ll have to spend quite a bit of money on nourishment and medications for him. What do you think we should do?¡±

    Qiao Nan was not afraid of letting Zhai Sheng gain a clearer understanding of her family¡¯s situation. Dirty linen should not be aired in public? Just a few months ago, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had been in the headlines on a daily basis. What else was there that outsiders did not know about their family? ¡°Dad may not be awake now, but amongst the three of us, you¡¯re the most senior here. Apart from you, Zijin is older than me too. I think it¡¯s funny. I didn¡¯t even question you about how my dad got injured in case I embarrass you, yet you¡¯re trying to make me take responsibility for this?¡±

    Did Ding Jiayi think that she would try to keep up appearances and be a good person in front of Brother Zhai? Did Ding Jiayi think that she would happily take on all responsibility to prove to Brother Zhai that she was a good daughter and sister?

    That was exactly what Ding Jiayi was thinking. Since Ding Jiayi felt this way, she thought that Qiao Nan would think in the same way too. It would be even weirder if Qiao Nan was willing to expose all of the Qiao family¡¯s dirtyundry out in public.

    Divorce was still possible after marriage, and Qiao Nan had not even gotten married to Zhai Sheng yet. Zhai Sheng could change his mind at any time and decide not to marry her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s uncooperativeness angered Ding Jiayi. If not for Zhai Sheng, Ding Jiayi would have gone much further than simply staring at Qiao Nan. She would have beenmbasting Qiao Nan while raining blows on her. ¡°There¡¯s no choice. You are clear about our family¡¯s situation. Amongst the four of us, you¡¯re the most capable and the one with the most money. Who am I supposed to look for now that your dad has been hospitalized if not you?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you look for that amazing daughter of yours who graduated from university?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been saying that all these years? Haven¡¯t you always said that Qiao Zijin is more capable than me and that you¡¯ll never be able to depend on me? Only she will be able to give you and Dad a good life and support you in your old age. Both you and Dad are in your sixties and she¡¯s already forty-two. If she doesn¡¯t let you enjoy your lives now, when will you get the chance to do so? I¡¯m nothing but a useless wretched girl. It¡¯s good enough that I haven¡¯t be a burden to you. Are you trying to mock me by saying that I am better than her and more capable than her?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had nagged at her with these very words for over two decades, ever since Qiao Nan left school and Qiao Zijin started high school. Even if Qiao Nan was not trying to remember those words, she could spit them out backward in order.

    Upon hearing Ding Jiayi say that she was the most capable and earned the most in the family, Qiao Nan had no other reaction than tough. It was true. She was only useful when the family needed some money to spend. ¡°Don¡¯t get angry. Think about how you guys treated me. Yes, you guys are still my parents, so I won¡¯t shirk any responsibility I ought to take on. Qiao Zijin might be divorced but I¡¯m not married yet, so our situations are pretty much simr. Once I get married, I¡¯ll have my own private life as well. Besides, I¡¯ve already forked out fifty thousand for Dad¡¯s hospitalization bills. As for all those expenses that you talked about, it¡¯s easy. I¡¯ll split it equally with Qiao Zijin.¡±

    From the day that she secretly left the hospital and started her new life afresh, the Qiao family should have known that she was no longer the same Qiao Nan whom they could easily boss around.

    She would fulfill her duty as a daughter, but Qiao Zijin should never think of shirking that responsibility either.

    ¡°You...¡± Qiao Nan no longer treated her words as an imperial edict and dared to go over her head! She even treated herself as the boss by telling them what to do! Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan was challenging her. Ding Jiayi had had enough. ¡°No, you... You¡¯re so heartless. Don¡¯t you know that your sister¡¯s divorced? She might have some money on hand but she still has a long life ahead of her. You can¡¯t possibly expect her to use up all her money now, right? What will she do in the future then? Will you take care of her if she spends all her money now?¡±

    That would be fine if that was truly the case.

    ¡°Do you mean that she¡¯s the only one with half a life ahead of her? Do you think I¡¯m a god who can live on air and water alone?¡±

 Chapter 1992 - Money Is More Important Than Life

    <h4>Chapter 1992: Money Is More Important Than Life</h4>

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Qiao Zijin treated me very well when she was livingfortably in the past either. At that time, we lived our own lives. Since we weren¡¯t capable, it was better not to drag someone else down. Wasn¡¯t that what you said? Alright, take it as though I never said anything.¡±

    Qiao Nan suddenly stopped herself. She had only let it out because she had not been able to hold it in at that moment. Trying to reason with Ding Jiayi was simply a waste of her breath and effort. ¡°In short, I will split all of my dad¡¯s expenses with Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin is a university graduate while I had to start working before graduating from middle school. Aspared to Qiao Zijin, you guys definitely spent less time and money on me. I don¡¯t even want to talk about who was supporting the other in the end.¡±

    Qiao Nan was not sure if Qiao Dongliang was awake but she could not stand staying any longer. ¡°Let¡¯s leave, Brother Zhai.¡± It was always like that. It was always her responsibility alone whenever something happened to someone in the Qiao family and needed to pay for the hospital bills. It seemed as though Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were strangers.

    She was nothing more than a human ATM for the Qiao family.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng had been standing by Qiao Nan¡¯s side silently, giving her moral support. Now that Qiao Nan expressed her intention to leave, Zhai Sheng took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand in his, feeling Qiao Nan¡¯s temperature with his palm, giving her some support before leaving that stifling room. ¡°Dad and Mom are still waiting for us at home. Jiajia¡¯s been asking to get a wedding photo taken with us. If we don¡¯t do it now, we might not get it in time for the wedding.¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, who were about to get married, were busy with the wedding preparation even though Miao Jing and Zhai Hua had taken care of most of it. Taking wedding photos was something that only the two of them could do themselves.

    If not for Qiao Dongliang being hospitalized and Qiao Nan insisting on going down to the hospital to pay for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bills, Zhai Sheng would never have agreed to let her show up at the hospital. Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Dongliang was Qiao Nan¡¯s father, after all, and that they should never try to shirk any responsibility that they should bear.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had been injured at home, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had to take responsibility for that. As such, they should be the ones handling this matter. But Qiao Nan shook her head in disagreement. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you really not understand my mom¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper? My mom still has feelings for my dad. If she has any money, she would definitely hand it over to my dad. As for Qiao Zijin... She¡¯s been spoiled by my mom and she isn¡¯t very normal. Besides herself, she has no one else in her head.¡±

    If Qiao Zijin was not such a selfish person, would she have gone astray in her marriage and be caught red-handed by Chen Jun? No matter what Chen Jun did, Chen Jun was capable of cleaning up after himself and would never let anyone grab a chink in his armor. Qiao Zijin was different. She was incapable of doing so, yet she followed in Chen Jun¡¯s footsteps.

    With a mom like that, Chen Feng would never have been able to get a good learning environment if he did not leave Ping Cheng. Moms always cared the most about their children, but given Qiao Zijin¡¯s selfish nature, she could not even be bothered with her own son!

    Qiao Nan did not expect someone who was so cold and heartless to her own son to be filial to her parents and repay them for raising her all these years. It would never happen in a million years.

    ¡°Even if Qiao Zijin sold that house, I was the one who paid for that house. But Qiao Zijin will never have that kind of self-awareness. Because the money went into her pockets, she would definitely think that it¡¯s hers to keep. She¡¯ll never fork out that sum of money to pay for my dad¡¯s bills.¡± But they could not afford to wait to pay those bills.

    Just half a year ago, she had been so decisive in leaving Qiao Zijin in the hospital without leaving a single cent for her because she knew that Qiao Zijin did not have cash, but she did have a house. With that house, there was no way Qiao Zijin would run out of money for her treatment. She would even have enough to support herself for a while after that.

    Qiao Nan was not so confident now that Qiao Dongliang was in this situation.

    No matter how incapable the Qiao family was, they would have spent every single cent they had left on Qiao Zijin. With the property deed of the courtyard in her hands, the Qiao family would not even be able to take a loan by mortgaging it so that they would be able to pay for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s treatment.

    As such, Qiao Nan had already known from the day she received the property deed that she would never be able to run away from the Qiao family¡¯s matters. As long as it concerned the Qiao family, she would have to continue worrying about it. There was no way out of that.

    Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, the Zhai family was initially in disbelief. Qiao Zijin could not possibly be so heartless. With 1.6 million yuan in her bank ount, would she be so stingy as to not use a few thousand yuan for her dad¡¯s treatment? Was Qiao Zijin the Qiao family¡¯s biological child?

    In fact, Qiao Nan had been the one who had paid for the house. The money from the sale of the house was no different from a sudden windfall. If Qiao Zijin was not even willing to spend such undeserved money on her parents, it was no longer a question about her identity as a child but her morals as a person.

    The Zhai Sheng had thought that Qiao Nan had been exaggerating, but Zhai Sheng thought that it would be better for him to go along with Qiao Nan if she was worried about that. Logic was one thing, but no one could be sure that nothing would happen. Moreover, Ding Jiayi had gotten someone to phone the Zhai family. Did this not mean that she was waiting for Qiao Nan to foot the bill?

    As such, Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s worries were not unfounded. It was very likely that the situation was just as Qiao Nan had described.

    Just as expected, when Zhai Sheng arrived at the hospital with Qiao Nan, they learned that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bills had not been paid and he could not undergo the surgery. Upon hearing this, Zhai Sheng instructed Qiao Nan to wait for him while he settled Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hospitalization bills.

    Only with everything in ce and the money paid did Qiao Dongliang manage to undergo his surgery.

    Now that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surgery was over and there had been noplications, Zhai Sheng felt that it was very reasonable for Qiao Nan to take her leave. If she stayed on, it would not only cause him to lower his limits again and again. More importantly, he was afraid that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi would vent their anger toward Qiao Nan or even anger Qiao Dongliang so much that he might just jump up from his bed!

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s obsession with money was much worse than what Nan Nan had described. Perhaps, in their hearts, money was even more important than anyone¡¯s lives as long as Nan Nan was around, even if that man was their husband or father!

 Chapter 1993 - Afraid

    <h4>Chapter 1993: Afraid</h4>

    In the event that Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t treated in time due tock of money and he ended up losing his life, that mother-daughter pair would only think that Nan Nan was the one who caused Qiao Dongliang his death as she valued money more than Qiao Dongliang¡¯s life.

    This was the first time Zhai Sheng truly felt that the family Qiao Nan used to live with was a problematic one. Upon thinking that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t go astray even after having grown up in such an environment, Zhai Sheng was really thankful.

    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, take a rest first. I¡¯ll call you when we¡¯re home.¡± Once they got in the car, Zhai Sheng asked Qiao Nan to rest. Really, even if nothing happened today, having to deal with the Qiao family alone was enough to make Qiao Nan physically and mentally exhausted.

    Qiao Nanughed bitterly. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m used to it.¡± Due to Brother Zhai¡¯s presence today, Ding Jiayi only asked her to fork out money. If Brother Zhai wasn¡¯t around, her mom¡¯s usual ways would be to first force her to fork out money that far exceeded the cost of her dad¡¯s hospitalization. Then, she would poke her head and scold her for being useless andcking a conscience as she arrived sote after her dad was hospitalized. Otherwise, she would say that her wings had hardened and that she no longer cared about her parents¡¯ life and death.

    If not for her not taking good care of her dad, would her dad have to be hospitalized, undergo an operation, and suffer so much physically? In short, she had to fork out the money. All the mistakes weremitted by her.

    At least, they only took half of her money today and she didn¡¯t get a scolding. To Qiao Nan, this was already a fairly good treatment.

    The more Qiao Nan said this, the more Zhai Sheng felt heartache.

    Zhai Sheng was still feeling miserable. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, the mother-daughter pair who had a good rtionship, were arguing. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re really letting Qiao Nan go just like that?¡± Qiao Zijin was shocked. Zhai Sheng was right in front of them. Why didn¡¯t her mom say all those nice words that she had said before? In front of Zhai Sheng, she was as timid as a quail.

    ¡°What else can I do?!¡± Ding Jiayi replied unpleasantly. ¡°Can I control Qiao Nan or the Zhai family¡¯s son?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Doesn¡¯t he want to marry Qiao Nan? That means he¡¯s your son-inw, which is equivalent to half of your son. He will address you as mom and you can control your son. Why can¡¯t you control him?¡± Zhai Sheng had to listen to her mom¡¯s words as well.

    After being nagged at by her daughter, Ding Jiayi became furious and said, ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s already forty-years-old. If someone like Zhai Sheng is willing to marry Qiao Nan, I should be very thankful that my daughter could be married off and that someone is willing to have her. Back when you were young, you married Chen Jun while being pregnant with Feng Feng. Since when did Chen Jun treat me as his mom and listen to my words?¡±

    A son-inw was half a son and thus, he should be listening to her words?

    Ding Jiayi had two daughters. She became a grandmother and had a son-inw early. However, she never experienced the joy of this before. Every time Chen Jun came to the Qiao family, he was like a master to be served. She was deeply afraid that if she didn¡¯t treat Chen Jun, the son-inw, well, her daughter¡¯s life would be made difficult by the Chen family.

    Her son-inw was the Qiao family¡¯s number one VIP!

    To put on airs in front of her son-inw? Sorry, she hadn¡¯t tried this before and she hadn¡¯t learned it even now. Furthermore, that man she faced today wasn¡¯t her son-inw yet. She didn¡¯t have the confidence to put on airs as a mother-inw.

    One should not hit a person in the face or expose their shorings. Both mother and daughter hadmitted this taboo. Animosity filled the atmosphere. ¡°Oh, now that you have Zhai Sheng as a son-inw, you¡¯reining that the Chen Jun I married to in the past isn¡¯t good enough? You¡¯re bringing up old scores now? Heh. I thought only Dad looked down on me, the elder daughter, because Qiao Nan¡¯s about to marry Zhai Sheng. After so much fuss, you¡¯re just like Dad. You really deserve to be husband and wife.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned pale when she heard her daughter¡¯s unceremonious words. ¡°How can you say this? Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m your mom. After hitting your birth dad, you¡¯re lecturing me, your birth mom?¡±

    When Zhai Sheng was around previously, Ding Jiayi was especially worried that Qiao Nan would ask how Qiao Dongliang became injured. She couldn¡¯t possibly tell Qiao Nan that when she and Qiao Zijin were conspiring to destroy the Zhai family¡¯s impression of Qiao Nan, they got into an argument with Qiao Dongliang after he overheard their words, and Qiao Dongliang fell after being pushed by his birth daughter, Qiao Zijin, right?

    Until now, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t willing to ept this truth.

    Qiao Dongliang was old and in poor health. This meant that she was in a simr situation. Through Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but worry about herself. If she and her elder daughter got into a dispute because of something, would her elder daughter push her like how she did to Old Qiao?

    She thought of how Qiao Zijin refused to fork out the money when they first entered the hospital and insisted on waiting for Qiao Nan to arrive so that they would split the cost and not benefit Qiao Nan in any way. Before Qiao Nan left, she also said that she would split the cost with Qiao Zijin. It was obvious that Qiao Zijin had forgotten about her own persistence before Qiao Nan¡¯s arrival as she was very dissatisfied with having to split the cost.

    Speaking of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s injuries, Qiao Zijin felt a little guilty. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t make it sound so serious. You know that I¡¯m filial to you and dad. How could Iy a hand on you? That time was an ident. I didn¡¯t want this to happen either.¡± She knew that she couldn¡¯t afford toy a hand on the elderly.

    She wasn¡¯t the kind of person whoined that she had too much money in her hands and thus deliberately injured the elderly in the family to spend the money on hospitalization bills instead. If there was really a serious illness, the money in her hands wouldn¡¯t be sufficient at all.

    Ding Jiayi sighed. Now that things had be like this, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know if she should be angry with Qiao Zijin or herself. ¡°Before Qiao Nan arrived, you insisted that Old Qiao was the father of both you and Qiao Nan. There was no reason for you to fork out the money and benefit that unfilial Qiao Nan. Now that Qiao Nan has already forked out fifty thousand yuan, I shan¡¯t say anything else. Transfer fifty thousand yuan to me immediately. I still have to take care of your dad. If we have finished spending all the money and your dad hasn¡¯t recovered yet, I¡¯ll get money from both you and Qiao Nan again. Both of you should split the cost.¡±

    Since there was already a start, there was no reason to go back. Since they agreed on splitting the cost, then that should be done from the beginning to the end.

    After being exposed by Qiao Zijin, the angry Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t care about doting on her elder daughter anymore. She knew that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to fork out money when Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized today. If she had to be hospitalized one day, based on Old Qiao¡¯s temper, he would definitely not be able to get money from Zijin. Did that mean that once she was sick, Zijin wouldpletely ignore her life and death and run far away?

    As she thought about this, not only did Ding Jiayi feel cold, but she also felt terrified. She became a different person.

 Chapter 1994 - She Could Only Fork It Out

    <h4>Chapter 1994: She Could Only Fork It Out</h4>

    The daughter whom she always thought was sessful wasn¡¯t that sessful. Based on this incident, the daughter whom she always thought was filial wasn¡¯t that filial.

    However, she and Old Qiao were old. They couldn¡¯t work and earn money to support themselves. If both daughters were unfilial, how would she and Old Qiao lead their lives in the future?

    After thinking about it, Ding Jiayi felt that the only solution was to make sure there was more money by her side. That would make her feel more at ease. As such, once she knew that Qiao Nan had forked out fifty thousand yuan, Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Zijin for the same amount as well.

    ¡°Mom, are you kidding me?¡± Qiao Zijin nearly jumped. ¡°My dad¡¯s suffering a fracture. It¡¯s not that serious. It¡¯s just a minor operation today and it won¡¯t cost much. There¡¯s definitely an excess from the fifty thousand yuan Qiao Nan forked out. You can just use the remaining money to buy some nutritional products for dad.¡±

    A fall and a fracture cost one hundred thousand yuan. Was her dad made of precious gold? She only spent over four hundred thousand yuan for her kidney transnt.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t feel that I still have a lot of money in my hands because of that one million yuan. I¡¯m just forty-two years old. My life¡¯s only halfway down the road. I still have plenty of ces to spend money on in the future. Mom, you¡¯ve changed so much that I feel I don¡¯t recognize you anymore. You¡¯re not like this in the past. You used to be very considerate of me.¡±

    Before her dad was hospitalized, her mom was still thinking of how to ruin the Zhai family¡¯s good impression of Qiao Nan so that she could get closer to them and obtain benefits.

    It was just a short two hours. The way her mom asked her for money was exactly the same as when she asked Qiao Nan for money.

    Ding Jiayi pursed her lips together and said in a low voice, ¡°There¡¯s no choice. Your dad and I are old. Aside from the house I bought for you, all the money I got from Qiao Nan was handed over to the hospital when you contracted uremia. I don¡¯t have any money by my side. Your dad¡¯s ill today. It might be me the next time. A person can have anything but illness and canck anything but money. Didn¡¯t you say that you will split the cost evenly with Qiao Nan? Since she forked out fifty thousand yuan, you can do the same. You¡¯re not on the losing end.¡±

    So what if one hundred thousand yuan wouldn¡¯t be spent? She could save the excess. If anything happened to her or Old Qiao next time, at least there was a little money at home for them to go to the hospital and get treated.

    After having such an experience once, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but worry if the person being admitted next time was her, would Qiao Zijin be the same as today? Would she have money in her hands but refuse to hand it in and insist on Qiao Nan doing so instead?

    Ding Jiayi knew that as long as she was alive, even if she had to first fork out the money when she was hospitalized, she would still be able to get the money Qiao Nan should fork out from Qiao Nan after being discharged from the hospital. Thus far, out of a hundred times that she asked Qiao Nan for money, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t reject her for ny-nine times.

    The only exception was when Zijin was hospitalized and had to undergo a kidney transnt.

    However, when Old Qiao was hospitalized today, not only did Qiao Nan appear, but she even handed over fifty thousand yuan without another word. As such, if she was really ill and had to be hospitalized, Qiao Nan, that wretched girl, would most likely be willing to hand over money so that she could receive treatment.

    ¡°You yourself said to split the cost evenly. Since Qiao Nan forked out fifty thousand yuan, tell me, shouldn¡¯t you do the same?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say anything else. She was only eyeing that fifty thousand yuan.

    Qiao Zijin really didn¡¯t want to hand over the money. ¡°Mom, if you¡¯re really worried you won¡¯t have enough to spend, you can get more from Qiao Nan again. Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan going to be rted to the Zhai family soon? She definitely wouldn¡¯t becking money. Unless she doesn¡¯t want to be together with Zhai Sheng, if you as a mother ask Qiao Nan for money, she wouldn¡¯t dare to refuse. If she really refuses to do so, you can ask for money from the Zhai family.¡±

    There were so many people her mom could ask for money from. Why did she only eye her?

    Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°Qiao Nan is Qiao Nan. You are you.¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t feel that she could control Qiao Nan just byining to the Zhai family. Didn¡¯t they see that Zhai Sheng apanied Qiao Nan to the hospital today? She was afraid that the Zhai family already knew that Zijin had money in her hands but refused to pay for Old Qiao¡¯s treatment.

    Even if she made a fool of herself, it couldn¡¯t bepared to Zijin¡¯s practice today. If they really wanted to discredit Qiao Nan in front of the Zhai family, it had to be something that Qiao Nan really did. Otherwise, based on Zijin¡¯s and her actions, would Qiao Nan¡¯s image be worse than the two of them?

    Toward the end, Ding Jiayi felt irritated as well. ¡°So, you¡¯re not going to fork out this fifty thousand yuan?¡± She had two daughters. She should rightfully be enjoying the care from both daughters.

    Ding Jiayi, who was extremely afraid after seeing Qiao Dongliang being hospitalized, wasn¡¯t asking for a lot of money. It was just fifty thousand yuan. If she really fell sick, this fifty thousand yuan would definitely not be enough. If Zijin wasn¡¯t even willing to fork out fifty thousand yuan, who knew how it would be like if she had to spend more than fifty thousand yuan in the future?

    ¡°Zijin, until today, out of the two children, you¡¯re the one I can answer to the most. You didn¡¯t earn that remaining 1.6 million yuan from the sale of the house. If not for Qiao Nan knowing how to earn money and me taking all her sry to buy the house, you would neither have the money nor the house. You¡¯re not even willing to take out fifty thousand yuan now. Zijin, if I run into an ident in the future like your dad today, do you think I can count on you?¡±

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but be alert.

    Based on Zijin¡¯s current situation, to let her enjoy life? Zijin herself couldn¡¯t enjoy life soon. It¡¯s fine if she wasn¡¯t able to enjoy life. However, if she was sick, would Zijin be unwilling to fork out money for her treatment and just watch her die?!

    The more Qiao Zijin was unwilling to fork out the money, the more Ding Jiayi was unwilling to let it go. After all, this sum of money concerned if Ding Jiayi could still receive treatment and continue to live in the event she was ill. To Ding Jiayi, who cherished life, being alive was naturally more important than anything else. She had raised her elder daughter into a university student. Wasn¡¯t she counting on her to let her lead a good life when she was old?

    Qiao Zijin felt both panicked and guilty. ¡°Mom, what are you talking about? I¡¯m divorced from Chen Jun and Feng Feng isn¡¯t by my side. I only have you and Dad now. How can I not care about you both? Isn¡¯t it just fifty thousand yuan? I can transfer it to you now.¡± She would definitely suffer if she fell out with her mom.

    If Qiao Nan were to really marry Zhai Sheng, what kind of life she would be able to lead in the future would depend on how well her mom could control Qiao Nan.

    Compared to falling out with Ding Jiayi, fifty thousand yuan was really nothing. However, Qiao Zijin was someone who refused to give up until she reached her goal. Unless it was ast resort, Qiao Zijin would dy the possibility of forking out any sum of money.

    This time, Ding Jiayi¡¯s looks changed and her tone waspletely different. Qiao Zijin hurriedly took out her mobile to do the transfer. Upon hearing the short message prompt from the bank system, Ding Jiayi took out her mobile. Indeed, fifty thousand yuan had been transferred over.

 Chapter 1995 - Too â€˜Filialâ€™

    <h4>Chapter 1995: Too ¡®Filial¡¯</h4>

    Upon seeing this short message prompt, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t happy at all. She had to force this fifty thousand yuan out of her. Because of Zijin, Old Qiao was injured and had to be hospitalized. ording to reason, Zijin should fork out this sum of money on her own initiative. She shouldn¡¯t have to ask for it.

    What was more infuriating was that Qiao Nan, the wretched girl who wascking conscience, forked out fifty thousand yuan without saying a word, but Qiao Zijin was still dying payment until she lost her temper. The difference between taking the initiative and being forced was too big.

    She thought of how well she had treated Qiao Zijin over the years and how she only valued Qiao Zijin instead of Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin was young and had money in her hands, but she was unwilling to take good care of Old Qiao. What should she do in the future...

    The more Ding Jiayi thought about it, the more panicked she became. ¡°Zijin, this won¡¯t do. I don¡¯t mean to urge you, but I¡¯d like to reason with you. You¡¯re just forty-two years old this year. You yourself said that you¡¯re still young. The retirement age set by the country is fifty years old. While you¡¯re still young, go and find a job. It¡¯s alright if the sry is lower as long as there are some retirement funds.¡±

    It would definitely not work if she kept on eating but not working.

    As long as Zijin found a job, had a certain amount of ie every month, and received some retirement funds from thepany, her expenses would no longer be a problem. Even if the ie was lower, it was better than Zijin staying at home all day and only having an outflow of cash.

    Perhaps when Zijin was working and had ie, she might even be more filial toward her and Old Qiao.

    In short, Zijin had to have an ie to resolve her panic. Zijin hadn¡¯t been working. The money in her hands was decreasing day by day. Not only was Zijin feeling panicked, but she herself was as well.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed. Did her mom really think that she could control her life just because she addressed her as mom? So what if she didn¡¯t have a job? As long as her parents didn¡¯t burden her when they were old and went to Qiao Nan if they were sick, all was good. Even if she didn¡¯t work, the 1.6 million yuan in her hands was enough for her to eat and drink until she died.

    She could obviously lead an easier life. Why did she have to find a job and be exhausted? The money earned each month wasn¡¯t as high as the interest the bank provided. She wasn¡¯t stupid.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s talk about this in the future. I¡¯m worried since Dad¡¯s in such a state now. You¡¯re also tired from taking care of him alone. Let¡¯s take turns to take care of him. Oh right, Mom. Zhai Sheng apanied Qiao Nan to the hospital today to visit Dad. What do you think is the rtionship between Qiao Nan and the Zhai family?¡± What made Qiao Zijin upset was still Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family.

    Even if Zhai Sheng apanied Qiao Nan over today, she didn¡¯t feel that things were really as rumored and that Zhai Sheng was going to marry Qiao Nan. Didn¡¯t big families like to acknowledge god rtives? What if Zhai Sheng was only recognizing Qiao Nan as his godsister? She didn¡¯t even have the chance to marry Zhai Sheng. It was already lucky for Qiao Nan to have the chance to know Zhai Sheng.

    Marrying Zhai Sheng? Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan afraid of being crushed to death by this huge blessing?

    ¡°How do I know?!¡± Ding Jiayi felt irritated. Especially when Qiao Zijin changed the topic and didn¡¯t agree to find a job, Ding Jiayi¡¯s mood became worse. ¡°You saw today¡¯s situation as well. I¡¯m only concerned about your dad. From the start to the end, I didn¡¯t say a word to that wretched girl. How would I know what her rtionship with the Zhai family and Zhai Sheng is? Alright, stop thinking about these matters. You should think about when your dad will wake up.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t in the mood at all now that her man was hospitalized. How would she think about Qiao Zijin and find ways to snatch over all of Qiao Nan¡¯s good things for her?

    Ding Jiayi sat on the edge of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bed. She was shocked for a while. Then, she said, ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m old and not in good health. I can¡¯t possibly take care of your dad alone. Why don¡¯t you go home and rest now and take over my shift at night? It shouldn¡¯t be a problem for you to keep watch overnight, right?¡±

    Qiao Zijin wanted to say that there was a problem. She would rather stay and take care of her dad now, who had not yet woken up and didn¡¯t have any other needs other than sleep. It was tough to keep watch overnight. If her dad woke up and was in pain or needed to go to the toilet, it would be troublesome for her.

    Thankfully, Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t a fool. As long as she was still counting on Ding Jiayi to help her take advantage of Qiao Nan, she had to continue coaxing Ding Jiayi and not fall out with her. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll head back first then. Let me see if there are any free-range chickens. I¡¯ll get one. Mom, you know I don¡¯t know how to cook. After heading hometer, brew some chicken soup to act as supplements for you and Dad.¡±

    A chicken cost at least one to two hundred yuan. She felt the pinch.

    Forget it. No pain, no gain. Her mom was already unhappy. If she didn¡¯t fork out this small sum of money and her mom became biased toward Qiao Nan like her dad and treated her as her precious daughter, she would be done for.

    ¡°Yes. Be careful on the way back.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll get going first.¡±

    After Qiao Zijin left, Qiao Dongliang opened his eyes. Ding Jiayi leaned forward. ¡°Old Qiao, why didn¡¯t you say that you had woken up? You even got me to send Zijin away. When did you wake up? Are you thirsty? Do your injuries hurt?¡±

    It was only when Ding Jiayi sat next to Qiao Dongliang did she realize that he was already awake. As to when Qiao Dongliang was awake, Ding Jiayi had no idea at all. Qiao Dongliang wanted Qiao Zijin to leave first. Even if Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand it, she had done so.

    ¡°When did I wake up?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked himself. ¡°I don¡¯t remember. However, I heard quite a bit of your conversation with her. A few months ago when Zijin was hospitalized, I remember I was so anxious that I couldn¡¯t sleep for the first few nights and had insomnia for a long time. I didn¡¯t expect a few monthster, she would be the one to send me to the same hospital. She couldn¡¯t even bear to part with fifty thousand yuan for me, her birth dad. Ding Jiayi, we have really raised Zijin this daughter ¡®well¡¯.¡±

    Filial?

    Zijin took so much money from Nan Nan but couldn¡¯t bear to spend fifty thousand yuan on him. She didn¡¯t even feel guilty for his fracture and hospitalization. Heh, this was Ding Jiayi¡¯s so-called good daughter. She was really too ¡®filial¡¯!

    As the anesthetics wore off a little, Qiao Dongliang woke up and heard such a conversation. As a father, he was really unwilling to see Qiao Zijin, his daughter, now.

 Chapter 1996 - Keeping Oneâ€™s Promise

    <h4>Chapter 1996: Keeping One¡¯s Promise</h4>

    The presence of this daughter of his was a constant reminder of what a failure he had been as a father and how blind and deaf Ding Jiayi had been all along.

    Both he and Ding Jiayi had wasted decades of their lives! They were both blind!

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression was poor. Even if she did feel that way in her heart, there was no way she would admit to it. ¡°You can¡¯t me Zijin for that. We¡¯re at fault too. Zijin was always better than Qiao Nan. It¡¯s just that the news of Qiao Nan marrying into the Zhai family shocked her. That¡¯s why she went out of line and injured you identally. That was only an ident. Zijin didn¡¯t mean to do it. After you were admitted, she was very anxious and afraid, and she felt extremely apologetic toward you too.¡±

    If she were in Zijin¡¯s ce, she would behave in the exact same way as Zijin. As parents, they could not possibly expect Zijin to be a saint. Zijin¡¯s reaction was perfectly normal.

    ¡°As for money...¡± Ding Jiayi felt a little tug on her heart. ¡°Don¡¯t think that 1.6 million is a big sum of money that makes Zijin rich. Don¡¯t forget that Zijin doesn¡¯t have a job. This sum of money will only get depleted. She transferred fifty thousand to me today and she handed me ten thousand for my living allowance in the past too. She hasn¡¯t had that money for a long time but she¡¯s already spent sixty thousand. Zijin¡¯s not old, so there¡¯s nothing wrong with being concerned about money. Didn¡¯t Zijin hand that money over in the end?¡±

    The process was unimportant. What mattered was the oue. Zijin had not abandoned Old Qiao, after all, and had handed over the money she ought to. She did not feel that Zijin had been unfilial or any worse than that wretched girl, Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I believe that Zijin would definitely treat us well if she leads afortable life herself. Given her situation now, we can¡¯t expect too much of her. Otherwise, how will she lead her own life?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt as though his ears were bleeding from just hearing Ding Jiayi trying to protect Qiao Zijin with her excessive exnations. The reason why he had asked Qiao Zijin to leave was to have a private chat with Ding Jiayi about what had happened today. No matter how foolish Ding Jiayi was, she should, at least, have found out how her elder daughter was as a person and how selfish she was, right?

    Who would have known that Ding Jiayi had not even remembered what had just happened? In fact, she had forgotten all about it and was even trying to find an excuse for Qiao Zijin, saying that her life was tough. Qiao Zijin¡¯s selfishness was understandable, and as parents, they had to understand and ept that.

    Thinking about how harsh Ding Jiayi had been toward Qiao Nan all these years even after all that Qiao Nan had given to her, and how Qiao Nan had only earned the title of ¡®wretched girl¡¯ after everything, Qiao Dongliang could only shut his eyes. He truly had no words. No wonder he had only heard his elder daughter¡¯s and Old Ding Jiayi¡¯s voices when he awoke. Nan Nan had not been around.

    Nan Nan had already guessed that this would happen and had thus taken her leave. Even though Nan Nan already knew the kind of personalities Old Ding and Zijin had, it would probably still hurt and upset her every time she encountered such a situation. Instead of making herself miserable, it was better to avoid this situation.

    ¡°Alright, since you¡¯ve always felt that only Zijin can let you enjoy your life, I¡¯ll let you hold on to that belief. I can¡¯t be bothered to say anything more. Zijin is our child and it¡¯s our fault that we didn¡¯t raise her well. Both you and I are at fault for raising such a daughter, so we have no choice but to live our lives like that.¡±

    As long as he was around, he would still be able to rein Ding Jiayi and Zijin in and stop the mother-daughter pair from kicking up a fuss in front of Nan Nan. When Qiao Zijin mentioned that Zhai Sheng had apanied Qiao Nan here, Qiao Dongliang had the urge to make a call to Qiao Nan to ask what her rtionship with Zhai Sheng was and whether those rumors in the quad were true.

    Previously, Qiao Dongliang had not even dared to contact Qiao Nan for fear of exposing her. Since Qiao Nan had already shown up today, Qiao Dongliang could be much more at ease about contacting her.

    But today was not a good day to speak to her. Qiao Dongliang tolerated the pain and shut his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. You can do whatever you want.¡±

    Whether or not Ding Jiayi could live a good life in the future would depend on whether she encountered the same situation that he had today. If she did run into the same situation and need to be hospitalized and undergo surgery because of Zijin, Old Ding would finally experience first-hand just how filial her daughter, Zijin, was.

    Qiao Nan knew nothing about all these matters. With the Zhai family urging her on, Qiao Nan, who was already forty, had the chance to don a white wedding dress to take wedding photos with Zhai Sheng in the warm sunlight. Unlike youngsters, the couple had not gone abroad to take their wedding photos at famousndmarks but had chosen beaches within the country, such as Sanya.

    After all the photos were taken, Qiao Nan was exhausted. She was no longer young and it was only natural that she did not have as much energy as young people. Even though she had gone all the way to the scenic and beautiful Sanya, she no longer had the energy or mood to go on a tour around the city. After returning from Sanya, the first thing that Zhai Sheng did was to bring Qiao Nan to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificate.

    It was only as she held that red book did Qiao Nan suddenly realize that she had gotten married to Zhai Sheng for the second time.

    ¡°In the future, you¡¯ll be my wife.¡± Zhai Sheng, who was getting married for the ¡®first time¡¯, thought that this red book was rather interesting. He was over the moon at the thought that his rtionship with Qiao Nan had been legally acknowledged with this little thing and had conveniently chosen to forget the fact that he had once gotten the same book with Qiu Chenxi. ¡°This thing is too small. It won¡¯t be easy to look for it in the future. I¡¯ll keep it safe.¡±

    He did not even wait for Qiao Nan to agree to his suggestion before grabbing the red book from Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, holding it in the pocket closest to his heart.

    Zhai Sheng had done the exact same thing as in her dream.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes reddened. She knew that it was truly her good fortune to have been able to marry the same man in both lifetimes. ¡°Yes, from today on, I¡¯m your wife and you¡¯re my husband. I¡¯m finally married.¡± She was forty and had finally gotten married at the age of forty to the best man in the world!

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Dad, Mom, and Jiajia must be waiting for us at home. We should let them know about this good news.¡± Zhai Sheng was finally able to put his mind at ease after getting his marriage certificate.

    See, he had said earlier that he acted quickly. In fact, this was a huge matter. He had said that he would get married in less than three months. It had not even been three months, but he had already gotten his marriage certificate!

 Chapter 1997 - Invisible Weapon

    <h4>Chapter 1997: Invisible Weapon</h4>

    All that was left was holding a wedding to announce to everyone that Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife and that Zhai Sheng had a family of his own.

    ¡°We¡¯re back.¡± Qiao Nan did not refuse Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand and the couple returned home sweetly and happily.

    Seeing that the two of them had returned, Jiajia immediately ran into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace. ¡°Can I address you as my aunt from today on?¡± It had not been easy. Her uncle had spared no effort in marrying Auntie Qiao.

    ¡°Of course you have to start calling her your aunt.¡± Miao Jing was overjoyed. Who would dare to call her son an old bachelor in the future? Her son was a man with a wife! Very soon, they would even have a chubby little kid!

    ¡°Auntie!¡± Jiajia was pleased and she shouted loudly and energetically.

    Qiao Nan blushed but did not shy away. In fact, she even took a sealed red packet from her bag and handed it over to Jiajia. It was only natural for her to do so since Jiajia had started calling her ¡®auntie¡¯.

    Jiajia received the red packet excitedly and ced a kiss on it. ¡°Uncle¡¯s impressive! Auntie, I won¡¯t kiss you. Just take it as though I did when I kissed this red packet. Thank you for your red packet, auntie. I hope you¡¯ll live a long life with my uncle and love each other until the end. Also, I want to be an elder sister. I wouldn¡¯t mind a younger brother or a younger sister.¡±

    If they had another child in the family, she would be able to y with her younger sibling and even teach them their homework.

    ¡°Soon.¡± Zhai Sheng was satisfied with Jiajia¡¯s words. Then, he brought Qiao Nan in front of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing. ¡°Dad, Mom, I got married today. This is my wife, Nan Nan.¡±

    The Zhai family was all too familiar with Qiao Nan, but Zhai Sheng insisted on going through the formalities of introducing Qiao Nan to everyone as his wife.

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears and she nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, you two are married.¡±

    ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± Qiao Nan blushed as she addressed them as her parents too.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled and handed Qiao Nan a red packet. Miao Jing, on the other hand, took out the presents that she had prepared a few months earlier and put them on Qiao Nan¡¯s wrist. ¡°Did you know that Old Zhai and I already knew that Zhai Sheng had someone in mind before we went to Qingshui Town? That was why we made a trip down to the mall to buy these gifts. Thankfully, I¡¯ve finally been able to hand them over to their rightful owner.¡±

    Miao Jing put on a watch on one of Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and a rare jade bracelet on the other. Because Qiao Nan¡¯s skin was pale, the jade bracelet looked even more exquisite on her.

    Hearing Miao Jing¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was taken aback, more so than she had when receiving such a valuable jade bracelet. ¡°Didn¡¯t Dad and Mom go to Qingshui Town to take care of you?¡± Why did it sound as though they had gone there for her sake?

    Besides, from what Mom said, Mom and Dad had already found out that Brother Zhai had feelings for her at that time. That was why they had rushed down to Qingshui Town to meet their future daughter-inw.

    Qiao Nan felt embarrassed as she calcted the days. She had not known Zhai Sheng for many days before her parents-inw had arrived in Qingshui Town. Did that mean that Zhai Sheng had already developed feelings for her that early on?

    Zhai Sheng smiled without replying to her because there was simply no need to do so. If he had really needed someone to care for him, he would never have returned to Qingshui Town. Otherwise, his parents would have returned to Qingshui Town with him in the first ce.

    Of course, it was not that his parents did not want to do so but that he did not need their help. It was only until Nan Nan¡¯s appearance did he realize that he would probably be able to get married once again. That was why he had not refused his parents¡¯ visit. It was rare that their family would be holding a wedding, and as such, Zhai Sheng thought that it would be better for the family to be more united at that time.

    ¡°Uncle, I realized that you¡¯re quite romantic.¡± Jiajia might be young, but that did not mean that she had no feelings of her own. She knew how to differentiate good from bad. Because she had spoken to Zhai Hua about her grandmother¡¯s family, Jiajia knew quite a lot as well. She had heard her mom say that her uncle had always been a rock and had been cold to everyone, including his own family.

    Instead of staying at home, he had chosen to recuperate at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi. He had not even grown old, yet he was already bing a recluse. How annoying!

    Jiajia could tell that her mom¡¯sints were out of concern and love for her uncle because he was recuperating with no family by his side. Just like her grandma had said, her mom and uncle were the typical example of frenemies. The siblings had never been able to speak nicely to each other, and even words of concern were said with tones of disgust.

    But she had heard that the moment her uncle had feelings for Auntie Qiao, he had asked his elders to ept her. Jiajia felt that a man like her uncle was good indeed. Although this seemed like a very insignificant move without any flowers, wine, nor music, she felt that this was even sweeter than those actions she had seen on television.

    It was truly her aunt¡¯s good fortune to be able to marry her uncle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense.¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°I think you¡¯d better stop watching all those television dramas. You¡¯re still young. What do you mean by romantic? The most important thing is to find the right person for yourself when you grow up.¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not have a concept of romance and did not think that it was important at all. He had only felt that he had done something good toward Qiao Nan. Being romantic had never even crossed his mind. Because of Jiajia¡¯s young age, he was worried that Jiajia would be easily coaxed by a man¡¯s words, just as Zhai Hua had at that time, and would lose all rationality.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes, clearly rejecting Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze. She had no objections to Zhai Sheng educating her daughter, but she would never let Zhai Sheng use her as a negative example in his teaching material in front of her daughter.

    Had she not simply taken a fall because of Wei De? Now, she had already gotten back up from that fall and would never make the same mistake again. She had learned from her mistake, so could her family not be more understanding? Zhai Sheng was too much. Now that his life was so blissful, couldn¡¯t he give a divorced woman a little more space and stop provoking her?

    Jiajia stuck her tongue out. She had once again started a war between her mom and uncle. Her uncle¡¯s words were actually meant for her mom and she had simply been dragged into the matter as an innocent bystander!

    Qiao Nanughed and patted Zhai Sheng on the shoulder. ¡°Jiajia¡¯s such a sensible kid. Don¡¯t be so harsh on her. Dating? That will have to wait until after university. Isn¡¯t that right, Jiajia?¡±

 Chapter 1998 - Inviting Who?

    <h4>Chapter 1998: Inviting Who?</h4>

    Jiajia was momentarily stunned and her body stiffened. Then, she smiled at Qiao Nan helplessly. ¡°Auntie, my uncle is threatening me and so are you. Wouldn¡¯t I be letting you down if I were to get into a rtionship before university now that you¡¯ve praised me?¡±

    Her aunt was not helping her in front of her uncle. She was clearly on her uncle¡¯s side.

    Qiao Nan was reluctant to admit to the trap she had set. ¡°Jiajia, do you mean that you intend to do otherwise? Or do you mean that you intend to do something when you¡¯re in yourst year of junior high school or when you enter high school?¡±

    The moment Qiao Nan said that, everyone in the Zhai family, including Zhai Hua, had their eyes pinned on Jiajia. What could she do?

    Zhai Hua had only fallen for Wei De at that time because she had insisted on only getting into a rtionship at almost thirty. Jiajia was still in her teenage years and was still young. Aspared to her mom who had gotten married at thirty and her uncle who had gotten married at forty-five, it seemed as though Jiajia¡¯s life had not even started yet at her age. Which fool dared to snatch her away from the Zhai family while she was still so young?

    ¡°...¡± Jiajia felt like vomiting blood from hearing all these. Were these all not just hypothetical situations? Why were her grandparents and mom treating her uncle¡¯s words as though they were real? Why did she not know of the existence of such a boy in her life? Humph! There was no way she was in an early rtionship. ¡°Auntie is right. I think that I should only think about dating after university.¡±

    She had never intended to get into an early rtionship in the first ce.

    Qiao Nan patted Jiajia on the head. ¡°Good girl. I knew that you wouldn¡¯t distract yourself from your schoolwork when it matters the most.¡±

    Qiao Nan was rather strict while disciplining children. In her dream, few boys got into rtionships after university, much less before university. Qiao Nan had always taught her children that it was all right to date, but they had to keep their responsibilities in mind at all times.

    If they were unprepared or just wanted to have some fun, there were so many other things they could have fun with. There was no point in ying with someone else¡¯s feelings.

    Qiao Nan was in the government service and had a business on hand. As long as the children were willing, Qiao Nan could simply hand some work over to them. That would be enough to tire them out.

    Did those youths have inexhaustible energy? That problem would never arise in Qiao Nan¡¯s family. No matter how energetic those youths were, Qiao Nan would always have a way of exhausting those rascals.

    Qiao Nan had had such strict demands on boys. It was only natural that she cared even more about girls.

    Seeing Qiao Nan in this manner, both Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing sighed in relief. Miao Jing whispered into Zhai Yaohui¡¯s ear. ¡°I won¡¯t have to worry when Nan Nan has children in the future. Nan Nan will be a good mother and will raise our grandchildren well.¡± Miao Jing was turning seventy. Although she did want to raise her grandchildren, she might not have the physical capability to do so anymore.

    The same went for Zhai Yaohui.

    Because neither Zhai Sheng nor Qiao Nan had any experience parenting, Miao Jing had already been worried before they even had children. She would have to worry even after the couple had children. But today, Miao Jing could finally rest assured, knowing that Qiao Nan could not possibly be too bad of a parent after witnessing how well she educated and disciplined Jiajia.

    In the Wei family, Mother and Father Wei could not care less about their granddaughter, Jiajia. As long as Jiajia did not threaten Wei Wei¡¯s interests, the old couple could not even be bothered to speak to Jiajia. They felt that not scolding Jiajia was one way of treating Jiajia ¡®well¡¯.

    Wei De was often away from home, and as such, there was no way for him to control Jiajia even if he wanted to. Zhai Hua was willing to take control of disciplining Jiajia, but the problem was that Zhai Hua was in charge of taking care of the entire Wei family alone.

    As such, it was the first time Jiajia was experiencing someone disciplining her alone in this manner. It felt strange and uneasy, yet sweet and sour at the same time. What Jiajia could be sure of was that she did not mind her auntie disciplining her in this manner.

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s matters had pretty much been settled, and the only thing left was the wedding in half a month¡¯s time. Miao Jing grew a little hesitant while speaking about the invitations. ¡°Nan Nan, how¡¯s your dad?¡±

    The Zhai family had not forgotten about Zhai Sheng following Qiao Nan to the hospital earlier that day. They had simply chosen not to talk about it because they were afraid of putting Qiao Nan in the spot if they were to discuss how Qiao Zijin cared so much about money that she was not even willing to pay for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hospitalization bills and waited for Qiao Nan to do so instead.

    But with something even more awkward ahead, Miao Jing had to pose the question no matter how embarrassed it made her feel. ¡°Your wedding with Zhai Sheng will be happening in half a month¡¯s time. Who are you nning to invite from the Qiao family? Will your dad be able to attend the wedding in his condition?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had been hospitalized before Qiao Nan got married, and this was actually rather unlucky. The elder daughter had gotten into trouble, but the younger daughter had to bear that burden. The Qiao family¡¯s situation was truly a mess.

    At the mention of the invitations for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding, the atmosphere in the Zhai family immediately stiffened. It seemed as though everyone tried to soften their breathing, afraid that they might interrupt Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts.

    Qiao Nan forced a smile out. ¡°Let me think this through. We¡¯re holding the wedding in Ping Cheng, after all. It¡¯s not far away, but my dad¡¯s in the hospital now. Give me a few days to think about it. I can inform them just two to three days in advance.¡±

    To be honest, Qiao Nan herself did not even know who to invite to her wedding. If possible, she would choose not to invite anyone. In her dream, her dad had attended her wedding. However, her dad in her dream seemed a little different from her dad in reality, yet simr at times. Qiao Nan could not make up her mind just yet and did not know if she should simply invite her dad as she had in her dream.

    As for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan did not even bother considering it. These two people would never give her face and would never try to be on their best behaviors just because she was getting married to Zhai Sheng. Given their tempers, they would simply be angry that someone like her could get married to a tall, handsome, and rich man like Zhai Sheng to live a life they could never even dream of.

    As such, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would only cause a ruckus. There was no point in inviting these two people who would only ruin the wedding she was going to have after so much trouble.

    The Zhai family was not in the position to intervene in the Qiao family¡¯s matters. Since Qiao Nan said she would think about it, Miao Jing did not pursue the matter any further.

 Chapter 1999 - Unexpected

    <h4>Chapter 1999: Unexpected</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    No matter what, Qiao Nan was getting married and they had to let the Qiao family know about it, even if they informed only Qiao Dongliang alone.

    Miao Jing had already learned from Zhai Hua that Qiao Dongliang had secretly handed the courtyard¡¯s property deed over to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan herself did not even think that she needed that property. If so, it was even less possible for Miao Jing to be so shortsighted and shallow to get Qiao Nan to fight for ownership of the courtyard.

    Fighting for it was one thing, while logic was another. Qiao Dongliang was rational enough to return to Qiao Nan what belonged to her. Inparison, Qiao Dongliang seemed much more reasonable than Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Even though this was Zhai Sheng¡¯s second marriage, the Zhai family was much more concerned about this wedding than they had been with the first. There were certain problems Miao Jing hoped that Qiao Nan could avoid as a bride. If Qiao Nan got upset, her son would definitely get upset as well. Then, their wedding would be ruined. What was the point in that?

    Qiao Dongliang had only sustained a fracture and would be able to return home after a week¡¯s stay in the hospital. These seven days were torturous to the Qiao family, not physically but mentally.

    Ding Jiayi held her head high and bragged to her neighbors in the quad not to look down on her younger daughter who was already forty and still unmarried. So what if she was still unmarried at forty? The moment she had decided to get married, she had gotten married to such an impressive man. Those poor fools could not even dream of getting close to the Zhai family but her daughter had managed to marry into the family! That was how amazing the Qiao family was!

    The moment Ding Jiayi let this word out, her neighbor got into a little bit of a frenzy. Previously, they had only had their own suspicions, but those had just been confirmed. In the entire quad, leaving Qiao Nan aside, even the child with the worst educational qualifications was in college. Their own daughters had only been able to find very average sons-inw who were part of the working ss, earning three to four thousand a month.

    How had the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter, who had not even graduated from high school, be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw? Could the Zhai family have weird requirements for their daughter-inw and prefer ady with lower qualifications?

    That could not be. They had heard that during his first marriage, Zhai Sheng had not only married a university graduate, but thatdy had also graduated from a top university. Thatdy came from a good family, had good qualifications, and was even pretty. Compared to Qiao Nan, it seemed that thatdy was much more suited for Zhai Sheng.

    But that couple had gotten a divorce after only three years of marriage, so how long could this unsuitable marriagest?

    The neighbors in the quad had no idea how long Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage to Zhai Sheng wouldst. What they did know was that the couple was still not married and that it was still too early to discuss divorce. Ady from their northern quad was getting married to the most capable person in the southern quad! That called for a celebration!

    The thought of the Zhai family¡¯s position and power moved quite a few people. If someone could speak well of them in front of the Zhai family, their children might very well be promoted in their careers or be treated differently with special privileges.

    It was especially so for those families whose children were about to take the civil servant entry examination that had more ideas in mind. They would never be able to directly take advantage of a rtionship with the Zhai family. They could not even go to the southern quad in the first ce. But now, the situation was different. Qiao Nan was about to get married to Zhai Sheng, and the Qiao family would be the Zhai family¡¯s inws.

    Even if the Zhai family did not bother about them, they had to give the Qiao family some face, right?

    In that way, all these people with ulterior motives dropped by the Qiao family¡¯s house from time to time with all sorts of presents in their hands, hoping to get closer to Ding Jiayi and help her out. ¡°Old Ding, we¡¯ve been neighbors for so many years. You have to help me out with this. Now, it¡¯s easy for girls to be taken advantage of in society. That¡¯s why I asked my daughter to be a civil servant. I¡¯m useless as a mother but you¡¯re not. You watched my daughter grow up. You have to help us out this time.¡±

    Seeing how all these neighbors who had mocked her because of the newsing to suck up to her now, Ding Jiayi was ted. ¡°I¡¯m just an ordinary citizen like you. How capable could I be? I do remember your daughter being rather intelligent while she was younger. I can¡¯t believe how quickly time flies. She¡¯s already going for the civil servant entry examination? I remember that I bumped into her one time, but she didn¡¯t even remember me anymore.¡±

    She did have some impression of that youngdy. She had a short temper and was wild as a child. No matter what, she was her elder, but she did not even greet her when she saw her. Moreover, she had snorted at her before walking off.

    If she bothered to help this youngdy, she would not be Ding Jiayi.

    The neighbor was slightly embarrassed because she did believe that her daughter was capable of doing such a thing. The Qiao family¡¯s matter had made the headline the previous year and her daughter had looked down on the Qiao family after learning about it. She especially disliked Ding Jiayi, feeling that Ding Jiayi was not a good mother and had disgraced the entire quad. But she had never imagined that the Qiao family¡¯s useless younger daughter, who had never been able to get married all these years, was about to get married to the most capable person in their quad.

    If they had known just how capable the younger daughter of the Qiao family was, she would have gotten her daughter to stay as her ymate. As long as the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter thought of her own daughter as a younger sister, she would not even need to care about Ding Jiayi today.

    Was Ding Jiayi this shameless? Had she really forgotten how she had treated Qiao Nan in the past? It was truly Qiao Nan¡¯s bad luck to have such an ¡®impressive¡¯ mother whom she could never get rid of. ¡°This child is going crazy from studying. She spends her entire day studying at home. Do you know just how many books civil servants have to study? And they¡¯re all so thick! Because of the exam, she hasn¡¯t even been out of the house. I wonder if she can even recognize her own mother now.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Ding Jiayiughed, and everyone understood what she meant by that. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s not early anymore. I have to prepare dinner for Old Qiao. Let¡¯s chat again some other time. Your daughter is a university graduate, unlike my younger daughter who couldn¡¯t even graduate from high school. So, you don¡¯t have to worry about your daughter¡¯s future at all. With such educational qualifications, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be able to be a civil servant. How hard could it be? See you!¡±

    With that, Ding Jiayi chased her neighbor out.

    ¡°Fool!¡± The neighbor who had just been chased out immediately flew into a rage.

 Chapter 2000 - Civil Servant Examination

    <h4>Chapter 2000: Civil Servant Examination</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how much longer you can act this way. Qiao Nan really exhausted eighteen lifetimes worth of bad luck having a mother like you. Do you really think that you have a normal mother-daughter rtionship with Qiao Nan? We¡¯ll see how you¡¯ll be pped in the face in the future.¡±

    She had only gone to Ding Jiayi for help as thest resort. Based on what Ding Jiayi had done in the past, there was no way an average person would acknowledge Ding Jiayi as her mother. Had Qiao Nan not run away from her?

    So what if Qiao Nan married into a good family? That had nothing to do with Ding Jiayi at all. No matter how well Qiao Nan lived in the future, Ding Jiayi would never enjoy the same life. There was no way Ding Jiayi would be able to take advantage of her rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    After chasing her old neighbor away, Ding Jiayi felt angry yet joyful at the same time. Ding Jiayi had mentioned Qiao Nan not having graduated high school to provoke her old neighbor. Was it not embarrassing that their daughter, who had not even graduated from high school, could get married to a chief, yet a university graduate wanting to be a civil servant needed help from a primary school graduate?

    But Ding Jiayi was truly enraged. Qiao Nan was practically semi-literate with her educational qualifications. How blind was the Zhai family to have taken a liking for someone like Qiao Nan, who had only graduated from primary school, while giving up such a good university graduate in her family?

    Zijin had once been married and had already given birth to a child, but so had Zhai Sheng. Since they were both divorced and they were both university graduates, it seemed only right for Zijin to be with Zhai Sheng instead.

    In the past, no matter how much Ding Jiayi worried about Qiao Zijin¡¯s future, she would never have dared to put her hopes on Zhai Sheng. After all, the Qiao family was worlds apart from the Zhai family. There was no way they could even get to know each other.

    The problem was that Zhai Sheng was now in a rtionship with Qiao Nan and was even about to get married. With such a situation in front of her, Ding Jiayi was much bolder and was now thinking of pushing Qiao Zijin toward Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°They left?¡± Qiao Zijin emerged from the room with a dark expression. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s with those neighbors? When we got into troublest time, they didn¡¯t even try to help us. They even mocked and ridiculed us. Next time, don¡¯t even bother opening the door to them. It¡¯s so noisy.¡±

    They were always talking about how capable Qiao Nan was, asking Qiao Nan to meet them. If they were incapable themselves, whether Qiao Nan did well or not had nothing to do with them at all. It was annoying how they always came over to their house to make a din.

    The neighbor who had just taken her leave was still all right. Previously, Qiao Zijin had met a neighbor who had used to praise her. But now, they did not even change their words and simply changed her name to Qiao Nan¡¯s instead, even praising Ding Jiayi for having such brilliant children.

    At that time, Qiao Zijin had been so infuriated that she had wanted to leave right then and there. That neighbor was pping her in the face and Qiao Zijin felt that she had never been so embarrassed and humiliated in her life, even when she had been in the headlines.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but wonder if Qiao Nan was her jinx. While Qiao Nan had been down on luck, she had been living her best life. But once Qiao Nan got away from the Qiao family and started her own life, Qiao Zijin¡¯s life had only been going downhill. It was as though the worse her life got, the better Qiao Nan¡¯s got.

    If Qiao Nan was not her jinx, Qiao Nan must have put a curse on her to steal all of her good luck away from her. Otherwise, how could it be so coincidental that her bad luck seemed to happen at the very same time as Qiao Nan¡¯s life improved?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She won¡¯te to our family anymore.¡± These few days, Ding Jiayi had been happy yet suffering at the same time. What she had once envisioned was now bing reality. Her daughter was the most capable person in the quad and had married a brilliant son-inw. Because of her daughter and son-inw, everyone in the quad was now trying to get into her good books.

    But the biggest difference between her dreams and reality was that that ¡®good¡¯ daughter was not her favorite elder daughter but her younger daughter that she hated the most.

    It had not even been half a year since their news had been broadcasted on television. Now that others were praising her for raising her daughter well, Ding Jiayi felt that these were not actually praises but ridicules.

    When had she treated Qiao Nan well or raised Qiao Nan well? If she did not remember it wrongly, she had been criticized and called the worst mother on earth when the news had emerged.

    With suchplex feelings, Ding Jiayi was frustrated by those peopleing to look for her, especially by those who were trying to get a favor from her.

    Civil servant examination?

    It was good being a civil servant. They had stable ies.

    But if she could really do others this favor, she would be much better off getting her own elder daughter to be a civil servant instead of helping someone else. Civil servants had stable ies from the government and were paid higher than other working-ss workers. More importantly, it was an easy job.

    The job was easy while offering a high pay. Was that not suitable for Zijin? She would be a fool to let someone else take advantage of that instead of letting her own daughter do so. All those people who hade to ask her for a favor were all fools who did not use their brains.

    ¡°Zijin, I think being a civil servant is rather good. This year¡¯s examination is happening soon in Ping Cheng. Why don¡¯t you try it out?¡± In the past, Ding Jiayi had never said such a thing, but now, she thought that Qiao Zijin had a shot at it.

    Qiao Zijin was annoyed. She had already thrown all her books away on her graduation day. That day, she had already promised herself never to study another day or to take another exam in her life.

    She had no intention of studying at the time of her graduation. Now, her mom was expecting her to pick up a book and revise her knowledge twenty years down the road? What a joke!

    ¡°Mom, stop joking around. Do you think just anyone can take that exam? What¡¯s the point of going to take the exam when I know that I won¡¯t be able to pass it?¡± She did not want to add to her own suffering, and neither did she want to be disgraced.

    Qiao Zijin had not forgotten about how she had graduated from university.

    A few decades ago, Qiao Nan had been put aside just for her to have the chance to study. Qiao Zijin had only done so because she knew that she would never be able to improve her life if she did not study. It was not because she enjoyed studying.

 Chapter 2001 - Congratulations

    <h4>Chapter 2001: Congrattions</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If she wanted a good life, she would have to be educated to be presentable. If not for that, she would never have furthered her studies.

    ¡°There¡¯s no harm in trying. Perhaps, if Qiao Nan is willing to help you, you might be a civil servant even if you hand in a nk test paper.¡± Ding Jiayi had no other choice. The stingier Qiao Zijin got, the more she wanted Qiao Zijin to find a job for herself.

    It did not matter even if it was an easy job that paid little as long as they contributed to her retirement funds. But who would have known that Qiao Zijin had no intentions of looking for a job even after Old Qiao was discharged from the hospital? In the one week that she was looking after Old Qiao, Zijin had not been of much help at all.

    At the mention of a job, Zijin was reluctant to even get out of the house, choosing toze around at home instead, watching the television or chatting with others online.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°If Qiao Nan is really that capable and can get the Zhai family to help, don¡¯t talk about handing in a nk paper. I won¡¯t even need to attend the examination to be a civil servant. The problem is that I¡¯m not sure whether Qiao Nan is that capable and whether she¡¯ll be willing to help me out.¡±

    If she did not need to take the exam, she would not mind bing a civil servant. She had heard that civil servants took home a sry of at least ten thousand yuan every month. Besides, she was the sister-inw of a chief. Would they let her do those entry-level jobs?

    Because she had finally been able to sessfully convince her elder daughter to get a job, Ding Jiayi was over the moon. As such, she would make the impossible possible. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can count on me. No matter what, I¡¯m still her mother. I have no other demands toward her other than getting you a job. As long as she does that, I won¡¯t make trouble for her in the future. Besides, isn¡¯t she getting married to Zhai Sheng? If she is good to us as her family, I¡¯ll make sure she looks good on her wedding day.¡±

    Getting a peaceful wedding in exchange for Zijin¡¯s job would be no loss to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°Mom, I know that you¡¯re the only one who treats me well in this world. But Dad...¡± If her dad found out about how her mom used this to threaten Qiao Nan, he would never take it lying down.

    Ding Jiayi said in a low voice, ¡°Your dad¡¯s still sick, and the most important thing is for him to recuperate well now. There¡¯s no need for your dad to know about such a trivial matter. Besides, we¡¯re killing two birds with one stone by having Qiao Nan get married and getting you a job. Your dad should be happy about that.¡±

    Although she had said that, Ding Jiayi had purposely lowered her voice to prevent Qiao Dongliang from finding out about the matter before it was settled so as to avoid an argument from breaking out. This seemed like a perfect solution to Ding Jiayi, but she knew that Qiao Dongliang would probably think otherwise.

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you, Mom.¡±

    Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. ¡°I never imagined that Qiao Nan would be so capable. I even thought that she would never get married at her age. Even though my rtionship with Chen Jun is a little awkward, his background is still good. Since I can¡¯t be husband and wife with Chen Jun, I might as well let Qiao Nan have Chen Jun. There¡¯s nothing bad in that. With Qiao Nan around, I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Feng Feng¡¯s life in the future since Qiao Nan is his biological aunt, after all. Forget it. Feng Feng is my son and Qiao Nan is my younger sister.¡±

    ¡°Once Qiao Nan gets married to Zhai Sheng, I¡¯ll ask her to take Feng Feng under her wings and prop him up. I can¡¯t control what kind of stepmother Feng Feng will have in the future. Now that there is a conflict between Feng Feng and Qiao Nan¡¯s happiness, I have no choice but to sacrifice my son¡¯s to let Qiao Nan lead a good life.¡±

    Ding Jiayi pped her thigh. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? You¡¯re such a good sister! For the sake of her happiness, you¡¯re willing to let your son suffer. It¡¯s nothing more than a job in the civil service, and Qiao Nan just has to open her mouth to ask for it. Now that you¡¯ve made such a great sacrifice for her by giving up your son¡¯s happiness, she would be heartless if she refuses to help you with such a trivial matter. She¡¯s my daughter, and if she¡¯s going to be this heartless, I¡¯m going to teach her a lesson.¡±

    She had given birth to Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan did not know what to do, she would simply teach her what to do. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can count on me. I gave birth to her and raised her, so she has to listen to me.¡±

    After listening to Zijin¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi thought that they had, in fact, made a hugepromise for Qiao Nan. Their initial n had been to let Qiao Nan marry Chen Jun. That way, she would never have to worry about her grandson having a bad stepmother in the future or him having more half-siblings who would snatch his things away from him.

    Besides, Qiao Nan was already forty and still unmarried. It was embarrassing to even mention that to outsiders. Marrying Qiao Nan to Chen Jun would be helping Qiao Nan solve the biggest problem in her life. Qiao Nan would never be able to find a man better than Chen Jun.

    If Qiao Nan was not her daughter or Zijin¡¯s sister, she would never have gotten such a good opportunity.

    With such a mindset, Ding Jiayi did not think that Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance was not a p in her face. The facts had proven that a man that was a hundred times better than Chen Jun was willing to marry Qiao Nan. In fact, Ding Jiayi had not even yed a role in it. Without Ding Jiayi¡¯s help, Qiao Nan had been able to marry someone better!

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m counting on you.¡± With a brother-inw like Zhai Sheng, Chen Jun was nothing. If her mom could make Qiao Nan listen to her as she had in the past, her son could very rise to a position even higher than Chen Jun¡¯s. At that time, Chen Jun would have to address his son as his supervisor or chief.

    Ding Jiayi patted her chest, assuring Qiao Zijin that she would definitely be able to resolve the matter.

    As the mother and daughter were discussing how to deal with Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was on the phone with Qiao Nan at the very same time. ¡°You... Congrattions...¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan would be getting married to Zhai Sheng in a week¡¯s time, and he simply said a word of congrattions rather distantly.

    There was no other choice. As Qiao Nan¡¯s father, Qiao Dongliang should have been the first person to find out that his daughter was getting married and whom she would be marrying. In reality, however, if his neighbors had not spread that rumor, he would have truly believed that the Zhai family had simply helped his daughter out of goodwill because she was struggling.

 Chapter 2002 - The Brideâ€™s Father

    <h4>Chapter 2002: The Bride¡¯s Father</h4>

    Even though he now knew that his daughter was getting married and the wedding was a week away, he felt as though he was an outsider when his daughter simply reminded him to attend the wedding.

    Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten why he had been admitted to the hospital in the first ce. Not only so, but he had even spent fifty thousand of his younger daughter¡¯s money. Previously, he had wanted to prepare a dowry for his younger daughter, but he did not even have a single cent now. ¡°Nan Nan, your dowry...¡±

    Qiao Nan smirked. Dowry? Whether it was in her dream or in reality, she had never once dreamed of the Qiao family preparing anything for her. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ll make preparations on my own. You don¡¯t have to do anything.¡±

    It was natural for her to take care of the Qiao family¡¯s matters, and it¡¯s even more natural for her to take care of her own matters alone. It had always been this way. Was there another way out?

    Since Qiao Nan had so said, there was nothing else Qiao Dongliang could say. Qiao Dongliang felt as though there was something stuck in his throat and he could neither swallow it nor spit it out. It hurt so badly. ¡°You¡¯re getting married. Should... Should I send you off? You can¡¯t possibly keep staying in the Zhai family¡¯s house. I...¡±

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to see Qiao Nan leave from the Qiao family¡¯s house, but he was not confident in controlling Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin such that the pair would not ruin Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. He had not even been able to control them while he had been well. Now that he had fractured a bone and was in a cast, it would be even harder for him to do so. As such, he could not even promise that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would not make trouble during the wedding.

    If Qiao Nan were to stay at the Zhai family¡¯s house, it would make it seem as though she did not have a family of her own. This would not reflect well on Qiao Nan or the Qiao family. But Qiao Dongliang did not have a solution to this problem.

    Qiao Dongliangughed bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m so useless. I can¡¯t even think of a solution to such a simple problem. No matter what, this wedding is the most important event in your life. Not only am I unable to help you, but I¡¯m even dragging you down. Nan Nan, it¡¯s really unfortunate that you were born into this family...¡±

    Qiao Nan was not unfamiliar with these words, but they no longer stirred up any feelings in her heart. ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to think too much about where I¡¯ll leave from. My inws have already thought about that. If you¡¯re willing toe to the wedding, you can. As for anything else, don¡¯t forget about the news. Anyone who watched the news knows about what happened to our family. There¡¯s nothing much to be surprised about anymore.¡±

    In other words, the Qiao family had pretty much aired all of its dirtyundry in public. If Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin continued with their antics, it would no longer be surprising. In fact, it would probably be expected.

    There was nothing much left in the Qiao family that outsiders did not know about. As such, being self-conscious about that would just be deceiving themselves.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Dongliang had no way of retorting Qiao Nan. It was true. Outsiders knew the Qiao family almost inside out. Even if they had not known about it, the news had already exposed everything afterward. Nothing woulde as a surprise to outsiders now. ¡°Alright. As long as you¡¯ve thought it through. No matter how tough your life was, you¡¯ve gotten through it. Don¡¯t think too much about it now. You should just think about yourself and lead a good life after getting married.¡±

    ¡°Since you escaped and went into hiding thest time, it shows that you¡¯ve already realized how to lead a good life, so I won¡¯t say anything else. I just want to remind you not to bother about your mom¡¯s and sister¡¯s antics. If you can¡¯t handle it, get Zhai Sheng to do it. He¡¯s your man and he should take up that responsibility. Your mom and sister may dare to be fierce to you, but they would never dare to go against Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was absolutely sure of that, just as sure as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were that Qiao Nan would listen to them.

    Once they realized that, it would not be that difficult to deal with Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan had already stayed hidden from the pair for close to a year. After getting married, there would be nothing wrong with Zhai Sheng dealing with these two people.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. She had never considered getting Zhai Sheng to deal with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. But Qiao Dongliang¡¯s suggestion had given her a new idea. Even if Zhai Sheng was not at home due to his work, she could find someone else to help her out: Zhai Hua.

    Even after leaving Wei De, Zhai Hua had never gotten less aggressive. Zhai Hua¡¯s skills were more than enough to deal with people like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I guess you should be quite busy since you¡¯re getting married. I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. I¡¯ll attend your wedding.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt bitter as he said that as though he was eating medications without any water. He could even feel the bitterness in his heart.

    Which father would only show up on the day of his daughter¡¯s wedding as though he was just a guest attending a wedding? Which father would not turn up in advance to help out during the wedding?

    Qiao Dongliang had two daughters, and Qiao Zijin had been married before. At that time, the Qiao family had been so busy preparing for Qiao Zijin¡¯s wedding to Chen Jun, and he had pampered her like a princess. Thinking about Qiao Nan and how her inws had been handling everything for her, it seemed as though she had no family of her own.

    After hanging up the call, Qiao Dongliang was extremely regretful that he had been talked into being biased toward his elder daughter by Ding Jiayi. Because of that, they had spoiled their elder daughter such that she did not even know how to repay their kindness, while their younger daughter was just shy of cutting all ties with her family.

    Other families were always joyful when marrying their daughters off, but the atmosphere in the Qiao family seemed even colder and more somber than a funeral¡¯s now that their younger daughter was getting married.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan had ended the call, Zhai Hua hit Qiao Nan on the head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look like you spread tomatoes all over your face. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re getting married in a week¡¯s time. With this expression, others might misunderstand that we forced you into this marriage.¡± The Qiao family was really too much. They could not even go a day without hearing something about that family.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s experience with Wei De had made her grow a lot as a person. It was only with aparison that she realized the truth. Zhai Hua had never liked Zhai Yaohui, thinking that he was not a normal dad.

 Chapter 2003 - Tomorrow

    <h4>Chapter 2003: Tomorrow</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But now, Zhai Hua was sure that her dad could not get any more normal.

    When Wei De had bullied her, her dad had stood up for her and had never let others take advantage of her. Compared to Qiao Nan¡¯s dad, her dad could not get any better. Zhai Hua could not help but think that she would never be able to live if her dad was anything like Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    Talking about her mom, she might have been slightly cowardly in front of Qi Min in her youth and her life had revolved around her dad, barely caring about her or Zhai Sheng. When she was younger, Zhai Hua had always seen other kids get picked up by their parents. She, on the other hand, always went home alone or with Zhai Sheng. She had always been upset about that and had been envious of other children, even resenting her parents for that.

    Old Master Zhai had not been in great health and it was inconvenient for him to pick the children up. Besides, Zhai Hua wanted her parents to pick her up, not her grandpa.

    Every time there was a parent-teacher conference in school, her ssmates¡¯ parents would show up without fail while her parents¡¯ seats were always empty. Was she even her parents¡¯ biological child? Had they simply picked her up? She could not possibly be their biological child!

    Although she had been angry and upset at that time, Zhai Hua knew that she was loved now that she had seen how Qiao Nan had been treated. Qiao Nan was probably the one who had been picked up by her parents.

    After her divorce, Zhai Hua realized that her life was only getting better and that Qiao Nan had had a huge role to y in that. Zhai Hua had immense sympathy for Qiao Nan, who was about to be her sister-inw. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I do sort of understand. You should know that no one dares to continue with their antics in front of the Zhai family. Even if you marry into our family, you are you, and the Qiao family is the Qiao family. We can¡¯t mix things up just because you¡¯ve married into our family.¡±

    The Qiao family could not really be treated as inws, especially Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Since Qiao Nan herself did not acknowledge them, there was no need for the Zhai family to do so either.

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to rely on you in the future.¡±

    Looking at Zhai Hua, the person whom Qiao Nan was truly thinking about was Tian Dong. When Jiajia had been hospitalized, she had finally been able to meet Tian Dong in this lifetime. Since he had been able to calm Sister Zhai Hua down, the two of them must have shared quite a good rtionship while they had been younger.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, when Jiajia was hospitalized, did you meet someone by the name of Tian? He said he was going to attend my wedding to Brother Zhai. Is he reallying?¡±

    Zhai Hua raised her eyebrow. ¡°Dongzi seems quite interested even though you¡¯re already getting married to Zhai Sheng. I¡¯ve always felt that Zhai Sheng¡¯s a petty guy. I won¡¯t misunderstand you, but you¡¯d better take care of yourself in case Zhai Sheng overhears this.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s purely out of curiosity.¡± Qiao Nanughed awkwardly. ¡°Although I haven¡¯t known you for very long, it¡¯s my first time hearing you guys talk about an outsider. I guess you must have quite a good rtionship with him. I was just wondering if I should get to know the family¡¯s situation a little better. That was why I asked that question. Otherwise, it would be quite embarrassing for me if I don¡¯t even know whom I¡¯m meeting in the future.¡±

    After hearing that exnation, Zhai Hua agreed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you. How should I put this? Our family is neither on good nor bad terms with the Tian family. When Tian Dong was younger, probably before he turned six, we yed and grew up together. After that, the Tian family moved abroad with Dongzi and they¡¯ve never returned since then. We haven¡¯t kept in touch all these years, so you don¡¯t have to feel too burdened about Dongzi. Even though we haven¡¯t kept in contact, Dongzi has a very good temper. He probably won¡¯t go overboard in his treatment toward you.¡±

    Zhai Hua herself had not noticed, but Qiao Nan realized that even though they had not kept in contact with each other in more than ten years, Zhai Hua still had a good impression of her old ymate, Tian Dong. In fact, he put Zhai Hua at ease.

    The more Zhai Hua behaved in this manner, the more miserable Qiao Nan felt. Before meeting her, Brother Zhai had already been married to Qiu Chenxi. Could she really hope that Tian Dong, who was almost in his fifties, was still unmarried without a family or children?

    People were often this way. Dreams were one thing, but one¡¯s feelings could not be controlled by logic. Qiao Nan could not help but think about hypothetical situations.

    It was only when Tian Dong announced that he had to return without attending Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding, and had gone to the Zhai family¡¯s house to deliver his gifts in advance did Qiao Nan finally give up.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay for a few more days? My wedding is happening on the following day.¡± Zhai Sheng did not mind the wedding gifts that Tian Dong had presented and simply handed them over to Qiao Nan. ¡°Why are you in such a rush to leave?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Tian Dong smiled faintly. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to attend your wedding, so I can only give you my congrattions in advance. Uncle and auntie aren¡¯t young anymore. You guys had better have children as soon as possible to bring some joy into their lives.¡±

    Zhai Sheng shook his head. ¡°I never imagined hearing such a thing from you. You even sounded quite fluent. Do you use that to counsel others very often, or do others often counsel you?¡± Zhai Sheng was trying to find out about Tian Dong¡¯s situation.

    Tian Dong smiled without answering his question. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m flying off tonight.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to send you off?¡± He was in a hurry indeed if his flight was that very night. ¡°Is something going on in your family?¡±

    ¡°Yes, my eight-year-old son is sick. Because of his illness, his temper isn¡¯t very good, so I have to go back to spend some time with him.¡± Tian Dong shared a close rtionship with his son. Knowing that his father was busy with his business, his son must have been really ill to have thrown a temper. His son had been so ill that he had been hospitalized.

    Tian Dong cared very deeply about his son.

    Knowing that his son had been hospitalized, Tian Dong naturally wanted to return to his son¡¯s side immediately to cheer him up.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart shattered. ¡°Your son is already eight?¡± He was almost half of Jiajia¡¯s age... Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua regretfully, thinking that Zhai Hua probably had something to do with how Tian Dong¡¯s son was only half Jiajia¡¯s age.

    At this time, Qiao Nan could not help but feel that it was Tian Dong¡¯s and her own bad luck with the Zhai family¡¯s children. Because they had not met the Zhai family¡¯s children at the right time, their lives seemed to have been a mess.

 Chapter 2004 - Iâ€™ll Give You A Ride

    Chapter 2004: I¡¯ll Give You A Ride

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    On the other hand, without them, the Zhai siblings seemed to be freer and had gotten married without any dy.

    Zhai Hua was the least aware and self-aware person present. Hearing that Tian Dong¡¯s son was only half of her daughter¡¯s age, Zhai Huaughed. ¡°Haha, our Jiajia is much older than your son. When you bring your son back, Jiajia can help babysit him. Dongzi, you must not have been very good. Don¡¯t they always say that foreigners are more liberal? How could you only have an eight-year-old at your age?¡± Logically speaking, that eight-year-old son should be his second or third child.

    Tian Dong¡¯s eyes shot toward Zhai Hua, who had made fun of him, and he made a cold remark. ¡°That may be true, but that¡¯s their business. Although our family migrated, our mindsets are still traditional. When I was younger, I focused on my career and it was inevitable that I got married a littleter.¡±

    Since that was the case, his child would naturally be younger.

    As for the true reason as to why he had gotten married at ater age, Tian Dong did not even want to talk about it once he thought about his eight-year-old son. No matter what, he had already gotten married. His son was lively and adorable, did well in school, and was a sensible child. Besides, his rtionship with his wife was not bad.

    His wife was capable in every aspect. While he focused on his career, she took care of his elders and son. He was already satisfied with having such a life. Everything else was buried as memories in the past because he was no longer a willful person.

    Not only was he a son, but he was also a husband and a father.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan bit on her lip as the difort in her chest increased. Previously, she had felt miserable on Zhai Hua¡¯s behalf, pitying Zhai Hua for having missed out on such a good man like Tian Dong for a man like Wei De. Now, she felt miserable entirely because of Tian Dong.

    Unfortunately, Zhai Hua had absolutely no idea why Tian Dong¡¯s son was only eight years old and knew nothing about Tian Dong¡¯s feelings. She had even made such a joke.

    Qiao Nan herself had gotten marriedte in life. As a traditional Chinese, no one knew better just how much pressure and stress a person would feel due to getting marriedte in life than Qiao Nan. That was why Qiao Nan could rte to Tian Dong.

    In her previous life, Tian Dong had only gotten married to Zhai Hua at the age of thirty. At that time, the Tian family had already been doing very well, yet the Tian family had no intention of being picky about their daughter-inw. They were already grateful enough that their son had finally been willing to get married and give them a grandchild.

    Tian Dong had already faced such great pressure to get married at the age of thirty. But Tian Dong had pushed that back even further and had only gotten married at the age of thirty-five, having a child eventer on in life. It had definitely not been easy for Tian Dong all those years. Those years were probably not good memories for neither him nor his parents.

    With such aparison, it seemed as though Tian Dong was much more pitiable.

    Feeling Qiao Nan¡¯s uneasiness, Zhai Sheng took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand into her own. ¡°Since your child¡¯s sick, I won¡¯t try to keep you here any longer. There¡¯s nothing more important than your child¡¯s health. Your family is rather traditional. I heard that children raised by foreigners are much more liberal. Alright, I wish you a safe journey. I¡¯ll give you a treat when you return the next time.¡±

    The ends of Tian Dong¡¯s lips curled up into the slightest smile, and after a simple answer, he took his leave. Although he said that he was flying off that night, his flight was actually in the evening. After sending his gifts, Tian Dong had to rush off to the airport. Otherwise, he would probably miss his flight and be unable to be by his son¡¯s side when he went for his surgery.

    Seeing that Tian Dong was about to leave, Zhai Hua sighed. ¡°We finally met after such a long time, but it¡¯s unfortunate that there were too many things going on, so much so that we couldn¡¯t even have the chance to have a meal together. He was as weak as a youngdy when he was younger, but he¡¯s all grown up and is even a father now.¡±

    Zhai Hua could not help but marvel at how her old ymate had truly grown up to be a tall, strong tree that supported his whole family. ¡°He truly is our old ymate. Men should be like him. They should be responsible and take care of their wives and family.¡±

    A man like that was a true man, unlike Wei De...

    Qiao Nan had not drawn her hand away from Zhai Sheng¡¯s. As newlyweds, Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng could have the same ideas as her. After all, bystanders were able to understand the situation the most clearly. Zhai Hua¡¯s words, in particr, had shocked Qiao Nan so much that she almost regarded Zhai Hua as a fool.

    Yes, Tian Dong was a good man, but Zhai Hua had given up such a good man for a bast*rd like Wei De. Every bite and sip was preordained. If Zhai Hua had not fallen for Wei De¡¯s words and gone through that failed marriage with Wei De, she would not have gotten such a sweet and charming daughter, Jiajia.

    Conversely, Tian Dong had always remembered that he had a blissful family life now after having endured a few tough years. Tian Dong was responsible toward his family, and Qiao Nan knew that since Tian Dong had been willing to get married and have a child, he would definitely be responsible and sincere toward them.

    Tian Dong¡¯s blissful life had note easy.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nan saw the change in Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze. Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua. ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, there¡¯s something wrong with Dongzi¡¯s car. Isn¡¯t he rushing to catch his flight? Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t you give him a ride?¡± Zhai Hua owed it to Tian Dong.

    Zhai Hua had no self-awareness at all and agreed without hesitation. ¡°Is that so? Alright. I¡¯ll give him a lift.¡± If Dongzi had not refused their offer, she could have given Dongzi a ride even if his car had not been spoiled. No matter what, it had been Dongzi who had sent Jiajia to the hospital after the ident, allowing Jiajia to receive treatment immediately.

    Tian Dong¡¯s expression was pale as he realized that his car would not start. It was not a big deal to repurchase another ticket for ater flight, but that would mean that he would miss his son¡¯s surgery. His son was nervous about undergoing surgery, and just yesterday, his son had asked him several times over video call whether he would be back in time for the surgery. Tian Dong did not want to break his promise to his son.

    There was no other choice. Tian Dong could only make a call and let his employees deal with his car while he hailed a cab to the airport. However, hailing a cab would pose a challenge too since it was the peak hour. It would be an even bigger problem if he were to encounter a traffic jam.

    Honk! Honk! The car horn drew Tian Dong¡¯s attention.

 Chapter 2005 - What Do You Mean

    <h4>Chapter 2005: What Do You Mean</h4>

    Zhai Hua rolled down the car windows and smiled at Tian Dong. ¡°How about it? Do you want me to give you a lift?¡±

    Tian Dong didn¡¯t react for a while. When he spoke, he refused. ¡°No need. Go and do what you have to do. It shouldn¡¯t be too difficult to hail a taxi here. I shan¡¯t dy you.¡± He was willing to let go of some things, but this didn¡¯t mean that when he was facing them, he wouldn¡¯t feel ufortable in his heart at all.

    Zhai Hua felt that she was busy and thus didn¡¯t manage to find a chance to have a meal with Tian Dong. However, Tian Dong knew it in his heart that he didn¡¯t want to have this meal at all. Even if there were this time and opportunity, he would pretend that he didn¡¯t know about it and just miss it time and time again.

    He had already missed out on that most important time. The interaction that shouldn¡¯t have been missed out now had already be the existence of a mistake.

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes. ¡°Are you pretending to be a fool deliberately? At this age, Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyesight and listening are still good. No wonder he always thinks about getting married and having children. He told me that your car broke down. Initially, I thought he was joking. Alright, get in the car. I deliberately drove to send you to the airport. Are you not going to give me face? You sent Jiajia to the hospital. How big a matter is it that I send you to the airport? Don¡¯t be as wishy-washy as when you were young.¡± How unlike a big man.

    ¡°When I was young?¡± How rare it was that Zhai Hua still remembered what happened when they were young. It was a pity that she didn¡¯t remember those that she should but remembered those that she shouldn¡¯t. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll trouble you then.¡±

    Putting the luggage into the trunk of the car and then sitting next to Zhai Hua was a huge test for Tian Dong. He was married for ten years and his son was already eight years old. It was only now that he felt that everything he thought he had forgotten was actually deeply carved into his bones.

    He was feeling so ufortable, but the woman next to him was still smiling. Tian Dong smiled lightly. ¡°Zhai Hua, you¡¯re really a heartless person.¡±

    Zhai Hua¡¯s behavior made Tian Dong understand that he should really let it go. ¡°My wife¡¯s a great woman. She¡¯s very gentle and helps me take care of the elderly and children at home. She cares a lot about me too. She deserves better treatment and a better life.¡±

    Zhai Hua felt like her heart was pricked. Her facial expression was inexplicable. ¡°But of course. You have already married her. Of course, you have to treat her well. This is what a man should do. You shouldn¡¯t just say them but do them. Seeing that you¡¯re so tall and muscr now and that your figure isparable to the soldiers in the army, I thought you became a real man. Listening to your words, I realized that you¡¯re the same as before, so wishy-washy. To think that we joked when we were young that when you grew up, I would marry you.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    After Zhai Hua¡¯s words, Tian Dong didn¡¯t say anything. The atmosphere immediately became quiet. After a long while, Tian Dong broke this awkward silence. He smiled very faintly and said, ¡°Is that so? Did you say this when you were young? I don¡¯t remember it.¡±

    No matter how slow Zhai Hua was, she also felt that the atmosphere was strange now. ¡°Brat, you have such a bad memory. That¡¯s true as well. So many things happened after that, and so many years have passed. It was just a joke made in the past. It¡¯s pretty normal to forget about it.¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t that she chatted with Dongzi today by chance, she herself could hardly remember the words that were said during their childhood times.

    ¡°Yes, it has been so many years. It¡¯s pretty normal to forget about it.¡±

    Tian Dong repeated Zhai Hua¡¯s words as confirmation. Although Tian Dong was obviously agreeing with what she said, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t know why but she felt that his words sounded strange. There seemed to be another meaning to them. ¡°Dongzi, since when did you start to speak in circles with me? Is your skin itching for a fight?¡±

    In the face of her childhood ymate, Zhai Hua was like the past. She felt that the best way to improve rtionships was to fight. She was like that when facing her younger brother, Zhai Sheng, as well.

    Seeing the look of helplessness on Zhai Hua¡¯s face, Tian Dong really smiled this time. ¡°Childish. Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m in a rush. You have a daughter and I have a son. My son is undergoing surgery and waiting for me to return.¡± A fight? Ten years ago, he really wanted to have a fight with Zhai Hua. He wanted to knock her on the head and ask if she really treated the words she had said previously as rubbish.

    However, Tian Dong felt that everything was over now. He didn¡¯t even have the energy to argue or fight with Zhai Hua anymore. Some things were over and should be left at that. Even if Zhai Hua was divorced, Zhai Hua had her own life and he had his own family. It was good to forget about it. Things that were forgotten shouldn¡¯t be mentioned again, lest they hurt each other again.

    After Tian Dong finished talking, Zhai Hua nearly couldn¡¯t continue the conversation. It was at least twenty minutes away to the airport. How awkward was it if they didn¡¯t say anything the entire time? There was no choice. Zhai Hua asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you have an eight-year-old son? What¡¯s his name?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Tian Dong closed his eyes and seemed to be resting. ¡°Tian Huaguang.¡±

    ¡°What does it mean?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Tian Huaguang. Both their names had the same character, Hua. How coincidental.

    ¡°The light of China.¡± Tian Dong said, ¡°No matter what, I haven¡¯t forgotten that I¡¯m Chinese. My son has been learning Chinese since primary school. My generation might not be able to return and make aeback, but I believe my son will return to the country to develop and be the light of China.¡±

    Great. Zhai Hua felt that she was pped in the face. That short moment when she felt her heartbeat race hadpletely disappeared. ¡°It turned out to be this meaning. The light of China. That¡¯s a good name. It¡¯s particrly meaningful. I believe your son, Xiao Guang, can do it in the future.¡±

    ¡°I think so too.¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua looked embarrassed, Tian Dong felt a little happier. This was the first time he realized he was actually quite petty. That was true as well. Not only was the promise he had kept and cherished deeply in his heart for more than twenty years forgotten, but the other party even fell in love and got married behind his back. Even a saint would get angry in that case.

    As they chatted, the twenty-minute journey wasn¡¯t considered especially slow. After sending Tian Dong to the airport, Zhai Hua secretly heaved a sigh of relief. When Dongzi was young, he was like a girl as he was very good-tempered. How did he change so much after growing up? She almost didn¡¯t know how to talk to Dongzi anymore.

    Damn. Thankfully, they had already arrived at the airport. Otherwise, she was already prepared to be a mute.

    As he brought down his luggage, Tian Dong looked deeply at Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 2006 - It Was All Over

    Chapter 2006: It Was All Over

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°There are no hurdles in this world that can¡¯t be passed. I hope you can be happy in the future and meet a man who truly treats you well again.¡±

    Although he had taken his childhood promise seriously, didn¡¯t he also get married and have a son? Zhai Hua was not yet fifty years old and still had a few decades in her life. As such, Zhai Hua shouldn¡¯t stand still because of a failed marriage and waste her remaining time.

    Zhai Hua rubbed her elbow against his in an exaggerated manner and had a look of disdain. ¡°Yes, I know you¡¯re living a happy life now. Don¡¯t agitate me, this loner. Don¡¯t forget that you have a son and I have a daughter. I don¡¯t have so many thoughts about marriage. I¡¯ve regretted so much that I left the army early. Now, I am relieved. I¡¯m not going to do something so troublesome. However, I can still be a veteran soldier and make some contribution to the army.¡±

    Tian Dong nodded. ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy, you can do that. Goodbye.¡± Goodbye, my childhood. Goodbye, my first love.

    He was really returning to his family this time.

    2

    Zhai Hua rubbed her lips lightly and her frowning eyebrows loosened. ¡°Goodbye. You have to be happy too.¡± Many things were over in the past. She couldn¡¯t think about it or regret it. Otherwise, she would lead a more painful life.

    ¡°I¡¯m already very happy now.¡± Tian Dong entered the customs with his luggage. After returning this time, if there were any projects in the country in the future, he could send someone else from thepany over and didn¡¯t need to make a trip back personally. This was because the knot in his heart had been untied.

    2

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back.¡± When Zhai Hua returned home, not only had Jiajia returned from school, but she had also finished her meal. ¡°Mom, you haven¡¯t eaten, right? Grandma left you this. It¡¯s still warm. Eat it quickly.¡± She knew that her birth mother had sent that uncle from the other day to the airport. Jiajia even knew that that uncle had a son who was much younger than her. More importantly, that uncle was childhood ymates with her mom.

    It turned out that that tall and handsome uncle had such a good rtionship with their family.

    ¡°Oh, alright. I¡¯ll wash my hands first.¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction was a little slow. After putting down the car keys, she went to the toilet and washed her hands. Then, she looked at herself in the mirror for a very long time.

    ¡°Mom, hurry up and have your meal. Why are you looking at yourself in the mirror? Mom, since when did you like to look pretty?¡± In the past, before her parents got a divorce, her mom never looked at herself in the mirror. Indeed, now that she was back at her own family, did her mom¡¯s habits change?

    Zhai Hua rubbed her face and smiled at Jiajia. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Jiajia leaned on Zhai Hua. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you today?¡± It was a little weird and different from usual.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡± Zhai Hua raised her eyebrows and smiled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me to eat? Are you nning to let me chat with you while I eat? Okay, shouldn¡¯t you go read some books now?¡±

    Jiajia blinked. ¡°Mom, did you forget that I have my middle school examinations tomorrow?¡± As such, she left school today earlier than usual. There was only one activity in the afternoon, which was to get familiarized with her examination hall and find her seat. The first day she finished the middle school examinations was also the day her uncle was marrying her aunt. ¡°Mom, are you really alright?¡±

    Didn¡¯t her mom just send a childhood ymate to the airport?

    ¡°Mom, did Dad trouble you again behind grandma¡¯s back?¡± It was possible that her dad hasn¡¯t given up yet and wanted to get back together with her mom. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten into a car ident earlier and be hospitalized for a few days. Her teacher couldn¡¯t help but worry about her. She had only transferred over in the second semester of her third year but had gotten into a car ident before the middle school examinations. There were so many unexpected changes.

    After a few bites, a small bowl of ricended in Zhai Hua¡¯s stomach. Zhai Hua looked at her and said, ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense. Your dad didn¡¯te to find me. Have you forgotten about my physical strength? Between your dad and me, the general phenomenon of strong men and weak women doesn¡¯t exist. Your dad can¡¯t win a fight against me. Scold me? I can¡¯t be bothered to argue with him. Ever since that, I haven¡¯t seen your dad. I hope your dad knows how to be a better person in the future. If he continues to be such a fool at this age, he might burden you then.¡±

    Speaking of Wei De, Zhai Hua slowly recovered herself. She rarely heard about Wei De recently. It was difficult for Wei De to appear in front of her again. All she knew was that after their divorce, Wei De¡¯s life was getting worse.

    Wasn¡¯t it just a divorce? Although she and Jiajia left Wei De, he still had his parents, wife, and son by his side. As long as he led his life seriously, even if the Wei family couldn¡¯t enjoy a good life, it would not be too bad at least.

    Who knew that when she heard about the Wei family¡¯s situation after their divorce, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but doubt if that Wei family she heard about was the one she had lived with for more than ten years? It was also the first time she realized that the Wei family¡¯s dependence on her had reached such an extent.

    No wonder Wei De would rathermit suicide to force her not to file this divorcewsuit.

    Marrying the right woman could save a man from fighting hard for ten years. Zhai Hua always felt that the Zhai family didn¡¯t help Wei De much. Even if she was marrying into a family of lower status, the situation between her and Wei De was far from that of an ugly duckling man¡¯s. However, now that things had developed to this point, Zhai Hua truly understood that even though no one from the Zhai family really helped Wei De, Wei De had relied on her so much that the Wei family¡¯s quality of life had improved tremendously.

    ¡°Then, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± All was good as long as her dad didn¡¯t approach them. After being in a car ident and upon thinking about the existence of her birth father, Wei De, again, Jiajia was more or less a little psychologically scarred.

    Zhai Hua smiled again. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯re having the middle school examinations tomorrow? Don¡¯t think about the rest too much. Try your best for the examinations. Of course, don¡¯t give yourself too much pressure. I¡¯m already an adult. Let¡¯s not say nothing happened to me now. Even if something happens, I will solve it on my own. If I can¡¯t solve it and I need someone to discuss with, you, as my only daughter, can¡¯t escape even if you want to. In recent years, so many things had happened. It¡¯s normal for me to be distracted at times. Little housekeeper, remember to rest well tonight and get enough sleep so that you can take the examinations well tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Jiajia felt more at ease and stopped asking her mom what was wrong.

    Miao Jing wanted Jiajia to rx after having her meal and digest the contents in her stomach before sleeping.

 Chapter 2007 - Upset

    <h4>Chapter 2007: Upset</h4>

    Otherwise, it was easy to feel some difort from sleeping after a heavy meal. If she had not needed to wait for Zhai Hua, Jiajia would have returned to her room to read her books. Now, Jiajia no longer insisted on waiting and returned to her room as she had intended to do instead. After ncing through her book, she fell asleep on her bed.

    After Jiajia fell asleep, the adults decided to retire for the night as well so that they would not disturb Jiajia from her sleep.

    The moment Qiao Nan returned to her room, Zhai Sheng followed her in. ¡°Shall we have a chat in the study room?¡±

    Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Hua and Tian Dong?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders rxed. All right. She could deceive anyone but Zhai Sheng. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Although they were about to hold a wedding and had already be legal husband and wife, the couple, who had abined age of over a hundred years, followed the rules even more strictly than anyone and slept separately. Now that he wanted to have a chat in the middle of the night, Zhai Sheng did not even step into Qiao Nan¡¯s room.

    His insistence on doing so was just to prevent others from scolding Qiao Nan even more than they already would. They had already gotten their marriage certificate. Would Zhai Sheng be in such a great hurry to swallow Qiao Nan like a tiger would his prey?

    It was only when he reached the study did Zhai Sheng ask, ¡°How did you know about Zhai Hua and Dongzi?¡± It was just like how Nan Nan had been familiar with the Zhai family¡¯s old vi the first time she had visited the ce.

    Although Zhai Sheng had never asked about these matters, it did not mean that they did not exist. After the Zhai family¡¯s old vi was renovated, the Zhai family themselves had hardly stayed there and had only gotten caretakers to look after the ce.

    Before meeting Qiao Nan, even Zhai Sheng himself had stayed in the old vi for not more than a few days. If Qiao Nan had appeared earlier, outsiders might even misunderstand that Qiao Nan was the true owner of the house, given her familiarity with the ce. Zhai Sheng was not even as familiar with the ce as Qiao Nan was, and had to take some time to get used to the environment.

    Since Zhai Sheng was naturally more sensitive about matters that concerned Qiao Nan, it was not hard for Zhai Sheng to realize what Qiao Nan was thinking from the way Qiao Nan nced at Zhai Hua and Tian Dong. There was no way Qiao Nan could hide her true feelings in front of Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan lowered her head, not really wanting to answer this question. ¡°Would you believe me if I were to say that it¡¯s a woman¡¯s intuition? We all know just how worried Sister Zhai Hua was when Jiajia got into an ident even though she wasn¡¯t severely injured. The weird thing was that Sister Zhai Hua became much calmer the moment Tian Dong arrived. I¡¯m a woman too, and I know how women behave. A man who can bring such peace to a woman must have made a good impression on that woman. There are only a few situations in which women have that much trust in a man.¡±

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan. ¡°We can leave it at that if you don¡¯t want to talk about it. You don¡¯t have to exin it to me if you can¡¯t. Otherwise, others will see through you too easily. Nan Nan, you¡¯re a bad liar.¡±

    This exnation was truly too far-fetched. The entire Zhai family, including his parents and Zhai Hua, had probably already forgotten about what had happened in their childhood. Zhai Sheng was different. Zhai Sheng was the only one who knew that Tian Dong had returned when Zhai Hua had gotten married. Not only had he returned, but he had also secretly attended¡ªor rather, observed, Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding to Wei De.

    After witnessing the wedding, Tian Dong had immediately flown off again. Ever since then, Tian Dong had never returned.

    A man behaving so stubbornly could only mean one thing, and one did not need a woman¡¯s intuition to understand that.

    Zhai Sheng did not think it was strange that Zhai Hua had not kept the promise she had made in her childhood, treating it as nothing more than a memory. It was only when Zhai Sheng found out that Tian Dong had specially returned on Zhai Hua¡¯s wedding day did he realize that Tian Dong was serious about it.

    Unfortunately, Zhai Hua was serious about marrying Wei De at that time, and nothing was going to stop her. Besides, the couple had already registered their marriage. Zhai Sheng knew that Zhai Hua would not change her mind even if he told her about Tian Dong, much less get divorced from Wei De. After all, they had simply thought of that promise as a joke. How could they possibly have believed that they would keep to that promise even after growing up?

    It would only make things more awkward between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong if he were to talk about it.

    Between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong, Zhai Sheng had naturally chosen Zhai Hua. It was also good that he remained tight-lipped so that Zhai Hua would not know what she had missed out on.

    But yearster, Zhai Hua was now divorced and Tian Dong had returned for his business, and the two of them had unexpectedly met each other!

    Thinking about Zhai Hua¡¯s reaction today, Zhai Sheng had a premonition that Zhai Hua might have realized something. Dongzi¡¯s behavior had made it obvious enough, had it not?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s decision to let her go and drop the matter caused Qiao Nan to heave a sigh of relief. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ll return to my room to sleep then.¡±

    ¡°Alright, go ahead. Don¡¯t think too much about this and rest well. We¡¯ll be getting married in two days.¡± Zhai Sheng had finally met a woman whom he loved and he would leave things as they were even if he could not clear the air. What else could he do since he loved her and her alone?

    After leaving Zhai Sheng¡¯s study, Qiao Nan finally rxed. But when she opened her door, she saw Zhai Hua, who seemed as though she had been drained of all energy. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Where did you go?¡± Zhai Hua looked restlessly at Qiao Nan. ¡°You guys are already getting married soon. Aren¡¯t you guys getting too close? Just hold on for a little longer. It¡¯s just another two more days. Why don¡¯t you think about the single and divorced person here?¡±

    She had been feeling miserable and had wanted to have a chat with Qiao Nan. She had not expected to see no one after opening the door. The Zhai family was only that big and there were only that many people in the family. It did not need a genius to figure out whom Qiao Nan had gone to see.

    Zhai Hua had wanted to rx by having a chat with Qiao Nan. Unfortunately, the moment she opened the door, she had witnessed Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng showing public disys of affection, agitating her. ¡°Hurry on over. I¡¯m so frustrated right now. Why don¡¯t you tell me a joke?¡±

    She could not tell Jiajia about this matter and could only talk to Qiao Nan about it. If she did not talk about it, she felt that she might just suffocate.

    Qiao Nan walked over andy down on her bed, allowing Zhai Hua to lie down beside her. It was not the first time Qiao Nan had encountered such a situation, so she took it in her stride.

 Chapter 2008 - Sour

    Chapter 2008: Sour

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°I might not be able to tell you a joke, but I¡¯m open to listening to you. Why don¡¯t you tell me what¡¯s keeping you up and making you so frustrated?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, tell me. Will you treat a six-year-old¡¯s joke seriously?¡± Up until now, Zhai Hua had not figured out whether her discovery was a result of her own narcissism or that Tian Dong had never meant that at all. No matter how Zhai Hua tried to convince herself, Zhai Hua knew that it was not simply because of her own narcissism.

    Qiao Nan ced her arm behind her head and sighed inwardly. Indeed, she intended to talk about this issue. No wonder even Brother Zhai had looked for her to talk about this. Perhaps, everyone in the family, apart from Jiajia, had felt it. After all, the Zhai family had watched Tian Dong grow up and had a good understanding of Tian Dong¡¯s temper.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, why don¡¯t we put it this way? You win some battles and you lose some. There¡¯s no point in being stuck in the past since it won¡¯t improve your life in the future. Just think about how good of a daughter Jiajia is and how much you love Jiajia. Don¡¯t think about anything else.¡±

    Qiao Nan could not bring herself to say that Zhai Hua was divorced but Tian Dong was still married and not divorced. Letting Zhai Hua know that she had missed out on a good man who had kept his promise from the age of six to the age of thirty for a bast*rd would be a big blow to her.

    As such, it was much better not to know about such ¡®good news¡¯. For Zhai Hua, the most important person in life should no longer be a man but her daughter, Jiajia. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, stop thinking about this. Jiajia will be sitting for her middle school examination tomorrow. Jiajia cares very much about your feelings. What if your behavior affects Jiajia?¡±

    Zhai Huaughed bitterly. ¡°You¡¯re right. I shouldn¡¯t think too much about this. To me, Jiajia is indeed the most important.¡± When she had gotten a divorce from Wei De, she had already decided that she would never get remarried. She would simply lead a life with Jiajia as the center of her life.

    She knew that her family would never mind Jiajia and her staying with them.

    So, what was she thinking about? Dongzi had a wife and a son. He had a good career and a family. Even if she were to get an answer, she had already missed out on a good opportunity. Zhai Hua turned around and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°I suddenly feel as though bad luck strikes a person all at once and that bad things never happen alone.¡±

    Not only had she gotten married to such a bast*rd, but she had also missed out on a good man because of that. Really...

    Qiao Nan covered Zhai Hua with the nket. ¡°You¡¯ll definitely gain something every time you lose something. At least, you¡¯re not without anything. You must remember that everything is worth it since you have a daughter like Jiajia now.¡±

    What else could she have said? Could she have possibly have told Zhai Hua that she would have gotten a sensible and obedient son, Tian Xiao Bao, instead of Jiajia if she had not married Wei De and had instead waited for Tian Dong to return?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched, indicating that she no longer wanted to continue with the conversation. Was it true that bad things rarely happened alone?

    The Zhai family ced great importance on Jiajia¡¯s middle school examination, and Zhai Hua personally fetched Jiajia to and from school in case she got into an ident along the way. Jiajia had already pretty much recovered from the earlier ident and it would have no impact on her performance. But if she were to get into another ident, Jiajia might very well face the consequences for the rest of her life.

    ¡°Jiajia, don¡¯t be too anxious and just do your best. There¡¯s no need to put too much pressure on yourself. Did you bring along your pens and your exam admission ticket?¡± Zhai Hua was no different from other parents and nagged at Jiajia continuously.

    Jiajiaughed. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Mom. I wasn¡¯t anxious, but I can¡¯t help it now that you¡¯re acting in this manner.¡± Was it not just a middle school examination? She had been revising for it for the past half a year and she had been taking exams all the time. Examinations were nothing out of the ordinary to students like her. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to wait for me. I¡¯ll be having lunch at school. I won¡¯t be going home, but I won¡¯t be leaving the schoolpound either. You can go home ande back for meter.¡±

    After a moment of consideration, Zhai Hua nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright. Remember not to leave the schoolpound until I pick you upter.¡±

    Wei De had not left the capital, much less given up on her. With such a situation, Zhai Hua had to be careful of Wei De looking for Jiajia again. That one ident was more than enough. Even if Wei De had lost all custody over Jiajia because of that ident, Zhai Hua felt that it was still insufficient to make up for Jiajia¡¯s suffering.

    If he were to turn up a second time, she would not care about thew and would kill Wei De with her own hands. Did Wei De not care about Jiajia because she was not a son? She knew that Wei De would stop at nothing and would not even care about the hurt Jiajia would suffer in the process of achieving his own goals.

    Forget it. She did not want to think about it anymore. Qiao Nan was right about one thing. With a daughter like Jiajia, she should stop thinking about everything else. Otherwise, she would only make herself miserable.

    While Jiajia was busy with her middle school examination, the rest of the Zhai family was notzing around either. Everyone on good terms with the Zhai family knew that Zhai Sheng would be getting married in two days¡¯ time. Everyone knew who Zhai Sheng was, but not the bride¡¯s identity.

    After Old Li, who was sour about how Qiao Nan was getting married to Zhai Sheng, exposed Qiao Nan¡¯s identity as a ¡®caretaker¡¯, there had been somewhat of a storm. But that had subsided quickly.

    People were no fools. Given Zhai Sheng¡¯s family background, he could choose anyone to marry. He would never settle for a mere caretaker even though it was his second marriage and even though he was already forty-five. The most important premise of Zhai Sheng getting married was that he was willing and had fallen for that woman.

    Since both parties were willing, there was nothing wrong with Zhai Sheng getting married to any woman. The ones who made the greatest fuss were those who had unmarried daughters or those whose daughters were divorced and looking for a second marriage partner.

    1

    Their excuses sounded high-sounding and dignified, but in fact, these were the people who were the most hypocritical.

    Of course, these hypocritical people were not all outsiders. Among them were two of Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®rtives¡¯. Her closest ones, in fact.

 Chapter 2009 - Help

    <strong>Chapter 2009</strong>: Help

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Hearing that someone from the northern courtyard¡¯s Qiao family hade to find her, Qiao Nan did not even need to ask who it was. ¡°Tell them that I¡¯m busy.¡± In other words, she was not going to meet them.

    The people in the southern courtyard knew that Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and was no different from the matriarch of the Zhai family. Not only did Qiao Nan have the right to enter the southern courtyard freely, but the guards also had to listen to her. As such, the guards naturally denied Ding Jiayi entry into the southern courtyard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you aren¡¯t allowed inside. Miss Qiao isn¡¯t free now. Perhaps, you can try to contact her and meet her somewhere else.¡±

    There was no way anyone living in Ping Cheng did not know about the Qiao family¡¯s news. The majority of the public understood Qiao Nan¡¯s reasons for being heartless and refusing to meet the Qiao family. They did not think that Qiao Nan was out of line for doing so. ¡°Humph! She really married well. Now, she won¡¯t even acknowledge her own family. She¡¯s so heartless! No wonder her own biological mother treated her in that way. There must be something wrong with her. It¡¯s just that the news didn¡¯t report that side of her!¡±

    Upon receiving that rejection, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression darkened and she returned to the northern courtyard while gritting her teeth. Along the way back, Ding Jiayi received quite a few gazes filled with ridicule. All these people hade to ask her for favors, yet they were the most hypocritical and could not wait to see their family fall.

    ¡°Mom, did you not meet her?¡± Qiao Zijin was anxious, yet helpless. Seeing that her mom had returned in less than ten minutes, she knew that it was impossible for her mom to have met Qiao Nan, exined the situation, and asked her for help. ¡°Was Qiao Nan not around, or is she deliberately trying to hide from us?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Ding Jiayi stomped her foot. ¡°This wretched girl has gotten so bold. She ran away previously and now, she¡¯s taking advantage of the fact that the Zhai family will back her up. That¡¯s why she doesn¡¯t even care about her biological mother! She won¡¯t even meet me. Has she forgotten that I gave birth to her?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was upset. ¡°Mom, the civil servant examination is happening soon but there¡¯s nothing going on on our side. Even if I sign up for it, it will only be a waste of my effort if Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t help us out. I¡¯ve already agreed to get a job and sit for the exam like you asked me to. But if you can¡¯t exert your power and I don¡¯t be a civil servant, don¡¯t ever ask me to get a job again. I¡¯ve already tried and failed. It¡¯s not my fault.¡±

    She did not mind trying for a job in the civil service since it was easy and would bring her a sry of about ten thousand a month. At the very least, she would have some spending money.

    Aside from being a civil servant, she had no interest in getting another job.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. It hasn¡¯t been decided yet. The Zhai family has raised three generations. To put it bluntly, the Zhai family is equally capable of making you a civil servant whether or not you sign up for the examination. Why are you in a hurry and worried?¡± She had already heard all about it.

    Even if everyone else was incapable of doing so, the Zhai family was, as long as they wanted to make it happen. Since that wretched girl was going to marry Zhai Sheng, Zijin would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister-inw. It was only right for him to do a small favor for his family.

    If that wretched girl had a heart, neither she nor Zijin had to worry about this. The Zhai family should already have realized Zijin¡¯s situation by now and would step forward to solve the issue of Zijin¡¯s unemployment.

    She had not even waited for the Zhai family to take the initiative and had done so herself. Was that not enough for them?

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan stood in her way. That was what truly upset Ding Jiayi. Today¡¯s rejection at the gate made Ding Jiayi realize once again that Qiao Nan seemed to have damaged her brain because of the ident. It was as though she was an entirely different person who was no longer as obedient and easy to control as she had been in the past.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression brightened slightly. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true. The Zhai family is indeed capable of doing that. But Mom, are you sure that they¡¯ll be willing to do so?¡± Qiao Zijin bit on her lip. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan¡¯s changed. She¡¯s different now. She didn¡¯t even care about me when I was sick, so she might not care about me now either. Mom, don¡¯t you think that ever since the ident, Qiao Nan¡¯s entirely changed. I wonder if that person whom we know is actually Qiao Nan!¡±

    It was not that she was being superstitious or spouting nonsense. At that time, Chen Jun had been Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend whom she was about to get married to. Not only had Qiao Nan not resisted nor thrown a tantrum, but she had even helped raise her son.

    Looking at Qiao Nan now, who not only took her money but also refused to acknowledge the Qiao family, she seemed like an entirely new person. Even if she had really damaged her brain, her personality could not have undergone such a drastic change, right?

    Ding Jiayi thought carefully about it, agreeing with Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, what do you mean by that? What era are we living in? Even I don¡¯t believe in such things but you do? Others might not know whether she¡¯s Qiao Nan, but how could we possibly not know? If she isn¡¯t Qiao Nan, why would she have taken all of her wages and money before leaving? Apart from me, Qiao Nan is the only one who¡¯s the clearest about how much she earns.¡±

    It was impossible for such a ridiculous thing to happen!

    Qiao Zijin turned around in annoyance and sat down. ¡°Then, tell me why Qiao Nan changed so drastically. You always think that Qiao Nan should listen to you just because you gave birth to her. In reality, you¡¯re her mom but she won¡¯t even agree to meet you. You keep saying that I don¡¯t have to worry about bing a civil servant, but do you think I can still trust you about that?¡±

    She might not be capable, but she was capable of thinking for herself. Ding Jiayi had to stop coaxing her like a three-year-old toddler.

    Since she had already bragged about it but had not seeded, Ding Jiayi felt a little embarrassed herself. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be in a hurry. You didn¡¯t even want to get a job in the first ce. If we settle this a littleter, you¡¯ll get to rest for a few more days. Won¡¯t that be better? As for the civil servant examination... You¡¯ve already registered for it. You can decide whether to go for it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Initially, I was just trying to be nice to that wretched girl. Compared to getting you a position and asking the Zhai family to help you out of nowhere, it would be better for her if you were to take the examination. At the very least, it would attract less attention.¡±

 Chapter 2010 - Whoâ€™s Attending?

    <h4>Chapter 2010: Who¡¯s Attending?</h4>

    ¡°I gave her the choice of a better path so that it would be easier for her but she chose otherwise. If anything happens because she chose this path, she¡¯d better not me it on us. If Zhai Sheng leaves her because of this, it¡¯s all because of her own doing.¡±

    It would be best if Zhai Sheng got a divorce from that wretched girl so that she woulde to her senses. Did she really think that she could forget all about her family and act all high and mighty now that she had married into a good family? Without her family¡¯s help, she would get a divorce even if she were to get married.

    Only by getting along well with her family would Qiao Nan be able to secure her marriage in the future. As long as Qiao Nan refused to acknowledge the importance of her family, she would never be able to lead a peaceful life in the future.

    Qiao Zijin grabbed a bunch of melon seeds in her hand. It did not matter how much nonsense her mom spouted. Since her mom was so insistent that there was nothing wrong with Qiao Nan even after that ident, there was no point in her worrying any further. In short, her mom would look for Qiao Nan and settle the matter of her bing a civil servant. Then, she would just have to keep that job and never resign from that job that would pay her ten thousand every month. Conversely, if her mom could not handle that matter, her mom would simply have to be thriftier in the future and she should not even think of asking for an allowance from her. She had half her life ahead of her. 1.6 million yuan was not going to be enough.

    Moreover, in such a short span of time, she had already spent quite a few thousand yuan. At the thought of the Qiao family spending even more than she did while she had been in the Chen family, Qiao Zijin felt heartbroken. No matter how great the expenses had been in the Chen family, that had been the Chen family¡¯s business and had nothing to do with her. And the Qiao family¡¯s expenses had even less to do with her since Qiao Nan was the one taking care of them.

    It was only when she had to work did Qiao Zijin feel upset about how quickly Ding Jiayi spent money. Did she really think that their family owned a gold mine and had an endless supply of money lying around? ¡°Mom, I¡¯m unemployed and I gave you fifty thousand when Dad was hospitalized previously. Before that, I gave you twenty thousand as well, so I think you should cut down on your expenses. Stop asking me for money. If you continue doing that, I might have to go out on the streets to beg for money if I don¡¯t get a job.¡±

    Her mom had never gotten a job in her life and did not even know how to earn money and yet, she never let up when spending money. In fact, her mom had the best fortune amongst them. Not only did she not have to earn her own keep, but she had also never gone without money. In her youth, her dad had been the one supplying her with funds. Afterward, Qiao Nan had taken up that responsibility, and now, she had to do so.

    She had neither met Qiao Nan nor settled the matter of Qiao Zijin bing a civil servant. As such, Ding Jiayi did not dare to refuse when Qiao Zijin brought up the topic of her allowance. ¡°Alright. Isn¡¯t your dad still recuperating from his injury? That¡¯s why I spent a little moretely. Otherwise, our family doesn¡¯t spend that much in a month either. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t ask you for any more money this month or next month.¡±

    At the mention of money, Ding Jiayi could never hold her chest high. Qiao Dongliang had always been the one controlling the purse strings. Ding Jiayi knew what it meant to be thrifty. Even if she could not increase her ie, she could cut her expenses.

    Ever since Qiao Nan started working to support the family, Ding Jiayi had started to spend money as though it cost her nothing because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s encouragement. Even though she did not always buy expensive things to eat, she always chose the more expensive option, feeling that the freshness was worth the price.

    There was no way she would be able to get rid of that twenty-year-old habit that Qiao Nan had cultivated right away. The difference was that Qiao Zijin had been the one to teach her mother that habit in the past because she had not been the one paying for it. No matter how much her mother spent, it was not her money. Unfortunately, every dog had its day and her mother¡¯s habit woulde to bite her back.

    Of course, neither Qiao Zijin nor Ding Jiayi had realized that at this point in time. Ding Jiayi would have spent a considerable sum of Qiao Zijin¡¯s money before they did. That sum would make Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart break at the very least.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Old Qiao? Don¡¯t you know how severe your injuries are? You need to let your bones heal. Why don¡¯t you just rest in bed?¡± The mother and daughter had just finished their chat when they saw Qiao Dongliang limping out of the room. Ding Jiayi was taken aback and ran up to Qiao Dongliang right away in case he fell down and needed to be hospitalized once again since that would incur a hefty cost.

    Without a human ATM like Qiao Nan, the only thing the Qiao family ever talked about nowadays was money. In the past, they had spent freely without ever having to worry about money. It was only now that they had to care even about the money that they spent on bare necessities.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was cold. He was not deaf and had heard all about the mother and daughter¡¯s ns and ill intentions. ¡°It¡¯s ufortable to be lying down on my bed for the whole day. I have to get some exercise every once in a while.¡± If he did not move around now, what would happen if he could not attend Nan Nan¡¯s wedding?

    Unlike Ding Jiayi, who had not been able to contact or meet Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had intermittent contact with Qiao Nan, especially since she was about to get married. Even if Qiao Nan did not look for Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Dongliang would still send her a text every day, asking about how the preparations for her wedding were going.

    Qiao Nan was getting married, but he was the only rtive who was invited to her wedding. As such, Qiao Dongliang was not going to allow himself to lie around all day, in case he became wasted and needed someone to carry him to his daughter¡¯s wedding. How humiliating that would be!

    Upon seeing that Qiao Dongliang hade out from his room, Qiao Zijin could not even be bothered to address him since Qiao Dongliang had not done so himself. Qiao Zijin had noticed her father¡¯s coldness toward her and could see that Qiao Dongliang had only one daughter in his eyes and heart, and that was Qiao Nan. That was in spite of the fact that she had visited her father while he had been hospitalized and had forked out fifty thousand just as Qiao Nan had!

    It was a pity that her fifty thousand was different from Qiao Nan¡¯s. Hers was clearly much less valuable. Qiao Zijin was annoyed that the same sum could have different values in her father¡¯s eyes.

    He could treat her that way if he wanted, but he had better continue treating her as an outsider when he needed money and someone to look after him. If he were to treat her as a daughter only when he needed money and an outsider at any other time, her father would truly be taking advantage of her!

    At this point in time, Qiao Zijin was too frustrated to even take a nce at Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 2011 - Not Helping

    <h4>Chapter 2011: Not Helping</h4>

    They were clearly a family staying under the same roof, yet the atmosphere was even colder than that between strangers meeting for the first time. Even strangers would give each other friendly nods and acknowledge each other.

    The father and daughter¡¯s rtionship had undergone a drastic change, and it had not gone unnoticed by Ding Jiayi. But now, Ding Jiayi had too many things to worry about. As such, she had no time to persuade Qiao Zijin to stop throwing a tantrum toward Qiao Dongliang or to counsel Qiao Dongliang and convince him to understand Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation.

    All three of them understood that their rtionships were at a standstill but not a single one of them was willing to take the first step in order to warm up the familial rtionships.

    On the second day of Jiajia¡¯s middle school examination, Qiao Nan once again received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s text message. Now, Qiao Nan had already gotten used to receiving at least one text message a day from Qiao Dongliang. As such, she took her phone out to look at the message. But when she finished reading the message, her expression changed, and her smile turned into a frown.

    The text might have been from Qiao Dongliang, but Qiao Nan knew from the message that it had definitely not been written by her father. After thinking about it, Qiao Nan sent a reply. ¡°Do you want to embarrass everyone by creating trouble? Go ahead. Brother Zhai and I may not even live in Ping Cheng after getting married.¡±

    Brother Zhai had always been stationed in the capital. After getting married, Brother Zhai would probably be fully recuperated. Qiao Nan knew that they would leave Ping Cheng for the capital. As such, Qiao Nan was not afraid just because Ding Jiayi was threatening her and trying to force her into meeting her.

    If Ding Jiayi had the money and energy and was even willing to chase her across the country, she would truly take her hat off to Ding Jiayi.

    After seeing the reply, Ding Jiayi flew into such a rage that her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands trembled so much that she nearly dropped Qiao Dongliang¡¯s phone onto the floor.

    At the sight of Ding Jiayi¡¯s response, Qiao Zijin had pretty much guessed that Qiao Nan had given an unsatisfactory response, but she still took the phone over from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands. ¡°Aiyo, she really does sound like someone who has found a meal ticket for herself. That¡¯s why she¡¯s so bold with her words. Mom, are you sure that Qiao Nan is really still Qiao Nan? Do you think the Qiao Nan of the past would have dared to say such things?¡±

    No matter how upset Ding Jiayi was, she was still unwilling to believe such things. ¡°That¡¯s dumb! It¡¯s alright for you to say this in front of me but you¡¯d better not say that in front of your dad or that wretched girl. Think about it. If that wretched girl isn¡¯t our family¡¯s wretched girl, let¡¯s not even talk about being afraid. Since she isn¡¯t the wretched girl, there¡¯s no way she¡¯ll treat me as her mom or you as her sister.¡±

    It would definitely benefit them if Qiao Nan were to marry into a good family.

    No matter how she looked at it, Qiao Nan was still Qiao Nan. How could she have be another person? Qiao Zijin had truly read too many novels and watched too many television dramas. If that person was not Qiao Nan, then the Qiao family would not get a single cent no matter how good the family that woman married into was. How could Zijin, as a university student, not understand such simple logic?

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression stiffened. She had indeed forgotten about that. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I remember everything you¡¯ve taught me. I won¡¯t make that mistake. Besides, I was probably just brought astray by those television dramas and novels. How could Qiao Nan not be Qiao Nan? If she isn¡¯t Qiao Nan, how could she understand our family¡¯s situation so well?¡±

    She had already encountered a lot of trouble in her life because Qiao Nan was no longer as easily controlled as she had been in the past. If that person was not even Qiao Nan, she would be the first person in trouble. Her mom was right. From her point of view, there was no way Qiao Nan could get into any idents. Otherwise, she would be the one suffering the most.

    Qiao Nan was still Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan had to take care of the Qiao family and her parents. Qiao Nan had better not try to shirk away from these responsibilities. If Qiao Nan was no longer Qiao Nan, this family would have nothing to do with Qiao Nan. Since Qiao Nan had nothing to do with the family, all these responsibilities would naturally fall to her.

    Qiao Zijin hit her own head, deciding not to spend her free time on those novels again. If not for those novels, she would never havee up with such a ridiculous idea.

    Fiction was nothing more than fiction. Reality was reality.

    ¡°Then again, what should we do, Mom? Given her tone, it¡¯s obvious that she won¡¯t be of any help.¡± After such a long time, the matter of her bing a civil servant still remained unresolved.

    ¡°What are you afraid of? Just go for the examination and leave the rest to me.¡± Even if Qiao Nan said that she was not going to help out, could Qiao Nan really get rid of their rtionship and not interfere? No, she would let Qiao Nan know with her actions that she would never get her way. She would simply use Qiao Nan¡¯s name to solve the issue. Qiao Nan did not even need to appear.

    If she seeded in doing so, she would not even need to worry about Qiao Nan being unfilial to her in the future. She would be able to make Qiao Nan treat her as the empress and support her as she had done in the past. Qiao Nan would have to listen to whatever she said and keep them in mind.

    Qiao Zijin furrowed her brows. Her mom seemed to havee up with a solution but she would not bother about it anymore. She had already put forth a disimer, so whatever happened afterward would depend on her mother¡¯s performance.

    After deciding to leave everything to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin was in a rxed mood. Even if she decided never to read her novels again, she would never get bored with the television andputer at home.

    In the blink of an eye, Jiajia hadpleted her middle school examination, and the first day that Jiajia was free happened to be Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding day.

    ¡°Wow, auntie. You look beautiful in that red dress. I¡¯ve seen so many white wedding dresses, but today, I realized that our country¡¯s red wedding dress is beautiful as well! Your hairdo is exquisite too! It looks like those I see in television dramas.¡± Jiajia could not help but get envious. All youngdies liked looking beautiful, after all. Seeing Qiao Nan made Jiajia green with envy.

    Jiajia decided inwardly that she would follow in Qiao Nan¡¯s footsteps instead of wearing a white wedding dress when she got married in the future. White western wedding dresses were no match for their Chinese red wedding dresses. People really did not appreciate them enough.

    Miao Jing nodded in agreement. ¡°Our Jiajia has such good judgment. That¡¯s right. The red wedding dress looks really festive and beautiful!¡± It was a pity that she had not been able to wear a red wedding dress during her wedding to Old Zhai. At that time, the green military uniform was already good enough for her, let alone a red wedding dress.

 Chapter 2012 - Marrying From the Zhu Family

    <h4>Chapter 2012: Marrying From the Zhu Family</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s really quite nice.¡± Zhai Hua nodded in agreement. Zhai Hua wondered whether it was due to her age that she could no longer remember what she had worn on her wedding day. But it was just as well. That had not been a joyous asion anyway. It was no wonder she no longer remembered it.

    ¡°Mom, is it really a good idea for Qiao Nan to be marrying in from the Zhu family¡¯s house?¡± Looking around at her unfamiliar surroundings, Zhai Hua felt rather uneasy. The Zhai family was not on bad terms with the Zhu family, but neither were they on exceptionally good terms.

    After Old Chief Zhu had found out about their family¡¯s situation, he had taken the initiative to contact them, allowing Qiao Nan to leave from the Zhu family¡¯s house. Zhai Hua had been taken aback by this sudden offer and wondered if they had gotten the wrong person.

    The Zhai family¡¯s rtionship with the Zhu family had always been rather average. There was no way Qiao Nan would have known the Zhu family, much less Old Chief Zhu.

    It was only when Qiao Nan was truly about to get married from the Zhu family¡¯s house did Zhai Hua realize that they had not gotten the wrong person. So, was the Zhu family doing this for the Zhai family¡¯s sake?

    Zhu Chengqi was someone of his father¡¯s generation, but he looked much older and frailer than his father. It was indeed true that it did not matter how high of a position one held in life if one did not even have any family around him. A life like that was simply too miserable.

    When others ended up all alone in their old age, it was usually by their own doing, but not Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Chengqi had never done anything. His wife had died during childbirth while Old Master Zhu had died of old age. The most pitiful death was that of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son, who had been beaten to death while he had been in junior high school.

    If Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son had still been alive, he would not be as lonely now.

    Zhai Hua knew that Wang Yang and his wife had always been by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side. However, no matter how close his nephew was, there was no way he would be closer than his own son. It was not as though they were close rtives. In fact, they were quite distant rtives.

    Miao Jing eyed the Zhu family and sighed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad about it. Nan Nan, I hope you don¡¯t mind it.¡±

    To be honest, while she had been looking for somewhere for Nan Nan to get married from, she had never even considered the Zhu family¡¯s house. All along, the Zhai family had only grown in size while Zhu Chengqi had be the only one left in his entire family. Besides, the Zhai family was celebrating getting a daughter-inw while Zhu Chengqi had already lost his wife and child a long time ago.

    If they were to get Zhu Chengqi involved in this asion, would they not just be mocking and ridiculing him?

    Moreover, the entire Zhu family was gone apart from Zhu Chengqi alone. Leaving aside superstition, Zhu Chengqi was truly unlucky. Miao Jing did not believe in it, but she had to consider Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for fear that they would mind.

    She could not possibly ignore the feelings of the two children for the sake of elevating Qiao Nan¡¯s status. Besides, they were not even sure that Zhu Chengqi would agree to it even if they were to ask him.

    Since the situation was soplex, Miao Jing had never even considered it. Because Zhu Chengqi had taken the initiative to offer his services, everyone in the Zhai family, including Zhai Hua, had been taken aback. But no one had realized that Qiao Nan, who had nothing to do with the Zhu family, was the calmest person present. It seemed as though she had already expected this to happen and had an indifferent expression.

    Compared to Miao Jing¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s unease, how could Qiao Nan not be at ease? This was not her first time getting married to Zhai Sheng, and neither was it her first time getting married and leaving from the Zhu family¡¯s house. The only difference was that she had even stayed in the Zhu family¡¯s house for three days in her previous life. This time, she had only spent two to three hours at the Zhu family¡¯s house on her wedding day.

    It had not been so busy in the Zhu family¡¯s house in a long time. Naturally, Qiao Nan could not simply just sit around in the Zhu family¡¯s house before leaving. The Zhu family rarely entertained any guests, but now, there werenterns hanging around and the windows had been decorated with red double-happiness characters too. It was obvious that the Zhu family had just purchased these decorations.

    The Zhu family¡¯s neighbors could not help but make a joke. Ever since Zhu Baoguo passed away, the Zhu family had never been as lively as it was today, not even during the new year period. Others might even misunderstand that the bride was the Zhu family¡¯s child and Zhu Chengqi¡¯s daughter. Given this level of liveliness and care they put into this, that could very well have been the case.

    Wang Yang had heard quite a few of suchments. As one of the owners of the Zhu family, Wang Yang had no power or ability to revoke a decision that Zhu Chengqi had made. No matter how upset Wang Yang was, he could only follow Zhu Chengqi¡¯s instructions and liven up the atmosphere in the Zhu family, even ying the role of Qiao Nan¡¯s family by weing her guests.

    Wang Yang had not even been this busy on his own wedding day. Physical fatigue was nothing. It was the unresolvable doubts in his mind that were the most torturous.

    Wang Yang¡¯s phone rang in his pocket. He did not need to take it out to know whom the message had been from.

    After instructing the helpers to get things done, Wang Yang returned to his room, seeing the person who had sent him the message upon opening the door. ¡°Don¡¯t you know how busy I am today? What¡¯s so important that you have to keep sending me messages? Spill it!¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife felt aggrieved. ¡°Why are you being so mean? Is it my fault? You were the one who made me stay here in this room. Otherwise, would I be so bored to send you messages?¡±

    At the mention of this, Wang Yang¡¯s wife was upset. Both she and Wang Yang had always been taking care of Zhu Chengqi at the Zhu family¡¯s house. To youngsters, there was nothing more important than their phones. When Wang Yang¡¯s wife went out for high tea, even the cafes had WiFi avable, but the Zhu family¡¯s house, where she lived, did not!

    With no other choice, Wang Yang¡¯s wife could only use her mobile data. Usually, apart from ying on her phone, Wang Yang¡¯s wife could watch the television as well. But because Qiao Nan was getting married from the Zhu family¡¯s house, she could not leave her room and could only y with her mobile phone until it ran out of battery. As she used it while charging it, it became incredibly hot.

    Left with no other choice, Wang Yang¡¯s wife could only get in touch with Wang Yang. ¡°Are you nning to keep me in here for the whole day? This is the Zhu family¡¯s house, not the Qiao family¡¯s or Zhai family¡¯s. Why should I lend this ce to them and have to hide away as an owner? Don¡¯t you think that the Zhai family is crossing the line?¡±

    They had gone far beyond lending Qiao Nan a ce to leave for her marriage from. They had gone much further and beyond.

 Chapter 2013 - My Responsibility

    <h4>Chapter 2013: My Responsibility</h4>

    The Zhu family treated the Zhai family and Qiao Nan so well, so were the Zhai family and Qiao Nan not being too overbearing?

    ¡°You¡¯re a stupid one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Wang Yang rolled his eyes. ¡°Who said that the Zhai family and Qiao Nan were the ones who requested for you not to go out? They don¡¯t even know about your existence, alright?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife was confused. If the Zhai family had never asked for it, then why had Wang Yang told her that it would be inconvenient for her to be present? She had thought that the Zhai family had asked her husband to pass on this message to her.

    That was why she had been annoyed. She had never had any contact with the Zhai family, much less seen Qiao Nan in her entire life. So, what rights did Qiao Nan have to force her, the owner, to be hidden away from sight when she was getting married from the Zhu family¡¯s house? What a joke!

    ¡°Have you forgotten why I married you?¡± Wang Yang poured a ss of water for himself. He was thirsty and tired from busying around the whole morning. ¡°There will be quite a few peopleing over to our house since Qiao Nan is getting married from here. It won¡¯t just be the Zhai family. There will be other guests too. They¡¯re not blind either. What do you think people will think if they realize how simr you and Qiao Nan look?¡±

    He had married her to coax Zhu Chengqi. But given the special situation today, he would feel aggrieved if others misunderstood that he had feelings for Qiao Nan. More importantly, Wang Yang was reluctant to be embarrassed, no matter the reason, and even more unwilling to be looked at in a different light.

    ¡°I...¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife was left speechless. Even today, she had only seen the silhouette of ady in a red wedding dress. She had not even caught a glimpse of Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance. That was why she had forgotten that she bore some resemnce to Qiao Nan. However, she knew nothing about how simr they looked and that was the reason for her curiosity and desire to meet Qiao Nan.

    Wang Yang rolled his eyes. He had always known that he had married someone who was not particrly intelligent. ¡°Are you sure that you kept a close eye on that old foggy in the past month without making any mistakes?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course...¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife nodded. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s expression looked strange today. Could something have gone wrong?

    ¡°The problem is that I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong. That¡¯s why I¡¯m frustrated.¡± Wang Yang grabbed at his hair. ¡°That old foggy agreed to let Qiao Nan leave for her marriage from the Zhu family¡¯s house. Why do I think that there¡¯s something weird about this? That old foggy is really...¡±

    He had invested so much in trying to get rid of Qiao Nan. Initially, he had thought that that would be the end of it and that Qiao Nan would no longer pose a problem to him. Who would have known that today¡¯s incident would give Wang Yang a timely reminder not to rejoice just yet because the matter was not as easy as it seemed?

    In recent years, Zhu Chengqi no longer talked about Qiao Nan. Wang Yang had hoped that Zhu Chengqi had forgotten all about the past at his age, would never mention Qiao Nan, be disappointed in Qiao Nan, or think about Qiao Nan. Zhu Chengqi should have forgotten all about Qiao Nan in a matter of days, let alone a few years¡¯ time.

    Everything had been progressing well, but Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding and the appearance of Qiao Nan¡¯s name once again reminded that old man of Qiao Nan¡¯s existence. Wang Yang hated that fact.

    Did the Zhai family not know about the Zhu family¡¯s situation and how Zhu Chengqi was the only person left in his family? They could get married by all means. No one was stopping them from doing so. But could they not spare a thought for other families? Why did they send their wedding invitations blindly? Did they not know how much trouble they were causing?

    Without that invitation, there would not have been so many things that followed, causing him to be in such a bad mood. He had not even been so busy on his own wedding day, so why did he have to ve away on Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding day?

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife quickly cajoled him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve worked hard for such a long time. We won¡¯t fail. What¡¯s the use even if Qiao Nan is the ideal daughter in that old man¡¯s eyes? Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan go astray in the end? Not only did she leave school, but she also got into an early rtionship with a boyfriend that that old man disliked. Apart from being a sliver of the ideal daughter¡¯s image that old man has in mind, Qiao Nan has nothing. We¡¯re different. We¡¯ve stayed by his side to take care of him for so many years, even neglecting our own parents. We¡¯ve treated him so well. That old man won¡¯t leave us in the ditch and give everything that should belong to us to an outsider.¡±

    If he really did give them to an outsider or Qiao Nan, all those years of their efforts would go down the drain.

    ¡°Hehe...¡± Wang Yang sneered. He did not think that Zhu Chengqi was such a person. If it had been so easy, Zhu Chengqi would have handed all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets and connections over to him the moment he retired from the military.

    But in reality, apart from acknowledging him, the nephew, Zhu Chengqi had given him nothing at all. All of Wang Yang¡¯s efforts were still an investment that had not seen any returns.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife gritted her teeth. ¡°If you are really worried, I won¡¯t y my mobile games anymore from today on. Aside from the time when that old man is asleep, I¡¯ll try my best to spend all my time with him. I¡¯ll make sure that he won¡¯t have the chance to contact anyone else but me. How¡¯s that?¡±

    If they were to do that, Wang Yang¡¯s wife would have it tough and it would probably reflect poorly on them as well. Zhu Chengqi did not have a good temper. If one were to put it nicely, his niece-inw was helping take care of him by sticking by his side. But given Zhu Chengqi¡¯s temper, he would not hesitate to dere that everyone knew best whether his niece-inw was actually taking care of him or monitoring him.

    Once they were exposed, Wang Yang and his wife would definitely be at a disadvantage.

    But now that they had alreadye so far, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had no choice but to bear this burden for the sake of their futures. She would just have to be scolded. As long as her efforts brought her a return in the future, everything would be worth it. ¡°Dear, if that old man ever loses his temper and res up, just side with him and scold me as well. You can be the good cop and I¡¯ll be the bad cop. As long our futures are secured, it doesn¡¯t matter if we¡¯re scolded now. Dear, let¡¯s do that!¡±

    Wang Yang looked at her. ¡°It¡¯s not that it won¡¯t work, but you¡¯ll certainly suffer quite a lot. You¡¯re my wife. If you act insensibly, that old man will surely me me for it too. Then, both of us will be in trouble.¡±

 Chapter 2014 - Successfully Wished for It

    <h4>Chapter 2014: Sessfully Wished for It</h4>

    ¡°If you don¡¯t perform well, it means that I, as a husband, didn¡¯t manage you well. Thus, do you know the significance of doing this?¡±

    If they were going to act, their actings had to be real to deceive that old man. Once that old man realized something was wrong, all their previous efforts would be in vain.

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t understand. The elderly in other people¡¯s homes were all confused. Why was it that the elderly in theirs became smarter as he grew older? When he was working in the unit, he didn¡¯t feel tired no matter how many people he dealt with. It was only when he was facing that old man at home that he often felt restrained and unable to cope.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife became guilty. ¡°Then... What else should we do?¡± Wasn¡¯t it enough to suffer scoldings?

    ¡°What else can we do? In front of that old man, we have to get physical. The only thing I can grasp is the severity of your injuries and where to hit you.¡± That old man was a soldier. He didn¡¯t believe in hitting women, but his eyes were sharp. That old man would definitely not believe it based on scoldings alone.

    No pain, no gain. It was the same reason. Nobody would believe in words alone.

    Upon hearing that they were going to get physical, Wang Yang¡¯s wife felt pained. However, she frowned and agreed. ¡°Hit me then. All¡¯s good if I can help you fulfill your dream. However, husband, once you are able to lead a good life in the future, don¡¯t treat me as an old and haggard woman and be like those people outside who raised a few vixens to infuriate me.¡±

    Wang Yang was both angry and amused. Women were still quite alert and had a number of tricks up their sleeves. ¡°Aren¡¯t you my wife? What is the biggest dream of my life? Others may not know, but would you not know? If there are a lot of such incidents, how would I be able to climb up the ranks in the future? I won¡¯t sacrifice my future just for a woman.¡±

    Lust was dangerous. He didn¡¯t feel that he couldn¡¯t control himself well. If it was a mistake that could be avoided, why would he let it happen again? As a person who wanted to mingle in the political circle, lust was more prone to problems than money.

    Even if there wasn¡¯t the incident today, Wang Yang wasn¡¯t flirtatious. Otherwise, he didn¡¯t need to be so good to his wife and inws. He understood that as long as his inws understood that they shouldn¡¯t cause trouble to him, he could continue to advance under the premise of maintaining this marriage.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± After getting Wang Yang¡¯s assurance, Wang Yang¡¯s wife expressed that it was really nothing to suffer a few beatings before that old man died. If she was willing to do this, there would be a lot of good days waiting for her in the future. Compared to leading a good life, the things before her were really nothing. ¡°Husband, let¡¯s go ording to what we¡¯ve nned just now. I¡¯ll keep an eye on that old man. You and that old man stand by the side until he dies.¡±

    As long as that old man didn¡¯t leave a will that was unfavorable to them, even if he died from natural causes, everything from the Zhu family would naturally belong to her husband. The two of them were just waiting for such a day.

    In the room, Wang Yang and his wife were discussing how to face Zhu Chengqi in the future. On the other hand, Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage was not stopped. Zhai Sheng, who was dressed up in a military uniform, appeared at the Zhu family¡¯s doorstep at the appropriate timing. He was there to fetch his bride!

    ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± Jiajia stood by the windows. She jumped with excitement when she saw her tall and handsome uncle appear. Indeed, the lively Jiajia now looked like a naive teenager.

    Zhai Hua smiled with a headache. ¡°Don¡¯t jump around. Be careful of your feet.¡± It would take at least three months for the injuries to the bones and tendons to recover. Although Jiajia had recovered from her fracture, she still had to continue recuperating. Didn¡¯t they see that Zhai Sheng¡¯s recuperation for half a year even got him a wife?

    Once Jiajia was happy, she forgot about her fracture. Indeed, she was still a child.

    Unlike Zhai Hua¡¯s nervousness, Jiajia naturally didn¡¯t think it would be an issue for her to jump up and down. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m fine. Uncle¡¯s going to pick Aunt up.¡± True love wasn¡¯t easy. She saw how her aunt got together with her uncle. When her aunt gave birth to a son or daughter in the future, she could still treat them as a younger brother or sister.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m here to pick you up.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s voice sounded outside the door. Qiao Nan vaguelybined the voice of that young man in his twenties in her dream with the forty-five-year-old man today.

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. She had tears in her eyes. She was going to marry him again.

    Miao Jing¡¯s face was flushed as if she had put on a lot of blusher. She was obviously receiving a daughter-inw today. However, she felt like she was marrying a daughter off. However, no matter what, their family would have a new family member starting today. Perhaps within a year, there would be another one or two new members.

    Upon thinking about that cute little kid addressing her as grandma, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t wait to cancel the wedding banquet and just hurriedly lock Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng in a room. Miao Jing herself couldn¡¯t remember how long she had waited for this day.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you have to be well with Zhai Sheng in the future.¡± She held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and delivered her to her son. Although Miao Jing said this to Qiao Nan, more of it was directed to Zhai Sheng.

    In a family, Zhai Sheng had to have a more tolerant heart, take care of everything for Qiao Nan, and support their small family. Only then was Zhai Sheng a qualified man to get married and have children. Otherwise, even if Zhai Sheng was married, he would only let his wife and children suffer.

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand firmly. His strength wouldn¡¯t hurt Qiao Nan, but it gave her a feeling that Zhai Sheng would never let her go in the future. ¡°Mom, Nan Nan and I will definitely lead a good life and not let you and Dad worry. It has been tough on the both of you over the years.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had always felt that getting married was his own business and his parents had worried too much. Not only was it enough to give him Qiu Chenxi, but they hoped for him to have a second shot at marriage. However, Zhai Sheng no longer thought this way.

    Zhai Hua was stubborn and reckless to marry Wei De. His actions of casually marrying Qiu Chenxi, then divorcing Qiu Chenxi, and remaining single until today were equally stubborn. All in all, he and Zhai Hua were indeed siblings. Both of them had caused a lot of worry to their parents.

    ¡°Alright, both of you will lead a good life. Both of you are good children.¡± It was rare for Zhai Sheng to say such a sincere sentence. Miao Jing, who was already sentimental, felt touched and her voice became hoarse. Her children had grown up and be sensible. No wonder old people often said that it was only when someone formed a family could they be considered to have really grown up. The day she had been waiting for was finally here.

 Chapter 2015 - Didnâ€™t Understand It

    <h4>Chapter 2015: Didn¡¯t Understand It</h4>

    Zhai Sheng patted Miao Jing¡¯s shoulders infort. Then, he wanted to carry Qiao Nan downstairs.

    Qiao Nan immediately thought of Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Brother Zhai, before we go, should we visit Old Chief Zhu?¡± Zhu Baoguo was gone. The entire Zhu family was left with Old Chief Zhu. Old Chief Zhu was willing for her to be married off from the Zhu family again. This meant that he simrly wanted to treat her as a daughter, just like in her dreams.

    Upon thinking about this, a trace of gloom shed past Qiao Nan¡¯s beautiful face for the first time. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t forget how Chen Jun, that scumbag, had appeared in her life. The culprit who caused all of this was staying in the Zhu family, just like her. This made Qiao Nan feel extremely ufortable.

    If not for Zhu Chengqi¡¯s kindness andpassion toward herself, Qiao Nan would never want to have anything to do with Wang Yang in her life.

    Zhu Baoguo was gone. Wang Yang had deliberately attracted that group of gangsters to teach Zhu Baoguo tomit crimes. However, that happened so many years ago. Also, most from that group of gangsters had escaped back then. Even if Qiao Nan wanted to rify the matters, she didn¡¯t have any evidence and they were mere words without a factual basis.

    Wang Yang, who was walking over, heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Wang Yang raised a corner of his lips and there was a trace of contempt in his eyes. If not for Zhai Sheng being blind and willing to marry Qiao Nan, a person with Qiao Nan¡¯s background would definitely not have the chance to enter the Zhu family¡¯s house in this lifetime. With him around, he would definitely not let Qiao Nan lower the Zhu family¡¯s status.

    That was just a thought. Qiao Nan¡¯s lowly status was a thing of the past. After Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, her status would skyrocket. As such, Wang Yang was polite and cheerful on the surface. ¡°The bride looks beautiful and her heart is more beautiful. Thank you for your kindness. My uncle¡¯s not in good health and prefers the quietness. It¡¯s your big day today. Don¡¯t dy it and keep your rtives and friends waiting.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan clenched her hand on Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulders tightly and grabbed his shirt unhappily. She wanted to ask if it was really Old Chief Zhu who wanted the quietness or that Wang Yang deliberately wanted to prevent him from seeing outsiders.

    Upon thinking that Wang Yang was now young, strong, and in his heyday, even if Old Chief Zhu was a mighty tiger, he was now an old one. If Wang Yang was up to no good, Old Chief Zhu might not necessarily be Wang Yang¡¯s match. Furthermore, Wang Yang always had ill intentions toward the Zhu family and was eyeing it.

    ¡°We¡¯re not in a rush.¡± Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence. After carrying Qiao Nan downstairs, they headed to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s room. ¡°Old Chief Zhu, it¡¯s Nan Nan¡¯s and my big day today. Thank you for your help in making our wedding run so smoothly. Nan Nan and I would like to offer you a cup of tea. Is that alright?¡±

    Zhu Chengqi lifted his weak eyelids and responded. ¡°Drinking a cup of tea is alright.¡± If Baoguo was still alive, he would already have grandchildren now.

    ¡°Old Chief Zhu, please drink tea.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s face lit up when she heard Zhu Chengqi¡¯s agreement. Perhaps Zhu Chengqi¡¯s kindness to her incorporated a little of the intention to do bad things with best intentions. However, from Qiao Nan¡¯s perspective, she was still thankful to this elder who didn¡¯t have any blood rtionship with her for willing to treat her as his daughter for two lifetimes. Such kindness was not given to her by her blood rtives.

    ¡°Old Chief Zhu, drink tea.¡± Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan knelt side by side. It was considered that they had given a big present to Zhu Chengqi. With such a formal tea ceremony, it was as if Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t borrowing the Zhu family¡¯s house to be married off but instead, the Zhu family¡¯s daughter was about to be married off.

    When Wang Yang, who had been standing by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side and guarding him, saw this scene, the sense of uneasiness in his heart returned again. If Wang Yang¡¯s eyes could turn into daggers now, Qiao Nan would have been stabbed to death.

    If you¡¯re getting married today, just get married. Why must you offer tea? Our Zhu family has nothing to do with you, Qiao Nan. You¡¯re not going to depend on our Zhu family just because we lent you a piece ofnd, right?

    If there was a choice, Wang Yang would prefer to spill Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s cups of tea. If his uncle wanted to drink tea, he could make ten pots for him, let alone a cup. After all, they were outsiders pretending to be good. Who cares about their tea?

    Regardless of Wang Yang¡¯s mentality, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng eventually offered tea to Zhu Chengqi. Not only could Wang Yang not ssh the tea, but he even had to properly receive both cups of tea from their hands and hand them over to Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Uncle, blow it. Be careful. It¡¯s hot.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi looked at Wang Yang. ¡°There¡¯s no need to. It¡¯s good enough that I¡¯ve received their kind intentions. Leave them aside. Since you have offered me tea, I can¡¯t possibly let you do so for nothing. I¡¯ve prepared this red packet for you. Take it. Since you¡¯ve decided to get married, both of you have to amodate each other and lead a good life. Don¡¯t get addicted to divorces after experiencing it once.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯sst sentence was directed at Zhai Sheng. Zhu Sheng was remarrying now. This was Qiao Nan¡¯s first marriage. As such, the problem of being addicted to divorces didn¡¯t fall on Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng was once again surprised. It seemed that it wasn¡¯t idental that Old Chief Zhu asked Nan Nan to be married off from the Zhu family. At least, these words proved that Old Chief Zhu had a good impression of Nan Nan. ¡°Old Chief Zhu, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m marrying a wife home to love and will take care of her well. Nan Nan¡¯s different from the previous one.¡±

    The other was given to him by his parents. He had found the person before him himself and worked hard to pursue her. As such, both of them couldn¡¯t bepared together. This was unfair to both Nan Nan and him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhu Chengqi agreed with Zhai Sheng¡¯s exnation. To be honest, if Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t think this way as well, how would it be so easy for Zhai Sheng to marry Qiao Nan? He wanted to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter but had not seeded until now. However, if he wanted to be a matchmaker and introduce someone good to Qiao Nan, that was much easier. ¡°Both of you will lead a good life. Go ahead. Don¡¯t dy the auspicious timing. I¡¯m tired as well, so I have to rest.¡±

    ¡°See, Chief Zhai?¡± Once Zhu Chengqi said he was tired, Wang Yang immediately chased them away. When Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t want to drink the tea Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng offered to him initially, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t help but curve his lips. He thought that Zhu Chengqi treated Qiao Nan just like that and didn¡¯t have any special significance. He had really scared himself previously.

    Who knew that his happiness didn¡¯tst for more than three seconds?

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s final words to Zhai Sheng seemed to strike Wang Yang¡¯s heart as well, and Wang Yang felt a headache. Wang Yang looked at Zhu Chengqi withplicated eyes. What exactly was his uncle thinking? He really didn¡¯t understand him.

 Chapter 2016 - A Good Day for Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 2016: A Good Day for Marriage</h4>

    To say that he treated Qiao Nan badly wasn¡¯t true as he seemed to care about her. To say that he treated Qiao Nan well wasn¡¯t true either as his uncle didn¡¯t seem to give Qiao Nan face for some matters.

    After all, based on his uncle¡¯s capabilities, if he really wanted to give Qiao Nan face, Qiao Nan could get more than everything she had today. In the face of such aplicated old man like Zhu Chengqi, Wang Yang started to worry that if Zhu Chengqi were to live for a few more years, wouldn¡¯t he be tortured by Zhu Chengqi so much that he became bald?

    ¡°Excuse us.¡± Zhai Sheng was still anxious to get married. He was willing to offer Zhu Chengqi tea to thank him for being willing to step out and help them. ¡°Nan Nan, let¡¯s go. We have chances to visit Old Chief Zhu in the future.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s words made Wang Yang¡¯s legs go soft and he nearly fell. It wasn¡¯t enough that they took advantage of the Zhu family today? They were going toe again and continue taking advantage? Could they note to see that old man? He really didn¡¯t wee Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to visit him. Who could be sure that they wouldn¡¯t sense any problems from their repeated visits?

    ¡°Bride, bride...¡± After the wedding car drove out from the Zhu family¡¯s house, it drove half a circle around the quad in Ping Cheng before returning to the southern quad, just like in her dreams. Children were naturally happy when they witnessed this scene. They stood in their way and asked for a lot of wedding candy so that they could fill their own pockets fully.

    When Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan out from the car and into the house, Qiao Nan saw Qiao Dongliang, who was dressed in a refreshing suit, sitting at the main table and smiling at her. Qiao Nan secretly heaved a sigh of relief. At least, it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t have someone from her family attending the wedding today.

    It was just that Qiao Nan was pretty curious how Qiao Dongliang managed to shake off Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin and attend the wedding banquet alone. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were only upset that they didn¡¯t get to see her. Upon knowing that she was getting married, they would only be more fearless and confident and use this to threaten her so that she would satisfy their greed.

    In short, if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin weren¡¯t around, they wouldn¡¯t cause a scene at her wedding. This was considered something great to her.

    ¡°Congrattions. Wishing you happiness for a lifetime.¡±

    ¡°The bride¡¯s quite pretty. She looks gentle.¡±

    ¡°The daughter-inw of the Zhai family naturally couldn¡¯t be too bad.¡±

    A few conscientious individuals had already specially promoted Qiao Nan¡¯s existence previously. Thosements were naturally bad, trampling Qiao Nan to her death. After hearing a lot of bad things about Qiao Nan, a number of people didn¡¯t have a good first impression of Qiao Nan. They even thought that her image was particrly bad and that Zhai Sheng had no choice but to marry Qiao Nan after being conned by her.

    However, after seeing for themselves how the bride looked like today, they didn¡¯t feel that the bride was the kind of person as rumored. A person¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t deceive anyone. If they couldn¡¯t even tell from this, they would have lived their lives in vain all this while.

    Also, all of them were men. They could tell if the bride had conned Zhai Sheng so that she could marry him or that Zhai Sheng really cherished his bride and wanted to marry her. It was obvious that Zhai Sheng was rtively satisfied with this wife and loved her.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t cherish Qiu Chenxi. As such, they got a divorce after being married for three years. They guessed that this bride would remain in the Zhai family for a long time.

    After confirming this, the wise individuals were naturally enthusiastic about Qiao Nan and evenplimented her in an exaggerated manner. As such, the Zhai family had a great sense of judgment as well since they fancied such a daughter-inw.

    Once the attitude of the guests changed, the atmosphere became so good that it was as if Qiao Nan was equally outstanding andpatible with Zhai Sheng. The changes of these outsiders actually had little effect on Qiao Nan and the Zhai family. However, Qiao Dongliang felt relieved.

    Qiao Dongliang felt guilty for sitting at the bride¡¯s table and wascking confidence. The bride today was his daughter. As a man who was going to marry off his daughter, he didn¡¯t prepare anything at all. He was like an outsider, and he was actually thick-skinned enough to attend the wedding. It was estimated that such a way of marrying off a daughter was extremely rare.

    All the guests the Zhai family invited were high-profile. Qiao Dongliang felt even more inferior in the face of these big shots who he couldn¡¯t usually see. He understood that he had such a chance like today because Qiao Nan and the Zhai family weren¡¯t calctive. Without Qiao Nan and the Zhai family, he would never be able toe into close contact with these people in his lifetime, let alone sit in a better position than these people.

    Qiao Dongliang felt even more ashamed when he faintly heard people discussing that the Qiao family had benefited from raising a daughter like Qiao Nan. The truth was that not only did outsiders think this way, but Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi thought so as well. Those two women in the family were thinking of how they could make use of Qiao Nan to get more benefits after she married Zhai Sheng and became the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude became tougher and she refused to see Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. This minimized their chances of doing evil. Otherwise, Qiao Dongliang would be having a headache on how to stop the perverse behaviors of this mother-daughter pair. The more they did and the more benefits they got, the more precarious Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage would be.

    If Qiao Nan really got a divorce from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t think that it was their fault for harming Qiao Nan. They would only think that Qiao Nan was useless for not securing Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart.

    Qiao Dongliang only felt a headache when he thought of those two women¡¯s misdeeds. Even if he was drinking Sprite now and was attending his younger daughter¡¯s wedding banquet, he only felt that the Sprite was sour and the dishes were bitter. As the head of the family, he couldn¡¯t even control at least one of the two women. What kind of head was he?

    No wonder Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t treat him as a husband and discuss matters together with him. When something happened, she would make the decision alone. In his elder daughter¡¯s eyes, her father was useless and she couldn¡¯t wait to not have a father like him.

    When Qiao Dongliang¡¯s thoughts were wandering, Jiajia walked over. After sitting down, she addressed Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Oh, hello.¡± Qiao Dongliang became nervous when facing a child. He didn¡¯t know how this girl before him was rted to the Zhai family. As such, he knew that it was just a polite greeting that this girl addressed him as grandpa and that he wasn¡¯t really like one. ¡°Are you in high school yet?¡±

 Chapter 2017 - Identity

    <h4>Chapter 2017: Identity</h4>

    After thinking about it, Qiao Dongliang started with a rtively safe topic so that it wouldn¡¯t be too awkward for the two of them to be sitting at the same table but not talking.

    Jiajia smiled. ¡°Yes, I just finished my middle school examinations yesterday. I¡¯ll be going to high school in the next semester.¡±

    ¡°Just finished your middle school examinations...¡± Qiao Dongliang was in a daze when he heard that Jiajia was of this age. He couldn¡¯t help but think that before Qiao Nan could graduate from junior high school, she was forced by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin to drop out of school, start working, and shoulder the entire family¡¯s financial burden. Other people¡¯s children were still having fun at this age.

    In reality, his family was in the same situation. What was different was that the person who was having fun wasn¡¯t Nan Nan, but Zijin. When Nan Nan was studying, her results were fantastic. If Nan Nan had had the chance to take the middle school examinations, he believed that Nan Nan definitely would have gotten good results.

    Nan Nan was like him, too soft-tempered and too easy to talk to. That was why she was bullied at home. As a girl, if Nan Nan could think more about herself earlier, she would have gotten married and had her own children, family, and life earlier.

    ¡°Grandpa, let me pour you a drink. What do you want?¡± Jiajia roughly knew that this unfamiliar grandpa should be a rtive of her new aunt. In fact, he was most likely a close rtive. The Qiao family¡¯s news was pretty big. However, Qiao Dongliang was the only one in the Qiao family who wasn¡¯t featured on camera. When there was a ruckus back then, only Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were involved.

    As such, Jiajia knew how Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin looked like. It was the first time she saw Qiao Dongliang today.

    Qiao Dongliang was embarrassed. He should be doing this instead. ¡°There¡¯s no need to. This is too sweet. I can¡¯t get used to it. I¡¯ll just drink in water.¡± If Qiao Dongliang really wanted to drink today, he would have drunk alcohol instead of sweet Sprite.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some in water then.¡± Jiajia didn¡¯t pretend to be polite to Qiao Dongliang. She went to get whatever Qiao Dongliang wanted to drink. Her uncle was getting married today. She was considered a little host. As the host family, of course she wanted to make everyone who attended the wedding today feel at home.

    Not to mention that this man before her was her aunt¡¯s family. She had to take care of him more.

    As for the nonsensical matters in her aunt¡¯s house, her aunt had said that she was still a child and didn¡¯t need to worry so much. As long as she did her part and was polite, shepletely didn¡¯t have to bring the adults¡¯ emotions to herself. Her aunt said that as a child, she should live simply and happily and try not to be entangled with the adults¡¯ matters.

    Jiajia understood what Qiao Nan¡¯s words meant. With regards to those ¡®rtives¡¯ from the Qiao family, Jiajia didn¡¯t need to take them to heart. She could treat them as ordinary strangers. As such, Jiajia didn¡¯t need to discriminate against the Qiao family. Of course, she didn¡¯t need to really treat the Qiao family as rtives and wee them with the attitude of weing rtives.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s words as a base, Jiajia was quitefortable when facing Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Oh, okay. Thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t reject her. He really didn¡¯t dare to drink alcohol at this time and felt that it was more reliable to drink in water. There were too many things hidden in his heart. He was afraid that he would get drunk after taking a few sips. If he caused Qiao Nan trouble again, he would really have let Qiao Nan address him as ¡®dad¡¯ for nothing all these years.

    As the bride¡¯s father, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t dare to walk around in the Zhai family and treat the Zhai family as his home. Jiajia said that she wanted to help him. Qiao Dongliang naturally couldn¡¯t reject her. If he rejected her, they would have nothing to talk about anymore. ¡°Thank you. You¡¯re so polite. You¡¯re a child of the Zhai family. Are you Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knew a little about the Zhai family¡¯s situation. Of course, he knew that Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter was the only child of the Zhai family thus far. He thought of how the forty-year-old Qiao Nan still stood a chance of giving birth. By then, when his grandchild was born, he didn¡¯t know if this girl would get along well with his grandchild. ¡°Little girl, do you like younger siblings?¡±

    Jiajia drank a sip and smiled. ¡°Yes, my mom¡¯s Zhai Hua. Grandpa, don¡¯t worry. I like younger siblings. I believe that after I be an older sister, I can take good care of the younger brothers and sisters. When they are old enough to go to school, I can even teach them homework and y with them.¡±

    Her aunt¡¯s father wasn¡¯t particrly bad to her aunt and still cared about her.

    Upon thinking that there were three people in the Qiao family but only Qiao Dongliang alone turned up for the wedding today, Jiajia understood that Qiao Dongliang was the only person in the Qiao family who still wanted to treat Qiao Nan well.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. You¡¯re so sensible. You¡¯ll definitely be a good sister in the future.¡± All was good as long as this girl didn¡¯t feel that his grandson was born topete with her. How could the younger one win against the older one? It was like how Nan Nan was bullied by Zijin all this while.

    Jiajia smiled. ¡°Yes, I also think that I would be a good sister. I¡¯m just waiting for Aunt to give birth to a son or daughter now.¡±

    ¡°Do you prefer a brother or a sister?¡± If it was a brother, without a doubt, his grandson would be the little master of the Zhai family in the future. If Nan Nan gave birth to a daughter, then would it...

    The reason why Qiao Dongliang had such worries was because of the Zhu family¡¯s situation. Zhai Sheng was getting married. The Zhai family¡¯s lively wedding attracted many people¡¯s attention. At the same time these people were discussing Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage, the Zhu family, who had simr background conditions as the Zhai family, were inevitably brought in.

    The Zhai family had already produced three generations of chiefs. Although the Zhu family didn¡¯t have three generations, they had two. Furthermore, the reason why the Zhu family didn¡¯t produce a third generation of chief wasn¡¯t that the Zhu family¡¯s child had gone astray but that he had passed away early.

    The Zhu family could be regarded as a big family business. The contacts umted by the two generations of chiefs from the Zhu family were a powerful source of wealth. It was a pity that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son passed away. Instead, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s sister had a son. This child was naturally Zhu Chengqi¡¯s nephew.

    Everyone was spreading that as soon as Zhu Chengqi kicked the bucket, the big Zhu family might have to change its surname to Wang and belong to Wang Yang alone. As such, there was no difference in giving birth to a son or a daughter. What was more important was that the child born had to live for a long time. Even if it was a daughter, she could still get a share of the family¡¯s inheritance and everything.

    With the Zhu family as an example, it was inevitable for Qiao Dongliang to share this example with Jiajia. At this moment, Jiajia was the only child of the Zhai family. One could imagine how pampered she was.

 Chapter 2018 - Refusal

    <h4>Chapter 2018: Refusal</h4>

    When Qiao Nan¡¯s child was born, more than half of Jiajia¡¯s pampering would definitely be shared.

    Jiajia couldugh and say that she liked younger siblings and would take good care of them now. With the arrival of such a child, Jiajia would understand how much she would lose. Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t sure if Jiajia could still tell him then with a pure and innocent expression that she was still that good sister from before.

    Jiajia didn¡¯t understand theplicated feeling in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart. She said as a matter-of-fact, ¡°Both are equally good. As long as they are born to my aunt, I will like them. A brother¡¯s cute but a sister¡¯s prettier. It¡¯s the same.¡± After being subjected to a family where boys were preferred over girls, Jiajia expressed that she wouldn¡¯t discriminate against younger brothers but would dote on younger sisters more.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a while before giving a faint ¡®oh¡¯. It sounded like this child liked a sister more?

    Forget it. There was no use thinking about it now. Nan Nan just got married to Zhai Sheng and wasn¡¯t pregnant with a child yet. After the child was born, he would help Nan Nan watch over him or her and see if there were changes to this child. If there were no changes, he wouldn¡¯t be a wicked person. He would say nothing at all. However, if this girl changed, he had to remind Nan Nan to pay more attention to her.

    Didn¡¯t someone say a few days ago that Old Chief Zhai¡¯s son was beaten to death by a group of gangsters then? Nobody knew if this was idental or intentional. What everyone knew was that after Old Chief Zhai¡¯s son passed away, the nephew surnamed Wang from the Zhu family would undoubtedly be the final winner.

    Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but worry if such an incident would simrly happen to his grandchild. Once Nan Nan gave birth to his grandchild, as long as it was possible, he had to help Nan Nan take good care of him so that no one could hurt him and make his grandson the second Zhu Baoguo.

    ¡°Oh? Who is this? What a handsome aunt!¡± Jiajia didn¡¯t have much to talk to Qiao Dongliang. Since Qiao Dongliang was remaining silent, Jiajia couldn¡¯t continue the conversation and her bright eyes wandered around. At this moment, Jiajia heard a littlemotion. The people who attended the wedding seemed to be discussing something.

    Jiajia looked up and saw a handsome aunt in a green army uniform just like her uncle¡¯s walking over. Jiajia blinked. After thinking, she said, ¡°Grandpa, take a seat here and eat whatever you want. If there¡¯s anything you need, you can ask our aunt. A guest just arrived, so I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Her mom would definitely recognize this handsome-looking aunt. She was going to ask her mom about her.

    ¡°Shi Qing, why are you here today?¡± Zhai Hua was very surprised to see Shi Qing. It was rare for her to have a good impression of this woman. ¡°Today is Zhai Sheng¡¯s big day. Do you remember how I used to bring you around in the army when your dad was still around? You have to give me face.¡±

    That being said, Zhai Hua was still confident about Shi Qing. Shi Qing wasn¡¯t Qiu Chenxi. She wouldn¡¯t do things that wouldn¡¯t allow her to lead a good life but also wanted everyone in this world to apany her. The truth was that when Zhai Hua first saw Shi Qing, she didn¡¯t like her. Who asked Shi Qing to be Qiu Chenxi¡¯s cousin and Qiu Chenxi was Qi Min¡¯s birth daughter?

    After that, Shi Peng became Zhai Sheng¡¯s master. After interacting more with Shi Qing, she realized that Shi Qing was totally different from Qiu Chenxi. There wasn¡¯t any trace of Qi Min on her. Instead, they were quite in sync. It was precisely because of this that when Shi Qing went to the army with Shi Pengter, Zhai Hua was especially willing to bring this younger sister out to y and let her train together with her.

    It was just that after they grew up, a lot of things had happened. She obviously knew that Shi Qing, like Qiu Chenxi, liked Zhai Sheng. However, Zhai Sheng married Qiu Chenxi in the end. After Shi Peng was gone, Shi Qing followed her mom to Mo Du first and then returned to the capital. She didn¡¯te to Ping Cheng again.

    They were ymates who got along well when they were young. After they grew up, they lost contact with each other. When they met again, her daughter was already at the age when she and Shi Qing knew each other back then.

    Shi Qing smiled. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you have thought too much. Do you think that I¡¯m still eighteen years old and would bring a gun over to snatch the groom?¡± Actually, even if she was really an eighteen-year-old, she wouldn¡¯t do such a crazy thing.

    When she was young and most frivolous, had she not watched the man she liked marry her cousin? After that, she left quietly. She wasn¡¯t so impulsive back when she was in her second year of junior high school. Now that she was past that age, it was more unlikely for her to do such a thing.

    The only man who had touched her heart was going to marry again. She was just here to see what kind of woman could touch her male god¡¯s heart such that he was willing to remarry.

    As a single old woman in her forties, Shi Qing was also facing a headache as she was being urged to marry. In the past, Shi Qing often used Zhai Sheng, her senior, as a shield. Now that even Zhai Sheng was getting married, Shi Qing had a headache. She didn¡¯t know what kind of reasons and excuses she could use to reject her mom the next time she urged her to get married again.

    Really, she was already forty-one years old. What else could she not let go? Even without getting married, she was still leading a good life and was more carefree than anyone else. She didn¡¯t need to rely on men. However, she managed to do things that some men couldn¡¯t do!

    Every time she thought of this, Shi Qing felt extremely proud. So what if she was a woman? She was looked down on by her grandpa and her maternal grandpa¡¯s family. However, which one of them, who used to look down on her, wasn¡¯t holding her up, ttering her, or seeing her as pride? Upon thinking that her maternal grandpa¡¯s family nearly wanted to ¡®sell¡¯ her away when she was young to fulfill her uncle¡¯s career, Shi Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold.

    She couldn¡¯t rely on these rtives. As such, she wouldn¡¯t let them rely on her as well. There was no use in saying any good words. Even if her mom was invited, she would still refuse!

    ¡°Brother Zhai¡¯s getting married. I¡¯m just here to attend the wedding. Brother Zhai¡¯s the only disciple my dad has epted when he was alive. Rather than saying that I¡¯m here to attend the wedding, I¡¯m actually attending it on behalf of my dad. Before my dad passed away, aside from caring about me, he was most concerned about Brother Zhai¡¯s marriage.¡±

    That day when Brother Zhai married Qiu Chenxi, her dad didn¡¯t enjoy the wedding. When they returned home, her dad told her that he was worried that even though Zhai Sheng married Qiu Chenxi, this marriage wouldn¡¯tst long. Zhai Sheng was his disciple. He knew clearly what kind of temper Zhai Sheng had.

 Chapter 2019 - Congratulations

    <h4>Chapter 2019: Congrattions</h4>

    Zhai Sheng did not spend much time at home to begin with, and after getting married, he spent even less time at home. Qiu Chenxi had been pampered while growing up, and because of that, there was no way she could have tolerated the loneliness.

    It could be said that Shi Peng had been absolutely right about Zhai Sheng¡¯s divorce from Qiu Chenxi. It was just that Shi Peng¡¯s health had not allowed him to live to see that day, or to counsel Zhai Sheng to be more open-minded, to stop thinking about Qiu Chenxi, and to find a new rtionship instead of giving up on himself because of his family¡¯s influence.

    Knowing that Zhai Sheng was getting married, Shi Qing was happy and sad at the same time. She was happy because she knew that her dad would finally be able to stop worrying about Zhai Sheng. The sad part was that the one man whom she had liked was getting married, but she was not the bride.

    Hearing Shi Qing talk about Shi Peng, there was sadness in Zhai Hua¡¯s expression. Shi Qing smiled upon seeing her reaction. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, don¡¯t be like that. It¡¯s been such a long time. Besides, my dad passed away in the military that he was the most passionate about. For my dad, it was probably the greatest blessing in his life that he was able to go to rest in thisnd.¡±

    Besides, it had already been so many years. Much of her grief had already dissipated.

    Zhai Hua patted Shi Qing on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you.¡±

    Shi Peng¡¯s passing was definitely not such a simple matter. Even though they had not really kept in touch, Zhai Hua had heard about Shi Qing¡¯s situation after Shi Peng¡¯s passing. She knew that the Feng family had tried to force Shi Qing into marriage, but that had happened after Zhai Hua¡¯s marriage to Wei De and when her rtionship had gone downhill.

    Because she was busy enough trying to handle her own rtionships and life, Zhai Hua had no time to care about Shi Qing. At that time, it was unsuitable for Zhai Sheng to step in either since it would probably cause even more trouble if he could not handle it well.

    Shi Qingughed. She had already been through the worst times of her life. Now, she was in a great ce. Her grandmother¡¯s family no longer controlled her life or expected help from her. Of course, there was no way her grandmother¡¯s family would dare to sell her off just to help her uncle get a promotion as they had done in the past.

    What she was capable of doing now was much more than what her grandmother¡¯s family had been capable of doing in the past. Since they had not seeded in selling her off at the time, whether or not her grandmother¡¯s family could get what they wanted would depend on whether she allowed it to happen.

    Shi Qing did not mention that the Feng family no longer dared to mention that incident anymore. She could not help but wish that everyone on earth would stop mentioning it. That way, she would naturally forget about it as time went by. There was no other choice. The man whom the Feng family had found for Shi Qing had nothing but a good family background. Not only had he not been able to make a name for himself, but he was also a failure in life.

    Shi Qing had refused to get married to that man and had gritted her teeth and decided to follow in Shi Peng¡¯s footsteps, joining the military while gritting her teeth and bearing with the pressure and scoldings from everyone around her. That man would never stay a bachelor just because Shi Qing refused to marry him.

    Without Shi Qing, there would still be Zhou Qing or Wang Qing.

    It was only natural that that man would find another woman to marry him if Shi Qing refused to do so. Not only had that man gotten married, but he had even managed to stay married up until now. But it was not that he did not want to get divorced. It was simply that he could not get a divorce.

    Not only had that man fooled around outside even after getting a wife and having children, but he had even gotten an STD that he had passed on to his wife. He had been utterly humiliated because of this matter and had even be a running joke among his friends.

    That family¡¯s life could not get any worse. That proved that Shi Qing had made the right decision by severing her ties with her grandmother¡¯s family and refusing to get married. The Feng family had imed that they had found a great candidate for marriage for Shi Qing. In reality, they had not even known the kind of man they had found and had been ready to throw Shi Qing into a fiery pit.

    That alone was more than enough proof that the Feng family did not just care about Shi Qing because of their familial rtions. If the Feng family knew what kind of man that guy was and thought that it was normal for men to fool around before marriage as long as he changed for the better after marriage, it showed that the Feng family was simply treating her as a ying card to further their own interests. They were not at all interested in Shi Qing¡¯s life after marriage or how bad it would be.

    Without her husband, Feng Cheng naturally grew closer to her own family. Initially, Feng Cheng had agreed to let Shi Qing get married to that man. After all, she did agree that that man¡¯s background was good. Shi Qing had a bad temper, so she might just be able to live a good life in the future if she could keep that guy in check.

    Moreover, her daughter¡¯s marriage would benefit her elder brother. Unlike her inws, her family would never hurt her or her daughter.

    Feng Cheng¡¯s willingness was based on the premise that Shi Qing would be happy after getting married. If Shi Qing was not going to lead a blissful life, Feng Cheng would never agree to it either.

    Shi Qing¡¯s refusal to get married and running away from home to secretly join the military made Feng Cheng fly into a rage, nearly causing the mother and daughter to sever their ties. But just a few yearster, Feng Cheng could no longer get angry at her daughter upon seeing the kind of man her daughter had almost gotten married to. In fact, she even felt guilty toward Shi Qing.

    At that time, Shi Qing had already toiled in the military for several years. She was no longer that helpless youngdy who had no one to rely on after her father¡¯s death. Upon closer analysis, Shi Qing and Feng Cheng realized what the Feng family had been up to. Knowing that her own family had tried to take advantage of her daughter, Feng Cheng was infuriated at her family and hated them very much.

    While her father-inw had been alive, he had been biased toward Qiu Chenxi, but at the very least, he had still cared about her daughter. On the other hand, her family seemed to care for her daughter on the surface, and yet, they had been plotting such things behind their backs. They were indeed much worse than her father-inw.

    Now that Shi Peng was gone, Shi Qing was Feng Cheng¡¯s closest kin. The Feng family came after Shi Qing. If she had to make a choice between her daughter and her family, it went without saying that her daughter woulde first.

    As such, Feng Cheng toughened her attitude and no longer tried to speak well of the Feng family in front of Shi Qing. Even when Shi Qing rose through the ranks in the military, even surpassing that of her uncle in the Feng family, Feng Cheng had never once wavered in her stance.

 Chapter 2020 - Reluctant

    <h4>Chapter 2020: Reluctant</h4>

    The facts had already proved that they were alone. They could never depend on the Feng family to give them a good life. In fact, the Feng family had nearly thrown her daughter into a fiery pit. With a family like that, why would Feng Cheng be willing to give up her only daughter for her family?

    Feng Cheng could not be clearer about distance and importance of rtives at this point.

    After distancing herself from the Feng family, the Feng family seemed to treat Feng Cheng and Shi Qing with greater respect and spoke cautiously as though they were their ancestors.

    The more her family did that, the more united Feng Cheng and Shi Qing were. Did the Feng family need a favor from her daughter? Of course, they had a right to talk about it, but it would be her daughter¡¯s decision whether she would help them. She would not try to interfere in the matter. As such, the Feng family could not possibly use her of not treating the Feng family as her family.

    Qing Qing was the most important to her. If the Feng family were to neglect Qing Qing, they could take it as though she did not exist and was not part of the Feng family.

    In short, the mother and daughter were alone. That was why they had to band together so that no one, not even their ¡®rtives¡¯, would be able to bully them.

    Once Feng Cheng¡¯s attitude changed, the Feng family immediately became helpless. As such, they could only treat Feng Cheng and Shi Qing politely, and of course, there was no way they could try to control Shi Qing¡¯s life to their advantage anymore.

    Without Shi Peng, Shi Qing had managed to rise up from the ashes to stand back up on her own feet by her own abilities, even propping the entire Shi family up. Shi Qing was the pir of the Shi family. She would not need to depend on anyone, much less the Feng family. She was an independent individual!

    Shi Qing had grown from a young girl who knew nothing about the world into a female general whom everyone, including the Feng family, looked up to. Shi Qing was the only one who knew how hard it had been along the way. As such, Shi Qing¡¯s reputation had been rather good in her circle of acquaintances even though she was the only one left in her family, and she had be the ¡®other people¡¯s children¡¯ that others often talked about.

    Most people only envied Shi Qing¡¯s sess, but a good friend like Zhai Hua felt bad for Shi Qing for all the suffering she had gone through while she had been forced to grow up. Everyone had to pay a price while growing up. Often, this was not a small price. One had to be like a knight, cutting through the thorns until one was riddled with injuries so as to grow through those experiences.

    Shi Qing smiled. ¡°We haven¡¯t been in contact for such a long time but you¡¯re still willing to acknowledge me as your younger sister. It seems that I was a little too much for nevering to visit you.¡± It was not that she had not wanted to visit. She had not dared to do so. Just hearing about what had happened to Brother Zhai, she had almost felt that her young heart was still beating for Brother Zhai.

    But even before Zhai Sheng had married Qiu Chenxi, Shi Qing had already realized one thing. Even if Zhai Sheng had not married Qiu Chenxi, and Qiu Chenxi had never appeared, Zhai Sheng would never have married her. In Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes, she was the same as Zhai Hua. She was simply Zhai Sheng¡¯s younger sister. How could a brother develop romantic feelings for his own sister?

    After realizing that, Shi Qing could only try to control her own heart and distance herself from Zhai Sheng in case she fell even deeper for him. Now that Zhai Sheng was getting married again, Shi Qing wanted to see for herself if Zhai Sheng would be able to gain happiness so that she would finally be able to give up on him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m older than you. I won¡¯t take issue with such a trivial matter.¡± Zhai Hua hugged Shi Qing¡¯s shoulder, magnanimously dering that she would not care about that. Zhai Hua knew how Shi Qing felt toward Zhai Sheng.

    Before Zhai Sheng had married Qiu Chenxi, Zhai Hua had given Zhai Sheng a suggestion because she could not stand Qiu Chenxi and Qi Min. If he was going to get married, he might as well marry Shi Qing. No matter what, Qiu Chenxi had only gotten close to the Zhai family because of Qi Min, who had been their mother¡¯s love rival. Instead of marrying the daughter of their mother¡¯s love rival, he might as well marry their master¡¯s daughter instead.

    Qi Min was Zhai Sheng¡¯s master¡¯s younger sister. That made for quite a close rtionship.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng had not agreed to Zhai Hua¡¯s suggestion. Zhai Sheng simply repeated what he had told Shi Qing to Zhai Hua. He did not have any feelings for Qiu Chenxi, whom he treated as a stranger. On the contrary, he did have feelings for Shi Qing, but Shi Qing was nothing more than a sister to him.

    As such, there was no way he could have such a rtionship with Shi Qing.

    ¡°Mom, who¡¯s this auntie?¡± Seeing that Zhai Hua was chatting joyfully with Shi Qing, Jiajia drew closer to Zhai Hua and tugged on her arm, wanting her to introduce Shi Qing.

    Zhai Hua smiled as she caressed Jiajia¡¯s head. ¡°Shi Qing, this is my daughter, Jiajia. Jiajia, this is Auntie Shi Qing. We yed together when we were younger. Now, she¡¯s a female general and I can tell you very proudly that I was the one who made her this way.¡±

    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s amazing!¡± Jiajia¡¯s eyes widened. Zhai Hua had been passionate about the military and so had Wei De. With such parents, Jiajia was naturally influenced and had a different mindset toward the military. Upon hearing that Shi Qing was a rare female general, and an exceptional one at that, Jiajia nearly became starry-eyed. ¡°Hello, Auntie Shi Qing, I¡¯m Jiajia. I just graduated from junior high school. When I grow up, I want to go to the military just like you and be an exceptional soldier.¡±

    A female general was so cool!

    ¡°You want to join the military too?¡± Shi Qing raised her eyebrow. ¡°You resemble your mom in that aspect.¡± She wondered if this child would follow in Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s footsteps, abandoning her ideals and passion for so-called ¡®love¡¯ and ¡®marriage¡¯.

    Zhai Hua stopped Jiajia. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. What do you mean by joining the military? Didn¡¯t you say that you want to be a doctor?¡± She treated her daughter in a different way from the way she treated herself.

    Zhai Hua enjoyed being in the military, but that was a tough life. Society might be more peaceful now, but there were many other factors that could destabilize this peace both locally and abroad. As such, a soldier could be sent on a mission at any time. Then, whether or not a soldier would be able to return would depend firstly on his ability, and secondly, his luck.

    Apart from her family, Zhai Hua had only Jiajia left. There was no way Zhai Hua would allow her only daughter to take such a risk or suffer to be even stronger than ordinary women. It¡¯d be better for her daughter to get a normal job and live peacefully for the rest of her life.

 Chapter 2021 - In Time

    <h4>Chapter 2021: In Time</h4>

    She could sacrifice her life for the country and her people, but she would not let her daughter do the same.

    Shi Qingughed. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it looks like you aren¡¯t even as open-minded as the old chief and auntie. At that time, both you and Brother Zhai wanted to enter the military and neither of them tried to stop you. Parents are all the same.¡± She had refused to get married and had only wanted to stay in the military. The only reason her mother had disagreed was that she had been worried that life in the military would be too tough and dangerous. She might even lose her life at any time.

    Jiajia had it better than her. At that time, she had no other choice. If she had not entered the military, the Feng family would have had all control over her life. Jiajia did not need to enter the military. Even if she did not be a soldier, she could still have the choice of having a better life. Jiajia was truly a fortunate child.

    Zhai Hua was stunned for a moment before she caressed Jiajia¡¯s hair. ¡°That¡¯s right. Only when you be a mom will you be able to understand a mom¡¯s heart. I love Jiajia so much. All I want is for her to live a peaceful life.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re being selfish.¡± Jiajia huffed. ¡°I have the right to pursue my own dreams. Although... Do you really think it¡¯s weird that I have such thoughts since both my parents were once soldiers? Don¡¯t try to bully me with something I said when I was younger. You were the one who cheated me into saying that.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha...¡± Jiajia was as spicy as a small chili, amusing Shi Qing to no end. ¡°Jiajia¡¯s right. Everyone has the right to pursue their own dreams. When you¡¯re older and still want to be a soldier, I¡¯ll take you under my wings as long as you pass the physical examination.¡±

    Jiajia was pleased. ¡°Thank you, Auntie Shi Qing. You¡¯re here to attend my uncle¡¯s wedding, right? I¡¯ll take you to your seat.¡± Since this auntie had such a close rtionship with her mom, it should be all right for her to bring this auntie to their family¡¯s table. ¡°Mom, you can take care of something else. I¡¯ll help you look after Auntie Shi Qing.¡±

    Zhai Hua did not know what to do with Jiajia. She had finally understood why she had managed to win against her parents to marry Wei De in the end even though her parents had been entirely against the idea. In front of their children, parents were always on the losing end. ¡°I bet you¡¯re happy now. Do you not care about your mother now that you have Auntie Shi Qing? Fine, you should y a part as part of the family and take good care of your auntie.¡±

    It was just as well since Shi Qing had wanted to meet the bride. After so many years, she had no idea how Shi Qing¡¯s temper was. While they were younger, Shi Qing had not had a good temper. If Shi Qing were to get emotional upon seeing Qiao Nan and get into a fight, the wedding might not even happen.

    It was exactly because she was good friends with Shi Qing that she would have to keep a close eye on Shi Qing to prevent Shi Qing from ruining Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding.

    Zhai Hua winked at Jiajia, who was taken aback. Could that be true? Did Auntie Shi Qing really like her uncle? She had been wondering why this auntie was still single after such a long time since she was quite a good catch, and why no one had introduced Auntie Shi Qing to her uncle.

    It seemed as though it had already been done in the past.

    After leading Shi Qing to her seat, Jiajia could not help but ask out of curiosity. ¡°Auntie Shi Qing, do you mind me asking a few questions?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± She was not blind and had seen Sister Zhai Hua winking at Jiajia earlier.

    ¡°Are you married? Do you have any children?¡± Her mom¡¯s concerns were probably unnecessary. Even if Auntie Shi Qing did have feelings for her uncle, her uncle was getting married today. Besides, Auntie Shi Qing did not look young anymore. There could not be many people like her uncle and Auntie Qiao who waited to get married only at this age.

    If Auntie Shi Qing was married with children, there was no way she would ruin her uncle and Auntie Qiao¡¯s wedding. Her mom was overthinking this matter.

    Shi Qing purposely tried to scare Jiajia by knocking Jiajia on her head. ¡°I¡¯m not young anymore. I heard that I¡¯m even a few months older than the bride. Unfortunately, I¡¯m still unmarried, and of course, I don¡¯t have any children. I don¡¯t even have a partner. How¡¯s that, Jiajia? Do you want to introduce me to a man like your uncle?¡±

    Jiajia felt extremely awkward upon hearing such a reply. How was she supposed to reply to that? ¡°Auntie Shi Qing, are you kidding me? I¡¯m just a child. I don¡¯t even know many people. How could I possibly rmend someone suitable to you?¡± Besides, Auntie Shi Qing had even requested to be introduced to a man as good as her uncle. That was way beyond her abilities.

    Her uncle was one and only. She would never be able to find another one in this world.

    As the pair chatted, Qiao Dongliang perked his ears up to listen in on the conversation. Since thisdy had been given a seat at the host¡¯s table, it meant that this woman was close to the Zhai family. Although the Zhai family was bigger than the Qiao family, they did not have many rtives. After a long time, Qiao Dongliang still had not figured out who Shi Qing was.

    ¡°The bride¡¯s here.¡±

    Shi Qing had not even needed to look for Qiao Nan since she would appear once the time was right.

    Following that voice, Shi Qing quickly restrained herself and stopped teasing Jiajia. Her gaze shifted beforending on a graceful woman dressed in bright red. Yes, she was all right. At least, this woman looked much more pleasing to the eye than Qiu Chenxi.

    But what made Shi Qing convinced and sure was Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze toward the bride. She could not help but acknowledge Qiao Nan¡¯s existence. Her innocent first love had happened more than two decades alone, and this was the first time Shi Qing felt that she could finally let go of her feelings and end her single-sided love.

    If Zhai Sheng had looked at his first bride as he had today, Shi Qing felt that she would probably have given up then. She had never expected this scene to be dyed for more than ten years. ¡°Brother Zhai, congrattions. I hope you will lead a blissful life with your wife and have children as soon as possible.¡±

    Shi Qing stood up and walked toward Zhai Sheng with two sses of wine in her hands, raising a toast to him.

    Zhai Sheng was rather surprised to see Shi Qing. ¡°Weren¡¯t you in the capital? You¡¯re here now?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re my dad¡¯s one and only disciple, so you¡¯re my brother too. Of course, I have to attend your wedding. You¡¯re so mean! How could you not have told me about your wedding? I had to find out about it from others. I barely made it here from the capital. If I was a couple of hourste, I might not even have made it in time for your wedding.¡±

    Yes, Shi Qing had heard about Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding from someone else. As such, Shi Qing had made hasty arrangements, left all her work behind, and had rushed down to Ping Cheng just to attend Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding.

 Chapter 2022 - Generation N

    <h4>Chapter 2022: Generation N</h4>

    Zhai Sheng smiled graciously. ¡°We only informed a few of our friends in Ping Cheng about this wedding. As for all those in the capital, you don¡¯t have to worry. It¡¯s easy to attend a wedding. We¡¯ll just hold another one when we return to the capital.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s troublesome to hold two weddings?¡± Shi Qing was curious. The Brother Zhai in her memories hated such events. He tried his best to avoid attending such events, and even if he had to, he would try his best to attend as few of such events as possible.

    Zhai Sheng did not say much but immediately nced at Qiao Nan, who was standing beside him, after hearing Shi Qing¡¯s question. Then, he answered very calmly. ¡°It isn¡¯t that much of a trouble to hold another wedding.¡±

    Shi Qing turned toward Qiao Nan. That meant that anything the person standing next to him said was right, and he was willing to ept something that he hated the most in the past. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Shi Qing. Brother Zhai¡¯s my senior. I¡¯m really happy for you two that you¡¯re getting married. You... should lead a good life in the future.¡± Brother Zhai had finally met the right person. Even though that person was not her, she was still happy for him.

    Qiao Nan smiled widely with upturned lips. ¡°Thank you. We will.¡± So, you have to lead a blissful life too.

    Both in her dream and in reality, Shi Qing had liked Zhai Sheng. And in both lifetimes, Shi Qing had graciously congratted her after confirming Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for her. Shi Qing was still Shi Qing whether it was in her dream or in reality. ¡°Will we still have the chance to meet each other in the future?¡± Could she be best friends with Shi Qing like she had been in her dream?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words made Zhai Hua feel weak. It was better to avoid such situations. Even though she did not think that Shi Qing would be someone like Qiu Chenxi, it was still better to reduce the frequency of their meetings given Shi Qing¡¯s feelings toward Zhai Sheng. What if she changed her mind because of the frequent meetings?

    ¡°Just focus on being a happy bride. There¡¯s no need to concern yourself with anything else. You will be happy.¡± Shi Qing shook her head. She was still in the midst of letting go of her feelings for Brother Zhai. Before she did so, she could not make any promises to the bride.

    Shi Qing did not want to torture Qiao Nan or hurt Qiao Nan. At the same time, she wished to liberate herself. As such, Shi Qing had no intention of being friends with Qiao Nan, who was in such a sensitive position. As long as Qiao Nan could bring Zhai Sheng happiness, she would try her best to keep her distance from the couple so as to ensure the safety of all three of them.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I was in a little bit of a hurry when I left, so there are still quite a few things that I left undone in the military. After this wedding, I¡¯ll have to rush back. I hope you won¡¯t mind it. When you hold another wedding in the capital, I¡¯ll be sure to attend it.¡± After raising a toast to Zhai Sheng, Shi Qing stood up to take her leave. ¡°By the way, Brother Zhai, you must pay attention to your safety on such a joyous asion. Don¡¯t let any unimportant people ruin your day. I¡¯m not sure how long I¡¯ll be able to hold them off for with my little tricks.¡±

    With that, Shi Qing rushed off. She had not even stayed for half an hour.

    The moment Shi Qing left, Zhai Hua and Jiajia heaved a sigh of relief. Very quickly, Zhai Hua came to her senses. ¡°Zhai Sheng, what did Shi Qing mean by that?¡± Did Shi Qing say that someone woulde to make trouble at Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding?

    Qiao Nan was a little discouraged by Shi Qing¡¯s rejection, and she frowned upon hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words. ¡°Could it be...¡±

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, none of their friends or family, even their enemies, would choose such a day to make a din. As such, the only person that came to mind was someone from the Qiao family. Qiao Nan turned immediately to look at Qiao Dongliang.

    The father and daughter seemed to have returned from their trance and thought of the same two people simultaneously. Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath and looked apologetically at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Why don¡¯t I go have a look? I¡¯m so sorry for always causing you trouble.¡±

    Nan Nan was finally getting married to Zhai Sheng today. Not only had the Qiao family not been able to help the Zhai family out in the preparations, but they had evene to cause even more trouble. Qiao Dongliang felt so ashamed that he couldn¡¯t bear to continue sitting there to enjoy the wedding, especially in the presence of the Zhai family. Qiao Dongliang felt that he could not even lift his head to face them.

    Zhai Sheng was getting married and the bride was an unmarried olddy, Qiao Nan, from the northern courtyard! The news had spread like wildfire across the entire quad. Quite a few neighbors from the northern courtyard had wanted to attend the wedding. This would probably be their only chance to enter the southern courtyard and see all those important people in their lives!

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan had not nned on organizing arge-scale wedding. Firstly, neither she nor Zhai Sheng was young. They knew that there were likely to be more people attending their wedding just to watch a good show instead of truly blessing them. Secondly, Qiao Nan was no ¡®good child¡¯ in other people¡¯s eyes. On the contrary, she was the epitome of a ¡®bad child¡¯. It was not just her character that was bad. She was simply bad.

    Besides, Qiao Nan had moved out into her own rented apartment. As such, Qiao Nan was not that close with those neighbors in the northern courtyard. Even if they bumped into each other from time to time, these neighbors would always shake their heads, expressing their embarrassment at Qiao Nan¡¯s ipetence.

    Qiao Nan did not deliberately try to remember these bad memories, but they were hard to forget. Now that she was finally getting married, Qiao Nan naturally did not wish for these people who represented her worst memories to show up at her wedding.

    But because she was getting married to Zhai Sheng, these neighbors hadpletely changed their stance. This change in stance did not make Qiao Nan feel proud, but instead, disgusted. She had never had a good reputation in the northern courtyard. She might not even live in Ping Cheng after her marriage, much less in the northern courtyard.

    There was really no point in letting these outsiders, whom she would never get in contact with again, ruin her most joyous day in her life.

    In that way, most of the guests at the wedding were from the groom¡¯s side. Qiao Dongliang seemed to be the only person representing the bride¡¯s guests.

    There was really no need to invite all those neighbors from the northern courtyard, and neither did it matter if they were to talk about them. But to not allow Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, who were Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother and sister, to attend seemed a little too harsh.

 Chapter 2023 - Making a Trip Here

    <h4>Chapter 2023: Making a Trip Here</h4>

    Even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t inform the two of them when she was getting married, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t need to spend too much effort to find out about this since they were all in the same quad. How would Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin be willing to be absent from such an important day? Furthermore, they felt that in today¡¯s wedding, aside from the bride and groom, they were the ones who shouldn¡¯t be absent the most.

    Especially after knowing that Qiao Dongliang went to the wedding, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin went over to make their presence known as well. Coincidentally, Shi Qing bumped into them.

    When she heard the argument between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Shi Qing guessed that these two noisy women were the bride¡¯s rtives. However, their attitudes really made Shi Qing dislike them.

    Shi Qing wasn¡¯t someone ordinary. When most people encountered this situation, upon hearing that the bride was getting married but she didn¡¯t even invite her birth mother and sister, they would think that the bride was too overboard. They were family. Why couldn¡¯t they say things properly? Must she be so heartless that they couldn¡¯t even be rtives?

    Shi Qing herself met such extreme rtives before. She could no longer ept the Feng family as rtives. As such, when such a situation was encountered, Shi Qing wouldn¡¯t be like most people and push all the responsibilities and problems to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were too arrogant. They felt that since Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, they were considered to be royal rtives in the quad and everyone had to give them face. Seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude while speaking, Shi Qing¡¯s first reaction was to let others know how embarrassing it was for Zhai Sheng to have such rtives.

    Today was Zhai Sheng¡¯s big day as well. At least, the two of them shouldn¡¯t kick up a fuss and ruin the happy atmosphere. As such, Shi Qing made a call and sent Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi to the police station. They didn¡¯t have any criminal records and their act of harassment was limited. After finding someone who could bail them out, they could be let out within a few hours.

    When these two came out from the police station, Shi Qing couldn¡¯t confirm if Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding banquet had ended. As such, she shared this with Zhai Sheng in advance. Furthermore, someone had to bail that mother-daughter pair out of the police station. In this way, this matter seemed to have something to do with the bride again.

    Zhai Sheng understood it immediately. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take note of this. It has been tough on you.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that Shi Qing was still single and he didn¡¯t have any intention to persuade Shi Qing. One had to know that before he met Qiao Nan, he was in the same situation as well. As such, Zhai Sheng knew clearly that it wasn¡¯t that Shi Qing really didn¡¯t want to get married. It was just that she hadn¡¯t met the person she wanted to get married to.

    If it wasn¡¯t this person, then it wasn¡¯t important if Shi Qing got married or not. A marriage could result in a divorce until the appearance of that person who could really make her settle down.

    Since he knew this answer, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t say anything so as not to embarrass Shi Qing. ¡°Goodbye. Be careful on the roads.¡±

    ¡°I wish you... happiness.¡± No, Brother Zhai no longer needed her blessing. She could tell that as long as he stood next to that woman, Brother Zhai was already full of happiness. Shi Qing couldn¡¯t tell if the most fortunate person in this wedding was the bride who married Brother Zhai or Zhai Sheng who finally married his bride. Perhaps, happiness should be like this kind of rtionship.

    She knew that it wasn¡¯t appropriate for her to speak at this time. Who asked her to no longer be Shi Qing¡¯s best friend now, but she was still Shi Qing¡¯s love rival? Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect Shi Qing to actually be in the same situation as her now that Zhu Baoguo was gone. She was an old woman in her forties but could stay single until today.

    Qiao Nan knew it too clearly in her heart who it was for that Shi Qing had such persistence. In her dreams, if she hadn¡¯t known Shi Qing early, they wouldn¡¯t have be friends in junior high school. It was then that she slowly exerted a subtle influence on Shi Qing and got her to understand things.

    Otherwise, Shi Qing wouldn¡¯t have let go of Zhai Sheng so easily. Without these premises in this lifetime, Shi Qing¡¯s feelings for Zhai Sheng would only be deeper than those in her dreams.

    Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Everything will get better.¡± He had already found his own happiness. He believed that happiness was naturally waiting not far away for a good woman like Shi Qing.

    Leaning against Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan asked, ¡°She¡¯s so good... Why didn¡¯t you have such a thought?¡± She had really appeared toote in this lifetime. It was sote that her first reaction after the car ident was that the Zhai Sheng in this world should have long married and had children. She and Zhai Sheng would naturally be two parallel lines that could never meet.

    Even if Qiu Chenxi wasn¡¯t a good person, Shi Qing was a really good woman. She was someone who could make men fall in love with her. Both of them had been single for so many years, but in this lifetime and at this age, Zhai Sheng had not gotten together with Shi Qing. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect this at all.

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but kiss Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. ¡°Because you¡¯re better. I have always been waiting for your appearance.¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was leaning in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, didn¡¯t say anything. If Zhai Sheng really got together with Shi Qing, the person upset today would naturally be her. Everyone was selfish. No one was willing to give up the happiness at their fingertips to others.

    The only thing she could do was to pray silently that although Zhu Baoguo was gone, a good woman like Shi Qing could still meet a man as good as Zhu Baoguo in this lifetime. This person would take good care of her for the rest of her life and shelter her from the wind and rain.

    Qiao Nan followed Zhai Sheng with peace of mind and gave a toast to the Zhai family¡¯s rtives and friends. Thankfully, the people invited by the Zhai family knew their limits well. None of them said any words of jealousy at this moment. Once they saw Qiao Nan, theyplimented her for her good looks and that she looked extremelypatible with Zhai Sheng.

    Seeing that Qiao Nan had such a treatment in the Zhai family, the person who felt most at ease was undoubtedly Qiao Dongliang. Before taking a few bites of the dishes, Qiao Dongliang felt that he could really rest assured this time and he no longer had to worry about Qiao Nan¡¯s life in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang stood up and took out the phone that had been ringing for a while. He ran to a quieter corner to pick up the call. ¡°Hello. May I check who you...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m from the Public Security Bureau of the South Ping Cheng Bureau...¡± The other party went by the books and shared with Qiao Dongliang what had happened. ¡°Your lover and daughter want to return. They need you toe to the bureau to do the procedures. Is it convenient for you to do so now?¡± These two women were unlucky as well. It was a big shot from the capital who had reported them.

    Otherwise, they could have just persuaded them for such a small matter. How was there a need to bring them to the police station and do so many procedures?

 Chapter 2024 - Settling Scores

    <h4>Chapter 2024: Settling Scores</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang pulled down his eyebrows. ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡± To think that he thought the two of them were somewhat more humane today. Even if they wanted to continue making trouble for Nan Nan, they would have chosen another day and be more restrained today. It turned out that this mother-daughter pair didn¡¯t appear as they were stuck at the bureau.

    It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want toe. It was that they couldn¡¯te!

    No matter what Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were thinking, today was Qiao Nan¡¯s big day. Qiao Dongliang still had some persistence. ¡°Police officer, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m a little busy now and can¡¯t make my way. Can I go over after an hour?¡±

    The police officer at the other end frowned. At this moment, shouldn¡¯t it be more important to get people out of the police station? Why wait for another hour? ¡°Okay,e over immediately after an hour and fetch them away. No matter how small the matter, we can only keep them at the station if the procedures are not done. Don¡¯t worry. This isn¡¯t troublesome at all. The procedures are notplicated either. You can fetch them away after signing the documents.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Police officer, when can we go?¡± Once she saw the police officer hang up the phone, Ding Jiayi stepped forward and asked carefully. At this age, apart from the time Qiao Nan was hit by a car, this was the first time she entered a police station in this capacity.

    Seeing that everyone in the police station looked stern, Ding Jiayi felt panicked and wanted to leave this ce quickly. Not only did Ding Jiayi feel this way, but Qiao Zijin did too.

    In the past when she was still Chen Jun¡¯s wife, she liked toe to such ces. Even if it was the Ping Cheng Public Security Bureau, she could walk in openly and let everyone address her respectfully as Mrs. Commissioner, let alone a small police branch.

    However, after the divorce with Chen Jun, there was no doubt that such a treatment was naturally gone. Forget it that she was no longer Mrs. Commissioner. She was even arrested today. Upon thinking that she was ¡®invited¡¯ to the police station as she was creating trouble, Qiao Zijin felt angry.

    Who was so wicked? She was just going to attend her birth sister¡¯s wedding. Why was she arrested by the police? Could it be that Qiao Nan was the one who called the police to arrest her and her mom?

    ¡°Wait for a while. Your lover said that he¡¯s busy now. He¡¯lle over an hourter to fetch you and your daughter away.¡± The police officer ryed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s exact words to Ding Jiayi. As a couple, upon hearing that his wife was in the police station, his tone and attitude weren¡¯t nervous at all. He even said that he would arrive an hourter. He could tell that this couple didn¡¯t have a good rtionship.

    ¡°An hourter?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help but turn green. She didn¡¯t want to stay in a broken ce like the police station for another minute longer. ¡°Can I trouble you to give him a call again? I¡¯ll tell him personally toe over immediately and fetch us back.¡± If they waited for another hour, by the time Old Qiaopleted the procedures and brought her and Zijin back, Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding and banquet would have been over.

    Her daughter was going to marry the chief. As the only birth mother of the bride, how could she be absent?!

    ¡°Why are you kicking up a fuss? Do you think the police station is your home? Don¡¯t you have a phone? We¡¯re not restricting you from contacting the outside world. If you want to call, use your own phone!¡± The police officer was unhappy. They were already in the police station but dared to speak louder than them. No wonder someone would call the police and send this mother-daughter pair over.

    As soon as the police reminded them, Ding Jiayi sat back next to Qiao Zijin. ¡°My mobile number is in arrears. Zijin, you call your dad.¡±

    Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°If it¡¯s in arrears, pay the bill. This is a small matter. Unless you¡¯re not going to use your phone anymore, you will have to pay the bill sooner orter.¡± Why did she have to use her phone to make this call? A call would only cost a few cents.

    She had given her mom a few tens of thousands yuan. Could it be that she was unwilling to fork out over a hundred yuan for the phone bill?

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say anything. When she was getting along with Qiao Nan, she always took care of her living expenses. Once there wasn¡¯t enough money for her phone bill, she would directly ask Qiao Nan for help. When she felt like eating something, she would get Qiao Nan to return home and buy over the things she wanted to eat. She got the money and Qiao Nan continued to take care of all the misceneous expenses.

    Ding Jiayi only paid the phone bills twice. However, she was already not used to it and missed her previous life very much. She didn¡¯t only have Qiao Nan as a daughter. Would Qiao Zijin, who was more filial, not be able to do what Qiao Nan could do?

    Ding Jiayi was very confident of Qiao Zijin. However, reality gave Ding Jiayi a p and told her that she had thought too beautifully.

    Qiao Zijin was finally willing to fork out some money. She couldn¡¯t wait for Ding Jiayi to be frugal and avoid spending money as much as possible. She wanted her to use that few tens of thousands yuan she provided her with until the end of time. At the very least, before Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang died, they shouldn¡¯t spend all the money and ask her for more again.

    As such, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t care that Ding Jiayi¡¯s mobile number is in arrears, let alone take the initiative to pay the bill for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, who do you think sent us to the police station today? I guess it¡¯s very likely the person who¡¯s getting married today. Why did she do that? It¡¯s all because you were usually too overboard. No wonder Nan Nan would run away and refuse to acknowledge you as her mom and me as her sister.¡±

    ¡°I shan¡¯t calcte for you how much Qiao Nan used to provide you as monthly living expenses. She gave you all her sry and even had to pay for everything in the family, including Dad¡¯s and your mobile phone bills. Doesn¡¯t Qiao Nan need to lead her life? Doesn¡¯t she have to eat or drink? You used to be so overboard to Qiao Nan. Now that Qiao Nan¡¯s out of your control, are you trying to be as harsh to me as you were to her before?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t as stupid as Qiao Nan. She had a full-time job and two part-time jobs. She earned twenty to thirty thousand yuan a month. However, she spent less than two thousand yuan on herself each month. If her mom was trying to make her the second Qiao Nan, she would smile and tell her mom to stop dreaming.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face flushed red. She dared not look at those police officers. She lowered her voice and said, ¡°What kind of attitude is this? Am I that bad to Qiao Nan? Furthermore, weren¡¯t you the one who told me earlier that Qiao Nan was alone, didn¡¯t have a boyfriend, and had minimal expenses?¡±

    As such, she could totally spend more of Qiao Nan¡¯s money.

    When Qiao Nan was older, Zijin told her again that there were a lot of ugly duckling men in society today. After marrying a wife, they would sleep with her. After she gave birth to children, they would spend her money.

 Chapter 2025 - Couldnâ€™t Disregard

    <h4>Chapter 2025: Couldn¡¯t Disregard</h4>

    As such, it was really disadvantageous to raise a daughter. In such situations, it was like raising a daughter for someone else¡¯s son.

    Anyway, she wouldn¡¯t do this. If she had money and knew how to earn money, she would definitely think of ways to spend all her money on her own family, especially on her parents. After all, these people were her close rtives. They had lived together since she was young. Their rtionship couldn¡¯t bepared to ordinary people.

    Instead of wasting a lot of money on an outsider known as ¡®husband¡¯, it was better to spend on one¡¯s parents and siblings instead.

    When Ding Jiayi heard these words, she thought they made sense. She gave birth to Qiao Nan and raised her to adulthood. Qiao Nan finally knew how to earn money. However, she was going to use the money earned to provide for outsiders and even be filial toward other elders, pushing her and Qiao Dongliang behind. On what basis should that happen?!

    Rather than letting others enjoy the fruits of herbor, she should hold on tightly to these fruits ofbor first. At the very least, before Qiao Nan got married, all the money she had earned should be kept in her own pockets.

    Qiao Nan knew how to earn money. She could earn two to three hundred thousand yuan a year. In five years, Qiao Nan would be a millionaire. On what basis should Qiao Nan bring along one million yuan to someone else¡¯s house and then give it to her husband and inws for them to spend? However, she and Old Qiao wouldn¡¯t be able to enjoy this blessing at all.

    Under Qiao Zijin¡¯s influence, Ding Jiayi became more overbearing and started to demand more from Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi never felt that she did anything wrong or that she had done something overboard to Qiao Nan.

    All sorts of unreasonable behavior were rationalized by Qiao Zijin¡¯s distorted exnations. Ding Jiayi simply regarded this set of thoughts as a guide for life.

    With Qiao Nan around in the past, how would Ding Jiayi set her sights on Qiao Zijin? However, now that Qiao Nan, the shield, was gone and Ding Jiayi¡¯s thinking had not changed in any way, what issue was there for her to use the set of guidelines she used on Qiao Nan on Qiao Zijin instead?

    Being criticized and used by Qiao Zijin today, Ding Jiayi felt that she was wronged. ¡°How am I not good to Qiao Nan? Weren¡¯t you the one who told me that rather than letting Qiao Nan spend all the money she has earned on outsiders, it would of course be better for her to express filial piety to me and your dad? You do have quite a bit of money now. Shouldn¡¯t you be filial to me and your dad?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t it just a mobile phone bill once? It was a few hundred yuan at most. Zijin was quarreling with her over such a small matter andining that she, as a mom, was too harsh. If this was considered harsh, then what were her demands of Qiao Nan all these years?

    Ding Jiayi knew it clearly thatpared to her demands of Qiao Nan in the past, her words to Qiao Zijin weren¡¯t considered demands. She even had to suffer a lecture from Qiao Zijin on this. Who exactly was the mother and who was the daughter?

    Qiao Zijin naturally couldn¡¯t remember what she had taught Ding Jiayi. After Ding Jiayi¡¯s reminder, Qiao Zijin seemed to have some impression. ¡°Mom, this society is changing day by day. You can¡¯t keep having this old mindset and not make any progress. What¡¯s wrong with your daughter contributing a little to the inws when she¡¯s staying at their house? Also, your daughter has grown up and has her own life. You have to make us independent. We have to have an independent personality and financial dependence.¡±

    She had already done a good job, alright? Nowadays, a lot of people still relied on their parents. She had money in her pockets and didn¡¯t think of spending her parents¡¯ money. Compared to those people who relied on their parents, she was considered a filial daughter. She didn¡¯t have so many demands of her mom. On what basis should she ask so much from her?

    She was Qiao Zijin¡¯s birth mom, after all. Others might not understand what Qiao Zijin meant by financial independence but Ding Jiayi understood it. The so-called financial dependence meant that the money in Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets was all hers and she shouldn¡¯t interfere in it, let alone take Qiao Zijin¡¯s money. This was what Qiao Zijin meant by financial independence.

    For money, the mother-daughter pair who had always been united started arguing in the police station. The police officers were shocked speechless. They were talking about money the entire time and arguing in front of outsiders. No wonder this auntie¡¯s lover received their call in a cold tone. Not only was he not nervous, but he even said that he would only pick them up an hourter.

    The contents of their conversation were too simple. There wasn¡¯t any substance. Anyone with ears and a brain understood what the mother-daughter pair was arguing over. The mother wanted the daughter to pay the mobile phone bills. The daughter felt that the mother was not financially independent and was always finding all sorts of excuses to spend her daughter¡¯s money.

    Based on this conversation, the people in the bureau felt that both the mother and daughter were not good people to begin with. No wonder they would appear on that kind of news. It looked like those reports in the news were all real. After arguing for a long time, their conversation never left the word ¡®money¡¯. To them, money was more important than their lives, let alone kinship.

    Qiao Dongliang naturally didn¡¯t know that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were arguing in the police station. The Zhai family held a lunch banquet, not a dinner banquet. As such, it ended at around two in the afternoon. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing sent the important guests away. Zhai Hua was naturally the one to send away the younger peers.

    Seeing that everyone was almost gone, Qiao Dongliang stood up. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re a child with blessings to follow. What happened in the past was wrong. You can¡¯t go back to the past or change anything. You¡¯re good now. Keep it that way. If I¡¯m not around one day, I can¡¯t manage them. Do things ording to your conscience. If it¡¯s something to take care of, don¡¯t push it away. If it¡¯s something you shouldn¡¯t handle, then don¡¯t take care of it. Since ancient times, only parents have raised children and children have provided for their parents. Your sister¡¯s so old now and is even a mother. There¡¯s no reason for you to take care of her or provide her for life. Your sister¡¯s terrible. Don¡¯t pay attention to her in the future.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded and addressed him inly as ¡®dad¡¯. To Qiao Nan, these words were toote. Indeed, she couldn¡¯t go back to the years that had passed. It was pointless to be entangled with the past. However, this didn¡¯t mean that Qiao Nan couldpletely forget the injuries she had suffered in the Qiao family in the past.

    Everything she had suffered couldn¡¯t be easily obliterated by her dad¡¯s insincere words offort. Afterforting her, could she treat that nothing had happened before or let bygones be bygones?

 Chapter 2026 - Thought of Ideas

    <h4>Chapter 2026: Thought of Ideas</h4>

    If Qiao Dongliang was willing to manage Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin more, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have led such a painful life for the past forty years. Even if she was married to Zhai Sheng now and seemed to have a good life in the future, it wasn¡¯t because of the Qiao family¡¯s harshness to her that gave her a chance to have a life filled with happiness. She had achieved happiness by her own efforts.

    As such, Qiao Nan marrying Zhai Sheng and the pain that the Qiao family brought to her were two different matters. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel that she should forget all her sufferings from before and treat the three people from the Qiao family as rtives just because she achieved happiness. She didn¡¯t feel that as long as Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t too overboard, she should still help if she can since she was her sister.

    Apologies, but there was no such reasoning and living standards in her world. Regardless of whether Qiao Zijin was overboard or not, she couldn¡¯t be sisters with her anymore. After all, Qiao Zijin had long done something that was more overboard.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words didn¡¯t alleviate Qiao Nan¡¯s indifference toward the Qiao family. ¡°Okay, I understand. If you have something you¡¯re busy with, please go ahead. If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll see you again.¡± In the face of a rtive who was still clear-minded, it was impossible for Qiao Nan not to want anyone from her family.

    Qiao Dongliang had said a sentence correctly. If it was her responsibility, she should take it up. If not, she definitely should not do so.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already at the age of retirement. Qiao Nan felt that she should carefully consider how much living expenses she should give her parents monthly. If possible, she didn¡¯t want to give money directly. She¡¯d rather send items to the Qiao family.

    Qiao Zijin was too capable of coaxing. In front of Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi werepletelycking IQ. If all the living expenses were directly turned into items and sent to the Qiao family, Qiao Zijin shouldn¡¯t have a way to sell them, right? Qiao Zijin shouldn¡¯t be capable of doing this.

    As to whether all the things that she had sent over were used by Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi and if Qiao Zijin got a free meal from them, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care. Qiao Zijin had already taken away so much money. To be honest, even if she really got a free meal, Qiao Nan felt that this was nothing to be concerned about.

    Feeling Qiao Nan¡¯s coldness and indifference, even if Qiao Dongliang was feeling miserable, he could onlyfort himself that this was the sin he had created in the past and he deserved to suffer from it. ¡°Oh right, Nan Nan. Your sister was recently inspired and wanted to be a civil servant. They came to find you because of this as well.¡±

    When he was saying these words, Qiao Dongliang was looking at Zhai Sheng. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had the confidence to eye the position of a civil servant because of the rtionship with Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family. As such, the Zhai family¡¯s attitude was very important in this matter. Whether Zhai Sheng would anger Qiao Nan because of these matters was simrly the focus of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concern.

    When he mentioned ¡®civil servant¡¯, Qiao Dongliang feltplicated in his heart. He was also afraid and felt that it was a slip of the tongue. He shouldn¡¯t have said this at this moment. He should have secretly sent Qiao Nan a message, shared the situation with her, and got her to discuss it with Zhai Sheng in private.

    He knew his family situation clearly. The best result he was expecting would never happen. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin had nned to attend today¡¯s wedding and stand in Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s way.

    In the face of a person who was malicious toward oneself but had to use sincerity and kindness to love this same person, such a saint was really endangered.

    Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t a particrly smart or shrewd person. He couldn¡¯t hide his idea from Qiao Nan, let alone the person before him, Zhai Sheng. After listening to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng only stood next to Qiao Nan and had no reaction.

    Qiao Zijin had the thought to be a civil servant? It was a pity she wasn¡¯t capable enough.

    ¡°If she wants to be one, then go for it. This has nothing to do with me.¡± Qiao Nan rejected without hesitating. It must be because Ding Jiayi wanted to make use of the rtionship with the Zhai family to give Qiao Zijin a back door that she came to find her. She wanted Qiao Zijin to be a civil servant so that she could easily receive ten thousand yuan monthly without doing anything. Not only was Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang Qiao Zijin¡¯s parents now, but even the country and citizens were her parents. As such, all the taxpayers in the country had to fork out ten thousand yuan monthly to provide for Qiao Zijin. How ridiculous!

    Ding Jiayi was always straightforward. She said whatever was on her mind and always ordered Qiao Nan around in a tone that implied she had toplete it. Qiao Dongliang was different. He would always use a tentative tone. Although he knew that his thinking was too overboard, he would always bore a ¡®what if¡¯ mindset.

    What if the Zhai family didn¡¯t mind and what if Zhai Sheng also hoped that by finding Qiao Zijin a stable job, she would find lesser trouble for Qiao Nan in the future? In that case, would Zhai Sheng be willing to help?

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t despise the Qiao family because she married Zhai Sheng at the age of forty. Qiao Dongliang could rest assured since the Zhai family treated Qiao Nan like she was their own daughter. At the Zhai family, she could enjoy the treatment which she couldn¡¯t enjoy at the Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan married well and had a good husband and inw family. She didn¡¯t have any motives at all. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin was divorced, her child wasn¡¯t by her side, and she didn¡¯t have a job. A crying child has candy. Even if Qiao Zijin had been extremely unfilial recently, indeed, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t let go of her. He felt that if Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were willing to help Qiao Zijin now so that she would naturally be able to live without worries in the future, he would die with peace of mind.

    He had two daughters. Qiao Dongliang always hoped that both of them could lead a good life. He wasn¡¯t willing to see a daughter living happily while the other gave up on herself. If Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were willing to take care of Qiao Zijin, even if Qiao Zijin was divorced and didn¡¯t remarry in the future, she could still live better than most people.

    However, the premise for this was that Qiao Nan had to be willing. At this time, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude and thoughts were far more important than Zhai Sheng¡¯s.

    No matter if it was Qiao Nan influencing Zhai Sheng or Zhai Sheng making the decision for Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang never gave up the idea of letting Qiao Nan take care of Qiao Zijin more.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s cold and indifferent words made Qiao Dongliang realize that he had harbored high hopes. ¡°You feel that this has nothing to do with you. It doesn¡¯t mean they feel the same way. You know their temper. I¡¯m not worried about anything else. I¡¯m just afraid that even if you don¡¯t want to be involved, they would force you to be involved.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang vaguely knew what ideas Ding Jiayi had thought of.

 Chapter 2027 - Honeymoon

    <h4>Chapter 2027: Honeymoon</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    However, he barelymunicated with this mother-daughter pair recently. If there was something going on, they liked to do it behind his back. As such, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know exactly what Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were nning to do.

    Greeting Qiao Nan at this moment was also meant to be a warning to her to stay alert. If things were to really happen then and Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t prepared at all, her status in the Zhai family might change because of this incident¡¯s influence.

    Qiao Nan frowned. She knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s worries were definitely not unfounded. ¡°Alright, I understand the situation. If I really run into anything, I¡¯ll think of ways to solve them myself.¡± If Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t make trouble, they would feel ufortable and wouldn¡¯t stop.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. When Nan Nan said this, it seemed that she had forgotten he was her husband. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. With me around, no one can bully Nan Nan.¡± Not even the Qiao family. If he couldn¡¯t even protect his wife, what was the significance of this marriage today?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s words made Qiao Dongliang swallow all his words. That was right as well. As long as Zhai Sheng was by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, no matter how much of a fuss that mother-daughter pair kicked up, they couldn¡¯t create too much trouble. At this moment, Qiao Dongliang felt that perhaps his worries were unnecessary.

    Nan Nan was already married to Zhai Sheng. With Zhai Sheng around, what else would he need to worry about for Nan Nan? Zhai Sheng was around for everything. ¡°I wish you a happy marriage. I have to get going first.¡± He said that he would go over after an hour. He couldn¡¯t possibly let the people in the police station wait for him.

    ¡°Be careful on the roads.¡±

    ¡°Dad, goodbye,¡± Qiao Nan said to Qiao Dongliang in a stiff manner.

    Seeing Qiao Nan like this, what else could Qiao Dongliang say? He naturally headed to the police station first.

    Witnessing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure, Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders and let her lean against him. ¡°Let me find out more about this matter for you?¡± Those people in Nan Nan¡¯s family really couldn¡¯t rest for a moment. Of course, if Shi Qing didn¡¯t send those two people to the police station, the ones who couldn¡¯t rest would probably be himself and Nan Nan.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan turned her body and buried her face in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Qiao Nan was already exhausted from dealing with the Qiao family. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s situations always continued without end. Not only did they use old methods, but they could alsoe up with new tricks.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to be a civil servant and ask the Zhai family for help. Qiao Nan refused to take care of this and she also couldn¡¯t figure out what ideas Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi hade up with to deal with this. However, one thing was certain. Once something happened, not only would she be unlucky, but Zhai Sheng would be involved as well.

    The Zhai family saw the couple watch Qiao Dongliang leave. However, none of them stepped forward to do anything. Who asked the Qiao family situation to be a little special? The Zhai family didn¡¯t dare treat the Qiao family as normal inws. Unless the couple said something, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were not nning to interfere in anything. Even the most hot-tempered Zhai Hua didn¡¯t dare to engage in this excitement at the moment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. Everything will be fine with me around.¡± If Nan Nan said this, he could really get someone to keep a tighter watch on the Qiao family. As long as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were alive for a day, they would create a lot of trouble for Nan Nan. From now on, he had to get used to this.

    Jiajia, who had eaten her fill, walked next to Zhai Hua and asked, ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with Uncle and Aunt?¡± Weren¡¯t they alright just now? The guests had just left but they seemed to have a little conflict and were unhappy. That didn¡¯t seem like it! If there was really a small contradiction, as a big man, her uncle would definitely give in to her aunt.

    Zhai Hua hit Jiajia on the head. ¡°As a child, worry less about adult matters. It¡¯s been a long and tiring day today. Rest well. Your middle school examination results should be out in a few days.¡± Zhai Hua didn¡¯t want to share much with Jiajia about the Qiao family¡¯splicated situation. She felt that with her and Qiao Nan as ¡®bad role models¡¯, they might have an impact on Jiajia¡¯s future growth.

    Jiajia stuck out her tongue. ¡°Don¡¯t bully me for being young. No matter how young I am, I have human rights.¡± Jiajia decided that when she had a younger brother or sister in the future, they must unite on the same front. Otherwise, they, as children, were too easy to be bullied by adults.

    ¡°Alright, why are you standing at the door? Come back.¡± Miao Jing broke the silence. ¡°Zhai Sheng,e over with Nan Nan.

    Once Miao Jing called for them, without Zhai Sheng leading her, Qiao Nan also walked toward her. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Miao Jing reached out and kindly pulled Qiao Nan to sit next to her. As for her son, sorry, but she couldn¡¯t care so much. ¡°Nan Nan, isn¡¯t it trendy to go on a honeymoon now? Now that you and Zhai Sheng have finished holding this banquet, are you going on a honeymoon soon too?¡±

    Of course, Miao Jing wasn¡¯t concerned about where they would go for their honeymoon. She was more concerned about them creating a honeymoon baby. After being a maternal grandma, Miao Jing had been thinking about her other identity as a paternal grandma. Since they were already married, nothing was more important than the couple creating a baby.

    ¡°Honeymoon?¡± Qiao Nan felt surprised. Although this was her second time marrying Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any thoughts about honeymoon. There wasn¡¯t any choice. In her dreams, Zhai Sheng was in a critical period of career progression. Although both of them had been in love for three to four years, the number of times they had dated alone could be counted by only two hands.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan was still a university student back then. Zhai Sheng was busy with the army while she was busy with her studies. As such, when the two of them got married, Qiao Nan had just reached the age of marriage. She didn¡¯t consider a honeymoon at all.

    This lifetime...

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng hesitantly. In this lifetime, Brother Zhai shouldn¡¯t have the time either, right?

    Qiao Nan sat next to Miao Jing, and Zhai Sheng sat next to Qiao Nan. ¡°If you want to, I should be able to free up a few days.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s body had almost recovered. When Zhai Sheng returned to Ping Cheng to recuperate, not only did his body recover, but he even settled his marriage. Everyone felt that he didn¡¯t suffer a loss for this injury. Instead, he made it big.

    Logically, since Zhai Sheng had recovered from his illness, he should naturally return to the army. After all, Zhai Sheng was shouldering a lot of matters. However, no matter what, this was still his marriage. For so many years in the past, Zhai Sheng had never given himself a vacation. If he needed a few more days this time, Zhai Sheng felt that it wouldn¡¯t be too big an issue.

 Chapter 2028 - Travel

    <h4>Chapter 2028: Travel</h4>

    ¡°A few days...¡± How many days was that? Besides, where could Zhai Sheng bring Qiao Nan in those few days? Would those few days be enough for the couple to make a honeymoon baby?

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng had finally gotten married after a long time and how his military career might get in the way of ¡®important matters¡¯, Miao Jing was miserable. ¡°You¡¯re just like your dad. He¡¯s so old but he still talks about the military all the time. Don¡¯t you remember that you¡¯re a married man? Everyone else thinks that Nan Nan married someone of a higher status, but I think that you¡¯re the one who¡¯s letting Nan Nan down.¡±

    If she were to marry any other average man, her husband would be by her side, at the very least. There was no point in getting married to a husband like this whom she could not even meet more than five times in an entire year.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression stiffened. This was the first day of his marriage and his mom was already putting him down. This was his biological mother, no less. ¡°Nan Nan is very clear about my situation. Mom, Nan Nan will be a better military spouse than you.¡± From the very first day that they met, Nan Nan had never been put off by the fact that he was a soldier and the fact that he might not be able to apany her as often as other husbands did.

    The only thing that frightened Qiao Nan a little was the Qiao family¡¯s greed. As such, he did not think that his career would have a negative impact on his rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    Miao Jing remarked unhappily. ¡°Of course you¡¯d say that from your point of view. I know more about the sufferings of a military spouse than you do.¡± If Old Zhai had not risen quickly through the ranks such that he no longer needed to spend all his time in the military, she would not have spent any more time with Old Zhai than other military spouses did.

    Her father-inw, husband, and son were all soldiers. As such, the women in the Zhai family were destined to lead such tough lives.

    Seeing that Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng were on the verge of starting a fight, Qiao Nan immediatelyforted Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get upset. I know all about these things. I was already prepared to go through all that the moment I decided to get together with Brother Zhai and marry him. I know that these preparations won¡¯t mean that it¡¯ll be easy being a military spouse. Mom, it¡¯s been hard on you all these years.¡±

    Miao Jing shot Zhai Sheng a stare. Her own son was not even as thoughtful as her daughter-inw. ¡°You¡¯re a good kid. I don¡¯t have any other requests. I just hope that you¡¯ll lead a good life with Zhai Sheng in the future and have a kid as soon as possible.¡± Otherwise, she might not even have the strength to carry her own grandchild in a few years¡¯ time.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s age, it was definitely better for her to give birth as soon as possible. A year¡¯s dy would only lead to more risks involved. Miao Jing shot a nce at Zhai Sheng, wanting Zhai Sheng to get it done. But her overall meaning was clear. Whether or not Zhai Sheng wanted to protect the marriage, have Qiao Nan as his wife, end his bachelorhood, and have a child, it would all depend on Zhai Sheng himself.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulder. For the first time, he no longer felt annoyed at his mother¡¯s nagging about getting married and having children. However, it was only three in the afternoon. No matter how much of a hurry Zhai Sheng was in, he had to care about Qiao Nan¡¯s dignity. ¡°Nan Nan, we don¡¯t really have much time, but do you have a n? Or shall we discuss it?¡± Zhai Sheng was unwilling to shortchange Qiao Nan of anything that others had. A honeymoon did sound nice. Of course, what pleased Zhai Sheng the most was that this involved only Qiao Nan and him. There was no third party involved in it.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you guys travel overseas? I heard that there are a few ces with nice scenery suitable for honeymoons!¡± That youngdy, Jiajia, started throwing out ideas for them. ¡°When that timees, you and auntie have to take more photos for us to see.¡± Speaking of that, she had never been to those ces either. She wanted very much to visit those ces too, but she could not possibly tag along, ruining her uncle and auntie¡¯s honeymoon.

    Seeing Jiajia¡¯s earnest desire, Zhai Hua smiled. She would definitely not allow her daughter to tag along on her brother and sister-inw¡¯s honeymoon. If Jiajia were really to go with them, the younger sibling that Jiajia had been wishing for would have to wait. ¡°It¡¯s just as well that you¡¯ve finished your middle school examination and have a long break ahead. How about I take you on a holiday? Didn¡¯t you say that you wanted to visit Sanya, where your uncle and auntie took their wedding photos? Why don¡¯t I bring you there? We can go swimming there too!¡±

    Jiajia let out a smile. ¡°Alright! I don¡¯t know how to swim yet, so you can teach me.¡± Jiajia had always wanted to learn to swim. It was just that she had always been busy learning other things, and besides...

    The Wei family¡¯s expenses were already quite significant to begin with, and everything came out of Zhai Hua¡¯s pockets. Even saints had times when they lost their tempers. Zhai Hua had long ago been filled with resentment. Before getting a divorce from Wei De, the Wei family had never hesitated to ask her to pay for their holidays.

    Of course, Zhai Hua had never agreed. Zhai Hua exined that the family¡¯s expenses were already costing her a lot. If they really wanted to go on a holiday, they could ask Wei De for money. Otherwise, if she were to pay for their holidays, Mother and Father Wei would have to bear the burden of the family¡¯s expenses for theing few months. Zhai Hua simply did not have that much money to pay for all of the Wei family¡¯s expenses.

    Since the Wei family did not go on holidays, Zhai Hua could not bring Jiajia on holidays either. Even if it was Zhai Hua¡¯s money, she would definitely have to bring the Wei family along if she were to bring Jiajia on a holiday. Having experienced one trip with the Wei family, Zhai Hua had no desire to have another simr experience.

    Zhai Hua had always thought that only children would be so willful, wanting to buy everything that they saw before dumping everything aside after buying them. Besides, Mother and Father Wei were from the countryside. Logically speaking, should they not be frugal people?

    Zhai Hua had been dumbfounded the first time she saw the way Mother Wei had gone on her shopping spree. Because she had been newly married at that time, Zhai Hua had no choice but to pay for whatever Mother Wei had wanted to buy. Unfortunately, before the holiday ended, Zhai Hua had overheard Mother Wei telling Father Wei that she had only bought so many things because Zhai Hua was the one paying for them.

    There was no need to refuse anything since Zhai Hua was the one paying.

    Later on, Zhai Hua had also noticed that every time Mother Wei wanted to buy something, Wei De would coincidentally miss that moment. He would either be browsing at the next store or chatting with Father Wei as though he did not even notice Mother Wei¡¯s habits.

    Zhai Hua was no fool. Even if she was, this situation made her realize that someone was trying her as a rich fool. All those Weis were part of the same family. She was nothing but an outsider as a daughter-inw who had married into the family.

 Chapter 2029 - So It Shall Be

    <h4>Chapter 2029: So It Shall Be</h4>

    It felt good to spend her money. In other words, her money was not the Wei family¡¯s money, so it did not matter if they spent it.

    Zhai Hua always reciprocated others¡¯ actions. Since that was what the Wei family did, she decided to seal her pockets too. She would pay for what was right, but there was no way they were going to waste her money.

    In that way, ever since Jiajia grew up, Zhai Hua had never been able to bring her on a holiday before. It was just as well that Jiajia had justpleted her middle school examination and was on a long break. Zhai Hua felt that this would be a good opportunity for her to bring her daughter on a rxing vacation.

    Hearing that Jiajia was going on a trip with Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan suggested. ¡°Dad, Mom, why don¡¯t you two go for a holiday too?¡± There was no point in the elderly couple staying at home alone.

    Miao Jing waved her off. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. You young people can do it. Your dad and I are a bunch of old bones. There¡¯s no need for us to go on a holiday.¡± Miao Jing had no interest in traveling. While she was younger, she had always been by Old Zhai¡¯s side, flying around everywhere. That was why she had not been able to watch her children grow up.

    Miao Jing had never had a real holiday anywhere but she had already been to most parts of this vast country. Perhaps it was because she had flown around too much in her youth that Miao Jing had no desire to do so again. Just the thought of getting on a vehicle exhausted Miao Jing.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to bother about your dad and me. Just think about where you two will be going.¡± The honeymoon baby was the most important thing to her.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We still have some time tonight. It¡¯ll be fine as long as we have a n tomorrow.¡± Zhai Sheng was in no hurry and did not want Miao Jing to pressure Qiao Nan intoing up with an answer straightaway. Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan on the shoulder, wanting her to have some time to think about the matter.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°Brother Zhai, why don¡¯t we go back to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi and spend a few days there? The scenery there is good, and so is the air quality.¡± More importantly, Qingshui Town was the ce where she had met Zhai Sheng again for the first time. Qiao Nan thought that it was rather nice to have their honeymoon somewhere that they had decided to spend their lives together.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression was gentle. ¡°Do you really want to go back to Qingshui Town?¡± Zhai Sheng felt that Qingshui Town was a good ce too. Otherwise, there was no way he would have met Qiao Nan in such a faraway ce even after living in the same quad for a few decades. Zhai Sheng felt that they had made a great decision in rebuilding the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    If he were to be superstitious, his ancestors were probably protecting him.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Her dad had gone to the police station to pick Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi up today. There would probably be trouble once these two women returned. ¡°Mom, Dad, why don¡¯t you guys go there with us?¡± In that way, there would be no one at the Zhai family¡¯s house. Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi knew only toe to the southern courtyard to look for them but there was nothing they could do if they could not get a hold of them.

    Without waiting for Miao Jing¡¯s reply, Zhai Yaohui agreed without hesitation. ¡°That sounds good. Alright. I¡¯ll get your mom to pack a few pieces of clothing for us. Tomorrow, the four of us will head down to Qingshui Town. Zhai Hua, take Jiajia on a nice holiday. Remember to be careful and not let Jiajia get injured.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Dad. Jiajia¡¯s my daughter. Even if I get injured, I won¡¯t let Jiajia get injured.¡± Zhai Hua thought that her dad was being unnecessarily naggy. Jiajia was not a three-year-old toddler, and neither was it her first day being a mom. How could she allow such a situation to happen?

    Jiajia stuck by Zhai Hua¡¯s side, sticking her tongue out. Was it not supposed to be her uncle and auntie going on a honeymoon? Why had it be her going to Sanya with her mom and her uncle and auntie bringing her grandparents back to Qingshui Town?

    Although Miao Jing was reluctant, Zhai Yaohui had already made his decision in front of all their children. It would not be right for Miao Jing to go against Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words at this time. But when the couple returned to their bedroom that night, Miao Jing could not help but ask, ¡°Our son has finally gotten the chance to go on a honeymoon. Why should we tag along? Don¡¯t you want a grandchild too?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui rubbed his nose. The Zhai family rarely organized such events and it was rather tiring. ¡°Why do you think that we¡¯ll be in their way of giving us a grandchild if we follow them to Qingshui Town? Where did you get such a ridiculous idea from? When we first got married, wasn¡¯t my dad living with us? Didn¡¯t he go on our honeymoon with us too? But you gave birth to two children in the span of three years all the same and got Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua!¡±

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing could not rebuke him after being used as an example. It was exactly as he had said. In the span of three years after getting married to Zhai Yaohui, she had given birth to Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua.

    At that time, Qi Min had deliberately put her down in front of her friends. The only thing she had done that was worthy of praise was that she had given birth to a son and a daughter for Old Zhai in such a short span of time.

    Qi Min had described Miao Jing as a birth-giving tool. Apart from giving birth to children, Miao Jing was not of use to the Zhai family.

    All women would cry in anger after hearing such things being said about themselves. But now that Miao Jing was at such an age, she was already open-minded about all those things that she had not been able to ept in her youth. ¡°I just think that it was not easy for Zhai Sheng to marry Qiao Nan. Shouldn¡¯t we give them some space as a couple? You know that Zhai Sheng has to return to the military soon. What¡¯s so bad about giving them some space for themselves?¡±

    Miao Jing stopped short of saying one thing. Qiao Nan was Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was different from her. When she had gotten married to Zhai Yaohui, she had been in good health. That was why she could have given birth to two children in the span of three years. But Qiao Nan was already forty and her health was probably not as good as Miao Jing¡¯s had been in the past. That was why they had to give the couple some space and time for themselves.

    She was worried that Qiao Nan would get anxious and nervous if they were to tag along. She had studied about this. It was harder for women to get pregnant if they were in a bad mood.

    Miao Jing had read many books in preparation for her grandchild¡¯s arrival. When Zhai Sheng had announced that he would be getting married within three months, not only had Miao Jing read up books on how to promote pregnancy, but she had even read about how to take care of a pregnant woman¡¯s body and how to raise children well with bnced nutrition after birth.

    These books filled Zhai Yaohui¡¯s study room. Miao Jing joked that she had never read as many books in her entire life as she had in this one year.

    ¡°That¡¯s just what you think.¡± Zhai Yaohuiy down. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s a pretty good kid. She really treats this as her own family and has integrated well.¡±

 Chapter 2030 - Itâ€™s Good to Be Married

    Chapter 2030: It¡¯s Good to Be Married

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that Qiao Nan feels oppressed and uneasy with us around. I guess Zhai Sheng¡¯s got a good fortune. After that mistake that was Qiu Chenxi, he found the right one for himself. I won¡¯t object to you reading those books, but don¡¯t you dare bring those messy rtionships between mothers-inw and daughters-inw into our family. Our Zhai family doesn¡¯t have mean mothers-inw like that.¡±

    1

    ¡°...¡± Miao Jing was at a loss for words. Her mother-inw had treated her well while she had still been alive. Besides, she could not possibly proim that she wanted to be an evil mother-inw, right?

    1

    Since her son had finally decided to get married, she would sincerely treat Qiao Nan as though she was her own biological daughter.

    ¡°Alright, I know you mean well. But the Qiao family may be a little troublesome. It¡¯s best if we can distance ourselves from them. I heard that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had wanted toe for the wedding today but were stopped at the gate. In the end, Shi Qing was the one who called for the police who dragged them away. I guess Qiao Dongliang left early to get them out of the police station.¡±

    If not for the fact that those two people had spent the day in the police station, there was no way Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding could have proceeded so smoothly. Qiao Dongliang would not dare to cause any trouble but Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin... When they had first appeared on the news, Ding Jiayi¡¯s shrewdness had be well-known throughout the city.

    ¡°Do you mean that the Qiao family will turn up at our door tomorrow? So Qiao Nan asked us to go along with them to Qingshui Town...¡± Miao Jing finally realized that their whole family was leaving just to get away from the Qiao family.

    1

    In an instant, Miao Jing¡¯s expression darkened. She had not known Qiao Nan for a long time, but she dared to say that Qiao Nan was truly a good kid. If Qiao Nan was not, there was no way her son would have agreed to end his bachelorhood and take the initiative to get married to her.

    Compared to their own children whom they had to worry about, Miao Jing could only say that Qiao Nan was like an angel. How could anyone bear to hurt such a good kid? It was truly a great blessing to have a kid whom they did not have to worry about. Her parents did not know the good fortune that they had!

    Miao Jing was confused. It might be alright for Ding Jiayi to treat Qiao Nan this way if she was the only child and Ding Jiayi did not have any form ofparison. However, the Qiao family had two children. Qiao Nan had an elder sister and Miao Jing did not believe that Qiao Zijin was any better than Qiao Nan.

    With such a stark contrast that came in the form of Qiao Zijin, how could Ding Jiayi bear to treat Qiao Nan so harshly? She was truly a wonder.

    ¡°That¡¯s why Qiao Nan feels at ease with us but uneasy at the mention of the Qiao family. If you really care about Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings, everything will be fine as long as we distance ourselves from the Qiao family.¡± A honeymoon baby?

    Based on how much Zhai Sheng cherished Qiao Nan, they might not have a honeymoon baby. They might have a baby on their first night of marriage!

    A father should know his son best.

    This night was hot and passionate for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng was the kind of person who got more excited whenever he faced greater challenges, while Qiao Nan was like a fish washed up ashore. Aside from pping her tail helplessly, she was utterly helpless. No matter how much she tried to get Zhai Sheng to calm down, there was no way Zhai Sheng was going to go easy on her apart fromforting her with his words.

    2

    He had alreadypared Qiao Nan to a fish. To fry a fish well, one had to fry it on one side and flip it to fry it on the other side before flipping it again to cook it once more. Because he was in the mood, he performed well even on the other side.

    As such, Qiao Nan was transformed from a fish that had been washed ashore to a fish that had beenpletely ¡®cooked through¡¯.

    1

    The result of a night¡¯s passion was Qiao Nan almost being unable to crawl up from bed the next day. Even though she had been woken up, Qiao Nan felt as though she had not gotten any sleep the entire night. She struggled to open her eyes and did not even have any energy to lift up her hands to put on her clothes.

    Seeing how the man who had ¡®worked tirelessly¡¯ the entire night in such good spirits and wearing his clothes, Qiao Nan could not help but grit her teeth. Had she been the one exerting her energyst night, or had Zhai Sheng been the one? It seemed as though Zhai Sheng had recharged his energy throughst night¡¯s exercise and only she had been worn out by it.

    Feeling his wife¡¯s piercing stare, Zhai Sheng got dressed and pounced toward Qiao Nan, carrying her out of bed. It was in the middle of summer, and the temperatures were not low at all. As such, Zhai Sheng was not at all worried that Qiao Nan would catch a cold being out of bed without any clothes.

    Qiao Nan pushed Zhai Sheng and lowered her head. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare. We still have to head back to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi today. We might not be able to leave if we don¡¯t go now.¡± No one in the Qiao family, apart from Qiao Zijin, had the habit of sleeping in.

    She wanted very much to sleep until the end of time. The only reason she had gotten up after struggling so much was to avoid Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. There would be no point in her struggle if she were to be stopped by these two people. ¡°Brother Zhai, did you really not do anything while you were with Qiu Chenxi...¡±

    1

    Looking down at her bruised body, Qiao Nan could not help but have such a suspicion. Whether it was in her dream or in reality, Zhai Sheng was not one to go easy on her. In fact, he was rough and ¡®wild¡¯. As such, Qiao Nan did not really believe that Zhai Sheng could have gone without touching Qiu Chenxi in three whole years.

    Upon hearing those words, Zhai Sheng opened his mouth widely, biting down on Qiao Nan¡¯s tender flesh. ¡°Don¡¯t ask about all these stupid questions that have already been answered.¡± Zhai Sheng was surprised that he had such a passionate side too!

    How should he describe it?

    He had to say that those dirty jokes that the soldiers used to tell were of a certain standard. It was true that it felt good sleeping with a woman. Women were indeed very sweet, unlike the sweetness from a candy. It was as addictive as drugs. He wanted to eat it again and again, even after having it several times.

    ¡°Shall I help you get dressed?¡± Knowing that Qiao Nan was exhausted, Zhai Sheng ¡®kindly¡¯ took Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes out of the closet, helping Qiao Nan put them on. Of course, there was no need to talk about the fun that they had in the process of doing so.

    1

    ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 2031 - Ruining Her Image

    Chapter 2031: Ruining Her Image

    1

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    The Zhai family had already guessed that Zhai Sheng would change after marriage but they had never expected such a drastic change. It was enough to leave the Zhai family¡¯s jaw agape.

    1

    ¡°Wow... Is uncle carrying auntie down?¡± Jiajia¡¯s jaw dropped. Her ssmates dated but they were all rather reserved. Few even held hands in front of others. If they went on a date, they would choose somewhere where other schoolmates would not go.

    1

    They would never be as daring as her uncle and auntie. Her uncle¡¯s arm was around her auntie¡¯s waist! If her eyes were not lying to her, her auntie¡¯s feet had not even touched the ground!

    1

    ¡°Ahem...¡± Zhai Hua rolled her eyes at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Watch it. Jiajia¡¯s still young.¡± Zhai Hua had no way of exining to her daughter that her uncle and auntie were not expressing their love for each other. It was because her uncle had exhausted her auntie that she could not even walk. She would have no answers to Jiajia¡¯s questions. As such, Zhai Hua chose not to dig a hole for herself in case she identally buried herself in it.

    ¡°Nan Nan and I are legally married now. It¡¯s permissible byw for us to be intimate with each other. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng sat Qiao Nan by his side before scooping a bowl of congee for her. ¡°Sit down and drink some of this to fill your stomach. It¡¯s nutritious.¡±

    1

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± After resting for a while, Qiao Nan did have some energy, after all. She had not rejected Zhai Sheng carrying her down the stairs because her legs were simply too sore. Walking on t ground was still alright, but going down the stairs was still a little too much for Qiao Nan in her current state.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Miao Jing proudly. He had already said that they would not have a honeymoon baby but a baby on the first day of the marriage! But the books that Miao Miao had been reading did say doing so too frequently was not beneficial for pregnancy. He would have to remind Zhai Sheng about that.

    It was only when the bowl of congee reached her stomach did Qiao Nan feel alive. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, have you bought your tickets to Sanya? What time is it? Shall I get Brother Zhai to send you guys to the airport?¡±

    Before Zhai Sheng could even give her a reminder, Zhai Hua quickly rejected the offer. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. There are parking lots at the Ping Cheng airport. I¡¯ll drive there and park my car there. It won¡¯t cost much to park my car there for a few days. It¡¯s just as well. When wee back, we won¡¯t need to get a cab and we¡¯ll be able toe back on our own too.¡±

    It was no longer early and they had to leave as soon as possible. Otherwise, the southern courtyard¡¯s gate would be blocked once again.

    It was such a nice morning, and there was a tacit understanding not to mention anything about the Qiao family. Upon finishing their breakfast, Zhai Sheng headed into one car, and Zhai Hua headed into another. Both cars left the Zhai family¡¯spound, headed for different directions. In an instant, the Zhai family¡¯s house that had been bustling just a day earlier was now empty, save for someone who dropped by asionally to take a look at the condition of the house.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop me!¡± There was a huge motion¡¯ early in the morning at the gate of the southern courtyard. Ding Jiayi¡¯s face was filled with rage and displeasure. ¡°I want to talk it out with them. Who dares to send her own mom and sister to the police station? So what if she married into a good family? No matter what, I was the one who gave birth to her. She can¡¯t choose not to acknowledge me as her mom. I won¡¯t let this go just like that! Let¡¯s see just how she can continue being so shameless once this matter gets out!¡±

    When Qiao Zijin had aired her suspicions to Ding Jiayi, Ding Jiayi had exploded. The world was upside down. How could a daughter have called the police, asking for her own mother and sister to be arrested?

    ¡°Before you try to reason it out with them, shouldn¡¯t you think about whether your actions were appropriate? Do you think the police would have arrested you and detained you for half a day if you did nothing wrong? The police have to go by the books. Besides, I¡¯ve already exined to you many times that you guys getting detained had nothing to do with Nan Nan. There were so many guests at Nan Nan¡¯s wedding yesterday. She couldn¡¯t even manage...¡± How could she have had the time to think about Old Ding and Zijin?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression revealed her disbelief. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. We¡¯re now inws with the Zhai family. Aside from that heartless wretched girl, who else would have dared to call the police on us? Do they have something against the Zhai family? Or are they truly that bold and not afraid to die?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was being unreasonably arrogant. While she looked down on Qiao Nan, she also prided herself on being inws with the Zhai family. How on earth had Ding Jiayi formed suchplex and contradictory feelings?

    Qiao Dongliang was truly exhausted mentally. ¡°Old Ding, do you still not understand? The person who married into the Zhai family was not you. It was Qiao Nan. Do you really think that you are on good terms with the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s mom!¡± Why would she not be on good terms with them?

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan did marry into the Zhai family. But are you on good terms with Nan Nan? Since you aren¡¯t even on good terms with Nan Nan, do you really expect the Zhai family to have a close rtionship with you? The Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward you depends on Nan Nan¡¯s attitude. As for Nan Nan¡¯s attitude, I don¡¯t think I have to say anything more. I¡¯m sure you understand it well. You don¡¯t have a normal mother-and-daughter rtionship with Nan Nan.¡±

    If she did, would she not have told her mother that she was getting married? Would she not have invited her mother to her wedding? Simrly, if Ding Jiayi had just the slightest feelings toward Qiao Nan, she would never have needed to wait until the age of forty to get married.

    Qiao Dongliang had to admit that Qiao Nan had been right about one thing. While it was true that she had the good fortune of getting married to such a brilliant man like Zhai Sheng at the age of forty, there was no need for her to thank Ding Jiayi for the sufferings she had gone through, causing her to remain unmarried until the age of forty before getting the opportunity to get married.

    There was not even a rtionship to talk about between Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi had never given anything to Qiao Nan. In fact, Ding Jiayi had always been on the receiving end. Since Ding Jiayi thought that Qiao Nan had married well and was giving her some face by marrying into the Zhai family, all the more she should have helped Qiao Nan organize her wedding well so that no one would be able to fault Qiao Nan in any way.

    But what did Ding Jiayi do instead?

    Qiao Nan herself had not had any problems, but Ding Jiayi¡¯s appearance made Qiao Nan seem like someone riddled with problems. Because of that, Qiao Dongliang did not even want to persuade Qiao Nan otherwise.

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. ¡°Do you mean that that wretched girl purposely ruined my image in front of the Zhai family, causing them to misunderstand me?¡± No wonder she had never even crossed the southern courtyard¡¯s gates even once after that wretched girl got into the Zhai family!

 Chapter 2032 - Nonsense

    Chapter 2032: Nonsense

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    She had already said that it was that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, who had created all these problems. She could not bear to see the Qiao family living in peace. This wretched girl had been born to take revenge on their family!

    Qiao Dongliang did not know whether tough or to cry. ¡°Misunderstand you as a bad person? Have you forgotten how you and Zijin were on the newsst year? Do you really think it¡¯s a misunderstanding? Let¡¯s not talk about whether you are a good person. Do you think you have been a good mother to Nan Nan? If you had been good to Nan Nan, she might have been willing to exin your situation to the Zhai family so that they would change their mind about you. In that case, there¡¯s no need for Nan Nan to do anything or even say anything. There¡¯s no way the Zhai family will have a close rtionship with you like other inws.¡±

    Given this situation, there was no need for Nan Nan to say anything. Her attitude alone was sufficient. Up until now, Old Ding was still unclear about this.

    ¡°That wretched girl isn¡¯t educated and she¡¯s quite stupid. Do I need to teach her to say good things about me in front of the Zhai family? She should know to do that without me asking. Our family¡¯s situation and peace are beneficial to her too. Isn¡¯t she afraid that the Zhai family will think badly of her once they find out about our family¡¯s situation?¡± Ding Jiayi stomped her foot. How she wished she could drag Qiao Nan in front of her and give her a good beating.

    Spare the rod, spoil the child. If she did not teach Qiao Nan such a simple principle, Qiao Nan seemed not to know about it at all. Was Qiao Nan really such a fool? Did she need to teach such a simple thing? Did she even need to teach Qiao Nan how to eat?

    Qiao Dongliang could not reason with Ding Jiayi and could not understand whether it was Ding Jiayi¡¯s brain that was empty or his that was empty. Why was there always a ck hole appearing every time the couple tried to reason with each other? They could nevere to an agreement, much less him seeding in convincing Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Fine. You can go ahead if you want to. I won¡¯t stop you from embarrassing yourself.¡± Nan Nan should know Old Ding¡¯s character and should probably not be at home anymore, right? That would not do. Should he make a call to find out first?

    Qiao Dongliang quickly whipped out his phone, wanting to exin the situation to Qiao Nan. When he took out his phone, Qiao Dongliang realized that Qiao Nan had already sent him a message half an hour ago. At that time, he had been trying to stop Ding Jiayi from going to the Zhai family¡¯s house. It had probably been too noisy for him to hear the notification sound from his phone.

    Upon reading the content of the message, Qiao Dongliang breathed a sigh of relief and did not try to stop Ding Jiayi anymore. There was not a single person left in the Zhai family¡¯s house. It was impossible for Ding Jiayi to enter the southern courtyard, much less create a din at the Zhai family¡¯s house. Even now that Nan Nan had officially be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, the Qiao family had still been unable to enter the southern courtyard freely.

    This privilege had to be granted by the Zhai family. It was not simply awarded to them because they had be the Zhai family¡¯s inws in name.

    Ding Jiayi could not wrap her head around this problem and Qiao Dongliang finally agreed to let Ding Jiayi dig her own grave. He did not care if more people found out about their family¡¯s dirtyundry and mocked or ridiculed them any further.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang no longer tried to stand in her way and was even heading back home, Ding Jiayi hesitated. There was nothing stopping her from proiming to the world that the Zhai family was her inws and that she was the biological mother of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. Besides, she had to give Qiao Nan a good lecture after being thrown into the police station the previous day. Qiao Nan had to understand that she had to be filial to her mother!

    ¡°Dad, why did youe back alone? Where¡¯s Mom?¡± Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had returned alone, Qiao Zijin was surprised. ¡°Has Mom met Nan Nan? Did Mom blow her top? Actually, Nan Nan is the one in the wrong. As long as Nan Nan exins the situation to Mom and apologizes to her, I¡¯m sure Mom will forgive her. We¡¯re a family, after all.¡±

    Of course, there would be a list of conditions for Qiao Nan to fulfill when she admitted her mistake. And a good eighty percent of those conditions benefitted Qiao Zijin directly.

    Before confirming that she would be receiving these benefits, Qiao Zijin was extremely concerned about this matter. ¡°Dad, did you leave Mom there along the way?¡±

    That was very likely. Now that Qiao Nan had married a golden son-inw like Zhai Sheng, her dad had gotten even more biased,pletely ignoring her. No wonder it was often said that it was easy to add brilliance to one¡¯s present splendor but difficult to provide help in one¡¯s hour of need.

    After getting married to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan would never have to worry about money. Her future was unbridled, unlike hers. She was divorced, and neither was her son by her side. Even the money that she had in the bank was not a significant sum. Qiao Nan was already so rich, but her dad had handed the property deed of the courtyard over to her all the same.

    Qiao Zijin could not understand how shended in this state. This timest year, her reputation had been much better than Qiao Nan¡¯s even though she had been divorced. Qiao Nan had earned the ill reputation of being an olddy of forty who could not get married. In less than a year¡¯s time, Qiao Nan had risen up from the ashes to be the chief¡¯s wife, marrying such an impressive man like Zhai Sheng!

    Sometimes, Qiao Zijin wondered if she was dreaming or having a nightmare. Otherwise, how could her smooth-sailing life have taken such an expected turn? Not only had she gotten divorced, but she had even gotten severely ill, even needing to sell her one and only asset.

    On the contrary, Qiao Nan seemed to have sucked all of her good luck away. Not only had she managed to get married, but she had even gotten married to someone whom she had never dared to even dream about. In the past, her parents had only cared about her. Now, her dad seemed to have had a change of mind and was suddenly being loyal and kind to Qiao Nan, saying that he had to be fair and that the courtyard belonged to Qiao Nan in the first ce.

    All right. There was not one person in the Qiao family who was being reasonable. If her dad was so reasonable, would the first forty years of Qiao Nan¡¯s life have turned out in this way? Apart from Qiao Nan, who had been easily bullied in the past, no one in the Qiao family was a good person. Why did they try to act like good people?

    ¡°Your mom wants to make a fool of herself and I couldn¡¯t stop her. But there¡¯s no reason for me to join in on her nonsense too.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Since you care so much about your mom, why don¡¯t you go join her?¡± That was what Qiao Dongliang was most depressed about.

    He was unsure of what ill intentions Qiao Zijin had but he believed that Qiao Zijin was simply doing what would benefit her the most.. Thinking about Ding Jiayi, who had rushed off to the southern courtyard in anger, Qiao Dongliang had a feeling that there was a gun in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands.

 Chapter 2033 - Donâ€™t Know

    <h4>Chapter 2033: Don¡¯t Know</h4>

    This feeling had be more apparenttely.

    Qiao Zijinughed guiltily. ¡°Mom¡¯s gone to ¡®see¡¯ her daughter. Why should I tag along? Qiao Nan just got married to Zhai Sheng yesterday. She¡¯s still a new bride. Wouldn¡¯t I be standing in their way if I were to go and visit her?¡±

    Her mom was only going because her daughter had been insensible. As a mom, she had to educate her daughter. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister and was of the same generation as Qiao Nan. She had no right to demand anything of Qiao Nan. Besides, if her mom were to create too much of a din, her presence would only draw attention to the both of them. What would the Zhai family think of her not stepping in to persuade her mom to back off?

    She knew the position and status the Zhai family held. She would be digging her own grave if she were to do such an insensible thing in front of them.

    It was better for her mom to take the lead and settle the matter. Then, she would simply go in with a few words offort. In that way, she would save her face in front of the Zhai family while benefitting from the situation. It was a perfect solution.

    This was an opportunity for her to leave a good impression on the Zhai family, and there was no way she would give it up so easily. She would y the good cop and the role of the bad cop was naturally left to her mom. Qiao Zijin was clear about that and was careful about her attitude toward the Zhai family.

    Qiao Zijin had made her careful calctions, but unfortunately, given Ding Jiayi¡¯s tendencies, it did not matter whether Qiao Zijin showed up. The Zhai family had never had a good impression of her either way.

    Givenst year¡¯s news, the Zhai family had already formed an impression of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. There was no need to wait until they did so. Qiao Zijin might have made her careful calctions, but others were no fools either. They had not forgotten about what they had seen on the television, especially about someone as deceitful as Qiao Zijin.

    If that was really the case, the three generations of chiefs should not havee from the Zhai family but from the Qiao family instead.

    ¡°Hehe...¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re always right and full of reason. Alright, I won¡¯t try to reason with you. I left your mom there along the way. How would I know the details? If you really want to know about it, you can ask her directly when she¡¯s back.¡±

    Anyway, Nan Nan and the Zhai family had already left. Even if Ding Jiayi were really to show up, she would receive the same treatment upon trying to enter the southern courtyard. It would be easier for her to be brought to the police station. There was simply no way she would be able to create trouble for the Zhai family.

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang return to his room after leaving such a cold remark, Qiao Zijin took a bite of her watermelon unhappily. She had finally realized that Qiao Nan was just like her dad. They did not care about familial rtionships at all. She was already living such a good life. Why could she not give her elder sister a helping hand?

    If Qiao Nan had self-awareness, she would not have to work so hard to think of such far-fetched solutions to her problems.

    Forget that Qiao Nan would not help her. Now that she hade up with a solution to keep herself fed and clothed, her dad was even despising her for it! Was everything Qiao Nan did was right in her dad¡¯s eyes while everything she did was wrong?

    That was unfair!

    ¡°Mom, why are you back too? That was fast!¡± Qiao Zijin had not even managed to have much of her watermelon before Ding Jiayi returned in a huff. Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart sank.

    Even though she had already known that it would not be easy to resolve this matter, the reality was much worse than she had expected. ¡°What¡¯s with you, Mom? Why are you so angry? Did Qiao Nan provoke or disobey you again?¡±

    So, had her parents met Qiao Nan and talked to her? Had they managed to tell Qiao Nan about helping her with her civil servant entrance examination? Or tell the Zhai family about it?

    ¡°Don¡¯t even talk about it.¡± Ding Jiayi mmed the table. ¡°That wretched girl thinks that she¡¯s no longer a Qiao after getting married and has nothing to do with us. Why should I have to go to visit her after her marriage? Shouldn¡¯t she bring Zhai Sheng to visit me here instead? She should be serving me tea! Yes, she married Zhai Sheng and became the chief¡¯s wife. That¡¯s why Ipromised and took the initiative to look for her, but who would have known that she already hid away a long time ago!¡±

    Met her?

    She had to be around for there to be a chance of meeting her.

    No matter how determined Ding Jiayi was to wring Qiao Nan out whether she was dead or alive, she could not control Qiao Nan¡¯s uncooperativeness. As such, Ding Jiayi had not been able to put even a single of her great ns into use before returning home today.

    ¡°She hid away? She isn¡¯t around? Where did they go?¡± Qiao Nan had disappeared without a trace! Qiao Zijin had never expected that to happen! ¡°But this is the first day of their marriage! Isn¡¯t she afraid that the Zhai family will think badly of her for not staying in the Zhai family¡¯s house for even one day?¡±

    When she had gotten married to Chen Jun, it happened to be the period of his promotion. Besides, she had been pregnant when she had married into the Chen family. As such, on the first day of her marriage to Chen Jun, and even the one to two years following that, she had stayed at home to raise her child, faithfully sending Chen Jun off to work every day.

    Her ex-mother-inw had never allowed her to go window-shopping nearby, much less go out to y, saying that she was pregnant. If she really wanted to exercise, there was more than enough space for her to do so in the family¡¯s garden. There were too many people outside and it was way too crowded. Besides, the air quality was poor. It did not matter even if she did not care about herself, but the Chen family would never let her off if she were to hurt the baby in her stomach.

    To tell the truth, an average woman was usually treated like a queen in her ten months of pregnancy. But that was not the case in the Chen family. The Chen family had strong opinions toward her and controlled her strictly. It was only after a few years did the situation improve.

    The Zhai family was of a much higher status than the Chen family, and neither had Qiao Nan married into the Zhai family while pregnant. Besides, Qiao Nan¡¯s current situation was much moreplex than hers had been at that time. So, why was it that the results differed so much? She could not even go out on the streets, yet Qiao Nan could leave the house so happily! ¡°Did they go on their honeymoon?¡±

    Talking about that, she had never been on a honeymoon herself.

    ¡°How would I know about that?¡± Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes. ¡°The guards only told me that there¡¯s no one in the Zhai family¡¯s house.¡±

 Chapter 2034 - What Can I Do?

    Chapter 2034: What Can I Do?

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°The Zhai family left in two separate cars early this morning and left the house to the original housekeeper.¡± As for where the Zhai family or Qiao Nan had gone, there was no way for Ding Jiayi to find out about that.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that you made a trip in vain today and that you didn¡¯t meet the Zhai family or Qiao Nan?¡± Much less make her requests known to Qiao Nan so that the Zhai family would help her out? ¡°Mom, are you really trying to help me? The civil servant entrance examination is already over. Very soon, the announcement will be out for the interviews. If I didn¡¯t pass the written tests, I won¡¯t be able to attend the interviews. If that happens, you can solve the problem yourself! Didn¡¯t you say that you already thought of a solution? Is this it?¡±

    1

    Qiao Zijin was truly enraged. It was a civil service job! While she had still been married to Chen Jun, she had once made such a request to Chen Jun as well. She had not wanted to stay at home with nothing to do all day and wanted to find a job instead to earn her own keep. Of course, she had not intended to neglect her family just because of her job.

    She wanted a job that would not require her to be present often. Basically, she wanted a job that would allow her to have free time after work without anyone pressing down too hard on her. If she were really to get such a good job, she would be able to take care of her family while holding down a job.

    Ping Cheng happened to be recruiting civil servants just as Qiao Zijin raised this issue with Chen Jun. Qiao Zijin had not explicitly expressed her desire to be a civil servant, but her motive was clear since she had talked about this during such a time. As such an intelligent person, Chen Jun had immediately figured out Qiao Zijin¡¯s motive the moment she had opened her mouth.

    In the end, the conclusion of their ¡®discussion¡¯ was that Chen Jun would increase Qiao Zijin¡¯s monthly allowance by five hundred yuan and Qiao Zijin would stay at home to take care of their child and his parents. There was no need for her to get a job.

    He had no other choice. After marriage, Chen Jun had realized that Qiao Zijin only had brains when trying to deal with Qiao Nan. In any other situation, Qiao Zijin had neither IQ nor EQ. Besides, Chen Jun worried that Qiao Zijin would end up bringing more trouble to him because of his position, thus ruining his reputation and his future.

    Instead of giving Qiao Zijin a job, Chen Jun would much rather spend just a little more money every month to maintain his family¡¯s reputation and save himself from trouble. He would simply treat it as though he was paying for some peace of mind.

    She had not managed to be a civil servant while being married to Chen Jun, but now that Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng, she had gotten this idea in her mind once again.

    Qiao Zijin remembered clearly that her mind had been in a daze upon seeing the questions on the written examination. She had not even been able to understand a single question, much less answer any. Since she had not done so, how could she have received any marks for her examination?

    To put it simply, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind had simply shut down upon receiving the paper. Then, she had simply stared nkly at the examination paper. Invigtors cared only about whether test-takers were cheating, and not about whether they were doing their best to answer the questions.

    Although they had not seen many like Qiao Zijin, she was not the first. Seeing that Qiao Zijin was only here to try her luck and had gone nk, the invigtors did not even bother about Qiao Zijin again after ensuring that she was not cheating. There was nothing they could do since Qiao Zijin was not cheating, and neither was she causing any disruption to the examination procedures.

    As such, Qiao Zijin hadpleted the examination in a ¡®peaceful¡¯ manner.

    After handing in a nk paper, Qiao Zijin ced all her hopes of bing a civil servant on Ding Jiayi. It was Ding Jiayi who had assured Qiao Zijin that she hade up with a solution and would be able to fulfill Qiao Zijin¡¯s dreams.

    It had been a few days since the written examination, and it would very soon be the day of the interviews. Qiao Zijin was anxious just thinking about that. As such, Qiao Zijin had not even tried to stop Ding Jiayi from going to lecture Qiao Nan even though it was the first day of Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage. In fact, she could not wait for Ding Jiayi to hurry there without any dy.

    She was on tenterhooks about whether she would seed in bing a civil servant, so why should Qiao Nan be able to enjoy her first day of marriage so blissfully after being ¡®satisfied¡¯ by her husband? Life was not always smooth-sailing. If Qiao Nan was so insensible, she would not mind teaching Qiao Nan a lesson as her elder sister.

    ¡°I know. I remember everything. I said that I¡¯ll help you be a civil servant even if I don¡¯t get to meet Qiao Nan. When have I ever gone back on my word? What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Ding Jiayi retorted in frustration. There was no other choice. Her most obedient and most ¡®unpromising¡¯ daughter had be disobedient. This had almost always been the casetely and Ding Jiayi was upset, feeling as though she had lost all dignity.

    Every time Qiao Zijin posed that question, Ding Jiayi would always give her the same reply. Qiao Zijin could not help but stomp her feet. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t care about it anymore. If the resultse out and my name isn¡¯t on the interview shortlist, you can deal with it, Mom! This is the biggest event of my life. Besides getting married, getting this job is the only thing I can count on to give me a good life in the future. It¡¯s all up to you whether it fails or seeds. I¡¯m your only daughter now. You can¡¯t possibly leave me to die!¡±

    The conversation between the mother-and-daughter pair had been overheard by Qiao Dongliang, who had been in his room. Qiao Dongliang could not understand how Ding Jiayi was so confident that she would be able to secure Qiao Zijin a civil service job even without meeting Qiao Nan or the Zhai family.

    What was Ding Jiayi¡¯s solution? Albeit given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s understanding of Ding Jiayi, he could not put his finger on Ding Jiayi¡¯s n.

    Qiao Zijin did not believe Ding Jiayi, and neither did Qiao Dongliang, but he could not help but worry that Ding Jiayi would create more trouble for Qiao Nan once again. It was only when the interview name list was announced that everyone in the northern courtyard was caught by surprise.

    Qiao Zijin had been rather intelligent in her childhood and was a university graduate too. Ten years ago, she could have gotten away with it.. But now that Qiao Zijin had graduated from university and had spent quite a lot of time back at the Qiao family¡¯s house, and given that these neighbors had educated their children on their own, they were clear about how much knowledge Qiao Zijin truly had.

 Chapter 2035 - Examination?

    <h4><i>Chapter 2035</i>: Examination?</h4>

    The neighbor who had asked Ding Jiayi for a favor the previous time had a daughter who had graduated with decent results and had even won a few schrships in school. However, even her daughter had not managed to be shortlisted for the interview. How had Qiao Zijin been able to do so? And that was why the northern courtyard went into a frenzy.

    This neighbor, who had once asked Ding Jiayi for a favor, was the first to show up at the Qiao family¡¯s door, clearly displeased. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say that Qiao Nan married well? She¡¯s so amazing. How could it be possible that she doesn¡¯t have any abilities at all? But as neighbors, it¡¯s just a favor. One or two more won¡¯t make a difference. Don¡¯t you think so, Sister Ding?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s intelligence was no match for her daughter. So, why was it that Qiao Zijin managed to get to the interview while her daughter had not been able to do so? It was simply because she had not given birth to a sister like Qiao Nan, who had married into a good family.

    Upon hearing that Qiao Zijin had managed to get through the written examinations and was shortlisted for the interview, she was willing to bet her life that the Qiao family must have pulled some strings.

    They were old neighbors and old friends, after all. Qiao Nan must have gotten the Zhai family¡¯s help to give Qiao Zijin the opportunity to be interviewed. She could let that go, but only on the condition that her daughter could do so as well.

    They could use the excuse that there had beenputational errors or that the percentile cut-off for the interview had been shifted. Anything was fine, really. She did not care what methods Qiao Nan or the Zhai family used for her daughter to be epted for the interview and the job. Then, she would promise never to leak a word about Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter.

    If...

    If the Qiao family did not treat them as neighbors and refused to help them out with this favor, letting her capable daughter be treated so unfairly, she would definitely fight back on her daughter¡¯s behalf. She would make those people who bullied her daughter suffer as well!

    The Zhai family was powerful. There was no way she could do anything to them. But if this was to be exposed, a simple investigation of Qiao Zijin¡¯s paper would immediately result in her name being removed from the interview shortlist.

    Perhaps, if Qiao Zijin¡¯s name were to be removed, her daughter¡¯s name might even be added to fill that space!

    ¡°We¡¯ve been neighbors for such a long time. Shouldn¡¯t we help each other out in these situations? Only by helping each other out will we be able to improve our rtionship. Isn¡¯t there a saying that a close neighbor is much better than a distant brother? Sister Ding, you watched my daughter grow up. You have to help me out. Zijin may have been shortlisted for the interview, but my daughter wasn¡¯t. I really didn¡¯t know that Zijin was so knowledgeable. Shall we let our children get together some time? My daughter has quite a few problems that Zijin might be able to help her out with.¡±

    In short, there was no way Qiao Zijin was going for the interview if her daughter was not.

    This old neighbor had already made her intention clear with such a threat. As long as Qiao Zijin wanted to go for her interview, her daughter had to go too. Otherwise, she would find a way to disqualify Qiao Zijin from the interview.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression was terrible. This neighbor was not very capable herself and she was trying to get her daughter a job in the civil service? She was threatening her with such an average family background? Did she forget that Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughter was the wife of a chief?

    No matter what, it was that wretched girl, Qiao Nan¡¯s, fault. If Qiao Nan had gotten married from the Qiao family¡¯s home, the entire courtyard would know that Qiao Nan was the Qiao family¡¯s daughter. Anyone who looked down on the Qiao family or tried to harm the Qiao family would be going against Qiao Nan and the entire Zhai family.

    If Qiao Nan had hardened her attitude, there was no way these people would dare to threaten her for a favor in this manner! Did they want to be civil servants with her help? Fine!

    The problem was that there were no free lunches in this world. Before getting anything, one first had to give up something. Did they really think that simply saying that they were old neighbors would suffice? They were all adults. Could they be more rational and mature?

    She had not even received all those benefits she had envisioned, nor had she been ttered, before she had been threatened. As such, it was only natural for Ding Jiayi to be in as bad a mood as Qiao Zijin had been earlier.

    Ding Jiayi hesitated for a moment. Should she help the neighbor¡¯s daughter, or should she simply tell her neighbor off? Her daughter might be the chief¡¯s wife, but no matter how far her connections reached, that was the Qiao family¡¯s matters. If they wanted to take advantage of the Qiao family, they had better act more humbly and courteously.

    Ding Jiayi deliberated between her two options for a while before sneering. ¡°Alright, it seems as though you don¡¯t need my help. You seem more capable than me. I believe that with a mother like you, your daughter can be the head of state if she wants, much less a mere civil servant. I¡¯m nowhere as capable as you are. Your daughter will have to work hard to be a civil servant by her own efforts. All the best. I¡¯ll be cheering for you.¡±

    The neighbor¡¯s expression paled. ¡°Sister Ding, we¡¯ve been old neighbors for such a long time. Do you really want to bring things so far? It¡¯ll be awkward for all of us in the future. We should be generous to others at times. Problems can be solved bypromises. Of course, we won¡¯t expect you to help us for free. You are free to make any demands and requests.¡±

    Beforeing, the neighbor¡¯s daughter had told her that it was impolite to show up empty-handed if they wanted a favor. No matter how underhanded their methods were, that was still the Qiao family¡¯s own matters. What if they needed even more help from the Qiao family in the future?

    There was no need to worry about spending money in this society. One only needed to worry about not having anywhere to spend their money. It was obvious that Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage to Zhai Sheng and her bing the chief¡¯s wife had caused the Qiao family to be all high and mighty. Given their family¡¯s history with the Qiao family, they could count on having the Qiao family¡¯s help if they needed it in the future.

    The youngdy was rather good-natured about the situation. She had probably already expected this situation and thus spoke gently. On the other hand, her mother was enraged.

    Her daughter was clearly a hundred times better than Qiao Zijin in every way. Qiao Zijin had bought her way through university while her daughter had won schrships. Qiao Zijin had graduated more than two decades ago and had never so much as touched a book after graduating!

 Chapter 2036 - Very Blessed

    <h4>Chapter 2036: Very Blessed</h4>

    On the contrary, her daughter had recently graduated from university and was in the most knowledgeable period of her life.

    She could not bear to see her daughter lose to someone like Qiao Zijin, much less hand her hard-earned money over to someone like that. Everyone in Ping Cheng knew just how badly Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had treated Qiao Nan.

    Even though Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had treated Qiao Nan so badly, they had still been able to leech off Qiao Nan and ride on herurels after she married well! Why was that so?

    The neighbors were filled with resentment and dissatisfaction. All sorts ofplex emotions jumbled up together. As such, that old neighbor had not agreed to her daughter¡¯s proposal. Initially, that neighbor had even threatened Ding Jiayi to help her.

    However, her angersted only for a moment. After all, what mattered was her daughter¡¯s job. She could not possibly cause her daughter to lose that job just because of a moment of anger. But once Ding Jiayi¡¯s hardened her attitude, that old neighbor had no other choice. There was no way of salvaging this deal.

    Alright, she would pay for her help if necessary. As long as Ding Jiayi was willing to help her family and let her daughter attend the interview with Qiao Zijin, spending a little was fine with her. Her daughter was right. It was better to have somewhere to spend her money than have no money to spend. But what frustrated her most was that even though she was willing to spend this sum of money, she could not find anyone who was willing to ept her money!

    It had not been easy for a family like the Qiao family to appear in the northern courtyard and this was good news to everyone in the northern courtyard. At least, they would have someone they could depend on in the future. ¡°Sister Ding, you don¡¯t have to feel burdened. I have only one daughter. It doesn¡¯t matter how hard her dad and I have to work as long as it benefits her!¡±

    She thought about Ding Jiayi¡¯s greed and how Ding Jiayi wished to suck Qiao Nan dry of everything she had. Qiao Nan was her biological daughter, no less. She was only an outsider. Now that she was willing to pay Ding Jiayi, she was afraid that Ding Jiayi might make her family go bankrupt!

    There were limits to everything, after all. She could only hope that Ding Jiayi would have a little conscience and propose a smaller number on the ount that they had been neighbors for a long time.

    ¡°Auntie, look at what you¡¯re saying. If my mom can really help you, she would.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s ears were extremely sharp. She had just thrown a temper at Ding Jiayi, but the moment she heard that someone had arrived at their house, she momentarily forgot about her anger and perked up her ears to listen in on the conversation happening outside. The more she heard, the more interested Qiao Zijin got.

    It was not the first time Qiao Zijin encountered such an incident since she had once been the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw. However, she had not been in charge in the Chen family. Chen Jun was still on the rise and could not afford to have anyone drag him down. As such, the Chen family had always rejected such requests.

    It was Father Chen¡¯s decision to make. If he decided to ept them, Chen Jun could only ept his decision and Qiao Zijin would only hear about it afterward. As for how much the Chen family benefited from it, Qiao Zijin had no idea since she was never consulted in the process. But her years of experience in the Chen family had, at least, taught Qiao Zijin how to handle such matters.

    ¡®Money¡¯ could not rule the matter, even if the Qiao family were not officials like the Chen family. The Qiao family could not afford to be used of having received bribes. Besides, they had to be even more careful, given their rtionship with the Zhai family.

    While she had been in the Chen family, she had never been allowed to interfere in such matters. Now that she was back in the Qiao family, it was only natural for her to take things into her own hands. Such a new experience delighted Qiao Zijin. Her mom was right. It did not matter that Qiao Nan did not acknowledge them as her family. Because Qiao Nan had once been part of the Qiao family, she would always be part of the Qiao family. There was no way she could cut her ties off just like that.

    Even if Qiao Nan no longer saw herself as part of the Qiao family, others would still regard Qiao Nan as part of the Qiao family as long as the Qiao family was willing to acknowledge her. In that case, Qiao Nan would never be able to rid herself of this familial rtionship. It did not matter even if Qiao Nan was reluctant to help her family and give them better lives. They would have their own solutions to that.

    Connections and backdoors solved everything. She would not even need to bring up the matter of money. There would be a whole horde of people waiting to throw their money at her, even begging her to ept it.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin had emerged, the old neighbor felt even sourer. Even so, she had to force a smile out for the sake of her daughter. ¡°Zijin, you have such great fortune. You have a good mother and a good sister. Congrattions. You¡¯re going for the interview, right?¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled in glee. ¡°Auntie, your news sources are great! You found out about it before I did! But I just received the notice earlier too. Yes, I have good fortune, but so does your daughter. She has a good mother, at least.¡±

    Yes, she had good fortune. It had always been good since she was young. Qiao Nan, who had risen to be a phoenix, was her younger sister, and she had a mother who was devoted to her. This was something that others could only dream about. ¡°Auntie, it isn¡¯t early anymore. We should get ready. After all, this situation is a little different. There are some things that should be prepared ahead of time.¡±

    The old neighbor¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Alright. I¡¯lle and find you again tonight.¡± To send some money over.

    The old neighbor had never expected Qiao Zijin to be much more sophisticated than Ding Jiayi and to ept her money without much thought. The problem was that the Qiao family had not specified the sum of money they wanted, so how much should she actually give them? If she were to give them too little, they might be unwilling to solve their problem. That would be a waste of money. On the other hand, it was heart-wrenching to give them too much.

    She could not wrap her head around how the Qiao family had the cheek to ept such a huge sum of money from her. After all, they had shared such a long history and got along quite well too. Helping them meant nothing to the Qiao family and could be done without them even doing anything. As expected, the entire Qiao family, apart from Qiao Nan, was so materialistic. They were inhumane!

    After receiving an affirmative answer, the old neighbor rushed home to discuss with her husband and daughter how much to give the Qiao family. Since her husband was uncertain, her daughter hesitated for a moment before suggesting a hundred thousand yuan. It was a six-figure sum, and the old neighbor felt like her heart was already bleeding. Contrarily, her daughter even asked her whether it would be sufficient!

    Of course!

    She had initially intended to give just a few thousand yuan. That was already more than enough in her opinion. But who would have known that her daughter would immediately propose a six-figure sum? ¡°Won¡¯t it be considered bribery if we give the Qiao family so much money at once?¡±

 Chapter 2037 - Would Rather Not Accept It

    <h4>Chapter 2037: Would Rather Not ept It</h4>

    Thinking about how her family¡¯s hard-earned money was going to people like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, that old neighbor felt ufortable on all levels. Even if she were to hand the money over, she would definitely find a way to get it back from the Qiao family once her daughter became a civil servant.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t...¡± The neighbor¡¯s daughter was on the verge of tears. Why were things going from bad to worse? ¡°If you want to do that, you might as well not hand the money over in the first ce. I¡¯ll just give up the civil service entrance examination and get a normal job. Why don¡¯t you think about how the one doing the work is the Zhai family while the Qiao family is simply the one receiving the money? Since the Qiao family is doing nothing apart from receiving the money, it can¡¯t possibly be bribery. If the money does indeed go into the Zhai family¡¯s pockets, then what you said might have some truth to it. Besides, given the Zhai family¡¯s capabilities... I know you¡¯ll want to get your money back after I secure a civil service job. Don¡¯t think that a job in the civil service is a cradle-to-grave job. There is nothing absolute in this world!¡±

    It was true that the hundred thousand yuan would never reach the Zhai family. But if they were to provoke the Qiao family, she could be dismissed from her job the same way she had gotten that job. Then, they would have worked so hard for nothing in the end.

    After going through all those underhanded methods, she would never need to think about having a government job. Even better state-owned enterprises would not dare to hire her. Who would dare to hire a worker like her? Did they have too good of a rtionship with the government authorities that they would dare to hire such a sensitive person who would only ruin everything?

    If she did not try for a civil service job, none of these problems would surface and she would not need to be ostracized and embarrassed in that manner.

    ¡°Listen to her!¡± Her husband took a sharp puff of his cigarette. ¡°Our daughter has been intelligent since she was young and she¡¯s knowledgeable. Nothing will go wrong if we listen to her.¡± Their daughter had said to try asking the Qiao family for a favor even if they needed to pay them. Now that the interview name list had been announced, if the Qiao family was still willing to ept their money, it meant that their daughter still had a chance.

    It would take another few years to earn that hundred thousand yuan, but he had no other choice. He had only one daughter. This sum of money could not bepared to his daughter¡¯s future. He could always earn that sum of money back. Besides, once his daughter became a civil servant, she would be earning good money. In that case, a hundred thousand yuan was less than a year¡¯s worth of her daughter¡¯s wage.

    They would just treat it as though their daughter¡¯s sry in her first year was the Qiao family¡¯s. But after that first year, whatever their daughter earned would be their family¡¯s.

    The man stubbed his cigarette while mulling through the matter. ¡°Let¡¯s just do as she said. Firstly, we can choose to give up the civil service job. Secondly, we can choose to mend our rtionship with the Qiao family and give Ding Jiayi a hundred thousand yuan. You¡¯re so short-sighted and petty. Didn¡¯t you hear what our daughter said? It¡¯s better to have somewhere to spend our money than have no money to spend. After our daughter bes a civil servant, her yearly sry will be much more than a hundred thousand yuan! Do you think we¡¯ll have to pay the Qiao family more than once for this one matter?¡±

    A hundred thousand yuan sounded like a huge sum of money and it was indeed heart-wrenching to hand it over to someone else. However, if they were to look at it from a long-term perspective, not only would their family not lose out, but they would even make a fortune from it!

    His wife had made such a fuss simply because she wanted the Qiao family, their long-term neighbor, to help them because Qiao Nan had married a man with such a good family background. On the other hand, their daughter was only twenty-five, was pretty, and highly educated. It would not be easy for them to find a son-inw half as good as Zhai Sheng, much less on par with him.

    ¡°Youngdy, don¡¯t bother about what your mom said. She¡¯s just sour because the Qiao family has been in a mess for such a long time and has been the joke of the entire courtyard. No one would have guessed that the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter would rise from the ashes and get married to such a man.¡± On the contrary, their family had always been harmonious and peaceful all along.

    Women were indeed petty.

    The youngdy nodded. ¡°Mom, which one would you choose?¡± She had to let her mom make the decision. Otherwise, her mom might go back on her word and try to take the money back from the Qiao familyter on. Then, there would be no way of salvaging the situation, and all their efforts would be in vain.

    Because both her husband and daughter were in agreement, there was nothing the old neighbor could say. ¡°Alright. The both of you are trying to lecture me together. I know what you guys mean. I won¡¯t make any more trouble. Will that do? Humph! At times like these, you two are a family while I¡¯m an outsider. I¡¯m the only bad guy, right?¡±

    This concerned her daughter¡¯s future. She could never do something that would hurt her daughter¡¯s future no matter how upset or angry she was. They simply had to exin it to her nicely. She was not an unreasonable person.

    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s not true. I¡¯m always on your side.¡± The youngdy winked at her dad. She had only said such things to appease her mother. In reality, she was always in cahoots with her dad. The youngdy¡¯s father had no choice but to smile. He was already so advanced in age. How could he let his daughter coax him instead?

    ¡°Alright, hurry and get out of my way. Old Qiao is an old foggy, and Qiao Nan may look like she¡¯s distant and cold, but I think it¡¯s because she was too aggrieved by the Qiao family. That¡¯s why she¡¯s the way she is. The two of them are the most honest in the Qiao family, while Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin are the most cunning and evil. They are already waiting for us to send the money over. If we make them wait for too long, they might decide not to help our daughter anymore. I have to go to the bank to withdraw a hundred thousand yuan and bring it over to them!¡±

    Now that they hade to a decision, the old neighbor did not hesitate any longer and rushed to the bank to withdraw that sum of money.

    While the old neighbor was withdrawing the money, the Qiao family was busy too. After their neighbor left, Qiao Zijin hugged Ding Jiayi out of joy. ¡°Mom, how did you do it? I thought you didn¡¯t meet Qiao Nan or the Zhai family? I...¡±

    She had clearly handed in a nk sheet of paper, but she had still passed the written examination! She had already said that nothing was impossible as long as one had the right connections. The only unexpected thing was that her mom had indeed seeded! But what had her mom done?

    ¡°Even your son doesn¡¯t jump around like that. You¡¯re already a mother, but you¡¯re even more mischievous than your son. Hurry and get down! What will other people think if they see you like this?¡± Ding Jiayi felt extremely proud and ted in the face of her daughter¡¯s adoration and admiration. ¡°See, I wasn¡¯t just bragging. Didn¡¯t I manage to solve this problem for you?¡±

 Chapter 2038 - Sending Money Over

    <h4>Chapter 2038: Sending Money Over</h4>

    ¡°Yes, yes. My mom¡¯s the best!¡± She was so amazing that she could hardly recognize her! ¡°Mom, I may have passed the written examination, but what about the interview?¡± The written examination was nothingpared to the interview. Since she had already passed the written examination, had her mother already paved the way for her such that she only needed to appear for the interview to be able to pass it?

    Ding Jiayi smirked smugly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll make sure that everything goes smoothly. The interview¡¯s just a formality. Dress well and just show up. I¡¯ll arrange for everything else.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re awesome! Mom, I love you so much!¡± She realized for the first time that her mom was not only capable but extremely capable! Compared to her dad, her mom was a few hundred times more reliable! ¡°Mom, what about our neighbor? The results for the written examination may be out, but you can do your magic again and settle that too, right? Don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t work hard for nothing. Of course, if they are stupid and try to pay us off with just a little bit of money, I¡¯ll definitely not make you go through so much hard work!¡±

    They could dream on about getting a favor with a small sum of money.

    If they were capable, they could use that small sum of money to get help elsewhere.

    Ding Jiayi frowned. ¡°Zijin, do you really want me to interfere in that matter?¡± Zijin was her daughter and that wretched girl, Qiao Nan¡¯s, elder sister. That was why it had been easy to settle Zijin¡¯s matter. But if they were to talk about that neighbor¡¯s daughter, it would get much moreplicated. ¡°If this happened before the results were announced, I might have been able to do something about it. But it¡¯s toote now. After all, everyone knows about the results. It¡¯ll be too hard for me to effect any change now.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had thought that Qiao Zijin was simply trying to shoo their neighbor away by mentioning money. Ding Jiayi had self-awareness, at the very least. That neighbor was asking for a favor for the sake of doing so. What a joke! The civil service entrance examination was such an important event. Was it something that neighbors could help each other with?

    She would never get herself involved in something like that. It was only because Zijin had taken the test that she had done something about it. Did other family¡¯s daughters concern her?

    The moment the results of the written examination came out, Ding Jiayi gave up all hope. And after her neighbor threatened her earlier, Ding Jiayi had gotten even more upset. Initially, she had been a little fearful but she came to a realizationter on. What kind of situations had those people in the department not seen?

    These people definitely had a backup n for themselves. Besides, it was not easy for ordinary citizens to check on the civil servant examination papers. She was even more certain that there would be nothing wrong with her daughter¡¯s papers. It did not matter that Zijin did not know how to answer those questions as long as those people did.

    Zijin was not the only one who had passed the written examination. The people marking the papers could simply copy the right answers exactly, or with minor modifications, onto Zijin¡¯s paper. In that way, no one would suspect a thing.

    It was because of this that Ding Jiayi had not been afraid of her neighbor¡¯s threat. Since she had already vented her anger, Ding Jiayi was already prepared to leave the matter at that now that the difficulty had intensified. ¡°Zijin, I¡¯ve thought about it. I don¡¯t want to get involved with it. Although I settled your matter and helped you get into the interview round, we shouldn¡¯t be too cocky and let our guards down. It¡¯ll be easier to settle everything when we keep low profiles.¡±

    If Qiao Nan had not gotten married to Zhai Sheng, she would never have thought to do such a thing. Ding Jiayi¡¯s sess was nothing more than a fluke. As an ordinary citizen, Ding Jiayi wanted to live a normal life. She could not possibly assure others that she could ensure that they would pass the civil servant examinations and reap benefits from others because of that.

    Her daughter might have seeded, but what would she do if she epted money and they failed in the end? Would they take it lying down as long as she returned their money to them? Helping Zijin alone was alright. It was not such a huge matter that would draw too much attention. She would always be able to clean up after herself.

    If there were too much money and too many personnel involved, however, Ding Jiayi was afraid that she would no longer be able to handle everything. There was no way she could stand up tall andmit so many crimes.

    Qiao Zijin was in a frenzy. While she had been in the Chen family, she had never gotten the say in such matters. Now that she was back in her own family, why could she not make the decisions in the same situation? ¡°Mom, can¡¯t you be a little braver? Don¡¯t forget that your daughter is the wife of a chief. If anything goes wrong, you can always use your position against them. The people who arrest you will have to invite you out respectfully unless they have a death wish. Besides, there¡¯s only one other person apart from me who needs your help. What¡¯s so difficult about that? I think we can even ept one or two more people in the future.¡±

    Of course, that would all depend on how much all those people were willing to pay. If the sum of money was satisfactory, they would render their service. Otherwise, they would have to find someone else for help.

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no hurry. Let¡¯s just see how much they are willing to give us before we make a decision. If you really decide not to do it because it¡¯s too troublesome, then I won¡¯t stop you from rejecting them. You¡¯re my mom. I want you to be happy. As long as you¡¯re happy, I will support you no matter what decision you make. I can¡¯t possibly stand on other people¡¯s sides against my own mom!¡±

    Qiao Zijin was anxious but her brain still worked just fine. She knew very well the kind of temper her mom had. The only thing her mom took a fancy to was money. If that neighbor was smart and was willing to fork out a reasonable amount of money, she did not believe that her mom would be so adamant in rejecting her.

    As long as money came into the picture, she would not even need to interfere in the matter. Her mom would agree to the matter herself. Her mom was almost seventy and did not have many more years to live. How much could she possibly spend in those few years? As such, all of her mom¡¯s money would eventually belong to her alone after her mom¡¯s death.

    If they seeded this time, Qiao Zijin knew that there would definitely be a lot more peopleing to ask the Qiao family for favors in the future. Of course, this would mean that there would be even more money being stuffed into their pockets.

    When that time came, she might be able to repurchase the big house that she had sold off previously. In fact, she might even have enough money to buy a vi!

 Chapter 2039 - Terrible

    <h4>Chapter 2039: Terrible</h4>

    Then, she would have a house, a car, and money. Why would she need to find a man to get married to? She might as well find a young and handsome guy to date instead!

    Just thinking about a life like that made Qiao Zijin over the moon.

    Qiao Dongliang had not overheard the conversation between the mother and daughter, but he knew clearly just how capable Qiao Zijin was. As such, something must have gone wrong for Qiao Zijin to have passed the written examination. This meant that Ding Jiayi had not simply been bragging when she said that she would be able to solve the problem. Ding Jiayi had actually seeded!

    It went without saying that Ding Jiayi¡¯s sess definitely had to do with Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang whipped out his phone anxiously and made a call to Qiao Nan to exin the situation. ¡°Nan Nan, hurry and get Zhai Sheng to check what¡¯s going on. Otherwise, you and Zhai Sheng might get into trouble!¡±

    Yes, Qiao Dongliang had always thought that he would no longer have to worry about Qiao Nan now that she was married to Zhai Sheng. The divorced and jobless Qiao Zijin was the one he would have to worry about. Of course, there was nothing better than having his younger daughter giving his elder daughter a hand.

    Qiao Dongliang had wanted to ask Zhai Sheng for help to secure Qiao Zijin a job in the civil service. Although they all shared the same goals, there was a huge difference in their methods.

    Qiao Dongliang could only rest assured if Zhai Sheng was the one handling the matter. Qiao Dongliang believed that nothing would go wrong as long as Zhai Sheng was the one arranging everything. These people were sophisticated and would never let anyone find any fault with them.

    Although Qiao Dongliang believed in Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability, it did not mean that he believed in Ding Jiayi¡¯s. Even though she had seeded, Qiao Dongliang was still worried that Ding Jiayi¡¯s crude methods would leave chink in her armor that people would be able to catch in the future. Then, not only would Qiao Zijin lose her chance of bing a civil servant, but the Zhai family might even be implicated, affecting Nan Nan¡¯s marriage.

    He hoped that both his daughters would have good lives in the future, not for both of them to live poorly. He had no intention of sacrificing one of his daughters for the other. It was only good if both of them were well.

    Once there were any conflicts in his daughter¡¯s interests, he would definitely choose Qiao Nan. If not for anything else, Qiao Dongliang simply felt that he owed Qiao Nan too much for the first forty years of her life. Qiao Zijin, the elder sister, owed Qiao Nan a lot as well.

    As such, it was only natural to prioritize Qiao Nan¡¯s interests if there were to be a conflict.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I already knew about it. I¡¯ll tell Brother Zhai about that. If you hear anything at home, you can just send me a text message.¡± After she hung up the call, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression was somber. She had not expected Ding Jiayi to seed. How was that possible?

    Besides, on the day of her wedding, her dad had already mentioned this. Brother Zhai had even said that he had already assigned people to keep a watch on this. Since Brother Zhai¡¯s subordinates were already taking care of this matter, how could Ding Jiayi have seeded in the end? ¡°Brother Zhai,e here. I have something to discuss with you alone.¡±

    The confused Qiao Nan pulled Zhai Sheng into the room and sat him down in front of her.

    Zhai Sheng raised his eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why do you look so serious? Why do we have to talk here?¡± He could not stop his mind from drifting to a certain ce now that he was in an enclosed space with Nan Nan.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, Qiao Zijin passed the written examination and was shortlisted for the interview round of civil service examination.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Zhai Sheng was taken aback too. ¡°Are you sure that Qiao Zijin doesn¡¯t have the ability to get so far on her own?¡± He did not have any understanding of his sister-inw. The only thing he knew was that the Qiao family had sacrificed Qiao Nan to let Qiao Zijin enter university. Typically, university graduates were still worth something.

    Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to look down on Qiao Zijin, but ever since she was in high school, the Qiao family had been using money to get her through school. Rather than saying that Qiao Zijin was studying, it would be more urate to say that the Qiao family bought Qiao Zijin a degree to package her as a university graduate. If Qiao Zijin was just a little smarter, I might not even be so angry about all the sacrifices I¡¯ve made all these years.¡±

    She had wanted to study so badly, but the Qiao family had snatched that opportunity away from her. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin took her hard-earned money and squandered it, not retaining any knowledge at all.

    What infuriated Qiao Nan was how she had been forced to drop out of school while she had been in junior high school. Topletely deprive her of any chances of continuing her education, Ding Jiayi had sold all of her junior high school textbooks with Qiao Zijin¡¯s encouragement.

    Then, Qiao Zijin went to high school.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin bringing back so many books every school term, Qiao Nan had been so envious. She had always wanted to borrow those books to read. While Qiao Zijin was studying, Ding Jiayi had told Qiao Nan that Qiao Zijin was the only educated person in their family and their family¡¯s only hope. As such, Qiao Zijin¡¯s books were especially precious. No one else in the family could touch her books for fear of damaging them. How then would she be able to study?

    Qiao Nan herself was an educated person, and her junior high school textbooks were in such pristine conditions from the day they were issued up until the day they had been sold. As such, there was no way she would spoil or ruin Qiao Zijin¡¯s books.

    But Qiao Nan had no choice but to agree after Ding Jiayi said so. Qiao Nan said that she would not borrow Qiao Zijin¡¯s books while she was still using them, but she then asked if she could borrow them once Qiao Zijin finished her high school examinations or no longer used them?

    When Qiao Nan had asked about that, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had readily agreed. However, when Qiao Zijin finally finished her high school examinations, Qiao Nan rushed home eagerly, wanting to receive Qiao Zijin¡¯s books, only to find that Ding Jiayi had sold them off. Ding Jiayi had imed that Qiao Zijin had had too many books and that they were taking up too much space at home. Instead of letting them pile up at home, she had gotten rid of them and had even gotten some money back in return!

    The situation remained the same way even after Qiao Zijin entered university.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s textbooks were bought using her wages, yet Qiao Zijin treated her textbooks like rubbish and was not even willing to give Qiao Nan a chance to study. The first few times that had happened, Qiao Nan had believed that it had been Ding Jiayi who had sold the textbooks. After all, Qiao Zijin was still young and could not make a decision for Ding Jiayi. After all, Ding Jiayi was the one who called the shots in the Qiao family.

 Chapter 2040 - Speechless

    <h4>Chapter 2040: Speechless</h4>

    But after Qiao Zijin entered university, her life was no longer under Ding Jiayi¡¯s control. Still, Qiao Zijin had lied to her that the few books that she had brought back had been sold off by Ding Jiayi. Anyway, Ding Jiayi had never questioned Qiao Zijin about how she spent her money. As such, Qiao Zijin¡¯s lies had never once been exposed.

    Even so, every time Qiao Nan waited for Qiao Zijin to return with her books, Qiao Zijin would always reply insincerely, ¡°Sorry, my memory hasn¡¯t been very goodtely. I forgot about that, so I didn¡¯t bring any books back this time.¡±

    At that time, Qiao Zijin was already a university student and Qiao Nan had alreadye of age. After being trampled on again and again by Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan slowly understood that kinship did not exist in the Qiao family.

    As such, now that Zhai Sheng brought up the matter of Qiao Zijin¡¯s knowledge level, Qiao Nan did not try to save any face for Qiao Zijin and simply said that Qiao Zijin had nothing in her. ¡°Once, while she was having a gathering with her friends, I overheard her saying that she had only managed to pass her exams by cheating right under her lecturer¡¯s nose. Qiao Zijin never liked to study, but her room in the Qiao family¡¯s house is filled with books. Do you know what kind of books those are? Romance novels!¡±

    Apart from those romance novels, Qiao Zijin was unwilling to touch anything with words, even if they were simply instructional booklets. She imed that her whole body felt ufortable just by reading them. Then, she would simply pass the job on to someone else.

    How could someone whose head hurt from reading instructional booklets possibly pass the written examination for the civil service entrance examination? What a joke!

    Hearing Qiao Nan describe Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation, Zhai Sheng did not dare to belittle this matter. Something must have happened for Qiao Zijin to have been able to pass the written examination. Zhai Sheng was notpletely ignorant of the Qiao family¡¯s situation. As such, if the Qiao family had done anything with regard to this matter, they must have been riding on theurels of the Zhai family.

    Zhai Sheng had never expected Ding Jiayi to be so bold as to do such underhanded things without Qiao Nan or the Zhai family¡¯s knowledge. A few decades ago, such boldness would have made her a good spy. Zhai Sheng could not wrap his head around how someone like Ding Jiayi could give birth to a daughter as good as Qiao Nan.

    Was it that a ck henys white eggs?

    Qiao Nan cared about this matter, and Zhai Sheng could not let Ding Jiayi have her way, ruining the Zhai family¡¯s reputation. As such, Zhai Sheng made a call back to Ping Cheng to find out if there had been any problem with the civil service entrance examination. If anything had gone wrong, they would have to conduct a thorough investigation.

    To some people, Zhai Sheng¡¯s call frightened them, yet it appeared just in time, helping them solve their problems.

    Because of this call, Zhai Sheng gained a deeper understanding of the situation and learned just how much milder Qiao Nan had described the Qiao family to be. ¡°Alright, I understand. You must punish those who are involved. This shouldn¡¯t be allowed anywhere. Such ideas are dangerous and we don¡¯t needrades like that. If people have such mindsets toward important matters concerning our country and people, imagine the mess our country will be in.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes...¡± The other party wiped his sweat while bowing and nodding. Although Zhai Sheng was not in front of him, he was already trembling in fear and could not stop himself from sweating or shivering. Thankfully, he had not gotten himself involved in the matter. Otherwise, he would have gotten himself into a huge mess instead of sucking up to such an important figure in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, chief. I¡¯ll deal with this matter well. I won¡¯t let her in and I¡¯ll make sure that the people involved are punished. We will never allow such underhanded methods to be used in Ping Cheng¡¯s civil service entrance examinations. Alright, I¡¯ll definitely keep you updated on this matter. Goodbye, chief.¡± Upon hanging up the phone, the person who had been on the phone realized that the tissue in his hand was soaked with his sweat.

    After ending his call, that man immediately made another call to scold his subordinates. ¡°What kind of people is the Zhai family? They are old revolutionaries and cadres! People don¡¯t get any more righteous than the Zhai family! How could the Zhai family possibly be willing to do such things? Conduct a thorough investigation and find out who did this. Don¡¯t let a single one of them go!¡±

    It was easy for them to resolve the matter within their department. Because the Zhai family was so clear about their stance on this matter, there was no need for them to worry about kicking that worker out of their department aftermitting such an error. The only thing he was depressed over was that they had already announced the names of those shortlisted for the interview stage this year.

    A name that should not have appeared on that list had appeared on it. How should he resolve this problem with as minimal damages as possible?

    After Zhai Sheng hung up the phone, Qiao Nan asked him about the details of the situation. When Qiao Nan realized just what Ding Jiayi had done, she was truly speechless. Yes, she had gotten married to Zhai Sheng. But the one who was a chief was not even on good terms with Ding Jiayi, and neither was he her biological son!

    How could Ding Jiayi be so bold as to do something like that? Of course, if Ding Jiayi had a son and took advantage of him in this manner, Qiao Nan could only say that he was even more unlucky than she was. ¡°Is she crazy? She knows that Qiao Zijin might not even seed, yet she¡¯s taking on another one? Brother Zhai, you have to get down to the bottom of this. Ding Jiayi isn¡¯t one who would do others favors without getting any benefits in return. There must be something more to this. Besides, it¡¯s not just Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin isn¡¯t someone like that either.¡±

    Being a civil servant was a glorious thing in the northern courtyard. Qiao Zijin had been prepared to ride on the Zhai family¡¯surels to pass the civil service examination. If she was the only one in the northern courtyard who managed to pass this exam in this sitting, Qiao Zijin¡¯s reputation would only get better.

    There was no way Qiao Zijin would let someone else share that glory with her. Neither Ding Jiayi nor Qiao Zijin would agree to help others without getting anything in return.

 Chapter 2041 - Done

    <h4>Chapter 2041: Done</h4>

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have to do an investigation. I can already guess what¡¯s fishy about this. After all, there are only a few possibilities. Since this has nothing to do with the Zhai family, the Qiao family would, at most, have borrowed the Zhai family¡¯s name and roped a few dishonest test takers into the scheme.¡±

    Zhai Sheng thought that there was nothing wrong with his family being investigated since they had done nothing wrong. People believed whatever Ding Jiayi said, so why did the Zhai family have to take responsibility for a fool like that? Besides, if these people had not harbored their own hidden motives and wanted to get in the good books of these ¡®highly esteemed¡¯ family members of the Zhai family, they would never have been taken in by the words of a mere housewife.

    Could it be that these people working in the department had even less experience than Ding Jiayi, who had never worked a single day in her life? It was simply because they did not possess the right mindsets and attitudes that they had been swayed by the path presented in front of them.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Because Qiao Nan could tell from Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone that this incident would not affect the Zhai family, she heaved a sigh of relief. All the problems that followed would be left to the Qiao family to solve. ¡°What will we do now that Qiao Zijin¡¯s name is already on the name list?¡± They could not possibly let Qiao Zijin attend the interview, right?

    Since the Qiao family¡¯s deception had already been exposed, allowing Qiao Zijin to attend the interview would mean robbing another capable young person of that opportunity. Because she had already been so unfairly treated at Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands while she was younger, she did not wish for anyone to have to go through what she had.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This matter has already been settled. The name list has already been announced and can¡¯t be changed. There will be too many rumors and spections if we were to change it. As for how we¡¯ll proceed, it¡¯s easy. As long as Qiao Zijin can¡¯t attend the interview, we¡¯ll simply allow the next person on the list, who should have earned that spot, to attend the interview in her ce.¡±

    Since the incident had already happened, all they could do was try to minimize its impact.

    Zhai Sheng could only remark about how small the world was. The only reason why they had not been able to keep Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter under wraps and why the matter had been exposed was all due to Ding Jiayi¡¯s greed.

    Although the second marriage of Ping Cheng¡¯s Chief Zhai had not made the news, most of the people in the circle had already learned of it. Upon finding out about this news, there were many who wondered if they would be invited to the wedding because they were officials. They wanted to see how chiefs organized their weddings, and get close to a chief in person.

    It went without saying that most people did not get such a chance, but that did not stop people from getting interested in Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage. As such, there were quite a few people who tried to find out more about Chief Zhai¡¯s bride and her family background.

    And it so happened that both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had been on the news in the past. There was no need for Ding Jiayi to introduce herself to let the other party know that she was Chief Zhai¡¯s mother-inw.

    Although this was her first time doing something like that, Ding Jiayi had not spared any expense with her boasting and arrogance. ¡°It¡¯s all good as long as you know who I am, who my daughter is, and who my son-inw is. My elder daughter registered for the civil service entrance examination this round. Here are the documents of my elder daughter, the sister of my younger daughter. I¡¯m sure you know what to do. I don¡¯t think you need me to get my younger son-inw to make a trip here personally, right?¡±

    There was no way the other party dared to reject her. ¡°Of course not. Chief Zhai is the light of Ping Cheng. We all know how busy he usually is. There¡¯s no need for him to make a trip down for such a trivial matter.¡±

    Initially, he had wanted to ask why Chief Zhai¡¯s mother-inw had to make a trip down for such a trivial matter. Given Chief Zhai¡¯s position, he could have dealt with the matter with a simple phone call. It was not as though they were fools. They would know what they should do afterward. ¡°By the way, does Chief Zhai have any other special instructions for us? Why don¡¯t you make a call to Chief Zhai now and ask him?¡±

    He had done Chief Zhai a favor by helping his sister-inw secure a job in the civil service. If he did not make this call, Chief Zhai would never know that he was the one who had secured that job for his sister-inw.

    He was not one to do good deeds anonymously. As such, he had to let Chief Zhai know that he was the one who had done so. In that way, he would be the first person toe to Chief Zhai¡¯s mind in the future if anything good happened, and Chief Zhai would be sure to give him a helping hand. Everyone in the circle knew to reciprocate.

    Hearing that he was about to make a call, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression almost stiffened. Thankfully, she caught herself in time. Ding Jiayi could guess what that person was up to. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? My daughter¡¯s getting married to him and I¡¯m sure they have a lot of things keeping them busy. There¡¯s nothing more important than one¡¯s wedding. Don¡¯t worry. I know you¡¯re a responsible person. Once my daughter bes a civil servant, you¡¯ll definitely be invited whenever our family organizes any events. At that time, we won¡¯t even need a call. I¡¯ll present you to my son-inw in person and let him know what you¡¯ve done for us.¡±

    The other party happened to be fantasizing about attending Chief Zhai¡¯s wedding and someone was now giving him this rare opportunity to do so! Ding Jiayi¡¯s appearance had made it possible for him to have a chance to have a meal with Chief Zhai! Of course, there was no way a simple call would match up to a face-to-face meeting.

    This was his lucky break!

    Because of this encounter, Qiao Zijin, who had clearly submitted a nk script, had been shortlisted for the interview.

    Initially, this would have passed just like that. However, the person whom Ding Jiayi had sought out had tried his best to transform Qiao Zijin¡¯s nk script into one that would earn full marks. In reality, he did not know whether tough or cry upon seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s script being handed in the same way as when it had first been handed out.

    But foolishness did not matter as long as one had the right connections. Although her brain was empty, she had a good sister. That was why she could think of getting a good job as a civil servant. But there were benefits of having a nk script. At the very least, it would not be obvious when he tried to amend Qiao Zijin¡¯s answers.

 Chapter 2042 - Another Visit

    <h4>Chapter 2042: Another Visit</h4>

    Initially, the man had thought of taking this ¡®credit¡¯ for himself. That way, he would have the chance of being invited to the Qiao family¡¯s house for a meal and show his existence in front of Chief Zhai. After all, he would have to share his credit with others if they were to learn about it.

    Unfortunately, he had forgotten all about Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper and image that he had seen on the news in the past.

    He had thought that everything would be solved once Qiao Zijin passed the written examination and reached the interview stage. Once Qiao Zijin passed the interview, he would have finished his work here. Who would have known that Ding Jiayi would appear yet again, presenting him with a bigger problem? ¡°What? You want me to let someone shortlisted for the interview go and give their space to this youngdy?¡±

    Looking at the name on the note, the man did not know whether tough or cry. It was such a coincidence that he did have an impression of this name. If he had not done Qiao Zijin that favor, this youngdy¡¯s name should have been on the list for the interview. It was exactly because Qiao Zijin had been shortlisted that this youngdy had been kicked off the list.

    At that time, he had thought that it was a pity since that youngdy¡¯s results were pretty good. It was just unfortunate that this youngdy had not taken the examination at the right time.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Thinking about the hundred thousand yuan at home, Ding Jiayi repeated herself even more firmly. ¡°You might not know this, but this youngdy grew up following my younger daughter around. They have a close rtionship. They might not be biological sisters, but they are closer than real sisters. I didn¡¯t know that she was taking the test this time too. It¡¯s a little troublesome, but I hope that you¡¯ll be able to help us out again. I still remember what I promised you the previous time. Once she and my daughter be civil servants, we¡¯ll organize a banquet. When that timees, I¡¯ll arrange for you to sit right next to my son-inw.¡±

    Ding Jiayi talked about Zhai Sheng as her ¡®son-inw¡¯. Her tone made it seem as though she shared a close rtionship with him and that Zhai Sheng respected her as his mother-inw. The other party was moved by Ding Jiayi¡¯s mention of arranging his seat beside Zhai Sheng¡¯s.

    How was he supposed to have known that the picture that Ding Jiayi had painted was nothing more than an illusion? The Zhai family had not even left a seat for Ding Jiayi at Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. In fact, Ding Jiayi had not even been allowed to get past the door and had even been sent to the police station for an entire afternoon.

    Ding Jiayi had already thought it through. It did not matter whether she was on good terms with Zhai Sheng or Qiao Nan. The facts remained that one was her son-inw, while the other was her biological daughter. If Qiao Zijin really became a civil servant and she were to hold a banquet, the other party would probably be upset if Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan did not show up. But that did not matter either. She was certain that the other party would not dare to get revenge on her, much less scheme against Qiao Zijin.

    Apart from the rtionship between the two of them, she had not lied about anything. Everything else had been nothing but the truth.

    No matter how much the other party had wanted to get close to the Zhai family, he knew that Ding Jiayi¡¯s request was a little too ridiculous. ¡°Auntie Ding, I could possibly have done something if you hade to me about this before the examination. But now that the results have been announced, I really can¡¯t do anything about it. I¡¯m sorry. Auntie Ding, you¡¯re putting me on the spot...¡±

    It would cause an uproar if he were to add another name to the list after it had already been announced and published. The public generally viewed a civil service job as a good job. As such, there were many people who had their eyes on this job. How could he possibly add a name to the published name list just like that? Did she think that this was a game?

    Thinking once again about Ding Jiayi¡¯s description of this youngdy¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan, the other party smirked. It was really true that having a friend with status and power helped an official do well. What was even truer was that when one was sessful, those around them were sure to ride on their sess.

    The younger daughter of the Qiao family had married well and had be the chief¡¯s wife. That was why even a childhood friend of the chief¡¯s wife could be a civil servant just because she wanted to. It seemed as though the door to the government sector was open to the Qiao family. They could enter as and when they wanted, inviting anyone they wished along.

    In the face of Ding Jiayi¡¯s unreasonable demands, this person, who had wanted to get close to the Zhai family, was starting to regret his decision. It was alright that they were crazy, but they were even foolish. There were no limits to their actions.

    No matter how impressive Chief Zhai was, he was only a chief. There were superiors above him. It was not as though Chief Zhai was like an emperor in ancient times, whereby he had the final say. If he were to interfere in this matter, even Chief Zhai might no longer be able to handle it. ¡°Auntie Ding, don¡¯t be like this. Why don¡¯t you ask her to try again next year? We¡¯ll definitely be recruiting for the civil service again next year. I¡¯ll remember this youngdy¡¯s name. I¡¯ll make sure she¡¯ll get in next year. How¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°No way. It¡¯s not as if you guys are only selecting one person this year. Since both she and my daughter can be selected at once, why should we have to wait until next year?¡± If she epted his proposal, she would have to return that hundred thousand yuan at home.

    This was Ding Jiayi¡¯s first time ¡®earning¡¯ money relying only on her own capabilities! Moreover, it had been such a huge sum of money! This was undoubtedly a great sess and joy for Ding Jiayi.

    This hundred thousand yuan was the fruit of herbor. There was no way she was going to return it, but that would also mean that she would have to ensure that that neighbor¡¯s daughter was selected for the interview too.

    Thinking about that thick stack of banknotes, Ding Jiayi was even more adamant. ¡°You¡¯ve done this in the past. I trust that you¡¯ll definitely be able to get it done for me. Because you¡¯ve helped me out, I¡¯ll make sure that I introduce you well to my son-inw who¡¯s a chief. Since you address me as ¡®auntie¡¯, I know you¡¯ll do me this favor. Don¡¯t think that you¡¯ll have many opportunities in the future just because you¡¯re still young. You have to seek out these opportunities. Don¡¯t regret it in the future for not cherishing these opportunities that are right in front of you!¡±

    Ding Jiayi purposely tried to seem profound and yed hard to get. ¡°Of course, if you really think that you can¡¯t do it, I won¡¯t force you into it either. You should know the position my son-inw is in. To be honest, there are many people who are eager to help my son-inw. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want to trouble my son-inw. That¡¯s why I came to find you. That¡¯s right. If my son-inw were to handle this matter, he would have looked for your immediate supervisor instead of you.¡±

 Chapter 2043 - Accepted for the Interview

    <h4>Chapter 2043: epted for the Interview</h4>

    ¡°Perhaps, that would have been easier.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had not said those words for nothing.

    Since Ding Jiayi was nobody, she had no choice but to look for the underlings. Zhai Sheng held a high position, and as such, his phone call would naturally be made to those in high positions as well. There was no way he would have gone to someone at a level as low as the person whom Ding Jiayi had found.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You did do quite a lot for my elder daughter. I wanted to save my son-inw some trouble, but unfortunately, it seems like my son-inw will have to deal with this matter himself. We¡¯ll hold a banquet once my elder daughter bes a civil servant. Do remember to turn up for it then. Even if you don¡¯t get the chance to sit at the same table as my son-inw, you might get the chance to talk to him, at the very least. Since there will be quite a few people with higher positions than you, please don¡¯t mind me if I¡¯m not able to host you well.¡±

    If he could not handle this matter, Ding Jiayi would simply find someone else to do it. Then, his dream of being specially introduced to Zhai Sheng and sitting at the same table as Zhai Sheng would never be fulfilled. How one was treated was all dependent on one¡¯s ability and how much work one had done.

    It was only natural for one to get more in return if they did more work. But if someone else were to settle the important matters, one should have the good conscience to stand aside and not fantasize about unrealistic and impossible situations.

    Ding Jiayi had greatly reduced her earlier promise, causing that person, who had already fallen deep into his dream, to feel ufortable. ¡°Auntie Ding, that¡¯s... It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to do it. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s impossible for me to do it given the situation now. I¡¯m really...¡±

    He was reluctant to give up the chance to dine with Chief Zhai, but there was no way he would be able to get this matter done alone. It was not as if he had the final say in this department. Once he did something, everyone else in the department would surely find out about it.

    There was no way he would be able to im all credit himself this time. The only difference was that in this case, he would still get greater credit aspared to anyone else.

    He had been forced into a corner by Ding Jiayi. He had already given up so much for Ding Jiayi. At the very least, he had managed to help Qiao Zijin pass the written examination by his own effort. Why was it that his services were now being discounted just because he had not managed to settle the situation for theckey of the chief¡¯s wife? That was unfair! What logic was it that a childhood friend was closer than a biological sister?

    He refused to give up, but he knew he would never be able to settle the matter alone. Left with no other choice, he could only report the matter to his superior to see if there was any other way of solving the problem. Anyway, this was not his personal problem but the sister of the chief¡¯s wife¡¯s. He did not need his boss to care about him. He only needed his boss to care about the chief.

    After receiving Zhai Sheng¡¯s call, the department head was faced with a difficult choice. The department head felt that there was no way they could go ahead with this. Since Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter had already passed, there was no point in pursuing it anymore. However, they could not possibly ede to the Qiao family¡¯s requests once again. That would only make a joke out of their department.

    If they were to go through with it, all of them might very well lose their positions. Yet, if they did not do it, Chief Zhai might just get angry and find an excuse to fire all of them. Either way, their positions were at risk of being cut!

    Just as the department head was about to lose his mind, Zhai Sheng¡¯s call had saved him from the fire. Upon hearing that Zhai Sheng intended to resolve this matter fairly, the department head immediately understood his intentions. People were also using made-up directives to order people around, but the Qiao family was even more impressive. They were using fake edicts to order people around!

    That was to say that the news reports regarding the Qiao familyst year were quite reliable. The chief¡¯s wife had suffered at the hands of the Qiao family and had finally been able to escape from that sea of misery after her blissful marriage. Although she had notpletely severed all ties with her family, there was no way her rtionship with her family would be like that of other daughters with their families.

    With such a clear directive from Zhai Sheng, the other party did not bother being softhearted toward the Qiao family. Zhai Sheng had already made his stand clear. If anyone wanted to be a civil servant, they had better rely on their own abilities to do so. It did not matter whom one had as a rtive. How much knowledge one had was more important.

    As for people like Qiao Zijin who tried to enter through backdoors, there was no space for them at all, no matter how good their results were. If they were to ept such people, they would only be raising more leeches in the country.

    Of course, even though Qiao Zijin¡¯s name had appeared on the list, there was no longer the need for her to turn up for the interview. As such, that person who had been kicked out because of Qiao Zijin would naturally be invited. But there was a slight problem.

    It was because of Qiao Zijin that that neighbor¡¯s daughter had been kicked off the list, and it just so happened that that neighbor¡¯s daughter intended to walk down the same path as Qiao Zijin and had asked Ding Jiayi to help her in through a backdoor.

    In the face of such a situation, Zhai Sheng made his decision after a moment of consideration. They would allow that neighbor¡¯s daughter to attend the interviews this time, but this was not going to set precedence for the future.

    Although that youngdy had indeed done some underhanded things because she had not been shortlisted, she had still passed the test based on her own abilities. If Qiao Zijin had note into the picture, that youngdy would never have needed to do all those things that followed after the results had been announced.

    Based on this, they would overlook the fact that that youngdy had asked the Qiao family for such a favor. Just like the written examination, they would judge the candidates based on their abilities during the interview.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯s instructions, the recruitment department immediately got down to work and made several calls to inform the relevant parties.

    The neighbor¡¯s daughter was dumbfounded when she received the call, informing her that she had been epted for the interview.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Who called you? Why have you be like this after that call?¡± Seeing that her daughter was stunned, the neighbor could not help but wonder what had happened.

    That youngdy blinked nkly and pinched her face to see if she was dreaming. ¡°That call was to inform me that I¡¯ve been epted for the civil service entrance interview. The time and ce... Yes, yes. Hurry and get me a pen and some paper. Otherwise, I might just forget themter.¡± The youngdy rambled on anxiously.

    Upon hearing that, the youngdy¡¯s father immediately got the pen and paper ready for her.

 Chapter 2044 - Accumulated Experience

    <h4>Chapter 2044: umted Experience</h4>

    The corners of the neighbor¡¯s lips curled up into a slight smile. ¡°The name list for the interview was already published. I didn¡¯t expect that... Hehehe. The Qiao family has really risen up riding on the coattails of a dragon! But we don¡¯t have to care about the Qiao family anymore as long as our hundred thousand yuan didn¡¯t go to waste.¡± No matter how upset and dissatisfied she was, there were some things that she would never get no matter how envious she was. Besides, she had always felt that her daughter was very good and no worse than anyone else.

    At the mention of the hundred thousand yuan that her family had spent, the youngdy¡¯s expression changed. Although she had just entered society, that youngdy had caught the subtle hint through the call. ¡°Mom, why do I feel as though we¡¯ve spent money in vain? No one in the Qiao family, apart from Sister Qiao Nan, is a good person. They¡¯re practically scammers!¡±

    This hundred thousand yuan was her parents¡¯ hard-earned money. She could not let the Qiao family take advantage of them just like that. The problem was that it would be a challenge to get that sum of money back.

    The neighbor¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What do you mean? How could our money have been wasted? What¡¯s going on? Tell me!¡± It was a hundred thousand yuan they were talking about! How could they have wasted such a huge sum of money?

    After thinking about it, the youngdy said, ¡°I¡¯ve been epted for the interview, but if I¡¯m not wrong, Qiao Zijin won¡¯t be allowed to attend the interview anymore.¡± Why was it that she had been epted while Qiao Zijin, whose name had been published on the name list, was no longer needed at the interview? The youngdy could guess the situation after thinking it through.

    Thinking about how she would have been able to pass the test based on her own abilities if Qiao Zijin had not gotten in the way, the youngdy was infuriated. ¡°Mom, that family is really too evil!¡± Not only had they kicked her off the list initially, but they even had the guts to demand a hundred thousand yuan from them! Initially, she could have been epted for the interview even without paying a hundred thousand yuan if Qiao Zijin had not used those underhanded methods!

    ¡°I...¡± The neighbor¡¯s eyes were as wide and fierce as a tiger¡¯s. ¡°See, I told you that that family is pure evil! They stole my hard-earned money! I was so upset that I wasn¡¯t able to eat well in the past few days. That won¡¯t do! How can they bully others like that? I¡¯m going to get my money back. We can¡¯t let them take advantage of us in this way! I won¡¯t even acknowledge her as my neighbor in the future!¡±

    Neither her daughter nor husband tried to stop her from rushing off to get their money back. After all, their family had indeed been taken advantage of. Not only had the Qiao family done them wrong, but they had even demanded money from them! Could anyone get any more malicious than that?

    At the same time that the neighbor¡¯s family had received that call, Qiao Zijin had been informed that she no longer needed to attend the interview. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t fit our requirements, so you don¡¯t have to attend the interview anymore. Even if you do, you won¡¯t be allowed to attend the interview.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had not even managed to process the information before the other party hung up the call. That tone and attitude caused Qiao Zijin to fly into a rage. Did they know who she was? Did they know who her younger sister was and whom she had married a few days ago? They were sried workers receiving a sry from the government. Soon, she would be one too. How could that person have the guts to speak to her with that tone?

    Wait a minute. Did they say that she did not meet the requirements and would not need to go for the interview?

    ¡°Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin screamed in a shrill voice, calling out for Ding Jiayi anxiously. ¡°Mom, hurry on out! Hurry up! Something¡¯s wrong! Mom, what did you do yesterday? Why did you ruin my matter?¡± She had indeed wanted her mom to earn that hundred thousand yuan, but she had never expected that her mom would ruin everything for her.

    If she were to be a civil servant, her yearly sry would far exceed a hundred thousand yuan. As such, she had never thought of giving up a cradle-to-grave job for that small sum of a hundred thousand yuan from that neighbor. If she had to choose between a hundred thousand yuan and a civil service job, she would definitely pick thetter.

    Did her mom not know how to differentiate between what was truly important? Had her mom said something wrong or had the person whom her mom had sought out not known what was more important? Why had the situation descended into such a mess? She was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister, so her matter was of top priority!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ding Jiayi rushed over from the kitchen with wet hands. As someone who had just earned a hundred thousand yuan, Ding Jiayi had been in a good mood and had made a trip to the market to purchase some of Qiao Zijin¡¯s favorite seafood to whip up a good meal. As such, she had been busying herself in the kitchen. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you so anxious? Do you have some good news to share with me?¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that thest year had been the Qiao family¡¯s most unlucky year. They had run into every unlucky thing one could think of. She had not expected her fortunes to change so quickly and that good things woulde one after another. Ding Jiayi felt that she had truly been blessed by the heavens.

    ¡°Good news? I won¡¯t be allowed to go for the civil service entrance interview anymore. Is that good news?¡± Qiao Zijin pointed at her phone. ¡°I just received a call saying that I don¡¯t meet the requirements and that they don¡¯t need me at the interview anymore. Mom, did you hear that? It¡¯s not because I¡¯ve already been epted as a civil servant that I don¡¯t need to attend the interview. It¡¯s because they don¡¯t want me anymore. Mom, I wonder what you told them yesterday. You¡¯d better go and find out what happened to that neighbor¡¯s daughter. What if that person misunderstood you and gave my ce to that person? If that¡¯s the case, you¡¯ve really ruined everything for me, Mom!¡±

    They had let go of the big prize while grabbing at trifles!

    Coincidentally, just as these two people were about to clear the air with their neighbor, that neighbor was even faster and had already blocked Ding Jiayi¡¯s way at her door before Ding Jiayi could even get out.

    Seeing that they had turned up, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re here. I have something¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ding Jiayi, you shameless woman! Return me my hundred thousand yuan!¡± They had been scammed!

    Her daughter¡¯s job was already on the line, and the neighbor, who had benefited from the situation, had the cheek to demand a return of that money! Ding Jiayi flew into a rage. ¡°Hehehe. Old neighbors? You¡¯re a bunch of heartless fools! You want me to return your hundred thousand yuan? Fine! If we had not helped your family, nothing would have gone wrong with Zijin¡¯s interview. Since we¡¯re talking about money, I¡¯ll return your hundred thousand yuan to you. Then, our Zijin will be able to go for the interview while your daughter won¡¯t! At that time, you¡¯d better keep your mouth shut and not spout any nonsense!¡±

    It was just a hundred thousand yuan. It was only because this was her first time handling such a matter that she had not done it well. Next year, with experience from this year, she would definitely be able to handle it even better.

 Chapter 2045 - Remember It All

    <h4>Chapter 2045: Remember It All</h4>

    Wasn¡¯t it just one hundred thousand yuan? She would take it as umting experience today. Next year, she would definitely earn more than this one hundred thousand yuan.

    ¡°You have thought so beautifully.¡± Ding Jiayi still wanted to pull strings. The neighbor only felt that she was going tough her teeth off. ¡°Would we, these neighbors of the quad, not know how capable the Qiao family is?¡±

    ¡°Our Qiao family might be incapable in the past, but things are different now...¡± Their Qiao family couldn¡¯t pull strings and was incapable? One had to know that the chief was now her son-inw! She was now the chief¡¯s mother-inw!

    In this world, there were a lot of women who gave birth to daughters. However, there were not many in this world whose daughters could marry the chief. She, Ding Jiayi, was one of them. She was that capable. Even if she couldn¡¯t give birth to a son, the daughter she gave birth to was more capable than other children. Even a son couldn¡¯tpare to her daughter!

    ¡°Haha...¡± The neighborughed until her waist was sore. ¡°Yes, yes. Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng and became the chief¡¯s wife. However, who are you, the chief¡¯s mother-inw? Is your rtionship with Qiao Nan like an ordinary mother-daughter pair? Who else in Ping Cheng doesn¡¯t know that you treated Qiao Nan as a cow to order around and as hardbor of the Qiao family? What kind of mother are you? Qiao Nan ran awayst year. When she got married this year, she didn¡¯t invite you. She no longer acknowledges you as her mom.¡±

    When Qiao Nan didn¡¯t invite her to her wedding, the neighbor initially felt unhappy and ufortable. After all, they were living in the same quad and she saw Qiao Nan grow up. Back then, she was already thinking that her own daughter had graduated from university and was looking for a job. Using Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding as an opportunity, she could find ways to get to know a few more people and help find a way out for her daughter.

    As such, after failing to attend Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding, the neighbor said words of jealousy for a long time. She said that Qiao Nan no longer recognized people after marrying into a good family and that it was no wonder Ding Jiayi would treat Qiao Nan in such a manner. After all, Qiao Nan was Ding Jiayi¡¯s birth daughter. If it wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan was problematic to begin with, would Ding Jiayi beat and scold Qiao Nan when she was unhappy to vent her anger?

    Such a thing happened to the Qiao family. If Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t good, something must be wrong with Qiao Nan as well.

    However, at this time, the neighbor no longer felt so. All the problems clearlyy with Ding Jiayi. She couldn¡¯t bother to say anything about Ding Jiayi¡¯s contradictions and ws. She and Ding Jiayi were neighbors for over ten years. However, she swallowed her family¡¯s one hundred thousand yuan without blinking. She was really a ruthless character.

    Yes, she didn¡¯t attend Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. However, she was just a neighbor. As Qiao Nan¡¯s birth mom, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t attend either. With Ding Jiayi as aparison, the neighbor felt that her previous treatment was pretty normal.

    ¡°Your daughter doesn¡¯t even acknowledge you. In that case, how could Zhai Sheng be considered your son-inw? I bet the Zhai family never treats you as family. Don¡¯t you know who you are? You really don¡¯t have any tinge of self-awareness and even dare to boast this much. Bah! Return the hundred thousand yuan to us. Qiao Zijin wants to be a civil servant and pull my daughter down? Sure, I¡¯ll wait and see. I¡¯ll see how Qiao Zijin pulls my daughter down. If she¡¯s better than my daughter, I¡¯ll chop my head down for your family to use as a stool!¡±

    As soon as the neighbor spoke, a lot of past events came to mind. ¡°Although these things have passed for so many years, no one is suffering from dementia. Everyone has an impression of Qiao Nan¡¯s childhood. When Qiao Nan was young, she was so well-behaved. She was always first in her ss and top three in her grade. She¡¯s the best in our quad when it came to studying. Your family¡¯s strange. Instead of nurturing Qiao Nan, who was always in the top three in her grade, you chose to spend all the money in the family on Qiao Zijin, who didn¡¯t know how to study at all. You sacrificed Qiao Nan for so many years just to buy a university degree for Qiao Zijin.¡±

    When Qiao Nan dropped out of school to work, a lot of people in the quad didn¡¯t understand it initially. Even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t like to talk, everyone in the quad knew how good she was in her studies. Even when their child wasgging behind, they would often ce their child next to Qiao Nan to study together so that if they encountered something they didn¡¯t understand, they could ask Qiao Nan directly. In this way, their child could be said to have earned a free and young teacher.

    It was just that Qiao Nan was no longer studying. Even the nine years ofpulsory education couldn¡¯t make the Qiao family let Qiao Nan continue studying. As a bystander and outsider, what could they do if the Qiao family didn¡¯t care about Qiao Nan¡¯s future?

    It cost quite a lot of money for a child to go to school. What if in the midst of persuading Ding Jiayi, she retorted with, ¡°Are you going to pay for Qiao Nan¡¯s school fees?¡±?

    If such words were said, what were they going to do?

    They were all people with children in their family. Who would be willing to let out a part of one¡¯s hard-earned money to nurture other people¡¯s children? If they didn¡¯t do so, their words of kind persuasion would seem fake and that they were purely there to watch the Qiao family¡¯s excitement.

    Because of all the hesitations in their hearts, even if a lot of people felt that it was a pity that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t continue studying even though her results were good, no one eventually ran to the Qiao family to find Qiao Dongliang or Ding Jiayi to persuade them to consider letting Qiao Nan further her studies again.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have much contact with these neighbors from the northern quad and wasn¡¯t even willing to invite them to her wedding. It was also because of this that they passed off as a rtive from her family to get some face.

    Indeed, a distant rtive was not as good as a near neighbor.

    However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t enjoy the care of her neighbors since young. Because she was still unmarried when she was already forty years old, not only did the neighbors not feel heartache for Qiao Nan¡¯s encounter and pity her, but they even taught their children that Qiao Nan was a negative example. When they were trying to frighten their child, they would definitely say, ¡°If you don¡¯t study well and get good results, you¡¯ll be like that younger daughter of the Qiao family.¡±

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t deaf. She heard such remarks more than once.

    When the parents initially used Qiao Nan as a negative example, they said it behind her back. However, perhaps they were used to itter. When their child brushed past Qiao Nan, before the distance between both parties widened, some neighbors couldn¡¯t hold back and started educating their child by repeating those words.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t lose her memory. She still remembered all these.

 Chapter 2046 - Coming Down

    <h4>Chapter 2046: Coming Down</h4>

    Qiao Nan herself was also responsible for her experience at the Qiao family all these years. She shouldn¡¯t have had any expectations of the Qiao family and felt that her concessions could be exchanged for peace and kinship. Qiao Nan herself was problematic. How could she me her neighbors for looking on and doing nothing?

    However, since their rtionship as neighbors was already so cold and indifferent, Qiao Nan would naturally not let these familiar strangers appear at her wedding, which was a happy asion. After all, they had so many chances to help her in the past but chose to stand by the side, pretending to be mute. They even hurt her by using her situation to educate their children.

    Now that they were arguing today, the neighbor naturally removed thestyer of cloth that was covering the Qiao family¡¯s face.

    Because of Qiao Zijin taking the civil servant entrance examinations, Ding Jiayi had been using Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Ding Jiayi waspletely in self-denial. She treated her rtionship with Qiao Nan as the same as those of other mother-daughter pairs.

    For Qiao Nan, the Qiao family couldn¡¯t be even considered family. As for Ding Jiayi, to Qiao Nan, she was a fake mom. Ding Jiayi was the one who had given herself the title of Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw.

    Everyone, including Qiao Nan, didn¡¯t acknowledge Ding Jiayi, yet Ding Jiayi dared to use the Zhai family¡¯s reputation to engage in such activities. The neighbor expressed that Ding Jiayi was extremely thick-skinned. Everyone in the entire quadbined together couldn¡¯tpare to Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You...¡± Ding Jiayi was furious. Indeed, she didn¡¯t recognize Qiao Nan. Until today, she still believed that Qiao Zijin was the one who would be promising. So what if Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng? She might be made to leave after a few days. As such, she had to treat Qiao Zijin well as she was going to depend on her to provide for her in the future.

    She despised Qiao Nan, yet she was relying on Qiao Nan for everything now. It was impossible that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t feeling awkward and ufortable in her heart. It was just that Ding Jiayi rarely contacted her neighbors. Generally, no one would make a din with Ding Jiayi and chat with her about the rtionship between Qiao Nan and the Qiao family.

    As such, at the same time that Ding Jiayi despised Qiao Nan, she also used her rtionship with Qiao Nan to try to get more benefits for Qiao Zijin.

    At this moment, thisyer of cloth was removed and Ding Jiayi almost wanted to get into a fight with the neighbor. ¡°I¡¯m not going to bicker with you. I¡¯m the chief¡¯s mother-inw. My identity is different. Arguing with you would just lower my value. Alright, I¡¯ll see how long you¡¯ll be happy for. I want to see whether it¡¯s your daughter or mine that bes a civil servant in the end.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was already ming herself for finding this person. How stupid was she? She had already said it so clearly. How was it that she would misunderstand her and pull Zijin down and let her daughter rece her? She said for both of them to take the examinations.

    That was good as well. It was better to know earlier that her neighbor was an ungrateful person who turned her back against her once she obtained benefits rather thanter, when her neighbor¡¯s daughter and Zijin both became civil servants and her neighbor started to kick up a fuss to make her return the one hundred thousand yuan.

    It was just an interview position now. It was still easy for her to pull the other party down and get Zijin up. If she waited until the neighbor¡¯s daughter really became a civil servant before pulling her down, it would definitely be more troublesome. Earlier was naturally better thanter.

    When her neighbor¡¯s daughter failed to be a civil servant, even if it was two hundred thousand or three hundred thousand yuan, she would definitely not ept it, let alone one hundred thousand yuan. Even if her old neighbor knelt down and begged her with tears, she would never agree. Otherwise, she would no longer be called Ding Jiayi!

    With capability, there was confidence. She sessfully let her daughter pass the examinations when she had handed in a nk paper. With a few words, she also secured an interview spot for her neighbor¡¯s daughter. Ding Jiayi was full of confidence now. She didn¡¯t feel that it was a pity to return the one hundred thousand yuan now. At most, it hurt just a bit.

    She had already done all the work and the neighbor¡¯s daughter secured an interview spot. However, the neighbor wanted the money back now. That was unkind.

    Thankfully, this was just an interview spot, not the qualifications to pass the interview. Did she think that if she was eligible for an interview, it would definitely be smooth-sailing for her to be a civil servant? At that time, she would use reality to teach her neighbor a lesson that until thest moment, everything was subjected to changes.

    Her old neighbor took back the one hundred thousand yuan today. In the name of the chief¡¯s mother-inw, she promised that in this lifetime, she would never let the neighbor¡¯s daughter be a civil servant. She had said these words and would do the same in the future.

    She had pped her in the face and exposed her shorings today. It could be said these two families were now enemies. She would wait and see. Aside from this civil servant examination, would the old neighbor really not beg their Qiao family for anything in the future?!

    The stubborn Ding Jiayi endured the pain and threw the one hundred thousand yuan, which was not yet warm in her hands, to the old neighbor.

    Upon receiving the thick stack of money, the old neighbor felt assured. She no longer had to hold back the words she wanted to say. If she continued to hold them back, she would be suffocated to death. ¡°You old woman. You¡¯re addicted to ostentation and really think you¡¯re valuable, huh? Since I already have the money back, I¡¯m not afraid to tell you the truth. Although you have made shortcuts this time, it would be impossible for Qiao Zijin to stand a chance at participating in the interview. The superiors from above called and said that the open recruitment this time would be fair and just. Everything would be done using capabilities.¡±

    ¡°Why else do you think that although Qiao Zijin was on the interview list, she eventually couldn¡¯t go for it? It¡¯s all because of your good daughter and son-inw. Indeed, he¡¯s the chief. He is fair and wouldn¡¯t bully us, normal citizens, just because he¡¯s now an official. If Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have such a big head, she wouldn¡¯t wear such a big hat. Did she think that she could bewless just because she has Zhai Sheng as a brother-inw? In your dreams! If Qiao Zijin could make it as a civil servant, Zhai Sheng would definitely be the first person to perform checks. Everyone in the quad knows how capable Qiao Zijin is. Qiao Nan would know it even better.¡±

    Qiao Zijin wanted to rely on her capabilities to be a civil servant? In her dreams!

    If Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t capable, everything was in vain. Not only would Qiao Zijin not be able to get special care and treatment in some aspects as she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister-inw, but because of this rtionship, she would be subjected to even stricter requirements and checks.

 Chapter 2047 - Biased

    <h4>Chapter 2047: Biased</h4>

    The old neighbor definitely believed that with Qiao Nan around, even if Ding Jiayi was more capable, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t need to think about bing a fake phoenix and rising to the top!

    Ding Jiayi felt that someone had crushed her heart and she couldn¡¯t react. Her ears were buzzing. She wanted to internalize the neighbor¡¯s words a few times and understand them clearly before making a decision.

    Before she could make a decision, Qiao Zijin, who rushed out from the house, said with a hateful look, ¡°Mom, is what that old woman said true? I received a call today saying that I no longer have to go for the interview because Qiao Nan harmed me? Why is she so vicious?! She¡¯s already the chief¡¯s wife. For her, I¡¯m not even thinking about my son. Why is she not willing to give me another path? Why must she personally ruin everything that I have obtained by working hard? Does she want to see me in a miserable state and force me to a corner? Would she be willing to let me go only if I¡¯m begging on the streets?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. I¡¯m her birth sister. We have the same blood. Does she need to hate me so much and be so vicious? She wants to force me to my death. Isn¡¯t she afraid of retribution?!¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Zijin was really filled with hatred. She hated Qiao Nan, who was unwilling to leave her a path of life. She did not look for Qiao Nan and didn¡¯t try to make her presence known in front of her. She also did not hope for Qiao Nan to help her and pull her up. She had already made so many concessions. Why must Qiao Nan still reach out for a yard after taking an inch? Why must she destroy everything that she had worked hard to achieve?

    How was she in the way of Qiao Nan?!

    Would Qiao Nan let her off only if she died a terrible death?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be agitated. Those words might be nonsense. Would our family not know what kind of person Qiao Nan is? If she is really this ruthless...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart and mind were suddenly in a mess.

    She wanted to say that Qiao Nan was a wretched girlcking a conscience. If Qiao Nan had a conscience, would they have to sell the big house then to cover the cost of Qiao Zijin¡¯s kidney transnt operation? However, that being said, that big house was bought using Qiao Nan¡¯s money. As such, it was still because of Qiao Nan¡¯s money that Qiao Zijin could perform the operation and live to this day.

    All these years, Ding Jiayi¡¯s relentless toward Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan¡¯s repeatedpromises were enough to exin how weak Qiao Nan was.

    Ding Jiayi felt that her brain was going to be in knots after thinking so much. She still couldn¡¯t tell if Qiao Nan was a good-tempered or particrly ruthless person.

    ¡°Heh...¡± There was such a hugemotion in the house. Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t dead. How would he not have heard everything? It was only now that Qiao Dongliang understood how capable Ding Jiayi was. They didn¡¯t pull strings with the Zhai family and the Zhai family hadn¡¯t agreed to anything. However, Ding Jiayi was so bold as to take on the identity of Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw and handle the matter alone.

    Great. She got into trouble now, right?

    After trying for such a long time, Qiao Zijin still couldn¡¯t be a civil servant.

    ¡°Do the both of you really know what kind of person Nan Nan is?¡± Qiao Dongliang was asking both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin and himself.

    As time passed and after calming down, Qiao Dongliang could understand certain matters. Ding Jiayi was really stupid beyond cure to believe that Qiao Zijin was the most filial and promising child while Qiao Nan was the heartless, penniless, and useless daughter.

    No, in Ding Jiayi¡¯s subconscious mind, she knew clearly that the only reliable person whom she could lean on if something happened in the Qiao family was Qiao Nan.

    What was disgusting was that as Ding Jiayi enjoyed thefort and ease that Qiao Nan brought for the entire family, she was using the most vicious words to pour dirty water on Qiao Nan¡¯s body and give all her credit to Qiao Zijin. She even imagined that the Qiao family was leading such a good life all because of Qiao Zijin.

    As such, when Qiao Zijin seriously imagined Qiao Nan as a vicious womancking conscience, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but subconsciously refute, disagreeing with Qiao Zijin¡¯s description of Qiao Nan. ¡°Okay, stop it. Don¡¯t push all the responsibility to Nan Nan. What do you mean by Nan Nan can¡¯t bear to see you well and can¡¯t wait for you to die? Are you really capable to pass the written test of the civil servant examination? Or are you unhappy that your tricks have been exposed and you feel that Nan Nan isn¡¯t helping you? It¡¯s best to be ethical in your words.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was extremely helpless at Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s shamelessness. In reality, he knew that not only would his words not let the both of them be clear-minded, but they would hate him in their hearts although he was obviously saying them for their own good.

    Upon thinking of how his family of four became like this today, Qiao Dongliang felt sad. Was this still a family?

    ¡°Dad, you...¡± Qiao Zijin only felt that she was being bullied by Qiao Nan and was wronged. When she heard Qiao Dongliang putting in a good word for Qiao Nan but not helping her, Qiao Zijin was so angry that she almost burst into tears. ¡°I know you feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s promising now that she¡¯s married to Zhai Sheng. I¡¯m a divorcee and the family I married into back then wasn¡¯t as good as Qiao Nan¡¯s. As such, you despise me. However, your words are too overboard. How am I wrong? At this age and in this situation, Qiao Nan isn¡¯t taking care of me. She even destroyed what Mom was helping me to do. Doesn¡¯t she want me to die?¡±

    Really, she was already very tolerant. In the past, she didn¡¯t need Qiao Nan¡¯s presence or efforts, let alone her money. Her mom had settled everything for her, but now, Qiao Nan was destroying them. Did this make sense?

    ¡°As long as your mom doesn¡¯t use the identity of Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw or Nan Nan¡¯s mom, I¡¯m not going to say anything about what she¡¯s doing,¡± Qiao Dongliang said weakly.

    Qiao Zijin was even more unconvinced. ¡°Didn¡¯t my mom give birth to Qiao Nan? Isn¡¯t my mom Qiao Nan¡¯s mom? After Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, my mom became Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw. How is that wrong? My mom didn¡¯t lie. Dad, what you said is really funny.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was instead criticized by Qiao Zijin for talking funny. Qiao Dongliang felt extremely weak and didn¡¯t want to say anything. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m stupid. I¡¯m a fool.¡±

 Chapter 2048 - Reconnecting

    <h4>Chapter 2048: Reconnecting</h4>

    ¡°Why am I even talking so much to you? This is the situation now. If the both of you are capable, I won¡¯t interfere. You can create trouble however you like.¡±

    Yes, his previous worries were unnecessary. Based on their identities as ordinary citizens, even if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin created trouble, it wouldn¡¯t be too much of a trouble. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to take a bribe. However, didn¡¯t they return the money immediately?

    He believed that with Zhai Sheng¡¯s ability, no matter how troublesome Ding Jiayi was, Zhai Sheng should be able to handle her. He said to hand Nan Nan over to Zhai Sheng for him to take care of her. Indeed, Zhai Sheng did a better job than him, her birth father.

    Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t manage Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. He couldn¡¯t manage Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng either. In the face of this situation, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders copsed. Perhaps in the future, he only needed to take good care of himself and lead his own life. No one in this family needed him anymore.

    The mentally tired Qiao Dongliang no longer interrupted Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s discussion. He was the only one in this family who wasn¡¯t thinking in the same frequency as this mother-daughter pair.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, the mother-daughter pair fell into a same-frequency discussion.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin both felt that perhaps Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t clear enough that day or the person Ding Jiayi asked for help from was too stupid and didn¡¯t understand Ding Jiayi¡¯s intention that Qiao Zijin was pulled down, the neighbor¡¯s daughter was pushed up, and such a ¡®blunder¡¯ wasmitted.

    However, after the neighbor¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi faintly felt it should be that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng knew what they had done and made a call, thus causing Qiao Zijin to lose the interview opportunity.

    The mother-daughter pair was angry and cursed Qiao Nan to die a horrible death. No matter how happy Qiao Nan was now, after Zhai Sheng understood that she was heartless and had no kinship to speak of with her family, he would definitely abandon Qiao Nan not too longter. How would Qiao Nan, who had left Zhai Sheng, have the capital to be arrogant?

    Both of them could scold Qiao Nan very happily. However, the result was that Qiao Nan was unharmed but their throats were about to be sore from all the scolding. Other people hurt the enemy by a thousand by self-injuring eight hundred. However, aside from self-injuring eight hundred, what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin did couldn¡¯t even hurt a strand of Qiao Nan¡¯s hair.

    After scolding, Qiao Zijin was short of breath and gulped down two sses of water. ¡°Mom, what should we do next about this situation?¡± To be more precise, it should be what they were going to do in the future.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin also understood what Ding Jiayi was up to. It didn¡¯t matter that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng weren¡¯t around and that the call didn¡¯t go through. As long as Ding Jiayi boasted her rtionship with these two people, there would still be people willing to take care of their family matters.

    However, the incident this time stated a problem. If a simr situation were to ur again in the future, the results of Ding Jiayi¡¯s hard work might disappearpletely with a call from Zhai Sheng. She wouldn¡¯t even be able to get any hard-earned money.

    Ding Jiayi was making use of the Zhai family. However, Zhai Sheng immediately destroyed what she was doing. Even if Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t feeling discouraged, she would have nothing in the end.

    Upon thinking that Qiao Nan had been married to such a good man but Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were not even willing for her to be a civil servant, the helpless Qiao Zijin started to shed tears in front of Ding Jiayi again. ¡°Mom, how are we going to lead our lives in the future?¡± The husband wasn¡¯t hers, the work wasn¡¯t hers, and the money wasn¡¯t hers. Even this quad was Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. It hasn¡¯t been long since you did the operation. If you cry too much, you¡¯ll hurt your body.¡± No matter how anxious she was, she was still a headless fly and didn¡¯t have any idea at all. ¡°No, let me think about it again. I¡¯m her mom. She has to listen to me. Even if she doesn¡¯t acknowledge me, she can¡¯t get rid of our rtionship. I¡¯ll sue her!¡±

    How atrocious. Not only did she make her work for nothing, but she even let her old neighbor see her as a joke and suffer ridicule. If word of this got out today, how was she going to maintain her face at the quad in the future? How was Qiao Nan not a bad woman? She was extremely bad!

    ¡°Sue her?¡± Qiao Zijin stopped crying. ¡°What are you going to sue her for? How are you going to sue her? Her husband¡¯s Zhai Sheng. Is there any use in us suing her?¡± Qiao Zijin was a little desperate. Fromst year onward, everything was no longer under control. Qiao Nan had changed such that she didn¡¯t listen to her or her mom¡¯s words anymore. She waspletely out of control.

    There were changes to everything because Qiao Nan was out of control. In the past, their family of four used to live well. They didn¡¯t argue and were as peaceful as other families. Why did Qiao Nan have to change? Why did Qiao Nan harm the Qiao family and make them suffer for her own happiness?

    Wasn¡¯t it alright to sacrifice a little for the sake of one¡¯s loved ones? At least, Qiao Nan¡¯spromise alone could be exchanged for the happiness of three people. On the contrary, now that Qiao Nan was leading a good life, nobody else was happy. Could the lives they were leading now still be considered humane?

    Qiao Zijin was full of resentment, but she couldn¡¯t do anything to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was long beyond Qiao Zijin¡¯s reach. Even if Qiao Zijin stood on tiptoe or stepped on adder, she still couldn¡¯t reach Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I...¡± Ding Jiayi seemed to be in a difficult position. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t afraid of her. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s situation now, she had more ideas than her. She couldn¡¯t control Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even willing to see her. If they couldn¡¯t meet in person and she wasn¡¯t willing to pick up her call, how was she going to convey all her reasoning to Qiao Nan? Everything became a dead knot again. ¡°I¡¯m her mom. I¡¯m almost seventy years old. It isn¡¯t too overboard for her to provide for me, right? It has been almost a year since she ran awayst year. For a year, she didn¡¯t give me any money. This is her fault here. Why can¡¯t I sue her?¡±

    Yes, that was it.

    Qiao Nan was forty years old. She was married and had a family now. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibility to support her parents. Qiao Nan was obliged to provide for her. It was against thew if she didn¡¯t do so. She had a basis for suing her. Yes, that was said on TV as well.

    When she found Qiao Nan this time, she had to let her know clearly that she had to provide for her. She didn¡¯t need to think about using a few yuan to send her away. She had to think of how much money she should give her each month, what kind of filial piety she should have during the holidays, and how much clothes and food she should buy. Everything must be thought through in aprehensive manner.

    At the mention of supporting the elderly, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t object to it. ¡°The only problem now is how we¡¯re going to contact Qiao Nan.¡± Was there any use if they sued Qiao Nan but she didn¡¯t turn up?

 Chapter 2049 - Providing For Them

    <h4>Chapter 2049: Providing For Them</h4>

    Upon thinking that Qiao Nan was the chief¡¯s wife and that they had to go through the judicial procedures, Qiao Zijin felt that this was unreliable. Based on Zhai Sheng¡¯s identity, wouldn¡¯t those people help Qiao Nan and ignore their Qiao family?

    ¡°Why should we find her?!¡± Ding Jiayi became confident now. ¡°We just need to sue her. There¡¯s no need to find her. If we file awsuit, the court will definitely issue a subpoena to Qiao Nan. This is different from the divorcewsuit. We have evidence that she didn¡¯t provide for me. If she doesn¡¯t show up, that would be considered contempt of the court. The court has even more reason to press charges against her. Even if she¡¯s the chief¡¯s wife, she can¡¯t ignore the country¡¯sws. We should take this opportunity and let her understand. Did she really think she¡¯s above all just because she¡¯s now the chief¡¯s wife?¡±

    So what if she was the chief¡¯s wife? In this country, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t the most powerful individual.

    ¡°Sure, Mom. I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Qiao Zijin herself didn¡¯t have any ideas. Upon hearing that Ding Jiayi came up with a solution, she naturally supported it. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the most formidable to havee up with such a good idea. No wonder people always said that an elder at home is like a treasure at home. Whenever something happens, we can count on you to be the smartest.¡±

    It was rare for Qiao Zijin to say such sincere words. She had to admit that when it came to dealing with Qiao Nan, her mom was more capable and she had more ideas than her.

    ¡°No problem. I¡¯m almost seventy years old now. I can¡¯t live these years in vain. When you have reached my age, you can think of ways as well.¡± Ding Jiayi straightened her back and became arrogant.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi felt that they had both thought of a perfect solution. But when Qiao Nan received the summons in Qingshui Town, she looked confused. ¡°Was this issued wrongly?¡± Or could it be that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were crazy about money?

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan and replied calmly. Initially, the summons was sent to the Zhai family¡¯s house in the quad. Because of Zhai Sheng, someone had specially sent it to Qingshui Town. ¡°What do you think about this matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Do Dad and Mom know about this?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The court¡¯s subpoena wasn¡¯t a small matter. Dad and Mom naturally knew about it.

    Qiao Nan stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go out together and talk things clearly so that the two elders wouldn¡¯t worry?¡±

    When Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng walked out, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were already waiting. Before Qiao Nan married over, Miao Jing already knew that their family would be rted to the Qiao family somehow and Ding Jiayi was a very troublesome person. It was just that when this trouble was really ced in front of her, Miao Jing, who had already done a lot of preparations, couldn¡¯t help but feel a headache. ¡°Nan Nan, look at this...¡±

    Although Ding Jiayi was unpleasant to the eye and ording to what she understood from the news, it wasn¡¯t Ding Jiayi, as a mother, who provided for Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan, the daughter, who had supported the entire Qiao family. Who asked Qiao Nan to be born to Ding Jiayi?

    At least, before Qiao Nan was made to drop out of school and start earning money, Qiao Nan had relied on Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to provide for her.

    As such, no matter how overboard Ding Jiayi was, Miao Jing felt that as a child, she should still provide for her. However, it was very important to pay attention to how to provide for her and how much living expenses she should provide each month. Who asked Ding Jiayi to have endless wants and didn¡¯t know how to be content?

    Zhai Yaohui had simr thoughts. Their Zhai family wasn¡¯tcking money. It was worth spending a few thousand yuan each month to buy peace and reputation. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to provide for her, but the Qiao family was too greedy. They felt that the living expenses weren¡¯t enough and that the responsibility was on the Zhai family.

    Nobody¡¯s money came from the wind. Children were obliged to support their parents but not obliged to satisfy their parents¡¯ endless demands without limits. That wasn¡¯t filial piety. That was foolish filial piety.

    Seeing that her inws seemed to think that for the past few months, not only did she ignore the Qiao family, but she also didn¡¯t give Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang any living expenses, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. ¡°Dad, Mom, I haven¡¯t been working for long but I still have ie. I don¡¯t have a lot, but I have been transferring two thousand yuan every month to the Qiao family. Husband and wife each got a thousand yuan monthly...¡±

    Even with the current economic development and their country bing stronger, there was still a huge gap between the rich and the poor. Two thousand yuan might not seem a lot, but in many ces, a young person¡¯s monthly sry was only three thousand or four thousand yuan. To have a sry of more than five thousand yuan was already considered high in an ordinary city.

    Qiao Nan transferred two thousand yuan to the Qiao family monthly. That was equivalent to half the sry of an average person. As such, the amount Qiao Nan gave the Qiao family wasn¡¯t little.

    These two thousand yuan couldn¡¯t let Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi lead a prosperous life, but their basic necessities were covered. With these two thousand yuan, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could eat well every day.

    From the start to the end, Qiao Nan never thought about saving these two thousand yuan. If she should give it, she would give it. She never gave a lesser amount or dyed the payment. On the first day of every month, Qiao Nan would remember to transfer two thousand yuan. Apologies, but she was not willing to admit to the charges of not supporting her parents, as described in the subpoena.

    If giving each parent one thousand yuan monthly wasn¡¯t considered as providing for the elderly, then the young people in China would no longer be able to live.

    ¡°You... you did give them?¡± Miao Jing was stunned. She thought that Qiao Nan was angry at the Qiao family for being too overboard and kept finding her trouble and thus ignored the Qiao family¡¯s life and death. ¡°You gave them each one thousand yuan a month. That¡¯s not considered little. On what basis are they suing you?¡±

    Indeed, Nan Nan was a good child. Although the Qiao family was like that, Nan Nan still retained her bottom line as a person. She wouldn¡¯t give very little to the Qiao family, but the Qiao family didn¡¯t need to think about receiving more than they should. Yes, she had to continue insisting on such an attitude. ¡°Ding Jiayi finds the one thousand yuan a month too little and thus came to sue you? Is something wrong with her? Even if she¡¯s suing now, she can¡¯t possibly receive more than a thousand yuan a month as living expenses.¡±

    Miao Jing expressed that Ding Jiayi was really a ¡®rare breed¡¯. Ding Jiayi had more than one daughter. Didn¡¯t she think that once she sued Nan Nan to the court, the court would factor in Qiao Zijin¡¯s existence as a point of consideration when making a judgment?

    Why did the country encourage young people to give birth to two children? It was because it was too tough on two young people to take care of four elders. The Qiao family had two daughters. If each daughter gave each elder one thousand yuan monthly, thenbining the money together, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could each receive two thousand yuan monthly from their children.

 Chapter 2050 - Graduating from Junior High School

    <h4>Chapter 2050: Graduating from Junior High School</h4>

    If the couple pooled their money together, that was four thousand yuan. That was equivalent to a young person¡¯s monthly sry. If this amount of money wasn¡¯t enough for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to spend every month, then the court would no longer condone Ding Jiayi¡¯s unreasonableness and insatiable greed. Neither the country nor the court would condone Ding Jiayi¡¯s behavior.

    Zhai Yaohui thought for a while. ¡°Did you keep a record of transferring money to your parents every month?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan took out her mobile and found the mobile banking app. Apart from transferring money to the Qiao family, there weren¡¯t any other transfer records in Qiao Nan¡¯s mobile banking app. As such, once the app wasunched, one could see clearly from the three messages that Qiao Nan had punctually transferred two thousand yuan from her own ount on the first day of each month.

    Zhai Yaohui returned the mobile to Qiao Nan. ¡°On the safe side, you can go to the bank, pull out these remittance records, and submit them to the court. You can see how it goes and if you want to appear in court then.¡±

    Since Qiao Nan had never done such a thing, she didn¡¯t need to bother herself much with this case. Ding Jiayi, this clown, was just blindly creating trouble. Zhai Yaohui had to give it to Ding Jiayi as well. How could a woman like Ding Jiayi give birth to an intelligent daughter like Qiao Nan?

    Instead, it was obvious that Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Zijin. He was even more thankful that Zhai Sheng had a good taste and chose Qiao Nan, ignoring Qiao Zijin. If the situations of these two sisters were changed, there would really be a drastic difference.

    The time that Zhai Sheng could spend with Qiao Nan was already counting down. As such, the Zhai family wasn¡¯t willing for anyone to show up now and disrupt the interaction between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan was also used to multiple situations happening in the Qiao family. When she received the court summons, there was that one moment when Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry and felt helpless. Very quickly, Qiao Nan adjusted her mood and put the Qiao family¡¯s matter aside. She cherished the honeymoon time with Zhai Sheng, which was running out soon. ¡°Brother Zhai, are we going to the capital?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng, who was hugging Qiao Nan, closed his eyes with afortable look. They didn¡¯t need any sun, beach, or sea. Zhai Sheng was already enjoying the feeling of them quietly hugging each other. ¡°Upon reaching the capital, if you are dissatisfied with our room, you can just make amendments. Also, if it¡¯scking anything, remember to buy them. In the past, the number of times I returned home and the amount of time I spent at home were very little. It didn¡¯t matter how the house looked. It was alright as long as I could sleep there. With you around now, it¡¯s different. The house has to befortable. Don¡¯t be polite with me when you buy things. The money is yours as well.¡±

    As a good man, the first night that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were married, Zhai Sheng had already handed over his sry card and all his savings to Qiao Nan so that she could control and manage his finances fully. ¡°Even if it¡¯s uncertain now, you still have to consider some matters. Aside from our room, are you going to work harder and also prepare a room for our child?¡±

    In the room of Zhai Sheng¡¯s house in the capital, as he himself said, aside from a bed, there was really nothing else. There was only a bed in the big room, making it look especially empty and ufortable. Any hotel room would feel warmer and homey than Zhai Sheng¡¯s room.

    Of course, in the Zhai family¡¯s house, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t mind how the room he lived in was like. How would he care about how the other unupied rooms in the house were like?

    In the past, the Zhai family¡¯s house had a lot of spare rooms that were unupied and were thus collecting dust. However, this year was different. There was a new member in the Zhai family. Jiajia insisted on studying at Ping Cheng High School, so she would only return to the Zhai family¡¯s house in the capital only during the summer vacations and winter vacations. Of course, two guest rooms had to be reserved for Jiajia and Zhai Hua.

    Aside from the guest rooms, what the Zhai family had to consider the most was where Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s child should stay after he or she was born.

    Upon the mention of children, Qiao Nan was both happy and sad. In her dream, she was young and healthy. Thus, she gave birth to triplets at once. However, in reality, she was forty years old and was at a higher risk level to give birth. Not to mention if the delivery would be as smooth-sailing as in her dream, but Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even sure now if she could be pregnant based on her current health conditions. Furthermore, she wasn¡¯t sure if she could have three cute and clever children like in her dream.

    She was already used to being a mother of three. If one or two of her babies were missing now, Qiao Nan would feel miserable.

    It was a pity that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t say these words to Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan held Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely make the ce I¡¯m living in somewhere I like. If you are away, I can¡¯t find you to provide suggestions. By then, don¡¯t be upset while I¡¯m satisfied.¡±

    When Brother Zhai wasn¡¯t at home, she would naturally be the only person to decide on the decorating style.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be unhappy.¡± He really wasn¡¯t picky when it came to the ce he was living in. The most important thing wasn¡¯t what kind of ce he lived in but who lived with him.

    After the couple finished their discussion, before waiting for the subpoena to indicate when would be the time to go to court, Zhai Sheng already brought his parents and Qiao Nan, his new wife, to board the ne heading to the capital. Qiao Nan naturally wouldn¡¯t tell anyone that she was leaving and going to the capital with the Zhai family. The only person she would naturally tell was Qiao Dongliang, her dad.

    After reading the contents of the message, Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. His daughter was married. It was normal for her to leave with his son-inw. Hadn¡¯t he already known about this? That was good as well. Nan Nan followed Zhai Sheng to the capital to enjoy life. From now on, Nan Nan was no longer that old girl in their quad who couldn¡¯t be married off but the wife of the chief that everyone had to respect.

    The only situation about Qiao Nan that Qiao Dongliang was not yet rest assured of was that because of the choice back then, Qiao Nan was a person who only had a junior high school certificate. Not only was Zhai Sheng the chief, but he was also a university graduate. To stand together with Zhai Sheng, who had such a high status, would Qiao Nan, who only graduated from junior high school, feel pressured? Would this cause gossip?

    It was the Qiao family¡¯s sin, yet Qiao Nan had to bear all the sufferings alone.

    It wasn¡¯t only Qiao Dongliang who had such worries. Qiao Nan herself would asionally think that she didn¡¯t have enough qualifications. She only took the middle school examinations then and obtained a junior high school graduation certificate. How was she going to let Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family introduce such a self to outsiders in the future? Someone that had only graduated from junior high school?

    As such, when Qiao Nan was chatting with Zhai Sheng on the ne, she shared that she wanted to go to school and continue learning to improve herself.

 Chapter 2051 - The Future

    <h4>Chapter 2051: The Future</h4>

    At this moment, she didn¡¯t care which school she had graduated from. What she cared about was that when they were chatting, she couldn¡¯t possibly share that she was a student who graduated from junior high, right?

    These were all embarrassing topics. Thankfully, the Zhai family didn¡¯t like the excitement and might not attend some banquets in the political circle. Otherwise, they would ask three questions: What qualifications do you have? Where did you study? Where are you studying now?

    These three questions could kill Qiao Nan in seconds, leaving her without a whole body.

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t give yourself so much pressure. If you really feel there¡¯s a need to and you want to study, I¡¯m supportive. However, if it¡¯s purely because of how others would look at you, you don¡¯t have to work so hard.¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. We don¡¯t have to care too much about how others look at us, but we can¡¯t ignore thempletely. We live in a big society. There are so many people around us that we have to keep in touch with. We have to integrate into such a living environment. We have to try and work hard. You don¡¯t have to think that this is hard work. I feel that this is putting in effort, and this is necessary.¡±

    If only she and the Zhai family were left in this world, then indeed, she didn¡¯t have to feel pressured or care about these issues. However, this was not the case. Aside from the Zhai family, there were still many people and countries in this world. Regardless of whether it was for Zhai Sheng or herself, Qiao Nan felt that it was necessary for her to improve herself.

    ¡°You also know that over the years, the only thing that I haven¡¯t lost knowledge in and have been learning better is English. As such, I want to take whatever English level tests that are avable.¡± No matter what, she had relied on this in the past to make a living.

    When she was in Ping Cheng, she taught English to students who were in junior high school and below. As such, coupled with the fact that the effects of her tutoring were good, she could casually take out a CET-4 certificate and those parents would still be willing to use a good price to hire her.

    In reality, Qiao Nan had put in a lot of effort to get such a reputation among the parents of elementary and junior high school children in Ping Cheng. Following the development of society, parents paid more attention to their children¡¯s education and focused more on their children¡¯s English ability. Since they had to spend a huge amount of money to hire a tutor, the tutor mustn¡¯t be too bad and had to fulfill all requests.

    When Qiao Nan was studying, she was very interested in English. After dropping out of school to work, because of various reasons, the knowledge Qiao Nan came into contact with the most was actually English. As such, based on her love for studying and her own determination, Qiao Nan self-taught and passed the CET-4 test.

    How would parents be willing to hire a tutor with a background simr to Qiao Nan¡¯s? Qiao Nan became a tutor to satisfy Ding Jiayi¡¯s increasing demands for higher living expenses. As such, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to drop her price. She was afraid that once she dropped her price, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her to increase her price again. What should she do if she increased her price but the other party chose to change a tutor?

    In the end, as she was left with no choice, Qiao Nan came up with the suggestion of a trial teaching. The tuition fees couldn¡¯t be lowered as she was confident in her capabilities. However, she could try teaching for a while. If the child¡¯s English results during this period of trial improved, then the parents had to pay her the tuition fees for this period.

    On the contrary, if her tuition was useless, she wouldn¡¯t take any money during this trial period. She would just pack her bags and leave.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion was quickly epted by parents. Some parents were open-minded. Upon seeing that Qiao Nan had a CET-4 certificate, even if they knew that Qiao Nan was just a junior high school graduate, they were willing to give her a chance.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan had really worked hard in this regard. The first child she tried teaching scored eight points higher in the first topical test when school reopened,pared to the final examinations of the previous semester. Not only did the parents retain Qiao Nan as a tutor, but they also paid her all the tuition fees.

    Before the parents gave Qiao Nan the money, they also asked their child if he could understand whatever Qiao Nan had taught him. The child said Qiao Nan taught him very seriously and her lessons were quite interesting. In the past, when he looked at English, he couldn¡¯t understand or remember it well. Now, his eptance of English knowledge was really much better than before.

    Since their child had said so, why else should the parents doubt Qiao Nan?

    Gradually, Qiao Nan¡¯s reputation as an English tutor who graduated from junior high school became stronger. There weren¡¯t a lot of parents who asked Qiao Nan for tuition, but there were a few who asked at the same time. These parents tried to lower the price with Qiao Nan. However, they were no match to her as their child¡¯s results had improved after Qiao Nan¡¯s teaching but dropped again after they dismissed Qiao Nan and found another tutor with a university degree. As such, Qiao Nan became their eventual choice.

    Without the chance to change her destiny in her dream, Qiao Nan thought about it and decided to start with English, which she was best at. At this moment, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure if her level of English had been high to begin with or if she had brought over the many years of teaching by Elder Lin in her dreams to reality.

    Her English proficiency was not any worse than a university student¡¯s. Even if she was asked to be an assistant for a diplomat, Qiao Nan felt that she waspetent.

    Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say these words. To say them at this time would make her seem that she was bragging.

    It would definitely not be wrong for her to improve herself first. Qiao Nan already thought of what specialization she wanted to apply for and how she was going toplete all the English tests step by step after reaching the capital.

    Upon hearing how excited Qiao Nan was when sharing her future study schedule, Zhai Sheng smiled and waspletely relieved. It was a selfish decision for him to bring Qiao Nan to the capital. Even if he and his family were sincere to Qiao Nan and never cared about her background and qualifications, it didn¡¯t mean that others would look at Qiao Nan in such a manner as well.

    However, to leave Qiao Nan in Ping Cheng and not let her interact with the Zhai family¡¯s contacts in the capital was simrly selfish and unfair to Qiao Nan. She would be hurt either way. As such, Zhai Sheng was more willing to hand the choice over to Qiao Nan. In this process, he would try his best to protect Qiao Nan.

    The problem was that once he heard about Qiao Nan¡¯s future ns in the capital, Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart felt warm. He was overjoyed to discover that Qiao Nan was stronger and more suitable to be a chief¡¯s wife than he had imagined. Perhaps life in the capital would make Qiao Nan feel somewhat uneasy and hesitant. However, this would not stop Qiao Nan¡¯s love for life.

 Chapter 2052 - Special Privilege

    <h4>Chapter 2052: Special Privilege</h4>

    He had indeed found himself a soul mate and the most suitable woman for himself this time. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do as you say. Don¡¯t worry. My parents and I will all support you. As long as you¡¯re happy, we¡¯ll always be on your side no matter what decision you make.¡±

    Perhaps, he should have a conversation with his father to let him know about Nan Nan¡¯s ideas after he arrived in the capital and before leaving. He would definitely not have much time to help Nan Nan or take care of her once he returned to the military.

    At such a time, the one who would be able to guide and help Nan Nan would be his father.

    The moment the auntie in the capital heard about the news that Zhai Sheng had gotten married while back at the old vi, she was overjoyed. Because the Zhais were good people, the auntie was concerned about her employers. In such an expensive city like the capital, where others were crammed into small houses of less than a hundred square meters, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were often lonely and sad because there was nobody else in their huge home.

    The auntie knew very well that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had always been longing for Zhai Sheng to get married and to have children of his own. Now that he had already passed the first hurdle of getting married, a baby was sure to be on the way very soon.

    As such, Qiao Nan was very warmly weed by the auntie. ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Nan, right? I¡¯m the auntie in this house. You must have had a long trip. I¡¯ve already made some tea. Please go have some. I¡¯ve also washed all the fruits on the table. Please have whatever you like!¡±

    This auntie was not the same one as in Qiao Nan¡¯s dream. Thus, Qiao Nan felt a little unfamiliar with her. Qiao Nan felt a little overwhelmed by the special treatment she was receiving from a stranger. ¡°Alright, thank you.¡±

    Sitting on the sofa, Miao Jing suddenly felt that she had to ept that she had indeed grown old. While she was younger, she had apanied Old Zhai on flights everywhere and had never once felt tired. Now, she had merely taken a three-hour flight and was already feeling aches all over. ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m hungry. Have you prepared our meal? If you have, you can bring them out now. Zhai Sheng, take Nan Nan to have a look at your room. Your room... I don¡¯t want to talk about it. It¡¯s just as well that Nan Nan can redecorate it.¡±

    Was it even a room? Apart from a bed, there were only walls in a single color. If not for the wooden floor, Miao Jing might even mistake Zhai Sheng¡¯s room for a prison cell instead of a normal bedroom.

    Even without Miao Jing¡¯s instructions, Zhai Sheng had intended to show Qiao Nan their room. Zhai Sheng had a feeling that he would spend more time in his bedroom in the next half a year than he had in the past ten years he had been in the capital.

    In the face of the room he would return to, Zhai Sheng had to consider Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings even if he did not care about his own. ¡°Nan Nan, take a look and see what needs to be changed or added. You can do as you please. I don¡¯t have any specific requirements.¡±

    Seeing that Zhai Sheng had only a bed without even a closet to hang his clothes, Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°I can tell that you really don¡¯t care about where you live. How could you not even have a closet? Where do you put all your clothes?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng was a little hesitant to answer that question.

    How should he put it? In the past, he had no interest ining home. Even after Qiu Chenxi left, he had been unwilling to return. When he had just divorced Qiu Chenxi, his parents had not fully understood the situation yet, much less reconciled with him. Besides, his parents¡¯ rtionship was a little strange in itself. Why would he, as their son and a single man,e in between them?

    Moreover, Zhai Sheng had not been young when he had gotten married to Qiu Chenxi in the first ce. After the divorce that came three yearster, Zhai Sheng was even older. Yet, there was still no child in the Zhai family. As such, every time Zhai Sheng returned home, Miao Jing would nag at him to get married without fail. Even worse, upon confirming that Zhai Sheng was returning home, Miao Jing would always find ways to have two to three unmarried youngdies at home every time Zhai Sheng returned.

    It was obvious what she was scheming.

    His parents¡¯ rtionship was still unclear while he had not been divorced for long at that time. How could Zhai Sheng possibly throw himself into another grave by being with a woman he had not known for long? With Miao Jing on his back, Zhai Sheng neither raised his voice nor threw a temper. Instead, he simply returned home to sit around for a while before excusing himself by saying that he needed to return for a mission in the military.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng resorted to returning to the Zhai family¡¯s house in a clean set of clothes. Then, he would return to the military after a night¡¯s stay. Since his clothes were in the military, it was only natural that he changed his clothes back in the military. Zhai Sheng had already gotten to the point where he did not even change in the Zhai family¡¯s house. This naturally meant that a closet was unnecessary there.

    Given his frugality as a soldier, Zhai Sheng had simply moved that unused closet somewhere else and put it into good use elsewhere.

    Since Zhai Sheng did not answer her, Qiao Nan did not try to force one out of him. It was not a crucial matter anyway. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll clean this room up. Do you evene back here?¡±

    In her dream, Qiao Nan had been Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife for over twenty years. What could Qiao Nan possibly not know about Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper and habits?

    In fact, Qiao Nan had heard about Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing¡¯s situation from Zhai Hua while she had been in Ping Cheng. A child¡¯s opinions and ideas about marriage were directly influenced by his parents¡¯. In reality, the couple¡¯s rtionship had only gotten better quite recently. This had led to Zhai Hua¡¯s extreme desire to have a family of her own and a man who would cherish her with all his heart. That was why she had gotten married to Wei De.

    On the other hand, Zhai Sheng felt that marriage was unnecessary after seeing his parent¡¯s rtionship. By remaining unmarried, he would have one less person to make trouble for him. That way, he would have more freedom in the future.

    Zhai Sheng did not think much about it and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll return home often in the future. I¡¯lle back and spend time with you every time I get a break in the military.¡±

    Since Zhai Sheng had not read in between the lines, Qiao Nan could not be bothered to exin it any further. ¡°Alright,e back often. By the way, if anything happens and I can¡¯t make up my mind, can I make a call to the military to find you?¡± Qiao Nan had already gotten this special privilege while she was still a junior high school student in her dream and before she had even been in an official rtionship with Zhai Sheng. At that time, she had simply treated Zhai Sheng as an older brother who was concerned about her. She had never imagined that Zhai Sheng felt something more toward her.

 Chapter 2053 - Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 2053: Comint</h4>

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°Of course!¡± He had been in such bliss these days. He should have taken the initiative to offer Nan Nan his number in the military but Nan Nan had been the one to ask for it. Zhai Sheng retrieved a notebook from the study room and wrote down his number in the military. ¡°You can dial this number if you need to get hold of me in the future. I should be able answer it most of the time.¡±

    After bing a chief, Zhai Sheng was no longer sent on dangerous missions as often as he had been while he had been younger. It was just that he could not leave the military base because of his responsibilities. Even though he no longer went on as many missions, Zhai Sheng had never gotten excessive free time.

    ¡°Alright.¡± It was only natural that the number Qiao Nan received from Zhai Sheng differed from the one in her dream. However, Qiao Nan memorized Zhai Sheng¡¯s number immediately all the same. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call you in the future if I need you. And if anything happens, remember to let me know once you are allowed to do so.¡±

    This was a tacit understanding that Qiao Nan had developed with Zhai Sheng in her dream. It seemed as though they were reliving their lives in reality by meeting each other again and even getting married again. However, Qiao Nan had no intention of changing that harmonious way they got along before.

    Zhai Sheng naturally agreed to Qiao Nan¡¯s suggestion at once. Upon returning to the capital, Zhai Sheng spent only a day at home with Qiao Nan before returning to the military yet again. As for Qiao Nan, who was now without her husband by her side, she was no different from the person she was in her dream, who had never let herself rx and be free because of her husband¡¯s absence. Quite on the contrary, Qiao Nan got even busier than anyone else.

    Based on her own interests, Qiao Nan, who already had a Level Four certification in English, signed up for Level Six examination as well as a course simr to a teaching degree to upgrade her skills.

    When they had just returned to the capital, Zhai Yaohui had already heard from Zhai Sheng that Qiao Nan intended to upgrade herself. Zhai Yaohui fully supported Qiao Nan in this matter. It did not matter that Qiao Nan¡¯s family background was poor or imperfect. Even a perfect family background would not be able topare to Qiao Nan¡¯s desire to learn.

    If Qiao Nan had not nned everything out for herself, her father-inw, Zhai Yaohui, would probably have taken interest in helping her find something worth pursuing.

    With Zhai Yaohui¡¯s help, Qiao Nan managed to sign up for her examinations and courses smoothly. Upon receiving her books, Qiao Nan immediately threw herself into a sea of books. Thankfully, Qiao Nan was still as enthusiastic upon seeing books as she had been while in junior high school, even though she had already been away for a few decades.

    Qiao Nan did not experience headaches upon looking at books, like a normal person would after graduating. Without such negative emotions, it was only expected that Qiao Nan learned much more from the textbooks than others would. As for English, Qiao Nan did not even need to revise anything. She simply turned up for ss at the right time.

    In both her dream and reality, she had never lost her knowledge of English and hermand of thenguage was extremely high.

    Apart from her studies, Qiao Nan busied herself with redecorating the room that she shared with Zhai Sheng. Of course, Qiao Nan always made use of the time that Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were out of the house in the daytime to do that. No matter how minor her renovations were, some noise was inevitable.

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were no longer young and it was better to avoid such noise as much as possible.

    Qiao Nan busied herself with her studies for two months until the date of her Level Six certification examination was looming ahead of her. The room that she shared with Zhai Sheng was finallyfortable and cozy enough to be termed as a room.

    While Qiao Nan led a blissful life, it seemed as though the Qiao family was still in a mess. The difference was that Qiao Nan was no longer their target. Instead, Qiao Dongliang had taken her ce.

    ¡°Tell me. Has Qiao Nan been sending our family money all this while? Have you been keeping the money for yourself?¡± Ding Jiayi had been at a loss for words for almost an hour. It was only when she returned home to that familiar and secure ce that she returned from her trance and managed to speak her mind.

    Ding Jiayi had already sued Qiao Nan. Given that Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, even if Qiao Nan did not care about it, the Zhai family would. They were all a family. Before the court hearings even started, the Zhai family would definitely send Qiao Nan to settle the situation with the Qiao family and would ede to all of their demands. After all, dirty linen should not be aired in public.

    Chief Zhai¡¯s newly-wedded daughter-inw did not even recognize or support her biological parents anymore. Ding Jiayi did not believe that the Zhai family would allow their reputations to be ruined just like that.

    But who would have known that Qiao Nan would not show up at their door to beg for mercy or forgiveness up until the day the court hearings started. In fact, she had not even received a phone call from Qiao Nan.

    In the face of Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®stubbornness¡¯, Ding Jiayi told herself more than once that she had to take this chance to give Qiao Nan a good lecture. She would not be Ding Jiayi if she did not get Qiao Nan to understand how to be a good daughter.

    In short, Ding Jiayi was not trying to teach Qiao Nan any morals. What she wanted Qiao Nan to know was that she would never be able to escape from Ding Jiayi¡¯s grasp. Even though she had already married into the Zhai family and had be the chief¡¯s wife, Qiao Nan would never be able to smile as long as Ding Jiayi wanted her to cry.

    If Qiao Nan wanted to live a blissful life, she had to make Ding Jiayi satisfied. Only then would she allow Qiao Nan to be happy. If Qiao Nan dared to cast her mother aside or anger her, she would definitely make Qiao Nan¡¯s life a living hell.

    When she arrived at the courthouse, Ding Jiayi was as arrogant and high-spirited as soldiers going to war. Others might have misunderstood that she was here to fight against her enemy, and even those in the know would have wondered if Qiao Nan was truly Ding Jiayi¡¯s biological daughter. Why else would Ding Jiayi be so vicious toward Qiao Nan?

    The moment Ding Jiayi saw the seat opposite her that was meant for Qiao Nan still empty when the hearing started, she could not help but ask, ¡°Your Honor, I would like to ask if it¡¯s considered a contempt of court that the younger daughter that I¡¯m suing didn¡¯t even turn up today. Will I immediately win this case?¡±

    She remembered seeing the news one day about a simr situation. Because the other party had not turned up in court, they had immediately lost the case.

 Chapter 2054 - Suggestion

    Chapter 2054: Suggestion

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Thewyer could not even be bothered to nce at Ding Jiayi. ¡°The situation is different this time. Please maintain your silence in court and refrain from spouting nonsense.¡± Thewyer himself felt helpless that he had to deal with such a case.

    He could not understand what his client could possibly sue for given the Qiao family¡¯s familial rtionships. Since their daughter had already gotten ahead in life, his client could simply rx and wait to enjoy her life. To fall out with her daughter at this point in time was simply creating trouble for herself.

    Thewyer had been utterly confused until he saw the name of his client. Then, everything clicked. As awyer, he was indeed busy. But that did not mean that he was ignorant about what was going on in the city.

    Upon finding out that his client was Ding Jiayi, thewyer had not wanted to ept the case. Unfortunately for him, hisw firm had already done so and he could not find a way out of it.

    The Qiao family¡¯s situation was unlike other families¡¯. Everyone in Ping Cheng knew about the Qiao family¡¯s dirty linen. With such a premise, he was sure that the judge would not have a good first impression of his client. Compared to his greedy client, a filial daughter like Qiao Nan who had been silently sacrificing herself all this while was proof that one reaped whatever they sowed.

    Given that her biological mother had been so vicious toward her, sucking her dry of all her money, Qiao Nan should never have been so filial without even caring about her own well-being. Because she had always made sacrifices for the Qiao family, the Qiao family¡¯s greed had only increased.

    Everyone¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan was that they were saddened by her misfortune but angered by herck of resistance.

    1

    Naturally, public opinion was biased toward Qiao Nan even if Qiao Nan had not given the Qiao family a single cent or shouldered the responsibility of being a filial daughter in the past year. At the very most, the court would simply order Qiao Nan to make up for whatever allowance deemed fit ording to the cost of living in Ping Cheng. The court would never be able to punish Qiao Nan severely, much less stand on Ding Jiayi¡¯s side and fulfill all of Ding Jiayi¡¯s demands.

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Ding Jiayi still wanted to win this case. As such, she had to behave herself and not make any trouble today. There was no other choice. She could not afford to offend the judge. If she were to offend the judge, she might very well change the verdict from one in her favor to one against her. Besides, she had to depend on herwyer to win this case. As such, she could not afford to offend thewyer either.

    But who would have known that awsuit would waste so much time, effort, and money? Fighting awsuit was no mean feat!

    The conclusion from Ding Jiayi¡¯s discussion with Qiao Zijin was that Qiao Zijin would fork out the money, while Ding Jiayi would spend her time and effort on the case. After dividing thebor that way, it was time to put on their performance.

    ¡°Lawyer, we¡¯ll win, right?¡± Ding Jiayi puffed up her chest. Since Qiao Nan would not give up until the very end, she would have to prove to Qiao Nan that one¡¯s stubbornness did not matter. It only mattered whether she was willing to let Qiao Nan off the hook.

    She was the one who had given birth to Qiao Nan. It would be a huge joke if even she could not control Qiao Nan. If her daughter did not listen to her, who would she listen to?

    ¡°...¡± Thewyer bit on his lip, reluctant to answer Ding Jiayi. ¡°If it is true that the defendant did not pay any alimony in the past year, then we¡¯ll definitely win to a certain extent.¡± He had made it clear that it was only to a certain extent, definitely not to the extent that Ding Jiayi was hoping for.

    They did not run the courts and Ding Jiayi¡¯s reputation was bad to begin with. This meant that they were already at a huge disadvantage as the intiff even before the hearing started. Even if they were to win, Ding Jiayi would never be able to gain as much as she wanted.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Just try to help us win.¡± Of course, Ding Jiayi did not understand what thewyer meant by ¡®to a certain extent¡¯. All she cared about was that one word. Because she heard that they would win, nothing else mattered to her.

    Ding Jiayi was rxed, but thewyer was not. ¡°Madam Ding, I want to reconfirm that the defendant did not fulfill her obligations and responsibilities of providing for her parents in the past year.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    How could she not be sure? Not only had Qiao Nan not given her any money, but she had even stolen the family¡¯s money that had been meant for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment. In fact, she had even told thewyer about this story to prove that Qiao Nan was so bad beyond the point of rescue.

    Under normal circumstances, thewyer might have bought into his client¡¯s story upon listening to this one-sided summary of events. Thankfully, Ding Jiayi had kicked up such a fuss that she had appeared on the news. Hence, there were few who did not know about the Qiao family¡¯s circumstances. Even if one was ignorant about it, they could very easily search up about it or ask someone else about it.

    Hearing Ding Jiayi foolishly retelling the story, thewyer simply asked a question that made Ding Jiayi re up. ¡°Did you say that your younger daughter stole all your family¡¯s money that was meant for your elder daughter¡¯s treatment? Was it your husband who earned all that money? Does that money have nothing to do with your younger daughter?¡±

    ¡°About this... She wasn¡¯t married, so she was still part of the Qiao family. Her money is our money.¡± Ding Jiayi was indignant. Was that not the case with all unmarried daughters? There was no way Qiao Nan¡¯s earnings belonged to her alone. No. The Qiao family¡¯s money belonged to the entire Qiao family. It was equally shared by all four of them.

    Thewyer adjusted his sses. ¡°Madam Ding, I¡¯m obliged to remind you that based on what you¡¯ve said, your younger daughter simply took her own earnings. I don¡¯t know what your family is like, but I know that whatever habits or customs you have will not be recognized or protected by thew. In the legal sense, whatever you¡¯ve just said doesn¡¯t hold. Once your younger daughteres of age, she is an independent individual with autonomy. Her earnings are her own. It doesn¡¯t belong to the Qiao family or you or your husband. Thew will not recognize that. Do you understand?¡±

    That meant that the court would never recognize or take into ount that the defendant was an evil and cold-blooded animal that was totally indifferent to her family. ¡°Madam Ding, my suggestion is that you provide other evidence to prove that the defendant has not done her duty to provide for her parents.. Otherwise, I would suggest that you not go through with this.¡±

 Chapter 2055 - Trying His Best to Win

    Chapter 2055: Trying His Best to Win

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°It might backfire on you if you say too much. The judge might favor the other party, putting you at a disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed and she could not help but murmur inwardly. Who decided on such aw? Why was it so wrong and foolish? Qiao Nan was unmarried, so her earnings should belong to the entire Qiao family instead of her alone.

    That was the way all families worked. Why did thew not recognize and protect that?

    Thinking about how the court would not punish Qiao Nan for wanting to kill her sister and would even stand on her side, Ding Jiayi was incensed. ¡°Lawyer, let me ask you a question. Was thisw passed recently?¡± Otherwise, why were they all helping Qiao Nan instead of her?

    Was thew not supposed to protect the interests of themoners? She did not feel that her interests were being protected at all!

    Ding Jiayi felt that thew thewyer was talking about was written by Qiao Nan herself. It seemed to favor Qiao Nan while putting her at a disadvantage! She then thought about how Qiao Nan had be the chief¡¯s wife. Perhaps, Qiao Nan had specially asked for such aw to be passed after finding out that she was going to be sued.

    1

    Ignorance was indeed frightening. How could a neww be passed by a single person? However, Ding Jiayi was arrogant and felt that her words and ideas were always right and would never be wrong. As such, she did not hesitate to say such ridiculous things that turned her into aughingstock.

    A normal person would never ask such a question. Did she have nomon sense at all? Could it be done simply by opening one¡¯s mouth and asking for it to be passed?

    However, thewyer had to remind himself that the person in front of him was his client who was paying for his services. As such, he could not afford to get angry, much less use words to provoke her. That would only make him appear unprofessional and ipetent as awyer. No matter what,wyers were still part of the service industry. ¡°Madam Ding, it¡¯s alright for you to talk about such things to me, but I hope that you¡¯ll remain silent once we go to court. After all, silence is gold.¡±

    It would be better for Madam Ding to remain quiet as long as he did not ask for her opinion. Given Ding Jiayi¡¯s rashness, he was afraid that it would not be his ipetence but Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth that would cause them the case. She might even help the other party gain an edge over them with her words.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to doubt thew¡¯s justness and fairness. The court is not a one-man paradise. Thosews that I talked about earlier have been around for decades.¡± At that time, the defendant was probably not much older than a newborn infant.

    As such, his client had better not believe that thew favored the defendant. In reality, it was rationality and justness that stood on the defendant¡¯s side.

    After such a conversation, Ding Jiayi came to an understanding that many of her ideas would not be recognized by thew. As such, it would be impossible for her to attack and win against Qiao Nan. The biggest thing Ding Jiayi had going for her was that Qiao Nan had not fulfilled her responsibility as a child nor supported her parents after leaving the family. She had even betrayed them by taking her sry with her.

    They could only fight thewsuit based on this one point. Ding Jiayi should not even dream of anything else, much less voice them out in case she were to make even more mistakes the more she said, causing their already low chances of winning to decrease even further.

    Although Ding Jiayi was upset that Qiao Nan had not appeared in court and she was unable to see Qiao Nan get afraid and angry, and even beg her for mercy, she remembered at all times that herwyer had instructed her to remain silent unless she was called upon. Otherwise, she should just put on a pitiful act and keep her mouth shut.

    While she was not the best at acting, she simply had to behave as she normally did. That way, she would definitely do well.

    Ding Jiayi, who never allowed anyone else to control her, treated thewyer¡¯s words like an imperial edict for the sake of winning thewsuit. Since thewyer had instructed her to remain silent, she would do just that. Thewyer asked her if Qiao Nan had really not even given the Qiao family a single cent after her departure. To that, Ding Jiayi nodded sincerely and replied in the affirmative. Yes, that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, had not even made a phone call to the Qiao family after running away, much less given them any money.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s wait for the start of the court session.¡± The line between winning and losing was never too clear in awsuit. It was already quite a big deal that he was able to help Ding Jiayi win to a certain extent. As for... Thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s long list of demands, thewyer huffed. If he was Madam Ding¡¯s daughter, he would have run away too!

    Such a mother had no use for a useless child. Of course, he felt a headache on behalf of the other party¡¯swyer as well.

    As Ding Jiayi waited for the start of the court session, Qiao Zijin, who had not turned up in court, was anxiously clutching onto her mobile phone, waiting for news from Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin was especially somber today, and her eyes darted around nervously.

    Hearing that Qiao Dongliang had emerged from the room to get some water, Qiao Zijin stood up after some thought. ¡°Dad, are you thirsty? Do you want me to get you a ss of water?¡± Actually, if her dad was willing to stand on her side and control Qiao Nan for her, she would be even more confident in being able to make Qiao Nan treat her elder sister with more selflessness and concern.

    Qiao Zijin carefully poured a ss of warm water that was of the perfect temperature and handed it over to Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Zijin was frustrated as she gazed at Qiao Dongliang. A year ago, or perhaps, even from the time Qiao Nan had been in junior high school, her dad had never been one of many words. However, her dad had always behaved like her mom and had always been on her side. Her dad had always made Qiao Nan make selfless sacrifices for her sake.

    Why was it that not only Qiao Nan had undergone a drastic change, but her dad had as well? Now, her dad waspletely biased toward Qiao Nan!

    It was not as though she needed Qiao Nan topletely sacrifice herself like her parents had demanded of Qiao Nan in the past. All she needed was for her dad to treat her a little more fairly andpassionately. Qiao Nan had married well while she was divorced and unemployed.. Qiao Nan was living a good life while her life was in the gutters. Was it too much to ask of Qiao Nan to give her a helping hand by giving her a good job? It was not too much to ask for at all!

 Chapter 2056 - Good Intentionsâ€™

    Chapter 2056: ¡®Good Intentions¡¯

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    If her parents were to work together to reason with Qiao Nan and attack her with facts, there was no way Qiao Nan could refuse them.

    Seeming to know what Qiao Zijin was plotting, Qiao Dongliang, who had recently be especially quiet, spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m d that Nan Nan got married. After she got married, I often think about the times when you were still married to Chen Jun. At that time, all the youngdies in the northern courtyard were envious of you, talking about how quickly Chen Jun was being promoted...¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyelids twitched and she smiled in pleasure. That was right! At that time, she was the pride of the northern courtyard!

    ¡°At that time, Chen Jun was being promoted every so often. Nan Nan... As someone who had only graduated from junior high school, she would never have been able to find a good job for herself if not for her diligence and willingness to learn. Zijin, don¡¯t you remember what you told us and Nan Nan at that time?¡±

    1

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was immersed in her fond memories, felt as though she had been whacked on the head with a hammer. All those good memories were instantly shattered into little fragments that could not be pieced back together.

    Did she remember?

    Of course she did!

    After sessfully snatching Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan and getting pregnant with Chen Feng before getting married, Qiao Zijin had practically reached the peak of her entire life. Every time she returned to the northern courtyard, all her neighbors would treat her as though she were their biological daughter, addressing her affectionately and asking after her. They would always ask, ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re back?¡±, ¡°Zijin, we bought some fresh fruits. Would you like some?¡±, or even ¡°Zijin, remember to visit us sometime soon!¡±.

    Qiao Zijin knew exactly why these people treated her so warmly. Just like how her family had been treated before the civil service examination, these people simply wanted Zijin to help them ask the Chen family for a favor so that their children would have good and stable jobs or get into good schools.

    Since others already behaved in this manner, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to consider Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. As long as it concerned Chen Jun, it was true that Qiao Zijin could not stand tall in front of Qiao Nan. She had snatched Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan and she did indeed owe it to Qiao Nan. But every time she opened her mouth, she made it seem as though Qiao Nan was the one who owed it to her. It¡¯s as if for the sake of preventing trouble for Chen Jun, Qiao Nan should never get involved in anything rted to Chen Jun.

    Once, Qiao Zijin had even directly said to her family, ¡°Technically, Qiao Nan¡¯s my only sister, so it¡¯s my duty to treat her well. But it¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s fault for purposely trying to get chummy with her own brother-inw. If I really ask Chen Jun to help Qiao Nan find a good job, wouldn¡¯t it be bad if others were to misunderstand and overthink the situation? You know very well where Chen Jun works. It¡¯s better for him not to get involved in such matters lest others catch a chink in his armor!¡±

    ¡°Honestly, if Qiao Nan¡¯s educational qualifications were a little higher, I might still be able to ask Chen Jun for some help since she¡¯s quite capable. I¡¯m not even talking about being a university graduate. Even being a high school graduate would have been good. Think about it. How bad could a job rmended by Chen Jun be? Out of so many outstanding candidates, including college students, others will definitely talk about it if Chen Jun were to pick Qiao Nan for the job over everyone else. It hasn¡¯t been easy for Chen Jun to get to the position he¡¯s in today. Even if Qiao Nan¡¯s my biological sister, I can¡¯t possibly harm my husband just to help my sister, right?¡±

    Because Qiao Zijin had said that, Ding Jiayi, who had be the most morous mother-inw in the entire northern courtyard because of her son-inw, Chen Jun, was the first to disagree. ¡°Help? Don¡¯t bother! That wretched girl is so stupid! She has neither the capability nor the qualifications. She¡¯s the most useless person in our entire family! I don¡¯t even mind that she¡¯s embarrassing me by being single at such an old age because of her low qualifications. How could she be so shameless to expect you to help her find a job? Don¡¯t bother about her! Zijin, don¡¯t harm your husband just because of a sister who can¡¯t get married. You¡¯re a mother now!¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were exactly what Qiao Zijin wanted to hear and Qiao Zijin replied hypocritically. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Of course, I won¡¯t harm my son or my son¡¯s dad. It¡¯s just that we¡¯re a family, and some things should be clear between us. If helping Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t mean a thing to Chen Jun, I wouldn¡¯t mind helping her at all. But as you can see, there¡¯s really no way for me to help Qiao Nan given her circumstances. My goal is to benefit everyone in our family, but there¡¯s really no point in putting someone down just to help another. Besides, I¡¯ve thought about it. Chen Jun might still be promoted in a few years¡¯ time. Perhaps, if Chen Jun were to help Qiao Nan then, no one would dare to say anything because of his position. When that timees, I promise you that I¡¯ll help Qiao Nan.¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not intend to let Qiao Zijin help Qiao Nan at all. She had already known that Qiao Nan would be useless the moment she had been born. It would be enough for her as long as Qiao Zijin led a good life without Qiao Nan dragging her down. That was all she asked of Qiao Nan.

    But Ding Jiayi thought about how Qiao Zijin had been able to graduate from university not because of her mother or her father, Qiao Dongliang. It had been all thanks to Qiao Nan that she had been able to graduate. Even though Qiao Zijin was Qiao Nan¡¯s only sister and it was only right for Qiao Nan to help Qiao Zijin with such a small matter, there was no way she would allow Qiao Zijin to show her ¡®good intentions¡¯ toward Qiao Nan now.

    Anyway, Qiao Zijin had already said that Chen Jun would most probably be promoted to a position where no one would dare to gossip about him in the future. There was no saying when this ¡®future¡¯ woulde. As such, Ding Jiayi thought that there was no point in rebuking her daughter about something that might or might not happen in the future.

    These were just words anyway. They would cross that bridge once they got there in the future.

    Qiao Dongliang remembered clearly that entire conversation, including the disdain on Ding Jiayi¡¯s face and the glee on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face at that time.

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang had not said anything because he cared that his elder son-inw should have been his younger son-inw. Qiao Dongliang was a man and he was no fool. He had eyes to see whom Chen Jun truly had feelings for.

    But what could he do? It was true that Chen Jun liked his younger daughter, but it was his elder daughter who was pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child. He could not possibly ask his elder daughter to abort her child to let her younger daughter marry Chen Jun.

    He believed that his younger daughter would definitely feel resentful toward Chen Jun because of this matter.. In fact, she would probably have no desire to marry Chen Jun anymore.

 Chapter 2057 - How Was This Different?

    <h4>Chapter 2057: How Was This Different?</h4>

    Since that was the case, he could only silently agree to Ding Jiayi¡¯s approach. At least, the child in his elder daughter¡¯s stomach would have a legal birth status and father.

    In the end, Chen Jun became their elder son-inw. However, he still had their younger daughter in his heart. At this moment, his younger daughter¡¯s work was arranged by his elder son-inw. Qiao Dongliang felt panicked. What if the same situation were to happen again and his younger daughter also... He couldn¡¯t possibly let Chen Jun change his status from the elder son-inw to the younger son-inw, right?

    Chen Jun had a sessful career...

    No matter what, Qiao Dongliang felt that it was pretty good for Qiao Nan to continue guarding her original job and position. This way, there wouldn¡¯t be any problems between his elder daughter and elder son-inw. His elder son-inw¡¯s job would also be secure.

    In the blink of an eye, Qiao Zijin had already gotten a divorce from Chen Jun. However, some situations were repeating themselves again. Now, his younger daughter had married well, his younger son-inw had a high-ranking job, and everyone in the Qiao family had face. If his elder daughter wanted to lead a better life, she had to depend on the glory of his younger daughter and younger son-inw.

    However, it wasn¡¯t that easy. In this ¡®depending¡¯ process, his elder daughter might cause trouble to his younger daughter and younger son-inw, harming their interests.

    Qiao Dongliang still remembered clearly Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan back then. Simrly, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t forget how his attitude was back then either.

    Qiao Dongliang felt depressed in his heart. Perhaps the day he thought of, which was for his younger daughter to help his elder daughter once she was leading a good life, would never happen. This was because back when their family had faced such a situation, nobody had ever mentioned for the elder daughter to help the younger daughter.

    Nan Nan had never argued, but that didn¡¯t mean that Nan Nan had forgotten about it. Zijin never helped Nan Nan. How was Nan Nan willing to selflessly help Zijin?

    ¡°At that time, Nan Nan relied on her own efforts step by step. Although you are her sister and even married a good man like Chen Jun...¡± Even if Zijin had snatched Chen Jun, a man with a good background, away from Nan Nan... ¡°Under those circumstances, you never helped Nan Nan at all. Not only did you not help Nan Nan, but you even got Nan Nan to put the sry she earned into your mom¡¯s pockets so that you can use it to buy a house thereafter.¡±

    ¡°At that time, you said that as long as you had enough face in front of the Chen family, you could put in a good word for Nan Nan in front of the Chen family in the future so that our Qiao family would be more confident too. Now that Nan Nan married well, shouldn¡¯t you also work hard and let the Zhai family know that although our Qiao family¡¯s status couldn¡¯t bepared to the Zhai family¡¯s, our family would definitely not be Nan Nan¡¯s burden? Zijin, didn¡¯t you mean this when you expressed those words back then?¡±

    This was the first time Qiao Dongliang realized that at his age, his memory was still like a young man¡¯s. He could express Qiao Zijin¡¯s high-sounding reasons back then in their original form and shut Qiao Zijin up.

    Qiao Zijin was really taken aback by Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t remember clearly what she said or did back then. Upon hearing Qiao Dongliang mention it, indeed, she found that those words sounded familiar. ¡°Dad, that¡¯s different.¡± She led a good life in the past. If she helped Qiao Nan, she would be burdened.

    Now that Qiao Nan was leading a good life but she wasn¡¯t, Qiao Nan was naturally obliged to help her so that she could lead a good life as well. Her mom was right. Qiao Nan was born with a bad life. If not for Qiao Nan¡¯s birth, would the Qiao family¡¯s status be so low when they were young?

    Even in the face of Chen Jun, she didn¡¯t need to go soft on him. After all, her mom always wanted to be the wife of a battalionmander and her dad nearly became apanymander. Without Qiao Nan, she would have had a reputable family background. As such, she didn¡¯t need to work hard or rely on outsiders. As long as she had Qiao Dongliang as a father, she could lead her dream life.

    However, following Qiao Nan¡¯s birth, all the good life was destroyed by her. Her father retired from the army and became an ordinary worker. His wages couldn¡¯t support his two daughters well.

    It was Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance that changed her from a little princess at home to an ordinary girl. Qiao Nan owed her. What wrong was there for Qiao Nan to let her live the life she should have led again?

    When she was leading a good life, Qiao Nan must not burden her. When she wasn¡¯t leading a good life, even if Qiao Nan had to sacrifice herself, she should give her a hand and let her lead a princess-like life. Qiao Nan owed her all of this. It was right that Qiao Nan gave their mom so much money. With so much money, could she buy back the glory and status of a battalionmander¡¯s wife?

    If one wanted to be calctive, Qiao Nan had owed her and her mom too much. If there was really a next life, Qiao Nan might not be able to return what she owed them in three lifetimes, let alone this lifetime. She didn¡¯t know what would happen in the next lifetime. Taking advantage of this lifetime, she was definitely going to let Qiao Nan pay back as much as possible so that she could lead a morefortable life now.

    With such a mindset, no matter how Qiao Nan was used or harmed, Qiao Zijin never felt that she was in the wrong or that Qiao Nan had suffered too much in this family. After all, based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s description, the reason why this family went downhill was all because of Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan caused the Qiao family to be like this. As such, Qiao Nan was obliged to restore the Qiao family to its previous glory days when she had yet to be born. Even if Qiao Nan did it, she shouldn¡¯t take any credit as this was the debt she owed. If Qiao Nan could make the Qiao family more glorious than before, then what Qiao Nan did would be consideredpensation to the Qiao family.

    Qiao Zijin never thought that Qiao Nan was equal to her. It was only right for her to do everything she wanted. It was also only right that Qiao Nan did everything for her. As such, when Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s situations werepletely reversed, she didn¡¯t feel that the set of theories used on Qiao Nan back then was qualified for Qiao Nan to apply it to herself in turn.

    Apologies, but Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t qualified!

    Only Qiao Nan owed her. In terms of repayment, Qiao Nan was not qualified to be on equal standing as her.

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t understand where Qiao Zijin¡¯s persistence came from. He really wanted to know how it was different.

 Chapter 2058 - Say It Clearly

    Chapter 2058: Say It Clearly

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Could it be that it was only right for Nan Nan to sacrifice for Zijin, regardless if she was good or bad?

    ¡°Forget it. There are some things that can¡¯t be said clearly to you. It¡¯s alright as long as Mom and I understand.¡± Qiao Zijin refused tomunicate with Qiao Dongliang. She had long realized that in this family, only she and her mom had amonnguage and could understand each other¡¯s words and inner thoughts.

    Her dad was biased. Even if what she said was reasonable, when it reached her dad, her reasoning would only be distorted. Since she knew that this was going to be the result, why should she waste her saliva and efforts to argue with her dad? There wasn¡¯t anything to gain from it.

    ¡°Dad, take a rest. I¡¯ll just wait for Mom.¡± Once there was good news, her mom would definitely send a text message to let her know immediately. She was a fool. She had long known that her dad only had a daughter, Qiao Nan, in his heart. Wasn¡¯t she just giving herself trouble by chatting with her dad for so long?

    Qiao Dongliang was still wondering if he could help Qiao Zijin and restore her strange worldviews. Who knew that before he couldin about Qiao Zijin¡¯s strange thoughts, the other party had already rejectedmunication with him and looked as if it was tiring to talk to him?

    Qiao Dongliang felt like someone had dealt a strong blow to his head. Although he was sad in his heart, his lips couldn¡¯t help but curve up, revealing a smile that was uglier than crying. ¡°Sure. Go ahead and wait for your mom alone then.¡±

    He was thinking for Zijin but she couldn¡¯t even be bothered to talk to him. Living in such a house, Qiao Dongliang felt cold in his heart. He was about to lose the courage to continue living in this house. He felt timid when he saw Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin waited for two full hours. Qiao Zijin always thought that this was an easywsuit. It was the truth that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t give the family money. Her family would definitely win without a doubt.

    However, two hours had passed and she didn¡¯t receive any text message or call. Out of eagerness, even if the signal disyed on her mobile was four full bars, she couldn¡¯t help but take her phone to the yard and try to receive the signal. She was afraid that the signal was affected in the house and her mobile didn¡¯t react in time.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t wait for Ding Jiayi¡¯s call or text message but Ding Jiayi herself. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back?¡± Upon hearing the sound of a car from the door, Qiao Zijin looked out. Wasn¡¯t the person opening the door her birth mom that she had waited two hours dearly for?

    ¡°Mom, is thewsuit over? How was it? Did we win? How did the judge decide? How did Qiao Nan look like at that time?¡± Upon thinking that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t win against her even if she had be the wife of the chief, Qiao Zijin felt extremely proud.

    There was a saying that men conquered the world while women conquered men to conquer the world. The situation between her and Qiao Nan was simr to this saying. So what if Qiao Nan was formidable and married Zhai Sheng? The glorious Qiao Nan had to listen to the words of her, the birth sister, in the end.

    She was the one standing on top of Qiao Nan. She was the person at the top of the food chain.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your dad?¡± At this moment, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face didn¡¯t reveal the slightest joy. Her long face and bloodshot eyes showed that not only was the result of thewsuit not what she expected, but it even developed in the direction that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t wish for the most. ¡°Where¡¯s your dad? I want to talk to him. There are some things I have to talk to him about clearly.¡±

    First, it was Qiao Nan. Now, it was Qiao Dongliang. Ding Jiayi felt like she was a balloon full of air. If there was a little more anger in her stomach, she would have exploded. No matter Qiao Nan or Qiao Dongliang, they were the ones who did the most but said the least in this family.

    Qiao Nan and Qiao Dongliang, who silently sacrificed for the family, seemed to havee to a prior agreement. They refused to be controlled by Ding Jiayi and turned into traitors one after another. As such, two hardworking oxen suddenly became dogs who loved to bite but not bark. What Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t ept the most and felt most pained about was that these two people were mostly under her control back then. However, the first person they chose to bite was none other than herself.

    Now that the situation had developed to this point, Ding Jiayi was so angry that if she didn¡¯t lose her temper now, this father-daughter pair would really treat her as someone without temper. If she didn¡¯t swear an oath of sovereignty now, the people surnamed Qiao would really forget who the head of the family was.

    Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°Dad? He¡¯s always in his room. Mom, why are you so angry? We lost thewsuit?¡± It couldn¡¯t be, right? She consulted a lot ofwyers before, and all of them said that if they were to hand thiswsuit over to any one of them, the result would only be a win.

    Her mom couldn¡¯t have found a fakewyer, right? The fakewyer was so ¡®capable¡¯ that he or she could turn a sure-winwsuit into a losingwsuit?

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to youter. I have to find your dad to rify a situation first.¡± The reason why she would temporarily lose thiswsuit was that not only did someone not have the same mindset as her, but he even secretly hindered her. She had to understand if what Qiao Nan¡¯swyer said in court was true first before deciding how to proceed with thewsuit.

    ¡°Old Qiao, hurry up and open the door. I know you¡¯re in the house. It¡¯s useless to remain silent. I¡¯m in a very bad mood now. You¡¯d better hurry up, open the door, and make things clear to me. Otherwise, we won¡¯t be able to continue living together!¡±

    1

    Men really couldn¡¯t be pampered. If not for her willingness to marry Old Qiao back then, would Old Qiao be able to have a wife and two daughters at such a young age? The Qiao family didn¡¯t have any rtives anymore. How would an ordinary girl be willing to marry a man like Old Qiao? She was stupid not to despise Old Qiao. She married him as he had treated her well.

    She had waited on Old Qiao all her life. Now that she was old, Old Qiao didn¡¯t give her any face. First, he gave the courtyard to that wretched girl without telling her. Then, he hit her in front of Zijin and chased her to the small single room.

    Today, she was going to let Old Qiao remember that without her, he was just a lonely man. She was the one who was willing to marry Old Qiao. She was the one who gave Old Qiao a home. She was the one who gave birth to two daughters for Old Qiao. The person Old Qiao should feel most thankful and grateful to in this lifetime was her, Ding Jiayi!

    Qiao Dongliang opened the door. ¡°You¡¯re right.. Let¡¯s make everything clear today.¡±

    1

 Chapter 2059 - Lousy Teammates

    Chapter 2059: Lousy Teammates

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    That being said, Qiao Dongliang, who had already failed tomunicate with Qiao Zijin once today, didn¡¯t expect to be able to say things clearly to Ding Jiayi to make her understand.

    However, before doing certain things, some words had to be said. If there wasn¡¯t any exnation, everything would be unclear. ¡°Let¡¯s go out and talk.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that the atmosphere was strange. She wasn¡¯t sure if she would be able to help Ding Jiayi if she was around. As such, Qiao Zijin hurriedly said, ¡°Dad, Mom, I suddenly feel a little sleepy. Go ahead if you need to talk. I¡¯ll return to my room to rest first.¡± Anyway, even though she didn¡¯t linger here, she would still be able to listen to their conversation as long as the door was left open with a small gap.

    She believed that not too longter, once her parents raised their voices, she could hear clearly the contents of their conversation.

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no need to. You¡¯re already forty-three years old. There isn¡¯t anything in this house that you can¡¯t listen to. Instead of trying to figure out how to listen to our conversation, it¡¯s better that you just sit here.¡±

    1

    Every time he talked to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin deliberately left the door open with a small gap. Qiao Dongliang might not have thought about this if it only happened once or twice. However, if it happened too many times, how could Qiao Dongliang not know at all?

    Upon thinking that his daughter had so many tricks up her sleeves against him, her father, there was nothing else Qiao Dongliang could do except to admit his failure. ¡°Just listen to what we say. There¡¯s no need for you to express your opinions, just like before. Your mom and I are elders, after all. It¡¯s not your turn to take care of us yet.¡±

    He allowed Zijin to stay only as an observer. It didn¡¯t mean that she could change from an observer to a participant.

    Qiao Zijin pouted. She felt that her father¡¯s attitude was pretty hurtful. She¡¯d rather return to her room and eavesdrop than listen to them so openly. Not only did this treatment fail to prove her status and treatment in this family, but it even made her feel like she was looked down upon. He allowed her to listen but not care. Wasn¡¯t this bullying her?

    ¡°Sure!¡± Ding Jiayi mmed the table hard. ¡°I was still thinking to save you some face in front of Zijin. Since you don¡¯t want face, I won¡¯t stop you either. I¡¯ll ask everything directly. You just have to answer me honestly and clearly. Let me ask you. Ever since Qiao Nan left this house, did she give this family two thousand yuan monthly? Did you keep all of this money and not tell me before? Even when you were hospitalized, you didn¡¯t take this money out or intend to tell me about this money. You even let me put Zijin in a spot and ask her for money for daily living expenses!¡±

    After saying this long string of words, Ding Jiayi¡¯s face turned purplish-red.

    When she was in court, she used Qiao Nan of living to forty years old but being no better than a three-year-old child as she didn¡¯t support her parents. Not only was her behavior not worthy as a child, but she was also obviously not qualified as a person as she went to enjoy blessings by herself and ignored her parents.

    Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t like her daughter, Qiao Nan. She also hated Qiao Nanter for no longer being under her control, causing her to lose face and Qiao Zijin to not be a civil servant. Once these emotions came up, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t control herself. She scolded all kinds of ugly words until the other people in court became stunned and tongue-tied.

    Thewyer Ding Jiayi hired was also stunned by Ding Jiayi¡¯s skills of scolding Qiao Nan. When he recovered himself, Ding Jiayi had already scolded a lot of ugly words. He quickly stopped her.

    Thewyer had forbidden Ding Jiayi from speaking, suggesting that she had better cooperate and shut up. It was just that Ding Jiayi had gotten so much satisfaction from scolding that she initially didn¡¯t think of what thewyer had told her earlier. Only when she saw that thewyer¡¯s face didn¡¯t look right and he asked her to shut up did she realize the court was quiet and many people seemed to be looking at her strangely. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but shrink her neck when she saw the way the judge was looking at her.

    The judge quickly stated that Ding Jiayi should be quiet and that she was no longer allowed to curse and shout in public. If there was a second time, Ding Jiayi would be taken out from the civilized courtroom.

    In order to win thewsuit, Ding Jiayi closed her mouth under everyone¡¯s warning looks.

    When the intiff¡¯s side was over, thewyer representing Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have much to say. He only presented a statement of bank transfer records to the judge and jurors. ¡°All parents would want the best for their children. I have parents as well, and my parents are like that. If it¡¯s possible, I wish for all parents to be like that as well. It¡¯s a pity that the truth tells us that there are all kinds of people in this world. Even if some of them became parents, they cannot be that kind of parents.¡±

    ¡°These bank transfer records prove that even though such a family treated my client badly in every way, didn¡¯t give my client the warmth, help, and support a family should be giving, and made the term ¡®home¡¯ to be cold and hell-like for my client, my client still adhered to filial piety and fulfilled her responsibility and obligation as a daughter. She had never shirked her responsibility. As such, my client does not and will not admit what the intiff mentioned before. I hope that the judge will give the justest decision.¡±

    Two thousand yuan was transferred to the Qiao family monthly. Even though this amount indeed wasn¡¯t particrly a lot, it couldn¡¯t be considered little either. No less than two thousand yuan was transferred every month without fail. His client was still sued for not supporting the elderly and ignoring their life and death? Sorry, but his client would not bear this and be a scapegoat.

    With these bank transfer records, thewyer representing Qiao Nan felt that thiswsuit was too easy to win. This wasn¡¯t fabricated evidence. No matter what reason, he felt that his client had already done her duty and no one could pick her fault.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s hiredwyer¡¯s face turn green, he sympathized with him. Really, in this industry, if the clients they met were smarter, they would be god-like teammates. One wasn¡¯t afraid of god-like opponents but lousy teammates. He had never seen lousy teammates before. However, after seeing his client¡¯s birth mother, he realized that that was how lousy teammates looked like.

    That round of scolding had already reduced the opponent¡¯s odds of winning by one-third.. Now, he produced evidence of his client fulfilling her basic responsibilities and obligations as a daughter after being betrayed, bullied, and oppressed by the Qiao family.

 Chapter 2060 - Spoiled

    Chapter 2060: Spoiled

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    If he lost thiswsuit, he would change his job and pick up rubbish in the future!

    Ding Jiayi was stunned when she heard what Qiao Nan¡¯swyer presented as evidence. Then, she saw her ownwyer giving her usatory looks. Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t forgotten what herwyer had said earlier. They had a slight chance of winning thiswsuit only if they could prove that Qiao Nan never gave any money to the Qiao family after she left back then.

    Thewyer confirmed this point with her again and again. Even if Ding Jiayi was a fool, she understood how important this point was. At this moment, she suddenly knew that Qiao Nan had been transferring two thousand yuan monthly to the family. What was shocking to Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan had given the family two thousand yuan. In the past, there were plenty of times Qiao Nan had given the family twenty thousand yuan monthly. But if what thewyer said was true and Qiao Nan had been giving money to the family, then where did all the money go? She couldn¡¯t ept it...

    That was two thousand yuan each month! She had never received it before, let alone spend it!

    There were three people in the Qiao family. If she neither received it nor spent it, only her husband and elder daughter were left. No matter who took the money, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t ept it. Also, if Qiao Nan had really been transferring two thousand yuan monthly, could she still win thiswsuit?

    ¡°Judge, I need to take a five-minute adjournment to confirm the situation with my client again.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯swyer couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore. There was such a big loophole in terms of evidence now. He regretted not retreating before the court session when he found out that Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper was exactly the same as how it had been in the news.

    Ding Jiayi stated repeatedly to thewyers and judge that she didn¡¯t know about the existence of this two thousand yuan and didn¡¯t receive a single cent.

    The judge didn¡¯t care if she knew of the evidence or not. They only looked at the evidence. Furthermore, everyone had a bad impression of Ding Jiayi and sympathized with Qiao Nan, who didn¡¯t attend the session. Everyone was wondering why Qiao Nan didn¡¯t show up.

    It must be very hurtful to be sued by her own birth mother for not supporting her parents. Moreover, they had to face each other in court. Not to mention that Qiao Nan was obviously the one who had sacrificed the most for the Qiao family and her parents. Not only were her efforts not recognized, but she was even used of not supporting her parents and sued.

    Whoever encountered this would definitely be angry.

    Two thousand in the face of an unreasonable mother like Ding Jiayi? Two thousand yuan was too much! It was more satisfying to let Ding Jiayi have a taste of what it was like being unsupported.

    It was a pity that such behavior was disallowed legally and morally. As such, when the judge made the judgment, he indicated that the two thousand yuan Qiao Nan provided monthly was very consistent with Ping Cheng¡¯s standard of living. It was up to Qiao Nan if she wanted to provide more money. The court wouldn¡¯t participate in such opinions or enforce any strong judgments.

    As there was direct evidence from Qiao Nan that Ding Jiayi¡¯s usation was a false usation, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t stop the court¡¯s fast judgment even if she wanted to. Furthermore, thewyer Ding Jiayi hired didn¡¯t want to stop it. She was full of lies on TV, and now, she even dared to lie in front of awyer.

    Thewyer was really curious. Could it be that Ding Jiayi had been deceiving herself all this while and she really felt that the judge would give her a win if she could deceive one person and even the whole world? Even a three-year-old child might not have such naive thoughts. ¡°The court has already passed its judgment. Madam Ding, if you want to file awsuit in the future, it¡¯s better to resolve all the conflicts and situations within the family. A situation like this would only waste your time and money the most. I¡¯m sorry but I have something on. I¡¯ll make a move first.¡±

    Ding Jiayi lost money and time. Thewyer knew that he had lost face. If people knew that he had epted such an unreliable case, he would most probably be considered as a joke for a while.

    Thewyer made a silent decision. If anyone from the Qiao family came to him for awsuit, he would definitely not ept the case. He was afraid that there would be problems once again.

    As the court had passed its judgment at lightning speed, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even have a chance to recover anything. As such, she rushed back home angrily and wanted to find out whose pocket the two thousand yuan Qiao Nan had been transferring monthly hadnded in. One had to know that this had already taken ce for about a year.

    This meant that in this year, there was someone in the family who had swallowed more than twenty thousand yuan alone!

    Ding Jiayi kept guessing in the car who it might be. Actually, she suspected Qiao Zijin. It was no surprise that the daughter she gave birth to was like herself. Furthermore, who in this world didn¡¯t love money and didn¡¯t want money?

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin knew that she was filing thiswsuit. She even encouraged her. If that twenty thousand yuan really fell into Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets, she wouldn¡¯t have supported her in thiswsuit. After all, for matters like bank transfer, the evidence would be produced once one went to the bank to check.

    Also, the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin was never good, regardless if it was when they were young and the former had to give up studying, or when there was Chen Juning between them when they had grown up, or now that Qiao Zijin wanted to be a civil servant. As such, if Qiao Nan were to transfer money to the family, she shouldn¡¯t have transferred it to Qiao Zijin¡¯s ount.

    Compared to Qiao Zijin, it was undoubtedly more likely that the person who had been ¡®swallowing¡¯ this twenty thousand yuan alone was Qiao Dongliang. After reaching home, Ding Jiayi rushed toward Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Qiao, Qiao Nan has been transferring two thousand yuan monthly for about a year now. Did you swallow the money alone?!¡±

    It was as if Qiao Dongliang had expected Ding Jiayi to be asking him this when she returned this time. He said calmly, ¡°I took this two thousand yuan. It can¡¯t be considered that I¡¯ve swallowed it.¡± His daughter had given him money. How could this be called swallowing? Old Ding seemed to have taught him these words before, right?

    Ding Jiayi was so angry that her body shivered. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that that wretched girl has been giving the family two thousand yuan monthly? Why didn¡¯t you give the money to me?¡± Two thousand yuan a month wasn¡¯t a lot. However, in a year, that was twenty thousand yuan. Since when did Old Qiao dare to hide from her and swallow this twenty thousand yuan alone?!

    When they were young, Qiao Dongliang even had to let her know if he had two yuan in his pocket.. Now, Qiao Dongliang dared to hide an amount as big as twenty thousand yuan from her. Ding Jiayi could only say that she had spoiled this man rotten!

 Chapter 2061 - Relax

    <h4>Chapter 2061: Rx</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang drank a sip of water. It was unknown if he was moistening his throat or preparing to speak. ¡°Swallow? Nan Nan started working to earn money and support the family before she was in her third year of junior high school. I¡¯ll not mention that Nan Nan¡¯s sry went to provide Zijin for her university education. After Zijin graduated, you obtained twenty thousand yuan from Nan Nan monthly. Did Nan Nan give this twenty thousand yuan to you alone? No, right? Nan Nan gave me half of it. For at least ten years, that amounts to millions of yuan. You used it all to provide this and that for Zijin. Did I say anything about that? Does that mean you have swallowed all that money?¡±

    After living in the same ce and with people like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang was naturally affected over time. Since Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin valued money so much that they wanted to take advantage of even family, upon hearing at the hospital that his elder daughter had 1.6 million yuan in her pocket but was only willing to fork out the money if his younger daughter had done so, Qiao Dongliang suddenly felt that it was right for him not to mention the two thousand yuan he received monthly.

    When Qiao Dongliang first received this amount of money, he didn¡¯t give it to Ding Jiayi or even mentioned it to her as he felt that everything Qiao Nan did in the first half of her life was given to Qiao Zijin, her sister. It was too tough on her and she shouldn¡¯t have been leading such a tough life.

    Based on the principle of umtion, he helped Qiao Nan save this two thousand yuan monthly. Perhaps one day when Qiao Nan needed money, he could return all the money to Qiao Nan so that she could have a house of her own.

    Qiao Dongliang knew it clearly that if Ding Jiayi knew about the existence of this sum of money, he would definitely not be able to help Qiao Nan save it. As such, he hid it from her. Thankfully, at that time, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want tomunicate with the Qiao family at all. She only knew that it was enough for her to transfer the money. As for the rest, that was the Qiao family¡¯s matter and had nothing to do with her.

    After expecting Qiao Nan not tomunicate with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, it naturally became an easy task for Qiao Dongliang to save the two thousand yuan monthly. When heter knew that Ding Jiayi was going to use this matter to file awsuit with Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang was not worried at all as he knew that Qiao Nan had supported him and Ding Jiayi.

    Compared to twenty or thirty thousand a month in the past, two thousand yuan a month really wasn¡¯t a lot. However, Qiao Dongliang was no longer willing for Ding Jiayi to take this money anymore. Even if Ding Jiayi had found out about the current situation, he wasn¡¯t prepared to fork out the money.

    ¡°When Nan Nan was earning the most money in her twenties, she had given you so much money but you didn¡¯t even give a single cent to me. I think that from now on, I¡¯ll take all the money that Nan Nan provided for the both of us. You should have no objection to that, right? If you do, you can first give me half of the money you have taken alone for the past twenty years. After that, we can split this two thousand yuan equally every month.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s throat hurt when she heard Qiao Dongliang settling old scores. She didn¡¯t know what else to say. ¡°You did this deliberately. Old Qiao, what exactly do you mean by this?¡±

    To let her take out all the money she had received over the past twenty years? Even if she sold herself, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get so much money. ¡°It¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know how I spent the money. Yes, Qiao Nan provided this family quite a lot of money back then. Part of the money was used to buy back the courtyard. I didn¡¯t spend the rest of the money on myself.¡± Didn¡¯t she use all of it to buy a house for Zijin?

    She had worried and sacrificed so much for this family. Really, she didn¡¯t leave anything behind for herself. Even if Qiao Nan provided more money, she rarely used it on herself. She used it all on this family.

    Speaking of this, Ding Jiayi felt that she had apletely clear conscience and could straighten her back to answer Qiao Dongliang.

    The problem was that Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t buy into Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. ¡°I don¡¯t care where you spent the money Nan Nan gave you. You didn¡¯t spend it on yourself. Then, did you spend it on me? Regardless, you had indeed spent half the money Nan Nan gave us. If this isn¡¯t wrong, then we have nothing else to talk about. You spent so much money and effort to raise Zijin. Nan Nan had to drop out of junior high school to work and support herself. Even so, she is willing to provide us two thousand yuan monthly as living expenses. You spent so much effort on Zijin. I believe that the money Zijin is willing to give monthly would be more than two thousand yuan.¡±

    When it came to this, Qiao Dongliang was no longer just targeting Ding Jiayi. He was targeting Qiao Zijin, their daughter, as well. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since I¡¯ve already taken the two thousand yuan that Nan Nan is providing monthly, even if Zijin provides an amount higher than that, I won¡¯t be greedy. It¡¯s all yours. She¡¯s the good daughter you have raised. All her filial piety should be left to you. You can just wait and enjoy the blessings.¡±

    Everyone present could tell that Qiao Dongliang was saying things contrary to his thoughts.

    Counting on Qiao Zijin to be filial? Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi might not be able to enjoy such treatment until the day they died. Waiting for her to pay for monthly living expenses? If Qiao Zijin could live her own life in the future and not make her parents worry so much about her, that would already be the biggest filial piety Qiao Zijin could do.

    As for the rest, it was best not to think about it. Even if one thought about it, he or she would just be overthinking.

    Upon hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi was shocked. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She couldn¡¯t wait to jump up from the sofa and leave this ce immediately.

    If she had known that her parents were going to talk about this, how would she be willing to stay and listen? Her father¡¯s words were directed at her, hitting her in the face!

    She knew that Qiao Dongliang was saying things contrary to his thoughts and was belittling her for not being able to support her parents. Even though Qiao Zijin was angry, she didn¡¯t dare to say, ¡°What¡¯s there to be scared of? I¡¯ll support the both of you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin only wanted to rely on Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi to get more benefits from Qiao Nan so that she could lead a morefortable life. She had already thought about it. Qiao Zijin married well but she still had to care for her family. Indeed, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to care about her anymore. However, as long as Qiao Nan didn¡¯t abandon their parents, there was actually no difference in Qiao Nan letting their parents or her lead a good life.

    Qiao Nan might let their parents eat fish and meat, but could their parents bear to let their elder daughter eat vegetables and tofu alone in this house?

    With such a n in mind, how would Qiao Zijin have considered that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were already old, and as their daughter, she should provide a decent amount of living expenses to her parents monthly without fail so that they could lead a morefortable life?

 Chapter 2062 - Chat

    <h4>Chapter 2062: Chat</h4>

    She was still looking forward to Qiao Nan being generous and giving Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi more money each month.

    Even though it might not be twenty or thirty thousand yuan like before, ten thousand yuan was still alright. If her mom was thriftier and spent five thousand yuan on living expenses, she could take advantage of the remaining five thousand yuan to buy clothes and cosmetic products. Five thousand yuan was a small amount, but it was still eptable since it wasn¡¯t her money that she was spending.

    Qiao Zijin was still thinking about taking five thousand yuan monthly from Qiao Nan as living expenses. Once Qiao Dongliang opened his mouth, he could still get her to fork out five thousand yuan monthly to provide for them.

    As such, even if Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words almost angered Qiao Zijin to death and she felt that Qiao Dongliang was looking down on her, she gritted her teeth and lowered her head. She wasn¡¯t willing to say anything.

    No matter what, she would never agree to this request of her father. She wasn¡¯t willing to fork out two thousand yuan monthly, let alone more. Furthermore, since her father was hospitalized until now, she had already forked out sixty thousand yuan. Wasn¡¯t this enough? They actually wanted to get money from her again. Since when did her parents be blood-sucking vampires who only knew how to suck the blood of their children?

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath. She couldn¡¯t be anxious, afraid, or timid. She had long known that her dad had changed. However, her mom hadn¡¯t changed. As long as her mom was around, she didn¡¯t believe that her mom would let her dad and Qiao Nan continue to bully her.

    Qiao Nan might not recognize her as a sister and likewise, but even her own dad didn¡¯t have her as a daughter in his heart! In that case, he didn¡¯t need to think of counting on her to support him in the future!

    Qiao Zijin used silence to counter the high hat that Qiao Dongliang put on her head, expressing that she wasn¡¯t epting of such a situation and arrangement. The money was hers. She should arrange how she wanted to spend it. Even if Qiao Dongliang was her father, she wouldn¡¯t allow him to dictate how she spent her money.

    Whoever owned the money had the final say.

    If her father was so capable, he could make arrangements on how the money should be spent after he had earned it.

    Qiao Zijin disyed the attitude of ¡®silence was golden¡¯ to silently resist him. How would Qiao Dongliang not know what to do with Qiao Zijin? ¡°See? Zijin is not saying anything. That means she silently agrees to what I¡¯ve said. Let¡¯s do this then. Zijin is your greatest pride and glory in this lifetime. You¡¯ve spent so much effort to nurture an outstanding university student. Nan Nan is a good-for-nothing and isn¡¯t lucky. Thankfully, my requirements are low. I don¡¯t ask for much.¡±

    ¡°The two thousand yuan Nan Nan gives me monthly is enough for me. You have higher expectations and Zijin is more outstanding than Nan Nan. Let Zijin provide for you in the future then. Don¡¯t worry. Even if Zijin gives you more money, I won¡¯t want a single cent of it. Let¡¯s split the children in such a manner. Nan Nan will provide for me while Zijin will provide for you. Nan Nan and Zijin definitely would not disagree to such an arrangement. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who was mentioned by Qiao Dongliang, red at him. She wanted to say out loud: Who said that I¡¯ve agreed to such an arrangement? After she left, she didn¡¯t have a job. She had nothing. In front of her parents, she was just a child. As a child, she should naturally be provided for by her parents. Why was it that she should be providing for her parents instead?

    Her parents weren¡¯t in their seventies or eighties. They were in their sixties and still mobile. Most of them were still working odd jobs outside and earning around one hundred yuan a month. Her parents obviously had the ability to work to support themselves. However, instead of doing so, they still wanted her to provide for them. How was there such a good thing in this world? What she didn¡¯t understand more was why there were such elders in this world who wanted to burden their own children.

    Zijin disagreed. Ding Jiayi disagreed as well. Although she always said that Qiao Zijin was good, it had been so difficult for her to get money from Qiao Zijin in the past year. Not only did Qiao Nan give money more readily back then, but she also gave a lot more money.

    On the contrary, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t give as much money as Qiao Nan. Her attitude was worse too. How could Ding Jiayi not feel this at all?

    Counting on Qiao Zijin to provide her more than two thousand yuan monthly for living expenses? Then, she¡¯d rather count on Qiao Nan¡¯s two thousand yuan monthly for living expenses. In terms of money, Qiao Zijin was far behind and couldn¡¯tpare to Qiao Nan.

    For the sake of her own future, Ding Jiayi said, ¡°No, I disagree. Who said that I¡¯ll be satisfied if I agree to this? We are still a couple living in the same house and leading our lives together. Why are we splitting it by yours and mine? As for the money before, let bygones be bygones. Why are you still pursuing this matter? If the money were in my hands, it¡¯s nothing for me to give you half of it. However, you know that I¡¯m left with nothing. Let¡¯s spend Qiao Nan¡¯s two thousand yuan together.¡±

    As for Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have the intention to mention her at this moment. It was obvious that Qiao Nan should provide for the both of them. However, Qiao Zijin was still ¡®young¡¯. They didn¡¯t need her to provide for them and increase her burden.

    ¡°A couple?¡± Qiao Dongliang thought it was ironic. ¡°This is the second thing I want to tell you today. It is only when I¡¯m getting older that I realize we are not the same kind of people at all. We can¡¯t be together. There¡¯s no way for us to continue being a couple and leading our lives together. However, Zijin and Nan Nan are old now as well. It doesn¡¯t matter if we get a divorce or not. However, let¡¯s just split ways and lead our own lives.¡±

    At this age, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t care about a divorce certificate. He just didn¡¯t want to live with Ding Jiayi anymore and wanted to split ways. ¡°The property deed for this house is in Nan Nan¡¯s hands. You know this as well. The three of us can still live together. Aside from the room, the kitchen and bathroom can be shared. However, we don¡¯t have to have our meals together. I¡¯m already an adult. I won¡¯t starve myself to death. When you prepare meals in the future, there¡¯s no need to think about my share. I¡¯ll settle my meals myself.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to draw the lines with Ding Jiayi clearly, so he let Qiao Zijin stay and listen. Otherwise, Qiao Zijin might im that she wasn¡¯t present, didn¡¯t know about this matter at all, and then create trouble.

    Really, he was old. Before he died, he only wanted to live a peaceful life for a few years. Ding Jiayi was already good at making trouble. However, Qiao Zijin, his elder daughter, was the real headache. What could he do? Ding Jiayi treated Qiao Zijin as her precious. Even though she knew what kind of person Qiao Zijin was, she jumped in without hesitation and wasn¡¯t willing to turn back.

    Ding Jiayi was determined to walk into a dead end. He couldn¡¯t possibly apany Ding Jiayi and die with her, right?

 Chapter 2063 - Mistake

    Chapter 2063: Mistake

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    In the future, he would lead his peaceful life and Ding Jiayi would be together with her precious. Both of them would mind their own business. At the very least, he could lead a happy life for a few years.

    With a bang, Ding Jiayi knocked over the cup on the table. ¡°Old Qiao, what... what did you say?¡± Her ears were buzzing and she didn¡¯t hear Old Qiao¡¯s words clearly.

    Qiao Zijin was also shocked. She had heard a lot about young couples getting a divorce. It wasn¡¯t rare for middle-aged people like her to get a divorce as well. However, for elderlies at her parents¡¯ age to mention a divorce was extremely rare. Aside from her parents, Qiao Zijin had never heard of such a ridiculous thing from others before. ¡°Dad, are you joking? How old are the both of you now? Only young couples get a divorce. There¡¯s just a little misunderstanding between you and Mom. Don¡¯t create trouble.¡±

    They were almost in their seventies. Why were they following the trend of divorce? Divorce wasn¡¯t something good.

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. I¡¯m serious. You and your mom are too noisy. I¡¯m having a headache. Since I can¡¯t lead such a life anymore, instead of arguing every day with your mom like rivals, it would be better for us to split ways before we reach that stage. To be honest, at our age, we would be able to live longer if we get angry less. After we are separated, both of us might be able to live a few years more.¡±

    The more serious Qiao Dongliang was, the more panicked Ding Jiayi was. ¡°No, I¡¯m not getting a divorce. I¡¯ve already reached the age of a grandma. Why should I get a divorce? How can I continue to live after our divorce? Wouldn¡¯t I beughed at to death? We have already gotten through so many years together. Why is it that we can¡¯t continue our lives together in the future? Haven¡¯t we always been doing well together?¡±

    ¡°Doing well?¡± Qiao Dongliangughed. ¡°We get into a minor argument every three days and a major one every five days. You call that doing well? Are youining that I haven¡¯t been angry enough and that I have a long life? I¡¯ve already said that I don¡¯t ask for much. I just want to lead a good life for a few more years. By insisting on not getting a divorce, you just want to anger me to death so that we don¡¯t even have to go through the divorce process, right?¡±

    It could be said that Qiao Dongliang finally understood everything. Really, he couldn¡¯t continue leading such a life with Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Using words from the TV, he had different worldviews from this mother-daughter pair. In ancient times, there was the saying ¡®there is littlemon ground for understanding between persons of differing principles¡¯. If they couldn¡¯t lead a life together, it was better to split ways.

    From the time Qiao Nan left until she got married, in this short one year, without Qiao Nan blindly sacrificing herself for this family, this family was already no longer like a family. Every day was full of arguments and scoldings. Qiao Dongliang had had enough. He was really worried that if he continued to live in such an environment, his life span was going to be shortened.

    Ding Jiayi was angry but she didn¡¯t know what to do with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I¡¯ll stop arguing with you in the future. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Dongliang insisted. ¡°You can¡¯t do it, and neither can I. You know why we have been arguing. I wish you were more of a mom to Nan Nan. You can¡¯t wait for me to only treat Zijin as a birth daughter and Nan Nan as an adopted child so that I would do whatever I can to force Nan Nan to push Zijin up. Even if Nan Nan is leading a bad life, Zijin has to lead a good life. I can¡¯t do this, let alone agree with it. Both of us would still argue and get into fierce quarrels.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang kept saying that he couldn¡¯t do this, whichpletely blocked Ding Jiayi¡¯s words of ¡®you can just try to do what I say¡¯.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t do anything now that her words were blocked. She could only insist. ¡°Since the day I married into the Qiao family, I¡¯m a member of the Qiao family. I¡¯m not going to divorce you. Until the day I die, I¡¯ll be your wife and the Qiao family¡¯s daughter-inw.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was worried that once she agreed to a divorce with Qiao Dongliang, she wouldn¡¯t be able to lie in the same grave as Qiao Dongliang when she died and would end up as a lonely ghost. No matter what other people said, Ding Jiayi strongly believed in this.

    When she ran out of her family to marry Qiao Dongliang back then, the Ding family had said that from the moment she left the Ding family¡¯s house, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t be part of the Ding family anymore. When Ding Jiayi died in the future, she would have nothing to do with the Ding family.

    When the Ding family became ruthless, they were really ruthless and hard-hearted. When the Ding family didn¡¯t recognize Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang was still a toon leader in the army. Although they knew that Qiao Dongliang was a toon leader, Ding Jiayi was the wife of a toon leader, and their family could be considered to be a military family, the Ding family didn¡¯t even recognize Ding Jiayi. How would they have admitted that Qiao Dongliang was their son-inw?

    Especially when Qiao Dongliang retired from the army after Qiao Nan¡¯s birth, the Ding family mocked Ding Jiayi for losing the family line and she deserved not to have a son.

    It had been so many years. Since then, the Ding family had never appeared again. However, Ding Jiayi¡¯s memories of these incidents didn¡¯t diminish over time. Ding Jiayi wholeheartedly nurtured Qiao Zijin into a university student and let her marry Chen Jun. That was because she hoped to prove to the Ding family that it was the Ding family¡¯s biggest mistake to not have recognized her as a daughter.

    See? Her daughter was a university student and her son-inw was an official. If the Ding family wanted to lead a good life, they had to rely on Ding Jiayi, their daughter. So what if she couldn¡¯t give birth to a son and gave birth to two daughters instead? The daughter she gave birth to was more sessful than a son.

    She depended on Qiao Zijin, her daughter, to be the mother-inw of a policemissioner. If the Ding family were capable, they could depend on their son and be in the limelight and show her. Did they do that?

    Nobody knew that when Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun and he was in his heyday, although Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say it, she had always been waiting for the Ding family to take the initiative and talk to her.

    It was only then did Ding Jiayi realize how many people were left in her family. Her father was long gone. However, her mother was still alive at this age. Ding Jiayi¡¯s biggest misgiving was with her mother. Her mother was the one who decided to ¡®sell¡¯ her so that her two younger brothers could have a change of rtives.

    It was all her mother¡¯s idea to not recognize her as a daughter and for her to no longer be a part of the Ding family. Ding Jiayi could still remember how ruthless her mother was and how harsh her words were.

    The Ding family were farmers all their lives. Didn¡¯t her mom have two sons and now grandsons? Did she want to find a good job for her sons? Did she want her grandsons to have a chance to seed? Sure,e and find her. Beg her and tell her that she was blinded to have done everything that she had back then.. In the Ding family, only she, Ding Jiayi, was the most promising.

 Chapter 2064 - Goosebumps

    <h4>Chapter 2064: Goosebumps</h4>

    She was her mom¡¯s biological child, after all. If her mother were to beg her, she would have no choice but to agree.

    Ding Jiayi had not inherited this positive quality from the Ding family. Ding Jiayi hadpletely inherited her biological mother¡¯s ruthlessness, but it seemed as though she had not gotten a single bit of that boldness and guts that Mother Ding had had.

    Everyone in the vige knew that the Ding family had raised a rebellious daughter. Upon knowing that Ding Jiayi had escaped from her arranged marriage and found herself a soldier as a husband, many vigers had advised the Ding family to forget about it since it was her own biological daughter after all. Would they really disown their daughter after raising her for so many years?

    Besides, it did not seem all that bad having a soldier as a son-inw. Perhaps, their elder son-inw could even take care of the Ding family¡¯s son in the future. That way, Mother Ding would still be able to achieve her goal in the end.

    Even after all that persuasion, Mother Ding refused to back down and disowned her daughter, Ding Jiayi. She announced that Ding Jiayi¡¯s life had nothing to do with her from then on. A heartless daughter like Ding Jiayi would only ruin her life in the future.

    Ding Jiayi might look as though she was leading a good life at the moment, but once Ding Jiayi were to be down on luck, it would definitely be her two sons being at a disadvantage and suffering if they were to rely on Ding Jiayi. Without her daughter, she still had to care for her sons and grandson.

    Mother Ding had thoroughly considered her daughter¡¯s and sons¡¯ marriages. It was her own biological daughter whom she had given birth to, after all. It was impossible for her to make her daughter give up everything for the sake of her sons.

    Although the man that Mother Ding had found was slightly older, he was capable of supporting a family. Besides, it was exactly because that man had been poor in his early days that he had been unable to get married. He had intended on honing his skills and earning enough money before getting married. Mother Ding had found out all about that man¡¯s personality and temper as well.

    She knew her own daughter well and knew that her daughter, Ding Jiayi, only appeared a little smart on the surface but was actually a fool. Not only did she think she was intelligent, but she always did foolish things and had a fiery temper. If she did not find her daughter a man who earned well and had a good temper, her daughter would never lead a good life after marriage.

    If she truly wanted to sell her daughter off to support her sons, Ding Jiayi would have been sold ten times over. Ding Jiayi was not smart, but she did have a decent face¡ªone that was enough to deceive others into believing that she was a witty youngdy. It would be easy to sell her daughter off, but Mother Ding had always considered Ding Jiayi¡¯s happiness. That was why she had put her daughter¡¯s marriage off until finding the suitable one.

    Mother Ding had a fair temper, but it was true that she was biased toward her two sons. It had not been easy for her to decide to treat Ding Jiayi fairly and justly this once, hoping that Ding Jiayi would lead a good life after marriage.

    But who would have known that Ding Jiayi would waste all of Mother Ding¡¯s efforts? At the time that Ding Jiayi had gotten married to Qiao Dongliang, it had only been just over a decade since the civil war had ended. Ding Jiayi might not have remembered such a period of history, but everyone in Mother Ding¡¯s generation would never forget it.

    If Ding Jiayi had run away from her family and outed her family in that manner in those days, Mother Ding would have been killed. Besides, Ding Jiayi had coincidentally run into Old Lee. Seeing that Old Lee was a soldier, Mother Ding had nightmares of that period of history and was almost frightened to death.

    Even a year after getting married to Qiao Dongliang and giving birth to Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had never gone to the Ding family¡¯s house to create any trouble for Mother Ding. Because she had not criticized Mother Ding for arranging her marriage, Mother Ding was finally able to relieve herself of those nightmares. After an entire year¡¯s worth of torture, Mother Ding could not care less about a toon leader as a son-inw and hated her daughter, Ding Jiayi, from the bottom of her heart.

    Mothers did not develop enmity with their daughters overnight. In those ten years, even sons dared to report their fathers to the authorities and cut all ties with their parents. Mother Ding had seen plenty of such cases at that time.

    As such, Mother Ding was clear that it was possible for children to be that heartless and to abandon their parents entirely. In fact, these wretched children would pave an entire road from their parents¡¯ blood for themselves if they could.

    After Ding Jiayi got married to Qiao Dongliang through Old Lee, Mother Ding always had such a feeling every time she thought about her daughter, Ding Jiayi. Of course, those mother-daughter rtionships were nothing in the face of life and death. There was nothing more important than one¡¯s own life, after all.

    The more stubborn Mother Ding was, the more Ding Jiayi was unable to let the matter go. Knowing that her mother was still alive and that her brothers had be grandfathers, Ding Jiayi was reluctant to take the matter lying down. It seemed as though she was still trying to prove to the Ding family that she had done well and was even waiting for the Ding family toe apologizing to her, begging for her forgiveness.

    The more she cared about it, the more afraid she got. Since the Ding family had not admitted their mistake to her and acknowledged her as part of the family again, she could not afford to get divorced from Qiao Dongliang. Otherwise, she would be a homeless ghost with nowhere to go once she died.

    Qiao Dongliang had no idea that Ding Jiayi had started to think about the Ding family at the mention of a divorce. Ding Jiayi had never once mentioned the Ding family to him. As such, Qiao Dongliang had no understanding of the Ding family at all. There were a few times he had asked Ding Jiayi if they should visit the Ding family since they had gotten married, after all. At the very most, he would apany Ding Jiayi to apologize to the Ding family. They could not possibly let the Ding family disown Ding Jiayi, right?

    However, every one of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s considerate gestures was refused by Ding Jiayi, who had already made up her mind never to consider herself as part of the Ding family unless they were to apologize to her and admit their mistakes. She had already gotten married. If she had lived in the past, she would already have changed her name from Ding Jiayi to Qiao Jiayi.

    Although Ding Jiayi refused to do so, Qiao Dongliang had gone to visit the Ding family behind her back. Yet, Qiao Dongliang had always been chased out of the Ding family¡¯s house without fail. At that time, Qiao Dongliang had still been a soldier and had not even had much time to spend with Ding Jiayi. As such, there was even less time for him to try his luck with the Ding family.

    Because of Ding Jiayi and the Ding family¡¯s stubbornness, Qiao Dongliang eventually gave up trying to reconcile Ding Jiayi with her family.

    Since Ding Jiayi never made any mention of her family, Qiao Dongliang had almost forgotten about their existence. Now, Qiao Dongliang was more willing to have a conversation with Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 2065 - Judging Others by Oneself

    <h4>Chapter 2065: Judging Others by Oneself</h4>

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say that it¡¯s best if you¡¯re willing to get a divorce? It¡¯s fine even if you aren¡¯t willing. It¡¯s nothing more than a certificate. There¡¯s nothing much to it. From today on, we¡¯ll just live our separate lives. When you eat in the future, you don¡¯t have to prepare my portion. Since we¡¯re splitting up, don¡¯te into my room in the future. I¡¯m going to get the lock changed. Of course, I won¡¯t enter your room either.¡±

    If not for the fact that he did not have much money and was unwilling to waste his money, Qiao Dongliang would have rented an apartment to live alone. It would be difficult to draw clear lines about certain things while living together.

    But Qiao Dongliang had no choice but to settle for this since he could not rent an apartment outside. But perhaps, he might be less troubled if he could keep his distance from Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that there was something wrong with his elder daughter¡¯s worldviews and ideas but there was nothing he could do since Qiao Zijin herself was reluctant to change. Everyone had feelings, and because he had tried in vain to save his elder daughter time and again, Qiao Dongliang was utterly exhausted.

    His grandson was blessed in his own way while his elder daughter¡¯s greatest blessing was also her greatest sorrow, and that was having such a foolish mother like Ding Jiayi, who brought her astray.

    To Qiao Dongliang, who did not even know how long more he would be able to live, he wanted nothing more than to be able to lead a worry-free life in his remaining years. Had he not done the same two decades earlier? He had not cared about Nan Nan at that time. Now, he was simply returning to the same state by not caring about Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang had already been such a father to Qiao Nan for almost forty years. Now, he was simply being such a father to Qiao Zijin. Was that hard? No, not at all. It was a familiar path to him.

    ¡°Look at the time. It¡¯s time for me to have my meal. You two can do whatever you want.¡± Qiao Dongliang made good of his words and stuck to what he had said. He had already made preparations for his own dinner. Since today was the day of the court hearing, he knew that he would only be able to hide the matter of Qiao Nan giving the Qiao family an allowance of two thousand yuan up until today.

    The card Qiao Nan had given him was in his possession, and he had never once considered handing it over to Ding Jiayi. He was prepared to prove to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin just how serious he was this time through his actions.

    It was the end of August, and it was sweltering hot. Qiao Dongliang had not prepared much himself and dared not even use too much rice. He simply took out a portion just sufficient to fill himself. Nothing more, and nothing less. Qiao Dongliang had not measured his portion out well, but at the very least, the amount that he had left behind was insufficient for either Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin.

    Since he had already drawn such a clear line by using a separate pot, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could no longer afford to believe that Qiao Dongliang was fooling around.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang cared only about himself, not caring about the other two people in the house, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were stunned and speechless upon looking at the pathetic amount of rice left in the pot. Even though Qiao Zijin was on a ¡®diet¡¯, she still ate more than the amount that had been left over.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude almost drove Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin crazy. Qiao Zijin could not help but tug at her own hair. ¡°Mom, is my dad crazy? How could he do something like that? He wants to get a divorce from you. Does that also mean that he intends to disown me and wants to sever all ties with me?¡±

    After being a daughter in the Qiao family for forty-three years, this was the first time Qiao Zijin had ever been deprived of food. This was as hard a blow as Ding Jiayi had received when Qiao Dongliang had brought up the topic of a divorce.

    Ding Jiayi only felt that her life was too torturous. ¡°How would I know what¡¯s going on with your dad? It¡¯s like he¡¯s been bewitched. Your dad would never have been like that in the past. I haven¡¯t even settled the ounts with him for taking more than twenty thousand yuan for himself, and now, he wants to get a divorce and live separate lives?!¡±

    He had better not bring up the past about when they had had more money again. The past was the past and the present was the present. No matter how much money they had had in the past, they did not have anything left now.

    But that did not mean that Ding Jiayi forgot about the 1.5 million yuan in Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets. However, she knew that it would be a struggle to force Qiao Zijin to hand over even the slightest bit of that money. She could not even imagine the fuss Qiao Zijin would kick up if she were to ask Qiao Zijin to hand over the entire sum of money. ¡°Zijin, I¡¯ve done so much in my whole life for you. Others may not understand why your dad scolded me just now but you should. Tell me. Didn¡¯t I spend all the money I took from Qiao Nan on you? You can¡¯t leave me in the lurch now that your dad wants to settle these old ounts with me. I¡¯m already so advanced in age. If I were to get a divorce from your dad at this age, I¡¯ll never be able to live it down.¡±

    Qiao Zijin nced at Ding Jiayi carefully. ¡°Mom, how do you want me to help you? You know very well that I¡¯m not very capable either. There¡¯s nothing much I can help you with.¡±

    ¡°You can. Of course, you can.¡± Judging others by oneself, Ding Jiayi loved money and ced the most importance on it. She had wanted to get even with Qiao Dongliang simply because of the twenty thousand yuan in the first ce. She did not think of it as a bad thing that Qiao Dongliang had started to care more about money. At the very least, Qiao Dongliang would no longer stand in her way when she asked Qiao Nan for money in the future.

    At that time, she would no longer need to be afraid of Qiao Nan being disobedient and refusing to hand money over since they stood on the same side.

    Qiao Nan would have to make up for what she had not handed over in the past year, in addition to what she was obliged to give them.

    ¡°I guess your dad has gotten afraid since he nearly had no money for his treatment the previous time he was hospitalized. You¡¯re still young, so you might not understand your dad¡¯s worry. It¡¯s understandable for people our age to want some money for our funeral arrangements. Only then will we feel secure. I won¡¯t say anything more. Why don¡¯t you take out two hundred thousand to appease your dad? Perhaps, with this two hundred thousand, Qiao Nan will no longer be able to deceive your dad in the future. Then, your dad will understand who treats him the most sincerely amongst the two of them.¡±

    She believed that Old Qiao would no longer want to separate from her with that two hundred thousand yuan.

    ¡°Zijin, don¡¯t be stingy about this. Think about it. You weren¡¯t the one who worked hard to earn that one million yuan in the bank. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s money. So, you won¡¯t be giving your dad your own money. It¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s money. If you think about it in that way, you won¡¯t feel so bad about it anymore.¡±

    Thest time Qiao Zijin had withdrawn fifty thousand yuan for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s treatment, she had made a fuss about it and had even dragged Qiao Nan into the picture. Qiao Nan had paid her fair share before Qiao Zijin was finally willing to fork out her share reluctantly after a long dy.

 Chapter 2066 - Delivery

    <h4>Chapter 2066: Delivery</h4>

    This time, Qiao Zijin would be the only one forking out two hundred thousand yuan with no one else to share that burden with her. Ding Jiayi could imagine how much pain Qiao Zijin was in because of that two hundred thousand yuan.

    Thus, Ding Jiayi tried to act smart byforting Qiao Zijin with such words in hope of making Qiao Zijin feel better. How was she to know that these words could notfort Qiao Zijin and were, in fact, a p to Qiao Zijin¡¯s face? ¡°Zijin, think about it. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s true? You¡¯re using Qiao Nan¡¯s money to coax your dad. In the end, you¡¯ll be the filial daughter in your dad¡¯s eyes, not Qiao Nan. You won¡¯t lose out by giving him two hundred thousand.¡±

    Qiao Zijin would be the only one benefitting after giving away Qiao Nan¡¯s money. No matter how Ding Jiayi thought about it, Qiao Zijin would be on the winning end. There was no need for Qiao Zijin to be upset over this matter.

    While Ding Jiayi felt this way, Qiao Zijin did not. The more Ding Jiayi said, the worse Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression became. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re looking down on me because I¡¯m not as capable as Qiao Nan and can¡¯t earn as much as she does. The only property I had was bought using Qiao Nan¡¯s money as well. Mom, you¡¯re just like Dad. You¡¯re looking down on me and only thinking about Qiao Nan!¡±

    She could not care less about who had paid for the house. All she knew was that the property deed had been registered under her name. Since the property belonged to her alone, she was naturally the only one who would receive the proceeds from the sale. That sum of money had nothing to do with anyone else. Why should she take out two hundred thousand yuan to appease her father so that he would not get a divorce from her mother?

    Had her dad not said that it did not matter whether they got a divorce or not? All he wanted was for them to live separate lives.

    Apart from some inconveniences during mealtimes, it was enough for her that her parents were still married on the surface. Such a situation would only have an impact on her mom. It did not affect her at all.

    As such, there was no reason for her to fork out money for her mom to coax her dad. Did she have too much money lying around that she had to burn this sum of money?

    ¡°How could I do that?¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re maligning me! How could Qiao Nan be more capable than you in my mind? Can that wretched girl evenpare to you? It seems that she does have some ability in finding men apart from earning money. But apart from that, she can¡¯tpare to you in every other way!¡±

    Qiao Zijin had no way of retorting Ding Jiayi and had the urge to end the conversation at that.

    As a woman, how capable could she really be? Leaving aside how well one did in school, a woman¡¯s performance in society was determined by how capable her children were, or how high her husband¡¯s position and pay were. Qiao Nan had won on both of these ounts.

    Ding Jiayi said that Qiao Zijin was better than Qiao Nan in these two ways. Qiao Zijin wanted to ask Ding Jiayi what other ways a woman could be better in otherwise? In the end, was her mother trying to praise her, or was she actually putting her down?

    What made Qiao Zijin most frustrated was that she knew that it was likely the former case. Her mom probably meant to praise her, but it was better to do without Ding Jiayi¡¯s praises. Perhaps, she could have felt good without those words. Those words were practically a p in her face.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath in. ¡°Mom, stop with your nonsense. I don¡¯t think that Dad will decide not to get a divorce just because of two hundred thousand yuan. I think Dad is serious this time.¡±

    ¡°How would you know if you don¡¯t even try? What if your dad decides not to make a fuss after you give him two hundred thousand? Don¡¯t you want to be a filial child in your dad¡¯s eyes? Don¡¯t you want your dad to be on your side? Or do you mean that you¡¯re unwilling to spend two hundred thousand for peace between your dad and me?¡±

    At this, Ding Jiayi red up. It did not matter whether it worked or not. They had to give it a try. How would they know if it would be effective if they did not even give it a try? She had made so many sacrifices for her daughter, Qiao Zijin, and to be honest, Old Qiao had flipped at her because he felt that she had treated Zijin too well by giving Zijin all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money.

    If she had not been so biased toward Zijin and had left a little of that money for Old Qiao, he would never have made such a fuss in the first ce. In fact, if she had done just that, Zijin would probably be just as happy now.

    So, was Zijin trying to prove to her that she had been wrong in doing that?

    Of course, Qiao Zijin was absolutely serious about her reluctance. Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned ck, and she headed directly for her room. Anyway, there was no way she would be able to persuade her mom out of this, but neither was she willing to fork out such a huge sum of money at once.

    As such, there was no point in continuing the conversation. Her mom had never been one to lose her temper at her. After a while, her mom would definitely calm down. Then, upon sensing her persistence about the matter, her mom would never make mention of the two hundred thousand yuan ever again.

    Ding Jiayi was in a hurry to salvage her rtionship with her husband, and now, the only one whom she could rely on, her elder daughter, had turned her back on her and was now ignoring her! In that moment, Ding Jiayi, who had been left alone, felt like a fool. She was going to be med either way.

    She had always been faithful to her husband, Qiao Dongliang, and had been nothing but good toward her daughter, Qiao Zijin. As vicious as she was toward Qiao Nan, she still did not think that it was justified for Qiao Nan to ignore her. That would be unfilial and Qiao Nan would definitely be punished by the heavens for that.

    Naturally, her conscience was clear toward these two people. As such, one could only imagine how Ding Jiayi was feeling at this moment.

    Because of this provocation, one person¡¯s anger had turned into three people¡¯s anger. Apart from Qiao Dongliang who had had his fill and was about to fall asleep, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could not calm their pounding hearts down.

    Ding Jiayi had been enraged by Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang, while Qiao Zijin was simply too hungry to sleep. With no other choice, Qiao Zijin dialed for delivery in the middle of the night. Even if no one made her a meal, there was no way she was going to let herself starve to death.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had only ordered her own portion and had not bothered about Ding Jiayi, who was in the same boat.

    Ding Jiayi was old and easily awoken. Besides, her anger meant that she had already had a hard time falling asleep. Hearing someone approaching with takeout, Ding Jiayi¡¯s expectations grew, thinking that her daughter had been so concerned about her, knowing that she had not eaten.

 Chapter 2067 - Faint

    <h4>Chapter 2067: Faint</h4>

    She hoped that Qiao Zijin remembered that her mother had not eaten anything that night and was starving. That was why she had bought a good meal to coax her.

    As long as Qiao Zijin apologized to her and tried to appease her, she would not take issue with whatever happened earlier in the living room. She would continue pampering Zijin as she had done in the past.

    Unfortunately, the delivery man had left for more than ten minutes, yet she was still left in her small room, waiting for Qiao Zijin to knock on the door. Then, ten minutester, Ding Jiayi heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s door open again, followed by something being thrown on the floor.

    In that instant, Ding Jiayi understood everything. Qiao Zijin had spent twenty minutes finishing the meal she had bought and had thrown the empty boxes out. Qiao Zijin had not even remembered about her own mother.

    Perhaps it was due to her hunger that Ding Jiayi had not gotten any sleep that night. Her eyes remained open the entire night as thoughts ran through her mind. The next day, Ding Jiayi had not calmed down as Qiao Zijin had anticipated. Instead, the atmosphere in the Qiao family became rather strange.

    ¡°Ouch...¡± Qiao Nan, who was far away in the capital, had identally cut the back of her hand on a page of a book. Because it was a new book that had thin pages, a cut appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Be careful.¡± Seeing the blood on Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, Miao Jing immediately instructed the auntie to bring some medication over for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. It¡¯s such a small cut. I won¡¯t even need a ster for that.¡± Qiao Nan had never been so pampered in her entire life.

    ¡°Nan Nan, have you been feeling unwelltely?¡± Miao Jing still insisted on giving some simple first-aid to Qiao Nan. ¡°I think that you haven¡¯t been looking too welltely. Besides, you look like you¡¯ve lost weight. Have you weighed yourself?¡±

    ¡°I think so too.¡± It was not just Miao Jing. Even the family¡¯s auntie joined in. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t learn from those youngdies by going on a diet. You¡¯re not fat at all. In fact, you can afford to gain some weight. It¡¯s not healthy for you to be on a diet.¡± When her own daughter had wanted to go on a diet, she had immediately pped her daughter on the back until her daughter no longer dared to make mention of diet anymore.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°What diet?¡± Just as the auntie said, she was not fat to begin with. In fact, she was quite a lot slimmer than she was in her dream. ¡°But have I really lost weight?¡± Qiao Nan had not even noticed a decrease in her weight.

    It was normal for other families to have a weighing scale at home. Miao Jing was already advanced in age, and even in her younger days, she had never obsessed over her weight. At her age now, she was even less so concerned about it. Even with another woman in the house, that woman seemed to share the same personality as Miao Jing and Zhai Hua, who never cared about changes in their weights.

    Qiao Nan had never weighed herself and was not one to obsess over her appearance in a mirror. As such, Qiao Nan truly had no idea whether she had lost any weight but she could feel it. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve lost any weight. My pants feel the same as before.¡±

    Qiao Nan was too embarrassed to mention that her pants felt fitting at her waist but it seemed as though they had gotten tighter below her waist. As such, Qiao Nan had reason to suspect that she had actually gained weight now that her mother-inw and the auntie were talking about how she had lost weight.

    ¡°Have you been in an air-conditioned environment for too long? I saw on the television that there¡¯s such a thing as an air-conditioning disease. It¡¯s freezing cold indoors but sweltering hot outside. Nan Nan, I¡¯ll cook some nourishing soup for you.¡± It was hard work to be a student. She had to be nourished.

    Miao Jing agreed. ¡°Yes, you should be nourished. Auntie, get a good old hen and remember to get an old one, not a young one. It¡¯s more nourishing.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get it tomorrow. I¡¯ll get a countryside free-range hen.¡± Free-range chickens were raised on better feed.

    Seeing everyone being so concerned about her, Qiao Nan touched her own face. ¡°Does myplexion really look that bad?¡± There was no way she could have gotten that air-conditioning disease. Every time she entered the ssroom, she would not only choose a seat away from the air-conditioning, but she would even put on a thick sweater and wear pants instead of a skirt.

    Qiao Nan paid quite a lot of attention to that.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve gotten paler. Haven¡¯t you noticed?¡± Miao Jing took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand into her own and her brows furrowed into a frown. ¡°Your hand seems even warmer than mine. Have you really gotten the air-conditioning disease without your own knowledge?¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s anxiety affected Qiao Nan as well and Qiao Nan was helpless. ¡°I... I don¡¯t know.¡±

    The weather had been brutally hot these days because of the warm temperatures of September. She did feel that it was warm, but it was only normal for one to feel that way. ¡°I haven¡¯t felt unwell these days except for feeling a little faint.¡±

    But given the sweltering weather, was it not normal for one to feel faint and suffocated at times?

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry about me. Really. I¡¯m in the pink of health. I spend quite a lot of time in school but I spend quite a lot of time at home too. Look at me. I eat well and I even take naps in the afternoon. There can¡¯t be anything wrong with my body.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re healthy, why would you feel faint?¡± Miao Jing disagreed. ¡°Why don¡¯t we visit the hospital?¡± Then, they would see if they could treat her air-conditioning disease.

    Visiting the hospital? That was too excessive.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, Mom. It¡¯s normal for that to happen in summer. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m sick. It¡¯s probably just due to the heat, or because I haven¡¯t fully woken up from my nap.¡± Such a symptom wasmon in summer.

    Thinking about the previous year¡¯s June, it had been sweltering as well and she had even been running around to borrow money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment. She had not felt faint then. Now, she had gotten married to Brother Zhai and was living a good life. She was being pampered, yet she often felt as though she could never get enough sleep.

    As she stood by the side listening to the conversation between the two of them, the auntie¡¯s eyes glimmered in joy. ¡°Nan Nan, excuse me for asking, but have you finished those sanitary napkins that I bought for you in June? Do you have any preferences? Shall I get more for you?¡±

    The auntie was the clearest about how many sanitary napkins she had bought.

 Chapter 2068 - It Seems Like It

    <h4>Chapter 2068: It Seems Like It</h4>

    She felt that it was better to use those products fresh. As such, she did not purchase too many of them and only bought a two-month supply. She had no idea when Qiao Nan¡¯s period started. That was why she had only thought about it now that September was approaching. Qiao Nan should have run out of the products that she had purchased, right?

    The auntie was slightly older than Qiao Nan and much younger than Miao Jing. As such, the auntie still experienced her period every month. As for Miao Jing, that had not happened in almost two decades. This meant that the auntie was used to not needing to prepare such products for anyone else in the family.

    That was why this hadpletely slipped her mind after Qiao Nan had joined the family. Now, she would have to pay more attention to this area.

    It did not matter if she did not remember it, but it did not make sense for Qiao Nan herself not to remember it. If she had indeed finished that supply, Qiao Nan would probably have purchased some more for herself. Yet, the auntie had not seen Qiao Nan purchase any for herself even after all this time.

    ¡°Oh, that. I still have them. A lot of them...¡± Qiao Nan replied to the auntie without hesitation. She knew that the auntie was the one who stocked up on any necessities in their family. As such, she simply thought that the auntie was asking about that to understand what she needed to purchase. ¡°I still have quite a few of them in my bathroom. I don¡¯t really use them...¡±

    Uh...

    These three months had passed in such a blur that Qiao Nan had not even noticed that her period had note in those three months. Because she was juggling so many courses, signed up for an examination, and had to revise for so many different things, Qiao Nan had even needed to stay up through the night at times.

    Although Qiao Nan yearned for knowledge, she had left the school setting more than two decades ago. Now, pouring her whole heart and soul into learning was not difficult, but being as efficient as she had been when she was younger was impossible. In that case, she had to put in even more effort to make up for her regrets.

    Qiao Nan already had the habit of neglecting herself due to her studies. Because her studies were even more difficult in reality than they had been in her dream, Qiao Nan was naturally even more devoted so as to not make any mistakes.

    In the three months of marriage to Zhai Sheng after returning to the capital, Qiao Nan had not even had time to think about her husband apart from those few minutes before sleeping, much less remember which day her period was supposed to start.

    Qiao Nan was the one who had asked for Zhai Sheng¡¯s number, but Zhai Sheng was the one waiting for Qiao Nan to call him. Who would have known that Qiao Nan would be so busy that she would not even have any spare time to call him? Apart from her studies, there was nothing else that she needed Zhai Sheng to make decisions on.

    Since Zhai Sheng was already busy in the military, there was no need for her to add to his troubles by calling him.

    It would be a joke to ask a woman, who could not even care about her husband, how many times she had her period in thest three months or how much supply of sanitary pads she had left.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Nan spent some time studying at home and saw the sanitary napkins every time she used the toilet, Qiao Nan might very well have forgotten about its existence, less say the quantity she had left.

    There were some things that seemed crystal clear once one thought about them.

    Qiao Nan looked down at her stomach nkly. Her body was much weaker now than it had been in her dream, but it was still normal. Her period dide every time and she did not experience extreme pain like others did when theirs came. Based on that, there were only two possible reasons why her period had be irregr.

    Firstly, there was something majorly wrong with her body and she had contracted a severe illness.

    Secondly, it still concerned a person¡¯s life. The difference was that it was not that she was going to die. Quite on the contrary, there was a new life within her...

    ¡°Have you really not used it? You¡¯ve not had your period even once in the three months you¡¯ve been in the capital?¡± The auntie was highly suspicious upon hearing that.

    ¡°Huh? Huh!¡± Miao Jing blinked nkly, not understanding the conversation between Qiao Nan and the auntie. She was someone who had already undergone menopause twenty years ago, after all. But in no time, Miao Jing caught on. ¡°Nan Nan, have you really not gotten your period?¡± In an instant, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes widened as wide as saucers as she stared at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°I think so...¡± Qiao Nan answered in a daze.

    When the auntie and her mother-inw had asked if she was feeling unwell earlier, Qiao Nan had answered that the weather had been too hot and that she had been feeling a little faint. Now, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes rolled upward as her whole body weakened and fell limply onto the sofa. She had fainted for real!

    Zhai Sheng had not informed anyone in the family that he was returning, nning on giving his wife a surprise by making a sudden appearance, just like those young soldiers did. What caught Zhai Sheng off guard was his mom frantically calling his wife¡¯s name before he could even make his presence known.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression sank and he could not care less about giving anyone a surprise anymore. He rushed into the house with his shoes still on. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re back? That¡¯s just as well. Nan Nan just fainted. Hurry and send her to the hospital.¡± Nan Nan could be pregnant. At this time, nothing could happen to Nan Nan or the child!

    In reality, the tall and muscr Zhai Sheng had already seen Qiao Nan lying limply on the sofa as he walked over. Without needing Miao Jing¡¯s instructions, he carried Qiao Nan into his arms immediately. ¡°Mom, stay at home. Auntie, follow me to the hospital.¡±

    Because Qiao Nan had fainted, Zhai Sheng was afraid that he would not be able to take care of Qiao Nan alone and thus asked the auntie toe along.

    ¡°No way. I¡¯m Nan Nan¡¯s mother-inw! I have to go!¡± She would never be able to rest assured if she did not go along with them. Even if she were to stay at home, her heart would be with Nan Nan in the hospital. She had to personally hear from the doctor about Nan Nan¡¯s condition and whether she was indeed pregnant.

    More importantly, Miao Jing insisted that she needed to hear the good news immediately if she were truly to be a grandmother.

    Zhai Sheng did not know why his mom was being so insistent. If he had not been in a hurry to send Qiao Nan to the hospital, he would have reasoned it out with his mom. Considering his mother¡¯s age, would it not be better and more helpful for her to remain at home?

 Chapter 2069 - Back

    <h4>Chapter 2069: Back</h4>

    It was sweltering and the heat was suffocating. If an elderly person were to tag along out of concern, would she not only be adding to their problems if she were to fall ill as well? It was unfortunate that Zhai Sheng was in too much of a hurry to exin this truth to Miao Jing.

    Thankfully, he had the auntie to depend on. If anything were to happen to his mom, the auntie could help take care of his mom instead of Nan Nan. There would probably not be any major problems.

    As such, Zhai Sheng, who had just returned from the military and had not even had the chance to quench his thirst or wash his face, left the house in a hurry once again. Receiving the news that his son had returned from the military, Zhai Yaohui returned home from his chess game at his old friend¡¯s house. However, what greeted him was not a scene of a family reunion but an eerily quiet home. Even the auntie was not around. He was all alone!

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. What was going on? Where was everyone? They could not possibly have gone out to celebrate without him, right?

    Since he could not think of an answer, he decided not to waste any more effort and simply made a phone call. ¡°Hello, where are all of you? In the hospital? Who¡¯s sick? Are you feeling unwell?¡± That could not be right. He had not heard Miao Miaoining about being unwell these days but Miao Miao had said that their daughter-inw was looking rather paletely. ¡°Is it Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Give me a second. The doctor¡¯s out. I¡¯ll talk to you soon.¡± Miao Jing was anxious to receive the results from the doctor. Because she had been waiting for the doctor earlier, she had picked up the phone call from Zhai Yaohui since she was afraid he would be worried. Now that the results were out, Miao Jing had eyes for only her tender and chubby grandson. She had no time to care about her husband, Zhai Yaohui, at all. With that, she rushed up to the doctor. ¡°Doctor, what¡¯s happened to our Nan Nan?¡±

    ¡°Congrattions! She¡¯s pregnant. It¡¯s been almost fourteen weeks...¡± The doctor was just about to ask a routine question about whether the patient had undergone any prenatal checkup, but thinking about how the family seemed to have just found out about the pregnancy, he skipped that question. ¡°Because the first trimester is over, the patient¡¯s and child¡¯s situations are a little more stable now. But I did notice that the patient is a little older than average. Even though the first trimester is over, it¡¯s best that her family members pay more attention to her. Pregnancy is harder on the patient¡¯s body because of her age, so it¡¯ll be better for the patient and the child if she remains in good health.¡±

    The doctor reminded the patient and her family of a list of things to take note of, especially since Qiao Nan was pregnant at this age. He spent a good amount of time instructing the patient on how to ensure bnced nutrition and health of the mother and child.

    He had no other choice. He had to pay careful attention to this patient. He might not have recognized that pregnantdy, but he recognized the soldier who had sent the patient in. He had seen him on television before! From his posture, the doctor knew straightaway that that soldier had close ties to that pregnantdy. Besides, the hospital director had already instructed him to pay careful attention to this patient and to give detailed instructions to the patient and her family.

    While the doctor was giving his instructions, Miao Jing had not yet hung up her phone call. Although Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyesight had deteriorated over the years, his hearing was still quite good.

    As such, Zhai Yaohui had heard perfectly that Qiao Nan was pregnant and that they would be weing a new life into their family! Although Zhai Yaohui had never been as anxious as Miao Jing had in the past, rushing Zhai Sheng to get married, he had yearned for a grandchild in his heart too.

    Now that he was finally getting that grandchild after such a long time, Zhai Yaohui was over the moon. If Zhai Yaohui had been with his friends at this time, they would be puzzled as to why the old chief, who was always stoic and stern, was suddenly being so emotional.

    ¡°Miao Miao?¡± Zhai Yaohui took a deep breath before calling out to Miao Jing.

    Hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s voice, Miao Jing suddenly realized that she had not hung up the call. ¡°Did you hear what the doctor said?¡± Miao Jing was so emotional that she was on the verge of tears. She had never even been this emotional and moved even when she had gotten married to Zhai Yaohui, gotten pregnant for the first time, or when she had given birth to Zhai Hua!

    ¡°I heard it.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s voice was a little shaky. As Zhai Yaohui¡¯s closest kin, Miao Jing knew from his tone that Zhai Yaohui was equally overjoyed. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s pregnant, so we¡¯ll have to be more careful at home in the future. Hurry and hang up the phone. Phones have radiation. Didn¡¯t you say that there are clothes that are anti-radiation nowadays? Get Nan Nan a few pieces of those clothes!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had to admit that now that society had developed, every family¡¯s children were pampered with all sorts of things. Zhai Yaohui had only heard his friends talk about radiation. Now that his daughter-inw was pregnant, he would have to take note of that too. It was better to be safe than sorry.

    Of course, they would spare no expense for the sake of the child.

    ¡°Right, right. I¡¯ll hang up and switch my phone off. We can talk when we return home.¡± The moment Miao Jing heard that, the conversation was over. She did not even wait to end the call before switching off her phone. Then, she ced her phone securely in her bag. With these manyyers of protection, Miao Jing could finally rest assured.

    ¡°That¡¯s about it.¡± The doctor felt rather stressed in front of Zhai Sheng.

    It was Zhai Sheng¡¯s first time being a father. As such, he took special care to remember everything that the doctor had said. ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± Nan Nan was pregnant with his child! It had been three months!

    If he had not happened to return today, he might very well have missed out on this special moment!

    Qiao Nan had been sent to the hospital because she had fainted, after all. As such, the Zhai family treated Qiao Nan like a fragile vase, specially protecting her from every side because she was pregnant. It felt so excessive that Qiao Nan was feeling ill at ease. ¡°Mom, Brother Zhai, you guys are exaggerating it. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    No wonder her mother-inw and the auntie had said that she seemed to have lost weight while she felt that her pants had gotten tighter. It was because there was a new life growing inside her. As for the number of children inside her, Qiao Nan had not asked about it. She decided to wait until the checkup in the fourth month. Then, the doctor would probably inform her about it without her needing to ask anyway.

    With such a blissful life, Qiao Nan did not dare to dream of having the good fortune of giving birth to three adorable and intelligent children all at once, just like she had in her dream.

 Chapter 2070 - Sensible

    <h4>Chapter 2070: Sensible</h4>

    No matter what, the child in her stomach would be the apple of Brother Zhai and her eye.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. We have to be careful.¡± Miao Jing insisted on it, leaving no room for negotiation. ¡°Have you forgotten why you were sent to the hospital today?¡± Thankfully, the auntie was experienced. She had not used those products in such a long time that she had forgotten that women had such trouble every month before menopause.

    Although they had only found out about the baby three monthster, they had found out about this good news, after all. Indeed, Zhai Sheng and Nan Nan were a match made in heaven. This couple was truly soul mates.

    Nan Nan had married into the family less than four months ago, and she was already three months pregnant. Old Zhai was right. Given how much Zhai Sheng cherished Nan Nan, a honeymoon baby was nothing. They had conceived a baby on the first night of their marriage!

    In just seven more months, Miao Jing would finally meet that fragrant, chubby, and tender baby who would call her in that adorable baby voice. Just the thought of that made Miao Jing want to leap up in joy.

    ¡°An ident.¡± Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. She did not usually fall sick, but the problem was that it was simply too hot. The capital was particrly sultry. Even an average person would feel sluggish and lethargic in summer. It was no big deal for a pregnantdy like her to feel slight difort or a little faint.

    What Qiao Nan was thankful about was that it was almost the end of August. Although September still had warm temperatures, they could notpare with those of July and August. She was still studying and had to take her examinations. Pregnancy was nothing, but the double-blow with the torturous heat had made that difference.

    ¡°Nan Nan, are you thirsty?¡± The auntie was thirsty, so she asked Qiao Nan how she was feeling. ¡°Shall I go get a few bottles of mineral water? It¡¯s better for you not to drink bottled juices. I¡¯ll make some freshly-squeezed juices when we get home. I¡¯m afraid that themercially made ones have too many additives in them and won¡¯t be nutritious.¡± Thinking about how Qiao Nan was pregnant, the auntie thought that it was safest for Qiao Nan to drink only mineral water.

    Miao Jing nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s right. Auntie is right. It¡¯s such a hot day. Nan Nan must be thirsty. Auntie, why don¡¯t you go get a few bottles of water? Look carefully at thebels before making your purchase.¡± If they were to buy anything, they had to make sure that they were of good quality and suitable for pregnant women like Qiao Nan.

    In short, they had to pay absolute attention to anything concerning Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Without Miao Jing¡¯s reminder, the auntie would have done so anyway. The Zhai family was finally weing a baby after such long anticipation. There was no way they could take any chances. If she did not take care of Qiao Nan well now, she would be a criminal in the Zhai family¡¯s eyes. As such, the auntie perked up and took care of Qiao Nan the way she had taken care of her daughter-inw after she had given birth to her grandson.

    The moment they returned home, they were surprised to find the fragrance of food wafting from the kitchen.

    The auntie did not think that she had lost her job but was curious as to who had whipped up the meal in her absence. It could not possibly have been the old chief, right?

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s food would not kill, but there was no way he could whip up such a delectable meal. Perhaps, that would have to wait until his next lifetime.

    But given how advanced society was today, not knowing how to cook did not mean not being able to eat delicious food. If one had money, a phone call would suffice. Zhai Yaohui was capable of doing that, at the very least. ¡°I specially ordered these dishes because I heard that they¡¯re good for pregnant women.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui did not know anything about such things, so he made a call to his friends. Apart from the Zhai family who was still without grandchildren, other families had gotten grandchildren more than ten to twenty years ago. In fact, their grandchildren already had girlfriends of their own and were about to get married and give them great-grandchildren soon!

    As such, although Zhai Yaohui had no experience in taking care of pregnant women, his old friends did have advice for him.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± Hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Qiao Nan knew that the Zhai family had splurged on her by calling a whole table¡¯s worth of food for her and her baby. Normally, the Zhai family would never do such an extravagant thing.

    Zhai Yaohui coughed ufortably as his gaze moved toward Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. ¡°We¡¯re a family. There¡¯s no need to thank me. You¡¯ll have it hard in this one year.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had not forgotten that Qiao Nan was already forty this year. It was considered a geriatric pregnancy and they had to pay close attention to everything. Otherwise, both Qiao Nan and the child would be in danger during childbirth. Since Qiao Nan was already risking her life to give him a grandchild, Zhai Yaohui felt that showing his care and concern in this manner was nothing at all.

    Qiao Nan shook her head and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not hard at all.¡± Because this was her child with Brother Zhai. No matter how hard it was, it would still be a pleasure.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there. Nan Nan, you must be hungry, right? Let¡¯s go and eat. Remember to eat up.¡± Knowing that she was about to be a grandma, Miao Jing felt as though she had grown ten years younger and wanted very much to take Qiao Nan over from the auntie to support her herself.

    Thankfully, Miao Jing had the self-awareness that Qiao Nan would never allow herself to be supported by someone in her seventies, whether or not she was pregnant. If she were to do so, she might even frighten Qiao Nan. As such, Miao Jing suppressed her impulse.

    Now, there was nothing more important than Qiao Nan in the Zhai family.

    Looking at the table full of dishes that were not only delicious but also nutritious, Miao Jing looked at Zhai Yaohui appreciatively. ¡°You¡¯re truly worthy of being a grandpa. You¡¯ve performed well today! It¡¯s a pass!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui, who was being praised, was not especially pleased. He was already so advanced in age. If he did not even know to do this, could he still be a grandpa? He would be just as insensible as his grandchild otherwise.

    Without question, Qiao Nan became the main focus of the entire family throughout the course of the meal. Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui only showed his care and concern for Qiao Nan through his gaze while Miao Jing only moved her mouth. As for serving Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was the only one who took on that responsibility. Throughout dinner, Zhai Sheng seemed to be busy getting food for Qiao Nan and feeding her while not eating his own meal at all.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart ached to see Zhai Sheng this way and wanted to get some food for him but was stopped by Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng even said to her, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not hungry. Hurry and eat these.¡±

 Chapter 2071 - Three Months

    <h4>Chapter 2071: Three Months</h4>

    ¡°Try this soup. It doesn¡¯t look very oily and it looks quite refreshing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s a grown man. He must know how to take care of himself. He¡¯s already going to be a father. Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry. He should be the one taking care of the both of you.¡±

    Miao Jing thought that it had been such a coincidence, or perhaps, the Zhai family was truly fated with this child. His existence had never bothered Qiao Nan, causing all these experienced women to be deceived as well. But just as his father, Zhai Sheng, returned, that child reminded everyone of his existence in the Zhai family!

    The child was predestined for the Zhai family, especially Zhai Sheng.

    Her own child was the best child in the world, and Miao Jing, who had just be a grandma, was viewing everything through rose-tinted lenses. That beansprout in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach would still need another month to grow its hands and feet. At the very most, it would only be two centimeters long at this point in time. How would such a small beansprout have so many ideas at this time? There was no way an embryo could have suchplex thoughts.

    After the meal, Miao Jing could not seem to calm herself down and stayed around Qiao Nan. The news that she would soon be a grandma excited her beyond imagination. After enduring it for an entire day, Miao Jing finally thought of someone to share this piece of good news with. ¡°Hua Hua, it¡¯s me. It¡¯s your mom.¡±

    Zhai Hua had been rather happy to receive Miao Jing¡¯s call. After all, Zhai Hua realized that she had already had everything she had yearned for in her youth in her own family. Because she was no longer as stubborn as she had been and was now more open-minded, Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with her family had gradually improved.

    Even though Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had left for the capital with Zhai Sheng, leaving only Zhai Hua and Jiajia in Ping Cheng, Zhai Hua was no longer resentful toward her family. She no longer felt that her parents only cared about their son, Zhai Sheng, while neglecting her.

    It was just that Zhai Hua¡¯s joy was soon killed and Miao Jing¡¯s words made Zhai Hua roll her eyes. ¡°Mom, do you think I¡¯m a three-year-old child? Do you really need to introduce yourself to me?¡± She could immediately guess who had called her just by looking at the phone number. It was certainly her mother.

    Her dad was a man and was not good at expressing his feelings. As for Zhai Sheng, he was a stupid younger brother who was also heartless. There was an eighty percent chance that her mom, Miao Jing, was the one calling her. The remaining twenty percent was left for Qiao Nan. There was no way Zhai Yaohui or Zhai Sheng would ever make a call to her.

    If not for the fact that Qiao Nan had signed up for many courses and examinations, Zhai Hua would have thought that the probability of Qiao Nan calling her would be eighty percent, while her mom calling her would be twenty percent. It was not that she looked down on her mom, but Qiao Nan had finally married into the family after much difficulty. Her mom cared so much about Qiao Nan that she seemed to care more about Qiao Nan than her own biological daughter.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua had long passed that age where she would get jealous over such trivial matters. It would be childish to throw a tantrum over this.

    ¡°Tell me. Why are you in such a good mood to call me today?¡± Although her dad was already retired, her mom would definitely not lead an entirely carefree life in the capital.

    ¡°Is Jiajia around?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Hua waved Jiajia over. ¡°It¡¯s grandma. Do you want to talk to her?¡± It was the end of August, and after returning from their vacation in Sanya, the mother and daughter had been spending some precious time with each other. The previous day, Zhai Hua had brought Jiajia to register for high school. In two days¡¯ time, she would be sending Jiajia off to high school.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Jiajia called sweetly. ¡°Grandma, my vacation is over, but when the National Day holidayse, I¡¯ll visit you and grandpa with Mom.¡± Aside from her vacation to Sanya, this holiday had not been rxing for Jiajia. Apart from having more opportunities to spend time with Zhai Hua, Ping Cheng High School had also organized a summer vacation ss.

    Of course, not all students were invited to join this ss. Jiajia had scored well in her examinations and had entered a top ss. This summer ss was naturally for top students.

    After entering high school, Jiajia even had to attend military training. As such, her schedule was packed. Otherwise, Jiajia would have gone to the capital to visit her grandparents now that Zhai Hua had mended her rtionship with her family.

    ¡°Alright, grandma will wait for you to visit us during the National Day period.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s heart leaped when she heard Jiajia¡¯s voice. ¡°Oh right, Jiajia. Grandma has a piece of good news to share with you today. Try to guess what it is!¡±

    Jiajia frowned. No wonder her mom scolded her grandma for being childish just now. She had stopped ying such games in elementary school. ¡°I won¡¯t guess it, grandma.¡± The scope was so wide and she had not even given a hint. How was she supposed to guess it?

    ¡°Hahaha. Jiajia, do you want a younger sister or a younger brother? Do you want to be an elder sister? Congrattions! In another seven months¡¯ time, you¡¯ll be an elder sister!¡±

    Jiajia was momentarily stunned but she leaped up immediately. ¡°Grandma, are you saying that my auntie is pregnant and that you¡¯re going to be a grandma? I¡¯m going to be an elder sister?¡± Yes, she was going to be an elder sister!

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Even Zhai Hua perked up. ¡°I was wondering why your grandma suddenly called today. It¡¯s because of such good news! How many months pregnant is your auntie?¡± Zhai Sheng was indeed impressive. Should Zhai Sheng not have returned to the military once he went back to the capital? How could he have gotten Qiao Nan pregnant so quickly?

    Zhai Hua could not help but wonder if it was because Zhai Sheng had held back for such a long time before meeting Qiao Nan that his tadpoles were more energetic than an average person¡¯s. That was why he had managed to be so efficient.

    ¡°Grandma said that I¡¯ll be an elder sister in another seven months¡¯ time. So, that means that auntie is probably three months pregnant,¡± Jiajia said. ¡°Grandma, is auntie pregnant with a younger brother or sister? Or will she let me have both at once?¡± She swore that she would definitely be a good elder sister.

    Zhai Hua knocked Jiajia on the head gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Your auntie¡¯s only three months pregnant.¡±

 Chapter 2072 - Over the Moon

    <h4>Chapter 2072: Over the Moon</h4>

    ¡°There are some tests that can¡¯t be done so early.¡± Especially one regarding the sex of the child. Such tests were usually forbidden by the state. Besides, it had only been three months. The baby¡¯s hands and feet had probably not even grown out yet. She could not remember exactly but guessed that the baby in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach was probably only as big as the size of a fingernail.

    ¡°...¡± Jiajia rubbed her head, feeling aggrieved. She was still young and had never given birth to a child. How was she supposed to know all about those things? ¡°Grandma, tell auntie to stay in good health. I¡¯ll visit her and my younger siblings during the National Day holiday.¡±

    Since her questions were useless now, she would just wait until National Day. Then, she would find out for herself. By then, her auntie should be heavily pregnant.

    After hanging up the call, Jiajia jumped around in glee. It made it seem as though the baby she was looking forward to was not in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach but her mother¡¯s, Zhai Hua¡¯s, stomach!

    ¡°Alright. Stop acting like a monkey. I¡¯m getting giddy.¡± Seeing her daughter, who was usually matured and even more obedient than Wei Wei, acting so childishly and innocently, Zhai Hua was pleased. ¡°Are you really that happy that your auntie is pregnant and that you¡¯re going to be an elder sister?¡±

    She had had no idea that Jiajia yearned to be an elder sister so badly.

    Could it be that Jiajia knew that the state disallowed her from having a second child because Wei De was a soldier? Was that why she had never mentioned anything about it? ¡°Jiajia, actually, the government has already allowed people to have a second child...¡±

    If she had known that Jiajia wanted a younger sibling so desperately, it was not as though she could not give birth to one.

    Before her divorce, Wei De had asionally asked her if their family would have a second child since the state now allowed it. Wei De had not been particrly explicit when asking about it and simply made mention of the subject. At that time, Zhai Hua had been in a bad mood and retorted that they already had a daughter, Jiajia. There was no need to have another child.

    After all, Zhai Hua had already been upset with the entire Wei family cing more emphasis on Wei Wei than Jiajia. It was only natural for Jiajia to love her own child. Zhai Hua was worried that the Wei family would treat Jiajia even worse if their second child turned out to be a boy.

    Besides, the Wei family loved their grandson, Wei Wei, dearly. Having another grandson would be nice, but not having another did not matter to them either. As such, Zhai Hua never considered the problem of having a second child ever again.

    Now, Zhai Hua¡¯s life revolved around Jiajia. She had already gotten a divorce from Wei De and there was absolutely no possibility of reconciliation. Even so, Zhai Hua foolishly brought up hypothetical situations, knowing that Jiajia liked younger siblings.

    If she had not gotten divorced from Wei De, she might very well have given Jiajia younger siblings, given how enthusiastic she was about them. By now, they would even be old enough to run around!

    Jiajia hurriedly waved her mom off. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get any weird ideas. That¡¯s not what I meant. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s you or auntie that gives birth to my younger siblings. They¡¯ll be my younger siblings all the same. If I really wanted a younger sibling from you, I would have told you about it a long time ago. Besides, I think that it¡¯s better for my auntie to be the one giving birth. Mom, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re regretting your decision and you¡¯re thinking of getting back with my dad.¡± That was why she was trying to use Jiajia as an excuse.

    In that moment, Jiajia was straddled in a dilemma. Of course, she wanted her mom to be happy. It was just that she disliked her paternal grandma¡¯s family and her dislike only intensified by the day.

    It was not just talk that Jiajia liked younger siblings. Because Wei Wei had not been a good elder brother, Jiajia often thought about how she would definitely protect her younger siblings instead of bullying them like Wei Wei had. She would take them out to y, teach them, do their homework with them, watch television with them, y games...

    But the siblings whom she liked so much should never be born in the Wei family or live in the same shadow of Wei Wei as she had.

    Even if that would no longer happen now, Jiajia still hated the idea of it.

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Zhai Hua¡¯s expression changed and she hit Jiajia on the head again. ¡°Being married once is more than enough for me since I already have you. I don¡¯t have any interest in finding another man, whether that be your dad or someone else. I was just thinking that I might have given birth to another child a long time ago when I was still married to your dad if I had known you wanted to be an elder sister so badly.¡±

    Jiajia heaved a huge sigh of relief. ¡°So that¡¯s what you meant. Thankfully, I never spoke out wanting a younger sibling then. Otherwise, my heart would ache so badly.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Did she not like having younger siblings? Why would her heart ache?

    Jiajia sat beside Zhai Hua and told her indifferently. ¡°When the state started to allow for people to have another child, I heard Wei Wei ask grandma and grandpa whether you and Dad would have another child. If you were to have a son, would my dad still love him all the same, and whether grandma and grandpa would favor the youngest child instead of him? Grandpa remained silent but grandma immediately replied that he would never like any child that came from you. There was no one who could ever rece Wei Wei¡¯s ce in her heart.¡±

    Jiajia knew that her younger siblings would never be wee in the family and would even be forced to endure the horrible torture that she had already been through.

    Jiajia also knew that her dad was a soldier and could not have a second child. As such, even after the state announced such a ruling, Jiajia had never once let known to Zhai Hua her desire of having a younger sibling. ¡°But I¡¯m finally bing an elder sister! Hahaha! Mom, how many children do you think auntie is pregnant with? Do you think she¡¯ll give me a younger sister or brother? Since a second child is allowed now, do you think auntie will give birth to another child after this? No, as an elder sister, I have to prepare a present. Mom, wait a minute. Don¡¯t disturb me. Let me go to Baidu and see what kind of toys and animations babies like nowadays. I have to keep myself updated. Otherwise, we might not have anymon topics to talk about in the future.¡±

    Knowing that Qiao Nan was pregnant, Jiajia became the person who was most excited. That had been truly unexpected.

    Perhaps it was because she was going to be an elder sister that Jiajia was able to distance herself from the hurt and sufferings she had experienced in the Wei family when talking about them. It seemed as though she had not been the one going through all that because she was over the moon about the news that she was about to be an elder sister.

 Chapter 2073 - Who Did It?

    <h4>Chapter 2073: Who Did It?</h4>

    Zhai Hua, who had been left behind, had the urge to drop everything at once and rush to the Wei family¡¯s house to give this whole family of white-eyed wolves a good beating.

    Since Jiajia had already instructed her not to disturb her, this meant that Jiajia would not disturb her either. As such, Zhai Hua returned to her study room and retrieved a thick envelope. Within it was thetest news of the Wei family that her friends had gathered on her behalf.

    Just because Zhai Hua had decided not to pursue the matter even after she had suffered so much with Wei De did not mean that others were willing to do so as well. Besides, given their understanding of Zhai Hua, they had always felt that Zhai Hua could not possibly simply take it lying down after being bullied and continue raising her daughter just like that.

    Initially, Zhai Hua had indeed nned on taking revenge. However, her temper now that she was a mother could notpare to when she had still been a youngdy. Now that she was living afortable life, there was no point in caring about those people who made her ufortable. That would only make her life even harder.

    For Jiajia¡¯s sake, Zhai Hua decided to sever all contact with the Wei family. She did not want to know, much less care about, the Wei family. As such, Zhai Hua had never bothered to look through the information that had been sent to her out of good intentions. But today, she was going to do so for Jiajia¡¯s sake.

    As a mother, Zhai Hua¡¯s heart could soften and she could control her temper for her daughter¡¯s sake. Simrly, her temper could get even worse and her attitude even more vicious for the sake of Jiajia.

    Jiajia liked having younger siblings so much but had never dared to let her parents know about it simply because of something Mother Wei had said. This angered Zhai Hua. She was mad at herself and also the Wei family. The Wei family were truly bast*rds with no limits. Jiajia had had such a heavy burden at such a young age and she had known nothing about that as a mother.

    If not for Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy that they had suddenly brought up this topic, she would never have known that the Wei family had said such cruel words in front of Jiajia. She had truly wasted all of her money on the Wei family all these years.

    Zhai Hua could not help but think about how to deal with the Wei family, but the moment she saw the documents, her anger subsided. The Wei family was already in such a sorry state. If she wanted to torture them even further, the only thing left was probably death.

    Because Wei De had married Zhai Hua, he was always treated politely, and people had no choice but to address him respectfully as apanymander. Even those who were in higher positions than him were especially courteous to him given the fact that he was the Zhai family¡¯s son-inw.

    Because he had lived such a life for over a decade, Wei De had already long forgotten about how careful he had to be in the military before getting married to Zhai Hua, and how he even had to tter others asionally.

    It was hard for anyone to tame their temper once it had been developed, especially for someone as foolish as Wei De. It was hard for even the most intelligent person to do.

    Wei De was no longer the son-inw of the Zhai family nor apanymander in the military. After going out into society, he even faced many obstacles and setbacks. As such, Wei De¡¯s temper had gone out of control. Then, he had been careless, had been cheated of his money, and his business had failed. Wei De had not even inquired about the status of the person who had deceived him and had immediately gone to find him to settle their ounts. It turned out that that person was well-known locally. Was he not just driving himself into a corner?

    Such fraud was not one that concerned money or not handing over the goods. Instead, there had been many loopholes that had favored the other party when they had signed the contract. Wei De had never done business, and neither did he have anywyers as friends. It was only natural for him to not understand the contract and be fooled.

    Besides, it was Wei De who had turned up to make a fuss as though he was about to kill someone. As such, the other party had simply exerted slightly excessive self-defense, sending Wei De to the hospital.

    After Wei Wei was hospitalized, the hospital and the police tried to get in contact with the Wei family. Unfortunately, Mother and Father Wei were not in a good ce. Their family¡¯s three-storied house had been sold by Wei Wei and his mother. Because all the procedures had been legal, there was no way of getting that house back.

    Although the elderly couple moved back to their old house, they were staying in an abandoned house. In this era, it was difficult to find a house that no one wanted to live in. Every plot ofnd was precious, after all. As such, one could only imagine Mother and Father Wei¡¯s living conditions.

    It was very difficult for the elderly couple to live in the countryside. They had no money, no house, and no food. If not for the little bit of food that they borrowed from their old neighbors, the elderly couple would never have been able to survive in the countryside.

    They had survived by relying on borrowed rice grains and the vegetables they asionally plucked from their rtive¡¯s ntations.

    In the past, Mother and Father Wei had been brought away by Wei De gloriously. Now, the two of them had be the lowest of the lowest in the vige. There were people who wondered why Mother and Father Wei had given up on afortable life in the city to return to the countryside in their old age. Eventually, the news spread, and the vigers finally realized the immoral acts that the Wei family hadmitted.

    Although the vigers did not watch them starve to death helplessly, they had formed a terrible impression of the Wei family after finding out that they had bullied others andmitted marriage fraud in this manner. Thus, Mother and Father Wei did not interact much with others upon returning to the vige. The vigers would even specifically instruct their kids never to y near the Wei family¡¯s house.

    There was nothing crueler and more painful to Mother and Father Wei than such cold treatment after having been respected for over ten years.

    Mother and Father Wei could not even take care of themselves and the first thought that came to Mother Wei¡¯s mind when she heard that her son had been sent into the hospital was that Zhai Hua must have done so out of revenge. Thus, Mother Wei called the police directly, asking them to arrest Zhai Hua. Since Zhai Hua had been the one who had beaten Wei De up, it was only natural that she had to pay for all of his hospital bills.

    Moreover, even if Wei De was discharged from the hospital, Zhai Hua had topensate the Wei family for the mental stress she had caused them.

    Hearing Mother Wei¡¯s ridiculous demands, the police officer was stunned and reiterated that this matter had nothing to do with the Wei family¡¯s ex-daughter-inw at all. Wei De had brought this beating upon himself through his careless business dealings. There was no one else to me.

 Chapter 2074 - Burned

    <h4>Chapter 2074: Burned</h4>

    The only reason he had made this call was to inform the Wei family of Wei De¡¯s situation. As for whether the Wei family decided to return to Ping Cheng to take care of Wei De, that would be none of his business.

    There was no way Mother Wei would believe the police officer¡¯s words. Because the result was not one that she wanted, she sted out at the police officer. ¡°This is clearly the rich and powerful bullying normal folks like us. I know that that Zhai woman¡¯s father is an old chief and that her brother is a chief. That¡¯s why you¡¯re all in cahoots. You¡¯re all helping that woman, right? Don¡¯t forget your status. Your sry is paid by taxpayers like me. I¡¯m the one who gives you enough money to support your family. How can you bully us taxpayers like that?¡±

    If not for the fact that Mother Wei was being extremely unreasonable, the police officer might just have mistaken Mother Wei for a cultured person based on herst few sentences. ¡°If you are really suspicious of me, I wee you to make aint. I¡¯ve already made myself clear. You can do whatever you want.¡±

    He had only made this phone call to inform the Wei family of Wei De¡¯s situation. As long the Wei family was kept in the loop, nothing else that followed had anything to do with him, and neither would he have to take any responsibility for it. The Wei family could make a huge fuss if they liked. If they went overboard and if someone were to call the police on them, he would thene into the picture again.

    Otherwise, he had better just do his job.

    Zhai Hua had nothing to do with Wei De being sent to the hospital, and Mother Wei had not been sessful in her attempt to extort Zhai Hua of money. All these situations added together were undoubtedly a huge blow to the Wei family.

    Left with no other choice, Father Wei made a trip to Ping Cheng to fetch Wei De back to their old home. In the past, Wei De had been the epitome of a sessful child. This time, however, it went without saying that the Wei family had be the biggest joke in the entire vige.

    Almost everyone would use the Wei family as a negative example to educate their children about moral values.

    The Wei family was truly the worst of the worst. Not only had theymitted marriage fraud, but they had even treated their granddaughter worse than Wei Wei, favoring males over females. And what hade of all of it? Wei Wei had sold the Wei family¡¯s house and that chief¡¯s daughter had simply taken back everything that belonged to her.

    It was because the Wei family was full of immoral people that the heavens took back everything that the Wei family had. Now, the Wei family had be the worst family in the vige. Apart from his parents, who were already too old to work, Wei De had no one else by his side. He had neither a wife nor any children.

    Father Wei had not gotten a lot of money from those people for Wei De¡¯s injuries. The people whom Wei De had provoked were not just ordinary hooligans. They had deceived Wei De to earn more money in the first ce. Besides, they had already known that Wei De had nothing much to begin with.

    Apart from that small sum that the police officers demanded they pay, the other pay refused to fork out a single cent more.

    In the end, the other party paid for Wei De¡¯s hospitalization bills when Wei De was discharged and gave Father Wei an additional ten thousand yuan to purchase some nutritional supplements.

    This ten thousand yuan was like a drop in the bucket for the Wei family. There was nothing they could do with such a small sum of money. Even so, the Wei family had to have a careful n for the ten thousand yuan so as not to waste it away.

    And so, this ten thousand yuan became the only asset of the Wei family. Although Wei De had recovered from his injuries, he had no means of returning to Ping Cheng or to continue living in Ping Cheng, hoping to strike it out with a business and stand up tall in front of Zhai Hua again.

    After learning about the Wei family¡¯s situation, Zhai Hua¡¯s expression was calm as though the Wei family¡¯s information was simply a fictional story. Zhai Hua stood up and shredded these documents. Then, she lit the fire and burned them all, not leaving even a single shred.

    She had no intention of discussing whether the Wei family¡¯s situation was retribution for their past actions. The son whom Wei De cared most about had taken Wei Xiaomei and had run away, leaving nothing for Wei De at all. This son was truly Wei De¡¯s...

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s that smell? Why is there a smoky smell at home?¡± Jiajia, who had awoken to use the toilet, had been taken aback by the smell and had run over to check on her mother.

    Zhai Hua did not panic and answered calmly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I just shredded some useless documents and I¡¯m burning them. They have been taking up quite a lot of space at home. Don¡¯t worry. Your mom isn¡¯t a five-year-old kid. Do you think I¡¯ll burn our house down? Have you decided what you¡¯re preparing for your younger sibling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m wondering if I should prepare two presents since my auntie doesn¡¯t know whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl. Just in case, I should just prepare a present for a girl and a boy. Having one present go to waste is better than not preparing anything as an elder sister.¡± This was the solution that Jiajia hade up with after a long time.

    Zhai Hua finally let up a smile in front of her daughter. ¡°Is that so? I think it¡¯s a good idea. We¡¯ll do just that. You can do whatever you want. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re too poor to afford it anyway. You can just ask me for more money if you need it.¡±

    Jiajiaughed. ¡°Mom, do you think I¡¯m going to let you off so easily? You¡¯re overthinking it! Mom, it¡¯ste. You should sleep, and so should I. Once the school term starts, I¡¯ll have military training as well. I heard that military training is quite scary. I wonder how strict the military training in Ping Cheng High School is.¡± Jiajia shrugged. She had never had the experience of undergoing military training.

    Zhai Hua pinched Jiajia¡¯s nose. ¡°I wonder who dered that she was going to be a female soldier just two months ago? She even said to her mother that she was qualified! You haven¡¯t even be a true female soldier and such minor military training has already frightened you. To think that you¡¯re Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter. It¡¯s unfortunate that you weren¡¯t around when your great-grandpa was still around. He loved children so much that he sent all the children in the family to the military early. There¡¯s no way he would have allowed you to be exposed to the military only now. Military training? Those in schools are just for students and children to y around.¡±

    Real military training in the military camp was much tougher than those in schools.

    Jiajia stuck out her tongue. ¡°I won¡¯t talk to you anymore. I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

 Chapter 2075 - Changed

    <h4>Chapter 2075: Changed</h4>

    Walking out from the study room, Jiajia thought of those burned ashes just now and lowered her eyes. She returned to her room silently. There was only so much to Wei Wei, the person her father and grandparents treated as their precious. However, perhaps apart from themselves, they had never liked anyone else.

    After all, she had grown up together with Wei Wei. Jiajia didn¡¯t know what Wei Wei experienced after returning to the countryside. However, she felt that if the Wei family hadn¡¯t done something sorry to him, Wei Wei wouldn¡¯t have been so bold to sell the Wei family¡¯s remaining building.

    In reality, when Zhai Hua wanted to get a divorce with Wei De and she heard that the Wei family was going to send Wei Wei to the countryside to reunite with Wei Xiaomei, not only did Jiajia feel that she had won, but she also developed the thought that Wei Wei had lost, just like her.

    Favoring boys over girls? In their father¡¯s heart, he valued himself the most. When encountering a critical problem, her father could just abandon his son just like that. It was as if the love for more than ten years before was fake and didn¡¯t exist.

    Actually, before Zhai Hua got to read the information, Jiajia had already read it while cleaning the house the other day. The more she read, the more indifferent she was to those people from her grandma¡¯s family. Otherwise, Jiajia wouldn¡¯t have inadvertently mentioned the topic of younger siblings in such a casual manner today.

    She was upset and minded in the past because she really thought that no matter if it was her or her nonexistent younger brother, her grandparents didn¡¯t like the children that were born to her mother. However, Jiajia understood now that her grandma¡¯s family didn¡¯t like her and that they ¡®truly¡¯ liked Wei Wei.

    After knowing this truth, she had reason to believe that Wei Wei, who always felt that he was blessed, would only suffer more than her after knowing the truth.

    After thinking about this, Jiajia really felt that there was nothing to be persistent about the Wei family and there was nothing she couldn¡¯t let go of.

    She understood it herself. She hoped that her mother would also understand this and not let herself feel troubled because of everything about the Wei family.

    How good was it now? She and her mom were living happily together. Uncle married aunt and aunt was pregnant with a baby. Everything was developing in a good direction. The most important thing was for a family to be safe and happy together.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang was ttered to have received Qiao Nan¡¯s call. When he knew that Qiao Nan was already pregnant, Qiao Dongliang was so happy that he didn¡¯t know what to do. ¡°How many months has it been? Did the doctor say anything? Are you and the child well? Do you need to pay attention to anything?¡±

    It was a good thing to be pregnant. However, Nan Nan wasn¡¯t young anymore. It was definitely tougher for her to be pregnant now than any pregnant woman. When he thought of how Ding Jiayi had treated Qiao Zijin like a queen for ten months when she was pregnant, Qiao Dongliang wanted to find someone to take care of Qiao Nan as well.

    Of course, such a thoughtsted only for a moment. It wasn¡¯t easy for Qiao Nan to be pregnant at this age. People would have paid more attention to her than Qiao Zijin initially. Let Ding Jiayi go over to take care of the pregnant Qiao Nan? Qiao Dongliang felt that even if he was a father and he didn¡¯t know anything in this regard, he¡¯d rather do these things by himself than let Ding Jiayi do so.

    Others didn¡¯t know but he did. He was worried that Ding Jiayi woulde up with bad ideas to harm Qiao Nan and the child in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The child and I are doing well thus far. It¡¯s only three months now. I¡¯ll go for a checkup after the fourth month.¡± Qiao Nan touched her stomach that wasn¡¯t protruding yet. No one knew how blessed she felt right now. Her child was returning again.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Is Zhai Sheng home?¡± Nan Nan¡¯s pregnancy was a good thing. It must be made known to Zhai Sheng, his son-inw.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng, who was cutting fruits for her. She said sweetly, ¡°Brother Zhai¡¯s the one who sent me to the hospital for a checkup. That¡¯s when I knew I was pregnant. Brother Zhai is cutting fruits for me now. The doctor said that as long as they aren¡¯t too cold, it would be beneficial for me and the child if I eat more fruits.¡±

    Because of the doctor¡¯s words, everyone in the Zhai family, including Zhai Sheng, nearly turned the Zhai family into a wholesale fruit market. They went to buy everything nutritious and fresh that a pregnant woman could eat. As for the price, they didn¡¯t take a second look.

    The Zhai family had always been thrifty. Qiao Nan was long used to the Zhai family¡¯s lifestyle. Aftering to this lifetime, she had adapted very well. After all,pared to Qiao Nan¡¯s treatment in the Qiao family, it was already nourishing for her that the Zhai family didn¡¯t treat her harshly even though they led a simple lifestyle.

    However, after the Zhai family revealed characteristics of being controlling over pregnant women and infants, Qiao Nan felt that she became the one with the best treatment in the Zhai family. Perhaps it was really that she was older and it was tough for her to be pregnant. It seemed that the Zhai family valued her pregnancy now as much as they did when she was pregnant with triplets in her dream.

    Knowing that his daughter was pregnant and Zhai Sheng was by her side, Qiao Dongliang was even more satisfied. ¡°That¡¯s good. After a woman bes pregnant, her cravings will be a little uncontroble. Sometimes, one would go crazy over thinking about what to eat. How are you?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Speaking of this, there was something Qiao Nan was craving for. However, it couldn¡¯t be bought in the capital and it wasn¡¯t easy to buy in Ping Cheng. ¡°Dad, do you remember when I was five, you made a type of pickled ginger at home? That ginger tasted spicy and especially sour...¡±

    Back then, Qiao Nan was only five years old. A child¡¯s taste bud was more sensitive than an adult¡¯s. As the taste of this pickled ginger was too pungent, the young Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t ept it. Qiao Dongliang pickled this ginger as it served as a condiment with porridge in the morning. It was cheap to pickle one¡¯s own ginger and it was a childhood memory of Qiao Dongliang. As such, Qiao Dongliang did this on a whim.

    It was a pity that Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t eat spicy food. Simrly, the mother-daughter pair couldn¡¯t ept the spiciness of that ginger. At that time, Qiao Nan was still young and she didn¡¯t know how to appreciate the wonder of pickled ginger.

    For a family of four, Qiao Dongliang made a small jar of pickled ginger. Aside from Qiao Nan pouring the pickled soup into her porridge, Qiao Dongliang had eaten all the pickled ginger himself. Ever since then, Qiao Dongliang had never made pickled ginger anymore.

    It was such a distant memory. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mention it, Qiao Dongliang would have forgotten himself. However, Qiao Nan had no choice. She didn¡¯t know if it was the child in her stomach creating trouble, but her cravings hadpletely changed from the usual.

 Chapter 2076 - Intensifying

    <h4>Chapter 2076: Intensifying</h4>

    Not only did she dig out the memory that was buried in her memory, but she also drooled at the thought of the taste of that pickled ginger.

    ¡°You want to eat pickled ginger?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised.

    ¡°Yes. Is it troublesome to do this? Otherwise, you can let me know how to do it and I¡¯ll try it myself?¡± Ever since she thought of that taste of pickled ginger, Qiao Nan felt that nothing was delicious. Spicy foodcked the acidity of pickled ginger while sour foodcked the spiciness of pickled ginger. The perfectbination of spicy and sour was only reflected in pickled ginger.

    In this lifetime, before she got pregnant, Qiao Nan never thought that she would be the kind of person who would lose her senses just because she had a craving. In reality, ever since she had this thought, she even dreamed of when she was five years old at the Qiao family enjoying the taste of her first bite of pickled ginger.

    After confirming that his daughter really needed him, Qiao Dongliang straightened his back. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll tell you what to do. You¡¯ll let Zhai Sheng take this down for you?¡± Although he said this, Qiao Dongliang decided to make a trip to the vegetable market personally tomorrow morning to pick a dozen kilograms of old ginger that were suitable to be pickled.

    Telling others waspletely different from others doing it. Qiao Dongliang was worried that the person in the Zhai family making pickled ginger didn¡¯t have his own craft.

    To be honest, the method of pickling ginger was unique to the Qiao family. When Grandma Qiao was still alive, the family was poor and there was little food. Coincidentally, the ginger that happened to be nted grew well. The problem was that in an era when staple food wasn¡¯t enough, which family would be willing to spend money on condiments like ginger? It was already good if one could be full. How could one still afford to be picky?

    There wasn¡¯t a choice. Food shouldn¡¯t be ruined. As such, Grandma Qiao made pickled ginger for the family. It was also a habit developed at that time. Thereafter, Grandma Qiao would make some pickled ginger at home from time to time to eat as a dish. To Qiao Dongliang, pickled ginger was part of his childhood memories.

    Of course, the Qiao family¡¯s pickled ginger had the Qiao family¡¯s unique craftsmanship. Qiao Dongliang shared these pointers clearly over the phone. However, he was afraid that the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t do it well. As such, Qiao Dongliang thought that the Zhai family could make some not-so-authentic Qiao family¡¯s pickled ginger first so that Qiao Nan could eat it for a few days.

    On his end, he would help make some as well. Once the pickled ginger was ready, he would get a courier to send it over to Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang also knew that even though pickled ginger was cheap, the cost of express courier to the capital could be as much as ten times more than the cost of pickled ginger. However, Qiao Nan wanted to eat it. It was worth it no matter how much money he had to spend.

    The next morning, Qiao Dongliang, who was about to be a grandfather, became the first person to enter the vegetable market aside from the vendors. He bought a bunch of ginger and a few packets of seasoning.

    ¡°Mom, Dad woke up especially early today. It¡¯s already afternoon and he is still in the kitchen. What is he up to?¡± Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but feel curious. She leaned over to Ding Jiayi and asked, ¡°Even if he¡¯s preparing a meal, he shouldn¡¯t need to stay in the kitchen all morning, right? Mom, do you feel that Dad¡¯s especially excited today? He¡¯s even humming.¡±

    Too many things happened to the Qiao family in the past year. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t remember how long ago it was that shest heard Qiao Dongliang humming. ¡°Did anything good happen in the family?¡± Why didn¡¯t she hear about anything?

    Ding Jiayi, who was watching TV, sat to the side. ¡°The weather¡¯s so hot. Why are you sitting so close to me? Move away.¡± When she was saying this, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes never shifted away from the TV. As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s question, Ding Jiayi¡¯s words didn¡¯t have the effect of rifying her confusion.

    Ever since the topic of the one hundred thousand yuan ended, Qiao Zijin thought that by leaving Ding Jiayi alone for a while, she would understand it and no longer mention to her about the one hundred thousand yuan. Although she no longer mentioned it, Qiao Zijin clearly felt that her mother was much colder toward her and no longer only had her in her eyes and heart, unlike the past.

    ¡°Mom, are you still angry at me?¡± If she could, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to take the initiative and mention the matter about the one hundred thousand yuan in front of Ding Jiayi. After all, until now, she never thought of taking the one hundred thousand yuan out and save Ding Jiayi¡¯s so-called marriage. They were already so old. Only young people filed for a divorce.

    Furthermore, as her father said, at this age, there wasn¡¯t any difference in them getting a divorce or not. Her mom was the only one who was feeling nervous and worrying for nothing.

    Ding Jiayi cracked the melon seed and nced at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Angry at you? Why should I be?¡± See? She didn¡¯t even dare mention the one hundred thousand yuan.

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Zijin called her ¡®mom¡¯ for a long time, like a spoiled child. Without a doubt, this worked on Ding Jiayi in the past. However, this wasn¡¯t the case now. This set of tactics no longer worked on Ding Jiayi.

    It used to work in the past. Qiao Zijin used to say a bunch of fictional words about filial piety to coax Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi always thought that by depending on this daughter of hers, Qiao Zijin, she could live the life of an olddy. As such, no matter what Qiao Zijin said, Ding Jiayi would always agree.

    However, now...

    Ding Jiayi drank a sip of water to moisten her throat. ¡°I¡¯m your mom. I always know that it¡¯s very nice to call someone. If others heard this, they might think that we have a ghost in the house in broad daylight.¡±

    ¡°Mom, why do you suddenly have this attitude toward me?¡± Qiao Zijin was unable to ept Ding Jiayi¡¯s 180-degree change. She had apletely opposite attitude, like someone who suddenly became clear after being addicted to madness for a while. ¡°Mom, you weren¡¯t like this in the past. In the past, you used to think for my best. You won¡¯t give up on anything that¡¯s good for me. You won¡¯t do anything that would be against me. Mom, you¡¯ve changed.¡±

    She became more selfish and only had herself in her heart. She had forgotten about her, the daughter!

    She asked for fifty thousand yuan previously and one hundred thousand yuan now. What about the next time? Her mom¡¯s appetite was growing and she was asking for more money. It was such a huge amount of money but her mom dared to ask her for it. She only had a total of one and half million yuan. At this rate, within three years, her mom would take away all of her money.

    She thought of how Ding Jiayi only asked Qiao Nan for ten or twenty thousand yuan a month when Qiao Nan was still at home in the past. The tides have turned. When Ding Jiayi asked her for money, it was now fifty thousand yuan or even a hundred thousand yuan! Was she used to exploiting her daughters? It was starting to get worse now!

 Chapter 2077 - Mentality

    <h4>Chapter 2077: Mentality</h4>

    Qiao Zijin felt that she should give Qiao Nan a call now and have a good chat with her. Others might not understand her. However, Qiao Nan suffered from this issue before. She would understand her. In this family, her father ignored her and her mother was only after her money. She was now like Qiao Nan in the past. As a daughter of the Qiao family, she and Qiao Nan were really too pitiful and unlucky.

    An enemy¡¯s enemy was a friend. After having Ding Jiayi as amon enemy, Qiao Zijin felt that she should be able to be affectionate with Qiao Nan. Who asked them to have been oppressed by the same person? ¡°Mom, you¡¯re in a bad mood now. I¡¯ll return to my room and not disturb you. When you¡¯re happy, I¡¯ll find you again.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t stop her when Qiao Zijin wanted to return to her room. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how to use theputer. It was good enough that she was upied by the TV in the living room.

    After returning to her room, Qiao Zijin hurriedly took out her mobile and dialed a number that was foreign to her. ¡°Hello, is this Nan Nan? It¡¯s me. I¡¯m your sister...¡±

    When she saw a foreign number, Qiao Nan only thought of trying to pick it up. She didn¡¯t expect that Qiao Zijin would actually call her. ¡°Why do you have my number?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin thought for a while. ¡°Do you need me to spell it out? In this family, who did you give your number to? Nan Nan, you don¡¯t have to guard against me. I¡¯m calling you today to tell you that I understand your painpletely. Mom¡¯s really different from other moms. Other moms only want to help their children lead a better life. Apart from reaching out to ask for money, our mom didn¡¯t make any contributions at all. Nan Nan, you don¡¯t know that Mom¡¯s about to go crazy. It wasn¡¯t enough that she asked me for fifty thousand yuan earlier on. Just recently, she even asked me for one hundred thousand yuan. You know that I don¡¯t have a job as well. I didn¡¯t manage to be a civil servant either. I¡¯m spending all the money in my pockets. If I be a civil servant and have a monthly sry, it would be alright for me to give Mom living expenses... Hello? Hello!¡±

    Before Qiao Zijin could finish her words, Qiao Nan hung up the call and switched off her phone. She was a pregnant woman now. She should stay away from electronic products like mobile phones.

    As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s grievances and affirmation, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care at all. Qiao Zijin had such a good rtionship with Ding Jiayi, and Ding Jiayi always helped Qiao Zijin. Would she believe that the two of them had fallen out? Even if that was the case, it didn¡¯t have anything to do with her. Who knew why they were fighting? The word ¡®money¡¯ probably triggered a war between them.

    No matter what the reason was, it wouldn¡¯t be something good. If she really interfered in this matter, she would be the only one suffering in the end. Who knows? Perhaps this might even be a show that the mother-daughter pair put on to deceive her. It wasn¡¯t that such a simr method wasn¡¯t used before.

    Right. Civil servant. It should be because of that.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan¡¯s face changed quite a bit, Zhai Sheng sat next to Qiao Nan with a te of fruits in his hand. ¡°Have an apple.¡±

    Holding Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand, Qiao Nan took a bite. ¡°I just had a call with my dad. I forgot to switch off my phone and received an annoying call. It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll feel better in a while.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Zijin called?¡± Zhai Sheng had good listening skills. Coupled with his strong analytical skills, he could guess it correctly. ¡°This should have nothing to do with your dad.¡± After so long, that father-inw from the Qiao family did alright.

    ¡°I know.¡± The apple was crisp and delicious. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but finish the apple slices in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand in two mouthfuls. ¡°I probably misunderstood Qiao Zijin. I haven¡¯t given birth yet, but she thinks that I¡¯ve gone dumb just because of a pregnancy. Oh right, what¡¯s the result for the civil service examination? Qiao Zijin kept mentioning it in the call. I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s trying to get us to help her.¡±

    After Qiao Nan finished a slice, Zhai Sheng subconsciously fed her another one. Feeding subconsciously was something new to Zhai Sheng. However, he wasn¡¯t irritated at all. In fact, he was enjoying it. Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but think that if Qiao Nan were to give birth to a daughter, he would be willing to feed her like this as well. ¡°Qiao Zijin was already rejected in the interview.¡±

    Zhai Sheng had already said it before that they went by the books. They only looked at abilities, not rtionships. Zhai Sheng never really cared about how it was like to recruit civil servants in the past. However, this year was definitely the most impartial, open, and fair in the history of Ping Cheng. They only looked at results and not connections.

    The Qiao family¡¯s neighbor¡¯s child had some abilities but wasn¡¯t the best. As such, she passed the written test but was rejected during the interview easily. Thankfully, everything was public. After knowing that she was rejected, she went to look at the information of other candidates and was convinced.

    Since there wasn¡¯t any small action or inside story in this matter, she had no choice but to be convinced. She knew it clearly in her heart that since this had already happened, it would be useless for her to say anything else. Her family had really missed the chance to have a rtionship like what the Zhai family and the Qiao family had.

    The only time they missed this chance was also basically the only chance in this lifetime. The neighbor¡¯s family had nothing else to say to this. It was just that ever since then, the Qiao family¡¯s connections in the northern quad seemed to have worsened again.

    ¡°It was a failure.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care about this matter at all. If not for Qiao Zijin¡¯s call today, she would have forgotten about this. ¡°As long as the results are fair and it¡¯s purely based on abilities, there¡¯s nothing else to be concerned about. Oh right, I don¡¯t n to use my phone anymore. Thankfully, I¡¯ve left behind myndline when there¡¯s a need tomunicate in the past.¡±

    After receiving Qiao Zijin¡¯s call today, Qiao Nan cklisted her number immediately without a second word. Even if Qiao Zijin called using another number, it would be easy for Qiao Nan to drag the number to the cklist. Furthermore, it would cost Qiao Zijin money to change her number.

    Even if one card cost only a few dozen yuan, based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s stingy character, she wouldn¡¯t persist for something like this. Before Qiao Zijin could do this, Qiao Nan¡¯s first reaction was to cklist all the numbers.

    ¡°You¡¯re worried about the Qiao family¡¯s matters?¡± Both of them were already married. However, Zhai Sheng was still a little confused about Qiao Nan¡¯s true attitude toward the Qiao family at times. As a family, Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings for the Qiao family must beplicated. Zhai Sheng was only afraid that even Qiao Nan herself couldn¡¯t figure out her mentality toward the Qiao family.

 Chapter 2078 - Goddaughter

    <h4>Chapter 2078: Goddaughter</h4>

    Qiao Nan smiled, almost spitting the fruit in her mouth out. ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re overthinking it. There¡¯s no need for me to worry about the Qiao family. Don¡¯t worry. The Qiao family is doing just fine.¡± Apart from the fact that Qiao Zijin had suddenly decided that she no longer wanted to live and had died under Qiao Nan¡¯s wheel in her dream.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Nan had no ns of learning to drive. While traveling around in the capital, taking the bus was no better than taking the subway. There was no escaping the crowd either way.

    Although she had not been in the wrong, Qiao Nan had no wish of experiencing what she had experienced in her dream ever again.

    ¡°That¡¯s good too. That¡¯ll spare you some worry.¡± Marriage life suited Zhai Sheng just fine. It was true that one¡¯s life became more harmonious if one were to find the right person to live with. ¡°Oh right, I got a call from Old Chief Zhu the other day. It seems like he¡¯s been hospitalized.¡±

    Everyone in the Ping Cheng quad knew that Zhu Chengqi had not been in good health. If not for the fact that Zhu Chengqi did not enjoy going to the hospital, Zhu Chengqi would have be a regr at the hospital. As such, Zhu Chengqi must have been in severe pain or suffering from a serious illness for him to have been admitted into the hospital.

    Qiao Nan stiffened. ¡°Do you know how Old Chief Zhu is doing?¡±

    ¡°Not very well. The doctor says that he has only a few months left to live. That¡¯s why Old Chief Zhu has been transferred from Ping Cheng to the capital for treatment. Unfortunately, the doctors came to the same conclusion.¡± The state was extremely concerned about an old revolutionary like Zhu Chengqi.

    Besides, Zhu Chengqi had sacrificed his whole life for the state. That was why he did not have even one rtive by his side in his old age. As such, special attention was paid to Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I hear you talk about Old Chief Zhuing to the capital?¡± If she had known that Old Chief Zhu was in the capital, she would have paid him a visit a long time ago. ¡°Which hospital is Old Chief Zhu in? Shall we visit him this afternoon?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re anxious and worried?¡± Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan¡¯s back,forting her. ¡°Nan Nan, I don¡¯t know whether to say that you¡¯re intelligent or foolish.¡± He was happy that Nan Nan trusted him and was willing to act foolishly in front of him. But it was not good to expose oneself in this manner.

    There had been too many suspicions and there woulde a day when the couple would have to face them. He had not mentioned them nor asked about them, but that did not mean that they did not exist. If they were to ignore these problems, it would only result in negative feelings between them as time went by. ¡°Nan Nan, I believe that couples should trust each other and not hide anything from each other. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s expression paled slightly as she leaned into Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace. ¡°Yes, we should, but now is not the time. I got married from the Zhu family, so it¡¯s natural for me to be concerned about Old Zhu.¡± In her dream, Old Chief Zhu had been her godfather and his fatherly love for her had not been any less than Qiao Dongliang¡¯s for her.

    It had not been easy for Zhu Chengqi to love her as he did as a godfather.

    In her dream, Zhu Chengqi even had a son, Zhu Baoguo. In reality, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s life was indeed pitiful.

    ¡°Do you know why Old Chief Zhu agreed to help us out with that?¡± Since they had already started on this topic, Zhai Sheng decided to continue discussing this topic in depth. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking into the Zhu family. There¡¯s something wrong with that guy, Wang Yang.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. Brother Zhai was impressive. He was right. There was a big problem with Wang Yang. ¡°Brother Zhai, if I were to tell you that Old Chief Zhu wanted to acknowledge me as his goddaughter but that was all ruined by someone, would you believe me?¡±

    ¡°How... how did you find out?¡± Since she spoke about it in the past tense, it had obviously not happened. If the Zhu family had spoken about it, there was no way no one in the quad would not know about this. It seemed a little illogical that no one else but Qiao Nan knew about the matter.

    Leaning in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, Qiao Nan recounted the entire series of events to him. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you remember the guy who found me at my rented apartment and kicked on my door?¡±

    ¡°Chen Jun.¡± Zhai Sheng had never regarded Chen Jun as a love rival. However, given that he had once harassed Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had naturally checked on Chen Jun and knew vaguely about his situation. Of course, Zhai Sheng knew clearly just how Qiao Zijin had managed to get her brother-inw to be her husband.

    Qiao Nan smirked and said, ¡°That¡¯s him.¡±

    ¡°What does he have to do with the Zhu family?¡± Chen Jun could not possibly have any dealings with the Zhu family.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have any rtionship with Old Chief Zhu, but he does have a rtionship with Wang Yang.¡± Up until now, Qiao Nan had still not understood why Wang Yang thought so highly of her that he had found a man of such high standing like Chen Jun to seduce her in order to ruin her image in front of Old Chief Zhu such that he would never want to acknowledge her as his goddaughter.

    ¡°After Zhu Baoguo left, Old Chief Zhu was heartbroken. Later on, Old Chief Zhu had wanted to get a goddaughter...¡±

    ¡°And the goddaughter that Old Chief Zhu wanted to acknowledge was you?¡± Was that the reason? Goddaughter?

    ¡°Yes, Old Chief Zhu had wanted to acknowledge me as his goddaughter. I heard that it¡¯s because I fit the image of the daughter that Old Chief Zhu and his wife had had in mind. It was just that Madam Zhu had passed away after giving birth to their son, Zhu Baoguo. Wang Yang... He¡¯s not a good person. He¡¯s always been eyeing the Zhu family¡¯s assets. He was afraid that Old Chief Zhu would decide to hand everything he had over to me once I became his goddaughter instead of taking care of his biological nephew. That was why he got Chen Jun to date me...¡±

    Wang Yang had been spot-on. After she had gotten together with Chen Jun, Old Chief Zhu no longer talked about acknowledging a goddaughter. ¡°Brother Zhai, I must have let Old Chief Zhu down at that time, right?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had never expected there to be so many things going on behind the scenes of such a simple matter. But Zhai Sheng reminded Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. Even I as a bystander can tell that there¡¯s something wrong with Wang Yang. Even though Old Chief Zhu is the party involved, I believe that he has good judgment and that won¡¯t get past him.¡±

    ¡°Then?¡±

    ¡°If Wang Yang had really arranged for Chen Jun¡¯s appearance, he might have been able to fool others, but he definitely could not have fooled Old Chief Zhu. If he really wanted to ept you as his goddaughter, that had already caused you substantial harm!¡±

 Chapter 2079 - Scum

    <h4>Chapter 2079: Scum</h4>

    ¡°If he really nned on acknowledging you as his goddaughter and stopped talking about it afterward, and even stopped caring about you, that must have had nothing to do with you getting together with Chen Jun. Quite on the contrary, he stopped mentioning you or paying attention to you to protect you from being watched and preyed on by Wang Yang.¡±

    Even the most brilliant people made mistakes. Wang Yang was ambitious while Qiao Nan was in a vulnerable position and no match for Wang Yang at all. Zhu Chengqi had to have full confidence in raising Qiao Nan into someone who could defeat Wang Yang in the shortest possible time.

    Otherwise, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s good intentions toward Qiao Nan would only harm her. Just like in the past, he would simply have to divert his attention away from Qiao Nan to maintain peace on the surface. Then, Wang Yang would not even care about a trivial character like Qiao Nan.

    As such, Zhai Sheng had reason to believe that Zhu Chengqi had given up on Qiao Nan not because of his disappointment in her. Zhu Chengqi had allowed Qiao Nan to return to her normal life to protect her. At that time, the only one left in the Zhu family was Zhu Chengqi alone.

    That was the saddest and loneliest time in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s life but he had never stopped working. Evidently, Zhu Chengqi could not spare too much time trying to protect Qiao Nan from Wang Yang during the worst period of his life.

    No wonder. No wonder Old Chief Zhu, who rarely interacted with anyone, had suddenly offered his assistance to allow Nan Nan to get married from his house. It was because Old Chief Zhu had intended to do so a long time ago. Since Old Chief Zhu had been prepared to acknowledge Nan Nan as his goddaughter, it was no surprise that he would let Nan Nan get married from his house.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s why...¡± Qiao Nan was overwhelmed by the information. She had always thought that Wang Yang¡¯s ploy had seeded and that Zhu Chengqi had been exceptionally disappointed with her. That was why she had not be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter in the end. But it turned out that had not been the case. Her godfather was still silently protecting her even though he was not physically present, just like how he had in her dream.

    Qiao Nan sat up suddenly, scaring Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng quickly supported Qiao Nan¡¯s waist to prevent her from moving too much, afraid that she would injure the baby in her stomach. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Be careful. Thankfully, Mom didn¡¯t see that happen. Otherwise, she would nag at you forever.¡±

    Pregnant women could not move around too much. Pregnant women could not eat too much cold or raw food. There were so many things that she could not do...

    No matter how smart Zhai Sheng was, he was nearly getting overwhelmed and confused by the countless forbidden actions. Of course, Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden movements were also forbidden in the Zhai family.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Nan stroked her stomach, which was not very obvious yet. ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m just feeling a little emotional thinking about it. I thought that I was capable enough, and that¡¯s why... Brother Zhai, weren¡¯t you curious about how I managed to get so many people looking for me for trantions even though I only have a Level Four certification? Although it¡¯s not popr anymore, my business hasn¡¯t suffered. Brother Zhai, do you think there¡¯s been someone helping me behind the scenes?¡±

    Could that person be the old chief, Zhu Chengqi?

    In the past, Qiao Nan had thought that she had managed to earn a high sry and carry the burden of supporting the entire Qiao family because of her own hard work and efforts, even though she was only a junior high school graduate.

    Now that Qiao Nan thought carefully about it, she had always been quite lucky throughout her life. It was suspicious enough that she had been able to hold down such a lucrative job as a trantor for more than ten years.

    Initially, Qiao Nan had had no idea that Zhu Chengqi had intended to acknowledge her as his goddaughter or that Chen Jun¡¯s appearance had been nned by Wang Yang. It was only because of her dream that Qiao Nan had learned of these truths.

    Zhai Sheng had thought about this some time ago, but at that time, Qiao Nan had not agreed to marry him yet. Since he had not even gotten her hand in marriage, Zhai Sheng naturally had no time to try to find out about who had been treating his future wife so well all those years. ¡°I think it¡¯s highly possible.¡±

    Upon getting Zhai Sheng¡¯s affirmation, Qiao Nan got even more anxious to visit Zhu Chengqi in the hospital. ¡°Brother Zhai, will you bring me to visit Old Chief Zhu?¡± Even though Old Chief Zhu had not acknowledged her as his goddaughter, she would still regard him as her godfather because he had taken care of her for two entire lifetimes!

    Zhai Sheng supported Qiao Nan, but unfortunately, the couple had not managed to meet Zhu Chengqi. The first time, the couple had been rejected at the door with the excuse that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s condition was not stable and that he could not receive any visitors. The Zhai couple could try again once Zhu Chengqi¡¯s condition stabilized.

    The second time, they were rejected once again with the same excuse.

    After making two fruitless trips, Qiao Nan could not help but ask Brother Zhai on the way back, ¡°Brother Zhai, do you really think that Old Chief Zhu is too ill to see us, or do you think that Wang Yang is doing something behind Old Chief Zhu¡¯s back again?¡±

    Now, Qiao Nan was filled with disgust toward Wang Yang. Was Wang Yang entirely shameless? He should know very well why Zhu Baoguo had passed away at that time. Even though he had not intended to kill Zhu Baoguo and had only wanted to teach him a lesson, it was still Wang Yang¡¯s decision that had led to the death of an innocent person, Zhu Baoguo.

    Even after causing the death of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son, Wang Yang was still eyeing Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ce, wanting to take over everything that should have belonged to Zhu Baoguo. There were no words to even describe how evil and psychopathic Wang Yang¡¯s cruelness was. Wang Yang¡¯s immoral acts were too numerous to even count.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure.¡± After learning about the truth behind everything, Zhai Sheng thought back about how Wang Yang had been looking at him and Qiao Nan with wariness on the day of their wedding.

    This could only mean that Wang Yang had the guts to treat them in this manner behind Old Chief Zhu¡¯s back. Yet, even if Old Chief Zhu was truly ill, there was no reason for him to be controlled by Wang Yang. Because Zhai Sheng had not interacted with Zhu Chengqi, he could not be certain of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s current condition. As such, his suspicions were nothing more than groundless spection.

    The Zhai couple returned in vain and their actions quickly found their way to Wang Yang¡¯s ears.

 Chapter 2080 - Will

    <h4>Chapter 2080: Will</h4>

    Wang Yang looked a little haggard withrge dark circles around his eyes. It was evident that Wang Yang had not had a good resttely. ¡°Have Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng left yet?¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s subordinate sensed that Wang Yang¡¯s tone was strange. Normally, one would put Zhai Sheng¡¯s name before Qiao Nan¡¯s. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s status, one would normally address her as Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife instead of calling her by her name.

    Someone with no status would always be known by someone else¡¯s name. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Wang. They¡¯ve left. They left quite quickly, in fact. The chief, in particr, had no intention of pursuing the matter at all.¡± Chief Zhai had to have the best temper amongst all the chiefs he had ever met.

    But it did not seem easy to talk to that person with such an icy cold expression.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Wang Yang took a puff on his cigarette before choking on it. ¡°Remember never to let those two meet that old man. The old man¡¯s condition has been getting worse and I guess he won¡¯t have many more months to live. As his only rtive, I just want the old man¡¯sst days to be as peaceful as possible. I don¡¯t want him worrying about all theseplicated rtionships. It¡¯ll just drain him of his energy.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Wang. Our hospital understands your concerns. Indeed, Old Chief Zhu shouldn¡¯t be disturbed and needs more rest given his condition.¡± He had done nothing wrong. These were facts.

    Wang Yang rubbed his forehead. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll need your help to take care of the old man. If there¡¯s any hope, please don¡¯t hide it from us. We have to try it out no matter what. The old master has sacrificed his life for the country and the people. If it was possible, I would exchange ten years of my life for one year of the old master¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°We will. We all know that you¡¯ve been very good to Old Chief Zhu. I¡¯m sure Old Chief Zhu would be happy to know just how much you care about him. I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. I¡¯ll get in touch with you if anything happens.¡± After reporting the situation, the hospital staff went back to work.

    Aspared to Zhai Sheng, Wang Yang was a nobody. Unfortunately, the hospital staff had no way of getting close to Zhai Sheng. As such, they could not lose out on the opportunity to do Wang Yang a favor.

    Besides, everyone knew that everything of the Zhu family would eventually belong to Wang Yang once Old Chief Zhu passed away. It might be true that Wang Yang could notpare to Zhai Sheng now, but once he inherited the Zhu family¡¯s assets, he would not be that far off anymore.

    Although it was not much, the hospital staff already regarded Wang Yang as a potential investor.

    ¡°You¡¯re back? Nan Nan, are you tired? Come have a seat here.¡± Knowing that her son had brought her daughter-inw to visit Zhu Chengqi, Miao Jing could not stand in their way. Qiao Nan might be pregnant, but Zhu Chengqi was seriously ill. If not for Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence, Miao Jing would very much have preferred for Qiao Nan to rest at home.

    Qiao Nan felt fine. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯m not tired because Brother Zhai has been taking care of me. Besides, didn¡¯t the doctor say that pregnant women should have an adequate amount of exercise? Exercise is good for both the mother and the baby. That amount of exercise was actually quite little.¡± As she approached her fourth month of pregnancy, Qiao Nan could feel her little tummy getting tighter.

    There was indeed a little baby growing inside her.

    In about a week¡¯s time, she would reach the fourth month of her pregnancy and would need to visit the hospital for a checkup again.

    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t worry about you anymore since you two have already discussed it.¡± Miao Jing was finally willing to let her go because Zhai Sheng was by her side. If Zhai Sheng was not at home, Miao Jing would never have let Qiao Nan go out of the house. The streets in the capital were terribly crowded and the air quality was poor too.

    At this time, Miao Jing could not help but think back to the environment in Qingshui Town. It was much better for the elderly or pregnant women like Qiao Nan to spend their time in Qingshui Town. ¡°I guess you guys didn¡¯t get to meet him again?¡± Miao Jing had never had much contact with the Zhu family.

    This was involuntary. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s wife had passed away early and his mother had passed on even earlier. As such, the Zhu family did not even have a mistress. It was thus inconvenient for Miao Jing to visit the Zhu family.

    Miao Jing had not forgotten how Zhu Chengqi had helped out during Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s wedding. Even though Zhu Chengqi had indeed assisted them, Miao Jing did not understand why they were so persistent about meeting Zhu Chengqi. Even after failing to meet him once, they had gone a second time.

    Unable to suppress her curiosity, Miao Jing asked, ¡°Zhai Sheng, Nan Nan¡¯s a pregnant woman, after all. You know very well what the capital is like. Are you still nning to make a third trip?¡± Was there a need to go to such an extent even if they wanted to express their gratitude toward Zhu Chengqi?

    There was seriously no reason for these two children to be so enthusiastic.

    Thinking about the rumors that she had heard, Miao Jing¡¯s heart ached for her two children. ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to share this with you because I was afraid that you would feel uneasy hearing it, especially Nan Nan. It¡¯s already easy for pregnant women¡¯s minds to run wild and I might very well find those people to settle the ounts if anything happens to Nan Nan. Thinking about it, are there certain things that our family should take note of so as not to cause any misunderstandings?¡±

    Hearing Miao Jing¡¯s serious tone, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan became somber as well, and Zhai Sheng asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mom? You can be direct with us.¡±

    Miao Jing let out a deep sigh. ¡°It¡¯s those people... I heard quite a lot about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s condition. It really hasn¡¯t been easy for him to live like that, but at least, he hasn¡¯t lived his life in vain. I wonder if it¡¯s because the men in the Zhu family have too sinister auras, especially Zhu Chengqi. He doesn¡¯t even have a single rtive by his side apart from his nephew. Zhu Chengqi is about the same age as your dad, but his health is in such bad shape. There have been quite a few people spreading rumors that there will be trouble once Zhu Chengqi passes away since there isn¡¯t anyone in the Zhu family to inherit his assets.¡±

    Everyone knew that if Zhu Chengqi were to leave a will now or a few words at his deathbed, anyone who caught Zhu Chengqi¡¯s eye now would stand to gain the most.

    To put it clearer, anyone who managed to coax Zhu Chengqi and get into his good books now stood to gain from Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death by inheriting all of his assets.

 Chapter 2081 - Capabilities

    Chapter 2081: ¡®Capabilities¡¯

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Zhu Chengqi had neither a son nor a daughter to inherit his assets, after all.

    Since he had no chance of ever passing anything down to his children, he would have to hand them over to an outsider. That would depend entirely on Zhu Chengqi¡¯s mood.

    Although Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan wanted to meet Zhu Chengqi purely out of concern for him, others had spun tall tales regarding this matter.

    Thinking back to what Miao Jing had said earlier, Zhu Chengqi and Qiao Nan immediately realized what Miao Jing was worried and upset about. Those people thought that the Zhai couple was trying to suck up to Zhu Chengqi so that they would stand to gain from Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death.

    It did indeed sound awful. It was wrong no matter who did it. The problem was that neither Zhai Sheng nor Qiao Nan had ever intended to do so and yet, that was how other people were viewing them. How unjustified it was for them!

    If an average person were to encounter such a situation where his good intentions were mistaken, it was only natural for him to put away his good intentions so that others would no longer spread rumors about himself..

    But if Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were to do just that, they would have helped someone achieve his goal. There was no way they would agree to that, especially Qiao Nan. It was especially because she had encountered such a situation that she had to press on. If she was so easily wavered by these rumors, there would truly be no one sincere toward Zhu Chengqi by his side.

    Thinking about how Zhu Chengqi had been silently taking care of her all these years and how he had been the only one trying to help her even as her closest kin continued pressuring her for money, Qiao Nan was even more persistent not to give up on this friendly old man.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng. They remained silent but the same thought formed in both of their minds. There was only one name that came up when they thought about who could have started this rumor: Wang Yang.

    Only Wang Yang would be so concerned about the Zhu family¡¯s assets and only Wang Yang understood just how much of a danger Qiao Nan was to him. Others knew about Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family¡¯s situation. As such, there was no way they would have started such a ridiculous rumor about the couple.

    Even without the Zhu family¡¯s assets, Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family were already doing well enough.

    Even though Zhai Sheng had no descendants for the time being, there had already been three generations of chiefs in the Zhai family. It was evident that they were much more capable than the Zhu family that only had two generations of chiefs. Whether one thought about it from Zhu Chengqi¡¯s perspective or Zhai Sheng¡¯s perspective, such a rumor was ridiculous all the same.

    There was no need for Zhai Sheng to go after anything that the Zhu family had. After all, the Zhai family had whatever the Zhu family had. In fact, the Zhu family might not even have some things that the Zhai family had. Even if Zhai Sheng did not have it at the moment, there was nothing out of his reach with some hard work.

    Besides, Zhu Chengqi was no fool. There was no way he would hand over two generation¡¯s worth of the Zhu family¡¯s hard work over to an outsider like Zhai Sheng. As such, no one would have managed to guess that the true reason for such an absurd rumor was Qiao Nan, who was stuck between Zhai Sheng and Zhu Chengqi.

    Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s existence, Wang Yang had no other choice but to resort to such means. He had already taken nine hundred and ny-nine steps of the way and was just one step short of sess. There was no way he would allow himself to be tripped up by Qiao Nan at this critical moment and lose his chance of reaching his ultimate goal.

    Now that the couple had their suspicions, there was no way Wang Yang was going to get his way. Thinking again about how she had lost a good younger brother, Zhu Baoguo, because of Wang Yang, Qiao Nan harbored a deep hatred for Wang Yang. Even after finding out that Wang Yang had been the one who had arranged for Chen Jun to seduce her to disappoint Zhu Chengqi, Qiao Nan had not hated Wang Yang. But she could not take Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death lying down. She would never be able to forgive herself otherwise.

    Since Wang Yang cared so much about the Zhu family¡¯s assets, she would make trouble for him, scare him, and cause him to lose everything that he had been working for all these years. Qiao Nan had not thought up aprehensive n as of yet. After all, Zhu Chengqi had the final say over who was to inherit the Zhu family¡¯s assets. It was true that she had no blood ties with Zhu Chengqi. As such, there was nothing wrong with Zhu Chengqi wanting to hand everything over to Wang Yang.

    And it was not as though Qiao Nan could directly tell Zhu Chengqi that it was Wang Yang who had hired those hooligans and caused Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Qiao Nan was worried that the truth might be too much for Zhu Chengqi, who already did not have many days left to live, to handle.

    But the more Wang Yang did, the more stubborn Qiao Nan got about not letting Wang Yang get his way. She would find a way to solve the Zhu family¡¯s problems. In short, she would much rather donate everything that should have belonged to Zhu Baoguo to the less fortunate than let it fall in the hands of someone like Wang Yang.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about Wang Yang. I can handle it.¡± Zhai Sheng could sense Qiao Nan¡¯s hatred toward Wang Yang. Of course, based just on Chen Jun¡¯s matter, Zhai Sheng could fully understand why Qiao Nan hated Wang Yang so much. Even if Qiao Nan did not mention it, there was no way Zhai Sheng would let the matter slide after someone had bullied his wife.

    Besides, Wang Yang had already sent himself to his doorstep. If he were to do nothing, he would never be able to call himself a Zhai again.

    Because of Zhai Sheng¡¯s assurance, Qiao Nan naturally allowed Zhai Sheng to handle Wang Yang¡¯s matter. Compared to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan knew her abilities as a pregnant woman.

    Qiao Nan was already quite advanced in age as a pregnant woman, and as such, she had no choice but to cut down on the number of courses she took to slow down her hectic schedule. The English examination was the only activity that Qiao Nan had not given up.

    Compared to everything else, English was the only subject that she excelled in without much effort.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s lives seemed to be on the rise and the atmosphere in the Zhai family was better than ever before. There were many people in the capital who knew that Zhai Sheng had gotten married a littleter in life but was rather ¡®capable¡¯, having gotten his wife pregnant in mere months. The Zhai family would get bigger very soon.

    This news inevitably spread to Shi Qing as well.

 Chapter 2082 - Bitter

    Chapter 2082: Bitter

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Amongst everyone, Feng Cheng was the most disappointed upon learning that Zhai Sheng had gotten married and was even expecting a child. She had even thought that her daughter finally stood a chance since Zhai Sheng had been unwilling to get back together with Qiu Chenxi all these years, especially since her daughter was so persistent.

    Who would have known that Zhai Sheng would have gotten married and was now even expecting a child even before she had even visited the Zhai family? It was such a pity. If she had known that this would be the case, she would have gone to visit the Zhai family earlier. Perhaps, she would even have found a reason to return to Ping Cheng, giving the excuse that she missed Old Shi. That way, she would have been able to get closer to the Zhai family.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Shi Qing, who had just returned home, said hello to Feng Cheng before returning to her room to have a change of clothes.

    Feng Cheng¡¯s expression was downcast at the dinner table. ¡°Qing Qing, Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife is pregnant. You...¡± Qing Qing had probably not given up on Zhai Sheng yet. Before Zhai Sheng had gotten remarried, she would have agreed to her daughter getting married to Zhai Sheng, even though it would be Zhai Sheng¡¯s second marriage..

    But the situation was different now that Zhai Sheng was married and his wife was pregnant. If Qing Qing were to interfere at this time, Old Shi would never have agreed to it if he were around and would even give Qing Qing a good lecture and beating. Although she was not capable of doing so, she would not support Qing Qing doing something like that either. ¡°Qing Qing, don¡¯t you love the military a lot? It hasn¡¯t been easy for you to reach the position you¡¯re in today. Don¡¯t do anything silly.¡±

    Because Zhai Sheng was a soldier, his marriage had been a military marriage that was protected by the military. If Qing Qing lost all self-control and did anything immoral, her years of effort and hard work would go to waste. ¡°Think about it... The Feng family always praises you on the surface but I know what they truly think about you. They¡¯re probably waiting for you to fall from grace one day. Qing Qing, don¡¯t do anything silly.¡±

    Feng Cheng could not bear to let Shi Qing build a career in the military. If given a choice, she would much rather her daughter have a normal desk job. Perhaps it was because her daughter had spent too much time in the military that her temper had grown worse and would refuse to give in to anyone.

    How many men in the world would truly love such a strong woman and be willing to marry her?

    If she were to change her career path and tone down her temper, she might very well get married!

    But Feng Cheng¡¯s tone changed at the mention of her family. Yes, Qing Qing was no longer young and she herself was full of white hair. But that did not mean that she was an old foggy.

    In fact, Feng Cheng even felt as though she was much shrewder now. She had seen clearly what her family was like. After Feng Cheng had tried to y Shi Qing like a ying piece,pletely ignoring Shi Qing¡¯s happiness, Feng Cheng had severed all ties with her family.

    Initially, the Feng family had been taking care of Shi Qing and Feng Cheng because they felt that others would think that the Feng family was bullying a widow and orphan if they were to leave them in the lurch. But since the mother and daughter pair refused to follow the Feng family¡¯s arrangements, neither would they care about Shi Qing or Feng Cheng anymore.

    Once the mother and daughter lost the protection of the Feng family and realized how difficult it was to survive in the world, they would naturally return to the Feng family and listen obediently to them.

    As such, the Feng family not only stopped helping Shi Qing and Feng Cheng but they also tried to pressure the two of them into admitting their defeat and bowing down to them.

    It was then that Shi Qing had suddenly decided to enlist in the military. Even though the Shi family did not have much savings, Shi Qing handed all of her monthly allowances over to Feng Cheng. Of course, there was no way Feng Cheng could have lived a luxurious life as she had in the past, but it was not difficult to survive in a city like the capital with that sum of money.

    When Old Shi had been around, he had left everything that belonged to the Shi family to Qiu Chenxi because his son had passed away early and his granddaughter, Qiu Chenxi, had gotten married to Zhai Sheng. This meant that Feng Cheng and Shi Qing had been left with practically nothing.

    Thankfully, Feng Cheng had a good husband and Shi Qing had a good father. Shi Peng had bought a quad in the capital behind Feng Cheng¡¯s back. Because he had purchased it very early on, the prices were not as high as they were now.

    Not only Feng Cheng and Shi Qing but even Old Master Shi and the Feng family were in the dark about the existence of the quad.

    When all of the Shi family¡¯s assets became Qiu Chenxi and the Feng family refused to help Shi Qing and Feng Cheng, awyer came to their doorstep. Not only did thatwyer hand over the property deed of the quad to the mother and daughter, but he even handed over cash that had been umted from the rental ie of the quad over the past few years.

    As the property prices skyrocketed over the years, the rental ie from the quad had far exceeded the amount that Shi Peng had paid for the quad in the first ce. This sum of money was like a light in the darkness to the mother and daughter and gave them the will to live once more.

    It was only because of this sum of money that Shi Qing had dared to enter the military.

    The Feng family had always been holding their breath, waiting to see how miserable Feng Cheng and Shi Qing would be. However, not only were they not miserable, but they were, in fact, doing very well. Gradually, Shi Qing had shown off her prowess in the military and had even achieved remarkable results.

    No one else knew why Shi Qing had performed so outstandingly other than Shi Qing herself. After Shi Peng passed away, Shi Qing had lost contact with Zhai Sheng. Even as her paternal grandpa¡¯s family left them in the lurch and her maternal grandma¡¯s family tried to bully them into suppression, Zhai Sheng had been the one supporting her silently and creating opportunities for her even though he did not physically turn up.

    It could be said that Shi Qing owed much of her sess to Zhai Sheng.

    After Shi Qing made a name for herself, the Feng family suddenly changed their stance. However, Feng Cheng had already given up on her family by then. Before Qing Qing had achieved anything in the military, not only had her family refused to help them, but they had even bullied them. Now that Qing Qing was capable, her family was trying to take credit for having raised Qing Qing well.

    Feng Cheng had never insulted her family, but she was adamant that she would maintain her distance from them and would never get close to them again.

    They had managed to pull through the hardest times after much difficulty. There was no way she was going to let her family ride on herurels after they had left her and Shi Qing in the lurch at her darkest times.

    The Feng family had gone so overboard at that time that Feng Cheng could not help but use the Feng family as a negative example while trying to advise Shi Qing.

 Chapter 2083 - Dreaming

    Chapter 2083: Dreaming

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Shi Qing was amused by her mom¡¯s words. ¡°Mom, you mean that you know what the Feng family thinks of me too?¡±

    Her grandpa and grandma had passed away a long time ago, but her eldest uncle, second uncle, and their families were all still around. On the surface, the Feng family always praised Shi Qing, saying that she was the most promising child in her generation. Although her uncles both had sons, there was not one of them who could match up to Shi Qing.

    Behind her back, however, the Feng family had been sour about Shi Qing being unwilling to get close to the Feng family, not even wanting to help her uncle¡¯s sons, causing them to lose out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Feng family even mocked Shi Qing,ughing that she had been a soldier for so long that she had no feminine touch to her. That was why she did not even have a boyfriend at the age of forty, much less being married.

    There was no way that tomboy Shi Qing would ever get married in this lifetime!

    Since there was no one else left in the Shi family, the Feng family was Shi Qing¡¯s closest kin. It did not matter if Shi Qing did not want to help them now. Once Shi Qing died, their descendants would still inherit all of Shi Qing¡¯s assets anyway.

    .

    Yes, the Feng family had the exact same thoughts as Wang Yang and they were all certain that they would stand to gain from Shi Qing¡¯s death since she would never get married or have any children to inherit her assets.

    ¡°Oh right, Mom. It¡¯s indeed better for me to have a child at my age. Do you want a girl or a boy?¡± Since Brother Zhai was already going to be a father, it was only right for her to change her status and be a mother as well.

    ¡°A girl or a boy? Have you finallye to your senses and decided to get married? Aiya, I have no preferences for any gender. As long as you¡¯re willing to get married, I¡¯ll love your child all the same.¡± She had waited and longed for that child for such a long time. Would she still be picky about it?

    After finishing her meal and drinking her tea, Shi Qing smiled and replied. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re overthinking it. I never said that I was going to get married, much less give birth to a child. I¡¯m thinking of adopting a child. That¡¯s why I asked if you¡¯d prefer a girl or a boy. Mom, if I really adopt a child, you¡¯d better not treat that child badly just because I didn¡¯t give birth to him or her. Given my situation, I think it¡¯ll be better for you to take care of the child in the beginning stages.¡±

    She was not like Brother Zhai, who could get married when he wanted to and have a child when he wanted to. Brother Zhai had good fortune and had met someone whom he was willing to change for the better for. Unfortunately, she had not had such good fortune. At the very least, the thought of adopting a child hade before she had met a man whom she thought was suitable for marriage or even as a father to her child.

    Feng Cheng was in a dilemma. ¡°I want a child that¡¯s yours.¡± She was afraid that she would not get close to a child that was not Shi Qing¡¯s biological child.

    ¡°Mom, think about how difficult it¡¯s been for me to get to where I am today. I can¡¯t even remember how many times I¡¯ve visited the hospital. To be honest, no one can be sure of whether I can still have children in my state even if I were to get married. Mom, have you forgotten that I was shot here?¡± Shi Qing touched her stomach. The scar from the surgery to remove the bullet was still there.

    ¡°This...¡± The doctor had not said for certain that she would be unable to get pregnant either. If there was even a sliver of chance, Feng Cheng had no intention of giving up.

    Shi Qing handed Feng Cheng a cup of warm tea. ¡°Mom, what era are we living in? You should be more open-minded. Besides, there are children of all ages up for adoption. I¡¯ll try my best to adopt a younger one. Why don¡¯t I adopt one that hasn¡¯t been weaned? The ones who raise a child are more important than the ones who give birth to them. You¡¯re just afraid that I don¡¯t have anyone by my side once you pass away. With this child around, you won¡¯t have to worry about that. Besides, once I have a child, the Feng family would probably tone down their nonsense.¡±

    In short, the people Shi Qing hated the most were still the Feng family.

    At the mention of the Feng family, Feng Cheng was at a loss of words. She thought about how her nephew had dared to cause such huge trouble outside at such a tender age. His auntie was a female general and was doing well for herself. Since his auntie had no children of her own, everything that belonged to her would eventually be passed down to him. If anyone dared to offend him or tattle on him, he would get his auntie to deal with them.

    Just listen to that!

    The Feng family had raised their next generation wayward. They even dared to spout such nonsense!

    It was not enough that he had gotten into trouble, but he was even trying to drag Qing Qing down with him! After that incident, her brother and sister-inw had even said that their son was still young and insensible and that he had only been joking and had not meant what he had said.

    Nonsense! Did they still think that she was that innocent and gullible Feng Cheng of the past?

    If the Feng family did not have such ideas and say such things in front of their children, they would never have dared to express such thoughts even if they did think this way inwardly. Besides, he was already eighteen and possessed his own identity card. Was he still a child? Was he a giant baby?

    Faced with the fact that the Feng family regarded Shi Qing¡¯s assets as their own, even creating trouble for Shi Qing from time to time, Feng Cheng was frustrated too and was no longer willing to entertain the Feng family.

    Although the Feng family had thought through their n carefully, things had not gone as nned because of Shi Qing and Feng Cheng¡¯s attitudes. After all, everything depended on Shi Qing¡¯s cooperation and whether Shi Qing was willing to acknowledge the Feng family as her rtives.

    Shi Qing remained single up until now and did not even have a boyfriend! Although the Feng family was upset over the matter, they tried tofort themselves. They were one generation above Shi Qing and could not enjoy the good fortune of having a female general as their niece. Their sons were of the same generation as Shi Qing and were Shi Qing¡¯s elder brothers. Unfortunately, their sons faced the same fate as them and could not experience the glory of having a female general as their younger cousin.

    Fortunately, their sons were married and even had sons of their own, who were Shi Qing¡¯s juniors. Their grandsons were still young and would outlive Shi Qing. Once Shi Qing passed on, and without anyone else to inherit her assets, the Feng family would naturally be the ones who would be most eligible to inherit them.

    In short, their grandson could just wait it out. Once Shi Qing passed away, the Feng family would rise to glory.

    Knowing that the Feng family had such ns, Shi Qing was both amused and angered. Then, she immediately found awyer to write a will. If she were to pass away, all of her assets would be donated to the less fortunate, especially those living in old folks¡¯ homes.

    The Feng family could dream on about taking advantage of her!

 Chapter 2084 - A Taste

    <h4>Chapter 2084: A Taste</h4>

    She had made her will, but after hearing about Qiao Nan being pregnant, Shi Qing had the idea of adopting a child instead. If she found someone to handle the matter right away, she would be a mom even earlier than Qiao Nan, and her child would even be older than Zhai Sheng¡¯s.

    With that thought, Shi Qing could no longer sit still. ¡°Mom, sit here and watch the television for a while. I¡¯ll go make a call and see if there are any children who fit my requirements up for adoption.¡± Since she wanted to adopt a child, she would rather adopt one who was younger so that she could experience everything that other mothers experienced, apart from being pregnant for ten months.

    Seeing her daughter so fiery and impulsive, Feng Cheng had the urge to stop her daughter but did not say anything in the end. Forget it. She would simply let Qing Qing do whatever she pleased. Qing Qing was right. She was simply afraid that Qing Qing would not have anyone by her side after she passed away. As long Qing Qing was happy, adopting a child was no big deal, after all.

    Most importantly, after Qing Qing had a child, the Feng family would never dare to say such embarrassing and awful things again. One day, if Qing Qing were to have a reunion with her and Old Shi, there would still be a child to inherit Qing Qing¡¯s assets. The Feng family would never even get a single cent from them.

    Shi Qing and Zhai Sheng were known in the capital for being unmarried and single at such an old age. After Zhai Sheng got married and was expecting a child, Shi Qing followed suit and adopted an infant. What followed was also considered to be news in the capital.

    Now that the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw had be pregnant, there would be someone to inherit the Zhai family¡¯s assets. Many were betting on whether the child in the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw¡¯s stomach was a girl or a boy. If it was a girl and if the girl were not to be anything like Shi Qing, the legacy of the Zhai family being chiefs would end at three generations. There would be no possibility of there being a fourth chief in the Zhai family. Of course, if it was a boy and the Zhai family was unable to educate the child well, the Zhai family¡¯s reputation might very well be ruined at that generation as well.

    In short, not having a child was a problem, but having a child might not be good news to the family either.

    There had not even been a result to the bet on the Zhai family¡¯s matter before the news of Shi Qing adopting an unweaned infant spread through the capital. Upon finding out that Shi Qing had adopted a female infant, many people thought that Shi Qing intended to raise a daughter just like her.

    Of course, this matter had only be the talk in the circle because of the Feng family. Many had heard about what the Feng family had done to Shi Qing and her mother at that time. These people looked down on the Feng family but did not go out of their way to embarrass them.

    Who would have known that the Feng family would kick up such a big fuss following the appearance of this female infant? It was the Shi family¡¯s business that Shi Qing adopted a child. It had nothing to do with the Feng family at all. The most ridiculous thing was that the Feng family acted as though the child would spend the Feng family¡¯s money in the future instead of Shi Qing¡¯s money. As such, they were infuriated and tried to stand in the way of Shi Qing going through with the adoption, even scolding Shi Qing for being a fool and Feng Cheng for allowing her daughter to do such a crazy and foolish thing.

    Ha! They were a bunch of shameless fools who had no self-awareness at all. What was going on in the Feng family¡¯s minds?

    The way they saw it, it was better for Shi Qing to raise that baby girl well. At the very least, no matter how bad that girl turned out in the future, she would never be as despicable as the Feng family.

    After Qiao Nan heard about the matter, she naturally took Shi Qing¡¯s side and supported her. In both her dream and in reality, the Feng family was nothing more than annoyances to her. To tell the truth, the Feng family was not much different from the Qiao family.

    ¡°That¡¯s the taste!¡± After Qiao Nan received the pickles that Qiao Dongliang had sent over, she could not help but salivate after just one taste of it. ¡°Auntie, could you make me some congee? I¡¯m hungry.¡± Qiao Nan could not be certain whether she was truly hungry or whether her appetite had been whet by the pickles. That did not matter. All she knew was that she wanted to eat right now.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The auntie got down to work without any hesitation. It was a good thing for pregnant women to have big appetites. Now, Qiao Nan was eating for two. It would be terrible if she did not nourish herself enough now that the baby was growing so quickly. The auntie was only worried when Qiao Nan refused to eat. She was not at all worried when Qiao Nan requested something from her.

    Zhai Sheng took a quick whiff. It was sour. Terribly sour. Just the smell alone made Zhai Sheng feel nauseous. He dared not even think about how the pickles would taste if he were to take a bite. Zhai Sheng did not like sweet or salty foods. The sight of all those pickles made Zhai Sheng lose his appetite.

    Besides, this was what Qiao Nan wanted to eat. Even if he loved eating them, there was no way he would fight with his pregnant wife to have a taste of it.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, do you want to have a taste?¡± Qiao Nan picked up her chopsticks. Her congee had not yet been served, but she picked up a piece of the pickles for herself to taste. That spicy and sour taste pleased Qiao Nan greatly. Because she loved eating it, Qiao Nan could not wait to share her joy with Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng had intended to refuse, but seeing that Qiao Nan had taken a bite of it, he quietly took a step forward, took Qiao Nan¡¯s hand in his, and took a bite of the pickle. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± He lied.

    Zhai Yaohui, who had walked out and witnessed the scene, warned Zhai Sheng with his gaze. They were both men. Could Zhai Yaohui possibly not understand his son? Thankfully, his son cherished his daughter-inw greatly. This meant that the couple had a good rtionship and that his son was happy in this marriage. As such, Zhai Yaohui was pleased. There was nothing more important than his children¡¯s happiness. ¡°Nan Nan, how¡¯s the taste? Why don¡¯t I get the auntie to learn how to make this? We can¡¯t possibly trouble your dad to make this all the time.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was a rather contradictory person. He treated Qiao Zijin well in one moment and treated Qiao Nan well in the next. Others might not understand Qiao Dongliang, but Zhai Yaohui felt that he could understand him to a certain extent. There was no doubt that Qiao Dongliang wanted to be a good father to both his daughters.

    Besides, the Chinese had a saying that one could hardly be the head of a family unless one allowed his sessors to make mistakes.

    It was inevitable for people to want to mediate differences even at the expense of one¡¯s principles and morals. What Qiao Dongliang had done wrong was that he had not made his limits clear and he himself was not even clear of them.

    It was exactly because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s confusion that he had never be a ¡®good¡¯ father in his daughters¡¯ eyes, even though he had tried his best to do so. The contradiction was indeed confusing.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let auntie try itter.¡± After tasting Qiao Dongliang¡¯s authentic product and then being forced to eat the auntie¡¯s counterfeit product made Qiao Nan feel rather miserable. It would be best if the auntie learned it well.

 Chapter 2085 - The Same

    Chapter 2085: The Same

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Even though Qiao Dongliang had already said that pickled ginger was simple to make and it did not cost him much to send it over, Qiao Nan did not want to trouble Qiao Dongliang all the time.

    Pickled ginger had be a new favorite of Qiao Nan, and after their auntie tried making it once, Qiao Nan dered that it was not sour or fermented enough. The moment Miao Jing bit into it, she felt as though her denture had broken. Of course, no one in the Zhai family other than Qiao Nan dared to even touch it. Even the only other woman, Miao Jing, stayed away from it.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that Nan Nan likes to eat it.¡± Miao Jing thought that it did not smell bad. Quite on the contrary, it was rather fragrant. But she could not understand why its taste did not reflect its fragrance. She could not even swallow the pickled ginger that the auntie had made, much less Qiao Dongliang¡¯s.

    Thinking about that, Miao Jing eyed her son and questioned through her gaze whether he was still alright even after eating that pickled ginger and whether she should call an ambnce for him.

    .

    Zhai Sheng pursed his thin lips. As a soldier, he had gone through all kinds of trials and tribtions. There was nothing he could not eat, no matter how much he hated it.

    Zhai Sheng would not allow himself to be embarrassed by being sent to the hospital for a mere slice of pickled ginger. ¡°That¡¯s enough. You¡¯ve already had a bowl of congee. If you want more, have it at dinner or supper.¡±

    Zhai Sheng pampered and loved Qiao Nan very much but he controlled her strictly as well. It was a fermented product, after all, and it was just meant to whet Qiao Nan¡¯s appetite. Zhai Sheng was afraid that it would be bad for her health if she were to have too much of it.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was obedient. Even though she was pregnant, she was not excessively demanding or stubborn. Now that she had satisfied her cravings, Qiao Nan was rather pleased. The moment Zhai Sheng said that, Qiao Nan put her chopsticks down. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough for the day. I¡¯ll have it again tomorrow.¡±

    Miao Jing was the most pleased seeing Qiao Nan being so cooperative. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s a good child and the baby in Nan Nan¡¯s stomach is even more obedient. This child¡¯s not demanding and has never troubled Nan Nan either.¡±

    If the baby in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach were to cause any trouble, the ones who would suffer would definitely be those around Qiao Nan. It was fortunate that Qiao Nan had not changed much even after getting pregnant. Miao Jing stubbornly believed that that was because her grandchild was an obedient child who cared about his or her elders. That was why the baby was so obedient.

    This child had arrived a littlete, but the whole family was willing to wait for such an obedient child no matter howte it would arrive.

    However, the good atmosphere in the Zhai family did not mean that the same happened in other families. The Feng family was not the only one making a din, especially the Qiao family in Ping Cheng. It was truly rare for them to be living harmoniously and calmly.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had just sent a parcel to Qiao Nan and had not even thrown away the delivery slip before he had started on the next batch of pickled ginger for Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was upset. ¡°Dad, do you know how strong the smell of pickled ginger is? It¡¯s so sour and spicy. You¡¯re not the only one living here. Can¡¯t you go somewhere else to make this? Mom and I can¡¯t stand this smell.¡±

    It was just a pregnancy. It was not as though she was the only one who had been pregnant before. Not only had Qiao Zijin given birth, but her son was also all grown up. Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family would probably only be interested in having a boy. She would see how well Qiao Nan would live her life once she gave birth to a girl instead of a boy.

    Not everyone could be as capable as her and give birth to a son on her first try.

    Ding Jiayi, whose name had been mentioned, grabbed a handful of melon seeds without turning back to look at them. ¡°Don¡¯t bring me into the equation. I¡¯ve already gotten used to this smell a long time ago.¡± Had she not smelled enough oil, salt, vinegar, and soy sauce throughout her marriage? If she had been intolerant of the smell of vinegar, who would have cooked for the family all these years? What kind of daughter-inw could not stand the smell of vinegar?

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin was embarrassed and uneasy that her ally had betrayed her.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s answer was even more impolite. ¡°You can¡¯t stand it? Why don¡¯t you leave the house and take a stroll outside? This is my house and you¡¯re living under my roof. You can¡¯t afford to be so picky. If you can¡¯t get used to it, you can purchase a house for yourself.¡±

    Ever since that incident, the atmosphere in the Qiao family had be rather strange. After Qiao Dongliang decided to separate from Ding Jiayi, he had indeed done so. From then on, he had only taken care of his own meals.

    After being provoked by that meal, Ding Jiayi seemed to have gotten clearer in her mind or even more confused, following in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s footsteps. At mealtimes, she would only prepare her own meals, not caring about Qiao Zijin anymore.

    Qiao Zijin had never expected things to end up in such a state. Because she had eatente at night the previous night, she had not been hungry when she awoke the next morning. As such, she had not thrown a tantrum when she had not seen her breakfast ready. She was not hungry yet, anyway.

    But when lunchtime came and Qiao Zijin saw that her parents took care of only their own meals while no one had cared about hers, she could not help but ask, ¡°Mom, where¡¯s my lunch?¡± She had not eaten yet. Besides, how could her mom not call her when she was about to have her lunch?

    Qiao Zijin had stayed in her room, ying games or reading her novels. When she had gotten hungry and finally emerged from the room, she happened to see Ding Jiayi cleaning up the dishes.

    After Ding Jiayi finished washing up, she shook off the water on her hands. ¡°You should just settle your lunch like how you settled your dinnerst night.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was stunned. ¡°Mom, are you asking me to order takeaway? Why couldn¡¯t you just call me while you were eating?¡± Takeaways were indeed delicious but they were expensive whenpared to meals cooked by her parents. Because she had already had takeaway once the previous night, she had not intended to call for takeaways again that week.

    After wiping her hands dry, Ding Jiayi sat down, switched on the television, and ate the melon seeds that she had purchased. ¡°Did you call me when you ordered takeawayst night?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was both awkward and angry at the same time. ¡°Mom... You were throwing a tantrumst night. You were upset, so I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡± Qiao Zijin could not wrap her head around the situation. Her mom had been after her for a hundred thousand yuanst night. That was why she had not bothered to ask her about dinner. Would her mom continue with her nonsense as long as she did not hand over the hundred thousand yuan?

    Because it concerned her interests, even if it was just a meal, Ding Jiayi had been hurt by Qiao Zijin¡¯s actions. ¡°You were ying your games or reading your novels in the room, so I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±

    ¡°You could have left some food for me, at the very least!¡±

    Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin coldly, using Qiao Zijin¡¯s words against her. She had not seen Qiao Zijin leave any food for her the previous night either.

 Chapter 2086 - Throwing a Tantrum

    Chapter 2086: Throwing a Tantrum

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    With Ding Jiayi eyeing her in that manner, Qiao Zijin realized in dismay that her mom¡¯s anger had not subsided. In fact, she had be even more stubborn and upset because of her mealst night.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get mad. I¡¯ll just apologize to you. I¡¯m sorry for being too confusedst night because I was too hungry. I remembered it wrongly. I thought you¡¯d eaten.¡± It was just a meal. Her mom was usually the one who prepared the meals in the family. Even though she had not ordered takeaway for her mother, it would take no more than a few minutes for her mother to whip up a meal for herself.

    It was such a simple matter. Qiao Zijin could not understand why her mom was upset over it, so much so that she had not prepared lunch for her today.

    .

    Ding Jiayi might be less intelligent than Qiao Zijin, but she was not entirely a fool. Qiao Zijin had said that she had forgotten and had then said that she thought that Ding Jiayi had already eaten in the next moment. Ding Jiayi was certain that these were all excuses.

    If she had really eaten, would she have ignored her daughter, Qiao Zijin, and let her order takeaway for herself?

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to apologize to me. I¡¯m already seventy. I¡¯m not evenining that you don¡¯t prepare my meals for me. There¡¯s no reason for me to act as your servant. I can save myself some effort by not preparing meals for you. Zijin, your dad was right about one thing. It¡¯s about time for you to be filial toward your dad and me. Your dad and I are already in our seventies. Even if you don¡¯t take care of us, you can¡¯t possibly expect us to keep taking care of you, right? Alright. Go make yourself some food. Otherwise, call for some takeaway.¡±

    Within a day, Qiao Zijin had suffered two big blows. No matter how well Ding Jiayi treated Qiao Zijin, she would still get angry. The mother and daughter were practically from the same mold. If they had amon target and did not hurt each other in the process of hurting someone else, neither of them would think that they were doing anything wrong.

    However, if such heartless schemes happened to them and their interests were concerned, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s hearts would be as fragile as ss. A single injury would stay in their memories for a very long time.

    Qiao Zijin could treat Qiao Nan coldly and could plot against Qiao Nan and scheme to get hold of her money, but Qiao Nan could not treat Ding Jiayi in that manner because Ding Jiayi would not allow it to happen. Now, Qiao Zijin was being unfilial to her mom and was even ignoring her mother!

    In the past, Ding Jiayi would have said that she had only one daughter, Qiao Zijin, and that only Qiao Zijin would be filial to her and support her in her old age. But after that incident, Ding Jiayipletely forgot about her words in the past and dered that Qiao Zijin was no filial child either.

    Just like now, Ding Jiayi could not even be bothered about preparing a meal for Qiao Zijin. Even though Qiao Zijin had apologized to her, Ding Jiayi did not even move an inch. She knew that Qiao Zijin had only asked for lunch because she had been starving. But now, Ding Jiayi was already rxing and was in no mood to prepare even a simple meal for Qiao Zijin.

    Had Qiao Zijin not refused to give her a hundred thousand yuan for her and Old Qiao? Fine. Then, Qiao Zijin should be prepared to settle her own meals in the future. Everything in life concerned money and she was not even employed.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi could not help but be thankful that Qiao Dongliang had been hospitalized and that she had been able to get fifty thousand yuan from her two daughters. After Qiao Dongliang had been discharged, they had not spent all of Qiao Nan¡¯s fifty thousand yuan yet, and as such, Ding Jiayi had about seventy thousand yuan on hand after taking everything into ount.

    With this seventy thousand yuan and thinking about her expenses, Ding Jiayi knew that she would not starve to death even without a two-thousand-yuan monthly allowance. She did not need to buy new clothes, much less cosmetic products like Qiao Zijin. As long as she cut down on her expenses on food, she would not spend much at all.

    Besides, she had a daughter, after all. She did not believe that Qiao Nan would leave her in the lurch if she reallycked clothes to wear or food to eat. Qiao Nan had changed. Ding Jiayi knew that but refused to admit it.

    Ding Jiayi had already guessed that Qiao Nan would never agree to her more ridiculous demands, but she could not help but want to test it out. More importantly, she would test Qiao Nan¡¯s limits and see how tolerant Qiao Nan was of her mother after undergoing such a drastic change.

    Unfortunately, there was no way ofparing her with the Qiao Nan of the past. Qiao Nan had no tolerance toward her anymore.

    Whether Qiao Nan eded to her unreasonable requests would all depend on Qiao Nan¡¯s mood. However, Qiao Nan would never refuse to help her out if she had normal requests like getting money to buy clothes or daily necessities. When Old Qiao had been hospitalized the previous time and when her health had deteriorated, Qiao Nan had not left them in the lurch and had given them money to tide through that period.

    Now that she had fallen out with Qiao Zijin, the only one Ding Jiayi had the guts to throw a tantrum at was Qiao Nan. This truth was like rubbing salt in her already hurting wound.

    All along, she had always said that the only daughter who would be filial to her and support her was Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan, whom she had always looked down on, had made it in life, while the elder daughter, whom she had doted on all along, had started to rebel against her. How could Ding Jiayi possibly ept such a brutal reality?

    Seeing Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude, Qiao Zijin was sure that Ding Jiayi was serious this time. All along, it had only been Qiao Zijin throwing tantrums at Ding Jiayi for not settling matters properly. It was rare for the situation to be reversed and for Ding Jiayi to be angry at Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin, who was used to being pampered, was not at all worried. The previous day, she had already had the intention of letting Ding Jiayi cool down for a few days. Now, she thought that that was even more so necessary.

    She could not afford to pamper or give in to her mom. Her mom¡¯s temper had be as bad as a princess¡¯ because her dad and Qiao Nan had always given in to her in the past. Those two people had been utter fools. She would definitely not do the same and give in to her mom. She was already so advanced in age and yet, she was expecting others to coax her as though she was the empress. That made no sense at all.

    If her mom would not make her meals, then so be it. She still had 1.5 million yuan. Would she starve to death?

    To prove that she had a spine, she would never forgive Ding Jiayi this time unless Ding Jiayi took the initiative to apologize to her. From that meal onward, Qiao Zijin started to call for takeaway instead of waiting for Ding Jiayi to settle her meals. With 1.5 million yuan in her bank, she could well afford takeaways.

    Day after day, and week after week, Qiao Zijin had made her stand clear as day.

 Chapter 2087 - Relented

    Chapter 2087: Relented

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    She threw such a huge tantrum that she was reluctant to even address Ding Jiayi as mom, so as to prove to Ding Jiayi that she was very serious this time.

    But just a weekter, Qiao Zijin could no longer swallow takeaway food any longer. No matter how delicious it was, eating takeaway three times a day made for twenty-one meals a week. People often said that a lot of oil and seasoning went into takeaway food and it was detrimental to the body. Besides, having takeaway for all three meals a day for a whole week cost her quite a significant sum.

    Thinking about the money she had spent on takeaway alone this week, Qiao Zijin was a little appalled. A meal cost at least fifty yuan, even going up to a hundred over yuan at times. As such, she spent no less than two hundred yuan every day on her meals alone. In a mere week¡¯s time, she had already spent a thousand six hundred yuan!

    There were a little over four weeks in a month, and with the way she was spending, she would have to spend almost six to seven thousand yuan on takeaways alone every month!

    If she were to find a job now, it would already be very good if she were to be able to find a job paying her four to five thousand yuan a month. But what would she do about her other expenses if she spent six to seven thousand yuan on her meals alone? Besides, she had not yet found a job with a sry of four to five thousand yuan. This meant that she had only expenses with no ie..

    Even if she did have more than a million yuan, she could not possibly spend all of that on takeaways! What would she do for the rest of her life, then? What would she do about her rich and interesting life?

    Qiao Zijin was much more willing to spend her money on makeup rather than on food. If not for the fact that Qiao Zijin rarely went out to nightclubs nowadays, her expenses would be even higher.

    But she had done some basic calctions. In a year, she would spend a good seventy thousand yuan on takeaway alone! In ten years, that would be seven hundred thousand, and that did not even take into ount intion! In that way, a sum of 1.5 million yuan would only supply her with twenty years¡¯ worth of takeaway.

    Qiao Zijin was on the verge of a breakdown.

    While she had been married to Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin had never needed to worry about her expenses although she had not been in charge of the finances. But that did not mean that she was unaware of the fact that the family needed to pay for electricity bills, water bills, and utility bills apart from paying for food.

    Now that her parents were still alive, they would still be able to take care of all these bills. But in twenty years¡¯ time, her parents might not be alive while she would definitely still be alive. She could not possibly depend on Qiao Nan to pay for her utility bills. No. There was no way Qiao Nan would care about her. That wretched girl, Qiao Nan, had an evil heart. No matter how well she lived her own life, she would never take pity on her poor sister who was a divorc¨¦e.

    Qiao Zijin, who never ever used her brains otherwise, had no other choice but to give in to Ding Jiayi this time, no matter how arrogant she had been in the past. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s been a week. Are you still angry at me? Mom, don¡¯t be angry at me. If you¡¯re really upset, you can scold me or even hit me. It¡¯s bad for your health to be angry all the time. Mom...¡±

    Ding Jiayi retracted her hand from Qiao Zijin¡¯s hold. ¡°Your calctor was rather loud just now. My elder daughter is rich indeed. You wanted me to use the ten thousand yuan that you gave mest time to pay for your expenses for an entire year. No, you wanted me to pay for the entire family¡¯s expenses. I¡¯m guessing you finally understand that your week¡¯s worth of takeaways cost you more than a tenth of the sum you gave me.¡±

    She had to take care of a family of three with a budget of only a thousand yuan a month. In a week alone, Zijin had spent a thousand six hundred yuan on takeaways! Of course, there was no way Ding Jiayi¡¯s anger would subside upon finding out about this information. On the contrary, her anger toward Qiao Zijin only grew.

    But Qiao Zijin was to be med for being a fool. She had bought a calctor that read out the calctions. Knowing that Qiao Zijin was doing her sums, Ding Jiayi had turned down the volume of the television out of curiosity. Then, she had heard the sum of a thousand six hundred and thirty yuan and fifty cents being read out in a mechanical voice.

    Qiao Zijin stiffened. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s different. I was never one to live in that way since I was young. How could Ipare to your ability to scrimp and save? It¡¯s because of you that our family has gotten to where we are now. Otherwise, given my dad¡¯s meager sry, how could our family have survived and raised two children? I even managed to graduate from university! Mom, it¡¯s all due to your hard work. Mom, I really respect you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin seemed to be saying that Qiao Dongliang was incapable of earning money and it was only because of Ding Jiayi that they had managed to survive on that meager sum of money, even managing to send Qiao Zijin to university.

    Every time this happened, Qiao Zijin would always praise Ding Jiayi¡¯s abilities. That was why Qiao Zijin could spit out such praises so smoothly and glibly.

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had wanted to check on his pickled ginger, happened to hear the conversation. He had unknowingly been ¡®arrowed¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m indeed incapable as a father. It¡¯s true that it¡¯s all your mom¡¯s effort that you¡¯ve be the way you are today!¡±

    With that, Qiao Dongliang put all his soul into checking on his pickled ginger. That was how his elder daughter, whom he had favored his entire life, viewed him. Yes, both Ding Jiayi and he had ¡®good fortune¡¯ indeed. They had raised such a good daughter like Qiao Zijin.

    The only thing thatforted Qiao Dongliang was that he had been different from Ding Jiayi and had never asked Qiao Nan to sacrifice her life for Qiao Zijin¡¯s happiness. At the very most, he had simply acted as though he was deaf and mute, allowing Ding Jiayi to take control of the family affairs.

    1

    At the very least, he still thought of Qiao Nan as his biological daughter and would do anything to protect her interests. Even if he were to lose Qiao Zijin as a daughter now, he would not have any troubles in his old age. It was just that Qiao Dongliang felt extremely guilty relying on Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had left school early to work, and as such, he had only supported Qiao Nan for the first sixteen years of her life. Before Qiao Nan turned twenty, she had been so capable that she had already been earning more than him and had taken over the role as the family¡¯s main breadwinner.

    Nan Nan was only forty and he had not even supported her for seventeen years, yet Nan Nan had already supported him for over two decades. And in the future...

    What could be even more awkward than catching someone else in the act of speaking ill of himself? Qiao Zijin had wanted to appease Ding Jiayi, but she had never thought that she would offend her father, Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 2088 - Youâ€™re Right

    <h4>Chapter 2088: You¡¯re Right</h4>

    Many years of past experience told Qiao Zijin that her happiness in the next lifetime depended fully on Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi. As long as her parents were on her side, no matter how much Qiao Nan resisted, Qiao Nan would never be able to escape from doing all the hard work to benefit her, the sister.

    In this matter, both of them had to be on her side. It wouldn¡¯t do if there was only one of them.

    See? Because her dad had turned against her, Qiao Nan was no longer as easy to control as before. She even dared to escape and marry Zhai Sheng privately without their family¡¯s consent. Upon thinking about Zhai Sheng, her brother-inw, apart from the time Qiao Dongliang was hospitalized, she never got to see him again.

    Thinking about this, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but suspect if Qiao Nan was worried that she would snatch Zhai Sheng over like how she snatched Chen Jun back then. As such, Qiao Nan always guarded against her and didn¡¯t let her meet him. Even on the day of their marriage, Qiao Nan was so scared that she didn¡¯t dare let her attend their wedding.

    Pulling back the thoughts that were far away, she could tell that Qiao Dongliang was really angry at her now. Qiao Zijin wanted to coax him as well. The problem was that both parents were angry with her now. It couldn¡¯t be like the past anymore, wherein one helped her coax the other who was angry.

    Comparing Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, the former was much less important than thetter. After thinking for a while, Qiao Zijin insisted on sitting next to Ding Jiayi and continuing to coax her. After coaxing Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin knew that Ding Jiayi would help her coax Qiao Dongliang. Conversely, if she coaxed Qiao Dongliang first, he might not help her coax Ding Jiayi together.

    If her mom saw that she coaxed her dad first, she might even be angrier and be more difficult to coax.

    ¡°Mom, look. You¡¯re angry with me. Could it be that you can¡¯t feel the sincerity of my apology? Mom, you should know that in my heart, you¡¯re the most important.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s kind words were as sweet as sugar. She kept throwing them on Ding Jiayi like they were free.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi fell for Qiao Zijin¡¯s words the most. What was strange was that they weren¡¯t working today. Ding Jiayi looked at the TV. After ncing at Qiao Zijin, she said, ¡°Forget it. You¡¯re the closest to me? You know clearly in your heart who or what you¡¯re closest to.¡±

    What was the use of her saying that they were close? She liked money and even got quite a lot of money from that wretched girl, Qiao Nan. However, in the end, she didn¡¯t spend any money on her own. She saved all of it and helped Zijin buy a house so that she could have a dowry and stand upright in front of the Chen family.

    Compared to money, she found Zijin, her daughter, to be more important.

    Sadly, Zijin didn¡¯t seem to treat her the same way. She said they were close. In reality, when it came to money, Zijin would change and even throw temper at her, saying that she regarded her as an ATM like Qiao Nan and only knew how to ask her daughters for money.

    With a clear conscience, she treated that wretched girl that way but not to Zijin. If Qiao Nan was a wretched girl, Zijin was a bad child without any conscience!

    Ding Jiayi was only short of saying explicitly that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t close to anyone else other than money.

    Qiao Zijin felt a headache as well. The more she felt the pinch, the more her mother wasn¡¯t willing to give up the issue of money easily. There was no choice. Qiao Zijin was really reluctant to fork out money.

    Mothers didn¡¯t develop enmity with daughters overnight. After all, she wasn¡¯t trying to coax her mother over one or two thousand yuan but one hundred thousand yuan. As such, Qiao Zijin changed her style of doing things. She ordered takeaway. However, this time, not only did she order takeaway before Ding Jiayi prepared dinner, but she also ordered Ding Jiayi¡¯s share so that she could pull Ding Jiayi along to eat together.

    Qiao Zijin thought it clearly and wanted to resolve this issue of a meal first. All the issues arose because of the takeaway. Naturally, it would take takeaways to resolve these issues. Her only motive now was to appease her mother so that she would be willing to continue providing for her three meals daily.

    Giving up a small amount of money was to save a bigger amount of money.

    Qiao Zijin had ordered takeaways for three days consecutively. For these three days, she always pulled Ding Jiayi along to eat with her. Not only was the food she ordered slightly expensive, but they were also Ding Jiayi¡¯s favorite.

    In just three days, she had spent nearly a thousand yuan. Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart was bleeding. ¡°Mom, are we ordering takeaway tomorrow as well? I¡¯m a little sick of eating like this every day.¡± Her mother¡¯s dishes weren¡¯t as delicious as takeaway food. However, the crucial thing here was less money was spent. Not only was it lesser, but she also didn¡¯t have to fork out any money!

    After eating, Ding Jiayi poured herself a cup of tea. ¡°You¡¯re not ordering takeaway tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Ding Jiayi¡¯s face carefully. ¡°I have such thoughts. After eating, I realized that takeaway food isn¡¯t as healthy and delicious as home-cooked food. Mom, what do you think?¡±

    Ding Jiayi flossed her teeth. ¡°Sure. You¡¯re the one who has been ordering takeaways. Of course, it¡¯s up to you to decide if you want to order takeaways for tomorrow. So be it if you¡¯re not ordering.¡± For three days, not only did she not have to cook, but she also didn¡¯t need to wash the dishes. Yes, this feeling was good.

    Quite a bit of money was spent. However, undeniably, the money spent was worthwhile.

    Hearing that Ding Jiayi agreed to this, Qiao Zijin was extremely happy. The storm was over.

    This time, Qiao Zijin argued with Ding Jiayi twice. Qiao Zijin only wanted to fix the second issue they were arguing over. She wanted to fight for the right to have meals at home so that she didn¡¯t need to spend money on takeaways. As for the first issue they were arguing over, Qiao Zijin chose to selectively forget it.

    It was good that they reconciled. As to what they reconciled over and what they were still arguing about, she didn¡¯t care. After the matter was over for half a month, her mother shouldn¡¯t remember it anymore.

    It was just that Qiao Zijin realized she had thought of the matter too simply when they were eating. She thought that her mother was a simple-minded person. If she wasn¡¯t simple-minded, would she have been able to coax her so well in the past?

    Unexpectedly, after Ding Jiayi calmed down, she was still quite intelligent in front of Qiao Zijin.

    Seeing the pitiful dishes on the table, Qiao Zijin was a little unhappy. There were so few dishes. They weren¡¯t enough for even her half a bowl of rice. It was just that she had just reconciled with her mother. If she became impolite with her words now, it could be said that the one thousand yuan she spent on takeaways in the past was spent in vain.

    As such, Qiao Zijin suppressed her anger and smiled. ¡°Mom, prepare more dishes for the next meal. Actually, when we are eating, we can have more dishes and lesser rice. The nutrition is all in the dishes.¡±

    After hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi smiled. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right.¡±

 Chapter 2089 - Improvement

    <h4>Chapter 2089: Improvement</h4>

    ¡°I do this as well. More dishes, less rice.¡± As she said this, Ding Jiayi took two big mouthfuls of the pitiful dishes on the tes before taking a small bite of rice.

    The dishes on the tes were eaten clean in no time. Only a bit of soup was left.

    Qiao Zijin waspletely stunned. ¡°Mom, you... Why did you eat all the dishes?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me to eat more dishes?¡± Wow. The dishes were delicious. She was full as well.

    Qiao Zijin was speechless. She took a deep breath and said, ¡°Mom, you ate all the dishes. Then, what will I eat?¡± She couldn¡¯t possibly just eat white rice, right? ¡°Mom, did you keep some dishes for me inside?¡± In the past, her mother used to do so. She would leave the freshest, more expensive, and best parts of the dishes out for her to eat alone.

    Ding Jiayi stood up and cleared the table. ¡°No. Didn¡¯t I tell youst month that from now on, the three people in our family will just take care of themselves? Zijin, don¡¯t worry. Between the two daughters, I only treat you as my precious. When Qiao Nan was at home in the past, she did all the household chores. You¡¯re my precious. Of course, I can¡¯t get you to do so. Your only task is to take care of yourself.¡±

    She looked down on her next-door neighbor. After the ugly episode previously, her neighbor¡¯s daughter simrly couldn¡¯t be a civil servant. What was there for her to be proud that her daughter was a university student and that she learned better than Zijin?

    However, what she felt upset over was that when Ding Jiayi headed out, she saw not only once that her neighbor¡¯s daughter apanied her neighbor to buy groceries in the morning. She even heard the mother-daughter pairughing. The daughter mentioned that she had learned a new dish recently and would cook for her parents when she went back.

    At that time, her neighbor disagreed. ¡°I¡¯m at home. For things like cooking, how could I let you, a university student, do it? You still have to find a job. How tough is that? Let Mom take care of all the cooking.¡±

    The daughter disagreed. ¡°Household chores are tough too. You usually take care of me and Dad. It¡¯s tiring. I¡¯m just finding a job now. I haven¡¯t gone to work yet and am free now. Since it¡¯s rare that I¡¯m free, you must try my dishes. You can give yourself a break from cooking as well. After I¡¯ve found a job and go to work, even if you want me to help or try my dishes, I can most probably only do so on the weekends.¡±

    After seeing daughters from other families, Ding Jiayi learned how to differentiate between what was true and what was false.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help butpare this girl with both her daughters. Her elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, was much sweeter with her words than this girl. She could always coax her well. It was just that Qiao Zijin only had the skills to sweet-talk. Thinking back about her actual behavior, there was nothing.

    Qiao Nan... Qiao Nan never said anything. However, as long as Qiao Nan was at home, she would always feel most rxed. She didn¡¯t even need to buy the dishes. She headed out just to chat with her neighbors. She didn¡¯t need to share anything as well. Qiao Nan seemed to know what she was thinking and would always prepare everything she wanted nicely before she even said anything.

    Comparing all three daughters together, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know if her daughters were good or her neighbor¡¯s daughter was better. What she could think of was that if Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan could be a daughter, where this daughter was as sweet with words as Qiao Zijin and as filial and capable as Qiao Nan, then this daughter she gave birth to would be the most perfect daughter in this world.

    Ding Jiayi, who only wished for her daughter to be the most perfect daughter, forgot that not only was she not a perfect mother, but she couldn¡¯t evenpare to ordinary mothers.

    However, after seeing her neighbor¡¯s daughter, she didn¡¯t feel she was worse off than her neighbor. Indeed, the neighbor¡¯s daughter was not bad. However, aside from Qiao Nan being not as sweet with words, in terms of filial piety, her neighbor¡¯s daughter couldn¡¯tpare to Qiao Nan at all. As such, because of Qiao Nan, she had won against her neighbor. They had both given birth to daughters, but her neighbor didn¡¯t have as good a daughter as her.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s feelings toward Qiao Nan had changed. When she thought of Qiao Zijin again, the feelings ofparison were obvious.

    She already didn¡¯t expect to have a meal cooked by Qiao Zijin, but who knew that Qiao Zijin waszy to such an extent? She wasn¡¯t even willing to cook herself a meal and just wholeheartedly waited for Ding Jiayi to cook for her. Ding Jiayi was unhappy.

    Where was the promised filial piety?

    Ding Jiayi was angry over a takeaway meal. When Qiao Zijin called Ding Jiayi to eat together, Ding Jiayi was initially unwilling and wanted to refuse. However, she thought of how she had raised Qiao Zijin up and supported her in university until she was married.

    She was really good to Qiao Zijin, but there¡¯s a huge disparity between Qiao Zijin¡¯s words and actions. Simrly, she didn¡¯t feel the filial piety she had promised earlier. Now that Qiao Zijin just made a phone call to order takeaways, why shouldn¡¯t she eat? On what basis should she not eat?

    Qiao Zijin just wanted to feed herself. She was just there to take a few mouthfuls as well. Was it too overboard? It wasn¡¯t. As such, she should eat!

    They had only eaten for three days. Before Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart softened, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but mention about no longer ordering takeaways but eating at home instead. Great. Qiao Zijin had really spent one thousand yuan on takeaways for the past three days for nothing.

    Qiao Dongliang shared these matters with Qiao Nan as a joke. Firstly, he hoped that after Qiao Nan knew about these, she would be appeased and be less resentful toward the Qiao family. Secondly, he treated Qiao Nan as his daughter and a daughter of the Qiao family. He hoped that after knowing about the Qiao family¡¯s matters, Qiao Nan would slowly let go of the grudges in her heart and truly regard the Qiao family as a family again.

    Qiao Nan could feel Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ¡®good intentions¡¯. However, she didn¡¯t want to agree with it. ¡°No pain, no gain. Qiao Zijin is really pampered. As such, someone has to suffer.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was already long used to just using her mouth and Ding Jiayi would bring over all the good things in this world to her. Ding Jiayi was announcing to everyone that not only did she value Qiao Zijin the most but that Qiao Zijin was also the best child in the world.

    Now, only practical actions could prove Qiao Zijin¡¯s ¡®filial piety¡¯. How would she be able to control her true inner world when she hadn¡¯t adapted to such a change? Of course,pared to just using words in the past, it was already a considerable improvement that Qiao Zijin spent one thousand yuan this time.

 Chapter 2090 - A Visitor

    Chapter 2090: A Visitor

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi must have been upset about spending a thousand yuan on three days¡¯ worth of takeaways. In fact, these three days of takeaways must have been a torture to her.

    Zhai Sheng massaged Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. It went without saying that pregnant women had it the hardest on their waists and hips. Zhai Sheng was worried that he would not be around when Qiao Nan entered theter stages of pregnancy, and as such, he made use of the time he had now to care more about her. ¡°You still can¡¯t stop thinking about the Qiao family?¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed as she rxed her brows, clearly enjoying Zhai Sheng¡¯s massage. ¡°It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t let it go. It¡¯s that my dad won¡¯t let me forget about it. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin have started a war between them and my dad is trying to let me know that the two of them haven¡¯t been living a good life and that they¡¯re being punished for the evil deeds theymitted against me in the past so that my anger will subside.¡±

    Cool down?

    Qiao Nan was not sure about that, but she did indeed feel a little better. Qiao Zijin had been raised and pampered by Ding Jiayi.. Now that she was experiencing it for herself, it was truly retribution!

    Ding Jiayi always scolded her, calling her a wretched girl who had no conscience. But with Qiao Zijin around, Qiao Nan did not think that she had any right to im those two titles. ¡°I understand my dad¡¯s intentions but I doubt he¡¯ll ever understand mine. It¡¯s easy to talk about repaying kindness with evil but it¡¯s hard to actually go through with it. I have a clear conscience toward the Qiao family.¡±

    Even though Qiao Zijin had toed the line of life and death after contracting uremia, she had never felt that her decision to abandon her family had been a crime. It was true that she had two kidneys and could afford to donate one to Qiao Zijin, but whether she was willing to do so was another matter altogether.

    She had already done enough for Qiao Zijin, so why should she donate a kidney to Qiao Zijin? Without her, would Qiao Zijin die? If that was the case, then who was the one alive right now?

    Without the money that she had given her family all these years, Qiao Zijin would never have had a house to sell. Even now, it was because of Qiao Nan that Qiao Zijin was living such afortable life!

    Did her dad still want her to care for Qiao Zijin for the rest of her life? That was impossible. Supporting her parents was her obligation, but she was not obliged to support her siblings at all.

    ¡°...¡± Zhai Sheng frowned. He had read everything that Qiao Dongliang had sent. ¡°Not a very smart person.¡± The person that Zhai Sheng was talking about was, of course, Qiao Zijin, and not Qiao Dongliang. Even though Qiao Nan had thrown a tantrum at Qiao Dongliang, he was still Qiao Nan¡¯s father, after all, and Zhai Sheng had insisted on marrying Qiao Nan.

    A son-inw could not possibly scold his father-inw.

    ¡°It¡¯s normal.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s mood had improved significantly after Zhai Sheng¡¯s massage. ¡°She has never been very smart. Those who try to act smart can neverpare to the ones who are actually smart. I don¡¯t know why Ding Jiayi has been so obsessed with her since she was young. She thought that Qiao Zijin would definitely make a name for herself and would have an unbridled future. She even thought that Qiao Zijin would be so outstanding that ten sons wouldn¡¯t even match up to Qiao Zijin.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi¡¯s persistence in this regard was all due to the Ding family. Her paternal grandparents had passed on early while her maternal grandparents¡¯ family was still alive. Unfortunately, they had never had much contact. Ding Jiayi had always been holding it in, trying to prove to her family that she was right, and she was even waiting for the Ding family toe crying and apologizing to her before she agreed to return.

    From what her father had told her, the Ding family was just as stubborn. They had announced that Ding Jiayi would never be able to live a good life in the future. Qiao Dongliang would rejoice for only a short moment for marrying someone like Ding Jiayi. There would eventuallye a day when he would regret his decision.

    In fact, Grandma Ding had specifically made a trip down to tell Qiao Dongliang that on the day of his marriage to Ding Jiayi. Perhaps it was the car ident that had evoked her memories. In her dream, Qiao Nan had forgotten about the existence of the Ding family.

    After waking up from her dream, Qiao Nan had started to remember quite a few details about the Ding family.

    Because Grandma Ding had gone down on that particr day, only Grandma Ding and Qiao Dongliang had been present. Even though Qiao Dongliang knew that Ding Jiayi had fallen out with her family by insisting on marrying him, he had never imagined that his mother-inw would be so evil with her words and curse her daughter¡¯s marriage from the very first day. Of course, Qiao Dongliang had been infuriated at that time.

    It could be said that Qiao Dongliang had trusted Ding Jiayi so wholeheartedly and had treated her so well, handing over all his earnings to Ding Jiayi and never interfering in Ding Jiayi¡¯s treatment of their two daughters, all because of Grandma Ding¡¯s words.

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang had been extremely gullible. One was a wife whom he was going to live the rest of his life with, who did not even mind that he did not have any family, while the other was a fierce and stern stranger who spoke in a menacing tone. Even a fool would know which to choose between the two.

    Qiao Dongliang could not help but try to fill in the nks himself. The reason that Ding Jiayi had fallen out with her family definitely had to be rted to how harshly the Ding family treated Ding Jiayi to the point that Ding Jiayi could no longer stand it and had no other choice but to leave. A man who had no other family left was the only straw Ding Jiayi could clutch on to back then.

    Ding Jiayi had suffered badly in the Ding family and had been forced into such a state. Whether it was because he pitied Ding Jiayi or whether it was because of his role as Ding Jiayi¡¯s husband, Qiao Dongliang was always willing to give Ding Jiayi respect and trust in their marriage.

    Qiao Dongliang had told Qiao Nan about this not to expose their family¡¯s dirtyundry but in hopes that Qiao Nan would be more understanding toward her mother. Ding Jiayi must have grown up being influenced by Mother Ding. Although Ding Jiayi was fierce and demanding toward Qiao Nan, she was pitiful as well because she had suffered at the hands of her own mother.

    Qiao Nan asked Qiao Dongliang if Ding Jiayi knew about this, and Qiao Dongliang replied that she did not. After Mother Ding had left, Qiao Dongliang had kept mum about Mother Ding¡¯s visit and had never mentioned it to Ding Jiayi.

    Initially, he had thought that his mother-inw hade to visit Ding Jiayi to forgive her and give her blessings. After all, there could not be any deep hatred between parents and their children. Nothing was too serious to be unforgivable.

 Chapter 2091 - A Mistake

    Chapter 2091: A Mistake

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang had intended to meet his mother-inw first before giving Ding Jiayi a surprise during the wedding. Who would have known that he would be shocked instead of being pleasantly surprised?

    After hearing Mother Ding¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang had decided to simply act as though Mother Ding had never appeared for fear of hurting Ding Jiayi¡¯s feelings. Anyway, Ding Jiayi had already been prepared to not have any of her rtives present at her wedding.

    It was not that Qiao Dongliang did not have any opinion on Ding Jiayi¡¯s bias toward Qiao Zijin. It was just that Qiao Dongliang had told himself that Ding Jiayi had had it tough in the Ding family and had willingly married him to live such a life. As a man, he could not possibly treat his wife poorly.

    Afraid that Qiao Nan would be upset, Qiao Dongliang had secretly told Qiao Nan about this matter, hoping that Qiao Nan would be more understanding and would not argue with Ding Jiayi. After all, Ding Jiayi was the one who had given birth to Qiao Nan.

    At that time, Qiao Nan had been young and gullible. Hearing that she had a grandmother who would curse her own biological daughter, Qiao Nan had indeed taken pity on her mother, Ding Jiayi, as well. Besides, after seeing Ding Jiayi treat Qiao Zijin well, it was inevitable for Qiao Nan to want to perform even better so that her mother would like her as well..

    It was a natural reaction of any child.

    In her dream, this memory seemed to have been covered by ayer of fog and Qiao Nan could not even recall it. At that time, she had only thought that she could not possibly give Ding Jiayi a second chance to ruin her life since she had been given the rare opportunity of reliving a second time.

    As such, Qiao Nan had almost forgotten about why she had allowed Ding Jiayi to treat her in this manner up until the age of forty in reality. In fact, she had no intentions of ever recalling the reason for that.

    After living through two lifetimes, Qiao Nan was finally able to gain some understanding of Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi was treating Qiao Zijin as her reincarnation and she would make sure that Qiao Zijin had everything that she had never been able to get in the Ding family. Qiao Zijin living a good life was no different from her living a good second life.

    While she had been in the Ding family, everything that Ding Jiayi had done was for the good of her two younger brothers. Now, she would reverse that situation and let the younger child do all the work for the sake of her elder child.

    If Ding Jiayi had inherited her temper from the Ding family, Qiao Zijin must have inherited Ding Jiayi¡¯s intelligence. Qiao Zijin was never an especially intelligent child, and given how much Ding Jiayi pampered her, her intelligence was seriously limited.

    Of course, it was because of such a low IQ that she had lived miserably for forty years. Qiao Dongliang was asking her to take pity on Ding Jiayi and be understanding of Ding Jiayi? Then, who in the Qiao family would take pity on her and be understanding of her?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s mom might not have treated her well, but Ding Jiayi had been no better toward her. Ding Jiayi was indeed Grandma Ding¡¯s biological daughter. Their tempers were like two peas in a pod. Although Grandma Ding had treated her daughter rather poorly, she had had much more courage and backbone than Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi had inherited only the worst traits from Grandma Ding without any of the good ones.

    Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s analysis, Zhai Sheng did not rebuke her. After all, that was indeed the impression he had of Qiao Zijin. There was no use in Qiao Zijin feeling sad about that amount of money. Ding Jiayi had to feel sad too.

    ¡°Forget about it. It has nothing to do with you anymore.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang was already willing to say that, Nan Nan could simply treat this as someone else¡¯s story.

    Qiao Nanughed. There was no way she would return to the same foolish self she had been in the past and carry all the Qiao family¡¯s burden alone. She had sacrificed almost half her life for the family only to receive the title of a ¡®wretched girl¡¯! It was more than enough to experience such a painful thing once in her life.

    The Qiao family could kick up a big fuss for all she cared. All she needed to do now was to live her own life and to take care of that baby growing inside her stomach. Now, Qiao Nan wondered if she had a baby in her ever-growing stomach, or whether she would have the same good fortune of having three babies at once.

    When the fourth month of her pregnancy arrived, Zhai Sheng was no longer at home. Miao Jing was advanced in age, after all, and it was inconvenient to get her to tag along for the prenatal checkup. As such, Qiao Nan had asked the auntie to apany her this time.

    ¡°Doctor, is the baby doing well?¡± After the ultrasound scan, Qiao Nan straightened her clothes and covered her stomach in case it got cold.

    ¡°From what I can see, the baby¡¯s doing very well. There aren¡¯t any major problems.¡± The doctor replied as she continued writing her notes.

    ¡°Doctor, is it possible to find out...¡± How many babies there were? Qiao Nan wondered if she trusted too much in the triplets but she felt that her stomach was a little bigger than an average pregnant woman¡¯s at the same stage.

    1

    The doctor frowned. ¡°Do you want to know the baby¡¯s gender?¡± It was only her fourth month and she was already in a hurry to find out the baby¡¯s gender. ¡°We¡¯re living in such an advanced society now. It doesn¡¯t matter whether you have a girl or a boy. There are many boys who aren¡¯t as caring and sweet as girls.¡± The doctor who had done Qiao Nan¡¯s checkup this time was different from the previous doctor. As such, she knew nothing about Qiao Nan¡¯s status and which family she came from.

    All she knew was that Qiao Nan was a little old for a pregnant woman and that this was a geriatric pregnancy. Most women only got pregnant at such an age because they longed for a boy. ¡°How many children do you have?¡± When she had conducted her tests, everything had been normal.

    ¡°This is my first.¡± Qiao Nan answered carefully, not understanding why the doctor would pose such a question. ¡°Doctor, I don¡¯t want to know the gender of my baby. I want to know how many babies there are. Is it normal for my stomach to be of this size? Isn¡¯t it a littlerger than normal?¡±

    ¡°...¡± That was what she had meant. Knowing that she had made a mistake, the doctor was slightly embarrassed. Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s age, the doctor has misunderstood that Qiao Nan was the kind of woman who was intent on having a boy. The doctor had seen countless such cases. Every time she did an ultrasound scan, the patient and her family would always ask about the gender of the baby.

 Chapter 2092 - Most Blissful

    <h4>Chapter 2092: Most Blissful</h4>

    After a while, the doctor had be trained in checking on the baby¡¯s growth in the shortest time possible before ending the checkup. Even when the patients or their families asked about the gender of the baby, the doctor would always feign ignorance, saying that the baby¡¯s position prevented them from determining the gender.

    Knowing that she had misunderstood Qiao Nan and that Qiao Nan had no intention of finding out the baby¡¯s gender, the doctor was slightly embarrassed and felt that it was inevitable that she had behaved so unprofessionally because of her prior experience. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Why don¡¯t you lie down again? I¡¯ll check it again. Don¡¯t worry. This won¡¯t have any impact on you or the baby.¡±

    Thinking back to the ultrasound scan, the doctor did indeed have her suspicions. It was just that she had determined the health and growth status of the baby at the fastest speed possible before ending the checkup earlier on.

    Since Qiao Nan wanted to know how many babies she was carrying instead of the baby¡¯s gender, the doctor¡¯s attitude immediately changed for the better. To put it bluntly, nasty patients could file aint against her if she did notply with such a request.

    Hearing that she would need to undergo another check, Qiao Nan was confused. ¡°We¡¯re not done?¡±

    The doctor rubbed her nose. ¡°I think it¡¯s better for me to do a more detailed check. Can I ask if there¡¯s any history of multiple births in your family?¡± Often, it was hereditary.

    After Qiao Nany down and heard this question, she was a little awkward. ¡°I¡¯m not so sure. Quite a few of my rtives passed on quite early.¡± Qiao Nan was unsure if her paternal grandparents had ever had such a history, and neither had she ever bothered to ask about it. As for the Zhai family, she was sure that they did not.

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± The doctor did not press her any further. After all, she might hurt the pregnant woman¡¯s feelings if she were to probe any more.

    ¡°Oh?¡± The doctor remarked as she conducted a more detailed scan. Hearing the doctor¡¯s voice, Qiao Nan looked nervously at the doctor. ¡°Doctor, is something wrong with my baby? Didn¡¯t you say that everything was fine just now?¡±

    It was normal for a pregnant woman¡¯s mind to run wild. Compared to her dream, when she had given birth at the age of twenty, she was indeed old now. Besides, she had not been well-nourished in her youth, and as such, she was much skinnier than she had been in her dream. Her health was not as good, and she was even older than she had been in her dream.

    Given her circumstances, Qiao Nan could not help but worry if her health had a negative impact on her baby.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. Don¡¯t get too emotional either. You¡¯re pregnant and your emotions will affect your baby. Don¡¯t worry. Both you and the babies are doing well.¡± The doctor sighed. Thankfully, she had done a more thorough check. Otherwise, she might really have faced aint if the next doctor found out about this at the next checkup. Then, she would have to bid farewell to her career as a doctor.

    It was all because of those families who favored boys over girls that she could not even do her job well. That would not do. She had to adjust her attitude and sort out her emotions. If she were to continue in this manner, she would not be fit to be a doctor.

    The doctor was thankful that she had encountered someone like Qiao Nan to guide her back onto the right path. She had chosen this career because she was truly passionate about it and loved bringing new lives into the world.

    ¡°Babies?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s ears pricked up. That proved that her suspicions were right. ¡°Doctor, how many babies are there?¡±

    The auntie was taken aback too. After working in the Zhai family for so many years, she had seen many other families give birth to kids one after another. Even after the state had rxed itsws on having a second child, most people had only one child with every pregnancy. No one in the quad had ever had twins!

    She had never expected that the Zhai family, who used to be childless, would be the first and only ones in the quad to have twins!

    That would not do. After the doctor was done, she had to make a call and inform the chief and his wife about this piece of good news! She wondered if Madam Zhai would faint from happiness after hearing about it.

    ¡°I¡¯ve checked it several times. There are three embryo sacs in your stomach and I also heard three heartbeats. Congrattions. You¡¯re going to be a mother to triplets!¡± The doctor had been in this line of work for a long time, but this was only her second time encountering such a situation. ¡°I know you¡¯re happy about it, but you ought to know your condition well. You¡¯re already forty and this is your first pregnancy. Thankfully, you¡¯re in quite good health. But you should still know that you¡¯ll have a harder time than other pregnant women. Three children mean triple the happiness, but the danger...¡±

    It was already dangerous enough for young and strong women to give birth to three children at once. The pregnant woman in front of her was already forty, no less! While she was happy for her patient, the doctor was more concerned. It was not easy to give birth to even one child. Now that she was carrying three children, the process of childbirth would definitely be arduous, not to mention the whole pregnancy process.

    ¡°The children are still young and small now, but the weight of your stomach will increase as they grow older. Then, it will be a great burden on your waist and hips. Multiple births also have a higher risk of the children being born prematurely, so you have to be careful. If possible, I would advise that you be hospitalized once you reach the seventh month of your pregnancy.¡±

    Normally, pregnant women already felt ufortable with only one child. Now that she was pregnant with three, the burden was unimaginable.

    ¡°Do you mean that she has to be hospitalized once she enters her seventh month?¡± The auntie¡¯s ears perked up, afraid that she had misheard the doctor. Three children meant triple the joy, but also triple the danger. Knowing that Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s beloved daughter-inw, Qiao Nan¡¯s life mattered as much as the children¡¯s.

    The Zhai family would never give up the mother for the sake of the child.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. I understand. Thank you, doctor. I¡¯ll take good care of myself and the babies. We¡¯ll definitely be healthy and safe.¡± Qiao Nan let out tears of joy and her tears flowed uncontrobly.

    In that instant, Qiao Nan was on cloud nine and she could not help but feel that she was the most blissful person in the entire world.

 Chapter 2093 - Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 2093: Crazy</h4>

    She had gone through what she had in the Qiao family and had been tortured at the hands of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi because of God¡¯s arrangement. Her life was changing for the better because she had endured through all that.

    No amount of suffering couldpare to the joy of the three children¡¯s arrival.

    It was great! The triplets were back! The father was still the same father, and the mother was still the same mother. Even the three babies didn¡¯t change. The family of five would finally have their reunion!

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± The auntie was in a frenzy. ¡°The doctor said that your emotions will affect the babies. You¡¯re carrying three babies! It¡¯s good news that others can only dream about! Don¡¯t worry. You and the babies will be just fine.¡± She would do her best to ensure that Qiao Nan and the triplets were well taken care of.

    ¡°Indeed. Pregnant women shouldn¡¯t have such great fluctuations in their moods. But it¡¯s understandable.¡± It was not because she favored boys over girls but these children were indeed very important to Qiao Nan since she was finally giving birth at the age of forty.

    The doctor did her best in telling the auntie everything a pregnant woman had to take note of, especially for a patient carrying multiple children. The auntie was diligent and immediately took over the role that Zhai Sheng had yed the previous time, meticulously copying down every word that the doctor said without fail.

    After that, the auntie treated her notebook like a precious baby, putting it safely in apartment in her bag. ¡°Be careful and walk slowly. I¡¯ll support you. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m strong. I can support you.¡±

    At this moment, the auntie turned all her attention to Qiao Nan, afraid that something would happen to her. She seemed to be protecting and supporting only one person, but it was actually four people altogether!

    Qiao Nan, who had bawled her eyes out, sniffled and took careful steps. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t be stubborn about this, but I¡¯m really fine. The children and I are all fine.¡± Her triplets were back for her and Brother Zhai! At the thought of the triplets, Qiao Nan could not wait to rush home to prepare their clothes, shoes, beds, and their nursery.

    Her sons and daughter!

    By the time the auntie helped Qiao Nan back home, Miao Jing had already been standing by the door, waiting anxiously.

    Everyone in the quad had heard the news that the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw was pregnant. As such, it was not out of the norm for Miao Jing to be so anxious. The Zhai family had waited for this child for a long time indeed. But there were others whoughed at the Zhai family. Every family¡¯s daughter-inw got pregnant and gave birth to children, after all.

    It was just a child. Why were they acting as though it was such a big deal? Thinking about how Qiao Nan had neither a good family background nor good education qualifications but had be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family nheless, there were many who felt upset. Apart from having better inws, Qiao Nan could notpare to their daughters-inw in every other way.

    However, those who felt that way dared only to think about it inwardly. They dared not voice their thoughts out.

    Why?

    Because the only thing that they thought that their daughters-inw were inferior to Qiao Nan was them as inws!

    ¡°Aiyo, Sister Miao, you don¡¯t have to be so anxious. Qiao Nan is already pregnant. Your grandchild won¡¯t run away.¡± Hehehe. Qiao Nan was only four months pregnant and it was hard to say whether it would be a girl or a boy. The Zhai family might not have a grandson, but they would definitely have a grandchild.

    Then, those neighbors would have something else to trumpet over the Zhai family. When that country bumpkin, Qiao Nan, gave birth to a girl, they would have a good show to watch.

    Miao Jing might be old, but she was no fool and was not entirely ignorant about what the neighbor was gossiping about. Miao Jing had not forgotten that that neighbor¡¯s son was a soldier too and they had wanted Zhai Sheng to help their son out several times but the Zhai family had always refused them.

    That was probably why that young man had made Zhai Sheng his target and had always tried to surpass Zhai Sheng. Miao Jing thought that there would truly be something wrong if such a fledgling kid was able to win against her own son. ¡°The chairman once said that women hold up half the sky. It doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s a granddaughter or a grandson. We¡¯ll love them all the same as long as they¡¯re ours.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± The neighbor smiled sinisterly. It was true that the Zhai family was in no position to care whether their grandchild was a girl or a boy since they had waited so long for a grandchild in the first ce. If the Zhai family knew their ce and had certain standards, they would never have let such a woman marry into their family, bringing down the name of the entire quad.

    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± Miao Jing could not even be bothered to entertain her neighbor. They were about to wee a new life into their family, and her neighbor¡¯s son would never be able to surpass her own son. These people were only sour that the Zhai family¡¯s lives were getting better by the day. ¡°You¡¯re back. What did the doctor say?¡±

    Seeing the auntie supporting Qiao Nan, Miao Jing tried to take the auntie¡¯s ce and stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to let me know what the doctor said immediately? I was anxiously waiting at home the whole day. That won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll apany you to your checkup the next time. I might be old but I¡¯m still strong.¡±

    She knew that many of her neighbors in the quad looked down on Qiao Nan¡¯s family background,ughing that she had ruined the reputation of the entire quad. It was such a joke that they still had such old-fashioned thoughts and ideas in such an advanced society. It was clear who really let the name of the quad down.

    The auntie was upset at being scolded but she understood Miao Jing¡¯s worries. She had behaved in this manner the first time she had be a grandma too. ¡°Madam, I¡¯ve been taking care of Nan Nan all this time. I didn¡¯t even let her out of my sight for a second.¡±

    Seeing how the auntie and Miao Jing treated Qiao Nan like a fragile vase, protecting her like bodyguards, the neighbor was stunned. Miao Jing must be crazy to pamper a countryside bumpkin like that! They were all women and had all gone through the experience of pregnancy. She did not believe that the Zhai family had treated Miao Jing in this way when she had been pregnant at that time. But Miao Jing was not at all afraid of spoiling her daughter-inw. Was she not afraid that her daughter-inw would climb over her head in the future?

    Now, the neighbor was sure that Miao Jing had a hole in her head.

 Chapter 2094 - Presents

    <h4>Chapter 2094: Presents</h4>

    After hearing the auntie¡¯s exnation, Miao Jing agreed. ¡°You¡¯re right. Since you guys were on your way back, a matter of a few minutes wouldn¡¯t matter much. So, what did the doctor say? Are Nan Nan and the baby alright?¡± They should both be fine. In this one month, the entire family had been reading up on how to take care of pregnant women and newborn babies.

    It was not at all an exaggeration to say that the entire family had been mobilized. Even Zhai Yaohui, who wore presbyopia sses, was always carrying a guide for pregnant women. Of course, apart from Qiao Nan, the one in the Zhai family who had been assigned the most ¡®tasks¡¯ was Zhai Sheng.

    While he was at home, Zhai Sheng had already finished two books, and before he had left, Miao Jing had stuffed another five books in Zhai Sheng¡¯s bag, for fear that he would forget all about his ¡®homework¡¯ when he returned to the military. Then, he might just forget about how to take care of Qiao Nan when he returned. As a husband and the child¡¯s father, Zhai Sheng would not only have to master the skills of taking care of a pregnant woman but also those to take care of newborn babies.

    As long as Zhai Sheng was at home, he would naturally have to take charge of feeding the baby or changing the baby¡¯s diapers so that Qiao Nan could do her confinement period well.

    At the mention of Qiao Nan, all of Miao Jing¡¯s anger subsided. The auntieughed quietly before announcing. ¡°Madam, the doctor said that Nan Nan and the baby are both well. It¡¯s just that we¡¯ll have to be more careful in the future. When Nan Nan reaches the seventh month of her pregnancy, we¡¯ll have to send her to the hospital.¡±

    Miao Jing stopped in her tracks. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Nan Nan and the baby are both well? Why would Nan Nan need to be hospitalized? What¡¯s the problem?¡± Only pregnant women in poor conditions had to be hospitalized that early on.

    ¡°Because...¡± The auntie smiled as she gazed at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. ¡°Because there are three babies in Nan Nan¡¯s stomach, the doctor said that there is a higher risk of premature births with multiple births. Nan Nan is not young anymore and she¡¯s carrying three babies at once, so we¡¯ll have to watch out. It¡¯s just a precaution for Nan Nan to be admitted starting her seventh month...¡±

    ¡°Mom...¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s expression paled. As soon as the auntie finished her sentence, Qiao Nan could feel Miao Jing¡¯s grip on her tightening before she was dragged backward. It felt as though Miao Jing was about to faint.

    Qiao Nan let go of the auntie¡¯s hands and gripped onto Miao Jing firmly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mom? Are you unwell?¡± Had she waited for them in the sun for too long? Had she gotten heatstroke?

    Qiao Nan was so frightened that her face was drained of all color. Miao Jing, who had broken out in cold sweat, shook her head. ¡°Nan Nan, are you alright? Did I hurt you? Is your stomach alright?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine, Mom. My stomach is fine too. But Mom, are you having a heatstroke?¡±

    ¡°No, no, no...¡± It was obviously not a heatstroke. She was simply overwhelmed with joy. ¡°Nan Nan, did the doctor really say that you¡¯re pregnant with three babies?¡± Miao Jing¡¯s hands trembled, wanting to rub Qiao Nan¡¯s obviously showing belly. However, she did not dare to touch it for fear of rming Qiao Nan¡¯s three babies.

    Three? Three!

    Qiao Nan smiled with pursed lips. Because this was not her first time experiencing such joy, Qiao Nan had already recovered from her shock. Qiao Nan retrieved the blurry and dark photograph that she had received along with the medical report. ¡°Mom, look. These are our triplets.¡±

    It was actually a little difficult to identify the three spots. Thankfully, the doctor had already helped Qiao Nan with that in the hospital. Of course, Qiao Nan remembered it well since they were her children. Even with such an abstract photo, Qiao Nan pointed them out clearly to Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, look. This is Da Bao, this is Er Bao, and this is San Bao. They¡¯re our triplets!¡±

    There were three embryo sacs and three heartbeats. This proved that the Zhai family was about to wee three new lives into their family.

    ¡°Aiyo, our children. Our children... They¡¯re growing so well. They look just like you and Zhai Sheng. They look so intelligent. I have to tell your dad about this.¡± Wow! She was going to be a grandma! She was going to be a grandma to not just one but three children at once!

    ¡°Old Zhai, Old Zhai! Our grandchildren! Three! Three...¡± Miao Jing¡¯s voice could almost be heard throughout the entire quad.

    In fact, when the auntie had announced that Qiao Nan was pregnant with triplets, that neighbor, who had been sour, had been dumbfounded.

    Three...

    The neighbor nced at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. She could not believe that such a skinny person could be carrying three babies in her stomach! She was good at bearing children...

    Triplets! They had such good fortune indeed. She could only dream on about having triplets. Thisdy, who hade from the countryside, might have been a little older and had low educational qualifications, but she was good at bearing children! That was a plus point!

    In less than an hour, the news had spread through the quad that the Zhai family¡¯s new daughter-inw was so impressive and had gotten pregnant with triplets. No matter how they felt about the Zhai family in their hearts, everyone still maintained a good rtionship with the Zhai family on the surface. Now that the Zhai family was having grandchildren, and having three at once, everyone had no choice but to congratte the Zhai family on the news and send some presents over for the children.

    After all, the Zhai family had sent them presents as well when they had had grandchildren. It was only polite to reciprocate their kindness.

    It was just that even the most worthless things were expensive in today¡¯s society, especially products for babies. Of course, this was not their first time purchasing such items. Everyone had children in their families and there was no way to cut down on such expenses. The only thing that bothered them was that the Zhai family was having three babies at once. It would not matter if they did not send anything, but once they did, they would have to send three sets of everything.

    The Zhai family had only sent them one set of presents, whereas they had to send three! Besides, products differed for boys and girls. How would they know which to get?

    Before long, the business of maternity shops in the capital was booming due to the Zhai family¡¯s good news. Not only were there many people making purchases, but they were even makingrge purchases since they had to purchase three sets of everything. Such an event had indeed boosted the economy in the capital.

    In the blink of an eye, in less than a day, the Zhai family¡¯s living room was piled up with all sorts of baby products and the entire ground floor of the Zhai family¡¯s house was almost overflowing with presents. ¡°Mom, Dad, why are there so many things? Where shall we put them?¡±

    When others had visited the Zhai family to send their regards, Qiao Nan had never once made an appearance as the main character. After all, pregnant women were the most important, and because Qiao Nan was pregnant with three children, she was even more so important. Of course, it was not good for pregnant women to be caught in crowds. As such, Miao Jing allowed Qiao Nan to rest upstairs while the elderly couple dealt with the visitors.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s true that we should pay more attention given our status, but it¡¯s only right to reciprocate kindness.¡±

 Chapter 2095 - Hereditary

    <h4>Chapter 2095: Hereditary</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s alright as long as they don¡¯t go overboard with these things.¡± Such a topic was a little sensitive, but since Qiao Nan was willing to think from the Zhai family¡¯s perspective, there was no reason for Miao Jing to get upset. ¡°Nan Nan, take a look. Don¡¯t you think these shoes are pretty? It¡¯ll definitely look pretty on our granddaughter. I¡¯m thinking of getting a few pretty dresses when I go out the next time.¡±

    Miao Jing had longed for Zhai Sheng to have a child for the past ten years. To be honest, Miao Jing truly did not mind whether the child was a girl or a boy. There were many people who wished that the Zhai family favored boys over girls and wouldugh at the Zhai family once Qiao Nan gave birth to a baby girl instead of a baby boy. There was no way Miao Jing was going to allow these people to get their way.

    She had preferred daughters over sons even when she had been the one giving birth. Now that Nan Nan was the one pregnant, she still liked girls. Even if the Zhai family were to have three girls at once, she would still be happy about it!

    ¡°Mom, you have to buy a few products for boys too.¡± Qiao Nan reminded Miao Jing as she thought about Da Bao and Er Bao. She was going to have more boys than girls. They could not possibly have one of the boys fit into San Bao¡¯s dresses when they were born.

    Knowing that she was pregnant with three babies, Qiao Nan was certain that they were the same three children that she had had in her dream.

    Zhai Yaohui lifted his head from his book and replied in a loud voice, ¡°Buy it. Qiao Nan is right. We have three children. We should buy things for both boys and girls. We can¡¯t leave anyone shortchanged. It¡¯s not like our family doesn¡¯t have money.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui, who had been raised by Old Master Zhai and Grandma Zhai to be frugal, had said such a thing! It was indeed rare for him to be so open-minded about spending money. At the mention of spending money on food or clothes, Zhai Yaohui would always say that they had enough and that there was no need to make unnecessary purchases.

    They did notck money?

    Zhai Yaohui had never said such a thing both times he had be a father.

    Miao Jing¡¯s smile widened as though a flower had bloomed on her face. ¡°Yes, yes. We don¡¯tck money. They¡¯re all my grandchildren. Could I possibly not care about them? You¡¯re making it seem like you¡¯re a good grandpa while I¡¯m a bad grandma. Humph!¡± The child had not yet been born, but Old Zhai was already fighting for the children¡¯s affection.

    Thankfully, they were going to have three grandchildren at once. Otherwise, she and Old Zhai would have to fight each other to death for their grandchildren¡¯s affection.

    Zhai Yaohui eyed Miao Jing helplessly. The three children in their daughter-inw¡¯s stomach had not yet been born but he felt as though there was already another child in their family. His wife was always throwing tantrums and he always had to try to appease her. However, in front of their daughter-inw, he had to maintain his dignity as her father-inw. Coaxing his wife would have to wait until he returned to their room.

    Since the Zhai family was about to have three new members, this good news naturally spread quickly. Very soon, Zhai Sheng received a phone call. Unfortunately, Zhai Sheng had not been avable and had not been the first to receive the news.

    After thinking about it for a while, Qiao Nan made a call to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± There was no way Qiao Dongliang would not recognize Qiao Nan¡¯s number. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Have you finished your pickled ginger? It¡¯s just as well. The batch of pickles that I made earlier tastes quite good. I¡¯ll send them over to you today. When you finish them, you can let me know and I¡¯ll make some more for you.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan loved eating pickled ginger and that it was alright for pregnant women to eat pickled ginger. As such, Qiao Dongliang was diligent in making them.

    Qiao Dongliang could not even remember how Chen Feng looked when he was younger. Because the Chen family had controlled Chen Feng strictly, the Chen family had never allowed Chen Feng to visit the Qiao family before he had learned to walk and recognize his surroundings.

    But once the child learned to run and make trouble, he had too much energy for Qiao Dongliang to handle. Now that he was about to be a grandpa again, Qiao Dongliang wanted to know how Qiao Nan¡¯s child would look before the age of one and whether he would be able to carry his fragrant and tender grandchild.

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to work so hard. I haven¡¯t finished the previous batch of pickled ginger yet.¡± Pickled foods were not as nutritious as fresh vegetables and fruits, after all. After that period of craving them, Qiao Nan no longer craved pickled ginger so badly anymore. ¡°Dad, I called to tell you that I visited the hospital today and the doctor told me that I¡¯m pregnant with triplets.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Dongliang was so excited that he nearly knocked over the cup beside him. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant with triplets? Are you and the babies doing well?¡± Knowing that Qiao Nan was already forty years old, Qiao Dongliang was both emotional and worried. Qiao Dongliang knew that that meant a geriatric pregnancy. ¡°Did the doctor tell you what to take note of? I¡¯m sure carrying triplets isn¡¯t easy.¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Qiao Nan did not hide anything from him. ¡°The doctor said that it¡¯s more likely for babies to be born prematurely in multiple births. I¡¯ll be admitted to the hospital as a precautionary measure in my seventh month.¡± In her dream, she had been young and in good health. At that time, the doctor had advised her to be hospitalized in her eighth month. Eventually, she had preferred staying at home and insisted on only being admitted at the veryst minute for childbirth.

    This time, however, Qiao Nan thought all about her children. There were some things that she could not afford to be as stubborn about as she had been in her dream. All she wanted was for her and the three children to be well.

    Qiao Nan had no confidence in carrying the triplets for a full term. It would not even be easy to carry them for eight months. As such, the doctor had advised her to be admitted in her seventh month, in case she needed to undergo emergency surgery or whether she encountered any problems and needed immediate medical attention.

    From a medical standpoint, it was obviously dangerous for Qiao Nan to be pregnant with triplets in her first pregnancy, at the age of forty, no less.

    After getting an affirmative answer, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes reddened. He felt extremely guilty toward his daughter and was too ashamed to face her. It was the Qiao family¡¯s fault that Qiao Nan and her children were being subjected to such danger.

    If Qiao Nan had gotten married earlier and had children earlier, she would never have been ced in such danger. It was much better to give birth while one was still young and strong.

    After a moment of silence, Qiao Nan finally spoke up. ¡°Dad, has there been any multiple births in our family¡¯s history?¡± It could not possibly be a coincidence that she had had triplets in both her dream and in reality.

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°Yes. Your paternal grandpa was a triplet. But you know very well the era that your grandpa lived in. In the end, only your grandpa was left to join the military. If your eldest and second great uncles had not passed away, your grandpa would not have left his family and insisted on taking revenge for the family by joining the military either.¡±

 Chapter 2096 - Hip

    <h4>Chapter 2096: Hip</h4>

    As such, he should not have had no rtives at all. If his eldest and second uncles were still alive, the Qiao family would be no smaller than other families.

    ¡°Oh...¡± No wonder. Her grandpa had been a triplet himself. That was why she had inherited it. ¡°Dad, will youe and visit me and the kids in the capital after I give birth and finish my confinement period?¡± Her dad was the children¡¯s grandpa, after all. She had not mentioned Ding Jiayi because Ding Jiayi was different from her dad.

    Her dad loved the triplets, whereas Ding Jiayi could hurt her anytime. Because she had already led Qiao Zijin astray, there was no saying what Ding Jiayi could do to the triplets. Qiao Nan could not afford to put her children¡¯s lives at stake and would never ce such a bet on Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Alright. Once you finish your confinement period, I¡¯ll visit you and the children in the capital.¡± Qiao Dongliang sniffled upon hearing that. He had missed out on Chen Feng¡¯s childhood. As such, Qiao Dongliang could not wait to be part of the three children¡¯s lives.

    But Qiao Dongliang had dared not mention visiting Qiao Nan and the children in the capital. He was too afraid of Qiao Nan¡¯s rejection. He understood Qiao Nan and knew what could lead to Qiao Nan¡¯s refusal. After all, he had brought this upon himself. He had never expected that Qiao Nan would take the initiative to bring up the matter. As such, Qiao Dongliang was over the moon.

    Qiao Dongliang lifted his head toward the ceiling. ¡°When you go for your prenatal checkups in the future, do you think you can get someone to text me about what the doctor says about you and the children?¡±

    Qiao Nan thought about it and knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyesight was simr to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. They were both presbyopic. Zhai Yaohui still had the habit of reading the newspapers asionally. As such, he had prescribed sses at home. On the other hand, Qiao Dongliang had not gotten a pair for himself so as to save money. It would be quite a chore for her dad to read those small words in a text message. ¡°Dad, do you know about an application called Weixin? If you don¡¯t, you can ask someone to install either QQ or Weixin for you. I know that you have Wifi at home. Once you register on QQ or Weixin, it¡¯ll be easier for us tomunicate with each other and it¡¯s also free. Even if I can¡¯t talk to you, the people around me will be able to do so.¡±

    Actually, Qiao Nan did not mind calling or using Weixin. They were all nothing but means ofmunication to her. But she knew that Qiao Dongliang cared very much about it. It cost quite a lot to make a call from the capital to Ping Cheng. Qiao Dongliang, who could not even bear to spend money on presbyopic sses, naturally cared very much about the telephone bills.

    Knowing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper, Qiao Nan suggested such a solution to him. In the past, Qiao Nan had been the one paying for the family¡¯s broadband. Ever sincest year, however, Qiao Zijin had been the one taking care of it. After all, the onlyputer in the entire house was in Qiao Zijin¡¯s room and only Qiao Zijin alone used the inte.

    Qiao Zijin was the only one using the broadband, and since Ding Jiayi could not get in touch with Qiao Nan, she had naturally looked for Qiao Zijin when the bills came. For the sake of convenience, Qiao Zijin had withdrawn two thousand yuan for Ding Jiayi so that she would not need to pay the bills every month.

    Since the broadband bills had already been paid, Qiao Dongliang could use the Wifi freely without needing to fork out any extra money.

    ¡°I do, I do.¡± Qiao Dongliang was overwhelmed with emotions. He had already heard about these two applications a long time ago and knew that youngsters these days practically could not live without them. As an old man in his seventies, Qiao Dongliang was not ashamed to ask questions and sought help from a few of his colleagues¡¯ children to download the two applications and learn how to use them.

    Qiao Dongliang had done so in case Qiao Nan wanted to use these methods to contact him. Then, he might have to spend even more time trying to figure those things out.

    Now, Qiao Dongliang was pleased that his worries had not been unfounded and his efforts had not gone to waste. ¡°Nan Nan, give me your QQ number or your Weixin code. I¡¯ll add you.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you have them and know how to use them?¡± Qiao Nan was taken aback. Most elderly people at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s age did not even have smartphones and insisted on using those old phones that had few and simple functions as well as deafening ringtones.

    She had not expected that Qiao Dongliang would be so hip and keep himself abreast of such technological updates.

    Qiao Nan skeptically sent over her QQ and Weixin codes to Qiao Dongliang in a text message. As someone in the workforce, these twomunication tools were indispensable. Within three minutes of the text being sent out, Qiao Nan had indeed received the notification of Qiao Dongliang adding her to his close-friends list.

    Qiao Nan epted the requests without any hesitation. After that, Qiao Dongliang had even sent a smiling emoji to Qiao Nan, followed by one with a sleeping expression. Of course, Qiao Dongliang was not asking Qiao Nan to go to bed in the middle of the day, and neither did he mean that he was about to sleep.

    He had used this emoji to remind Qiao Nan to pay more attention to her health as a pregnant woman instead of always being on the phone, which had radiation. That was bad for Qiao Nan and the children, after all.

    After replying to Qiao Dongliang that she would do so, she switched off her phone.

    Qiao Nan might have switched off her phone, but Miao Jing¡¯s phone almost blew up from Zhai Hua and Jiajia¡¯s calls. ¡°Can you guys calm down? You¡¯re calling me one after the other. I can¡¯t even pick up the calls in time. Aren¡¯t you and Jiajia together?¡± Hearing the endless notifications as new calls came in, Miao Jingughed as she scolded them.

    Zhai Hua frowned. Jiajia was not at all honest. She had promised that she would focus on her studies and only visit the capital during her holidays but she had called her grandma behind her mom¡¯s back! The next time she saw her daughter, Zhai Hua would have to beat her daughter¡¯s buttocks to teach that girl a lesson. ¡°Mom, you know that Jiajia has been longing to be an elder sister for the longest time. Do you think she won¡¯t go crazy now that she knows that she¡¯s going to be an elder sister to three children at once?¡±

    ¡°Hm, she¡¯s having an exam this week because they¡¯re going on their National Day holiday next week. Just watch and see how I¡¯ll deal with her if she doesn¡¯t do well in this exam. How can she still be thinking about looking after her younger siblings? Someone who doesn¡¯t enjoy studying and can¡¯t set a good example for her younger siblings is not a good elder sister.¡±

    That was great. When she disciplined Jiajia in the future, she would have the perfect excuse to do so.

    ¡°Alright. You weren¡¯t much better than Jiajia when you first found out that I was pregnant with Zhai Sheng.¡±

 Chapter 2097 - Reteach

    <h4>Chapter 2097: Reteach</h4>

    A child whose height was only at her knee level kept saying, ¡°I want to stay by Mom¡¯s side and protect Mom and my little sister.¡±

    Upon thinking of how cute and silly Zhai Hua was at that time, Miao Jing¡¯s heart softened. She was a just child. How was she going to protect Miao Jing? On the contrary, Zhai Hua was too small-sized. Sometimes, Miao Jing was holding things in her hands and couldn¡¯t see her, who was following her by the side. She was even tripped by Zhai Hua when walking at times.

    When she encountered this situation for the first time, Miao Jing was shocked. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t trip. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t know what to do.

    This matter happened so many years ago. When Zhai Hua mentioned this again, Miao Jing decided to help Zhai Hua remember the things that she had done when she was young, which were sillier than what Jiajia did.

    Upon hearing her silly past, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but feel thankful that her mom picked up her call and not Jiajia¡¯s call. If Jiajia knew that she had such a past, how was she going to put on airs as a mother in front of Jiajia and use the children in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach to educate Jiajia well?

    ¡°Mom, you have to help me. Ever since I got a divorce from Wei De, Jiajia simply let herself go and lead her own life. It¡¯s getting harder to manage her. It¡¯s not easy to manage her now. As such, the things you just mentioned to me, especially the silly ones that I did when I was young which I don¡¯t remember but you do, must not be mentioned to Jiajia. Otherwise, I really don¡¯t know how to manage Jiajia in the future. Jiajia was obedient and didn¡¯t need me to manage her in the past.¡±

    In the face of her daughter¡¯s changes and disy of her true temperament, Zhai Hua was naturally more happy than angry. It was just that in front of Miao Jing, her birth mom, Zhai Hua inevitably became a little spoiled andined to her mom how difficult it was to manage her daughter and how tough a life she was leading recently.

    Miao Jing naturally understood what Zhai Hua meant and her heart warmed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Would I, as your mother, not know how strong-headed you are since you were young? Regardless if it¡¯s for Jiajia or the triplets in Nan Nan¡¯s stomach, you¡¯re, after all, these children¡¯s elder. I¡¯ll save you some face. Moreover, I think Jiajia is pretty good. Her temper is exactly the same as yours when you were young. Don¡¯t nag Jiajia too much in the future. Jiajia is not easy to manage as she inherited this from you. Who asked Jiajia to be your daughter and you to be Jiajia¡¯s mom?¡±

    Miao Jing really felt that Jiajia¡¯s temper recently was too simr to Zhai Hua¡¯s when she was young. Initially, when Miao Jing knew that Jiajia was a well-behaved and quiet child, she thought that Jiajia inherited more traits from the Wei family and was more simr to Wei De rather than Zhai Hua.

    However, when she thought of Wei De¡¯s temper, Miao Jing changed her mind and concluded that Jiajia¡¯s character was influenced by Wei Xiaomei. At that time, Wei Xiaomei was still Jiajia¡¯s aunt. Miao Jing only treated Wei Xiaomei as a demure person. Under Wei Xiaomei¡¯s influence, Jiajia became more like Wei Xiaomei.

    However, following the exposure of the true rtionship between Wei Xiaomei and Wei De, such a ridiculous idea in Miao Jing¡¯s mind disappearedpletely. She never mentioned this to anyone else either.

    Thankfully, at this moment, Miao Jing could confirm that Jiajia was indeed a child of their Zhai family. In the past, it was the environment that caused Jiajia to hide her truest self. Now, the oppressive environment was gone. Hadn¡¯t Jiajia showed her true self and let herself go?

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You and Dad are the biggest trump cards in her hands. Jiajia said that she has to listen to me but I have to listen to you and Dad and the both of you treat her well. As such, between the both of us, she¡¯s the real boss and the person standing at the top of the food chain.¡± Upon thinking of Jiajia¡¯s words, Zhai Hua really felt angry and amused.

    When she heard Miao Jing emphasize that Jiajia¡¯s temper was exactly the same as hers when she was a child, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was so cheeky when she was young.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯d better not pick up Jiajia¡¯s call. This little girl is too problematic. Once she bugs you, you couldn¡¯t even think of hanging up the call. She could spend the entire self-study session talking. There¡¯s a monthly test this week. Let her calm down and take the exams well. If she couldn¡¯t even score well in her exams, how is she qualified to be an older sister? I won¡¯t let her y with the children Qiao Nan gives birth to in the future.¡±

    It was naturally a good thing that her daughter¡¯s personality was more open. However, when it came to studying, Zhai Hua really didn¡¯t dare to rx at all. There wasn¡¯t a choice. Wei De was the most vivid example ced in front of her.

    Didn¡¯t Wei De eye her, the daughter of the Zhai family, because he wascking some ability and wasn¡¯t willing to work hard? Even if she was oversensitive and did have such hidden worries, she only wished for Jiajia not to be like Wei De. She didn¡¯t want her to regret that she had done too little when she was young when it came to the time she had to showcase her abilities.

    Miao Jing agreed with Zhai Hua¡¯s point of view. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Jiajia is my birth granddaughter. I dote on her too. Of course, I believe that Jiajia is a child who knows her limits. I¡¯m going to hang up soon. I won¡¯t chat with Jiajia much. I¡¯ll just tell her to study hard and then hang up the call.¡±

    After ending the call with Zhai Hua, Miao Jing hung up the call with Jiajia after saying a few sentences, just like what she had told Zhai Hua. Jiajia was still a good and obedient girl. She had notpletely let herself go.

    Upon hearing that her grandma cared so much about her, Jiajia hurriedly assured Miao Jing that she would definitely study hard and be a good role model to the younger siblings. After that, Jiajia hung up the call. She returned to the ssroom and devoted herself to studying. Jiajia told herself that she had to score well in this week¡¯s monthly test.

    Otherwise, when she returned to the capital to visit the younger siblings during National Day, could it be that she had to tell them what a disappointing older sister she was as she couldn¡¯t even score well in a monthly test?

    Zhai Hua once shared with Jiajia how formidable Zhai Sheng, her uncle, was. When he was young, he scored well in his exams. He even skipped grades in university and graduated with honors.

    After knowing how formidable Zhai Sheng was, Jiajia considered Qiao Nan¡¯s situation again. Jiajia knew that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have high academic qualifications. However, she didn¡¯t dare to look down on Qiao Nan because of that or think that she had low cultural standards.

    During that period of time when Jiajia stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, Qiao Nan was the one who had tutored Jiajia for all her English homework. For those points that Jiajia didn¡¯t learn well in the past or had forgotten, Qiao Nan gave Jiajia examples after looking at her homework and retaught Jiajia.

 Chapter 2098 - No Balls

    <h4>Chapter 2098: No Balls</h4>

    After that, Jiajia magically realized that after being taught by Qiao Nan, those points that she had found it hard to remember in the past suddenly became easier now and she no longer forgot about them. Jiajia said that the reason why she did so well in English in the middle school examinations, scoring a high score of 119 after deducting one mark from her assignment, was all because of Qiao Nan.

    Based on this, Jiajia understood that although Qiao Nan had low academic qualifications, she had a high IQ. Her cultural standards were also not directly proportionate to her education level. A person with low academic qualifications but high cultural standards like Qiao Nan was actually more formidable than those with high academic qualifications but low standards.

    With such an outstanding pair of parents, even though the younger siblings weren¡¯t born yet, Jiajia believed that these three children would definitely be the three smartest babies in the world and they would have promising futures.

    In order to protect her dignity as an older sister, she had to take advantage of the opportunity that she was born ten years earlier and acquire knowledge first. In this way, when the younger siblings were born and at an age where they didn¡¯t know anything, she could coax them and be the best sister in their hearts.

    After a round of notifications sharing such a great piece of news, Zhai Sheng, as the father, was thest to know. When Zhai Sheng received this piece of good news, he felt different. The soldiers under him were the first to realize this.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the chief today? Why do I feel goosebumps all over when I see him smile? I remember thest time I saw him like this was when we were newly recruited to the team and were tortured...¡± Upon thinking about the painful past, the veteran soldier covered his face. The past was unbearable and it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.

    ¡°Wait. That means to say someone is going to be unlucky this time?¡± It was nothing for the smile of a demon instructor to sh past. What was more important was that it was scary. Was someone going to be unlucky every time the chief smiled? He hoped that the unlucky person this time wouldn¡¯t be him.

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be, right? Isn¡¯t the chief married? Don¡¯t you think that ever since the chief returned from his recuperation, his temper became much better? The powerfulbination of the yin and the yang is really something. I¡¯ve long said that our chief just needs a woman to manage him. The chief¡¯s wife is really a noble presence. It¡¯s a pity that all along, we could only hear Xiao Xu sharing how good a woman the chief¡¯s wife was. We didn¡¯t have a chance to see her for ourselves and could only listen to Xiao Xu bragging over there.¡±

    When he came back this time, Xiao Xu became the most popr person in the army. Xiao Xu even bragged that he could be considered as the matchmaker between the chief and his wife. If not for him, they wouldn¡¯t have met in Qingshui Town.

    It¡¯s fine that Xiao Xu didn¡¯t mention this. Once this was mentioned, Xiao Xu suffered a beating and he couldn¡¯t retaliate. For what matter was he beaten up? It was naturally because of Chen Jun.

    At that time, Qiao Nan rented a house from the Xu family. Chen Jun came knocking on the door, looking for trouble, and Qiao Nan¡¯s safety was not guaranteed. This was definitely Xiao Xu¡¯s responsibility. Xiao Xu nearly couldn¡¯t protect the chief¡¯s wife who wasn¡¯t the chief¡¯s wife then, almost causing her to get into an ident. This was Xiao Xu¡¯s biggest responsibility. Who else should be beaten up if not him?

    It was also because of this incident that the chief sessfully tricked the chief¡¯s wife back home for the new year and the two of them had a lot of time and interaction opportunities to improve their rtionship. However, this was what Xiao Xu should do. It couldn¡¯t be considered his credit. As such, it was inevitable that he was beaten.

    ¡°Chief?¡± Xiao Xu was confused as to why Zhai Sheng called him over. After Zhai Shengpleted his recuperation, Xiao Xu naturally returned to the army as well. However, to Xiao Xu, who had not returned home for three years, it was already a rare opportunity for the Xu family that he was able to return to Qingshui Town for half a year to apany Zhai Sheng.

    Furthermore, it was an important and glorious task to be able to apany the chief and take care of him. Xiao Xu was happy. However, after returning to the army, Xiao Xu didn¡¯t feel that he was different from others just because of that period of time. He also didn¡¯t feel that Zhai Sheng should promote him just because their rtionship became better.

    After returning to the army, Xiao Xu returned to his original position honestly. He treated the brothers in the army the same way as he did before. As such, when he heard that the chief was looking for him, Xiao Xu thought that there were some issues with his recent performance in the army due to theck of training for half a year and seemed particrly nervous.

    After Zhai Sheng felt this, he smiled. Xiao Xu couldn¡¯t help but hit himself. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. I called you over to give you a treat. A few monthster, you even have red eggs to eat.¡± Zhai Sheng was really quite grateful to Mother Xu for her decision to get Qiao Nan to take care of him initially.

    He was fated with Qiao Nan. However, there needed to be a person like Mother Xu who bridged them together. Both were indispensable. Of course, Mother Xu only interfered in this matter because Xiao Xu was her son and she wanted to help her son resolve difficult work issues.

    This mother-son pair could be considered as his and Qiao Nan¡¯s matchmaker.

    If Xiao Xu hadn¡¯t returned to report to the army back then, Zhai Sheng would have invited Xiao Xu to their wedding when Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan got married. Although Xiao Xu didn¡¯t get to attend their wedding, Zhai Sheng specially got someone to send their wedding candies to Xiao Xu¡¯s family in Qingshui Town.

    ¡°Red eggs? What¡¯s the joyous asion?¡± Xiao Xu couldn¡¯t react in time. He had already eaten the chief¡¯s wedding candies. He also knew that the chief had sent a bunch of wedding candies to his home. However, hadn¡¯t he already eaten them? Why were there still eggs this time? Wait a minute. Red eggs? ¡°Chief, is our army going to have a ¡®small¡¯ chief soon?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Xu¡¯s words were what Zhai Sheng wanted to hear. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you and your mom in the past that I was able to meet Nan Nan. Now, Nan Nan is pregnant and I¡¯m about to be a father.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Xiao Xu clenched his fists. He would see how those people from other districts dared to say that their chief was a man with no balls in the future.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t get married until he was forty-five. This was not just Zhai Sheng¡¯s matter alone. A man at Zhai Sheng¡¯s age was not only unmarried, but there also wasn¡¯t a decent woman around him. Qiu Chenxi had married Zhai Sheng for three years and they didn¡¯t have any children. Qiu Chenxi cheated on Zhai Sheng.

    Some of Zhai Sheng¡¯spetitors deliberately released malicious rumors at the critical points of theirpetition. They said that the reason why Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife cheated on him and why Zhai Sheng chose not to remarry or have another girlfriend again was because he didn¡¯t have ¡®balls¡¯.

 Chapter 2099 - Dutiful Son

    <h4>Chapter 2099: Dutiful Son</h4>

    Who didn¡¯t know that Zhai Sheng worked extremely hard when he was young? Even thepetitors who hated Zhai Sheng could only concede defeat to him for the military merits he had built when he was young. However,pared to these merits, Zhai Sheng had suffered more injuries from back then.

    These injuries didn¡¯t have eyes. They wouldn¡¯t know which parts of Zhai Sheng¡¯s body they could injure and which they should avoid. As such, who could say with certainty that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t injure himself in that area when he was young and working hard and was still a normal man?

    To put it crudely, if Zhai Sheng was a normal man and coupled with the fact that he was a soldier, his woman would generally not fancy other men after having tasted the fierceness of a soldier in bed.

    However, in reality, not only did Qiu Chenxi cheat during their marriage, but she even looked for men one after another after the divorce. It was as if Qiu Chenxi could easily find a man who was manlier than Zhai Sheng who could keep her satisfied. Moreover, the two had been married for three years. Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t even have a miscarriage, let alone give birth to a child.

    As men, hispetitors naturally knew what kind of words would attack men more easily. Very quickly, these people mocked him by betting if Zhai Sheng ¡®couldn¡¯t do it¡¯ or that he didn¡¯t have ¡®balls¡¯.

    Once these disgusting words came out, they naturally didn¡¯t spread only within that circle. Every time someone from Zhai Sheng¡¯s side performed better, the small soldiers from otherpanies or battalions weren¡¯t willing to take this lying down and would habitually talk about this incident. How would the soldiers under Zhai Sheng be willing to admit that the chief whom they admired the most had no ¡®balls¡¯ or ¡®couldn¡¯t do it¡¯?

    It happened frequently, but what use was there to argue verbally? They just removed their clothes and started fighting. As men, how could they gossip like women? People like them were the ones without ¡®balls¡¯!

    The army was a ce with strict discipline. How would they allow such fights between soldiers? They wanted to fight, right? They had a lot of energy and didn¡¯t know where to vent, right? That was easy. Run a hundredps around the field. If one hundred was too little, they could run two or three hundredps. They could even do one thousand sit-ups or ten thousand leapfrogs. There were a lot of such ¡®activities¡¯ in the army. They didn¡¯t need to be afraid that there was nowhere to vent their excessive energy.

    Only the chief could let the soldiers go. Otherwise, they would just be as tired as dead dogs.

    No one was exempted from the punishment. Nobody could withstand such arge amount of physical training and corporal punishment. What was depressing was that people from other districts soon found out that Zhai Sheng was vicious and the soldiers trained under him were simrly evil in nature.

    One would be afraid of such punishments after experiencing them once. The person who created trouble was afraid, but not the one who was provoked. Every time someone dared to speak ill of Zhai Sheng in this aspect, even if Zhai Sheng¡¯s soldiers knew that they would be punished again, they chose to fight. They did their utmost when hitting them, and all their punchesnded in positions that were painful yet not obvious.

    After being beaten a few times, many people knew that the soldiers under Zhai Sheng were not to be trifled with as they were evil in nature. As time passed, they dared to keep some words in their hearts but would definitely not dare to say them in front of Zhai Sheng¡¯s soldiers.

    The fights might be over, but the words stuck in their hearts were not. Thankfully, all the problems could be resolved today.

    Who said that their chief wasn¡¯t a man?

    Who said that their chief didn¡¯t have ¡®balls¡¯?

    Their chief had a wife as well, and she was even pregnant!

    At this moment, Xiao Xu was smiling like a fool. People who weren¡¯t in the know might have thought that the pregnant woman was Xiao Xu¡¯s wife. Xiao Xu smiled and said, ¡°Chief, how many months is Sister Qiao pregnant?¡±

    ¡°Four months. Triplets.¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t waver and he didn¡¯t raise his eyebrows. However, anyone with ears wouldn¡¯t be able to ignore the happiness and pride in Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone when he mentioned the word ¡®triplets¡¯.

    Xiao Xu¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Three?¡±

    ¡°Yes, triplets.¡±

    ¡°Chief, you¡¯re too formidable!¡± The chief must have extraordinary abilities for the chief¡¯s wife to be pregnant with triplets. ¡°Chief, I¡¯m going to share this piece of good news with our brothers now. Chief, you¡¯re amazing. Our chief¡¯s wife is amazing too. Three! If all three of them are sons, we¡¯ll make it big!¡±

    Damn. The chief was the chief. To not speak unless there was something sensational was apt to describe people like their chief. There was nothing amazing about having children. Who dared to look down on their chief? It was either the chief didn¡¯t have a baby or he had three at one go. Whoever couldpete with him should stand up and let them take a look!

    Without a doubt, after Zhai Sheng spread this good news, he was immediately greeted with cheers. This was really a joyous matter!

    The appearance of the triplets was really a p to those who used to say that there was something wrong with Zhai Sheng¡¯s body. After Qiao Nan finished a call with Qiao Dongliang, she found out that her family had a history of triplets as well. With this point of inheritance as proof, Zhai Sheng¡¯s triplets made him hold his head high in the men¡¯s world.

    As a child of someone else¡¯s family, they could only win against Zhai Sheng in terms of having children. Now that Zhai Sheng¡¯s triplets were arriving, Zhai Sheng was once again promoted as the ¡®perfect child of someone else¡¯s family¡¯. As Zhai Sheng¡¯s peers, most of them felt hatred.

    So be it. Their children had already grown up. Inparison, their family¡¯s children were born first and could take advantage of this opportunity first. What use was there to just give up? Yes, Zhai Sheng was about to have triplets soon. However, they werepeting in terms of quality, not quantity. If all of the children were good-for-nothings, the Zhai family would have three more ck sheep in the family. What was there to be happy about?

    People with such thoughts would order their wives to be strict with their children. They couldn¡¯t rx the slightest. They had to be serious in their studies and attitude and should be nurtured to be an elite among the elites. If a good-for-nothing was raised, causing their family to lose face, it was best not to let them find out. Otherwise, the first thing they would do upon reaching home would be to hit their children.

    Dutiful sons were products of the rod. They didn¡¯t believe that they wouldn¡¯t be able to produce obedient children via this method.

    As such, children of the third and fourth generations who were born to officials of the second and third generations seemed to have fallen from heaven into hell. One second ago, they were still the precious ones in the family. The next moment, they became vegetables that were turning yellow.

 Chapter 2100 - Fetal Movement

    <h4>Chapter 2100: Fetal Movement</h4>

    In the face of such a change, unless their attitudes were correct at the beginning, the children from these families would just be crying miserably.

    What was amazing was that many yearster, people realized that in this circle in the capital, there were a lot of promising children of this generation. They became the representatives of Generation Z. As such, a certain amount of healthypetition was still required. The Zhai family¡¯s triplets were not born yet but had already brought immense pressure to these older siblings, causing their lives to change drastically.

    Strictly speaking, this group of Generation Z children should thank the Zhai family¡¯s triplets the most for not going astray. It was a pity that after the triplets were born and as they slowly grew up and realized the reason why their elders suddenly became so strict with them, they couldn¡¯t thank the Zhai family¡¯s triplets. Instead, upon the mention of the Zhai family¡¯s triplets, they gritted their teeth with hatred.

    It was fine that their pampered lifestyles were taken away after the elders in their families became agitated. But after they have grown up to be brilliant young talents, why was it that the Zhai family¡¯s triplets had a more glorious image and once again became the ¡®children of someone else¡¯s family¡¯ their elders talked about? This meant that their hard work and efforts since young had gone to waste.

    Could they give them a break and let them live so that they could y together happily?

    However, all this had yet toe. The triplets, who filled the group of Generation Z children in the quad up with hatred, were still sleeping and growing quietly and innocently in their mother¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°Bigger. It has grown bigger.¡± Ever since then, Miao Jing¡¯s biggest interest and one of the things she did most every day was to look at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. She felt that not only was Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach growing bigger day by day, but it also seemed bigger in the evening than in the morning.

    Miao Jing could feel more clearly that there was going to be three more grandchildren in her family. ¡°Is your waist sore? Why don¡¯t I rub it for you? It¡¯s really tough for you.¡± Back then, she was separately pregnant with Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng. By the seventh or eighth month, the child had grown up and her waist felt super ufortable.

    Nan Nan¡¯s stomach... Just the thought of it and she felt terrible for Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan glowed like she was a benevolent mother. ¡°No, the children are still small now. They aren¡¯t that heavy.¡± However, after six months, Qiao Nan knew that her waist was going to suffer a lot. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. If I really feel ufortable, I¡¯ll definitely speak up. Thest time I went to the hospital for an obstetric checkup, the doctor said that the children and I are all fine. Oh right, tomorrow is National Day. Aren¡¯t Sister Zhai Hua and Jiajia boarding the ne tonight? Are their rooms ready?¡±

    Before she was pregnant, Jiajia was the only child in this family and was naturally valued by all the elders in the family. She didn¡¯t know if Jiajia would feel neglected by the elders because of the appearance of these three children as the elders¡¯ love and care would be divided to them as well.

    Upon thinking about this situation, Qiao Nanughed out loud.

    ¡°Nan Nan, what are youughing at?¡± Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan curiously.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Nothing much. After getting pregnant, my memory is not too good. I don¡¯t remember what I wasughing at just now.¡± In reality, did Qiao Nan really forget about it? No. On the contrary, Qiao Nan remembered it clearly. However, she couldn¡¯t say these words out.

    In her dream, Qiao Nan met Zhai Sheng early and they fell in love early. She married Zhai Sheng before admitting to university and she gave birth to triplets in the summer vacation of her first year. It was because she and Zhai Sheng had married early that the triplets were the oldest among all the children born to Zhai Sheng¡¯s peers.

    However, in this lifetime, she and Zhai Sheng were marriedte. Zhai Sheng¡¯s peers were long married and their children were about the same age as Jiajia. Even if they had marriedte, at least, their children were about to graduate from elementary school.

    How were they like the triplets in her stomach, who were still growing? It felt like the triplets were half a generation away from them.

    In the face of such a change from being the oldest siblings to the youngest, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know how to face the triplets in the future. Thankfully, the triplets and their father didn¡¯t know there was such a story in between. Otherwise, Qiao Nan was worried that her triplets would fall out with her. They wouldin why she and Zhai Sheng gave birth to them sote this time such that they became the youngest in the quad.

    Especially Jiajia, this child...

    The Xiao Bao in her dream was the triplet¡¯s follower. In reality, the three of them were going to be Jiajia¡¯s followers. Touching her stomach, Qiao Nan asked softly, ¡°Triplets, you shouldn¡¯t me me, right?¡±

    It was unknown if they heard Qiao Nan¡¯s words. Qiao Nan had a small baby bump to begin with. The hand she ced on her stomach moved a little. Qiao Nan shivered. ¡°Mom, the children moved. The children moved!¡±

    ¡°They moved? Really? Little precious, I¡¯m your grandma. Will you say hello to me as well?¡± Miao Jing couldn¡¯t wait to stick her whole body to Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach so that she could feel the existence of her grandchildren. It was a pity that there was only a bit of fetal movement. After waiting for a long time, Miao Jing didn¡¯t feel anything from Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach.

    Zhai Yaohui retracted his gaze and cleared his throat. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? It¡¯s only four months. It¡¯s normal that the children aren¡¯t actively moving. Wasn¡¯t it like this when you were pregnant with Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng back then? You¡¯ll be able to feel them a couple of monthster. Don¡¯t always lie on Qiao Nan. This way, Qiao Nan would have difficulty breathing.¡±

    Most importantly, Zhai Yaohui was worried that Miao Jing would identally crush Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach when sheid on her. Zhai Yaohui, as the grandpa, cherished the rare triplets in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach as well. It was just that no father-inw could get close to their daughter-inw and feel how active his grandchildren were in their mother¡¯s stomach.

    Zhai Yaohui had the image of a veteran cadre in the country. Even if his heart desired to do so and he envied Miao Jing for being able to do just that, he couldn¡¯t. Zhai Yaohui could only endure.

    Zhai Yaohui told himself that it had already been more than four months. In half a year¡¯s time, he could directly embrace his warm, soft, crying, and screaming grandchildren. At that time, he didn¡¯t have to consider so much if he wanted to hug them. As such, he pinched his fingers and tolerated it. Half a year would soon pass quickly.

    On the other end, in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard in Ping Cheng, Qiao Dongliang was so excited that he couldn¡¯t control himself after hanging up Qiao Nan¡¯s call. It was as if he wanted to do something.

 Chapter 2101 - Familiar

    <h4>Chapter 2101: Familiar</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang kept thinking about what kind of present to prepare for his three grandchildren. He could not possibly show up in the capital empty-handed, right?

    Qiao Dongliang thought about how he had no other ie apart from his pension of two thousand yuan every month and the two thousand yuan monthly allowance from Qiao Nan. Products for babies were expensive. Moreover, he was going to be a grandpa to three children at once! He had to prepare even more things. At this time, Qiao Zijin happened to knock on his door. ¡°Dad, are you around?¡±

    After receiving no answer from within the room for a long time, Qiao Zijin bit on her lip but forced a smile out. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s Zijin. Are you there?¡±

    Qiao Zijin had knocked on his door twice, so Qiao Dongliang had definitely heard her. However, Qiao Dongliang was now numb toward his daughter, Zijin. One had to be blessed to have the good fortune of having good children and he only felt that he was to be med as a father. He was indeed Qiao Zijin¡¯s father, but Qiao Zijin herself was already a mother. She had to have her own ns for her own life. Why should he have to interfere in her life?

    Qiao Dongliang stood up and opened the door. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Dad, we haven¡¯t had a chat in a long time. Are you free?¡± Qiao Zijin was upset that Qiao Dongliang had gotten into the habit of locking his door at home. There were only three people at home and they did not even go out much.

    As such, it was painfully obvious whom Qiao Dongliang was trying to protect himself from. Of course, there was no way Qiao Zijin could be happy about it since she was one of them.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Qiao Dongliang stepped inside to allow Qiao Zijin in. After Ding Jiayi had moved out, Qiao Dongliang upied the room alone. Qiao Zijin had thought that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room would definitely be dirty and messy without a woman to clean up after him.

    Before entering the room, Qiao Zijin had mentally prepared herself so that she wouldn¡¯t express her disgust. If she were to do so, the conversation would end before it even started.

    She was surprised to see that not only was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room not messy and dirty, but it was even a little cleaner than her own. Qiao Zijin felt a little more at ease at the sight. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been such a long time. Are you still upset at Mom? You¡¯ve lived with Mom for such a long time, so you should understand her temper. She cares most about you. Do you know how hurt she is that you always fight with her? No matter what, Mom married you and gave birth to two daughters for you.¡±

    Her mom could not live without a man.

    In the past, her mom often told her that her dad was useless and could not even support the family, much less give her a luxurious andfortable lifestyle. She had gotten used to hearing about how Qiao Dongliang had never contributed much to the family and how the family had only managed to get to where they were because of Ding Jiayi.

    Now, the couple had not yet gotten a divorce, but Ding Jiayi already seemed so listless just because Qiao Dongliang had mentioned it. She did not even have the energy to care about her daughter anymore. Qiao Zijin could not help but be upset at how her mother was such a letdown.

    Had she not said that her father was useless and that her entire family depended on her mom? If that was the case, there was no need to be afraid of her dad throwing a tantrum. Her mom should stand up for herself and fight her dad until the end. That way, her dad would understand that he would not be able to survive without her.

    But in reality?

    The one who could not survive was not her dad but her mom.

    Without her husband, her mom did not even want to care for her own daughter. She acted as though she was a widow with no other family and simply took care of her own meals.

    Given such a situation, Qiao Zijin could not hold on anymore. Qiao Zijin had already tried convincing Ding Jiayi to no avail. She had even spent a thousand yuan on trying to convince her mom. People had always said that every sessful man had a woman. The reverse was probably true as well.

    Ding Jiayi had only thrown a tantrum at Qiao Zijin because she had wanted Qiao Zijin to give her a hundred thousand yuan to appease Qiao Dongliang so that Qiao Dongliang would no longer be angry at her.

    This hundred thousand yuan...

    Qiao Zijin did not want to withdraw such a huge sum of money yet. Anyway, her mom¡¯s ultimate goal was not to get that hundred thousand but to reconcile with her dad. Since that was the case, she simply had to persuade her father to stop throwing a tantrum at her mother. That way, the couple would get back together as they had been before and her dad would listen to her mom once again. Her mom would then make the decisions in the family and all her dad had to do was to listen well.

    Once their lives returned to normal, Qiao Zijin believed that her mom¡¯s mood would improve and she would no longer remain angry at her. Her mom might even try her best to squeeze some benefits out of Qiao Nan to improve her life.

    After thinking it through, Qiao Zijin decided to bypass Ding Jiayi to coax Qiao Dongliang into admitting his mistake to Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang took a sip of water and smiled. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it sound rather familiar, Zijin?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Qiao Zijin paused. It did indeed sound familiar, but this was her first time saying it, so where had she heard it?

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember?¡± Qiao Dongliang thought that it was normal for Qiao Zijin not to remember. After all, she had not been the one being counseled at that time. Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°I used these words on Nan Nan in the past to persuade her not to be angry at your mom for favoring you over her. It seems that you were listening to what I said at that time.¡±

    Yes, Ding Jiayi had the best background out of all the women who had been willing to marry him at that time. Ding Jiayi had not looked down on him and had even given him two daughters. Otherwise, he would never have let Ding Jiayi have her way all these years, causing their family to fall into such a state.

    Was it not because of these words that the Qiao family no longer seemed like a family?

    Qiao Zijin had the urge to p herself. Of all things, why had she used Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words against himself? No matter what nonsense she made up, it would be better than using the words Qiao Dongliang used to persuade Qiao Nan, at the very least.

    Before things returned to normal and Ding Jiayi had Qiao Dongliang firmly in her grasp, Qiao Zijin had to change her mindset.

 Chapter 2102 - Matured

    <h4>Chapter 2102: Matured</h4>

    Qiao Zijin had decided not to try to fight for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s affection before that happened and gave up all hope of Qiao Dongliang favoring her over Qiao Nan.

    Now, Qiao Dongliang was entirely biased toward Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin knew all about that. As such, she could not make any mention of Qiao Nan if she wanted to win. As long as it concerned Qiao Nan, she had to keep her mouth shut. Who would have known that the worst possible situation would happen and that she would make such a grave error immediately?

    Qiao Zijin wondered how the world worked. Why did it seem as though everything she said was always wrong? But she was an adult and could not possibly keep her mouth shut all day. Even if she was willing to remain mum, there was no such chance for her to do so. If she did not want to spend money on coaxing someone, the only other alternative was to try to persuade them.

    ¡°Dad, you said that you used these words on Nan Nan, so you should remember them without me having to say more. It hasn¡¯t been easy for Mom to stay by your side all these years, helping you take care of the house and raise two children. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re clear of how hard my mom has worked for our family and you should be grateful for it. Don¡¯t you think so, Dad?¡±

    Since she had already stepped on andmine, Qiao Zijin decided to go along with it. In her opinion, the words that Qiao Dongliang had used to convince Qiao Nan at that time had been rather useful, after all.

    If not for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Nan would have blown up and decided to start her own life afresh a long time ago. But with her dad¡¯s persuasion, Qiao Nan had obediently apologized to her mom the next day, even handing all of her money over to her mom to appease her.

    She was a university graduate and was much more eloquent than her father, who was lowly educated. She would definitely seed in doing something that a lowly soldier had done.

    ¡°Dad, even though Mom has never had a job, we should never forget about the sacrifices Mom has made for our family. Mom is so old and no one is sure about how long more you and Mom have left. Dad, don¡¯t you think you should cherish the remaining time you have left? Is there really a point in going to such an extent over such a trivial matter? Couples need each other the most in their old age. Dad, Mom really needs you. She¡¯s really hurt that you¡¯re treating her this way. Dad, don¡¯t hurt Mom anymore, alright?¡±

    Once she managed to appease her dad, her parents would get back together. Then, it would be time for her mom to get down to work.

    Compared to a hundred thousand yuan, Qiao Zijin was much more willing to use three days and three nights and all of her saliva to convince Qiao Dongliang. As long as she seeded in convincing Qiao Dongliang, she was willing to talk as much as needed. Anyway, she would face no loss even if she were to spout such deep morals. Quite on the contrary, she would even stand to gain from it.

    She would be the happiest if that was truly the case.

    Qiao Dongliang did not rebuke Qiao Zijin and merely snorted. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Qiao Dongliang sighed and lifted his eyes up to the ceiling. ¡°I think that¡¯s how I convinced Qiao Nan in the past too. It sounds quite reasonable.¡±

    But no one but the party concerned would understand that these principles had already turned into a sea of fire and death and had even taken lives.

    ¡°Dad, so what about you?¡± There was no point in talking about Qiao Nan. The most important thing was what her dad thought about it now. ¡°Nan Nan listened to whatever you said. Dad, you are Nan Nan¡¯s and my dad. You can¡¯t possibly be worse than Nan Nan, right?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was now using Qiao Nan to force Qiao Dongliang into action.

    It was great. Qiao Zijin had let Qiao Dongliang have a taste of shooting himself in the foot. ¡°Are you done? Do you have anything else to say?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was dissatisfied. ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you going to answer me? I noticed that Mom looks unwell and dispirited these days. She even looks like she¡¯s lost weight. Dad, you¡¯re a grown man. You can¡¯t possibly stay angry at Mom. Even if Mom really did something wrong, what¡¯s wrong with apologizing to her and coaxing her as a man?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°So it seems like you know that I¡¯m not at fault here.¡± He was not the one at fault but had to take the initiative to apologize. ¡°Zijin, do you remember why your mom and I got into an argument in the first ce?¡±

    If Zijin truly wished for the couple to reconcile, this was not the attitude or tone she should have.

    The couple had only gotten into a fight because Qiao Zijin had wanted to take too much from Qiao Nan without any limits and because Ding Jiayi had allowed Qiao Zijin to make such unreasonable demands of Qiao Nan without any care for Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings.

    If Qiao Zijin could put away her greed and start making a living for herself, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang would eventually reconcile even without the need for someone to counsel them.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin was entirely insincere about the couple getting back together. That was not her end goal. She only hoped that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi could stand on her side so that she would not lose out on benefits. Then, she would be able to take everything that belonged to Qiao Nan, just as she had done in the past.

    Since Qiao Zijin was not at all sincere, her persuasion was trulycking.

    ¡°I... It¡¯s been so long. How would I know what you were arguing with Mom about? No matter what, what I said earlier stands. Dad, you¡¯re a man. You should apologize to Mom.¡± Qiao Zijin did not feel guilty about the fact that her parents had gotten into an argument because of her, and she evenmanded her dad to apologize.

    Qiao Zijin was truly infuriated but Qiao Dongliang was still calm. He took a sip of water. ¡°Zijin, Chen Feng is almost old enough to get his own identity card. As Chen Feng¡¯s mother, you should be more mature. You¡¯re not the emperor or a national cadre. Do you really think that others will be willing to follow yourmands? Don¡¯t live with such a sense of superiority.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were not as powerful as she thought. Not everyone would get down to work and listen to her just because shemanded them to do something.

 Chapter 2103 - Means

    <h4>Chapter 2103: Means</h4>

    No, that was not the case. ¡°Of course, I know that you won¡¯t listen to me, but I don¡¯t care either way. If you have nothing else, go out. I want some space to think about something.¡±

    Qiao Zijin nearly fainted from anger because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s unweing attitude. Her dad was not taking her words to heart at all. He was even trying to poke fun at her by saying that she was the empress!

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve changed! Since when have you be so unfamiliar and scary? I¡¯m just trying to counsel you so that you¡¯ll reconcile with Mom and live happily with her. I¡¯m being considerate of you and Mom. How could you say that of me? What have I done wrong for you to talk about me in this way?¡± Leaving aside how she would benefit, both her parents would benefit from this situation as well. She was not doing it for herself alone.

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head. ¡°It looks like you don¡¯t have anything else to say. Go out. I¡¯m busy.¡±

    He had been calcting how to scrimp and save in theing days. He knew that the prices of newborn baby products were sky-high. Just a simple milk bottle would cause him a week¡¯s worth of his living expenses.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to strike back at Qiao Dongliang. What could a retired factory worker be busy with? The only person whom her dad was concerned about now was Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan had indeed married well. Her parents¡¯ attitude toward Qiao Nan had changed drastically, especially her dad!

    When she had been married to Chen Jun in the past, her parents had treated her this well too.

    Thinking about the difference in her lifestyles in the past and now, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart ached. She had not wanted to get a divorce and she had wanted to marry well and live a good life with Chen Jun too. The problem was that Chen Jun had always loved that vixen, Qiao Nan, and had been unwilling to live with her. He had even found himself mistresses. What else could she have done?

    If her parents had disciplined Qiao Nan well, Qiao Nan would never have been able to seduce her brother-inw. Then, Qiao Zijin would still be married to Chen Jun and would still be the daughter-inw of the Chen family. As long as she was still married to Chen Jun, her parents would never treat her in this way even if Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Dad...¡± Qiao Zijin wanted to throw a tantrum but did not know how to do so in order for Qiao Dongliang to give in to her and Ding Jiayi¡¯s n. After thinking it through, Qiao Zijin decided she could only try to coax him into doing so. ¡°Do you know how hurt Mom has been? She¡¯s really lost a lot of weight. My heart breaks when I see her. Dad, I¡¯m begging you. For the sake of our family and for my sake, will you coax Mom? You just want to get a divorce from Mom, but I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want to see her die of a broken heart, right? Besides, I¡¯m sure you have feelings for her after being married to her for so many years. How can you get a divorce just like that? Am I not a good negative example? Do you really think that divorce is such a trivial matter? There are some things that can¡¯t be taken back once you say them.¡±

    More importantly, there was no way her dad would find a partner of higher standards than her mom if he were to get divorced.

    ¡°Dad, as long as you reconcile with Mom, I¡¯ll agree to any of your requests. What do you think?¡± She had already gone to the extent of sacrificing herself. Her dad had to be moved, right? She had never said such mushy words in this family.

    Qiao Dongliang hesitated and did not chase Qiao Zijin out anymore. ¡°Will you really ede to any of my demands as long as I get back together with your mom?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Did that mean that her dad would really be so shameless as to make unreasonable demands of his own daughter? She had only said that for the sake of it... Because Qiao Zijin had not answered immediately, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression changed and he gestured for Qiao Zijin to leave.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face had soured, Qiao Zijin had no other choice. ¡°Yes, as long as you reconcile with Mom, I¡¯ll do whatever you want to the best of my abilities. Is that a deal? But I have one condition. Dad, I have to remind you that I¡¯m just an ordinary person and my abilities are limited. If you insist on demanding something that is beyond my reach, I¡¯ll have no choice either.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t make those demands.¡± He was not Ding Jiayi, who only made such unreasonable demands. ¡°Since I¡¯ve decided to ask you for it, I already made sure that it¡¯s something you¡¯re definitely able to do unless you¡¯re unwilling to do it.¡±

    Because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s firm tone, Qiao Zijin had a tingling sense that it would not go down well. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior was indeed unsettling. ¡°Dad, tell me what it is.¡±

    She would just listen to his demands. Listening would do her no harm anyway. If she could not do it, her dad would simply maintain his distance from her mom, at the very most. Her dad could not possibly try to kill her just because she could not ede to his demands, right?

    She would do her best to fulfill his demands if she could. Otherwise, her mom had better not me her either. She had already tried her best.

    Although Qiao Zijin hade up with a backup n for herself, she could not help but run out of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room in shock after hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s request. Then, she went up to Ding Jiayi, sobbing. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve tried my best for the sake of your happiness, but Dad has really gone overboard. Dad has only Qiao Nan in his heart now. He haspletely given up on me for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. Even if I die, he won¡¯t even spare me a nce!¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin had gone to talk to Qiao Dongliang to resolve the tension between the couple. Ding Jiayi was still angry at Qiao Zijin over the hundred thousand yuan, butpared to her husband, Qiao Dongliang, that sum of money meant little.

    Her initial intention had been to appease Qiao Dongliang with the hundred thousand yuan from Qiao Zijin. All these years, Ding Jiayi had always cajoled Qiao Zijin with money that she had gotten from Qiao Nan every time Qiao Zijin got angry at her.

    This was the method that Ding Jiayi was used to. Money was just a means to an end. It was not Ding Jiayi¡¯s ultimate goal.

    As long as Qiao Zijin managed to appease Qiao Dongliang such that the couple¡¯s rtionship returned to normal, Ding Jiayi would not care even if Qiao Zijin did not give her that hundred thousand yuan.

 Chapter 2104 - Hereditary

    <h4>Chapter 2104: Hereditary</h4>

    Hearing Qiao Zijin pouring out her grievances, Ding Jiayi frowned and the first thing she asked was, ¡°So, you meant that you didn¡¯t manage to appease your dad and he¡¯s still upset with me?¡± That was to say that he was still unwilling to reconcile with her and was still going to ignore her and divorce her?

    Qiao Zijin was heartbroken when she realized that Ding Jiayi¡¯s emphasis had been ced on the wrong thing. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m no longer Dad¡¯s daughter to him and you¡¯re not his wife either. He thinks about only Qiao Nan. I guess that my dad won¡¯t listen to anyone but Qiao Nan.¡±

    Besides, she was sobbing so badly. Should her mom not have asked what her dad had said to hurt her so deeply?

    Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth. ¡°Do you have Qiao Nan¡¯s number?¡± What Zijin was saying was that neither she nor Zijin was as important as that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, in Old Qiao¡¯s heart now. The only person who could convince Old Qiao not to get a divorce from her was Qiao Nan.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin froze. What was wrong with the Qiao family today? Why had neither her dad nor her mom managed to catch the most important points of her words? They had even said things that made her cry! ¡°No...¡±

    Ding Jiayi was upset. ¡°I saw you use your dad¡¯s phone the other day while he was cooking. Don¡¯t tell me that there¡¯s anything other than that wretched girl¡¯s number that you¡¯re interested in on your dad¡¯s phone.¡±

    ¡°...¡± What could Qiao Zijin say now that Ding Jiayi had already put it that way? She had no choice but to hand over Qiao Nan¡¯s number. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan blocked my number.¡± Qiao Nan was already treating her this way. If that was the case, how would she treat her mom, whom she probably hated even more than Qiao Zijin?

    She had never once seen the money that Qiao Nan had sent to the family and Qiao Nan had always directly contacted her dad without even letting her mom know. As such, Qiao Nan should probably treat her mom worse than she treated her.

    ¡°She won¡¯t dare to do that!¡± Ding Jiayi was in denial. ¡°I¡¯m her mother. I¡¯m not calling her to create trouble for her or to get money from her. There¡¯s no need to hide from me.¡± Her request would not concern Qiao Nan¡¯s interests, so there was no reason for that wretched girl to refuse. If that wretched girl dared to refuse, she would definitely make that wretched girl¡¯s life a living hell!

    Of course, if that wretched girl agreed straightaway, she would not need to make a fuss and would even be able to save herself some trouble.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi still in disbelief, Qiao Zijinughed. Shepletelycked self-awareness. The one whom Qiao Nan hated most in the Qiao family was her mom. Her mom had been the root cause of all her unjust and unfair treatment. Her mom seemed to have forgotten about two things.

    Firstly, her mom had taken advantage of the Zhai family¡¯s name and had almostnded the Zhai family in trouble. Secondly, it had not been a month since her mom had told Qiao Nan about that matter. Her mom¡¯s memory might not be good and she could have forgotten about it, but there was no way Qiao Nan would have forgotten about it.

    That day, she had called Qiao Nan and had managed to talk to Qiao Nan for a little while. As for her mom... Just wait and see. Once Qiao Nan recognized her mom¡¯s voice, she would definitely hang up straightaway.

    Qiao Zijin could not wait to see the look on Ding Jiayi¡¯s face when that happened. With such aparison, Qiao Zijin might even think that she had a better image as an elder sister in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind aspared to her mother, Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin had been half-right with her guess. As expected, Ding Jiayi had been treated no better than Qiao Zijin had when she made the call. But Qiao Nan had never even picked up the phone. No, it was more urate to say that Ding Jiayi had not even been able to get through.

    Ding Jiayi red up upon hearing the continuous beeping sounds. ¡°Did she switch off her phone?¡± Ding Jiayi had the urge to smash her phone but could not bear to do so. ¡°I¡¯m not deaf. I heard your dad talking to that wretched girl just half an hour ago. How could she switch her phone off so quickly?¡±

    What angered Ding Jiayi even more was that she had gotten Qiao Nan¡¯s mobile phone number and not thendline of the Zhai family. In that way, she had no way of contacting the Zhai family apart from through Qiao Nan. Did the Zhai family really not care that their daughter-inw was being so unfilial to her own biological mother?

    Since Qiao Nan could not even be bothered about her own biological mother now, the elderly Zhai couple should be worried that they would be next!

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Let me try again.¡± Ding Jiayi did not believe that there would truly be such a coincidence that Qiao Nan¡¯s phone would be switched off apart from the time when Qiao Dongliang called her. Phone bills had to be paid regardless of whether the phone was switched on or not. Since when had Qiao Nan¡¯s phone gained the ability to switch on only when Qiao Dongliang called her?

    Unfortunately, no matter how many times Ding Jiayi tried, all she heard was a mechanical voice informing her that the other party¡¯s phone was switched off.

    Qiao Zijin ground her teeth. ¡°Stop calling her. You won¡¯t get through. Qiao Nan probably switched her phone off. Even if she didn¡¯t, her phone¡¯s probably not with her.¡±

    Why? Because Qiao Nan was pregnant and the phone had radiation.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had overheard that when she had gone to find Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Zijin was still keeping Ding Jiayi in the dark about something else. Not only had she heard that Qiao Nan was pregnant, but she had even heard Qiao Dongliang repeating the word ¡®three¡¯. Qiao Zijin could not help but wonder if Qiao Nan was indeed pregnant with triplets.

    ¡°Mom, was my grandpa a triplet?¡± After all, she had tried to eavesdrop through a door and could not clearly hear what Qiao Dongliang had told Qiao Nan. But since she had already brought up the topic, Qiao Zijin decided to rify the matter with Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°I think so.¡± These things were too far in the past for even Ding Jiayi. ¡°When I got married to your father, I think I paid respects to four people. At that time, your dad told me that two of them were your grandparents and the others were his elder and second uncles. There were three of them but I¡¯m not sure if they were triplets.¡±

    There was nothing strange about her grandpa having two brothers. Even in her generation, she had a sibling. However, her grandpa had been the only surviving one out of the three siblings. That was why the Qiao family had no other rtives.

    ¡°So it¡¯s true.¡± Even though Ding Jiayi¡¯s answer was vague, Qiao Zijin was certain that Qiao Nan was not just pregnant but also pregnant with triplets.

 Chapter 2105 - Wonderful

    <h4>Chapter 2105: Wonderful</h4>

    Upon thinking that Qiao Nan was so lucky that she even had more children than others, Qiao Zijin felt extremely jealous. Very quickly, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but have evil thoughts. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s current age, it would be dangerous for her to be pregnant with just one child. She even dared to have three children at once.

    Other people would experience two deaths with one corpse. If something happened to Qiao Nan, it would be four deaths with one corpse.

    The Zhai family had a huge business. They would definitely value children more than Chen Jun. What if something really happened to Qiao Nan when she was giving birth? The Zhai family would choose to protect the young instead of Qiao Nan, right? At this time, even Chen Jun would remarry a younger woman after divorcing her. As the chief, would Zhai Sheng remain a monk for the rest of his life after losing Qiao Nan?

    What a joke!

    In the beginning, Qiao Zijin wanted to keep this matter a secret. However, she decided not to now as she had new thoughts. Before Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, she was thinking of ways for Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun so that she could help her chase away all the vixens by Chen Jun¡¯s side. Then, no other child would appear and snatch away everything of the Chen family from Chen Feng.

    Wasn¡¯t it the same if this situation was reversed now?

    Once Qiao Nan was dead, it was destined that Zhai Sheng had to remarry so that this woman could take care of him and the children. Instead of letting Zhai Sheng marry someone else, why not let him marry her? She was Qiao Nan¡¯s birth sister and the aunt of Qiao Nan¡¯s children. If Zhai Sheng married another woman, she would only regard Qiao Nan¡¯s children as thorns in her eyes.

    She was different. She would treat these triplets well. After all, she had already given it a thought a long time ago. Her only son could still inherit everything from the Chen family. Once she became the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, she would raise Qiao Nan¡¯s three children. The Zhai family and Zhai Sheng would have no reason to reject her if she hoped that these three children and the Zhai family would give Chen Feng more resources to help him along.

    After getting a divorce from Chen Jun, she always held it in her heart. She was faintly expecting that she would be able to meet a man who was more outstanding than Chen Jun, one that Chen Jun would have to curry favor with. She would let everyone know that it wasn¡¯t her loss that she had gotten a divorce from Chen Jun. The person who really lost was Chen Jun. Chen Jun didn¡¯t have the foresight. He had affairs behind her back and couldn¡¯t keep her.

    See? Without Chen Jun, she could find a better man.

    This kind of counterattack psychology wasmon to many people.

    Qiao Zijin had never had a chance to meet such a person before. However, it was different now. Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng. The most famous Zhai family in the southern quad became the Qiao family¡¯s inws. Her rtionship with the Zhai family became much closer suddenly.

    At that time, if Qiao Nan helped her and put in a good word for her in front of the Zhai family, the Zhai family could change their impression of her. Then, what she thought of just now would not bepletely impossible.

    Upon thinking about these ¡®possibilities¡¯, Qiao Zijin was so excited that she nearly jumped up. She didn¡¯t expect that although the idea she had thought of previously couldn¡¯t be used on Qiao Nan and Chen Jun, it now had a chance to be used on her and Zhai Sheng. Rather than letting Qiao Nan marry Chen Jun and help Chen Feng keep an eye on everything in the Chen family, it was naturally more wonderful for her to marry Zhai Sheng so that the Zhai family could help Chen Feng in the future.

    Hahaha...

    Good sister. Indeed, Qiao Nan was her good sister. In this lifetime, her biggest blessing wasn¡¯t to have a mother like Ding Jiayi but a sister like Qiao Nan. Without Qiao Nan acting as a stepping stone to her happiness by being close to the Zhai family first, based on her situation, she would never have the chance to meet Zhai Sheng in this lifetime, let alone marry him.

    After all, such an example had already happened once. Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan bring along Chen Jun, this husband, to her? The greatest happiness of Qiao Nan¡¯s birth was to bring her a steady stream of happiness!

    ¡°Rx.¡± The more she thought about it, the more agitated Qiao Zijin became and the tighter she held Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand. Ding Jiayi felt pained. ¡°Let go quickly. My wrist is about to be bruised from your grip. If you have something to say, say it. Why are you being crazy?¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin still refused to let go, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t wait anymore. She simply twisted the back of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand. Indeed, when Qiao Zijin felt pain as well, she reflexively let go of Ding Jiayi and no longer pinched her.

    ¡°Mom, I just thought of something. Help me analyze it.¡± Ding Jiayi neverid a hand on Qiao Zijin. This time, not only was Qiao Zijin not angry after being pinched by Ding Jiayi, but she even smiled. Ding Jiayi had goose bumps as she watched her. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Tell me.¡± The way Zijin smiled was quite scary.

    ¡°Mom,e to my room. We¡¯ll have a separate chat there.¡± Qiao Zijin overheard the conversation between Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan when they were on the phone. As such, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but worry that her father would overhear the conversation between her and her mother. Her father¡¯s temper was getting stranger. Wasn¡¯t her father admitted to the hospital previously because he had overheard the conversation between her and her mother?

    She had already suffered such a loss several times. This time was important. She definitely couldn¡¯t fall again at the same spot. If her father knew about this matter this time, she didn¡¯t need to live anymore.

    ¡°What is it that we have to go to your room to talk about? Why is it so mysterious?¡± That being said, Ding Jiayi still let Qiao Zijin pull her into the room. ¡°Alright, you can speak now.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute. We¡¯re not in a rush.¡± After Qiao Zijin pulled Ding Jiayi into the room, not only did she specially close the door, but she also looked at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s door before closing. After confirming that Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t being out, she closed the door and even sealed the gaps around the door tightly with the few pieces of clothing she found.

    Ding Jiayi frowned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? These clothes are dirty. Don¡¯t think of getting me to wash them. Do it yourself.¡± She didn¡¯t wear those clothes but put them on the floor instead. On the other hand, she wasn¡¯t willing to buy her new clothes. This daughter was really...

    ¡°Mom,e over. I have something important to share with you.¡± As long as the matter was done, what were these clothes to her? If her mother really cared about it, she would definitely provide her with them in the future, no matter how many clothes she wanted.

    Not only did Qiao Zijin seal the gaps around the door tightly, but she even deliberately lowered her voice when talking to Ding Jiayi. This was a form of double insurance.

    ¡°You...¡± Upon hearing that Qiao Nan was pregnant with triplets so soon after getting married, Ding Jiayi feltplicated in her heart. Of course, if Qiao Zijin was pregnant with triplets when she was married to Chen Jun back then, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to publicize this to everyone immediately so that everyone in the quad knew how wonderful the daughter she gave birth to was.

 Chapter 2106 - Help Me

    <h4>Chapter 2106: Help Me</h4>

    However, when the target became Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi naturally didn¡¯t have the mood. ¡°Zijin, you want to... It¡¯s impossible. Don¡¯t think about it.¡± That wretched girl wouldn¡¯t agree to it. If she didn¡¯t put pressure on Chen Jun¡¯s matter back then, based on Chen Jun¡¯s feelings for that wretched girl, it was highly likely that Zijin¡¯s child would be aborted and Chen Jun could only be Zijin¡¯s brother-inw.

    The situation was like that for Chen Jun, let alone Zhai Sheng, a man who was not easy to control. Twenty years ago, Ding Jiayi sessfully helped Qiao Zijin double-cross Qiao Nan by snatching away Chen Jun, Qiao Nan¡¯s boyfriend, to be Qiao Zijin¡¯s husband. However, twenty yearster, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t confident that she could do what she had done back then again.

    It was different. It waspletely different.

    When Chen Jun was dating Qiao Nan, he even treated her as an elder to be respected when he walked around the Qiao family¡¯s house. Now that Zhai Sheng was her son-inw for half a year, aside from that time when Old Qiao was hospitalized, Zhai Sheng never treated her as his mother-inw. He never came to see her or care about her.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t forget the shameful experience of being stopped several times when she wanted to go to the Zhai family¡¯s house. Although they didn¡¯t say it explicitly, Ding Jiayi understood it in her heart that the Zhai family never treated her as a rtive. Under such circumstances, how was she able to let her elder daughter marry Zhai Sheng after Qiao Nan¡¯s death?

    It wasn¡¯t the ancient times of feudalism. How could the elder sister marry her brother-inw after her younger sister¡¯s death to take care of her husband and children? That was absurd.

    ¡°How do you know it definitely won¡¯t work if you don¡¯t try? Qiao Nan is already forty years old this year. Giving birth to a child at this age is already more dangerous than what an average pregnant woman faces. Furthermore, she¡¯s pregnant with three children. It¡¯s highly likely that she wouldn¡¯t survive that stage. Compared to an outsider, could it be that I, her birth sister, am not as trustworthy? I dare to swear that I would definitely take good care of her three children and wouldn¡¯t do anything to them. What she doesn¡¯t need to worry more is that it is already so dangerous for her to give birth at the age of forty and I¡¯m two years older than her.¡±

    ¡°If I were to marry into the Zhai family and be Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, based on my situation, it¡¯s impossible for me to give birth to a younger sibling for Qiao Nan¡¯s three children. No matter how wishful my thinking is, I won¡¯t be so naive to think that Zhai Sheng will be willing to give everything of the Zhai family to my Feng Feng when he has three children of his own to dote on. I don¡¯t ask for much. Once she dies, I¡¯ll raise her three children. Before she dies, she just has to tell Zhai Sheng to take care of Feng Feng more in the future and that when educating the three children, for them to be closer to my Feng Feng.¡±

    There was nothing wrong with this.

    After she married Zhai Sheng, Feng Feng would no longer be the triplet¡¯s cousin. Instead, he would be their brother. How wonderful it was to have four children looking out for one another. Their Qiao family was at a disadvantage as they had a weak foundation and they didn¡¯t have many rtives at home who could help. However, this would not be the case in the future. These four children would help one another. Their Qiao family could be considered a big family in the future as well.

    ¡°Mom, believe me. This time, I¡¯m really doing this for our Qiao family. After getting a divorce from me, Chen Jun had to remarry a younger girl, let alone a person like Zhai Sheng. I cherish my life and won¡¯t be having another child. If Zhai Sheng remarries a younger woman, won¡¯t she give birth? Once that woman has her own child, how could she treat Qiao Nan¡¯s children well? She would definitely hope for Qiao Nan¡¯s children to die sooner. I only have a small conflict with Qiao Nan. She¡¯s about to be a mother as well. Compared to our children¡¯s safety and happiness, what¡¯s that little grievance we had before? She would understand my painstaking efforts and agree to this.¡±

    That was because Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a reason to disagree!

    This was already the best possibility Qiao Zijin could think of after Qiao Nan¡¯s death. Who should take Qiao Nan¡¯s position and bring the best possible future to Qiao Nan¡¯s three children? It was proven that as long as Qiao Nan let Zhai Sheng marry her, Qiao Nan¡¯s three children would be safe.

    ¡°...Is that possible?¡± Ding Jiayi was a little confused by Qiao Zijin. She secretly felt that Qiao Zijin¡¯s words seemed to make some sense. One didn¡¯t allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others. Rather than letting others benefit from a good son-inw like Zhai Sheng, they might as well let someone of their own benefit.

    Furthermore, this time was different from Chen Jun in the past. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t be considered snatching Zhai Sheng away from Qiao Nan. It was that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a good life. It was difficult for her to marry a good husband like Zhai Sheng. However, she had to be unlucky and be pregnant with three children at once, leading her to her death.

    ¡°It is! How is it not possible? I...¡± Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and told herself to be steady. This time, she, Qiao Zijin, was about to be given a new lease of life, and she would let everyone¡¯s sses fall to the ground. ¡°Mom, have you forgotten what kind of person I am and how my temper is? I admit thatpared to Qiao Nan, my temper is not as good as hers and I have a much stronger personality. I¡¯m selfish and only think for myself. However, in the face of Feng Feng, my son, haven¡¯t I given in?¡±

    ¡°The rtionships among me, Qiao Nan, and Chen Jun are too sensitive andplicated. How I hated Qiao Nan in the past. I would definitely not let Qiao Nan have a chance to get together with Chen Jun. However, you know as well that not too long ago, for the sake of Feng Feng, I¡¯d alreadypromised and was willing to return Chen Jun to Qiao Nan. I was willing to let Qiao Nan have the chance to lead the life of a rich youngdy and gain everything that I¡¯ve lost. Did I really do this so that Qiao Nan could lead a good life? I just want Feng Feng to be well. For the sake of my child, a person like me could care less about Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan has a better temper than me. In front of the children, it¡¯s only right that she should be able to do more than me and sacrifice more than me.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t a good mother and person. Qiao Nan would definitely do the things that she could think of and do and be willing to do so. There was nothing more important than one¡¯s own children.

    Ding Jiayi was convinced by Qiao Zijin. ¡°Okay, since you¡¯re so confident, work hard.¡± Compared to Qiao Nan marrying Zhai Sheng, it was naturally better for Qiao Zijin to marry Zhai Sheng.

    When she first heard that Qiao Nan was going to marry Zhai Sheng, Ding Jiayi¡¯s first reaction was why the person marrying Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin but Qiao Nan. As such, Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were in sync with what Ding Jiayi wanted.

    ¡°Mom, help me!¡± She knew that her mother would agree to this. Only her mother understood her well. ¡°I want to marry Zhai Sheng and help Qiao Nan take care of the three children. The most crucial thing is that Qiao Nan has to put in a good word for me in front of the Zhai family so that I can gain more impression points. Only Qiao Nan could help me seed in this marriage.¡±

 Chapter 2107 - Two Hundred Thousand Yuan

    <h4>Chapter 2107: Two Hundred Thousand Yuan</h4>

    If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t convince the Zhai family and Zhai Sheng, she wouldn¡¯t have the chance to be the chief¡¯s wife in this lifetime. On the contrary, if Qiao Nan was willing to help her, she would have half seeded first. Under Qiao Nan¡¯s persuasion, once Zhai Sheng agreed to it, she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape from the position of the chief¡¯s wife.

    On the contrary, if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t help her, even if she didn¡¯t stop her and let her try based on her own abilities, she would definitely not be able to seed.

    ¡°Based on what you¡¯re saying, only Qiao Nan can help you. How can I help you?¡± The Zhai family didn¡¯t want to see her. If she asked Zhai Sheng to marry Zijin, would he listen? No!

    ¡°Of course you can help me. You can help me make Qiao Nan agree with me. I feel that as a mother, it¡¯s instinctive to protect one¡¯s child and think for him or her. However, I did have a lot of conflicts with Nan Nan in the past and our rtionship isn¡¯t as good. You¡¯re our mother. I think if I have a better attitude when admitting my mistakes and with you helping me, Qiao Nan could at least acknowledge me as a sister before she dies while giving birth.¡±

    If Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to acknowledge her as a sister, then how would she let her marry into the Zhai family? It was quiteplicated for her to marry Zhai Sheng. Thankfully, there were still a few months for her to mend her rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    If she only thought of this when something happened to Qiao Nan while she was giving birth, then it would all be toote. It wasn¡¯tte now. There was room to work hard and redeem herself. This time, she wouldn¡¯t let her own happiness and lifetime glory brush past her.

    Ding Jiayi waved her hands in boredom. ¡°You have thought it well. If this could work, it¡¯s a pretty good and practical idea. However, I can¡¯t help you. Isn¡¯t your experience of how ruthless Qiao Nan that wretched girl could be toward us the deepest? She¡¯d rather you sell your house to pay for the medical treatment than fork out the money she had on hand. I sued her because of that. Based on her attitude, do you think she would listen to my words and treat me as a mother and you as a sister? Do you think it¡¯s possible?¡±

    As long as the matter didn¡¯t happen to her, it was pretty easy to share everything in hindsight. Ding Jiayi had analyzed well.

    After hearing Ding Jiayi¡¯s words and thinking about what Ding Jiayi said when she called Qiao Nan just now, Qiao Zijin felt so angry that she wanted to vomit blood. ¡°Mom, just tell me directly what I should do so that you will help me. For this matter, it¡¯s best if our family of three work hard together. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would no longer be rtives with me and recognize me as a sister. The three of us can¡¯t work without one of us.¡±

    ¡°For me to help you? I¡¯ve already said it. I don¡¯t have the ability to help you.¡± Ding Jiayi shook her head. She couldn¡¯t even resolve her own matters. How could she help her? ¡°You know Qiao Nan¡¯s situation and you understand your dad¡¯s temper. Let¡¯s not talk about crossing the hurdle with Qiao Nan first. Based on your dad alone, you can give up first. If he would agree to this, I wouldn¡¯t have been so vexed in the first ce.¡±

    Qiao Zijin stomped her feet. ¡°Mom, at this point in time, can you not be so honest? Do you treat me as a fool? My dad...¡± Upon realizing that her voice had be louder, Qiao Zijin hurriedly lowered her volume. ¡°I know my dad is biased toward Qiao Nan and won¡¯t agree to my n. The problem is that I only want my dad to help me reconcile with Qiao Nan. As to how I¡¯m going to marry Zhai Sheng, I don¡¯t intend to bring my dad into the picture.¡±

    She was willing to apologize to Qiao Nan and have a close rtionship with her as sisters. As to why she did this, did her dad need to know so much? Her dad only needed to know the part that would make him happy and satisfied. As for the rest, she, the daughter, would cope with it alone.

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi became silent. She knew that if this was the case, it could work.

    ¡°Mom, help me!¡±

    Ding Jiayi pulled back her hand and saidzily, ¡°I¡¯ll support you mentally.¡± She was still in despair toward this daughter, Zijin. She had spent half a lifetime with Old Qiao and didn¡¯t want to be a divorc¨¦e. She couldn¡¯t even handle the affairs between them well. For her daughter¡¯s matter, she couldn¡¯t take care of it either.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re so useless to let Dad y you like a fool. You¡¯re even influenced by him like this. Can you be more diligent and fight for the face of us, women?¡± Wasn¡¯t it just a man? At this age, they didn¡¯t even have any interaction in bed anymore. So be it. What was there to feel upset about? Was her mom brainless? Why couldn¡¯t she understand such a simple question?

    Ding Jiayi nced at Qiao Zijin and couldn¡¯t be bothered to answer her. She stood up and wanted to head back to the living room to watch TV.

    Fight for women?

    When Zijin and Chen Jun were on the brink of divorce, how did Zijin kneel down and beg Chen Jun not to divorce her? She had seen all kinds of scenarios before. It didn¡¯t hurt if it wasn¡¯t her own business. As such, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart toward Qiao Zijin became cold again.

    Once she saw that Ding Jiayi was about to leave, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to pull her back. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t go. I¡¯m just feeling heartache for you. Dad threw temper at you but you still care so much about him. I think that¡¯s not worth it. You¡¯ve taken care of him for so many years and even gave birth to two daughters for him. What about him? He didn¡¯t give you anything. Mom, really. I just feel heartache for you.¡±

    She knew that Ding Jiayi was a person who wouldn¡¯tmit herself until sess was certain. It was obvious that if she didn¡¯t fork out money and do something to satisfy Ding Jiayi, the ¡®big n¡¯ today couldn¡¯t be discussed anymore. Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and said painfully, ¡°Sure. Mom, didn¡¯t you want one hundred thousand yuan? Even if I feel that Dad treats you badly, I can¡¯t stop you from cherishing him. I¡¯ll give you one hundred thousand yuan so that you can reconcile with him. Mom, will you help me now?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really giving me one hundred thousand yuan?¡± She thought that until the day she died, Zijin would never agree to give her this sum of money. After all, if it wasn¡¯t a matter of life-and-death, she could still remember how difficult it was for Zijin to fork out fifty thousand yuan thest time Old Qiao was hospitalized. ¡°Why are you so generous this time around?¡±

    Zijin wanted her and Old Qiao to help. From the start to the end, they only needed to move their mouths. It wasn¡¯t something extremely ¡®difficult¡¯ or ¡®tough¡¯. How would that cost one hundred thousand yuan? As such, when Qiao Zijin was suddenly willing to use one hundred thousand yuan to buy the peace between Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, Ding Jiayi was so shocked that her jaw was about to drop. ¡°Zijin, are you feeling unwell today?¡±

    If Zijin recovered from her illness afterward and didn¡¯t admit to the words she said today, she would really be happy for nothing.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just one hundred thousand yuan? I¡¯m even willing to give you two hundred thousand yuan as long as you¡¯re happy.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2108: Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 2108 - Comint</h4>

    ¡°I promise you that I won¡¯t even blink when I take it.¡± Because she had already said so, Qiao Zijin would rather act generous and rxed in order to appease Ding Jiayi instead of embarrassing herself.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°Really? If that¡¯s really the case, fine. Give me two hundred thousand.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s body quivered slightly. It was true that one ought not to boast. Otherwise, one would truly get struck by lightning. She had only used two hundred thousand as an example. She had never expected that her mom would follow suit and ask for just as much. But because she had already boasted, Qiao Zijin could not afford to back down or change her mind.

    If she were to change her mind now, there was no way she would be able to get anything done afterward. Not only would she be unable to salvage her rtionship with Qiao Nan, but her mom¡¯s attitude toward her would also get even colder.

    Two hundred thousand? Heartbroken?

    No matter how heartbroken she was, she had to fork out this two hundred thousand!

    ¡°Alright. I said it. If that makes you happy, I¡¯ll give you two hundred thousand.¡± This time, Qiao Zijin learned her lesson and dared not offer a greater sum of three hundred thousand. What if Ding Jiayi dared to ask for even more?

    After agreeing to her request, Qiao Zijin quickly whipped her phone out, nning to transfer the money over to Ding Jiayi in case she changed her mind again.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Qiao Zijin was stopped by Ding Jiayi before she could even open the app on her phone. Qiao Zijin could not help but hope that Ding Jiayi had suddenly changed her mind and no longer wanted the two hundred thousand.

    What she was truly afraid of was Ding Jiayi changing her mind and deciding on a higher amount.

    Qiao Zijin paled. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mom?¡±

    Ding Jiayi said after a while, ¡°Don¡¯t transfer it to me. Create a new ount with a simple password and transfer two hundred thousand to it.¡± If Zijin transferred the money to her, she would then have to transfer it to Old Qiao. That would be a hassle. She might as well just hand Old Qiao the card.

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Qiao Zijin sighed as she wiped away the sweat on her forehead. ¡°It¡¯s still early. Shall I go to the bank and get the card?¡± As long as she did not demand more money.

    ¡°Alright.¡± It was better to get this done as quickly as possible. Old Qiao¡¯s recent attitude toward her was unsettling. ¡°Zijin, what¡¯s the matter with you today?¡± Not only had she readily agreed to give her a hundred thousand, but she had not even flinched when Ding Jiayi proposed a sum of two hundred thousand. In fact, Zijin had been the one who suggested that sum.

    This was such a rare situation for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Right, you came crying just now after talking to your dad. What did your dad say that hurt you so badly?¡±

    Thinking about that, Ding Jiayi suddenly came to a realization. ¡°Did your dad say something to you just now? Was that why you were so willing to give me two hundred thousand?¡± That had to be the case. Otherwise, there would never have been such a drastic change in Zijin¡¯s attitude.

    Ding Jiayi had not forgotten about how Qiao Zijin had been so adamant about her rejection earlier and had even thrown a tantrum at her. She had tried everything to convince Qiao Zijin but she had refused to hand over that hundred thousand yuan. But today, Qiao Zijin suddenly changed her mind after Qiao Dongliang had talked to her. After crying, not only had Qiao Zijin willingly handed over a hundred thousand yuan, but she had even agreed to raise the amount to two hundred thousand yuan!

    Ding Jiayi was confused about Qiao Zijin¡¯s sudden change. Had she not had a good rtionship with Qiao Zijin? Why did Zijin refuse to listen to her but change her mind after talking to Old Qiao?

    Did that mean that Old Qiao was more capable of handling Zijin than she was? Had she treated Zijin well in vain? Even after everything she had done, Zijin was much more willing to listen to Old Qiao instead.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Qiao Zijin had indeed intended to tell Ding Jiayi what her dad had said earlier and why she had been crying. But now, Qiao Zijin had no desire to talk about it anymore.

    She had already made the sacrifice to hand over two hundred thousand. Her ultimate goal was not simply to appease her mom. She hoped that after her mom and dad reconciled, the three of them would work together again as they had done in the past. As long as they did, Qiao Nan would be no match for them and she would definitely have to listen to them.

    Once things returned to normal, she would wait for Qiao Nan to give birth to her children. Then, she would take over everything that belonged to Qiao Nan, marry Zhai Sheng, and be the chief¡¯s wife.

    After being sure about that, there was no way Qiao Zijin was going to argue with Ding Jiayi or Qiao Dongliang. In fact, she was willing to coax them as though they were her ancestors, hoping that they would treat her as well as they had in the past. If they were to bring up that topic and get into another argument, their rtionship would only worsen even before it improved.

    ¡°Mom, the bank closes quite early and they stop epting customers at four. I¡¯ll go get a new bank card immediately and pass it to you.¡± Since she no longer wanted to talk about why she had cried or gotten angry, Qiao Zijin changed the topic and left for the bank as soon as possible.

    Along the way, Qiao Zijin felt ted. She could not help but feel that this was the one and only time she felt so happy and willing to withdraw so much money.

    It was exactly because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior that Ding Jiayi was curious. Qiao Zijin might have gone to the bank but Qiao Dongliang was still at home. After emerging from Qiao Zijin¡¯s room, Ding Jiayi sat down in the living room. Her eyes were pinned on the television, but her mind was not present at all until Qiao Dongliang walked out of his room. ¡°Old Qiao,e here. I have something to ask you.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang rolled his eyes. ¡°I just came out to get some water. Just say what you want to say. I¡¯ll listen to whatever I want to.¡± Every time Ding Jiayi wanted to talk to him, nothing good ever came out of it and they always parted in anger. Qiao Dongliang had no desire to experience that again.

    ¡°What did you tell Zijin when she went to look for you earlier?¡± Why had she run out while crying?

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Did shein to you about it? It seems like you guys have made up and are no longer fighting. If that¡¯s the case, congrattions.¡± Now that they were on good terms again, the mother and daughter could scheme against Qiao Nan again.

    Qiao Dongliang was reluctant to interfere and let them continue with their antics.

    #

 Chapter 2109: â€˜Peaceâ€™ in the Family

    <h4>Chapter 2109: ¡®Peace¡¯ in the Family</h4>

    He was all too sure that the mother and daughter could only be targeting one person: Qiao Nan. The more ideas they had, the more trouble Qiao Nan would face.

    Even when they had conflicts or disagreements, they would alwayse together to discuss how to scheme against Nan Nan and get the most out of Nan Nan.

    Especially after learning that Qiao Nan was pregnant, Qiao Dongliang hoped that the rtionship between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would remain ambiguous. It was impossible for them to have an even bigger fight, much less for them to disown each other.

    Ding Jiayi regarded Qiao Zijin as her precious baby, even thinking of Qiao Zijin as her life¡¯s pride and joy. Ding Jiayi was relying on Qiao Zijin to support her in her old age, so there was no way Ding Jiayi would bear to treat Qiao Zijin the way she treated Qiao Nan. No matter how angry she got at Qiao Zijin, she would never be too extreme and cut her off.

    The reverse was true too.

    The divorced Qiao Zijin had nothing to her name and everything under her name was all thanks to Ding Jiayi snatching them away from Qiao Nan. Without her mother, Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin would not even have a single rtive by her side. There was no way Qiao Zijin would give up on her mother, who was so useful to her.

    Because Ding Jiayi still had value to her and would not only create trouble for her, Ding Jiayi would always be Qiao Zijin¡¯s most beloved mother.

    Knowing that the mother and daughter would never sever ties with each other, Qiao Dongliang was not at all worried when they had gotten into an argument. There was no need to persuade them to reconcile with each other. He would let them be.

    Knowing that the mother and daughter had made up, Qiao Dongliang knew that trouble was brewing for Qiao Nan, who was caught in a rather precarious situation now since she had three babies growing inside her. If Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were to do anything, he would settle as much as he could. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to call Zhai Sheng for help to deal with them.

    Yes, Qiao Dongliang had Zhai Sheng¡¯s number. Zhai Sheng had taken the initiative to give his number to Qiao Dongliang when they had just found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy. The Qiao family constantly caused trouble and Qiao Dongliang was the only one in the Qiao family that Qiao Nan could not let go of. Zhai Sheng had wanted Qiao Nan to be more rxed and stop worrying about the Qiao family during her pregnancy.

    As such, Zhai Sheng had given his military phone number to Qiao Dongliang behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back. In case he ran into any trouble he could not solve, he had better not call Qiao Nan. Of course, if he met with any serious trouble, Qiao Dongliang had better not try to bear the burden alone either. That would only result in the matter being dyed and worsening. If such a situation happened, Zhai Sheng instructed Qiao Dongliang to call him as soon as possible for him to deal with it.

    Qiao Dongliang understood Zhai Sheng. Qiao Dongliang did not feel that he would be so useless, and as such, he would probably not need to use that phone number. However, in the face of Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang lost his confidence.

    The pair of mother and daughter had just made up and had not kicked up a fuss as of yet, but Qiao Dongliang already felt as though they were plotting something. With Qiao Nan and three children¡¯s safety at stake, Qiao Dongliang would much rather put down his dignity to make a call to his son-inw in times of trouble. Even if his son-inw did not interfere in the matter, it would be good to get some advice.

    ¡°Is there anything wrong with me making up with Zijin?¡± Ding Jiayi asked in confusion. In the past, when she had been at loggerheads with that wretched girl, Old Qiao had always tried to persuade both of them. Because of Old Qiao, that wretched girl had bowed her head to her and she had no choice but to forgive that wretched girl on Old Qiao¡¯s ount.

    This time, she had been fighting with Zijin for a considerable amount of time. Throughout this period, Old Qiao had never tried to ease the tension between the two of them. ¡°Old Qiao, I realized that you¡¯re actually biased toward Zijin. In the past, when I fought with that wretched¡ªno, with Qiao Nan, you would always get Qiao Nan to apologize to me. But this time, you didn¡¯t.¡±

    This proved that Old Qiao felt the same way that she did deep down in his heart. They had been husband and wife for so many years. It was only natural for them to have such a tacit understanding. Old Qiao was indeed just like her. Not only did he love Zijin the most, but he even thought that the only person worthy of sharing their joy was their daughter, Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang was amused and angered by Ding Jiayi¡¯s shamelessness. ¡°Do you have any dignity? Are you really sure that I didn¡¯t try to counsel Zijin this time because I¡¯m biased toward her? Do you think that¡¯s the reason Zijin didn¡¯t apologize to you?¡±

    Nonsense!

    Compared to Nan Nan, Zijin was an uncontroble child. Even if he were to list out a hundred different principles, Zijin would not even listen to thirty of them. In short, there was no way Zijin would ever apply those principles in her life.

    Since he was certain that he would never get through to Zijin, there was no point in him wasting his effort in trying to aplish an impossible task by talking to Zijin.

    ¡°Did you call me just to ask me about that? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll just let you know directly in case we have any misunderstandings. I didn¡¯t counsel Zijin because she wouldn¡¯t listen to me anyway. Besides, I can¡¯t be bothered to figure out who¡¯s in the wrong between the two of you since my opinion doesn¡¯t matter to you anyway. The scariest part is that both of you might be wrong and it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to counsel either of you. Nan Nan is a good kid. When you fought with her, you were at the wrong ten out of ten times. But Nan Nan had a good personality and I had no choice but to take advantage of that and get her to apologize to you. It was as simple as that. Don¡¯t overthink it.¡±

    At that time, Qiao Dongliang had always thought that Qiao Nan was the child while Ding Jiayi was an elder. Even though Ding Jiayi was truly in the wrong, there was no reason for Ding Jiayi to apologize to Qiao Nan as an elder.

    As a daughter, it was only right for Qiao Nan to apologize to her parents so as to appease Ding Jiayi. After all, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. Who was right or who was wrong was not important. The most important thing was having peace in the family.

    As such, Qiao Dongliang had convinced Qiao Nan to apologize to Ding Jiayi every time even though he knew that Qiao Nan was not at fault. It was because of this that Qiao Dongliang knew that the method he had used on Qiao Nan would never work on Qiao Zijin.

    #

 Chapter 2110: A Gentleman Desired Wealth

    <h4>Chapter 2110: A Gentleman Desired Wealth</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    He already knew that this wouldn¡¯t work, so why would he still spend so much time and effort? Not only would he fail to influence Qiao Zijin in the end, but he would be first angered to death by Qiao Zijin¡¯s indifferent and disapproving attitude.

    This was the real reason why Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯tpletely persuade Qiao Zijin to bow down to Ding Jiayi. It wasn¡¯t that he was biased against Qiao Zijin. Qiao Dongliang clearly knew thatpared to Qiao Nan, who was worth teaching, Qiao Zijin was just in stubborn.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not because of this matter.¡± Didn¡¯t she just casually ask? It wasn¡¯t a big deal. Why did Old Qiao throw temper at her again? She didn¡¯t even voice out her grievances and get angry at Old Qiao for wanting a divorce even after she had sacrificed so much for this family over the years. Old Qiao was getting more hot-tempered. He no longer amodated and doted on her like he had back when they were young. ¡°Zijin didn¡¯t tell on you. I¡¯m just curious why Zijin cried today. Why? What did you and Zijin talk about?¡±

    It was rare that not only was Qiao Zijin willing to give her one hundred thousand yuan, but she also didn¡¯t make a counter-offer when two hundred thousand yuan was mentioned.. With this in mind, Ding Jiayi naturally had to give Qiao Zijin face and try her best to mend the rtionship between the three of them. This was the harmonious family rtionship she was looking forward to the most.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you and Zijin the mother-daughter pair with the best rtionship in this world? Did you two argue? Since that¡¯s the case, why didn¡¯t you ask Zijin this? Why did youe and ask me instead?¡± Upon thinking that Qiao Zijin refused without thinking and even started to cry, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mood became a little worse than when he had just left the room.

    Before that sentence was said, Qiao Dongliang knew that this would definitely not seed. What made Qiao Dongliang feel heartache was that Qiao Zijin¡¯s reaction was simply too uneptable.

    Qiao Zijin asked him what she should do such that he was no longer angry and was willing to reconcile with Ding Jiayi. Qiao Dongliang had the mentality to try and thus told Qiao Zijin a way. ¡°Do you really wish for us to return to our previous rtionship and be a close family like the rest of the families? It¡¯s not that this is impossible, as long as you can do one thing.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Qiao Zijin pointed to her nose in disbelief. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t scare me. I¡¯m not a capable person. It¡¯s too unreliable to let me do something. I don¡¯t have the ability.¡± If she was capable, she would have long moved out from the courtyard and led a carefree life on her own. Why would she stay together with these dirty and smelly old people? She wasn¡¯t a fool.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since I can say this out loud, it is definitely something that you can do.¡± If he knew that Zijin couldn¡¯t do it, he wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it. It was just that he knew that although Zijin could fulfill his request, she might not be willing to do so. The problem was that before he could mention this, there was no more hope left in his heart.

    ¡°Really? I can do it? Tell me.¡± She had to listen to it herself before she knew if she could really promise him.

    ¡°Return everything that belongs to Nan Nan to Nan Nan. From now on, you, your mom, and I would just be down-to-earth and lead our lives honestly. If that¡¯s the case, my rtionship with your mom would definitely be good in the future.¡± By then, their family of four could really be considered to be reunited and reconciled.

    Zijin and Old Ding wanted to depend on Nan Nan and satisfy themselves by exploiting Nan Nan. If such a mindset existed for another day, their family could never be a family again. He couldn¡¯t pretend to be deaf and mute like in the past as well, watching Old Ding and Zijin bully Nan Nan when he knew that what they did was obviously wrong.

    Since he already knew that this was wrong, as long as Old Ding and Zijin were willing to change, he believed that one day, their family of four could really be together like a family. If Old Ding and Zijin were unwilling to change, then there was nothing else to say.

    Once she heard that it was for Qiao Nan again, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart became so sour that she could no longer use words to describe her feelings. Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips trembled and she said in a broken voice, ¡°Dad, are you kidding me? Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng and became the chief¡¯s wife. Who else is more capable than Qiao Nan in the entire northern quad? Furthermore,pared to an ordinary person, I¡¯m the one who has nothing, let alonepared to Qiao Nan. What else do I have on me that belongs to Qiao Nan and needs me to return to her?¡±

    Even if it was Chen Jun, she had already divorced this man and he no longer belonged to her. She had long wanted to return Chen Jun to Qiao Nan. It was a pity that before she could tell Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan became capable and got close to the formidable Zhai Sheng. As such, what else did she have that she could return to Qiao Nan?

    In principle, ording to the current situation, Qiao Nan should be the one taking more care of her, the sister. Her dad was confused. It was just a simple sentence but he could say it wrongly.

    ¡°You do. You have something that belongs to Nan Nan and you should return it to her.¡± Qiao Dongliang lowered his voice. ¡°Zijin, you have to admit that the house you just sold actually doesn¡¯t belong to you. Nan Nan had forked out all the money for that house. You didn¡¯t spend a single cent, and neither did Chen Jun. Nan Nan used the money from her sry to buy the house. That house should belong to Nan Nan. Of course, now that the house isn¡¯t yours anymore, you can¡¯t return the house to her. That¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is a kind child. As long as you¡¯re willing to change, Nan Nan will forgive you. Nan Nan knows that you sold the house for your medical treatment. After selling the house and paying for the treatment, you still have at least one and a half million yuan in your hands, right? Zijin, listen to me. You¡¯re already a mother. In a few years, you should be a grandma. As an elder, you should set an example for your future grandchildren. We can¡¯t take whatever that isn¡¯t ours. Return it to Nan Nan. It¡¯s Nan Nan¡¯s business if she doesn¡¯tck money. However, it depends on your attitude and thoughts if you want to return it to her or not.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang returned the courtyard to Qiao Nan. This was what she deserved. However, Qiao Dongliang always knew that it wasn¡¯t enough to just return the courtyard to Qiao Nan. That was because Qiao Zijin¡¯s house was also bought with Qiao Nan¡¯s money. This house belonged to Qiao Nan as well. The money obtained after selling the house should be returned to Qiao Nan.

    He already knew that Qiao Zijin was led astray by Ding Jiayi and her thoughts were all distorted. If he really wanted to pull this daughter back, he had to teach her step by step. He could no longer be softhearted and condone her.

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Zijin value money the most? A gentleman who desires wealth makes it in good ways. One should return things that didn¡¯t belong to them. It was already toote if someone had to teach her that now

    #

 Chapter 2111: Who Was Hindering Who

    <h4>Chapter 2111: Who Was Hindering Who</h4>

    However, that was fine. As a father, he wouldn¡¯t give up on his own child. As long as Zijin was willing to learn it right and turn back, even if he had to start from scratch, he would be willing to do so. He would be willing to use hisst breath and teach Zijin how to be human.

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s body shook. ¡°Dad, what are you talking about?¡± Her ears weren¡¯t working well and she didn¡¯t seem to have heard him clearly. ¡°Forget it. Since I didn¡¯t hear it, let it be. It shouldn¡¯t be anything important. Dad, after chatting for so long, I¡¯m thirsty. I¡¯ll head out to drink water. You said that I¡¯ve grown up and am about to be a grandma in a few years. You and Mom aren¡¯t young anymore. Who am I to interfere in your matters? No matter what decision you make, as a child, I would only express my support. As long as you¡¯ve thought about it, you can decide how you want to interact with Mom.¡±

    She purely volunteered to help as she hoped that her parents would reconcile. Their feelings would then be the same as before and they wouldn¡¯t get into conflicts often. If they reconciled, it was a good thing for her dad as well. She wouldn¡¯t take advantage of it.

    She was here to help her parents get back together. Who knew that once her dad spoke, he actually wanted her to return the one and a half million yuan to Qiao Nan? On what basis should she do that? No!

    Who said that the money belonged to Qiao Nan? It obviously belonged to her. The name on the bank ount was her, Qiao Zijin, not Qiao Nan. Her mom just asked her for one hundred thousand yuan. It was just one hundred thousand yuan and she didn¡¯t agree to it.

    She thought that her mother¡¯s attitude of asking people for money once every two days was already hateful and greedy enough. Who knew that the most vicious person was her dad instead? Her mom wanted a six-digit figure. Her dad wanted a seven-digit figure and her to empty her pocketspletely.

    Without money, was her dad nning to let her beg for food on the streets in the future?

    That was too overboard!

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want topletely fall out with Qiao Dongliang yet. Even if she couldn¡¯t ept Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin only pretended that she didn¡¯t hear them. She casually said a few vague words and let this matter pass.

    Qiao Zijin had such thoughts but Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t. ¡°Zijin, I know you heard what I¡¯ve just said and you understand them too. So, are you going to return the one and a half million yuan in the bank to Nan Nan? It¡¯s just a simple yes or no. As an adult, you should speak and do things in a straightforward manner. There¡¯s no significance in ying dumb. You have to know that if you pretend to be dumb often, you aren¡¯t pretending anymore. You are really dumb.¡±

    It was also because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words at the end that Qiao Zijin was sad and ran out crying. Not only did her dad want her to beg on the streets and return all the money to Qiao Nan, but he actually said that she was dumb as well. Even if she wasn¡¯t very good at studying, her teachers and ssmates never scolded her like that before in school. However, her birth dad said that she was dumb.

    Qiao Zijin, who couldn¡¯t bear this, cried very badly, like a little girl. She ran out angrily from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room and wanted toin to Ding Jiayi how pitiful she was so that Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t always throw tantrums at her. Otherwise, it would seem that she was going to be med either way in front of her parents.

    The tragedy was that in the recent period¡ªno, recent year, Qiao Zijin had been extremely unlucky. Whatever she thought of didn¡¯t seed.

    She waspletely unsessful when she acted pitiful in front of Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi had no intention to be fooled at all.

    Ding Jiayi proposed that Qiao Zijin had better give one hundred thousand yuan to her so that she could use it to coax Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Zijin became angry and pointed out that Ding Jiayi was like a blood-sucking vampire who leeched on her children. However, after Qiao Dongliang asked her to return all the money she had to Qiao Nan, it didn¡¯t seem that uneptable when Ding Jiayi asked her to fork out just one hundred thousand yuan.

    Compared to her everything, which was a seven-digit figure, a six-digit figure was just one-fifteenth of it. It wasn¡¯t a lot.

    Even if the one hundred thousand yuan eventually became two hundred thousand yuan, as long as she could achieve her goal, Qiao Zijin would be more than willing to fork out the money. It was the one and a half million yuan that Qiao Dongliang mentioned that really frightened Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin initially didn¡¯t find the chance to talk to Ding Jiayi about this one and a half million yuan. After that, she felt that there waspletely no need to mention this again. Ding Jiayi only requested two hundred thousand yuan. If Qiao Zijin forked out two hundred thousand yuan, then Ding Jiayi¡¯s side could at least be peaceful for a while.

    Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but guard against Ding Jiayi. What if she mentioned this one and a half million yuan and Ding Jiayi developed new thoughts? What should she do then?

    Even if her n could seed and she could really marry into the Zhai family to take over Qiao Nan¡¯s position, Qiao Zijin was still unwilling to bear with the one and a half million yuan. This amount of money was for her to live. She couldn¡¯t give it to anyone.

    However, her mom was the kind of person who might say that since she needed her help and that she would be marrying Zhai Sheng in the future, she didn¡¯t need to worry about money. As such, she could fork out this sum of money first and pay filial piety to her mom.

    In order to prevent such a situation from happening, Qiao Zijin dared not start a conversation like this.

    After having this new n, Qiao Zijin hid all the pitiful words and grievances that she wanted to say initially in front of Ding Jiayi. She didn¡¯t give Ding Jiayi any clue. As such, the curious Ding Jiayi could onlye over and ask Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want to say that Ding Jiayi had spoiled Qiao Zijin rotten. Since Ding Jiayi kept saying that Qiao Zijin was the best daughter in this world, if there was anything, Ding Jiayi should ask this representative of a good daughter and not him, the bad representative of a husband. Wasn¡¯t this right?

    ¡°Old Qiao, it has been so long. Are you still angry?¡± With this tone and expression, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were really in sync.

    Qiao Dongliang rxed his shoulders. He couldn¡¯t remember how many times he had sighed. ¡°No, I¡¯m no longer angry as I don¡¯t have the energy to be angry anymore. If I¡¯m angry at the both of you, I¡¯m just going against myself.¡±

    After being angry for half a day, Old Ding and Zijin didn¡¯t know where they were wrong. No, they never realized that they were wrong. Even if he was willing to point it out, Old Ding and Zijin were unwilling to listen. He didn¡¯t understand. He got married and had children. Other people did the same too. Why was it that it was so easy for others to lead an ordinary life? He wanted to lead a simpler life. Were such days so difficult toe by?

    Back then, he married Ding Jiayi, causing Ding Jiayi to fall out with the Ding family. Did he make a wrong decision, or did Ding Jiayi make a wrong decision? Did he hinder Ding Jiayi, or did Ding Jiayi hinder him?

    #

 Chapter 2112: Bad Luck

    <h4>Chapter 2112: Bad Luck</h4>

    Now that so many years had passed, it was difficult to be sure of certain things.

    Did she regret it?

    She probably did. She had stubbornly left her family, gotten married to someone of her own choice, and had no contact with her family from then on. Was such a woman really forced by her family to do so? Or was there something inherently wrong with her?

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang could never figure out the answer to this question. Now, he finally understood. Qiao Nan had such a family too and he was all too clear about the sufferings Qiao Nan had faced in the Qiao family in her younger days. Even so, Qiao Nan had neverpletely left her family in the lurch.

    Qiao Dongliang understood that Qiao Nan had not left Qiao Zijin to die in the hospital when she had left with all her money a year ago without paying for Qiao Zijin¡¯s hospitalization bills.

    At that time, Qiao Nan had been the most rational of them all. She knew that the family had two properties under their name and that the Qiao family would never reach the end of their straits no matter what. As such, she had taken her money and left.

    That was why Qiao Dongliang believed that Qiao Nan would never have taken off with the money needed to save Qiao Zijin¡¯s life no matter how much she hated the Qiao family if they had not had two properties under their names. After he had been injured by Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan had been the first to offer money for his treatment. That was the strongest evidence.

    Even with such a family, Qiao Nan was able to do it, so why had Ding Jiayi been unable to do so? No matter how much trouble the Ding family had run into, they had nevere to ask the Qiao family for any help. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi had always scolded Qiao Nan for being useless and unfilial, yet Qiao Nan was always the first person who came to Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind whenever she ran into trouble.

    Inparison, Ding Jiayi was not as bold as the Ding family and did not mean what she said.

    Having been husband and wife for half their lives, Qiao Dongliang was now clear of the answer with such a starkparison.

    ¡°Old Qiao?¡± Ding Jiayi shouted for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Qiao, we¡¯ve been together for decades. What¡¯s there that we can¡¯t discuss with each other? If you think that I¡¯ve done anything wrong, why don¡¯t you tell me? I can change. How¡¯s that? Didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Nan is pregnant? Both our daughters have be mothers. What¡¯s the point in us going to the extent of getting a divorce? How embarrassing it would be if our grandchildren were to find out about it! Why don¡¯t we just live our lives peacefully from now on? I won¡¯t argue with you in the future and we can have civil discussions if we have any disagreements.¡±

    ¡°Civil discussions?¡± That was rare. He had never heard such wordsing out of Ding Jiayi¡¯s mouth before. ¡°Old Ding, it¡¯s been so many years, but you¡¯ve never gone back to visit your family. I¡¯m guessing that your mom isn¡¯t around anymore. Did you know when your mom passed away?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Did she know? She did. She had always known.

    It was just that Mother Ding had passed away just as Qiao Zijin had gotten married to Chen Jun. There was nothing more glorious than bing inws with a policemissioner. Ding Jiayi had initially intended to bring her daughter back to brag about how capable and impressive her daughter was to all the vigers.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin had snatched such an outstanding son-inw over from Qiao Nan. Ding Jiayi was afraid that they would let slip about that when they returned, thus letting her family find out about the matter. Then, she would not enjoy any glory. Quite on the contrary, she would be terribly embarrassed. It was not as though she did not know just how menacing her biological mother could be. She would never give her mom the chance to p her in the face.

    It was just as well since neither Qiao Zijin nor Chen Jun was good with words. Ding Jiayi had only touched on the topic before Qiao Zijin raised her disagreement. What hometown? What grandma? Did she have a grandma? Why had she never met her? Since Qiao Zijin was unwilling to even participate in it, there was no need to talk about Chen Jun.

    As such, she had missed out on such a good opportunity.

    When Qiao Zijin was about five months pregnant, Mother Ding could not hold on any longer. Someone had sent the news of this to Ding Jiayi, asking if she intended to return to send her mother off. Bygones were bygones, after all. In her hometown, Ding Jiayi still had two younger brothers.

    Did Ding Jiayi really not want to acknowledge her younger brothers or take care of them once Mother Ding left?

    Ding Jiayi was upset when she heard that. This person must have been sent by the Ding family, most likely her mother herself. Knowing that her mother was still thinking of only her brothers on her death bed, Ding Jiayi was certain that she had not made the wrong choice by leaving at that time. Not only had her mother refused to apologize to her, but she had even gotten a fellow townsman to try to coax her into being her younger brothers¡¯ ve.

    In short, her mother¡¯s mind was only concerned about her two sons. She could not be bothered with her daughter. Since that was the case, there was no need for her to torture herself by sending her mother off or even assuring her that there would be someone to take care of her two precious sons after her death.

    There was no such good deal in the world.

    After murmuring about it in her heart, Ding Jiayi not only sent that townsman away but also told him that their mourning shed with her joyful asion. Her elder daughter had married well and had such good fortune that she was already five months pregnant. Because of that, she could not afford to leave her daughter alone.

    Ding Jiayi had settled this matter alone without getting Qiao Dongliang involved. She simply felt that it was double blessings upon their family that Qiao Zijin had gotten married and pregnant consecutively. Why had Mother Ding purposely chosen such a time to die? She was such bad luck.

    If she were to tell the family about this matter, the atmosphere in the family would be somber and awkward. Anyway, her mother had never thought about her all these years, much less acknowledged her. She was not her mother¡¯s daughter anymore, so it did not matter whether she visited her mother or not.

    Based purely on how much her mom hated her, she was certain that her mom might even be happier if she were not to go. If she were to turn up, her mom might even get so angry that she might just jump out of her coffin to chase her away! Since she knew that that would be the case, Ding Jiayi felt that it was better not to make mention of the matter at all.

    Now that Chen Feng was all grown up, Ding Jiayi had almost forgotten about the matter. Now that Qiao Dongliang had suddenly brought it up, Ding Jiayi was taken aback, not understanding why Qiao Dongliang had suddenly made mention of it. ¡°Old Qiao, didn¡¯t I tell you about the life I had in the Ding family?¡±

    #

 Chapter 2113: Being Filial to Us

    <h4>Chapter 2113: Being Filial to Us</h4>

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about the Ding family or even talk about it. Old Qiao, don¡¯t force me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled slightly and said sarcastically, ¡°Old Ding, do you think that you had a harder time in the Ding family, or did Nan Nan have a harder time growing up in our family?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I had it harder. Compared to us, the children of Zijin¡¯s generation have it good!¡± Was there even a need for aparison? They were children of different generations. It was natural for children ofter generations to lead morefortable lives. There was no way they could bepared!

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me how Nan Nan had an easier life than you did in the Ding family?¡±

    ¡°Why was she not happy? We didn¡¯tck any food and she always got fish at every meal. When I was younger, only the adults or my younger brothers got any meat in the family. I was never allowed even a tiny piece of it. She studied for so many years while I wasn¡¯t even given the opportunity to go to school!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang looked away. ¡°So, you mean that she had it easier because of that? Initially, I felt the same way too. Our country is advanced and nowadays children really havefortable lives. If I didn¡¯t remember wrongly, Nan Nan was born quite a few yearster than Zijin, right? You can lie to me about how well Nan Nan ate but you can¡¯t lie to yourself. I¡¯m a man and I might not know about everything, but I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve gotten a clear picture of everything now. Yes, Nan Nan had the opportunity to go to school, but that was only because education waspulsory for nine years. Nan Nan only finished her second year of junior high school before leaving school, so she actually only studied for nine years. All the money that she earned was all spent on our family. She never got to see a single cent of her sry. Blessed? How blessed she was! You had to support your brothers in the Ding family but Nan Nan had to support her elder sister. Blessed! Indeed!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could not bear to talk about it any longer. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten my water and you¡¯ve said your piece. I¡¯m going back to my room. The thing I regret the most was teaching Nan Nan to be filial and not retorting or fighting back against her elders. I taught Nan Nan so many things, but I never taught her to have her own limits when being kind to others and to love herself even as she was filial to her elders. If Nan Nan had the courage you had and had run away, think about how well she could have lived her life.¡±

    Given that Ding Jiayi was such an opinionated person, the Ding family could not have treated Ding Jiayi too badly.

    Even after Qiao Dongliang returned to his room, Ding Jiayi was still lost in her trance. When she realized that she had been left alone in the living room, she flew into a rage. How could Old Qiaopare her to Qiao Nan? Did that mean that Old Qiao felt that Qiao Nan had had it tougher than her and that she was worse than her own mom?

    Nonsense! How could she be worse than her mom? No, that was definitely not the case. She and her mom werepletely different. She was much better than her mom. So what if Qiao Nan had notpleted her nine years of mandatory education? She had not even attended a single day of school and could only learn from her younger brothers. She was obviously much better than her mom! Qiao Nan was much more fortunate than she had been!

    Ding Jiayi tried to calm herself down. There was no point in saying some things. A hundred good words were nowhere as good as a single truth. Once she handed the two hundred thousand yuan over to Old Qiao, she did not believe that he would still treat her in this manner.

    Still this attitude? Facts proved that even with that two hundred thousand yuan, Qiao Dongliang had not changed his attitude toward Ding Jiayi.

    With an even greater goal ahead of her, Qiao Zijin had settled the matter of the two hundred thousand yuan efficiently. Within two hours, Qiao Zijin handed the bank card with two hundred thousand yuan over to Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi had no intention of epting the card and instead turned around and handed it over to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Qiao, here¡¯s two hundred thousand yuan that Zijin gave us for our retirement. You can keep this money and manage it.¡±

    Seeing that the two hundred thousand yuan was for him, Qiao Dongliang felt out of ce. ¡°Where¡¯s the money from?¡± Old Ding could not possibly have so much money in her possession.

    ¡°Zijin is being filial to us.¡± Of course, Ding Jiayi would never admit that she had gotten the money from Qiao Zijin and that Qiao Zijin had not been especially willing or happy to do so. Anyway, the money was already in her hands. There was no point in dwelling on that. ¡°Old Qiao, you can keep our money in the future. I have no objections. I did that in the past, so you can take on that role from now on.¡±

    Ding Jiayi remembered clearly just how fierce her argument with Qiao Dongliang had been that day. Since Qiao Dongliang had started to care about such things, they would split everything equally. In the past, she had held the purse strings. She would simply let Qiao Dongliang take charge from now on. She had no issues with that. It was just a trivial matter between the couple. Why had it gone to the extent of a divorce?

    Looking at the bank card in Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand, Qiao Dongliang sighed. He could not decide whether to ept it. After some hesitation, Qiao Dongliang took it from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand. Seeing that Qiao Dongliang had epted it, Ding Jiayi was ted. ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re not angry at me anymore. Now that we¡¯ve made up, can I move back in? You don¡¯t know how small and stuffy that tiny room is.¡±

    Ding Jiayi did not even want to think about how she had managed to survive three whole months in that room. Thankfully, Qiao Zijin was pampered and was already used to having air conditioning in the Chen family¡¯s house. As such, she had requested for air conditioning units to be installed in the Qiao family¡¯s house too. Ding Jiayi had spent three months of summer in the living room without returning to that tiny room.

    She felt as though she would faint if she were to spend even a minute in that suffocating room. That room was not fit for humans, especially in summer.

    After spending almost half a year in that small room, Ding Jiayi missed therge room she had shared with Qiao Dongliang. Ding Jiayi thought that the couple had made up since Qiao Dongliang had epted the two hundred thousand. Since they had reconciled, it was only right for her to move back into their shared room.

    How was Ding Jiayi to know that one should always watch her words? It was better for her to have kept her mouth shut.

    Even after epting the two hundred thousand yuan, it was impossible for Qiao Dongliang to entirely forgive Ding Jiayi for her failure in raising and educating Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan well. After Ding Jiayi said that, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze only got colder. ¡°Is that so? You haven¡¯t even slept in that room for a year. You spent the whole summer in the living room. Nan Nan had to spend her entire childhood in that room until she moved out. Didn¡¯t you always say that that room was quite good? Nan Nan stayed there for over ten years, but you can¡¯t even stand staying there for a year?¡±

    ¡°...¡± Ding Jiayi had never expected Qiao Dongliang to bring up the past in this way.

    #

 Chapter 2114: Unlucky

    <h4>Chapter 2114: Unlucky</h4>

    Furthermore, how long ago was this matter? Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t remember that Qiao Nan had also lived in this house for a long time. ¡°Old Qiao, let¡¯s lead a good life and stop making trouble, alright? You could discuss anything with me. I¡¯ll listen. Old Qiao, you have to know that we will be spending a lot of time together in the future. Qiao Nan... Alright, treat it that I wasn¡¯t good to Qiao Nan in the past, but that¡¯s all in the past.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m trying to be wise now, but if I didn¡¯t manage Qiao Nan in the past and prevent her from finding a man to marry casually, do you think a man with good conditions like Zhai Sheng would be able to fancy Qiao Nan? Would Qiao Nan have the chance to marry Zhai Sheng? Let me tell you. Qiao Nan¡¯s biggest blessing in this lifetime is that she has a mother like me who brought her luck. If not for me, she wouldn¡¯t have the chance to be the chief¡¯s wife and live in the capital.¡±

    Qiao Nan had good days like today as she had depended on her. If Qiao Nan dared to be unfilial toward her in the future, God would definitely be intolerant and take back everything Qiao Nan had now, causing her to be unhappy.

    How many mothers in this world could help their daughters be the chief¡¯s wife? Qiao Nan was lucky to have been born to her. She didn¡¯t give birth to other daughters. See? None of them could marry Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you have to think of it this way. In the TV show ¡®Journey to the West¡¯, Tang Seng had to go through many sufferings before obtaining the sacred texts. Qiao Nan suffered in the past. That was fine. As long as she¡¯s living better than anyone else now, isn¡¯t that enough? Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan more blessed than a lot of people now?¡± At least, she was more blessed than her. She couldn¡¯tpare to her at all.

    When she was at the Ding family, her life wasn¡¯t asfortable as Qiao Nan¡¯s. In fact, she suffered more than Qiao Nan. After looking at Qiao Nan, she looked back at herself. Qiao Nan suffered for forty years. However, she was going to lead a glorious life for the remaining forty years. When she was at the Ding family, she suffered for twenty years. After marrying Old Qiao, she continued to suffer for a few years.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for them to be nearly sessful. However, after giving birth to Qiao Nan, her life was immediately beaten back to its original shape. Until now, in order to please Old Qiao and appease him, she could only throw tantrums at Zijin and ask for two hundred thousand yuan. With her as an example, what was Qiao Nan dissatisfied with?

    As humans, one had to cherish one¡¯s life and be grateful. She was to be med for not teaching Qiao Nan well when Qiao Nan was young. Otherwise, how would Qiao Nan have the habit to be hypocritical?

    Once Ding Jiayi said these words, everybody would have to concede defeat to her. Qiao Dongliang suddenly remembered that after confirming that Qiao Nan was going to marry Zhai Sheng, he went to see Qiao Nan. Back then, Qiao Nan said that the reason why she could marry Zhai Sheng was because of her personal luck. It had nothing to do with others, especially Ding Jiayi¡¯s harshness toward her. That wasn¡¯t the original condition to fulfill her happiness.

    Back then, Qiao Dongliang only treated it as Qiao Nan having thought too much. Because of the past, she had said such ridiculous words. It was when Ding Jiayi said something simr did Qiao Dongliang realize that Qiao Nan¡¯s understanding of Ding Jiayi was deeper than him. Look. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t seem to think so.

    She used to treat Nan Nan so badly in the past but still felt that she was really meritorious. Without her, it was impossible for Nan Nan to marry Zhai Sheng and have such good happiness now. This wasn¡¯t the first time this topic was brought up. However, it was the first time that Qiao Dongliang found it ridiculous. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, the content of our chatst time is correct. The person you¡¯re really biased toward isn¡¯t Zijin but Nan Nan. You couldn¡¯t bear to be cruel toward Zijin, thus the person who became the chief¡¯s wife is Nan Nan. Could this be considered no pain, no gain? If Nan Nan should thank you, what do you think Zijin should think of you?¡±

    Wonderful. Such an exnation was wonderful. He gave it one hundred marks.

    ¡°I...¡± Once Qiao Zijin was involved, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t answer. If she had long known that by managing Qiao Zijin ruthlessly and making her life a little more difficult in the past, she would have a chance to marry Zhai Sheng after the age of forty, she would have definitely done so.

    Who was Chen Jun? He couldn¡¯tpare to Zhai Sheng at all. However, she didn¡¯t know that being fierce toward Qiao Nan actually helped her in the end. If she had known earlier, this honor and treatment would definitely belong to Zijin.

    ¡°Our conversation is over. I¡¯m tired and want to rest. You should watch your TV now as well. Also, I¡¯m used to sleeping alone in this room. I don¡¯t want another person to squeeze with me. If you really want to, you can clean up the study room and live there yourself.¡± No matter how disappointed he was with Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t the kind of person who could bepletely unsympathetic to Ding Jiayi.

    The room Qiao Nan had lived in in the past was extraordinarily small and cramped. He only wanted Ding Jiayi to experience Qiao Nan¡¯s sufferings back then. He thought that in this way, Ding Jiayi would cultivate her morals and no longer scold Qiao Nan like she had in the past.

    It was a pity that his method wasn¡¯t effective at all.

    Ding Jiayi had already stayed in the living room for the entire summer. It was nothing to let her stay in the study room. The study room couldn¡¯t be bigger than the living room. Furthermore, the Qiao family only installed arge air conditioner in the living room.

    Ding Jiayi had been staying in the living room all summer. This caused Ding Jiayi to be the mostfortable person in the Qiao family.

    Sigh... How was Ding Jiayi willing to ept such a result? She had already forked out two hundred thousand yuan. She didn¡¯t expect Old Qiao to ept the money but was still angry at her. It didn¡¯t seem like his anger was appeased. As such, Ding Jiayi got neither the person nor the money.

    Ding Jiayi stomped her feet andined to Qiao Zijin, ¡°Zijin, your dad is bing more out of hand. He has already epted the money but refuses to let me return to the room. As a man, where is his backbone? He really doesn¡¯t want to reconcile with me and return me the money.¡±

    Old Qiao was only taking the money and not doing anything.

    ¡°Who asked the both of you to be a couple?¡± They were both horrible. No wonder the elderly often said that people of the same family had simr personalities and temper. Her parents¡¯ greedy faces were exactly the same. A few days ago when she ordered takeaway, didn¡¯t her mom eat her food while remaining angry at her?

    When she no longer ordered takeaway and her mom started preparing her own meals again, she simrly didn¡¯t prepare her share. Upon thinking how she had such a shameless pair of parents, Qiao Zijin only felt that she was too unlucky.

    #

 Chapter 2115: Youâ€™re the Best

    <h4>Chapter 2115: You¡¯re the Best</h4>

    Thankfully, one didn¡¯t air dirty linen in public. If people knew that she had such parents, it would be absolutely embarrassing.

    Ding Jiayi scratched her head. ¡°The problem is that your father epted the two hundred thousand yuan but is still giving me this attitude. What does that mean?¡± If Old Qiao didn¡¯t take the two hundred thousand yuan, she wouldn¡¯t have felt so terrible now. By epting the money, didn¡¯t that mean he had forgiven her and no longer wanted to argue with her?

    ¡°How would I know?!¡± The more Ding Jiayi said, the angrier Qiao Zijin felt. In her eyes, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were birds of the same feather. Their greedy faces were equally ugly. When she refused to fork out money before, her mom even argued with her.

    Great. Now, her dad epted the two hundred thousand yuan but didn¡¯t have the intention to reconcile with her mom. So, what was the point of her mom throwing tantrums at her for about a month previously? ¡°Mom, aside from money, don¡¯t you have other ways to coax my dad?¡±

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to care about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s matters. She didn¡¯t care if her parents were on good terms or not. The only thing she cared about was now that her parents¡¯ rtionship was like this, would the two of them still be able to wholeheartedly help her improve her rtionship with Qiao Nan such that once Qiao Nan didn¡¯t survive after giving birth, they would help her persuade Qiao Nan to let Zhai Sheng marry her and for her to take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s three children?

    It had been almost two years since she got a divorce from Chen Jun. It wasn¡¯t easy for Qiao Zijin to finally find the best way out for herself. As such, she really didn¡¯t want to give up on this best way.

    Once this matter seeded, her second marriage would only be more sessful than the first. It would also be more enviable. How many people¡¯s first marriages could bepared to her second marriage, let alone their second marriages?

    ¡°How do I know?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know what to do either. Over the years, it had always been Qiao Dongliang coaxing Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi had never coaxed Qiao Dongliang before. She saw how it was always the husband scolding the wife in other people¡¯s houses. In their house, Qiao Dongliang rarely threw temper at her. He wasn¡¯t like her dad, who alwaysid a hand on his wife when he was in a bad mood.

    Upon thinking that her mom was beaten up by her dad before but Qiao Dongliang never touched even a single strand of her hair, Ding Jiayi was proud of this marriage. It was untilst year that Qiao Dongliang broke the habit of neverying a hand on Ding Jiayi and beat her up.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know. Apart from not knowing anything, can you say something else? Qiao Nan is only close to Dad now. If Dad doesn¡¯t help us, our previous discussion would be for nothing. Dad has to help me in this matter.¡± From the way Qiao Nan only kept in contact with their dad, it wasn¡¯t hard to tell that among all the people in the Qiao family, Qiao Nan only had a little bit of affection toward Qiao Dongliang, her birth dad.

    In that case, Qiao Nan would definitely not listen to her mom¡¯s and her words. In the entire family, only her dad could possibly persuade Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Isn¡¯t there a few more months?¡± It wasn¡¯t as if Qiao Nan was going to die the next day. There wasn¡¯t a need to be so much in a hurry. ¡°You should know how your dad¡¯s temper is like. At least, your dad has already epted the two hundred thousand yuan. This could be considered a good start. At the very most, both of us could be more united in the future and continue to coax him. No matter how bad-tempered your dad is, he would be appeased one day as well. When your dad¡¯s attitude softens, it will be easy to resolve the matter regarding Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Is it really that easy?¡± Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t quite believe Ding Jiayi¡¯s words. After all, based on the current situation, she was at a loss as to how to improve her sibling rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Of course. Trust me. Let¡¯s not argue anymore. Of course, in front of your dad, it¡¯s either you don¡¯t mention Qiao Nan at all or say more good words about Qiao Nan. Not too longter, your dad¡¯s heart would soften and he would treat us as good as before. Just like we have discussed before, your dad must not know what we will be up to after Qiao Nan dies from giving birth.¡±

    Old Qiao¡¯s role was to act as a matchmaker in the middle. As long as Old Qiao mended their rtionship with Qiao Nan, she and Zijin would naturally take care of what happened next. As long as Old Qiao didn¡¯t know too much, this n was still feasible.

    If Old Qiao knew about their ns too early, everything would be ruined. In this lifetime, it would be impossible for Qiao Zijin to be the chief¡¯s wife.

    Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. She restrained her temper and stuck to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best to me. I¡¯ll listen to you. After I be the chief¡¯s wife, I¡¯ll fetch you to the capital to stay in a big house together with us!¡±

    She had to fetch her mom over. Even Fengfeng, her birth son, was brought up by the elders from both families and Qiao Nan. She didn¡¯t even raise her own son before. How would she be willing to raise Qiao Nan¡¯s three children? She didn¡¯t know how to bring a child up.

    Rather than let the three children be miserably taken care of by her, why didn¡¯t she put them in the hands of someone who could take care of them well from the start? What she could do was to wait for the three children to grow up, help them find a good school, and urge them to study hard so that they wouldn¡¯t be like their birth mother, who only had a junior high school certificate and was semi-illiterate.

    Although she was the three children¡¯s stepmother, she was also their birth aunt. She was a university student. Her son, Fengfeng, would definitely be a university student in the future as well. She believed that under her and Fengfeng¡¯s influence, no matter how poor Qiao Nan¡¯s genes were, she would be able to raise Qiao Nan¡¯s three children up to be more outstanding than Qiao Nan.

    As a stepmother, she was willing to urge the three children more than Qiao Nan. That was considered good, right?

    Forget it that Qiao Zijin once snatched Chen Jun, this scum, away from her hands. How would Qiao Nan have guessed that while she was happily pregnant with triplets, Qiao Zijin had already calcted that all four of them wouldn¡¯t be safe and she was just waiting for her to die so that she could take over her children, her man, and everything she had in the Zhai family?

    ¡°Ouch...¡± Touching her stomach and looking at that small baby bump, Qiao Nan expressed that that kick was hard enough and she didn¡¯t know who had kicked her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are the children troubling you?¡± As Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach grew bigger, everyone in the Zhai family became very nervous.

    During National Day, Zhai Hua brought Jiajia over to the capital to visit Nan Nan. Jiajia couldn¡¯t wait to be by Qiao Nan¡¯s side twenty-four seven. Especially after hearing the younger siblings in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach start to react and would greet people with small fists and kicks from time to time, Jiajia¡¯s eyes were practically glued to Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach.

 Chapter 2116: Decent

    <h4>Chapter 2116: Decent</h4>

    The elders in the family were naturally pleased that Jiajia was excited about having younger siblings. Qiao Nan was pregnant with three children! Ever since her stomach had started to show in the fourth month, Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach was not only as big as a balloon, but it even seemed as though someone was constantly blowing it up. It even looked different in the morning and in the afternoon, less say each day!

    At only five months pregnant, Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach was so big that it resembled one of someone who was about to give birth. Everyone who saw Qiao Nan could not help but worry about her.

    Zhai Hua was afraid that Jiajia would be insensible and identally press on Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. As such, Zhai Hua had decided to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side the entire day to protect her until she left with Jiajia. She knew that everyone else but Jiajia in the family knew their limits. No matter how mature Jiajia was, she was still a child and would inevitably make mistakes at times.

    After Jiajia left, Miao Jing and the auntie were the only ones, apart from Zhai Yaohui, staring at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach every day, worrying on her behalf. Qiao Nan¡¯s protruding belly was sorge that Miao Jing and the auntie could not help but want to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side the entire day to prop up her stomach.

    Her stomach was humongous and she was carrying three children! A mother¡¯s love was indeed incredible.

    In fact, it was not just the Zhai family. Whenever Qiao Nan left the house to exercise every day, their neighbors in the quad could not help but feel that Qiao Nan had indeed raised the level of the entire quad no matter how much they had looked down on Qiao Nan in the past. At this time, these people could not help but be kind to Qiao Nan. Not only did they look at her in a different light, but they even slowed down their steps and lowered their voices when walking past Qiao Nan for fear of scaring her.

    Pregnant women could not afford to be scared.

    Now that Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach was growing so rapidly, everyone who took care of her in the Zhai family had started to tense up. On the day that Qiao Nan took her exam, Zhai Yaohui was no different from an anxious parent sending his child to the examination hall and insisted on seeing Qiao Nan enter the examination hall before he finally rxed.

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui had been rather supportive of Qiao Nan when he had first found out that Qiao Nan was so enthusiastic about learning and upgrading herself, thinking that Qiao Nan was a very opinionated child and a good match for Zhai Sheng.

    But it was only natural for him to change his mind after learning that Qiao Nan was pregnant with the triplets. While it was good that she wanted to improve herself, she had to look at the situation she was in. Now, there was nothing more important than the health and safety of Qiao Nan and her children.

    Unfortunately, no one had known that Qiao Nan was already pregnant when she had signed up for the examination. If they were to stop her now, it would only show that the Zhai family cared more about the children than Qiao Nan herself.

    Sigh. Zhai Yaohui was thrown into a dilemma.

    Thankfully, there were many candidates on the day of the English examination, but they were all of a certain standard. Upon seeing that Qiao Nan was a pregnantdy, not only did they not squeeze beside Qiao Nan, but they even stood aside to give her space to walk and breathe.

    With these students¡¯ consideration toward Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui could do nothing but sit in the car and wait for more than an hour until the exam ended.

    Once Qiao Nan got into the car, Zhai Yaohui nodded and said, ¡°I thought that children nowadays were spoiled. It seems like our country¡¯s educational system is doing rather well. These young people haven¡¯t let the country down.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Miao Jing handed Qiao Nan some water. ¡°But Nan Nan, you know that your stomach has gotten bigger. It¡¯s alright since this exam was only two hours long, but what about going to school?¡± The students here were good, but that did not mean that all students had such a good temper.

    Nan Nan was a treasure. No one could touch, or much less injure her. She would never use such precious Nan Nan to test out the overall quality of character in the country.

    There would be too many people in the ssroom breathing the same air. The air quality was sure to be poor.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I don¡¯t mean to discourage you from learning. It¡¯s just that...¡± Shouldn¡¯t Nan Nan give birth to her children before continuing with her studies? Nan Nan had three precious babies in her stomach. She and the auntie alone would definitely not be able to handle them. Besides, she was already advanced in age. It would be good enough for her not to add on to her children¡¯s troubles.

    Miao Jing had already thought it through. At the very most, they would hire two more helpers. Then, each helper would take care of one child. Three helpers would definitely be sufficient to take care of her three grandchildren. She might be old, but if she and Old Zhai were at home, they would definitely supervise the helpers from the side and chip in when needed.

    After quenching her thirst, Qiao Nan wiped away her sweat and smiled. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I understand. Before Brother Zhai returned to the military, I already discussed this with him. At the very most, I¡¯ll graduate a yearter. Besides, I can still study at home. I¡¯ve already applied for leave from my teacher and I don¡¯t intend to return until I finish my confinement period.¡±

    Qiao Nan was studying at a school for mature students, and it did not have strict requirements. As an adult school, it was natural for there to be situations that prevented their students frompleting the course or continuing with their studies.

    Besides, it was not as though Qiao Nan gave uppletely. She was simply asking for leave to give birth to her children and would continue her studies at ater time. Of course, her teachers quickly approved it. Zhai Sheng had already made a trip down to help Qiao Nan settle the paperwork as well.

    Before this, Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach had not been so big that going to school posed a danger to her. As such, Qiao Nan had dyed it for a while. Now that she was past five months pregnant, Qiao Nan was clear just how big and heavy her stomach had gotten. Since she had already applied for leave, Qiao Nan decided that it was time to rest and use her special privilege instead of torturing herself by holding on.

    Miao Jing was ted by the news. ¡°You discussed this with Zhai Sheng? Yes, that¡¯s how Zhai Sheng should be acting now that he¡¯s a husband and going to be a father.¡± If he had to rely on his parents to consider all these possibilities, he would be a failure. ¡°Let¡¯s go. The auntie prepared a whole feast tonight. Remember to eat up.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2117: Grade

    <h4>Chapter 2117: Grade</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Nan swallowed her saliva a little awkwardly. The auntie that the Zhai family had hired had superb culinary skills, so much so that Qiao Nan could not control her appetite. Qiao Nan was the kind of person who could never gain weight no matter how much she ate. Besides, she was now eating for three babies inside her!

    Leaving aside how well she ate, she took in the nutrients well too. When she had gone for her fifth-month checkup, the doctor had told her that the triplets were developing so well that they were doing better than even an average singleton at five months! That could be good for the babies but it was not a good thing for the mother, especially since Qiao Nan was pregnant with triplets.

    The more the children grew, the more difficult it would be for Qiao Nan to give birth in the future.

    For the sake of the children and the mother, the doctor advised Qiao Nan to control her appetite a little. She still needed adequate nutrition, but there was also a need to control the growth of the children.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s case, all they had to do was to ensure that the children developed fully in the mother¡¯s womb without any defects. It was impossible for the triplets to grow to the same size as a singleton before birth. That would be too straining on the mother..

    It should be a good thing for the babies to be doing well, but because of many different factors, it was not as such for Qiao Nan. But Qiao Nan had not let Miao Jing know about this situation yet. ¡°Mom, the doctor told me not to eat too much. The triplets are growing as quickly as normal babies. The doctor said that it isn¡¯t very good.¡±

    The faster the children grew, the less time they would be able to spend in her womb. No matter what, Qiao Nan was advanced in age for a pregnant woman and had to pay more attention to the small details.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Miao Jing was taken aback and her eyes widened. Miao Jing had the urge to get all the delicious things in the entire world for Qiao Nan to eat. How was she to know that a problem would ur all the same if Qiao Nan were to eat too much? Miao Jing was troubled over that. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll discuss this with the auntieter. When we eat in the future, we¡¯ll try to control our meals. We¡¯ll eat nutritious food. That shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Nan replied with a smile. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. Once you worry, Dad will worry too. The children and I are still fine.¡± The doctor said that her life would only get tough after the seventh month of pregnancy.

    Actually, Qiao Nan had already experienced that pain once in her dream. The difference was that she had been well-nourished and had only been in her early twenties when she had been pregnant. Now, she was already forty and it was inevitable that her energy and physical strength could notpare to that in her twenties.

    There were both advantages and disadvantages.

    Since she had already experienced it once, she believed that she would not only seed but would even be able to do it better this time. As though the babies were responding to Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts, a little bump appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach, causing a slight soreness.

    Stroking that little bump, Qiao Nan smiled. She had no idea which baby it had been, but it had been gentle.

    1

    By the time Qiao Nan reached home, the auntie had already prepared a whole table¡¯s worth of food. ¡°You¡¯re back? How was your exam? You must be hungry. Hurry and wash your hands and sit down.¡± The auntie wiped her hands dry. ¡°Oh right, Nan Nan. Your dad called today. I told him that you went for an exam and that you would call him backter.¡±

    ¡°Alright, thanks, auntie.¡± Having sat for a draining exam, Qiao Nan was obviously hungry. After washing her hands, Qiao Nan sat down for her meal. But because she had remembered the doctor¡¯s words, Qiao Nan tried her best to control her appetite.

    Now that she had learned of the doctor¡¯s instructions, Miao Jing no longer continually put food into Qiao Nan¡¯s bowl. After seeing that Qiao Nan had had enough, Miao Jing stopped putting more food into her bowl. She had not been used to it at first, and after picking up the food, she realized that she could neither eat it nor give it to Qiao Nan. As such, it all went into Zhai Yaohui¡¯s bowl. ¡°Old Zhai, eat up. These are Nan Nan¡¯s favorite dishes.¡±

    1

    Old Zhai had better eat more and finish everything up so that Nan Nan would not feel bad.

    ¡°...¡± It was rare that his wife was willing to use some of her care and concern on him, even if it was not truly genuine. As such, Zhai Yaohui finished up everything that Miao Jing had given him. Zhai Yaohui had heard the conversation between his wife and his daughter-inw in the car earlier.

    After thinking it through, Zhai Yaohui had indeed taken Miao Jing¡¯s advice, quietly finishing the dishes that Qiao Nan liked first. Seeing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s behavior, Qiao Nan did not know whether to cry or tough. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t force yourself. I¡¯ll just have my fill. If I still want more, I¡¯ll just have some fruits. Having fruits should be fine. I won¡¯t be greedy.¡±

    She was not a three-year-old child and would not put herself and her children in danger just because she was feeling a little hungry.

    Zhai Yaohui coughed in embarrassment, feeling as though his wife had had too much of an influence on him. ¡°No, it¡¯s because I went out today that I used up a little more energy. That¡¯s why I want to have more. But that¡¯s about it. I¡¯ll let the auntie clean up the rest.¡±

    1

    Within an hour after her meal, Qiao Nan received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s second call. Knowing that Qiao Nan could not use her phone, Qiao Dongliang had started to call the Zhai family¡¯sndline from the fourth month of Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy. ¡°Hello, Nan Nan, you¡¯re back? I heard that you went for an exam today. What exam did you go for?¡±

    Thinking about Qiao Nan¡¯s belly, Qiao Dongliang was a little worried. He was afraid that the other candidates were young and insensible and would scare Qiao Nan by bumping into her. That would not be a small matter.

    Upon confirming that Qiao Nan had returned home safely, Qiao Dongliang could finally rest assured. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I hear about you taking an exam?¡± He had only known that Nan Nan was studying. He had not expected her to sit for an exam so quickly.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that kind of exam. It¡¯s an English test. Don¡¯t you remember that I like English very much and how I often took on trantion jobs in the past? I didn¡¯t have the chance to do so in the past, but now that I do, I want to get a Level Six certification in English.¡±

    ¡°Level Six?¡± Qiao Dongliang was stunned. When he said that, Qiao Dongliang eyed Qiao Zijin from the side of his eye. Qiao Dongliang knew about English test grades.

    To earn more, Qiao Nan had taken the Level Four certification a long time ago.

    #

 Chapter 2118: Wrong Choice

    <h4>Chapter 2118: Wrong Choice</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Afterward, there had indeed been quite a few parents of junior high school students who had gotten Qiao Nan to tutor their children. Qiao Dongliang had heard about it. All the children whom Qiao Nan had tutored had not only made great progress in their English, but their scores had also improved by leaps and bounds.

    Qiao Zijin had also gotten herself a Level Four certification muchter while she had been in university. Since then, neither of his daughters had done much else. As such, Qiao Dongliang had thought that Level Four was the highest possible grade.

    Now that he heard that Qiao Nan had gone for a Level Six exam, Qiao Dongliang did not know how to feel. He had a feeling that Qiao Nan would definitely pass the exam as long as she went for it.

    As a mere junior high school graduate, his younger daughter had a higher grade than his elder daughter, who was a university graduate! That was ridiculous! The Qiao family had spent so much money on Qiao Zijin, and it seemed as though all that money had gone to waste. ¡°How did it go? Was it difficult?¡±

    ¡°It was actually easy.¡± The Level Six grade was truly not difficult for Qiao Nan.. Even before going for the exam, Qiao Nan had not revised much. After seeing the exam paper, Qiao Nan knew that she could have produced one that was much more difficult than that. As for the listening exam, Qiao Nan wondered if she had brought her experiences from her dream into reality. Her listening abilities in English had be on par with that in Chinese.

    As such, it went without question that this exam was no problem for Qiao Nan at all. In fact, she might even have passed with flying colors.

    ¡°So simple?¡± Hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s tone, Qiao Dongliang was even more surprised. Qiao Nan made it seem as though it was as normal as eating a meal. ¡°If it¡¯s really that easy, I¡¯ll let... Nothing. Oh right, how have you and the children been? I sent you another parcel. Remember to get someone to collect it. Don¡¯t collect it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to send me anything. I don¡¯tck anything. I¡¯m not even picky about my food nowadays. Rest more if you have the time and spend the money on yourself.¡± Qiao Nan had never expected that the money that she gave Qiao Dongliang every month would be used on her and the children.

    Nothing was more important than Qiao Dongliang living a peaceful and healthy life.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about those things. I know what to do. How could I shortchange you when you¡¯re so filial? You know that the cost of living in Ping Cheng is not very high. Besides, I still have my pension. Apart from my meals, I don¡¯t have anything else to spend my money on. You should pay more attention to your health. I¡¯ll visit you during your confinement period.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright. Dad, do you have anything else?¡± After her meal and sitting and chatting, Qiao Nan felt especially sleepy. It was time for her afternoon nap. Pregnant women had to get their fill of sleep. Qiao Nan was already yawning as she talked to Qiao Dongliang, who could sense Qiao Nan¡¯s exhaustion even through the phone. ¡°Are you sleepy? Hurry and hang up, then. I just wanted to know if you¡¯ve been well. Go have a nap. I won¡¯t disturb you.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Dad. Bye.¡± Qiao Nan could not hold on anymore and her eyelids were almost glued shut.

    The moment Qiao Dongliang asked her to hang up, Qiao Nan did so without a moment of hesitation.

    ¡°Nan Nan, let me help you.¡± The auntie went up to Qiao Nan and helped her back to her room.

    Now that Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach had grown much bigger, she was not as agile as she had been. The pregnancy had been kind on Qiao Nan thus far, apart from the fact that she was in need of much more sleep. Just like now, Qiao Nan was so sleepy that she could not even open her eyes. It was because of this that Miao Jing was worried about Qiao Nan continuing her studies.

    At home, there were three people who could take care of Qiao Nan, but who would take care of Qiao Nan in school?

    Because of this, the Zhai family had remodeled the room on the first floor into Qiao Nan¡¯s room for the time being before she gave birth. In that case, Qiao Nan would not have to walk far to return to her room once she got sleepy. That would also save Qiao Nan the trouble of climbing the stairs to return to her room.

    Qiao Nan was only five months pregnant, but because she was pregnant with three babies, she could not even see her toes when she looked down. As such, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were frightened every time they saw Qiao Nan climbing the stairs.

    Miao Jing expressed that she could not afford to be frightened at her age.

    That was why Zhai Yaohui hade up with the idea of moving Qiao Nan¡¯s room from the second floor to the ground floor to save everyone some worry.

    ¡°Dad, why did you hang up? I haven¡¯t spoken to Nan Nan and you didn¡¯t talk to Nan Nan about me either.¡± The moment Qiao Nan was helped back to her room, she fell asleep immediately once shey down. On the other hand, there was no peace and quiet in the Qiao family. Qiao Zijin red up at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you tell Nan Nan that I was the one who paid for most of the things in that parcel that you sent over?¡±

    Her dad had better not try to steal her credit and lie to Qiao Nan that he had paid for all those things alone.

    She had never expected her dad to get shrewder as he aged. She had always thought that she resembled her mom while Qiao Nan resembled her dad. They were both too honest. After forty years, the only honest person in the Qiao family was Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Dongliang had been a little reluctant to hang up. If not for the fact that Qiao Nan had been exhausted, he would have continued the conversation. It was true that Qiao Dongliang liked sons, but he liked children who studied well even more.

    When he had been younger, it had truly been too burdensome sending both his children to school. Besides, Qiao Nan had ¡®taken the initiative¡¯ and had given in. Of course, even without Ding Jiayi¡¯s influence, Qiao Dongliang had already been slightly biased toward Qiao Zijin based solely on the fact that she was the most highly educated in the Qiao family.

    After Qiao Zijin graduated from university, she acted as though she had finally finished an arduous task and no longer touched anything rted to academics ever since then. On the other hand, Qiao Nan¡¯s living conditions had improved after marriage, and with such an opportunity, she had taken the chance to sign up for all sorts of courses and exams.

    #

 Chapter 2119: Sending Things

    <h4>Chapter 2119: Sending Things</h4>

    There was no way Qiao Dongliang would not feel the difference in the sisters¡¯ attitudes.

    Qiao Dongliang gradually realized that Qiao Zijin had been chasing after the status of a ¡®university graduate¡¯ while Qiao Nan pursued further education because she truly wanted to widen her knowledge. Perhaps, they had dragged down the only person in their family who was actually good at studying.

    At the thought of that, Qiao Dongliang was filled with regret. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear Nan Nan yawning? She¡¯s tired. What could be more important than getting enough rest? Didn¡¯t you say that you understand how you did Nan Nan wrong in the past and that you¡¯re going to make it up to her now? Why are you behaving like this now?¡±

    ¡°Dad, isn¡¯t it just because I¡¯m in a hurry to perform?¡± Qiao Zijin felt a little awkward. Her guilt was not genuine and yet, she had to make others believe that she did, in fact, feel guilty. It seemed like she still had a long way to go so that she would not let anything slip.

    Her dad was not that good at reading people, but the Zhai family was. If she could not hide her true intentions from the Zhai family, the Zhai family might refuse to let her marry Zhai Sheng even if Qiao Nan were to ask Zhai Sheng to marry her.

    ¡°How would Nan Nan know that I¡¯ve changed for the better if I don¡¯t show it? You know that Nan Nan got angry at me thest time. Yes, I wasn¡¯t a good sister and had been depending on my younger sister. But I¡¯ve changed, haven¡¯t I? I really do want to improve my rtionship with Nan Nan. Besides you and Mom, Nan Nan is my closest kin and the one who treats me the best.¡±

    While saying this, Qiao Zijin confused herself. She felt as though she was speaking the truth and lies all at once. The truth was that Qiao Nan was indeed the only one who treated her well apart from her parents. The lie was that her closest kin left was Qiao Nan. Besides her parents, the one whom she loved most and was closest to her was her son, Feng Feng.

    Qiao Dongliang was full of resentment. ¡°Since you¡¯ve grown a heart and realized that, why did you still hurt Nan Nan in that wayst time? Rome wasn¡¯t built in a day. You treated Nan Nan so coldly and badly for so many years. Do you really think that she¡¯ll warm up to you just because of that parcel? There¡¯s no way of hurrying this. You have to take it slow. What you need to do now is to prove yourself through your actions and not your words. Once you¡¯ve done enough, Nan Nan will naturally feel it even without you saying anything. I¡¯ll help you as much as I can to ease the tension, but I definitely will not speak up for you.¡±

    If he were to speak well of Zijin in front of Nan Nan before Nan Nan felt Zijin¡¯s sincerity, not only would he not be able to salvage the sisters¡¯ rtionship, but he might even hurt Nan Nan so much that she would ignore her father.

    Because he was clear of that, Qiao Dongliang had already decided not to mention Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation to Qiao Nan in case he irked Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang had such control, at the very least.

    Slowly. He asked her to take it slow. She did not have that much time! Qiao Nan was already five months pregnant. In two to three months¡¯ time at the very most, Qiao Nan would definitely have to give birth. She had already searched the web about this, and most doctors had said that it wasmon for mothers with multiple births to give birth prematurely in their seventh or eighth month.

    Now, not only did she have to make up with Qiao Nan, but she even had to develop an extremely close rtionship with her. Otherwise, there was no way Qiao Nan would agree to leave her husband and children in her hands. If there was any tension between her and Qiao Nan, it might be difficult for her to visit Zhai Sheng and the three children if Qiao Nan were to pass on. The Zhai family did not need her to take care of the three children. Besides, given the Qiao family¡¯s conditions, they had almost no rights to request for the three children to live in the maternal grandma¡¯s house.

    Qiao Zijin did not want to take it slow, but unfortunately, there was no way Qiao Zijin could speed up the process without Qiao Dongliang¡¯s help either.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, why are you back?¡± Coincidentally, Zhai Sheng had returned on the very day that the parcel had been delivered. His superior knew that Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife had gotten pregnant very soon after they had gotten married. Zhai Sheng was already forty-five and they joked that this child seemed to be just like children that other couples had by identter in their lives.

    As such, everyone was very understanding. Besides, Zhai Sheng had already made great contributions to the country and the people while he was younger. It was no big deal for him to get more time off now. As such, Zhai Sheng had about three to four days of vacation every month.

    If Zhai Sheng had been slightly more selfish, he could have chosen not to remain in the military camp all the time, given his current position and status. However, Zhai Sheng had his own principles. Even though he was now a leader, Zhai Sheng had not changed his habits.

    All soldiers under Zhai Sheng were the cream of the crop and the pride of the military. Because Zhai Sheng excelled at training his subordinates, it was hard for his superiors to let him go too. Moreover, Zhai Sheng had never talked about that matter and was passionate about developing talents for the country. That was why this matter had dragged on until now.

    Because they were already taking advantage of him, they had to give in to Zhai Sheng in some ways. Whether it was the talents that Zhai Sheng developed or Zhai Sheng himself, they had to treasure and cherish all of them.

    Zhai Sheng did not even try to refuse when he had been given time off and immediately rushed home. Seeing Zhai Sheng homesick amused many in the military. It was true that a man with a wife was indeed different. Any normal man would cherish their own wives, after all.

    After getting married, Chief Zhai had be more homesick than anyone else. The chief¡¯s wife was indeed impressive for having managed to tame the dragon that was their Chief Zhai.

    Zhai Sheng had just arrived home when he heard that a parcel for Qiao Nan had arrived. After confirming that Qiao Dongliang had sent it to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng carried the huge parcel in. Zhai Sheng himself was eye-catching enough, and he was even more so while carrying that huge parcel. ¡°What¡¯s that huge bag of things? Did you buy them?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had just returned from the military. There was no way he would have had the time to go shopping.

    ¡°No, I think my father-inw sent them to Nan Nan.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2120: Possessed

    <h4>Chapter 2120: Possessed</h4>

    Zhai Sheng put the parcel down. ¡°Mom, do you want to open it?¡± Zhai Sheng knew that the family no longer allowed Qiao Nan to touch any sharp things such as scissors or knives, so the job of opening the parcel would have to be delegated. ¡°Does Nan Nan know that my father-inw sent her a parcel?¡±

    Zhai Sheng thought about how much Qiao Dongliang would have spent on this parcel. No matter how much Qiao Dongliang had spent, he would simply find a way to repay Qiao Dongliang for it in the future.

    ¡°She does.¡± Miao Jing cut through the wrapping quickly. ¡°He called Nan Nan a few days ago when she came back from her English exam. He did mention the parcel but I didn¡¯t expect him to send so many things. It doesn¡¯t look like pickled ginger.¡±

    Pickled ginger should be packaged in a hard container but this felt a little soft.

    ¡°Pickled ginger?¡± Hearing those two words, Qiao Nan knew for sure that her father¡¯s parcel had arrived. ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re back?¡± Of course, seeing Zhai Sheng beside the parcel was the biggest surprise.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes glimmered but he quickly frowned. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten so big.¡± The protruding stomach in front of Qiao Nan caused Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart to pound rapidly. He rushed over and took the auntie¡¯s position beside Qiao Nan. ¡°I thought you haven¡¯t reached your sixth month yet?¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not interact much with women and had almost never gotten the chance to see how other pregnant women looked like. Zhai Sheng had never even visited Zhai Hua throughout her entire pregnancy. Seeing how his wife¡¯s stomach was so bloated was a huge shock to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Have you gone for a checkup? What did the doctor say? Is it normal for your stomach to be so big?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart warmed as she felt Zhai Sheng support her stomach. ¡°It¡¯s normal for it to be big. Other people carry only one baby but I¡¯m carrying three. If my stomach isn¡¯t bigger than normal, that would mean that our children aren¡¯t growing well. Don¡¯t worry. The doctor said that the children and I are doing well and nothing serious has happened yet.¡±

    Following Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan sat down. ¡°Don¡¯t get so worried. My stomach isn¡¯t at its biggest yet. The children are still growing.¡± So, he had better not treat her stomach as a fragile balloon that was going to drop or break.

    Although Zhai Sheng had not said anything, Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng was worried about that from his expression alone.

    Besides, the way Zhai Sheng had acted was proof enough. He had practically carried her whole stomach! Qiao Nan had the urge to remind Zhai Sheng that her stomach was part of her body. No matter how Zhai Sheng tried to carry it, she would still be the one carrying the weight. It would truly be a wonder if Zhai Sheng could carry her stomach the way one carried a ball.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to grow even bigger.¡± Zhai Sheng could not seem to ept that. ¡°Does that mean that they¡¯re growing too well and are too well-nourished? Mom, you and auntie should take note.¡± Zhai Sheng did not know much about pregnancy, but he knew just how hard it was for one¡¯s waist to suddenly grow so rapidly.

    Moreover, Zhai Sheng had read quite a few books on pregnancy and child-rearing in the military. He understood that it was a burden on the mother¡¯s body if the child grew too well. Qiao Nan was pregnant with three babies, and as such, she had to bear three times the burden.

    ¡°That goes without saying. The auntie and I have been discussing it.¡± Miao Jing rolled her eyes at Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng might want to be a good husband and dad, but she was a good grandma too. ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. Our family is full of people who need to be taken care of. The doctor said that it¡¯s better for Nan Nan to get more exercise now while she isn¡¯t too big yet. It¡¯s beneficial for both the children and Nan Nan. If you didn¡¯te back, I might even have asked Hua Hua to help out.¡±

    It was only because of the schooling Jiajia that Miao Jing had held off. It was the best time for Zhai Hua to take care of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng nodded slightly. ¡°I can stay for about four days this time. I¡¯ll take care of all of Nan Nan¡¯s matters in that time.¡± After finishing his sentence, Zhai Sheng asked Qiao Nan softly what she had gone off to do with the auntie earlier.

    Zhai Sheng had expected to meet his wife first the moment he arrived home. Then, the next would definitely be his children. Who would have known that the first person he would meet was his mom?

    Qiao Nan blushed and exined that she had gone to the toilet. Typically, pregnant women started urinating frequently in their seventh or eighth month because their babies were pressing against their dders.

    Because Qiao Nan was pregnant with three babies, such symptoms had appeared early. There was nothing strange about that.

    But Miao Jing had no idea that her son was throwing a small tantrum because she had been the first person he had seen upon returning home. After opening the package, she was shocked to find numerous baby outfits. ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s with your dad? Why did he buy so many outfits at once? Although we might be having three children, this is still a lot. Besides, we don¡¯t even know the genders of the babies yet. Isn¡¯t he afraid that the outfits won¡¯t be evenly distributed?¡±

    In reality, Miao Jing had bought even more than what was in this parcel. But Qiao Dongliang¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s backgrounds were different. Miao Jing could afford it because she had her husband, Zhai Yaohui.

    After his retirement, Qiao Dongliang received a small pension that was barely enough for his monthly living expenses. Qiao Dongliang would have done his utmost as a grandpa if he were to buy just one outfit for his grandchild, let alone this whole parcel¡¯s worth.

    These things were not cheap at all.

    Miao Jing wondered if Qiao Dongliang had struck the lottery recently. Otherwise, how would he have had enough money to buy all these things?

    Qiao Nan nced over and there was suspicion in her eyes too. ¡°I don¡¯t think my dad bought them. Not all of them, at least.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t your dad? Then, was it your mom?¡± That could not be. She was already surprised that Qiao Dongliang had sent these things over. If Ding Jiayi had bought any of these things, Miao Jing would suspect that the Qiao family had been possessed. That was not the Qiao family¡¯s style at all!

    #

 Chapter 2121: Unsuitable

    <h4>Chapter 2121: Unsuitable</h4>

    Zhai Sheng could read Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Qiao Zijin? How can you tell?¡± How could she know who had bought these things just by looking at them?

    Qiao Nan repliedzily as she munched on her fruits, ¡°Qiao Zijin has a son named Chen Feng. I found out her style of picking out clothes for children.¡± Qiao Zijin had a special way of choosing clothes for children. She never cared about whether the design wasfortable or whether the material was breathable. The only thing she cared about was whether the colors of the clothes were bright and eye-catching.

    It was not just about the brightness of the color. She even considered whether the clothes could reflect light!

    In short, Qiao Zijin did not buy clothes for everyday wear. She bought clothes suitable for fashion shows. At that time, Qiao Zijin had constantly unted her wealth, saying that not only did she not need to work after marrying Chen Jun, but she could even spend money without any care, buying fanciful pieces of clothing for Chen Feng. Qiao Nan had been left speechless by Qiao Zijin¡¯s way of thinking.

    Why?

    Because just one look at the clothes that Qiao Zijin bought made it obvious that the child would be ufortable in them. Qiao Nan had to take her hat off to Qiao Zijin because of that. Where had Qiao Zijin managed to find such a huge pile of clothes? It would be difficult to find just one or two pieces of such clothes even in maternity shops.

    Qiao Zijin was rather ¡®capable¡¯ indeed for being able to buy such clothes in this quantity. If she was in Qiao Zijin¡¯s ce, she would never have been able to find any shops selling such clothes.

    Of course, because Qiao Nan was so familiar with Qiao Zijin¡¯s taste that she did not even need to consider it before determining that those sequin clothes were bought by Qiao Zijin. That meant that Qiao Zijin had been the one to send the parcel to her?

    ¡°That can¡¯t be right!¡± Miao Jing¡¯s jaw dropped. It would be shocking enough if Ding Jiayi had sent this parcel over. Miao Jing could not return from her trance upon learning that Qiao Zijin had been the one to send this parcel over. ¡°Nan Nan, what¡¯s with your family?¡± Why were they getting weirder and weirder?

    Miao Jing did not believe that they suddenly understood the importance of family and how well Nan Nan had been toward them. There had not even been a trigger, so there was no way the Qiao family would suddenlye to a realization.

    Qiao Nan, who was still eating her fruits, was clueless too. ¡°I don¡¯t understand either. I thought that she would hate me because of that incident over the civil service examination. It¡¯s good enough that she doesn¡¯t scold me every day. But now, she¡¯s even sending things for my children. Something must be going on. One who¡¯s unountably solicitous must be hiding evil intentions.¡± That could not be truer when it came to Qiao Zijin.

    Zhai Sheng picked up a tissue and wiped Qiao Nan¡¯s mouth. ¡°That¡¯s up to her. I¡¯m here anyway.¡± In the face of guns, all reactionaries are nothing more than paper tigers. No matter how scheming Qiao Zijin was, he would definitely be able to find a way to counter them and leave Qiao Zijin helpless. ¡°Do you still want more?¡± Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach and thinking about Qiao Nan¡¯s appetite, Zhai Sheng could only say that food would not go to waste.

    To think that Qiao Zijin had even been afraid that Qiao Nan would not know that she had been the one to buy all those things. Qiao Nan had immediately recognized them because they had been so representative.

    Qiao Dongliang thought that it was about time that Qiao Nan would have received the package and made a call to her. ¡°Nan Nan, have you received it? Do you like it?¡± Qiao Dongliang had taken a lot of effort in picking out clothes for his three grandchildren. He had even constantly asked the shopkeeper what kind of clothes would be the mostfortable for newborn babies.

    Qiao Dongliang might not have had much experience being a grandfather, but he did know that it did not matter whether the clothes that newborns wore looked pretty. All that mattered was the babies¡¯fort. If their clothes were ufortable, the babies would definitely cry.

    Besides, from the way he saw it, newborn clothes were small and soft to the touch. That was pretty enough to him. No wonder people said that it was easy to earn children¡¯s money nowadays. A piece of clothing the size of his palm was much more expensive than a grown adult¡¯s! Moreover, children grew quickly and had to get new clothes every so often.

    It was only when he thought about the two hundred thousand that he had received did Qiao Dongliang finally decide on buying some things for his grandchildren.

    ¡°The few that you bought are quite good. As for the rest, you can tell her not to waste her money. There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Qiao Nan was direct with her words. She would ept the clothes that her dad had bought, but she did not really want the pile of clothes that Qiao Zijin had bought. If Qiao Zijin kept sending such clothes to the capital, they would just take up space in her house.

    Qiao Dongliang was taken aback. He had not even mentioned it, yet Qiao Nan knew that the clothes hade from the both of them. Of course, the person Qiao Nan was referring to was not Ding Jiayi but Qiao Zijin. Between the two of them, Ding Jiayi was the one without any money. Thus, it was obvious that the only one who could afford to buy so many clothes at once was Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin, who had perked up her ears to listen in on the conversation, was ted to hear that Qiao Nan knew that she had sent those clothes over. At least, she had not spent money in vain. Qiao Nan knew that she had been the one who had bought those clothes and whose credit it should be. But Qiao Nan¡¯s words that followed caused Qiao Zijin¡¯s face to turn sour and she looked pitifully at Qiao Dongliang, begging him to speak up for her in front of Qiao Nan.

    She had already given in to Qiao Nan. Why was Qiao Nan still being so petty and refusing to give her a chance to atone her sins and reconcile with her?

    Qiao Dongliang rolled his eyes at Qiao Zijin and covered the microphone of his phone. ¡°Zijin, be honest with me. What did you put in the parcel? Why does Nan Nan know that you were the one who sent those things?¡± Were they not all things for the children? Had she written her name on them to let Nan Nan know that she had been the one who bought them? Otherwise, how would Nan Nan have found out about it?

    If Zijin had done that behind his back...

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re maligning me.¡± Qiao Zijin nearly jumped up in anger. ¡°I admit that I did think of doing so initially. But you were right. As long as I¡¯m sincere and Nan Nan feels my sincerity, we¡¯ll make up eventually. Besides, I have indeed made Nan Nan suffer all these years. Now, it¡¯s my fault that she doesn¡¯t care about me even when I¡¯m treating her well. It¡¯s what I deserve. But I swear that I didn¡¯t put anything weird in the parcel to let Nan Nan know that I was the one who sent most of the clothes over.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2122: Afraid of Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 2122: Afraid of Trouble</h4>

    Even if she had indeed done so, she would never admit to it. Besides, she had not actually done so!

    Qiao Zijin was extremely curious. Her dad had not done anything and neither had she written anything on the parcel. There was no way her mom would have gotten involved either, so how did Qiao Nan know that she was the one who had bought most of the clothes?

    Qiao Zijin felt that she had already given her utmost effort this time. She did not dare to be careless or perfunctory in the slightest sense in trying to please Qiao Nan. Not only had she picked out pretty clothes, but she had even spent good money on them.

    Apart from her son, Feng Feng, Qiao Nan¡¯s three children were the only ones who enjoyed this special privilege. She was truly willing to regard and treat Qiao Nan¡¯s children as her own. If Qiao Nan were to meet with an ident and pass on, Qiao Nan could putplete trust in her to take care of her husband and three children. She would treat the triplets as sincerely as she treated Feng Feng. They would be no different from her own.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin finally understood that one had to lose some things to gain others. If she had cared about money when buying things for the three children, no one would believe that she would treat Qiao Nan¡¯s three children like she did her own biological child if that hypothetical situation were to take ce.

    It was better to pave her way and make preparations ahead of time. Only then would people believe her in the future.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s serious face, Qiao Dongliang did not immediately believe Qiao Zijin. He would ask Qiao Nan to confirm it. ¡°Nan Nan, how did you know that your sister bought most of the clothes? I didn¡¯t tell you about it. Do you mean your sister wrote her name on those that she bought?¡±

    Qiao Zijin paid close attention to the conversation, afraid that Qiao Nan would agree and frame her for the sake of attacking her. If she had known that she would get into such trouble, she would have taken a video of her sending out the parcel.

    This was the first time Qiao Zijin realized that there could be two sides to the matter. Earlier on, she had been depressed about not being able to tell Qiao Nan about how much money she had spent on Qiao Nan¡¯s children. Perhaps, she had even let her dad get the credit even after spending so much money.

    Now that Qiao Nan knew that she had been the one to send those clothes over, Qiao Zijin was still uneasy and became even more unsettled instead. She could not help but wonder if she had identally included something that would identify her in the parcel. That was why Qiao Nan had realized that she had paid for a portion of the clothes.

    If that was the case, Qiao Nan and her dad would definitely misunderstand that she had done so on purpose. And of course, Qiao Nan would never make up with her just because of those clothes. If her dad were to misunderstand and think that she harbored ill intentions, he would never help her in the future. Then, she would really be in deep trouble.

    This concerned her happiness and glory for the rest of her life. As such, Qiao Zijin could not help but feel nervous. She wanted to know what Qiao Nan¡¯s answer would be but was anxious at the same time.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing much. It¡¯s too obvious from her choice of clothes. It¡¯s hard for me not to know. In the past, she always bought such mboyant clothes for Feng Feng, but Feng Feng told me that the clothes his mom bought were not veryfortable to wear.¡±

    Did she have no right to ept the clothes from Qiao Zijin? Of course she did!

    Ever since she had started working, all of her earnings had been taken by Ding Jiayi to support Qiao Zijin. When Chen Feng had been born, she had never spared the expense when buying or making clothes for Chen Feng since she was his aunt. From a young age, Chen Feng had always worn clothes from Qiao Nan. It was only right for Qiao Zijin to return the favor by sending these clothes over, and Qiao Nan had all the right to ept them.

    It was just that she knew that her children would not befortable in the clothes that Qiao Zijin had picked out, so there was really no point in epting them. In the past, she had had to coax Chen Feng whenever he threw a tantrum. She would not let her children experience the same pain Chen Feng had gone through. ¡°Children have short tempers and it¡¯s easy for them to get hurt when there are too many essories on their clothes. There are some clothes that look pretty but are made of stiff and unbreathable materials that are unsuitable for children to wear. Dad, the kind that you bought is the best.¡±

    Qiao Nan said this not to provoke anyone. She had done so simply to exin her stance. ¡°Is it possible to return these clothes? If so, I¡¯ll send them back to you. Dad, don¡¯t let her buy any more clothes in the future. I can¡¯t afford to ept anything from her. All these years, I¡¯ve treated Chen Feng like how his biological mother treats him. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want to talk about her taste in clothes.¡±

    Unless one was actually a peacock, one would never take a fancy to such shiny clothes.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Now that Qiao Nan had said so, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have some impression. When he had seen Qiao Zijin paying for that pile of clothes, Qiao Dongliang had thought it was a little strange. But that had been Qiao Zijin¡¯s first time paying for anything for Qiao Nan. It was truly not easy for Qiao Zijin, who thought of money as the most important thing in her life, to spend so much money on her own ord. Unless Qiao Zijin was willing to do so, there was no one who would be able to convince Qiao Zijin to do so. As such, Qiao Dongliang could really tell that it was not just talk that Qiao Zijin wanted to make up with Qiao Nan. She had proven her intentions through her actions.

    Now that Qiao Nan had mentioned it, Qiao Dongliang suddenly remembered why he had thought that it had been strange. That was because the clothes that Qiao Zijin had picked out werepletely different from those that the shopkeeper had rmended to him.

    It was just that those clothes were shiny and bright and looked rather vibrant and lively. That was why Qiao Dongliang had not thought too much about it then. Now that Qiao Nan had told him that those clothes were ufortable to wear, Qiao Dongliang came to a sudden realization. ¡°So that¡¯s the case. Right. You¡¯re right. There¡¯s no need for newborn clothes to look pretty. It¡¯s much more important for them to befortable. I¡¯ll tell your sister offter. She¡¯s been a mother for such a long time, but she doesn¡¯t even have as much experience buying clothes for children as you do. Don¡¯t worry. She won¡¯t make the same mistake next time.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Nan was rendered speechless for a while. Was there going to be a next time? She had hoped that this time had not even happened and that this was nothing more than a ridiculous dream that she had had during her afternoon nap.

    Just like the property deed of the courtyard, Qiao Nan had all the right to ept these things. After all, she had been the one to repurchase the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard with her sry. But what Qiao Nan hated the most was the endless trouble that came along when she took back what rightfully belonged to her.

    #

 Chapter 2123: Not Easy

    <h4>Chapter 2123: Not Easy</h4>

    Was Qiao Zijin someone who knew her limits? No!

    No matter how legitimately she epted Qiao Zijin¡¯s things, were Qiao Zijin¡¯s things so easy to take? No! Whoever dared to take Qiao Zijin¡¯s things had to be prepared for their fingers to be chopped off! Regardless of whether it should be the case or not, Qiao Zijin¡¯s things had knives on them. Don¡¯t expect to get them if one didn¡¯t bleed or pay a higher price.

    Knowing that Qiao Zijin was a calctive person who expected five hundred yuan in return if she took five yuan out, Qiao Nan was particrly unwilling to ept Qiao Zijin¡¯s things. She didn¡¯t want to give Qiao Zijin a reason and opportunity to create trouble for her.

    Qiao Nan was heavily guarded against Qiao Zijin. This was the experience umted from Qiao Nan¡¯s lessons in two lifetimes. She would definitely not go wrong.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need to. She doesn¡¯t have to buy clothes for my children. You should also understand that I don¡¯t want what she buys.¡± It didn¡¯t matter even if she was being called a coward. She knew that if Qiao Zijin really wanted to create trouble for her, even if she didn¡¯t ept these things, Qiao Zijin would still have an excuse toe find her. That aside, it was good for her if she could give Qiao Zijin one lesser excuse.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you can¡¯t be like this.¡± Qiao Dongliang had long expected that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to forgive Qiao Zijin within a short period of time and reconcile with her. As such, Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t discouraged at all. ¡°The matter between you and Zijin should be resolved by the both of you. Over these years, you¡¯ve taken care of Fengfeng quite a bit, right? Zijin never rejected you, right? Now, she just wants to treat the three children in your stomach well. At least, you can¡¯t represent the three children and reject the love and care that their aunt is providing them. Moreover, after the three children are born, you must not educate them in this manner. Otherwise, they will go astray. Your sister did a lot of wrong things. However, she has never stopped you from interacting with Fengfeng or treating Fengfeng well.¡±

    In other words, in this regard, Zijin did better than Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan immediately felt disgusted. She felt so ufortable that she wanted to hang up the call immediately.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t deny what Qiao Dongliang had said. Indeed, Qiao Zijin had never rejected her from getting too close to Chen Feng or prevented her from treating Chen Feng well. The problem was that Qiao Zijin¡¯s actions were not as noble and rational as what her dad had said.

    Qiao Zijin was using Chen Feng to show off to her. Qiao Zijin wanted to tell her that even if she had snatched Chen Jun away from her hands and no matter how much hatred she had in her heart or how resentful she felt, as an aunt, she had no choice but to treat Chen Feng, who was the biggest aplice, well. More importantly, Chen Feng was the best evidence that Chen Jun had betrayed her and Qiao Zijin had won against her back then.

    Qiao Zijin allowing her to get close to Chen Feng and epting her kindness to Chen Feng had nothing to do with their blood rtionship at all. Chen Feng was nothing but a tool Qiao Zijin used to show off her power and make her feel miserable and pained.

    Qiao Zijin was so sinister and shameless back then. Today, Qiao Dongliang said that she was so noble and he even used her to lecture herself. At this moment, regardless of whether it was Qiao Zijin or Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t like either at all.

    Pregnant women couldn¡¯t be angered. Qiao Nan could tolerate some matters well before she was pregnant. However, after being pregnant with three children, Qiao Nan felt that if she didn¡¯t say certain matters clearly, she would be hurting both herself and her children. ¡°Dad, I always thought that you pretended to be mute and deaf in the past. It is only today that I know that sometimes, not only are your eyes and ears not working well, but you also have an evil heart. Qiao Zijin is next to you, right? Go and ask her what kind of mindset and thoughts she had when she brought Chen Feng back to the Qiao family and handed him over to me. After you have figured this out,e and discuss with me who¡¯s in the right and who¡¯s in the wrong between me and Qiao Zijin. Also, let me know if there are times that Qiao Zijin was really right.¡±

    Qiao Nan felt helpless that Qiao Dongliang could interpret Qiao Zijin¡¯s disgusting thoughts so positively. No wonder her dad was often tricked by Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. As the head of the family, he was really a fool. It turned out that her dad really didn¡¯t know anything at all!

    After saying this, Qiao Nan hung up the call directly.

    Zhai Sheng wiped his hands. ¡°You¡¯ve already greeted him. Let me help you send the clothes back.¡± Zhai Sheng had predicted correctly that Qiao Nan would never ept Qiao Zijin¡¯s things. Even if the things Qiao Zijin bought were appropriate, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t ept them, let alone if they were inappropriate.

    ¡°Yes, Brother Zhai. Thanks for the hard work.¡± This big bag of clothes could only be sent back by Brother Zhai. ¡°After hearing what my dad said today, such things should keep happening in the future. Initially, I didn¡¯t agree with my dad spending one month¡¯s money on the children and I thought of subsidizing them back. Since this is the case, I¡¯ll be stronger in my attitude. I¡¯ll not ept my dad¡¯s packages in the future. After once or twice, he should understand what I mean and give up on buying things for the three children.¡±

    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t easy to be a good person.

    She wanted to subsidize her dad and make him a good grandfather. It was a pity that her dad always did things that added to her troubles and made her feel unhappy. If that was the case, they should make things clear between them. Her dad didn¡¯t need to treat the three children well. If he could take good care of himself, he would be considered a very good grandfather already.

    Whenever something happened to her dad, she would definitely have to worry about him. It wasn¡¯t easy to take care of three children. If she had to be distracted and take care of her dad now, the time and energy spent on the three children would definitely be lesser. Only if her dad was well could she be better and take care of the three children wholeheartedly.

    As such, if Qiao Dongliang could take care of himself and prevent himself from being in idents or being injured, that was already the performance of a good grandfather.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡± In terms of his attitude toward the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng had always stood on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. No matter what kind of decision Qiao Nan made, Zhai Sheng would always give his fullest support.

    ¡°Hard work? How is this hard work?!¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t agree that letting her son send a package back was tiring. ¡°Nan Nan, you don¡¯t have to worry about him. When he was in the army, he did more work than this. He has been resting so much after returning home that I¡¯m starting to find himzy. If you don¡¯t let him do more things at home, I¡¯m worried that after he returns to the army, he wouldn¡¯t know how to train those soldiers anymore.¡±

    In the Zhai family, the Zhai women were the most powerful. One was the woman his father loved the most, while the other was the woman he loved the most.

    #

 Chapter 2124: Deliberately

    <h4>Chapter 2124: Deliberately</h4>

    Facing these two ¡®powerful¡¯ women, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t dare to have any opinion at all. He could only finish his work and send back the big bag of clothes that Qiao Zijin had sent over.

    Unlike Qiao Dongliang, who used ordinary delivery, Zhai Sheng used SF Express in order to facilitate the return of Qiao Zijin¡¯s goods. They reached Qiao Zijin the next day. The Zhai family could afford to pay the express delivery fees.

    Facing the bag of clothes that was sent back, Ding Jiayi felt heartache, Qiao Zijin felt depressed, and Qiao Dongliang felt sad. It seemed like Nan Nan¡¯s opinions of Zijin were stronger than what he had imagined. ¡°Zijin, you bought these clothes. Go and return them. Since they aren¡¯t suitable, let¡¯s not waste unnecessary money.¡±

    Seeing that Qiao Nan had sent back all the clothes, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t say anything. Who asked Qiao Zijin to buy clothes that weren¡¯t suitable for the children to wear? If these were left at home, it would just be a pile of garbage. Furthermore, who in the Qiao family didn¡¯t know that Qiao Zijin was the same as Ding Jiayi? Both of them loved money as much as life itself. If Qiao Zijin returned this bag of clothes, her loss could be avoided as well.

    It was better to return these clothes for money than to let them be garbage piled up in the Qiao family¡¯s house.

    ¡°Dad, you really want me to return them?¡± Qiao Zijin felt ufortable in her heart. If she really returned these clothes and got her money back, wouldn¡¯t she have bought them in vain and all her efforts be wasted? No matter how much Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t bear to part with money, she knew that once she returned these clothes, the image which she had not salvaged yet would copse once again.

    It was unknown what kind of agitation Qiao Nan, who used to be so easy to talk to, suffered. Her temper became strange. All along, Qiao Nan pleased her. She was willing to please Qiao Nan back now. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t seem to know her limits.

    ¡°Otherwise? Leave them for your second child to use?¡± Qiao Dongliang had no choice. These clothes weren¡¯t suitable and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want them. They would just pile up as garbage unless Qiao Zijin remarried and got pregnant with another child again. Perhaps these clothes would be useful then. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to say this, but the clothes you bought for Fengfeng in the past were a mess. Return them quickly. Thankfully, Nan Nan didn¡¯t cut off the tags. Otherwise, we can¡¯t return these clothes and they would only go to waste.¡±

    He didn¡¯t understand. It wasn¡¯t as if Qiao Zijin was childless. However, she bought such clothes for Qiao Nan¡¯s unborn children. She couldn¡¯t evenpare to him, the grandfather. No wonder Nan Nan¡¯s tone was like that when she mentioned Chen Feng. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Fengfeng was brought up by Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was dissatisfied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the clothes I bought? Aren¡¯t they nice? They¡¯re expensive!¡± If not for the sake of her n, how would she bear to spend so much money and buy clothes for Qiao Nan¡¯s children? She had spent so much money but didn¡¯t receive any words ofpliment and was lectured instead. She felt wronged. She spent so much money just to prove to everyone that she was good to Qiao Nan¡¯s children. In the future, she could really treat Qiao Nan¡¯s three children as her own.

    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because these clothes are expensive that they should be returned. You know where they were bought. We don¡¯t. As such, only you could return them. You should return such expensive clothes. Are all the tags still intact?¡± If they weren¡¯t returned, Qiao Dongliang would feel the pinch. There wasn¡¯t a need to waste unnecessary money.

    Qiao Zijin kept the clothes unhappily. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry. These weren¡¯t bought cheaply off the streets. They are branded. As long as the tags are intact, we can return them, of course. Dad, since when did Nan Nan be so spoiled? I¡¯m treating her and her three children well but she¡¯s being picky!¡±

    Otherwise, how would someonein that someone else¡¯s gifts were not good enough and even return them? All in all, Qiao Nan was actually picking on her, right?

    She didn¡¯t believe that if this situation happened to someone else, Qiao Nan would not care about face and also return the items. That would be making a lot of enemies for the Zhai family.

    If it had been someone else, would Qiao Nan have done the same? Of course not. If it was of use, she would use it. If not, she would just pile it up as garbage at home. At the very most, it could appear in another format as something of equal value when there was a joyous asion at someone else¡¯s family.

    But was Qiao Zijin an ordinary person? Could she be considered as ¡®someone else¡¯? After epting Qiao Zijin¡¯s things, she wanted to use something of equal value to return to her and treat it that they were even? In her dreams! Don¡¯t even think about it! Qiao Zijin was more troublesome than this ¡®someone else¡¯.

    Thus, when facing Qiao Zijin, there was only one thing to say: If it¡¯s yours, please take it back. Our family doesn¡¯t want anything at all.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t self-reflect on the difference between this. She just felt that after Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, she became more arrogant and started to look down on them, the poor rtives from her family. Even if she spent a lot of money to buy these baby clothes, Qiao Nan could just send them back via SF Express without blinking! Having done so much, Qiao Nan was just trying to prove to her that she had style now. The Qiao Nan now had long surpassed Qiao Zijin, who had the most glory back when she was still married to Chen Jun.

    The more Qiao Zijin thought about it, the more ufortable she felt. When she picked up the clothes, it was inevitable that her movements were bigger. Ding Jiayi felt heartache. ¡°Can your movements be smaller? Didn¡¯t you say that these clothes were expensive? Don¡¯t damage the protective cover. Otherwise, the shop might find an excuse and not let us return them.¡± It was rare that the tags were still intact. She didn¡¯t want to end up not being able to return the clothes because of Qiao Zijin.

    Perhaps it was because she had suffered a loss of two hundred thousand yuan that Ding Jiayi¡¯s mindset waspletely different now. Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t surprised at all that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t fancy the clothes Qiao Zijin sent over. When she heard that Qiao Nan had sent these clothes back, Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan should have done so. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t like them, what use was there to hang on to them? Of course she should send them back so that they could still return them for money. Money was not easily obtained, after all.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s only worry was that Qiao Nan might have learned Qiao Dongliang¡¯s style. Although she said that these clothes weren¡¯t good and suitable, not only would she cut off the tags in private, but she would even deliberately rinse them in water, being petty and thus ruining the clothes.

    #

 Chapter 2125: Refund

    <h4>Chapter 2125: Refund</h4>

    Anyone with the experience of returning clothes would know that it was impossible to get a refund on them once their tags had been cut off.

    It would be no wonder if Qiao Nan had really done that. If Qiao Nan had cut off the tags and washed them before returning them to Qiao Zijin, it would not only show that Qiao Nan did not ept Qiao Zijin¡¯s kindness, but it would also mean that those clothes would be useless once they received them. Unless they had other children in the family, that pile of clothes would be rubbish.

    As such, Ding Jiayi wanted to thank the heavens when she saw that the clothes had been returned perfectly fine with their tags intact and had no signs of being washed before. She had to thank Qiao Nan for being slightly humane despite having such an evil heart.

    If Qiao Nan had done what she had predicted, she would definitelymbast Qiao Nan to death and demand her to pay Zijin ten times what she had lost unless Qiao Nan never showed up in front of her ever again.

    Of course, Qiao Nan had not gone overboard and had allowed them to recoup their losses. Since she had not burned this bridge, it would be easier for them to get along in the future.

    Ding Jiayi was much faster than Qiao Zijin. With Ding Jiayi¡¯s help, they managed to get through the pile of clothes very quickly. ¡°Zijin, do you still have the receipts for these clothes? You didn¡¯t throw them away, right? The more expensive these things are, the more particr they are. If you threw the receipts away, you wouldn¡¯t be able to get a refund.¡±

    ¡°I still have them.¡± Qiao Zijin had thought for a long while whether to throw those receipts away. At the thought of the amount she had spent on these clothes, Qiao Zijin had the urge to throw those receipts as far away as possible, lest her heart ache when she saw the receipts again. The problem was that if she were to throw those receipts away, she would never be able to prove to Qiao Nan and the Zhai family just how much she had spent on those three children. Then, how would she prove that she treated the children well and would treat them no different from her own biological children?

    As a precautionary measure, Qiao Zijin had kept that receipt well in a ce where it would not be seen normally so that she would not catch a glimpse of it and ruin her mood.

    After retrieving the receipt, Qiao Zijin hesitated. ¡°Should I really get a refund on all of them?¡± It was, of course, good to be able to get back her money. The problem was whether Qiao Nan had seen her good intentions. If Qiao Nan had not, she would rather the clothes be a pile of rubbish than return them.

    On the contrary, if Qiao Nan had already acknowledged her good intentions, there would be nothing better than getting a refund. Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin had no idea about Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude and did not dare to take it easy.

    ¡°Return them.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you should return them. Why would you not return them?¡± At this point in time, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang concurred.

    Qiao Dongliang eyed Ding Jiayi, whose face was illuminated with red light. ¡°There¡¯s no point in keeping these clothes at home.¡± The Qiao family had reached the point where they could afford to waste their money in this manner. This pile of clothes had cost them quite a lot. They could not possibly leave them to rot at home. Giving it away? It was too expensive for them.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ding Jiayi felt that she was indeed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife. They had such chemistry! ¡°We don¡¯t have any more children in the family. When Feng Feng gets older and gives us a great-grandchild, I¡¯m sure fashion styles would have changed and children¡¯s clothes won¡¯t look like that anymore. Prices fluctuate every year, more so for designs. What¡¯s trendy today might be worth nothing next year. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re made of gold. They have no inherent value. It¡¯s better to get a refund as soon as possible and get your money back.¡±

    It was not easy for Ding Jiayi to say such things as a housewife. It was only because she watched quite a lot of television programs and gossiped with her neighbors that Ding Jiayi had some knowledge about these things. ¡°Zijin, do you want me to follow you to get your refund? They might try to bully you and not refund you if you go alone. I know that salespeople earnmissions from their sales. You made such a big purchase, so they must have gotten quite a lot ofmission. Now that you¡¯re getting a refund, they¡¯ll definitely be upset about earning less and might cause trouble for you.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good.¡± Zijin nodded in agreement. When she had still been Mrs. Chen in the past, Qiao Zijin had never gotten a refund even on the clothes that she had not liked. She thought it was a chore while Chen Jun could not afford to lose his face. Even Chen Jun told her to just put those clothes that she did not like aside and not wear them instead of getting a refund.

    Having been used to being pampered like that, Qiao Zijin did not have any experience in getting refunds. As such, she was afraid of facing such a situation and of being looked down on by the salespeople. If Ding Jiayi tagged along, she could simply get Ding Jiayi to handle everything.

    Sure enough, with Ding Jiayi by her side, the other party¡¯s attitude changed immediately the moment she realized that they were trying to get a refund. That salesperson was no match for Ding Jiayi at all. Besides, she knew that her reputation as a businesswoman would matter much more in the long run and that her service attitude left an important impression on her customers.

    With no other choice, the salesperson could only help them go through with their refund.

    As expected, Ding Jiayi was overjoyed that they had managed to retrieve their money after returning the clothes. Although she had saved her money, Qiao Zijin did not feel so good. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan is already six months pregnant. Do you think I will make it in time to let Qiao Nan understand how good I am and make her agree to let me marry Zhai Sheng before she gives birth and dies?¡±

    She had already known that it would be difficult, but she had thought that she would have made some progress, at the very least. But in reality? Childbirth was imminent, but nothing had happened yet!

    They were in a taxi, after all, and it was inappropriate to discuss this matter then. Ding Jiayi had already felt the driver looking at them in a different light. Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on the thigh, asking her to calm down. They would discuss the matter once they got home.

    Qiao Zijin was frustrated. Once they got home, it would not be convenient for them to discuss the matter either because her dad would be around. She could never let her dad find out about her n. Not only would he never agree to it, but he would even try his best to stand in her way!

    Her dad had already fallen for Qiao Nan¡¯s trap, but Zhai Sheng would get remarried after Qiao Nan¡¯s death anyway.

    #

 Chapter 2126: Greedy

    <h4>Chapter 2126: Greedy</h4>

    Instead of letting Zhai Sheng marry someone else and let them have the chance to give Qiao Nan¡¯s children siblings, it was better for Zhai Sheng to marry her. No matter what, she was the biological aunt of the three children and had blood ties with them.

    She had already been willing to let Qiao Nan be Feng Feng¡¯s stepmom, so why would Qiao Nan and her dad worry if she were to be Zhai Sheng¡¯s third wife? It was clearly a win-win situation for everyone. She could not understand why it seemed so difficult to get this matter done.

    She would forget about how others could not understand her good intentions, but why was it that she was running into obstacle after obstacle when trying to put her good intentions into action?

    What was wrong with this world? Why was it so difficult to be a good person? People like her dad had such set mindsets and were so stubborn. What could be more important than the happiness of those alive?

    By the time the mother and daughter returned home, Qiao Dongliang had already finished his dinner and had returned to his room to rest. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had to take their hats off to Qiao Dongliang for that. However, it was good news that he had gone to bed early.

    Ding Jiayi tugged on Qiao Zijin¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in your room.¡±

    After entering Qiao Zijin¡¯s room, Qiao Zijin acted as though she was ying a spy game and took out several long rubber tubes and stuffed them in the cracks of the door to ensure that she cut off the cirction of air between the living room and her room. These tubes had originally been meant to cool a room down faster in summer, but Qiao Zijin had used it for a different purpose: preventing eavesdropping.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Afterpleting her task that she had set out for herself, Qiao Zijin did not feel tired or that the air in the room was stuffy because the air conditioning in the living room could not enter her own room. ¡°Now, we can have a good discussion. Qiao Nan is already forty this year, and I¡¯ve asked quite a few experts who said that Qiao Nan will definitely give birth by the time she¡¯s eight months pregnant. No matter how healthy she is, there¡¯s no way for her to keep the babies in until her ninth month.¡±

    That meant she had less than three months to go.

    ¡°Zijin, I¡¯ve been thinking about this problem too. Zijin, do you think we¡¯re making things tooplicated?¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression was calm as though she had a direction for Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°What do you mean, Mom?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you always been worried that Chen Jun¡¯s second wife would have ill intentions and would treat Feng Feng badly? We¡¯re all women. Do you think Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t feel the same way? We were already willing to let her marry Chen Jun so that she wouldn¡¯t have to grow old alone. That way, not only would we be able to settle her marriage, but we would even be able to ensure that Feng Feng would have a secure position in the Chen family. If the both of us could do that, there¡¯s no reason that Qiao Nan can¡¯t do the same.¡±

    ¡°Okay, go on.¡± Her mom¡¯s analysis did make sense. She and her mom had not been on friendly terms with Qiao Nan. Chen Jun was loaded, and even eighteen-year-olds would want to get married to him. It was only because Qiao Nan was her biological younger sister that she had allowed Qiao Nan to benefit in this way. Otherwise, there¡¯s no way Qiao Nan would have been considered at all.

    She had been willing to give in on this matter even though she treated Qiao Nan so poorly. She was a mother, and so was Qiao Nan. Indeed, if she could think about her child and do something for her child, so could Qiao Nan. Her personal enmity between her and Qiao Nan meant nothing inparison to her children¡¯s happiness in the future.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to go on,¡± Ding Jiayi said calmly. ¡°In my opinion, you don¡¯t even have to try restoring your rtionship with Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan won¡¯t be so dumb to not be able to think of the solution that you came up with. After she dies, the best solution for the three children will be for you to take her ce in the Zhai family. We¡¯re all mothers and want the best for our children. You don¡¯t have to please Qiao Nan or be on such good terms with her either. Once Qiao Nan can¡¯t hold on anymore, we just have to show up to remind her. Then, Qiao Nan will know what to do.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had already thought through these things. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll follow you to the capital. We can¡¯t bring your dad along. Your dad... is quite funny. He said that he was going to visit Qiao Nan in the capital after her confinement period. By then, she¡¯ll be nothing more than ashes. Since we already know that Qiao Nan won¡¯t survive until then, we have to get to the capital before Qiao Nan gives birth and stay by her side. If we don¡¯t stay by her side, especially in herst hours, I¡¯m afraid that Qiao Nan might not think of such a situation.¡±

    On the other hand, if they were to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, they would not have to be worried about Qiao Nan being too stupid toe up with such a perfect solution. They would simply have to remind her of it.

    That way, not only would they be able to solve their problem very quickly, but everything would also be very simple. Zijin would not even need to waste her money and be afraid that Qiao Nan would throw a tantrum because she had not bought the right things.

    Qiao Zijinughed but she frowned soon after. ¡°It¡¯ll be good if you¡¯re right, but what if you¡¯re not? I know just how much Qiao Nan hates me. What if she¡¯s so stubborn that she doesn¡¯t consider the future of her three children because of her hatred toward me? What will I do then? Unless I¡¯m certain, I think there are too many variables in this matter. I can¡¯t count my eggs before they hatch. I have to make sufficient preparations.¡±

    Ever since she had gotten divorced, she felt that nothing had gone her way. There was no way Qiao Zijin would treat such a critical matter carelessly.

    Seeing Qiao Zijin so nervous, there was nothing else Ding Jiayi could say. She had thought that her solution was reliable and good. Qiao Nan was her daughter and she was clear about Qiao Nan¡¯s temper. They were both mothers, and Qiao Nan would probably do a better job at that than Qiao Zijin.

    As such, she did not think that Qiao Nan would ignore the happiness of her three children just because of her personal hatred. Knowing that Qiao Zijin was too anxious to listen to any advice, Ding Jiayi decided not to continue. ¡°If you¡¯re really worried, you can continue with your efforts and try to get closer to Qiao Nan through your dad. It doesn¡¯t matter that you failed this time. Don¡¯t you still have three months? No one can resist the attack of sugar-coated bullets forever. Don¡¯t be too confident in Qiao Nan. All humans are susceptible to greed.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2127: In Tears

    <h4>Chapter 2127: In Tears</h4>

    She would be a fool not to take advantage of what she could.

    Once or twice did not ount for much, but once she did so enough times and sent over valuable items, Qiao Nan would definitely give in. Otherwise, why was there always news on high-ranking officials receiving bribes and being sentenced to prison for corruption and bribery? It was the same principle. Qiao Nan would never be able to remain so stubborn.

    The mother and daughter had already forgotten that Qiao Nan¡¯s death was nothing more than their wishful thinking. From the looks of conviction on their faces, it seemed as though they had already read the book of life and death and knew for sure that Qiao Nan would die from childbirth.

    Throughout their discussions and efforts, they had casually ignored the fact that everything would be in vain as long as Qiao Nan gave birth to her children safely. The pair had never once stopped to consider that Qiao Nan might very well survive childbirth along with her three children. That was only expected, after all, since Qiao Nan¡¯s death would benefit them much more than her being alive. As such, they naturally hoped for Qiao Nan¡¯s death. Her being alive would only stand in the way of their happiness.

    After a lengthy discussion, the mother and daughter had not managed toe up with a new solution.

    With no result, Qiao Zijin took away the seal in the crack of the door and ced it back in her cupboard. When they emerged from the room, they happened to see Qiao Dongliang, who looked troubled.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you guys make something to eat aftering back? What were you guys doing in the room?¡± What bothered Qiao Dongliang the most was that he had tried his best but had not been able to make out a single word.

    It was not as though it was the first day Qiao Dongliang had noticed the sound instion at home. He had been able to overhear conversations in the past but had not been able to do so today. Qiao Dongliang was no fool and could guess the kind of measures some had taken for there to be such a change.

    There was nothing to hide if one had not done anything wrong. If Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were not talking about shady things, why was there a need to act so secretively as though they weremercial spies? It was obvious that something was wrong!

    Qiao Dongliang was upset at the situation. As long as Qiao Zijin was scheming something, Qiao Dongliang would be upset no matter who her target was. This meant that Qiao Zijin had not changed at all, even though she had said such nice things just a few days ago. In fact, she had probably been plotting something.

    If that was the case, Qiao Dongliang thought that it was a bit ridiculous that he was still trying to help Zijin in front of Nan Nan. He had no other choice. Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were birds of the same feather. It was not that Qiao Dongliang wanted to think of Qiao Zijin in a bad light. It was just that there was truly no one else whom Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi would set their eyes on if not Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had only gone so far because they felt a little guilty and wanted to prevent Qiao Dongliang from finding out. But it was exactly because of this that Qiao Dongliang had found them out.

    Looking at Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s expressions, Qiao Dongliang raised his eyebrow. ¡°Zijin, were all those things you told me earlier just lies? That¡¯s true. Ever since Nan Nan got married to Zhai Sheng, she¡¯s had a different status. If you are on good terms with Nan Nan, it would be much better for you aspared to when you were married to Chen Jun.¡±

    In short, Zijin had not truly changed for the better. She was still nning on taking advantage of Nan Nan.

    Realizing the truth of the matter, Qiao Dongliang could not say that he was really upset or that he had been prepared for it. It was just inevitable for a father to be foolish and gullible at times, but epting the truth was not that hard either.

    His younger daughter was angry that he was helping his elder daughter, while his elder daughter was annoyed that he was not doing enough to help her. Hehehe...

    Qiao Zijin had not seeded with Qiao Dongliang yet and thus could not afford to give up on Qiao Dongliang just yet. Seeing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude toward her had changed, even gradually returning to what it had been in the past, Qiao Zijin knew that she had to do something. ¡°My dear dad, you¡¯re overthinking it. What could I possibly be talking to Mom about? I was fighting with Mom. Didn¡¯t we return the clothes just now? I felt that Mom¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t very good. Nan Nan married well and got married to Zhai Sheng, but Mom was impolite just now. How is Nan Nan supposed to live?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts to find the best excuse to appease Qiao Dongliang in the shortest time possible. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know Mom¡¯s temper better than I do. Do you think she would be happy with me talking about her like that? It¡¯s not good for us to be arguing all the time, so I thought of a way to reduce the noise. Dad, what are you even thinking? Our argument had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.¡±

    Her dad was too sensitive. She had only heard that women had a sixth sense, so why was her dad¡¯s sixth sense so scarily urate?

    She wondered if her dad would buy into her excuse.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± To tell the truth, Qiao Dongliang did not really believe Qiao Zijin. If that was really the case, there was no need for Qiao Zijin to be so defensive, saying that it would be embarrassing for her neighbors to hear it. Qiao Dongliang had a feeling that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were being defensive toward him. ¡°Alright. If you say so. It¡¯s not early anymore. I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had always had his doubts toward Qiao Zijin, and that was why he had not put in his utmost effort into helping Qiao Zijin from the start. He had wanted to take things slow and ensure that Qiao Zijin had truly changed before he spoke up for Qiao Zijin in front of Qiao Nan.

    Now, Qiao Dongliang no longer had such intentions. His elder daughter had too much going on in her mind. If Zijin could not settle these matters on her own, what could he do as her dad? It was better not to be so confident in the face of the three women of the Qiao family.

    Although Qiao Dongliang did not say much, Qiao Zijin knew from his attitude that he had not believed her words. She had finally been able to warm her rtionship with Qiao Dongliang slightly, but it seemed to be cooling again. If that was the case, she could forget about her rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin nearly burst into tears at that moment.

    When she had first bought that rubber seal, she had even been so smug, thinking that Taobao was truly a good find. There was nothing she could not find there. But now, it was clear that her ns had backfired. It was true that her dad had not heard the conversation between her and her mom, but her dad had guessed the subject of their conversation!

    #

 Chapter 2128: Grudges

    <h4>Chapter 2128: Grudges</h4>

    She refused to admit to it? That did not mean anything since her father would not believe her anyway!

    ¡°Dad, believe me. It¡¯s true. We were only discussing the matter of the refund. There was nothing else to it. Dad, you can¡¯t always deny my change for the better just because of your groundless doubts, right? That¡¯s unfair to me. I really didn¡¯t do it. Dad, didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t give up on me? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong and I¡¯m not plotting anything, but you¡¯re treating me with this attitude. Dad, you lied to me. You said that you would definitely teach me and help me as long as I was willing to change. You¡¯re clearly biased against me and think that I can¡¯t do anything right like your obedient daughter, Qiao Nan. Dad, you¡¯re treating me unjustly!¡±

    Qiao Zijin got worked up toward the end and her tone was filled with indignation. It sounded as though she truly had no ill intentions and it was Qiao Dongliang who was maligning her while she was innocent.

    It did indeed seem as though Qiao Zijin was truly being maligned because of how emotional she had gotten. Qiao Dongliang could not help but second-guess himself and wonder if he had indeed misunderstood Qiao Zijin. But Qiao Dongliang calmed down very quickly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel aggrieved. I didn¡¯t say anything. I¡¯m sure you and I both know the truth. If you really didn¡¯t, then so be it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was still a little uncertain about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude. His words seemed to suggest that his attitude had softened, but his expression made it seem as though he was still doubtful of her words. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry that I got so worked up. You¡¯re right. I know best whether I have done it or not. I went overboard and changed too quickly. It¡¯s only right for you to suspect me and for Nan Nan not to ept me. That¡¯s alright. I know just how sincere I am and I believe that I¡¯ll eventually be able to change your minds about me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin did not know what else she could possibly say.

    Qiao Dongliang merely acknowledged Qiao Zijin with a nod. Because of that, Qiao Zijin felt guilty and could not really tell how Qiao Dongliang was feeling. Looking at Qiao Dongliang returning to his room, Qiao Zijin ran to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side regretfully. ¡°Mom, do you think Dad believes me?¡± If she had known that this would happen, she would have gone to a teahouse to discuss the matter before returning home.

    There were some things that they truly could not discuss at home.

    Ding Jiayi was worried too. ¡°Recently, I¡¯ve realized that I don¡¯t really understand your dad, so I¡¯m not too sure either.¡± If she understood him and could have him within her grasp like she had had in the past, there would be no need for her to be so depressed, even forcing Zijin to give her two hundred thousand yuan to coax Old Qiao.

    ¡°Mom, what shall we do? If my dad doesn¡¯t believe me, I won¡¯t have the chance to interact with Qiao Nan at all.¡± Her dad was the entire family¡¯s hope and her only hope of getting close to Qiao Nan. If even her dad refused to help her, she would have no choice but to go along with her mom¡¯s n and depend on Qiao Nan¡¯s mood as to whether she would agree to let her take her ce in the Zhai family for her children¡¯s sake.

    That was quite a big bet to ce, and Qiao Zijin was reluctant to ce all her eggs in one basket.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin on the shoulder. ¡°Forget it. Don¡¯t think about it anymore. Neither of us will ever be able to figure out what your dad has up his sleeves. You¡¯re your dad¡¯s daughter, after all. Your dad will always favor you. At the very most, just start again. Didn¡¯t you seed thest time? Maybe the situation isn¡¯t as bad as we think. Let¡¯s see what happens tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Qiao Zijin answered curtly. ¡°But Mom, we haven¡¯t had our dinner. I¡¯m hungry.¡± No matter how upset she was, she would still have to have her meal. Otherwise, where would she get the energy to marry Zhai Sheng and be the chief¡¯s wife?

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go prepare dinner.¡± Although the two hundred thousand yuan had not appeased Qiao Dongliang and the rtionship between the couple was still as tense, Ding Jiayi had returned to her previous attitude toward Qiao Zijin. Now that Qiao Zijin had expressed her hunger, Ding Jiayi hurried into the kitchen to prepare dinner for Qiao Zijin even though she was not very hungry herself.

    Even up until the moment shey down on her bed, Qiao Zijin felt uneasy. The very next day, it was clear that her fears had not been unfounded.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang would mention Qiao Nan and the three unborn children in front of Qiao Zijin from time to time. However, after that unfortunate incident the previous day, Qiao Dongliang no longer did so. Even when Qiao Zijin took the initiative to bring them up, Qiao Dongliang refused to talk about them. Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Dongliang tried to get in touch with Qiao Nan through various different means every day to learn about her situation. At least, he would send a text or call her once a day.

    Today, Qiao Zijin had waited for Qiao Dongliang to contact Qiao Nan for the entire day but he had not done anything at all. Qiao Zijin had the urge to remind Qiao Dongliang that he had forgotten to do something.

    It was just that Qiao Zijin knew that given Qiao Dongliang¡¯s concern toward Qiao Nan, there was no way he would forget about Qiao Nan even if he forgot to have a meal himself. That could only mean that her dad had contacted Qiao Nan without her realizing it!

    Since Qiao Dongliang did not speak of it, Qiao Zijin did not dare to ask about it either. But that did not mean that she had forgotten all about it. She was just waiting and hoping that Ding Jiayi¡¯s hypothetical situation would y out, even if there was only a one percent chance of it happening. She felt that Qiao Nan would definitely be able to do something that she herself had been able to do.

    As for her dad, she would do as much as she could. She did not dare to think about anything more.

    After Qiao Dongliang had his suspicions toward Qiao Zijin, he would always avoid Qiao Zijin whenever he contacted Qiao Nan. That was nothing. Even after learning of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Qiao Dongliang never mentioned it to Qiao Zijin anymore.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words had not just been empty words. He could sense the ns that Qiao Zijin had in mind. He had almost believed Qiao Zijin that she had turned over a new lead and was intent on developing a good rtionship with Qiao Nan. But now, Qiao Dongliang was no longer as gullible.

    Qiao Zijin had never intended to do so and had even been plotting against Qiao Nan the whole time. In fact, what Qiao Zijin desired from Qiao Nan had to be something ridiculous and out of this world. After making sure of that, Qiao Dongliang could only try his best to minimize the interactions Qiao Zijin had with Qiao Nan.

    Of course, if Qiao Zijin had the confidence to face Qiao Nan herself, Qiao Dongliang was not at all worried. That was because he knew that Qiao Nan had a deep grudge toward Qiao Zijin.

    #

 Chapter 2129: Comparing Results

    <h4>Chapter 2129: Comparing Results</h4>

    Even with him as a buffer, Qiao Nan¡¯s anger toward Qiao Zijin had not dissipated. Now, he was not even interfering any longer.

    When Qiao Dongliang¡¯s package had been returned, Qiao Dongliang finally realized that Qiao Nan would not fall for Qiao Zijin¡¯s tricks. It was also because of the package that Qiao Nan had raised her guard against even her father. The sight of the package made Qiao Dongliang feel sour. He seemed to have ruined everything again, pushing Qiao Nan even further away from him.

    In the face of this situation, Qiao Dongliang was infuriated at himself, Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin. It seemed as though he would always encounter such situations as long as this mother-daughter pair was involved. He wondered how the three of them had managed to live together as a family for the past two decades.

    ¡°Old Qiao, what are you thinking about? This is quite a good show. Why don¡¯t you sit down and watch it with me?¡± Ding Jiayi waved Qiao Dongliang over. The Qiao family was not particrly close, but neither were they on bad terms. It was ufortable just watching on from the side.

    Even the Qiao family¡¯s neighbors could feel that the atmosphere in the Qiao family had gotten a little strange these days. What on earth was that family of three doing? They could not even enjoy a day of peace. As neighbors, they were tired from just watching on from the sides. Did the Qiao family themselves not feel exhausted?

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. You guys can go ahead.¡± Qiao Dongliang had never had much interest in watching the television anyway. ¡°Where¡¯s Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Where else could she be? She must be in her room using herputer. Old Qiao, look at all these things on the table. They¡¯re all Zijin¡¯s. She said they¡¯re her materials. The words are as small as ants. I can¡¯t even read them clearly.¡± Ding Jiayi nced at the pile of papers on the table, ¡®casually¡¯ mentioning them to Qiao Dongliang.

    ¡°Materials?¡± Qiao Dongliang was surprised. Ever since Qiao Zijin had graduated from university, she had never bothered to upgrade herself or widen her knowledge. Had the sun risen from the west today? Why was Zijin doing such things? ¡°Oh right, didn¡¯t I tell Zijin that it¡¯s good for her to study more now that she¡¯s still young and for her to take a Level Six certification in English? How¡¯s it going? When is she going to sign up for the exam?¡±

    After hearing that Qiao Nan had taken the exam, Qiao Dongliang had suggested that Qiao Zijin take the exam too. He hoped that Qiao Zijin would try to improve herself. Besides, Qiao Nan had said that the exam was extremely easy. Qiao Zijin had a better foundation in thenguage, after all. As such, he thought that it would be good for Qiao Zijin to get certified too.

    A person¡¯s knowledge was his own, and no one else would ever be able to snatch it away. As such, it would definitely be beneficial to Zijin if she were to study more now.

    Nan Nan had been able to tutor others in English and make a living for herself. He was not expecting Zijin to do the same, but if Zijin had a certain standard in English, she would probably be able to use it to eke out a living when times called for it.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression stiffened. Zijin was not just her daughter. Old Qiao should know what Zijin¡¯s temper was like too.

    Although it was a littlete, Ding Jiayi had to admit that Qiao Zijin had indeed been eager to study, but it was also true that she could not match up to Qiao Nan in that aspect. Qiao Nan truly enjoyed studying while Qiao Zijin studied for the sake of it. ¡°Forget it. Zijin has been out of school for almost two decades. Why are you asking her to take an exam? She¡¯s already given everything back to her teachers. I didn¡¯t tell you about this in the past, but Zijin had to retake the Level Four exam a few times before she managed to pass.¡±

    The learning environment had been unbeatable in school, and studying had been Zijin¡¯s only task. Even then, Zijin had needed to retake that exam so many times, whereas Qiao Nan had managed to pass it easily without putting in any effort.

    What Ding Jiayi had not said was that Qiao Zijin had only worked so hard to pass that exam, even sitting for several retests up until her graduation, not because she really loved thenguage or because she had wanted to improve on her score. It was only because she had to pass the Level Four exam before she could graduate.

    Zijin had struggled so much in school for the sake of the status of being a university graduate. Hearing that she would not be able to graduate otherwise, Zijin dared not give up on the exam so easily. Unfortunately for her, the invigtors were not her own teachers and were especially strict when marking the papers.

    Even though she had already graduated more than a decade ago, Qiao Zijin still oftenined to Ding Jiayi how she had nightmares of returning to school and sitting for that dreaded English examination. Qiao Zijin felt as though she could faint even in her dream from looking at those warped characters.

    Qiao Zijin had never mentioned this to Qiao Dongliang but oftenined to Ding Jiayi about it. As such, Ding Jiayi was certain that it was impossible for Qiao Zijin to continue with her English studies because she had already been traumatized by it.

    The mention of an English examination would make Qiao Zijin turn on her back and run as fast as a hare. There was no need to mention it to Qiao Zijin. It would definitely be a failure.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± This was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s first time hearing about it. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Zijin¡¯s grades were pretty good in university even though she did not receive a schrship?¡± That was what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had told him.

    She had never received a schrship. After all, there were so many talented people in the same school and Qiao Zijin had not been exceptionally talented in junior high school or high school. Qiao Dongliang was already happy enough that Qiao Zijin had managed topete with these talents for a schrship, missing the cut just by a sliver. This proved that their family¡¯s insistence on sending Qiao Zijin to university had been right. See, Qiao Zijin¡¯s results had improved by leaps and bounds after entering university.

    How was Qiao Dongliang to know that Ding Jiayi had simply been ying a game of wits with him at that time?

    Ding Jiayi had said that Qiao Zijin¡¯s results were pretty good and it was just that she had not made the cut for the schrship. Anyone who heard that would naturally assume that Qiao Zijin¡¯s results were good and were just slightly behind those who had been awarded the schrship. That was why she had lost out on it. Someone who had almost gotten a schrship in university must have had excellent results!

    #

 Chapter 2130: Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 2130: Nightmare</h4>

    How was Qiao Dongliang to know that what Ding Jiayi meant was that Qiao Zijin¡¯s results had indeed been good, but that had nothing to do with the schrship? In fact, not only did Qiao Zijin have nothing to do with the schrship, but her results had even been a long shot from those who had won the schrship. No matter how hard Qiao Zijin tried, she would never be able to ovee the vast difference and catch up with them.

    Ding Jiayi had been confused the first time Qiao Zijin talked about it this way, but Ding Jiayi had fallen under Qiao Zijin¡¯s spell and thought that Qiao Zijin was always right and that whatever Qiao Zijin did was right too.

    Qiao Zijin had only told a half-lie, and even after Ding Jiayi learned of the truth, she had been in cahoots with Qiao Zijin to keep the truth hidden from Qiao Dongliang.

    After Qiao Zijin graduated, the mother and daughter felt that they had lucked out on this matter. Qiao Dongliang had not found out about it while Qiao Zijin was still studying. Now that Qiao Zijin had graduated, Qiao Dongliang would never find out about it.

    Unfortunately for Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, they had someone who truly loved to study butcked the opportunity to do so in their family. That had been why their deeds had finally been exposed. Now, Qiao Zijin was already forty-two and Ding Jiayi did not see the need to deceive Qiao Dongliang any further. This was the past, and it would probably not have any adverse impact anymore even if she were to reveal the truth now.

    Upon hearing that answer, Qiao Dongliang faced a huge blow. ¡°So, that¡¯s what you meant by Zijin having good grades in school? She was almost unable to graduate because she couldn¡¯t pass the Level Four English certification exam. The two of you are really amazing. You¡¯ve been lying to me like a fool. I never suspected anything in the past and believed everything you said. You two must have been very pleased that you were able to trick such a big fool!¡±

    If he had known that Zijin¡¯s grades had been such a mess, he would definitely have found a way to give Nan Nan the opportunity to study too. It was not that shecked the talent. Nan Nan was obviously very talented in her studies. But he had been taken in by this mother-daughter pair!

    Ding Jiayi red up. ¡°It¡¯s been so many years. Why are you trying to bring up the past now? No matter what, Qiao Zijin is our family¡¯s only university graduate! You can¡¯t demand too much of Zijin. She¡¯s already done so well. Didn¡¯t she manage to graduate in the end? Zijin graduated with her own efforts. There were some students who couldn¡¯t pass that exam no matter how hard they tried and their families had to bribe the management for them to graduate!¡±

    ¡°Compared to those children, Zijin is very sensible. You should be happy to have such a sensible daughter.¡± She was not even the worst. When she had heard about such a situation, Ding Jiayi had been proud that Qiao Zijin had not wasted the family¡¯s money and had relied on her own efforts to graduate.

    At that time, neither Qiao Zijin nor Ding Jiayi had ever stopped to think about why they alwayspared her with those with bad results. Why had they notpared Zijin with those top students who had graduated with honors?

    ¡°Hehehe...¡± Qiao Dongliang tugged on the corners of his lips. ¡°She¡¯s a good daughter and you¡¯re a good mother. The two of you are amazing. Zijin might have graduated a long time ago, but Nan Nan has never had the chance to do so. Nan Nan has been away from school for a longer time than Zijin, so she should probably have less knowledge than Zijin. If Nan Nan could pass the Level Six test, Zijin must sign up and take the test. I want to see just how big the difference between Nan Nan and Zijin is. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know anything about it. I can tell who¡¯s better from just the scores alone. If you can¡¯t bear to pay for the entrance fee, I¡¯ll pay for it. It can¡¯t cost much.¡±

    Once Qiao Dongliang had set his mind on something, there was no way Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi could change his mind.

    When Ding Jiayi told Qiao Zijin about this afterward, Qiao Zijin nearly died of anger. ¡°My dad must be crazy! All I did was seal the cracks in the door yesterday. It¡¯s not like Imitted an unpardonable crime. Why is my dad holding it against me? Do you mean Dad knows all about how my grades weren¡¯t good and how I don¡¯t like to study? Why is he trying to get me to sit for an exam after so many years? And it¡¯s even an English exam! He¡¯s out to embarrass me!¡±

    English proficiency exams were one of the greatest nightmares in Qiao Zijin¡¯s life. It was still possible to cheat during a final exam in university, but that was not the case in such an exam. It was impossible for her to cheat. If anyone was caught cheating by an external invigtor, they would simply escort them out of the examination hall.

    They were all adults and could not afford to be embarrassed in this manner. On the other hand, if one were to be caught cheating by their own teacher, the teacher would confiscate the slip of paper before letting one carry on with their test. That had been how Qiao Zijin had passed her exams in university.

    One could only imagine howfortable a life Qiao Zijin must have led in her five-year-long university life, given her way of taking exams. She had had to rely on her own abilities in the middle school and high school examinations, but that had not been the case in university! Initially, when Qiao Zijin had first found out about such a method, she felt that insisting on going to university was the best decision she had made in her life. She had lucked out!

    She hardly listened in ss and resorted to cheating during exams. When she returned home, she wouldin to her parents about how hard it was and ask for more pocket money to buy treats to indulge in. That was the life Qiao Zijin had always dreamed of.

    Not only had her father, Qiao Dongliang, not cooperated with her, but he had even stood in her way by presenting her with such a huge problem. Qiao Zijin could not help but kick up a fuss now that Qiao Dongliang was forcing her to recall her biggest nightmare.

    Ding Jiayi tugged on Qiao Zijin, trying to keep her voice down. ¡°Softer. Softer. What if your dad hears you? Do you really not want to make up with him and get him to help you? You know that your dad likes studious kids.¡±

    At that time, Qiao Nan¡¯s results had surpassed Qiao Zijin¡¯s, and Ding Jiayi had spent a lot of effort brainwashing Qiao Dongliang into allowing Qiao Zijin to continue her studies.

    #

 Chapter 2131: Wrong Bet

    <h4>Chapter 2131: Wrong Bet</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang had always been mistaken that Qiao Zijin was more capable than Qiao Nan and was more educated than Qiao Nan. Once she graduated, she would then help her younger sister out. But such a lie would be exposed one day.

    Initially, her n had been going just as nned, but Ding Jiayi had never thought that the truth of the matter would one day be exposed and how unlucky and embarrassed she would be when that time came. It was all in the past anyway. Zijin had gotten married to such a good man, Chen Jun, and had be the pride of the Qiao family. The results were the most important. There was no need to be concerned about the process.

    But recent events had thrown a curveball at Ding Jiayi. Not only had the past been brought up again, but Qiao Dongliang had even gotten incensed over it, insisting that Qiao Zijin retake her most hated English proficiency test more than ten years after her graduation.

    For the sake of a test, the Qiao family had nearly broken out into a war, causing Ding Jiayi to have a splitting headache. She had not been the one to ask Zijin to take the test. Why was Zijin throwing a tantrum at her? ¡°Stop shouting at me. Your dad said that he would pay for the registration fee if you can¡¯t bear to pay for it. No matter what, you¡¯ll have to take it for his sake. He wants to see how much of a difference you and Qiao Nan have between you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face paled. He had asked her to sit for such a difficult test just to find out how different she was from Qiao Nan? ¡°What¡¯s the point in that? Even if he likes studious kids, it doesn¡¯t matter how much Qiao Nan likes to study. She¡¯s just a junior high school graduate. I¡¯m the only university graduate in our family. That¡¯s a fact.¡±

    If they were to get into it and find out more, the one who would be the most hurt might not even be her but her dad. At that time, if her dad had not agreed to persuade Qiao Nan into submission, Qiao Nan would never have given up the opportunity to study so as to find a job to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s school fees.

    Her dad was one of the reasons why Qiao Nan had suffered so much in the past. He couldn¡¯t shirk away from that responsibility.

    It was because of this that Qiao Zijin especially hated how Qiao Dongliang had suddenly seemed toe to his senses. In fact, he had been just as bad to Qiao Nan. Intentional or not, he had indeed done so.

    The unintentional hurt that her dad had brought upon Qiao Nan must be worse and more painful than what she and her mom had done to Qiao Nan.

    They were birds of the same feather. Why did Qiao Dongliang have toe to a sudden realization and turn around to scold her? Qiao Zijin could not help but feel that her dad was too foolish. Qiao Nan was no fool and refused to forgive her. So, did her dad really think that Qiao Nan would not have any grudges toward him and could treat him as though nothing had happened in the past or that her dad had not done anything to wrong her? Who was he trying to fool?

    She knew that all the parcels that her dad had tried to send to Qiao Nan had been returned. Did he really think that Qiao Nan would ept him as her father if he acted kindly all of a sudden? Would he be the kindest person in the Qiao family? He could not even deceive himself about that, much less anyone else.

    All four of them in the family were clear about this. It was just that they were pretending to be ignorant of the situation.

    Ding Jiayi sighed. ¡°So, are you going to take the exam?¡± Ding Jiayi knew how Qiao Zijin had handed in a nk paper during the civil service examination. If she were to sit for the Level Six proficiency test, Ding Jiayi had already prepared herself to face the possibility that Qiao Zijin would once again submit a nk piece of paper.

    Qiao Zijin was already a middle-aged woman in her forties. There was no way Ding Jiayi would worry over Qiao Zijin¡¯s scores as she had been in the past. It was just that their family refused to give in to each other. Since she could not persuade anyone, she would let them sort it out themselves.

    ¡°Fine. But there¡¯s no need to sign up for it. The Level Six proficiency test is already over. It won¡¯t be too difficult to get the test paper. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t resort to cheating when doing it at home. I¡¯ll just take the test at home. Don¡¯t waste your money on registering for it. I¡¯ll just let my dad know what he wants to know. If I really sign up for the test, I¡¯ll have to wait for another half a year, at the very least.¡±

    If her father wanted to go to this extent, she would y along.

    What did her dad mean by paying for her registration fee? How much money did her dad even have? Everything her dad had came either from her or Qiao Nan. That meant that the registration fee would eventually be from her own pocket. It was ridiculous that her dad was trying to be generous in front of her.

    After Qiao Zijin agreed to it, Ding Jiayi did not hesitate in letting Qiao Dongliang know. After thinking about it, Qiao Dongliang agreed and allowed Qiao Zijin to buy the Level Six proficiency test papers home to do.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang thought that it would be aplicated process, but Qiao Zijin gave Qiao Dongliang a p in the face in the simplest way possible. Qiao Zijin had just bought the test papers and gave them nothing more than a nce before handing a nk script to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°You haven¡¯t even started writing anything. Why are you passing me the paper?¡± He was not the one taking the test. It was supposed to be Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t joke with me. I handed in a nk script during the civil service examination too. If you insist on making me sit for the exam, that¡¯s all I can do. I graduated more than ten years ago. There¡¯s no way I would still remember all these characters. It¡¯s already good that I still remember the twenty-six alphabets. Are you joking? How can you expect me to sit for the exam? Even if I really do, I¡¯ll just take my chances and fill in the multiple-choice questions randomly. That¡¯s the only good thing about this English proficiency test. There are so many multiple-choice questions, but there are only so many choices. I¡¯ll have a one-in-four chance of getting it right. That¡¯s how I managed to pass quite a few of my English tests in university too.¡±

    That was why it had been much cheaper for her to simply buy a test paper home instead of attending the actual proficiency test. Anyway, all her dad wanted was a result. She had already said that her dad would be the most hurt once they cleared the air. ¡°Oh right, Dad. Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan take the test quite some time ago? Her scores should be out. Did you ask her how she did? Why don¡¯t you tell me so that Mom and I can be happy about it too? At least, that would prove that the Qiao family has such studious genes in us!¡±

    At the very most, her dad had made a wrong bet on her.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face turned green and he had no intention of replying to Qiao Zijin.

    #

 Chapter 2132: Obvious

    <h4>Chapter 2132: Obvious</h4>

    Qiao Zijin had scored zero, while Qiao Nan had scored full marks.

    Yes, Qiao Dongliang felt as though he had been struck by lightning and that his whole life was crumbling apart now that he was faced with such a result.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that all three of them in this family, including him, were to be med for such a result. No one could shy away from that. At this time, Qiao Dongliang could not even feel any anger about the parcels that had been returned.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need for you to struggle about it. You¡¯ll never be a good dad in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. It¡¯s just that she won¡¯t take issue with it anymore. We all treated Qiao Nan the same in the past, so it¡¯s better for us to band together for amon goal. Dad, there¡¯s no one who¡¯s closer to you than me now. Think about how you treated Qiao Nan in the past. She¡¯s not a saint either. I¡¯m sure you know how she treated me and Mom.¡±

    ¡°The reason she¡¯s willing to have contact with you is to divide the three of us. Look how smart Qiao Nan is. Not only is she good at her studies, but she¡¯s scheming too. Ever since the three of us had a falling out, Qiao Nan has been living a peaceful life with no one creating any trouble for her. No matter how hard her family has it, it has nothing to do with her. That¡¯s because she knows that her dad is helping her keep her sister and her mom in line!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Ding Jiayi agreed right away. ¡°Old Qiao, you have to believe me and Zijin. We will never lie to you or give up on you. The three of us are truly a family.¡±

    Once Zijin said that, she realized that that did seem to be the case. It was Qiao Nan who had wrecked their family of three and had purposely driven a wedge between her and Old Qiao. No wonder Old Qiao had insisted on getting a divorce from her and had refused to share a bed with her. It must have been that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, who instructed Old Qiao to do all these things.

    Ding Jiayi broke out in a cold sweat upon learning about just how evil and vicious Qiao Nan was. She did not even let her own family off the hook! Even when Qiao Nan had taken all of the family¡¯s money when Qiao Zijin had been at her lowest, Ding Jiayi had simply thought of Qiao Nan as a heartless child.

    But in an instant, Ding Jiayi had ¡®realized¡¯ that her daughter, Qiao Nan, was truly a devil! The former Qiao Nan had never been aggressive, whereas thetter Qiao Nan was pure evil!

    Thinking about how scary and terrible Qiao Nan was, Ding Jiayi could not help but support Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, almost caused your dad and me to get a divorce! Should we distance ourselves from her in the future?¡±

    Why had Ding Jiayi been so unscrupulous in helping Qiao Zijin at the expense of Qiao Nan? It was not only because she had been the one to give birth to Qiao Nan. It was also because Ding Jiayi knew that no matter how angry Qiao Nan got, the most she would do was to refuse to help out or to ignore them. There was no way someone as softhearted as Qiao Nan would be able to fight back and hurt them.

    She knew clearly that there was no opportunity cost involved in dealing with Qiao Nan. In fact, they might even benefit from it if they were sessful. As such, Ding Jiayi unhesitatingly sacrificed Qiao Nan to reach her own goals.

    But now that Qiao Nan had be aggressive and would attack her, Ding Jiayi could not help but be afraid.

    Hearing Ding Jiayi jumping in to create trouble, Qiao Zijin wanted very much to kick Ding Jiayi in the foot. She had only said such things to appease her dad. She had never expected her mom to believe what she had said and to be so frightened. Between her mom and Qiao Nan, who was the mother and who was the child? The situation seemed to be reversed. Why was the mother so afraid of her daughter?

    If it was indeed true that Qiao Nan had such intentions and could harden her heart to do such things to the Qiao family, she would never have the guts to dream of taking Qiao Nan¡¯s things without thinking of Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings. If that were really the case, would she dare to unscrupulously snatch everything away from Qiao Nan for herself just based on the fact that she was rted to Qiao Nan?

    It was only because Qiao Nan had such a good temper that she was able to treat Qiao Nan so mercilessly. Was her mother so ignorant about the kind of daughter she had given birth to? Her mom was truly a novice!

    After silently scolding Ding Jiayi in her heart, Qiao Zijin looked straight at Qiao Dongliang. There was no use in Ding Jiayi believing her. Qiao Dongliang had to believe her too. Only then would they be able to align their goals to fulfill her dream.

    Why had she not thought about that earlier? Kinship was utter nonsense! As long as their interests were aligned and they were in the same boat, she would not need to waste so much effort trying to please her dad. Her dad would naturally be on her side, helping her scheme against Qiao Nan too.

    ¡°Old Qiao, did you hear what Zijin said? I used to tell you that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t a good person but you didn¡¯t believe me. You even tried to speak up for her. Now that Zijin has said it, you should believe me now. We still have a long way to go. We can¡¯t afford to be deceived by that wretched girl, Qiao Nan! She doesn¡¯t have any good intentions toward her own family. The three of us are a real family.¡±

    Qiao Nan had already been so heartless toward them while Zijin had wholeheartedly thought about taking care of Qiao Nan¡¯s three children after she passed away. Was it not obvious enough which of their daughters had a conscience?

    If not for the Zhai family¡¯s background, those three children would never have the good fortune of meeting such a kind stepmom even after having such an evil and wicked mother. Like father like son, like mother like daughter.

    That would not do. She would have to have a good chat with Zijinter so that she would not treat the three children too well once she married into the Zhai family. Otherwise, the three children might grow up to be as evil as Qiao Nan and misunderstand that Zijin had snatched everything away from Qiao Nan.

    Actually, it would be enough as long as the three children did not starve to death or identally die. They should just grow up to be normal. Otherwise, they might cause trouble for Zijin and Feng Feng if they were to be too outstanding. As expected, they could scheme against others, but it was definitely not fine for others to do the same to them.

    #

 Chapter 2133: Burden

    <h4>Chapter 2133: Burden</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang shook his head and stared nkly at Qiao Zijin for a long while. ¡°Zijin, I think your only talent is your eloquence.¡± Qiao Dongliang could not deny that he had almost been taken in for a few seconds and had almost agreed with Qiao Zijin.

    It was just that...

    Qiao Dongliang had not forgotten the pain of fracturing his bones after being pushed away by Qiao Zijin. It was that pain that had cleared his mind. What he remembered even more clearly was how Qiao Nan had rushed down to the hospital immediately and had paid for his surgery in the moment of his greatest pain.

    He would only believe what he had seen and experienced for himself. He could differentiate and know who was truly good to him.

    To put it bluntly, if Nan Nan was only being filial to him so as to drive a wedge between him, Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin, she would still be much better than Qiao Zijin, who always said that she was filial to her father but valued her money more than her father¡¯s life.

    He was not a fool and could do his own analysis. If one¡¯s fake performance was even more affectionate than true love, then that true love would not even be as valuable as that fake performance.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be toote for you to say those things when I¡¯m more muddleheaded in a few years¡¯ time.¡± If he was clear-headed, he would never believe whatever Qiao Zijin had just said.

    Qiao Zijin had not expected Qiao Dongliang to react in this manner. She had thought that she had analyzed the issue well and that there was no reason for Qiao Dongliang not to believe her. Who would have known that Qiao Dongliang would make such sarcastic remarks before returning to his room? The way Qiao Dongliang had mocked her and looked at her as though she were a clown angered Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin, who had no way of venting her anger, ground her teeth. ¡°Mom, what have you fed my dad this year?¡± It seemed like her dad¡¯s intelligence was growing through a second growth spurt. If her dad had been so sensible twenty years ago, she would never have gotten the chance to force Qiao Nan to support her throughout university.

    Even though her dad¡¯s intelligence had grown twenty years toote, it was equally troubling for her that her dad had suddenlye to his senses. If this went on, her dad would never help her get married to Zhai Sheng after Qiao Nan¡¯s death. He might even drag her down and prevent her from doing so!

    After marrying Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin did not even need to ask Zhai Sheng to know whom he had a most favorable opinion of between the three Qiao family members. As such, Qiao Dongliang would be the only one who would be able to convince Zhai Sheng after Qiao Nan¡¯s death.

    If Zhai Sheng were to listen to her dad and refuse to marry her, what would she do about the rest of her life? As a father, he should, at least, help his daughter find someone who would take care of her for the rest of her life if he could not take care of her himself. Was he not going overboard by dragging her down and not allowing her to have her happiness?

    ¡°Mom, looking at Dad¡¯s attitude toward me, I don¡¯t think Dad will agree to let me marry Zhai Sheng and take care of Qiao Nan¡¯s three children after her death. What will we do if Dad really makes a fuss and Zhai Sheng listens to him?¡± Qiao Zijin was truly worried that that would happen.

    Qiao Zijin was in a frenzy and Ding Jiayi was anxious too. ¡°Surely, he won¡¯t do that?¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you still believe in my dad? He¡¯s no longer the person he was in the past. He no longer has you or me in his heart. The only person he cares about now is Qiao Nan. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Then, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± Since Old Qiao was no longer the same person he had been, she no longer had the ability to make Old Qiao listen to her and stand on her side with Zijin.

    ¡°You¡¯re really...¡± Qiao Zijin was incensed by how useless Ding Jiayi was that she could not even keep Qiao Dongliang in line. ¡°Anyway, remember that my dad can never find out about me wanting to marry¡ªthis matter. If ites to that, I¡¯ll go to the capital first and you¡¯ll stay at home with Dad. Once Qiao Nan dies, I¡¯ll get a marriage certificate with Zhai Sheng before you and Dade for Qiao Nan¡¯s funeral. Then, there¡¯s nothing my dad can do no matter how much he disagrees since it will be a protected military marriage. When that timees, Zhai Sheng can¡¯t possibly decide to get a divorce from me just because of what Dad says, right?¡±

    The Zhai family was such a reputable family. There was no way they would do such a thing and make a mockery out of themselves.

    With such a n, Qiao Zijin had always felt that Qiao Nan was thergest obstacle in her way. But because of what had just happened, Qiao Zijin suddenly realized that the most difficult person to deal with was not Qiao Nan but Qiao Dongliang.

    She was only getting into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s good books to get close to Qiao Nan and change Qiao Nan¡¯s impression of her. Now that things had gotten to this point, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to change her n and work directly on Qiao Nan. As long as she got Qiao Nan¡¯s approval, her dad¡¯s opinions would not matter at all!

    Ding Jiayi nodded. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll do that. Do you still want to let your dad see the materials that you retrieved?¡± Qiao Zijin had specially ced all those materials there for Qiao Dongliang to see.

    Who would have known that Qiao Zijin had spent her entire day buying a test paper and reasoning it out with Qiao Dongliang just because of a proficiency test? As such, Qiao Dongliang had paid no attention to the materials that she had put so much effort into securing.

    Since Qiao Zijin had already changed her n, she quickly kept all the materials that she had intended to show Qiao Dongliang, lest he found out too much. She was worried that Qiao Dongliang would find out about how Qiao Nan might not survive childbirth and would thus warn Qiao Nan about how she was scheming against her again.

    ¡°Alright. Shall I shred them and throw them away?¡± Ding Jiayi quickly shredded everything that Qiao Zijin had printed earlier and threw them into the trash can without a moment of hesitation.

    Qiao Zijin thought that they were an eyesore. ¡°Mom, hurry and throw this trash bag away. It will be troublesome if my dad picks it out of the trash can. We can¡¯t let my dad know about how dangerous it is for Qiao Nan to be pregnant with triplets at her age. We have to be careful not to leak it to him.¡±

    Ding Jiayi patted her chest confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely not say anything to your dad. It¡¯s that wretched girl¡¯s fault for being so bold to give birth to three children at her age. She brought it upon herself. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s our fault. At the very most, she can only me the Qiao family¡¯s ancestors for not protecting her. That¡¯s why she got pregnant with triplets at her age. Since it¡¯s their fault, we have nothing to do with it at all. Zijin, don¡¯t me yourself for it or have any nightmares because of it.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2134: Bleeding

    <h4>Chapter 2134: Bleeding</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Qiao Zijin tussled her hair. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just an ordinary person. I won¡¯t even dream ofmitting murder or arson, let alone do it. I¡¯m just thinking of how best to take care of the three children that my sister gave her life to give birth to as well as her most beloved husband. It¡¯s not within my control whether she dies. There¡¯s nothing for me to be guilty about. Mom, I¡¯m going back to my room to y my video games. Don¡¯t sleep toote after watching your drama.¡±

    What she and her mom needed to do now was to have a good rest so that they would be fully energized once the situation really reached that point. Then, that would be the time for them to act.

    Qiao Nan simply did not wish for Qiao Dongliang to spend money on her, much less have anything to do with Qiao Zijin. She had never expected Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi to think that she had a foot in the coffin because of that..

    Knowing that Qiao Nan had it tough and needed someone to take care of her, the Zhai family hired a young and strong confinement nanny, who was only thirty-two years old, to take care of her. From then on, it was always this confinement nanny who apanied Qiao Nan on her prenatal checkups.

    ¡°Are you tired? Shall I help you massage your waist?¡± Now that Qiao Nan was seven months pregnant, every second felt torturous to Qiao Nan. It felt even worse than it had been in her dream. Sometimes, Qiao Nan finally fell asleep after a long while due to the pain in her hips and waist, only to be awoken by fright.

    Upon learning of the situation, the confinement nanny spent almost the entire twenty-four hours in a day by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, lest the same situation urred again. ¡°Actually, you can consider admitting yourself into the hospital if your stomach is too big. At the very least, the doctor will be more skilled in handling the situation if anything happens.¡±

    The confinement nanny did have experience taking care of pregnant women. However, she did not have any experience taking care of one who was this old and pregnant with triplets. The confinement nanny did not dare to take any chances given the Zhai family¡¯s position and status.

    At this time, the confinement nanny had much more confidence in the abilities of the doctors and nurses in the hospital.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan felt that every breath was a chore to her. ¡°The doctor did mention it when I was about four to five months pregnant that it would be best for me to be hospitalized once I entered my seventh month of pregnancy in case anything were to happen. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s much morefortable to remain at home. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been putting it off for so long.¡±

    It had been half a month past the time the doctor had asked her to be admitted. Qiao Nan was not so bold to continue dragging the matter on. This was not just a matter of her ownfort. It concerned the health and safety of her and her children. For herself and for her children¡¯s sake, Qiao Nan would not take the chance and remain at home, as she had done in her dream. Now, she was no longer young or strong. She could not continue insisting on remaining at home while hoping that her children could remain in her stomach for a longer period of time.

    It was truly too heavy of a burden for Qiao Nan to be pregnant with three children. Because she loved and cherished the three children, she could not afford to be willful and stubborn. That would only harm her three children in the end.

    ¡°Help me out. I¡¯ll tell Mom and Dad about the situation. I¡¯ll get myself admitted today.¡± Qiao Nan could not be certain, but she had a strong voice in her mind, telling her to get herself admitted into the hospital. She wondered if it was because of her anxiety or whether she was being overly sensitive, but Qiao Nan felt that her face was paler than usual and she was feeling rather unwell.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The confinementdy seemed even more worried than Qiao Nan at the sight of her expression.

    The moment Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui heard that Qiao Nan wanted to be admitted, they immediately instructed their driver to send Qiao Nan over. Miao Jing was flustered and could not help but want to tag along. ¡°Old Zhai, I¡¯m afraid that I won¡¯t be able to fall asleep if I don¡¯t watch over her myself.¡±

    They had worried when they had had no children in the family. It was supposed to be a joyful asion now that they were weing three children at once and yet, they still had to face such a worrying situation. The heavens were truly intent on not giving them a peaceful life.

    ¡°Alright, go ahead and check on her. Get the driver to send you backter. Don¡¯t dawdle in the hospitalter. Think about your age. Don¡¯t let the confinement nanny have to worry about you too.¡± Just like Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui was worried about Qiao Nan and the children.

    Because he had read up about pregnancy, Zhai Yaohui understood that Qiao Nan was truly putting her life on the line by carrying three children for the Zhai family at her age. Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s good intentions, the Zhai family had to do their utmost to ensure Qiao Nan¡¯s safety. Moreover, Qiao Nan was carrying their grandchildren. He could not afford to put Qiao Nan or her children in any danger. Not one person in the Zhai family would be able to ept such an ident.

    All one could say was that a woman¡¯s sixth sense was often urate. Qiao Nan had not even been admitted for an hour before her vitals started to fluctuate. Most worryingly, Qiao Nan had found blood on her underwear when she had gone to the toilet.

    1

    When the confinement nanny heard about that, she wasted no time in calling for the doctor to do a thorough checkup. After an hour, the doctor had checked everything possible. Even before the results were out, the doctor had instructed Qiao Nan to rest on the bed and avoid moving around as much as possible to lower the chances of a miscarriage.

    Because of this, both Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had gone through a huge scare. At that time, Zhai Yaohui had not been present at the birth of his two children. The only impression Zhai Yaohui had of childbirth was Miao Jing being pregnant and her stomach growing. When he had returned, Miao Jing¡¯s stomach had returned to normal and the baby in Miao Jing¡¯s arms was almost old enough to wave to him, hit him, and even punch him!

    It was only now that Qiao Nan was pregnant did Zhai Yaohui realize what childbirth was about. Women truly toed the line of death when giving birth!

    Seeing this, Zhai Yaohui did not hesitate in using his special privilege for the first time, ordering Zhai Sheng to go on a break and return home. Upon hearing that Qiao Nan and his children had gotten into such a serious situation, Zhai Sheng practically flew back. He had not even had the time to return home to change his clothes before rushing down to the hospital. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with Nan Nan and the children? Is Nan Nan alright?¡±

    1

    #

 Chapter 2135: Assurance

    <h4>Chapter 2135: Assurance</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Because he had gotten married to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had felt for the first time that having a child with his blood was actually a beautiful thing. But now, Zhai Sheng regretted that immensely. True enough, his initial opinion had been right. There was no need to insist on having children. To him, Nan Nan was the most important and the only thing that mattered to him was having Nan Nan by his side until the very end.

    1

    Miao Jing tried to calm down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just that something happened a few days ago, but Qiao Nan and the children are in a stable condition now. The doctor said that there¡¯s no need for us to worry. Nan Nan is strong and so are the triplets.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Nan Nan? I want to see her.¡± Zhai Sheng could not rest easy because he had not personally seen her.. At this time, he wanted nothing more than to hug and kiss Qiao Nan.¡± Mom, in case... I hope you realize what¡¯s the most important to us. I just want Nan Nan to survive.¡±

    Of course, Zhai Sheng hoped that they would not face such a situation and the doctor would not need to ask them whether they wanted to preserve the life of the mother or the children. But that did not mean that it would definitely not happen. He wanted both the mother and the children. But if he were to be faced with that choice, Zhai Sheng was a selfish person and would much rather give up the children for his wife.

    1

    Miao Jing had the urge to p Zhai Sheng on his body but she had been feeling unwell ever since Qiao Nan had been admitted to the hospital. Even after she calmed down, her hands and feet would tremble involuntarily. She could not imagine how she would respond if the doctor were to pose that question to them.

    Of course, the mother was important, but she could not bear to give up her grandchildren either.

    The doctor had not even asked her to make a choice and yet, her own son, Zhai Sheng, had taken the initiative to bring up the matter. Miao Jing could not help but feel as though she had been stabbed in the heart. She resented her son very much. ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense. Nan Nan and the children will be fine. You won¡¯t understand because you¡¯re not a mother. It doesn¡¯t matter what we say. Nan Nan¡¯s decision is what matters. Mothers carry their babies for a good nine months. They¡¯re part of our bodies. You men will never understand that pain.¡±

    They were only ¡®outsiders¡¯ when it came to deciding on whose life to preserve. Only the pregnantdy could make that decision for herself.

    Miao Jing could feel Qiao Nan¡¯s love toward the three children all this while. Even if she could bear to give up her grandchildren, she was worried that Qiao Nan herself would not bear to do so. Then, would they be able to convince Qiao Nan?

    ¡°I¡¯ll make my own decision on this.¡± Zhai Sheng was frustrated and felt that it had not been such a good idea for Qiao Nan to have gotten pregnant at her age.

    Qiao Nan was still half asleep when she felt someone enter her ward. Because this person felt familiar and made her feel secure and warm, Qiao Nan allowed herself to indulge in sleep.

    When she awoke for the second time, Qiao Nan was surprised to discover that her husband had returned. ¡°Brother Zhai, why are you here? It¡¯s not time for you to be on your vacation yet!¡±

    Zhai Sheng carefully took Qiao Nan into his embrace and his palm tenderly stroked Qiao Nan¡¯s protruding stomach. ¡°I missed you and the children, so I came to see you. How are you feeling? Do you feel ufortable or unwell? Is your leg swollen? Shall I give you a massage?¡±

    Qiao Nan blissfully remained in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace and yawnedzily. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. The confinement nanny is very good at taking care of me. I haven¡¯t swelled up that much. Unless I give birth to the triplets, my waist will always hurt.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan...¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai!¡± Qiao Nan cut Zhai Sheng off. ¡°Brother Zhai, I can feel that they¡¯re in a hurry to meet us. It might not even take a month for us to be parents for real. The confinement nanny said that my body is a little weak, and given that I¡¯m giving birth to three babies, it¡¯s unlikely that I¡¯ll have enough breastmilk. Which brand of form milk do you think we should get for our children?¡±

    She had not gotten the chance to coborate with Tian Dong in this lifetime to produce a Chinese brand of form milk. That meant she had to be extremely careful when selecting form milk and milk bottles for her children.

    ¡°You can make that decision. As long as you¡¯re happy.¡± Zhai Sheng had already had an answer to her question. Qiao Nan could read Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind and knew what Zhai Sheng had wanted to ask her. Simrly, Zhai Sheng had gotten the answer he needed from Qiao Nan¡¯s bodynguage.

    Qiao Nan was assuring Zhai Sheng that neither she nor their children would be in danger. All four of them would be safe and sound and would stay right by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side.

    Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief because Zhai Sheng had not continued with that topic. She had no intention to face such a brutal and realistic question. Even though she was not as healthy and young as she had been in her dream, she believed that she would be able to protect herself and the children well and that no idents would happen.

    People got better with experience. As such, she had all reason to believe that she would do a better job than she had in her dream. So, there was no need to worry, much less talk about those hypothetical situations.

    The couple shared an embrace without any words, wanting to enjoy the moment of peace and quiet.

    Zhai Sheng patted Qiao Nan constantly on the back as though he was coaxing his daughter. ¡°Nan Nan, you and the children will be fine, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Qiao Nan answered confidently.

    Zhai Sheng pecked Qiao Nan on the forehead before replying with a single word.

    Knowing that the couple wanted to have some time to themselves, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui left them alone. Before Zhai Sheng had returned, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had been tensed up because Qiao Nan had been hospitalized. Because they were afraid that something would happen to Qiao Nan before Zhai Sheng returned, the elderly couple had no choice but to pay more attention to Qiao Nan.

    Now that Zhai Sheng had returned, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing could finally rx and let Zhai Sheng take care of Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua had been informed that Qiao Nan had been hospitalized as a precaution. If not for Jiajia, Zhai Hua would have taken off for the capital to take care of Qiao Nan on her parents¡¯ behalf. At her parents¡¯ age, not only had they not been able to enjoy themselves, but they had even needed to face such great pressure.

    #

 Chapter 2136: Not at Home

    <h4>Chapter 2136: Not at Home</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Zhai Hua med herself for being so stubborn when she had been pregnant with Jiajia.

    If she had known that this would be the case, she would have convinced Jiajia to enroll in a high school in the capital. The capital was the capital of China and had to have a high standard of teaching. It could not possibly be worse than Ping Cheng High School.

    If Jiajia was a student in the capital, she would have been able to help out with taking care of Qiao Nan. After learning about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, she had held off telling Jiajia about it, in case Jiajia got worried and distracted from her studies.

    Every time Jiajia returned and asked about Qiao Nan and the babies, Zhai Hua would always reply that they were all doing well. It was because of that that Zhai Hua could not visit the capital. If she were to do so, she would no longer be able to hide the truth from Jiajia.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s with you? You¡¯ve been holding on to your phone the whole day. Is there something wrong?¡± It was finally the weekend, and Jiajia had returned home from school.. But Jiajia could sense that something was not right. Her mom had not spoken much to her the entire day and sat there nkly, ncing at her phone on the table from time to time. ¡°Did something happen in grandma¡¯s house?¡±

    She was already by her mom¡¯s side. That could only mean that the person her mom was worried about could not be her. In that case, there had to be something wrong in her grandma¡¯s family.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Zhai Hua quickly gathered her thoughts. It seemed like Jiajia¡¯s desire to be a soldier was not just empty words. She had gotten rather observant. ¡°Your grandma called to say that your uncle returned to follow your auntie for a checkup. I¡¯m just wondering how the checkup went.¡± Zhai Hua told a half-lie.

    Knowing that her daughter was grown up and had opinions of her own, she was afraid that Jiajia would catch on if she were to tell aplete lie. It would be less likely for Jiajia to call her out if she told a half-lie.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what it is.¡± As expected, Jiajia immediately believed her. ¡°Remember to let me know what grandma tells youter. I want to know how my auntie and the babies are doing. Auntie should be more than seven months pregnant, right? It¡¯s such a pity. I wonder if I¡¯ll be on my winter break when the babies are born.¡±

    Jiajia could not wait for the babies to be born and wanted very much to witness their births. Unfortunately, she was a ve to high school and her studies took precedence over everything else. She could only hope that her winter sses would be shorter and would not stand in her way of seeing her younger siblings.

    ¡°Alright, you repeat this all the time. Even if you¡¯re not tired of talking about it, I¡¯m tired of hearing it. Your auntie is the most important person in your grandma¡¯s family now. Everyone is very worried about her. Nothing will go wrong with her or the children. Your auntie is strong and will do just fine. There¡¯s no need for us to worry.¡±

    Actually, it was normal for pregnant women with multiple births to be admitted slightly earlier, much less given Qiao Nan¡¯s age. She had better not scare herself. In less than a month¡¯s time, she would get to meet her nephews, and Jiajia would finally have her long-awaited younger siblings.

    Having been lectured by Zhai Hua, Jiajiaughed cheekily. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll go back to my room and work on my homework. Our teachers have gotten a little perverted nowadays. They always give us more homework on the weekends. It¡¯s as though they want us to spend our weekends at our desks and work for the whole day without any rest at all. My goodness. This is only my first year in high school. I can¡¯t imagine how I¡¯m going to get through the next two and a half years. I¡¯m truly a ve to high school.¡±

    No wonder people always said that high school was the darkest time of a person¡¯s life.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so mischievous. Since you¡¯ve gotten so many exam papers, you¡¯d better finish every single one of them conscientiously. After your break, I¡¯m sure your teachers will want to check on them. I¡¯ll use this against you and tell your younger siblings about it if your teachers deem that you haven¡¯t done a good job. Then, don¡¯t me me if the three of them don¡¯t listen to you.¡±

    Jiajia gritted her teeth. ¡°How mean.¡± Her image in front of her younger siblings was the biggest weakness Jiajia had now. As long as Zhai Hua used that against her, Jiajia was sure to give in.

    After persuading Jiajia to return to her room to work on her papers, Zhai Hua got into a frenzy again. She had certain things to worry about, especially since she was not physically present in the capital and could not keep up with Qiao Nan¡¯s condition firsthand. It was exactly because of this that Zhai Hua was even more unsettled.

    Zhai Hua did not have anyone to confide in at such a time, and at this moment, she could not help but feel lonely and want to have a chat with a friend.

    Unfortunately, she had not thought of a suitable person whom she could speak to even after thinking about it for a long time.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s father, even if Qiao Dongliang had not found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s condition straight away, he had naturally realized that something was wrong as time went by. After all, Qiao Nan had not contacted him for a whole week.

    In the first few days, Qiao Dongliang had been worried that Qiao Zijin had included some things in his parcel that had upset Qiao Nan. Not only had Qiao Nan returned everything that he had sent, but she had even thrown a tantrum by not contacting him.

    Qiao Dongliang could still hold on for a short period of time, but after a week went by, Qiao Dongliang could no longer hold it in and made a call to the Zhai family without worrying about whether he would disturb Qiao Nan or the Zhai family.

    Very quickly, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call was answered by the Zhai family¡¯s auntie. ¡°Hello, who are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s dad. Is Nan Nan around? Is it convenient for me to talk to her?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Qiao. I¡¯m sorry but Nan Nan isn¡¯t at home.¡± It was not just today, but Qiao Nan would not be able to remain in contact with the rest of the world for a long time, including her father who was on the other end of the phone call. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I can help you pass on your message.¡±

    Nan Nan, who was in the hospital, could not touch anything with maic waves. Of course, that meant that Qiao Nan was not allowed to use a mobile phone.

    ¡°Nan Nan is not around? Do you mean she went out? She is already more than seven months pregnant. Where could she have gone? Nan Nan doesn¡¯t seem to be reckless enough to run about with her stomach like that.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2137: Perfect

    <h4>Chapter 2137: Perfect</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    With a big belly, Nan Nan¡¯s movements would definitely not be convenient and she shouldn¡¯t do anything hasty, right? Nan Nan didn¡¯t look like someone insensible who would joke around with her and her children¡¯s lives.

    The auntie hesitated a bit. She didn¡¯t know if she should tell Qiao Dongliang about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. The auntie faintly felt that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with the Qiao family. The only person Qiao Nan still kept in contact with from her family was Qiao Dongliang. However, the Zhai family didn¡¯t mention this name from the Qiao family often either.

    Based on thisplicated rtionship, the auntie didn¡¯t know what could be said to Qiao Dongliang and what couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°Is it Nan Nan? Did something happen to Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face changed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you always say that Nan Nan is in good health and both she and the children are alright? Did something happen? Did someone bully Nan Nan?¡±

    As a pregnant woman who had always been in good health, Qiao Nan¡¯s and the children¡¯s situations would have turned grim only if Qiao Nan suffered interference from the outside world. Upon thinking that Qiao Nan¡¯s birth was very ordinary aspared to Zhai Sheng¡¯s, Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised that someone would bully Qiao Nan. But it didn¡¯t mean that he wouldn¡¯t be angry at all.. Whose children were not raised by their parents? So what if their Qiao family¡¯s conditions were a bit poorer? This didn¡¯t mean that their children could be casually bullied by others.

    ¡°Mr. Qiao, don¡¯t be nervous. Nan Nan is the Zhai family¡¯s treasure. Who dares to bully Nan Nan? It¡¯s just that Nan Nan is no longer young and she¡¯s pregnant with three children. Pregnant women who are carrying multiple children are inherently at a higher risk levelpared to pregnant women who are carrying a single child. As such, Nan Nan went to the hospital in advance to protect her children.¡± It seemed like Mr. Qiao¡¯s concern for Nan Nan was genuine.

    ¡°Went to the hospital to protect her children?¡± Qiao Dongliang grasped the keywords. ¡°That means to say that Qiao Nan¡¯s situation isn¡¯t very optimistic indeed? How are Nan Nan and the children? Are there any improvements? What did the doctor say?¡± Qiao Dongliang was so anxious that he felt his heart was on fire.

    His daughter wasn¡¯t before him. It really wasn¡¯t too convenient for him to find out more about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. By asking over the phone, the other party might not be able to share details clearly. In short, if he didn¡¯t see for himself that his younger daughter was indeed alright, his heart couldn¡¯t settle down.

    ¡°Which hospital is Nan Nan in now? I¡¯ll go to the capital to see her.¡± Since he wasn¡¯t feeling at ease, he should make a trip down to see for himself personally. Qiao Dongliang always thought that with the Zhai family taking care of Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy would be smooth-sailing and there wouldn¡¯t be any issues.

    When he heard the auntie mention today that Qiao Nan was getting older and it was even tougher on pregnant women with multiple childrenpared to pregnant women with a single child, Qiao Dongliang thought of Qiao Nan¡¯s actual situation. Qiao Dongliang heard of the term ¡®geriatric pregnancy¡¯ before.

    If it were in the past, Qiao Dongliang would never be able to ¡®travel¡¯ on a whim. Thankfully, after obtaining two hundred thousand yuan from Ding Jiayi, Qiao Dongliang became more confident when he said these words. He no longer needed to ask anyone else for money. If he wanted to go to the capital to see his daughter and grandchildren, he could.

    As he had money in his pockets now, Qiao Dongliang waspletely capable of arranging a ce for him to live in after reaching the capital. He didn¡¯t need to trouble the Zhai family and throw Qiao Nan¡¯s face or be looked down upon by the Zhai family.

    ¡°This...¡± The auntie wanted to say that the matter wasn¡¯t that serious and Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t need to make this trip. The auntie personally heard Qiao Nan telling Qiao Dongliang over the phone previously that Qiao Dongliang shoulde to the capital as her children¡¯s grandfather only after her confinement to celebrate their one hundred days of birth.

    Anyway, if Qiao Dongliang came over, he wouldn¡¯t be of much help or change Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. At that time, there would be one more person who knew about this matter and it would be more troublesome. As such, it was better for him not toe over.

    It was just that before the auntie could finish expressing her opinions, the anxious Qiao Dongliang had long made his decision and hung up the call. After hanging up the call, Qiao Dongliang rushed to the train station and bought a ticket to go to the capital for the next day. After buying the ticket, Qiao Dongliang rushed home again and packed a few pieces of seasonal clothing and a thick coat for himself. After making all the preparations, he was just waiting for the train to go to the capital tomorrow.

    ¡°Dad, what are you doing?¡± Ever since that failed conversation, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin became colder, returning to the state that it was a few months ago. Qiao Dongliang dared to do so but Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t. As long as she still wanted to have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t lose either Qiao Dongliang, her father, or Ding Jiayi, her mother.

    As long as Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were alive, she and Qiao Nan were still close birth sisters. Once their parents were gone, it would depend entirely on each other if they would still be close or not. Qiao Zijin could guess what Qiao Nan was thinking about without waiting for the day their parents were gone. It was precisely because of this that Qiao Zijin knew clearly that as long as Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were still alive, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to think about getting rid of her. More or less, Qiao Nan had to let her benefit in some way.

    Based on this situation, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t pay less attention to Qiao Dongliang than before their argument.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang spent quite some time in his room alone, Qiao Zijin felt extremely curious and entered his room. After that, she saw Qiao Dongliang¡¯s packed luggage. ¡°Dad, are you going on a holiday? Why didn¡¯t I hear you mention this before?¡±

    Her father was bing trendier as he became older. When he was young, he didn¡¯t head outside often. Now, he was going to be in his seventies but he could leave his family behind and lead a carefree life outside alone.

    However, that was good as well. Once her father left, it would be more convenient for her to do certain things. Also, once he left, it would be impossible for him to find out what happened to Qiao Nan¡¯s pregnancy. If her father didn¡¯t know, he wouldn¡¯t create trouble and ruin her n.

    Upon thinking about this, Qiao Zijin felt that it was desirable. ¡°That¡¯s right as well. Dad, at your age, you should let go. While you can still walk, go out, see more things, and have fun. If it wasn¡¯t inconvenient, I would have apanied you outside. Oh right, Dad. It has been tough on Mom to be with you for half her lifetime. Bring her along as well. I¡¯ll fork out all the money.¡±

    She would pay for her mother¡¯s expenses. She could also fork out her father¡¯s share. At that time, both her parents wouldn¡¯t be at home. With her mother keeping an eye on her father, he couldn¡¯t create trouble. Her mother could also control the situation between her and Qiao Nan remotely via mobile. Before Qiao Nan died, she could request a little something as well. Perfect!

    #

 Chapter 2138: Furious

    <h4>Chapter 2138: Furious</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Oh right, Dad. You haven¡¯t shared where you are going. Why don¡¯t we do this? No matter where you¡¯re going, change your itinerary. I¡¯ll pay for both your expenses. The two of you should follow the route of Singapore-Mysia-Thand. I heard that this is fun. What a rare opportunity this will be for you to go overseas!¡±

    If she sent her parents out of the country, even if her father found out about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation through whatever channels then and wanted to rush back, so be it. Once they were overseas, her father would be unfamiliar with both the ce andnguage. When her father finally thought of a way to return, he had to rush back to the country first before rushing to the capital. When her father stood in front of Qiao Nan, everything would have been done and Qiao Nan¡¯s corpse might even already be cold then.

    1

    Qiao Dongliang, who wanted to pack his luggage, couldn¡¯t take time off to chat with Qiao Zijin. It could also be said that he didn¡¯t particrly want to bother himself with Qiao Zijin. It was just that when he heard Qiao Zijin saying so many things alone but wasn¡¯t feeling tired, and after confirming that he had brought along everything he wanted, Qiao Dongliang took some time to answer Qiao Zijin¡¯s question.. ¡°No. You¡¯ve said before that when I was young, I didn¡¯t go out much. At this age, if something happened to me when I¡¯m out, wouldn¡¯t I be adding trouble to both you and your sister?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was self-conscious.

    In his current situation, what he could do was not to help his children but to live a better life himself and create lesser trouble for his children. That would be the biggest way he, as a father, could help his children.

    Holiday? An overseas holiday? Sorry, but he didn¡¯t have this thought at all.

    ¡°Then, you...?¡± If he wasn¡¯t going on a holiday, why did he pack his luggage? It couldn¡¯t be that her father was still throwing tantrums with her mother, right? Previously, he said that he wanted to sleep in separate rooms from her mother. Indeed, her father¡¯s methods had upgraded and he no longer wanted to stay in the same house as her mother.

    Was there such a need?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the capital to see Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t feel that there was anything wrong with this matter. As such, he could naturally openly say, ¡°Nan Nan is already forty years old. Her first pregnancy is tough as she¡¯s carrying three children. I made a call to the capital today. The Zhai family said that Nan Nan has already headed to the hospital to protect her children. I have to make a trip to the capital personally and see for myself Nan Nan¡¯s situation so that I can feel at ease.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is in the hospital to protect her children?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shone and her tone became excited. If Qiao Nan was in the hospital to protect her children, this meant that the answers she had gotten from the doctors on the inte were true. At this age, Qiao Nan was pregnant with triplets and she wasn¡¯t willing to go for an abortion. This simply meant that she was courting her own death.

    Right, Qiao Nan was now seven months pregnant. Indeed, any bad situation should have happened now. If that was the case, she couldn¡¯t continue to stay in Ping Cheng and wait for good luck toe to her. It was time for her to take the initiative and fight for her happiness.

    Thankfully, she asked her father. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have known about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s tough on you to travel all the way there.¡±

    ¡°How is that tough? No matter how far it is, it¡¯s not tough to visit Nan Nan.¡± Qiao Dongliang ced his bags on the table and was ready to wash up and sleep. Only if he rested earlier today would he have the energy and physical strength to care about his daughter and grandchildren tomorrow after taking a train to the capital. ¡°It was much tougher when I was a young soldier. I¡¯m a burly man. You don¡¯t have to worry about me. After I¡¯m gone, keep an eye on your mother. If you two coulde up with less bad ideas, it would be better than anything else.¡±

    As long as Zijin came up with less bad ideas, he could save quite a bit of thought and energy. As long as Zijin did this, that would be the greatest filial piety to him.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be anxious. I haven¡¯t finished my words yet.¡± Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. What she wanted to express was not this at all. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m just trying to say that I know you¡¯re concerned about Nan Nan, so you don¡¯t find it tiresome at all. However, I feel heartache for you. Why don¡¯t we do this? I¡¯ll go on behalf of you to visit Nan Nan. Dad, you¡¯re my and Nan Nan¡¯s birth father. However, regardless of how close you are to her, you¡¯re a man. Nan Nan and I have both grown up and we have our own family. If there¡¯s really anything, it isn¡¯t that convenient for you to take care of Nan Nan. I¡¯m different. Nan Nan and I are women. I¡¯m her birth sister. No matter what kind of situation Nan Nan runs into, there wouldn¡¯t be an inconvenient time for me to take care of Nan Nan.¡±

    How could a father be involved when his daughter was going to give birth? Compared to her, how could it be more convenient for her father to help?

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Once he heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s suggestion, Qiao Dongliang rejected Qiao Zijin¡¯s ¡®good intentions¡¯ without thinking. ¡°You have thought too much. After Nan Nan got pregnant, the Zhai family specially hired a confinement wife to take care of Nan Nan. I just want to see Nan Nan for myself and confirm that she and the children are well. Help? I didn¡¯t have such thoughts. There are so many people in the Zhai family. How would they need my help? Don¡¯t forget that Nan Nan has her inws.¡±

    Her father-inw would be as inconvenient as him, the birth father. That was alright. Nan Nan still had her mother-inw.

    He never thought that he would be able to help Nan Nan. As for Zijin? Really, Zijin could just save her thoughts. He would ept Zijin¡¯s ¡®good intentions¡¯ on behalf of Nan Nan.

    Something had already happened to Qiao Nan. How would Qiao Dongliang dare to let Qiao Zijin help Qiao Nan? Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t so bold and wasn¡¯t that confident of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I can go on behalf of you as well. I¡¯m young and I don¡¯t get motion sickness.¡± No matter what, she would be more useful than her father, right? ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. After I see Nan Nan, I would definitely tell you everything about Nan Nan¡¯s condition.¡±

    No matter what happened, her father couldn¡¯t go on this trip to the capital. Only she could go.

    Qiao Dongliang waved his hand. He had already decided on this matter. There was no room for changes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything anymore. I must make a trip down myself. It¡¯s your business if you want to visit Nan Nan or not. You can just decide for yourself. Also, it¡¯s not early anymore. I¡¯m done with dinner, so I want to rest now. Go out. Also, remember to help me close the door.¡±

    ¡°...¡± Qiao Zijin was so furious. She was talking reason to her father. Why was it that he didn¡¯t understand at all and insisted on his way? Why must he be so annoying?

    However, Qiao Dongliang had already said those words. If Qiao Zijin continued to dawdle, she would seem ill-intentioned. The more this happened, the more Qiao Dongliang would be unwilling to let her go to the capital to visit Nan Nan on behalf of him.

    #

 Chapter 2139: Loss

    <h4>Chapter 2139: Loss</h4>

    Haste makes waste. Knowing that Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t change his mind temporarily, Qiao Zijin could only temporarily give up and walk out of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. She even obediently helped Qiao Dongliang close the door so that Ding Jiayi, who was watching TV, wouldn¡¯t disturb Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rest.

    Ding Jiayi drank a sip of water. As she had been eating too many melon seedstely, Ding Jiayi felt that she was getting heaty. ¡°You and your dad have chatted for a long time. What were you chatting about? Is he no longer angry at you? Did he tell you about Qiao Nan¡¯s recent situation?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Qiao Zijin waved her hand unhappily. ¡°The money I spent previously wasn¡¯t in vain. Indeed, Qiao Nan isn¡¯t in a good situation. I heard Dad say that she¡¯s already in the hospital to protect her children. Dad has already packed his luggage and wants to go to the capital to see his younger daughter. I told him it would be tough on him and that I could go on behalf of him. He became unhappy and wasn¡¯t willing to promise me. Mom, we can¡¯t let Dad go to the capital this time. Help me think of something to keep him here. After he stays here, I can go to the capital to visit Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan is really admitted?¡± In the past two years, Ding Jiayi had been frustrated. Whatever she wished for didn¡¯te true. It was as if she was on a spate of bad luck. It was rare for something toe true now. How could Ding Jiayi not be happy? ¡°How is Qiao Nan now? Did your dad tell you when she¡¯s dying?¡± If Qiao Nan died, the days that she and Zijin wished for would arrive sooner.

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Zijin shook her head. ¡°Qiao Nan is Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, basically the wife of the chief. Even if Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t be saved, as long as she¡¯s still breathing, who would dare to say that she¡¯s dying? No matter how democratic, in the face of someone like Zhai Sheng, the doctors wouldn¡¯t utter nonsense. Dad only told me that Qiao Nan is in the hospital to protect her children. He didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    However, there wasn¡¯t a huge difference between what was said and what wasn¡¯t. She understood the general meaning of the situation.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Ding Jiayi drank all the remaining water in the cup. ¡°Alright, I understand. Don¡¯t worry. I can¡¯t achieve big things. To prevent your dad from getting on the train tomorrow and make it impossible for your dad to visit Qiao Nan in the capital in the near future is easy for me. Wait and see if your dad can get on the train tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Mom, are you sure?¡± Preventing her dad from getting on the train was the first step for her to sessfully go to the capital.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say anything else and just lightly patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s shoulder. She told Qiao Zijin to have a good night¡¯s sleep and replenish her energy. Only if she replenished her energy could she go to the capital to visit Qiao Nan and her three children on behalf of Qiao Dongliang tomorrow.

    Qiao Zijin curved her lips and smiled. She could feel that her mother was really quite confident this time. ¡°Mom, thank you. I¡¯ll head to bed first. I¡¯ll wait for your good news tomorrow.¡± This time, her mother was finally able to help her and make her feel at ease.

    The mother-daughter pair seemed to have some tacit understanding. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t ask Ding Jiayi what she nned to do. She only needed a result, which was for Qiao Dongliang not to get on the train tomorrow and go to the capital to see Qiao Nan.

    This time, Ding Jiayi really seeded. Compared to the past, it wasn¡¯t that convenient to take the train now. One had to have their identity card checked and approved by the machine before being allowed to board the train.

    As Qiao Dongliang had already prepared everything the night before, he took his luggage and went to the train station early the next morning. The problem was that he was stuck when trying to enter the station. ¡°Sorry, can you produce your ID card?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Dongliang took out his wallet and tried to dig out his identity card. Who knew that the train ticket was still in his wallet but the identity card used to purchase the train ticket yesterday wasn¡¯t? As there were quite a lot of people waiting behind, Qiao Dongliangughed in embarrassment. ¡°Let the people behind go first. I¡¯ll find my identity card. I bought the train ticket yesterday and might have forgotten to ce my identity card in my wallet.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The station security personnel had no reason to disagree. Qiao Dongliang was willing to give up his position and move to the side to find his identity card. That was the best thing that could happen.

    Not only did Qiao Dongliang turn his wallet over, but he even turned his luggage over. However, he still couldn¡¯t find his identity card. It was strange. ¡°Could it be that I left my identity card at home?¡± Qiao Dongliang was confused. He remembered that after he bought his train ticket, he immediately ced the small change, ticket, and identity card in his wallet. Now, the ticket and small change were in his wallet but the ticket wasn¡¯t.

    Without his identity card, he wouldn¡¯t be allowed to board the train.

    He had no other choice. Qiao Dongliang hurriedly hailed a taxi at the station and rushed home. Thankfully, Qiao Dongliang knew that he was going to board the train today. All along, there were only people waiting for the train, not the other way round. As such, he went to the station especially early today. Even if he had to make another trip home to get his identity card, Qiao Dongliang calcted that there was just enough time.

    Qiao Dongliang even calcted the time well. However, the reality was a blow to him. Qiao Dongliang rummaged through boxes and cabs and was about to finish searching his entire room. However, he still couldn¡¯t find his identity card. Qiao Dongliang usually didn¡¯t go anywhere. After buying the train ticket yesterday, he returned home immediately and didn¡¯t go anywhere else. As such, how could his identity card disappear?

    ¡°Old Qiao, what are you doing? Oh, right. There¡¯s a taxi parked outside. The driver asked when you are leaving. By asking him to stop in front of our house, the meter is still jumping at this moment. We would have to pay for it.¡± Ding Jiayi walked into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room with an ignorant expression. ¡°The driver is still rushing to do business. Are you done? If yes, hurry back to the train station so that you won¡¯t miss the train. Also, what are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°My identity card.¡± Qiao Dongliang started to sweat. ¡°Old Ding, did you see my identity card yesterday?¡± So be it that the meter was jumping. He wasn¡¯tcking that amount of money. He would just let the driver wait at the door for a while longer.

    ¡°Your identity card?¡± Ding Jiayi shrugged her shoulders and smiled. ¡°How long has it been since the two of us haven¡¯t been staying in the same room? I can¡¯t even enter your room, so how would I know where you ced your identity card? You can¡¯t board the train if you can¡¯t find your identity card?¡±

    ¡°Dad, your identity card is missing? How could this be? Try to find it again.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shone when she walked over and listened to this conversation. However, she reacted very quickly and made her tone sound not as cheerful. However, it was inevitable that she looked at Ding Jiayi with appreciation. Actually, her mother was pretty reliable most of the time.

    #

 Chapter 2140: Couldnâ€™t Wait

    <h4>Chapter 2140: Couldn¡¯t Wait</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Her mother actually lost her father¡¯s identity card. Indeed, for a period of time, her father didn¡¯t need to think about leaving Ping Cheng, let alone confirming his identity. It would take at least a month for an identity card to be reissued. By then, Qiao Nan would have long be ashes and she should be able to be the next wife of the chief.

    After seeing Qiao Zijin give her a thumbs-up secretly, Ding Jiayi looked at Qiao Zijin warningly to tell her not to be so happy first. If Qiao Dongliang saw this, there would be trouble again. Furthermore, nothing was absolute in this world. Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, she could only dy for a little while and keep Old Qiao here first so that Zijin could go to the capital.

    ¡°Dad, the taxi you hailed is about to leave. If you can¡¯t find your identity card now, how are you going to board the train?¡± Qiao Zijin asked hypocritically.

    Qiao Dongliang used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. ¡°Zijin, take this one hundred yuan and give it to the driver who¡¯s parked outside our house.. I¡¯m sorry to let him wait for so long. There¡¯s no need to return any small change. Let him do his business. Forget it if I can¡¯t board the train today. When I find my identity card, I¡¯ll board the train tomorrow. It¡¯s alright to bete for a day.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang only felt that he had seen a ghost today. When he bought the train ticket yesterday, he had used his identity card. After buying the ticket, he ced all three items back into his wallet at the train station. He didn¡¯t lose his wallet and his train ticket and small change were still intact. Why was it that only his identity card was missing?

    Could it be that he didn¡¯t ce his identity card properly and it dropped out of the wallet?

    As he couldn¡¯t find his identity card at home, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but self-doubt. He thought that he didn¡¯t put away his identity card properly when he returned yesterday and thus had lost it. After searching through his luggage and room, Qiao Dongliang confirmed that the identity card shouldn¡¯t be at home.

    The identity card couldn¡¯t have fallen into the corners of the house. As such, he should have misced his identity card outside. ¡°Both of you will be home, right? I¡¯ll head outside for a while.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart jumped and she hurriedly pulled Qiao Dongliang back. ¡°It¡¯s so early in the morning. You didn¡¯t find your identity card and you can¡¯t board the train to the capital. Where else are you nning to head to?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the police stations nearby and ask around. If the photo doesn¡¯t match the person¡¯s face, an identity card would be useless as it can¡¯t be used. Perhaps someone picked it up and returned it to the police station. I¡¯ll ask around and see if there¡¯s mine.¡± What if he found it?

    To an ordinary person, his identity card was really useless. However, it was very useful to him. If he couldn¡¯t find his identity card back, he wouldn¡¯t be able to visit his daughter.

    1

    ¡°Oh, I see. Go ahead then.¡± Once she heard that Qiao Dongliang was going to look for his identity card, Ding Jiayi felt more at ease and left Qiao Dongliang be.

    After Qiao Dongliang left, Qiao Zijin asked Ding Jiayi, ¡°Mom, where did you hide Dad¡¯s identity card? Is it safe? Don¡¯t let him find out where it is and end up dying him for just a few days. We have to make sure that he won¡¯t be able to go. That way, he won¡¯t pull me back and disallow me to go. Qiao Nan is going to give birth. Someone from the Qiao family should be there as a representative to show care and concern toward Qiao Nan.¡±

    Compared to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin was confident that she would be the one to go to the capital to visit Qiao Nan on behalf of Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi smiled smugly. ¡°Your dad would definitely not find his identity card back. I didn¡¯t hide it at all. I cut and burned it.¡± It had already be a small ck ball. Even if Old Qiao really saw it, he couldn¡¯t possibly recognize that this was the identity card he was anxiously looking for. ¡°It takes about a month to make another identity card. Qiao Nan is already seven-months pregnant now. She shouldn¡¯t be able to wait for your dad for a month.¡±

    In short, when Old Qiao received his new identity card, Zijin would have already be Zhai Sheng¡¯s third wife. When Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets grew up, they had to call Zijin ¡®mom¡¯.

    After knowing how Ding Jiayi handled Qiao Zijin¡¯s identity card, Qiao Zijin no longer had any worries. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re formidable.¡± Compared to her dad, her mom¡¯s skills were great. Her dad couldn¡¯t possibly win against her.

    ¡°Alright, when your dad returnster, don¡¯t let the cat out of the bag. Don¡¯t utter nonsense in front of him either. Your dad isn¡¯t a fool. He¡¯s quite smart. If he knows that we have deliberately destroyed his identity card, don¡¯t me it on me if your matter with Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t seed then. Also, hurry up and pack your bags. You are going over in the name of taking care of Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t bezy such that we don¡¯t know who is actually taking care of whom. Your dad is smart and the Zhai family isn¡¯t easy to deal with. I won¡¯t be by your side. You have to rely on yourself for everything. Think over things properly and don¡¯t always try to appease people by coaxing. A lot of women would want to grab a good man like Zhai Sheng.¡±

    Her daughter was worried about marrying. However, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t worried about not having a wife.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll remember all your words. I promise not to make these mistakes.¡± In front of the Chen family, she couldn¡¯t lift her head up. In front of the Zhai family, she would naturally be more careful and work hard so that the Zhai family would ept her. She didn¡¯t believe that she would be worse than Qiao Nan when it came to the things that Qiao Nan could do.

    Ding Jiayi already finished saying what she could say. After Qiao Zijin left Ping Cheng and arrived in the capital, even if Ding Jiayi was concerned, it would be beyond her ability to help her. Qiao Zijin had to rely on herself for everything. ¡°Go on. Mom believes that you can definitely do it. You have to remember that you¡¯re more outstanding than that wretched girl and you would do better than her.¡±

    She didn¡¯t know what was wrong with the Zhai family¡¯s eyes. Zijin was obviously better than that wretched girl a hundred and even a thousand times. Why would the Zhai family rather let Zhai Sheng marry Qiao Nan instead of Qiao Zijin? However, gold always shines. When Qiao Nan, the obstacle, was gone, as long as the Zhai family wasn¡¯t blind, they would understand how good Zijin was and let Zhai Sheng marry her.

    As a mother, when she thought of Qiao Zijin, her daughter, Ding Jiayi felt confident.

    Just as Ding Jiayi said, Qiao Dongliang naturally couldn¡¯t find his identity card despite searching high and low at the Qiao family and all the police stations in Ping Cheng.

    When Qiao Dongliang heard that it would take a month to get a new identity card, Qiao Dongliang became anxious. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for a month.¡±

    #

 Chapter 2141: Angered to Death

    <h4>Chapter 2141: Angered to Death</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°My daughter and grandchildren are in the hospital. I have to go to the capital immediately to see them. Police officer, please help. Please help me think of a solution.¡±

    The police officers understood that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was unique. However, rules were rules and they couldn¡¯t break them. ¡°Sir, don¡¯t worry. Sit down and have a ss of water. You can¡¯t be anxious when encountering such a matter. There would always be a solution. If you don¡¯t mind forking out money, maybe you can apply for an urgent identity card?¡± However, no matter how urgent it was, the identity card couldn¡¯t be issued tomorrow if the request was submitted today. ¡°We will exin all the situations to you clearly. See if you can wait for another week or so?¡±

    He just wanted to visit his daughter and grandchildren.. However, he lost his identity card. For some things, the more coincidental it was for all of them to happen together, the more uneasy he felt. He kept feeling that this wasn¡¯t a good sign. ¡°Money isn¡¯t an issue. However, would the fastest be one week? Is there any other way? How about using a temporary identity card first?¡±

    ¡°Sure. See if this works. Don¡¯t apply for an urgent identity card first. Go by the normal procedures and collect it after a month. As for you, go and think of a way to issue a certificate and bring it over to us. By then, we will do a temporary identity card for you. We will try to get this out within three days so that you can go to the capital and visit your daughter and grandchildren. How does that sound?¡±

    Thew took into ount human sympathy. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was more unique. His daughter and grandchildren were in the hospital. Upon hearing this matter, they knew that this was crucial. If they didn¡¯t settle this quickly, they would feel apologetic as well.

    They could tell that this elder before them was so anxious that he was about to cry as he had lost his identity card and had no means to go to the capital to visit his daughter and grandchildren who were hospitalized. Who didn¡¯t have elders and children in their family? Everyone could understand this type of worry and fear.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡± Three days. He could still wait for three days.

    After knowing what kind of procedure this entailed, Qiao Dongliang retrieved the household register of family members first when he returned home. After that, he went out to the streets and prepared a few certificates. That afternoon, he returned to that police station again. The police still had an impression of Qiao Dongliang as they had just seen him earlier in the day. Seeing that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s documents wereplete and had no issues, everyone used the fastest speed to help Qiao Dongliang process a temporary identity card. They told him that three dayster, he could retrieve this temporary identity card and go to the capital to visit his daughter and grandchildren.

    For a temporary identity card, Qiao Dongliang had worked for the entire day. Qiao Dongliang knew that this was already efficient. No matter what, at least, he didn¡¯t make a wasted trip today. Three dayster, he could simrly take a train to the capital.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, who thought that this matter was settled, didn¡¯t think that there would be such a fiery side to Qiao Dongliang when it came to doing things. He had finished making a temporary identity card and could go to the capital again in three days.

    Since Qiao Dongliang was going to the capital himself, how would he be willing to let Qiao Zijin go to the capital to take care of Qiao Nan and the children on behalf of him?

    ¡°Dad, you have been out the whole day. You must be tired, right?¡± Qiao Zijin was half-angered to death in her heart. However, she continued to care about Qiao Dongliang on the surface. ¡°Actually, this matter doesn¡¯t have to be soplicated. Just wait for a month. If you¡¯re really worried about Nan Nan, I can help you go to the capital first to take a look at Nan Nan¡¯s situation. Look at you. You¡¯ve been running around the whole day today. Mom and I feel heartache looking at you. If Nan Nan knows about this, she would definitely have the same thoughts as us.¡±

    He was already so old. Had he forgotten that just a few months ago, he had been discharged from the hospital? How was he so energetic? Qiao Zijin was depressed. Ever since her father was discharged from the hospital, she had bought too many nutritional items and raised him well. If her father hadn¡¯t recuperated well from that fracture back then, would he have been able to run around so much outside?

    She raised her father well, but he despised her and insisted on going to the capital to visit Qiao Nan. That was really¡­ enough.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡± Qiao Dongliang smiled. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t moved so much, I wouldn¡¯t have known that I¡¯m actually not too old.¡± That was right as well. He was about to be someone with three grandchildren. If he was really old, he wouldn¡¯t be able to carry any one of the three grandchildren.

    He felt regretful that he didn¡¯t manage to carry Chen Feng when he was young. Qiao Dongliang wanted to make up for his previous regrets with Qiao Nan¡¯s children. Although he was no longer young, his body was still in good shape. It was nothing to carry a baby or coax a child.

    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯m tired from running around today. I¡¯ll go to bed first. The both of you can continue chatting.¡± After going to the capital, he wouldn¡¯t have so much leisure time. In order for him to cope well after arriving in the capital, he had to eat, drink, and sleep well in the next three days so that he would have enough energy and strength.

    At this time, Qiao Dongliang already knew that based on Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, where she was carrying multiple children, it was very difficult for her to go through a ten-month pregnancy period. In other words, within a few days after arriving in the capital, he might have the chance to meet his grandchildren.

    Of course, it was also because of this that Qiao Dongliang was so anxious and wanted to make a trip to the capital personally. Waiting for another three days was his limit. Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t wait for a month or a week.

    After saying this, Qiao Dongliang returned to his room. It was only seven in the evening, but he was already in deep sleep. Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi felt depressed.

    Ding Jiayi patted Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand. Both of them continued chatting after going to Qiao Zijin¡¯s room. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so nervous. Your dad must be sleeping soundly now. There¡¯s no need to seal the cracks in the door. We can just talk about the sensitive topics briefly. If your dad suddenly wakes up from his sleep to go to the toilet, he would definitely argue with us if he sees this situation.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Zijin thought so as well. ¡°Mom, Dad really cherishes Qiao Nan and the three children in her stomach. When I was giving birth to Fengfeng in the past, was he that anxious over me and Fengfeng?¡± No matter how much she didn¡¯t care about whom Qiao Dongliang was more biased in his fatherly love to, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous today.

    In order to go to the capital to see Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin felt that her father had already fought with his life. They were both her father¡¯s daughters. There was such a huge difference in the way he treated herpared to Qiao Nan. She couldn¡¯t ept it. When she gave birth to Chen Feng, her father wasn¡¯t that nervous at all. He also didn¡¯t insist on visiting her.

 Chapter 2142: Different

    <h4>Chapter 2142: Different</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    Once she had finished her confinement period, she had still not met anyone from her family. She knew that her mom had gone to the Chen family¡¯s house several times to look for her but had been stopped by her mother-inw.

    Ding Jiayiughed. ¡°Are you still jealous about that? Why do you care about your dad¡¯s concern and anxiety? Can you wear it or eat it? Why are you behaving like a child and nitpicking about even this? Zijin, remember that we have to know our duties as women. The most important things are the ones that are tangible. No matter how much your dad cares about Qiao Nan, can he give birth on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf or die for her? Or can he make Qiao Nan our family¡¯s only university graduate instead of you?¡±

    What was the point of caring only now? Many things had already been set in stone. No matter how much of a fuss he kicked up, the fact remained that Qiao Nan was half-literate and had only graduated from junior high school. There was no way she couldpare to Zijin, who was a university graduate. ¡°Talking about that, it¡¯s fortunate that Qiao Nan has such low qualifications. I¡¯ve already thought about it. The Zhai family was willing to ept a daughter-inw who¡¯s a mere junior high school graduate. You¡¯re a university graduate! Once you marry into the Zhai family, they should love you even more!¡±

    On the other hand, if Zijin had been the second woman to marry Zhai Sheng, there would be no fight between Zijin and his previous wife.. Zijin would lose out no matter what. Thankfully, Qiao Nan had married into the family first toy the foundations for Zijin. Once Zijin married into the family, Zijin would be much more suitable for Zhai Sheng aspared to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°That sounds quite reasonable.¡± Qiao Zijin nodded. Was it necessary to care about it? It might be important, but tangible benefits were more important. Her dad could be concerned about Qiao Nan for all she cared, as long as he did not ruin her ns. ¡°But Mom, don¡¯t forget that Dad will get his temporary identity card in three days. Then, he¡¯ll be able to make the trip to the capital.¡±

    What would they do in three days¡¯ time? Once her dad made that trip, her ns would fall through.

    At the mention of this, Ding Jiayi was troubled too. She had not expected Qiao Dongliang to be so stubborn about this matter. Although he had lost his identity card and knew that he would not be able to make the trip for the time being, he was still insistent on doing so. He had never even thought of handing the job over to Qiao Zijin. ¡°I have a way but I can¡¯t use it too many times. Even if I seed, your dad may get suspicious over time. The only thing I can do is prevent him from boarding the bus in three days¡¯ time when he receives his identity car. After that, you¡¯ll be on your own. I can¡¯t be the only one putting in the effort, after all. Zijin, aren¡¯t you going to do anything?¡±

    There was a limit to how much she could help out. After all, Zijin was the one going to the capital.

    ¡°Mom, how about this? As long as you prevent Dad from boarding the bus, I¡¯ll take Dad¡¯s ce and head to the capital. Since Dad won¡¯t be around, I can say whatever I want to Qiao Nan and the Zhai family. I¡¯ll try to settle the matter before the two of them get in touch with each other and before Dad reaches the capital. Of course, if Dad asks where I am, you can just tell him that I¡¯ve gotten bored sitting around at home and have gone on a trip.¡±

    She was headed to the capital, which was home to the Great Wall and Tiananmen. It was reasonable for her to take a trip there.

    In short, they would try their best to dy her dad while she tried her best to get close to the Zhai family. Then, she would try to convince Qiao Nan to help her in marrying Zhai Sheng before she took herst breath.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s do that.¡± Hearing that Qiao Zijin had ns of her own, Ding Jiayi sighed in relief. There was no way the n would seed if she were to work alone. Qiao Zijin had to make some practical action too. She was capable of dying Old Qiao. But getting the Zhai family to agree to Qiao Zijin marrying Zhai Sheng? That was impossible!

    Three dayster when Qiao Dongliang received his temporary identity card and could purchase bus tickets to the capital, Qiao Dongliang met with another incident.

    What incident?

    He overslept!

    The bus departed at seven-thirty in the morning but by the time Qiao Dongliang awoke, it was already half past ten. He had missed the bus by three whole hours. The bus was probably already halfway along the way to the capital. As such, Qiao Dongliang had once again missed his chance to head to the capital. ¡°How could I have overslept?¡±

    He was already in his seventies and was a light sleeper. He had rested rather well at home recently and that was why he had not been able to go to sleep the previous night. Even so, he could not have woken up only at ten-thirty, right?

    ¡°How am I supposed to know?¡± Ding Jiayi did not dare to look Qiao Dongliang in the eye, in case he realized something amiss. ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re always feeling unwell. That¡¯s why you overslept. Actually, I even tried to wake you up a few times today. I saw that you didn¡¯t wake up, so I thought that you changed your mind and decided not to go to the capital.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang knocked his head, wondering if he had indeed fallen ill. Otherwise, why did he feel so light-headed and giddy? It was already half past ten. There was no way he was still half-asleep. ¡°Where¡¯s Zijin?¡± Since the time he had awoken, he had only seen Old Ding but not Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi turned around, her back facing Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Zijin said that she¡¯s gotten too bored at home, so she went on a trip. Since you didn¡¯t want to go on a trip, she went off alone.¡±

    ¡°She went on a trip?¡± Qiao Dongliang thought that something felt strange but he could not pinpoint what it was. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m going to get a bus ticket.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re getting another ticket?¡± Ding Jiayi tried to stop Qiao Dongliang. ¡°A bus ticket from Ping Cheng to the capital is expensive. It costs more than two hundred yuan! You¡¯ve already wasted two bus tickets. That¡¯s more than four hundred yuan! I think that you¡¯re fated not to go to the capital! Which woman doesn¡¯t give birth to children? Why is she so precious that you need to make a trip specially to visit her? Didn¡¯t she tell you that she¡¯ll bring you to the capital once she finishes her confinement period? Why are you in such a hurry?¡±

    ¡°No. I have to meet Nan Nan. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be worried.¡± How could that be the same? Yes, every married woman gave birth after getting married. The difference was that most women were in good health during pregnancy. Nan Nan, on the other hand, had only gotten pregnant at the age of forty and her pregnancy was even unstable. She had been admitted into the hospital in her seventh month of pregnancy. How could he not visit her as her biological father? ¡°Alright. Stop spouting nonsense. Why would I be fated not to visit her? I don¡¯t believe that.¡± It was not right for Nan Nan to give birth without a single family member by her side.

    He had failed in his attempts to go to the capital twice and would always meet with an incident. Qiao Dongliang could not help but wonder if the heavens were against him too. But didn¡¯t they always say that men¡¯s will would always triumph over heaven¡¯s will?

    #

 Chapter 2143: Second Time

    <h4>Chapter 2143: Second Time</h4>

    All he wanted was to visit the capital to see his daughter and grandchildren. Why was that such a big matter? Why were the heavens putting him in such a hard spot?

    Even God wouldn¡¯t be so strict.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression soured. Did that mean that Old Qiao was going to buy a bus ticket anyway? In reality, Ding Jiayi was already feeling the pinch from wasting two bus tickets. It had cost several hundred yuan. It was enough to pay for half a month¡¯s worth of their family¡¯s expenses.

    ¡°Alright. Do what you want.¡± She and Zijin had already expected that Old Qiao would not give up so easily. It was just that Ding Jiayi had held on to that little bit of hope before it had happened.

    Qiao Dongliang was a man of his words and immediately headed off to the bus station with his wallet. Because Qiao Dongliang was buying a ticket from Ping Cheng to the capital for the third time in such a short span of time, the seller was already familiar with him. ¡°Sir, this is your third time here. What happened?¡±

    Hadn¡¯t he already purchased a ticket yesterday? It was impossible for him to have traveled to the capital from Ping Cheng and back in a day¡¯s time. Besides, he had just gone there yesterday. If he was to go again today, that would mean that he must have taken the overnight bus ride back to Ping Cheng. Were tickets too cheap to him, or did his family have too much money to spare?

    Qiao Dongliangughed bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m really unlucky. The first time, I already had my bus ticket but I lost my identity card. Afterward, I got a temporary identity card but I overslept this morning and missed the bus!¡± It was not as though his money grew on trees that he could afford to waste his money on bus tickets every day. It was just that he had no other choice since he was down on luck.

    The seller was dumbfounded. ¡°You¡¯re really unlucky indeed. After losing your identity card, you even missed your bus because you overslept! That doesn¡¯t sound right. It¡¯s not like you ate sleeping pills. Why would you have slept in and missed the bus?¡± It was not often that people missed their buses because of oversleeping.

    Knowing that he would be in a rush the next morning, one would typically not sleep too soundly. In fact, it would be a rather light one where one would awake at the slightest sound.

    The seller had only brought up sleeping pills as a joke but Qiao Dongliang fell into a trance. He had also found it strange that he had overslept.

    These few days, he had indeed had a good rest. Besides, who could sleep until half past ten at his age unless they were ill? He was sure that he was sleeping so soundly with no intention of waking up. Usually, he did not even sleep so soundly. Something did feel amiss.

    ¡°Oldrade, keep this bus ticket carefully. Don¡¯t lose your identity card or oversleep again. This will be the third time losing your ticket.¡±

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang had already collected his identity card and bus ticket, but upon hearing that, he could not help but ask, ¡°Then, can I buy another ticket? I¡¯m always losing things. I might very well lose this ticket too.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± Under normal circumstances, one identity card was only entitled to one bus ticket. ¡°They¡¯re all using your identity card?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°But you won¡¯t be able to use two seats.¡± If this oldrade requested a refund at thest minute, their bus station would lose out.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m so careless. If I really lose one, won¡¯t I still have another?¡± In other words, there would definitely not be a case of a refund even if he bought two tickets.

    Since Qiao Dongliang had already said that, the other party had no other choice. ¡°Alright, then.¡± Anyway, it was not her who had too much money to spend. Four hundred yuan on two tickets for a single person. If someone wanted to spend that money, who was she to stand in the way? Besides, this oldrade really seemed to be down on his luck. It was indeed necessary for him to buy another ticket just in case.

    After purchasing those two tickets, Qiao Dongliang ced one ticket and his change back into his wallet, and his temporary identity card and the other ticket into the pocket close to his chest.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression, Ding Jiayi knew without asking that Qiao Dongliang had indeed purchased the bus ticket. ¡°You must be hungry. I made quite a lot for lunch. Zijin isn¡¯t home, so you don¡¯t have to worry. Besides, I¡¯m not nning on moving back into our room either. If you want to throw a tantrum, go ahead. But having a meal together doesn¡¯t mean much.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Qiao Dongliang agreed after giving it some thought. ¡°I just came home and it¡¯s true that I¡¯m a littlezy to make something for myself. I¡¯ll find a chance to return you the favor in the future.¡± Qiao Dongliang had eaten Ding Jiayi¡¯s food for decades and was already used to it.

    After the couple finished their meal, Ding Jiayi asked Qiao Dongliang, ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow, right? Aren¡¯t you going to get ready since you have half a day left? You can¡¯t possibly stay at home and wait around, right? You¡¯re not like me. You don¡¯t likezing around watching television.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already visited everyone I need to. They know that I¡¯m going to the capital to visit Nan Nan. It¡¯s the same going out or staying at home. It¡¯s just as well. I¡¯ll just watch the television. I haven¡¯t done that in a long while.¡± Qiao Dongliang had no intentions of heading out of the house. What if he tired himself out, slept too soundly, and missed the bus again?

    As such, the couple took a chair each and sat a good distance away from each other. Their eyes were fixed on the television and they hardly had any interaction with each other.

    After about two hours, Ding Jiayi suddenly piped up. ¡°I¡¯m thirsty. I¡¯m going to get some water. Do you want some?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m not thirsty yet.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t get any for you, then.¡±

    After sitting for a while longer, Qiao Dongliang stood up at around half past five. ¡°It isn¡¯t early anymore. I¡¯ll make myself some food before going to bed. You can do whatever you want.¡±

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang enter the kitchen, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes lit up and her gaze fell on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. Just as Qiao Dongliang emerged from the kitchen with his dinner, Ding Jiayi returned to normal. ¡°Alright. Now that you¡¯re done, it¡¯s my turn. I¡¯m hungry too.¡±

    The couple did not prepare anything fanciful for dinner, so they were quick in their preparations. Before Ding Jiayi even left the kitchen, Qiao Dongliang had already finished his meal.

    Ding Jiayi did not have any response upon seeing that Qiao Dongliang had finished his meal, cleaned up, and was preparing to go to bed. She simply continued with her meal. That calmness was rather reassuring.

    When the clock struck ten that night, both of them should already have been asleep. But at that moment, Ding Jiayi gently pushed the door to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room open and stole a nce before calling out softly, ¡°Old Qiao? Old Qiao!¡±

    Even after a few calls, Qiao Dongliang had not only not responded, but he even flipped over in his sleep. Within a second, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s breath became heavier and longer.

    #

 Chapter 2144: Delaying

    <h4>Chapter 2144: Dying</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    After making sure that there were no more movements, Ding Jiayi finally rxed and slipped into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room. She picked up the wallet that Qiao Dongliang had ced on the table and opened it to take a look. This was the bus ticket. Where was his temporary identity card?

    With the help of the moonlight, Ding Jiayi very quickly found the bus ticket, but she had not managed to find Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temporary identity card.

    This time, Ding Jiayi had intended to take Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temporary identity card along with his bus ticket to dy him by another three to five days since he would not even be able to buy a bus ticket. Since he had already lost his identity card once, it wouldn¡¯t be too strange if it happened again.

    She was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wife. Besides, once she took Qiao Dongliang¡¯s things, she would burn them to ashes at once. No one would have any idea of what she had done. Based on that alone, Ding Jiayi did not feel an ounce of guilt or fear when doing such ¡®harmless¡¯ things to Qiao Dongliang.

    But this time, Ding Jiayi had only managed to find the bus ticket that Qiao Dongliang had kept in his wallet.. She had not found the temporary identity card. This situation made Ding Jiayi hesitate. After giving it some thought, Ding Jiayi gritted her teeth, walked toward Qiao Dongliang¡¯s bed, and reached out toward the jacket that Qiao Dongliang had worn that morning.

    She knew that Qiao Dongliang had the habit of stuffing his things into his pockets at times. Since his temporary identity card was not in his wallet, Qiao Dongliang could very well have ced it in his pocket out of convenience.

    But even after fumbling through the pockets on both sides, Ding Jiayi had not managed to find the temporary identity card. Since it was in neither of those ces, Ding Jiayi decided to stick her hand under Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pillow.

    Just as Ding Jiayi touched the corner of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pillow, he flipped over again to face Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi was so shocked that she nearly let out a scream. In the end, she managed to suppress her scream by covering her mouth.

    ¡°Old... Old Qiao?¡±

    ¡°Hmm...¡± Unlike earlier when he had had no response at all, Qiao Dongliang seemed to have stirred a little. He was now able to hear someone calling him while he was still half-asleep. That was why he had answered her.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s legs shivered in fear and she fell onto the ground. Ding Jiayi had never had the experience of being a robber. Thus, she could not even remain calm in such a situation.

    Ding Jiayi was terribly afraid that Qiao Dongliang would suddenly wake up, realize what she had done, and would even snatch the bus ticket away.

    If that happened, she would have gone to such lengths for nothing.

    Even if she couldn¡¯t find the temporary identity card, the result would be the same. Without a bus ticket, Old Qiao wouldn¡¯t be able to get on the bus either. Ding Jiayi practically crawled out of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room to return to her own room. As she sat on her bed, her heart pounded rapidly and she drew in a few deep breaths. ¡°That¡¯s not right. That didn¡¯t happenst night. Did the medicine lose its effectiveness in just a day?¡±

    Today, Ding Jiayi had targeted Qiao Dongliang in three different ways. Firstly, Ding Jiayi had thrown five sleeping pills into the hot water just like she had done the previous day. As long as Qiao Dongliang drank the hot water from the sk, he would definitely fall for her scheme. Secondly, Ding Jiayi had taken away his bus ticket. Thirdly, Ding Jiayi was prepared to make Qiao Dongliang lose his identity card again so that he would be unable to board the bus.

    She seeded with her second way and failed the third. The first seemed to be a sess yet a failure at the same time.

    To ensure that Qiao Dongliang had indeed fallen for her plot, Ding Jiayi purposely woke up in the middle of the night to check on Qiao Dongliang. At that time, Qiao Dongliang had been sound asleep and had had no knowledge of hering and going. Today, not only had Qiao Dongliang responded, but he had even flipped around twice, scaring Ding Jiayi out of her wits!

    Ding Jiayi took the sleeping pills out and made a call to Qiao Zijin mncholically. ¡°Zijin, have you reached the capital?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± It was just that she had reached in the dead of night. Qiao Zijin loved the hustle and bustle of the capital. Thinking about how she would be able to settle down in the prosperous capital once Qiao Nan died and she married Zhai Sheng, she was over the moon.

    She had persisted in life for such a long time and endured all her hardships for the sake of that day. She had been waiting for it for way too long.

    ¡°Mom, is my dad still at home? You stopped him from boarding the bus, right?¡± Although Qiao Zijin had many ns up her sleeves and even with a rtive like Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin dared not visit the Zhai family or Qiao Nan straightaway after reaching the capital. She would only be putting herself down if she were to show up in front of the Zhai family and Qiao Nan in her current state.

    If she really wanted to make an appearance, she would have to change her image to leave a good first impression on the Zhai family.

    ¡°No, he¡¯s still at home, fast asleep like a log. How could I have let him get on the bus?¡± Ding Jiayi was especially proud of herself. Recently, that was the only thing that had gone smoothly for her.

    Sitting on the bed of the small motel, Qiao Zijin heaved a sigh of relief. Qiao Zijin was dazzled by the bustle of the capital, but the problem was that the cost of living in the capital was equally dazzling. Thankfully, Qiao Zijin still had 1.3 million yuan. Otherwise, staying in the capital for just a few days would probably shorten her life by a few years.

    The room she was in was too small and had a terrible environment. Still, it cost her several hundred yuan a night. If she were in Ping Cheng, she would have been able to stay in a five-star hotel with that sum of money. As such, Qiao Zijin decided that she would not gallivant around for too long. She would have to get in touch with the Zhai family as soon as possible so that they would make arrangements for her.

    Otherwise, the money she spent on her amodation alone was enough to make her heart bleed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean much even if you were able to stop Dad today because I just arrived in the capital. I haven¡¯t met the Zhai family yet. Mom, how much longer could you dy Dad for?¡±

    Because things had not gone as smoothly as she had expected, Qiao Zijin was in a frenzy too. Upon reaching the capital, she had asked around about Qiao Nan¡¯s residence, only to find out that the situation was the same as it had been in Ping Cheng. If she wanted to enter their residence, she would have to get the Zhai family¡¯s permission.

    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to enter that residential area, much less the Zhai family¡¯s house. She would simply be stopped at the gate. Only with the Zhai family¡¯s permission would she be brought in by the Zhai family themselves.

    #

 Chapter 2145 - Exposed

    <h4>Chapter 2145: Exposed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin had never been sessful in the Ping Cheng quad. Now that she was in the capital alone, Qiao Zijin was even more uneasy and unsure if she would be sessful this time. Qiao Nan should probably be quite fearful since she had been admitted into the hospital before reaching her eighth month of pregnancy.

    When women were afraid, they would always want one or two familiar faces around to take care of them. Perhaps, she should contact Qiao Nan and let her know that she had rushed down to the capital to take care of her!

    If Qiao Zijin had known that such a day woulde, she would have rebuked Ding Jiayi years earlier and stood on Qiao Nan¡¯s side instead. In that way, Qiao Nan would have had a good rtionship with her. As her only sister, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan take better care of her? Why would she have to spare so much effort and money trying to please her to no avail?

    At the mention of this, Ding Jiayi felt rather helpless too. ¡°You also know how your dad is. It¡¯s too difficult. Your dad missed the bus this morning, but the moment he woke up, he rushed down to the bus station to purchase another ticket without even taking breakfast. He¡¯s already wasted four or five hundred yuan on bus tickets alone! He doesn¡¯t even feel bad about it.¡±

    .

    In the past, Old Qiao would have frowned upon spending such a huge sum of money at once.

    Qiao Zijiny on her bed and sneered. ¡°Mom, are you kidding me? He took two hundred thousand yuan from me. What he¡¯s spending now is my money, not his! Isn¡¯t it obvious why Dad¡¯s behaving in this way?¡± Since it wasn¡¯t his money, he probably wouldn¡¯t feel bad spending it anyway. Wasn¡¯t it easy to understand?

    ¡°Mom, let me know how much longer you can dy Dad for.¡± What if¡­

    Ding Jiayi held the phone in her other hand. ¡°Your dad probably won¡¯t make it for the bus tomorrow. I put some sleeping pills into his water today and took his bus ticket from him. Initially, I was nning on taking his temporary identity card too, but he probably kept it somewhere safe because he lost it previously. I didn¡¯t manage to find it.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that he won¡¯t be able to make it for tomorrow¡¯s bus? If that¡¯s the case, try to make my dad lose his temporary identity card again. I¡¯ve made my enquiries. It was only because Dad was in a hurry that they rushed it out for him in three days¡¯ time. Workers in that department are pretty slow in their work. This time, it will probably take about a week for him to get a new identity card. Try to persuade my dad and you might just get his identity card in another two days. With that dy, I think I should be able to tie up the loose ends with Qiao Nan and the Zhai family.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was not confident of settling all the matters in such a short span of time. But she would probably be able to do so in half a month¡¯s time. She knew that that was her mom¡¯s limit.

    Ding Jiayi put up her fingers and did some mental calctions. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll try my best. It¡¯ste and you must be tired from a whole day¡¯s journey. I won¡¯t disturb you any further. Go to bed earlier. You must have enough energy to visit that wretched girl tomorrow. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll try my best to keep your dad here.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Mom. Good night.¡± After hanging up the call, Qiao Zijin was so exhausted that she did not even wash up. All she did was remove her pants before squirming under her nket.

    Qiao Nan, who had Zhai Sheng by her side in the hospital, had absolutely no idea that the Qiao family, whom she hated the most, was now in the same city as her. Moreover, that person was plotting on getting close to her and snatching her husband and children!

    Another night had passed and nothing had changed in Qiao Nan¡¯s life. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin had her eyes set on the Zhai family. She was trying to see if she could ¡®run into¡¯ the Zhai family and let them know that she had specially made the trip to the capital to take care of Qiao Nan.

    The Zhai family had no idea about Qiao Zijin¡¯s ideas, but Qiao Dongliang had found out about Ding Jiayi¡¯s. After falling for her tricks once, Qiao Dongliang was not entirely ignorant anymore.

    After hearing that ticket seller¡¯s joke, Qiao Dongliang had had some suspicions of his own. All he needed to do was to confirm them. Ding Jiayi had only seen Qiao Dongliang return after purchasing his bus tickets. What she did not know was that Qiao Dongliang had not only bought his bus tickets but also two bottles of mineral water.

    It was convenient for Qiao Dongliang to boil water when he was thirsty at home. He was not so foolish or generous to waste his money on mineral water when he was already used to drinking boiled water at home. All along, Qiao Dongliang had never had such a habit, and as such, Ding Jiayi had not paid close attention to it.

    Qiao Dongliang had not purchased those mineral water bottles for nothing. Of course, they were for him to quench his thirst. It was just that he had not done so in front of Ding Jiayi. Qiao Dongliang could only hope that he had overthought everything and that that person¡¯s joke was nothing more than a joke.

    But the results of his experiment the next day turned Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face entirely ck.

    In the middle of the night the previous night, Ding Jiayi had run into his room. At that time, Qiao Dongliang had originally been asleep but had been awoken by Ding Jiayi calling out for him. When he had first awoken, Qiao Dongliang had not gotten aplete sense of what was going on. All he knew was that it had been Ding Jiayi who had entered his room, not a robber or an outsider. That was why he had remained silent.

    It was only when he saw Ding Jiayi looking through his wallet did Qiao Dongliang finally understand the situation. Afterward, Ding Jiayi had even tried to reach around his pillow to find his temporary identity card! Qiao Dongliang had flipped over because of that just to scare Ding Jiayi, and he had even responded when Ding Jiayi called his name.

    Thankfully, Ding Jiayi did not have it in her to be a thief. Upon encountering such a situation, Ding Jiayi took it upon herself to exit the room. What Ding Jiayi did not know was that the moment she shut the door, Qiao Dongliang, who should have been asleep, was wide awake, his eyes full of resentment.

    After seeing what Ding Jiayi had done, Qiao Dongliang was now unsure about whether the previous two idents were, in fact, idents. Although he was not a particrly careful person, he had never lost something as important as his identity card before. Why had he suddenly lost it for the very first time now that he was going to the capital to visit Nan Nan?

 Chapter 2146 - Well-Prepared

    <h4>Chapter 2146: Well-Prepared</h4>

    He had already known that he had to catch the morning bus to the capital, but the moment he woke up, it was already half past ten.

    So many things had happened to him alone. That was strangely abnormal. Someone in the family must have been ying tricks on him. That was the only logical exnation.

    Qiao Dongliang did not want to alert his enemy, but unfortunately, Ding Jiayi had been married to him for decades and was all too familiar with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s routine. In the morning, Qiao Dongliang had bought two bus tickets. Just in case, he had only ced one in his wallet, and that was the one that Ding Jiayi had found.

    As for the other ticket and his temporary identity card, Qiao Dongliang had ced them both under his pillow. If Ding Jiayi got hold of those two things, it would be difficult for him to get to the capital. He had no choice but to take such precautions because someone in the family was ying tricks on him.

    Thankfully, he had managed to scare Ding Jiayi away and Qiao Dongliang did not have to worry about how to confuse Ding Jiayi.

    When Ding Jiayi walked out of her room to wash up, she was taken aback by Qiao Dongliang, who had already finished his breakfast and was about to head out. Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°Why are you up so early today? You woke up even earlier than me. I was wondering what would happen if you overslept again today and whether I should wake you up. I didn¡¯t expect you to be awake already!¡±

    How had he managed to wake up?

    Could it be that Old Qiao had developed a resistance to that medicine, just like in television shows? Probably not. She had only given Old Qiao sleeping pills of the same brand twice. Didn¡¯t they say that it wasn¡¯t that easy to develop resistance to drugs? It wasn¡¯tmon either. Besides, this was only her second time. Wasn¡¯t it a little too exaggerated?

    ¡°Like this?¡± Qiao Dongliang, who had already gained a clear idea of the entire situation, did not expose Ding Jiayi. What if Ding Jiayi started wailing and kicking up a fuss, making him unable to leave? Qiao Dongliang had already guessed that Ding Jiayi would try all means to prevent him from going to the capital to visit Qiao Nan.

    He did not understand Ding Jiayi¡¯s motives, but what he wanted to know was whether Qiao Zijin was involved. Or should he say that Ding Jiayi¡¯s involvement was part of Qiao Zijin¡¯s n?

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to shout at me. I probably had a good rest yesterday, so I was able to wake up early. Actually, I didn¡¯t sleep very soundlyst night. I wonder if I was dreaming but I think I heard someone calling my namest night.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who had a guilty conscience, was unsettled by thisment. ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s not good to joke around about such things. Who would wake up in the middle of the night to call out to others? Qiao Nan has gotten married and Zijin went on a holiday. There¡¯re only the two of us left here. Based on what you said, there must be something unclean in our house. It¡¯s an unclean thing calling out to you. Don¡¯t scare me like that! I¡¯m not so brave!¡±

    ¡°Are you really that timid?¡± Someone as timid as that would dare tomit immoral acts? ¡°Then, leave the lights on when you sleep tonight. Alright. I¡¯ve finished my congee. It¡¯s only six and the bus leaves at half past seven. But it¡¯s better for me to go early and wait at the bus station since the bus won¡¯t wait for me.¡±

    Ding Jiayi tugged on Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Have you brought all your things?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang retracted his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve brought all my things. I checked several timesst night. Be more careful since you¡¯re home alone. Get the neighbors to help you if anything happens. Of course, if you¡¯re scared of being alone at home, you can call Zijin and get her to return to apany you. Otherwise, you can ask where Zijin has gone to and go on a holiday with her too.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that she had to remain calm. Just like the first time, once Qiao Dongliang reached the bus station and realized that his bus ticket was missing, he would naturally return. But it was the second half of the year and not the peak period yet. Ding Jiayi was a little worried that the bus tickets to the capital would not be sold out.

    What if Qiao Dongliang managed to buy a bus ticket at the ticketing counter once he realized that he had lost his own?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s head hurt badly and she could not help but wonder if she had bought fake pills. Otherwise, why had the bottle of sleeping pills be ineffective on their second use? She had ced five sleeping pills into the bottle of water just like before. Unless the pills were fake, there was no way Old Qiao would have woken up today. He should have been fast asleep just like the previous day, all the way until thete morning.

    If that had been the case, she wouldn¡¯t have been worried about Old Qiao being able to buy a ticket to the capital at thest minute.

    Thinking about what Qiao Zijin had told her the previous day, Ding Jiayi held onto Qiao Dongliang once again. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? It¡¯s only six. Didn¡¯t you say that your bus leaves at half past seven? Even if you¡¯re in a hurry, there¡¯s no need to be in such a rush. You can afford to rest at home for another hour. You¡¯ll still be in time if you leave at seven. You¡¯ll be cold and lonely waiting alone at the bus station. How pointless that would be. Besides, it¡¯s autumn now and it¡¯s cold outside. You¡¯ll be miserable waiting out there in the cold.¡±

    Seven o¡¯clock was the peak hour for office workers. If he met with a traffic jam on the way to the bus station, he would miss the bus too.

    Qiao Dongliang flung Ding Jiayi¡¯s arm away once again. ¡°There¡¯s no difference between waiting at home and at the bus station. I¡¯ll feel more secure being early. I¡¯m not Zijin. I don¡¯t need people by my side all the time. What¡¯s wrong with you today? Why are you trying to stop me from leaving? Actually, I was thinking about it before I went to bedst night. I lost my identity card and also overslept. I really wonder if there¡¯s a ghost in our house that¡¯s watching over me all the time and trying to stop me from going to the capital.¡±

    Ding Jiayi might have understood the traffic conditions in Ping Cheng, but Qiao Dongliang was even clearer about that. Seven o¡¯clock was the peak hour. By half past six, those working the morning shift and those who had just finished the night shift would already be on the roads. It was better that he left early, even as early as six, thante, in case he encountered a jam.

    Since Ding Jiayi was being so unaware of what she had done, Qiao Dongliang decided to remind her about the ¡®good deeds¡¯ she had done over the past few days. Since the previous night, there was no longer the need for Qiao Dongliang to suspect Ding Jiayi. He was sure that the loss of his identity card and his oversleeping were all thanks to Ding Jiayi.

    If he did not mention those incidents, Ding Jiayi might very well have forgotten all about them.

 Chapter 2147 - Feeling the Pinch

    <h4>Chapter 2147: Feeling the Pinch</h4>

    He really had to give it up to her for being so unaware.

    As expected, with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reminder, Ding Jiayi felt guilty once again and her wandering eyes did not dare to meet Qiao Dongliang¡¯s gaze. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting in broad daylight? That was just an ident that no one expected to happen. It¡¯smon for one to lose their identity card or to oversleep. Who hasn¡¯t lost their belongings or overslept before? Don¡¯t overthink it. It¡¯s only six. If you don¡¯t think it¡¯s too early, then please go ahead to the bus station. I¡¯m just being thoughtful but it seems like it¡¯s not appreciated.¡±

    She could only hope that the heavens would be on her side and that the tickets to the capital would be sold out. In that case, Qiao Dongliang would be making a wasted trip to the bus station no matter how early he reached there.

    Since Ding Jiayi no longer stood in his way, Qiao Dongliang naturally left. Thankfully, the bus services had already started for the day. As such, there was no need for Qiao Dongliang to hail a cab. He could simply take the public bus to the bus station.

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang board the bus toward the bus station, Ding Jiayi could not care less about whether Qiao Zijin had already awoken. She immediately dialed Qiao Zijin¡¯s number.

    Qiao Zijin, who had been awoken by her ringtone, was in a foul mood. Thankfully, she saw that the caller was Ding Jiayi. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have picked up the call. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s so early in the morning. What¡¯s the matter? I¡¯m still sleepy. Hurry and say what you need to say. I want to go back to sleep after this.¡±

    ¡°Zijin, your dad¡¯s headed for the bus station.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone was frantic and the contents of the phone call suddenly chased all of Qiao Zijin¡¯s drowsiness away. ¡°My dad got on the bus? How could that be? Didn¡¯t you say that you added sleeping pills into the hot water sk? How did my dad wake up?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. This medicine was quite effective on your dad yesterday but it failed today.¡± That was something out of her control. If Zijin wanted someone to me, she should find the shop that had sold her this medicine instead. ¡°Zijin, I¡¯m calling you now because I want to check and see if there are any remaining bus tickets to the capital today.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Hadn¡¯t her dad already left?

    Although Ding Jiayi was alone at home, she instinctively lowered her voice. ¡°Your dad may have left but I stole his bus ticket and burned it. If the tickets to the capital are sold out, your dad will probably be back within an hour.¡±

    ¡°Mom, you should have said so earlier.¡± She had almost thought that her dad was headed to the capital for sure. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to end this call and check the inte right now. It¡¯s fine if the tickets are not sold out. As long as I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll make sure that they¡¯re sold out.¡±

    It was easy to do so.

    At that moment, Qiao Zijin was thankful that Qiao Dongliang did not know how to use the inte to purchase bus tickets, even though he knew how to use WeChat and QQ. If she managed to purchase all of the tickets before her father did, everything would be fine.

    Qiao Zijin made her calctions and decided that Qiao Dongliang would probably still be on the public bus and would probably not have noticed that he was missing his bus ticket. With that thought, Qiao Zijin opened the app to purchase bus tickets and made enquiries on the ticket sales for the day. As she looked at the remaining tickets up for sale, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned green.

    A bus ticket cost about two hundred yuan. The problem was that there were eighteen tickets left for this bus ride! If Qiao Zijin were to purchase all of them, she would have to spend at least three thousand six hundred yuan! Gritting her teeth, Qiao Zijin decided that she had to take the plunge no matter what. She had to get her hands on those eighteen bus tickets. She could not even lose one of them!

    Even in the five minutes before the bus departed, Qiao Zijin dared not put her guard down. She constantly refreshed the site for fear that someone would suddenly request a refund and Qiao Dongliang would manage to grab a seat at the veryst minute. If that was the case, she would have wasted three thousand six hundred yuan on eighteen tickets.

    Only after confirming that half past seven hade and gone and that the bus had departed from the station did Qiao Zijin finally heave a sigh of relief. Then, she made a call to Ding Jiayi.

    Before Qiao Zijin could say a word, Ding Jiayi anxiously said, ¡°Zijin, something¡¯s not right. It¡¯s already past half past seven and the bus should have left, but your dad isn¡¯t back yet. Do you think something happened? Didn¡¯t I ask you to check on the remaining tickets? Did you? How¡¯s the situation like?¡± Hadn¡¯t Zijin said that she would buy all of the remaining tickets?

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it.¡± Just the thought of the three thousand six hundred yuan made Zijin feel the pinch. That was enough for her to purchase several tickets from Ping Cheng to the capital! To save two hundred yuan, she had chosen to take the bus instead of flying to the capital. But now, she had wasted three thousand six hundred yuan on tickets that no one would use!

    But no matter how much her heart broke for the three thousand six hundred yuan, the result was still good for Qiao Zijin, at the very least. ¡°When I checked the sales online, there were still eighteen tickets left. I bought all of them. I¡¯m calling you now because the bus has already departed. I can assure you that my dad wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to get a ticket before the bus left.¡±

    Thankfully, no one had requested a refund. Otherwise, her expense would have gone over three thousand six hundred yuan. At the thought of that sum, Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze darkened and her heart dripped with blood. Forget it. No pain, no gain. It was just three thousand six hundred yuan. Once she married Zhai Sheng, she could afford to waste much more than that. Perhaps, she would even be able to spend a few hundred times more than the three thousand yuan she had forked out!

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed in relief. She had not worked in vain, after all. ¡°You bought all eighteen tickets? How much did you spend?¡± Ding Jiayi already felt the pinch from Qiao Dongliang spending money on those few tickets. If Qiao Zijin had bought them all, she must have spent several thousand yuan!

    Thinking about how several thousand yuan had been thrown into the drain, Ding Jiayi patted her chest heavily. They had given up so much this time but had not even gotten anything in return yet.

    In short, that wretched girl was to be med for leaving her family in the lurch. Old Qiao was also in the wrong for favoring that wretched girl, not thinking about Zijin at all. Otherwise, those thousands of yuan would still be in the family. How nice that would be. She would be able to get herself a better LED television.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about money. I don¡¯t want to talk about it. No matter how painful it is, I¡¯ve already spent it. There¡¯s no other choice. Remember to call me when Dad gets hometer.¡±

 Chapter 2148

    <h4>Chapter 2148: Dignity</h4>

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t worry. Once your dad reaches home, I¡¯ll call you or text you immediately. It¡¯s still so early in the morning. Don¡¯t you want to go back to sleep?¡± Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin was not in the habit of waking up early. She had been woken up at six and had been busy for another hour and a half. Now, Qiao Zijin should probably be more tired than ever. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go take a quick nap? No matter what, there¡¯s no need to be worried today, much less for another hour or two.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Zijin grabbed onto her hair, her expression worse than the previous day¡¯s. It was early in the morning and she had not even had her breakfast and yet, she had already forked out three thousand six hundred yuan for nothing. Qiao Zijin knew that she would never be able to fall asleep after facing such a huge blow even if she were to lie back down on the bed. Perhaps, she might even get even more upset while thinking about the matter.

    Since that was the case, she might as well get up and do something.

    If she could settle the matter with the Zhai family and Qiao Nan earlier, she couldfort herself that she had not spent three thousand six hundred yuan in vain, at the very least.

    ¡°Alright. Wake up if you want to. Remember to take your breakfast. If you don¡¯t take care of your body, you won¡¯t be able to get this settled. Even the doctor can¡¯t be sure of when Qiao Nan will give birth. Don¡¯t take it too hard on yourself. Nothing is more important than your own health. We¡¯re spending money now so that we¡¯ll earn more in the future.¡± Ding Jiayi could imagine just how expensive things were in the capital. She knew that intion was crazy in the capital.

    Every time she heard the shopkeepers tell her that the prices of vegetables went up again, Ding Jiayi felt the pinch. In the past, people from the countryside were always looked down on. But now, vegetables from the countryside were even more expensive than meat! That was why people in the countryside were even richer than city-dwellers nowadays. What was wrong with the world? It was strange that city-dwellers were worse off than countryside people.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m hanging up now.¡± After wasting such a huge sum of money, Qiao Zijin was eager to save as much as she could, even the couple of cents from speaking on the phone. Besides, she was in the capital now. Calling her mom meant making a long-distance call. It was way too expensive!

    Qiao Zijin, who had faced enough setbacks for the day, washed up at the quickest speed possible. Looking at her luggage, she hesitated. What would she do if she failed? With no other choice, Qiao Zijin decided not to check out and to extend her stay by another three days. If she seeded, she would simplye and check out afterward.

    Thinking through the matter, Qiao Zijin felt that it was best for her to get in contact with Qiao Nan as soon as possible. On the other end, Ding Jiayi lost even the mood to watch the television. She paced around the house mindlessly, looking at the door from time to time before ncing at the clock on the wall, thinking about where Qiao Dongliang would be at that time. It had been an hour. Even if he had not taken a taxi and had taken a public bus back, he should be back home by that time. Should she head down to the bus station to pick Old Qiao up instead?

    Thinking about how Qiao Dongliang had wasted his efforts three times in a row and had not made it to the capital, Ding Jiayi felt guilty. She had been the root cause of all that.

    Wanting to make up for that, Ding Jiayi rushed to the bus stop to wait for Qiao Dongliang.

    Three busses had passed by but Ding Jiayi had still not seen Qiao Dongliang alighting from the bus. When Ding Jiayi finally came to her senses and checked her cell phone, she realized that it was already nine o¡¯clock!

    It was already more than an hour past the departure time of half past seven. No matter how slow Qiao Dongliang was, he should be home by now. There was no reason for him to still be out and about. Ding Jiayi frowned. Had she made a mistake somewhere? Or had Old Qiao taken a taxi home instead of a public bus? Was Old Qiao already home and they had missed each other?

    With that thought, Ding Jiayi rushed home and opened the door, only to find that the house was empty apart from her. ¡°Old Qiao? Old Qiao, are you back?¡± She walked into Qiao Dongliang¡¯s room to find that it was just as neat and tidy as when Qiao Dongliang had left that morning. As for the luggage that Qiao Dongliang had packed and brought along, it was not there either.

    That all went to show that Qiao Dongliang had not returned.

    Ding Jiayi was in a frenzy and whipped out her phone. Instead of calling Qiao Zijin, she made a call directly to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Qiao, hurry and pick up your phone. Did you get into an ident on your way back and were sent to the hospital? Hurry and pick up your phone!¡±

    Since Qiao Dongliang had no bus ticket and could not board the bus or go to the capital, he would have no choice but to return home. Besides, Old Qiao had no clue about all those things she had done. So, why hadn¡¯t he returned? Unless he met with an ident along the way and could not make it home. If that was the case¡­

    Ding Jiayi started to worry. She could find a solution to anything else. But what if something had truly happened to Qiao Dongliang? What would she do then? If she had known that that would happen, she would never have hidden Old Qiao¡¯s bus ticket. She would have just allowed him to go to the capital. Nothing would have happened in that case.

    As long as Qiao Nan agreed, Old Qiao¡¯s disagreement would mean nothing.

    The phone rang about ten times and Ding Jiayi was just about to give up when Qiao Dongliang picked up. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice sounded rather hoarse, as though he had just woken up. In fact, it was true that Qiao Dongliang had just woken up. He had been awoken by his cell phone¡¯s ringtone. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s me. Where are you? Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang yawned and looked at the scenery outside. Rubbing his eyes, he answered, ¡°Where else could I be? Don¡¯t you already know that I¡¯m going to visit Nan Nan in the capital today? It¡¯s a long journey there, so I¡¯m obviously still on the bus.¡±

    ncing at the empty seats behind him, Qiao Dongliang thought that this world was pretty strange too. Just like the driver had said, there were people living in poverty and people with loads of money to spare in the world.

    This bus had departed ten minutester than scheduled and Qiao Dongliang had been so anxious about it, afraid that Ding Jiayi would suddenly appear to drag him off the bus, not allowing him to go to the capital.

    The ticket seller had even told him that this bus ride had been a popr one and had been entirely sold out. Strangely enough, not a single person had shown up even until thest minute even though thest eighteen tickets had been sold. Eighteen tickets meant thousands of yuan! Because of that huge sum of money, they had tried to wait for the buyers.

 Chapter 2149

    <h4>Chapter 2149: On Board</h4>

    Ten minutester, not a single one of those eighteen people had appeared. Not only had they not appeared, but none of them had even made a call or anything. With no other choice, the bus departed.

    ¡°What? You¡¯re on the bus? You managed to get on the bus to the capital?¡± Ding Jiayi blinked her eyes in shock, wanting to dig her ears clean so that she could hear more clearly. ¡°Old Qiao, say it again. Where are you now?¡±

    ¡°On the bus.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have a ticket. How did you get on the bus?¡± She had stolen Old Qiao¡¯s ticket and burned it, and Zijin said that she had purchased all of the excess tickets for this ride! When Zijin had done so, Old Qiao was still on the way to the bus station!

    Zijin had thought that nothing would go wrong once she purchased the remaining eighteen tickets. Who would have expected Old Qiao to get on the bus all the same? Were they not overloading the bus?

    Taking out a mineral water bottle from his luggage, Qiao Dongliang took a sip. Anyway, it was free for him to pick up a call. The one paying for the call would be Ding Jiayi, so he was in no hurry. ¡°How would you know that I don¡¯t have a ticket? If I didn¡¯t have a ticket, would they have allowed me to board? Of course, I have both my ticket and my identity card!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was confused. ¡°You¡­¡± She was a hundred percent sure that she had taken out the ticket from Old Qiao¡¯s wallet and had even burned it! She had done that for sure! That had not been a dream!

    It was because of that that Ding Jiayi was even more confused. How had Qiao Dongliang managed to board the bus without any identification documents? That made absolutely no sense.

    ¡°Do you have anything else?¡± Qiao Dongliang was clear of why Ding Jiayi refused to believe that he had managed to get on the bus to the capital. It was just that Ding Jiayi had spent so much effort and would rather have wasted three tickets than let him go to the capital. But he was still confused about the reason as to why she would do so.

    If possible, he wanted to ask Ding Jiayi in person why she did not want him to visit Nan Nan in the capital. Nan Nan had gotten pregnant with triplets at the age of forty. That meant that the situation was not particrly ideal. He hoped that nothing would happen to Nan Nan, but no one could guarantee that.

    If Nan Nan survived, he would have three grandchildren at once. That would undoubtedly be a joyous asion. Otherwise¡­ He would finally be able to be a father to Nan Nan by staying by her side until the very end.

    It was not that Qiao Dongliang wished to think about it so negatively. But as he aged, it became more natural for his thoughts to run and for him to scare himself in this way. It was because of these thoughts that he was even more determined to make it to the capital to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. Perhaps, with him by her side, Nan Nan would be more assured and her condition would change for the better!

    Whether he was being narcissistic or not, he felt that it would be better for Nan Nan to have a family member cheering her on by her side given her condition.

    ¡°I¡­¡± What else did she have to say? What else could she say? If she asked Old Qiao to return and not go to the capital to visit Qiao Nan, would he listen to her? Of course not! What Ding Jiayi wanted to know was how Qiao Dongliang had managed to board the bus even though she had burned his ticket and Qiao Zijin had bought all of the remaining tickets!

    Ding Jiayi wanted to ask Qiao Dongliang if he had put his guard up against her because of the previous two incidents. Was the ticket that she burnedst night a fake? Was that how Qiao Dongliang had managed to board the bus today?

    Of course, Ding Jiayi did not have the guts to ask those questions. Their spousal rtionship was already bad enough to begin with, and there seemed to be no sign of improving. Once Qiao Dongliang found out about the truth and addressed the elephant in the room, Ding Jiayi worried that she wouldpletely lose her husband. Ding Jiayi could not bear to face such a consequence.

    After remaining silent for almost half a minute, Ding Jiayi replied in a low voice, ¡°No, there¡¯s nothing else. Be careful and remember to call me once you reach the capital. You can send a text message too to let me know that you¡¯re safe.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± He was already on the way to the capital. Ding Jiayi would not be able to do anything to him even if he told Ding Jiayi that he was on the way there.

    This small victory did not make Qiao Dongliang overly happy. In fact, Qiao Dongliang felt rather exhausted. All he wanted to do was visit his daughter and grandchildren. It was no big deal at all. Why was his family treating it as though he was going to visit his enemy? It was ridiculous that they were making such a huge fuss over such a trivial matter.

    Only the Qiao family would do such a thing.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll hang up.¡± Ding Jiayi felt guilty and flustered in the face of such silence, ending the call before Qiao Dongliang could. She dared not even think about whether Qiao Dongliang had found out about the truth because she had another problem ahead of her: how to let Zijin know about this. After all their efforts, Old Qiao had still boarded the bus in the end!

    As much as she did not want to deal with it, Ding Jiayi could only text Qiao Zijin to break the news.

    When Qiao Zijin looked at the message, she nearly jumped up, as though someone had stepped on her tail. The obvious anger and rage made strangers detour around her.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. Her dad was already on his way to the capital. That meant that she had wasted that three thousand six hundred yuan this morning!

    Even if her n were to seed in the end, Qiao Zijin would still feel a pinch because of that three thousand six hundred yuan. Just thinking about that bus ride that Qiao Dongliang was on, Qiao Zijin felt like vomiting blood.

    Qiao Dongliang had managed to get on the bus. On the other hand, Qiao Zijin had not even managed to meet the Zhai family, much less acknowledge her younger sister, Qiao Nan.

    As she was deep in thought, a car drove out of the military district. Because it was at the main gate, the car was driving very slowly. That meant that Qiao Zijin could see clearly that it was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother-inw, Miao Jing, who was in the car!

    The Zhai family had no intention of meeting with the Qiao family at all, much less Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi. But someone as ambitious and inte-savvy as Qiao Zijin was able to find out all about others with a simple search on Baidu. Besides, the Zhai family was a well-known family in the country!

 Chapter 2150

    <h4>Chapter 2150: Independent</h4>

    Since she had already decided to get into the Zhai family and be their daughter-inw on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf, it was only natural for Qiao Zijin to do her homework and find out about how her future mother-inw looked like and the situation in the family. If she didn¡¯t even do that, how would she ever be able to win their favor and get married to Zhai Sheng to be his third wife?

    Upon confirming that the woman in the car was indeed Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother, Qiao Zijin bit down on her lip and rushed in front of the car, not even afraid that the car would knock her down. Anyway, the car was driving so slowly and there were so many people at the gate. There was no way the Zhai family would knock her down.

    ¡°Hey! What are you doing? Are you trying to fake an ident here?¡±

    It was exactly because they were at the gate that many had seen Qiao Zijin rush up to the car herself, as though she was trying to create trouble for the Zhai family. The Zhai family was not at fault in the least.

    Of course, the Zhai family¡¯s chauffeur had managed to brake in time and had stopped more than ten centimeters away from Qiao Zijin. It would be hard to extort the Zhai family in this manner. The driver wound down the window and looked toward Qiao Zijin. ¡°Miss, are you alright? If you¡¯re fine, could you please move aside? Our madam is in a rush to visit someone in the hospital.¡±

    Normally, the chauffeur would not brush the matter off so lightly just because he was a chauffeur for the Zhai family. He would have alighted from the car to check on the person himself. He would never let someone have any material to ckmail him with. But today was different. Because the family had been making soup, Madam Zhai had left the house a littleter than usual and she was already in a frenzy. ¡°We have some pressing matters to deal with.¡±

    Even if they wanted to fake an ident to impensation, they should look at where they were, at the very least. The chauffeur was not at all afraid that Qiao Zijin would have anything on the Zhai family.

    ¡°Comrade, I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. That¡¯s not what I¡¯m trying to do. I know that you¡¯re in a rush, so am I. Can I say hello to Auntie? My younger sister is married into their family and I know that she¡¯s currently in the hospital because of her multiple births. I rushed over from my hometown to visit her, but I don¡¯t know which hospital she¡¯s in. I know that my brother-inw¡¯s house is here, so I came to find their family here.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had not lived all those years in vain. She had even managed to spin such a story! It sounded so endearing. Knowing that her sister was not in a good condition, she did not even wait for her brother-inw¡¯s family to fetch her and had insteade all the way there to find her sister!

    If the Zhai family did not even agree to that, it would just go to show that the Zhai family did not care for rtions and looked down on their poor rtives.

    Miao Jing did not know Qiao Zijin but her words sounded rather familiar. Miao Jing¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°You¡¯re a Qiao?¡± Was this Nan Nan¡¯s elder sister? Just her face made it obvious that she was not a good person to deal with.

    ¡°Yes, Auntie, I¡¯m a Qiao. My name is Qiao Zijin. I¡¯m Nan Nan¡¯s elder sister. I know that Nan Nan has been hospitalized, and our family has been worried about Nan Nan, so they sent me to visit her. Auntie, where is Nan Nan? Can I go along with you to visit her? I won¡¯t be able to stop worrying until I see her for myself. Besides, I¡¯m still young. I can take good care of her.¡±

    As long as she spent enough time with Qiao Nan, she would definitely find the chance to speak with her alone to convince her, unless Qiao Nan was uninterested in being a good mom and did not wish for her three children to have a good future. Instead of letting a vixen outside benefit, wouldn¡¯t it be better for Qiao Nan to take good care of her elder sister?

    One should not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others, after all!

    At the very most, she would treat Qiao Nan¡¯s three children as her own biological children and dote on them as much as she did Feng Feng. Qiao Nan would not be at a loss with such a deal either. After all, she could not expect Zhai Sheng to remain single for the rest of his life once she passed away!

    It was better not to have such unrealistic dreams. She didn¡¯t even hope that Chen Jun would be able to do that. In fact, she had already expected Chen Jun to find a mistress for himself to rece her.

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re Qiao Zijin.¡± As much as Miao Jing was in a hurry to get to the hospital, she couldn¡¯t possibly brush Qiao Zijin off so easily because Qiao Zijin¡¯s words could ruin the Zhai family¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s reputations. ¡°You were indeed better fed than Nan Nan. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s strange that you want to visit Nan Nan since you¡¯re her sister. Your results were always poorer than Nan Nan¡¯s, but because the Qiao family could not afford to sponsor the education of two children, Nan Nan had to leave school to provide for your school fees. Not bad. It seems like Nan Nan didn¡¯t work hard in vain. It¡¯s just that you have to buck up since Nan Nan sacrificed herself for you to be a university graduate. Our family doesn¡¯t need anything in return for what Nan Nan did for you, but at the very least, you should be worthy of the effort the country spent cultivating you. As a university graduate, you have to make some contributions to the country and society. It¡¯s boring to stay at home every day.¡±

    Miao Jing was amazed at how shameless Qiao Zijin was. It was nothing much that she had relied on her parents when she had been younger. After all, everyone did so. When she grew older, she had always stepped on her sister¡¯s head and depended entirely on her sister to live a mboyant life! How shameless!

    Now that Qiao Zijin was trying to show concern about Qiao Nan, Miao Jing was not going to believe a single word. If Qiao Zijin was the slightest bit grateful, she would never have tried to make use of the Zhai family¡¯s name to be a civil servant after handing in a nk examination script just earlier that year.

    The mention of that made Miao Jing feel that Qiao Zijin was hopeless. Qiao Nan had sacrificed herself and given up the chance of going to university so that Qiao Zijin could be a university graduate. Qiao Nan had always scored well in examinations based on her own abilities. Who would have known that a university graduate like Qiao Zijin would have the guts to hand in a nk script, wanting someone to open a back door for her to be a civil servant?

    Did Qiao Zijin really think that everyone in the world was like Ding Jiayi and prioritized her? Wow! She really thought that everyone was her mom!

    ¡°Our Nan Nan has been independent all along. When she was younger, she supported you so that you could be a university graduate. Now, she¡¯s finally been able to leave that burden behind and start on her own studies. Of course, we have to thank you foring to visit Nan Nan, but don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s normal for Nan Nan to be in the hospital since she¡¯s pregnant with triplets. Our family is concerned about Nan Nan, and we all treat her like our precious treasure.¡±

 Chapter 2151

    <h4>Chapter 2151: Worried</h4>

    ¡°If you really want to see Nan Nan, pleasee back again when Nan Nan has given birth and finished with her confinement period. Alright, Nan Nan should be waiting for us in the hospital. It¡¯s a rare opportunity for you to be in Beijing. Please have a good time.¡±

    Did she reallye to help out in the Zhai family? It seemed like she was trying to create trouble!

    Everyone had thought that Qiao Zijin shared a close rtionship with Qiao Nan because of her words. Otherwise, given Qiao Zijin¡¯s age, there was no way she would have abandoned her husband and children just to take care of her pregnant sister. The sisters must have a close bond!

    But upon hearing Miao Jing¡¯s words, they suddenly came to their senses.

    The Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw had not gone to school herself and had instead supported her sister to be a university graduate. It was not difficult to understand why the sisters shared such a close bond that the elder sister was willing to leave her own family behind to take care of her younger sister.

    But listening to her words again, it was strange that a university graduate had never gotten a job even after graduating all those years ago. Even the daughters-inw in their families had their own jobs before getting married.

    More importantly, it was rather strange for the family of the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw to turn up at this time. If her family had shown up on the second day of her hospitalization, that would have made some sense. But the problem was that the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw had already been hospitalized for almost half a month. Wasn¡¯t it a littlete for them to show up only now?

    Quite a few neighbors knew that it was quite hard on the Zhai family while Zhai Sheng had been in the military earlier because of the elderly couple and a pregnant Qiao Nan. Two days after Qiao Nan had been admitted into the hospital, Zhai Sheng had rushed back from the military to take care of her. Compared to the situation in the past, Qiao Nan¡¯s life had definitely be easier with Zhai Sheng¡¯s help.

    In that way, it really did seem as though the Qiao family had turned up toote. They had not been present when they could have helped out and chose instead to turn up when they were no longer needed.

    ¡°Auntie, could you tell me which hospital Nan Nan is at? I-I¡¯ll head there myself.¡± Qiao Zijin had already expected that the Zhai family would not have a good impression of her and that Miao Jing would not have a good attitude toward her. She could imagine just how much Qiao Nan, who could not care less about her family, must have spoken ill of her in front of the Zhai family, so much so that the Zhai family hated her.

    But that was understandable. In the Qiao family, her parents had favored her over Qiao Nan, who was almost treated as nonexistent in the Qiao family. After marrying into the Zhai family, the change was as different as day and night. Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s only daughter-inw and Zhai Sheng had insisted on marrying her.

    Having been pampered, there was no way Qiao Nan would let the Qiao family steal the Zhai family¡¯s attention from her. Qiao Nan was petty and calctive indeed! Qiao Nan was just envious and jealous of her!

    Did Qiao Nan really think that speaking ill of her in front of the Zhai family would make the Zhai family be certain that she was a bad person that they would hate? Of course not! She would prove to Qiao Nan that the Zhai family would treat her just like her parents, who pampered and favored her, did. No matter how much Qiao Nan tried to stop them, her efforts would all be in vain.

    If Qiao Nan agreed to her proposal more readily, she would consider treating Qiao Nan¡¯s three children a little better. On the other hand, if Qiao Nan disagreed and did not let her have a moment to rest¡­ Qiao Zijin expressed that she would be a strict mother to Qiao Nan¡¯s three children.

    Didn¡¯t the saying go ¡®spare the rod, spoil the child¡¯? Only if she were stricter and fiercer would Qiao Nan¡¯s three children be as outstanding and kind as her Feng Feng.

    Since Qiao Zijin had already prepared herself to be rejected by Miao Jing, not only was she not upset, but she even gave off the air that there had been a misunderstanding only because of Qiao Nan. That didn¡¯t matter to her. After all, time would change a person. As long as they interacted with her for a longer period of time, they would realize her true nature. She smiled at Miao Jing.

    Qiao Nan had asionally mentioned Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s evilness to the Zhai family. What Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were most known for was their ¡®sweetness¡¯. Even though their reputations were already ruined, they could still act as though everyone had misunderstood them. They acted as though they were resilient des of grass that could never be beaten down no matter the weather and that others would eventually understand their true natures. It was infuriating!

    Where did that ridiculous sense of superioritye from?

    A misunderstanding?

    What a joke!

    ¡°Nan Nan is at XX Hospital. You can head there yourself. Alright. Please move aside now.¡± Miao Jing did not dawdle or nag at Qiao Zijin. Even if she told Qiao Zijin where Qiao Nan was hospitalized, without Qiao Nan¡¯s or the Zhai family¡¯s permission, there was no way Qiao Zijin would be allowed to enter the hospital to visit Qiao Nan since it was a military hospital.

    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m sorry for bothering you.¡± Qiao Zijin had remained polite and courteous up until the moment Miao Jing left. She did not seem like a random and poor rtive who had appeared just to take advantage of the Zhai family.

    Well, this was the capital. It had already been quite good that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had only been on the Ping Cheng news. How could she have made it onto national news? The country was huge and there were so many other important issues concerning the state and international affairs. No one would bother about a trivial family trifle like that.

    It was exactly because of that that Qiao Zijin had dared to make her way down to the capital. The capital was an entirely new environment, and no one around Qiao Nan or the Zhai family knew anything about her or her past. As long as she performed well now, she would still be able to keep them in the dark.

    It was unlike in Ping Cheng, where everyone would criticize her no matter what she did once they found out that she was Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was truly speechless at those who were sour about what she had.

    ¡°Auntie, thank you for telling me where Nan Nan is. I won¡¯t bother you any further. I¡¯ll visit Nan Nanter.¡± Qiao Zijin treated Miao Jing as someone from the capital who had no idea about the things she had done, thinking that Miao Jing only had a bad impression of her because of Qiao Nan ¡®speaking ill¡¯ of her.

    Once she got in touch with the Zhai family and had more interactions with Miao Jing, Miao Jing would naturally realize that she was much better than Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin could not exactly be med for thinking that way. Beforeing to the capital, she had made her enquiries. She knew that the Zhai family had already been living in the capital for close to ten years before Zhai Sheng had returned to Qingshui Town to recuperate. She had already thought that it was strange that Qiao Nan had managed to get together with Zhai Sheng.

 Chapter 2152

    <h4>Chapter 2152: Still Optimistic</h4>

    Everyone in the Ping Cheng quad knew that the entire Zhai family lived in the capital and had not returned in years. Because of the distance, when talking about the Zhai family, they often could only rely on news from the television. ¡®See, that¡¯s what the news on television said. I used to be neighbors with their family and lived in the same courtyard.¡¯

    Since the Zhai family was in the capital and Qiao Nan had never been to the capital, how had Qiao Nan managed to hook up with Zhai Sheng and enchant him to such an extent that he was willing to marry an old spinster who was nearly forty years old?

    In Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind, she had never treated Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family as people from Ping Cheng. As such, although everyone in Ping Cheng already knew about their family, she felt that it was likely that Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family did not. With such a bold assumption, Qiao Zijin faced the Zhai family with full confidence.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. I don¡¯t want Nan Nan to starve.¡± Miao Jing wound up the window, no longer in the mood to care about Qiao Zijin. She had to do what she could. She had to tell everyone that apart from their family, no one was allowed into thepounds.

    With that idea in mind, Miao Jing hurriedly made a call to the guards to inform them that no one who imed to be from the Qiao family from Ping Cheng should be allowed in, apart from an old man. If a middle-aged woman or an old auntie appeared, neither of them should be allowed in. The Zhai family did not have so many rtives in the Qiao family.

    She had done so just as a precaution.

    On the day of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding, Shi Qing had sent Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi to the police station as well and Miao Jing had only found out about it afterward. Because of that matter, Miao Jing knew that she had to be more cautious.

    Upon receiving Miao Jing¡¯s call, the guard instructed his subordinates never to let anyone from the Qiao family into thepounds, as long as they were not male.

    But Qiao Zijin knew nothing about that. Before she could evene up with the idea of getting into thepounds using her rtionship to the Zhai family, Miao Jing had already cut that possibility off!

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re here?¡± Qiao Nan looked much better than she had been now that she was in the hospital. At the very least, she was no longer bleeding, and neither did her stomach hurt.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get up. Just lie down.¡± Seeing Qiao Nan, who had lost quite a lot of weight, Miao Jing¡¯s heart broke. ¡°Zhai Sheng, how¡¯s Nan Nan¡¯s condition today? Did the doctor say anything?¡±

    Zhai Sheng poured a ss of water for Miao Jing and took the thermos sk over from her. After pouring the soup out, he blew on it to cool it before feeding it to Qiao Nan. ¡°The doctor said that Nan Nan¡¯s and the children¡¯s conditions look quite optimistic. We¡¯re nearing the eighth month, and if we can maintain this, the children will be able to stay in Nan Nan¡¯s womb for a while longer.¡±

    Actually, Zhai Sheng thought that eight months was already quite a significant period of time. She should give birth now if she could. If she held on any longer, it could increase the risk that both Nan Nan and the children faced.

    All Zhai Sheng wanted was to be a good husband, but unfortunately, Qiao Nan disagreed. Qiao Nan remembered clearly that the doctor had told her in her dream that remaining in the mother¡¯s womb for another day was much betterpared to a whole year¡¯s worth of nourishment after birth. Even if she only had one child, Qiao Nan would wish for her child to remain in her womb for as long as possible so as to develop more fully.

    Anyway, there were so manypetent doctors and nurses in the hospital. Neither had she bled again after being hospitalized. This meant that the children could remain in her womb for a little longer. She would be willful just this once. She didn¡¯t have many chances to be willful in this lifetime anyway.

    She would be willful to the end regarding the children. She wouldn¡¯t force her children to remain in her womb, but as long as they were willing to do so, she was in no hurry to chase them out to meet their family.

    They had already waited for such a long time. Would another few days make a difference?

    Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s stubbornness, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to agree to Qiao Nan¡¯s demands andmunicate with her doctor to see if any problems would arise if they went ahead with that.

    Thankfully, the doctor¡¯s opinion was simr to Qiao Nan¡¯s. With the help of the hospital and nurses, Qiao Nan maintained quite good health and was not forced to the point of childbirth. Since she had no major problems, there was no need for her to inducebor.

    She would only have to undergo prematurebor if anything went majorly wrong with her body or the children¡¯s health.

    Since the doctor had already said that, and given Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence, Zhai Sheng, who had never made apromise in the military, finally gave in. He paid close attention to Qiao Nan¡¯s needs and took care of her meticulously in case anything happened and he missed it out.

    Being a good father was naturally no mean feat.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Miao Jing smiled. She had been scared out of her wits initially when Qiao Nan hadined of difort and upon hearing that Qiao Nan had bled. It had been an even bigger scare than when she had given birth herself. Qiao Nan had not even reached her eighth month of pregnancy yet. If Qiao Nan was forced to give birth at this moment, their family¡¯s triplets would be no bigger than a kitten once they were born.

    She had heard that it was difficult to raise children that small and it was expensive as well. Her heart ached upon thinking about how the grandchildren, whom she had been longing for, would be so small when they were born. As elders, their hearts would definitely break if the children felt ufortable or fell ill.

    Every day longer the children spent in the womb was good news. Because of this, Miao Jing could not help but feel anxious. ¡°The doctors in this hospital are quite good and their skills are quite advanced too. I think that we can rest assured putting Nan Nan in their hands.¡±

    At times, when Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan¡¯s protruding belly, she had to resist the urge to ask Qiao Nan to give birth immediately. She was a mother too, and she understood a mother¡¯s heart. Even if she wanted Qiao Nan to do it, Qiao Nan, as the triplet¡¯s mother, might not agree.

    ¡°Nan Nan, do you have any cravings? I¡¯ll try to make you whatever you want as long as pregnant women are allowed to eat them.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s voice was soft, out of fear that she would scare Qiao Nan and the children if she was too loud.

    Drinking Miao Jing¡¯s hot soup, Qiao Nan¡¯s cheeks were flushed. ¡°I don¡¯t have any particr cravings. The children and I enjoy whatever you bring, Mom. You don¡¯t have to prepare anything special.¡±

 Chapter 2153

    <h4>Chapter 2153: Intergenerational Rtionship</h4>

    She had never felt nauseous eating whatever her mother-inw cooked. She stroked her belly as she ate. Both she and her triplets were truly pampered.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s fine if you can¡¯t think of anything now. If you think of anything, just get Zhai Sheng to call me even if it¡¯s in the middle of the night. I¡¯ll get the auntie to visit the market bright and early to get the freshest vegetables so that you¡¯ll be able to eat whatever you want!¡± Miao Jing could not be of any use anywhere else, but at the very least, she could take charge of Qiao Nan¡¯s meals.

    ¡°Thanks, Mom.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s appetite had increased significantly because of her pregnancy. Although she ate a fair bit, she did not seem to have gained weight anywhere else but her belly. Because of that, the doctor remarked that the children had probably absorbed most of the nutrition.

    As a mother of triplets, it was a delightful thing that the children were able to absorb nutrition so well.

    ¡°Are you sleepy?¡± Even a normal person got sleepy after eating and it was only natural for someone like Qiao Nan to feel that to a greater extent. After clearing the air about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, Zhai Sheng immediately supported Qiao Nan to lie down the moment he saw Qiao Nan squint. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a nap?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll rest my eyes for a while. Remember to call me. It¡¯s ufortable to sleep for a long period of time. It¡¯ll make me even more exhausted.¡± Qiao Nan had already learned that exercise was good for childbirth when she had just been admitted.

    In her dream, Qiao Nan had gritted her teeth and had given birth to all three children naturally. But this time, even though the doctor had only mentioned it to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan knew that she would probably have to undergo a cesarean section.

    Although she knew that a natural birth would be better for her children, Qiao Nan dared not be willful about this matter. She would listen to the doctor and cooperate. Being stubborn in this matter would only put her life and those of the children at risk.

    When Qiao Nan fell asleep, Zhai Sheng followed Miao Jing out of the ward. ¡°Mom, did something happen?¡± Zhai Sheng knew immediately that his mom wanted to speak to him based on her expression when she had entered the room. But of course, it had not been convenient to talk with Qiao Nan around.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin is in the capital. I waste today because I was stopped by her. But I¡¯ve already made my calls and they won¡¯t let her meet Nan Nan. You¡¯re the one spending time with Nan Nan nowadays, so I thought that it would be better for you to know about it. With Nan Nan in this condition, she definitely can¡¯t be provoked. Just in case, do you want to tell Nan Nan about this?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was clearly one who would not stop until she achieved her goal. If she really got in the way of Qiao Nan and the three children, something terrible might happen. It was better to find a suitable asion to let Qiao Nan know about the matter so that she would not bump into Qiao Zijin and be caught off guard.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Nan Nan about this.¡± Zhai Sheng felt that his mom underestimated the Qiao family. It was not that Qiao Nan was extremely strong and rational when it came to the Qiao family, but she was notpletely irrational and foolish either. The news had only told one side of the story. What Zhai Sheng knew was that Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward the Qiao family ever since they met was one that he approved of. He felt that it was entirely alright for Qiao Nan to treat the Qiao family in that manner.

    Qiao Nan would probably already have known that the Qiao family would never let the Zhai family get away because of their high status. There was no way Qiao Zijin would havee to the capital out of concern for Qiao Nan. One would never be disappointed if one had no expectations in the first ce. ¡°Mom, if she continues to bother you, just pretend that you¡¯re not feeling well and refuse to meet her.¡±

    Miao Jing had not been in the best of health in the first ce and it wasmon for her to feel ill sometimes. But this year, Zhai Sheng had married Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan had gotten pregnant not long after. It was this endless stream of good news that had caused Miao Jing to be on a high and ¡®forget¡¯ all about her pains. So, there was absolutely no problem with rejecting Qiao Zijin due to her health issues.

    ¡°Alright.¡± She had no intention of dealing with the Qiao family anyway.

    Miao Jing had never once forgotten what had happened on the day of Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng¡¯s wedding. She had never expected the Qiao family to do anything for Qiao Nan, but wasn¡¯t it a little too much for them to make trouble when they were not even helping out? But that was exactly what Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had done!

    Apart from the Zhai family, Qiao Nan was the person whom Miao Jing cared most about. Because Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had bullied Qiao Nan so badly, Miao Jing was at ends with them. The moment she heard Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s names, she felt her blood boiling. Rtives? Nonsense! ¡°I¡¯ll go home first. Stay here and take care of Nan Nan. Don¡¯t worry about the military. Your dad has already asked and there will be someone taking care of your matters for you. Nothing will happen. Besides, you¡¯re already going to be a father. There are some things you should let go of and let others take over. Learn from your dad and let go of them early.¡±

    Once the triplets were born, she did not want Zhai Sheng to be like Zhai Yaohui of the past and be missing from his children¡¯s childhoods. Her children had already gone through that pain. Miao Jing did not want her grandchildren to suffer in the same way.

    What was an intergenerational rtionship?

    It referred to how grandparents would usually dote on their grandchildren more than their own children.

    ¡°I know.¡± Zhai Sheng had be the youngest ever chief in history because of his hard work in his younger days. To be honest, Zhai Sheng was still rtively young. But he had already given his all in his younger days and Zhai Sheng had experienced everything he should have.

    Now that he was past that stage of vigor, Zhai Sheng was as silent and calm as a mountain. The atmosphere was solemn and it was hard to guess what was on his mind.

    Without that youthful impulse, Zhai Sheng¡¯s ideas had changed drastically from his youth. That was probably what people meant when they said that people would tone down over time. Zhai Sheng was more than happy to stay by his wife and children¡¯s side at this moment and support Qiao Nan when she needed him or educate his children when they acted out.

    Indeed, he had grown old. But thankfully, he was going to be a father. If fathers were not old, who was?

    After saying that he knew what to do, Miao Jing naturally stopped nagging. Before Zhai Sheng had gotten married, Zhai Sheng had been the most perfect son whom she was proud of, apart from the fact that he refused to get married. Now that Zhai Sheng had both a wife and children, there was nothing Miao Jing could nitpick anymore.

 Chapter 2154

    <h4>Chapter 2154: An Annoyance</h4>

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll believe you. Don¡¯t disappoint me. It¡¯s about time for me to go home. Otherwise, your dad will nag at me again.¡±

    Miao Jing coulde to visit Qiao Nan whenever she liked, but ¡®seeing¡¯ her was not enough and Miao Jing would always stroke Qiao Nan¡¯s belly to feel the three children greet her. The problem was that Zhai Yaohui could not do what Miao Jing could.

    Since that was the case, Zhai Yaohui decided not to visit them until the children were born and he could carry them. He would try his best not to provoke himself with such an exciting image otherwise.

    Because it was inconvenient for Zhai Yaohui to visit Qiao Nan, Miao Jing could not spend much time in the hospital with Qiao Nan either. Miao Jing visited Qiao Nan because of how much she missed the children. Besides, Qiao Nan had her husband, Zhai Sheng, taking care of her. Zhai Yaohui did not allow Miao Jing to spend too much time in the hospital, fearing that she would bother Zhai Sheng and distract him from taking care of Qiao Nan.

    It would be terrible if they could not help their son and daughter-inw out at such a time and even added to their problems.

    After being nagged at by Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing still took the bait, albeit knowing that Zhai Yaohui was no different from a kid who was jealous of her interactions with the triplets. She could not possibly pretend not to know about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s jealousy and let Zhai Yaohui remain miserable alone.

    Apart from the fact that it was slightly dangerous for Qiao Nan to be pregnant with three children at once, Miao Jing could not be happier with the number of grandchildren she was about to have at once. Otherwise, she would have to fight with Old Zhai over taking care of their grandchild. That would make a joke out of them.

    She was going to be a grandma. How could she let her grandchildren see such a childish side to her? As such, both she and Old Zhai would have to set good examples for the children.

    Upon returning home, Miao Jing specially asked the auntie if any strangers had visited them today. The auntie did not know what was going on but answered honestly in the negative. Hearing that answer, Miao Jing rxed slightly. That was right. She had already given her instructions. How would Qiao Zijin have been able to enter?

    People living in this area never had to worry about matters like security.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked upon hearing Miao Jing¡¯s question. ¡°Did someonee?¡± This person must have been someone Miao Miao hated.

    Miao Jing ranted. ¡°Apart from that stupid woman, who else would our family not wee?¡±

    As soon as Miao Jing finished her sentence, the phone rang. ¡°Hello, what? A Qiao is here? Didn¡¯t I say¡ªoh, it¡¯s a man? He¡¯s quite old? Alright, let him in. He¡¯s our rtive.¡± Miao Jing had already said that any female Qiao would not be allowed in.

    This time, it was a man. Of course, Miao Jing could not reject this man because she knew that it was probably Qiao Nan¡¯s father, Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart pounded rapidly as he walked into the military courtyard. No matter how ignorant he was, he knew that the people who stayed in the same district as the Zhai family had to be amongst the most important figures in the whole of China.

    ¡°This is the Zhai family¡¯s house.¡± After guiding Qiao Dongliang to the Zhai family¡¯s house, the soldier quickly returned to his post without hesitation.

    ¡°Hello, you must be Uncle Qiao.¡± The auntie knew that they would receive a rtive today and waited for Qiao Dongliang at the door. Qiao Dongliang was dressed very ordinarily and had a formal expression. The auntie recognized him at once. The auntie had no intention of looking down on Qiao Dongliang. She was just like him when she had first been hired by the Zhai family and the chief.

    More importantly, the auntie knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s surname was Qiao. Qiao Nan was also a Qiao. Without the need for introductions, the auntie could already guess Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan. ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    ¡°Hello, you are?¡± Did someone like that exist in the Zhai family?

    ¡°I¡¯m the Zhai family¡¯s auntie. Pleasee in. The chief and Madam Zhai are already waiting for you.¡± The auntie looked at Qiao Dongliang amicably as though Qiao Dongliang was her own rtive.

    ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± Qiao Dongliang had heard Qiao Nan mention this auntie before and knew that this person treated his daughter well. Having seen her, Qiao Dongliang was no longer as anxious as before. ¡°Oh right, didn¡¯t you say that Nan Nan is in the hospital? Which hospital is Nan Nan in?¡± He had not intended toe to the Zhai family. His most important objective was to find out where Nan Nan was and to visit her.

    It was just that the Zhai family was his rtive, after all. Out of courtesy, he had to visit them and express his sincerity.

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s in XX Hospital.¡± There was nothing sensitive about this question since he hade to visit his daughter, after all. The auntie knew that she was allowed to answer this question and unhesitatingly answered Qiao Dongliang.

    Seeing Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui, especially Zhai Yaohui, Qiao Dongliang was so nervous that he was at a loss. ¡°Old-old chief.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze was slightly astringent when he looked at Qiao Dongliang. ¡°I¡¯m older than you and Qiao Nan¡¯s my daughter-inw. It¡¯s too distant for you to address me as old chief. If you¡¯re willing, you can address me as ¡®older brother¡¯.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt embarrassed. If not for his daughter, he would never have gotten the chance to address someone like Zhai Yaohui as his older brother. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for bothering you. Nan Nan is truly blessed to have you guys taking care of her.¡± It waste and yet, early for him to visit them at this time.

    ¡°Not at all. Nan Nan is a good kid.¡± But your family was blind and couldn¡¯t tell that Nan Nan was good and even mistreated her. The Zhai family was not at all blind, alright?

    ¡°Yes, yes. Nan Nan is indeed a good kid.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded in agreement. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to buy, but I heard that these fruits are imported and both children and the elderly can eat them.¡±

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang could not have shown up empty-handed, but buying something became another problem. He could not afford anything too expensive, and neither would it be suitable to send them to the Zhai family. After giving it some thought, Qiao Dongliang thought that it would be best to bring some fruits over. It was alright for pregnant women to consume more fruits.

    ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you,¡± Zhai Yaohui replied. The auntie had already brought the fruits into the kitchen. ¡°When are you going to see Qiao Nan?¡±

 Chapter 2155

    <h4>Chapter 2155: Runner</h4>

    ¡°Tomorrow, I guess. It¡¯s already veryte.¡± He had just arrived in the capital and had not even gotten the chance to get a change of clothes. It wouldn¡¯t be right for him to visit Nan Nan now. He would return to his hotel, take a bath, and change his clothes before visiting Nan Nan.

    Qiao Nan had already been admitted into the hospital to keep her babies. Qiao Dongliang had to take all precautions. ¡°Are Nan Nan and the children doing well?¡±

    ¡°When I visited Nan Nan today, the doctor said that they¡¯re doing fine and that the children can remain in her womb for another few days. It¡¯s good.¡± Miao Jing¡¯s hostility lessened as she talked about Qiao Nan and the children. It was just that there was still a question in Miao Jing¡¯s mind that she was waiting for Qiao Dongliang to bring up.

    But no matter what Qiao Dongliang talked about, it was all regarding Qiao Nan. He had never once brought up Qiao Zijin. This attitude confused Miao Jing. Qiao Zijin had shown up, and now, Qiao Dongliang had shown up too. What was this father-daughter pair trying to do?

    Zhai Yaohui picked up his teacup and asked casually, ¡°Oh right, Old Qiao, did youe alone?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes were sharper than Sun Wukong¡¯s. The dust on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s clothes could have escaped Miao Jing¡¯s eyes, but not Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. Zhai Yaohui could even vaguely smell gasoline from his body.

    What did that mean?

    That meant that Qiao Dongliang had just recently gotten off the long-distance bus.

    But based on what Miao Jing said, she had met Qiao Zijin early in the morning. But half a day earlier, Qiao Dongliang should have still been on the bus. That meant that Qiao Zijin could not have apanied Qiao Dongliang to the capital.

    Unfortunately, Miao Jing had only seen Qiao Zijin and not Qiao Dongliang. As such, Zhai Yaohui could not judge Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation and could only make inferences based on Qiao Dongliang, who was in front of him.

    Miao Jing eyed Zhai Yaohui. How could he havee alone? Wasn¡¯t there still Qiao Zijin? But based on their years of cooperation, Miao Jing knew to remain silent and allow Zhai Yaohui to continue with his question.

    ¡°Yes, I came alone.¡± It had not been easy for him to have made this trip. Even up until the moment he alighted from the bus, Qiao Dongliang had not understood why Ding Jiayi had done so many things to prevent him from visiting the capital. Ding Jiayi could not have done all that for nothing. It couldn¡¯t be as simple as trying to stop him from visiting Qiao Nan.

    So, why had she done so?

    He could not find the answer no matter how hard he wracked his brain.

    After getting their answer from Qiao Dongliang, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing shared a knowing look. Did that mean that Qiao Dongliang had no idea that Qiao Zijin hade to the capital to look for them? Zhai Yaohui had already gone a step further. Not only did Qiao Dongliang not know about Qiao Zijin being in the capital, but Qiao Zijin had also gotten here before Qiao Dongliang! ¡°I hope it was a smooth journey here. Did you run into any problems?¡±

    Qiao Dongliangughed bitterly. ¡°I did, but that doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ll be able to see Nan Nan tomorrow.¡± No matter what Ding Jiayi had up her sleeves, Qiao Nan was his daughter and he was Nan Nan¡¯s father. No one would be able to stop him from seeing Nan Nan. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯ll make a move. Oh right, can I visit Nan Nan at the hospital directly tomorrow?¡± Qiao Dongliang was too embarrassed to take a ride from the Zhai family and follow them to the hospital.

    ¡°Do you know where Nan Nan is?¡±

    ¡°I do. The auntie told me earlier.¡±

    Thinking about it for a moment, Zhai Yaohui took a piece of paper and copied down the address for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Qiao Nan is here. It¡¯ll be easier for you to find your way there with this address. A good memory can¡¯tpare to a lousy pen. Oh right, where are you staying now? Should I arrange for amodation for you?¡±

    It was slightly out of ce for him to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s house. Initially, the Zhai family had numerous empty rooms. But in the span of a year, the Zhai family had encountered good news after good news. Zhai Hua had returned home, and Zhai Sheng had gotten married and was about to have children. The guest room on the first floor had also been converted into Qiao Nan¡¯s room for her convenience.

    As for the rooms upstairs, apart from the room for the triplets, only Zhai Hua and Jiajia¡¯s rooms were empty. Zhai Sheng was often in the hospital taking care of Qiao Nan, but he would still return home from time to time to get a change of clothes. Besides, it wouldn¡¯t be right to let Qiao Dongliang stay in Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s room for a few days.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ll find my own amodation.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt a pinch paying for slightly more expensive hotels but he was not thick-skinned enough to spend on the Zhai family¡¯s ounts.

    But Zhai Yaohui did not give Qiao Dongliang the chance to refuse. ¡°We¡¯re rtives. If not for the fact that we¡¯ve had a lot of changes in the housetely, you should be staying here. You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s father and our inw, after all. Please don¡¯t refuse our offer. This ce is quite near our neighborhood and has good traffic flow. It¡¯ll be convenient for you to visit Qiao Nan in the hospital. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be very troublesome if you have to change buses just to get to the hospital.¡±

    As he said that, Zhai Yaohui made a call and yelled for a young man.

    ¡°Old Chief, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Xiao Hu, this is my inw. Do me a favor and help me run an errand.¡± Zhai Yaohui got Xiao Hu to get a refund for the room that Qiao Dongliang had booked earlier and got him to bring Qiao Dongliang to the ce that he had arranged for.

    After understanding the situation, Xiao Hu had even sensibly checked up on how to get to the hospital by public transport, and he even wrote it down for Qiao Dongliang in case he forgot.

    With so much care from the Zhai family, Qiao Dongliang was finally able to rx his nerves. Not only did the amodation that Zhai Yaohui had arranged for have a room, but it even had a kitchen and furniture. In that way, as long as Qiao Dongliang went to the market and got some fresh vegetables, he would be able to prepare his own meals or meals for Qiao Nan.

    Of course, what Qiao Dongliang was happy about was not this treatment from the Zhai family. What he was truly thankful about was that the Zhai family treated him well because Qiao Nan was his daughter. This could only mean that they cherished and loved Qiao Nan very much.

    How much more reassured could Qiao Dongliang be upon knowing how pampered Qiao Nan was at her inw¡¯s?

    After a night¡¯s rest, Qiao Dongliang cleaned up and headed to the hospital to visit Qiao Nan. Before doing so, Zhai Yaohui had made a call to Qiao Dongliang.

 Chapter 2156

    <h4>Chapter 2156: Can You Understand?</h4>

    Zhai Sheng said that they would be heading over at one o¡¯clock in the afternoon and asked Qiao Dongliang if he wanted to head over together.

    Qiao Dongliang refused the offer, saying that he would head there alone. He had already endured it for an entire night. He wouldn¡¯t be able to hold it in for another half a day. Hadn¡¯t he rushed to the capital for the sake of seeing Qiao Nan with his own eyes?

    The moment Qiao Dongliang arrived at the hospital, he asked the nurse for directions to Qiao Nan¡¯s ward.

    Upon hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s question, she looked at him with a strange gaze. ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with the patient?¡± This woman had quite a high status in the hospital and was an important patient. There were rules as to who could visit that pregnant patient.

    More importantly, she had just chased away someone who had not been allowed to visit that patient. That had been a woman, and now, an old man hade. This patient was very popr indeed. Everyone hade to visit her on the same day.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m her dad. I¡¯vee to visit her and her children. Oh right, do you know how my daughter is doing? Did the doctor tell you how she and the children are? When is she giving birth?¡± Qiao Dongliang spat out a series of questions.

    The nurse gave it some thought. This man was not on the cklist, so she led Qiao Dongliang over. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know the patient¡¯s condition well, but I think she should be fine. As for when she¡¯ll give birth, I can¡¯t say for sure. I guess it¡¯ll be soon since she¡¯s reached her eighth month and she¡¯s carrying triplets.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Having been led to the door of the ward, Qiao Dongliang thanked the nurse profusely. ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± The nurse was courteous, but before she left, she muttered under her breath. ¡°This is her father, and that was her elder sister just now?¡± Was this for real?

    Qiao Dongliang had not heard the nurse muttering under her breath and he knocked on the door. Someone opened it from the inside. It was his son-inw. ¡°Zhai Sheng, I¡¯m here to see Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhai Sheng addressed him and opened the door fully to allow Qiao Dongliang in. ¡°I¡¯ll get you a ss of water.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. How¡¯s Nan Nan? Is she asleep or is she awake?¡± Qiao Dongliang moved quietly and spoke in a low voice so as to not disturb Qiao Nan¡¯s rest.

    ¡°Dad.¡± Qiao Nan called out, letting Qiao Dongliang know that she was awake. ¡°Dad, why did youe?¡± Qiao Nan had not been surprised at all that Qiao Zijin hade. When Qiao Zijin had been pregnant, the Chen family had gotten her and Ding Jiayi to serve Qiao Zijin all the way until her confinement period was over.

    The problem was that the Chen family had never allowed them to touch the child. After Qiao Zijin¡¯s confinement period, the Qiao family was never allowed any contact with Chen Feng. But the strongest impression Qiao Nan had was how Qiao Zijin had been very alert with her when she had been taking care of Qiao Zijin.

    Why?

    Qiao Zijin was the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw and the Qiao family hade to take care of Qiao Zijin. As such, there was no way the Chen family could let the Qiao family fork out money to pay for their daughter-inw, right? As such, during that period of time, Qiao Zijin was especially worried that they would deduct the money from her bank ount, and she would always check her bnce to see if it was correct and whether any money was being spent.

    Qiao Zijin had been so guarded against her and now that it was her turn to be taken care of, Qiao Zijin would naturally think that the Zhai family would be even more generous than the Chen family. As long as she was not so petty and did not make Qiao Zijin¡¯s life difficult, Qiao Zijin would probably be able to earn quite a lot of money from this.

    But what Qiao Nan thought was strange was Qiao Zijin¡¯s confidence. Why did Qiao Zijin think that she would agree to Qiao Zijin taking care of her? How ridiculous!

    ¡°How could I note to visit you when you¡¯ve already been admitted?¡± Had Nan Nan ever thought about how she would be looked down on by her inws if no one from her family visited her in the hospital? It was often said that a married daughter¡¯s pride was in her own family, and Qiao Dongliang wanted to be his daughter¡¯s pride. But he knew that it was not just ordinarily difficult for that to happen.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Nan blinked. She wanted to know whether her dad knew about Qiao Zijin being in the capital and that she had arrived even earlier than he had. ¡°Dad, did youe to the capital alone?¡±

    ¡°Why are you asking this as well?¡± Qiao Dongliang recalled that his inws had asked the same question the previous day. ¡°Of course, I came alone.¡± Were they unclear about their family¡¯s situation? Apart from him, could Old Ding or Zijin possiblye? If they did, Nan Nan would probably feel uneasy and refuse to see them.

    Qiao Nan looked at her father seriously, realizing that her father was being honest. Qiao Nan could not help but ask, ¡°Then, are my mom and Qiao Zijin both at home?¡± Did that mean that Qiao Zijin hade to the capital behind her dad¡¯s back and that her dad knew nothing about it? But Ding Jiayi probably knew about it.

    There had probably been an agreement made between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. As such, Ding Jiayi should probably have known about Qiao Zijin arriving in the capital before her dad.

    ¡°Your mom is at home but Zijin left the house earlier than me. Your mom said that she went on a trip.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not know why Qiao Nan was asking him about this but he felt that there was no reason to keep it from her either.

    Qiao Nan sighed. Qiao Nan had not been surprised that Qiao Zijin had rushed to the capital, but her dad was surely going to be surprised. ¡°Dad, is Qiao Zijin on a trip in the capital?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes widened and he fell into a trance. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Old Ding had not told him about where Zijin had gone, and neither had he bothered to ask. ¡°Do you mean that Zijin is in the capital?¡± Even Qiao Dongliang thought that it was absurd.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s inws lived in the capital and Qiao Zijin had chosen to take a trip to the capital. Was Qiao Zijin really in the capital for a trip, or was she here because of Qiao Nan? Qiao Dongliang was no fool and he understood the situation perfectly. ¡°Your sister¡­ Did shee to look for you? What did she say?¡±

    No wonder his inws and Nan Nan asked him whether he hade alone. What they wanted to know was why he had not brought Zijin along. The problem was that he had not even had an inkling that Zijin had arrived in the capital!

    ¡°She hasn¡¯te to find me, but my mother-inw has met her. She said that she wanted to visit me. I¡¯m sure you know that it¡¯s best for me not to meet too many people in my current condition. I¡¯m not extremely close to her, so I¡¯m not prepared to meet her. I¡¯m sure you understand, right?¡±

 Chapter 2157

    <h4>Chapter 2157: Money Is Life</h4>

    She had never had a day of peace with Qiao Zijin. She would never believe Qiao Zijin if she said that she was visiting her out of the kindness of her heart. It was already good enough if Qiao Zijin could stop trying to make calcted moves against her, found her conscience, and changed for the better.

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiao Zijin seemed to have changed for the better and Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t try too hard to force Qiao Nan into epting her elder sister, Qiao Zijin. But now that he knew that Qiao Zijin was still problematic, there was no way Qiao Dongliang could expect Qiao Nan to ept Qiao Zijin. ¡°You guys can settle your own business. You¡¯re all grown up and there are things I shouldn¡¯t interfere in. Do as you deem fit.¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed. There were some things she had no control over, especially when it concerned someone as scheming as Qiao Zijin. Qiao Nan knew that her dad had no idea why Qiao Zijin hade to the capital and what her motives were. ¡°Dad, did you have any problemsing to the capital this time?¡± Her father had found out about her admission into the hospital quite a long time ago but he had only arrived today. Qiao Nan had been rather surprised by that.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s casualment made Qiao Dongliang suddenly think of something. ¡°Not-not really.¡± After thinking of a possibility, Qiao Dongliang could no longer sit still in front of Qiao Nan.

    After rattling on about nutrition, Qiao Dongliang left in a hurry.

    Seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s behavior, Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°Do you believe what my dad said?¡± Her dad was not one who could keep secrets well. Had Qiao Zijin created some trouble beforeing to the capital this time?

    Pinching Qiao Nan¡¯s nose, Zhai Sheng looked at her indifferently. ¡°Qiao Zijin is your dad¡¯s daughter, not ours. If there really is something wrong, let your dad deal with it. Don¡¯t overthink it. It won¡¯t be so easy for Qiao Zijin to meet you.¡±

    Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. Qiao Zijin is my dad¡¯s daughter. If she creates any trouble, the person who should care about it is my dad. The second one who¡¯ll have to take that burden on my behalf is you.¡± With that, Qiao Nan suddenly realized that she had it the easiest.

    Qiao Zijin was still frustrating, but even if Qiao Zijin were to appear in front of her, Qiao Nan felt that she would still be able to lead afortable life.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s mood was contrary to Qiao Nan¡¯s rxed mood. First, he had suspected that Ding Jiayi had been behind him not being able to board the bus to the capital twice. Then, he had found out that his elder daughter¡¯s so-called trip had been to the capital, and she had even arrived in the capital before him and met with the Zhai family.

    Putting two and two together, Qiao Dongliang felt uneasy. It was obvious that Qiao Zijin was up to something. It was definitely not like what Ding Jiayi had told him. Qiao Zijin had not gone on a simple trip just because she had gotten too bored at home. Qiao Zijin was probably scheming something against Qiao Nan. It was just that he was unsure of what Qiao Zijin was nning on doing this time.

    After returning to his amodation, Qiao Dongliang made a call to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Tell me truthfully. Where did Zijin go? Is she really on a trip?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi did not want to answer that question. ¡°Of course. If she¡¯s not on a trip nor at home, where else could she be? Old Qiao, why are you asking such a strange question? Oh right, where are you staying in the capital? Qiao Nan married so well. She couldn¡¯t possibly not have arranged amodation for you, right?¡±

    If that was the case, Qiao Nan was truly a heartless wretched girl!

    Ding Jiayi mentioned it because she had heard Qiao Zijinining about how expensive living in the capital was. Just eating in noodles cost more than twenty yuan. The same bowl of noodles would cost only six to seven yuan in Ping Cheng. Of course, Qiao Zijin could not handle such a drastic difference.

    Not only was food expensive, even renting a room in a motel was expensive. The money spent on a room in a small motel in the capital was enough to rent a house in Ping Cheng for an entire month! Moreover, the rooms in the capital were really small. In a city where every square foot counted, Qiao Zijin had finally experienced how difficult it was for Beijing drifters.

    Thankfully, she had chosen to return to her hometown in Ping Cheng after her graduation instead of making a living in the capital. What was the point in giving up afortable lifestyle and forcing herself to work so hard? Even though she did want to settle in the capital, she would never choose to do it by her own means. Like now, she would be able to do sofortably without any cares or worries once she married Zhai Sheng. She could even live in the best neighborhood!

    This was life indeed.

    It was only after Qiao Zijin¡¯sint that Ding Jiayi realized how ridiculous the cost of living was in the capital. She could not care about Qiao Zijin, but Qiao Dongliang had visited the capital rightfully. Qiao Nan could not possibly leave her father to fend for himself and pay for an expensive hotel stay since he had gone to the capital to visit her.

    She thought about how they had already wasted four thousand on bus tickets to the capital. Thinking about how Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang were not staying together in the capital and were spending twice the amount of money, Ding Jiayi felt the pinch.

    It was no joke traveling to the capital. It was no different from burning money.

    ¡°I have somewhere to stay. I don¡¯t have to pay for it.¡± The moment he mentioned money, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s tone and expression worsened. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you again. If Zijin really went on a trip, where did she go?¡± Money, money, money. That was all that was on Old Ding¡¯s mind. Money was her life.

    For the sake of money, Old Ding had given up such a good daughter like Nan Nan. Old Ding had never reflected on why things had gotten to this stage, and she was even still harping on ¡®money¡¯. The reason Zijin had be this way was all Old Ding¡¯s fault. One day, Old Ding would regret her educational methods.

    No matter how good a daughter was, there was no way she would improve under Old Ding¡¯s teachings.

    ¡°¡­¡± She had managed to get away from that topic with much difficulty but was now being dragged back. Ding Jiayi had no other choice. ¡°Of course, she went on a trip. But I don¡¯t know where she went.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know? Would you have let her go without telling you? Could she have held it in?¡± There were no secrets between Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Qiao Dongliang was clear about that.

 Chapter 2158

    <h4>Chapter 2158: Seen It All</h4>

    There was no way Qiao Dongliang was going to believe such a tant lie. ¡°Someone saw Zijin in the capital.¡± He wanted to see how Old Ding would reply to him.

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi was frustrated. Since someone had already seen Zijin, why was Old Qiao asking about it? Didn¡¯t he already have an answer? Because she had already said those words earlier, Ding Jiayi could only stick to her guns. ¡°Is that so? Does that mean that Zijin went to visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall? Isn¡¯t that good? Didn¡¯t you say that you hoped for our daughter to see Tiananmen and witness the g-raising ceremony? See how well Zijin listens to you and takes your words to heart. She didn¡¯t even mention to me that she was going to the capital. Sigh. When will she listen to me as well as she listens to you?¡±

    Ding Jiayi acted as though Qiao Zijin was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s precious daughter who was not even close to her mom. It disgusted Qiao Dongliang so much that his blood pressure shot up. ¡°Stop spouting such nonsense. I¡¯ll ask you again. What are you and Zijin up to this time? I didn¡¯t mention it earlier, but do you really think that I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to? How did I lose my identity card the first time? And why did I oversleep the second time? Ding Jiayi, since when have you been so bold to drug me? This time, you drugged me with sleeping pills. Are you going to kill me next time with insecticide?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was truly in a rage. Not only had she stolen his identity card, but she had even drugged him!

    If not for his cautiousness by purchasing bottled mineral water, he might very well have overslept the third time too. In fact, Ding Jiayi had been surprised by him waking up earlier than her. This meant that Ding Jiayi had done something to the water too.

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression changed. She could not help but thank the heavens that she was speaking to Qiao Dongliang over the phone. If they were speaking face-to-face, Qiao Dongliang would definitely have seen through her act. ¡°Old Qiao, what nonsense are you spouting? Why don¡¯t I understand anything? You dropped your identity card and lost it. What has that got to do with me? The second time, you woke upte. That was your problem too. It has nothing to do with me. Old Qiao, you can¡¯t me everything on me. All those things had nothing to do with me!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t admit to it. Not even over her dead body!

    Drugging¡­ Yes, she had done it. But it had not been a huge amount. All she had intended was for Old Qiao to sleep for a while longer. She had not intended to make Old Qiao sleep forever. Their family didn¡¯t own anynd and had no use for insecticides. She would never allow Old Qiao to put such huge me on her!

    At her age, she had never thought of killing Qiao Nan no matter how much she hated her, much less her own husband.

    ¡°You¡¯re really something. Alright. I won¡¯t bother talking to you anymore. I¡¯ll just be wasting my breath anyway. You and Zijin are really amazing. Since you¡¯re so capable, you two can live alone. Why should I get in the picture? I¡¯ll just be standing in your way.¡±

    The more Ding Jiayi denied it, the less Qiao Dongliang believed her. If Ding Jiayi was the one behind everything, there could only be one reason: Qiao Zijin. That meant that Qiao Zijin had put in quite a lot of effort in stopping him from getting on the bus.

    This mother-daughter pair would never do anything without getting anything in return. Given how hard they had worked this time, what Qiao Zijin wanted was surely more important than a job in the civil service.

    After angrily hanging up the phone, Qiao Dongliang stopped thinking about the matter. He had known all along just how much Qiao Nan hated Qiao Zijin. Today, Qiao Nan had repeated it again.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude and how Qiao Zijin had not managed to be a civil servant, there was no way Qiao Nan was going to fall into Qiao Zijin¡¯s trap. The Zhai family was not the Qiao family, and neither would they give in to Qiao Zijin and let her have her way.

    With these two huge obstacles, there was no way Qiao Zijin would seed no matter what she was scheming. After making sure of that, Qiao Dongliang felt as though his burden had suddenly been relieved.

    More than a month ago, he had been worried. But there was no point in him as a father worrying about his daughter since she was so skilled. Qiao Zijin had already made a hundred and eight different ns for her future. There was no need for an ipetent father like him to worry about her at all!

    Havinge to a realization, Qiao Dongliang made a meal for himself. After having his fill, he went to bed.

    Qiao Dongliang thought nothing more of the matter and fell into a deep sleep. On the other hand, Ding Jiayi had been scared out of her wits because of that call. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± There was a caller ID and she knew that the person on the line was her mom. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± She was being charged a roaming fee for answering the call.

    ¡°Your dad just called me and he already suspects that I was the one who stole his identity card and drugged him so that he wouldn¡¯t be able to get on the bus. I was wondering how he managed to get on the bus to the capital even after I took away his bus ticket. I guess he must have been prepared to guard against me. We¡¯ve been duped by your dad!¡± In that case, all her questions had been answered. ¡°You dad threw a huge tantrum at me. Oh right, did you meet with the Zhai family? They must have told your dad about you being in the capital. That¡¯s why he got angry!¡±

    The Zhai family must have arranged for Old Qiao¡¯s amodation in the capital. Zijin had not even mentioned it to her. That meant that the Zhai family had not cared about Zijin and that Zijin was still spending her own money by staying in a hotel. The Zhai family was really too much! How could they treat their inws like that?

    It was not as though the Zhai family did not have a house. If they could arrange amodation for Old Qiao, why couldn¡¯t they do the same for Zijin? What if Zijin encountered any danger outside because she was staying alone? That would be the Zhai family¡¯s fault!

    Knock on wood! Zijin would be fine. Nothing would happen to her. She was simply confused by Old Qiao and angered by the heartless Zhai family.

 Chapter 2159

    <h4>Chapter 2159: Where Are You Staying?</h4>

    ¡°So be it. I¡¯m angry at him too. There have been so many idents. Isn¡¯t it obvious that the heavens don¡¯t want him toe to the capital either? Why doesn¡¯t he realize that? He can get angry for all I care.¡± Qiao Zijin had already understood that her dad would never agree to her marrying Zhai Sheng to be the stepmother to Qiao Nan¡¯s three children once Qiao Nan died.

    Her dad had not helped her when she needed help and was even trying to drag her down. She didn¡¯t care for a father like that. Who was angry at whom? What a joke!

    What bothered Qiao Zijin most now was the Zhai family¡¯s attitude. She had already tried twice but she had not managed to see Qiao Nan. Even when she had visited the hospital and said that she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister and that she was there to visit Qiao Nan, the staff had refused to tell her which ward Qiao Nan was in.

    Qiao Zijin was determined to find out which ward Qiao Nan was in, but the hospital was toorge and Qiao Zijin was not familiar with the internal structure of the hospital. She had almost gotten lost the previous two times she tried. Afterward, she had even heard that visitors didn¡¯t have ess to every floor.

    Upon hearing that, Qiao Zijin immediately realized that Qiao Nan was either not in this hospital or staying on a floor that was inessible to ordinary people. Even if she managed to guess where Qiao Nan was staying, she would never be allowed in.

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan was already eight months pregnant, she knew that Qiao Nan did not have much time left. Qiao Zijin could not help but wonder if she would have to wait until the veryst minute to get close to Qiao Nan and let Qiao Nan know of her n.

    That wouldn¡¯t do. It would be too much of a rush and Qiao Zijin felt anxious just thinking about it. If Qiao Nan spoke toote and didn¡¯t manage to let Zhai Sheng or the Zhai family know about such a n before she passed on, implementing it would be difficult no matter how wless her n was.

    Qiao Zijin felt that there was no way Zhai Sheng¡¯s next wife would treat Qiao Nan¡¯s three children well. She had never seen a kind stepmother in her life. She had heard of it but that didn¡¯t mean that the Zhai Sheng thought so as well. Perhaps, the Zhai family would want to preserve their dignity. After all, it was not as though their entire family had died. If Zhai Sheng were to remarry, they would never let his next wife bully the three children.

    It was not strange at all for such a respected and powerful family to think in this manner.

    As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude would determine the rest of her life. That was why she could not afford to make any mistakes in her next step.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve already let you know what¡¯s going on with your dad. If you have a n in mind, I won¡¯t worry about it anymore.¡± Ding Jiayi had no idea what Qiao Zijin was nning to do after reaching the capital. She was in Ping Cheng while Qiao Zijin was in the capital. Even if she was anxious and wanted to do something, there was nothing she could do. Qiao Zijin could only rely on herself. ¡°But the Zhai family arranged for your dad¡¯s amodation, so he probably doesn¡¯t need to spend any more money. Didn¡¯t you say that it¡¯s expensive staying in a hotel? Why don¡¯t you stay with him?¡±

    The Zhai family was already paying for the amodation. There would be no difference whether it was one or two people staying there. It was not as though the Zhai family would have to pay twice the amount of money. So, there should probably be no problem if Zijin went to look for Old Qiao.

    No matter how angry Old Qiao was, he should know his limits. Neither she nor Zijin hadmitted arson or murder. Zijin was Old Qiao¡¯s daughter, after all. Old Qiao could not leave his daughter in the lurch in a ce like the capital, right?

    ¡°Fathers and daughters don¡¯t develop enmity overnight. Once you find your dad, coax him a little. If that doesn¡¯t work, push all the me for the loss of his identity card to me. Do whatever you need to get him to forgive you. Tell him that you had no idea about it and that I was the one behind all that. Anyway, your dad has already brought up divorce. It doesn¡¯t matter if he scolds me even more.¡±

    As long as he did not go through with the divorce, she would just treat Old Qiao¡¯s words as harmless threats.

    Zijin could push the me to her, and once Zijin and Old Qiao returned, she would simply deny it. That would be the end of the matter. He had no evidence, anyway. There was no need to be so anxious over the matter. No one could pin the me on her with mere suspicions.

    Qiao Zijin gave it some thought and realized that that n would work. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell my dad that I don¡¯t know anything in case I let something slip in front of him. My dad is quite stupid in front of outsiders, but his mind is somehow clear in front of the two of us. It¡¯s better if I just remain mum.¡±

    If she could stay with her dad, she would be able to save a huge sum of money. It was not that she could not bear to spend money. It was just a waste to spend it all on her amodation. So what if she had spent three thousand six hundred on eighteen bus tickets? Her dad had got on the bus and arrived in the capital all the same.

    She could spend money but only on the right things.

    Since Qiao Nan was in the hospital, she could afford to spend money on Qiao Nan. Instead of spending money on her amodation, it would naturally be better for her to spend that money on Qiao Nan and her children to gain some favor.

    ¡°Give me a minute. Let me call my dad and ask him where he¡¯s staying. I¡¯ll move over too.¡± She believed that her dad would not chase her out as long as she moved in. Thinking about the money she would be able to save, Qiao Zijin¡¯s pounding heart calmed down.

    The moment she ended the call with Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin immediately made a call to Qiao Dongliang. At this moment, Qiao Dongliang had already had his dinner and was preparing to go to bed. That was his routine in Ping Cheng too. Even in the unfamiliar capital, Qiao Dongliang stuck to that routine since he did not have anything else to do. He could not possibly be like Ding Jiayi and watch the television while munching on melon seeds.

    ¡°Hello. Who¡¯s that?¡± Qiao Dongliang had not paid attention to the caller ID and had simply picked up the phone.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Zijin?¡± Qiao Dongliang frowned and his drowsiness dissipated immediately. He sat up in his bed and switched on the bedsidemp. ¡°Why are you suddenly calling me?¡±

    Could it be that Ding Jiayi had not told Zijin about his words earlier?

 Chapter 2160

    <h4>Chapter 2160: Persuading</h4>

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°You¡¯re my dad. Why can¡¯t I call you? Mom told me that you¡¯re in the capital too. I guess you¡¯re here to see Nan Nan, right? I¡¯m here for a trip, but since I¡¯m here, I want to meet Nan Nan too. Otherwise, I won¡¯t have the face to respond to Nan Nan if she addresses me as her elder sister in the future.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang bit on his lip. If she was really self-aware, Zijin should have realized that she had lost all right to be Nan Nan¡¯s sister a long time ago.

    ¡°But it¡¯s great that you¡¯re here. We can visit Nan Nan together! Dad, where are you staying now? Why don¡¯t we stay close to each other?¡± It was her dad who should have said these words. She was a single woman and her dad should have offered her a ce to take care of her.

    Qiao Dongliang rubbed his nose bridge, understanding Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. The Zhai family arranged for my amodation here. There¡¯s only one room with one bed. You¡¯re my daughter, so it won¡¯t be right for us to sleep together. I guess it¡¯ll be hard for us to stay close to each other. This is a residential area and I haven¡¯t seen any units up for rent. Besides, the rent here isn¡¯t cheap. You¡¯re only here for a few days. It¡¯s probably cheaper for you to stay in a hotel.¡±

    It was the Zhai family¡¯s territory and the Zhai family cared deeply for Nan Nan. As such, there was no way the Zhai family would allow Zijin to stay in their house. If the Zhai family did not take issue with Zijin, they would have made such arrangements for her the moment they met her.

    The Zhai family had already made their stance clear, and Qiao Dongliang was in no position to offer his help and offer Qiao Zijin a ce to stay when he was depending on the Zhai family.

    ¡°¡­¡± From the looks of it, her dad was staying in a small studio. ¡°Dad, you don¡¯t have to worry. You¡¯re my dad. I can always sleep in the living room. Honestly, I feel a little unsettled staying in a hotel alone. There are always weird peopleing to knock on my door.¡±

    If possible, Qiao Zijin certainly hoped to sleep on the bed while Qiao Dongliang could sleep on the sofa. But of course, Qiao Zijin had to humble herself and think of a way of moving in first.

    Qiao Zijin was not entirely making up her words. There had indeed been people knocking on Qiao Zijin¡¯s door, asking whether she needed special services, or whether she wanted to have a drink and some fun together.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin might very well have agreed. She had finallye to the capital, after all. It would be nice to experience the difference between a bar in Ping Cheng and the capital. The problem was that she was about to get married to Zhai Sheng and be the chief¡¯s wife in a few months¡¯ time. How could she ruin her reputation and image before she had even seeded? This would only be giving the Zhai family a reason to reject her.

    No matter how well Qiao Zijin thought she had performed, there were two stains she could never get rid of. Firstly, she was divorced. Although Qiao Nan was old when she had gotten married, she had still been a virgin. It was just that she had been slightly older. There was no way Qiao Zijin couldpete with that. Secondly, Qiao Zijin had not gotten a divorce voluntarily. She had only done so because Chen Jun had demanded one, and the reason was that he had caught Qiao Zijin red-handed in bed.

    Zhai Sheng was a divorc¨¦ too, and his first wife hadmitted the same mistake as Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin did not even want to give any exnations when this fault of hers was mentioned. She did not want to talk about how Chen Jun had been a yboy and had been having affairs, leading to her having her own affair as an act of revenge.

    To marry Zhai Sheng, Qiao Zijin had done her homework. She knew that Zhai Sheng¡¯s first wife despised the fact that Zhai Sheng stayed in the military all day, never spending any time with her at all. That was why she had not been able to tolerate the loneliness and hadmitted adultery, eventually getting caught in the act by Zhai Sheng.

    Because she had a ¡®past record¡¯, she naturally had to be more careful before she seeded. Qiao Zijin had already thought it through. Even if she were to seed, she would have to respect herself and not get into another affair. A man could never be as important as her future and her own life.

    Even Chen Jun had not let her off for finding a man. Zhai Sheng had already gotten divorced once. Would he be afraid of doing it again?

    Now that she was getting remarried, she had to keep herself clean and never get involved in those dirty men or anything that would cause the Zhai family to look down on her.

    Hearing Qiao Zijin say that, Qiao Dongliang was worried, but he calmed down very quickly. Qiao Zijin had arrived at the hotel even earlier than him. If she had really encountered such a situation, it would have happened on the very first day, right?

    Qiao Zijin was not actually out on a trip. If she was scared, she should simply return to Ping Cheng. But she didn¡¯t. That could only mean that Qiao Zijin was not actually afraid. In that case, why did he have to worry?

    ¡°Really? If it¡¯s really unsafe, you should go back to Ping Cheng. Or perhaps, you should ask your mom to tag along in the future when you go on trips. Two is always better than one, after all. You¡¯ve already been in the capital for two days, right? You¡¯re probably almost done seeing all the sights. It¡¯s about time for you to head back.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin had intended to move in with Qiao Dongliang to save on her expenses so that she could spend some money to curry favor with Qiao Nan. She had not expected her dad, Qiao Dongliang, to be so insensitive to chase her back to Ping Cheng. ¡°Dad, I still want to stay in the capital for another few days. Dad, look¡­¡±

    Beep¡­ What else was there to see? The moment he heard that Qiao Zijin did not want to return, Qiao Dongliang hung up. They were father and daughter, but Qiao Zijin was full of lies in an attempt to coax Qiao Dongliang. She was treating him like a three-year-old child.

    Qiao Dongliang did not want to talk to a daughter like that!

    Qiao Zijin stared at her phone wide-eyed. She had never expected her dad to hang up on her before she could even finish. Given his attitude, Qiao Zijin could guess that she was not wee at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s amodation. What right did he have? It was not as though he owned the house. He was just staying there temporarily, so why did he have the right to hang up on her and refuse her demands?

    Of course, Qiao Nan had no idea about the conflict between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang, and how Qiao Dongliang had gotten upset this time. Apart from caring about herself, Qiao Nan was also worried about Chief Zhu. ¡°Brother Zhai, has Chief Zhu been welltely?¡±

 Chapter 2161 - Not Easily Taken Advantage Of

    <h4>Chapter 2161: Not Easily Taken Advantage Of</h4>

    Rather, Qiao Nan¡¯s question was more of whether Chief Zhu was still ¡®around¡¯.

    Thest time she had visited Zhu Chengqi, she had heard his doctor say that he wouldn¡¯tst for many more days. But her stomach had grown from being inconspicuous to protruding. She was about to give birth, but she had not yet heard any bad news about Zhu Chengqi. Qiao Nan wondered whether Zhu Chengqi was holding on for some reason.

    ¡°He¡¯s alright.¡± At least, Chief Zhu¡¯s illness was under control and there were no major problems for the time being. ¡°I guess someone must be in a panic now that Chief Zhu¡¯s in such a condition.¡±

    Wang Yang dared not take a step away from Zhu Chengqi and people who did not understand the situation would inevitably praise Wang Yang for being filial and treating Zhu Chengqi like his biological father. Wang Yang¡¯s parents were still well and alive, and as they got older, their bodies were like machines that needed ¡®maintenance¡¯ once in a while.

    When Wang Yang¡¯s biological parents had fallen sick, he had not been by their sides taking care of them. Instead, he had rushed to the capital to take care of Zhu Chengqi. People might even misunderstand that Wang Yang was a Zhu instead of a Wang and was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological son.

    Initially, there had been nothing much but he had overdone some things. People were no fools nor were they blind. They could tell whether Wang Yang was being sincere to Zhu Chengqi.

    Knowing that Zhu Chengqi was toeing the line of death, that Wang Yang was the only rtive Zhu Chengqi had left on earth, and how Wang Yang took care of Zhu Chengqi, there were many people who spected that Zhu Chengqi would leave all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to Wang Yang once he passed away. As such, there were many people who tried to suck up to Wang Yang and get close to him. These people were hoping that Wang Yang would take good care of them once he inherited the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    But there were others who looked down on Wang Yang and felt that he was only treating Zhu Chengqi well because of his assets. No matter how much they looked down on Wang Yang, they were still jealous of Wang Yang¡¯s good fortune. Why couldn¡¯t they have an uncle like Zhu Chengqi who had power and status butcked a son of his own?

    Everyone understood that. Even if they were not waiting for Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death, they were waiting to see if Wang Yang would indeed be able to rise up like a dragon once Zhu Chengqi passed on.

    Even though Zhai Sheng did not mention Wang Yang¡¯s name, Qiao Nan knew right away that Zhai Sheng was talking about him. It was because of that that Qiao Nan got upset. Only she knew that Wang Yang had caused Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. But she had no evidence. Besides, so many years had passed. There was no way of pursuing the matter anymore.

    Seeing that everything that should have belonged to Zhu Baoguo was about tond in Wang Yang¡¯s hands, Qiao Nan was in a foul mood. In her dream, Qiao Nan had regarded Zhu Baoguo almost as a son and had even taken care of him like he was her younger brother.

    Even though Zhu Baoguo had passed away a long time ago and she had not been able to meet Zhu Baoguo in this lifetime, Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings toward Zhu Baoguo had not changed. For Zhu Baoguo¡¯s sake, Qiao Nan refused to be on good terms with Wang Yang. She had wanted to find a way to teach Wang Yang a lesson and let him have a taste of his own medicine.

    Unfortunately, she was in no ce to do that now that she was pregnant. She even had to watch others suck up to Wang Yang because of the Zhu family.

    Zhai Sheng caressed Qiao Nan¡¯s head and tried to convince her. ¡°Don¡¯t get upset. Wang Yang won¡¯t be able to be happy for long.¡± He wanted to tell Nan Nan about certain things, but some people were holding him back. That was just as well, in case Nan Nan thought too much about it and was unable to sleep at night.

    Qiao Nan pouted. ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m afraid that Wang Yang will enjoy this forever!¡± If Wang Yang really got hold of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, would there really be a day when he would be down on luck?

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen, Nan Nan. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re underestimating Chief Zhu?¡± He had no idea why Nan Nan hated Wang Yang so much but Wang Yang was problematic indeed. He could feel that. Even if Chief Zhu had not known that in the beginning, he would probably have realized that by now. ¡°Wang Yang¡¯s good days now mean nothing. Once Wang Yang feels as though he¡¯s seeded, he¡¯ll soon realize that he¡¯s actually failed. Don¡¯t you like that?¡±

    That would be exciting!

    Because Qiao Nan hated Wang Yang, and Zhu Chengqi had already made his decision, Zhai Sheng could only try to do his best as the middleman.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes glinted. ¡°Are you hiding something from me?¡±

    Seeing Qiao Nan, who had had her back to him, suddenly turn toward him in joy at this news, the usually calm and indifferent Zhai Sheng was taken aback. ¡°Nonsense! Don¡¯t move so suddenly. Is your stomachfortable?¡±

    Her protruding belly was like a bunch of twisted hemp flowers. Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan had not twisted her body but his heart. ¡°Are you really alright? Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all. It¡¯s fine.¡± Qiao Nan patted her stomach gently as though she were patting a watermelon. She was so happy in that moment that she had nearly forgotten the reason she had been admitted. ¡°Also, stop beating around the bush. What did you mean earlier? What happened to Wang Yang? What are you hiding from me? You¡¯d better be honest.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you.¡± Zhai Sheng was slightly angry. ¡°Nan Nan, this is between the Zhu family and Wang Yang. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re caring about the wrong things?¡±

    ¡°But I said that Zhu Chengqi is like my dad!¡± Although he was just a godfather, her concern toward Zhu Chengqi was no less than that toward a biological father.

    Zhai Sheng was doomed to lose against Qiao Nan. Now, Qiao Nan was not alone. With the three babies in her stomach, it was four against one. Qiao Nan had four on her side while Zhai Sheng was alone.

    Stroking Qiao Nan¡¯s head and ncing at her stomach, Zhai Sheng had no other choice. ¡°Alright, alright. You just have to know that Chief Zhu isn¡¯t as weak as you think. As an old chief, an old fox, and an old hunter, one needs nine lives and tremendous courage to plot against someone like Chief Zhu.¡± In short, he wouldn¡¯t be taken advantage of so easily.

    Qiao Nan was confused by Zhai Sheng, but she understood that Zhu Chengqi would not be tricked by Wang Yang so easily.

 Chapter 2162 - Rare

    <h4>Chapter 2162: Rare</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Do you mean that Chief Zhu already knows about it?¡± He knew that Wang Yang had something to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    ¡°I guess he has his suspicions. It¡¯s not like going to court. He doesn¡¯t necessarily need to have solid evidence if he has his suspicions.¡± Chief Zhu had no intention of punishing Wang Yang with thew, but that did not mean that he would let the matter slide just like that. Everyone had to pay a price for his own actions. It was just a matter of when that would happen.

    He had never expected Wang Yang to be so ¡®capable¡¯ and to have something to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Actually, Zhu Chengqi had been the one to tell Zhai Sheng about all these. Zhai Sheng had been rather surprised when he first learned about it too. ¡°Nan Nan, how did you know about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matter?¡±

    Zhu Chengqi himself had only suspected Wang Yang so many years after the incident. Nan Nan did not even have anything to do with the Zhu family, so why had she had such suspicions?

    Qiao Nan suddenly lost her spirit, as though she had suddenly faced a huge blow. ¡°If I said that I overheard it one day, would you believe me?¡± She remembered that she had not felt anything on the day of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death in this lifetime.

    That day, she had taken the same path and had heard something going on inside. It seemed like there was a fight going on. Qiao Nan had been frightened by that and had immediately taken another route. When she met someone afterward, she made a mention of that. How was she to know that it had not been a fight but a whole bunch of people beating Zhu Baoguo up?

    It was because no one knew that Zhu Baoguo was the one being beaten up that the incident had not attracted much attention in the beginning. By the time someone went over, Zhu Baoguo had already been seriously injured. Seeing that Zhu Baoguo was in a critical condition, the gangsters who had beaten him up immediately fled. By the time Zhu Baoguo was admitted into the hospital, it was toote. Actually, Zhu Baoguo had already lost his vital signs along the way to the hospital.

    Because she had been toote, Zhu Baoguo had not been saved like he had been in Qiao Nan¡¯s dream. Qiao Nan had been rather affected by that incident. Perhaps, it was because of this that Qiao Nan had forgotten many things except this in her dream. She had saved Zhu Baoguo to make up for her regrets in the real world.

    When Qiao Nan recalled this situation after waking up, she could not help but suspect that Wang Yang had intended to do something more than ruining her reputation in front of Zhu Chengqi by sending Chen Jun to her. It was because she had found Zhu Baoguo in time that he had been found in time and rescued.

    Since Zhu Baoguo was still alive, that meant that Wang Yang could be exposed at any time. Only when Zhu Baoguo took hisst breath and could no longer out him would Wang Yang cease worrying. Before that, Wang Yang was being constantly tortured. It was because of that that Wang Yang had wanted to get his revenge on her and let her have a taste of his fear and suffering.

    ¡°So that¡¯s the case.¡± Zhai Sheng finally understood why Qiao Nan cared so deeply about the Zhu family, why she was particrly stubborn when it came to Zhu Chengqi, and why she hated Wang Yang so deeply. Anyone who encountered such a situation in their teens would surely have a deep impression of the incident and hate the culprit. Moreover, Zhai Sheng had already found out that Wang Yang had specifically gotten Chen Jun to create trouble. Wang Yang had wronged Qiao Nan. ¡°Chief Zhu and I will take care of this. Wang Yang may still be alive but he won¡¯t have a good life from now on. Sometimes, being alive is worse than dying.¡±

    Wang Yang had been too ambitious and greedy. Because of that, he had exposed too many of his weaknesses and it would be easy to deal with him. Seeing as to how Chief Zhu¡¯s health was deteriorating by the day, Wang Yang would probably be rejoicing at this very moment.

    Zhai Sheng could not wait to see how Wang Yang would look once Wang Yang realized that everything he yearned for that belonged to the Zhu family would never go to him. ¡°The Chen family isn¡¯t very clean. Do you mind?¡± He had heard that Nan Nan treated the child quite well.

    That child was a Chen, and if anything went wrong with the Chen family, that child would definitely be affected.

    Qiao Nan had not expected Zhai Sheng to have done so many things for her during her pregnancy. He had even set his target on the Chen family and was only waiting for a chance to deal with them once and for all. ¡°There¡¯s no need to overthink it. Let¡¯s just follow our conscience. If the Chen family is clean, we won¡¯t do anything to them. If they¡¯re not, we can¡¯t be med for anything that happens.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Wang Yang and the Chen family were all fair game. Neither of them was close to Nan Nan. Actually, ordinary citizens like Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were harder to deal with. But the rtionship between them and Nan Nan was truly too special, and given their statuses, they wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything too heinous anyway. They could simply rely on thew to punish them.

    After the couple¡¯s discussion, Zhai Sheng asked Qiao Nan not to think about these matters anymore and to rest.

    Coincidentally, Qiao Zijin, who had been worrying about having no chance to get close to Qiao Nan, and having Qiao Dongliang hang up on her the moment she mentioned moving in with him, received a call from the most unlikely person. ¡°Hello, who are you?¡±

    Initially, Qiao Zijin had not wanted to pick up the call from the unfamiliar number. This phone number was not only unfamiliar, but it was not even from Ping Cheng. She knew no one from that city that this phone number was from, so Qiao Zijin rejected it without much thought. The strange thing was that the other party had called her three separate times. That was why Qiao Zijin had finally picked up the call.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    This voice was so foreign that Qiao Zijin almost couldn¡¯t remember it. ¡°It¡¯s you? Did the sun rise in the west today? Why are you calling me? That¡¯s not right. You got a new number and mine is new too. How did you get my number?¡±

    Chen Jun touched his forehead. ¡°Have you forgotten which sector I work in?¡± As someone in the government sector, it was not difficult for him to look up such information. All he had to do was make a call to the local police station in Ping Cheng to ask for the Qiao family¡¯s details.

    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°It¡¯s been a year. Why are you suddenly calling me?¡± If he had nothing, Chen Jun would probably hope never to see her ever again in his life.. In this one year that they¡¯d been apart, Qiao Zijin had already gotten used to that.

 Chapter 2163 - Joke

    <h4>Chapter 2163: Joke</h4>

    It was rare for Chen Jun to be calling her. What could have forced Chen Jun to call his ex-wife, who had cheated on him? ¡°Is there something wrong with Feng Feng?¡±

    ¡°No, Feng Feng is fine.¡± Of course, Chen Jun would care about his only son. ¡°I¡¯m calling you because I want you to help me get in touch with Qiao Nan. Is she in the capital? If possible, I¡¯d like to treat her and Zhai Sheng to a meal. After all, we were all a family. It wouldn¡¯t be bad to get to know them better.¡±

    Up until now, Chen Jun could not figure out whether he felt more regret or more anger.

    The previous time he had made a trip specially down to Qingshui Town to request for reconciliation, not only had he been rejected by Qiao Nan, but he had even been beaten up! He had never faced such humiliation in his entire life. It seemed as though his life had been on a downward spiral ever since he met this pair of sisters.

    Even though that person was the one who held his heart, the selfish Chen Jun would still choose to give her up because she had embarrassed him. It was just like how he had unhesitatingly chosen to get a divorce from Qiao Zijin the moment he found out that Qiao Zijin had been cheating on him.

    Years ago, when he had had the deepest feelings for Qiao Nan, he had chosen Qiao Zijin as his wife after bedding her. Now that so many years had passed, his feelings for her had faded too. Chen Jun decided to simply find a young and beautiful twenty-five-year-old to get married to instead.

    With his background, would he have to worry about not being able to find a pretty wife?

    As for the problem of having a stepmother, Chen Jun was not so foolish. Otherwise, given his style, Chen Feng would have gotten many younger siblings by now. Besides, Father and Mother Chen loved their grandson, Chen Feng, very much. As such, they would never let their new daughter-inw do anything to their precious grandson.

    As long as she prioritized Chen Feng and served him well, did not drag Chen Jun down, the Chen family didn¡¯t care about whether she wanted to give birth to her own children. Of course, if she did want to have her own children, there was no way that child would ever have as much as Chen Feng, whether it be a boy or a girl. Nheless, that child would still grow up having much more than an ordinary child.

    Even though the Chen family hade up with such conditions, there had already been someone who had agreed to marry Chen Jun and to be Chen Feng¡¯s stepmother even before the new year. Hugging his tender and young wife, Chen Jun was so happy that he had almost forgotten about that old woman, Qiao Nan.

    He had thought that that would be his life. Once he got remarried, there would eventuallye a day when he would forget about Qiao Nanpletely. But that was not to be. Chen Jun was determined to forget his only failure with Qiao Nan, but what happened afterward made him recall the existence of Qiao Nan.

    With Wang Yang¡¯s help, Chen Jun had climbed thedder at a much greater speed than others. After being promoted and leaving Ping Cheng, Chen Jun thought that his path ahead would be smooth-sailing. But reality threw Chen Jun a curveball.

    As the saying went, it was always good to know people in power.

    Without help from those in high positions, one would eventually fall from grace no matter how far one climbed up.

    That was exactly why Chen Jun¡¯s work had not gone smoothlytely. His friends, whom he had been on good terms with in the past, were now ignoring him. Those who had some conscience secretly let him know that someone was trying to catch a chink in his armor and asked him to tidy up his matters. Otherwise, no one would be able to save him once he was caught.

    Upon hearing that, Chen Jun was stunned. His career was on the rise. Wasn¡¯t it a time for him to get better and better? Who was the one who was trying to drag him down at such a time? With no other choice, Chen Jun could only think of one person who could help him: Wang Yang.

    Unfortunately, because Zhu Chengqi was still alive, Wang Yang had to stay by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side. He had no time for Chen Jun. Besides, as long as Zhu Chengqi was still breathing, none of the Zhu family¡¯s assets belonged to Wang Yang. Even if Wang Yang wanted to help Chen Jun, he had no means to do so. Only if the Zhu family¡¯s assets were transferred to him would he be able to help Chen Jun out.

    Wang Yang instructed Chen Jun to find out who was trying to deal with him. Besides, Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng. No matter what, Qiao Zijin was Chen Jun¡¯s ex-wife and Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother. There were still feelings between them and they still had Chen Feng!

    As such, there was already a paved road in front of Chen Jun. He would simply have to find the Qiao family and get in contact with Zhai Sheng.

    In fact, if Chen Jun had not gotten a divorce from Qiao Zijin, he would have been Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw. No one would dare to target the brother-inw of Zhai Sheng. As such, Chen Jun had to ask the Qiao family for help. Zhai Sheng¡¯s order would ensure that Chen Jun would no longer have any problems, and the person who had caused trouble for Chen Jun would find himself in trouble.

    It was because of this conversation with Wang Yang that Chen Jun had a tinge of regret. How was he supposed to know that Zhai Sheng would choose Qiao Nan out of all the women out there? If he had not gotten a divorce from Qiao Zijin, he would have be Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw!

    Although Qiao Zijin did not have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, he was sure that he would still be able to climb even higher than he had done with such a rtionship. It was all Qiao Zijin¡¯s fault for getting into an affair, causing him to demand a divorce.

    If Qiao Zijin had not cheated on him, he would have been Zhai Sheng¡¯s brother-inw, and Qiao Zijin would still have been the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw. How nice that would be. But Qiao Zijin had ruined everything. Although both daughters of the Qiao family jinxed themselves, it seemed like Qiao Zijin was a bigger jinx.

    ¡°Hahaha¡­ Chen Jun, that¡¯s the funniest joke I¡¯ve heard this year. We¡¯re divorced. How can we still be a family? Tell me. Are you married or are you still single? Since you¡¯ve already gotten remarried, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s funny that you¡¯re trying to acknowledge your ex-wife¡¯s family as your own?¡± Qiao Zijin could not understand Chen Jun¡¯s logic.

    Chen Jun was the kind of man who needed women by his side. She had already been divorced from him for almost two years, while Qiao Nan had already been married for almost a year.

 Chapter 2164 - Why

    <h4>Chapter 2164: Why</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Could Chen Jun really have gone so long without having a woman? Of course not, unless something was wrong with his body.

    Chen Jun was pretentious too. Although he didn¡¯t like Qiao Zijin, he would still asionally be intimate with Qiao Zijin over the years. There was once Chen Jun had gotten drunk and had let slip that he was willing to touch her because she was his wife and was ¡®cleaner¡¯ than all those women outside.

    In other words, Chen Jun had the habit of having a clean woman at home for him to ¡®use¡¯. Would a man like this be able to hold off marriage? Even without Chen Jun¡¯s reply, Qiao Zijin already knew the answer.

    Qiao Zijin had seen through Chen Jun. She knew that Chen Jun had harbored such deep feelings for Qiao Nan for so many years exactly because of Qiao Nan¡¯s respect and love for herself. Even when Qiao Nan and Chen Jun had been dating, she would always keep her distance from Chen Jun and refuse to give herself to him until they were married.

    After they broke up and up until Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng, she had remained a virgin. Chen Jun was a wild yboy but he liked women like Qiao Nan.

    It was exactly because of that that Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t understand why the remarried Chen Jun had the guts to call her, saying that they were still a family and that they should have a meal together. Qiao Zijin chuckled. She had never heard a better joke than this. ¡°If you want to treat someone to a meal, you¡¯d better treat your current wife¡¯s family. We¡¯re already divorced. My family has nothing to do with you. Do you understand? Zhai Sheng? Zhai Sheng is my brother-inw.¡± Of course, he would soon be her husband.

    While Zhai Sheng was still her brother-inw, she would never let Zhai Sheng have anything to do with Chen Jun. Once she married Zhai Sheng, she would already be kind if she asked Zhai Sheng not to deal with the Chen family for all they had done in the past. Chen Jun could dream on about Zhai Sheng helping him.

    Having been married for over ten years, Qiao Zijin knew what Chen Jun was thinking of. Chen Jun could never even dream about having a rtionship with Zhai Sheng or the Zhai family in the past. Now that Qiao Nan had married Zhai Sheng, it had be possible. But that was only if he had not divorced her.

    She thought about how she had sobbed and begged Chen Jun not to divorce her and to give her another chance. At that time, Chen Jun had been nasty and evil, looking at her as though she was a pest. Now, he was even asking for a favor with such an arrogant tone. He could dream on!

    ¡°¡­¡± Chen Jun was not at all surprised that Qiao Zijin would be so proud. He understood Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper and personality well. ¡°It¡¯s been almost two years but you¡¯ve nevere to visit Feng Feng. Don¡¯t you miss your son? I¡¯ll take this opportunity to bring Feng Feng over.¡±

    Talking about it, Chen Jun felt that Qiao Zijin was rather heartless. It was not that strange for her to treat her biological younger sister, Qiao Nan, in that way. But ever since the divorce, Qiao Zijin had never been back to the Chen family¡¯s house to visit her own son. ¡®Coincidentally¡¯, Chen Feng had never made any mention of his mom, Qiao Zijin, either.

    ¡°Feng Feng¡­¡± She didn¡¯t want to see Chen Jun, but the mention of her son made her hesitate. ¡°You should know how we got together. You might not know this, but before Qiao Nan got married to Zhai Sheng, I had an idea. I knew that you hadn¡¯t given up your feelings for Qiao Nan, so I was thinking that it would be nice for Qiao Nan to be Feng Feng¡¯s stepmother. That way, I would be able to fulfill your wishes so that you would treat Feng Feng better. Moreover, since Feng Feng has already grown up, there would also be no need for Qiao Nan to give birth to any more children at her age. Although I never got the chance to bring this up to Qiao Nan, do you think she would have agreed to it?¡±

    When she had first gotten married to Chen Jun, Qiao Nan had treated her pretty well, but that was not the case toward Chen Jun. Qiao Nan treated Chen Jun as a brother-inw. Not only did she avoid getting close to Chen Jun, but she even actively avoided him. She had never once seen Chen Jun and Qiao Nan together without anyone else around.

    Why was that the case?

    After some time, Qiao Zijin naturally realized that Chen Jun had feelings for Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan refused to ept it and avoided Chen Jun at all cost. In short, Chen Jun had never given up his feelings for Qiao Nan but Qiao Nan felt nothing toward him anymore. Qiao Nan had never thought of seducing Chen Jun to get revenge against her.

    Since Qiao Nan did not even want to get revenge on her by seducing Chen Jun, it was clear that Qiao Nan had no feelings for Chen Jun at all. In fact, Qiao Nan might probably still hate Chen Jun for having done that to her.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Chen Jun had already been that way before the divorce. Now that she was Chen Jun¡¯s ex-wife and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even want to get in contact with her own sister, who was Chen Jun as an ex-brother-inw? He wanted to have a meal with Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng? Only Chen Jun could say something as shameless as that.

    ¡°¡­¡± Chen Jun hadn¡¯t even thought about it in that way. Before the divorce, the couple had hardly shared the same thoughts. But after their divorce, they seemed to be on the same wavelength regarding this matter.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan had not only gotten married before the age of forty after he had given up on her but had even married someone a thousand times better than him, Chen Jun was bitter.

    If Qiao Nan had not gotten married or had found someone worse off than him after that rejection, Chen Jun would probably not be so sour. After leaving him, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan¡¯s lives be getting worse?

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t seem to be living very well, but Qiao Nan¡­ It went without saying that marrying Zhai Sheng and bing the chief¡¯s wife made Qiao Nan a winner in life. There was nothing better than that.

    ¡°We¡¯re all rtives. Besides, she¡¯s always doted on Feng Feng. I think she wouldn¡¯t refuse to meet Feng Feng, right?¡± At this time, Chen Jun was thankful that Chen Feng had a cordial rtionship with Qiao Nan, giving him an excuse to find the Qiao family. If not for Chen Feng, it would be difficult for him to get in contact with Qiao Zijin or Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin snorted. ¡°Do you really not know why I always threw Feng Feng over to Qiao Nan before our divorce? Or are you pretending to be stupid?¡±

 Chapter 2165 - Going to Deliver the Babies

    <h4>Chapter 2165: Going to Deliver the Babies</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I was using Feng Feng to provoke Qiao Nan andugh at her failure. Not only did she have to take care of a child that caused her to break up with you, but she even had to treat him well. I only did that to make Qiao Nan suffer and prove to her that my life was better than hers. It was to remind her to be obedient to me and not try to rebel against me.¡±

    Chen Feng¡¯s existence was like Chen Jun being snatched away by Qiao Zijin. They were both great shames in Qiao Nan¡¯s life.

    Chen Jun had asked Qiao Nan to face her own shame and to show concern for him. Wasn¡¯t it truly ridiculous that he hade up with such an idea?

    ¡°Don¡¯t put it that way and make me sound like an idiot. Didn¡¯t you say that you once thought of getting Qiao Nan to marry me and be Feng Feng¡¯s stepmother so that I would get my way and Feng Feng would be well taken care of? Don¡¯t you think that that idea is even more stupid?¡±

    To Feng Feng, Qiao Nan was his younger aunt.

    There was nothing wrong with an aunt looking after her nephew. But it was ridiculous to expect a woman to marry her brother-inw just to take care of her nephew. This was not a historical drama series! How could Qiao Zijin think of such an impractical and unrealistic n? Qiao Zijin truly had no right to be so proud in front of Chen Jun.

    Talk was cheap. Anyone could do that.

    ¡°We¡¯re the same. Stop using such sarcasm. Do you want to join in for the meal?¡± Was she going to help him out so that he would have a chance to meet Zhai Sheng?

    Qiao Zijin sighed. ¡°Even if I want to help you, I¡¯m in no ce to do it. If you¡¯re in a good ce, Feng Feng will prosper in the future. Even if it¡¯s for Feng Feng¡¯s sake, I should help you. You¡¯re no longer my husband, but Feng Feng is still my son.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know that.¡± Chen Jun breathed a sigh of relief. He was worried that Qiao Zijin would think that she was of a higher status now that Qiao Nan had married Zhai Sheng and would be arrogant in front of him. That would make it difficult to implement his n.

    Qiao Zijin had not gone over her head just because Zhai Sheng was her brother-inw. She still had a little bit ofmon sense left.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Chen Jun wanted to ask when Qiao Zijin would arrange for the meal since she was going to help out in this matter, even if it was just for the sake of her son, Feng Feng, and not him.

    But Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were a p in Chen Jun¡¯s face. She told Chen Jun not to count his eggs before they hatched. ¡°But you know about my rtionship with Qiao Nan. She doesn¡¯t like you and your rtionship with her might be different now. Qiao Nan is no longer as gullible and easily manipted. If she was, would there have been such a huge scandal when I had contracted uremia in the first ce? Qiao Nan has changed. In the past, she only treated you as a brother-inw, but now, she might not even be willing to acknowledge me as her sister.¡±

    Before Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng, she had listened to Qiao Zijin well and had always helped her out. But after getting married to Zhai Sheng, she had the power and ability to help her even more, but she refused to even acknowledge her family. She wouldn¡¯t even help her get a lowly civil service job. That was why she was still unemployed.

    How would a Qiao Nan like that agree to have a meal with her or even bring Zhai Sheng along?

    If it was so easy, would she still be in such a struggle that she would even bother talking to Chen Jun? She would have taken advantage of her status as Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, moved in with the Zhai family, and gotten close to them and Zhai Sheng toy a solid foundation for her marriage to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you give it a try? How would you know that you¡¯ll fail if you don¡¯t even try? Qiao Nan is not such a heartless person.¡± Apart from the fact that Qiao Nan had rejected his request for reconciliation and had even found someone to beat him up, the Qiao Nan he knew was a softhearted and family-oriented woman. The Qiao Nan that Qiao Zijin described was too foreign to Chen Jun.

    ¡°He¡­¡± Bystanders were able to see the full picture the clearest. Somehow, after speaking with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin had a slight realization that her n and goal seemed a little ridiculous. Qiao Nan refused to see her because of the same reason she refused to see Chen Jun. If Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t ept Chen Jun, she might not ept her elder sister either.

    But she was different from Chen Jun. Chen Jun had no blood rtions with Qiao Nan, so it was natural for her to kick him to the side. She was different. She and Qiao Nan shared the same parents. Based on this alone, she was a thousand times better than Chen Jun. ¡°Fine. Since you¡¯re so persistent, I¡¯ll see if I can help you out. But it won¡¯t be so soon.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Since she had already agreed to help out, she should do it straight away. Did she have to check the calendar and find an auspicious date?

    The corners of Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips curled up into a cold sneer. ¡°Do you really not know, or are you pretending to be dumb? You dared make this call without even knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s condition? You¡¯re really quite bold. No, where did your confidencee from? Qiao Nan has been married to Zhai Sheng for almost a year. Even an idiot would know that Qiao Nan is pregnant with Zhai Sheng¡¯s child. She¡¯s about to give birth. Do you think she¡¯ll have time for a meal with her ex-brother-inw?¡±

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s current status, no one would be able to invite a pregnantdy like Qiao Nan out for a meal, unless he was an extremely important official. There was no way Qiao Nan would bother about Chen Jun, with whom she had such aplicated rtionship.

    ¡°She¡¯s about to give birth?¡± Chen Jun had not expected that at all. After that rejection, Chen Jun had chosen to ignore all news regarding Qiao Nan, especially after Qiao Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng.

    If not for the fact that he had gotten into some trouble recently and needed help from Zhai Sheng, he was prepared never to contact the Qiao family again. Anyway, Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯tst for very much longer. He had yed an important role in helping Wang Yang secure the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Wang Yang had already promised him that he would help him out then.

    As such, Chen Jun preferred to follow Wang Yang.. After all, he had paved that road for himself step by step.

 Chapter 2166 - Concern

    <h4>Chapter 2166: Concern</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan already knew that Chen Jun had made a shady deal with Wang Yang, but there was still something that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know. It was that Chen Jun had thought of betraying Wang Yang to spend the rest of his life with her.

    If Wang Yang inherited all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, the Zhu family¡¯s power and authority would never be Chen Jun¡¯s no matter how much Wang Yang helped him. Wang Yang would still be in the equation. In fact, it would all depend on how much Wang Yang was willing to help him.

    On the other hand, if Qiao Nan had indeed be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter and received all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, all of that would be his once he married Qiao Nan. Then, he wouldn¡¯t even need to rely on anyone else. It would be easier for him to climb up that way. Perhaps, he could even reach the very top.

    Wang Yang was no fool and knew that Chen Jun was rather scheming as well. Chen Jun had not approached Qiao Nan with pure intentions in the first ce. As such, before Chen Jun had done anything concrete, Wang Yang had warned Chen Jun that he would expose his deeds to Qiao Nan if he dared to do anything funny.

    If that happened, there was no way Qiao Nan would continue being in a rtionship with Chen Jun, and there was no longer a point in helping Chen Jun either. Not only would he stop helping Chen Jun, but he would also take back all those advantages the Chen family had already enjoyed. Chen Jun was intelligent and he did not wish for such a situation to ur. Hence, he had no choice but to buckle down and live his life honestly. Sometimes, that was an intelligent choice.

    Very quickly, Chen Jun got rid of all those memories. Even though he had already gotten divorced from Qiao Zijin, no one could know about the deal he had cut out with Wang Yang, especially not Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan were to find out about it, there was no way he would stand to gain from Zhai Sheng anymore.

    As long as he managed to pull some strings with the Zhai family, he would never have to worry about his career development in the future with the help from both the Zhai family and Wang Yang.

    ¡°When¡­ when is she due?¡± In the blink of an eye, not only had he gotten remarried, but Qiao Nan had even gotten pregnant after getting married.

    ¡°She¡¯s eight months pregnant with triplets, so it¡¯ll probably be a premature birth. She is currently in the hospital.¡± Qiao Zijin had no qualms about sharing this piece of ¡®good news¡¯ with Chen Jun. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve told you but my grandpa was a triplet too. I heard that it¡¯s gics. Don¡¯t you think that Qiao Nan is really lucky?¡±

    What good fortune! Indeed, three children could be good fortune to the Zhai family, but it was not necessarily so for Qiao Nan as a mom. Because of the existence of these three children, Qiao Nan¡¯s life was on the line.

    ¡°Qiao Nan is turning forty this year, right? And she¡¯s pregnant with three? Is it dangerous? What did the doctor say? How could Zhai Sheng allow her to do that? Does he only care about the children and not the mother?¡± Chen Jun was anxious. Even he himself was unsure of whether he was simply concerned about Qiao Nan, or whether he was worried that he would never be able to take advantage of the Zhai family if Qiao Nan were to pass away. Perhaps, it was a mix of these two feelings.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, not yours.. You seemed rather concerned about her.¡±

 Chapter 2167 - Qiao Nanâ€™s the Best

    <h4>Chapter 2167: Qiao Nan¡¯s the Best</h4>

    ¡°Why? Is your new wife not as pretty as Qiao Nan? Is she not as considerate or good-natured as Qiao Nan? That can¡¯t be. You liked Qiao Nan so much. Why didn¡¯t you find one like Qiao Nan? Since you already have a new one, why do you still care about the old one?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was truly jealous of Chen Jun¡¯s feelings toward Qiao Nan. Even a yboy like Chen Jun could be so nervous about a woman, and that woman was her own biological younger sister, no less. Although she had snatched Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan in name, Qiao Zijin felt that she had never once held Chen Jun¡¯s heart.

    Even when she had been in excruciating pain while giving birth to Chen Feng, Chen Jun had not even been this anxious.

    Qiao Zijin was used to being pampered from a young age and had never suffered much. Childbirth was a pain that she had never once experienced in her life. Qiao Zijin nearly gave up on giving birth to that child.

    But her water bag had burst and she had had no other choice.

    Since that was the case, Qiao Zijin decided to undergo a cesarean section. She couldn¡¯t take the pain anymore. If she were to undergo a cesarean section, she would feel nothing and would even be able to forgo the terrible childbirth process since the doctors would simply administer anesthetic and cut her abdomen to get the child out. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t care less about how she would have to recuperate from that operation.

    Who would have expected Chen Jun to reject Qiao Zijin¡¯s request? Natural birth was better for both the mother and child, so it was best for Qiao Zijin to endure the pain. In the end, Chen Jun had reluctantly agreed and signed the papers for a cesarean section after watching Qiao Zijin struggle for more than an hour.

    At that time, she had been in such pain that death was a preferable option to her. But Chen Jun had still remained calm and could even reason that a natural birth would be better for her and the child. Now, Qiao Nan had not even given birth. All Chen Jun knew was that Qiao Nan had been admitted into the hospital as a precaution and yet, he was already so worried. ¡°Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng and became the chief¡¯s wife. Does she still need your concern? If you really want to care for someone, why don¡¯t you care for your new wife? Qiao Nan is about to give birth. You couldn¡¯t have gotten marriedter than Qiao Nan, right? How¡¯s it going? Is Feng Feng going to get another brother or sister?¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Zijin could not care less about Chen Jun¡¯s concern toward Qiao Nan. If Chen Jun were to have a second child, that child would definitely steal some of Chen Jun¡¯s love away from Chen Feng, whether it be a girl or a boy. The existence of that child would definitely be a great threat to Chen Feng, who did not have his mother around.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡­ Thank you for your concern. I have a good rtionship with my wife. You know very well that Feng Feng¡¯s studies are very important, so I¡¯ve already discussed it with my wife. We¡¯ll think about that only after Feng Feng finishes his high school examination. Anyway, my wife is still young. Another two years won¡¯t matter to her. As for me, I¡¯m working out to maintain my body. It won¡¯t be difficult to get my wife pregnant. Alright, let me know when Qiao Nan gives birth. I¡¯ll have to send something over to wee the three children.¡±

    Chen Jun could very obviously hear Qiao Zijin¡¯s jealousy in her voice. Yes, he was still unable to put down the past and his rtionship with Qiao Nan. He hadn¡¯t found his new wife based on Qiao Nan? Chen Jun had realized after his wedding that this woman was indeed quite simr to Qiao Nan.

    It was just as well that Qiao Nan was giving birth. He would have an excuse to visit the three children. If nothing else worked, he would say that Feng Feng was finally an elder brother and wanted to meet his three younger siblings. That would probably work.

    Triplets¡­ Qiao Nan had good fortune indeed.

    As for whether to worry about Qiao Nan, Chen Jun thought that it was rather ridiculous. Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. Given the Zhai family¡¯s position and status, there was no way the Zhai family would not be anxious now that Qiao Nan was pregnant. Perhaps, they had already found the best obstetrician and gynecologist in the entire country to deliver Qiao Nan¡¯s children.

    Given Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, if even Zhai Sheng could not keep Qiao Nan, she might never have gotten the chance to be a mother in her entire lifetime.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve bothered you for quite a while. I¡¯ll see when I get the chance.¡± With that, Chen Jun hung up the call. If he had not had urgent matters, Chen Jun would not have bothered listening to Qiao Zijin¡¯s sour tone all day. Before they had gotten divorced, this was exactly how Qiao Zijin had spoken as well. It was unsettling and ufortable to listen to.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face flushed red in anger when the call ended. She threw her phone down on the bed. ¡°My dad hung up on me, and now, Chen Jun hung up on me too. Chen Jun, who are you? Don¡¯t forget that you were the one to call me first! What right do you have to hang up on me? I¡¯ll be a fool if I agree to help you with this. You can dream on about taking advantage of Zhai Sheng! You¡¯ll never get your way as long as I¡¯m alive!¡±

    Qiao Zijin swore to herself that once she married Zhai Sheng, not only would she not help Chen Jun, but she would even try to drag Chen Jun down. She was clear about the Chen family¡¯s situation, having been part of the family for over ten years. The Chen family was not particrly clean. At the very most, they were slightly more cautious than an average person when dealing with matters.

    It would be easy for her to expose the Chen family and Chen Jun for having received gifts from others. She would make Chen Jun regret the things he had done to her and for hanging up on her today.

    Qiao Nan had good fortune? Nonsense! She was the one who had good fortune! So what if Qiao Nan had been in a rtionship with Chen Jun? She was the one who had gotten married to him in the end. This time, it would be no different with Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan would always be the one whose hard work benefitted someone else. All good things in the world were hers alone!

    After throwing a tantrum, Qiao Zijin quickly calmed down. Now, she was even more determined to meet Qiao Nan and gain her trust so that Qiao Nan would agree to let her take care of the three children. As long as she seeded, she would definitely return the humiliation she had faced at Chen Jun¡¯s hands a thousand times over. Zhai Sheng was the only way she would be able to achieve that goal of hers.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Qiao Dongliang was holding the soup that he stewed for Qiao Nan. Who would have known that he would be stopped at the door to the hospital by Qiao Zijin? ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Qiao Zijin smiled and lifted up the fruits in her hand. ¡°Same as you. I¡¯m here to see Nan Nan.¡±

 Chapter 2168 - Eating Together

    <h4>Chapter 2168: Eating Together</h4>

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Dad. We shouldn¡¯t let Nan Nan wait.¡± God knew how long she had been waiting at the door with the basket of fruits.

    Qiao Zijin had already thought it through. There was no way she would be allowed into the hospital alone, but Qiao Dongliang could. She didn¡¯t believe that she would be stopped if she entered alongside her dad. ¡°Dad, let¡¯s hurry!¡± Qiao Zijin was thankful that she had caught her father at the door on the very first day she hade up with such a n and that she had not needed to wait several days before running into him.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was bitter. ¡°If you¡¯re here to see Nan Nan, why don¡¯t you go in?¡±

    ¡°I was about to go in but I saw you!¡± The father-daughter pair seemed to be ying a game with each other. Qiao Zijin knew what Qiao Dongliang meant and put on an act for him. So what if Qiao Dongliang knew that she had waited for him to visit Qiao Nan together? No one could stop her from doing that, and her father would never abandon her to visit Qiao Nan alone.

    Even if her dad really abandoned her, it wouldn¡¯t matter to her. Would her dad really ditch her at the door? If she was that useless, it was better not to scheme against Zhai Sheng.

    With his arm in Qiao Zijin¡¯s, Qiao Dongliang could not even distance himself from her. As soon as he took a step, Qiao Zijin would follow suit. Qiao Zijin had never been so sticky to Qiao Dongliang, even in her childhood. Unfortunately, this was not a heart-warming scene. Contrarily, this intimate action served only to widen the distance between them.

    ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m here to see you.¡± The moment the door to the ward opened, Qiao Zijin announced loudly as though she was afraid that her presence was unnoticeable. Qiao Zijin sized up Zhai Sheng and bowed slightly to squeeze into the room through the small space in the door. ¡°Nan Nan, look. I¡¯ve brought your favorite fruits. I rushed to the capital just to see you. Are you surprised? You¡¯re my younger sister, and now that you¡¯re giving birth, how could I not be here for you? You were the one taking care of me when I gave birth to Feng Feng. There are times I can¡¯t help but wonder if I would have been able to give birth to Feng Feng safely if not for you. No wonder Feng Feng is so close to you. You¡¯re important to us.¡±

    Anyone who heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words would have misunderstood that Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan had a close rtionship. When the elder sister gave birth, the younger sister had taken care of her. Now that the younger sister was pregnant, the elder sister had traveled thousands of miles to take care of her younger sister. What a loving pair of sisters!

    Qiao Nan blinked but remained silent, allowing Qiao Zijin to continue with her monologue.

    It was only when Qiao Zijin brought the freshly-cut watermelon to her door that the silence was broken. ¡°Nan Nan, this is your favorite watermelon. You loved it when you were younger, but unfortunately, our family wasn¡¯t very well-to-do and only bought one watermelon at a time. I couldn¡¯t resist buying it because of how much you like it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Apart from Zhai Sheng who did not know about Qiao Nan¡¯s childhood, Qiao Dongliang and both his daughters were clear about how Qiao Nan had spent her childhood.

    Eating watermelon?

    When had Qiao Nan ever gotten a chance to do that? Putting aside the question of whether she liked it, Qiao Nan had not even had many chances to taste a watermelon.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s shameless words made it seem as though Qiao Nan liked eating watermelons when she was younger and that Qiao Zijin had saved them for Qiao Nan instead of eating the watermelons herself for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. Qiao Dongliang wanted to cover his face. He couldn¡¯t believe that Qiao Zijin dared to say such a shameless thing!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Qiao Nan refused, not wanting to make any mention of her childhood in front of Zhai Sheng. There was no point in doing so. Qiao Zijin loved to act but she had no intention to y along.

    Before Qiao Nan could reject, Zhai Sheng reached out and pushed away the watermelon in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Nan Nan is already eight months pregnant. She can¡¯t eat something as cooling as watermelon. I guess you don¡¯t know that since you haven¡¯t had any pregnant women in the family recently.¡±

    Zhai Shengpletely ignored the fact that Qiao Zijin had once given birth, generously forgiving her reckless and ignorant behavior.

    There was no need to say too much. If Qiao Zijin really cared about her younger sister, Qiao Nan, she would have found out all about what pregnant women could and couldn¡¯t eat, even if she had no experience with pregnancy. What if her reckless actions brought about dire consequences?

    No matter how nicely she had spoken earlier, reality was truly a tight p in her face.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression stiffened. Could pregnant women not eat watermelon? Feng Feng was almost all grown up and her pregnancy had been quite some time ago. Qiao Zijin had absolutely no impression of what she could and couldn¡¯t eat while she had been pregnant. Besides, there had always been someone taking care of her. They had done the job of considering what she could eat. All she had needed to do was to open her mouth to eat.

    How would Qiao Zijin have known that her ¡®care¡¯ toward Qiao Nan would have turned into such a disaster? ¡°Nan Nan, I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to let you see it and not eat it. But I gave birth to Feng Feng years ago. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard that women go dumb for three years after giving birth. My memory has deteriorated quite a lot ever since I gave birth to Feng Feng. Alright, the children¡¯s and your health are the most important now. Don¡¯t eat it if you can¡¯t. If you want to eat it, I¡¯ll buy some more once you give birth.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang admired Qiao Zijin for the way she had salvaged the situation. ¡°Since Nan Nan can¡¯t eat it, you should have some. You can bring the rest home.¡±

    There was a wide smile on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. ¡°Dad, Nan Nan can¡¯t eat it. If we leave it here, the smell will tempt Nan Nan. Why don¡¯t you have a slice? Zhai Sheng, don¡¯t be shy. We¡¯re all a family. Do you want to eat it together?¡± As she said that, Qiao Zijin took the effort to take a few slices out, wanting to hand it over to Zhai Sheng personally.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but think that she would definitelye into contact with Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand when handing him this slice of watermelon. Yes, her hands were different from Qiao Nan¡¯s. Qiao Nan had worked hard and her skin was probably rough and coarse. On the other hand, she had never worked much ever since she was young. After marrying Chen Jun, she had religiously visited the beauty salon to maintain herplexion with facials, massages, and all that.

 Chapter 2169 - Insincere

    <h4>Chapter 2169: Insincere</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Once Zhai Sheng touched her hand, he would realize how soft and silky smooth a real woman¡¯s hands should be, unlike Qiao Nan¡¯s, which were rough and coarse.

    With that thought in mind, Qiao Zijin could not help but blush. It was true that she was not as beautiful as Qiao Nan, but her skin definitely felt better than Qiao Nan¡¯s. The only thing good about her marriage to Chen Jun was that he had not bothered when she had spent money on visiting beauty salons, and neither had he ever stopped her. She was a woman who knew how to upkeep herself, while Qiao Nan didn¡¯t do any of that. How could Qiao Nan everpare to her?

    There were undoubtedly differences among women. But once the lights went off, a woman¡¯s victory was determined by her body, and not her face!

    Qiao Zijin had a vivid imagination, but everything depended on whether the other party was willing to cooperate with her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We don¡¯t have the habit of eating non-seasonal fruits in our family. The weather is so cold and you want to eat watermelon? As long as you¡¯re happy, I guess.¡± At home, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t even allow Qiao Nan to eat watermelon in winter as it wasn¡¯t good for her health.

    Watermelons could be eaten in summer to relieve the summer heat, but one still could not have too much of it.

    ¡°I¡¯m not eating any.¡± Qiao Dongliang quickly refused and pulled Qiao Zijin aside. ¡°You¡¯re the one who likes watermelon. Since you like it, you can have more. You can even finish everything yourself.¡± If she were to finish that watermelon, she probably wouldn¡¯t get the chance to speak again before leaving.

    Actually, Qiao Dongliang had already felt a little uneasy when Qiao Zijin had held out a slice of watermelon for Zhai Sheng. Since the watermelon had already been cut, Qiao Zijin should have handed the te over for Zhai Sheng to take a slice for himself. It was not like Zhai Sheng was a three-year-old who needed someone to feed him. It was inappropriate for a sister-inw to behave in this manner.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡± Did he think she was a pig? This watermelon weighed five kilograms. How could she finish it alone? Besides, had shee just to eat watermelon? She hade to¡­

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze turned toward Zhai Sheng. It was obvious that she wanted to have more interaction with Zhai Sheng, even if it was just to show concern toward Qiao Nan for the time being. That didn¡¯t matter as long as Zhai Sheng gained a better understanding of her through their conversations.

    Every woman hoped that her husband would genuinely love her, and only her. Instead of forcing Zhai Sheng to ept her for the sake of Qiao Nan and the three children, she had better put in some effort to develop some real feelings with Zhai Sheng. In that way, she could avoid creating more trouble once she married into the Zhai family. Qiao Zijin wanted to let Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan know that children grew up better when their parents shared a close rtionship.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not thinking it through and only remembering what Nan Nan likes to eat. I forgot that Nan Nan can¡¯t eat this now. Look, it was always Nan Nan taking care of me growing up. To be honest, I feel rather guilty about it. Nan Nan, you spoiled me too much. Since we have such a good rtionship, you should teach me how to be more like you too. Besides, I¡¯m your elder sister. I should take more care of you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin said as she walked toward Qiao Nan, wanting to hold Qiao Nan¡¯s hand.

    Zhai Sheng stood in the way and stopped Qiao Zijin in her tracks. ¡°You just came in from outside and you haven¡¯t even washed your hands. Don¡¯t get near Nan Nan. This isn¡¯t good for Nan Nan or the children.¡± As for Qiao Zijin¡¯s monologue, not one out of the three of them gave any response.

    Especially Qiao Nan. Zhai Sheng had already told her that she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about anything as long as he was around. As such, Qiao Nan had already decided to act dead all the way upon seeing Qiao Zijin appear. She would let Zhai Sheng handle everything. It was about time for Zhai Sheng to fulfill his duties as a father and husband to protect her and the children.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but feel embarrassed. ¡°I-I¡¯m not dirty.¡± So, why did he have to stop her? Qiao Nan was not made of gold or jade. Could others not even touch her?

    ¡°You have germs on you. You can¡¯t see germs with the naked eye,¡± Zhai Sheng replied indifferently, merely stating the facts. ¡°I believe what you said. Since you were young, you have always been the one getting taken care of. That¡¯s why you don¡¯t even have anymon sense now. It¡¯s necessary to change your clothes and wash your hands when approaching pregnant women and newborn babies. Actually, it doesn¡¯t matter even if you don¡¯t have anymon sense, but I heard that you¡¯re a university graduate. You can always read up and widen your knowledge. Don¡¯t make such low-level mistakes.¡±

    In short, there was no way Qiao Zijin was going to touch Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Yes, Zhai Sheng is right. Zijin, didn¡¯t you realize that I haven¡¯t gotten near Qiao Nan either?¡± Qiao Dongliang was different from Qiao Zijin. The first thing that Qiao Zijin had done after arriving was cut the fruits she had brought so that she could get close to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. On the other hand, Qiao Dongliang had gone off to the toilet to wash his hands thoroughly. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? Do you want to have some soup?¡±

    Unlike the fruits that Qiao Zijin had bought, the soup that Qiao Dongliang had made was suitable for pregnant women.

    ¡°Let me help!¡± The moment Qiao Zijin saw her chance, she immediately pushed Qiao Dongliang aside, wanting to snatch Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sk of soup away from him to pour some out for Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, Dad spent a lot of time making this soup. It¡¯s very nutritious. Smell it. It¡¯s so fragrant. You should have more. You know, when I was pregnant, it was always you and Mom taking care of me. Dad didn¡¯t even help out. I¡¯m so jealous that Dad¡¯s made soup for you this time. Dad¡¯s so good to you.¡±

    Her mom was good to her, but her dad was good to Qiao Nan. So Qiao Nan had better not feel wronged or get upset at the unfair treatment in the Qiao family. Each parent had their favorite. Qiao Nan had never been shortchanged.

    Qiao Dongliang was stunned for a moment, but the moment he saw Qiao Zijin pouring the soup, he fumed. ¡°Zijin, didn¡¯t you hear Zhai Sheng? You didn¡¯t even wash your hands! How could you pour the soup for Nan Nan?¡± If possible, Qiao Dongliang did not mean to ask Qiao Zijin to wash her hands. He wanted her gone!

    An insincere heart was an insincere heart, after all.. Qiao Zijin still had not gone off to wash her hands after all that talk.

 Chapter 2170 - Not Free

    <h4>Chapter 2170: Not Free</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Oh, right. Let me wash my hands.¡± Qiao Zijin was left with no other choice since Qiao Dongliang had given her a p in the face with his words. Her expression stiffened, but she maintained her smile as she headed to the toilet.

    But before Qiao Zijin could step into Qiao Nan¡¯s private bathroom, Zhai Sheng took a step forward and blocked the door. ¡°The handle on this toilet isn¡¯t very good. It¡¯s easily broken. I think it¡¯s broken now and you can¡¯t open the door.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Zijin was doubtful and stepped forward to test it out herself.

    As Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand reached out and was about to touch his own, Zhai Sheng frowned. Was Qiao Zijin retarded? Zhai Sheng was never one to get close to outsiders, especially women.

    Zhai Sheng had already held it in once when Qiao Zijin had ¡®enthusiastically¡¯ offered him watermelon earlier. This time, he had not even retracted his hand before Qiao Zijin reached out. In an instant, Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze darkened.

    His sharp gaze threw Qiao Zijin off and she retracted her hand. It was as though someone had pricked her and she nearly jolted.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin had finally given up, Zhai Sheng finally retracted his own hand and walked aside to create some distance between him and Qiao Zijin. Because Zhai Sheng had stood so far away from her, Qiao Zijin was afraid yet upset. Did he really treat her as a walking bacteria carrier? It was not like she would eat him up if he got any closer.

    But Qiao Zijin kept her thoughts to herself. She reached out and tried to open the door but it was indeed stuck. ¡°This hospital looks good from the outside, but how could the door to the toilet be spoiled? What if Nan Nan needs to use the toilet urgently? She can¡¯t possibly walk a long distance just to use the toilet, right? Nan Nan is a pregnant woman, and her belly has gotten so big. It¡¯s dangerous for her to do that. If Nan Nan can walk, why would she even need to be here? This is ridiculous! Zhai Sheng, why don¡¯t we get Nan Nan another room or another hospital?¡±

    Qiao Zijin wanted to show off that she was actually brilliant in daily life so as to capture Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart. But Qiao Zijin was truly a fool who had nomon sense. Of course, she had no idea how to repair such ¡®advanced¡¯ technology like a spoiled lock.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Zhai Sheng immediately rejected Qiao Zijin¡¯s suggestion. ¡°There¡¯s no need to go through that trouble. This lock is good sometimes. When Nan Nan needs it, it¡¯s perfectly fine.¡± Now that Qiao Zijin wanted to use it, it was faulty.

    ¡°¡­¡± Upon understanding what he meant, Qiao Zijin pursed her lips, not knowing what to say. When had door locks be so advanced that they could pick whom they wanted to allow in? ¡°I¡¯ll go to the main toilet then.¡± Qiao Zijin could feel that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t want her to use this toilet.

    Zhai Sheng was her future husband and she had already nned it through. Once she got married to Zhai Sheng, she didn¡¯t want to live a life full of arguments like she had done in the past with Chen Jun. Husbands and wives should live peacefully and in harmony. Only then would the marriagest.

    Zhai Sheng had heard too many bad things about her, and the person who had told him about those things was Qiao Nan. That was why Zhai Sheng had no choice but to believe those things about her. Once she had more interactions with Zhai Sheng, he would naturally realize her true nature. That way, she would clear up all those misunderstandings and Zhai Sheng would probably be more epting of her.

    All these were just small obstacles in the way of her marriage to Zhai Sheng. As long as she managed to ovee them, her life with Zhai Sheng would be smooth-sailing.

    With such a thought in mind, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t make a fuss about the weird door lock and good-naturedly said that she would wash her hands in the main toilet instead. Qiao Zijin was always such a mild-tempered person. It was Qiao Nan who was ruining her image in front of Zhai Sheng. But did Qiao Nan really think that she would be able to hide her true nature from them forever?

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and smiled widely at her reflection in the mirror. Come on! Persevere through it! Happiness wasing soon. She had to be serious about it. With a serious attitude never seen before in Qiao Zijin, she washed her hands clean before returning to Qiao Nan¡¯s ward to look for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    But this time, although Zhai Sheng had opened the door, he had no intentions of allowing Qiao Zijin in.

    Qiao Zijin had not managed to enter, and Qiao Dongliang had walked out with an empty sk. ¡°Nan Nan is sleepy and she just fell asleep. Let¡¯s not disturb her. Let¡¯s leave for the day. Besides, didn¡¯t youe for a holiday? Take this opportunity and visit all the ces you haven¡¯t. Don¡¯t waste your time here.¡± Because of Zijin¡¯s appearance, he had not managed to talk to Nan Nan.

    At the mention of this, Qiao Zijin was upset. But an idea shed past her mind and she turned toward Zhai Sheng. ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s my first time in the capital and I don¡¯t really know any good ces to visit. Do you have any rmendations?¡± If Zhai Sheng was free and could bring her around, that would be perfect.

    But Qiao Zijin knew that the possibility of that happening was low. Qiao Nan was lying in the hospital and about to deliver at any moment. There was probably no way Zhai Sheng was going to leave Qiao Nan¡¯s side to bring her around unless Qiao Nan asked him to do so.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin could only nce at Qiao Nan in disappointment. Qiao Nan was already lying down with her back facing them.

    ¡°Just get yourself a copy of a tourist guide. Otherwise, you can sign up for one-day or three-day courses. They¡¯re all quite convenient.¡± Zhai Sheng did not give her a direct rejection but some very good suggestions. Even Qiao Zijin was stunned. Shouldn¡¯t he have rmended ces like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, or Tiananmen?

    He had simply asked her to check up on everything herself. But words made her eyes hurt. ¡°Oh, alright. Thank you. When I get the chance, I¡¯ll treat you to a meal.¡± Even if Zhai Sheng had not done his job as a host, Qiao Zijin had to thank him. Otherwise, she would lose the chance of getting in touch with Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I¡¯m not free.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Alright, Zhai Sheng had ended the conversation there. But Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t re up and get upset at him.

    If Zhai Sheng was willing to acknowledge Qiao Zijin as his rtive, it would be out of kindness. But he was also being dutiful by not acknowledging her.. After all, his wife was still lying in the hospital with their three children.

 Chapter 2171 - Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 2171: Shameless</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    How would he have the time to bring his sister-inw out? Of course, he had to stay by his wife¡¯s and children¡¯s sides. But Qiao Zijin, who had made that suggestion, was truly a fool who didn¡¯t understand the world well.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, I won¡¯t disturb Nan Nan anymore. Take care of Nan Nan and let me know if anything happens to her.¡± Qiao Zijin had ruined this visit for him and Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t bother to struggle anymore. Since he had not managed to visit her today, he would return the next day.

    He was afraid that Qiao Zijin would cause something bad to happen to Qiao Nan if she stayed there any longer.

    ¡°Dad, wait for me. I¡¯ll leave with you.¡± Since Qiao Nan was asleep, and Zhai Sheng was not letting her in, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to leave with Qiao Dongliang. This was only her first time. She couldn¡¯t rush it. Haste would only make waste. If she made it too obvious and upset Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan would never agree to help her.

    They were both women, and Qiao Zijin knew that there was no way Qiao Nan would be happy with another woman trying to hit on her husband, unless she was sure that she would die. Besides, she had such a tense rtionship with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Qiao Zijin tried to catch her breath after finally catching up with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re walking too quickly.¡± She had not expected a seventy-year-old man to walk so much faster than her. But it was good that her dad was in good health. That would save her a lot of trouble.

    ¡°Why? We¡¯re not headed in the same direction,¡± Qiao Dongliang replied unhappily. ¡°Aren¡¯t you here on a holiday? Go have your fun. Once you¡¯re tired, you can return to your hotel.¡±

    ¡°No, since I bumped into you today, there¡¯s no point in going back to my hotel. Of course, I¡¯m going to stay with you, Dad. It¡¯ll be good for me to spend some time with you. ¡°Although Qiao Dongliang had hung up on her the previous time, Qiao Zijin had given it some thought and realized that it was too expensive to continue paying for her hotel stay. Even in her childhood, she had hardly listened to her dad. If she didn¡¯t go just because her dad didn¡¯t allow her to do it, would she still be Qiao Zijin?

    As such, Qiao Zijin came to a decision to do whatever she wanted. Qiao Dongliang could say whatever he wanted as well. Wasn¡¯t that a win-win situation?

    ¡°I told you that I don¡¯t have an extra room or bed!¡± Qiao Dongliang could not help but shout irritably. It felt terrible to know someone who was so shameless, especially when it was his own daughter.

    Qiao Zijin replied generously, ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ll just move some things around and make do. Otherwise, I¡¯ll buy myself a foldable bed.¡± Anyway, she had already searched it up. Even a foldable bed wouldn¡¯t cost as much as a night¡¯s stay in the hotel. It was a terribly good deal!

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. ¡°Where¡¯s your luggage?¡± He didn¡¯t believe that Qiao Zijin could have arrived in the capital empty-handed.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± Qiao Zijin clung onto Qiao Dongliang¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯ll follow you home first. I¡¯ll definitely take good care of you along the way. Once I send you home, I¡¯ll go back to my hotel alone and bring my luggage over. Don¡¯t worry, Dad. I¡¯m grown up.. I¡¯ll take good care of myself.¡±

 Chapter 2172 - Even More Miserable

    <h4>Chapter 2172: Even More Miserable</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Once she knew where her dad was living, would he still be able to run away from her?

    Luggage? That wasn¡¯t important at all.

    Of course, Qiao Dongliang could tell that Qiao Zijin wanted to take advantage of him, but he had no idea how to shake Qiao Zijin off. Based on what had happened earlier, Qiao Dongliang could guess that Qiao Zijin wanted to move in with him so that she would have a ce to stay. That didn¡¯t mean much. He believed that Qiao Nan and the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t mind that.

    But what would happen if Qiao Zijin wanted to tag along every time he visited Qiao Nan in the future? He had only had a suspicion earlier, but now, Qiao Dongliang was certain that Qiao Zijin had note to the capital for a holiday. She hade for Qiao Nan!

    ¡°Let me ask you. What were you trying to do in front of Zhai Sheng?¡± Qiao Dongliang was upset and picked on Qiao Zijin¡¯s earlier behavior. ¡°Have you forgotten why Chen Jun asked for a divorce in the first ce? Have you not changed that bad habit of yours? I don¡¯t care if you want to y around, but you have to remember that Zhai Sheng is your brother-inw!¡±

    At the mention of the word ¡®brother-inw¡¯, Qiao Dongliang felt enraged. So what if he was her brother-inw? It was not as though Qiao Zijin had not snatched her brother-inw away from her sister before! That was why Qiao Dongliang felt especially miserable thinking of that.

    ¡°Dad, what nonsense are you spouting? You¡¯d better not mention this in front of Nan Nan in case you provoke her and she misunderstands me. Didn¡¯t you say that Zhai Sheng is my brother-inw? Besides, what did I do wrong today?¡± Qiao Zijin denied everything. She had not even made a move yet. At least, she had not even touched a strand of Zhai Sheng¡¯s hair today. What right did he have to say that she had gone out of line?

    Zhai Sheng was the only man in her eyes now. She couldn¡¯t even be bothered to have anything to do with any other men or do anything that would ruin her happiness in the future. Would she do such a stupid thing?

    ¡°That had better be the case. Zijin, you¡¯d better not be scheming against Nan Nan. If I find out, you¡¯ll realize that I still have the energy and capability to deal with my own daughter even at this age. I¡¯m not saying certain things not for the sake of your dignity, but because it¡¯s too shameful to talk about it. It¡¯s enough that you snatched Chen Jun away once. I don¡¯t want to know whether you have that n in mind again, but you¡¯d better keep your distance from Zhai Sheng.¡±

    He could not stand how Qiao Zijin was always trying to steal his younger daughter¡¯s man.

    ¡°Dad, look at what you¡¯re saying. I never even thought of doing that.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyelid twitched. It was the right move not to tell her dad about her n. Her dad was really something. He was so biased that he only had Qiao Nan in his heart. He didn¡¯t even remember his elder daughter.

    Thankfully, she had never counted on her dad helping her out in this matter. She would simply stick to her original n and keep it tightly under wraps until she seeded. Once Qiao Nan died and everything was firmed up, there was nothing her dad would be able to do no matter how upset he was.

    Having made up her mind, Qiao Zijin assured her dad that she would never do something immoral again. She listened to whatever Qiao Dongliang had to say. But when Qiao Dongliang asked Qiao Zijin to return to Ping Cheng, she refused.

    Qiao Nan hated her so much. She would definitely nevere up with the idea of Qiao Zijin taking care of her children. That was why she had to stay behind and remind Qiao Nan of that possibility when she was on the verge of death.

    Once she married Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng would still be the Qiao family¡¯s son-inw. Her dad was foolish indeed. How could he not realize that? If Qiao Nan died, Zhai Sheng would have nothing to do with the Qiao family in the future. It was just like her situation with the Chen family after her divorce from Chen Jun.

    Because Qiao Zijin was being so shameless, Qiao Dongliang could not bring himself to drive Qiao Zijin out either. In the end, not only had Qiao Zijin found out about where Qiao Dongliang was staying, but she had even checked out of the hotel and brought her luggage to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s amodation.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang was indeed living in a studio with only one bedroom and one bed, Qiao Zijin immediately went to purchase a foldable bed. If this had been Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin would definitely have gotten Ding Jiayi to sleep on the foldable bed so that she could have the bedroom to herself. But this was Qiao Dongliang and not Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin had only managed to move in because of how shameless she had been. Qiao Zijin dared not chase Qiao Dongliang out of the bedroom to the foldable bed.

    She didn¡¯t own this house. What would happen if Qiao Dongliang chased her out?

    Qiao Dongliang had more say in this house. Besides, she would have to suck up to Qiao Dongliang in order to remain in the capital. ¡°Dad, since I¡¯m already here, I decided to make full use of my ticket here. I¡¯ll be staying here for quite a while. You know the Zhai family¡¯s situation as well. Nan Nan¡¯s mother-inw is old and you can¡¯t expect her to take care of Nan Nan given her health conditions, right? As for that auntie in the Zhai family, she¡¯s still a hired help, after all. We can¡¯t count on her. As for Zhai Hua, she¡¯s still in Ping Cheng because of her daughter. I guess I¡¯m the only one who will be able to help Nan Nan out.¡±

    ¡°Heh¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Ever since you were young, you were spoiled and pampered by your mom and Nan Nan was the one taking care of you. Since when have you taken care of anyone else?¡± Qiao Dongliang wondered if Qiao Zijin had even taken care of her own son, Chen Feng.

    How could Qiao Dongliang allow someone like that to take care of Qiao Nan?

    Who dared to be so bold?

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t underestimate me. It was just that I didn¡¯t want to do it in the past. There¡¯s nothing that I can¡¯t do if I set my mind to it.¡± Qiao Zijin was indignant. She had always been smarter than Qiao Nan and more likable than Qiao Nan. What Qiao Nan could do, she could do better. Her dad was indeed biased. She would have to persevere and prove her father wrong. Did her dad really think that she was so much worse than Qiao Nan and couldn¡¯t evenpare to her?

    Qiao Dongliangughed.. ¡°Are you saying that your results are good? Nan Nan didn¡¯t even graduate from high school, but she managed to pass the Level Six English proficiency test. However, all you could do was hand in a nk piece of paper to me?¡±

 Chapter 2173 - Deliberately

    <h4>Chapter 2173: Deliberately</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Did you hand me a nk script because you¡¯re unwilling to study and learn more knowledge? It seems like you were so insistent on studying simply for the sake of a degree to package yourself well.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s purpose for studying had been so superficial. And for that, Qiao Nan, who actually enjoyed studying, had lost her childhood, as well as her chance of studying, just to work hard to support her sister. That was too unfair! He had been blind!

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was speechless. She couldn¡¯t understand why the topic had suddenly gone to Qiao Nan¡¯s leaving school again when they had been talking about taking care of others. Was there a point in doing that?

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been so many years. So what if Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t go to school? Hasn¡¯t she be the chief¡¯s wife all the same? There are thousands of female university graduates in this world, but how many chief¡¯s wives are there? Not studying doesn¡¯t seem to have made much impact on Qiao Nan¡¯s life. Perhaps, Nan Nan herself doesn¡¯t even mind and has already gotten over it. On the contrary, you always bring this matter up. Maybe it¡¯s making Nan Nan upset thinking about the past. Why bother?¡±

    If her dad brought this up in front of Qiao Nan, it would just evoke Qiao Nan¡¯s hatred. But she couldn¡¯t afford to let her rtionship with Qiao Nan deteriorate any further. It had to improve.

    Her dad was really¡­ Even if he couldn¡¯t be of any help, why did he have to do these things that only got in her way? ¡°Dad, I bought an old hen. Why don¡¯t you teach me to make soup? That way, I can bring it to Nan Nan.¡±

    Gifts blinded the eyes. She refused to believe that Qiao Nan would continue treating her like an enemy if she were to send delicious soup to the hospital every day to nourish her. She might not have treated Qiao Nan well in the past, but she had changed for the better. Now, she really regarded Qiao Nan as her younger sister and would treat the three children no different from how she treated Feng Feng.

    Others would feel her sincerity with time.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯d better do it myself. I¡¯ve seen the chicken. It¡¯s indeed an old hen, and one that hasid eggs. If you don¡¯t use it well, you might end up wasting it. I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± Qiao Dongliang still had his doubts about Qiao Zijin, but he could not deny that Qiao Zijin had bought the good stuff indeed. He didn¡¯t want Qiao Zijin to waste such a good product.

    In reality, every single cent that Qiao Zijin was spending now was actually Qiao Nan¡¯s in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes. What was wrong with Qiao Nan eating what she bought with her own money? This had nothing to do with Qiao Zijin¡¯s kindness. It was what she was obliged to do.

    ¡°Dad, shall I apany you to the hospital?¡± Zhai Sheng was probably still in the hospital taking care of Qiao Nan, right? Qiao Nan was pregnant and about to give birth. That was something almost every woman underwent. The huge difference was that Qiao Nan had a good husband, Zhai Sheng, by her side the entire time.

    If Chen Jun had shown just a tenth of Zhai Sheng¡¯s care when she had given birth to Chen Feng, she might never have started an affair. No, what she should say was that if Chen Jun had bothered to do that, he wouldn¡¯t have kept a mistress outside, causing her to cheat on him as well just to get revenge for his betrayal.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll visit her myself.¡± Qiao Dongliang refused. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s health is the most important thing now. She has to remain in a good mood. Do you think Nan Nan will be able to be in a good mood when she sees you? Besides, you don¡¯t even know how to take care of a pregnant woman. You¡¯re just creating more trouble for everyone. We¡¯ll have to teach you everything. We don¡¯t have the time to do that.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had already witnessed how ignorant Qiao Zijin was in this aspect. If she really wanted to take care of a pregnant woman, she should have read some books, at the very least. But thinking about the nk script that Qiao Zijin had handed to him, Qiao Dongliang had already lost all hope.

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t even been serious about her studies for her own sake. How could Qiao Dongliang expect Qiao Zijin to do that for Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t go if you don¡¯t want me to. But you have to let Nan Nan know that I was the one who bought this old hen specially for her to nourish her body. Dad, didn¡¯t you say that actions speak more than words? I¡¯m already doing it and showing my care for Nan Nan. You have to do your part and let her know too. I can¡¯t be bothered to do good deeds anonymously. I want Nan Nan to know that I¡¯ve really changed for the better.¡±

    She had already spent her money anyway. If Qiao Nan misunderstood that her dad had bought it, she would have wasted her money!

    As long as Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t visit the hospital and get in Qiao Nan¡¯s way, there was no reason for Qiao Dongliang to refuse. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll tell Nan Nan that you bought this hen for her. You¡¯d better stay at home and not run about. And you¡¯d better not follow me to the hospital. Otherwise, you can forget about calling me your dad.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was truly afraid that Qiao Zijin would ruin Qiao Nan¡¯s mood by appearing in front of her.

    The doctor had already said that Qiao Nan had to remain in a good mood at all times. As Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach grew bigger and the months passed, the expressions on those around her only grew darker. As the days went by, the day of the three children¡¯s birth was imminent.

    Now that Qiao Nan had passed her eighth month of pregnancy, there was a possibility of the three children being born any day. Now, they couldn¡¯t afford for Qiao Nan to get provoked or get upset at all!

    Qiao Dongliang understood this in his heart. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t understand it thoroughly enough. Qiao Nan was eight and a half months pregnant and Qiao Nan could obviously feel that it was a great burden to her body to continue carrying the three children. Sometimes, she even felt that she was out of breath because of the children pressing against her.

    It was especially the bouts of pain as her stomach fell gradually that unsettled Qiao Nan. Even in her dreams, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression would often be set in a deep frown because of her children.

    ¡°Nan Nan, how are you feeling today?¡± Qiao Dongliang ced the soup on the table, wanting to pour it out as usual.

    Seeing that Qiao Zijin had not followed Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan was slightly surprised. When had Qiao Zijin suddenly been so self-aware, deciding not to visit because she knew how much of an eyesore she was?

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s nose, reminding her to stop thinking about Qiao Zijin.. ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±

 Chapter 2174 - Stomachache

    <h4>Chapter 2174: Stomachache</h4>

    Wasn¡¯t it best that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t visit? As for why she decided not toe, whether it was because she herself decided not toe, or whether his father-inw had stopped her froming, it didn¡¯t matter. The result was good all the same.

    ¡°Nan Nan, try it. I made an old hen soup today. This is a hen thatid eggs. It¡¯s really good and nutritious. You can have a few bowls of it.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t have many rtives and his parents had passed on early. As such, he knew his way around the kitchen even as a bachelor. Besides, while Grandpa Qiao had been in the army, Grandma Qiao had raised Qiao Dongliang alone. Sometimes, Qiao Dongliang would be by her side, helping her out in the kitchen as she whipped up their meals. At those times, Grandma Qiao would also impart some tips to Qiao Dongliang from time to time.

    That was why Qiao Dongliang was pretty good at things like making soup. The soup was fragrant and thick. Because the chicken had already been skinned, the soup was no longer as oily.

    Qiao Nan took a sip of it. Yes, it tasted quite good. It was just that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s next words made Qiao Nan lose all interest in the soup. Even the sip that she had just taken made her feel ufortable all over. ¡°Zijin visited quite a few ces before she managed to get this old hen. It should be a countryside free-range hen, not those raised on artificial feed. Those don¡¯t taste very good, and they aren¡¯t very nutritious either.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan looked at the soup in her hands rather awkwardly. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to take a second mouthful of the soup. Qiao Zijin had bought her this old hen? Hehe. She dared not eat anything from Qiao Zijin. She still had the will to live. Anything from Qiao Zijin came in exchange for years of her life! ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯m not very hungry¡­¡± So, her husband could decide on how to dispose of the soup. In short, she wouldn¡¯t drink it.

    Qiao Dongliang understood Qiao Nan¡¯s dilemma. ¡°Nan Nan, try it. I spent a lot of time making it. I understand if you don¡¯t feel good about it. But there¡¯s no need to be so stubborn about it. After Zijin married Chen Jun, have you ever seen her earn a single cent for herself? She only has money now because your mom used your sry to buy her that house. Her money is yours. There¡¯s no need to feel bad about using whatever she buys because everything has been bought with your own money.¡±

    No matter how he looked at it, Nan Nan owed Zijin nothing. Only Zijin owed Nan Nan so much that she would never be able to repay her in this lifetime.

    Qiao Nan wiped her mouth. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t overthink it. My mother-inw made soup today as well and it hasn¡¯t been long since I drank it. My stomach is full of water now. If this soup wasn¡¯t made by you, I wouldn¡¯t even have taken a sip. I just didn¡¯t want to let your efforts go to waste. I¡¯m really full. I can¡¯t stomach any more. The doctor said that I¡¯m too well-nourished and that won¡¯t do either. I have to pay more attention to what I eat.¡±

    That was what she said, and it was logical, but the truth was that she despised Qiao Zijin. Perhaps, it was because she was pregnant that Qiao Nan found herself much pettier. Because she knew the kind of person Qiao Zijin was, it would make absolutely no difference to her decision to help Qiao Zijin whether she drank this soup or not. Neither was she going to let Qiao Zijin off easily just because of a bowl of soup. Upon hearing that Qiao Zijin had bought this hen specially for her, she had really lost all appetite.

    ¡°Dad, Nan Nan is right.¡± Zhai Sheng stood on Qiao Nan¡¯s side unconditionally. Besides, it was true that the Zhai family had just sent some soup over earlier that day.

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t drink it if you don¡¯t want to. It¡¯s more important for you to be in a good mood.¡± He had not expected Nan Nan to be so against Zijin. Yesterday, it made sense for Nan Nan to have not eaten the watermelon that Zijin had bought. But her attitude had remained the same toward today¡¯s chicken soup.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng saw Qiao Nan frowning immediately after he put the soup back.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s my stomach hurting, or my hips hurting.¡± After taking a sip of that chicken soup, Qiao Nan felt flustered and disgusted. That taste made Qiao Nan feel ufortable in all sorts of ways.

    Qiao Nan guessed that it was the psychological impact of hating Qiao Zijin. Because she hated Qiao Zijin, she disliked everything rted to her. Because she had drunk Qiao Zijin¡¯s soup, her body was starting to act up.

    ¡°Where exactly is the pain?¡± Qiao Nan did not take this change to heart, but Zhai Sheng did. ¡°Feel it again. Is it your stomach that¡¯s hurting?¡±

    As he said that, Zhai Sheng nced at the sk of chicken soup in disdain. Even a normal person would know not to do anything to that soup. The problem was that it was Qiao Zijin they were talking about. Qiao Zijin was someone whom one could never figure out based onmon sense or logic.

    What if Qiao Zijin had indeed been stupid enough to do something to the soup? What would they do? Zhai Sheng was on the verge of calling the doctor over to check on whether there was something wrong with the soup.

    Qiao Dongliang felt as though someone had struck him with a baseball bat. ¡°That-that can¡¯t be, right?¡± Nan Nan had only started feeling unwell after drinking his soup. Did that mean that something was wrong with the soup that he had brought over? Thinking of that possibility, Qiao Dongliang felt slightly guilty. Although he had made the soup himself, Qiao Zijin had bought the chicken, after all. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be. I watched over the soup myself the entire time. Zijin didn¡¯t even get close to it.¡±

    If Zijin had indeed been so bold as to do something to the chicken soup, he would break her leg, even if she was his own daughter. Did she really have to go so far?

    Qiao Dongliang rushed out into the corridor to call for the doctors and nurses. ¡°Zhai Sheng, let¡¯s not scare ourselves. Nan Nan, where does it hurt?¡± Although he said that, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s face was already drained of all color. A more careful look would reveal that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s hands were already trembling.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Amongst the three of them, Qiao Nan was the calmest. ¡°It¡¯s normal to have stomachaches. This isn¡¯t the first time. Give me a while. The pain will subside.¡±

    At times, the three babies started kicking each other and moving around, causing Qiao Nan to feel pain. As the children grew bigger, they obviously grew stronger as well. When they moved, Qiao Nan could feel it more strongly.

 Chapter 2175

    <h4>Chapter 2175: The Situation Doesn¡¯t Look Good</h4>

    These sensations usually didn¡¯tst for very long. After a while, the pain would naturally subside.

    After about ten minutes, Qiao Nan¡¯s expression finally improved. ¡°Look, I¡¯m alright.¡±

    At this time, the doctors and nurses were already by Qiao Nan¡¯s side to give her a physical examination. ¡°Does it really not hurt anymore? Do you have any other pains?¡± Actually, the doctors and nurses in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital were quite busy. They could not afford to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side to take care of her all the time.

    If something really happened to Qiao Nan, they would have to act immediately. If there was nothing wrong with Qiao Nan, the doctors and nurses would naturally leave to take care of other patients.

    It wasn¡¯t particrlyfortable when the doctorid his icy-cold hands on her stomach, but Qiao Nan knew that the doctor was trying to determine whether she was about to go intobor. However, it wasn¡¯t easy to determine that either, unless her water bag burst. She was only eight and a half months pregnant. In normal circumstances, she should not be giving birth so early.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine now,¡± Qiao Nan answered honestly.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The doctor sighed in relief. ¡°She¡¯s already eight and a half months pregnant. Given that she¡¯s pregnant with multiple babies, and given her age, you¡¯ll have to pay closer attention to her. It hasn¡¯t been easy for her to carry the children until now. Don¡¯t hesitate to let us know if anything happens. I¡¯ve said that we cannot let our guards down now. If anything happens to the patient, we¡¯ll have to help the three children leave the mother¡¯s body immediately even if there are no signs ofbor.¡±

    There were no signs of the children being born prematurely, but the problemy with the patient¡¯s age and physical condition. If her body could no longer support the growth of the three children, she might experience symptoms like a sudden increase in blood pressure, dizziness, or even shock.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will.¡± Only after hearing the doctor¡¯s words could Zhai Sheng and Qiao Dongliang rest assured. The only thing Qiao Dongliang was thankful for was that Qiao Nan¡¯s sudden pains had nothing to do with his chicken soup.

    But after this scare, and thinking about how much Qiao Nan hated Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang told himself that he would never use anything his elder daughter bought to make anything for his younger daughter. It was not as though he had no money. His elder daughter might not have poisoned the soup this time, but that didn¡¯t mean that she would never do it.

    He had been too foolish. How could he have been so careless about something meant for Nan Nan? Zhai Sheng had been so anxious earlier. If anything were to happen to Nan Nan or the children, Zhai Sheng would probably deal with him himself even if he was Zhai Sheng¡¯s father-inw.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, why don¡¯t we take turns apanying Nan Nan? You¡¯re always by Nan Nan¡¯s side, but there will be times you can¡¯t be here. What if you get too tired and fall asleep? I¡¯m not saying that you haven¡¯t done enough for Nan Nan. I used to be in the military too. I know how much soldiers can endure. The problem is that Nan Nan isn¡¯t young anymore, and neither are you. No matter what you do, you have to think about your health. If you overdo it now, how will you take care of Nan Nan and the three children in the future?¡±

    Apart from Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was definitely the most tired and the one who had it the hardest. Qiao Dongliang was naturally d that his son-inw treated his daughter so well. Since his son-inw cherished his daughter so much, he would take care of him on her behalf. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If we really take turns, I¡¯ll take good care of her myself. I won¡¯t let anyone in to visit Nan Nan.¡±

    Just a mouthful of soup had scared Qiao Dongliang out of his wits. Of course, Qiao Dongliang had no intention of ever letting Qiao Zijin participate in something as important as taking care of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Sheng considered Qiao Dongliang¡¯s suggestion carefully. It had been better earlier when he had still gotten some time to rest. But with what the doctor said earlier, he would have to be on his guard and by Qiao Nan¡¯s side all the time. It would definitely be difficult for him to take care of Qiao Nan alone.

    Before Zhai Sheng could answer, Qiao Dongliang spoke again. ¡°Why don¡¯t I take care of Nan Nan in the morning, while you take care of her in the night? I¡¯m old and I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll be able to pull through the nights as well as I did in my younger days. But I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be fine in the morning.¡± Qiao Dongliang dared not make any promises he could not keep.

    It didn¡¯t matter if it was embarrassing if he were to break his promise, but Qiao Dongliang felt that he might lose the will to live if something were to happen to Qiao Nan because of that.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed. Given the Zhai family¡¯s background, they could just employ someone to watch over Qiao Nan. But Qiao Nan was too important and he didn¡¯t feelfortable leaving her in the hands of an outsider. Qiao Dongliang might be a little muddleheaded, but as a father, he wasn¡¯t like Ding Jiayi. He would never do something for the sake of one daughter and let the other die.

    As such, Zhai Sheng was still willing to entrust Qiao Nan to Qiao Dongliang.

    Perhaps, it was because they knew of their father¡¯s and grandfather¡¯s difficulties that they decided that they were going to meet the world and their family very soon.

    The longer the duration of the pregnancy, the more obvious false uterine contractions were. Qiao Nan had already gotten used to these sudden bouts of pain. The three children were never a burden to Qiao Nan, but this pain was indeed slightly unbearable for her.

    No one but Qiao Nan could understand the difort she faced every day. Neither Zhai Sheng nor Qiao Dongliang could experience it, while Qiao Nan had too many experiences with it and had already be used to it. As such, she did not take it to heart.

    But the pain that Qiao Nan had be used to had not subsided and had, in fact, worsened and be more obvious. Qiao Nan felt that something was amiss and her face paled. ¡°Brother Zhai,e over.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhai Sheng was in the midst of discussing the schedule with Qiao Dongliang but he rushed over immediately as soon as he heard Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Brother Zhai, my lower body feels a little numb. Can you help me massage it?¡±

    ¡°Are you having a cramp in your foot again?¡± Zhai Sheng was always the one who massaged Qiao Nan¡¯s foot every time she got a cramp. Although Qiao Dongliang was around, Zhai Sheng lifted the nket slightly to massage her foot. But Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze suddenly sharpened. ¡°Nan Nan, is your stomach hurting again?¡±

 Chapter 2176

    <h4>Chapter 2176: The Triplets Are Here</h4>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan gave a curt reply. Because of the intermittent cramps in her stomach, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t even think about the pain in her leg. She had taken a while to realize that the pain in her stomach was intensifying and that her lower body seemed to have lost all sensation.

    Zhai Sheng took a deep breath. ¡°Dad, get the doctor over. Nan Nan¡¯s condition doesn¡¯t look good. She might be going intobor.¡±

    Qiao Nan had already bled once, and the doctor had told the Zhai family that bleeding was not a good sign. They had managed to stabilize Qiao Nan¡¯s condition the first time, but they had to keep their eye on Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan were to bleed again, that might mean that she was going into prematurebor.

    Zhai Sheng dared not forget even a single word that the doctor had said when Qiao Nan had just been admitted. As such, when Qiao Nan¡¯s pants turned red, Zhai Sheng instinctively knew that the situation that the doctor had described earlier had urred.

    ¡°Oh, oh¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyesight might have deteriorated over the years, but he was neither color-blind nor blind. Qiao Dongliang had spotted that bright red color too! As he walked out to call for the doctors, Qiao Dongliang felt as though his legs were as soft as noodles. ¡°Doctor! Nurse!¡±

    Upon learning of Qiao Nan¡¯s condition, the doctor rushed over. Not only did she check on whether Qiao Nan was bleeding but also Qiao Nan¡¯s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. ¡°The patient¡¯s condition is not very good. We have to send her in for a cesarean section immediately. Otherwise, both the mother and children will be in danger.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s vital signs were obviously out of the normal range.

    Qiao Nan bleeding again went to show that the children couldn¡¯t stay in Qiao Nan¡¯s womb any longer.

    After confirming Qiao Nan¡¯s condition, the doctor and nurses rushed Qiao Nan into the operating theatre. ¡°You¡¯re the patient¡¯s husband. You have to sign the consent form for the patient to undergo a cesarean section.¡± This was a standard procedure that everyone was subjected to.

    ¡°Alright.¡± This was the first time Zhai Sheng had written his name so untidily. His strokes were all crooked and twisted like earthworms. ¡°If-if anything goes wrong, please remember to save the adult. The adult is most important.¡±

    Qiao Nan was already bleeding but had not even noticed it. All she had said was that she felt a little numb in her lower body. Zhai Sheng was unsure about how bad Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was. But if he had to choose between the adult and the children, he would much rather pick the adult than the children. After all, he had always felt that his life would be the same with or without children before he had gotten married.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The nurse had heard many families choosing the child over the mother. As such, she was rather touched and envious that Qiao Nan married such a good man when she heard his decision. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Our doctors will do their best.¡± Then, the nurse entered the operation theatre holding that consent form.

    Qiao Dongliang could hardly support himself and had only prevented himself from falling by leaning against the wall. Seeing Qiao Dongliang in such a state, Zhai Sheng helped Qiao Dongliang take a seat. Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath in, his hand trying to suppress his trembling leg. ¡°Nan Nan is inbor. Should you let your parents know?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for a while more.¡± Zhai Sheng knew how expectant his parents were of the three children. If they had to choose to save the adult instead of the children, he hoped that his parents would only learn of that afterward so that they would be less hurt.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s just wait here.¡± Without the Zhai family saying a word, Qiao Dongliang knew that he could never let Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin know about this situation. As such, he simply sat there, praying silently.

    The father-inw and son-inw waited outside the operation theatre in silence, not even blinking once.

    After some time, or what seemed like an eternity to Qiao Dongliang and Zhai Sheng, they heard a baby¡¯s cry from the operation theatre.

    In that moment, Qiao Dongliang could not help but sob along with the child. ¡°How-how about the other two?¡± It didn¡¯t seem like having more children was truly a blessing at such a time.

    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡± Zhai Shengforted Qiao Dongliang, but perhaps, it was also to reassure himself. Even after hearing the first cry, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t rx. Unless the doctor personally told him that all four of them were safe, he¡­

    Thankfully, the three children weren¡¯t naughty ones who liked to torture their elders. The moment the first cry subsided, two other tender cries rang out almost simultaneously.

    ¡°Nurse, how¡¯s my daughter? How are the children?¡± Seeing the nurse emerge, Qiao Dongliang rushed forward. Zhai Sheng had not spoken but his concerns were exactly the same.

    ¡°Congrattions, all three children were born safely. There aren¡¯t any major problems with the patient, but she¡¯ll be weaker than an average patient. You¡¯ll have to take good care of her from now on. She should being out soon.¡± The nurse could not help but smile upon seeing that all four of them were safe. ¡°Oh right, out of the three children, two of them are boys, and one of them is a girl. Your family has good fortune, indeed. You guys have both sons and a daughter!¡±

    ¡°Thank God!¡± Qiao Dongliang regained his senses. His entire face was wet with tears. ¡°How are my three grandchildren?¡± They hadn¡¯t stayed within Qiao Nan¡¯s womb for nine months. As such, Qiao Dongliang had started to worry about them before even Qiao Nan could do so.

    ¡°The doctor has already checked on the three children. Their organs are well-developed and I¡¯m sure you heard the cries earlier. Amongst all the multiple births we¡¯ve had, your family¡¯s babies have the loudest cries. They might be a little lighter than average, but they¡¯ll grow up healthily and normally as long as you take good care of them.¡±

    The heaviest among the three children was only 2.4 kilograms, while the others were slightly short of that. They were quite a fair bit lighter than an average baby of 3 kilograms. But that was how it was with multiple births. There usually weren¡¯t any especially heavy ones. 2.4 kilograms was eptable. After all, the lightest baby the nurse had ever seen had weighed only about 1 kilogram. That tender red ball had resembled a newborn kitten.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you!¡± Qiao Dongliang wiped away his tears. He had three grandchildren. Three grandchildren!

    Zhai Sheng had remained silent all along, not because he didn¡¯t want to say anything but because he didn¡¯t know what to say. There were some things that he wished to only experience once in his life. If he had known that giving birth was such a dangerous event for women, Zhai Sheng would have adopted a child from the orphanage instead of letting Qiao Nan risk her life to give birth to these three children. He would never let this happen again!

 Chapter 2177

    <h4>Chapter 2177: Really Dangerous</h4>

    ¡°It has been tough on you, doctor.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was pushed out with a pale-face look and she seemed to be still asleep, Zhai Sheng was grateful to the doctor that performed the operation on her today.

    The doctor removed his mask. ¡°During the operation, her blood pressure increased and her heartbeat became irregr. The situation wasn¡¯t looking optimistic. The operation was sessful, but in the next twenty-four hours, you have to pay more attention to her. I¡¯ve already told this to the nurses and they will be taking care of her more.¡±

    No one could tell what would happen after an operation.

    After knowing whose daughter-inw Qiao Nan was and what a big shot her husband was, the doctor didn¡¯t want to recall the abnormalities that appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s body during the operation. It was really stressful for him to have undergone that.

    ¡°Alright, doctor. I understand.¡± Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t expect that following the birth of the triplets, Qiao Nan¡¯s condition still wasn¡¯t stable yet. Suppressing the fear in his heart, Zhai Sheng took out his mobile and called home. ¡°Hello, Mom. It¡¯s me. Don¡¯t be anxious. It¡¯s not that something happened to Nan Nan, but Nan Nan has given birth. She has given birth to the triplets. Yes, you can decide for yourself what needs to be done.¡±

    Upon hearing that her daughter-inw had given birth to three grandchildren safely, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t wait for a pair of wings to be on her back so that she could fly to the hospital. ¡°Hurry up! Nan Nan has given birth! No, I must go to the hospital immediately to see her and our three darling grandchildren. Oh, right. Auntie, hurry to the market and see if there¡¯s any fish or soup. We must have sufficient supplies at home. Remember to buy wild fish, and pick those bigger ones.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The auntie was surprised as well. Even though she knew that Qiao Nan was going to give birth prematurely, who would have expected that it would be today? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve alreadymunicated this to a friend of mine. He has fresh wild ck fish. I¡¯ll go pick them up now.¡±

    After handing over all the family matters to the auntie, Miao Jing pulled Zhai Yaohui and rushed to the hospital. ¡°Zhai Sheng, where¡¯s Nan Nan? Where¡¯re the children?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan is resting. The children are naturally in the nursery room.¡± After the operation ended, Zhai Sheng hadn¡¯t visited the children yet. He was guarding Qiao Nan and refused to leave. As for Qiao Dongliang, with Zhai Sheng around for Qiao Nan, he naturally went to guard his three grandchildren with ease. Qiao Dongliang shared that in the past, he often saw the news saying that someone had carried away the wrong child or had lost them.

    To be on the safe side, he had to personally look after his three grandchildren!

    Once Miao Jing heard that the three grandchildren were in the nursery room, her eyes shone and she rushed over. Compared to the excited Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui seemed calmer. ¡°Are Qiao Nan and the three children alright?¡±

    ¡°The doctor said that aside from the children being lighter in weight, they are alright. Nan Nan¡­ There were some problems during the operation, so she has to be under observation for twenty-four hours. Dad, you and Mom might have to take care of the triplets more in the future.¡± After giving birth, Nan Nan might not be able to take care of three children at the same time.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes shed and his shoulders copsed slightly. The situation that he least wanted to happen eventually happened. Qiao Nan was a geriatric pregnant woman to begin with. She even gave birth to triplets. If¡­ Zhai Yaohui knew that from a rational point of view, it would undoubtedly be best for Qiao Nan, who was pregnant with triplets, not to have given birth if she was suitable for an abortion.

    It was just that Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t think as much as Miao Jing and his mindset was still more traditional. Regardless of whether it was a boy or a girl, Zhai Sheng still needed to have a child with his blood.

    Everyone had their selfish moments. Zhai Yaohui was no exception.

    Seeing that his son was nervous, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t tell if his insistence back then was correct or not. Thankfully, the three children were safe. Qiao Nan¡­ He believed that after bing the mother of these three children, the resilient Qiao Nan would only be stronger than before. She wouldn¡¯t leave her three newborns behind. ¡°We should believe in Qiao Nan. Nothing will happen to her. The triplets need their parents, especially their mother.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes looked a little cold. ¡°Yes, nothing will happen to Nan Nan. We only appeared in each other¡¯s lives after beingte for so many years. In the years toe, both of us wouldn¡¯t miss out on each other. When Nan Nan was pushed in, I told the doctor to safeguard the adult instead of the children if anything were to happen. Dad, this is the first time, and it will also be thest.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew how much Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were looking forward to seeing the children. Of course, if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t insist on the children herself, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t have let her give birth for Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing alone. In this family, it seemed that he, as the father, was the only one who wasn¡¯t particrly looking forward to the arrival of the children. As he was outnumbered, he could naturally only obey the majority rule.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t expect the only time he was indulgent to have caused such huge damage. Really, it was enough to feel this amount of worry and fear once. He wasn¡¯t going to let this happen again.

    Hearing how distant Zhai Sheng¡¯s tone was, Zhai Yaohui felt sour in his heart. Wasn¡¯t his grandson Zhai Sheng¡¯s son? Didn¡¯t he and Miao Miao care so much for Zhai Sheng as well?

    It was just that Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t say these words out. He pped Zhai Sheng¡¯s back and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this nonsense? Even if the country opens up a second-child policy, you and Nan Nan already have three children. What else do you want? Stop being a soldier?¡±

    This one time was already so breath-taking. Another time? Zhai Yaohui really wanted to say that he wasn¡¯t certain if he still had the lifespan to wait for that day to happen. Anyway, his courage wouldn¡¯t allow him to experience this again.

    After Zhai Yaohui arrived at the nursery room, unlike Miao Jing and Qiao Dongliang who kept staring at andplimenting their three grandchildren, he stood silently beside Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing smiled and turned to look at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Old Zhai, look. These three cutest children belong to our family. Aren¡¯t they good-looking?¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°Miao Miao, I wasn¡¯t by your side when you gave birth to Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng back then. It has been tough on you.¡±

    Seeing how tough and dangerous it had been for Qiao Nan, it didn¡¯t mean that the Miao Jing who was leading a good life now had a safe and sessful delivery of her second child back then. It was unknown to Zhai Yaohui, who had been away from home back then, if Miao Jing had encountered a dangerous situation or been in pain.

    Miao Jing blushed. ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m asking now if our three grandchildren are good-looking.¡±

    When she was giving birth to Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng? Miao Jing almost had no impression of it.

 Chapter 2178

    <h4>Chapter 2178: ¡°Good-Looking¡±</h4>

    She only had a faint impression of it. When she was carrying her first child, she ate too well, causing Zhai Hua to grow big in her stomach. She only gave birth to her after a long time. After having the experience of the first child, Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare to nourish herself that well anymore when she was pregnant with Zhai Sheng. Indeed, the process of giving birth to Zhai Sheng was much smoother.

    Since Miao Jing didn¡¯t want to mention it and Old Master Zhai, who knew what happened back then, was no longer around, Zhai Yaohui naturally couldn¡¯t get his answer. Seeing that Miao Jing was staring at the triplets so diligently, Zhai Yaohui looked over as well. He saw for himself three red and wrinkly children who liked to curl up and sleep like a mouse. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s lips twitched and he said against his conscience, ¡°Pretty¡­ pretty good-looking.¡±

    If he didn¡¯t remember wrongly, Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were both fair-skinned and chubby when they were young, like round steamed buns. Could it be that his grandchildren looked so ugly because they were triplets?

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want to think of Ding Jiayi at this time. This was because when Ding Jiayi gave birth to their first child, Qiao Zijin, back then, she washed her face with tears every day and said that she was a letdown for not having given birth to a son. When she gave birth to their second child, Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t wait to leave her alone. She didn¡¯t even want to breastfeed Qiao Nan. If not for milk powder being too expensive back then and it wasn¡¯t as economical as breast milk, Qiao Dongliang felt that Ding Jiayi might not be willing to even hug Qiao Nan.

    They were all men. Miao Jing didn¡¯t understand the doubt in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes but Qiao Dongliang did. ¡°Children are like that when they were just born. One or two monthster after they are well-fed, they will look good. The skin of newborns is redder. A few dayster, they would be more fair-skinned. When Nan Nan was born, she was like that as well.¡±

    Look at how fair-skinned Nan Nan was now. On the contrary, when Zijin was born, she wasn¡¯t that red. When she grew up, she wasn¡¯t as fair-skinned as Nan Nan.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The redder the skin of the newborn, the more fair-skinned they would be when they grow up. The skin of our three grandchildren is so red. They would definitely look as good as their mom when they grow up. Old Zhai, these two are our precious grandsons and this one is our precious granddaughter.¡± If not for the three grandchildren had to be ced in the nursery room and parents couldn¡¯t walk around, how could she bear to let them be inside? After waiting for so many years, she couldn¡¯t wait to carry them.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zhai Yaohui was really unsure about this. ¡°Then, they would definitely be good-looking in the future.¡± The genes were there. The people of the Zhai family were always tall. Qiao Nan was good-looking as well. As the children of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, they would definitely not look much worse in the future.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what had happened after giving birth. Before she fainted, she only faintly heard the cries of the babies. Then, she lost consciousness. When Qiao Nan woke up, it was already the next day. She couldn¡¯t help but frown at the pain in her stomach.

    Zhai Sheng was naturally the first to realize that she had moved. ¡°Nan Nan, how are you? Do you feel ufortable anywhere?¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan finally woke up, Zhai Sheng heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, after Nan Nan was pushed out of the operating theatre, aside from being unconscious, everything else was normal.

    ¡°Hiss¡­¡± Qiao Nan sucked in a breath of cold air. Compared to her dream, she suffered an extra knife to the stomach. It must be ufortable. ¡°My stomach hurts a little. The anesthetic has passed, so the pain is inevitable. Where are the children? There¡¯re three of them, right? Is it two sons and one daughter?¡± In this lifetime, she fainted before learning about her children¡¯s gender.

    However, Qiao Nan believed that since she had given birth to three children, they must be the cute triplets in her dream.

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Sheng hesitated for a while. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know because she had fainted. Zhai Sheng ced all his attention on Qiao Nan. As such, he was really unsure if their children were two boys and one girl.

    ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Thankfully, Miao Jing appeared at the right time and helped Zhai Sheng out. ¡°Nan Nan, you didn¡¯t see how good-looking they are. When the nurse gave them a bath, I saw it. They cried as loudly as other children. One look at them and it was obvious they are healthy. A lot of people said that you could really give birth as the triplets were born so healthily.¡±

    After knowing that the lightest child weighed about a kilogram, which was half the weight of their grandson, Miao Jing once again expressed that Qiao Nan was formidable. Perhaps, women who were mothers were powerful.

    Their Zhai family had grandchildren. Three grandchildren. In the past, she didn¡¯t care about other people¡¯s children. Now, there was even less need for her to be envious. She had three grandchildren.

    Qiao Nan smiled. She and Zhai Sheng hadn¡¯t changed. Thus, the triplets hadn¡¯t changed either. Such a feeling was great. ¡°Mom, are the three children well?¡±

    ¡°Yes, extremely well.¡± Nothing was better than this. ¡°Nan Nan, since you¡¯re awake, drink some soup. It has been tough on you this time around. We must nourish your body well. After giving birth, you¡¯ve lost the flesh on your body and be so skinny. It will be even tougher for you to take care of the triplets in the future. This wouldn¡¯t do. Don¡¯t worry. During your confinement period, the auntie and I will think of ways so that you be chubby. Oh, right. You gave birth to triplets. I asked the doctor and it¡¯s safer for you to undergo two months of confinement instead.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy to give birth to triplets.

    It was best to recuperate one¡¯s body through the confinement period.

    It had been tiring this time around. One naturally had to be more attentive toward Qiao Nan¡¯s confinementpared to other pregnant women¡¯s. Miao Jing specially approached the doctor for aplete recipe list. It was stated clearly what was good for mother and child, what was suitable for a woman in confinement to eat, and how to prepare these items. This allowed the Zhai family to take good care of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Two months of confinement?¡± Qiao Nan, who already had the confinement experience once, more or less closed off her heart to this. ¡°There¡¯s no need for two months. Forty days should be sufficient.¡± In her dream, it seemed that she had to undergo two months of confinement as well.

    In her dream, Qiao Nan gave birth to the triplets in summer. It was conceivable how terrible it was to undergo confinement in summer. Now, Qiao Nan had to undergo confinement in winter. It didn¡¯t seem as bad as her dream. However, it was still ufortable to be in confinement. After suffering such a ¡®sin¡¯ once, Qiao Nan felt that it was good to save as many days as possible from confinement. If thirty days were too little, then let it be forty days. Anyway, she couldn¡¯t stand sixty days.

 Chapter 2179

    <h4>Chapter 2179: All Alike</h4>

    ¡°Forty days is fine too.¡± Zhai Sheng naturally had some understanding of this, so he felt that it wouldn¡¯t be too short for Qiao Nan to have a confinement period of forty days.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Since the couple wasn¡¯t willing for Qiao Nan to go through two months of confinement, Miao Jing relented since she already had her grandchildren. ¡°Nan Nan, you haven¡¯t seen the triplets, right? The nurse will bring them over soon. From today on, we¡¯ll definitely nourish all four of you well so that you¡¯ll all gain some weight!¡±

    Miao Jing had only one thought in her mind, and that was to feed them well. She had set her mind to fattening all four of them up, especially the three children. If the three children weren¡¯t fat in their infancy, when else would they get fat?

    ¡°Alright.¡± At the mention of her children, Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes twinkled. If possible, she wanted to meet them right now, hug them, and kiss them. She had waited a long time for this day toe. It hadn¡¯t been easy either.

    After waking up from her dream, apart from missing her husband, Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan felt pangs of pain every time she thought about the triplets. That was a mom¡¯s heart. Staying apart from Zhai Sheng was already painful enough, but thinking about how she might never have the fate to meet her intelligent and outstanding children again in this lifetime, Qiao Nan felt as though she was going to die when she had first awoken.

    If not for that broken heart, Qiao Nan would never have traveled all the way to Qingshui Town in a bid to heal her wounds.

    Thankfully, everything had gone well, and their family of five had finally reunited!

    Just as they finished their conversation, the nurse entered with the three children. ¡°Congrattions. Take a look at your three babies. Would you like to carry the elder brothers or the younger sister first?¡±

    ¡°Give me the younger sister first.¡± Qiao Nan chose San Bao without any hesitation. As she carried the small and tender San Bao in her arms, tears welled up in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. Her San Bao¡­ Her princess was finally back. ¡°Mom, shall we give the three children nicknames of Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao?¡± Since they were still her same three children, Qiao Nan had no intention of changing their nicknames.

    ¡°Alright, alright. That sounds good. Aren¡¯t these three babies our family¡¯s most precious three babies? There aren¡¯t any other nicknames that are more affectionate!¡± Miao Jing dared not rebuke Qiao Nan, and she even called out the children¡¯s nicknames affectionately. ¡°Do you and Zhai Sheng have any ideas for the children¡¯s official names?¡±

    Old Zhai had been flipping through the dictionary since the previous day, pondering over the names of the three children. But Qiao Nan had been the one to give birth to them, after all. If Qiao Nan had already named the children, Old Zhai would have no chance of using those names he had picked out.

    As shended a tender kiss on her daughter¡¯s forehead, San Bao moved slightly in her sleep, seeming to know that she was in her mother¡¯s embrace. She slept especially peacefully, with no signs of waking up. Qiao Nan looked up toward Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, how about you?¡±

    In her dream, her father-inw had given her three children their names, and she had been rather pleased with them. In this lifetime, she was willing to hand this important task to her father-inw once again.

    ¡°Anything¡¯s fine.¡± Zhai Sheng stroked San Bao¡¯s head through a cloth. He knew that the children were still young and could not be touched. He was also afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to control his strength and would cause difort to the children. Zhai Sheng dared not carry his children, much less touch them. When the nurse had tried to hand him Da Bao, Zhai Sheng had simply moved away for Miao Jing to take over.

    As such, only Er Bao was left in the nurse¡¯s arms. After giving it some thought, she decided to ce Er Bao on Qiao Nan¡¯s bed so that he would be close to his mother. Otherwise, both the eldest brother and younger sister were being carried while he would be the only one in an outsider¡¯s arms. How aggrieved he would feel!

    They were all her children, and Qiao Nan loved them all the same. Once Er Bao was ced by her side, Qiao Nan decided to ce San Bao down as well to let the siblings lie beside each other. Qiao Nan gazed at them, stroking them, feeling as though she didn¡¯t have enough hands to do what she wanted. ¡°Brother Zhai, our three children have grown so well!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Sheng remained silent for a moment, his gaze as confused as Zhai Yaohui¡¯s the previous day. Over the night, all that had been done was clean the children up slightly. They were still as red and wrinkly. Zhai Sheng dared not get close to those tiny babies. Zhai Sheng had no idea what Qiao Nan was talking about. Their three children looked exactly like tiny animal cubs. How had they grown well?

    From an emotional standpoint, it was obvious that one¡¯s own children would always be the best in the world. But after being scared by Qiao Nan¡¯s near-death encounter, Zhai Sheng felt that he was still unqualified as a good father, and that logic still ruled over him. If not for how Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were full of praise and ttery for the three children, Zhai Sheng would probably have asked which part of the children actually looked good.

    Having two sons and a daughter was not bad indeed.

    A man couldn¡¯t depend on his looks, especially one from the Zhai family. He would have to rely on his own strength. So, it wouldn¡¯t really matter even if he was really ugly. As for his only princess, it wouldn¡¯t matter if she wasn¡¯t especially pretty either since her two elder brothers would take care of her.

    Besides, there was also their aunt, Zhai Hua, as an example. Zhai Hua had had poor judgment and had gotten married, missing out on Tian Dong. Zhai Sheng believed that his daughter with Qiao Nan would never be worse off than Zhai Hua. At the very least, San Bao should at least meet a manparable to Tian Dong.

    With him around, he would never let San Baomit the same mistake as Zhai Hua. He would never let her give up a good man only to marry a bastard and get so hurt in the process.

    ¡°They look pretty good. Like you¡­ Like me¡­¡± Knowing that women cared most about appearances, Zhai Sheng had intended to praise the three children. That was why he said that they resembled Qiao Nan. The problem was that the children did not look good at all at the moment, and Zhai Sheng was afraid that Qiao Nan would get mad at him for saying that they resembled her.

    What he meant was that the children¡¯s good features came from Qiao Nan, while their uglier ones were his problem.

    Thankfully, no one else knew Zhai Sheng¡¯s true thoughts. They simply thought that Zhai Sheng was too emotional as a first-time father, so his speech was a little strange. In Qiao Nan¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s eyes, Zhai Sheng¡¯s words meant that the three children looked good because they resembled both Qiao Nan and their father.

 Chapter 2180

    <h4>Chapter 2180: Where To?</h4>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Miao Jing grinned widely as she carried her eldest grandson. ¡°Our triplets are really so handsome and beautiful. They¡¯ve inherited the good features from both their parents. I can imagine how many people will chase our three children in the future.¡± She could not bear to put down Da Bao, who felt so tender and soft in her arms.

    But Er Bao and San Bao were already lying by Qiao Nan¡¯s side. Not wanting her eldest grandson to feel ¡®left out¡¯, and wanting the three children to share a good rtionship with each other, she could not possibly not let the three children spend time together by their mother¡¯s side. As soon as sheid the three children side by side, Miao Jing¡¯s heart melted into a puddle. ¡°Our three children are really beautiful!¡±

    Zhai Sheng took another closer look at his sons and daughter, replying with an insincere hum. Zhai Sheng knew that Miao Jing thought that her grandchildren were the best and probably saw them through rose-tinted lenses. Only in a month¡¯s time when the children grew a little older and gained some weight would Zhai Sheng be able to tell whether his mom and Qiao Nan were right and whether their three children were indeed more beautiful and attractive than other children.

    Zhai Sheng was amazed at how children could grow from being ugly to good-looking in just a month¡¯s time.

    ¡°Dad, why are you making fish soup instead? Isn¡¯t it still a little early?¡± On the other hand, Qiao Zijin thought that it was extremely strange that Qiao Dongliang had started making all sorts of fish soup instead. As a mother, Qiao Zijin naturally knew what fish soup was for. It was good for women to drink fish soup after giving birth so that they would have an abundance of breast milk. It was just that Qiao Nan had not even given birth yet. Wasn¡¯t it too early to be making fish soup for Qiao Nan? Besides, if Qiao Nan were to really give birth, she should die right after giving birth. In that case, she wouldn¡¯t even get a chance to drink this fish soup. Her dad was wasting his time and effort making this fish soup.

    Qiao Dongliang poured the soup out carefully before cing on the lid. Having learned from yesterday, he dared not use a single ingredient that Qiao Zijin had bought. While boiling the soup, he dared not even take a step away from the kitchen. Thankfully, Qiao Zijin had no intention of entering the kitchen either. Because he had overseen the entire process, Qiao Dongliang felt reassured about this sk of fish soup.

    Yesterday, Qiao Nan had started bleeding after just a mouthful of chicken soup and had been forced to undergo a cesarean section. It had almost scared Qiao Dongliang out of his wits. Regardless of whether there had been anything wrong with that soup, Qiao Nan could not afford to touch anything from Qiao Zijin. How could it be so coincidental that Qiao Nan had started bleeding after taking just a sip of chicken soup made from the chicken that Qiao Zijin had bought?

    He put the lid on tightly. At the thought of the three rascals in the hospital, Qiao Dongliang could not help but let out a warm smile. ¡°It isn¡¯t early anymore. I¡¯d better bring this to Nan Nan now. She should be awake, right?¡± As he thought about that, he whipped out his phone to have a look.

    Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan needed someone by her side to take care of her all the time. Since Qiao Nan had already given birth, she only required one person to apany her. Qiao Dongliang had no intention to fight with Zhai Sheng for that role. But before leaving, he had instructed Zhai Sheng to let him know immediately once Qiao Nan awoke so that he wouldn¡¯t worry about her while he was at home.

    Upon checking his phone, he realized that Zhai Sheng had indeed sent a message an hour ago, reporting that Qiao Nan was doing fine. Thinking about the doctor¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang knew that Qiao Nan must have passed the critical stage and would be fine from now on.

    ¡°She¡¯s awake? What does that mean? What do you mean it¡¯s right for Qiao Nan to drink it now? Has she given birth?¡± Qiao Zijin was frantic about Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. If it wasn¡¯t prohibited, she would have installed a camera by Qiao Nan¡¯s bed to monitor her every move. Hearing that Qiao Dongliang had a different tone and air today aspared to yesterday, Qiao Zijin immediately sensed something amiss. ¡°Dad, be honest with me. Did Qiao Nan go intobor? When did she go intobor? Has she delivered yet? How¡¯s she doing after delivering the children?¡±

    Damn it¡­

    This was too early. How could she have given birth so early? She had not even gotten to do anything. Thankfully, her dad was still making soup for Qiao Nan. That meant that Qiao Nan was probably still alive even though she had already delivered. If Qiao Nan was really dead, she would have wasted all her effort and money! ¡°Dad, you¡¯re too much! How could you have kept it from me that Nan Nan has delivered? Did she give birth yesterday? How¡¯s Nan Nan? What did the doctor say? Is it not very optimistic?¡±

    That had to be the case. Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan courting death by giving birth to three children at once?

    That wouldn¡¯t do. She had to rush to the hospital and persuade Qiao Nan to ask Zhai Sheng to marry her while Qiao Nan was still alive. Opportunities nevere knocking on the door twice. She was in a race against time now. She had to persuade Qiao Nan before she took herst breath!

    At the thought of that, Qiao Zijin shot a whole bunch of questions at Qiao Dongliang and rushed out with her bag without even getting a clear answer from Qiao Dongliang. If she arrived at the hospital just a minute toote to find that Qiao Nan had passed away, she would have made a wasted trip to the capital. She couldn¡¯t afford to waste even a minute!

    ¡°Sigh, Zijin. Where are you going?¡± Qiao Dongliang was taken aback by how quickly Qiao Zijin ran off. She had never even run so quickly when participating in the eight-hundred-meter sprint in school in the past. But based on the questions that Zijin had been asking about Nan Nan, could it be that Zijin had rushed off to see Nan Nan in the hospital?

    That wouldn¡¯t do. Nan Nan had just awoken and needed to rest. That definitely would not happen with Zijin around. If Zijin made a fuss and caused a disruption in Nan Nan¡¯s confinement, Nan Nan might very well fall ill.

    With that in mind, Qiao Dongliang hailed a cab and rushed to the hospital with his freshly-made soup in hand.

    It was not the first time Qiao Zijin was visiting Qiao Nan, so she already knew which ward Qiao Nan was in. Of course, that made it a lot easier for her to find her way around.

    Qiao Zijin caught a nurse who had just arrived at work. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister. I heard that my younger sister gave birth yesterday. How¡¯s she doing?¡±

    It wouldn¡¯t have been easy for Qiao Nan to give birth to three children. Not only was she in danger herself, but the three children were also in danger! The only thing Qiao Zijin wanted to do was be a good stepmother, but she was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of three children at once. Taking care of just one child was difficult enough, much less when Qiao Nan had given birth to three at once.

 Chapter 2181

    <h4>Chapter 2181: Don¡¯t Be Agitated</h4>

    If Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t make it, and one or two children couldn¡¯t make it as well, her life in the future would really be easier.

    Seriously, the country was advocating for sound child-rearing now. How expensive was it to raise a child? It was good for her to give birth to Feng Feng alone. Was Qiao Nan a sow? She had given birth to triplets at once.

    ¡°Oh.¡± The nurse whom Qiao Zijin grabbed was initially shocked. Then, she calmed down quickly. ¡°The triplets were born safely. They are a little lighter, but they are healthy. As long as you take care of them more carefully in the future, they would grow like ordinary children.¡±

    Upon hearing the nurse¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin nearly couldn¡¯t help but pull her face down. She didn¡¯t understand it. Qiao Nan was close to forty years old and had given birth to triplets. How could these three children still be alive? The triplets would grow as healthy as ordinary children as long as the adults took care of them more carefully in the future? Then, what if they weren¡¯t careful enough? If something happened to one of the triplets, wouldn¡¯t it be the responsibility of the person who was taking care of the triplets?

    Upon thinking that she was going to take over Qiao Nan¡¯s position, marry Zhai Sheng, and be the stepmother of these three children, Qiao Zijin felt depressed. How much effort did she have to put into taking care of the triplets in the future? Was it considered careful only if she treated the triplets as her ancestors? If anything happened to them, she would even be the first person to take the rap.

    No, she still had to consider this situation carefully. She must tell Qiao Nan that the triplets weren¡¯t born as healthy as Feng Feng. If anything happened to one of the triplets in the future, she couldn¡¯t be med. She had to take care of three children alone. If she really did that, she might not even be able to raise a child up well. On the contrary, if she focused all her attention on one child, then she would definitely be able to raise this child well.

    Instead of risking all three children at once, she might as well just take good care of one of them. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t choose on behalf of Qiao Nan. They were Qiao Nan¡¯s children. She would take care of the child whom Qiao Nan chose.

    Yes, they would just do this. Giving up two to take care of one was better than losing all three. Qiao Nan would understand this.

    ¡°How about my sister?¡± She had already thought about how to take care of the triplets. Qiao Zijin was now concerned about Qiao Nan. If possible, Qiao Zijin wanted to ask more bluntly, ¡°How long more does Qiao Nan have to live? When will she die?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± The nurse hesitated. After the delivery of the children yesterday, she had knocked off work. As such, she didn¡¯t know about thetest situation of the mother. ¡°Not very good, but don¡¯t feel too negative. There are still a few hours left. She should¡­¡± Should be awake now?

    It was a pity that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t wait for the nurse to finish her words. She took off once she heard that Qiao Nan only had a few hours left. Qiao Zijin was extremely agitated. Qiao Nan was going to die. Qiao Nan was finally going to die. After Qiao Nan died, she could marry Zhai Sheng and be the chief¡¯s wife. Who was Chen Jun? So be it that they had gotten a divorce. That was nothing. Her mom was right. Her life was more valuable than Qiao Nan¡¯s and she was luckier than her. A blessing like the Zhai family was clearly prepared for her. So what if it was her second marriage? Based on her luck, she would just be luckier with each marriage!

    When she rushed into Qiao Nan¡¯s ward, aside from Qiao Nan, who was lying quietly on the bed, seemingly lifeless, there was coincidentally no one else in the room.

    Looking at Qiao Nan¡¯s pale look, split lips, and light breathing, Qiao Zijin¡¯s body trembled slightly. She took a deep breath and pinched the tender flesh of her thigh hard. She immediately burst into tears. ¡°Nan Nan, we just reconciled. Why did you¡­ Nan Nan, you had such a bitter life. The three children aren¡¯t any better. I really feel heartache for them.¡±

    As she said this, Qiao Zijin knelt next to Qiao Nan¡¯s bed. She was certain that the volume of her words would definitely wake Qiao Nan up. As such, she said, ¡°Nan Nan, the triplets were just born. They are still so young. They can¡¯t lose their mother or the care of their mother. Why is God so indifferent? He didn¡¯t even give you this opportunity. They are so cute. Why did they encounter such a thing?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was abruptly awakened by Qiao Zijin¡¯s crying, had two questions. What happened to her triplets? Did something terrible happen to them? In her dream, her triplets were always safe and no ident had happened.

    Upon thinking that she was forty years old when giving birth to the triplets, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but doubt. Could it be that something happened to their bodies as she had given birth to them only at the age of forty? Qiao Nan, who was frightened by her thoughts, immediately became paler. If something happened to the triplets, why didn¡¯t Mom mention it to her just now? She even looked so happy. Could it be that Mom was really hiding something from her?

    The more Qiao Nan thought about it, the more nervous and afraid she was. Her body trembled. She wanted to get out of bed and look at her three children and ask the doctor personally about their situation. If she didn¡¯t hear it for herself, she wouldn¡¯t feel at ease. It was just that the wound on her stomach hurt badly. Coupled with Qiao Zijin throwing herself at her, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t get up at all.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t be agitated. No matter what happens, I¡¯m around. There¡¯s room for discussion between us sisters. I believe there¡¯s nothing in this world that we can¡¯t solve together.¡± Qiao Zijin thought that she had touched on the painful point in Qiao Nan¡¯s heart when she saw her lifeless face and wet eyes. The children were just born but the biological mother didn¡¯t survive. Who wouldn¡¯t be worried about their children having stepparents in the future?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t optimistic to begin with when she entered the operating theatre yesterday. Just after twenty-four hours of observation, her condition hadn¡¯t improved. With her agitated mood and Qiao Zijin crushing her body, Qiao Nan had a feeling that she was going to be crushed to death by Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know that Qiao Nan was feeling so ufortable because she was crushing her. Seeing that Qiao Nan looked like she couldn¡¯t breathe and was about to die any time, she only thought that her ¡®time¡¯ was here. ¡°Nan Nan, I know you¡¯re running out of time. I¡¯ll go straight to the point. We are still sisters no matter how much we argue between us. Remember. Aside from your family in this world, you can¡¯t believe anyone else.¡±

 Chapter 2182

    <h4>Chapter 2182: The Children Can¡¯t Do Without a Mom</h4>

    ¡°The children are just born. They can¡¯t do without a mother¡¯s care. As such, before you leave, you have to consider their future arrangements.¡±

    She was going to die. Qiao Nan was finally going to die. She had waited so long for this day. Perhaps God had arranged so many tribtions for her previously so that she could wait until today. The bitterness she had suffered before wasn¡¯t in vain. She was finally going to make it big.

    ¡°Nan Nan, while you still have the strength to speak, remember to make it clear to Zhai Shengter. Remember, you must persuade Zhai Sheng. Those women outside have a lot of thoughts. Of course, none of them is as reliable as your own family. Nan Nan, in this lifetime, I only have you as a sister. Don¡¯t think of how badly I¡¯ve treated you before. In reality, if I didn¡¯t treat you as family, how would I be like this? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll treat the triplets well, just like how I treat Feng Feng. Nan Nan, you understand what I mean, right? Now, you can only trust me.¡±

    Question marks appeared in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. She thought that something had happened to her children. However, from Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, why was it that it seemed like she was waiting for her to give herst words? Also, what exactly did Qiao Zijin mean by those words? What did it mean to have stepparents? Why was it that outsiders weren¡¯t as reliable as her family? Why did Qiao Zijin keep emphasizing their rtionship?

    Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re so smart. How can you not understand my meaning? Nan Nan, you¡¯re not going to make it soon. Don¡¯t keep everything to yourself. As long as you arrange everything well, you can swallow yourst breath and leave peacefully. If there¡¯s really a next lifetime, I believe that not only would you be able to reincarnate well, but you would also lead a happy life.¡±

    Seeing that there wasn¡¯t anyone else in the ward, Qiao Zijin made it clear to Qiao Nan. ¡°Nan Nan, really. You must consider your children¡¯s future despite the conflicts we had before. Rather than letting Zhai Sheng marry another woman after you¡¯re gone, it would be better if I be your children¡¯s mother. You might not know this, but after you went to Qingshui Town, Mom and I went to find you. Do you know why we did that? It¡¯s all for your happiness.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s head buzzed. After hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s nonsensical words, Qiao Nan started to understand. Qiao Zijin thought that she was about to die and thus wanted her to quickly say herst words?

    Qiao Nan also understood the most important point. Not only did Qiao Zijin thought that she was going to die, but Qiao Zijin even wished for her to tell Zhai Sheng before her death that he should marry her and let her be the mother of her three newborns. After understanding this, Qiao Nan was so angry that she rolled her eyes. If she was really going to die, it would either be Qiao Zijin angering her to death or Qiao Zijin physically crushing her to death.

    This meant that Qiao Zijin went to the capital from Ping Cheng and came to see her behind their father¡¯s back because of this. Qiao Zijin felt that she was definitely going to die. After her death, Qiao Zijin could inherit her husband and children and be the chief¡¯s wife? Qiao Nan never would have guessed that Qiao Zijin had this idea. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Zijin to be so perverse.

    How ridiculous. She had never seen anyone more ridiculous than Qiao Zijin. After her death, would she let Zhai Sheng marry Qiao Zijin and let the three children whom she had given birth to with much difficulty call Qiao Zijin ¡®mom¡¯? She wouldn¡¯t have died peacefully if she handed her three children over to Qiao Zijin on her deathbed, let alone that she was doing well now. Her triplets were obedient and well-behaved children. Once they grew up with Qiao Zijin, they would only be as perverse as her. How ruthless was she if she were to hand over her biological children to such a person? She¡¯d rather bet her luck on Zhai Sheng and let him find a reliable stepmother for her children than take the initiative and let Qiao Zijin enter the Zhai family.

    Who said that she was going to let Zhai Sheng find a stepmother for her triplets? She was well and alive!

    ¡°Nan Nan, you don¡¯t know that despite the contradictions, I have you as a sister in my heart. You¡¯re nearing your forties and weren¡¯t married. Upon thinking about this, I feel that I¡¯ve let you down and was ashamed to see you. Although I couldn¡¯t bear to and this decision is like cutting my flesh off, you are my only biological sister. As long as you¡¯re suffering, what is my painpared to yours? If you hadn¡¯t married Zhai Sheng, I had already persuaded Mom to think of ways to reconnect you with Chen Jun. Chen Jun¡¯s conditions aren¡¯t bad. If you marry Chen Jun, you¡¯d be Mrs. Chen and enjoy your blessings.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve long expected this. You¡¯re forty years old this year. Giving birth is simply taking away your life. I don¡¯t know what Zhai Sheng is thinking to have valued the children more than you. In order to have a baby, hepletely ignored your life and death. I initially thought that if you married Chen Jun, he didn¡¯t need you to give birth to another child since he already has Feng Feng. You watched Feng Feng grow up since he was young. He¡¯s simply like your child. Nothing is more important than you leading a good life. As such, it would be good for both you and Feng Feng if you marry Chen Jun. Nan Nan, you should understand my heart for you and my words now, right?¡±

    Understood it?

    Of course!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart tightened. She only felt that every breath she took became more difficult. She really didn¡¯t know that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had such an idea before. After knowing that Chen Jun had made such a shady deal with Wang Yang before, Qiao Nan always felt disgusted when she thought of Chen Jun.

    How would Qiao Nan be together with a man whom she found disgusting and marry him to be his wife? What she couldn¡¯t ept the most was that it was obvious that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have good intentions when they made such an arrangement. Why did they say it so nicely?

    Indeed, she was forty years old and it was dangerous for her to give birth. However, if she didn¡¯t give birth, Chen Jun would only have Feng Feng as a son. Would she not have guessed Qiao Zijin¡¯s intention? She was obviously afraid that after Chen Jun married a young woman and said woman gave birth to a child, this child would snatch away Chen Feng¡¯s things.

    It didn¡¯t matter that she suffered because she was thinking of her happiness? Nonsense!

    Qiao Zijin wanted her to be a free nanny for the rest of her life. She wanted her to take care of Chen Feng on her behalf and even help Chen Feng keep an eye on all of the Chen family¡¯s inheritance. Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t rest until she squeezed out every benefit that she could obtain from her.

    Qiao Nan only wanted to vomit when Qiao Zijin described how noble she was when her thoughts were, in fact, so selfish.

 Chapter 2183

    <h4>Chapter 2183: Downright Disgusting</h4>

    Qiao Zijin had no idea that Qiao Nan¡¯s expression had worsened only because she had been so disgusted by her. She had even thought that Qiao Nan was about to pass on at any moment. Taking her chance, she exined herself even more clearly. ¡°Nan Nan, you should understand how much I care for you as a sister now that I¡¯m doing this for you, right? Actually, I know that there will be gossip if I were to marry Zhai Sheng after you die. But I have money on hand now and I¡¯m living quite freely as well. There¡¯s really no need for me to get ridiculed like that. But you¡¯re my most beloved sister, and the three children are my most beloved nephews and niece. I won¡¯t let any other woman take your ce, much less let the three children address any other woman as their stepmother. No matter how badly I¡¯m ridiculed, I¡¯m willing to bear it all for your sake. Nan Nan, you can rest assured and leave the three children to me!¡±

    At this moment, Qiao Zijin dared not mention Zhai Sheng anymore or even express her interest in Zhai Sheng. In a mother¡¯s heart, her children would always be the most important. One might reluctantly agree to another woman¡¯s presence if that woman was going to help with child-rearing. However, if that woman was after her husband from the beginning, a wife would never agree to that woman ¡®taking care¡¯ of her husband.

    As such, Qiao Zijin could only say that she wanted to adopt Qiao Nan¡¯s three children, with no mention of her adoration and admiration for Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± Qiao Nan was so infuriated that she was at a loss for words. She had to say that Qiao Zijin had indeed watched too many television dramas and had read too many novels. Even if it was true that Qiao Zijin was already divorced from Chen Jun and was now single, why would she have to let her sister marry her husband just to take care of her children if she really passed on? Not only did that sound ridiculous but also disgraceful and embarrassing.

    How had Ding Jiayi raised Qiao Zijin that she had even thought of such an illogical idea? Did Qiao Zijin think that everyone else in the world was as stupid and irrational as she was?

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t hurry. What do you want to say? Why don¡¯t I get Zhai Sheng over and you talk to him while you still have the energy to do so? Otherwise, Zhai Sheng and the rest may not believe me when I convey your words to them. Nan Nan, you have to hold on. I¡¯ll get them over right away!¡±

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t even articte well now, so Qiao Zijin was afraid that she would take herst breath at any moment before settling everything. It would make a huge difference if those words earlier were from Qiao Nan or her. Zhai Sheng would probably not take her seriously, but he would probably listen to Qiao Nan.

    She had already gone to such an extent in front of Qiao Nan. Didn¡¯t they say that people normally forgot about the evils of the world and thought of only good things nearing death? Qiao Nan should have felt her sincerity and understood her intentions, and she would probably help her out, right?

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, it¡¯s great to see you! Hurry over to Nan Nan! She¡¯s going to take herst breath soon! Nan Nan said that she has somest words for you. Although I have only one sister, and even though it¡¯s an unsolicited request, I¡¯m in a tough spot. As long as Nan Nan asks for it, I¡¯ll agree to it no matter what. Zhai Sheng, won¡¯t you do that too? You¡¯re her closest kin. We have to let her leave peacefully and at ease¡­ Zhai Sheng¡­¡±

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t even finished her sentence when Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression changed as he pushed Qiao Zijin aside and ran to Qiao Nan¡¯s room. The doctor had said that Nan Nan would be fine as long as she awoke within twenty-four hours. He had not even left Nan Nan¡¯s side for half an hour, but her condition had already deteriorated so significantly? That couldn¡¯t be! That was impossible!

    Miao Jing, who had been behind Zhai Sheng, felt weak all of a sudden after hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, and she copsed into Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arms. ¡°That can¡¯t be. Old Zhai, did I hear that wrongly? My-my head feels so dizzy¡­¡± Miao Jing nearly passed out upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. Qiao Nan had been just fine that morning and had even drunk her soup happily. It had been only two hours since then. How could Nan Nan be on the verge of passing away now? Had that been terminal lucidity in the morning?

    Thinking about how her three grandchildren were about to lose their mother after just a day, Miao Jing almost started sobbing.

    Zhai Yaohui was frantic too. His three grandchildren had finally been born safely into the world, and Qiao Nan¡¯s condition had finally stabilized. It seemed like the Zhai family¡¯s lives were only going to get better. Who would have known that such a turn would ur so quickly? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s listen to what the doctor has to say. I believe that Nan Nan won¡¯t crumble so easily. She¡¯s already given birth to the three children. She¡¯ll be able to ovee any difficulty in her path. We should listen to the doctor instead.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was not a doctor, and she was even an outsider. Her words had to be taken with a pinch of salt. Unless the doctor told them that¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s go see Nan Nan and see what the doctor says.¡± Zhai Yaohui firmly held up Miao Jing and supported her.

    Qiao Zijin had wanted to chase after Zhai Sheng, but she thought about how Qiao Nan was probably giving herst words to him. It seemed better for her not to be around. What if Zhai Sheng misunderstood that Qiao Nan was only saying those words because of her influence? As long as she wasn¡¯t there when Qiao Nan said those words, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t possibly push the me to her and use her of nning this out, right?

    It was just as well. She was about to get married to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng¡¯s agreement was important, but so were Miao Jing¡¯s and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitudes toward her. She had already lost out once with Chen Jun. Having had prior experience, Qiao Zijin knew that she had to treat Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing like her biological parents. No, she would treat them even better than her own biological parents.

    She would strive to be like Qiao Nan and be the best daughter-inw in the world to her parents-inw so that they would treat her like their own biological daughter.

    With that in mind, Qiao Zijin was in no hurry to return to Qiao Nan¡¯s ward to hear the conversation between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. She walked toward Miao Jing and reached her hand out, wanting to support Miao Jing. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t be upset. Nan Nan is such a filial person. I¡¯m sure she wouldn¡¯t want to see you in this state. If you hurt yourself because of her, Nan Nan would definitely feel bad. As her kin, we have to let her go with peace in her mind and with no regrets. Don¡¯t you think so, Auntie?¡±

    That meant that they had better not object to Zhai Sheng marrying her. Otherwise, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t rest easy even in death.

 Chapter 2184

    <h4>Chapter 2184: Imbecile</h4>

    Didn¡¯t the Zhai family love Qiao Nan very much? They couldn¡¯t possibly refuse Qiao Nan¡¯sst request, right?

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Thank you.¡± Holding Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui asked Qiao Zijin to move out of the way. Even though Qiao Zijin was Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister and imed to be their family, Zhai Yaohui had no good feelings for Qiao Zijin at all. Qiao Nan was about to pass away and their whole family was devastated. On the contrary, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t even seem to be sad at all.

    Just based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior alone, Zhai Yaohui could tell how much feeling she had for Qiao Nan. Since Qiao Zijin did not even have much feeling for Qiao Nan, there was no way she had anything to do with the Zhai family. ¡°We¡¯ll go there ourselves. Where¡¯s your dad?¡± Why was Qiao Zijin the only one here? Where was Qiao Dongliang?

    How could Qiao Dongliang be so bold to let Qiao Zijin interact with Qiao Nan alone even while knowing the kind of person she was? Qiao Nan¡¯s condition had better not have anything to do with Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise¡­

    This was a society ruled by thew. Anyone whomitted crimes would have to be punished by thew. No one was spared from it.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Speaking of the devil, Qiao Dongliang suddenly appeared. He had wanted to catch up with Qiao Zijin, but he was old and was no match for Qiao Zijin. Actually, Qiao Dongliang was rather unlucky too. He had hailed a cab to get to the hospital but had unfortunately encountered a traffic jam along the way. By the time he arrived at the hospital, Qiao Zijin had already given her performance. ¡°Inws, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang warned Qiao Zijin with his gaze, wanting to ensure that Qiao Zijin had not caused any trouble. Then, his heart leaped when he saw Miao Jing in her current state. What had Zijin done this time? Had Zijin angered Nan Nan¡¯s mother-inw?

    Qiao Zijin was aggrieved. ¡°Dad, why are you looking at me like that? I didn¡¯t do anything. Auntie¡¯s feeling unwell because she found out that Nan Nan¡¯s going to pass away soon. She¡¯s just devastated. It has nothing to do with me. Dad, it¡¯s all your fault. Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier that Nan Nan had already given birth? If I knew about it, I would havee to the hospital yesterday to spend some time with her.¡±

    If she had arrived an hour earlier, Qiao Nan would have an extra hour to exin the situation clearly to the Zhai family. Only then would the Zhai family believe it since Qiao Nan had said it while her mind was still clear. Zhai Sheng might not even take herst words to heart since she had said it in such a rush. Then, it might be a long while before Zhai Sheng decided to get a marriage certificate with her to marry her officially.

    That might even take a year or two!

    In her opinion, Zhai Sheng had all the more reasons to marry her right away once Qiao Nan passed away so that the joyous asion would wash away all of the family¡¯s bad luck. This was not purely superstition.

    No matter what, it was her dad¡¯s fault. If her dad had told her about this yesterday, she would have spent the night by Qiao Nan¡¯s side in the hospital. That way, she was sure that the Zhai family would see just how much she cared for her sister.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sk dropped on the ground with a loud ng. ¡°Nan-Nan Nan¡¯s going to die soon? That¡¯s impossible! She was doing just fine yesterday! How could this be? I don¡¯t believe you! The doctor said that Nan Nan¡¯s condition would stabilize as long as she woke up within twenty-four hours. Two and a half hours ago, Zhai Sheng texted me to say that Nan Nan¡¯s fine now and that she had already awoken. Do you mean that the doctor lied to me? I have to see her for myself!¡±

    The news that Qiao Nan was on the verge of passing away was a bolt out of the blue for all those who truly cared for Qiao Nan, especially since the Zhai family thought that their lives were getting better now that Qiao Nan had given birth to the three children. Yesterday, the Zhai family had rejoiced over the arrival of their three new family members. But today, they had to face such a cruel reality. No one would be able to do so in their ce.

    ¡°Right, I want to see Nan Nan. She¡¯s clearly awake and she even drank a lot of soup. How could she not be well now? I don¡¯t believe you!¡± After hearing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words, Miao Jing seemed to have regained her energy and the three elderly people rushed toward Qiao Nan¡¯s ward.

    Not only had she been unable to suck up to her future parents-inw, but she had even been embarrassed in front of them by Qiao Dongliang! Qiao Zijin pouted. Fake. They were all fake. Her dad was biased toward Qiao Nan, but he had never cared about her so much. As for her future parents-inw, they were even more ridiculous. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even their biological daughter. Being so miserable that she couldn¡¯t even walk? Who was she putting on that act for? She wouldn¡¯t fall for such an act!

    Everyone else was in a panic, but Qiao Zijin was extremely calm. Qiao Zijin had felt Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze earlier. Leaving Zhai Sheng aside, her future parents-inw and her father had been overly dramatic upon hearing that Qiao Nan was about to pass away. In fact, she was probably the least dedicated and caring.

    Giving it some thought, Qiao Zijin sent Ding Jiayi a voice message to let her know that Qiao Nan was dying and that she had already aplished half her mission. It would be a done deal once she got a marriage certificate with Zhai Sheng. After that, Qiao Zijin tried as hard as she could to rub her eyes as hard as possible until she teared up. Only then did she rush toward Qiao Nan¡¯s ward with reddened eyes. ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re still so young. You just gave birth to three children. How could you leave us just like that? How could you bear to leave your loved ones behind? Nan Nan, you¡­¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone was no different from mourning.

    It was just that her hand suddenly stopped midair as she tried to ¡®wipe¡¯ away her tears. The atmosphere felt strange. Wasn¡¯t the room too quiet now that they knew that Qiao Nan was dying? Weren¡¯t her father and future parents-inw devastated by the news just moments earlier? Why had they suddenly stopped in their act?

    Opening her eyes, Qiao Zijin saw Qiao Dongliang¡¯s livid expression, Zhai Yaohui¡¯s confusion, and Miao Jing¡¯s disgust. As for Zhai Sheng, he was looking at her no different from how he would look at a dead body. Qiao Zijin shivered in fear. ¡°What¡¯s-what¡¯s wrong?¡± Were they not going to cry? Were they going to stop her from crying?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang took a step forward andnded a p squarely on Qiao Zijin¡¯s face. ¡°Imbecile!¡± Qiao Dongliang wanted to scold her for being such a shameless and evil thing. Nan Nan was still alive and well. Why had she made up such a lie that had almost caused him a heart attack?

 Chapter 2185

    <h4>Chapter 2185: Something Wrong</h4>

    He had thought that it was strange. The doctor had clearly said that Nan Nan would be fine as long as her condition stabilized and she awoke. Zhai Sheng had also texted him to say that Nan Nan was fine and that the doctor had said so too. Why had Nan Nan¡¯s condition deteriorated so rapidly in the time that he took to get to the hospital? He had probably lost three years of his life from that scare¡­

    Qiao Zijin was not just lying. Her words were no different from cursing Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, why did you hit me? Nan Nan is gone and I¡¯m your only daughter now! How could you hit me?¡± No matter how good Qiao Nan was, she was gone. Wasn¡¯t her dad afraid that he would have no one to send him off when he passed on if he hit her now? Her dad had to be crazy! Was her dad counting on Zhai Sheng to support him in his old age? Humph, once she married Zhai Sheng, she would have thest say as to whether Zhai Sheng would support her father!

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Qiao Dongliang had the urge to sew Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth up with a needle. Ever since Qiao Nan had been admitted into the hospital, everyone had been worried and could never sleep well, afraid that something would happen to Qiao Nan in the middle of the night.

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had only arrived at the hospital after the children were born. Because of that, Miao Jing had berated Zhai Sheng for not letting them know about Qiao Nan¡¯sbor earlier so that they could have cheered Qiao Nan on.

    It had not been easy to ovee all those storms to wee a bright new day, but Qiao Zijin had given them such a scare! ¡°Isn¡¯t Nan Nan doing just fine? Are you dreaming in broad daylight?¡±

    Sleepwalking wasn¡¯t scary, but why did she have to scare others too?

    ¡°She¡¯s fine?¡± Qiao Zijin was stunned. She had even thought that her dad had beaten her because he didn¡¯t agree with Zhai Sheng marrying her. Besides, Qiao Nan was clearly taking herst breaths earlier. How could she be fine now?

    ¡°Hehehe¡­.¡± Qiao Nanughed as she got Zhai Sheng to support her to sit up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not prepared to die just yet. If you want to mourn me, you cane back in another few decades. But I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll still be around then.¡± Qiao Nan was truly enraged by Qiao Zijin¡¯s shamelessness, and she refreshed Qiao Zijin¡¯s memory.

    Qiao Nan had only told Zhai Sheng about Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns. She felt too ashamed to even mention it to her elders. She had no other choice. In front of her parents-inw, having a rtive like Qiao Zijin had already be an embarrassment to her. As for Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan was afraid that Qiao Dongliang would feel ashamed for having raised a daughter like that.

    A sister-inw marrying her brother-inw to take care of her sister¡¯s newborn children. Things like that didn¡¯t happen anymore, alright?

    ¡°You¡¯re not dead?¡± Qiao Zijin was wide-eyed. Why was she not dead? Wasn¡¯t she dying? Qiao Zijin stared at Qiao Dongliang, full of questions. It was Qiao Dongliang who had told her that Qiao Nan was going to pass away soon.

    Qiao Dongliang frowned. Why did he not understand the conversation between Nan Nan and Zijin? He looked again at Qiao Zijin¡¯s puzzled face and he could not help but ask, ¡°Has there been a misunderstanding? Zijin, why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°Dad, didn¡¯t you tell me¡­¡± That Qiao Nan had only a few more hours to live?

    ¡°What did I tell you?¡± Qiao Dongliang was truly confused. What had he told Zijin that had concerned death? ¡°Tell me, Zijin. What did you tell Nan Nan?¡± Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want to hear the word ¡®death¡¯ now that Qiao Nan had just returned from death¡¯s door after giving birth to her children. The mention of that word was enough to make him shudder.

    But since there was a misunderstanding, he would have to clear the air.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and stared nkly at Qiao Nan. After confirming that Qiao Nan had no intention to stop breathing anytime soon, Qiao Zijin kicked up a fuss. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s fine?¡± Didn¡¯t they say that it was dangerous for older patients to give birth? Didn¡¯t they say that there was a much higher risk for multiple births than a singleton? Qiao Nan satisfied both those conditions, so why hadn¡¯t she died?

    Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan have died without any question?

    If Qiao Nan was not dead, why had she sobbed andforted them earlier? Had it been a joke or a performance?

    Qiao Dongliang looked at Zijin with a strange gaze. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that Nan Nan¡¯s condition stabilized after she gave birth? Nan Nan¡¯s condition was a little unstable earlier but she¡¯s fine now since she¡¯s already woken up.¡±

    Had he not made that clear with his words? Why did he feel that Zijin¡¯s understanding waspletely different from what he meant? Did that mean that Zijin had thought that Nan Nan was in grave danger and about to die when he had said that Nan Nan was safe? That was absurd! Why would Zijin have such a ridiculous misunderstanding?

    Qiao Zijin pouted. So, that was what her dad meant earlier. He hadn¡¯t meant that Qiao Nan had only a few hours left to live. What he meant was that Qiao Nan had already passed the critical period and had woken up. Qiao Zijin was puzzled. With just one out of those two conditions, it was not umon for other women to die. But why had nothing happened to Qiao Nan even though she satisfied both those conditions? ¡°Were you acting earlier?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed once again. If she had indeed misunderstood her dad¡¯s words, then what did Qiao Nan mean? Qiao Nan had acted as though she was going to die earlier. If not for her struggling and looking in pain, would she have misunderstood the situation?

    Qiao Nan thought Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were ridiculous. Acting? How had she been acting? Had it not been for Qiao Zijin mentioning the triplets, making her misunderstand that something had happened to them, her expression wouldn¡¯t have changed either. Qiao Zijin was really hopeless! She was the one who had misunderstood the situation but had the guts to me her for ¡®acting¡¯? ¡°I wasn¡¯t acting. When you rushed up to me, you pressed on my wound.¡± Up until now, Qiao Nan¡¯s wound was still acting up from time to time. Thankfully, she had realized that Qiao Zijin had misunderstood that there was something wrong with her, and nothing had happened to the triplets.

    ¡°She pressed on your wound?¡± Zhai Sheng asked as he nced coldly at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I¡¯ll get the nurse over to see whether anything¡¯s wrong with it.¡±

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui eyed Qiao Zijin with an unfriendly gaze. Qiao Nan had just given birth the day before and had just gotten out of danger. Anyone with the slightest bit ofmon sense would know not to pounce on Qiao Nan, much less on her wound. What kind of rtive was Qiao Zijin? She was much more like an enemy! An enemy would know only to curse others!

 Chapter 2186

    <h4>Chapter 2186: Going Back</h4>

    Hearing that there was something wrong with Qiao Nan, the nurse rushed over. But her tone was rough. ¡°It¡¯s not as though you don¡¯t know that the patient just underwent a cesarean section yesterday. How could you bump into the patient¡¯s wound? It¡¯s bleeding. Thankfully, the wound hasn¡¯t burst. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be very troublesome.¡±

    The nurse¡¯s actions were swift and she cleaned Qiao Nan¡¯s wound and changed the dressing before reminding Zhai Sheng not to touch Qiao Nan¡¯s wound again. Hadn¡¯t they asked about what they needed to take note of after a cesarean section? Why were they behaving in such a poor manner? It was as though they had done all that homework for nothing.

    ¡°Alright. Thank you.¡± Even as an old chief¡¯s wife, Miao Jing did not mind being told off by a nurse. She even kindly escorted the nurse out of the room. Once the nurse left, Miao Jing turned to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Did you hear what the nurse said? Our family can take good care of Nan Nan. In the future, you¡¯d better not show up here. We don¡¯t wish for you to help out. You¡¯ll be crossing the line if you do.¡± She had bumped into Qiao Nan¡¯s wound, making her bleed! How careless of her!

    Or perhaps, she should say that Qiao Zijin had never truly cared about her younger sister, Nan Nan. That was why she could not be bothered about such things either.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin had lost all confidence and dignity. She had been hoping to get married to Zhai Sheng after Qiao Nan died. But now that Qiao Nan was still alive, there was nothing she could do anymore.

    It would be difficult for her to even get married to Zhai Sheng if Qiao Nan were to die. Now that Qiao Nan had not died, it would be absolutely impossible for her to get married to Zhai Sheng. How could Zhai Sheng ever divorce Qiao Nan just to marry her? In Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, she was probably nothing more than a stranger.

    Qiao Zijin was truly in a dilemma now that the life she had dreamed of was crumbling before her eyes. It didn¡¯t seem right for her to leave, but neither did it seem right for her to stay. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll leave first.¡±

    Qiao Zijin stared at Qiao Nan in anger. Even up until now, she couldn¡¯t understand why Qiao Nan had not died and was still perfectly well and alive. How was she going to live in the future now that Qiao Nan was still alive?

    ¡°Hurry home.¡± Qiao Dongliang did not wish to say any more to Qiao Zijin. The moment he had heard the nurse say that Qiao Nan¡¯s wound was bleeding, he had had the urge to p the senseless Qiao Zijin. But for the sake of Qiao Nan and his own dignity, he had not done so.

    Qiao Zijin harrumphed and her expression was dark as she picked up her bag and left for that small rented apartment.

    Qiao Nan sighed as soon as Qiao Zijin left. No one else knew what Qiao Zijin was up to, but Qiao Nan did. Thinking about how Qiao Zijin had rushed up to her and said such disgusting words, Qiao Nan felt miserable. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been hard on you to run around as well. You¡¯d better get some rest too. Brother Zhai, I¡¯m fine now. You can help me get the discharge procedures done. I want to go through my confinement at home.¡± She had no intention of staying in this hospital any longer.

    Qiao Zijin could enter the hospital, but she would never be allowed into the Zhai family¡¯s house. Even if Qiao Zijin were to tag along with her father, she would be stopped outside all the same as long as the Zhai family didn¡¯t agree to her entering. If she had a choice, she would never want to meet Qiao Zijin again. Of course, neither did she want to meet Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng agreed without any hesitation. Qiao Nan¡¯s condition had actually stabilized, and if not for Qiao Zijin¡¯s words earlier, Qiao Nan was actually doing rather well. Since she was unsettled staying in the hospital, it would be better for her to return home to recuperate. At least, no one could disturb Qiao Nan without their permission at home.

    ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Miao Jing had already wished for the three children to return home as soon as possible with Qiao Nan. Thankfully, apart from being slightly lighter than average, there was nothing majorly wrong with the triplets. After doing aprehensive checkup on the children, the doctors had given the green light for the children to return home. With Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Miao Jing eagerly and happily weed her three grandchildren home. ¡°Thankfully, I brought clothes for the children over yesterday. It seems like they¡¯ll get the chance to wear them today!¡±

    The thought of the triplets wearing those tiny and soft clothes that she had bought overwhelmed Miao Jing. Because she had her grandchildren, Miao Jing almost neglected her daughter-inw, Qiao Nan. After all, she knew that she didn¡¯t have to worry about Qiao Nan with her son, Zhai Sheng, around.

    Her son would take care of her daughter-inw, while the elderly couple would take care of their grandchildren.

    The Zhai family was rejoicing over weing their daughter-inw and the three children home, but on the other hand, Qiao Dongliang was alone and seemed rather out of ce in this joyous atmosphere.

    Qiao Dongliang dared not have any emotions, and even if he did have any, he could only suppress them. It was naturally a parent¡¯s fault for not bringing up their children well. Qiao Dongliang dared not expect the Zhai family to treat him as well as they had before because Qiao Zijin hadmitted such a huge error in front of the Zhai family.

    Qiao Dongliang forced a smile out. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make a move first then. I¡¯ll visit you and the children another day?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang nced warily at Qiao Nan while posing that question. He had no other choice. Qiao Zijin had made a mistake, and she was his daughter. It was his fault that he had not raised her well. In fact, Qiao Zijin had refused to leave the capital because of the amodation that the Zhai family had arranged for him.

    Qiao Dongliang himself had made so many mistakes. As such, it was only natural for him tock confidence in the face of the Zhai family.

    He was an old man of almost seventy, with half his head full of white hair. Even an average person would feel some sympathy for Qiao Dongliang if they were to see his pitiful expression.

    But Qiao Nan knew that one that was pitiful must have a hateful story too. Her father had refused to rein Qiao Zijin in, nor harden his heart toward Qiao Zijin. The person her father softened his heart to was Qiao Zijin over and over again, yet the person who had to pay for that was her! Even though Qiao Nan had never intended to estrange Qiao Dongliang, she could not help but feel angry toward him and annoyed that he knew nothing about being a father.

    Qiao Nan was indifferent. ¡°Alright. You cane over and visit the three children when you get the chance. Don¡¯t bother bringing anything over. We have everything we need at home. We don¡¯t even have enough space for more.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± It was only upon hearing that Qiao Nan allowed him to visit his grandchildren did Qiao Dongliang heave a sigh of relief. Along the way back, Qiao Dongliang dared not splurge on a taxi. Instead, he chose to take the public bus back.

 Chapter 2187:

    <h4>Chapter 2187: Good Fortune</h4>

    Very quickly, Zhai Sheng settled the discharge procedures. Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan, while the rest of the Zhai family carried a baby each. They got in the car and left for home.

    The news that Qiao Nan had safely given birth to the three children and had returned to the Zhai family¡¯s house spread quickly.

    Shi Qing had heard that Zhai Sheng had not only gotten married but had also be the father to three children. She looked at the baby boy whom she had just adopted and smiled. Brother Zhai had be a father, and she had be a mother. She had not been any slower than Brother Zhai.

    ¡°How¡¯s the baby?¡± Feng Cheng had been rather unused to it since she had not taken care of such a young child for a long time. Initially, Feng Cheng had been reluctant to ept Shi Qing adopting a child, especially when she found out that the child was ill. Her daughter had already gone through so much. If she were to raise a sick child, Qing Qing might end up needing to take care of that child for the rest of her life instead of that child taking care of her in her old age.

    But humans were emotional creatures, after all. Before long, Feng Cheng had taken a liking to the child. She even wondered if this child was fated to enter their family.

    Shi Qing ced the child down on the bed. ¡°I just fed him some milk. He¡¯s fallen asleep. About his illness, I¡¯ve asked some doctors about it. It won¡¯t be difficult to cure. We¡¯ll just have to spend some money.¡± Perhaps, the child¡¯s parents weren¡¯t very well-to-do. Or perhaps, they weren¡¯t particrly responsible. The moment they heard that this child was ill and that they would need to fork out thousands of yuan to treat his illness, they abandoned him without a second thought.

    Because the child¡¯s parents were Beijing drifters, they didn¡¯t have a permanent residence. As such, the hospital hadn¡¯t been able to locate them. Left with no other choice, they could only send this child to the orphanage.

    This child¡¯s fate was probably intertwined with Shi Qing¡¯s. To distract and upy Feng Cheng, Shi Qing had gone to the orphanage to see if there were any suitable orphans to adopt. There were many healthy children there, but the day that Shi Qing had visited the orphanage happened to be the day that this child had arrived there.

    The child¡¯s illness was a significant expense and burden for the orphanage as well.

    Upon learning of that situation, Shi Qing decided not to look any further and to adopt that baby boy immediately. As such, Shi Qing brought that baby boy home after handling some paperwork. Thousands of yuan was quite a huge burden for the orphanage since there were so many children in the orphanage. But that amount didn¡¯t mean much to Shi Qing.

    ¡°Brother Zhai is back with Qiao Nan. I heard that Qiao Nan gave birth to three children at once. Two sons and a daughter. Because Brother Zhai is a good person, he always has good fortune. These children may havee a littlete, but at least, they¡¯vee. In the future, our child will have three ymates!¡± Shi Qing told Feng Cheng mindlessly about Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Feng Cheng felt a little upset. ¡°He has children, but don¡¯t you too? Don¡¯t worry. When you¡¯re away, I¡¯ll take good care of this child. Don¡¯t forget that I raised you!¡±

    Since Qing Qing liked it, she would just follow along. This child was still so young, and they were the ones raising him. In that case, he would probably be close to Qing Qing after he grew older. He would probably be no different from a biological child since he was still so young now.

    Perhaps, it was because of the triplets that Feng Cheng expressed that Shi Qing had a child too and that there was no need for her to be jealous of other people¡¯s children. With such a thought in mind, Feng Cheng put even more heart and effort into raising the child. When the child grew a little older and could recognize the people around him, he especially liked his grandma, Feng Cheng. Gradually, Feng Cheng started regarding the child as her biological grandchild too. When Shi Qing added the child into her household register, she had named the child Shi Weiguo.

    It was slightly clich¨¦d, but its meaning was obvious.

    ¡°Nan Nan, look. These are the names that Dad has picked out for the triplets. What do you think?¡± Zhai Sheng held out a paper in his hands. The names on it were still the same as they had been in her dream: Zhai Yi, Zhai Xin, and Zhai Yu. Seeing that their names hadn¡¯t changed, Qiao Nan nodded. ¡°The names are quite nice. Let¡¯s settle on them then. Oh right, Brother Zhai. Don¡¯t put off registering them on our household register anymore.¡±

    They had initially wanted to add the triplets to their household registry while they had been in the hospital. Unfortunately, Zhai Yaohui hadn¡¯t been able toe up with names that he was satisfied with. Because of his temper, Zhai Yaohui had no intention of saving any effort on his grandchildren¡¯s names. As such, they had no choice but to dy the matter.

    He had finallye up with names that he was satisfied with, and he handed them over to Zhai Sheng, as though they were a treasure, for Qiao Nan to take a look. It was not just Zhai Yaohui who had been pleased with the names. Even Zhai Sheng and Miao Jing had given their approval. All that wascking was the final seal of approval from the children¡¯s mom: Qiao Nan.

    ¡°How did it go? Does Qiao Nan like the names? Otherwise, shall I look through the dictionary again?¡± Zhai Yaohui would neverpromise on this matter that concerned his grandchildren. He would do it to perfection.

    Zhai Sheng shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Nan Nan said that these names are pretty nice and she asked me to hurry and register the triplets in our household register. I have to get going now.¡± To add the triplets¡¯ names to their household register of family members.

    ¡°Right, right. That¡¯s the most important thing right now. Hurry!¡± Miao Jing retrieved the household register and ced it in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands. ¡°Remember to keep a close eye on them when they register our triplet¡¯s names. Make sure they don¡¯t write their names wrongly. Otherwise, I heard that it¡¯ll be quite troublesome to change their names in the future.¡±

    Zhai Sheng nodded while taking the household register over.

    After Zhai Sheng left to register the three children, Miao Jing happily went from door to door, giving out red eggs to let their neighbors know that their family had just weed children. In fact, they had weed three children at once! Everyone in the quad had already learned that Qiao Nan and her three children had arrived home. Now that they had been gifted red eggs, these neighbors had nothing but praises and blessings.

    It didn¡¯t matter what these people actually thought. No one would do such a bad thing to speak ill of them. Besides, there were many who felt that the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw might becking in several aspects, but she could give birth to children, at the very least. That was definitely an advantage. The Zhai family truly had good fortune to have both grandsons and a granddaughter all at once!

 Chapter 2188

    <h4>Chapter 2188: Given Birth</h4>

    ¡°Given birth. It¡¯s good to have given birth.¡± At another hospital, Zhu Chengqi, who was wearing an oxygen mask, smiled sweetly when he heard that not only were Qiao Nan and the triplets alright, but he was also shown a photo of the three wrinkly babies. ¡°These three children look just like their mother. They¡¯re so good-looking. When they grow up, they would definitely be practical and clever children.¡±

    At this time, upon hearing the noise outside, the person taking care of Zhu Chengqi hurriedly kept the mobile and hid the photo which was just shown to Zhu Chengqi so that people who shouldn¡¯t see it wouldn¡¯t see it.

    ¡°Uncle?¡± Wang Yang came in from outside. He didn¡¯t address Zhu Chengqi loudly. Wang Yang¡¯s head was still dripping water and the moisture on his body was very obvious. It seemed that he had juste in after taking a bath. ¡°How¡¯s my uncle¡¯s situation today?¡±

    The person taking care of Zhu Chengqi looked at Wang Yang¡¯s expression. ¡°Chief Zhu¡¯s still alright today. There are no particr problems. He¡¯s just sleeping a little longer today and doesn¡¯t really like to wake up. Wang Yang, if you have time, you should spend more time with Chief Zhu whenever you can.¡±

    In other words, the situation of Zhu Chengqi now was quite bleak.

    Wang Yang loosened his frowning eyebrows slightly. It was as if a big stone was removed from his heart. ¡°I also want to spend more time with him. However, you know about the Zhu family situation as well. I have to help my uncle keep an eye on those things and not let his hard work and efforts be ruined. I¡¯ll try.¡±

    Wang Yang visited Zhu Chengqi every day now. The news he was most worried to hear about was that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s condition was improving. Wang Yang was already feeling annoyed that Zhu Chengqi was just dying day by day and refusing to die. If Zhu Chengqi¡¯s illness suddenly got better and he might even be able to live longer, Wang Yang felt that he would go crazy. He couldn¡¯t wait for his uncle, Zhu Chengqi, to be dead.

    To be honest, Wang Yang put in an effort to take care of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s everything because he felt that everything would be his after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death. Who wouldn¡¯t manage one¡¯s own things well? As long as he took care of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s inheritance, once Zhu Chengqi died, he would naturally be the new owner of his wealth.

    It was only when Wang Yang started to help Zhu Chengqi manage his finances did he know that the Zhu family had such a strong foundation. Back then, Wang Yang heard that his mother brought a bunch of valuable items over to the Wang family when she married his father. However, he had never seen them before, and thus, his imagination was limited. He only faintly knew that the Wang family could be better because of his mother, the daughter-inw.

    It was precisely because of this that Wang Yang was always the most-respected junior in the Wang family. No matter who it was, they would always be behind Wang Yang. However, after the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance was handed over to Wang Yang to manage and it was his first time to see so much money, he nearly couldn¡¯t help but want tomit a mistake.

    Although the Wang family¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t bad, it wasn¡¯t luxurious. Upon seeing the wealth that one could never have in their lifetime, how could they control themselves and not be tempted?

    If Wang Yang valued the political help that Zhu Chengqi could bring after his death in the past, he simrly valued the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance now. No matter how high a ranked official he became, it would just be easier for him to earn money. However, no matter how easy it would be, there was still a limit.

    Within the range of this limit, Wang Yang expressed that he would need ten lifetimes to umte the wealth of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. No wonder a number of people told him in the past that the Wang family had relied on his mother to be better. It looked like everything the Wang family owned came from his mother¡¯s money.

    When he first knew that Zhai Hua was getting a divorce from Wei De, Wang Yang despised Zhai Hua. He felt that Zhai Hua had a good deck of cards in her hands. However, she was so stupid and blind to have married Wei De, a useless man. However, when he knew how much money the Zhu family had, Wang Yang realized that he had a stupid woman like Zhai Hua by his side. This person was none other than his biological mother.

    Taking the money from her family to raise his grandparents¡¯ family? Did she have a brain?

    After understanding this situation, Wang Yang went to ask his father what was going on. Wang Yang¡¯s father was helpless as well. In the beginning, he felt that everyone was family. His parents had worked hard for a long time and it was time to hand over the burden of raising a family to the younger ones. He was the eldest brother in the family and his father had given him whatever little resources he had on his hands. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s father felt that it was nothing to provide for his younger siblings.

    When Wang Yang¡¯s father realized that the so-called ¡®nothing¡¯ actually cost so much money and this sum of money should have been his and Wang Yang¡¯s, Wang Yang¡¯s father¡¯s mentality changed. He still had the family in his heart. However, no matter how he tried to control the situationter, he could no longer get back therge sum of money he had spent earlier.

    Wang Yang¡¯s father wasn¡¯t willing to recall such a painful incident. How was he willing to tell his only son that he used to make such a low-level mistake?

    Of course, these were all in the past.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. It isn¡¯t easy to manage those things. It has been tough on you as well.¡± Of course, the person taking care of Zhu Chengqi knew how busy Wang Yang was now. He only said those words to Wang Yang so that he wouldn¡¯t realize that something was up.

    ¡°Alright, I can only trouble you to take care of my uncle well. Now that I¡¯m here, go and rest. After I leave, you still have to continue taking care of him. Thankfully, you are here to help during this period of time. I will thank you well in the future.¡± When the Zhu family¡¯s money became his in the future, he wouldn¡¯t becking money at all.

    Wang Yang knew that Zhu Chengqi was considered to be a righteous and impartial man. He didn¡¯t have the slightest bit of ¡®understanding¡¯. Wang Yang didn¡¯t understand it in the past. Nobody wouldin that they had too much money in their hands. It was easy to get into a mutually beneficial rtionship where one wouldn¡¯t get caught for taking another¡¯s money to help resolve a small issue for the other party, and they wouldn¡¯t be known as taking bribes. Why was it that his uncle always rejected such good things and didn¡¯t talk about favors at all?

    Sometimes, those people who needed Zhu Chengqi¡¯s help came knocking on the Wang family¡¯s door. Even if Wang Yang¡¯s mother, who was his biological sister, showed up, Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t give them any face. This matter had always made Wang Yang brood over it. However, Wang Yang no longer did so now.

    The Zhu family was really notcking money. As such, there waspletely no need for Zhu Chengqi to risk getting himself into trouble for that small profit from others.

 Chapter 2189 - When Was He Dying?

    <h4>Chapter 2189: When Was He Dying?</h4>

    Even if there wasn¡¯t going to be huge trouble, why should he risk getting himself into trouble in the first ce?

    As such, after the money became Wang Yang¡¯s, Wang Yang was going to learn from his uncle¡¯s behavior and never did anything that might allow others to ckmail him just for money. He wasn¡¯tcking money. Why should he ruin his future because of money? If he became devoted to his career, he would only climb up the ranks further. Even if he didn¡¯t be a soldier, his future achievements would definitely not be any worse than those of Zhu Chengqi, his uncle.

    Upon thinking about his bright future, Wang Yang was full of energy. He didn¡¯t need to make any mistakes. As long as he had some foresight and was calm enough, money would grow and he would lead a good life in the future. In reality, he didn¡¯t need to do anything more. Putting this amount of money in the bank alone to earn low interest was enough for their family to lead an extremely good life.

    What Wang Yang was more concerned about was that Zhu Chengqi was still alive and the money wasn¡¯t his yet. In order to prove to Zhu Chengqi that he treated Zhu Chengqi¡¯s matters like his own, he treated Zhu Chengqi like his biological father. Wang Yang didn¡¯t dare to rx the slightest bit. If he could hit the full ten marks, he would definitely not bezy and hit only eight marks. He would even try to see if he could somehow score two more marks and make it twelve marks.

    The person taking care of Zhu Chengqi smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll rely on you to take care of me in the future, then. I don¡¯t have any other thoughts. I just hope for a more practical job and a good-enough sry.¡±

    Wang Yang smiled. ¡°I understand.¡± Wang Yang loved to deal with people who had ¡®thoughts¡¯. He undoubtedly hated those people without ¡®thoughts¡¯ the most. ¡°Alright, go and rest. I¡¯ll prepare a basin of water to wipe my uncle¡¯s face and hands. Oh, right. Have you helped my uncle turn over today yet?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help him do so then.¡± Wang Yang generously gave the other party a short break. After seeing the other party leave, the smile on Wang Yang¡¯s face disappeared.

    Zhu Chengqi was ¡®sleeping¡¯. The only living person, Wang Yang, was standing there, not moving or saying a word. The room immediately became quiet and lifeless.

    After a long time, Wang Yang walked step by step to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side and leaned in to address him as ¡®uncle¡¯. It was just that Zhu Chengqi seemed to be in a ¡®deep sleep¡¯. Even though Wang Yang called him thrice, he didn¡¯t react at all.

    Seeing Zhu Chengqi like this, Wang Yang rxed. He rolled up his sleeves and prepared hot water. Indeed, he started to help Zhu Chengqi wipe his face and hands. ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re asleep, right? That¡¯s fine. Treat it that I¡¯m saying these words to myself. Sigh, to think that in the past, you were the awe-inspiring chief. Now that you¡¯re old, you¡¯re sick all over and can¡¯t even move on the bed. I feel bad for you just thinking about this. As your nephew, I naturally hope that you can live a long life and be healthy. Our family¡¯s bad luck has caused you to suffer such a serious illness. I really hope you can get well. However, I feel sorry that you can¡¯t be mobile in the future. It¡¯s either you lie on the bed or someone has to push you in and out. Sometimes, I feel that I¡¯m quite selfish for letting you lead such a tough life. Is that really a good thing for you?¡±

    ¡°My aunt passed on early. Baoguo went to find his mother early as well. After that, it¡¯s my grandfather. Seeing that you have no kin left, I feel heartache. I know it¡¯s wrong to have such thoughts and they might be quite negative. However, seeing that you¡¯re living such a miserable and lonely life, I sometimes feel that it might be better for you to go. I¡¯m willing to believe that there are souls after death, people would turn into ghosts, and there¡¯s a ce called theherworld. Once there, you can reunite with your family. Perhaps such a life might be liberating for you and you will feel happier.¡±

    In short, for a high-ranking general and chief who used to fight for the country to be lying on the bed now like an invalid, needing someone to take care of him, was a form of torture and humiliation. If living was so miserable, Zhu Chengqi might as well die earlier to fulfill himself and him. This was something good to both him and Zhu Chengqi.

    Not to mention that Zhu Chengqi caused him to feel tired by refusing to die. Didn¡¯t Zhu Chengqi feel that leading such a life was hopeless?

    Wang Yang described to Zhu Chengqi how wonderful life after death was because he hoped that the subconscious would affect Zhu Chengqi bit by bit. He hoped that Zhu Chengqi would quickly give up on the idea of living and just die. Didn¡¯t they say that the patient¡¯s mental state of mind had a great influence on his condition? Wasn¡¯t there a saying that ¡®one¡¯s heart is like dead ashes¡¯?

    There wasn¡¯t any kin by his side. If he was Zhu Chengqi, even if he wasn¡¯t sick, he would have thought of ways tomit suicide, let alone him being sick and refusing to cooperate with the doctor to treat his illness. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death would benefit the living people. How good was that? In this way, it was considered worthwhile that Zhu Chengqi died since he could make his final contribution to the living. How perfect.

    However, Zhu Chengqi wasn¡¯t willing to die. Not yesterday, not today, maybe not tomorrow either.

    If he could influence Zhu Chengqi and make him give up the thought of living, based on Zhu Chengqi¡¯s current condition, Wang Yang dared to bet that once he had such a mindset, he would definitely die the next second.

    It was precisely because Wang Yang knew that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s condition had deteriorated to this stage that he didn¡¯t understand what kind of thoughts and things were supporting Zhu Chengqi until now such that he was still breathing. Could it be that there was still something in this world that Zhu Chengqi couldn¡¯t bear to part with? Why didn¡¯t he know?

    It was fine not to know. He could find someone to check on things again. Also, he could wait for Zhu Chengqi to be asleep so that he could tell him in his dreams how his dead rtives ¡®below¡¯ missed him. If Zhu Chengqi died earlier, he could reunite with those rtives earlier and his life would be happier. There was really nothing left in this world that Zhu Chengqi couldn¡¯t bear to part with.

    After nagging Zhu Chengqi, Wang Yang poured out the cold water and ced Zhu Chengqi¡¯s cold hands back into the nket. ¡°Uncle, listen to me. I won¡¯t harm you. I really can¡¯t bear to see you suffer anymore.¡±

    After saying this, Wang Yang looked at the time and felt that he had stayed long enough. ¡°Uncle, I shan¡¯t disturb you anymore. There are still a lot of things waiting for me to handle outside. I¡¯ll visit you again when I¡¯m free next time.¡±

 Chapter 2190 - Not Enough Influence

    <h4>Chapter 2190: Not Enough Influence</h4>

    Once Wang Yang was leaving, the person taking care of Zhu Chengqi naturally had to return to his job. ¡°You have helped Chief Zhu turn over, right?¡±

    Although Zhu Chengqi wasn¡¯t paralyzed, as his body was weak and he had a lot of illnesses, he basically didn¡¯t have the ability to move on his own anymore. For the sake of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s health, someone had to help turn him over and massage his limbs so that certain parts of his body didn¡¯t fester and that he wouldn¡¯t experience muscle atrophy due to him being inactive for a long time.

    Wang Yang smiled. ¡°It has been so long. Of course I¡¯ve already helped my uncle turn over. I¡¯ve also massaged his limbs. Alright, it¡¯s runningte. I should head back. Go do what you have to do.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The person taking care of Zhu Chengqi smiled. ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve learned well after seeing what I did. Your habit of helping Chief Zhu put his hands back into the nket is exactly the same as mine. Great job.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s face froze. It was true when he said he helped Zhu Chengqi turn over and massage his limbs in the past. At most, he didn¡¯t care much when doing this. Of course, if Zhu Chengqi was awake back then, Wang Yang would only be more serious than a professional nurse. Later, Zhu Chengqi woke up less often. Zhu Chengqi practically didn¡¯t wake up every time Wang Yang came over. As time passed, Wang Yang becamezy.

    He said that he had done all of this. In reality, Wang Yang only sat down and chatted with Zhu Chengqi, creating an illusion that he was particrly filial to him. He wouldn¡¯t be tired as well. That was the best of both worlds. It was alright if he waszy this once. Anyway, Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯t die if he didn¡¯t turn over for a day. His body wouldn¡¯t have much reaction either. Furthermore, the nurse had to help Zhu Chengqi turn over and massage him the next day. It was as if he waspensating for the day before when he didn¡¯t turn him over and massage him.

    When Wang Yang first started doing this, he was more cautious. Even if he was just putting on a show, he would first turn over Zhu Chengqi¡¯s nket and make a mess out of it. When the nurse returned, he would pretend to tuck the nket in as if following up from the massage he did for Zhu Chengqi after turning him over.

    However, Wang Yang recently became bolder. He felt that he knew what to do and no longer needed to be that cautious. In the end, he made a blunder today.

    Thankfully, the other party believed in him and even took the initiative to help him find such a reasonable reason. Otherwise, Wang Yang¡¯s perfunctory behavior toward Zhu Chengqi would have been exposed.

    Wang Yang hurriedly smiled. ¡°I know a little after seeing you do it so many times. However, it¡¯s not exactly the same. Look, I didn¡¯t tuck in the nket as tightly as you did.¡± Thankfully, he had to take his uncle¡¯s hand out from the nket when he helped him wipe his hands, causing a slight change to the nket. Otherwise, he really wouldn¡¯t know how to continue this conversation.

    The nurse smiled and waved his hands. ¡°You¡¯re not any worse. Alright, go and get busy. I¡¯ll help you take care of Chief Zhu.¡±

    The ¡®deal¡¯ between the nurse and Wang Yang was that not only did the nurse have to take good care of Zhu Chengqi, but he also must not let ¡®messy¡¯ people get close to Zhu Chengqi and ¡®disturb¡¯ him. Basically, if someone wanted to visit Zhu Chengqi, the nurse wouldn¡¯t agree to it unless Wang Yang had given permission. Of course, in order not to waste Zhu Chengqi¡¯s energy, the nurse had to tell Wang Yang in advance if Zhu Chengqi had something on or wanted to see someone. Wang Yang would then make the necessary arrangements.

    Who was categorized as a ¡®messy¡¯ person? Wang Yang expressed that aside from him and the nurse, everyone else fell under that category.

    That way, Wang Yang allowed the nurse to somewhat monitor Zhu Chengqi. However, Wang Yang didn¡¯t tell him about anything that was too overboard or beyond his job scope. His behaviors were appropriate so that the nurse wouldn¡¯t be suspicious of him. One had to know that he didn¡¯t find this nurse. This nurse was sent by the boss. Wang Yang had no right to fire him and thus could only bribe him and maintain a good rtionship with him appropriately.

    ¡°I¡¯m really leaving this time around.¡± Wang Yang hurriedly left before he let the cat out of the bag. He didn¡¯t want the nurse to spot any issues and ask him questions that he couldn¡¯t answer. After all, this nurse wasn¡¯t one of his men. There was still a need for him to remain guarded.

    After Wang Yang left, the nurse¡¯s face changed. He walked toward Zhu Chengqi. ¡°Chief Zhu, are you alright?¡± The nurse knew a long time ago that Wang Yang was lying every time he said that he helped Zhu Chengqi turn over and massaged him. Wang Yang always thought that Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯t feel anything. The nurse wanted tough at Wang Yang for being a retard.

    He only said that Chief Zhu was asleep. He didn¡¯t say that he was a vegetative person and couldn¡¯t feel anything. Aside from a vegetative person, who wouldn¡¯t wake up in the face of such a hugemotion? However, Wang Yang felt that there wasn¡¯t anything wrong and kept lying to him. In the end, Wang Yang didn¡¯t manage to lie to anyone, let alone be a filial nephew.

    Zhu Chengqi opened his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine. He just wishes for me to be dead but doesn¡¯t dare to do anything to me yet.¡± There was only this much to the Wang family¡¯s courage. If not for his younger sister taking a fancy to Wang Yang¡¯s father a long time ago and insisted on marrying over, the Wang family wouldn¡¯t have been able to be rtives with the Zhu family.

    Although they eventually agreed to marry his sister over that year, Wang Yang¡¯s mother didn¡¯t know that before she got married, Zhu Chengqi had already discussed this with Elder Zhu. She would take whatever that belonged to her over to her inws. How her life would be in the future would depend on her ability and clear-headedness to see if she could still hold on to her husband¡¯s heart.

    Of course, the Zhu family wouldn¡¯t let the Wang family¡¯s son bully their daughter. Other than that, there was a certain limit to the rtionship between the Zhu family and the Wang family. Wang Yang¡¯s mother was the Zhu family¡¯s biological daughter. When she got married, the Zhu family had already made things clear to her. Furthermore, half of Wang Yang¡¯s blood wasn¡¯t from the Zhu family.

    Zhu Chengqi had criticized the Wang family a long time ago. They were sneaky but didn¡¯t have enough influence. They were quite clever but weren¡¯t tough. Unfortunately, Wang Yang was a normal person from the Wang family. His temper was exactly the same as the rest of the Wang family¡¯s. How would Zhu Chengqi like such a nephew? Especially when he knew¡­ Zhu Chengqiughed coldly. This Wang Yang was quite bold. He had really inherited the Wang family¡¯s trick of deceiving the superiors and hiding from the subordinates.

    If he had known that the people surnamed Wang were like this, he¡¯d rather break off all ties with his biological sister than to have any kind of rtionship with the Wang family so that Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t have such illusions and wild wishes.

    ¡°Chief Zhu, let me give you a massage.¡± After knowing that Wang Yang didn¡¯t do any of the routines, the nurse naturally didn¡¯t forget his job. He helped Zhu Chengqi turn over and even helped him out of bed to walk a few steps.

 Chapter 2191 - In Critical Condition

    <h4>Chapter 2191: In Critical Condition</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course, Wang Yang didn¡¯t know anything about this.

    After moving for a while and feeling that his body wasn¡¯t so stiff anymore, Zhu Chengqi let the nurse help him sit on the bed. ¡°Help me with something. Deliver these things to Zhai Sheng. If you can¡¯t find him, call him via this number.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Chief Zhu.¡± The nurse always remembered who he was working for. As to what the things Zhu Chengqi asked him to deliver to Zhai Sheng were, he wasn¡¯t curious at all, let alone dare to look at them casually. After calling the number that Zhu Chengqi gave him, he met up with Zhai Sheng. ¡°Chief Zhai, Chief Zhu wanted me to hand these over to you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± After receiving the documents, Zhai Sheng asked the nurse, ¡°How¡¯s Chief Zhu¡¯s situation now?¡±

    After thinking for a while, he said, ¡°To be honest, after knowing that your triplets were born and after Chief Zhu saw their photos, I always feel that¡­ Chief Zhu seemed to have lost the energy to persevere on.¡±

    After saying this, the nurse felt incredible. Based on Chief Zhu¡¯s situation, indeed, if there wasn¡¯t any belief supporting him to live, it was very easy for Chief Zhu to bid farewell to this world. Before this, he always couldn¡¯t figure out what was the reason for Chief Zhu¡¯s persistence. It was when he saw how Chief Zhu was looking at the Zhai family¡¯s triplets that he understood that they were the reason for Chief Zhu¡¯s persistence.

    How should he put it? It was as if an elder in the family knew that they weren¡¯t going to make it anymore. However, their family was about to wee the next generation. No matter what, they had to persist for a few more days so that they could see their next generation. However, the Zhai family¡¯s triplets weren¡¯t Chief Zhu¡¯s grandchildren. Why did Chief Zhu persist just to see the Zhai family¡¯s triplets?

    The nurse couldn¡¯t remember how many times the doctor had said that he was in a critical condition. However, Chief Zhu miraculously pulled through time after time. Sometimes, the nurse couldn¡¯t help but pity the bad guy, Wang Yang. He knew that Wang Yang was hoping for Chief Zhu to die earlier so that he could get everything from the Zhu family.

    Undoubtedly, every time the doctor said that Chief Zhu was in a critical condition, Wang Yang would be happy as he thought that his wish would soon be fulfilled. However, Chief Zhu didn¡¯t die. Every time the doctor said Chief Zhu couldn¡¯t make it anymore, he would still pull through. This happened so many times that when the doctor informed Wang Yang again that Chief Zhu wasn¡¯t in a good shape, Wang Yang wasn¡¯t happy. He would even confirm again if Chief Zhu really couldn¡¯t make it anymore.

    Anyone would shed pitiful tears for Wang Yang as he had to be happy for nothing every time. The notification of being in a critical condition was like ying a prank on him. The nurse basically confirmed that unless it was ascertained that Chief Zhu had passed away, he shouldn¡¯t share this piece of news to Wang Yang so that he wouldn¡¯t be happy for nothing again.

    Upon thinking about this, the nurse couldn¡¯t help but add, ¡°Chief Zhai, I could tell that Chief Zhu especially likes your triplets. He is treating your triplets as his own grandchildren.¡± If Chief Zhu didn¡¯t treat the Zhai family¡¯s triplets as his own grandchildren, would he be trying so hard not to die?

    However, now that these three children were born safely, the nurse felt that the persistence in Chief Zhu¡¯s heart was slowly disappearing. It could no longer support Chief Zhu to live for a few more days. Since Chief Zhu liked the Zhai family¡¯s triplets so much, Chief Zhu would definitely be happier if he could look at them personally or even hug them.

    At least, Chief Zhu would feel more at ease when he left this world.

    Zhai Sheng rejected the nurse¡¯s request while carrying the documents. ¡°This should be what you want to say, right? It¡¯s not something I agree to or not for Chief Zhu to see the triplets. It¡¯s all up to Elder Zhu. Don¡¯t mention this in front of Elder Zhu. He has ns for everything.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew clearly about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s situation. Zhu Chengqi would definitely not be willing to let Wang Yang know too early how much he valued Qiao Nan and the triplets. Otherwise, they would have to guard against Wang Yang since it was unsure if he would find Qiao Nan trouble.

    After Zhai Sheng got together with Qiao Nan, they already knew about Chen Jun and the Chen family¡¯s situation. If not for the Wang family¡¯s help, the Chen family would not have been able to climb up to the position of policemissioner of Ping Cheng Police Station so quickly. This wasn¡¯t a small matter. Since no one investigated them, it was very clear that the Wang family had put in a lot of effort in this matter.

    Zhu Chengqi knew that his liking for Qiao Nan had already caused her a lot of harm and for her to encounter a scum like Chen Jun. As such, even after Zhu Chengqi knew what kind of person Wang Yang was, he didn¡¯t get close to Qiao Nan again. He treated her like she was a stranger.

    It wasn¡¯t the first time that Wang Yang did such a thing. If there was a first time, there would naturally be a second time. Zhu Chengqi had already lost his biological son, Zhu Baoguo. He wouldn¡¯t let Wang Yang hurt the innocent Qiao Nan just so that he could get everything from the Zhu family.

    Zhai Sheng knew about all these, but not the nurse. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back first. If Wang Yang knows that I sneaked out and didn¡¯t stay by Old Chief Zhu¡¯s side, he would have things to say.¡±

    ¡°Okay, it has been tough on you.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that Wang Yang was keeping a close watch on Zhu Chengqi and wasn¡¯t willing to rx. Zhai Sheng also knew Wang Yang¡¯s motive for doing so. Wasn¡¯t he afraid that Zhu Chengqi would make a will that didn¡¯t benefit him? Once Zhu Chengqi died, and under the condition that Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t leave behind any will, Wang Yang¡¯s mother, who was also Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological sister, would be the legal heir to everything of the Zhu family.

    If everything from the Zhu familynded in Wang Yang¡¯s mother¡¯s hands, it was the same as themnding in Wang Yang¡¯s hands. There was no difference.

    Thankfully, when the nurse rushed back, Wang Yang hadn¡¯t visited Zhu Chengqi yet. As such, Wang Yang didn¡¯t know what the nurse had done. A person who simrly wasn¡¯t in the know was Qiao Nan, who had just finished giving birth. She was surrounded by her three children daily now. Of course, she couldn¡¯t care about so many people like she did before she gave birth.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did the children cry?¡± Qiao Nan had ced all her attention on the children, and so did Miao Jing. The children were young and naturally spent more time with Qiao Nan. Furthermore, Miao Jing was old and had less energypared to Qiao Nan. As such, Qiao Nan was still the one who was mostly taking care of the children.

    Qiao Nan had just finished feeding Da Bao. After she sessfully patted Da Bao until he hupped, Da Bao fell asleep without any coaxing. ¡°They didn¡¯t.. They slept immediately after eating.¡±

 Chapter 2192 - Go Back

    <h4>Chapter 2192: Go Back</h4>

    It was the best time to raise the three children since they were only newborns, but at the same time, it was also the most difficult time.

    As long as they were fed and cleaned, they would spend at least twenty hours in a day sleeping and wouldn¡¯t wake up too often. Of course, they would still cry when they were hungry, when they urinated, or when they defecated. Because of their cries, Qiao Nan had no free time at all as she busied herself taking care of the three children.

    The one thing Qiao Nan was thankful for was that the triplets had the same habit as they had in her dream. They went to sleep together and woke up together. Then, they waited for their turns for mealtimes. That saved Qiao Nan a lot of hassle. As for breast milk, Qiao Nan had the will but couldn¡¯t seem to produce enough. No matter how hard the auntie tried to nourish her with all sorts of soup, Qiao Nan was still unable to produce sufficient breast milk. It was barely sufficient for the three children at the moment, but when their appetites increased in another one or two months¡¯ time, Qiao Nan knew that she could simply ¡®retire¡¯ as a human milk bottle.

    ¡°They¡¯re sleeping so well. Nan Nan, don¡¯t you think that our three children have grown so much?¡± Miao Jing stared at the three children, almost shooting hearts at them. Miao Jing felt that their family¡¯s children were the most attractive and adorable children in the world. She had never seen any children better looking than their own. ¡°They have such pale skin and chubby cheeks.¡±

    ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve grown quite a lot. They feel rather chubby.¡± Qiao Nan nodded while smiling. Her children were growing very quickly indeed. In the blink of an eye, her children¡¯s faces, hands, and feet seemed to have be rounder. ¡°Mom, since the children are sleeping, you should get some rest too. Do they bother you with their cries?¡±

    Knowing that Miao Jing was not in good health and could not tolerate too much noise, Qiao Nan was especially worried that the cries of the children would disrupt Miao Jing¡¯s sleep. It didn¡¯t matter that much during the day, but the three children often got hungry at night and cried especially loudly.

    ¡°Of course not. How could that be a bother?¡± Miao Jing waved Qiao Nan away. She had been longing for these cries for so many years. She loved them so much! How could she ever think of them as a bother? ¡°Where¡¯s Zhai Sheng? Did he leave you to take care of all three children alone? Since when has he be so irresponsible? He¡¯s a father now. I¡¯ll make sure to tell the triplets about this when they grow up so that they¡¯ll talk some sense into him.¡±

    Only after Qiao Nan ced the children down to sleep did she have time to reply to Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t me Brother Zhai. He was the one taking care of the children alonest night when they urinated and defecated. All I did was feed the children when they were hungry. I didn¡¯t expect Brother Zhai to be so adept at such things.¡±

    A hands-on father like Zhai Sheng had truly saved Qiao Nan a lot of hassle. In her dream, Zhai Sheng was still young and spent much of his time in the military. Apart from some help from her parents-inw, Qiao Nan was the only one taking care of the children. Now, Zhai Sheng was spending more time at home and was even adapting well to being a father. Even Qiao Nan was stunned and she could not help but ask Zhai Sheng if he could master anything in the shortest possible time.

    Hearing Qiao Nan praise Zhai Sheng, Miao Jing was ted. After all, she had raised this wonderful father and husband herself. ¡°Don¡¯t praise him. He¡¯s a father. That¡¯s how he should be. If he can¡¯t even do that, he shouldn¡¯t have gotten married or be a father. Nan Nan, remember to get him to do whatever you want him to do while he¡¯s at home. You gave birth to three children for him. It¡¯s his obligation to do whatever you want him to.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s my obligation.¡± Zhai Sheng, who had just returned, agreed with his mom. ¡°Mom, Dad¡¯s looking for you downstairs. Why don¡¯t you go and see what he wants?¡±

    Qiao Nan was still doing her confinement and was pretty much cooped up upstairs with the three children. As such, Zhai Yaohui could only get Miao Jing to carry the children down whenever he wanted to see them.

    Miao Jingughed. ¡°Why else would he be looking for me? It must be about the three children. Let¡¯s not bother about him. The triplets just finished eating and went to sleep. What if we wake them up by carrying them down?¡± She would never do such a thing to her grandchildren. ¡°They¡¯ll be turning a month old in another few days. Then, he¡¯ll have plenty of chances to carry them.¡± In fact, as long as Old Zhai had the strength to do so, he could carry them for a few more years!

    Old Zhai only had to fear not having the strength to carry the children. He would have nock of opportunities to carry them.

    Qiao Nanughed. The three children had probably e¡¯ toote. That was why everyone in the family cherished them so much. After knowing that the triplets had been born, Jiajia had to resist the urge to leave her studies behind to rush to the capital. Thankfully, the holidays wereing and Zhai Hua had promised Jiajia to visit the capital once her exams ended and she collected her results.

    If not for Zhai Hua¡¯s promise, Jiajia would have kicked up a huge fuss at her own mother, Zhai Hua. Of course, although Jiajia was not physically present, she had received countless photos of the triplets. There were those of the triplets crying, those of them drinking milk, and even those of them sleeping. Strangely enough, the triplets were still slightly red and not especially good-looking, but Jiajia didn¡¯t mind that at all. She even praised her younger siblings for being beautiful and attractive!

    ¡°Alright, let them sleep. I¡¯ll head down.¡± Miao Jing took another few nces at the triplets in satisfaction. Ever since she had gotten grandchildren, her heart would ache if she went two to three hours without seeing them. No wonder Old Zhai had gotten spoiled too. He wanted to y with his grandchildren too.

    Qiao Nan was doing her confinement, and as her father-inw, it was inconvenient for Zhai Yaohui to visit the children. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s situation was no better than Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. Knowing that he wasn¡¯t going to be able to visit Qiao Nan or the children, he decided not to visit the Zhai family and to deal with Qiao Zijin instead. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. You should have had enough fun. Go back to Ping Cheng. There¡¯s nothing here for you anyway.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had no intention of supporting Qiao Zijin. Besides, he was being supported himself. Only after a few days did Qiao Dongliang realize what Qiao Zijin had been nning.

    The more he knew about Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns, the colder Qiao Dongliang treated Qiao Zijin. He realized that his elder daughter was living in ancient times.

 Chapter 2193 - Numb

    <h4>Chapter 2193: Numb</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Otherwise, how could she have such a ridiculous idea?

    Qiao Zijin was obviously reluctant. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? It doesn¡¯t cost me anything to stay in the capital. Isn¡¯t it the same as being in Ping Cheng? Water flows to the lowest ces while people climb to the highest ces. I¡¯ve finally made it to the capital after much difficulty, and I have what I need to stay here too. Why should I return to Ping Cheng? I want to stay in the capital and be a resident of the capital.¡± She could not afford to be embarrassed by going back to Ping Cheng with no achievement.

    To Qiao Zijin, returning to Ping Cheng would mean needing to give Ding Jiayi a living allowance. If she were to stay in the capital, she would simply share Qiao Dongliang¡¯s apartment. Given the same expenses, it only made sense to stay in the capital rather than return to Ping Cheng.

    Return? Only a fool would return!

    ¡°You want to stay?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Zijin was exceptionally absurd. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t stop you if you want to stay here. But you have to find yourself amodation, right? Have you found one? You can move over now.¡± Did she think he knew nothing about how expensive the rent was in the capital? Not spending any money? Not only were there many more things to spend on in the capital, but the same things even cost much more in the capital aspared to Ping Cheng.

    He knew that Qiao Nan had never expected to get back the money that Qiao Zijin had gotten from the sale of the apartment. Neither was she willing to bring up the past nor live the same life she had in the past. Qiao Zijin could keep the money and she would have nothing to do with Qiao Nan from then on.

    If Qiao Zijin liked to squander her money, she could do so. Once she squandered away all her money, he wouldn¡¯t even need to chase Qiao Zijin back. She wouldn¡¯t even be able to stay in the capital any longer even if she wanted to. Qiao Zijin was already all grown up. There was no need to worry about her not listening to him, and neither did he have to try to control her.

    Qiao Zijin sneered and sat on her bed. ¡°Dad, are you trying to chase me away? I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not leaving. I already have somewhere to stay. Why should I go and find another amodation? Dad, you¡¯re being too petty. It makes no difference whether it¡¯s one person or two people living here. Besides, you¡¯re not even the one paying for this apartment. Why do you have to be so petty and chase me out? Besides, I¡¯m your daughter too. What¡¯s wrong with helping me out and helping me save some money? Dad, shouldn¡¯t you at least be fairer to me?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t understand why her dad was ring up.

    What was wrong with her staying in this house? Why did her dad have to chase her out? Her dad may be foolish, but she wasn¡¯t. She would be a fool to spend money on another amodation when she could stay here for free. Qiao Zijin had already made her enquiries. Although this apartment was only about five to six hundred square feet, the rent was expensive. As for the price of this apartment¡­ The proceeds she had gotten from selling arge apartment of over one thousand square feet in Ping Cheng was enough to purchase only half of this apartment.

    It was only after she arrived in the capital that she realized how worthless her money was. If she kept her money well, she would probably be able to live a decent life in Ping Cheng. But in the capital, the money she had meant nothing at all. It was only natural for Qiao Zijin to refuse to return to Ping Cheng now that she had the chance to live somewhere better.

    As long as the Zhai family did not ask for this apartment back, it would be no different from her own. What Qiao Zijin cared about was that she wouldn¡¯t even need to pay for the utilities either. Where else would she find such a good deal? Perhaps, if she made some effort, she would even be able to register this apartment under her name instead. Then, she would be an official resident of the capital.

    Qiao Zijin made her calctions and thought that she would be able to live quitefortably in the capital too. But Qiao Zijin had thought about a problem: a job. If she stayed at home without working, there would definitelye a day when her money would run out. She had better find a job to earn some pocket money for herself.

    Since everything was so expensive in the capital, the wages here would probably be higher than in Ping Cheng, right?

    It was because Qiao Zijin had made such ns that she had refused to agree to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s request for her to return to Ping Cheng. ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you staying here too? It¡¯ll be lonely for you to stay here alone. I¡¯m not cursing you, but what if you fall at home? Who would know that you¡¯ve injured yourself if I¡¯m not here? If you¡¯re unwell, I can take care of you too. Isn¡¯t that right? Don¡¯t they say that it¡¯s good to raise children so that you¡¯ll have someone to take care of you in your old age? You¡¯ve reached the age where you need me to take care of you. I can¡¯t just leave you here.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang had be Qiao Zijin¡¯s reason for staying. She didn¡¯t believe that Qiao Nan would refuse to take care of Qiao Dongliang and disallow others from taking care of him. Did Qiao Nan want Qiao Dongliang to pass away in this house?

    Qiao Dongliang was in a rage. ¡°To take care of me?¡± That sounded nice. Qiao Dongliang shut his eyes and thought about how Qiao Zijin had snatched Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan. ¡°So, will you go back to Ping Cheng if I do? Of course, it doesn¡¯t matter whether you do. Once I leave, the Zhai family will naturally take this apartment back. Then, you can decide for yourself whether to stay in the capital or to return to Ping Cheng.¡±

    Qiao Zijin jumped up. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be like that. You don¡¯t like me and you¡¯re so biased toward Qiao Nan. Who¡¯ll take care of you in your old age if you go back to Ping Cheng now? You like Qiao Nan, not me. You can¡¯t expect me to treat you better than Qiao Nan, can you? You¡¯ll regret leaving.¡±

    Why should Qiao Nan benefit from it?

    Her dad was so biased toward Qiao Nan and had given all the benefits to Qiao Nan alone. Now was the time for Qiao Nan to repay them for everything. But her dad was insistent on leaving and letting Qiao Nan off the hook. That way, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t even need to support him! That made no sense at all! She would never agree to it!

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Qiao Dongliang was numb. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whom I favor. Nan Nan won¡¯t care about me or support me. You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I may be old but I don¡¯t need you to support me either. Even if I return to Ping Cheng, Nan Nan won¡¯t abandon me. You¡¯re right. Nan Nan¡¯s my daughter. I know very well what kind of child she is.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about the triplets that Qiao Nan gave birth to? Haven¡¯t you been talking all day about how adorable they are? Can you really bear to leave them behind? If you really return to Ping Cheng, you won¡¯t be able to see them in the future. You know that Qiao Nan will spend most of her time in the capital now that she¡¯s married to Zhai Sheng. She might not even return to Ping Cheng once a year.. If Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t return, then much less the three children.¡±

 Chapter 2194 - Mom, Come

    <h4>Chapter 2194: Mom, Come</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I¡¯ve already thought about that.¡± Qiao Zijin might havee up with such a good excuse, but Qiao Dongliang came prepared too. ¡°Nan Nan may not be able to bring the three children to visit me but that¡¯s no problem at all. Now, transport is so convenient. Very quickly, there will be a train from Ping Cheng to the capital. Then, it¡¯ll be faster and even morefortable toe to the capital by train than by car. I¡¯ll just have to travel for a few hours to see my grandchildren. That¡¯s nothing much. I¡¯m still strong. You don¡¯t have to worry about me.¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang had made up his mind to return to Ping Cheng. No matter whom Qiao Zijin brought up, he would never agree. Qiao Nan¡¯s life was finally improving now that she had gotten married to Zhai Sheng. Even if he couldn¡¯t help Qiao Nan, he shouldn¡¯t drag her down in front of the Zhai family, at the very least.

    He had already gotten a clear idea of Qiao Zijin¡¯s n, so he was never going to give Qiao Zijin the chance to hurt Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Dad, are you sure you want to go back?¡± Qiao Zijin frowned. She had not expected her dad to be willing to give up the Zhai family¡¯s three children to return to Ping Cheng. She had always thought that her dad would remain in the capital for the sake of those three children. ¡°When are you going back? The triplets will be turning one month old in half a month¡¯s time. It wouldn¡¯t be good for you to be absent from that celebration or the hundred-day celebration, right? What if the children misunderstand that you don¡¯t love them when they grow up? It wouldn¡¯t make any sense for you not to be at their most important celebrations to bless them.¡±

    That wouldn¡¯t do. She had to find a way to convince her dad to stay.

    It went without saying that the Zhai family would take back this house once Qiao Dongliang left. Then, Qiao Zijin would have no choice but to rent her own apartment if she wanted to remain in the capital. Putting aside the rent, she would still have to pay for her utilities and misceneous fees. Perhaps, she wouldn¡¯t even earn enough to cover her expenses. If that was the case, why would she bother getting a job? She might as well move to another capital to save her money.

    ¡°So, did you really onlye to the capital for a holiday? Or are you nning to find a job and stay here? You¡¯d better think it through in the next twenty days. I only intend to attend the triplets¡¯ month-old celebration. Then, I¡¯ll go back. You can stay if you want to.¡±

    Even if Qiao Zijin wanted to leech off him, she would only have twenty days left. The triplets had not turned a month old, and Qiao Nan had to go through forty days of confinement. As long as Qiao Zijin had no way of contacting Qiao Nan, her schemes would mean nothing.

    After letting Qiao Zijin know about his ns, Qiao Dongliang returned to his room quietly. His days in the capital were numbered. As such, he would have to cherish the time he had left to spend some time with the triplets and to carry them.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Dongliang was not going to change his mind and that angered her. Qiao Zijin whipped out her phone and made a call to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, Dad said that he¡¯ll be returning to Ping Cheng once the triplets turn a month old. Mom, I don¡¯t want to go back. I want to stay in the capital. You have to help me.¡±

    ¡°How-how am I supposed to help you?¡± Ding Jiayi was confused. Given her current situation, there was nothing she could do to help Zijin. ¡°Have you forgotten that you said that I wouldn¡¯t be of any help to you now? And that I¡¯d only create more trouble for you?¡±

    Qiao Nan had not died after giving birth to her children, and knowing that she wouldn¡¯t die, Qiao Zijin had called Ding Jiayi in a rage to throw a tantrum. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t wrap her head around the situation. She had spent a good sum of money consulting specialists, and those experts on the inte had even told her that it was dangerous for pregnant women to be in such a situation. If possible, it was best to get rid of the child. Otherwise, it would be dangerous for both the mother and the child.

    But what was the final oue?

    Not only had the three children survived, but they had even grown stronger by the day. As for Qiao Nan, she was still well and alive as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. No one could shake her position. Qiao Zijin could not help but wonder if she had wasted her money, or whether the experts she had found earlier were fake.

    The enraged Qiao Zijin had gotten into a huge argument with Ding Jiayi. While Qiao Zijin had already forgotten about that, Ding Jiayi had taken it to heart.

    Qiao Zijin sighed. Her mom was so incapable but had such a terrible temper and was so petty. ¡°Mom, are you still angry aboutst time? Didn¡¯t I tell you that I said the wrong things because Qiao Nan treated me like a fool and I got upset over that? Qiao Nan didn¡¯t die and my n didn¡¯t seed. I spent three to four thousand on those bus tickets and spent almost two thousand after only two days in the capital. Mom, what I was upset about was the money. I wasted all that money. If I had known that this would happen, I would have spent that money on you for a good meal or some clothes instead.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Stop trying to tter me. Tell me why you¡¯re calling.¡± Ding Jiayi could not do anything about her daughter. She was hurt, and she had been hurt several times recently. But she could not bear to let her go either. After all, she had pampered Qiao Zijin for decades. There was no way she could really leave Qiao Zijin in the lurch.

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°I knew it. Mom, you¡¯re the only person who treats me well. My dad can¡¯t evenpare to you. Mom, it¡¯s quite easy. My dad said that he¡¯ll return to Ping Cheng once the triplets turn a month old. I was thinking that you shoulde to experience the capital as well. I¡¯ve nned it out. Once my dad returns to Ping Cheng to look after the courtyard, you can get a ticket to the capital. Isn¡¯t it because of you and Dad that Qiao Nan managed to marry so well and get such a good status now? It¡¯s time for her to repay you for that.¡±

    ¡°Mom, the apartment that Qiao Nan¡¯s renting for Dad might be a little small but it has everything you need. If she can afford to give Dad such a good ce, there¡¯s no reason for her to give you somewhere worse than this, right?¡±

 Chapter 2195 - Good News

    <h4>Chapter 2195: Good News</h4>

    ¡°You were the one who raised Qiao Nan, not Dad. She should be more grateful toward you than Dad. If she treats Dad this well, she should treat you even better!¡±

    Once her mom came, Qiao Nan would have to continue renting an apartment just like how she had for her dad. This was the lowest standard she would ept. If her mom was dissatisfied with it, she would make a fuss and Qiao Nan would have no choice but to improve her treatment.

    Of course, she would enjoy whatever her mom did too.

    Did her dad really think that she would be left stranded with no other choice but to return to Ping Cheng if he were to leave and the Zhai family were to take back this house?

    Sorry but Qiao Nan didn¡¯t just have a father. She had a mother too. Besides, her mom was on her side too! As long as her mom arrived in the capital, Qiao Nan would have to be as filial to her mom as she had to her dad. When that time came, she would benefit quite a lot from it too.

    Qiao Zijin was no fool. She had been riding on Qiao Dongliang¡¯surels, and knowing that Qiao Dongliang no longer wished to help her, she immediately got her mom, Ding Jiayi, into the picture. All she wanted were the benefits that came along with it. It didn¡¯t matter whether those benefits were from her mother or father.

    Ding Jiayi was slightly hesitant about leaving Ping Cheng for the capital. Apart from when she was younger and had left her hometown to escape the arranged marriage her parents had set up, Ding Jiayi had never done anything so bold. Now that she was old, she wanted to stay where she was most familiar with.

    As such, the capital was not as attractive as Ping Cheng to Ding Jiayi. But it was not that Ding Jiayi was not drawn to the capital at all. ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡± It required a great amount of courage to leave the ce she had lived in for decades for somewhere as foreign as the capital.

    Ding Jiayi was not young anymore and no longer had that kind of courage.

    ¡°Mom, why do you still have to consider it? Will I make you suffer? I¡¯m doing everything with you in mind. I just want you to enjoy your old age. I can¡¯t deny that Qiao Nan could do a better job at that than me. She¡¯s much more capable of improving your life. Of course, I can support you too, but it won¡¯t be anywhere close to what Qiao Nan can do. But you have to listen to me ande to the capital. Then, I can take care of you with Qiao Nan. Besides, you¡¯re in Ping Cheng while Qiao Nan is in the capital. If you fall ill, Qiao Nan won¡¯t be able to rush back from the capital. Then, I won¡¯t be able to do much if you have to be admitted into the hospital to undergo surgeries if Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t return either.¡±

    ¡°On the other hand, as long as you¡¯re close to Qiao Nan, both she and the Zhai family will definitely be able to fork out the money for whatever you need, be it a kidney transnt or a heart transnt. There¡¯s no way they¡¯ll leave you to die. I can¡¯t promise you that I can do what Qiao Nan can. At the very most, I won¡¯t take advantage of Qiao Nan. If something happens to you, she can pay for the treatment but I¡¯ll take care of you. She won¡¯t have to worry about that. I¡¯ll do it myself and I¡¯ll make that clear with her. That should do, right?¡±

    Qiao Zijin still had ttery that she had not used yet. She would get Ding Jiayi to the capital before putting them to use.

    Only with either Ding Jiayi or Qiao Dongliang in the capital would she be able to live in a house that the Zhai family arranged for the two elderly people. That way, she would be able to save herself a lot of money.

    Besides, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t just be providing amodation for them if Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were in the capital. She would have to provide them with an allowance for their meals and daily expenses too. Only then would she be doing her duty as a daughter.

    Yes, it was true that she wouldn¡¯t be able to use a single cent that Qiao Nan gave her dad. But once the one enjoying this benefit in the capital was her mom, she was ny percent sure that she would be able to spend that money alongside her mom. Her mom waspletely different from her dad. Her dad was thrifty and spent frugally, while her mom would never be afraid of asking Qiao Nan for more money. The more Qiao Nan gave, the happier her mom would be. In fact, her mom would probably ask for even more the next time.

    If her mom were to seed, she wouldn¡¯t even need to find a job to live afortable lifestyle in a top-tier city like the capital.

    The gears in Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind turned continuously and she soon realized that it would be of even greater help if the person living in the capital was Ding Jiayi instead. In fact, it would be perfect.

    It was not that Ding Jiayi was indifferent, but she had never been so far away before. Besides, she had never been to the capital and was unfamiliar with it too. ¡°Alright. I understand. I¡¯ll mull over your suggestion. I¡¯ll let you know when I make my decision.¡±

    She was already advanced in age. One required lots of courage to make a special trip down to a foreign city to stay by a child that she didn¡¯t even like.

    Even though Qiao Zijin had already painted a perfect picture for Ding Jiayi, she had not been excited to the extent of wanting to fly over the capital to live the life that Qiao Zijin had described right away. There were undoubtedly disadvantages of living in Ping Cheng, but there were advantages too. At least, she would always be able to find her way home no matter where she was in Ping Cheng, and she even had quite a number of acquaintances in the city.

    In the capital, she would have none of those advantages.

    Other elderly returned to their hometowns in their old age. Ding Jiayi had not gotten the chance to move to the capital in her younger days to broaden her horizons. Now, at her age, she no longer had such an impulse or desire. ¡°Is there anything else? Otherwise, I¡¯m going to hang up. Oh right, did your dad say when he¡¯sing back?¡±

    In the past, she had always thought their house was terribly small. Not only was it a single-floor unit, but it was also old and dingy. But ever since Qiao Nan left, and both Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin headed to the capital, Ding Jiayi had been left alone at home. It was only then that she realized that the house she had been living in for decades was actually quite big. At least, she felt lonely staying there all alone. At times, she was so lonely that she was willing to waste electricity by leaving the television on for the whole night. That way, there were other sounds in the house, making it seem as though she was not the only one there.

    For the lonely Ding Jiayi, it was definitely good news that Qiao Dongliang was returning. Ding Jiayi had not seemed to take in any of Qiao Zijin¡¯s earlier suggestions.

 Chapter 2196 - A Problem

    <h4>Chapter 2196: A Problem</h4>

    Ding Jiayi was truly happy about Qiao Dongliang returning.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was upset. In the past, her mom would have thought of such a n without her even probing. Now, she had already analyzed the situation for her mom. Why was her mom still hesitating? Did her mom really want to live such a hard life with her dad in Ping Cheng? Was she crazy?

    Her mom was never this way when they were younger. It really seemed like her mom had be an ¡®old foggy¡¯ and was now confused about many things. ¡°Mom, trust me. Once youe to the capital, Qiao Nan and I will take care of you and you¡¯ll definitely be able to live the way you dreamed of when you were younger. Don¡¯t take Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude to heart. No matter how much she dislikes you, she still has to support you. It¡¯s only right for children to support their parents, after all. It¡¯s not something Qiao Nan can run away from. Mom, Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t want to acknowledge you and she doesn¡¯t care for you. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re still hesitating. How can Ping Chengpare with the capital?¡±

    It was truly strange that her mom had not agreed to her suggestion right away. It was like she was possessed.

    In recent years, none of them in the Qiao family had been the least bit normal. Even their tempers had be strange.

    ¡°I know. I know. I heard everything you said. Alright. I¡¯m hanging up.¡± It was not that she had not been moved. It was just that it wasn¡¯t so difficult to make a decision on something as important as this, especially since she knew that Qiao Dongliang was about to return. Ding Jiayi felt as though her earlier loneliness was on the verge of dissipating. It was really a little difficult for Ding Jiayi not to be paranoid since she was living such afortable life now.

    It was all Qiao Nan¡¯s fault. Ding Jiayi had always felt that Qiao Nan had forgotten all about her family after marrying into the Zhai family. Butter, Qiao Dongliang had told Ding Jiayi that Qiao Nan had not actually forgotten about the Qiao family. In fact, she had continued sending money back to the Qiao family. It was just that Ding Jiayi had not known about it before thewsuit.

    Because of what Qiao Nan did, Qiao Zijin wanted to encourage Ding Jiayi to move to the capital so that she would be close to Qiao Nan. In that way, Qiao Nan would never be able to leave her in the lurch again. But Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t really believe Qiao Zijin about that. After all, the heavens were always watching one¡¯s actions. Even Ding Jiayi herself had a sense of whether Qiao Nan would abandon her.

    Given how Qiao Nan had continued to send two thousand yuan back home even with such a situation, Qiao Nan would definitely not leave her to die in the hospital without helping her if she were to really fall ill, whether it was for her or for Zhai Sheng¡¯s reputation.

    ¡°¡­¡± Upon hearing the beeping sounds at the other end of the call, Qiao Zijin felt as though she was so frustrated that all her hair was about to fall off. Ever since that ¡®takeaway saga¡¯, her mom¡¯s behavior had be very strange. After that incident, no matter how much effort she put into coaxing her mom, her mom was no longer the same person. This time too. Her mom had even dared to hang up on her! She had really lost all status and position in this family and had even be the person of the least importance!

    There was no way Qiao Zijin could ept falling from being the most important to the least important person in the family.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t believe that both of you want to be good parents to Qiao Nan and that I¡¯m the only bad guy here.¡± Qiao Zijin scolded as she looked toward the phone. There was no way Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had suddenly changed for the better. What she did believe was that Qiao Nan would definitely remember what they had done to her in the past. Would Qiao Nan really not mind how Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had treated her in the past?

    If Qiao Nan refused to acknowledge her as an elder sister, her parents had better not expect to be a happy family with Qiao Nan either!

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude had changed, and even Ding Jiayi had started to ce less emphasis on her. Qiao Zijin felt a rage burning within her given the change in both her parents, so much so that she tossed and turned in bed, unable to go to sleep. It was only until a certain incident happened that Qiao Zijin¡¯s dissatisfaction and envy of Qiao Nan reached a whole new level.

    ¡°What? Chief Zhu willed everything of the Zhu family to our Nan Nan? Are you sure? Our Nan Nan doesn¡¯t really know Chief Zhu well. They¡¯ve probably only met once.¡± Miao Jing was dumbfounded when she heard about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will.

    Ever since Miao Jing had epted Qiao Nan as her daughter-inw, she had never had any expectations of Qiao Nan. It didn¡¯t matter that Qiao Nan had a poor family background since she had a good character and a fair temper. Most importantly, Qiao Nan was the woman whom her son loved, and she was even the mother of her three grandchildren now.

    From the beginning, Miao Jing had never nitpicked on Qiao Nan. After Qiao Nan gave birth to her three grandchildren, there were even fewer things for Miao Jing to nitpick on. She truly treated Qiao Nan as her biological daughter.

    Miao Jing had already epted Qiao Nan¡¯s ¡®shorings¡¯, ignoring those who looked down on Qiao Nan as well as those who mocked their family for having bad judgment. But now, there was suddenly awyer telling her that her daughter-inw who came from the ¡®countryside¡¯ had an especially well-to-do godfather who was just as impressive as her own husband. Not only was that person a chief, but he was also wealthy!

    Most importantly, the Zhu family had gotten all their money through legal means, and none of it involved anything illegal. Qiao Nan could inherit it with no worries.

    This will mean that Qiao Nan would be the chief¡¯s goddaughter as well as an outstandingdy with looks, money, and background. From then on, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t have to worry about not matching up to each other. They would be the best-matched couple!

    One was a young chief, while the other was a chief¡¯s daughter. The Zhai family¡¯s background was good, and so was the Zhu family¡¯s. In the past, it had not been easy to find a woman with a background that matched up to Zhai Sheng¡¯s. Now, they had one. Coincidentally, Zhai Sheng had already married her, and she had already given birth to three children for him.

    ¡°Madam Miao, we haven¡¯t made a mistake. Chief Zhu made this will voluntarily in a clear state of mind. He intended to hand everything over to his goddaughter, who¡¯s currently your daughter-inw, Madam Qiao Nan. This is the copy of Chief Zhu¡¯s will that ourw firm has made. You can take a look at it. This will is definitely valid legally and will stand up to any investigation.¡± Thewyer exined calmly and professionally to Miao Jing, who was still in shock and disbelief.

    Actually, it was no wonder that Miao Jing was in such disbelief. When Zhu Chengqi had first found thewyers to make such a will, even they had wondered if they had heard something wrongly.

 Chapter 2197 - Settling the Matter

    <h4>Chapter 2197: Settling the Matter</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even thewyers who had drafted Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will had been in such disbelief that they had questioned Zhu Chengqi again and again whether that was what he truly wanted in his will. To ensure the legal standing of the will, thewyers had also consulted Zhu Chengqi¡¯s doctor to ensure that he was of a sound mind and was capable of making decisions for himself.

    It was only after getting repeated confirmation that thewyer dared to draft the will just as Zhu Chengqi had instructed. In the end, it had been signed by Zhu Chengqi after he thoroughly checked through it to ensure that nothing was wrong.

    Since it was a will, it was only natural that no one would have known about its contents before Zhu Chengqi passed on. But at fourteen minutes past one that morning, Zhu Chengqi had taken hisst breath. And from that moment on, it was destined that the will would appear in front of everyone else.

    Thewyer had already known about Zhu Chengqi¡¯sst remaining rtive, Wang Yang, trying to take over possession of everything belonging to the Zhu family, after learning of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death.

    Thankfully, the deceased always had to be respected. Even if Wang Yang wanted to change everything in the Zhu family¡¯s name to his, Wang Yang would still have to wait for Zhu Chengqi¡¯s funeral to end before he would be able to do anything, even if it was just for show. There were many things to take care of. Besides, Wang Yang had always appeared to be the most filial to Zhu Chengqi. Of course, Wang Yang would have to personally deal with everything rted to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s funeral. He had already taken ny-nine steps and was just one step short of sess. There was no way he was going to loosen up and let his guard down at the veryst minute.

    Now that he was really dead, Wang Yang felt like he was finally at peace. Everything that he had set his eyes on of the Zhu family was now his. It would just be a matter of days. He could afford to wait.

    It was all thanks to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s funeral that thewyer had been able to meet Qiao Nan so freely and let her know about the existence of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will. That way, Qiao Nan would be able to go to thewyer¡¯s office to handle the paperwork and inherit everything that Zhu Chengqi had wanted her to.

    ¡°Madam Qiao, please take a look at this will. If there are no problems, could you give us a specific time when you¡¯lle to our office? Of course, if it¡¯s inconvenient for you to do so, you can sign a power of attorney document and get someone you trust to handle all the paperwork for you too.¡± Thewyer knew that Qiao Nan had just given birth to three children and was still doing her confinement.

    It was the middle of winter and the winds were brutal. Someone like Qiao Nan who was still doing her confinement could not afford to go out in such cold weather. He could not afford to take any responsibility if Qiao Nan were to get sick!

    Because of that, thewyer hade well-prepared with the power of attorney form. As long as Qiao Nan agreed, Qiao Nan would be able to inherit everything easily while taking care of her children at home, bing a true winner in life. Not only would Qiao Nan gain a huge fortune from the Zhu family, but she would even be able to make use of all of the Zhu family¡¯s connections in order to provide some practical help to her husband¡¯s career.

    Even normal marriages couldn¡¯tpare with Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s, much less when theirs was not an arranged marriage. To put it bluntly, once Qiao Nan inherited all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, she would turn from an unwanted country bumpkin into a good daughter-inw that every household wanted.

    It did seem unrealistic, but that was how the world was. Thankfully, Qiao Nan had already endured so many hardships and it was now time for her to enjoy her life.

    ¡°Brother Zhai.¡± There was no way she would be able to take care of those matters alone, and Qiao Nan could not think of anyone else apart from Zhai Sheng to handle them for her. In other words, the second, third, and fourth people she thought of were simply too young and were still drinking milk within her embrace. Since they would be of no help, Qiao Nan could only get the children¡¯s father to help her out.

    Zhai Sheng had already expected Qiao Nan to make such ns. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll settle them.¡± After Qiao Nan finished signing the document to allow Zhai Sheng to act on her behalf, Zhai Sheng brought out another document and handed it to thewyer. It was a document that Zhu Chengqi had entrusted Zhai Sheng with before he had passed on.

    The moment thewyer saw that document, he was in as much of a shock as when he had first heard about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s intentions for his will. Even up until now, thewyer had not figured out what his client, Zhu Chengqi, was thinking. They could not help but pity Wang Yang. How unlucky Wang Yang was! He had been the only blood rtive of Zhu Chengqi and had even taken care of him up until his death. Yet, he had not even gotten a single cent after his death!

    Of course, evenmon folks fought with their family members for their elders¡¯ houses and money. It would only be even more intense in families like the Zhu family. Because of that, thewyer understood that Wang Yang must have done something wrong that evoked Zhu Chengqi¡¯s ire. That was why Zhu Chengqi had given his nephew, Wang Yang, some hope before brutally crushing him with such a heavy blow.

    After thewyer left, Qiao Nan had not rejoiced because she had gotten a windfall. Her furrowed brows made it obvious that she was frustrated, upset, and confused about many things.

    In this lifetime, Zhu Chengqi had never been able to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter. In fact, Qiao Nan had even been turned away when she had wanted to visit him before his death. Initially, she had thought that Wang Yang was the one making the decision, and he had not told Zhu Chengqi about her visit. But in the end, Qiao Nan realized that Zhu Chengqi probably knew about the situation too.

    Knowing that Zhu Chengqi had passed away the night before, Qiao Nan was miserable and had the urge to burst out in tears. Before she could let out a sound, her tears started falling freely. Qiao Nan was thankful that she had given birth to three children. Otherwise, it would be disastrous if one of them were to meet with an ident. Besides, Zhu Chengqi was a recluse and a lone wolf who could never forget histe wife¡­

    If not for that, Zhu Chengqi would never have to spend his whole life in such misery. If Zhu Chengqi had someone by his side, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s life would have been much happier.. More importantly, Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯t have passed away so early either.

 Chapter 2198 - Good Judgment?

    <h4>Chapter 2198: Good Judgment?</h4>

    Zhai Sheng had already guessed that Qiao Nan would be upset, so he had gone upstairs to apany her and wipe away her tears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Didn¡¯t Mom say that you can¡¯t stand in the wind or cry? Otherwise, you¡¯ll get arthritis in the future. Actually, Chief Zhu didn¡¯t have it as hard as you think. His departure might not necessarily be a bad thing.¡±

    In Zhai Sheng¡¯s opinion, there was no point in Zhu Chengqi continuing to live in that way. He had no close rtives by his side, and the only one he did have around was evil and greedy. In his youth, Zhu Chengqi had given his life to the military. When he got older, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s mental capacity and physical abilities could no longer keep up with the pace of the army once he reached the retirement age.

    Another day of such an uninteresting life was simply redundant.

    ¡°Who said so? He could have been happier!¡± Qiao Nan was unconvinced and she sniffled. ¡°Brother Zhai. Tell me honestly. Zhu¡­ Did my godfather refuse to meet me before this to protect me?¡± Zhu Chengqi had already entered a special ward while Qiao Nan had been only four to five months pregnant because the doctors had said that he was about to pass away at any minute.

    Someone who was toeing the line of death had held on for half a year more and had passed away in the middle of the night only a few days after she had given birth to her three children. Qiao Nan could not help but think about such a situation. After all, this was not her first time encountering it. In her dream, her master, Lin Yuankang, had insisted on holding on until the triplets¡¯ birthday passed before letting her know.

    In this lifetime, Qiao Nan hardly thought about things that had happened in her dream because very often, things were not as smooth-sailing in reality as they had been in her dream. Lin Yuankang had severed his ties with the Lin family a long time ago. This had not changed, whether it was in her dream or in reality.

    What was different was that in her dream, Lin Yuankang had had a caring disciple, Qiao Nan. That was why he had been able to enjoy hisst days like any other senior, with children and grandchildren around him. Even though he had sumbed to his illness in the end, he had had a fulfilling life, at the very least. But that was not the case in reality. Lin Yuankang had not been in contact with the Lin family and had even been misunderstood as an old man with a strange temper. Lin Yuankang had passed away at about the same time as he had in her dream, but he had encountered many more problems before his death in reality.

    The Lin family knew that Lin Yuankang was dying soon, but he still had wads of cash in his hands. Money was something one couldn¡¯t bring into the grave. As such, the Lin family tried to scheme to get hold of that sum of money, creating so much trouble for Lin Yuankang that he had not been able to rest well even in hisst days.

    Qiao Nan had only enquired about it because she had been curious. But upon learning about such heart-wrenching news regarding Lin Yuankang, Qiao Nan did not have the heart to go any further. Even though these events had happened a few years ago, Qiao Nan could not bear to hear about how much this old man, who had no ties to her, had suffered in his old age.

    In her dream, Lin Yuankang and Old Zhai had left peacefully at around the same time. Qiao Nan had been upset for a long while and had not been able to pick herself up. If not for the fact that Old Lin and Old Zhai had already passed away quite a few years ago by the time she awoke from her dream, Qiao Nan might very well have been trapped in that misery again.

    In the face of the departure of an elder whom she felt deeply for, Qiao Nan had no control over her emotions. Now that Zhu Chengqi had truly ¡®left¡¯ this time, Qiao Nan felt like her world was crashing down. Why did the elders who treated her well always pass on so early? Her godfather was about the same age as her own father!

    It was not that Qiao Nan wanted to curse Ding Jiayi or Qiao Dongliang. But she was truly upset at such a difference. Why had the heavens given her such a dream? Was it exceptional love or was it a special kind of torture for her? If not for that dream, the departures of these elders would never have made her so emotional or sad. However, if not for that dream, she would have received much less love too.

    Qiao Nan had reached a dead-end in her mind. She could not wrap her head around why such an average person like her had to deal with so many uneptable events. Was she a jinx? Would Zhu Chengqi have been able to live a longer life if he had hated her like Ding Jiayi did or ignored her like Qiao Dongliang had?

    ¡°Nan Nan, what are you thinking about?¡± Zhai Sheng was the first to realize that Qiao Nan¡¯s emotions were in turmoil. Even though Qiao Nan had the children in her arms, she was down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Tell me about it. I¡¯ll help you resolve it.¡±

    Qiao Nan leaned into Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace. ¡°I¡¯m just a little upset. I don¡¯t understand why good people have such short lives.¡± Qiao Nan also knew that she was not in a good mood. But no matter how much she tried to persuade herself, she could not seem to lift her mood. If not for the three children, Qiao Nan might have already broken down.

    Zhai Sheng understood her words. ¡°Are you still upset about the Zhu family?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Zhai Sheng patted her back. ¡°I don¡¯t know if good people have short lives, but what I do know is that bad people will always get what they deserve. It¡¯s inconvenient for you to get out of the house now that you¡¯re doing your confinement. That¡¯s why you haven¡¯t been able to see the situation out there. After Wang Yang found out about Chief Zhu¡¯s will and that he will have nothing to do with the Zhu family¡¯s assets, he nearly went crazy.¡±

    Even though he had not gone crazy, he had not been very right in the mind either. Wang Yang had even said that thewyers had been bribed by the Zhai family and Nan Nan. She had nothing to do with the Zhu family, while he was Chief Zhu¡¯s biological nephew.

    Who would give everything in the family to someone who had nothing to do with him instead of his own nephew? There was no way he was going to ept that will. He even suspected that the will was a fake, had requested for an investigation, and had even taken thew firm to court. Of course, since he had already gone to such an extent, Wang Yang had also sued Qiao Nan as well.

    Since Qiao Nan had already given Zhai Sheng the power of attorney, he would be able to act on her behalf without the need for her to be present.

    Because of this incident, there had been quite a lot of gossip regarding the Zhai family and Qiao Nantely. Striking a windfall was something that everyone dreamed of, yet it was not something that just anyone had the good fortune of having. It was only natural for Qiao Nan to be the object of envy because of her sudden windfall. Everyone talked about how Qiao Nan was truly an extraordinary person who must have resorted to extraordinary means.

    Earlier, everyone had beenforting themselves that Zhai Sheng had had poor judgment and that was why he had lowered his standards to marry such an old woman like Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2199 - Idiot

    <h4><i>Chapter 2199</i>: Idiot</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now that Qiao Nan had gained a godfather, many said that their daughters should acknowledge Qiao Nan as their master. Their daughters wouldn¡¯t even need to aplish both things that Qiao Nan had. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s capabilities, they would be set for life by just aplishing one out of the two things.

    Not only were these words unpleasant but also annoying. Thankfully, Qiao Nan had been doing her confinement and did not get out of the house. Of course, the Zhai family had not told Qiao Nan about these things and had kept their mouths well sealed.

    Qiao Nan was still doing her confinement while Wang Yang was struggling like a lion on the verge of exploding. Not only did he have terrible eye bags, but his hair was in a clumpy and disheveled mess. ¡°Stupid old man! He dared to y me until the very end! I was thoroughly duped by him! I can¡¯t believe I was tricked by that stupid old man! He had better not think that death was liberation. People like him will definitely go to the lowest level of hell! If my grandfather knew that he gave all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to an outsider, that stupid old man would definitely be disowned and would be a criminal in the Zhu family!¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he shouted. The blood vessels in Wang Yang¡¯s eyes were like a spider web and he looked rather scary.

    Even Wang Yang¡¯s wife dared not get close to her husband. ¡°Dear, you haven¡¯t had a good sleep in a while. Do you want to get some rest? Didn¡¯t you say that you still have an ongoingwsuit? You have to be in good health so as to fight back against those people. Why don¡¯t I get you something to eat?¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife had never expected things to turn out in this way either. What should have been theirs was now gone in the blink of an eye, and it no longer had anything to do with them. Earlier, Wang Yang had been helping Zhu Chengqi take care of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, and it was only then that Wang Yang¡¯s wife had found out just how wealthy the Zhu family was.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife had already made her ns. Once all the money became Wang Yang¡¯s, she would have yed a vital role in it too. For a long time, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had been the bad person in front of Zhu Chengqi so that Wang Yang could y the good cop. She had given up everything to stay by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side so as to keep her eyes on him. Wang Yang had even scolded and beaten her, reminding her to behave in front of Zhu Chengqi.

    He had given her a p at that time. It had been a loud one, and he had not spared any strength at all. Because of that p, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had iced her cheek for a whole night. Nheless, her face had still been swollen the next morning.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife had already thought it through. There was no way she was going to get beaten up for nothing. It was true that her younger brother was useless and was never of any help. In fact, he would only drag her down. But she had only one brother, after all. Once she got the money, she would buy a vi. Then, she would have a room specially for her clothes and bags. Then, she would use some money to buy a house of about two thousand square feet for her brother.

    With that house, her brother would probably be able to get a wife and live afortable life. Two thousand square feet wasn¡¯t exactly small, and there would be more than enough rooms. Her parents had worked hard their whole lives and loved their son the most. If she were to buy that house for her brother, her parents would be able to live with her brother in the future. That would save her a lot of trouble too.

    It could be said that Wang Yang¡¯s wife had already made aprehensive n. All she wascking was the money.

    She counted down the days to when she would receive the money. Who would have known that a will like that would have appeared out of the blue? In that will, Zhu Chengqi had left everything to Qiao Nan. Wang Yang¡¯s wife thought that this will was probably real. But the strange thing was that she had already kept her eyes on Zhu Chengqi all the time. When had Zhu Chengqi ever gotten the chance to getwyers to draft this will for him?

    They had taken all sorts of precautions, but they had still not been able to stop Qiao Nan from inheriting the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Wang Yang¡¯s wife was enraged. The world was truly unfair. She looked quite simr to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have anything to do with the Zhu family. At the very least, she was that stupid old man¡¯s niece-inw! That was why she couldn¡¯t understand why Zhu Chengqi was so biased! They looked pretty much the same, so why had Zhu Chengqi chosen to give everything of the Zhu family to Qiao Nan instead of his niece-inw?

    Ever since she had started living with Zhu Chengqi, she had taken care of him with great care. She had never even treated her biological parents with such great care. But her sacrifices had amounted to nothing at all! In fact, someone else had benefited instead! How was she supposed to remain calm?

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife might have been infuriated, but she remained obedient and calm in front of Wang Yang, not daring toin or throw a tantrum. She had to coax Wang Yang well.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife had felt rather guilty the moment that will appeared. After all, Wang Yang had gotten her to keep her eyes on Zhu Chengqi so that something like that would not happen. But in the end, the will had still made its appearance. Wang Yang¡¯s wife was afraid that she had lost such a precious chance because she had not done her job well.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife swore that she had never been distracted for even just a moment while taking care of Zhu Chengqi. To take care of him, she had not even gone shopping in two years. In the end, she had no choice but to shop on Taobao instead. That was why she was sure that Zhu Chengqi had never left the house, nor had anywyers visited their house to discuss any matters with Zhu Chengqi one-on-one.

    She had kept such a close eye on him and had even spent so much effort trying to make sure that she would let nothing slip past her. Wang Yang¡¯s wife could not help but feel aggrieved when she thought about the will.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife did not have a good grasp of Wang Yang¡¯s attitude and was unsure if he would me her for everything. That was why she had no choice but to serve him well. She wondered if there was still any chance for them to take back that huge sum of money.

    Otherwise, both she and Wang Yang would have wasted two years of their lives trying to take care of Zhu Chengqi.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Wang Yang was in no mood to sleep. He felt as though his lungs were about to explode. If not for the fact that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s body had already been cremated and buried in the military cemetery, Wang Yang would have had the impulse to dig his ashes out and smash the urn so that his ashes would be blown away by the wind.

    What right did Zhu Chengqi, who didn¡¯t even care about his biological nephew, have to be buried in such a nice cemetery? How could he expect anyone to visit his grave and take care of it? Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t even deserve to be a human being! He was an idiot who only cared about outsiders!

 Chapter 2200 - Unable to Take Responsibility

    <h4>Chapter 2200: Unable to Take Responsibility</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Dear, what do you think we can do at this point in time?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife sighed. It was good as long as he didn¡¯t me everything on her. She was afraid that she would have to bear that burden. If that were the case, she wouldn¡¯t need to visit her inws in the future. She would definitely be an unforgivable criminal in the Wang family¡¯s eyes.

    Wang Yang stroked his face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you kept a close eye on that stupid old man? Why does this will exist?¡±

    Yes, it wasn¡¯t just Wang Yang¡¯s wife. Even Wang Yang himself knew that this will was real and that Zhu Chengqi had definitely drafted it behind their backs. There was no question about that. It was exactly because he knew that this will was real that Wang Yang was even angrier.

    He was angry that Zhu Chengqi couldn¡¯t differentiate between his family and an outsider and had given all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to an outsider like Qiao Nan instead of his own nephew. What he was angrier about was that he had already made his precautions because he knew that Zhu Chengqi couldn¡¯t be trusted. He had already made such a great effort, so when had things gone wrong and how had Zhu Chengqi managed to draft this will right under their noses?

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife immediately raised three fingers and swore. ¡°Dear, you should know that I have never said one thing while doing another. I know how important this matter is. I want it to go well for you too. Only then will I benefit from it. Initially, I was even thinking of getting a sum of money from you to buy a house for my brother after you got the inheritance from that old man. Then, my brother would be the one taking care of my parents in the future. So, there¡¯s no way I would go against you or even lie to you. I¡¯m sure you heard my friend¡¯s call the other time. I haven¡¯t been out shopping with them in over a year! How could I have ever made such a mistake? It¡¯s true. I¡¯ve always listened to you and stayed by that old man¡¯s side all the time. I didn¡¯t even dare to go anywhere or let anyone visit the old man.¡±

    Seeing how nervous his wife was, Wang Yang¡¯s slight suspicion disappeared. Wang Yang was clear about whether Zhu Chengqi had left the house, or who had visited Zhu Chengqi at home. As such, he was crystal clear about how Zhu Chengqi spent his days even though he did not stay by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side all the time.

    Wang Yang was rather confident about that.

    Wang Yang scratched his head. ¡°Since we were already so thorough, when did he ever draft this will?¡± Could it be that the old man was immortal? ¡°No matter what, I won¡¯t acknowledge the legal standing of this will. I¡¯ve already applied to the court to freeze all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. That Qiao woman had better not even dream of getting a single cent from our family. I¡¯ll fight it out with her in court. No one will ever snatch away what belongs to me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, dear. We¡¯ll do that.¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife nodded in agreement. Wang Yang disagreed with the fact that the money had nothing to do with them and of course, his wife could not bear to part with that money either. In short, if even she couldn¡¯t get that money, anyone who had nothing to do with the Zhu family had better not think of having a single cent of it. ¡°Dear, do you think that it¡¯s possible that the old man wasn¡¯t in a clear state of mind when making this will?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that he was truly not in a clear state of mind. However, they could, perhaps, ask thewyer to use this as an excuse. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve seen the newstely and there have been quite a few elderly people like the old man who are quite brainless and have been cheated of their money. Maybe that¡¯s what¡¯s going on in our family too. Look, that woman must have used some underhanded methods since she managed to get Zhai Sheng to marry her. It wouldn¡¯t be strange for her to confuse and coax someone with that mouth of hers. We have reason to suspect that that old man was cheated!¡±

    In reality, the old man had indeed met with Qiao Nan a few times. Only they knew about the fact that the two of them had only spent a little time with each other and had not spoken much with each other. Outsiders knew nothing about that, much less the judge. So, why would they not be able to use that as an excuse in theirwsuit?

    Wang Yang picked up a cigarette and took a puff, finishing half of the cigarette in one breath. ¡°We can give it a shot. Anyway, I¡¯ll never give up just like that. The Zhu family is wealthy, but I¡¯ve made quite a lot of money for that old man from investments too. That money should be mine. Why should someone else get it? That old man had better not count on it, and much less Qiao Nan.¡±

    For the sake of getting the Zhu family¡¯s assets, he had put in tons of effort. No one else knew about that. It could be said that his whole life¡¯s efforts had been spent on the Zhu family¡¯s assets. He had even¡­ gotten implicated in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death for the sake of the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    At that time, he was still young and a little timid. After Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, he had lost several nights of sleep. Afterward, it was only because his grandpa had observed something amiss and had brought him to the temple to get a talisman that he had eventually been able to get through that period.

    He had already gone to such an extent. How could he allow Qiao Nan to take advantage of everything he had done?

    ¡°We¡¯ll fight it out, and we¡¯ll fight hard. I¡¯ll never give up until I get my hands on what I want. Haven¡¯t there been a lot of rumors regarding Qiao Nantely? Does she really think it¡¯s that easy to acknowledge someone as her godfather? She¡¯d better know that it isn¡¯t that easy! If Qiao Nan is self-aware and voluntarily gives up the inheritance and returns what belongs to me, there¡¯ll be peace between us and we¡¯ll never cross paths in the future. But if she refuses to cooperate, my name won¡¯t be Wang Yang if I let her off!¡±

    He had already won against the apple of the Zhu family¡¯s eye, Zhu Baoguo. Would he lose to a Qiao now? What a joke!

    If he had already known that Qiao Nan¡¯s existence would create such trouble for him, he would never have made Chen Jun seduce Qiao Nan. He should have been more decisive about the matter. Since Zhu Baoguo had already died, one more life wouldn¡¯t mean much to him. Perhaps, he should have created an ident for Qiao Nan¡¯s death too.

    Only a dead person wouldn¡¯t be able to create such trouble for him. It was only because he had been kindhearted and had given Qiao Nan a chance at that time.

    ¡°Dear, your parents called to ask about the situation today. Are you going back alone?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife was especially afraid to answer phone calls from her inws now.. This matter was truly too serious, and she couldn¡¯t afford to take responsibility for losing the Zhu family¡¯s assets, much less take the me alone.

 Chapter 2201 - Getting a Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 2201: Getting a Divorce</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Once the tides were turned, Wang Yang¡¯s wife knew that not only was she going to be facing scolding and usations, but the Wang family might even force her to divorce Wang Yang.

    Back when Wang Yang¡¯s wife was still a youngdy, she experienced a surge in status after marrying Wang Yang, bing the girl who married best among the rtives. A starving camel was still bigger than a horse. The Wang family hadn¡¯t capsized. At the very most, it just hadn¡¯t gotten everything the Zhu family had yet. To her, the Wang family was still an inw family with good conditions. If she missed out on Wang Yang, she would never be able to find another man with simr conditions as him.

    She couldn¡¯t bear to part with her status as the daughter-inw of the Wang family. She knew that her family couldn¡¯t bear it either. Without the Wang family, her younger brother might only be able to work for a few days at the job he found with much difficulty. Relying on the fact that Wang Yang was his brother-inw, he didn¡¯t need to do much work in the unit. However, the sry he obtained was definitely not little. He was even contracted as a permanent employee instead of a contract worker.

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I¡¯ll take care of this matter. I¡¯ll give my dad a call. If you receive a call from home and my dad nags at you, just let him be. Don¡¯t take his words to heart. This damned old man should have been guarding against me since a long time ago. It has nothing to do with you. However, this is a big matter and my parents don¡¯t feelfortable in their hearts. You must understand if they speak nastily. Understand?¡±

    Compared to biological parents, a wife was naturally not as close. Wang Yang asked his wife to be the temporary source for the Wang family to vent their anger and frustration. No matter how the Wang family scolded her or how unpleasant their words were, she had to coax them as the daughter-inw of the Wang family and couldn¡¯t throw a temper at her own inws.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife was from a small household and her family conditions were only better than Qiao Nan¡¯s by a little. What was Wang Yang after for marrying a wife with such a lowly background? Firstly, her looks. Secondly, this difference where his wife had to remain humble in front of the Wang family, like a puppy. She shouldn¡¯t be like others and arrogantly lift her tail into the sky like a peacock, disrespecting even her inws.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife¡¯s face changed slightly. Although her parents doted on a son more, they weren¡¯t bad to her, the daughter. She was a princess at home. After understanding the meaning in Wang Yang¡¯s words, no matter how unhappy she was, she didn¡¯t dare to kick up a fuss or not listen to Wang Yang¡¯s words. There was inherent inequality between her and Wang Yang to begin with. She had to listen to Wang Yang¡¯s words. She had to bear with the Wang family venting their anger and frustration at her.

    If she really felt unhappy and fell out with Wang Yang, her family would be the first to say that she¡¯s stupid and tell her that if she missed out on Wang Yang, how else would she be able to find another inw family that was as good as the Wang family? One had to count their blessings.

    She was already used to her family¡¯s rhetoric. Of course, she also had simr thoughts. No matter how angry she was, she just had to ept it.

    Indeed, when Wang Yang shared the situation with his parents, his father immediately started scolding him. ¡°I¡¯ve long said this. What use is there that she has looks? Rather than marrying this woman, you might as well marry Qiao Nan so that she can help our family more.¡±

    It was of course the best if Zhu Chengqi left his money to his son, Wang Yang. It was alright if there was a will as well. Qiao Nan was their daughter-inw. Leaving things for Qiao Nan was the same as leaving things for the Wang family. They were already a family. Could it be that the inws couldn¡¯t spend the daughter-inw¡¯s money?

    Wang Yang held his forehead. ¡°Dad, this happened so long ago. Can we not mention it?¡± Marrying Qiao Nan?

    To be honest, it wasn¡¯t that Wang Yang didn¡¯t consider this before. He thought of the possibility of doing so. However, after some serious thinking, Wang Yang gave up on this n very quickly. There was no choice. Wang Yang liked his wife to be younger than him. However, Qiao Nan was older. Also, after Zhu Baoguo passed away, Zhu Chengqi liked Qiao Nan more than him, the biological nephew. This made Wang Yang envious of Qiao Nan.

    Which man who thought that he was capable in this world would marry a woman whom he didn¡¯t like and was envious of? Wasn¡¯t that being at odds with himself?

    As such, Wang Yang married a woman who was simr in looks to Qiao Nan but was younger than him.

    In the end, it was proven that this idea was extremely lousy and useless. They had been married for several years. Zhu Chengqi never looked at this niece-inw differently or showed her kindness just because she looked simr to Qiao Nan.

    After Zhu Chengqi redid his will and left everything from the Zhu family to Qiao Nan, a powerful atomic bomb-like blow was set off.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s all in the past. You didn¡¯t listen to me and insisted on marrying a woman who had nothing. Yes, everything from the Zhu family would be left to someone with a different surname, but that surname is Qiao and not Wang!¡± Wang Yang¡¯s father felt that he was going to explode. He was such a smart man who managed to coax Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only biological sister. Why was it that the son he gave birth to was totally different from him?

    He knew that Zhu Chengqi, his brother-inw, never liked him before. So what? Even if he didn¡¯t like him, hadn¡¯t he simrly married a daughter from the Zhu family, spent the Zhu family¡¯s money, and used the glory of the Zhu family to improve his own position? So what if a lot of people rolled their eyes at him? It was the most practical to grasp benefits.

    Back when Wang Yang wanted to marry a wife, his father gave him two suggestions. Number one, rather than marrying this woman, it would be better to make Qiao Nan a member of the Wang family so that the effects would be more pronounced. Number two, Wang Yang could marry a woman who waspatible with the Wang family¡¯s background and would be helpful in Wang Yang¡¯s career.

    Wang Yang¡¯s father proposed these suggestions as he was afraid that a situation like this would appear one day. Who knew that his worst fears came true? As such, Wang Yang¡¯s father couldn¡¯t control his temper and wanted to throw tantrums at Wang Yang¡¯s wife. Over the years, Wang Yang¡¯s wife was considered to have worked hard as she gave birth to a son for Wang Yang and sent this son over to Ping Cheng for her inws to take care of him. Otherwise, Wang Yang¡¯s father wouldn¡¯t want to acknowledge her as a daughter-inw and would have gotten Wang Yang to divorce her.

    As a father-inw, Wang Yang¡¯s father was already dissatisfied with this daughter-inw previously. Initially, the husband-and-wife pair said that they had kept a close watch on Zhu Chengqi and there wouldn¡¯t be any idents. However, this ident still happened. Wang Yang¡¯s father lost all patience with this daughter-inw who couldn¡¯t be of help in any way.. Upon mentioning this useless daughter-inw, the disgust in his tone was pretty hurtful.

 Chapter 2202 - Pretending to Be Smart

    <h4>Chapter 2202: Pretending to Be Smart</h4>

    ¡°Dad, stop it. Things are already like this. Nothing will change no matter how angry you are or how you throw tantrums. We definitely can¡¯t let this matter go. I¡¯ve already thought about it. I¡¯ll continue thiswsuit with Qiao Nan. Also, Qiao Nan married well. She married into the Zhai family. I feel that the Zhai family probably wouldn¡¯t care much about the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. For the sake of their reputation, the Zhai family might even ask Qiao Nan to voluntarily give up the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. By then, what should belong to us wouldn¡¯t run away.¡±

    His attitude was different from his biological father¡¯s. Although his wife indeed didn¡¯t help much,pared to Qiao Nan, he preferred the woman he was married to now. He didn¡¯t know why, but every time he saw Qiao Nan, he would feel ufortable all over. It was as if their signs had shed.

    If Wang Yang married such a woman for the Zhu family¡¯s money, he expressed that after getting the Zhu family¡¯s money, he might not have the life to spend it. He might have already suffocated to death by being with Qiao Nan often.

    So what if she wasn¡¯t of help? He already knew this when he married his wife. This was his own decision. Wang Yang felt that he had nothing to regret, and he didn¡¯t have the intention to push the me to his wife.

    Wang Yang¡¯s wife was pretty touched upon hearing that Wang Yang didn¡¯t let her refute her inws but was protecting her in front of the father-inw who despised her. She always thought that aside from her looks, there was nothing Wang Yang was satisfied with. It turned out that Wang Yang still treated her pretty well.

    ¡°Heh¡­¡± Wang Yang¡¯s fatherughed coldly. ¡°Unless the Zhai family didn¡¯t know how much money Zhu Chengqi left behind, who wouldin that they had too much money? This money didn¡¯te by indecent means. Forget it. Go and do whatever you have in mind. I only look at the end result. Wang Yang, I¡¯ve put in so much effort to pave your road. Your mom doesn¡¯t know about it, but you should. Don¡¯t disappoint me when the timees. Your grandpa and I have ced the future of the Wang family on you.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s father was surprised as well. Wang Yang had such a mindset since young and started toy a hand on Zhu Chengqi. Of course, Wang Yang¡¯s father knew about this after Elder Wang told him. It was also because of this matter and that Wang Yang had a mother who was surnamed Zhu that Elder Wang decided to ce all hopes of the Wang family on Wang Yang. He doted on Wang Yang the most and even personally took him around to guide him.

    Wang Yang felt that the burden he was shouldering had increased. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. Although Grandpa is no longer around, I promised him that I would never disappoint him before he left. As such, I won¡¯t disappoint you as well. I¡¯ve worked hard for so long. How can I give the fruits of mybor to others? Dad, wait and see. Everything will belong to the Wang family in the end!¡±

    Wang Yang didn¡¯te up with any good solutions. It was just that since he was a child, his obsession was to have everything from the Zhu family. Now that this was snatched away by Qiao Nan the outsider, Wang Yang would definitely not agree to this. As such, Wang Yang naturally dared to speak such big words in front of his father.

    ¡°Okay. Your son is pretty good here. Your mom has been taking care of him, so you don¡¯t have to worry about the child. If you really remember that you still have a son and that you¡¯re a father, work harder so that your son doesn¡¯t need to lead a tough life in the future. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll hang up the call.¡± Most importantly, Wang Yang¡¯s father knew that the daughter-inw he disliked was definitely standing next to Wang Yang now. When he thought about the existence of this woman, Wang Yang¡¯s father felt ufortable all over.

    If they lost everything in the Zhu family because of a woman, no matter who it was, he wouldn¡¯t let them off.

    Seeing that the call ended, Wang Yang¡¯s wife hurriedly stepped forward. ¡°Thank you, husband. You must believe me. I¡¯ve always listened to your words and stayed by that old man¡¯s side. I really don¡¯t know how that will came about.¡±

    Toward the end, Wang Yang¡¯s wife cried. She knew that she didn¡¯t have good conditions and that her father-inw looked down on her. She also hoped that her performance would be better so that she could prove to her inws that Wang Yang didn¡¯t make the wrong decision to marry her. She obviously wanted to fight for herself. Who knew that such a mistake would be made when she was nearing sess?

    Until now, she couldn¡¯t understand when Zhu Chengqi had called someone to make this will, causing her to lose face in front of her inws.

    ¡°Alright, I believe you. We only spent two years by this damned old man¡¯s side. Before that, we only visited him from time to time. I¡¯m guessing that we were fooled by that damned old man. If he had made this will years ago, it would be useless even if you kept a close watch on him.¡±

    Wang Yang thought of a possibility, which was the time this will was made. If Zhu Chengqi had made a will to leave everything in the Zhu family to Qiao Nan before he married this wife, then it would be useless even if the both of them had kept a close watch on him.

    Upon thinking of this possibility, Wang Yang felt extremely ufortable. He thought that ever since Qiao Nan fell in love with Chen Jun, gave up her studies, and no longer grasped her own career like before, Zhu Chengqi had already be extremely disappointed in Qiao Nan.

    Don¡¯t tell him that Zhu Chengqi, that damned old man, had already started to fool him since then. On the surface, Zhu Chengqi was very disappointed in Qiao Nan and stopped saying that he would ept Qiao Nan as his goddaughter. However, Zhu Chengqi made such an infuriating will behind everyone¡¯s back in private.

    As such, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s indifferent attitude toward Qiao Nan earlier was to protect him and Qiao Nan and fool him? Not only did Zhu Chengqi have this idea long ago, but he was also guarding against him? Since when did Zhu Chengqi start to suspect him and guard against him?

    What wasughable was that Wang Yang always thought that he had caused Zhu Baoguo his death but he could get everything that belonged to Zhu Baoguo in the end. As the father, Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t know anything about this at all. Wang Yang was still feeling happy and mocking Zhu Chengqi at first. Following the appearance of the will and suspicions, Wang Yang felt that Zhu Chengqi had given him a tight p to mock his cleverness and self-righteousness.

    Wang Yang was very unwilling to admit that his suspicions might be the truth and that he had no way to change this. He was so angry that he wanted to kill someone.

    Qiao Nan was about to inherit arge amount of wealth. This wasn¡¯t a small matter. Not too longter, this matter became widespread. More people knew about this, including Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 2203

    <h4>Chapter 2203: Family Matters</h4>

    Upon hearing such a piece of news, no one could understand how ufortable Qiao Zijin felt in her heart. Qiao Zijin was particrly upset and felt that something was amiss. That feeling made her feel so ufortable that she wanted to die. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t die, she didn¡¯t need to think that she would get her hands on a husband like Zhai Sheng. It wasn¡¯t enough that Qiao Nan had Zhai Sheng as a husband. She didn¡¯t know where she got to acknowledge a godfather. Coincidentally, the other party was seriously ill and didn¡¯t need Qiao Nan to take care of him. Instead, in the blink of an eye, she could get a huge amount of inheritance.

    Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t even dare to think of such a good thing. However, this happened to Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin felt that Qiao Nan really had the ability to anger herself to death. ¡°Dad, do you know how much money that old chief who passed away left behind for Qiao Nan?¡±

    It was particrly difficult for Qiao Zijin to speak when she was asking this. She wanted to know but also didn¡¯t want to know for fear that she would be furious if it was arge sum of money. However, even if she had to suffer agitation, she also wanted to be in the know and not be kept in the dark.

    No, she had to persuade her mom and get her to hurry to the capital. How would Qiao Nan spend this huge sum of money that she had just obtained? No matter what, she should be filial toward her biological parents, right? If her mom could get some money from Qiao Nan, it meant that she could also follow suit and take advantage of her. This concerned her own interests. Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be careless in any way.

    Qiao Dongliang was naturally happy for Qiao Nan that she encountered such a wonderful thing. Qiao Nan was a good person. That was why someone doted on her. This meant that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t suffer in vain previously. There was still someone who saw the good in Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang only felt regretful that the person who had brought Qiao Nan thisrge amount of wealth wasn¡¯t himself. One had to know that he was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological father. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that this question is strange? How would I know how much money there is?¡±

    ¡°Why not? You¡¯re her father. Is it too overboard to let you know how much money she has? Dad, why don¡¯t you call Nan Nan and ask her? This is a major event in our family. We, as a family, should discuss together so that no one¡¯s confused. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± The sentence ¡®this is a major event in our family¡¯ revealed Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns of getting involved in this sum of inheritance. She even wanted to regard everything Qiao Nan had as her own.

    How was Qiao Dongliang willing to bother about Qiao Zijin, who had wishful thinking? ¡°This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with us. It¡¯s Nan Nan¡¯s matter. It is something major, but Nan Nan only needs to discuss it with Zhai Sheng. We¡¯re not in the position to be involved. Don¡¯t say that it¡¯s all for Nan Nan¡¯s good. You have the cheek to say this, but I don¡¯t believe it. Zhai Sheng treats Nan Nan well. He won¡¯t let her suffer.¡±

    Indeed, the ¡®outsider¡¯ Zhai Sheng was much more reliable than Qiao Zijin, the birth sister. After clearly distinguishing this point, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t have any thoughts at all. He was genuinely happy for Qiao Nan. He knew that after inheriting this wealth, nobody would feel that Qiao Nan was unworthy of Zhai Sheng and that Qiao Nan could marry Zhai Sheng because of his bad taste.

    Qiao Dongliang was uncooperative. Even if Qiao Zijin had other thoughts, she couldn¡¯t realize them. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but send Qiao Nan a text as she knew that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t pick up her call. ¡°Nan Nan, I heard that someone gave you a huge sum of inheritance. How much is it? We¡¯re a family. On the surface, the Zhai family is treating you well. However, once money is involved, you have to understand something. We are the most reliable people you have. You have to be more careful. After all, money is something good. Everyone likes it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin deliberately didn¡¯t mention who she was. She only used the identity of a rtive to remind and persuade Qiao Nan not to make a mistake. It was fine to share this with the Zhai family, but she shouldn¡¯t share so much money with them. If she really wanted to share the money, she should have shared it with the Qiao family. How long had Qiao Nan been living with the Zhai family? However, she had spent close to forty years with the Qiao family.

    Even if Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t well-educated, she should know how to make a sound judgment, right?

    Qiao Zijin had long thought about it. If she suddenly had five million yuan one day, she would definitely not share this matter with the Chen family. She would only tell her mother and help her buy a house. She would hold on to this five million yuan alone and wouldn¡¯t share it with Chen Jun.

    Back then, after knowing that Chen Jun had a lot of women outside, Qiao Zijin spent whatever she could from the Chen family and didn¡¯t save a single cent. Simrly, as long as something belonged to her, she would try her best to make sure that it had nothing to do with Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin felt that since she already had such a mindset, how would Qiao Nan be so foolish to think that her inws were better than her own family? This was such a huge sum of money. Even if it were the Zhai family, they would be envious. Why should Qiao Nan let the Zhai family, who were outsiders, gain from this? Shouldn¡¯t she give this amount of money to her biological family instead?

    It was fast to send a text message. Qiao Nan read it immediately. After reading the contents, Qiao Nan curved her lips and smiled coldly. She deleted this ridiculous text message without saying a second word. She had understood something long ago. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were less reliable than outsiders. Outsiders would still provide some form of protection and help to her. However, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t.

    Once she read the contents, she knew that it was someone other than Qiao Dongliang who had sent the message. The content was too obvious. Her father wouldn¡¯t focus on the inheritance which had not yet reached her hands. Ding Jiayi was in Ping Cheng. She would receive news at a slower speedpared to Qiao Zijin, who was in the capital. As such, this rtive who was ¡®thinking for her¡¯ was none other than Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Mom, who¡¯s going to pick up Jiajia and Sister Zhai Hua today?¡± Jiajia had finished her examinations. As such, she didn¡¯t want to stay in Ping Cheng for another day and wanted to see her younger siblings. Zhai Hua had no choice but to relent. The moment Jiajia finished her examinations, she picked up Jiajia from the examination hall and went straight to the airport with their luggage.

    ¡°Who else? Of course, it¡¯s Zhai Sheng. He¡¯s the one who¡¯s the idlest in our family now.¡± With the triplets in her arms, Miao Jing felt that her life wasplete. ¡°Nan Nan, the triplets look just like you. When they grow up, I¡¯m sure there will be a lot of wolf cubs who want to abduct them. No, when Zhai Sheng is back, I have to tell him that he can¡¯t be too good-tempered. In the face of those wolf cubs, to be polite to them is to be cruel to oneself.¡±

    Miao Jing knew how old she was. She felt that she wouldn¡¯t have the chance to watch the triplets grow up and get married.

 Chapter 2204

    <h4>Chapter 2204: Very Good Taste</h4>

    Since it was highly unlikely for her, the grandma, to witness this, Zhai Sheng, as the triplets¡¯ father, would naturally have the chance. Sons had to be groomed. As such, she had to get Zhai Sheng to be more attentive toward San Bao, his daughter. He must not let San Bao marry the wrong man like her aunt.

    Qiao Nan touched Er Bao¡¯s soft head and said, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re thinking too far ahead. Don¡¯t worry. I feel that our triplets will have a very good taste once they grow up.¡± In her dream, although she didn¡¯t see the triplets get married and hug any grandchildren, she understood too clearly what kind of person her daughter, San Bao, was.

    Her daughter looked like her, but her thoughts were more like her father¡¯s. In terms of temperament, she was the female version of Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t think that her daughter would be on the losing end when she fell in love in the future.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Our San Bao is smart. She also has two older brothers by her side to protect her. Nobody can think of bullying her. Isn¡¯t that right, San Bao?¡± After listening to her grandma¡¯s words, San Bao, who was asleep, opened her small mouth and yawned. She rubbed her head against her arms and continued to sleep after finding afortable spot.

    It was easy to take care of a sleeping child. She was even as cute as an angel.

    ¡°Uncle, Aunt, where are my younger siblings?¡± Speak of the devil. Zhai Sheng was the one who picked them up. Once they got out of the car, Jiajia didn¡¯t even care about her luggage. She handed them to her mom and Zhai Sheng and rushed in. It was obviously the first time that she was here. However, she didn¡¯t find the surroundings unfamiliar. ¡°Hello, Auntie. Where are my aunt and the younger siblings?¡±

    The auntie long knew that there was a child like Jiajia in the Zhai family. ¡°They are upstairs. The first room after you turn right. You¡¯ll be able to see it once you¡¯re up. Oh, right. If you want to carry the children, remember to wash your hands first.¡± Nobody could be sloppy regarding this.

    Jiajia thought for a while and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go up after removing my sweater and washing my hands.¡± She was afraid that after seeing the younger siblings, she wouldn¡¯t be able to control herself and wanted to hug them without washing her hands.

    Zhai Hua, who was following behind with the luggage, rolled her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Jiajia to like the younger siblings that much. She¡¯s simply obsessed with them.¡± After all, they were physically far apart and it had been three months. Zhai Hua always thought that Jiajia¡¯s passion for the younger siblings would fade a little. Who knew that it didn¡¯t but increased instead?

    Anyway, after being mother and daughter with Jiajia for so many years, Zhai Hua hadn¡¯t seen Jiajia cherish her, the biological mother, like how she was cherishing the younger siblings now. After making thisparison, Zhai Hua felt sour in her heart. Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but think that Jiajia would be married and have a child ten yearster. By then, Jiajia¡¯s attention would be on her son-inw and grandchildren. Wouldn¡¯t she be jealous to death?

    ¡°Aunt, I¡¯m here.¡± Jiajia pushed open the door gently and lowered her volume. ¡°Are the siblings awake or asleep?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re sleeping soundly.¡± Miao Jing smiled and looked at Jiajia, who seemed to have grown taller. ¡°Jiajia, you¡¯re really like your mom. The daughters from our family all have long legs.¡±

    ¡°Grandma.¡± Jiajia obediently addressed her and looked at the child in Miao Jing¡¯s arms. ¡°Grandma, is this my younger sister?¡± Her fragrant and soft sister?

    Knowing that Jiajia cared about the triplets, Miao Jing still had the consciousness that she was a grandma in front of Jiajia. She ced San Bao in Jiajia¡¯s arms. ¡°Jiajia is so smart. This is your younger sister. Her nickname is San Bao and her name is Zhai Yu.¡± She was a precious child of the Zhai family.

    ¡°How soft.¡± When she managed to hug her, Jiajia panicked. ¡°Grandma, why is she so soft? Are the younger brothers like that too?¡± She was so soft that it scared her. It was as if she had no bones.

    ¡°Newborns are all like that. Oh, right. Support San Bao¡¯s head with one hand and carry her from the buttocks with the other. She¡¯ll be fine then.¡± Miao Jing guided Jiajia on how to carry the child. ¡°You¡¯re so smart to have learned it so quickly. Look how good you¡¯re at carrying her.¡±

    The soft little sister was in her arms. Jiajia was extremely happy. ¡°That¡¯s true. Aunt, grandma, she smells so fragrant.¡± Jiajia took a deep breath and recognized the smell that belonged only to babies. She lowered her head and couldn¡¯t help but kiss the back of San Bao¡¯s hand. ¡°Her hand is so small and her skin is so smooth and slippery. So this is how babies are like.¡±

    Seeing that Jiajia was so engrossed, Miao Jing only found it funny. ¡°I know you cherish your younger siblings a lot. Come back more often if you¡¯re free in the future. The next time you see them, they might even know how to sit, run, and call you sister.¡±

    After hearing this, not only did Jiajia not be happy, but she even frowned. ¡°Do they grow up that fast?¡± She still wanted to teach them personally how to address her as ¡®sister¡¯. But based on her grandma¡¯s words, it seemed that her younger siblings would grow up very quickly?

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Zhai Hua also looked at the triplets in the house curiously. ¡°Think about yourself. When you were born, you were the same size as the sister in your hands. Now, you¡¯ve grown up. Children grow up quickly.¡± As she said this, Zhai Hua missed those days. It was as if it was just yesterday that she was still breastfeeding Jiajia. ¡°Our family really has triplets now. This is something that hasn¡¯t happened before. Is this inherited from the Qiao family?¡±

    How rare. For a family like them, they onlyined that they had too few children. They wouldn¡¯tin that there wasn¡¯t enough capital to raise them up.

    ¡°Yes. My father told me that my grandpa was the youngest of the triplets.¡± She handed Da Bao to Zhai Hua and carried Er Bao on her own. She was sincerely thankful that there were enough children in the family. Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be enough to go about. ¡°Jiajia, it¡¯s fine to carry her for a while. You can ce San Bao on the bed now to sleep. If she gets used to being carried for a long time, she wouldn¡¯t sleep in the future when no one is carrying her.¡± Even though she gave birth only at an older age, Qiao Nan never rxed in terms of educating the triplets. She was still like before and wouldn¡¯t let them have any bad habits.

    Jiajia didn¡¯t understand. ¡°So be it. I¡¯m happy to carry her.¡±

    Zhai Hua looked at Jiajia in a bad temper. ¡°It¡¯s one matter that you¡¯re happy to carry her. After the winter vacation is over, you¡¯ll head back to Ping Cheng to study. However, you would have brought out a bad habit in them. When we leave then, are you prepared for your aunt to be Nezha and grow three heads and six limbs?¡± Without three heads and six limbs, how would she be able to coax these three little ancestors well at the same time?

    Jiajia stuck out her tongue and knew where she went wrong. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t give Aunt any trouble. San Bao, sleep well and grow up quickly. When you grow up, I¡¯ll buy you pretty dresses and braid your hair nicely.¡±

 Chapter 2205

    <h4>Chapter 2205: Doing Nothing Until the Last Minute</h4>

    ¡°What about the two brothers?¡± Zhai Hua was carrying the Zhai family¡¯s eldest grandson in her arms. Once she heard Jiajia mention only the younger sister, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but ask on behalf of her nephews.

    Jiajia tilted her head in embarrassment. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about sports. I don¡¯t know how to y ser or basketball. I don¡¯t know where I can bring them to have fun. Maybe I can buy them small suits or toy cars?¡± She could only buy things for them.

    Zhai Hua was so angry at her daughter that she couldn¡¯t say anything. Jiajia was only in high school and was still a poor student. She needed her mother to provide for her. As such, the promises she made to her younger brothers and sister about buying this and that for them would naturally be fulfilled by Zhai Hua in the end since she would be the one forking out money.

    Jiajia smiled. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be so petty. At the very most, treat it that I¡¯m borrowing from you. After I grow up and graduate from school, I can start working and will be able to return all the money I owed to you.¡± For the sake of her younger siblings, so be it that she might have to starve. She believed that she was a capable older sister and would be able to earn the money used to buy her younger siblings¡¯ toys.

    ¡°Okay, remember to pay me back the money once you¡¯ve started working. Oh, right. Since there are so many benefits to being your younger siblings, what are you going to give me, the mother who has raised you up, after you start working?¡± It couldn¡¯t be that her younger siblings had gifts, but she, as the biological mother, didn¡¯t, right?

    After hearing Zhai Hua¡¯s words, everyone in the house couldn¡¯t help but startughing. Aside from the triplets who were sleeping soundly, everyone could tell that Zhai Hua was jealous of the triplets. She was envious that Jiajia treated the younger siblings better than her, the biological mother.

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°Jiajia has grown up. However, you have gotten younger. Who¡¯s the one who¡¯s being pampered now? Tell me. I¡¯ll give them a lesson. Jealous of the triplets? Are you still a mother?¡± She felt pity for the triplets, who had encountered such an unreliable aunt.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t feel that she was in the wrong at all. Instead, she felt that talk was cheap for her mother. She had grandchildren now. Of course she wouldn¡¯t cherish the care shown and importance ced by her daughter and son. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be in a hurry to say these words. When I be a grandmother one day, I might be more open-minded.¡± With different positions in the family hierarchy, the feeling must be different as well.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Jiajia could neitherugh nor cry. Her grandma was right. The longer her mother lived, the younger she became. She was even more insensible than her.

    With the appearance of Zhai Hua and Jiajia, it was considered that the Zhai family was reunited. Initially, Qiao Nan had already made ns. If Qiao Dongliang were to continue living in the capital, she would invite Qiao Dongliang over to the Zhai family to celebrate the new year. However, there was Qiao Zijin to consider. If she invited Qiao Dongliang over, she couldn¡¯t possibly leave Qiao Zijin alone for the new year, right?

    However, if she were to invite Qiao Zijin over as well, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to suffer such grievances.

    In that case, Qiao Nan could only give up the thought of inviting Qiao Dongliang over. When the triplets were having their full-month celebration, she reminded Qiao Dongliang that it was going to be the new year soon and it was time to head back to Ping Cheng to prepare for it.

    Qiao Dongliang ced the three small golden bracelets that he bought in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. He nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already thought about it as well. After the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration, I¡¯ll return to Ping Cheng.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have anything to say to that. ¡°Dad, help me put on these three golden bracelets for the children.¡± Since Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t say anything else, she could only do this. She knew that the three small bracelets were Qiao Dongliang¡¯s love for the three children. Qiao Nan immediately got him to help put them on for the children.

    Indeed, when he saw the golden bracelets on the three children¡¯s fair-skinned ankles, Qiao Dongliangughed happily.

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t organize the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration grandly. It was the same as when Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng got married. They only invited a few of their closest friends. Those who didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with them naturally didn¡¯t have the chance to attend it. At this age, Qiao Nan preferred to remain low-key for everything.

    Of course, when Qiao Nan preferred to remain low-key before she got married, many people had expressed that this should be the way as well. Although Zhai Sheng was married, the woman he married was old and illiterate. As he reached middle age, he was blind to have married a woman who wasn¡¯t outstanding. Where would the Zhai family have the confidence to hold a grand wedding banquet? Weren¡¯t they afraid of being seen as a joke?

    In short, it was embarrassing for Zhai Sheng to have married Qiao Nan. It was smart for them not to hold a grand wedding banquet. However, when the Zhai family was organizing the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration this time around, there were a lot of people who wanted to find the opportunity to attend it.

    The situation waspletely different from before. In this circle, as peers, there were few who wanted toe into contact with Qiao Nan. Most women were willing to because their husbands were Zhai Sheng¡¯s subordinates. They wanted to make use of their rtionship with Qiao Nan so that Zhai Sheng could help their husbands in the future. However, women who were of the same background as Qiao Nan were very willing to be friends with Qiao Nan.

    There was no choice. Unless they had closed themselves to the outside world, who wouldn¡¯t know that Zhu Chengqi was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw¡¯s godfather? Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t have a son. As such, he made a will and left everything in the Zhu family to this daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    If it weren¡¯t for Zhu Chengqi¡¯s nephew who refused to believe this and wanted to file awsuit, everything in the Zhu family would havended in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands by now.

    It was going to be the new year soon. Somewsuits wouldn¡¯t start so quickly. It was estimated that thiswsuit would only produce a result next year. However, everyone knew that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will was real. As such, everything in the Zhu family would reach Qiao Nan at most one or two monthster. There wouldn¡¯t be any surprises.

    With things from the Zhu family, Qiao Nan was no longer an old woman with a poor background. It wasn¡¯t only Wang Yang who was after everything in the Zhu family. A lot of other people were as well. Zhu Chengqi was an old fox and was as cunning as a hunter. If there was anything they needed to seek Zhu Chengqi¡¯s help for, their level of friendship had to be evaluated first.

    Qiao Nan was born lowly and had little knowledge. Until now, she didn¡¯t have a friend from the inner circles. Whoever became friends with Qiao Nan now would undoubtedly receive her help in the future if they ran into difficulties. It wasn¡¯t easy to coax Zhu Chengqi to agree to their requests. However, it was much simpler to conquer Qiao Nan.

    After having such a mindset, Qiao Nan soon became a sweet spot for everyone. It was a pity that they didn¡¯t do their homework. How would it be so easy for them to do certain things?

    sping Buddha¡¯s feet when in dire needs, but refusing to burn incense when all was well.

 Chapter 2206

    <h4>Chapter 2206: Nonsense</h4>

    It was good if they could still do something at thest minute. However, they didn¡¯t have any contact with Qiao Nan before. What was Qiao Nan¡¯s mobile number? What was her QQ code? What was her Weixin code? Was she on Weibo? In a developed society where there were so manymunication tools avable, they didn¡¯t know any to reach Qiao Nan. If that was the case, how were they going to befriend her?

    It was so difficult for Qiao Nan to give birth to three children. The Zhai family was going to organize their triplets¡¯ full-year celebration? Of course this would be a small event.

    If they didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with the Zhai family, they wouldn¡¯t even be qualified to visit them. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to finally have this one chance, but it was ruined. A few months ago, they were still looking down on her and found her disdainful. Now, she became a mysterious and inessible character. It was infuriating.

    However, in order to seed, how could they give up so easily? Everything in the Zhu family hadn¡¯tnded in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, right? It was enough as long as they became friends with Qiao Nan before the matter¡¯s done. It couldn¡¯t be that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t participate in social gatherings outside just so that she could stay at home and look after the children, right? As long as Qiao Nan stepped outside, they would seize the opportunity and not miss it again.

    It was fine for outsiders to be stopped outside. There was someone who was stopped but felt that she shouldn¡¯t be stopped.

    The first time when Qiao Nan got married, she, as the biological sister, couldn¡¯t attend the wedding. This was already the second time. Her nephews and niece were celebrating their full month. As their biological aunt, she was stopped outside. Were they insane? ¡°Haven¡¯t I said this clearly? My sister is the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. We are biological sisters. It¡¯s my nephews¡¯ and niece¡¯s full-month celebration today. I came here specially to see them. Hurry up and get lost!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t even enter where Qiao Nan was living now. No wonder Qiao Nan no longer paid attention to her family and ignored her, the biological sister. Upon thinking that Qiao Nan was going to inherit a huge sum of inheritance soon, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were red with envy.

    She called her mom a few times and wanted Ding Jiayi toe over to the capital. By then, it would be better for Qiao Zijin if Qiao Dongliang left and Ding Jiayi stayed. Compared to her dad, of course her mom would help her more.

    It was just that until now, her mom hadn¡¯t agreed toe to the capital. She kept saying that it was going to be the new year soon and she didn¡¯t want to run around. She wanted to stay in Ping Cheng with her dad to celebrate the new year.

    Back then, Qiao Zijin nearly thought that her hearing was poor. Her dad was going to divorce her mom soon. They didn¡¯t sleep in the same room or on the same bed. Why were they celebrating the new year together? Her mom had such thoughts, but did she ask her dad for his opinion? Would her dad agree to this? Oh, please.

    However, that was fine. She would work harder. If she gave up so easily, she wouldn¡¯t be called Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There are a lot of people who wanted to congratte them. However, you can¡¯t enter if you don¡¯t have an invitation. Actually, your dad is here today as well. He also entered with an invitation.¡± They treated everyone the same here.

    ¡°You know that my dad is here. How dare you stop me! I¡¯m just careless to have lost the invitation. I¡¯m the triplets¡¯ biological aunt. You should use your brain and think. How would the Zhai family not invite me?¡±

    Anyway, this was the capital. No one knew about her rtionship with Qiao Nan. She could say whatever she liked.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, please give us five minutes. We¡¯ll make a call to confirm.¡± Did she really lose her invitation? It was easier to just make a call directly to the Zhai family. They would be able to figure out immediately if that was the truth or not. ¡°Hello, there¡¯s someone here who ims to be Chief Zhai¡¯s wife¡¯s biological sister. She wants to attend the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration but identally lost the invitation. Is it okay for us to let her in?¡±

    How would Qiao Zijin have thought that the other party acted fast and called the Zhai family directly in front of her?

    After hearing this call, Qiao Zijin felt pretty guilty. There was no choice. In the past, she used this tactic in Ping Cheng before. This time, Qiao Nan had been destroying her image in front of the Zhai family. How would they agree to let her in? If the person receiving the call was Qiao Nan, it was even impossible for Qiao Nan to agree. If Qiao Nan still considered that they were blood rtives, she would have long informed their dad to bring her along as well.

    ¡°Oh, I see. Sorry to have disturbed.¡± The call was hung up quickly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The Zhai family said that no matter who it is or whichever rtive it is, they can only enter with the invitation. Anyway, it is still early now. Why don¡¯t you head back to find the invitation? Once you find it, we¡¯ll let you in.¡± These words were said in a fake manner. If they really gave her an invitation, based on their rtionship, they could let her in even if she had lost the invitation.

    However, the Zhai family¡¯s attitude said one thing. They didn¡¯t wee this person at all. If they didn¡¯t, how would they have given her an invitation in the first ce? As such, losing the invitation was most probably just an excuse.

    It was an important matter to attend the Zhai family¡¯s triplets¡¯ full-month celebration. Until now, they hadn¡¯t encountered anyone who had lost the invitation. Was the invitation a kind of hard card that could be lost so casually?

    The other party had already said it so clearly. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t kick up a fuss even if she wanted to. Her parents weren¡¯t around to coax her. Furthermore, in the unfamiliar capital, Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t so bold.

    ¡°You¡¯re surnamed Qiao?¡± Just when Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know where to go and was feeling reluctant but had no choice but to leave, a person stepped forward and leaned in. ¡°You¡¯re Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Who are you?¡± Qiao Zijin tilted her head. It was a good-looking man who was younger than her. ¡°I don¡¯t seem to know you. How do you know my name?¡± Even if the news was widespread, she only appeared on Ping Cheng¡¯s regional news channel before. She shouldn¡¯t be so infamous in the capital yet, right?

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to know who I am. Let me ask you something. Do you want money?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Who in this world wouldn¡¯t want money?!

    The other party showed her a palm. Qiao Zijin raised her eyebrows. ¡°Fifty thousand yuan? On what basis are you giving me that? There¡¯s no free lunch in this world. Also, I¡¯m not an indecent woman.¡± Even if she wouldn¡¯t be at the losing end for being together with this man, she had to ask this. Also, if she could receive fifty thousand yuan, she was going to make it big.

 Chapter 2207

    <h4>Chapter 2207: For Money</h4>

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t dead now. But what if her health suddenly became poor one day after giving birth to the three children and was about to die? If she had such an experience now, then she would really not be able to get together with Zhai Sheng anymore.

    She didn¡¯t want to miss out on a lifetime of prosperity for the rest of her life just because of fifty thousand yuan and a small love encounter.

    Picking up a sesame seed to lose a watermelon? No, she wasn¡¯t that stupid.

    Wang Yang frowned. She wasn¡¯t that kind of indecent woman? How ridiculous. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t that kind of indecent woman? Had that been the case, would she have be a third party, slept with Chen Jun, and turned her brother-inw into her husband? If Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t that kind of indecent woman, who had Chen Jun caught for having an affair and was forced to get a divorce?

    To Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were simply the biggest joke of the year.

    Furthermore, he wasn¡¯t Chen Jun. He didn¡¯t have such bad taste to fancy someone like Qiao Zijin. ¡°I¡¯m talking about five million yuan, not fifty thousand yuan. You¡¯re right. There¡¯s no free lunch in this world. If you want the five million yuan, help me do something.¡± He wasn¡¯t that rich that he could casually give a stranger five million yuan.

    ¡°Five million yuan?¡± After selling that house, she only obtained two million yuan. If she had five million yuan, even if Qiao Nan took back the house she was living in now, she should be able to buy a small house in the capital. ¡°What do you want me to help you with?¡±

    The temptation of five million yuan was too huge. It was impossible for a person like Qiao Zijin not to be moved.

    Wang Yang looked around. ¡°It isn¡¯t suitable for us to talk here. Follow me.¡±

    Wang Yang came today to attend the Zhai family¡¯s triplets¡¯ full-month celebration so that he could ¡®sessfully¡¯ find another opportunity to have a good chat with Qiao Nan about the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. Zhu Chengqi left behind such a huge sum of inheritance to Qiao Nan. Wang Yang knew that it was impossible for Qiao Nan to give it up unconditionally.

    If that was the case, wasn¡¯t it better for everyone to live harmoniously? As long as Qiao Nan¡¯s ambition wasn¡¯t huge and she didn¡¯t want to swallow the whole cake alone, he and Qiao Nan could still negotiate a satisfactory oue for all and resolve this matter.

    However, Wang Yang faced the same embarrassing situation as Qiao Zijin when he tried to enter. No invitation? Sorry, but you can¡¯t enter.

    If Zhu Chengqi was still alive, Wang Yang could have entered based on his identity as Zhu Chengqi¡¯s nephew. Before Zhu Chengqi was hospitalized, he had the right toe and go freely. However, after Zhu Chengqi passed away, Wang Yang immediately realized that he couldn¡¯t get in. Wang Yang wanted to ask on what basis he was not allowed entry. One had to know that this was still the house of the Zhu family.

    Zhu Chengqi was dead, but he was still alive. He could inherit everything from Zhu Chengqi. The country wouldn¡¯t take back the house that was left for Zhu Chengqi, right?

    Impossible. The country wouldn¡¯t do such a heartless thing. If that was the case, this house was his. By not allowing him in, it meant that he was not allowed to return to his house in the capital. Who was the one who swallowed his house?

    Until now, Wang Yang didn¡¯t have the answer to this incident and situation.

    Since Wang Yang couldn¡¯t enter the military areapound, he naturally couldn¡¯t see Qiao Nan and couldn¡¯t convey his thoughts to her. Just when Wang Yang was at a loss, Qiao Zijin appeared in front of him.

    Even if he knew what kind of person Qiao Zijin was, and how bad their sibling rtionship was, they were still rted by blood. Compared to him, Qiao Zijin would definitely have more ways to contact Qiao Nan. Wang Yang knew what Qiao Zijin was after. Even if he offered five hundred thousand yuan, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have rejected him, let alone five million yuan.

    It was just that when Wang Yang considered the seriousness of this situation, he was afraid that Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t put in any effort when helping him. As such, he was willing to break the bank and pay Qiao Zijin five million yuan to help him.

    In the face of a stranger like Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin should have been more careful. However, one look at Wang Yang and it was obvious that he had good conditions. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person to target what little yuan she had in her pockets. As such, when Wang Yang said to change a ce to talk, Qiao Zijin foolishly followed him and left.

    As soon as they entered a room in the cafe, Qiao Zijin knew that she didn¡¯t follow the wrong person. To talk about things at such a high-end ce, it was impossible for the other party to be a scammer. ¡°Alright, can we talk now?¡± Five million yuan. She hadn¡¯t seen so much money in her life before.

    Qiao Nan became rich. She didn¡¯t even give her fifty thousand yuan before, let alone five million yuan. With five million yuan, plus the one million yuan she had originally, even if she couldn¡¯t continue living in the capital, that was fine. With this six million yuan, she didn¡¯t need to work and could really lead a good life. Even if she was ill, she wouldn¡¯t be worried that she didn¡¯t have the money to treat her illness.

    In short, even if Chen Feng became sessful in the future and was willing to be filial toward her, she felt that even he might not be able to give her five million yuan to spend.

    After the waiter delivered the coffee, Wang Yang started speaking. ¡°I want you to help me contact Qiao Nan. Before contacting her, you can also convey my message to her. It¡¯s better not to burn bridges. It¡¯s best if she doesn¡¯t touch what doesn¡¯t belong to her. However, I¡¯m willing to give her face. We can meet up and have a good chat. If everything works out well and she wants money, I can give it to her.¡±

    As to how much money he was willing to give her, it was definitely not everything. However, if he could give Qiao Zijin five million yuan, he could grit his teeth and agree to give Qiao Nan fifty million yuan. Of course, he would only give her money. As for the interpersonal connections that the Zhu family had with others, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even need to think about them.

    With this fifty million yuan, Qiao Nan couldpletely be more arrogant in the Zhai family. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s taste became better one day and wanted to divorce Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan could simrly rely on this fifty million yuan and lead a good life. She could even provide for a few gigolos.

    ¡°You came to find me because of the Zhu family¡¯s things?¡± At this time, Qiao Zijin was pretty smart. She immediately thought of the wealth that Qiao Nan would soon be inheriting. ¡°What exactly did the Zhu family leave behind for my sister?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shone. Her moving eyes revealed that she also had other ideas in her mind.

    She found it strange to begin with. What was wrong with the Zhu family? They had left everything to Qiao Nan, an outsider, instead of family? Would she not know if the Qiao family had any rtives surnamed Zhu? The rtives from her grandfather¡¯s family were all dead. There were still some rtives from her grandmother¡¯s family who were still alive, but they never kept in contact. Even if they did, they would be trying ways to take advantage of their family. How would they be willing to fork out arge sum of money to benefit them?

 Chapter 2208

    <h4>Chapter 2208: Until Her Death</h4>

    As such, this man before her was from the Zhu family. In the face of such a huge amount of inheritance, he felt psychologically imbnced. Thus, he came to find her for help.

    The other party didn¡¯t know her or wasn¡¯t familiar with her. She hadn¡¯t opened her mouth to ask for benefits but the other party had already promised her five million yuan easily. Based on the other party¡¯s attitude, Qiao Zijin guessed that the Zhu family didn¡¯t leave behind only five million yuan. Even fifty million yuan would be a guess far off from it.

    Wang Yang¡¯s face darkened. He hated Qiao Zijin¡¯s performance of trying to act smart. ¡°I know a little of what kind of person you are. You might not know this, but I¡¯m from Ping Cheng as well. Qiao Zijin, I think you should reflect on something. Chen Jun¡¯s not bad, right? However, you don¡¯t know that if not for me, based on your conditions, do you think you would have a chance to marry Chen Jun and be the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw?¡±

    It could be said that he had given Qiao Zijin her husband, Chen Jun. He was Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Chen Jun¡¯s matchmaker. She had gotten married to Chen Jun for more than ten years and had enjoyed more than ten years of blessing. Not only was he Qiao Zijin¡¯s matchmaker, but he was also her benefactor. He didn¡¯t need Qiao Zijin to repay him. He just needed her to help him do this one thing. Furthermore, he even promised her five million yuan. If Qiao Zijin dared to be greedy and had other ideas in her mind or even wanted to sabotage his ns, don¡¯t me him for being rude then.

    ¡°What do you mean? What has it got to do with you that I married Chen Jun?¡± Until now, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know about Wang Yang¡¯s identity. When she heard him mention her past marriage with Chen Jun, she only felt inexplicable. ¡°Please get this clear. You¡¯re creating trouble for me now, not the other way. Should your attitude of asking for help be like this? Don¡¯t bring in those messy things from the past and try to act friendly with me. Am I that foolish? Will I believe whatever you say? I¡¯m not even clear about the matters between me and my ex-husband. How would you be clearer about them than me?¡±

    She knew clearly how she got married to Chen Jun. She fought hard for herself and was willing to let everything go. Aside from her, no one helped her. She relied on herself, alright?

    Wang Yang rubbed his temples. He felt that talking reason to Qiao Zijin was something very stupid. ¡°I¡¯m not going to mention you and Chen Jun. Just one question. Do you want five million yuan or not?¡± As to how much money the Zhu family left behind, this had nothing to do with Qiao Zijin at all.

    ¡°After you do what I asked you to do, five million yuan is yours. If you don¡¯t want this sum of money, you can leave after drinking the cup of coffee I¡¯m treating you.¡± Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t the only living person in the Qiao family. Qiao Zijin loved money. He heard that their mother loved money as well. Otherwise, he could try their father?

    Aside from Qiao Zijin, there would surely be another breakthrough from one of the members of the Qiao family.

    After knowing that Wang Yang would definitely not answer her how much money the Zhu family left behind, Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°You asked me for help, but you haven¡¯t told me who you are yet. If you don¡¯t tell me who you are, how am I going to convey your message to Nan Nan? Would Nan Nan understand it clearly?¡±

    Who was this unlucky person from the Zhu family before her now? Once she thought of how Zhu Chengqi left everything in the Zhu family to Qiao Nan and not this man before her, Qiao Zijin felt that he was more unlucky than herself. At least, when her father was biased, it was toward Qiao Nan, her biological sister. They were family. However, Zhu Chengqi was biased toward an authentic outsider.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to know who I am. You only have to convey my words to Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan will know who I am and will know how to contact me.¡± Qiao Nan only had the matter of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance now. There wasn¡¯t anything else.

    Qiao Zijin drank the bitter coffee and smiled. ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s my sister. You don¡¯t understand her like I do. This situation is to her advantage now. You¡¯re the one who wants to discuss things with her now. Based on your attitude, if Qiao Nan would bother herself with you, I¡¯ll write my name upside down. Her temper isn¡¯t as good as she looks. If you really want to discuss things with her, you¡¯d better adjust your attitude. Even I can¡¯t tolerate it. Think about it. She¡¯s the chief¡¯s wife now. Can she tolerate it?¡±

    He was obviously the one who had a favor to ask but was still putting on airs. How funny.

    The Zhu family¡¯s inheritance was arge sum of money. If she was anxious about the five million yuan, the other party was more anxious than her. It could be said that she had picked up this five million yuan for nothing. The other party was different. Everything in the Zhu family should have belonged to him in the first ce. He was pitiful to have been cut out by Qiao Nan halfway.

    Until now, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t understand. Was Qiao Nan that pleasing to the eye? She had reached the stage where Zhu Chengqi only cared about her, an outsider, rather than family.

    Wang Yang knew that it wasn¡¯t easy to talk to Qiao Nan. If she was easy to talk to, how would Zhu Chengqi leave behind such a will? He had known long ago that Qiao Nan was a formidable woman. It was fine if it was Qiao Nan. However, even Qiao Zijin, the idiotic woman who had little knowledge, dared to put on airs and y tricks with him now at this time. One could imagine how angry Wang Yang was feeling in his heart now.

    For this reason, Wang Yang hated Zhu Chengqi the most and Qiao Nan the second. He never cared about dealing with idiots like Qiao Zijin before. However, he didn¡¯t even have the confidence to fall out with Qiao Zijin now. There was no choice. Indeed, Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t the only one left in the Qiao family. However,pared to Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin was the most suitable candidate.

    If Ding Jiayi listened to Qiao Zijin¡¯s words previously and rushed over to the capital, she would have been Wang Yang¡¯s number one candidate.

    ¡°I¡¯m Wang Yang. As long as you mention my name, Qiao Nan will know who I am. Tell Qiao Nan that I¡¯m sincere to talk things out with her. There really isn¡¯t a need for us to go to court.¡±

    ¡°What? You¡¯re not surnamed Zhu? You¡¯re not a member of the Zhu family as well?¡± If he wasn¡¯t a member of the Zhu family, what business was it of this man named Wang Yang before her that the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance would belong to Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Who said that I¡¯m not a member of the Zhu family?!¡± Wang Yang jumped up. He hated hearing this the most. ¡°Zhu Chengqi is my biological uncle. My mom is Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological sister. My mom is surnamed Zhu. I have half the Zhu family¡¯s blood in my body!¡± As such, even if he wasn¡¯t surnamed Zhu, he was part of the Zhu family and had the right to inherit everything from the Zhu family.

    It was all because of his damned surname, Wang. He was obviously more obedient than Zhu Baoguo. He also scored better results than Zhu Baoguo. However, since he was young, everyone told him that it was a pity his surname was Wang and not Zhu. Otherwise, given that he was much more outstanding than Zhu Baoguo, he should be the one to inherit everything from the Zhu family.

    Wang Yang had heard too much of such words since he was young until Zhu Baoguo died.

 Chapter 2209

    <h4>Chapter 2209: Increase in Price</h4>

    As such, Wang Yang hated hearing such words the most.

    ¡°So be it that you¡¯re part of the Zhu family. Why are you throwing a temper at me?¡± Qiao Zijin was frightened by Wang Yang¡¯s angry look. She didn¡¯t say out the words she hid in her heart: You¡¯re surnamed Wang. How are you part of the Zhu family? If daughters and sons were the same, after having her as a daughter, would her mother, who favored sons more than daughters, have made her father give up everything in the army so that she could give birth to a second child? After having two daughters, she quickly wanted sons-inw.

    Daughters were naturally different from sons. Sons bore the same surname as their grandfathers. Once daughters were married off, they followed their husband¡¯s surname. It was different.

    ¡°Are you nning to help me or not?¡± Wang Yang restrained his temper. He obviously knew that Qiao Zijin was stupid but still became angry at her. It looked like he was angered to death by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will recently that he lost his usual calmnesspletely.

    ¡°Of course!¡± She wouldn¡¯t be doing this for nothing. By conveying a few words, she would be able to get five million yuan. She wasn¡¯t a fool. How would she not help him? ¡°However, what should I do so that you¡¯ll give me the five million yuan? As long as I convey your words to Qiao Nan, you¡¯ll give me this sum of money?¡± Was it that easy to get five million yuan?

    Upon seeing Wang Yang¡¯s look, Qiao Zijin felt that his conditions shouldn¡¯t be too bad. However, he wasn¡¯t the kind of rich person who would give her five million yuan just for conveying a message. If he was that rich, would Wang Yang have to fight with Qiao Nan for the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance?

    ¡°Of course not!¡± She wanted to get five million yuan just for helping convey a message? Did Qiao Zijin think that her mouth was made of gold? Even if it was really made of gold, it wasn¡¯t that valuable either. ¡°The reason why I got you to help me convey my message is so that Qiao Nan would discuss this with me further and we can negotiate for a result that is eptable for everyone. As long as things are resolved between Qiao Nan and me, five million yuan would naturally go into your pockets.¡±

    The five million yuan he offered wasn¡¯t something that the Wang family could take out at once. He admitted that he had to take this sum of money from the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. As such, if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t agree to return the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance to Wang Yang, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t be able toe up with five million yuan. If that was the case, how would he be able to produce so much money for Qiao Zijin, an insignificant stranger?

    ¡°You should understand my words now, right? Do you know what to do? Five million yuan isn¡¯t a small amount. Even if you buy a lottery, you might not be able to win five million yuan in this lifetime. As such, not only do you have to help me ask Qiao Nan out, but you also have to help put in a good word for me such that she would agree to my proposal.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was a little discouraged. She knew that it wouldn¡¯t be so easy to get her hands on the five million yuan. ¡°This isn¡¯t something easy to do, right?¡±

    It¡¯s not as if she didn¡¯t have ears. She understood the meaning in Wang Yang¡¯s words. It was impossible for all of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance to be given to Qiao Nan. However, Wang Yang was willing to give part of it to Qiao Nan.

    Tsk!

    With that will around, it was easy for Qiao Nan to take all the inheritance. To not get all the inheritance but to get only a small portion of it after talks? Did Wang Yang think that she was a fool? Or did he think that Qiao Nan was a fool? Perhaps Wang Yang himself was the fool. Who would be willing to agree to this? ¡°I¡¯m not smart, but I¡¯m not that stupid either. Do you think that this is possible?¡±

    If Qiao Nan would agree to such foolish conditions, would she be in such a pitiful state now? Her sister was the chief¡¯s wife but she couldn¡¯t even seed in being a civil servant.

    Wang Yang smiled as well. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s because this isn¡¯t something easy to do that I¡¯m offering a high price of five million yuan for your help. You shouldn¡¯t think that it¡¯s that easy to get your hands on five million yuan, right? If there isn¡¯t any difficulty, would I still need to offer five million yuan? Based on my identity and status, there would be people offering their help even if I don¡¯t pay them a single cent.¡±

    Qiao Zijin became silent at Wang Yang¡¯s words. She couldn¡¯t help but remain quiet as that was the truth. Money didn¡¯t fall from the sky. If she wanted to receive five million yuan, she had to be capable and do some things. Otherwise, if it was so easy to earn money, would she have cared to be a civil servant?

    ¡°How is it? Have you considered it well? I think I¡¯ve already said clearly what you have to do. As long as Qiao Nan agrees to my conditions, five million yuan will belong to you. If Qiao Nan disagrees, you¡¯re right. You would have been working for nothing.¡±

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t think that in front of five million yuan, Qiao Zijin would have the consciousness and willpower to reject him. To anyone, five million yuan was a huge sum of money that fell from the sky.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°I don¡¯t deny that five million yuan sounds like a lot of money. However, if I tell Qiao Nan the words you told me today, will I receive ten million yuan?¡±

    ¡°Haha¡­¡± Wang Yang couldn¡¯t stopughing. ¡°Do you still think that Qiao Nan is a fool like before? You can slowly think about ten million yuan. I take it that you¡¯re not willing to help me? That¡¯s fine. Help has to be voluntary. If you¡¯re unwilling to help, that¡¯s fine. Treat it that I didn¡¯t look for you today. This cup of coffee is my treat. May we never meet again.¡±

    His interaction with Qiao Zijin was only this once. They would never meet again. One had to know that Qiao Zijin was never his only way out. He wasn¡¯t used to betting on the same person or on the same incident.

    Seeing that Wang Yang was about to leave, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed. No one knew it clearer than Qiao Zijin if Qiao Nan was easy to talk to. If she wanted Qiao Nan to give her fifty thousand yuan now, she would never agree to it, let alone one million yuan or ten million yuan. It was just that under the premise that the Zhu family had left behind a lot of inheritance, even if she would be receiving the five million yuan for nothing, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but mention the increase in price so that she knew Wang Yang¡¯s bottom line.

    Who knew that Wang Yang was so bad-tempered? Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Wang Yang was no longer willing to talk to Qiao Zijin anymore and wanted to leave. How would Qiao Zijin not be nervous when five million yuan was about to fly away? She hurriedly pulled Wang Yang¡¯s sleeve and got him to sit down. ¡°This isn¡¯t a small matter and you¡¯re asking for so much. How can you be so impatient? If you really think that there is a problem, we can still sit down and discuss it further.¡±

    ¡°Is that your attitude for further discussions?¡± Wang Yangughed coldly. ¡°Men must not be greedy. Don¡¯t choke yourself to death. You have to think of what kind of situation you are in now. If I didn¡¯te looking for you, even if everything in the Zhu family belongs to Qiao Nan, you wouldn¡¯t even have five yuan in your hands, let alone five million yuan.¡±

 Chapter 2210

    <h4>Chapter 2210: How Ruthless</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking. If you¡¯re still having such thoughts, sorry. Although this is a difficult thing to do, it is five million yuan, after all. A lot of people would be willing to help me. I¡¯ve said this before. I don¡¯t like to force others for help. The other party has to be a willing party as well.¡±

    Wang Yang was too overbearing, and five million yuan was too tempting. How would someone like Qiao Zijin be a match for Wang Yang? After Wang Yang¡¯s attitude hardened, Qiao Zijin could only soften. ¡°Alright, five million yuan then. Indeed, it¡¯s not a small sum.¡± Wang Yang obviously wanted to do something to Qiao Nan so that she couldn¡¯t sessfully inherit everything from the Zhu family.

    As such, if she operated this matter alone, she wouldn¡¯t be able to receive five million yuan. She could obtain five million yuan from Wang Yang. If she controlled the situation well, she might even be able to get another five million yuan or more from Qiao Nan. Pooling together both sums of money, she would receive more than ten million yuan.

    Even if she relied on her own capabilities for a few lifetimes, she wouldn¡¯t be able to earn ten million yuan, let alone this lifetime.

    Upon thinking about the illusory ten million yuan, Qiao Zijin became excited. The blood in her veins surged and she was eager to try. ¡°I can agree to this and help you. However, if I really seed and you want to go back on your words, what should I do?¡± Verbal promises were recognized byw as well.

    However, at this point in time, there was only Wang Yang before her. If Wang Yang really went back on his words, who else could prove that he had promised her five million yuan? If Wang Yang happily received all the inheritance from the Zhu family but didn¡¯t give her five million yuan, wouldn¡¯t be she on the losing end?

    Wang Yang looked at Qiao Zijin in disdain. ¡°Don¡¯t judge others by oneself. I¡¯m not you. Five million yuan sounds like a lot but I won¡¯t go back on my words. Just like before, if you believe me, go and do it. If you seed, I will naturally give you a card with five million yuan in it. If you don¡¯t¡­¡±

    Wang Yang thought about it and took out five thousand yuan from his bag. ¡°If you fail, you don¡¯t have to think about five million yuan. You can treat this five thousand yuan as your fee for running errands. Of course, if you¡¯re that capable and seed in this matter, this five thousand yuan wouldn¡¯t be counted in the five million yuan. Treat this as your taxi fare.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes shone when she saw the stack of hundred yuan notes. Compared to five million yuan, Qiao Zijin was naturally dissatisfied upon receiving five thousand yuan. However, upon thinking that she hadn¡¯t done anything yet, she felt that she had earned five thousand yuan for nothing. The feeling of imbnce and unhappiness in her heart disappeared. ¡°Okay, I believe you.¡±

    She already knew that this man was called Wang Yang. She could search on the inte or ask someone about the specific situation between Wang Yang and the Zhu family. The monk can run away, but the temple won¡¯t run with him. It was a fact that Wang Yang came to look for her today. If Wang Yang dared to go back on his words, she would dare to expose the matter today so that his reputation would be ruined. She didn¡¯t believe that a person like Wang Yang would only want money but not face.

    After all, she had been Chen Jun¡¯s wife for more than ten years. She still had a fair sense of judgment. She could feel that Wang Yang was someone simr to Chen Jun. He wanted money but wanted face even more. To be entangled by someone like her for going back on his words on the five million yuan was definitely not something Wang Yang wanted to see.

    As such, once she seeded in this matter, Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t afraid that Wang Yang would go back on his words.

    After putting the five thousand yuan into her bag happily, Qiao Zijin slowly tasted her cup of coffee. When Wang Yang was cing an order just now, she saw that this small cup of coffee cost around two hundred yuan. It would be too wasteful if she didn¡¯t finish drinking it, even if she didn¡¯t need to pay for this cup of coffee.

    ¡°Where did you go?¡± When Qiao Zijin returned home, Qiao Dongliang was around as well. Seeing that Qiao Zijin was busy in the capital every day, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s looks turned uglier by the day. ¡°Today is the triplets¡¯ full-month celebration. I¡¯ve already bought the air ticket to return to Ping Cheng tomorrow. The Zhai family will take back this house tomorrow as well. It¡¯s up to you if you want to leave or not. You can figure out where to live afterward.¡± Qiao Dongliang had already reached his limit of tolerance.

    He had finally waited until the day that the triplets celebrated their full month. Qiao Dongliang knew that it was time for him to leave. How would he be willing to buy the air ticket back to Ping Cheng? Zhai Sheng had bought it for him immediately after confirming that he was leaving tomorrow. This was so that Qiao Dongliang could spend less time on transport and wouldn¡¯t be too tired.

    It was his son-inw¡¯s good intentions, after all. Qiao Dongliang naturally wouldn¡¯t reject it. When Zhai Sheng was buying an air ticket for him, he didn¡¯t even mention if Qiao Zijin was returning with him. It was as if he had forgotten about Qiao Zijin¡¯s existence. Qiao Dongliang had long considered this issue. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t bear for the Zhai family to buy an air ticket for Qiao Zijin. Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, it was nothing if she took this air ticket and returned to Ping Cheng together with him. He was just unhappy and afraid that Qiao Zijin would refund this air ticket and use the refunded money to continue living in the capital to create trouble for Qiao Nan. That would be too overboard.

    Qiao Zijin had a lot of ideas. Even if Qiao Dongliang was her father, he wasn¡¯t willing to get involved in her matters. However, he was going to leave tomorrow. This house would be taken back as well. Qiao Dongliang felt that he should still share some information with Qiao Zijin. ¡°Oh, right. After I leave, the water, electricity, and gas supply of this house should be cut off as well.¡±

    In today¡¯s society, it was nothing to not have gas. However, if there wasn¡¯t water or electricity, was this an environment where people could live in? A person afraid of the dark wouldn¡¯t be able to stay for a night, let alone for a long period of time.

    This was also one of thest ways to stop Qiao Zijin¡¯s stubbornness for wanting to stay in the capital.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed. She didn¡¯t expect her father and Qiao Nan to be so ¡®ruthless¡¯. Knowing that she was going to continue living in the capital, they didn¡¯t allow her to stay in this house. It was fine that they were going to take the house back. They even wanted to stop the water, electricity, and gas supplies to force her out of this house and find somewhere else to stay.

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and didn¡¯t dare to kick up a fuss at this time. After doing this multiple times, Qiao Zijin naturally understood that such a tactic wouldn¡¯t lead to Qiao Dongliangpromising. ¡°Dad, help me talk to Nan Nan. I haven¡¯t found a ce to stay. Tell her to give me one¡ªno, three more months. Just three more months. After three months, regardless of whether I return to Ping Cheng or stay in the capital, she can take this house back.¡±

 Chapter 2211

    <h4>Chapter 2211: Whose Idea Was This?</h4>

    ¡°However, now won¡¯t do. You suddenly want me to find another ce to live in. How can I find it? Dad, you also know that it isn¡¯t easy to rent a house in the capital. It¡¯s expensive too.¡±

    ¡°For an urgent situation like mine, I definitely won¡¯t be able to rent a cheap and good ce. It¡¯s easy for me to be taken advantage of as well. Dad, it¡¯s not easy to earn money. We don¡¯t have to let others earn so much of my money, right?¡± Let her move out? She wouldn¡¯t. She didn¡¯t believe that she couldn¡¯t get her mother toe over from Ping Cheng to the capital within three months.

    As long as her mother was in the capital, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to think about taking back this house. If Qiao Nan made her anxious and she became angry, when her mother arrived, she would definitely let her know that although Qiao Nan was wealthy and married a good husband, she actually arranged such a small ce for her biological mother to live in.

    Qiao Nan had to acknowledge her mother and admit that she was a daughter of the Qiao family. It was either she invited their mom to the Zhai family to stay or change a bigger house for her so that she could live morefortably.

    Of course, if Qiao Nan knew what to do and listened to her advice on that matter so that it could be resolved quickly and she could earn the money she required in this lifetime, she wouldn¡¯t create so much trouble for Qiao Nan.

    They were biological sisters. Reciprocity should be valued. If Qiao Nan gave in, she would also back down. What¡¯s wrong to be kind rtives? Why did they have to fight until they were both red in the face? That would be ugly.

    ¡°Three months?¡± Qiao Dongliang asked, ¡°Do you know how much money it costs to rent such a house for three months? It¡¯s easy for you to just rx and open your mouth. You want others to fork out three months of rent for you? If you really want to stay and find that it¡¯s not easy to find a ce to live in, that¡¯s fine as well. Go ording to the market price. Pay Nan Nan the rent for as long as you want to live here. How convenient is that? Don¡¯t worry. Nobody will take advantage of you. Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t do that. At the very most, she just wouldn¡¯t give you any benefits.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know if this house belonged to the Zhai family or if the Zhai family rented it. Regardless, there was no reason for their family to continue living here without paying any money. He had already lived in the capital for a month. How would Qiao Dongliang have the cheek to continue living here? He only wanted to quickly return the house to the Zhai family and stop wasting their money. Even if this house really belonged to the Zhai family and they didn¡¯t need to spend any money, the Zhai family could still earn some ie if they rented this out.

    ¡°Dad, can you not be so hard-headed? I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. She married well and I¡¯m divorced. I don¡¯t ask for you to take the initiative and get Qiao Nan to take care of me more. However, do you have to guard against me and help Qiao Nan? It¡¯s as if she¡¯s your daughter but I¡¯m not. Yes, I¡¯m not as capable as Qiao Nan, but I¡¯m still your rtive. When I¡¯m facing difficulties, is it that overboard for you to lend me a hand? Why do you have to force me so tightly? Are you trying to drive me to my death?!¡±

    She didn¡¯t believe that this house rental alone would affect Qiao Nan¡¯s life adversely. Let¡¯s not mention the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance first. As the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, the rental of this house was nothing to Qian Nan.

    This wouldn¡¯t cause Qiao Nan any trouble. However, her dad was cing Qiao Nan¡¯s interests above everything else. Why was that so? This would hurt their father-daughter rtionship too much.

    ¡°Drive you to your death?¡± Qiao Dongliang was angered and he pped the table hard with his hand. ¡°When you snatched Chen Jun away from Nan Nan¡¯s hands in the past and became the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw, Nan Nan was always single. Why didn¡¯t you think that based on your good conditions, you could help Nan Nan as well? You only told us that it wasn¡¯t easy for you to marry Chen Jun, so we shouldn¡¯t burden you. Based on Nan Nan¡¯s previous rtionship with Chen Jun, they must not get too close to each other lest scandals arise. Did you treat all the words you said as nonsense? You say this set of words to Nan Nan but another set to yourself. Does that mean you¡¯re human and Nan Nan isn¡¯t?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t as if a simr situation didn¡¯t happen in their family before. It was just that after the situations were reversed, Qiao Zijin¡¯s rhetoricpletely changed as well.

    She shouldn¡¯t treat Qiao Nan well as she wasn¡¯t proper and was in an ambiguous rtionship with her brother-inw. Qiao Nan should treat her well as Qiao Nan married well and she was divorced. Qiao Nan was the stronger party here. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t take care of her, could it be that she should take care of Qiao Nan instead?

    However, the situation between Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin was like that two years ago. Qiao Zijin¡¯s conditions were obviously much better than Qiao Nan¡¯s. All along, not only did Qiao Zijin not help Qiao Nan at all, but she also kept asking for money from Qiao Nan through Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t remember these matters anymore but Qiao Dongliang did. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s indeedfortable for you to do things like this. Everything must be based on your interests. Everyone must stand in your position to think for you. Zijin, you¡¯re already a mother. Your mom and I can no longer do things like this, yet you still have so many demands from Nan Nan. I don¡¯t even want to ask if you¡¯re still a person with a conscience.¡±

    After saying this, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s shoulders copsed. ¡°I¡¯m not going to argue with you. It¡¯s not good if anyone hears about this. However, I can tell you that you don¡¯t even need to think about what you just said. Once I leave, this house will be taken back. If I don¡¯t leave, all the water and electricity supplies will stop in this house at seven in the morning tomorrow. Oh, right. Although I¡¯m boarding the ne at nine, I¡¯m coincidentally leaving the house at seven as well. Figure things out yourself in the future. If you really don¡¯t want to leave, I can¡¯t do anything. If you don¡¯t want to hand over the keys, it¡¯s not a big issue either. At the very most, the owner of this house woulde and change locks.¡±

    As such, unless Qiao Zijin locked herself in this house without water or electricity in the future, she wouldn¡¯t be able to step back in again once she stepped out of the house as the locks would have been changed.

    ¡°Dad, did youe up with this idea, or is Qiao Nan really so ruthless to me?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned pale. She decided that in this world, there was no use being a good person. She shouldn¡¯t have been so polite toward Qiao Nan and even harbored thoughts of getting along well with her. If Qiao Nan was unkind to her, she would be unkind as well.

    No matter what she encountered in the future, she no longer needed to think for Qiao Nan. She only needed to think of what she should do to obtain the biggest benefit. She no longer needed to consider if what she did would affect Qiao Nan negatively or if she should think of a way that allowed both her and Qiao Nan to get the best of both worlds.

 Chapter 2212

    <h4>Chapter 2212: The Problem of Conditions</h4>

    She no longer needed to use her brain and think about suchplicated and troublesome issues.

    Indeed, in this lifetime, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get along well with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°I should say that all of us think this way. You always reach out for a yard after taking an inch. You¡¯re selfish and don¡¯t have any gratitude at all. Treating you well is the same as farmers rescuing snakes.¡± In the past, Nan Nan treated Zijin too well. That was why she was bullied. Her boyfriend was snatched away and her house became Zijin¡¯s.

    ¡°Heh¡­¡± Qiao Zijinughed coldly. ¡°Sure, you¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s good father. I¡¯m themon enemy that both of you want to deal with. In this world, I, Qiao Zijin, am the worst and the most ruthless. Will that do? So be it that I can¡¯t continue to stay here. Do you think I cherish this house a lot? This is such a small house. I¡¯m about to suffocate to death. I¡¯ll move out. Once you leave tomorrow, I¡¯ll move out immediately!¡±

    Qiao Nan wanted to be hostile toward her? In her dreams!

    Not too longter, Qiao Nan would be begging her. She didn¡¯t believe that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any thoughts at all or wasn¡¯t afraid the slightest bit that Wang Yang was reluctant to let go and wanted to get back all of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. One had to know that Wang Yang was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological nephew. After Zhu Chengqi died, ording to the proof of family rtionship, Wang Yang¡¯s mother was the first legal heir.

    If Wang Yang grabbed hold of this point to fight awsuit with Qiao Nan, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t stand a chance at winning at all.

    She would wait and see how afraid Qiao Nan would be when she found out that she couldn¡¯t get a single cent of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. She would appear again only when Qiao Nan was desperate. By then, she didn¡¯t believe that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t agree to her proposed conditions. When the time came, Wang Yang would give her five million yuan and she would get at least five million yuan from Qiao Nan.

    With ten million yuan, she wouldn¡¯t stay in either the capital or Ping Cheng. She was going to live in a new city and start a new life. She had had enough of these so-called rtives. They were always looking at her strangely and saying words of sarcasm to her.

    ¡°I hope you can do what you say.¡± Knowing that Qiao Zijin was losing her temper, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude didn¡¯t soften. On the contrary, he wanted to agitate Qiao Zijin such that she would really move out of this house with him tomorrow.

    Qiao Zijin was so angry that her teeth produced a creaking sound. She turned her back to Qiao Dongliang and didn¡¯t bother about him anymore. When night fell and knowing that Qiao Dongliang was asleep, Qiao Zijin stood up and left the room. She went outside to make a call.

    It was already nine at night. Ding Jiayi was very surprised to suddenly receive Qiao Zijin¡¯s call. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s sote now. Why aren¡¯t you sleeping but calling me?¡± As this was a long-distance call, Qiao Zijin had alwaysined that it was expensive and would rather send voice messages to Ding Jiayi.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how to send voice messages. However, Qiao Zijin insisted. As they used voice messages, Ding Jiayi started to slowly learn as well. As such, when she received a long-distance call from Qiao Zijin at night, Ding Jiayi was shocked. ¡°Didn¡¯t your dad say that he would return after celebrating the full month of Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets? Which day¡¯s train ticket did he buy? I¡¯ll go fetch him then.¡±

    The second day Qiao Nan¡¯s children were born, Ding Jiayi already knew from Qiao Zijin that their n had failed. In reality, Ding Jiayi had more or less guessed that this would be the result as well. There was no choice. Ever since Qiao Nan ran away from Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Nan had be lucky. She encountered only the good things and there was nothing bad.

    It was dangerous to give birth to children. Qiao Nan was forty years old and gave birth to triplets. If it was someone else, five out of ten women would have died. However, Qiao Nan was lucky. She belonged to the lucky half who managed to survive. Nobody could do anything about Qiao Nan¡¯s good life and good fate.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t mention another point to Qiao Zijin. It wasn¡¯t that she despised Qiao Zijin but it was simply because she was someone with a past. Zhai Sheng¡¯s conditions weren¡¯t bad. When she first knew that Zhai Sheng was going to marry Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi thought it was a bad joke made by others to deliberately mock her. The problem was that no matter how inferior Qiao Nan was, she was still a forty-year-old virgin. She usually behaved well and didn¡¯t like to run outside at night. She prepared her own meals daily, knew how to earn money, and didn¡¯t spend a lot of money. She was the kind of daughter-inw whom women her generation would like.

    When she looked at Qiao Zijin again, Ding Jiayi really liked her as a daughter and she doted on her well. She felt that Qiao Zijin was the best daughter in this world. However, if she wasn¡¯t her daughter but daughter-inw, would Ding Jiayi want her? Ding Jiayi shook her head. She really couldn¡¯t afford such a daughter-inw.

    Only Ding Jiayi could see the goodness in Qiao Zijin. Others couldn¡¯t see it at all. Ding Jiayi kept saying that Qiao Zijin was good. She knew that other people¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t as good as her own and thus couldn¡¯t see the good in her.

    As such, Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯tpatible with Zhai Sheng and it was impossible for Zhai Sheng to want her. Then, after Qiao Nan¡¯s death, regardless of whether it was Zhai Sheng himself or other members of the Zhai family, wanting to marry Zhai Sheng would be a big problem that Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t solve.

    It wouldn¡¯t be easy for Qiao Zijin to marry Zhai Sheng if Qiao Nan was dead, let alone Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t dead. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t need to think about the position of the chief¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Mom, your daughter is about to be bullied to death. You still have the mood to sleep? Mom, are you still my mom? Why don¡¯t you feel heartache for me? Mom¡­¡± As Qiao Zijin said, she started to cry. She cried very pitifully and hoped that her mom would feel sorry for her, just like in the past. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m really bullied so badly. Mom, I miss you. Only you treat me the best in this world. Other people are all insincere toward me!¡±

    Although her mom loved money, she still treated her as her daughter, unlike her dad, who only knew how to obtain benefits from her. He took money from her so readily. However, when she ran into trouble, he didn¡¯t have the slightest awareness that he was her father. He even forced her to move out of the house.

    If her conditions were as good as Qiao Nan¡¯s, would she continue staying at the Zhai family¡¯s house and not leave?

 Chapter 2213

    <h4>Chapter 2213: Not Against the Law</h4>

    Obviously, the Qiao Zijin with such a question in her mind wasn¡¯t conscious of her behavior. When she married Chen Jun and led a much better life than Qiao Nan, hadn¡¯t she simrly used Qiao Nan¡¯s money to buy a house for herself as a dowry?

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Tell me what happened.¡± Actually, Ding Jiayi had already fallen asleep. She was awoken by the mobile ringtone. Thus, she was a little confused and wasn¡¯t as clear-headed now. ¡°Let me switch on the lights first. Then, speak slowly.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Zijin sniffed. She felt that as long as her mom didn¡¯t ignore her, she wouldn¡¯t be considered as fighting a lonely battle. There was still someone by her side helping her.

    After switching on the lights, Ding Jiayi was about to pick up the call again when she realized that Qiao Zijin had already hung up the call. Ding Jiayi was confused. Did that mean the situation of Zijin being bullied didn¡¯t exist and she no longer needed to share anything with her and she could continue sleeping?

    Ding Jiayi was sleepy to begin with. Since Qiao Zijin had already hung up the call, she hadplete reason to believe that Qiao Zijin¡¯s matter was resolved. Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, if the matter wasn¡¯t resolved, how would she hang up the call so easily? She would have kicked up a fuss until she couldn¡¯t sleep well.

    However, it was as if Qiao Zijin was teasing Ding Jiayi. As Ding Jiayi switched off the lights, removed the coat she put on, and covered herself with the nket, the mobile rang again. Ding Jiayi reluctantly and angrily put on the jacket she had removed and switched on the lights again. ¡°Zijin, hadn¡¯t you hung up the call? Isn¡¯t everything alright? Why are you calling me again?¡±

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s a Weixin video call now. I didn¡¯t give you a long-distance call.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi sucked in a cold breath of air in winter. ¡°Why did you call me previously then?¡± Why did she keep changing? Even if Zijin was her daughter and she had raised her up since she was young, she really didn¡¯t understand her temper.

    Qiao Zijin was full of grievances. ¡°I haven¡¯t used the phone for a long time. I sent you a Weixin message but your mobile didn¡¯t vibrate and you couldn¡¯t hear anything.¡± At this time, nothing was more useful than a direct call. The mobile ringtone vibrated loudly. If not for this reason, she wouldn¡¯t have made a long-distance call just now. The fees weren¡¯t cheap, alright?

    ¡°¡­¡± With such a ¡®calctive¡¯ beloved daughter, what else could Ding Jiayi say? ¡°Alright, whatever you say. Tell me then. I¡¯m listening. However, please speak faster. Haven¡¯t you seen what season it is now? It¡¯s winter. I still have to climb out from the nket to pick up your call.¡±

    Qiao Zijin became unhappy. ¡°Mom, if you¡¯re cold, I¡¯m cold as well. Dad¡¯s asleep and he doesn¡¯t care about me. Thus, I ran out to give you a call. I feel colder, alright?¡± In the house in the capital, it felt warm as there was a heater. However, aftering out, it felt extremely cold. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t wait to cover herself with the nket while making this call. ¡°Mom, listen to me. You don¡¯t know how overboard Dad and Qiao Nan are. They don¡¯t treat me as rtives but enemies. I can¡¯t live anymore.¡±

    Qiao Zijin repeated her previous conversation with Qiao Dongliang to Ding Jiayi over the phone. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t know that Qiao Nan is afraid that I¡¯ll take advantage of her. Dad¡¯s also afraid that I¡¯ll take advantage of her. I really don¡¯t understand. We¡¯re a family. Why do they have to treat me this way? Why are they so heartless? Mom, was I born to you and Dad?¡±

    Ding Jiayi yawned. ¡°What¡¯s there to be surprised about? Haven¡¯t our family always been in such a situation? When you were leading a good life in the past, your dad didn¡¯t care much but I did. Since when did I let Qiao Nan take advantage of you? Of course, you wouldn¡¯t have agreed either.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have any thoughts when she was biased toward Qiao Zijin. However, after Qiao Zijin left her side for a long time, there was one less person egging her on. Ding Jiayi¡¯s words were still as heartless as before. However, they weren¡¯t that biased and unreasonable anymore. Her words were at least an objective phenomenon now.

    ¡°Don¡¯t alwaysin that your dad is bad. Your dad isn¡¯t me. If he has the same temper as me, he would have gotten all the money you have on you to subsidize Qiao Nan. You¡¯re different from Qiao Nan. Unless you¡¯re willing, nobody can dig out the money in your pockets.¡± Zijin was often willing to fork out money only when she wanted to get more than what she had paid. In the end, there was only one result. Zijin would still be receiving more money.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words far exceeded Qiao Zijin¡¯s cognition. Her mom didn¡¯t use to say such words. ¡°Mom, why did you be so selfish out of the blue? Mom, you¡¯ve changed. You weren¡¯t like this in the past. You used to treat me well.¡± In the past, her mom used to think that the whole world should be good to her. She was the most outstanding child in this world.

    Now, her mom actually said that what her dad did was normal. At the very most, she and Qiao Nan had just reversed their roles.

    ¡°Zijin, Mom might be getting older, but I¡¯m not a fool. During this period of time when you and your dad aren¡¯t around, I¡¯m alone. I have nothing to do and just think about things every day. The more I think, the more open-minded I am about certain things.¡± Ding Jiayi sighed. Had she really figured things out? Not really.

    Even though she already knew that Qiao Nan was more filial and capable than Qiao Zijin and that she was the one who could let her lead a good life, Ding Jiayi just couldn¡¯t get herself to like Qiao Nan. She felt that Qiao Nan was detestable, just like in the past.

    Today, Ding Jiayi acknowledged one of the sentences that Qiao Dongliang used to say. What was it? She and Qiao Nan had no fate to be mother and daughter. Or rather, they had the fate but not the rtionship. Perhaps she had gotten used to hating her. No matter how she looked at Qiao Nan, she just couldn¡¯t bring herself to like her. Albeit knowing that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t as good as Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to change.

    It was still that sentence. Who asked Qiao Nan to have a good conscience? Even if her attitude didn¡¯t change, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯tpletely ignore her. She would still provide for her. If shecked food, Qiao Nan had to give her money. If she fell ill and had to go to the hospital, Qiao Nan had to give her money as well.

    Since Qiao Nan would still give her money and not abandon her regardless of her attitude toward her, why did she have to force herself to do something that she didn¡¯t like at this age? She should just be happy. It wasn¡¯t a crime if she wanted to be happier in her remaining years, right?

 Chapter 2214

    <h4>Chapter 2214: So Good</h4>

    After thinking about this, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have much energy left in her to continue talking to Qiao Zijin. She knew that after all the talk, it was all about Qiao Zijin¡¯s interests only. This had nothing to do with her. Why should she continue to work hard for ¡®someone else¡¯s¡¯ matters?

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s reaction caught Qiao Zijin off guard. She never expected that her mom would be able to say such rational words to her one day. Qiao Zijin nearly wanted to ask Ding Jiayi if she had eaten the wrong medicine recently during the time that she wasn¡¯t by her side.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t rush to tell me about your feelings first. Alright, you could not care that I¡¯m bullied by my dad and Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s going to be rich soon. Don¡¯t you have any thoughts about this at all? You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother. There¡¯s no reason for her to be rich but she¡¯s still leaving you alone in Ping Cheng to lead a tough life, right? Based on her current wealth, she can totally buy a big vi in Ping Cheng for you to live in and hire a nanny to take care of you. She¡¯s leading a good life but doesn¡¯t care much about you. Mom, are you willing to take this lying down? Mom, you haven¡¯te to the capital before. You don¡¯t know how good the capital is. Mom, I feel that you shoulde over to the capital to enjoy life now.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t persuade her mom toe over to the capital because of her own interests. That was fine. There were still her mom¡¯s interests.

    Didn¡¯t her mom used to say that when she became sessful and married well, she should afford a bigger and better ce for her mom to live in? Her mom even said that before getting married, she was the one who had done all the household chores. After getting married and serving her man, she even had to serve both her daughters.

    As such, her mom¡¯s biggest wish in this lifetime was to stay in a big house and hire a nanny to take care of her so that she no longer needed to cook, wash clothes, and clean the house by herself. She could be an olddy enjoying life.

    Her mom had such ideals. However, she couldn¡¯t help her mom realize them. Qiao Nan had the opportunity though. Of course, in order to realize her ideals, her mom couldn¡¯t just think about it. She had to take actual actions. As long as her mom arrived in the capital and theybined forces, she didn¡¯t believe that she couldn¡¯t deal with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s do this. Let¡¯s not talk about how much Qiao Nan will be willing to take care of you if youe over to the capital. I still have something on hand now. As long as you help me do this, regardless of whether you want to continue living in the capital or return to Ping Cheng in the future, I¡¯ll give you one million yuan to support your life in the future. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Inspired by Wang Yang and upon thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s love for money, Qiao Zijin immediately proposed a mary transaction. Her mom shouldn¡¯t have seen so much money in this lifetime before, let alone be the owner of this sum of money.

    As such, if her mom came over to the capital this time around, it wasn¡¯t to help her. It was to help herself.

    ¡°One million yuan?¡± As a person who valued money a lot, in the face of a huge sum of one million yuan, how could she not be tempted at all? ¡°You only have slightly more than one million yuan on you. If you give me one million yuan, you¡¯ll be left with only two or three hundred thousand yuan. Is that enough for you?¡± Why didn¡¯t she find these words to be believable? She liked money. Zijin was a child that she raised. As such, she liked money as well. No, she should say that she liked money more than her.

    What matter would allow Zijin to take out most of her savings just so that she could get her, the biological mother, help?

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be still thinking about marrying Zhai Sheng, right? Zhai Sheng isn¡¯t Chen Jun. You can seed with Chen Jun. However, if the same situation happens to Zhai Sheng, it will definitely not seed. Don¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    Ding Jiayi still understood this. Chen Jun was wed. If not for Qiao Zijin being pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have turned him from her little son-inw to her eldest son-inw. If Ding Jiayi was really bad-hearted, once she heard about Chen Jun¡¯s conditions, she would have relentlessly forced Qiao Nan to break up with Chen Jun and get Qiao Zijin to try her best to seduce Chen Jun.

    In reality, before knowing that Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin had already done the deed, Ding Jiayi never did anything like this before. The problem was that after Qiao Zijin got pregnant, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Ding Jiayi to sacrifice a daughter whom she didn¡¯t like for the daughter that she liked and a grandson.

    However, there was a big premise for these things to happen. Chen Jun had made such a mistake. Upon thinking about the Zhai family, Ding Jiayi felt that it was impossible for Zhai Sheng to do such a thing.

    When Chen Jun made a mistake, although Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t as good-looking as Qiao Nan, she was, after all, a virgin. Now, Qiao Zijin was still not as good-looking as Qiao Nan and she had derailed in her marriage before. Furthermore, Zhai Sheng was more of a gentlemanpared to Chen Jun. Ding Jiayi knew that the righteous Zhai Sheng would never do such a ridiculous thing.

    Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t rted to Qiao Zijin at all. Even if Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Nan and she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s mother-inw, she wasn¡¯t capable of getting Zhai Sheng to divorce Qiao Nan and remarry Qiao Zijin instead. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother, not Zhai Sheng¡¯s biological mother. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to do such coquettish acts.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t have such thoughts, but she just didn¡¯t have a chance to say it. She had already seeded with Chen Jun. Who said that it would only be a failure if she tried it on Zhai Sheng this time? Of course, in order to seed, Ding Jiayi had to cooperate and work hard alongside her too. However, Ding Jiayi was the first to say no now and wanted to distance herself from her. That means she didn¡¯t even need to think about what happenedter. ¡°Mom, what are you talking about? It¡¯s not about this. I want to tell you that after Qiao Nan went to the capital, she acknowledged a wealthy godfather. Now that this old man is dead¡­¡±

    Qiao Zijin took a deep breath and suppressed the anger in her throat back into her stomach. ¡°After that old man died, he left everything to Qiao Nan.¡±

    ¡°Is there such a good thing?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand. Why was it that to others, the daughter she didn¡¯t like had so many positive qualities? She couldn¡¯t even control herself to spend less money on Qiao Nan. She didn¡¯t understand why there were still people her age who ¡®couldn¡¯t think through things well¡¯ and left behind their hard-earned money of a lifetime to a child with whom they had no blood rtionship. ¡°Is there a lot of money? How much is there?¡±

 Chapter 2215

    <h4>Chapter 2215: Saving Money and Worry</h4>

    As such, Zijin wasn¡¯t giving her one million yuan for nothing. Zijin should want to take one¡¯s share of the loot as well for putting in so much money now.

    ¡°How do I know?!¡± If she had known, would she have readily agreed to Wang Yang¡¯s proposed five million yuan without bargaining for more? ¡°I don¡¯t know how much there is as well. You don¡¯t have to be excited for nothing. It has nothing to do with us. That man¡¯s a little unclear. Although he has no child, he has a biological nephew. He¡¯s unhappy about this and wants to discuss with Qiao Nan the distribution of this inheritance. You just have to cooperate with me and convince Qiao Nan to agree to this. If this seeds, you¡¯ll have one million yuan.¡±

    Of course, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t really give twenty percent of her benefits to Ding Jiayi. Wang Yang had promised Qiao Zijin five million yuan. However, wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin nning to ask Qiao Nan for another sum of money as well? No pain, no gain.

    Before making this call, thergest sum of money Qiao Zijin had estimated in her heart wasn¡¯t one million yuan but five hundred thousand yuan. Upon thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s insatiable temper, Qiao Zijin had even thought of ways to guard against her. Since the baseline in her heart was five hundred thousand yuan, the starting price should definitely not be too high. Around two hundred thousand yuan was enough. If she mentioned two hundred thousand yuan and her mom managed to bargain for more until five hundred thousand yuan, there was no reason why her mom would be dissatisfied or wouldn¡¯t agree to it.

    Qiao Zijin had already done her calctions. What she didn¡¯t expect was that there was such a huge change to Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitudepared to before. A person who always had distorted worldviews seemed to be having normal worldviews now. This frightened Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t even dare to think about two hundred thousand yuan or five hundred thousand yuan. Not only did she wipe out the baseline in her heart, but she even took the initiative and proposed one million yuan. This was already a seven-digit figure. No matter how greedy her mother was, she should be satisfied upon hearing about this huge sum of money, right?

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi understood. The one million yuan wasn¡¯t from Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets. No wonder her elder daughter would be so generous this time around, offering a seven-digit figure at once. ¡°What about you? If I have one million yuan, how much would you have?¡± There was no doubt that Qiao Zijin would be receiving more money than her.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°I have to put a lot of effort into this matter as well. You¡¯ll receive one million yuan and I¡¯ll receive one million yuan. That¡¯s not too overboard, right?¡±

    ¡°One million yuan as well?¡± She didn¡¯t believe it. However, it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°You¡¯re helping that rtive to try and get Qiao Nan to agree to give up the inheritance?¡±

    The remuneration was two million yuan. It seemed like there was quite a bit to this inheritance.

    ¡°It¡¯s not to make Qiao Nan give up the inheritance. Who wouldin that they have too little money? What the other party meant was that the money and resources belonged to their family. They could give Qiao Nan some of the money, hoping that she knew her boundaries and wouldn¡¯t swallow their inheritance whole.¡± Of course, the bulk of this wealth had to be in the hands of the other party¡¯s rtive. It couldn¡¯t be taken away by Qiao Nan, the outsider.

    This time around, Ding Jiayi understood everything. ¡°So much money is involved. That old man voluntarily gave them to Qiao Nan before he died as well. This is their family matter. Why are the both of us involved? Isn¡¯t it good if all the moneynds in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands?¡± Who cares whom this sum of money originally belonged to? It wasn¡¯t bad for it to be in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. It would give her an illusion that one does not allow benefits created by one¡¯s own work to rue to others.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips twitched. How was it good? It wasn¡¯t good at all. It was good only if the person surnamed Zhu left a will before he died to hand over everything in the Zhu family to her. Everything in the Zhu family had nothing to do with her. Whom itnded with eventually should have nothing to do with her as well.

    However, it was different now. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister. On what basis that all the good things would happen to Qiao Nan alone and as Qiao Nan¡¯s biological sister, she could only stand by the side and look on with envy?

    Also, to her, there was a huge difference if this sum of moneynded in Wang Yang¡¯s hands instead of Qiao Nan¡¯s. If everything in the Zhu family fell in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get even a single cent. However, if this fell in Wang Yang¡¯s hands, Wang Yang would give her five million yuan. If she was lucky, she could even get at least another five million yuan from Qiao Nan.

    As such, to her, the change of owner for this sum of inheritance meant a difference of ten million yuan!

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s analysis, Ding Jiayi immediately understood. ¡°Alright, I understand your words. You don¡¯t have to exin to me anymore.¡±

    Qiao Zijin wanted to sigh. It was good that she understood. ¡°When are youing over? My dad¡¯s returning to Ping Cheng tomorrow. You also know that the Zhai family is providing the ce where Dad and I are living now. Dad¡¯s ruthless. He¡¯s not going to live there anymore but doesn¡¯t think about me, his daughter, either. He asked me to move out and find a ce to stay. He even said that once he left, the Zhai family would take back this house and cut off all the water and electricity supplies.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was silent for a while. She understood why Qiao Zijin had to call her tonight and even cried while talking over the phone. ¡°What do you want to do then?¡±

    ¡°Mom,e to the capital. When Dad was in the capital, Qiao Nan had to take care of everything. If you¡¯re here, she can¡¯t possibly just favor one party and only take care of Dad but not you, right?¡± It was fine that the prices in the capital were high, but it was simply too expensive to find a suitable ce to live in. If not for this, she wouldn¡¯t have been so anxious and cried in the middle of the night. ¡°Mom, take the first train to the capital tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll let Qiao Nan know that you¡¯reing over. By then, as long as you do the matter I mentioned just now, you¡¯ll have one million yuan.¡±

    Once her mom was here, not only would she no longer have a headache over finding another ce to live in, but more importantly, she would have another helper by her side to kick up a fuss until Qiao Nan agreed to this.

    Ding Jiayi had already covered herself back with the nket. ¡°Your dad¡¯s alreadying over. Why will I go there? Could it be that I¡¯ll leave your dad alone in Ping Cheng to celebrate the new year? It¡¯s already this time of the year. I¡¯m not going to the capital.¡± It was cold. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even want to step out of the house, let alone travel far. Even if Qiao Nan had to take care of her and give her a ce to live in, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t willing to leave Ping Cheng and go to the capital to celebrate the new year. ¡°Your dad¡¯sing back. Are you?¡±

    If Zijin wasing back, there was still enough time for her to prepare more ingredients for the reunion dinner. If Zijin wasn¡¯ting back and it was just her and Old Qiao, she could save a lot of thoughts and didn¡¯t need to spend too much money.

 Chapter 2216

    <h4>Chapter 2216: Returning to Ping Cheng</h4>

    Qiao Zijin sniffed. She felt that if she wasn¡¯t angered to death, she would be frozen to death by the weather. Qiao Zijin returned to the house as she simply couldn¡¯t withstand the cold. She felt that it had been so long since she was out and her dad should already be sleeping soundly. There shouldn¡¯t be any problem if she controlled her volume while chatting with her mom.

    After returning to the house, Qiao Zijin breathed out cold air. ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve already spent so much time in Ping Cheng. What¡¯s so amazing about it? The capital¡¯s great. Don¡¯t you want toe to the capital to celebrate the new year? All of our neighbors in the quad know that Qiao Nan has married over to the capital. If youe over for the new year, they will be envious of you. On the contrary, if your daughter ignores you during the new year when she is in the capital, a lot of people willugh at you. Mom, we cannot afford to lose face.¡±

    They had celebrated the new year every year. This wasn¡¯t important. What was more important was the one million yuan. Her mom¡¯s attitude wouldn¡¯t do. She really didn¡¯t believe that she had left for only a while but her mom didn¡¯t even like money now. It shouldn¡¯t be that she mentioned the one million yuan so casually that her mom wasing up with bad ideas to get more money, right?

    Ding Jiayi yawned. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s so cold now and it¡¯ste. I¡¯m sleepy. Let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow. I¡¯m going to sleep. You rest early too. Also, your dad¡¯sing back tomorrow. I feel that you can return as well. If there¡¯s really anything, we can discuss it again after you¡¯re back in Ping Cheng. What one million yuan or few million yuan? The money won¡¯t fly away even if you make a trip back to Ping Cheng. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Without waiting for Qiao Zijin¡¯s reply, Ding Jiayi ended the video call. It was just that after she ended the conversation, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t go to sleep immediately. She opened her eyes in the dark night, and it was unknown what she was thinking of.

    Qiao Zijin used the neighbors¡¯ words today to agitate her such that she would go over to the capital to celebrate the new year. What Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know was that since Qiao Nan went to the capital, she wasn¡¯t willing to even call home. After Ding Jiayi sued her, she heard her neighbors gossiping every day. Even when Ding Jiayi stepped out of the house to buy vegetables or oil, those who knew her would always bring her daughter, Qiao Nan, up for a chat.

    Such a situation became more apparent after Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin left for the capital.

    She was gossiped about and despised by others daily. Ding Jiayi disliked her life. She wanted to move out of the courtyard and find another ce to live in. Before this, when Qiao Nan sessfully gave birth to her children but didn¡¯t die, not only did Qiao Zijin threw a tantrum at her, but she even scolded Ding Jiayi as she felt that she wasn¡¯t a good mother.

    If she was a good mother, why didn¡¯t she know if Qiao Nan was going to die after giving birth? Hadn¡¯t Ding Jiayi kept a close watch on Qiao Nan all along?

    Ding Jiayi was first mocked by her neighbors and then lectured by her daughter. That day, when Qiao Zijin red up and scolded Ding Jiayi like a mother scolding her daughter, their identities werepletely reversed.

    Qiao Zijin was extremely upset and unhappy that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t die and she couldn¡¯t marry Zhai Sheng. After she lost her temper with Ding Jiayi, she forgot about it. As the person who was scolded, Ding Jiayi felt a lot of grievances. How could she forget this so easily?

    Based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s previous actions on how she was willing to help Qiao Zijin steal Qiao Dongliang¡¯s identity card and train ticket, how could Ding Jiayi not be interested in going to the capital, especially with the added situation of being able to receive one million yuan? After hearing that Qiao Zijin was being ¡®bullied¡¯ in the capital, Ding Jiayi¡¯s normal behavior would have been to fly into a rage, rush to the capital to seek justice for her beloved daughter, and scold all the people who had bullied her daughter.

    It was because this matter was still stuck in Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart that she wasn¡¯t enthusiastic at all upon receiving Qiao Zijin¡¯s call today. Qiao Zijin was too pampered by Ding Jiayi. Although she wasn¡¯t used to her mom¡¯s attitude, she thought that it was because Ding Jiayi was being greedy again and found the one million yuan she had offered to be too little. That was why she soundedzy and disinterested. How would she have known that it was because her previous call had broken Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart? The brokenhearted Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need money now but the coaxing of her family.

    Ding Jiayi thought about this quietly. It was unknown how long she took to fall asleep. It was just that although Ding Jiayi fell asleep, she didn¡¯t loosen her frowning eyebrows until the next day.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t even loosen her frowning eyebrows when she was sleeping. At dawn, the person who was going to be frowning was Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had already packed his luggage yesterday night, woke up early this morning. After checking that he didn¡¯t leave anything behind, he was prepared to catch the flight. Seeing how busy Qiao Dongliang was and how happy he looked, Qiao Zijin felt sour in her heart.

    She really didn¡¯t understand. Qiao Nan had married well and her inws were rich. Qiao Nan only gave her dad such a small favor. Why was he so happy? If Qiao Nan was really filial, how would she have used such a small thing to chase her dad away? Her dad didn¡¯t even realize that he was being abandoned. It was as if he was a dog biting on the bone that Qiao Nan threw to him and he was so happy that its tail kept wagging.

    In the face of such an inexperienced and easy-to-bribe father, Qiao Zijin felt ufortable in her heart. If her parents had the same knowledge as her, she didn¡¯t need to teach them what to do next. Their family of three should just work hard together and lead their lives well.

    However, all of them were as stupid as pigs. They ate pig food happily and felt that it was the best food in the world. How were they so stupid?

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re bringing along so many things. Can you board the ne?¡± Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but ask him. ¡°You have to know that there are limits to consignments.¡± That big bag must be super heavy, right? She didn¡¯t know what Qiao Nan had prepared for their dad. There seemed to be a lot of things but they shouldn¡¯t be worth a lot of money.

    Only a person who wasn¡¯t knowledgeable like her dad would be fooled. If it was her, she would definitely not be coaxed by Qiao Nan with these worthless things.

    If she didn¡¯t make Qiao Nan fork out something big, Qiao Nan would have forgotten about her rtives.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not bringing this bag up the ne. Zhai Sheng has already helped me find someone to ship this back to Ping Cheng before the new year.¡±

 Chapter 2217 - Being Good to Me

    <h4>Chapter 2217: Being Good to Me</h4>

    ¡°Look, the person who¡¯s taking this is here.¡± Qiao Dongliang liked the things that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t. This big bag contained food, clothes, and some gadgets that Qiao Dongliang was nning to bring back to the closer neighbors in the quad.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to live in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan would definitely not let the Qiao family cut off all contacts with their neighbors. A far rtive was not as helpful as a near neighbor. Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were no longer young. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t someone who wouldn¡¯t care about her parents. As long as they maintained good rtionships with their neighbors, even if something happened to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang, the neighbors could first help take care of them before informing her.

    As such, there were naturally so many things that Qiao Nan wanted Qiao Dongliang to bring back that they couldn¡¯t board the ne.

    Zhai Sheng had found this person. Of course, his attitude toward Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t be bad. After politely addressing him as ¡®uncle¡¯, he moved Qiao Dongliang¡¯s things away. As for the expensive shipping cost back to Ping Cheng, Zhai Sheng was naturally the one paying for it. How could he let his father-inw do so?

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s already seven. Zijin, I have to go. I¡¯ve already told you about the house. Figure things out yourself. You¡¯re an adult now. I don¡¯t care if you really want to stay in the capital to develop yourself. It¡¯s okay as long as you¡¯ve thought it through.¡± After the big packages were taken away, there was nothing left. Qiao Dongliang only had to board the ne now.

    Qiao Zijin looked at Qiao Dongliang with grievances. ¡°Dad, are you really prepared to leave me alone here and return to Ping Cheng? Dad, we¡¯re going to celebrate the new year soon. You¡¯re not going to care about me anymore?¡± Qiao Zijin was really feeling aggrieved. Regardless of her marital status, Qiao Zijin had always been the Qiao family¡¯s focal point. The ingredients that were bought were Qiao Zijin¡¯s favorite. Qiao Zijin¡¯s advice had to be sought for everything.

    Now, her mom ignored her and her dad was returning alone. In this cold winter, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t feel the lively atmosphere of the new year. She only felt that she was being abandoned by the whole world.

    Qiao Dongliang took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to care about you, but I can¡¯t. If you feel that you¡¯re alone, do you want to return to Ping Cheng with me?¡±

    ¡°What for? Ping Cheng¡¯s not as good as the capital! Dad, we can stay together and fetch Mom over. Our family of three can celebrate the new year in the capital.¡± Why did they have to stay in Ping Cheng when the capital was such a good ce? ¡°Dad, you and Mom used to respect my opinions and consider my thoughts. I just want to celebrate the new year happily. Is it that difficult?¡±

    Qiao Dongliangughed bitterly. ¡°It¡¯s not difficult to celebrate the new year. However, the new year that you want to celebrate is difficult. Zijin, if you have a house in the capital and aren¡¯tcking anything, your mom and I don¡¯t have to eat anything good to feel good if you want us toe over to the capital to celebrate the new year together. You¡¯re an adult now. Why don¡¯t you even have this basic reasoning? The point isn¡¯t the location where we celebrate the new year. The point is whether our children are sessful and living well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious and re up first. It¡¯s nothing if you couldn¡¯t bepared to Nan Nan. It¡¯s not as if Nan Nan didn¡¯t experience worse times before. However, Nan Nan has never made me worry or burden you, the sister. You always think that since Nan Nan married well, she should take care of you more. You always try to think of ways to see how you can get more benefits from Nan Nan but never think about relying on yourself. In your heart, your mom and I are probably just two chess pieces to help you control Nan Nan. Our hearts are made of flesh. Haven¡¯t you realized that even your mom¡¯s attitude toward you has changed? Your mom treated you well, but you broke her heart. Zijin, one must have a conscience.¡±

    After knowing that Qiao Zijin wanted to bring Ding Jiayi over to the capital, Qiao Dongliang was worried. He could guess what Qiao Zijin was up to. However, he had no choice. He could control himself, but could he control Ding Jiayi?

    What surprised Qiao Dongliang was that he was about to leave the capital now to return to Ping Cheng, but Ding Jiayi didn¡¯te over to the capital. When he heard Qiao Zijin trying to make him stay, Qiao Dongliang guessed that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t on her way to the capital yet. They didn¡¯t manage to meet, which meant that Qiao Zijin could no longer continue living in the house that the Zhai family had initially arranged for Qiao Dongliang. As such, Qiao Zijin was so anxious that she started to throw tantrums at her dad. Now, she sounded wronged and was trying to act pitiful.

    Seeing that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t here, Qiao Dongliang guessed that she shouldn¡¯t be helping Qiao Zijin. But why? Didn¡¯t Ding Jiayi cherish Qiao Zijin, this daughter, the most? No matter if it was right or wrong, she would have defied all difficulties and dangers for her.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t help me. Why do you have to say such words to agitate me? How did I break my mom¡¯s heart? My mom treats me well. I was still talking to her over the phone yesterday night. She asked me to return to Ping Cheng to celebrate the new year as she felt that the capital wasn¡¯t good and was too unfamiliar. If we are celebrating the new year, it would be livelier and morefortable to return to Ping Cheng and reunite. Mom even asked me what I wanted to eat during the new year so that she could buy the ingredients.¡±

    How was Qiao Zijin willing to admit that her rtionship with Ding Jiayi was unlike before and even Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t willing to help her? That call had already agitated Qiao Zijin. Now that she was being lectured by Qiao Dongliang, she felt even more agitated.

    ¡°So?¡± Qiao Dongliang looked at Qiao Zijin. ¡°Your mom asked if you¡¯re returning to celebrate the new year. Are you prepared to stay and find a house to rent? Or are you returning with me to Ping Cheng to celebrate the new year?¡± Wasn¡¯t Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude of wanting Zijin to return enough to exin everything?

    It was just that he couldn¡¯t control Qiao Zijin, his daughter. He simrly couldn¡¯t control Ding Jiayi, his wife. He couldn¡¯t control both of these women. He would let them fight it out themselves.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was reluctant, but it seemed that besides returning to Ping Cheng with Qiao Dongliang, there wasn¡¯t any other choice for her. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be easy to buy train tickets to return now. Everyone else had bought it in advance.¡± Upon thinking that she had to take the car for half a day, Qiao Zijin felt irritated in her heart.

    When she came over, she knew that she was rushing for a luxurious life. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t pay attention to how tough the journey was. However, she would be going back sullenly this time. She wouldn¡¯t get anything from the huge amount of money spent, let alone marry Zhai Sheng. It was equivalent to a loss-making business.

    With the influence of these negative emotions and upon thinking that she had to take a long-distance ride home again, Qiao Zijin felt that the sky was gloomy.

 Chapter 2218 - Counting On Herself

    <h4>Chapter 2218: Counting On Herself</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright, if you really want to return, hurry up and pack your things. Take the ne home with me. You have to know that there are a lot of rich people nowadays. Many people are willing to fly.¡± Qiao Dongliang heaved a sigh of relief when Qiao Zijin showed weakness and shared that she was willing to return to Ping Cheng. If Qiao Zijin really wanted to stay in the capital to celebrate the new year, he would really have a huge headache.

    ¡°You¡¯re forking out the money for the ne ticket?¡± Anyway, she couldn¡¯t bear to buy a ne ticket.

    Qiao Dongliang nodded. ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Dongliang was helpless as well. In such situations, wouldn¡¯t it generally be the children buying ne tickets for the parents? He already didn¡¯t need Zijin to help buy his ne ticket. Zijin wasn¡¯t even willing to pay for her own ne ticket. Indeed, Zijin was different from other children. Shepletely couldn¡¯tpare to Nan Nan.

    If he had to count on Zijin¡¯s filial piety, he¡¯d rather count on him being healthier so that he wouldn¡¯t fall sick easily. His life would be better that way.

    Qiao Dongliang had already said that he would be paying for the air ticket. There was nothing for Qiao Zijin to linger on. She hurriedly packed her bags. She didn¡¯t bring a lot of clothes over when she came to the capital. Prices in the capital were high. The selling price for the same piece of clothing in the capital was two to three times more than Ping Cheng¡¯s. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin wanted to finish a big n in her heart. How would the busy her have the time and effort to shop for clothes?

    As such, although she had been in the capital for more than a month, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have a lot of luggage. It was the same as when she had left for the capital. Since she didn¡¯t shop indiscriminately, her packing speed was naturally fast.

    Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t bear to leave the house that she had lived in for more than a month. She didn¡¯t know when she would be back. It was just that if she didn¡¯t leave today, she wouldn¡¯t be able to continue living in this ce. If this house became her private property one day, she would definitely not leave the capital again.

    ¡°What else are you looking at? Let¡¯s go.¡± Qiao Dongliang felt both helpless and angry when he saw the reluctance in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes. Houses in the capital were expensive. Would expensive things not be good? However, no matter how good it was, it didn¡¯t belong to her. Zijin shouldn¡¯t have too many ideas. She always set her eyes on other people¡¯s things. He didn¡¯t even dare to believe that Qiao Zijin was already forty-two years old this year and had received higher education. An obedient child wouldn¡¯t have been so shallow like Qiao Zijin. A young child would know that he couldn¡¯t take things that weren¡¯t his own.

    Could it be that he and Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t teach Zijin such simple reasoning before?

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qiao Zijin replied dryly. She pulled along her luggage and followed behind Qiao Dongliang to rush to the airport together. Qiao Zijin was lucky. There were still empty seats in the ne that Qiao Dongliang was boarding. Qiao Dongliang swiped his card and gave Qiao Zijin a ne ticket. Of course, it wasn¡¯t cheap.

    Seeing that Qiao Dongliang swiped his card to buy an air ticket and that he didn¡¯t even blink when buying such an expensive ticket, Qiao Zijin found it strange. ¡°Dad, did you make it big?¡± He was so generous. Also, her dad actually bought a ne ticket!

    ¡°Make it big?¡± Qiao Dongliang twitched his lips andughed dryly. ¡°Do you think I would still have a chance to be rich in this lifetime after providing for a daughter like you?¡± Yes, he was just a retired old man. How would he have the money to buy ne tickets? The money wasn¡¯t his. It was provided by his younger son-inw, Zhai Sheng. Of course, Qiao Dongliang knew that this must be what Qiao Nan wanted.

    If Qiao Zijin insisted on staying in the capital and was up to no good, Qiao Nan and the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t keep herpany and would just let her die by herself. If Qiao Zijin was still smart and was willing to return to Ping Cheng, then they were willing to fork out the money for the ne ticket.

    His elder daughter was full of dishonest thoughts and his younger daughter was feeling troubled by his elder daughter. Qiao Dongliang, who was caught in the middle, couldn¡¯t do anything. However, in the face of such a situation, Qiao Dongliang knew that he had to stand on his younger daughter¡¯s side and bring his elder daughter home. If his elder daughter didn¡¯t mean to cause his younger daughter trouble, he could just leave them alone.

    After receiving the boarding pass, Qiao Dongliang stuffed it in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Take your own boarding pass. This luggage isn¡¯t too big or heavy. Carry it yourself instead of shipping it. I heard that if you do shipping, you might have to wait for your luggage for a long time.¡± Anyway, Qiao Dongliang was empty-handed and didn¡¯t need to carry anything back.

    ¡°Got it.¡± The person who spent money called the shots. No matter what, Qiao Dongliang was the one who spent his money on this air ticket. At this time, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be at odds with him. When Qiao Zijin boarded the ne and saw that only such a short time was used to bring her to her destination of Ping Cheng, Qiao Zijin said to herself that the next time she went to the capital in the new year, it would be for that five to ten million yuan.

    She definitely didn¡¯t want to take the train and make her buttocks suffer. She wanted to take a ne, just like today. She was someone who was going to earn five to ten million yuan. Could it be that she couldn¡¯t even afford a ne ticket?

    After knowing that Qiao Zijin returned to Ping Cheng with Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan blinked and didn¡¯t have much reaction. Sometimes, Qiao Zijin could still be considered as someone who understood the times. After all, her dad forked out the money and Qiao Zijin only had to return to Ping Cheng obediently. Furthermore, Qiao Zijin took the ne this time around.

    ¡°Aunt, look at the chubby Er Bao. When drinking milk, the flesh on both sides bulged. My hands are going to be itchy again.¡± Jiajia loved watching the triplets drinking milk.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t young anymore and her body wasn¡¯t in tip-top condition. Aside from before the full-month celebration, where Qiao Nan tried to feed her three children breast milk for a month, the Zhai family stopped giving them breast milk after that. Thankfully, the triplets weren¡¯t picky. Aside from the first day where the ¡®vor¡¯ was changed for the three children and they threw tantrums because they weren¡¯t used to it initially, they immediately adapted to it the next day.

    Although they were still young, they would consciously ce their soft hands on the milk bottle when they were drinking, as if guarding against anyone who would snatch their milk away halfway.

    Upon hearing Jiajia¡¯s words, Zhai Hua reacted strongly. ¡°Er Bao is drinking his milk well. Don¡¯t create trouble.¡± If poked by Jiajia, Er Bao would spit out the milk in his mouth. Among the three children, Er Bao was the most bad-tempered. If they really disturbed Er Bao from drinking milk, his crying sound would simply bring down the house.

    When Er Bao cried, it was as if Da Bao and San Bao were telepathic and would cry along as well.

 Chapter 2219 - Heartbroken for Three Seconds

    <h4>Chapter 2219: Heartbroken for Three Seconds</h4>

    Once the three children started crying, chaos ensued in the Zhai family. As the three children grew older, they had more energy to cry, and it was getting harder to coax them.

    She had long forgotten how difficult it had been to coax Jiajia to drink milk while she had been at that age since her daughter was already all grown up. But her nephews and niece were still unweaned newborns. Zhai Hua felt helpless. She had long forgotten how to take care of newborn babies. Even she felt like crying once the triplets started crying.

    As such, the courageous and fearless Zhai Hua, whose only weakness was Jiajia, had three more weaknesses now. That was the triplets.

    Jiajia stroked Er Bao¡¯s chubby and tender hand that was on the milk bottle. ¡°Mom, you look so nervous now. I was just mentioning it. I won¡¯t actually do it. Mom, I realized that Er Bao¡¯s hand has grown again. It was only this big when I held itst time, but it¡¯s already so chubby now!¡±

    Jiajia was astonished by how quickly babies grew. Of course, Jiajia loved the tender and chubby triplets. The long wait for her three younger siblings had been worth it. They were truly the most adorable creatures in the world.

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Hua was also rather speechless watching Jiajia grow into a fool for her younger siblings. Once the triplets were present, no one else mattered to her. ¡°Do you really love your younger siblings that much?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s noisy when your younger siblings cry?¡± Even though they were her nephews and niece, even she got annoyed at their cries at times.

    Jiajia shook her head happily. ¡°They cry only when they¡¯re feeling ufortable. Since they can¡¯t express that in words, they can only do so through their cries. We have to be tolerant and understanding and take good care of them. Firecrackers are even louder and noisier, but why are there still people setting them off every year? They even cause air pollution!¡±

    Aspared to the banned firecrackers, what were her siblings¡¯ cries? Besides, her younger siblings were easily satisfied. As long as they were fed and cleaned up, they would stop crying very quickly and would fall asleep like a little piglet.

    Hearing Jiajia¡¯s answer, Zhai Hua suddenly had a ridiculous thought: Jiajia would probably even think that the triplets¡¯ farts smelled good! Jiajia had been bewitched by the triplets! ¡°Jiajia, do you realize that we have to return to Ping Cheng in the morning on the third day of the new year? Your school reopens on the fourth day of the new year.¡±

    What would Jiajia do once she had to return to Ping Cheng now that she was so attached to the three children? She couldn¡¯t possibly bring the triplets back to Ping Cheng, right? The children were still so young. They couldn¡¯t possibly do without their mother, Qiao Nan.

    Jiajia¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Mom, can you not spoil the mood by bringing that up? I know that we¡¯ll have to leave on the third day of the new year and that I¡¯ll have to leave my siblings behind. That¡¯s why I have to cherish my time here and spend more time with them now before we leave. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    The one who was unable to stand Jiajia¡¯s argument was not her mom, Zhai Hua, but her uncle, Zhai Sheng. Jiajia had gotten so crazy that she even slept in the same room as the triplets. She had promised to help her aunt take care of her younger siblings if they were to wake up in the middle of the night because they were hungry or because they needed a change of diapers. Zhai Sheng¡¯s face had turned green the moment he heard that.

    Although Qiao Nan was still doing her confinement, the couple still shared a room, and the two newbie parents took care of the three children together. Even though Qiao Nan was not exactly clean because of her confinement and needed rest, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan would still behave affectionately from time to time with hugs and kisses since they were husband and wife. Although he could not go much further, it was something, at the very least.

    Jiajia was already grown up, and since she was going to stay in Qiao Nan¡¯s room, Zhai Sheng had to move out. Even if he had not, he would never have done things that he could do in front of the three children in front of Jiajia. Whether or not Jiajia was sleeping, Qiao Nan refused, and neither could Zhai Sheng cross his own psychological barrier. It was ufortable, to say the least.

    Jiajia¡¯s presence had a direct impact on his ¡®welfare¡¯. Even though she was his biological niece, she was truly an annoyance at this moment.

    Feeling Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze toward Jiajia change, Zhai Hua hit Jiajia¡¯s back. ¡°You¡¯re sticking to them too much! Aren¡¯t you going to work on your exam papers? Your teachers are going to check them. Didn¡¯t we agree that you wouldn¡¯t neglect your studies even while we¡¯re here? Don¡¯t you think you should try to finish your work today?¡±

    You foolish child. Don¡¯t you see that your uncle¡¯s expression doesn¡¯t look so good? Think about it from his perspective. He finally got married at the age of forty-five and finally had a taste of what it was like to have a wife. Why are you trying to be a third wheel? He sees you as his enemy now!

    Of course, it would be too extreme to say these words out loud. As such, Zhai Hua dared not vocalize these thoughts, for fear of affecting Jiajia. Her daughter might have been insensible, but she was stuck between her daughter and her younger brother, who had only been married for a year. What was she supposed to do but help both sides?

    As Zhai Hua was trying to discuss the matter with Jiajia, she could not help but nce at Qiao Nan. The men in this family are too petty! How could he throw a tantrum at Jiajia, who¡¯s just a kid? Where had the gentleness in the Zhai family gone to?

    Qiao Nan smiled helplessly. This¡­ She had no choice either. It was not as though she could scold Brother Zhai, much less Jiajia. She was in a tight spot too!

    Qiao Nan was clear about Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper. In her dream, Zhai Sheng had bought a separaterge bed for the triplets the moment they were old enough. Once the triplets turned one, Zhai Sheng had simply put them into another room and had ¡®chased¡¯ the children out of their room.

    At times, the triplets threw tantrums, wanting to be near Qiao Nan and sleep with her. Unless Zhai Sheng was not at home, it was rare for the triplets to fulfill their wish of doing so. Thankfully, Zhai Sheng had still been young in her dream, and his career had still been on the rise. As such, he spent much more time in the military than at home. That was why the triplets often found it possible to sleep with their mother.

    Now¡­

    She nced at the three children who had had their fill of milk and were ncing around with those bright eyes of theirs. Qiao Nan could not help but feel heartbroken for her three children for a split second.

 Chapter 2220 - Useless

    <h4>Chapter 2220: Useless</h4>

    Your dad isn¡¯t as busy as he had been in my dream and will be home quite often. Perhaps, the three of you will be brought up by him.

    If the children had nightmares and started crying, she would let Brother Zhai apany the children. Yes, that was the n.

    With Zhai Hua¡¯s urging, Jiajia quickly took out her winter vacation homework. It was a thick stack and she fought through it page by page.

    Hearing the pen scratches against Jiajia¡¯s paper as she started on her homework conscientiously, the adults lowered their voices significantly. ¡°Now that both of your troubles have returned to Ping Cheng, you can do your two-month-long confinement peacefully.¡± Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t deny that the children were indeed good-looking. They had inherited all of their parents¡¯ best traits. Their pale-white skin was just like the fresh snow outside.

    Snow came with a cold fragrance, but her niece and nephews had a fragrant baby scent.

    ¡°Two months? It¡¯s about time for me to go out.¡± Qiao Nan was rather thankful. She had given birth to the triplets at quite an advanced age in this lifetime. Qiao Nan was not entirely ignorant about the danger and sufferings she had gone through during childbirth. Thankfully, all four of them hade out of that safe and sound. The triplets had probably been well-nourished while they had been in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. That was why she had not gained much weight after giving birth to the children, even though she had eaten quite a lot while pregnant. It seemed as though everything she had eaten had gone to nourishing the triplets.

    Apart from encountering a little danger during childbirth, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation was normal during her confinement period, and there were no major problems. Perhaps, it was because her inws had taken good care of her. Qiao Nan felt that her body had been slightly weak and tired because she had always been busy working in the past. However, all of that fatigue had suddenly disappeared during her confinement period.

    Other women felt as though they aged after giving birth. On the other hand, Qiao Nan felt as though she had gotten younger after childbirth. Whether or not it was just an illusion, this had given her the strength to take good care of her children, at the very least. ¡°I¡¯m amazed that you guys don¡¯t mind. I feel as though I¡¯m starting to smell.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t allowed to take a shower or bath during her entire confinement period. It was only behind the backs of the others in the family and after Qiao Nan had begged him for a long while that Zhai Sheng had reluctantly allowed her to wipe herself with a hot towel.

    A confinement period might be good for recuperation, but it was psychologically damaging.

    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Zhai Hua could not help butugh in glee. ¡°I understand. I went through that after giving birth to Jiajia too. That was really¡­ And Jiajia¡¯s grown up in the blink of an eye. Perhaps, it¡¯ll be my turn to take care of Jiajia during her confinement period soon.¡±

    At that time, Mother Wei had not known that the state advocated for only one child in each family. Besides, since Wei De was a soldier, their family wouldn¡¯t be allowed a second child. Even after seeing that Zhai Hua had given birth to a daughter, she had not despaired even though she had not liked it. She had only thought about helping Zhai Hua recuperate well during her confinement period so that she would be able to have another child.

    Although Zhai Hua¡¯s rtionship with the Zhai family had already deteriorated by that time, Mother Wei had always felt that the Zhai family¡¯s attitudes would soften for the sake of the child and that they would acknowledge the Wei family as their rtives. As such, Zhai Hua had been well taken care of by Mother Wei.

    Even so, Zhai Hua was still resentful at the mention of her confinement period. Now that someone else was going through the same suffering while she could sit on and watch by the sidelines, she couldn¡¯t help but rejoice.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to provoke you, but someone told me that Wang Yang looked for your sister a few days ago. Although I have no idea what they talked about, I guess it¡¯ll definitely have something to do with the inheritance from the Zhu family. How should I put it? I¡¯ve always felt that Wang Yang has never been a good person.¡±

    Zhai Hua had no idea how bad Wang Yang was when she said that. She had no idea just how much Qiao Nan had suffered because of Zhu Baoguo and Chen Jun.

    Qiao Nan had chatted with Zhai Sheng before. Everyone fell in love with bast*rds at some point in their lives. Besides, she had been too oppressed and neglected in her own family at that time. At that time, a man with a good background had appeared and had even showered her with the warmth and care that she had always been longing for. That was why she had fallen head over heels for Chen Jun, but even she couldn¡¯t say for sure whether she had truly fallen for Chen Jun, or whether she had pinned her desire for kinship on Chen Jun.

    At least, she had felt sad and hurt upon learning that Qiao Zijin had gotten pregnant with Chen Jun¡¯s child and that she had to back off. What she had not felt was despair or depression.

    This was, after all, a shameful incident that had urred while she had still been young and insensible. Even though she had gotten hurt, Qiao Nan did not want many people to know about it after she had gotten married to Zhai Sheng. Since that was Qiao Nan¡¯s wish, Zhai Sheng had naturally not mentioned it to the rest of the Zhai family.

    The three children opened their eyes for a moment after having their meal before going back to sleep. Qiao Nan picked the three children up and ced them beside her. After checking that their hands were warm, she turned to answer Zhai Hua¡¯s question. ¡°I already expected that Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t give up the Zhu family¡¯s assets so easily. Wang Yang¡¯s from Ping Cheng as well, and there aren¡¯t many people who don¡¯t know about the issues in my family. It doesn¡¯t surprise me that he looked for Qiao Zijin. The only problem is that I¡¯ll no longer be influenced by the Qiao family. Nothing will change even if he persuades my parents toe, much less Qiao Zijin.¡±

    She had already said that she would much rather donate all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets than let Wang Yang get a single cent. Those whomitted mistakes would get their punishments eventually. It was time for Wang Yang to receive his punishment. He had been managing the Zhu family¡¯s assets for such a long time and had seen it grow over time. In the end, none of it had anything to do with him. Wang Yang probably felt as though his heart was being ripped apart.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qiao Nan was no longer that gullible ¡®child¡¯ who only listened to her parents. It was useless for Wang Yang to approach Qiao Zijin. She had never even appeared on the day of Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage to Zhai Sheng, nor the full-month banquet of the triplets. It was not that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to attend those events, but no one would allow her in.

 Chapter 2221 - Going Dutch?

    <h4>Chapter 2221: Going Dutch?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    From that incident in the hospital, Qiao Nan had figured out what Qiao Zijin was after. But she had not blown the matter up. If for nothing else, it was simply because Qiao Zijin¡¯s n was simply too disgusting. It felt vulgar to even talk about it.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t even treat Qiao Zijin like an ordinary stranger, much less a family member. Qiao Nan felt that Qiao Zijin had probably umted hatred toward her over several lifetimes. Qiao Zijin had even gone to the extent of snatching her boyfriend away! Chen Jun had been nothing, but now, she was even after Zhai Sheng!

    In reality, what angered Qiao Nan the most and what she was unable to ept was how Qiao Zijin revealed that she had even thought of getting Qiao Nan to marry Chen Jun when she thought that Qiao Nan was dying. She had thought that she was sacrificing herself for the sake of Qiao Nan¡¯s happiness. After all, Chen Jun still had attractive conditions even though he had be Qiao Nan¡¯s brother-inw.

    Coincidentally, Chen Jun had taken the initiative to request for reconciliation justst year. Thinking about how Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin had such good telepathy, Qiao Nan very much wanted to ask both of them: Why did you bother getting a divorce? Look at how well you match each other! It would be best for the both of you to get remarried to each other, lest you harm others.

    Qiao Nan had not even told Zhai Sheng about this to save him some anger. Chen Jun and Qiao Zijin were downright disgusting. They had never done anything humane in their lives.

    Qiao Nan had been prepared to keep this secret from Zhai Sheng, but she felt as though she had to tell someone about it. She had no other choice. This person was sandwiched between her and Qiao Zijin. He yearned to be a good father, yet he could never harden his heart. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t sever ties with him, but caring about him meant aggrieving herself too.

    Qiao Nan had already thought it through. She wouldn¡¯t mention this matter to Qiao Dongliang while he was still in the capital. While she was still alive and well in front of her dad, he would still remember that she was his daughter and that Qiao Zijin was not his only daughter.

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang had returned to Ping Cheng for the new year, and there was still Ding Jiayi in the equation. To prevent Qiao Dongliang from meeting Qiao Zijin too often and forgetting about his other daughter, she would let Qiao Dongliang know about this matter once he arrived back in Ping Cheng and called her to let her know.

    Time passed and Qiao Dongliang felt as though he had reached Ping Cheng in the blink of an eye. Qiao Zijin had never been picky about the speed of nes. Thinking about how she had left full of confidence but was now returning like that, Qiao Zijin felt a little reluctant.

    But that didn¡¯t matter. She was back now, but that didn¡¯t mean that she would never return to the capital. The next time she visited the capital would be her turn to strike rich. ¡°Dad, the ne may have been fast but I want to reach home as soon as possible. Shall we g a cab? It¡¯ll probably cost just one to two hundred yuan.¡±

    Thinking about how she had spent three thousand six hundred yuan on trying to prevent Qiao Dongliang from visiting the capital, she felt that she was already helping her dad save some money by only getting him to fork out the measly cab fare.

    Qiao Dongliang was now a grandfather. In the past, his sry always went to supporting his wife and children. Now, he felt that he had to penny-pinch so that he could splurge on his grandchildren. gging a cab meant spending two hundred yuan at once. There was no way Qiao Dongliang could bear to do that. ¡°Are you going to pay for it? Am I paying for it? Or are we going dutch?¡± Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Zijin would never be so filial toe up with the entire sum.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang had never understood what ¡®going dutch¡¯ meant. But he now did.

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re too stingy. We¡¯re a family. I¡¯m your daughter. You can just pay for it first. Why do we have to go dutch? Won¡¯t you have to rely on me to take care of you in the future?¡± Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t understand why her dad was making a fuss over just two hundred yuan. Once she became a millionaire, she would definitely get herself a Porsche.

    Qiao Dongliang no longer wanted to talk about who would take care of him in his old age. ¡°Either you¡¯re paying or we¡¯re going dutch, we can g a cab. If you disagree with either of these options, I¡¯ll go get myself a bus ticket. You can get your own so that you can take your pick of how you want to get home.¡±

    He had no hopes of Qiao Zijin forking out the entire sum, but there was no reason for him to do so either. Initially, Qiao Dongliang had intended to pay for both bus tickets. But seeing that Qiao Zijin had objections to that n, Qiao Dongliang had lost the desire to even pay for her bus ticket. He would save some money!

    ¡°Dad¡­¡± Qiao Zijin had never expected that she would have to pay for her own bus ticket just because she had asked Qiao Dongliang to pay for the cab fare. This was really¡­ She felt like dying!

    But Qiao Dongliang had already made his decision and he was not going to go back on his word. Qiao Dongliang felt that it was only because he had not put his foot down as a father and educated Qiao Zijin well while she was younger that she had gone astray. He had not realized that when she had been younger. Now that she was older and there was the chance to educate her, it was only right to try to rectify this bad habit of thinking that the whole world revolved around her.

    It was another problem whether that bad habit could really be rectified.

    Qiao Dongliang could no longer be bothered with Qiao Zijin and left to purchase his own ticket. Qiao Zijin was all grown up, anyway. She hadn¡¯t even lost her way in the capital. Now that they were back in Ping Cheng, there was no reason for Qiao Dongliang to worry that Qiao Zijin would get lost in her own hometown. He was going to take the bus back. Qiao Zijin could take her own pick.

    ¡°Dad, Dad¡­¡± Qiao Zijin had no other choice but to catch up with him. Having someone by her side would beat going back alone. Qiao Zijin could not help but regret her words. If she had known that her father would throw such a tantrum, she would have agreed to split the fare with her dad. Anyway, she had not even needed to pay for her ne ticket back. That had already been a win. She would have saved herself a lot of trouble by spending just a hundred yuan to g a cab.

    That way, she would only have spent a hundred yuan returning to Ping Cheng from the capital.

    After Qiao Zijin changed her mind, she immediately tried to stop Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, let¡¯s get a cab home. If we take the bus, we¡¯ll still have to change to the public bus to get home afterward. You don¡¯t have any luggage, but I do. Our house is quite a distance from the bus stop too. I won¡¯t be able to walk that far with my luggage. I¡¯ll split the cab fare equally with you.¡±

    After that conversation with Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin had started spending without much thought.. She knew that she would have five million in her pocket the next time she visited the capital.

 Chapter 2222 - Bootlicker

    <h4>Chapter 2222: Bootlicker</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As such, it wouldn¡¯t be too much of a splurge to spend a hundred yuan to make herself morefortable. It was only right for her to do so.

    ¡°No, I said that you can take a cab yourself if you want. I¡¯ll get myself a bus ticket. It costs only thirty-two yuan. The public bus will cost me four yuan. Besides, I have a senior citizen¡¯s card and it won¡¯t cost much. I¡¯ll spend about thirty yuan in total to get home. Why should I spend a hundred yuan? I¡¯m old and retired. I don¡¯t get much from my pension. I should save what I can. You¡¯re young and have a different mindset. If you¡¯re willing to g a cab and let me hitch a ride, that¡¯s fine. But if you want to split the fare equally, you¡¯d better look for someone else. There are quite a lot of people around in the airport. You might find someone who¡¯ll take up your offer.¡±

    Women changed their minds quickly, but so did men.

    Before the argument, Qiao Dongliang had been willing to go dutch. But after their quarrel, Qiao Dongliang realized that he would be able to save at least sixty-eight yuan. That would be enough to buy his grandchild a cute toy, at the very least. He had three grandchildren. Even though he could save enough to buy one toy, he would have to work hard to save enough to buy another two. He loved all three of them equally. He would never let himself be biased toward one of them ever again.

    Qiao Dongliang had already purchased his ticket back to Ping Cheng with his temporary identity card by the time he talked to Qiao Zijin again.

    Qiao Dongliang had finallye to the realization that he had been too much of a pushover in the past. Opportunities came only once. If one missed it, it would nevere again. He would live the way he wanted in the future.

    After buying a ticket for the next bus, Qiao Dongliang no longer bothered about Qiao Zijin and headed to the tform for the bus. Then, he simply stood by the roadside to wait for its arrival.

    Since Qiao Dongliang refused to cooperate with her, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face turned green and she had no choice but to purchase a ticket too and stand in line behind Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Zijin had initially wanted Qiao Dongliang to fork out the entire sum of two hundred yuan because she knew that there was no way Qiao Nan would only have given him enough for a ne ticket back. Besides, it was almost the new year.

    If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t return to Ping Cheng, not only would she have to give Qiao Dongliang money, but she would have to include Ding Jiayi as well. Qiao Dongliang would be holding on to that sum of money for both of them. Qiao Zijin had already made her calctions and knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pockets were full. There was no way he wouldn¡¯t be able to pay for a fare of two hundred yuan.

    As long as she could take advantage of someone else, even if that person was her own father, she would do so. Since she had not been able to do so, she had topromise and settle for going dutch. But now, Qiao Dongliang refused to do even that. To save money, he wouldn¡¯t even take a cab. There was nothing Qiao Zijin could do about that.

    It was not that Qiao Zijin could not bear to spend two hundred yuan on a cab for the sake of convenience. After all, she had already wasted three thousand yuan in an attempt to stop Qiao Dongliang from visiting the capital. What was two hundred yuan inparison to that?

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin had been chatting with Qiao Dongliang in public. There were many in line who had overheard the conversation between the father and daughter.

    If Qiao Zijin were to decide to g a cab and pay the cab fare now but not invite her father along, she would definitely be publicly condemned. However, Qiao Zijin was reluctant to let Qiao Dongliang hitch a ride for free. All along, she had always been the one taking advantage of others. It had never been the other way round.

    Wasn¡¯t it just a bus ride, a public bus ride, and walking a distance? She would just treat it as though she was exercising to lose weight.

    Not only did Qiao Zijin board the bus with Qiao Dongliang, but she even sat beside him. For over an hour, the father and daughter turned their heads to each side without uttering a word to each other. This silence wasn¡¯t broken until they entered the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard.

    ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re back?¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, arge parcel just arrived at your house. I heard my daughter say that there have been quite a few parcelstely.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, how was it? Was the capital fun? Oh right, Nan Nan¡¯s given birth, right?¡±

    All of the neighbors in the quad knew that Qiao Dongliang had gone to the capital because Qiao Nan was about to give birth. Given the timing, Qiao Nan should be about to give birth. It was obvious that Qiao Nan had already given birth since Qiao Dongliang had returned. He wouldn¡¯t have returned otherwise.

    ¡°Old Qiao, it¡¯s rare that you get to visit the capital. Why didn¡¯t you spend the new year there?¡± Ding Jiayi was the only one left here. If Old Qiao had remained in the capital, he would, at least, have a filial daughter, Nan Nan, by his side.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯m old and I miss home. There¡¯s nowhere better than home. After all, this is my home. Everything¡¯s here? My son-inw helped send them back. It isn¡¯t by express delivery, so I¡¯m not sure when they¡¯ll all arrive. There are quite a few things that Nan Nan picked out especially for all of you. Remember to drop byter.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang smiled. He was truly astonished that express delivery services were even faster than him. Didn¡¯t they say that his parcels would arrive on the next day, at the very earliest? He had even taken a flight back. How could his things have arrived before him?

    Qiao Dongliang had not realized that his items had taken an earlier flight to Ping Cheng and had been directly sent into Ping Cheng without going around on public buses in rounds.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Many were surprised that Qiao Nan had still kept her old neighbors in mind even after making a name for herself. They had had their opinions when all they had gotten were wedding sweets from Qiao Nan without having gotten the chance to attend her wedding. They knew that Qiao Nan was from the northern quad, but they were hardly close.

    No matter what, it was toote. By the time Qiao Nan married into the southern quad, she nearly had no contact with her neighbors in the northern quad anymore. They had already mentally prepared themselves for that. As such, they were truly surprised when Qiao Dongliang mentioned that Qiao Nan had prepared gifts for them. ¡°Alright! Hurry and go to rest. We¡¯ll visit youter.¡±

    No matter what gifts they were, even if they were just local snacks, it was the thought that counted.

    The moment Qiao Dongliang reached home, he had gotten enough praise for Qiao Nan.. Even though his neighbors had left empty-handed, they had all praised Nan Nan for being a filial child and the pride of the northern quad.

 Chapter 2223 - Not Intelligent Enough

    <h4>Chapter 2223: Not Intelligent Enough</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression darkened and she could not help but mutter inwardly: What a bunch of bootlickers! These people had been bought over so easily. Could they get any more superficial? If she had not remembered wrongly, Qiao Nan had not invited her neighbors in the northern quad to her wedding. Then, there had been many who had been bitter, scolding Qiao Nan for forgetting about them because she had gotten rich.

    Qiao Zijin felt rather annoyed having such neighbors too. They were pulling her down. ¡°Mom. I¡¯m back.¡± Didn¡¯t they say that many things had been sent here today? She had only gotten a nce at that package, so she knew that it was huge. But she had no idea about its contents.

    Since Qiao Nan had prepared gifts for her neighbors, she couldn¡¯t possibly have neglected Qiao Zijin, who was her elder sister, right? No matter what, Qiao Zijin had made a trip to the capital to see the pregnant Qiao Nan, and she had even waited until the children had turned a month old before leaving. Qiao Nan should acknowledge her efforts at the very least, right?

    ¡°You guys are back?¡± Ding Jiayi wiped her hands as her eyes twinkled. Old Qiao and Zijin were back. She would no longer be alone.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi had hated the house for being old and small. It was nowhere as spacious and bright as an apartment. But in the past month she had been living alone, Ding Jiayi had realized that the house was not exactly small. At times, Ding Jiayi had even felt timid when she heard the slightest noises outside. Sometimes, Ding Jiayi even felt that the house was too big for her.

    Everything was great now that their family of three was back together, and Ding Jiayi¡¯s courage suddenly came back. ¡°You must be tired. Sit down. I¡¯ll get you and your dad some water. Take a rest.¡± Seeing the father and daughter covered in dust, Ding Jiayi was especially happy and her expression was much calmer and more peaceful than before.

    Qiao Dongliang, who had no luggage with him, looked much more rxed. However, he looked much more tired than Qiao Zijin because of his age. ¡°I heard the neighbors say that my parcels are here. Where are they? You didn¡¯t open them, did you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Ding Jiayi waved immediately, afraid that Qiao Dongliang would misunderstand her. ¡°Look, there are so many parcels there. I was thinking that you and Zijin would arrive today, so I decided not to open them for you. If I did, everything might just get messed up.¡±

    More importantly, Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Dongliang was no longer like before. As such, Ding Jiayi dared not open Qiao Dongliang¡¯s things without his permission for fear of being scolded. In the past when their rtionship had been cordial, there was nothing of Qiao Dongliang that Ding Jiayi had not dared to touch.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Thinking about how he had already talked to his neighbors, Qiao Dongliang immediately cut open the packages after having his drink. ¡°These clothes are for the new year. You can bring it back to your room.¡± Qiao Dongliang easily removed a set of female clothes and handed them to Ding Jiayi.

    All he said was that the set of clothes was for Ding Jiayi, but he had not mentioned who had paid for them. Even so, all three people in the house knew clearly that no one other than Qiao Nan would be willing to spend money on buying new clothes for Ding Jiayi.

    After Qiao Dongliang retired, he received a pathetically small pension. In the capital, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s monthly pension was probably not even enough to buy a piece of clothing, let alone a full set. ¡°Oh right, be more careful when you wear those clothes. It¡¯s¡­ not cheap.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang felt the pinch at the thought of its price. If not for the fact that Qiao Nan had already bought them by the time he learned about it and that it was inconvenient to get a refund, he would never have allowed Qiao Nan to buy such expensive clothes. Anyway, all clothes looked about the same. The same thing could go for just a few hundred under another brand in Ping Cheng, but they had cost four-figures in the capital. Just a coat had cost almost three thousand yuan!

    Even if Ding Jiayi had been a good mother, Qiao Dongliang would still have thought that it was unsuitable for Qiao Nan to buy such an expensive coat for Ding Jiayi. But Ding Jiayi had not even been a good mom. What right did she have to enjoy such benefits?

    Ding Jiayi was not blind and naturally saw the brand new tag on the clothes. Seeing the four-figure price tag, Ding Jiayi could not help but feel her heart ache as well. ¡°Was there a discount?¡±

    ¡°A discount?¡± Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Of course not. How could there have been a discount? Unfortunately, I wasn¡¯t there. If I had been there, I would never have allowed her to buy such clothes for you. Ding Jiayi, touch your heart if you even have one. Do you think you deserve such things from Nan Nan? Remember how you wronged Nan Nan and think about all these things that she bought for you. Don¡¯t always be so shameless!¡±

    His identity card, bus ticket, and money had all been stolen by Ding Jiayi. Because of that, he had wasted several bus tickets. Qiao Dongliang was still angry over that matter. They had amounted to several hundred yuan! He could have spent that sum of money on some nice clothes for his grandchildren, but Ding Jiayi had ruined all of that.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face heated up. She had never worn such expensive clothes in her entire life. When Qiao Zijin had married well, she had asked Qiao Zijin to buy her a coat that cost about eight hundred yuan. Then, Qiao Zijin had said that winter was about to pass and that coat would be out of season. Then, it would be let off at a discounted price.

    Ding Jiayi enjoyed wearing clothes of good quality. She didn¡¯t have high standards. It was just this one thing that she allowed herself to splurge on. The most expensive piece of clothing that Qiao Zijin had ever bought her cost only three hundred yuan. Nothing had ever gone over five hundred yuan. On the other hand, Qiao Nan had spent almost three thousand on a piece of clothing for her. Ding Jiayi momentarily felt as though something had been caught in her throat and she could not utter a single word.

    Qiao Zijin, who was standing by the side, rolled her eyes. Her parents were seriously easily bribed. When had her mother ever been so easily moved and satisfied? Why was she so moved by a piece of clothing that cost just a few thousand yuan? Now, imported clothes cost more than ten thousand yuan for a single piece of clothing! If Qiao Nan was truly generous, why hadn¡¯t she bought those clothes instead?

    Her parents were truly not intelligent enough. That was why they were so easily moved after seeing that the things Qiao Nan had bought were slightly expensive.

    No matter how disdainful she felt, Qiao Zijin was not going to let go of what ¡®should¡¯ be hers.. Even though Qiao Nan had not bought clothes that cost over ten thousand yuan, those that cost even just a thousand yuan were considered expensive in Ping Cheng.

 Chapter 2224 - It Was Still a Second Marriage At Best

    <h4>Chapter 2224: It Was Still a Second Marriage At Best</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin thought about it. At least, she wouldn¡¯t lose her own face if she wore it in Ping Cheng.

    As such, Qiao Zijin put the cup down and leaned toward Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Dad, where¡¯s mine? It will be my new clothes for the new year. Take them out quickly. Seeing that the weather¡¯s good recently, I should get Mom to help me wash them. You don¡¯t know how dirty these clothes are when they¡¯re out of the factory. They have to be washed first before they can be worn. Otherwise, you might get some skin disease.¡±

    As she said this, Qiao Zijin took the initiative and reached out to flip the things over. Qiao Dongliang, who was by the side, pulled her hand. ¡°There¡¯re so many things here but there¡¯s nothing for you.¡±

    ¡°Nothing for me? Why? Did Qiao Nan forget to buy something for me?¡± That was too overboard. No, if she was left out, she had to call Nan Nan and get her topensate her. Since she waspensating her, the value of the clothes she bought must be higher than the ones here. Otherwise, she would be angry at Qiao Nan. ¡°I¡¯ll call Nan Nan and tell her she left out my share. How can she only leave me out?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to make this call. Even if you do, Nan Nan wouldn¡¯t pick it up. You¡¯re her sister, not her daughter or her parents who raised her. If she¡¯s willing to buy something for you, it¡¯s because she thinks of you since the both of you have a good sibling rtionship. If she didn¡¯t prepare anything for you, then you should find the reason yourself. Think about your rtionship with Nan Nan. Is it strange that she didn¡¯t prepare any new year¡¯s clothes for you?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t understand. Based on how poor their sibling rtionship was, how was Qiao Zijin so confident that Qiao Nan should rightfully prepare a new year¡¯s gift for her as well? Didn¡¯t she have any self-awareness at all?

    It was just that when he thought of how Qiao Nan prepared an expensive outfit for Ding Jiayi in the end, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t help but pull the curves of his mouth down. Ding Jiayi had really umted blessings in her previous lifetimes to exchange them for such a wonderful daughter like Nan Nan. If it were someone else, who would be willing to acknowledge a mother like Old Ding? They would probably just hope to reincarnate again and change another mother.

    ¡°What¡¯s strange about that? No matter what, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s only biological sister. Aside from you and Mom, I¡¯m the person closest to her. If she doesn¡¯t treat me well, who else will she treat well?¡± Qiao Zijin said righteously.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Then, since Nan Nan is your only sister, why didn¡¯t I see you buy clothes for her before?¡± Why did it only work one way? If all the reasons in this world mentioned by Zijin were only beneficial for her, could they still be known as reasons?

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t someone to admit defeat easily as well. ¡°That¡¯s different. In the past, Qiao Nan used to earn more money than me. I was someone who relied on my inws while she was self-reliant. Now, she has married well and I don¡¯t even have a stable job. Isn¡¯t it normal for her to buy something for me?¡±

    ¡°Zijin¡­¡± Upon seeing how Zijin was talking to Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi reminded Qiao Zijin to take note of her own attitude.

    Qiao Dongliangughed coldly. ¡°Yes, whatever you say is correct. Whatever you say is logical and everyone else is wrong. Anyway, we have everyone¡¯s things here but yours. If you want to call her, go ahead.¡±

    He understood Zijin¡¯s words. Nan Nan should be leaning toward her for everything. Everyone said that with justice on your side, you can go anywhere, but without it, you can¡¯t take a step at all. He wasn¡¯t literate and eloquent and couldn¡¯t win against Zijin¡¯s ¡®big principles¡¯. Since he couldn¡¯t win against her, he preferred not to say anything.

    The money was in Nan Nan¡¯s pockets. Even if Zijin tried all means, she wouldn¡¯t be able to influence Nan Nan. In the end, Zijin didn¡¯t need to think about taking advantage of Nan Nan at all. After understanding this, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with Qiao Zijin. He continued to let her find her own sense of self-superiority.

    ¡°Old Qiao.¡± Those neighbors whom Qiao Dongliang had greeted before were all here. Upon seeing the pile of things in the Qiao family¡¯s living room, their eyes shone. Wow, these things were a big deal. They should cost quite a lot of money, right? Nan Nan was still quite willing to spend so much money on things for them, huh?

    ¡°All of you are here? Each family can take one packet. These are all freshly-made specialty snacks from the capital. Take them home. Remember not to leave them around for too long. Freshly-made food has a short shelf life. Try them.¡± The things prepared for the neighbors were nicely packaged in boxes. The red boxes looked especially festive. They looked even more pleasing to the eye given that it was going to be the new year soon.

    The neighbors held the packages in their hands. Yes, they were heavy. ¡°Are they snacks from the capital? They¡¯re even nicely wrapped and the aroma¡¯s so fragrant. Nan Nan¡¯s such a good child. We, as the uncles and aunties, have really benefited because of her. Oh, right. Remember to tell us the next time Nan Nan¡¯s back. Also, has Nan Nan given birth?¡±

    The ¡®old girl¡¯ from their quad was finally married and had even given birth.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Qiao Dongliang said with joy, ¡°Triplets. Two sons and a daughter. All three of them are so good-looking, especially the youngest daughter. She looks just like Nan Nan when she was young. The elders in our family dote on them a lot.¡± Upon mentioning his three grandchildren, Qiao Dongliang was overjoyed. ¡°It was their full-month celebration yesterday. They looked healthy and don¡¯t seem to be premature children at all. A lot of peopleplimented that they were raised well.¡±

    Of course, it was all thanks to Nan Nan.

    The Zhai family finally waited until this year for a grandson to be born. They even had three grandchildren in one go. Nan Nan was the biggest hero in the Zhai family. After having these three children, he really no longer needed to worry about Nan Nan.

    ¡°Is that so? Are they that good-looking? Do you have photos?¡± Upon hearing that they were triplets, the old neighbors felt curious. In their quad, there were only twins at the very most. They didn¡¯t even see twins of a different gender before. Now, there were triplets with different genders. Gosh. The old girl whom everyone in the quad used to gossip a lot about was actually the one who was the most blessed.

    If they had known that not only did a woman who got marriedte in her forties like Qiao Nan could find a good son-inw like Zhai Sheng but could even have triplets, how would they be willing to let their own daughters marry early?

    ¡°¡­¡± Upon hearing how everyone was praising Qiao Nan and how cute the three children were, Qiao Zijin was extremely jealous. She couldn¡¯t help but mumble, ¡°How good is it? She¡¯s just married to a man who was married before.¡± It was both her and Chen Jun¡¯s first marriage. That was called marrying well.

    Ding Jiayi pushed Qiao Zijin and asked her to shut up.

 Chapter 2225 - Unwilling to Take This Lying Down

    <h4>Chapter 2225: Unwilling to Take This Lying Down</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Everyone was standing together. Even if Qiao Zijin was mumbling softly, those with better hearing could still hear her words.

    After knowing that Qiao Nan gave birth to triplets and two of them were sons, Ding Jiayi felt ufortable in her heart. Back when Qiao Zijin gave birth to Chen Feng and Qiao Nan helped Chen Feng to change his diapers, Ding Jiayi stared at Qiao Nan¡¯s slender back while saying to Qiao Zijin, ¡°See, Zijin? I¡¯ve long said that you¡¯re a blessed child. The Chen family¡¯s conditions are so good and they don¡¯tck anything but a grandson. Look at you. You allowed their Chen family to have a grandson on your first pregnancy. You¡¯re a great hero of the Chen family. That wretched girl is skinny and it¡¯s still a question if she would be able to have a child in the future. Even if she does, she could only give birth to a worthless girl. Wait and see. The Chen family will cherish you more once that wretched girl marries and gives birth to a daughter.¡±

    That scene when she said those words back then was still vivid in her mind. How the tables have turned. Qiao Zijin gave birth to a son while Qiao Nan gave birth to two sons and a daughter.

    Qiao Nan was not afraid if onepared blessings. From the day she married Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had already be a famous and blessed girl in this big quad. So what if she had marriedte? Others marriedte because they couldn¡¯t find the right match. It was either Qiao Nan didn¡¯t find a match, or once she did, she would find the best person to get married to.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± The neighbors carried the packages and left happily. After reaching home, they immediately opened the package and ate the items inside. After tasting them, they couldn¡¯t help butpliment. ¡°These specialty snacks from the capital taste so good. We can¡¯t buy them here. Nan Nan has been obedient and filial since she was young. After getting married, she still remembers us, the old neighbors. Indeed, good people are rewarded. Only a good child like Nan Nan could marry such a good husband.¡±

    The juniors in the house were already used to their parents saying different things every day. ¡°Let me taste this. Actually, this is sold on the inte as well. I¡¯ve tried it before. However, this is indeed fresh. The ones bought online don¡¯t taste as good and aren¡¯t as soft.¡±

    After the neighbors brought away all the snacks, a big and tall parcel immediately became small. After giving Ding Jiayi her clothes, the remaining clothes were naturally what Qiao Nan had prepared for Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Old Ding, I¡¯ve just reached home. I¡¯m quite tired. Can you clean up the rubbish? If not, I¡¯ll do it when I wake up tomorrow.¡±

    The clothes Qiao Nan sent over were still hot. How would Ding Jiayi be so insensitive? ¡°There¡¯s no need to. Go and rest since you¡¯re tired. I¡¯ll do it. It¡¯ll take only a while.¡± There were only a few items. She could clean them up easily. ¡°Oh, right. I prepared lunch. Shall we eat together?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t forget that before Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin went to the capital, their family of three had already started eating separately.

    Initially, Qiao Dongliang wanted to maintain this state. However, it was going to be the new year soon and they were a family. It couldn¡¯t be that they had to prepare reunion dinner separately for themselves, right?

    ¡°Alright, let me know when it¡¯s ready.¡± After saying this, Qiao Dongliang returned to his room to rest. Even if he had already saved a lot of timemuting by ne, Qiao Dongliang still felt that his bones had a dull and sharp pain. He had to lie down to rest.

    ¡°Zijin, what else are you doing?¡± After Qiao Dongliang returned to his room to rest, Ding Jiayi wanted to clean up the mess on the floor. Who knew that the things on the floor were already messy but Qiao Zijin didn¡¯tin that they were dirty? She squatted and started searching, creating a bigger mess. ¡°Go to the side quickly. There¡¯s quite a lot of dust around. I don¡¯t want to clean up after you as well.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t believe in evil. ¡°This big bag of things is even taller than me. You and Dad have new clothes. On what basis do I not have any? Did Dad hide them?¡± Weren¡¯t the things she did as good as what her mother did?

    Over the years, her mom had taken away all of Qiao Nan¡¯s sry. Her mom was also the one who forced Qiao Nan to give Chen Jun up to her. Even when she had uremia in the past, her mom was the one who asked Qiao Nan to donate a kidney to her. For this matter, Qiao Nan argued with her mom by the roadside, causing Qiao Nan to get into a car ident and nearly lost her life.

    Her mom had done so many sorry things to Qiao Nan and made her life so miserable. Even her mom had new clothes. On what basis did Qiao Nan think that she was worse than her mom such that she prepared clothes for her mom but not for her? In this family, the person most ruthless to Qiao Nan was their mom. Wasn¡¯t she good? Perhaps their dad wanted to seek justice for Qiao Nan and deliberately hid her clothes so that she would feel anxious and miserable.

    Ding Jiayi pped the back of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands. ¡°Your dad unfolded that bag of things in front of us after the both of you returned. Haven¡¯t you been looking at the things by the side? Since when did your dad hide things? Stop kicking up a fuss. I have to clean up. Also, I think not only do you need to wash your hands, but you should also take a shower.¡±

    If there was really Zijin¡¯s share, she would have seen it long ago. How would she need to go through the rubbish? Zijin refused to give up. No matter which daughter Ding Jiayi liked, at least she had new clothes for the new year. As such, she was very good-tempered now. Since she was happy, she naturally didn¡¯t care about ¡®other people¡¯.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was unwilling to take this lying down. On what basis did the whole family have new clothes but her? Wasn¡¯t she a part of the Qiao family as well? ¡°Mom, call Qiao Nan now. She has to buy me an expensive set of clothes aspensation. I¡¯m her biological sister. I¡¯m the only sister she has in this lifetime. How can she do this to me? She has no conscience. If she doesn¡¯tpensate me with a good set of clothes this time around, I¡¯ll be angry at her in the future. How can Qiao Nan not take me to heart seriously? Does she want to sever ties with her sister? Doesn¡¯t she want me to recognize her as a sister anymore?¡±

    She was so angry. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯tcking money. The whole family had new clothes but she didn¡¯t. Was Qiao Nan giving her a p in the face?

    Ding Jiayi hesitated for a while. ¡°It¡¯s easy for me to make this call. However, I¡¯m not sure if she will listen to my words..¡± If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t agree, she would have made a call for nothing.

 Chapter 2226 - Hanging Up

    <h4>Chapter 2226: Hanging Up</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had not even made the call yet, but Ding Jiayi already had an ominous feeling that the method wouldn¡¯t work and that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t bother about her. It was no longer the first time this was happening. Or should she say that Qiao Nan had never listened to her in the past two years at all?

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you call her? You know what to tell Qiao Nan, right? Mom, I¡¯m sure you have a way of getting Qiao Nan to agree. Mom. Mom¡­¡± Even though her clothes were not branded, they weren¡¯t cheap either. She would be proud to wear such clothes during the new year period.

    Ding Jiayi felt dizzy from Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make the call but I can¡¯t make any promises. I¡¯ll just try my luck.¡±

    Having been forced by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had no choice but to make a call to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s mom. I¡¯m looking for Qiao Nan.¡±

    The moment the Zhai family¡¯s auntie heard that it was Ding Jiayi looking for Qiao Nan, she was a little reluctant to hand the phone over to Qiao Nan. The auntie had never heard Qiao Nan mention her mother. More importantly, childbirth was such an important event but Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t even appeared nor turned up to take care of her daughter. It was painfully obvious that this mother-and-daughter pair didn¡¯t share a close rtionship.

    Qiao Nan was still doing her confinement and couldn¡¯t be provoked. What would they do if Qiao Nan got hurt?

    But she had no choice but to ask Qiao Nan whether she wanted to answer the call since the other party was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, after all.

    Qiao Nan thought about it for a moment before picking up the call. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with your tone and attitude? I¡¯m your mother! You¡¯re a mother yourself now. Don¡¯t you know how to address your mom properly?¡±

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s indifferent tone, Ding Jiayi flew into a rage. Which daughter would ever pick up her mother¡¯s phone call with such a tone? Even a stranger would speak more politely! Did that mean that she couldn¡¯t evenpare to a stranger in her eyes?

    ¡°Is anything wrong?¡± It was not the first time that Qiao Nan had refused to address Ding Jiayi as her mom. If there was anything wrong that she could deal with, she would. Otherwise, she would hang up the phone in case she were to disturb the three children.

    Ding Jiayi spat at Qiao Nan inwardly, scolding Qiao Nan for disregarding her poor family and her own biological mother after getting married to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Let me ask you. Did you not buy enough new year gifts, or did you forget to send something?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan had not understood Ding Jiayi¡¯s words at first, but within a moment, she came to a realization. What she was saying was that Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes were not among the new year gifts. What a joke! She had bought clothes for her parents, not voluntarily but out of obligation. After all, they were her parents.

    But who was Qiao Zijin? They were of the same generation. Even when Qiao Zijin had been living afortable life, she had never even sent her a brand new set of underwear, let alone pieces of clothing. Even more ridiculously, Qiao Zijin would only send her socks that she had worn to the point of breaking with an arrogant attitude as if she was doing something good.

    Why should she buy Qiao Zijin new year clothes? Did she owe it to Qiao Zijin?

    Ding Jiayi mmed the table. Thinking that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to hear it, she quickly added. ¡°Nonsense! What about your sister¡¯s new clothes? How could you forget about your sister? You have only one elder sister! Have you gone dumb from having kids? How could you forget about your only sister? Alright, I won¡¯t take issue with it but you can¡¯t leave out what you should buy. Besides, you¡¯re at fault here. Remember to buy something better to coax your sister. It¡¯s your fault, to say the least. Don¡¯t make everyone angry at you because of this.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Fine. Qiao Nan would admit she was at the wrong. She was still doing her confinement and could let the auntie tell Ding Jiayi that she had been sleepy and had fallen asleep. How could she have answered the call in that case? Qiao Zijin¡¯s lips curled up into a sinister smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Nope. I¡¯m not coaxing her. You guys can get angry as long as it pleases you. You can choose to disown me too. Happy New Year. Goodbye.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan hung up the phone.

    She owed the Qiao family? How ridiculous!

    ¡°¡­¡± Hearing the beeps from the other end of the call, Ding Jiayi blinked nkly. Actually, she had already expected this oue but both Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had had that little bit of hope that Qiao Nan would one day transform back into that obedient and ¡®good¡¯ daughter and sister she had been in the past.

    But this phone call proved to Ding Jiayi that Qiao Nan had no intention of doing so at the moment.

    Ding Jiayi was angry. Left with no other choice, she ended the call.

    ¡°Mom, what did she say? She¡¯s agreed, right? Did she say when she would send the clothes over? You know, I¡¯m an adult now and I won¡¯t wear those cheap clothes bought from just anywhere. Also, I just received a text that my high school friend is organizing a get-together. I¡¯m nning to wear the clothes she sends.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was especially excited seeing that Ding Jiayi was walking over. Initially, she had wanted to stay by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side throughout the call so that she would be able to jump in in case Ding Jiayi forgot anything. But the moment Ding Jiayi took out her phone, Qiao Zijin¡¯s phone had rung. The moment she saw that it was her old ssmate, Qiao Zijin could only abandon Ding Jiayi to speak with her friend.

    Coincidentally, once Qiao Zijin put down the phone, Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone call had also ended.

    The thought of meeting her high school friends excited Qiao Zijin. At that time, she had bought her way into high school, and as such, many of her ssmates looked down on her. Now that so many years had passed, she wanted to prove to them that it didn¡¯t matter whether she had bought her way into the school at that time. After all, she was still living afortable life all the same.

    Qiao Zijin had already decided to make Qiao Nan buy her a set of clothes that would not only not embarrass her in front of her ssmates but would also be eye-catching. At the very most, she would put in a good word for Qiao Nan when helping settle the matter with Wang Yang. That way, Wang Yang would be more willing to give Qiao Nan a bigger share.

    As long as she seeded, Qiao Nan would, at least, get a million yuan. A couple of thousands for a makeover wouldn¡¯t be too much to ask for, right?

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan had refused but Qiao Zijin had even upped her request. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t understand whether Qiao Zijin had faith in herself or whether she had faith in her mother. Why did she think that this call would undoubtedly be a sess? ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.. That wretched girl hung up on me before I even finished speaking.¡±

 Chapter 2227 - She Wouldnâ€™t Dare

    <h4>Chapter 2227: She Wouldn¡¯t Dare</h4>

    ¡°And before she hung up, that wretched girl said that there isn¡¯t anything for you.¡±

    As for getting Qiao Nan to buy something more expensive, she had better stop dreaming about it. Turning it into reality was simply too difficult.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face flushed red. ¡°What right does she have to do that? Mom, did you ask her about it? Did Qiao Nan say why she only bought clothes for you and Dad but forgot about me? I haven¡¯t provoked her recently. She¡¯s really gone overboard. Is she crazy?¡±

    She might not have provoked her recently, but that didn¡¯t mean that she hadn¡¯t done so in the past.

    That thought ran through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind but she dared not voice it out for fear that Qiao Zijin would throw a tantrum because she was siding with Qiao Nan. ¡°How would I know? What I know is that she refused to buy clothes for you and that she didn¡¯t intend to buy you any in the first ce. Alright. I¡¯ve already made the call. Since she¡¯s refused, I can¡¯t do anything about it either. You can decide for yourself if you want to have new clothes to wear this new year.¡±

    If Qiao Zijin wanted to wear new clothes, she could fork out her money to buy some. Otherwise, why had they even bothered calling Qiao Nan in the first ce?

    ¡°Mom, Mom. Don¡¯t go! Let¡¯s discuss it further. You can help me.¡± Qiao Zijin tugged on Ding Jiayi¡¯s clothes. ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan¡¯s already treating me like this. Don¡¯t you think you should help me and keep Qiao Nan in line?¡±

    ¡°Hehehe. I was thinking of doing that but I¡¯m not an omnipotent mother. It¡¯s been almost two years since she¡¯s stopped listening to me. If she refuses to help you, there¡¯ll be no point in my agreeing to help you either. Stop calling me. No matter how many times you call me, there¡¯s still nothing I can do. That wretched girl already had such a terrible temper before getting married. Now that she¡¯s be the chief¡¯s wife, there¡¯s no way she¡¯ll bother about me or listen to whatever I say.¡±

    She had never even been the wife of a battalionmander, but Qiao Nan had directly be a chief¡¯s wife. Given the change in both their statuses, it was hard to say who would have to listen to the other.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. Qiao Nan was too cruel and heartless to refuse to acknowledge her only sister. But Qiao Zijin was also infuriated at Ding Jiayi for being such a useless mother. In the past, Ding Jiayi had been quite sessful as a mother. As long as Ding Jiayi said something, Qiao Nan would never dare to refuse. If only she had managed to keep that up until now.

    ¡°Mom, shouldn¡¯t we use some special means to let Qiao Nan understand that she¡¯s done wrong and that we¡¯re angry at her?¡± Since Qiao Nan had nothing to fear now, it was difficult to deal with her. The best way to deal with her was to find her weakness so that they could instill some fear in her. That way, it would definitely be easier to deal with her.

    ¡°What special means?¡± Was there such a thing? Why had she not known about this before?

    ¡°Mom, she¡¯s still your daughter and you¡¯re her mom. Think about how heartless she was when she left, refusing to acknowledge us or even having anything to do with the Qiao family. But even when you didn¡¯t visit her when she almost died during childbirth, she¡¯s still filial enough to you during the new year. Just tell Qiao Nan that you¡¯ll not forgive her unless she buys me a decent set of clothes. Otherwise, we¡¯ll return your set of clothes to her too.¡±

    ¡°Mom, didn¡¯t I get a call just now? It was from my high school ssmate. They said that they¡¯ll be organizing a gathering on the fifth day of the new year. I have to attend it. I¡¯m sure you know how well-to-do those families are. I can¡¯t afford to dress shabbily there or I¡¯ll be an embarrassment to our family. It¡¯s just as well. Doesn¡¯t Qiao Nan owe me a set of clothes? Just get Qiao Nan to buy me a set of clothes that¡¯s suitable for my gathering. At my age, it¡¯s better to save money. I¡¯ll just wear the same outfit for the new year as well as for the get-together. I don¡¯t need her to get me two different outfits. After all, she¡¯s a mother too. I¡¯ll just treat it as though I¡¯m helping her save money as an aunt so that she can spend it on outfits for the three children.¡±

    How nice of her! Not only would she help Qiao Nan save some money, but she would even give Qiao Nan the chance to buy more clothes for the triplets from the money that she had saved!

    Throughout her life, she had always treated herself the best. But now, she was even willing to sacrifice her own interests for Qiao Nan and the triplets¡¯ sakes. Qiao Zijin felt that she had already gone above and beyond. Where else would Qiao Nan find a sister better than her? There was no way the triplets would ever have a better aunt either!

    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t buy you clothes, I should return mine as well?¡± There were question marks in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, and her tone was hesitant. Why would she have to return her clothes if Zijin didn¡¯t have any new clothes? That made no sense!

    Qiao Zijin dragged Ding Jiayi to sit down. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re Qiao Nan¡¯s mom. She won¡¯t dare to not give you new clothes! This is just a means of threatening Qiao Nan. You¡¯re my mother. How could I let you have no new clothes for the new year? Don¡¯t worry. As long as you listen to me, not only will you have new clothes, but so will I! Then, our family of four will be able to celebrate the new year joyfully!¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words made it seem as though she was the one paying for Ding Jiayi¡¯s clothes and that this whole matter had nothing to do with Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s ideas were warped and distorted but Ding Jiayi saw nothing wrong with them. ¡°What if she really gets angry and refuses? What if she really takes my clothes back?¡±

    If she were to send Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes back, would Zijin buy her an even better and more expensive set of clothes?

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Mom, you¡¯re overthinking it. She won¡¯t dare to do it.¡± How could Qiao Nan dare to take back the clothes and not care about how her mother celebrated the new year? If Qiao Nan was truly that heartless, would this set of clothes even have appeared? Her mom was letting her imagination run wild and worrying unnecessarily. It was just a set of clothes, but her mom was getting overly anxious over it.

    No wonder Qiao Nan had transformed into a different person over the past year, so much so that her mom was no longer able to control her. Perhaps, the person who had changed was not Qiao Nan but her mom.

    Ding Jiayi dared not say whether Qiao Nan would dare to do such a thing. After all, Qiao Nan had undergone a drastic change. As such, there was no way Ding Jiayi could predict Qiao Nan¡¯s next move or reaction. ¡°Wait a minute. Let me think this through.¡±

 Chapter 2228 - Wrong Decision

    <h4>Chapter 2228: Wrong Decision</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After about five minutes of contemtion, Ding Jiayi looked up at Qiao Zijin, who smiled at her. ¡°Mom, have youe to a realization?¡±

    She was all too clear about the kind of person her mom was. If her mom was truly an intelligent person, there was no way Qiao Nan would have dropped out of school for her to be a university graduate instead. Her mom¡¯s mind was too simple, and unfortunately, her mom hadn¡¯t even managed her own life well in the past two years. That was why Qiao Nan had been able to break free of her chains and escape the family.

    Had shee to a realization? Not really.

    But Ding Jiayi had a question that she had to get an answer to. ¡°Zijin, let¡¯s forget about everything else. Let me ask you. If I really follow your n and threaten Qiao Nan that I¡¯ll return the clothes that she bought for me if she doesn¡¯t buy you any, what will we do if she refuses?¡±

    There was no way a simple phone call would solve the matter.

    ¡°That¡¯s easy. I¡¯ll get a courier to send the clothes back to Qiao Nan for her so that she can see for herself that you¡¯re being serious. If you don¡¯t do that, she¡¯ll think that you¡¯re just threatening her with empty threats. Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pay for the courier. You won¡¯t have to fork out a cent.¡± There was no way the cost of a courier couldpare with the cost of an entire outfit that cost up to ten thousand yuan. She wouldn¡¯t lose out anyway.

    It was going to be the new year soon, and the normal postal services were about to stop their operations. Only courier services and express delivery services were still avable. At the thought of that, Qiao Zijin felt the pinch. If they had done this at any other time of the year, it would have cost her ten yuan at the very most with the normal postal service. But courier services and express delivery services would cost her several times more than that!

    ¡°We¡¯re really sending it back?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Otherwise, Qiao Nan would never admit defeat.

    Ding Jiayi frowned. ¡°What if Qiao Nan epts the parcel and keeps the clothes instead of returning them to me?¡± The question was now back to the start. What if Qiao Nan decided not to give Ding Jiayi the clothes that she had already bought just because she was unwilling to buy Qiao Zijin clothes? What would Ding Jiayi do then?

    Ding Jiayi was different from Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin had nothing to begin with, so the worst result was just maintaining the status quo, which was having nothing at all.

    As for Ding Jiayi?

    Initially, Ding Jiayi had already enjoyed some benefits. If Ding Jiayi were to infuriate Qiao Nan for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward her might go back to how it had been a few months ago, when they had not even had any contact. Then, Ding Jiayi would be at a great loss.

    Ding Jiayi had never owned such expensive or good clothes before today. Even when Qiao Zijin had been Chen Jun¡¯s wife and the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw, she had never gotten the chance to wear such expensive clothes.

    It didn¡¯t matter whether she was being superficial. If she didn¡¯t have the opportunity or ability, then so be it. But Qiao Nan had already sent it right to her doorstep. It would be ridiculous to give up the opportunity just like that.

    That was why Ding Jiayi wanted to know what Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude and n were if that really happened. She got her hands on something that she had never gotten from Qiao Zijin all thanks to her most hated daughter. Ding Jiayi felt that she was already a very good mother for treating Qiao Zijin the same as before even after Qiao Zijin had angered her so many times before.

    But everyone was selfish. She wasn¡¯t counting on Qiao Zijin providing her with such nice things. It didn¡¯t seem right to lose this rare opportunity to enjoy such benefits from Qiao Nan for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s idea was simple. If Qiao Zijin was willing to make up for everything that Qiao Nan took back, Ding Jiayi would be willing to unconditionally stand by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side and support her. After all, that would prove that she had not been wrong and that Qiao Zijin was indeed a filial daughter, after all.

    Of course, if Qiao Zijin refused, she would still be her favorite daughter. But she wouldn¡¯t foolishly give up her own interests since Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t benefit in the end either. If they kept mum, at least she would still have a new set of clothes.

    If she wore the clothes that Qiao Nan sent her, she would save Qiao Zijin some money, at the very least. It was the new year and Qiao Nan had bought outfits for her parents. What had Qiao Zijin done? Instead of both of them being down on luck, it was better for her to enjoy what Qiao Nan had given her. Even Qiao Nan probably knew that she would still prefer Qiao Zijin more even though she was wearing clothes from Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, she won¡¯t do that. Believe me. Qiao Nan won¡¯t dare to do that.¡± Qiao Zijin was reluctant to answer that question. She was no fool and she understood that her mom was trying to force her to say that she would make up for whatever clothes Qiao Nan refused to return.

    How ridiculous!

    If it had not been for her mom¡¯s ipetence, her dad would never have made it to the capital, and neither would she have wasted three thousand six hundred yuan on bus tickets. She was still feeling the pinch from that sum. The biggest problem was that the set of clothes that Qiao Nan had bought for her mom cost much more than three thousand six hundred yuan!

    She wasn¡¯t as easily bullied as Qiao Nan and would never spend so much money buying clothes for old people. What was the point of buying expensive clothes for people of her parents¡¯ age? Who would be able to tell how expensive those clothes were when they wore them? It was more than enough for the elderly to have enough to eat and to have enough rest. It was an utter waste to spend so much on expensive clothes for them.

    At the mention of this, Qiao Zijin hated Qiao Nan the most. The money was Qiao Nan¡¯s. She had saved her money by not buying Qiao Zijin a set of clothes but had spent so much on an olddy like Ding Jiayi. She must be retarded! She was spending money in all the wrong ces!

    Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan have bought her an expensive set of clothes? Why did it matter to someone of her mom¡¯s age? Besides, she was sure that if she had received the clothes instead of her mom, she would easily have been able to cajole her mom so that her mom wouldn¡¯t re up at Qiao Nan or even rebuke Qiao Nan.

    It would still be two sets of clothes: hers and her dad¡¯s. The family of three would have been happy all the same.. But now that she had only bought clothes for her parents, there was only one person who was happy while the other two were upset. Qiao Nan was really foolish for choosing the second option instead of the first even though she would have spent the same amount of money!

 Chapter 2229 - Not Caring

    <h4>Chapter 2229: Not Caring</h4>

    Qiao Zijin only went on about how Qiao Nan would never do that but refused to promise a single thing. Seeing how Qiao Zijin had spared no effort in trying to convince her, Ding Jiayi, who had remained silent all along, finally reacted.

    She silently returned to her room and took every single piece of clothing that Qiao Nan had sent over for the new year.

    Qiao Zijin, who had followed behind Ding Jiayi, smiled at that sight. She knew that her mom would definitely listen to her. Qiao Nan had gone overboard this time, and they had to teach her a lesson. In the future, Qiao Nan would know to buy clothes for each and every one of them without leaving a single person out.

    Wait a minute!

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing with that pair of scissors?¡± She had only asked her mom to return the clothes to Qiao Nan to scare her. She had never asked her mom to cut up the clothes! It would be such a pity to cut up such expensive clothes!

    If she didn¡¯t cut them up, Qiao Nan would only have to purchase an extra set of clothes. However, once her mom did something so extreme, Qiao Nan would have to purchase two extra sets of clothes. Qiao Zijin was afraid that Qiao Nan would decide to ignore her mom in that case. Then, even she wouldn¡¯t have anything to wear.

    The snipping of the scissors was heard, but unlike Qiao Zijin¡¯s expectations, Ding Jiayi had not cut up the clothes. Instead, she had simply cut away the packaging and tags on the clothes.

    It was only then that Qiao Zijin rxed. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re so smart! No wonder people say that nothing beats experience. Why didn¡¯t I think of that? If the tag was still there, Qiao Nan would be able to get a refund for them. But now that they¡¯re gone, the sellers would surely not ept them anymore. I¡¯ve seen her mother-inw before, and she¡¯s much older than you. These clothes are suitable for you but not for her mother-inw. She wouldn¡¯t be able to give these clothes to her mother-inw.¡±

    Besides, Qiao Nan¡¯s mother-inw was a chief¡¯s wife. Qiao Nan could never use clothes that had been rejected by others to try to please her mother-inw unless she no longer wanted to be part of the Zhai family.

    Since there was no way of getting a refund on such expensive clothes, and neither would she be able to get a refund, it would be a waste to keep them at home. In that case, she would have no choice but to send them back to her mom. Then, Qiao Nan would have no choice but to listen to them and to send Qiao Zijin¡¯s set of clothes over as well.

    Humph! She wanted to fight it out with her? She stood no chance at all. Why was Qiao Nan still so ignorant about the fact even though she was already forty and was even a mom herself?

    Qiao Zijin was still rejoicing inwardly when she saw Ding Jiayi switch on the tap to soak her clothes in water, preparing to wash them. Of course, that excluded the coat.

    Qiao Zijin frowned. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble. Don¡¯t wash them. We aren¡¯t wearing them anyway. Qiao Nan won¡¯t be able to get a refund once you cut off the tags. It doesn¡¯t matter whether you wash them.¡± It was winter and even with sunlight, the temperatures weren¡¯t very high. If they were to wash and dry these clothes, it would take at least another two to three days.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to receive her set of clothes from Qiao Nan as soon as possible so that she could wash and iron them and wear them to her high school gathering. This process of washing and drying would waste two to three days. With the time Qiao Nan needed to buy a new set of clothes, as well as the time for the parcels to be sent around, she might not even receive the clothes in time for her get-together! Then, she would have to spend her own money to get new clothes!

    With that in mind, Qiao Zijin rushed to snatch the clothes over from Ding Jiayi. ¡°Thankfully, they¡¯re not entirely drenched yet. It¡¯ll dry faster if we use a hairdryer. Mom, don¡¯t bother washing them. Let¡¯s just send them to Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t worry. My n will definitely work. There won¡¯t be any idents.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had allowed Qiao Zijin to continue with her monologue while she had not spoken a single word. Seeing that Qiao Zijin was about to snatch her clothes away, Ding Jiayi tugged at them and submerged them all in the water. She knew her daughter the best. It was winter and the water was icy cold. Qiao Zijin had never dipped her hands in water in winter, except during baths and washing her hands.

    Of course, once the clothes were entirely submerged in the water, Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand stopped in midair. ¡°Mom¡­¡± What did that mean?

    What could that possibly mean?

    Ding Jiayi remained silent while pouring detergent into the tub. ¡°You¡¯re right. These clothes came directly from the factory assembly line. They¡¯re not clean. I¡¯d better wash them before wearing them.¡± She wasn¡¯t going to return these clothes. She was going to wear them herself.

    Even though Ding Jiayi was not in the habit of buying new clothes, she knew that the prices of clothes were sky-high, especially during the new year. If Qiao Nan refused to care about her and chose to burn these clothes instead of conceding, she wouldn¡¯t have any new clothes to wear for the new year. Then, should she let othersugh at her? Or should she waste money to puff herself up?

    Ding Jiayi could not bear to spend any more money since she didn¡¯t have much to begin with. She already had a set of clothes with her. Besides, many of her neighbors had already seen it and even praised her for it. There was no way Ding Jiayi wanted to send this set of clothes back. She would wear them!

    Was it too much for her to wear slightly better clothes for the new year after she had done so much to raise two daughters? Of course not! As for that little dispute between her daughters, she had already done what she could. What she couldn¡¯t resolve was beyond her.

    Question marks appeared in Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes and she stared at her mom, who washed the new clothes quickly before transferring them to the washing machine. Seeing that things were not going ording to n, Qiao Zijin rushed up to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Mom, what does this mean?¡±

    Her mom didn¡¯t seem to be following her n to return the clothes to Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan would be forced to get her a set of clothes.

    Ding Jiayi replied as she hung her clothes up to dry, ¡°Zijin, I¡¯m already so old. I don¡¯t wish for a good life anymore. But now that it¡¯s right in front of me, I should enjoy it. No matter how much money you have, I¡¯ve never gotten to wear such expensive clothes. You should consider my perspective too. How many more years do I have left to live? It¡¯s not too much for me to enjoy what little I have now. I¡¯ll help you with whatever I can. But there are things I can¡¯t help you with.¡±

 Chapter 2230 - Refusing

    <h4>Chapter 2230: Refusing</h4>

    ¡°Mom, are you ming me for not having the ability to let you wear such nice clothes? Now that Qiao Nan has given you this opportunity, she¡¯s be the apple of your eye?¡± Just because of these broken rags, her mom had followed in her dad¡¯s footsteps and was now on Qiao Nan¡¯s side, abandoning her!

    ¡°No, you¡¯re still my favorite daughter. But I can¡¯t deny that I¡¯ve gotten old, just like how I can¡¯t deny that I put my hopes in the wrong daughter. Perhaps, that wretched girl and I are not fated. Ever since she was young, she¡¯s always listened to me, and I¡¯ve never needed to worry about her. Still, I¡¯ve never liked her. As for you, you¡¯ve always created trouble for me but I¡¯ve always been happy cleaning up your messes. People are really fools at times.¡±

    Had she suddenly taken a liking to Qiao Nan?

    No. Because she had had poor judgment when she had been younger, she had made a wrong choice in picking between her daughters. That was exactly why she hated Qiao Nan even more. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what would have happened if Qiao Nan had been more self-aware, performed worse, and failed in life because her own biological mother didn¡¯t like her.

    In that case, Qiao Zijin¡¯s failures would bepared to Qiao Nan, who would be an even greater failure. That way, Qiao Zijin would look rather promising, at the very least.

    Speaking of Qiao Nan, she was truly not considerate at all. Now that Qiao Nan was living a good life, there were many who mocked her for choosing not to dote on such a promising daughter and choosing to dote on a useless one instead.

    As such, there was no way she could ever like a daughter like that.

    Ding Jiayi knew that even if Qiao Nan became outstanding and married well, she would be upset because it would feel as though Qiao Nan was getting revenge on her by living well. On the other hand, if Qiao Nan were to turn out the way she had expected and be a failure in life, not only would she not pity Qiao Nan, but she would look down on Qiao Nan even more because of that since she had already predicted that Qiao Nan would amount to nothing.

    Therefore, the problemy not in Qiao Nan but in her own heart.

    Ding Jiayi had lived freely her whole life and had been stubborn and willful about her daughter, Qiao Nan. She didn¡¯t have many more years to live, so why would she suddenly change her attitude and tone out of the blue and try to suck up to her daughter, Qiao Nan, out of twenty years¡¯ worth of guilt?

    She would never do such a thing.

    Now that the topic of Qiao Nan had been brought up, Ding Jiayi naturally had to deal with Qiao Zijin. Leaving aside the differences in her daughters¡¯ lives, it was only because her younger daughter was living well that her elder daughter had been envious.

    Initially, if Qiao Nan had truly left Ding Jiayi in the lurch, Ding Jiayi would definitely have fallen into a crisis in her old age since she would have neither her daughter by her side nor any money. Then, she would try to cling on to anything she could for a sense of security.

    But Qiao Nan was not a person like that.

    Qiao Nan had never shortchanged her parents, and she gave whatever was necessary. Of course, if Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang had had a better rtionship with Qiao Nan, their lives would have been even better. The problem was that Qiao Nan¡¯s identity was different now. Even though Qiao Nan treated them very averagely, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s lives were much better than an average old person¡¯s.

    Having toiled for her whole life, Ding Jiayi was exhausted too. Now, she no longer needed to work but she was still able to live better than many others. So, why would she not enjoy that? Did it make any sense for her to give up even thest bit of her good fortune?

    Afterparing her life with others¡¯, Ding Jiayi finally felt a little satisfied and stopped demanding anything. Her elder daughter treated her in this manner, while her younger daughter was like her enemy. If she went any further, there was no way she would be able to continue living.

    Qiao Zijin felt miserable. In the past, her mom had always listened to everything she said and never rebuked her. It was only because her mom thought that Qiao Nan had made a name for herself that Qiao Nan would be able to better her mom¡¯s life. That was why her mom no longer cared about her and was now standing on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    Money was such a useful tool. It could make her mom, who had pampered her for her whole life, do such a thing.

    Qiao Zijin forced out a smile. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t do this. Believe it or not, I¡¯ll have money very soon too. Qiao Nan bought you clothes that cost a few thousand yuan. Once I have money, I¡¯ll buy you clothes that cost tens of thousands of yuan! Mom, if you don¡¯t help me now and keep siding with Qiao Nan, I might not even forgive you when you regret your actions once I have money.¡±

    It was not that she was truly worse than Qiao Nan. She had the chance to get rich too. In less than a month¡¯s time, she would have money. She would just have to wait until she returned to the capital.

    Qiao Zijin, who stubbornly thought that she would definitely be rich,pletely forgot that this entire matter depended on whether Qiao Nan agreed to such terms. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s cooperation and help, Qiao Zijin¡¯s dreams of getting rich would remain as nothing more than a dream.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t fly into a rage. ¡°Alright. If that¡¯s true, I¡¯m happy for you. I¡¯ve always thought of you as my best daughter all these years. If you make a name for yourself, it¡¯ll prove that I didn¡¯t make the wrong choice at that time. As for those clothes that cost tens of thousands of yuan, it¡¯s fine. If you¡¯re not willing to give them to me, you can keep them for yourself. After all, you have more time ahead of you than I do. Of course, I¡¯ll ept them dly if you want to be filial to me and thank me for raising you all these years once you be rich.¡±

    Ding Jiayi smiled faintly. She was not even rich yet, but she was already threatening not to be filial to her once she got rich. This was the daughter whom she had been doting on all these years. There was nothing Ding Jiayi could do about Qiao Zijin.

    No matter what, Ding Jiayi had much more life experience than Qiao Zijin. Although she was infuriated by Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, she did notsh out and say that Qiao Zijin would never get rich or that she had the backbone to refuse Qiao Zijin¡¯s filial piety.

    Refusing it?

    Why would she refuse it?

    Over the past forty years, she had spared no effort and money on her daughter, Qiao Zijin. She had devoted half her life to Qiao Zijin! Even if Qiao Zijin were to buy clothes that cost more than tens of thousands of yuan, she would still be able to wear them with no shame at all.

 Chapter 2231

    <h4>Chapter 2231: Holding Back Tears</h4>

    For Ding Jiayi, it was rare for the word ¡®backbone¡¯ to appear. Ding Jiayi was used to not burning bridges.

    It was like in the past when she looked down on Qiao Nan and felt that she wouldn¡¯t be able to be sessful in this lifetime. However, even if that was the case, Ding Jiayi never said words like if there was really a day that Qiao Nan became sessful, she would definitely not care for Qiao Nan¡¯s filial piety as she still had Qiao Zijin, her sessful elder daughter.

    Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t say and would never say such words that were equivalent to giving her a p in the face.

    ¡°Old Qiao, lunch¡¯s ready. Come out and eat. If you sleep too much in the day, you might not be able to sleep at night.¡± It seemed that the rtionship between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang had improved. They seemed to be more harmonious with each other.

    When Ding Jiayi was alone, she had thought through things carefully.

    Initially, this house was the joint property between them, husband and wife. If they were to get a divorce, they should split the house equally. The problem was that the property deed was already in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. This house no longer had anything to do with her or Qiao Dongliang. If she were to divorce Qiao Dongliang, she wouldn¡¯t even have a ce in Ping Cheng, where she had lived for more than forty years.

    Not only would she not have a ce in Ping Cheng, but she would also not have one in her hometown.

    In the Ding family, she was a married daughter. The number of houses the Ding family had had nothing to do with her. If the Ding family knew that she got a divorce from her husband in old age and could get neither money nor the house, not only would the Ding family not help her because of her surname, but they would also see her as a joke.

    She definitely couldn¡¯t return to the Ding family or leave Ping Cheng. In short, she couldn¡¯t divorce Qiao Dongliang.

    What made Ding Jiayi feel at ease was that Qiao Dongliang no longer mentioned the divorce ever since thest time. As long as they didn¡¯t get a divorce and the name of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s spouse was still her, she wouldn¡¯t need to return to the Ding family out of helplessness and watch them roll their eyes at her. She¡¯d rather die than return to the Ding family.

    After thinking about her hatred for and annoyance at the Ding family, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but maintain peace with Qiao Dongliang. Indeed, Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets were just born. However, Chen Feng was no longer young. To put it bluntly, in a few years¡¯ time, Chen Feng would be old enough to marry someone. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to end up with a divorce after being a great-grandmother.

    Thankfully, after Qiao Dongliang returned from the capital, he never brought up the matters about the identity card and the train ticket to Ding Jiayi. He didn¡¯t mention them even until now. Ding Jiayi was the one who did wrong. By not mentioning this matter, Qiao Dongliang seemed to be letting her off. As such, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t be so foolish to mention it again.

    After knowing that Qiao Dongliang was hungry, Ding Jiayi prepared something for him to eat. She knew that he preferred food with heavy vors and that he liked spicy food. In the past, Ding Jiayi used to cook ording to her and Qiao Zijin¡¯s preference. Both of them didn¡¯t like to eat spicy food. Qiao Zijin liked to eat dry rice as she felt that the rice would be soft and not as chewy if there was too much water added. As such, Ding Jiayi always used less water.

    Qiao Zijin was young and liked her rice to be dry and chewy. However, people around Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi¡¯s age preferred their rice to be softer. If more water was added, the rice would be easier to digest and their stomachs wouldn¡¯t feel ufortable.

    Of course, for today¡¯s lunch, there was a little chili in the dishes, and the rice was cooked until it was simr to porridge.

    Upon seeing such dishes, Qiao Zijin immediately lost her appetite. ¡°Mom, you know that I can¡¯t eat spicy food. Once I eat spicy food, pimples will grow and I¡¯ll look ugly. You used to not put chili. Why are you doing so now?¡±

    She had maintained her eating habits for more than forty years. Her mom had finished washing the clothes. Had water entered her brain as well? She could even forget her habitpletely. She couldn¡¯t be med for being angry at her mom. ¡°Also, is this rice or porridge? It looks like neither. Mom, who are you preparing this meal for?¡±

    Qiao Zijin really wanted to add that even pigs wouldin if Ding Jiayi¡¯s meal today was prepared for them.

    The meal that Ding Jiayi had prepared with so much difficulty was criticized by Qiao Zijin to bepletely worthless using such undisguised remarks. Neither Qiao Dongliang nor Ding Jiayi feltfortable in their hearts. Furthermore, Qiao Dongliang was the one being taken care of today. He had nothing much to say regarding this meal.

    Qiao Dongliang picked up a dish with his chopsticks and ced it in his bowl. ¡°If you find what your mom prepared isn¡¯t nice, go and order takeaways. If you think takeaways aren¡¯t nice or find them too expensive, then buy ingredients home and cook a meal yourself. You can prepare it however you like and don¡¯t have toin that the food others prepared isn¡¯t nice or to your liking. Of course, if you are more generous with money, you can hire a nanny to specially prepare your meals. Of course, if you just want the nanny to prepare meals, it¡¯s more economical to hire a part-timer.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang thought of several ways for Qiao Zijin to solve her issues with food.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin said in anger, ¡°Dad, why have you changed? All you talk about is money. Yes, I don¡¯t have money. Does that mean I¡¯m no longer your daughter? Do you have to take this attitude toward me? Mom, you too!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t treat you as a daughter if you don¡¯t have money. It¡¯s that you don¡¯t think about me or your mom just because we don¡¯t have money. Think about your attitude. At this age, your mom¡¯s still preparing meals for you but all you do isin. If you¡¯re really filial and have a conscience, a person like you who is forty-two years old now, turning forty-three after the new year, should prepare a meal for me and your mom. Would that cause you any suffering or be deemed as ill-treating you?¡± She was turning forty-three after the new year, not thirteen.

    Upon thinking that Qiao Zijin was going to be forty-three years old soon but he and Ding Jiayi had never eaten a meal that Qiao Zijin had specially prepared for them, Qiao Dongliang felt cold in his heart. Which other daughter was like this? Compared to other sons, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t pale inparison to them at all.

    ¡°Why are your eyes red? Is it only today that you know what kind of daughter you have raised? Hold back your tears. It¡¯s all your own sin. As such, you should bear the consequences. Hurry up and eat.¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes became red when she heard Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words.

    She was willing to do everything for Qiao Zijin, her daughter. However, not only did Qiao Zijin not acknowledge her sacrifice and love for her over the years, but she also always picked on her, saying that she, as a mother, was worthless. It was as if her efforts over the past few decades were a joke. Ding Jiayi felt aggrieved.

 Chapter 2232

    <h4>Chapter 2232: What Do You Mean?</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang was still angry at Ding Jiayi for spoiling Qiao Zijin until she was so unfilial and had no conscience. How would Ding Jiayi have the cheek to cry now? Didn¡¯t Ding Jiayi cause this to happen herself? Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how to raise a child. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have a heart. It was no wonder they were mother and daughter.

    Qiao Dongliang ced some dishes into Ding Jiayi¡¯s bowl, asking her to eat them quickly. Ding Jiayi did so many things to ruin Qiao Nan. Why was Qiao Nan still filial to Ding Jiayi? It was because Ding Jiayi had given birth to her!

    Based on this level of rtionship, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t be so heartless with Ding Jiayi. Simrly, he didn¡¯t allow Qiao Zijin to be disrespectful toward Ding Jiayi. If he hadn¡¯t criticized Qiao Zijin, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have thought that there was something wrong with her attitude and behavior. ¡°You have heard your elder daughter¡¯s words. If you¡¯re willing, you can prepare my share in the future. I¡¯ll fork out half the money. If you¡¯re not willing, we¡¯ll be just like in the past where we settle our own meals. As for this daughter of yours, since you can¡¯t control her anymore, you should stop controlling her. Let her handle things herself. Unless she¡¯s cooking for you, you have to sort out your thoughts.¡±

    Could it be that Old Ding wanted to serve Qiao Zijin for a lifetime until she died? Or could it be that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t ¡®whip¡¯ Ding Jiayi hard enough every time such that Ding Jiayi only remembered to suffer and not retaliate?

    ¡°Alright.¡± It wasn¡¯t that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t cherish Qiao Dongliang¡¯s care and concern, which she hadn¡¯t seen for a long time. On the contrary, she cherished it a lot. She had been at home alone for more than a month now. Ding Jiayi felt that she was the only one left in this world and was miserable.

    However, Ding Jiayi realized now that she had not divorced Qiao Dongliang. Her daughter was unfilial but she still had a husband and they could support each other.

    Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi looked like they reconciled and were a happy couple. Qiao Zijin was shocked. What did this mean? Now that they had gotten back together, they were starting to ostracize her? It seemed like she wasn¡¯t their daughter. How ridiculous.

    Also, her dad asked her to be a housewife. Did her mom really agree to that? Since when did she have to use the stove herself? Certainly not before her marriage, after her marriage, or after her divorce!

    Sure, all of them looked down on her and belittled her. They thought that she wouldn¡¯t have a chance to make aeback in this lifetime and could only be suppressed by Qiao Nan, right? When she made it big, she was going to see if her parents would still be like this now, treating her with disdain as if she was a leech.

    Qiao Zijin secretly swore that when she was rich and became a multimillionaire, she was going to hire a nanny. What a great idea! Why hire a part-timer? She had so much money. Would it be overboard to hire a nanny to serve her every day? Anyway, she had money. She could afford it. By then, she would definitely move out of this lousy courtyard. She was going to buy a big house and decorate it well. She was even going to raise an expensive dog.

    When she was really rich in the future, she¡¯d rather spend the money on her dog than let these two old people before her benefit!

    No matter how many vicious oaths Qiao Zijin made in her heart or how many grievances she had toward Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, the only thing Qiao Zijin could do now was to eat the dishes that she didn¡¯t like abidingly so that her stomach would at least be filled up.

    In the blink of an eye, she had already spent half of the money she got from selling the house. The problem was that she had spent half of the money within a year. Qiao Zijin had to consider her life for the decades toe. As such, before getting the ten million yuan, she couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more money.

    Regardless of whether it was delicious or not, she was living off others. If she liked it, she would eat more. If not, she would eat less and treat that she was on a diet. When ten million yuan was in her hands, she wouldn¡¯t want to stay at this house for a second more!

    Qiao Zijin held up her rice bowl and ate in silence. How would she dare to throw tantrums? Not only was Qiao Dongliang not happy, but it made him feel bitter. He didn¡¯t say anything too serious. However, his attitude just hardened a little and Qiao Zijin became obedient, no longer throwing tantrums.

    In the past, he and Ding Jiayi had really failed to fulfill their responsibilities as parents, thus raising Qiao Zijin into a forty-two-year-old giant baby. Qiao Dongliang used to sneer when he heard such a term. How much of a failure were the parents such that they raised such a child up? However, at this moment, Qiao Dongliang felt that he was such a person as well. Qiao Zijin was a living example.

    ¡°Since I¡¯m finally back, I¡¯ll walk around outside and visit old friends.¡± There were still a few boxes of food that were brought back from the capital. Qiao Dongliang had brought them back to his room earlier. Aside from the old neighbors, Qiao Dongliang had a few closer colleagues when he was working in the past.

    Qiao Nan was used to buying more of such things instead of less as it would be embarrassing if there wasn¡¯t enough. Since there were more, Qiao Dongliang was about to go to his old colleagues and reminisce about the past or have a chat with them.

    Qiao Dongliang only felt that staying in a home like this was extremely boring. He¡¯d rather find his colleagues to reminisce about the past than face Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Alright,e back early. Night falls very quickly nowadays. Three in the afternoon is fine. For dinner, I¡¯ll prepare some spicy dishes.¡± They were old. Ding Jiayi realized that as a child grew older, there would be another thing on their bodies: wings.

    From the call, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin wanted to live in the capital. She looked at Qiao Dongliang again. He obviously cherished Qiao Nan and her triplets but still returned to Ping Cheng to apany her during the new year. Her child would fly, but her husband wouldn¡¯t. Rather than pleasing her child, it was more important to work hard and try to win her husband¡¯s heart back.

    As such, Ding Jiayi naturally transferred all the attention she spent on Qiao Zijin previously to Qiao Dongliang now. Who didn¡¯t know how to be selfish? Furthermore, Qiao Zijin had learned her selfish habit from Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Sensing Ding Jiayi¡¯s change, Qiao Dongliang was still quite satisfied. As long as Ding Jiayi continued to be sensible, Qiao Dongliang felt that both of them could still lead a life together.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, Qiao Zijin blew up. ¡°Mom, when Dad was around, it wasn¡¯t convenient for me to say anything. Now that Dad¡¯s gone, let me ask you. What do you mean by this? You know that I don¡¯t eat spicy food but you still prepared that. Did you do this deliberately?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not being deliberate. You and I don¡¯t eat spicy food but your dad likes it. He has amodated us for decades. How many years are left between me and your dad? As such, I want to amodate your dad now. Can I do that?¡±

 Chapter 2233

    <h4>Chapter 2233: Alright</h4>

    Ding Jiayi answered indifferently.

    In the past, when Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t standing on her side, once Qiao Zijin became angry with her, Ding Jiayi would feel panicked. Now, it was different. Ding Jiayi could feel that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude toward her was better now. Her daughter¡­ It didn¡¯t matter if she had one or not. As long as she guarded her husband, why would Ding Jiayi be afraid of her daughter getting angry?

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin became angrier. However, if Ding Jiayi wanted to amodate Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t say that what she did was wrong. ¡°However, I don¡¯t like it and I can¡¯t eat it. Forget it. Why am I being so calctive? It¡¯s right as well. You¡¯re taking care of Dad. Why don¡¯t you do this? Next time, prepare two vors of food in the future: spicy and non-spicy. We can all pick what we like to eat.¡±

    Her request wasn¡¯t overboard, right? No matter how much her dad liked to eat spicy food, her mom wouldn¡¯t make all the dishes spicy, right? ¡°Oh, right. Both of you are old now. Nowadays, people have very good nutrition. Eating more vegetables is good for your health. As such, you can make the vegetables spicy but not for the rest. If you make the rest spicy and my dad likes it, he might not be able to control his intake. If he eats too much, he might get high blood pressure, diabetes, or something. I heard that old people nowadays are particrly prone to the three highs.¡±

    Ding Jiayi failed terribly. She thought that Qiao Zijin was going to talk to her about something else. It turned out that she actually wanted to mention this. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your dad¡¯s physical examination report every year is quite normal. He wouldn¡¯t have the three highs. Since vegetables are good for health, I¡¯ll buy less meat. As long as we eat less meat, your dad¡¯s body will be healthy.¡±

    To put it bluntly, meat dishes shouldn¡¯t be spicy so that Zijin could eat them. ¡°Zijin, for meat dishes, you have to control your intake as well. It is said that people have a slower metabolism when they reach middle age. Women who are older have to eat lesser oil, meat, and sweets as they would be fattening. Also, Zijin, you have been divorced for more than two years. Are you considering finding another man? What kind do you want? If you really want to find one, you should start finding one now. The longer you dy, the worse they are.¡±

    A high-quality man like Zhai Sheng who was married twice or thrice mighte by with luck but not with finding.

    Ding Jiayi was thinking it didn¡¯t matter what kind of temper Qiao Zijin had. When Qiao Zijin remarried, she would be someone else¡¯s daughter-inw and no longer a daughter from their Qiao family. Qiao Zijin¡¯s new inws from her second marriage would be the ones to worry about Qiao Zijin¡¯s performance and attitude.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not in a hurry to get married. Could it be that you dislike me staying in the house for too long or having too many meals at home?¡± Married? She didn¡¯t want to get married. When the ten million yuan was in her hands, she would reconsider if she should find a man. After all, at that time, the ten million yuan would be premarital property. Even if she were to get divorced in the future, she didn¡¯t need to split it with her man. Qiao Zijin was very clear of this in her heart.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face stiffened. ¡°Sure. This is your matter, after all. You can decide what¡¯s best for you. If you don¡¯t want to, I¡¯ll reject the person.¡±

    A lot of people in the quad knew that Qiao Zijin was divorced. Those who loved to be matchmakers naturally had information on men who were also single and divorced. As such, someone asked Ding Jiayi to ask Qiao Zijin if she was interested in finding another man since she was still so young and couldn¡¯t possibly remain single for life. Coincidentally, she had a man with good conditions.

    Of course, this ¡®good¡¯ was rtive. This man¡¯s conditions couldn¡¯tpare to Qiao Zijin¡¯s ex-husband, let alone Zhai Sheng. However, this man had good financial conditions. He had a big house that was nearly two hundred square meters and had quite a lot of savings at home. Most importantly, he had a daughter. He didn¡¯t have the intention to recruit a son-inw. He hoped that after getting married, his wife would give birth to a son for him. By then, everything in the family would be passed down to this son.

    Qiao Zijin gave birth to a son before. Naturally, this marriage fell on Qiao Zijin¡¯s head.

    When the matchmaker was making introductions, she also asked if Qiao Zijin abided by the ¡®rules¡¯ more after she was divorced and if she was still so ¡®yful¡¯ and only headed home after midnight. The other party wanted to marry a wife back to give birth to a son and lead a life.

    If Qiao Zijin, who was divorced once, was still doing the same things as before, then no one could bear it. Furthermore, if not for Qiao Zijin having given birth to a child and having Qiao Nan, a sister who married well, the other party might not have been willing to look at Qiao Zijin in the first ce.

    After hearing this man¡¯s conditions, Ding Jiayi felt that he was worth a look. Ding Jiayi knew clearly what kind of temper her daughter had and what kind of person she was. A man like that was pretty good.

    Although Ding Jiayi felt that he was good, it was more important to see what Qiao Zijin thought. At this time, Qiao Zijin refused without even thinking. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t be bothered to be the bad person and persuade Qiao Zijin. ¡°Do you need me to keep a lookout for you in the future? Or will you handle this on your own?¡±

    In the face of Qiao Zijin, a daughter with a lot of thoughts, Ding Jiayi knew that even if Qiao Zijin wanted to get married in the future, she might not be willing for her mom to make any form of contribution.

    Who wouldin that they had little things to do? If she could bezy, why did she have to work so hard?

    ¡°No need. I¡¯ll handle my matters on my own.¡± How good a man would her mom introduce? She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to get married. When she was rich, she could do without marriage and lead a great life alone. If there was someone else by her side, it meant that there was another person spending her money. She wasn¡¯t going to be a fool and find a man who would spend her money.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ding Jiayi replied very simply. ¡°I¡¯ll go and get busy. Go and y yourputer games.¡± Qiao Zijin was back. Even if they were about to celebrate the new year and there were a lot of things to be done at home, Ding Jiayi never expected to count on her elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, to help with anything so that she could rx. It was better for her to rely on herself for household chores.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s nonchnt look andck of persuasion did not make Qiao Zijin feel more rxed. Instead, she felt angrier. She didn¡¯t know what was wrong with her. If her mom interfered too much, she was unhappy. However, she hated it more when her mom was nonchnt.

    This new year was terrible.

    Qiao Zijin led a miserable new year. Ding Jiayi prepared meals ording to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s preferences. This caused Qiao Zijin to either not have enough food to eat or grow red and swollen ¡®pimples¡¯ if she ate them reluctantly. The forty-three-year-old Qiao Zijin felt depressed.

 Chapter 2234

    <h4>Chapter 2234: Different Expectations</h4>

    At first, Ding Jiayi promised to prepare a delicious meal for the family if Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang would visit Ping Cheng for the New Year. On New Year¡¯s Eve, Qiao Dongliang would certainly find his favorite dishes on the dining table. However, it wasn¡¯t quite the same with Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin would find her favorite dishes in the past few years, but this time, there were only a few likable dishes scattered around the table.

    There was nothing expensive like seafood, and Ding Jiayi only cooked up the most basic ingredients. Qiao Zijin thought to herself that it was the worst New Year dinner ever.

    Her mom would prepare better dishes even when they were poor. Qiao Nan definitely handed her father cash as a New Year gift, so why didn¡¯t Ding Jiayi spend it all? Qiao Nan would pass more money to her if they ran out of cash anyway! Did she think that saving up on food could sugarcoat herself as a likable mother? How foolish!

    Set aside the anger Qiao Zijin faced throughout the meal. Qiao Nan thought that it was one of the best New Year she had had. Not only did she have a loving husband that took great care of her, but there were also three adorable children by her side. There was nothing more that she would ask for.

    ¡°Next year, our lovely kids will be able to join us for dinner as well. Grandma is going to make sure to prepare the best food for you.¡±

    The children were shaping up well as their facial features grew more defined than before. Their skin was soft and fair, and their dark, sparkling eyes were irresistible.

    Since the children were still young, they could only watch the adults eat from their strollers while munching on their fingers.

    Qiao Nan wiped the drool that was dripping from Er Bao¡¯s lips. ¡°Yes, they will be able to have a proper meal next year. Who knows? They might be picky eaters.¡± Qiao Nan had fed the kids before dinner. She ran her fingers across Er Bao¡¯s belly and was reassured that Er Bao still had milk in his stomach.

    Sensing the gentle touch from her mother, Er Bao smiled at Qiao Nan silently, exposing his tiny teeth. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but peck him on the cheek. ¡°Er Bao, be a good boy. We will y with youter.¡±

    Since Da Bao and Er Bao were full, they had already fallen asleep. Er Bao was the only one wide awake, swinging his legs in the air. Da Bao and San Bao were still munching on their fingers with their eyes shut. They must be having sweet dreams.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t wait to get her hands on the adorable children. ¡°I can¡¯t eat much at this age, so I¡¯ll take care of Er Bao after finishing my meal. Nan Nan, you can take your time.¡± Her grandchild was growing up well, and she was certain that there wouldn¡¯t be anyone cuter than her grandchildren in the neighborhood.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s alright. I¡¯m almost done with my meal as well.¡± Qiao Nan always had a small appetite, and she would have left the table if it were any other day. However, she wanted to spend more time with the elders on New Year¡¯s Eve.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m done!¡± Jiajia rushed to finish her food and swallowed thest bit of rice with a loud gulp. ¡°I¡¯ll y with the boy since I¡¯ve finished my meal.¡±

    The little brothers and sister were at their most adorable age. Their soft skin and the pleasing scent would always put a smile on Jiajia¡¯s face, especially when the children giggled along with her. ¡°Auntie, did Er Bao gain weight again?¡± She was worried that she wouldn¡¯t have the strength to carry the children the next time they met.

    ¡°Of course, kids his age grow surprisingly fast.¡± Zhai Hua was in no rush to y with the kids. Unlike Jiajia, she had enough experience handling kids. ¡°It was the same when you were at their age. Look at you now. You have grown into a beautifuldy.¡±

    Jiajia sniffed. She had no memories of her childhood. ¡°Er Bao¡­ Er Bao, why do you always stare at me? What are you looking at? Do you know that I¡¯m your older sister? Er Bao, why do you smell so nice? Who do you think is my favorite among the three of you?¡± Jiajia looked down at Er Bao and asked.

    Lying in Jiajia¡¯s arms, Er Bao waved his hands in the air. It was as if he was saying that he was Jiajia¡¯s favorite.

    ¡°You are right! Er Bao is my favorite. Good boy!¡± Jiajia wrapped her fingers around Er Bao¡¯s wrist. She couldn¡¯t hide her affection toward her little cousin. ¡°Auntie, we have to take lots of pictures of the children. Otherwise, we won¡¯t get to see their chubby faces again when they are older.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Speaking of pictures, Qiao Nan seemed to recall something. ¡°Brother Zhai, didn¡¯t you receive a mail today? Could it be the kids¡¯ pictures from the photoshoot?¡±

    Qiao Nan had forty days of postpartum confinement, which meant she only left the house forty days after giving birth. The same went for the three children. It was a trend to have a photoshoot for the babies, so Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to miss out.

    Of course, Qiao Nan made sure that the children were healthy enough to be brought out of the house.

    Money was never the issue for the Zhai family, so Qiao Nan got Zhai Sheng to pay for the early delivery of the photos.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng was almost done with the meal as well. Ever since the children were brought into the family, the conversation had always revolved around the kids. It seemed like there was nothing else to talk about between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Luckily for them, Qiao Nan was not a sensitive woman, and Zhai Sheng was a rational guy. This situation did not bring any trouble to the family.

    Zhai Sheng took the frames out of the mailbox. ¡°Not bad. You can still tell that those are our kids.¡± Zhai Sheng knew that some photoshoots would edit the faces so much so that they looked unrealistic. Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t allow that to happen to his children, so he paid extra attention to the pictures.

    ¡°Wah! Let me see it.¡±

 Chapter 2235

    <h4>Chapter 2235: Not Losing Any Weight</h4>

    Jiajia nced at Er Bao, who was lying in her arms, then looked over at the pictures from afar. She felt like she fell into a dilemma.

    As a considerate aunt, Qiao Nan took her son back from Jiajia. ¡°Go take a look.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, auntie.¡± Jiajia quickly snatched some pictures from the adults and startedplimenting them one by one.

    Er Bao seemed to notice the familiar scent of his mother, and he kicked his legs happily in the air. It was like a little frog on its belly trying to get back up. ¡°He is so energetic at such a young age. It is no doubt that he will grow up to be a naughty boy.¡± Qiao Nan spoke with her gentle voice as she tapped Er Bao on the tip of his nose.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. If he dares to be disobedient, we can send him to serve the military.¡± Zhai Sheng put his arm around Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders. The boys being naughty was thest thing he would ever worry about. Zhai Sheng remembered very clearly how Old Master Zhai treated the kids when he was young.

    Other than Zhai Sheng, who was spoiled by his parents, Old Master Zhai had his way with the yful kids. There was no one that the army couldn¡¯t discipline.

    Qiao Nan pushed Zhai Sheng away. ¡°No way. Based on your family¡¯s tradition, Da Bao and Er Bao might even volunteer to join the army. I want them to spend more time with me, so don¡¯t even try sending them away.¡±

    Qiao Nan remembered that in her dream, Zhai Sheng would bring the kids to the military camps during holidays. However, even San Bao, who was a girl, had neverined about it. The kids loved the military life, so Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t stop them although she hated to see the children suffer.

    Zhai Sheng held onto Er Bao¡¯s chubby hands. ¡°If they can¡¯t spend time with you, I will be the one by your side.¡± When the children were old enough to make a living in the military world, Zhai Sheng would be at his retirement age. When the day came, he would have all the time to spend with Nan Nan. He didn¡¯t want Qiao Nan to put all her attention on the kids and forget about him.

    Qiao Nan giggled at his words. Zhai Sheng was not a romantic man, but his honest words were sweet enough to melt her heart. ¡°Of course, you have to stay by my side. The children will eventually have their own families, and we will only have each other left when the timees.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was satisfied to hear her response.

    ¡°Take care of Er Bao. I¡¯m going to call my dad and give him my greetings.¡± Er Bao was already asleep, so Qiao Nan gently put him in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Compared to the lifeless stroller, the arms of a parent sure carried more warmth andfort.

    However, Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms were nowhere as soft andfortable as a mom¡¯s. Er Bao moved around, trying to find a soft spot, but it seemed like his dad¡¯s arms had no such thing.

    Thankfully, Er Bao was able to get used to it. Within minutes, he was already sound asleep.

    Zhai Sheng shook his head. Was this really his son? It seemed like eating, sleeping, and crying were the only things that the boy could do.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Nan Nan.¡±

    ¡°Happy Lunar New Year, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Happy New Year to you, too. Have you guys had your reunion dinner? How are the kids?¡± Qiao Dongliang was ted to get a call from Qiao Nan on this special day. At least, it was proof that she had not forgotten about him. ¡°Have the kids grown taller?¡± Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t hide his emotions. He always had mixed feeling toward the kids. He was d that the children were growing up well but upset that he couldn¡¯t witness their growth with his own eyes.

    Qiao Nan sensed the gloom in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s voice. After a few seconds of pondering, she turned on the video camera. ¡°Look, Dad. The children are sound asleep after their meal.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s sadness was swept away by the kids¡¯ adorable faces. ¡°They are even chubbier than before. You must be feeding them well. Nan Nan, is it tiring for you to take care of the kids? I hope that you didn¡¯t lose any weight.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could only see the children, so he was worried about Qiao Nan¡¯s health.

    Qiao Nan turned the phone over and pointed the camera at herself. ¡°See it for yourself, Dad. Iy in for forty days, so how could I lose any weight? I¡¯m afraid that I might be weighing more than before.¡±

    Others wouldn¡¯t be able to tell, but Qiao Nan knew that her body was losing its shape. When she looked at her bare self in the mirror, she saw wrinkles on her tummy for the first time in her life.

    Every time Qiao Nan touched her tummy, it felt like she was touching a thickyer of fat.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you are putting on some weight. You are a mother of three, and there is still a long way ahead of you. Listen to me. Don¡¯t learn from¡­ Don¡¯t go on a diet or lose weight. Eat healthily and keep yourself strong.¡±

    Throughout the years, Qiao Zijin had never stopped ¡®dieting¡¯. When Qiao Dongliang still cared about Qiao Zijin, he remembered hearing about all kinds of fattening food to avoid. Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t understand some of the words she was saying, but he did learn bits and pieces about dieting along the way.

    What made Qiao Dongliang speechless was that Qiao Zijin, just like Ding Jiayi, was slightly fat. No matter how hard she tried to lose weight, the scale just wouldn¡¯t move an inch. On the other hand, Qiao Nan was slim no matter how much she ate.

    ¡°I¡¯m not nning to lose weight.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. She hadn¡¯t had the chance to finish her studies because of her children, but she was not giving up on that degree. Many things wereing her way, so she wanted to gain some weight to maintain her stamina.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m hanging up, then.¡± Qiao Dongliang did want to take a few more nces at the children.

 Chapter 2236

    <h4>Chapter 2236: Couldn¡¯t There Be Peace?</h4>

    However, when Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi sat next to him and kept ncing over at the triplets¡¯ faces, Qiao Dongliang felt particrly ufortable.

    Ding Jiayi was the triplets¡¯ grandmother and Qiao Zijin was their aunt. However, their thoughts were impure and they wanted too much. They didn¡¯t do anything good before. They could not even recognize Qiao Nan, their daughter or sister. Would they care about the children?

    If not for Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi being too pretentious, they could just look at the triplets openly if they were curious. Why did they have to be so sneaky?

    Being affected by the things that happened before, it seemed that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t be able to reconcile with Qiao Nan. As such, Qiao Dongliang dared not bet that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could have a good rtionship with the triplets. How could they be on bad terms with Qiao Nan but like the three children?

    Different from Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang always wanted to try if their family of four could return to the way it was before. It was just that when the same situation and same problem happened to the triplets, Qiao Dongliang shook his head. There wasn¡¯t a need for everyone to get too close. It was better to maintain a distance.

    After Qiao Dongliang switched off the video, Qiao Zijin pouted. How petty. Didn¡¯t she just take a look at them? Did he have to be so nervous? There wasn¡¯t much to see either. When her Feng Feng was young, he was much cuter than the three children. As she thought about this, Qiao Zijin focused on the TV and expressed that she really didn¡¯t care about it.

    If not for Qiao Dongliang doing a video call next to her, she wouldn¡¯t have been affected and turned her head to take a look.

    Ding Jiayi looked a little depressed. ¡°Those three children are born to Qiao Nan?¡± Ding Jiayi really wanted a son. She tried so hard to give birth to two children, but who knew that both were daughters? Ding Jiayi always thought that if she had given birth to a son, so be it that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t filial to her. If Qiao Nan was a son, everything would be more perfect.

    Her son would be as clever as Qiao Nan. Her son would know how to make money like Qiao Nan. Her son would be filial toward her like Qiao Nan. Was there a life better than this?

    If Qiao Nan were a son, she would have long married Qiao Zijin off and so many things wouldn¡¯t have happened afterward. After getting married, everything rted to Qiao Zijin, no matter good or bad, would be rted to her inws. She wouldn¡¯t have much to do with her. It was like how after she was married to Qiao Dongliang, she didn¡¯t keep in contact with the Ding family anymore.

    Everything, be it good or bad, was her matter alone. It had nothing to do with the Ding family.

    She wanted to give birth to a son but didn¡¯t manage to. Qiao Nan gave birth to three children at one go and two of them were sons. Upon thinking that the triplets were fair-skinned and chubby, Ding Jiayi felt happy in her heart. Once she saw their faces, she knew that the Zhai family had treated them as their treasures and couldn¡¯t bear for them to suffer any grievances or harm.

    Ding Jiayi expressed that if these three children were her grandsons or sons, she would also dote on them a lot. It was a pity that they were neither but her maternal grandsons. With the word ¡®maternal¡¯, even if they were males, they became invaluable.

    ¡°Yes, Nan Nan gave birth to them with difficulty.¡± Qiao Dongliang nodded. As he said this, his eyes changed and he nced at Qiao Zijin. Upon thinking that it was thest day of the year today and that tomorrow would be the start of the new year, he didn¡¯t want to mention things that could make people angry on such a festive day, ruining a good year. ¡°Oh, right. After the new year, I would like to ask the both of you something. Seeing that there¡¯s still time now, you¡¯d better think of how you would like to answer me then.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mention this explicitly but had hinted to Qiao Dongliang why Qiao Zijin insisted oning over to the capital then.

    Leave aside Chen Jun¡¯s matters. But when such a situation happened to Zhai Sheng again, not only did Qiao Nan feel disgusted, but she made it clear that this was intolerable. No matter what excuses Qiao Zijin made in the future, she didn¡¯t need to think about entering the Zhai family¡¯s door. As for her, Qiao Zijin had never regarded her as a sister. As such, it was really best if everyone kept a distance and not met one another anymore.

    Qiao Nan mentioned it vaguely but Qiao Dongliang was confused. After all, Qiao Dongliang was someone with proper worldviews. He never would have thought about certain possibilities and naturally didn¡¯t push Qiao Zijin¡¯s behavior toward that direction.

    Everyone was happily celebrating the new year. However, after the celebration was over, old scores that should be settled had to be mentioned.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face changed and her lips formed a straight line. She knew that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words were mainly directed at her. However, if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t explicitly tell her dad what the situation was, as long as she didn¡¯t admit to it, her dad couldn¡¯t do anything to her. However, the most important thing was that her mom shouldn¡¯t betray her.

    She didn¡¯t want her mom to not even think about it and just exin the situation clearly when her dad asked.

    As if sensing that the father-daughter pair would sweep their gaze over her, Ding Jiayi straightened her back. She stared fixedly at the TV and dared not let her eyes wander.

    Upon mentioning the troubles Qiao Dongliang encountered when hest went to the capital, Ding Jiayi felt guilty. When Qiao Dongliang returned, he didn¡¯t ask much. Ding Jiayi initially thought that this matter was over. She wanted Qiao Zijin to take care of herself in the future so that she could lead a peaceful life with Qiao Dongliang. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Dongliang to insist on settling old scores. She also wasn¡¯t sure how the rtionship of their family of three would be like in the future.

    Sigh. Did they really have to continue kicking up a fuss? Couldn¡¯t there be peace?

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand. Other families led their lives. They did too. Why was it that theirs were so exciting whereas hers was so frightening? If she didn¡¯t know that she had never vited thew, based on this uneasy feeling, Ding Jiayi would have suspected that she was an absconding criminal.

    No matter how the Qiao family spent the new year, the Zhai family felt very satisfied and couldn¡¯t feel more blessed.

    The grandchildren whom Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui wished for were all there. Although they were triplets, they looked clever and didn¡¯t seem to have major problems. When someone else¡¯s multiple births were born prematurely, they would often go to the hospital if they didn¡¯t grow well. However, the triplets from the Zhai family didn¡¯t.

    Upon thinking about the Zhai family¡¯s personalities, many people had to admit that these three children were surnamed Zhai indeed.

 Chapter 2237

    <h4>Chapter 2237: There Was No Solution</h4>

    Yes, there were no sick children in the third and fourth generations of the Zhai family. As premature triplets, they could still be so healthy. It really made people envious.

    After knowing that there were three more children in the Zhai family this year, those who came to visit and send their greetings prepared a lot of baby things. The Zhai family would generally refuse if they were things for adults but not if they were for the children.

    Of course, the biggest change was that these people looked at Qiao Nan differently now. Although it was the 21st century now and the Qing Dynasty was gone for a long time, children, especially sons, were really very important to a family.

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t have the habit to favor boys over girls, let alone that Qiao Nan gave birth to three children at once and two of them were sons. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s position in the Zhai family was very stable, and it could be said to be as strong as iron. Qiao Nan had a foothold in the Zhai family and her status as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw was unshakable. Thus, those people who wanted the Zhai family to give face to them had to be polite to Qiao Nan. They couldn¡¯t despise Qiao Nan like before.

    Once Qiao Nan was unhappy, the Zhai family might really fight with them, the long-time friends, over a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan.

    Unless absolutely necessary, who would be willing to be an enemy of the Zhai family? Regardless if they fancied a girl with a background like Qiao Nan, she was married to the Zhai family, not their son. Why should they care so much?

    As such, these people put away their contempt for Qiao Nan. A few people who were peers or were of the same age as Qiao Nan expressed that they wanted to befriend her. When everyone was free, they coulde out for a chat, drink tea, go shopping, and so on.

    In her previous life, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a lot of close friends, but it wasn¡¯t that she had none. Furthermore, based on her friendship with Shi Qing, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to expand her circle of friends at all. However, reality was different from her dream. As such, Qiao Nan didn¡¯tpletely reject these people who showed kind intentions. Instead, she picked a few who looked kinder to socialize with.

    If any problems were found during the process of socializing, the people that should be changed would naturally be changed. If there were no problems, it was alright to maintain a cordial rtionship with them. Qiao Nan knew very clearly that she wasn¡¯t helping herself to make friends but for the Zhai family. After all, in such a circle, there must be some sources of information. If they didn¡¯t have a ¡®friend¡¯ and the flow of information was blocked, it wouldn¡¯t be beneficial to the development of the Zhai family.

    As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward making friends was very obvious. Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t tter those who were born well just because she had an inferior family background. She also wouldn¡¯t be proud and look down on anyone just because she was now the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. No matter who the other party was, Qiao Nan would treat everyone equally.

    The way Qiao Nan handled things made a few people truly appreciate her. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t the first person to have suddenly married well while having a lowly background. It was just that the examples from before weren¡¯t good and problems would always happen. There were only a few couples who could make it to the end. As such, after Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, everyone wasn¡¯t particrly optimistic about this marriage.

    However, it seemed that there were indeed exceptions to everything.

    ¡°I can¡¯t enter.¡± There was a circle the Zhai family had rtionships with and there was someone who was trying all means to befriend Qiao Nan. Only if they were friends could some matters bemunicated properly face-to-face. If there was brokenmunication in the middle, everyone would be getting lesser benefits. What was difficult was that people couldn¡¯t enter the Zhai family¡¯s door as and when they liked. For this reason, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had a headache. After repeated attempts, she was still giving Wang Yang a disappointing answer.

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t celebrate the new year well this year. In fact, he became more haggard after that. ¡°There¡¯s no way at all?¡± Wang Yang was pretty angry. The Zhai family wasn¡¯t the emperor of ancient times. Why was it so difficult to meet Zhai Sheng or Qiao Nan?

    Earlier, Wang Yang had told Zhai Sheng through others that they should have a meeting. It was a pity that no matter who Wang Yang looked for, Zhai Sheng always refused in the end. When Wang Yang was little, he was afraid of Zhai Sheng. After growing up, it became a habit.

    Wang Yang heaved a sigh of relief and also felt helpless when he couldn¡¯t see Zhai Sheng.

    Since Zhai Sheng¡¯s side was inessible, Wang Yang could only try harder on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. It probably wouldn¡¯t work if he went to find Qiao Nan directly. Wang Yang knew Qiao Nan but he felt that she didn¡¯t know him. If he rushed over to find her, Qiao Nan would think that he was up to no good. How would she be willing to sit down and have a chat with him?

    It was easier for a woman tomunicate with a woman rather than a man. At this time, Wang Yang asked his wife to step up again. He counted on her to help him contact Qiao Nan. Wang Yang even taught his wife that if she could really see Qiao Nan, she should cry and act pitiful in front of her.

    After marrying Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was neithercking in money nor status. She might be softhearted and agree to their requests.

    Who knew that although it was a good idea, reality was more demoralizing? How was it easy to meet Qiao Nan? Wang Yang himself couldn¡¯t enter the gate of thepound, let alone his wife.

    Even if Wang Yang¡¯s wife said that she was a close friend of Qiao Nan, she was simrly denied entry. What era was it now? Were they friends just because they said they were? They could be let in if they were friends. However, even if Qiao Nan had just made new friends, she wouldn¡¯t have forgotten so quickly what their names were, right?

    When Wang Yang asked again, his wife nearly cried. ¡°No way at all.¡± She was from Ping Cheng, not the capital. When she was in Ping Cheng, she didn¡¯t know Qiao Nan. When she was in the capital, of course there were no opportunities or channels to get to know her. Ways? She hoped that she could think of ways too.

    One had to know that such a huge sum of inheritance concerned her vi, big house, and a house full of branded handbags!

    Even if not for Wang Yang, her husband, she also hoped that she could contact Qiao Nan as soon as possible for herself. Wang Yang said that if she managed to reach Qiao Nan, they wouldn¡¯t have to go through Qiao Zijin to know her. As such, the five million yuan that Wang Yang intended to give to Qiao Zijin would be given to her instead. She was free to spend it however she liked. Even if she gave it all to her unworthy brother, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t care.

 Chapter 2238

    <h4>Chapter 2238: Finding an Opportunity</h4>

    In Ping Cheng, five million would be more than enough for her to purchase arge house for her younger brother. She would even have enough leftover to buy him a small BMW so that he could get married. In short, the five million yuan would help settle the most important event of her brother¡¯s life, and her brother would lead afortable life from now on.

    Even if it was not for herself, she had to try her best for her brother¡¯s sake. Although this was a piece of good news, she had kept it from her family. In case she was unsessful, her family would have gotten excited over nothing if they had learned about the five million yuan.

    Besides, ever since she found out that Qiao Nan had married Zhai Sheng and had be the chief¡¯s wife, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had felt rather pressured. If anyone could use their power to oppress others, it would be the Zhai family. There was no way they could do anything to the Zhai family or Qiao Nan. Moreover, they weren¡¯t even in control of the situation. It was truly a tricky situation.

    As such, she had no intention of letting her family know about this matter until she seeded. For the sake of her brother getting a wife, she could only give it her all.

    ¡°Qiao Nan gave birth to three children. Have you bought things for all three children? It¡¯s better to be prepared for such a situation. It¡¯ll be terribly awkward if we turn up unprepared.¡± Wang Yang didn¡¯t know what to say.

    It was the new year and Wang Yang was bringing his wife back to Ping Cheng to celebrate it. Unfortunately, not a single person in the Wang family was feeling happy even on such a joyous asion. Even Father Wang had been frowning the whole year. Father Wang nced at his daughter-inw with an unfriendly gaze. Everyone in the Wang family knew just how dissatisfied he was with his daughter-inw.

    Hadn¡¯t his brother-inw liked Qiao Nan? There was nothing wrong with his son marrying Qiao Nan, but his son had refused. Yes, his daughter-inw had given him a grandson. But what about Qiao Nan? She had given birth to a daughter and two sons for Zhai Sheng! Compared to Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets, his daughter-inw had only given him a single grandson. It couldn¡¯tpare at all!

    Besides, not only had Qiao Nan given birth to three children for the Zhai family in just a year after marriage, but Qiao Nan would even receive a windfall if the Zhu family¡¯s assets were to reallynd up in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands.

    Women like Qiao Nan truly had good fortune and brought good fortune to their husbands too. If his son had married Qiao Nan, Zhu Chengqi might have helped Wang Yang progress through the ranks much more quickly for Qiao Nan¡¯s sake. Then, they would have whatever they desired, be it money or status.

    The situation would bepletely different now. They had initially believed that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would definitely be theirs, but a will had appeared out of the blue, leading to them having nothing to do with a single cent of the Zhu family!

    This daughter-inw of his did resemble Qiao Nan slightly. So, why had his son refused to marry Qiao Nan and chose to marry this woman instead? Didn¡¯t they say that women were all the same once the lights went off? Anyway, this woman looked pretty much like Qiao Nan even without the lights off.

    Father Wang couldn¡¯t understand why Wang Yang had rejected his suggestion of Wang Yang marrying Qiao Nan at that time. Then, why had he married such a frustrating woman?

    What Father Wang was most frustrated about was that his daughter-inw did, in fact, resemble Qiao Nan. If they had beenpletely different, Father Wang might not have been so angry. She resembled Qiao Nan in her appearance, but their fates and lives couldn¡¯t be more different. Most infuriatingly, the one whom his son had married was the one who had not made much of herself.

    Because of Father Wang¡¯s attitude, it wasn¡¯t just Wang Yang who didn¡¯t have a good new year. In fact, Wang Yang¡¯s wife had it the hardest. Wang Yang¡¯s wife was not blind or foolish and could tell that her father-inw was displeased with her. He was her elder, and Wang Yang was filial. Although her father-inw was the one at fault, Wang Yang¡¯s wife dared not argue with him. Throughout the whole new year period, she was no different from a frightened quail and dared not lift her head at all.

    What Wang Yang¡¯s wife had no idea about was that it was exactly because of this attitude that her father-inw looked down on her even more.

    Wang Yang and his wife had finally toiled through the year and were about to head to the capital to fight for the Zhu family¡¯s assets. The couple knew that the atmosphere in the family would never improve unless they managed to get hold of the assets. It didn¡¯t matter whether it was the new year.

    Thinking about how they would spend the new year, Wang Yang¡¯s wife felt aggrieved. ¡°Dear, you saw how my father-inw was during the new year period. What will happen if we fail?¡± Her father-inw¡¯s dissatisfaction with her had already reached its peak.

    If she failed to help Wang Yang retrieve everything that belonged to the Zhu family, her father-inw might very well force her to get a divorce from Wang Yang.

    At the thought of that possibility, Wang Yang¡¯s wife was on the verge of tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so timid. We¡¯ll seed no matter what. We can¡¯t afford to fail. We don¡¯t need a backup n. Stop saying such depressing things during the new year.¡± After all, it was usually one¡¯s worst fears that always came true. He had to do everything he could to secure all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. We still have a month before the court hearing date. We still have time. If we lose the case, we can appeal against it to freeze all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. We¡¯ll appeal until we seed. I don¡¯t believe that I won¡¯t get anything from Zhu Chengqi as his closest living kin!¡±

    Because of the will that Zhu Chengqi had drafted before his death, Wang Yang lost all authority over the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    Before he could get hold of any of those things, there was no way Wang Yang was going to give Qiao Nan the chance to spend a single cent of the Zhu family¡¯s money. All of that belonged to the Zhu family, and that meant that it belonged to him. He had even earned some of that through his own efforts. There was no way he would let anyone else spend his money.

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Wang Yang¡¯s wife finally rxed upon hearing that. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know that Qiao Nan gave birth to two sons and a daughter. It was difficult to buy things for them before they were born, but now that they¡¯ve been born, I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t make a mistake.¡± She would simply buy two sets of male outfits, as well as one for females.

    If she couldn¡¯t even do such a simple thing, her father-inw would definitely force her to divorce Wang Yang. The thought of this possibility scared Wang Yang¡¯s wife.

    She couldn¡¯t afford to get a divorce! Never!

    No matter what it took, she would find a way to meet Qiao Nan and make friends with her so that she could talk about the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    Nothing was impossible as long as one had the will. Wang Yang and his wife knew that they would eventually have a breakthrough as long as they kept their eyes firmly on Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2239

    <h4>Chapter 2239: Acknowledgement</h4>

    Wang Yang understood that Zhai Sheng had never been a good-for-nothing ever since he was young. In fact, he had never been Zhai Sheng¡¯s rival. Even when they had grown older, their results had always been worlds apart. They would never be able to coerce the Zhai family into doing anything they refused to do. That wouldn¡¯t even work against Qiao Nan.

    As such, they could only use a soft approach.

    That day, the adult school that Qiao Nan had applied for was distributing materials. As such, Qiao Nan had gotten the chauffeur to send her to school so that she could collect the materials. Qiao Nan¡¯s course was not a full-time one, but a part-time one.

    Because she had left to give birth to the three children, Qiao Nan felt as though an entire lifetime had passed now that she was returning to the schoolpounds again.

    ¡°Excuse me, are you carrying so many books alone? Is no one else helping you? Do you need some help?¡± For fear of slipping, Qiao Nan walked extremely carefully as she cradled a huge stack of books in her embrace. At this moment, a woman about thirty years old walked up to her and offered Qiao Nan her assistance.

    In the face of thatdy¡¯s friendliness, Qiao Nan naturally replied with a smile, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯m not alone. I have someone to help me. He just went to get the car. He¡¯ll be here soon. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± A tinge of disappointment shed past that person¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s about to turn to spring, but it¡¯s still rather cold, especially when the wind blows. No wonder people often say that it¡¯s the coldest when winter turns to spring. I felt rather ufortable standing there in the wind earlier. It¡¯s just as well. I have some free time. I¡¯ll wait with you and we can chat so that you won¡¯t feel too lonely. But you look rather familiar. Shall we be friends? My name¡¯s Li Yayan.¡±

    ¡°Oh, hello.¡± Qiao Nan nodded while smiling. ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan had initially wanted to tell Li Yayan that spring wind was no different from the northern winds and that there was no point in them waiting together and facing the brutal winds together. Besides, she had already been standing against the wall, not in the direct path of the wind. As such, it wasn¡¯t particrly cold when the wind blew. Besides, it would take only another two to three minutes for the chauffeur to bring the car over. Qiao Nan felt rather embarrassed getting a stranger to wait with her for a couple of minutes. She had never been such a delicate or spoiled person.

    But the moment Qiao Nan saw Li Yayan¡¯s face, she was stunned.

    There was a strange sense of familiarity.

    Li Yayan did look familiar, but she was sure that she didn¡¯t know anyone named Li Yayan. So, where did this sense of familiaritye from? After scanning the other party¡¯s face once more, Qiao Nan finally understood why she had such a feeling.

    Li Yayan stroked her own face subconsciously. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did I smudge my makeup while moving those books earlier?¡± Qiao Nan would probably feel the slightest bit of affection for someone who bore some resemnce to her, right? After all, this was fate.

    Li Yayan felt that she had already done a good job and had presented a good attitude. There was nothing to nitpick about. In that case, Qiao Nan would probably make friends with her, right?

    After realizing the situation, Qiao Nanughed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with your makeup. Thank you for your kind intention, but I don¡¯t really need it. My family is here to pick me up. Goodbye.¡± Familiarity? Could it not be familiar? She saw this face when she looked in the mirror every day. As Qiao Nan looked at this youngerdy who resembled her and thought about how they had ¡®bumped¡¯ into each other, Qiao Nan was at a loss for words.

    She resembled her and even offered to wait with her in the brutal winds while chatting. Most people born after the seventies were only children. She was born in the seventies, so that meant that this woman had to be born in the eighties. As such, there was an even higher likelihood of her being an only child. Qiao Nan felt out of ce because of thatdy¡¯s friendliness. After all, she had probably been pampered as an only child.

    Even while she had been in the Qiao family, her own family hadn¡¯t treated her that well, much less strangers.

    Apart from the people she knew well, Qiao Nan felt uneasy receiving care and concern from others. As such, Qiao Nan chose to maintain her distance from Li Yayan in spite of her friendliness.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There was a bit of a traffic jam when I drove out earlier. Let me help you move the books to the car.¡± The chauffeur was apologetic. He knew that the winds were still cold because it was only the beginning of spring and that it had been less than three months since Qiao Nan had given birth. That meant that she was much weaker than an average person. There was no way he would be able to make up to the Zhai family if Qiao Nan fell sick from waiting in the cold.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t refuse the chauffeur¡¯s help and handed the stack of books over to him. The chauffeur then ced the books in the passenger seats. After ensuring that Qiao Nan had enough space, he gestured for Qiao Nan to take a seat. ¡°Madam, I¡¯ve switched on the heater in the car. Would you like some water?¡± There were bottles of mineral water prepared for her in the car.

    Qiao Nan took out her handkerchief to clean her hands. ¡°No, there¡¯s no need to have the heater sting. You can turn it down slightly. Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    After getting in the car, Qiao Nan waved goodbye to Li Yayan, who was still standing outside.

    With that, Li Yayan could only watch helplessly as Qiao Nan left in the Zhai family¡¯s car. Li Yayan sighed in frustration. She had already known that things wouldn¡¯t go so smoothly. Thankfully, she had already taken the first step and had talked to Qiao Nan. As long as she had another chance, she was sure she could be Qiao Nan¡¯s close friend.

    Li Yayan knew that Qiao Nan had started interacting with others and was probably trying to make new friends. This was Wang Yang and her best shot!

    Upon ensuring that Qiao Nan¡¯s car had gone off into the distance and she could no longer be seen, Li Yayan stomped her foot and harrumphed. ¡°This weather! It¡¯s already spring but it¡¯s still so cold! If not for¡­ I wouldn¡¯t even have left the house! I just hope I didn¡¯t stand in the cold for nothing today!¡± With that, Li Yayan made a call and a car immediately appeared to pick her up.

    Qiao Nan, who had collected her books, returned with a chill.

    Logically, three-month-old infants shouldn¡¯t have been able to recognize anyone. But the moment Qiao Nan appeared, the triplets could no longer keep still in their grandparents¡¯ arms. They waved their chubby arms and kicked around, staring in Qiao Nan¡¯s direction with their bright eyes and crying out.

 Chapter 2240

    <h4>Chapter 2240: A Moment of Foolishness</h4>

    ¡°You have no conscience.¡± Miao Jing pretended to be hurt by her grandson, but she was still smiling. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll return you to your mom. If you pee or poo in the future, I won¡¯t change your diapers anymore. Did you forget who fed you your milk, changed your diaper, and washed your buttock when you cried just now?¡±

    The triplets expressed that they were still young andpletely didn¡¯t understand what their grandma was talking about.

    ¡°Mom, carry them a while more. It¡¯s pretty cold outside and the wind has been blowing for a while. I don¡¯t think my clothes are clean. I¡¯ll carry them again after I change my clothes and wash my hands.¡± When Qiao Nan was wiping her hands, she always felt that the back of her hands was a little sandy. The books were clean, so it meant that the wind wasn¡¯t.

    If possible, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t wait to take a shower first before carrying the children. However, the three children were making a lot of noise. Qiao Nan could only change her clothes in a hurry. After confirming that the coldness on her body had disappeared, she carried San Bao in her arms and kissed her. Of course, after kissing her daughter, she naturally couldn¡¯t leave behind her two sons.

    After kissing her son¡¯s fragrant and slippery cheeks, the four of them feltfortable and satisfied. Da Bao and Er Bao no longer continued to kick up a fuss and insisted on their mom to carry them. They nestled themselves obediently in their grandparents¡¯ arms and nibbled on their own little hands.

    Upon seeing this situation, Qiao Nan took a clean and soft handkerchief. She didn¡¯t find it troublesome as she wiped the triplets¡¯ mouths. ¡°They recently have more saliva. Mom, do you think it¡¯s because they are teething soon?¡± Although this was the ¡®first time¡¯ she was a mom, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t find the children¡¯s growth to be unfamiliar.

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°That¡¯s right. I even found out today that Da Bao¡¯s gums feel a little hard. Seeing that Da Bao always wanted to bite on things but didn¡¯t look like he was hungry, I went to read up on a book. The book said that the child would feel itchy when they were teething. They might even grind their teeth.¡± Upon thinking that the three children were teething, she knew that she could feed them solid food in a month¡¯s time.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± As Qiao Nan didn¡¯t breastfeed them, she didn¡¯t find out about this situation at the first instance. Upon hearing that Da Bao¡¯s gums were turning hard and he was teething, Qiao Nan was extremely happy. ¡°Indeed, Da Bao is the eldest brother. He¡¯s teething so early. Er Bao, San Bao, don¡¯t lose to him. After all, the three of you were born at the same time.¡±

    The doctor said that the three children were raised well in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach. As long as the adults took good care of them, their physical conditions would be simr to those of children born under normal circumstances. As such, Qiao Nan felt that if Da Bao was teething, Er Bao and San Bao would too.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Miao Jing recovered herself. Since the children were teething, they had to prepare some teething food for them. The book said that children loved to bite on things after teething. If things came into contact with their hands and mouths, they would always try to stuff them in their mouths and bite them. ¡°We have to start preparing some small items in our house.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Prepare toys that are made of natural and sterile rubber. Before giving them to the triplets to y, we have to disinfect them as well.¡± Also, any sharp or raised items in the corners of the house had to be put away. Even the corners of the tables and chairs had to be wrapped well in soft film.

    It was so troublesome to raise a child. Raising three children at the same time made it impossible for them to bezy.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± With regard to raising a child, Miao Jing waspletely out of touch. When she gave birth to Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua, the country didn¡¯t have good conditions like now. Even if the Zhai family simrly valued their children, they were affected by the conditions then. Moreover, Miao Jing¡¯s heart was focused on Zhai Yaohui at that time. As such, Miao Jingpletely didn¡¯t understand how to raise a child.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Miao Jing felt that these things were necessary. They had three children in the family. Three portions had to be prepared for things like toys. They should pay more attention to the corners of the house as well. They should put away whatever that should be put away and change whatever that should be changed. There should be protective covers on plugs. If they couldn¡¯t shift some things higher, then they should cover thempletely so that the children wouldn¡¯t touch them in the future when they knew how to climb and walk.

    Miao Jing had never raised grandchildren before. However, she read a lot of news and knew quite a bit about children. Now that it was time for her to raise her grandchildren, Miao Jing hurriedly took out her notebook and pen to write down the content that she still remembered so that they could be used as a reference in the future.

    ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t worry and just head to school. The triplets are still young. We¡¯ll help you take care of them at home. Don¡¯t worry. It has been so long. Your dad and I know how to take care of them.¡± When it was time for Qiao Nan to go to school, Miao Jing was very happy to send her out. She knew that once Qiao Nan was out of the house, the triplets wouldn¡¯t cling to her and would still be willing to be taken care of by her, the grandma.

    How would Qiao Nan not know Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts? She smiled helplessly. ¡°I¡¯ll trouble you and Dad for the triplets.¡± After giving the three children a light kiss on their cheeks, Qiao Nan carried her own ¡®schoolbag¡¯ and headed to school.

    ¡°Triplets, Mom¡¯s going to school. Say goodbye to her.¡± The triplets were asleep now and even if they were awake, they wouldn¡¯t be able to understand her words. Miao Jing, as a silly elder, still grabbed San Bao¡¯s meaty hand and waved to Qiao Nan. When Nan Nan graduated, they would be the ones to send the triplets to school together.

    They only managed to take care of their grandchildren when they were old. However, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui adapted to this well. The triplets were sleeping a lot and didn¡¯t know how to climb or run. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing both knew in their hearts that they would only be able to raise them up during this time. When the children knew how to climb and run, they wouldn¡¯t be able to catch them, let alone take care of them or y with them.

    As such, taking advantage of the few limited months, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui cherished the time spent with the children even more.

    Everyone in the quad could see Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s momentum of raising grandchildren, especially Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. He looked like he was going to lead a carefree life in his old age. Because his son, Zhai Sheng, worked hard, Zhai Yaohui could hence hand over the Zhai family¡¯s burden to Zhai Sheng early.

    However, no matter what it was, people had to have children, especially sons, in order to have some confidence. At least, after having grandsons, Zhai Yaohui couldpletely focus his attention on them and Zhai Sheng could develop his career.

    Of course, what Zhai Sheng could do now was just some minor details.

 Chapter 2241

    <h4>Chapter 2241: Having Grievances</h4>

    Among children of the same generation as Zhai Sheng, they could rarely see a child as outstanding as Zhai Sheng. There was really nothing to say about the Zhai family¡¯s blessings. Zhai Sheng casually married an older woman but said woman could give birth to triplets. Why did they feel that everything good in this world was taken up by only the Zhai family?

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing werepletely in a state of retirement. Naturally, Zhai Sheng was responsible for all external matters while Qiao Nan was responsible for all internal matters. Those who wanted to have a good rtionship with the Zhai family could no longer contact Miao Jing. Instead, they had to go through Qiao Nan. As long as the other party became friends with Qiao Nan, they could continue their good family rtionship with the Zhai family.

    As such, ever since Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing started taking care of their grandchildren, Zhai Sheng¡¯s side didn¡¯t have many changes. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s side had so many changes that they couldn¡¯t be described with just a simple word ¡®big¡¯. Outsiders were very eager to go after Qiao Nan and became proud if they could be friends with her.

    A change of sovereign brings a change of ministers. Miao Jing handed over all the rights of the Zhai family¡¯s matters to Qiao Nan for her to handle. Of course, those friendships of the past wouldn¡¯t be so useful anymore. Smart people understood one fact: The people in charge of the Zhai family now were Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan!

    Even if her identity and status had changed, the way Qiao Nan handled things didn¡¯t change much. It wasn¡¯tte to make friends now. Knowing that these people were rushing over for the Zhai family, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t use an arrogant attitude to reject them. However, simrly, she wouldn¡¯t be so foolish to really make friends with them and treat them as close buddies.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s clear-headed attitude surprised a few people. Those who engaged in wishful thinking had no choice but to dispel such thoughts.

    ¡°Hi, we meet again.¡± As Qiao Nan got out of the car, she bumped into Li Yayan, whom she first met when she collected her books previously. ¡°We¡¯re so fated. You left without telling me your name then. This time, should we introduce ourselves?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°You¡¯re also studying here?¡± It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan was presumptuous, but the country had long implemented the nine-yearpulsory education. As such, a lot of parents started to pay attention to their child¡¯s learning abilities. The Qiao family¡¯s situation was considered to bepletely strange. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure if Li Yayan was an only child, but based on the vibe that she was giving off, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel that Li Yayan was someone who wanted to receive higher education as she was career-focused.

    Li Yayan smiled. ¡°You also know that we normally choose only one major in university. Choosing two majors would be too tiring and I can¡¯t do that. After stepping into society upon graduation and finding the right person to get married to, I realized that I¡¯m still interested in other things. Anyway, my family doesn¡¯t have to rely on my sry from work for a living and my husband encouraged me to learn more things. That¡¯s why I signed up for this.¡±

    Li Yayan knew that Qiao Nan had only graduated from junior high school. Her father-inw looked down on her and alwaysined that she was inferior to Qiao Nan. Li Yayan wasn¡¯t willing to take this lying down.

    That was because Qiao Nan was very lucky, alright? She coincidentally fitted into the image of an obedient daughter that Zhu Chengqi and his wife who had passed away for years had always wanted. She didn¡¯t understand. Qiao Nan only had a junior high school certificate. Compared to the requirements of contemporary society, even if they couldn¡¯t be consideredpletely illiterate, they could be considered semi-illiterate. As such, why did Zhu Chengqi like Qiao Nan and always treated her, an outsider, as his daughter?

    Zhu Chengqi was confused and wasn¡¯t clear-headed. It was difficult for people to ept him making such a wrong decision. Her father-inw looked so energetic and wanted to join the excitement. She, a university graduate, couldn¡¯t bepared to someone with a junior high school certificate? Li Yayan didn¡¯t feel good at all.

    Li Yayan was thinking that if Qiao Nan really got married to Wang Yang, aside from the fact that Qiao Nan could help the Wang family to get the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, she didn¡¯t believe that her father-inw would be willing to bring Qiao Nan out to meet other people. Based on the Wang family¡¯s conditions, if they had a daughter-inw who only graduated from junior high school, they would lose a lot of face. As such, Li Yayan was very certain that even though her father-inw hadined about and despised her during the new year, if she were to change positions with Qiao Nan such that Qiao Nan was the Wang family¡¯s daughter-inw, her father-inw would only let Qiao Nan stay at home and be a daughter-inw who couldn¡¯t be seen in public.

    In the face of Father Wang, a person with many provocations, Li Yayan didn¡¯t have much respect for him. Change was the only constant. With the example of Qiao Nan in front of her, Li Yayan had already thought about it.

    When Zhu Chengqi¡¯s inheritance was back in their hands, she would wait for her father-inw topletely hand over the Wang family to her husband. When that happened, she could be the madam of the Wang family and no longer had to look at other people¡¯s faces. If there was such a day, the first thing that Li Yayan wanted to do was to bring her son back to her side so that she could raise him.

    She knew that her inws had kept her son by their sides so that he wouldn¡¯t be close to her, his biological mother. Hah. There was no child in this world that wouldn¡¯t be close to their biological parents. Sooner orter, she would let her inws understand this.

    Li Yayan pulled back her thoughts and smiled at Qiao Nan. Everything just now was just her thoughts. Only if she handled this person before her could she stand a chance of transforming the things she had thought of just now into reality.

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. ¡°So, it¡¯s like this. You really like to learn.¡±

    ¡°The main thing is that there are people supportive of my decision. Oh, right. Since we¡¯ve met by chance, let¡¯s have a meal together. We can go dutch.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Li Yayan was reluctant to pay for the meal but she knew that Qiao Nan was a careful person. If she said that she was going to treat her, Qiao Nan would most probably refuse. If everyone went dutch, at the very most, they would just be having a meal at the same table.

    Qiao Nan looked at Li Yayan a few more times. The first time they met, she wanted her to wait for the bus together. The second time they met, she wanted to have a meal with her. If she were younger and Li Yayan was a male, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Li Yayan was nning to pursue her. But she was already forty-one years old and was a mother of three. Li Yayan was simrly married. So, what was Li Yayan really up to?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. My children at home are still young, and my elders are waiting for me to go back to eat. I can¡¯t make it this time.¡± Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t lying. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were indeed waiting for her to have lunch together as she didn¡¯t have lessons in the afternoon. Qiao Nan would only have meals in the school cafeteria if she had sses in the afternoon.

    Li Yayan blinked. ¡°You¡¯re heading back to have lunch with the elders and children? How filial. A lot of young people nowadays live freely.¡±

 Chapter 2242

    <h4>Chapter 2242: Not ying Along</h4>

    ¡°In my case, I have a son. But my parents-inw have been helping take care of my son. My husband is very supportive of me furthering my studies too. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve be the most rxed one in my family. At times, I feel a little bad when I think about it.¡±

    Qiao Nan would probably have something to say since she was a daughter-inw too.

    Initially, she had wanted to raise her son herself, but her parents-inw had refused to allow her son to even be by her side. On the other hand, Qiao Nan had almost given her life to give birth to the triplets for the Zhai family. She had be a heroine in the Zhai family. Hadn¡¯t Qiao Nan already established a foothold in the Zhai family? Why did she have to do these things herself? Did Qiao Nan¡¯s parents-inw not help out?

    In the beginning, Li Yayan had been rather upset that her son was not with her. When she missed her son, she couldn¡¯t do anything more than call him or look through his photos. Her parents-inw refused to allow them to have video calls, saying that the light from the phone was bad for her son¡¯s eyes. While they were at home, they never allowed her son to y on the mobile phone. As such, it was better if they did away with something as troublesome as video calls.

    Li Yayan had been full of resentment because of that. She had already thought it through. Once she helped Wang Yang get back all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, she would have to demand her son back. She believed that Wang Yang would definitely agree to it, even if her parents-inw didn¡¯t.

    Once they owned the Zhu family¡¯s assets, both she and Wang Yang would remain in the capital to develop their careers and would probably not return to Ping Cheng. As their son, it was only right for him to stay by their side. It was impossible that she was the only one who missed their son. She was sure Wang Yang did too.

    If he didn¡¯t miss him, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t have spent all his time with their son when they went back to Ping Cheng for the new year. Li Yayan understood Wang Yang in that aspect. Because she knew that Wang Yang felt the same way, Li Yayan was confident about bringing her son over. Aspared to Ping Cheng, the educational standards were definitely higher in the capital.

    Once they moved their son¡¯s household registry to the capital, their son might even have a higher chance of getting into Peking University! For their son¡¯s sake, her parents-inw couldn¡¯t afford to refuse her request.

    Li Yayan gathered her drifting thoughts. Although she was resentful, Li Yayan knew that not needing to raise her child had made her life much easier. Especially before a child turned one, all he knew was to cry no matter what the situation was. It was hardest to take care of children of that age.

    She had never experienced that period, but Qiao Nan was right in the midst of it. It wasn¡¯t easy taking care of just one child, let alone three in Qiao Nan¡¯s family. Qiao Nan probably suffered three times that of normal mothers! ¡°Oh right, how old are your children? If you have the ability, you can simply hire a nanny to take care of them. That way, you won¡¯t have it so tough. You¡¯ll even have more time for yourself. Besides, you won¡¯t have that much time to spend with your children now that you¡¯re studying.¡±

    Leaving aside the Zhu family¡¯s money, the Zhai family was already well-to-do initially. They wouldn¡¯t be so stingy that they refused to hire a nanny, right? If that was the case, it was useless being the daughter-inw of the Zhai family.

    After all, she had always had an auntie taking care of all the household chores, whether it was in Ping Cheng or the capital. She had never needed to wash a single piece of clothing or make a meal. Didn¡¯t all women want to marry well so that their lives after marriage would be easier?

    Qiao Nan was stunned. ¡°You can¡¯t say that¡­¡± She didn¡¯t think that taking care of her children was troublesome at all. It might have taken a toll on her body, but that was iparable to the joy she felt. ¡°My children are still young, so it¡¯s natural that my parents-inw and the auntie help take care of them too. It¡¯s just that I feel that I can¡¯t leave my children. Personal time? Isn¡¯t studying my personal time? Thank you for your kind intentions but I have to go.¡±

    What was Li Yayan driving at? Why did she ask her out for this meal? And why was she always beating around the bush?

    It was not as though she was an important figure. Even if Li Yayan had a meal with her, she wouldn¡¯t be able to gain much from it. As such, Qiao Nan was not suspicious of Li Yayan. She simply thought that Li Yayan was an entric and excessively enthusiastic ssmate.

    As soon as she said that, Qiao Nan caught sight of her car.

    After bidding Li Yayan goodbye, she got into the car and headed home.

    ¡°Why did you get back sote today?¡± Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan while carrying Da Bao. ¡°Our triplets have been kicking up such a fuss. How are our children so smart? They can recognize people around them! They¡¯re closest to their mom!¡± Miao Jing had felt rather helpless when the three children had refused to finish their milk earlier.

    Not only had the three children¡¯s statures grown, but so had their tempers. Just two months earlier, they had been infants who only cried when they were hungry. Now, they were only four-month-old babies but they had be bad-tempered babies who refused to drink their milk unless they saw their mother.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± Qiao Nan washed her hand before picking up the triplets. She stroked San Bao¡¯s stomach. ¡°When did shest have her milk?¡±

    ¡°Ten minutes ago but she only had half a bottle.¡± Miao Jingined.

    Qiao Nan stroked San Bao¡¯s little nose. ¡°You¡¯re such a small one. How can you refuse to have your milk? If you don¡¯t drink it, you¡¯ll never grow up and you¡¯ll be a midget in the future! You won¡¯t be pretty!¡±

    The moment Qiao Nan arrived home, the auntie made fresh milk for the three children. The auntie handed them each a bottle to feed the three children. Perhaps, it was because their mother was around that the three children were now more than willing to have their meal. With their chubby hands, they grabbed onto the milk bottles and sucked on them enthusiastically.

    Because she was busy taking care of the three children, Qiao Nan had no time to have her own meal. After all, they had already had half a bottle of milk earlier and the auntie had only made slightly more than half a bottle for each of them.

    After finishing their milk, the triplets couldn¡¯t help but let out a burp, letting them know that they were full and even a little bloated.

    ¡°Nan Nan, go have your meal. I¡¯ll carry San Bao for a walk so that she won¡¯t feel ufortable after having her milk.¡± After coaxing Da Bao, Miao Jing took San Bao from Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace. Because she had just been in her mother¡¯s embrace, San Bao was in a good mood.

 Chapter 2243

    <h4>Chapter 2243: Burdened</h4>

    San Bao, who was full and sleepy, let out a graceful yawn in her grandma¡¯s embrace. She blinked gently before eventually falling asleep.

    Now, Zhai Yaohui had already mastered the art of coaxing babies. Er Bao was especially obedient in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arms and didn¡¯t even throw a tantrum. He had even fallen asleep before Da Bao and San Bao. Seeing how adept Zhai Yaohui was with children, Miao Jing was full of regret. She should have kept Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng by her side at that time to let Zhai Yaohui raise them too.

    In that case, their two children wouldn¡¯t have been so resentful against them for having neglected them in their childhood. That would also mean that there would have been much less resentment in the family.

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s been hard on you.¡± Compared to Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts, Qiao Nan was full of gratitude. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was because of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s age that he had entirely put down his status as a chief in this lifetime.

    In her dream, Zhai Yaohui had only started to y with the three children when they had grown older and could speak. But in reality, Zhai Yaohui could almost take charge of a child¡¯s daily life all by himself. Just like now, he had taken good care of Er Bao alone!

    Based on that alone, Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯tpare to Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°It¡¯s not hard at all.¡± Zhai Yaohui ced the sleeping Er Bao back in the pram and moved his sore arm. He really had to ept that he had grown old. Er Bao was only four months old but his arm was already aching from carrying him. In another few months¡¯ time when the triplets grew even older, he wondered whether he would still be able to carry them. ¡°You¡¯re busy with your studies and the children are still so clingy to you. You¡¯re the one who has it tough since you have to shuttle back and forth between school and home.¡±

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan didn¡¯t seem to have had many opportunities in the past year of being married into the Zhai family, Zhai Yaohui felt rather guilty. He had heard about how other daughters-inw were yful and wild. When he looked at his own daughter-inw, who cared most about her own family, Zhai Yaohui was extremely grateful.

    It didn¡¯t matter what outsiders thought about Qiao Nan as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. He felt that Qiao Nan was the most suitable candidate for the Zhai family and Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel that way. While she had been in the Qiao family, she had led a life unlike that of the wild Qiao Zijin. In the past, Qiao Nan had either been working, traveling to work, or looking for work.

    Her life had been that simple. Qiao Nan felt that her life had be much more enriching and interesting now that the three children were in her life. Because of that, Qiao Nan had thought that Li Yayan¡¯s words had been rather ridiculous. Was it really that difficult to return home to see her children and have a meal with her parents-inw?

    Li Yayan had never lived through truly hard times.

    Li Yayan was muddleheaded, indeed. She was born in the eighties and had a younger brother, whom her parents favored. The problem was that Father and Mother Li loved pampered their daughter too. People born in the eighties naturally had it easier than those born in the seventies. Li Yayan and Qiao Nan were from entirely different generations, and there was also a huge difference in their lifestyles.

    As such, what she had done had been useless against Qiao Nan, who couldn¡¯t even understand why Li Yayan was feeling aggrieved. When she married into the Zhai family from the Qiao family, she had gained a loving family after having had a neglectful and aloof family. Qiao Nan felt like she had ascended to heaven from hell! Raising children was what Qiao Nan had been dreaming of for over a decade. And having a harmonious family and being doted on by her elders was something that she had yearned for for forty years.

    Everything that was burdensome to Li Yayan was blissful to Qiao Nan.

    With such a premise, Qiao Nan would never understand Li Yayan¡¯s difficulties even if Li Yayan went out of her way to try to nt something in Qiao Nan¡¯s mind to convince her that the Zhai family wasn¡¯t treating her well enough. Even if Li Yayan were to explicitly tell Qiao Nan her thoughts, Qiao Nan would never agree. She wouldn¡¯t understand it, and neither would she agree with it.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯ve been attending school for such a long time. Have you made any close friends?¡± Miao Jing felt that even she smelled of the triplets¡¯ fragrance after cing San Bao down. Miao Jing enjoyed it very much. Looking at Qiao Nan, who had given birth to the triplets, Miao Jing felt that Qiao Nan was the most attractive and beautiful woman in the world. ¡°Nan Nan, don¡¯t pressure yourself too much. Our family¡¯s status doesn¡¯t mean that we aren¡¯t like normal people. You can have your own circle of friends. Although it¡¯s true that it¡¯s not always so simple between adults, you have to give it a shot, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Earlier on, those who had gotten to know Nan Nan had only done so because they had wanted to take advantage of the Zhai family. They were no friends, merely acquaintances. Miao Jing hoped that Qiao Nan could get out of the shadow of the Zhai family to have her own circle of friends who would have nothing to do with the Zhai family.

    How could anyone afford to not have any friends at all? Miao Jing didn¡¯t want Qiao Nan to follow in her footsteps. If she had had friends at that time who could guide her along the way, she wouldn¡¯t have been so foolish, almost harming her two children in the process.

    But she knew that Qiao Nan was an intelligent child and would never let herself get into a simr situation. Nheless, she hoped that Qiao Nan would be able to live a much more fulfilling life than she had.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, your mom is right. You don¡¯t have to feel too burdened when you make friends. Not everyone in the country or world knows that you¡¯re the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll be able to find yourself some true friends.¡± Zhai Yaohui acknowledged Qiao Nan as his family and thus treated her well. ¡°Of course, if you¡¯re still worried about the triplets, we could always hire another auntie. Your mom and I aren¡¯t young, but we should at least be able to take care of them until they turn three.¡±

    Afterward, the triplets¡¯ parents would have to take care of and educate them themselves.

    Qiao Nan smiled. What was the matter? Why was everyone, both her family and outsiders, talking about how to spend her free time? It was as though staying at home and taking care of her children was a chore to her. But that was not the case at all. She didn¡¯t think that her life was monotonous just because of her children.

 Chapter 2244

    <h4>Chapter 2244: Being Dragged Down</h4>

    Her life wouldn¡¯t necessarily get more interesting just because she made new friends.

    Was it so easy to make friends?

    In her dream, Qiao Nan had once made the effort to make friends. Apart from her roommates from high school, she shared the closest rtionship with Shi Qing. When she went to university, she got close to another senior. At that time, Qiao Nan had already thought that she was very blessed and fortunate to have so many true friends.

    ¡°Dad, Mom, why are you guys suddenly talking about this? Is someone spreading some groundless rumors again?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing shared a knowing look. Qiao Nan was right. Someone was saying something.

    Because Qiao Nan did not like interacting with others, she never interacted much with her neighbors ever since she had moved into the military quad. If not for the Zhai family, Qiao Nan would be no different from a lone wolf.

    There was no way the gossip would cease.

    In the past, everyone had looked down on Qiao Nan. As such, they simply thought that Qiao Nan knew her ce and felt unworthy to have such neighbors. That was why she hardly left the house. It was better that way. It would save everyone¡¯s dignity, and she couldn¡¯t fit it anyway.

    But the situation was different now. Many wondered why the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw rarely appeared in the quad or interacted with others. Was it Qiao Nan who refused to interact with others? Or did the Zhai family have some ulterior motive and thus prevented Qiao Nan from doing so?

    Apart from the children¡¯s full-month celebration, Qiao Nan almost gave off the wrong impression that she was merely a disposable tool that the Zhai family had found to have children. Now that she had given birth to their children, she would simply be a nanny who took care of them.

    The Zhai family was frustrated, especially Zhai Yaohui. After all, they had known each other for a long while. There were so many matters concerning the state, so why didn¡¯t they pay more attention to their development of the country and state? Why had they learned to gossip now that they were older?

    Zhai Yaohui had not asked Qiao Nan to make friends to clear this misunderstanding. He simply felt that Qiao Nan had indeed been too aloof in the past. Perhaps, it was because she had never had any free time in the past due to the Qiao family. After marrying into the Zhai family, she had gotten pregnant almost immediately and had gone to school even while pregnant. In the past year, Qiao Nan had had almost no time to rest. Naturally, he wished for Qiao Nan to have personal time and her own life.

    After a discussion with Miao Jing, they decided that they would take up more responsibility in taking care of the triplets while they were younger so that Qiao Nan could get out and expand her social circle.

    It didn¡¯t matter if outsiders mistook Qiao Nan as a dispensable tool that the Zhai family used for childbirth, but it would be terrible if Qiao Nan herself thought so too.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Miao Jingughed awkwardly. She had never expected Qiao Nan to hit the bullseye. Because Qiao Nan had questioned her when she had let her guard down, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t even smile while answering her.

    Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t believe Miao Jing, especially after seeing her expression. ¡°Dad, Mom. Others will never be able to tell whether we live our lives well. Only we will be certain about that. I think my life is pretty good now. I might be a little busy taking care of three children at once, but if you guys try to get me to make friends instead of taking care of the children, I think I¡¯ll feel empty. Besides, I think that friends made in that situation aren¡¯t reliable.¡±

    One didn¡¯t make friends with a purpose. If one made friends for the sake of doing so, those friends wouldn¡¯t be true friends anyway.

    After spending so much time and effort, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to achieve her goal. What was the point in doing so, then? She would even be exhausted because of it. Qiao Nan had no strong desire to make friends. She was more than content to simply go with the flow.

    Since Qiao Nan had already stated everything out reasonably, Zhai Yaohui let go of his worries. Anyway, he had only said so because he was worried about Nan Nan, not about outsiders. He had always felt that Qiao Nan might not have high educational qualifications, but she had always been very transparent. The more he interacted with her, the more Zhai Yaohui felt so.

    Even though Qiao Nan had not attended school full-time, she had still been able to rank in third cest year. That showed Zhai Yaohui that not only was Qiao Nan¡¯s emotional intelligence high, but neither was her IQ low.

    It was truly such a pity that such an outstanding child had been born in the Qiao family. They had seriously dragged her down. As long as Qiao Nan had the chance, she would definitely be able to prove her worth and show that she wasn¡¯t the ¡®useless servant¡¯ in everyone else¡¯s eyes.

    If Qiao Nan had not grown up in the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng might have still gotten married to her eventually. Perhaps, when outsiders spoke of the couple, they wouldn¡¯t talk about ¡®the woman whom Zhai Sheng married¡¯ but ¡®the man whom Qiao Nan married¡¯ instead.

    Zhai Yaohui had no idea that the scenario he imagined had indeed happened in Qiao Nan¡¯s dreams. When Qiao Nan appeared, they had never addressed her as ¡®Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife¡¯. In fact, there were people who addressed Zhai Sheng as ¡®Qiao Nan¡¯s husband¡¯ instead.

    ¡°The two of you are really¡­¡± Seeing that Zhai Yaohui had promised¡¯ so easily, Miao Jing was upset. ¡°Nan Nan, haven¡¯t you met anyone you can get along well with now that you attend school often?¡± Wasn¡¯t it easier to find true friends in school? Since Nan Nan was pursuing her studies, wouldn¡¯t it be the perfect time for her to make some friends?

    While this conversation was going on, Qiao Nan had finished her lunch. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry about me. The school I¡¯m attending is different from the school you have in mind. The school you¡¯re thinking about is where students go to. The school I attend is purely for self-improvement and upgrading our skills.¡±

    Anyone who attended an adult school was after a diploma or an evenrger goal. People who belonged to the former category paid to get their diploma, while those in thetter wanted to broaden their horizons and knowledge. It didn¡¯t seem realistic to make friends there.

    Of course, Qiao Nan had not immediately rejected them. But she had never had much good luck ever since she was young apart from having gotten married to Zhai Sheng and joining the Zhai family. As such, Qiao Nan had absolutely no expectations toward this matter.

 Chapter 2245 - Donâ€™t Be Embarrassed

    <h4>Chapter 2245: Don¡¯t Be Embarrassed</h4>

    However, listening to her parents-inw talking about making friends, a person came to Qiao Nan¡¯s mind. That was no other than Li Yayan, whom she had met twice or thrice. She and Li Yayan were both women. Since Li Yayan was not courting her, did that mean that she wanted to be friends?

    She had not taken the initiative to make friends, so it was interesting that someone else had tried to initiate a friendship.

    Because she didn¡¯t have any sses in the afternoon, Qiao Nan spent the rest of the day at home. Taking care of her children all the time? As a student, there was no way Qiao Nan would have so much free time. She had not carried all those books home for nothing. With an entire lifetime¡¯s worth of experience, it was much easier for Qiao Nan to purchase the books that she needed now with a few simple clicks online.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s sry was entirely in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands and he didn¡¯t limit Qiao Nan¡¯s spending at all. However, to get her money¡¯s worth of these terribly expensive books, Qiao Nan worked hard to read through them conscientiously. As such, while she was at home, Qiao Nan spent most of her time immersed in her books, apart from when the children were awake.

    Professional nannies? While she was studying at home, it was usually her mother-inw who poured her sses of water!

    Qiao Nan did not have much on her mind. It was either on her family or on her studies. The problem was that not everyone around her was that ¡®simple¡¯.

    ¡°Is your chauffeur not here yet?¡± This was Li Yayan¡¯s nth encounter with Qiao Nan. Because she had been met with failures the previous times, Li Yayan had learned that she would have to understand Qiao Nan¡¯s schedule if she wanted to make friends with her. Then, she would find the right time to strike after learning about Qiao Nan¡¯s habits.

    Qiao Nan shook her head and looked at her watch, feeling a little deted. ¡°We still have ss in the afternoon and thest ss in the morning ended slightlyter.¡± Since this was an adult school and there were no boarding facilities, the food options in the canteen were rather limited. If one arrived just slightlyte, there would only be rice left with no other dishes avable.

    Qiao Nan had chosen to eat in the school canteen not to save money, but to save time. But she knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to save too much time. As a mother to three children, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t afford to go hungry. Otherwise, she might be entirely out of energy to even carry her children once she got home.

    Li Yayan smiled. ¡°How coincidental! My ss endedte too and I was thinking of going to get lunch somewhere. Do you want to head over together?¡±

    Knowing that Qiao Nan had a full day of lessons today, Li Yayan had already made her ns. Whether Qiao Nan decided to eat in the canteen or head out for lunch, she would sit next to or in front of Qiao Nan for sure. Her efforts had finally paid off. She had not waited in vain today.

    This time, Qiao Nan had not refused butughed instead. ¡°Alright.¡± Perhaps, it was because Qiao Nan was feeling a little bored that she felt no point in always rejecting Li Yayan, no matter the motive she had behind getting close to her. If she rejected Li Yayan again, Li Yayan would definitely try her luck again. In that case, it seemed preferable to let Li Yayan get her way so that she could see what Li Yayan was up to.

    Having sessfully invited Qiao Nan, Li Yayan let out a wide smile. ¡°Oh right, what do you like to eat? Do you prefer Chinese food or western food? Or hot pot? A buffet?¡± In order to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s favor, Li Yayan naturally tried to suit Qiao Nan¡¯s taste.

    Qiao Nan gave it some thought. ¡°Let¡¯s go for a buffet.¡± Actually, Qiao Nan preferred having hot pot to buffets. But she was not close to Li Yayan, and it was their first time having a meal together. Qiao Nan felt a little uneasy having hot pot with her, and neither did she like western cuisine. As such, a Chinese buffet seemed like her best option.

    ¡°How coincidental! I quite like buffets myself! There¡¯s a ce nearby that is quite good. I¡¯ve been there several times alone. Shall I bring you to have a try?¡± Li Yayan asked, showing off her familiarity with the area.

    Not only did Qiao Nan not refuse her enthusiasm, she even epted it fully. Qiao Nan simply nodded in agreement to whatever Li Yayan said. In the end, Qiao Nan indeed saw a buffet restaurant not far away with Li Yayan leading the way. Given the crowd in the restaurant, it seemed as though the food there was pretty decent.

    Li Yayan had kept her sight on Qiao Nan along the way and she had realized that Qiao Nan had remained calm and natural the whole time, without any hint of suspicion. Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh of relief. She hadn¡¯t even been this anxious when she had been a student herself. Facing Qiao Nan made her feel even more nervous than taking an exam!

    In order to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s trust, Li Yayan had memorized Qiao Nan¡¯s timetable and now knew Qiao Nan¡¯s habits like the back of her hand after Wang Yang sent someone to check on her.

    Initially, Li Yayan had intended on using this meal to get closer to Qiao Nan. Of course, since she had already done so much research, Li Yayan had also gotten a sense of all the restaurants in the vicinity of the school. Li Yayan dared not be even the slightest bit careless about which restaurant had better food, or which one suited Qiao Nan¡¯s pte more. If she brought Qiao Nan to a lousy restaurant and Qiao Nan refused to lunch with her from then on, neither her inws nor Wang Yang would ever let her off.

    Li Yayan knew that there were several items on this restaurant¡¯s menu that Qiao Nan would like since she enjoyed eating spicy food. Since Qiao Nan had finally epted her invitation, Li Yayan naturally brought Qiao Nan to this restaurant.

    Since she had already paid for her own meal, Qiao Nan was not going to be embarrassed about it. Because she had to take care of her children while studying, Qiao Nan used up a lot of physical and mental capacity. As such, her appetite had grown drastically.

    Li Yayan had only taken a little as courtesy, but in the blink of an eye, Qiao Nan had heaped a small mountain on her own te! Li Yayan was dumbfounded. ¡°Will you be able to finish everything?¡± What Li Yayan was more curious about was whether Qiao Nan was not afraid of gaining weight after eating so much.

    ¡°Is it a lot?¡± She nced at the food on her te. ¡°It¡¯s not a lot. I¡¯m just too embarrassed to take a few tes at the same time. After I finish this te, I¡¯ll probably go for a second serving.¡± It wouldn¡¯t be toote even if Li Yayan were to ask her that question after she had her third or fourth te of food.

 Chapter 2246 - Getting Messier

    <h4>Chapter 2246: Getting Messier</h4>

    Li Yayan gave a simple one-worded reply in a daze. It was only when she saw Qiao Nan taking in several tes¡¯ worth of food did Li Yayan shake her head and regain her senses. ¡°Your-your appetite is pretty good. I guess you must have been using up a lot of energytely.¡±

    What she didn¡¯t understand was how Qiao Nan could hold such a voracious appetite in that petite body of hers. She was probably no more than 1.6 meters and weighed approximately 45 kilograms. Besides, was Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach a ck hole? Why didn¡¯t she seem to gain any weight even after eating all these? She thought about how she didn¡¯t even dare to eat anything greasy or sweet for fear of gaining weight although she was in her early thirties.

    Even so, every time she returned home to visit her parents, her mom would ask her without fail, ¡°Yayan, have you gained weight again? Now that you¡¯re thirty and have given birth, it¡¯ll be easy for you to gain weight since you don¡¯t move around much. Wang Yang has such a great background and he¡¯s handsome too. You¡¯d better not let anyone get the chance to take your ce. Wang Yang might not be able to have an affair with his status, but he can surely divorce you to get remarried.¡±

    Because of their son-inw, Wang Yang, the Li family¡¯s conditions had improved drastically. There was no way Mother Li was going to let such a good son-inw slip through her fingers. In order to prevent that from happening, Li Yayan had to make an effort. As long as Li Yayan kept herself at her peak, there wouldn¡¯t be any chance for other women to get their way.

    If Li Yayan stopped caring about her image, the position of Wang Yang¡¯s wife would be someone else¡¯s sooner orter.

    Because of her mother¡¯s constant nagging about how she couldn¡¯t afford to eat too much, Li Yayan had restrained herself all this while. Buffets had never been on Li Yayan¡¯s menu. She had no other choice. Buffets were delicious and offered too many of her favorite dishes all at once. There was no way she would be able to control herself.

    Just like now, Li Yayan had only taken a few bites but it had already gone over her calorie limit. Thinking about those terrible calories, Li Yayan shivered and quickly put down her fork. She wiped her hands and stopped eating. ¡°Qiao Nan, were you naturally born with this physique? Do you never gain weight no matter how much you eat?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded and took a sip of water. ¡°That¡¯s exactly the case.¡± Her dad said that she took after her paternal grandpa, while Qiao Zijin took after her maternal grandma¡¯s family. Because of that, Qiao Zijin had always been disgruntled. Even while knowing that Qiao Nan would never gain weight no matter how much she ate, Qiao Zijin would always convince her mom not to feed Qiao Nan.

    Li Yayan looked at Qiao Nan in envy. ¡°How nice it would be to have such a physique. You won¡¯t even have to worry about eating foods high in calories!¡±

    Qiao Nan was already past the age of forty and had just given birth to triplets a few months ago and yet, her figure was no different from that of an eighteen-year-old teenager. It would have been perfect if she had Qiao Nan¡¯s physique. ¡°You¡¯ll never lose out in buffets.¡±

    Thinking about how Qiao Nan had everything she wanted, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but make a sourment.

    Before getting to know Qiao Nan, Li Yayan had always thought that she had good fortune. The Li family was not particrly well-to-do, but neither had they ever starved. At that time, there were many who were envious of her when she had married Wang Yang, for having found a man with such an outstanding background.

    Those whose husbands could barelypare to Wang Yang were either older than him or were in their second marriages. More importantly, they were all pot-bellied. It was disgusting. There was not a single one whose appearance and family background couldpare to Wang Yang¡¯s. As such, Li Yayan felt as though she was the most fortunate woman in the entire world as others watched on in envy when she married Wang Yang.

    But after meeting Qiao Nan, Li Yayan had none of those thoughts. Qiao Nan had been much luckier than her, and Qiao Nan had a much more fortunate life than her. Apart from her age, Qiao Nan lost out to her in every aspect. The problem was that Qiao Nan had married into a better family than she had. Even her uncle, Zhu Chengqi, favored an outsider like Qiao Nan over his own nephew and niece-inw!

    Even all these didn¡¯t mean much. Now, Li Yayan was green with envy over how Qiao Nan could afford to eat as much as she wanted without gaining any weight.

    Even upon hearing the sourness in Li Yayan¡¯s tone, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t slow down. After all, it was not Qiao Nan¡¯s first time hearing such words.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin would always try to provoke Qiao Nan with buffets too, saying that buffets were the most suitable for people like Qiao Nan. When others went to buffets, the owners of the restaurants probably rolled in money. On the other hand, if they were to have many customers like Qiao Nan, the restaurants would probably go bankrupt.

    Was there anything better than having a big appetite but never gaining any weight?

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but burp after having her fill. ¡°It¡¯s true that buffets are suitable for people like me. Or should I say that it¡¯s the most economical?¡± The food here indeed tasted good. At least, Li Yayan had not made a bad rmendation.

    Li Yayan was in a panic. She had really been a fool! She had intended on making friends with Qiao Nan, and it hadn¡¯t been easy to invite Qiao Nan out for lunch. Why had she said such a foolish thing andmitted such a low-level mistake? ¡°Qiao Nan, please don¡¯t misunderstand. I didn¡¯t mean anything else. I just thought that it¡¯s really worth it for you to go to buffets. That you wouldn¡¯t lose out¡­ Not¡­¡±

    The more anxious one was, the messier one¡¯s thoughts got. The messier one¡¯s thoughts were, the easier it was for mistakes to slip out.

    Seeing how anxious Li Yayan was, Qiao Nan chuckled and handed her a piece of tissue. ¡°I never expected this restaurant to have such good heating.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it. Look, I¡¯m already sweating.¡± Li Yayan regretted her words the moment she said them. She had hit a soft spot.

    Earlier, Li Yayan had always thought that she simplycked the opportunity to meet Qiao Nan. She had graduated from a second-tier university, after all. There was no way a junior-high-school graduate would be her match. As long as she was given a chance, she would definitely be able to befriend Qiao Nan and make Qiao Nan a close friend who would pour out her heart to her. It would be a breeze.

    As such, Li Yayan had felt that it couldn¡¯t be easier to get the five million yuan that should have gone to Qiao Zijin now that she had this opportunity.

 Chapter 2247 - Good at Teaching

    <h4>Chapter 2247: Good at Teaching</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But now, Li Yayan was not so confident anymore. Perhaps, it was because Qiao Nan felt as though she was now part of the Zhai family. She was nothing more than a junior high school graduate, so how could she be so confident? In fact, she seemed much more like an ignorant country bumpkin in front of Qiao Nan. Not only had she been in a frenzy, but she had even said the wrong things, offending Qiao Nan out of the blue.

    Li Yayan constantly reminded herself to remain calm. It didn¡¯t matter that they had not started on a good note, as long as she pulled everything back on track along the way. That way, she would get the money for her brother to get a wife all the same.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t get anxious.¡± Wasn¡¯t Li Yayan just a silly young girl in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes? Qiao Nan had taken everything that had happened in her dream as experience from another lifetime. Combining her ages from both lifetimes, she was almost older than her own parents! ¡°Have a drink. It tastes pretty good. It¡¯s not too sweet. You won¡¯t have to worry about gaining weight.¡±

    She nced at her watch. Since there was still an hour to her next ss, Qiao Nan felt that she had more than enough time to listen to what Li Yayan had to say.

    ¡°Thank-thank you.¡± Li Yayan awkwardly epted the drink. Then, she took the ss over and gulped half a ss¡¯ worth of the drink down in a shot. Only then was she able to calm down slightly. ¡°Qiao Nan, have I ever told you that I¡¯m not actually from the capital?¡±

    Friendship between women often started from gossiping. Besides, they could probably get closer by sharing their experiences with each other.

    ¡°Really? How coincidental. Neither am I!¡± She had only moved her household registry to the capital after getting married to Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Li Yayan knew her limits. It was obviously a moving scene when people from the same hometown met each other, but this was not the right time to tell Qiao Nan that she was from Ping Cheng too. ¡°You¡¯re just like me, then. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve found it difficult to make friends after moving to the capital. I don¡¯t really understand it. Aren¡¯t we all Chinese? Why do they look and talk to me differently when they find out that I¡¯m not from the capital? Even though some of them are willing to associate with me, I still find it awkward and think it¡¯s better not to contact them. Honestly, I feel quite miserable about it.¡±

    Li Yayan was not entirely lying. If there was no regional discrimination, why did people always talk about locals and foreigners? It seemed as though foreigners from other countries were more valued and weed than their own fellow countrymen.

    Qiao Nan leaned back slightly. ¡°It depends. This isn¡¯t always the case from my experience. There are a lot of helpful and weing people in the capital too.¡± It would be hard for others to be friendly to her if she didn¡¯t have pure intentions herself.

    Li Yayan smiled bitterly. ¡°I guess your situation is different from mine. I¡¯ve noticed that you always rush home to take care of your parents and children if you¡¯re not in school studying. Apart from furthering my studies, my family doesn¡¯t really need me to do anything. That¡¯s why I have a lot of free time. Perhaps, that¡¯s why I get upset by such a situation. If not for my husband moving here for his career, I would have returned to my hometown a long time ago. After all, my friends and family are all there.¡±

    ¡°People say that there¡¯s nowhere better than home and that no one is better than one¡¯s own family. I guess one¡¯s hometown will always be the best. But once a woman gets married, she has no choice but to follow her husband. That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t even been able to find a close friend whom I can ask out on dates.¡±

    Qiao Nan resisted the urge to yawn. It was normal for one to get sleepy after a meal. ¡°You don¡¯t look young anymore. How old is your child? Is he in school already?¡± As long as she had to raise a child, there was no way she would be able to rest easy. Even if Li Yayan didn¡¯t need to go to work, she still had to go to school.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t understand how Li Yayan could have so much free time that she needed to find a friend to kill time with. In both her dream and in reality, she had never had such free time.

    ¡°I have a four-year-old son who just started attending kindergarten. You know, my parents-inw can¡¯t take their eyes off him. Because my husband and I havee here to develop his career, we had no choice but to leave our son with my parents-inw. That¡¯s why I have so much free time.¡± Li Yayan had many thoughts running through her mind as she brought up the topic of her son. If possible, she wanted to fly back to Ping Cheng right away to see him.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qiao Nan stroked her chin. ¡°Have you considered bringing your child to the capital? Honestly, it¡¯s still better for children to grow up with their children. Besides, the educational standards in the capital are quite good, and the best universities in the whole country are here too. If your family is able to do so, you should bring your child to the capital. It¡¯ll definitely be helpful in his development in the future.¡±

    Li Yayan was so emotional that she almost knocked the te off. ¡°That¡¯s what I think too!¡± The educational standards were much higher in the capital. If she didn¡¯t start her son off from a young age, he would definitely lose out to other children in the future. ¡°But the old folks in my family dote on him too much. Sometimes, they pamper him so much that they don¡¯t even know what¡¯s good for the child. Is that doting on him? They¡¯re just spoiling him! It¡¯s really sad, especially when they have their own ulterior motives!¡±

    There had been a particr situation that had upset Li Yayan when she had returned during the new year.

    She had finally gotten the chance to spend some time with her son and Li Yayan wanted to spend every second by her son¡¯s side. But in the day, her parents-inw did all they could to prevent her son from spending any time with her. At night, her son kicked up a huge fuss, insisting on being with his grandparents.

    Her son¡¯s behavior upset her. Li Yayan had alreadyin down, but her son¡¯s tantrum had unsettled her. As such, she had gotten up to make some milk to coax her son.

    But when she arrived at her parents-inw¡¯s door, she heard her mother-inw ask her son, ¡°Little precious, do you like your mom more or grandma and grandpa more?¡±

    Her son replied in his baby voice, ¡°Grandpa and grandma.¡±

    ¡°Do you like us the best?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Since you like us so much, don¡¯t leave with your mom. Will you stay with grandma and grandpa?¡±

 Chapter 2248 - Truly Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 2248: Truly Hurt</h4>

    ¡°Alright. Good boy. Go to sleep.¡±

    Hearing how her mother-inw taught her son, and how her father-inw didn¡¯t cut in, Li Yayan felt cold all over even though the room was heated.

    But Li Yayan had not brought up this matter to Wang Yang because she knew that Wang Yang was filial and might not even stand on her side or agree to let her bring their son away. Instead of upsetting Wang Yang again, Li Yayan had simply decided to bury this in her own mind.

    As the popr saying went, daughters-inw suffered until they became mothers-inw themselves.

    Li Yayan could only wait until she became the matriarch of the Wang family. Then, she would treat her parents-inw exactly how they had treated her!

    Li Yayan could never talk about such things to the Wang family. And her own family would probably say that her parents-inw were simply trying to help lighten her burden by taking care of her son. It would be better for her to head to the gym to maintain her figure or go for facials at beauty salons if she had any free time. There were throngs of women who would dly take her ce. Li Yayan had better know how fortunate she was.

    And neither was she willing to talk about such things to her close friends in Ping Cheng.

    Why?

    In their eyes, she had lucked out by marrying Wang Yang. Li Yayan had no intention of letting anyone know just how unhappy she was after marrying Wang Yang. Not about how she had never gained her father-inw¡¯s approval, how she had no say over her own son, or about how her parents-inw were stirring up trouble behind her back.

    Now that she had met Qiao Nan, Li Yayan felt that she had finally met someone she could pour her heart out and vent her grievances to.

    After hearing Li Yayan¡¯s rant, Qiao Nan poured no less than three sses of water for Li Yayan, for fear that she would get thirsty from speaking so much. Seeing Li Yayan in this manner, Qiao Nan finally believed just slightly that Li Yayan was indeed looking for a friend. Or should she say a tree hole to pour out her grievances to?

    Qiao Nan nearly suggested for Li Yayan to find a psychiatrist. It wasn¡¯t that Li Yayan was mentally unsound, but she needed someone to listen to her. Otherwise, she could simply believe in Jesus and confess to a priest.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, there are times I miss my son so much that I can¡¯t fall asleep. How could those old folks be so selfish and not even think about the child at all?¡±

    Qiao Nan handed Li Yayan another piece of tissue. Previously, it had been to wipe away her sweat. This time, it was naturally for her tears. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. Perhaps, you should find a chance to speak to your husband. Since it¡¯s for the good of your son, I¡¯m sure that your husband won¡¯t stubbornly stand by his parents¡¯ side for the sake of being filial since it affects the future of your son.¡±

    She could tell that Li Yayan¡¯s husband was not one who was whipped for his wife. It was exactly because of this that Li Yayan felt aggrieved. He treated her as an outsider because he was not on her side.

    ¡°Communication? I do want tomunicate with him, but he only listens to his parents. He never listens to me. I don¡¯t understand why he doesn¡¯t have an opinion of his own even now that he¡¯s all grown up. We¡¯re not even living with his parents. Why does he still have to listen to his parents all the time? Is he still a child?¡±

    If Wang Yang could be more decisive and bold in matters regarding her son, she would have brought her son over to the capital a long time ago. How nice it would be for their family to be living in the capital together.

    She didn¡¯t understand what Wang Yang was afraid of. Wang Yang had gotten to where he was not because of the Wang family, much less because of his father. To put it bluntly, if her mother-inw was not the daughter of the Zhu family, and Wang Yang the nephew of Zhu Chengqi, Wang Yang would never have gotten to where he was today.

    It was obviously thanks to the Zhu family that he had risen to his position, but Wang Yang was more willing to listen to his father. In fact, he wasn¡¯t even close to his uncle, Zhu Chengqi, who had helped him out. At times, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Wang Yang was a fool. If Wang Yang acknowledged that fact and had gotten closer to Zhu Chengqi, they might not even be in such a situation with Qiao Nan today.

    ¡°Have more water.¡± She had never expected Li Yayan to sob so uncontrobly and suddenly. With no other choice, Qiao Nan opened another pack of tissue for Li Yayan because the other had already been used up. ¡°Rehydrate yourself.¡± Whether it was through her saliva or tears, Li Yayan had already lost too much water from her body.

    It was important for women to hydrate themselves.

    In that way, Qiao Nan had listened to Li Yayan¡¯s monologue for almost an entire afternoon. Only when she had fifteen minutes left to ss did Qiao Nan interrupt Li Yayan, ¡°Li Yayan, I still have ss this afternoon¡­¡± So, she couldn¡¯t afford to continue listening to Li Yayan¡¯s nonsense any longer.

    Li Yayan felt that her eyelids were a little swollen. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for making you listen to my nonsense. Please hurry on for your ss. I feel much better now that I¡¯ve talked to you about that. Qiao Nan, if we get the chance in the future, can I invite you out for lunch again? I-I really need a friend who can listen to me. Qiao Nan, you should understand my feelings toward you, right? I¡¯ve always felt that you feel very familiar, as though I¡¯ve known you for a long time. Qiao Nan, are you sure we¡¯ve never met?¡±

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t be sure whether Li Yayan had truly not realized how simr they looked, or whether she was just pretending not to have noticed. Qiao Nan smiled and answered, ¡°Sure, if we get the chance.¡±

    Li Yayan had invited her for lunch three to four times before finally seeding. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t even be sure about when she would have time to have lunch with Li Yayan again. Since Li Yayan had such confidence, she wasn¡¯t in a ce to reject her either.

    ¡°Thank you, Qiao Nan. You¡¯d better hurry on to ss. I won¡¯t take up any more of your time. Bye!¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    Seeing Qiao Nan leave the restaurant, Li Yayan took out her cushion from her bag nervously. ¡°I¡¯m done for. I¡¯ve made my eyes so swollen. I really went all out today!¡±

    Deep down in her heart, Li Yayan knew that she had been trying to gain Qiao Nan¡¯s pity in the beginning. But as she continued, she had truly cried because she was feeling too miserable. That was why her eyelids had gotten so swollen.

 Chapter 2249 - Disgusting

    <h4>Chapter 2249: Disgusting</h4>

    That wouldn¡¯t do. She had to hurry and call the chauffeur to take her home so that she could rub eggs on her eyes to reduce the swelling.

    Her mom was right. Wang Yang had a good background. As long as the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance was settled, Wang Yang¡¯s conditions would only get better. She couldn¡¯t afford to let a vixen take her ce. She had to ensure that she was in tip-top condition at any moment.

    Forget it. She had better not head home to rub her eyes with eggs. It would be better for her to go straight to the beauty salon.

    When Li Yayan returned from the beauty salon, it was almost dinnertime for Wang Yang. ¡°Why are you back sote? Were you with Qiao Nan the whole time?¡± Hadn¡¯t she said that Qiao Nan had sses in the afternoon? Had Qiao Nan skipped ss just to spend time with Li Yayan?

    If that was the case, Wang Yang would have to teach Li Yayan a lesson. No matter how good their rtionship was, they couldn¡¯t do that! The Zhai family definitely wanted Qiao Nan to upgrade herself so that she wouldn¡¯t be an embarrassment to them. The Zhai family would definitely not stand in the way of Qiao Nan making friends. But if Li Yayan was a bad influence, they would definitely find a way to separate her from Qiao Nan!

    In fact, Qiao Nan might not even dare to talk to Li Yayan in the future if the Zhai family were to say something. If they went too far with their actions, it would only backfire.

    ¡°I wanted to, but Qiao Nan had sses in the afternoon. If not for her afternoon sses, I might not even have gotten the chance to have lunch with her. I had too much fun chatting with her, so I decided to go to the beauty salon in the afternoon.¡±

    Wang Yang had indeed smelled a fragrance that wasn¡¯t present at home on Li Yayan. As such, he knew that Li Yayan was not lying. However, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t understand the logic behind Li Yayan visiting the beauty salon because she had had too much fun with Qiao Nan. ¡°How was it with Qiao Nan today?¡± Wang Yang didn¡¯t care about anything else. All he cared about was how close Li Yayan had gotten to Qiao Nan.

    Li Yayan winked at Wang Yang and gestured an ¡®okay¡¯ sign. ¡°Qiao Nan refused to have a meal with me the previous two times, but today, she agreed to have lunch with me!¡±

    Wang Yang finally let out a smile toward Li Yayan. ¡°Not bad. But I¡¯d better remind you about something. I received a text today and it seems like Qiao Zijin has already bought a ticket to the capital. I¡¯m sure you know what that means. I didn¡¯t force you to break off your ties with your family even after getting married, and I¡¯ve always been helping your family out too. But there¡¯s a limit to everything. Your family¡¯s lives in the future will depend on how capable you are and how much effort you put in.¡±

    There weren¡¯t many men who liked women who always helped their own families out, and neither did he. In the past, Li Yayan had had to sacrifice her own interests if she wanted to help her own family out. As such, Wang Yang had never cared much about it. But Wang Yang would never tolerate anything more than that. He had never been a generous person anyway.

    A year ago, Li Yayan had discussed with Wang Yang about giving her brother a sum of money to make a down payment on a house. At that time, Wang Yang had not even uttered a word. His expression was clear enough to show his stance. It was true that that sum of money didn¡¯t mean much to the Wang family, but money didn¡¯t grow on trees.

    Why should his sister and brother-inw have to pay for his down payment if his own parents couldn¡¯t afford it? That made no sense!

    Of course, the moment she heard that Qiao Zijin headed for the capital, Li Yayan became nervous. The five million yuan determined whether her brother could buy a house and a car to get a wife and whether her parents would get a grandchild this year. The money belonged to their family, and no matter what, she wouldn¡¯t allow Qiao Zijin to have it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. I have my eye on Qiao Nan. Not only did we have lunch together today, but we even chatted for over an hour! I believe that it won¡¯t be long before we be friends.¡±

    Wang Yang nodded. ¡°Yayan, do you know why you¡¯re better than Qiao Zijin?¡±

    ¡°Yes, because Qiao Zijin¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan is worse than that between strangers. Although I¡¯ve only met Qiao Nan, I¡¯m sure that Qiao Nan has more trust in me and is more willing to get close to me than Qiao Zijin. So, I¡¯m sure that I have a higher chance of winning than Qiao Zijin, even though she may be Qiao Nan¡¯s sister.¡± Li Yayan was clear about that.

    If not for the fact that the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan was so atrocious, she would never have had the confidence of being able to get the five million yuan back from Qiao Zijin. When it came to Qiao Nan, she had much more confidence in herself than Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Zijin could do it, she would definitely be able to do it much more easily.

    Since she had a higher likelihood of seeding, there was no way Li Yayan was going to give up on that five million yuan before Qiao Zijin gave up.

    Wang Yang patted Li Yayan¡¯s elbow, agreeing with her.

    Qiao Zijin had absolutely no idea that Wang Yang had betrayed her and had even tasked his wife with such a mission of getting the five million yuan back after seeking her out. Having endured a tough year in Ping Cheng, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t wait to be back in the capital and to get the ten million yuan.

    With ten million yuan, she wouldn¡¯t have to suffer anymore even if she couldn¡¯t stay in the capital and be forced to return to Ping Cheng. When that time came, she wouldn¡¯t even bother about her parents even if they came begging her. Hadn¡¯t they favored Qiao Nan all along? Since that was the case, they had better not think of taking advantage of her once she got rich.

    Despite making that promise to herself, Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression did not lighten. She gazed out toward the prosperous capital and her stubbornness was apparent in her gaze. It didn¡¯t matter. She would depend on her own efforts and hard work to earn the ten million yuan. Then, she would live her own carefree life.

    At that moment, Qiao Zijin¡¯s phone rang. She took it out to see that Ding Jiayi had texted her. ¡°Have you arrived in the capital safely?¡±

    Qiao Zijin let out a cold sneer, with no intention of replying to Ding Jiayi¡¯s message. If her mom was so worried about her, why had she refused to make the trip with her no matter how much she had asked?

    If her mom really loved her, she should have taken the initiative to apany her to the capital and persuade Qiao Nan to ept Wang Yang¡¯s proposal. She had been forced toe to the capital alone and fight the battle alone and yet, her mom was now being a hypocrite and asking about her. How disgusting!

 Chapter 2250 - Feeling Regretful

    <h4>Chapter 2250: Feeling Regretful</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t reply to Ding Jiayi¡¯s Weixin. Ding Jiayi waited and waited. She couldn¡¯t help but give Qiao Zijin a call. ¡°Hello? Zijin, it¡¯s Mom. Have you reached the capital?¡±

    Upon receiving Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, Qiao Zijin thought that since she no longer had to pay for her mobile bills anymore, it was alright for her to receive her mom¡¯s long-distance call. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask me if I found a ce to live in in this big capital?¡± She was already an adult. Could it be that she would get lost? It wasn¡¯t important if she had reached the capital. It was more important to find a ce to live after arriving in the capital.

    Since Qiao Zijin had already asked so, Ding Jiayi could only ask, ¡°Have you found a ce to live in? You should have reached quite early today. If it¡¯s really difficult, make do at a small hotel tonight first. You can find a house again tomorrow.¡± What time was it now? The intermediaries should have been closed. How was she going to find a house?

    Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. ¡°Alright. If you¡¯re really concerned about where I¡¯m going to stay, you should have apanied me to the capital. If you had, would you have to worry about where I¡¯m going to live? By then, you could take care of me yourself. I know that you and Dad only have Qiao Nan in your hearts now. If you don¡¯t want to make this call, then don¡¯t. Don¡¯t say these hypocritical words deliberately to disgust me. Do you think I don¡¯t have enough troubles right now?¡±

    She obviously knew that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t mean this. However, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t willing toe over to the capital to apany her and wasn¡¯t willing to help her convince Qiao Nan so that she could earn ten million yuan. At this time, Ding Jiayi had already be Qiao Zijin¡¯s most hated person. Even if she was thinking about Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have felt so terrible.

    To Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t a trouble. Qiao Nan represented ten million yuan. She was her god of fortune.

    It was precisely because of this that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t care what Ding Jiayi was thinking about. She used these hurtful words on Ding Jiayi as she wanted her to feel terrible. Since Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t going to make her happy, on what basis should she say coaxing words to make her happy and let her live peacefully in Ping Cheng?

    Furthermore, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t willing to apany her to the capital. That meant she didn¡¯t care about her. Since she didn¡¯t care about her or love her, why was she asking her about her house now? Wasn¡¯t that being hypocritical?

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi felt extremely ufortable. ¡°Zijin, you obviously know that this isn¡¯t the case. Aside from myself, the person I love the most in this lifetime is you. If I don¡¯t love you, who else do I love?¡±

    She sacrificed more for Zijinpared to Old Qiao. As for Qiao Nan, she didn¡¯t sacrifice anything for her at all.

    She didn¡¯t love Zijin? She gave all her maternal love to her elder daughter, alright? Zijin said such hurting words. Did she want her to lead a miserable life?

    ¡°I definitely believe that you love yourself. You love me? Mom, do you think I¡¯m a three-year-old? Alright, keep those words. In our family, aside from Dad who¡¯s willing to be coaxed by you, Qiao Nan and I don¡¯t buy your tactics. We know what kind of person you are. Spouses are the ones apanying each other in their old age. You only need your man by your side. Qiao Nan¡¯s a fool. You treated her so badly when she was young, but when you¡¯re old, she¡¯s willing to provide for you and take care of you. Of course you would be bold. I¡¯m not that good-tempered. You don¡¯t acknowledge me as your daughter. I¡¯ll just treat it that God raised me. After leaving the capital this time, I won¡¯t be heading back to Ping Cheng. I¡¯ll also change this mobile number. Don¡¯t find me again in the future.¡±

    If she didn¡¯t do anything concrete, her mom would really think that she was joking.

    After saying these words, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t give Ding Jiayi any time to react. She immediately hung up the call. She also changed her mobile number. After reaching the capital, she copied the important numbers to her phone and bought a local SIM card in the capital.

    At this time, Qiao Zijin deliberately waited for the call with Ding Jiayi to be over before pulling out the chip neatly from the phone and throwing it into the rubbish bin. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t top up any money to this phone number during the new year. Otherwise, it would be a pity to waste the additional phone charges.

    After doing this, Qiao Zijin hummed a tune and went to find a small hotel that she was going to stay in tonight.

    Qiao Zijin understood it in her heart that this matter wouldn¡¯t be finished just like that. She had said such ruthless words. Her mom would definitely be frightened. Her mom wouldn¡¯t be able to call her in the future. Wouldn¡¯t she be worried and scared?

    In the capital, aside from finding Qiao Nan for help, there wasn¡¯t anyone else her mom could find. As such, she would be able to meet Qiao Nan soon.

    This was what Qiao Zijin had thought of on her way to the capital. Aside from this, Qiao Zijin simply couldn¡¯t think of any other ways where she coulde into contact with Qiao Nan and persuade her to know her limits and know when to stop.

    Just as Qiao Zijin expected, Ding Jiayi wanted to call her again to persuade her not to be so stubborn and say such hurtful words. Who knew that the call didn¡¯t get through? In other words, once Qiao Zijin changed her phone number, Ding Jiayi had lost all contact with her.

    Even if Qiao Zijin was already forty-three years old this year, Ding Jiayi basically treated her as a thirteen-year-old, showering her with care and concern. The situation suddenly changed. How would Ding Jiayi feel at ease? She immediately became anxious and went to find Qiao Dongliang for help. ¡°Old Qiao, Zijin threw tantrums with me just now. She said that I don¡¯t care about her and I don¡¯t love her. She¡¯s not going to return to Ping Cheng anymore. She even said that she¡¯s going to change her phone number and asked me not to keep in contact with her. When I called again, she¡¯s really not picking up. Old Qiao, what do you think we should do?¡±

    The capital was so big and there were so many people. How was it easy to lead a life in the capital? More importantly, in a ce like that, how was Zijin going to live on her own? What if she ran into bad people? What if she ran into an ident and her family couldn¡¯t be contacted? What should Zijin do?

    Ding Jiayi nearly scared herself to death with such thoughts. At this moment, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t wait for her to grow out a pair of wings so that she could fly to the capital and find Qiao Zijin.

    If she had known that Qiao Zijin would do this, Ding Jiayi expressed that she¡¯d rather spend money on two more tickets so that she could send Qiao Zijin to the capital and apany her to find a house before returning to Ping Cheng.

 Chapter 2251 - Not Allowed

    <h4>Chapter 2251: Not Allowed</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It would be impossible for her to stay in the capital to apany Qiao Zijin. Her roots were in Ping Cheng and Old Qiao was in Ping Cheng. Why would she stay in the capital?

    The problem was that she really didn¡¯t expect Qiao Zijin to be so bad-tempered this time around. She changed her phone number immediately and there wasn¡¯t any room for negotiation.

    ¡°Alright, Zijin is already an adult. Would she not know her limits? She has so many ideas and tricks up her sleeve. Do you need to worry about her?¡± After knowing about this situation, Qiao Dongliang was both angry and anxious. His inner thoughts weren¡¯t as indifferent as what he had said.

    He was angry because Qiao Zijin was already an adult and going to be a grandma in a few years¡¯ time. Why was she so childish and insisted on doing things that made people worry? It was really enough. She was going to be a grandma soon but was so stubborn. There was really no cure for her. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault to pamper Zijin until she became like that. Now, do you know how to be anxious and worried? In the past, why didn¡¯t you think of educating Zijin well? You¡¯re suffering now because you had spoiled her in the first ce!¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was really annoyed at everything rted to Qiao Zijin. She was unfilial, insensible, and often caused trouble to the family. If not for her being his biological daughter, Qiao Dongliang really wanted to ignore her. It was just that in the face of what Qiao Zijin did, Qiao Dongliang knew that even if he wanted to bother about her, he didn¡¯t have the ability to.

    Did Qiao Zijin want his care and concern? No. What did Qiao Zijin want? She wanted lots of money to squander. Qiao Zijin never wanted a dad or a mom. If they listened to Qiao Zijin¡¯s words and went to the capital, causing them trouble was the least of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s worries. Qiao Dongliang was worried that Qiao Zijin¡¯s goal was Qiao Nan.

    He and Ding Jiayi had already been disturbed by Qiao Zijin. He couldn¡¯t possibly help Qiao Zijin disturb Qiao Nan and force her to agree to Qiao Zijin¡¯s countless demands, right? Qiao Nan would lead a miserable life then.

    Let¡¯s not first say if he would do this. After going through so many things, Qiao Dongliang faintly understood that if his or Ding Jiayi¡¯s requests were reasonable, Qiao Nan would agree to them. However, if they weren¡¯t reasonable, even if they were her biological parents, Qiao Nan might not be willing to care about them.

    So be it that she was kicking up a fuss. Anyway, it wasn¡¯t the first time.

    Two years ago, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had made such big news in Ping Cheng and appeared on TV a few times. They had long thrown all of Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Let¡¯s not talk about affection. What affection was there to speak of in their family? At the very most, they were just maintaining a little superficial contact.

    Back then, Qiao Nan could take all her money and leave Ping Cheng without a word to live in another ce. If anyone forced Qiao Nan too hard, even if she was now married to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan could still use the same method to avoid the Qiao family.

    If Qiao Nan was really cornered, she could do anything. She had survived being alone for so many years. If they really kicked up a fuss such that Qiao Nan could no longer stay in the Zhai family anymore and had to divorce Zhai Sheng, she could simrly lead a good life alone.

    If things really became like this, they wouldn¡¯t be able to find Qiao Zijin today and Qiao Nan tomorrow. Qiao Zijin was different. She would alwayse back if she ran into difficulties. If Qiao Nan ran away, she would nevere back.

    Based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s character, would she care if Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi ran into difficulties? No. Not only would Qiao Zijin not care about Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, but she might even run farther than Qiao Nan and hide herself well. By then, it would be as if they had never given birth to two daughters. They would even have to go to nursing homes and trouble the country¡¯s people to take care of them.

    Upon thinking that things were likely to develop into this situation, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart was dead.

    As long as they ignored Qiao Zijin now, he and Ding Jiayi were still left with Qiao Nan. If they bothered about Qiao Zijin and listened to her words to cause Qiao Nan trouble, they would be left with no daughters.

    Qiao Zijin could be so selfish. Who couldn¡¯t be? At this age, Qiao Dongliang only wanted to lead a peaceful life. He simply didn¡¯t have the energy to apany Qiao Zijin and help her lead the life that she wanted.

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t do.¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have the same determination as Qiao Dongliang. Upon thinking that Qiao Zijin was unfamiliar with the capital, didn¡¯t have any friends there, and wasn¡¯t close to the only rtive she had there, Ding Jiayi was so anxious that she felt that her heart was going to explode. ¡°No, I¡¯m worried if we can¡¯t contact Zijin. I¡¯ll not be able to sleep at night. No matter what, I have to first confirm that Zijin is safe.¡±

    ¡°Confirm? How are you going to confirm?¡± Qiao Dongliang faked a smile. ¡°Are you going to buy a ne ticket to rush to the capital to find your precious daughter?¡±

    ¡°How could I buy a ne ticket?¡± Ding Jiayi rolled her eyes. That was extremely expensive, alright? ¡°It¡¯s not as if we don¡¯t have family in the capital. Furthermore, that person will definitely be of help in the capital and help us find Zijin. It¡¯s alright. You don¡¯t have to care about this. I¡¯ll find her myself.¡±

    To be honest, upon knowing that Qiao Zijin lost contact with her in the capital, Ding Jiayi was both nervous and scared. There was no choice. Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan in the capital? Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and Zhai Sheng was the chief. As long as Qiao Nan went to find Qiao Zijin, the Zhai family could definitely call out a bunch of people to help them. As long as the Zhai family was around, did they have to be afraid that they couldn¡¯t find Qiao Zijin? Also, with the Zhai family around, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need to worry if Qiao Zijin would be bullied or harmed in the capital.

    ¡°¡­¡± Indeed, this matter concerned Nan Nan again. ¡°No, you¡¯re not allowed to find Nan Nan. This matter has nothing to do with Nan Nan. It¡¯s not as if Qiao Zijin ran into some danger or an ident that she lost contact with you. She deliberately ignored you. She¡¯s already treating you like this but you¡¯re still concerned about her. Did you forget what I said just now? You¡¯ve spoiled her. She should have long guessed that you would definitely find Nan Nan for help, thus she changed her phone number. If she wants to stay in the capital, she has to get Nan Nan¡¯s help. You¡¯re such a good mother to Qiao Zijin. No matter what, you would have ways to pass her adder such that she could climb up a big tree.¡±

    ¡°Old Qiao, why are your words so ugly? I didn¡¯t think of doing so many things.. I just want Qiao Nan to help me find Zijin to confirm that she is safe.¡±

 Chapter 2252 - Made a Phone Call

    <h4>Chapter 2252: Made a Phone Call</h4>

    ¡°As to what happens after, I¡¯m not going to care. I won¡¯t force Qiao Nan to do ording to what Zijin says. I¡¯ve said before that I would lead a good life with you and try not to do anything to make you angry. Zijin is alone outside. I don¡¯t believe that your inner thoughts are as ruthless as what you¡¯ve said and you don¡¯t care at all.¡±

    ¡°No, Zijin¡¯s banking on this idea. If you¡¯re really concerned about Qiao Zijin¡¯s safety, I¡¯d rather you go to the capital, find her yourself, ande back only after you see for yourself that she¡¯s safe. I don¡¯t allow you to call Nan Nan.¡± No means no. He obviously knew that this was Qiao Zijin¡¯s trick. If they really did so, Qiao Zijin would have seeded. What were his previous efforts and Old Ding¡¯s insistence then? Wouldn¡¯t they all go to waste?

    ¡°Old Qiao, can you not be so stubborn? You can¡¯t possibly wait until the day that something really happened to Zijin in the capital that you feel regretful that you didn¡¯t confirm her safety, right? She¡¯s our biological daughter. How can we be so stubborn and ignore herpletely?¡± In the past, it could be said that she had cared too much. However, she couldn¡¯tpletely let go now and not care at all.

    Qiao Dongliang was extremely irritated. ¡°You said that you wanted to lead a good life with me. You already know my thoughts. I can¡¯t control what you want to do. However, if you do it, don¡¯t regret it. It¡¯s still the same thing. If we can¡¯t live our lives together, it¡¯s alright that we don¡¯t!¡±

    This time, Qiao Dongliang really gritted his teeth and wasn¡¯t willing to care about Qiao Zijin anymore. Qiao Nan¡¯s situation now was different from the past. In the past, Qiao Nan was alone. Now, she was a mother of three.

    Even if Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t consider for Qiao Nan, he had to for his three grandchildren. No matter what it was, as long as Qiao Zijin was involved, things wouldn¡¯t recover. For the sake of his three grandchildren, Nan Nan couldn¡¯t be involved in this matter no matter what.

    Qiao Dongliang could control himself. However, Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands and mouth were on her body. If Ding Jiayi really wanted to do so, Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t stop her. However, Qiao Dongliang had already said firmly that if Ding Jiayi were to do so, everything that they had discussed before would be in vain. From then on, they would lead their own lives.

    Ding Jiayi felt helpless that Qiao Dongliang said such words. She didn¡¯t understand. In this family, why were her daughter and husband so stubborn? There wasn¡¯t any room for discussion at all.

    However, a husband was a husband and a daughter was a daughter. Ding Jiayi naturally didn¡¯t dare to make this call in front of Qiao Dongliang. However, what if she did so behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back?

    In the end, Ding Jiayi did make this call. She felt that Qiao Zijin was also Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter. If something happened to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang would definitely feel miserable. By then, Qiao Dongliang might even me himself. It seemed that no matter what was going to happen, she would be the scapegoat.

    Since this was already the situation, what else was there for her to feel troubled over? She would make this call. She couldn¡¯t possibly ignore Qiao Zijin.

    It was a pity that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have that bit of self-consciousness. She felt that Qiao Zijin was her daughter. Qiao Nan was also her daughter. She didn¡¯t get Qiao Nan to do anything difficult. She only wanted to confirm Qiao Zijin¡¯s safety. Qiao Nan shouldn¡¯t refuse. After all, it was only a small matter.

    It was just that when the Zhai family¡¯s auntie received Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, she didn¡¯t transfer it to Qiao Nan for her to listen. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s already sote. Qiao Nan and the children are already asleep. If there¡¯s anything, please call again another time.¡±

    After saying this, the auntie hung up Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. After that, she snorted. ¡°Since Qiao Nan got pregnant until she gave birth andpleted her confinement, this mother didn¡¯t even make a call to ask about her, let alone visit her.¡±

    If Ding Jiayi only had a daughter in her heart, why was she calling Qiao Nan? It was good if everyone treated one another as strangers. After hanging up the call, the auntie didn¡¯t mention this call to Qiao Nan. After all, when this call was made, Qiao Nan was indeed sleeping with the three children.

    What was different was that after Qiao Nan coaxed the three children to sleep, she was still revising her homework. There was a small test of some sorts. However, why would the auntie share this with Ding Jiayi so clearly? She just told her that Qiao Nan was asleep. If a simple sentence could resolve the matter, why bother wasting her breath? There was no need to do so, especially toward Ding Jiayi.

    The next day when Qiao Nan woke up, she got ready to go to school after taking care of the three children. Then, she received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call. ¡°Hello? Dad? Why are you calling me at this hour?¡± The problem was that she was rushing to school now.

    Thankfully, after being married to the Zhai family, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to take public transport. She could go to school in her own car. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to pick up this call. ¡°Dad, is something wrong?¡± Otherwise, her dad shouldn¡¯t have picked this time to call her.

    On the other end, Qiao Dongliang seemed hesitant. After hesitating for a long time, he said, ¡°Did your mom call you?¡± Needless to ask, Qiao Dongliang also guessed that Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t hold back. With this call, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know if he wanted to be angry with Ding Jiayi or wanted to see Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude and reaction.

    ¡°My mom?¡± Qiao Nan paused in her action of wearing shoes. She turned back and looked at the auntie. ¡°Auntie, did you pick up any calls from my family?¡± Her dad had her phone number, but not Ding Jiayi. She believed that her dad wouldn¡¯t dare to give her number to her. As such, Ding Jiayi could only call thendline at home.

    The auntie didn¡¯t feel guilty. ¡°Yes, she called yesterday night. It was sote then. You and the triplets were already resting. She didn¡¯t say what it was about, so I asked her to call again.¡± As for the timing, the auntie said it very vaguely, aiming at Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Qiao Nan replied indifferently. She didn¡¯t have the intention to me the auntie at all. As long as it was possible, she didn¡¯t want to pick up Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. ¡°Dad, the auntie said that she did call me. Is anything else the matter?¡±

    In front of the Qiao family, Qiao Nan had learned well. Qiao Dongliang only asked if Ding Jiayi had called her. As such, she only had to answer this question of his. As to why Ding Jiayi would call her in the middle of the night or why she was calling, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t ask.

 Chapter 2253 - A Suggestion

    <h4>Chapter 2253: A Suggestion</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Dongliang sighed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else. You can go ahead and do whatever you need to. Everything¡¯s fine in the family. You don¡¯t have to worry about us.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang was, of course, worried about his daughter, Qiao Zijin. His years of experience told him that it wouldn¡¯t end so easily once Qiao Zijin had something up his sleeve. All he could do wasfort himself that Qiao Zijin would be fine. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t that smart academically, but she was street-smart. As such, she would definitely be able to find solutions to her own problems.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m hanging up, then.¡± Qiao Dongliang knew that he would be wasting his breath, so he simply hung up.

    After hanging up the phone, Qiao Nan quickly tossed the matter to the back of his mind. She knew that Qiao Dongliang would never hesitate nor keep it from her if the matter was truly urgent. Before getting married, she had never been the one who created the problems, but she had always been the one solving them. The Qiao family was already used to relying on her. They had never considered whether they would be able to solve the problem without bringing her into the picture.

    Realizing that, Qiao Nan was in quite a good mood on the way to school.

    ¡°Here, Qiao Nan!¡± As soon as Qiao Nan got out of the ssroom, she bumped into Li Yayan again. Every time Qiao Nan had sses in the afternoon, Li Yayan would ¡®coincidentally¡¯ be there to meet Qiao Nan. Thankfully, Li Yayan was no princess in front of Qiao Nan. It was only because her ss had endedte that Qiao Nan had been forced to head out instead of eating in the canteen the previous time. Normally, Qiao Nan would simply settle for the food in the canteen. ¡°I heard that there¡¯s braised pork in the canteen today. But we¡¯ll have to hurry. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be sold out by the time we get there.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes glimmered. The canteen was rather famous for their braised pork. For Qiao Nan who needed to replenish her energy, there was nothing better than meat. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    The pair rushed down to the canteen and Qiao Nan ordered a double portion of braised pork. Qiao Nan salivated upon looking at the delicious and fragrant dish.

    Unlike the greedy Qiao Nan, Li Yayan was much more graceful. Apart from the lean portion of meat, she simply threw the fatty meat aside. Li Yayan nced and sized Qiao Nan up as she ate. Wang Yang had told her that Qiao Zijin had arrived in the capital the day before. So, had Qiao Zijin gotten in contact with Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, did you know I met a close friend from my hometown who was here for a holiday recently? I had a lot of fun with her for a few days!¡±

    ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s great.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you spend a few more days with her? Has she returned to your hometown?¡± If she didn¡¯t have lunch in school, she would never bump into Li Yayan. As such, Qiao Nan was still unclear of whether Li Yayan was actually a student of this school.

    Li Yayan smiled and took another bite of her meal. After giving it a few chews, she replied, ¡°People at our age have their own families and careers. I¡¯m not working, but she has to return to work. It¡¯s only because she umted quite a lot of vacation days that it would be a waste to give them up. That¡¯s why she went on a vacation. Apart from the capital, she visited other cities for a total of seven days too. If she didn¡¯t return, she would probably have been fired!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Li Yayan had not talked about her friend for nothing. She had done so to bring up the topic of Qiao Zijin. But even after Li Yayan finished, Qiao Nan seemed to have no intention of mentioning Qiao Zijin at all. Did that mean that Qiao Nan had no idea that Qiao Zijin was in the capital?

    Just as expected, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t share a close rtionship with Qiao Nan. She hadn¡¯t even contacted Qiao Nan after reaching the capital yesterday. She couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that the sisters weren¡¯t close. Otherwise, the five million yuan would never be hers.

    Because of their poor rtionship, Li Yayan was confident of getting the five million yuan. ¡°Oh right, I haven¡¯t heard you mention your family. I¡¯m actually quite envious of you. Although I don¡¯t have to work, I have so many things to worry about at home. My husband ran into some troubletely, and I feel so bad watching on from the sidelines, so I had no choice but to help him out. Have you ever encountered such a situation?¡±

    Qiao Nan wiped her mouth. Alright, she had always joked that her inws were like rice buckets. But now that she had married into the family, she was truly a rice bucket whenpared to Li Yayan. ¡°My family¡¯s alright. My husband is quite capable and he solves any problem he encounters himself. If I encounter any problems, he¡¯ll help me too. I never have to worry about him. Of course, every couple is different, and I think you have quite a good rtionship with your husband. Whether or not you can help, it¡¯s always good to have someone around.¡±

    Li Yayan felt like pping herself. She had never expected Qiao Nan to give such an answer. She also hoped that she would have a husband who could handle everything for her. But Wang Yang¡¯s kindness toward her had always been limited and conditional. It had never been so simple.

    ¡°What¡¯s good about that? I¡¯ve never been able to help even when he¡¯s in trouble. Sometimes, I even frustrate him even more. I¡¯m upset that I¡¯m so useless, but there¡¯s nothing I can do about that. Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t you give me some advice on what I can help my husband with?¡± Only Qiao Nan alone would be able toe up with a good solution.

    Qiao Nan was confused. ¡°What can I possibly do if even you can¡¯t solve the problem?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t they say that two heads are better than one?¡± As long as Qiao Nan was willing, they woulde up with a solution to this problem at any moment. But she wondered if Qiao Nan would agree to it.

    Qiao Nan picked up her ss and smiled meaningfully. Li Yayan had finally shown her true nature. ¡°Alright. I can¡¯t promise that I have a n, but if you want to talk about it, I can be a listener, at least. Perhaps, I could even give my analysis on the matter.¡±

    Qiao Nan was curious about the kind of person Li Yayan was.

    Of course, Qiao Nan knew that Li Yayan had an ulterior motive for approaching her, but she didn¡¯t immediately ask for Zhai Sheng¡¯s help. Zhai Sheng had enough to deal with in the military, and she didn¡¯t think that Li Yayan was being too much of a bother. She could easily deal with Li Yayan herself.

    ¡°Well, my husband met with some obstacles in his career.¡±

 Chapter 2254 - Refusing to Take the Bait

    <h4>Chapter 2254: Refusing to Take the Bait</h4>

    ¡°Someone¡¯s in the way of my husband¡¯s career development and my husband wants to make apromise so that both parties will be able to benefit from the situation. That way, everyone can remain friends in the future. The infuriating thing is that the other party is particrly stubborn and refuses to give in. The other party insists on fighting with my husband. How do you think we can resolve this matter?¡±

    Qiao Nan raised her eyebrow deliberately. Did that mean that Li Yayan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s rival¡¯s wife? Who was trying to snatch Zhai Sheng¡¯s position? There didn¡¯t seem to be anyone. Hadn¡¯t Zhai Sheng nearly reached the top? Who could Li Yayan¡¯s husband be fighting against?

    Apart from her parents-inw and Zhai Sheng, the only candidate left was her and Zhai Hua. So, was she or Zhai Hua the one in Li Yayan¡¯s husband¡¯s way? After giving it some thought, Qiao Nan felt that it was more likely for Zhai Hua to be the one.

    She was no longer that female minister of foreign affairs she had been in her dream. Now, she didn¡¯t even have an official job. Why would she have gotten into a conflict with anyone? On the other hand, Zhai Hua moved around quite a lot while she was in Ping Cheng because she wanted to prepare Jiajia¡¯s dowry. In that case, did Li Yayan¡¯s family think so highly of her to think that she would have influence over Zhai Hua?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t you give me a suggestion?¡±

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°This won¡¯t be so easily settled. You were so vague about it, so I¡¯m not too clear about the circumstances either. Without that, I might be dragging you down instead of helping you. Without a full understanding of the situation, it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to make anyments either.¡±

    Li Yayan had been rather vague, and all she had understood was that someone was trying to snatch something from Li Yayan¡¯s husband. She had no idea what or why that person was snatching that away. Although Li Yayan had used the word ¡®snatch¡¯, it could be fighting over it instead of snatching it in reality. If they werepeting fairly, it would be unfair toward the other party if she were to make a suggestion.

    Besides, what Li Yayan was truly after might not even have been her suggestion but her influence. Whether Li Yayan¡¯s husband was after Zhai Hua and the Zhai family¡¯s position or not, Li Yayan¡¯s husband would definitely have a high chance of winning if she were to make use of her status as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. But Qiao Nan refused to even be involved in the Qiao family¡¯s matters, so why would she interfere in someone else¡¯s affairs?

    ¡°Actually, your husband is quite capable himself. You don¡¯t have to worry on his behalf.¡± If he was incapable and couldn¡¯t win against the other party, then the problemy in him.

    Li Yayan was naturally dissatisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s answer. ¡°Qiao Nan, what¡¯s needed here aren¡¯t real abilities. Logically, it should belong to my husband. It¡¯s just that someone¡¯s stirring up trouble.¡± If not for the will that Zhu Chengqi had left behind, everything of the Zhu family should have gone to her husband. Then, there would have been none of this trouble.

    It was because of this will that her husband had run into some trouble.

    If they went ahead with thewsuit and Wang Yang applied to freeze the Zhu family¡¯s assets, Qiao Nan would not be able to use a single cent of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. The problem was that their family wouldn¡¯t have ess to it either. But money was lifeless while humans were alive. The connections Zhu Chengqi had left behind would be even harder to manipte than his money.

    Thinking about how all of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s personal connections would be the Zhai family¡¯s if she were any slower, Li Yayan was frantic. Whether it was money or power, Wang Yang wanted it all.

    Even if he couldn¡¯t have all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to himself as he had intended on, at least eighty percent would be his. Since he wasn¡¯t willing to share those personal connections with Qiao Nan, the only way of getting rid of her was with money.

    ¡°Someone stirring up trouble?¡± Qiao Nanughed helplessly. ¡°I think this matter sounds ratherplicated. If you really care about your husband, you should simply spend more time with him. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll figure a way out. After all, this concerns his career and everything he desires, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Sorry, but Li Yayan had better not have any ideas of taking advantage of her. That was impossible. She was truly curious about whom Li Yayan¡¯s husband was. Li Yayan had spared no effort in trying to rope her in. She had yed the long game to entice her. Not only had she spent a lot of effort but also a lot of time. This could only mean that Li Yayan¡¯s husband was after quite a lot.

    This wouldn¡¯t do. Once she got away from Li Yayan, she would call Zhai Hua and ask about her situation.

    Li Yayan had thought that they were close friends now that she had had many meals with Qiao Nan and had even gossiped with Qiao Nan.

    Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan try to help her out as a friend? Even if she couldn¡¯t think of a solution, she should scold that person who was causing trouble for her and Wang Yang, and who was even stealing their things, at the very least!

    But who would have expected Qiao Nan to respond so calmly, saying that she was not in the position toment on the matter? Li Yayan had not even been able to achieve her goals. Hearing that her family had run into such trouble, Qiao Nan had no intention of showing her hatred or indignation to her enemy. Li Yayan had to resist the urge to ask, ¡°It¡¯s been such a long time. Do you even treat me as a friend?¡±

    But Li Yayan suppressed that urge. She couldn¡¯t just ask that question out of the blue. Even Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have the right to be willful toward Qiao Nan. Even if Qiao Nan really saw her as a true friend, Qiao Nan would surely not tolerate her if she angered her. In that case, all of her previous efforts would go to waste.

    If the result would already be that terrible if she was Qiao Nan¡¯s friend, Li Yayan felt that she might face a huge blow or even vomit blood if Qiao Nan¡¯s answer was in the negative.

    In order to protect what she had worked hard for, as well as her own health, Li Yayan stopped herself from asking such a sensitive and dangerous question. She had better not ask such a question impulsively, not even if she was serious about it.

    ¡°Li Yayan, it¡¯s about time. I need to get some books from the library. You can help yourself.¡± Apart from chatting during meals, Li Yayan would wisely take her leave as soon as Qiao Nan wanted to concentrate on her reading, in case she annoyed Qiao Nan by staying by her side.

    ¡°Alright. Goodbye. Let¡¯s talk next time.¡± It didn¡¯t matter that she had failed this time. There would still be another chance. She had already expected that it wouldn¡¯t be so easy to seed in this matter. But seeing the situation now, Li Yayan had a tinge of regret. As expected, things were not going that smoothly, but at least, she didn¡¯t feel too disappointed.

 Chapter 2255 - Unreliable Thoughts

    <h4>Chapter 2255: Unreliable Thoughts</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Bye.¡± Qiao Nan carried her books and left. After confirming that Li Yayan didn¡¯t follow her, Qiao Nan contacted Zhai Hua as quickly as possible. However, the result surprised her. ¡°Oh. So it turns out that your situation is like this.¡±

    Based on what Zhai Hua said, she shouldn¡¯t be the one who had blocked Li Yayan¡¯s husband¡¯s way. After all, Zhai Hua had more than onepetitor. Also, Zhai Hua spoke with her strength. Among all thepetitors, she was the one who was most confident. There was no such thing as who this should belong to or who made trouble.

    ¡°Are the triplets alright?¡± Under the influence of her daughter, Zhai Hua became very concerned with her nephews and niece as well. ¡°Did they grow bigger again? Do you know that ever since Jiajia returned from the capital, she has been asking about them every day? Thankfully, she¡¯s spending more time in school than at home. Otherwise, from the way she¡¯s asking, I would definitely be annoyed to death.¡±

    Jiajia¡¯s unprecedented love for the younger siblings made Zhai Hua feel impulsive. Why didn¡¯t she find another man and give birth to another child for Jiajia to y with? She was no longer young and was older than Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have problems when she gave birth to three children at one go. Her physical condition was much better than Qiao Nan¡¯s. Anyway, their family didn¡¯t have the genes for multiple births. It shouldn¡¯t be a problem for her to give birth to just one more.

    Not only did Zhai Hua, this unreliable mother, dare to think about everything, but she even dared to share everything with Jiajia.

    Thankfully, although Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t reliable, Jiajia was pretty reliable. Jiajia said that if there¡¯s a mother, there must be a father. She was an adult and things were tooplicated, thus she could ept the fact that her parents were divorced so quickly. If her mom just wanted to give birth to another child, there really wasn¡¯t a need to. She didn¡¯t want the younger sibling to be a second her.

    One couldn¡¯t continue to lead a life so casually. Most importantly, who would take care of the child when they were born? She had to go to school, her mom had to do business, and there was only a nanny left in the house.

    Even if the auntie at her grandma¡¯s house looked good, her grandparents were at home and her aunt spent quite some time with the three children, thus there wasn¡¯t a need to worry. The problem was that based on their family situation, wouldn¡¯t her younger brother or sister suffer if the nanny they hired wasn¡¯t good and had the habit of abusing children? She¡¯d rather her mom not give birth.

    Jiajia raised a few realistic and difficult-to-solve questions consecutively. Initially, Zhai Hua just wanted to crack a joke. Now, she didn¡¯t even need to think about it. Also, not only was this joke not funny, but it was simplyme.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that Zhai Hua and Jiajia had such a funny conversation. Her mind was still thinking about Li Yayan¡¯s matters. ¡°Yes, they have grown quite a bit. They are quite meaty and heavy now. Mom finds it a struggle to carry them now. I think in two or three months¡¯ time, I won¡¯t be able to carry them either. It¡¯s an issue if they grow too well.¡±

    Not only were the three children growing vertically now, but they were also growing horizontally. Their weight would really be¡­

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I still have lessons in the afternoon. I¡¯ll not chat with you anymore. The next time Jiajia is back, let¡¯s do a video call so that Jiajia can see her younger siblings?¡±

    ¡°Sure. Don¡¯t worry and go to school. If there¡¯s anything, remember to find me.¡± Zhai Hua really acknowledged Qiao Nan as a family from the bottom of her heart. She knew that in this family, Qiao Nan was the weakest member. As such, she wasn¡¯t stingy with her in terms of help. It was just that when she thought of how everything from the Zhu family would soon be Qiao Nan¡¯s, Zhai Huaughed again. By then, perhaps it would be her who shouldn¡¯t be so polite and find Qiao Nan if she ran into trouble instead.

    For Qiao Nan, an afternoon of lessons was over in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Nan Nan, you¡¯re back?¡± Miao Jing was carrying one in her arms and another one was lying next to her. There was also another one who was beside her feet, using both hands and legs to crawl like a worm. Three chubby children surrounded Miao Jing, and she felt that she was the happiest olddy in the world. ¡°Nan Nan, look. Is Da Bao considered to know how to climb now? You don¡¯t know how forceful San Bao¡¯s kicks were just now as well. Our children are growing well. They would definitely learn to walk earlier than other children.¡±

    As she said this, Miao Jing touched San Bao¡¯s chubby legs again. She couldn¡¯t grab hold of San Bao¡¯s thigh with one hand anymore. Miao Jing patted her legs in pity, ¡°San Bao, you are a youngdy, after all. When you grow up, you have to be beautiful, alright?¡±

    The triplets, who knew how to recognize people now, only knew that their mom was back. How would they listen to what their grandma said? San Bao even twisted her body and opened her arms to Qiao Nan, asking for a hug.

    Qiao Nan avoided it. ¡°I¡¯m not going to hug the smelly San Bao.¡±

    ¡°Gegege¡­¡± How would San Bao understand what her mom was talking about? However, she understood that she was ying with her. ¡°Ah!¡± She wanted a hug!

    ¡°Fat little girl.¡± Qiao Nan carried San Bao and couldn¡¯t help but give her a kiss on her tofu-like skin. ¡°San Bao, what did you do with your two brothers today? Were you obedient? Did you give grandpa and grandma trouble?¡± After asking San Bao, Qiao Nan looked at Miao Jing. ¡°Mom, did the three children throw tantrums today?¡±

    The triplets were still young now. They wouldn¡¯t understand reason. It wasn¡¯t easy to control their tempers. If they really became stubborn, it would just be ying the lute to a cow. If one wanted to me such a child and be honest with him, it wasn¡¯t particrly good. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t averse to raising them up herself. At the very most, it would just be tougher on her. However, she was studying now, and she left her three children to her parents-inw. Upon thinking about their ages, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous.

    Miao Jing drank a sip of water. After carrying San Bao for so long, her elbows were sore. The three children were getting heavier by the day. ¡°Why are you nervous? Compared to other children, I think our triplets are very obedient. They don¡¯t like to cry. You don¡¯t know this because you didn¡¯t stay here in the past. The grandson of Old Xu¡¯s family next door used to cry so many times every day, and it was so difficult to coax him. After he turned one, I thought that the situation would be better, but he continued to cry twice or thrice at night!¡±

    Back then, her daughter didn¡¯t marry well and she didn¡¯t keep in contact with her. Her son was stubborn and wasn¡¯t willing to marry. There wasn¡¯t a child in the family.. Coupled with the situation of their neighbor, those two years were really difficult for Miao Jing.

 Chapter 2256 - Asking Around

    <h4>Chapter 2256: Asking Around</h4>

    There was once when she was taking a stroll in the yard and everyone was just casually chatting. She casually said that Old Xu¡¯s grandson really knew how to cry. Who knew that the child¡¯s grandma heard this and said resentfully, ¡°You don¡¯t have a child in the family, so you don¡¯t know the situation. Kids nowadays are arrogant. They are like the little emperors and princesses at home. It¡¯s inevitable that they love to cry. When you have a child in the family someday, you will know how different children are nowpared to back then. Can grandsons bepared to sons?¡±

    Because of these words, Miao Jing was so angry that she, who had low blood pressure all along, now had high blood pressure.

    Of course, it was one matter if Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t want to get married and have children. It was another matter if someone used this to agitate the biological mother. The son would pay for the debts owed by the mother.

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t do much to elders. However, it was still possible for him to take care of peers more.

    After having such an experience, the elders in the quad became more self-aware. Even if theypletely didn¡¯t mention children in front of Miao Jing, they also didn¡¯t dare to use the topic of children to agitate Miao Jing and make her feel ufortable. Grandchildren were precious. However, she had given birth to a son as well. He needed to be doted on as well.

    Later, everyone stopped mentioning this and Miao Jing naturally didn¡¯t say anything. Although Miao Jing didn¡¯t mention this since it had happened quite a few years ago, she still remembered it. It was good now. Not only did she have grandsons, but she also had a beautiful granddaughter. Miao Jing only felt that she was the most blessed olddy in the quad and no one else couldpare to her.

    ¡°Our triplets are so obedient and they don¡¯t love to cry. Dabao, especially, is like an elder brother. You know that your dad and I are a little slower in our actions and the three children are hungry at the same time. Auntie made the milk very quickly and always let Er Bao and San Bao drink first. Da Bao¡¯s always thest one. Even if that was the case, Da Bao didn¡¯t snatch it away from Er Bao or San Bao. Seeing that they were drinking, Da Bao knew that it would be his turn very soon. Thus, he stared at us with his big pair of eyes, as if waiting for a meal.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that your dad has always beenplimenting Da Bao. He said that Da Bao is like the Zhai family and has a certain aura. As the elder brother, he should be sensible and learn how to take care of his younger siblings. When Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng were young, he never praised his own children like this. When ites to grandchildren, your dad has never been stingy withpliments. However, I think that once the three children grow up and understand things, your dad wouldn¡¯tpliment them so much. He said that if hepliments them too much, he was afraid that he would be arrogant.¡± Upon mentioning the triplets, Miao Jing could talk nonstop and wouldn¡¯t find it annoying.

    In reality,pared to other children, the triplets indeed didn¡¯t love to cry. They loved tough more. The little Da Bao already started to learn how to look like his father, pretending to be serious with his cute look. Every time they saw Da Bao acting in all seriousness and frowning, the elders in the quad would rush over to tease him. The three children from the Zhai family were cute and had their own characteristics. Those big watery eyes made them look alert. They were really the Zhai family¡¯s blessing.

    The children had arrived a littleter. However, they were better than other children. Who else had such a blessing?

    If their son was like Zhai Sheng and had gotten married at ater time such that they could receive three cute grandchildren, everyone expressed that young people should focus more on their careers first and start a familyter! One could make necessary adjustments so that they would be sessful in both family and career.

    Da Bao was already half-climbing to her feet. Qiao Nan touched his small face and smiled. ¡°No, our three children can withstand thepliments. They wouldn¡¯t be proud. However, we should still take note of what has to be taken note of. Isn¡¯t that right, Da Bao?¡± As she said this, she kissed her son¡¯s chubby cheeks.

    In her dream, after the age of three, Da Bao slowly rejected people kissing his cheek. As the children¡¯s mother, Qiao Nan was naturally thest one to be rejected. As boys grew up, they wanted face and gradually realized the existence of different genders. Qiao Nan respected her children¡¯s ideas but asionally felt regretful.

    Who knew that she was so lucky to actually be able to see her sons¡¯ baby looks for the second time? Before they grew up, Qiao Nan felt that she should kiss them as much as possible.

    Indeed, not only did Da Bao not reject kisses now, but he even smiled happily. When he blushed, it was as if two little flowers had bloomed on his cheeks. Er Bao saw this and couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. Da Bao had kisses. San Bao had kisses. He wanted kisses too!

    As such, the chubby Er Bao tried to squeeze his way through the sofa and pounce on Qiao Nan. He cried out anxiously, reminding his mom of his existence and the kisses that she owed him.

    After understanding Er Bao¡¯s babynguage, Qiao Nan hurriedly gave Er Bao a kiss. It was good now. After kissing one of them, she had to kiss the other too. When they grew up, only San Bao would be willing to be kissed. Her sons were petty. ¡°Mom, do you know someone called Li Yayan? She¡¯s in her thirties. Do you know whose daughter-inw she is?¡±

    ¡°Li Yayan?¡± Miao Jing frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She never cared much about such things. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you want to befriend her? Or did she create trouble for you?¡±

    In the past, most people¡¯s attitudes toward Qiao Nan belonged to thetter. They liked to pick Qiao Nan¡¯s thorns. However, the former was generally moremon now.

    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Li Yayan wasn¡¯t creating trouble for her, but neither was she trying to befriend her. As long as Li Yayan achieved her goal, they should be strangers in the future. Over time, as they chatted more often, Qiao Nan could feel if Li Yayan was really trying to befriend her.

    Li Yayan was trying to be her friend to win her trust and affection. However, at the same time, Li Yayan didn¡¯t show her any feelings. Qiao Nan found it funny. How was Li Yayan so confident that she would definitely seed? Could it be that because she was younger than her, she was more confident?

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t understand and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°What situation is this then? What did this mean?¡± Why didn¡¯t she understand?

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Nan ced San Bao back in Miao Jing¡¯s arms.

 Chapter 2257 - I Will Wait for You to Be Back

    <h4>Chapter 2257: I Will Wait for You to Be Back</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Then, she carried Da Bao, who was grabbing her trouser leg and wanting to be a climbing animal eagerly, from the ground and fed him milk.

    After ¡®exercising¡¯ for long, Da Bao was really thirsty. Hey in his mom¡¯s arms and was asfortable as a little emperor as he started drinking.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anything, go and find Zhai Sheng. He should know.¡± Miao Jing was ¡®unkind¡¯ to have pushed this matter to her son, Zhai Sheng. She was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife. If Nan Nan ran into trouble, who else should she turn to if not Zhai Sheng? Otherwise, Zhai Sheng¡¯s role as a husband would be too easy, right?

    Qiao Nan replied, ¡°Mom¡¯s right. If there¡¯s anything, I should call Brother Zhai and give him something to do.¡± Perhaps she could only find Zhai Sheng for this matter. Li Yayan was younger than her. If she wasn¡¯t someone¡¯s daughter but someone¡¯s daughter-inw, her parents-inw wouldn¡¯t have known.

    After having dinner, Qiao Nan let her parents-inw take care of the three children while she went to take a shower. After bathing, Qiao Nan called Zhai Sheng. ¡°Hello? Brother Zhai, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng responded. ¡°Is anything the matter? Did something happen to you or the children?¡± Zhai Sheng knew that they should pay more attention to younger children. They might be getting this shot today and another shot tomorrow. They might even get a fever if they were teething. It had been quite some time since the family had children. When the triplets fell sick almost at the same time, their family would be flustered.

    Qiao Nan wiped her hair. ¡°It has nothing to do with the children. It¡¯s me.¡± Qiao Nan was used to Zhai Sheng¡¯s concise way of speaking and she didn¡¯tin that he didn¡¯t sweet-talk. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you know who Li Yayan is? She¡¯s a woman in her thirties.¡±

    When she was asking this question, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect Zhai Sheng to give her an answer immediately. She had thought about it as well. Li Yayan was going to reveal her motive soon. However, she wasn¡¯t in a rush to do so. As such, if Zhai Sheng was given two to three days to check on Li Yayan, there was enough time.

    What Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect was that Zhai Sheng actually knew who Li Yayan was. This answer shocked Qiao Nan and she felt extremely ufortable in her heart. ¡°I know. She¡¯s Wang Yang¡¯s wife.¡±

    It was no wonder Nan Nan didn¡¯t have an impression of her. When they got married, Nan Nan was married from the Zhu family. However, Li Yayan didn¡¯t show her face even when Nan Nan left the Zhu family.

    Different from Qiao Nan, ever since Zhai Sheng knew that Wang Yang was scheming toward Qiao Nan and Zhu Chengqi wanted to leave everything in the Zhu family to her, he sent someone to check on Wang Yang. Of course, Zhai Sheng naturally knew that Wang Yang married a woman named Li Yayan. Zhai Sheng even knew that she looked a little simr to Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t agree with Wang Yang¡¯s approach. However, Zhai Sheng could guess what Wang Yang¡¯s thoughts were. As such, regardless of if it was Wang Yang or Li Yayan, not only did Zhai Sheng not like them, but he even hated them a lot. When asked who Li Yayan was, how would Zhai Sheng, who had a deep impression of her, not know?

    ¡°Whose wife?¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After knowing that Li Yayan was Wang Yang¡¯s wife, Qiao Nan understood why she found Li Yayan to be familiar. It wasn¡¯t only because Li Yayan looked a little simr to her. More importantly, she had met Li Yayan once. Of course, it happened in the blink of an eye. It was the time when she went to the cemetery to visit Zhu Baoguo!

    ¡°I understand now. The person Li Yayan said was snatching things from her husband is me. Li Yayan did so many things because of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.¡± Yes, wealth struck a chord in everyone¡¯s heart. She didn¡¯t know how much money her godfather had left her. What she knew was that Wang Yang had already taken risks at a young age for these things. Many yearster, how would he give up his childhood obsession for her alone?

    ¡°Alright. After confirming that she¡¯s Wang Yang¡¯s wife, I know everything now.¡±

    ¡°Shees to find you often?¡± Zhai Sheng changed his seating position. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to protect you.¡± There was already the example of Zhu Baoguo. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t dare to let his guard down against Wang Yang. It was impossible for him not to let Qiao Nan go out. As such, he could only find a few helpers to protect Qiao Nan so that Wang Yang didn¡¯t need to think of doing anything to her.

    Initially, Qiao Nan wanted to say that there wasn¡¯t a need to. After all, this was a society governed byw. Wang Yang shouldn¡¯t be that bold. The problem was that Zhu Baoguo was no longer around. Qiao Nan swallowed the words that had reached her mouth. ¡°You can decide on the arrangement.¡± It was better to be safe than sorry. Qiao Nan cherished her blessed life now. She didn¡¯t want any problems to happen because of a viin like Wang Yang.

    Of course, if she was willing to give up the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, Qiao Nan knew that all these dangers would leave her. However, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to do so. She¡¯d rather use the Zhu family¡¯s money to support various charities than let the money fall in Wang Yang¡¯s hands so that he could lead a better life.

    ¡°Alright, thewsuit pertaining to the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance is about to start. Before it starts, I¡¯ll go back to apany you.¡± If there was a need for Qiao Nan to appear in court or any other time, Zhai Sheng hoped that he could be by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and give her support.

    Zhai Sheng was thankful that these things happened when he was in his forties and not his twenties. Otherwise, even if he had the heart, he wouldn¡¯t have the time. This was the so-called meeting the right person at the right time. Everything that happened following this trajectory would be right.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart warmed. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you to be back.¡± For some reason, thiswsuit had been dyed for quite some time from the original trial. Initially, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand why this happened. Now, she knew that it was because of Wang Yang.

    A doctor could prove that her godfather had made this will when he was clear-headed. Awyer could also prove that her godfather had decided on the contents of the will under the premise ofplete autonomy and willingness. With these tworge pieces of evidence, it was alright if Wang Yang wanted to file thiswsuit. Anyway, they would be wasting only Wang Yang¡¯s money. In the end, she would be the winner. It wasn¡¯t easy for her to have a channel to waste Wang Yang¡¯s money. By then, not only would Wang Yang, who lost thewsuit, not be able to get the Zhu family¡¯s money, but he even had to fork out a huge sum of money. Qiao Nan felt good.

    She knew this situation clearly.. It was impossible that Wang Yang¡¯swyer didn¡¯t tell him.

 Chapter 2258 - Heartless

    <h4>Chapter 2258: Heartless</h4>

    That was why Wang Yang had tried all means to dy thewsuit. While freezing all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, he had roped his wife in to help him out as well.

    ¡°Oh yes, what about the three children?¡± After asking after Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng, who had just be a father a few months back, had to show his care and concern for his children. ¡°The three of them haven¡¯t been mischievous and caused trouble for you, right?¡±

    He knew that Qiao Nan wanted to continue her studies. If not for the fact that the children were still young and unweaned, Zhai Sheng would have brought the children to the military to undergo training instead. The Zhai family couldn¡¯t afford to raise spoiled children. When Old Master Zhai was still around, he had passed down that fine tradition. Of course, he had to continue with that tradition as the old master¡¯s grandson. The Zhai family¡¯s children grew up in the military!

    Qiao Nan leaned against the bed gleefully. ¡°That¡¯s what I asked Mom when I returned from school today too. Mom grabbed my hand and praised the children nonstop. Mom even said that Dad had never even praised you so much when you were younger. She even said that our children are the most obedient! Don¡¯t you think that Dad and Mom are praising them only because they¡¯re their grandchildren?¡±

    She understood how every family thought that their children were the best.

    Zhai Sheng felt that there was no need to be too proud, but neither was there the need to be excessively humble. ¡°Dad and Mom probably feel that way because of the grandchild of the Xu family a few years back.¡± At that time, even though he had only returned home asionally, he had been annoyed by that child¡¯s cries too. At that time, Zhai Sheng had even suggested that he would move out until the child stopped crying.

    Qiao Nan had never expected Zhai Sheng to dislike the children of the Xu family. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t tell me that you were in no hurry to have your own children because of that child?¡± If that was the case, that child was truly influential!

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t even feel embarrassed after having been exposed. He simplyughed. ¡°I can¡¯t deny that he did influence my decision.¡± At that time, everyone in the family had been so annoyed that they had all wanted to move out. It was then that Zhai Sheng realized that children weren¡¯t as adorable as others described them to be. They could be just as scary and torturous when they wanted to be.

    What Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know was that Zhai Sheng had mentally prepared himself the moment she had gotten pregnant. No matter how noisy the children would be, they were still his children. As such, he couldn¡¯t despise them. If his children kicked up a fuss, he would have to share the burden with Qiao Nan as her husband in case Qiao Nan was exhausted.

    Zhai Sheng had done all that work, only to find out that although the triplets did cry, the noises that they made were nowhere near as horrible as the Xu family¡¯s children¡¯s next door. In fact, his three children seemed much easier to coax.

    If they were hungry, all he had to do was put a milk bottle in their mouths and they would stop crying. If they peed or defecated, he simply had to wipe their bums clean. Once they werefortable, they stopped crying too. Apart from these two scenarios, the three children hardly cried. But even when they did, they were very easily coaxed. That amazed Zhai Sheng.

    They were indeed his children. Their tempers were significantly better than those of their neighbor¡¯s children.

    ¡°Hahaha¡­.¡± Qiao Nan was over the moon and incredibly amused by this situation. ¡°Were you afraid when the triplets were born?¡± One¡¯s imagination waspletely different from reality. Had Brother Zhai felt especially uneasy living with the children?

    She had never known this side of Zhai Sheng.

    ¡°I¡¯m their father and they¡¯re my children. Why would I be afraid of them? Alright. Stopughing. You should bring the kids over. Otherwise, the one who¡¯ll have to scold them when they act up will be you.¡± Even though he wasn¡¯t at home, Zhai Sheng was clear about how clingy the children were to their mom.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll hang up then. We can chat another time.¡± Qiao Nan dared not let her guard down when it came to her three children. Her children weren¡¯t the kind who liked to cry, and letting them cry wasn¡¯t good either. It was not as though they were training their lung capacities.

    As expected, by the time Qiao Nan went over to get the children, they had already been throwing a tantrum at their grandparents. But the moment she saw Qiao Nan, San Bao stopped whimpering and stretched her hands out toward Qiao Nan, insisting on Qiao Nan carrying her.

    With no other choice, Qiao Nan could only ede to San Bao¡¯s request by taking her into her arms. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±

    San Bao was calm now that she was nestled in her mom¡¯s embrace. She yawned gently and looked as though she was going to fall asleep. Miao Jing sighed in relief. ¡°You¡¯re finally here. I¡¯ll bring them to your room.¡± If Nan Nan had note over, she would have carried the children over to Nan Nan¡¯s room.

    As she patted Da Bao¡¯s chubby backside, Miao Jingughed angrily. Nan Nan was away from home for at least half the day, and the three children slept throughout most of the day. She probably took care of the children more than Nan Nan did, so why did they all look for Nan Nan, ignoring their grandma?

    They were all heartless!

    Da Bao had no idea his grandma wasining about him in his heart. Upon seeing his mom, Da Bao stopped fussing around and he squirmed around slightly in his grandma¡¯s embrace before moving into afortable position and falling asleep. Seeing her grandson sleeping soundly and no longer throwing a tantrum, Miao Jing¡¯s anger dissipated. She had better send the three children to Qiao Nan¡¯s room. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be able to take care of all three of them alone? Do you want me to stay with you until they fall asleep?¡± Although she was angry at them, Miao Jing¡¯s love for them only grew by the day.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Mom, you¡¯d better get some rest with Dad. The triplets are already sleepy. They¡¯ll probably go to bed soon without much coaxing. It won¡¯t be too much trouble.¡± As Qiao Nan said that, San Bao had already fallen asleep.

    Having coaxed San Bao to sleep, Qiao Nan worked on the others, and in less than a minute, both Da Bao and Er Bao had fallen asleep too. Now that the triplets had fallen asleep, Qiao Nan was naturally free again. As such, she switched on themp on her desk and continued studying. The atmosphere reminded Qiao Nan of her university days in her dream.

    Qiao Nan remembered that Ding Jiayi had made a call to her, but the strange thing was that the phone seemed to have not rung at all today.

 Chapter 2259

    <h4>Chapter 2259: Not Me</h4>

    Qiao Nan had already thought that it was strange for Ding Jiayi to give up so easily. But it was good that no trouble was brewing, especially the kind caused by Ding Jiayi that was difficult to solve.

    Whether it was because Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to make the call or because someone had stopped her from doing so, only the two people in the Qiao family in Ping Cheng would know the answer to it.

    Ding Jiayi was infuriated and anxious but also helpless. ¡°Old Qiao, if something happens to Zijin, you¡¯d better not regret it and push the me to me.¡± Why was Old Qiao being so stubborn?

    ¡°Nothing will happen to her as long as she knows her ce. If anything happens, we will be the first ones. She¡¯ll never let anything happen to her.¡± Qiao Dongliang was indifferent and his tone was firm. ¡°I¡¯m not stopping you from interfering, but that will be on you.¡± Was Old Ding trying to push the me to him? Did she really think that it would be his fault if it wasn¡¯t her fault if something happened to Zijin?

    Was it just one person¡¯s fault when a child got hurt? Both parents were to be med! As Qiao Zijin¡¯s parents, neither he nor Ding Jiayi could shirk responsibility for bringing up Qiao Zijin in this manner. As such, both he and Ding Jiayi would be at fault if something were to happen to Zijin. The only one who would be innocent was Nan Nan.

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t interfere in it. Will that do?¡± Ding Jiayi had been in a dilemma for a long while over whether to stand on her husband or daughter¡¯s side. Her daughter was all grown up, and Qiao Zijin had already told her that she was never returning to Ping Cheng, and neither should Ding Jiayi visit her. Ding Jiayi had been terribly miserable after hearing those words, but that also meant that she no longer needed to make that difficult choice between her husband and daughter.

    There was no point in choosing her daughter since her daughter didn¡¯t need her nor cherish her, and neither did she even want her mom by her side. As such, as soon as Qiao Zijin treated her with that attitude, her two choices had been narrowed down to a single choice. Qiao Dongliang was the only choice left, and Ding Jiayi was no longer caught up in a dilemma.

    ¡°Heh. This isn¡¯t the first time you¡¯re saying that. When I told you not to make that phone call thest time, didn¡¯t you still do so anyway? I think that you¡¯d better pack a few pieces of clothes and visit Zijin in the capital since you worry so much about her. Didn¡¯t Zijin say that she¡¯s going to settle down in the capital and not return to Ping Cheng? It looks like Zijin is going to make a name for herself. Otherwise, how can she possibly sound so arrogant? You¡¯ve finally waited until this day. It seems like you haven¡¯t raised your daughter for nothing. If you go to the capital, you won¡¯t have to worry about her anymore, and you can even enjoy a good life thanks to her. You¡¯d better go to the capital to prove that you haven¡¯t raised Zijin in vain.¡±

    When that time came, Ding Jiayi would live in the capital while he lived in Ping Cheng. That way, they would stay in their ownnes and both their lives would be better than they were now!

    Ding Jiayi felt a tinge of guilt. It was true that she was at fault for making the phone call. ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t get upset. I¡¯ll admit my mistake. Touch your heart and tell me if you¡¯re really not concerned about Zijin¡¯s situation after she arrived in the capital. Yes, I did make that call. But Qiao Nan didn¡¯t answer it in the end. So, we shouldn¡¯t be talking about how that phone call could have affected Qiao Nan. I¡¯m not going to the capital.¡±

    Her elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, was unreliable. That had nothing to do with whether Qiao Zijin had money or not. This was not the first time Ding Jiayi hade to that realization. If Qiao Zijin had no money, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to protect herself, let alone take care of her mom or be filial to her.

    On the other hand, if Qiao Zijin got rich, she would definitely keep everything for herself. Perhaps, if Qiao Zijin thought of her mom from time to time and decided to be filial to her, Ding Jiayi would already be quite lucky.

    Between Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Ding Jiayi understood that no matter how well she treated Qiao Zijin while sacrificing her own interests, there would nevere a day when Qiao Zijin would repay her kindness.

    ¡°Yes, you don¡¯t want to go to the capital.¡± Old Ding must have known that she wouldn¡¯t be able to depend on Qiao Zijin. That was why she hadn¡¯t dared to think of relying on Qiao Zijin to take care of her in her old age. Old Ding had wanted to live out the rest of her life with him on the ount of their decades of marriage. But as long as Qiao Zijin was in the slightest bit dependable, Old Ding would have dumped him for her daughter.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Dongliang wondered if he should think of that as his own misery or Ding Jiayi¡¯s misery.

    Ding Jiayi had already confirmed that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s reaction had been abnormally strong. Now, she no longer dared to call Qiao Nan behind Qiao Dongliang¡¯s back. Fine, she wouldn¡¯t call her. Zijin might have changed her phone number, but she hadn¡¯t. That meant that Zijin would still know her phone number. As long as Zijin ran into some problems she couldn¡¯t solve, she wouldn¡¯t have to contact Zijin. Zijin would naturally contact her.

    With that thought, Ding Jiayi finally felt at ease.

    Qiao Dongliang nced at Ding Jiayi. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too early for you to rx? You must know why Zijin insisted on going to the capital this time. It seems like there¡¯s a pile of gold waiting for her there. Before she went there, I saw the two of you always mumbling to each other in the room. What¡¯s Zijin up to?¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s gaze wavered. ¡°She was always with me, trying to persuade me to go to the capital with her. How am I supposed to know why she wants to go to the capital? I¡¯m sure you¡¯re clearer than me about how expensive the houses are in the capital. If I go to the capital, Qiao Nan can¡¯t afford to not take care of me. Then, as long as Qiao Nan arranges amodation for me, Zijin¡¯s amodation will be taken care of too. She just wanted to save that sum of money.¡±

    Since she couldn¡¯t be of any help to Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi had better not let any of Qiao Zijin¡¯s secret slip to Qiao Dongliang. If she were to tell Qiao Dongliang about it, Zijin would definitely disown her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression was full of suspicion. ¡°It¡¯s impossible that she wants you there just for a free stay. I was tricked by you thest time. I want to see what you¡¯re going to do this time that Zijin¡¯s not with you. Tell me. Why did you throw away my identity card, steal my bus ticket, and stop me from going to the capital? How did Zijin manage to arrive there before me? You¡¯d better exin it all to me.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted to kneel down before Qiao Dongliang. It had been almost half a year since that incident. Why was Qiao Dongliang still harping on it? ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re really overthinking it. I had nothing to do with your identity card going missing.¡±

 Chapter 2260

    <h4>Chapter 2260: Standing by the Sidelines</h4>

    ¡°As for what happened afterward¡­ That was because I would be left alone if you were to leave since Zijin wasn¡¯t home either. I was scared. Besides, Qiao Nan had so many people apanying her. It wouldn¡¯t make a difference whether you were there¡­¡±

    Qiao Dongliang sneered. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m a fool? Do you think that I¡¯m absolutely clueless about what your ns were? How could you two be so disgusting? Qiao Zijin had already made the mistake of snatching her brother-inw and making him her husband once. How could you allow her to make that same mistake again?¡±

    Nan Nan had only told him about that after he had returned to Ping Cheng. After learning of that situation, Qiao Dongliang felt that he was going to lose his mind. But it was the new year and Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want to ruin the atmosphere in the family. He was clear that as long as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were together, not only was Qiao Zijin the mastermind behind Ding Jiayi, but she would even give Ding Jiayi the courage to lie to him.

    Because of that, the alliance between Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had fallen apart due to Qiao Zijin¡¯s divorce. This would be the best time to interrogate Ding Jiayi and pry everything out of her.

    ¡°You¡­ you know about it already? Then, why did you still ask me about it?¡± Ding Jiayi felt that she and Qiao Zijin were being wronged. ¡°Old Qiao, you¡¯re actually wrong. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t intend on snatching anything. I¡¯m sure you know how old Qiao Nan is, and she was even pregnant with triplets. If anything happened to Qiao Nan during childbirth, it would be much better for Zijin to marry Zhai Sheng instead of having a stepmother ill-treat Qiao Nan¡¯s three children. Zijin¡¯s the children¡¯s biological aunt, after all. She would definitely treat them well. I believe that Qiao Nan would have more faith in Zijin than an outsider. We only did that because we wanted Qiao Nan to leave peacefully, knowing that her three children would be well taken care of.¡±

    ¡°So, you mean that you guys did so out of kind intentions?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had to resist the urge to nod. She could tell that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s expression looked awful. ¡°Even if it wasn¡¯t purely out of good intentions, it was a win-win situation. Besides, we didn¡¯t do anything. Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan still alive and well? All these are just our thoughts and no one else knows about them.¡±

    ¡°Even if they¡¯re just thoughts, it¡¯s disgusting.¡± Qiao Dongliang gasped. ¡°The two of you truly have no limits to your terrible ns. You¡¯re both too shameless!¡± Letting Zijin take care of the triplets would be no different from letting an outsider take care of them.

    Ding Jiayi sniffled. ¡°Why are you being so fierce? Don¡¯t make it sound so bad. Zijin and I really had no intention of taking advantage of Qiao Nan or hurting her this time. This n would have benefitted both Qiao Nan and Zijin, so what¡¯s the problem with it? Did you know that Zijin pitied Qiao Nan for being single before she got married to Zhai Sheng? Since she had already divorced Chen Jun, Zijin was willing to let Chen Jun be together with Qiao Nan. Not only would Qiao Nan finally be able to get married, but she could also rest easy, knowing that Feng Feng was in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. Zijin had already been so generous, but why had Qiao Nan refused?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t it all for the good of the child?

    ¡°You fool! I¡¯ve never met anyone more foolish than you. You¡¯re clearly making use of her and hurting her, but you dare to act as though you¡¯re doing so out of kindness! Old Ding, why didn¡¯t I realize just how evil you are in the past? No wonder you severed all ties with your family even when we were living well. Now, I know that your family can¡¯t entirely be at fault. You¡¯re the biggest problem here.¡± Qiao Dongliang pointed his finger at Ding Jiayi¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask you again. What¡¯s Zijin doing in the capital this time? If you don¡¯t let me know by today, we¡¯ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow and get our divorce settled.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not getting divorced!¡± She had no family, and her children had abandoned her. If she were to separate from Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi felt that she wouldn¡¯t be able to carry on with her life alone. ¡°Old Qiao, don¡¯t get upset. I¡¯ll just tell you what you want to know. Will that do? But you have to promise that you won¡¯t get angry. I don¡¯t expect you to help Zijin, but you should just stand by the sidelines, like me. If Zijin seeds, that¡¯s because of her own abilities and good fortune. We didn¡¯t interfere in it. If you interfere in it, Zijin will definitely hate me and disown me.¡±

    She had already resisted the urge to help Zijin. All she asked of Old Qiao was that he wouldn¡¯t help Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Tell me about it first!¡± Without Qiao Zijin by her side, Ding Jiayi had indeed gotten timid. Qiao Dongliang had simply mentioned ¡®divorce¡¯ before Ding Jiayi had decided to fess up.

    In reality, Qiao Dongliang had already gotten the answer from Qiao Nan as to why Qiao Zijin had insisted on going to the capital before the new year and why she had tried to stop him from visiting too. At that time, he had held it in because he knew that Qiao Zijin would never change even if he were to re up, and neither would she ever admit that she had done anything wrong, just like what Ding Jiayi was doing now.

    Qiao Dongliang had only talked about the incident before the new year as bait to lure out the situation that followed.

    Ding Jiayi had truly been frightened and confessed everything she knew to Qiao Dongliang. ¡°That¡¯s what it is. Zijin wants the five million yuan. With it, she¡¯ll never have to worry about money in the future, and neither will she ever have to find a job again.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang was fuming. ¡°I¡¯ll die of anger because of the two of you sooner orter. Can you two really not change that terrible habit of sacrificing Nan Nan¡¯s interests to benefit yourselves? Ding Jiayi, have you ever thought about the lives you¡¯d be living without Nan Nan as a daughter? We sold this house a long time ago just to let Zijin attend university. I was the only one working at that time and it was already a stretch to pay for Zijin¡¯s education. What would you and I have eaten and worn?¡±

    ¡°You only have the life you have today because of Nan Nan. Don¡¯t you think that you¡¯ve gone overboard?¡±

    Knowing that Qiao Dongliang was infuriated, Ding Jiayi dared not rebuke him. But she still felt that she had done nothing wrong up until now. Without Qiao Nan? Everything would have been in their rightful ce without Qiao Nan. Without Qiao Nan, Old Qiao would have be a battalionmander, at the very least, and she would have been a battalionmander¡¯s wife. Then, they would have a car and chauffeur. Was that going overboard?

    If Old Qiao was still in the military and had be a battalionmander, he would definitely have gotten a much higher sry from the military. In that case, they would definitely have been able to afford Zijin¡¯s university fees. There was no way they would have needed to sell the house.

 Chapter 2261

    <h4>Chapter 2261: Eavesdropped</h4>

    Forget it. Old Qiao was still angry. He wouldn¡¯t be able to listen to any reason. She wouldn¡¯t say it, lest she argue with him again.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say it, but Qiao Dongliang could sense her disapproval. At this time, Qiao Dongliang felt regretful to have given birth to a second child and having Qiao Nan as a daughter. If they didn¡¯t have a second child and only had Qiao Zijin as a daughter, he could let Ding Jiayi experience how life would be like then!

    Based on how Qiao Zijin had a mom like Ding Jiayi, no matter if Qiao Zijin had siblings or not, he didn¡¯t believe that Ding Jiayi could teach Qiao Zijin well.

    ¡°Old Qiao, where are you going?¡± Upon seeing that Qiao Dongliang was moving, Ding Jiayi was shocked. She thought that her dissatisfied look made Qiao Dongliang angry again.

    Qiao Dongliang avoided her and didn¡¯t let her touch him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not going to the Civil Affairs Bureau. I¡¯m tired. I want to return to my room and rest.¡±

    ¡°Not going out but resting at home?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make your bed for you.¡± It was good if he didn¡¯t go out. It was even better if he didn¡¯t go to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s eyes hurt and he was annoyed to see Ding Jiayi. ¡°There¡¯s no need to. I¡¯m already an adult. How could I not know how to make my bed? Go and do whatever you need to. Just don¡¯t disturb me.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t want to be disturbed. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t dare not to listen to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. Actually, she understood it a little. Qiao Dongliang should be telling Qiao Nan what she had just said. Upon thinking about this, Ding Jiayi only felt that her white hair was growing rapidly. Zijin only discussed this matter with her before. What if Zijin found out and she became angry at her? What should she do then?

    ¡°So it¡¯s like this.¡± Qiao Nan had just finished her examinations when she received this call. Seeing that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi were busying themselves for her and Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan felt tired for the both of them. ¡°Alright, Dad. I understand. Don¡¯t worry. Don¡¯t you understand my attitude? The Zhu family¡¯s matters are a littleplicated. Even if you are here with Qiao Zijin, it wouldn¡¯t be easy, let alone just her alone.¡± She couldn¡¯t refuse Chief Zhu¡¯s fatherly love toward her and didn¡¯t want to refuse it.

    ¡°I know.¡± Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart became sour. ¡°It¡¯s just that you know your sister¡¯s temper as well. She wouldn¡¯t give up so easily for money. I heard from your mom that if she seeds in this, she could receive five million yuan, which is enough for her to spend the rest of her life. She wanted to coax your mom to go to the capital but I stopped her. She didn¡¯t share with your mom what kind of tricks are up her sleeve after that. You have to be more careful.¡±

    In front of five million yuan, there was no sibling rtionship for Qiao Zijin to speak of. There was only a dispute over interests. For five million yuan, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t care about Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang would be crazy if he allowed Qiao Nan to cooperate with Qiao Zijin so that she could earn five million yuan.

    It was always best to have it for herself. Because of her rtionship with the Zhu family, Qiao Nan¡¯s status and treatment had been greatly improved. Qiao Dongliang had heard about it years ago. He was still worried that Qiao Nan would lead a tough life in a circle like the Zhai family. However, after this situation, Qiao Dongliang felt that he didn¡¯t need to worry about Qiao Nan anymore.

    He didn¡¯t expect someone would want to snatch those things away. This snatcher even got Qiao Zijin to help.

    Qiao Nan arranged the books and looked casual. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. I know how Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper is like. No matter what tricks she¡¯s nning to y, they will not work.¡± Today¡¯s Qiao Zijin no longer had Ding Jiayi, the capable assistant, by her side. Qiao Nan suspected what other ruthless means Qiao Zijin coulde up with such that she could force her to relent in this matter and let Wang Yang¡¯s scheming n seed.

    There was both Qiao Zijin and Li Yayan. Wang Yang wanted to try a two-pronged approach and was confident that either one of them would seed?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, here.¡± Speak of the devil. As Qiao Nan walked out of the ssroom, Li Yayan called her. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m going to buy something today. Can youe along with me? I won¡¯t disturb you for long. At most, an hour. Please.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± After knowing that Li Yayan was Wang Yang¡¯s wife, the way Qiao Nan looked at Li Yayan didn¡¯t change. At least at this moment, Li Yayan didn¡¯t feel that the Qiao Nan today was any different from the Qiao Nan a few days ago.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have lessons this afternoon. ording to reason, she should head home. However, since she had already agreed to Li Yayan¡¯s invitation, it wasn¡¯t nice for Qiao Nan to refuse. She handed her books to the driver and asked him to go home. She also told him to let her parents-inw know that she¡¯d be home an hourter.

    ¡°I¡¯ve finally seeded. Qiao Nan, it¡¯s so difficult to go shopping with you. How old are your children now such that they are inseparable from people?¡± Li Yayan seemed to be in a good mood as she walked next to Qiao Nan. Her tone became cheerful.

    ¡°Less than five months.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re so young. I really can¡¯t tell. It¡¯s your second birth?¡± Indeed, those who didn¡¯t know Qiao Nan would ask her if it was her second birth when they looked at her age. It was rare for women in their forties to give birth to their first child.

    ¡°No, I married my husband slightlyter, so I gave birthte as well. This is my first birth. I¡¯m not nning for the second.¡± She was pretending quite well. Li Yayan should have memorized everything about her and Zhai Sheng. She was obviously not an actress, but her lies were more realistic than an actor¡¯s.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Li Yayan looked ¡®shocked¡¯. ¡°So you¡¯re a career woman? That¡¯s true as well. If you lean against a hill, it will copse. If you lean against a person, he will run away. In today¡¯s society, it¡¯s most important to rely on yourself. What is marriage? The divorce rate in our country is increasing year by year. A new record is set every year. Women can only truly feel at ease if they have their own careers and money. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re like this. I¡¯m already considering if I should start my own business and aplish something.¡±

    ¡°When I bought a toy for my son, although he was happy, he suddenly asked me, ¡®Mom, did you use Dad¡¯s money to buy me a toy?¡¯ Upon hearing this, I was so angry. He is my own son but there is nothing I could do about him. My husband and I are legally married. The money he earned is themon property between us husband and wife. Why is it still his and not mine? I¡¯m guessing that my son overheard my parents-inw¡¯s words.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes shone. After Wang Yang¡¯s wife married Wang Yang, she had always been a full-time housewife. Her son stayed in Ping Cheng and was raised by her parents-inw. No wonder it didn¡¯t feel fake when Li Yayan wasining to and sharing her grievances with her. She really thought that Li Yayan had the potential to be a movie queen.

 Chapter 2262

    <h4>Chapter 2262: Couldn¡¯t Be Anxious</h4>

    It seemed like the contents of Li Yayan¡¯sint really did happen. ¡°Have you considered what kind of business you would like to be in?¡±

    Speaking of anger, Li Yayan looked discouraged. ¡°Not yet. There¡¯re so many types of businesses that can be done. However, homework has to be done first if you want the business to thrive. These include market considerations, determination of market needs, and so on. I studied humanities previously. This time, I¡¯m studying economics. But it¡¯s so difficult. Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t we work together and open a shop?¡±

    In this way, her and Qiao Nan¡¯s interests would be closer. It would even be more convenient for her to y some tricks if they were doing business and opening a shop together. By then, even if peaceful measures didn¡¯t work, Qiao Nan would have no choice but to agree to forceful means.

    It was only five million yuan, but not only was she feeling high-spirited and energized, but she also wanted to give her all. Qiao Nan was someone who could swallow all the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance alone. She couldn¡¯t count on Qiao Nan¡¯s noble character and integrity. If she had something that wasn¡¯t hers, then she shouldn¡¯t have such pure thoughts and concepts.

    Qiao Nan was looking at the shops by the side, but she was paying attention to what Li Yayan was saying. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t do. I¡¯m not born to do business. If I open a shop with you, it wouldn¡¯t be good if we make a loss.¡± Binding of interests. If this tactic could work, it would be very useful. If she wasn¡¯t careful enough, the entire Zhai family would be implicated by her and harmed by Wang Yang.

    ¡°Why does this matter?¡± Li Yayan wanted to try to make this happen. In Li Yayan¡¯s eyes, such a small problem wasn¡¯t a problem at all. ¡°I¡¯ve said before that I don¡¯t have much experience in doing business. However, you¡¯re a little older than me. I¡¯ve always wanted to call you ¡®sister¡¯. Since you¡¯re older than me, you should have more experience than me. Why don¡¯t we do this? I¡¯ll fork out money and you¡¯ll fork out efforts. If we make profits, we¡¯ll split it equally. If we make losses, they¡¯re all mine.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. There was something Li Yayan was right about. No matter what, she was a few years older than Li Yayan. If she didn¡¯t even have this bit of social experience, she would have long been swallowed whole by the Qiao family.

    Li Yayan would fork out money while she would fork out efforts. Profits would be split into half equally while Li Yayan would cover all losses. What was the difference between this and giving her money for nothing? If she forked out efforts, her experience wasn¡¯t any better than Li Yayan¡¯s. How much could she contribute? Also, if they did business together, it meant that she was a shareholder. In her dream, Qiao Nan had some experience of doing business with Tian Dong. She knew that it wasn¡¯t easy to do business together and open a shop.

    As a legal representative of thepany, it was also easy for problems to happen.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I be taking advantage of you? You¡¯re studying economics but I¡¯m not. I¡¯m older than you. Even if I have more experience and can fork out efforts, I would feel embarrassed to take advantage of this kind of advantage, even if you¡¯re alright with it. You also know that I have three children at home. They are less than five months old now and are inseparable from people. I¡¯m already so busy with my studies. I¡¯m not suited to do business. However, if you really have a need in this regard, I believe you can definitely find a more suitable business partner than me.¡±

    Li Yayan was pretty disappointed. In the face of the Zhu family¡¯srge sum of inheritance, Qiao Nan never wanted to give up, let alone negotiate with Wang Yang. Li Yayan thought that Qiao Nan should be someone who loved to take advantage of others. Otherwise, upon encountering such a thing, wouldn¡¯t people generally not feel guilty and have a good chat with the person involved?

    She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Nan to not be fooled at all when she had already thrown out such a huge bait. Could it be that she already knew that there was a huge sum of money from the Zhu family and thus no longer cared about earning ¡®little money¡¯ from doing business?

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a lot of friends in the capital. I don¡¯t feel at ease if I cooperate with others. If you¡¯re not willing to, then let¡¯s forget it. Of course, if you have some thoughts one day, just let me know. We can discuss it again. Actually, I just suddenly thought of doing business as well. I don¡¯t have any concrete ns yet. How is it easy to do business? Even if it¡¯s a small business, careful nning has to be done first.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, one can¡¯t be in a hurry when doing business.¡± Qiao Nan looked at the things in the shops on both sides. ¡°However, nobody will reject earning more money. If you can¡¯t find someone now, it doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t find someone in the future. Take it slow. Don¡¯t rush. Oh, right. What did you want to buy? After shopping for so long, I haven¡¯t seen you buy anything.¡±

    Li Yayan patted her head. ¡°I chatted with you until I forgot about serious matters. Let¡¯s go to this shop.¡± Li Yayan still remembered that Qiao Nan asked the driver to tell her family that she would bete for an hour.

    If she didn¡¯t buy anything within this hour, Qiao Nan would definitely leave and she might not be willing to shop with her the next time. For the sake of a ¡®next time¡¯, Li Yayan didn¡¯t dare to dy. She casually bought some things and considered it done. Then, she parted ways with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Bye.¡± After sending Qiao Nan off, Li Yayan stood at the original spot and watched her leave. Only when the car disappeared did Li Yayan stomp her feet angrily. ¡°Isn¡¯t she just a junior high school student? Why is she so picky? She¡¯s so difficult to deal with.¡± Among the people she had seen, Qiao Nan was the most difficult to coax.

    The two of them had known each other for so long, but she didn¡¯t even manage to treat Qiao Nan a cup of milk tea, let alone a meal.

    In terms of money, Qiao Nan drew the lines very clearly and didn¡¯t even take advantage of her one yuan. Li Yayan was really speechless. When she returned to Ping Cheng during the new year and met up with her old ssmates, she was the only one who paid for all the food and drinks. If it wasn¡¯t that they were afraid their actions would be ugly, they would really want to take away a table of food home. After all, they would be fools if they didn¡¯t take advantage of what they could.

    Li Yayan was of course unhappy to be taken advantage of. However, Li Yayan felt even more depressed that Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to take advantage of her. She wanted to tell Qiao Nan that as long as the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance didn¡¯t fall in her hands, it couldn¡¯t be considered as hers.

    As such, aside from being the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw now, Qiao Nan¡¯s existence was of no value. How could Qiao Nan reject an opportunity to create wealth without even thinking about it?

    If she ran into a difficult situation in the future, Qiao Nan would definitely regret her decision today.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m back.¡± After parting ways with Li Yayan and returning to the Zhai family, Qiao Nan felt that she wasing back to life. After knowing that Li Yayan was Wang Yang¡¯s wife, Qiao Nan felt particrly ufortable in her heart.

 Chapter 2263

    <h4>Chapter 2263: How Laughable</h4>

    Upon thinking of Li Yayan¡¯s face, how would Qiao Nan believe the nonsense that Wang Yang married Li Yayan purely because of love and nothing else unless she was a fool?

    Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Why are you back so soon? Why didn¡¯t you spend more time outside?¡± Miao Jing was pretty happy that Qiao Nan could make some friends in school with whom she could go shopping together. Initially, she was still worried that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have her own social circle and would feel lonely and helpless in the big capital. She didn¡¯t expect that in just a few days, Qiao Nan used practical actions to tell her that her worries were unnecessary. ¡°Actually, with the three of us around at home, you don¡¯t have to be too worried about the triplets. The triplets would cling to you when they are sleeping at night and would cry if they didn¡¯t see you. Other than that, they are still quite easy to coax in the day.¡±

    Qiao Nan washed her hands, and the first thing she did was to naturally hug her daughter. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Shopping makes my feet sore. Furthermore, that person has already bought her things and I¡¯m notcking anything.¡± If she continued to shop with Li Yayan, Li Yayan might tell her explicitly to give up on the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    The price to pay for shopping with Li Yayan was huge.

    ¡°Nan Nan, did you make new friends in school? How is it? When do you want to bring this friend over to our house so that we can get to know each other?¡± Her son didn¡¯t spend as much time at home as an ordinary husband. It was good if there was another friend around Nan Nan to kill time together.

    She couldn¡¯t possibly let Nan Nan be like what they said. If she only took care of the elderly or children when she was free, Nan Nan would seem like she was an auntie that the Zhai family hired.

    Qiao Nan knew that Miao Jing was thinking for her. After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan decided to exin the situation to Miao Jing. What if Li Yayan used her identity as her friend toe over to the Zhai family when she wasn¡¯t around and was received by the Zhai family? Such behavior was very dangerous.

    ¡°Mom, do you remember that I asked you if you know a woman named Li Yayan a few days ago?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Could it be that Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t find out either?¡±

    Qiao Nan touched her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°Brother Zhai didn¡¯t check on her. It was just that when he heard this woman¡¯s name, he immediately told me that she was Wang Yang¡¯s wife. Mom, you probably don¡¯t know this, but Li Yayan¡¯s face looks a little like mine. I heard that when Wang Yang married this wife, it was around the same time when Brother Zhai married me. Nobody expected this. Li Yayan¡¯s family conditions aren¡¯tpatible with the Wang family. However, Wang Yang overcame all odds and married Li Yayan. Before Chief Zhu left, Li Yayan and Wang Yang had been taking care of him.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Miao Jing¡¯s face changed rapidly. ¡°Nan Nan, is what you said true?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Brother Zhai told me.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s face became pale and the hand she ced on her thigh was clenched into a fist. ¡°If Zhai Sheng found out about this, then it must be right. What is Wang Yang¡¯s motive for marrying such a woman as his wife? Nan Nan, have you seen Wang Yang before?¡±

    Miao Jing knew that Zhu Chengqi liked Qiao Nan and wanted to acknowledge her as his goddaughter. She also knew that before Zhu Chengqi passed away, he made a will to leave everything in the Zhu family to Qiao Nan, who waspletely unrted to the Zhu family.

    With this major premise, people couldn¡¯t help but suspect Wang Yang¡¯s motive for marrying Li Yayan. Obviously, Miao Jing was worried that Wang Yang had hit on Qiao Nan before and had some thoughts about her.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Mom, although having money is good, Wang Yang is a specially privileged person. He has his pride and self-esteem. It¡¯s obvious that he doesn¡¯t like women older than him.¡± Wang Yang did send Chen Jun over to seduce her so that he could destroy her image in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s heart. However, Wang Yang never nned to use a honey trap personally to coax her.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Miao Jing first heaved a sigh of relief. Then, she became angry. It was as if the person Wang Yang despised was her biological daughter. ¡°Bah! How good is this? What taste does Wang Yang have? He¡¯s so ambitious and wants to swallow the entire Zhu family. He obviously knows that he¡¯s not capable enough but still dares to be so high-profile. A person like him who always wants to rely on others won¡¯t be sessful in life in this lifetime!¡±

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t fancy Nan Nan? Wang Yang was much worse than Zhai Sheng and couldn¡¯tpete with him to marry Nan Nan.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry.¡± Qiao Nan poured a ss of water for Miao Jing andforted her. ¡°As long as we know what kind of person Wang Yang is, it¡¯s fine. Li Yayan is Wang Yang¡¯s wife. Wang Yang should be the one who asked her to befriend me. As for her motive, it would undoubtedly be the inheritance that Chief Zhu left behind for me. When we were shopping today, she even asked me to do business together with her. I rejected her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you rejected her. Nan Nan, you¡¯re smart.¡± Miao Jing patted Qiao Nan¡¯s hand and was very supportive of her decision. ¡°Nan Nan, since you already know who Li Yayan is, why did you still go shopping with her?¡± She wasn¡¯t someone good. Rather than wasting time on such a person, it would be better for her to find a real friend.

    Zhai Yaohui disagreed with Miao Jing¡¯s attitude. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? Why should Qiao Nan avoid her? They are the ones with dirty thoughts. We are open and upright. If they aren¡¯t afraid, why should we avoid them? What Qiao Nan did was correct. Qiao Nan knows who Li Yayan is. However, she might not know that her identity has been exposed. This is the capital. If Wang Yang wants to do anything to Qiao Nan in the capital, that would be putting the entire Wang family at risk.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was only short of saying that if Wang Yang dared to do anything against thew, even if Zhu Chengqi was still alive, he wouldn¡¯t let Wang Yang off on ount of Zhu Chengqi, let alone now that Zhu Chengqi was dead. Not only was he not going to let Wang Yang off, but he would be teaching him a good lesson.

    A person who went to jail would have a stain in their political career. From then on, Wang Yang didn¡¯t need to think of stepping into the political circle again in this lifetime. He would just be an ordinary person.

    Initially, everyone knew why the Wei family¡¯s father worked so hard to marry the Zhu family¡¯s daughter. Love? Howughable. It was also because there was such a clear example before them that Zhai Yaohui was particrly unwilling for Zhai Hua to marry Wei De back then.

    The precious daughter whom they had pampered was taken away by a scheming wolf. They obviously knew that this wolf was up to no good and only wanted to make use of their daughter. Would they still watch as their daughter was being treated like a fool? After seeing such a thing happened to the Zhu family, Zhai Yaohui wasn¡¯t willing to do so.

 Chapter 2264

    <h4>Chapter 2264: Incredibly Careful</h4>

    As a result, Zhai Hua had stubbornly refused to remain in contact with her family from then on. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s career had been on the rise at that time too, and Zhai Sheng had been transferred to the capital at the same time. As such, Zhai Yaohui had decided to bring Miao Jing to the capital so that they would be out of his sight.

    It was inevitable for Zhai Hua to get bullied after getting married to Wei De, but he would, at least, be able to lie to himself if he wasn¡¯t able to see it. Zhai Yaohui was clear that Zhai Hua¡¯s temper meant that she would never ask her family for help even if she wasn¡¯t doing well. After all, he had already made his stance clear.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s tough attitude only worsened the rtionship between the father and daughter. It could be said that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude had been a result of the marriage between Wang Yang¡¯s parents.

    At the mention of the Wang family, although Li Yayan was only a daughter-inw who had married into the family, Zhai Yaohui had no good feelings toward her. In fact, he hated her as much as he hated the rest of the family. Zhai Yaohui was not objective at all and already had an innate bias against Li Yayan.

    Given the situation that Qiao Nan had described earlier, Zhai Yaohui was sure that his hatred toward Li Yayan was not unfounded. Besides, he was already so advanced in age. What was wrong with being willful?

    Miao Jing nced at Zhai Yaohui reproachfully and she grabbed onto Qiao Nan¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to your dad. His temper has only gotten worse with age. Maybe it¡¯s because we¡¯ve fed him with too many spicy things that he¡¯s be more short-temperedtely.¡± This wasn¡¯t about being afraid. Wasn¡¯t it better for her to protect herself by distancing herself from Li Yayan whom she knew was up to no good?

    ¡°But I¡¯ll support you regardless of the decision you make.¡± Of course, Qiao Nan would have her own opinion about what to do. She believed that Qiao Nan would make a wise and informed decision.

    Qiao Nan pecked San Bao¡¯s chubby hand. ¡°Dad, Mom, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anything happen to me. Actually, Brother Zhai has already assigned two bodyguards to me. Wang Yang won¡¯t seed no matter what he tries to do to me. Besides, my interactions with Wang Yang are very limited. Unless I have sses in the afternoon, I never have lunch with Li Yayan. It was the first time I went out shopping with her today. Besides, when I agreed to go shopping with her today, she was trying to get me to share her anger, not knowing that I was trying to test Wang Yang¡¯s and her attitudes.¡±

    Thest time, Li Yayan had suddenly brought up the topic of how her friend from Ping Cheng had vacationed in the capital. Afterward, Qiao Nan had given it some thought and realized that Qiao Zijin seemed to have arrived in the capital the previous day.

    Qiao Zijin had insisted oning to the capital to see Qiao Nan take herst breath so that she could take over her husband and children. So, what was Qiao Zijin intending to do this time? Qiao Zijin had already had all sorts of worries about intion, the rising cost of living, and whether she would have enough for her old age even when she had more than a million yuan while living in Ping Cheng.

    Without sufficient benefits that tempted her, there was no way Qiao Zijin would have the guts to rush to the capital, where the cost of living was exorbitant. Could she possibly like the sandstorms in the capital?

    No matter how she thought about it, there was only one thing that Qiao Zijin could probably benefit from: thewsuit over the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s the case.¡± Miao Jing had finally understood the situation. Of course, she had only been able to rest easy after learning that her son had arranged for bodyguards for Qiao Nan. ¡°That¡¯s true. If you have any problems, you can go to Zhai Sheng. If he doesn¡¯t solve them for you,e to me. I¡¯ll get your dad to lecture him.¡±

    This was a chain with links. Zhai Yaohui would definitely deal with Zhai Sheng, while Miao Jing would deal with Zhai Yaohui. In the end, Miao Jing would be influenced by Qiao Nan as well. In that way, Qiao Nan realized that she was the person at the top of the food chain!

    Because Qiao Nan had already gotten some idea of what was going on, and Qiao Dongliang had given her a heads-up, there was no way Qiao Zijin could have kept her intentions hidden from Qiao Nan. After her little experiment today, Qiao Nan was sure that Qiao Zijin had indeede to the capital because of the inheritance. Qiao Zijin had even told her that she would definitely get a sum of money froming to the capital this time.

    But Qiao Zijin had not exined anything else in detail to Qiao Nan. Of course, when Qiao Dongliang had tried to question Ding Jiayi, she had naturally been unable to furnish him with any details either.

    Anyway, Li Yayan had been trying to test Qiao Nan on Qiao Zijin. As such, Qiao Nan had given Li Yayan what she wanted during her little shopping trip today so that Li Yayan would at least feel that she had gotten something out of it.

    Because of that little ¡®harvest¡¯, Li Yayan¡¯s expression was sour as she headed home. Qiao Zijin had already gotten in contact with Qiao Nan. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Qiao Zijin had already made some progress regarding the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    If Qiao Zijin seeded, that would naturally be good since that would mean that everything of the Zhu family would belong to Wang Yang. Since it was Wang Yang¡¯s, she would enjoy it too. The problem was that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to arrange matters for her family without the five million yuan. No matter how much Wang Yang got from the Zhu family, it belonged to the Wang family, not the Li family.

    She knew very well just how fiery her father-inw¡¯s temper was. As such, unless her father-inw was dead, she would never get the five million yuan for her family. But hadn¡¯t they said that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan? It had already been a couple of days and they hadn¡¯t been in contact before this. So, why had Qiao Nan suddenly gotten in contact with Qiao Zijin behind her back?

    ¡°Why do you look so down? Have you run into some trouble with Qiao Nan?¡± Wang Yang sensed that Li Yayan was in a foul mood. ¡°Did Qiao Nan find out about your identity and stop you from getting close to her?¡± If that was the case, they would have one fewer path to choose from.

    ¡°No.¡± Li Yayan brushed her long hair aside. ¡°I haven¡¯t even mentioned you being my husband. How would she ever know who I am? Qiao Nan¡¯s extremely timid since she married into the Zhai family after going through so much. I¡¯ve been in contact with her for such a long time, but she¡¯s never talked about being the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. Simrly, she¡¯s never asked me about my husband¡¯s name. Qiao Nan is truly exceptionally careful.¡± Perhaps, Qiao Nan would be the only one who would remain so cautious even after bing the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    Li Yayan was furious at how Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t revealing anything, but they were in the same boat. In the first three years after getting married to Wang Yang, she had been just as careful. She had never dared to say anything outside about her husband being Wang Yang, for fear of causing him trouble.

 Chapter 2265

    <h4>Chapter 2265: ¡°Sick¡±</h4>

    She had gone through that experience. But even so, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t empathize with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter with you?¡± It was fine as long as Qiao Nan had no idea that Li Yayan was his wife. What if Qiao Nan overthought it and misunderstood that Li Yayan had ill intentions behind getting close to her? Not only was he afraid that Qiao Nan would get angry, but he was also afraid that Qiao Nan wouldin about him to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t one he could afford to offend.

    Li Yayan plopped onto the sofa. ¡°Qiao Zijin seems to have gotten in touch with Qiao Nan.¡± What she had was time. She could simply wait until her father-inw passed away and she became the official matriarch of the family. Then, she would have a say over the family¡¯s finances. The problem was that her parents were of the same generation as her father-inw. If her father-inw passed away, how long more would her parents be able to live?

    That meant that her parents couldn¡¯t afford to wait for that day. She would have to find a way of getting the five million yuan so that her brother could get married and have his own children.

    Hearing Li Yayan¡¯s words, Wang Yang understood that his wife was worried over the five million yuan for her family again. ¡°Yayan, you should understand that the five million yuan is a chance I¡¯m giving you. But if you do anything against the Wang family¡¯s interest because of money, you should know that you¡¯llnd up in a much worse state.¡±

    Even though she was his wife and had given birth to his son, he would let nothing go wrong with the Zhu family¡¯s assets. If Li Yayan betrayed his good intentions, it would be easy to deal with her. He would simply listen to his dad and get a divorce from her. Given his background, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to find a wife who was willing to contribute to the Wang family. At the very least, it would be much easier than finding a man of a simr background to Wang Yang for Li Yayan.

    Having received Wang Yang¡¯s warning, Li Yayan dared not think more about that matter. Getting the Zhu family¡¯s assets for Wang Yang was the most important task for now. The five million yuan was simply a bonus. Compared to the Zhu family¡¯s assets, five million yuan was nothing. She couldn¡¯t afford to give up the whole forest for a single tree.

    Her family was important, but was it more important than her son¡¯s and her own life?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I understand. I¡¯m willing to fight for the five million yuan for my family if I have the chance. Otherwise, Qiao Zijin deserves it if she¡¯s capable. As long as you do well, I know that you won¡¯t mind me giving my brother a little even if Dad¡¯s the one controlling the finances.¡± She would have to give up the five million yuan.

    Only with those words did Wang Yang finally feel assured. ¡°It¡¯s good that you understand. My dad might have a slightly nasty temper, but as long as we seed in getting the Zhu family¡¯s assets, there¡¯ll definitely be room for discussion regarding your family. We might even be able to give your brother some money to make a down payment.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± There was nothing more she could do. If they could make a down payment for a house, her brother should probably be able to pay for the monthly payments using the allowances she gave her family every month. It would be slower, but at least, her family wouldn¡¯t be burdened paying for the house. Otherwise, her brother would never get the chance to stay in a big apartment given his fiery temper and refusal to work, and neither would he ever get married to have children nor be filial to their parents.

    Li Yayan had thought that she stood a higher chance of getting the five million yuan. Who would have known that Qiao Zijin was even more frantic than her about that sum of money? Qiao Zijin knew that she had to convince Qiao Nan before the court date. Once the verdict for thewsuit was out, the five million yuan would have nothing to do with her whether or not Wang Yang won the case.

    If Wang Yang won thewsuit, Qiao Nan would no longer be in the picture, and neither would she. If Wang Yang were to lose, Qiao Nan would be able to squander the money away. No one would be as foolish to give up their money when they had it in their hands, especially not Qiao Nan.

    The only way to persuade Qiao Nan to give up that inheritance was to take advantage of the fact that the Zhu family¡¯s assets were nothing more than a vague figure to Qiao Nan. But ever since she had changed her original phone number, Qiao Nan had never taken the initiative to contact her. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but wonder if her mom was truly not worried about her after she had cklisted her mom. Was her mom not going to find Qiao Nan and ask for her help in finding her?

    This time, Qiao Zijin was much smarter and decided to rent an apartment for herself. It was ufortable living in a basement, and Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to sacrifice herfort by staying in such a small ce. As such, she endured the pinch and decided to rent a small apartment of approximately a hundred and fifty square feet.

    Thankfully, it was only spring, not summer. Otherwise, not only would it be expensive to switch on the air-conditioning, but fans wouldn¡¯t even be helpful either. Qiao Zijin had never endured such hardship ever since she was young. She hadn¡¯t even stayed there for an entire month and yet, Qiao Zijin felt that she was even more pitiful than a cabbage that grew in the ground.

    What Qiao Zijin had not expected was that Qiao Nan had lived in such conditions too. Every dog had its day. Now, it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s turn.

    Qiao Zijin stared at her phone every day, afraid of missing out on any news from Ding Jiayi. But as the days went by, Qiao Zijin realized that she had been in the capital alone for almost half a month. She couldn¡¯t afford to wait any further.

    After much contemtion, Qiao Zijin decided to make a call to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Hello, Mom. It¡¯s me¡­¡±

    ¡°Zijin? You¡¯re finally contacting me?¡± Ding Jiayi was over the moon that Qiao Zijin had finally decided to contact her. But very quickly, she thought about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s dislike of Qiao Zijin and she quickly lowered her voice. ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Ding Jiayi returned to her room and shut the door. ¡°Alright. Have you been well in the capital?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± It was just a phone call, but her mom was acting as though they weremitting a crime. This made Qiao Zijin feel uneasy. ¡°Mom, are you hiding from Dad? Mom, I¡¯m not doing well in the capital. I¡¯m sick, hungry, and thirsty. There¡¯s no one to take care of me. Mom, I miss you. Will youe to the capital? Can you send me to the hospital? Once I recover, I won¡¯t stop you from returning to Ping Cheng.¡±

    She would trick her mom to the capital. She could decide on whether her mom would be able to return to Ping Chengter on.

    ¡°What? You¡¯re sick? Did you go to the doctor? Have you taken any medications? How could you starve yourself while you¡¯re sick? If you can¡¯t make your own meals, you should call for takeaway, at the very least!¡± Upon hearing that Qiao Zijin was seriously ill, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart broke. ¡°Zijin, listen to me. Hurry and get off the phone.¡±

 Chapter 2266

    <h4>Chapter 2266: Really Sick</h4>

    ¡°Once you fill your stomach, take your medications and have a good rest. You¡¯ll be fine tomorrow. How will you get well if you don¡¯t eat anything? If it¡¯s serious, call 120 to get to the hospital. Don¡¯t try to save money like that, do you understand?¡±

    She had already said that it wouldn¡¯t be easy surviving in the capital. She didn¡¯t even know the ce well, and neither did she have any close friends or rtives there. Thankfully, she hadn¡¯t listened to Zijin to follow her to the capital. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t even have anyone to ask for help from in such a situation. In fact, she might even need to borrow money to tide over such a situation.

    ¡°Mom, I miss you. I really miss you. Mom, why don¡¯t youe over? I can¡¯t do it without you here. Mom, I need you. Can youe and take care of me?¡± Qiao Zijin made no mention of medications of the hospital and simply cried out pitifully, asking Ding Jiayi to apany her. ¡°Mom, I feel terrible. I feel like my eyesight is really blurry now. Mom, will youe over? I think I¡¯ll die without anyone taking care of me¡­¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, Qiao Zijin hung up the phone.

    ¡°Hello? Hello?¡± How could her phone run out of battery now?

    Yes, before ending the call, what Ding Jiayi heard was not Qiao Zijin ending the call, but a reminder that her phone was low on battery. Shortly after, the call ended abruptly.

    Qiao Zijin had gone to great lengths to create the right atmosphere and to get through to Ding Jiayi. She had been ying on her mobile phone and only when she was left with three percent of battery did she finally make a call to Ding Jiayi. She had spoken intermittently not only to pretend that she was sick but also to stall time.

    She had to ensure that Ding Jiayi heard the reminder that her phone had run out of battery so that Ding Jiayi would think that the call had ended only because there was no more battery. Only then would Ding Jiayi rush to the capital to take care of her. Before that, Ding Jiayi would probably inform Qiao Nan about the situation and get Qiao Nan to check on her too.

    Having sessfully made the call, Qiao Zijin was suddenly full of energy and she paced around the house anxiously. If she had guessed correctly, Qiao Nan would find her earlier than her mother. Qiao Nan would definitely turn a blind eye to her if she were to see how she was in perfect health. That wouldn¡¯t do. She had to ensure that she was truly sick.

    Thinking about what she often saw on television dramas, Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth and sshed cold water on herself before opening all the windows, letting the wind blow against her drenched clothes. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but chatter and shudder as she felt her temperature dropping. Even though it was already spring, it was still brutally cold when the winds blew against her fully drenched clothes.

    After standing in the wind for about half an hour, Qiao Zijin began to feel a little dizzy as though she was losing control of her senses. Only then did she struggle to shut the windows and strip off her wet clothes before throwing them in the washbasin. After that, Qiao Zijin headed directly for bed and covered herself with her nket, quickly falling asleep.

    Even in her dream, Qiao Zijin could obviously feel the difort in her body worsening. It had originally been a fake illness, but it had turned into reality. One moment, she was so cold that she shivered even under her nket, but in another, she felt so warm that she wanted to hide in the refrigerator. It felt terrible to be sick!

    Because Qiao Zijin was always well taken care of, she rarely fell sick in her forty years of life. When Qiao Zijin had first started menstruating, both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan had to be at her beck and call because of her pains. Now that she was sick, she felt so miserable that she was willing to die. Apart from giving birth to Chen Feng, this was probably the most painful and miserable experience in her entire life.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan had not wanted to say a thing when she had first received Ding Jiayi¡¯s call. Qiao Zijin was seriously ill without anyone to take care of her. There was no one to even call an ambnce for her, so she had to rush over to take a look at Qiao Zijin. Leaving aside whether Qiao Zijin was truly ill, where was she supposed to go?

    She didn¡¯t even know where Qiao Zijin was. The capital was so big. By the time she searched through the entire capital, Qiao Zijin would probably have toiled through her illness herself or passed away from her illness.

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Qiao Nan took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll book a ne ticket for you. Take your identity card ande to the capital. Oh right, will you being alone, or will Dad being with you? How many tickets should I book?¡± There was nothing better than money at this point in time.

    ¡°Just one.¡± Ding Jiayi was actually very nervous since she had never been on a ne. It would be best if Qiao Dongliang was willing to apany her. But the problem was that Qiao Dongliang hadn¡¯t even expressed any joy over Qiao Zijin getting in contact with her. In fact, he had been rather indifferent over the whole matter. But the moment he heard that she was flying to the capital to find Zijin, Old Qiao¡¯s expression had changed drastically.

    Knowing that Qiao Dongliang was in a rage, Ding Jiayi dared not ask him to apany her there. She had better figure out what the situation was before doing anything else.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t see anything wrong with Qiao Nan paying for her ticket even though she was visiting Zijin. It wasn¡¯t as though Qiao Nancked any money. What was wrong with getting Qiao Nan to spend such a small sum of money?

    She hadn¡¯t even said anything. If Qiao Nan was really a good daughter, she should have returned to Ping Cheng to escort her there. Didn¡¯t they say that rich families had their own private nes? Qiao Nan was wealthy enough, and the Zhai family had a high enough status too. She had no interest in a limousine. A private ne would be the best way of showing her filial piety.

    But she had not even asked for any of this. All she had asked for was a single ne ticket.

    ¡°Alright, you can head to the airport now. I¡¯ve got you a ticket. The flight leaves in two and a half hours. If you take a taxi to the airport now, you¡¯ll get there in time for the flight.¡± What else could she say? Ding Jiayi would only ever contact her when she needed money.

    ¡°Okay.¡± She knew that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t lie to her about such things. As such, Ding Jiayi quickly headed out after packing a few pieces of clothing.

    Seeing Ding Jiayi in such a hurry, Qiao Dongliang made a decision. He found a locksmith and changed all the locks in the house. In short, the next time Ding Jiayi returned, she wouldn¡¯t be able to enter the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard with her keys.

    Qiao Zijin had too much up her sleeves and was reluctant to stop, and Ding Jiayi refused to change her habit of doting on Qiao Zijin. As such, Ding Jiayi would never be able to lead a peaceful life because of Qiao Zijin, even if she wanted to.

 Chapter 2267

    <h4>Chapter 2267: Fulfilling Her Wish</h4>

    Qiao Dongliang knew that he would never be able to rein in Ding Jiayi because of Qiao Zijin. Since that was the case, it was better for them not to live together and hurt each other. In the future, Ding Jiayi had better live with Qiao Zijin. He didn¡¯t mind living alone. In Ping Cheng, he still had his old neighbors and old colleagues. Without Ding Jiayi, he would be able to continue with his life all the same.

    Aftering to that conclusion, not only did Qiao Dongliang change all the locks at home, but he even changed them to high-quality ones.

    What Qiao Dongliang was grateful about was that he had already given Qiao Nan the property deed to this courtyard a long time ago. Once Ding Jiayi returned from the capital, they would get a divorce. Ding Jiayi had better not even dream of taking a step into the courtyard.

    Ding Jiayi had been rather nervous sitting on the ne, and she had needed to ask around before managing to arrive at the correct gate. Looking at the crowds in the airport, Ding Jiayi was resentful and angry about having such an unfilial and heartless daughter like Qiao Nan.

    She wasn¡¯t highly educated and recognized only a few simple characters. Besides, this was her first time taking a ne. At her age, it was only right for someone to be taking care of her. But Qiao Nan had left her in the lurch! If anything were to happen to her, it would be entirely Qiao Nan¡¯s fault! Was Qiao Nan not afraid that she would be a child without a mom? Was she hoping that her mom would get into an ident?

    How much evil had shemitted in her past life that she had gotten her retribution in the form of a daughter like Qiao Nan?

    Ding Jiayi, who went on cursing Qiao Nan in her heart, had never paused to think about why she always seemed like an unbeatable giant in front of Qiao Zijin who was always willing to bear the brunt for her. Why then was she so delicate in front of Qiao Nan, thinking that Qiao Nan had to arrange everything for her?

    She treated Qiao Zijin as her daughter. But every time she thought about Qiao Nan, she felt that it was Qiao Nan¡¯s duty to take care of her. It was as though their roles of mother and daughter were reversed.

    Who was the true debtor in this lifetime? Everyone else apart from Ding Jiayi could understand the situation clearly. Just like how Qiao Nan had oncemented to Qiao Dongliang, perhaps, she had owed Ding Jiayi too much in her previous lifetime that she had to repay her to such an extent now. All she asked for was to have nothing to do with Ding Jiayi after she repaid her debts.

    With an aggrieved mentality, Ding Jiayi held it in for almost two hours in the air. Her eyes were bloodshot by the time shended. Everyone reacted differently to ne rides. There were those who got nauseous. As such, no one thought that it was strange for Ding Jiayi to behave in this manner. Besides, there were those who slept throughout entire ne rides. Perhaps, her eyes were red because she had just woken up.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but feel overwhelmed when she saw such a huge airport after alighting from the ne. She didn¡¯t even know where to go next. She was in a frenzy. She didn¡¯t even know if she would be able to navigate around the airport, much less the capital.

    That wretched girl was probably hoping that she would get lost in this ce. That way, she wouldn¡¯t need to worry about her mom in the future! Fat chance! She would never let that happen. Not only would she survive, but she would even live her life well and live a long life! Qiao Nan had better not dream of getting rid of her!

    Huffing, Ding Jiayi gained some strength and decided to make a call directly to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s your mom!¡±

    ¡°Whose mom?¡± Miao Jing answered with a cold tone. How could Ding Jiayi be so confident in yelling that right away? She had the urge to retort her.

    ¡°¡­¡± Hearing that it wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan on the line, Ding Jiayi cooled down. ¡°Excuse me, you are¡­¡± It didn¡¯t sound like that auntie that Qiao Nan had hired.

    Miao Jing pursed her lips. ¡°I¡¯m Nan Nan¡¯s mother-inw.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± It was the old chief¡¯s wife, her inw. Even though they weremunicating over the phone and they couldn¡¯t see each other, Ding Jiayi reflexively let out a smile and her tone was incredibly courteous. ¡°Inw, I¡¯m looking for my daughter. Could you get her to the phone, please?¡±

    ¡°What kind of mother are you? Don¡¯t you know that Nan Nan has lessons in school today? Do you think that the Zhai family¡¯s matters are less important than the Qiao family¡¯s? How bold of you!¡± Only a fool like Ding Jiayi would be able to stop Nan Nan from attending school just to let that stupid Qiao Zijin go in her ce.

    When it came to her most beloved daughter, Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper had never been good. ¡°What? She went to school? What a joke! She didn¡¯t even graduate from high school. Why doesn¡¯t she just live a simple life? What¡¯s the point of going to school? She knows that I¡¯ming and that her sister¡¯s dying, and she doesn¡¯t even wait in front of the phone! How dare she!¡±

    If Qiao Nan was in front of her, she would have given Qiao Nan a good beating. She had to let Qiao Nan learn how to prioritize matters!

    ¡°Why not?¡± Miao Jing was infuriated. ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s the daughter-inw of the Zhai family now, not the daughter of the Qiao family. Do you really think you¡¯re the empress? You always lose your temper in front of Nan Nan but serve Zijin like she¡¯s your master. Our Zhai family doesn¡¯t wee you. Take a look at yourself. It seems like you don¡¯t need our help now that you¡¯re in the capital. Alright, I¡¯ll tell Nan Nan about this so that she won¡¯t have to worry about it. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Miao Jing was terribly reluctant to help Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. A good kid like Nan Nan had been dragged down by both of them. Even after hurting Nan Nan so badly, they still dared to treat Nan Nan with that arrogant attitude. How shameless!

    Was that an attitude Ding Jiayi should have if she was asking for help? How ridiculous!

    After hanging up Ding Jiayi¡¯s call, Miao Jing was still infuriated. As such, Miao Jing made a call to the person who had been sent to pick Ding Jiayi up. ¡°She¡¯s already in the airport but you don¡¯t have to pick her up. Just give her Qiao Zijin¡¯s address. You cane back home.¡±

    Didn¡¯t she love Qiao Zijin very much? And didn¡¯t Ding Jiayi only have one daughter, Qiao Zijin? Since she only had one daughter, Ding Jiayi had better not dream of enjoying the benefits of having Nan Nan as a daughter. Miao Jing would fulfill this wish of Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 2268

    <h4>Chapter 2268: Rushing Over</h4>

    Letting Ding Jiayi make use of Qiao Nan¡¯s resources to take care of Qiao Zijin so that she could express her maternal love? How could that be allowed?

    And she even wanted a chauffeur? Dream on!

    After hanging up the call, Miao Jing poured a ss of sweetened drink for herself. Only after calming herself down did she visit her three precious grandchildren tofort herself. Otherwise, Miao Jing felt as though she would be driven to her grave!

    Because Miao Jing had hung up on her, Ding Jiayi was dumbfounded. She hadn¡¯t even gotten angry at Miao Jing. All she had done was express her dissatisfaction with Qiao Nan. Rtionships between mothers-inw and daughters-inw had always been tense since ancient times. Shouldn¡¯t Miao Jing have been happy when she scolded Qiao Nan? Now that she was here, she could stand on Miao Jing¡¯s side and subdue Qiao Nan within the Zhai family so that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t dare to do anything in the Zhai family.

    But before she could even badmouth Qiao Nan, Miao Jing had ended the call in a rage. If not for the fact that Ding Jiayi remembered how she had indeed given birth to Qiao Nan, she would have misunderstood that Qiao Nan was Miao Jing¡¯s daughter instead because of how anxious Miao Jing had been.

    Up until now, Ding Jiayi had only the Zhai family¡¯sndline, and not Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number. Because she had been cut off, Ding Jiayi had no idea what to do. She wanted to get in touch with Qiao Nan but had no way of doing so.

    Left with no choice, Ding Jiayi could only call Qiao Nan for help. She had already been bullied by Qiao Nan¡¯s mother-inw, who had purposely ended the call and refused to let Qiao Nan talk to her. But she would only be able to contact Qiao Nan if Qiao Dongliang agreed to give her Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number.

    Then, Qiao Nan would be able to take care of her behind Miao Jing¡¯s back and send her to Qiao Zijin.

    But Ding Jiayi had not been able to get through to Qiao Dongliang either. All she heard on the other end of the call were those rapid and short beeps. Even after trying several times, Ding Jiayi could not get through and the phone had even been switched off! Ding Jiayi was stunned.

    Old Qiao had not forgotten to pay for his phone bills, and he had even charged his phonest night. There was no way he would have switched off his phone due to ack of battery. She was done for. If she couldn¡¯t get in touch with Old Qiao, she wouldn¡¯t get Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number either. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, how was she supposed to find Qiao Zijin?

    With no other choice, Ding Jiayi dialed back the number from which she had received a call earlier. What made Ding Jiayi panic was that ever since that call that noon, Qiao Zijin¡¯s phone had been switched off. Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Zijin had been so ill that she hadn¡¯t even remembered to charge her phone.

    Without a phone, how was Qiao Zijin supposed to call an ambnce for herself?

    After giving it some thought, Ding Jiayi could only crouch down and sob now that she was stuck in the airport without Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    At this moment, a man patted Ding Jiayi on her shoulder. ¡°Are you Madam Ding from Ping Cheng?¡±

    Ding Jiayi sniffled and wiped away her tears. ¡°Yes, I am. Who are you?¡± How could she possibly know anyone in the capital? Besides, she was sure that she had never met this man in her life.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The man didn¡¯t introduce himself, much less let Ding Jiayi know that he had been supposed to drive Ding Jiayi to Qiao Zijin. ¡°This is your daughter¡¯s address. You can find her there. Goodbye.¡± Following Miao Jing¡¯s instructions, the man turned to take his leave after handing Ding Jiayi Qiao Zijin¡¯s address. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even have the chance to hold him back.

    It took Ding Jiayi a while to realize that this was perhaps the person that Qiao Nan had gotten to lead her to Qiao Zijin. As such, she picked up her luggage and ran behind that man. ¡°Hey! Slow down! Did that wretched girl get you to take me to Zijin? Why are you leaving me with only an address? What did that wretched girl tell you? Don¡¯t leave!¡±

    Of course, Ding Jiayi was no match for that man¡¯s speed. Besides, the airport was crowded and the man skillfully dodged everyone, whereas Ding Jiayi fumbled around, even knocking into others from time to time.

    Within moments, Ding Jiayi had lost sight of the man. However, she had also sessfully gotten out of the airport. Ding Jiayi sighed. ¡°That young man ran so quickly! Why did that wretched girl find someone so unreliable? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s well-paid but he didn¡¯t even do his job well. That won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll have to tell that wretched girl offter and get that man to return the money. How could he expect to be paid after doing such a shoddy job?¡±

    Fortunately for her, she had found her way out of the airport. Otherwise, she might have gotten lost in there.

    Ding Jiayi might have chased after that man frantically, but she had never once let go of the slip of paper with Qiao Zijin¡¯s address. With much difficulty, she got in the queue for a taxi. After boarding the cab, Ding Jiayi handed the address over. ¡°Sir, I want to go to this ce. My daughter¡¯s sick and needs someone to take care of her. Could you please drive faster?¡±

    Ding Jiayi thought that the driver wouldn¡¯t dare to take a longer route if she were to say that. That way, she would even be able to save herself some money.

    Unfortunately, the driver hardly believed Ding Jiayi. If her family member was seriously ill, the address would have been of a hospital, not a rented apartment. If that person could wait for someone to take a ne over, he or she must not have been very ill, after all.

    After memorizing the address, the driver agreed. ¡°Alright, but auntie, I¡¯ll have to let you know in advance thatnd is expensive in the capital, so the airport is quite a distance away from the city center. No matter how many shortcuts I take, I won¡¯t be able to shorten the distance by much. The fare will be quite expensive. Is that alright with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Of course!¡± It didn¡¯t matter if it was expensive. She would get back as much as she had spent from that wretched girl. What she was spending was Qiao Nan¡¯s money anyway. It wasn¡¯t hers.

    ¡°Deal!¡± The driver was ted and stepped on the elerator as soon as he epted Ding Jiayi¡¯s offer.

    It cost two hundred yuan to get to her destination. Ding Jiayi had no choice but to hand over two hundred yuan albeit feeling the pinch.

 Chapter 2269

    <h4>Chapter 2269: Entirely Qiao Nan¡¯s Fault</h4>

    ¡°Sir, could you wait here for a moment? My daughter¡¯s really sick and she hasn¡¯t been to the hospital. I flew over here especially to send my daughter to the hospital. Why don¡¯t you send us to the hospital too?¡± She was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to hail a cab once she brought Zijin down.

    ¡°Alright.¡± There was no reason for the driver to refuse this transaction. But was this auntie¡¯s daughter really sick? ¡°Auntie, will your daughter be able toe down herself since she¡¯s sick? Do you need me to help you out?¡±

    ¡°Not for now. I¡¯ll go upstairs and take a look. I¡¯ll call for you if I need help.¡± Ding Jiayi was unsure of Qiao Zijin¡¯s condition. What if the driver saw something he shouldn¡¯t have? Then, Zijin would lose all her marriage prospects!

    After hurrying up the stairs and confirming the unit number, Ding Jiayi knocked on the door. ¡°Zijin, it¡¯s Mom. I¡¯m here. Hurry and open the door. Zijin, wake up. Are you at home? Zijin¡­¡±

    Afraid that Zijin wouldn¡¯t be able to hear her, Ding Jiayi knocked frantically on the door so much so that her knuckles turned red.

    Thankfully, Ding Jiayi had used enough strength, awakening the dazed Zijin from her sleep. Qiao Zijin opened her eyes, feeling as though she was being attacked by an entire army of soldiers. She crawled out of bed with much difficulty and opened the door.

    The moment she saw Ding Jiayi¡¯s familiar face, Qiao Zijin¡¯s tears fell uncontrobly. ¡°Mom, I feel so miserable. Mom, am I dying?¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t spout nonsense. Oh, you¡¯re so warm!¡± Ding Jiayi was taken aback by how high Qiao Zijin¡¯s temperature was. ¡°This won¡¯t do, Zijin. Let¡¯s go to the hospital now. You need to get an intravenous drip! Your fever is too high!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t Ding Jiayi¡¯s first time feeling such a high temperature. Qiao Nan had experienced such a high fever in the past too. Ding Jiayi had remembered it clearly because they had spent a lot of money on her at that time. ¡°Sir, please hurry. My daughter¡¯s burning up. Take us to the nearest hospital!¡±

    Because he had seen Qiao Zijin with his own eyes, the driver had lost all his suspicions and raced to the nearest hospital. ¡°Hurry on in.¡±

    Because of all the paperwork and fees, Ding Jiayi had worked nonstop from the moment she entered the hospital. After going through all the paperwork, Qiao Zijin was finally pushed in for an examination. From the looks of it, Qiao Zijin¡¯s fever had developed into pneumonia, and she needed to be hospitalized.

    Upon hearing that, Ding Jiayi felt as though she had been struck by lightning. ¡°Is-is it really that serious? Isn¡¯t it just a cold?¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take care of the patient well? Don¡¯t you know that colds in spring are very serious? If you had sent her in earlier to get an intravenous drip, her fever would have gone down. But you guys waited too long before sending her in. That¡¯s why it¡¯s developed into pneumonia.¡±

    ¡°How-how much will that cost?¡± It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to admit Qiao Zijin into the hospital for treatment. But Ding Jiayi had already spent most of the money that she had brought over. Ding Jiayi knew that the remaining money would definitely be insufficient to cover Qiao Zijin¡¯s hospitalization bills.

    ¡°You can head over to that counter to make payment first. The final bill will depend on the medications your daughter requires and how many days she¡¯s hospitalized. Don¡¯t worry. Our hospital doesn¡¯t charge exorbitant prices. If we do, you¡¯re always wee to make aint.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Ding Jiayi was embarrassed. ¡°Alright, please take care of her. I¡¯ll go make the payment now.¡±

    Although Ding Jiayi said that, she had no money left in her pockets. She had to make a payment of two thousand yuan for Qiao Zijin to be admitted, but she had only slightly more than a thousand left. Without any hesitation, Ding Jiayi made a call to the Zhai family. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m looking for Qiao Nan. Is she back?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± Knowing that Qiao Zijin was sick and that Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have any limits, Miao Jing had purposely sat by the phone to deal with Ding Jiayi. ¡°Our Nan Nan is very busy. Not only does she have to study, but she also has to take care of her three children. What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Her sister¡¯s sick and lying in the hospital. Is she going to leave her only sister to die? Does she want her mom to die too?¡± Ding Jiayi flew into a rage. Who cared who Miao Jing¡¯s husband was? How could Qiao Nan not stay by her side as kin but act like a stranger in such a difficult time instead?

    If Qiao Nan were in front of Ding Jiayi, she would definitely strangle Qiao Nan. She had truly never been wrong scolding that wretched girl!

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that she¡¯s already in the hospital? Why do you have to worry then? If even the doctors can¡¯t treat her, what can Nan Nan do? Stop pushing the me to Nan Nan. Don¡¯t be so shameless! Besides, is your brain working? What¡¯s with the rest of the Qiao family? Is Nan Nan the only Qiao in the entire family?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi felt embarrassed being scolded by Miao Jing. The reason why she couldn¡¯t even lift her head up high in front of her inws was Qiao Nan! Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t coaxed her mother-inw well enough! ¡°Her sister¡¯s fever developed into pneumonia and has to be hospitalized. We have to make a payment of two thousand yuan. I don¡¯t want your money. Ask Qiao Nan to send ten thousand over to me.¡± She didn¡¯t want the Zhai family¡¯s money, just Qiao Nan¡¯s.

    ¡°Nope, she doesn¡¯t have it. Even if she does, she won¡¯t give you any. You guys can get her treated if you have the money. Otherwise, you can just wait and see if she dies.¡± These were the most vicious words Miao Jing had ever said. It was not that Miao Jing was being excessively brutal, but she couldn¡¯t stand how shameless Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were any longer.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were really at the end of their road. Even though they only needed two thousand yuan to pay for admission into the hospital, they had shamelessly asked for ten thousand yuan! But that didn¡¯t matter. From what she knew, Qiao Zijin still had more than a million yuan in her pockets. Why would someone with a million yuan not be able to afford a hospitalization bill of merely two thousand yuan?

    They were even more demanding than pirates! Ding Jiayi had better rob a bank instead. If she seeded, she wouldn¡¯t just get mere ten thousand yuan. Ding Jiayi could take as much as she wanted for Qiao Zijin!

    ¡°Hello? Hello!¡± Ding Jiayi was infuriated because the call had ended again! ¡°The wealthy are always so stingy!¡± No wonder Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan. They were birds of the same feather! To save that small sum of money, they didn¡¯t even care about their rtives! Would the Zhai family get wealthy just because of ten thousand yuan?

 Chapter 2270

    <h4>Chapter 2270: Otherwise?</h4>

    Qiao Zijin required urgent treatment, but Ding Jiayi still had to think about their next meals with the money she had left. As such, Qiao Nan had to pay for the two-thousand-yuan hospitalization bill. Thus, Ding Jiayi tirelessly made yet another call to the Zhai family. Initially, Miao Jing had not intended on answering the call. In fact, she had even considered unplugging thendline. After all, everyone in the family owned a mobile phone. To be honest, not many people even contacted them through thisndline.

    Very quickly, Miao Jing changed her mind, deciding to punish the blind Ding Jiayi in another way. Perhaps it was because Miao Jing had spent too much time with the triplets that she had be childish too. She had decided to y a cruel and disgusting joke on Ding Jiayi.

    As long as Ding Jiayi called the Zhai family, Miao Jing would always pick up the phone. However, she refused to utter a word before mming the phone back down.

    As long as she picked up the call, it would be chargeable even if she didn¡¯t say a word. Even if the callsted for only a second, the telmunicationpanies would still charge by the minute. Besides, Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone card was from Ping Cheng. Since she had traveled out of Ping Cheng, it would be a foreign call that cost one yuan a minute!

    Miao Jing had hung up five times, and that meant that Ding Jiayi had spent five yuan on nothing. Initially, Ding Jiayi had not understood the situation. It was only when she received a notification that she had less than ten yuan in her phone card did Ding Jiayi finally understand what Miao Jing was doing.

    Ding Jiayi was used to taking advantage of others. This was the first time she was being yed like this. Ding Jiayi, who already had half a foot in the grave, burst out in tears like a young child, having been infuriated by Miao Jing.

    Since she was outside, Ding Jiayi ran to the toilet to cry her heart out. She didn¡¯t have Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number, and she had no idea whether Miao Jing¡¯s attitude was a result of Qiao Nan instructing her to act that way, or whether it was purely out of her own volition. She wanted to get in touch with Qiao Dongliang, but it seemed like he had changed his phone number too. She couldn¡¯t get through no matter how hard she tried.

    After sobbing for almost three minutes, Ding Jiayi finally washed up and returned to Qiao Zijin¡¯s rented apartment to get her bank card. Ding Jiayi knew Qiao Zijin¡¯s passcode, so she easily retrieved ten thousand yuan from the ATM. From there, she used two thousand yuan to pay for Qiao Zijin¡¯s hospitalization admission bill so that she could receive treatment.

    Before Qiao Zijin awoke, Ding Jiayi simply felt that the capital was too frightening. She couldn¡¯t even get in touch with a single person here. It seemed as though her phone had suddenly spoiled as soon as she arrived in the capital. Apart from the Zhai family¡¯sndline, she hadn¡¯t been able to get through to anyone!

    In the face of such a situation, Ding Jiayi strengthened her resolve to return to Ping Cheng after Qiao Zijin recovered. She would never leave Ping Cheng again up until both Qiao Dongliang and she died in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re awake?¡± It was painfully expensive to receive treatment at a hospital, but thankfully, Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness was soon under control with treatment. After a night in the hospital, Qiao Zijin¡¯s fever had nearly subsided and she had sobered up too. ¡°Are you hungry? I made some congee. Why don¡¯t you have some for nourishment?¡±

    Ding Jiayi supported Qiao Zijin to a sitting position, but Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze swept past the ward. ¡°Mom, are you alone? Where¡¯s Nan Nan? Did she go back?¡± What a pity. The first person she had seen when she had awoken hadn¡¯t been Qiao Nan. Otherwise, she would have burst out in tears and hugged Qiao Nan without letting go.

    What a pity. Qiao Nan never ever followed her script. But that didn¡¯t matter. This incident gave her an excuse to rely on Qiao Nan. She had already said that Qiao Nan would never be so heartless to abandon her in times of need.

    She was already so advanced in age. Not only had she stayed by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side all this while, but she had even needed to run around getting money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s admission. Ding Jiayi felt that she had never been this exhausted in her entire life.

    However, not only had Qiao Zijin not thanked her for working so hard after waking up, but she had even asked about Qiao Nan! ¡°What nonsense! That wretched girl didn¡¯t evene to visit you! It was your mom who¡¯s been running around to take care of you! Otherwise, you¡¯d probably still be burning up in your rented apartment! Zijin, you¡¯re all grown up. How could you not know how to take care of yourself? Do you know you contracted pneumonia? Thankfully, it was only pneumonia. What if you¡¯d gotten meningitis like Qiao Nan had in the past? If I was anyter, your brain would have been burned!¡±

    This was not Ding Jiayi¡¯s first encounter with such an incident. The difference was that she hadn¡¯t been by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side. That was why Qiao Zijin had been sent to the hospital toote. At that time, Ding Jiayi had purposely prevented Qiao Nan from receiving treatment, wanting her to miss out on the registration date for school. It was because of that that Qiao Nan¡¯s illness had worsened.

    ¡°Pneumonia?¡± Qiao Zijin was taken aback. Apart from childbirth, it was only uremia that had pained Qiao Zijin terribly. At that time, Qiao Zijin had told herself that she would definitely lead a healthy life so that she would never have to be hospitalized again. She had never expected her condition to have gotten so serious from standing in the wind because of her desire to meet Qiao Nan. ¡°Did Qiao Nan not evene to visit me and take care of me when I contracted pneumonia?¡±

    Was Qiao Nan really that heartless? Was she not going to visit her even if she died?

    ¡°Otherwise?¡± Ding Jiayi replied in frustration. ¡°Apart from giving me a ne ticket and your address, she didn¡¯t do anything!¡± It was because she was exhausted that Ding Jiayi lost her temper.

    ¡°I might have two daughters, but it seems like you¡¯re both here to collect debts from me! I should be enjoying my life at my age now, but look how much I owe you that you¡¯re torturing me like this! Zijin, you¡¯re not young anymore. Can you stop causing trouble like this? Don¡¯t tell me that this illness was just an ident.¡±

    Before Qiao Zijin had awoken, Ding Jiayi had been rather worried about Qiao Zijin. After all, she had thought that Qiao Zijin had fallen ill because she had neglected her own health. But the moment Qiao Zijin awoke and called out for Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi gained a clear understanding of the whole situation.

    Ding Jiayi did know a little why Qiao Zijin hade to the capital this time. As such, Ding Jiayi had a reason to believe that Qiao Zijin had deliberately fallen sick so that Qiao Nan would take care of her. In fact, her arrival might very well have ruined Qiao Zijin¡¯s n.

 Chapter 2271

    <h4>Chapter 2271: Useful</h4>

    The thought of Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper made Ding Jiayi¡¯s head hurt. She had worked hard the whole day, and in the end, she had ruined Qiao Zijin¡¯s n. Leaving aside how she had worked in vain, she might even get a good scolding from Qiao Zijin. How terrible!

    No wonder Old Qiao had remained indifferent even after hearing that Zijin had fallen ill. Perhaps, Old Qiao had already guessed that Zijin had faked her own illness.

    Obviously, Qiao Zijin had no intention of answering Ding Jiayi¡¯s question. She had already made such a huge sacrifice, but Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t even taken the bait! In that case, how was she ever going to meet Qiao Nan, convince Qiao Nan to settle with Wang Yang, give up her inheritance, and not pursue thewsuit?

    If she didn¡¯t get to meet Qiao Nan, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to tell Qiao Nan all that.

    ¡°Mom, did you tell Qiao Nan that I contracted pneumonia? Mom, I¡¯m so seriously ill. Just make a call and tell her to visit me.¡± Qiao Nan would probably feel better seeing her in such a sorry state. Then, it would be even easier to discuss the matter.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not calling them.¡± Ding Jiayi refused. ¡°While you were ill, I kept calling the Zhai family. That family is really vicious. They knew that I have a Ping Cheng card, and they picked up every time but refused to say anything. Do you know that I have less than ten yuan in my phone card now?¡±

    It would just be giving those people another opportunity to waste her money if she made another call.

    She had intended on getting Qiao Nan to pay for all of her expenses this time, including Zijin¡¯s medical expenses and whatever she would need to nourish herself afterward. But Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t even get through to Qiao Nan! She even had to fork out a hundred yuan to top up her phone card!

    ¡°Mom, just try making a call. I think they might have thought that we were lying. They might not have known that I was really sick with pneumonia. We¡¯re all rtives. How could Qiao Nan not visit me when I¡¯m so seriously ill? Mom, I know that it¡¯s hard on you, but try to tolerate it for my sake. Qiao Nan¡¯s living so well now. After you and Dad pass away, I¡¯ll have to rely on Qiao Nan. I can¡¯t afford to have a strained rtionship with her. We¡¯re sisters, after all.¡±

    Before making this trip to the capital, Qiao Zijin had already made up her mind. She would try her best not to provoke Qiao Nan. That way, there would still be room for discussion. Just as she had said, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang were already advanced in age and might pass away at any moment. Then, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have many rtives left.

    Amongst them, Qiao Nan was the one who gave her the most security, and Qiao Nan was the only one whom Qiao Zijin felt that she could rely on.

    That was why Qiao Zijin had decided to hurt herself instead of stirring up trouble for Qiao Nan. She was counting on her younger sister, Qiao Nan, to take care of her once Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi passed on.

    As for her son, Chen Feng, she wanted him to live well. So, there was no way she was going to be a burden to him. Supporting him would be Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibility. Qiao Nan probably wouldn¡¯t refuse to spend a little money on her once she grew older. After all, she couldn¡¯t possibly leave her sister to starve to death.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything.¡± Ding Jiayi refused without any hesitation. ¡°Qiao Nan doesn¡¯t even think of herself as my daughter or as your sister anymore. I think Qiao Nan might burst out inughter if she hears your ideas. Sisters? A daughter? Qiao Nan is not acknowledging any of us now. If not for the blood ties between us, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t even bother about us now. Zijin, you¡¯d better sober up. None of your dreams will be reality.¡±

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s head hurt. ¡°Qiao Nan is doing well for herself now. She has no use for her poor rtives like us. We never had a close rtionship with Qiao Nan in the past anyway. It¡¯s really no surprise that she¡¯s chosen to abandon us now. Zijin, we¡¯ll only be able to benefit from her if she¡¯s willing to let us do so. It¡¯ll be difficult for you to take advantage of her. It¡¯s practically impossible. Zijin, you¡¯d better return to Ping Cheng with me. The five million yuan will never be ours. Qiao Nan is really different from us now.¡±

    Common folk like them would never even earn five million yuan in their entire lifetime. But Qiao Nan could easily give someone five million yuan! She was different now! The most infuriating part was that she had always looked down on Qiao Nan, and yet, it was Qiao Nan who had risen up and entered the circle!

    If Qiao Zijin was in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce now, Ding Jiayi would have gone crazy from joy.

    ¡°Mom, have you gone mad?¡± Qiao Zijin shook Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand away. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who taught me that nothing is impossible as long as one has the will? It¡¯s five million yuan! Not five hundred yuan. I¡¯ll be able to get that huge sum of money with just a little bit of effort. Why should I give it up? Mom, help me. As long as I seed, I¡¯ll give you a million yuan. With a million yuan, you can cajole Dad in any way you please. With a million yuan, you won¡¯t need to worry about having no one take care of you when you¡¯re old. You can always hire someone to take care of you and Dad.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Ding Jiayi realized that Qiao Zijin had never made mention of herself. ¡°When your dad and I are immobile, Qiao Nan, who is married and lives in the capital, won¡¯t be able toe back, but what about you? If your dad and I hire someone to take care of us, where will you be? Are you not going to take care of us?¡±

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°If you have a million yuan, why would you still need me around? Mom, I¡¯ve always been rather clumsy since I was young. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to take care of you and Dad. But look at me. I can¡¯t even take good care of myself. How could I possibly take care of you and Dad? I might make everything worse! It¡¯ll be much better for you to hire a professional to take care of you!¡±

    Was there even a need to ask such a question?

    Knowing what others had to do while taking care of her parents, her parents might not even agree to her taking care of them, even if she was willing to do so.

    Ding Jiayi remained silent for a while. Qiao Zijin¡¯s words had made Ding Jiayie to a realization. Once she and Qiao Dongliang could no longer move around, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t intend to fork out money or effort to take care of them. She would leave them in the lurch and leave them to fend for themselves.

    Perhaps, Qiao Zijin had never considered her or Old Qiao in her future ns.

    If she and Old Qiao were useful, they would be considered her parents. Once they were useless to her, they were two old foggies who had better scram!

 Chapter 2272

    <h4>Chapter 2272: Hire a Helper</h4>

    Yes, she fully understood her daughter¡¯s intentions now.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re really a heartless child. Your dad didn¡¯t allow me toe to the capital, but I insisted oning. But your dad was right. I was making trouble for myself bying to the capital to take care of you. I deserve it. If you want to earn five million yuan, you¡¯d better work hard for it. I won¡¯t interfere in it. Since you¡¯re awake, I¡¯m going to buy a bus ticket back to Ping Cheng this afternoon. Take good care of yourself.¡±

    As expected, Qiao Nan was unreliable, and so was Zijin. She had to return to Ping Cheng right away to beg for Old Qiao¡¯s forgiveness. In the future, Old Qiao would be her life. She wouldn¡¯t care about her daughters or grandchildren. She had already made the decision not to interfere in Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship ever again.

    The five million yuan had made Ding Jiayi understand something. Even if she were to help Qiao Zijin convince, or even force, Qiao Nan to give up the inheritance such that Qiao Zijin earned five million yuan, Qiao Zijin had no intention of ever living with her or Old Qiao, or being filial to them apart from giving her one million yuan.

    Because Qiao Zijin was her favorite daughter, Ding Jiayi was unable to ept Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude toward her. She was always at Qiao Zijin¡¯s beck and call.

    Ever since she was a child, Zijin had always said that she would definitely be filial to her once she made a name for herself. But why was Zijin not honoring that promise now? All she thought of was to throw the elderly couple as far away as possible so that they would never drag her down. She had been such a good kid in the past. Why had she turned out in this way?

    Ding Jiayi refused to admit that she was the cause of Qiao Zijin turning out in this manner or that it had been her atrocious education. Ding Jiayi simply felt that she could no longer face Qiao Zijin and wanted to leave the capital to return to her familiar Ping Cheng as soon as possible to be with Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Here¡¯s your bank card. When you were admitted to the hospital, I had to make a payment of two thousand yuan. I withdrew a total of ten thousand yuan. Here is the rest of the money. You can keep it.¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt sober all of a sudden. Ding Jiayi saw no need to remain in the capital. She understood that an extra person in the capital would mean higher expenses.

    Unless she pushed all responsibility for her expenses to Qiao Nan so that Qiao Zijin could stay with her and save on her own living expenses, even if Qiao Zijin were to convince her to stay, Qiao Zijin would definitely look at her in disdain because she would have to have to pay for her mom¡¯s living expenses as well.

    It was not the first time something like this had happened. But every time it happened, Ding Jiayi was disappointed and hurt all over again. No matter how well Ding Jiayi treated Qiao Zijin, she would always feel hurt and despair. Now, Ding Jiayi had lost all hope in her daughter, Qiao Zijin. ¡°Your dad was right. You guys are all grown up and have your own lives. As parents, we should stop interfering in your lives. You can do whatever you want in the future as long as it makes you happy. I¡¯ll live well in Ping Cheng with your dad. You won¡¯t have to worry about us.¡±

    In other families, children could work and earn money with peace of mind if their parents were safe at home.

    Unfortunately, that was not the case in their family. Even if she and Old Qiao took good care of themselves, Zijin would never feel assured. In fact, she would feel that her parents were useless to her.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was stunned. She had even thought that she had not fallen ill in vain, after all. Even if Qiao Nan had note to visit her, she had managed to get Ding Jiayi to the capital, at the very least. She had already contracted such a serious illness like pneumonia. No matter what, her mom would have to stay in the capital for a few months to take care of her and would probably only return to Ping Cheng after ensuring that she had fully recovered.

    The court date for thewsuit was just around the corner, and the result would probably be out during the time that her mom was here to take care of her. Together with her mom, she would make use of this time to force Qiao Nan to give up the inheritance. Then, she would give her mom a million yuan, while getting five million each from Qiao Nan and Wang Yang. With the remaining nine million yuan, she would be able to live a carefree life however she wanted.

    Who would have expected Ding Jiayi to tell Qiao Zijin that she had paid for her own hospitalization bills and that Ding Jiayi had withdrawn ten thousand from her ount? Qiao Zijin had paid for her own medical bills. No one else had.

    While she was still feeling the pinch from the sum of money, Ding Jiayi¡¯s following words dealt Qiao Zijin another huge blow. ¡°What? Mom, you¡¯re returning to Ping Cheng today? But-but I just woke up. I contracted pneumonia. Didn¡¯t you say that my fever went up to forty degrees? Mom, I just woke up and my fever hasn¡¯t entirely subsided. I¡¯m still really weak. Are you abandoning me and returning to Ping Cheng just like that? Mom, am I still having a fever, or did I hear that wrongly?¡±

    How could her mom abandon her and leave her in the lurch just like that?

    Even without the five million yuan in the picture, her mom should at least continue to take care of her because she was sick!

    Ding Jiayi poured a ss of water for Qiao Zijin, who angrily pushed it away. ¡°I¡¯m not drinking it. Mom, exin yourself. Are you leaving me to die?¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t re up. Since Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t going to drink it, she simply put the ss down. ¡°You¡¯re sick, but your dad and I aren¡¯t getting any younger. Your dad needs someone to take care of him too. It¡¯s true that you haven¡¯t fully recovered, but you have money and can get a nurse to take care of you. It shouldn¡¯t cost too much. You should be able to get discharged before you finish the remaining six to seven thousand yuan.¡±

    ¡°Your mom¡¯s old and clumsy. I can¡¯t even cook dishes to your liking. A nurse is different. Not only are they professionals, but they¡¯re also young and strong. Besides, you¡¯re the one who pays them. If they don¡¯t take good care of you, you can force them to improve because you¡¯re their employer.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was simply returning Qiao Zijin whatever she had told her earlier about getting someone to take care of her and Qiao Dongliang.

    At first, Qiao Zijin had not realized it. ¡°How¡¯s that the same? You¡¯re my mom. No matter how good outsiders are, can itpare to my own mom taking care of me? Besides, professionals are more expensive the better they are¡­¡±

    ¡°So, are you saying that hired help won¡¯t be able to take care of you as well as your mom but those that I hire will take better care of me than my own daughter? Yes, hired help will cost you money, but your mom can be a free-of-charge caretaker.¡±

 Chapter 2273 - Knew in Her Heart

    <h4>Chapter 2273: Knew in Her Heart</h4>

    Ding Jiayi was truly hurt, even though she had already subconsciously known that Qiao Zijin had such a view of her mother.

    It was just that Ding Jiayi had treated it as though she was overthinking it since Qiao Zijin had not explicitly expressed it. Although Qiao Zijin had not clearly said that out loud, the meaning was not dissimr. She had devoted herself to taking care of Qiao Zijin, but Qiao Zijin treated her no different from a free servant.

    When she needed help, she called for her mom. When she had no need for her, she tossed her aside, hoping that she would never appear. Otherwise, she would only be wasting her money. ¡°Zijin, you¡¯re a mother too. You have Feng Feng. Have you ever thought about how you would feel if Feng Feng treats you like how you treat your dad and me in the future? You aren¡¯t even willing to support your dad and me in our old age. Do you really think Qiao Nan would do so as your sister? You don¡¯t even have such a close rtionship with her!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qiao Zijin was infuriated. She hadn¡¯t managed to meet Qiao Nan, and now, her mom was rebelling against her! ¡°Feng Feng¡¯s my son. I know that my son won¡¯t leave me in the lurch.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re my daughter too. Before today, I always thought that my daughter would never leave me in the lurch or not support me either. As a mother, how could I ever have those thoughts about my child? One¡¯s own child will always be the best in one¡¯s eyes. But facts have proved that I am, unfortunately, wrong.¡± Ding Jiayi brought up the example of the three generations in their family.

    Qiao Zijin sneered. ¡°Then, you¡¯re wrong. Who would think of their child in that way? Did I hear that right? Mom, didn¡¯t you do that? When we were younger, Qiao Nan always helped you out with household chores, never forgetting to help you sweep and mop the floor. But you always called her a wretched girl. At that time, I thought that Qiao Nan was a fool for helping you with the chores. I never helped out but you always praised me and gave me the best food to eat all the same. Didn¡¯t you always tell me that Qiao Nan was a heartless wretched girl and that she would never amount to much? That was why you never counted on her supporting you. You said that she would never be filial to you even if she got rich.¡±

    ¡®You remember that, don¡¯t you? Anyway, I do. Look, who says that parents don¡¯t speak ill of their children? Haven¡¯t you always done so?¡± Rtionships between children and their parents were never so blissful. Who said that parents always favored their own children?

    Hadn¡¯t her mom used this example to tell her that Feng Feng wouldn¡¯t be filial to her in the future if she wasn¡¯t filial to her mom now?

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t believe in that. ¡°Mom, do you know why I have such confidence in Feng Feng and know that he¡¯ll be filial to me?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Ding Jiayi was stunned by Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze. She was slightly frightened, no longer wanting to hear Qiao Zijin¡¯s next words. But she couldn¡¯t run away now. ¡°Feng Feng¡¯s your son. It isn¡¯t strange for a son to be like his mother. If I¡¯m not wrong, Feng Feng has never been close to you. In the two years since you¡¯ve been divorced from Chen Jun, I haven¡¯t even seen Feng Feng once.¡±

    As such, there was a high possibility that Feng Feng would refuse to entertain his own mother. Anyway, Zijin was not a good mom herself. What gave her the confidence to say that Feng Feng would definitely be a filial son?

    ¡°In the past, I always let Qiao Nan take care of Feng Feng when I brought him home, not you. Mom, do you remember how I always stopped you from ying with Feng Feng? I said that a kid of Feng Feng¡¯s age was too active and even I couldn¡¯t handle him at times. That¡¯s why I said that it would be better for Qiao Nan to do it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, so?¡± Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t understand why Qiao Zijin would suddenly bring up such a trivial matter.

    ¡°Do you really think that I was afraid that Feng Feng would tire you out? I was simply afraid that you would lead him astray. It¡¯s alright for me to be selfish since you pampered me anyway. Dad was right. You were the one who raised me to be like this, so you¡¯ll have to tolerate me no matter what kind of fuss I kick up. But I know that I don¡¯t have that patience. Qiao Nan does, so I got her to take care of Feng Feng. Look, I spent as little time as possible with Feng Feng in the past. Before he started school, he was either with his grandma or Qiao Nan. After starting school, it was always the teachers who took care of him. But every time he sees me, he¡¯ll still address me politely as his mom.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was almost in tears. She had been foolish her whole life, and that was how she was prepared to live the rest of her life. Living willfully was the best way to live. Selfish people were always at an advantage. She had no intention of changing her temper at her age.

    When it concerned her, it didn¡¯t matter if she continued being so selfish. But when it came to Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin had already given it some thought. She had often asked Qiao Nan to take care of her son so that she would raise him well.

    Did Qiao Zijin not know that her son didn¡¯t like her? Of course, she did!

    When Qiao Zijin had had an affair and had been forced to divorce Chen Jun, no one else in the Chen family had wanted to talk to her. Although her son knew that she had been at fault, he had never criticized her. In fact, upon seeing how badly she had been sobbing, he had poured her a cup of tea.

    It was because of Chen Feng¡¯s cup of tea that Qiao Zijin had gotten the courage to divorce Chen Jun without further hesitation. The Chen family liked their grandson, Chen Feng. If she were to drag the matter on any further and ruin the reputation of the Chen family, their anger would turn toward Chen Feng sooner orter.

    In order to protect her son¡¯s status in the Chen family, Qiao Zijin had decided to get divorced from Chen Jun as quickly as possible with nothing to gain. If not for her son, Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have been much nicer to Chen Jun than she had been to Qiao Nan. Chen Feng was a piece of her, after all. Apart from her son, Chen Feng, the only person she ever cared about or shared affection to was herself.

    ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. It doesn¡¯t matter that I don¡¯t know how to educate my son. Qiao Nan did that for me. I know that Feng Feng won¡¯t leave me in the lurch.¡±

 Chapter 2274 - A Solution

    <h4>Chapter 2274: A Solution</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I¡¯ve never been of much help to him as a mother. When he grows up, the only thing I can do is to try to solve my own problems and lighten his burden. Mom, don¡¯t you think I¡¯m much luckier than you? I have only one son, but my son has never abandoned me.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze and tone were filled with sarcasm. Her mom had been the one to raise her in this manner, and yet, her mom was pretending to regret everything now. What a joke!

    The mother and daughter were peas in a pod. There was no way of reasoning between the two of them. Only whenmon sense stood on their sides did it exist. Otherwise, it was nothing but nonsense!

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of having two children? Isn¡¯t Qiao Nan good? You keep saying that she¡¯s bad, unfilial, stupid, and foolish. You don¡¯t know how happy I am every time I hear that. Your disappointment in Qiao Nan will only benefit me. Look, you always say that you can¡¯t depend on Qiao Nan and that she ill-treats you. But why don¡¯t you think about why Qiao Nan¡¯s always the first person you think of when either Dad or I fall sick? Do you really think you¡¯re only after Qiao Nan¡¯s money? Deep down in your heart, you know that Qiao Nan is the most reliable person in our family. If you don¡¯t even want Qiao Nan when she¡¯s like that, I won¡¯t be greedy. I think our Feng Feng is brilliant.¡±

    Her son was not her husband. She had countless requirements when it came to men. But when it came to her son, Chen Feng, there was nothing she could nitpick on. Why had she allowed Qiao Nan to be Chen Feng¡¯s stepmother? Why had she been willing to lose to Qiao Nan yearster to let her marry Chen Jun?

    Firstly, the one whom Chen Jun truly loved was indeed Qiao Nan. Only if Chen Jun married Qiao Nan would he stop fooling around outside. That way, Chen Feng would never get another sibling. Secondly, and more importantly, there was no one apart from Qiao Nan who could raise Feng Feng to be an upright, just, and kind person.

    For her son¡¯s sake, it wouldn¡¯t matter if she lost to Qiao Nan again.

    What Qiao Zijin had not expected was Qiao Nan meeting Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng had even decided to marry Qiao Nan, and the Zhai family had even agreed to it. That was why her n to make Qiao Nan her son¡¯s stepmother had failed.

    ¡°So be it if you don¡¯t want to take care of me. But you¡¯d better think this through, Mom. I don¡¯t have a good temper and I¡¯m selfish. I can set a fire, but I won¡¯t allow anyone to light a candle. I¡¯m allowed to scheme against you, but you¡¯d better not harbor any of these thoughts against me. If you abandon me now, you¡¯d better be mentally prepared for how I turn out and how I treat you in the future.¡±

    Severing ties with her? She could dream on!

    Her mom had raised her to have such a temper, so her mom had better endure it until the very end. Sorry, she wouldn¡¯t agree to her mom throwing her aside now.

    Ding Jiayi felt devastated, having been threatened by her own daughter. Hadn¡¯t it been her daughter¡¯sck of filial piety and schemes to make her freebor that had disappointed her? Why did it seem like she was the cause of everything now? Had she brought about her own downfall? Did she really deserve this?

    Also, what did Zijin mean by herst sentence? Was Zijin going to pester her until the very end? Did that mean that Zijin had to agree to her throwing her aside? ¡°What-what do you want? What can you do to me?¡±

    Their family no longer had any semnce of a family. To take care of Zijin, she had angered Old Qiao and had gone through much trouble toe here. But Zijin was treating her with such an attitude, and she was even threatening and provoking her with these words!

    Qiao Zijin leaned backfortably on the bed andughed. ¡°Mom, have you ever seen what truly unfilial children do? To be honest, Qiao Nan has never worried you, and neither have I caused too much trouble for you. That¡¯s why you and Dad think this is a big matter. I¡¯m capable of much more than you think.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had never experienced it, but Qiao Zijin had heard a lot about such cases in the years that she had been married to Chen Jun. Ping Cheng was an area undergoing redevelopment. Some old farmers live normally and never earned much, but they had small fortunes.

    Because their viges had been under the demolition n, many problems had arisen in almost every family with sons. Knowing that they would bepensated with cash as well as a house for relocating, their sons were led astray into the bad habit of gambling. Because it was someone else¡¯s game, it was impossible for them to win.

    As such, money leaked out of their pockets. But they had to pay their debts no matter what.

    The old farmers had finally earned a small fortune because of the relocation, but because of their ¡®good sons¡¯, not only had they been forced to give up all of thepensation they had received, but they had even needed to put up their new houses for auction to pay off those debts.

    Worst of all, they had only been able to solve the matter after selling everything valuable in the family. Initially, they had finally been given a chance to improve their lives, but now, they were back to square one, possibly even worse off than before. Before the relocation, they hadnd and could nt their own rice and vegetables, at the very least. The problem was that there wasn¡¯t anynd for them to nt for sustenance after the relocation. They had to buy everything.

    Not only had it be harder to earn money, but their family¡¯s expenses had also increased. Because of that, there had been many tragedies. Of course, Chen Jun couldn¡¯t afford not to care about the matter once it blew up. As a result of the severe crackdown, he had finally been able to get the situation under control.

    Every time she heard about a family who had a ¡®good¡¯ son who eventually resulted in the breakup of the entire family and how their daughters-inw had run off with their grandchildren, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Hadn¡¯t her mom wanted a son? If her mom had just one son like that, she would have ¡®struck rich¡¯!

    Then, her mom would know how ¡®blissful¡¯ it was to be a mom with a son.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin had always watched on from the sidelines. But because of her mom¡¯s attitude today, Qiao Zijin felt that she should, perhaps, let her mom have a taste of how it was to have a child like that in the family. Prostitution, gambling, and drugs were strictly forbidden.. Leaving aside prostitution, she would use either gambling or drugs to show her mom what a truly ¡®unfilial¡¯ child was like.

 Chapter 2275 - Reservations

    <h4>Chapter 2275: Reservations</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course, up until now, Qiao Zijin was still not prepared to do drugs. She hoped that her son would have an unbridled future. For her son¡¯s sake, she had already been willing to divorce Chen Jun. So, there was no way she was going to let Chen Feng have a drug addict as a mother. If she were to be sent to a rehabilitation center, her son would be utterly embarrassed. Then, it wouldn¡¯t be that easy for him to inherit Chen Jun¡¯s position in the future.

    As for gambling, she would not touch it for the time being either.

    But that would depend on Ding Jiayi¡¯s performance as a mother in the future.

    She had already given her mother a chance. If they came to apromise, they would both live well. But if her mom were to go overboard, she could do so too.

    Ding Jiayi had no idea what was going through Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind, but the moment she saw Qiao Zijin¡¯s gaze toward her, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but shiver. Qiao Nan was the best example right in front of them.

    Having been constantly lectured by Qiao Dongliang in the time that Qiao Zijin had been away, Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t remained entirely unmoved or unchanged. Under Qiao Dongliang¡¯s brainwashing and influence, Ding Jiayi had gradually realized that every time she sucked Qiao Nan dry, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t be left out of the picture. She couldn¡¯t deny that every single cent that she squeezed out of Qiao Nan always went to Qiao Zijin.

    It seemed that she would only think of getting money from Qiao Nan whenever Qiao Zijin asked her to do something. Even in Qiao Nan¡¯s second year of junior high school, it had been her elder daughter, Qiao Zijin, who had said that she was going to high school and it would be expensive to put her through school. In the future, it would be even more expensive when she went to university. Her dad¡¯s low sry would probably be just enough to cover her school fees, whereas there was still Qiao Nan, who was only one grade below her.

    It was already hard enough to put one child through school. Her dad would definitely not be able to afford to pay for both his daughters¡¯ school fees. It would be better for her to stop studying and to find a job instead. Since Qiao Nan was younger than her, she would let Qiao Nan continue with her studies. However, Qiao Nan was in a grade below her. That would mean that their family would have to fork out an additional year¡¯s worth of school fees.

    But that didn¡¯t matter to her. As an elder sister, it was only right for her to work hard. An additional year¡¯s worth of school fees meant nothing. What she cared about was wasting the five thousand yuan fees that she had just paid. Initially, she had thought of graduating from university as soon as possible so that she would be able to earn some money to pay her parents back.

    But if she were to stop at high school, she would probably not be able to find such a well-paying job. Even so, she was willing to sacrifice her own interests for the sake of the family. She believed that as long as Qiao Nan knew of the family¡¯s difficulties, she would share the same idea and be willing to do the same thing.

    Even if Qiao Nan was unwilling to do so, it wouldn¡¯t matter since she was the elder sister. She would just let Qiao Nan have her way.

    After hearing how sensible and thoughtful Qiao Zijin was, Ding Jiayi naturally stood on Qiao Zijin¡¯s side. When she had used five thousand yuan to buy Qiao Zijin¡¯s way into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Ding Jiayi had felt her heart bleeding even though Qiao Zijin was her favorite daughter.

    It was five thousand yuan! That was almost all of the Qiao family¡¯s savings at that time. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t bear to see the money go to waste. Because of the five thousand yuan, she couldn¡¯t afford to let Qiao Zijin drop out of school and let Qiao Nan continue instead.

    Besides, Qiao Zijin was in a higher grade than Qiao Nan. Allowing Qiao Nan to continue studying would mean paying another year¡¯s worth of school fees. She had heard that university fees were exorbitant, and neither were the high school fees cheap. Given their family¡¯s situation, it would definitely be better if they could save on a year¡¯s worth of fees.

    Ding Jiayi had always favored Qiao Zijin to begin with. Seeing how sensible Qiao Zijin was, Ding Jiayi immediately cut in and said that there was nothing wrong with Qiao Nan making this sacrifice for her sister and for the family. Since they had to make such a sacrifice, it was better for it to be the one who would lose the least, and the one who made the least contribution to the family.

    It would only be a waste of the family¡¯s money for Qiao Nan to continue with her studies. On the other hand, if they were to let Qiao Nan drop out of school to work, not only would they save money, but they would even have extra ie. That would make a significant difference to their family¡¯s finances.

    Yearster, Ding Jiayi no longer remembered why she had insisted on Qiao Nan dropping out of school, even going to the extent of selling all of Qiao Nan¡¯s textbooks and not leaving a single of Qiao Zijin¡¯s unused books.

    But every time Qiao Dongliang mentioned it, Ding Jiayi¡¯s memories gradually filled her mind yet again.

    Initially, this had been Ding Jiayi¡¯s reason for making Qiao Nan drop out of school. Afterward¡­ Because Qiao Nan had said that she wanted to enrich herself by reading and self-studying, Qiao Zijin had told Ding Jiayi that it was possible that Qiao Nan wanted to return to school. If that was the case, were they supposed to allow Qiao Nan to return to school now that their family was doing slightly better?

    After hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Ding Jiayi had taken action immediately. Returning to school? What a joke! Reading all those books had given Qiao Nan such a ridiculous idea!

    Qiao Zijin was the only university graduate in their family, and their family¡¯s situation had finally improved after such a long time. If their family were to have another student to support, would the rest of them still be able to survive? As part of the family, why didn¡¯t Qiao Nan strive to lessen their burden? Contrarily, she was even intending on increasing their burden! That was unforgivable!

    As such, Ding Jiayi had simply sold off all the books that Qiao Zijin no longer needed, depriving Qiao Nan of any chance of reading them. Since she could no longer read them, Qiao Nan would probably know to keep her ce.

    As these memories returned one by one, Ding Jiayi started to fear her ¡®beloved daughter¡¯, Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin had been the one who instigated her to do all those things to Qiao Nan. In other words, she had been manipted by her most beloved daughter, and in the end, she was the one who had be known as the evilest one in the family. She was seen as the one who had been hurting Qiao Nan all this while.

    The only thing thatforted Ding Jiayi after she remembered all these things was that Qiao Nan was no fool. Under normal circumstances, a person in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce would definitely hold the most resentment toward Ding Jiayi. Obviously, Qiao Nan was not only academically smart, but she was also not that foolish when it came to interpersonal rtionships. She hated Ding Jiayi, but she didn¡¯t hate Qiao Zijin any less.

    In that way, neither of them had been able to escape that fate, at the very least.

    Having figured out how intelligent and frightening her daughter, Qiao Zijin, was, Ding Jiayi had started having her reservations about doting on Qiao Zijin.

 Chapter 2276 - Scared Stiff

    <h4>Chapter 2276: Scared Stiff</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    And now that Qiao Zijin had said such frightening words, Ding Jiayi had the urge to huddle up and start sobbing. Qiao Nan refused to acknowledge her and thought of her as her enemy. As for her elder daughter whom she had always doted on, she regarded her mom as an enemy too. What sins had shemitted to have gotten such unfilial and heartless daughters?

    Now, Qiao Zijin was finally in the mood to drink water. ¡°Alright, Mom. Stop acting as though you¡¯re the most pitiful person in this world. You¡¯re an impressive old woman. Just think about how well you used to manipte Qiao Nan. What¡¯s the point of scolding Qiao Nan and me in your heart? Why don¡¯t you scold us outright if you want to so that we can correct it?¡±

    Ding Jiayi was short of breath and dizzy.

    Was this still her daughter? Even her ancestors weren¡¯t as amazing as her own daughter. ¡°Fine, you¡¯re good. I can¡¯t win against you. I¡¯ve wronged you as a mother. I¡¯ve never done anything to benefit you. Will that do? Don¡¯t bother calling me your mom in the future. It¡¯ll make much more sense for me to call you my mom. You can do whatever you want. The capital isn¡¯t for humans. I can¡¯t stay here. I¡¯m returning to Ping Cheng!¡±

    This conversation with Qiao Zijin scared Ding Jiayi to death. She couldn¡¯t understand whether the capital was a good ce. If it was, why had Qiao Zijin turned into such a frightening character that she couldn¡¯t recognize? If the capital was a bad ce, why was Qiao Zijin insisting on staying here?

    But Ding Jiayi was clear of one thing. The capital wasn¡¯t a good ce for her. It was a ce filled with nightmares, and a ce she couldn¡¯t wait to get away from.

    Qiao Zijin ced her cup down, her gaze filled with disappointment. ¡°Mom, are you really in a rush to return to Ping Cheng today? I¡¯m your daughter. There¡¯s something that will benefit both of us, and I won¡¯t even have to put in much effort. It can¡¯t get any better than this. Mom, I think you can afford to stay here for a few more days. If you have nowhere to stay, you can stay in my rented apartment. It¡¯s a million yuan we¡¯re talking about. With a million yuan, do you still need to care about what your two daughters do? And let me remind you that there aren¡¯t any buses back to Ping Cheng in the afternoon. You¡¯ll have to take a flight back. Didn¡¯t you say that you haven¡¯t gotten in touch with Qiao Nan?¡±

    Actually, Qiao Zijin was sure that the Zhai family would be more than willing to give Ding Jiayi a free ne ticket if they were to know that Ding Jiayi wanted to return to Ping Cheng instead of making trouble for Qiao Nan. After all, it would benefit them to send Ding Jiayi away in case she stirred up trouble for Qiao Nan again.

    After she had married into the Chen family, her parents-inw had never treated her especially well, but Qiao Nan had extremely good fortune. Besides, Qiao Nan¡¯s parents-inw had a higher status than her former parents-inw. Not only did the Zhai family not pick on Qiao Nan, but they even treated her as though she was their biological daughter. It was everything a woman who got married could ever ask for.

    Qiao Nan was already living such a blissful life. If she were to inherit such great wealth, bad luck was sure to strike her.

    Didn¡¯t they always say that trouble and misfortunes never came alone, while blessings never came in a pair? If she was too blessed, she would surely be cursed too! It was best for Qiao Nan to give up the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. Only then would she be able to live her life peacefully and blissfully.

    This wasn¡¯t just superstition. If not for the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, Wang Yang would never have had his eye on Qiao Nan or wanted to deal with her. Sometimes, letting go was the best choice. Without that sum of money, she would gain a much more peaceful life. She was sure that Qiao Nan would not be at a loss even if she were to agree to this deal.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s only sister, there was nothing wrong with her getting some benefits while helping Qiao Nan out of a tight spot. She could swear to the heavens that she would never cause any trouble for Qiao Nan in the future, and neither would she ever need Qiao Nan¡¯s help if Qiao Nan agreed to her conditions and she managed to get ten million yuan.

    From then on, she would stay in her ownne and treat Qiao Nan as any other stranger along the road.

    That would be a win-win situation for everyone. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t think of a reason for Qiao Nan to turn her down. If Qiao Nan provoked Wang Yang and won thewsuit, she would still be able to get the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. But what if she lost? In that case, there was no way Wang Yang would agree to give Qiao Nan ten million yuan for a settlement fee.

    It was better to be practical and realistic. Ten million yuan was quite a huge sum of money. Anyway, she had done nothing to deserve or earn it. If she risked it all and ended up not getting a single cent, it would be toote to beg anyone then.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s hand trembled uncontrobly. She no longer wanted to speak with Qiao Zijin. ¡°I-I¡¯m heading back.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Qiao Zijinughed and crawled out of bed, decisively taking out the money and identity card from Ding Jiayi¡¯s pocket. ¡°Mom, you know how old you are. You should admit that you¡¯ve gotten old. It¡¯s normal for people to be muddleheaded when they get old. You don¡¯t have to be so polite with me. We can always solve your problems together. Didn¡¯t Dad lose his identity card the previous time? This is the capital. It won¡¯t be as easy for you to rece your identity card if you lose it here. I think I¡¯d better keep it for you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was much younger than Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi was no match for Qiao Zijin when she tried to snatch Ding Jiayi¡¯s identity card and money from her. Even if Ding Jiayi was upset, Qiao Zijin had taken away everything she needed to return to Ping Cheng.

    Just earlier, Qiao Zijin had said that she wouldn¡¯t stop Ding Jiayi from returning to Ping Cheng as long as she was sure about it. It hadn¡¯t even been half an hour since then, but Qiao Zijin had already forcefully taken Ding Jiayi¡¯s identity card away. Qiao Zijin¡¯s overbearing attitude scared Ding Jiayi stiff.

    She understood from Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude that Qiao Zijin would never allow her to return to Ping Cheng unless she helped convince Qiao Nan to settle the Zhu family¡¯s matter.

    Just a few months earlier, Ding Jiayi had stolen Qiao Dongliang¡¯s identity card from his pocket. But at that time, she hadn¡¯t been as bold as Qiao Zijin to snatch it from him.. She had been so furtive and frightened while taking it from him.

 Chapter 2277 - Afraid of a Misunderstanding

    <h4>Chapter 2277: Afraid of a Misunderstanding</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t even sure about how she had returned to Qiao Zijin¡¯s rented apartment. Looking at the narrow and cramped space, Ding Jiayi felt ustrophobic and short of breath. She couldn¡¯t help but grasp at her chest so much so that there was an angry red scratch mark across her chest until that suffocating feeling dissipated.

    The coldest of winter had passed and the warm spring had finally arrived. In fact, summer was not that far away. But the moment Ding Jiayi thought about how Qiao Zijin had snatched her money and identity card from her while smiling, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but shiver. She could feel a chill down her spine.

    Especially when she thought about how Qiao Zijin hadpared her to Qiao Dongliang losing his identity card, saying that it was easy for old people to get muddleheaded and lose their belongings, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but cry. Had Old Qiao lost his identity card because he had been muddleheaded? Why had she even taken his identity card? How could Zijin say such heartless words?

    Before marrying Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi had indeed suffered for almost twenty years. But ever since getting married to Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi¡¯s life had undergone a drastic change. Ever since then, this was Ding Jiayi¡¯s first being cramped up in such a tiny room. Even though Ding Jiayi had stayed in that suffocating room that Qiao Nan had once lived in for a few days, it had still been much better than this rented apartment.

    Ding Jiayi had thought about it the whole night without any sleep. In fact, she had cried through the night. Ding Jiayi had neither love nor pity for her daughter, Qiao Zijin, anymore. She was only filled with fear. She always said that Qiao Nan was a debt collector and an unfilial wretched girl. But after seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s other side, Ding Jiayi realized just how scary and difficult a child who was truly a debt collector was.

    People were often like that. In the past, Ding Jiayi had spoken so badly of Qiao Nan. But now that she had learned of Qiao Zijin¡¯s true nature, Ding Jiayi had almost been scared to death. No matter how much she hated Qiao Nan, it couldn¡¯tpete with her fear of Qiao Zijin now.

    ¡°Hello¡­¡±

    There was no doubt that Ding Jiayi had been detained by Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had no choice but to get Qiao Nan¡¯s help to return to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Beep¡­¡± Just like before, the moment the disy showed Ding Jiayi¡¯s mobile phone number, both Miao Jing and the auntie would simply pick up without speaking so as to waste Ding Jiayi¡¯s money.

    It was true that they couldn¡¯t do much by doing so, and in fact, Qiao Nan might even end up footing the bill. But that didn¡¯t matter. Ding Jiayi was used to having her way in the Qiao family and had always treated Qiao Nan so poorly. Ding Jiayi would definitely be furious in the face of such a situation.

    Ding Jiayi had always been the one disgusting Qiao Nan. Now that they had the opportunity, it was Qiao Nan¡¯s chance to disgust Ding Jiayi instead. It was just a couple hundred yuan worth of phone calls. They could afford to waste that. They would simply take it as though they were buying themselves some happiness.

    With that consensus, both Miao Jing and the auntie got through it smoothly. Initially, Ding Jiayi had called over ten times the previous day. But upon learning of Miao Jing¡¯s intentions, she had given up trying to reach Qiao Nan. Miao Jing had thought that she would enjoy some peace and quiet for some time, but Ding Jiayi had started calling them again after just a night!

    Because of that, the Zhai family¡¯s hatred toward Ding Jiayi only intensified.

    Now, Ding Jiayi no longer had the time to be upset about the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward her, or whether Qiao Nan was behind their attitudes toward her. Having cried for an entire night, Ding Jiayi felt as though her eyes were so swollen that she couldn¡¯t even open them. Now, she had no other desire than to have Qiao Nan help her leave the capital and Qiao Zijin so that she could peacefully return to Ping Cheng.

    Only Qiao Nan would be able to help her out with that. ¡°Hello, please don¡¯t hang up. I¡¯m not trying to cause any trouble.¡±

    The moment she got through, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t care about whether the other party would be able to hear her and begged for a chance as quickly as she could.

    Unfortunately, the call ended just a secondter.

    Qiao Nan was Ding Jiayi¡¯s only way out of the capital. As such, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t even stop to worry about the cost of the calls. The moment the other party hung up, Ding Jiayi immediately redialed the number yet again. ¡°Please pick up. It¡¯s really nothing too troublesome¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking for Qiao Nan¡­¡±

    ¡°I have an urgent matter¡­¡±

    ¡°This has nothing to do with Qiao Zijin¡­¡±

    Ding Jiayi had no idea how many times she had tried calling them or how many times she had repeated herself. What she knew was that her phone was now heating up and she had already gone through half of her phone card¡¯s credit.

    Just as she thought that there was no chance of her seeding today and that she would have to suffer in the hands of Qiao Zijin in the capital, Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone rang.

    In that moment, Ding Jiayi thought that Qiao Zijin felt hungry or ufortable in the hospital and was asking her to visit. As a result, Ding Jiayi had been so scared that she had nearly tossed her phone out. It was only when she confirmed that the number was not Qiao Zijin¡¯s that Ding Jiayi dared to pick up the call. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± She could tell that the other party sounded rather tired.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi had hated this voice so much so that her brows would be furrowed into a deep frown the moment she heard it. But now, Ding Jiayi felt that this voice was the most beautiful and moving sound she had ever heard.

    Qiao Nan knew nothing of Ding Jiayi¡¯s joy and excitement at this moment. ¡°What¡¯s up? If you don¡¯t go overboard with your request, I might agree to it. Let me remind you that Qiao Zijin¡¯s just my biological sister. There¡¯s nothing more than that. Chen Jun doesn¡¯t even want to support her. I won¡¯t agree to any requests to support her.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness truly had nothing to do with her. Now that Ding Jiayi was here, was it possible for Qiao Zijin not to recover? They had better not expect her to fork out any money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment or anything rted to her illness. What was in these people¡¯s minds? Had she not made herself clear when Qiao Zijin had contracted uremia?

    ¡°No, no. You¡¯re mistaken. I¡¯m not calling you for Qiao Zijin. I¡¯m sorry that I was in too much of a rush and couldn¡¯t exin myself earlier. I¡¯m finding you because of my own problem. Qiao Nan, you have to help me. This really has nothing to do with Qiao Zijin.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was in a panic, afraid that Qiao Nan would misunderstand her and the situation woulde to a standstill again if she dyed her exnation.

 Chapter 2278 - Someone Will Pick You Up

    <h4>Chapter 2278: Someone Will Pick You Up</h4>

    If she misunderstood that she had called regarding Qiao Zijin, causing the Zhai family to misunderstand as well and hang up on her, she would truly have no other way out.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin?¡± Qiao Nanughed. That was rare. This was the first time Ding Jiayi was calling Qiao Zijin by her full name, and in such a cold tone, no less. Ding Jiayi had always addressed her as ¡®Zijin¡¯ or ¡®my Zijin¡¯. ¡°Why? Have you guys gotten into a fight again?¡±

    Well, this wouldn¡¯t be their first. But every time they fought, they would soon reconcile and it would be as though nothing had even happened. Then, they would work together to scheme against her again. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were the mother-and-daughter pair who worked the best together.

    Qiao Zijin was Ding Jiayi¡¯s drug!

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t me Qiao Nan for talking about her fight with Qiao Zijin in such a tone. If she were in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce, she wouldn¡¯t believe it either. After all, she had had too many simr experiences. Zijin was always the one at fault and she always said that she would let Zijin understand her mistakes to correct them.

    The problem was that every time Zijin apologized and tried to coax her in tears, she would immediately soften her heart and feel that Zijin had not meant what she had said. Then, she wouldn¡¯t hold it against Zijin anymore.

    She knew that Qiao Nan would probably not believe her. Even if Qiao Dongliang had been the one on the call, he would probably have the same reaction as Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I was wrong. I was really wrong about you in the past. You-you¡¯re not a bad child, and neither is Qiao Zijin a good child. I want nothing more at my age but to spend my remaining time peacefully with your dad in Ping Cheng. I won¡¯t visit the capital in the future and I really won¡¯t cause any trouble for you. Qiao Nan, you have to help me. I was the one who gave birth to you!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips, resisting the urge to hang up. She hated Ding Jiayi¡¯sst words that she had given birth to Qiao Nan. So what if she had? She felt like she had already returned her life to Ding Jiayi through that car ident two years ago. As for filial piety, she was already sending enough money to Ding Jiayi and her dad every month as a monthly allowance because they could no longer work.

    If Ding Jiayi still thought that that was insufficient and that she owed it to her, she would simply regard today¡¯s call as self-abuse.

    Qiao Nan took a few deep breaths. ¡°I¡¯m not paying for Qiao Zijin¡¯s hospitalization bills. Neither will I ever agree to whatever you want regarding the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. There¡¯s no use begging me.¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t hang up. It has nothing to do with that¡­.¡± Feeling that Qiao Nan was on the verge of hanging up, Ding Jiayi¡¯s tears fell uncontrobly and she shouted in a panic. Ding Jiayi¡¯s grief and desperation stunned Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡­ What happened?¡± What was going on?

    Ding Jiayi had cried? She cried?! Qiao Nan felt like digging her ears to see if she had too much dirt stuck in there. It was not umon for Ding Jiayi to cry. After all, Ding Jiayi had used this trick quite often in the past.

    But this time, it seemed a little different. It was probably the most sincere and serious cry that Qiao Nan had ever heard. ¡°Alright. Stop crying. Tell me about it.¡± Anyway, she was not going to make any promises.

    After making sure that Qiao Nan had not hung up on her, Ding Jiayi quickly put forward her request. ¡°Qiao Zijin stole my money and identity card. I-I want to return to Ping Cheng to your dad. I don¡¯t want to stay in the capital for another day, but¡­¡± How was she supposed to get a bus ticket to return home without any money or an identity card?

    The problem of money would be rtively easily solved. She thought that Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t be too stingy about giving her some money to purchase a bus ticket. But what should she do about her lost identity card?

    ¡°Is it that simple?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I want to return to Ping Cheng.¡± Ding Jiayi was almost out of breath from crying. There was no way she was going to ask for help from Qiao Nan on Qiao Zijin¡¯s behalf. The mention of Qiao Zijin scared her. Ding Jiayi knew that this was nothing to Qiao Nan. If she had asked anyone else, the matter might not have been so easily resolved. ¡°I don¡¯t have an identity card, so I can¡¯t buy a ticket.¡±

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a long while. It was not her first being tricked by Ding Jiayi. The moment she heard Ding Jiayi crying, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Ding Jiayi was up to this time. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t believe that Qiao Zijin would have gotten into such a heated argument with Ding Jiayi. In fact, she had always thought that Ding Jiayi would selflessly remain as Qiao Zijin¡¯s guardian angel without anyints.

    ¡°Let me ask you again. Do you want to return to Ping Cheng, or are you after something else?¡± There was a huge difference between these two things.

    ¡°I just want to return to Ping Cheng. I hope you can send me back. It doesn¡¯t matter what it takes.¡± Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t highly educated and didn¡¯t know about the story of ¡®The Boy Who Cried Wolf¡¯. Although Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t surprised that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t believe her, she was a little sad, to say the least.

    She was already in such a miserable state. She had ced all of her hopes and dreams on Qiao Zijin only to realize that Qiao Zijin was even more unfilial than Qiao Nan. Not only had she stolen her identity card, but she had even threatened and bullied her!

    Ding Jiayi wondered what terrible sins she hadmitted that she hadnded up with a mother like that and had even given birth to two heartless and unfilial daughters. Others gave birth to children too. But why were her children both so heartless?

    ¡°Alright, I understand. Are you leaving today or tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Can I leave today?¡± Having endured an entire night of torture, Ding Jiayi had no desire of staying in the capital for another hour. She had thought that Qiao Nan would be able to help her, but it would still take some time. But it turned out that she would be able to return today!

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°In Qiao Zijin¡¯s rented apartment.¡±

    Qiao Nan replied, ¡°Alright. Someone will call you in half an hour. Pick up that call and follow him back to Ping Cheng.¡± Buying a bus or ne ticket required an identity card. As long as Qiao Zijin held on to Ding Jiayi¡¯s identity card, she was going nowhere.

 Chapter 2279 - Wouldnâ€™t Be Able to Make It

    <h4>Chapter 2279: Wouldn¡¯t Be Able to Make It</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin had forgotten about a situation. Yes, the Qiao family didn¡¯t buy a car. However, a lot of people had private cars. It could be said private cars were amon sight. If Ding Jiayi took someone else¡¯s car to return to Ping Cheng, then an identity card wouldn¡¯t be required.

    It was more expensive to take someone else¡¯s car to return to Ping Cheng. However, to Qiao Nan, if Ding Jiayi was willing to leave, even if she didn¡¯t have the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, this little sum of money was nothing to her. She could afford it.

    ¡°Alright¡­¡± At this moment, Ding Jiayi was like a headless fly. She naturally did what Qiao Nan said.

    Qiao Nan said that someone would call her mobile and contact her. Ding Jiayi kept her phone plugged to the power source to ensure that her battery was fully charged. Then, she stared fixedly at the phone, afraid of missing out on a call or text message.

    Indeed, half an hourter, Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Hello? Are you the person my daughter found?¡±

    The other party was speechless. If he was a liar, once Ding Jiayi said so, could he still say no? Thankfully, he wasn¡¯t a liar. ¡°Yes. Are you Madam Ding, Qiao Nan¡¯s mother?¡± It was better to confirm her identity, lest he picked up the wrong person.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. Qiao Nan¡¯s my daughter.¡± Ding Jiayi heaved a sigh of relief. Qiao Nan did what she said. She really arranged for her to return to Ping Cheng.

    After confirming her identity, the driver heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Hello. I¡¯ve already reached the destination. The car te number is¡­ Can youe down? You¡¯re going to Ping Cheng, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯lle down immediately.¡± After Ding Jiayi closed the door, she brought her own things and went downstairs. Based on the car te number, she found the car. ¡°Qiao Nan sent you to pick me up, right? You¡¯re taking me back to Ping Cheng?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°May I check if Qiao Nan has already given you the money for sending me back?¡± He was making a trip to Ping Cheng because of her. This trip would definitely not be cheap. Even if she still had money to pay for this trip, she wasn¡¯t very willing to fork it out as she felt the pinch, let alone the fact that Qiao Zijin had already taken all her money.

    The other party looked at Ding Jiayi helplessly via the rearview mirror. ¡°Madam Ding, don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t charge you twice. Someone will pay for your fare back to Ping Cheng this time. I won¡¯t ask you for a single cent. Don¡¯t worry.¡± It was all about credit when doing business. Furthermore, he heard that the person who hired him to drive had a strong background. How would he be so stupid?

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± After confirming that she didn¡¯t need to pay for anything, Ding Jiayi no longer hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s tough on you. I hope you can drive faster and send me back to Ping Cheng earlier.¡± Looking at the time, if the driver drove faster, she might even be able to return to Ping Cheng today.

    ¡°Alright.¡± This was a big business. Even if Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t say anything, the driver would have done everything properly.

    Ding Jiayi, who was sitting in the car, saw that she was getting further from Qiao Zijin¡¯s rented house. She couldn¡¯t help but loosen her frowning eyebrows. It could be said that she was going to leave this scary ce. No matter who called in the future, she was nevering back to the capital.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone rang. Ding Jiayi was shocked and took out her phone. It was actually the new number Qiao Zijin was using after she came to the capital. Without thinking, Ding Jiayi cut off Qiao Zijin¡¯s call and refused to pick up. Until now, she couldn¡¯t forget what Qiao Zijin had said to her and her expression yesterday when she had taken her money and identity card from her pockets.

    To prevent Old Qiao froming to the capital earlier, she helped Qiao Zijin steal his identity card and tore his train ticket. In the end, Qiao Zijin actually said that she and Old Qiao were both old and particrly prone to losing things. That period when Old Qiao ¡®lost¡¯ his things was the best proof. Until now, Ding Jiayi still felt hatred in her heart.

    Because of this, Ding Jiayi was given a p to the face. What was more infuriating was that she was pped by both Qiao Zijin and herself. If she had known that Qiao Zijin was so rebellious and would be so ruthless to her, the biological mother, why would she do so many unpleasant things over the years such that Old Qiao had opinions about her and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to acknowledge her?

    Old Qiao was right. If not for Qiao Zijin teaching her bad things by her side, her rtionship with Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have been so bad that she didn¡¯t enjoy any blessings after Qiao Nan became prosperous. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s character, even if she didn¡¯t like Qiao Nan and her attitude toward her wasn¡¯t good, as long as there wasn¡¯t a Qiao Zijin in the middle, their rtionship would be poor at most, and not as bad as now.

    After Ding Jiayi rejected the first call, Qiao Zijin called again. Ding Jiayi still carried the same attitude as before. She refused to look, listen, or pick up her call.

    Qiao Zijin reacted quickly. Seeing that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t prepared to pick up her call today, she sent a text message instead. ¡°Mom, are you going to ignore me, your daughter? Don¡¯t forget that you don¡¯t have any money on you now. Aside from Qiao Nan, you only know me. Only I can take care of you. I¡¯m hungry. Quickly make something for me to eat and bring it to the hospital. Also, I think I¡¯m almost healed. Help me prepare the discharge procedures. I want to see Qiao Nan.¡±

    After that, Qiao Zijin sent another text message. ¡°Mom, the house I rented is quite small, right? There¡¯s only one room. When I hadn¡¯t divorced Chen Jun, even my wardrobe was bigger than the current ce I¡¯m living in. You must not be used to living in a house like a bird¡¯s nest. However, don¡¯t worry. With me around, I will definitely work hard to make you lead afortable life. By then, we will find Qiao Nan and discuss things together. Also, prices in the capital are different from those in Ping Cheng. Qiao Nan used to transfer you one thousand yuan every month previously. That is definitely not enough in the capital. Furthermore, she used to transfer the money to Dad in the past. Let¡¯s discuss it with her so that she would transfer your share to you directly. Ask her to give you five years¡¯ worth of money at once. You can take it easily and she can give it readily. That would be much less troublesome.¡±

    After seeing such a long message, Ding Jiayi felt that her vision was blurred. Although she had a hard time reading it, she understood what Qiao Zijin meant. Qiao Zijin still wanted her to stay and let Qiao Nan provide for her. Of course, at the same time that Qiao Nan was providing for her, Qiao Zijin would be able to take advantage of this as well.

    As long as Qiao Nan agreed, it would be very easy for Qiao Zijin to gain a foothold in the capital.. She would live in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce and spend her mom¡¯s money for food and everything else.

 Chapter 2280 - No Changes

    <h4>Chapter 2280: No Changes</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In that case, Qiao Zijin could maintain her state of ¡®only in but not out¡¯. She would be leading a better life, and the money in her pockets would be increasing as well.

    Indeed, Qiao Zijin would think about how to make her own life better and more rxed. No wonder Old Qiao used to lecture her that a child like Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t need them, her parents, to worry about her. She could live well on her own.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t pick up Qiao Zijin¡¯s call. After reading Qiao Zijin¡¯s messages, Ding Jiayi immediately deleted them. From the start to the end, she always maintained an ignoring attitude.

    ¡°¡­¡± Seeing that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t react to her after a long time, Qiao Zijin, who was in a medical gown, became more temperamental and her looks turned ugly. This caused her ward mate to call a doctor over for her to see if her cold was recurring.

    ¡°Ignoring me. She dared to ignore me. Is she seeking death?¡± The ¡®death¡¯ Qiao Zijin was talking about wasn¡¯t an exaggeration but a fact. Qiao Zijin had taken all of Ding Jiayi¡¯s money. Although Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need to pay rent for the house, she had to spend money on her meals, right?

    Qiao Zijin knew very clearly what her rented house contained.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t like to cook, especially if the ce she rented was so small that there was only room for sleeping. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t ept carving out a small corner to serve as a kitchen. As such, she often bought most of her meals.

    If she decided to be more luxurious, she would order takeaway. If she felt that she should save a little, she would buy a steamed bun. Anyway, it cost only two or three yuan.

    After Qiao Zijin was admitted into the hospital, there was naturally no food in the house. If Ding Jiayi was hungry in the rented house, there would, at most, be only one pack of instant noodles left. The problem was that since Ding Jiayi arrived in the capital yesterday, three meals had already passed.

    Ding Jiayi dared to act in a fit of pique and not contact her. If she continued to be hungry for a few more meals, she probably wouldn¡¯t even have the energy to find her to admit her mistake. She didn¡¯t want her to faint from hunger in her rented house, causing her to have to wait on her mom instead.

    After losing her temper, Qiao Zijin could only continue calling her. The food in the hospital was both expensive and unptable. Even if she wanted to order takeaways, the hospital didn¡¯t allow them to be delivered to her ward. She couldn¡¯t go downstairs and pick up the delivery herself. If she wanted to eat something good, she had to rely on her biological mother, Ding Jiayi. It wasn¡¯t that she couldn¡¯t settle the discharge procedures on her own. She was justzy. As long as Ding Jiayi came over, not only would she be able to help her buy food, but she could also leave the hospital in a rxed manner.

    ¡°Pick up the call¡­¡±

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth when the call still didn¡¯t get through. She could only continue to send Ding Jiayi short messages. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t make me angry. You know I¡¯m not good-tempered. Don¡¯t make me anxious. This won¡¯t be good for the both of us. We are mother and daughter. If there¡¯s anything, we should discuss it together. If there¡¯s any misunderstanding, we shouldmunicate too. If you ignore me, we will only have more conflicts and the conflicts will be deeper. Mom, you don¡¯t want something to happen until we both can¡¯t salvage the situation, right?¡±

    When it came to Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin was too used to being bold and righteous. Even if she needed help from Ding Jiayi, her words weren¡¯t polite at all. The meaning of threat was already very obvious.

    In the past, this tactic might still work on Ding Jiayi or Ding Jiayi might have been frightened by Qiao Zijin. However, Ding Jiayi was very insistent this time and wasn¡¯t affected by Qiao Zijin¡¯s messages.

    Just when Qiao Zijin was about to re up, Ding Jiayi, who had been thinking for a long time, finally decided to send Qiao Zijin a short message. Not only did this message not make Qiao Zijin feel better, but it even made her angrier. ¡°Qiao Zijin, you don¡¯t have to wait for me. If you want to be discharged from the hospital, do the procedures yourself. If you¡¯re really hungry, make do with the hospital food. I¡¯ll return first.¡±

    Once Qiao Zijin saw thest sentence of Ding Jiayi¡¯s message, she became furious, let alone the contents in front. Returned? Where to? Her mom¡¯s identity card was still in her pocket. Moreover, her mom didn¡¯t have a single cent on her. Where could her mom go?

    Impossible!

    Qiao Zijin sent another short message. ¡°Who are you? You¡¯re not my mom. My mom is the owner of this phone. No matter how you managed to get this phone, it¡¯s best to get in touch with me so that I can find my mom back. Otherwise, you¡¯re in deep trouble. Do you know who my brother-inw is? He¡¯s the chief!¡±

    Qiao Zijin felt that since Ding Jiayi had no money and identity card, she couldn¡¯t go anywhere. It was strict in the capital. Without an identity card, she wouldn¡¯t be able to board the train. From how her dad wanted toe to the capitalst year, one knew that since Ping Cheng was so strict, it was impossible that the capital would be less strict than Ping Cheng.

    Upon seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s message, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Then, a revenge-like pleasure emerged in her heart. So, she didn¡¯t believe that it was her in person and that she had sold her phone, huh?

    In order to rify Qiao Zijin¡¯s doubts, Ding Jiayi stopped sending messages and called her.

    ¡°Hello, let me tell you¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Upon knowing that Qiao Zijin really misunderstood about the phone, Ding Jiayi hurriedly stated her identity so that she wouldn¡¯t say anything to make her angry.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s really you? Did you lend your phone to someone else just now? Forget it. Now¡¯s not the time to talk about this. Mom, look at what time it is now. I¡¯m hungry. Prepare some food and send it to the hospital. I also want to be discharged. Anyway, I¡¯m no longer running a fever. It¡¯s a waste of money if I continue staying in the hospital.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was psychologically scarred about staying in hospitals due to the previous time when she had uremia. She always felt that if she stayed in the hospital for a day longer, she would have to spend a lot less money on herself in the future. Otherwise, her one million yuan would only be enough for her to be seriously ill twice or thrice and stay in the hospital twice or thrice.

    Things got out of hand yesterday. After Ding Jiayi left, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t feel regretful at all. All along, she only had one set of tactics to deal with Ding Jiayi, which was to coax her. They were never harsh to each other before.

    Qiao Zijin knew how useful the trick of coaxing was when dealing with Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know how Ding Jiayi would react if she changed her style and used hard tactics. After a night, Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone softened. Her tone and attitude when speaking to Ding Jiayi returned to how it was before.

    ¡°There¡¯s no rush.¡±

 Chapter 2281 - My Classmate?

    <h4>Chapter 2281: My ssmate?</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Even though she was currently penniless and didn¡¯t have her identity card with her, Ding Jiayi had already traveled miles away from Qiao Zijin. More importantly, she had been able to do so all thanks to Qiao Nan. As such, she was extremely bold. ¡°I¡¯m calling you to let you know that your dad isn¡¯t young anymore and needs someone by his side. You¡¯re sick but I know that the doctors are skilled and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine now that you¡¯ve already paid to stay in the hospital. Your dad needs me much more than you do, so I¡¯ve gone back. You can do as you please in the future. Your dad and I aren¡¯t going to care anymore.¡±

    Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin was not one to give up so easily. Neither had she forgotten that threatening gaze Qiao Zijin had given her back in the hospital. Ding Jiayi had already been thinking about whether she should move out with Qiao Dongliang to start afresh in a new environment.

    It wasn¡¯t Zijin who was hiding from them. They were the ones hiding from Qiao Zijin. It was better not to have such an outstanding daughter.

    ¡°You went back? You were the one who sent me that text? Where did you go?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes widened and she toughened her stance. No, that couldn¡¯t be possible. Her mom had no money, and her identity card was still with her. How had her mom managed to return? Was her mom so determined that she had decided to return on foot?

    If her mom had the guts and ability to do that, she would immediately chop her head off for her mom to sit on. From now on, she would never dare to go against her mom¡¯s wishes ever again.

    ¡°Where to? Your mom has only ever had one home after getting married. I¡¯m going back to Ping Cheng. I¡¯m already on my way back. I should be back before the end of the day. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take good care of myself along the way. I¡¯ll text you again when I arrive in Ping Cheng. Oh right, my phone¡¯s running out of battery. I¡¯m going to have to switch it off. After all, I still have to get in touch with your dad once I arrive in Ping Cheng. Goodbye.¡±

    After crying all night, Ding Jiayi¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Zijin had undergone a hundred-and-eighty-degree change now that she no longer had to tolerate Qiao Zijin since she was heading back to her familiar Ping Cheng.

    After exining the situation to Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi decisively hung up and even switched off her phone in case Qiao Zijin annoyed her with endless phone calls. Having done all that, Ding Jiayi straightened her back proudly.

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was at a loss for words. She had always thought that she had had a firm hold over her mom, Ding Jiayi, but her mom had given her such a big surprise today! Thankfully, Qiao Zijin remembered that it cost money to buy a phone and no one wouldpensate her for it if she were to smash her phone.

    How? How had her mom returned to Ping Cheng?

    Could it be Qiao Nan?!

    Qiao Zijin felt dizzy from anger and her neck was steaming. She felt as though she couldn¡¯t even catch her breath. Ding Jiayi had felt the same way the previous night. Now, it was Qiao Zijin¡¯s turn. It was just that Qiao Zijin knew nothing about this situation.

    Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan again. Why did Qiao Nan always appear in such moments to remind them of her existence? She had the urge to kill her right now! Was Qiao Nan even capable of doing something beneficial to her instead of ruining her ns all the time?

    Ding Jiayi had probably been sent away, and now, she didn¡¯t even have a helper by her side. With the court date approaching, Qiao Zijin felt as though the chips were down.

    In the end, Qiao Zijin could not resist the urge to make a call to the Zhai family.

    ¡°Oh, has she changed her phone number?¡± The Zhai family¡¯s auntie took a look at the disy on the phone, realizing that it seemed different from Ding Jiayi¡¯s number. The problem was that no one usually called thisndline.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Miao Jing nced at it. ¡°Ding Jiayi¡¯s number is from Ping Cheng, but this is obviously a local one. It¡¯s not Ding Jiayi. But since it¡¯s a local number, why did they bother calling thendline instead of our cell phones?¡±

    ¡°Should we answer it, then?¡± The auntie nced at Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing contemted for a moment before replying. ¡°Answer it.¡± Hadn¡¯t Ding Jiayi already been sent back to Ping Cheng? As long as Ding Jiayi was willing to return to Ping Cheng, she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to cause any more trouble for Nan Nan.

    ¡°Alright.¡± With Miao Jing¡¯s approval, the auntie quickly picked up the phone. ¡°Hello, this is the Zhai family. Who are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°Hello, I am¡­¡± Qiao Zijin had initially wanted to introduce herself as Qiao Nan¡¯s sister, but she was clear that the Zhai family knew about her rtionship with Qiao Nan. Then, she remembered how Ding Jiayi had never been able to reach the Zhai family aftering to the capital to take care of her and also about how Qiao Dongliang had mentioned Qiao Nan returning to school after having given birth. With that, Qiao Zijin changed her mind. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan¡¯s ssmate. I lost her mobile number and only remember herndline. Could you get Qiao Nan on the phone, please? I have something to tell her.¡±

    The Zhai family had no reason to prevent Qiao Nan from taking a call from her ssmate, right? If they really did that, the Zhai family would be terribly unreasonable.

    Because Qiao Zijin rarely called the Zhai family, the auntie was not especially familiar with Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice. Even though she thought that it was strange for someone to know theirndline but not Qiao Nan¡¯s phone number, she was afraid that the other party had something urgent, so she quickly called for Qiao Nan, who was at home that afternoon.

    ¡°My ssmate?¡± Initially, the auntie had only told her that she had a call, so Qiao Nan had gone downstairs. But the moment she heard that it was her ssmate on the line, Qiao Nan thought that it was strange. A ssmate?

    Having been in school for such a long time, she had never gotten close to anyone but Li Yayan, who harbored ill intentions. So, how could a ssmate have called her? If they were on such good terms, shouldn¡¯t they have called her on her mobile phone instead? Besides, Qiao Nan had never given out herndline or her own mobile phone number. ¡°Hello, who are you?¡±

    ¡°Wow, you don¡¯t even recognize your ssmate¡¯s voice?¡± Qiao Zijin tried to suppress her sarcasm, but it still sounded weird.

 Chapter 2282 - Taking As Much As Possible

    <h4>Chapter 2282: Taking As Much As Possible</h4>

    It was great to be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. The family had hired a caretaker, and Qiao Nan could bezy about even picking up a call. While she had been married to Chen Jun, the Chen family had said that it was better not to live too extravagantly. As such, even though they had hired a caretaker, she still had to help out around the house as the Chen family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    There was no question that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to do that in the Zhai family. From the caretaker¡¯s tone, Qiao Zijin could tell that Qiao Nan was treated like an empress in the Zhai family. The Zhai family¡¯s caretaker was nothing like the caretaker that the Chen family had hired, who treated her with no respect at all.

    Qiao Nan leaned back against the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s you. I guess you¡¯ve found out that I sent her back to Ping Cheng. Is that why you¡¯re calling to make trouble for me?¡±

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Zijin¡¯s reason for forcing Ding Jiayi to stay in the capital have something to do with her? Now that Ding Jiayi was gone, Qiao Zijincked a helper. It would be a wonder if Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t infuriated. Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯s best bet.

    ¡°Were you really the one who did this? Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think that you¡¯ve gone a little overboard with your kindness? What has Mom returning to Ping Cheng got to do with you? That¡¯s between Mom and me. Why did you have to interfere in it? Qiao Nan, are you trying to get your revenge through Mom because she likes me more?¡±

    If that was the case, all she could say was that Qiao Nan had better save her effort. No matter how badly she treated her mom and how well Qiao Nan treated her mom, Qiao Nan would never be a likable daughter in her mom¡¯s eyes. They were fated to be enemies in this lifetime!

    Since it was rare that she had any free time, Qiao Nan was willing to chat with Qiao Zijin. ¡°If that¡¯s what you think, you¡¯re wrong. I know how she feels about me, and I have no feelings toward her anymore. I only got involved in this matter for myself. If you convince her to stay in the capital, do you really think I can count on you to find a ce for her to stay? I¡¯ll be the one paying for the amodation in the end. Qiao Zijin, I know what you¡¯re up to. Sorry, but thewsuit will go to court the day after tomorrow. I think that you won¡¯t get that sum of money from Wang Yang.¡±

    ¡°You know about it?!¡± Qiao Zijin felt as though her fever that had just subsided the previous day had returned, and her head ached badly. ¡°Did Mom sell me out?¡± She had only told her mom about this. Had her mom betrayed her in order to get Qiao Nan to help her return to Ping Cheng?

    ¡°Something along those lines.¡± If not for Ding Jiayi telling her dad and her dad telling her about it, she wouldn¡¯t have known that Qiao Zijin had gotten involved with Wang Yang.

    Qiao Zijin sighed. ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m really sick and I¡¯m still in the hospital. I¡¯d like to have a more formal talk with you regarding the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. I can¡¯t deny that Wang Yang indeed offered me a good amount of money to persuade you, but I think that I won¡¯t be the only one who¡¯ll benefit from this. We should learn to be content with what we have. If you¡¯re greedy, you might end up getting nothing at all in the end. Anyway, you didn¡¯t do anything to earn or deserve it. It¡¯s better for you to stick to a more practical and safer option.¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m not scaring you. If you¡¯re willing to discuss the matter with Wang Yang, you¡¯ll still be able to get some money. But if you go to court, you might not even win the case. If you lose, you won¡¯t even get a single cent. You¡¯d better consider your options carefully now that it¡¯s still possible to change your mind and ept Wang Yang¡¯s offer. Let¡¯s settle this amicably!¡±

    Qiao Nan took a sip of water andforted Miao Jing. Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be difficult to deal with. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m sure you should be able to guess the situation even if Wang Yang hasn¡¯t told you about it. Yes, it¡¯s true that I¡¯m not a hundred percent confident of winning thiswsuit. But I¡¯m sure that my chances of winning are above eighty percent. Compared to Wang Yang, I should be more rxed. Otherwise, why would Wang Yang have gotten his wife to befriend me after seeking you out? It seems like Wang Yang has something up his sleeve.¡±

    ¡°What? He got his wife to seek you out?¡± Qiao Zijin had always thought of herself as the only person Wang Yang had approached. The more people Wang Yang used, the lower her likelihood of seeding. Her chances of seeding hadn¡¯t been high to begin with, but Wang Yang had even increased the challenge for her! In that moment, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood fell. Why was everyone, whether it was her family or outsiders, making her life so difficult?

    ¡°Qiao Nan, since you already know about it, I¡¯ll get straight to the point. Even though you have an eighty percent chance of winning, there¡¯s still a one-in-five chance that you¡¯ll lose. You¡¯re a mother to three children. Instead of going to court against Wang Yang, why don¡¯t you lead a more stable life and ask Wang Yang for a high price that will satisfy you and settle this matter out of court? Besides, Wang Yang has indeed promised me benefits. It¡¯ll be good for you if I have that sum of money from Wang Yang too since I won¡¯t have to worry about money in the future. Once I have money, I¡¯ll never need to bother you in the future. As long as you agree to settle with Wang Yang, not only will you get that sum of money, but you¡¯ll even be able to get rid of me. Won¡¯t you be killing two birds with one stone?¡±

    How was Qiao Nan supposed to respond to Qiao Zijin¡¯s confidence? Qiao Nan was at a loss for words. It was better for Qiao Nan to remain silent and let Qiao Zijin go on with her monologue.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? You should understand that my n isn¡¯t bad at all. Once you agree to it, you¡¯ll be rid of this big trouble forever. I¡¯m sure you¡¯d rather have less money than have me bothering you in the future. You won¡¯t lose out agreeing to this. I swear I¡¯ll never make any more trouble for you in the future once I get this sum of money.¡±

    With that sum of money, she wouldn¡¯t even need Qiao Nan as her younger sister. It was five million yuan. Five million yuan! Perhaps, she could even save two million yuan for Feng Feng to marry a wife once she returned to Ping Cheng and Feng Feng grew older. She would be a truly impressive mother if she was able to give her son two million yuan.

    Not only would her life get better, but she would even be able to leave some money to her son! This was the life that Qiao Zijin longed for. All she asked for was five million yuan. With this sum of money, she would never stir up any more trouble for Qiao Nan in the future.

    Even without talking about how much Wang Yang would give Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin felt that this deal was already a win for Qiao Nan as long as she could get rid of her!

 Chapter 2283 - How Did You Know?

    <h4>Chapter 2283: How Did You Know?</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯re so enthusiastic about this, so I¡¯m letting you say as much as you want. I¡¯ll just listen to what you have to say.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯ve agreed?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart skipped a beat. If that was the case, she would contact Wang Yang right away and arrange for a meeting so that they could sign a contract in her presence. As long as Qiao Nan signed an agreement to give up the inheritance, Wang Yang¡¯s five million yuan would be hers.

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Since when did I agree?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? I already said that you can voice your opinions at any time. I have no idea what Wang Yang has offered you. If you have a sum in mind, I could help you bring it up to Wang Yang. Qiao Nan, how much do you want? Give me a specific number.¡±

    Qiao Nan yawned, growing sleepy from talking to Qiao Zijin. ¡°Qiao Zijin, don¡¯t waste your effort. You said that you won¡¯t bother me once I agree to this matter. But haven¡¯t you realized that you haven¡¯t gotten the chance to bother me in the past two years even if you wanted to? Qiao Zijin, do you really think that you¡¯re still able to take advantage of me like you did in the past?¡±

    Where had Qiao Zijin¡¯s confidencee from? How had this misunderstandinge about?

    Qiao Zijin even had to pretend to be her ssmate to speak to her on the phone. Did she really think that she would be able to meet her? In fact, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t even have her phone number. Qiao Zijin was already in such a state, and yet, she was still so unaware. Qiao Nan was truly at a loss for words.

    Qiao Zijin gritted her teeth. ¡°We can¡¯t discuss this over the phone. Why don¡¯t we meet up and have a chat face-to-face? Don¡¯t think that I¡¯m the only one who¡¯ll benefit from this. You will too! Believe me. Wang Yang isn¡¯t one who¡¯ll give up easily. If you don¡¯t agree to this, you won¡¯t benefit either once this blows up. Why don¡¯t you listen to my advice? Once you lose thiswsuit, you won¡¯t even get a single cent! Will you only regret everything then? It¡¯ll be toote to regret then! If you refuse to talk to Wang Yang now, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll refuse to talk to you at that time too. My advice for you is to take as much as you can now.¡±

    Qiao Nan smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve been very clear and I understand everything you said, but my answer remains. No. If Wang Yang is so capable and can win thewsuit without giving me a single cent, I¡¯ll have to take my hat off to him. Don¡¯t worry. If it reallyes to that, I¡¯ll never beg Wang Yang for anything, and neither will I need your help to plead with Wang Yang on my behalf. Qiao Zijin, I¡¯m clearer about the kind of person Wang Yang is than you are. I¡¯m guessing you still don¡¯t know how Chen Jun got to know me before you snatched him away, right? Perhaps, you can bring Wang Yang a message from me. He¡¯d better not think that no one knows about the sins hemitted in the past. I¡¯m not a fool, and neither was Chief Zhu. There¡¯s no way he¡¯ll be able to cover up his sins forever.¡±

    Because of that old grudge, she had no intention of ever making peace with Wang Yang in this lifetime.

    With that, Qiao Nan hung up the phone.

    Hearing the beeps on the other end of the call, Qiao Zijin was baffled. She had always thought that Wang Yang and Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t known each other. But from Qiao Nan¡¯s tone earlier, it seemed as though the two of them had a past.

    Besides, they had been talking about Wang Yang and Qiao Nan, so why had Qiao Nan suddenly brought Chen Jun into the picture? What did Qiao Nan mean by her not understanding how Qiao Nan had gotten to know Chen Jun? That wouldn¡¯t do. She had to make a call to Wang Yang right away to clear the air. ¡°Wang Yang, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up? Have you gotten in contact with Qiao Nan? Have you seeded?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s eyes lit up the moment he picked up Qiao Zijin¡¯s call. The court date was looming and Wang Yang¡¯s mood was getting worse by the day. The chances of him winning this case were seriously too low.

    Wang Yang had already asked thewyer. Putting aside his low chances of winning the case, the Zhu family¡¯s assets would have nothing to do with him if Qiao Nan were to win it. On the contrary, if he were to win the case, there was no way that Qiao Nan would leave with nothing either.

    In reality, splitting the assets equally between Wang Yang and Qiao Nan was already the best thewyer could do. Even that was no mean feat either.

    Wang Yang wasn¡¯t even willing to give Qiao Nan half of the assets, let alone everything. This wasn¡¯t just about money. It¡¯s about the resources and connections that the Zhu family had left behind.

    The clearer he was about his disadvantage, the more frustrated Wang Yang was. He couldn¡¯t wait for either Qiao Zijin or his wife, Li Yayan, to sessfully convince Qiao Nan to forgo thewsuit. At the very most, he wouldpensate Qiao Nan with more money. But all of the Zhu family¡¯s resources and connections would be his and his alone.

    Zhai Sheng already had the Zhai family, and what Zhai Yaohui left to him was more than enough for an entire lifetime. Zhai Sheng would truly be too unreasonable if he was greedy enough to try to take over the Zhu family¡¯s assets as well.

    ¡°Wang Yang, let me ask you something. You¡¯d better answer me truthfully. If you dare to lie to me, you can resolve your problem with Qiao Nan yourself. Anyway, you¡¯ve already asked your wife to help you out too. Perhaps, your wife¡¯s even better than me and can convince Qiao Nan to agree. Since my rtionship with Qiao Nan is so bad, there¡¯s no need to waste any more time.¡±

    At the mention of Li Yayan working on convincing Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin was full of rage. Since Wang Yang had already approached her, how could Wang Yang get his wife to work on the same matter? He was even asking for her help! He had gone out of line! If he provoked her, she wasn¡¯t going to help him out for mere five million yuan. She had truly been hurt because of Wang Yang¡¯s lies. Wang Yang had better increase hispensation. Otherwise, she wasn¡¯t going to help him out anymore.

    Qiao Zijin was rather confident about that. If Qiao Nan refused to even listen to her, how could she possibly listen to Wang Yang¡¯s wife? Even though she had no idea what Wang Yang and his wife were up to, she knew that Qiao Nan hated being lied to. She was sure that Wang Yang¡¯s wife had nevere clean to Qiao Nan about her true identity or her rtionship with Wang Yang.

    Even though Wang Yang¡¯s wife had simply kept mum about it, it was no different from a lie in Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes. With that in mind, she was sure that Wang Yang¡¯s wife would never seed. If she did, she would chop off her own head for Wang Yang¡¯s wife!

    Wang Yang gripped tightly onto his mobile phone. ¡°How did you know?¡± How had Qiao Zijin found out about his wife getting close to Qiao Nan?

    ¡°It¡¯s not important how I found out. You should ask who told me about it. Wang Yang, do you really think Qiao Nan is a fool? Do you think she¡¯s as easily taken in as a three-year-old toddler?¡±

 Chapter 2284 - Playing Piece

    <h4>Chapter 2284: ying Piece</h4>

    ¡°Wang Yang, it¡¯s best not to be so gullible. What a joke! I know about what you and your wife are up to, and so does Qiao Nan! I¡¯m sure you understand that your wife stands an extremely low chance of seeding now. To be honest, I have another question to ask you. If you don¡¯t answer it truthfully, I won¡¯t be able to find an appropriate way to target Qiao Nan. Then, you¡¯ll have to discuss the matter with Qiao Nan yourself.¡±

    Upon hearing that Qiao Nan had found out that Li Yayan was his wife, and Qiao Zijin had probably found out about it from Qiao Nan, Wang Yang had lost all feelings for Li Yayan. He knew that it was impossible for her to seed now that her identity had been exposed. ¡°Tell me. What do you want to know?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Chen Jun? And Qiao Nan even said that she knows all about your sins. What did you do to provoke Qiao Nan behind my back? You already knew how hard it would be to seed in this matter, yet you still provoked Qiao Nan? You¡¯re really making this difficult for me! Wang Yang, do you really want to settle the matter with Qiao Nan and get her to give up the inheritance?¡±

    The mention of this only intensified Qiao Zijin¡¯s hatred toward Wang Yang. This matter had already beenplicated enough, but Wang Yang had even stirred up even more trouble behind her back! While she was working hard, Wang Yang was dragging her down on the other hand! If this continued, she would have no choice but to give up even though she desperately wanted the five million yuan. No wonder people often said that a terrible teammate was worse than a tough rival.

    Wang Yang had dared to provoke Qiao Nan when he needed a favor from her. He was truly as stupid as a pig! Did Wang Yang think that this matter was notplicated enough and wanted toplicate it even further?

    Wang Yang should have shown his true nature earlier so that she wouldn¡¯t have had to waste her energy and efforts!

    She had even offended her own mother for the sake of five million yuan. Ding Jiayi had gotten in contact with Qiao Nan behind her back to return to Ping Cheng. Qiao Zijin knew that Ding Jiayi might not even want to acknowledge her the next time she met her. She had already sacrificed too much for this matter. But Wang Yang had done such a foolish thing! Qiao Zijin had to resist the urge to kill Wang Yang right then and there.

    ¡°What-what did you say? Who?¡± Wang Yang¡¯s hand trembled. He had never expected to hear Chen Jun¡¯s name from Qiao Zijin¡¯s mouth. He had reduced his contact with Chen Jun. In fact, it had been almost twenty years since he had coborated with Chen Jun.

    Both Wang Yang and Chen Jun had always maintained a tacit understanding on that matter, never mentioning it to anyone. Chen Jun dared not mention it because he knew he was the one at fault who had hurt Qiao Nan. He was afraid that he would never have the courage to face Qiao Nan if he were to mention it. On the other hand, Wang Yang dared not mention it entirely because of Zhu Chengqi.

    If someone were to overhear them talking about this matter and word got to Zhu Chengqi, all his efforts in getting Zhu Chengqi to abandon Qiao Nan would have been in vain.

    In order to ensure the fruits of hisbor, there was no need to mention that matter at all. They simply talked about it in passing as ¡®that incident¡¯.

    Almost twenty years had passed and if not for Qiao Zijin bringing it up all of a sudden, Wang Yang would almost have forgotten about how he had arranged for Chen Jun¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Nan. As for how Chen Jun had gotten involved with Qiao Zijin and had hurt Qiao Nan, that had been beyond his control.

    But he couldn¡¯t deny that without his arrangements, Qiao Nan would never have met Chen Jun. In that case, Qiao Nan would never have suffered in that way afterward.

    Hearing Qiao Zijin mentioning Chen Jun out of the blue and talking about the sins he hadmitted, that incident naturally came to Wang Yang¡¯s mind and his face paled.

    Even though Wang Yang was not in front of Qiao Zijin, she was sure that Qiao Nan had not spouted nonsense based on how Wang Yang¡¯s tone had undergone a drastic change. So, it turned out that there was indeed something that she didn¡¯t know about. And it had something to do with her ex-husband, Chen Jun. ¡°Be honest with me. Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to help you. Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude has always been tough. If you don¡¯t cooperate with me, you¡¯d better just wait for the court case to begin. I won¡¯t know what¡¯s between you and Chen Jun if you don¡¯t tell me about it. But Qiao Nan¡¯s not as easily tricked as me. She seems to know something. If you don¡¯t tell me about it, I won¡¯t be able to find the right way of dealing with Qiao Nan.¡±

    What frustrated Qiao Zijin the most was that this matter was obviously between Qiao Nan and Wang Yang. Why had they suddenly brought Chen Jun into the matter? Qiao Zijin felt that she would probably be unbearably miserable once she learned of the truth.

    ¡°Are you sure that Qiao Nan said all these?¡± Wang Yang wondered if Chen Jun had told Qiao Zijin something, so she was using this against him now. Wang Yang felt that there was no way he wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Zijin seeded in tricking him, it would truly be a huge joke! Then, he would be too embarrassed to face anyone in the future, especially Chen Jun.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? I¡¯m hanging up in that case. Maybe Qiao Nan will personally ask you about it in court. I¡¯ve known Chen Jun for twenty years, and I was even his wife for over a decade. How did I not know that you knew Chen Jun? Have you ever been to the Chen family¡¯s house? Or did Chen Jun go over to your house?¡±

    Had Chen Jun done so much behind her back? Did Chen Jun really have absolutely no trust in his wife? Why had he hidden everything from her? Qiao Zijin was furious. If Chen Jun and Qiao Nan had gotten together on purpose, she had reason to believe that Chen Jun had never been sincere to her for even a moment.

    Wang Yang took a deep breath. ¡°Listen to me. That doesn¡¯t matter anymore. All you need to know is that I¡¯ll give you five million yuan as long as you manage to convince Qiao Nan. Besides, Chen Jun is your ex-husband. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s ridiculous that you¡¯re asking me about his affairs? I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t tell you anything.¡±

    Whether Qiao Zijin was lying to him, Wang Yang was never going to admit to anything. If he did, it would be impossible for him to reach a settlement with Qiao Nan out of court. In fact, it might evenplicate matters even further.

    He had only used Chen Jun as a ying piece so that he could inherit all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

 Chapter 2285 - Donâ€™t Scare Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 2285: Don¡¯t Scare Yourself</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Who would have known that every dog would have its day? The ying piece that had originally been meant to help him had be his obstacle now.

    No matter how much Qiao Zijin loved money, she was still a woman. Knowing that there was something more to Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin changed her stance right away. ¡°Is that so? You don¡¯t have anything to tell me? Then, it seems like there¡¯s no way I can help you with this matter either. Qiao Nan has a fiery temper and it¡¯s not easy to convince her in the first ce. Now, you¡¯re even doing this? Fine. I don¡¯t want the five million yuan anymore. You can wait to go to court with Qiao Nan. Don¡¯t think that I¡¯m scaring you. The cost of living in the capital is really too high. Since I can¡¯t help you and get your money, I¡¯m going to buy a bus ticket and return to Ping Cheng tomorrow.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was truly infuriated this time. She could no longer stand how Wang Yang had done such dirty tricks behind her back. Now, not only had she spent unnecessary money with nothing to gain, but she had evenpletely offended her mother, Ding Jiayi.

    It seemed better not to coborate with such an uncooperative partner like Wang Yang.

    Qiao Zijin was extremely selfish and hoped that everyone was worse off than she was. She was sure that Wang Yang would never have anything to do with the Zhu family¡¯s assets since she couldn¡¯t get her five million yuan either. Inparison, Wang Yang would lose several times of what she had lost. Although it pained her, Wang Yang¡¯s loss would probably be much more painful.

    Qiao Zijin was at ease knowing that Wang Yang would be more miserable than her.

    ¡°I really need the five million yuan. With it, I¡¯ll be able to live afortable life. But don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m the Qiao family¡¯s daughter. As long as Qiao Nan¡¯s willing to support my parents, I¡¯ll definitely benefit from it. If I don¡¯t get the five million yuan, I¡¯ll simply return to my parents and ride on theirurels. I¡¯m leaving tomorrow. When that timees, even fifty million won¡¯t be enough to keep me here. Once the court passes a judgment, it¡¯ll be toote for anyone to try to convince Qiao Nan. You¡¯ll have to lodge an appeal to freeze those assets. I¡¯m telling you that it won¡¯t work.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was no fool. In order to earn the five million yuan, Qiao Zijin had done her homework and analyzed Qiao Nan¡¯s and Wang Yang¡¯s chances of winning while she had still been in Ping Cheng. ¡°Yes, after you freeze those assets, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng won¡¯t be able to touch them. But you won¡¯t either. I¡¯m sorry, but the Wang family isn¡¯t in as high a position as the Zhai family. In fact, Zhai Sheng¡¯s miles ahead of you. The Zhu family¡¯s assets are just small change to Zhai Sheng, but they¡¯re like your entire life. Even if the Zhu family¡¯s assets are frozen, Zhai Sheng will continue to live afortable life. You, on the other, won¡¯t. I¡¯m sure you know deep down in your heart whether I¡¯m making empty threats. Alright, I¡¯m not going to waste any more money talking to you. You¡¯d better take good care of yourself. I¡¯m going to book myself a ticket back to Ping Cheng now.¡±

    Everyone had their own taboos, and for Qiao Zijin, it was Chen Jun and Chen Feng. Unfortunately, Wang Yang had brought both of them into the conversation. Chen Feng was Chen Jun¡¯s son. If Chen Jun had really offended Qiao Nan, there was no way Zhai Sheng would let Chen Jun off since he was Qiao Nan¡¯s husband.

    Once Chen Jun was down on luck, would Chen Feng still be able to enjoy a good life as his son?

    She had to find out what had taken ce in the past that had angered Qiao Nan so badly. And how was Chen Jun involved in it? Only then would she be able to gauge how badly Zhai Sheng would deal with Chen Jun.

    Initially, Qiao Zijin had been intending on lessening Chen Feng¡¯s burden with the five million yuan. In fact, she was even nning on leaving him some money after she had spent enough on herself. That way, she would have fulfilled her duties as a mother.

    Who would have expected Qiao Nan to bring up such an old grudge out of the blue, confusing her? If there was really a problem, not only would she have to return to Ping Cheng, but she would even have to consider taking Chen Feng from Chen Jun. Otherwise, Chen Feng might very well be implicated if Zhai Sheng decided to take revenge on Chen Jun in the future.

    Perhaps, she could look for Chen Jun for him to exin the matter to her. She still had time to arrange everything for Chen Feng before Zhai Sheng did anything. Otherwise, if Zhai Sheng were to catch Chen Jun off guard, the entire Chen family might be ruined in Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands.

    When it came to Chen Feng¡¯s interests, Qiao Zijin had no more time to worry about the five million yuan. Without waiting for Wang Yang to respond, Qiao Zijin immediately hung up. She had intended on calling Chen Jun.

    Since this matter involved Chen Jun, and Wang Yang refused to tell her anything, Chen Jun had better spill the beans. Unfortunately, Chen Jun had changed his phone number after moving away, and he had never given his new number to Qiao Zijin. As such, there was no way of contacting Chen Jun even if she wanted to.

    In that moment, Qiao Zijin had no idea what she could do apart from booking herself a ticket back to Ping Cheng.

    After Qiao Zijin had hung up on him, Wang Yang was more in a panic than being angry. If it was really just Qiao Zijin lying to him, there was no need for Wang Yang to worry. But what if Qiao Zijin was telling the truth? That would be a huge problem.

    In order to get the Zhu family¡¯s assets, Wang Yang had done too many things and hadmitted too many crimes. Even though Qiao Zijin had only mentioned Chen Jun, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t help but worry about how much Qiao Nan actually knew. Besides, how had Qiao Nan found out about it? If Qiao Nan knew about it, did Zhai Sheng know about it too?

    Thinking about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s abnormal behavior as well as his will, Wang Yang was flustered. Just knowing that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng knew about all these was enough to scare Wang Yang. Wang Yang was scared out of his wits by the possibility that Zhu Chengqi had already known about this too, even though he was now dead.

    ¡°Dear, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell? Are you too anxious? We still have a few days before the court date. I think Qiao Zijin should know Qiao Nan¡¯s weaknesses and should have a way of dealing with her. We won¡¯t necessarily lose thiswsuit. Don¡¯t worry or think too much about it. Don¡¯t scare yourself.¡±

    Li Yayan knew that it was practically impossible for her to get that sum of money given Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude and response toward her.

 Chapter 2286 - Premonition

    <h4>Chapter 2286: Premonition</h4>

    Since it was already so difficult, Li Yayan didn¡¯t want to embarrass herself any further. She only wished that Qiao Zijin would be sessful in helping Wang Yang solve this huge problem. Then, her life would definitely improve. Even without five million yuan, her family¡¯s lives wouldn¡¯t be too bad with her around.

    With a brother-inw like Wang Yang, Li Yayan felt that it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for her brother to get a wife even if he didn¡¯t have a house or a car. As such, she could afford to rx and not put so much pressure on herself.

    Havinge to that conclusion, Li Yayan put more of her hope in Qiao Zijin. She had already spent so much time and effort, but she had never even gotten a single cent out of Qiao Nan, let alone forged a close rtionship with her. Li Yayan had no way of dealing with someone as nonchnt as Qiao Nan. After all, Li Yayan had no experience with dealing with someone like Qiao Nan in all her years of life.

    As a result, Li Yayan could only bow her head and admit defeat.

    ¡°I guess something must have gone wrong.¡± Wang Yang was in a frenzy too, and he wanted someone to talk to. To be honest, Wang Yang had still been rather pleased with his wife, Li Yayan, over the years. At this moment, Li Yayan was the only choice he had. ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention to you that that old man wanted to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his goddaughter all those years back? I was afraid that Qiao Nan would snatch the Zhu family¡¯s things from me, so I deliberately forced Qiao Nan into a situation so that that old man would hate her¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why Zhu Chengqi gave up the idea of taking in Qiao Nan as his goddaughter?¡± She had already known that Zhu Chengqi had such an intention, but she had not known the reason as to why Zhu Chengqi hadn¡¯t done so in the end. ¡°So, what did you do that made Zhu Chengqi disappointed in Qiao Nan?¡±

    In the past, Li Yayan might have believed that Wang Yang was able to defeat Zhu Chengqi. But now, Li Yayan had lost that confidence. If Zhu Chengqi had really been disappointed in Qiao Nan, they wouldn¡¯t be in such a situation today. ¡°Dear, I¡¯m not trying to put you down. I¡¯m just analyzing this objectively. Look how Zhu Chengqi specially drafted this will. Do you think that Zhu Chengqi already knew about this long ago?¡±

    It was just that Zhu Chengqi had always pretended to be disappointed in Qiao Nan in front of Wang Yang to trick him so that Wang Yang would never try to do anything to hurt Qiao Nan again.

    Wang Yang might not have realized that earlier, but with Li Yayan¡¯s reminder, he seemed to havee to a realization. He mmed the table in anger. ¡°That must be! I can¡¯t believe I was fooled by that old foggy for so many years! That idiot treated me like a fool!¡±

    He had always thought that he had seeded. Who would have known that that old foggy had never taken his bait? Perhaps, every time he rejoiced over his sesses, that old foggy had been looking on at him as if looking at a clown. At the thought of this possibility, Wang Yang had the urge to dig Zhu Chengqi¡¯s ashes up to torture him.

    Unfortunately, Zhu Chengqi had been cremated. Otherwise, Wang Yang would truly have done that to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s corpse. He couldn¡¯t understand how someone as hateful as Zhu Chengqi could exist.

    Yes, he was a Wang. He wasn¡¯t truly part of the Zhu family. Butpared to Qiao Nan, he had the Zhu family¡¯s blood flowing within him, at the very least. What did Qiao Nan have? Nothing at all! If Zhu Chengqi cared so much about how he was a Wang instead of a Zhu, he could change his surname at any time.

    Now that the state had revised itsws and allowed for couples to have another child, he could always have another child with Li Yayan and let the child have the Zhu¡¯s surname. Then, the Zhu family could always hand their assets over to that child since that child would be part of the Zhu family. Since there was such a way out of this whole situation, why hadn¡¯t Zhu Chengqi discussed it with them? Why had he insisted on handing all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets over to an outsider like Qiao Nan?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get upset¡­¡± Li Yayan was stunned too. If their suspicions were true, Li Yayan could finally understand why Zhu Chengqi had never acted abnormally even up until his death when both she and Wang Yang had kept a close eye on him, and yet, such a will had appeared after his death. It was because Zhu Chengqi had already prepared everything in advance. ¡°Dear, what shall we do now? Why are you suddenly bringing this up now? Do you think Qiao Nan already knows about it? What shall we do next? Is it possible for us to settle this amicably with Qiao Nan?¡±

    Wang Yang had not given her the details, so Li Yayan had no idea of the extent of what Wang Yang had done. Qiao Nan had already been difficult to convince as it was. Perhaps, something had really gone wrong. That was why Qiao Zijin had given up the five million yuan.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin said that Qiao Nan told her about this. But I wonder if Chen Jun let anything slip in front of Qiao Zijin in the past that arouse her suspicion. Perhaps, she¡¯s using it to trick me today. Qiao Nan probably doesn¡¯t know¡­¡±

    So many years had passed since that incident. Even if they were to conduct an investigation now, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to find any evidence anyway. As such, Wang Yang didn¡¯t think that Qiao Nan would know that he had arranged for Chen Jun to meet her at that time.

    Li Yayan had a premonition. Before this, she had already known about the enmity between Chen Jun and the Qiao sisters. Now that Chen Jun had been brought into the picture, Li Yayan finally understood how serious the matter was. ¡°Dear, don¡¯t tell me that you were the one who arranged for Chen Jun to chase Qiao Nan? Was that why Chen Jun had gotten together with Qiao Nan?¡±

    She had only known that Wang Yang had used some underhanded means to make Zhu Chengqi disappointed in Qiao Nan, but Wang Yang had never mentioned what he had done in detail, and neither had Li Yayan asked about it. Now, Li Yayan regretted not having asked about it earlier.

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t answer Li Yayan and it wasn¡¯t hard for Li Yayan to guess the truth. After all, it was all as clear as day now. ¡°Did you really do that? Does Qiao Nan know about it? If she does, it won¡¯t matter whether Qiao Zijin or I approach Qiao Nan. Even if we get her biological parents here, Qiao Nan will never listen to them and call off thewsuit.¡±

    Li Yayan was a woman too, so she could imagine just how infuriated Qiao Nan would be upon learning about the truth. Qiao Nan had never been treated well in the Qiao family in the first ce.

 Chapter 2287

    <h4>Chapter 2287: I Hope Her Brain Stops Working</h4>

    She had finally found a good partner with much difficulty, but her sister had snatched him away from her. What¡¯s more, no one in the family had been on her side.

    Probably no other woman in the world would ever be able to ept such a situation. In fact, they would probably never forget about it for their entire lives. Not only was this terribly painful, but it was also insulting. If Qiao Nan knew that someone had been behind all the suffering she had faced and that she would never have met Chen Jun or gotten hurt if not for Wang Yang, there was no way she would be willing to settle this matter amicably with Wang Yang. In fact, if she were in Qiao Nan¡¯s ce and knew that Wang Yang was the instigator behind everything, she would even rope the Zhai family in to get revenge for her. There was no way she would allow someone to bully her like that!

    They were clearly enemies.

    Li Yayan was helpless. ¡°Dear, how could you think of such an idea? So, do you think that Qiao Zijin is lying to you or that Qiao Nan already knows about this? If Qiao Nan already knows the truth, it¡¯ll be impossible for us to settle this matter even if we get the emperor over. Qiao Nan probably hates us!¡±

    Who wouldn¡¯t?

    Wang Yang grabbed at his own hair, never having expected the matter to have gotten soplicated. Neither had he expected Zhu Chengqi to havee up with such a will even after they had kept such a close eye on him. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Qiao Nan has never contacted me, so I¡¯m not too sure about the situation either.¡±

    ¡°So, what should we do now?¡± Whether or not Qiao Zijin was lying to them, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t afford to admit to what he had done. But if Qiao Zijin was telling the truth, they could only wait and go through thewsuit against Qiao Nan. ¡°Does thewyer have any other ideas on how to resolve this matter? If we can¡¯t take back everything, why don¡¯t we settle for half?¡±

    This seemed like the best solution at the moment. Getting back half of the Zhu family¡¯s assets already seemed like a blessing.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be difficult.¡± Wang Yang couldn¡¯t resist lighting a cigarette. ¡°I asked thewyer and he said that it¡¯ll still depend on how good our rtionship is for us to get back even half of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. It¡¯ll depend on whether Qiao Nan is willing to give them to us.¡±

    If they were to settle the case out of court, it would be Wang Yang¡¯s decision over how much Qiao Nan got. In fact, if Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t gotten married to Zhai Sheng, it would have been easy for Wang Yang to deal with Qiao Nan with his temper. He would have been able to settle the matter by hiring some people to scare her. But now that Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, she had an even higher status than Wang Yang. That also meant that he couldn¡¯t afford to deal with her in that way.

    He couldn¡¯t threaten Qiao Nan, and he would even have to see if Qiao Nan was willing to split half of the assets with him.

    In the face of such a situation, Wang Yang was immensely resentful. Thinking about how Zhu Chengqi was the one who had brought so much trouble upon him, Wang Yang had the urge to disown Zhu Chengqi as his uncle. Anyway, it seemed to make no difference whether Zhu Chengqi was his uncle anymore. He wasn¡¯t going to get a single cent from the Zhu family either way.

    Li Yayan¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Is there really no other way? Shall we change awyer now?¡± Their currentwyer was ipetent. If they spent more money, they would surely find a morepetent one. If they couldn¡¯t get their hands on the Zhu family¡¯s assets, her life in the Wang family was sure to be torturous.

    ¡°That won¡¯t make any difference.¡± Wang Yang took a deep puff of his cigarette. ¡°The Zhai family¡¯s wealthier than us. If it¡¯s easy for us to change awyer, think about how easy it¡¯ll be for the Zhai family. Besides, I¡¯ve already asked about it.¡±

    No matter whom he hired, the Zhu family¡¯s assets would eventually go to Qiao Nan as long as they proceeded with thewsuit instead of settling out of court. There were some things that Wang Yang refused to mention, but that didn¡¯t mean that he knew nothing about them.

    He had wanted to apply to the court to freeze all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets so that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to use them. The problem was that the court order dealt only with money. It had no control over the Zhu family¡¯s connections. Besides, the Zhai family wasn¡¯t in need of any money, and Zhai Sheng had much wider connections than him.

    Even if he were to have all of the Zhu family¡¯s connections in his grasp, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t be at a great loss. Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to spend the Zhu family¡¯s money if it was held up, but neither would he.

    To be honest, Wang Yang was in a much worse state than Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng. In this matter, Wang Yang was the one who would lose the most. Seeing Wang Yang¡¯s sunken-in face, Li Yayan was anxious, and yet, she didn¡¯t know what to do. ¡°Shall-shall we test Qiao Nan to see how she responds?¡±

    There was no use of them guessing the situation here. What if they were only scaring themselves? The best result would be that Qiao Zijin was indeed lying to them. But¡­ The thought of the worst-case scenario scared Li Yayan so much that she couldn¡¯t even speak.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡± Wang Yang was hesitant too. If he died early, he could be reincarnated early too. But he was afraid of the truth. He was fearful that he wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.

    If Wang Yang lost thiswsuit, it wouldn¡¯t just be awsuit that he would lose. It was his entire life. From a young age, Wang Yang had always strived to perform well in front of the Zhu family and suppress Zhu Baoguo so that Old Master Zhu and Zhu Chengqi would know that he was better than Zhu Baoguo.

    Instead of handing the Zhu family¡¯s assets over to Zhu Baoguo for him to squander them away, it was better to hand it over to him. He would be able to improve the Zhu family¡¯s standing and increase their wealth. Over the past decades, he had worked under Zhu Chengqi in vain. Everything had gone to an outsider in the end. To the arrogant Wang Yang, it was an uneptable situation.

    ¡°Wait a minute. Dear, didn¡¯t you say that Qiao Zijin¡¯s leaving the capital and that she threatened to get a bus ticket? Is that true?¡± Li Yayan was a woman too, and knowing about Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship with Qiao Zijin, she truly felt that Qiao Zijin had a lower chance of seeding aspared to her. The problem was that Li Yayan hadn¡¯t been able to befriend Qiao Nan or visit the Zhai family up until today. Since she hadn¡¯t been able toplete her mission, Li Yayan naturally wished that someone else could help Wang Yang out.

    What if Qiao Nan¡¯s brain really stopped working and she agreed to Qiao Zijin¡¯s request?

    If she allowed Qiao Zijin to leave, she would be the only one who would be able to work on Qiao Nan. It was too burdensome to be responsible for getting back the Zhu family¡¯s assets alone.

    Because of the will, her father-inw had already been displeased with her.

 Chapter 2288

    <h4>Chapter 2288: Biggest Worry</h4>

    If they ced all of their hopes on her alone, her father-inw might very well force her to divorce Wang Yang if she failed this time.

    Even if Wang Yang couldn¡¯t get the Zhu family¡¯s assets, he still had a good background. But if she were to get a divorce from Wang Yang, there was no way she would find such a good husband again.

    There was no way she could afford to get divorced. No, she wasn¡¯t going to carry such a heavy burden alone.

    Whether it was five million or six million, that sum of money no longer mattered to Li Yayan. She could only hope that Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t give up so easily. She wouldn¡¯t fight with Qiao Zijin over that sum of money. Now, Li Yayan really hoped that Qiao Zijin was capable enough to settle the matter once and for all. As long as she remained Wang Yang¡¯s wife, she would always be able to extend a helping hand to her family.

    ¡°Let me ask about it.¡± Wang Yang had heard about how greedy Qiao Zijin was. As such, Wang Yang didn¡¯t really believe that Qiao Zijin would really return to Ping Cheng. Qiao Zijin had probably never even seen such a huge sum of money in her entire life. It was true that the Chen family was rich, but there was no way they would have entrusted Qiao Zijin with their money.

    If Qiao Zijin missed out on this chance, she could dream on about ever owning five million yuan. It wasn¡¯t just Qiao Zijin. No one would be able to refuse five million yuan. If Qiao Zijin was lying to him, it would be because she wanted to make use of Chen Jun to raise her price beyond five million yuan.

    It wasn¡¯t that Wang Yang didn¡¯t believe whatever Qiao Zijin had said about having Qiao Nan as her sister, being able to ride on her parents¡¯urels, and benefitting from Qiao Nan even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care about her. He knew that that was indeed possible. But given Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward the Qiao family in the past two years, Wang Yang was sure that Qiao Zijin would never be satisfied with just that. Spending someone else¡¯s money was never as pleasing as spending one¡¯s own money. There was no way Qiao Zijin would give up on this sum of money so easily.

    Qiao Zijin had probably spent a tidy suming to the capital because of this matter. If she were to give up now, she would have wasted her money.

    ¡°Hurry and get to the bottom of it.¡± Li Yayan was truly worried that Qiao Zijin would leave. Now, Qiao Zijin was the only one who could get her out of this mess. ¡°Wang Yang, keep your eye on Qiao Zijin. I¡¯ll get in touch with Qiao Nan and invite her out for a meal.¡±

    She would try to get the details out of Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin said that Qiao Nan already knows about our rtionship.¡± This was the other problem that troubled Wang Yang. ¡°Try inviting her out to see if it¡¯s true.¡±

    Li Yayan¡¯s face paled. She had never expected to receive so many pieces of bad news at once. Thinking about how Qiao Nan already knew that she was Wang Yang¡¯s wife, Li Yayan¡¯s hand trembled furiously as she picked up her phone to call Qiao Nan. ¡°Hello, Qiao Nan? It¡¯s me. Are you free to go out shopping or to have a meal?¡±

    Whether or not Qiao Nan knew about the truth, she would have to beg Qiao Nan to have mercy on her and persuade her to have a discussion about the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    Qiao Nan had to resist the urge tough. First, it had been Qiao Zijin. Now, even Li Yayan was calling her. Were they trying to tattle on each other? ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re in the mood to go shopping or have a meal? Don¡¯t tell me that Qiao Zijin hasn¡¯t gotten in touch with you and conveyed my message to you guys.¡±

    There was no way Qiao Zijin could have sat still with such a huge chink in her armor.

    Qiao Nan knew that Qiao Zijin was not as carefree as she appeared to be when it came to Chen Jun. No matter what, Chen Jun had been Qiao Zijin¡¯s husband, the only person Qiao Zijin had ever married, as well as Qiao Zijin¡¯s first man. After marriage, Chen Jun had never truly loved Qiao Zijin and had even started affairs outside. It was only natural for Qiao Zijin to be hurt.

    Knowing that Wang Yang had been behind Chen Jun¡¯s appearance in her life, Qiao Zijin, who had been hurt, had moments of anger too. Money was obviously nice to have. Unfortunately, the price that Wang Yang had offered was not high enough, and it was insufficient to quench the rage in her.

    ¡°¡­¡± Li Yayan felt a chill run down her spine. ¡°Who¡¯s Qiao Zijin? Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t I understand what you¡¯re saying?¡± Li Yayan asked as she turned to Wang Yang, who was beside her. The situation had gotten tricky. It seemed like Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t been lying to them, after all.

    The moment Wang Yang heard Li Yayan¡¯s words, he had an even greater reaction than Qiao Nan. Wang Yang¡¯s eyebrows furrowed into a frown, and his temples throbbed as his heart skipped a beat. Had his greatest fearse true?

    Qiao Nan leaned back against the sofa. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Isn¡¯t Wang Yang beside you? I was rather surprised to find out that you¡¯re Wang Yang¡¯s wife. It seems like you¡¯re living quitefortably after getting married to him. As schoolmates, I have to congratte you on that. Oh right, do you have anything else?¡±

    After all, she didn¡¯t have much to talk about with Li Yayan.

    ¡°¡­¡± Li Yayan bit on her lip, refusing to admit to it. ¡°Qiao Nan, why don¡¯t I understand a thing you¡¯re saying? Who¡¯s Qiao Zijin? I don¡¯t know anyone named Qiao Zijin.¡± As for Wang Yang, Li Yayan intelligently chose not to bring it up. She had no other choice. Qiao Nan had her ways of checking up on her, and the name of her spouse was, in fact, Wang Yang.

    Qiao Nan picked at her eyebrow. ¡°Alright. I can¡¯t do anything if you insist on not knowing Qiao Zijin. Forget about going out together. I¡¯ve been embroiled in awsuittely and it¡¯s been quite tiring. If you really want to go out, we can find a chance after thiswsuit ends.¡±

    Since Li Yayan was going to put on a pretense, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t even be bothered to waste her breath on Li Yayan.

    Just like how Li Yayan refused to admit to her rtionship with Wang Yang, Qiao Nan refused to pay any attention to Li Yayan, saying that she would get in touch after thewsuit. Of course, there was nothing Li Yayan could do about that. ¡°Can¡¯t-can¡¯t we meet up any sooner?¡±

    Why would she bother meeting up with Qiao Nan after thewsuit?

    ¡°No, I¡¯m busy with thewsuit.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Li Yayan took a deep breath. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have hiredwyers to fight thatwsuit? Besides, you¡¯ll have to eat no matter how busy you are. How about just meeting up for a meal?¡±

 Chapter 2289

    <h4>Chapter 2289: Let Dad Carry You</h4>

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in a while and I miss you. I have lots of things I want to tell you. Qiao Nan, let¡¯s meet up.¡±

    Qiao Nan switched her phone over to the other hand. ¡°I really can¡¯t. Besides fighting thewsuit, my three children are still young and I can¡¯t leave them alone. Let¡¯s meet up when we get the chance in the future. I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s time for me to feed my children. I have to go make their milk. Let¡¯s catch up another time.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan immediately hung up. She hadn¡¯t been lying to Li Yayan since it was really time for the triplets to have their milk. However, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t the only one who could make their milk for them.

    Qiao Nan took a bottle over from the auntie and fed her daughter, San Bao, while carrying her in her arms. ¡°Drink this well and grow up quickly.¡±

    San Bao had no idea what her mom was telling her, and she simply leaned into her mom¡¯s soft and tender embrace. She clung onto her milk bottle with her two chubby hands as though she was afraid someone would snatch it from her. Then, she gulped down her milk, finishing the entire bottle in no time at all, causing her stomach to swell.

    As San Bao¡¯s elder brothers, Da Bao and Er Bao were no slower than her, and all the bellies of all three children were now swollen. As theyy down, their chubby arms and legs made them look no different from overturned frogs. It was a funny sight.

    The triplets, who had already learned to flip and sit, slept less than before. Now, they no longer grew as sleepy after their meals and required the adults to y with them. If anyone tried to coax them to sleep, the three children would frown as though they were on the verge of tears without fail.

    ¡°Our triplets are getting more energetic by the day. I¡¯m still able to keep thempany now, but I wonder if I¡¯ll be able to keep up with them once they learn to walk and run.¡± Miao Jing felt tired, yet joyful, having sessfully coaxed her three little ancestors to sleep.

    The three children were getting stronger every day, and that meant that Miao Jing¡¯s energy was being drained more quickly every day too. She had only yed with the children for a short while, but Miao Jing felt as though she couldn¡¯t even stand up anymore. Thinking about how the triplets would be running about in less than a year¡¯s time, Miao Jing was at a loss.

    It was impossible not to admit that she had grown old. If Nan Nan had gotten married to Zhai Sheng a few years earlier, she would probably have been able to take care of the children for a few more years. As their mother, Nan Nan would have it tough in the future. ¡°Oh right, Nan Nan. Yourwsuit against Wang Yang is beginning soon. When is Zhai Shenging back?¡±

    They had alreadye to an agreement that Zhai Sheng would take care of Qiao Nan¡¯swsuit against Wang Yang since she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it given how busy she was with school and taking care of the three children.

    Ever since Qiao Nan had given birth to the three children, Miao Jing had instructed the auntie to prepare delicious and nutritious food for Qiao Nan every day so as to fatten Qiao Nan up just like the triplets. It was easy to fatten the triplets up, but Miao Jing hadn¡¯t seen Qiao Nan gain any weight even after such a long time. In fact, after childbirth, Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach seemed to be getting even firmer. It hadn¡¯t even been half a year since the triplets were born, but Qiao Nan had already returned to her pre-pregnancy figure.

    ¡°It should be beginning in a few days¡¯ time.¡± Zhai Sheng hadn¡¯t been in contact with Qiao Nantely. As such, Qiao Nan could only give Miao Jing a vague reply.

    Even though Qiao Nan was indifferent, Miao Jing wasn¡¯t. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯ll be starting soon? The court date is in two days¡¯ time. We agreed that he would handle this matter. That won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll call him and get him toe home immediately.¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who had been in the midst of unlocking the door, stopped in his tracks. ¡°Who are you going to call and make hime back immediately?¡± Were they talking about him?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, you¡¯re back?¡± Qiao Nan was pleasantly surprised. He had returned extremely quickly this time. ¡°San Bao, look! Your dad¡¯s back! Come here. Let Dad carry you!¡± Compared to his sons, Zhai Sheng was closer to his daughter. As such, Qiao Nan handed San Bao over to Zhai Sheng, while she took Da Bao into her arms.

    San Bao¡¯s perfectly round eyes blinked while staring at Zhai Sheng. She seemed to be very curious about Zhai Sheng. The triplets had started to recognize the people around them, but Zhai Sheng hardly spent any time at home. Their father was no different from a stranger to the three children.

    Perhaps, it was because of their blood rtion that San Bao didn¡¯t cry after being carried by Zhai Sheng. Her little face simply turned serious as though she was judging whether the man carrying her was a good man through his appearance.

    ¡°Tsk. Are you father and daughter mimicking each other?¡± Miao Jing watched on ¡®disdainfully¡¯. Her granddaughter had been smiling so widely in front of her! However, once Zhai Sheng carried her, her expression was almost identical to her father¡¯s somber expression. ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re carrying your only daughter. Can you smile, at the very least? You¡¯re making it seem as though you¡¯re having a military meeting at home. Don¡¯t lead my San Bao astray.¡±

    Zhai Sheng hardly showed any expression on his face, but her little granddaughter was incredibly adorable and was as beautiful as a flower whenever she smiled. She had never expected her little granddaughter to be as expressionless as her father when she was being carried by him. It annoyed Miao Jing deeply. After some contemtion, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but save her little granddaughter by handing Er Bao over to Zhai Sheng instead.

    Er Bao was a boy, so it was fine if his expression was as serious as Zhai Sheng¡¯s. San Bao was ady, so it was much better for her to have a cheerful expression.

    Er Bao couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. Why had the person carrying him suddenly changed from his grandma to a stranger? Er Bao chomped on his chubby hand and let out a wide smile toward his father.

    Although Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t as gentle toward his son as he had been with his daughter, Zhai Sheng tried to smile at Er Bao because he was such a tender little thing that had even smiled at him. Who would have expected Er Bao¡¯s diapers to suddenlye loose because of being carried around? As such, the moment Er Bao urinated, it was inevitable that Zhai Sheng¡¯s pants got wet too. What embarrassed Zhai Sheng the most was that he had ced Er Bao on his leg, so the area that had gotten wet happened to be right at Zhai Sheng¡¯s crotch.

    It wasn¡¯t easy to tell whether Er Bao had urinated or defecated inside his diapers at first nce.

 Chapter 2290

    <h4>Chapter 2290: The Pleasure of Taking Revenge</h4>

    However, there was a huge difference in whether Zhai Sheng¡¯s pants were dry or wet. Suddenly, it seemed like the person who peed wasn¡¯t Er Bao but Zhai Sheng, causing everyone tough.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s face darkened slightly and he looked at Er Bao. Er Bao didn¡¯t seem to know what trouble he had gotten into. His open mouth revealed his baby teeth and he was smiling so brightly. People couldn¡¯t help but be softhearted.

    Miao Jingughed and took Er Bao from Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°Alright, Er Bao is still a child. What does he know? I¡¯m to me as well. Look, Er Bao¡¯s diapers are loose. Go and change it. If your dad sees thister, don¡¯t put the me on Er Bao again.¡± How capable was Er Bao? Since Zhai Sheng was a child, she had never seen anyone giving him any difficulties.

    Aside from changing his pants, what else could Zhai Sheng do? He patted Er Bao¡¯s buttocks with his big palms. After ncing at him, Zhai Sheng returned to his room. He changed his pants which were stained with Er Bao¡¯s urine. There was a lot of time in the future. Although he couldn¡¯t settle scores with Er Bao now, he had plenty of chances in the future. He couldn¡¯t run away.

    Er Bao, who was being hugged by his grandma and called out to as her treasure, didn¡¯t know that his dad had his eyes on him because of his urine.

    When Zhai Sheng came down again, Qiao Nan, as the children¡¯s mother, poured a cup of tea for him diligently. ¡°Brother Zhai, it has been tough on you. The children are teething recently. Not only do they know how to flip over, but they even have a lot of strength. Mom said that our children might even know how to climb earlier than other children. A few monthster, I¡¯ll teach them how to call ¡®dad¡¯.¡±

    As a mom, she naturally had to help her son when he made a mistake. Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng was not someone to ¡®mess with¡¯. Er Bao didn¡¯t know anything now. He really wouldn¡¯t have known when he had offended his father.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes shone and he looked at Qiao Nan again. ¡°You¡¯re a good mother. You even know how to help clean up your son¡¯s mess.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Isn¡¯t my son your son? Do you have the cheek to be so calctive with your son? To think you¡¯re a father. When the three children grow up and know that their biological father has such a character, aren¡¯t you afraid that they wouldugh at you?¡±

    Zhai Sheng drank the tea his wife poured and smiled. ¡°Sonughing at his father? Let¡¯s see if these children have the guts when they grow up.¡±

    Miao Jing saw her son and daughter-inw throwing looks at each other and was happy inside. They had a good rtionship. What else could make Miao Jing happier than this?

    The triplets, who had been ying around for a while, yawned and fell asleep on the sofa. Upon seeing this, the adults carried the children back to their cribs. The adults could talk about serious matters now that the children were asleep. Miao Jing thought of the previous topic and asked Zhai Sheng about thewsuit. ¡°I¡¯ve been asking less recently. How is thewsuit? What are our chances of winning?¡±

    ¡°Eighty percent.¡± Zhai Sheng told Miao Jing the result that hiswyer had shared with him. ¡°While it is said to be eighty percent, the actual situation might be a little higher than eighty percent. When Chief Zhu made the will, all the procedures were in ce andpleted. As such, the will he made was legally binding. Even if Nan Nan has no blood rtionship with the Zhu family at all, based on this will, Nan Nan is qualified to inherit everything from the Zhu family.¡±

    Wang Yang had been busy for half his life, but it was all for nothing.

    Zhai Shengpletely understood why even though Zhu Chengqi obviously knew about everything, he still looked indifferent in front of Wang Yang and lied to him for so many years.

    If Zhu Chengqi had expressed that he had long known about everything, Wang Yang might have decided to burn bridges and deal with Zhu Chengqi as well. Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t need to be afraid of Wang Yang and Wang Yang couldn¡¯t win against him. The problem was that Wang Yang caused Zhu Chengqi to send his own son off. How would he be willing to let Wang Yang off so easily?

    Seeing that Wang Yang was by his side taking care of him like ackey and didn¡¯t even bother about his biological parents, Zhu Chengqi naturally felt the pleasure of taking revenge in his heart. He wanted to see Wang Yang spend half of his lifetime and waste his prime on him, only to get pain and anger in the end.

    His son lost his life while Wang Yang only wasted twenty years. Inparison, Wang Yang still benefited.

    Rather than letting Wang Yang die a painful death, Zhu Chengqi would rather be a viin and let Wang Yang taste the desperation of being defeated after sacrificing more than twenty years of his efforts.

    Zhu Chengqi had long nned everything. Zhu Chengqi would definitely not leave any gaps for Wang Yang so that he could stand a chance at turning defeat into victory. It could be said that Zhu Chengqi had personally dug this hole for Wang Yang to jump into. He spent more than twenty years watching how Wang Yang fell deeper into this hole bit by bit. At this time, Wang Yang should know that when Zhu Chengqi was digging this hole for him, he himself had helped Zhu Chengqi quite a bit as well. It could be said that Wang Yang had put in quite a bit of effort for this hole.

    ¡°I see.¡± Miao Jing was more at ease. ¡°Nan Nan has to take care of the three children and go to school. She¡¯s too busy. It isn¡¯t a problem that we¡¯ll leave this to you to take care of it, right? Chief Zhu left those things behind for Nan Nan. Don¡¯t lose Nan Nan¡¯s things.¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t care for the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. However, since Zhu Chengqi had taken pains to deliberately leave his inheritance to Qiao Nan, Miao Jing felt that there wasn¡¯t a need for her to refuse it.

    Qiao Nan was able to take these things boldly and righteously. If Wang Yang and the Wang family weren¡¯t willing to take this lying down, then they should self-reflect and see what sorry things they had done to Zhu Chengqi. Miao Jing believed that if not for the people surnamed Wang who had done something overboard and sorry to Zhu Chengqi, no matter how extreme and unsociable Zhu Chengqi¡¯s character was, he wouldn¡¯t have given all his wealth to an outsider.

    Zhu Chengqi should have done this as he was forced by his rtives, the Wang family. Since she had already guessed that the Wang family wasn¡¯t good, Miao Jing didn¡¯t take the words that people at odds with Zhu Chengqi said to heart.

    Miao Jing wasn¡¯t so silly as to be upset at outsiders¡¯ words, causing everyone in the family to be upset as well. That was such a stupid thing. Those people who had ulterior motives and often ran to her to whisper and gossip should just save their breath and head back to where they came from.

 Chapter 2291

    <h4>Chapter 2291: So Angry That He Wanted to Kill Someone</h4>

    Did they really think that she was a three-year-old? How would she fall for such tricks?

    Miao Jing remembered it in her heart who had treated her like a silly old woman and wanted to scheme against her. She even had a small book to record the names of these people. If these people dared to create trouble in front of her, she would dare to get her son to create trouble back.

    The son will pay for the father¡¯s sin. For the ¡®good things¡¯ that the parents have done, their son should be the one to pay the price.

    Based on the Zhai family¡¯s situation, it was easy to teach others a lesson. Who didn¡¯t have children or juniors in their families? They interfered in Qiao Nan¡¯s and Wang Yang¡¯s matters so that they could sell Wang Yang a favor andy a good foundation for their children in the future.

    Who would have expected that the Zhai family was so overbearing? They didn¡¯t do anything but persuade the Zhai family to see if there was any room for negotiation. The Zhai family wasn¡¯tcking this. Even if they didn¡¯t have these things, their status wouldn¡¯t be affected. The problem was that these things belonged to the Zhu family, after all. The Zhai family was unrted to the Zhu family. If the Zhai family really took these things, their reputation would drop.

    Even if it was for reputation, the Zhai family could sell Wang Yang a favor. If they saw each other again, Wang Yang would have owed the Zhai family a huge favor. If they needed Wang Yang for anything in the future, could he refuse?

    Everyone felt that to the Zhai family, this was like having something good fall into theirps. If they didn¡¯t have everything from the Zhu family, it wasn¡¯t a loss. It wasn¡¯t a big deal to persuade them, and this shouldn¡¯t be a problem as well.

    It was when the ¡®problem¡¯ happened that these people stopped deceiving themselves and others. Indeed, the Zhai family didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with the Zhu family. They didn¡¯t interact much either. However, no matter what, this was the Zhai family¡¯s matter. They didn¡¯t need outsiders to blindly kick up a fuss and worry about it.

    If they were so thoughtful, they should worry more about their own children. If there were such elders in the family, it might not be good for the younger generations at times.

    After getting a lesson, these people couldn¡¯t help but be obedient. After all, this lesson was a bloody one and there wasn¡¯t any room for regrets. When everyone saw Miao Jing again, they became more polite. Before this, everyone felt that Miao Jing was too softhearted to have treated Qiao Nan, a daughter-inw from the countryside who didn¡¯t have much knowledge, as her treasure. Perhaps this daughter-inw might even climb onto Miao Jing¡¯s head and act as a tyrant behind everyone¡¯s back.

    After this incident, nobody dared to have such naive thoughts or misunderstand that Miao Jing was softhearted. The Zhai family was different. Even if Miao Jing was old, when she really became angry and red up, it wasn¡¯t something they, ordinary people, could bear.

    Zhai Sheng came back this time around to specifically help Qiao Nan handle the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    Qiao Zijin offended Ding Jiayi because of the five million yuan that Wang Yang promised. After calling Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin realized that there seemed to be some artifice regarding Chen Jun¡¯s appearance back then. Qiao Zijin became triggered and red up. She wasn¡¯t scaring Wang Yang when she said that she was going to buy a ticket back to Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan was already Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife now. Chen Jun used to bully Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin was always worried that if Zhai Sheng was free, he would create trouble for Chen Jun so that he wouldn¡¯t lead a good life.

    Of course, the person she was really worried about wasn¡¯t Chen Jun. She was afraid that if Chen Jun was unlucky and ran into trouble, he would implicate Chen Feng, her son, causing him to end up with nothing. Thankfully, after Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng for a few days, Zhai Sheng brought Qiao Nan to the capital and didn¡¯t mention much about Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin thought that this matter was over. Who knew that at this time, Qiao Zijin heard such a shocking piece of insider news? This made her angry and resentful. Was Chen Jun crazy? She thought that Chen Jun was sincere toward Qiao Nan. Who knew that there was only that much to it?

    In the face of the truth, Qiao Zijin felt relieved, but more of it was anger. She felt that she was also a victim of this incident. When she thought of how Wang Yang was involved in this matter as well, she couldn¡¯t help but want to take a knife and hack Wang Yang to death at her angriest moments.

    Wang Yang was observing the Zhai family¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s situation while Li Yayan was helping Wang Yang pay more attention to Qiao Zijin¡¯s development. After checking that Qiao Zijin had really used her identity card to buy a train ticket back to Ping Cheng the next day, Li Yayan panicked. ¡°Dear, Qiao Zijin really bought a train ticket for tomorrow. What should we do?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t see Qiao Nan at all now. If she called Qiao Nan, it was either she rejected the call or she replied to her via a short message that she was very busy recently with thewsuit. As such, if there was anything, they could keep in contact again after herwsuit ended. When Qiao Nan brought out this attitude, there was nothing Li Yayan could do.

    Li Yayan couldn¡¯t possibly run to Qiao Nan and tell her crazily, ¡°Qiao Nan, I¡¯m Wang Yang¡¯s wife. The Wang Yang that you¡¯re currently fighting awsuit against. We¡¯recking money, so don¡¯t continue thiswsuit anymore. Return the Zhu family¡¯s money to me and Wang Yang.¡±

    Even if Li Yayan had such wishful thinking, she simply couldn¡¯t bring herself to say such stupid words. Which fool in this world would really agree to this after listening to such words? If Qiao Nan was so easy to deal with, would she and Wang Yang have to worry for several nights until they couldn¡¯t sleep well?

    Since she couldn¡¯t do much now, Qiao Zijin became Li Yayan¡¯s only hope. When she checked that Qiao Zijin really bought a train ticket back to Ping Cheng the next day, Li Yayan felt that she was going insane. She was going insane because of the sisters, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. How could there be such annoying people in this world? They weren¡¯t willing to do even one thing that could make others happy. Did she really owe these two people?

    ¡°She really bought it?¡± Thewsuit had not started yet. It was either the helpers he had found with difficulty didn¡¯t have any ideas or they wanted to retreat before the battle started, just like Qiao Zijin. He knew that his chances of winning thiswsuit weren¡¯t high. He had used his youth to kill Zhu Chengqi. He couldn¡¯t possibly use the same method again and use his youth to kill Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan so that he could get everything he wanted. Wang Yang didn¡¯t want to go to court more than anyone else. He couldn¡¯t wait for the opening of thiswsuit to be dyed indefinitely.

    Who knew that the dy was for only two or three months? They would still be going to court.

 Chapter 2292

    <h4>Chapter 2292: Just Answer Whatever I¡¯ve Asked</h4>

    ¡°Dear, what should we do now? Thewsuit is going to start the day after tomorrow. Qiao Zijin¡¯s returning the next day. We¡­¡± Li Yayan was so worried that she was losing hair. She felt that if this matter continued, she wouldn¡¯t be able to keep her long hair anymore. Li Yayan was worried about Qiao Zijin leaving halfway and was even more worried about the day after tomorrow.

    Li Yayan felt that if the court was too efficient, they might even be able to obtain a result from thiswsuit the day after tomorrow. In the end, everything in the Zhu family would belong to Qiao Nan. If such a situation really happened, her father-inw would hate her to death and insist on chasing her out of the Wang family.

    Wang Yang gritted his teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. We can¡¯t be anxious. If there¡¯s a need to, I¡¯ll meet Qiao Zijinter today. I¡¯ll take a look at her attitude. I don¡¯t think she can let go of the five million yuan so freely.¡± It was precisely because Qiao Zijin married Chen Jun that Wang Yang knew clearly that Qiao Zijin could do anything shameless for the sake of money and a better life. She had no world views and bottom line to speak of.

    Would such a person suddenly understand what righteousness, honesty, and the sense of shame were, and want face instead of five million yuan? Wang Yang smiled and said that even if the earth was going to be destroyed, there would never be a day where Qiao Zijin would be good.

    A person forgets about the evils of the world and thinks only of good things nearing death. However, this sentence would never apply to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Dear, what if Qiao Zijin just wants to raise the price? What will you do?¡± At this time, Li Yayan only felt that their Wang family had no way out. They could only continue if they made Qiao Zijin stay. Even if they knew that Qiao Zijin¡¯s so-called letting go and leaving was only so that she could ask for the sky, they could only be meat on the chopping board and let Qiao Zijin raise the price.

    After all,pared to the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, Qiao Zijin¡¯s raising of price would be limited.

    Wang Yang sighed. How would Wang Yang not understand what Li Yayan could? ¡°As long as she isn¡¯t too overboard and only asks for double the price at most, it¡¯s not impossible. However, this is the most I can give her.¡±

    If not for Qiao Zijin being the only person he could possibly rely on, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t have been willing to spend so much money on her. Based on the shameless things that Qiao Zijin had done before, one knew that it would be very difficult for Qiao Nan to be moved by Qiao Zijin. In Qiao Nan¡¯s heart, Qiao Zijin¡¯s image might not be any better than his.

    He knew that the possibility of Qiao Zijin¡¯s sess wasn¡¯t high. As such, even if he offered a high price, it was impossible for Qiao Zijin to take it unless she showed some real skills. Compared to the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, ten million yuan was nothing.

    It wasn¡¯t that he wasn¡¯t willing to fork out more rewards to tempt Qiao Zijin such that she would be desperate enough to go all out and make sure Qiao Nan agreed. It was that not only did he need to spend money to bribe Qiao Zijin, but he also had to give Qiao Nan enough benefits such that she would be willing to give up everything in the Zhu family.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t important. The headache was giving Qiao Nan money.

    The couple had no other choice. Even if Wang Yang didn¡¯t bother to have dealings with nobodies like Qiao Zijin, he still went to find her. Before Qiao Zijin left the capital, he was going to talk things out with her and make sure that she didn¡¯t quit at this time.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s so difficult to see you. Didn¡¯t you refuse to answer my call before? You¡¯re asking me out now. It shouldn¡¯t be just because you want to treat me to a cup of coffee, right?¡± This was such an expensive coffee. If she had to fork out money on her own, Qiao Zijin would definitely not havee over. Even if she was feeling extravagant, there should be a limit to it.

    Indeed, Qiao Zijin was happy that Wang Yang changed his previous arrogant attitude and came over to find her eagerly. At the same time, she was very angry. There was an unspeakable affair between Wang Yang and Chen Jun. Otherwise, based on Wang Yang¡¯s identity, would he have to bow down to a divorced woman like her?

    He had insisted on five million yuan initially. She was very curious. Now that Wang Yang came to find her again today, what other amount would he be offering?

    Wang Yang wasn¡¯t used to seeing Qiao Zijin¡¯s smug look. It was a pity that he was begging her now, not the other way around. Wang Yang covered his gaze with his hand. ¡°A straightforward person doesn¡¯t resort to insinuations. You should know why I came here to find you today. Tell me your price. Before you do, let me remind you. It¡¯s not easy to resolve this matter. Even if Qiao Nan agreed to reconciliation, I would have to fork out a lot of money on Qiao Nan alone. If you be too greedy, you can treat it as if I¡¯m asking you out today just to treat you to a cup of coffee.¡±

    He needed Qiao Zijin¡¯s help. However, he was definitely not going to let a woman like Qiao Zijin control him. He, Wang Yang, was not someone that Qiao Zijin could threaten over and over again. There wasn¡¯t a need for him to bow down to Qiao Zijin andpromise all the time either.

    After drinking a sip of expensive coffee, Qiao Zijin smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve already listened to such words once back when you asked me out for coffee. My memory isn¡¯t good, but it¡¯s not that bad either, so you don¡¯t have to remind me again. I understand clearly what you mean. You want to give Qiao Nan enough benefits. You will agree if I want a higher price, but there should be a limit to this, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± This time, Qiao Zijin¡¯s understanding didn¡¯t deviate. ¡°Tell me your price.¡±

    ¡°Before that, let me ask you a question. I hope you can answer me honestly.¡±

    ¡°Regarding Chen Jun?¡± Aside from Qiao Nan and the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, there shouldn¡¯t be any other conversations between him and Qiao Zijin. Wang Yang didn¡¯t forget how sensitive the topic was on thest call. As he looked at Qiao Zijin¡¯s persistence again now, Wang Yang understood vaguely. ¡°In reality, it doesn¡¯t matter if you know about this matter or not. It has no impact on the overall situation. Based on your situation, you don¡¯t have to know so much either, right?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was the one who snatched Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan¡¯s hands. Whether Chen Jun was really sincere toward Qiao Nan or not, the person who should be concerned should be Qiao Nan. Why did Qiao Zijin want to know so much?

    ¡°You just have to answer my question. It¡¯s my matter if I need to know or not. Since I¡¯ve already asked, you have to answer. We can only continue the conversation if you answer me. Otherwise, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone was a little harsh. Wang Yang looked down on her. He mocked her for snatching Chen Jun away from Qiao Nan. Wang Yang also looked at her as if she was a prostitute. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t dead. She could feel it.

 Chapter 2293

    <h4>Chapter 2293: Unable to Hold It In</h4>

    So what if she had snatched someone from her sister? In the past, she had asionally thought that it had been wrong of her to have done that. But ever since she learned that Chen Jun¡¯s appearance had been arranged by Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin no longer felt that way.

    If not for Wang Yang, she would never have gotten to know Chen Jun. In that case, how would she ever have done such a thing that had ruined her sisterly rtionship with Qiao Nan? In fact, she might very well have gotten married to an ordinary man, and Qiao Nan would still have met Zhai Sheng at the right time. If Chen Jun had never appeared, she would probably have shared a close rtionship with Qiao Nan with her mom¡¯s help. With a sister like Qiao Nan, would she even need to rely on men? It would be good enough if her family didn¡¯t cling to her.

    In that case, it was clearly Wang Yang who had ruined her life, which should have been smooth-sailing to begin with. Wang Yang was not the god of fortune that sent her free money. Quite on the contrary, he was her enemy who had ruined her life!

    Although Wang Yang was displeased by Qiao Zijin, he could only hold it in for the time being. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true that Chen Jun had his own ulterior motive behind dating Qiao Nan. I was the one who arranged for Chen Jun to meet Qiao Nan and for him to chase her. That was why they had got into a rtionship.¡±

    But so many years had passed since that incident. Wang Yang no longer wanted to mention it. His ying piece, Chen Jun, had be his greatest obstacle yearster. Who would have known that it was exactly this move that had caused him to fall into a situation he had no way of getting himself out of?

    Because of that, Wang Yang wasn¡¯t even sure whether it had been a good move getting Chen Jun to chase Qiao Nan. Wang Yang could understand Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings toward him, but there was no way he was going to let Qiao Zijin treat him as though he owed her something. ¡°So, Qiao Zijin, you should understand that you¡¯d never have gotten the chance to be amissioner¡¯s wife if not for me.¡±

    The person who should hate him because of Chen Jun¡¯s situation was Qiao Nan. What did Qiao Zijin have to do with this?

    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± Qiao Zijin thought that it was ridiculous Wang Yang dared to say this, and he was even waiting for her to thank him. ¡°Is that so? Are you saying that you¡¯re my benefactor and matchmaker? Should I thank you for that marriage I had?¡±

    ¡°That was nothing. I helped you in the past, but now that I¡¯m in trouble, I¡¯m not expecting you to help me for free. We¡¯ll both benefit from this. I¡¯m sure you can still do something about Qiao Nan. I¡¯ll pay you if you seed. Then, we¡¯ll never have to cross paths ever again.¡± Wang Yang never wanted to remember this period of time when he had been so powerless and helpless.

    Qiao Zijin straightened her hair. She had done her fair share of shameless things, but she had always been the shameless one. Now that she had suddenly been on the receiving end, Qiao Zijin realized how much she disliked it. ¡°Wang Yang, you have a wife, right? Didn¡¯t you ask your wife how normal women would feel about this situation? I¡¯m sorry, Wang Yang. Your words only proved that you¡¯re indeed a man. I love money, but money will neverpare to my family. Don¡¯t you know that everyone has their limits? Did you really think that I¡¯d give everything up for the sake of money?¡±

    ¡°What I can afford to let go of are others! But now, you¡¯re asking me to take the plunge myself!¡±

    Her parents, and even Chen Jun, were in no way more important than money. But she was! Did Wang Yang really not know about that? If so, he was truly a fool! If she sold herself for that sum of money, who would that money be for? If she had been so selfish, would she have gotten into such a fight with her family in the first ce?

    Having been lectured by Qiao Zijin, Wang Yang¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What do you mean? Did you agree to meet me just to get that answer? Are you not intending on asking me for a higher price?¡± When had Qiao Zijin grown so disdainful toward money?

    Qiao Zijin gulped her coffee down. If Chen Jun had a rtionship with Wang Yang, she would drink much more than just two cups of coffee. Even if she drank two hundred cups of coffee, Wang Yang owed it all to her. ¡°Yes, I have no intention of asking you for more money. I just wanted to rify the rtionship between you and Chen Jun. Alright, I think I¡¯ve gotten a clear picture now. Qiao Nan told me that it¡¯ll be difficult for yourwyers to win thiswsuit. But that¡¯s true. If you weren¡¯t going to lose for sure, you wouldn¡¯t have offered me five million yuan.¡±

    ¡°Five million yuan is really not easy to earn. I¡¯ve spent almost all of the money you gave me previously. I¡¯m not going to put myself at a disadvantage. Let¡¯s stay in our ownnes from now on. Chen Jun¡¯s background is not bad, but he¡¯s too much of a bast*rd. Not only did he betray Qiao Nan but also me. He¡¯s practically our enemy. Wang Yang, congrattions. I¡¯m in no position to lecture you, but at the very least, Qiao Nan is. Wang Yang, your retribution is here.¡±

    Which woman would allow her husband to betray her? And which woman would be able to act as though nothing had happened despite knowing that her husband had affairs with multiple mistresses behind her back?

    If Qiao Zijin had been so tolerant, she would never have resorted to such a lowly and underhanded method of having her own affair to get back at Chen Jun. Qiao Zijin had a bad temper. There was no way she could hold it in when it came to this matter.

    Qiao Zijin viewed money as her whole life. Even so, she had done something as dangerous as cheating on Chen Jun. Even Qiao Nan would never understand, much less personally experience, the pain and sufferings she had gone through during that period.

    Had Qiao Zijin really not known that her method of revenge would eventually cost her her marriage to Chen Jun? No, Qiao Zijin had known about it. Even so, she had done it. That meant that she would much rather give up her life in the Chen family just to let Chen Jun have a taste of his own medicine.

    As such, Qiao Zijin clearly told Wang Yang that she was willing to give up anyone in her pursuit of a better life, but she was never going to give up herself.

    After getting married to Chen Jun and giving birth to Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin had always wondered why Chen Jun had been so easily seduced. After all, Chen Jun had always seemed to have true feelings for Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2294

    <h4>Chapter 2294: How Much Do You Want?</h4>

    With such a premise, why had Chen Jun been willing to break up with Qiao Nan to marry her so that Chen Feng could be born? If that was what he had chosen, shouldn¡¯t he have cherished their marriage?

    If Chen Jun had treated her well, it would have been taking responsibility for and coaxing Qiao Nan. She was Qiao Nan¡¯s elder sister, after all. Chen Jun had betrayed both Qiao Nan and her. Was Chen Jun really not afraid that Qiao Nan would make him her enemy after she found out about all these things?

    If not for Qiao Nan, who would act as a guarantee for her happiness after marriage, Qiao Zijin would never have been so bold as to make use of Ding Jiayi to force Qiao Nan to back out because of her pregnancy.

    Today, Qiao Zijin had finally gotten the answers to all her questions. Even though Chen Jun had indeed loved Qiao Nan, his intentions had not been entirely pure in the beginning. No wonder he wasn¡¯t even afraid of betraying her after having betrayed her sister.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Wang Yang couldn¡¯t help but grab onto Qiao Zijin¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯re leaving just like that after saying such ridiculous things? Do you not want the five million yuan anymore? I already said that you can propose a fair price.¡±

    ¡°Raising my price? Are you giving me six million, seven million, or ten million? Oh, it seems like you¡¯re prepared to give me ten million. It¡¯s true that your highest price isn¡¯t exactly low, and it was my best price. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t want it anymore.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was puffing herself up at her own cost by saying those words. It was ten million yuan! Of course, Qiao Zijin had been tempted. But she had tried several times, and not even once had she seeded in persuading Qiao Nan to change her mind. Knowing that Wang Yang¡¯s chances of winning thewsuit were incredibly slim, Qiao Zijin dared not be too confident in herself about settling the matter and earning that huge sum of money.

    In reality, Qiao Zijin had already used up everything she knew. Since none of that had worked, she had no choice but to give up. Now, Qiao Zijin had even found out that Wang Yang had been involved in her failed marriage. She had agreed to meet Wang Yang just to confirm that.

    The result of the meeting wasn¡¯t exactly ideal for Qiao Zijin, but at the very least, she had finally satisfied her curiosity. It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t been charming enough or that she had nned something wrongly. The biggest problems were Wang Yang and Chen Jun themselves.

    She had lost ten of the most brilliant years in her life because she had tried to take advantage of Chen Jun. As for Wang Yang, he had surely lost out after meeting Qiao Nan too. With such aparison, Qiao Zijin no longer thought that she was that pitiful. Wasn¡¯t Wang Yang even more miserable?

    ¡°Ten million is not enough? How much do you want?!¡± Wang Yang thought that he was going to go crazy because of Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. The Qiao sisters were greedy b*tches! What was different was that Qiao Zijin showed how b*tchy she was on the surface, while Qiao Nan hid it well.

    Ever since that will made its appearance, Wang Yang had been reflecting on why he hadn¡¯t kept a close enough eye on Zhu Chengqi, giving him the opportunity to draft such a will. But what angered Wang Yang the most was that Zhu Chengqi was a capable man with a high position. It was no surprise that he wasn¡¯t able to win Zhu Chengqi, but who was Qiao Nan? What gave her the right to inherit Zhu Chengqi¡¯s assets, and why did he insist on getting her as his goddaughter?

    Wang Yang felt that it was reasonable to suspect that Qiao Nan had gone to Zhu Chengqi and made a huge show behind his back. If Qiao Nan had never gotten in touch with Zhu Chengqi behind his back, why would Zhu Chengqi havee up with such a foolish and unreasonable will that left all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to an outsider like Qiao Nan?

    Because she had had many experiences being abandoned, it was a fresh experience for Qiao Zijin to ¡®abandon¡¯ someone for a change. She withdrew her arm. ¡°Wang Yang, have I not made myself clear? Don¡¯t talk about ten million yuan. Even if you offer me a hundred million yuan, I don¡¯t want it anymore.¡± Anyway, there was no way she would get it even if she did want it. In short, that sum of money would have nothing to do with her no matter what happened.

    Knowing that she wouldn¡¯t get that sum of money, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart ached. It was a sum that she would never be able to earn in her entire lifetime.

    But the problem was that Wang Yang was even more pitiful than she was. As such, Qiao Zijin feltforted. This was the second reason behind agreeing to ¡®have a chat¡¯ with Wang Yang. Happiness came fromparison. Although she wouldn¡¯t be able to get ten million yuan, that was nothing inparison to Wang Yang¡¯s predicament.

    She had nothing to do with the Zhu family. In fact, they had never even met. As for Wang Yang? He was the Zhu family¡¯s biological nephew, and Wang Yang¡¯s mother was even Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological sister. Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t have a son either, and it had always been Wang Yang taking care of him. In that way, it was only expected that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would go to Wang Yang after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death. But now, it seemed as though Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t even get a single cent. This was true misery.

    Because she had beenforted, Qiao Zijin felt that she would be able to return to Ping Cheng with peace in her heart. What Qiao Zijin was grateful for was that Wang Yang had already given her a sum of money when he had first approached her. Qiao Zijin had already done her calctions. The money that she had spent during her stay in the capital, including her hospitalization bills, had not gone beyond that sum of money that Wang Yang had given her.

    In that case, she had lost nothing apart from a bit of time.

    As for her failed marriage to Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin no longer wanted to think about it. Havingughed at Wang Yang and soughtfort from him, Qiao Zijin left with light steps to pack up. Because she had paid for three months¡¯ worth of rent and made a deposit of one month¡¯s rent, there was no way she could recover all her money. Still, whatever she could recover was enough for her. She had earned it through her hard work.

    Wang Yang was infuriated at Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude. The moment Qiao Zijin left, he mmed two hundred-yuan bills on the table and headed directly home. Li Yayan had initially wanted to ask about the situation, but she chose to keep her curiosity to herself upon seeing Wang Yang¡¯s dark expression. ¡°Dear, what shall we do now? These two Qiaos are too amazing. I wonder if Qiao Zijin agreed to help us because she was already in cahoots with Qiao Nan to stir up trouble for us.¡±

 Chapter 2295

    <h4>Chapter 2295: Annoying Old Man</h4>

    Otherwise, how could Qiao Zijin have agreed to sell her family out for the sake of money to begin with? It had only been a few days, and all Qiao Zijin had to do was to have a chat with Qiao Nan. Then, that huge sum of money would be hers. But Qiao Zijin had refused without even giving it a second thought!

    There was no way Qiao Zijin had suddenly grown a conscience and be a virtuous person.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± It was exactly because the court date was fast approaching that he couldn¡¯t afford to panic. ¡°I don¡¯t understand others, but I¡¯m all too clear about the kind of person Qiao Zijin is. It¡¯s not that Qiao Zijin won¡¯t be willing to be in cahoots with Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan would never bother about someone like Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin is someone who only cares about her own interests, whereas Qiao Nan would never be bribed by Qiao Zijin. So, there¡¯s no way they would have colluded. I¡¯m guessing that Qiao Zijin still thinks that my offer is too low, and that¡¯s why she rejected me today.¡±

    Was ten million still insufficient for her? Someone as greedy as Qiao Zijin was sure toe to a horrible end one day!

    Li Yayan was not as angry or worried upon hearing that all Qiao Zijin wanted was more money. ¡°Dear, how much are you willing to give her?¡± Given a choice, Li Yayan would much prefer Qiao Zijin throw out a specific price instead of being wishy-washy about it. Otherwise, they would always live in fear.

    The problem was that Li Yayan had a slight understanding of Wang Yang¡¯s temper now that she had been married to him for years. Wang Yang was a conceited person. This had a huge corrtion to his experiences growing up.

    Wang Yang¡¯s family might not have been as well-off as the Zhu family, but they had been much better off than average families. Besides, the high standards of the Zhu family benefitted Wang Yang too. After all, Wang Yang¡¯s mother was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s younger sister. Afterward, he had even plotted Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, bing the closest younger rtive to Zhu Chengqi.

    Up until the appearance of that will, Wang Yang had gotten everything he had ever wanted. In fact, Wang Yang had always managed to take advantage of others to suit himself. That had been the case with Zhu Baoguo as well as Zhu Chengqi¡¯s intention to take Qiao Nan in as his goddaughter. He had managed to put a halt to it just in time by getting Chen Jun to date her.

    Sess had alwayse so easily, and Wang Yang had always been the one manipting others. But now, Wang Yang had to take instructions from Qiao Zijin as to how much money she wanted for the sake of thiswsuit. Wang Yang¡¯s pride would never allow Qiao Zijin to step over his head. He didn¡¯t think that Qiao Zijin had such a right to do so in front of him. It was only because he had given Qiao Zijin an opportunity that she was useful for once. If he hadn¡¯t given her this chance, Qiao Zijin would remain a leech to Qiao Nan for the rest of her life!

    In that case, how could someone as useless as Qiao Zijin act so haughtily in front of him?

    To be honest, Wang Yang had had the urge to p Qiao Zijin to death earlier. It was the Qiao family¡¯s business that they had tolerated Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude, but he would never allow Qiao Zijin to be so brazen in front of him.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. If she¡¯s really that capable, she can board the bus back to Ping Cheng tomorrow. I want to see if Qiao Zijin can really be so carefree about the ten million yuan.¡± This was a test of their patience. If Wang Yang approached Qiao Zijin first, she would naturally get to decide on the price. On the other hand, if Qiao Zijin could no longer hold it in and approached Wang Yang first instead of going back to Ping Cheng, Wang Yang would easily be able to shake Qiao Zijin off with just an extra million or two.

    Wang Yang had hired Qiao Zijin to help him out. As her boss, it didn¡¯t make sense for him to need to depend on Qiao Zijin¡¯s mood.

    Since Wang Yang was the head of the family and insisted on doing that, Li Yayan could only listen to him. As such, Li Yayan had no response other than silence.

    Li Yayan was different from Wang Yang. She had had personal interactions with Qiao Nan and had a slight understanding of Qiao Nan. Before interacting with Qiao Nan, she had thought that Qiao Nan would choose to take however much money she could since she hadn¡¯t worked hard for it anyway. Besides, they hadn¡¯t shut her down with a firm price either. As long as Qiao Nan was open to discussion, a few more millions wouldn¡¯t matter to them.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan had never been receptive to any discussion. Because she had had experiences with Qiao Nan, Li Yayan felt that Qiao Zijin could be telling the truth about returning to Ping Cheng. After all, Qiao Nan was not an average person.

    She had met countless people over the course of her life, and it was only Qiao Nan who was particrly tricky to handle. She had been full of confidence about getting that five million yuan reward previously, but after learning that Qiao Zijin had spent the new year in the capital, her confidence had dropped. It was only after interacting with Qiao Nan that she realized how Qiao Nan truly was as a person.

    Li Yayan knew that she would never have the confidence to promise Wang Yang about sessfully persuading Qiao Nan even if she had two more months to do so, much less when the court date was in another two days¡¯ time. She knew that she would never be able to convince Qiao Nan to agree to their terms and give up the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    If she couldn¡¯t handle Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin would probably be in the same boat. Since she had already decided to give up the five million yuan, ten million probably didn¡¯t make much of a difference to Qiao Zijin. It was not that she didn¡¯t want money. It was just that it didn¡¯t belong to her.

    Li Yayan wisely chose not to voice out her thoughts upon seeing how sullen Wang Yang was. Anyway, Wang Yang would probably not believe her even if she were to explicitly state that Qiao Zijin had no way of convincing Qiao Nan either. In that case, it was better if she remained silent.

    The couple went to bed with this stifling atmosphere, not caring about the other. This waspletely different from Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, who were sharing a hot and passionate night.

    Compared to the cold and lonely night Wang Yang and his wife had, Qiao Nan realized that she had already missed her first lesson of the day the moment she awoke the next morning. At the thought of that, Qiao Nan had the urge to hammer that annoying old man, Zhai Sheng, to death!

 Chapter 2296

    <h4>Chapter 2296: Marvel</h4>

    Zhai Sheng was already in his forties and would turn fifty in another few years¡¯ time. Besides, Zhai Sheng was a soldier and probably had hidden injuries and old wounds all over his body. Logically, shouldn¡¯t Zhai Sheng have gotten less energetic as he aged?

    After making aparison between the Zhai Sheng in her dream and the Zhai Sheng in reality, Qiao Nan realized that Zhai Sheng was no less energetic in bed as he had been in his twenties to thirties!

    Apart from being slightly impatient when they had first gotten married, Zhai Sheng had now mastered his skills of being in bed. Moreover, he even had as much strength and endurance as any other young man!

    Perhaps, it was because of Zhai Sheng¡¯s age that he was so adept.

    Every time they did it in bed, Qiao Nan felt as though Zhai Sheng treated her as his enemy. Not only did he use extreme force, but he even plotted against her to press her down so much so that she felt as though she couldn¡¯t even wake up the next morning.

    It was ridiculous¡­ As expected, one could not provoke old men!

    ¡°Ah!¡± The three children, who hadn¡¯t seen their mother, started throwing tantrums early in the morning.

    They didn¡¯t even spend much time with their mom throughout the day, and now, their mom wasn¡¯t even hugging them or kissing them in the morning either?

    Because she had finally seen her mom, San Bao¡¯s chubby hands kept pushing Zhai Sheng¡¯s face away, yearning to jump right out of her father¡¯s embrace.

    She kicked her father¡¯s leg with those strong legs of hers, wanting to run into her mom¡¯s embrace.

    Seeing how San Bao was kicking such a sensitive area, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but cheer her daughter on inwardly, hoping that she would kick her father more urately. That way, she might catch herself a few days¡¯ break.

    Zhai Sheng seemed to have guessed what Qiao Nan was thinking and he stared at her provocatively. He patted his daughter¡¯s little backside before granting his daughter¡¯s wish of being carried by Qiao Nan.

    The moment San Bao entered her mom¡¯s embrace, she rejoiced and squirmed around before drooling all over Qiao Nan¡¯s face. Qiao Nan felt her daughter¡¯s passionate wee.

    ¡°San Bao must miss me very much.¡± She didn¡¯t mind her daughter¡¯s saliva all over her. No parent would hate their children slobbering all over them, much less Qiao Nan, who loved her children so deeply. Even though she was a cleanliness freak, she quickly got used to this situation.

    Qiao Nan calmly took the paper towel over from Zhai Sheng, wanting to wipe the saliva from her face.

    Who would have expected Zhai Sheng to pinch Qiao Nan¡¯s finger suggestively as he handed the paper towel to Qiao Nan? Zhai Sheng hadn¡¯t forgotten about Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze earlier.

    Nan Nan had gone ¡®overboard¡¯ for hoping that their daughter would kick him in that area! Naturally, it was only right for her to be punished for that. Otherwise, how would they set a good example for their children in the future?

    ¡°Yee ya!¡± San Bao had no idea what her mom was saying, but that didn¡¯t matter to San Bao. She knew that her mom was chatting and ying with her!

    Having gotten her mother¡¯s attention, San Bao was over the moon and a wide smile was stered across her face. She coquettishly nuzzled in her mom¡¯s embrace, refusing to leave.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart melted upon seeing San Bao¡¯s actions.

    Miao Jing said sourly, ¡°Aiya, San Bao, do you only like your mom and not grandma? Grandma¡¯s hurt.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Er Bao grabbed hold of Miao Jing¡¯s cor to pull himself up. Seeing Er Bao trying to stand up, Miao Jing anxiously held on to Er Bao¡¯s backside to help him up.

    After embracing Miao Jing¡¯s neck, Er Bao stroked Miao Jing¡¯s face with his tiny hands. Then, he slobbered all over Miao Jing and smiled at her.

    Miao Jing was both angry and amused. As she wiped off the saliva from her face, she said, ¡°Er Bao, are you trying to coax grandma so that I won¡¯t be angry at San Bao? Our Er Bao is such a good elder brother. Er Bao, when you grow up, you have to take good care of your younger sister. Do you understand?¡± Miao Jing had never been truly angry to begin with. And because of her second grandson coaxing her in this way, Miao Jing¡¯s heart had practically melted.

    Zhai Yaohui, who was carrying his eldest grandson, was at a loss for words because of his wife¡¯s behavior. He stroked Da Bao¡¯s back and said gently, ¡°Da Bao, let¡¯s not learn from your grandma.¡±

    Ever since their three grandchildren had joined the family, Miao Miao had ¡®regressed¡¯ by the day. Perhaps, it wouldn¡¯t be Miao Miao coaxing the triplets one day. It would be the triplets coaxing their grandma instead.

    Given the sight before him, Zhai Yaohui felt that it wouldn¡¯t be long before that happened. When that time came, he would have to rely on his three grandchildren to do the job.

    Da Bao looked calmly at his grandpa, blinking before yawning. He had watched this scene unfold for too long. Besides, he had gotten his fill of milk and was a little sleepy now.

    Having learned to take care of babies, Zhai Yaohui immediately allowed Da Bao to lean entirely against him. He stroked Da Bao¡¯s back and even shook his leg gently.

    As expected, Da Bao fell into a deep sleep within a minute in such afortable environment.

    The routine of the three children was pretty much set. Once Da Bao fell asleep, both Er Bao and San Bao started yawning as well, and their eyelids drooped so much that they were no longer able to fight against it.

    It had been half a year since the birth of the triplets. The adults in the family had all be adept at coaxing the children to sleep. Besides, the Zhai family¡¯s triplets were easily coaxed to bed. Once they were sleepy, it took no more than a minute to get them to sleep without any trouble.

    Compared to those children who cried all day, the Zhai family¡¯s children were easy to take care of.

    After cing the three children down in their cribs, Miao Jing told Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s quitete. Don¡¯t go to school today. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already made a call on your behalf and applied for leave.¡±

    Miao Jing had gone through that stage of life too.

    Although Zhai Sheng had reluctantly agreed to marry Qiu Chenxi in the past, he had never so much as touched Qiu Chenxi.

    After learning that there were men who loved other men in this world, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but be afraid that her son, Zhai Sheng, didn¡¯t actually like women every time he refused to go on a blind date or get married.

    Otherwise, how could he not have that impulse at all? Besides, Zhai Sheng had been young and at the peak of his life at that time!

 Chapter 2297

    <h4>Chapter 2297: Get Someone Else¡¯s Help</h4>

    Although it had happened a littlete, Miao Jing had finally confirmed that her son did, in fact, like women after he had gotten married to Qiao Nan.

    Now¡­ All Miao Jing had to say was that Zhai Sheng was identical to the young Zhai Yaohui. They were wolves the moment they shut the door and went to bed.

    Because of her experience with Zhai Yaohui in her youth, Miao Jing was especially unconfident in Zhai Yaohui, misunderstanding that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s true love was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother, Qi Min.

    To Zhai Yaohui, she was simply a wife that he had married to have children with for the sake of his father. It was only because of the need to have children that Zhai Yaohui was slightly passionate in bed with her.

    Once that ended, he simply turned away from her. Not only did he not talk to her for the rest of the night, but he even treated her extremely coldly. That was why the only interaction they had was that ¡®exercise¡¯ they did in bed together.

    Women had feelings and their minds easily ran astray. They often worried that their men didn¡¯t like them if they didn¡¯t touch them.

    But if their men did touch them, they would worry that their men only liked their bodies. In fact, those men would probably make do with any other woman. It didn¡¯t have to be them in that ce.

    Without verbalmunication throughout the process, they were doing no more than satisfying man¡¯s most primitive desires no matter how passionate they got in bed.

    Thankfully, Miao Jing had asked Zhai Yaohui a simr question after clearing up the misunderstanding. Zhai Yaohui had had no idea that he had allowed Miao Jing toe up with such a misunderstanding. He swore that he would never even touch a strand of another woman¡¯s hair, much lessmit such an act with her!

    He had indeed gotten rather close with Qi Min for a period of time, even seemingly bing a couple.

    But Zhai Yaohui knew that he had never even touched a corner of Qi Min¡¯s clothes, much less Qi Min! He had always refused to even hold Qi Min¡¯s hand!

    The situation had beenpletely different in the past. As such, he had even told Qi Min that it wouldn¡¯t be good for them to hold hands while they were outside. Even married couples were easily mistaken for hooligans if they got too intimate outside.

    Before getting married to Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui had always thought that he had insisted on doing so out of respect for Qi Min. But only after his marriage did Zhai Yaohui realize that his previous thoughts were nothing but nonsense!

    It was possible for men to feel impulsive and desire a woman even if they didn¡¯t like that woman.

    But if men didn¡¯t have any of such thoughts toward a woman, it was obvious that they had no feelings for that woman at all. When he had first gotten married, Zhai Yaohui felt that he could lie in bed all day with Miao Jing if not for the fact that he had to return to the military.

    It was exactly because Zhai Yaohui had to return to the military that the couple hardly spent much time together. Even so, Zhai Yaohui had always tried to bed Miao Jing as quickly as possible, so much so that the couple hadn¡¯t even had more than three conversations with each other by the time Zhai Hua had been born.

    That was exactly why Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts had run wild because of Qi Min, and Zhai Sheng¡¯s rtionship with Qiu Chenxi had been ruined too.

    Talking about her youth made Miao Jing act like an eighteen-year-old teenager, and she easily got angry at Zhai Yaohui, who then had to appease her. Perhaps, it was their way of making up for their regrets in their youth.

    Because they had finally cleared the air and had more chats with each other, Miao Jing had finally understood Zhai Yaohui¡¯s true feelings. As such, even though they were advanced in age, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s married life was no different from a couple in their honeymoon stage. It was so sweet that even young people would be envious of them.

    Because of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s ¡®bad deeds¡¯, Miao Jing had gained an even deeper understanding of her son, Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s son, after all. The father and son were probably two peas in a pod in that aspect.

    What Miao Jing was grateful for was that the rtionship between her daughter-inw and son was very good. She knew that her daughter-inw would never mistake her son¡¯s impulse as lust without love.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but blush as her mother-inw mentioned taking leave.

    But when she saw how Zhai Sheng, who was to be med for everything, remained indifferent, Qiao Nan gritted her teeth and had to resist the urge to bite Zhai Sheng.

    How could he be so shameless? He was almost fifty, and yet, he was nowhere as mature as someone that age. He was as energetic as a thirty-year-old man! Were men all like that?

    But whether it was in her dream or in reality, Qiao Nan had only had experience marrying Zhai Sheng alone. Because she had no basis forparison, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t think of an answer to her question.

    Zhai Sheng naturally understood what Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze meant, but he didn¡¯t think that he had crossed the line.

    It waspletely understandable for him to be slightly more ¡®passionate¡¯ since he had gotten married sote in life. If he didn¡¯t give his wife all that stored up affection, who would he give it to?

    Zhai Sheng stroked Qiao Nan¡¯s head. ¡°Qiao Zijin¡¯s returning to Ping Cheng today.¡±

    ¡°What? She¡¯s returning? Are you serious?¡± Was Qiao Zijin no longer interfering in herwsuit against Wang Yang to get a huge sum of money from Wang Yang?

    Had Qiao Zijin really gotten angry at Wang Yang just because of what she had told her that she was willing to give up that sum of money? Qiao Nan didn¡¯t think that was Qiao Zijin¡¯s style at all. What could be more important than money to Qiao Zijin?

    ¡°Yes, the bus at half past nine. It should already have departed from the capital.¡± It was not difficult for either Zhai Sheng or Wang Yang to find out which bus Qiao Zijin had taken. ¡°But less than ten minutes after the bus departed, Wang Yang tried to chase after it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°Wang Yang already knew that Qiao Zijin had purchased a ticket back to Ping Cheng?¡± It wasn¡¯t likely that he had only found out about it at the veryst minute. After all, Li Yayan no longer contacted her. That meant that Qiao Zijin was Wang Yang¡¯s only hope now.

    ¡°Probably. He searched it up yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang waited ten minutes before chasing after that bus? I guess he must have thought that Qiao Zijin was only threatening him to raise the price, and he was trying to teach Qiao Zijin a lesson.¡±

    Who would have known that Qiao Zijin had been entirely serious and Wang Yang had been overly confident? Qiao Zijin had, in fact, boarded the bus back to Ping Cheng.

    Wang Yang could try his best to chase the bus, but there was no way Qiao Zijin could get off the bus along the way and get another bus to take her back to the capital.

    Zhai Sheng knew what Qiao Nan wasughing about. ¡°That¡¯s probably what happened.¡±

 Chapter 2298

    <h4>Chapter 2298: Get Someone Else¡¯s Help (2)</h4>

    Whether it was about Qiao Zijin or Zhu Chengqi, Wang Yang had been overly confident. As a result, Wang Yang had not gotten all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets as he had expected.

    Simrly, Qiao Zijin had not been lying to Wang Yang. She had boldly left the capital without wasting any time even with the benefits that Wang Yang had offered her.

    In reality, no one had expected Qiao Zijin to have been this decisive.

    It wasn¡¯t only Wang Yang. Even Zhai Sheng had thought that Qiao Zijin had been threatening Wang Yang when he first heard the news.

    It was only when Qiao Zijin boarded the bus and left the capital did Zhai Sheng finally realize how serious Qiao Zijin was this time.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with us. Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin aren¡¯t good people anyway. We¡¯ll leave them to deal with their own matters.¡±

    Miao Jing was able to let this go. Wang Yang had wronged the Zhu family, and Qiao Zijin had wronged Qiao Nan.

    Miao Jing felt that it was only right for Qiao Zijin to leave quietly without disturbing Qiao Nan. After all, Qiao Nan owed nothing to Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a dogfight.¡± Zhai Yaohui agreed with Miao Jing. ¡°Zhai Sheng, have you made sure everything¡¯s in ce for tomorrow¡¯s court hearing?¡± Zhai Yaohui had been old friends with Zhu Chengqi, after all. After learning about how Zhu Baoguo had passed away, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t want Wang Yang to have his way even if it was just to get revenge for his old friend.

    Privately, Zhai Yaohui had warned Zhai Sheng that he wouldn¡¯t be wee home if he didn¡¯t settle this matter well. He was wee to spend another eight to ten years training in the military before returning.

    He would be utterly embarrassing the Zhai family if he couldn¡¯t even deal with such a useless thing like Wang Yang.

    Miao Jing patted Zhai Yaohui on the back. ¡°Nonsense! How could someone like that be a match for our son? Don¡¯t try to put our own son down!¡± Wang Yang couldn¡¯t bepared to Zhai Sheng at all!

    Having been pped, Zhai Yaohui rolled his eyes at Zhai Sheng. He had endured a ¡®p¡¯ while his son had been praised! Miao Miao was treating them so differently!

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t be bothered with his jealous father. They were pretty much in the same boat. His father had only one son, and his daughter wasn¡¯t even by his side. As for him? Not only did he have two sons but also a daughter. Worse still, the three of them hadn¡¯t even learned to walk yet and couldn¡¯t be left alone. This meant that Nan Nan¡¯s mind was always on their children and not him every time she was at home.

    He had finally been able to get rid of his status as a bachelor at the age of forty-five. But he hadn¡¯t even spent much time alone with his wife before the three of them appeared! Zhai Sheng¡¯s mood was much worse than Zhai Yaohui¡¯s. Not only were children not adorable in the eyes of the Zhai family¡¯s men, but they were even eyesores most of the time!

    Because Zhai Sheng was finally back, Zhai Yaohui thought that both he and Miao Jing would finally get a break. Seeing Miao Jing still busy with the three children, Zhai Yaohui immediately said, ¡°Why are you still interfering in this? Zhai Sheng doesn¡¯t even spend much time at home. It¡¯s rare that he¡¯s back now. Let their family of five have their time together. Stop ruining their family reunion! The weather¡¯s pretty good today and the air pollution index doesn¡¯t seem too bad. Why don¡¯t we go out for a walk together?¡±

    Without their three grandchildren, he would finally get to spend some time with Miao Miao alone. Both he and Miao Miao were already so old. It was only right for them to rely on each other.

    Although Miao Jing couldn¡¯t bear to leave her three chubby and adorable grandchildren, she felt that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words made sense. It was only because she and Zhai Yaohui had not spent enough time with their children in the past that her children hadn¡¯t gotten close to them. That was why all those misunderstandings hade up.

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t wish for her most beloved grandchildren to follow in Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua¡¯s footsteps. Their happiness was of paramount importance.

    Having sessfully taken his wife out to spend time alone with her, Zhai Yaohui nced at Zhai Sheng, telling him to have an experience of that for himself before striding out of the room. It was such a rare chance, and Zhai Yaohui thought that they could do more than just have a walk in the park. Perhaps, they could even search for a movie suitable for people their age so that they could take in that atmosphere once more.

    Although his mom had been ¡®abducted¡¯ by his dad, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t think that his parents would have any time to themselves. Given how concerned his mom was about the three children, she would definitely bring them up in her conversations, even if it was just a tree or a cloud, let alone if she were to see any clothes suitable for them.

    Besides, the triplets were still too young. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t think that it would be inappropriate for him to be intimate with Qiao Nan in front of them. Would they even understand what was going on?

    But facts proved that it didn¡¯t matter whether the triplets understood the intentions behind those actions. They were good at mimicking others. After Zhai Sheng nted a kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s lips, Er Bao tilted his head and grabbed onto Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes to stand up. Then, he tried to nt a kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s lips as well.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze darkened and he stretched out to push Er Bao¡¯s head away. Qiao Nan quickly pped Zhai Sheng¡¯s hand away. Even though Er Bao had moved away, he had still managed tond a kiss on the edges of Qiao Nan¡¯s lips. Then, he let out a gleefulugh, giving no care to his father who had tried to get in his way.

    Qiao Nan was exasperated because of Er Bao and Zhai Sheng. ¡°Can you father and son stop it? Especially you, Brother Zhai. You¡¯re almost fifty and you¡¯re picking a fight with Er Bao? He¡¯s only five months old! And you¡¯re even his father!¡±

    One was an old man of fifty, while the other was a young man of five months. Qiao Nan was so frustrated by the pair that she had the urge to punch someone. They were truly father and son. Not a single one of them was obedient to her.

    ¡°Nonsense! I¡¯m forty-five.¡± Zhai Sheng frowned, thinking about a joke that his soldiers had told him. The triplets were his idental children that hadete in life. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t feel that forty-five was old at all. Didn¡¯t they say that men peaked at forty? But¡­ ¡°Nan Nan, do you think that I¡¯m old? Was my performancest night not up to par?¡±

    Qiao Nan blushed. Thinking that the auntie wouldn¡¯t hear anything since she was busy in the kitchen, shended angry ps on Zhai Sheng. ¡°You¡¯re going to court tomorrow and I have to go to school tomorrow. If it happens again today, I¡¯m sleeping with the triplets. You can sleep in the study.¡±

 Chapter 2299

    <h4>Chapter 2299: Get Someone Else¡¯s Help (3)</h4>

    Old? She couldn¡¯t even handle it when this man got vicious!

    ¡°And you¡¯d better not say such things in front of the children. I¡¯m not so open-minded. I¡¯m not intending on exposing the three children to this at such a young age.¡±

    After Qiao Nan refused him several times in session, Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan was serious. ¡°You know just how much time I spend at home. The three of them are getting in our way. Why don¡¯t we send them to childcare after the new year?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! They¡¯re still so young. They¡¯ll probably just have learned to walk and speak by then.¡± Qiao Nan disagreed to send the three children to childcare so early so that teachers could take care of their children on their behalf. It was not as though she was really busy. She could always take care of the children herself. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with the triplets before they grew up.

    Qiao Nan knew that it wasn¡¯t the three children who wouldn¡¯t be able to leave her. She was the one who wouldn¡¯t be able to leave the children.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be young anymore. They¡¯ll be three next year,¡± Zhai Sheng replied unhappily.

    Qiao Nan was furious and couldn¡¯t help but knock her head against Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace. ¡°Do you mean that the triplets are already two years old to you?¡±

    The triplets had been born at the end of the year and they were only five months old. But they had, in fact, ¡®turned¡¯ two years old while they were only two months old.

    As such, the triplets would be three years old by the end of next year even though they were technically only a year and a half.

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng was trying to use this as an excuse to send the triplets to childcare for teachers to take care of them, Qiao Nan had the urge to get into a fight with Zhai Sheng. He was clearly trying to deprive her of the chance of spending time with the triplets! Zhai Sheng was being terribly fascist to do that!

    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± San Bao¡¯s tender voice rang out. She probably thought that her parents were ying around and thus crawled over toward her father while giggling. Qiao Nan¡¯s heart melted as she heard San Bao¡¯s little voice.

    Qiao Nan picked San Bao up into her embrace. ¡°Brother Zhai, has San Bao learned to crawl? San Bao, you¡¯re Mom¡¯s good girl. Why are you so amazing? Your elder brothers haven¡¯t even learned to crawl but you¡¯ve already learned to do it?¡± Qiao Nan gently caressed San Bao¡¯s little tummy, delighting San Bao even more.

    Er Bao squirmed and tried to enter his mom¡¯s embrace too. Da Bao, on the other hand, had given it some thought and propelled his little body forward with his hands and feet. It seemed as though he had learned to crawl too. Qiao Nan happily picked Da Bao up and nted several kisses on his cheek. ¡°You¡¯re Mom¡¯s little treasure. There¡¯s no hurry. You¡¯re still so young. Your arms and legs don¡¯t have enough strength yet. You¡¯ll surely learn to crawl when you get older.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that her three children were healthy. Even though they were triplets, they had not grown any less than an average child. Now that they were older, they were very different from how they had been at birth. Perhaps, it was because of the Zhai family¡¯s genes that not one of the triplets was short. Even San Bao had grown to 1.67 meters in her previous lifetime.

    As for Da Bao and Er Bao, they had all been handsome young men above 1.8 meters. Qiao Nan believed that her three children would be no different from gods and goddesses once they grew up if she raised them well.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Er Bao was upset. Da Bao and San Bao were horrible, especially Da Bao! They had snatched their mom¡¯s attention!

    Da Bao eyed Er Bao in disdain. How could he me others for being smart if he was so stupid? And this stupid fool was even his brother!

    San Bao watched on in delight as her elder brothers fought with each other, stuffing her mom¡¯s hair into her mouth.

    ¡°San Bao, be good. Hair isn¡¯t to be eaten.¡± Qiao Nan saved her hair from San Bao¡¯s mouth in the nick of time. ¡°San Bao, is your gum itchy, or are you hungry? Let Mom feel it.¡± Since San Bao¡¯s stomach didn¡¯t feel empty, Qiao Nan took out three pieces of biscuit for each of the children.

    They were still unweaned and hadn¡¯t be gods or goddesses just yet, so the three children were passionate about eating. Their mom was first in their eyes. Food came next. It was a perfect ranking.

    ¡°Why is someone stopping the bus¡­¡± Unlike Qiao Nan, who was having the time of her life at home, Wang Yang hadn¡¯t resolved his issue with Qiao Zijin. Knowing that Qiao Zijin had indeed left on the bus back to Ping Cheng ten minutes ago, Wang Yang had no choice but to chase after it, even going to the extent of stopping the bus.

    The situation had upset most of the passengers on the bus. After all, they were all rushing to their destinations. They had always gotten on the expressway but had been stopped at the junction. What was going on?

    Even the driver frowned as he honked his horn continuously, in hopes that the car in front of him would move aside. If a car were to knock into him from behind and he knocked into the car in front, whose fault would it be?

    ¡°Sorry, sir. Please open the door. I¡¯m looking for someone.¡± Wang Yang was terribly embarrassed. He had never done something as embarrassing as this in his entire life. He truly looked down on Qiao Zijin, and because of that, Wang Yang¡¯s mood was probably worse than that of all of the passengers in the bus. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t take long.¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had been preparing to go to sleep after flipping through her magazine, frowned as she heard Wang Yang¡¯s voice. Then, sheughed. Was Wang Yang chasing after her?

    Just as Qiao Zijin expected, Wang Yang headed straight for her the moment the driver allowed him up. ¡°Qiao Zijin, follow me to the capital. We can talk things through.¡±

    ¡°F*ck! It¡¯s a couple¡¯s conflict. Can you please settle your own problems? We¡¯re in a hurry.¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t look like a couple. That man looks much younger than that woman. Is it a May-December romance?¡±

    Wang Yang had already been in a bad mood initially. He felt insulted that someone had mistaken him and Qiao Zijin as a couple. ¡°Qiao Zijin, hurry and get off the bus with me.¡± Wang Yang was in no mood to exin himself.

    Anyway, he would never meet these people again once he got off the bus with Qiao Zijin, so there was really no need to waste any time exining his rtionship with Qiao Zijin at this moment.

    Qiao Zijin refused. ¡°Don¡¯t. How embarrassing it is for everyone to misunderstand us. There¡¯s nothing left to discuss. I really can¡¯t help you. If you really have the money, you can always find someone else to help you.¡±

 Chapter 2300

    <h4>Chapter 2300: Not Raising the Price</h4>

    ¡°Do you have to be afraid of not being able to find someone to help you if you¡¯re willing to pay them? Otherwise, you can simply hire a few more capablewyers!¡±

    Tsk!

    She finally understood that Qiao Nan had a much higher chance of getting the Zhu family¡¯s money. No matter how much Wang Yang offered her now, there was still no certainty over whether Wang Yang would be able to get a cent in the first ce.

    Of course, she hoped that Wang Yang would win against Qiao Nan so that that sum of money would be hers. But because of everything that had happened in the past two years, Qiao Zijin had realized something. As long as Qiao Nan was involved, it wouldn¡¯t end well for the other party, no matter who it was. She had also found out that Zhai Sheng¡¯s ex-wife had tried to reconcile with him before Qiao Nan had gotten married to him.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s first wife had a background that matched the Zhai family¡¯s. Even so, she had lost out to someone like Qiao Nan and had failed at remarrying Zhai Sheng. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s ex-wife hadn¡¯t even been able to seed, how could Wang Yang possibly seed?

    As such, no matter how beautiful a picture Wang Yang painted, they were nothing more than empty words. Besides, Qiao Nan was too evil. It was unlikely that Wang Yang would ever win against Qiao Nan. It was better for her to let go and cut her losses as soon as possible. Otherwise, her expenses would definitely exceed what Wang Yang had initially given her. Would Wang Yang still be able to pay her once he lost that case?

    Even a fool would know that that was impossible.

    Qiao Nan was evil, and Wang Yang¡¯s chances of winning were close to zero. Neither did she want to spend her own money dealing with this matter. After some consideration, Qiao Zijin felt that it was better for her to cut her losses by leaving as soon as possible. Whether or not he won, Wang Yang had to give her ten million yuan. Otherwise, there was no point in her interfering in the matter anymore.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, I already said that we can discuss this once we get off the bus.¡± Wang Yang was in a foul mood with so many pairs of curious eyes on him. He didn¡¯t think that Qiao Zijin was being truthful. How could she possibly bear to give up ten million yuan? ¡°What I said yesterday still stands. We can still discuss the price now.¡±

    For the first time, Qiao Zijin had a sense of how Qiao Nan felt when dealing with her and Ding Jiayi. Had she not already made herself clear? Why was Wang Yang behaving as though he understood nothing and even insisting on dragging her off the bus? ¡°Sorry, sir, but I don¡¯t really know this guy well. Could you get him off the bus? I¡¯m in a hurry to get home.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s words had been rather vague. It seemed as though they had gotten into an argument, but it always seemed as though they were discussing a business deal. None of the bystanders could figure out the rtionship between the two of them.

    ¡°Sir, why don¡¯t you get off first? Look at all these passengers. We can¡¯t possibly waste everyone¡¯s time because of you.¡± The driver chased Wang Yang off the bus after giving it some thought. He could tell that the two of them didn¡¯t share a particrly close rtionship. Qiao Zijin was a woman, after all, and most would stand on the woman¡¯s side in such situations.

    Wang Yang¡¯s face was flushed with anger. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going back to Ping Cheng? Once you leave, you¡¯ll never get a second chance! You¡¯d better take this opportunity when you still can! This is myst warning to you. How much do you want?¡±

    Up until now, Wang Yang still thought that Qiao Zijin¡¯s insistence was because she wanted a higher offer.

    Wang Yang had no other choice. Whoever admitted defeat first would lose. Compared to Qiao Zijin, he had much more at stake. Naturally, he was the more anxious one between the two of them. Qiao Zijin was still calm, but Wang Yang was not.

    Even though it was highly unlikely that Qiao Zijin would be able to persuade Qiao Nan, Wang Yang could not bear to give up on that slightest bit of hope he had. After all, Qiao Nan was crazy and abnormal in Wang Yang¡¯s eyes.

    She was already an old woman in her forties, but she didn¡¯t have any close friends or family by her side. Although Li Yayan had gotten to know Qiao Nan this year, she had made no progress in their friendship aside from a couple of meals with Qiao Nan over the course of a few months.

    Because Qiao Nan had no close friends by her side, Wang Yang¡¯s best bet was her rtive, even though that rtive didn¡¯t share a close rtionship with her. If the triplets had been slightly older, Wang Yang could have taken advantage of them. But the triplets were only five months old. What could they do apart from eating? Even toys didn¡¯t mean much to them at this age.

    Left with no other choice, Wang Yang was naturally unwilling to let go of even Qiao Zijin. With Qiao Zijin around, Wang Yang still had the slightest bit of hope of convincing Qiao Nan to give up the inheritance, at the very least.

    If Qiao Zijin were to leave, he would have no choice but to go through with thewsuit. Just like what Qiao Zijin had said, he could have hired the most powerful and capablewyers to fight thiswsuit for him instead of wasting his breath on Qiao Zijin. His offer to Qiao Zijin was not low at all. Even if he couldn¡¯t higher a team, he could hire a capable one, at the very least.

    The problem was that both Wang Yang and Qiao Zijin were clear that Qiao Zijin would only be able to take that sum of money if she seeded, whether it was five or ten million yuan. In other words, if Qiao Zijin failed and Wang Yang got the Zhu family¡¯s assets through other means, Wang Yang¡¯s promise to Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t hold, and Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t receive a single cent from him.

    This sum of money hinged on Qiao Zijin¡¯s sess. If Qiao Zijin were to seed, and Wang Yang got all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, it would be easy for Wang Yang to give Qiao Zijin ten million yuan, let alone five million.

    But hiring awyer didn¡¯t work in this way. The better awyer was, the higher his price would be. The problem was that this price didn¡¯t depend on a promised condition. It was a transaction. Whether they won the case, Wang Yang would have to pay thewyer nheless. In fact, he could even propose to pay thewyer a specified percentage of his winnings to encourage thewyer. But that certain cut of his winnings would depend on whether he won thewsuit.

    With such aparison, it was clear that there was no risk in engaging Qiao Zijin¡¯s help, and it would even be the most cost-effective method.

    If he could use this method onwyers and only pay them if they won his case, while not paying them a single cent if they lost, Wang Yang would have hired the bestwyers in the world to fight thiswsuit for him.

    Qiao Zijin opened a bottle of water. ¡°I won¡¯t raise my price. Let¡¯s just go with your original offer.¡±

 Chapter 2301 - Not Raising the Price (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2301: Not Raising the Price (2)</h4>

    ¡°But I have a request. Unless you¡¯re willing to transfer that sum of money to me right away, you¡¯d better return to the capital alone.¡±

    Whether or not she seeded, Wang Yang would give her five million yuan right away. If he agreed to that, she would return to the capital with him right away to help him out. But if he were to put conditions on her getting this money, he¡¯d better forget about it.

    Convincing Qiao Nan was no different from taking an exam to Qiao Zijin. She couldn¡¯t even handle a mere examination script, let alone Qiao Nan. If Wang Yang had approached her two years ago, she would have epted without any hesitation.

    But in the short span of two years, Qiao Nan had transformed entirely from that foolish woman who had always listened to her mom. She had never been a fan of working with nothing to gain.

    ¡°I said that you have to seed. Otherwise¡­¡± Wang Yang had hardly believed his ears when Qiao Zijin had first said that she wouldn¡¯t increase her price. Qiao Zijin was like a blood-sucking leech. How could she ever ept the original offer given such an opportunity? Would that be Qiao Zijin? True enough, Wang Yang hadn¡¯t even gotten any time to rejoice before Qiao Zijin¡¯s next words infuriated him.

    Qiao Zijin was nning on taking his five million yuan even without settling the matter? Qiao Zijin was indeed just as shameless as he had expected.

    ¡°Alright. We have nothing to talk about, then. Sir, please hurry along. I want to return home in time for dinner.¡± Wang Yang knew that his chances of winning thewsuit were low. That was why he refused to let go of her despite looking down on her. Wang Yang knew he could take advantage of her. ¡°Sir, please hurry up. The whole bus is waiting.¡±

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had not entirely given up Wang Yang¡¯s offer. Qiao Zijin had been rather happy that Wang Yang had chased after her. But Qiao Zijin was no longer willing to make a deal with Wang Yang since he had refused to tweak his conditions, insisting that he would only pay her after she convinced Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was the same Qiao Zijin. What she wanted was never a big harvest from putting in little effort. What she wanted was a big harvest from putting in no effort at all. Because she had gotten nowhere with Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin had no desire to earn money through her own ¡®hard work¡¯ by aplishing Wang Yang¡¯s task.

    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m sure you heard that. Please get off. There are cars behind us. You¡¯re blocking the expressway. Someone might report you to the police.¡± The driver was annoyed too. It seemed to be a transaction and there was talk of money, but they didn¡¯t seem to be talking about business either. Because of that, the driver thought that neither of them was any good.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Hurry and get off. If you two know each other and you can get her to get off with you, then hurry up. If you can¡¯t, then be a man and leave.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already been dyed by five minutes. Sir, if you don¡¯t get off. I¡¯m going to call the police.¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s conversation with Qiao Zijin was like a riddle from the start. Apart from them, not a single passenger understood what was going on. Since they couldn¡¯tprehend the situation, the passengers didn¡¯t dare to point fingers at anyone. It hadn¡¯t even been a good show for them. They were simply wasting everyone¡¯s time! To the passengers in a hurry, their patience had run dry. There were even those who had gotten up, with the intention of shoving Wang Yang off the bus.

    This was no longer embarrassing. It was downright humiliating!

    Wang Yang¡¯s face turned green. ¡°You¡¯re indeed sisters with Qiao Nan! You¡¯re all the same! Fine. You¡¯d better not regret it. I might not be able to deal with Qiao Nan, but do you really think that I won¡¯t be able to deal with you?¡±

    It was only thanks to him that Chen Jun had been promoted as an officer. Qiao Zijin had a son with Chen Jun. He didn¡¯t think that Qiao Zijin would remain so calm and cool if he were to deal with that son of hers. Her son would repay his mother¡¯s debts! Given Wang Yang¡¯s status and power, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to deal with Qiao Zijin¡¯s son at all.

    ¡°Who are you? Are you scolding her, or are you threatening her? Get off!¡±

    The men on the bus were truly infuriated and they stretched out to push Wang Yang out. Did he think that they were all mannequins with no tempers?

    Wang Yang sneered. After ncing at Qiao Zijin, he simply got off the bus himself. Qiao Zijin had been rather affected by Wang Yang¡¯s expression, but very soon, she calmed down. Wang Yang had been the one to arrange for Chen Jun¡¯s appearance. Based on that, she knew that Zhai Sheng would never let Chen Jun off so easily even if Wang Yang did.

    That was part of the reason she was in a hurry to return to Ping Cheng this time. She had to get in contact with Chen Jun to exin the situation to him so that Chen Jun wouldn¡¯t be caught off-guard when Zhai Sheng tried to deal with him. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t care if Chen Jun would be affected. She was only afraid that her son, Chen Feng, would be implicated in the matter as well because of his father.

    Aspared to Zhai Sheng, Wang Yang¡¯s threats weren¡¯t especially frightening.

    Earlier, the only one Chen Jun had to beware of was Zhai Sheng. But now, there was Wang Yang too. But she wondered how much power Wang Yang would have after thatwsuit to deal with Chen Jun.

    As such, Wang Yang returned to the capital in a rage. Seeing as to how Wang Yang had returned alone, with an expression that looked worse than before, Li Yayan had already gotten her answer. Li Yayan¡¯s eyes reddened and she resisted the urge to cry. Now, they were truly helpless. All they could do was to wait for the court hearing and for the judge to pass a judgment.

    Wang Yang downed a ss of water before hollering, ¡°Stop it with that mournful face. We haven¡¯t lost thewsuit yet. Even if we were going to win, you would have ruined it with that stupid face of yours. Qiao Zijin¡­ She dares to go against me? What right does she have to do that? Does she really think I won¡¯t deal with her once I get the time to do so? If not for how unique this situation is, she¡¯d never have gotten the chance to work for me in this entire lifetime! And she was even riding on her sister¡¯surels¡­ I¡­¡±

    Wang Yang was infuriated and resentful. He had hated Zhu Chengqi to death for having created so much trouble even after his death. Now, his hatred was directed toward Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. The younger sister had been so evil and immoral to snatch someone else¡¯s money. The elder sister had been even more unreasonable. As a leech, she didn¡¯t even have the slightest bit of self-awareness and even dared to challenge others. The sisters were truly an annoyance to him. People like them didn¡¯t deserve to be in this world!

 Chapter 2302 - Not Raising the Price (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2302: Not Raising the Price (3)</h4>

    Li Yayan obviously understood that Wang Yang was at the end of his wits. That was why he had startedmbasting Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan. If Wang Yang was as capable as he said and could take action directly, he would never have wasted his breathining about them while leaving his enemies alone.

    Ring!

    Wang Yang¡¯s and Li Yayan¡¯s expressions changed immediately as soon as the phone rang. The couple couldn¡¯t help but move away from the phone. Neither of them was willing to pick it up. There weren¡¯t many people who would call them on such a day. The prime suspect was Wang Yang¡¯s father, Li Yayan¡¯s father-inw.

    The only thing Father Wang had to talk to Wang Yang about now was naturally the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. Qiao Zijin had returned to Ping Cheng, and Qiao Nan had no intention of taking their bait. With less than twenty-four hours to the court hearing, Wang Yang¡¯s chances of winning thewsuit were diminishing by the minute.

    He was already in a foul mood and was reluctant to pick up his father¡¯s call. His father would not only scold him as though he were a little child but also lecture him for marrying Li Yayan instead of Qiao Nan.

    Since Wang Yang didn¡¯t even want to pick up the call, Li Yayan, who had never been liked by her father-inw, felt immensely stressed as though the phone was a ticking bomb. How she wished she could run as far as possible to save her own life.

    ¡°Dear?¡± Li Yayan shrank away from the phone with tears in her eyes. ¡°Dad¡¯s calling.¡± So, are you picking it up?

    Wang Yang grasped his own hair. ¡°I¡¯m not blind.¡± Li Yayan could choose to avoid it, but Wang Yang couldn¡¯t. He picked up the call with a dark expression. Immediately, Father Wang asked, ¡°How¡¯s thewsuit going? Remember what I said, right? The Zhu family¡¯s assets are ours. I¡¯m not going to ept bad news. Wang Yang, you were the one who chose this path. If you fail again, you¡¯ll be a criminal in the Wang family¡¯s eyes.¡±

    When they had first learned that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death had something to do with Wang Yang, Father Wang and Old Master Wang had spent a lot of effort and money to settle the matter with those hooligans. The Wang family had spent all their money on Wang Yang just to protect him and absolve him of any responsibility regarding Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    Father Wang was so insistent on getting the Zhu family¡¯s assets because he felt that the Wang family had already made an investment in Wang Yang. It was only right for them to get a return on their investment. Their principal sum wasn¡¯t what mattered. What mattered was the interest generated. Why did he always have to be mocked by others, who said that he always used his wife¡¯s money? The Wang family was rich, but he had had to depend on his wife instead!

    It was all because he had forked out all of the Wang family¡¯s money to send those hooligans rted to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death away so that Zhu Chengqi would never find them in Ping Cheng again.

    If that had been an investment on the Wang family¡¯s part, it was time for their family¡¯s thirty-year investment toe to an end now that Zhu Chengqi was dead.

    Wang Yang had to resist the urge to smash his phone upon hearing his father¡¯s stern words. Did he not want to seed? Did he not want to bring the Wang family to greater heights? Did they really think that he wanted to fail after all the effort he had put in over the years? But his dad had done nothing to help him and was even pressuring him even further! Was that even his biological father they were talking about? Had they simply picked him up from the trash?

    ¡°Are you mute? Reply to me!¡± Father Wang grew more impatient because he had not gotten a response from his son. Father Wang knew that Wang Yang¡¯s reaction meant that the Zhu family¡¯s assets and resources were only getting even further out of their reach. They had been so close to it, and now, it was going to be someone else¡¯s!

    The Wang family had emptied their bank ounts to solve that matter regarding Zhu Baoguo. Ever since then, apart from Wang Yang, who had made slight progress and hadn¡¯t let the Wang family fall into dire straits, none of Father Wang¡¯s siblings or nephews had performed well.

    While Old Master Wang had still been alive, he had already made Father Wang and his siblings promise that Wang Yang would lead their children, asking them to wait until the day they couldn¡¯t afford to wait anymore. Although the promise had been slightly vague, the Wang family wasn¡¯t stupid and they understood what that had meant.

    Knowing that Father Wang was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s brother-inw, Father Wang¡¯s siblings had held it in. They could only hope that their nephew, Wang Yang, would be able to make a name for himself one day. Then, their lives would improve as well. The Wang family knew that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death was fast approaching too.

    Two entire generations of the Wang family had toiled through those times, and the third generation of their family had already been born. Finally, they had seen thest of the Zhu family. The entire Wang family had been waiting for Wang Yang¡¯s good news when such a will appeared out of blue. Father Wang, who had been living in Ping Cheng, bore the brunt of the entire Wang family¡¯s resentment and anger. After a while, even Father Wang couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer.

    Now, he could only convey and vent all the usations and pressure he had faced from the Wang family onto Wang Yang. Even he wasn¡¯t willing for the son, whom he and his father had devoted themselves and the family¡¯s money to, to let the family down.

    Because he knew that the court hearing would happen the next day, Father Wang knew that Wang Yang had been exploring other alternatives in an attempt to convince Qiao Nan to give up the inheritance. But now that the court hearing was looming, they couldn¡¯t expect Qiao Nan to give up that huge inheritance after the court made its judgment, right?

    It wasn¡¯t that he was gauging the Zhai family by his own measure. The Zhu family was pretty much a second Zhai family. The Zhai family didn¡¯t need the Zhu family¡¯s money, but that didn¡¯t mean that they would be any more reasonable when it came to money.

    As such, Father Wang was clear that they had to get all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets before thewsuit ended and before the judgment was passed. As the date of the court hearing date neared, Father Wang gradually lost sleep, never even having one good night¡¯s rest. He didn¡¯t want to ce so much pressure on Wang Yang or ask Wang Yang about the situation either. He was hoping that Wang Yang would take the initiative to contact him with some good news.

 Chapter 2303 - Not the Same (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2303: Not the Same (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Unfortunately, Wang Yang had never done so. That filial and obedient son in his memories had suddenly disappeared. It was as though someone else had taken his ce. Why else was Wang Yang acting so differently now?

    Unable to wait any longer due to the entire Wang family¡¯s hopes on him, Father Wang had no choice but to make the call to Wang Yang, hoping that he would receive some good news from Wang Yang.

    What disappointed Father Wang was that he had already felt something was amiss the moment Wang Yang picked up the call, although he had not uttered a word. After all, the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment. Father Wang had ced the entire Wang family¡¯s future on Wang Yang, but now that it was time to reap his harvest, it was very likely that his son was going to let the entire Wang family down, even ruining them so much that they would never get back up. Father Wang couldn¡¯t take such a cruel and heavy blow.

    ¡°Old man!¡± Mother Zhu¡¯s panicked voice could be heard on the other end of the call. ¡°Your medicine. Hurry and take it. Didn¡¯t the doctor say that you have high blood pressure and your heart isn¡¯t very good either? You can¡¯t afford to get angry. You have to believe in our son. Things will change for the better.¡± Mother Zhu hated her brother, Zhu Chengqi, for wreaking havoc in the family.

    She had never thought that Zhu Chengqi, her elder brother, would betray her. If she had known that her brother would be so muddleheaded, she wouldn¡¯t have allowed Yang Yang to simply stay by her brother¡¯s side. She would have forced her brother to put down in his will that he would hand everything over to Yang Yang. Even now, Mother Zhu couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Qiao Nan had poisoned Zhu Chengqi or enchanted him. Otherwise, why had Wang Yang¡¯s name not even been mentioned in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will? In fact, he had left everything belonging to the Zhu family to Qiao Nan, who had nothing to do with them!

    It wasn¡¯t Wang Yang who told her that Zhu Chengqi had been sober and in the right state of mind when making this will. There were alsowyers and doctors who could attest to that fact. In response, Mother Zhu could only say that the will was either fake or invalid.

    ¡°You! Scram!¡± Father Wang red up even more upon seeing Mother Zhu. Why had he married her? She was the one who had liked him. He hadn¡¯t liked her. In his youth, he had had a partner who was much more beautiful and gentle than this old woman in front of him. But thatdy¡¯s family background had been too average, and Mother Zhu had been Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only younger sister.

    He had only sacrificed himself to marry a woman whom he didn¡¯t even like for the sake of the Zhu family. He had given his whole life as well as all of the Wang family¡¯s money, but what had he gotten in return? Now that Zhu Chengqi was dead, the Wang family couldn¡¯t even touch a single cent of whatever belonged to the Zhu family! Yes, Zhu Chengqi was dead and Father Wang couldn¡¯t do anything to him. But Mother Zhu was still alive. Naturally, all the anger and resentment he felt toward Zhu Chengqi were vented out on Mother Zhu.

    Mother Zhu was furious and anxious at the same time. Having been married to Father Wang for so many years, she knew exactly what he was up to. But since they were already of this age, with grandchildren that were about to enter primary school, she no longer red up at Father Wang like she had done in her youth. No matter the reason behind Father Wang marrying her, the couple had lived quitefortably all these years.

    Their son had already gotten married and had even given them a grandson. Even though she knew what Father Wang and Wang Yang were plotting, Mother Zhu could not help but think about how she would be the only one left in the Zhu family once her brother died. In that case, all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets would naturally go to her, the Zhu family¡¯s daughter. Since she had a son, it was natural for her to pass her things down to Yang Yang.

    With Yang Yang taking care of her brother, the Zhu family¡¯s assets would directly be transferred to Yang Yang once her brother passed away. There wouldn¡¯t be much of a problem taking her out of the equation. There was nothing wrong with this inheritance sequence. What was wrong was that will that had appeared all of a sudden!

    Mother Zhu knew that Wang Yang had gotten rather upset because of that will. But Mother Zhu had been proud about her identity toward the Wang family for half her life. She had never put up with anyone throwing a tantrum at her or putting the me on her, apart from Wang Yang and her husband. She had never been the kind of daughter-inw who was willing to be bullied. After all, her husband¡¯s siblings had been well taken care of all these years.

    Wouldn¡¯t it be ridiculous if they had dared to get upset at her when they only got money to spend thanks to her? Were they fools?

    Mother Zhu hated her brother, Zhu Chengqi, for causing trouble for her. She was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s closest kin, and Wang Yang was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s closest younger rtive. Up until now, Mother Zhu was still confused as to why Zhu Chengqi had left such a will, leaving all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to apletely unrted person.

    Qiao Nan had nothing to do with the Zhu family at all. Mother Zhu was terribly miserable, feeling as though people were shameless enough to do anything for money. It didn¡¯t matter that Qiao Nan was a girl. If Qiao Nan was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s daughter, she would still be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s child even if she was a girl. Then, it would make sense for the Zhu family¡¯s assets to be passed down to her.

    But Mother Zhu didn¡¯t even know Qiao Nan, so how could she possibly be happy about her family¡¯s assets going to such a stranger? Seeing how infuriated her husband had gotten over the matter, Mother Zhu cajoled him cautiously, in case Father Wang flew into a rage and had to be sent to the hospital.

    ¡°My brother was really muddleheaded and people nowadays are really willing to do anything, even if it goes against their conscience! Yang Yang really doesn¡¯t have a choice in this. You¡¯re unhappy, but Yang Yang feels much worse. Just think of it as my brother who dragged Yang Yang down.¡± To be honest, even if their family were to get hold of those assets, it would belong to her son, Yang Yang, alone. It would have nothing to do with the rest of the Wang family.

    In that case, only Yang Yang¡¯s interests were concerned when it came to the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. She could understand her husband¡¯s anxiousness. After all, it was only right for a father to be concerned about his son. Both she and her husband only wanted the best for their son. With the Zhu family¡¯s assets, they would never have to worry about their son ever again.

    But if the rest of the Wang family dared to say anything nasty to her, they had better not expect her to fork out any more money to support them. Did they really think that they were her ancestors and that she was obliged to support them? How shameless!

    What else could Father Wang say after Mother Zhu¡¯s words? Could Father Wang possibly tell Mother Zhu that her nephew had been beaten to death by hooligans all because of her son? No one had expected that young people would have been so heavy-handed, causing that lecture to turn into a murder.

 Chapter 2304 - Not the Same (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2304: Not the Same (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    To protect Wang Yang, the Wang family had had no choice but to fork out all of the savings to buy those hooligans involved off. That way, they had been able to move away from Ping Cheng to settle down in a faraway ce so that they would never be caught by the Zhu family.

    Could Father Wang possibly tell Mother Zhu that all of the Wang family¡¯s money had been spent on protecting their son after he had caused the death of her nephew?

    Up until now, Mother Zhu would still curse those hooligans who had disappeared without a trace after causing the death of Zhu Baoguo. Mother Zhu was reluctant for all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to be handed over to an outsider like Qiao Nan. How nice it would have been if Zhu Baoguo had still been alive.

    She didn¡¯t believe that Zhu Chengqi would insist on handing all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to an outsider instead of taking care of his own son if his own son had still been by his side.

    Mother Zhu knew about Wang Yang¡¯s attempt to settle the matter out of court by paying Qiao Nan off. Mother Zhu was even clearer that Qiao Nan was unwilling to even have a discussion and was greedy enough to swallow all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets for herself.

    Mother Zhu couldn¡¯t help but think that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would undoubtedly have been passed down to Zhu Baoguo alone if he had still been alive. Since she was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s only aunt, Wang Yang would naturally be Zhu Baoguo¡¯s only cousin. That way, once the Zhu family¡¯s assets were in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s hands, he would definitely take good care of Wang Yang.

    Qiao Nan was different. She didn¡¯t know Qiao Nan, and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know the Wang family either. There was no way she could count on Qiao Nan helping her son out once Qiao Nan became the owner of all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Forget it. Such a thing wouldn¡¯t even happen in a dream.

    Ever since Mother Zhu had gotten such an idea, Mother Zhu had gotten even fiercer and vicious every time Father Wang mentioned those hooligans. They deserved to be sent to prison to get beaten up before being executed by gunfire. It sounded rather frightening.

    It was exactly because of such an attitude that Father Wang naturally couldn¡¯t reveal the truth of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death to Mother Zhu, or why those hooligans had managed to escape so well without ever getting found out by the Zhu family.

    It was because the Wang family was the one protecting the hooligans. Since the Wang family was inws with the Zhu family, they knew the Zhu family like the back of their hand. Every time the Zhu family caught wind of a hint, the Wang family would rush down to deliver the news, helping those people escape from the Zhu family once again.

    Because there was such a secret between the couple that Father Wang often ignored Mother Zhu when he got angry. There were things he knew but Mother Zhu didn¡¯t. At those times, he couldn¡¯t rebuke whatever Mother Zhu said.

    Especially when Mother Zhu wished a violent death upon all those hooligans. That was exactly when Father Wang¡¯s expression was the worst. It was as though he was constipated. While Mother Zhu wasmenting about the death of her poor nephew, what Father Wang was thinking about was how the Zhu family¡¯s assets would never have anything to do with the Wang family if those hooligans hadn¡¯t beaten Zhu Baoguo to death.

    Wang Yang had done nothing wrong in that. Zhu Baoguo had been inferior to Wang Yang in every way, so why should the Zhu family¡¯s assets go to him instead of Wang Yang? Just because Mother Zhu was female? Was that why Zhu Baoguo was much more precious than his son even though they were both males? Was it just because Wang Yang had another family¡¯s blood flowing through him? That was too unfair!

    Didn¡¯t they say that men and women were equal in society now? Why were daughters treated so differently when it came to matters of inheritance? If Mother Zhu had gotten half of the Zhu family¡¯s assets at that time, Wang Yang would never have gotten into such a scuffle with Zhu Baoguo, and neither would Zhu Baoguo have passed on before his father, Zhu Chengqi.

    Wang Yang hated Zhu Baoguo, and neither did Zhu Baoguo like Wang Yang. Father Wang knew about that situation and had wanted Wang Yang to cultivate a good rtionship with Zhu Baoguo.

    He had felt that Zhu Baoguo had been a fool with an impulsive temper. As long as Wang Yang earned Zhu Baoguo¡¯s trust and had a close rtionship with him, Wang Yang could definitely control and manipte Zhu Baoguo once they grew up. Then, Zhu Baoguo would listen to whatever Wang Yang said. That would have been perfect.

    Although the Zhu family¡¯s assets would still belong to the Zhu family, it wouldn¡¯t make a difference as long as Wang Yang had ess to it. His son was so intelligent. It wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to threaten Zhu Baoguo. From then on, Wang Yang would be Zhu Baoguo¡¯s brain andmander. Zhu Baoguo would simply follow Wang Yang¡¯smands.

    That had been Father Wang¡¯s n, and the young Wang Yang had simply followed suit. From a young age, Wang Yang had already believed that he was more outstanding and intelligent than Zhu Baoguo. Although he felt that someone as foolish as Zhu Baoguo didn¡¯t deserve to have so many good things in his life, he felt that his father was right. As long as Zhu Baoguo listened to him, it would be fine allowing Zhu Baoguo to remain as the head of the Zhu family.

    Wang Yang had grown up well as a child. Not only did he have an attractive face, but he wasn¡¯t mischievous either. He had never kicked up any fuss and simply stood quietly by the adults. As such, he was extremely likable aspared to those crying children. After a while, those children had even started treating Wang Yang well because of the adults¡¯ influence.

    Unfortunately, Zhu Baoguo was somewhat of a marvel. Zhu Chengqi spent most of his time in the military, and as such, Zhu Baoguo had been raised by Old Master Zhu. Without question, Old Master Zhu had pampered and spoiled his precious grandson, Zhu Baoguo. There was nothing Old Master Zhu wouldn¡¯t give to Zhu Baoguo as long as he desired it. Old Master Zhu always said that Zhu Baoguo had a bad temper and had to learn from Wang Yang. But when the two children were together, Old Master Zhu always cared about only Zhu Baoguo.

    At that time, Zhu Baoguo had still been young and insensible. He hadn¡¯t understood Old Master Zhu¡¯s bias toward him. He simply felt as though Wang Yang¡¯s appearance caused his doting grandpa to turn against him. All his grandpa talked about was how good his cousin, Wang Yang, was, and how he had to learn from Wang Yang.

    Zhu Baoguo felt that his territory had been vited and that Wang Yang was a little viin who was snatching his grandpa from him. As such, Zhu Baoguo had never had a good rtionship with Wang Yang. Every time they met, Zhu Baoguo would always be especially fierce toward Wang Yang.

    But Wang Yang was no different from a little emperor in the Wang family either.. Besides, Wang Yang had been young and didn¡¯t harbor much intention. Not only had he failed every time he tried to please Zhu Baoguo, but he had even been beaten up by Zhu Baoguo!

 Chapter 2305 - Not the Same (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2305: Not the Same (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After this happened a lot of times, Wang Yang lost all patience. He found Zhu Baoguo displeasing to the eye. They were like mas of the same pole, repelling each other fiercely.

    It was difficult for Wang Yang to pretend in front of Zhu Baoguo. He didn¡¯t even have the slightest sense of brotherhood toward Zhu Baoguo. After sensing this, Zhu Baoguo hated Wang Yang more.

    In the eyes of others, Zhu Baoguo had been bullying the honest and cute Wang Yang. However, in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s heart, Wang Yang was a child full of pretense. Once their rtionship became bad, the n Father Wang thought of previously naturally couldn¡¯t seed. Wang Yang always pretended to behave well in front of others. However, in front of Zhu Baoguo, he always couldn¡¯t help but sh his ws.

    Father Wang felt helpless that things progressed to this stage today. He didn¡¯t understand. Wang Yang used to have a lot of ymates when he was young. Even if not all of them treated Wang Yang as a boss, they listened to his words well. Why was it that when it was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s turn, he was so stubborn?

    If not for the bad rtionship between Zhu Baoguo and Wang Yang, which infuriated Wang Yang, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t have bribed hooligans to lead Zhu Baoguo astray and even hit him. Otherwise, Zhu Baoguo could have be a good pair of brothers with Wang Yang. Not only would Zhu Baoguo not die, but there also wouldn¡¯t be so many unpleasant things in the Wang family.

    As such, Zhu Chengqi wasn¡¯t the only one with all the problems. Zhu Baoguo was the first exception as he had caused things not to develop ording to the normal conditions.

    Upon thinking about the men from the Zhu family, Father Wang felt a headache. He even found Mother Zhu, who came from the Zhu family, to be displeasing to the eye. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve taken my medicine. There¡¯s no major problem. Go and see your grandson. It¡¯s about time to bring him back from the kindergarten.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go fetch our grandson.¡± Aside from her son, her grandson was naturally the second person that Mother Zhu valued. Even Father Wang had to be in the back row.

    Mother Zhu left. As Father Wang looked at her back, he doubted for the first time if his decision to marry Mother Zhu back then was wrong. If Mother Zhu was smarter, she would have realized sooner that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death was rted to her son and the thoughts of the Wang family.

    Based on the fact that Mother Zhu was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only biological sister, if Mother Zhu had said a few more words to Zhu Chengqi or pestered him endlessly, that will might not have appeared at all. Father Wang was really at a loss now. He married the Zhu family¡¯s daughter as his wife. Was this something good or bad for the Wang family?

    ¡°Dear, are you alright? Dad¡­ What did he say?¡± One didn¡¯t need to know that this call wouldn¡¯t make anyone happy. Li Yayan could be considered to be scolded by Father Wang more. Father Wang wouldn¡¯t be like uncivilized women and curse and shout in public. However, when he was really angry and found a person to be displeasing to the eye, it was nothing for him to hurl vulgarities. What was more deadly was that every word of his would be like a knife that cuts through one¡¯s heart.

    Wang Yang picked up the call and sighed loudly. ¡°Dad seems to have been angered until he fell sick. Thankfully, Mom came after that and fed him medicine. At this time, Dad should be fine.¡± Wang Yang wasn¡¯t surprised that Father Wang would be angered until he fell sick. The Wang family had ced all hopes on him, hoping that he would repay the Wang¡¯s family for their protection back then after inheriting everything from the Zhu family.

    Now, Old Master Wang had passed away.

    When Old Master Wang was still alive, Wang Yang remembered what he loved to chat with him about. Old Master Wang said that the reason why his uncles and brothers ¡®progressed¡¯ so little, especially his uncles¡¯ careers, was because all of the Wang family¡¯s money and resources were spent on him, helping him avoid the danger of being eliminated by the Zhu family because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    When Zhu Baoguo died, Wang Yang was not yet an adult. Zhu Baoguo was a child from the Zhu family. No matter what, Wang Yang would have received some sort of punishment. From then on, it was also impossible for Zhu Chengqi to treat Wang Yang as a nephew and dote on him.

    In order to protect Wang Yang, the Wang family had sacrificed others¡¯ careers. As such, when Wang Yang grew up and received everything from Zhu Chengqi¡¯s hands, he must not forget his uncles¡¯ dedication and sacrifice and repay them well. If these people couldn¡¯t enjoy these benefits anymore, it was fine. Wang Yang just had to take care of their younger generation more. It was all the same.

    Actually, it wasn¡¯t considered taking care of them. This should be Wang Yang¡¯s repayment to the Wang family as he had owed them first.

    Wang Yang always remembered what Old Master Wang had said. He also thought that there would be such a day and he had to make good on his words.

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t forget what had happened back then. He also wanted to repay the Wang family for taking care of him all these years. The problem was that after thewsuit was over, what was he going to use to repay these rtives if he didn¡¯t receive the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance and resources? Based on what he owned now, it was pretty difficult to give them small favors, let alone big ones.

    The Wang family ced all hopes on him. Once he lost, the Wang family would be left with nothing. As the person with the most prestige in the Lee family after Old Master Lee died, Father Wang couldn¡¯t ept this hopelesswsuit. Wang Yang felt the same as well.

    Wang Yang understood very early that when his grandpa was still alive, he called the shots in the Wang family. After his grandpa was gone, his father reced his grandpa, bing the most powerful person in the Wang family. If his father was no longer around one day, he would be the patriarch of the Wang family.

    Although he wasn¡¯t in that position yet, Wang Yang didn¡¯t feel that it was difficult to be in that position or how tiring it would be. Instead, Wang Yang felt that he should be the one to be in that position. He enjoyed being the center of attention of the Wang family. He was very satisfied with the Wang family looking at him as their leader.

    The problem was that these were all based on the major premise that he had inherited everything in the Zhu family. Without this major premise, would the Wang family listen to his words? It was impossible.

    To be the person who called the shots in the Wang family, it was either he had enough money on his hands or that he was in a high-enough position such that he could bring great benefits to the Wang family. If he received everything in the Zhu family, he didn¡¯t need to choose between the two. He couldpletely satisfy both conditions at the same time.

    On the contrary, if he couldn¡¯t inherit everything in the Zhu family, he could have neither money nor authority.

 Chapter 2306 - Unhappy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2306: Unhappy (1)</h4>

    Wang Yang had enough of being suppressed by others such that he could only look at the other party¡¯s nose hair.

    Once the verdict of thiswsuit was made, he might not have the chance to turn the tides anymore. Wang Yang felt that it was not only his father who had to be admitted to the hospital due to being angered until he fell sick. He, a young man who had no illness, was so ufortable that he felt that he needed someone to rescue him.

    Zhu Chengqi was dead. This was obviously a good thing. Why did something good turn into something bad after Zhu Chengqi died? If Zhu Chengqi was still alive, there was both him and his mom. With the two of them pestering Zhu Chengqi, he really didn¡¯t believe that none of them would be able to make Zhu Chengqi make another will.

    What made Wang Yang desperate was that although Zhu Chengqi was dead and he and his mom still had the strength, they didn¡¯t have a ce and object where they could use their strength on. Wang Yang almost wanted to die.

    ¡°Then, should we¡­¡± Li Yayan didn¡¯t find it strange at all that her father-inw was so angry that he fell ill. For the whole of yesterday night, she didn¡¯t sleep soundly for more than an hour. First, there were too many things hidden in her heart and she couldn¡¯t sleep due to insomnia. When she finally managed to fall asleep, she dreamed that theirwsuit with Qiao Nan had already begun. It was nothing that thewsuit was already reaching its end. The judge made the verdict that everything in the Zhu family would belong to Qiao Nan, totally unrted to the Wang family. For some reason, Wang Yang was arrested and had to be imprisoned. Li Yayan was so shocked that she woke up from her dream sweating.

    Everyone said that dreams were often the opposite. However, Li Yayan felt that the dreamst night was too scary. Even until now, her heart was still beating rapidly and had not returned to her usual frequency. This dream was too scary and it was a bad omen. At this time, everyone was feeling strong psychological pressure. Li Yayan didn¡¯t dare to say this, lest Wang Yang became unhappy.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡± Wang Yang leaned against the sofa. He looked so tired that he didn¡¯t want to move or say anything further. ¡°My dad doesn¡¯t need anyfort or concern now. As long as we win tomorrow¡¯swsuit, he would be brimming with energy and free of illnesses. He¡¯s not really sick. He¡¯s just psychologically sick.¡± The Zhu family¡¯s money and resources were a big wish of their Wang family.

    Li Yayan wasn¡¯t good at handling Father Wang, her father-inw, to begin with. She was just saying words against her will when she said to show concern to her ill father-inw. Now that Wang Yang said so, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but rx.

    When her father-inw was talking to Wang Yang, he was so bad-tempered. He even became ill from the anger. If the person who called her father-inw was her, not only would he be ill from anger, but he might even scold her until his blood vessel burst. By then, not only would her father-inw have to be admitted to hospital, but she also had to find a psychiatrist for herself so that she wouldn¡¯t be world-weary.

    They were simrly women, married, and daughters-inw. Upon thinking of how well Qiao Nan got along with her inws, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but feel envious. Not only were there no issues between her and her inws, but they even treated her like she was their biological daughter.

    They were both married women, but Qiao Nan¡¯s life after marriage was so blessed while hers was terrible. Qiao Nan¡¯s inws treated her as their daughter. Hers¡­ Her father-inw regarded her as a stumbling block on Wang Yang¡¯s path of sess that he should get rid of. He scolded her, saying that ever since Wang Yang married her, the Wang family had been extremely unlucky. As for her mother-inw, although she didn¡¯t scold her much, she always sowed discord between her and her son behind her back.

    Upon thinking of the differences between herself and Qiao Nan, Li Yayan could understand for the first time why Wang Yang was so entric upon the mention of Zhu Baoguo, his cousin who had passed away early. They were all humans. Why was it that not only did they lead different lives, but the difference between them was so huge?

    ¡°Dear, you must be hungry. Let me prepare something for you to eat.¡± At this time, both Li Yayan and Wang Yang didn¡¯t have much appetite. Qiao Zijin had left. It was less than twenty-four hours before the court session. To Wang Yang and his wife, every minute and second before the court session was extremely difficult.

    They were particrly afraid of that moment when the court session started. At the same time, they faintly hoped that time could pass faster and give them a great result. The wait was too ufortable.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m back.¡± Qiao Zijin returned to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard before dark. It was just that when she tried to unlock the door, she couldn¡¯t. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t think further and just knocked on the door. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m back. Hurry up and open the door for me. Why can¡¯t I unlock the door with my keys? Did you change the lock?¡±

    As she said that, Qiao Zijin realized that the lock seemed pretty new and didn¡¯t look like the previous one. ¡°Dad, Mom?¡± She had been knocking for a minute and didn¡¯t hear anymotion in the house. Qiao Zijin frowned.

    She didn¡¯t have a lot of hand luggage, but it was already sote. She was hungry and only wanted to return home soon, have a meal, take a shower, and have a good night¡¯s rest. Qiao Zijin always felt that since she caught a cold and was admitted into hospital previously, she hadn¡¯t fully recovered. She still needed to rest more.

    ¡°Seriously, why isn¡¯t anyone replying to me? Where is everyone?¡± Qiao Zijin had no choice but to take out her phone and call Ding Jiayi so that she could hurry up and open the door for her.

    Who knew that at this time, Qiao Zijin faintly heard the ringtone from the house? When the ringing in the house was cut off, the call she was on was hung up as well.

    What did this say?

    This said that Ding Jiayi was in the house. She was avoiding her and refusing to open the door for her. She even hung up her call.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face darkened. What was her mom up to? What did this mean? ¡°Mom, I¡¯m back. I know you¡¯re at home and you can hear me. Hurry up and open the door for me. I¡¯m hungry and tired now and only want to rest well. Mom, hurry up. It¡¯s already sote. There¡¯s no point in letting others watch the good show that we¡¯re putting up.¡±

    It had already been two days. Her mom couldn¡¯t possibly still be angry with her because of what happened in the capital, right? When did her mom be so petty? One had to know that she didn¡¯t do anything much to her. Even if her mom¡¯s identity card was in her hands, hadn¡¯t she returned to Ping Cheng with Qiao Nan¡¯s help in the end? She didn¡¯t lose anything at all.

    So, why was her mom throwing tantrums? Wasn¡¯t she being unreasonable?

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s voice, Ding Jiayi felt panicked. She seemed hesitant to open the door.

 Chapter 2307 - Unhappy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2307: Unhappy (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    When she just returned from the capital, Ding Jiayi was both scared and angry. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Zijin to be so ruthless. She specially went to the capital to take care of Qiao Zijin. Who knew that Qiao Zijin took away all her money and even kept her identity card so that she couldn¡¯t return to Ping Cheng?

    After returning to Ping Cheng, the first thing Ding Jiayi wanted to do was toin to Qiao Dongliang so that he couldfort her. She didn¡¯t understand. When Qiao Zijin was young, she was so obedient. Why was it that she became so scary after growing up? She didn¡¯t look like her daughter at all. Ding Jiayi wanted to let Qiao Dongliang know that for matters pertaining to Qiao Nan and Qiao Zijin in the future, she would definitely be aligned with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s position and not do anything to make him angry again.

    Who knew that after Ding Jiayi returned to Ping Cheng, she couldn¡¯t use her key to open the door? As she lowered her head to take a closer look, she realized that the lock had been changed. Ding Jiayi, who didn¡¯t understand the situation, just like Qiao Zijin now, called Qiao Dongliang. Of course, Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation was worse than Qiao Zijin¡¯s. Qiao Zijin¡¯s call went through but Ding Jiayi deliberately hung up the call. Ding Jiayi called Qiao Dongliang and his phone was switched off.

    Ding Jiayi immediately became confused.

    Since when did Qiao Dongliang have the habit of switching off his phone? The lock had been changed and she didn¡¯t have the new keys. She tried to call Old Qiao but his phone was switched off. What should she do next? Could she only squat in front of the house and wait for Old Qiao to return?

    What else could she do but wait?

    However, even when it got dark, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t manage to wait for Qiao Dongliang to return. Ding Jiayi was worried that Qiao Dongliang ran into an ident outside or that he couldn¡¯t return because of some circumstances. She couldn¡¯t enter the house either. Wasn¡¯t the situation a mess?

    Ding Jiayi had no choice but to find a locksmith to pry the door open. However, even a locksmith wasn¡¯t willing to help her pry open the door. If he really did that, wouldn¡¯t he be a thief? The locksmith asked Ding Jiayi for her identity card. Only after the information was registered could he ept the payment and work. Besides, it was best if he finished up quickly. No matter what industry one was in, there was always time to get off work.

    To others, as long as one wasn¡¯t stealing and was really just returning to their home, it wasn¡¯t an issue to register the information on the identity card. What was bad was that Ding Jiayi¡¯s identity card was still with Qiao Zijin and she couldn¡¯t produce it. Ding Jiayi nearly cried because of this situation. She had no choice but to beg the locksmith to go to the courtyard and find a bunch of neighbors to prove that she was indeed the house owner.

    The locksmith didn¡¯t buy it. What if they were in cahoots? He was doing business. If there were some issues with the procedures, he couldn¡¯t proceed with the job. In the end, the locksmith asked Ding Jiayi if she dared to go to the police station to make a report. If all was good, he would open her door.

    Seriously, one should find the police if something happened.

    After all, Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation was pretty embarrassing. Aside from her two outfits, she had no money and ¡®lost¡¯ her identity card. It looked like nobody was home either. After the police officer checked Ding Jiayi¡¯s household information and confirmed that she was the owner of that house, they issued a certificate to Ding Jiayi to prove that she had the right of residence. With this certificate, Ding Jiayi could finally ¡®go home¡¯.

    Ding Jiayi managed to find the money to pay the locksmith only after searching the house. After returning home and sending away outsiders, Ding Jiayi was both worried if Qiao Dongliang might be in trouble and hungry. She felt that Qiao Dongliang was already a grown-up and would definitely know how to take care of himself. If there was something, how would he not contact Qiao Nan? She might as well prepare dinner. That way, when Qiao Dongliang returned from outside, he would be able to have dinner together with her.

    After making this decision, Ding Jiayi rolled up her sleeves and wanted to make a good meal for Qiao Dongliang to coax him.

    Earlier, Qiao Zijin had called to say that she was seriously ill and needed someone to take care of her. Ding Jiayi had been so anxious and wanted to rush to the capital, but Qiao Dongliang had tried to stop her from going. The couple was finally leading a harmonious life. However, because of this situation, it returned to freezing point again.

    Ding Jiayi, who didn¡¯t forget about this situation, was thinking on the way back to the capital what she should do to coax Qiao Dongliang well.

    Furthermore, this situation was different from the past. In the past, she had promised to lead a good life with Old Qiao and ignore their daughters¡¯ matters, yet she had failed to do so. Hearing that Zijin had run into trouble, she couldn¡¯t control her heart and legs and had foolishly run over to Zijin.

    Now, she wouldn¡¯t do that. Zijin¡­ had grown up. She had her own thoughts and mindset. She, as a mother, didn¡¯t need to be involved too much. She only needed to lead her own life well and not let her two daughters worry about her. In the future, she would do what Old Qiao said. She would never do anything that upset Old Qiao again. She was going to lead an honest life with Old Qiao. After all, spouses apanied each other in old age. She often revolved around Zijin. That was wrong of her.

    Ding Jiayi had thought of everything. However, reality was the real blow.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to do a good job so that Qiao Dongliang would be appeased and they could return to the state before she had gone to the capital. Who knew that the refrigerator at home was empty? Most importantly, there was no electricity. Ding Jiayi was shocked. There was no food at all. There were no rice and leftovers.

    Ding Jiayi, who had an ominous feeling in her heart, looked at her surroundings again and realized a bigger problem. It wasn¡¯t strange that there was no food at home. Why was it that there was ayer of dust on the furniture? She had only left for two or three days but the house seemed to be unupied. Only an unupied house would umte such a thinyer of dust in two or three days.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know what happened at home. She could feel that something was very wrong. Upon thinking that Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t at home and she hadn¡¯t seen him after waiting for so long, she immediately became shocked.

    Could he have run into trouble? Was he kidnapped, or was he injured and admitted to the hospital? Why was he missing?

    Even after she had entered the house, Ding Jiayi felt more flustered than when she couldn¡¯t enter the house. Her hands and feet trembled. She didn¡¯t know what she should do.. After thinking for a while, Ding Jiayi was considering either calling the hospital to check if Qiao Dongliang was there or finding the police to see if there was any situation.

 Chapter 2308 - Unhappy (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2308: Unhappy (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t young anymore. However, in this lifetime, she had never dealt with any serious matters independently before. When she was young, she relied on Qiao Dongliang. When Qiao Nan grew up, Ding Jiayi would push all the important matters to her. When these two people weren¡¯t by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side, Ding Jiayi panicked.

    Thankfully, Ding Jiayi¡¯s brain was still working. Indeed, she couldn¡¯t contact Qiao Dongliang. However, she should be able to contact Qiao Nan. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, she, who had ¡®lost¡¯ her identity card, wouldn¡¯t have been able to return to Ping Cheng.

    Upon thinking about this situation, Ding Jiayi felt that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t ignore her. Furthermore, she was approaching Qiao Nan this time around not to find her trouble or for herself. Qiao Dongliang was her man and Qiao Nan¡¯s biological father. Old Qiao was missing. As Old Qiao¡¯s biological daughter, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan care about Old Qiao¡¯s situation?

    Upon thinking that she could find Qiao Nan, Ding Jiayi immediately stopped panicking and her hands and legs no longer trembled. She dialed the Zhai family¡¯s number quickly. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m looking for Qiao Nan. I¡¯m her mom. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not here to find her trouble. I just want to talk to her about her dad.¡±

    Ding Jiayi could understand now that the Zhai family really hated her and Qiao Zijin. As long as she found Qiao Nan not for herself or for Qiao Zijin, the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward her wasn¡¯t bad.

    Ding Jiayi felt both helpless and angry that her inws, the Zhai family, couldn¡¯t wait to not see her. What was different was that in the past, Ding Jiayi only knew how to be angry at Qiao Nan as she felt that she was too stupid. Qiao Nan told her inws all of her family¡¯s scandals. The Zhai family would naturally not have a good impression of the Qiao family. The problem was that with such a lousy family, this wasn¡¯t an honorable thing for Qiao Nan.

    Was Qiao Nan really not worried that after the Zhai family knew how unreliable the Qiao family was and how Qiao Nan suffered in the Qiao family such that no one would stand up for her and seek justice, the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward her would change and be perfunctory?

    In short, Qiao Nan was stupid for letting the Zhai family have a poor impression of the Qiao family, causing them to not be polite to them as inws. Based on the difference between the Qiao family and the Zhai family, of course the Qiao family would be taking advantage. Anyway, they wouldn¡¯t be taking advantage of Qiao Nan. Shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan just let them take it?

    To put it bluntly, she used to take advantage of Qiao Nan in the past. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to retaliate and would listen to her obediently. Didn¡¯t she give her all her money?

    Now that they were not taking Qiao Nan¡¯s money, why was Qiao Nan so nervous for the Zhai family? If the Qiao family took advantage of the Zhai family, the Qiao family¡¯s situation would improve day by day. If the Qiao family¡¯s conditions became better, Qiao Nan¡¯s position in the Zhai family would be more stable. At the very least, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be despised because her inws looked down on her own family.

    It was obviously a win-win situation. Why didn¡¯t Qiao Nan agree? Moreover, when her family was ced together with her inws, as the daughter of the Qiao family, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan stand by her family¡¯s side? No matter what, Qiao Nan was born and raised in the Qiao family. Without the Qiao family, how could Qiao Nan live until today, marry Zhai Sheng, and enjoy life as the chief¡¯s wife?

    Thankfully, these were all Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts in the past. She no longer had such thoughts. She knew that the Zhai family didn¡¯t like her. It shouldn¡¯t be simply because Qiao Nan had said bad things about the Qiao family in front of the Zhai family.

    There was no choice. Qiao Zijin had already surfaced in front of the Zhai family and made her presence known. Ding Jiayi could still deceive herself and others in the past about what kind of person Qiao Zijin was. Now, Ding Jiayi no longer dared to do so.

    She went to the capital, but her money was taken away by Qiao Zijin. Even her identity card was detained by Qiao Zijin. If there was a next time, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t sure what Qiao Zijin would do to her, the biological mother. It was better to live than die. Ding Jiayi never thought of dying. After sensing danger from Qiao Zijin, a normal person¡¯s reaction would be to pursue good fortune and avoid disasters.

    Ding Jiayi, who was no longer ignorant, knew what she should do when she called the Zhai family again. She knew what kind of tone should be carried and what kind of content should be shared such that her call would be handed over to Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t as arrogant as before and the topic she mentioned wasn¡¯t something that the Zhai family was averse to. Indeed, within a minute, the call was handed over to Qiao Nan. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Nan. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Of course, Qiao Nan knew that she must be calling to take advantage of her. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi would never find her or keep in contact with her just because she was her daughter.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s voice, Ding Jiayi became distracted and she couldn¡¯t react in time.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, this is Mom. The person you found today has already sent me to Ping Cheng. However, I realized that your dad¡¯s missing. I just left for two days. That isn¡¯t a long period. However, there¡¯s no one at home. The kitchen¡¯s clean and there¡¯s even ayer of dust in the house. Qiao Nan, your dad¡¯s missing and I don¡¯t know where he went. What should we do? You have to take care of this matter. If you don¡¯t, what will happen to your dad?¡±

    After returning to Ping Cheng and realizing that Qiao Dongliang was ¡®missing¡¯, aside from calling the police, Ding Jiayi had no idea what to do at all. Ding Jiayi was really afraid that something happened to Qiao Dongliang or that he was kidnapped. If the police investigated this matter slowly, Qiao Dongliang might not be able to survive by the time they found his whereabouts.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to leave and didn¡¯t want to be an old widow when she was old. She just wanted to spend the rest of her life with Old Qiao peacefully. Why was that so difficult?

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what to say to Ding Jiayi. ¡°You think my dad went missing? Why did you think so? Could it be that you didn¡¯t think before that it¡¯s not that he went missing but that he left?¡±

    An hour after Ding Jiayi left Ping Cheng for the capital, Qiao Nan received Qiao Dongliang¡¯s call. Qiao Dongliang had always been tolerating Ding Jiayi. This time, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t listen to his dissuasion. She obviously knew that Qiao Zijin¡¯s illness was a trap but still looked happy to be led by the nose. Qiao Dongliang no longer wanted to reconcile with Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Dongliang wanted to live in a different ce and no longer wanted to have dealings with Ding Jiayi. As his daughter, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have anything else to say besides being supportive. There was no choice.. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to keep in contact with Ding Jiayi much either.

 Chapter 2309

    <h4>Chapter 2309: Why Do You Care (1)</h4>

    What right did she have to ask Qiao Dongliang to stay with Ding Jiayi until death separated them?

    On this point, Qiao Nan was naturally an enlightened child. In her dreams, she didn¡¯t encourage or stop Qiao Dongliang from getting a divorce. Outside of her dreams, as long as Qiao Dongliang considered things well and was happy with his own decision, Qiao Nan had nothing else to say.

    Without a doubt, Qiao Dongliang could live in a different ce as he relied on his daughter, Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang had no house or money. How was it easy for him to move house and change his living environment? Qiao Dongliang seeded in moving because of Qiao Nan.

    As such, Qiao Nan had all the information regarding where Qiao Dongliang moved to or what his new mobile number was.

    ¡°What do you mean he left or moved away? Where did your dad go?¡± Ding Jiayi was about to rebut Qiao Nan¡¯s words as she felt that Qiao Dongliang would never leave this house or leave without telling her. However, Ding Jiayi quickly thought of a situation.

    Compared to her and Qiao Zijin, needless to say, Qiao Nan was the closest to Qiao Dongliang. If Qiao Dongliang really took the initiative to leave, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin might not have received any news, but Qiao Nan definitely would. ¡°What did your dad say to you? Where is he? What does he mean by this?¡±

    Upon thinking of her conversation with Qiao Dongliang before she left Ping Cheng for the capital, Ding Jiayi panicked. It couldn¡¯t really be that Old Qiao was angry at her for going to the capital to take care of Zijin that he no longer wanted to lead a life with her, right? She thought that Old Qiao cared about Zijin as well. Furthermore, Zijin was really ill. She didn¡¯t lie. Why was Old Qiao so serious? He said he didn¡¯t want her and he really didn¡¯t want her.

    ¡°Before Dad left, he guessed that you would return quickly. He also guessed that you would definitely find me when you realized that he was missing. Dad asked me to tell you not to find him. You shouldn¡¯t have forgotten the words he said to you previously. Since you still remember them, the both of you can just lead your lives separately.¡±

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t exaggerating and just repeated the exact words before Qiao Dongliang left. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what agreement Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had and didn¡¯t hear Qiao Dongliang mention it. However, this contradiction arose when Ding Jiayi went to the capital to take care of Qiao Zijin. There was no doubt that it was rted to Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi was shocked. ¡°Your dad was serious?¡±

    ¡°At least, he seems pretty serious this time.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to say since when her dad wasn¡¯t serious. Actually, for all the times before this, her dad had never been serious. It was no wonder that Ding Jiayi would be so confident and didn¡¯t take her dad¡¯s words seriously.

    Her dad hade to his senses now. However, from a time perspective, it was a little toote. Qiao Zijin¡¯s temperament couldn¡¯t be changed and her life was probably almost ruined. As for her rtionship with her family, there was no way to change the situation. The Qiao family of four had already be a dead knot. She didn¡¯t know how much her dad understood this in his heart.

    Ding Jiayi sat paralyzed on the sofa and started crying. ¡°Your dad¡¯s really ruthless. I¡¯ve served him for most of my lifetime. I¡¯ve washed clothes and prepared meals for him. I even gave birth to two daughters. Now that I¡¯m old and ugly, he doesn¡¯t want me anymore. How can he have no conscience at all? You¡¯re helping your dad. Hecks conscience but you¡¯re ck-hearted too. He¡¯s your dad but I¡¯m your mom. You stayed in my stomach for ten months and were a piece of meat that fell from my body. You¡¯re helping your dad, but why aren¡¯t you helping me? Other daughters are close to their moms. Why are you so different? Why are you close to your dad instead?¡±

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t stupid. She had spent all the money in the family on Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Dongliang wanted to live in a different ce, Ding Jiayi knew that he wouldn¡¯t have excess money in his pockets. As such, Qiao Dongliang eventually seeded in moving house due to Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    Why was Ding Jiayi so bold this time to run to the capital? It was because she knew that Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t have the ability to run elsewhere and could only live in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard.

    The monk can run away, but the temple won¡¯t run with him. There was only one home. No matter how angry Qiao Dongliang was with Ding Jiayi, as long as Qiao Dongliang was still at home, Ding Jiayi had reason to believe that even if Qiao Dongliang threw huge tantrums at her, she could spend a year or two to slowly coax him. When she was coaxing him, they would still be under the same roof. There wasn¡¯t much difference if she coaxed him or not.

    After being certain that Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t run away, Ding Jiayi became confident and left Ping Cheng to find her favorite daughter, Qiao Zijin. How would she know that Qiao Nan was so ¡®filial¡¯ toward Qiao Dongliang? Qiao Dongliang wanted to move house and Qiao Nan really helped him. She never considered the existence and feelings of her own mother.

    If she had known that Qiao Dongliang would find Qiao Nan, she wouldn¡¯t have gone to the capital to find Zijin. She gave birth to two daughters. However, neither of them was filial toward her. Why did she lead such a tough life? Her biological mother wasn¡¯t good to her, and no one in her family liked to see her. It wasn¡¯t easy for her to get married, have a husband, and have her own home. Her husband didn¡¯t want her when he was old. Both her daughters were selfish, and no one had her in their hearts. God was too unfair and mean to her.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m close to my dad but not to you. There¡¯s no choice. When I used to be close to you and listened to your words, you might not have remembered what kind of life I was leading, but I do. No matter how much money I earned, I could only live in the corridor and eat instant noodles. At least, my dad wouldn¡¯t let me lead such a pitiful life. I heard that the house Qiao Zijin rented in the capital is pretty small. It¡¯s only around ten square meters. Actually, I think that¡¯s already not bad. When I was living in the corridor, it was simrly around ten square meters. Besides, the corridor I was living in was small and narrow. Her house shouldn¡¯t be as bad as the corridor I lived in then. As such, I always think that it makes sense for you to be good to Qiao Zijin. At least, when you and Qiao Zijin were living in the rented house, that house was better than my corridor. If you were close to me, you would only be living in the corridor with me for those few years.¡±

    After saying this, Qiao Nan hung up the call, leaving no leeway or affection at all.

    After knowing what kind of environment Ding Jiayi lived in after reaching the capital, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t find Ding Jiayi pitiful at all. Qiao Zijin had so much money in her hands, but she was so stingy to Ding Jiayi. Who could be med?

 Chapter 2310

    <h4>Chapter 2310: Why Do You Care (2)</h4>

    She was definitely not to be med. She wasn¡¯t the one who had raised Qiao Zijin to be this way. It was Ding Jiayi.

    She had survived several years living in a much worse environment. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had stayed in a better environment for just a few days. Were they really pitiful? It was only because they had been living toofortably in the past that they were so ungrateful. Although they were clearly in the wrong, they were shameless enough to push the me to others!

    Ding Jiayi had clearly chased her own husband around. If Qiao Nan were to pity Ding Jiayi after that lecture, she would be shooting herself in the foot. As such, Qiao Nan unhesitatingly hung up the call. So what if Ding Jiayi was calling her about Qiao Dongliang? Her tone and words had been just as nasty and exasperating.

    ¡°¡­¡± Because Qiao Nan had hung up on her, Ding Jiayi sobered up significantly. Now, she had no right to throw a tantrum at Qiao Nan. She would even have to depend on Qiao Nan to bring Qiao Dongliang back. Qiao Nan was no longer the same Qiao Nan whom she could easily manipte and bully. Qiao Nan was now the chief¡¯s wife and had her inws backing her up. She couldn¡¯t be more confident now!

    With no other choice, Ding Jiayi dialed Qiao Nan¡¯s number again even after that insult. Unless she no longer wanted her husband, Qiao Dongliang, not only would she have to listen to Qiao Nan no matter how horrible it would be, but she would even have to ept whatever Qiao Nan said without rebuking her.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, can we have a chat?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes uncontrobly. Hadn¡¯t she been having a good chat earlier on? It was Ding Jiayi who had red up and lost her temper. ¡°I¡¯ve already exined my dad¡¯s situation clearly. If you¡¯re really concerned about his safety, I can tell you that you don¡¯t have to worry about that. My dad¡¯s doing well and he¡¯s not in danger at all. My dad contacted me to say that he may have fewer connections and friends in that new environment, but he feels much better. It¡¯s only been two days but he¡¯s already made new friends. Recently, he¡¯s even started to learn to y chess, and he¡¯s gotten himself a chess buddy too. So, if you still have anything you¡¯re worried about, tell me about it and I¡¯ll exin it to you.¡±

    Marrying Zhai Sheng had been a really good decision.

    Ping Cheng was the Zhai family¡¯s hometown too. Besides, Zhai Hua and Jiajia were still living in Ping Cheng. Even though Qiao Nan was in the capital, she could settle Qiao Dongliang down without any trouble or even returning to Ping Cheng.

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi bit on her lip and sniffled. ¡°Can-can you send me to your dad?¡±

    Of course, she knew that Old Qiao would definitely be livingfortably with Qiao Nan taking care of him. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t treat her very well, but she did treat her father pretty well. With Qiao Nan around, she would definitely not need to worry about Old Qiao getting into any danger. In fact, Old Qiao would probably be more carefree than any of them.

    She couldn¡¯t deny that Qiao Nan was not only more outstanding than Qiao Zijin, but she was much more filial than Qiao Zijin too. The person whom she and Qiao Dongliang would have to rely on in their old age wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin but Qiao Nan. Although she understood that, Ding Jiayi was equally upset and displeased with the situation.

    She didn¡¯t understand why Qiao Zijin had turned out to be such a mess even though she had devoted her whole life to Qiao Zijin. On the other hand, Qiao Nan had only graduated from junior high school, and yet, she had made a mark for herself and had the ability to support her parents in their old age. Why had nothing gone to n?

    Ding Jiayi dared not think too much about anything else. She had finally returned to Ping Cheng with much difficulty, only to find Qiao Dongliang missing from the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard in Ping Cheng. Because of that, Ding Jiayi no longer had any desire to live here anymore. To a woman, home was wherever her husband and children were.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with Qiao Nan, and neither did she want to rely on Qiao Zijin ever again. In that case, Ding Jiayi¡¯s home was naturally where Qiao Dongliang was. She wanted nothing more than to be by Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side. She would live however Old Qiao lived. Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t shortchange Old Qiao, so that meant that she wouldn¡¯t be shortchanged either if she lived with Old Qiao.

    Qiao Nan had already guessed Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts. ¡°I can¡¯t make a decision on whether you can live with my dad. I¡¯ll have to ask him about it. Once I contact him tomorrow and ask him about it, I¡¯ll get someone to send you over if he agrees. If he refuses, I won¡¯t be able to do anything about it. Actually, I¡¯m sure you and I both know the answer to this even without calling him. But I know that I¡¯ll be at fault if I don¡¯t make that call, and neither will you ever give up. Alright, let¡¯s talk again tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t-don¡¯t hang up.¡± Ding Jiayi panicked. ¡°Since you already know the answer, why do you still have to ask your dad about it? Do you really want me to¡­ Forget it. Your dad¡¯s still angry at me. Besides, why do I need his approval? Do you mean that I can¡¯t move over without his approval? Then, I¡¯ll just not live with him. Help me arrange for an apartment next to your dad¡¯s. I¡¯ll just be his neighbor. That should be fine, right?¡±

    As long as she lived nearby, the end result would be simr whether they shared an apartment or were just neighbors.

    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± Qiao Nan was all too familiar with Ding Jiayi¡¯s conceit. ¡°My dad had already expected you to say that, so he left you a message. He said that he didn¡¯t want you to bother with Qiao Zijin anymore, but you did it anyway. He can¡¯t stop you from doing what you want, and neither do you have to get his approval. This still stands. He doesn¡¯t care if you agree, but he doesn¡¯t want to live near you. Between you and my dad, I¡¯ll definitely choose to stand on my dad¡¯s side. As long as my dad disagrees, I won¡¯t ede to any of your requests. If you have nothing else, the only thing I can help you out with is conveying your message to my dad tomorrow. After that, it¡¯ll depend entirely on my dad¡¯s attitude.¡±

    Qiao Nan had no intention of picking up the phone again after hanging up this time.

    Of course, unplugging thendline was the easiest way to avoid Ding Jiayi. Anyway, she contacted her dad through her mobile phone, not thendline.

    ¡°Yee ya.¡± Sensing her mom¡¯s unhappiness, San Bao tried her best to pounce into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace, grinning as she drooled on Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2311

    <h4>Chapter 2311: Why Do You Care (3)</h4>

    Seeing San Bao acting this way, Qiao Nan¡¯s anger toward Ding Jiayi dissipated. She gently wiped away San Bao¡¯s saliva and turned all her attention to the three children. ¡°San Bao, what are you doing? Do you want to be carried?¡±

    San Bao stretched out her little arms, asking for a hug. Her mom was hers and hers alone. Da Bao and Er Bao wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart was full as she hugged her soft and tender daughter in her arms. As expected, the Zhai family and the three children were the closest kin she had in this world.

    Because of the three children, there was no need for Qiao Nan to feel disappointed or sad, much less pain. To Qiao Nan, her current life was full of bliss.

    On the contrary, the more blissful Qiao Nan was, the worse Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin became. Qiao Nan had said that she would send Ding Jiayi to Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side once he agreed, but Ding Jiayi knew the answer even before Qiao Nan made the call.

    If Qiao Dongliang was willing to live with her, why would he have troubled Qiao Nan to help him move out of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard? He had done so not just to have a change in environment but also to get away from her. It would be best if he never met her ever again.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude chilled Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart. For her daughter¡¯s sake, her rtionship with Old Qiao, that she had recently mended, had been ruined again. If Qiao Zijin was worth it, then Ding Jiayi would have nothing to say.

    But what embarrassed Ding Jiayi the most was that Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t even sent her off well. It was Qiao Nan who had sent her back after Qiao Zijin had scared her off and had stolen her identity card. She had pretty much fled back to Ping Cheng.

    Now, she had lost all hope in Qiao Zijin, and Old Qiao was serious about not wanting her in his life. She couldn¡¯t afford to care about her daughter, while her husband no longer wanted her. Her life wasn¡¯t just a mess. It was aplete failure. Why did it seem as though she was the only one being hated by everyone? Not a single person seemed to treat her well at all!

    In the face of such a situation, Ding Jiayi was still unwilling to admit that she had done anything wrong. It was simply because of her bad luck that she had met bad people in her life and had given birth to unfilial children. Yes, others were always to be med. She had put so much effort into living a good life, so how was it possible that it was her fault?

    Whether or not Ding Jiayi admitted to it, Qiao Nan had no good news for Ding Jiayi the next day. In fact, she coldly informed Ding Jiayi that Qiao Dongliang refused to meet her, much less be neighbors with her. The property deed of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard was with Qiao Nan. No matter what, Ding Jiayi was still Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother. As such, even though Ding Jiayi had nothing to do with the ownership of the property, she still had the right to live there.

    Ding Jiayi could continue living in that house up until her death. As for everything else, Ding Jiayi had better not put too much thought into it. Both parties were responsible for how their rtionship had turned out. He didn¡¯t want to wait for Ding Jiayi to change, and neither would Ding Jiayi ever be willing to do so. After they separated, Ding Jiayi could live the life she wanted and he wouldn¡¯t need to worry about how she lived. That way, everyone¡¯s lives would be better.

    Having gotten a firm answer, Ding Jiayi had grown a lot more white hair in the short span of half a day. Ding Jiayi¡¯s white hair had never grown that quickly, and in fact, she had less white hair than Qiao Dongliang. But in just one day, Ding Jiayi¡¯s amount of white hair had quickly surpassed Qiao Dongliang¡¯s. But no one in the Qiao family had witnessed that.

    Ding Jiayi was like a wandering soul. She simply stayed in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard without moving or speaking. She didn¡¯t even bother cleaning up the dusty furniture. When evening came, Ding Jiayi no longer felt hungry. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she would still be alive the next day since she hadn¡¯t eaten for the entire day. If she would still be alive the next day, why didn¡¯t she have an appetite at all?

    Ding Jiayi waspletely dejected. She had no desire to eat or to get out. But that night, she suddenly heard knocks on the door. In that moment, Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes glimmered with hope and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Old Qiao was back. Had Old Qiao decided to forgive her after knowing that she truly regretted her actions and was now willing to live with her again? She could swear to the heavens that she would never disappoint Old Qiao again, and neither would she ever bother about that stupid elder daughter of hers.

    But before Ding Jiayi could stand up to wee her ¡®husband¡¯, Qiao Zijin had started to yell, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m back! Hurry and open the door. Why can¡¯t I unlock the door? Did you change the locks?¡±

    The greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment. That was exactly how Ding Jiayi felt at that moment.

    Knowing that it was not her husband who had returned but the culprit behind their separation, Ding Jiayi sat back down in a daze. She had no intention of caring about Qiao Zijin. She would simply allow Qiao Zijin to knock on the door until she got tired of doing so and left.

    The Qiao family¡¯s locks had been changed twice. The first time was when Qiao Dongliang had moved away, and the second was when Ding Jiayi returned and got a locksmith to pick the lock for her. Because of that, there was no way Qiao Zijin could unlock the door with her keys.

    If Qiao Dongliang had not left, Qiao Zijin would probably still be living a blissful life. In fact, Ding Jiayi might even have forgotten all those things that Qiao Zijin had done to her in the capital. Unfortunately, Ding Jiayi had gotten into a serious fall-out with Qiao Dongliang for Qiao Zijin¡¯s sake. Because of that, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even have any idea where Qiao Dongliang was.

    Ding Jiayi, who had lost her husband, was full of resentment. Naturally, she couldn¡¯t hate herself for insisting on going to the capital even though she knew just how bad Qiao Dongliang¡¯s temper was. She could only me her daughter for being so heartless to her.

    She had wholeheartedly used all of Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan¡¯s money on Qiao Zijin, but what had she gotten in return? Qiao Zijin had only ruined her rtionship with Old Qiao time and again, infuriating him so much that he had simply left her! Her family had fallen apart and she was in such a miserable state now all because of Qiao Zijin!

    She had raised Qiao Zijin, but not only was Qiao Zijin unfilial to her, but she had evennded her in such a mess! Why should she still care about Qiao Zijin in that case?

 Chapter 2312

    <h4>Chapter 2312: Not Opening (1)</h4>

    Qiao Zijin was already forty. How shameless she was to return to her family¡¯s house to leech off them! If she was foolish enough to open the door for Qiao Zijin today and allow her to leech off them again, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Dongliang would never agree to meet her in the future, and she would never be able to mend their rtionship ever again.

    If she had to make a choice between her husband and her daughter, Ding Jiayi had already decided that she would choose Qiao Dongliang. She no longer wanted that evil and unfilial daughter, Qiao Zijin.

    Having made that decision, there was no way Ding Jiayi could warmly wee Qiao Zijin in as she had done before. It was entirely Qiao Zijin¡¯s fault that she had be a lonely old person with no children or husband by her side.

    Qiao Zijin was already in her forties. Which other woman of her age was still living at home on her parents¡¯ ounts? Even though Qiao Nan had only gotten married at the age of forty, she had moved out and paid for her own expenses even before her marriage.

    She had spent much more effort raising Qiao Zijin. If Qiao Nan could do it, why couldn¡¯t Qiao Zijin? In the future, Qiao Zijin had better live her own life. She wasn¡¯t going to interfere in Qiao Zijin¡¯s life anymore, and neither would she ever cause any trouble for her daughter.

    If she were to encounter any problems, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry. Although she didn¡¯t have a close rtionship with Qiao Nan, she would never leave her mom to die. As long as Qiao Nan was around, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about having no one to take care of her. Having Qiao Zijin support her? Forget it. What she worried most about was having to support Qiao Zijin instead. Then, all the money that Qiao Nan gave her would be spent on Qiao Zijin instead of herself.

    It was because of that incident over the identity card that Ding Jiayi was finally able to let go of everything she hadn¡¯t been able to in the past. She was already at such an old age and she had never held a job either. It was rare that Qiao Nan was willing to give her allowance just because of her blood ties. It was better for her to stop there and live her own life with that sum of money.

    If she used all of Qiao Nan¡¯s money to support Qiao Zijin, how was she going to live?

    Besides, Qiao Nan used to be obedient and had given Ding Jiayi a lot more money than she did now. At that time, Ding Jiayi had never worried about running out of money by supporting Qiao Zijin. Even if she did, that wouldn¡¯t matter. She would simply ask Qiao Nan for more. Qiao Nan would never refuse anyway.

    Things were different now. Qiao Nan was no longer as gullible, and she simply gave Ding Jiayi a fixed monthly allowance. As long as Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t spend excessively, that amount of money was definitely sufficient. However, if Ding Jiayi was foolish and bought expensive goods that she couldn¡¯t afford or used it to support Qiao Zijin, then that would be her own problem. Qiao Nan was not going to care about that.

    At the very most, Ding Jiayi could sue Qiao Nan. It was not as though she hadn¡¯t done that in the past.

    Because she had done so before, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t lose out even if she really sued her. It was not as though Qiao Nan had truly left her in the lurch by not supporting her. Whose fault was it that she had used up all the money?

    Thew only governed that children had to support their parents, but it didn¡¯t state that children had the obligation to sell their bodies to meet the endless and extravagant demands of their parents.

    Because Qiao Nan was no longer as ¡®obedient¡¯ as before, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t afford to spend her money as freely and wantonly as before. She would have to hold her purse strings tightly and not give in freely to others.

    Since the money Qiao Nan gave Ding Jiayi had decreased, and she had be stricter in her attitude, Ding Jiayi dared not spend that small sum of money that she had in her pockets so freely. While she had been in the capital, Qiao Zijin had stolen more than a thousand yuan from her! Now, money was more important than Qiao Zijin in Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart.

    Ding Jiayi had already made up her mind not to care about Qiao Zijin, or to let her leech off the family any longer.

    In the moment that her phone rang, Ding Jiayi regretted not having switched off her phone earlier. The person who should have called her hadn¡¯t, but the person who shouldn¡¯t have called her, and had even dered that she would never contact her ever again, had. By the time Ding Jiayi finally came to her senses and switched off her phone, Qiao Zijin had already heard the ringtone and knew that Ding Jiayi was at home.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m tired and hungry. Hurry and open the door for me. Hurry up!¡± After confirming that Ding Jiayi was indeed at home, Qiao Zijin was starting to lose her patience. In the past, she had never needed to knock on the door or make any calls. As long as she made the slightest noise, her mom would immediatelye rushing out to take her things and to pour her a ss of water.

    More importantly, Qiao Zijin was starving and was in a foul mood. Naturally, her patience was running dry.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing? Did you not hear me? Hurry and open the door. I¡¯m not purposely making trouble for you or trying to be arrogant. I can¡¯t open the door with my key. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have called you either.¡± Qiao Zijin had the urge to scold someone, but she was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to control her volume and would disturb her neighbors.

    It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Zijin had suddenly be considerate to think that she shouldn¡¯t disturb her neighbors. The problem was that she always set off for the capital full of confidence that she would return in glory, yet she always returned in a disheveled mess every single time.

    It was better for others not to see her in such a state. If she were to raise her voice and let her neighbors know that she had returned from the capital in this state, she would definitely be a joke in their eyes. Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t forgotten just how badly they had mocked and ridiculed Qiao Nan in the past. She had no intention of bing the object of gossip in these old neighbor¡¯s conversations as Qiao Nan had at that time.

    ¡°Mom? Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s anger was rising. She had called her mom and not only had she heard her mom¡¯s phone ring, but her mom had even rejected her call! That meant that her mom definitely knew that she was back!

    Qiao Zijin had initially felt a little uneasy when Ding Jiayi had first rejected her call. But very soon, she regained her senses. She was still using a phone card from the capital. Now that she was back in Ping Cheng, it would cost her more than one yuan to make a call. It was right for her mom to have rejected that call.

    It seemed like she had not taught her mom so much in vain. Even she had been muddleheaded in this situation, but her mom hadn¡¯t!

 Chapter 2313

    <h4>Chapter 2313: Not Opening (2)</h4>

    But she waited and waited, and even shouted again and again. Still, Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯te to open the door for her. Qiao Zijin finally sensed something amiss. ¡°Mom, what do you mean by this? I know you¡¯re at home. Mom, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going overboard by not opening the door or answering my call? You even changed the locks!¡±

    Qiao Zijin grew more startled as she said all that. Something was truly amiss. Was her mom trying to prevent her froming home?

    Qiao Zijin panicked, finally thinking about all those things she had done to Ding Jiayi before leaving the capital. ¡°Mom, I know you¡¯re still angry at me because of what happened in the capital. I-I¡¯ll apologize to you. Will that do? Mom, if there¡¯s anything, we can chat after you open the door. You can tell me all your dissatisfaction and I¡¯ll apologize to you. Mom, it¡¯ll be embarrassing if someone else sees me standing here. Mom, open the door.¡±

    Her mom¡¯s temper had worsened with age. In the past, her mom had never dared to throw such a tantrum at her. Her dad and Qiao Nan had allowed her mom¡¯s temper to develop! She would never have allowed her mom to get so unreasonable.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re right. That¡¯s why I¡¯m back for good now. I¡¯m going to live in Ping Cheng from now on. Mom, I even got you a present from the capital this time. Mom, open the door so that I can give you the present.¡± What mattered most was coaxing her mom to open the door so that she could enter.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Unfortunately, no matter what Qiao Zijin said or how she tried to cajole Ding Jiayi, there was absolutely no response from within the house. It was as though Ding Jiayi was not even at home.

    In the face of such a situation, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was having hallucinations. Was her mom really not at home? But that couldn¡¯t be. Even if her mom wasn¡¯t home, her dad should be at home. With no other choice, Qiao Zijin called Ding Jiayi again. This time, however, Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone was already switched off. Alright, there was no need to wonder anymore. Ding Jiayi was indeed at home, and her phone had indeed rung earlier. It was just that Ding Jiayi had rejected her call and had even deliberately switched off her phone.

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean by this? Why don¡¯t we have a good chat? Even if I was insensible and did something wrong, you should exin it to me to help me understand. Mom, are you still angry at me about what happened in the hospital? Mom, you know that I was admitted into the hospital because I was sick. By the time you arrived, I already had a high fever. I wasn¡¯t in the right state of mind then. My mind was a little murky and I couldn¡¯t control myself that day. I think I must have been muddleheaded because of my illness. Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it. It¡¯s true. I was muddleheaded because of my illness.¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who had heard these words, reacted slightly, seemingly trying to get up. But within a second, Ding Jiayi calmed down and allowed Qiao Zijin to continue her monologue at the door.

    Muddleheaded because of her illness?

    But she clearly remembered Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression and tone from that day. If Qiao Zijin had truly been muddleheaded because of her illness that day, then she had probably never been sober for her entire life even at this age. No wonder Old Qiao always said that she was blind and foolish and that she had made a wrong choice between her two daughters, Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan.

    It hadn¡¯t even required her blind faith. If she had been slightly fairer to her two daughters at that time, allowing both of them to pursue their studies, their family would have been in a much better state now.

    In the past, Ding Jiayi had never agreed with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s words. But now, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but consider what he had said. Qiao Nan was only a junior high school graduate. Even then, she had earned so much money for the family. If she had cultivated Qiao Nan into a university graduate, Qiao Nan would definitely have earned much more. In fact, she could even have been earning a six-figure sry by now!

    She had already heard that university graduates from better schools entered betterpanies. After ten years, their sries easily exceeded a million yuan!

    Ding Jiayi was all too clear about the kind of person Qiao Nan was. Even though she was only a junior high school graduate, Qiao Nan had always earned high praises from her bosses no matter where she worked.

    Because of her situation, Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t been able to change jobs. But if Qiao Nan hadnded a job in a reputablepany and had worked up until now, her ie would have exceeded a million yuan by now! If Qiao Nan had been that good at making money, there was no way her life as Qiao Nan¡¯s mother would have been too bad. In fact, they would probably have owned a car just like other families. Perhaps, it would even have been a BMW! How proud she would have been driving that out.

    Unfortunately, she had ruined all of that.

    Ding Jiayi sighed. If she had been fairer toward Qiao Nan and allowed Qiao Nan to pursue her studies, her rtionship with Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t havended in such a state today. If her rtionship with Qiao Nan had been better, Qiao Nan would definitely have chosen to side with her instead of Old Qiao if they were to get into a scuffle. As long as Qiao Nan was on her side, she would never need to worry about Old Qiao daring to ignore her.

    She had lost such a useful daughter just like that. It was such a pity. Worse still, she had only realized that now. It was far toote now.

    ¡°Mom? Mom!¡± Qiao Zijin had no idea what was going through Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind. Of course, she had no idea how Ding Jiayi was regretting being kind to her while being mean to Qiao Nan all these years. What Qiao Zijin did know was that her mom hadn¡¯t responded even after she had shouted for such a long time. What was she supposed to do? She was already at the door, but because she didn¡¯t have the new keys, and neither was her mom letting her in, she had no way of entering the house.

    Her stomach was growling and the sun was setting. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t sure if she would be able to enter the house even if she were to stay. Besides, what would she do if her neighbors happened to see her when they took their evening walk after dinner? She couldn¡¯t afford to be embarrassed like that.

    Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t deny that she hadn¡¯t gone easy on her mom that day. Thinking back to it, Qiao Zijin felt that she had simply told Ding Jiayi the whole truth. It was true she had been muddleheaded because of her illness. Even she couldn¡¯t believe that she had taken all of her mom¡¯s money and her identity card that day. She had never even dreamed of doing such a thing, much less do it in reality!

 Chapter 2314

    <h4>Chapter 2314: Not Opening (3)</h4>

    Her mom was petty and had a bad temper. Her anger probably wouldn¡¯t dissipate for a while. It was unfortunate that this incident had taken ce just the previous day. In another two days¡¯ time, she wouldn¡¯t even need to cajole her mom anymore. Her mom would probably have calmed down by then. Then, she would simply go home.

    Qiao Zijin sighed, feeling that she was too unlucky. Her mom had such a bad temper while her dad was biased toward Qiao Nan. Even after she had finally returned to Ping Cheng after much difficulty, she had unexpectedly found herself homeless and would have no choice but to spend the night in a hotel.

    The only thing thatforted Qiao Zijin was that she knew of all the cheap and clean hotels in Ping Cheng. Not only would it be morefortable than living in the capital, but she would even be able to save money. With such aparison, Qiao Zijin was no longer in a foul mood nor did she think that it was unfair for her to spend money on a hotel even though she could go home. She would simply treat it as though she was spending money to make herselffortable.

    Qiao Zijin thus paid for three days¡¯ worth of rent. In these three days, she wouldn¡¯t disturb her mom anymore. She would simply wait for her mom to calm down and pick her up. Yes, that was exactly what she had to do. She couldn¡¯t afford to be like Qiao Nan or her dad, allowing her mom¡¯s temper to worsen even further. Now, only she was able to control her mom.

    Since there was no more noise outside the door, Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin must have left. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t be clearer about the kind of person Qiao Zijin was and the kind of temper she had. After all, she had raised her. Qiao Zijin was a princess. It was considered not bad that Qiao Zijin had been willing to leave before ring up when she had refused to open the door.

    But it was exactly because Qiao Zijin had left and apologized so casually for the sake of doing so, believing that Ding Jiayi would forgive her just because she had done so, that Ding Jiayi felt even more miserable. Qiao Zijin had gone overboard and had even treated her own mom in that manner but was still apologizing so insincerely. Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude proved that she didn¡¯t care about her mom, Ding Jiayi, at all.

    Ding Jiayi sniffled, feeling as though her life was truly bitter.

    Her most beloved daughter didn¡¯t take her seriously, while Qiao Nan was petty and calcting toward her own biological mother. Qiao Dongliang, whom she had served her whole life, was heartless too. Qiao Dongliang knew just what kind of person Qiao Zijin was, and he knew that she had been wronged and bullied by Qiao Zijin too. Even if he didn¡¯t pity her, it wasn¡¯t right for him to be angry at her, allowing her to be bullied by their two daughters.

    Ding Jiayi wondered if life was supposed to be so painful. If she were to die right now, would the heavens take pity on her and let her reincarnate into a good family, marry a good husband, and have a filial son? If the heavens gave her an affirmative answer, Ding Jiayi felt that it would be much better to die and get a fresh start rather than live such a miserable life.

    But these were nothing more than her thoughts. Ding Jiayi would never be able to kill herself if it came to it.

    Because Qiao Zijin had left, there was no longer the need for Ding Jiayi to act as though the house was empty. Although she did not feel hungry, her stomach was empty. She heated up the steamed bun that she had bought that morning and paired it with some pickles for dinner. Ding Jiayi¡¯s empty gaze made her no different from a wooden puppet. After finishing her meal, she didn¡¯t even remove her clothes before lying on the bed and going to sleep.

    How Ding Jiayi wished that all of this was nothing more than a nightmare that would end the moment she woke up. How she wished that things would return to how they had been before she had left for the capital, that Qiao Dongliang hadn¡¯t left, and that Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t gone overboard and disappointed her.

    In reality, Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t the only one with such a thought. Wang Yang and his wife were not in a better mood than Ding Jiayi.

    As theyy on their bed, the couple couldn¡¯t help but think about how the court hearing would start the moment they awoke. How they wished this night would never end.

    Perhaps, it was because Wang Yang and his wife both had something in their minds that they had the same ¡®nightmare¡¯ when they finally fell asleep in a daze. In that dream, they had indeed lost thewsuit, and the judge had ruled Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will valid. In that way, the deceased¡¯s will had to be followed and all of his assets were ruled to Qiao Nan. From then on, Qiao Nan would be the owner of the Zhu family, and Wang Yang would have nothing to do with the Zhu family.

    When they awoke from the nightmare, the couple was drenched in a cold sweat. Seeing each other¡¯s appearance, they both had a tacit understanding and didn¡¯t ask each other why they looked so shocked.

    Li Yayan simply got up and took a bath, but that bath only made her even more depressed. ¡°Dear, are you still going to sleep?¡± Anyway, she wasn¡¯t. She couldn¡¯t sleep. In fact, she was afraid of falling asleep. That nightmare had scared her out of her wits and had given her goosebumps all over. Because of that dream, Li Yayan no longer dared to go to sleep.

    Wang Yang was just as afraid but didn¡¯t want to say a thing in front of Li Yayan for the sake of his pride. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough sleep. I should get up early and get ready. I¡¯ll go take a shower.¡±

    Wang Yang and his wife were like two wandering souls. After waking up and refusing to go back to sleep, the couple sat on the sofa in a daze, refusing to chat with each other. And that was how the couple endured the passing of time up until the court hearing started.

    Perhaps, it was to avoid adding any more pressure on Wang Yang that the Wang family did not call Wang Yang before the court session. As the court session began, Wang Yang took his seat in the intiff¡¯s position, while Li Yayan sat in the audience. At that moment, Li Yayan¡¯s phone rang.

    Seeing that it was her mother-inw, Li Yayan was so frightened that she tossed her phone out, making a loud noise. Everyone turned to stare at Li Yayan, who had gone pale. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    Li Yayan picked up her phone and ran out to answer the call. Members of the audience were not allowed to switch on their mobile phones during court hearings, and everyone apart from Li Yayan knew not to make that mistake. Li Yayan¡¯s behavior had soured the expression on the face of Wang Yang¡¯swyer. ¡°You¡¯d better not let this happen again. It will leave a bad impression on the judge and the jury.¡±

 Chapter 2315

    <h4>Chapter 2315: Lousy Lawyer (1)</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear on how tricky thiswsuit is. If you guys are so uncooperative, there¡¯s no reason for me to try my best either.¡± If possible, thewyer wished to give up the case.

    Before the court session, he had already made his stance clear. If Wang Yang wanted to be the head of the Zhu family and get all of the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, what he needed to do was to get on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side instead of fighting awsuit. Because of the will, Wang Yang would only be able to get as much as Qiao Nan was willing to give him once they were on good terms.

    Of course, if Wang Yang was intelligent enough and suppressed Qiao Nan, that would be another matter. But if Wang Yang wanted thewsuit to be ruled in his favor, his only solution was to reach a settlement with Qiao Nan in private.

    Who would have known that Wang Yang would have performed so badly? Even after half a year, the defendant had no intention of settling the matter in private! Because Wang Yang hadn¡¯t done well on his own, thewyer had no other choice but to do his best and leave the rest to fate.

    Because Qiao Nan had signed a contract, authorizing Zhai Sheng to act on her behalf, the person sitting in front of Wang Yang was not Qiao Nan but Zhai Sheng. Because of Li Yayan, Wang Yang even knew that Qiao Nan had gone to school this morning.

    From the looks of it, Qiao Nan was not going to turn up in court. In fact, she was probably even sitting in the ssroom, attending a lecture. Thinking about how Qiao Nan was so carefree and indifferent while he was so worked up and nervous, Wang Yang felt rage well up within him. He had been guarding the Zhu family¡¯s assets ever since he had gotten rid of Zhu Baoguo. Why did Qiao Nan get to reap the benefits of his hard work?

    Was there still any justice in this world?

    Qiao Nan had sses in the morning, but not in the afternoon. After her lessons, she simply returned home to take care of her three children. ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao, Mom¡¯s back! Did you guys behave well and listen to Grandma and Grandpa today?¡±

    Ever since the three children gained a little strength in their limbs, they seemed to enjoy crawling around. In fact, they had even ¡®evolved¡¯ to using both their arms and legs together to propel themselves forward. After a while, the triplets had naturally learned how to crawl.

    Although the three children had a limited time and distance to move around, that didn¡¯t hinder their love for it. If the two elderly people had only been taking care of one child, they would have been able to keep their eye on the child, even if that child was crawling around. But the Zhai family had three babies, and Da Bao and Er Bao were boys who were much more energetic than San Bao.

    Da Bao was typically not as lively as Er Bao, but his grandparents realized that he was actually quite strong when he set his mind to it. Often, Er Bao would crawl no more than a meter and startughing upon seeing his starting position, as though he was proud and satisfied in himself. Of course, his grandparents had noticed that too.

    But the moment his grandparents could get him under control, they would soon realize that Da Bao was missing!

    Da Bao had taken advantage of the fact that his grandparents were busy with Er Bao to crawl some distance away, even finding a hidden spot so that his grandparents wouldn¡¯t be able to find him. Ever since Da Bao developed such a skill, his grandparents felt as though taking care of the triplets had turned into a game of hide and seek.

    What was different was that other adults deliberately pretended not to find their children to make them happy, whereas the elderly couple couldn¡¯t even find the triplets even if they tried their best. Zhai Yaohui was depressed. The children were only half a year old. How could they be so smart to know that they had to split up so that their grandparents wouldn¡¯t be able to find them?

    This had been a strategy used by generals decades ago!

    Of course, Zhai Yaohui was delighted that his grandchildren were this smart. It was just that Zhai Yaohui often felt sore in his back while he tried to catch his three grandchildren. At times, it hurt so badly that he couldn¡¯t even stand up straight. If the triplets used this strategy against their enemy, he would definitely have cheered in joy. But it was simply too tiring that they were using it against their own family.

    Knowing that her three children had already revealed their mischievous nature at such a young age, Qiao Nan naturally asked whether they had behaved themselves the moment she returned home. San Bao grinned, baring her four front teeth. Yes, San Bao had been the most obedient. She had spent the entire morning ying with her grandparents.

    Picking up her chubby daughter, Qiao Nan nted a kiss on San Bao¡¯s cheek. ¡°Seeing how happy you are, you must have been cheeky and tired your grandparents out. San Bao, San Bao. As ady, you should be gentler.¡± Now, her daughter was just as mischievous and energetic as her sons, exhausting her parents-inw. What was she supposed to do?

    San Bao kicked around in her mom¡¯s embrace and chewed on her mom¡¯s face, even getting upset when Qiao Nan tried to avoid it. It was only when she had covered Qiao Nan¡¯s face with her drool did sheugh. She looked like a silly little girl as sheughed. Yes, San Bao was the most obedient.

    What could Qiao Nan possibly do since she knew that the three children didn¡¯tpletely understand her? All she could do was punish her daughter by smacking her little round butt.

    Although he was tired, Zhai Yaohui was still doing well. ¡°We¡¯d better send Da Bao and Er Bao to the military early. We shouldn¡¯t waste such talents.¡± Da Bao and Er Bao were born to be soldiers.

    Ever since their birth, Zhai Yaohui had often been worried about how Qiao Nan had been advanced in age when giving birth to three babies at once and how that would affect the children¡¯s growth. Thankfully, under their care, the three children grew well withoutgging behind other children. Not only were they healthy but also smart. That was why Zhai Yaohui could rest easy as their grandpa.

    As expected, the children of the Zhai family were outstanding.

    Miao Jing smacked Zhai Yaohui on the elbow. ¡°I¡¯m warning you that you¡¯d better not force Da Bao and Er Bao into the military unless they¡¯re willing to go. If you dare to do that, I¡¯ll fight it out with you! Nan Nan, don¡¯t listen to your dad. Let¡¯s see what the children want to do when they grow up.¡±

 Chapter 2316

    <h4>Chapter 2316: Lousy Lawyer (2)</h4>

    Miao Jing was also a mother and knew that a woman¡¯s heart was delicate andpletely different from a man¡¯s rough one. Of course, it was glorious being a soldier. The problem was that there were still all kinds of troubles and problems around the world even though the world seemed to be peaceful now. Miao Jing knew all about how countries that seemed to be friendly with each other on the surface were actually fighting with each other under the table.

    As such, the state¡¯s attention to the military had never waned. In fact, as society developed and the country became more prosperous, the state had ced an even greater focus on the military. Why? It was to be prepared to deal with all sorts of unexpected situations so as to maintain the independence and peace of the state. She had sent both her daughter and son to the military.

    In the past, Miao Jing had been heartbroken every time Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua had gotten injured during their missions. Given a choice, Miao Jing wished that her children would have picked a stable office job instead. Unfortunately, both her children enjoyed being in the military and she couldn¡¯t object to it. But¡­ As she looked at her grandsons who were grinning at her while drooling, Miao Jing¡¯s heart was even softer now that she was a grandma.

    They had to protect such adorable and lovely children. How could they possibly send these children to the military to suffer?

    Qiao Nan was much calmer than Miao Jing and hadn¡¯t even shown a response to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry for that. Like father like son, like mother like daughter. I think that saying is really right. They¡¯re Zhais, and even if I stand in their way now, they might have their own opinions when they grow up. Then, I won¡¯t be able to stop them either.¡±

    The three children were indeed from the Zhai family and had a righteous air of a soldier around them. In her dream, San Bao had sacrificed herself and chosen to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just like her mother had, to give her elders peace of mind. Qiao Nan was unsure of what San Bao would choose to do in reality, but she would respect it all the same.

    Zhai Yaohui was ted. ¡°Miao Miao, I think you¡¯re not as open-minded as Qiao Nan. I think that our children will grow up well. Even if you try to stop them, you¡¯ll have to see if they¡¯ll be willing to listen to you.¡±

    At the mention of this topic, Zhai Yaohui got excited. He knew that he was advanced in age while the triplets were still young. Zhai Yaohui had thought that it was already a blessing that he had managed to see Zhai Sheng get married and have children in his lifetime. But now, things were different. Zhai Yaohui hoped that he would be able to live long enough to see his three grandchildrene of age and follow in his footsteps to be righteous soldiers.

    ¡°My three babies, you¡¯d better eat more and grow up quickly. Grandpa is waiting for you to grow up,¡± Zhai Yaohui stroked Da Bao¡¯s head and said tenderly. Of course, Da Bao had no idea what Zhai Yaohui was talking about, but he did understand that Zhai Yaohui was asking him to eat. Da Bao stroked his little tummy, expressing his hunger now that he had done some exercise. ¡°Ah!¡±

    Miao Jing smirked. Why was he thinking about something so far ahead in the future? What she did know was that her three grandchildren were still at the age of drinking milk. Entering the military woulde twenty years down the road. She wasn¡¯t even sure she would live to see that day. ¡°Auntie, hurry and get us three bottles of milk. The triplets are hungry.¡±

    Because the three children had already learned to crawl around, they no longer needed much help with their meals. They could cling onto the bottles with their two chubby hands without any help!

    Seeing how the triplets were trying their best to finish all the milk in the bottles, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were especially delighted. They had thought that they wouldn¡¯t have the chance to see this day! It was truly their good fortune!

    Qiao Nan stroked the round tummies of the three children and yed with them for a while before coaxing them to sleep. They looked especially adorable in the animal onesies that they were wearing. Of course, it wasn¡¯t the Zhai family who had bought them but Qiao Nan and Jiajia.

    It was terribly adorable for little babies to wear animal onesies. In her dream, Qiao Nan had never gotten the chance to put such clothes on her children. By the time they were released, she could probably have bought them for her grandchildren. Now, things were different. Because the triplets hadeter in her life, such animal onesies had just been released. Jiajia liked cute pajamas like these too, so she apanied Qiao Nan to buy them for the triplets.

    Outfitted in those animal onesies, they raised their fists above their heads as they were deep in sleep, as though they were surrendering to someone. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t resist taking out her mobile phone to capture this scene. Qiao Nan had decided that she would show these photos to her grandchildren once her three children grew up and had children of their own.

    Just thinking about it delighted Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan, who was having the time of her life at home, hadpletely forgotten about thewsuit against Wang Yang. She simply waited for Zhai Sheng to return with the result.

    To be honest, there was nothing to fight over in thiswsuit. It was just that Wang Yang refused to give up and was terribly persistent. If someone else had been in his ce, there was no way thiswsuit would have even gone to court. Hiringwyers to fight the case cost money. Moreover, it took time. Taking all these things into ount, it was actually very expensive to be embroiled in awsuit.

    If one lost the case, it would be even worse. At times, even if one were to win the case, one might not even get back whatever they put in. But Wang Yang was so perseverant because he knew that he would definitely gain more than he had forked out as long as he won the case.

    Unfortunately, it didn¡¯t matter how great the reward would be in the end. There was a huge premise of winning thewsuit.

    Although thewyer that Wang Yang had hired was professional and ethical and had done his best to help Wang Yang fight for his interests, everyone was equal in front of thew. It wasn¡¯t so easy to make use of one¡¯s personal rtions in court, especially when Wang Yang had chosen to go against the wrong person.

    Since he hadn¡¯t been able to reach a settlement with Qiao Nan privately, it was obvious that Wang Yang hadn¡¯t gotten a single cent from what rightfully belonged to Qiao Nan in court.

    Because Wang Yang had been so filial to Zhu Chengqi before his death, it was only right for him to respect Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will and to hand over all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to Qiao Nan, who had gained Zhu Chengqi¡¯s approval.

    If Wang Yang was still dissatisfied with Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will, that would only go to show that Wang Yang¡¯s filial piety was insincere and that it had been mixed with his own personal interests. Legally speaking, the contents of the will couldn¡¯t be changed. The will waspletely valid and they had to respect the deceased¡¯s will. If they brought rtionships into the picture, then Wang Yang should simply respect Zhu Chengqi¡¯s wishes and call off thewsuit.

 Chapter 2317

    <h4>Chapter 2317: Lousy Lawyer (3)</h4>

    If Wang Yang insisted on going through with thewsuit, it would only mean that his filial piety toward Zhu Chengqi hadn¡¯t meant much. In fact, it would only be right for him to follow Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will.

    Therefore, whether one saw it from the perspective of reason or emotion, Qiao Nan would always win. It would never be on Wang Yang¡¯s side.

    The final verdict held no surprise to anyone who was familiar with thew. It went without saying that Qiao Nan had won. That way, all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets had been ruled to Qiao Nan alone. Without Qiao Nan¡¯s permission, no one would be able to touch a single cent of those assets, even her husband, let alone Wang Yang. Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will had clearly stated that he intended for all of his assets to go to Qiao Nan alone. Wang Yang couldn¡¯t touch it, and neither could Zhai Sheng.

    Wang Yang¡¯swyer was not in the least bit surprised by the oue. ¡°Mr. Wang, are you intending on appealing against the decision?¡± Mr. Wang had previously mentioned that he would never give up even after the ruling had been passed and intended on appealing until he got back everything that belonged to the Zhu family.

    Thewyer had no desire to continue with this business. If there had been any chance of winning thewsuit, he would never have given up so easily. But continuing with thiswsuit would only be a waste of his client¡¯s money and time. Because he knew that it was impossible to win, thewyer didn¡¯t want Wang Yang to waste his money on trying to get the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll appeal against it. Why wouldn¡¯t I? I¡¯m not satisfied with this verdict. Qiao Nan has nothing to do with the Zhu family while I¡¯m Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only nephew. I was the one who supported him in his old age because his son was dead. When he was ill, I was the one taking care of him too. What was Qiao Nan doing during that time? Did Qiao Nan stay by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side to take care of him? No. She did nothing at all! So, why should she be able to get all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets? What right does she have to do that? This is too unfair!¡±

    Ever since he was a child, he had always heard that nobody could gain anything without putting in any effort. That was why he had tried his best to get his maternal grandma¡¯s family to like him. He knew that Zhu Baoguo was especially spoiled. As such, he had put on a false pretense of being obedient to grab everyone¡¯s attention.

    Zhu Baoguo was nothing but a stumbling block to him. But that didn¡¯t matter. He had found a way to get rid of that stumbling block, turning it into a stepping stone instead. He deserved all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets after all that effort he had put in, so why had the court ruled everything to Qiao Nan? How could Qiao Nan be so bold as to ept it? Did she have no shame?

    Seeing that Wang Yang had lost his senses and had be slightly abnormal, thewyer patiently tried to give him a word of advice. ¡°Mr. Wang, I think there¡¯s no point in fighting thiswsuit any longer. We already tried using the kinship card today. But I¡¯m sure we all heard the final result earlier. Mr. Wang, you should understand that it¡¯s best to stop when it¡¯s still possible to keep your losses to a minimum.¡±

    He would still be paid if they continued with thewsuit.

    But thewyer knew that there was no way Wang Yang would ever get the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. In that case, he would only be wasting his money on thiswsuit. Because thewyer knew that he would not be of much help to Wang Yang anymore, he had given Wang Yang some sincere advice.

    But the decisiony in Wang Yang¡¯s hands. All he could do was offer a suggestion because of his conscience. Whether or not Wang Yang was willing to take up that suggestion, and what he decided to do after that depended entirely on Wang Yang.

    ¡°No! I want to fight thiswsuit! Why shouldn¡¯t I?!¡±

    If he gave up on thiswsuit, all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets would definitely be Qiao Nan¡¯s. As long as he continued with thewsuit, he could apply to freeze all of those assets. That way, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to spend a cent. He would never let Qiao Nan use anything that was supposed to be his.

    Since Wang Yang insisted on going on with thewsuit, thewyer had no other choice. ¡°I have other things to deal with today. Since you¡¯ve decided to continue with thewsuit, let¡¯s discuss it further next time.¡± Thewyer had already guessed that his kindness wouldn¡¯t be reciprocated with gratitude. In fact, Wang Yang might even decide to get a newwyer instead.

    Losing cases affected their reputations aswyers. It was unwise for him to insist on taking on this case for the sake of money. What if he ruined his reputation in the process? After all, which client would engage awyer with a losing streak?

    He was in it for the long run as awyer. He wasn¡¯t just after this business deal.

    Because he was clear of that, he would have to consider carefully whether he would still want to participate in the next court session, even if Wang Yang didn¡¯t take the initiative to fire him. Thankfully, thewyer had been liberated because of Wang Yang¡¯s attitude.

    He would never have epted this case if not for his friendship with Wang Yang. After all, he had already known that they would surely lose the case from the very beginning. Now that Wang Yang was no longer willing to work with him, he felt that he had to thank the heavens that Wang Yang was willing to let him off the hook this time.

    After bidding Li Yayan goodbye, thewyer took his leave.

    Li Yayan was still in a daze. The moment the ruling was passed, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but think about her nightmare from the previous night. She pinched herself so hard that a bruise formed.

    What delighted Li Yayan was that a bruise had formed, but she had not felt a thing. Did that mean she was in a dream? Had she not awoken from that nightmare? Yes, that had to be the case. This was only a nightmare. As soon as she woke up, everything would be over.

    ¡°Madam, doesn¡¯t it hurt when you pinch yourself so hard?¡± The person sitting beside Li Yayan frowned upon seeing her actions, even though Li Yayan had not had any reaction to it. ¡°Madam, don¡¯t be so harsh to yourself. It¡¯s all bruised.¡± If she had pinched herself with her fingernails, she would have perforated the skin!

    ¡°And could you excuse me? I want to get out.¡± Li Yayan was blocking his way.

    Li Yayan leaned over, allowing the man to leave his seat. Then, she couldn¡¯t help but touch her bruise. Immediately, she hissed. It hurt!

    ¡°Dear?¡± As Wang Yang walked over to Li Yayan, she staggered and finally stood up while grabbing onto the back of the chair in front of her. ¡°We-we¡­¡± It hurt in one moment and didn¡¯t the next. So, did that mean that she was awake? Or was she still asleep?

 Chapter 2318 - My Son (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2318: My Son (1)</h4>

    Wang Yang¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Let¡¯s go back first.¡±

    ¡°Thewyer we hired this time isn¡¯t good. We¡¯ll hire a more formidable one next time. Nobody can think of snatching away things that belong to me.¡± Before the court session started, hadn¡¯t he long guessed such a result? He had also long considered what he should do after losing. As such, he had nothing to be disappointed with. This wasn¡¯t over. There was nothing for Qiao Nan to be smug and happy about!

    ¡°Yes.¡± Li Yayan sniffed and suppressed her tears. She knew that Wang Yang hated her crying, especially at times like these. If she cried, she would seem unlucky and lose all the good luck. As long as Wang Yang didn¡¯t give up, she would definitely stand by Wang Yang¡¯s side and support him.

    The couple returned to their residence in the capital in despair. After reaching home, they sat on each side of the sofa and didn¡¯t say anything. They just spent an hour in a daze. It wasn¡¯t until thendline at home rang did Wang Yang and Li Yayan jump up from the sofa in shock. Their lost souls seemed to have returned to their bodies and they reacted like normal human beings.

    Li Yayan looked at the phone fearfully and wasn¡¯t willing to pick up the call. ¡°Dear?¡±

    Wang Yang was a man, after all. He wasn¡¯t prepared to give up yet. If he didn¡¯t pick up this call, the other party would probably keep calling until he picked it up. If the other party became exasperated and came over directly after buying a ne ticket, it would be more awkward for them as they would have to talk face-to-face then. As such, Wang Yang went to sit next to the phone and picked up the call. ¡°Hello, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Have the both of you reached home? How is it? Did you win? Why didn¡¯t the two of you switch on your phones? Did you win thewsuit?¡± Father Wang only wanted to hear the good news and not anything else. It was as if he was deceiving himself. Father Wang obviously knew that his son stood a low chance of winning. However, when he asked him questions, he only mentioned winning but not losing.

    Wang Yang felt that his heart was being hammered. ¡°Dad, we lost thewsuit. Everything in the Zhu family is given to Qiao Nan.¡±

    With a ¡®boom¡¯, something seemed to have shattered on the other end of the call. ¡°Old Wang, Old Wang, what happened to you? Don¡¯t scare me. Medicine. Yes, the medicine. Hurry up and take your high blood pressure medicine.¡± Mother Zhu only felt that what her brother did was too overboard. Also, her man had reacted too strongly. Everyone knew about the result in their hearts.

    If they really won thiswsuit, how would their son and daughter-inw switch off their phones? They would have switched on their phones the moment they won and shared this piece of good news with them. If they had to take the initiative to call, they should more or less have a rough estimate of the result.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Father Wang felt that he shouldn¡¯t be taking high blood pressure medicine but medicine for heart attack instead. When he heard that they lost thewsuit, Father Wang only felt that his heart had exploded then. It hurt so badly that he couldn¡¯t wait to just die like this. ¡°Wang Yang, it¡¯s me. You lost thewsuit. Have you thought of what to do next?¡±

    Even if Father Wang¡¯s words were overbearing to Wang Yang and his attitude was that they could only win but not lose before thewsuit started, in the face of losing thewsuit, Father Wang couldn¡¯t be as tough as before and only gave Wang Yang an option. ¡°Wang Yang, you should know that the Wang family has ced all hopes on you. The Wang family has sacrificed so much for you. You can¡¯t let the Wang family down.¡±

    If the incident with Zhu Baoguo didn¡¯t happen back then, even if the Wang family¡¯s resources couldn¡¯t bepared to the Zhu family¡¯s, his brothers and nephews wouldn¡¯t be performing so badly now.

    Wang Yang had to get everything in the Zhu family and help the Wang family. No, this wasn¡¯t helping but returning. This was what Wang Yang owed the Wang family.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Mother Zhu, who waspletely not in the know, became unhappy. ¡°Old man, stop giving Yang Yang so much pressure. What do you mean by my son owes the Wang family? Since when did Yang Yang owe them? They owe my Yang Yang instead!¡±

    Which one of Yang Yang¡¯s uncles and brothers didn¡¯t spend her money and reach out to her for things? On ount of her man and son, she treated her inws well. Othersughed at her for subsidizing the Wang family. Actually, Mother Zhu knew it in her heart. However, the money was hers. If she was willing to subsidize them, no one could care about it.

    The problem was that the Wang family had spent her money and gotten benefits from her but was now giving so much pressure to her son and speaking ill of him. Mother Zhu couldn¡¯t ept this. Did she spend all those money for nothing? The Wang family had spent her money and still dared to discredit her son. Since when did they be so proud?

    What Mother Zhu couldn¡¯t ept the most was that the person who said these words today wasn¡¯t just any member of the Wang family but Father Wang. Mother Zhu became unhappy and wasn¡¯t willing to feed him medicine. ¡°Old man, do you have a conscience? Since when did Yang Yang owe the Wang family? Isn¡¯t it enough that the Wang family is under my care? Is Yang Yang your son, or are they your sons? Why are you favoring outsiders?¡±

    Mother Zhu was just short of saying that it was embarrassing for Father Wang to talk about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will. Her biological brother didn¡¯t do humane things, but was her man saying humane words?! Her brother had made a ridiculous will, causing her son to suffer heavy losses. However, Yang Yang was just her brother¡¯s nephew and not son. However, Yang Yang was the old man¡¯s only biological son. How was there a father who said such things of his son?

    In Mother Zhu¡¯s eyes, Father Wang¡¯s behavior couldn¡¯t be forgiven.

    ¡°What do you know? Get away! If you continue to kick up a fuss, go back to your Zhu family. The Zhu family belongs to Qiao Nan now. Even if you¡¯re surnamed Zhu, you¡¯re not qualified to return to the Zhu family!¡± Father Wang was annoyed at his wife now. If Mother Zhu wasn¡¯t surnamed Zhu, based on this woman¡¯s low IQ, how would he be willing to marry this woman? He didn¡¯t like such a woman!

    Mother Zhu¡¯s face changed. ¡°Person surnamed Wang, are you crazy? What did you say? Repeat yourself.¡±

    Because of the Zhu family, the Wang family treated Mother Zhu, their daughter-inw, really well. When her inws were still around, they never caused Mother Zhu to be angry. They would discuss everything at home with Mother Zhu. If Mother Zhu already had some thoughts, the Wang family wouldn¡¯t object.

 Chapter 2319 - My Son (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2319: My Son (2)</h4>

    It could be said that before she was married, Mother Zhu was the Zhu family¡¯s little princess. After marrying into the Wang family, she became the Wang family¡¯s empress dowager.

    She was valued since young. Today, she was chased out by her own husband. How could Mother Zhu hold back and not get mad? ¡°Say your words clearly. What did you mean by that? Are youining that I¡¯m old and since my brother is no longer around, nobody is supporting me and you can get a divorce? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that you have another woman outside. On ount that you return home every day and didn¡¯t spend the night outside, I didn¡¯t mind that you took my money and spent it on other women. Since there¡¯s no one else in the Zhu family anymore, you¡¯re bold enough to divorce me so that you can be together with that old vixen, huh?¡±

    Mother Zhu was a woman. How could she not feel the attitude of the person sleeping next to her?

    When she was young, Mother Zhu really didn¡¯t notice anything. It was just that after that, the members of the Zhu family left one by one and only Zhu Chengqi was left. The Zhu family wasn¡¯t like the Wang family, who had many descendants. Father Wang¡¯s attitude toward Mother Zhu naturally wasn¡¯t as good as when they were young.

    It wasn¡¯t that Father Wang had the intention to divorce Mother Zhu so that he could be together with his lover. Mother Zhu was old and no longer good-looking. However, so many years had passed for the lover Father Wang had when he was young. Could it be that she was still a fresh flower like decades ago? Mother Zhu had been leading afortable life. Ifparisons were to be made, Mother Zhu would seem younger, alright?

    It was just that everyone had a rebellious nature. When the time was right, it couldn¡¯t help but appear. When they were young, for the sake of the Wang family and his future, Father Wang gave up the woman he loved and married a woman who could help him.

    They were already old. Father Wang didn¡¯t value love and affection anymore. He felt that that was the cleanest and purest rtionship he had ever had. After the other party divorced him, she had to raise a child alone and their lives were tough. It wasn¡¯t a big deal to give them some money so that they could lead a more rxed life. That could be treated as a perfect end to their young love.

    Aside from giving his first love money, Father Wang had never done anything sorry to Mother Zhu. After all, Zhu Chengqi was still alive then. Everything in the Zhu family belonged to those surnamed Zhu, not Wang. Father Wang wasn¡¯t so stupid as to ruin the efforts of two generations for the sake of an old and no longer good-looking woman.

    However, when Mother Zhu mentioned this, it wasn¡¯t that Father Wang didn¡¯t feel any shame in his heart at all. The Wang family¡¯s money was used to clean up Wang Yang¡¯s mess. When other people in the Wang family no longer had money to spend, they had to rely on Mother Zhu for money. Was the money Father Wang gave to his first love earned by Father Wang himself? It waspletely conceivable that most of it came from Mother Zhu.

    As long as Father Wang wasn¡¯t too overboard and had no artifice like other people, Mother Zhu could turn a blind eye spending this amount of money. After all, Mother Zhu had seen a lot of overboard things, let alone just listened. As such, in the situation where Father Wang purely just had thoughts in his heart but didn¡¯t do anything substantive at all, Mother Zhuforted herself that on the ount of her son and grandson, she didn¡¯t need to be so calctive with Father Wang.

    However, today was different. The couple wasn¡¯t as harmonious as before and was arguing. Wang Yang was Mother Zhu¡¯s lifeblood. It was after Zhu Baoguo died and Zhu Chengqi no longer had a child that Mother Zhu cared more about Wang Yang, her son. Father Wang spoke ill of Wang Yang today. This was akin to piercing Mother Zhu¡¯s lungs.

    Father Wang touched on one of Mother Zhu¡¯s taboos. She had to be calctive for the things she usually wasn¡¯t calctive about.

    Being exposed by Mother Zhu, Father Wang¡¯s face became hot. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything. Stay aside. Why are you kicking up a fuss in front of our son? To think you¡¯re already a grandma¡­¡±

    Father Wang really didn¡¯t look good now. He had the highest status in the Wang family. Now, his wife had exposed him in front of their son and daughter-inw. Father Wang was furious.

    ¡°So what if I¡¯m a grandma? You¡¯re a grandpa. When we die in the future, any extra money would belong to my son and grandson. You took my money and gave it to that woman. That means giving my son¡¯s and grandson¡¯s money to that woman. Person surnamed Wang, if you really have any thoughts, then fine. We can¡¯t lead our lives together anymore, huh?! Let me tell you. Even if my brother is no longer around and you¡¯re angry about the will, don¡¯t even think about climbing on top of me to unt your prowess in this lifetime!¡±

    Before this, Mother Zhu behaved herself in front of Father Wang because of this matter. As they argued, the feeling of debt gradually disappeared from her heart. She felt that Father Wang owed her.

    She didn¡¯t acknowledge that will as she was surnamed Zhu, and her son, Wang Yang, had the blood of the Zhu family as well. It wasn¡¯t that the Zhu family waspletely annihted. On what basis should the Zhu family¡¯s money be given to outsiders? However, she didn¡¯t feel that if this sum of money didn¡¯tnd in Wang Yang¡¯s hands, then it was Wang Yang¡¯s fault for letting the entire Wang family down and it¡¯d be best for him tomit suicide to atone for his sins.

    Tsk!

    She didn¡¯t let the Wang family down. There were many children in the Wang family. However, no one¡¯s child was as promising and outstanding as her Yang Yang. For his brothers¡¯ children, the old man gave Yang Yang so much pressure and even scolded him. She wasn¡¯t happy that Yang Yang was stepped under his feet. In this world, even she couldn¡¯t speak to Yang Yang like this.

    Upon hearing his parents arguing, Wang Yang didn¡¯t feel as pressured as before. Wang Yang understood the difference between his parents deeper today.

    Wang Yang used to think that since his mom was surnamed Zhu, she still had the Zhu family in her heart. She didn¡¯t think about him and the Wang family wholeheartedly. Different from his mom, his dad was part of the Wang family. As such, both of them were truly of one mind. Because of this situation, Wang Yang felt distant from his mom but could talk to his dad about anything under the sky.

    Now that something happened today, Wang Yang, who was already a father, felt that in terms of feelings, his mom¡¯s feelings for him were much purer. On the contrary, there were too many impurities in his dad¡¯s feelings for him. In his dad¡¯s heart, the Wang family¡¯s future, his brothers and nephews, and even his own face and status were the most important. As his son, he naturally ranked behind them.

    Upon thinking that he was after his mom¡¯s family¡¯s things, Wang Yang felt pretty sorry to her.

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t know why, but he suddenly thought of when Zhu Baoguo had just died.

 Chapter 2320 - My Son (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2320: My Son (3)</h4>

    His mom had cried every day. Her eyes became swollen and she even temporarily lost sight. Without a doubt, his mom was really upset that Zhu Baoguo was gone.

    Ever since the appearance of that will, Wang Yang had heard his mom mention more than once that it would be good if Zhu Baoguo was still alive. Zhu Baoguo was his cousin. No matter how bad their rtionship was, on ount of his mom, Zhu Baoguo would definitely help him if he ran into any trouble. The Zhu family¡¯s conditions were good. If he ran into some difficulties, the Zhu family wouldn¡¯t look on and do nothing.

    If Zhu Baoguo was still alive, how would there be anything rted to Qiao Nan, an outsider? Different from Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan had nothing to do with the Zhu family or Wang Yang at all. Even if Qiao Nan got all the inheritance from the Zhu family, would Qiao Nan give Wang Yang face and help him if he were to run into trouble?

    It was impossible.

    As such, if Zhu Baoguo was still alive, none of this would have happened. Wang Yang could still have another cousin to take care of him and help him.

    When Wang Yang was young, he wished that Zhu Baoguo never appeared. After facing a life that was getting worse, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t help but have the same thoughts as his mom. How good would it be if Zhu Baoguo was still alive? If Zhu Baoguo was still alive, Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯t have died so early.

    Zhu Chengqi was pretty ruthless to him by leaving such a will. However, when Zhu Chengqi was alive, he treated him quite well. Aside from not giving him the right to casually use the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance and resources, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s care for him in other aspects was no different from that for his own child.

    There was aparison before and after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death. As such, Wang Yang was particrly clear that Zhu Chengqi¡¯s help to him was actually greater if he was still alive.

    If he had known that his life would be in a mess after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death, he definitely would have prayed for Zhu Chengqi to live for a few more years.

    A few years ago, Wang Yang was still counting down to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death. Who would have thought that after a few years, what he hated the most was for Zhu Chengqi to die so early? Why didn¡¯t Zhu Chengqi live for a few more years so that there was enough time for him to grow?

    ¡°Yang Yang, are you still there?¡± After arguing with Father Wang, Mother Zhu¡¯s temper had not yetpletely subsided. If her attitude was softer, Father Wang would really not take her seriously. Mother Zhu expressed that no matter what kind of situation she encountered in the future, she was not going to show weakness anymore. The Wang family was worthless. It was her blessing if they were polite toward her.

    ¡°Yes, Mom, I¡¯m still here.¡± Wang Yang, who felt better psychologically, recovered himself. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine. Everything in the Zhu family was created by Uncle with difficulty. Furthermore, the both of us are the only people left in the Zhu family. Although I don¡¯t know what Uncle was thinking of previously, I feel that as half of the Zhu family, I am obliged to take everything from the Zhu family back. Mom, I won¡¯t give up.¡±

    Mother Zhu hurriedly nodded. ¡°Yes, I think so too. You know your uncle had been ill for so many years. Even if thewyer and doctor proved that your uncle was clear-minded when he was making the will, I don¡¯t think so. Yang Yang, we should get back what we deserve. However, nothing¡¯s more important than human beings. In Mom¡¯s heart, you¡¯re ranked first. Don¡¯t listen to your dad¡¯s nonsense and take his words seriously, alright?¡±

    Wang Yang¡¯s mood improved. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I understand what you mean. I won¡¯t put myself in a difficult spot. Everything I do is for myself, not for others. Even if I really lose thiswsuit in the end, it has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t have to take responsibility for it and feel guilty to the Wang family.¡±

    Indeed, his mom didn¡¯t know about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death and what happened after his death. Indeed, the Wang family had spent money on him back then, but over these years, hadn¡¯t his mom subsequently returned all the money?

    Even if he really owed the Wang family, it was already enough that his mom had helped him return the favor. Thewsuit with Qiao Nan was only rted to him. His mom was right. He didn¡¯t owe the Wang family. Why was it that he could only win thiswsuit and not lose? Who set this rule?

    Even if he really won and was willing to help the Wang family, it was because he had a conscience and treated these rtives well. However, if he wasn¡¯t willing to do so, that was alright. He didn¡¯t owe the Wang family.

    Upon thinking that when he really helped these people, these people only treated that everything he did was what he should have done since he had owed them, Wang Yang felt ufortable in his heart. Upon thinking that the person who had caused this misconception was his father, Wang Yang¡¯s mood became worse.

    If he had known this would happen, he would havemunicated more with his mother. That way, he wouldn¡¯t have always been taken into the ditch by his father. From today on, he was going to have a clearer stand. Thiswsuit belonged to him and Qiao Nan. It had nothing to do with the Wang family.

    A father should know his son best.

    After hearing the conversation between the mother and son, Father Wang¡¯s face changed. He didn¡¯t expect Wang Yang¡¯s cognition and persistence over the years to change so easily by Mother Zhu¡¯s casual words. Wang Yang said that he was fighting thiswsuit for himself and this had nothing to do with the Wang family. Father Wang could tell that Wang Yang didn¡¯t say these words just to coax Mother Zhu. He really had such thoughts.

    How could this happen?!

    He had ced the Wang family¡¯s burden on Wang Yang. Only when there is pressure can there be motivation, and only when there is motivation can there be progress. Only then would Wang Yang never give up when facing Zhai Sheng. If Wang Yang separated the interests of the Wang family from thiswsuit and didn¡¯t feel so pressurized, what should he do if Wang Yang was no longer as active and insistent as before?

    If Wang Yang freed himself and felt that his life wasn¡¯t bad now even though he had lost thewsuit, what should he do? What should the Wang family do? Father Wang wholeheartedly thought that Wang Yang would be the noblest person in the Wang family, taking most credit. He was Wang Yang¡¯s father. If Wang Yang made so many contributions to the Wang family, that meant he didn¡¯t let the Wang family down. Without him, would the Wang family be able to have a descendant like Wang Yang, who brought the entire family to such great heights?

    Furthermore, if he had not coaxed the Zhu family¡¯s daughter to marry him back then, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t have such a good family foundation and wouldn¡¯t be where he was today.

    Wang Yang was his son. The foundation that Wang Yang had was all painstakingly arranged by him.

 Chapter 2321 - The Fight (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2321: The Fight (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He had done so much and worked hard for so long. He just wanted to use Wang Yang, his capable son, to be another person who had made great contributions to the Wang family in the history of the Wang family.

    However, if Wang Yang regarded himself as separate from the Wang family, no matter if thiswsuit would eventually be won or not, there was no doubt that Wang Yang¡¯s thoughts toward the Wang family wouldn¡¯t be as sincere as before. Wang Yang might not do things that would benefit the entire Wang family.

    If Wang Yang couldn¡¯t be the person who made the greatest contributions to the Wang family, then he couldn¡¯t be the father of the person who made the greatest contributions to the Wang family. This was not in line with his original n. One had to know that he didn¡¯t even marry the woman he liked. He also couldn¡¯t straighten his back in front of his wife in this lifetime. Wasn¡¯t that all for this small purpose?

    Once Wang Yang no longer cooperated with him, everything he had worked hard for would have be empty talk.

    How would Father Wang be able to ept that most of his life¡¯s work was ruined and his name couldn¡¯t stay in the Wang family for long after his death? It was just that Mother Zhu was still by his side. It wasn¡¯t convenient for him to say certain things in front of her.

    Father Wang took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going to take an afternoon nap. Go out. Don¡¯t disturb me.¡±

    Mother Zhuughed. ¡°We have slept on the same bed for decades. Sure, you want to rest, huh? I¡¯ll leave.¡± What Mother Zhu really wanted to say was that they had lived half their lifetimes together. She knew what Father Wang was up to with an action of his.

    Who wouldn¡¯t feel heartache over their child? Mother Zhu insisted on not letting Father Wang give Wang Yang so much pressure. As such, Mother Zhu agreed without a second word when Father Wang asked her to leave. It was just that before Mother Zhu stepped out, she kept Father Wang¡¯s phone. ¡°The doctor said that your health isn¡¯t good recently. You have to be exposed lesser to these digital devices as there is radiation. Rest well. Call me when you have rested enough.¡±

    Mother Zhu kept his phone. Father Wang was like a son who couldn¡¯t even resist. Although his phone had been kept away, there was still andline in his room. Who knew that when he picked up the phone and wanted to call Wang Yang, the beep tone could be heard?

    It was then did Father Wang realize that not only did Mother Zhu keep his phone when she left, but she even unplugged the main signal line of thendline at home. This caused Father Wang, who had no othermunication tools on hand, to be anxious. However, he no longer had ways to contact Wang Yang. He could no longer brainwash Wang Yang and make him remember that his interests were binding with the Wang family¡¯s.

    Wang Yang naturally didn¡¯t know what happened between Mother Zhu and Father Wang. It was already three dayster when Wang Yang received a call from Father Wang. To Father Wang, the most difficult thing was that he had to borrow a chess friend¡¯s phone to call his son since he couldn¡¯t use thendline at home or his phone.

    It could be said that Father Wang took great pains in order to contact Wang Yang again. Upon knowing that Mother Zhu was keeping watch on him and she only had Wang Yang in her heart, Father Wang gave up the idea of using thendline at home to contact Wang Yang.

    Father Wang wasn¡¯t someone who loved to y chess. Furthermore, their Wang family was in awsuit now. However, in order to give Wang Yang a call, Father Wang seemed to have forgotten that he was the losing party in thiswsuit. Not only did he take his medicine daily and have the habit of walking after meals, but he even got his nanny at home to push him to themunity park from time to time so that he could y chess with other old men.

    Perhaps Mother Zhu was really fooled by Father Wang when they were young. However, when they became old, the situation seemed to be reversed. It was unknown if it was because of hereditary issues that Mother Zhu¡¯s health was much better than Father Wang¡¯s. Father Wang had the three highs. Once he became agitated, it was very easy for these issues to cause great problems to Father Wang¡¯s health.

    On the contrary, it was unknown if Mother Zhu had been living heartlessly her whole life, but she was pretty healthy. She had minor illnesses asionally and no major illnesses. Without a doubt, now that Father Wang was ill at this age, the person taking care of him was neither his son nor his brother or anyone else. It could only be Mother Zhu. This was what ¡®spouses were the ones who apanied oneself in old age¡¯ meant.

    It was also precisely because Mother Zhu was healthier than Father Wang that Father Wang needed Mother Zhu¡¯s care in order to live well. He couldn¡¯t take care of himself. Father Wang wasn¡¯t thinking of doing anything big. He just wanted to have a call with his son alone, like in the past. He wanted to repeat the words he used to say to his son so that he could change him back to who he used to be and give him a promise.

    Father Wang found it hard to realize such a small wish. As long as he was within Mother Zhu¡¯s sight, he didn¡¯t need to think about getting his hands on his phone,ndline, or theputer, let alone using these tools to contact Wang Yang.

    Mother Zhu was the female owner of the Wang family for years. Comparatively, the auntie naturally listened to Mother Zhu, who was healthy, had more interactions with her, and gave her her sry, more. After receiving Mother Zhu¡¯s orders, not only would the auntie not help Father Wang, but she would also follow Mother Zhu¡¯s instructions strictly and not be sloppy.

    Father Wang thought of forking out money to bribe this nanny so that it would be more convenient for him to walk around in the future.

    Who knew that the nanny would refuse?

    It was still money and she would still be doing something. Furthermore, he didn¡¯t offer a low price. On what basis did the nanny at home only want to earn Mother Zhu¡¯s money but not his? Could it be that Mother Zhu paid her in US dors while he was paying her in yuan, so she decided to ignore him?

    Father Wang had no choice that the nanny listened to Mother Zhupletely. As such, he thought of going outside for a walk since the weather was good. He wanted to bask in the sun and y chess with the other old men in the neighborhood.

    A few days ago, the nanny was still by Father Wang¡¯s side and keeping a close watch on him. Mother Zhu said that with Father Wang¡¯s current situation, he needed more care and attention, so there must be someone by his side.

    Father Wang behaved very normally for the first few times. Coincidentally, the nanny received a call and had to leave for half an hour to get something. Father Wang knew that his chance was here.

    There were so many people in the neighborhood and it was broad daylight.. The auntie felt safe to leave Father Wang for a while.

 Chapter 2322 - The Fight (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2322: The Fight (2)</h4>

    Before she left, she had already asked everyone to help her take care of the old master before she returned in half an hour¡¯s time. Only after getting an affirmative reply did the nanny leave.

    Once the nanny left, Father Wang rxed immediately. ¡°Finally gone.¡±

    His chess friend asked, ¡°What do you mean? Have you be confused? It¡¯s been almost half a minute. What¡¯s your next move?¡± Father Wang¡¯s chess friend nearly leaped up from his chair upon hearing Father Wang talking about ¡®leaving¡¯. Could it be that his friend had gotten Alzheimer¡¯s disease? He hadn¡¯t even moved for the past minute, and yet, he had said that he had already done so! Was he crazy?

    Father Wang¡¯s chess friend had no idea what Father Wang was talking about, but Father Wang did. Father Wang smiled at his friend. ¡°That wasn¡¯t what I meant. I have something on. Does anyone want to continue this game for me? Or you guys could start a new game. Oh right, can I borrow your phone? I was in a rush to get out of the house today and I just realized that I forgot to bring my phone with me. Do you mind lending me your phone?¡± If his friend minded, Father Wang was willing to fork out some money to rent his phone for a short while.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll lend you my phone. But hurry and move aside. Someone else has to take your ce.¡± Father Wang¡¯s chess friend did not insist on continuing the game with Father Wang. Actually, these old men were not exceptionally close to Father Wang either. In fact, Father Wang had always been a rather arrogant old man who often bragged about his brother-inw¡¯s status, which family his wife was from, and how brilliant his son was.

    Who wouldn¡¯t be sick of listening to such words?

    The neighbors did have some understanding of the Zhu family¡¯s conditions. It was just that they didn¡¯t think that having Zhu Chengqi leave all of the family¡¯s assets to Wang Yang just because he had no children of his own was something to be proud of. It felt as though they were taking advantage of someone else¡¯s death. If Zhu Chengqi had a son of his own, Wang Yang would never have gotten so lucky.

    But such was life. No matter how sessful Wang Yang became in the future, it had nothing to do with his own talent or abilities. It was all thanks to the Zhu family.

    Father Wang already had an air of superiority to begin with, acting as though the Wang family was about to make it to the top. Once that happened, the Wang family would be on apletely different level aspared to their neighbors. Before that happened, these neighbors had better know to appease and tter him. Only then would he be willing to help their children once his son made a name for himself.

    Nothing was even certain yet. Father Wang¡¯s confidence was ridiculous!

    Father Wang¡¯s attitude was truly annoying. After all, they were all the heads of their own households and were pampered just as well by their own families. As such, no one had ever forced themselves to get close to Father Wang. Since Father Wang had taken the initiative to break into their circle of friends and had even gotten rid of that air of superiority he had had previously, there was no reason for them to exclude or remain prejudiced against him. After all, a game of chess required only ¡®brains¡¯, not the ¡®heart¡¯. There was nothing wrong with simply being chess friends with no other feelings involved.

    After some time, everyone¡¯s attitudes toward Father Wang had gradually improved. As such, his friends were willing to lend their phones to Father Wang. His friend barely even lifted his head before whipping his phone out from his pocket and handing it over to Father Wang slightly impatiently.

    It had taken a few days but Father Wang had finally managed to borrow his friend¡¯s phone. Father Wang could not help but wonder when he had be so useless. He had been under the control of that Zhu woman for most of his life. Even now that they barely had many more years to go, that woman had tightened her control over him. She had kicked up such a big fuss over a single phone call.

    He shook those thoughts out of his mind. Although he was reluctant to believe it, this was indeed a true reflection of his life now. Father Wang¡¯s eyesight had deteriorated and he spent some time reciting Wang Yang¡¯s phone number. He could not help but breathe out a sigh of relief. He had memorized it well. ¡°Hello, Wang Yang. It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    Hearing his dad¡¯s voice, Wang Yang¡¯s voice was no longer as cordial as it had been before. In fact, his tone was much colder than usual. Father Wang had always felt that Mother Zhu had spoiled Wang Yang. That was why Wang Yang had distanced himself from him and the Wang family. Thinking about what Mother Zhu had told Wang Yang before, Father Wang red up at how obediently Wang Yang was to his mother. In the past, Wang Yang had always listened to him instead of that Zhu woman. Wang Yang was disgracing him and the entire Wang family. ¡°Wang Yang, what¡¯s with that attitude of yours? Don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯ve really taken your mom¡¯s words to heart? Don¡¯t you remember what your grandpa did for you while he was still alive?¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang, it¡¯s not right to be so heartless. If your grandpa hadn¡¯t stepped in to protect you then, do you think that you would have gotten away with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matter? Those gangsters were mobs. After making such a huge mistake with the will, shouldn¡¯t you understand that Zhu Chengqi isn¡¯t an easy person to deal with? If even one of those gangsters had been caught by Zhu Chengqi, do you think Zhu Chengqi would have been willing to acknowledge you as his nephew? He would have disowned you a long time ago!¡±

    If Zhu Chengqi had disowned his nephew, Wang Yang, a long time ago, there was no way Wang Yang would have gotten so close to bing the master of the Zhu family!

    ¡°Wang Yang, your grandpa treated you so well, and so has the Wang family. You can¡¯t be so heartless. Your mom¡¯s shortsighted and only remembers that she¡¯s a Zhu. She¡¯s forgotten that she¡¯s married into our Wang family. How can she keep talking about how much the Wang family has benefitted from the Zhu family? You can¡¯t learn from your mom. Besides, you¡¯d better forget everything your mom told you. You aren¡¯t allowed to lose thiswsuit. Your uncles¡¯ and cousins¡¯ futures were all brought down because of your involvement in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s matter. You owe it to them. Don¡¯t you think you should return the favor?¡±

    Wang Yang was not at all surprised that Father Wang had made a call just to say these words. In fact, Wang Yang had thought that it was strange how Father Wang had waited so many days before doing so. If this had happened in the past, Wang Yang might have listened to his father. But now, things were different.

 Chapter 2323 - The Fight (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2323: The Fight (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Who wasn¡¯t selfish? Who didn¡¯t want to live a better life?

    Father Wang was simply hoping to be a great hero in the Wang family through his son, Wang Yang. As for how much effort Wang Yang had to put in, or how arduous the path was, Father Wang did not care about it at all. In the same vein, Wang Yang, who didn¡¯t feel a strong sense of belonging to the Wang family, felt that his own future was the most important.

    All these years, he had indeed gotten quite a lot of help from Zhu Chengqi. Of course, there was no way he couldpare to Zhai Sheng. Butpared to his uncles and cousins from the Wang family, they were miles apart.

    He could even say with no sense of remorse that there was no one who was more promising than him in the Wang family. In fact, he had always been the one taking care of the Wang family. When had the Wang family ever taken care of him?

    What Father Wang cared about was the entire Wang family. What Wang Yang cared about was much simpler. He knew that it would definitely be a great help to himself if his uncles and cousins did well. After all, he needed people he could trust if he wanted to expand his business.

    The problem was that Wang Yang¡¯s end goal of helping the Wang family was ultimately benefiting himself, not the Wang family. What he was most concerned about was his family living well.

    As such, it was obvious that there was no way Father Wang was ever going to instill the idea of benefitting the entire Wang family in Wang Yang, especially after Wang Yang had taken his mother¡¯s words to heart.

    Wang Yang leaned back against the sofa, no longer feeling that sense of remorse or the need to make it up to the Wang family as he had before. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m thirty-seven this year, not seventeen, much less three years old. Do you really think I¡¯m a toddler you can speak to like that?¡±

    In the past, Wang Yang had never been willing to think too much about the matter. Besides, it was true that the Wang family had invested quite a lot in protecting him. But now that Wang Yang had calmed down and thought more about the matter, Wang Yang realized that his father and histe grandpa had been treating him like a fool, especially his dad, who was trying to coax him as though he was coaxing his mom.

    Uponing to this realization, Wang Yang had been terribly heartbroken. In fact, he had been as devastated as the time he had lost thewsuit to Qiao Nan.

    Father Wang had put in quite a lot of effort into marrying Mother Zhu. Everyone knew that the Zhu family had not been particrly happy with this union, but the Zhu family¡¯s daughter had taken a fancy to this boy from the Wang family and had insisted on marrying him. No one knew exactly how much of a fuss the Zhu family¡¯s daughter had kicked up, but the result was the Zhu familypromising and allowing her to marry him.

    Wang Yang had heard about this before. In fact, Wang Yang thought that his father was pretty impressive for being able to coax his mom in this manner. Father Wang must have thought that he would not have to work so hard since he had such a powerful family as his inws.

    Unfortunately, Father Wang was not bold enough and was a rather reserved man. He liked the Zhu family¡¯s daughter but was afraid of the men of the Zhu family. As such, he had not dared to burn his bridges by doing anything too extreme. The only thing he could do was to cajole the Zhu family¡¯s daughter with his sweet words, so much so that she would insist on marrying only him.

    Mother Zhu was different. The men in the Zhu family loved girls, so Mother Zhu had been spoiled by her father and brother while growing up, and she was especially stubborn and brave. There was nothing she dared not do, only things she never thought of. Father Wang had never overstepped his line, but the Zhu family had always stood in the way, preventing them from getting married. Because of that, Mother Zhu had directly told her family. ¡°If you guys stand in the way any longer, just wait and see. I¡¯ll get pregnant in a few months¡¯ time. Then, the Zhu family will be a joke to everyone!¡±

    Mother Zhu knew that the Zhu family would never stop her once she got into an intimate rtionship with Father Wang.

    At that time, Grandma Zhu had already passed away, and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother had passed away after giving birth to Zhu Baoguo. As such, Mother Zhu was the only female in the entire Zhu family. Because of that, there was no female who was in the position to have a good chat with Mother Zhu. As her father and brother, there was no way the men of the Zhu family could possibly ask Mother Zhu if she had indeed slept with Father Wang.

    Of course, it was inconvenient to talk to Father Wang about this matter too. In the end, Zhu Chengqi had not been able to hold himself back anymore and had simply punched Father Wang. Because Father Wang had wanted to get married to Mother Zhu, he had not dared to bring up the matter. When Mother Zhu saw his bruised and swollen face, Father Wang had simply lied that he had fallen and injured himself.

    With Mother Zhu¡¯s courage, the couple had finally gotten married.

    From all these events, it was not difficult to see that the Wang family actually feared the Zhu family. Even though Mother Zhu had married into their family and had given birth to Wang Yang, the men in the Wang family had never dared to provoke Mother Zhu. After all, Mother Zhu was the Zhu family¡¯s only daughter.

    If anyone in the Wang family really dared to anger Mother Zhu, they had to live in fear of Zhu Chengqi taking revenge for his sister. If the Zhu family cared so much about a useless daughter like Mother Zhu, it went without saying that they would treasure their only grandson, Zhu Baoguo, even more.

    In the past, Wang Yang had not thought much about it. He had simply thought that he had killed Zhu Baoguo because he had gotten thugs to beat Zhu Baoguo up. If the Zhu family were to find out about it, his grandfather and uncle would definitely disown him and would even get back at him. Now that Wang Yang had thought things through, he knew that things would never have been this simple.

    If the Zhu family had really found out that he had something to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, he might have gotten unlucky, but the Wang family would definitely have been in a disaster. Before getting married, his mom had always been the one raising Zhu Baoguo. As such, his mom loved her nephew dearly.

    Based on this rtionship, his mom had always told him that Zhu Baoguo was his biological brother and that they had to get along well since they were family. It was alright to give in andpromise at times.

    Why did Wang Yang hate Zhu Baoguo so much? It was because Mother Zhu was the only person in the Wang family who would tell Wang Yang that he should be close to Zhu Baoguo since they were brothers. Apart from Mother Zhu, everyone else in the Wang family always told him that Zhu Baoguo was not as clever or obedient as he was. Even though he was half a Zhu, his surname was not Zhu. That was why he was not as fortunate as Zhu Baoguo.. In the future, all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets would go to Zhu Baoguo, and he would have to watch on by the sidelines.

 Chapter 2324 - Getting Angry For Nothing (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2324: Getting Angry For Nothing (1)</h4>

    It was because the Wang family had instilled such a belief in Wang Yang that he harbored such hatred toward Zhu Baoguo and always thought about getting rid of Zhu Baoguo so that he could inherit all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    At that time, he had been so shocked that he had simply taken the me for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. In fact, if the Wang family had not constantly spoken ill about Zhu Baoguo in front of him, he would never have heated Zhu Baoguo. In fact, he might very well have taken his mom¡¯s advice and be close brothers with Zhu Baoguo.

    It was entirely the Wang family¡¯s fault that he thought so negatively of Zhu Baoguo. He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around this. Did that mean that his uncles and grandpa had already been thinking of using him all this while?

    The Wang family had brought him astray, eventually culminating in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Because of his age, he would never have been punished severely even if he had been caught. On the contrary, the Wang family would definitely face the full force of the Zhu family¡¯s revenge if the Zhu family determined that the Wang family had caused Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    One was a stubborn and rebellious daughter who had insisted on going against her family¡¯s advice, while the other was their family¡¯s only grandson. Even a fool would know whose side the Zhu family would be on.

    There was no way the Zhu family would go easy on the Wang family just because Mother Zhu was the Wang family¡¯s daughter-inw. Since the Wang family had dared to nt such ideas in Wang Yang¡¯s mind, they should have been prepared to be attacked. There was no way the Wang family would be able to fight against the Zhu family. Although the Wang family¡¯s situation had improved over the years, it was nothing much for the Zhu family if they wanted the Wang family to be gone from the political scene.

    The Zhu family¡¯s anger would mainly be directed at the Wang family. Even as the ¡®main instigator¡¯, he might not even be punished so severely. Instead of saying that Old Master Wang had spent most of the family¡¯s savings on protecting Wang Yang by relocating those gangsters involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, the truth was that Old Master Wang was simply trying to protect the entire Wang family, especially his sons and grandsons.

    Old Master Wang had protected so many people, but it was always Wang Yang who became the subject and the only one Old Master Wang had saved whenever this matter was brought up. Wang Yang felt that his grandpa had done him a disservice.

    The funny thing was that he had been so gullible as to believe all this nonsense in the past. Every time his father brought this matter up in their conversations, Wang Yang would be incredibly touched and feel as though he had to win thewsuit against Qiao Nan. Then, he would return all of the Wang family¡¯s money to them.

    Twenty years ago, the Wang family had had some cash and resources and could have used them to pave the way for his uncles if they had not needed to help him. Thankfully, Wang Yang hade to his senses and realized that this was simply nonsense.

    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re living in the twenty-first century. It¡¯s been so long since the end of the Qing dynasty. Why are you still so old-fashioned and trying to butt in? When trees grow, they branch out. When Grandpa was still alive, you already split from your brothers to set up your own families. You¡¯re already a grandpa. We should care only about our own family. Why are you trying to do so much? The Wang family? That¡¯s a terribly heavy burden. If you¡¯re not tired and think you¡¯re capable, you can take it up. Anyway, I¡¯m not going to bear that burden.¡±

    If his dad had the ability to grow the Wang family¡¯s wealth, he could swear to the heavens that he would neverpete with his uncles or cousins for money. He would not even take a single cent.

    But forget about asking him to be a ve to the Wang family or being a cash cow for them. He was not so generous. He had his own family and his own son to think about. Even if he could earn more, the money would undoubtedly go to his son, not anyone from the Wang family!

    Father Wang had not even managed to persuade Wang Yang not to listen to his shortsighted mother and to unite together with his family before Wang Yang had gone on with his own philosophy. This angered Father Wang deeply.

    In the past, Wang Yang had never dared to speak to his father in this manner. He had always agreed with whatever Father Wang had said. At that time, Father Wang had been rather proud of his son, especially whenparing him to the children of his siblings. His son was outstanding and filial. Compared to him, his siblings were living such miserable lives.

    But this son, whom he had always been proud of, had changed. One could imagine Father Wang¡¯s shock at that. ¡°Wang Yang, who gave you the right to talk to me like that? Was it your mom? Or was it your dead uncle? Only the Zhu family has the right to be so demanding toward us! Even someone with half of the Zhu family¡¯s blood doesn¡¯t have the right to do so! Didn¡¯t Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will bring you to your senses? You¡¯re a Wang. Don¡¯t be mistaken! Do you really think you¡¯re a Zhu?¡±

    Father Wang hated the Zhu family the most but was most delighted about having married the Zhu family¡¯s daughter and having a son who was a grandson of the Zhu family.

    Whether it was in the past or now, there was no one else who dared to disrespect Father Wang apart from the Zhu family, whom he had had to bow down before even after being punched in the face. Even Wang Yang, who was a descendant of the Zhu family, had to listen to him. Wang Yang had never been rebellious like other children, and he had always been obedient to his father.

    Before he could even get the chance to persuade Wang Yang, Wang Yang had made his stance clear and had distanced himself from the Wang family. In fact, Wang Yang¡¯s attitude made it clear that he thought that the Wang family hadn¡¯t done much for him and that there was nothing wrong with treating the Wang family in this manner. If Wang Yang had been standing in front of Father Wang, Father Wang would definitely not have spared his son from a beating.

    If he went easy on Wang Yang, Wang Yang would never realize that he had to listen to his father at all times!

    It was unfortunate that Wang Yang was miles away, and the father and son were speaking over the phone. Most ridiculously, Father Wang was not even using his own phone but his friend¡¯s!

 Chapter 2325

    <h4>Chapter 2325: Getting Angry For Nothing (2)</h4>

    Wang Yang was not at all surprised by his father¡¯s response. After all, he had exposed the truth behind the Wang family having supposedly protected him after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. ¡°Dad, this doesn¡¯t seem to be your phone number. Have you changed your number? Don¡¯t tell me that you borrowed someone¡¯s phone. We¡¯re having a long-distance call. Don¡¯t forget to pay that person for it. It¡¯s not too nice to use someone else¡¯s phone for a long-distance call. If there¡¯s nothing else, we can chat another time. Thewyer¡¯s here. I have some things to discuss with him.¡±

    What was there to discuss? Of course, it was about thewsuit with Qiao Nan so that he could get back the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    Wang Yang knew that his dad had always looked down on his mom, feeling that she had been yed by a useless man even though she had such a great family background. But Wang Yang knew that his father would never dare to go against his mother no matter how much he looked down on her. Just like now, even though his uncle, Zhu Chengqi, was gone, his father could not even hold on to his own phone once his mother decided so.

    They had all be used to this since that was the way things had been all these years.

    Wang Yang was their son. As such, Wang Yang did have an understanding of Father Wang. One was his mother, while the other was his father. Wang Yang didn¡¯t see anything wrong with his father taking advantage of other women, but that was not the case since Mother Zhu was his mother!

    As such, Wang Yang had never thought of correcting his dad even when his dad had simply been pretending to be afraid of Mother Zhu. Eventually, that pretense had turned into reality. Anyway, his father was afraid of his mother, who had been loyal to his dad all along. There was nothing wrong with that.

    Since that was the case, it wouldn¡¯t cause much of a problem in their lives.

    After hanging up, Wang Yang looked as though he had been relieved of a huge burden. Now, he was no longer fighting thewsuit for the entire Wang family or his father¡¯s sake. It was for himself. There was no longer the need for anyone else to interfere in the matter.

    ¡°Dear, are you alright? What did Dad say?¡± Li Yayan was truly afraid of her father-inw, Father Wang. Whenever she heard his voice, Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but shrink her neck. The only time Li Yayan had ever held her head up high in front of her father-inw was the day she had given birth to her son. ¡°Dad¡­ Dad is just angry over thewsuit. Don¡¯t take his words to heart. His tone is horrendous no matter who he speaks to nowadays. Dear, I¡¯m really sorry for being so useless. I was timid and couldn¡¯t be of any help¡­¡± That was why he had been scolded.

    Hearing Li Yayan¡¯s words, Wang Yangughed. His father might have been scheming toward him, but he had a very good biological mother as well as a good wife. With these two women by his side, things didn¡¯t look too bad. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You should have heard what I told my dad too. My dad is terribly afraid of my mom. He won¡¯t dare to make too much of a fuss in front of her. I won¡¯t take his words to heart. As for thewsuit, I¡¯ll try my best to win it for my own sake as well as our son¡¯s future.¡±

    He didn¡¯t wish for his son to have to work as hard as he did or to bepared to another kid his whole life. If that were the case, he would always be resentful of the fact that he was smarter and more outstanding than other children but still have to tter others just because of their statuses.

    No, he wouldn¡¯t let that happen. He would do his best to let his son enjoy a high status. That way, his son would have the highest standing amongst all his friends.

    He would never let his son go through the humiliation he had. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Li Yayan stared at Wang Yang nkly. ¡°Is it really okay?¡± She had not dared to listen to what Wang Yang had said to her father-inw in detail, but it wasn¡¯t hard to tell from her father-inw¡¯s tone that he was angry. Every time her father-inw got upset, he wouldsh out at others, whether it was her or his biological son, Wang Yang.

    She had been blessed by marrying Wang Yang. Compared to other ¡®brilliant¡¯ mothers-inw, her mother-inw was quite good. The only thing that bothered Li Yayan was her father-inw, Father Wang, who was old-fashioned, stubborn, and fierce. As long as things did not go his way, he wouldsh out at them mercilessly.

    The problem was that neither she nor Wang Yang was a child. In fact, their own son was all grown up. It was alright for her father-inw to reprimand them at times at home, but he did that even when they had guests over!

    And he dared to talk about his family? Was it not embarrassing just because they were all Wangs? Where did these ridiculous idease from? Such situations were even more embarrassing!

    But Li Yayan had no other choice since she didn¡¯t have a good family background. No matter how much she resented her father-inw for being so insolent, she dared not rebel against him. After all, Father Wang did not even spare his own son or grandson. Wang Yang was Li Yayan¡¯s standard. Since Wang Yang behaved in this manner in front of Father Wang, Li Yayan had no choice but to treat him respectfully too.

    It could be said that Father Wang was the only imperfection in her blissful life after her marriage.

    As she scolded her father-inw, she felt that there was no way Wang Yang enjoyed being lectured either since he was already a father himself. As such, Wang Yang had to be afraid of Father Wang, just as she was.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I know what to do. Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re right. If I want to further my career in the capital, we have to bring our son over. Then, I¡¯ll bring my mom over too. You won¡¯t mind, right? My mom was the one who raised our son. She probably won¡¯t be able to leave him, and neither will he want to be separated from her.¡±

    Li Yayan was much less ufortable with her mother-inw than she was with her father-inw. Even though her mother-inw had led her son to speak ill of her in the past, she knew that her father-inw was the main instigator behind it, not her mother-inw. When her son was born, her mother-inw had no intention of raising her son on her behalf. It was only after her father-inw said something that her mother-inw insisted on keeping her son by her side.

    In order to take care of Zhu Chengqi, she had moved to the capital with Wang Yang. At that time, her mother-inw¡¯s first reaction had been to ask about what would happen to her grandson.

 Chapter 2326

    <h4>Chapter 2326: Getting Angry For Nothing (3)</h4>

    Were they intending on leaving him behind for her to raise him? Or was he following his parents to the capital?

    Initially, Li Yayan had not understood her mother-inw, Mother Zhu. But as time passed, Li Yayan gradually started to understand Mother Zhu¡¯s thoughts. Her son rarely had the chance to visit the Zhu family, but her son recognized his great-uncle, Zhu Chengqi, through photos. Based on that, it was not difficult to understand that Mother Zhu hoped for her grandson to get close to Zhu Chengqi, letting him y with Zhu Chengqi.

    At that time, Li Yayan had thought that it would be good if that were the case.

    After all, she had been taking care of Zhu Chengqi with Wang Yang for a few years. During that time, Zhu Chengqi had been lukewarm toward them. But there was no way he would be able to remain so indifferent to a cheerful and upbeat little child. While both she and Wang Yang had started to take care of Zhu Chengqi because of their own motives, her son had not.

    That would be a great opportunity for them!

    If her son could grow up by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side, it would fine if Zhu Chengqi decided to give all his assets to her son instead of Wang Yang. After all, her son was still young and needed a guardian. If the Zhu family¡¯s assets were to go to her son, Wang Yang would be able to use it all the same. She thought that her son would be able to curry the favor of Zhu Chengqi more easily than them, and the n would be a sess.

    But her father-inw refused to use such a brilliant strategy.

    She knew that her mother-inw had thought of doing so but had eventually changed her mind because of her father-inw¡¯s influence. Because of this, Li Yayan had honestly been resentful toward her father-inw.

    Because of the will, Father Wang had scolded Wang Yang for refusing to marry Qiao Nan even when he had known that Zhu Chengqi cared about Qiao Nan and had intended to acknowledge her as his goddaughter. If he had done so, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered what kind of will Zhu Chengqi left behind.

    What was the point of finding a woman who looked like Qiao Nan? A daughter-inw like Li Yayan waspletely useless to the Wang family.

    Could Li Yayan possibly not be resentful upon hearing that? She did not think that she wascking in any way, nor did she think that Wang Yang had made a mistake by marrying her. It was true that she had not been able to help Wang Yang much in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s matter. The problem was that she had already given birth to a lovely son. It was just that her father-inw was reluctant to send her son over to Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side.

    Anyway, Zhu Chengqi had never had much interaction with Qiao Nan. The difference was that her son could have grown up by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side. She believed that Zhu Chengqi wouldn¡¯t have been so heartless toward her adorable son.

    It was only because her father-inw ridiculed Zhu Chengqi for having no sons or grandsons by his side even though he held a high position that he refused to allow her son to be by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side. Her father-inw had never been able to beat Zhu Chengqi his whole life, but being a grandfather was something that Zhu Chengqi could never have.

    What did they mean by sessful people didn¡¯t care about the minute details? When men got petty, they were often much more extreme than women. Just because he had wanted to show his grandson off to Zhu Chengqi, they had wasted a perfect opportunity. And now, her father-inw had the guts to push the me to her and Wang Yang! Li Yayan was infuriated.

    But Father Wang had the final say in the Wang family, so Li Yayan had never dared to pin the me on him even though she knew that he was in the wrong. If nothing else, it was because Wang Yang had always stood on his father¡¯s side no matter how badly his father berated him. Because of Wang Yang¡¯s attitude, Li Yayan had not dared to stir up any animosity between Wang Yang and his father.

    Thankfully, Li Yayan felt that her chance had finallye. Leaving her mother-inw aside, it seemed like it would no longer be so difficult to deal with her father-inw. ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t object. I know that Mom loves our son dearly. Mom has spent so much time and effort raising our son. In fact, we can¡¯t evenpare to her in that aspect. You know that I¡¯m like a young child sometimes. If I have to take care of our son alone, I¡¯m afraid that something might happen. It would be great if Mom coulde to the capital to help me out.¡±

    As long as her mother-inw got away from her father-inw, she felt that her mother-inw would definitely be more ¡®normal¡¯.

    ¡°But dear, you only mentioned Mom. What about Dad?¡± This time, Wang Yang was truly furious at her father-inw. But was he really going to disown him? If that was the case, Li Yayan thought that it was his karma!

    She had always thought that Wang Yang was truly filial to his father. Not only had Wang Yang excelled in school, but he had even done well in his career with some help from Zhu Chengqi. But he had never once been praised by her father-inw. In fact, her father-inw always lectured him for not being good enough.

    She thought about her own family. Her younger brother was useless. He had floated through school and was just getting by now. He had depended on his sister to get his job and even relied on his parents to give him money to get a wife. He could afford to do nothing at all and rx while his family members arranged everything for him. Her younger brother was so useless, and yet, he dared to throw tantrums in front of their parents,ining that they didn¡¯t give him enough money and that he wasn¡¯t a civil servant. He did not even need to work hard to get a pretty wife. If he couldn¡¯t get a wife, it was entirely his parents¡¯ fault for not providing for him.

    Even so, her younger brother lived like an emperor in her family. On the other hand, Wang Yang was like an ox in the Wang family.

    Comparing her younger brother and Wang Yang, Li Yayan¡¯s heart went out to Wang Yang even if the other person was her own biological brother. In the past, Li Yayan had not dared to say anything for fear of ruining her rtionship with Wang Yang. But the day she had always been waiting for had finally arrived. She would finally get to take her revenge.

    ¡°My dad¡­¡± At the mention of Father Wang, Wang Yang¡¯s tone grew a lot colder. ¡°My dad is especially concerned about my uncles and cousins. He can¡¯t let go of them. My dad¡¯s so old. I can¡¯t possibly be so selfish as to ask him to move to the capital for my sake. Since he likes his rtives so much, I¡¯ll be a filial son and ede to his request. Then, I¡¯ll just give him a bigger allowance. There are so many people in the Wang family. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll take good care of my dad.¡±

 Chapter 2327

    <h4>Chapter 2327: Precious Darling (1)</h4>

    If he were to bring his dad over from Ping Cheng, he might very well be the criminal who tore apart his dad¡¯s rtionship with his family. He would never do such a ¡®terrible¡¯ thing.

    Li Yayan¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Yes, I think that¡¯s good. You can make the decision on this. Then, if Dad insists on spending his retirement in Ping Cheng, we¡¯ll respect his decision. We¡¯ll just give him a little more money. Most importantly, Dad should live well. Don¡¯t you think so, dear?¡± Compared to her father-inw¡¯s attitude and actions in the past, Li Yayan felt that she had fulfilled her duty as a daughter-inw.

    Wang Yang knew just how much Li Yayan had suffered at the hands of Father Wang. At that time, he had still been muddleheaded and thought that his dad was in a tight spot himself. After all, he had not helped the Wang family much all these years. It was because of his ipetence that his father owed so much to the Wang family. If he was more capable, he would have taken over the Zhu family a long time ago and helped the Wang family as well. It was only because his father was too stressed that he was short-tempered and vented his anger on Li Yayan.

    So, what should he do?

    His dad was an old man, while he still had a long way ahead with Li Yayan. As such, it was only right for him to appease the elderly before appeasing his wife. Wang Yang had not forgotten about any of this. What Wang Yang had not expected was to have the chance to protect his wife, Li Yayan, even before allowing his dad to hold his head up high before the Wang family.

    After all, it wouldn¡¯t be long before their family would be able to live together without being apart.

    Wang Yang patted Li Yayan on the shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s do as you said. My dad will be happier with those people. As long as he¡¯s happy, I¡¯m happy.¡± He was curious about whether the Wang family would continue treating his father in the same way, respecting him if he no longer returned to Ping Cheng and decreased his contact with the Wang family. Would his father really be happier without his son?

    Of course, he hoped that whatever his dad had done for the Wang family would be worth it. Although he did not think of himself as part of the Wang family, it would be good if the Wang family had sons who were worthy of his dad¡¯s sacrifice. In that case, he wouldn¡¯t feel so sad or hurt about what his dad had done in the past.

    The couple was chatting happily, and their rtionship was even stronger than when they had first gotten married. Of course, the Zhai family, who had won thewsuit, had no worries at all. All they cared about was raising the three children well.

    ¡°I knew that that Wang guy wouldn¡¯t give up so easily. The Wang family already dared to employ all sorts of underhand methods to marry the Zhu family¡¯s daughter. Sigh. Thatdy must be a fool. She¡¯s already a grandma but she¡¯s still so muddleheaded. Why can¡¯t she see that she¡¯s been sleeping next to a wolf?¡±

    Miao Jing had a strong opinion toward Mother Zhu. She felt that the Zhu family must havemitted serious crimes in their past lives to have gotten such an unfilial daughter like Mother Zhu. It didn¡¯t even matter that Mother Zhu had gotten married to a wolf. But because of her marriage, she had brought so much bad luck upon her entire family. Such a brilliant child like Zhu Baoguo had been killed because of that. When Mother Zhu passed on, she would probably not have the face to meet any of her rtives.

    Miao Jing, who had just be a grandmother, felt something piercing her heart the moment she imagined her grandchildren being killed like Zhu Baoguo just because someone had betrayed them. How she wished she had a chopper to kill all those who dared to kill her grandchildren.

    Yes, this was awful society. But this was devastating nheless. She would much rather give up her own life to get revenge for her grandchildren.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Feeling that Miao Jing¡¯s expression was a little strange, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but call out to Miao Jing. Seeing that Miao Jing had no response, Qiao Nan patted Er Bao on the backside and shoved her heavy son into Miao Jing¡¯s arms. ¡°Er Bao, kiss Grandma.¡±

    By now, not only could the three children understand some words, but they could even act out the corresponding actions. The moment Er Bao heard those words, he immediately puckered up his lips and pulled himself up while grabbing onto his grandma¡¯s clothes before nting a kiss on his grandma. Then, heughed sweetly.

    Miao Jing felt as though an exceptionally warm and soft thing was pressing against her, and the moist feeling on her cheek made her burst out in a smile. ¡°Oh, Grandma¡¯s Er Bao. Are you kissing Grandma, or are you washing Grandma¡¯s face? Grandma can probably save on washing her face today.¡± Her three grandchildren had a lot of saliva indeed.

    ¡°Yeeya?¡± Er Bao babbled and his expression as he tried to act mature was especially funny. He wouldn¡¯t let himself go on a monologue. Every time he said a few sentences, Miao Jing had to give him a reply, even if it was just a one-worded response. Then, Er Bao would go on with his speech again. Er Bao had not even grown up nor started to speak properly yet, but the Zhai family had already learned that Er Bao was a chatterbox.

    ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s the case. Er Bao, why are you so smart?¡± Miao Jing was patient. Even though she did not understand a single thing that Er Bao had bbered, she instinctively praised him. Er Bao might not have recognized anything else, but he did recognize his grandma¡¯s praises.

    Hearing his grandma praise him, Er Bao nodded vigorously, agreeing. Miao Jing felt as though all her troubles had disappeared upon seeing how adorable her grandson was. ¡°Aiyo, Grandma¡¯s good Er Bao. Grandma loves Er Bao the most.¡±

    Er Bao kicked around in his grandma¡¯s embrace as though he was a little frog.

    Every time Er Bao did this, Qiao Nan felt as though her heart was going to leap out of her chest. After all, the three children had grown significantly in size and Qiao Nan felt as though her arms were going to break after carrying them for a while. If she felt this way, how would Miao Jing feel when Er Bao did this?

    If not for the elderly couple standing in the way, Qiao Nan would have reprimanded her children a long time ago. Even so, Qiao Nan often lectured the children behind the elderly couple¡¯s backs and instructed the children not to do that. As the three children grew, not only had they gotten heavier, but they had also gotten stronger. It was tiring enough for the adults to carry them when they were being obedient. Once they got mischievous, it was impossible to carry them properly if one wasn¡¯t strong enough.

 Chapter 2328

    <h4>Chapter 2328: Precious Darling (2)</h4>

    Then, it wouldn¡¯t be good if either the children or the elderly couple got injured.

    Having been lectured by Qiao Nan, the three children understood that their mother disliked them moving about when they were being carried. It was just that Er Bao was particrly active. Besides, he was still young and his memory wasn¡¯t particrly good. When Er Bao got too excited, hepletely forgot about what his mom had taught him previously.

    This time, Er Bao had once again forgotten about his mother¡¯s words. He was being his joyful little self and had no idea how his mother was preparing to hit his backside while his grandparents were looking.

    Just like it had been in her dream, Er Bao had been more active. Sometimes, he was even clingy. Were children like that not attractive and eye-catching? Apart from the only girl in the family, San Bao, the one whom Miao Jing carried the most was the loveable Er Bao. Thankfully, Da Bao was not forgotten. Although he had not caught his grandma¡¯s attention, he received his grandpa¡¯s sole devotion.

    It was not that Zhai Yaohui disliked Er Bao and San Bao. It was just that Da Bao was the eldest among the triplets and had a simr temperament to Zhai Sheng. Zhai Yaohui always said that there was no need for him to worry about Er Bao or San Bao with Da Bao around. As long as they raised Da Bao well, the Zhai family would never fall. As long as Er Bao and San Bao had Da Bao around, there was no need for them to worry.

    When Zhai Yaohui carried Da Bao, he didn¡¯t y with Da Bao like how Miao Jing yed with Er Bao or San Bao. He simply carried Da Bao without moving. asionally, he would take out the models made by Zhai Sheng to teach Da Bao to identify the different types of airnes, tanks, and even theponents of guns.

    Every time that happened, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help butugh at Zhai Yaohui. Da Bao couldn¡¯t even call out for his mother, and yet, Zhai Yaohui was teaching Da Bao all these in hopes that Da Bao would be familiar with military terms the moment he started speaking!

    Even if they thought that their grandchildren were geniuses who picked up things very quickly, Zhai Yaohui was being overly enthusiastic.

    Even so, Zhai Yaohui had never been discouraged by Miao Jing¡¯s ridicules. He was simply doing some early education. It was not as though he was truly hoping that Da Bao would learn anything from it. The more Miao Jingughed, the more Zhai Yaohui felt that it was good for him to interact with Da Bao in this manner. Da Bao was not as noisy as Er Bao, and he would watch his brother and sister with those round eyes of his as they yed as though he was their guardian angel.

    When he held Da Bao in his arms, Da Bao¡¯s eyes would always follow him as he taught Da Bao. Humph! Who said that Da Bao didn¡¯t understand what he was saying? He felt that Da Bao understood him perfectly well. Thinking about how Da Bao would always reach out to hold those models in his hand and y with them after his ¡®lecture¡¯ as though he was consolidating his knowledge, Zhai Yaohui was even more proud.

    Only he as a grandpa would be able to cultivate such a good seedling like Da Bao. Miao Miao would only drag Da Bao down. The current situation couldn¡¯t be better. His daughter-inw would raise San Bao, Miao Miao would care for Er Bao, while he would teach Da Bao!

    After assigning everyone their tasks, Zhai Yaohui turned his full attention to Da Bao. Zhai Yaohui, who was happily giving Da Bao his early education, had no idea that his grandson was already sick of him. It wasn¡¯t just Da Bao who was interested in those toy models. Even Er Bao and San Bao liked them too. Once the children had them in their hands, they all had the same reaction: stuffing them into their mouths.

    Da Bao was in a hurry to y with those toys, but his grandpa refused to hand them over and would even go on his own monologue. His grandpa wouldn¡¯t even let him have it when he tried to snatch them over. The second time it happened, Da Bao understood that he would have to be a filial grandson and let his grandpa have his chance to finish his speech.

    As such, whenever Zhai Yaohui described the models, Da Bao would listen with a serious expression, blinking and nodding from time to time. When Zhai Yaohui¡¯s jaw stopped moving, Da Bao knew that it was time for him to y. Sigh. It was tiring ying with his grandpa. Er Bao and San Bao had it good. Their grandpa had no desire to y with them. Could he share his grandpa¡¯spany with them?

    Zhai Sheng, who had juste downstairs, reached his hands out to carry Er Bao out of his grandma¡¯s embrace. Miao Jing was annoyed. ¡°Go! Go!¡± Zhai Sheng shared simr views with Zhai Yaohui. San Bao was the family¡¯s only girl, so it went without saying that she would be raised like a princess. Sons were different. Boys had to be raised to be tough men.

    Er Bao was lively and made much more noise than San Bao, attracting the adults¡¯ attention. Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but worry that he would be overly pampered by his grandma. It was alright for girls to be a little spoiled, but boys, especially his sons, couldn¡¯t afford to be spoiled in the slightest bit.

    ¡°You have a heavy hand. Er Bao¡¯s still young. Don¡¯t carry him. Move aside.¡± If she were to hand Er Bao over to Zhai Sheng, she wouldn¡¯t have any grandchildren to carry. This rascal, Zhai Sheng, didn¡¯t dare to fight with his father nor anger his wife, so he was trying to bully his mom? ¡°Er Bao, do you prefer Grandma carrying you? Yes, Grandma likes carrying Er Bao. Let¡¯s not let your dad carry you.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Zhai Sheng was helpless. To gain her grandchildren¡¯s affection, she had put her own son down. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t spoil Er Bao. Our Zhai family¡¯s boys have to be tough.¡± This would only make the children develop bad habits and believe that these words were the truth.

    As he said that, Zhai Sheng scooped Er Bao up from Miao Jing¡¯s embrace as though he was reeling in a fishing before seating Er Bao on his muscr leg.

    Now, Er Bao despised his father. His grandpa hardly carried him, but his grandma¡¯s embrace was soft, and his mother¡¯s embrace was soft and fragrant. His dad¡­ It was hard and ufortable.

    Er Bao wriggled, trying to escape from his father¡¯s embrace to find his mother or San Bao. Seeing Er Bao¡¯s actions, Zhai Sheng nipped the problem in the bud by trapping Er Bao between his calves. Er Bao, who did not crawl very well to begin with, could no longer run away. After trying in vain a few times, he fell and his temper finally erupted and he burst out in tears. Dad was a big bully!

 Chapter 2329

    <h4>Chapter 2329: Precious Darling (3)</h4>

    After Er Bao cried, he looked at Qiao Nan tearfully and sought help from his beloved mother.

    Qiao Nan was both angry and amused. She didn¡¯t understand why Zhai Sheng was always so fierce in front of his son and thoroughly carried out the role of a strict father. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t take Er Bao away from Zhai Sheng. However, after being husband and wife for two lifetimes, if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any means to deal with Zhai Sheng and save her son, she would really have lived these two lifetimes for nothing.

    Qiao Nan put the San Bao in her arms into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. Indeed, with the addition of a fragrant daughter, even if Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much, his actions became gentler.

    Did he think that Qiao Nan would stop after this? No, it was still early.

    With Zhai Yaohui¡¯s permission, not only did Qiao Nan carry Da Bao, but she also put him in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. The cold Zhai Sheng suddenly had three babies in his arms. When the triplets were separated, they were quite obedient. The problem was that when the triplets got together, they had an unspoken chemistry to do bad things together.

    It was unknown if Da Bao was helping Er Bao vent his anger, but before Da Bao grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s shirt and stood up, he had gnawed at Zhai Sheng¡¯s face with his millet teeth. Even if this wouldn¡¯t scratch his skin, it still hurt a little. With a few bites, Da Bao left his love mark on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face. San Bao treated herself as a ball, rolled her fleshy body around, and kept bumping into Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest. Not only could Zhai Sheng not be calctive toward San Bao, but he even had to prevent San Bao from knocking him out and protect her from falling.

    Even if it was Zhai Sheng, he was also a little flustered when all three children attacked him at the same time. It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t bear toy a hand on the children. It was simply because they were still young and couldn¡¯t understand his words. As such, the tactics he used in the army didn¡¯t work at home at all.

    Seeing Zhai Sheng in a sorry state because of the triplets, Qiao Nan and Miao Jing smiled unkindly. Miao Jing only wanted to say that it served him right. Who asked Zhai Sheng to bully the younger ones? As a father, he even bullied Er Bao, his son. Now, he was attacked by his own sons and daughter. Yes, just like that. Da Bao, bite him harder!

    Even if Miao Jing didn¡¯t say anything, based on her expression alone, Zhai Sheng could guess that his biological mother was rooting for her grandchildren to bully him. In the face of such a mother, Zhai Sheng had nothing to say.

    In his mother¡¯s heart, his father used to be the most important. Now, it was naturally the triplets. He and Zhai Hua could only find someone they could love by themselves. Upon thinking about this, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t feel as indifferent or angry as before. He silently cast his gaze at Qiao Nan, who was standing next to him. She was gentle andughing lightly, and her eyes seemed to be filled with stars. Compared to the divorced Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng was quite satisfied with his current lifestyle. At least, he was luckier than Zhai Hua. Aside from Qiu Chenxi, he had found the right person for himself.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know how Zhai Sheng was feeling now. When Zhai Sheng looked at her like that, she felt a little guilty. There wasn¡¯t a choice. Qiao Nan carried Da Bao, who was the fiercest and least talkative, out and patted his back so that he could calm down. ¡°Da Bao, be obedient. How can you bully Dad together with Er Bao and San Bao like this? Have you forgotten that Dad had yed with the three of you yesterday? He even fed the three of you milk today.¡±

    In other words, the three children could be said to becking conscience for bullying Zhai Sheng like this.

    Da Bao, who had yed too much previously, yawned in his mom¡¯s fragrant arms and suddenly felt sleepy. Indeed, it was too exhausting to y with an adult. He was going to take a nap.

    As Qiao Nan reached into Da Bao¡¯s shirt, she found that there was already a thinyer of sweat on Da Bao¡¯s back. Qiao Nan hurriedly asked the auntie to bring a hot towel over. ¡°Da Bao¡¯s sleepy. I think Er Bao and San Bao will soon be sleepy too. I¡¯ll wipe the sweat off Da Bao first. Brother Zhai, I¡¯ll leave Er Bao and San Bao to you.¡± When it came to serving the three children, Qiao Nan might be more proficient, but she couldn¡¯tpare to Zhai Sheng in terms of speed.

    After wiping the sweat off the three children, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t really coax them. They slept soundly like piglets. Upon seeing that they were asleep, the adults hurriedly ced them in the nursery so that they could sleep well.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, when will the second trial with Wang Yang begin?¡± No one found it strange that Wang Yang wasn¡¯t willing to give up and decided to appeal. However, no matter what kind of attitude Wang Yang held, Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence would naturally not change.

    ¡°About one or two monthster.¡± Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t as busy with work recently. A number of soldiers who were under him were leaders now, especially the brothers he had brought out when he was young. They were now at the rank of a battalionmander at least. With these people helping him train new soldiers and execute tasks, Zhai Sheng felt at ease.

    Zhai Sheng could slowly let go of things in the army now. He would naturally shift more of his focus to his little family. The three children were growing up. Zhai Sheng was already considering what kind of school to enroll them in. There were quite a number of schools in the capital. If he really wanted to find a good one for the children, it wasn¡¯t easy.

    In the past, Zhai Sheng never thought that he would have to do such a thing. Now, even if he hadn¡¯t thought about it, he had to do his homework. He had to learn more about the kindergartens in the capital and pick one that was suitable for the children to grow and develop themselves.

    As such, what Zhai Sheng read the most recently wasn¡¯t the information about thewsuit with Wang Yang but the information about all the kindergartens in the capital.

    ¡°Oh. By then, Sister Zhai Hua should be bringing Jiajia over to our house to y. When Jiajia¡¯s here, the triplets should be quite happy that there¡¯s a rare older sister who wants to y with them.¡± Even though Jiajia had returned to Ping Cheng, as long as she had time, she would call the Zhai family from time to time. Although the triplets were still young and couldn¡¯t address anyone or say anything, Jiajia insisted onmunicating with her younger siblings.

    What was amazing was that when the three children were facing the mobile phone, they would automatically yell spontaneously without having Qiao Nan teach them. After hearing the voice of another person from the phone, they felt that the phone was such a strange thing. Did a sister live in it?

    After having a phone call with Jiajia once, the three children knew that once they yelled at this small phone, there would be an older sister who would be calling their names and chatting with them.

 Chapter 2330

    <h4>Chapter 2330: Very Good Taste (1)</h4>

    The four children could chat for twenty minutes at once. Even the adults were speechless. It was truly wonderful that Jiajia could chat with the three children for such a long period of time.

    Speaking of Jiajia, Zhai Sheng frowned. ¡°When Jiajia¡¯s here, keep a closer watch. I feel that Jiajia has been spending too much time with Zhai Hua recently that she¡¯s been led astray. The triplets can¡¯t be as crazy as Jiajia.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s evaluation of Zhai Hua had never been particrly high. After Zhai Hua insisted on marrying Wei De, Zhai Sheng felt that Zhai Hua didn¡¯t have a high IQ. Jiajia was initially such a nice and clever child. After hanging out with Zhai Hua, her biological mother, a lot, she seemed to have contracted Zhai Hua¡¯s stupidity.

    Miao Jing rolled her eyes at Zhai Sheng. ¡°If Hua Hua hears your words, you siblings can get ready for another fight again. Who wouldn¡¯t think that their child is the best? Jiajia¡¯s still an obedient child. Why is your evaluation of Jiajia so low? You should be thankful that I¡¯m old and don¡¯t have the energy to take care of you like when I was young. Otherwise, I would have gotten the auntie to find the feather duster so that I can give you a good beating. Is there any uncle like you who says that of his own niece?¡±

    Miao Jing might not be as close with Jiajia as she was with the triplets. After all, the triplets had grown up with Miao Jing, whereas Jiajia didn¡¯t have a lot of time to interact with Miao Jing. Because of what happened in the past, Miao Jing had missed out on Jiajia¡¯s growth process. To that, Miao Jing felt like she owed her a lot.

    Upon hearing how Zhai Sheng evaluated Jiajia and that he was afraid Jiajia would lead the triplets astray, Miao Jing had the mood to beat Zhai Sheng up.

    Zhai Sheng felt helpless. He didn¡¯t despise Jiajia or say that she was a bad child. However, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t specifically sure what caused Miao Jing to be angry.

    In the end, Qiao Nan helped Zhai Sheng exin things. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry. Brother Zhai doesn¡¯t mean anything else. You shouldn¡¯t know that there¡¯s a popr saying on the inte now, right? It¡¯s called giving birth to a child for the sake of having fun. Jiajia prepared a lot of things for the triplets, like a princess dress and the clothes of a prince. She seemed to want to y cosy with them at a young age. The triplets are still young. How would they know all of these? These are all Jiajia¡¯s interests.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was worried that his niece would y too much with his children.

    Zhai Sheng was a man in all seriousness. After knowing that Jiajia bought those messy and expensive clothes for the three children, he disapproved of them. Aside from asional fun, such bright and shiny costume-like clothes were not suitable for everyday wear.

    Whoever wore this as everyday wear would definitely be regarded as crazy.

    Jiajia was already a high school student. Even if she was stressed, she couldn¡¯t relieve her stress by ying with his three children. ying like this was a waste of both time and money. On the surface, Zhai Sheng looked like a strict father torturing his three children. However, that wasn¡¯t considered torture. He was just training them. On the contrary, if Jiajia really yed with the triplets in this manner, Zhai Sheng would definitely not allow it. He was afraid that his three children would y too much with his niece.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts were much simpler. She heard from Zhai Hua that Jiajia¡¯s thoughts were filled with her younger brothers and sister so much that it was like she was possessed by the devil. They had to think of ways to help Jiajia, a high school student, concentrate on more serious things. If Jiajia¡¯s wishes came true and they yed too hard, it would be more difficult for Jiajia to withdraw her concentration from the triplets.

    As such, what the couple didn¡¯t understand was how Zhai Hua thought as a mother. They were just Jiajia¡¯s uncle and aunt, but they cared so much about her studies. Why was it that Zhai Hua could spoil Jiajia so much? No matter how expensive these clothes were, she didn¡¯t care and just bought them so that Jiajia could be happy. It was alright no matter how scattered Jiajia¡¯s thoughts were or how much they were unfavorable to her studies, as long as Jiajia was happy.

    It was unknown if Zhai Hua had the mentality to make up to Jiajia after the divorce as she had caused her to be a fatherless child. Seeing the mother-daughter pair in such a state, Qiao Nan was quite worried and afraid that things would develop in the opposite direction when they became extreme. As such, Qiao Nan had chatted with Zhai Sheng before to see if he could find a chance to have a good chat with Zhai Hua and take care of her current situation. If things didn¡¯t work out, she could arrange for Zhai Hua to see a psychiatrist so that she could be enlightened.

    Jiajia wasn¡¯t a three-year-old child. She was supportive of Zhai Hua¡¯s and Wei De¡¯s divorce back then as well. As such, something was wrong with Zhai Hua¡¯s attitude. If this continued, the situation would change into something dangerous.

    After hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, Miao Jing understood where Zhai Sheng¡¯s evaluation of Jiajia came from. Miao Jing was a little embarrassed for misunderstanding her biological son as she was too nervous over Jiajia. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me this situation earlier? Hua Hua is at fault as well. She shouldn¡¯t have pampered her child in such a manner. Jiajia¡¯s young. As a student, it¡¯s most important for her to study hard. Even if we don¡¯t ce a lot of importance on Jiajia¡¯s grades in school, it¡¯s not wrong for her to be more serious in her studies. A student should have the attitude of a student. It¡¯s not good for her to be so distracted.¡±

    Miao Jing was only happy that Jiajia liked the triplets. She was thinking that as long as Jiajia had a good rtionship with the triplets, even if she and Zhai Yaohui passed away in the future, she didn¡¯t need to worry about Zhai Hua and Jiajia anymore. Furthermore, they never thought that Zhai Sheng would have no conscience and just watch from the side coldly if Zhai Hua were to run into any trouble in the future.

    It was just that if the four children from the next generation of the two families had a good rtionship, it would naturally be better as their rtionship would be stronger and more stable.

    It was understandable for her as an elderly to dote excessively on her favorite grandchildren. Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui were very reasonable old people. Once they knew that their son and daughter-inw were doing this for Jiajia¡¯s good, how would they have any other opinions? They naturally agreed with them.

    Although she was not only a mother with a son and a daughter but was also a grandmother, Miao Jing knew that she always had a problem. From being a mother to a grandmother, she had always been confused. Her son and daughter gradually grew up. However, she didn¡¯t seem to have contributed much and they had just grown up by themselves.

    She was an unsessful mother. As a grandmother, she didn¡¯t have much experience of raising a child to share with Zhai Hua, her daughter.

    What made Miao Jing feel relieved was that her son had good taste and married Qiao Nan. Miao Jing felt that Qiao Nan knew how to be a mother and was a woman naturally born to be a mother.

 Chapter 2331

    <h4>Chapter 2331: Very Good Taste (2)</h4>

    See, their triplets had been raised well by Qiao Nan. Even though Qiao Nan was always busy with her studies, the three children were still close to their mom. If Qiao Nan had not put enough effort into raising them, they would never have been so attached to her.

    Children were the purest. They didn¡¯t use their eyes to judge a person, but their hearts.

    As a mom who couldn¡¯t raise her children well, Miao Jing had no right to demand Zhai Hua or Zhai Sheng to be good parents. Miao Jing had not even felt it when Zhai Hua and Jiajia had been in a bad ce, so there was no way she could expect Zhai Sheng to be that alert either.

    It went without question that Zhai Sheng had only noticed because Qiao Nan had reminded him. That was enough. Her daughter-inw cared for Hua Hua and Jiajia. Where else would she find such a good daughter-inw?

    Those who said that the Zhai family was blind to have allowed Zhai Sheng to marry this sort of woman were the ones who were blind. She had never needed to worry when theypared their children, much less when theypared their daughters-inw. She dared to say that Nan Nan was the best daughter-inw in the entire quad.

    It wasmon for those daughters-inw with high educational qualifications and good family backgrounds to kick up a fuss the moment they married into the families. Only their family had gotten even more tight-knitted and united after Nan Nan had married into their family.

    Thinking about how Zhai Sheng had had such good judgment and had found himself such a good wife, Miao Jing no longer looked at Zhai Sheng with an using gaze. In fact, she looked at Zhai Sheng so kindly that he couldn¡¯t help but get goose bumps. ¡°Mom, you can just let me know if you need me to do anything. Don¡¯t look at me like that. It feels awkward.¡±

    The only one who could make the chief feel this way was his mom, Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing had intended on scoffing at Zhai Sheng but eventually held it in. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just thinking about how you have good judgment in marrying Nan Nan.¡± No, more precisely, he had never had better judgment in his entire life than when he had insisted on marrying Nan Nan. Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Zhai Sheng had suddenlye to his senses and had insisted on marrying Qiao Nan.

    God knew that Miao Jing had suspected more than once that her son liked men instead of women.

    If that turned out to be true, what would she do? Should she object to Zhai Sheng¡¯s decision for the sake of the Zhai family¡¯s reputation? Or should she allow her son to find a partner as long as hey low for the sake of his happiness? Then, Zhai Sheng would, at least, have someone by his side when she and Old Zhai passed away.

    Looking back at those times, Miao Jing¡¯s expression changed. Miao Jing¡¯s gaze toward Qiao Nan was no different from the Big Bad Wolf eyeing Little Red Riding Hood. It was Qiao Nan who had changed Zhai Sheng¡¯s mind. To exaggerate a little, Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s savior and benefactor.

    Without Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng would still be an old bachelor, and neither would she have three adorable grandchildren to carry.

    Qiao Nan shivered a little under Miao Jing¡¯s gaze and she hid behind Zhai Sheng as she whispered, ¡°Brother Zhai, what¡¯s with Mom? She was looking at you with this gaze and now, me. Did I do something wrong?¡±

    After all, she had only brought up Jiajia¡¯s matter because she was concerned about Jiajia and Sister Zhai Hua.

    Seeing that his wife had scared his daughter-inw, Zhai Yaohui knew that Miao Jing truly liked Qiao Nan and that his son had chosen the right partner. But as a husband, Zhai Yaohui had to admit that Miao Jing¡¯s gaze was indeed frightening. It was no wonder his daughter-inw could not handle it. ¡°Miao Miao, I want to eat some fruits. Why don¡¯t you get some from the kitchen?¡±

    Their daughter-inw was part of their family, but what if she ¡®ran away¡¯ because of Miao Miao¡¯s gaze?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go get it.¡± As a hardworking daughter-inw, Qiao Nan would never sit around and wait to be served when her father-inw had any needs.

    Miao Jing waved Qiao Nan off. ¡°I¡¯ll go. I¡¯ve been sitting for a long time while ying with the children. My legs are sore. It¡¯s good for me to get some exercise by cutting some fruits. Otherwise, I¡¯ll feel even sorer.¡±

    Since Miao Jing said that, and because Zhai Sheng pulled her back, Qiao Nan did not insist on it and allowed Miao Jing to cut some fruits with the auntie.

    After Miao Jing left, Zhai Yaohui finally spoke up. ¡°You two should keep an eye out for Zhai Hua. In other families, older sisters are like mothers. But I¡¯ll have to trouble you a little in our family. Zhai Hua has been pampered ever since she was young. She doesn¡¯t behave like a mother even now that she¡¯s a mother. It¡¯s¡­ hard on you two.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words were directed at Qiao Nan. It was only because of her that Zhai Sheng was praised too.

    Parents understood their children best. When Zhai Yaohui said that Zhai Hua had been spoiled and didn¡¯t act like a mother, the reality was that Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation was not much better.

    The only difference between the siblings was that Zhai Sheng had had good judgment and had married the right person. As such, Zhai Sheng would gradually learn to be a good parent to the three children under Qiao Nan¡¯s influence.

    Obviously, Zhai Hua¡¯s luck had been much worse. She had not been mature enough, and neither did she know how to be a good parent. Unfortunately, she had met Wei De, who was equally irresponsible as a parent. That was how they hadnded up in such a state today.

    Because of her partner, Zhai Hua had not gotten the chance to mature or grow. It was difficult but important to find the right life partner.

    Knowing just how important Qiao Nan was, Zhai Yaohui knew that it was all thanks to Qiao Nan that Zhai Sheng was learning to be a good father. What Zhai Yaohui was thankful for was Qiao Nan¡¯s generosity. She was not in the least bit petty and was even willing to care for her husband¡¯s sister. Not every daughter-inw was willing to do that.

    Zhai Yaohui agreed with something that Miao Jing had said. All those who hadughed at the Zhai family for allowing an old woman into their family were fools. No one could tell on a surface level whether a daughter-inw was good.

    Only by living with them would they be able to find out what kind of woman their sons had married.

    ¡°It¡¯s not tough at all.¡± Qiao Nan was not a robot without feelings. She could feel that her father-inw had kept his gaze on her the whole time, without even sparing Zhai Sheng a nce.

 Chapter 2332

    <h4>Chapter 2332: Very Good Taste (3)</h4>

    Qiao Nan felt a little ttered that she had received both her mother-inw and father-inw¡¯s adoration.

    They were family. Besides, she had been best friends with Sister Zhai Hua in her dream. Zhai Hua hadn¡¯t seemed like her sister-inw at all. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings toward Zhai Hua had not changed even in reality. If not for the fact that Shi Qing was reluctant to ept Qiao Nan, their rtionship would have been just as passionate as it had been in her dream as well.

    At the mention of Shi Qing, Qiao Nan¡¯s mood worsened. Ever since Shi Qing had turned up for her wedding to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan had never seen Shi Qing again. As the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, it was naturally much easier for Qiao Nan to find out about Shi Qing.

    It was because of this that Qiao Nan knew that Shi Qing had never met Zhu Baoguo, and her heart had remained firmly on Zhai Sheng all these years. In fact, her love for Zhai Sheng had never changed and had even gotten stronger over the years. In her dream, Shi Qing had told Qiao Nan that her feelings toward Zhai Sheng were more idtrous than romantic.

    But in this lifetime, even though she had never interacted with Shi Qing, Qiao Nan was sure that Shi Qing was in love with Zhai Sheng and dreamed of getting married to Zhai Sheng and having children with him.

    But there was only one Zhai Sheng. Besides, she loved Zhai Sheng too. Qiao Nan had never been particrly heroic. After all, everyone had a selfish side to them. She couldn¡¯t possibly give up Zhai Sheng for Shi Qing¡¯s sake just because of the friendship that they had shared in the dream, while she remained single for the rest of her life.

    She had not snatched Shi Qing¡¯s happiness away from her by getting married to Zhai Sheng. After all, in the ten to twenty years before she had appeared, Shi Qing had not made any progress with Zhai Sheng either.

    Understanding that, Qiao Nan could only care for Shi Qing from afar. She knew that Shi Qing had no intention of getting married, even though Shi Qing was older than her. In addition, before she had given birth to the triplets, Shi Qing had adopted an unweaned child from the orphanage to raise as her own.

    It could be said that Shi Qing¡¯s current condition was one of the reasons Qiao Nan hated Wang Yang and couldn¡¯t let him off. If Wang Yang had not caused the death of Zhu Baoguo, Shi Qing would have gotten married. Zhai Sheng had always treated Shi Qing as his younger sister. Once Shi Qing met Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan was sure that Shi Qing would insist on being with him, just as she had in her dream.

    With a husband like Zhu Baoguo, the Feng family would never dare to continue bullying Shi Qing or taking advantage of her, forcing her to start a new life in the military.

    In short, everything could be linked to Wang Yang indirectly. It was truly difficult for Qiao Nan to have any good feelings toward Wang Yang at all, much less let Wang Yang off or even give him some benefits and end thewsuit.

    Wang Yang had ruined so many lives as well as the happiness of so many people, especially when Zhu Chengqi passed on¡­ Qiao Nan was determined not to split the inheritance with Wang Yang. In fact, he had better not even dream of getting a single cent from her. She would much rather donate the Zhu family¡¯s assets to the country than let Wang Yang have the bargain.

    Qiao Nan was never going to change her mind on this matter. She knew that thewsuit had only been temporarily paused. Given Li Yayan¡¯s and Wang Yang¡¯s tempers, it wouldn¡¯t take a few days before Li Yayan woulde to find her.

    It was true that one could not speak ill of others behind their backs! Qiao Nan had just had such a thought and she actually bumped into Li Yayan the very next day in school! Of course, this was no coincidence. ¡°Qiao Nan, it¡¯s been a long time. I know that you have sses in the afternoon and won¡¯t go home for lunch. Shall we have lunch together?¡±

    Qiao Nanughed while carrying her books. ¡°What status are you eating with me as?¡±

    Li Yayanughed bitterly. ¡°When did you find out about my identity?¡± She had thought that she had concealed it well, but she had been so foolish. Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. It wouldn¡¯t take Qiao Nan much effort to investigate something at all.

    ¡°Quite early on.¡± After all, she had simply asked Brother Zhai, who had immediately given her an answer. In order to fight thewsuit against Wang Yang, Brother Zhai had learned of the details of the Wang family and knew them like the back of his hand.

    Li Yayan was infuriated. ¡°You knew that I was Wang Yang¡¯s wife, but you didn¡¯t expose me and instead chose to befriend me and eat with me? So, have you been treating me like a clown all this while?¡±

    Qiao Nan had no idea where Li Yayan¡¯s extreme ideas came from, but she had no intention of exining herself. ¡°You are the one who approached me first. Are you the only one in this world allowed to treat others like fools? Are others not allowed to retaliate?¡± It was Li Yayan who had gotten close to her with her ulterior motives and yet, she was now ming Qiao Nan for not having pure intentions!

    It was ridiculous that she believed that one could steal a horse while others could not look even over a hedge.

    Li Yayan was speechless at that because she knew that Qiao Nan was not wrong. In fact, she was the one at fault. ¡°Since we¡¯ve cleared the air, are you still willing to eat lunch together?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the canteen.¡± The school canteen was a public ce. She wouldn¡¯t be able to control where Li Yayan wanted to sit. Simrly, Li Yayan had the freedom of speech. She had no right to stop Li Yayan from expressing whatever she wanted to.

    Li Yayan was not particrly stupid and could read between the lines.

    As such, Li Yayan ordered a portion and sat right in front of Qiao Nan, watching her eating ravenously. ¡°You¡¯re the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. I heard that your parents-inw like you very much and have left the Zhai family¡¯s affairs to you. You¡¯ve won thewsuit and you¡¯ve suddenly chanced upon so much money. Qiao Nan, why are you still pretending by eating in such a filthy and run-down ce? Let¡¯s both tell the truth. It¡¯s tiring and meaningless to keep up this pretense.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Li Yayan. ¡°You¡¯re the one putting up a pretense, not me. I¡¯m not tired. Isn¡¯t it all thanks to your husband that the Zhu family¡¯s assets are being held up? Where am I supposed to get my money from then? Besides, we can¡¯t be spendthrifts just because we have money. I really think that the food in the school canteen is more affordable and delicious than what¡¯s sold outside.¡±

    How stupid she would be to spend more money eating outside just to show off her status. Qiao Nan could not wrap her head around Li Yayan¡¯s worldviews.

 Chapter 2333

    <h4>Chapter 2333: Retribution Is Here (1)</h4>

    Li Yayan¡¯s lips twitched as she was left at a loss for words. Thinking about Qiao Nan¡¯s experience, Li Yayan had always thought that Qiao Nan would act like a nouveau riche upon marrying into the Zhai family. After all, her social status had risen so drastically. It was only normal for Qiao Nan to go crazy.

    But Qiao Nan did not cherish her good fortune. Her life had not changed much even after marriage. Li Yayan had no clue why Qiao Nan had to maintain such an attitude. Was Qiao Nan not materialistic at all?

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know why I¡¯vee to look for you today. Qiao Nan, not everything I said to you before was false. My situation is simr to yours. No, I should say that I¡¯m much worse off than you in every way. Qiao Nan, you can¡¯t deny that my family background is much better than yours. It¡¯s just that Zhai Sheng has a higher status than Wang Yang. You were even warmly weed into the family by your parents-inw after getting married. As for me? As long as I¡¯m with my father-inw, he¡¯ll definitely scold me nonstop for the entire day. He looks down on me and thinks that I dragged Wang Yang down.¡±

    At the mention of this, Li Yayan was upset. The Zhai family didn¡¯t despise Qiao Nan, and they even treated her as though she were a treasure. So, what right did her father-inw have to look down on her? Whether it was Qiao Nan ordies with even higher social statuses, there might not even be anyone who was willing to marry into the Wang family because Wang Yang had such an unreasonable and demanding father. It was annoying that he looked down on others when he wasn¡¯t too outstanding himself.

    ¡°In the past, I always thought that my parents-inw were bad and they were all against me. But I eventually realized that my mother-inw was influenced by my father-inw. Not everyone is equal. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re living a much better life than me. After getting married to Wang Yang, I¡¯ve always felt very stressed. Even though I¡¯ve given birth to a son, my life hasn¡¯t gotten any better. Qiao Nan, can you help me? To you, helping me means nothing. I¡¯m begging you. I just want to live morefortably.¡±

    Qiao Nan could only sigh that she wasn¡¯t particrly kind. Or perhaps, it was because she had gone through Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi¡¯s torturous training that Li Yayan¡¯s words meant nothing to her now. ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t want others to make sacrifices that would benefit them?¡±

    ¡°But the Zhu family¡¯s assets don¡¯t belong to you. Wang Yang is Zhu Chengqi¡¯s biological nephew. Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t have a son, and all he had left were his younger sister and nephew. If not for you, they would have been the rightful inheritors. Qiao Nan, you shouldn¡¯t be so heartless. It¡¯s immoral to snatch what rightfully belongs to others, so don¡¯t put yourself on a pedestal. Besides, since we¡¯ve already lost thewsuit, we¡¯re willing topromise too. As long as you¡¯re willing to give Wang Yang what he deserves, we won¡¯t be demanding or insist on a specific sum. We¡¯re already humbling ourselves before you.¡±

    This was the n that Li Yayan hade up with for Wang Yang.

    Yes, they could continue fighting thewsuit, dragging the matter on. But Wang Yang had a son, while Qiao Nan had two sons and a daughter. No matter how long they dragged it on, it would never change the result that Qiao Nan would be the rightful owner of the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    Initially, Wang Yang had thought that he would give Qiao Nan whatever he deemed fit. Now, Li Yayan felt that the situation was reversed. If they could convince Qiao Nan to give them an eight-figure sum, that would be good too.

    The Zhu family¡¯s inheritance was not a small sum. If Qiao Nan agreed but gave them a small sum of money, it wouldn¡¯t reflect too well on her either. Besides, since she had already agreed, there was no need to be so stingy and petty about it.

    No matter how vicious she had been with her words in the past, Li Yayan knew when to bow her head and humble herself. Otherwise, that eight-figure sum would never have anything to do with Wang Yang and would be Qiao Nan¡¯s alone. In Li Yayan¡¯s opinion, however much Wang Yang could get would be good enough for them. Qiao Nan might have gotten the Zhu family¡¯s assets from doing nothing, but wasn¡¯t Wang Yang doing the same? After all, Wang Yang was not a Zhu, and Mother Zhu had married out of the family.

    Having thought through that, Li Yayan dared not act tough in front of Qiao Nan. All she could do was to pretend to be pitiful so that Qiao Nan would let their family off.

    Li Yayan had made her intentions rather clear. If not for the will that Zhu Chengqi had left behind, Qiao Nan would never have had anything to do with the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Since Qiao Nan had lucked out with such a windfall, she had better not burn the bridges by iming the entire Zhu family¡¯s inheritance for herself while Wang Yang, who was actually a rtive of the Zhu family, got nothing at all. After all, Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and the wife of a chief. There was no need to ruin her own reputation for this sum of money.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, I haven¡¯t been married to Wang Yang for that long. Our son is still in kindergarten. I¡¯m not asking for much. I just hope that you¡¯ll give Wang Yang a way out. You¡¯re a mom too. Don¡¯t you think we have to think about our children? I wasn¡¯t entirely making use of you throughout our past interactions. I did have some feelings for you. I¡¯m begging you. The Wang family¡¯s situation isplicated. If Wang Yang goes away with nothing, he¡¯ll never be able to exin himself to the Wang family.¡±

    And his dignity woulde crashing down too.

    Wang Yang had somewhate to his senses with Mother Zhu¡¯s advice, but Li Yayan had not. She knew that the Wang family would definitely have something to say about Wang Yang if they were to fail in this matter.

    Li Yayan didn¡¯t want Wang Yang to have worked so hard for nothing, and neither did she want her son to grow up in such an environment. She knew that Qiao Nan would never agree to unreasonable demands. As such, they would simply take as much as Qiao Nan was willing to offer them. At the very least, that would be better than losing theirwyer¡¯s fees.

    Qiao Nan, who had finished her meal, took a sip of water. She felt that she might very well get indigestion if she were to continue listening to Li Yayan. ¡°Do you feel aggrieved for Wang Yang because Wang Yang was Chief Zhu¡¯s only nephew but Chief Zhu left all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to me instead of Wang Yang?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± No one could understand why Zhu Chengqi had done so. She had already said that Zhu Chengqi was an old foggy. Unfortunately, bothwyers and doctors could prove that Zhu Chengqi had made that will on his own ord while he was still sound.

    Wang Yang had absolutely been wronged in this whole matter. Zhu Chengqi was crazy!

 Chapter 2334

    <h4>Chapter 2334: Retribution Is Here (2)</h4>

    Otherwise, how could Zhu Chengqi have written a will that no one else could understand? Those who were nice sympathized with Wang Yang, while others simply ridiculed Wang Yang.

    ¡°You may not know it, but Zhu¡­ Uncle didn¡¯t have any other rtives left by his side. He was ill and needed someone by his side taking care of him at all times. My parents-inw have only one son, Wang Yang, but Wang Yang chose to leave the Wang family to take care of his uncle. Thankfully, my parents-inw have always been in good health, so we didn¡¯t need to worry too much about them. Wang Yang may be a good nephew, but he sure isn¡¯t a good son. He has never been so good to his own parents or my parents!¡±

    Li Yayan grew more agitated as she spoke, and she couldn¡¯t help but m the table, drawing some attention from others. Feeling the stares, Li Yayan reined in her temper and lowered her voice. ¡°Wang Yang sacrificed so much for his uncle. It doesn¡¯t matter what his motives are. Is there anything wrong in expecting his uncle to hand everything over to him? Of course, my husband has done nothing wrong, and neither have you. The only one to be med is his uncle who made that will. My husband took care of him like a son since he had no sons. How could he be so heartless toward my husband?¡±

    ¡°Yes, how can people be so shameless?!¡± Qiao Nan had to resist the urge to ssh the cup of water in her hands toward Li Yayan¡¯s face. She was indeed Wang Yang¡¯s wife. They were equally shameless!

    She had seen tons of shameless people, especially Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. She had always thought that those two women were the best of the best, but Li Yayan had suddenly turned up and refreshed Qiao Nan¡¯s knowledge and limit.

    Li Yayan was at a loss, having been suddenly scolded by Qiao Nan. ¡°You¡­ What do you mean? Are you saying that I¡¯m shameless?¡± Li Yayan felt that Qiao Nan probably didn¡¯t mean to say that. After all, she hadn¡¯t done anything too shameless. But from Qiao Nan¡¯s tone and expression, Li Yayan felt that her suspicions were right. Qiao Nan was indeed scolding her and Wang Yang.

    At that moment, Li Yayan could no longer hold it in. ¡°You took advantage of others but you dare to scold others like this! Qiao Nan, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going overboard?¡± She had better not think that she was above everyone just because she was the chief¡¯s wife. ¡°Qiao Nan, aside from thew, there are still morals in this world. If we get anyone to judge this matter, no one will ever think well of you. Besides, I¡¯ve already made myself clear. If we continue with thewsuit, it¡¯s true that we won¡¯t win. I¡¯m not making an unreasonable request. I¡¯m just hoping that you¡¯ll do what¡¯s right. Perhaps, Wang Yang might even have the chance to work with your husband in the future¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was being overbearing and aggressive now. What if Wang Yang got the chance to work with Zhai Sheng in the future? What would Qiao Nan do then?

    Qiao Nan pped her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re so full of yourself. Do you really think everyone else is a fool? I know very well who took care of Chief Zhu in hisst years. But was it really because Wang Yang thought of Chief Zhu as his uncle, who was even closer to him than his own parents, that he stayed by Chief Zhu¡¯s side to take care of him? He only did so because of the promise of a great reward at the end of everything. I¡¯m sure you know that better than I do.¡±

    Li Yayan¡¯s expression soured. ¡°So what if it¡¯s true? Even if we didn¡¯t have pure intentions in taking care of Uncle, at least we did what we had to do before he passed away. Let¡¯s reason it out. My husband and I took care of Uncle for such a long time. We had to fork out money for his hospital bills, medical bills, meals, and everything else. Even if all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets go to my husband, it¡¯s what he rightfully deserves since we¡¯ve sacrificed so much. On the other hand, you are being unreasonable.¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter what their true intentions were. Only when one sowed would one reap. Both she and Wang Yang had worked hard by taking good care of that old man in the few years before his death. Therefore, it was only right for Wang Yang to inherit all of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s assets after his death. Why should Qiao Nan be involved at all?

    ¡°Wang Yang took care of Uncle for a few years. Besides, he¡¯s a descendant of the Zhu family too. What¡¯s wrong with him inheriting the Zhu family¡¯s assets? But you have nothing to do with the Zhu family at all, and neither did you ever show up while Uncle was ill. Did you even take care of him for a single day? Do you really think it¡¯s fair for you to inherit his money while doing nothing at all? Do you think it¡¯s moral?¡±

    After putting in so much effort, how much Wang Yang got would depend entirely on Qiao Nan¡¯s mood. What was different was that Qiao Nan had never put in any effort in taking care of Zhu Chengqi and yet, she couldfortably receive her inheritance.

    There was truly no justice in the world.

    ¡°After saying all that, you¡¯re just after the Zhu family¡¯s money, right? Alright, maybe I wasn¡¯t clear enough before. Or perhaps, I didn¡¯t have the opportunity to make myself clear to you. Since you¡¯re here, I won¡¯t spare my words. I think it¡¯s a waste to be polite to you people from the Wang family. Anyone from the Wang family, including Wang Yang, had better not even dream of touching anything of the Zhu¡¯s, be it money or resources. Even if you just want money now, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m not giving you anything.¡±

    Qiao Nan was brutally blunt with her words. ¡°Once all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets are in my hands, not only will I not give anything to Wang Yang, but I¡¯d even donate all of the Zhu family¡¯s money rather than give it to that ingrate, Wang Yang. The Wang family has worked in vain all these years.¡±

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death very much had to do with Wang Yang. It was not because of his own good luck that he had gotten away with it but because the entire Wang family had helped him clean up his mess. This was what Zhai Sheng had discovered.

    After finding out about all these, Qiao Nan had no good feelings for anyone from the Wang family. It was already good enough that she didn¡¯t take the initiative to provoke them. The problem was that the Wang family was still hoping to get something out of her. How ridiculous!

 Chapter 2335

    <h4>Chapter 2335: Retribution Is Here (3)</h4>

    There was no need for the Wang family to even ask her about this. There was absolutely no way she would ever agree to it. It would, perhaps, be even faster if they dreamed about it instead.

    Not only had Qiao Nan disagreed, but she had even criticized the entire Wang family. At that, Li Yayan could no longer hold her true feelings in. ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t think you¡¯re so high and mighty. You snatched what is rightfully Wang Yang¡¯s and yet, you¡¯re criticizing the Wang family? How has the Wang family provoked you? In what way are they ingrates?¡±

    Li Yayan was reluctant to admit that Qiao Nan was clearly using Wang Yang. ¡°I¡¯m sticking to my guns. Wang Yang is only getting what he deserves. In fact, whatever he¡¯s getting is definitely less than what he deserves. Don¡¯t go overboard. I might just fight back!¡±

    She was not going to let anyone scold her husband under her watch.

    Mother Zhu shared the same thoughts. Father Wang had been infuriated by Wang Yang a few days earlier, and Wang Yang was no longer willing to let his father control him any further. Having given it some thought, Wang Yang thought that it would be better for Mother Zhu to bring her grandson to the capital for a family reunion instead of staying in Ping Cheng and getting influenced by the Wang family.

    After arriving in the capital, Mother Zhu¡¯s concern was still about thewsuit against Qiao Nan.

    Knowing that her daughter-inw, Li Yayan, was going to meet Qiao Nan, Mother Zhu followed without a second of hesitation. She wanted to see just how evil Qiao Nan looked. How had she managed to bewitch Zhai Sheng so much so that he had gotten married at his age and had even given birth to three children in the short span of a year?

    Since Mother Zhu had no clue about Li Yayan¡¯s n, she had not dared to show up for fear of ruining Li Yayan¡¯s n. Seeing the pair enter the school canteen and sitting down in a corner, Mother Zhu found a convenient spot to hide and eavesdropped on the conversation between her daughter-inw and Qiao Nan.

    Even though Mother Zhu had never looked down on Li Yayan like Father Wang, Mother Zhu agreed, for the first time, that it was not too bad for Wang Yang to have married Li Yayan after seeing how she was willing to humble herself for her son¡¯s sake. If this had been any other woman, they might not even have been willing to be involved in Wang Yang¡¯s matters, let alone run around and beg for mercy from others.

    If Li Yayan¡¯s performance was satisfactory to Mother Zhu, Qiao Nan¡¯s haughtiness and arrogance irked Mother Zhu terribly. It was exactly because she had seen what kind of person Qiao Nan was that Mother Zhu was even more confused as to why Zhu Chengqi had made such a will. Her brother must have been in the wrong state of mind to have decided to leave his inheritance to someone like that!

    Mother Zhu had already been infuriated, and the moment she heard Qiao Nan ¡®nder¡¯ the Wang family¡¯s name as well as her son, saying that her son was an ingrate, Mother Zhu could no longer hold it in. She rushed out and sat down beside Li Yayan, speaking to Qiao Nan in a stern voice. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re above everyone just because you married into the Zhai family. Everything you say has legal consequences. I dare you to nder my son again. My brother¡¯s will has really boosted your ego. What right do you have topare yourself to my son? What has Yang Yang done wrong? Why do you describe him as an ingrate?¡±

    ¡°M-mom.¡± Li Yayan was speechless. She had been having a good conversation with Qiao Nan, but her mother-inw had suddenly rushed out and was even fiercer than her. Li Yayan could not even grasp the situation for a moment. ¡°Mom, why are you here? Aren¡¯t you at home? Did you leave the child alone?¡±

    Of course, Mother Zhu would never be so careless with her grandson. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I found a good ce. Kang Kang won¡¯t get lost, but he¡¯s not the main point now. Is this the woman who bewitched my brother and is going to inherit his assets?¡±

    Seeing Qiao Nan, Mother Zhu was extremely disappointed. She couldn¡¯t see anything extraordinary about Qiao Nan. So, why had her brother gone crazy to make such a stupid will? It was ridiculous!

    ¡°What did you tell my brother? What did you feed him to make him lose all sense? Besides, what right do you have to donate the Zhu family¡¯s money instead of letting Yang Yang have a single cent? Who are you to have the guts to say such things?¡±

    Mother Zhu was fuming and there were too many things she wanted to scold Qiao Nan about. Not only had this old woman criticized her lovely son, but she had even set her eyes on the Zhu family¡¯s money and resources. There was no way Mother Zhu could remain silent in the face of this. She didn¡¯t even need Father Wang to push her on to act on this now that someone was trying to snatch her family¡¯s things.

    ¡°Yayan spoke to you nicely and humbled herself before you. She even let you make your own decision in this, but this is how you¡¯re treating her? Forget it that you¡¯re fierce, but you¡¯re so heartless! If you don¡¯t exin yourself clearly, I¡¯m not going to let this go!¡±

    Did she think that a simple apology would end everything after she had scolded others? Sorry, she would never let that happen.

    As Wang Yang¡¯s mother, she would never let Qiao Nan off if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t exin herself clearly.

    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± She knew that Mother Zhu was Zhu Baoguo¡¯s only aunt. Hearing that Mother Zhu was trying to seek justice for Wang Yang without even mentioning Zhu Baoguo, Qiao Nan felt that there was no need for any exnation on her part. Even if she did exin herself, no one would believe her anyway. After all, the Wang family had done a good job in cleaning up after themselves at that time.

    It had been a few decades since that incident. At that time, no one had managed to link Wang Yang to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Now that so many years had passed, almost all evidence had been destroyed. What could Qiao Nan say in front of Mother Zhu, who was Wang Yang¡¯s biological mother? ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve finished my meal. You two can continue with your conversation. I think that your retribution is finally here!¡±

 Chapter 2336

    <h4>Chapter 2336: The Truth That Came Late (1)</h4>

    Even though it had been more than twenty years since Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Wang Yang had better not think that he could live a blissful life after killing Zhu Baoguo. That would never happen.

    Mother Zhu quickly grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s elbow. ¡°You can¡¯t leave. You haven¡¯t made yourself clear. What has our Yang Yang done for you to criticize him in that manner? If it¡¯s really Yang Yang¡¯s fault, I¡¯ll definitely make him apologize to everyone. But if it has nothing to do with Yang Yang, you¡¯d better apologize to him. Besides, don¡¯t you think you should have a little conscience regarding thewsuit?¡±

    Mother Zhu was the Zhu family¡¯s daughter and had inherited their temper. While expressing her trust in Wang Yang, Mother Zhu had not forgotten about thewsuit. Mother Zhu would never forgo such a good chance of killing two birds with one stone.

    Having been stopped by Mother Zhu, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Mother Zhu was truly ignorant or if she was pretending to be stupid. Was Wang Yang so important to Mother Zhu that she could sacrifice her nephew, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life?

    After giving it some thought, Qiao Nan finally spoke up. ¡°You¡¯re Wang Yang¡¯s mom and you¡¯re a Zhu. You¡¯re Chief Zhu¡¯s only sister and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s only aunt, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Mother Zhu answered naturally, feeling that Qiao Nan had asked a strange question. Baoguo had passed on a long time ago, even before his father. Why was Qiao Nan asking about Baoguo, and not about whether she was her dad¡¯s daughter?

    Qiao Nan pursed her lips. ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mother passed away when he was born. Before he turned three, you were the one who raised him, so your rtionship with Zhu Baoguo was probably like one of a mother and son, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course. After my sister-inw passed on, I was the only woman in the family. I was the one who took care of Baoguo. I treated him like my son.¡± It was exactly because she had such deep feelings toward him that Mother Zhu had nearly cried her eyes out at Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, why were you so vicious to sacrifice Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life just to help Wang Yang get the Zhu family¡¯s assets? Auntie Zhu, you were the one who raised Zhu Baoguo. You said that you treated Zhu Baoguo like your son, so how could you let your younger son kill your elder son so that he could take your elder son¡¯s ce? Could it be that your feelings toward Zhu Baoguo and the Zhu family aren¡¯t that genuine? Did you forget that you are a Zhu for the sake of Wang Yang? Did you forget that the Zhu family was the one who raised you and gave you a bountiful dowry so that you could marry into the Wang family? Auntie Zhu, people shouldn¡¯t be so heartless.¡±

    This matter had hurt the entire Zhu family greatly. Of course, Wang Yang had hurt the Zhu family, but the one who had brought them the greatest pain was Mother Zhu.

    Wang Yang had grown up in the Wang family, so it wasn¡¯t strange for Wang Yang to be estranged from the Zhu family because of the Wang family¡¯s words. But Mother Zhu had grown up in the Zhu family, pampered by her father and brother.

    That was why Zhu Chengqi couldn¡¯t ept how Mother Zhu had been so indifferent to Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    Both Mother Zhu and Li Yayan were stunned and at a loss for words. Their jaws were opened so widely that flies could have flown in.

    Li Yayan could not regain her senses. Zhu Baoguo had died early and Wang Yang had never mentioned him simply because he was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son. As such, Li Yayan was truly ignorant of the fact that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death had not been so simple. In fact, it seemed like her husband even had something to do with it.

    No, it couldn¡¯t possibly be true¡­

    Although she did not have much understanding of the Zhu family, she knew that Zhu Baoguo was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son. It was because Zhu Baoguo had passed away in his teenage years that Wang Yang had the chance to inherit the Zhu family¡¯s assets. In that case, Li Yayan felt that Wang Yang did have a motive to attack Zhu Baoguo. The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.

    Zhu Baoguo had died in his teens, and Wang Yang was even younger than Zhu Baoguo! Wang Yang had done that to Zhu Baoguo at that age¡­ No, no. Wang Yang was her husband. They were one. How could she suspect her husband just because of an outsider like Qiao Nan? How could she misunderstand that Wang Yang had been so brutal to his own rtive at such a young age?

    It was murder! This was no game. Even at her age, she dared not even kill a chicken, much less a person! When Zhu Baoguo had died, her husband had been no more than a child. How could he have been bold enough or capable enough to kill someone? Qiao Nan should have made up a more believable lie if she wanted others to believe her!

    If Li Yayan thought that way, it was only expected that Mother Zhu was even more doubtful of that since she knew her son more than Li Yayan. ¡°That¡¯s enough. How could you say such things even if you want to take the Zhu family¡¯s assets for yourself? How did the Zhai family ept you with such a character? Baoguo¡­¡±

    Even though many years had passed, Mother Zhu still got upset every time Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death was mentioned. ¡°Baoguo¡¯s death has nothing to do with Yang Yang. If you don¡¯t know anything, you¡¯d better not spout nonsense. Anyone would find your words ridiculous. Although it¡¯s a family matter, it¡¯s been a long time since it happened. I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to tell you about it. But there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let Yang Yang take the me for them. When Baoguo was young, he had a bad temper and didn¡¯t like to study. He even got into thepany of some hooligans. I don¡¯t know why¡­ Those hooligans attacked our Baoguo¡­¡±

    Mother Zhu choked. Those tears weren¡¯t crocodile tears, and her nose was running too. She was no actress.

    Qiao Nan frowned. Mother Zhu was talking about what most people knew, but¡­ ¡°Do you really not know that your son was the one who killed Zhu Baoguo?¡± Was that even possible?

    Li Yayan stared at Qiao Nan. ¡°My mom¡¯s made it very clear. Zhu Baoguo was beaten to death by those hooligans. Why do you have to keep bringing my husband into the picture? Why don¡¯t you think about how old my husband was when Zhu Baoguo died?¡±

    Fine. Qiao Nan could not even get angry because both Mother Zhu and Li Yayan were useless. It wasn¡¯t strange for Li Yayan to be left out of the loop. There was no way the Wang family would have told a new daughter-inw like Li Yayan that Wang Yang had killed a person. After all, they had already managed to hide the truth for such a long time. What was the point of bringing it to light once more? Were they not afraid that Wang Yang would be caught?

 Chapter 2337

    <h4>Chapter 2337: The Truth That Came Late (2)</h4>

    But Qiao Nan could not believe that Mother Zhu knew nothing about this matter.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had always been resentful toward Mother Zhu. After all, Mother Zhu was part of the Zhu family and had grown up being pampered by Old Master Zhu and Zhu Chengqi. How vicious she had to be to betray her own family and remain silent even when she knew that her nephew had died a wrongful death. But who would have expected that Mother Zhu was not pretending? She was truly a fool!

    After understanding the situation, Qiao Nan continued. ¡°Yes. Zhu Baoguo was beaten to death by hooligans, but Wang Yang was the one who sought out those hooligans. Initially, he had not wanted Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life. He had just intended to let these hooligans lead Zhu Baoguo astray so that Zhu Baoguo would not make much of his life. I don¡¯t know what happenedter on, but Zhu Baoguo¡­ died.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang has to take full responsibility for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. I won¡¯t talk about why Wang Yang was disgruntled with Zhu Baoguo and had some ideas toward him at such a young age. I¡¯m sure you know why. Chief Zhu has already made himself very clear by handing all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets over to an outsider like me instead of Wang Yang now that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s gone. I¡¯m not afraid of being blunt. I¡¯m willing to give anyone things belonging to the Zhu family, except for Wang Yang!¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan picked her books up and headed for her ss without sparing Mother Zhu and Li Yayan, who were unable to handle the truth, another gaze.

    Mother Zhu was an utter failure for having been cheated and lied to by her son to such an extent.

    No wonder her godfather had never talked about his younger sister, Mother Zhu. He was all too clear that both he and Old Master Zhu were to be med for Mother Zhu¡¯s character. They had spoiled his sister. That was why he had no choice but to admit to his fate that he had spoiled his sister so much that he had lost his own son.

    ¡°Mom, Mom¡­¡± Qiao Nan heard Li Yayan¡¯s voice cry out before she could leave the area. She vaguely heard that someone had fainted, and someone shouting for others to call an ambnce.

    Of course, this was none of Qiao Nan¡¯s concern. What she needed to care about was her studies so that she could get a graduation certificate as soon as possible.

    But Qiao Nan¡¯s mood had also been affected because of meeting Li Yayan and Mother Zhu and talking about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. When Zhai Sheng arrived to pick his wife up, he noticed Qiao Nan¡¯s sullen face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did the Wang familye to look for you again? Didn¡¯t you say that you could deal with it? If it¡¯s really hard for you, I¡¯ll deal with it for you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was more than happy to help Qiao Nan solve these problems. It was just that Qiao Nan had not allowed him to do so in the past. As such, Zhai Sheng had chosen to respect her decision and had not brought up the matter again. But now that he saw Qiao Nan dispirited, Zhai Sheng was no longer willing to let Qiao Nan have her way.

    After getting in the car, Qiao Nan hugged Zhai Sheng¡¯s muscr arm and leaned over. ¡°I saw Wang Yang¡¯s mother today. It seemed like she knew nothing about how her son killed Zhu Baoguo. Thankfully, the truth won¡¯t remain hidden any longer. Although I can already guess the result, I can¡¯t help but feel bad for Zhu Baoguo.¡±

    One was her nephew who had died years ago, while the other was her precious son. There was no way a dead person couldpare to a living person. Even though Mother Zhu had not known about the link between Wang Yang and Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death earlier, she would never turn Wang Yang in now for the sake of her nephew, Zhu Baoguo.

    So many years had passed since that incident, and much of the evidence had already been destroyed. There was a low possibility of convicting Wang Yang of manughter.

    If even thew couldn¡¯t deal with Wang Yang, would Mother Zhu try all ways to send Wang Yang to prison? Forget it.

    In that case, it had been meaningless to let Mother Zhu know about the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Her reaction and attitude were bound to be disappointing. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but feel aggrieved on behalf of the three generations of the Zhu family¡¯s men. Mother Zhu said that she had raised Zhu Baoguo like a son, and of course, the reverse was probably true. Mother Zhu was probably like a mother in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s eyes too.

    Under such a situation, Zhu Baoguo had be the one whom Mother Zhu had abandoned. Qiao Nan was thankful that Zhu Baoguo was no longer around to face such a cruel reality. Otherwise, Zhu Baoguo would definitely be devastated in the face of such an aunt.

    Although she knew that, she couldn¡¯t help but feel heartache for Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nanpletely understood why Zhu Chengqi had left such a will, and the feelings he had had while doing so. He had been hurt too deeply. Zhu Chengqi was not just disappointed in his nephew, Wang Yang, but also his younger sister, Mother Zhu. As such, Qiao Nan had been the only one mentioned in his will.

    They were clearly the ones who had hurt others and disappointed others first. Not only had they not reflected on their mistakes upon hearing the contents of the will, but they had even med Zhu Chengqi for being muddleheaded! In the face of such a situation, Qiao Nan wanted to p their mouths. They should at least have a limit to their shamelessness!

    Qiao Nan was not going to go easy on these shameless people. She would say what she had to, scold them as they deserved, and provoke them as much as she should!

    After her lessons, Qiao Nan returned home to spend time with the three children, and Zhai Sheng told her. ¡°Mother Zhu¡¯s been hospitalized.¡±

    ¡°Did I anger her, or did Wang Yang anger her?¡± Qiao Nan was ying with San Bao and was not affected by Zhai Sheng¡¯s piece of news. After all, Qiao Nan had already guessed whom Mother Zhu would choose between Wang Yang and Zhu Baoguo. Perhaps, Mother Zhu had been hospitalized because of both her and Wang Yang.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan, who was hugging her daughter. The family of three was in a huddle.

    Unfortunately, such a warm scene was quickly ruined by two ¡®rascals¡¯. Upon seeing this situation, Da Bao and Er Bao immediately crawled to their parents¡¯ sides and did their best to squeeze into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms to break Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan apart.

    Feeling two chubby figures climbing onto her, Qiao Nan sighed. ¡°Brother Zhai, hurry and get your sons down. Your children are getting heavier by the day. My back can¡¯t stand it. Their calves are really powerful.¡±

    The moment Qiao Nan said that, Zhai Sheng frowned and wrestled Da Bao and Er Bao off Qiao Nan¡¯s back and ced them on the floor. ¡°Don¡¯t make trouble for your mom. If you¡¯re disobedient, I¡¯ll smack your backside.¡±

 Chapter 2338

    <h4>Chapter 2338: The Truth That Came Late (3)</h4>

    If they had been slightly older, he would have immediately thrown them into the army. That was the most reliable way.

    Having finally separated their clingy parents after a long time, Da Bao and Er Bao had no idea what their father was saying. They simply turned their backs and crawled toward Qiao Nan again, trying to squeeze with San Bao into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace.

    With no choice, Qiao Nan could only stretch her arms and make space for the three children. It was truly not easy for a petite woman like Qiao Nan to be hugging all three children at once. ¡°Brother Zhai, your three children are getting more demanding every day. What shall I do in the future?¡±

    Zhai Sheng did not reply to Qiao Nan with words. Instead, he replied to Qiao Nan with his actions. Zhai Sheng raised his hand andnded a few smacks on each of his children¡¯s backsides. Then, he handed them over to their grandparents. ¡°Go y with Grandma and Grandpa.¡±

    Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui, who had inadvertently been brought into the picture, were helpless. Had they be their son and daughter-inw¡¯s third wheel by staying at home? Why did it feel so awkward?

    Their son might dislike their grandchildren, but they didn¡¯t mind them at all.

    Without Zhai Sheng needing to repeat himself, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui quickly brought the three children into the yroom. Thankfully, the triplets were still young. Although they were clingy to their mother, it was easy to distract their attention as long as they were not crying.

    ¡°San Bao, be a good girl. Grandma will y with you.¡± Miao Jing stuffed a doll dressed in a dress into San Bao¡¯s embrace and she spoke gently.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t say much, but the moment he took out the toy cars, Da Bao and Er Bao had already started moving toward him. They picked up a toy car each and started ying with each other.

    San Bao, who was being treated like a princess, was annoyed and threw aside the adorable doll in her hands. She squeezed up to Da Bao and Er Bao¡¯s sides and stretched out her chubby hands to snatch her brothers¡¯ toys. San Bao was impressive indeed. She didn¡¯t just want Da Bao¡¯s car. She also wanted Er Bao¡¯s. Both her brothers¡¯ toy cars were hers!

    Thankfully, both Da Bao and Er Bao seemed to know that San Bao had such a bad habit and very generously allowed San Bao to have their cars. Now that their hands were empty, they each grabbed another one without hesitation. But the brothers seemed to have a tacit understanding and kept their distance from San Bao as though they were trying to prevent San Bao from snatching their cars again. Zhai Yaohui could only watch on speechlessly.

    In reality, Zhai Yaohui had wondered if his grandsons had changed their preferences when they had first grabbed those two cars. After all, he remembered that those weren¡¯t their favorite cars. But once San Bao appeared, Zhai Yaohui realized that his grandsons had already formted their own n in dealing with San Bao!

    Yes, this was a good strategy! His grandsons were indeed from the Zhai family! Once they were in the military, no one would be able to defeat his grandsons.

    Since the three children had left with their grandparents, it was much more convenient for Qiao Nan to speak to Zhai Sheng. ¡°How¡¯s Mother Zhu? From what I remember, she¡¯s in quite good health. She probably won¡¯t remain in the hospital forever like my godfather, right?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Sheng allowed Qiao Nan to lean into his embrace so that it would be morefortable for her to read her books. ¡°I heard from the hospital that Mother Zhu¡¯s condition is fine. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s old and not as strong as young people. That¡¯s why her body couldn¡¯t handle the sudden surge of emotions, causing her to faint.¡±

    In other words, Mother Zhu¡¯s body had survived the truth of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. No matter what decision the Wang family made, Mother Zhu would make it through.

    Qiao Nan sneered as she flipped the page. ¡°That¡¯s true. Good people don¡¯t live long while evil people live forever. That¡¯s exactly what¡¯s happening now. With Wang Yang around, Mother Zhu will definitely find a way to prolong her life even if she¡¯s not in good health. Wang Yang was already capable of plotting against his cousin at such a young age because of the Wang family. Who knows what he is capable of doing if he remains under the influence of the Wang family?¡±

    In her opinion, everyone in the Wang family, including Wang Yang¡¯s father, was good at deceiving others. It was clear that Wang Yang was especially smart and calcting in front of others. But in the face of the Wang family, Wang Yang seemed to be a fool, putting aside all those scheming thoughts he had toward outsiders. Instead, he presented his purest and simplest self to the Wang family.

    Although Wang Yang was extremely vicious against the Zhu family, he was painfully loyal to the Wang family. It was because of this that Qiao Nan had gotten a huge shock. She had never thought that Wang Yang had such a ¡®foolish¡¯ side to him. In short, the Wang family was brilliant to have raised Wang Yang in this way.

    Thankfully, that was the Wang family¡¯s business, and Qiao Nan had no intention to interfere in it. If not for Wang Yang, who insisted on fighting for the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, Qiao Nan would not have bothered about Wang Yang or the people around him either.

    But justice reigned and no one would be spared from their retribution.

    Even if thew couldn¡¯t punish Wang Yang, he would receive his punishment in other ways. Wang Yang had better not even dream about the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    Qiao Nan knew that Mother Zhu would definitely choose to protect her son, Wang Yang, even if she didn¡¯t feel good about it. After all, it would go against her conscience, and it would be betraying her Zhu family.

    Mother Zhu¡¯s gaze was nk as she stared out of the windows, past her son, who was kneeling by her bedside. All she could think of was what had happened while Zhu Baoguo had still been alive. The moment Zhu Baoguo was born, his mother had died. It was Mother Zhu who had raised Zhu Baoguo, fed him, and changed his diapers.

    She had had no other choice at that time. Her sister-inw had passed away, and her own mother had passed on even earlier. She had been the only woman left in the entire Zhu family. Besides, her brother had entirely changed after her sister-inw had passed away. He stoppeding home and started treating the military as his home instead.

    Her father was already advanced in age. If she didn¡¯t take up the job of caring for her nephew, Zhu Baoguo, there would be no one else who would do so.

 Chapter 2339 - So What? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2339: So What? (2)</h4>

    As such, Zhu Baoguo had always been particrly close to his aunt from a young age. She remembered clearly that Zhu Baoguo had cried his eyes out on the day she had gotten married. He had even said to her, ¡°Auntie, can you not leave me? I¡¯ll marry you when I grow up. Auntie, don¡¯t leave. I can¡¯t bear for you to go. What if I can¡¯t fall asleep without you by my side?¡±

    That adorable and obedient Zhu Baoguo.

    Mother Zhu had almost forgotten what Zhu Baoguo looked like, but suddenly, his image appeared clearly before her eyes. She even remembered the small snippets of her interactions with Zhu Baoguo before her marriage.

    She had always thought that her obedient nephew had been brought astray and eventually killed by those hooligans. Who would have known¡­ She nced at Wang Yang, who was kneeling beside her bed, and wanted him to leave. ¡°Alright, stop kneeling here. I¡¯m sure you know that I don¡¯t really want to see you. When I look at you, I think about Baoguo¡¯s death. My heart¡­ I¡¯ve wronged my dad, my brother, and my ancestors. I have no face to see them. Perhaps, I was no longer a Zhu the moment I insisted on marrying your dad and gave birth to you. This is all my fault. I¡¯ll have to atone for my sins for a hundred years once I meet them after my death.¡±

    Her son had killed off the entire Zhu family, and her inws had always been protecting him. That was why she had never found out about the truth behind her nephew¡¯s death.

    If Qiao Nan had not exposed the truth, she might never have found out about how Zhu Baoguo had died even up until her death! Once she met her family and wasmbasted by the entire Zhu family, she might even remain oblivious as to why she was being scolded just because she had been cheated by her own son!

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Wang Yang¡¯s voice was hoarse. So many years had passed since Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, and even Zhu Chengqi had never suspected anything about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, much less mentioned it to Wang Yang. It was true that Wang Yang had felt a burden being relieved off him the day that Zhu Chengqi had died.

    He knew that once Zhu Chengqi died, thest person on earth who cared about Zhu Baoguo would be gone. From then on, there would be no one who would investigate the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    That way, the only grave mistake he had evermitted in this lifetime would be buried alongside Zhu Chengqi, never to be discovered again. But Wang Yang had never expected that his mom would have thought about Zhu Baoguo and even found out about the truth while he had been the most rxed. In fact, his mother had even gotten so emotional over the matter.

    Perhaps, it was not that Wang Yang had never expected such a reaction from Mother Zhu. It was just that he had hidden the truth so well in the past. Since such a long time had passed since then, especially now that Zhu Chengqi was dead, Wang Yang had thought that his mom would never learn of the truth.

    It was Qiao Nan again. Why was Qiao Nan like a ghost who pursued him endlessly? Why did Qiao Nan always have to barge in on his family¡¯s matters? Qiao Nan was a devil! She was purposely taking revenge on him and refusing to return the Zhu family¡¯s assets to him just because of the matter with Chen Jun.

    ¡°Mom, Qiao Nan¡¯s an outsider. I¡¯m your only son. How could you choose to believe an outsider over me? Brother Baoguo¡¯s death has nothing to do with me. Don¡¯t you remember that I was at home the whole day with you on the day of his death? How could you suspect me just because of something an outsider said? You¡¯re not even giving me a chance to exin myself. Mom, you¡¯re being too unfair to me.¡±

    Wang Yang had initially been shocked by Mother Zhu¡¯s sudden fainting spell, but some time had passed, and he had already calmed himself down. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have some understanding of the kind of person Qiao Nan is too. I¡¯m fighting awsuit against her at the moment. I¡¯m now her enemy. It¡¯s no surprise that she would speak ill of me in front of you. But Mom, how could you take Qiao Nan¡¯s words seriously? She¡¯s maligning me and trying to frame me!¡±

    ¡°She knows that I respect you and she¡¯s trying to destroy our rtionship. Then, I¡¯ll be so distressed that I¡¯ll have no time to care about thatwsuit. That¡¯s Qiao Nan¡¯s evil ns! Mom, you can¡¯t believe her! You should believe me¡­¡±

    As a mother who loved her son, Mother Zhu had the urge to believe her son upon hearing his righteous exnations and seeing him kneel before her. After all, Wang Yang was sincere in his words and no one could even see that he had lied.

    But it was exactly because of his behavior and actions that Mother Zhu believed that Wang Yang definitely had something to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. It was not that Mother Zhu was suspicious of Wang Yang or that she could spot something from Wang Yang¡¯s expression.

    It was because she loved her son, Wang Yang, dearly and trusted him the most. As such, she had never suspected her son. Mother Zhu had no idea how Wang Yang looked like when he lied, but she did know how Father Wang looked like when he lied.

    Mother Zhu spotted a glimpse of Father Wang in Wang Yang, who was eloquently convincing her. That recognition pained Mother Zhu.

    She had given her whole heart to her son and yet, he was still lying to her at this point in time. Since Yang Yang had truly told a lie, it meant that everything Qiao Nan had said was true. Baoguo¡¯s death had not been an ident. It was not that Baoguo had gone astray. Baoguo had been deliberately led astray, and the one who had instigated everything was none other than her own biological son!

    ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t have to say anything. The more you say, the more heartbroken I feel as a mother. Do you really think I can¡¯t tell whether you¡¯re telling the truth as a mother? It¡¯s because I can differentiate between the truth and a lie that I¡¯m heartbroken. Yang Yang, why have you turned into a person like this? I was happy marrying your dad and I¡¯ve never regretted it. But now, things are different. It¡¯s my fault as a mother that you grew up in the Wang family and became this way. I¡¯ve wronged the Zhu family. I¡¯ve wronged you.¡±

    How was she to have known that the Wang family would have been so evil? They had been so scheming toward her family and had even influenced her son negatively.

    Earlier on, she had thought that her brother had been crazy to leave behind such a will, leaving all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets to an outsider without even mentioning Yang Yang.

 Chapter 2340 - So What? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2340: So What? (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Now, Mother Zhu understood everything. If she was in her brother¡¯s position, she would probably have left behind such a will too. It didn¡¯t matter whom the Zhu family¡¯s assets went to. The important thing was that it would never go to the one who had killed Baoguo.

    ¡°Yang Yang, if you still take me as your mother, withdraw thewsuit against Qiao Nan. Stop fighting thewsuit. You¡¯ll never win. You have no rights anyway. Weren¡¯t you asking about why your uncle left behind such a will? I can tell you now that your uncle remembered that you were his nephew, and it was because of that that he let you off for Baoguo¡¯s death. Stop thinking about getting the Zhu family¡¯s assets.¡± He was truly shameless.

    She no longer needed Qiao Nan to attack her. Even Mother Zhu admitted that Wang Yang was no longer qualified to be the master of the Zhu family or to inherit the Zhu family¡¯s assets after he had done such an unforgivable thing. The Zhu family owed Wang Yang nothing. Conversely, it was Wang Yang who owed the Zhu family.

    Mother Zhu still remembered the kind of life Old Master Zhu and Zhu Chengqi had lived after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Mother Zhu waspletely unable to ept that her only son had been the sole reason for her family¡¯s tragedy and misery.

    Unfortunately, that was the truth no matter how brutal it was. Mother Zhu had no choice but to ept it.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Wang Yang¡¯s face turned green. He had never expected his mother to say such words to him. In that moment, Wang Yang¡¯s heart wavered. He was unsure if he should ask why Mother Zhu was so sure that he had killed Zhu Baoguo, or whether Zhu Chengqi had already known about this matter.

    If he were to ask about thetter, he would be admitting to being involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. But Wang Yang could not hold it in. He had never imagined that Zhu Chengqi had already known about the truth behind his son¡¯s death, just like how he had never worried that Mother Zhu would suspect him of being involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    But Wang Yang had been wrong in both matters. He was utterly confused and he couldn¡¯t help but doubt himself. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t listen to what Qiao Nan says. She¡¯s making up stories. I¡¯m telling you that I had nothing to do with Brother Baoguo¡¯s death. Everyone knows that it was those hooligans who beat Brother Baoguo to death. I was at home the entire day and I didn¡¯t even get out of the house that day. Besides, you understand my uncle¡¯s temper the best. If I was the one who killed Brother Baoguo, he would have dealt with me a long time ago. Think about it. Although he had never treated me like his son, it¡¯s only because of his help through the years that I have made it this far¡­ Do you think he would have helped me if I had caused Brother Baoguo¡¯s death?¡±

    Yes, Qiao Nan had deceived his mom. He could not afford to panic, much less admit to his involvement in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    Zhu Chengqi¡¯s attitude was the best proof. Who would treat his son¡¯s killer so well? Not only had Zhu Chengqi not dealt with him, but he had even helped him! Zhu Chengqi had simply chosen not to hand over the Zhu family¡¯s assets to him after his death. What kind of punishment was that? If he was Zhu Chengqi, he would definitely deal with his son¡¯s killer such that he would never be able to live well.

    Mother Zhu shut her eyes. Yang Yang was still arguing even now. There was not a single truthing out from his mouth.

    Yes, she loved Baoguo, and she couldn¡¯t help but shiver upon thinking about how Yang Yang had killed Baoguo. The problem was that if she had to make a choice between Baoguo and Yang Yang, she would definitely choose Yang Yang as a mother, ignoring the truth behind Baoguo¡¯s death. After all, Baoguo had already been dead for twenty years.

    All along, everyone had thought that it was Baoguo who had gone astray and had provoked the wrong people, leading to his eventual demise. As Baoguo¡¯s aunt, she could only selfishly ask for Baoguo¡¯s forgiveness on her son¡¯s behalf, taking this secret to her grave so that no one mentioned it ever again.

    Mother Zhu had the heart to protect Wang Yang, but Wang Yang¡¯s lies hurt her dignity as a mother. After all, no mother would be happy with their son lying through their noses even after they had been exposed, causing their rtionship to deteriorate.

    She had dedicated her entire life to her son, Wang Yang, and had never wronged him. Why could Wang Yang be so open and frank with his father but full of lies in front of his mother?

    This child was truly from the Wang family. ¡°Alright, don¡¯t say anything. I feel worse every time you say something. It seems like my advice went over your head. I see you share a very good rtionship with your dad and keep nothing from him. Perhaps, you feel happy carrying the burden of the entire Wang family because your dad told you to do so. I¡¯ll let you listen to your dad. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be happy about it.¡±

    There were some things that Mother Zhu had not understood in the past.

    But now that she had discovered that Wang Yang had something to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Mother Zhu could imagine just how much the Wang family must have been involved as well. That was why the Zhu family had not been able to find out anything regarding Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. After all, Wang Yang had even lied to his mother!

    No wonder Father Wang always said that their son owed it to the Wang family and wanted him to get back the Zhu family¡¯s assets to repay the Wang family. She had been confused since the Wang family¡¯s background had never matched up to the Zhu family¡¯s. Within the first few years of her marriage, the Wang family seemed to have lost everything, and the Wang family¡¯s rtives had always beening to them to get money.

    Initially, Mother Zhu had been reluctant. After all, this was all her money. In the future, it would all belong to Wang Yang. What if she could no longer provide for her son when he needed it since she had given it all to the Wang family? The Wang family was still miles apart from hers.

    But every time Mother Zhu refused these requests, Father Wang would coax Mother Zhu, saying that it hadn¡¯t been easy for his brothers and that they had helped him in the past too. Because of that, Mother Zhu reluctantly agreed to keep the peace in the family.

    Now, there was no need to think about it anymore. The Wang family was in such a dire situation because they had emptied their pockets to protect Wang Yang. That was the real reason. There was a perfect exnation for Father Wang¡¯s words and Wang Yang¡¯s attitude all along.

    In that case, everyone in the Wang family knew exactly how Zhu Baoguo had died.. She had been the only fool who had been kept in the dark.

 Chapter 2341 - So What? (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2341: So What? (3)</h4>

    Perhaps, those who addressed her sweetly and took money from herughed at her behind her back.

    All of the Wang family¡¯s money had gone to protecting Wang Yang, and her money had made up for that. That meant that she had been using the Zhu family¡¯s money to hide the truth of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. At the thought of that, Mother Zhu¡¯s expression changed. She felt as though her whole world was spinning and she could hardly breathe. She no longer had the will to live.

    She was a Zhu, while her son and husband were Wangs. Therefore, they were a true family. She was nothing more than an outsider who had given birth to a Wang. How¡­ how interesting!

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t scare me. Are you feeling unwell? I¡¯ll get the doctor here immediately!¡± Wang Yang had seen the change in Mother Zhu¡¯s expression, and he hurriedly pressed the button by the bed to summon the doctors.

    Li Yayan had been like a painting this whole while. She had not even dared to take a deep breath while Wang Yang was talking to Mother Zhu, much less interfere in the conversation.

    She had not had many interactions with Qiao Nan, and they had not been pleasant. But her instincts told her that Qiao Nan¡¯s words had not been to sow discord. In fact, they were probably true. Even though Wang Yang was her husband, she shivered upon thinking that Wang Yang had plotted against Zhu Baoguo so viciously in his teenage years.

    Others would have felt the slightest tinge of guilt. Wang Yang should have been content with the help that Zhu Chengqi had given him all these years. Unfortunately, Wang Yang¡¯s eventual goal was still the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Since he had not gotten hold of it, he had insisted on going through with awsuit against Qiao Nan.

    There was one thing Qiao Nan was right about. Wang Yang should be clear of why Zhu Chengqi had not wanted to hand over the Zhu family¡¯s assets to him.

    It was just that Wang Yang had thought that he had cleaned up after himself perfectly and that all evidence had disappeared since twenty years had passed. Therefore, he had gotten so arrogant to the point that he feared nothing.

    Unfortunately, there was no way of concealing the truth.

    They would need solid evidence to send Wang Yang to prison. But the Zhu family¡¯s assets were in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s hands, and he didn¡¯t need any evidence to hand them over to anyone. He hadn¡¯t even needed to let Wang Yang know of his intentions before making his decision.

    If Zhu Chengqi had already known about the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Li Yayan¡¯s questions about the will would be answered. Had she had control of those assets, she would much rather have donated all of the money to others than let the person who had killed her son take advantage of it.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The doctor rushed over and was furious upon giving Mother Zhu a checkup. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that the patient is old and her physiological functions are much worse than an average person¡¯s? She can¡¯t afford to be angered. I just told you about that just now. But why are you guys so uncooperative? Do you not want her to recover? If that¡¯s the case, it doesn¡¯t matter how skilled we are since you¡¯re angering her as we attempt to treat her!¡±

    Doctors weren¡¯t afraid of difficult patients but uncooperative patients and their families.

    Li Yayan apologized to the doctor sincerely. She would do as the doctor said. Once Mother Zhu¡¯s condition stabilized, Li Yayan suggested, ¡°Dear, Mom¡¯s still angry. She probably won¡¯t calm down for now. She won¡¯t calm down with you around either. If you don¡¯t mind, I can take care of Mom for the time being. You cane back and visit her when her condition is more stable. Then, you can apologize to her. You¡¯re Mom¡¯s biological son. I¡¯m sure Mom won¡¯t be foolish when ites to choosing between her son and her nephew.¡±

    Li Yayan had never had any doubts about that. After all, she was a mother herself. She would never hesitate in making such a decision. ¡°I think Mom¡¯s angry about other things as well. Go back and think through it. You cane back and visit Mom after some time.¡±

    Otherwise, Mom might very well get ill from anger.

    Because of Li Yayan¡¯s advice, Wang Yang agreed. ¡°Alright, take care of Mom. I¡¯m worried about leaving our son to a nanny too. Try to convince my mom. If you have any news, remember to contact me.¡±

    Because Mother Zhu had suddenly gotten ill, Wang Yang had been in a panic. That was why he had not read between the lines of Li Yayan¡¯s words and had not felt that she was ming him for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death too. Mother Zhu¡¯s illness had already thrown Wang Yang into a frenzy. How was he to know that his mom would refuse to believe him even after his exnation and her knowing that he had a conflict with Qiao Nan? His mom was even insistent that he had killed Zhu Baoguo, and she had even brought the entire Wang family into the picture!

    Even though whatever his mom had said was true, this was the past. He no longer felt the same way toward the Wang family. Now, his mom was the closest kin he had apart from his wife and son.

    Li Yayan stroked her forehead. In the past, she had been living in the capital with Wang Yang, while her son had been in Ping Cheng with her mother-inw. When her mother-inw came to the capital, her son naturally tagged along. She had been troubled that she had forgotten about her son! ¡°Yes, when Mom left the house with me, she left him in the care of someone. It¡¯s not early anymore. Hurry and pick him up. Otherwise, he might get scared and cry.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy taking care of the elderly and children at the same time. Worse still, their family was going through tumultuous times, making it even more stressful. Li Yayan couldn¡¯t help but hope for these days to end soon. It wasn¡¯t as though money was all that important.

    Qiao Nan did not care about anything that happened in the Wang family. The only thing that remained constant was her attitude toward Wang Yang.

    Qiao Nan had thought that Wang Yang would no longer be able to continue with thewsuit after she had met him. But she had not expected to meet him again so soon.

    Of course, as Li Yayan¡¯s husband, Wang Yang had chosen to meet Qiao Nan right as she was leaving her sses. Otherwise, Wang Yang would never have gotten the chance to speak to Qiao Nan since he couldn¡¯t enter the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    ¡°Do you have some time to spare?¡± Wang Yang nced at Qiao Nan coldly and indifferently as though she was his enemy.

    Qiao Nan was no stranger to that. After all, stopping one from getting rich was akin to killing one¡¯s parents. That exined Wang Yang¡¯s attitude. ¡°So what if I have no time?¡±

 Chapter 2342 - Youâ€™re Impressive (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2342: You¡¯re Impressive (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Wang Yang took a deep breath. It was true that he couldn¡¯t do anything if Qiao Nan were to say that she had no time to entertain him. ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat. I promise you that I¡¯ll withdraw thewsuit once we have this chat. As long as you answer my questions and I get an answer, I won¡¯t fight with you for the Zhu family¡¯s assets.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you snatching it from me?¡± If he tried to do so, it would only dy the result, but it would not change the fact that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would eventually belong to her.

    In front of Wang Yang, Qiao Nan had the right to be demanding.

    Wang Yangughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°You¡¯re right. You don¡¯t have to worry whether or not I withdraw thewsuit. Everything is in your favor since my uncle left behind that will. There¡¯s nothing you need to worry about. The only person who has to worry is me.¡± As he said that, Wang Yang had the urge to vomit blood. He couldn¡¯t understand why he hadnded up in such a state. He had always thought highly about himself. He was not even losing to Zhai Sheng. It was a mere woman.

    He couldn¡¯t evenpete against Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife, so what gave him the right to want to surpass Zhai Sheng? He had been so highly regarded by the Wang family that he had forgotten about his true abilities.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take it as though I¡¯m doing charity. Let¡¯s find somewhere to have a chat.¡± Having provoked Wang Yang, Qiao Nan finally agreed to talk to him. Qiao Nan thought that it was rather strange for Wang Yang to be taking the initiative to give up on the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. She had always thought that Wang Yang would choose the Zhu family¡¯s assets over his own life.

    After all, Wang Yang had alreadymitted an unpardonable sin at a young age for the sake of it.

    They chose a private room in a quieter tea house. After the waiter exited the room, Wang Yang picked up his teacup and took a sip. It was a small cup that held no more than a mouthful of tea, but Wang Yang took a good minute to finish it.

    Since Wang Yang refused to speak up, Qiao Nan simply stared at him since she was in no hurry either. Only when Qiao Nan felt that Wang Yang was in the mood did she say, ¡°You should know that I have three children at home. I don¡¯t spend much time outside. If you¡¯re going to continue staying in a daze, you can get your answer and have a chat with me next time.¡±

    With that, Wang Yang gulped his tea down. ¡°How did you know that I was involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death?¡±

    No matter how hard it was, Wang Yang had to ask this question. Otherwise, he would never be able to let it go.

    So many years had passed since Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, and he had thought that the truth had been buried along with time. He had always thought that he had finally toiled through the toughest of times after the Wang family had paid such a high price for him. But reality hit him hard in the face, so hard that he couldn¡¯t even stand back up or live his life well ever again.

    Based on his earlier confidence, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t understand how the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death had been exposed. It made no sense. ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    After Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death and learning about Qiao Nan¡¯s existence, Wang Yang felt that Qiao Nan was, perhaps, his greatest enemy in his entire lifetime. Even Zhu Baoguo had not pressured him so badly while he had been alive. Zhu Chengqi had probably left behind such a will because he had already known about the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    Wang Yang couldn¡¯t think of anyone else who would spend the effort to investigate Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death and to tell Zhu Chengqi about it. Even Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t have done something like that. Zhai Sheng was a noble man. He hadn¡¯t even tried to snatch anything from the Zhu family.

    Besides, the Zhai family had hardly even interacted with the Zhu family before Zhai Sheng¡¯s marriage to Qiao Nan. In that case, it was impossible for Zhai Sheng to even have his eyes on the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    There was only one person in this entire world who was capable of changing both Zhu Chengqi and Zhai Sheng at the same time: Qiao Nan.

    Wang Yang hated Qiao Nan very much. After all, he had looked down on her for being an old woman but she had turned out to be the biggest culprit behind his downfall. It was Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance that had rendered his past years of effort void. Now, he didn¡¯t even have a chance of turning back.

    What Wang Yang couldn¡¯t ept the most was that his mom had changed after learning about the truth regarding Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. He could feel that his mom would still love him all the same, but she couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. And this guilt wasn¡¯t just toward Zhu Baoguo. It was toward the entire Zhu family.

    Wang Yang was clear that his mom treated him as a criminal who had sinned against the entire Zhu family.

    His mother was in good health usually, but after such a huge psychological problem, her health had deteriorated too. While she had been a youngdy, Mother Zhu had had a good mindset and had been pampered by her elder brother and father. After getting married, her husband had never dared to raise his voice to her. Because of this, Mother Zhu had nothing to worry about. Compared to other grandmas who had white hair, Mother Zhu had a head full of ck hair.

    But ever since Mother Zhu had been admitted into the hospital, she had been depressed and refused to speak to anyone. She simply sat there in a daze. In the short span of three days, Wang Yang witnessed his mom¡¯s head of ck hair transform into a head full of white hair. He felt rather devastated about that.

    They had managed to hide the truth from Mother Zhu rather well all these years. Who would have known that Mother Zhu would have such a drastic response to the truth? Mother Zhu loved Wang Yang. Simrly, Wang Yang cared for his wonderful mother.

    Not only had Mother Zhu¡¯s hair turned white in these three days, but her body had also gone haywire. The doctor¡¯s words that Mother Zhu was psychologically ill and no longer had the will to live struck Wang Yang like a bolt out of the blue. That was why her physiological functions had deteriorated significantly along with it. Wang Yang was in so much pain that he was at a loss for words.

    Even if Mother Zhu had never said anything to Wang Yang, norined that Wang Yang had been too brutal and vicious to Zhu Baoguo at such a young age, Wang Yang knew that Mother Zhu was between a rock and a hard ce. If she couldn¡¯t solve this dilemma, it wouldn¡¯t be long before Mother Zhu would go down and face the Zhu family.

    Li Yayan saw Wang Yang¡¯s concern for Mother Zhu and her heart ached.. She couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Dear, is money more important than Mom? Mom¡¯s feeling upset because she¡¯s be a sinner in the Zhu family and she can¡¯t face the Zhu family anymore. She already feels this way toward the Zhu family and you still want the Zhu family¡¯s money¡­¡±

 Chapter 2343 - Youâ€™re Impressive (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2343: You¡¯re Impressive (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the past, her mother-inw had always felt that it was only right for the Zhu family¡¯s money to go to Wang Yang since he was thest descendant of the Zhu family. No matter what underhanded methods Wang Yang used to take back the money, it was alright for him to do so. After all, that was what Wang Yang rightfully deserved.

    But now¡­

    It went without saying that Mother Zhu no longer felt this way. Her mother-inw now felt that she was a sinner who had sinned against the Zhu family, and her son, Wang Yang, had wronged the Zhu family. With such a huge premise, her mother-inw would probably be devastated if her son insisted on taking the Zhu family¡¯s money. Her mother-inw was sure that Wang Yang was no longer worthy of inheriting the Zhu family¡¯s assets. In fact, there was no way Wang Yang should ever have control over the Zhu family¡¯s assets.

    After this change, Mother Zhu stood her ground. In the past, she had always felt that the Zhu family¡¯s assets belonged to Wang Yang alone. Qiao Nan was being shameless to im it for herself. Now, Mother Zhu felt that anyone could have the Zhu family¡¯s assets, except Wang Yang.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words had had a great impact on Mother Zhu.

    Qiao Nan had already made herself clear that she would much rather burn all of the Zhu family¡¯s money than let Wang Yang have it. That was just about what Mother Zhu felt at this point in time too. Anyone could receive the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance but Wang Yang, who was responsible for this whole mess.

    At the thought of that, Li Yayan sighed.

    Zhu Chengqi had finally died after such a long time, and she had thought that her glorious days had finallye. Then, her friends would have to look up to her. Who would have known that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would have nothing to do with the Wang family? Even her mother-inw refused to stand on her husband¡¯s side. There was no longer any point in continuing with thiswsuit.

    Wang Yang had said that Qiao Nan had favor from everyone, and that couldn¡¯t be more true.

    Even the heavens were on her side. Was there still a need to continue fighting thiswsuit? Of course not!

    Because of Li Yayan¡¯s question, Wang Yang was stunned. He realized that it was indeed difficult for him to give up on his ambition toward the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. The problem was that Wang Yang didn¡¯t want to be an orphan even though he was already a father himself. His mom was more important than money.

    What else could Wang Yang possibly do after getting such an answer? Of course, he naturally sought Qiao Nan out to get an answer to his question before withdrawing thewsuit. Then, he and Qiao Nan would be nothing more than strangers.

    Qiao Nan poured herself a cup of tea and looked at Wang Yang ridiculously. ¡°What do you mean? Your question is so vague. How do you expect me to have an answer?¡± Qiao Nan had not understood Wang Yang at all, but she was more than willing for Wang Yang to exin himself.

    Knowing how vicious Qiao Nan was, Wang Yang¡¯s face paled. He had been such a person before. ¡°How did you know that I was involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death?¡± Could it be that Qiao Nan had seen or heard something all those years ago? ¡°Since you already knew about it, you must have known that Zhu Chengqi would definitely suspect me and investigate the matter as long as you mentioned something to him. It would have been much easier to convict me then.¡±

    He had always seen Zhu Chengqi being indifferent to Zhu Baoguo, hardly having any interaction with him at all. It was because of this attitude that Wang Yang had always thought that Zhu Chengqi had preferred his nephew over his own son.

    Since that was the case, Zhu Chengqi would probably not be too sad over Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. After all, he was still around. He was much better than Zhu Baoguo in every way. Without Zhu Baoguo, Zhu Chengqi would have one less person to worry about. Then, his burden would be lighter as well.

    The difference was that he could bring Zhu Chengqi honor and let everyone know that Zhu Chengqi had a brilliant and outstanding nephew. As for Zhu Baoguo? He had nothing. All he would bring to Zhu Chengqi was shame.

    It was better for Zhu Baoguo to be gone since he would do nothing but stand in the way and ruin the Zhu family¡¯s reputation.

    It was only after Zhu Baoguo had left that Wang Yang had discovered that the reality wasn¡¯t so. A biological son was a son, after all. No one could rece Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ce in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s heart. After learning about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Zhu Chengqi turned into an enraged beast who scared the young Wang Yang so much that he had teared uncontrobly.

    Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t just Wang Yang who had cried at that time. Even Old Master Zhu had cried upon seeing Zhu Baoguo¡¯s body. No one had been able to hold their emotions in. Everyone had simply thought that Wang Yang had been frightened stiff because he had heard about how his cousin had been beaten to death.

    As such, no one had suspected that Wang Yang had actually been scared by Zhu Chengqi at that time. No one had suspected a thing, but Wang Yang had never forgotten how he had felt in that moment.

    It was only when he had be a father himself did he realize how stupid he had been as a child. Zhu Chengqi had only treated him politely and was willing to smile at him exactly because he treated him as an outsider. It was because Zhu Baoguo was Zhu Chengqi¡¯s only son that Zhu Chengqi was upset when Zhu Baoguo had a temper since Zhu Chengqi hoped for his son to make a name for himself. The deeper the love, the greater the anger.

    Unfortunately, Wang Yang had realized that all toote.

    Qiao Nan sipped on her tea, feeling as though her heart was even bitterer than the tea in her mouth. ¡°What do you think the truth is?¡± Had she witnessed it? If she had the choice, she would much rather have seen it for herself.

    If she had seen it, she would have called for help and saved Zhu Baoguo as she had done in her dream. The Zhu family did indeed have huge riches that tempted someone like Wang Yang, but she had no desire for them at all. There was no way she would have exchanged Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life for those. If she loved money so much, Ding Jiayi would never have gotten the chance to take so much out of her pockets to fund Qiao Zijin. She had always felt that rtionships were more important than money.

    In her eyes, Zhu Baoguo was a younger brother and also half a son. If she could exchange money for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s life, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate for a moment to do so. Zhu Baoguo¡¯s existence wouldn¡¯t bring back just one family¡¯s happiness but two families¡¯!

    Wang Yangughed bitterly.. If he had already known the answer to that, he wouldn¡¯t even have bothered looking for Qiao Nan today

 Chapter 2344 - Youâ€™re Impressive (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2344: You¡¯re Impressive (3)</h4>

    He obviously knew how much Qiao Nan hated him. Why would he humiliate himself? It was precisely because he didn¡¯t understand and wanted to understand that he would find Qiao Nan today. He took the initiative to reconcile. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re right. I don¡¯t stand a chance at winning thiswsuit at all. Indeed, whether I withdraw thewsuit or not has no impact on you as you don¡¯t value everything from the Zhu family as much as I do. I just don¡¯t want to be a fool. Did you tell my uncle about this, or did he¡­¡±

    Wang Yang was most unwilling to ept thetter result, which was that Zhu Chengqi had always known that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death had had a lot to do with him.

    Father Wang¡¯s love for Wang Yang was always that he spoke more but did less. All these years, Wang Yang had always been taking care of Zhu Chengqi. Different from Father Wang, Zhu Chengqi¡¯s care for Wang Yang had always been that he did more but spoke less.

    Every time this happened, Father Wang would run to Wang Yang and ask for credit when Zhu Chengqi didn¡¯t say anything else. ¡°See? The idea I gave you back then was good, right? I pointed you to a road that leads to Rome. Without me, you won¡¯t be anything today. As such, you must remember that you have what you have today because of me, your biological father. You have to be more filial to me in the future and listen to my words. Don¡¯t mingle with your stupid mother and learn your mother¡¯s habit of doing stupid things.¡±

    Zhu Chengqi was obviously the one who helped Wang Yang. When Father Wang imed credit, it was as if everything was done by him instead.

    At that time, Wang Yang had a good rtionship with Father Wang. He understood in his heart that Father Wang¡¯s words were exaggerated and that Zhu Chengqi was the one who decided on everything. However, one was his biological father and the other was his uncle who didn¡¯t devote himself to him. Between the two, Wang Yang didn¡¯t hesitate to acknowledge his biological father iming all credit and be more filial to him in the future.

    Time had passed.

    Now that Wang Yang thought about it carefully again, he felt that Father Wang and he were ridiculous. Ridiculously stupid, that is. From the beginning to the end, he had never made a correct judgment and a right choice.

    These were enough to make Wang Yang suffer. With the example of Father Wang, who knew how to say but not do things, before him, Wang Yang couldn¡¯t ept that his uncle, who had taken care of him so much previously, maintained such an attitude after long knowing that he was the one who had harmed his son.

    This situation illustrated only one point: Zhu Chengqi had ulterior motives for being kind to him. There was a high possibility that Zhu Chengqi brought him up well as he wished so that he would experience what it was like to fall from heaven to hell. Knowing that he had such a biological father was enough for Wang Yang to start doubting his life. If Zhu Chengqi¡¯s kindness to him was fake as well and that it was just to harm him, Wang Yang really didn¡¯t know how he should face his life in the future.

    Qiao Nan really detested Wang Yang¡¯s selfish nature, where he only allowed himself to harm others but not allowing others to harm him. Until now, Wang Yang didn¡¯t know what he had done wrong. He only knew how to be calctive and see if others did him wrong. He didn¡¯t reflect on how many things he had done wrong and how many people had lost their happiness because of him.

    ¡°Wang Yang, there¡¯s no significance to your question at all. What I can answer you is that if you don¡¯t want people to know what you did, then don¡¯t do it. When it was too early, indeed, no one had suspected you for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. After all, you were just a teenager back then. As time passed, your nature was exposed and doubts started to form. Also, there¡¯s something you haven¡¯t figured out yet. Godfather has the final say for everything in the Zhu family. The Zhu family isn¡¯t a court where everything needs to be based on evidence. It¡¯s enough if my godfather has doubts about certain matters and knows it in his heart. As such, it was a waste of effort for the Wang family to help you so much back then.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand how the Wang family and Wang Yang had such naive thoughts. They felt that unless her godfather had sufficient evidence to prove that Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death was rted to Wang Yang, even if her godfather had doubts about Wang Yang, he couldn¡¯t deny him and not give everything from the Zhu family to him because of his personal emotions.

    That was absurd.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Wang Yang covered his face. It was unknown if he did that because he was angry or embarrassed. ¡°Inparison, my uncle was really good to me. Based on what you said just now, can I say that my uncle had indeed known about this matter?¡±

    Wang Yang was the same as Mother Zhu. Even if Zhu Chengqi brought out a lot of reasonable reasons why he wanted to leave the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance to Qiao Nan, he wouldn¡¯t agree to it. However, if Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death was brought out, Wang Yang was no longer as confident as before.

    ¡°You should be thankful that you¡¯re my godfather¡¯s biological nephew and that my godfather wasn¡¯t someone ruthless. Otherwise, it¡¯s nothing that he wasn¡¯t willing to give you everything from the Zhu family. All these years, you had relied on him to climb up the ranks. My godfather had the right to step on you until you became that youngd who had just graduated from school. My godfather¡¯s kind enough to you. You¡¯re the greedy one who did something sorry to my godfather and even wanted to take away all his inheritance. Is it hereditary that your Wang family¡¯s face is so big?¡±

    Wang Yang didn¡¯t dare to rebut anything when Qiao Nan jeered at him like this.

    Wang Yang came to find Qiao Nan today for two purposes. Firstly, he wanted to reconcile. He felt that as long as he no longer wanted the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, his mother might feel better in her heart and stop tormenting herself like this. Secondly, he wanted to understand clearly who had revealed the secret such that Zhu Chengqi suspected that he had to do with Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    If Zhu Chengqi had really known the truth about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Wang Yang would no longer doubt the contents of that will. He would feel that his efforts in recent years were worthless.

    No matter how well he took care of Zhu Chengqi, he wasn¡¯t Zhu Baoguo. Compared to a nephew, Zhu Chengqi would naturally desire his biological son¡¯s care more. Furthermore, he didn¡¯t carry a good attitude toward Zhu Chengqi. His feelings for him weren¡¯t real.

    However, at this second, even though Wang Yang had not gotten his answer, he had lost the motivation to probe further. Was it important if Zhu Chengqi knew about it first or if Qiao Nan was the one who told Zhu Chengqi? It wasn¡¯t. No matter who told whom, it couldn¡¯t change the result that he was a big loser.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep to my promise. After returning, I¡¯ll call mywyer and get him to withdraw thewsuit. Everything from the Zhu family belongs to you. Qiao Nan, you¡¯re formidable!¡± Wang Yang said, not willing to take this lying down.

 Chapter 2345 - Dying? What a Joke! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2345: Dying? What a Joke! (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He had clearly sent Chen Jun to get close to Qiao Nan so that he could ruin Qiao Nan¡¯s image in Zhu Chengqi¡¯s heart. Who would have known that Chen Jun would really fall in love with Qiao Nan and want to marry her? After knowing this situation, Wang Yang became very unhappy. However, Chen Jun said that as long as the goal was achieved, Wang Yang didn¡¯t need to care if he and Qiao Nan would be together as that wouldn¡¯t affect Wang Yang¡¯s ns.

    It was also because of Chen Jun¡¯s words that Wang Yang shifted his attention away from Qiao Nan.

    He had spent quite some effort on Qiao Nan. However, he lost in the end. Who in this world would be able to take this lying down if they encountered such a situation? He never treated or bothered to treat Qiao Nan as an opponent. However, this old virgin who didn¡¯t utter a word even though she was always bullied by the two ¡®amazing¡¯ characters in the family had defeated him. Wang Yang wasn¡¯t willing to admit that he was that useless.

    Qiao Nan wrapped her arms around her chest. ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me this. All along, I have felt at ease. With my husband around, what¡¯s there for me to worry about?¡± She wasn¡¯t Wang Yang. Those so-called family members in the Wang family had hidden a lot of scheming thoughts and yed tricks with Wang Yang.

    The Wang family was already in such a mess. Could Wang Yang still count on the Wang family to help him tide over this difficulty and win this case? It was still broad daylight now. It was too early to dream.

    The conversation between the two ended. Qiao Nan was willing to waste her time talking to Wang Yang so that she could see his badly defeated look.

    There was no choice. Wang Yang had caused so many people to have misfortunes in this lifetime, letting their happiness slip by. Couldn¡¯t she take a few more looks at Wang Yang¡¯s bad luck?

    Of course, Qiao Nan saw a lot of it today. Qiao Nan, who was in a good mood, said that she had to eat half a bowl of rice more during dinner after she reached home. Wang Yang¡¯s expression and state of mind today made her gain an appetite.

    As to why Wang Yang would have such a change today and would even be willing to withdraw thewsuit, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t interested to find out. What she could guess was that the reason for Wang Yang¡¯s change definitely wasn¡¯t something that would make him happy. However, anything that could make Wang Yang suffer was something good. Since this was something good, why did she have to ask so clearly?

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t ask about Qiao Nan¡¯ste return today. Only the three children clung to Qiao Nan as they hadn¡¯t seen their biological mother for a day. They snuggled into her arms and rubbed their small faces against Qiao Nan¡¯s body, reached out their chubby arms for a hug, and asked Qiao Nan to feed them water or get them fruits.

    Qiao Nan pampered the three children to begin with. Coupled with her good mood today, how would she not satisfy them? Two hours before dinner, Qiao Nan ced all her attention and energy on the three children. She yed with them until they kept giggling like little hens.

    Even during dinner time, the hungry children refused to leave Qiao Nan¡¯s side. They patted the children¡¯s chair with their little hands and only wanted their mother to feed them.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go ahead and eat first. I¡¯m not hungry yet. I¡¯ll feed them first.¡± Qiao Nan indulged them. The three children were like young birds as they opened their mouths, waiting to be fed. Qiao Nan knew her children. She had three small bowls and spoons by her side. Starting with Da Bao, she fed each child one spoonful. After one round of feeding, Da Bao had finished swallowing his food.

    As a mother of three children, Qiao Nan had long learned how to feed them at a fast speed. As such, even under the watch of three pairs of eyes from the Zhai family, Qiao Nan wasposed and fed the three children well. Miao Jing was so impressed that she said, ¡°Our triplets are really blessed to have such a good mother like Nan Nan.¡±

    Her speed and gesture of feeding were simply top-notch.

    Beingplimented by her mother-inw, Qiao Nan had no intention to be proud. She was the mother of these triplets for two lifetimes. How would she not have practiced her speed? They were the same children. They naturally had the same temper and habits. At the beginning of her dream, Qiao Nan was still not as trained yet and didn¡¯t manage to feed them quickly enough, causing them to be anxious. Outside of her dream, everything went smoothly for Qiao Nan and she served the three children well.

    Zhai Sheng frowned. If not for the three children being young and had no strength in their wrists such that letting them eat on their own would equate to wasting food, Zhai Sheng would have stuffed the forks into the children¡¯s hands and asked them to feed themselves.

    Such pampering was¡­

    Since Nan Nan was a loving mother, he had to be a strict father. Otherwise, these three children would be pampered by the adults in the family so much that they became spoiled brats. Such examples close to him included Zhai Hua, Zhu Baoguo, and Wang Yang.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t wish for his children to follow in their footsteps and make the same mistakes as them.

    Zhai Hua, who was far away in Ping Cheng, couldn¡¯t help but sneeze. This scared Jiajia, who was having a meal together with her at home. ¡°Mom, are you alright? Did you catch a cold?¡±

    Zhai Hua wiped her nose with a tissue. ¡°Don¡¯t you know how healthy I am? I¡¯m guessing that it¡¯s your uncle in the capital who¡¯s speaking badly of me in front of your aunt now. Your uncle¡¯s so cheeky since he was a child. He can¡¯t be managed well.¡±

    Once Jiajia, who gradually had an understanding of her uncle Zhai Sheng, heard such unreliable words from her biological mother, her facial muscles couldn¡¯t help but twitch. Jiajia took a bite of rice. Compared to her uncle, her mother would be the cheekier one, right?

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what happened in Ping Cheng. At night, Qiao Nan simrly coaxed the three children to sleep before attending to her personal hygiene.

    When Qiao Nany on the bed, Zhai Sheng hugged her tightly and suppressed her such that it was the ssic position of man on top, woman below. Upon seeing this situation, Qiao Nan understood. It looked like they were going to have a great round at it tonight.

    Zhai Sheng could be said to finally have his wife¡¯s attention on him after suppressing the soft Qiao Nan under him. He asked, ¡°What happened today? Why are you so happy?¡±

    Qiao Nan, who was in a good mood, wasn¡¯t afraid of death at all. She also forgot about Zhai Sheng¡¯s terrible bat power¡¯. She put her arms around Zhai Sheng¡¯s neck, raised her upper body, and kissed Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips. She even missed Zhai Sheng¡¯s red eyes for a moment. ¡°A scumbag came to find me. He deserved a beating. How could I let him off? I feel good after tormenting him.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say it explicitly. As husband and wife, Zhai Sheng understood Qiao Nan¡¯s meaning.. ¡°Wang Yang went to find you?¡± He was the only scumbag Nan Nan would talk about recently.

 Chapter 2346 - Dying? What a Joke! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2346: Dying? What a Joke! (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes lit up and she nted a kiss on Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips. ¡°Dear, you¡¯re the best! You hit bull¡¯s-eye!¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who had received two kisses, was not at all satisfied. In fact, his desire had only gotten stronger. His hands quickly removed Qiao Nan¡¯s clothes as well as his own. ¡°If that¡¯s great, there¡¯s something even better!¡±

    ¡°Mm¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes widened as she thought about how this man was a wolf. As for whether it was good, the exhausted Qiao Nan could only think about breaking this ¡®stick¡¯ in front of her.

    It was rare for Wang Yang to havee to such a decision about the Zhu family¡¯s assets. The second day, Qiao Nan crawled out of bed with much difficulty. Although she had no sses, she was sure that the triplets would kick up a fuss if they didn¡¯t see their mother. Having finally coaxed the three children, Qiao Nan was just about to settle her first meal for the day when she received a call from thewyer. ¡°Hello, Madam Qiao? I have a piece of good news for you. I just received a call from the court. The other party has withdrawn thewsuit. From now on, Chief Zhu¡¯s will will be valid. Congrattions on inheriting the Zhu family¡¯s assets. If you are free, pleasee to our office and handle the paperwork.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. Thank you. I¡¯ll head there tomorrow to get the paperwork done.¡± After hanging up, Qiao Nan kissed San Bao¡¯s chubby face. It was good news that thewsuit had finallye to an end.

    San Bao was ted at being kissed by her mom and she grabbed onto Qiao Nan¡¯s face with her chubby hands, insisting on returning the kiss.

    Seeing that, Da Bao and Er Bao hurried over. Since their younger sister had kissed their mom, they had to do so too. In the blink of an eye, the mother and children were bunched up together, kissing each other¡¯s faces.

    Since Wang Yang had withdrawn hiswsuit, it was naturally much easier for Qiao Nan to inherit all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. She had simply signed a few papers for the Zhu family¡¯s assets to legally be in her hands. Of course, Qiao Nan had not forgotten about her original intentions and had taken a sum of money to support elderly people living alone.

    The end of thiswsuit had caused quite a stir in the capital. Many people were surprised by the result, but others thought that it was only expected. Everyone watched as a girl from the countryside rose to be the master of the Zhu family. Now, Qiao Nan was wealthy and no longer just a country bumpkin. More importantly were the resources that Zhu Chengqi had left to Qiao Nan. Those were enviable indeed.

    In the past, everyone had thought that Zhai Sheng had been blind to choose someone like Qiao Nan as his wife. Although Qiao Nan looked decent, she wasn¡¯t the most beautiful woman in the world. No matter how good she looked, nothing could conceal the fact that she was an unmarried woman of almost forty years old.

    Zhai Sheng had married and treasured a woman whom no one else wanted. How stupid Zhai Sheng was! What made others even more speechless was that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had gone crazy as well! They had not even tried to stop their son and had allowed Qiao Nan into the Zhai family.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had probably been too upset by the fact that Zhai Sheng was still single at his age. They were probably willing to ept anyone as long as they were women.

    If they had known that the Zhai family¡¯s standards were so low, they would definitely have put their daughters forward. There was a long line of singledies who had much better qualifications than Qiao Nan!

    But now, no one dared to say anything of that sort. The mention of Qiao Nan now always made others sour. It seemed like that old woman had some real potential. Who would have expected Qiao Nan to have such great luck to be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter? Zhu Chengqi had even written a will to leave his assets to an outsider like Qiao Nan instead of his own nephew.

    Before thiswsuit ended, this sum of money was still an unknown figure to Qiao Nan. But now, everything had been settled and Qiao Nan had be the legal owner of all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Zhai Sheng had made the right call in marrying Qiao Nan.

    No one in Zhai Sheng¡¯s generation or anyone younger had married anyone better than Qiao Nan. If they were topare their backgrounds, Qiao Nan would beat them in an instant now that she had control of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. Not everyone could have such good judgment and luck.

    Now, everyone felt terribly ufortable.

    Why?

    In terms of abilities, there was truly no one who could match up to Zhai Sheng unless they could set a new record to take Zhai Sheng¡¯s ce. After all, he was the nation¡¯s youngest chief in history. But they had thought that their sons, who had not been able to beat Zhai Sheng in terms of capabilities, had finally beat him in terms of marrying good wives, at the very least.

    It didn¡¯t matter if they weren¡¯t capable, but listening to the advice of elders and marrying a good wife was good nheless.

    Who would have known that Zhai Sheng would have beaten them in that aspect too? Not only had Qiao Nan¡¯s attack been sudden, but it had also been too impressive. The number of people who had such great fortune like Qiao Nan could probably be counted on one hand. Even with such a low likelihood, Qiao Nan had been one of those! Wasn¡¯t that even better than winning the lottery?

    The old woman whom Zhai Sheng had married had suddenly be a golden ticket! But no amount of envy could bring that sort of luck to other families. Their wives would never be their golden tickets, much less have Qiao Nan¡¯s luck!

    The only thing these people felt good about wasparing themselves to the Wang family. Now that Qiao Nan had be the master of the Zhu family, the Wang family had taken the greatest hit. After learning about this news, many were betting on members of the Wang family dying from anger. Besides, would Wang Yang still have the face to return to the Wang family in the future? He might very well be chased out of the house!

    Everyone knew that there was no way Wang Yang would have taken the entire Zhu family¡¯s assets for himself even if he were to inherit them. They would probably have be the collective property of the Wang family. As such, Wang Yang¡¯s painstaking efforts in fighting thewsuit against Qiao Nan would only have benefited others.

    But now, Qiao Nan was the one who had benefited from it. The Wang family, who had already thought about how to make use of the money and resources, could forget about doing so.

    Just as everyone had guessed, the Wang family had already found out about this result before Wang Yang had let them know about it.

 Chapter 2347 - Dying? What a Joke! (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2347: Dying? What a Joke! (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Father Wang was naturally the one who had had the biggest reaction to it. He dialed Wang Yang¡¯s number nonstop until Wang Yang picked up.

    Seeing this, Wang Yang knew that the Wang family must have found out about him withdrawing thewsuit. That was exactly why he wanted to avoid it. Mother Zhu¡¯s condition had finally stabilized, and the recent events had thrown Wang Yang into a frenzy. Wang Yang wanted nothing more than for Mother Zhu to recover well.

    Yes, he had killed Zhu Baoguo, but he had already handed all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets over to Qiao Nan. There was no need for his mom to feel so miserable anymore.

    Now that his mom was feeling better, it was his dad¡¯s turn to feel miserable. Upon picking up the phone, Wang Yang wisely chose to put the phone a distance away from his own ear. As expected, Father Wang¡¯s roar was terribly loud. ¡°Wang Yang, are you stupid? Who allowed you to be so bold? How could you withdraw thewsuit behind my back? Wang Yang, do you still think of me as your father? How could you do this without even discussing it with me? Who gave you the right to do that? Was it your mom?¡±

    Father Wang could not understand the situation. Although Mother Zhu had a nasty temper, she was extremely protective of her son. As such, she would never allow anyone to snatch anything away from her son. If it had not been Mother Zhu who had asked Wang Yang to withdraw thewsuit, Wang Yang would never have done such a foolish thing.

    Hearing the news, Father Wang¡¯s blood pressure had shot up so rapidly that he had nearly been sent to the hospital. He had insisted on not being hospitalized because he had to take charge of the situation and turn the tide. Even without the Wang family¡¯s reminder, Father Wang knew that he could not afford to crumble at this moment. If he fell, Wang Yang would continue with his blunder. Then, the Wang family would really crumble, and there was no way they were ever going to recover from this. They would have missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

    Perhaps, withdrawing thewsuit would mean that he had wasted all his efforts in marrying a woman whom he had not even liked in the first ce. His entire life¡¯s worth of effort had been in vain. Father Wang was never going to let Wang Yang screw up his efforts, even if Wang Yang was his only son.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you that you can¡¯t drop thiswsuit. I¡¯ve told you a hundred times that the Zhu family¡¯s assets are our family¡¯s. You can only win thiswsuit. You can¡¯t afford to lose it. Even if you have to give up your life for it, you have to take back the Zhu family¡¯s assets for the Wang family. Even if you die, I¡¯ll still be able to support your son with that money. The Zhu family¡¯s inheritance is more important than your life! Hurry and make a call and hire the bestwyers! Continue with thewsuit against Qiao Nan! Do you hear me?¡±

    Father Wang felt his anger rising up within him as he shouted as his son, so much so that he was feeling faint. How much bad karma had he umted in his past life to have gotten such a son? ¡°You¡¯re really heartless if you choose to listen to your mom. Do you really think that your grandpa did what he did to protect the Wang family and not you? Have you forgotten how well your grandpa treated you while he was still alive? This isn¡¯t just my wish. It was your grandpa¡¯s dying wish!¡±

    Left with no other choice, Father Wang could only mention Old Master Wang in the hopes that Wang Yang¡¯s passion would be reignited. Then, he would continue bugging Qiao Nan until the very end so that Qiao Nan would give up andpromise. They could not afford to admit to defeat.

    It was only after Father Wang finished his words that Wang Yang replied, ¡°I¡¯ve already dropped the case. Given the efficiency of thewyers hired by the Zhai family, I¡¯m sure the Zhu family¡¯s assets are no longer the Zhu family¡¯s. They¡¯re already the Qiao family¡¯s. Even if I continue with thewsuit, it won¡¯t change that fact.¡±

    Wang Yang knew that he had given up all chances of fighting with Qiao Nan the moment he dropped thewsuit. As such, Wang Yang wanted nothing more than for his mother to calm down and for the family of four to live well from then on.

    As for the Wang family?

    That wasn¡¯t his family. At least, it wasn¡¯t his Wang family. If the Wang family felt that he had been unfilial and had wronged them, he would simply not return and be a bother to them. They could live their own separate lives from now on.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Father Wang twitched and he quickly swallowed a pill for his heart. ¡°This is an order, not a suggestion. You¡¯d better follow my order. You shouldn¡¯t have your personal opinion. You¡¯d better follow my instructions. I¡¯m telling you again that you can lose your life, but before that happens, you¡¯d better take back all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets.¡±

    Father Wang had no desire to listen to any of Wang Yang¡¯s nonsense. All he wanted to see was a result. He couldn¡¯t allow Wang Yang to ruin the efforts of several generations of the Wang family. The Wang family was waiting to make a return from the grave and to create a better future with the Zhu family¡¯s assets. He¡¯d rather lose his son than lose the Zhu family¡¯s money and resources.

    But Wang Yang was no fool either. Father Wang had reiterated that Wang Yang could sacrifice his life in order to get the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. What did that mean? His dad was clearly hinting that he had to use some special underhanded methods in order to reach his goals. A ¡®small¡¯ sacrifice was both necessary and worth it.

    In the past, Wang Yang had agreed with that. If not for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s ¡®sacrifice¡¯, he would never have be the master of the Zhu family. Now that he was bing the sacrificialmb, Wang Yangughed. These words were no longer pleasing to his ear.

    He had an aged and ill mother by his side, a young and innocent son, as well as a good wife. He had so many dependents. Why should he abandon these people whom he cared about and sacrifice his life just for the Wang family to leadfortable lives?

    Sorry, he had never been brought up to believe in such warped ideas in the Wang family. He wasn¡¯t going to ept that. He would never kidnap or harm Qiao Nan, nor force Qiao Nan and the Zhai family to give up the Zhu family¡¯s assets. If he were to do so, he might very well face the Zhai family¡¯s revenge, go to prison, or even be sentenced to death.

    He wasn¡¯t so noble, and neither was the Wang family worth it. He felt that his dad was being ridiculous. Perhaps, everyone else in the Wang family was his father¡¯s biological sons. Only he had been picked up from the trash.

    His father would much rather lose a son so that his brothers and nephews would prosper. He only mentioned his son so that his son could sacrifice his life for the rest of the Wang family! What a joke!

 Chapter 2348 - A Good Son (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2348: A Good Son (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you. Did you hear me?!¡± Father Wang was infuriated. He understood his own son. He couldn¡¯t have been more explicit with his intentions. Wang Yang should have understood him perfectly well. Besides, Wang Yang was no stranger to this. He should deal with Qiao Nan exactly how he had with Zhu Baoguo.

    Wang Yang had already shirked the responsibility of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Even if he couldn¡¯t avoid punishment for Qiao Nan¡¯s matter, Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t be at a loss. After all, he would have gotten rid of both inheritors of the Zhu family¡¯s assets and would make a fortune from it. Wang Yang had a son, who was his only grandson.

    Since Wang Yang had made a sacrifice for the Wang family, no one in the Wang family would dare to object to him dedicating more resources to his grandson. After all, he had sacrificed his son to bring the Wang family to what they were today. As such, Father Wang was clear that he would have the greatest say in the Wang family once Wang Yang gave his life for the Wang family. He would be the master over the entire Wang family!

    He hadn¡¯t been able to do so while his dad had still been alive, but he would definitely achieve it because of his son, Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang took a sip of tea to calm down. ¡°I heard you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Hurry and get it done then. The Zhai family must be overjoyed because you dropped thewsuit.¡± Even their family would rejoice if they were to chance upon such a windfall. ¡°The Zhai family must have lowered their guards now. It¡¯s the best time for you to deal with Qiao Nan now! Remember that you have only one chance. You¡¯d better n carefully and seed on your first try. Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re my son and I have only one grandson. I can assure you that the greatest benefactor of this all will be our family and my grandson. Others can only ride on oururels.¡±

    ¡°Wang Yang, you¡¯re a dad too. I¡¯m sure you want the best for your son, just like me. If I had the choice, I wouldn¡¯t let you take such a great risk. No one can stand the pain of sending off someone younger than them. But at critical moments like this, we must be decisive and determined. We¡¯re doing everything for the sake of our future generations. Your son will definitely have whatever you didn¡¯t!¡± No matter what, that sum of money would end up in their pockets. They would not be at a loss no matter what. It was worth it for Wang Yang to take that risk.

    Wang Yang felt a chill run down his spine as he listened to his dad¡¯s words. His dad was already making him a ve to the Wang family so that the Wang family could livefortably while he was still alive. How could he possibly count on his father to be dedicated to his son¡¯s sess once he was dead?

    To put it bluntly, it would be a struggle for his dad to live for any more than another few years.

    Wang Yang dared not trust anyone else to raise his son. No one else would love his son and be willing to make sacrifices for his son like him.

    ¡°Dad, are you done?¡±

    ¡°Yes, hurry and settle it.¡± Talk wasn¡¯t important. Actions were.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Wang Yang replied indifferently. ¡°Dad, I understood everything you said.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. When are you going to give me a satisfactory result?¡± He had to see the results urgently. His whole family was waiting for him! It didn¡¯t feel good having his brothers eye him with suspicion and criticism. What he enjoyed were the Wang family¡¯s respect and admiration.

    Wang Yang put down his teacup. ¡°I¡¯ll never be able to give you a satisfactory answer. Dad, you¡¯re not young anymore. It¡¯s time to enjoy your life. My son is still young and mischievous. Sometimes, even I can¡¯t handle him well. How could I put such a heavy burden on you? That would be too unfilial of me. Don¡¯t worry. As long as I¡¯m around, you¡¯ll never need to worry about my son.¡±

    Father Wang could sense that something was amiss. ¡°What do you mean? Are you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Dad, I think I¡¯ve made myself pretty clear. I can¡¯t do any of those things you said. I¡¯m not young anymore. I can¡¯t bear to leave my wife alone, much less let my son lose his father at such a young age. I can¡¯t trust anyone to raise my son. Besides, I don¡¯t just have a dad. I have a mom too. I can¡¯t possibly think of giving up my life just because of you and forget about my mom. Dad, you¡¯d better get someone else to settle this matter for you. I can¡¯t do it.¡±

    Wang Yang had never liked Qiao Nan. If not for the special situation that Mother Zhu was in, Wang Yang would never have dropped thewsuit even if he knew the true reason behind Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will. Yes, he had caused Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. But so what if Zhu Chengqi had known about it?

    Had he not been afraid when he had done that at such a young age? He had endured so much hardship and paid a price for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Wasn¡¯t it only right for him to get remuneration for that? His uncle, Zhu Chengqi, had never been sincere toward him anyway. So, there was no need for him to respect Zhu Chengqi¡¯s will. He would fight for what was rightfully his.

    While Wang Yang could choose to ignore Zhu Chengqi, he could not afford to ignore his mother. He knew that his mother¡¯s anger would not dissipate even if he passed away. In fact, she would even lose all will to live. He could not possibly give up his life just for his father¡¯s sake, but he was willing to live well for his mother¡¯s sake. Compared to his father, Wang Yang cared much more about his mother.

    Whether or not Wang Yang had been close to his father in the past, Wang Yang was now closer to his mother because he had seen through his father¡¯s true intentions.

    ¡°Dad, I think that I was even more direct than you were. You can do whatever you want. I¡¯ve already chosen to withdraw from this battle, so I won¡¯t be so shameless as to demand to share the spoils if you seed. As your son, I¡¯ll definitely hope that you¡¯ll seed. I¡¯ll congratte you in advance.¡±

    With that, Wang Yang hung up.

    ¡°Good, good. I really raised a good son. He¡¯s using everything I taught him against me now!¡± Father Wang was infuriated and smashed the phone.

    Hearing Wang Yang sounding so dignified, Father Wang was clear that Wang Yang would never try to ride on theirurels even if they were to seed.

 Chapter 2349 - A Good Son (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2349: A Good Son (2)</h4>

    But he was a fool for not wanting to ride on theurels of others.

    It didn¡¯t matter if others said anything about them. What could matter more than one¡¯s own interests?

    But now that Wang Yang had already made his stance clear, Father Wang had lost the ability to force Wang Yang to do anything. In the past, he had not needed to work for him to reap the benefits. But now, Father Wang was furious at being schemed against by his own son. Before this, he had always thought that his son had always been obedient to him. There was no way Wang Yang would have ever rebelled against him.

    But here they were. Wang Yang had given up on the matter and had directly asked Father Wang to look for someone else to deal with it. With no reason to hold on, Father Wang was angered so much so that he had been admitted into the hospital. There, the doctors diagnosed Father Wang with a stroke from excessive anger. There was no way of recuperatingpletely, but as long as his family members took care of him well, Father Wang¡¯s condition would not bepletely disastrous aspared to other patients.

    Wang Yang had remained silent for a long while after receiving the news. He had not discussed the matter with Li Yayan and had instead gone to his mother. Mother Zhu was still disappointed in Wang Yang, but the moment she knew that Father Wang had intended on sacrificing Wang Yang for the sake of the entire Wang family and had been hospitalized as a result, Mother Zhu replied, ¡°It¡¯s true that you¡¯re the main reason your dad¡¯s in his current state. But I know your dad¡¯s temper well. He¡¯ll probably wish that he didn¡¯t have a son like you and he¡¯ll refuse to see you now.¡±

    No matter how much Father Wang had been proud of his son, Wang Yang, in the past, Wang Yang had immediately turned from a good son to a bad one once he refused to listen to his father. In Father Wang¡¯s eyes, the line between good and bad was this superficial.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to take care of your dad. But given his feelings now, your dad will only get angry every time he sees you. In that case, his condition might just get from bad to worse. Won¡¯t we be harming him then? What has the Wang family said? Has anyone agreed to take care of your dad?¡±

    Hadn¡¯t he been dedicated to the Wang family and had even nned on sending his own son to death for their sakes? She wanted to see whether the Wang family had any conscience. After all, he had brought all this upon himself.

    Wang Yangughed. ¡°There¡¯s no one with a conscience in the Wang family.¡± He was a Wang too, and even he was a selfish man. If not for his mom, he would never have cared about Zhu Chengqi¡¯s wishes. He would have fought Qiao Nan to death to get the Zhu family¡¯s assets. No matter what, he would definitely have made life difficult for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Mother Zhuughed in agreement. ¡°The most ridiculous thing is that your dad probably knew of this as well. But he still thought that he could be the emperor of the Wang family and have a firm hold over that position. It¡¯s fine if no one from the Wang family is willing to take care of your dad. There are old folks¡¯ homes in Ping Cheng. If your dad¡¯s willing to stay there, we¡¯ll send him there. Otherwise, we have space in our house. We can just spend some money to hire a caretaker for him.¡±

    In short, they were never going to bring Father Wang over to the capital.

    Wang Yang nodded. That was what he had thought of too. Now that his father¡¯s position in the Wang family was threatened, his dad would only get angry every time he saw his son. It was better for them to live separately so that he wouldn¡¯t anger his dad. That was the least he could do as a filial son.

    There was no way the Wang family could keep such family matters under wraps, especially from Zhai Sheng. He had already gotten someone to investigate this matter and had even gotten them topile the Wang family¡¯s attitudes and words toward thewsuit into a document for Qiao Nan.

    After reading through the document, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. ¡°Hehehe. I¡¯ve finally understood how Wang Yang was raised. It would be really amazing if Wang Yang had grown up moral and just in such an environment. Have the Wang familye to a consensus about how to deal with me?¡±

    It was awful society they were living in and she was no longer a nobody in society who could do nothing but cry now if she were to be bullied by the Wang family.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan, scorning the Wang family. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t want to take advantage of others? But not everyone is willing to take that risk.¡± The greater the benefits, the greater the risk. It was a directly proportional rtionship.

    Everyone liked enjoying benefits, but the Wang family did not have the guts to put their lives and fortune up at stake. Earlier on, Wang Yang had been the vanguard of the Wang family and would always take the lead to solve all of their problems.

    Now, Wang Yang was no longer willing to cooperate with them. As such, the previously united Wang family crumbled in a moment and there was no one who dared to step forward.

    From this angle, Wang Yang was indeed the bravest and ambitious of the Wang family. The rest of the Wang family only dreamed of such situations but had no guts to go through with them.

    Of course, no one in the Wang family was willing to sacrifice their lives to better the lives of others. As such, the atmosphere in the Wang family had changed drastically as soon as Wang Yang stopped interfering in their matters. It was because they had been used to Wang Yang taking the front line that they had taken him for granted and gotten used to simply reaping the benefits.

    ¡°The Wang family doesn¡¯t hold influence in the capital. I¡¯m not really worried about them trying to deal with people in Ping Cheng either. We¡¯ve already got our eyes on the Wang family. No matter whom they target, they¡¯ll pay for it.¡± In short, the Wang family wasn¡¯t all that impressive. If they dared to challenge thew, they would definitely be punished!

    Qiao Nan was shocked that the Wang family had made such a n.

    Zhai Sheng kissed Qiao Nan on the forehead. ¡°That¡¯s true. Don¡¯t worry. They won¡¯t dare to do anything.¡± It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Sheng looked down on the Wang family, but the only one with the slightest capability was Wang Yang. Since Wang Yang had already given up, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for the Wang family to do anything. Now, the Wang family was truly in a mess.

 Chapter 2350 - A Good Son (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2350: A Good Son (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Fools had better not even think aboutmitting any crimes, much less doing it!

    Qiao Nan felt exceptionally safe in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace. With her man propping up her world for her, there was no longer the need for her to worry about everything as she had done before. All she had to do was to remain under Zhai Sheng¡¯s wings.

    It was abnormally difficult for the Wang family to do anything against Qiao Nan. The Wang family was not Wang Yang, who had been in the capital for more than a year and had gained connections and a house in the capital because of Zhu Chengqi. Wang Yang still had a way of dealing with Qiao Nan if he tried.

    But apart from Wang Yang, it was difficult for anyone else in the Wang family to establish themselves in the capital. They had neither money nor connections. Even though they had slight influence in Ping Cheng, they were not spared of the difficulties that the Beijing drifters were subject to once they were in the capital.

    Knowing that that was the case, the Wang family was not so foolish as to choose that path of suffering for themselves. If going to the capital wouldn¡¯t work, they still had a way out in Ping Cheng. After all, Ping Cheng was their hometown. It was true that Qiao Nan was in the capital, but her family was not dead. From what they knew, Qiao Nan¡¯s parents were still alive, and she still had an elder sister.

    As for the rtionship between the family of four, that was beyond the concern of the Wang family. No matter how bad their rtionship was, they were still a family. There was no way Qiao Nan could stand by and not do anything if their lives were being threatened.

    Of course, threatening Qiao Nan with the Qiao family was not as good as threatening Zhai Sheng with Qiao Nan. But something was always better than nothing. It was much better than seeing the entire Zhu family¡¯s fortune be Qiao Nan¡¯s alone. It would be good as long as they could get something back. Then, the Wang family would undoubtedly be able to raise a second or third ¡®Wang Yang¡¯ so that Wang Yang wouldn¡¯t think that he was the most brilliant and promising amongst the Wang family and look down on them.

    In the past, Wang Yang might have been a good nephew to the Wang family. But after he had withdrawn thewsuit and enjoyed the benefits he had reaped from Zhu Chengqi without helping the rest of the Wang family, they had branded him as an ingrate and were no longer willing to give Wang Yang a second chance.

    Once they seeded, they would not hesitate to chase Wang Yang out of the Wang family if he dared to change his mind and try to get close to the Wang family. From now on, Wang Yang was no longer part of the Wang family, and neither did they have anything to do with him!

    The Wang family had truly been enraged. All these years, Wang Yang hadn¡¯t even cared about his own parents just for the sake of gaining Zhu Chengqi¡¯s favor. Given Zhu Chengqi¡¯s position and status, Wang Yang could have made a fortune as long as Zhu Chengqi had given him even just a fraction of his assets.

    Aside from the will, the Wang family knew that Zhu Chengqi had treated his nephew rather well. It was because of Zhu Chengqi¡¯s attitude toward Wang Yang that the Wang family had misced their trust in Wang Yang, believing that Wang Yang would definitely bring the Wang family to greater heights after he inherited all of the Zhu family¡¯s assets after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death. Then, the Wang family would be the second Zhu family.

    But now, Wang Yang had be the most promising person in the Wang family with some help from Zhu Chengqi. He had reaped some benefits from staying by Zhu Chengqi¡¯s side, but what was the rest of them to do now that the Zhu family¡¯s assets had nothing to do with the Wang family?

    Even though Wang Yang was indeed the most promising amongst them, he was reluctant to help the Wang family in any way. Besides, Wang Yang had clearly stated his intention to settle down in the capital. Unless he had the need to work with the Wang family, they were simply rtives at the very most. Wang Yang would never sacrifice his own interests to benefit his rtives in the Wang family.

    If they remained in contact, they could perhaps get closer. This was Wang Yang¡¯s limit for the Wang family.

    Because of Wang Yang¡¯s attitude, the Wang family had been upset. If Wang Yang had inherited the Zhu family¡¯s assets, it would very well have been theirs. With those assets, they would have been able to rise to a position that Wang Yang was in, or even higher.

    But now, that was gone! And Wang Yang was only willing to remain in contact with them if it was beneficial to him too. The Wang family was helpless. Wang Yang alone had gleaned benefits from Zhu Chengqi while they could only look on and see just how glorious Wang Yang¡¯s life was. Apart from envy, there was nothing they could do.

    How could this happen?

    Everyone from the Wang family pretty much shared the same thoughts. None of them could stand the fact that Wang Yang had gotten all of those advantages. Since Wang Yang wasn¡¯t going to be of any help to them, they would have to find a way to save themselves.

    After berating Wang Yang in their hearts, the Wang family came to a consensus. If they were to seed in their n, they were never going to agree to Wang Yang¡¯s request to be their rtives again in the future. Wang Yang had abandoned them in their time of need. There was no way they were going to allow Wang Yang to acknowledge them as rtives once they made a name for themselves.

    Since Wang Yang was drawing lines with them now, there was nothing wrong in them doing the same toward him. There would eventuallye a day when Wang Yang would regret his decision. As for the money that the Wang family had wasted on protecting Wang Yang, they would simply treat it as though they had spent the money feeding dogs or an ingrate.

    It went without saying that Wang Yang¡¯s betrayal led to Father Wang¡¯s downfall in the Wang family. The Wang family turned against him, and even Father Wang¡¯s brothers treated him with that attitude too. Wang Yang had gotten all the benefits but had spent the Wang family¡¯s money and resources while clinging on to his uncle, Zhu Chengqi. Not only was he not grateful toward the Wang family, but he was not even willing to acknowledge his poor rtives now that he had made a fortune for himself. He was an ingrate!

    Father Wang was the one who had raised such an unfilial son. It was entirely Father Wang¡¯s fault that the Wang family had taken such a great hit this time. As such, Father Wang had better not even dream of bing the head of the household. It was good enough that they were willing to overlook how they had suffered a loss. Because of this, Father Wang had lost all rights to participate in any family discussions in the future.

    Since Wang Yang refused to acknowledge them, they would keep their distance too.

 Chapter 2351 - Settling Scores (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2351: Settling Scores (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Father Wang was Wang Yang¡¯s father, and Wang Yang¡¯s stand naturally represented Father Wang¡¯s. In the future, Father Wang should simply live his life with his son. Poor rtives like them would neither try to take advantage of Wang Yang nor climb up over his head. They would simply sever all ties.

    Hearing his brother say that, Father Wang¡¯s stroke nearly worsened. Growing up, his brothers had always listened to whatever he said.

    Father Wang was used to being the ruler of the Wang family. Now that no one was taking him seriously, and everyone even severed ties with him, Father Wang was anxious and furious and did not know what to do. Should he scold his brothers for being disrespectful and saying such infuriating words, or should he make a call to reprimand Wang Yang?

    If not for his disobedient son who had made trouble for him, the Wang family would never have rebelled against him, nor would his younger brother have usurped the position of the head of the Wang family from him.

    His younger brother was disobedient while his son was unfilial. The thought of it made Father Wang roll his eyes in fury. He had worked hard his whole life for the sake of the Wang family and his rtives. Although they had performed well in the past, they were all rebelling against him now. What a mess!

    If he had not been in charge of the Wang family all these years, would the Wang family have gotten to where they were today? These ingrates! Did they really think that any Tom, Dick, or Harry could be the head of the Wang family?

    Before Father Wang could go on his rant and scold them, the Wang family simply took their leave.

    The money and resources Old Master Wang had spent on Wang Yang couldn¡¯t be gotten back. Even the house that Father Wang was living in now was Old Master Wang¡¯s. When Old Master Wang had passed away, he had split his assets among his sons but had left this house to his eldest son, Father Wang. No matter what, Father Wang was his eldest son, and Wang Yang was his eldest grandson. As such, it was only natural for the house to go to Father Wang, who would then pass it on to Wang Yang.

    In the past, the Wang family had been entirely focused on the Zhu family¡¯s assets. As such, no one really cared about the house left behind by Old Master Wang. Now, no matter how unjust they felt it was for Father Wang to receive the house, there was no use in arguing over it since the will had been effected such a long time ago.

    After making themselves clear to Father Wang, the Wang family left the house, swearing never to return. Because of everything, they despised Wang Yang, and Wang Yang didn¡¯t acknowledge them as his uncles or aunties either. Not meeting would save everyone some face, at the very least.

    In the future, they would live their separate lives and not interfere in each other¡¯s.

    In reality, these words were targeted at Father Wang. The Wang family¡¯s brothers still discussed with each other before doing anything. It was only Father Wang who had no ce in their discussions.

    Evidently, the Wang family hade to a consensus about kicking Father Wang and Wang Yang out of the Wang family.

    After learning of this result, Father Wang¡¯s anger could no longer be controlled and he fainted. Thankfully, the doctor arrived in time and Father Wang¡¯s condition did not deteriorate. But the doctor reminded Father Wang that he would soon go into a vegetative state if he continued ring up in this manner.

    Hearing the doctor¡¯s words, Father Wang felt like his life had been a failure. His brothers refused to acknowledge him, his son was living in the capital and did not care about his father, and even his wife was not by his side to take care of him. As for his grandson, Mother Zhu had brought him to the capital to reunite him with his parents.

    The lively and bustling Wang family had suddenly be cold and deste. In the past, they were countless people who surrounded him. But in the blink of an eye, the only one left apart from him in the Wang family was the nanny who had been hired to take care of him.

    In the face of such loneliness, Father Wang was full of resentment and he couldn¡¯t help but call Wang Yang. ¡°Wang Yang, I raised a good son indeed. You didn¡¯t care about anything I said or acknowledge me as your father. Look, your uncles are now mad at me and they¡¯re following in your footsteps by disowning me. In the future, we won¡¯t even be rtives and I¡¯ll be a lonely old man. Perhaps, no one will know if I pass away one day. Are you happy now? I must have umted eight lifetimes¡¯ worth of bad luck to have gotten a son like you! If I had known that you would be so rebellious, I would have put my effort into cultivating your brother instead of wasting all of the Wang family¡¯s resources and money on you!¡±

    It was ufortable listening to his father calling him a heartless fool.

    Wang Yang took a deep breath. ¡°Alright, stop bringing up the money that the Wang family spent on me all these years. If you really feel that I owe you or the Wang family, let¡¯s settle the ounts. How much did grandpa spend on me that year? I¡¯ll let Mom tabte how much she has spent on the Wang family all these years. If there¡¯s anything short, I¡¯ll make it up to you. Anyway, my mom¡¯s no fool. She kept her ounts well.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Father Wang had thought that this had been a good reason to punish Wang Yang severely, so much so that he would beg for forgiveness. Who would have expected Wang Yang to retaliate with such a strategy? Especially after hearing that Mother Zhu had written down every single sum that she had handed over to the Wang family, Father Wang didn¡¯t know whether he should be angry or guilty.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know something called intion? It might be the same hundred yuan, but in the past, it could cover our entire family¡¯s expenses for the whole month. Now, a hundred yuan can probably onlyst two days. How then can we calcte it in this manner?¡±

    Wang Yangughed. ¡°You have an ount book in your heart too. You¡¯re just bullying me because I¡¯m ignorant. I can¡¯t deny that you¡¯re right. But if I¡¯m not wrong, Mom has been constantly giving the Wang family money, right? I might not have known in the past, but now, I do. After the Wang family spent their money on me, their expenses have fallen on my mom. The Wang family has never stopped asking for money. I¡¯m sure they ask for money more than once a year, right? Does Mom¡¯s money that she gave them in the past not have intion?¡±

    ¡°Besides, I¡¯m sure my mom has forked out much more than whatever my grandpa did at that time.. I¡¯ll just treat everything extra as interest.¡±

 Chapter 2352 - Settling Scores (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2352: Settling Scores (2)</h4>

    ¡°It¡¯s good enough that you haven¡¯t lost any money. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    In other words, he had never taken advantage of the Wang family financially because of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death.

    ¡°You bastard!¡± Father Wang screamed. ¡°The one whom your mom married was me, not you! Couples are one. Your mom¡¯s money is my money. We havemon property. The money that your mom gave your uncles wasn¡¯t hers alone. You still owe it to the Wang family! Don¡¯t you dare bring your mom¡¯s money into the picture!¡±

    Wang Yang sneered. ¡°My mom¡¯s money is yours, and yours is the Wang family¡¯s. But why does the Wang family¡¯s money have nothing to do with me? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll owe the Wang family for the money they spent on me. But I¡¯ll also owe you and Mom for the money you spent on raising me. Wouldn¡¯t that mean that I owe double the money? How about this? Why don¡¯t I call Mom and get her to talk to you about how much her money has to do with you and the Wang family?¡±

    Wang Yang had never ridiculed Qiao Nan. Although she did not have high educational qualifications, she was more than capable of earning her keep. But such a capable person had been bullied by Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Even her husband had been snatched away by Qiao Zijin.

    At this moment, Wang Yang suddenly understood Qiao Nan¡¯s frustration. At times, some things had nothing to do with one¡¯s abilities. It was all about one¡¯s character and shamelessness. People like that said the most infuriating things and often positioned themselves in the most advantageous positions. What was his was still his, but what belonged to others was also his. Everything was his. If anyone wanted anything, they had better earn it for themselves. But even then, they would still have to consider if he would want those things. Only if he didn¡¯t would whatever one earned be theirs to keep. As long as he wanted it, everyone had better forget about having it.

    There was no point in trying to argue against such warped logic. There was no way of convincing him otherwise. In fact, one would only get annoyed by the other party¡¯s unreasonable attitude.

    To be honest, he was not much better than Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had handed over all her earnings to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. As for him? He listened wholeheartedly to his father and did whatever his father told him to do. If not for thiswsuit, he would still be listening to his father, looking down on his mother, who treated him sincerely, all the while being a ve to the Wang family. Not only would he have to supply them with money, but he would even have to be their coolie. Only when he settled the matter would he have finished his job. Even then, they wouldn¡¯t think of it as him having done them a favor. It was something he had to do since he owed it to the Wang family.

    He had never thought that anything was wrong with such a stupid exnation, and he had even thought that everything his dad had said was right. In fact, he had even thought that it was his duty to do so. Had his brain been eaten by a dog at that time?

    Wang Yang thought that it was incredulous and no longer wanted to continue with the topic. His dad could say whatever he wanted, but he would do whatever he wanted. If he really owed the Wang family anything, he would simply return them whatever was owed. If his dad tried toe up with a pile of fake ¡®IOUs¡¯, he would never admit to it, nor would he ever return them anything.

    ¡°It seems like we¡¯vee to an understanding regarding the money¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Father Wang¡¯s eyes widened. He was furious that he couldn¡¯t beat Wang Yang to death at the moment. Understanding? Since when had theye to an understanding? Why was he not in the loop about that? He had made it clear that Wang Yang still owed the Wang family, but Wang Yang had said that his mom had already paid off his debts, including the interest, for him. In fact, the Wang family had even taken advantage of him.

    ¡°Since we¡¯ve already covered the matter of money, let¡¯s talk about me making use of the Wang family¡¯s resources. Those people aren¡¯t very educated to begin with and aren¡¯t very good workers either. If my memory serves me well, the Wang family simply arranged for average jobs for them. Not only are their jobs average, but their sries aren¡¯t high, and the benefits are quite average too. I really believed you when you said that the Wang family¡¯s resources had been spent entirely on me in the past. But I don¡¯t believe that anymore. It¡¯s true that grandpa liked me when he was still alive, but he paid much more attention to you, his son.¡±

    He had been deceived like a fool because he had not contemted these matters in the past. Now that he was finally using his intelligence, he had suddenly realized that the rtionships that he had held dear to him in the past were nothing at all!

    ¡°When the old master was still alive, he valued you and was always thinking about how to bring you to greater heights. If the Wang family had so much resources, your position wouldn¡¯t have been so low before you married my mom. Wasn¡¯t that why the Zhu family had objected to your marriage and others even said that you were trying to climb the socialdder by marrying into the Zhu family? I can¡¯t deny that the Wang family does indeed have resources. But Dad, don¡¯t you think that you¡¯re going overboard by trying to cheat me like a three-year-old and saying that the Wang family¡¯s resources were expansive? I know that you were already in cahoots with the old master to fool me like you had done to my mom because you knew that the Zhu family¡¯s assets would definitely go to me after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death given how much my mom cared about me. Only by coaxing me would the Zhu family¡¯s assets be the Wang family¡¯s.¡±

    At the thought of this, Wang Yang¡¯s voice changed.

    In the first few years after Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death, Wang Yang had often had nightmares. At that time, it was always either Old Master Wang or Father Wang who would have apanied him. They had constantly reminded him how much the Wang family had sacrificed for his sake just to settle the matter. As such, nothing would happen.

    Every time he heard that, Wang Yang felt thankful to have a father and grandpa like that. He knew that the resources and money mattered very much to everyone else in the Wang family too. But his grandpa and father had not spared anything and had used everything that his uncles desired on a teenage boy like him.

    As such, he had given up everything and dedicated his whole soul to repay the kindness he had received.

    The more he found out about the truth, the colder Wang Yang got toward the Wang family. Now, he wasn¡¯t going to listen to Father Wang¡¯s words anymore. He was already a man in his thirties. If he were to continue to be taken in by these lies, he would have wasted all that rice growing up.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about the specifics of the Wang family¡¯s resources. You know very well just how my youngest uncle¡¯s daughter fared in school. Do you need me to remind you how she eventually became a civil servant? Also, wasn¡¯t I the one who resolved the matter when my second uncle¡¯s son almost got caught because he was corrupted?¡±

    ¡°I have three uncles and two aunts. Is there even a single child in these five families that I¡¯ve never helped?¡±

 Chapter 2353

    <h4>Chapter 2353: Settling Scores (3)</h4>

    ¡°When they wanted me, I gave them money. When they needed connections, I gritted my teeth and relied on my uncle to get them the connections they wanted. Aspared to those hooligans who simply got normal jobs, don¡¯t you think that I¡¯ve repaid the Wang family?¡±

    Wang Yang felt exhausted as he talked about it. How had he been so stupid at that time? Connections grew weaker every time one used them. Every time he used his uncle¡¯s name, it grew less effective too. If he had not used those connections then, he could definitely have used them in the future to pave the way for his son.

    Unfortunately, he had treated the Wang family so well without any care for his son, and yet, the Wang family still thought that he had not done enough for them.

    It was obvious who the true ingrates were.

    Father Wang was unable to retort Wang Yang because everything he had said was true. After some thought, Father Wang finally managed to force out a reply. ¡°There¡¯s noparison between the two. Those hooligans had nothing to do with the Wang family. The people whom you talked about earlier are all your siblings. It¡¯s only right for family members to help one another. How could you bring that up when talking about how the Wang family¡¯s resources were spent on you? It was only right for you to do that!¡±

    While devastated, Wang Yang¡¯s mind was now clear. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, things will be even easier to settle. I was the old master¡¯s eldest grandson. It was all because of your teachings that I hated Zhu Baoguo so much. You elders have to take responsibility for me causing Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death too. In fact, you have to bear most of the responsibility. We¡¯re a family, so it was only right for you to have settled the matter with the Wang family¡¯s money and resources at that time. Didn¡¯t you say that we¡¯re a family? It¡¯s only right that we help one another. How can we talk about a family member owing another anything?¡±

    After swallowing a breath, Wang Yang continued. ¡°Since no one owes anyone anything, there¡¯s no need to settle any ounts. Didn¡¯t you say that my uncles and aunts are all angry at me and want to disown me? Rtionships depend on fate and willingness. Since we don¡¯t have that fate, that¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s not disturb each other anymore.¡±

    Wang Yang had a good understanding of the Wang family¡¯s temper, courage, and abilities.

    Before this call, Wang Yang had thought of leaving a way out for the Wang family. After all, someone in the Wang family might unexpectedly do very well. But now, Wang Yang had changed his mind.

    Even if someone were to rise up in the Wang family, there was no way they would ever rise up to his position, much less surpass him.

    Wasn¡¯t the Wang family envious of him? But that didn¡¯t matter. After all, he was the only one in the entire Wang family who had an impressive uncle like Zhu Chengqi. Seeing it in this way, he had not been at a loss pretending to be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s son all these years.

    He had vented his anger and had settled his ounts with Father Wang before hanging up. Less than a minuteter, Wang Yang called Li Yayan over. ¡°Dear, make a call to Qiao Nan and let her know about the Wang family¡¯s ns.¡±

    Li Yayan was stunned. ¡°Dear, what¡¯s wrong with you? Are you thinking of¡­¡± Was he hoping that the Wang family would seed? Then, was he going to join forces with them?

    If they were to tell Qiao Nan that the Wang family was trying to target the Qiao family, the Wang family¡¯s n would never seed. If the Wang family were to learn that they had been the ones who had let the news out, they might very well view them as enemies from then on!

    Wang Yang sneered. ¡°I¡¯ve thought of these things too simply all this while. Even now, I still have no clue how Qiao Nan found out about the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death after all these years. It¡¯s clear that Qiao Nan¡¯s the only intelligent one in the Qiao family. Do you think that Qiao Nan would let her guard down just because I withdrew thewsuit? I can¡¯t help but wonder if Qiao Nan already knows about the Wang family¡¯s ns by now.¡±

    As such, it was impossible for Qiao Nan to entirely let her guard down. Not only would Qiao Nan have already guessed that the Wang family would have ns of getting back at her, but Qiao Nan might even be watching the Wang family¡¯s every move by now.

    Li Yayan shuddered. ¡°Is Qiao Nan really that evil and impressive?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, how would she have married Zhai Sheng or be Zhu Chengqi¡¯s goddaughter? This woman appears to be a harmless little bunny, but she¡¯s actually a roaring tiger. If they dare to underestimate Qiao Nan, they will end up like me, wasting my whole life¡¯s efforts.¡±

    Wang Yang sighed deeply. So what if he had found out about that now? There was no way of salvaging the situation.

    Li Yayan moved closer to Wang Yang to draw warmth from him. ¡°If Qiao Nan¡¯s so smart and has already guessed the actions of the Wang family, what¡¯s the point in me calling her? Isn¡¯t that unnecessary?¡±

    In the past, she had been ignorant and had simply treated Qiao Nan as an uneducated old woman. That was why she had been so bold to think of taking advantage of Qiao Nan.

    Now that she knew that Qiao Nan was someone whom Wang Yang couldn¡¯t even provoke, Li Yayan no longer had the guts to approach her.

    Wang Yang¡¯s expression remained indifferent. ¡°I don¡¯t know why Qiao Nan¡¯s putting on an act. For some reason, she gets even more agitated than Zhu Chengqi at the mention of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. Others might even have mistaken her for Zhu Baoguo¡¯s mom. It¡¯s true that I¡¯m involved in Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death. How do you think Qiao Nan feels toward me? I¡¯ve already taken the initiative to drop thewsuit. We can¡¯t afford to offend someone like Qiao Nan. Even if there¡¯s no possibility of ever being on good terms with her, I have to be soft. Otherwise, Qiao Nan might find a reason to get Zhai Sheng to deal with me. Then, we¡¯ll have no choice but to leave the capital and return to Ping Cheng.¡±

    He had already severed his ties with the Wang family. Unless he had no other choice, there was no way Wang Yang would agree to return.

    Qiao Nan? He had better not have any ideas of getting revenge on her. He had better keep his distance from her as far as possible. That was already the best he could do.

    Because he had already offended her greatly in the past, it was only natural that he had to find ways to make up for that now.

 Chapter 2354

    <h4>Chapter 2354: Scheming (1)</h4>

    Even though this was merely a pretense, he was not willing to give up any opportunity.

    ¡°Oh.¡± After understanding Wang Yang¡¯s intentions, Li Yayan obediently acted as his loyal servant. Zhai Sheng alone was trouble enough for Wang Yang. Now that she had be the master of the Zhu family, Qiao Nan had risen to the position of an empress herself. If they were tobine their efforts and act against Wang Yang, there was no way he would be able to fight back. As such, they had to do their best to please this couple. If there was the slightest opportunity to be theirckeys, they would not even hesitate for a moment!

    Li Yayan was no fool, and after the truth behind Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death hade to light, she knew that Qiao Nan would no longer bother about her. In fact, if she were to call Qiao Nan, she might very well reject the call. There was no way she would get to have a meal with Qiao Nan again as she had done in the past.

    As such, Li Yayan didn¡¯t want to lose such a good opportunity to get on Qiao Nan¡¯s good side. Instead of making a call, Li Yayan decided to let Qiao Nan know of this situation through a text message.

    After reading through the message, Qiao Nan deleted it before conveying the message to Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, what do you think Li Yayan is trying to do?¡±

    Qiao Nan hadplete confidence that Wang Yang had not given up on thewsuit out of his own will. In fact, he was probably still raging about having given up something he had chased after for his whole life. It was good enough if Wang Yang didn¡¯t look upon her as an enemy if he were to see her. It was absolutely incredulous that Li Yayan was secretly sending her such information. Could it be that the couple had fallen out?

    Zhai Sheng understood these things much better than Qiao Nan. ¡°Wang Yang probably asked Li Yayan to send this message. Wang Yang¡¯s hoping that we¡¯ll let him off and not pursue the matter or make trouble for him.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Is that possible? I don¡¯t really believe it!¡± That was Wang Yang they were talking about! Whether it was in her dream or in reality, Wang Yang was used to having his way. Even when he lost, Wang Yang would hold his head up. He was even more arrogant than the winning party!

    It seemed strange for Wang Yang to be begging for mercy.

    Zhai Sheng nted a light kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s lips as a consultation fee. ¡°Wang Yang¡¯s half a politician. All politicians know that it¡¯s easier to break someone down with soft words. One must be skilled with their words if they want to survive in the political circle. Without the Zhu family¡¯s assets in the picture, your rtionship with Wang Yang will return to normal. Besides, you¡¯re now the new master of the Zhu family. Given Wang Yang¡¯s current situation, it¡¯ll be dangerous for him to have you as an enemy.¡± Besides, he was on Nan Nan¡¯s side too.

    If Nan Nan wanted to deal with Wang Yang, he would definitely support her wholeheartedly and do his best to get rid of Wang Yang.

    Wang Yang couldn¡¯t afford to offend either one of them, much less both of them. He had to give in andpromise whenever possible.

    After Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death, Wang Yang had lost his previous confidence. Now, he wouldn¡¯t even need to take any action to chase Wang Yang out of the capital if Wang Yang continued acting arrogant and refused to humble himself. There were throngs of people waiting to settle down in the capital. It was easy to rece someone like Wang Yang. Everyone was clear of that.

    After hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s words, Qiao Nan was sure that Wang Yang had no intention of ying tricks on her now. But to be honest, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t too pleased about that either. She knew that she wasn¡¯t a particrly vicious person who could harden her heart and deal with others brutally. But it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her either if Wang Yang were to insist on driving himself into a corner.

    Qiao Nan had resolved to exerting her authority in order to get revenge on Wang Yang on behalf of Zhu Baoguo and the Zhu family. Who would have known that Wang Yang would have ¡®kneeled down¡¯? And unfortunately, Qiao Nan had always been one to take a more defensive approach rather than an offensive one.

    Wang Yang¡¯s attitude broke Qiao Nan¡¯s resolve to use more heavy-handed methods. It felt suffocating now.

    Zhai Shengughed and took Qiao Nan into his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t get upset. If you really feel unhappy, you don¡¯t need so many reasons to deal with Wang Yang. Besides, do you think that Wang Yang can change the past by acting soft now? Do you want me to help you? But are you so persistent about Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death because of Chief Zhu or because of Zhu Baoguo himself? You were his ssmate in junior high school, right?¡±

    Although Zhu Baoguo had already been dead for over twenty years, Zhai Sheng felt uneasy that his beloved wife was so concerned about another man. As such, he had taken the effort to understand Zhu Baoguo¡¯s situation.

    The past between Qiao Nan and Zhu Baoguo had been easy to check up on. Just a few days after Qiao Nan dropped out of school afterpleting her second year of junior high school, Zhu Baoguo had gotten into an ¡®ident¡¯ with those hooligans. ording to his documents, Qiao Nan had been a bookworm while Zhu Baoguo had been a delinquent who hardly even attended school. This meant that the two of them had hardly had any chance to meet each other.

    From the evidence, it was likely that Qiao Nan had developed a dissatisfaction and aversion to Wang Yang because of Zhu Chengqi. But as Qiao Nan¡¯s husband, Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s negative feelings toward Wang Yang were purely because of Zhu Baoguo alone.

    Having a husband who understood her best didn¡¯t frighten Qiao Nan. In fact, she felt moved. It was only because Zhai Sheng cared about her and observed her emotions that he understood her thoughts. The problem was that it was impossible to exin the situation regarding Zhu Baoguo.

    Qiao Nan was reluctant to lie to Zhai Sheng, and neither did she think she would seed in doing so. But to be honest, there were times she couldn¡¯t even tell if those experiences had been from another lifetime, or if it had simply been a dream. Besides, no one could answer her about whether she should bring those feelings into real life.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to say?¡± When they had first met in Qingshui Town, Zhai Sheng had already felt that Qiao Nan was full of secrets. He had clearly met Qiao Nan for the first time in Qingshui Town, but strangely, Qiao Nan seemed to know all about the Zhai family.

    If it had been anyone else, Zhai Sheng would have suspected them to be an enemy who had investigated his family background. But because it had been Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had not felt that way. However, Qiao Nan had been strange in that sense indeed.

    It could be said that Zhai Sheng had been giving Qiao Nan the time and opportunity to let him know about this matter once she was ready ever since he had met her in Qingshui Town.

 Chapter 2355

    <h4>Chapter 2355: Scheming (2)</h4>

    Now, their children were already learning to walk. Still, Qiao Nan remained mum about these things. Now that they had brought up the issue of Zhu Baoguo, Zhai Sheng wondered if Qiao Nan was finally ready to talk about the past.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I¡¯ll talk to you alone once the triplets have gone to bed.¡± It was better for her to clear the air about some things now that they had been married for more than a year.

    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Miao Jing, who was taking care of the children, saw the couple¡¯s expressions stiffen, and the atmosphere cooled significantly. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already settled the Zhu family¡¯s assets? Zhai Sheng, did you run into some problems and want Nan Nan¡¯s advice?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui took a ss of water for Da Bao. ¡°No, if Zhai Sheng needed Qiao Nan¡¯s advice on a problem, I would have kicked him out of the house a long time ago.¡± As a man in the Zhai family, they couldn¡¯t possibly depend on their wives to solve their problems! If the old master were to find out about it, he would probably rise up from his grave in anger!

    Zhai Yaohui admitted that Old Master Zhai had raised his two children. Because of that, both his son and daughter were not considerate toward him. What they loved most was creating trouble for him.

    Miao Jing rolled her eyes at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°When the children get a little older, they¡¯ll know that you¡¯re speaking ill of Zhai Sheng. Then, they¡¯ll be mad at you and ignore you. Don¡¯t you dare ask for my help then.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui felt a little embarrassed and he stroked Da Bao¡¯s head. ¡°That won¡¯t happen. Da Bao¡¯s so close to me. How could Da Bao get angry at me or ignore me? Isn¡¯t that right, Da Bao?¡±

    Da Bao, who had just finished his water, burped before heading back to the pile of toys and ying with his siblings. As for whatever his grandpa had just said, Da Bao was still too young to have understood anything.

    ¡°See, Da Bao¡¯s ignoring you.¡± Miao Jing patted Da Bao¡¯s chubby backside in delight. She treated Da Bao so well. How embarrassing it would be if Da Bao was close to only his grandpa and not her. To think that he was always talking about how the men in the Zhai family held up the whole world for their women.

    In front of the three children, Old Zhai was always fighting with her for their affection.

    Miao Jing had initially been concerned about the situation between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, but after quibbling with Zhai Yaohui, she hadpletely forgotten about the main topic. It was only when she was lying in bed that night that she had suddenly remembered it. What had gone on between Nan Nan and Zhai Sheng? Why had the atmosphere been so strange?

    Zhai Sheng walked out of the nursery. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The triplets are sleeping soundly. They won¡¯t wake up until tomorrow morning.¡±

    As the children grew up, their mealtimes became more predictable, and they no longer required such frequent meals. As long as they were well fed before their sleep, the triplets could sleep through the night and only wake up the next morning once they were hungry.

    There was no way of avoiding it, and Qiao Nan had no intention of running from it anymore. Just as she was rehearsing her script inwardly, Zhai Sheng embraced her, letting her lean against himselffortably. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. You can take your time.¡±

    Although she had been slightly nervous, Qiao Nan¡¯s thumping heart gradually calmed down as she listened to Zhai Sheng¡¯s heartbeat in his embrace. ¡°I¡¯ve never really thought of how to tell you about this because even I don¡¯t really believe these things myself. But as we interacted more, it felt like everything was true.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s words were like a tongue twister that would confuse anybody. Not only was it confusing, but it also contained many riddles. Thankfully, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t at aplete loss after he processed Qiao Nan¡¯s words in his brain several times. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s affirmation was undoubtedly to calm Qiao Nan down.

    Qiao Nan caressed Zhai Sheng¡¯s chest. ¡°Three years ago, Qiao Zijin got divorced from Chen Jun because of her affair. She was diagnosed with uremia not long after. You know about that, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± That matter had made the headlines in Ping Cheng at that time.

    It was exactly because of that that Zhai Sheng knew that Qiao Nan had been through a painful time.

    Feeling Zhai Sheng¡¯s heartache, Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. That was the time I was reborn. All of my pain left along with that car ident. At that time, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were no longer able to hurt me no matter how ridiculous they got.¡± Her hardest times had been before that car ident. Now that she was living a blissful life, Qiao Nan was no longer willing to think about that painful past where she had been so foolish.

    ¡°When Qiao Zijin contracted uremia, my mom got me to prepare money for Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment. It took me a lot of effort to raise a hundred thousand yuan for Qiao Zijin to stayfortably in the hospital. But just as I was about to send the money over to Qiao Zijin, I heard that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t just intend on making me pay for her hospitalization bills. She was afraid of dying and was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to wait for a suitable kidney donor. Since my parents were already too old, their kidneys wouldn¡¯tst long either¡­¡±

    ¡°So, she wanted to take advantage of you?¡± Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression became extremely cold and his hands clenched tightly into a fist behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back. If Nan Nan had been just slightly weaker at that time, her body would not even be intact now!

    Apart from his passion for the military and his devotion to the state, Zhai Sheng had never thought of himself as a selfless man.

    Everyone had only two kidneys that were irreceable. Qiao Zijin had never been a good person. She had bullied Qiao Nan for so many years. If he had to pick between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan, he wouldn¡¯t even need to consider it. He would let Qiao Zijin die!

    As a soldier, he would have the obligation to seek justice for Qiao Zijin if she had been killed wrongfully. The problem was that Qiao Zijin had simply fallen sick. There was no one to be med for that. Zhai Sheng was especially disgusted by how Qiao Zijin was willing to hurt others to improve her own life.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qiao Nan answered indifferently. When she spoke about this, Qiao Nan was so calm and emotionless that it seemed as though she was recounting someone else¡¯s story.

 Chapter 2356

    <h4>Chapter 2356: Scheming (3)</h4>

    ¡°I dropped out of school early and had a lot of time to earn money at work. The first time I spent my sry of more than twenty years was to buy back the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard which was sold to support Qiao Zijin in her university education. Then, she took all the money away and bought a house for Qiao Zijin as her dowry. I, who had worked hard for more than twenty years, was left with nothing.¡±

    ¡°I lost my money and even had to tolerate their humiliation and abuse. No matter how good-tempered I am, there¡¯s a limit. After hearing their conversation, I left the hospital with the one hundred thousand yuan that I¡¯ve finally managed to raise. However, in the process of leaving, she found out and we ended up in a tussle on the road. This caused me to be in a car ident. Speaking of which, I¡¯ve always thought that that driver was pretty unlucky. If he didn¡¯t identally bump into us arguing, even if he had to send his car for an examination, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten into such big trouble and lost so much money.¡±

    Three years had passed. Qiao Nan still felt sympathetic toward that driver. She felt that he was extraordinarily unlucky.

    Zhai Sheng patted her back lightly as if coaxing a child. He said silently that those things had passed. No matter who it was in the future, they didn¡¯t need to think about harming her again as he was guarding her by her side.

    Qiao Nan, who didn¡¯t feel upset, cheated quite a bit offort from Zhai Sheng. Qiao Nan wanted tough. Could it be that she had benefited?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, nobody knows that before I woke up from thea of that car ident, I had a dream. An extraordinary dream!¡±

    ¡°Did this dream have something to do with your attitude toward Zhu Baoguo?¡± Zhai Sheng still couldn¡¯t understand their rtionship until now.

    ¡°Yes, I was forced to drop out of school when I was in the second year. I don¡¯t know if the resentment in my heart was too deep, but in my dream, I returned to the summer vacation of that year when I was forced to drop out of school.¡±

    Qiao Nan selectively shared her dream. ¡°In the dream, Zhu Baoguo wasn¡¯t dead. I saved him. Although I was only a teenager in the dream, I always felt that I was a forty-year-old auntie. I looked at Zhu Baoguo like he was my son. After that, Wang Yang continued to have bad intentions. Indeed, he even tried to scheme against Zhu Baoguo several times. If not for Wang Yang finding Zhu Baoguo earlier on the day of the middle school examinations, I feel that Zhu Baoguo wouldn¡¯t have been sote. Wang Yang might have caused Zhu Baoguo to miss an examination on purpose!¡±

    Middle school examinations were different from college entrance examinations. There was no such thing as repeating.

    Zhu Baoguo¡¯s grades weren¡¯t top-notch, but under Qiao Nan¡¯s lead, they were considered excellent.

    In this premise, once Zhu Baoguocked an examination score in one of the subjects, his results would look horrible. Zhu Baoguo would have to spend some money to get into an ordinary college, let alone a top-notch one.

    Wang Yang only had one motive, which was to harm Zhu Baoguo. If he couldn¡¯t harm him to his death, then he would at least make him a failure in school. Of course, because of Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance in the dream, not only did Zhu Baoguo stop keeping in contact with those people from the society, but he was also positively influenced by Qiao Nan to study hard and improve his grades.

    In order to kick Qiao Nan away from Zhu Baoguo so that he wouldn¡¯t be brought up well by her, Chen Jun appeared again. What was different was that this time, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t fall for his tricks. What was more peculiar was that at about the same time, Zhai Sheng had already started to reveal his feelings for Qiao Nan.

    ¡°In my dream, I had a good rtionship with Shi Qing. Uncle Shi didn¡¯t pass away early. He watched Shi Qing marry Zhu Baoguo and she even gave birth to a son with him. He became a grandfather. To others, Wang Yang might have only caused Zhu Baoguo his death. To me, Wang Yang has harmed two families, causing them to lose their happiness. I heard that Shi Qing adopted a child from the orphanage. One has to know that the child Zhu Baoguo and Shi Qing gave birth to was good-looking and smart. Since young, he had grown up together with our triplets. He was such a good child¡­¡±

    Zhu Baoguo was gone, needless to say about his son.

    ¡°Do you understand it now? I feel that Wang Yang killed my son and caused my grandson not to be born!¡± Qiao Nan treated Zhu Baoguo like a son. If that was the case, Zhu Baoguo¡¯s son would be considered Qiao Nan¡¯s grandson.

    Because of Wang Yang, so many people who originally had a close rtionship with Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t lead a happy life. In this lifetime, Qiao Nan felt that Wang Yang, Qiao Zijin, and Ding Jiayi were three big existences. She never had a happy day with the three of them around.

    Wang Yang wanted to curry favor with her or pretend to be obedient in front of her. Both wouldn¡¯t work with Qiao Nan. As long as Wang Yang didn¡¯t make a mistake such that she had something of his in her hands, she wouldn¡¯t do anything to him. Of course, if Wang Yang refused to live honestly, no matter what he did or who he harmed, Qiao Nan expressed that she would eliminate this scumbag on behalf of justice!

    Before this, Zhai Sheng might have been a little jealous. There wasn¡¯t a choice. Zhai Sheng was jealous even of his biological son, let alone an unrted male. However, after listening to Qiao Nan¡¯s exnation, Zhai Sheng feltfortable in his heart. He categorized Zhu Baoguo together with Da Bao and Er Bao.

    ¡°How was I like in your dream then?¡± In reality, Wang Yang, Zhu Baoguo, Zhu Chengqi, and even Chen Jun, this ¡®ex-brother-inw¡¯, had appeared in Nan Nan¡¯s dream. As Nan Nan¡¯s husband and the father of their children, what kind of a character did he y in Nan Nan¡¯s dream?

    Qiao Nanughed. She couldn¡¯t help but bite Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips. ¡°Oh, what shall I do? It was rare for me to have a dream of a different life. However, why did I fall into your hands twice? Aside from me, at least you got married to Qiu Chenxi once. Look how pitiful I am. When I was in high school, we fell in love. When we were in university and upon reaching the legal marriage age, you pulled me to register our marriage and get the certificate. I couldn¡¯t even have more experience of dating. After just one rtionship, I got married and gave birth to the triplets quickly. Brother Zhai, don¡¯t you think that I lost out?¡±

    Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi were married for a short three years while she and Chen Jun just got into a rtionship. Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi really got married, and thus, it was his second marriage with Qiao Nan.

    Both of her first marriages were with Brother Zhai. Brother Zhai¡¯s first marriage partner wasn¡¯t her. She had suffered a huge loss, alright?

    Zhai Sheng pinched Qiao Nan¡¯s nose. After confirming his guess, he feltfortable in his heart. Indeed, it was like this.

 Chapter 2357

    <h4>Chapter 2357: Breaking In (1)</h4>

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that he who strikes first prevails and he who strikeste fails? It has always been the style of soldiers to act quickly, mercilessly, and urately after securing the target. I was your husband both in and out of your dream. You should have already been used to this.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was satisfied with his performance in the dream.

    He only got married to Qiao Nan now in his forties. Sometimes, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but feel depressed and angry as he had led a happy life. Before he transferred to the capital, he was living in the same city and quad as Qiao Nan.

    After spending only two days in Qingshui Town, he had developed different feelings for Qiao Nan. If he had discovered Qiao Nan¡¯s existence earlier in the quad, he would definitely have developed the same likeness for Qiao Nan then. He would stay by her side and get married to her once they were of legal age to do so.

    As such, how would there be a Qiu Chenxi? More importantly, there would have been more time for him to spend together with Qiao Nan. They wouldn¡¯t have been ten or twenty yearste.

    Zhai Sheng always had such a regret. However, after knowing his existence in the dream, the thorn in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart softened. It didn¡¯t feel as terrible as before.

    ¡°In the dream, how old did we live until? After the children grew up, what kind of daughters-inw, son-inw, and grandchildren were there?¡± They had triplets in the family. There should be a bunch of children in the house when they became grandparents.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s math wasn¡¯t bad. His memory was good as well. In Qiao Nan¡¯s dream, not only did Shi Qing marry Zhu Baoguo and give birth to a son, but Zhai Hua also didn¡¯t marry Wei De. Instead, she got together with Tian Dong and gave birth to a child¡­ These children spent quite a long time in the Zhai family and were about the same age as the children from the Zhai family.

    As such, there would be so many children from the triplets¡¯ generation that the Zhai family could open a mini kindergarten ss, let alone their grandchildren¡¯s generation.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s smile fell and she ced a hand on Zhai Sheng¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This lifetime was really happy andplete. There weren¡¯t any shorings. If I have to pinpoint something, it would be that I woke up before the triplets graduated from university and I was only forty years old. Because of the car ident, I was lying on the hospital bed.¡± That lifetime in her dream didn¡¯t continue to the end.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to think about the things in her dream. Firstly, she was afraid that she would confuse the happiness in her dream with reality. Secondly, if everything in the dream was true and she woke up in another world after falling asleep at the age of forty, would the self in her dream not wake up at all? Or would her life in reality be just a short period of time for her self in her dream?

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to think that the self in her dream had died when she was just forty years old. If that was the case, the her in her dreams had caused Zhai Sheng to lose his wife and happiness when he was forty-five years old. After returning to reality, she had married Zhai Sheng at approximately the same time so that the Zhai Sheng in real life could have a real marriage and a happy life.

    As such, Zhai Sheng had married her both in and out of her dream. It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Sheng had benefited. Instead, he was considered unlucky. Otherwise, why would Zhai Sheng not have life-long happiness regardless of if he was in her dream or not?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyes became a little dark. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. A dream is just a dream. Your dream is more unique in that it¡¯s close to reality. Also, no matter in or out of your dream, I could marry you as my wife. No matter what, I¡¯m not on the losing end. Instead, I became lucky.¡±

    Happy for the rest of his lifetime?

    As he listened, although the time now was shorter, at least he had met Nan Nan both in and out of the dream and had gained happiness. If there wasn¡¯t Nan Nan, he would have met all the ¡®other women¡¯. How would he be able to be happy for the rest of his lifetime?

    ¡°Brother Zhai¡­¡± Qiao Nan sniffed. She felt bad that she made the Zhai Sheng in her dream happy for only twenty years. Although the triplets went to university, they hadn¡¯t graduated. In her eyes, the triplets were still children who hadn¡¯t grown up. If she was really ¡®dead¡¯, her triplets would be motherless children. What should she do if they didn¡¯t find good partners when they grew up or if San Bao was bullied? Without her by Brother Zhai¡¯s side, would he be the same as in the past where he didn¡¯t like to talk and interact with people and not have a private life aside from the army?

    These possibilities broke Qiao Nan¡¯s heart so much that she couldn¡¯t breathe.

    Qiao Nan never told everything in her dream to Zhai Sheng as she herself couldn¡¯t face these ¡®possibilities¡¯. She wanted to escape everything in her dream more. She couldn¡¯t ept that the four family members she deeply loved became unhappy because of her.

    Zhai Sheng hugged Qiao Nan and flipped over such that he was on top of her again. ¡°You women always like to think too much. A dream is just a dream. If you turn reality into a mess because of your struggles in the dream, the triplets would definitelyugh at you if they find out about this. Nan Nan, I¡¯ve given you too much time and freedom. Look how bored you are now. It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s ¡®sleep¡¯ soon.¡±

    At the mention of ¡®sleep¡¯, Qiao Nan¡¯s sadness disappeared almost immediately. It wasn¡¯t that it disappeared quickly. It was simply because in the face of Zhai Sheng, an old man in his forties who had more vigor than a young man with desire, how would Qiao Nan be his match and still have the energy to feel sad about her suspicions and doubts in her dream?

    When Qiao Nan, who was holding her severely aching waist, realized the next morning that she waste for ss, she expressed that she was no longer going to talk to Zhai Sheng about her ¡®dream¡¯.

    Even if Zhai Sheng¡¯s performance previously was considered formidable, it was obvious that he seemed to have suffered some agitation yesterday night. He even treated her like an intable doll¡­

    Miao Jing secretlyughed when she saw Qiao Naning down from upstairste. The son who got married thetest was so happy after marriage now. Why would she, as a mother, be upset? This marriage camete, but at least it was sweet. ¡°You¡¯re hungry, right? Come over and eat quickly. I¡¯ll take care of the triplets with your father. Are you still going to school today?¡±

    Qiao Nan paused in her action of eating porridge and resisted the urge to blush. ¡°I¡¯m not going. Actually, I think I¡¯m good. It¡¯s already June, so the school is just doing revisions now. It¡¯s the same if I revise at home. It¡¯ll be fine if I just take the examination then.¡±

    It was already sote. As a good student who never skipped sses or was neverte, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t afford to lose that image of hers.

    ¡°Ah!¡± San Bao was so happy when she saw her mother. She patted her hands and wanted her to carry her.

 Chapter 2358

    <h4>Chapter 2358: Breaking In (2)</h4>

    When San Bao saw her mom eating, she couldn¡¯t stop herself from salivating. ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    Qiao Nan saw right through her daughter. When she lifted San Bao with her arms, Qiao Nan frowned. ¡°San Bao, it seems like you are gaining weight again. At this rate, Mom won¡¯t be able to carry you anymore.¡±

    San Bao had no idea what Qiao Nan was thinking. Her sparkling eyes were fixed on the bowl. Qiao Nan scooped up a spoonful of porridge and sent it to San Bao¡¯s mouth. She was old enough to eat it.

    San Bao clicked her tongue as she chewed on the porridge. It was soft and sweet, and San Bao liked the taste. She opened her mouth again, just like a chick waiting to be fed. Qiao Nan gave her about three spoonfuls, then brought her to the toys room to y Da Bao and Er Bao. ¡°The two of you have to take care of San Bao. If I find any one of you bullying each other, you are going to be punished. Is that understood?¡±

    There was no need for Qiao Nan to warn them. Da Bao and Er Bao would always give in to San Bao. As Qiao Nan spoke, Da Bao had already brought San Bao her favorite toy and left it in her arms. San Bao giggled as she tried to put the toy into her mouth. ¡°San Bao, no biting.¡±

    San Bao stopped the chewing for a while but continued after Qiao Nan got back to her breakfast. She knew that grandma and grandpa wouldn¡¯t stop her from doing it.

    Miao Jing ran her hands through San Bao¡¯s hair. ¡°Bad girl, it seems like you would only listen to your mother¡¯s scolding. Am I too kind to you?¡± The three children were never so obedient under Old Zhai and Miao Jing¡¯s care.

    Er Bao and San Bao gave Miao Jing their brightest smiles, and Da Bao gave a toy to Miao Jing. It was like the children were trying to please their grandma to soothe her anger.

    Miao Jing wasn¡¯t really angry, to begin with, and the kids¡¯ action blew herst bit of displeasure away. She looked at the children and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. True enough, she had the prettiest and the most adorable grandchildren in the world.

    Qiao Nan¡¯s life was getting better day by day, but Qiao Zijin was running downhill these days. It was no wonder that Qiao Zijin thought of Qiao Nan as her nemesis.

    Qiao Zijin clearly remembered the days that Qiao Nan suffered under Ding Jiayi¡¯s oppression. The worse Qiao Nan¡¯s life was, the better Qiao Zijin lived. Now, however, Qiao Nan had married Zhai Sheng and inherited a huge fortune from the Zhu family. It was no doubt that she was a winner in life. Looking back at her own life, it seemed like divorce, sickness, and poverty were all that she had. What angered her most was that Ding Jiayi was no longer on her side.

    She had moved back to Ping Cheng for a month, and Ding Jiayi had yet to contact her. On the day she arrived in Ping Cheng, Ding Jiayi even locked her outside the door. Qiao Zijin felt her rage rising.

    If it weren¡¯t a rented house, Qiao Zijin would have smashed everything in sight.

    Qiao Zijin had always been the one ignoring Ding Jiayi, and her mother used to do whatever she wanted. She thought of Ding Jiayi as an obedient dog that would run over with her tails swinging whenever she called. It¡¯s been a month since Ding Jiayi stopped listening to her, and Qiao Zijin thought that she couldn¡¯t let her mother get away with such an attitude.

    ¡°Are you sure that this is your house?¡± The locksmith asked again before working on the lock.

    Qiao Zijin rolled her eyes. ¡°Sir, this is Ping Cheng Residence. Would the guard let me in if I didn¡¯t live here? This is where I grew up, and I just happened to lose my key. No one ising home anytime soon; Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be spending money on you. Do you really think I want to pay for a new lock?¡±

    The locksmith would always ask his clients the same question. He couldn¡¯t find fault in her words, but he didn¡¯t understand why she had such a strong reaction. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll start.¡± It wouldn¡¯t hurt to double-check.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    Qiao Zijin folded her arms as she watched the locksmith work. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t enter the house, but she dide by once in a while. Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t responded to her for seven days straight, so Qiao Zijin had an idea how mad her mother was.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t care about what Ding Jiayi thought. She was merely worried about her expenses if she had to live outside.

    Since her mother could change the lock, she figured that she could do the same.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Ding Jiayi was out for groceries, and she wouldn¡¯t return any time soon. Therefore, she called for the locksmith right away.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the skilled locksmith to do his job. After setting up a new lock, he took two hundred yuan and left.

    With the keys in her hand, Qiao Zijin dragged her luggage into the courtyard. Although the lock had changed, she was happy to see that her room still looked the same. The only thing that put a frown on her face was the moldy stinking from her sheets. It seemed like they hadn¡¯t been washed in a long time.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s room was the second biggest in the house, and everything in it belonged to her. She scanned around the room and found a fewyers of cotton sheets lying around.

    Yes, cotton.

    It was June, and warm cotton sheets were obviously no use in this heaty weather.

 Chapter 2359

    <h4>Chapter 2359: Breaking In (3)</h4>

    Ding Jiayi used to keep these sheets in Qiao Nan¡¯s small room during summer. Qiao Zijin simply couldn¡¯t ept the fact that her room had be the storeroom. The stacked sheets made her feel hot just by looking at them.

    Qiao Zijin scoffed as she realized that her mother was treating her like how she treated Qiao Nan in the past. What happened to Qiao Zijin being the favorite child? Bullsh*t!

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ding Jiayi got back from shopping, only to find that the lock had changed. Although she could still fit the key, it wouldn¡¯t open.

    Before Ding Jiayi figured out what was going on, the door was opened from within. Qiao Zijin was all smiles. ¡°Mom, it must be tiresome buying groceries by yourself. I¡¯ve poured you a cup of tea, soe in and have some rest.¡±

    Ding Jiayi was taken aback. A brief smile appeared on her cheeks before her expression went sullen. ¡°Why are you here? Didn¡¯t you find yourself a ce to stay?¡± Since the day that Qiao Zijin left, Ding Jiayi had had a month of peace.

    On the first few days, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know if she was relieved or heartbroken. However, it only took two weeks for her to get used to the days without Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Zijin by her side.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s sudden appearance had made her rather ufortable. ¡°How did you get in here?¡±

    ¡°How else?¡± Qiao Zijin sounded gentler than usual, but the look in her eyes was still unscrupulous. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve heard about the family¡¯s situation. I got into the house the same way you did. It was a smart method, so I learned it from you.¡±

    Tsk, it seemed like her mother wasn¡¯t the only one enraged. Her father moved out without a word as well. She wasn¡¯t sure about the situation before, but she was certain that her father had not shown up a single time in the past month.

    Qiao Dongliang was determined to stay away from Ding Jiayi, and that was what caused her to not contact Qiao Zijin for so long. Although Ding Jiayi always spoke highly of herself, Qiao Zijin knew that her mother was nervous about Qiao Dongliang leaving.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Dongliang was the reason that Ding Jiayi held a firm stand against her for the past month.

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t forgotten about what she had done in the capital city, so she was ready that Ding Jiayi would be mad at her for a while when she got back to Ping Cheng. That¡¯s why Qiao Zijin had nothing to say when she changed the lock.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Ding Jiayi was furious. ¡°This is my house. Get out!¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s actions made Qiao Nan cut ties with her, and Qiao Dongliang had moved out of the house. She didn¡¯t even know where Qiao Dongliang had been living. The sole reason that she ended up like this was thanks to Qiao Zijin.

    If someone asked Ding Jiayi who she hated the most, her answer had changed from Qiao Nan to Qiao Zijin. Sure, there was a brief moment of happiness when she met her daughter again, but it was immediately washed away by her wrongdoings.

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean?¡± Qiao Zijin went through so much trouble to get back into the house, and there was no way she would see herself out that easily. Most importantly, she didn¡¯t want to spend money renting a ce. ¡°Mom,e on in. Let¡¯s put the groceries down and have a talk after.¡±

    Qiao Zijin dragged Ding Jiayi into the room and closed the door behind her. ¡°Mom, I see that you bought fish. How about braised fish for dinner? I¡¯d love that. Mom, this is your home, and it¡¯s also mine. This is the ce that I grew up in. Where else would I be? It¡¯s hard to earn a living nowadays, and everything is bing more expensive. It¡¯s better if we spend less, right?¡±

    Of course, if Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t want to see her, she could provide her a free ce to stay. That was the only way she would consider moving out.

    Ding Jiayi could feel her hands trembling in rage. ¡°Do you know how old you are? Do you know how old your dad and I are? You are already over forty, and we don¡¯t need you to look after us. All you have to do is to take care of yourself. No one your age would still be staying with his or her parents! Be it getting married or renting a ce, I don¡¯t care. Just take care of yourself.¡±

    That was what Ding Jiayi was like.

    When she favored Qiao Zijin, she wanted to give her everything good. Now that Qiao Zijin was no longer close to her, she wouldn¡¯t allow her to live in her house or spend her money.

    This was how she treated Qiao Nan in the past, and she¡¯s doing the same thing to Qiao Zijin.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin was not as filial and easygoing as Qiao Nan. If she did what Ding Jiayi asked for, she wouldn¡¯t be Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin giggled. ¡°Quit joking around, Mom. If I¡¯m married, I would be living with my inws. The problem is that I have divorced, so I don¡¯t see anything wrong with living with you. I have always taken care of myself, and have you forgotten about the money that I sent you and Dad? I¡¯ve paid for my living, food, and other expenses. Mom, are you eating off my allowance as well?¡±

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t shameless enough to talk about the house.

    The Qiao¡¯s residence was sold for Qiao Zijin¡¯s college fees, and it took Qiao Nan years of sry to buy it back.

    ¡°Your money? How much have you earned from your ¡®job¡¯?¡±

 Chapter 2360

    <h4>Chapter 2360: Fighting It Out (1)</h4>

    Ding Jiayi knew better than anyone else how much money Qiao Zijin had in her pocket. She also knew that Qiao Zijin got every cent from Qiao Nan. Could the cash even be considered as hers?

    What¡¯s wrong with spending her money?

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s mother, Ding Jiayi thought to herself that the money belonged to her anyway. Qiao Zijin definitely had arge sum of cash left after selling the house, so she had no right to be settling ounts with her.

    The elders always said that money was worth more than a filial son. Ding Jiayi knew better than anyone that she couldn¡¯t leave her life in the hands of a daughter like Qiao Zijin. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m spending your money? How can you be shameless enough to say that? Fine! Get lost! I won¡¯t spend a single cent of yours ever again! Get out!¡±

    Ding Jiayi used to be happy when Qiao Zijin visited, but all she felt at that moment was sheer hatred.

    ¡°Hehe¡­¡± Qiao Zijin smirked. She didn¡¯t say a word, but her purpose was obvious. She would never leave unless there was a free ce to stay.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s yelling didn¡¯t bother her at all. Qiao Zijin was used to the way that Ding Jiayi yelled at Qiao Nan, so she had enough experience to brush that aside. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m tired. Remember to call me when lunch is ready.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡­¡± Ding Jiayi wanted Qiao Zijin to leave, but Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t listen to a word she said. There was nothing that Ding Jiayi could do against her tenacity. The only reason that Ding Jiayi could get on top of Qiao Nan in the past was thanks to her obedience. Now that both her daughters were out of her control, Ding Jiayi¡¯s words worthed nothing more than the passing wind.

    At this moment, Ding Jiayi finally understood that she only had value in the family when her daughters saw her as a mother. When the girls neglected her presence, she felt the anguish of being all alone.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t ept Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward her, but it was understandable at least. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t forget about the things that she had done to her. However, why did Qiao Zijin have the right to do this to her? She might have been mean to everyone else in the family, but she had done nothing sorry to Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi was on the verge of breaking down, but Qiao Zijin had already shuffled back to her room. Before Ding Jiayi got home, Qiao Zijin had cleaned up her room to its original state. After seeing the skyscrapers, she realized that she was the mostfortable in her own home.

    Since Qiao Zijin held such a firm stand, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t change anything by crying.

    What to do?

    What else!

    They had to carry on with their lives.

    Ding Jiayi tidied herself up and started cooking up lunch. No matter how much she hated Qiao Zijin, she had to feed herself. There was nothing else that she could do.

    ¡°Mom, is lunch ready?¡± Smelling the scent of the served dishes, Qiao Zijin walked out of her room. ¡°Mom, after eating out so much, I realized that you make the best food. I¡¯ll be having it in my room since myputer is still on. Thanks, Mom.¡±

    Then, she snatched the tes from Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands and walked back into her room. Ding Jiayi did not even have the chance to say a thing before Qiao Zijin shut the door in her face.

    Last time, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t stop Qiao Zijin from taking her money and identifications. Today was just the same as she watched Qiao Zijin snatched the dishes from her hands.

    Ding Jiayi had been the only person in the Qiao¡¯s residence, and she had never considered the probabilities of Qiao Zijin¡¯s return. Therefore, she had only bought enough groceries to cook up a meal for herself. This method managed to shove Qiao Zijin outst time.

    Ding Jiayi was pulling the same trick without much thinking. If her living here couldn¡¯t be stopped, she should at least pay for her own food.

    However, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t fall for the same trick twice. She was younger and stronger, so it wasn¡¯t hard for her to get on top of an old woman.

    Qiao Zijin thought to herself that she was just trying to fill her stomach, and there were surely enough ingredients to make another meal. She hoped that her mother could learn her lesson after this.

    All she had to do was to cook up a meal for two, and they would be able to live peacefully together like any mother and daughter. Qiao Zijin thought that she¡¯s pretty easygoing since her request was simple.

    Qiao Zijin asked for free food and amodation, and nothing would change her mind.

    Instead of making a fortune, Qiao Zijin lost some money when she messed around in the capital. These days, she grew more worried looking at the bnce in her bank ount.

    She knew that she wasn¡¯t in a position to be picky, and her mother¡¯s cooking tasted fine. Qiao Zijin figured that she had to hold back her attitude and would eat whatever her mother made.

    Qiao Zijin still acted like a princess. After finishing her meal, she dumped the dirty tes into the sink and went right back into her room.

 Chapter 2361

    <h4>Chapter 2361: Fighting It Out (2)</h4>

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m done with my meal. I¡¯ve left the tes in the sink, so remember to wash them. My period ising in a few days, so I can¡¯t be touching anything cold.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how to react. She knew clearly that Qiao Zijin¡¯s period was about two weeks away.

    Seeing how things are, Ding Jiayi figured that Qiao Zijin would be doing the same for every meal. She would have no choice but to cook again.

    Qiao Zijin might be a devil, but Ding Jiayi was no coward. Would she really give in to her?

    Ding Jiayi was stressed from her divorce, and Qiao Zijin was a perfect target to redirect her anger. She would even say that she sought fun in fighting with Qiao Zijin.

    Was she still going to eat?

    Of course!

    Would she make Qiao Zijin¡¯s life easy by cooking meals for two?

    Dream on!

    Three hours after Qiao Zijin finished her meal, Ding Jiayi cooked herself another meal. Hearing the tes rattling in the kitchen, Qiao Zijin showed a grin of victory. She was confident that she wouldn¡¯t lose to an old woman like her mother.

    However, her sense of victory didn¡¯tst long. A few hourster, Qiao Zijin felt her stomach growling again. This time, she didn¡¯t hear any sounding from the kitchen.

    Since Ding Jiayi had ate meal, she figured that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t hungry just yet. There was no way that Ding Jiayi would cook up a meal just for her, so all she could do was wait.

    However, it was already eight o¡¯clock in the evening, and Ding Jiayi still showed no sign of cooking. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t bear the hunger and walked to Ding Jiayi¡¯s room. ¡°Mom, are you not hungry? When are you going to make dinner?¡± She was at her limit.

    Ding Jiayi looked at her and smirked. ¡°Me? I¡¯m not hungry at all. I have ate lunch, and I haven¡¯t moved around much. As someone my age, I can hold on for much longer!¡±

    Qiao Zijin obviously wasn¡¯t here to take care of her mother. Ding Jiayi knew that she just wanted to check if she were still alive. Since she¡¯s not dead yet, she should get up and make dinner!

    The pair had been living under the same roof for four decades, and Qiao Zijin knew immediately that Ding Jiayi had something up her sleeves.

    Qiao Zijin smiled and left without a word. A whileter, Ding Jiayi heard the sounds of chopping and stir-frying in the kitchen. Her expression changed. She had never tasted anything that Qiao Zijin cooked. Did Qiao Zijin have no choice but to put on the apron?

    Ding Jiayi could feel her anger rising again as she recalled how much she had spoiled Qiao Zijin in the past. Qiao Zijin had never stepped into the kitchen since she was treated like a princess. What annoyed Ding Jiayi more was that she was still the one paying for the ingredients and gas.

    It seemed like she had lost to Qiao Zijin again!

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Qiao Nan had no clue about what happened in Ping Cheng until she received a call in the middle of the night. She didn¡¯t know what to say when she heard about the duo¡¯s situation. ¡°Alright, sorry for causing so much trouble. I¡¯ll pay for my mother¡¯s stay in the hospital. Thank you for taking care of the situation in the middle of the night.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was sitting behind Qiao Nan. ¡°What happened? Was it a call from Ping Cheng?¡± Zhai Sheng asked.

    Qiao Nan leaned back into Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms. ¡°My old neighbor in Ping Cheng just called. My mother was sent to the hospital for food poisoning. The doctor said that she had digestive issues, and she had built a habit of overeating. It seemed like she had spoiled food¡­¡±

    Ding Jiayi woke up the neighbors as she was vomiting her guts out and was thus sent to the hospital.

    The neighbors were nice enough to send her to the hospital instead ofining about the noise. There was no way that Qiao Nan would let the neighbors pay for her hospital stay.

    She never counted on Qiao Zijin although she was back in Ping Cheng. The moment money was involved, Qiao Nan knew that there was no hope of getting anything out of that woman.

    When Qiao Dongliang was sick a few years back, she was the one that paid the deposit. However, as soon as Qiao Dongliang got slightly better, Ding Jiayi withdrew the deposit and forced Qiao Dongliang to rest at home. Qiao Nan would pay for Ding Jiayi¡¯s medical fees, but she wouldn¡¯t put too much in the deposit.

    She knew that the money would end up in Qiao Zijin¡¯s or Ding Jiayi¡¯s hands, and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to see that happening.

    ¡°Wah¡­¡± The call made Qiao Nan exhausted, and the crying in the baby¡¯s room only added fuel to the fire.

    Zhai Sheng massaged Qiao Nan here and there, trying to lift the stress off her shoulders. ¡°Take care of the kids for now, and I¡¯ll send someone to look after your mother.¡± Zhai Sheng knew Qiao Nan¡¯s bottom line.

    She wouldn¡¯t bear to watch Ding Jiayi die, but she also didn¡¯t want to provide for Ding Jiayi¡¯s living endlessly. Qiao Nan simply wanted to believe in karma.

 Chapter 2362

    <h4>Chapter 2362: Fighting It Out (3)</h4>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan believed Zhai Sheng wholeheartedly after hearing that he could help her. After getting up, she went to the nursery to see which child had thrown tantrums. One had to know that as the triplets grew older, they could slowly sleep through the night and would no longer throw tantrums at night. A situation like today was a bit unusual.

    Seeing that the two other children hadn¡¯t woken up yet by the noise and were just frowning and mumbling unhappily, Qiao Nan hurriedly carried Er Bao up. She patted him lightly and coaxed him. ¡°Er Bao, be obedient. Don¡¯t cry. If you continue to cry, you will wake Da Bao and San Bao up.¡±

    Qiao Nan carried Er Bao into the toilet. She prepared a basin of warm water and changed Er Bao¡¯s diapers. She was a mother, after all. She thought of how Er Bao had made a fuss about drinking milk and had drunk half a bottle more than usual before sleeping tonight. As there was too much milk in his stomach, not only did he wake upte, but he even ¡®wetted his bed¡¯.

    Qiao Nan helped Er Bao change into clean diapers and aired his buttocks dry. Once his buttocks werefortable, Er Bao stopped crying very quickly. There were tears from the corners of his eyes. After sucking his thumb, he fell asleep very quickly.

    After cing Er Bao back in the crib and making sure that Da Bao and San Bao didn¡¯t wet themselves, Qiao Nan returned to the room. As she opened the door, Zhai Sheng was holding a mobile in his hands. ¡°Yes, alright. I¡¯ll hand this matter to you.¡±

    As a chief, Zhai Sheng was in a situation simr to that of a teacher. A teacher¡¯s achievement was that he had taught numerous students. Zhai Sheng¡¯s achievement was that he had brought up a lot of soldiers. These included the soldiers in Qingshui Town and the old soldiers who were now retired as policemen in Ping Cheng.

    ¡°Found someone to take care of this matter?¡± Qiao Nan sat next to Zhai Sheng. She looked at Zhai Sheng with a strong sense of dependence. It was as if as long as Zhai Sheng made a move, he would be able to help her settle the matters that caused her a headache.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhai Sheng carried Qiao Nan andy down again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Someone will take care of her hospitalization. Nobody needs to think about taking advantage of this opportunity to get any benefits.¡±

    As a normal person, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t understand Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s behaviors. It wasn¡¯t good if someone fell ill. How would there be people who wanted to make a small fortune via this? No wonder a softhearted person like Nan Nan never wavered in her determination to maintain a distance from her family.

    An ordinary person couldn¡¯t do such a thing.

    If the Qiao family was poor and they couldn¡¯t even guarantee their basic living expenses, Zhai Sheng could understand why Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had such money-making ideas, though he disagreed with them. However, it wasn¡¯t like this in reality. No matter how much Qiao Nan hated Ding Jiayi, her biological mother, she would give her basic living expenses so that it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to her.

    From ancient to modern times, there was never a reason for a younger sister to provide for an older sister. However, Qiao Nan had provided for Qiao Zijin all this while. It could be said that she had provided her for her university education as well. Even if Qiao Zijin had some money in her pocket now, it was given by Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t earn a cent herself.

    Qiao Zijin had already gotten more than a million yuan from Qiao Nan. She still found that that wasn¡¯t enough. Seeing that their biological mother was ill, she even wanted Qiao Nan to fork out more medical expenses. By then, if there was any spare cash, Qiao Nan would definitely not make a trip to Ping Cheng just to get back this small amount of money, right?

    As the only rtive taking care of Ding Jiayi by her side, she had the authority as a family member to help Ding Jiayi settle her discharge procedures and withdraw the additional money. Once the money entered Qiao Zijin¡¯s pockets, no reason could make Qiao Zijin spit it out again.

    After knowing Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s characters, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t even want to mention that they were birds of the same feather who flocked together. In the face of such shameless people, what they could do was to take care of and consider all aspects such that they could try and not let people who loved to be idle and profit from others¡¯ toil seed in their ns. That would just encourage thosezy people to be leeches and form deformed mentalities of relying on others to survive.

    The person Zhai Sheng found naturally acted fast. As such, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng knew on that day why Ding Jiayi was suffering from food poisoning and gastric problems.

    After knowing the details of this situation, it was difficult not for Qiao Nan to admire Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Qiao Zijin was long used to living and eating at her parent¡¯s house. She was only short of making them take care of her clothes. In the past, Ding Jiayi liked Qiao Zijin, her daughter, a lot. She was willing to pamper her and was happy to spend a lot of money on her.

    Now, the situation was reversed and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t like Qiao Zijin. In order not to let Qiao Zijin continue to take advantage of her, she had really used all ways and means. Qiao Zijin was forced to rack her brains and fight a battle of wits and a contest of strength against Ding Jiayi. She had to win such that Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t dare to y tricks with her in the future.

    Ding Jiayi bought all the cooking ingredients at home. Initially, Ding Jiayi started to stop cooking for Qiao Zijin and avoided her for meals. Qiao Zijin changed her habits without a word and started cooking! In the beginning, although Qiao Zijin prepared meals for herself, she didn¡¯t wash the dirty dishes. The bowls and tes were greasy and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t like that feeling.

    Ding Jiayi was taken advantage of by Qiao Zijin again. No matter how ufortable she felt looking at the dirty dishes in the sink, she refused to help Qiao Zijin wash them and just let them attract flies.

    When Qiao Zijin was back at the Qiao family, the ingredients that Ding Jiayi bought were used up quickly. After eating, Ding Jiayi learned well and no longer bought a few days¡¯ worth of ingredients like before so that Qiao Zijin could prepare meals for herself. As Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t only snatch over the ready-made dishes but also the ingredients, Ding Jiayi thought of another idea again. She would specially buy ingredients that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t like. She was going to see if Qiao Zijin would still use them and cook meals for herself.

    The mother-daughter pair engaged in all kinds of fights and their rtionship was stiff.

    I won¡¯t wash the dishes that you ate. What? You¡¯re not going to wash them? Then, I won¡¯t too! Let¡¯s just leave all the dishes there then.

    Nobody washed the dishes, nobody cleaned the rooms, and nobody swept the floor. Under such a situation, how would the living conditions of the mother-daughter pair be any good? Especially now that it was entering June, the weather was getting hotter. By the time it reached the end of June, the weather would be no joke. When the weather was hot, it would be easy for everything to have a heavy smell. Under such terrible living conditions, it would be weird if nothing happened to one¡¯s body.

    As they fought it out, Ding Jiayi ate unclean ingredients and was sent to the hospital in the middle of the night for gastricvage.

 Chapter 2363

    <h4>Chapter 2363: Sticking to One¡¯s Opinions (1)</h4>

    Upon hearing that Ding Jiayi was admitted to the hospital for this reason and that she was tormented so pitifully, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what kind of reaction she should have. In her dream, it could be said that Qiao Zijin was liberated after she ced herself under her car tires and died.

    However, it was only today that Qiao Nan realized that once the Qiao Zijin in her dream was dead, not only was Qiao Zijin herself liberated, but Ding Jiayi was as well.

    She looked at the situation again now. Qiao Zijin had pulled through and didn¡¯t die. However, she became Ding Jiayi¡¯s catastrophe.

    Qiao Zijin grew up with Ding Jiayi spoiling her. The reason why Qiao Zijin would be who she was today could be attributed to Ding Jiayi.

    There was always cause and effect. It could be said that Qiao Zijin, this good daughter, had let Ding Jiayi experience how this was like.

    Don¡¯t think that her spoiled daughter could harm other people¡¯s families. There was retribution. Qiao Zijin had once again returned to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. She let Ding Jiayi experience in detail how good the daughter that she had raised was.

    Ding Jiayi was in such a pitiful state. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t pity her at all. There was always something to conquer another. Ding Jiayi had raised Qiao Zijin up alone. If Ding Jiayi refused to admit defeat, then she would be jinxed to death by Qiao Zijin. Ding Jiayi had spent more than forty years raising her daughter. She naturally shouldn¡¯t just let others experience Qiao Zijin. Based on Ding Jiayi¡¯s current health conditions, she could still ¡®enjoy¡¯ a few years of Qiao Zijin.

    ¡°Alright, I understand. It¡¯s not that this matter was troublesome. It¡¯s mainly because the people involved in this matter aren¡¯t easy to deal with. Brother Zhai, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems with the person you found, right?¡± Qiao Nan felt pretty embarrassed to hand over her messy family affairs to others to deal with.

    The problem was that she didn¡¯t want to go back to Ping Cheng to handle it herself. Aside from the person Zhai Sheng helped to find, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t find anyone else who could help her handle this matter. The neighbors in the quad could send Ding Jiayi to the hospital in the middle of the night. They had to run about and could already be considered as China¡¯s best neighbors.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. However, there was still Qiao Zijin next to her. Her biological elder daughter was by her side, but Ding Jiayi had to rely on her neighbors to send her to the hospital when she was sick. It was as if there was no difference whether Qiao Zijin was around or not. What else could Qiao Nan say? At least, byparison, her neighbors were more reliable than Qiao Zijin, her daughter.

    Zhai Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ve said it yourself. It isn¡¯t aplicated matter to begin with. If he was someone ordinary, it should be quite troublesome for him. Thankfully, he¡¯s well-built. If Qiao Zijin and your mom see him, they would restrain their temper.¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t blindly find someone for help, let alone just ept anyone who was willing to help. The person he found had a lot of pros. Firstly, he was a retired soldier. He had nothing else but strength and skills. He never blinked even if he had to deal with a few strong men, let alone Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. Secondly, he was a police officer. Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were not afraid of anyone but people in uniforms. Both of them wouldn¡¯t dare to be too rampant.

    It was precisely because the other party was a police officer that it was more convenient for him to help Qiao Nan and intervene in the Qiao family¡¯s matters. It was enough for him to just produce his police officer¡¯s card. No other questions needed to be asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± In front of the Qiao family, it was easy for Qiao Nan¡¯s mind to go nk. Thankfully, she had a reliable husband. Otherwise, with the Qiao family creating trouble for her all the time, not to mention if the Wang family might have made a move on the Qiao family to threaten her, it was already exhausting enough for her to deal with the troubles the Qiao family had created themselves.

    ¡°Go and rest for a while?¡± Ding Jiayi was ill and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to go back. Although Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t physically there, her heart had already flown back to Ping Cheng. Zhai Sheng knew Qiao Nan¡¯s predicament and wanted her to rest more. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you usually feel good? It¡¯s going to be the examinations a few dayster. Based on what you¡¯re saying, you don¡¯t have to cram at the eleventh hour at all. Stop reading your books. If you¡¯re sleepy, go to sleep. If you¡¯re not, you can take over Dad¡¯s and Mom¡¯s duties. The triplets are quite energetic, after all. I think the three of them would be very happy that you¡¯re ying with them.¡±

    The three children could distract Nan Nan¡¯s attention so that she wouldn¡¯t feel physically and mentally tired because of the Qiao family¡¯s matters.

    ¡°Let me sleep.¡± After knowing that Ding Jiayi was in the hospital, Qiao Nan¡¯s nerves had always been tight. Thankfully, Ding Jiayi only suffered from food poisoning and mild gastric problems. If Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition was serious, even if Qiao Nan wanted to escape, she had to rush back to Ping Cheng to visit her biological mother, Ding Jiayi. Thankfully, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to do so.

    After Qiao Nan went upstairs to rest and upon seeing that his parents were ying with the three children, Zhai Sheng made a call. He was calling another important person from the Qiao family: Qiao Dongliang. ¡°Hello? Dad, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, what happened?¡± He thought that his daughter had called him. He didn¡¯t expect it to be his son-inw.

    Qiao Dongliang could finally understand the ancient saying: the mountain was high and the emperor was far away. When he used to live in the Qiao family¡¯s small courtyard, as Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were often by his side, he felt that every day of his life was depressing. It was good now. He was far away from that mother-daughter pair and had cut off contact with them. As he breathed in the fresh air of the mountains, he felt that he was a lot younger.

    He might even be able to live for a few more years and watch the triplets enter a good university after growing up. This would make up for their mother¡¯s regret that she dropped out of school early.

    Zhai Sheng could naturally hear Qiao Dongliang¡¯s rxed tone.

    Zhai Sheng was dissatisfied with this. Qiao Dongliang was the head of the Qiao family. In the earlier years, as a husband, he couldn¡¯t control the presumptuous and partial Ding Jiayi. As a father, he didn¡¯t stand firm enough to protect Qiao Nan, his daughter, causing her to sacrifice her own happiness at a young age to support the family.

    The feeling of letting others carry the burden of the entire family was great. Even until now, whenever Qiao Dongliang ran into problems, he only knew how to escape and ask Qiao Nan for help. He never thought if Qiao Nan could handle the things that he wanted to avoid. Who was the father and who was the daughter? Were their positions reversed?

    A lot of fathers protected and doted on their daughters. However, his daughter shouldered the responsibility of the entire family at a young age. Zhai Sheng felt that not a lot of men would get a divorce. However, his father-inw was one of them.

 Chapter 2364

    <h4>Chapter 2364: Sticking to One¡¯s Opinions (2)</h4>

    Zhai Sheng really didn¡¯t like such a father-inw who couldn¡¯t support himself. He had lived his life in such a foolish manner. What he felt heartache over was that Qiao Nan had Qiao Dongliang as a father and she didn¡¯t lead a good life.

    He thought about Zhai Hua again. She had grown up in a bed of roses since she was young. When she thought of getting married, she even became rebellious and fell out with the entire family because of a man. They had conflicts and everyone didn¡¯t get along well with one another for so many years. With the example of Zhai Hua next to him to makeparisons with Qiao Nan, it was no wonder Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have a good impression of Qiao Dongliang.

    Zhai Sheng briefly told Qiao Dongliang about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s situation. ¡°Mom¡¯s still in the hospital. It looks like they would still be arguing with each other. Dad, what are you nning to do?¡±

    Qiao Dongliang could ignore Ding Jiayi such that Nan Nan would have no choice but to handle the Qiao family¡¯s matters. Zhai Sheng really felt mentally tired for Qiao Nan. From Zhai Sheng¡¯s view, how could Qiao Nan¡¯s misfortune be attributed to only Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin? It wasn¡¯t something good that Qiao Nan had a father like Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang fell silent for a while. Then, heughed bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m not capable at all. As the only male in the family, I can¡¯t manage anyone. No one¡¯s willing to listen to my words either. Both parties are formidable. Ask Nan Nan not to worry and just let them fight it out among themselves.¡±

    Upon hearing that Ding Jiayi was admitted into the hospital because of her quarrel with Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t know how he should react. Back when he was admitted into the hospital because of Qiao Zijin¡¯s push, he had long known in his heart that if something were to really happen to him and Ding Jiayi, they didn¡¯t need to count on Qiao Zijin to take care of them. The only thing he could ask for was that on the basis that Qiao Nan was willing to fork out money, both he and Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t fall sick at the same time. Only one person could be hospitalized at any one time.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s financial support, he and Ding Jiayi could still take care of each other and have someone by their sides. Qiao Zijin? Regardless of if it was money or presence, Qiao Dongliang had never nned to count on her.

    Yes, back then, Qiao Dongliang had decided to lead a life together with Ding Jiayi and support each other. However, because of what happenedter, Qiao Dongliang felt that he really couldn¡¯t live under the same roof as Ding Jiayi anymore.

    When Qiao Dongliang moved out of Ping Cheng, he also realized that as a father, he would simrly create trouble for Nan Nan. Thankfully, Qiao Nan married a good man and the Zhai family liked her. They didn¡¯t care that Qiao Nan had a lot of family matters. Otherwise, whose daughter-inw¡¯s family would always have problems? Most importantly, they kept asking for money. How would someone like such a daughter-inw?

    He said that he wanted to live in another ce. It sounded so simple. The problem was that Qiao Nan was the person who had found the house and paid for it. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have a husband like Zhai Sheng, she would really have to go to the hospital and sell blood to satisfy his willful request.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were spending Qiao Nan¡¯s money. He was spending quite a bit of her money as well.

    After realizing this, Qiao Dongliang felt terrible. However, he couldn¡¯t change this fact. Let him be selfish and willful once more. He really wanted to stay away from Ding Jiayi and lead a life alone. If he was ten years younger, even if he had to sweep the streets and could only earn one or two thousand yuan a month, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed at home. He would definitely rely on his own efforts and move out after earning enough money.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s blessings, Qiao Dongliang really tried to put Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s matters aside.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang felt that Qiao Nan suffered the most in the Qiao family. She treated everyone well but nobody was friendly toward her. Even in this situation, he carried the mindset that both of them were their daughters and he hoped that Nan Nan, who had married well, would help Zijin. Qiao Dongliang knew that he kept having such thoughts and had even shared them with Qiao Nan a few times.

    The only thing that made Qiao Dongliang feel morefortable in his heart now was that every time this happened, Qiao Nan never once promised him. After marriage, Qiao Nan had really be stronger and more principled. No matter how much Ding Jiayi kicked up a fuss or created trouble, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t promise her anything that she shouldn¡¯t have promised.

    In this way, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t lose too much face in front of the Zhai family or create too much trouble for herself because of the Qiao family¡¯s matters.

    It was with great difficulty that Qiao Dongliang broke through his own psychological defenses and let his daughter, Qiao Zijin, develop freely. No matter if it was good or bad or if she was dead or alive, it was all up to Qiao Zijin to live her life. At this time, Qiao Dongliang really didn¡¯t want to return to Ping Cheng and care about that mother-daughter pair, destroying the happiness that he had finally obtained.

    Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to lead a good life and were arguing all day. He was already old and didn¡¯t have so much energy and strength to kick up a fuss together with them.

    After knowing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s thoughts, what else could Zhai Sheng say? He couldn¡¯t say anything.

    He looked down on Qiao Dongliang, who couldn¡¯t manage Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Now, he was even shirking responsibility and delegating all the family burdens to Qiao Nan. However, in Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, it was more down-to-earth for Qiao Dongliang to wash his hands off this matter than to ask Qiao Nan to help him with matters, help Qiao Zijin arrange jobs, and help Qiao Zijin find a partner when he wasn¡¯t capable at all.

    If he didn¡¯t care, he should really not carepletely. If he didn¡¯t care about Qiao Nan but still cared about Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi like before, such a way of washing his hands off matters was even scarier. ¡°Alright, I understand. You should understand Nan Nan¡¯s situation here as well. With your words, I¡¯m relieved.¡±

    If not for Nan Nan¡¯s reputation, no one would be willing to care so much about Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters.

    ¡°Nan Nan and the three children?¡± As soon as Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s matters ended, the atmosphere between the two became awkward. Both of them seemed to have nothing to talk about.

    Qiao Dongliang wasn¡¯t a fool, let alone a blockhead. His son-inw didn¡¯t hide his coldness and indifference when speaking to him. As long as Qiao Dongliang was still alive, how would he not feel this? Even if Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t say much and didn¡¯t have much expression, how would Qiao Dongliang not have guessed where Zhai Sheng¡¯s coldness for him came from?

    Qiao Dongliang felt that he indeed wasn¡¯t a qualified father or husband. He had let down all three women from the Qiao family. He was a disappointing person. No wonder his son-inw¡¯s attitude and tone toward him were like this. The responsibilityy with him. He didn¡¯t me Zhai Sheng for being disrespectful toward him.

 Chapter 2365

    <h4>Chapter 2365: Sticking to One¡¯s Opinions (3)</h4>

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s having the examinations in a few days. Mom said that Nan Nan has a strong knowledge foundation and doesn¡¯t need to revise for these couple of days. Rather than making herself so tense, why doesn¡¯t she rx and take the examinations in the most rxed manner? She¡¯s not taking the college entrance examinations. Based on Nan Nan¡¯s usual performance, as long as she maintains her standards, it¡¯s not difficult for her to handle the examinations at all.¡±

    ¡°So¡­¡± Qiao Dongliang only felt that Zhai Sheng was saying that Qiao Nan¡¯s results were not bad and she had studied well. He couldn¡¯t tell where Qiao Nan and the three children were now.

    Zhai Sheng was speechless at how Qiao Dongliang was unable to grasp the important points of his words. Sure, treat it that he had said nothing just now. He heard from Nan Nan that his father-inw liked smart children who knew how to study. If the Qiao family hadn¡¯t harmed Nan Nan, based on her hardworking character, even if she didn¡¯t use the Qiao family¡¯s money, she would definitely have relied on her efforts and thought of ways to graduate from university.

    Nan Nan waspletely dyed by the Qiao family.

    ¡°Nan Nan¡¯s ying with the three children in the yroom.¡± Since Qiao Dongliang couldn¡¯t grasp the main point and feel the central meaning he had wanted to express in his words, Zhai Sheng kept his thoughts and no longer wasted his breath.

    Based on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s attitude today, he had made this call in vain. In the future, unless Qiao Dongliang took the initiative to call them, they shouldn¡¯t call him and disturb his exciting life alone.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s nothing else. I¡¯m hanging up the call.¡±

    After having this thought, Zhai Sheng no longer continued to waste his phone bill. He hung up the call with a m.

    He was going to treat it as if he hadn¡¯t made this call today.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Nan, who came out to pour water for the three children, saw that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t look too good. ¡°Were there changes in Ding Jiayi¡¯s illness? Or did Qiao Zijin kick up a fuss in a public ce like the hospital?¡±

    Zhai Sheng said to hand over all the Qiao family¡¯s matters to him. Qiao Nan knew too clearly how formidable the Qiao family was and didn¡¯t really throw the entire burden to Zhai Sheng for him to carry alone. She still remembered how tough it had been for her to carry this burden initially and didn¡¯t dare to forget it. She had suffered before. How would she let Zhai Sheng, her lover, suffer such hardships again? ¡°Tell me the situation. If there¡¯s really no other way, I¡¯ll make a trip back to Ping Cheng. There will always be a solution to the matter. Anyway, no matter how much Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi kick up a fuss now, I won¡¯t give them face and let them seed.¡±

    That was right as well. Aside from her father, she was the only one left in the Qiao family. Regardless of if it was Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin kicking up a fuss in the hospital, no one could hold them back. She was different. She was also surnamed Qiao. The people in the Qiao family were the kind who only wanted to enjoy life and not work.

    Based on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pension alone and without Qiao Nan¡¯s monthly subsidies, it would have been impossible for the Qiao family of three to live until today.

    How much money was there in Qiao Dongliang¡¯s monthly pension? How much money was required for a family of three¡¯s daily meals? Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t even spend a single cent of the pension he received monthly. All of it went into Ding Jiayi¡¯s pockets, and he watched silently as Ding Jiayi made ns using this amount of money.

    Once Qiao Dongliang left, this small pension no longer had anything to do with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. This retirement sum might not be a lot. However, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were unemployed and didn¡¯t earn any sry.

    Having meager benefits was better than nothing.

    The problem was that Qiao Dongliang¡¯s pension was so low and it was gone now. As such, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi could only rely on the small sum of money that Qiao Nan provided every month. Didn¡¯t they say that those with money had the biggest say?

    Qiao Nan had provided Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s living expenses. Thus, they had to listen to Qiao Nan¡¯s words. If they were disobedient? If Qiao Nan was annoyed and reduced or even cut off their living expenses, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin would only suffer then. Ding Jiayi had never gone out to work in this lifetime, let alone save part of her money for rainy days. Qiao Zijin had quite a lot of money in her pocket. She still had one million yuan.

    The problem was that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to use this sum of money at all. If it wasn¡¯t that Qiao Zijin was reluctant to part with her money, seeing that Ding Jiayi was picking on her, would she have thought of all ways to fight with her biological mother and anger her such that she was admitted into the hospital? Qiao Zijin had more than a million yuan. As long as she wasn¡¯t willing to use this sum of money, to Ding Jiayi, this sum didn¡¯t exist at all. She wouldn¡¯t have a chance to use it.

    Unless Qiao Zijin no longer wanted to take advantage of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan, who gave Ding Jiayi monthly living expenses, would be Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s sugar daddy. If they wanted to spend Qiao Nan¡¯s money, they had to listen to Qiao Nan. If they didn¡¯t, they wouldn¡¯t have money.

    It was still that saying. Whoever had money was the boss.

    After slowly grasping this reason, Qiao Nan no longer armed herself with indifference like before when she saw Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. To put it bluntly, the more indifferent her attitude was to Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin, to the extent that she avoided seeing them, the more it would seem like an act of evasion. She had money and a good husband like Zhai Sheng. Her inws were willing to support her. What was there to be afraid of when she saw Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi?

    In a few years, after the triplets grow up, she would have three more people supporting her. There were so many people behind her. Who were Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi?

    After cheering herself up, Qiao Nan¡¯s frown disappeared. Her face seemed to be covered by ayer of sunshine, making her performance seem even brighter.

    To Qiao Nan, the existences of Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were like curses. If she ignored Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Nan could truly liberate herself and be reborn.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t expect that because of that call where he was dissatisfied with his father-inw, Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan would be more open-minded after those words. She was different from before as well. Even if it was just a misunderstanding, it was definitely a beautiful one. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This has nothing to do with Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi. I just called Dad.¡±

    ¡°My dad?¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t misunderstand who this ¡®dad¡¯ was. If it was referring to Zhai Yaohui, there wasn¡¯t a need to call.

 Chapter 2366

    <h4>Chapter 2366: One¡¯s Children Were the Best (1)</h4>

    Of course, Zhai Yaohui was at home. There was no need for a phone call if Zhai Sheng wanted to tell Zhai Yaohui anything. He could simply speak to him face to face. The only one whom Zhai Sheng addressed as ¡®dad¡¯ but called over the phone was Qiao Dongliang. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you troubled because of my dad?¡±

    After all, Qiao Dongliang was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological father. Qiao Nan understood their characters especially well. As such, she was immediately able to guess why Zhai Sheng was frowning after making that call. ¡°Alright. I know the kind of person my dad is. All these years, no matter how foolish I¡¯ve been, I¡¯ve gained a clear understanding of him. Don¡¯t feel bad for me. Even I wanted to hug myself before I married you now that I think about it.¡±

    Her biological mother didn¡¯t care about her, her biological sister bullied her, and her dad turned a blind eye to all that. How could they hope for family harmony in that case?

    At that time, she had truly been alone. It was pitiful!

    Now, things were different. She had a husband, three adorable children, as well as parents-inw who supported her. Compared to her past, she was practically living in paradise now. ¡°My dad¡¯s temper is a little different from Qiao Zijin¡¯s. He¡¯s the only one in the family who¡¯s never sacrificed me for their sake. But people are really muddleheaded indeed. People of the same family have simr personalities and temper. When you analyze things further, it seems like my dad isn¡¯t all that different from Qiao Zijin. Since I don¡¯t care about Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi, there¡¯s no need to think about my father¡¯s temperament and suffer needlessly.¡±

    That was how her father had been all his life. There was no way he was going to change.

    In her dream, her dad had gotten a divorce from Ding Jiayi, and Qiao Zijin hadmitted suicide. As such, there had been peace as the elderly couple lived their own separate lives. In reality, however, the couple was not divorced, and Qiao Zijin was alive and well. Taking all these factors into ount, she had better not count on her father changing his temper, whether it was now or twenty years in the future, much less take up the responsibility of the entire family like a man.

    She hadn¡¯t even had such naive and childish thoughts in her teenage years.

    Zhai Sheng stroked Qiao Nan¡¯s long hair, not in the least bitforted by her. Although he felt that Qiao Nan was leading a blissful life now after her marriage, it didn¡¯t mean that they could simply ignore the tough life she had led before marriage or forget whatever the Qiao family had done.

    Qiao Nan knew all too well how difficult it was to leave the strange circle that was the Qiao family. She had spent two whole decades in both her dream and in reality to escape it. Knowing that Zhai Sheng pitied her, Qiao Nan felt warm.

    She tugged on Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm and headed toward the yroom. ¡°Your eldest son isn¡¯t even one yet but he¡¯s already trying to abandon his childish toys to challenge puzzles. Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s too ambitious? You can go deal with it.¡±

    Da Bao¡¯s situation had made Qiao Nan¡¯s head ache so much so that she had finally temporarily escaped to get water for the children.

    The three children had not even celebrated their first birthdays. To put it bluntly, they couldn¡¯t even crawl well. How could they expect to be able to y with puzzles? Their limbs had not even developed fully, much less their eyes and brain!

    Up until now, Qiao Nan had not understood why they had toys like puzzles at home. Where had Da Bao managed to get them from?

    Da Bao was not developed at all, apart from his fiery temper. Even the simplest puzzles were meant for two to three-year-old children. Da Bao didn¡¯t know how to put the puzzle pieces together, and neither could he speak. As such, he simply picked up the pieces and handed them over to his most trusted adult to help him out.

    But Da Bao paid close attention to the orientations and positions of the puzzle pieces. When the adults put them in the wrong orientation, Da Bao would always pout unhappily until it was corrected.

    Even though they knew Da Bao was doing it wrongly, they had to continue ying with him. That was not all. This was not even a ten-piece puzzle, but one with over a hundred pieces!

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. If Da Bao maintained his interest in this puzzle, he wouldn¡¯t give up until he finished it. That would mean that their family could save a huge sum of money for at least five years since they wouldn¡¯t need to purchase any toys for Da Bao.

    It took too much effort to y with Da Bao. It was not that Qiao Nan did not have the patience to do so, but that she had two other children. Er Bao and San Bao were just as young and clingy to their mother. Qiao Nan had always split her time between the three of them or yed with all three of them at the same time with one game.

    Da Bao would take up all of Qiao Nan¡¯s time with such a puzzle. Leaving aside whether Qiao Nan could take it, Er Bao and San Bao would definitely get upset and fight with Da Bao.

    At such a time, there would be no use in Qiao Nan getting the children¡¯s grandparents. Left with no other choice, Qiao Nan could only ask for Zhai Sheng¡¯s help. She was their mother, but Zhai Sheng was their father. Da Bao didn¡¯t want his grandparents to y with him, but he would probably ept his father¡¯spany, right?

    Da Bao was seated beside his father and he wrinkled his face, expressing his displeasure in needing to y with his father.

    Da Bao twisted his neck and strained to look at his father¡¯s face. The moment he saw his father¡¯s stern and cold expression, he decided not to be picky anymore. If he were to be picky, he might very well get beaten. Once he grew up to be as tall as his father, he would shove his father aside so that his mom could y with him. When that time came, she would definitely not choose his father!

    Miao Jing nced at the family of five from time to time as she peeled some fruits, letting out a wide smile.

    The auntie cut up the fruits that Miao Jing had just peeled into small cubes. ¡°Chief Zhai seems to be ying well with the children. He¡¯s a good dad.¡± Three years ago, the auntie would definitely have scolded anyone who was foolish enough to say that Zhai Sheng would be a father who was willing to leave everything aside to y childish games with his children.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t even care for women. How was it possible for him to be a dad in that case?

    In reality, the auntie had not even been afraid of Zhai Yaohui when she had just arrived. But she had always tried her best to avoid Zhai Sheng. As a Chinese, she was still rather conservative.

 Chapter 2367 - Oneâ€™s Children Were the Best (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2367: One¡¯s Children Were the Best (2)</h4>

    Zhai Sheng was handsome, had a good family background, and was a chief. How could someone with such great qualifications have remained single without remarrying after his first divorce?

    Sometimes, people¡¯s thoughts were painfully foolish.

    So what if one was old and single? In the eyes of the general public, these people were terribly ill. Not only was there something wrong with their bodies, but it even seemed as though they had infectious diseases. Everyone tried their best to avoid them.

    The auntie was a married woman with her own children while Zhai Sheng was a chief who spent much more time in the military than at home. Even without trying to avoid him, the auntie hardly interacted with him. Even so, the auntie had such a strange impression of the unmarried Zhai Sheng.

    The auntie couldn¡¯t help but sigh. It was true that marriage was essential in one¡¯s life. One just had to take a look at Chief Zhai. He had been such a bizarre person in the past but look how good he was now. He was a perfect father who spent more time at home ying with his children.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Miao Jing announced proudly, ¡°Our family¡¯s children are the best. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s not a good father, his dad and I will definitely deal with him.¡± Now that they had their grandchildren, what was their son to them? He had been tossed to the side a long time ago.

    The auntie knew that Miao Jing was simply joking. While grandchildren were precious, sons were equally precious.

    Thinking about what Zhai Sheng had instructed her to do, the auntie nced at the phone. Chief Zhai had said that she had to pick up any call that came from Ping Cheng. If it was not urgent, he would call them back. If it was urgent, she could simply call the military to inform him about it.

    Why was Zhai Sheng so anxious?

    He had no other choice. Food poisoning was nothing serious, but Ding Jiayi was not young anymore. Besides, Qiao Zijin was around her as a source of provocation. As such, Ding Jiayi¡¯s body might just give way at any time and cause her to fall seriously ill.

    He had found someone to keep an eye on the ill Ding Jiayi. But as a stranger, the other party could not interfere too much in her matters. As such, he could only convey whatever he saw over to Zhai Sheng for him to make a decision. In case of such a situation, Zhai Sheng informed the auntie in advance about this.

    Thankfully, the auntie was not a fool either. Zhai Sheng still spent some time in the military, and very soon, Qiao Nan would take her graduation examination and receive her degree. Then, Qiao Nan would have time to stay at home with her children. Since it involved her family in Ping Cheng, wouldn¡¯t it be easier to tell Qiao Nan about the matter instead?

    Zhai Sheng had instructed the auntie instead to give Qiao Nan peace of mind. The auntie couldn¡¯t be more supportive of Zhai Sheng doting on his wife. There was no way she was going to go against his wishes.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s worries were not unfounded. Ding Jiayi was no good thing, and her daughter, Qiao Zijin, had surpassed her master.

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t too clear about how she had gotten food poisoning. All she remembered was that she had felt especially ufortable in the middle of the night. Not only had shee down with a fever, but she had also gotten extremely nauseous as though she had been pregnant all over again.

    When Ding Jiayi awoke again, the first thing that greeted her was the white ceiling of the hospital and the smell of formalin. ¡°Am I in the hospital?¡± After confirming where she was, Ding Jiayi let out a sigh of relief, expressing her joy that she was still alive.

    When she had been suffering, Ding Jiayi had truly thought that she was on the verge of death. Qiao Dongliang had not been by her side, and the only one who could take care of her, Qiao Nan, was in the capital. As for Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi thought it was better not to count on her. In fact, she thought that Qiao Zijin might finally remember her mother¡¯s existence once her body started to smell from the dposition.

    ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re up. Do you want some water?¡± Seeing that Ding Jiayi had opened her eyes, the caretaker quickly helped Ding Jiayi up. ¡°Auntie, are you feeling ufortable? Shall I get the doctor over?¡± The caretaker¡¯s attitude was good and she was very concerned about Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition.

    ¡°You are?¡± She didn¡¯t know this person at all. Why was she taking care of her?

    ¡°I¡¯m the caretaker that your rtives hired. You can ask me for whatever you need.¡± The thirty-year-old caretaker was very warm, and her round face gave off a genuine sincerity.

    After Ding Jiayi was helped up, she took a sip of water to ease her difort. ¡°My rtives? Which one? Is she here?¡± Ding Jiayi asked carefully, not knowing what kind of expectations she should have.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I haven¡¯t met them before. But they told me to take good care of you.¡± Money was no problem. In fact, she had already received ten thousand yuan from them.

    Because of the high sry, the caretaker didn¡¯t care who had hired her. All she wanted to do was to do her job well and return home with whatever money she deserved.

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi refused to give up. ¡°Was there anyone by my side apart from youst night?¡± It didn¡¯t seem like she had been seriously ill. It was just one night in the hospital. There must have been someone who had spent the night with her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not too sure.¡± The caretaker was confused why Ding Jiayi was asking so many questions. ¡°There was someone who left just as I arrived. But I heard that those people were your neighbors.¡± The caretaker¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Are you looking for your daughter? She¡¯s probably working and has no time to visit you.¡±

    When the elderly fell sick and were hospitalized, they naturally wished for their children to visit them. The problem was that their children were often busy working. Otherwise, how could they afford to be warded in a private room with a caretaker?

    Ding Jiayi was at a loss for words.

    Ding Jiayi had not been dead the previous night. Although she had been in great distress, she knew exactly who had sent her to the hospital. What Ding Jiayi could not forget about was that Qiao Zijin had not found her only after her corpse had dposed as she had worried about in the past.

    In fact, less than three minutes after she had identally toppled her cup on her nightstand, Qiao Zijin had run in to check on her.

 Chapter 2368 - Oneâ€™s Children Were the Best (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2368: One¡¯s Children Were the Best (2)</h4>

    What hurt Ding Jiayi was the fact that Qiao Zijin looked for the neighbors for help instead of calling for an ambnce¡­

    In the end, the neighbors were the ones that called the ambnce. How embarrassing was that!

    Some might think that it was the first time Qiao Zijin faced such a situation, and she was panicked and lost. However, Ding Jiayi knew better. Qiao Zijin was doing it for the money.

    Qiao Zijin was worried that she would have to pay the deposit as the patient¡¯s daughter. She didn¡¯t even want to share the fees with Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was about to be rich after receiving her inheritance, but she was still poor as ever.

    After all, Ding Jiayi was Qiao Nan¡¯s mother. Given how wealthy she was, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for Qiao Nan to take care of the entire family. Therefore, there was no reason for her to pay a single cent.

    Qiao Zijin was afraid that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t return her the money if she paid the deposit. Thus, she came up with the idea of asking the neighbors for help. She knew that Qiao Nan helped the neighbors out before leaving for the capital. In return, the neighbors would help her keep an eye on the Qiao family.

    There was usually not much going on around the neighborhood. However, if something went wrong with the Qiao family, the neighbors would lend a helping hand before informing Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin was certain that Qiao Nan would pay for Ding Jiayi¡¯s treatment. After making sure that Ding Jiayi was not dying anytime soon, Qiao Zijin left as if the woman in the hospital had nothing to do with her.

    After speaking to the caregiver, Ding Jiayi got a hold of the situation; Qiao Nan paid for her medical fees and found her a caregiver.

    Qiao Nan should be considered a filial daughter as she took care of everything. However, that¡¯s not how Ding Jiayi saw it. None of the daughters came to look after her although she was on the verge of dying!

    When Qiao Zijin got what she wanted, she would act like the sweetest daughter on earth. Qiao Nan, on the other hand, would only send her some allowance¡­

    Ding Jiayi concluded that Qiao Nan had no intention of recognizing her as a mother. All she would do was to settle everything with money.

    People feel more vulnerable when they are ill.

    Thinking of her fractured family, Ding Jiayi buried her head into the pillow and started bawling. The caregiver was shocked. ¡°Madam, what happened? Should I call the doctor?¡±

    ¡°No need for that.¡± Ding Jiayi wiped the tears off her face. ¡°My husband has left me, and my daughters don¡¯t care about me at all. What¡¯s the point of living? I should just die to make everyone happy. How can these people be so cruel? I am part of their family!¡±

    As Ding Jiayi yelled in her ward, she started to feel a sense of self-righteousness. At first, she just wanted to get the frustration off her chest, but it seemed like she soon convinced herself that everyone else was at fault. What was the point of living when everyone loathed her?

    Qiao Zijin was the one that got her into the hospital. Instead of taking responsibility, Qiao Zijin was running away from her. She didn¡¯t evene to the hospital and Ding Jiayi was left in the hands of a total stranger.

    Luckily, the caregiver was nice to her. What if it were a bad-tempered caregiver who tortured her to death? Would Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan even bat an eye?

    Although Qiao Nan paid the money, she didn¡¯t even appear to check on Ding Jiayi. What if something bad happened to her? Did Qiao Nan wish that her mother would disappear from this world?

    She couldn¡¯t understand why the two daughters hated her so much that there was no turning around.

    She had to admit that she had favored Qiao Zijin, but she thought that any family with multiple children would have the same problem. After all, she was still the one that brought Qiao Nan to this world and raised her.

    Where would Qiao Nan be without her? The only reason that Qiao Nan managed to marry into the Zhai family was thanks to her.

    How unfilial and selfish it was for Qiao Nan to hold on to the minor injustice for so long. Ding Jiayi believed that Qiao Nan would be punished by bad karma. Zhai Sheng had divorced once, so it was too early to say that Qiao Nan could enjoy her wealth forever.

    Who knows? Zhai Sheng might find a younger wife when he grew older. There would definitely bedies queuing up for him. There were elders in the Zhai family as well, and they wouldn¡¯t want an unfilial woman to stay in the family.

    Since Qiao Nan was treating her mother this way right now, her three children wouldn¡¯t be much better when they grew up. Ding Jiayi believed that her grandchildren would avenge her when Qiao Nan hit her age.

    Meanwhile, the caregiver was worried sick. No matter what she said to Ding Jiayi, thetter wouldn¡¯t stop crying. If anyone were to walk into the ward right now, they might think that she had abused the patient.

    ¡°Madam, please stop crying. Tell me what¡¯s wrong, and we can look for a solution together. I¡¯ve heard that you have two daughters, and I¡¯m sure they will help you out.¡±

 Chapter 2369 - Chased Away (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2369: Chased Away (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The caregiver wanted to say that Ding Jiayi was lucky to have two daughters. One of them seemed well-off and she was paid quite a fortune to take care of her mother. However, she stopped before she praised the daughters further.

    Their mother was in the hospital, so they should at least visit once no matter how busy they were. However, the caregiver had seen children that wouldn¡¯t pay the medical fees needed to save their parents. Inparison, Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughters were definitely not considered unfilial.

    Little did she know that her forting¡¯ words were like a punch to Ding Jiayi¡¯s guts. After hearing about her daughter, Ding Jiayi went from sobbing to bawling once again. ¡°Madam, don¡¯t just cry. Tell me about it. I¡¯m sure we will find a way.¡±

    Lord, this olddy wouldn¡¯t answer any of her questions. What else could she do whenmunication was impossible?

    ¡°I want my daughters to take care of me. I¡¯m not alone. I have two daughters. They have to be taking care of me when I¡¯m sick. Call them! I don¡¯t want anyone else to take care of me.¡± As long as Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan would return to her, Ding Jiayi figured that Qiao Dongliang would be back in no time.

    Her family could finally beplete again.

    It didn¡¯t matter if Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were too clumsy to take care of her. Ding Jiayi was too embarrassed to be in the hands of a caregiver when she had two daughters.

    The caregiver had no choice. ¡°Fine, should I hand you my phone?¡±

    Patients like Ding Jiayi were not allowed to use a cellphone. However, the caregiver was afraid that her reputation might be damaged if Ding Jiayi just kept crying. She had no choice but to give in.

    ¡°Do it for me.¡± Although Ding Jiayi was throwing a fit, she was still smart enough to know that Qian Nan wouldn¡¯t show up if she were the one making the call. Qiao Zijin might visit her, but Ding Jiayi knew that her only intention would be to see if she could withdraw the deposit.

    Qiao Zijin had never done chores in her life. Even if Qiao Zijin wanted to take care of her, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t dare to ept it.

    She might never recover under Qiao Zijin¡¯s care.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s main target was Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan was rich and powerful, and most importantly, she would be a good caregiver. As long as Qiao Nan showed up, Ding Jiayi would have everything she needed.

    On top of that, Ding Jiayi figured that the only person that could bring Qiao Dongliang back was Qiao Nan. If Qiao Nan was willing to stay by Ding Jiayi¡¯s side, she could take back everything.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing it¡­¡± The caregiver¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    She had never seen a mother that would ask someone else to contact her daughters. Could it be that the olddy didn¡¯t know how to use a cellphone? That seemed like a reasonable answer until she saw Ding Jiayi¡¯s phone.

    It was a smartphone with all kinds of social media and messaging applications installed. In that case, why did she need some else to text her daughters?

    Forget it. The caregiver figured that the olddy just had a weird personality. ¡°Madam, is this your contact?¡± The caregiver pointed at Qiao Zijin¡¯s name.

    Ding Jiayi took a nce. ¡°That¡¯s my older daughter, and there¡¯s no need to call her for now. Call my younger daughter.¡±

    ¡°Younger daughter¡­¡± The caregiver tried her best, but she couldn¡¯t find anyone surnamed ¡®Qiao¡¯ other than Qiao Dongliang. Qiao Dongliang was obviously a male name, and there¡¯s no way it could be her younger daughter¡¯s contact. ¡°Madam, which one is your younger daughter? I couldn¡¯t find it.¡±

    ¡°Are you stupid?¡± Ding Jiayi red at the caregiver. ¡°Why do you need my phone to contact my younger daughter? Just call the number that hired you.¡± Ding Jiayi wanted to have Qiao Nan¡¯s number as well, but that wretched girl wouldn¡¯t leak a single digit to her.

    Other than Qiao Dongliang, no one in her family knew Qiao Nan¡¯s number.

    Since Qiao Nan hired the caregiver, Ding Jiayi knew that thetter would have Qiao Nan¡¯s number. This time, she was going to get it for sure.

    The caregiver¡¯s expression changed. She was here to work, and she was paid for herbor. It wasn¡¯t the first time she encountered rude patients, but someone as weird as Ding Jiayi was sure a rare sight. ¡°A man hired me to take care of you. I don¡¯t know your younger daughter¡¯s contact, and there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±

    She had never seen the olddy¡¯s younger daughter, so how was she supposed to find her?

    ¡°A man? That¡¯s my son-inw.¡± Ding Jiayi looked proud. ¡°You have no idea how fortunate my younger daughter was to marry the chief of the capital. If it weren¡¯t for me, there¡¯s no way she could be the chief¡¯s wife. Our rtionship is always pleasant as she appreciates me for what she has today. If you have any rtive that wants to join the military, you¡¯d better take good care of me. Now, call my son-inw and get my daughter here. It¡¯s your chance to make a good impression.¡±

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t care about lying to a caregiver. There was no way a mere worker would dare to doubt her credibility.. At this moment, her priority was to get Qiao Nan here.

 Chapter 2370 - Chased Away (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2370: Chased Away (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The caregiver had almost been frightened by Ding Jiayi. Thankfully, she had seen boastful people in the past too. She had no idea whether Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger son-inw and daughter did have such high positions. What she did know was that her employer, who had hired her to take care of Ding Jiayi, had been rather indifferent when talking about Ding Jiayi. It was as though he was talking about a stranger. She wasn¡¯t blind. She could tell whether people felt gratitude and had close rtionships with others.

    Since Ding Jiayi had already said that, the caregiver could only listen to her and call her employer so as to appease Ding Jiayi. ¡°Hello, boss. It¡¯s the caregiver that you hired to take care of Auntie Ding.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡± The party on the other end of the call had been stunned for a moment before finally realizing who Ding Jiayi was. The other party truly did not have much impression of Ding Jiayi, but he had been asked to hire a caregiver recently for his old chief. The moment he heard the word ¡®caregiver¡¯, he realized who it was. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you calling me now? Is there something wrong?¡±

    Everyone in society was scheming nowadays.

    The other party had been ted that the old chief remembered him. As such, he had agreed without any hesitation the moment the old chief asked him for help.

    At that time, Zhai Sheng had not been very clear with his words. But he had been able to guess the situation. To be honest, Ding Jiayi had dug her own grave.

    Three years ago, if she had not wholeheartedly tried to force Qiao Nan out just to help Qiao Zijin and let Qiao Nan bear the burden of the cost of Qiao Zijin¡¯s treatment, she and Qiao Zijin would never have gone on the news, exposing the Qiao family¡¯s dirtyundry to everyone.

    Now, there was hardly anyone in Ping Cheng who didn¡¯t know about their family and how biased and unreliable Ding Jiayi was as a mother. Her elder daughter had a house to her name, and yet, she had forced her poor younger daughter to fork out the money for her elder daughter¡¯s treatment. That was not all. She had even spread false rumors about her younger daughter, causing everyone to misunderstand her younger daughter before the truth was exposed.

    It had been three years since then. There were so many pieces of news every day. If no one mentioned it, it would have faded into the background as time went by. Unfortunately, the news that had been broadcasted in Ping Cheng at that time was solid evidence. It was very easy for a civil servant to investigate what had happened.

    Hearing that the chief was asking him to find someone to take care of Ding Jiayi with such an indifferent tone, the veteran realized that the chief didn¡¯t think much of his mother-inw. His chief was such a good person, and he was finding someone to take care of his mother-inw. If she had notmitted some grave error, the chief would never have such an attitude toward her.

    Knowing that he was supposed to take care of someone called Ding Jiayi, the veteran took less than half a day to gather all these pieces of news. Although he had no idea whichdy of the Qiao family his chief had married, he didn¡¯t even need any brains to guess that the chief must have married the unlucky younger daughter of the Qiao family after looking through the documents.

    If he had not married the younger daughter, Ding Jiayi might have skinned her alive to feed her elder daughter given how much she loved her elder daughter. If the chief were to be thatdy¡¯s elder son-inw, he would never be so cold toward her.

    Besides, he wasn¡¯t blind either. Although he had never seen the Qiao family¡¯s younger daughter, the veteran was willing to cut his head off if his chief had truly fallen for Qiao Zijin instead. Even he wouldn¡¯t take a fancy to such a woman, let alone the chief!

    After understanding the general rtionship between Ding Jiayi and Zhai Sheng, the veteran knew how best to take care of her. As such, he was not particrly anxious upon receiving the caregiver¡¯s call.

    He had already gotten a clear understanding of the whole situation. It was nothing more than food poisoning that had been treated at the hospital. Unless Ding Jiayi created more trouble for herself, Ding Jiayi would be discharged in a few days¡¯ time. Honestly, if anyone else hade down with food poisoning, they wouldn¡¯t even have been sent to the hospital nor had a caregiver take care of them.

    ¡°Auntie Ding wishes to meet her younger daughter and have her younger daughter take care of her instead.¡± Initially, the caregiver had been rather overjoyed about that. Where else would she find a job that had such short working hours and such high pay? Besides, everyone in society was of a certain standard now. The higher the sry, the more polite they would be.

    The caregiver had thought that she had met with such great luck. But after being scolded viciously by Ding Jiayi, the caregiver was sure that Ding Jiayi was not as easy-going or good-natured as she had expected.

    It was fine if she wouldn¡¯t get paid. Ding Jiayi could find herself another caregiver.

    The veteran smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t bother about her. If she¡¯s recovered, then your work is done. I won¡¯t shortchange you of anything I promised earlier. You can let her vent her temper. Don¡¯t care about her. You don¡¯t have to call me again. Unless she hurts herself, don¡¯t contact me as long as she¡¯s still alive and well. I hope that your next call will be to report that you¡¯ve finished your job and are asking for your pay.¡±

    This old woman was really troublesome.

    Was she going to ignore all of those immoral things she had done and how she had almost driven the chief¡¯s wife to death? The chief¡¯s wife had finally managed to escape from her grasp after marrying the chief. Who would be so stupid as to jump back into the pit that they had just climbed out of?

    ¡°That¡­¡± The caregiver hesitated for a moment. ¡°She¡¯s been throwing a tantrum, demanding her two daughters to take care of her. She even mentioned to me about her younger son-inw. What shall I do if she takes it out on me?¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to do with her no matter how well her younger son-inw does. Her younger son-inw¡¯s things don¡¯t belong to her either. Just do as I say. Her younger daughter and son-inw won¡¯t me you for it. I¡¯ll take the me if anything happens.¡±

    The veteran understood his chief¡¯s temper all too well. As such, the veteran was confident of making such a promise. It would be truly incredulous if the chief tolerated an old woman like that bullying his own wife. If Ding Jiayi was not the mother of the chief¡¯s wife, she had better not make any mistakes.. Otherwise, that would really be the end of her.

 Chapter 2371 - Chased Away (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2371: Chased Away (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As long as this old woman did anything, they would catch her and send her to jail. She had better not think of getting out.

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± The caregiver didn¡¯t mean to find out whether Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger son-inw was truly a chief. But she wanted to know if the person who had hired her was truly Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger son-inw.

    Now, the caregiver had her answer. He was not.

    If her employer had been Ding Jiayi¡¯s son-inw, he wouldn¡¯t have used such a distant tone when talking about her. The other party didn¡¯t even seem to have realized who Ding Jiayi was the first time she had mentioned her name.

    There was no doubt that this person who had hired her had been tasked to do so by Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger daughter or son-inw. They had even gotten someone else to hire someone to take care of Ding Jiayi. Besides, neither of Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughters had shown up while she had been hospitalized. Thinking about how unreasonable Ding Jiayi had been to her, the caregiver came to a realization. Ding Jiayi must have been quite a failure in life that both her daughters disliked her and refused to take care of her.

    In other cases, the caregiver would definitely have pitied such an old person. But because she had been scolded by Ding Jiayi, the caregiver knew that Ding Jiayi was an unreasonable old woman. Ding Jiayi was probably to be med for her daughters not being close to her.

    With that answer, the caregiver ryed the message to Ding Jiayi. ¡°Auntie Ding, the person who asked me to take care of you said he wasn¡¯t your younger son-inw. I don¡¯t know who he is either. Besides, I have no way of getting in touch with your younger daughter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Ding Jiayi jumped up from her bed. ¡°There can¡¯t be so many good people in this world. My admission and hiring a caregiver all cost money. If a stranger is willing to spend so much money to take care of me, there¡¯s no point in me giving birth to a daughter at all. You¡¯re lying to me. Give your phone to me. I¡¯ll call my younger son-inw myself!¡± The world was in a mess! How could she say something like this?

    Since Zhai Sheng was willing to listen to Qiao Nan and find someone to take care of her in such a situation, it was obvious that Zhai Sheng still cared very much about her, his mother-inw. Of course, that was only right. Without her, Zhai Sheng would never have been able to marry Qiao Nan. Only she had been able to give birth to Qiao Nan.

    The caregiver resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Why would Ding Jiayi still insist on calling the other party when she didn¡¯t want to receive her call? ¡°Auntie Ding, you must be hungry since you¡¯ve only drunk a ss of water since you woke up, right? I¡¯ll order some food from the canteen for you. You should have something to eat, at the very least.¡±

    It was not difficult to tell that Ding Jiayi had a nasty temper. It was not the caregiver¡¯s first time taking care of others. Even if she had not experienced such patients, she had heard of them before. The caregiver was afraid that Ding Jiayi would smash her phone if the call got through but she was unable to get a satisfactory answer.

    Of course, someone would pay for whatever Ding Jiayi damaged even if she didn¡¯t pay for it. But this phone was different. It had been a gift from her husband. She wouldn¡¯t let a bad-tempered old woman smash something her beloved husband had gotten her.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Seeing that the caregiver was not listening to her and had not lent her the phone and had instead changed the topic, Ding Jiayi was infuriated. ¡°You¡¯d better get in touch with my younger daughter. My younger daughter is the one forking out the money. I don¡¯t believe that there isn¡¯t any other who is willing to take up this job. You might not listen to me, but Qiao Nan won¡¯t dare to disobey me!¡±

    Even if Qiao Nan refused to listen to her, Qiao Nan was still her daughter. She could forget about it since it was her own daughter. But it was too unreasonable for someone drawing a sry from their family to disregard her!

    Someone like that would only anger her even further and cause her to fall sick. She had to rece this caregiver with someone who could really take care of others.

    Very soon, the door to her ward was opened. Ding Jiayi was sulky and she said without even lifting up her eyes, ¡°You¡¯re back so quickly? What did you get? Also, just you wait. Once I¡¯m full, I¡¯ll use my own phone to call my younger daughter. When I get through, you¡¯d better be self-aware and take your leave. My daughter will pay you for the day¡¯s worth of work you did.¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯ll get paid for taking care of you for just a day? How much is she paid? Tsk, tsk. It seems like times have really changed. No wonder you said that I had to take good care of you once I made it big. Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng and inherited the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance. Shecks nothing. Look how she arranged for a single ward that¡¯s bright and clean for you. It¡¯s even better than a hotel room. I can only imagine how much she pays for a night here. Indeed, it¡¯s good to have a promising daughter. Now, you can enjoy your life.¡±

    The person who had entered was not the caregiver but Qiao Zijin, who had returned to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard.

    Qiao Zijin had no intention of paying for Ding Jiayi¡¯s hospitalization bills. She had a clear memory of how Ding Jiayi had been sent into the hospital since it had something to do with how the two of them had been at odds. She had had first-hand experience of just how extreme her mom was.

    If she were to carry this burden, her mom might very well pocket the money that Qiao Nan sent over for it. Then, her mom would say, ¡°Qiao Nan¡¯s my daughter. She¡¯s giving me money for my treatment. Am I not your mom? What do you mean you made a deposit? It¡¯s only right for you to pay for me. Besides, you aren¡¯t the only one who paid for me. Qiao Nan paid for me too. I¡¯ll use your money on my hospitalization bills and Qiao Nan¡¯s on some nourishment once I¡¯m discharged.¡±

    With that thought, Qiao Zijin had slipped away after seeing her neighbors send Ding Jiayi onto the ambnce, giving the excuse that she was going to find her father.

    To prevent her neighbors from finding her, Qiao Zijin had chosen not to switch on the lights the entire night, pretending that she had left to find Qiao Dongliang.

    Today, Qiao Zijin had sneaked out of the house to visit Ding Jiayi in the hospital only after she thought that her neighbors had gone out to work.

    ¡°What are you here for?¡± Ding Jiayi had lost all expectation toward Qiao Zijin since she had not seen her the moment she opened her eyes. Ding Jiayi had even told herself that she would forgive Qiao Zijin for whatever she had done in the past as long as Qiao Zijin took care of her wholeheartedly while she was hospitalized.

    Old Qiao was right.. Zijin had been a rather obedient child when she had been young.

 Chapter 2372 - Wonâ€™t Back Down (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2372: Won¡¯t Back Down (1)</h4>

    It was her educational methods that had caused Zijin to turn into the person she was today. But she believed that there woulde a day she would guide Zijin back onto the right path as long as Zijin still had feelings toward her.

    After opening her eyes, Ding Jiayi wished that she had remained in aa. No one had been by her side. Qiao Zijin was not there, and neither was Qiao Nan. Because of that, Ding Jiayi had been terribly upset.

    Qiao Dongliang had always said that she had raised their children wrongly and had led Qiao Zijin astray. It was Qiao Nan, who had been neglected by her, who had grown up well based on her own abilities. Ding Jiayi was aggrieved the moment that she awoke. Grown up well? Her mom had been hospitalized and she was not even going to visit her mom to take care of her! How could such an unfilial child have grown up well? In that case, what would children be like if they had been led astray?

    As such, Zijin¡¯s bad temper had nothing to do with her. She couldn¡¯t have brought Zijin astray. She had never even taught Qiao Nan anything, and yet, Qiao Nan was a bad child too. All she could say was that both Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan were not good seedlings to begin with. There was no way they could have grown up to be any good.

    The more Ding Jiayi thought about it, the more she felt that the problemy with the Qiao family and that she had nothing to do with it. It was not that Qiao Dongliang was bad, but Qiao Dongliang hadn¡¯t appeared out of the blue. Perhaps, something had gone wrong in the generation of Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan¡¯s grandparents, and there had been particrly disobedient people in that generation.

    Qiao Zijin made herself at home and sat down, even taking a dragon fruit from the fruit basket and peeling it for herself. ¡°What am I here for? My mom¡¯s sick. As the only daughter by her side, it¡¯s only right that Ie to visit her and see if she needs my help. Mom, Qiao Nan should have transferred money to you, right? You¡¯d better manage it well. Who doesn¡¯t love money in this world? Be careful that someone might try to snatch it away from you. We¡¯re a family and you¡¯re my mom. If you need anything, feel free to ask me for help. I have the obligation to help you, after all.¡±

    Instead of handing her money over to outsiders, it would be safer to get her daughter to manage her money.

    She couldn¡¯t deny that she was trying to take advantage of the situation. Anyway, Qiao Nan was loaded and wouldn¡¯t care less about such a small sum of money. Besides, her mom was hospitalized and didn¡¯t have anywhere else to spend her money. Even if she wanted to eat anything, she couldn¡¯t possibly go out to buy them herself. It was just as well. She could run such errands for her mom.

    To put it bluntly, she was willing to bet that others would definitely try to take advantage of her mom if her mom trusted someone else to run these errands for her. Since such a situation was unavoidable, it would be better for her mom to let her take advantage instead. No matter what, she was her mom¡¯s daughter. Even if she pocketed the money, it would still be the Qiao family¡¯s. It was better for her to spend the money than let someone else spend it instead.

    She believed that her mom would understand such a simple principle.

    Besides, Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had been the happiest when they had managed to extort money from Qiao Nan in the past. Now, the mother and daughter could take this opportunity to spend Qiao Nan¡¯s money again. She had already said that Qiao Nan didn¡¯tck money. It was a rare opportunity that she and her mom had to treasure.

    After all, no one was sure when her mother would fall sick again. Qiao Nan was stingy and they could not give up this golden opportunity when Qiao Nan was willing to fork out money for them.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you agree? I¡¯ve already thought about it for you. Tell Qiao Nan that the air in China isn¡¯t very good and that your living environment isn¡¯t very good. Because you¡¯re sick, you want to move away and rx. Didn¡¯t I suggest that you take a holiday in Thand with Dad? We don¡¯t know where Dad is now, but I¡¯m sure that he¡¯s living a much better life than we are because of Qiao Nan. We don¡¯t have to worry about her. Once Qiao Nan transfers you the money, I¡¯ll apany you to Thand. What do you think?¡±

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Nan would continue treating Ding Jiayi exactly how she had treated her in the past if not for her illness as an excuse. Ding Jiayi would simply receive a measly one to two thousand yuan of living allowance every month. Apart from feeding herself, she wouldn¡¯t be able to do much with that sum of money.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s really true that the rich rule the world. After getting married to Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan has never needed to worry about money. Now, she¡¯s even be the master of the Zhu family. It¡¯ll take her a few lifetimes to finish spending all her money. We¡¯re her family. Apart from those few people in the Zhai family, we¡¯re her only kin. Who would she be good to if not us? Anyway, she won¡¯t be able to finish using the money. Don¡¯t you think that Qiao Nan¡¯s stupid if she refuses to give us some money to better our lives?¡± If possible, she wanted to pry open Qiao Nan¡¯s brain to see what was going on inside.

    In the past, Qiao Nan had been willing to hand over all of her money while she stayed in a small space under the staircase. Now, Qiao Nan only needed to spare her a fraction of her wealth for her life to get better. So, why was Qiao Nan being so stingy? Honestly, she could swear that she would never make trouble for Qiao Nan ever again if she were to spare her that small sum of money. She would even be Qiao Nan¡¯s protector. If her mom dared to bully or provoke Qiao Nan, she would definitely stand on Qiao Nan¡¯s side.

    In that case, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be at a loss giving her that sum of money.

    Qiao Zijin was being rather practical. Could Qiao Nan not guess what Qiao Zijin was thinking? It was exactly because she had been so suppressed for the first half of her life that she had retaliated, and her retaliation was scary indeed.

    Qiao Nan knew very well that she did notck money, and neither did the Zhai family. Giving Qiao Zijin just a tiny fraction of her money so that she could lead a better life would be good for her too. But Qiao Nan was reluctant to let Qiao Zijin live afortable life.

    This was not the past. In the past, Qiao Zijin had always relied on Ding Jiayi to cause trouble for her. Now? Qiao Nan lived in the capital while Ding Jiayi refused to leave Ping Cheng. Besides, Qiao Dongliang, who had always turned a blind eye to their antics, had suddenly changed his attitude. Given all these factors, Ding Jiayi, who had once reigned over the Qiao family, no longer dared to put Qiao Zijin first in everything.

    Ding Jiayi had started to be anxious about her own old age. She did not want to get a divorce from Qiao Dongliang and wished to remain with him.

 Chapter 2373 - Wonâ€™t Back Down (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2373: Won¡¯t Back Down (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s ruthlessness scared even Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin could dream on about controlling Qiao Nan¡¯s life as she had done twenty years ago. Qiao Zijin¡¯s influence had diminished while Qiao Nan¡¯s hatred had grown. Given such a situation, Qiao Nan felt that there was absolutely no need for her to please Qiao Zijin or to give her any benefits so that she could lead a smooth-sailing life.

    Although Qiao Nan had not settled her ounts with Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi after having suffered so much unfair treatment, it did not mean that she had forgotten all about it. Given Qiao Nan¡¯s temperament, it was impossible for her to take the initiative to take revenge. But Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had better not think of crossing the line by making excessive demands on Qiao Nan. She had already shown that she wouldn¡¯t be provoked so easily.

    If anyone dared to make such requests of her, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t hesitate to stab their hands until they were full of holes and blood. After all, one had to receive their rightful punishment.

    Qiao Zijin, who was full ofints, had no idea just how resentful Qiao Nan was. All she knew was that Qiao Nan was an ingrate and a fool who couldn¡¯t provide a peaceful andfortable life for her with her money. She never once stopped to think about how Qiao Nan¡¯s character had changed because of all she had suffered at her hands.

    ¡°Alright, stop telling me all this. If you have so many ideas, tell them to Qiao Nan.¡± Ding Jiayi had been infuriated to begin with. Hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words only frustrated her even more. If not for the fact that it was already the end of June and there was no air conditioning in her room, she would have pulled the nket over herself to cover herself. That way, she wouldn¡¯t need to listen to Qiao Zijin¡¯s frivolous words.

    Ding Jiayi knew very well just how easily persuaded she was. She might not listen to anyone else, but she would definitely listen to Qiao Zijin. She had cultivated this habit over the past few decades. Although Ding Jiayi no longer liked Qiao Zijin as a daughter, it was hard for a leopard to change its spots.

    Besides, Ding Jiayi had raised Qiao Zijin. Often, Qiao Zijin was a reflection of Ding Jiayi. In other words, Qiao Zijin¡¯s ideas had appeared in Ding Jiayi¡¯s mind too.

    Was it not enough that she alone had such ideas? It took two hands to p. It was frightening when two people who shared the same thoughts got together.

    Even after having been cheated so many times, Qiao Dongliang had still not returned to Ding Jiayi¡¯s side. It was not that Ding Jiayi did not feel moved toward Qiao Zijin. It was that she dared not feel moved. She hadn¡¯t even done anything, and yet, her husband had already run away. If she were to do anything to provoke Qiao Nan, she might very well sever all ties with her! She had seen this happen many times on the news. She wouldn¡¯t let that happen to her.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure had been a significant blow to Ding Jiayi. If this had happened in the past before Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have needed Qiao Zijin to suggest such things to her. She would have thought of them herself.

    But it was Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure that stunned Ding Jiayi and made here to the realization that Qiao Dongliang wouldn¡¯t let her have her way forever. Simrly, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to satisfy her all the time. While Qiao Dongliang had not been able to get divorced from Ding Jiayi after being provoked, he had been able to leave her.

    With Qiao Nan¡¯s help, it had been easy for Qiao Dongliang to leave. But it hadn¡¯t been easy for Ding Jiayi to find him. Besides, neither Ding Jiayi nor Qiao Dongliang had the ability to move away themselves. They had to rely on their daughter, Qiao Nan.

    While Ding Jiayi had always been against Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang had asionally stood on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure this time had caused Ding Jiayi toe to a realization.

    If she got into an argument with Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan would never be like other children who sided with their mothers. Qiao Nan would be on Qiao Dongliang¡¯s side. Even up until now, Ding Jiayi had not managed to find Qiao Dongliang. As such, there was no way she would dare to do something that would go against Qiao Dongliang¡¯s wishes and anger him even further.

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean? Aren¡¯t you worried about Dad?¡± Qiao Zijin had guessed Ding Jiayi¡¯s thoughts just by observing her expression.

    Ding Jiayi harrumphed disgruntledly. ¡°Your dad and I are the ones who have to spend a lifetime together. Do you think I can count on you? It has nothing to do with effort or money. I have your dad if I needpany, and I can rely on Qiao Nan if I need money.¡± As such, she could not afford to offend these two people.

    Qiao Zijin flicked her hair. ¡°Mom, since when have you be so timid? Didn¡¯t my dad move away? I¡¯m guessing that he¡¯s no longer in Ping Cheng to avoid you. So, there¡¯s no way my dad will know about what you do. Give it some time. I¡¯m sure my dad feels the same way toward you that you do. He¡¯ll return to you eventually. Does he really think that Qiao Nan will bring him over to the capital? Didn¡¯t I say that you guys don¡¯t even know how to enjoy your lives? I¡¯m sure that my dad won¡¯t even dare to agree to Qiao Nan¡¯s proposal if she offers him to move to the capital.¡±

    If she had her parents¡¯ good fortune and Feng Feng turned out as outstanding in the future to reside in the capital, she would definitely pack all her things and follow her son to the capital in a heartbeat.

    She wouldn¡¯t cause her child any problems. In fact, she might even be useful in helping Feng Feng take care of his child in the future.

    Ding Jiayi was not moved at all. ¡°You know how heartless that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, is. Now, she¡¯s so ruthless that she doesn¡¯t even think of me as her mom. Isn¡¯t it entirely that wretched girl¡¯s fault that I have no one to rely on and that your dad and I are in this state now? Your dad may not be in Ping Cheng, but he¡¯ll definitely know once that wretched girl calls him and tells him all about how I want to take advantage of her. That wretched girl is no longer the same person she was in the past. Although she wasn¡¯t a good person in the past, she listened to me, at the very least. Now that she¡¯s married, she doesn¡¯t even think of herself as a Qiao. She even thinks of us as burdens now.¡±

    Ding Jiayi sighed, feeling that her life was indeed extraordinarily tough.

 Chapter 2374 - Wonâ€™t Back Down (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2374: Won¡¯t Back Down (3)</h4>

    Anyone else with two daughters at her age would be enjoying their lives with their children providing for them. No one else was like her and had to spend within her daughters¡¯ budget for her. Her daughters were terribly selfish. The mention of money was as taboo as death.

    ¡°She¡¯s so brilliant now. Your dad¡¯s helping her and she has such a capable husband. I gave birth to her and raised her but I have to live in fear of her. Your dad¡¯s still angry at me. I¡¯ve thought it through. I can¡¯t win against that wretched girl. I have only a few more years left to live. I don¡¯t want to kick up a huge fuss. There¡¯s no point in living such a rowdy life. Forget about going overseas. I¡¯m tired of all that. I¡¯m thinking that your dad shoulde and visit me now that I¡¯m sick and hospitalized.¡±

    In short, Qiao Nan was someone she couldn¡¯t afford to provoke. Qiao Nan could call on anyone around her to support her and she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle that pressure.

    Ding Jiayi hoped that Qiao Nan would speak up for her in front of Old Qiao on the ount of her not having made any trouble for her this time. Then, the couple would be able to reconcile with each other. She really needed Old Qiao to take care of her.

    As long as Old Qiao was around, she wouldn¡¯t be alone in her fight against Zijin. Old Qiao would definitely be on her side. Even though they were old, there was still a higher likelihood of winning since they had two against one.

    Having personally tasted her elder daughter¡¯s abilities, Ding Jiayi had another reason to hope for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s quick return.

    Qiao Zijin refused to fork out neither money nor effort in helping Ding Jiayi now that she was hospitalized. The first thing she talked about was how to extort Qiao Nan for more money using this illness as an excuse. She talked about going on a holiday to Thand, but to put it bluntly, Qiao Zijin simply wanted to have a share of the money once she got it from Qiao Nan.

    Where was the money to pay for the Thand trip going toe from? It would definitely be from her own pocket. In fact, Qiao Zijin might not even be willing to treat her mom to a simple meal if they were to go on a holiday.

    Ding Jiayi knew this all too well. As such, she had no interest in talking about such a topic. It was naturally exciting to spend someone else¡¯s money. But now that it concerned her own money, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t feel any joy in it.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    The caregiver, who had inadvertently overheard the conversation after returning, was stunned. Initially, she had guessed that one of Ding Jiayi¡¯s daughters must havee to visit her since she had heard someone talking to Ding Jiayi in the room, even addressing her as ¡®mom¡¯. Thinking about it, the caregiver guessed that it had to be Ding Jiayi¡¯s elder daughter.

    If Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger daughter was willing to visit her, the caregiver wouldn¡¯t even be needed.

    The caregiver had refrained from entering the room to give the mother and daughter some space. But it didn¡¯t seem right for her to leave either. Ding Jiayi¡¯s food was still in her hands. What if Ding Jiayi starved and got sick from that? Then, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to get her wages. The caregiver had not forgotten the doctor¡¯s words that Ding Jiayi¡¯s stomach was not in the best condition.

    The caregiver had never expected that her hesitation would cause her to overhear such a shameless conversation.

    She had never seen Ding Jiayi¡¯s legendary younger daughter, but she knew about her existence. She had heard about the mother and daughter discussing Qiao Nan, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel aggrieved on Qiao Nan¡¯s behalf.

    Just an hour ago, she had had no idea why Ding Jiayi had no kin to take care of her even when she was ill. In fact, the Qiao family was willing to spend money on hiring a caregiver instead. But now, the caregiver understood everything.

    The patient she was taking care of had a bad temper. While spending her younger daughter¡¯s money by living in the best ward in the hospital and enjoying the care of a caregiver, she scolded her younger daughter as a heartless person. Her elder daughter was even worse, even discussing how to make use of Ding Jiayi¡¯s illness to extort money from Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Zijin had made it too obvious that she intended for Ding Jiayi to take her out with the money from Qiao Nan. The caregiver didn¡¯t even need much brainpower to figure out what kind of person Qiao Zijin was.

    The caregiver pursed her lips. If she had rtives like that, she would never be willing to return to take care of her mother either. She knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in.¡± Ding Jiayi heard the knocks and knew that the caregiver had returned. Seeing the box in the caregiver¡¯s hands, Ding Jiayi stared at her and shouted, ¡°You¡¯re taking our money but not doing a proper job! Look! You¡¯ve taken half an hour just to get me some food. Do you want to starve me? I¡¯m telling you that our money isn¡¯t that easy to earn! If you can¡¯t take good care of me, you¡¯d better scram! Given the price our family is willing to pay, there will be a long queue waiting to take on your job.¡±

    Money was king. Ding Jiayi felt that they were using their family¡¯s money to get someone to take care of her. As such, the caregiver had the responsibility to take care of her meticulously and to lift her mood. She would never allow them to spend half an hour just to run a small errand like getting a meal.

    It wasn¡¯t so easy to earn their money.

    No, she should say that it wasn¡¯t easy to earn money in society nowadays.

    ¡°I already said that that wretched girl is heartless. I¡¯m her mother. Forget it that she¡¯s not taking care of me herself. Look at the kind of caregiver she hired. She¡¯s sozy. I have gastric problems but she took so long to get me my meal. Does she want to starve me to death? I¡¯m amazed that someone like that can be a caregiver. I wonder if that wretched girl is doing this on purpose by finding such an unprofessional caregiver to anger me. Once I die, she¡¯ll be free of this burden!¡±

    Ding Jiayi was especially frustrated, feeling that nothing was going her way. Staying in the hospital was already making her feel uneasy. Her symptoms of fever and nausea from the previous day were notpletely gone. Since she was ufortable, she wouldn¡¯t let anyone else feelfortable either.

    Anyway, she was simply letting out some steam on that caregiver. She had already said that it wasn¡¯t easy earning money in society these days. If they weren¡¯t willing to humble themselves, it was better for them to remain as housewives instead of wasting everyone¡¯s time.

 Chapter 2375 - Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2375: Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (1)</h4>

    The caregiver¡¯s expression was terrible as she ced the packed lunch on the table. ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t have to fire me. I quit. Since you¡¯re so precious, I¡¯m really too rough and clumsy to take care of you. I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Yes, she had been hired to take care of Ding Jiayi but she had parents too. She knew that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t even the one paying. In fact, it was that ¡®wretched girl¡¯ who was paying for Ding Jiayi! Qiao Nan was spending her money so unjustly. She had umted eighteen lifetimes¡¯ worth of bad luck to have met a mother like Ding Jiayi.

    The caregiver understood why the other party had offered such a high sry although the job description seemed easy and the duration was short. Facts proved that there was no free lunch in this world.

    Forget it. She didn¡¯t care for free lunches anyway.

    ¡°What attitude are you showing me?¡± Because Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t around, Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper was even worse than Ding Jiayi¡¯s. If not for Qiao Zijin¡¯s temper, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t even be lying on the hospital bed now. After all, people always chose the weakest ones to bully.

    In Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, the only weakling in her reach at the moment was the caregiver. After all, their family was paying this caregiver. All she was doing was using some nasty words on the caregiver. It was not as though she was chopping a piece of meat off from the caregiver. Anyway, the caregiver wouldn¡¯t be shortchanged of her wages. She could simply bear with it.

    It was a stressful society to live in today. Money wasn¡¯t easy to earn. If she didn¡¯t have such endurance, she had better not remain in the service industry.

    After Qiao Dongliang¡¯s departure, she had nothing to do but watch the news and serial dramas. That was why she had gained a slight understanding of the current socio-economic situation.

    ¡°Who cares about my attitude? Do you think that I haven¡¯t done my job well enough, that I starved you, or that I caused your condition to worsen? I think you¡¯re right. Since I¡¯m not capable, I won¡¯t disrupt your recuperation. Someone else can have this job.¡±

    She was rather renowned in her field. Otherwise, Ding Jiayi¡¯s younger daughter wouldn¡¯t have hired her either.

    If she were to insist on taking care of such a difficult patient like Ding Jiayi, her reputation would definitely be ruined given Ding Jiayi¡¯s nasty temper.

    Who didn¡¯t care about their reputations?

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s casual rant was enough to damage her reputation in the industry. As such, it was no wonder the caregiver would rather give up the high sry than serve Ding Jiayi as her ancestor.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Ding Jiayi was raging and felt that the pain in her stomach was intensifying. ¡°I hired you to take care of me. Are you really here to take care of me or to abuse me? Do you believe that I¡¯ll make aint against you? Do you really think you can leave just because you want to? Who gave you the right to do so? You¡¯ll definitely regret giving up this job!¡±

    She didn¡¯t believe it!

    Ding Jiayi had a feeling that Qiao Nan had paid this caregiver handsomely. It wasn¡¯t easy to earn money in the first ce, let alone such a high sry.

    In short, Ding Jiayi was simply aggrieved and was purposely trying to torture the caregiver.

    Ding Jiayi loved money, especially now that her husband had run away from her. The daughter whom she loved had be unreliable and had even started a fight with her. The daughter whom she had doted on all her life was no longer her support. In fact, she might even be part of the generation that took advantage of the elderly as she had seen on the news.

    Could Ding Jiayi remain fearless in the face of this situation?

    It was only natural for people to find ways to vent their negative feelings. The caregiver was simply unlucky to have met someone as clueless as Ding Jiayi. It was impossible that she would ever have a good daughter who would be willing to help her to such an extent even while having a distant rtionship. Perhaps, she had some self-awareness that the only person she could count on now was Qiao Nan since Qiao Dongliang had run away and Qiao Zijin was unreliable.

    Since Qiao Nan was her daughter and Qiao Nan was paying for the caregiver, it was no different from her paying for the caregiver directly. There were no jobs in the world where one wouldn¡¯t be lectured by their employers. It was normal for people in the service industry to be subjected to such pressure. As such, the caregiver should have considered that beforeing out to work.

    How was she supposed to know that not everyone worked for the sake of earning money? She was not going to tolerate her bad temper or serve her. That caregiver had won numerous awards and had no worries about not being able to find another job. It was only because Qiao Nan had offered a higher price that she had epted the job offer.

    Without this job, she would have immediately gotten another one. It was not as though she was on the verge of starving. There was no way she was going to aggrieve herself to take care of someone as heartless as Ding Jiayi. She did want to earn money, but she had the choice of whose money she would earn.

    With that, the caregiver paid no heed to Ding Jiayi and rushed out of the ward. Then, she ryed the sequence of events to her employers, making clear her intentions to quit.

    The veteran had felt rather troubled when he had received the call. He had known that Ding Jiayi was one without any self-awareness, but he had not known that she was such an unreasonable person. Ding Jiayi was not even the one paying the caregiver, and yet, she dared to throw a tantrum at the caregiver. What should he do now that the caregiver had left?

    The veteran didn¡¯t think that it would be easy to find Ding Jiayi another caregiver. This caregiver was known for having a good temper. If even she had been angered, what more other caregivers?

    In reality, the caregiver had encountered many patients with entric characters. Although these patients would throw tantrums and smash things, they were hardly aggressive and never scolded or beat anyone. It was only right for her to have a good temper since she was working for others. The problem was that she was not selling herself, and neither was she a ve. It made no sense that she had to subject herself to insults and beatings.

    Even if they were to hire ten caregivers, they would all quit given Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper.

    Left with no other choice, the veteran made a call to the hospital to enquire about Ding Jiayi¡¯s condition before calling Zhai Sheng and asking about his ns.

 Chapter 2376 - Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2376: Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    To do her revision, Qiao Nan had started spending more time at home.

    Seeing Zhai Sheng picking up a call from Ping Cheng, she had already guessed that something must have gone wrong with Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan was at a loss too, knowing how Ding Jiayi was still unwilling to settle down even after getting sick. She had never seen such an unruly patient. Was Ding Jiayi intent on not getting well?

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Seeing Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression, Qiao Nan asked him. ¡°Why don¡¯t you put it on speaker mode so that I can hear it too? Brother Zhai, you definitely don¡¯t have a better understanding of the Qiao family aspared to me. I¡¯m probably the best person when ites to dealing with them.¡±

    Of course, the only person Qiao Nan had to treat now was Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Sheng pressed the speaker button and Qiao Nan heard the veteran¡¯s every word. ¡°Chief, what shall we do next? Should we hire a second caregiver for Madam Ding? But given this situation, I¡¯m afraid that the second caregiver won¡¯tst long either. We¡¯ll just be wasting our money.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not hire anyone.¡± Qiao Nan spoke up before Zhai Sheng had the chance to do so.

    The veteran hesitated for a moment. ¡°Madam Zhai?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan answered. ¡°There¡¯s no need to hire another caregiver.¡± Ding Jiayi would definitely chase every caregiver away. There was no point in hiring one. As her daughter, she had already done her duty. No one could stop Ding Jiayi from throwing her tantrums. Even she wasn¡¯t willing to put up with Ding Jiayi¡¯s antics. As such, Qiao Nan couldpletely understand why the caregiver had chosen to leave. ¡°Even though she¡¯s only done a day¡¯s work, she¡¯s already had a hard time. I think you¡¯d better pay her well. We can¡¯t let her work for free.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The veteran answered. ¡°But as for Madam Ding¡­ She¡¯s still a little weak. Are you sure we don¡¯t have to hire anyone else?¡±

    It was because of this that the veteran had been speechless about Ding Jiayi. Someone who was so weak and needed a caregiver had insisted on kicking up such a huge fuss that she had scared the caregiver away. How much of a fuss was Ding Jiayi nning to create?

    Had Ding Jiayi never stopped to think about what would happen to her once she drove the caregiver away? Well, Ding Jiayi probably felt that the chief¡¯s wife would definitely find another caregiver for her since she was willing to care about her mom.

    But the caregiver had been stunned when Qiao Nan said that there was no need to hire another caregiver. ¡°Madam Ding can¡¯t take care of herself at the moment since she¡¯s still bedridden.¡± In other words, Ding Jiayi might very well starve to death if no one took care of her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Someone will take care of Ding Jiayi. You don¡¯t have to worry about that. Thank you for your help this time. You don¡¯t have to do anything for the time being.¡± Qiao Nan already had ns for Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°You¡¯re being too kind, Madam Zhai. I was cultivated by the chief and it¡¯s all thanks to him that I have what I have today. You can call me anytime you need any help.¡± A troublemaker like Ding Jiayi would never stop causing trouble. Since the chief¡¯s wife had to stay by the chief¡¯s side in the capital, he would look out for the chief over in Ping Cheng.

    After hanging up the call, Qiao Nan took a sip of water to calm down. Qiao Nan was rather reluctant to mention Ding Jiayi. Her husband had run away, while her daughter was not close to her. By now, Ding Jiayi should probably have gotten a clear understanding of the true nature of the one whom she had doted on all along.

    It wasn¡¯t unreasonable to say that Ding Jiayi was all alone now. And Ding Jiayi¡¯s refusal to reflect on why things had turned out this way as well as her selfishness sparked Qiao Nan¡¯s curiosity about Old Ding¡¯s family. What kind of family had raised a daughter like Ding Jiayi? Old Ding¡¯s family had ruined the entire Qiao family.

    Qiao Nan was grateful that her paternal grandparents had passed on early. Rtionships between mothers-inw and daughters-inw had always been a perennial problem. If her grandma had still been alive, she might have been driven to her grave by a daughter-inw like Ding Jiayi.

    In the past, Qiao Dongliang had mentioned that her paternal grandparents had been very good-natured. Qiao Nan believed it too, seeing Qiao Dongliang as an example. Given her grandparents¡¯ nature, they would definitely get into arguments with Ding Jiayi every day. Ding Jiayi liked to have the final say and refused to share power with anyone else. She didn¡¯t even listen to her own mother, let alone her parents-inw.

    ¡°What do you intend on doing?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll know once I make a call.¡±

    After dealing with Ding Jiayi for so many years, Qiao Nan had the confidence in defeating her.

    The caregiver had ¡®resigned¡¯ and ¡®fired¡¯ her employer, leaving Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin utterly confused.

    Qiao Zijinughed. ¡°Wow. Where did they find such a caregiver? She¡¯s got such a fiery temper. Are you sure she¡¯s a hired caregiver and not our ancestor? She¡¯s so fierce! It seems like Qiao Nan didn¡¯t put any effort into looking for a caregiver for you. Don¡¯t tell me that she purposely found a bad-tempered one to take care of you!¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s words were especially vicious. It¡¯s as though she was trying to sow discord between Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi. Even though their rtionship was already bad to begin with, Qiao Zijin saw no harm in making Ding Jiayi hate Qiao Nan even more.

    After all, Qiao Nan was rich and had married a good husband.

    She had to get her mom to hate Qiao Nan so that her mom would use Qiao Nan¡¯s money on her so that she would be able to live afortable life with Qiao Nan¡¯s money. Although she despised Qiao Nan, attitudes could change.

    Just as expected, Ding Jiayi immediately fell for Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. She had no idea that she had fallen for Qiao Zijin¡¯s ploy. ¡°That must be the case. That wretched girl can¡¯t stand to see me living well.. If I die, I¡¯ll never cause any more trouble for her. That¡¯s why she found such a useless caregiver to torture me so that I¡¯ll die as soon as possible! Tsk! What a useless thing! She¡¯s even learned to act well!¡±

 Chapter 2377 - Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2377: Might As Well Not Hire Anyone (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°She¡¯s trying to pretend to be a good daughter and improve her reputation by getting a caregiver for me. Does she think she¡¯s fulfilled her duties as a daughter just like that? What a heartless thing!¡±

    In the past, Qiao Nan had not been as smart. But now that she had gotten smarter, she was using it all against her mother!

    For the hundredth time, Ding Jiayi regretted insisting on giving birth to a second child. If she had not had a second child, Qiao Dongliang would have been a battalionmander, at the very least. Then, she would be a battalionmander¡¯s wife. She had been devoted to raising Qiao Zijin. Even if Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t turn out to be outstanding or married someone as impressive as Zhai Sheng, their family would still have been living much better off and more blissful than they were now.

    It was Qiao Nan¡¯s birth that had ruined that blissful life for their family.

    After snatching their happiness away, Qiao Nan had no gratitude and was even unfilial! If she had known that this would be the case, she would have strangled Qiao Nan to death the moment she was born. She would never have let a troublemaker like Qiao Nan live to see this day.

    The more Ding Jiayi thought about it, the more warped her thoughts became. ¡°I bet she¡¯s happy that she¡¯s be the chief¡¯s wife now. I don¡¯t believe that the Zhai family doesn¡¯t have any enemies. Since she treats me this way and wants an outsider to torture me, I won¡¯t let her off either. I want the whole country to see just what kind of daughter-inw the Zhai family got for themselves. The Zhai family isn¡¯t any good for epting such an unfilial daughter either. Let¡¯s just wait and see the Zhai family fall alongside Qiao Nan!¡±

    If she couldn¡¯t live well, no one else would either. She would drag everyone down with her. Now, she was a piece of worthless metal while Qiao Nan and the Zhai family were gold. She would be the one winning if she managed to drag the Zhai family and Qiao Nan down.

    Qiao Zijin was stunned by Ding Jiayi¡¯s resentful words.

    She had simply wanted to sow discord between her mom and Qiao Nan so that her mom¡¯s attitude toward Qiao Nan would be stricter seeing that Qiao Nan was willing to spend money on her. She had not expected her mom to be so vicious. Even she had not had such a thought but her mom was intent on killing Qiao Nan and ruining the Zhai family! Was her mom crazy?

    After Qiao Nan¡¯s marriage to Zhai Sheng, they had not benefited much from it. But that was not to say that they had not benefited at all!

    Just like how her mom had fallen ill this time. Their neighbors had been willing to send her mom to the hospital and pay for the admission fee because of Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. Without Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, their neighbors would have simply ignored them. Besides, if bad luck were to befall Qiao Nan and the Zhai family because of her mom, there was no way Qiao Nan would ever bother about her mom ever again, no matter how good-natured she was.

    Leaving aside her father, it would be worrying enough if Qiao Nan chose not to care about her mom. This incident had proved that her mom was truly not in the pink of health because of her age. All she had done was skip two meals and eat some food that was not so clean, and that had necessitated a visit to the hospital!

    She was not one who liked having a job. If her mom were to be hospitalized a few more times, her savings would immediately drop to half of what it was now! Then, what would she do for the remaining decades of her life? Was she going to need to beg for money?

    As long as Qiao Nan was around, Qiao Nan could carry the burden of taking care of their parents alone. She wouldn¡¯t need to fork out any money, and even making efforts would depend on her mood.

    Knowing that Qiao Nan was the best shield for her, Qiao Zijin immediately tried to persuade Ding Jiayi off her frightening thoughts. ¡°Mom, how could you think of doing that? Qiao Nan may be bad, but she isn¡¯t that bad. Mom, don¡¯t mind my words. Qiao Nan decided to not acknowledge you as her mom a long time ago. So, do you know why she was willing to pay for your hospitalization bills and hire a useless caregiver to take care of you?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say earlier that it was for her reputation? Whether it¡¯s for her own sake or for the Zhai family¡¯s, Qiao Nan can¡¯t afford to abandon you even if she doesn¡¯t see you as her mom. Once anything happens to you, she¡¯ll have no choice but to fork out money for you. Otherwise, she¡¯ll bembasted. But if you really ruin the Zhai family, Qiao Nan will hate you and she¡¯ll have the perfect excuse to ignore you in the future. What¡¯s the point in that?¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s tone brightened. ¡°Think about it. You were the one who gave birth to her and raised her. It¡¯s only right for her to support you now. She¡¯s simply returning the money that you spent on her all those years. If you fall out with her, she¡¯ll get to save her money. Why should we give Qiao Nan a chance to shirk her responsibility? Just because people in Ping Cheng know a little about our situation, you must not make it known to the whole country. Mom, believe me. If Qiao Nan or the Zhai family loses anything, we¡¯ll be at a loss too. We won¡¯t be able to take advantage of Qiao Nan.¡±

    In short, if her mom dared to do such a vicious thing to Qiao Nan, even a saint wouldn¡¯t let it go. It was impossible for Qiao Nan to bother about her mom ever again.

    Leaving Qiao Dongliang aside, once Qiao Nan decided not to support Ding Jiayi, that burden would naturally fall on her. Then, she would never have good days ahead with such a huge burden unless she chose to leave Ping Cheng.

    She wanted to have a share of benefits, but Qiao Nan had better carry this burden alone. After all, Qiao Nan was much better off than her. She had a capable husband and a huge inheritance.

    Ding Jiayi was not extremely determined, and she really had no intention of leaving Ping Cheng to another city unless she had no other choice. If it had been so easy to live alone, she wouldn¡¯t have picked the lock of the Qiao family¡¯s house to move back in. At the very least, she could save money on rent to spend on other things.

    As society developed, Ping Cheng¡¯s property prices had risen dramatically in the past three years. Qiao Zijin had gotten news that the house she had sold for two million yuan three years ago was now going for three million!

    Because she was clear about how valuable houses were now, Qiao Zijin refused to leave the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard to rent her own apartment. Thinking about how Qiao Dongliang had handed the property deed of the courtyard over to Qiao Nan a long time ago, Qiao Zijin was even more reluctant to let Ding Jiayi offend Qiao Nan.

    ¡°¡­¡± Ding Jiayi was upset.

 Chapter 2378 - Already Not Bad (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2378: Already Not Bad (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    She had suffered too much. That was why she had the thought of dragging everyone down with her, including Qiao Nan. After all, it was Qiao Nan who had let her mom down first. She had to make sure Qiao Nan bore the consequences of her actions and understood that her mother would deal with her for being an unfilial child even if the heavens didn¡¯t.

    But Qiao Zijin¡¯s words made sense too. ¡°You¡¯re saying that she¡¯ll really leave me in the lurch if I do that?¡± Although Qiao Nan did not really care about her now, she did not shortchange her of a monthly allowance. Now that she had been hospitalized, Qiao Nan had hired a caretaker and was even paying for her hospitalization bills. She had never even stayed in a single ward before. If not for Qiao Nan, she would never have spent her own money on such a good ward.

    That was something she had managed to enjoy because of that unfilial daughter, Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, will I lie to you? You know my temper. If I hurt you, I¡¯ll be hurting myself. I can rx as long as Qiao Nan is taking care of you. Apart from yourself, I¡¯ll be the one who¡¯s most impacted if Qiao Nan stops providing for you. Whether it¡¯s for your sake or for my own, I won¡¯t lie to you about this.¡±

    Ding Jiayi believed Qiao Zijin. Just like what Qiao Zijin had said, was it possible for her not to understand Qiao Zijin well? If she were to provoke Qiao Nan such that Qiao Nan no longer cared for her, Qiao Zijin would have to bear that burden alone. It would be incredulous if Qiao Zijin was willing to do so.

    Furthermore¡­

    Thinking about Qiao Dongliang, who had not returned for a long time, Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart ached. She hadn¡¯t even done anything to Qiao Nan, and yet, Old Qiao had insisted that she had been foolish to help Qiao Zijin. If she were to do anything, the next time she met Qiao Dongliang would probably be to sign divorce papers.

    In the face of such a situation, Ding Jiayi had no choice but topromise. ¡°It¡¯s that caretaker¡¯s fault. She angered me so much that I couldn¡¯t even think properly. I was just saying that out of spite. Can I really count on you for the rest of my life? I can¡¯t afford to offend Qiao Nan.¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt that she had flown into a rage because of the caretaker, and before she could vent it out on the caretaker, the caretaker had resigned. That was why her tone had been so nasty when talking about Qiao Nan.

    No matter how she looked at it, it was entirely Qiao Nan¡¯s fault. What kind of lousy caretaker had she found? She was drawing a sry from their family, and yet, she dared to throw such a tantrum. If Qiao Nan wanted to hire someone, she should have hired someone with a good temper. So, she had not been wrong in saying that Qiao Nan had hired the caretaker just to anger her. It was just that Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward her was not as bad as she had imagined.

    ¡°Mom, are you going to make that call?¡± All she wanted to know was whether her mom was willing to ask Qiao Nan for some money so that she could leech off her mom. Her mom had thrown a huge tantrum but had not yet answered her question.

    Ding Jiayi picked up the congee that the caretaker had brought earlier and said while drinking it, ¡°I¡¯m still so weak. I need someone to help me take care of my meals. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too early to be talking about a holiday? I think it¡¯s more important for me to tell Qiao Nan to get me a better caretaker who can take care of me until I¡¯m discharged. As for the holiday, I¡¯ll ask Qiao Nan for some money after I¡¯m discharged.¡±

    Her health was the most important. It didn¡¯t matter that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t care about it. She did. She had just been admitted into the hospital and had not even fully recovered. She would be courting death if she were to go on a holiday now.

    Ding Jiayi had answered even more indifferently because Qiao Zijin had only thought about taking advantage of her by tagging along on a holiday. She had not thought about Ding Jiayi¡¯s health or condition!

    Qiao Zijin pouted. Her mom was being too wishy-washy.

    Hadn¡¯t her mom simply eaten some spoiled food? How could thispare to how she had gotten uremia? Besides, hadn¡¯t she already been admitted to the hospital and treated? Other elderly patients would insist on being discharged as soon as they woke up for the fear of spending too much of their children¡¯s money.

    Not only was her mom like a princess, but she was also terribly afraid of death. Given her mom¡¯s temper, she knew that her mom would take good care of herself. There was no need for her to worry about her mom. ¡°Do you have Qiao Nan¡¯s cellphone number?¡± She didn¡¯t.

    Ding Jiayi hit the bed in anger. ¡°I don¡¯t have her phone number, but I have the Zhai family¡¯sndline. She already hired a caretaker to take care of me. Since I haven¡¯t been discharged, she can¡¯t possibly ignore me. I have to make it clear to her that the caretaker she got this time wasn¡¯t good enough. Alright, she could simply fly down from the capital to take care of me. Then, I¡¯ll let her save some money.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had never stopped putting on her airs as a mother. She would do it whether or not she should as though Qiao Nan was still the same Qiao Nan who would listen to whatever she said as long as she spoke in such a tone.

    Qiao Zijin did not argue with Ding Jiayi and simply dialed the Zhai family¡¯sndline. Her mom could list out her demands for Qiao Nan herself. Then, she wouldn¡¯t be the one who would be embarrassed if Qiao Nan rejected her.

    But before Qiao Zijin could make that call, her phone started ringing, giving her a huge shock. Looking at the caller ID, she realized that the caller was not just from the capital, but the number was exactly the same as the Zhai family¡¯s! Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but rub her eyes. Was she hallucinating?

    In the past three years, Qiao Nan had gone to great lengths to hide from them, but she had taken the initiative to contact them today! Was the sun going to rise in the west tomorrow?

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Qiao Zijin. You are¡­¡± Actually, Qiao Zijin was unsure who in the Zhai family was calling her.

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Put your phone on speaker mode. You should be with her, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Zijin whispered to Ding Jiayi, telling her that the call was from Qiao Nan. Seeing Ding Jiayi nod, Qiao Zijin pressed the speaker button.

    ¡°I know that the caretaker that I hired earlier resigned. She¡¯s still a little weak and can¡¯t go without anyone taking care of her¡­¡±

    Ding Jiayi, who was lying on the bed, was pleased.. The wretched girl still had a little conscience.

 Chapter 2379 - Already Not Bad (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2379: Already Not Bad (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The problem was that she hadn¡¯t even managed to get to that question before Qiao Nan. Of course, if Qiao Nan could not even handle this matter for her, she would have carried Qiao Nan for ten months for nothing. Qiao Nan was obliged to do so.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already thought about it. Her temper isn¡¯t very good, and caretakers aren¡¯t professional psychologists. They¡¯ll make her angry too easily. No matter how I think about it, I think that the most suitable person to take care of her is you, Qiao Zijin¡­¡±

    ¡°What-what do you mean?¡± Qiao Zijin was stunned. Was Qiao Nan joking about having her take care of their mom? It was already a stretch for her to take care of herself. How could she possibly take care of her mom? Besides, even if she had the ability to do so, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered waiting for Qiao Nan¡¯s call if she had the heart to take care of her mom.

    Now, Qiao Nan had only one function in the Qiao family and her: to support the two elderly people in the family. No matter what happened to them, it was Qiao Nan who had to pay for them and take care of them. They had better not think of getting her to take any responsibility.

    Anyway, Qiao Nan was loaded. No matter how troublesome the matter was, she could simply fork out more money for someone else to settle it for her. There was no need for her to handle it personally. In that way, it was a win-win situation for both sisters.

    Even her mom knew that she couldn¡¯t take care of her. Qiao Nan was proving just how stupid she was by making this call. People said that women got stupid for three years after giving birth. Had all of Qiao Nan¡¯s intelligence been snatched away because she had given birth to triplets?

    Before giving birth, Qiao Nan would never have made such a call or proposed such a ridiculous suggestion. Don¡¯t forget that she would take all the benefits, while Qiao Nan had to bear all the burden. It had always been the case.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in such a hurry. I haven¡¯t finished my sentence.¡± If it was so easy for Qiao Zijin to agree, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t even have needed to make this call. ¡°The caretaker that I hired previously was an award-winner. I paid her twenty thousand yuan a month. You aren¡¯t as highly educated as her and aren¡¯t as skillful either. She¡¯s a professional while you¡¯re nothing. Of course, that means that there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll pay you twenty thousand. But I¡¯m willing to pay you ten thousand yuan for you to take care of her. Do you agree?¡±

    It was only right for a daughter to take care of her mom when her mom was being hospitalized. Why was there even a talk of money? No matter who the money was from, Qiao Zijin would probably not be able to ept it. If she did, it would seem as though Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t her biological mother and that she was denying her blood ties with Ding Jiayi.

    But who was Qiao Zijin? Would she ever care about such things?

    Qiao Zijin had always felt that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi should be Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibilities alone since she was so well-to-do. Since she wascking nothing, it was shameless of her to ask Qiao Zijin to share that burden with her.

    Since the two elderly people were Qiao Nan¡¯s responsibility alone, there was no reason for Qiao Zijin to refuse the sry that Qiao Nan was offering her to take care of her mom. It was only right for Qiao Nan to pay her. Qiao Nan had some conscience, at the very least. ¡°Only ten thousand?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was not particrly pleased with that number. She had not internalized a single word about how impressive the previous caretaker had been. If she had not known about that caretaker¡¯s sry, she might very well have epted Qiao Nan¡¯s offer. But Qiao Nan had explicitly told her about it.

    That caretaker was an outsider but she was Qiao Nan¡¯s sister! Qiao Nan was going overboard by paying an outsider twenty thousand and her own family half of that. ¡°Qiao Nan, I think we can¡¯t look at the situation this way. You must know that I¡¯ve always been the one taken care of since I was young. When have I ever needed to take care of others? Our statuses are different. We shouldn¡¯t beparing our skills but our sincerity. Don¡¯t you think so? I¡¯m not asking for much either. Since you paid her twenty thousand, I¡¯m asking for twenty thousand as well. That¡¯ll be good for everyone. If anyone else asks me to do this, my price would definitely be much higher!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had her head up in the sky, hadpletely forgotten that no one else in the world would have hired a pampered princess like her to take care of Ding Jiayi other than Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Alright.¡± This word excited Qiao Zijin. She had already made her ns to go to Thand. She could leave at any time. It was the end of June and the weather was scorching now. For a tropical country like Thand, it was better to head over in winter.

    Besides, her mom was already so old. Her internal organs had probably suffered quite a bit this time. As such, her mom would probably need a caretaker for more than a month. It would probably be for half a year. If anything happened to her mom in the future, it was natural for her to be the one to take care of her mom since she was the closest to her mom. It wasmon for elderly people to fall ill, especially during the change of seasons.

    She wouldn¡¯t work for twelve months. She would give herself a break of two months and take care of her mom for ten months. Then, Qiao Nan would have to pay her two hundred thousand yuan! Given her mom¡¯s condition, she might even have to take care of her for ten years, at the very least. She would do that so that Qiao Nan could remainfortably in the capital as the chief¡¯s wife. Then, she would be able to earn two million yuan in the process as well!

    Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s reluctance to cooperate with her on the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance, she had lost at least five million yuan. But now, two million would do too.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan¡¯s next words brought Qiao Zijin to the realization that one should not get their hopes up too high. ¡°You¡¯re used to being taken care of, not taking care of others. The caretaker that resigned today has high educational qualifications and won many awards. That¡¯s why her price was higher. If you don¡¯t want to do it, I can always hire another caretaker at ten thousand yuan a month.¡±

    If Qiao Nan allowed Qiao Zijin to take advantage of her, she would have wasted so many years of life.

    She mentioned the twenty-thousand sry because she knew that Qiao Zijin would be greedy. She wanted to use it to provoke Qiao Zijin and to remind her that she couldn¡¯t even match up to the previous caretaker. Did she think that ten thousand yuan was too low? Then, she had better not take a single cent. How could she feel wronged even after taking that sum of money?

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡± To Qiao Zijin, who had no ie, she would never be willing to work for a sry of four to five thousand. Wasn¡¯t this the job that she had always been dreaming of? Not only was it easy, but she would also be paid twice the sry!

 Chapter 2380 - Already Not Bad (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2380: Already Not Bad (3)</h4>

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t even rejoiced for long before Qiao Nan was about to pass over her and hand her money over to an outsider. Qiao Zijin felt miserable. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Mom doesn¡¯t have a good temper and an average person wouldn¡¯t be able to tolerate her? That¡¯s why the previous caretaker ran away. I think the same situation will happen again if you find someone else. Then, you won¡¯t even be able to find anyone to take care of Mom. I¡¯m different. Mom won¡¯t dare to treat me that way. I can assure you that nothing will happen if you let me take care of Mom. It¡¯ll save you a lot of trouble. I¡¯m really not overcharging you by asking for twenty thousand a month.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. Do you really think I personally picked out caretakers for her? I¡¯m graduating soon, and I don¡¯t even have time to revise my work. It was someone else who picked out the caretaker for her. I just heard about the situation and offered a price. Even if it¡¯s troublesome, there¡¯ll be someone handling it for me. It won¡¯t be any trouble for me. Thank you for your concern. I¡¯ll just call that person to pick out another caretaker for her. Let her resign if she wants. Anyway, the one suffering without someone to take care of her won¡¯t be me. I won¡¯t be able to do anything if everyone refuses to take on this job either.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s tone sounded like she was trying to me someone. ¡°We¡¯re both her daughters, and I was the only one who paid for her hospitalization bills. I even hired a caretaker for her. Go andpare our family to other families in Ping Cheng. Which other family¡¯s children have done as much as me? My conscience is clear. On the other hand, the elderly in other families won¡¯t even kick up such a huge fuss or throw tantrums like this. We all know who will be scolded more if this matter gets out. If you anger me, things will be even easier to settle. I¡¯m not her only daughter, after all. I¡¯ve done all I can. From now on, she¡¯ll be your responsibility alone, Qiao Zijin.¡±

    She was in a good mood now and was still willing to fork out ten thousand yuan a month for Qiao Zijin to take care of Ding Jiayi.

    If Qiao Zijin upset her, she wouldn¡¯t even give a single cent to Qiao Zijin. Then, Qiao Zijin would still have to look after Ding Jiayi. It all depended on Qiao Zijin¡¯s choice. Was she going to ept the ten thousand yuan and take care of Ding Jiayi happily, or was she going to refuse everything and take care of Ding Jiayi while being resentful?

    Qiao Zijin could have her pick.

    Qiao Nan had given Qiao Zijin two options, but from Qiao Zijin¡¯s perspective, it was no better than having no choice at all. The first was for her to ept the money and take care of Ding Jiayi. The second was to take care of Ding Jiayi as her daughter. Then, not only would she not receive any money, but she would even have to fork out her own money.

    There was no need for Qiao Zijin to even consider between the two.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Nan was not one to joke around with her. Once she had made a decision, there would be no room for discussion. Qiao Zijin was in a panic, fearing that Qiao Nan would really spend ten thousand yuan on finding another caretaker for Ding Jiayi. ¡°Alright. We¡¯re sisters and Mom¡¯s sick. Since you¡¯re not in Ping Cheng, it¡¯s only right for me to take care of her as an elder sister. We have a deal. You¡¯ll pay me ten thousand yuan every month to take care of Mom. Oh right, when are you going to send the money over?¡±

    What if Qiao Nan refused to pay her after she put in all her effort? That would be too much!

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan was clear of Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns but was not going to take issue with it. After all, it wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin¡¯s thoughts that mattered. Qiao Nan would have the final say. ¡°We¡¯ll start from today. We won¡¯t go by the calendar months. I¡¯ll transfer ten thousand over to you first.¡±

    ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes widened as she realized that something was amiss. She was the patient and the one who needed someone to take care of her. Shouldn¡¯t she have the final say as to who got to take care of her? Why had her two daughterse to a decision without having consulted her?

    As Qiao Zijin had said, she was used to being taken care of. Qiao Zijin had no experience taking care of others. Even her son, Chen Feng, had been raised by Qiao Nan. She had never even taken care of her own son. That meant that she waspletely inexperienced in taking care of others!

    Although Qiao Zijin had agreed to the price of ten thousand yuan, Ding Jiayi was reluctant to have Qiao Zijin take care of her.

    The moment Qiao Zijin saw Ding Jiayi in a panic, she immediately ended the call. ¡°Mom, you heard it too. I¡¯ve already discussed it with Nan Nan. You can rest assured that I¡¯ll take care of you in the future. Now, both of your daughters are being filial to you. Qiao Nan forked out the money, and I¡¯m putting in the effort. You should be happy about it, right? I have to buy some clothes as a celebration. Tsk, Nan Nan is loaded but her temper¡¯s still the same. It hasn¡¯t even been a minute, but she¡¯s already transferred the money over. I think that I shouldn¡¯t just buy myself some clothes. I should have a good meal. Only then will I have the strength to take care of you.¡±

    She had not even had a proper meal because of her fight with her mom. Her clothes seemed to have gotten loose too.

    Qiao Zijin was over the moon. She stood up and strutted off to hail a cab to the shopping mall.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s face waspletely pale. Qiao Zijin imed that she was taking care of her with that high sry, but she hadn¡¯t even poured her a cup of water, and yet, she had already left to spend that sum of money. Ding Jiayi could only imagine howfortably Qiao Zijin would live with ten thousand yuan from now on. The problem was that she would be miserable.

    What would she do without anyone around to take care of her? What if she got hungry or thirsty? It was so hot. What if she needed to take a shower or go to the toilet?

    Qiao Nan had not hired Qiao Zijin to take care of her but to torture her.

    At that moment, Ding Jiayi felt regret wash over her. Why had she chased that caretaker away? She had really not known that the caretaker was so capable and had won awards in the past. But thinking about it now, it was true that the caretaker was good at her job.

    If she had known that Qiao Nan would be so heartless, she would never have¡­

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but feel hopeless about her condition. If Qiao Zijin were to take care of her, her condition would only get from bad to worse. Perhaps, it would even be better if she died right now.

    In this period, not only had Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin fought over food, but they had also fought over clothes. Of course, it was not a fight about whose clothes were nicer but who would do theundry.

    Ding Jiayi had already lost all hope in Qiao Zijin making meals for her. It was good enough that Qiao Zijin was willing to prepare her own meals and not take advantage of her.

 Chapter 2381

    <h4>Chapter 2381: An Excellent Mother (1)</h4>

    Because of the hot weather recently, not only did she have to shower daily, but she also had to wash the clothes she changed out of. Otherwise, even if there was only a small drop of sweat on her clothes, they would simrly smell bad after being left for a long time.

    Needless to ask, Ding Jiayi washed her own clothes. Qiao Zijin wanted to throw the clothes that she changed out of to Ding Jiayi to wash. In the past, their dirty clothes would never be ced together as Qiao Zijinined that Ding Jiayi was old. Her body wasn¡¯t clean, and so were the clothes she wore. Even if they were all dirty clothes, if they were ced together, her own clothes would stink as well.

    The situation was different now. She didn¡¯t even prepare meals for her now. Did Qiao Zijin think that she could just throw her clothes to Ding Jiayi to wash, just like before?

    Qiao Zijin keptforting herself that indeed, there was a certain unpleasant smell to old people¡¯s clothes. However, clothes were dirty and had to be washed. Even if her clothes had such a smell as well, washing them should remove the smell. When Qiao Zijin ced her dirty clothes down, she even flipped them upside down.

    After confirming that Ding Jiayi¡¯s underwear was at the bottom of the basket, Qiao Zijin put down her clothes first, then her underwear. This istion measure was done well. It was naturally also obvious that she despised Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi was initially unwilling to help Qiao Zijin wash clothes. They weren¡¯t even having meals together now. Why should she wash her clothes? She wasn¡¯t born to be a ve. She wanted to enjoy life as well. She had invested so much money and effort in Qiao Zijin. Initially, she wanted herself, the biological mother, to lead a good life after Qiao Zijin became sessful.

    Of course, Ding Jiayi no longer counted on Qiao Zijin to help her lead a good life. However, since she couldn¡¯t enjoy Qiao Zijin¡¯s blessings, she simrly no longer wanted to be her mother and serve her at this age. Ding Jiayi, who was infuriated, took out Qiao Zijin¡¯s clothes without saying a word and threw them to the ground. She only washed her own clothes.

    In front of Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin acted tough. You dare to throw my clothes? I¡¯ll dare to throw your clothes. What was different was that Ding Jiayi only threw Qiao Zijin¡¯s dirty clothes to the ground. However, Qiao Zijin threw Ding Jiayi¡¯s clean clothes to the ground. After Ding Jiayi saw this, their mother-daughter rtionship deteriorated, and they nearly wanted to rip off each other¡¯s hair.

    So many conflicts could arise between the mother-daughter pair because of washing clothes and having meals. Ding Jiayi knew that Qiao Zijin despised her for being old. Did she also have to say that she had a particrly unpleasant smell on her? It was such a hot day. Upon thinking about the problem of taking a shower or going to the toilet, Ding Jiayi hated both her daughters immediately.

    The person she hated the most wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin, but Qiao Nan.

    She understood what kind of person Qiao Zijin was. Qiao Nan did as well. Did Qiao Nan have to use such a trick to punish herself for causing her trouble by driving the caretaker away?

    Ruthless. She was too ruthless. Was she really the daughter she gave birth to? Wasn¡¯t she her enemy?

    At the same time, Ding Jiayi felt regretful. She obviously knew that Qiao Nan was no longer like she had been in the past. She wouldn¡¯t let her bully her and would even retaliate. Why did she have to be at odds with Qiao Nan, this ruthless girl, out of anger?

    It was the same ten thousand yuan spent. A hired caretaker would definitely be here to take care of her. However, once this person was changed to Qiao Zijin, she wasn¡¯t taking care of her but torturing her such that she led a shorter life.

    Ding Jiayi was so filled with hatred that she no longer knew what she should do. Qiao Zijin¡¯s rxed footsteps were quickly tied up by a short message next: Remember. It¡¯s not so easy to receive my money, let alone take it for granted. If something happens to her body or her condition worsens, you can try and see if I have ways to make you spit out the money that you¡¯ve swallowed.

    Qiao Nan understood both Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s characters. Yes, she had given ten thousand yuan to Qiao Zijin for her to take care of Ding Jiayi. Indeed, Qiao Nan had put some thoughts into this. The problem was that this wasn¡¯t a one-way situation, but a two-way one.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t a filial daughter. Was Ding Jiayi a doting mother then? If that had been the case, Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t have been admitted to the hospital. However, if Ding Jiayi was willing to be like the past and not only treat Qiao Zijin as her center but also diligently sacrifice for her, as long as Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t need to spend any money, she would give Ding Jiayi countlesspliments. It was guaranteed that this bootlicker would let Ding Jiayi feelfortable all over.

    If this mother-daughter pair had an internal conflict and both of them were angry inside, Qiao Zijin would make Ding Jiayi feel ufortable and Ding Jiayi would simrly make Qiao Zijin unhappy.

    It could be said that simr content was sent to Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s mobiles at about the same time. As such, Ding Jiayi could be said to have something she could control Qiao Zijin with so that she couldn¡¯t be as rampant as before.

    After keeping away her mobile, Ding Jiayi feltfortable in her heart. ¡°You received that wretched girl¡¯s short message as well, right? I thought that she was so ruthless and really wanted me dead. It seems like that wasn¡¯t the case. Her heart is still red in color. If you understand it, you should know it in your heart. If you want to have a good meal or buy pretty clothes, I won¡¯t stop you. The premise is that you have to take care of me well. If I feel ufortable, I¡¯ll definitely tell Qiao Nan. By then, remember how to return Qiao Nan the ten thousand yuan you¡¯ve spent.¡±

    That would be the best. She would then have an excuse to let Qiao Nan continue hiring a caretaker for her. It was the same ten thousand yuan. However, Ding Jiayi liked the care of others instead of Qiao Zijin¡¯s. She knew that even if Qiao Zijin no longer dared to y tricks and bully her anymore but take care of her seriously, based on Qiao Zijin¡¯s lifestyle habits for the past few decades, her level of giving care was extremely low. How would it be as good as a caretaker?

    It would be considered not bad if Qiao Zijin could take good care of herself, let alone taking care of her.

    Since she was spending the same amount of money, she naturally wanted to enjoy better service.

    After settling Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation, Qiao Nan could take her graduation examinations with ease. This mother-daughter pair had the same standards. If they wanted to deal with others, they might have fewer means. However, if they were at odds with each other, they were stable enough based on their standards.

    If this mother-daughter pair continued to treat each other like this, as long as they knew their limits, Qiao Nan could save a lot of thoughts and time in the future.

    Zhai Sheng had already informed Qiao Dongliang about Ding Jiayi¡¯s hospitalization.

 Chapter 2382

    <h4>Chapter 2382: An Excellent Mother (2)</h4>

    On the surface, Qiao Dongliang didn¡¯t have any reaction. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care what Qiao Dongliang¡¯s thoughts were. She just wanted to share Ding Jiayi¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s recent situations with him.

    ¡°I think your current arrangement is good. They should trouble others less in the future.¡± Their daily lives would be exciting if they created trouble for each other. Although this method wasn¡¯t the best, those who understood Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but admit that this method was effective. If they didn¡¯t create trouble for each other, they would create trouble for others.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Nan was their best choice. Qiao Dongliang was their second-best candidate after Qiao Nan. As a human being, who wouldn¡¯t be selfish? It was better for others to be unlucky than oneself. It wasn¡¯t easy for him to finally lead more than a month of peaceful life. Qiao Dongliang really didn¡¯t want to return to that kind of ¡®exciting¡¯ life that made his brain hurt.

    ¡°Are the triplets well recently?¡± If there was a chance, Qiao Dongliang wanted to go to the capital to visit his three grandchildren. The days in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard were too noisy. After moving away, Qiao Dongliang felt that it was too cold. At this time, he couldn¡¯t help but think that his life would be happier if there was a child next to him.

    ¡°Pretty good. Hold on.¡± Qiao Nan sent a bunch of photos of the triplets¡¯ recent lives to Qiao Dongliang.

    Qiao Dongliang was full of surprise. ¡°The triplets know how to crawl already?¡± Those small arms and legs looked particrly strong. Most importantly, the smiles on the children¡¯s faces let Qiao Dongliang know that they were well taken care of and were leading happy lives. Unlike¡­

    ¡°They aren¡¯t very nimble yet, but they don¡¯t need anyone to carry them now. After learning how to crawl, they don¡¯t like to be carried by others. Unless it¡¯s urgent, they¡¯d rather wriggle slowly like insects.¡± Qiao Nan had to take her hat off to the triplets¡¯ temper. She wasn¡¯t sure if they had inherited this from her or Zhai Sheng.

    Every time they saw the triplets crawling forward with their chubby legs, they didn¡¯t feel anything. However, those watching by the side were anxious. Even Zhai Yaohui, the stable grandpa, couldn¡¯t help but push Da Bao¡¯s chubby buttocks once to help him advance more than ten centimeters.

    To this, not only was Da Bao unhappy, but he even pouted and looked at his grandpa with resentment, as if asking him why he was disturbing his learning to crawl. Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t help but touch his nose out of guilt.

    There was no choice. When Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were as young as the triplets, he and Miao Jing didn¡¯t stay by their sides. Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t know how his daughter and son were like when they were young. Furthermore, elders would feelpletely different when facing their childrenpared to their grandchildren.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t give Zhai Sheng any special help as he was growing up. In the face of the triplets, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t bear to be hard-hearted. He was like the rest of the grandpas from other families, doting on his grandchildren and constantly refreshing his lower limits.

    How were the children spoiled? Just like this!

    As he listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s description, Qiao Dongliang felt like he had witnessed the three children crawling before him. ¡°That¡¯s good. Your inws are good. You are good as well, thus the three children are brought up well. If there¡¯s a chance next time, I¡¯ll go to the capital to visit them.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no need to. During the mid-autumn festival, we will return to Qingshui Town and pay respect to the Zhai family¡¯s elders.¡± It was only June now. The mid-autumn festival was three to four months away. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure what Qiao Dongliang meant by ¡®next time¡¯.

    She felt that since their family would be returning to Qingshui Town, her dad didn¡¯t need to run about.

    If not for the triplets being young and them being far away, Zhai Sheng would have long brought the three children back to Qingshui Town to the Zhai family¡¯s old vi so that Old Master Zhai and his wife could ¡®see¡¯ the fourth-generation children of their family. When Old Master Zhai left, the unmarried Zhai Sheng and married Zhai Hua were his major heartaches.

    Thankfully, after Zhai Sheng met Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua both produced good results for Old Master Zhai and his wife, although they were a littlete. Qiao Nan usually took a bunch of photos of the three children. Zhai Sheng would print them out, make them into a photo album, and ce it at the Zhai family¡¯s old vi.

    Qiao Dongliang was pretty happy when he heard the news. ¡°That works too. I¡¯ll wait for you toe over to Qingshui Town during the mid-autumn festival. By then, the triplets would be one year old. Their bones would have been stronger. Most importantly, the weather wouldn¡¯t be so hot then. It will be much cooler and they wouldn¡¯t be badly scorched by the heat. I¡¯ll wait for you toe over. We can celebrate the mid-autumn festival together.¡±

    The mid-autumn festival was the most significant day in China for a family to be reunited. Qiao Dongliang felt that it would be more meaningful if he had the opportunity to meet his three grandchildren then. After knowing that the Zhai family had such an itinerary, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s heart feltfortable. ¡°Nan Nan, aren¡¯t you studying recently? How is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m having my examinations the day after tomorrow. I¡¯ll graduate after getting the results.¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect that after giving birth, she would be graduating in the blink of an eye. Of course, when it came to certificates and educational qualifications, there wasn¡¯t a need for Qiao Nan topare them with her dream. As for her job, she didn¡¯t even need to think about it.

    What was different was that as a woman who was over forty years old whose children were not yet one year old, Qiao Nan was much less career-minded than in her dream. Rather than struggling with her career achievements, Qiao Nan would rather spend more time on her three children. It wasn¡¯t easy to bring up a child well. Furthermore, she needed to nurture her triplets at the same time.

    Thankfully, in this aspect, the Zhai family didn¡¯t have any demands of Qiao Nan. They felt that it was pretty good that Qiao Nan was willing to stay at home and take care of the children. That was part of her career as well. It was better for the children to be brought up by their biological mother. Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing didn¡¯t feel that Qiao Nan¡¯s low educational qualifications would dy the triplets¡¯ growth and development.

    Only the Zhai family knew that although Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have high educational qualifications, it didn¡¯t mean that she wasn¡¯t capable. When they asionally heard Qiao Nan speaking English by chance, they truly felt that she was no different from the newscaster of the state-owned television international news channel.

    Based on this, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were not worried that their grandchildren wouldn¡¯t be able to learn English well in the future at all. Under the nurturing of Qiao Nan, their biological mother, the triplets¡¯ English might even stun all the neighbors in the future.

 Chapter 2383

    <h4>Chapter 2383: An Excellent Mother (3)</h4>

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing weren¡¯t old fools. They could see the hard work that Qiao Nan put in for the three children.

    Even though the three children couldn¡¯t speak Chinese well yet, Qiao Nan would switch between Chinese and English from time to time when teaching them to recognize things.

    What made the two elders relieved was that under Qiao Nan¡¯s training method, aside from the triplets being confused at the start, they gradually got used to it and could guess that the same thing was being referred to in Chinese and English.

    Actually, Qiao Nan figured out this method of education in her dream. To put it more urately, it was her master, Lin Yuankang, who had taught this to Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan initially felt that she had given the children too much pressure. While she paid attention to the children¡¯snguage-learning environment, had she started too early?

    Thankfully, the factster proved that her triplets seemed to have adapted well, although Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t sure about other children.

    ¡°Mom, carry me.¡±

    Children grew up quickly. To Qiao Nan, in the blink of an eye, not only could the three children who were still crawling around like worms yesterday stumble around and rush forward like little ducks now, but they had also grown teeth and could call out to their mother for her to hug them.

    Zhai Sheng nced at Er Bao, who loved to act like a spoiled child, and said in disdain, ¡°Your mom¡¯s not carrying you. You¡¯re too fat.¡±

    Er Bao blinked, as if not understanding what his dad meant.

    After thinking for a while, Er Bao seemed to understand it a little. He lowered his head and used his small hands to touch the flesh on his body seriously before answering, ¡°Grandma. Jiajia. Said. Er Bao. Good.¡±

    The three children didn¡¯t know how to say long sentences now. They could only utter single words at a time. Er Bao spent a little more time saying this broken sentence. It wasn¡¯t considered easy for him to express all the meaning in his words.

    ¡°Yes, how is our Er Bao fat? Children look better if they grow up like this. Our Er Bao¡¯s just right. He¡¯s not fat at all.¡± Miao Jing was the first to step out and lecture the unscrupulous Zhai Sheng. He was really bold to bully her grandson like this. ¡°Er Bao, I¡¯ve cut an apple for you. Shall we go and eat it now?¡±

    Er Bao shook his head stubbornly. ¡°No. No¡­¡± Er Bao repeated this word a few times and sprayed his saliva on Miao Jing¡¯s face. ¡°Eat. Heavy. Mom. Carry.¡±

    What Er Bao meant was that if he ate the apple, he would be heavier. He wanted his mom to carry him, not have fruits. ¡°Give. Da Da. San San.¡± He wasn¡¯t going to eat it. Da Bao and San Bao could help him eat it. Yes, if the two of them ate his apple, Er Bao wouldn¡¯t mind it at all.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll carry you.¡± Had it not been for Zhai Sheng stopping her, Qiao Nan would have long carried Er Bao, this little fatty. After the three children grew up and had strength in their legs, Qiao Nan rarely carried them. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to but she didn¡¯t dare to. The children were still young and insensible. Once they encountered something exciting, their strength of pping and moving around wasn¡¯t something that ordinary people could withstand.

    This was almost the same situation for the three children. If they kicked about in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms, Qiao Nan would fall together with them.

    This made Qiao Nan slowly develop the habit of not carrying children. To them, having a mother carry them became more attractive and they became infatuated.

    ¡°Carry!¡± Upon hearing that his mom was willing to carry him, Er Bao¡¯s eyes shone. He opened his arms, ran to Qiao Nan, and pounced on her legs. Qiao Nan ced her hands under Er Bao¡¯s armpits. Yes, there was more flesh around Er Bao. ¡°Don¡¯t move around. Er Bao has grown up. If Er Bao moves around, I can¡¯t carry you.¡±

    ¡°No, no.¡± Er Bao sat on Qiao Nan¡¯sp obediently and waved his chubby hands, signaling that he wouldn¡¯t move around. After that, Er Bao pointed to a fairy tale book on the coffee table. ¡°Mom, read.¡±

    Qiao Nan naturally wouldn¡¯t stop her children from reading books. They were probably influenced by blood ties, but Da Bao and Er Bao only liked books where the characters were dressed in green military uniforms and wearing little green hats. Even if it was the same story and Qiao Nan had already repeated it several times, they didn¡¯t seem to get tired of listening and would want to hear it again the next time.

    It was a really good thing to Qiao Nan that her son was so good-tempered and nostalgic. At least until now, she wasn¡¯t in a hurry to find other fairy tale books for the three children. The three children hadn¡¯t gotten tired of the ones at home.

    Er Bao leaned his head against his mom¡¯s soft chest. An expression of enjoyment hung on his face as he kicked his legs. Both his expression and action told everyone how happy he was now. He could be as smug as he wanted and as happy as he wanted.

    The son was happy but the father felt ufortable in his heart. Zhai Sheng thought for a while. He put one hand between Qiao Nan and Er Bao, grabbed the fabric of Er Bao¡¯s clothes, and pulled Er Bao out of Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. Then, he ced him on hisp. ¡°Your mom¡¯s tired. I¡¯ll carry you.¡±

    Er Bao expressed that he couldn¡¯t understand why he suddenly switched ces. After blinking a few times, he adapted to the fact that the person carrying him now had changed from his mom to his dad. Er Bao hesitated and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom. Pain?¡± Er Bao didn¡¯t know what tired was. He only felt that any ufortable feeling in this world should be called pain.

    Under Zhai Sheng¡¯s threatening gaze, Qiao Nan held back herughter and nodded reluctantly. ¡°It¡¯s a little painful.¡± If she didn¡¯t tell her son that she was feeling pained, she was afraid that this man next to her would hold her down until she felt pain. After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan could only sumb to Zhai Sheng¡¯s might and tell a white lie to her son.

    ¡°Blow. Pain. Fly.¡± Er Bao pouted and wanted to blow out some air for Qiao Nan. However, Zhai Sheng pressed his head and turned it away. ¡°Zhai Xin, how many times have I told you that blowing your saliva is something impolite? Your brother and sister never do this. Why are you so disobedient?¡±

    The three children were just a little over a year old. They were at an age with a lot of saliva. If Er Bao really blew at Qiao Nan, she would be sprayed with a lot of saliva. He wasn¡¯t exaggerating at all.

    Er Bao became unhappy. He only allowed his mom to carry him.

 Chapter 2384

    <h4>Chapter 2384: Unnecessary (1)</h4>

    He wanted his mom to blow on his wound, but his father was getting in the way. What was his father trying to do? Er Bao threw a tantrum and stretched out his arm to push Zhai Sheng away. ¡°Bad! Bad Daddy!¡±

    Er Bao said these words especially clearly.

    Qiao Nan looked at Er Bao sternly. ¡°Er Bao, what did Mom teach you? You can¡¯t disrespect your dad like this. It¡¯s hard for Dad to be working and supporting the family.¡± Qiao Nan had never been exceptionallyx with the children just because she had given birth to them at the age of forty.

    So what if they hadeter in life? It was exactly because she loved her children that she had to inculcate the right values in them so that they wouldn¡¯t go astray.

    Er Bao felt aggrieved. It was obviously his dad bullying him, but why was his mom helping his dad instead of him?

    Da Bao and San Bao had no idea how tofort their sibling. With their dad around, no one dared to get their mom to carry them. It wouldn¡¯t take long before their dad would carry them away. They had had too many such experiences. As long as Zhai Sheng was at home, Da Bao and San Bao never bothered to crawl into Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace.

    But Er Bao was different. He was clingy to begin with, and as long as he saw an opportunity to let his mom carry him, he would take it. Moreover, it was rare that Da Bao and San Bao weren¡¯t fighting with him. As such, Er Bao took on the challenge even with his father present. He was still young, but one day, he would grow up. Then, he would definitely deal with his father!

    ¡°Er Bao?¡± Qiao Nan called out gently and Er Bao hummed. Qiao Nan stroked Er Bao¡¯s face and nted a kiss aspensation. ¡°Er Bao, do you remember what Mom taught you? Dad works very hard and we should love him, shouldn¡¯t we? Go and kiss your dad.¡±

    Qiao Nan would definitely lecture her son since he had disrespected her husband. But Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife and knew that Zhai Sheng had purposely stood in the way and bullied their son. Of course, she had to help her husband. But now that she had done that, it was time to help her son.

    Er Bao was still upset. His dad was annoying and liked to bully him! He wasn¡¯t going to kiss his dad!

    Da Bao sauntered over and smacked Er Bao¡¯s leg. ¡°Kiss, kiss.¡± Hadn¡¯t he seen his father¡¯s look of disgust? Da Bao probably understood that their father probably didn¡¯t want Er Bao to kiss him either. Yes, at such a time, the three of them had to band together. Their dad always bullied them.

    But they were triplets, after all, and would do everything together. San Bao pursed her lips and supported herself by cing her hand on Zhai Sheng¡¯s knee. She puckered up her lips and made a kissing sound.

    In an instant, the masculine Zhai Sheng was surrounded by the three babies who insisted on kissing him. Zhai Sheng¡¯s face was dark and his expression sour.

    But these three children were his children, and his most beloved woman, Qiao Nan, had given birth to them. Whether or not he was willing to do it, Zhai Sheng had no choice but to bend down and let the three children kiss him.

    Er Bao left a mouthful of saliva on Zhai Sheng¡¯s left cheek, while Da Bao did the same on his right cheek. As the only girl, San Bao left a slobbering kiss on Zhai Sheng¡¯s head. Because of all the saliva that had been left all over him, Zhai Sheng could probably save on washing his face.

    Because of all the kissing that had been going on, Er Bao had forgotten all about his little tantrum earlier. He giggled and fell into Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace with Da Bao and San Bao. At this time, Er Bao had finally remembered the advantages of his father. His father was stronger than his mom and could carry them high up in the air. Like now, their mom had gotten tired from carrying just one of them, but their father could carry all three of them at once.

    Er Bao felt bad for Qiao Nan needing to carry his chubby self. But now that it was Zhai Sheng doing so, Er Bao felt that he was only a little baby who knew nothing at all. There was no need for him to care about anything other than growing up happily.

    Seeing that the father and his children had made up, Miao Jing secretly heaved a sigh of relief. She had not realized it earlier, but she had recently found out how childish her usually mature son could get.

    He was already a grown man, and yet, he was fighting with his sons over a woman! It sounded a little ridiculous, but that was how it was!

    It was only normal for the children to be clingy to their mom since they were still young. But her son was a jealous incarnate. Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t even let his own sons get close to Nan Nan! Sometimes, when he got more aggressive, even San Bao would be tossed aside. He was really¡­

    Every time she saw her son trying to snatch things from her grandsons, Miao Jing had to resist the urge to butt in. If not for the fact that she was old, and if she still had the energy to do so, she would have interfered and dealt with this fool of a son she had!

    In the past, she had alwaysined about the children in the Zhai family choosing to stay in the military. Her husband had been like that, and even her son and daughter had been like that too. What if that happened to her grandchildren too? The problem was that Zhai Sheng was no longer like that. As long as Zhai Sheng was not in the military and was at home, he was usually the main reason the children threw tantrums.

    On one side were three adorable babies who had just celebrated their first birthday, and on the other was an old man of almost fifty. Miao Jing couldn¡¯t understand why a soldier like Zhai Sheng had to y such childish games. Was he trying to make up for the childhood he had lost?

    In short, when her son acted shamelessly, she didn¡¯t even want to acknowledge that she had given birth to such a son. Miao Jing felt sorry for the triplets for giving them such a shameless father. It was her fault as a mother that she had not taught Zhai Sheng well. But she would only bear half of that responsibility. The other half belonged to Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Zhai Yaohui coughed to warn Zhai Sheng to know his limits. They had once worried about Zhai Sheng having no one by his side if he did not get married. Now, they knew that even his children didn¡¯t mean much to him because he had found the right person. Seeing how Zhai Sheng treated his sons as obstructions between him and Qiao Nan, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t stand it. How had they not known that Zhai Sheng was such an affectionate person? He was even getting jealous of his own sons!

 Chapter 2385

    <h4>Chapter 2385: Unnecessary (2)</h4>

    Picking up all three children at the same time, Zhai Sheng headed toward the washroom to wash his face and wipe the children¡¯s mouths and chins at the same time. Zhai Sheng could not care less about his parents¡¯ disdain.

    In the past, he had felt the same way. He had never thought that anyone in the Zhai family would go crazy for love. But after seeing one example after the other, Zhai Sheng was sure that the people in the Zhai family were only cold on the outside. Leaving the typical example of his parents, when Zhai Hua had truly been in love with Wei De, she had chosen him over her own family. He was no different. Now that he had Nan Nan, he felt that it was perfect with just the two of them. Even their children were an eyesore at times, and he had to resist the urge to throw them out.

    But those were only his thoughts. There was no way he would ever carry them out because he knew that no matter how much he was annoyed by these children, Qiao Nan saw them as her precious babies and could not bear to leave them for even just a moment. Zhai Sheng was all too clear that Qiao Nan would probably kick him off the bed if he dared to throw his children out.

    After their faces and chins were wiped clean, the children feltfortable. Then, they sincerely and obediently called out for their dad, nting a kiss on Zhai Sheng again. This time, the children had not made any trouble and had not left any saliva on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face either.

    San Bao leaned against Zhai Sheng¡¯s leg, her hand and face resting against Zhai Sheng¡¯s knee. ¡°Daddy, water.¡± After kicking up such a fuss, San Bao was thirsty and wanted her dad to feed her.

    What else could Zhai Sheng do since his daughter had already asked for water?

    Thankfully, the auntie listened to Qiao Nan and always had warm water ready for the children. Zhai Sheng poured San Bao a cup and handed it over for her to drink. He did not even need to help her with it.

    Since he was pouring one of them a drink, it made sense to feed all three of them at once. Seeing the three children getting their fill of water and wanting to y, Zhai Sheng spread out his arms, carried all three children at the same time, and headed into the yroom.

    To be honest, not every fifty-year-old man would be able to carry three chubby toddlers at the same time. Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was a soldier and no one could match up to his strength and skills.

    In less than a few minutes,ughter could be heard from the yroom. Miao Jing was finally rxed. ¡°Actually, our Zhai Sheng does feel like a dad.¡± It was just that she had to hold back and not p him when he got mischievous. Sometimes, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Zhai Sheng was truly forty-seven and a father of three!

    If Zhai Sheng¡¯s soldiers were to see how he behaved at home, they would definitely be scared stiff.

    Because Zhai Sheng had taken charge of the three children, Qiao Nan was now free. She took out her phone and made a call to Zhai Hua. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, it¡¯s me. I wanted to ask you about Jiajia¡¯s recent English grades.¡± Jiajia was already in the second year of high school and would be taking the college entrance examination soon.

    In the past, Jiajia¡¯s English standards had not been too bad. She had even attended English enrichment sses regrly. But ever since she entered high school and met an English teacher whom she did not like, her interest in English had declined, and she had even bezy.

    In less than half a semester, Jiajia¡¯s results had taken a tumble. Last summer vacation, Jiajia¡¯s English results had been so bad that Zhai Hua had almost hired five English tutors for Jiajia and had almost stopped her from visiting the triplets. Jiajia¡¯s rebellious stage had finally started, and the mother and daughter had been at loggerheads.

    What could Qiao Nan say about this situation? She admitted that children¡¯s interest in a subject depended on how much they liked the teacher. Perhaps, it was because she had been so suppressed in the Wei family that she had had no choice but to be obedient. Now that there was no longer the need to do so, Jiajia¡¯s temper was starting to show gradually.

    The mother and daughter had been in a fierce fight, so much so that Zhai Hua¡¯s friends in Ping Cheng had been taken aback. It was the same feeling they had gotten when Zhai Hua had stubbornly insisted on getting married to Wei De at that time. In the end, everyone had to admit that Jiajia might be a Wei, but she was a Zhai at heart. Her temper was exactly like her mom¡¯s.

    What could Zhai Hua¡¯s friends do but ry the situation to the Zhai family once the mother and daughter had gone into a cold war?

    Hearing that Zhai Hua and Jiajia had fallen out with each other, Miao Jing had been terribly anxious. One was her daughter, while the other was her granddaughter. Given their tempers, something was bound to happen. More importantly, Jiajia was now a high school student. She had already fallen behind for two terms, and if something were to happen, there was no way Jiajia would be able to settle down and focus on her studies.

    If Jiajia had not even been able to study well in such a peaceful environment, it would be impossible for her to even go to school if something were to happen.

    Miao Jing had wondered if it would be better for her to return to Ping Cheng to counsel the mother-daughter pair. It was not as though Zhai Hua had never thrown such a tantrum in the past. The mother and daughter were like two peas in a pod. It was clear where Jiajia had inherited her temper from.

    In the end, Qiao Nan had proposed a suggestion for Zhai Hua to bring Jiajia to the capital. Firstly, it was true that it was stressful for high school students. Although it was important to stay focused on one¡¯s studies, it was equally important to rx from time to time. There were countless examples of high school students falling sick due to the pressure they faced.

    Besides, Qiao Nan had personally told Zhai Hua that she had already graduated and had passed the professional qualifications test to obtain her certificates in English. If Zhai Hua was willing to give it a try, she was willing to tutor Jiajia in English whenever Jiajia had time off outside of her summer sses. She would try her best to improve Jiajia¡¯s English standards to match up to other high school students¡¯.

    To be honest, Zhai Hua was much more willing to spend money on a tutor than let her sister-inw, Qiao Nan, take care of this matter. After all, Qiao Nan was not a professional, and it was an undeniable fact that Qiao Nan did not have high educational qualifications.

 Chapter 2386

    <h4>Chapter 2386: Unnecessary (3)</h4>

    Besides, Qiao Nan had three children to take care of. She couldn¡¯t even take care of her own daughter. How could she trouble Qiao Nan, who had three young children to take care of, with her own daughter?

    Zhai Hua was reluctant and was even thinking of hiring a few tutors for Jiajia during the summer break. What Zhai Hua had not expected was for Jiajia to take the initiative herself. She was indeed as resolute as a soldier.

    She had already turned eighteen, and thus, with her identity card and ticket in hand, she had gone to her grandma¡¯s house alone. It was not as though she didn¡¯t know them. Why would she still require her mom¡¯s approval to head over? Her mom hadn¡¯t gotten anyone¡¯s approval either when she had insisted on getting married to her dad.

    Zhai Hua had happily invited the hired tutor home only to find that Jiajia had left. In the end, it was the tutor who had spotted the note on the table that said that she had gone to her grandma¡¯s house. She would send a message once she arrived in the capital.

    Zhai Hua had only just read the note when she received Jiajia¡¯s text message. Not only had Jiajia sent a message, but she had even attached a photo with the capital¡¯s airport as the background.

    Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help butugh and feel angry at the same time upon seeing the photo. There was no question that she was angry at Jiajia for having left without informing her beforehand and only leaving a note before heading off to the capital alone. She should really give a child like that a good beating.

    When she and Zhai Sheng had been young, they had been beaten by the old master too. Now that she was a mother herself, she had never even hit Jiajia before no matter how disobedient Jiajia had been. It was because of that that Jiajia had grown up to be so spoiled.

    Thankfully, Jiajia had not gotten into any idents this time and had arrived in the capital safely. If something had happened to Jiajia along the way, she would really¡­ have lost the will to live.

    What could Zhai Hua do since Jiajia was already in the capital? She could only make a call to her family, asking them to bring her back home. Then, she had to send the tutor off.

    Thankfully, the tutor had not said much given the situation. After settling the tutor, Zhai Hua, who was used to having her world revolve around her daughter after her divorce, bought a ticket on the earliest flight to the capital to chase after her daughter.

    Zhai Hua felt bad about troubling Qiao Nan. Not only did Qiao Nan have to take care of her three children, but she would even have to tutor Jiajia. But Zhai Hua was the party involved and didn¡¯t want to interfere in the matter either. Jiajia¡¯s English wasn¡¯t good because she didn¡¯t like her teacher. But Jiajia liked her aunt, Qiao Nan, very much.

    Ever since Qiao Nan had given birth to the triplets, Qiao Nan had be Jiajia¡¯s most admired person. Where else would she find such an impressive aunt who could have her uncle wrapped around her fingers and give birth to three children at once?

    After Jiajia acknowledged Qiao Nan as her teacher, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t set any assignments for Jiajia. All she did was to give Jiajia a few casual lessons after checking on Jiajia¡¯s English level. Jiajia had already been prepared to go through hell. As such, she could not get used to Qiao Nan¡¯s style of teaching at first.

    After two days, Zhai Hua asked Jiajia in private how her sses with Qiao Nan had been. Jiajia replied that it was not difficult at all. In fact, it was even fun!

    The moment Zhai Hua heard that, she secretly came to a decision to allow Jiajia to have her fun for ten days in the capital. Once they returned to Ping Cheng, she would find a tutor for Jiajia. It was rare for Qiao Nan to have the heart to teach Jiajia, and Zhai Hua thought that wasting ten days wouldn¡¯t mean much. She would simply wait for these ten days to pass.

    Her daughter had already fallen behind for two semesters. Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help butfort herself with the fact that ten days wouldn¡¯t mean much aspared to two semesters.

    With that attitude, Zhai Hua became open-minded. Anyway, Jiajia wouldn¡¯t have an easy time once she returned to Ping Cheng. Her summer break would practically be nonexistent. As such, these ten days in the capital would be the only ten days Jiajia would be able to rx. It wouldn¡¯t be too much to give her daughter some time off.

    Perhaps, it was because Jiajia had adjusted her attitude that Jiajia had reluctantly left her siblings after ten days, only bringing with her their photos.

    After they returned to Ping Cheng, Zhai Hua wasted no time in finding a renowned English tutor. Jiajia¡¯s attitude toward this tutor had softened, and she did whatever Zhai Hua told her to do.

    The tutor had learned more about Jiajia¡¯s situation through Zhai Hua. However, she decided to let Jiajiaplete a practice paper to get to know her better. Of course, the tutor had set this paper based on the standards of an elite high school student.

    The tutor was surprised after marking Jiajia¡¯s paper. ¡°Madam Zhai, I understand your feelings of wanting your daughter to excel, but I think that your daughter¡¯s English is pretty good. It¡¯ll put a lot of pressure on your child if you¡¯re overly anxious. A score like that is not bad.¡±

    The tutor had only stopped short of saying that her student today had already mastered the content of the English taught in the first year of high school. The tutor was reluctant to waste her time teaching Jiajia something she already knew. Otherwise, she might very well start to hate her. Then, her results would fall once again! ¡°Besides, if you¡¯re really concerned about your child¡¯s results, you can forget about the knowledge taught in the first year. She can move on to what¡¯s taught in the second year and go over that during her summer break.¡±

    It was rare for her to meet such generous parents. While the tutor didn¡¯t want to drag the student down, neither did she want to give up such a handsome sry. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯ll change my study n once I leave. Tomorrow, we can start your child on the knowledge taught in the second year. What do you think about that?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Zhai Hua understood every word that the tutor had said, but they didn¡¯t make sense in a whole sentence. Jiajia had almost failed her term test, so how could it be possible that Jiajia¡¯s English was good and she no longer needed tuition?

 Chapter 2387

    <h4>Chapter 2387: Reincarnation Is a Skill (1)</h4>

    It was very necessary!

    ¡°Teacher, didn¡¯t you set a paper for my daughter? How much did Jiajia score?¡± It was better not to confuse her like that. It would be better to prove her words with some results.

    The tutor handed Jiajia¡¯s paper over to Zhai Hua. ¡°Here¡¯s theposition that the student wrote. I wasn¡¯t particrly lenient when marking this, but there weren¡¯t many points of criticism. There weren¡¯t any grammatical mistakes and the student also used good vocabry. She only made some careless mistakes here.¡±

    ¡°Ny-nine?¡± Zhai Hua blinked. If she had not heard the tutor¡¯s analysis, she would have suspected that there was something wrong with her eyes and that she would have to make a visit to the hospital. ¡°Did you grade it wrongly?¡± Thinking about how Jiajia had only scored sixty-six marks for her term test but had scored ny-nine in less than a month¡¯s time, she couldn¡¯t believe the situation.

    ¡°No, I graded it properly.¡±

    Zhai Hua told the tutor after some thought. ¡°Alright, you¡¯re the teacher and you know more about this than me. Since you said that my daughter has already mastered the content taught in the first year, you can return tomorrow to start on the content taught in the second year. I¡¯ll send you out.¡±

    After politely sending the tutor off, Zhai Hua red up at Jiajia the moment she returned home. ¡°Wei Jiajia, are you trying to fool me? Did you purposely do badly on your test and score sixty-six marks just because you hated the teacher?¡±

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t believe that Jiajia¡¯s English results could have improved so drastically in such a short span of time. The only exnation was that Jiajia had always had it in her to score ny-nine. It was just that she had purposely done badly in that test. Zhai Hua would much rather think that Jiajia had not learned well than Jiajia treated her results and future as a joke simply because she did not like her teacher.

    Jiajia had initially been rather happy about having scored ny-nine marks, proving her abilities. But she was infuriated now that Zhai Hua was saying such things about her. ¡°You¡¯re doing this again! How could you doubt me? I¡¯m a student. Do you think I don¡¯t want to do well in exams and be a good student? Mom, you¡¯re my biological mother! Shouldn¡¯t you be happy about my improvement? How could you suspect that I purposely did badly on my test? Mom, are you going through menopause? You¡¯d better buy some medicine for yourself. It¡¯s really frustrating for me now that you¡¯re acting this way!¡±

    Her aunt wasn¡¯t young either. But why was her aunt so gentle and nice while her mom was like a tigress, always ring up? Her mom hadn¡¯t even tried to understand the situation before pinning the me on her!

    If not for the fact that her aunt had already counseled her, she would definitely have gotten into a fight with her mom again. While she understood that her mom was stressed because of her divorce from her dad, it wasn¡¯t right for her mom to vent her anger out on her! Ever since she started living with her mom and stopped seeing her paternal grandma¡¯s family, she had not gotten into any trouble. What was her mom worried and anxious about?

    Zhai Hua was worried about her daughter, while Jiajia was a strong and fiercely independent youngdy. When the mother and daughter started raising their voices, it was as though Mars had knocked into the Earth.

    Jiajia thought for a while before saying, ¡°Do you really think I only had fun with my aunt in those ten days in the capital? My aunt is a much better teacher than those teachers in school. That tutor is clearly not as good as my aunt either. I think it¡¯s bullshit that the state is talking about making learning fun. It¡¯s all rote learning! My aunt¡¯s too busy to be a teacher, but if she wanted to, she would be the best!¡±

    Jiajia raised her thumb. ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you. If my aunt bes an English teacher in my school, the students would be over the moon. I said that it was fun, but I didn¡¯t mean that we only had fun. I just meant that it wasn¡¯t stressful but rxing. Auntie was able to make a boring subjecte to life. I was able to absorb whatever she taught me immediately. Mom, you should discuss it with my uncle to see if my aunt is willing to take on students.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that it¡¯s entirely your aunt¡¯s credit that you managed to score ny-nine marks? Is your aunt really that good?¡± She didn¡¯t really believe it. It was not as though she didn¡¯t know about Qiao Nan¡¯s qualifications. As her sister-inw, she had never looked down on Qiao Nan. But now, she was looking at Qiao Nan as her daughter¡¯s teacher. Qiao Nan¡¯s qualifications couldn¡¯t evenpare to her daughter¡¯s, so how could she possibly teach Jiajia English? It seemed like nonsense to her.

    Jiajia rolled her eyes and took some fruits out from the fridge. ¡°See, I was right. I knew that you looked down on my aunt.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Zhai Hua hit Jiajia on the head. ¡°What are you talking about? This has got nothing to do with looking down on her. I¡¯ve never thought of it as her fault. It¡¯s not as if she chose to grow up in that environment. She was just down on luck, having parents like that. So, do you know how lucky you are for having me as a mom? Then again, your aunt did have good results while she was still in junior high school. If your aunt had gotten the chance to study, she would probably have done better than you.¡±

    Hearing how Zhai Hua was still trying to praise herself in such a situation, Jiajia was at a loss for words. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what you meant. Anyway, all you have to know is that my aunt is really brilliant. You don¡¯t have to worry about my English for now. I¡¯m not sure what will happen in the future.¡±

    Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but pinch her daughter¡¯s face. ¡°Look at how affectionate you are when you talk about your aunt! You¡¯re not even this affectionate when you call me!¡±

    Knowing that Zhai Hua was only joking, Jiajia made a face at her. ¡°Humph! You don¡¯t treat me as well as Auntie does. You don¡¯t even believe me and you¡¯re even suspecting me now. Do you think you¡¯re really my biological mother? I think you might have gotten me as a free gift!¡±

    She was still upset. She might not have spent a long time with her aunt, but she had paid close attention during her aunt¡¯s lessons. Jiajia was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to be a good role model to her three siblings if she didn¡¯t study well. Then, her aunt might not even let her y with them anymore. Her mom didn¡¯t matter. Her aunt and her three younger siblings were more important.

    To Jiajia, her mom, Zhai Hua, was nowhere as important as the triplets. As a result, Jiajia was more willing to listen to Qiao Nan than Zhai Hua.

 Chapter 2388

    <h4>Chapter 2388: Reincarnation Is a Skill (2)</h4>

    However, to Zhai Hua, what was most important was that her daughter¡¯s English score had indeed improved. Later, she prepared lessons meant for those in the second year of high school for Jiajia. After the summer vacation, Jiajia returned to school and took a monthly English examination. In the end, her results were really much better than the past two semesters. That was when Zhai Hua understood that Qiao Nan had a way of teaching children.

    After having this good result, what else was Zhai Hua calctive about? She was naturally more thankful toward Qiao Nan. After that, whenever Jiajia encountered any problems in her studies, Zhai Hua would always call to discuss with Qiao Nan.

    Since Zhai Hua was willing, Qiao Nan was naturally not stingy. Furthermore, Jiajia was Zhai Sheng¡¯s only niece. Qiao Nan should care about Jiajia more. Also, Jiajia liked the triplets so much. She was just returning favor with favor. If Qiao Nan taught Jiajia well, she might even have an assistant in the future. With Jiajia helping her bring up the three children and setting an example for them, who knows who would be the one who really benefited?

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s pretty good recently. Nothing¡¯s wrong. I saw the English results. It didn¡¯t deteriorate. When I went to Jiajia¡¯s schoolst week, her English teacher even came to find me and praised me for paying attention to her results. Yes, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s all good. If Jiajia encounters any situation in the future, I might even have to find you. It could be said that I¡¯ve raised this daughter up for nothing. She only listens to you. She even angered me previously and asked if she was a gift from others. If she wasn¡¯t my own child, I would have thrown her out a long time ago.¡±

    Her daughter¡¯s progress wasplimented by her teacher. Zhai Hua felt relieved. As long as her daughter was well, there was nothing Zhai Hua would be dissatisfied with in this lifetime.

    Upon thinking about the change Qiao Nan brought about to the Zhai family after she married over and that she herself had benefited quite a bit, Zhai Hua was pretty thankful that Qiao Nan was willing to marry Zhai Sheng. At least, following Qiao Nan¡¯s arrival, the Zhai family became truly happy.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± After knowing that Jiajia¡¯s current academic performance was stable, Qiao Nan felt happy. She had previously heard from Zhai Hua that Jiajia was very bad-tempered. She had also heard from Miao Jing that the Jiajia now had a simr temper to the young Zhai Hua in the past. As such, Qiao Nan had felt quite stressed and really thought that it would be difficult to teach Jiajia.

    Qiao Nan guessed that Zhai Hua should have been angry back then. Jiajia was also singing a different tune back then. Once Zhai Hua was angry, she naturally exaggerated Jiajia¡¯s situation.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that Jiajia¡¯s temper waspletely different when she was with her and when she was with Zhai Hua. Zhai Hua had not exaggerated. Simply put, sparks flew between the mother-daughter pair too easily.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was fair-tempered and patient. Her character was very different from Zhai Hua. Between Zhai Hua and Jiajia, when the mom became short-tempered and her daughter followed suit, wouldn¡¯t it be just like a bullfight where both parties weren¡¯t willing to give in?

    What was different was that if Jiajia really ran into a situation, she liked to understand the details from Jiajia slowly and ask about her feelings. At this age, Jiajia liked to gain the respect of adults and their equal attitude. As her aunt, Qiao Nan was willing tomunicate with Jiajia with such a good attitude. There was no reason for Jiajia not to answer her.

    After sharing her feelings, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t change Jiajia¡¯s attitude toward her English teacher immediately. Instead, she thought of ways to pull Jiajia¡¯s interest in English back first. Only after Jiajia regained her enthusiasm for English did Qiao Nan teach Jiajia that everyone was an independent entity. It wasn¡¯t something strange that Jiajia disliked her English teacher. Other students would encounter this situation as well.

    It was just that every teacher¡¯s dedication to students should be recognized by the students. Even if she didn¡¯t feel thankful, she should at least acknowledge it. Jiajia should first respect the identity of her English teacher before dealing with English as a subject. Interactions between people were always that strange. Some people didn¡¯t need a reason to get along well with each other. Some people would magnify small issues and be intolerant of each other¡¯s reasons.

    So be it that she didn¡¯t like her. It was enough if Jiajia could treat her teacher in a neutral manner.

    It was also because Qiao Nan¡¯s method of handling Jiajia was rtively milder. She didn¡¯t force Jiajia to do this or that. As time passed, Jiajia became more mentally prepared. When she saw the English teacher whom she disliked again, Jiajia¡¯s rebellious emotions weren¡¯t as strong as before.

    Following the improvement of Jiajia¡¯s English results, Jiajia¡¯s English teacher also started to change her views of Jiajia. She didn¡¯t find Jiajia to be a particrly perverse child. If she persuaded her and taught her more, she could still listen to her words.

    With this good atmosphere, many situations became a positive cycle. The English teacher felt that Jiajia was still considered an obedient child. Her attitude toward Jiajia was naturally better than before and she was willing to care more about her. Seeing that her English teacher wasn¡¯t as detestable as she thought and that there was a good side to her, Jiajia naturally felt that it wasn¡¯t that difficult to ept her English teacher.

    Once the teacher-student attitude changed, the rtionship between teaching and learning was naturally achieved.

    Because of this incident, whenever Jiajia encountered something in the future, she would definitely call her aunt, Qiao Nan, and listen to her advice.

    Of course, upon seeing how close Jiajia was to Qiao Nan, her aunt, and that Qiao Nan¡¯s position in her daughter¡¯s heart had surpassed hers, Zhai Hua nearly drowned in jealousy.

    Later, Miao Jing even persuaded Zhai Hua to cherish her good fortune. She shouldn¡¯t overthink and create trouble. ¡°Think about your bad temper. Jiajia¡¯s your daughter. Her bull-like temper¡¯s simr to yours. Don¡¯t me her for this matter. You should me your genes. If both of you are put together to discuss the problem, both of you would end up dead or wounded.¡±

    This was really¡­

    Zhai Hua had formed a family and gotten a divorce. She also became a mother and raised Jiajia up. Miao Jing always felt that there would be changes to Zhai Hua¡¯s character. Didn¡¯t they say that a woman who became a mother waspletely different from before? Her daughter was also a woman.

    Who would have thought that Zhai Hua would be an exception? In front of the Wei family, Zhai Hua became easy to talk to at times as she wanted to maintain her marriage to Wei De. The problem was that Zhai Hua¡¯s horrible temper was really the same before and after the divorce.

 Chapter 2389

    <h4>Chapter 2389: Reincarnation Is a Skill (3)</h4>

    Even before her only daughter, Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t prepared to change her temper.

    ¡°How good is Nan Nan? She¡¯s your sister-inw and the biological mother of the triplets. Her love for Jiajia isn¡¯t any lesser than the triplets. Nan Nan has a gentle temperament. She¡¯s a good example of using gentleness to counter toughness. You know Zhai Sheng¡¯s temper. Nan Nan could turn my son into a good husband and father. Isn¡¯t Nan Nan capable? I understand why Nan Nan is living well in our house now. All of us have a hard temper and aren¡¯t softhearted. Will our family not like a person like Nan Nan?¡±

    Zhai Hua had to acknowledge Miao Jing¡¯s words as she was speaking the truth. However, the more she listened, the more she felt something was amiss. ¡°Mom, based on your words, why do I feel that Qiao Nan isn¡¯t gentle but using a soft knife on our family instead?¡± Anyway, in the end, their family wouldpromise. She was right about this, right?

    Miao Jing patted Zhai Hua¡¯s back. ¡°Do you know how to say something nice? No wonder Jiajia doesn¡¯t like you. These words are so unpleasant. How is Nan Nan using a soft knife on our family? Did you return all yournguage knowledge to yournguage teacher? Nan Nan has three biological children. She¡¯s already so busy taking care of her own children. Who would be willing to take care of other¡¯s children? Nan Nan isn¡¯t afraid of hard work and is willing to help you keep an eye on Jiajia. You should be happy. Also, you don¡¯t have to be so calctive. You have to know that Nan Nan can manage Jiajia.¡±

    The Zhai family was bad-tempered and didn¡¯t listen to persuasion. They werecking a person who could manage them. Thankfully, Qiao Nan appeared. The best thing was that not only did the gentle Qiao Nan seed in managing Zhai Sheng but also Zhai Hua and Jiajia.

    To Miao Jing, these three people were the most difficult to manage in the Zhai family.

    Ignoring the fact that Zhai Hua was jealous over how Jiajia listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s words and didn¡¯t value her, the biological mother, Miao Jing understood in her heart that Zhai Hua always listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s advice. Even when she had finally divorced Wei De, Qiao Nan had yed a big role in it.

    It was just that people usually persuaded couples to stay together instead of getting a divorce. Before she married over, she was already ¡®encouraging¡¯ her sister-inw to get a divorce. In the eyes of ordinary people, this wasn¡¯t eptable.

    Only family should know about her own affairs. Why should an outsider know so much? Furthermore, she was actively discussing it.

    After Miao Jing¡¯s persuasion, Zhai Hua, who was originally someone who could figure things out, simply rxed. Anyway, Jiajia was willing to let Qiao Nan manage her. If there was someone else helping her care for Jiajia, wouldn¡¯t Zhai Hua¡¯s stress and burden be lowered?

    No harm was done if there was noparison. Zhai Hua was still a little jealous that Jiajia listened to Qiao Nan¡¯s words a lot. However, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t deny that when it came to raising a child, she really wasn¡¯t as good as Qiao Nan. Look at how Qiao Nan brought the triplets up to be so obedient and cute.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, Jiajia was a sweet and caring child. When Qiao Nan wanted to feed the triplets milk, Jiajia would help sterilize the bottles, make the milk, and hand over the full milk bottles to Qiao Nan only after testing the temperature. After the triplets drank milk, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to wash the dirty bottles. Jiajia had long taken them to the kitchen to wash and put in the disinfection cab.

    In front of Qiao Nan, Jiajia was like Qiao Nan¡¯s elder daughter and a good helper. What made Zhai Hua depressed was that in front of her, the biological mother, Jiajia was obviously a choking pepper.

    She was resigned to fate. Having a daughter like this, what else could she do besides resigning to fate?

    Her mom was right. She should be thankful that Jiajia was willing to be managed by Qiao Nan and Qiao Nan was willing to help her manage Jiajia. If the situation were to change and Zhai Sheng married someone else or remained single, based on the way she was getting along with Jiajia, Jiajia would follow her old path sooner orter like how she had fallen out with her family in order to marry Wei De back then and made a wrong choice.

    It was better to have someone manage Jiajia than no one. As long as Jiajia was willing to ept it, everything was good.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng¡¯s at home, right? What is he doing?¡± After being persuaded by Miao Jing like this, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that Zhai Sheng made a good judgment to marry such a good woman like Qiao Nan, benefitting the entire family. No matter what, he was much better than she had been back then.

    During the short three years that Qiu Chenxi had been married to Zhai Sheng, she had used the Zhai family¡¯s resources to push Qiu Qin up. She had even nearly caused the Zhai family to be burdened by Qiu Qin and shamelessly cheated on Zhai Sheng.

    Zhai Sheng and the rest, who were far away in the capital, didn¡¯t know and didn¡¯t care about Qiu Chenxi¡¯s news. However, Zhai Hua, who stayed in Ping Cheng, knew a lot. Qiu Qin was dishonest. He took advantage of the rtionships Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi had with the Zhai family when they were young and climbed up the ranks a lot.

    However, if someone didn¡¯t have a conscience when they were young, don¡¯t expect that they would somehow find their conscience when they were old. Forget it that Qiu Qin had an affair. At his age, he insisted on divorcing Qi Min as he said that he had already wronged the woman outside for half a lifetime. If he didn¡¯t get a divorce, he would have wronged her for her whole life. He only wished that during his remaining lifetime, he could be husband-and-wife with the woman he truly loved so as not to leave any regrets in life.

    In the past, Zhai Hua hated Qi Min. Following Qi Min¡¯s and Qiu Chenxi¡¯s appearances, the atmosphere in their family became especially low. Her mom became especially unhappy.

    However, seeing that Qi Min was being so badly hurt by Qiu Qin in herter years, from the perspective of a woman, Zhai Hua pitied Qi Min a little.

    Of course, Zhai Hua never forgot how Qi Min used to ruin their family¡¯s rtionships. Even if Qi Min was unlucky in herter years, she would never give her any help at this time just because she pitied her.

    Qiu Qin wasn¡¯t a good person. Qi Min was no better. This couple slept on the same bed but had different dreams. Qi Min always ran to the house of her ex-boyfriend, who was already married and had children, trying to pair her daughter with her ex-boyfriend¡¯s son. Although Qiu Qin knew what his wife was doing, in order to get promoted and be rich, he was willing to carry the doubt of being cheated on. As long as she didn¡¯t cheat on him, he would tolerate it.

    How strange was it that this disagreeable couple did such a thing?

 Chapter 2390

    <h4>Chapter 2390: Bad-Tempered (1)</h4>

    When they were younger, Qiu Qin allowed Qi Min to keep running to the Zhai family¡¯s house. This had long proven that Qiu Qin wasn¡¯t a man with a backbone.

    Qi Min was old but she was still strong. What was the significance of dragging this marriage? If she refused to get a divorce and give up her position, Qiu Qin would chase after her every day and annoy her to death. He could simrly achieve his goal.

    He wanted a divorce? So be it!

    Qi Min didn¡¯t like Qiu Qin, and she was still a rational person. When her parents-inw were alive, she had already known that not only did Qiu Qin have a woman outside, but he was also providing for a son. In order to protect her own interests, Qi Min had long used Qiu Qin¡¯s style of work as something against him such that the elders from the Qiu family would hand over everything to her. Even the house was transferred to Qi Min¡¯s name.

    Later, when Qiu Chenxi married Zhai Sheng and then divorced him, Qi Min had some scheming thoughts. She got Qiu Chenxi to set up a separate ount. As such, without Qiu Chenxi¡¯s knowledge, Qiu Chenxi became the owner of the Qiu family.

    Everything in the Qiu family belonged to Qiu Chenxi alone. Since his status was removed, what was the penniless Qiu Qin left with?

    Qi Min didn¡¯t have an active sex life with Qiu Qin. Rather than being suppressed by a half-hearted Qiu Qin, she¡¯d rather think of ways to satisfy her not-so-strong desires. He was an old and useless rotten cucumber. Whoever wanted him could have him.

    After settling the divorce procedures, Qi Min initially wanted to chase Qiu Qin, his true love, and his beloved son out of the Qiu family. In the end, Qiu Chenxi was afraid that it would be more troublesome if she was entangled by Qiu Qin. As such, she thought of selling the Qiu family¡¯s house and changing to another house.

    After discussing this, the mother-daughter pair moved out of the Qiu family¡¯s house without saying anything. They even sessfully sold the old vi. Both of them left Ping Cheng with a huge sum of money in their hands and returned to Qi Min¡¯s hometown in Mo Du. They bought a house and lived there.

    By the time Qiu Qin, who thought that he had sessfully snatched the old vi back from Qi Min¡¯s hands, was happily searching for the real estate certificate in his house, the new owner of the house had already produced the new real estate certificate, wanting to collect the house.

    There was no doubt that Qiu Qin and his family weren¡¯t qualified to continue living in this house. The new owner¡¯s procedures for buying a house werepletely legal. As the owner of the house, they could give Qiu Qin three days, during which the three generations of the Qiu family had to move out of the house.

    It was only then that Qiu Qin knew he had been tricked by Qi Min.

    Before Qiu Chenxi divorced Zhai Sheng, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like to bother himself with the Qiu family¡¯s matters. After the two divorced, the Qiu family¡¯s matters had even less to do with Zhai Sheng. As such, after knowing the Qiu family¡¯s situation, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t mention a word to Zhai Sheng, let alone tell Qiao Nan.

    This was Qiao Nan¡¯s first marriage but Zhai Sheng¡¯s second. How would any woman feelfortable upon hearing the news of her husband¡¯s ex-wife? Qiao Nan helped her manage her daughter. How could she be so heartless to give Qiao Nan more trouble? No way!

    There was another reason why Zhai Hua was particrly unwilling to mention the Qiu family¡¯s matters in front of the Zhai family. What reason was it? Qiu Qin was too shameless.

    People of the same family had simr personalities and temper.

    When Zhai Hua was young, Qi Min was the woman she hated the most. Now, Zhai Hua expressed that Qiu Qin was the old man she hated the most.

    Qiu Qin had already divorced Qi Min. Qiu Chenxi had also long divorced Zhai Sheng. After the divorce, they were ex-partners. In truth, they no longer had anything to do with one another. Qiu Qin insisted that the son he had with his third party was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s younger brother. Although Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t want to admit it, they did have a blood rtionship. She had to agree reluctantly.

    The problem was that Qiu Qin insisted that the son he had with his third party was Zhai Sheng¡¯s younger brother as he was the younger brother of his wife. That was too overboard, right?

    Qiu Qin insisted onbeling this son of his as Zhai Sheng¡¯s younger brother. Then, he went around pulling strings, trying to push his son up. When Zhai Hua received the news, she was furious. She had seen shameless people before, but not to this extent. Their Zhai family didn¡¯t even know who this son was, let alone met him before. Even if they did, they were like strangers. How was he their younger brother?

    Zhai Hua¡¯s temper was somewhat restrained. If it were more than twenty years ago that Zhai Hua encountered such a matter, she would have long gone to the Qiu family¡¯s house and given Qiu Qin a beating. Even if someone liked to blow up their own trumpet, nobody did it like Qiu Qin. As a government official, he ignored his image and had improper rtionships. He even dared to link this matter to the Zhai family. That was too bold of him.

    Wasn¡¯t Qiu Qin worried that he might anger the Zhai family at all? If she made a move, that third-party¡¯s son wouldn¡¯t even be able to enter Ping Cheng, let alone try to work in the government sector.

    They really dared to throw everything under the sky to the Zhai family.

    Although Zhai Hua didn¡¯t go to the Qiu family¡¯s house in the end, she didn¡¯t just leave this matter alone. Their Zhai family had always been in the clear. They didn¡¯t have such improper rtives. Zhai Hua got someone to spread the news that Zhai Sheng was indeed married and had a wife. However, Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife didn¡¯t have a brother.

    If the brother didn¡¯t exist, how would the wife of the brother exist?

    As for Qiu Chenxi¡¯s name, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t even want to mention it at all. Qiu Chenxi brought Qi Min to live in Mo Du and no longer disturbed the Zhai family. Of course, Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t keep clinging on to Qiu Chenxi and embarrass herself either.

    Qiu Qin wanted to borrow the Zhai family¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s face to help his son find a good job. The problem was that how would the people who wanted to give him face on ount of Zhai Sheng and the Zhai family not pay attention to the Zhai family when handling this matter?

    Once they heard the news that Zhai Hua spread, they no longer hesitated. Whenever Qiu Qin brought his son to their houses, they would ask them to return with their cigarettes and alcohol. Nobody could help with this. It was better for Qiu Qin to let his son find a suitable job on his own based on his own capabilities. The Qiu family, who was now in a miserable state, really didn¡¯t need to think about ying tricks.

    After resolving the Qiu family¡¯s troubles, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t even want to let Zhai Sheng know about this at all. She was afraid that if Qiao Nan heard this, she would misunderstand that Zhai Sheng was still in contact with the Qiu family. ¡°Oh, right. You don¡¯t have to worry about the Qiao family¡¯s situation. I¡¯ll help you monitor them. It¡¯s been quite peaceful recently.¡± Nan Nan shouldn¡¯t have to worry about the Qiao family¡¯s matters.

 Chapter 2391

    <h4>Chapter 2391: Bad-Tempered (2)</h4>

    This peace wasn¡¯t an absolute theory but a rtivity theory.

    Compared to ordinary families, the Qiao family couldn¡¯t be considered peaceful. However,pared to how the Qiao family was tormenting Qiao Nan, Qiao Nan could be said to really be at peace when Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were living under the same roof.

    In order to make it more convenient for Jiajia to go to high school, and because Zhai Hua had already mended her rtionship with the Zhai family, Zhai Hua brought Jiajia to live in the quad after the divorce. That night when Ding Jiayi suffered from food poisoning, the people from the northern quad weren¡¯t familiar with the people from the southern quad and couldn¡¯t inform Zhai Hua. Otherwise, Zhai Hua would have been involved in this as well.

    Qiao Nan leaned against the sofa and smiled. ¡°The Wang family has already stopped creating trouble. Why would I worry about those two from the Qiao family?¡±

    After Ding Jiayi was discharged from the hospital, she naturally didn¡¯t recover her rtionship with Qiao Zijin like before. Thankfully, Ding Jiayi was still mindful of her own health. Even though she was still at odds with Qiao Zijin, she wouldn¡¯t do things that would cause herself to be admitted into hospital again.

    Since Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin were rtively settled, Qiao Nan focused wholeheartedly on being a full-time mother and raising the three children up well.

    Perhaps it was because others found out that she was giving tuition to Jiajia that there were quite a few people who came to the Zhai family recently, trying to get Qiao Nan to teach their children English.

    Qiao Nan rejected most of these children. Until now, she hadn¡¯t agreed to anyone yet. However, giving children English tuition was something she was familiar with in this lifetime. Should she do this when the three children go to school in the future and she could be free?

    ¡°Mom. Stomach. Hungry.¡± A chubby child pounced onto Qiao Nan¡¯s knee, signaling that she was hungry. Qiao Nan looked at the time. There was still one and a half hours before dinner. She could only cut some fruits for the children first. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I¡¯ll go off now. The three children are hungry from ying. I¡¯ll cut some fruits for them.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Hua hurriedly let Qiao Nan go, knowing the ¡®bad habits¡¯ of her nephews and niece. Furthermore, she had already shared most of what she wanted to with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°San Bao, greet your aunt. After that, I¡¯ll cut some fruits for you, alright?¡±

    San Bao looked at the phone and greeted Zhai Hua. Then, she shed a cute smile at Qiao Nan. How would Qiao Nan be able to withstand her daughter¡¯s coquettish behavior? After hanging up the call, she took her daughter¡¯s hand and entered the kitchen.

    After the three children grew up, their tempers followed suit as well. The aunt had gone to the fruit stall in the market to buy all the fresh fruits at home. However, it was unknown when the three children started to eat only the fruits that Qiao Nan cut. It was as if they were afraid of the adults fooling them as they seemed to havee to an agreement to take turns and watch their mom cut fruits every day.

    Upon seeing this situation, Miao Jing always joked that these three children were mini supervisors who didn¡¯t allow Qiao Nan to bezy.

    Qiao Nan was fascinated. Could it be that the fruits she cut would be sweeter? She couldn¡¯tmunicate this to the three children, and it probably didn¡¯t make sense to them. Thankfully, Qiao Nan was a full-time mother. She naturally had the time to cut fruits. After cutting a small piece of the red dragon fruit, Qiao Nan turned around and put it into San Bao¡¯s mouth.

    San Bao was long prepared. She tried to open her mouth as wide as possible, letting out an ¡®ah¡¯. When her mouth was stuffed with that sweet piece of fruit, San Bao pped with her chubby hands, and the smile on her face was sweeter than the red dragon fruit. She never stopped chewing. That blissful look made Qiao Nan doubt if she had really fed San Bao a piece of ordinary red dragon fruit. San Bao looked like she was eating dragon meat instead.

    After feeding San Bao two mouthfuls, Qiao Nan held San Bao¡¯s hand again and walked slowly toward the game room. She knew that there were still two children waiting to be fed there.

    The triplets were fed with dragon fruit pieces in sequential order. Their eyes lit up and they were extremely satisfied with the treatment.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but smile when she saw her children¡¯s happy looks. After a while, Qiao Nan felt a rather resentful looknd on her and she felt ufortable. Qiao Nan turned and saw the three children¡¯s father. ¡°Brother Zhai, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t say anything. He looked at the dragon fruit unintentionally and yed with the three children.

    Even though Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t say a single word, based on Qiao Nan¡¯s understanding of Zhai Sheng, she only felt that Zhai Sheng had used his whole body to express this: You are an unscrupulous woman who only wants your sons and daughter but not the father of your children.

    It was unknown if he had spent too much time with the children, causing him to be ¡®young¡¯ as well. In the face of such a childish husband who waspeting with his sons and daughter for preferential treatment, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know if she should be angry or justugh.

    What should she do?

    She had already fed her children. Could Qiao Nan not agree to feed her husband, especially since no one else was around?

    Qiao Nan picked up a small piece of dragon fruit and wanted to feed it into Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth. Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression immediately improved when Qiao Nan understood what he meant. She finally noticed his presence and was going to treat him well. Before the couple could be loving, an unexpected intruder appeared halfway, making Zhai Sheng so angry that he felt that giving birth to children was one of the worst decisions he had ever made.

    Among the three children, Er Bao was the cheekiest and had many tricks up his sleeve.

    In the face of Da Bao and San Bao, Er Bao still had the patience to wait for his turn. When this person became Zhai Sheng, his father, Er Bao expressed that he was still a child and thus wanted his mom to feed him. His dad was already an adult. He could eat it himself.

    Upon seeing that the fruit in his mom¡¯s hand wasn¡¯t for the children but for his dad, the chubby Er Bao jumped up like a little leopard and rushed toward Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng reacted quickly. He stretched his long arms and held Er Bao easily. Er Bao clung to Zhai Sheng¡¯s arm, stretched out his small neck, opened his mouth, and took a bite of the fruit which he snatched over.

    After seeding in eating the fruit, Er Bao no longer wanted to stay in his biological father¡¯s arms. With a twist of his little buttocks, he went down to his position and continued to y with models.

    Qiao Nan was speechless.

    Zhai Sheng was speechless as well.

    Which family did this agile child belong to? More importantly, Er Bao was very good at snatching over the fruit. How did he do it with his chubby body?

 Chapter 2392

    <h4>Chapter 2392: Bad-Tempered (3)</h4>

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Brother Zhai, since when did you bring Er Bao to the army behind my back? Haven¡¯t I said it before? They are still young and haven¡¯t fully grown up yet. They walk around like ducks now. How can they undergo training in the army?¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s eyelids twitched, feeling that Er Bao was unpleasing to the eye. ¡°Based on his skills, do I need to bring him to the army?¡± No matter how cruel he was, he wouldn¡¯t have reached that stage. Furthermore, although these three children had indeed disturbed his interactions with Nan Nan, they were still his children no matter how bad they were.

    ¡°However, I¡¯ve just decided that the children of our Zhai family are cheekier than others.¡± They weren¡¯t cheekier but were obviously too cheeky. If they became even cheekier, would Nan Nan still be his wife? ¡°As such, we can bring forward the time for them to ¡®take a look¡¯ at the army.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± After sessfully getting himself into trouble and also implicating Da Bao and San Bao, Er Bao moved his little mouth quickly like a squirrel. He had a carefree look and didn¡¯t understand the meaning of his father¡¯s words at all.

    Zhai Sheng looked at the dragon fruit, showing his obsessiveness with it. That piece of fruit was snatched away by Er Bao just now. As such, Nan Nan had to feed him another piece.

    Qiao Nanughed. Indeed, the father was the same as his children. What else could she say? She would treat it that she was providing for four children. Qiao Nan picked up a piece of fruit. After thinking for a while, she fed it to Da Bao. While Zhai Sheng looked stunned having been abandoned, Qiao Nan used the fastest speed to stuff a piece of fruit again into Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s mouths.

    After confirming that the three children¡¯s mouths were full, Qiao Nan stuffed the fourth piece into Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth.

    Even though Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feed Zhai Sheng this piece of fruit tenderly and her speed was the same as that of a machine gun, at least he managed to eat it. After achieving his goal, Zhai Sheng was satisfied. He confirmed that at the same time Qiao Nan valued the three children, she loved him the most.

    Of course, only Zhai Sheng himself knew how this ranking came about.

    Next, Qiao Nan repeated her actions and took turns feeding a piece of fruit each to the four people, taking care of both the father and children well. Anyway, it was approaching mealtime soon. Sharing some of the dragon fruit with Brother Zhai would prevent the children from eating too much fruit so that they could still eat their usual amount of foodter. As she thought of this, Qiao Nan picked up the te so that the three children couldn¡¯t see that there were still a few pieces of dragon fruit on it. Then, she put them into Zhai Sheng¡¯s mouth at the speed of lightning and quietly said, ¡°Eat them quickly.¡±

    The cold-faced Zhai Sheng seemed to smile immediately. Most importantly, his ears were blushing. This incident proved that the children¡¯s father was indeed more important than the children to Nan Nan.

    Upon seeing that the te of dragon fruit was gone and the children would still be able to have their mealster, Qiao Nan, who didn¡¯t know what Zhai Sheng was thinking, revealed a satisfied smile to him as well. Raising a child required two people to work together.

    As such, there was definitely a difference between the mentality of a woman who wasn¡¯t a motherpared to one who was.

    Before bing a mother, Qiao Nan fed fruits to Zhai Sheng as she really wanted to treat him well. However, after bing the mother of three children, most of her purpose in doing things was mainly for them.

    ¡°San Bao, eat some vegetables.¡± At the dining table, Qiao Nan was holding the small pink bowl that San Bao exclusively used. She was having a headache. It was unknown if Da Bao and Er Bao were boys that they were more yful and active and consumed a lot of physical energy. As such, the brothers weren¡¯t picky with food. Of course,pared to vegetables, the children naturally liked juicy meat more. However, in the face of adults feeding them with green vegetables, Da Bao and Er Bao just frowned at the very most. They would still open their mouths and eat them.

    Inparison, Da Bao and Er Bao gave fewer worries to Qiao Nan than San Bao. The little girl was picky with food and didn¡¯t like to eat vegetables. As such, her nutrition level wasn¡¯t very high, and she even felt ufortable when pooing. There was no choice. Qiao Nan could only feed San Bao one-on-one, hoping that San Bao would eat a few more mouthfuls.

    Thankfully, as brothers, Da Bao and Er Bao were quite sensible. They knew that San Bao had a bad temper and didn¡¯t like to eat vegetables. As such, they didn¡¯tpete with San Bao for their mom to feed them. They would be willing to eat no matter who fed them. It was really easier to take care of thempared to a year ago.

    Indeed, once the little girl saw the green vegetables, she pouted and looked unhappy. ¡°Meat.¡± Vegetables tasted weird and weren¡¯t as tasty as meat.

    ¡°Eat vegetables.¡± Qiao Nan ignored the little girl and continued to send vegetables her way. ¡°Eat vegetables. That way, San Bao will be pretty. Otherwise, San Bao will be ugly.¡±

    San Bao blinked. ¡°Vegetables are ugly. San Bao is pretty.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qiao Nan was so angered by the little girl. Was she unwilling to eat vegetables as they were too ugly and felt that they didn¡¯t match up to her beauty? This one-year-old girl had a lot of thoughts. Her nonsense could really coax people. ¡°Eat vegetables so that you can be pretty. If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll be ugly.¡±

    San Bao patted hard at the small table with her chubby hands a few times. ¡°No, no, no. Meat. Meat. Da Da. Er Er¡­¡± The little girl felt wronged. Why did Da Bao and Er Bao have meat but she didn¡¯t? She was even made to eat horrible vegetables.

    ¡°How is that the case? Look at Da Bao and Er Bao. They eat their vegetables.¡± Miao Jing nervously handed over a piece of vegetable to Da Bao. When Da Bao, who had already eaten a lot of vegetables, saw this ¡®excessive¡¯ vegetable in front of him, he sighed helplessly and opened his mouth as if put in a difficult spot.

    Er Bao¡¯s situation was no better than Da Bao¡¯s. The brothers ate vegetables like they were taking poison. Even the people by the side watching them couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable for them. Thankfully, in the end, Da Bao and Er Bao ate their vegetables. They were considered to have set a good example in front of San Bao.

    After eating this mouthful of vegetables, the brothers pointed to the meat, looking extremely hungry. They had long eaten their vegetables. They no longer wanted to eat vegetables anymore but tasty meat instead.

    At this age, the brothers didn¡¯t know what the meaning of ¡®setup¡¯ was. A sister like San Bao was meant to set her brothers up.

    ¡°Look, Da Bao and Er Bao had eaten them. It¡¯s now San Bao¡¯s turn. Open your mouth wide. You will finish them very quickly. After eating vegetables, we can have tasty meat.¡± Qiao Nan was very satisfied with her two sons. She wanted to hurriedly feed her vegetables while she was still obedient after seeing how good her two brothers were at being role models.

 Chapter 2393

    <h4>Chapter 2393: No Longer Remembered the Situation (1)</h4>

    San Bao held her chubby face with her hands. After hesitating for a while, she sighed. Qiao Nan thought that this sigh meant that San Bao was going topromise and eat vegetables. Who knew that San Bao suddenly said, ¡°Da Da. Er Er. Vegetables. Give them. Give¡­¡±

    Didn¡¯t Da Da and Er Er like vegetables? She didn¡¯t like them. Since Da Da and Er Er liked them so much, she could give all her vegetables to them so that they could eat more. That way, she no longer needed to eat those hateful vegetables and could eat more meat.

    ¡°¡­¡± How would Qiao Nan, the mother, not understand the meaning in her daughter¡¯s words? Seeing that her daughter knew how to throw baggage to her brothers at such a young age, Qiao Nan really wanted to p San Bao¡¯s buttocks. To think that Da Bao and Er Bao usually took care of San Bao so well. San Bao would actually bring misfortune to her two brothers so simply just because of vegetables. ¡°Bad girl. Da Bao and Er Bao have already eaten their vegetables. This is your share. Eat it yourself. If Da Bao and Er Bao would still like them, there¡¯s more on the table. They don¡¯t have to eat your share.¡±

    The little girl was young, but she had an agile mind. She could actually think of such a solution.

    San Bao started to throw tantrums and m the table, using this to protest against her biological mother¡¯s ¡®unkind behavior¡¯ of forcing her to eat vegetables. ¡°Ah¡­¡± San Bao became unhappy. Out of anxiousness, she couldn¡¯t speak even if she wanted to. She just started to yell. That tone, speed, and volume sounded extremely fierce. It was as if she was arguing with others.

    ¡°What are you ¡®ah-ing¡¯ for? Eat.¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s temper was about to be bad because of San Bao. ¡°If you don¡¯t eat them, I¡¯ll only carry Da Bao and Er Bao today. Also, I¡¯m about to get angry. San Bao¡¯s so disobedient. I¡¯m so sad that I¡¯m going to cry.¡±

    As she said that, Qiao Nan wiped the corners of her eyes with her back facing San Bao.

    Cry. San Bao understood this.

    Upon hearing that her mom was upset and going to cry, San Bao stopped in her actions of mming the table. She looked at her mom carefully with big and watery eyes as if trying to see if her mom was really upset and wanted to cry. However, as Qiao Nan¡¯s back was facing her, San Bao couldn¡¯t see her face at all. What San Bao could see was that with her mom¡¯s back facing her, her mom¡¯s body was moving very much like the way she did when she usually cried.

    San Bao became guilty for causing her mom to cry. ¡°Mom, Mom.¡± She tried to please her. ¡°Vegetables. Eat. San Bao. Eat.¡± Mom, stop crying. I¡¯ll eat my vegetables.

    ¡°Is San Bao really going to eat her vegetables?¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t turn around. She asked again to confirm the meaning in San Bao¡¯s words.

    San Bao patted her head. ¡°Yes, San Bao. Vegetables. Eat. Mom, don¡¯t cry.¡± She mispronounced the word ¡®cry¡¯ as she couldn¡¯t say it as urately.

    San Bao was finally willing to eat her vegetables. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but wipe the sweat on her forehead. Ever since having children and they became picky, she had to rely on acting to coax them to eat every day. Qiao Nan suspected that under the intensive ¡®training¡¯ by San Bao, her acting skills could allow her to mingle with the rest of the actors in the entertainment circle.

    ¡°No cry, no cry.¡± Seeing that Qiao Nan was wiping her face with her hand, San Bao really thought that she was wiping her tears when they were actually sweat. San Bao, who thought that Qiao Nan really cried, became anxious. ¡°Vegetables. Eat vegetables.¡±

    ¡°San Bao¡¯s so obedient. Let¡¯s eat vegetables.¡± Miao Jing tried to feed San Bao. This time, San Bao frowned and opened her mouth with the same pitiful expression that Da Bao and Er Bao carried previously when they were made to eat vegetables. After chewing for a while, she swallowed the vegetables and they went down her stomach. Miao Jing, who was in the know, couldn¡¯t help but suspect if she was holding a piece of green vegetable or poisoned vegetable after seeing the exaggerated look on San Bao¡¯s face. Miao Jing¡¯s heart nearly softened when she saw San Bao¡¯s look. Wasn¡¯t it just a few mouthfuls of vegetables? Forget it. If she wasn¡¯t going to eat today, she could eat more tomorrow. The results would be the same. Furthermore, after San Bao grew up, she would choose to eat more vegetables instead of meat no matter if it was for beauty or health reasons.

    The Zhai family had really gone all out in order for San Bao to eat a few pieces of vegetables. After waiting for San Bao to finish her meal with much difficulty, Miao Jing and Qiao Nan both felt very tired.

    Seeing the triplets who were ying together after having their fill, Miao Jing tapped her old elbow. ¡°I¡¯m already a grandma, but this is the first time I found children difficult to take care of.¡± When she was young, she was too willful. She passed her newborn daughter and son to her father-inw to take care of back then. At this moment, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but think that San Bao was Zhai Sheng¡¯s daughter and Zhai Hua¡¯s niece.

    Were her own daughter and son picky about food like San Bao when they were young? Back then, her father-inw had taken care of both children and she wasn¡¯t by their side. Miao Jing immediately felt guilty upon wondering if her daughter and son were simr to San Bao and were picky about food. Back then, she had really let her father-inw down. He was already so old but still had to raise two mischievous children. Initially, she should have been the one to suffer all of this. However, it was her father-inw who had suffered for her.

    Seeing that Miao Jing was quiet as if in deep thoughts, Qiao Nan, a daughter-inw who was close to her mother-inw as if she were thetter¡¯s birth daughter, immediately guessed what Miao Jing was worried about. It must be back when Old Master Zhai was still alive.

    The dead were gone.

    To Qiao Nan, not only was Old Master Zhai gone, but those elders who were extremely well to her and took good care of her in her dream were also gone. As humans, they couldn¡¯t immerse themselves blindly in the sadness of the dead. They had to straighten their faith, look to the future, and live themselves out. Living well was the best way of nostalgia and gratitude to the dead.

    Blindly remembering the past would only let the people close to them be worse off as well. Life would then be dim and without color.

    ¡°Nan Nan, who do you think San Bao inherited her pickiness from?¡± Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but ask the doubt in her heart. ¡°Since you¡¯ve married over, I realized that you eat everything. There isn¡¯t anything you don¡¯t like to eat.¡± Nan Nan was so good-tempered. San Bao¡¯s pickiness definitely had nothing to do with Nan Nan. No matter how Miao Jing thought about it, she felt that San Bao¡¯s habit came from the Zhai family. If that was the case, Old Master Zhai had first brought up his granddaughter, followed by his grandson. It really wasn¡¯t easy for an elder to bring up two children.

    Anyway, when Miao Jing saw her daughter and son again, she couldn¡¯t find the habit of them being picky eaters. If Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng had such bad habits before, then her father-inw must have spent quite a lot of effort to correct them.

    It was just that times were different now. Parents¡¯ attitudes toward children had changed tremendously.

 Chapter 2394

    <h4>Chapter 2394: No Longer Remembered the Situation (2)</h4>

    Everyone believed in ¡®spare the rod and spoil the child¡¯ in the past. Now, there were only a few children in every household. It was rare to have one or two precious babies. Everyone couldn¡¯t wait to hold them in their hearts up high, and they wouldn¡¯t be beaten or scolded. It was especially easy for such children to be pampered until they werewless.

    Rtively speaking, Qiao Nan had only given birth once. However, she gave birth to three children at once. Compared to other families¡¯ that only had one child, the Zhai family was considered to have more children. However, no matter how many there were, the triplets were the Zhai family¡¯s precious children. They couldn¡¯t bear to scold or beat them. Furthermore, the triplets were bornte. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s ages, they were considered to be ¡®old parents¡¯. Faced with thete arrival of these triplets, Miao Jing, as a typical grandparent who usually doted on their grandchildren more than their children, really doted on them a lot.

    As such, at times like these when San Bao threw tantrums and became emotional, Miao Jing would always only coax San Bao. She couldn¡¯t bear to be ruthless and manage her. If San Bao liked meat but not vegetables, Miao Jing would only let San Bao be. She felt that once San Bao grew up, the sensible her would know what to eat and what not to eat, even without anyone teaching her.

    It was just that when people are old and they encounter certain situations, they couldn¡¯t help but recall the past.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t feel that there was something wrong with elders often recalling their past. She just didn¡¯t want Miao Jing to be stuck in the emotions of her past and couldn¡¯t pull herself out.

    Old Master Zhai left early. Before he left, she and Zhai Sheng weren¡¯t together yet. Zhai Sheng even had a failed marriage then. Based on the fact that Qiu Chenxi made a cuckold out of Zhai Sheng, Old Master Zhai must have felt quite angry over this matter when he was still alive.

    Before Old Master Zhai left, a lot of bad things happened in the Zhai family. Not only was Old Master Zhai unable to enjoy his old age, but he even had to worry about Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Zhai Hua¡¯s future before he left. As such, Old Master Zhai¡¯s death was a wound that everyone in the Zhai family couldn¡¯t touch. It would hurt badly.

    There was Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, and there was Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng. When Old Master Zhai left, he couldn¡¯t help but worry about all four of them in the family. The Zhai family felt that they owed Old Master Zhai. Upon thinking about him, they would feel sad. Although Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t mention it, his mood was simr as well. If he didn¡¯t feel guilty toward Old Master Zhai, his grandpa, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed in the old house of the Zhai family during his one year of recuperation.

    Of course, until now, the Zhai family felt that although Old Master Zhai was no longer around, his spirit was guarding this family. Otherwise, based on Zhai Sheng¡¯s situation, where he couldn¡¯t meet a woman that he wanted to get married to in Ping Cheng and the capital, how would he be able to meet Qiao Nan, his destined true love, at Qingshui Town, a poor and remote area where all the young people there would choose to go out to work? They weren¡¯t superstitious. They could only say that this was destined and Old Master Zhai was blessing the Zhai family.

    Every time they thought of this, the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t feel as pained as before and felt that they wouldn¡¯t have the face to face Old Master Zhai after their deaths. People who were alive were leading better lives. Indeed, this was the best form of nostalgia and answer to the dead.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t interrupt Miao Jing¡¯s thoughts, but someone in the family could: San Bao. San Bao had finally eaten all the green vegetables like they were poison and was waiting to enjoy the beauty of meat afterward. Who knew that Miao Jing, the grandma who doted on her, refused to give her a piece of meat after she ate those horrible-tasting vegetables? The little girl was impatient from waiting and raised her voice. She tried her best to pounce her small body in the children¡¯s chair to Miao Jing. With San Bao¡¯s fierce look, it was without a doubt that once she hooked herself to Miao Jing, San Bao would naturally grab the dishes, especially the meat in her bowl, over and feed them into her mouth.

    These adults had no conscience. She had already eaten her vegetables but they refused to give her meat. They were bad.

    Seeing that her granddaughter¡¯s chubby face was red from the anxiousness of wanting to eat meat, Miao Jing smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. The meat¡¯s not going to run away. The meat in the small bowl belongs to San Bao alone. Da Bao and Er Bao have already finished eating. San Bao, you can¡¯t lose to your two brothers.¡± You can only grow up faster if you eat more.

    Miao Jing no longer thought about Old Master Zhai and fed San Bao wholeheartedly. Otherwise, the little girl would throw tantrums again if she fed her slower.

    Da Bao and Er Bao couldn¡¯t really sit still after having their share and insisted on walking around to digest their food. If that couldn¡¯t be done, at least give them a toy for them to y with. It was too overboard to let them sit there and watch San Bao eat meat.

    Zhai Yaohui carried the two children down. Da Bao and Er Bao immediately ran around freely in different directions. They didn¡¯t want to be caught by their elders and be confined in small baby chairs after gaining freedom.

    ¡°Slower.¡± Zhai Yaohui, who was a grandpa, didn¡¯t understand how children like Da Bao and Er Bao could have such an anxious temper that they insisted on running when they couldn¡¯t even walk steadily with their short three-headed body and chubby arms and legs. He wiped cold sweat in his heart on behalf of these two children. They didn¡¯t fall in front of them before. Even if they did, they would climb up without crying.

    Zhai Yaohui really tasted the fun of bringing up his grandchildren.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± San Bao couldn¡¯t help but be anxious again. Da Bao and Er Bao were still ying but she was left alone. That was unfair.

    Qiao Nan pinched her daughter¡¯s face in bad temper. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat properly during mealtime. Now, you¡¯re jealous that Da Bao and Er Bao are ying. You have the worst temper in this family. You¡¯re a girl. Can¡¯t you be more demure? When you throw tantrums, even Er Bao would hide when he sees you. If you want to y, hurry up and finish your meal.¡±

    San Bao should have understood Qiao Nan¡¯s words as she cooperated well next. She wasn¡¯t willing to eat even a piece of vegetable during the past fifteen minutes. Now, she took her meal seriously and finished everything in her little bowl within three minutes. After eating, the little girl was so anxious that she kept trying to squirm her way down. Qiao Nan carried San Bao out of the children¡¯s chair and ttened the trousers that had been crumpled by the little girl. Then, she patted San Bao¡¯s buttocks and let her look for her two brothers.

    ¡°I think San Bao won¡¯t have the chance to wear the dress Jiajia bought for her.¡± She was so bad-tempered. When she became wild, it was as if she had given birth to three sons instead, where one of them was a fake daughter.

    In this regard, the triplets¡¯ situation was different from the dream.

 Chapter 2395 - No Longer Remembered the Situation (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2395: No Longer Remembered the Situation (3)</h4>

    She remembered that her three children weren¡¯t picky about food in the dream. They ate whatever that was provided to them and were very easy to provide for. Qiao Nan was wondering if she and Zhai Sheng were both no longer young when they gave birth to the triplets and that resulted in San Bao being ¡®mutated¡¯.

    As for the picky eating habit being inherited, Qiao Nan felt that this wasn¡¯t reliable.

    Miao Jing said that in the past two years Qiao Nan had married over, she wasn¡¯t picky about food at all. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to reply to that.

    Why?

    When Qiao Nan was at the triplets¡¯ age, how was she full? When she was just three months old, Ding Jiayi no longer wanted to breastfeed her as she found it too troublesome and always tried to find opportunities to wean her off. If not for discoveringter that milk powder was too expensive, Ding Jiayi would have really weaned her.

    When she was ten months old, she could be fed solids. As such, the solids more or less became her staple food.

    Picky about food?

    How was Ding Jiayi willing to give Qiao Nan such a chance?! She had to eat whatever that was fed to her. If not, she could go hungry. A growing child was easily hungry to begin with. If she couldn¡¯t be full during mealtimes, she would just be very hungry. That didn¡¯t feel good at all. It was impossible for whomever under Ding Jiayi for a living to be a picky eater.

    ¡°Why? Our San Bao¡¯s so pretty. If she wears a dress, she will definitely be the prettiest girl around here.¡± Miao Jing was anxious and wanted to find a folk remedy. San Bao was already more than a year old. However, her hair was always thin and soft. She also didn¡¯t have a lot of hair and long hair. Miao Jing wanted to use some folk remedy so that San Bao would grow a lot of long ck hair. That way, when San Bao grew up, with her pretty dress coupled with nice-looking its, whose daughter could win against her?

    Qiao Nan helplessly sat on the sofa to rest. Serving San Bao now was more tiring than any other chore. ¡°Look at how wild she is. Does she look like a girl? She¡¯s cheekier than Da Bao and Er Bao. When ying, I see Da Bao and Er Bao being quieter than her. Based on how she¡¯s ying, I don¡¯t feel at ease for her to wear a dress.¡±

    Qiao Nan always hoped to be more protective of her daughter. Even if there wouldn¡¯t be people like that in the small district she lived in, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want anything to happen to San Bao.

    ¡°Furthermore, based on San Bao¡¯s wild character, won¡¯t San Bao just shake her head if you give her a dress? She might even think that it means that you don¡¯t like her performance since you give Da Bao and Er Bao pants but give her a dress.¡±

    San Bao liked to be aligned with Da Bao and Er Bao. She would follow suit and do whatever Da Bao and Er Bao did. Whatever Da Bao and Er Bao had, she wanted to have them as well. If hers was different from Da Bao and Er Bao, even if hers was actually better, she would throw tantrums and insist on changing it to something simr to that of Da Bao and Er Bao.

    Qiao Nan was quite happy about San Bao¡¯s temper. The three children were born together. Indeed, Da Bao and Er Bao should take care of San Bao more. However, as the sister, San Bao should be more united with Da Bao and Er Bao. She shouldn¡¯t request different treatment from Da Bao and Er Bao simply because she was a girl. This wasn¡¯t a good habit, let alone a good thought.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan say this, and upon thinking about San Bao¡¯s usual performance, Miao Jing could only say that San Bao was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological daughter, after all. Compared to her, the grandma, could she understand San Bao more than Qiao Nan did? No. ¡°Alright. As long as San Bao¡¯sfortable and happy, it¡¯s the same regardless of if she¡¯s wearing a dress or pants.¡±

    She really didn¡¯t believe that after a year or so, San Bao would be different from other daughters and not like to wear dresses.

    ¡°Dad.¡± As San Bao chased after Da Bao and Er Bao, she heard a sound from the door. The little girl was quite bold as well. Of course, as the little bully at home, she didn¡¯t know what fear was. She ran over and guarded the door. Within three seconds, the door was open. Upon seeing a familiar family member, San Bao shouted happily as she rushed toward Zhai Sheng and hugged his leg. ¡°Dad. I want to be high. I want to fly.¡±

    There were so many people in their family, but only their father would apany them to y this game.

    Of course, as the only capable executioner, Zhai Sheng¡¯s position as a father rose bit by bit in the children¡¯s hearts. However, the person they liked the most was naturally Qiao Nan, their mother.

    ¡°Dad. Carry. Fly.¡± The bad-tempered San Bao pulled Zhai Sheng¡¯s trousers forcefully with her chubby hands. If Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t carry her, she was prepared to climb up herself.

    Thankfully, the resources distributed by the army, such as clothes, were made of sturdy fabric and weren¡¯t easily torn by children like San Bao. If Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes were not sturdy enough, his reputation would most likely be ruined by his biological daughter, San Bao. As a spoiled brat, setting her father up was a must.

    After testing if the fabric was sturdy enough, San Bao started to test if the belt around Zhai Sheng¡¯s waist was sturdy. If either of the two failed the quality inspection, Zhai Sheng would be sabotaged by San Bao.

    Looking at his daughter¡¯s flushed face, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but feel depressed. She was a short and fat little tuft of meat. How did she have so much strength? Were all children so strong? Anyway, every time San Bao pounced on him and wanted to climb up, Zhai Sheng would feel that his trousers were about to be torn off by San Bao.

    He wasn¡¯t going topete on strength with his daughter. Otherwise, the unlucky person would be himself. He would be lectured by his mom and wife, and his three children would look at him like watching a show¡­ Zhai Sheng bent down and carried the chubby San Bao up. Then, he threw her up. San Bao immediately lost her anger and started tough. Her crispughter spread in the Zhai family, causing both Da Bao and Er Bao to find out about their father¡¯s return. Then, they lined up so that it would be their turn after San Bao¡¯s.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it¡¯s fine to coax them just a little. They have just finished eating five minutes ago. I initially wanted them to y for a while before coaxing them to take an afternoon nap. With you ying with them, they are now so excited that they probably can¡¯t sleep. They might be so sleepyter that they wouldn¡¯t even want to have their dinner.¡± Qiao Nan understood the triplets¡¯ situation the best. She had encountered such a situation before. Once they took an afternoon nap, they wouldn¡¯t move. If they weren¡¯t allowed to sleep, the three energetic babies would be in low spirits.

    ¡°They haven¡¯t slept?¡± Zhai Sheng looked up at the time. Didn¡¯t his sons and daughter generally sleep during this time? He was back in a hurry and almost forgot about this situation.

 Chapter 2396 - Canâ€™t Be In a Hurry (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2396: Can¡¯t Be In a Hurry (1)</h4>

    Knowing that his sons and daughter wouldn¡¯t be able to sleepter if they were excited about ying now, Zhai Sheng ended this game after throwing each child up five times.

    The three children weren¡¯t satisfied with these five throws. Thankfully, they knew that their dad had just reached home, was probably tired, and needed to rest. After being coaxed by their mom to go back to their room for storytime, Da Bao yawned first. Sleepiness then came in waves.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhai Sheng was strong and carried a son each in his arms. Qiao Nan carried San Bao. The couple quickly sent the three children to their nursery to coax them to sleep. The three sleepy children had already developed good habits. Upon hearing Qiao Nan¡¯s gentle voice, they fell asleep soundly like little pigs when she barely reached one-third of the story.

    Qiao Nan went out with Zhai Sheng after touching the children¡¯s faces and cing their hands inside the nkets. ¡°Why are you back today?¡± Upon thinking that the three children were already more than a year old and they could choose a better early learning center, Qiao Nan took out the homework she had done before. ¡°I¡¯ve discussed it with Dad and Mom. We feel that these three centers aren¡¯t too bad. You can see which one we should send our children to.¡±

    They would be tired if they had to take care of the three children at home daily. However, if they were to send them to school, even Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui would feel ufortable, let alone Qiao Nan. If they didn¡¯t make a decision about the school, the two elders would feel ufortable and couldn¡¯t eat well. Until today, a decision had not been made yet.

    In front of her parents-inw, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t so determined. Since Zhai Sheng was back today, Qiao Nan hurriedly handed over this difficult task to the children¡¯s father, Zhai Sheng, to make a call.

    Qiao Nan felt that she couldn¡¯t change this habit of hers. If something were to happen at home, she had to rely on Zhai Sheng, the head of the family, to make decisions.

    After kissing Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng calmly took the information of the three schools over and started to read them. His status as the head of the family suddenly emerged. When Zhai Sheng was reading, not only did Qiao Nan remain quiet, but she also helped him pour water and massage his shoulders.

    To be honest, because Zhai Sheng was in military wear, the fabric was both sturdy and hard. Qiao Nan¡¯s small arms and legs couldn¡¯t soften Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes, let alone massage his shoulders for him to rx. It was just that Zhai Sheng liked the feeling of Qiao Nan surrounding him and putting the children behind him.

    ¡°This.¡± After reading the information of the three schools, Zhai Sheng quickly made a decision, unlike Qiao Nan and her parents-inw, who couldn¡¯t make a decision after discussing for two days. They felt that all schools were good and couldn¡¯te up with a ranking.

    Qiao Nan was easy to talk to. If her parents-inw made a decision, she would agree with it. These three schools were good. There wouldn¡¯t be problems in choosing one blindly. However, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui had different opinions. It wasn¡¯t good for Qiao Nan to side with any one of them. As such, she waited for Zhai Sheng to be back to make the decision.

    ¡°Alright, this one then.¡± They had finally selected a center. Qiao Nan reacted only after ncing at the school¡¯s name. ¡°We¡¯ve finally settled on where to enroll the children. You don¡¯t know how your parents disagreed every time we discussed this topic. I was really worried that they would argue because of selecting a school for the children. I¡­¡±

    She knew that it hadn¡¯t been long since Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing untied the knot in their hearts. They finally led a loving life with mutual affection. How was Qiao Nan willing to disturb that because of the three children?

    After holding Qiao Nan in his arms, Zhai Sheng touched the meat on her body. ¡°It¡¯s pretty good to send the three children to school and let the teachers bring them up. Have you lost weight again?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t weigh myself.¡± Qiao Nan never cared about her weight regardless of if it was before or after marriage. She just knew that she didn¡¯t gain weight.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so honest. Dad, Mom¡­ Nan Nan, do you think Zhai Hua and I are easy to bully?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Sister Zhai Hua was ruthless when she became bad-tempered. Although Sister Zhai Hua didn¡¯t do it directly, the oue of the matter wasrgely rted to her. Wei De¡¯s beloved son sold the family house in their hometown and left with Wei Xiaomei. Wei De transformed from a military officer to an ordinary citizen. He didn¡¯t even have the ability to live in Ping Cheng anymore, let alone do business. Father Wei and Mother Wei stayed in a shabby house that nobody wanted.

    In the current society where every inch ofnd could bear gold, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but think how far the Wei family¡¯s hometown was and how shabby that house was that nobody wanted to be its owner.

    They didn¡¯t like their granddaughter and their grandson even ran away. At this age, Father Wei and Mother Wei were poor and left with nothing. Oh, no. They were left with something. They were left with a decadent and ambitious son who gradually immersed himself in alcohol.

    How glorious was the Wei family before? Everyone in the vige envied them. The most promising person in the vige was always Wei De. However, how pitiful were they now? Those who envied them before now looked at the Wei family with sympathy and pity. Such a situation was too miserable. This misery was not necessarily material. More of it was spiritual.

    As for Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan never felt that he was ever good to bully. Qiu Chenxi might be bad, but after marrying Zhai Sheng for three years, she had cheated on him as a virgin. Different people had different opinions whether it was bad that Zhai Sheng was made a cuckold out of or embarrassing that Qiu Chenxi was in such a situation. As a female, Qiao Nan felt that Qiu Chenxi must have felt a devastating sense of shock.

    Qiu Chenxiter had more messy romantic rtionships outside. It was estimated that only Qiu Chenxi herself knew if she was being self-indulgent or feeling self-abandoned.

    How dare Qiao Nan look down on such a formidable pair of siblings? As a newbie, Qiao Nan simply shivered when she saw the gods of the Zhai family. To think that one of them became her husband who protected her and the other became her sister-inw. She only let go of the pressure when they were family.

    ¡°That¡¯s why.¡± Zhai Sheng let down the hair that Qiao Nan had ited into braids and pressed the acupuncture points on Qiao Nan¡¯s head with his strong fingers. He let Qiao Nan lean in his armsfortably, closing her eyes to enjoy. The person who was massaging and the person being massaged seemed to have changed roles. ¡°Don¡¯t always feel that my parents are old. They still have a lot of thoughts.¡±

    How would the couple who had given birth to him and Zhai Hua require Nan Nan¡¯s sympathy and care?

 Chapter 2397 - Canâ€™t Be In a Hurry (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2397: Can¡¯t Be In a Hurry (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Needless to ask, Zhai Sheng knew that the two elders couldn¡¯t bear to leave their three grandchildren and felt that theirter years would be unexciting if the three children were sent to an early learning center earlier. As such, they conspired and deliberately put on a show in front of Qiao Nan so that she was in a difficult spot and would dy the process of sending the children earlier to school.

    The older they got, the younger they got. This urately described Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui.

    As a man who was biased toward his wife once he had a wife, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t hesitate to stand on Qiao Nan¡¯s side, exposing the thoughts of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing. He had no intention of maintaining the images Qiao Nan had of them in her heart.

    After knowing the situation, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. ¡°Dad and Mom are really¡­ Even if they were sent to the early learning center earlier, they wouldn¡¯t spend a lot of time in school.¡± Could it be that her parents-inw were addicted to being tired and wanted to chase after the three children every day?

    She wanted to send the three children to school as she was considerate of the two elders. She was worried that the three children were too active and would tire them.

    Who knew that her good intentions caused the two elders to make such a joke? ¡°Brother Zhai, should we still send the triplets to school then?¡± She really couldn¡¯t resolve the problem of the grandparents being clingy to the children. Upon thinking about Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s ages, Qiao Nan was always softhearted.

    The responsibility for this matter obviously didn¡¯t lie with her, but every time she thought of how Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing couldn¡¯t watch the three children grow up like in her dreams, Qiao Nan felt especially sad. They couldn¡¯t see Da Bao and Er Bao grow up to be real men who were as outstanding as their father, Zhai Sheng, and they couldn¡¯t¡¯ see San Bao be a slim and graceful girl who was flower-like. As she met Zhai Shengte, the three children were born almost twenty yearste. That was almost the time of a generation.

    As he hugged his beloved wife, Zhai Sheng acted more calmly. ¡°You can ignore them.¡± It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have simr thoughts as Qiao Nan. The problem was that Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t willing to be too entangled with what had already happened. It was already not bad that the Zhai family had such a happy andplete life like today. As such, they shouldn¡¯t be greedy and always question why such blissful days didn¡¯te sooner or if only time could be longer.

    As a member of the Zhai family, everyone had their own responsibilities. However, Qiao Nan was the only person in this family who didn¡¯t need to be responsible.

    Zhai Sheng no longer resented and med his parents for the failed marriage with Qiu Chenxi and the cold rtionship he had with the Zhai family for the past twenty years. However, Zhai Sheng was even more unwilling to put pressure on Qiao Nan and make her feel wronged.

    Everyone no longer talked about this topic in-depth. However, this didn¡¯t mean that its previous existence had been obliterated and the responsibility could be ced on Qiao Nan now. Even if his parents didn¡¯t mean it this way and this was just Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts alone, Zhai Sheng simrly disallowed it. ¡°Alright, the old people are softhearted. If we really go along with them and pamper the three children such that they grow up astray, do you believe that Old Master Zhai would be the first to lecture them both? You haven¡¯t seen Old Master Zhai before. He doesn¡¯t have a good temper. When he gets angry, regardless of if you are three or thirty years old, you will be beaten if you make a mistake. When my dad sees Old Master Zhai, he would only let him be and not rebut him.¡±

    When Old Master Zhai was still alive, he had never been merciful toward him and Zhai Hua. He managed them when he had to, and he beat them up when he had to. Both of them were beaten by Old Master Zhai before when they were young. The only time that Old Master Zhai wanted to hit Zhai Hua but didn¡¯t do so was when Zhai Hua insisted on marrying Wei De.

    It was Zhai Hua¡¯s life. Although Old Master Zhai obviously knew that Zhai Hua¡¯s decision was wrong and he didn¡¯t like it, he couldn¡¯t choose Zhai Hua¡¯s path or use his own strength to force Zhai Hua to give up her thoughts and persistence.

    Speaking of the mentality Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had toward the three children, Zhai Sheng thought of Old Master Zhai more. As parents, his parents couldn¡¯tpare with Old Master Zhai. As grandparents, they were still inferior to the previous generation. Thankfully, Old Master Zhai was around in this family. At least he and Zhai Hua were by Old Master Zhai¡¯s side back then and weren¡¯t considered to have grown astray.

    If his parents really gave more care and concern to him and Zhai Hua, nobody knew how they would grow up today.

    Old people were more stubborn. However, at least Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing weren¡¯t the kind of people to do anything too overboard. Furthermore, they would have been dying the arrival of the three grandchildren whom they had been waiting for for a long time.

    After Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan made a decision, no matter how reluctant the two elders were, they didn¡¯t say anything. They only said that if conditions permitted, they wanted to send the children to school and fetch them back home while they could still move.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s health conditions weren¡¯t bad. The Zhai family had a driver as well. If they went out, they would be chauffeured. Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t find that letting Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing temporarily send the children to school and fetch them home was an issue. As such, they agreed.

    There was soon a result of sending the children to the early learning center. They chose a good school, registered them, and sent them there.

    The so-called early education might not really teach the children anything to learn. It could be ying games or singing songs.

    Of course, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had long understood these situations. When the couple sent the children to school, they stood outside the ssroom and observed them from the outside on the first day. Aside from San Bao throwing tantrums and needing the teacher to coax her and Da Bao and Er Bao being a little unhappy initially, they quickly adapted.

    After all, there were a lot of children in the school. There were toys as well. With more ymates around them, even San Bao would naturally get used to such a rhythm of life.

    Within a week, San Bao found a good ymate in school. That girl was a mixed-blood and was one month older than San Bao.

    Qiao Nan observed for a while. San Bao should like this little sister as the other party was pretty. Also, if San Bao wanted to y with anything, that little girl who was one month older than San Bao would actually give her toy to San Bao and y with her.

    With a little sister who was pretty, willing to give in to her, and willing to y with her, how would San Bao be unhappy? She had another little sister who could take care of her. Within a few days, San Bao was happy. If she didn¡¯t see that little sister in school, she would even be unhappy.

    What made Qiao Nan proud was that she simrly observed that this little sister was so good to her daughter because San Bao was cute.

 Chapter 2398 - Canâ€™t Be In a Hurry (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2398: Can¡¯t Be In a Hurry (3)</h4>

    No matter how young a child was, they could assess looks.

    The two little girls were satisfied with each other¡¯s looks and a friendship was silently formed.

    It was undoubtedly a kind of liberation to Qiao Nan that the three children adapted to school life. She no longer needed to revolve her time around the children every day. Qiao Nan had more time on her hands and she naturally became free as if she had nothing much to do.

    Before the Zhai family could be worried about Qiao Nan not adapting to this situation and thinking that such a life was boring, Qiao Nan acted before them. ¡°Brother Zhai, help me take a look. Is my n alright?¡± Qiao Nan had collected a lot of information and consulted thewyer beforeing up with a proper n.

    After all, she had the experience of doing business with Tian Dong in her dream. She could still draft an almost perfect proposal. At the very most, she would just find a professional to see if there was any amendment she should make after the proposal was done. However, Qiao Nan naturally did the initial n. ¡°Brother Zhai, based on my current capacity, should I find someone to help me manage this?¡±

    ¡°This is alright.¡± Zhai Sheng nodded. ¡°If there¡¯s a need, I¡¯ll help you find someone?¡± Back when Chief Zhu was unable to manage himself, hadn¡¯t he found Wang Yang for help?

    Wang Yang studied politics. However, he was still capable of investing. Not only did Wang Yang manage the investments that Chief Zhu handed over to him well, but he also made a fortune and helped Chief Zhu earn quite a bit of money.

    Of course, following the closure of the inheritancewsuit, everything in the Zhu family now became Nan Nan¡¯s and had nothing to do with Wang Yang. It was precisely because of this that Wang Yang was so angry that he vomited blood. All these years, he had helped Chief Zhu manage everything in the Zhu family. He initially wanted to inherit more money in the future. He didn¡¯t expect all his hard work to benefit others in the end.

    ¡°Have you really decided to do this? You have to know that once you start investing, it¡¯s a bit difficult to withdraw it halfway. Also, such an investment is definitely not small.¡± Zhai Sheng had an impression that Qiao Nan wanted to invest in old and lonely elders. He also knew why Qiao Nan had such thoughts now.

    However, good deeds couldn¡¯t be done with just words. The most important things were the money and investment period.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be worried. I don¡¯t have any psychological burdens. To put it bluntly, I didn¡¯t earn this sum of money. I got it for nothing. Even if I really invest in caring for the old and lonely elders, I don¡¯t have any loss. Furthermore, I don¡¯t think the speed of ruin would be fast. Godfather left behind quite a lot of money. No matter what it¡¯s for, I want to do what I set out to do. Otherwise, what shall we do if I set a bad example for the three children?¡±

    Perhaps it was really because she wasn¡¯t spending her own money that she didn¡¯t feel heartache.

    Qiao Nan only hoped that elders like Zhu Chengqi could enjoy their old age morefortably. Furthermore, Qiao Nan¡¯s first phase of the n wasn¡¯t targeted at all old and lonely elders. There were still some criteria to be met.

    For example, an elder became old and lonely as their child joined the army and had sacrificed himself for various reasons. This batch of people was what Qiao Nan wanted to take care of first. Qiao Nan knew that although world peace seemed to be achieved now, regardless of internal or external factors at y, there were always such problems when it came to the safety of the country and its people. There were numerous unsung heroes who had made sacrifices.

    There were a lot of such big cases in the country, even without mentioning those people stationed at the borders dealing with terrorism or drug lords.

    Aside from listing the elders who had no one to take care of them as their children were soldiers who had sacrificed for the country and people as the first batch of target audience, she also included people like the elders who had to send off their own children as they were police officers who sacrificed themselves heroically when fighting against criminals.

    As the people¡¯s heroes, the blood of these people couldn¡¯t be shed in vain. The elders they left behind in the family shouldn¡¯t be left alone and lonely such that they couldn¡¯t enjoy their old age.

    Don¡¯t think that Qiao Nan seemed to have set the bar high when selecting her target audience. Qiao Nan did her research and analyzed the data. As such, she was very clear that the number of people in this category wasn¡¯t little.

    Furthermore, these sacrificed heroes didn¡¯t leave behind only their elders but also their children. After the heroes sacrificed themselves, their other halves were still young and had plenty of time before them. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t care if they remarried. However, she couldn¡¯t tolerate it if the elders and children they left behind were not taken care of.

    Based on this situation, Qiao Nan expanded her original target audience. The elders who were left behind because of such situations would be given certain kinds of treatment and care. If there were children left behind, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t do much, but she was willing to sponsor their studies so that they could continue school.

    The amount of money spent on elder care alone would be huge. Elders weren¡¯t picky about food, but since they were going to be taken care of, their nutritional needs had to be considered. Not all who were taking care of the elders were volunteers. There were fees involved as well. Also, old people were like machines used for a long time. There would always be issues that required fixing, right? This would then be a huge sum of money.

    After talking about elders, it was time to talk about children.

    Not a lot of money would be spent on the child¡¯s nine years ofpulsory education. However, the costs were high when they reached high school or even university. The elders in the family wouldn¡¯t be able to afford it. There was always no way to save the money spent on the elders and children.

    It was precisely because of this that after knowing Qiao Nan¡¯s n, Zhai Sheng said that once this matter was invested in, it wouldn¡¯t be good if it was stopped halfway. However, the costs to bear were huge and she would suffer a lot of stress due to the financial burden. Also, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t know much about this aspect, let alone understand it. That was because he hadn¡¯t done it before.

    In this way, once the n was implemented, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t give Qiao Nan a detailed reference on howplicated and difficult this process was. If he wanted to help, he didn¡¯t know where to start either.

    Qiao Nan was a newbie in this. Zhai Sheng was simrly one too. As such, they definitely had to consider more issues than an average person.

    It was good to do good deeds with good intentions. However, it really wasn¡¯t easy to do good well. ¡°Let¡¯s find a team ofwyers and asset management folks. We can¡¯t rush this.¡±

 Chapter 2399 - Keeping Oneâ€™s Promise (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2399: Keeping One¡¯s Promise (1)</h4>

    This was quite a big project. If they really started this, their family didn¡¯t need to worry for a few years that Nan Nan would feel bored and rxed as the three children were in school. It was good to be kept busy.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan had zero experience in this matter. She could find Zhai Sheng to discuss further so that she could make a decision. With Zhai Sheng¡¯s support and affirmation, Qiao Nan would be able to move forward boldly and confidently.

    Sure enough, as Zhai Sheng expected, once this matter started, it wasn¡¯t easy to stop. There were also a lot of things to be busy with. The fast momentum nearly made Qiao Nan overwhelmed.

    Initially, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing felt that by sending the three children to school so early, their time with them would be greatly reduced and they were a little ufortable and unhappy in their hearts. However, after Qiao Nan had her own things to be busy with, these two elders became happy.

    Why?

    If Qiao Nan was busy, she naturally wouldn¡¯t have the time to take care of the triplets. Someone had to fetch the children home. As such, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t fight with them for this task, right? Aside from sending them to school and fetching them home, there was another thing that was very important. Once Qiao Nan became busy, she couldn¡¯t let go of things halfway. Especially at the start, Qiao Nan needed to invest more time and energy.

    Unless everything was on track, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t rx and spend more time taking care of the three children.

    One had to know that the first step was always the hardest.

    Qiao Nan had no time to take care of the three children. Without a doubt, the burden of taking of the children naturally fell to the grandparents, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, again. They were very happy that they could spend more time with them. Although it was tiring to take care of children, the psychological satisfaction gained far exceeded the physical fatigue.

    Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had such thoughts. Based on their age, a day taking care of the triplets was a day gained. While they could still move and bring the children along with them, they must take care of them more and spend more time with them.

    Otherwise, when they could no longer move, had no more strength, and even needed someone else to take care of them while they were sick at home, they would only be weak and full of regrets that they could no longer do anything for their grandchildren.

    After having such thoughts, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing lived each day seriously and with great care. They cherished the diminishing times they had with the children.

    Thankfully, the three children were good-tempered. After going to school for a while, they gradually began ustomed to the fact that aside from their parents, there were still a lot of other people who were in the world they lived in, for example, the teachers and children in school.

    Since the three children could adapt to school life, Qiao Nan naturally didn¡¯t take care of them like in the past when she became busy. Their grandparents were by their side. Within a few days, the children stopped throwing tantrums and adapted to the situation like how they adapted to school life.

    Furthermore, Qiao Nan only spent lesser time taking care of the children. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t take care of them at all. One had to know that Qiao Nan was the person who forked out the money. She was the big boss. At the beginning, a lot of things had to be discussed with Qiao Nan and were confirmed only after she gave the approval. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would have spent some money and hired a talent to resolve trivial matters.

    When the boss had nothing else, it could be considered that these were better times. She forked out money while others forked out effort. As such, Qiao Nan¡¯s tasks were rtively fewer. She could work less and be more rxed.

    Qiao Nan just didn¡¯t want to waste the time when the three children were in school. No matter what age or gender one was, aside from children, life would always be better if one had more things to do. There must be a bnce between family, children, and career.

    Yes, Qiao Nan felt that children should be separated from this concept of family. A person who valued children might not value other family members. However, in a family, there were still other roles besides children and mother. Qiao Nan wanted to value and take care of these family members as well.

    There must be a bnce between the three. If the bnce was destroyed, life would naturally be miserable and no longer be as satisfactory as before.

    It was more difficult. However, if she didn¡¯t try, how would she know that she couldn¡¯t bnce the three well? Furthermore, her ultimate goal was to make her free time more meaningful. Also, she should fulfill her original promise and do what she said.

    Even if it wasn¡¯t for herself but for all of the Zhu family who had passed away, Qiao Nan felt that it was necessary for her to do so. After doing this, she wouldn¡¯t im all credit. She hoped that there would still be people who remembered that the Zhu family had contributed to the country and people. Even if the Zhu family wasn¡¯t around now, the Zhu family¡¯s affection for the country and people were still around. This was what influenced her to make such a decision and n.

    Qiao Nan was purely doing good deeds. She wasn¡¯t trying to show off her reputation, manipte public opinion, or endorse the Zhai family. She was proceeding with everything silently without anyone knowing about it.

    The early nning and preparation work took almost half a year. This public welfare was officiallyunched half a yearter, which was when the children were two years old. The initiative was implemented on the target audience that Qiao Nan selected.

    ¡°Grandpa, drink water.¡±

    Not only did Qiao Nan invest money, but she also devoted herself to this public welfare. Out of the elders selected by her, some of them still had family members who could still take care of them. At this moment, most of Qiao Nan¡¯s investment went to material resources while a small amount went to financial subsidies to improve their quality of life.

    There were also some elders who had no children and their rtives weren¡¯t willing to take care of them. They were naturally taken in by nursing homes. Seeing that there were quite a number of elders who fell under this category, Qiao Nan¡¯s heart turned cold. She also felt heartache over these elders and their sacrificed sons.

    Qiao Nan brought the three children to the nursing home to do volunteer work one weekend. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t nning on counting the three children to do much. She would still be doing most of the work herself. She just wanted the three children to experience this and learn a concept from a young age. However, this couldn¡¯t hold back the children¡¯s passion to learn from their mom. They also couldn¡¯t stay still.

    They were just walking a little more steadily themselves. However, they insisted on pouring water for the grandpas and grandmas in the nursing home. Seeing a half-full ss of water in the three chubby children¡¯s hands, the elders felt both heartwarming and heartache.

 Chapter 2400 - Keeping Oneâ€™s Promise (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2400: Keeping One¡¯s Promise (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Slowly. The water¡¯s not hot, right? Don¡¯t be in a hurry, Grandpa.¡±

    His son had sacrificed himself early and was no longer around. He hadn¡¯t married a wife and given birth to grandchildren.

    Aside from his son¡¯s sacrifice, his other siblings had their own homes. After the death of his son, he thought that he was going to live under a bridge for the rest of his old age. Who would expect that he could still enjoy this blessing today?

    Upon thinking of those siblings who no longer kept in contact with him for fear that he would burden them, the old man said that they might not even be leading a life as good as his now, even though they had children.

    He remembered back when nobody took care of him anymore, the government went to find his other rtives to take care of him on ount that he was the family of a martyr. Those people who rejected him back then said, ¡°I¡¯ve long said that Bing Zi was a good child. When he was still around, he was so filial. We¡¯ve long said it before. What¡¯s so good about being a soldier? He wouldn¡¯t earn much money and it¡¯s dangerous. See? Bing Zi didn¡¯te back after he left. He didn¡¯t even leave behind a child. You¡¯re all alone. If you listened to us earlier and didn¡¯t let Bing Zi be a soldier but an office worker instead, would you end up in such a state today? Why did you name him Bing Zi? I think you gave him the wrong name back then. It¡¯s so inauspicious.¡±

    Upon thinking about these words, the old man felt wronged.

    What was wrong with Bing Zi being a soldier? How was it not good?

    If nobody became a soldier, would the country have its day today? Would everyone be leading peaceful lives? Did they think he wanted to send Bing Zi to be a soldier? Back when Bing Zi was in school, his grades were good, especially those of the college entrance examination. However, he had no money and Bing Zi¡¯s mom was in poor health. They had long used up all the money in the family for Bing Zi¡¯s mom¡¯s medical treatment.

    There wasn¡¯t any money at home. He wanted to borrow some so that his son could be a university student and find a good job upon graduation. Once he earned money, they would return all the debts.

    Who would have thought that those rtives saw that their family¡¯s conditions were poor and none of them were willing to help Bing Zi? They even asked Bing Zi to work and stop studying. What kind of work was it? To wash the dishes.

    It wasn¡¯t that the old man despised dishwashing workers. He just felt that his son¡¯s grades were good and he was clever. Furthermore, the owner of the shop was the son¡¯s biological aunt. Forget it that she wasn¡¯t willing to lend money to them, but she even gave such a low sry to her nephew who could potentially go to a good university. The old man didn¡¯t want his biological sister to bully his outstanding son. If he really epted this job, they might not even be rtives in the future.

    The old man was definitely not confused regarding this matter.

    In the end, Bing Zi himself decided to be a soldier. He felt that since he was named Bing Zi, he should be a soldier. Otherwise, he would be letting his dad, who named him, down.

    A dead son was a pain that the old man didn¡¯t want to remember. However, those rtives even said unpleasant words. Even if the rtives were willing to take care of him due to external pressure, the old man refused.

    He was already prepared to sleep under a bridge. Who knew that a beautiful girl brought him to a nursing home? Since then, he was well taken care of and had ample food and clothes. Compared to his life before, he really had nothing to say about the life he was leading after moving in.

    Later, the old man realized that most of the old people who lived here were in simr situations as him. This nursing home was specially built for elders like them. As he lived in a new room,y on the bed with a quilt covering his body, and looked at the snow-white ceiling, the old man cried on the first night.

    Who said that it was a wrong decision for him to send Bing Zi to be a soldier? Who said that he deserved to have no son to take care of him when he was old after Bing Zi sacrificed himself? Who said that Bing Zi sacrificing for the country was stupid behavior? Who said that the country and people had already forgotten the contributions his Bing Zi made and the life he sacrificed?

    No, all of these were not true.

    There were still people who remembered!

    The old man felt that him receiving such care where no reciprocity was expected was a form of affirmation andmemoration of his son¡¯s sacrifice and contributions to the country and people. It was the right decision to agree to his son being a soldier back then. All the words his rtives said were untrue.

    The nurses in the nursing home took care of people well and bore good attitudes. What made the old man happy was that there would be some university students doing volunteer work in the nursing home from time to time. Those university students loved listening to these elders sharing stories of their sacrificed sons. Every time he saw these university students having looks of admiration for his son, he felt particrlyforted and proud.

    His son was a hero. Even if he had sacrificed his life, if there was a next life, he believed that he would still make the same decision and let his son walk the same path in life.

    The old man felt that his life in theter years was getting better and he was enjoying it more. Upon thinking that all of these were due to the blessing of his son and the country and the people hadn¡¯t forgotten about his son, the old man smiled every day. He knew that Qiao Nan was the one who brought him his life now and these three children belonged to Qiao Nan. The way he looked at the triplets was no different from how he looked at his own grandchildren.

    ¡°Drink.¡± San Bao brought water to the old man. ¡°Grandpa, drink water. Drink more water. Good.¡±

    Qiao Nan often said this sentence to the three children: Drinking more water was good for health.

    The three children were learning how to speak now. After they became more able to understand the meaning in adults¡¯ words, they liked to imitate how the adults spoke and what they did the most. At home, the three children were under Qiao Nan¡¯s care. When they were outside, San Bao stood upright with her little chubby waist and expressed that drinking water was good and that these grandparents had to listen to her words as well.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll drink water. It¡¯s good for health.¡± The old man took the cup from San Bao¡¯s hands and drank a sip of water. It was as if he was drinking honey water. ¡°Wow, the water poured by San Bao tastes so good. It¡¯s so sweet. San Bao, did you put some sugar in the water for me?¡±

    San Bao knew that the grandpa wasplimenting her. As such, she revealed a row of neat and clean millet teeth, smiling cutely. Her red face was like an apple, and her smile was as brilliant as the sun.

    The old man looked at her enviously. In the end, he reached out and touched San Bao¡¯s head. ¡°San Bao, shall I buy you flowers for your hair in the future?¡±

    San Bao obediently nodded.. She smiled and didn¡¯t say anything.

 Chapter 2401 - Keeping Oneâ€™s Promise (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2401: Keeping One¡¯s Promise (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qiao Nan had long taught the three children this.

    Ever since they knew that Qiao Nan had arranged everything in the nursing home, the elders who lived here were very grateful to Qiao Nan. Of course, they were grateful to Qiao Nan not because of her appearance that they no longer needed to be kicked around like balls in the past when they were dependent in their old age. Even if people were old, they simrly had self-esteem. They would feel hurt and cold in their hearts.

    What they were really grateful for was that following Qiao Nan¡¯s appearance, they knew that their child¡¯s sacrifice for the country and the people were not forgotten. Even if their child was no longer around, as their parents, they could still rely on them to have a ce to live in and receive good care.

    To these old people, people¡¯s affirmation and recognition of their sacrificed child was more important than anything else.

    They were family members of martyrs, after all. Did the country not care about them at all? No, they naturally cared about them. As such, these elders more or less had some money in their hands. They used to see the ugly faces of their family members in the past. Thus, they¡¯d rather return the money to the country than use the money their child had lost their lives for on these rtives.

    It was different now. There were people who acknowledged, remembered, and felt thankful for their child¡¯s sacrifices and contributions. It was also to thank Qiao Nan for everything she did that the old people in the nursing home treated Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets particrly well. They doted on them like they were their biological grandchildren.

    How did old people express their love for children? They naturally used the money they had to buy this and that for the children to make them happy.

    At this time, if you were to directly reject them, the old people would feel unhappy as they thought that you looked down on him and weren¡¯t willing to use his money. However, to let Qiao Nan agree to her three children epting these gifts, she couldn¡¯t get through the hurdle in her heart.

    Qiao Nan thought of a solution very quickly. She would get the three children to agree first. These old people lived in the nursing home and couldn¡¯t go outside. There was dedicated personnel for purchases. If the elders wanted to buy something, they had to go through these purchasers.

    Under the instructions of the big boss, Qiao Nan, the purchasers epted the old people¡¯s money but didn¡¯t really spend them. After returning empty-handed, they always found excuses on why they didn¡¯t manage to purchase sessfully. The tragic thing was that although the elders were older and their brains were no longer as agile, it didn¡¯t mean that they had lost their IQ.

    When this happened too many times, everyone guessed that it should be that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t allow it.

    After all, in this nursing home, Qiao Nan had the final say.

    Without Qiao Nan¡¯s instruction, how would these purchasers dare to make a fool out of these old people? As such, these old people fought a battle of wits and courage with Qiao Nan and actually learned how to use Taobao online!

    Damn it¡­

    When the first delivery was received in the nursing home, followed by the second and the third, Qiao Nan was speechless. Weren¡¯t they old people? Weren¡¯t their lives simple? At this age, did they need to be so trendy? Forget it that they learned how to use the Inte but they actually registered an ount on Taobao, applied for an Alipay ount, sessfully bound a bank card, and proceeded with online purchases.

    In the face of this situation, Qiao Nan covered her face and expressed that enough was enough¡­

    Indeed, she always wanted to enrich the lives of these elders. This could include ying chess, practicing calligraphy, boxing, or doing square dance. If she had known that these old people were so clever, she wouldn¡¯t have agreed to it when they requested to learn the Inte back then. They had deliberately learned the Inte so that they could go online shopping and buy things for her three children. Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t want to say anything else.

    Really, Qiao Nan had her plot, but these old people had their strategy.

    After knowing the situation of the nursing home, Zhai Sheng even joked with Qiao Nan. ¡°I feel that the family members of these martyrs would definitely have a low chance of getting a certain illness in the future.¡±

    ¡°What illness?¡± Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand. What has this got to do with illness?

    ¡°Elders who learn the Inte and know how to do online shopping have agile brains. They have a great IQ as well. It would definitely be more difficult for such elders to suffer from dementiapared to the average old people.¡± These elders were pretty capable of angering Nan Nan until she was speechless. They were no doubt the parents of soldiers. Such a style had to be affirmed and supported.

    Knowing that Zhai Sheng was mocking her, Qiao Nan was furious. She nearly kicked Zhai Sheng off the bed and made him sleep in the study room.

    She was already so annoyed over this matter. Zhai Sheng was still watching a good show by the side and gave these yful elders support and affirmation. Really, whose husband was Zhai Sheng?

    Faced with Qiao Nan¡¯s doubt, Zhai Sheng used his physical strength to prove to Qiao Nan whose husband he was. Qiao Nan was so angry that she ignored him the next day, let alone say a word to him. The three children, who were already sensible, smiled and surrounded Zhai Sheng when they saw this situation. ¡°Dad, did you make Mom angry?¡±

    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re not obedient. You didn¡¯t listen to Mom¡¯s words.¡±

    ¡°Can San Bao sleep with Mom tonight?¡±

    The three children were like gifts from others. None of them stood on Zhai Sheng¡¯s side. They even took advantage of the chaos and ostracized Zhai Sheng together. The three children looked like they were waiting to watch a good show. San Bao even squeezed out her own father. The idea of the children sleeping with their mother angered Zhai Sheng. He was certain that these three children were gifts from others. If they were his biological children, would they set him up like this?

    Without waiting for Zhai Sheng¡¯s answer, San Bao ran to Qiao Nan with her short legs and hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s thigh. ¡°Mom, San Bao wants to sleep with you tonight. San Bao wants to hear Mom tell stories, alongside Da Bao and Er Bao.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qiao Nan agreed without thinking, let alone look at Zhai Sheng¡¯s ckened face. Qiao Nan carried her daughter and gave her a kiss on the face. ¡°Which pajamas does San Bao want to wear tonight? The one with a cat or the one with a princess?¡±

    ¡°San Bao wants a cat.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll choose it by myself.¡±

    ¡°Me too, me too.¡±

    Their younger sister had already taken the lead. As Da Bao and Er Bao had simr thoughts, they stood in line quickly and supported their sister. The three children worked hard together to finalize the ownership of their mom tonight. If they didn¡¯t use this opportunity to do so now, they didn¡¯t know when the next time they could sleep together with her would be.

    Upon thinking about this, the steady Da Bao couldn¡¯t help but feel vexed.

    Dad had a mom as well. If Dad wanted someone to sleep with him, why didn¡¯t he find Grandma? Why did he always have to snatch their mom from them? Grandma had said that the three of them were still young.. Their dad should respect the old and love the young and give in to them.

 Chapter 2402 - Without Even Asking (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2402: Without Even Asking (1)</h4>

    Upon thinking that their biological father only knew how to snatch for things with them, Da Bao felt heartache that the three of them had such an immature father. They could only tolerate it. Since their dad didn¡¯t love the young, they could only respect the ¡®old¡¯.

    Thankfully, these were just Da Bao¡¯s thoughts. He had never mentioned these in front of the adults before. Otherwise, based on Da Bao¡¯s thoughts of ¡®respecting the old¡¯, Zhai Sheng could really grab hold of Da Bao and smack his buttocks. Zhai Sheng was nearing the age of fifty. In the face of his three children who were not yet in primary school, thest thing he wanted to hear was the word ¡®old¡¯.

    His children were still so young. How was he, as a father, old? He was still young and strong!

    Ignoring his lowly status, Zhai Sheng touched the faces of his three children. Qiao Nan agreed immediately. ¡°Sure. You can choose your own.¡±

    The cheeky Er Bao¡¯s eyes swirled with thoughts. ¡°Dad closed the door previously and we couldn¡¯t go in to find Mom¡­¡±

    What if Dad did the same today again? What should they do?

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯llbine your three small beds into a big bed. I¡¯ll sleep in your room tonight. Is that alright?¡± She still remembered the bad things Brother Zhai did previously. However, he didn¡¯t ept punishment. At least this time today, she couldn¡¯t let Brother Zhai get his way. She had to teach him a lesson.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the best.¡± After sessfully getting rid of the trouble, her dad, San Bao was extremely happy. She kissed Qiao Nan twice on the face. Seeing that San Bao kissed her, Da Bao and Er Bao wanted to kiss her as well. Qiao Nan put San Bao down and bent down so that she could ept the fragrant kisses from her two sons. She looked extremely happy, like she had eaten a miracle pill. How was it like the ugly look she gave Zhai Sheng?

    Zhai Sheng felt that this scene was an eyesore. He once again confirmed that having too many children at home was definitely not a good thing. It was simply too troublesome if there were too many children, just like their family situation. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t understand how other people¡¯s children were like.

    However, the three children in his family, including San Bao, who was supposed to be the apple of his eye, were meant to set their father up.

    Upon thinking that not only did his children set him up, but they also bore great lethality, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but regret why he was so ¡®urate¡¯ back then to give birth to three children at once.

    Even one less child would be better, let alone two.

    As such, every time the triplets wanted to snatch Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife away from him, Zhai Sheng experienced deep emotions about the number of children in his family. At this time, Zhai Sheng was so angry that he wanted to throw the three children out of the house. ¡°Nan Nan, everyone says that we can¡¯t let our children lose on the starting line. I heard that there are boarding schools at the primary school level. Let¡¯s choose that kind of school.¡±

    Even though there were a few more years before the three children went to primary school, this didn¡¯t prevent him from making ns earlier.

    Yes, what type of school would be the most suitable for their three children? Of course, the further the better. It was best if they came home only once a month. Otherwise, maybe they could send them abroad?

    Without waiting for Qiao Nan to answer Zhai Sheng¡¯s childish and mentally weak question, Miao Jing¡¯s p on Zhai Sheng¡¯s back was already the best answer. ¡°Boarding school? Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re already a father. Do you¡­ have the cheek to say such words? Is this how you set an example for the children?¡±

    Would Miao Jing not be able to tell? Her son was jealous of the three children. Thus, he wanted to send the triplets away.

    However, she and Old Zhai weren¡¯t dead yet. Both of them wanted to participate in the decision-making of the three children¡¯s future school. They didn¡¯t mind any type of school. However, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t need to even think about boarding schools.

    ¡°At this age, you¡¯re still more childish than the triplets. You have the cheek to say this, but I don¡¯t have the cheek to listen to this. If you dare to do this, your father and I will have it out with you.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re so nice. Er Bao loves Grandma the most.¡±

    Er Bao pounced onto Miao Jing and acted like a spoiled child in front of her with his cute voice. Er Bao might not understand the conversations between adults. What he did know was that the grandma who doted on them would definitely help them. His bad father must be trying to bully them again. In that case, did Er Bao have to hesitate whom to curry favor with between his father and grandma?

    There was already a steady rhythm to this, alright?

    Er Bao knew how to act like a spoiled child, to begin with, and Miao Jing bought that. If Er Bao tried a little harder, Miao Jing would only remember Er Bao, her grandson. How would she still remember Zhai Sheng, her son? Really, with a grandson, a son became worthless.

    ¡°Grandma loves Er Bao the most too.¡± As she hugged her chubby grandson, Miao Jing felt that leading such a god-like life was wonderful. However,pared to the three children, if she was really given the opportunity to be a god, she would never exchange them for that.

    After sessfully defeating their father, the baddie, Er Bao fed a piece of fruit to Miao Jing. ¡°Grandma, this is a banana. It¡¯s especially soft. Eat it. After eating it, I¡¯ll get more for you.¡± It was soft and delicious. He liked to eat it as well.

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Sheng always knew that his bootlicking skills paled inparison to his three children¡¯s. He and Zhai Hua were different when they were young. Upon thinking about Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng felt that she wasn¡¯t such a child. As such, their three children seemed to have self-learned this. Their words were like honey when they coaxed old people. Where had they inherited this from?

    Upon thinking again that all the old people from Qiao Nan¡¯s nursing home doted on the three children and took care of them like they were their biological grandchildren, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but hand it to the three children¡¯s charms.

    It was just that with more people doting on the three children, coupled with them growing up, the toy room originally prepared for the three children became a little insufficient.

    After San Bao reached two years old, not only was she asionally interested in toy cars and toy guns like Da Bao and Er Bao, but she also started to like dolls. Her dolls came in all sizes. Her stuffed toys that were the same height as her also upied a lot of space.

    It could be said that the games room initially prepared for the three children wouldn¡¯t look too big now if it was used by San Bao a lot. Of course, if the three children used it together, wouldn¡¯t it be too squeezy?

    In a ce like the capital, other people might becking a house, but the Zhai family and Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t. One had to know that among the things Zhu Chengqi left for Qiao Nan, not only was there financial liquidity, but there were also a lot of assets including numerous properties. In the capital, without relying on the Zhai family, Qiao Nan could have houses as well.

    It was just that to Qiao Nan, the Zhu family¡¯s matters weren¡¯t as blessed as that in her dream.

 Chapter 2403 - Not Even Asking (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2403: Not Even Asking (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Apart from using the Zhu family¡¯s money for good deeds, Qiao Nan never interfered in the Zhu family¡¯s other assets. Instead, she found others to manage them for her.

    She was afraid that she would be unable to control her emotions if she were to manage them herself.

    Wang Yang wanted to settle down in the capital, but after Zhu Chengqi¡¯s death, it was no longer so easy for Wang Yang to survive in the capital without Zhu Chengqi¡¯s help.

    Some time ago, Wang Yang had already fallen out with the Wang family.

    With that little sum of money in his hands, Wang Yang had already bought himself another vi in Ping Cheng for all three generations of his family. As for the Wang family¡¯s old vi, he had already made himself clear that he had no intention of taking ownership of it. His dad could have it to pay for his old age. Even if he returned to Ping Cheng to develop his career, he would never try to appear in front of the Wang family, much less live in the Wang family¡¯s old vi.

    Not only was his virge and spacious, but more importantly, it was also new! Gifts blinded the eyes. Since he was living on his own, the Wang family would never be able to do anything to him no matter how dissatisfied they were with him.

    It was true that Zhu Chengqi was no longer around, but he still had everything that Zhu Chengqi had given to him before his death. No matter how much the Wang family hated him, they would never have the ability to deal with him. Besides, could they even do anything to him? After all, he was the most outstanding person in the whole Wang family. It was good enough that he was not making the Wang family¡¯s lives difficult on the ounts that they had once been rtives.

    It wouldn¡¯t be so easy for the Wang family to do anything to Wang Yang.

    Because of the Zhu family¡¯s assets, the Wang family had been displeased with Qiao Nan and wanted to threaten Qiao Nan using the Qiao family so that they would get some benefits out of her. But Wang Yang had not even managed to get a single cent of the Zhu family¡¯s assets with his status and position. Did his poor rtives think that they would seed?

    If they really won against that wretched girl, Qiao Nan, their children would definitely reach Wang Yang¡¯s level, at the very least. Qiao Nan was truly outstanding now, but there was no way she would be able to leave the Qiao family in the lurch or not acknowledge them in the least bit.

    The Wang family had put all of their hopes and dreams on Qiao Nan and had not analyzed the situation rationally at all.

    The Wang family had not done much against Wang Yang, and yet, Wang Yang had chosen to sever all ties between them all the same without any hesitation.

    On the other hand, however, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had indeed wronged Qiao Nan time and time again. If not for Qiao Nan¡¯s good fortune and persistence, anyone in her situation would have gone crazy given these two women¡¯s treatment toward Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan only had her own persistence to thank for the blissful life she was enjoying now.

    It was not iprehensible for Qiao Nan to be unwilling to care about the Qiao family now. Could it possibly be harder to understand than how Wang Yang had severed his ties with the Wang family?

    Besides, Qiao Nan was no longer the same Qiao Nan of the past. Because she had married Zhai Sheng, she had be the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, basically a chief¡¯s wife. Anyone with a sound mind would know not to offend or provoke Qiao Nan. They would simply be depressed about how they had no rtions to the Qiao family. Otherwise, they would have been able to use Qiao Nan to take advantage of the Zhai family.

    Provoking Qiao Nan was no different from courting death.

    But the Wang family was outrageously bold and seemed to be willing to go all the way with everything they did. As such, one could only imagine what had resulted from those actions. They had simply dug their own graves.

    Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t dealt with Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi even with what they had done to her in the past. But it wouldn¡¯t be so easy for anyone else to target Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Sheng had connections in Ping Cheng, and Zhai Hua lived in Ping Cheng too.

    After Qiao Dongliang moved out, Qiao Zijin had always been living in the quad with Ding Jiayi. As such, the Wang family did not have many opportunities to deal with this pair of mother and daughter. Qiao Zijin had no intention of leaving the house because she knew that she would definitely spend money once she left the house. Once she started spending, there would be no end to it. Ding Jiayi, on the other hand, had never been fond of going out apart from going to get groceries from the market.

    The mother and daughter stayed home all day, while the people whom the Wang family hired had no way of entering the quad. Even the northern quad was difficult to enter, much less the southern quad. The people hired by the Wang family kept surveince on Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi for several days, but they had not even gotten the slightest chance of striking.

    After all, Ding Jiayi only left the house in broad daylight. There were plenty of pedestrians on the streets at that time of the day, especially in the market where Ding Jiayi always visited. If they were to do anything to Ding Jiayi there and then, onlookers in the market would definitely call the police on them straightaway.

    Then, they would probably be caught within meters of Ding Jiayi!

    Everyone loved money, but not many were willing to go to jail just for the sake of earning some money. At least, the people hired by the Wang family had no interest in getting free meals from the government in this way. Even if they wanted to strike, they had to find a perfect time to do so.

    As the Wang family was waiting for this perfect opportunity to strike, Zhai Sheng had found out about their ns and had also arranged some events for the Wang family ahead of time, since they had been so free and bored to have thought of targeting Qiao Nan.

    It was truly too difficult for the Wang family to climb up thedder. On the contrary, they had no ability to resist being kicked down by someone above them, especially by someone like Zhai Sheng.

    In the government sector, there were too many boats chasing too few fish. People could only have the chance to rise up thedder when others got kicked down.

    The Wang family had already been rather corrupted from Old Master Wang¡¯s generation. Otherwise, how could the Wang family have been able to solve the matter of Zhu Baoguo¡¯s death so smoothly given their weak foundations?

    How had the Wang family gotten their money? It was obvious that they had gotten it through some illegal means. It was exactly because the Wang family did not have such a good family background that Father Wang had to marry Mother Zhu using all means necessary. This was not too different from what Qiu Qin had done with Qi Min.

    Such situations of marrying up didn¡¯t just happen in the business world but also in the political scene.

    The Wang family had never been too clean in their handlings. It was just that no one had tried to catch a chink in their armor. After all, it was inevitable for everyone to be exposed to such dealings from time to time in this political circle. It was hardly serious enough to force one out of the circle.. Otherwise, no one would be foolish enough to let others catch this chink in their armor.

 Chapter 2404 - Not Even Asking (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2404: Not Even Asking (3)</h4>

    Since everyone knew each other¡¯s situation, it was good enough to live in peace by keeping mum about the situation.

    If anyone dared to spill the tea about others, someone else would definitely step in to bring up their matters too. Then, everyone would go down together. No one would be spared.

    Zhai Sheng had silently broken this unspoken rule. But no one dared to go against Zhai Sheng. Besides, it was Zhai Sheng who had brought this matter up. If the Wang family truly got mad, they would have to direct their anger toward the Zhai family. But there was no way they would be able to rival the Zhai family and would have to bow down to the Zhai family instead.

    The moment Zhai Sheng appeared with his overwhelming power, the Wang family had no other choice but to back down. After all, they were no match for Zhai Sheng.

    They had had no luck in moving up the socialdder. In fact, with Zhai Sheng¡¯s lead, the Wang family had almost been torn apart. One could only imagine how miserable the Wang family¡¯s state was.

    Not only had they not gained any benefit at all, but they had even injured themselves badly in the process. More importantly, everyone in Ping Cheng now knew that the Zhai family and the Wang family were not on good terms. Anyone against the Wang family was a friend since they were their enemies¡¯ enemies. Thus, the Zhai family wouldn¡¯t do anything to them for the time being.

    In the same vein, an enemy¡¯s friends were enemies all the same.

    Anyone who walked close with the Wang family had reason to worry that they would be next in line now that Zhai Sheng had called the Wang family out.

    With this worry, those who had initially been on bad terms with the Wang family practically severed all ties with them, while those on average terms gradually distanced themselves from the Wang family, for fear of being dragged down.

    Of course, the Wang family had been infuriated by this situation. They hadn¡¯t even been able to attack the Qiao family, and yet, the Qiao family had already made them suffer a huge loss through the Zhai family. The world was upside down!

    The Wang family was nearly driven crazy. Not only had their children not been able to climb thedder, but they had even been dragged down!

    Once the news spread that they had provoked the Zhai family, everyone regarded the Wang family as jinxes. As such, it was obvious that the Wang family had no way of raising their children up to match Wang Yang¡¯s status and position nor making use of the Zhu family¡¯s assets. In fact, they had even ruined everything for themselves!

    The Wang family had never been too bold nor persistent to begin with. After having firsthand experience of Zhai Sheng¡¯s powers, their ns had failed before they had even gotten the chance to implement them.

    It was only when the Wang family stopped making trouble for Qiao Nan did Zhai Sheng get his men to stop their attacks against the Wang family. Although the Wang family was cowardly, they had some capabilities after having worked in the government sector for so many years.

    If they were to fire all of the Wang family from the government sector, it would create another problem of finding their recements. It wasn¡¯t so easy to hire talents. What if someone worse than the Wang family were to take their ces? Then, it wouldn¡¯t be beneficial to the state or the people either.

    Zhai Sheng was absolutely clear of that, and he would never gamble on the interests of the state and the people.

    The Wang family had not made that much trouble, and yet, their careers and families had already fallen to such lows. Because of that, Wang Yang had be much more outstanding in contrast.

    Through this incident, the Wang family had gained firsthand experience of Zhai Sheng¡¯s powers. They knew for a fact that they would never be able to deal with Qiao Nan, nor ever get their hands on the Zhu family¡¯s assets, as long as Zhai Sheng was around. As such, they had no choice but to give up for the time being.

    At some point in time, their ideas would finally be in sync.

    Both Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin felt that there was no way Qiao Nan would always have such good fortune. Even Qiu Chenxi, who had such a great family background, had only managed to remain as Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife for three short years. How could someone who couldn¡¯t even match up to Qiu Chenxi be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw and the chief¡¯s wife forever?

    Anyone who believed that was incredibly naive!

    There would eventuallye a day when Zhai Sheng would grow tired of Qiao Nan and divorce her.

    Then, Qiao Nan would lose Zhai Sheng¡¯s support, and the money from the Zhu family would mean nothing to her. She would be like a three-year-old with a stack of cash. Not only would she be defenseless, but she would even be ruined because of the enviable wealth that she had. There would surely be hordes of people who had their eyes on her.

    When that time came, it would be the chance for the Wang family to deal with Qiao Nan and to get Qiao Nan to spit up whatever rightfully belonged to them. Given the current situation, it would take only another few years for that to happen. As for the exact timing of that, it would depend on when Zhai Sheng decided to divorce Qiao Nan. Yes, the answer was that simple.

    If the Wang family were to pose such a question to Zhai Sheng, he would only express that he had been too softhearted and had gone too easy on the Wang family earlier. It was obvious that they had not learned their lesson at all.

    Nevertheless, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had averted disaster and had gone on with their lives peacefully with no knowledge that anything had ever been plotted against them.

    In the blink of an eye, a year had gone by. Throughout this period of time, Qiao Nan had never once been back to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard to visit Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin even when she returned to Ping Cheng. She would much rather not step into the Zhai family¡¯s house in the quad, staying in the Zhai family¡¯s old vi in Qingshui Town instead, than get close to those two women. Otherwise, she might very well be guilt-tripped into needing to visit and take care of Ding Jiayi.

    In the short span of a year, Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin had caused much less trouble than before. Qiao Nan was sure that this had something to do with the method she had employed.

    It was hard to say which one was Zhou Yu and which one was Huang Gai between Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin. Between the pair, it seemed like their roles changed constantly. To be honest, it seemed like they took advantage of each other.

    Qiao Nan thought that it was good enough that the mother-daughter pair lived their own lives well without causing anyone else harm.

    Although Qiao Dongliang had been slightly unused to it in the beginning when he had first lived apart from Ding Jiayi, he had gotten used to it over the past year. Besides, Qingshui Town was peaceful and quiet. In fact, Qiao Dongliang had realized over his stay there that Qingshui Town was perfect for retirement.

    Even Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin¡¯s existence could no longer affect Qiao Dongliang. As such, he led a blissful life in Qingshui Town. In theter part of the year, Qiao Dongliang had only talked about how leisurely andfortable his life was. He had never even mentioned Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin a single time in his conversations with Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2405 - Bad Temper (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2405: Bad Temper (1)</h4>

    He knew for a fact that Qiao Nan would inform him if anything happened to them. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t say anything, it meant that Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi were in good health even if they were not living a luxurious life.

    After knowing that, Qiao Dongliang had no interest in their lives anymore. Other than taking care of himself, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s only anticipation was meeting his grandchildren on holidays.

    Qiao Dongliang¡¯s looked better after getting rid of the negativities in his life. If his old friend from Ping Cheng saw him, he would be surprised to see how youthful Qiao Dongliang was.

    On the contrary, Ding Jiayi was suffering every day. Elders at her age should be enjoying a joyous and contented life.

    What about her? Her unfilial daughter wouldn¡¯t spend a single cent on her, and her older daughter would quarrel with her over money every day. All Qiao Zijin wanted was to take everything away from her.

    They were like archenemies.

    Since Ding Jiayi was sent to the hospital for food poisoning, the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and her went from bad to worse. They couldn¡¯t even pretend to be nice to each other.

    One saw money as something more important than her daughter, while the other thought that her mother was too old to hold onto any cash. Her mother was no longer as reliable as she had been before. In fact, she would say that it was unfortunate for Qiao Nan and her to be born into this family. Ding Jiayi had never been a parent that they could rely on.

    Knowing what kind of parent Ding Jiayi was, Qiao Zijin felt justified taking the money. Was Ding Jiayi expecting her to live on the streets with her son?

    Recalling Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed.

    Qiao Zijin rarely contacted Chen Jun. Actually, they didn¡¯t contact each other at all. She was still in the capital thest time they met. Chen Jun once said that he hoped to meet Zhai Sheng so that he could get closer to his once brother-inw. After all, they were ¡®rtives¡¯ for some time.

    His pride was worth nothing when it came to getting a promotion. To get on the Wang family¡¯s good side, he first agreed to hit on Qiao Nan before marrying Qiao Zijin. It was obvious that Chen Jun would do anything to get what he wanted.

    Compared to Qiao Zijin, he liked Qiao Nan more. In other words, Qiao Nan was the only woman he liked. Unfortunately, Chen Jun chose his career over Qiao Nan. He went into a rtionship with both of them for his future, so it was a given that he could ignore his feelings for Qiao Nan as he focused on his job.

    Qiao Nan had married Zhai Sheng anyway.

    Qiao Nan had rejected him three years ago, so there was no way that she would give up Zhai Sheng for him now. However, if Qiao Nan still treasured their memories and cared about Chen Feng, it would be a great opportunity for Chen Jun and his son.

    It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that he couldn¡¯t afford to miss.

    With such determination in mind, Chen Jun had already put his pride behind him. He wanted to get whatever he could from Qiao Nan to pave the path for him and his son. For that, he even contacted Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Jun¡¯s thoughts were idealistic. Before Qiao Zijin called Chen Jun to tell him to forget about Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, he had already figured things out for himself. He got the news that Wang Yang was in awsuit against Qiao Nan for the Zhu family¡¯s inheritance.

    Chen Jun had no choice but to be worried when Wang Yang and Qiao Nan got involved. He remembered clearly how he got to know Qiao Nan in the first ce, and he knew how furious Qiao Nan was when she found out the ugly truth about her first love.

    He lied to Qiao Nan about his love and cheated on her with Qiao Zijin. When Qiao Zijin was pregnant, he forced Qiao Nan to leave him. The ugly past was reminding Chen Jun that he had absolutely no right to show up before Qiao Nan again.

    If Qiao Nan held grudges against him for all his wrongdoings, she could destroy him with her power and authority.

    In the end, he might lose everything that he had.

    After considering the risks, Chen Jun decided to tuck his tail and live a normal life.

    Since Chen Jun didn¡¯t contact Qiao Zijin, she had a rough idea of his decision. It didn¡¯t take long for her to forget about the incident. She thought that this meant that she wouldn¡¯t see Chen Jun again until the end of his life. However, she didn¡¯t expect that day toe so soon. ¡°What? Are you sure that Chen Jun is dying?¡±

    At first, Qiao Zijin thought that it was ame scam call that would never work on her. She wouldn¡¯t be worried if a man like Chen Jun were on his deathbed. In fact, she might be d to witness his death.

    Chen Jun was wealthy, and he had everything he needed. She was the tragic one that deserved a little financial help.

    Why would he be calling her? She no longer had anything to do with Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to hang up the phone, but the man on the phone continued. ¡°Mr. Chen¡¯s situation isplicated, and we will have to meet up for the details. Your son is still a teenager, and he will need a legal guardian. For now, it seems like that person has to be you.¡±

 Chapter 2406 - Bad Temper (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2406: Bad Temper (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression changed. ¡°That bastard! Is he trying to bully Feng Feng after marrying another woman?¡±

    If that was the case, Chen Jun deserved to die!

    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Madam Qiao. It¡¯s impossible to settle this on-call, so please pay us a visit.¡±

    ¡°Fine, send me the address.¡± Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t care less about Chen Jun¡¯s condition, but she couldn¡¯t bear to let her son suffer.

    Qiao Zijin had already made up her mind. If Chen Jun had the guts to treat Chen Feng like how he treated her, she would ask Qiao Nan for help. Even if she had to kneel before Qiao Nan and do everything Qiao Nan pleased, she would do it to protect her son.

    When she had to go up against someone like Chen Jun, Qiao Nan was the only card in her hand.

    Qiao Zijin was prepared for a rough battle as she ran through the worst possibilities in her head. However, when she arrived at the address, Chen Jun was the only one she saw in the istion room. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where is my son? I¡¯m here to see Feng Feng.¡±

    She knew that Chen Jun didn¡¯t want to see her, and that feeling was mutual. To Qiao Zijin, Chen Feng was the only one that mattered.

    Seeing Chen Jun instead of her son was really setting Qiao Zijin off.

    ¡°Hi, Madam Qiao. I am thewyer working for Chen Jun, and I will be discussing the right of custody of your child.¡±

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face sank when she heard that Chen Jun had hired awyer. ¡°Is the Chen family trying to oppress us with thew? Do you really think that I am alone in this fight? Qiao Nan is my blood-bound sister, and she would take my side even if we are on bad terms. Is Chen Jun too stupid to understand that?¡±

    Did he want to ditch Feng Feng and hand the Chen family over to his new son? Dream on!

    ¡°Madam Qiao, please calm down. That is not what we mean. Chen Feng is currently the only child of Mr. Chen.¡± Thewyer wasn¡¯t surprised. Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t the first one that raised such a suspicion as there had been such cases in the past.

    ¡°Mr. Chen is ill, and his condition no longer allows him to look after his only son, Chen Feng. Therefore, he had no choice but to hand over Chen Feng¡¯s custody to you. Do not worry about the Chen family¡¯s inheritance. Mr. Chen had written a power of attorney to hand over all inheritance to your son, Chen Feng. Before Chen Feng reaches eighteen, we will be holding onto the inheritance. You will not have to pay for Chen Feng¡¯s living expenses and educational fees, and all properties of the Chen family will be handed over once Chen Feng bes an adult.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qiao Zijin was doubtful. ¡°Why does it sound like a trap to me? What does Chen Jun want? Also, what illness does he have that puts him in an istion room?¡±

    What disease did Chen Jun have?

    ¡°About that¡­¡± Thewyer didn¡¯t want to tell her. It was a rather embarrassing thing to say, both to him and Chen Jun.

    ¡°What is it? You couldn¡¯t tell me on the phone, and you are still hesitating when I¡¯m here. What exactly is going on?¡± The more thewyer hesitated, the more suspicious Qiao Zijin became.

    The pair weren¡¯t married for a long time, but it was enough for Qiao Zijin to tell that Chen Jun was not a responsible man. If he were a dutiful husband, he wouldn¡¯t have messed around with other women.

    Although the inheritance was for Chen Feng only, Qiao Zijin was still skeptical about the offer. She was afraid that it was yet another sugarcoated trap.

    She had to figure everything out before epting the offer. It wasn¡¯t just for herself, but for Chen Feng, too. She wouldn¡¯t let greed steer her will of protecting her son.

    Compared to her son, money didn¡¯t seem that important anymore.

    Thewyer let out a sigh. ¡°How about meeting Mr. Chen¡¯s parents? You were once a family, and it might be better to talk it out among yourselves.¡±

    Since Chen Feng¡¯s custody would soon belong to Madam Qiao, she had the responsibility to inform the elders.

    As if it weren¡¯t tough enough for the elders to see their son off, their only grandson had to leave. Thewyer figured that the elders would eventually follow their grandson after looking after Chen Jun for a while. After all, Chen Jun¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t looking good.

    Of course, he could only keep these thoughts to himself. As awyer, he wouldn¡¯t interfere with the Chen family¡¯s personal matters.

    It had been years since Qiao Zijinst met her son, so she agreed to meet the elders. When the four of them finally got together, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Chen Feng. The boy had grown taller, and he had a slim figure. The only problem was that he was looking more like Chen Jun, and that made Qiao Zijin slightly ufortable. She tried to convince herself that Chen Jun had a handsome face. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons she tried to steal Chen Jun from Qiao Nan was his looks.

    Since her son got his looks from Chen Jun, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about finding a girlfriend in the future.

    What shocked Qiao Zijin was the condition of Chen Jun¡¯s parents. Just four years ago, the arrogant and condescending elders were full of life. Now, it seemed like their age had finally caught up as their once dark hair turned gray.

    What disease did Chen Jun have to send the elders through such torment?

 Chapter 2407 - Bad Temper (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2407: Bad Temper (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Feng Feng.¡± Mother Chen reluctantly pushed her grandson toward Qiao Zijin. ¡°Zijin, let bygones be bygones. Feng Feng is your only son. Pay more attention to him and don¡¯t lead a sloppy life like before¡­¡± Otherwise, her good grandson would be led astray.

    Mother Chen was worried to hand her grandson over to Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin herself was led astray. How could she possibly teach her grandson well? However, her son had fallen ill and they were already old. Aside from handing Feng Feng over to Qiao Zijin for her to take care of him, they had no other choice.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t always reliable. However, they believed that in the face of Feng Feng, her biological son, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t treat Chen Feng the same way as she did Qiao Nan. Even a vicious tiger would not eat its cubs. As long as Qiao Zijin was willing to take care of Chen Feng and not teach him lousy worldviews, it was more reliable for Qiao Zijin than them, the old couple, to take care of Chen Feng.

    If they had known about today, they should have managed Chen Jun back then and not let him get a divorce with Qiao Zijin. They also shouldn¡¯t have allowed Chen Jun to have affairs outside. They shouldn¡¯t have felt that Qiao Zijin was not worthy of their son and that he had suffered grievance to marry Qiao Zijin for the sake of their grandson. As such, the old couple turned a blind eye to Chen Jun¡¯s affairs. Who would have thought that Chen Jun would be like this today?

    If they were stricter toward Chen Jun, their Chen family could still lead a very happy life.

    Qiao Zijin was not surprised that her son was still not as close to her as before. She didn¡¯t feel particrly ufortable as well. She felt that it was good that her son wasn¡¯t close to her. If he was close to her, his temper would be like hers and Qiao Zijin knew that Chen Feng would definitely not be able to mingle well in this society. Her only expectation of Chen Feng was for him to acknowledge her as his mother. By then, she could be like her mother and he could be like Qiao Nan, giving her some money monthly so that she would not go hungry.

    ¡°Feng Feng, why don¡¯t you do your homework first? I¡¯ll have a chat with your grandparents.¡± After seeing her son, Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart felt calmer. She wouldn¡¯t blink an eye if everyone from the Chen family was dead. It was good as long as her son was still around.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Feng could guess what had happened at home. He also knew that he would be living with Qiao Zijin, his biological mother, very soon. In the face of his biological mother, Chen Feng feltplicated in his heart. He hated Qiao Zijin a little. It had been three to four years. During this long period of time, his mother had never called him or visited him. They didn¡¯t have the slightest contact at all, and it was as if he didn¡¯t exist.

    Even if Chen Feng was not very close to Qiao Zijin, it didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t long for her affection at all.

    After Chen Feng left, she heard her ex-parents-inw mention Chen Jun¡¯s illness. Qiao Zijin was so angry that her face turned green. ¡°What? Chen Jun contracted AIDS?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was shocked. Qiao Nan, who had received the same piece of news around the same time, was also shocked. ¡°Brother Zhai, is this true? Could it be a rumor?¡±

    After thewsuit with Wang Yang was over, although Qiao Nan obviously knew that Chen Jun and Wang Yang were up to no good previously, she gradually erased Chen Jun from her memories as if he didn¡¯t exist at all.

    It was unexpected that she would be so shocked when Zhai Sheng casually shared a piece of news with her. ¡°Brother Zhai, let me calm down first. Oh, right. How did you know about Chen Jun¡¯s matters so clearly?¡± If Brother Zhai didn¡¯t mention it today, she really almost couldn¡¯t remember such a person anymore.

    How was Qiao Nan willing to spend time and effort to remember a person whom she couldn¡¯t even be bothered to take revenge from?

    Those activities nned by Qiao Nan were carried out one after another. Qiao Nan was already so busy with her own matters. How would she have any energy left to think about Chen Jun?

    ¡°It¡¯s true. The doctor¡¯s diagnosis came out only yesterday. At first, Chen Jun was skeptical. There¡¯s an incubation period for AIDS, thus nothing could be confirmed in a short period of time.¡± He long had doubts about it. After all, Chen Jun had affairs with indecent women. He only went to confirm if he had AIDS after knowing that the other party contracted AIDS. To Chen Jun, this process was long and tormenting.

    Chen Jun probably felt like dying when he knew about this result.

    As the saying goes, lust is dangerous. This wasn¡¯t a joke at all.

    Why did Zhai Sheng care so much about Chen Jun¡¯s situation? Who asked Chen Jun to be Qiao Nan¡¯s first love? Chen Jun¡¯s appearance and his rtionship with Qiao Nan were impure as he had ulterior motives. Furthermore, Chen Jun had a son with Qiao Zijin. He was such aplicated character. Zhai Sheng felt that it was necessary for him to pay attention to Chen Jun¡¯s matters.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. She didn¡¯t know what she should say at this moment. She knew that she was lucky that Qiao Zijin appeared midway to pull her back from Chen Jun, a wrong path. That was how she didn¡¯t miss out on Zhai Sheng. Although happiness arrivedte, it was better than not arriving at all.

    Regardless of if it was in her dream or not, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t manage to get together with Chen Jun. She wasn¡¯t sure if Chen Jun would be such a scumbag as he was now if she was together with him. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to know this answer at all.

    Thus, she felt that Qiao Zijin could be husband and wife with Chen Jun in the end as they were the same type of people. How was it strange that they were married?

    Thankfully, she had long understood that losing a scumbag like Chen Jun was definitely something good to her. If she married Chen Jun, she didn¡¯t need to live any longer. ¡°You¡¯re saying that Qiao Zijin has already gone to find Chen Jun? So she should know about this too?¡±

    When they first got a divorce, Qiao Zijin looked as if the sky had copsed. She kicked up a fuss, crying herself to death. She even said that she had caused her her divorce. Now that she knew Chen Jun had contracted such an illness, Qiao Zijin must be feeling thankful that she divorced Chen Jun early.

    Who wouldn¡¯t feel that they were extremely unlucky to run into such an incident? Her husband had an affair, and he even brought back such a dirty disease to spread to her. This would be a devastating blow to any woman in this world. Qiao Nan closed her eyes and felt that this happened too suddenly and it was too scary.

    Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s face change, Zhai Sheng hugged her in his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not our family¡¯s matters. Qiao Zijin has already gone to look for him. She should be the one who¡¯s worried, not us. If I had known that you would be so frightened, I wouldn¡¯t have told you.¡±

    How should he put it? Even if Zhai Sheng was a man, as long as he cared about Qiao Nan and really loved her, he would have a small temper at times.

 Chapter 2408 - Good Fortune (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2408: Good Fortune (1)</h4>

    Zhai Sheng was Qiao Nan¡¯s first marriage and Qiao Nan was Zhai Sheng¡¯s first love.

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s first love, Zhai Sheng naturally found Chen Jun not pleasing to the eye. He also hoped Qiao Nan understood that Chen Jun couldn¡¯t bepared to him. The only thing that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t consider was the bold Qiao Nan¡¯s face could change when she found out about Chen Jun¡¯s illness.

    How were his thoughts more important than Qiao Nan? As such, when Qiao Nan became frightened, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but me his jealousy. He wondered if his IQ had been affected by the three children recently as he had been ying with them more frequently.

    The triplets looked up and pouted unhappily. Bad Dad. He always snatched their mom away from them. He didn¡¯t allow them to get close to their mom and always hugged her behind their backs. Sigh, why was it that they had such a father? He obviously had a mother too. He could hug their grandma. How embarrassing was it for him to always snatch their mom away from them?

    As the eldest, Da Bao touched San Bao¡¯s face and gave her his favorite toy. ¡°San Bao, be obedient. I¡¯ll y with you.¡± Indeed, a character like his father was detestable.

    However, their grandpa said that he was the elder brother and he needed to take good care of Er Bao and San Bao. Their grandma also said not to be calctive toward their father as he was more sensible and obedient than him.

    After thinking about their grandpa¡¯s and grandma¡¯s words andforting himself, Da Bao yed well with Er Bao and San Bao. They ignored their parents, who were stuck like glue together now.

    As she nestled herself in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, Qiao Nan felt that her body temperature rose a little again. ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t tell me about Chen Jun¡¯s matters anymore. I don¡¯t want to know his matters.¡± With Chen Jun like this now, Chen Feng would definitely be following his mother, Qiao Zijin, in the future.

    If it was possible, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to know what would happen to Chen Feng¡¯s and Qiao Zijin¡¯s lives in the future.

    Zhai Sheng had already regretted mentioning it for the first time.

    Without Qiao Nan having to say so, it was impossible for Zhai Sheng to talk about Chen Jun in front of Qiao Nan in the future. Indeed, Chen Jun¡¯s matter was a little ufortable to the ears.

    Before Zhai Sheng got married to Qiao Nan, he wasn¡¯t someone who liked to mess around.

    Even during his three-year marriage with Qiu Chenxi, it was justifiable for him to touch Qiu Chenxi, let alone spend time outside. Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t that Qiu Chenxi wasn¡¯t willing to sleep with Zhai Sheng. Zhai Sheng himself wasn¡¯t willing to touch Qiu Chenxi.

    Speaking of this, many people felt that Zhai Sheng was a strange character in the men¡¯s world.

    Qiu Chenxi was so good-looking. Both of them were even legitimate husband and wife.

    No man could understand it. No matter how few opportunities there were in those three years, how did Zhai Sheng manage to not sleep with Qiu Chenxi when they were already lying on the same bed? He even let Qiu Chenxi have an affair outside.

    Amazing, wasn¡¯t it?

    It wasn¡¯t only outsiders who had such thoughts. Even the Zhai family couldn¡¯t understand it.

    The only difference was that the Zhai family was family. They could more or less still understand some matters.

    Under such circumstances, people couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the two possibilities why Zhai Sheng never touched Qiu Chenxi.

    Number one, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like women. As such, when the beautiful Qiu Chenxi was lying next to Zhai Sheng, he didn¡¯t have any reaction at all. It was understandable why Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t willing to touch Qiu Chenxi then.

    Number two, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t a man. He didn¡¯t have the impulse and desire like a normal man.

    Before Zhai Sheng married Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua was actually leaning more toward the second possibility.

    There was no choice. The men in their Zhai family loved being soldiers. Zhai Sheng often went out on missions and had suffered both big and small injuries. Zhai Sheng himself probably couldn¡¯t remember these clearly.

    After suffering so many injuries, nobody knew if Zhai Sheng was injured in that area before.

    To men, such a thing was disgraceful. If this was true and she went to ask if this was the case for Zhai Sheng, wouldn¡¯t she be revealing Zhai Sheng¡¯s scars?

    Furthermore, Zhai Hua had not gotten a divorce from Wei De back then.

    Wei De didn¡¯t care if Zhai Sheng was no longer a man or if he really just didn¡¯t want to get married. He needed to know if Zhai Sheng was going to have children.

    If Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have children, his daughter, Jiajia, would be the Zhai family¡¯s only junior.

    It was alright if Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have a son. He had one. Jiajia grew up with Wei Wei since they were young. If Jiajia benefited in the future, she would definitely be willing to help Wei Wei.

    Also, Jiajia was a girl. For a situation like the Zhai family, it was more suitable to groom his Wei Wei.

    On the contrary, if Zhai Sheng wanted to get married and have children, no matter if this child was going to be a boy or girl, it had nothing to do with his own family in the future anymore.

    If Zhai Sheng had a son and he inherited his father¡¯s business, everything was really over. He no longer had to think about it.

    There was a fifty percent chance that Zhai Sheng was going to be a father-inw in the future. The problem was that if Zhai Sheng had a daughter, he would definitely have a son-inw.

    Under the influence of the Zhai family, they might be shameless enough to buy a son-inw back for this child.

    If that was the case, the Zhai family would definitely use their own resources to groom this son-inw. Once they had a grandson in the future, Zhai Sheng no longer needed to worry if everything from the Zhai family could be passed down from generation to generation.

    Not to mention how many things the Zhai family left behind, they needed to be passed down from generation to generation. As a traditional Chinese, it was very natural to have traditional thoughts.

    No matter what it was for, the continuation and inheritance of life was the foundation for humans to survive in this world to date.

    Once Zhai Sheng got married, the benefits he could get from marrying Zhai Hua would bergely discounted. The more Zhai Sheng was unwilling to get married, the happier Wei De felt in his heart.

    It was rare that Zhai Hua, as the sister, would want to care about Zhai Sheng. In the end, Wei De would always stop her. When Wei De was trying to stop her, he would deliberately mention how difficult it was for the two of them to be finally together as a metaphor.

    They had walked this path before. They knew how difficult it was to want to maintain their own happiness.

    Zhai Sheng was Zhai Hua¡¯s only biological brother. Could it be that Zhai Hua wanted Zhai Sheng to walk their old path and let him suffer the same way they did back then?

    To parents, the pain that fell on their children was more heartbreaking than the pain that fell on themselves.

    Back then, Zhai Hua had fallen out with her family as she insisted on marrying Wei De. So many years had passed. The couple knew in their hearts that even though Zhai Hua managed to marry her ¡®true love¡¯ in the end, she was not happy at all after that argument.

 Chapter 2409

    <h4>Chapter 2409: Good Fortune (2)</h4>

    She could simrly imagine how ufortable her parents felt in their hearts after she got married.

    Even if she was the one who had gotten her wish, nobody in the Zhai family was happy because of that marriage. Had it been another person in her shoes, she was afraid that the result would have been the same as hers back then.

    If they forced Zhai Sheng to marry, it was either he wouldpromise and suffer grievances or resist to the end and not ept such a result.

    It didn¡¯t matter who made concessions in the end during this entire process. What was more important was that even if such a result was achieved, nobody in the Zhai family would be happy.

    What was the point of tormenting themselves such that nobody ended up happy?

    Back then, Zhai Hua still had a good rtionship with Wei De, so she listened to his words. Even if she wanted to show concern to Zhai Sheng and ask him the real reason why he was so reluctant to get married, she would give up in the end because of Wei De¡¯s persuasion as she was deeply afraid that her concern would cause Zhai Sheng to be hurt a second time.

    Thankfully, the Zhai family waited until Zhai Sheng brought back Qiao Nan, which was an answer that satisfied them.

    Zhai Sheng was such a serious and decent person. If he didn¡¯t like her, he wouldn¡¯t even be willing to touch his legitimate wife, let alone meet other women. He simply couldn¡¯t understand what Chen Jun was thinking. Not only did he flirt outside, but he even contracted such a dirty disease.

    Didn¡¯t Chen Jun pay attention to this aspect at all?

    Great, Chen Jun got into trouble now. If he wasn¡¯t careful in the future, he might even end up dead anytime.

    After learning about Chen Jun¡¯s situation, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know how she should react.

    She felt disgusted. It was so disgusting that she felt like vomiting.

    She couldn¡¯t help but suspect if the Chen Jun she had married to for more than ten years in the past was the same Chen Jun that was lying in the hospital now. Had Chen Jun never seen a woman or slept with a woman before? Couldn¡¯t he be more selective?

    Just like what Qiao Nan had guessed, the Qiao Zijin now felt extremely thankful that Chen Jun never liked her. Back then, if she didn¡¯t make Chen Jun drunk so that he would sleep with her and get her pregnant with Chen Feng, how would she have be Mrs. Chen?

    After knowing that Chen Jun didn¡¯t want her and that Chen Jun was a flirtatious man to begin with, Qiao Zijin slowly felt that she had made a bad decision back then.

    The problem was that with Chen Jun¡¯s background and position, did he have to be so shameless just to y with women?

    What kind of premises was he under that he could contract such a terrifying dirty disease?

    Before they were divorced, Chen Jun preferred to fool around with other women outside than bother with her. Back then, Qiao Zijin felt aggrieved.

    She didn¡¯t understand. Was she that bad?

    If she was that bad, how did Chen Jun sleep with her before their marriage such that she could be pregnant with Feng Feng?

    Could it be that the person who slept with her back then wasn¡¯t Chen Jun?

    Also, before the two of them got married and she had a showdown with Qiao Nan, she had indeed yed tricks during her first time with Chen Jun. However, Chen Feng wasn¡¯t conceived because of that one time, alright? Before their marriage, Chen Jun had also slept with her a few times.

    Her grievances in the past now became the things to rejoice in now.

    If Chen Jun had contracted AIDS a few years earlier when they were still married, they should have found out about this a long time ago. How could it drag on for four to five years?

    However, as Chen Jun¡¯s ex-wife and a person who had slept with Chen Jun on the same bed for more than ten years, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but be worried and scared.

    If she insisted on not getting a divorce from Chen Jun four to five years ago, then the person lying in the hospital today would definitely not be just Chen Jun alone. She would not be able to run away from this as well.

    Chen Jun only remembered that Chen Feng had Qiao Zijin as a mother and wanted to entrust him to her care only after something happened to him.

    Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but shiver. If they didn¡¯t get a divorce, based on Chen Jun¡¯s habit of sleeping with other women outside, she would definitely not be able to run away from this as well.

    By then, her son would have two parents who had AIDS.

    Her ex-parents-inw were already old. They could be considered to be helping Feng Feng if they didn¡¯t hinder him, let alone take care of him.

    If that was the case, what would happen to her Feng Feng?

    Her Feng Feng was still young. Without his parents¡¯ care, and given that his grandparents were so old, no one could take care of her Feng Feng. Feng Feng would only have a group of people burdening him¡­

    Just thinking about Chen Feng having such a future, Qiao Zijin felt so ufortable that she couldn¡¯t breathe. She felt like she was having a heart attack.

    Upon seeing Qiao Zijin holding her heart for a long time, Father Chen and Mother Chen were shocked. ¡°Zijin, what happened to you? Are you feeling unwell? Is your chest feeling ufortable? Should we call a doctor for you?¡± Anyway, they were quite near to the hospital. If something really happened to Qiao Zijin, it was quite easy for the doctor toe over and check on Qiao Zijin. It wouldn¡¯t dy the treatment time at all.

    However, if such a situation really happened, what would happen to their Feng Feng?

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t in good health. How would she have the energy to take care of Feng Feng?

    Upon thinking that their pitiful grandson no longer had the care of his father, would their grandson still be able to survive if his mother wasn¡¯t in good health as well? Would there still be a descendent of their Chen family?

    Could it be that if their grandson wanted to lead a good life, they had to turn to Qiao Nan and beg her to take care of their grandson and raise him up well?

    A few years ago, before Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, Father Chen already felt that the possibility of this was slim.

    No matter how good his son was, he wasn¡¯t the only man left in this world. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s temper, how would she be willing to reconcile with Chen Jun?

    Father Chen really felt that Qiao Nan was a good girl, even though the Qiao family¡¯s conditions weren¡¯t too good.

    The problem was that the Qiao family¡¯s situation couldn¡¯t conceal how outstanding Qiao Nan was.

    Before Qiao Nan married over, she had already done a big favor to their Chen family and let Chen Jun get to know Wang Yang.

    Father Chen felt that there was some truth to what the elders said. Between Qiao Nan and Chen Jun, Qiao Nan was definitely bringing him luck.

    Father Chen wasn¡¯t picky if such a girl was married over to their Chen family. He felt that Qiao Nan was qualified to be his daughter-inw.

    Father Chen knew thatpared to the Qiao family¡¯s conditions, his family¡¯s conditions were much better.

 Chapter 2410

    <h4>Chapter 2410: Good Fortune (3)</h4>

    The old Father Chen understood that if he knew Qiao Nan was good, the rest wouldn¡¯t be blind and not know that she was good as well.

    He could see Qiao Nan¡¯s merits. Even if there weren¡¯t a lot, sooner orter, other old people like him would be able to see her merits as well.

    To Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi, she was an old virgin who couldn¡¯t get married. In Father Chen¡¯s heart, she had a good image. The score he gave Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t low.

    Qiao Nan was good, but their Chen family was not lucky enough.

    After that, Chen Jun went to find Qiao Nan, but she personally rejected him. Within a year, Qiao Nan even got married to Zhai Sheng. Father Chen no longer had any ideas about Qiao Nan.

    However, the current situation made Father Chen extremely worried and he couldn¡¯t help but think that if both Qiao Zijin and Chen Jun had problems at the same time, Qiao Nan, as Chen Feng¡¯s biological aunt, was their onlyst hope for help.

    What?

    Let Qiao Dongliang or Ding Jiayi raise Chen Feng up?

    Father Chen and Mother Chen immediately dispelled this thought when they thought of the living example of Qiao Zijin.

    Rather than let their grandson grow up under the hands of Ding Jiayi and be like Qiao Zijin who was unreasonable and brainless, they¡¯d rather their grandson support himself without anyone taking care of him and grow up slowly and suffer more during this process.

    One had to know that if their grandson relied on his own efforts to survive and grow, it would be worthwhile even though it was going to be tougher on him.

    On the contrary, if their grandson grew up with Ding Jiayi, an unusual grandma, they were afraid that the formidable Ding Jiayi would teach him to be the second Qiao Zijin and destroy the only descendant of their Chen family.

    They would definitely not allow such a thing to happen.

    They had been divorced for several years now. After leaving the Qiao family and moving out of the Chen family, Qiao Zijin had not lived the past few years for nothing.

    Even if Father Chen and Mother Chen didn¡¯t say anything and were just looking at her with concern, Qiao Zijin could tell from the bodynguage of her ex-parents-inw what their thoughts and considerations were.

    ¡°I know Feng Feng likes Qiao Nan since young and she has raised him up well. However, you also know that not only is Qiao Nan married now, but she even gave birth to triplets for Zhai Sheng. She has two sons and a daughter¡­¡±

    Speaking of this situation, Qiao Zijin paused for a while and deliberately sized up her ex-parents-inw.

    Indeed, when they heard that Qiao Nan gave birth to triplets and there were even two boys and a girl, the envy and regret in their eyes nearly angered Qiao Zijin until she wanted to fall out with them and leave.

    Did they really think that she was so bad and wasn¡¯t worthy to be Feng Feng¡¯s mother? Did they also think that Qiao Nan was the best? If that was the case, why did the Chen family approach her first and not call Qiao Nan when they knew Chen Jun was in trouble and couldn¡¯t be saved?

    Was she the second-best choice because her ex-parents-inw couldn¡¯t find Qiao Nan?

    Upon thinking about this possibility, Qiao Zijin was so angry that she wanted to leave immediately.

    However, there was no choice. She appeared at this ce now not as the identity of someone¡¯s daughter or someone¡¯s sister. She was Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother. She was the most qualified person in this world to take care of Chen Feng after something happened to Chen Jun.

    Qiao Zijin was already so angry that she wanted to spit fire, but she had to take a deep breath and hold back the fire for her son¡¯s sake.

    It wasn¡¯t only today that she found out how much Chen Jun¡¯s parents despised her and how much they liked Qiao Nan.

    It was still alright now. Chen Jun¡¯s parents were her ex-parents-inw.

    A few years ago, before she and Chen Jun were divorced, these two elders always found her to be an eyesore and looked at her as if she couldn¡¯t bepared to Qiao Nan at all, and that hurt.

    Back then, in Ding Jiayi¡¯s eyes, Qiao Nan could never bepared to Qiao Zijin.

    Who knew that after getting married, Qiao Zijin¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s rtionship becamepletely reversed in the eyes of the Chen family?

    As such, unless it was necessary, even the pregnant Qiao Zijin never appeared much in front of Father Chen and Mother Chen and would always hide as far as possible from them so that she would not be hurt by her parents-inw¡¯s look.

    Upon encountering such a situation, most people would treat Qiao Nan better as they understood that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t like her. They would persuade Ding Jiayi not to have such opinions and great dissatisfaction toward Qiao Nan.

    However, was Qiao Zijin ¡®most people¡¯? She was extraordinary.

    Not only did Qiao Zijin not pity and understand Qiao Nan because of this situation, but she even felt that Qiao Nan deliberately yed tricks for want of revenge because she had snatched Chen Jun from her. As such, she hated Qiao Nan more and couldn¡¯t bear for her to lead a good life.

    Speaking of this, for Qiao Nan to have the opportunity to meet Zhai Sheng when she was close to forty years old and marry him, Qiao Zijin was considered indispensable.

    She always said to Ding Jiayi that if Qiao Nan got married, her inws would definitely take away Qiao Nan¡¯s monthly sry and not let her use the sry she had earned to support them.

    Qiao Nan was brought up by the Qiao family. Her life was given to her by the Qiao family as well.

    Why was it that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t give the money she had earned to the Qiao family? On what basis should the daughter she had raised benefit others in the future? It was as if she was raising a daughter for others.

    On the contrary, as long as Qiao Nan didn¡¯t get married temporarily and stayed at home to be an old daughter, she would have to care about her family and continue to provide for Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.

    In short, Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had given birth to Qiao Nan. Rather than letting Qiao Nan spend her money on others, she should naturally let Ding Jiayi use the money instead.

    After being instigated by Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi thought carefully and felt the same way.

    Qiao Nan had just broken up with Chen Jun. She was also looking at the pregnant Qiao Zijin getting married to Chen Jun.

    It was normal for Qiao Nan, who was hurt in rtionships, to not want to marry within a short period of time. However, after a long time, Qiao Nan could always meet a satisfactory marriage partner.

    It was up to Ding Jiayi to keep a tight watch on her.

    Qiao Zijin was all talk while Ding Jiayi was all action. Indeed, Qiao Nan was controlled tightly. Initially, she didn¡¯t want to get married temporarily. Later, she was controlled by Ding Jiayi so much that she didn¡¯t dare to find a marriage partner.

    Qiao Zijin had never forgotten all of this.

    Different from Qiao Zijin, after Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, Ding Jiayi expressed that it was all her credit that Qiao Nan could marry well. Without her, would Qiao Nan have such a blessing?

    If she didn¡¯t keep a tight watch on Qiao Nan previously, how would she be blessed enough to marry Zhai Sheng now? That said, Qiao Nan had borrowed her blessing as a mother to be blessed now.

 Chapter 2411

    <h4>Chapter 2411: Second Reincarnation (1)</h4>

    It was all thanks to her that Qiao Nan had a great ¡®second reincarnation¡¯. So what if she was more bad-tempered and didn¡¯t treat Qiao Nan well in the past? Qiao Nan had to listen to her words and be more filial to her than before.

    Ding Jiayi dared to have such thoughts, dared to say such things, and dared to do such things. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t. She was extremely careful and didn¡¯t want to let the cat out of the bag.

    Ding Jiayi gave birth to Qiao Nan. No matter how thick-skinned and shameless she was, Qiao Nan had to tolerate it and couldn¡¯t scold her.

    Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan belonged to the same generation. All these years, she had been taking advantage of Qiao Nan via Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin instigated Ding Jiayi to do so as she wanted her to keep a tight watch on Qiao Nan so that Qiao Nan could be her ve this lifetime and the money Qiao Nan earned could be in her pockets.

    As she was different from Ding Jiayi in terms of identity and stand, no matter how good she was at making things up, she couldn¡¯t say that everything she did before was actually for Qiao Nan¡¯s good.

    She was willing to say that she had long expected Qiao Nan¡¯s blessings to be in herter years and that Zhai Sheng was her destined partner. It was just that they didn¡¯t have the chance to be together until they reached Qiao Nan¡¯s current age, which was why she thought of ways to hold Qiao Nan back. However, no one, including Ding Jiayi, would believe Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s original intention was to hope that Qiao Nan would never lead a good life in this lifetime. Who would have thought that her persecution of Qiao Nan helped her be the chief¡¯s wife today?

    In the face of such a situation, Qiao Zijin was so angry that she wanted to vomit blood.

    She wanted to harm Qiao Nan. Who knew that she had helped Qiao Nan, causing her to be someone that she couldn¡¯t bully easily because of her changed status? Her tactics didn¡¯t work on Ding Jiayi anymore either and they even became distant.

    Qiao Zijin had never mentioned the sadness and distress faced from these matters to anyone. She didn¡¯t dare to think about it. She was afraid that if she did, she would be angered to death.

    Really, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t lead a good life in the Qiao family every day as she had to face Ding Jiayi all the time and even listen to her nagging and endure the dirty looks she gave her at times.

    She was already trying her best not to think about these things. Who knew that Chen Jun contracted AIDS and couldn¡¯t live anymore, and Father Chen and Mother Chen were old and couldn¡¯t take care of Chen Feng? They had no choice but to look for her and beg her to take care of Chen Feng. Who knew that Father Chen and Mother Chen dared to look at her with a look of regret that Chen Jun had married her and not Qiao Nan back then?

    Qiao Zijin, who was so angry with her ex-parents-inw, wanted to say that if she wasn¡¯t the one who gave birth to Chen Feng, she would have scolded these two elders and mocked them for not knowing how to teach and manage their son such that Chen Jun contracted such a disease.

    They should send off their own child. This was their retribution!

    No matter how angry Qiao Zijin was in her heart and how much she hated Qiao Nan, who was still ruining her happy life until now, it wasn¡¯t convenient for Qiao Zijin to say anything bluntly in front of Father Chen and Mother Chen, aside from giving uglier expressions.

    Until now, Chen Jun only had one child, Chen Feng.

    Father Chen¡¯s and Mother Chen¡¯s attitudes were very important as they determined how much Chen Feng could take away from the Chen family.

    She couldn¡¯t cause her son to lose the money and inheritance that should have belonged to him just because she wanted to vent her frustrations.

    Qiao Zijin kept telling herself that nothing was more important than her son, Chen Feng. Chen Jun probably couldn¡¯t live much longer. Irresponsible parents like them would just cry themselves to death soon.

    Knowing that these two elders were about to suffer retribution soon, how was Qiao Zijin willing to make her own image in her son¡¯s heart worse by scolding Father Chen and Mother Chen? It wasn¡¯t worthwhile.

    However, the Chen family also knew that Qiao Zijin still had a bit of sincerity toward Chen Feng, her son. That was why they dared to hand Chen Feng over to Qiao Zijin now.

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I don¡¯t want to hear about other matters. I¡¯ve heard enough. Can I bring Feng Feng away now? Also, you have to help me take care of Feng Feng¡¯s procedures for transferring school. You know about my family situation. You have to take care of this.¡±

    Qiao Zijin waszy. They could give her son to her. Anyway, he was her biological son.

    However, for troublesome matters such as her son transferring to another school, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to get involved.

    The Chen family snatched her son away from her. When she got a divorce, they even made her promise not to see her son again. Now, they were just handing her son over to her whenever they liked. Sorry, but she wasn¡¯t going to cooperate and take care of the troublesome matters.

    Qiao Zijin created a lot of trouble for others. However, she didn¡¯t ept people creating trouble for her.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Father Chen looked tired. He knew precisely what kind of person Qiao Zijin was. As such, when he heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, he wasn¡¯t surprised at all. He just felt heartache for his grandson. His grandson was the only person he was worried about now.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t hurt Chen Feng. However, Father Chen was skeptical of how much of a good influence she would be to Chen Feng and how much care and concern she would shower him with.

    Without a doubt, Father Chen liked his grandson, Chen Feng. Not only did he inherit the Chen family¡¯s looks, but he was also clever since young. He scored good grades in school and was very filial to the elders.

    However, between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan, Father Chen¡¯s choice was always Qiao Nan.

    Especially when he knew that Chen Jun got into trouble after ying with women outside, Father Chen regretted it countless times. Why did he agree to let Chen Jun marry Qiao Zijin in the first ce?

    Back then, Qiao Nan was so good-tempered.

    Chen Jun¡¯s attitude of admitting his mistake could have been clearer. He could also promise not to have any indecent rtionship with Qiao Zijin in the future anymore.

    After persuading Qiao Nan, they could give Qiao Zijin a little money at most, be her matchmaker, and marry her off far away. This matter could be resolved easily.

    If Qiao Nan was willing to raise Chen Feng up and educate him well, Father Chen felt that it was possible for Chen Feng to address Qiao Nan as ¡®mother¡¯ even though Qiao Zijin had given birth to him.

    The most important was Chen Jun himself. If he had a change of heart and suppressed the Qiao family, it would have been easy to discuss things with Qiao Nan.

    That way, he would have Chen Feng as a grandson and Qiao Nan as his good daughter-inw. When Qiao Nan helped them give birth to another granddaughter, no family among the people he knew could lead a better life than their family.

    Also, perhaps his attitude as a father should have been more proactive and cooperative when Chen Jun wanted to reconcile with Qiao Nan after his divorce with Qiao Zijin.

    He shouldn¡¯t have let Chen Jun go alone. The two of them should have brought Feng Feng along and gone together as well.

    Only then could they prove their family¡¯s sincerity to Qiao Nan.

 Chapter 2412

    <h4>Chapter 2412: Second Reincarnation (2)</h4>

    Who knows? Maybe Qiao Nan would feel bad for them and agree.

    If Qiao Nan were married to Chen Jun, there was no way that Chen Jun would end up in such a situation. Also, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Feng Feng¡¯s upbringing if Qiao Nan were the one taking care of him.

    Even if Chen Jun were to pass away, the elders could entrust Qiao Nan with Feng Feng when they left this world.

    However, Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t someone nearly as reliable. Although the elders were still alive and well, they couldn¡¯t help but worry about putting Chen Feng in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand.

    If it weren¡¯t for Chen Jun¡¯s illness and their old age, there was no way the elders would contact Qiao Zijin and send their grandson away. However, it couldn¡¯t be helped that they no longer had the energy to take care of both Chen Jun and Chen Feng.

    Chen Jun¡¯s father felt his heart ache in frustration. ¡°Fine, I will settle Feng Feng¡¯s school transfer. He has been busy with his studies, so it wouldn¡¯t be good for him to miss school. You should head back, for now. Come and get Feng Feng after I settle the papers.¡±

    It would be good for Feng Feng to leave a littleter.

    He had to tell Feng Feng what Qiao Zijin was like so that he could be mentally prepared for what¡¯s toe.

    Soon, Chen Feng will be the only one left in the Chen family, and the elders wouldn¡¯t allow Feng Feng to be ruined in Qiao Zijin¡¯s hands.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t too happy to hear that. Why did she have to go through the troubleing here if she couldn¡¯t take her son with her?

    ¡°By the way, are there many people that know about Chen Jun¡¯s condition? Will Feng Feng be bullied in school?¡±

    Qiao Zijin knew that such a disease had the tendency to attract discrimination. If Chen Jun¡¯s conditions got out, Chen Feng would definitely receive unwanted attention.

    ¡°Not many.¡±

    That was the only reason the elders decided to let Chen Feng go.

    Chen Jun¡¯s father was worried that Chen Jun¡¯s condition would leave trauma in Chen Feng¡¯s childhood.

    There was no cure for the disease.

    If he were the only son in the family, the elders would stay away from him as well. When they first heard about the condition, the elders were shocked to their cores.

    They were afraid.

    It took months for Chen Jun to confirm his condition, during which the elders lived together with him. Who knows? What if the disease had passed onto them or their grandson?

    Chen Jun was a politician, and the nature of his job meant that he would never return to his position again. After all, his illness could not be cured, so his affairs would eventually be revealed.

    The Chen family was told that the disease was only transmitted by blood. Luckily for them, it wasn¡¯t summer, so there weren¡¯t many mosquitoes. Otherwise, the entire Chen family might have been infected.

    At this point, there was nothing that Elder Chen could do.

    Although he preferred Qiao Nan, he wasn¡¯t shameless enough to ask Qiao Nan for help.

    It was Chen Jun that betrayed Qiao Zijin, and Chen Feng wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan¡¯s son. While Qiao Zijin was well alive, there was no reason to leave Chen Feng with Qiao Nan, who was already married.

    Despite knowing that she was the elders¡¯st choice, Qiao Zijin suppressed her anger for the sake of her son.

    When Qiao Zijin went to fetch Chen Feng, she still refused to meet Chen Jun.

    Seeing Chen Feng¡¯s silence, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you sure that you are not infected?¡±

    Everyone knew that AIDS was infectious.

    If Chen Feng weren¡¯t her son, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t meet anyone from the Chen family right now.

    Chen Feng lived under the same roof with Chen Jun for a while, and Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t sure if he was infected.

    Chen Feng¡¯s expression changed for a moment. Since his father was diagnosed, he had heard worse things than this.

    However, he didn¡¯t expect to hear such a question from his mother. ¡°Yes, I have done all the necessary checkups. My dad¡­ had nevere back home after there was suspicion around his infection.¡±

    After his parents¡¯ divorce, Chen Feng clearly remembered his grandmaining that Chen Jun had given up on his family. All Chen Jun did was mess around with other women, and those women were bound to bring him down one day.

    Who would have known that that day woulde so quickly?

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qiao Zijin let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Do you remember your auntie?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Compared to his biological mother, Qiao Nan felt like a real family member to Chen Feng. He knew who brought him up.

    ¡°Your aunt is doing well in the capital and her husband is a chief. Do you want to join the army? Should I send you to your aunt?¡±

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to take care of the child, and it was too much work to go through the college entrance examination with him. However, she knew that Qiao Nan was capable to do that.

    Her son wouldn¡¯t benefit from her, but he could surely learn a lot from Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng.

    Who knows? She might be the mother of a chief one day.

    Chen Feng was d that his grandparents told him all about his family matters before leaving him with Qiao Zijin. Otherwise, he might grow up to be someone just like his mother.

    The elders used to keep Chen Feng out of the drama, but Chen Feng was already old enough to have his own judgments. He remembered how nice his aunt was to him and how horribly his mother treated her. He also knew about that scary-looking grandma that was awful to Qiao Nan.

    After hearing about the history between them, Chen Feng knew that his mother had done nasty things to his aunt.

 Chapter 2413

    <h4>Chapter 2413: Second Reincarnation (3)</h4>

    When he was still a kid, his mother tossed him to his aunt. Now that he was in high school, his mother was still unwilling to look after him. All she wanted was to send him away.

    She wanted to let someone else raise her son.

    That was when Chen Feng finally believed everything his grandparents had told him. This selfish woman was who his mother really was.

    ¡°Mon, don¡¯t worry about me. I will be staying in the dorms, and I can go back to the Chen family during the holidays. I¡¯m old enough to take care of myself.¡±

    At first, the Chen family sold almost all their properties when they left Ping Cheng.

    However, the property prices were on the rise, so Chen Jun decided to buy a house in Ping Cheng three years ago.

    Everything was under Chen Feng¡¯s name, of course.

    It was a financial safety for Chen Feng in case Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t give him any money.

    If Qiao Zijin were still the same as before, then she would be running away from her responsibilities of taking care of her son.

    What to do then?

    Chen Feng had to have a guardian before he reached adulthood.

    So all Qiao Zijin had to do was act as a guardian, and the Chen family would take care of everything else.

    Army?

    Chen Feng wasn¡¯t sure when he was young, but now, he was certain that he wasn¡¯t interested in the military.

    When he was in secondary school, Chen Feng had thought about studying abroad.

    The reason that Chen Jun worked so hard to save up was to put more assets under Chen Feng¡¯s name in case anything unprecedented happened.

    If it weren¡¯t for his grandparents and sick father, Chen Feng would have left to study abroad a long time ago. After all, the local college entrance examination was toopetitive.

    The elders didn¡¯t have many days left, and Chen Jun was ill. No one knew who would be the first to leave this world. There was no way that Chen Feng could leave in this situation.

    The Chen family sent Chen Feng Feng to Qiao Zijin as a form of protection as well.

    It was better to stay away from the possibility of being infected by such a dangerous disease.

    The elders felt that it wouldn¡¯t matter if they were infected as they didn¡¯t have much time left anyway.

    However, Chen Feng had a bright future ahead of him. If he were infected, his entire life would be destroyed.

    Chen Feng had his own ns, and the Chen family was willing to support him. Needless to say, the money needed for Chen Feng¡¯s future was already prepared for him.

    However, the elders obviously would not entrust Qiao Zijin with the money.

    The money was for Chen Feng¡¯s studies, and the elders had reminded Chen Feng to keep it a secret from Qiao Zijin until he was about to leave.

    Chen Feng had no reason to let Qiao Zijin know how much money the Chen family had left him with.

    He had survived the days when he needed his mom the most.

    Now that he was older, he had no need to ask Qiao Zijin for help anymore.

    Chen Feng firmly believed that his grandparents would never lie to him.

    Even if his mother were nice to her, it was insufficient for him to have a good impression of her.

    ¡°Does the Chen family still have a house in Ping Cheng? Is it a big house? It must be inconvenient to live alone. Should I move in? I can cook a meal for you when you are back from school.¡±

    Living in a big house had be Qiao Zijin¡¯s obsession. She used to be the owner of one, but it had been years since she lived in one.

    She was Chen Feng¡¯s mother, and she was a part of the Chen family in the past. Now that she had to take care of Chen Feng, she saw no problem with her moving into his house.

    ¡°Feng Feng, don¡¯t see me as an outsider. I¡¯m not doing this to take advantage of you. I haven¡¯t remarried since the divorce because I didn¡¯t want you to have a stepfather. Unlike your dad, I¡¯ve been living with my mom all this while. You know your father¡¯s condition very well. I don¡¯t mind living with you since I am your mother, but I¡¯m not too sure about my mother.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had not told Ding Jiayi about Chen Jun¡¯s condition. She took Chen Feng in because the elders had no time to look after their grandson.

    Knowing how selfish Ding Jiayi was, she would probably stop Chen Feng from entering the house.

    This morning, Qiao Zijin was still thinking about how to hide it from Ding Jiayi so that Chen Feng could live a normal life.

    Now that she knew that Chen Feng had a house in Ping Cheng, everything was solved.

    The house that the Chen family prepared for Chen Feng was definitely better than the old house.

    She was just getting sick of the quad, and she was tired of quarreling with Ding Jiayi day and night.

    It would be great if she could move out and live with her son. ¡°By the way, did the Chen family give you all their money? How much money do you have? Did anyone in the Chen family bully you? Do you really not have a younger sibling after your dad married that woman?¡±

    Qiao Zijin found it hard to believe that someone like Chen Jun only had one child.

    Chen Feng¡¯s face sank. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much money I have, but it should be enough for me. My dad did marry again, but I am the only child in the family.¡±

    Chen Feng didn¡¯t like talking about this. ¡°Mom, I understand your concerns. You can move in if you want to live with me. However, who¡¯s going to take care of the elders after you leave?¡±

    Everyone knew that Qiao Zijin was still single.

 Chapter 2414

    <h4>Chapter 2414: Bring Along the Triplets (1)</h4>

    Even if Qiao Zijin was Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother, how would Father Chen and Mother Chen dare to hand their grandson over to their ex-daughter-inw if they didn¡¯t know about her current situation?

    It was precisely because Qiao Zijin was still single after her divorce, didn¡¯t have a messy boyfriend, and had a purer heart and fewer desires than when she was married to Chen Jun did the Chen family decide to call Qiao Zijin.

    If Qiao Zijin had a man and a child by her side, even if the Chen family could no longer take care of Chen Feng, it would have been impossible for them to consider Qiao Zijin, lest Chen Feng got bullied and became the second Qiao Nan.

    Of course, Father Chen and Mother Chen didn¡¯t share these thoughts with Chen Feng.

    The problem Chen Feng was considering now was the Chen family¡¯s situation. Indeed, it wasn¡¯t too convenient if he followed his mom to live in the Qiao family.

    He didn¡¯t want that grandma, whom he almost couldn¡¯t remember her looks, to look at him like he was a ¡®mobile AIDS carrier¡¯. Rather than being treated like a monster, he¡¯d rather return to his grandparents¡¯ side.

    Qiao Zijin was a little dissatisfied that her son didn¡¯t answer her question of how much money he had. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your grandma. She¡¯s healthy and doesn¡¯t need me to take care of her at all.¡±

    Who knows? Once she left and nobody angered her mom anymore, her mom¡¯s health might actually be better than when she was with her.

    Regarding this aspect, Qiao Zijin still had some self-awareness.

    Furthermore, Chen Feng was her son. She knew that the person with AIDS was Chen Jun, not Chen Feng. This matter had nothing to do with Chen Feng. As such, she was willing to stay with Chen Feng and not discriminate against him.

    If this were to happen to the selfish Ding Jiayi, could she do this?

    If she stayed with Chen Feng, and Ding Jiayi found out about Chen Jun¡¯s situation, Ding Jiayi would be afraid of Chen Feng and her, who had been in contact with Chen Feng.

    Forget it.

    It¡¯s better that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know about this. If she knew, she would definitely shamelessly ask for a sum of money from Qiao Nan and move out of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard, for fear of being infected or death.

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t want to be treated like an infectious disease by Ding Jiayi. She was also a person with self-esteem, alright? Also, she needed to take care of her son¡¯s feelings.

    In short, if she was willing to move out of the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard and let Ding Jiayi regain freedom, Ding Jiayi would definitely be so happy that she would set off a string of firecrackers to celebrate.

    It was just that as Chen Jun¡¯s mother, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t analyze and share the messy rtionship she had with Ding Jiayi to Chen Feng, lest he was led astray.

    Being led astray was two-way. She didn¡¯t want Chen Feng to be under the bad influence of Ding Jiayi, like her. She also wasn¡¯t willing for Chen Feng to treat her, the biological mother, in a simr attitude in the future after seeing her performance.

    Qiao Zijin thought that Chen Feng didn¡¯t know about this. Although Chen Feng wasn¡¯tpletely clear about this, he wasn¡¯t totally ignorant.

    However, seeing that Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t willing to mention anything further, Chen Feng pretended that he really didn¡¯t know about it and didn¡¯t ask further.

    The mother-son pair finally returned to Ping Cheng. Chen Feng expressed that he almost couldn¡¯t recognize this ce, which was where he had grown up.

    Chen Feng¡¯s health wasn¡¯t a problem. Also, in terms of school transfers, it wasn¡¯t a requirement for them to produce medical reports so that he could be enrolled.

    Chen Feng and Qiao Zijin weren¡¯t fools. After knowing that this society had negative perceptions about AIDS, they weren¡¯t going to exin to the school that Chen Feng¡¯s father contracted AIDS but pretend that he was healthy instead. If they didn¡¯t believe it, they had the doctor¡¯s certificate and medical reports to prove it.

    If they really said so, even if Chen Feng was indeed healthy, the school generally wouldn¡¯t ept such students.

    A school was a public ce. Many parents handed their children over to the school to manage as they trusted the school.

    Even if the teachers weren¡¯t worried if anything would happen to them, they had to be worried if the other students in the school would be affected. They couldn¡¯t possibly risk the safety of the entire school¡¯s teachers and students just to ept a student.

    For a troublesome matter like this, it was best to avoid it wherever possible.

    As such, regarding the fact that Chen Jun contracted AIDS and was treated in istion, the mother-son pair maintained a tacit understanding and didn¡¯t mention a word about it.

    The school asked about Chen Feng¡¯s good grades and the fact that he just started high school.

    The three years of high school were critical. If there were no major problems with the student¡¯s academic performance or no special reasons, the teachers would definitely not advise the student to transfer schools at this juncture. That would mean that the student had to leave a familiar environment, adapt to a new ce, and get used to the new school.

    Based on the superficial information, the school really couldn¡¯t tell why Chen Feng insisted on transferring schools at this juncture.

    Seeing that the school insisted on asking so many questions, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to answer them. ¡°I have long divorced the child¡¯s father. Before the divorce, we¡¯ve discussed that for the sake of our child¡¯s future, he would belong to whomever had better living conditions. When we got a divorce, my ex-husband¡¯s conditions were better than mine. Now, my conditions are better than his, thus I asked for my son back. Everything we did was for the child.¡±

    ¡°You?¡± The school didn¡¯t understand. Looking at this child¡¯s mother, she didn¡¯t seem like a formidable character. Yet, her living conditions improved? Apologies, but he really couldn¡¯t tell.

    In the process of deciding to ept a student, the school generally looked at the student¡¯s capabilities and if their grades could meet the school¡¯s requirements. They generally didn¡¯t consider the situation of the child¡¯s parents or family.

    However, Qiao Zijin wanted to mention her own family situation to the teacher. The teacher felt that it wasn¡¯t a big deal to want to find out a little more.

    Qiao Zijin was also a hopeless person who acted recklessly.

    She stated clearly that she was unemployed and there was nothing much to deceive others about it. ¡°My situation is average, but my son has an outstanding biological aunt. Do you know that in our Ping Cheng, there¡¯s a very formidable Zhai family? The Zhai family has been the chief for many generations.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know about them.¡±

    Only a fool wouldn¡¯t know. The Zhai family was the pride of their Ping Cheng. They were the most formidable characters in Ping Cheng.

    Even if the situation of the Zhai family wasn¡¯t widely publicized, a native from Ping Cheng would basically know about the Zhai family.

    ¡°Great that you know. My younger sister married Zhai Sheng and became the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. She even gave birth to two sons and a daughter for them. Both my ex-husband and I feel that based on my current situation, our son would have better development opportunities if he lives with me.¡±

 Chapter 2415

    <h4>Chapter 2415: Bring Along the Triplets (2)</h4>

    ¡°As such, I fetched my son back. After the divorce, I didn¡¯t remarry. My ex-husband got married.¡±

    It was just that within three years, he got a divorce again. Their marriage was shorter than the time she was married to Chen Jun.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    The teacher was shocked. For a while, he didn¡¯t dare to confirm if Qiao Zijin was speaking the truth.

    Even if what Qiao Zijin mentioned tallied with the Zhai family¡¯s situation, the problem was this was something everyone knew about. If one cared more about the pride of Ping Cheng, it wasn¡¯t difficult for them to talk about the Zhai family¡¯s situation like it was their family situation.

    ¡°Yes, alright. We understand the reason why you wanted the child to transfer schools. The child¡¯s results aren¡¯t bad. He can attend our school. You can go through the enrollment procedures today. Also, my suggestion is for the child to attend lessons today. Every minute and second of a high student is very valuable. We can¡¯t afford to waste it.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    She had finally settled Chen Feng¡¯s school transfer. Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t think if the teacher believed her words or not, or if she was just bragging.

    A part of what she said just now was indeed false. However, Qiao Nan¡¯s situation waspletely real.

    However, on the whole, there was more false than true in her words.

    Her words weren¡¯tpletely true. As long as the teacher didn¡¯t refuse to ept Chen Feng as a student, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t fall out with the teacher if he didn¡¯tpletely believe her words, let alone if he just half-believed in them.

    As such, Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t react negatively toward the teacher¡¯s attitude at all.

    To be honest, the teacher didn¡¯t believe it. He thought that the child¡¯s parent would be unhappy after seeing his reaction and would fall out with him. Who knew that the situation was peaceful?

    Initially, he didn¡¯t believe Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. However, Qiao Zijin¡¯s calm look and her expression spelled ¡°The truth is the truth. It¡¯s up to you to believe it or not.¡± The teacher hesitated.

    Thankfully, this teacher¡¯s thoughts were quickly appeased by his colleague.

    They were an ordinary high school that wanted to ept a transfer student now.

    Under normal circumstances, the school wouldn¡¯t advise students in high school to transfer schools. However, this wasn¡¯t something absolute. Furthermore, this child named Chen Feng wouldn¡¯t be the first student they epted under such circumstances. Neither would he be thest.

    It was eptable as long as the procedures were normal and the student¡¯s academic performance was up to standard.

    Who cared if the child¡¯s aunt was the chief¡¯s wife or the wife of a more formidable leader? It didn¡¯t have any rtion with their school at all.

    They only had to disy a normal attitude toward students. No matter what kind of rtives this student had, they would just be teachers. Nothing would happen.

    Upon hearing such words of constion, the teacher thought carefully. Indeed, this was the situation.

    After letting go of the stress in his heart, the teacher¡¯s mood rxed and he looked at Chen Feng with a more peaceful gaze.

    There weren¡¯t a lot of transfer students under such circumstances. As such, when Qiao Zijin was settling the admission procedures, she was alone. There were no other parents present.

    After handing over the money and settling the admission procedures, Chen Feng was considered an official student of this school and he attended lessons on that day itself.

    Once Chen Feng¡¯s admission procedures werepleted, Qiao Zijin no longer cared if he adapted to the environment well or not.

    After getting the keys to the new house that the Chen family bought in Ping Cheng from Chen Feng, she couldn¡¯t wait to see her living environment in the future after settling her son¡¯s affairs.

    After seeing that the house Chen Jun bought for Chen Feng was approximately 200 square meters and that it was well-decorated in advance, Qiao Zijin was extremely satisfied. She opened the door to find that there was only the smell of wood and no smell of paint.

    A few years ago, the house that she sold was smaller than this and it wasn¡¯t as well-furnished.

    In the past, Qiao Zijin felt that even if she had gotten a divorce, she was still Chen Feng¡¯s mother.

    She had uremia and needed arge sum of money to do a kidney transnt. If the Chen family really cared about Chen Feng, they would have helped her then by giving her a sum of money so that she could treat her illness.

    If she wasn¡¯t treated well, she could have died.

    After her death, Chen Feng would be a motherless child. The Chen family was really ck-hearted. They¡¯d rather Chen Feng be a motherless child than fork out money to save her life.

    From the day she married Chen Jun to the divorce today, Qiao Zijin knew that the Chen family had never really epted her or liked her.

    Qiao Zijin also knew how guarded the Chen family was against her.

    When she was married to Chen Jun, she couldn¡¯t ess therge amount of money. However, Chen Jun still had to give her monthly living expenses which were the equivalent of an ordinary worker¡¯s monthly sry.

    Now, the person who eventually moved into Chen Jun¡¯s house and enjoyed all the blessings was herself.

    If the Chen family was capable, they could continue to ostracize her, pick on her, and not let her spend the Chen family¡¯s money, just like before.

    After patrolling her own territory like a queen, Qiao Zijin firmly upied the real leather sofa in the living room with haughty airs. That arrogant look was so detestable that people couldn¡¯t help but want to chase her out of this house.

    It was a pity that the more Qiao Zijin knew that the Chen family couldn¡¯t stand her looks, the more she wanted to do so. That was because she knew that the Chen family could no longer control her. No matter how unpleasing to the eye they found her to be, they had to hold it in.

    Chen Jun¡¯s illness provided Qiao Zijin a new lease on life. Some people were ufortable about this, while others didn¡¯t care.

    Naturally, the person who cared the least was Qiao Nan.

    There was another target for Qiao Zijin to exploit and take advantage of. From then on, Qiao Nan was no longer the only object of Qiao Zijin¡¯s provocation.

    In this way, Qiao Nan¡¯s life would be much easier in the future.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I want to make a trip back to Ping Cheng. Do you want toe along?¡± After knowing that Zhai Sheng had time recently, didn¡¯t need to return to the army, and even started to delegate his work to others, as if he wanted to start his retirement early, Qiao Nan naturally wanted to bring him along for any ns she had made.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s willingness to shift his focus from work to family undoubtedly meant that he valued family interaction.

    Zhai Sheng had such determination. Qiao Nan felt that for someone as idle as herself, she should think of ways to adjust the rtionship between family and career better. If their timings as a couple couldn¡¯t match, they would burden their children as they would have less time to spend with their parents at the same time.

 Chapter 2416

    <h4>Chapter 2416: Bring Along the Triplets (3)</h4>

    ¡°Is the school built?¡±

    He knew that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t stop once she started on something. Of course, they had relied on the inheritance left behind by the Zhu family to hire someone to help Qiao Nan manage the finances properly.

    Qiao Nan had obviously spent a sum of money so huge that ordinary people couldn¡¯t earn in several lifetimes in a short span of three years on the project pertaining to the family left behind by revolutionary martyrs and widowed elders. Who knew that while doing a good deed, she met a reliable asset manager? He had pretty much helped her earn back the money that she had spent. Even if there was a loss, it was little.

    With such a reliable asset manager around, Qiao Nan became wless¡¯. She went to do whatever she thought of and didn¡¯t control herself at all.

    Qiao Nan summarized the regrets she had in this lifetime. There were three.

    Number one, although old people like Zhu Chengqi and Lin Yuankang had wealth that made everyone envious, they didn¡¯t have any rtives to take care of them. Even when they died, they were lonely.

    In response to this, Qiao Nan had long taken action. The results obtained thus far were quite good.

    Number two, she didn¡¯t have good rtionships with her parents.

    In response to this, Qiao Nan felt that the only way out was to change her parents and had nothing to do with Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi. Otherwise, even if she were to reborn a hundred or thousand times, she would still be unable to change this situation.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s existence proved this point well.

    It wasn¡¯t that Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know how to treat their child well or dote on and protect their child. It was because she wasn¡¯t their target that she didn¡¯t receive such treatment.

    Qiao Zijin was the targeted daughter. Since young, Qiao Zijin had led such a pampered life.

    After thinking about this, Qiao Nan expressed that she¡¯d rather reincarnate and change the two people who had given birth to her. Who knows? She might have the chance to grow up under the care of normal parents.

    Number three, she had quit school after being forced by Ding Jiayi and under Qiao Zijin¡¯s scheming n.

    In her dreams, she persevered and didn¡¯t leave any regrets. However, after returning to reality, this regret still existed.

    Even if she had studied in adult school and sessfully graduated with decent grades, there was always a pain in her heart. She just wanted to walk the path of a normal person. Why was it so difficult after having parents like Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi?

    Qiao Nan¡¯s life situation couldn¡¯t be changed anymore. She hoped that other children would have the chance to change their situations and not be like her.

    As such, after finishing the work on the nursing home, Qiao Nan donated supplies to schools in the poor mountainous areas.

    Qiao Nan discussed with others how much she should donate and what she should donate after inspecting the situation.

    Regardless of if Qiao Nan was overthinking or not,pared to donating money, Qiao Nan preferred to buy some in-kind items for the children. She was different from others. Who asked her to be free? She had a lot of leisure time.

    Qiao Nan was setting off this time as she wanted to fund her first primary school.

    She heard that this school only had thirty-six students. The problem was that these thirty-six students were all left-behind children. Aside from children, they only had elderly people in their homes.

    The parents who went out to work only returned home once a year. The elders at home didn¡¯t have much money or food. As such, it was a very difficult thing for the old and the young to lead a good life.

    Of course, until now, the information she had on this school was only hearsay. She decided to take a look for herself before proposing a detailed n.

    As such, Zhai Sheng had time to stay at home and be with his wife and children. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have time as she had to return to Ping Cheng and take a look at that school¡¯s situation herself.

    In order to avoid causing Zhai Sheng dissatisfaction, Qiao Nan enthusiastically invited Zhai Sheng to participate in this activity of hers. ¡°Brother Zhai, shall we bring along the triplets as well? It can be considered a family trip.¡±

    Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t as busy as in her dreams. However, he didn¡¯t spend much time with the three children.

    Even if Zhai Sheng had time, he mostly stayed at home to apany the three children. He didn¡¯t have many opportunities to bring them out for a walk.

    Qiao Nan felt that they could take advantage of this opportunity. As she worked, it could also be considered a family trip.

    Qiao Nan went there to work. If she really brought along the three children and Zhai Sheng, one could imagine that when Qiao Nan was busy, Zhai Sheng had to take care of the three children.

    Qiao Nan was also thinking of ways so that Zhai Sheng could have more time interacting with the three children. When they were with him, it was like a cockfight where nobody would give in.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t understand. Could it be that absence made the heart grow fonder?

    In her dream, Zhai Sheng had few opportunities to apany the three children. However, their attitude toward Zhai Sheng was great. Whenever Zhai Sheng was at home, they would only want to cling to him.

    However, in reality, the three children weren¡¯t as affectionate to their father. They even liked to go against him.

    It was also because of these differences in reality that Qiao Nan started to be clearer about the differences between her dream and reality.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    How would Zhai Sheng not understand Qiao Nan¡¯s intention? Zhai Sheng knew how the three children were often going against him. However, he didn¡¯t mind.

    He had walked this path before as well. There were times when he and Zhai Hua found Zhai Yaohui, their biological father, to be unpleasing to the eye. This evensted until they became adults.

    Compared to them back then, the three children¡¯s attitudes could be considered to be much better.

    As such, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t feel that his rtionship with the three children wasn¡¯t good enough and that they needed a family trip to improve the rtionship.

    However, this was Qiao Nan¡¯s good intentions, after all. Zhai Sheng did intend to apany Qiao Nan. As for bringing along the three children, it waspletely incidental.

    It was good to expose the three children so that they understood how blessed they were. They had to cherish their good fortune and not bicker with him so often.

    Compared to other fathers, Zhai Sheng felt that he was pretty good and sessful as a father.

    There was no harm if there was noparison. The triplets didn¡¯t know how other fathers were, which was why they often went against him.

    As a father, he was magnanimous and wasn¡¯t calctive with the three children. However, Zhai Sheng felt that it was a pretty good idea to let the three children understand different ¡®styles¡¯.

 Chapter 2417

    <h4>Chapter 2417: Bringing Them Along (1)</h4>

    After the three childrenpared and knew how good he was as a father, he believed that they would definitely reduce the number of times they went against him.

    He didn¡¯t have high expectations. It was enough if they could achieve this.

    ¡°Then, go and apply leave for the three children from school. I¡¯m busy,¡± Qiao Nan said decisively.

    With Zhai Sheng¡¯spany, Qiao Nan got him to handle all the trivial matters, including the ones that pertained to the three children.

    ¡°Are you really bringing the triplets along?¡±

    Upon hearing that Zhai Sheng was going on a family trip, Miao Jing was envious. ¡°Old Zhai, shall we go along as well?¡±

    She was already missing the three children a lot when they were at the early learning center.

    She had lesser time to see the children in the day. However, she could at least apany them when they were back at night.

    If the three children were to apany their parents for the trip, she wouldn¡¯t be able to see them for a long period of time. Just the thought alone made Miao Jing feel extremely ufortable when they hadn¡¯t even left yet. Thoughts about the three children flooded her mind.

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you willing to admit that you¡¯re old? If our bodies allow it, do you think Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have suggested bringing us along?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui could understand Qiao Nan. Although they were always ambitious and wanted to take care of their grandchildren, in reality, their bodies didn¡¯t allow that much.

    Take ying with the three children for instance. They were already tired from bending their backs for less than a minute.

    When it came to squatting, it was really difficult for them and their old bones.

    It was precisely because of this that Zhai Yaohui knew Qiao Nan had secretly taught the three children not to y with their grandparents or request hugs from them as they weren¡¯t in good health.

    Their grandpa and grandma weren¡¯t feeling well. When the triplets grew up, they were big children and should take care of them instead.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s teachings, the three children were obedient. Even if they were tired from walking during the rare times that Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui brought them out for walks, they¡¯d rather sit on the grass for a while than request their grandparents to carry them home.

    When he saw his grandchildren being so obedient when they had not yet reached the age of two, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t help but feel sad at times. His body was obviously so strong when he was young. Why was it that he didn¡¯t even have the energy to carry his grandchildren when he was old?

    Qiao Nan had already taken care of them to this extent when they were at home. How would Qiao Nan dare to bring them along on a ne and run around?

    Furthermore, the situation of the school that Qiao Nan was inspecting was poor. Needless to ask, the physical environment and living conditions must be equally poor.

    What if they had to climb mountains? That was really going to take their lives.

    However, if there was a chance to rx and do sightseeing, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t leave the two of them behind, lest they felt lonely.

    As long as she didn¡¯t arrange for them to go to ces with a poor environment, wouldn¡¯t that do?

    Qiao Nan expressed that this wasn¡¯t doable.

    Based on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s contributions to the country, it was necessary to send two soldiers to take care of and protect him when he was out.

    Let her bring the two elders out and leave them behind halfway?

    It was fine if nothing happened. If any idents happened, not to mention if Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng would me her, but even Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to forgive herself.

    With the two elders in the capital, there was an aunt to take care of them at home and there were so many familiar neighbors around.

    No matter what happened to Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, someone would keep watch on them. They could even receive the best treatment in the capital.

    Even if these people couldn¡¯tpare to Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng when it came to their concern for Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing, they wouldn¡¯t be much worse.

    Because of this situation, Qiao Nan naturally preferred to leave the two elders at home so that they were safe than to bring them along. It would be toote for regrets if anything happened to them.

    Zhai Yaohui acknowledged Qiao Nan¡¯s worries and considerations.

    In reality, for the past few years, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had been delegating their powers to Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to manage this family.

    Zhai Yaohui had never refuted Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement. He only gave her silent support and affirmation. It was proven that Qiao Nan managed this family exceptionally well and didn¡¯t disappoint their trust in her.

    Zhai Yaohui was supportive of Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangement this time as well. Knowing that his wife was reluctant to leave the three children, Zhai Yaohui helped Qiao Nan do the thinking for Miao Jing.

    Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were already the best examples. No matter how good their grandparents were, they couldn¡¯tpare to their biological parents.

    To let the three children stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side would be beneficial to their growth and development.

    Pampering them too much would lead to their failure.

    Miao Jing liked the three children so much. She wouldn¡¯t be willing to see that her love for them harmed them instead, right?

    Based on this point alone, Qiao Nan, who became a mother of three at the age of forty, obviously did a better job than Miao Jing.

    The triplets were the grandchildren Miao Jing yearned for for more than twenty years. They were also the children Qiao Nan yearned for for more than ten years. Qiao Nan would only feel worse heartache than Miao Jing as the triplets were three pieces of meat that fell from her body.

    Even if that was the case, Qiao Nan was never softhearted. She could harden her heart and teach them when they were supposed to be taught and be fierce when she was supposed to be fierce.

    It was only because Qiao Nan was willing that she sent the three children to the early learning center. Otherwise, their children would probably be the only ones in the area who still stayed at home and yed with the elders at this age.

    Such a situation wasn¡¯t conducive to the children¡¯s growth. It would even make the children be out of touch with society and times.

    After understanding this point, no matter how ufortable Miao Jing felt, Zhai Yaohui could only exin to her time and time again to help her ovee her psychological barriers and nod in agreement.

    To be honest, Zhai Yaohui, Qiao Nan¡¯s father-inw, had the most credit as he helped Qiao Nan the most and allowed her decisions to be realized one by one.

    After knowing this situation, Qiao Nan felt extremely blessed. Her mother-inw wasn¡¯t unruly and her father-inw was more reasonable than her husband.

    Living in such a family, it was really all thanks to her physique that didn¡¯t grow fat that she didn¡¯t gain ten pounds. Otherwise, she would definitely be heavier.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we talk about this previously? Why are you feeling reluctant again? Even if Qiao Nan lets the three children stay here, we don¡¯t have the ability to take care of them.¡±

 Chapter 2418

    <h4>Chapter 2418: Bringing Them Along (2)</h4>

    ¡°You know how much the triplets cling to Qiao Nan. If they don¡¯t see Qiao Nan before sleeping and start to cry, I can¡¯t coax them.¡±

    Being clingy to their biological mother and wanting her to coax them personally when they were sleeping was a problem that any other child had. The Zhai family¡¯s triplets had this same problem as well.

    Because of the triplets¡¯ habits, Miao Jing could onlypromise. Who asked her to not bear the three children crying?

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I still remember what I promised. I was just saying.¡±

    She only said these capricious words upon thinking that she wouldn¡¯t be able to see the children when they were away and would feel as ufortable as having a piece of flesh cut off. If they really allowed her to do so, she wouldn¡¯t be willing.

    Upon hearing Miao Jing¡¯s obvious guilty conscience, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t expose her, lest she felt embarrassed and became angry. By then, he would have to coax her.

    Rather than trying to make his wife happy afterward, it was better to pay more attention at the beginning so that she wouldn¡¯t be angry.

    ¡°Yes, you don¡¯t mean it that way. Our Miao Miao is a great grandma. How would she stand in the way of anything that¡¯s good for the three children? No wonder the three children are close to you but not me.¡±

    In order to make his wife happy, Zhai Yaohui almost treated her like a three-year-old and started to coax her with mushy words. One had to know that even in front of the three grandchildren, Zhai Yaohui never said anything in such a tone before.

    After hearing this conversation, the auntie, who was inexplicably treated to a public disy of affection, silently returned to the kitchen, saying that it was time for her to wash the cooker hood and she was so busy.

    As such, she shouldn¡¯t go out until she finished all the chores and cleaned the kitchen.

    As the auntie of the Zhai family, she wasn¡¯t fed with rice the most every day but public disys of affection.

    Forget it that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing did this from time to time. Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were even more exaggerated. It was to the extent that the auntie felt nauseous at times.

    She was obviously married and someone with a husband. She had long broken free from being single.

    Why was it that she, who was doing chores for the Zhai family, was always force-fed with public disys of affection?

    After self-reflecting, she felt that the responsibility lied with her husband.

    If her husband were like the men of the Zhai family who doted on and took care of their wives well, why would she feel that she was being fed with public disys of affection? One had to know that she was already married and was also qualified to show public disys of affection.

    The auntie¡¯s husband, who did nothing but was implicated,pletely didn¡¯t know what he had done wrong to cause his wife to throw him dirty looks for a few days.

    In the end, there was no choice. He sought a solution from his son and bought presents three days in a row before managing to coax his wife.

    The auntie, who received the presents, secretly decided to throw tantrums once in a while so that her husband would take note of her.

    Look at how many presents her husband gave her after they got married. Once she started to ignore him, he gave her three presents at one go, which were more than what she had received in the past five years.

    Men were cheap. They had to be tormented for a while before knowing what was good for them.

    That said, Qiao Nan could really do anything and yield twice the results by doing half the work with such a supportive father-inw like Zhai Yaohui.

    After making a decision, the auntie and Miao Jing helped pack clothes for the triplets and prepared small luggage for each of them.

    Different from the children¡¯s small luggage, Qiao Nan¡¯s and Zhai Sheng¡¯s luggage had to be much bigger.

    Needless to say, the two adults¡¯ luggage contained the three children¡¯s items the most.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you must take good care of the triplets and Nan Nan when you¡¯re outside. You can lose your life, but you have to bring Nan Nan and the three children back to me. Understand?¡±

    Before they left, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but tell Zhai Sheng bluntly that he was the only person in the party who didn¡¯t need to return.

    As for Qiao Nan and the three children, they had to be sent back home safely to her.

    Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was no longer young and wouldn¡¯t be jealous or angry over Miao Jing¡¯s words.

    A man with a wife was different from the past. Zhai Sheng cared more about Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude. Did she also feel that it was fine to lose her husband but not her children?

    Qiao Nan, who was watched by Zhai Sheng, hurriedly expressed her loyalty and held his elbow tightly. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. No one will be gone from our family of five. Brother Zhai will help you take care of the triplets. I¡¯ll help you take care of your son.¡±

    Oh, the triplets were young. Qiao Nan felt that it was pretty normal that they threw tantrums from time to time and wanted her to coax them.

    Qiao Nan felt that Zhai Sheng, this old man, was the abnormal one. Why did his temper be more simr to San Bao¡¯s? Did the father-daughter pair discuss this beforehand?

    Speaking about this, this was also the biggest difference between her dream and reality.

    In her dream, Zhai Sheng was obviously younger and had lesser experience in life. However, he was always a mature and stable man, supporting his wife and children.

    Of course, in reality, the close-to-fifty-year-old Zhai Sheng also did these things.

    What was different was that in reality, Zhai Sheng was more childish.

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but call Zhai Sheng a childish ghost. Did he really assimte with the three children after spending too much time with them?

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t know Qiao Nan¡¯s inner thoughts. However, he was very satisfied with Qiao Nan¡¯s performance. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. With me around, no one will be gone.¡±

    Upon hearing Miao Jing¡¯s words, Zhai Sheng felt speechless. Were the thoughts of old people so unreasonable?

    What kind of family was their Zhai family? How would their three children be gone?

    ¡°Mom, we¡¯ll get going then.¡± She patted Zhai Sheng¡¯s elbow and reminded him to have a better attitude toward Miao Jing. It was understandable that she was overthinking since she was nervous about her grandchildren and couldn¡¯t apany them.

    Indeed, Brother Zhai¡¯s level of tolerance for his parents was not as high as in her dreams.

    Qiao Nan could understand Miao Jing¡¯s nervousness and naturally understand Zhai Sheng¡¯s change.

    Zhai Sheng married Qiu Chenxi previously not for himself but for his parents.

    Even if Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t like Qiu Chenxi, which man would be willing to let his wife-in-name make a cuckold out of him?

    Qiu Chenxi also had poor patience. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s understanding of Zhai Sheng, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing used almost thirty years for Zhai Sheng to agree to get married to Qiu Chenxi.

    As long as Qiu Chenxi could tolerate it for ten years, she might be pregnant with Zhai Sheng¡¯s child. However, both of them fell out as Qiu Chenxi had an affair. They couldn¡¯t maintain their husband-wife rtionship and had to get a divorce.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was no longer jealous about this.

 Chapter 2419

    <h4>Chapter 2419: Bringing Them Along (3)</h4>

    If Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t stopped her and Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t instigated this, she wouldn¡¯t have waited until she was forty years old to meet Zhai Sheng and marry him.

    If her family didn¡¯t object to it, Qiao Nan felt that she would have gotten married if she met a man who was pleasing to the eye.

    This was the truth. It couldn¡¯t be denied.

    However, Qiao Nan knew it clearly that if her life and Zhai Sheng¡¯s life really turned out to be like this, their married lives would definitely not be as happy as they were now.

    The clearer she knew about this, the more nervous she felt and the more she cherished this.

    ¡°Alright, be careful on the road. Keep a close watch on the three children. Ever since they knew how to run, they could run very fast. Don¡¯t let them knock into something and get themselves bruised.¡±

    This was what Miao Jing was worried about the most.

    When Miao Jing was at home, she would lose sight of a child in the blink of an eye. Then, this child that she lost sight of would have an additional bruise on his or her body.

    Miao Jing felt her heart ache. However, the child with the bruise didn¡¯t feel pain at all. He or she even continued tough and y without a phobia.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take note. If we really can¡¯t manage, I¡¯ll carry San Bao and let Brother Zhai carry both Da Bao and Er Bao at the same time.¡± They could still distribute the children quite easily between the two.

    ¡°Yes, with you around, I feel at ease. You aren¡¯t Zhai Sheng. You¡¯re much more meticulous and reliable than him.¡±

    Miao Jing gave all the nice words to Qiao Nan and the children. Thankfully, Zhai Sheng was long used to this and no longer minded it at this age. Miao Jing¡¯s preferential treatment made it seem like she had given birth to her daughter-inw and picked up her son from somewhere. There might be a possibility that they would quarrel because of this.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s runningte. You might miss the ne if you¡¯re anyter.¡±

    Seeing his wife reminding them about this and that, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t help but pull her back to his side.

    ¡°Their family of five is going to lead a happy life. If you really feel there¡¯s nothing to do, can you show me more care and concern?¡±

    ¡°Yes, care about Grandpa more.¡±

    Da Bao, who had the best rtionship with his grandpa, expressed that he was standing on his grandpa¡¯s side. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll hand Grandpa over to you.¡±

    Upon hearing his eldest grandson¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui was extremely happy.

    Indeed, the child that he had raised was different. Da Bao was much closer to him than Zhai Sheng. Look, even though Da Bao wasn¡¯t speaking coherently, he was still doing this for his grandpa.

    Zhai Yaohui, who felt that he had raised his son for nothing, felt that he didn¡¯t waste his efforts in raising his grandson.

    Er Bao grabbed Miao Jing¡¯s hand and asked her to squat.

    Without saying a word, Miao Jing leaned closer to Er Bao and was kissed on the face by him. ¡°Grandma, be obedient at home. I¡¯ll be back soon to y with you.¡±

    San Bao also hugged Miao Jing¡¯s thigh and patted her head, expressing her agreement with Er Bao¡¯s words. ¡°Be obedient. Listen to Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Miao Jing was speechless. To think that the person who said this was her little granddaughter. Had it been someone else, Miao Jing would have retaliated. Who should listen to whom?

    Zhai Yaohui, who had been quite sessful in educating the three children, became smug. ¡°Yes, the three of you have to listen to your parents as well. When you¡¯re back, I¡¯ll have presents for you.¡±

    He didn¡¯t dote on his grandchildren for nothing. His three grandchildren were really cuter than his son and daughter. No, he should say that his son and daughter couldn¡¯t bepared to his three grandchildren.

    After bidding farewell, Zhai Sheng could finally take a car ride to the airport with his wife and children.

    The three children were young and decisive. Knowing that the small luggage belonged to them, they refused to let their parents help them and insisted on learning from their parents and ran forward.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were not particrly ustomed to children. The purpose of the luggage was to let them use their hands. Thus, they generously agreed to their requests.

    People found it amusing to see three children carrying luggage which were as high as them and trotting forward. Whose children did they belong to? Why were they so cute? They seemed to have walked out from the TV.

    The three children were bold as well. Knowing that their parents were just behind them, they walked even faster than them.

    The three children stopped only because they felt tired that they had not reached their destination after stumbling for a long time. The airport was too big and they didn¡¯t know their directions. They sighed and said, ¡°How tiring.¡±

    The tired Er Bao¡¯s saliva overflowed. He was already pronouncing his words quite urately. However, his pronunciation was off now.

    Da Bao was more stable. He looked at his parents, who were walking slowly toward them without showing the way, with grievances. ¡°Where do we board the ne?¡± He had already been running for such a long time. Why hadn¡¯t he seen the gate yet?

    Qiao Nan smiled and gave Da Bao a kiss on his face. ¡°You don¡¯t even know the way. Why are you running so quickly? I¡¯m carrying arge suitcase and can¡¯t catch up with you. What if you lose me?¡±

    Yes, her three children would lose her instead of her losing the three children.

    Aftering out of the house, the three children were overly excited, like uncontroble wild horses.

    She had to let the three children have some safety awareness and stop running around. Qiao Nan deliberately said that the three children would lose her so as to increase their sense of responsibility. In order not to lose her, she believed that her three children knew what to do.

    Indeed, when they heard that they were running too quickly and were about to lose their mom, Da Bao¡¯s expression became serious.

    Da Bao said tenderly, ¡°Mom, you have to follow us well. We¡¯ll slow down. Don¡¯t get lost. Dad, you have to help us. If we lose Mom, we¡¯ll be angry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll cry if we lose Mom.¡± Er Bao pouted.

    San Bao was fiercer. She opened her little mouth like a tiger and said, ¡°Dad, you have to be obedient. If Mom gets lost, I¡¯ll bite you.¡±

    The three children had the heart to protect their mom. However, knowing that their dad was around, the biggest responsibility to take care of their mom was definitely on him.

    Their dad was responsible for doing it. The three of them were responsible for supervising him. Yes, that was it.

    Zhai Shengughed coldly. Indeed, they were his offspring. Even the way they threw the responsibility to him was very familiar. It seemed that he had done the same thing many times when he was young.

    It was confirmed that they were his biological children.

    The triplets, who had discussed well, no longer ran around. They were like little bodyguards as they surrounded Qiao Nan, asking her to walk this way or be careful of that.

    Their cute looks attracted quite a lot of people¡¯s attention at the airport. They were looking at the triplets with heart-shaped eyes.

 Chapter 2420

    <h4>Chapter 2420: Where Was Safe? (1)</h4>

    They kept sighing. Whose children were these? They were so good-looking and sensible. Even though they weren¡¯t as tall as an adult¡¯s thigh, they knew how to protect their mom.

    As the three children¡¯s mom, she was probably the most blessed mom in the world.

    The crowd almost exploded when they saw that Zhai Sheng¡¯s looks didn¡¯t lose to anyone and he had an aura different from that of ordinary people, and when the three children addressed him as ¡®dad¡¯.

    She was already blessed to have three good-looking and sensible children. Now, she had also married an outstanding husband. What did this woman who had these four people by her side at the same time want? She was about to be themon enemy of all women.

    Why did such a good husband and children belong to others but not them?

    The more depressed and envious the women were, the more they wanted to see how this woman looked.

    If they looked better than her, even if their children weren¡¯t as cute or their husband wasn¡¯t as handsome, at least they had won.

    With such thoughts, the women didn¡¯t have the strength to envy Qiao Nan when they saw her being guarded by her husband and children.

    Alright, they should have thought about this earlier.

    The husband was so good-looking. What poor eyesight would he have if he were to marry an ugly woman?

    Especially after seeing the three children¡¯s beautiful and adorable faces, they knew that the mother who gave birth to them would be good-looking as well.

    This family of five was so good-looking that they could be on TV and defeat arge number of celebrities in seconds.

    The parents were good-looking and so were the children. This family of five was about to force people to their deaths.

    A lot of people at the airport were looking at them. Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t dead. How would she not have known this? However, to be honest, ever since she married Zhai Sheng, she was already used to such gazes.

    Based on the Zhai family¡¯s identity and status, Qiao Nan, as the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw, naturally received more attention than others.

    Da Bao had also attracted a lot of people¡¯s attention before. However, he generally knew those people. There were a lot of strangers at the airport today. Da Bao stayed by San Bao¡¯s side and decided to protect his sister well.

    Grandpa said that he was an older brother. When they were outside, he had to protect his sister and mom well.

    Mom had Dad by her side. Then, he and Er Bao naturally had to protect San Bao well so that she wouldn¡¯t be taken away by other adults.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s so big here. There¡¯re so many people.¡± San Bao was much slower. She didn¡¯t really pay attention to the people who were sizing her up.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time the three children were boarding a ne. However, back then, they were still young. They had no impression that they had been at an airport before.

    In the face of a ce she had never been to before, San Bao was naturally curious. She looked around and said, ¡°Mom, there¡¯s delicious food here.¡±

    Upon thinking about this, San Bao smiled. She was feeling a little hungry.

    Qiao Nan pinched San Bao¡¯s nose. How was she hungry? She was obviously gluttony.

    The three children didn¡¯t have an impression of the airport. Everything was new to them.

    The airport was big and there were a lot of ces to eat outside. Anyway, there was still time. Since San Bao said she was hungry, it didn¡¯t matter to eat something. ¡°What do you want to eat?¡±

    Knowing that San Bao was a child with ideas, she directly asked her what she wanted to eat.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were older brothers. At times like these, they gave in to San Bao more, especially since she was pickier with food. It was much easier to feed Da Bao and Er Bao.

    As such, no matter what kind of shop San Bao selected, Da Bao and Er Bao wouldn¡¯t have any opinions about it.

    On the contrary, if Da Bao or Er Bao were to select a shop and they chose something that San Bao was dissatisfied with, she would kick up a fuss.

    They also knew San Bao¡¯s temper. When Qiao Nan asked Da Bao and Er Bao what they wanted to eat, it was as if they had agreed beforehand as they looked at San Bao.

    At this time, San Bao also knew that her brothers doted on her. She wasn¡¯t humble as she directly shared her opinion.

    Once San Bao spoke, Da Bao and Er Bao naturally pointed to the shop that San Bao mentioned and said that they wanted to try the food from this shop.

    In the face of her two sons strongly supporting their sister, Qiao Nan was helpless. Really, just because San Bao was a girl, the entire family pampered her so much.

    If that wasn¡¯t the case, why weren¡¯t Da Bao and Er Bao picky with food but San Bao was?

    Most importantly, San Bao¡¯s temper was too overbearing. She only ate at the shop that she chose. Otherwise, she would kick up a fuss.

    There were so many people in the Zhai family. Aside from Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was the only one who could harden her heart and lecture San Bao with a cold face.

    Otherwise, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but think about how San Bao would be like today.

    No matter what, San Bao was her only daughter. As long as she could manage her well, San Bao was naturally still her good daughter.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat something here.¡±

    Qiao Nan ordered food ording to the three children¡¯s preferences and waited for them to be delivered.

    Of course, in the process of waiting, they couldn¡¯t just possibly sit there. Qiao Nan took out the three children¡¯s bibs and helped put them on.

    There was no choice. The three children were still young. It was unavoidable that they would spill food or drip soup.

    If the three children didn¡¯t put on bibs, the people in the family could spend half a day just washing their clothes.

    ¡°Hungry. Hungry.¡± Upon seeing the fragrant rice noodles being served, San Bao was the first to yell out anxiously. ¡°Mom. Hello? I¡¯m hungry. How fragrant.¡±

    Qiao Nan picked up a thick and white strand of rice noodle and put it on a spoon. She dared to feed San Bao with it only after ensuring that she had already blown it cold.

    San Bao enjoyed her food and requested for bite after bite. From this way of eating, it was obvious she was satisfied with the food from the shop that she had personally selected.

    She was already a mother. When they were at home, there were still her parents-inw and the auntie to help her feed the three children. When they were outside, there were only Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng to take care of them.

    Zhai Sheng had already been a father for two years. He was much more familiar with children than before. Between the couple, Qiao Nan took care of San Bao while Zhai Sheng took care of their two sons.

    To be exact, Zhai Sheng took care of the two sons as they felt that they should be groomed. Qiao Nan could take care of the only daughter in the family.

    Qiao Nan had to blow the food cold before putting it into San Bao¡¯s mouth.

 Chapter 2421

    <h4>Chapter 2421: Where Was Safe? (2)</h4>

    Da Bao and Er Bao were different. Zhai Sheng picked up the rice noodle strands with extremely good chopsticks skills using both hands and fed his two sons at the same time.

    Da Bao and Er Bao hesitated for a while. They pouted and blew the rice noodle strands cold and only put them into their mouths when they felt that they weren¡¯t so hot anymore.

    As such, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng spent the time feeding their three children. There was no time for them to have a bite.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t order anything for themselves in the end.

    After filling the stomachs of the three children, the family of five went through the security checks. After finding the boarding gate, they started to board the ne after sitting for a while.

    The three children thought that this was their first time boarding a ne and found everything fascinating.

    Thankfully, the three children were obedient and not naughty at all. They didn¡¯t cause trouble to anyone and just yed by themselves. Among the three children, they called each other softly and touched each other¡¯s head and chubby hands. They entertained themselves well.

    In order to prevent the three children from thinking that the time on the ne was boring, Qiao Nan brought all the storybooks that the three children liked, knowing that they wouldn¡¯t want to sleep on the ne.

    It could be said that in reality, this was the first time that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng relied on themselves to take care of the three children.

    When they were at home, Qiao Nan always felt that their lives would be busy since she had given birth to three children at once.

    It was only when there was no one else to help take care of the three children did Qiao Nan realize that it really wasn¡¯t easy for two people to take care of them.

    It was obvious that inparison, their three children were obedient. They didn¡¯t run around at the airport. After boarding the ne, they didn¡¯t make a lot of noise and even yed by themselves quietly.

    In the absence of such a situation, Qiao Nan felt that it was extremely busy to take care of the three children at the same time. Qiao Nan expressed that when they were at the Zhai family, the help her parents-inw provided her was really extraordinary.

    Without her parents-inw¡¯s help, it was impossible for her to take care of the three children alone.

    After realizing this, Qiao Nan suddenly said to the three children, ¡°When we return to the capital to see Grandpa and Grandma, you must tell them it has been tough on them and that you love them, understand?¡±

    San Bao blinked. ¡°I love Grandpa and Grandma to begin with.¡± Did she still have to say this?

    ¡°San Bao, be obedient. If you say it out loud, Grandpa and Grandma would be happier. Do you want them to be happy?¡± Qiao Nan asked gently as she patted her daughter¡¯s head.

    San Bao nodded obediently. ¡°Yes. I want Grandpa and Grandma to be happy. Mom, San Bao loves you.¡±

    ¡°San Bao, Mom loves you too. Mom loves Da Bao and Er Bao.¡±

    When Da Bao and Er Bao, who were sitting next to their dad, heard their mom¡¯s words, their faces immediately bloomed like a flower. They grinned and couldn¡¯t hide their happiness.

    Da Bao and Er Bao thought for a while before saying to Zhai Sheng in all seriousness, ¡°Dad, love you too.¡±

    Er Bao was sitting in the middle. Da Bao was sitting near the window while Zhai Sheng was sitting by the aisle.

    Due to their seating positions, Er Bao stretched out his little hand and grabbed Zhai Sheng¡¯s elbow hard. He wanted to tell Zhai Sheng with his actions that he simrly loved his dad.

    ¡°The two of you are so mushy.¡± Zhai Sheng touched their heads. Although he seemed to dislike it, the happiness in his eyes couldn¡¯t deceive anyone.

    ¡°If you want to drink water or go to the toilet, you have to tell me. I¡¯ll bring you there.¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao nodded obediently, expressing that they would remember to definitely tell him if there was any need.

    The family of five made it to lunchtime on this ne.

    Anyone who boarded a ne before would know that airne meals didn¡¯t taste well most of the time.

    Before boarding the ne, the three children had already eaten what they liked. They weren¡¯t hungry now.

    However, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, who had been busy taking care of the three children, didn¡¯t eat much. They couldn¡¯t possibly waste food regardless of if the airne meals were delicious or not.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t care about the taste and finished the airne meal in a few bites without frowning. Da Bao and Er Bao couldn¡¯t recover themselves in time.

    When they recovered themselves, they couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Dad had such a big mouth. He could finish a meal in a few bites.

    This was the first time Da Bao and Er Bao clearly felt the difference between both parents.

    Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t eat so quickly. She took bite after bite at her usual speed.

    As a foodie and a picky eater, when San Bao saw that her mom had food to eat but she didn¡¯t, she couldn¡¯t hold back and said, ¡°Mom, eat.¡±

    Even if San Bao¡¯s words were concise, how would Qiao Nan, the mom, not understand what her daughter meant?

    Without exining, Qiao Nan gave a bite of her food to San Bao.

    San Bao frowned. She pouted and wanted to vomit. How would she like such a taste?

    Qiao Nan guessed it in advance. She pinched San Bao¡¯s small mouth and didn¡¯t allow her to vomit it out. ¡°What did I teach you? One should know that every single grain on the te is the fruit of hard work. You can¡¯t vomit it out after eating. You can only swallow what is in your mouth.¡±

    San Bao had to be given a lesson so that she wouldn¡¯t want to try everything the next time she saw something.

    After her mom became fierce toward her and there wasn¡¯t the grandma who was always there to help her, San Bao sniffed and swallowed the food with grievances.

    After eating it, San Bao even deliberately opened her mouth to let her mom check. She was obedient and had really swallowed the unptable food without wasting it.

    Qiao Nan was naturally happy that San Bao was obedient.

    Qiao Nan kissed San Bao¡¯s cheek. ¡°Mom¡¯s San Bao is the most obedient, just like Da Bao and Er Bao. You¡¯re Mom¡¯s favorite people. I¡¯m really happy to have three cute children like you.¡±

    After beingplimented by Qiao Nan, San Bao¡¯s negative emotions disappeared. She twisted her little buttocks and wanted to fall into her mom¡¯s arms. She also looked a bit shy.

    Da Bao and Er Bao smiled happily. At the same time, what they thought of was that fortunately, their dad had eaten his food quickly. Before they got to ask for a bite, he had already finished eating.

    Otherwise, they would be as unlucky as San Bao to eat unptable food.

    The brothers acknowledged San Bao¡¯s taste toward food. They felt that San Bao would eat delicious food but not unptable food.

    It was also because Da Bao and Er Bao knew how much of a picky eater San Bao was that they were willing to hand over the decision-making power to San Bao.

 Chapter 2422

    <h4>Chapter 2422: Where Was Safe? (3)</h4>

    Firstly, Grandpa and Grandma said that they were older brothers and had to take care of San Bao more. They let San Bao decide things. Of course they had taken care of San Bao.

    Secondly, San Bao wouldn¡¯t choose food that wasn¡¯t delicious. They could rest assured considering San Bao¡¯s taste.

    They had the image of a good brother and wouldn¡¯t miss out on delicious food. They had really nned well.

    It wasn¡¯t far from the capital to Ping Cheng. It took the family of five approximately three hours to reach their destination.

    After getting off the ne, San Bao asked sweetly, ¡°Dad, Mom, where are we going for delicious food?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re hungry again?¡± Qiao Nan looked at San Bao incredulously. Before boarding the ne, San Bao had finished a big bowl of rice noodles alone.

    At the beginning, Qiao Nan thought that the three children wouldn¡¯t be able to finish a person¡¯s portion of food and that she and Zhai Sheng were going to eat their leftovers.

    What surprised Qiao Nan was that she had underestimated their appetite. The three children finished her portion of rice noodles and left her with only some soup base.

    They had only been on the ne for a short while. Aside from leaving their seats to go to the toilet for a while, the three children didn¡¯t do anything else on the ne.

    Who would have thought that the moment her feet touched the ground, the first words San Bao said were where to eat?

    Qiao Nan felt helpless about her daughter¡¯s eating nature. ¡°San Bao, tell Mom. Are you really hungry?¡±

    ¡°Hungry.¡± San Bao nodded and pointed to her stomach. ¡°Unsatisfied.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked at Da Bao and Er Bao. They seemed to know what their mom was silently asking and nodded, expressing that like San Bao, they were hungry.

    Without a word, Zhai Sheng carried both children in his arms. ¡°Let¡¯s queue up to get our luggage first before finding food to eat.¡±

    The three children were growing up. It wasn¡¯t surprising that they ate quickly and got hungry quickly. If they were hungry, eat. If they weren¡¯t, it was alright as long as they weren¡¯t feeling bloated.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were happy to be carried by their strong and tall dad. They kept kicking their legs and turning their heads around to watch the excitement.

    There was no choice. Qiao Nan could only be like Zhai Sheng and carry San Bao.

    Don¡¯t look at Zhai Sheng carrying two children while Qiao Nan was carrying only one. The problem was that San Bao loved to eat and the flesh on her body wasn¡¯t a joke.

    At this time, Zhai Sheng stopped in front of Qiao Nan with his back facing her. ¡°ce San Bao on my neck. I¡¯ll carry her.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you carry her in your arms?¡± Wouldn¡¯t it be too dangerous if she was on his neck?

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Get San Bao to hold on to my head. She won¡¯t fall off.¡± It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t feel heartache for his daughter. San Bao liked to sit on her dad¡¯s neck as that was the highest position which could make San Bao see afar better.

    When they were at home, they did this often behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back.

    There was no choice. Who asked Qiao Nan to feel that it was unsafe and she was worried that the weight of the three children would be on Zhai Sheng, thus tiring him?

    However, the three children, who often did this behind Qiao Nan¡¯s back, didn¡¯t find this unfamiliar at all.

    This was the case especially for San Bao. If Qiao Nan didn¡¯t help her, upon seeing Zhai Sheng¡¯s action, San Bao would have automatically wanted to climb to her dad¡¯s neck like a little monkey.

    Seeing that San Bao was so bold, she was afraid that other idents would happen. As she was also worried that Zhai Sheng would be tired from carrying their two sons, Qiao Nan could only help San Bao sit on his neck. ¡°Be careful, San Bao. You have to hold on tightly and not move around. If you¡¯re disobedient, I¡¯ll hit your buttocks.¡±

    San Bao was excited to sit on her exclusive throne. She nodded like a chick pecking at rice. ¡°Yes.¡±

    She was holding on tightly. Her elbows were strong. If she held on tighter, Zhai Sheng would feel that his biological daughter was strangling him.

    After taking their luggage, Qiao Nan thought that it would be troublesome for their family of five to find a suitable ce to eat. She didn¡¯t expect to see Zhai Hua after dragging their luggage out.

    The three children obviously recognized Zhai Hua. After calling her, San Bao rushed toward Zhai Hua with her small luggage. ¡°Aunt¡­¡±

    Although Zhai Hua had Jiajia as a daughter, Jiajia was already grown up. The things that happened to Jiajia when she was young were too far away from Zhai Hua. Once she saw San Bao rushing toward her, Zhai Hua¡¯s inner motherly instincts were suddenly awakened. She held on to San Bao as if she was her treasure. ¡°San Bao, you haven¡¯t seen Aunt for a long time. Do you miss me?¡±

    San Bao stretched the word¡¯s intonation sweetly. ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    When Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, who were walking behind, saw Zhai Hua¡¯s satisfied look, they were pretty kindhearted not to remind Zhai Hua that the reason why San Bao was so affectionate to her was not that she missed her, but that she knew she was in a treat soon since they were picked up by their aunt.

    ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao,e here. Let me hug you.¡± After hugging her niece, she couldn¡¯t miss hugging her nephews. Their Zhai family wasn¡¯t biased toward girls.

    The three children were so good-looking. Zhai Hua liked them so much that she felt that they were her biological children.

    Due to Jiajia¡¯s obsession with her younger siblings, there were a couple of times that Zhai Hua nearly said that since they had three children, they could pass her one so that she could raise him or her up well.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t a fool. She knew that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t agree to this, and this wasn¡¯t beneficial to the children¡¯s growth.

    Although she did have such thoughts, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t say this out loud, lest they hurt each other¡¯s feelings.

    However, everything was good now. Her brother and sister-inw had returned to Ping Cheng with the three children. She could fulfill her duties as a host and spend more time interacting with them.

    Indeed, they were triplets. Even before they managed tomunicate with San Bao, Da Bao and Er Bao had already guessed San Bao¡¯s thoughts.

    As such, in the face of Zhai Hua, the aunt who was about to treat them to a delicious meal, Da Bao and Er Bao were enthusiastic. They kept telling her that they missed her, charming Zhai Hua until she nearly couldn¡¯t recognize directions and had to be led out of the airport by Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao¡¯s buttocks and warned the three children not to be too overboard.

    If they continued this, they might not be able to eat the delicious food that they longed for.

    After knowing that Zhai Hua¡¯s heart was on the three children and her IQ and EQ were offline, Zhai Sheng asked Zhai Hua for the car key after putting the luggage in the car trunk. ¡°Let me drive.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t wait for that.

    Qiao Nan sat in the passenger seat. ¡°I¡¯ll carry San Bao?¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Zhai Hua waved her hands. ¡°How much space would the three children upy? They can sit with me in the back. It¡¯s safe.¡±

 Chapter 2423 - Returning to Ping Cheng (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2423: Returning to Ping Cheng (1)</h4>

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng immediately became speechless. Safe? How was that the case?

    The triplets were still young. Based on their current ages, it was better for them to sit on child car seats.

    The problem was that when Zhai Hua gave birth to Jiajia, child car seats had not been designed yet.

    Furthermore, Zhai Hua was a scatterbrain and wasn¡¯t as meticulous as Jiajia. Only Zhai Hua knew that the triplets had returned to Ping Cheng with their parents. Jiajia didn¡¯t.

    As such, the careless Zhai Hua only thought about picking them up from the airport. How would she, who didn¡¯t have any young children at home, think of the child car seats?

    If the couple didn¡¯t understand what kind of person Zhai Hua was, they would have thought that Zhai Hua was saying these words deliberately.

    There was a person who knew how his biological sister was like and another whose understanding of her sister-inw wasn¡¯t shallow. As such, the couple didn¡¯t take Zhai Hua¡¯s careless performance to heart and wasn¡¯t calctive.

    ¡°There are a lot of vehicles going back and forth on this road. Brother Zhai wouldn¡¯t drive too quickly. It¡¯s better for me to carry San Bao. San Bao, do you want me to carry you?¡±

    San Bao hurriedly stretched out her hand. ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    She loved her mom carrying her.

    San Bao understood at times that Da Bao and Er Bao often gave in to her as she was a girl. Actually, they were the same as her. They loved to be carried by their mom.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, you¡¯ll sit in the middle and take care of Da Bao and Er Bao. Da Bao, Er Bao, you have to be obedient and sit tight.¡±

    She really couldn¡¯t trust her sister-inw, Zhai Hua. Qiao Nan could only get the three children to work harder. If their aunt wasn¡¯t reliable, they had to be reliable.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m obedient.¡±

    Even though they weren¡¯t carried by their mom, Da Bao and Er Bao were still very obedient. Not only did they not throw tantrums, but they even listened to whatever Qiao Nan said.

    Zhai Huapared the three children¡¯s performance with her daughter, who was in the second year of high school. She sighed and said, ¡°I wonder if the three children would be rebellious and disobedient like their Sister Jiajia when they grow up.¡±

    When Jiajia was young, she was as cute as the triplets. However, when she grew up, she became rebellious.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan looked at each other tacitly. With a mom like Zhai Hua, it was already good that Jiajia grew up to be like this today. Zhai Hua shouldn¡¯t have so many demands and high expectations of Jiajia.

    No matter how unreliable Jiajia was, that was inherited from Zhai Hua.

    There was nothing wrong with the saying that whatever type of mother would have whatever type of daughter.

    ¡°Mom, is there anything good to eat here?¡± After getting off the ne, they had been sitting in the car for more than half an hour. San Bao expressed that she was hungry and her stomach couldn¡¯t hold it back any longer as it started growling.

    Da Bao and Er Bao also revealed looks of gluttony. They looked like puppies that smelled meat and were only short of drooling to show Qiao Nan how hungry they were now.

    ¡°You¡¯re that hungry?¡± Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but feel aggrieved for them. Along the way, the three children were chatting with her obediently and didn¡¯tin that they were hungry.

    If San Bao didn¡¯t mention it, she wouldn¡¯t have noticed this situation.

    ¡°San Bao, shall we go to this restaurant?¡± Knowing the children¡¯s habits, Qiao Nan held San Bao¡¯s hand and asked her as they stood in front of a barbeque shop.

    Upon seeing pictures of fragrant meat at the shop, San Bao swallowed her saliva. ¡°How fragrant.¡±

    Alright. There wasn¡¯t a need to select further. This restaurant would be it.

    One of the advantages of barbequed meat was that they had to be eaten while wrapped in fresh lettuce. San Bao usually didn¡¯t like to eat vegetables. However, at this time, San Bao didn¡¯t reject meat that was wrapped with vegetables.

    Afraid that the three children¡¯s stomachs couldn¡¯t take it, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t dare to give them fresh lettuce directly. She always put them on the grill and only picked them up to wrap with meat when they were cooked and a little crunchy. Then, she fed the three children.

    When it came to taking care of children, Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng were naturally less experienced than Qiao Nan.

    Upon seeing how Qiao Nan took care of the three children, Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng each took charge of a child and filled their stomachs first.

    There was no choice. As parents, the first bite of food was destined not to enter their mouths.

    Thankfully, the three children were well-educated by Qiao Nan. After being half-full, they started to let the adults eat as well so that they wouldn¡¯t go hungry.

    The full children had satisfied looks, which made people like them. ¡°Aren¡¯t the three children in our family too easily satisfied? How can they be so happy after having a barbeque meal?¡±

    She was about to suspect if Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan abused the three children behind their backs when they were in the capital.

    After being used to children who were difficult to coax, she looked again at the triplets who were so happy after a meal of meat. Zhai Hua felt heartache. Her nephews and niece were so easy to coax and manage.

    In this way, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have to worry about them so much. Indeed, other people¡¯s children performed better.

    Thankfully, she was these three children¡¯s aunt.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t understand the children¡¯s expression. As their parents, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng naturally understood.

    There were quite a number of adults taking care of the three children at home. To be honest, the three children had little opportunity to eat outside food. The elders in the family were worried that outside food was unclean, not nutritious, or loaded with MSG.

    To the three children, the experience of eating outside food was rare toe by, if at all.

    No matter what, she had given birth to the three children herself. Since Zhai Hua felt that they were obedient, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t going to expose them. ¡°They like to eat meat. As long as it¡¯s meat, they would always reveal such expressions.¡±

    What Qiao Nan said was true.

    Perhaps quite a number of children were like this, where their preference for meat reached a certain level. Vegetables were the opposite of meat. Children would wee meat as much as they rejected vegetables.

    Jiajia was already grown up. Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t remember clearly how Jiajia was like when she was two years old. ¡°I¡¯ve already gotten someone to clean the rooms. Stay for a night at home first. Talk about other matters only tomorrow. Nan Nan, you shouldn¡¯t need this one day for your matter, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    Qiao Nan had long nned this before returning. Since they were back, they had to make a trip to the Zhai family¡¯s house in Ping Cheng and let the three children recognize this family. Whether they remembered this or not could be talked aboutter.

    Undoubtedly, in the face of the Zhai family¡¯s big house, the three children found it extremely novel. ¡°Mom, where is this?¡±

    ¡°This is our house as well. This was where we used to live.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Er Bao tried to think hard.

 Chapter 2424 - Returning to Ping Cheng (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2424: Returning to Ping Cheng (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t remember. Did we live here before?¡± Why didn¡¯t he have any impression of this ce before?

    After touching the tip of Er Bao¡¯s nose, Qiao Nan replied, ¡°Back then, the three of you were still in my stomach. Of course, you wouldn¡¯t remember anything. Look, this is your room.¡±

    Qiao Nan got pregnant with the triplets in Ping Cheng but gave birth to them in the capital. It would be strange if the three children could recognize this ce.

    ¡°It¡¯s true. There¡¯s our bed.¡±

    Upon seeing that there was the same small bed that their house in the capital had, the three children were happy. It was definitely their house if their bed was there.

    ¡°Mom, are we staying here?¡± Da Bao looked around. It turned out this was their house as well.

    ¡°Yes, we are.¡± Qiao Nan helped the three children change their shoes. ¡°We don¡¯t usually live here. However, Aunt and Sister Jiajia live here.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Sister?¡± San Bao blinked. She had an impression of Jiajia. She still remembered how Sister Jiajia used to bring her around to y. She even helped her tie her hair and dress her up.

    ¡°Sister is in school. Shall I bring you to see her room?¡±

    Zhai Hua interrupted.

    ¡°Alright.¡± San Bao ran to Zhai Hua and handed her chubby hand over to her so that she could hold her hand.

    Da Bao and Er Bao followed up as well. At this age, Da Bao and Er Bao liked to y with older children. Sister Jiajia was older than them, knew a lot of things, and understood a lot of words. Inparison to their mom, she paled just a little. However, she was very formidable.

    In the face of such a capable sister, Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao liked Jiajia.

    San Bao ran into Jiajia¡¯s room. ¡°Sister¡¯s room?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sister¡¯s room.¡±

    ¡°Can I stay here?¡±

    Zhai Huaughed. ¡°If your Sister Jiajia was around, she can sleep with you. If no one sleeps with you, will you dare to sleep alone in a room, San Bao?¡±

    San Bao thought for a while before quickly running to the middle of Da Bao and Er Bao. She used her action to tell her aunt that she wanted to be in the same room as her brothers.

    Zhai Hua, who had long guessed this oue, wasn¡¯t surprised at all. ¡°Do you want to see my room?¡±

    Da Bao shook his head. ¡°No need. I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thirsty too.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go down to have some water?¡±

    The three children chatted among themselves and showed that they were not interested in Zhai Hua¡¯s room at all. How were they curious about it like Jiajia¡¯s room just now?

    ¡°The three of you¡­¡± Zhai Hua was so angry that sheughed. Did they despise her, the aunt? Wasn¡¯t it just taking a look at her room? The three children used the excuse of wanting to drink water to leave.

    There was no choice. Zhai Hua escorted the three of them downstairs and poured water for them.

    At this time, Qiao Nan had already used the tools at home to boil water. It was now half cold.

    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re a mom. Your three children just said that they were thirsty and you already have cool water prepared here.¡± Zhai Hua admitted with regret that she wasn¡¯t as good. Even if she was a mother of three like Qiao Nan, she wouldn¡¯t have been so meticulous like her, let alone that she only had Jiajia as a child.

    No wonder her mom always said that the difference between people was huge. They were both mothers. However, the difference between them caused their children to suffer differently.

    What made Zhai Hua thankful was that even though she wasn¡¯t as good a mother, Jiajia had already grown up.

    Although she wasn¡¯t aspetent as Qiao Nan as a mother, hadn¡¯t Jiajia grown up to be healthy? If she had to raise her child up like how Qiao Nan did, she probably wouldn¡¯t know how to do it well.

    ¡°Mom.¡± San Bao ran toward Qiao Nan first and half-leaned against her leg. Then, she started drinking water.

    After San Bao was done, it was Er Bao¡¯s turn, then Da Bao¡¯s. The three children queued up obediently and didn¡¯t throw tantrums. Zhai Hua was shocked. ¡°Nan Nan, based on your capabilities, have you considered opening a kindergarten?¡±

    Not only did Qiao Nan know how to teach older children, but she also raised the younger children up to be so obedient.

    Really, it was a blessing for them and their parents to meet a teacher like Qiao Nan.

    Not to mention others, Qiao Nan had helped make Jiajia be obedient. It seemed that in Qiao Nan¡¯s hands, a child at Jiajia¡¯s age wouldn¡¯t be rebellious and a child at the triplets¡¯ age wouldn¡¯t be cheeky.

    A person like Qiao Nan was born to be a mother.

    No wonder her nephews and niece were raised well. One look at their faces and it was obvious they were leading a happy life.

    After feeding the three children water, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhai Hua. ¡°We already have so many children in our family. I¡¯m already busy with ours and you want me to raise other people¡¯s children? Are you sure?¡±

    If she were to raise so many children up, she wouldn¡¯t be able to care about Jiajia¡¯s matters anymore.

    In Qiao Nan¡¯s opinion, aside from Jiajia and the triplets, the Zhai family had quite a number of adult children. When the adult and younger children mingled, it would tire Qiao Nan.

    If she were to raise other people¡¯s children, there was no doubt that she wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of her own.

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t understand Qiao Nan¡¯s subtext. However, Zhai Hua still valued Jiajia, her daughter. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re notcking money and aren¡¯t short of things to do. You don¡¯t have to tire yourself like this. It¡¯s already enough for you to take care of the four people at home.¡±

    She almost couldn¡¯t manage her only daughter, Jiajia. How would she be able to handle four people?

    As she thought about this, Zhai Hua felt that her words just now were pretty silly. She couldn¡¯t even manage a child but wanted Qiao Nan to manage a group. Based on their Zhai family¡¯s conditions, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to work so hard at all.

    Furthermore, it wasn¡¯t as if Qiao Nan had nothing to do now.

    ¡°Oh right, where¡¯s Zhai Sheng?¡± She had already brought the three children upstairs for a tour and had already been downstairs for more than ten minutes. However, she still didn¡¯t see Zhai Sheng yet. ¡°Did he go to visit hisrade-in-arms the moment he reached Ping Cheng?¡± If that was the case, don¡¯t me her for falling out with him.

    Were all men like this?

    Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, have you thought of what to eat tonight?¡±

    Don¡¯t think that that barbeque meal alone could satisfy the three children.

    Based on the speed that the three children were digesting their food, they would definitely cry out of hunger around eight in the evening.

    ¡°Call for takeout?¡± Zhai Hua said casually. Before Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng arrived, Zhai Hua usually hired a part-time worker to cook a table full of dishes if Jiajia was at home.

    If Jiajia wasn¡¯t at home, Zhai Hua would always order takeout for convenience. As such, Zhai Hua was already used to it.

    ¡°Takeout?¡±

 Chapter 2425 - Returning to Ping Cheng (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2425: Returning to Ping Cheng (3)</h4>

    The foodie San Bao¡¯s eyes shone. She nearly wanted to bite her fingers. However, upon thinking that her mom said that she couldn¡¯t bite her fingers, she immediately put them down when they just reached her mouth. ¡°Mom, is it nice?¡± That thing called takeout.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was pretty convinced of her daughter¡¯s gluttony. ¡°It isn¡¯t nice at all. If it was, I would have long let the three of you try it.¡±

    San Bao looked at Zhai Hua. ¡°Aunt ate it.¡±

    She would try not to eat food that wasn¡¯t delicious unless her mom forced her.

    Her aunt was already an adult. Could it be that she wasn¡¯t as sensible as her and didn¡¯t know that she shouldn¡¯t eat food that wasn¡¯t delicious?

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°Your aunt¡¯szy. She¡¯d rather eat food that wasn¡¯t delicious than prepare her own meals.¡±

    San Bao stared at Zhai Hua usingly. ¡°Aunt, nice food.¡± Forget it that her aunt didn¡¯t want to eat delicious food. She had to give her delicious food. If not, she would cry.

    Da Bao and Er Bao stood next to San Bao and silently supported her, expressing that they wanted to eat delicious food as well.

    Their aunt was too stupid to always eat food that wasn¡¯t delicious. She wasn¡¯t as smart as the three of them.

    Zhai Hua nearlyughed until she cried. What should she do? Her IQ was despised by her nephews and niece. ¡°So, if you aren¡¯t letting me order takeout, are you going to let Zhai Sheng prepare dinner tonight?¡±

    Zhai Hua could understand why Qiao Nan didn¡¯t let the three children eat take-out food.

    They were both mothers. Otherwise, Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t have deliberately found someone to prepare a table full of dishes for Jiajia when she was at home.

    She was too overjoyed today and had forgotten that she couldn¡¯t continue to order takeout as the three children were here.

    If her mom knew that she had treated the three children to some takeout, she could chase her all the way here to Ping Cheng.

    With grandchildren, her daughter and son became invaluable.

    ¡°Brother Zhai went to the market to buy fresh vegetables. They probably can¡¯tpare to the ones sold in the morning, but they¡¯ll be better than ordering takeout.¡± Qiao Nan had long considered this point. Of course, it was impossible for Qiao Nan to get Zhai Sheng to prepare this meal.

    The three children despised the food that Zhai Sheng prepared. The first time they ate it, they were still willing to give him some face. From the second time onward, they started to turn their heads and were unwilling to eat it.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s cooking couldn¡¯t make it and Zhai Hua didn¡¯t know how to cook. Of course, this meal would naturally have to be prepared by Qiao Nan.

    Zhai Hua slumpedfortably on the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s such a nice feeling to have someone cook in the family.¡± She could even save on the call to hire part-time workers. ¡°Oh right, how long will you be staying in Ping Cheng?¡±

    This was rted to how long she could enjoy home-cooked food. Also, once Jiajia came home from school, she would definitely be ted to see her younger siblings here. This could be a surprise for Jiajia.

    ¡°Based on the current situation, probably a week.¡± Before Qiao Nan arrived, the team that she formed had already done some of the inspection works and handed her the results.

    Qiao Nan made a personal trip here just to verify the facts.

    ¡°A week¡­ It¡¯s a little short, but that¡¯s not bad. Coincidentally, Jiajia¡¯sing back this weekend.¡± Zhai Hua calcted with her fingers and was still satisfied with this answer.

    If it were next week, Zhai Hua could imagine how Jiajia would throw tantrums at her upon knowing that the three children had returned to their home in Ping Cheng but she wasn¡¯t given the opportunity to interact with them.

    It was really her ¡®blessing¡¯ to have given birth to such a bad-tempered daughter.

    While Qiao Nan was chatting with Zhai Hua, the three children ran around the house as if they were explorers.

    The three children realized that the house was big. Compared to the other house, there was more space for them to run around here. What made the three children happy was that there was a grass patch outside the house. It was their own grass patch, not the one in the park.

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    Er Bao, who almost wanted to roll around on the grass patch, saw Zhai Sheng return from buying vegetables. He rushed over happily and said, ¡°Grass patch. Roll around.¡±

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s hands were full and he didn¡¯t have an extra hand to carry his son. ¡°Be obedient. We won¡¯t roll around today. Where¡¯s Mom?¡±

    Er Bao pointed to the house, expressing that his mom was in the house chatting with his aunt while the three of them were ying here.

    When Zhai Sheng went to buy vegetables, he remembered to lock the door before leaving. As such, the three children could only y at home and not run out.

    Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan knew this point very clearly. Thus, they let the three children run around happily.

    ¡°Dad¡¯s going to bring the vegetables in. Are you going to enter the house with me or continue ying outside?¡±

    Er Bao hurriedly ran away from Zhai Sheng and ran toward Da Bao and San Bao.

    It was obvious that the three children were more interested in the yard outside the house. They resisted plucking the grass and flowers. However, it was still alright to touch them.

    After knowing the three children¡¯s attitudes, Zhai Sheng locked the door once again. After knowing that they couldn¡¯t run outside, he brought the vegetables in and ced them in the refrigerator.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua was never the kind of woman who stayed at home. Such a huge refrigerator was empty.

    No matter how many vegetables Zhai Sheng bought, there was still more than enough space in the double-door refrigerator for him to use freely.

    However, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but criticize Zhai Hua because of this situation. ¡°It has been tough on Jiajia to follow a mom like you.¡±

    Zhai Sheng suspected how Zhai Hua had lived in those ten over years when she hadn¡¯t gotten a divorce from Wei De.

    How did Zhai Hua survive when there wasn¡¯t takeout in the past? She couldn¡¯t possibly let Jiajia prepare her own meals, right?

    Zhai Hua smiled and didn¡¯t exin too clearly.

    Zhai Hua had a rtively wilder character. It wasn¡¯t that she liked to y around, but she was manlier. She liked to stay in the army and do what men did. Under normal circumstances, Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t interested in what women did and might even despise it.

    Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t remember how many things she had done that she didn¡¯t like and how many times she had given up things that she liked after marrying Wei De.

    Zhai Hua¡¯s culinary skills were really nothing. Thankfully, Jiajia was sensible and obedient. She was never picky and wouldn¡¯t feel resentful. Coupled with the fact that Wei De wasn¡¯t home, Jiajia would eat whatever Zhai Hua prepared.

    It was different now. After getting a divorce from Wei De, Zhai Hua could be said to be liberated. She no longer needed to do things that she didn¡¯t like.

    Zhai Hua really hated preparing meals, and she hated going into the kitchen even more.

    The Zhai family¡¯s house was built a long time ago, and it wasn¡¯t convenient to demolish anything. Otherwise, Zhai Hua would have ideas about the kitchen.

 Chapter 2426 - To Be Understanding (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2426: To Be Understanding (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    If Jiajia was around, Zhai Hua would rather hire someone to prepare a table full of dishes than cook herself. If Jiajia wasn¡¯t around, she would order takeout, which was more convenient.

    Jiajia didn¡¯t feel that there was anything wrong with what Zhai Hua did.

    If there was something delicious, who would be willing to torture one¡¯s mouth and insist on eating food that wasn¡¯t delicious?

    Furthermore, Jiajia also knew what her biological mother liked to do.

    She had already gotten a divorce and just didn¡¯t like to enter the kitchen. That was nothing, as long as Zhai Hua was living happily.

    Jiajia wasn¡¯t picky. Zhai Hua had nothing else to think about. Her old age made it unsuitable for her to return to the army. She might as well do business with her childhood friends and be a rich second-generation heir so that she could earn more money for Jiajia¡¯s dowry. The mother-daughter pair led afortable and casual lifestyle.

    It was precisely because of this that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan encountered this situation when they were at the Zhai family.

    If Zhai Hua wasn¡¯t living in the Zhai family, based on the situation that the refrigerator had nothing but water, people would generally suspect if this house was upied.

    ¡°How is it? After living in the capital for a few years, do you feel that the house in Ping Cheng is great?¡±

    Zhai Sheng wasining that the Zhai family¡¯s house didn¡¯t feel alive after Zhai Hua stayed in it. Zhai Hua retaliated by saying that life in the capital wasn¡¯t as good as in Ping Cheng.

    There was no choice. The air quality in the capital was really bad. There were often sandstorms and haze.

    Every time she saw such news, Zhai Hua¡¯s first reaction was that her nephews and niece were living in the capital. It was really pitiful for them to live in such an environment at a young age.

    The triplets should be able to live and grow up healthily, right?

    Zhai Hua had such worries. Jiajia had them too.

    It was just that when Jiajia asked such a question, Zhai Hua would retaliate and say, ¡°It isn¡¯t as if there¡¯s no one else living in the capital. The annual rate of newborns in the capital isn¡¯t low. So many children are leading a good life. The children of our Zhai family would only be healthier than those children. Don¡¯t utter nonsense. It¡¯s easy for people to misunderstand them.¡±

    No matter how poor the air quality was in the capital, other people¡¯s children were also children. If they could grow up healthily, why couldn¡¯t their family¡¯s children do the same?

    Perhaps they had thought too much and worried too much.

    After beingforted by Zhai Hua like this, Jiajia dispelled the thought of wanting to bring her younger siblings back to Ping Cheng.

    Qiao Nan had left Ping Cheng for almost three years. During these three years, Qiao Nan pretty much didn¡¯t return.

    Zhai Hua found it particrly interesting that the three children were amused by therge grass patch in the Zhai family¡¯s courtyard.

    These three chubby children were her brother¡¯s children. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t so cute when he was young. He liked to lecture people with a stern face from a young age. She often couldn¡¯t tell who the older sibling was and who the younger one was.

    She had to say that it was indeed Zhai Sheng taking care of Zhai Hua most of the time, not Zhai Hua bringing Zhai Sheng out to y.

    The scene of the sister-brother pair interacting seemed to be close at hand. In the blink of an eye, her brother¡¯s three children were the same age as them in her memories. Her daughter was already a high school student.

    As time passed, people aged. ¡°When are Dad and Mom returning for their retirement?¡±

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t go to the capital because she knew that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would definitely return to Ping Cheng to live the rest of their lives. After all, fallen leaves return to the roots. Just take Old Master Zhai as an example.

    Zhai Hua decided to stay in Ping Cheng and live in the Zhai family¡¯s home so that it would be convenient for her to take care of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing in the future.

    By then, Zhai Sheng would definitely still be developing himself in the capital with Qiao Nan and wouldn¡¯t return in a few years. That meant that Zhai Hua would be the only person left to take care of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing then.

    However, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were reluctant to leave the triplets and hadn¡¯t mentioned this topic yet. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t dare to ask them directly. Since Zhai Sheng was here today, there was naturally nothing for Zhai Hua to be polite to her younger brother about. Thus, she asked about Zhai Sheng¡¯s ns.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see their decision.¡±

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t give Zhai Hua a definite answer. ¡°The big hospital in the capital isn¡¯t bad. Dad and Mom can get better care there. Most importantly, which you should have already guessed, Dad and Mom are reluctant to leave the three children.¡± The three children couldn¡¯t leave his and Nan Nan¡¯s side.

    How would the two elders, who were reluctant to leave their three grandchildren, be willing to stay in Ping Cheng for the rest of their lives? They dyed the situation year after year, saying that they would see how things went. Until today, there wasn¡¯t a conclusion.

    Zhai Hua held her head with her hand. Seeing how Qiao Nan was rushing in and out of the kitchen, the empty house became more alive instantly because of the addition of Zhai Sheng¡¯s family. ¡°I¡¯ve already guessed that Dad and Mom probably don¡¯t want to return. Thankfully, you¡¯re lucky to have married such a good wife like Nan Nan. Until now, she didn¡¯t mention that she would go out and find a job. With her around, even if Dad and Mom want to stay in the capital for the rest of their lives, both of us could feel at ease.¡±

    The Zhai family¡¯s situation fulfilled the condition that there were both the young and old at home.

    Elders like Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing couldn¡¯t be separated from the care of juniors.

    If the elders encountered any situation, they had to have rtives by their side to take care of them and deal with all matters. Also, children like the triplets couldn¡¯t be separated from the care of adults at all.

    With the old and the young, Qiao Nan really couldn¡¯t go out to work and try another lifestyle that was more self-centered.

    If not for Qiao Nan being a good daughter-inw, the people suffering now would have been Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng.

    The better and more filial Qiao Nan was, the more energy Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng could save.

    Seeing Qiao Nan¡¯s busy back view, Zhai Sheng¡¯s gaze was gentle and carried with it strong emotions. ¡°I¡¯ve always known that marrying Nan Nan is my greatest blessing in this lifetime. I don¡¯t need you to remind me.¡±

    Zhai Hua didn¡¯t need to remind him how much Qiao Nan had sacrificed for him and this family. Zhai Sheng knew it clearly in his heart.

    With Qiao Nan as his wife, even if they had been married for thirty or three hundred years, he wouldn¡¯t feel bored or tired with their couple life, let alone that they were married for only three years now.

    Regarding their married life, the only thing he felt was panic. Time passed by day after day and was irreversible. This also meant that he had less time to spend with Qiao Nan.

    Sometimes, Zhai Sheng uncharacteristically snatched Qiao Nan from the three children as he was influenced by this situation.

    Everyone¡¯s time was limited. In the face of limited time, Zhai Sheng cherished every minute and second of his married life with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Mom, I want to eat fruits!¡±

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t do without Qiao Nan, his wife.. The three children couldn¡¯t do without her, their mom.

 Chapter 2427 - To Be Understanding (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2427: To Be Understanding (2)</h4>

    When it was time for fruits, the three children didn¡¯t y. They ran toward the kitchen where their mom was and surrounded Qiao Nan, asking her for fruits to eat.

    Would Qiao Nan not know her own children¡¯s habit?

    After cutting the ripe bananas that Zhai Sheng bought back into sections, she put a section into each of the three children¡¯s mouths. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s eat together with Dad and Aunt outside.¡±

    After bringing out the fruit tter and putting it on the table, Zhai Hua was shocked. ¡°Nan Nan, wasn¡¯t it just cutting some fruits? Did you have to arrange them so beautifully? There¡¯re chickens, ducks, and pigs. Are you nning to create a zoo here?¡±

    How convenient was it to just bring them out after cutting the fruits? It took quite a lot of time and effort to arrange them in such a manner. However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t find it tiring.

    Furthermore, they were all going to be eaten. Was it important how they were arranged? Not at all. No matter how nicely arranged they were, they would be digested after entering the stomach.

    By then, one wouldn¡¯t be able to distinguish the pulps from the juices without scientific instruments, let alone patterns.

    As a person who was toozy to enter the kitchen and relied on takeout for meals, Zhai Hua naturally couldn¡¯t understand why fruits had to be cut the way Qiao Nan did.

    Qiao Nan smiled and ate together with the children. She didn¡¯t exin much to Zhai Hua.

    As an adult, it wasn¡¯t an issue to eat the whole fruit by itself, let alone cut it. The problem was that Qiao Nan had three children. Thus, their moods had to be considered.

    They were simrly eating fruits. If one were to arrange the fruits in a more beautiful manner, the children¡¯s interest would naturally be higher. As they ate, they would recognize which was a duck and which was a pig.

    Even if Qiao Nan didn¡¯t exin it, Zhai Hua already had an answer when she saw the three children huddled together eating fruits enthusiastically.

    At this time, Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but admit that Zhai Sheng¡¯s words were true. As a mom, she had it easy.

    Compared to the triplets, Jiajia had suffered grievances in terms of the way she was brought up. No wonder every time Jiajia went to the capital, aside from ying together with the three children, she loved staying with her aunt, Qiao Nan, the most.

    Perhaps only a mother like Qiao Nan would fulfill all the children¡¯s fantasies on the role of a mother. Was this what an ideal mother meant?

    ¡°Mom, wash.¡± After having fruits, especially the red dragon fruit, the three children¡¯s hands and faces were simply so dirty that they couldn¡¯t be seen.

    As the three children couldn¡¯t grip the fruits firmly in their hands and had the habit of dripping juice, Qiao Nan generally didn¡¯t like to prepare this kind of fruit for the three children.

    However, who asked such fruits to be nutritious and her own children loved them?

    In the face of the children¡¯s preferences, juice being easy to stain and not easy to wash wasn¡¯t a problem. What was most important was that the children ate them.

    As such, not only did the children wear bibs during their three meals a day, but they also wore them when they were eating fruits.

    After seeing that the three children were full, Zhai Sheng no longer chatted with Zhai Hua. Instead, he stood up and apanied the three children to the toilet with Qiao Nan. He helped them wash their faces and hands and soak their dirty bibs into water. Zhai Sheng would naturally be the one to wash them soon.

    Based on how Zhai Sheng was taking care of the three children, Zhai Hua knew that he didn¡¯t take care of the three children any lesser when they were at home.

    Five years ago, she had urged Zhai Sheng to get married quickly and have children. Zhai Sheng was unwilling and kept reminding her to raise Jiajia, her daughter, up well first. Now, Zhai Sheng was morepetent than anyone else as a father.

    As he stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side, Zhai Sheng learned how to be a father and a son. It could be seen that finding the rightpanion was really important for a couple.

    Unlike her, after marrying Wei De, he forced her to learn how to be a mother. However, she couldn¡¯t y this role well no matter what.

    ¡°Full?¡± After the three children¡¯s faces were wiped clean by Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua hugged San Bao in her arms and bit her fleshy face. After being kissed, San Bao couldn¡¯t even pout and she frowned.

    ¡°Aunt, bad.¡±

    Afterining for a while, San Bao twisted her little body and wanted to get down from Zhai Hua¡¯s arms.

    The Zhai family would naturally be close to the three children. However, after they grew up, they had their own thoughts. If you kissed them lightly, they might still ept it. If you kissed them too forcefully and they felt unhappy or ufortable, they would never let you kiss them again.

    Now, Zhai Hua became part of San Bao¡¯s cklist. ¡°Dad, carry.¡±

    This little girl was quite clever at this time. San Bao felt that this aunt was stronger than her mom. She was afraid that her aunt wouldn¡¯t let her go and her mom couldn¡¯t snatch her away from her.

    As such, she blinked and stretched out her arms toward her dad, wanting him to carry her.

    Yes, Dad was taller and stronger than Aunt. He would definitely be able to save her from Aunt¡¯s arms.

    Mom said that Dad was part of the People¡¯s Liberation Army. He was the most formidable character in this world. There was nothing a formidable person like her father couldn¡¯t do.

    How would her aunt be her dad¡¯s match?

    Needless to say, in San Bao¡¯s, Da Bao¡¯s, or Er Bao¡¯s heart, the image of Zhai Sheng as a father was as brilliant as a hero. They believed in him and worshipped him.

    After encountering difficulties, San Bao naturally had to find her dad, the hero, for help and rescue her from this bad aunt¡¯s hands.

    Zhai Sheng rolled his eyes at Zhai Hua and carried his chubby daughter over. ¡°What kind of habit is this? Did you do this when Jiajia was young as well?¡±

    Zhai Huaughed and didn¡¯t answer. No matter how cute or likable her daughter was, she would definitely be merciful when kissing her.

    Furthermore, at that time, Zhai Hua had already understood that the married life with Wei De waspletely different from what she had imagined.

    Her mood became different. The results that Zhai Hua saw were also different.

    How would she be so rxed like now? She simply liked San Bao¡¯s chubby face too much. Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t suppress her inner desires and had kissed her too hard.

    To be honest, the feeling of that bite was really extraordinary.

    It was fleshy and bouncy. It was also fragrant and smoother than tofu.

    If San Bao hadn¡¯t been taken away by Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua felt that she would definitely take a few more bites of San Bao¡¯s face.

    Of course, Zhai Hua knew her limits as well. If she had really used too much force, San Bao wouldn¡¯t have asked her dad to carry her. Instead, she would have cried and asked her dad to avenge her.

 Chapter 2428 - To Be Understanding (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2428: To Be Understanding (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    After knowing that Zhai Hua was bullying his daughter, the way Zhai Sheng looked at Zhai Hua became unfriendly.

    Zhai Sheng understood that Zhai Hua was taking revenge as he had controlled Zhai Hua too much when they were both young. Every time the two of them exchanged moves, he had never gone soft on her and would just win whenever he could.

    She was really¡­

    It had been decades, but she was still so childish and wanted to seek revenge by bullying children like San Bao. In the face of such a Zhai Hua, Zhai Sheng was really not too willing to admit that she was older than him and he had to address her as his older sister.

    He felt that if he put his three children together with Zhai Hua, his three children might even be more sensible than her. Zhai Hua was really regressing as she grew older.

    San Bao wiped the saliva on her face in disdain and looked at Zhai Sheng with grievances. ¡°Aunt¡¯s bad. Smelly. San Bao¡¯s face is dirty.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She had just found her sense of presence from San Bao and had taken revenge against Zhai Sheng. Upon hearing San Bao¡¯s words, Zhai Hua nearly suffocated from anger. She actually despised her and said that her saliva was smelly.

    Indeed, she was Zhai Sheng¡¯s daughter. No matter how young she was, she was a brat. How would she be someone easy to bully?

    Seeing that Zhai Hua was angry, Zhai Sheng was naturally happy. ¡°San Bao, don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯ll bring you to wash your face, alright?¡±

    San Bao nodded and tugged on Zhai Sheng¡¯s clothes, urging him to hurry up. She was unhappy now and would only feel morefortable after her face was washed clean.

    Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t find this to be troublesome. After all, she was his biological daughter. Furthermore, San Bao had retaliated against Zhai Hua. Zhai Sheng was happy to wait on his daughter.

    When Zhai Sheng carried San Bao away to wash her face in front of Zhai Hua, Zhai Hua turned her attention to Da Bao and Er Bao.

    As triplets, the three children naturally had the same habits in certain aspects.

    Now that they were older, they knew how to run and talk, and started to dislike kisses from adults. Only Qiao Nan, their biological mother, had the right to kiss them whenever she liked. Other people had to get the three children¡¯s consent before they could kiss them.

    If someone kissed them without their permission, they could lose their temper and not let that person get close to them. At a young age, they knew how to give someone the cold shoulder like adults.

    After seeing how Zhai Hua had angered San Bao with her kiss, Da Bao and Er Bao hurriedly stretched out their hands and covered their faces. They even hid behind Qiao Nan, their biological mother.

    When Qiao Nan was pregnant with them, she didn¡¯t grow any flesh. After giving birth to the three children and doing so many things, how would Qiao Nan¡¯s figure be able to block both her sons¡¯ chubby bodies?

    Both brothers started to squeeze each other out. Sweat was nearly squeezed out from Qiao Nan. Even if she wasn¡¯t sweating, the back of her clothes was already crumpled by her two sons.

    Left with no choice, Qiao Nan turned around and hugged each son with an arm. ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Don¡¯t be scared. We¡¯ll ignore Aunt and hide from her. If she¡¯s here, we¡¯ll run away. If we can¡¯t run from her, we¡¯ll find Dad for help. Dad¡¯s formidable. Aunt can¡¯t win against him.¡±

    If they continued to tug on her clothes, it would be torn to pieces soon.

    Da Bao and Er Bao leaned against Qiao Nan¡¯s arms. They felt that Qiao Nan was right and stopped ying hide-and-seek with Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    As Zhai Sheng walked out carrying San Bao, his two sons greeted him with unprecedented enthusiasm. Zhai Sheng knew immediately that Zhai Hua must have tried to y a hand¡¯ on Da Bao and Er Bao when he was gone. She was really¡­

    ¡°Are you three years old this year?¡± Even Jiajia was more sensible than Zhai Hua. Why was she so childish and shameless to bully the three children who were just two years old?

    ¡°Dada, Erer.¡± San Bao didn¡¯t stay in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms for long. She pounced toward Da Bao and Er Bao. She felt safer when the three of them were together.

    Er Bao hugged San Bao as if he was experiencing heartache. He touched San Bao¡¯s face and blew air at the spot where Zhai Hua kissed her. ¡°It¡¯s not painful anymore. The pain¡¯s gone.¡±

    Zhai Hua was nearly angered to death by Er Bao¡¯s words.

    Was she that detestable?

    She had personally verified it. These three children might look like little angels and were so cute that people couldn¡¯t wait to give them their hearts.

    However, when they were cheeky, their words were like knives and they were more formidable than the young Zhai Sheng.

    Upon thinking that she had grown up like that with Zhai Sheng when they were young and that she couldn¡¯t remember clearly how many times she was bullied by Zhai Sheng, Zhai Hua shed tears for herself back then. She was too pitiful. Zhai Sheng was too cruel and inhumane to bully her when she was a child.

    What made Zhai Hua happy was that she had married early and her daughter, Jiajia, was much older than the triplets.

    Based on the age difference between the four, it should be her Jiajia who could coax the three children. It was impossible for Jiajia to be like her, whose IQ was on par with that of the children and was thus bullied.

    As she thought about this, Zhai Hua quickly remembered that Jiajia was obsessed with her younger siblings. One might not be able to bully the two-year-old triplets who didn¡¯t know anything just because they were older.

    Based on how much Jiajia liked and valued the three children, she might just fight it out with whoever wanted to bully the three children¡­

    In the face of Jiajia, a daughter who had a shot at sess in defeating them but would let this opportunity slip, Zhai Hua thumped her chest and stamped her feet. What should she do? She seemed to have lost to Zhai Sheng again. Even Jiajia couldn¡¯t win this round.

    Zhai Hua looked depressed. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Brother Zhai, what¡¯s wrong with Sister Zhai Hua? She seemed to have suffered a huge blow.¡±

    Her three children didn¡¯t do anything overboard, right? Even Jiajia knew their temper and that before kissing them, they had to ask them if they were alright with it. Could it be that Jiajia didn¡¯t share the triplets¡¯ habit with Sister Zhai Hua?

    What should she do? Sister Zhai Hua was quite different in her dream. She couldn¡¯t see through Sister Zhai Hua after her divorce anymore.

    Qiao Nan, who didn¡¯t understand, hugged Da Bao. She used Da Bao¡¯s soft and fleshy body to calm her nerves.

    Zhai Sheng ced Er Bao and San Bao in between him and Qiao Nan. He put his long arms back as if he was embracing Qiao Nan and the three children.. ¡°As a woman without a man by her side, we have to understand if she¡¯s more bad-tempered and if her IQ drops a little.¡±

 Chapter 2429 - I Have to Head Back (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2429: I Have to Head Back (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s dirty joke, Qiao Nan¡¯s first reaction was to nce at the three kids.

    After making sure that no one understood what Zhai Sheng was saying, she pushed him away. ¡°Don¡¯t say such things before the kids. Sleep in the study room if I hear it again.¡±

    Even if Da Bao and Er Bao were boys, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want her children to know too much at an early age.

    San Bao, especially, was a girl that Qiao Nan had pledged to protect from such things.

    ¡°The study room!¡± San Bao was excited to hear it as she already understood what it meant when her mom asked her dad to sleep in the study room. Every time this happened, the kids could sleep with their mom.

    When her dad was home, it seemed like the only way that her mom would allow them to sleep together.

    Their dad was a bad person for stealing their mom away from them. How shameless of him to be doing it at his age?

    ¡°It seems like the rtionship between you and your kids is not that sturdy, after all.¡±

    It was Zhai Hua¡¯s turn to mock Zhai Sheng. ¡°Good job living up to the Zhai family¡¯s name. Everyone in the family must have the courage to beshing out at anyone. Perfect!¡±

    If the three children only attacked Zhai Hua as their father did, she would be discouraged.

    However, Zhai Hua realized that the kids were not targeting her. Zhai Sheng would end up as a victim as well.

    Although Zhai Hua¡¯s position didn¡¯t change, she was still satisfied that Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t much better than her. In her heart, she was growing fonder of the children.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    San Bao¡¯s unintentional words were enough to bring Zhai Hua such joy. Qiao Nan patted Da Bao and signaled him to y with his younger siblings.

    Fine, she had to admit that the Zhai family did have this trait, and she was the only normal one in the family.

    However, if she agreed with Zhai Hua, it would mean that her children were the same. Qiao Nan decided to remain silent.

    The brother and sister always had nothing pleasant to say.

    ¡°Hello?¡± At this moment, Zhai Hua received a phone call. ¡°Give me a moment¡­¡±

    Covering the microphone, Zhai Hua turned to Qiao Nan. ¡°The guard says that your mother is visiting, should we let her in?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nan refused. This was not a ce that Ding Jiayi could set foot on, and Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t going to break that rule. She knew that Ding Jiayi would do it again and again if she allowed it once.

    She had lost all trust in someone like Ding Jiayi, and she didn¡¯t want her to bring harm to her loved ones anymore.. ¡°Tell her that I will be back in the Qiao family¡¯s house after having some rest.¡±

 Chapter 2430 - I Have to Head Back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2430: I Have to Head Back (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Since Ding Jiayi came back, Qiao Nan knew that she had to visit her unavoidably.

    When Ding Jiayi was sent to the hospital thanks to Qiao Zijin a year ago, the neighbor helped her out. For that, Qiao Nan had to pay them a visit to show her appreciation as well.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The Zhai family had agreed to follow Qiao Nan¡¯s instructions on how to deal with the Qiao family. They would support whatever decision that Qiao Nan made, simple as that.

    She didn¡¯t know how the guard managed to brush Ding Jiayi off, but it seemed like thetter didn¡¯t force herself in.

    However, there was nothing Qiao Nan could do at this point. Since Ding Jiayi had found her way here, Qiao Nan had to visit her right away.

    After all, Ding Jiayi was the one that gave birth to her. That was also the reason why Ding Jiayi had never realized her mistakes as she continued to take advantage of Qiao Nan.

    At first, Zhai Sheng wanted to follow Qiao Nan. Of course, he just wanted to protect Qiao Nan in case Ding Jiayi was to bully her.

    However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t let him.

    Zhai Hua just got on the nerves of San Bao, and Da Bao and Er Bao witnessed the devilish side of their aunt as well. At the moment, the kids dreaded being alone with their aunt.

    If their aunt were to ¡®mistreat¡¯ them again, they would have nowhere to run.

    The kids understood the situation very well, so they grabbed onto their parents¡¯ hands and refused to let them leave. They wouldn¡¯t allow Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to leave them with their auntie.

    That was why Qiao Nan decided that it was best to visit Ding Jiayi alone while Zhai Sheng took care of the kids. It should be fine as long as one of them stayed.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want the kids to meet Ding Jiayi as she knew how short-tempered the kids were. Although they were young, they wouldn¡¯t let anyone stomp over them.

    If the kids felt Ding Jiayi¡¯s hostility, they would be sullen. Qiao Nan felt that there was no need for that to happen.

    For the sake of the children, Zhai Sheng could only follow Qiao Nan¡¯s arrangements.

    Luckily, Ding Jiayi had already lost her control over Qiao Nan four or five years ago. Now, Qiao Nan had the capability to put Ding Jiayi in her ce.

    Zhai Hua, meanwhile, was listening to Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan¡¯s conversation. Did they really have to call her ¡®devilish¡¯ when she was still here? Were they really worried to leave the kids with her?

    Weren¡¯t they afraid that she would really do devilish things?

    If they wanted to say such things, couldn¡¯t they say it behind her back?

    She realized that Qiao Nan might have seemed nice on the surface, but there was unquestionably something she had inmon with Zhai Sheng.

    The entire family of five certainly knew how to get on her nerves.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng was assigned to look after the kids while Qiao Nan visited the old neighbors with some gifts.

    The news of Qiao Naning back soon spread across the neighborhood.

 Chapter 2431 - I Have to Head Back (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2431: I Have to Head Back (3)</h4>

    Before Qiao Nan was married to Zhai Sheng, the old neighbors in the northern quad had nothing good to say about her. Everyone was using her as a negative example to discipline their children.

    Although Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mind them gossiping about her, she didn¡¯t ept everyone¡¯s ¡®apology.¡¯ She only picked a few families in the neighborhood.

    Those that spoke badly about Qiao Nan knew that her return had nothing to do with them.

    Therefore, when they heard about Qiao Nan¡¯s return, there was only jealousy and envy.

    On the other hand, those that were on good terms with her were looking forward to her return.

    As she expected, these families weed her with all they had when Qiao Nan showed up with gifts. It was as if Qiao Nan was marrying into their families, and some even invited Zhai Sheng to visit next time.

    Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t agree to those requests as she simply left after dropping off her presents.

    There were quite a number of families to visit, and she finally knocked on the Qiao family¡¯s door with some supplements in hand after some time.

    Ding Jiayi had been waiting for Qiao Nan. In fact, she had been standing behind the gate to listen to Qiao Nan speaking to the neighbors.

    Although it had been a year, Ding Jiayi still noticed that Qiao Nan chose to visit those that brought her to the hospital.

    In a sense, Qiao Nan was staying in contact with these neighbors for the sake of Ding Jiayi. However, that wasn¡¯t enough to satisfy her.

    She was Qiao Nan¡¯s biological mother, and there was no way Qiao Nan could enjoy what she had without her!

    It was only right for Qiao Nan to be thanking these neighbors on her behalf.

    Since Qiao Nan was unfilial and left her alone, she¡¯d better build connections with the neighbors so that there would be someone to take care of her in the future.

    Supposedly, Ding Jiayi should be the priority, but it seemed like Qiao Nan only visited her after going around the neighborhood. Ding Jiayi figured that Qiao Nan was just a disrespectful child that forgot her roots.

    After waiting for a long time, Qiao Nan finally knocked on the door. Ding Jiayi raised her chin and snorted. All she had to do was push the door open, but would she really let Qiao Nane in that easily? No way, she stayed silent behind the gate.

    However, Qiao Nan was not who she used to be.

    She wouldn¡¯t believe that Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know about hering back and visiting the neighbors

    She was certain that Ding Jiayi had been waiting for her, and there was no way she would miss her knocking.

    Whatever Ding Jiayi had in mind, Qiao Nan was too tired to entertain her. She simply dropped the gifts on the ground as she turned to the neighbor that she was with. ¡°Uncle Lin, it seems like my mother isn¡¯t home. If she¡¯s home, she might be asleep at the moment. I¡¯ll leave the gifts here. Please inform her about it when she¡¯s up. Since I have three kids at home who need to be taken care of, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

 Chapter 2432 - I Have to Head Back (4)

    <h4>Chapter 2432: I Have to Head Back (4)</h4>

    She wasn¡¯t here to see Ding Jiayi. She was here to protect the image of the Zhai family. If she was the only one to be med for being unfilial, Qiao Nan would have cut ties with Ding Jiayi long ago.

    She could be filial to anyone else, but Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t deserve it.

    Qiao Nan knew the consequences of letting Ding Jiayi have it her way; Ding Jiayi would eat her alive as she would always be greedy for more.

    She was unlikable in every way.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m sure no one in this neighborhood would steal it. If you are worried, you can leave the gift with me, and I¡¯ll pass it to your mother when I see her around.¡±

    Uncle Lin was nice to Qiao Nan, but he despised Ding Jiayi.

    Everyone knew that Ding Jiayi just went to look for Qiao Nan.

    It was obvious that Ding Jiayi was at home and wide-awake.

    Even if Ding Jiayi was foolish, it was selfish of her to only see Qiao Nan as a daughter after she was married into another family. She had never considered Qiao Nan¡¯s feelings and only sought benefits for herself.

    Ding Jiayi was really one of a kind in the neighborhood. Otherwise, the neighborhood¡¯s name would be ruined.

    Ding Jiayi wanted to show off using Qiao Nan, but no one else was ying the game with her.

    Everyone favored Qiao Nan over Ding Jiayi in the past. These days, Ding Jiayi had only be worse, so the neighbors wouldn¡¯t watch Qiao Nan getting bullied by Ding Jiayi.

    Since Ding Jiayi was asking for it, the old neighbor didn¡¯t mind embarrassing her.

    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Lin.¡± As Uncle Lin was cooperative, Qiao Nan wanted to take the chance to leave and headed for Uncle Lin¡¯s house.

    Before Qiao Nan could step away, the Qiao family¡¯s gate was pushed open. ¡°I¡¯m home. Come in. Don¡¯t bother the neighbors.¡±

    This damn brat really knew how to get on her nerves. Why couldn¡¯t her daughter justfort her when she¡¯s angry?

    Ding Jiayi could only me her bad luck for giving birth to a daughter like this.

    However, she believed strongly in karma. Since so many people were in debt to her, she believed that there would be payback in her next life.

    Uncle Lin snorted at Ding Jiayi who red at him.

    She was a horrible mother, yet she didn¡¯t allow anyone to help Qiao Nan. How could someone be so shameless? Forget it. It was impossible to talk sense into someone like Ding Jiayi.

    Since Ding Jiayi let Qiao Nan into the house, Uncle Lin could only leave after shutting the door.

    However, he was still worried about Qiao Nan.

    Based on his understanding of Ding Jiayi, the conversation between Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi would definitely not end well.

 Chapter 2433 - Whatâ€™s Wrong With Me as a Mother (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2433: What¡¯s Wrong With Me as a Mother (1)</h4>

    If Ding Jiayi wanted to bully Qiao Nan again, Uncle Lin felt like he had the responsibility to help Qiao Nan out.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    The only reason Ding Jiayi felt the need to open the gate was that Qiao Nan was about to bring her gifts to the neighbor¡¯s house.

    Now that the mother and daughter were the only ones in the house, Ding Jiayi had hatred and scorn written all over her face.

    ¡°No need for that.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted her to have a seat despite her hatred toward Qiao Nan. However, Qiao Nan had no intention of staying. ¡°These things are for you. Since I¡¯ve given you an allowance every month without fail, I won¡¯t be passing you any cash this time. The kids are waiting for me to cook for them, so I shall leave.¡±

    Did she really think that they could sit down and have a nice chat like a normal family?

    If that was really what Ding Jiayi thought, Qiao Nan had to say that Ding Jiayi hadpletely lost her conscience.

    Qiao Nan had heard about the Chen family putting Chen Feng under Qiao Zijin¡¯s care. Therefore, she wasn¡¯t surprised to see Ding Jiayi living alone. She knew that Qiao Zijin could move in with her son as she wanted to live in a bigger house.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t invite Qiao Nan in to listen to her story. She couldn¡¯t ept the fact that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t give her a single extra yuan apart from the worthless gifts she brought. ¡°I am your mother, and we have not met for more than a year. Is this how you should be treating me?¡±

    ¡°Qiao Nan, don¡¯t forget that you are a mother as well. I have two children, and you have three. Are you not afraid that your kids will treat you the same way that you are treating me? You¡¯d better think carefully before you act.¡±

    She was confident that the children were Qiao Nan¡¯s weakness.

    She was a perfect representation of Qiao Nan¡¯s future as the children would definitely be learning from Qiao Nan¡¯s actions.

    Ditching the worthless elders aside was an easy thing to do in the first ce. Now that Qiao Nan was showing them the ways, the children would certainly grow up to act just like her.

    ¡°Yes, I do have three kids, and how they treat me in the future has nothing to do with you. I will dly ept my fate, so you don¡¯t have to worry about me. Also, I will never allow Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan¡¯s story to be reyed by my children.¡±

    Ding Jiayi would only use others as excuses instead of reflecting on her own action.

    Luckily, Qiao Nan was used to Ding Jiayi¡¯s selfish actions, and she no longer felt anger or disappointment. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡±

    Ding Jiayi stopped Qiao Nan. ¡°What about your father? You can leave, and you can even stop giving me money as long as you tell me where your father is. I can promise you that I won¡¯t let him know about you telling me his information.¡±

    Ding Jiayi hated Qiao Zijin, and they lived together for a year without much interaction. After Qiao Zijin moved out without a word, Ding Jiayi was lonely and afraid.

    The food poisoning incident scared Ding Jiayi.

    On the first night that Qiao Zijin left, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but imagine what would happen if she fell sick again.

    When Qiao Zijin was with her, she could at least notice if something happened to her.

    Now that she was the only one left, who¡¯s going to take care of her if the same thing were to happen? Would her body only be found after it rotted in the house?

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to die such horrible death. She knew that Qiao Nan would pay for her medical fees anyway, so she was nning to live a long life.

    However, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t want to live with Qiao Zijin.

    The person she missed the most in the past few years was definitely Qiao Dongliang.

    She wanted to be with Qiao Dongliang, and she believed that he would take care of her if anything happened. Compared to Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang was much more trustworthy.

    ¡°Is that what you want from me?¡± Qiao Nan snorted. She couldn¡¯t believe that Ding Jiayi was still so ignorant after Qiao Zijin left.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have to respect my father¡¯s decision. If he were willing to live with you, I wouldn¡¯t stop you from getting back together. However, I will not sell him out without his permission to please you. By the way, don¡¯t you understand by now that I am in control of the money? If I refuse to give you an allowance, there is nothing you can say to change my mind.¡±

    ¡°Also, I have to thank you and Qiao Zijin for leaving so much evidence behind. The Zhai family does care about its image, but that image would only be affected if I were at fault. If you push me beyond my limits, I will let everyone know that there is a mother like you living in this world.¡±

    Ding Jiayi wanted to rebut. ¡®So what? I am still the one that raised you.¡¯

    However, recalling the news articles a few years back, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have the confidence to fight back. In fact, she couldn¡¯t find a reason to demand anything from Qiao Nan.

    Since Ding Jiayi had nothing to say, Qiao Nan was going to take the chance to leave.

    ¡°Wait, wait a minute. Could you just stay and have a chat with me?¡±

 Chapter 2434 - Whatâ€™s Wrong With Me as a Mother (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2434: What¡¯s Wrong With Me as a Mother (2)</h4>

    After Qiao Zijin left, Ding Jiayi had no one to talk to. She finally understood how painful it was to be alone.

    She wanted to befriend the neighbors, but thetter wanted no business with Ding Jiayi.

    Even if Ding Jiayi joined their gatherings, she could only listen from afar as she had no chance to join the conversations.

    It hadn¡¯t been that long since Qiao Zijin¡¯s departure, but Ding Jiayi knew that she couldn¡¯t bear such loneliness for much longer.

    She didn¡¯t feel alive.

    She had enough money to live a healthy life without working, so she should have been enjoying her retirement.

    However, Ding Jiayi knew that she was unhappy about the way she lived.

    Throughout her deserted days, she spent all her timing wondering how she ended up this way.

    She felt like someone without a family, but was she?

    She was not!

    She had a husband, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

    There should have been no way that she ended up this way.

    Could she me it on others?

    If she were the good guy in this story, why was she the only one suffering? Qiao Dongliang had not visited her for two years. In fact, he had never even given her a call.

    Qiao Dongliang was treating her like she was dead.

    Qiao Zijin became the only one that would speak to her in the family. However, they had nothing nice to say to each other as they would quarrel over the smallest of problems.

    Did she not have enough money?

    She had enough.

    Yet, she would fight Qiao Zijin over her spending all the time.

    Qiao Zijin was the daughter that Ding Jiayi favored for forty years. Why did she have to draw a clear line when it came to money?

    Most importantly, Qiao Zijin was someone that Ding Jiayi gave everything to.

    Ding Jiayi pondered about this every day, but she could never get an answer.

    At this moment, all that she thought about was to keep Qiao Nan here. After all, she finally had someone to talk to.

    Even if they ended up fighting, she didn¡¯t want Qiao Nan to leave.

    ¡°Talk to me?¡±

    Ding Jiayi dropped her pride. She didn¡¯t ask for anything materialistic, all she wanted was for Qiao Nan to chat with her.

    Qiao Nan was surprised to hear that and scanned Ding Jiayi¡¯s expression in suspicion. It didn¡¯t seem like something that Ding Jiayi would ever say.

    Although Qiao Nan was no longer vulnerable to Ding Jiayi¡¯s threats, she didn¡¯t want to embarrass her unnecessarily.

    On top of that, Qiao Nan never really had a chance to have a chat with Ding Jiayi.

    The only memory of Ding Jiayi she had was from getting a harsh scolding or being waved off.

    Qiao Nan decided to stay, but she had nothing to say.

    Ding Jiayi was the same.

    Although she was the one that wanted Qiao Nan to stay, she couldn¡¯t find a topic to have a meaningful conversation with Qiao Nan.

    It was awkward as the pair stared nkly at each other. It was easy to say that twoplete strangers would have done better than them at breaking the ice.

    After about three minutes, Ding Jiayi let out a sigh. ¡°Are your children two years old now?¡±

    She didn¡¯t like the children enough to remember their age.

    The only reason that she could recall the kids¡¯ age was thanks to Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t like Qiao Nan, so she paid no attention to her children. However, it wasn¡¯t the case for Qiao Dongliang.

    Traditionally, Ding Jiayi should have been taking care of the newborn babies as Qiao Nan recovered from the childbearing.

    However, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have such privilege.

    Qiao Dongliang was a man, so she couldn¡¯t look after Qiao Nan at her bedside. Unlike Ding Jiayi, of course, he was willing to help out wherever he could in other matters.

    Qiao Dongliang was still living with Ding Jiayi when Qiao Nan gave birth to the children.

    When Qiao Dongliang was home, the only thing he would talk about was the kids.

    Therefore, like it or not, Ding Jiayi did remember certain things about the children. This was a good time to put her memory to good use.

    Ding Jiayi was relieved that she found a topic to talk about.

    If she couldn¡¯t start a conversation, she guessed that Qiao Nan would be leaving very soon.

    She didn¡¯t forget what Qiao Nan said to the neighbor when she was about to leave.

    The children were only two years old, so it made sense that Qiao Nan would leave to look after the kids.

    Even if Qiao Nan were to leave anyway, it would look foolish to not say a word for such a long time.

    ¡°Yes, they are two.¡±

    Qiao Nan looked indifferent. It didn¡¯t matter to her if Ding Jiayi genuinely cared about the kids, so she wasn¡¯t interested in Ding Jiayi¡¯s true purpose.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that kids nowadays start school at a really young age. What about your children? Are they going to school?¡±

    She had also heard that early education cost a fortune, and a year of school fees was enough to support a college student.

    Ding Jiayi felt her heart clench.

    Her family saved every cent they could to send Qiao Zijin to university.

 Chapter 2435 - Whatâ€™s Wrong With Me as a Mother (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2435: What¡¯s Wrong With Me as a Mother (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Who knew that raising a child cost so much money now? It was much more difficult than when their family was providing for a university student back then.

    Furthermore, their family only provided for a university student. Qiao Nan had to raise three children at once.

    The amount of money that had to be spent could scare one to their death.

    As such, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but rejoice that she was born at the right time. She didn¡¯t choose to be a mother at such a perverted time.

    If she were to raise children like Qiao Nan did, even if there was only one Qiao Zijin, based on her and Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ability to earn money, they didn¡¯t need to think about grooming her, let alone that they had two children.

    However, Qiao Nan was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw. The Zhai family didn¡¯t have to rely on Qiao Nan to fork out the money to provide for the children, right? Furthermore, didn¡¯t Qiao Nan receive a huge sum of inheritance more than a year ago?

    With this sum of inheritance, it should be easy for Qiao Nan to do things that she couldn¡¯t.

    That was true. Otherwise, how would Qiao Nan have the confidence to raise three children at once? She even looked as if she was very willing to spend a lot of money on them.

    ¡°Yes. They attended school together.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s replies were simple. It was obvious she didn¡¯t want to talk too much to Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayiughed. ¡°It¡¯s good that they attend school earlier. That way, they can have a stronger foundation than the children of other families and lead an easier life when in schoolter. Isn¡¯t there a famous saying now that one¡¯s children can¡¯t lose at the starting line? Your dad likes your three children a lot, so you have to spend more time and effort grooming them. Don¡¯t disappoint him.¡±

    If the three children became outstanding, Old Qiao would definitely be very happy.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was speechless for a while. She was the three children¡¯s biological mother. She wasn¡¯t a capricious mother like Ding Jiayi. She had given birth to all three children and she doted on and loved all of them. She would never favor one over the other and let them suffer unfair treatment.

    Regardless of if it was for money or love, Qiao Nan would never treat her children harshly.

    On the contrary, it was precisely because she had given birth to triplets that Qiao Nan would do all she could to make the three children grow up healthily in a family full of love and happiness.

    She would make sure that all three children were loved. How would she let one or two children suffer material loss?

    Relying on Zhu Chengqi, her godfather, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯tcking anything now. Naturally, she wasn¡¯tcking money the most.

    Indeed, Ding Jiayi¡¯s words sounded like she was caring about the three children. However, to Qiao Nan, she inevitably felt that they were sarcastic.

    As a mother who had two daughters but didn¡¯t educate them well, how was Ding Jiayi qualified to remind her about her stand?

    Forget it. Talk was cheap.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t do it herself, yet she always wanted others to meet her high expectations.

    Compared to Ding Jiayi¡¯s other problems, this wasn¡¯t really considered a problem anymore. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My parents-inw love the three children. They find them to be more valuable than their own son and daughter. What I do isn¡¯t important. What¡¯s important is that my parents-inw are the kind of people who would definitely not make the three children suffer.¡±

    Really, based on how much Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing valued the three children, even if Qiao Nan was really the second Ding Jiayi and had a chance to mistreat the three children, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing would have long pped her aside.

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was a good mother who loved her children.

    Ever since Qiao Nan gave birth to the triplets, the atmosphere of the Zhai family had been getting better every day. The triplets grew up in such a happy family and were extremely blessed.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s words seemed a little insincere andcking concern. It was as if she was finding things to say because she didn¡¯t have anything else to say, which was meaningless.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the three children return to Ping Cheng with you? I¡¯m their grandmother, after all. Can you let me meet them?¡±

    If she had a chance to see Old Qiao in the future, she could talk about the three children so that they had somemon topics.

    Qiao Dongliang had moved away for more than a year and a half now. No matter how stupid Ding Jiayi was, she knew clearly what could be said and not said in front of Qiao Dongliang. She knew what type of content would make Qiao Dongliang happy and which name she mentioned would make Qiao Dongliang fall out with her immediately.

    Thetter was undoubtedly Qiao Zijin, Ding Jiayi¡¯s favorite daughter. The former was Qiao Nan and her three children.

    People¡¯s preferences were hard to change. Furthermore, Ding Jiayi¡¯s level of hatred of Qiao Nan was so high.

    She couldn¡¯t talk to Qiao Dongliang about Qiao Zijin lest he became angry. However, if she talked about Qiao Nan, she would be angry herself.

    After making a summary, Ding Jiayi realized that the triplets were the only safe topic between her and Qiao Dongliang. The others were just minefields.

    In order to avoid harming each other, she hoped to use some topics to enhance their husband-wife rtionship. Ding Jiayi¡¯s best choice was naturally the three children.

    Speaking of the three children, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t know their names, let alone their looks or what kind of temper they had.

    The only thing she knew was that Qiao Nan was really more capable than her. Not only did she give birth to triplets, but it was even thebination of two sons and a daughter.

    She had looked forward to giving birth to sons her whole life but didn¡¯t manage to. However, Qiao Nan gave birth to two at one go.

    Ding Jiayi pulled back her thoughts and no longer thought about sons.

    Only if she knew more about the three children could there be more topics between her and Qiao Dongliang.

    Otherwise, she would only be qualified to listen and not have the chance to interject at all.

    ¡°You want to see the triplets?¡± Qiao Nan looked at Ding Jiayi, guarded. ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡±

    Please don¡¯t tell her that Ding Jiayi missed the three children. She wouldn¡¯t believe a single word of it.

    If Ding Jiayi really liked her children, as a normal grandmother, would she not have seen them before when they were already two years old?

    Don¡¯t think that the three children were only two years old. They knew how to address everyone but their maternal grandmother.

    ¡°Your dad loves the three children.¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude was too obvious. Ding Jiayi had to suppress her excuse of loving and missing the three children.

    She was afraid that if she really said this, Qiao Nan would be unhappy and unwilling to let the three children meet her.

    As she was frightened, Ding Jiayi could only answer honestly that she was curious about the three children because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s influence.

 Chapter 2436 - Not Blessed (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2436: Not Blessed (1)</h4>

    She didn¡¯t carry any hopes for Ding Jiayi to begin with. Thankfully, the triplets didn¡¯t know about the existence of their maternal grandmother. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would feel ufortable in her heart if they kept calling for her.

    Anyway, the children and Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t care for each other. She didn¡¯t need to worry that the three children would feel hurt.

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t reject Ding Jiayi or promise her anything. She only used a different way to let Ding Jiayi have the chance to know more about the triplets¡¯ situation.

    Qiao Nan took out her mobile. There were a bunch of photos of the three children in her mobile album. There were some of the three children ying, running, rolling, eating, and ying with water.

    Ding Jiayi could pretty much find the corresponding photos of what she thought of in Qiao Nan¡¯s mobile. ¡°This is Da Bao. This is Er Bao. San Bao is the only girl among the three children. Da Bao and Er Bao know they are older brothers and will usually take care of San Bao. Look at this photo. San Bao is holding Da Bao¡¯s favorite toy.¡±

    ¡°The little girl has a bad temper and is pampered by everyone in the family. This toy was Da Bao¡¯s at first. In order to provoke Da Bao, she insisted on snatching it away from him. Da Bao is good-tempered and gave his toy to San Bao. Da Bao then yed with another toy.¡±

    There were so many people in the family who pampered San Bao. Qiao Nan was the only exception.

    Qiao Nan expressed that if she were to pamper San Bao like her parents-inw, San Bao would bewless.

    Besides her, Zhai Sheng would also be fierce toward San Bao. It was a pity that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have as much time and opportunity to take care of the three children at home as Qiao Nan did.

    When Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t at home, Qiao Nan could only y both the roles of a stern father and benevolent mother.

    Upon hearing Qiao Nan talking about the three children happily, Ding Jiayi opened her mouth but suppressed the words that had reached her throat.

    Wasn¡¯t San Bao just a cheeky girl? They still had the cheek to give her the nickname of San Bao so that it was simr to their two sons.

    How was a girl as good as a son? A little wretched girl even dared to snatch a toy away from her biological brother.

    If she had seen this situation, she would have long lectured her.

    It was just that the Zhai family wasn¡¯t the Qiao family. Ding Jiayi, an outsider, didn¡¯t have the right to say anything. The Zhai family was willing to pamper their little granddaughter. This had nothing to do with Ding Jiayi. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need to make her presence known in the Zhai family and shamelessly get involved in the Zhai family¡¯s matters.

    Of course, it was also because Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Ding Jiayi had hardened recently that Ding Jiayi could only be softer. How would she dare to go against Qiao Nan and say things that she didn¡¯t like to listen to?

    Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t blind. One look at Qiao Nan¡¯s expression and she knew that although Qiao Nan wasining verbally that San Bao was bad-tempered, she didn¡¯t mind it at all. On the contrary, she doted on her a lot.

    Aside from when San Bao snatched Da Bao¡¯s toy away did Qiao Nan¡¯s tone sound a little disapproving, when Qiao Nan mentioned that Da Bao and Er Bao gave in to San Bao and took care of her often, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t seem to object to this at all.

    What did children know?

    The reason why Da Bao and Er Bao treated San Bao well must be because someone had taught them to do so. Undoubtedly, this person was Qiao Nan, their biological mother.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t dare to say anything. However, she secretly felt heartache for Da Bao and Er Bao, her two grandsons.

    She felt that her two grandsons were as pitiful as her, being bullied by Qiao Nan. They were in the same boat.

    Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t help but think how good it would be if she had given birth to Da Bao and Er Bao and Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan weren¡¯t her daughters.

    She, Da Bao, and Er Bao weren¡¯t lucky. She couldn¡¯t have two good-looking sons. These two children also didn¡¯t have the blessing to be born to her and receive her care and love.

    ¡°These were their photos when they were one year old. Photos earlier than these would only be stored on my homeputer. There is limited space in my mobile¡¯s memory. It can be full easily with just a couple of photos or videos.¡±

    It was only because Qiao Nan was so immersed in her children¡¯s charms that she could talk so much to Ding Jiayi.

    As she looked through the photos of her children¡¯s daily lives, Qiao Nan felt like she was reviewing their growth process. She enjoyed it so much that she didn¡¯t remember to hate Ding Jiayi.

    ¡°What else do you want to know? You can tell me. I¡¯ll let you know now.¡±

    In short, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even need to think about meeting the triplets, let alone meet them.

    She didn¡¯t want her three children to suffer the same pain as she had under Ding Jiayi.

    Even if Da Bao and Er Bao were boys which she liked, based on the fact that they were born to her, Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi would dislike Da Bao and Er Bao as they had a mother like her, whom she hated.

    No matter where her three children went, there were always people vying to hug them and get closer to them.

    On what basis should she let the three children return to their grandmother¡¯s house so that Ding Jiayi could roll her eyes at them?

    Don¡¯t think that the children were young and didn¡¯t know anything. In reality, children¡¯s smartness could exceed adults¡¯ imagination at times. Children were sensitive and could always feel who treated them well and who disliked them at the first instance. They would also know how to pursue good fortune and avoid disasters.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to let her three children have an opportunity to be exposed to this at Ding Jiayi¡¯s.

    The three children could be happier and the rate that they were growing could be slowed down.

    ¡°I want to listen to the three children¡¯s voices.¡±

    Ding Jiayi hesitated for a while. She could only give up after confirming that it was impossible for Qiao Nan to let her see the three children.

    She used her IQ and tried to think of the topics that she could chat with Qiao Dongliang as much as possible, then grasped those entry points well and mastered the content of the chat.

    She couldn¡¯t possibly be speechless and stop the conversation when Qiao Dongliang was speaking with fervor on a topic that she brought up.

    If such a situation were to happen, she might as well not contact Old Qiao in the first ce.

    If the two of them lost contact for a long time, Old Qiao couldn¡¯t possibly hate her so badly that he didn¡¯t want to see her face at all, just like when he first left home.

    If she managed to contact him but Old Qiao felt that she was helpless as she still refused to realize her error and couldn¡¯t even like the three cute children, their rtionship would definitely worsen.

    After Ding Jiayi made the request, Qiao Nan would always think of ways to satisfy Ding Jiayi as long as she didn¡¯t get to meet the three children in reality.

 Chapter 2437 - Not Blessed (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2437: Not Blessed (2)</h4>

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan record videos of the three children ying and learning?

    Weren¡¯t there images and sounds if she showed these contents to Ding Jiayi?

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan was obsessed with her children. The photos in her mobile were all of her children. There was nothing of her or Zhai Sheng.

    Who would have thought that a person who loved to take photos with her mobile didn¡¯t even have a photo of her and her husband in it?

    However, the couple had a great rtionship and people couldn¡¯t help but envy.

    After ying two videos for Ding Jiayi and calcting the time, Qiao Nan felt that it was about right. If she was anyter, the three children, who were in an unfamiliar environment, would probably be anxious to find her. Qiao Nan kept her mobile. ¡°I have to go. If you have any questions, you can ask me next time. I¡¯ll see how much I can help you.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­¡±

    No matter how unwilling Ding Jiayi was, she had gotten Qiao Nan to apany her for ten minutes.

    Qiao Nan had returned today. Those old neighbors of Ding Jiayi, who were unwilling to see her without consequences, were about to start a gambling game. They were betting if Qiao Nan would still be willing to visit Ding Jiayi once she returned.

    If Qiao Nan was forced by some reason and hadpromised to visit Ding Jiayi, how long would she stay in the Qiao family?

    Everyone guessed that it was either Qiao Nan didn¡¯t return to the quad, or if she did, she would definitely visit Ding Jiayi, no matter if she was sincere about it or not. There was no choice. China ced importance on filial piety.

    No matter how bad Ding Jiayi was and how much she didn¡¯t deserve to have such a good daughter like Qiao Nan, she had given birth to her, allowing Qiao Nan to live to this day.

    This couldn¡¯t be changed. Qiao Nan still had to address Ding Jiayi as her mom and visit her whenever she should visit her.

    As such, there wasn¡¯t much suspense for the former question. Everyone didn¡¯t discuss this enthusiastically.

    However, everyone became more excited about the second question.

    Qiao Nan was born to Ding Jiayi. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t.

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even invite Ding Jiayi to their wedding banquet when they got married previously. Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t have to care about what Qiao Nan had to do.

    Indeed, only Qiao Nan returned to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. No one saw Zhai Sheng, let alone the three children they gave birth to.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t bring her husband and three children to visit Ding Jiayi. In view of this situation, no one in the quad criticized Qiao Nan.

    It wasn¡¯t as if they didn¡¯t know what type of a person Ding Jiayi was. Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t even value Qiao Nan, her daughter. How would she really like Zhai Sheng, her son-inw, or even value the three children Qiao Nan gave birth to?

    If they, as old neighbors, had misunderstood or thought wrongly about Ding Jiayi, why was it that only Qiao Dongliang, her father, was busy when Qiao Nan gave birth to the three children? He first prepared this and that for his pregnant daughter, then packed his luggage and rushed to the capital to see Qiao Nan, who was about to give birth.

    Which biological mother wouldn¡¯t take care of her daughter in confinement and help her take care of her children after giving birth?

    Ding Jiayi was such an outlier. Qiao Nan had given birth to three children at once. However, it was as if nothing had happened as Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have any reaction at all.

    Everyone saw how in peace Ding Jiayi was during that period of time. It was as if Qiao Nan, who was pregnant at an older age, wasn¡¯t her daughter. Everyone was guessing that Ding Jiayi wouldn¡¯t be willing to spend her phone credit to call Qiao Dongliang and ask him about Qiao Nan¡¯s and the three children¡¯s situation, let alone visit Qiao Nan.

    It was obvious that Ding Jiayi hated one thing on ount of another. As she didn¡¯t like Qiao Nan, she also hated the three children in Qiao Nan¡¯s stomach.

    In the face of a person like Ding Jiayi, everyone expressed understanding that Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t acknowledge her as his mother-inw and Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to bring her three children to visit their grandmother.

    It was still that saying. Because of blood ties, Qiao Nan had to be restrained by kinship and kidnapped by morals.

    However, everyone¡¯s expectations of Zhai Sheng and the three children weren¡¯t that harsh and demanding.

    The next question came. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have much of a mother-daughter rtionship with Ding Jiayi. Everyone also knew how much Ding Jiayi hated Qiao Nan.

    Under such circumstances, how long would Qiao Nan¡¯s visit to the Qiao family be?

    Some people guessed one minute.

    Some people guessed three minutes.

    However, everyone guessed that she wouldn¡¯t stay past ten minutes.

    These people were just watching the excitement. Thus, they didn¡¯tin about the crowd.

    However, some people joked that it was certain that Qiao Nan would return to visit Ding Jiayi. Qiao Nan was a good child to begin with. Ding Jiayi was the bad person.

    As such, Ding Jiayi might be unwilling to open the door to let Qiao Nan enter if she visited her.

    As she heard the content of these discussions, Ding Jiayi secretly became calctive in her heart.

    In the beginning, Ding Jiayi wanted to use the truth to prove to everyone that no matter how she treated Qiao Nan, she was still her mother. It was the same reasoning as to how her father was still her father.

    She would naturally let Qiao Nan enter. However, she was her mom. She had the right to punish Qiao Nan by making her stand outside the door for a while.

    This was the difference between her and Qiao Nan. Those who wanted to watch a good show? Sorry, but they were going to be disappointed.

    See? She deliberately didn¡¯t let Qiao Nan into the house. Qiao Nan could only stand outside the house and wait for her to open the door as if she was being punished. No matter how much of a miserable state she was in, with Qiao Nan as a daughter, she was much better than these old neighbors.

    Want to watch a good show? Wait for the next lifetime.

    It was a pity that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t cooperate in the end and this n failed.

    Thankfully, Ding Jiayi had a backup n.

    She had a preliminary understanding of the three children such that once she contacted Qiao Dongliang, she would definitely be able to have a good chat with him on the topics he was interested in.

    She also managed to get Qiao Nan to chat with her for more than ten minutes. Those who made fun of her didn¡¯t get their way.

    The n was still considered to be perfectly executed. When Qiao Nan expressed again that she had to go back, it was rare for Ding Jiayi to give her a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. Your children are still young. They can¡¯t live without the care of their mother. When you and Zijin were young, I treated the both of you this way as well. How good. You¡¯re now a mother and even have three children. I wasn¡¯t calctive with you in the past. I believe that you would gradually rely on yourself to understand certain matters and feelings. Go back now. Don¡¯t make the three children anxious from waiting.¡±

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but change her face when she heard Ding Jiayi¡¯s words.

    It was only when Qiao Nan was speaking and Ding Jiayi was listening could an illusion that the mother-daughter pair could get along well with each other be created.

 Chapter 2438

    <h4>Chapter 2438: Not Blessed (3)</h4>

    The problem was that once Ding Jiayi opened her mouth, the good atmosphere and feelings werepletely destroyed.

    She didn¡¯t think about if Ding Jiayi really didn¡¯t understand or that she deliberately pretended not to understand. She let Ding Jiayi sell her character setup as a good mother. Anyway, it depended on Qiao Nan if she wanted to care about her or not.

    It wasn¡¯t easy for Ding Jiayi to finally agree to let her go. Qiao Nan was flustered from waiting as well. The moment Ding Jiayi opened her mouth, Qiao Nan left her former residence in a hurry without a second word.

    Even if everyone was surprised about the situation today and how Qiao Nan could talk to Ding Jiayi for more than ten minutes, at least they didn¡¯t hear any quarrels before Qiao Nan left.

    It was when they saw Qiao Nan¡¯s back view, leaving quickly as if she had seen a ghost, did everyoneugh.

    What was fake was fake. Other things could be real or have the chance to be real. However, there wouldn¡¯t be a day that Qiao Nan¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s mother-daughter rtionship would be repaired.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    Once Qiao Nan reached home, San Bao was the first to pounce on her. She rubbed her face against her mom¡¯s thigh. ¡°Where did you go? San Bao misses you.¡±

    When San Bao was obedient, she was definitely a likable child.

    She bent down, carried San Bao up, and kissed her. Qiao Nan¡¯s ufortable heart felt a little better. ¡°Mom misses the three of you as well. San Bao, kiss me.¡±

    As Qiao Nan¡¯s words fell, San Bao kissed her on both cheeks. After kissing, she was so happy that she kept giggling. This formed a stark contrast with half an hour ago, where she was angry with Zhai Hua for kissing her.

    Zhai Hua clutched her heart and started acting. ¡°No, I¡¯m hurt. San Bao, you¡¯ve hurt Aunt. I also need a kiss from you to feel better. Come, give Aunt a kiss.¡±

    San Bao did a funny face at her aunt and wasn¡¯t deceived at all. She acted like a spoiled child and rubbed her face against her mom¡¯s neck. She also held her mom with two hands, refusing to let go.

    In an unfamiliar environment, even if her parents told them that this was their house as well, the three children more or less couldn¡¯t adapt well.

    In addition, the grandparents and Auntie who had usually taken care of them the most weren¡¯t around. As such, when Qiao Nan left for a longer period of time, the three children became uneasy.

    Not only did San Bao cling to Qiao Nan, but Da Bao and Er Bao also ran toward her, following her by the side. They ignored their aunt, who loved to act.

    Knowing that her three children were flustered, Qiao Nan sat on the sofa and ced them next to her. She touched their heads, pinched their hands, and kissed their faces until theyughed.

    The three children were so obedient to Qiao Nan. Zhai Hua had the urge to vomit blood. ¡°No, I also want to kiss. I also want to kiss.¡± She was the three children¡¯s aunt. They were rted by blood. Why didn¡¯t they allow her to kiss them?

    ¡°Aunt¡¯s a big tiger. Mom, protect me.¡±

    San Bao screamed sharply and refused to let Zhai Hua kiss her. She even said that Zhai Hua was a big tiger who caught little children and hid behind Qiao Nan.

    Da Bao and Er Bao alsoughed and screamed. They hid behind Qiao Nan with San Bao. It was as if they were ying a game of the eagle catching the chicks. Qiao Nan became the mother hen to protect the three children, stopping Zhai Hua from bullying them.

    As they yed, the three children¡¯s feelings of unease were suppressed well. In the face of this unfamiliar house, the three children no longer rejected it as obviously as before.

    However, with the triplets¡¯ uneasy performance, Qiao Nan decided to let them sleep with her and Zhai Sheng tonight. She was worried that they would be frightened if they had nightmares in the middle of the night and couldn¡¯t find her and Zhai Sheng.

    Children who had just woken up were easily confused. They would have been frightened from the nightmare to begin with. When they wake up and see that they weren¡¯t at home, they couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they were abandoned by their parents.

    Zhai Sheng naturally didn¡¯t object to Qiao Nan¡¯s insistence.

    These three children were indeed capable of setting their dad up. However, who asked them to be his children? If he didn¡¯t dote on them, who would? He could only pamper them.

    Knowing that they could sleep with their parents tonight and their dad had agreed to it, the three children¡¯s mood became better. They suddenly felt that not only was this ¡®new home¡¯ not scary, but it was pretty good, as they could sleep with their parents.

    No matter how much Zhai Hua acted pitiful, pretended to cry, and insisted on sleeping with one of the triplets, the three children expressed that they weren¡¯t willing to be fooled.

    Their dad even responded rarely that whoever wanted to sleep with their aunt at this moment would be a fool.

    The three children might not know that opportunities do not wait. However, they had learned this themselves even without anyone¡¯s teaching.

    Seeing how the triplets were firmly attached to their parents and refused to let go, Zhai Hua was so angry that she clutched her chest and scolded the three children forcking conscience. They didn¡¯t sympathize with her at all.

    In the end, the three children called her softly before following their parents back to the room to sleep. They were also tired. Without much coaxing, the three children slept soundly and even started to snore. The hectic day was finally over.

    ¡°How was your trip back today?¡±

    The children were asleep. It was naturally the time for Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng to have conversations at night.

    They slept on the far side of the bed and guarded the three children between them. This made Zhai Sheng want to hug his wife. In the end, he could only make do by hugging one of his sons.

    Qiao Nan smiled. ¡°Qiao Zijin¡¯s leading a life with Chen Feng now. The Qiao family¡¯s courtyard hasn¡¯t changed. When there were four people living in this house, she always found it squeezy and that there were not enough rooms in the house. Now that she¡¯s alone, she knows how big the house is.¡±

    Even if Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t like her, once she saw her return, how could she hide the emotional change in her eyes from Qiao Nan? Qiao Nan had long seen through her.

    ¡°She asked a lot of questions about the triplets and even wanted to meet them. I rejected her and dug out a bunch of photos and videos from my mobile for her. I think she wants to contact my dad and chat with him about the triplets so that they could have moremon topics between them.¡±

    In order to reconcile with her dad, Ding Jiayi was willing to try and use any method. Ding Jiayi had not given up yet after more than a year had passed. She was still trying ways to have a breakthrough.

    ¡°That¡¯s what she has in mind?¡± After knowing what the other party was thinking, Zhai Sheng¡¯s looks became better.

 Chapter 2439

    <h4>Chapter 2439: Kiss Back (1)</h4>

    He was used to Ding Jiayi asking for money or getting Qiao Nan to help with things that she shouldn¡¯t be helping with. All of a sudden, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t guess why Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t raise any overboard requests.

    In the minds of ordinary people, no matter who one was, one would grow and eventually have the day of regret and awakening.

    However, in the face of Ding Jiayi, Zhai Sheng suspected that only when she was going to leave this world and meet Hades would she understand how much of a mess her life had been.

    ¡°Was there anything else?

    ¡°Anyway, when I left, her main energy and focus were all on my dad. She wanted to see the triplets and I showed her their photos and videos. After having topics she could chat about with my dad, she no longer mentioned this.¡±

    Qiao Nan was quite surprised that Ding Jiayi would care about Qiao Dongliang so much.

    ¡°She didn¡¯t mention wanting to see the triplets again, so she should have given up. Furthermore, we¡¯re going to leave with the triplets and go to the countryside tomorrow. When we return to Ping Cheng again and after letting Jiajia take a look at them, we should be heading back to the capital.¡±

    If they didn¡¯t, she was afraid her parents-inw in the capital woulde over soon.

    ¡°Are you prepared to care about their matters?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qiao Nany down and said without thinking, ¡°I don¡¯t care if they want to be together or separate. I¡¯m not going to persuade them either. As long as they have thought about it, I¡¯ll be supportive.¡±

    She was already married and had a family of her own.

    As such, Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t care much about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s and Ding Jiayi¡¯s rtionship. They could do whatever they liked.

    As the three children grew older, their temper and character became more prominent. She was already busy taking care of them. How would she have time to care so much about Ding Jiayi and Qiao Dongliang?

    If her dad suddenly felt that it was meaningless to live alone and wanted to return to be with Ding Jiayi, she, who was far away in the capital, couldn¡¯t stop him anyway.

    Simrly, if her dad didn¡¯t have this intention, was she going to join the excitement and help Ding Jiayi then?

    Facts had proven several times that if Ding Jiayi¡¯s days were going well, her days were going to get miserable.

    It was better for Ding Jiayi to be unlucky than herself.

    If she had to choose one out of the two, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t hesitate to choose a path that was better for her.

    It was rare for Qiao Nan to make a trip back. Ding Jiayi also knew that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t stay for long in Ping Cheng as Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing didn¡¯te back together with Qiao Nan.

    As such, Ding Jiayi still had some ns for Qiao Nan¡¯s temporary return.

    After Qiao Zijin moved out, Ding Jiayi¡¯s life in the quad was really boring.

    The best was for Qiao Dongliang to return, of course. The two of them could continue to lead their lives together. She really wasn¡¯t going to kick up a fuss or create trouble again this time. Whatever Old Qiao said in the future would be it.

    If Old Qiao still refused to return, Ding Jiayi actually wanted to live in a different environment. It would be best if she could stay next to Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t have any extra money in her pockets. Over the years, no matter how much Qiao Nan gave her, she would give all of them to Qiao Zijin.

    Of course, without Qiao Nan¡¯s help, Ding Jiayi could only think about moving house. She couldn¡¯t execute it.

    Furthermore, she was hoping to be neighbors with Qiao Dongliang. If she didn¡¯t rely on Qiao Nan to make arrangements for her, how would she be able to live next to Qiao Dongliang?

    The only thing that Ding Jiayi miscalcted was that Qiao Nan left the quad with her husband and three children early the next morning. It was unknown where they went.

    Initially, Ding Jiayi was prepared to go to the southern quad personally to find Qiao Nan. With yesterday¡¯s contact as a foundation, Qiao Nan shouldn¡¯t reject her if she entered the southern quad again today.

    However, before she said anything, the person on guard told her directly that Qiao Nan¡¯s family of five had left early that morning.

    Since her daughter wasn¡¯t inside, Ding Jiayi had to find her daughter in another way.

    Upon hearing the news, Ding Jiayi was so angry that her face turned green.

    Qiao Nan had taken her mobile out in front of Ding Jiayi yesterday. Back then, Ding Jiayi had thought that there was still a chance tomorrow and hadn¡¯t asked her for her mobile number, lest she angered her and would have nothing by then.

    However, Qiao Nan left so unexpectedly. Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t recover in time and was stunned. She was so angry that she wanted to scold Qiao Nan for being a wretched girlcking conscience.

    It hadn¡¯t been a day since they were back. Before they returned, she didn¡¯t inform her in advance. This time, she left so secretly as if afraid that she would leave with them and pester them.

    She, Ding Jiayi, wasn¡¯t so thick-skinned, alright? Wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan too overboard?

    What Ding Jiayi unable to ept was the fact that Qiao Nan¡¯s thoughts were so bad and that the action of a chief¡¯s wife was like that of a thief. As a man, didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng want to manage Qiao Nan at all?

    With a wife like Qiao Nan, wasn¡¯t Zhai Sheng afraid of being embarrassed,ughed at, or letting others catch a handle on him?

    She remembered that when Old Qiao was in the army, a lot of people paid attention to people with character problems. If they were really found, they would be kicked out of the army without a word. There was no room for discussion at all.

    Zhai Sheng was also in the army. Even if he was already the chief, such requirements should be unified. How would a person like Qiao Nan, who was unfilial even toward her biological mother, not hold Zhai Sheng up? It was impossible for Zhai Sheng not to be angry at Qiao Nan or manage her. This didn¡¯t make sense.

    Regarding reason, Ding Jiayi would never be able to understand. The only thing that Ding Jiayi understood was that Qiao Nan came in a hurry and left in a hurry, causing her to not say a single word of the words she had prepared the night before.

    In the face of Qiao Nan¡¯s departure, aside from angering herself such that she couldn¡¯t have a meal, Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t do anything else. She couldn¡¯t even find someone to scold.

    At this time, Qiao Nan had already brought her husband and the three children to the destination.

    In the process of climbing the mountain, the adults had carried the three children up the entire time.

    It was still alright for Qiao Nan as she only had to take care of San Bao. She even used a basket to carry her up. As a man, Zhai Sheng naturally had to carry both sons and a pile of supplies on his back.

    This trip exhausted the family of five.

    The three children might not be so realistic yet. However, they knew that the ce they came to today waspletely different from where they had lived and seen.

    The roads today were much harder to climb than those slides they used to y with. They definitely couldn¡¯t climb up.

 Chapter 2440

    <h4>Chapter 2440: Kiss Back (2)</h4>

    Even their formidable parents were breathing hard and sweating a lot.

    Upon looking at the dark house that wasn¡¯t as clean as their family¡¯s, San Bao hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s thigh, feeling ufortable. She refused to let go. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s dark. San Bao¡¯s afraid¡­¡±

    To be honest, she had really led a good life. Initially, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t adapt either, let alone the three children.

    Even if she wasn¡¯t married and had to rent a house outside, no matter how poor her conditions were, she didn¡¯t need to live in a mud house. Not much cement was used, let alone limestone.

    Upon looking at such a house, Qiao Nan secretly felt that it was tough. If she didn¡¯t guess wrongly, they would have to stay under such conditions for two to three nights.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡± As a mother, Qiao Nan naturally had tofort the three children. ¡°Dad and Mom will apany you to sleep these few days. With us around, San Bao doesn¡¯t have to be afraid no matter how dark it gets.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Upon hearing that they could still sleep with their parents, the three children¡¯s nervous faces rxed slightly.

    Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Sheng. ¡°Brother Zhai, I remember you brought a shlight, right? Is there enough battery?¡±

    Qiao Nan more or less looked like she could neitherugh nor cry. There was electricity in this mountainous area. However, she heard that it would be cut off at times, especially in the dark.

    San Bao was afraid of the dark. If she woke up, it was very necessary to have a shlight shining.

    ¡°Yes, this isn¡¯t an issue.¡± Upon hearing about the mountainous environment, Zhai Sheng prepared all the tools for illumination. He had more experience than Qiao Nan. As such, he had prepared everything. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t need to worry about it.

    After getting an affirmative answer, Qiao Nan heaved a sigh of relief. When they were at home, she felt that she had the ability to take care of the three children.

    However, after stepping out of the house, she couldn¡¯t do without Zhai Sheng¡¯s help if they wanted to take care of the three children well.

    It was also at this time that Qiao Nan realized that although Zhai Sheng usually didn¡¯t talk much, he had really helped her a lot. It was really her biggest blessing to be married to such a good man. It was also the three children¡¯s blessing.

    There was no choice. After encountering a father like Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Nan, as a mother who loved children, naturally ced importance on the right kind of father for her children.

    She didn¡¯t want to be Ding Jiayi. She naturally also didn¡¯t want her other half to be a man like Qiao Dongliang.

    Thankfully, she indeed didn¡¯t be the second Ding Jiayi. Zhai Sheng and Qiao Dongliang were people from two different worlds as well. Such a life was really happy.

    If it was said that she had to wait until she was forty years old before she met Zhai Sheng and that she had to pay such a long-term price for her blissfulte marriage, Qiao Nan expressed that she didn¡¯t suffer a loss for marrying only when she was forty years old. Instead, she and her three children had earned.

    Meeting Zhai Sheng was her biggest blessing in this lifetime.

    This blessing could make up for all the unequal treatment she had suffered in her previous life.

    As she thought about this, Qiao Nan felt her heart became rxed. Even when she thought about Ding Jiayi again, she no longer had that anger and injustice she felt before.

    She obviously knew what Ding Jiayi was up to. She insisted to be at odds with her and wasn¡¯t willing for Ding Jiayi to lead a good life.

    To be honest, Ding Jiayi¡¯s current situation was no different from being forsaken.

    She had two daughters and a husband. None of them was close to Ding Jiayi.

    Even if Qiao Nan had let bygones be bygones and wasn¡¯t willing to dwell in the past, and she only wanted to lead her life well and groom the three children, she wasn¡¯t prepared to influence Qiao Zijin and Qiao Dongliang about their attitudes toward Ding Jiayi.

    She could control her own thoughts and actions, but not others.

    Everything was caused by Ding Jiayi herself. No one could help her take responsibility for her life.

    After letting bygones be bygones, what Ding Jiayi¡¯s life was in the future depended on how much virtue she had umted.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Upon feeling that Qiao Nan had changed, Zhai Sheng walked over. ¡°Are you not used to it? If you aren¡¯t used to it, it would be enough for us to grasp the situation today and tomorrow. When night falls, we can head out.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was a soldier. No matter how bad the environment was, Zhai Sheng had lived in it before.

    Zhai Sheng had adapted well by himself. However, he was extremely nervous about his wife and children. He didn¡¯t make unreasonable demands like wanting them to adapt to this kind of environment as well as he did.

    Without mentioning his wife, Zhai Sheng¡¯s thoughts about his children were that as long as they didn¡¯t go astray and be good-for-nothings, it was good enough. They should be upright, kind, and fight hard for everything.

    Zhai Sheng never had the thought of wanting his children to suffer to prove how good they were.

    If not for Qiao Nan¡¯s request, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t have brought his wife and children to a ce with such a poor environment, causing the four people he loved most to suffer.

    He didn¡¯t want his children to grow astray and be corrupted by material life. However, there wasn¡¯t a need to use such an extreme method and send his children to such an environment to endure hardship.

    To be honest, if he wanted to train his children to be good, he could just throw them into the army. No matter how bad the child was, they could still be taken care of and wouldn¡¯t dare to create much trouble in the future.

    At this moment, he felt that his wife wasn¡¯t adapting well. However, the road to go down the mountain wasn¡¯t easy. The light conditions were worse now, making it more difficult to go down the mountain.

    If they couldn¡¯t stay here tonight, Zhai Sheng felt he could send his wife and children down the mountain.

    ¡°No.¡± As shey in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms, Qiao Nanughed. ¡°I just feel that the triplets are really blessed to have a good father like you. Thankfully, the father I found for them is you.¡±

    As he hugged Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng smiled. ¡°Yes, you have great taste. You found me to be their father. You couldn¡¯t do this alone.¡± Zhai Sheng felt that he fully deserved the praise and didn¡¯t n to be humble.

    What problem was there for him to dote on his own wife and children?

    ¡°In your next lifetime, regardless of in your dream or outside your dream, don¡¯t rush to get married. You have to wait for me. I feel that I won¡¯t be in a hurry as well and will always be waiting for you.¡±

    Even if he and Qiu Chenxi were married before, that marriage was just a formality. It wasn¡¯t an official marriage.

    The person he was always waiting for was still Nan Nan. It wouldn¡¯t be someone else.

    Qiao Nan smiled even more brightly. ¡°Yes.¡±

    She would wait. She would continue waiting until Zhai Sheng¡¯s appearance. Only then would she dare to hand her life into this man¡¯s hands. If it were someone else, she wouldn¡¯t have the courage and guts.

 Chapter 2441

    <h4>Chapter 2441: Kiss Back (3)</h4>

    ¡°Hug. I want a hug too.¡±

    Upon seeing that her parents were hugging as if no one else was around, San Bao became anxious.

    Seeing that she was small-sized, San Bao insisted on squeezing in between her parents. She tugged at Qiao Nan¡¯s pants with her small hands. After a while, San Bao was so anxious that her face turned red. ¡°Mom, hug me. Hug me.¡± Don¡¯t just hug Dad.

    Grandma and Aunt had said that she was soft and fragrant. It wasfortable to hug her.

    Her dad¡¯s body was firm and hard. It wouldn¡¯t befortable to hug him. As such, it was better if her mom just hugged her. She was more huggable than her dad.

    ¡°My little ancestor.¡±

    The warmth and sweetness between the couple were immediately destroyed by the three light bulbs. Qiao Nan felt that she was put in a difficult spot.

    As mentioned earlier, the three children became stronger as they grew up. Even if it was just San Bao, she had so much strength in her hands that her biological parents couldn¡¯t withstand it.

    What Zhai Sheng was wearing was all provided by the military. The quality was there.

    However, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t. She had casually bought the clothes in a big shopping mall. The quality couldn¡¯t bepared to those prepared by the military.

    As San Bao tugged at her pants, Qiao Nan only felt that she was going to be pulled down by her daughter. Even if she didn¡¯t get pulled down, she would no longer be able to keep her pants soon.

    Based on how cheeky the three children were, Qiao Nan only wore pants after giving birth. Skirts had pretty much disappeared from Qiao Nan¡¯s wardrobe.

    After all,pared to pants, skirts were more unreliable and could spoil more easily.

    Qiao Nan was extremely embarrassed now. She didn¡¯t know if she should save her own pants first or carry her daughter, who was kicking up a fuss.

    It seemed wrong to deal with either one first. Qiao Nan looked embarrassed.

    Zhai Shengughed and carried his daughter up. ¡°San Bao, haven¡¯t I taught you before that you can¡¯t tug on an adult¡¯s pants?¡±

    Zhai Sheng had more experience with his daughter¡¯s skills of pulling other¡¯s pants than Qiao Nan, his wife.

    Even Zhai Sheng would feel that his trousers were to be pulled down by San Bao, let alone Qiao Nan.

    Forget it that she did this in front of him. What if they were in front of others?

    How would Zhai Sheng allow others to see such a sight? No matter who the other party was, even if it was his biological mother, Miao Jing, Zhai Sheng would never allow it.

    As a man and Qiao Nan¡¯s husband, Zhai Sheng had his own domineering side. Zhai Sheng¡¯s expectation of Qiao Nan was that aside from himself, nobody else could see or touch any of Qiao Nan¡¯s body parts.

    Of course, it was an exception that Qiao Nan had to breastfeed the triplets when they were born.

    After giving birth to the three children, Zhai Sheng often felt that he had created three love rivals for himself.

    Before the two got married, Zhai Sheng bumped into Chen Jun confessing to Qiao Nan once. Back when faced with Chen Jun, who had good conditions, not only was Qiao Nan not moved, but she was so frightened that her face turned pale and she asked him for help.

    Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Chen Jun, Chen Jun wasn¡¯t considered as Zhai Sheng¡¯s love rival.

    See? None of the men interested in Qiao Nan posed a threat to Zhai Sheng outside. However, his three children often snatched his wife away from him.

    It was like now. San Bao was trying to snatch Qiao Nan away from him as she wanted her to carry her. When in such a situation, Zhai Sheng felt that his hands became itchy. His children¡¯s buttocks were round, fleshy, and tender. One look at it and it was obvious that there would be a wonderful feeling upon touch.

    San Bao didn¡¯t know that her actions of snatching her mom away had caused her dad to stare at her buttocks, ready to hit them.

    A daughter was the father¡¯s little lover in his previous life? Such a situation didn¡¯t exist between Zhai Sheng and San Bao.

    Zhai Sheng was strict with Da Bao and Er Bao. Who asked them to be his sons?

    Talking about San Bao, Zhai Sheng¡¯s feelings for her were the mostplicated. He knew that San Bao was a daughter, so his expectations of her should be different from Da Bao and Er Bao.

    Perhaps San Bao herself felt this way as well. As such, she often staged scenes where she snatched Qiao Nan away from Zhai Sheng, making him, the biological father, angry.

    Based on this father-daughter rtionship, lovers in the past? No, they were probably enemies and love rivals in two lifetimes.

    What Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t know was that children were actually pretty smart. Zhai Sheng¡¯s biggest mistake was to underestimate Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s IQ.

    If San Bao could feel it, would Da Bao and Er Bao be like idiots and not be aware at all?

    As such, Da Bao and Er Bao became San Bao¡¯s brains, while San Bao became Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s hands.

    The triplets split up the work. When they were at home, their grandparents protected them. When snatching Qiao Nan away from Zhai Sheng, they were ruthless.

    Two heads were better than one. The triplets had brains and their grandparents backed them up. No matter how formidable Zhai Sheng was, he was still alone. Furthermore, he didn¡¯t realize that his three children were using the IQ they had developed on him, the biological father.

    The consequences of underestimating the enemy were victory in all battles. The great Chief Zhai, who made outsiders feel terrified, often lost to his two-year-old children at home. That image was really too beautiful to look at.

    ¡°No, I want Mom to carry me.¡± San Bao didn¡¯t get her mom to carry her as she wished and expressed disdain that her dad¡¯s hug was hard. It wasn¡¯tfortable at all. Her mom¡¯s body was better. It was fragrant and soft.

    San Bao only felt that her mom¡¯s hug was the mostfortable ce in this world. Every time her mom hugged her, she couldn¡¯t describe the feeling, but it made her feel sofortable that she didn¡¯t want to leave. Her mom¡¯s hug was better than a bed! She liked to be in her mom¡¯s arms and note out.

    ¡°Carry me.¡±

    Er Bao ran over and hugged Qiao Nan¡¯s thigh. He expressed that in a foreign environment, he, as a son, needed his mom¡¯s hug as a source offort.

    Da Bao didn¡¯t say anything. He stood on the other side of Qiao Nan. The meaning was clear. He had the same thoughts as Er Bao and wanted his mom to hug him.

    These three children were so cute that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t pull herself away from them. As they begged for hugs and touches, Qiao Nan felt full.

    She must be the most blessed person in this world to be surrounded by the most handsome man and three cutest children who wanted her hugs and kisses¡­

    How would Qiao Nan, whose heart was stolen by the three children, still wonder who Ding Jiayi was? She hugged and kissed each child one by one and was so happy until she couldn¡¯t remember where she was.

    The three children expressed that they were good babies who understood reciprocity.

    After being kissed by their mom, they strongly requested to kiss her back.

 Chapter 2442

    <h4>Chapter 2442: Life in the Mountain (1)</h4>

    As such, the four of them kissed one another. Anyone would have been envious. However, Zhai Sheng only felt a strong wave of jealousy.

    Seeing the husbands of two other women and the wife of another man upying his wife and kissing and taking advantage of her, Zhai Sheng was so angry that his eyes were about to burst into mes.

    Everyone envied the Zhai family for having triplets. Only Zhai Sheng, the biological father, regretted that his ¡®marksmanship¡¯ was too poor. How did he produce these three horrible children? The current situation was enough to show how troublesome it was to have too many children.

    Now that he understood this, who would want such detestable children if he decided to send them away?

    Zhai Sheng had always been most confident of his marksmanship. However, when it came to having children, Zhai Sheng felt that he had lost his usual uracy and was terrible.

    A jealous Zhai Sheng was scary. It was just that the three children and Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t realized it yet.

    As a sessful hunter, before he stretched out his fangs, how could he let his prey feel that their lives were threatened?

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s lips curved up slightly. He looked as if he wasughing or faintly angry. His expression was extremely contradictory.

    Forget it that the three children were still young. If Qiao Nan, who had been Zhai Sheng¡¯s wife for two lifetimes, saw Zhai Sheng¡¯s expression now, she would definitely be timid and restrain herself and the three children.

    What was Zhai Sheng good at when facing Qiao Nan?

    Settling scores with her afterward!

    She didn¡¯t know what calction method Zhai Sheng used for the ledger in his heart, but she knew that the most terrifying exploiter in this world was undoubtedly Zhai Sheng. For Zhai Sheng to settle scores with her afterward was an extremely unbearable affair. What was worse was that Zhai Sheng seemed to only use this unique calction method on her.

    Today, the three children and Qiao Nan were kissing one another happily.

    When they returned to Ping Cheng and after letting the three children sleep in a room, Zhai Sheng was going to use his actions to prove that the only person who could do whatever he wanted to Qiao Nan and be intimate with her was only him.

    The three children¡¯s intimate actions with Qiao Nan at this time were simply provoking him.

    Since Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t firm in her stand, he naturally had to ¡®educate¡¯ Qiao Nan well in the room and let her remember her revolutionary position and thoughts.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were destined to be other people¡¯s husbands. San Bao would definitely be someone else¡¯s wife.

    As such, what was the use of being so affectionate with someone else¡¯s husband and wife? She might as well treat him, her own husband, better.

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s theory and experiencing a breaking waist, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. Was it really good to call their sons and daughter that way?

    Someone else¡¯s husband and wife?

    That would happen at least twenty yearster. Now, the triplets were their children.

    It was just that Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t be bothered to discuss this with Zhai Sheng, who was jealous of his own children.

    If this discussion continued, Qiao Nan was worried that her waist would really break. Why didn¡¯t she realize that Brother Zhai was so easily jealous in the past? He could actually be so jealous of his own sons and daughter.

    What Qiao Nan felt most incredible was that while Da Bao and Er Bao were boys, San Bao was a girl. Itpletely didn¡¯t make sense that Zhai Sheng was jealous of his daughter as well.

    Was he deliberately finding excuses?

    Of course, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know the final result.

    Qiao Nan, who had not sensed danger yet, was still being intimate with her three children. She was extremely happy. ¡°Alright, are the three of you hungry? Shall I prepare some food for you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Aside from wanting their mom to be by their side, the three growing children were obsessed with eating.

    There was naturally no fish and meat in the mountainous area. However, they had things like wild chestnuts, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

    To Qiao Nan, these food items were good. They contained whole grains and could wash the intestines of the three children, who loved to eat meat, well.

    Natural fertilizers were used for sweet potatoes grown in mountainous areas. No external chemical fertilizers were used, so they were healthy and tasted good.

    When the three children had their first bite of the soft sweet potato, they were shocked. Was there something else in this world that was as delicious as meat?

    For the sake of the three children¡¯s health, not only would Qiao Nan pay attention to their bncedbination of meat and vegetables at home, but she would also restrict them from eating sweet things.

    Carbonated beverages such as c would never appear in the Zhai family, let alone those sweetened fruit juices. If they really wanted to drink, Qiao Nan would rather buy a machine and fresh fruits to blend the juice herself at home.

    Qiao Nan was so strict even when it came to drinks. There were very few things like sweets in the Zhai family.

    Even when Jiajia came over to the Zhai family as a visitor, upon hearing that it was for the benefit of her younger siblings, Jiajia would asionally hold back her urges and not be a bad role model to them.

    As such, aside from fruits, the three children rarely had the chance to eat sweet things.

    The three children were overwhelmed by the sweetness of the sweet potatoes now.

    The ripe sweet potatoes were soft and chewy. Even if the three children were missing a few teeth, it wasn¡¯t difficult for them to eat it, let alone that they had a full set of teeth.

    It was so soft and sweet. Undoubtedly, the three children immediately fell in love with the taste of sweet potatoes and became fans of them.

    ¡°Mom, this is good. We never ate this before.¡±

    San Bao blew out air at the sweet potato. She only put it in her mouth after blowing it cool and feeling that it wasn¡¯t so hot anymore.

    After taking a bite, San Bao squinted happily as if she was a carefree fairy. Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were amused.

    Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but think that sweet potatoes weren¡¯t rare and could be found everywhere. A few decades ago, they were the staple food substitute in the absence of rice and flour. Everyone got scared eating it.

    However, when it came to their three children, they looked as if they had eaten a delicacy of the world. Weren¡¯t they pitiful?

    However, when he saw how happy the three children were in the end, Zhai Sheng stood firmly on Qiao Nan¡¯s side. He felt that Qiao Nan¡¯s management of them was very scientific.

    They could reveal such expressions of happiness even when eating sweet potatoes. It was probably only their family who could do this.

    If she wasn¡¯t strict with them, how would the three of them feel blessed?

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nice.¡± Er Bao nodded and agreed with San Bao. ¡°Mom, will we eat this when we¡¯re home as well? Grandpa and Grandma can eat it as well.¡±

 Chapter 2443

    <h4>Chapter 2443: Life in the Mountain (2)</h4>

    As a good child, after finding something delicious that he liked, Er Bao wanted to bring it home and share it with his grandpa and grandma.

    Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing weren¡¯t diabetic. They could still eat sweet potatoes, which weren¡¯t particrly low in sugar. ¡°Alright, the three of you can pick the sweet potatoes so that Dad can bring them back for Grandpa and Grandma to eat.¡±

    The children missed the elders in the family and even wanted to share with them the good things they had found. Qiao Nan was naturally supportive of this good habit and encouraged the three children so that they could maintain this in the long run.

    After getting their mom¡¯s support, the three children started to chew harder. Yes, they were delicious.

    As such, the first meal of this family of five in the mountains was spent eating sweet potatoes happily.

    Compared to the good atmosphere during the day, there was still a slight problem at night.

    The mountains were really different from the city areas.

    What was the huge difference?

    In the city, because of the lights from the shops and streetmps, light could still be seen even when it was dark.

    The three children were long ustomed to a bright living environment whenever they opened their eyes. They naturally felt uneasy when they suddenly came to the mountains.

    The bulbs in the mountain were not as advanced as those used outside. As such, they were yellow and not bright enough.

    Basically, when it reached seven or eight in the evening, the outside of the house became so dark that nothing could be seen. How would the children not be afraid of this situation?

    San Bao kept hiding in Qiao Nan¡¯s arms and refused to look at the situation outside the house. ¡°It¡¯s dark. San Bao¡¯s scared. Don¡¯t go out. There are monsters outside that will eat you.¡±

    Da Bao didn¡¯t say anything. However, he had a look of resistance. Er Bao learned from San Bao and didn¡¯t want to get down from their mom.

    It was more troublesome when it was time to sleep at night. San Bao was so frightened that she didn¡¯t want her parents to switch off the lights. Once they did so, she would cry.

    The helpless Qiao Nan could only hug her in her arms and coax her to sleep.

    After they were more than a year old, the three children had their own room. They would only sleep together with Qiao Nan on the big bed asionally.

    In order to get the three children used to sleeping on their own, even if they slept with her asionally, Qiao Nan would try not to hug them when she was sleeping.

    However, this wasn¡¯t possible today.

    Qiao Nan opened her arms and San Bao naturally rolled into them. Her chubby hands held onto her mom¡¯s clothes tightly.

    Qiao Nan patted San Bao. ¡°San Bao, be obedient. It¡¯s time to sleep. Children have to sleep more to grow taller and more beautiful. Dad and Mom are by your side. What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    Qiao Nan put an arm around San Bao and coaxed her to sleep. She ced another hand on Er Bao¡¯s body, touched Da Bao¡¯s face, and then patted Er Bao¡¯s body again.

    After getting his mom¡¯s touch, Da Bao¡¯s heart became settled.

    Alright, since he was far from his mom and couldn¡¯t get her hug, he would make do with sleeping with his dad tonight.

    When Da Bao leaned in close to his dad, he felt extremely safe. Even without his mom¡¯s hug, Da Bao fell asleep very quickly. At this time, Da Bao couldn¡¯t help but admit that his dad was still good at times.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, let¡¯s sleep as well.¡±

    Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng only dared to sleep after confirming that the three children were asleep.

    Adults were different from children. It was pretty easy to fall asleep in such an environment. After all, adults could adapt better than children.

    As parents, they couldn¡¯t abandon their children who were afraid and wanted to cry and fall asleep first.

    ¡°Yes.¡± After Zhai Sheng, who was sleeping on the outermost side, responded, he tilted his body to the side and let Da Bao lean on his arms. He also stretched out his long arm to hold Qiao Nan¡¯s hand, which was on Er Bao¡¯s body.

    Qiao Nan hesitated for a while. ¡°With both our hands on Er Bao¡¯s body, would Er Bao feel tired?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Sheng was already unhappy that he couldn¡¯t hug his wife to sleep and that there were three sound-asleep children in between them. He was just holding his wife¡¯s hand. If that wasn¡¯t allowed, it would be too overboard. ¡°It¡¯s fine. The boys in our Zhai family are tough. Furthermore, isn¡¯t he not afraid anymore? If we ce both our hands on him, he might even sleep more securely.¡±

    So, it was really better to have fewer children.

    If they only had a child, even if the child was in the middle, he could still hug Nan Nan.

    If they had a boy, Nan Nan could sleep in the middle and the child could sleep in the innermost. That way, he could hug Nan Nan to sleep and Nan Nan could hug the child to sleep.

    No wonder the country had advocated for a single-child policy from so many years ago. It was obvious that having a single child was more conducive to the harmony between husband and wife. How was it like their family now¡­

    Upon seeing the three children between him and Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng felt very sad. Could they really not just send one or two children away?

    Children were debts!

    After feeling sentimental, Zhai Sheng fell asleep quickly.

    In the middle of the night, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were awakened by a soft cry at the same time. Qiao Nan felt that someone was moving in her arms and touching her face.

    Qiao Nan hugged San Bao and asked softly, ¡°San Bao, what¡¯s wrong? Why did you cry? Did you have a nightmare? Don¡¯t be afraid. Mom¡¯s here. Dad¡¯s here too. So are Da Bao and Er Bao.¡±

    ¡°Sob¡­¡±

    San Bao still cried. ¡°Mom, San Bao became blind. San Bao can¡¯t see Mom anymore. San Bao also can¡¯t see Da Bao, Er Bao, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, and Dad anymore¡­ Sob. San Bao¡¯s frightened. What should I do?¡±

    Upon hearing San Bao say a long list of names but his was thest, Zhai Sheng was angry.

    The order in which his daughter said these names was probably the order of how much importance she ced on each individual.

    What else could Zhai Sheng say after knowing that his daughter ced himst? He could only take the shlight out and switch it on. His daughter actually thought that she was blind. What a stupid child.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. If you continue crying, Da Bao and Er Bao will be awakened as well. Don¡¯t be afraid. Our San Bao isn¡¯t blind¡­¡±

    As Qiao Nan finished speaking, Zhai Sheng took out the shlight under the pillow and switched it on.

    With the yellow light from the shlight, San Bao, who was rubbing her eyes and crying in her mom¡¯s arms, was stunned. She realized that her eyes seemed to have recovered and she was no longer blind. She could see her parents¡¯ faces and her own hands. ¡°Mom, San Bao isn¡¯t blind?¡±

    When she woke up just now, she obviously couldn¡¯t see her mom, Da Bao, or Er Bao.

    ¡°It was pitch ck just now. I couldn¡¯t see anything. It was scary.¡± As she leaned in her mom¡¯s arms and looked at her dad, San Bao continued, ¡°There are a lot of strange noises outside. San Bao¡¯s scared.¡±

 Chapter 2444

    <h4>Chapter 2444: Life in the Mountain (3)</h4>

    Yes, after San Bao woke up, she first realized that she was ¡®blind¡¯. Then, she heard a lot of strange noises outside which she had never heard before back in their own house. The timid San Bao started sobbing.

    If not for Zhai Sheng preparing a shlight in advance such that San Bao could see the light, no one else would probably be able to calm San Bao¡¯s frightened heart.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After knowing the reason why San Bao cried, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng could neitherugh nor cry. How were they going to exin this to their daughter?

    After thinking for a while, Qiao Nan coaxed San Bao and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. There¡¯s wind outside, so there are some whirring sounds. This is the mountain. Didn¡¯t San Bao see a lot of animals on TV in the past before? This mountain has these animals as well. They came out in the night to find food as they were hungry. Is San Bao afraid of them?¡±

    ¡°Little squirrels?¡± San Bao blinked with tears on her eyshes. She tilted her head and asked in a cute manner.

    ¡°Yes, there are little squirrels. There are also woodpeckers that help Grandpa Tree catch worms. Dududu.¡±

    ¡°Yes, dududu.¡± San Bao became excited as she had indeed heard such a sound. ¡°Is Doctor Woodpecker seeing Grandpa Tree?¡±

    Qiao Nan told this story to the three children before. Thus, San Bao remembered it now.

    ¡°Yes, San Bao¡¯s smart.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he see Grandpa Tree in the day? Why does it have to be at night? We are all sleeping. By doing so, he scared San Bao. What a bad doctor.¡± San Bao pouted and expressed her dissatisfaction.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°There¡¯s no choice. In the day, people would hit them. It¡¯s only safe for them toe out at night.¡±

    ¡°Hit them?¡± How would San Bao understand the concept of poaching?

    ¡°Yes, bad people hit them. Thus, it¡¯s safe for them toe out only at night. San Bao, are you still afraid? Let¡¯s not disturb Doctor Woodpecker from seeing Grandpa Tree. Shall I hug you to sleep?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After knowing that those strange noises outside were produced by the animals, San Bao was no longer scared. She grabbed her mom¡¯s clothes with one hand and her long hair with the other so that she could smell her mom. San Bao yawned and closed her eyes. She was about to fall asleep.

    To Zhai Sheng, the whisperings between the mother-daughter pair were like a serenade. When he heard his daughter¡¯s heavy breathing again, Zhai Sheng knew that she was asleep again.

    What made Zhai Sheng thankful was that his sons were still sons. San Bao kicked up a fuss in the middle of the night. However, Da Bao and Er Bao had no intention to wake up. They were still sound asleep.

    After confirming that San Bao was no longer kicking up a fuss, Zhai Sheng tilted his body and looked at Qiao Nan. ¡°Are you thirsty? Shall I pour you a cup of water?¡±

    The environment in the mountain wasn¡¯t as convenient as outside, especially in aspects like toilets. This was what Qiao Nan was not used to the most. As such, after hearing Zhai Sheng¡¯s question, Qiao Nan shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Even if I¡¯m thirsty, I¡¯ll drink tomorrow. It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s sleep. Otherwise, we won¡¯t have enough energy tomorrow.¡±

    San Bao was really funny. After waking up and realizing that she couldn¡¯t see anything, she thought that she had be blind.

    The children knew what being blind was. They must have learned it when watching TV previously.

    Thankfully, the children watched Animal. When Qiao Nan talked about it and once San Bao understood, she immediately stopped feeling afraid and could fall asleep. Otherwise, once San Bao cried, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng would have to coax her for a while.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, why don¡¯t we keep the shlight on? San Bao¡¯s already like this. What if Da Bao and Er Bao are scared as well?¡±

    If some light was emitted from the shlight, at least Da Bao and Er Bao wouldn¡¯t be as frightened as San Bao if they woke up in the middle of the night.

    After ncing at his heartless sons who were sleeping soundly, Zhai Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to. We walked so much today. The three children are already tired. San Bao¡¯s a girl. She woke up as she¡¯s more sensitive. When they were at home, they rarely woke up in the middle of the night. These two sons wouldn¡¯t cry. Let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Then, he switched off the shlight. Zhai Sheng held Qiao Nan¡¯s hand firmly and fell asleep with their hands on Er Bao¡¯s body.

    To the tough Er Bao, there was a sense of security if his dad¡¯s or mom¡¯s hand was on his body.

    However, when both parents ced their hands on him, he felt that they were a little heavy. As such, Er Bao slept the entire night with his eyebrows slightly frowned.

    His biological mother was still pretty nervous about this. However, it was a pity that his biological father didn¡¯t care.

    As their parents¡¯ rtionship got better, they, their biological children, couldn¡¯t escape from the fate of being forced to look at their public disy of affection. Compared to others, the only difference was that they were too young and didn¡¯t understand what public disy of affection was.

    When they grew up, as singles who couldn¡¯t fall in love too early but were forced to see their parents disy affection publicly, they would know what was the meaning of unbearable.

    The Zhai family of five spent their first night in the mountain like that.

    When Qiao Nan woke up the next morning, she realized that her husband and children were not around. She was the only one still sleeping.

    Qiao Nan perked up her ears. Zhai Sheng seemed to be getting their three children to brush their teeth. ¡°Open your mouth and slowly brush up and down¡­¡±

    To be honest, it was too difficult to get two-year-olds to brush their teeth themselves.

    Children generally hated brushing their teeth. The triplets were considered good-tempered. When the adults were helping them brush their teeth, they tried their best not to resist. The problem was when the little toothbrushes were ced in their chubby hands. They stared at the toothbrushes and struggled. How were they going to brush their teeth?

    When Qiao Nan came out, she saw her three children looking troubled. They were so cute.

    The usually bright Er Bao was awesome. Based on his previous habit, he opened his mouth and ced his toothbrush inside. He directly ced the toothbrush on his tongue instead of his teeth. It was estimated that only Er Bao knew it in his heart if he was brushing his teeth or preparing to eat toothpaste.

    ¡°Er Bao, that¡¯s wrong.¡± Qiao Nan took Er Bao¡¯s hand softly and said, ¡°Ah.¡±

    Er Bao was very used to saying ¡®ah¡¯. Qiao Nan started to help Er Bao brush his teeth.

    Once Da Bao and San Bao saw their mome out and that she was already helping Er Bao brush his teeth, the two of them were clever to stop whatever they were doing. They could save a lot of effort if their mom helped them after helping Er Bao.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have high expectations of the children. As two-year-olds, they were already very obedient as they were willing to cooperate with the adults to brush their teeth. It was too difficult for them to learn how to brush their teeth themselves now.

    The couple split up the work. Qiao Nan helped the three children brush their teeth while Zhai Sheng helped them wash their faces.

 Chapter 2445

    <h4>Chapter 2445: Worth It (1)</h4>

    Although Zhai Sheng knew nothing about a delicate act like brushing one¡¯s teeth, he was fortunately still able to wash his children¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Here, wipe your faces.¡± Seeing the triplets¡¯ clean faces, Qiao Nan was overjoyed. Shended a kiss on each of their faces before helping them apply some lotion.

    The three children obediently raised their heads and kissed Qiao Nan, replying, ¡°Thank you, Mom!¡±

    Zhai Sheng, who had also finished washing his face, turned his back to his children and leaned down toward Qiao Nan.

    There was no reason for him to not receive the same treatment as his children. Even the stingiest person wouldn¡¯t do so.

    Zhai Sheng had gradually gotten used topeting with his children. Qiao Nan smiled but did not utter a word. As expected, she meticulously applied lotion on Zhai Sheng¡¯s face just as she had done with the children.

    Qiao Nan knew that Zhai Sheng had grown up being raised by Old Master Zhai. Even Zhai Hua hadn¡¯t received such treatment when she was young, let alone Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan had already heard about the saying that one would have to raise a son when getting married.

    Butpared to other husbands, her husband was already much better. Zhai Sheng would only act in a childish manner when fighting for Qiao Nan¡¯s affection and priority.

    Other than that, Zhai Sheng was a good husband who supported her entire world and shielded her from all trials and tribtions.

    San Bao nudged Er Bao before scratching her face. Stupid Dad!

    Humph! He was always bullying them! Did he really think that they didn¡¯t know anything? Grandma had already said that they were still young and needed help from adults in many things.

    Their stupid father was already old enough. He was even older than their mom! Why did he need their mom¡¯s help in so many things? How shameful! She would never get her mom to help her out in things that she could do on her own. She was even better than her dad!

    Er Bao giggled and hugged San Bao, seemingly praising her for being obedient. Much more obedient than their dad.

    Sigh. They had no other choice. With a father like that, the three children had to be obedient and work hard to help their mom out in any way possible.

    They would do whatever their dad should have done.

    Knowing that he had to be a filial son, Er Bao already understood the meaning of filial piety at a young age.

    Da Bao stole a nce at Er Bao and San Bao as he munched on a snack. Both Er Bao¡¯s and San Bao¡¯s ideas were still immature. As children, what they had to do now was to have their fill of food and grow up quickly. Only then would they be helping their mom out.

    Helping their mom out wasn¡¯t as easy as just saying so.

    With such a thought, Da Bao started eating even more quickly. That was his most important mission at the moment.

    He would have to take care of Er Bao and San Bao in the future. His parents would have to rely on him too. He alone would have to take care of four people. Yes, he had to eat more to grow as tall and muscr as his dad.

    ¡°Are you full?¡± Qiao Nan had almost had her fill and only asked the children after they had been eating for quite a while.

    The three children nodded obediently, showing that they were full.

    ¡°Alright. Shall we go visit your siblings?¡±

    Qiao Nan hadn¡¯t forgotten her main purpose of bringing the children here.

    The three children had never met any elder brothers, but they had a good elder sister, Jiajia. The moment they heard the words ¡®siblings¡¯, the triplets¡¯ eyes lit up in excitement.

    ¡°Hello, here are the students from our school. It¡¯s really not easy for them toe to school every day.¡±

    The teacher of the school was grateful yet nervous that there were Samaritans who wanted to help their school.

    The teacher would even forgo his own meals so that the children would have enough to eat and grow up healthily.

    But his efforts alone were insufficient. What he managed to squeeze out was nothingpared to what the children living on this mountain needed.

    These children would only have a different future if more people cared about them and supported them with their money and effort.

    When the teacher had heard that this person had a special status, he thought that the person would simply leave after taking a look around. But he had heard that this person had not only taken a look around but had even stayed the night to observe the school¡¯s situation today!

    As a teacher in the school, he had a good understanding of the situation here.

    It seemed extraordinary that someone of such high status, who was used to living in the city, had endured the poor conditions and stayed the night.

    At the same time, the teacher could feel Qiao Nan¡¯s sincerity toward the children.

    ¡°Teacher Zhou, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already read through the information on the vige. I¡¯ve also walked around the school. I¡¯ll do my best to help these children.¡±

    She was a mother herself. As such, it was only natural that Qiao Nan felt heartbroken when she saw the ragged clothes on the children. Even clothes that people normally threw away looked better than those they were wearing.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the children have lunch in school every day? Can you let me see your menu?¡±

    As Qiao Nan understood the situation more, she realized just how many children in society didn¡¯t have proper meals or clothes.

    Qiao Nan had thought that she was an exceptional case for having met a mother like Ding Jiayi, who starved her and ill-treated her. Who would have known that malnutrition was nothing out of the ordinary out here?

    Sigh¡­

    Qiao Nan sighed sorrowfully. ¡°The children are still so young. If they don¡¯t eat well, they won¡¯t be able to grow up healthily.¡±

    The moment Teacher Zhou heard that, tears welled up in his eyes. ¡°We have no other choice. The conditions here are too poor. We don¡¯t have much resources in the mountains, and it¡¯s difficult for outsiders to get in contact with us either. Besides, we really don¡¯t have any extra cash. It¡¯s not just lunch for the students. Even their learning materials¡­ Look at how the students are still using such short pencils because they can¡¯t afford to throw them away.¡±

    Teacher Zhou choked as he held up the pencil that was as long as a child¡¯s thumb.

    Even Teacher Zhou had almost given up several times because of the tough conditions. However, his heart always softened whenever he saw the children¡¯s inquisitive gazes. That was why he had stayed up until today.

 Chapter 2446

    <h4>Chapter 2446: Worth It (2)</h4>

    Seeing how even a grown man like Teacher Zhou was on the verge of tears, Qiao Nan quickly exined. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Our country and society have developed and we won¡¯t leave these children in the lurch no matter what. Now that I¡¯ve understood the situation, I¡¯ll think of a n to implement. I realized that the temperatures here in the mountain aren¡¯t very high. The weather will get colder in a month¡¯s time. Do the children have enough clothes for winter?¡±

    They didn¡¯t just face difficulties in food and materials. The children¡¯s clothes also posed a huge problem.

    It was already autumn. If it started raining, the temperatures would drop drastically and it would be bone-chilling.

    Teacher Zhouughed bitterly. ¡°Of course not.¡±

    The children pretty muchcked everything they needed.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s heart hurt. ¡°Alright. I understand. I¡¯ll leave for the day. I¡¯ll send some resources over.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I thank you on the children¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Teacher Zhou didn¡¯t know how much Qiao Nan was willing to do, but no matter how little she did, Teacher Zhou was already eternally grateful as long as it helped improve the lives of the children.

    After all, these children were practically strangers to Qiao Nan. Unlike him, she didn¡¯t have any feelings for the children.

    Initially, Qiao Nan had intended on staying for a few more days to understand the situation better.

    However, there was nothing more she needed to know. It was clear as day.

    Just like what Teacher Zhou said, theycked everything they needed.

    Qiao Nan felt that winter clothes were definitely necessary, especially long johns for the children, to guard against the falling temperatures.

    The triplets were still young and had much simpler thoughts. Although they thought that it was strange that the older children were wearing ragged clothes unlike themselves, they didn¡¯t treat them any differently just because of their clothing.

    Initially, the thirty-over students didn¡¯t even dare to get close to the triplets because not only were they beautiful, but they were also clean and well-dressed.

    In the end, it was because of the greedy San Bao, who ran in front of an elder sister, staring at a raw chestnut in her hand, that they had gotten closer.

    Seeing the desire in San Bao¡¯s eyes, the youngdy thought and said, ¡°This is raw. You¡¯re still young. I¡¯m afraid that you may get a stomachache if you eat this. Shall I cook this for you?¡±

    These children in the mountains didn¡¯t have much in terms of food, but they didn¡¯tck wild chestnuts. Whenever they were hungry, they would simply peel and eat one. It tasted quite like a raw potato.

    Roasting raw chestnuts was nothing to the children living in the mountains.

    Not long after, a crackling sound could be heard, and the youngdy picked out the ripe chestnuts.

    The triplets, who had never seen anything like this, were taken aback and stared wide-eyed, wanting to hide behind the older children. The children couldn¡¯t help but giggle. These young children were so adorable. They were even afraid of the sound of chestnuts cracking!

    After picking out the roasted chestnuts and peeling off the skin, the girl handed one over to San Bao.

    Of course, San Bao didn¡¯t reject her kind intentions. After all, food was always ready and peeled for her whenever she was at home. All she had to do was open her mouth.

    As such, San Bao naturally epted the older girl¡¯s help. As she savored the sweet chestnut, San Bao opened her eyes in wonder and let out a smile that was even sweeter than the chestnut. ¡°Yummy!¡±

    Da Bao and Er Bao believed in San Bao¡¯s judgment since she was known to be a foodie.

    The moment San Bao said that it was delicious, Da Bao and Er Bao looked longingly at the older children. They were still young and didn¡¯t know how to peel those delicious things. More importantly, the chestnuts made a loud and scary noise!

    The children giggled and quickly peeled the chestnuts and ced them on a clean piece of paper for the boys to eat.

    Qiao Nan had simply taken a look around the school, but her three children had already been well fed by these adorable students.

    The triplets had no shame in taking food from others!

    When Qiao Nan realized the situation, she quickly stopped them. ¡°Thank you, but they¡¯re still young. They can¡¯t eat too much of these. They still have to have their mealster.¡±

    Thankfully, the three children hade after having their meal. Otherwise, the three children might very well have had their fill of chestnuts from the way the students were feeding them.

    Qiao Nan squeezed San Bao¡¯s ruddy cheeks and her heart melted even more as she saw the innocent faces of the children. ¡°Thank you for taking care of them. Did they cause any trouble for you?¡±

    The children respectfully shook their heads while giggling, expressing that the children had been adorable and obedient. They had been no trouble at all.

    Because Qiao Nan had a good attitude and spoke nicely without anger, the students finally rxed. They knew that this beautiful auntie wasn¡¯t angry at them for feeding the children chestnuts.

    ¡°Thank you! We¡¯ll y again next time!¡±

    The children nodded and looked forward to the Zhai family visiting them again.

    Their parents were all out at work and came back only once a year. Because the roads were bumpy and unpaved, only Teacher Zhou went out once in a while. Very few people ever visited them.

    Because of this, the children always looked forward to visitors and were especially weing to them. But they did not know what fun there was ining to such an impoverished ce like this.

    As the family of five left, Qiao Nan¡¯s steps were especially heavy.

    Zhai Sheng knew what Qiao Nan was thinking about andforted her. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. At least, we¡¯vee now. We¡¯ll help them as much as possible. You¡¯ve got a good understanding about the children, and I took a look around the living conditions of the elderly.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just children who needed help. The elderly needed help too.

    Even food was difficult to obtain here, much less medications that the elderly needed.

    Zhai Sheng realized that there were quite a number of elderly residents who were ill because of the humidity up in the mountains. When it struck, their limbs hurt so much that they wouldn¡¯t even be able to get off their beds.

    That meant it was definitely insufficient for them to simply send the children resources. They would have to think about medical supplies as well.

    The moment Qiao Nan got out of the mountainous areas, she went on a crazy shopping spree.

 Chapter 2447

    <h4>Chapter 2447: Worth It (3)</h4>

    At this time, the benefit of having Zhai Hua as a sister-inw was apparent.

    Zhai Hua was doing business. She knew more about business matters than Qiao Nan. Most importantly, she knew a lot of people.

    She knew that Qiao Nan was going to buy arge number of supplies, including those used in the winter, medicine, a bunch of children¡¯s school supplies, and textbooks. There were really quite a lot of things to be bought. It wasn¡¯t easy for them to engage in discussions.

    However, with the help of Zhai Hua, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have to worry about who she should approach to buy things. Zhai Hua would help Qiao Nan make the necessary arrangements in advance.

    Sometimes, if Zhai Hua knew about the variety and quantity, she could even help Qiao Nan negotiate a very favorable price so that Qiao Nan could buy all the things she required at the lowest cost.

    Thankfully, these people were familiar with Zhai Hua and they knew Zhai Sheng as well.

    It wasn¡¯t as if they didn¡¯t earn money. It was just that they earned less. Coupled with the fact that Qiao Nan bought these things to do good deeds and help those poor students in the mountains, Zhai Hua¡¯s friends were more willing to get involved.

    Aside from selling Qiao Nan things at cost price, they also donated some items so that Qiao Nan could get more supplies.

    The temperature dropped very quickly after a few autumn rains.

    Qiao Nan was worried that those children in the mountains didn¡¯t have thermal underwear and would suffer from the cold. As such, after gathering the supplies, she didn¡¯t dy and used the fastest speed to get to the mountains.

    Undoubtedly, as it was a difficult road to walk and there were quite a bit of supplies, there was amotion when trying to transport them into the mountain.

    When Teacher Zhou saw that Qiao Nan really brought back a lot of things that the children required, he, a man in his thirties, couldn¡¯t control himself and cried like a three-year-old.

    Teacher Zhou came to this ce after participating in teaching support. It was only then did he realize there were still poor and backward ces in developed China. It was very difficult for students to go to school.

    In fact, a few years ago, Teacher Zhoupleted his time here for teaching support. He could go out and teach at a few better schools.

    However, once Teacher Zhou left, this meant that these children would lose their teacher and could no longer study.

    This ce was too difficult. Even a support teacher might not be willing toe here.

    Looking at the students who had been with him for several years, Teacher Zhou couldn¡¯t remember how much determination he had used back then before deciding not to go back and stayed there until today.

    He often saw the difficulties of these children but couldn¡¯t do anything about it. Many a time, Teacher Zhou felt that he couldn¡¯t persevere anymore.

    As a teacher, he was blessed. However, when he saw that the children were in difficulties but he couldn¡¯t help at all, he hated himself for his ipetence.

    Under the torment of his conflicting emotions, it was extremely difficult for Teacher Zhou to persevere every day.

    However, Teacher Zhou had finally waited for this day.

    He was no longer the only one who knew about the situation of this school and its students. He was no longer the only one who persevered and cared.

    He believed that as long as more people in themunity cared, his thirty-odd students would definitely have the opportunity to go to junior high school, senior high school, and then university.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡±

    Upon seeing how happy the children were when circling the textbooks, Teacher Zhou choked and became speechless.

    ¡°Teacher Zhou, thank you for your perseverance all along. Thank you for never giving up on these children. It shouldn¡¯t be you thanking me. I should thank you. Thank you for persevering until my appearance.¡±

    Qiao Nan was very touched that Teacher Zhou chose to sacrifice his personal career for these children.

    If Qiao Nan was an old and single woman, Teacher Zhou should be an older and single man.

    Forget it that a man in his thirties didn¡¯t have a wife and children. He didn¡¯t even have a girlfriend he was dating.

    Qiao Nan could guess why Teacher Zhou became like this today.

    Teacher Zhou interacted with these children a lot and developed feelings for them. As such, he¡¯d rather sacrifice his personal future and stay there to continue teaching these children.

    If this were to happen to someone else, no one could be kidnapped by their morals and demand others to be as great as Teacher Zhou.

    Actually, before Teacher Zhou came here for teaching support, he had a girlfriend.

    Being a support teacher wasn¡¯t indefinite. Teacher Zhou¡¯s initial n was to be a support teacher first before returning a few yearster and entering a good school.

    A good school with good students and a good sry. With a few months of sry, he could fork out the down payment of a house with his girlfriend.

    Teacher Zhou had nned for the future. His girlfriend felt that what Teacher Zhou did was good.

    Generally, if a couple stayed in different ces and were in a long-distance rtionship, it was easy for issues to happen in their rtionship.

    However, Teacher Zhou¡¯s girlfriend wasn¡¯t worried at all because she knew what kind of environment Teacher Zhou was teaching in. She didn¡¯t have to worry that Teacher Zhou would have a change of heart. She wouldn¡¯t either.

    She would use the time her boyfriend did support teaching to work and earn more money so that they could fork out the down payment earlier. Then, they would be able to start a family together.

    It was a pity that they broke up following Teacher Zhou¡¯s refusal to go back.

    Teacher Zhou had such a spirit of dedication and sacrifice. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t expect his ex-girlfriend to have the same spirit as well. Everyone had their own thoughts and choices.

    As long as Teacher Zhou¡¯s ex-girlfriend¡¯s choice wouldn¡¯t harm others, her decision to break up with Teacher Zhou wasn¡¯t her fault. At most, it was just that they had different mindsets.

    Teacher Zhou had persevered for close to ten years.

    After the breakup, Teacher Zhou no longer contacted his ex-girlfriend. However, it was obvious that a woman¡¯s youth was limited. She had already waited for three years. For the remaining seven years, how would she still be so obedient and wait for the day that Teacher Zhou returned?

    Teacher Zhou knew that not only was his ex-girlfriend married, but she also gave birth to a daughter with her husband.

    Teacher Zhou didn¡¯t regret his choice. He also didn¡¯t feel that it was wrong of his ex-girlfriend to want a breakup.

    His only thought now was that both of them could get their own happiness and lead a peaceful life.

    Teacher Zhou wasn¡¯t sure. Based on his perseverance, would he still be able to find a like-minded marriage partner in this lifetime?

    Even if he really couldn¡¯t find one, he was willing to dedicate his whole life to the children in the mountain. He wanted to send these children away from the mountain so that they could experience a more exciting and colorful world outside.

    ¡°Teacher Zhou, look. It¡¯s a new pencil. It¡¯s all new. Auntie Qiao said that it¡¯s for us to use. I have a new pencil.¡±

 Chapter 2448

    <h4>Chapter 2448: Being Calctive (1)</h4>

    This child¡¯s pencil was already so short that she couldn¡¯t hold it properly. Even if that was the case, she couldn¡¯t bear to throw it away. No matter how tough it was, she wanted to write a few more words with her short pencil.

    ¡°Yes, look. There are even new books. They¡¯re so white. Teacher Zhou, are the books sold outside all like these? They smell good.¡±

    ¡°And these textbooks. These are our new textbooks. The words are so clear and clean. Teacher Zhou, can I write my name on it?¡±

    The children were so happy to receive new school supplies.

    They never thought that they could have such nice things one day.

    The children couldn¡¯t be med for being so agitated. The textbooks that they were using had been around for several years. After the people in this grade finished using them, they left them in school so that the studentster could use them.

    These were textbooks that were used in daily lessons. They weren¡¯t storybooks where people would borrow them once in a while in the library.

    One could imagine how old and tattered these textbooks were.

    Even if that was the case, every time a child received a textbook, they had a sacred expression. They flipped the textbook carefully, afraid that if they used more strength, the textbook would be torn. That way, it would be impossible for their younger siblings to use the book when they were their age.

    Yes, the books could really be torn that easily.

    Upon seeing how the children were still cherishing the torn textbooks, Qiao Nan felt heartache. She could also understand Teacher Zhou¡¯s thoughts.

    This was a bunch of lovely children. The country and society ought to give them a chance to realize their dreams.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Upon hearing the children¡¯s words of joy, Teacher Zhou was extremely happy. ¡°That¡¯s great. You have new pencils, books, and textbooks. You have to study harder in the future. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°We will.¡±

    Teacher Zhou rubbed his eyes. ¡°Not only did Auntie Qiao buy you new books, but she also bought winter wear. Everyone,e and collect one set each. Queue up properly. When collecting the winter wear, remember to help your grandparents at home collect them as well. Understand?¡±

    Actually, there was no need for Teacher Zhou to say this. Once they heard that they were collecting items, the students had already consciously lined up. They didn¡¯t have the intention to snatch from one another.

    The children thought that their level of happiness was about to hit the sky today. Who knew that good news came one after another?

    ¡°Teacher Zhou, is it true? Can we help our grandparents collect them as well?

    ¡°That¡¯s great. My grandpa¡¯s clothes are so tattered. I was initially nning to write a letter to my dad to remind him to help my grandpa buy some clothes when he returnedter this year.¡±

    If that was really the case, he¡¯d probably have to wait for two to three months before his dad came back with the clothes for his grandpa.

    It was great now. His grandpa would have new clothes to wear immediately.

    As they entered autumn and the weather turned cooler, both adults and children were worried about autumn rain, as they knew the power of it.

    Now, they longer had to worry or be scared as they had new clothes to wear.

    When the children received the new and warm clothes, the happy and intoxicated expressions on their faces made people feel sour in their hearts.

    Which child outside now wasn¡¯t pampered as they grew up? To them, new clothes weren¡¯t rare. There wasn¡¯t a need to wait for the new year before they could buy new clothes.

    Everyone¡¯s living conditions were good and no one was willing to make their child suffer at home. New clothes were bought pretty much on a monthly basis.

    It also wasn¡¯t rare to buy new clothes for children once a week if there was a need or they were in a good mood.

    Not too longter, every child received new clothes and stationery items in their hands. They looked so happy, like little birds flying with their wings outstretched in the sky. They didn¡¯t know how to express their joy.

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie Qiao.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Auntie Qiao.¡±

    ¡­

    After all the children received the items, they ran to Qiao Nan and thanked her in a grateful tone. ¡°Auntie Qiao, bring along your children next time. We will definitely y with them well.¡±

    He remembered that they loved to eat chestnuts. This year, he was definitely going to keep the biggest, best-grown, and sweet chestnuts for Auntie Qiao¡¯s sons and daughter.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll bring along my children next time and I¡¯ll have to rely on you to bring them out for fun.¡±

    How would Qiao Nan reject the child¡¯s pure and innocent feelings? She agreed happily.

    Without this incident, as a native of Ping Cheng, Qiao Nan really didn¡¯t know that there was such a backward ce in Ping Cheng and so many children were suffering from not being able to pursue their studies.

    It wasn¡¯t only these thirty-odd children. There were some children in the family who were young and hadn¡¯t reached the age of schooling. Their grandparents were currently raising them.

    As such, Qiao Nan knew that the decision she had made secretly in her heart was going to be a major project. It was a long-term project that couldn¡¯t bepleted in a short period of time.

    Even if that was the case, Qiao Nan felt that her perseverance and sacrifice were worth it.

    After knowing that her godfather left everything of the Zhu family to her, she told herself that she would definitely use the inheritance of the Zhu family to do more meaningful things so that the people alive would remember the Zhu family¡¯s existence.

    For this purpose, everything that Qiao Nan did was in the name of the Zhu family.

    ¡°Auntie Qiao, is the world outside very beautiful? Are the schools there big? I heard that the schools outside are big and have very big ygrounds. The ssrooms are huge too, and there are ss windows and lights.¡±

    The children were very curious about the world outside the mountain and wanted to find out more.

    The children were more eager to know how students outside looked like and if the ssrooms were big and bright.

    ¡°Do you want to study at the primary schools outside?¡± Qiao Nan asked the children.

    The childrenughed and shook their heads. Then, they nodded. ¡°Auntie Qiao, Teacher Zhou can only teach us primary school knowledge but not junior high school knowledge. Auntie Qiao, I want to study at a university. Teacher Zhou said that we would belong to the outside world in the future. As such, I want to study hard. Once I go to junior high school, I can go to school outside.¡±

    The children knew very clearly about their family situations.

    If not for Teacher Zhou, they wouldn¡¯t have the chance to be in primary school, let alone junior high school and senior high school.

    Their parents were working hard outside for their school fees. Even if they were in primary school, they had to study hard. After going outside, he wanted to let everyone know that Teacher Zhou was his primary school teacher.

 Chapter 2449

    <h4>Chapter 2449: Being Calctive (2)</h4>

    No matter how young children were, they had their own dignity and ideas.

    They would eventually get through this wilderness to emerge on the other side, enter society, and lead a wonderful life by relying on their own efforts.

    Qiao Nanughed. ¡°You¡¯ll have the opportunity to do so as long as you study hard.¡±

    These children had poor family backgrounds, and Qiao Nan already knew about that. As such, she had already made up her mind to sponsor these children so that they could receive an education.

    Knowledge could change the lives and fates of these children. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t wish for these children to repay her or even praise her. All she hoped for was that these children would be useful members of society and give back to society and the nation.

    Because the state mandated nine years ofpulsory education, their school fees were not expensive and they only had to pay for textbooks as well as some living expenses.

    After discussing it with Zhai Sheng, Qiao Nan was willing to help these children have an opportunity to go to junior high school out of these mountains.

    Of course, Qiao Nan would bear the cost of all of that.

    Then, all would depend on the children¡¯s hard work and results after they graduated from junior high school.

    Although results were not everything, it was a measure of a child¡¯s suitability to study, and whether they worked hard in school.

    After all, this was not the only good deed Qiao Nan was doing. She hoped that every single yuan would go to those who needed it the most.

    Qiao Nan had limited funds and energy, but there were too many people who needed her help.

    As such, Qiao Nan had no choice but to use this method so that she would be able to help others to the best of her abilities and fulfill her promise.

    This was exciting and exhrating for the children in the mountains.

    But Qiao Nan, who had hurriedly left to return to her children and husband, had not managed to share the joy with them.

    Although she had not personally witnessed it, Qiao Nan had a clue that would be the case.

    ¡°Mom, where did you go these past few days? San Bao missed you¡­¡±

    By the time Qiao Nan returned to the Zhai family¡¯s house, it was already eight at night. The moment Qiao Nan arrived, San Bao rushed up and clung onto her mother¡¯s neck, refusing to get out of her mother¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°Mom missed San Bao too.¡± Kissing her daughter¡¯s face, Qiao Nan felt her exhaustion being relieved.

    Qiao Nan knew that she had overworked herself over the past few days.

    She had spoken to Zhai Hua¡¯s friend about purchasing the resources. Then, she had arranged for transportation of these resources into the mountains.

    Although Qiao Nan had not personally done everything, she had been involved in everything herself.

    Zhai Sheng wanted to help Qiao Nan, but Qiao Nan could not rest easy if she wasn¡¯t personally involved. Only by personally overseeing it would she feel assured.

    As such, Qiao Nan had been out while Zhai Sheng had been home.

    During the period where Qiao Nan had been busy with work, Zhai Sheng had been the one taking care of the three children. Even though he had initially not known how to help the triplets brush their teeth, he had been well trained over the past few days and was now skilled in doing so.

    Zhai Sheng felt that he had made great improvements as a father and was a great father!

    But this was only Zhai Sheng¡¯s wishful thinking. It was better to ask the triplets for some honest evaluation.

    Before Qiao Nan could even ask the children if they had been happy spending time with their father and whether their father had been good to them, San Bao took the initiative to air her grievances. ¡°Mom, Dad was bad! Washing face, rough! San Bao hurt!¡±

    Their father was getting sloppier in washing their faces by the day. She even wanted to wash her own face instead! Her father¡¯s skills were awful!

    Er Bao cut in agitatedly but his pronunciation was still unclear and Qiao Nan spent a long time trying to decipher what he had said.

    Er Bao had no idea that his mother had to spend time deciphering his words and continued with his rant. ¡°Brushing bad. Yucky food.¡±

    The three children had no intention of leaving any face for their father, especially Er Bao, who even gestured frantically, telling Qiao Nan how much he disliked his own father.

    The more Zhai Sheng heard, the darker his expression got. How he wished he could catch that little bastard, Er Bao, and smack him on the butt.

    As a child, he had never gotten such care from his father. Although he was still a novice, he had already done his best to let his three children experience what he had not experienced.

    Seeing how the three children were ungrateful and even tried to tattle on him to Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng had the urge to throw the three rascals back to the times when he had still been a child.

    Only with such aparison would the three children understand how good their father was.

    Every time Zhai Sheng was angered by the three children, he would discuss with Zhai Hua how Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing had probably thrown them aside in their childhoods because they knew how annoying children could be.

    Zhai Hua could tell that the triplets were third-wheeling their parents and drew ire from their father.

    But Zhai Hua didn¡¯t agree with Zhai Sheng. She had been terribly obedient as a child. If their parents had wanted to throw them aside because of their cheekiness, it would have been Zhai Sheng alone. She had nothing to do with that.

    Seeing how Zhai Hua was deceiving herself, Zhai Sheng exposed her. ¡°In the year before I was born, Dad and Mom only had you. Did they stay by your side? Don¡¯t tell me that they did that because of me.¡±

    Miao Jing had given birth to two children in the span of three years, but there had been a period of time when Zhai Hua had been the only child.

    What Zhai Hua felt sad about was that she had been the only child, but she had never felt like one.

    Her parents had been amazing. At that time, the Old Master had to take care of her in his old age while his son and daughter-inw were out. She had already done her parents a great favor by not causing them any trouble.

    How could her parents be so cruel as to dump their daughter with the Old Master just a few days after her birth?

    Up until today, Zhai Hua still felt that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing of that time were truly impressive. What kind of parents were they?

 Chapter 2450

    <h4>Chapter 2450: Being Calctive (3)</h4>

    Zhai Hua sniffled and pped herself a few times. The situation seemed a little incredulous, but at the very least, she had grown up healthily under such bizarre circumstances.

    But Zhai Hua no longer wanted to think about her childhood. Seeing how Er Bao and San Bao treated Zhai Sheng in this manner in front of Qiao Nan, Zhai Hua was gleeful.

    How could her nephews and niece be so clever? They dared to defy their own father! They were indeed exceptionally bold!

    Thinking about that, Zhai Hua moved her gaze down to the chubby tummies of the three children. If they weren¡¯t fat, who else was?

    Hearing the childrenining about what a failure Zhai Sheng was as a father in their adorable voices, Qiao Nan fell into heaps ofughter.

    Sheforted the three children with a hug. ¡°You can¡¯t me your dad. He didn¡¯t know how to do this in the past. He only learned it to take care of you. Don¡¯t you learn slowly every time you y with a new toy too? You have to give your dad some time and more opportunities. He¡¯ll get better with practice.¡±

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t even ashamed of giving Zhai Sheng full marks as a father.

    Qiao Nan knew that there were many other men who regarded themselves as emperors at home, refusing to take care of their children or help around the house after work.

    Qiao Nan had heard too many such examples that she felt that Zhai Sheng was an amazing husband.

    It wasn¡¯t just Er Bao and San Bao. Even Da Bao had crinkled up his nose in disdain.

    All he could say was that Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were too good at this. Because they had been so well-taken care of by their mom and grandma, it was difficult to ept such clumsy care from their father.

    ¡°Give me a smile. Mom¡¯s done with her work. From today, both Mom and your dad will be able to take care of you guys together. Tomorrow, Sister Jiajia is on vacation. Shall we get her to y with you guys too?¡±

    After a week, Qiao Nan was pretty much done with her itinerary in Ping Cheng.

    If not for Jiajia to y with the three children, Qiao Nan would have returned to the capital with Zhai Sheng the next day because she knew that the elderly couple probably missed the children very much.

    San Bao rubbed her face against her mother¡¯s neck. She was upset. Why did her dad still have to take care of her? Even though Sister Jiajia would y with her tomorrow, she was still upset. She needed hugs and kisses to make up for that.

    San Bao was a youngdy, and coquetry was only normal. Qiao Nan carried San Bao in her arms and coaxed her until she finally let out a smile.

    After appeasing San Bao, Qiao Nan took a shower and was exhausted. ¡°Are the children asleep?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Having covered the children with their nkets, Zhai Sheng brought over a towel and wiped Qiao Nan¡¯s hair dry. ¡°Are you done with everything?¡±

    ¡°Almost.¡±

    Zhai Sheng knew very well what Qiao Nan had been busy with. Zhai Sheng had been used to working on the front line, but this time, Zhai Sheng had taken a back seat and supported Qiao Nan from the sidelines instead.

    In this whole world, only Qiao Nan had the ability to make Zhai Sheng willingly be her support.

    Having wiped Qiao Nan¡¯s hair dry, Zhai Sheng moved his palm to Qiao Nan¡¯s waist. ¡°You¡¯ve lost weight.¡± Her waist was terribly slender and Zhai Sheng was dissatisfied. ¡°No wonder you can¡¯t even carry the children. Given the way they eat, it won¡¯t take a few years before they weigh more than you.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled proudly. ¡°What do you know? I¡¯m a mother, but I still have the figure of a youngdy. Don¡¯t you know that there are plenty of women who try their best to maintain their weight but are still fat? I haven¡¯t even been dieting. It can¡¯t be helped that I don¡¯t get fat. Besides, I was a little overworked recently. Once I return to the capital, I¡¯ll eat more and sleep more. Why don¡¯t you guess how much weight I¡¯ll put on?¡±

    Zhai Sheng could not help butugh at Qiao Nan¡¯s description. ¡°Are you trying to live like a pig? Besides, you¡¯d better not make promises you can¡¯t keep. Otherwise, the children might learn from you and make false promises.¡±

    Who else without a job would be as busy as Nan Nan, who could not even take care of her husband and children?

    His Nan Nan was even busier than an average office worker.

    The couple had been married for almost four years. Zhai Sheng understood that Qiao Nan was one who would never let herself have too much free time, even though she was a full-time housewife.

    Leaning in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, Qiao Nanughed guiltily. She only dared to act so boldly because Zhai Sheng pampered her.

    She knew that Zhai Sheng would never stand in her way and would even silently support her. Because her husband gave her so much confidence, Qiao Nan had no fear. Who else could act in this manner?

    ¡°Brother Zhai, why are you so good? Why am I living such a blissful life after marrying you? I¡¯m thankful that I didn¡¯t marry until the age of forty. Think about how much I would have lost if I hadn¡¯t persisted.¡±

    Sometimes, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even believe that she might very well have spent her life with someone else if not for Qiao Zijin, who had destroyed her rtionship.

    Sigh. A life like that was frightening.

    Qiao Zijin and Ding Jiayi had intended to hurt her, but she had gotten true blissfulness instead. This was such a beautiful life.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, there¡¯s something I think I should discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± As long as Nan Nan was willing to tell him about it, he would listen.

    ¡°It¡¯s about Ding Jiayi. I think Ding Jiayi will eventually go crazy staying in the quad.¡± Thinking about Ding Jiayi¡¯s state when she had met her a few days earlier, Qiao Nan said realistically, ¡°I think it¡¯s because of my influence that no one in the quad has a good impression of Ding Jiayi anymore. It¡¯smon for women to experience hormonal changes when they undergo menopause. Although she has already passed that age, it won¡¯t be surprising for a normal person to go crazy living in that environment.¡±

    People were not lone wolves. No one could stand living alone without any interaction with others.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s temper was not good to begin with, and her mental health wasn¡¯t all that good either.

    As such, no one could tell how Ding Jiayi would turn out if Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t move to a more normal and humane living environment.

    While in the mountains, Qiao Nan had already let go of all the grudges she held against Ding Jiayi. She was no longer going to be calctive or hold it against Ding Jiayi.

 Chapter 2451 - Stressful (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2451: Stressful (1)</h4>

    Now, Qiao Nan felt that it was time to liberate herself and liberate Ding Jiayi.

    To say it in a more selfish manner, with Ding Jiayi under such a living environment, regardless of if it was physical or mental issues, the person who would be troubled was still going to be Qiao Nan. Qiao Zijin would ignore Ding Jiayi while Qiao Dongliang would not have the ability to manage her.

    Being nice to Ding Jiayi could be considered to be creating less trouble for herself.

    From this angle, it was no longer a difficult or ufortable matter for Qiao Nan to treat Ding Jiayi better and provide her a new living environment.

    ¡°Then?¡± Zhai Sheng understood the meaning in Qiao Nan¡¯s words. He didn¡¯t rush to give Qiao Nan any opinions. Based on Qiao Nan¡¯s character, she would have made some arrangements since she had some thoughts.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy the big house that Qiao Zijin sold? Although I don¡¯t really understand, I know that Ding Jiayi is the same as Qiao Zijin. Both of them like to stay in big houses. Ding Jiayi had spent quite a bit of effort for that house. Let her stay there then.¡±

    That would provide Ding Jiayi with a better living environment and let her have the opportunity to know new neighbors.

    As such, Ding Jiayi didn¡¯t need to be bothered by her old neighbors.

    ¡°You can just decide this.¡± After knowing that Qiao Nan suffered unequal treatment in the Qiao family, Zhai Sheng bought the house without a second word once he heard that Qiao Zijin was going to sell it. After he got married to Qiao Nan, he transferred the ownership of the house to Qiao Nan¡¯s name.

    Zhai Sheng was a man with few words. However, as long as he could do something, he would definitelyplete it.

    It was only after marriage that Qiao Nan found out that the person who bought Qiao Zijin¡¯s house was actually Zhai Sheng. After going in circles, this house was actually back in her own hands.

    Feeling Zhai Sheng¡¯s sacrifice and love for her, Qiao Nan felt that there was nothing else in this world that was more touching than this. She felt that she had indeed not married the wrong man.

    Qiao Nan held Zhai Sheng¡¯s strong waist firmly and spoke in a soft tone, which was simr to San Bao when she was acting like a spoiled child. ¡°Brother Zhai, do you think there is next lifetime? Can I marry you once again then?¡±

    Aside from Zhai Sheng, she didn¡¯t want to marry anyone else. She also couldn¡¯t imagine how it was like to live with someone else.

    Sigh, she was pampered.

    Zhai Shengughed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if there¡¯s a next lifetime. It¡¯s best if we have it. I feel that no matter how many lifetimes we have, we should never despise each other and just be together like this, lest we destroy others¡¯ fates. We can¡¯t do such immoral things.¡±

    He would still get married to Nan Nan and give birth to children with her. However¡­

    He nced at the triplets who were sleeping soundly on the bed in disdain. If not for having one child being the standard, he would have felt that it was one child too many and they should never have three children.

    Every time he wanted to cultivate his rtionship with his wife, there would be three little light bulbs disturbing him. Zhai Sheng felt extremely upset. He was going to be firm and follow the party¡¯s and country¡¯s direction of a single-child policy.

    From the start to the end, he only nned to let Nan Nan experience giving birth once since it was something painful and tough.

    Who knew that something was wrong with his ¡®marksmanship¡¯ that he used to be proud of and they gave birth to three children in one go¡­

    As a father who had triplets but actually intended to only have one child, it was really hard to exin Zhai Sheng¡¯s inner thoughts.

    He despised them too much.

    When others were envious of him for having two sons and a daughter, Zhai Sheng often had the urge to pack his children up and send them away as gifts.

    It was a pity that Nan Nan and his parents were reluctant. If he really did so, he would be chased out by his entire family.

    Upon thinking about this, Zhai Sheng couldn¡¯t help but give a long sigh. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Brother Zhai, it will just be a few years. After primary school, the three children would spend less time at home. When they grow older, they would spread their wings and fly. How would they always be by our side?¡±

    By then, she would only be left with Brother Zhai. She would also always apany him.

    Qiao Nan often felt that children grew up too quickly. In the blink of an eye, the three children had grown to a weight that she could barely carry. In another blink of an eye, the children would leave her for school.

    Upon thinking about these, Qiao Nan would stillin that time passed by too quickly. It was so difficult for her to give birth to three children. Why was it that in the blink of an eye, her three children were going to leave her and fly toward a world of their own?

    What Qiao Nan didn¡¯t expect was that in reality, Zhai Sheng despised their three children.

    Different from her hope that the children would grow up slower, the old man in her family couldn¡¯t wait for them to grow up into adults quickly. Then, they could just get married, form their own families, and lead their own lives. The two of them could just take care of themselves and didn¡¯t need them to worry about them.

    A daughter was the father¡¯s little lover in his previous life? A daughter was like a padded jacket which warmed him up?

    Brother Zhai was already thinking of ways to send San Bao away. He had no intention to be jealous of his son-inw who was going to snatch his daughter away from him or stop his daughter from marrying.

    Sigh¡­

    The three children who were sound asleep didn¡¯t feel Zhai Sheng¡¯s disdain toward them. San Bao was even sucking her thumb as if she had dreamed of something delicious.

    Afterforting Zhai Sheng¡¯s heart, Qiao Nany downfortably and slept peacefully.

    Aside from Qiao Nan¡¯s warm voice, what made Zhai Sheng happier was that when they returned to the Zhai family¡¯s house to stay, the three children still found the Zhai family¡¯s house to be more familiar aspared to the times when they were living in the mountains.

    Under a familiar environment, the three children no longer requested to sleep in between their parents so that they could feel safe.

    As such, the unscrupulous father, Zhai Sheng, expressed that the three children could sleep on one side and the two of them could sleep on the other. Without the three children in the middle being in the way, it wasn¡¯t that inconvenient as before for Zhai Sheng to hug his wife to sleep.

    A real good sleep was to hug his wife to sleep. Understand?

    The next day, Zhai Hua fetched Jiajia home from school. Initially, Jiajia didn¡¯t feel anything. When she stepped into the house and heard the sound of children, Jiajia turned and looked at Zhai Hua, dumbfounded. ¡°Mom, since when do we have children at home?¡±

 Chapter 2452 - Stressful (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2452: Stressful (2)</h4>

    Jiajia liked younger siblings. However, she only liked those from her family. She wasn¡¯t passionate about other children.

    It was precisely because of this, and coupled with the fact that Jiajia was a high school student, that Zhai Hua never let anyone with childrene over, lest they brought their children along and disturbed Jiajia studying.

    This was the tacit understanding between the mother-daughter pair. Jiajia believed that if there was no other reason, her mom shouldn¡¯t break this tacit understanding.

    ¡°Go in and take a look.¡± Zhai Hua gave a bad smile.

    Jiajia had an inexplicable look. However, after listening to Zhai Hua¡¯s words, she walked in.

    Without waiting for Jiajia to see clearly, a short figure ran toward her and hugged her thigh. ¡°Sister Jiajia, hug. Kiss.¡±

    ¡°San Bao?¡± Surprised, Jiajia shouted. Then, she rubbed her eyes hard. Was she hallucinating as she missed her young siblings too much?

    San Bao twisted her body. ¡°Hug. Kiss.¡± As for carrying her, that was better left to her dad.

    ¡°It¡¯s really San Bao!¡± The warm and fuzzy feeling on her thigh wouldn¡¯t be wrong. Jiajia squatted, hugged San Bao¡¯s fleshy body, and kissed her on the face twice. ¡°San Bao, when did youe here? Why didn¡¯t you let me know?¡±

    San Bao tilted her head and her two braids moved. ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± She didn¡¯t remember when she went there. She only knew that she seemed to be there for a long time.

    There was no choice. Children at San Bao¡¯s age had no concept of time at all.

    It wasn¡¯t important. What was more important was that Jiajia could see her favorite and cute younger siblings when she reached home. She was so happy. ¡°San Bao, let¡¯s go to my room. I¡¯ve prepared a lot of pretty dresses for you.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± San Bao nodded and obediently let Jiajia hold her hand. She would go wherever Jiajia wanted her to go. Jiajia liked her even more because of her obedience.

    Zhai Hua was jealous. One was her own daughter and the other was her youngest niece. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t know who she should be jealous of more.

    She knew that her daughter didn¡¯t listen to her words and her niece despised her kisses. However, these two yed very well with each other. Was she that detestable?

    Those were just thoughts. It was impossible for Zhai Hua to be calctive with her daughter and niece because of these trivial matters.

    Seeing that Jiajia brought San Bao away, Qiao Nan said to Zhai Hua helplessly, ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I know you¡¯re doing business recently. It¡¯s not hard for you to earn money. However, it¡¯s better to cherish things more. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±

    Speaking of San Bao¡¯s clothes, Qiao Nan had a headache.

    It was difficult for her to have a daughter. Qiao Nan also wished to dress San Bao up beautifully, so she was willing to buy small clothes and dresses.

    It was just that Qiao Nan¡¯s ustomed consumption habits didn¡¯t allow her to umte too many goods.

    Moreover, the triplets were just two years old. They would change as they grew older. They might not be able to wear the clothes that were bought this year in the second half of the year, let alone next year.

    As such, Qiao Nan usually just prepared three or four outfits for San Bao per season, and she felt that this was more than enough.

    Qiao Nan had self-control, but Miao Jing didn¡¯t.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s retirement sry was all in Miao Jing¡¯s hands. These two elders weren¡¯tcking money. As such, Miao Jing liked to keep buying things. Among the three children, San Bao became Miao Jing¡¯s focal point.

    After realizing her mother-inw, Miao Jing, was quite a spendthrift, Qiao Nan became smart and stopped buying clothes herself, lest there were new clothes that San Bao had not even worn before as she had outgrown them.

    Who knew that after thinking of ways to control the one at home, there was a Jiajia far away in Ping Cheng who couldn¡¯t control herself.

    What troubled Qiao Nan was that Zhai Hua didn¡¯t pamper Jiajia in an ordinary way.

    Jiajia was a high school student. Where would she have so much money?

    Wasn¡¯t it all Zhai Hua¡¯s money that Jiajia used to buy clothes for San Bao? She obviously knew that Jiajia was a shopaholic. However, she still gave her the money freely. If San Bao wasn¡¯t her biological daughter, she really wanted to say that since they wanted to waste money, they might as well do good deeds with her together.

    San Bao had so many clothes that she couldn¡¯t wear them all. Those children in the mountains didn¡¯t even have winter wear.

    Qiao Nan, who had just learned about the children¡¯s situation in the mountains, had a headache when she saw the current situation. She resented Zhai Hua for spoiling Jiajia too much. She had to cultivate Jiajia¡¯s consumption habits.

    Zhai Huaughed. ¡°You¡¯re happy that Jiajia spent money on your daughter, right? Do you know what Jiajia got me for Mother¡¯s Day? A shirt!¡±

    Zhai Hua liked the Mother¡¯s Day present her daughter gave her. She especially liked it since it was a white shirt.

    The problem was that among the bags Jiajia was holding at that time, only one was for herself. The others were prepared for the three children.

    Since it was Mother¡¯s Day, shouldn¡¯t she be Jiajia¡¯s main target audience?

    Once she saw the difference in bags, Zhai Hua felt that perhaps she was a tag-along. She was really sad¡­

    Others moved their mouths but not their hands. Zhai Hua didn¡¯t even move her mouth when it came to Jiajia. What else could Qiao Nan say? Well, as long as Zhai Hua and Jiajia were happy.

    San Bao wasn¡¯t the only one who was ¡®abducted¡¯ by Jiajia. Very quickly, Da Bao and Er Bao were taken away by Jiajia as well.

    Undoubtedly, Jiajia bought the most things for San Bao. However, she had never forgotten Da Bao and Er Bao, her two cute younger brothers. She bought them little overalls, little hats, and little toy cars. To be honest, Jiajia bought a lot of things.

    Thankfully, Zhai Hua brought Jiajia back to the Zhai family. Otherwise, based on Jiajia¡¯s ability to stock things up, things would have to be piled until there was nowhere to put them.

    Jiajia knew that Qiao Nan had something to do when she came to Ping Cheng. She also knew that she was about done and would return to the capital the next day after letting her younger siblings y with her today. Jiajia felt a little regretful but knew that this wasn¡¯t bad either.

    Even if her younger siblings didn¡¯t return to the capital, she had to go back to school to continue studying.

    It was alright. When the winter vacation was here, she would at least have seven days and could go to the capital to y with them.

    Even during the winter vacation, Zhai Hua would bring Jiajia back to her family in the capital to celebrate the new year together. To Jiajia, the new year atmosphere was very strong until now and it was worth looking forward to.

    On this day, Zhai Hua continued doing business while Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng acted as the parents of four children and brought them out to y.

 Chapter 2453 - 3: Stressful (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2453: Stressful (3)</h4>

    Because she was ying with her younger siblings, Jiajia was over the moon even while riding a childish ride like the carousel.

    Even after nightfall, Jiajia seemed not to have had enough fun and was even crazier than the triplets. ¡°Jiajia will bring you here again next time!¡±

    The triplets nodded adorably. ¡°Sister, you must bring us here again.¡±

    Qiao Nan reminded her. ¡°Jiajia, when you go back, don¡¯t forget to do your homework. If your results fall behind again, your mom won¡¯t bring you to the capital for your winter vacation.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Auntie.¡± Jiajia didn¡¯t rebuke her. Even the mention of her studies didn¡¯t annoy her as she held her siblings¡¯ chubby and tender hands.

    Sigh. It was really rxing being with her siblings. All those pent-up negative emotions she had from school disappeared in a moment.

    The best way of dpressing was spending time with her siblings.

    ¡°Auntie, do you know how crazy people in school are? Isn¡¯t this just a college entrance examination? We still have half a year to go. There¡¯s no need to be so worried. Committing suicide¡­ I don¡¯t understand. Even if we fail the college entrance examination, our lives won¡¯te to an end. Our futures are dependent on this college entrance examination alone¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was shocked. ¡°Do you mean that there are third-year students who are thinking ofmitting suicide?¡±

    That was a huge problem.

    Jiajia nodded gloomily. ¡°Yes, she said that she feels very pressured because she didn¡¯t score well in the past two examinations, and her parents got mad at her. Now, she gets headaches from studying, and doing just one problem sum makes her dizzy. She said she couldn¡¯t do this anymore¡­ Although the teacher managed to convince her to get back down in the end, I think that this won¡¯t be the end. That student isn¡¯t in a very good condition now.¡±

    Initially, Jiajia had not thought much about it.

    More than a year ago, with Qiao Nan¡¯s help and guidance, nothing fazed Jiajia anymore, not even the English questions that used to boggle her.

    In the end, Jiajia had also chosen to listen to Qiao Nan¡¯s advice to choose to specialize in English. Because of that, Jiajia¡¯s burden had been greatly relieved.

    She didn¡¯t feel pressured because of her own studies, but because of her ssmates. What a terrible situation to be in.

    It was because of this ssmate¡¯s situation that Jiajia¡¯s emotions had gotten slightly unstable. Because of that, she had overthought things and created worries out of nothing.

    Jiajia had only dared to tell Qiao Nan about this matter because the family of five hade over and she had spent time ying with the three children.

    Otherwise, she would never have told Zhai Hua about how her ssmate had tried tomit suicide over stress from school.

    The teachers in school had asked everyone to keep it a secret and had instructed them not to discuss the matter any further for fear that it would put more pressure on that ssmate. They had managed to convince her not to jump after much difficulty. It would be terrible if the pressure from everyone else caused her to jump again.

    Since her teachers had said so, Jiajia naturally remained mum about it. But she had finally been unable to keep it in anymore and could not help but mention it to Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Are you sure that student wanted tomit suicide only because of the stress from school? How are her rtionships with other students? Do other students bully her? Has she faced any other problems apart from her studies?¡±

    Qiao Nan was very anxious. In her previous life, she had been a lecturer at Peking University and knew that students with suicidal tendencies tended to have many other problems guing them.

    Whether it was for Jiajia¡¯s sake or for the sake of other third-year students, Qiao Nan felt that she had to be concerned about this matter. It could be that that student was facing other troubles. ¡°Jiajia, are you close to that student? Have you talked to her?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Jiajia shook her head. ¡°I only became ssmates with her after choosing my stream. She¡¯s¡­ very beautiful, but I can¡¯t get along with her. We¡¯re normal ssmates, but we don¡¯t really talk.¡±

    After all, Jiajia¡¯s temper was simr to Zhai Hua¡¯s, aggressive and fiery. After Zhai Hua¡¯s divorce from Wei De and leaving the Wei family, Jiajia had gradually lost her sensitive side.

    Not only was that beautiful ssmate a typical demure youngdy, but she also spoke softly and was very slow in her actions.

    Jiajia had heard that there were many boys, even those from other sses, who liked this girl. In an era where savage girlfriends weremon, it was not easy to find such a gentle girl.

    When boys met Jiajia, their feelings usually developed until they became friends as close as brothers. That was why they had told Jiajia about those thoughts.

    After learning about that, Jiajia had not purposely tried to be mean to the girl. However, it was only natural for the two of them to be distant because of their different personalities. To put it nicely, they were simply ssmates.

    ¡°Jiajia, you do remember what career your uncle has and what your mom¡¯s greatest regret is, don¡¯t you? Didn¡¯t you say that you want to be a soldier? What I want to tell you is that no matter what status you have, you shouldn¡¯t pick a time to uphold justice or protect the weak.¡±

    The moment she heard about that youngdy with suicidal thoughts, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but worry. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s necessary to show some concern toward your ssmates. Besides, you¡¯re a girl. You need close male friends, but female friends are even more indispensable!¡±

    Jiajia gave it some thought and nodded in agreement. ¡°I understand. Perhaps, I should have done more in the past. I wouldn¡¯t have realized it if not for your reminder. I¡¯m not close to her, but it seems like other girls aren¡¯t close to her either. She always attends lessons and eats alone.¡±

    No one was a loner by nature. Could there be something more to this that she didn¡¯t know?

    Qiao Nan could only provide this advice. As for whatever followed, she believed that Jiajia would handle it well on her own.

    The next day, Zhai Sheng brought his wife and children back to the capital, while Jiajia returned to school.

    If this had been the past, Jiajia would definitely have been reluctant to part with her younger siblings. She would even have applied for an hour¡¯s leave to send them off at the airport before returning to school.

    But because of her conversation with Qiao Nan the previous day, Jiajia was calm and collected for the first time. After her uncle¡¯s family left, she made her way to school somberly.

    In the face of such a situation, Zhai Hua had the urge to ask Qiao Nan if she had educated Jiajia behind her back again.

 Chapter 2454 - Keeping a Close Watch (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2454: Keeping a Close Watch (1)</h4>

    Besides, Qiao Nan seemed to have told Jiajia something this time, causing her daughter to act strangely.

    Sigh. Her daughter was all grown up. She couldn¡¯t control her anymore.

    The family of five returned to the capital, and because Miao Jing had missed them so much, she refused to let go of her granddaughter the moment she carried her. She paid no heed to how her granddaughter now weighed quite a bit and how her arms had started to ache after carrying her for a while.

    Seeing how over-the-top Miao Jing was acting, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I won¡¯t care about the two of you, but it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t bring the triplets out too much while they¡¯re still young. Your mom almost went crazy thinking about them.¡±

    When they grew older, Zhai Yaohui wouldn¡¯t prevent them from going out to train themselves. But they were still young and he could still use their young age as an excuse.

    ¡°If all else fails, pick somewhere nearby and bring your mom along.¡±

    That was Zhai Yaohui¡¯spromise.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan were speechless upon hearing these words. Was it necessary to exaggerate it so much?

    But looking again at Miao Jing carrying the three children and cooing to them, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan understood that that had not been much of an exaggeration.

    After returning home, San Bao remained in Miao Jing¡¯s arms and refused to get down. ¡°Grandma, I missed you. I missed Grandpa too.¡±

    The three children were clever and could tell that their grandparents were the true bosses in the family. No matter how fierce their father was, he would always have to listen to their grandparents. So, coaxing them was very necessary.

    ¡°Grandma¡¯s darling San Bao. Grandma missed you guys too. Grandma missed you so much that I couldn¡¯t even sleep or eat well.¡±

    Sigh, that feeling was not something Miao Jing wanted to experience ever again.

    She would much rather suffer a little and follow her son and daughter-inw around the world than wait around at home. Time passed so slowly at home while waiting.

    To Miao Jing, taking a flight didn¡¯t mean much. In her youth, Miao Jing had spent much of her time taking all sorts of vehicles for the sake of her husband, Zhai Yaohui.

    Since she had been able to do it in the past, there was no reason for her not to be able to do so anymore.

    Thinking about how she had always flown around in the past, Miao Jing was confident in herself. ¡°Shall Grandma follow the three of you wherever you go in the future?¡±

    San Bao didn¡¯t know much and only knew that her grandma was going along with her. She pped her hands together happily. ¡°Together! Together with Grandma!¡±

    Their grandma was better than their auntie. With their grandma around, their father and auntie wouldn¡¯t bully them anymore.

    The three children understood that they had no rights, nor would anyone listen to them because of their young age.

    But as long as their grandma or grandpa was around, no adults would dare to bully them.

    ¡°Shall Grandma sleep with you tonight?¡± Miao Jing hugged the fragrant San Bao while caressing Er Bao¡¯s chubby face. Then, she gazed at Da Bao in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s arms. Her eyes moved around busily.

    Yes, a family had to have children to be a family.

    Look how lively the house had be once the children had returned. Her eyes were so busy and she didn¡¯t know where to look. But being busy in this manner made Miao Jing ted.

    She never wanted to be away from her grandchildren ever again.

    ¡°What about Grandpa?¡± Er Bao looked toward Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Grandma with Grandpa. Mom with Dad.¡±

    The three of them were the only poor things who had no one to keep thempany.

    Miao Jingughed. ¡°Your Grandpa¡¯s all grown up and won¡¯t have nightmares at night. He doesn¡¯t need Grandma around. Grandma will sleep with you three tonight.¡±

    That old man was not as attractive as her fragrant and chubby grandchildren. No one would be able to stop Miao Jing from sleeping with the children tonight.

    Having been abandoned by Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui nced angrily at Zhai Sheng, seeming to say, ¡°Your children snatched your wife, and now, they¡¯re snatching mine? You¡¯d better discipline your children.¡±

    Zhai Sheng was already hugging his wife and would not be disturbed tonight. This had nothing to do with him anymore.

    He wanted to have a nightlife with Nan Nan but was always disturbed by the three rascals.

    He was their father, but his father was the children¡¯s grandpa. If he was that capable, his father should deal with the three of them. He wouldn¡¯t interfere in that.

    Zhai Sheng knew that if he were to interfere, the three children might very throw a tantrum. Then, he would be the one sleeping without his wife tonight.

    It was just too bad for him. It wasn¡¯t a bad idea for his mom to apany the children while Zhai Yaohui slept alone. This way, Zhai Yaohui could have some peace and quiet and a good rest.

    It was such a beneficial situation for everyone. He had better not ruin it.

    Because they had been away for a long period of time, Zhai Sheng seemed not to have had a proper couple life with Qiao Nan for a long time.

    If he chose to keep the children by his side tonight even when there was such a good opportunity, he would not be a normal man.

    Qiao Nan had no idea about what was going on in this man¡¯s brain. Otherwise, she would definitely have taken her mother-inw¡¯s stand and chosen to sleep with the children instead of her husband, who was only thinking about how to ¡®bully¡¯ her.

    When Qiao Nan figured out Zhai Sheng¡¯s ns, it was already toote.

    The next day, Qiao Nan supported her hip and got off the bed with much difficulty.

    He was almost fifty, and yet, he was still so full of life. Was that logical? It felt as though her husband was on drugs.

    The ox that plowed thend wasn¡¯t tired and instead got livelier as he worked. The problem was that thend the ox was plowing was about to be destroyed.

    Was the situation between her and Zhai Sheng reversed?

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Er Bao smiled and ran toward Qiao Nan, wanting her to carry him.

    After returning home, it was not just Zhai Sheng who had let himself go. Even the three children seemed to have gotten extra energetic.

 Chapter 2455 - Keeping a Close Watch (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2455: Keeping a Close Watch (2)</h4>

    They went to bed earlyst night and woke up early this morning. They were very happy to be running around in their favorite house.

    The three children might not understand what was meant by there was no ce like home.

    However, they already developed such a feeling.

    ¡°Run slower.¡±

    Upon seeing her chubby son run toward her, Qiao Nan frowned ufortably. This wasn¡¯t the first time that she felt physically ufortable after being bullied by Zhai Sheng the night before.

    It was as if the muscles on her body were pieced back together after being removed. It hurt so badly that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to say anything.

    ¡°No running.¡± Zhai Sheng stopped his chubby son midway so that Er Bao wouldn¡¯t hurt Qiao Nan. ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you before that Mom¡¯s not feeling well and you have to be obedient and not tire her?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan twitched her lips. Who was the one who tired her? How dare Brother Zhai say such shameless things to Er Bao?!

    Er Bao tilted his head as if thinking about his dad¡¯s words.

    After a while, Er Bao said, ¡°Er Bao¡¯s obedient and slept early. Mom¡¯s not tired. Dad¡¯s naughty, so Mom¡¯s tired.¡±

    How were they disobedient? They didn¡¯t tire their mom.

    In this family, their dad was the most cheeky and mischievous. He always didn¡¯t listen to their mom¡¯s words. As such, it must be their dad¡¯s fault that their mom was tired.

    How would Er Bao know that his logical behavior coincidentally exined a certain fact?

    The problem was that he was too young at that time. How would he know that there was some truth to his words? However, based on his dad¡¯s shameless performance, it wasn¡¯t overboard for him to say or do anything.

    Qiao Nan blushed and she couldn¡¯t help but pinch Zhai Sheng¡¯s waist.

    It was just that Zhai Sheng had trained his body too well. The meat on the inner side of the waist should obviously be soft and easy to pinch. However, everything on Zhai Sheng¡¯s body was hard.

    Based on this figure, Qiao Nan could understand why Zhai Sheng always treated her like a fish-to-be-flipped-over and tormented her to death.

    As an old man who was almost fifty years old, was it really alright for Zhai Sheng to have such strong desires? Wouldn¡¯t it hurt for him?

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know that not only was the age of women a secret but that age was sometimes also an untouchable topic for men.

    Didn¡¯t Zhai Sheng know that he was close to fifty years old?

    Others were alreadyughing at Zhai Sheng for having triplets at such an old age!

    Women were not the only ones who minded when others said that they were old. Men would too. After being married to Qiao Nan for a few years, others were already saying that he was old.

    As a man, he had to fight for his face.

    Furthermore, Zhai Sheng really didn¡¯t think that he paled inparison to a youngd in his twenties.

    His strength was greater and his figure was better. When it came to physical fitness, he would definitely not lose. As a husband, he could satisfy his wife¡¯s needs fully.

    He was physically fit and his ¡®inventory¡¯ of more than forty years was sufficient!

    If not for his sufficient ¡®inventory¡¯, how would he have the ability to get Qiao Nan pregnant with triplets with just one attempt?

    Zhai Sheng could be proud of his physical fitness. ¡°Don¡¯t pinch. Your hand will hurt.¡±

    He grabbed Qiao Nan¡¯s hand on his waist and kissed it. He didn¡¯t care if Er Bao, whom he was carrying, saw it. ¡°You can¡¯t touch a man¡¯s waist casually. At least, my waist is very sensitive. It¡¯s easy for issues to happen.¡±

    When they were in bed, as long as Nan Nan¡¯s hands touched his waist, he would be very ¡®agitated¡¯. Such ¡®agitation¡¯ wasn¡¯t suitable in broad daylight. They had to wait until night.

    Also, based on the situation yesterday, he felt that Qiao Nan needed some rest before she could withstand his ¡®agitation¡¯ again.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    An imaginary row of ck lines appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s forehead. She realized that she suddenly didn¡¯t want to talk to the dirty-minded Zhai Sheng. ¡°Er Bao¡¯s here.¡± It was better for him to remain silent than spout nonsense. Didn¡¯t he know that this would teach the children badly?

    Er Bao blinked and wanted to put his outstretched hand into his mouth to chew.

    What were his dad and mom talking about? Why didn¡¯t he understand a single word of it?

    The young Er Bao didn¡¯t understand the secret words between his parents. He only faintly felt that the atmosphere between them was strange. It was unknown why his mom was blushing. ¡°Mom, carry me.¡±

    Er Bao leaned his body toward Qiao Nan. Yes, his dad¡¯s embrace was not asfortable as her mom¡¯s.

    Qiao Nan carried Er Bao and sat down. ¡°Er Bao, we¡¯ll let Grandma send the three of you to school tomorrow, alright?¡±

    Upon thinking about the ymates and teachers, Er Bao smiled. ¡°Okay. Er Bao misses them.¡± He missed his ssmates and teachers.

    Even if there were Da Bao and San Bao at home to y together with him, there were more ymates in school. There were also more toys and a bigger space. It was more fun there.

    The young Er Bao didn¡¯t know what atmosphere was. He knew that with his ssmates and teachers, and especially with Da Bao and San Bao by his side, he was happy every day. He kept smiling and felt good inside.

    Upon seeing Er Bao¡¯s happy look, there was nothing more that Qiao Nan was worried about.

    Initially, Qiao Nan was a little hesitant. She didn¡¯t know if the triplets would forget everything about school as they hadn¡¯t been back for a week and would be repulsive of school life, just like how they were on their first day.

    Thankfully, their Er Bao had a great memory. Not only did he remember about early childhood school, but he also wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the ymates there.

    Er Bao twisted his body and got down from Qiao Nan¡¯s thigh. ¡°Go and tell Da Bao and San Bao that you are going to school tomorrow.¡±

    As she said this, Er Bao rushed into the games room happily. His joyful look made Qiao Nan feel the three children¡¯s love for school.

    ¡°What a silly child. He likes school so much now. When he knows that grades would bepared in the future, would the three children be so happy at the mention of school like today?¡±

    Zhai Sheng was not worried for his three children at all. ¡°They love studying. No matter what they want to learn, we will provide for it. If there are one or two children who don¡¯t like to study like Zhai Hua and aren¡¯t smart enough, that¡¯s easy. Just throw them into the army.¡±

    There were so many people in the army. They could keep a close watch on the triplets.

    If they wanted to bring their attitude to the army, wait and see. There would be a bunch of veterans waiting to take care of them.

 Chapter 2456 - Keeping a Close Watch (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2456: Keeping a Close Watch (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Such things are not considered far away. However, it would take at least a few years before we reach that stage. Whatever the situation of the children would be, let¡¯s have the same attitude. We won¡¯t force them or put ourselves in a difficult spot. Nan Nan, do you think this works?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan nodded.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t agree more with the viewpoint of letting children develop themselves freely.

    What happened to her as a child would remain that way. She wouldn¡¯t have any special demands of her three children just because of her childhood experiences. If the children loved to learn just like in her dream, she would naturally raise her hands and feet in support.

    However, if the children were not talented in this aspect, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to force them. Didn¡¯t they say that every trade has its master?

    It was most important that their children liked what they were doing.

    Qiao Nan strongly believed that their children wouldn¡¯t be led astray.

    As long as this was confirmed, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t have any strong demands on their three children¡¯s future development ns.

    ¡°Mom, wake up. It¡¯s time to go to school.¡±

    The next day, it wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan who asked the three children to wake up. It was the three children who asked Qiao Nan, who had simrly not rested well the previous night, to wake up. ¡°Mom, send us to school. School.¡±

    They had promised to let their grandma send them to school yesterday. However, after one night, the three children changed their minds and insisted that their mom sent them to school as well. Otherwise, they would be unhappy.

    As she rubbed her aching waist, Qiao Nan opened her eyes with great difficulty. ¡°Don¡¯t be noisy. Let me wash my face and I¡¯ll send you to school, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Mom, hurry up.¡±

    After waking their mom up, San Bao immediately ran out to find her grandma for breakfast.

    Qiao Nan yawned. In order to refresh herself, she washed her face with cold water. Only then did her confused mind be clearer.

    When Qiao Nan came downstairs, Miao Jing had already finished feeding the three children breakfast.

    Miao Jing was both angry and amused. ¡°Nan Nan, Zhai Sheng¡¯s stubborn. Our three babies have the exact same temper as their father. You don¡¯t even indulge in these three children. Don¡¯t be too softhearted when ites to Zhai Sheng.¡±

    She knew that Zhai Sheng sleptte the night he got married to Qiao Nan.

    What Miao Jing didn¡¯t expect was that although his son was no longer young, his mental and physical strength didn¡¯t pale inparison at all. He was like a youngd in his twenties and was too impulsive.

    As a mother and mother-inw, it wasn¡¯t good for her to interfere in this matter.

    It was just that seeing her son being a hooligan, Miao Jing felt heartache that Qiao Nan was ¡®suffering¡¯. Zhai Sheng had the stamina, but he had to consider if Qiao Nan could bear his energetic self.

    Qiao Nan blushed and didn¡¯t want to say anything else.

    She couldn¡¯t possibly say to her mother-inw, ¡°How would you not know how your son is like?¡±

    How was it that the children had the same temper as their father? The father definitely had a stronger temper.

    If the three children had anything, as long as Qiao Nan persuaded and coaxed them well, they would listen to Qiao Nan¡¯s words and not create trouble for her, causing her a headache.

    However, if the same situation were to happen to Zhai Sheng, it would be a totally different matter.

    It was unknown if he had held it back for too long. In front of others, Zhai Sheng seemed to be someone easy to discuss matters with and listened to his wife¡¯s words well. However, in bed, there was no room for negotiation. He didn¡¯t listen to anything Qiao Nan said.

    What Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t understand was that her physical strength shouldn¡¯t be as good.

    For some reason, although her performance wasn¡¯t as expressive as Zhai Sheng¡¯s, it wasn¡¯t particrly weak either. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but doubt if her performance in bed was getting better.

    When she just got married to Zhai Sheng, she would feel faint within an hour.

    Seeing that her daughter-inw looked confused, Miao Jing held it back. In the end, she decided not to tell the truth to Qiao Nan, lest she became shy after finding out.

    Qiao Nan always knew that the status of the Zhai family was extraordinary. However, she didn¡¯t have any specific feelings about it.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t, but it didn¡¯t mean that the other members of the Zhai family didn¡¯t.

    There were doctors in the country who would perform health checks on Zhai Yaohui, Miao Jing, and Zhai Sheng once in a while. They were also not stingy and would send some useful medical prescriptions for health preservation to the Zhai family.

    After Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, he ced a lot of importance on this.

    He knew that Qiao Nan didn¡¯t lead a good life in the Qiao family and her body was extraordinarily weak. After marriage, before Qiao Nan gave birth and after giving birth, Zhai Sheng specially got an expert to prepare a menu and recipe for Qiao Nan.

    It was also because Qiao Nan was easy to feed and wasn¡¯t picky. Sometimes, when she ate something strange which had some medicine in it, Qiao Nan never said another word as long as it didn¡¯t taste too different. She would eat whatever the auntie prepared.

    Qiao Nan had never doubted the tonic soups that the auntie brewed for her. She thought that everyone in the family had the same soup and was very cooperative in drinking them up.

    After four years of conditioning, especially after Qiao Nan gave birth to the triplets and did forty days of confinement, she was taken care of too well. She didn¡¯t know the changes to her body for the past four years, but Zhai Sheng did.

    Zhai Sheng would still consider Qiao Nan¡¯s actual situation before proceeding with their husband-wife life each night.

    That national doctor was also a man. After knowing Zhai Sheng¡¯s and Qiao Nan¡¯s situation, he understood what Zhai Sheng needed and would write the menu and recipe carefully and seriously.

    Sigh¡­

    Aside from Qiao Nan, who was unaware of these circumstances, everyone else in the family did. Even the auntie who worked for the Zhai family knew about it.

    She was afraid of agitating Qiao Nan. They had already kept this from her for four years. Would Miao Jing expose her son at this moment? It was impossible.

    One would feel heartache over one¡¯s child. Miao Jing, who was a little guilty, hurriedly shifted the topic that she had initiated and secretly scolded herself. ¡°Nan Nan, are you hungry? Eat more. I¡¯ve already fed the three children. Let¡¯s send them to school after you¡¯ve finished eating.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qiao Nan was really hungry. Even if Miao Jing didn¡¯t mention it, Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t preparing to ill-treat herself. She was going to eat back the energy that she had lost yesterday.

    ¡°Mom, Mom¡­¡±

    Er Bao was in a hurry to go to school but didn¡¯t want to urge Qiao Nan to eat faster. The anxious Er Bao could only surround Qiao Nan and kept calling her. Qiao Nan had no choice but to speed up her rate of eating.

    ¡°Really, you are all my ancestors¡­¡±

    The older one was like this, and so was the younger one. Qiao Nan suddenly had a feeling that she would never be able to escape the palms of these four people in this lifetime.. They were going to keep a close watch on her.

 Chapter 2457 - Moved Away (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2457: Moved Away (1)</h4>

    Having finally sent the three children off to school, Qiao Nan received a phone call from Qiao Zijin the moment she reached home. ¡°Qiao Nan, where did Mom go? I¡¯m warning you that the Zhai family can only do that much even if they are powerful. I don¡¯t like Mom either, but she was the one who gave birth to us. If you dare to¡­ I¡¯ll definitely report you to the police!¡±

    Qiao Zijin, who had returned to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard to take her clothes, realized that not only was there no one at home, but it even seemed dusty.

    Thinking about how Ding Jiayi couldn¡¯t have gone out in the morning, she had waited the whole morning to discuss the matter of her living allowance with Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijin guessed that Chen Feng had all of the money that the Chen family gave him.

    Chen Feng didn¡¯t have much contact with the Chen family, but ever since Chen Feng returned to Ping Cheng with her, he never seemed tock any money. He would spend on whatever he had to. In fact, it even seemed like he was richer than his mom.

    Within a couple of days, Qiao Zijin started to wonder if the Chen family had already given Chen Feng money for him to settle his own affairs.

    As the Chen family¡¯s only grandson, the Chen family had really given all of their assets to Chen Feng in advance. Qiao Zijin thought that it was only right for her son to inherit the Chen family¡¯s assets.

    But Chen Feng was just like the Chen family. Even after getting the money, he refused to even mention it to his own mom. Because of this, Qiao Zijin was a little upset.

    Chen Feng lived in the school dormitory and only returned home once every fortnight.

    Chen Feng was Qiao Zijin¡¯s son. Since he was still underage and had no earning power, it was only logical for Qiao Zijin to give Chen Feng money to spend. But in reality, Qiao Zijin had been waiting to live afortable life by spending the Chen family¡¯s money.

    But Chen Feng was in cahoots with the Chen family, bringing Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns to an end.

    The two days in a fortnight when Chen Feng was at home, he would even go to the market to get ingredients and whip up a simple meal.

    Chen Feng¡¯s culinary skills were not amazing, but they were still better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s.

    Qiao Zijin livedfortably in those two days, but there were twelve other days in a fortnight that her son wasn¡¯t home. Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t possibly starve for twelve days just for those two days¡¯ worth of food.

    This led to a series of problems arising.

    How was Qiao Zijin supposed to settle her meals while Chen Feng wasn¡¯t around? If she were to hire someone, it would cost money. Buying the ingredients would cost her money too.

    Money, money, money. This word loomed over Qiao Zijin.

    While battling against Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin emerged as the winner most of the time.

    In the end, Ding Jiayi could only hold it in and tolerate it so that she wouldn¡¯t fall ill and be hospitalized again despite knowing that Qiao Zijin was taking advantage of her. After all, Qiao Nan was the one paying for all of their expenses.

    If they were to analyze it, apart from expending more energy, Qiao Zijin was still leeching off Qiao Nan.

    Ding Jiayi¡¯s only victory was that Qiao Zijin had learned to wash clothes under her insistence, even though she had not learned to cook.

    After realizing that her meals would be a challenge after deciding to live with her son, Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin decided to return to the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard and have a discussion with Ding Jiayi about how they would split Qiao Nan¡¯s living allowance.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Qiao Nan gave Ding Jiayi quite a substantial amount of living allowance and had even increased it recently.

    She had expressed shamelessly that half of that living allowance was hers. Since she no longer lived in the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard, it wasn¡¯t right for Ding Jiayi to hold on to the money. She should have full control of that sum instead.

    Beforeing, Qiao Zijin had already thought of how to convince Ding Jiayi to fork out even more money for her.

    After all, she was younger and had more expenses than Ding Jiayi.

    Ding Jiayi was a single elderly person. There was no way she would spend much on herself. It was much better to hand the leftover money to her so that she could spend it on some nice clothes. Perhaps, she would even meet a new boyfriend who would be a loving stepfather to Chen Feng.

    But as she neared the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard, Qiao Zijin suddenly changed her mind.

    She knew nothing about cooking and was not willing to learn.

    Women grew old quickly because they cooked often and faced smoke and oil.

    She hadn¡¯t found her second husband yet, so she had to protect her face and hands. So, what was the point of her mom handing half of the living allowance to her? It wasn¡¯t even enough to call takeaway every day. Once the money was gone, she would have to starve or eat into her own savings.

    If Qiao Zijin was willing to spend her own money, would she even need to be so calctive toward Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi?

    The mention of money was what hurt Qiao Zijin the most. To her, everything revolved around one thing: money.

    Thinking about how she would have to do things she wasn¡¯t willing to do after taking the money, she realized that she would much rather forgo it.

    Then, what was she supposed to do?

    She had a n.

    After all, her son only returned once every two weeks. While her son was around, she would definitely have all three meals with her son. But when her son was back in school, she could return to the Qiao family¡¯s house. After dinner, she could return to her son¡¯s home to sleep.

    Even though it would cost her money to take public transport, Qiao Zijin had gotten herself a bus card. A trip on the bus would cost only one yuan. A return trip would cost two yuan at most.

    Aspared to the money she would spend on cooking or buying takeaway, two yuan was nothing. She could afford it with the interest from her money sitting in the bank. Two yuan was a measly sumpared to the dozens of yuan she would spend otherwise.

    What Qiao Zijin was even prouder about was that she knew that Ding Jiayi was alone with no one to apany her after she had left to live with her son. That meant that Ding Jiayi probably didn¡¯t even have anyone to talk to.

    It was just as well. She would be able to chat with her mom and apany her in case she got too lonely.

    She wasn¡¯t going home just for the free meals. It was to apany her mother so that her mother wouldn¡¯t fall ill with no one around her.

    Having thought of such a perfect solution and excuse, Qiao Zijin could only praise herself for being too smart. At critical times like this, she could still rely on her brains to live.

    Who would have known that Qiao Zijin would be utterly shocked by the empty Qiao family¡¯s courtyard?

 Chapter 2458 - Moved Away (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2458: Moved Away (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Initially, she thought that Ding Jiayi had simply gone out to get groceries and hadn¡¯t returned. But after an hour of waiting, she finally decided to take a look in Ding Jiayi¡¯s room. The moment she took a look in the room, she realized that something was wrong. There seemed to be fewer of Ding Jiayi¡¯s clothes there.

    Qiao Zijin could not help but ask her neighbors about Ding Jiayi¡¯s situation.

    It was obvious that the neighbors did not like an overbearing mother like Ding Jiayi. As such, they didn¡¯t pay much heed to Qiao Zijin either.

    It was incredulous that Qiao Zijin had to ask outsiders where her own mom had gone.

    After a round of mockery, the neighbor told Qiao Zijin that Ding Jiayi had left the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard with some luggage the previous day and had not returned. She had probably moved away.

    There was no point in asking them if Qiao Zijin really wanted to find her mom.

    Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯s biological mother. Even if Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know that Ding Jiayi had moved away, didn¡¯t she have any way of contacting her?

    If the rtionship between the mother and daughter had deteriorated to that state, why would Qiao Zijin still ask where Ding Jiayi was? What a joke!

    The situation was awkward and Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t know how to salvage it. She dialed Ding Jiayi¡¯s number, but a mechanical voice recording informed her that the phone had been switched off.

    What nonsense!

    It wasn¡¯t as though Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t done something like that before. Normally, their families¡¯ phones were never switched off unless they ran out of credit on their phone cards.

    Upon hearing the mechanical answer, Qiao Zijin knew that Ding Jiayi was learning from her, just like how she had changed her phone number after going to the capital.

    In other words, Qiao Zijin had lost all means of contacting Ding Jiayi. She had no idea where her mom was, and there would be no way of her getting any living allowance from Ding Jiayi, much less take advantage of Ding Jiayi to get some free meals.

    Qiao Zijin felt like she had been punched in the face and sat in a daze in the Qiao family¡¯s house for a long time.

    More than a year ago, Ding Jiayi had faced such an experience after realizing that Qiao Dongliang had moved away after returning from the capital. The difference was that the person being abandoned today was Qiao Zijin.

    Ding Jiayi was Qiao Zijin¡¯sst hope of eating free meals. There was no way she would give up just like that.

    As such, Qiao Zijin made a call to Qiao Nan to provoke her so that Qiao Nan would let her know of Ding Jiayi¡¯s whereabouts.

    Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t even told her that she was going to move away. Was there even a need to question it? It was obviously the work of Qiao Nan.

    Without Qiao Nan¡¯s help and support, Ding Jiayi would never have the ability or money to move away. Two years ago, Qiao Dongliang had also been able to move away only because of Qiao Nan¡¯s help.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, do you know how annoying you are? Even though we¡¯re sisters, I¡¯ve never met anyone more annoying than you.¡± Qiao Zijin could no longer hold back her resentment and spat out her true feelings to Qiao Nan for the first time.

    Yes, she hated Qiao Nan. She hated Qiao Nan to death.

    If Qiao Nan had not been born, the Qiao family would have livedfortably. As a second-generation official, she would never have faced so much stress and pressure.

    If her father had not left the military and had be a battalionmander, she might not even have married Chen Jun and treated him as her savior. Besides, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered even if she had indeed had an affair with someone of an illustrious family background like that. Chen Jun wasn¡¯t entirely innocent either. Would Chen Jun dare to get a divorce from her then? Perhaps, with a family like that, Chen Jun wouldn¡¯t even dare to start an affair.

    Qiao Nan had ruined her life, and yet, she wasn¡¯t even going to give her a chance to live?

    Qiao Nan was already living afortable life. Did she have to push her into a corner and watch her die before she would finally be willing to give up?

    How could there be such a cruel and vicious person like Qiao Nan in this world?

    What kind of person was this?!

    Hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s resentful words, Qiao Nan would have flown into a rage in the past. However, Qiao Nan did not have much of a reaction today. ¡°Why? Have you gone back to your night life and have been drinking and dancing through the night? Or did you eat something you shouldn¡¯t have? Why is your mind so muddled?¡±

    ¡°You purposely said such cruel words to hurt me and provoke me just to vent your temper. Qiao Zijin, are you still a three-year-old kid? Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being very childish? Since you¡¯re calling me, it means that you know very well that she¡¯s moved away.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After that scolding, Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind seemed to have cleared slightly.

    Qiao Nan was spot on. Because her son had returned to her side and she didn¡¯t need to spend any money on raising him, and she had even gotten rid of the burden that was Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijin had indeed indulged herself by resuming her night life.

    Alcohol truly emboldened people.

    With the help of alcohol, she dared to say everything that she dared not say at all at other times.

    But she had gotten a good night¡¯s sleep and had eaten her breakfast too. As such, the effect of the alcohol from the previous night was not as strong anymore. Because of Qiao Nan¡¯s words, Qiao Zijin¡¯s face flushed red as she panted for breath, but she remained silent.

    ¡°After Dad moved away, she kept asking me for Dad¡¯s contact details and address, but I refused to divulge it to her. This time, I¡¯m sure you understand that it wasn¡¯t my idea for her to move away. She was the one who wanted to do so. You said it as well. She raised me, so I agreed to her request and helped her move to a better environment. I respect Dad, and I respect her as well. She changed her phone number. If she wants to contact you, she¡¯ll send you a message. There¡¯s no use in asking me anything. I¡¯m not telling you anything.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just her. Even Ding Jiayi had guessed that Qiao Zijin would return sooner orter as long as there were benefits to be reaped.

    Ding Jiayi had to bear the burden of loneliness alone and was even the subject of Zijin¡¯s schemes. Even a saint wouldn¡¯t be able to tolerate it, much less Ding Jiayi, who was extremely selfish.

    It hadn¡¯t been easy for Ding Jiayi to leave all this behind. It would be strange if Ding Jiayi took the initiative to contact Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s grip on the phone tightened. ¡°You really¡­ You forgave her?¡±

    Otherwise, why would Qiao Nan care about their mom and treat her so well, allowing her to enjoy the same treatment as their dad?

    If Qiao Nan could forgive someone like their mom, shouldn¡¯t Qiao Nan forgive her sister and treat her well too? After all, it had been her mom who had ill-treated Qiao Nan all these years. She had nothing to do with it.

    Hope surged in Qiao Zijin¡¯s heart. With Qiao Nan around, would she still need to worry about Feng Feng¡¯s future?

    If Feng Feng made a name for himself, she wouldn¡¯t even need to worry about herself and would definitely be able to lead afortable and glorious life.

 Chapter 2459 - Moved Away (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2459: Moved Away (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Forgive?¡± Qiao Nan sneered. ¡°You¡¯ve thought too much. It has nothing to do with whether I forgive her or not. I just don¡¯t want to care about it. Rtives generally keep in contact with one another and maintain good rtionships. However, this will never exist in our family.¡±

    To be clearer, Qiao Nan no longer cared about the Qiao family. She wouldn¡¯t care if the people in the Qiao family led a good life or not. She would just let them be.

    ¡°You could treat Mom this way. Why can¡¯t you treat me the same? The person who was the meanest to you and had let you down the most was Mom, not me.¡± As such, why was it that Ding Jiayi could do so but she couldn¡¯t?

    ¡°Because she gave birth to me. If you were my mom, you can have the same treatment as well. However, you¡¯re not my mom, so you don¡¯t have the same treatment as her. Understand?¡±

    Didn¡¯t Ding Jiayi and Qiao Zijin always attack her with this point?

    Alright, she wouldn¡¯t refute this point. Shepromised and acknowledged it. Would that do?

    Was it okay?

    To Qiao Zijin, that was not okay at all.

    Qiao Nan was no longer suffering. What would she do in the future? Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Ding Jiayi was the basis for her to y a role. If Qiao Nan no longer did anything, then she would really be left with no other choices.

    Take now for example. Qiao Nan was no longer calctive with Ding Jiayi. Upon knowing that Ding Jiayi wasn¡¯t livingfortably in the courtyard, she helped Ding Jiayi move house. Now, she didn¡¯t know where to go in order to find Ding Jiayi. What should she do? How was she going to settle her own meals?

    Everything was terrible.

    ¡°Qiao Nan, you did this deliberately. You deliberately want to go against me. Qiao Nan, you¡¯ve destroyed my happiness ever since you were born. I really don¡¯t understand it. Why do you hate me so much? It¡¯s so difficult for me to finally lead a better life. You just have to show up again and again at this time. Qiao Nan, did I kill your entire family in your previous life? Why do you have to take revenge against me in this lifetime?¡±

    Qiao Zijin vented all her dissatisfaction on Qiao Nan.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan listened to Qiao Zijin¡¯s grievances and anger. After a long while, she said, ¡°Perhaps, Ding Jiayi and I weren¡¯t in the wrong. It¡¯s you and I.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that Ding Jiayi¡¯s treatment of her was actually influenced by Qiao Zijin to arge extent. She didn¡¯t expect Qiao Zijin to think of her this way in her heart.

    Hate?

    Yes, Qiao Zijin hated her to the bones.

    As the one who was bullied all this while, Qiao Nan wanted tough when she heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words.

    It was still that saying. Ding Jiayi had given birth to her. No matter how bad she was to her, she couldn¡¯t break away from their mother-daughter rtionship. She couldn¡¯t ignore Ding Jiayi¡¯s life and death.

    Qiao Zijin was different. They were just sisters. Since it was so difficult to ept each other¡¯s existence, they could just stop keeping in contact so that they wouldn¡¯t torment and hurt each other.

    ¡°Qiao Zijin, you don¡¯t have to call again in the future. I won¡¯t pick up your calls. We are only sisters. Our rtionship isn¡¯t as deep as you think. You hate me a lot. I can feel it. Coincidentally, I feel the same way about you. Let¡¯s be strangers in the future. I don¡¯t know you, and you don¡¯t know me. We won¡¯t disturb each other. Also, you want to know where Dad and Mom are. You don¡¯t have their mobile number, but they have yours. You can just wait for them to contact you.¡±

    With that, Qiao Nan hung up the call.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t surprised at Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude and answer at all.

    She knew that it was impossible for Qiao Zijin to agree to cut off all ties with her from then on.

    If the rtionship between her and Qiao Zijin were like five years ago, where Qiao Zijin was stronger and she was weaker, without her saying this, Qiao Zijin would wish that she never had her as a younger sister. Even if they bumped into each other on the streets, Qiao Zijin would pretend not to know Qiao Nan and would only treat her as a stranger.

    However, when the situation between the two was reversed and Qiao Nan was stronger and she was weaker, Qiao Zijin would never allow herself to cut off ties with Qiao Nan since she now had a chance to lead a better life.

    However, it was no longer important what Qiao Zijin thought and what she was going to do. What was important was that Qiao Nan¡¯s mentality had changed. Regardless of whether it was Qiao Zijin or Ding Jiayi, no one would be able to affect Qiao Nan¡¯s judgments in the future.

    She had finally managed to get rid of her rtionship with the Qiao family. Qiao Nan devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She sent the triplets to school and fetched them home. She also brought them to the yground. Of course, Qiao Nan would also bring her mother-inw, Miao Jing, along, so that she wouldn¡¯t miss her grandchildren too much.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    Er Bao was sweating profusely after ying. He sat next to Qiao Nan and wiped his face with his sleeve. However, Qiao Nan pulled him back.

    Qiao Nan first used her handkerchief to help Er Bao wipe his face clean. Er Bao knew how to enjoy life. He deliberately lifted his face higher so that it would be easier for Qiao Nan to wipe it. Then, he held a cup in his hand and took a sip of water. ¡°Mom, when is Dading back next time?¡¯

    ¡°Do you miss your dad?¡± Qiao Nan smiled. She had long said that although the three children often argued with their biological father, the rtionship between them was still good.

    Er Bao smiled. ¡°I guess¡­¡± As long as their dad wasn¡¯t at home, their mom could wholeheartedly apany them. However, once their dad was home, this old man would snatch their mom away.

    Sigh. In the face of a father who would snatch their mother away from them, Er Bao felt helpless. Why weren¡¯t other dads like this? It was only their dad who was childish. He was even more childish than San Bao!

    ¡°If you miss him, I can call him tonight and ask him when he¡¯sing back this time.¡± After wiping the sweat off Er Bao¡¯s face, Qiao Nan poured another cup of water into Er Bao¡¯s cup.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡± Er Bao waved his hands. He didn¡¯t want to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice. He couldn¡¯t wait for his dad to stay in the army a while longer. If there was a call asking for their dad¡¯s return, even San Bao wouldugh at him for being stupid. ¡°I know that Dad has a lot of important things to do in the army. We have Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma by our sides. We¡¯re so blessed. Mom, don¡¯t call Dad. It won¡¯t be good if we disturb him.¡±

    In the past year, the three children¡¯s chubby faces had be smaller and skinnier. They were said to have slowly lost their baby fat.

    As such, the three-year-old Da Bao and Er Bao were gradually developing in the direction of a handsome boy.

 Chapter 2460 - Playing With Them (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2460: ying With Them (1)</h4>

    Upon thinking of how those girls in the small ss liked to make friends with Da Bao and Er Bao, wanted to sit next to them, and wanted to sleep next to them, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but touch Er Bao¡¯s handsome face and smiled.

    Her sons were too outstanding. Sometimes, as their mom, she was still troubled.

    Really, when a child asked her sweetly if she could be her mother-inw, Qiao Nan was so shocked that she couldn¡¯t say anything.

    After chatting with the little girl for a while, Qiao Nan understood that she had watched too many dramas with her grandma. She knew that her mother would address her father¡¯s mother, who was her own grandma, as mother-inw.

    Such aplicated rtionship was quite difficult for a three-year-old to understand clearly.

    What was funny was that not only did this little girl watch too many dramas and understand them, but she even applied what she had learned and asked Qiao Nan if she could be her mother-inw. That shocked her quite a bit.

    Thankfully, other than this, the cute little girl didn¡¯t say or do anything too shocking. She still had a cute and ignorant expression, which calmed Qiao Nan¡¯s shocked heart down.

    After knowing such a situation happened in ss, Qiao Nan was thankful for another situation. That was that after two and a half years old, Da Bao and Er Bao understood the difference between men and women and no longer liked to be kissed.

    Even if Qiao Nan, the biological mother, wanted to kiss her son, she had to ask him before doing so. Only after getting her son¡¯s permission could she kiss him.

    Qiao Nan respected her children¡¯s views to begin with, so she wouldn¡¯t reject their thoughts.

    Qiao Nan also didn¡¯t need to worry that her sons would be insensible and take advantage of other girls.

    After worrying about her sons, Qiao Nan had to worry about her daughter. Her sons were handsome and her daughter was pretty. She didn¡¯t know what kind of attitude those boys in the ss had toward San Bao.

    It was a pity that all this while, although she knew that Da Bao and Er Bao encountered such a situation before, San Bao was strangely safe and sound and didn¡¯t run into any trouble at all.

    At this time, Qiao Nan was conflicted. Did the boys in ss admire a different type of girl, or did they not have the foresight to want to be good friends with the cute and pretty San Bao?

    However, there was no such situation. Seeing how happy San Bao was every day and that she didn¡¯t mind this situation at all, it was good as this meant that there was less trouble.

    How would Qiao Nan know that while Zhai Sheng wasining that San Bao was a light bulb, he was very serious when it came to protecting his daughter?

    After Da Bao and Er Bao had slight awareness of gender differences, Zhai Sheng brought both sons into his study room and started a conversation between men and boys.

    It was unknown what Zhai Sheng talked to Da Bao and Er Bao about that day. Ever since then, Da Bao and Er Bao had increased their awareness of wanting to protect San Bao well.

    It wasn¡¯t that no boys wanted to get close to San Bao and be friends with her, or that no boys wanted to bully her.

    It was simply because Da Bao and Er Bao often surrounded San Bao. Both brothers expressed that although their fists weren¡¯t as tough as their father¡¯s, they weren¡¯t soft either. They were going to protect San Bao well and not let her be bullied by any outsiders, especially those boys in ss who liked to surround her. They would ¡®take care¡¯ of them well.

    With Da Bao and Er Bao protecting San Bao, San Bao naturally didn¡¯t have any boys by her side who wanted to y with her.

    Would the sons taught by Zhai Sheng be meek rabbits? They would at least be wild wolves.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll give you the cup. I¡¯m going to y with Da Bao and San Bao.¡± The sharp-eyed Er Bao saw that there was a boy with a runny nose who seemed to want to get close to San Bao. Er Bao squinted like Zhai Sheng and gave a lopsided smile.

    Which child was so gutsy to want to get close to their San Bao? Had he asked him, the older brother?

    While Er Bao was reciting this in his heart, his tone was exactly the same as that of Zhai Sheng, the biological father. It was as if it was a direct copy and paste.

    ¡°Nan Nan, sit here for a while. I¡¯m going to buy a freshly-cut fruit box.¡± After ying with the three children for a while, Miao Jing felt that she had be much younger.

    It should have been Qiao Nan squatting by the side apanying them. However, Miao Jing insisted on signing up. When Qiao Nan didn¡¯t allow it, she became unhappy.

    There was no choice. Qiao Nan could only tell Miao Jing that she shouldn¡¯t squat the whole time and that they would take turns. While one was guarding the children, the other would be keeping watch on the items.

    It was Qiao Nan¡¯s turn to squat now. Miao Jing was thinking that these items didn¡¯t cost much money. There was no need to keep watch over them as no one would steal them.

    At this time, she might as well buy a fruit box for her three grandchildren to eat.

    ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you sit here for a while? I¡¯ll buy it instead. Don¡¯t think these things aren¡¯t valuable. I¡¯m mainly afraid that others would touch them. You know the triplets¡¯ temper as well. If their things were touched, they would be unhappy and wouldn¡¯t be willing to change to new ones. Such a temper would be too tormenting.¡±

    Miao Jing hesitated for a while, but there was really no choice. The three children indeed had such a habit. ¡°Alright, you can buy it. I¡¯ll keep watch here. I can still see the three children if I sit here.¡±

    After getting Miao Jing¡¯s consent, Qiao Nan bought a fruit box and ced it next to Miao Jing, letting Miao Jing eat first. Then, she used the fastest speed to squat close to the three children so that none of them would get lost.

    Once Qiao Nan got closer, Da Bao walked over. He bowed to Qiao Nan and said, ¡°Reporting to Mom, I took good care of Grandma. Grandma didn¡¯t feel unwell. She had been obedient. Reportplete.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Soldier Da Bao, for your cooperation. The mission waspleted well. Continue to work hard in the future.¡±

    Da Bao was only three years old. However, he had already started to show his enthusiasm for the army. Zhai Sheng had only brought him once to the army to experience it. Da Bao couldn¡¯t forget that experience and even brought back whatever he learned in the army back home and continued using it. Needless to say, everyone had to cooperate with him.

    Especially at times like these, Qiao Nan told Da Bao silently that he had to take care of his grandma well. If his grandma felt ufortable, he had to pull her to the side to rest so that she would not feel tired. Da Bao treated this as a mission his mom handed over to him. He had toplete it with both quality and quantity.

    After being followed by his mom, Da Bao pursed his lips and gave an implicit smile. He only used his puffed-up chest to tell Qiao Nan how happy and proud he was now.

 Chapter 2461 - Playing With Them (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2461: ying With Them (2)</h4>

    Yes, even though they were only three years old, the three babies she had given birth to were already sensible enough to know how to take care of their grandparents.

    When they were at home, the three children would pour water for their grandpa and grandma and bring their medicine to them. If they weren¡¯t feeling well, they even knew how to call for someone to take a look at them.

    The more obedient the three children were, the more reluctant the elders were to leave them.

    However, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were already in their seventies. The triplets were only three years old. Sometimes, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing wanted to treat the three children well, but they were strong in will but weak in power. Take today for example. Apanying the children out to y was the furthest ce that Miao Jing could travel to now.

    Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t stop a grandma from wanting to apany her grandchildren. If she thought of ways to stop her, Miao Jing would feel ufortable.

    In the face of such a situation, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know what to do at all. She could only work harder and let the elder be happy.

    ¡°Grandma, eat a piece of dragon fruit.¡± When San Bao came out, she sat next to Miao Jing and personally forked a piece of purple-red dragon fruit and fed it into Miao Jing¡¯s mouth. ¡°Grandma, is it sweet?¡±

    The fruit was ripe and it was full of water. It was sweet with a little sourness and tasted good. This was especially so since her granddaughter had fed her. The taste would naturally improve because of her granddaughter.

    After eating the fruit satisfactorily, Miao Jing replied, ¡°It is. It¡¯s so sweet. Grandma won¡¯t eat it anymore. San Bao, eat. If Grandma wants to eat, she¡¯ll take it herself.¡±

    Miao Jing said sweetly as she touched her granddaughter¡¯s little braids that were gradually longer and thicker.

    San Bao was greedy as well. After fulfilling her filial piety, San Bao forked the fruit that she liked and ced one piece after another in her mouth. Her small mouth moved like a little squirrel, and she looked exceptionally cute.

    The children who were tired of ying gathered around Miao Jing and San Bao. Very quickly, the three children finished the fruit box.

    Children at the triplets¡¯ age had stomachs like bottomless pits. They would get hungry after a while.

    After finishing the box of fruit, not only did the three children not feel full, but they felt hungrier instead. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go and eat something delicious. I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to eat? I¡¯ll say this first. No KFC.¡±

    Qiao Nan had first informed the three children. It wasn¡¯t good for children to eat too much fried food. Qiao Nan had long set the rules for them. They could only eat fried food once a month at most.

    The children had already fulfilled this month¡¯s quota. Qiao Nan would not be softhearted and change her mind just because they acted like spoiled children.

    Er Bao stuck out his tongue. See? He knew that his mom wouldn¡¯t agree to it. San Bao insisted on trying and said that she might agree.

    Sigh. On this matter, how was there the possibility of ¡®might¡¯?

    Rather than looking forward to the day when their mom would allow them to eat KFC twice a month, they were better off looking forward to the day when their dad no longer snatched their mom away from them so that she could apany them more.

    Thetter would definitely not happen. Based on this difficult rtionship, Qiao Nan would simrly not agree to the three children eating KFC twice a month.

    San Bao sighed like an adult. She felt that adults were too rigid and there wasn¡¯t any room for discussion at all.

    The friends who studied kindergarten together with them were better. For example, she didn¡¯t like vegetables. As such, she discussed with her friend sitting next to her. She would give him the vegetables she disliked and let him eat them.

    The next time the teacher distributed a fruit that he didn¡¯t like, she would help eat it instead.

    How good was this?

    As such, she no longer needed to eat the vegetables she disliked, and her friend no longer needed to eat the fruits he disliked.

    San Bao didn¡¯t understand why it was so easy to discuss things with children but not adults. It was better being a child. She didn¡¯t want to grow up. Growing up wasn¡¯t good.

    San Bao only dared to have such thoughts in her mind. If she dared to say these words out, Qiao Nan would definitely go to school and report to the teacher about this situation.

    Of course, aside from this, in order for San Bao to make up for the uneaten vegetables at school, she would definitely include more vegetables in the dinner menu such that San Bao had no choice but to eat them. In fact, she had to eat more.

    After getting away with the first meal, would she let her get away with the second?

    Da Bao looked at Er Bao and San Bao helplessly. He couldn¡¯t understand. Their grandpa said that Er Bao and San Bao were born at a time simr to him and were only a bit younger than him.

    Why were Er Bao and San Bao so childish and not clever at all?

    Wasn¡¯t it just a meal of KFC? He didn¡¯t feel that it was very delicious. Most importantly, they couldn¡¯t eat whatever they wanted now. However, their grandpa said that after they grew up, they could do whatever they wanted.

    As such, what they should do now was to eat well and grow taller. They could have the final say on everything in the future.

    Da Bao, who held his chest, expressed that he was going to eat moreter during the meal. Their grandpa and grandma were old. He wanted to grow bigger and stronger so that he could take good care of them.

    Sigh. He didn¡¯t know if their grandpa was well at home and if he ate his meals and medicine obediently when he was ying with Er Bao and San Bao during this time.

    Upon thinking of the disobedient grandpa at home, Da Bao felt helpless.

    Aside from their dad and mom, their grandpa and grandma were as disobedient as Er Bao and San Bao. They needed someone to take care of them.

    As the older brother, he could only be tougher.

    After the three children discussed it for a while, Da Bao decided to have steak.

    Why was that?

    Da Bao expressed that he heard that eating steak would allow one to grow muscles and be taller. He wanted to grow up quickly.

    Steak tasted good. Er Bao and San Bao had no objection. After the three children decided, the adults only had to follow behind them. They would follow them into whatever store they entered.

    As they passed by a store, one of the three children would always point to it and ask, ¡°Mom, what is this store? What does it sell? What delicious food does it have?¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t mind the trouble. She told the three children that this was a BBQ shop or a sushi shop.

    When they encountered rtively simpler words, Qiao Nan would teach the three children. ¡°This is the character for meat. The meat that you love is spelled like this.¡±

    Da Bao widened his eyes. ¡°Mom, there are two ¡®humans¡¯ in this meat character.¡±

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s because meat is delicious. There¡¯s more than one ¡®human¡¯ who likes it. As such, there are two ¡®humans¡¯.¡±

 Chapter 2462 - Playing With Them (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2462: ying With Them (3)</h4>

    ¡°Then, do we have to write it with three ¡®humans¡¯?¡± San Bao looked up and asked Qiao Nan. ¡°Mom, look. Da Bao likes to eat meat. Er Bao likes to eat meat. San Bao also likes to eat meat. One, two, three. There are three humans.¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled and held San Bao¡¯s hand. ¡°No matter how good meat is, we can¡¯t overeat. As such, it¡¯s enough for two ¡®humans¡¯. It won¡¯t change. For example, you are called San Bao today. You will still be called San Bao tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    Er Bao nodded, expressing that he already recognized the ¡®meat¡¯ word.

    Even if Da Bao and San Bao didn¡¯t say anything, Qiao Nan knew that they were the same as Er Bao. They would have a deep impression of this ¡®meat¡¯ word and wouldn¡¯t forget how to write it in the future.

    There was no choice. At this age, aside from ying, the three children would be particrly obsessed with eating.

    Meat was their favorite food. How would they forget about the word that was rted to it? They would only remember it well.

    After knowing how obsessed with eating her three children were, Qiao Nan decided to think of ways to educate them via their foodie nature.

    As for other things, Qiao Nan expressed that they weren¡¯t important. When the three children grew up, this would be an interesting childhood memory.

    ¡°Mom, cow. Cow.¡± Very quickly, the three children and two adults arrived at their destination. Er Bao pointed to the picture of a cow outside the store excitedly. His eyes shone. It was as if that picture of a cow had be a delicious te of steak.

    Seeing Er Bao¡¯s greedy look, Miao Jing keptughing. ¡°Er Bao, no matter how hungry you are, we have to wait. We can have it soon.¡±

    Based on her grandson¡¯s greedy look, she suspected that if she moved her hands and feet slower, Er Bao would rush forward and gnaw at the picture of the cow.

    She didn¡¯t know where the three children¡¯s love for eating came from.

    Were Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng so greedy when they were young as well?

    It was a pity that her husband didn¡¯t like to go out. Also, when Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng were young, the society hadn¡¯t developed to what it was today. They could just casually click on their mobiles and get a bunch of things they couldn¡¯t eat at home delivered to their house.

    She was satisfied with the growth of her grandchildren but regretted the growth of her son and daughter as she had never participated in it.

    As she looked at the three children, Miao Jing realized her memory was getting worse recently. There were a couple of times she nearly addressed Da Bao as Zhai Sheng and San Bao as Hua Hua.

    It was just that when she turned her head and found that there was another boy who looked simr to ¡®Zhai Sheng¡¯ and ¡®Hua Hua¡¯ did Miao Jing remember that ¡®Zhai Sheng¡¯ wasn¡¯t her son but her eldest grandson, Da Bao. The other wasn¡¯t her daughter but her granddaughter, San Bao.

    She had long known that one would have a lot of illnesses when one was older.

    She also wasn¡¯t sure if her situation of being confused for a while but able to recover quickly from the mistakes in her memory was considered normal.

    Perhaps she would go to the hospital or ask a Chinese medicine practitioner the next time what the problem was.

    ¡°Grandma, order the dishes.¡± Er Bao diligently stuffed the menu into Miao Jing¡¯s hands. Then, he looked around and asked Qiao Nan, ¡°Mom, what is this vegetable? What is this? Is this ice cream?¡±

    Qiao Nan¡¯s patience was always the best in front of the three children. In the face of their never-ending questions, Qiao Nan would always talk to them gently and never despise them for being noisy.

    There were some people who initially frowned when they saw Qiao Nan with three small children by her side entering the shop, but they soon rxed their eyebrows.

    They knew that they shouldn¡¯t be calctive toward children. However, children at this age were extremely cheeky. They would always run, jump, and knock over things. They would also open their mouths wide and cry loudly, thus causing everyone to have headaches.

    No matter how good one¡¯s child was, in the face of a child who was always energetic, even their biological parents would feel annoyed at times.

    Even parents were impatient with their child. Could they expect them to provide everyone with a quiet andfortable eating environment in public?

    However, this family seemed to be a little different.

    The three children still had the liveliness and curiosity that belonged to their age.

    However, even though there were three children, the parent could manage them. The three children surrounded their mom and asked this and that but did so in a cute manner. It wasn¡¯t irritating but was, in fact, quite interesting.

    What the people in the restaurant felt most at ease about was that the three children¡¯s mother seemed to be a very gentle person. No matter how cheeky a child was, they couldn¡¯t help but be quiet and obedient when they stood next to her.

    There was no squabbling, let alone crying. Aside from a few childish voices, there was no other change to their eating environment. Yes, such a feeling was good.

    ¡°Sit properly and eat your fruits. If you want to eat something, I can help you take it. You can also take it yourself. However, remember not to knock your chopsticks and spoons against the tes. That doesn¡¯t sound pleasant at all. Also, don¡¯t run or jump around. If you knock into someone or fall down yourself, both parties would feel pain. I just brought you here from the yground. You can¡¯t do the things you did in the yground in a restaurant. Understand?¡±

    Being active was part of a child¡¯s nature. Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t suppress their nature.

    It was just that when they were outside, Qiao Nan would often remind the three children where they were and what kind of things they should do.

    If the three children wanted to y to their hearts¡¯ content in a yground or park, that was fine. Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t reprimand them.

    Of course, if the three children insisted on doing the things they did in a yground in a restaurant, Qiao Nan would say that since their buttocks were itchy, she could hit them a few times to cure the itch.

    Qiao Nan had already said her words so clearly. No matter how cheeky the three children were, would they not listen to her words?

    Furthermore, the three children never went against Qiao Nan. Besides, they were almost starving to death when they came out of the yground. Compared to ying, what they needed more now was food. The three children nodded obediently, saying that they would not create trouble. Only then did Qiao Nan carry the children down from the stools one by one. Then, she apanied them to the fruit buffet area and helped them with the things they wanted.

    It wasn¡¯t the first time that the three children had a meal under such circumstances. Without Qiao Nan teaching them, they also knew what they should do.

 Chapter 2463 - No Loss (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2463: No Loss (1)</h4>

    After getting themselves a small te¡¯s worth of food, the three children stopped taking any more.

    Their mom had said that they were still small and couldn¡¯t bnce well. If they took too much food, they wouldn¡¯t be able to hold the te well, and everything on it would fall off.

    Everyone knew that every grain was the fruit of hard work.

    They had to appreciate the food produced from the hard work of the farmers. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste even just a tiny bit.

    Because of that, the children had only ced a few slices of fruits on their tes before obediently returning to their seats. After finishing the fruits with clean hands, they continued to fill their tes with more.

    If they identally bumped into others, the three children would apologize, so much so that the other party had to resist the urge to stroke their likable faces.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t only Miao Jing and Qiao Nan who had brought their children out to eat.

    Compared to Qiao Nan¡¯s family of two adults and three children, other families seemed a lot ¡®livelier¡¯. There were children wailing, running around, and even ying ¡®catch¡¯.

    Thankfully, there were other families like the triplets¡¯, who did not cause much ruckus.

    Just one such family in a public area was enough to cause indigestion.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve cut it. Can you feed yourselves?¡±

    It was only because the children had been craving steak that Qiao Nan had brought them there.

    Although she did not have a big appetite, she always felt that a piece of steak was never enough to fill her stomach. More importantly, steak came in a whole slice. The children didn¡¯t know how to cut it up.

    As such, Qiao Nan had to help the three children cut theirs up so that they could use their own forks to eat them.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll eat it myself.¡±

    Er Bao was the first to pick up a fork and stab it into a juicy slice to bring it to his mouth, eating it delectably.

    ¡°Mom, let me help you.¡± Having helped her children, Qiao Nan helped her mother-inw, Miao Jing.

    It wasn¡¯t that Miao Jing was weak like the children and couldn¡¯t cut the steak herself or that she was afraid that Miao Jing would hurt herself. It was because Miao Jing didn¡¯t really take a fancy to western food, and it wasn¡¯t easy for her to cut up a piece of steak properly.

    It was because of this that Qiao Nan realized that Miao Jing had a slight obsessivepulsive disorder.

    She didn¡¯t like to eat steak, but whenever she ate it, she insisted on drawing neat lines on the steak like a grid.

    If she couldn¡¯t cut it well, she would easily throw a tantrum.

    Because Qiao Nan knew of Miao Jing¡¯s habit, Qiao Nan would do the same for her mother-inw after doing it for her three children.

    Miao Jing knew that she was being slightly unreasonable when eating steak. But she couldn¡¯t help it.

    So, Miao Jing could only wait quietly and obediently for Qiao Nan to finish helping the three children. It seemed like she could reallypete with the children.

    After taking care of both the elderly and her children, Qiao Nan finally had the chance to start with her own piece of steak. Brother Zhai had managed to escape this time. In the future, she had better choose days when Brother Zhai was around for such outings.

    Zhai Sheng might not be able to do what Qiao Nan could do, but at the very least, he could act as her runner, carry things, or drive. Those were things that Zhai Sheng could definitely do well. That would be relieving Qiao Nan of some burden.

    ¡°Do you still want to y? Otherwise, shall we head home with Grandma?¡± Since they had had their fill, Qiao Nan looked at their satisfied faces and asked the children if they wanted to head home.

    They had the habit of taking afternoon naps. Besides, they had been out since nine that morning. It was almost an hour past noon now. San Bao leaned against Qiao Nan and yawned, expressing her fatigue.

    It wasn¡¯t just San Bao. Even Da Bao and Er Bao were sleepy too.

    How could they possibly not be tired after ying for an entire morning? Even if they weren¡¯t tired from ying, it was normal to get sleepy after a meal.

    Combining these factors together, Da Bao and Er Bao rubbed their eyes wearily.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Miao Jing sighed in relief. Although she wanted to spend more time with the three children, she was afraid that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be able to care for them alone. Besides, reality had hit her. Apart from taking care of the children, she still had to take care of her mother-inw. Not only had she not been of any help, but she had even added more trouble for Qiao Nan!

    ¡°What shall we do with San Bao?¡±

    San Bao buried her face in Qiao Nan¡¯s embrace, and only Da Bao and Er Bao could take a few steps with much difficulty.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll carry San Bao. Mom, can you help me hold Da Bao¡¯s and Er Bao¡¯s hands? I¡¯ll hold the other things. Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    Qiao Nan knew that the children would get sleepy, but she had not expected them to get sleepy so quickly today. They hadn¡¯t even given her any time to prepare herself.

    ¡°Shall I take the things?¡±

    Miao Jing suggested.

    The three children had quite a few things. It wasn¡¯t easy for two adults to carry them, let alone Qiao Nan alone. What Miao Jing was most worried about was that Qiao Nan still had to carry San Bao while holding onto all those things. San Bao wasn¡¯t light anymore.

    Qiao Nan knew that it wouldn¡¯t be easy for her to do so, but she had no other choice. If she wanted to bring the three children out without Zhai Sheng, that was what she had to do.

    When Zhai Sheng was around, it didn¡¯t matter whether San Bao was sleepy, or whether all three children couldn¡¯t walk anymore. Qiao Nan only needed to carry her things. She could simply hand the responsibility of all three rascals, weighing almost a hundred pounds, over to Zhai Sheng. It didn¡¯t matter whether he carried them or hauled them back. It was Zhai Sheng¡¯s problem alone.

    But now, Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t around, and it was her mother-inw, Miao Jing, with her. Qiao Nan had no choice but to be a superwoman, carrying San Bao in one arm and all the other things in another.

    The only thing that Qiao Nan was thankful for was that the bags were much lighter now. When they had first gotten out of the house, the bags had been full of everything the children needed, from water to food.

    But they had finished their fruits and snacks and had almost finished their water too.

    The volume was pretty much the same, but the weight had been lessened by more than half.

    As such, it wouldn¡¯t be too much of a struggle for Qiao Nan to carry them as long as she arranged them well. ¡°Mom, here¡¯s the car key. Can you help me open the door? I need to put San Bao down before I can drive.¡±

    With one arm filled with things and the other with San Bao, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have any spare hands to hold her car key.

    ¡°Alright.¡± That was the least Miao Jing could do to relieve Qiao Nan¡¯s burden. Thankfully, she only had to hold the hands of the toddling children and only needed to let go briefly to open the car door.

    San Bao was really not light. She put on several pounds of weight every year.

 Chapter 2464 - No Loss (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2464: No Loss (2)</h4>

    Ever since the children began to grow up, Qiao Nan had already tried to minimize the time of carrying the children. Now that she was carrying San Bao, Qiao Nan felt that her arm would be sore the next day.

    ¡°How do you open this?¡± After opening the car door, Miao Jing looked at Qiao Nan in embarrassment.

    San Bao had already fallen asleep and couldn¡¯t sit up. Da Bao and Er Bao were also tumbling over. It was hard for the two adults to take care of all three children at once.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Just ce them on the booster seat.¡± Because of the three children, there were booster seats ready in the car.

    While awake, the three children naturally hated the restraints of the booster seats. But now, they were like three pigs and were fast asleep. They couldn¡¯t be bothered aboutfort. All they cared about was sleep.

    Besides, with the booster seats, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Da Bao and Er Bao knocking each other while sleeping.

    ¡°Mom, you can carry San Bao and sit in the front passenger seat.¡± Qiao Nan wiped away her sweat after securing Da Bao and Er Bao in the booster seats. Then, she handed San Bao over to Miao Jing. Only then had she finally settled all three children.

    ¡°I made a blunder today. Next time, we definitely have to bring them out only in the afternoon.¡±

    It was her first time bringing the children out in the morning. Who would have expected the children to fall asleep and be like spineless worms who couldn¡¯t even stand up straight due to sleepiness?

    If they hade out in the afternoon instead, Qiao Nan felt that they wouldn¡¯t have faced such a problem.

    Miao Jingughed. ¡°I think our three children are the best-behaved amongst all the children here. You¡¯re so blessed. Look how obedient our triplets are.¡±

    As a grandma, Miao Jing defended the three children. Even though Qiao Nan was the mother of the children, Miao Jing didn¡¯t allow Qiao Nan to me them for their energy or for sleeping soundly like a log.

    Even though it was just a joke, Miao Jing was still upset. Her grandchildren were perfect!

    Even if they did really have any w, that was because they had inherited it from their parents, Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan. The children were innocent and couldn¡¯t be med for it.

    Qiao Nan knew that her mother-inw was a crazy protector of the children and looked at the children through rose-tinted lenses. As such, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t try to argue with Miao Jing. Besides, she thought that her children were great too.

    Of course, it would be even more perfect if the children¡¯s father could be by her side taking care of those sleeping ¡®piglets¡¯. Then, she would have absolutely noints.

    Miao Jing had guessed her thoughts and said, ¡°Next time, let¡¯s ask Zhai Sheng toe along.¡± They needed a man to be their coolie at times like this.

    What was the point of having a son?

    He was just a little bit useful when her grandchildren needed help.

    But at this moment, both Miao Jing and Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but miss Zhai Sheng¡¯s strength.

    Miao Jing held San Bao safely in her arms before Qiao Nan stepped on the elerator and headed home.

    Her dream had just been a dream. Back in reality, Qiao Nan had been the one who had been knocked down by a car instead of the one knocking someone else down. When the triplets had gotten less clingy to her, she had found some time to get herself a driving license.

    Otherwise, it would have been even more troublesome if Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t drive out in situations like this.

    Upon reaching home, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t try to fight with Miao Jing over carrying the things. After all, she had to carry the sleeping children into the house one by one.

    But as the car came to a stop, someone took the initiative to take San Bao over from Miao Jing. Qiao Nan felt as though she was about to tear up. The children¡¯s father had finally returned.

    ¡°Zhai Sheng, you¡¯re back. You¡¯re just in time. Hurry and carry the children to their rooms. Nan Nan¡¯s exhausted from taking care of them for a whole morning.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s reaction was no different from Qiao Nan¡¯s. Their savior hade.

    Zhai Sheng sized up Qiao Nan¡¯s situation. Seeing that she was still alright, he took San Bao over and brought her in first.

    To be honest, even sitting around with the children and ying with them for a while was not easy for Miao Jing.

    After handing the things over to the auntie, Miao Jing pulled Zhai Yaohui into their room.

    Miao Jing was exhausted and needed Zhai Yaohui to massage her. Otherwise, she wasn¡¯t even sure if she would be able to get up the next day to send the children to school.

    Seeing Miao Jing still trying to persevere through the pain, Zhai Yaohui was upset and sour. ¡°Are grandchildren really that good?¡± Putting aside how she wasn¡¯t even spending time with him, she wasn¡¯t even thinking about her own body and health!

    Zhai Yaohui had already guessed that Miao Jing would definitely end up in this state. That was why he never tried to join in. Simply taking care of Miao Jing when she returned would use up all of his energy.

    They had to admit that they had indeed grown old.

    As such, Miao Jing would take care of the three young ones, while Zhai Yaohui took care of Miao Jing. It was a nicely joined cycle.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhai Yaohui massaged Miao Jing as sheyfortably on the bed. Zhai Yaohui was already an expert in this. ¡°Of course! Grandchildren are the best! My daughter-inwes next. My children who only anger me rankst!¡±

    Even in this state, Miao Jing was still singing the praises of her grandchildren. Zhai Yaohui was speechless. ¡°That¡¯s true. Grandchildren are your top priority now, and your daughter-inwes next. Miao Miao, think about how you were five years ago. You shouldn¡¯t be in such a hurry now. After all, we¡¯ve helped the old master fulfill his wishes and seen the birth of the three children. Based on what I see, our children won¡¯t grow up astray. Even if we won¡¯t personally witness it, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    Five years ago, Miao Jing had simply wished for Zhai Sheng to find someone to get married to. That way, when the elderly couple was gone, Zhai Sheng would at least have someone by his side.

    As for what status that woman had, or whether she was fertile, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t care less.

    In the end, Zhai Sheng had chosen to marry Qiao Nan. Apart from being slightly older and having poor educational qualifications, Qiao Nan was a good-tempereddy who was getting married for the first time. She was better than Qiu Chenxi in every way. They had not lost out on anything by getting such a daughter-inw!

    Besides, their daughter-inw had been so great. In less than a year¡¯s time, she had made her a grandmother to three! She felt as though she had lived her life to the fullest and could die without any regrets.

 Chapter 2465 - No Loss (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2465 - No Loss (3)</h4>

    But humans were greedy beings. Watching the children grow up day by day, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but wish that she would be able to watch them enter primary school, middle school, high school, and even university.

    If she lived longer, she might even get to see her great-grandchildren!

    When Old Master Zhai had left, Zhai Sheng had already been thirty. If Zhai Sheng had married at a normal age, Old Master Zhai would definitely have been able to meet his great-grandchild before leaving. His great-grandchild would even have been of school-going age!

    But at that time, they didn¡¯t even have an inkling of the whereabouts of that great-grandchild¡¯s mother, let alone having one of school-going age.

    Old Master Zhai had left to meet Grandma Zhai with that regret.

    Miao Jing, who was in poor health, was often heartbroken. She didn¡¯t even know if she would get a chance to see her grandchildren start primary school, let alone meet her great-grandchildren.

    As such, Miao Jing was unwilling to waste any time while she was still alive. Even if it was just an additional second with her grandchildren, it was what she deserved.

    ¡°I know that in principle, but you know my temper well too. Look how obedient our grandchildren are. I can¡¯t bear to leave them. I was just a pure and innocent youngdy when I married you, but I¡¯m already an ugly hen now.¡±

    Miao Jing felt that it was unfair how quickly time had passed and how she had aged.

    Miao Jing was aggrieved. ¡°Old Zhai, how many more years do you think we have? All I want is to see the three children grow up. Why does it seem so difficult?¡± Why couldn¡¯t the heavens give her just a little more time?

    After helping Miao Jing rx her body, Zhai Yaohui took Miao Jing into his embrace like a youngdy. ¡°Why are you crying? What¡¯s so weird about having illnesses and pains at our age? Instead of letting your mind run wild and being afraid that you¡¯ll die early and not be able to see the children, why don¡¯t you just rx at home with me? Do you really think you can endure this for much longer? Only by taking care of our bodies will we be able to live for another few more years. Wouldn¡¯t that be worth it?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Miao Jing looked at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Will I really be able to live for another few more years if I stay at home with you?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Zhai Yaohui replied confidently. ¡°Of course, you will!¡± He had to say so even if he didn¡¯t believe it.

    Miao Miao was overthinking it. They were only in their early seventies. What if they lived into their nies?

    By that time, the three children would probably be in university.

    Although it wasn¡¯t good to get into an early rtionship, the three children might be different from their father. Zhai Sheng had gotten marriedter in life. If the three children matured early and got into early rtionships, they could very well see their grandchildren-inw, if not their great-grandchildren.

    Wasn¡¯t that good enough?

    Zhai Yaohui hoped that the three children could make up for their father¡¯ste marriage so that Miao Jing would be appeased. That would be fine with him too.

    But if Miao Jing were to continue ying with the three grandchildren like she had done today, she might never have the chance to meet her grandchildren-inw no matter how early they started their rtionships.

    ¡°Alright. If you can guarantee it, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Miao Jing had been easily coaxed by Zhai Yaohui in her youth and was still easily coaxed now.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled and asked Miao Jing to take an afternoon nap like the triplets. ¡°I can guarantee it. Otherwise, you can catch me in my next life and punch me.¡± It wasn¡¯t enough to appease Miao Jing. Zhai Yaohui even shamelessly settled his next life with his wife.

    Miao Jing had not realized that Zhai Yaohui had dug a hole for her to jump into. Knowing that Zhai Yaohui was a man of his words, she was d to know that she would be able to see her grandchildren grow up. ¡°Alright. Aiyo, I¡¯m so tired. I¡¯d better take a nap and replenish my energy so that I can y with the tripletster.¡±

    With that said, Miao Jing turned around to have her back facing Zhai Yaohui and fell asleep within minutes.

    Seeing Miao Jing¡¯s childish side at her age, Zhai Yaohui felt that he had not been too much of a failure as a husband. Although he had corrected his mistake a littlete, it was better than not having corrected it at all.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s asleep?¡± Zhai Sheng asked upon seeing Zhai Yaohui emerge from the room. He had already made a pot of tea for Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui red at Zhai Sheng. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. You were the one who made your mom so worried. If you had gotten married earlier¡­¡± Would Miao Miao be behaving in this manner?

    Zhai Sheng sneered. ¡°Early isn¡¯t always better. Are you sure the triplets would still be the triplets that Mom loves so much if I had gotten married earlier?¡±

    There was no way of timing this. Such was his fate with Nan Nan. If he had gotten married any earlier orter, it wouldn¡¯t have been Nan Nan.

    If Zhai Sheng had married any random woman to have a kid for the sake of his parents¡¯ happiness, Qiao Nan would never have gotten the chance to marry him.

    Since Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t a person like that, Zhai Sheng wouldn¡¯t say anything, much less do anything, to Zhai Yaohui, who had justforted Miao Jing, even though he knew what Miao Jing was worried about.

    ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you quite grateful to the old master that you managed to marry Mom?¡± Without the old master, his dad would never have married Miao Jing, who was an orphan and had grown up under the care of her uncle in the countryside, given his status.

    ¡°¡­¡± Because Zhai Sheng had brought up his situation as an example, Zhai Yaohui had nothing else to say.

    Zhai Sheng was right. When Old Master Zhai had asked his son, Zhai Yaohui, to marry Miao Jing, her situation had been much worse than Qiao Nan¡¯s. Everyone thought Old Master Zhai was crazy to repay his gratitude with his only son¡¯s happiness and future. Were they living in ancient times?

    Given Miao Jing¡¯s situation, the Zhai family could have simply given her a sum of money and used their position and status to help Miao Jing find a better marriage partner. That way, Miao Jing¡¯s future would be settled. That would be good enough.

    It seemed a little excessive to get Zhai Yaohui to marry Miao Jing.

    The problem was that Old Master Zhai used his own actions to prove that he would never joke about such things. He indeed wanted his son to marry the daughter of his benefactor and for that girl to be his daughter-inw.

    Everyone else thought that Old Master Zhai was mad, and even Zhai Yaohui had been upset.

    Since the founding of the country, people were free to marry whomever they wanted. Matchmaking was a thing of the past, and marrying because of one¡¯s parents was an outdated idea.

 Chapter 2466 - Panicked (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2466 - Panicked (1)</h4>

    But when Zhai Yaohui first met Miao Jing before the wedding, he no longer had such an intense reaction and slowly calmed down. He even followed Old Master Zhai¡¯s instructions and married Miao Jing, even having Zhai Hua within a year.

    At the mention of this, Zhai Yaohui felt that he couldn¡¯tpare with Old Master Zhai.

    Old Master Zhai had already known that Miao Jing was the kind of woman that his son liked, was the most suitable for him, and the one who could give his son happiness.

    Zhai Yaohui?

    Now, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t even dare to mention his ex-daughter-inw, Qiu Chenxi. It was embarrassing to even mention her name.

    As Old Master Zhai¡¯s son, Zhai Yaohui had repeatedly tried to resist and refuse to marry Miao Jing. But apart from his initial dissatisfaction, he had never done anything too over-the-top. Although he had feelings for Qi Min, he had already settled that cleanly before meeting Miao Jing.

    It was true that men didn¡¯t have sex just because of love. The problem was that the Zhai family¡¯s men would never touch any women they had no feelings for, including those who voluntarily threw themselves at them.

    Zhai Sheng¡¯s treatment of Qiu Chenxi was the proof of this.

    Simrly, if Zhai Yaohui had not been satisfied with Miao Jing and didn¡¯t like her as a wife, there was no way Zhai Hua would have arrived in less than a year.

    The second year, they had even gotten Zhai Sheng.

    From how the children had been born one after another, it was clear that Zhai Yaohui indeed liked Miao Jing whom Old Master Zhai had chosen for him.

    But perhaps, Old Master Zhai had set too high a bar by finding Zhai Yaohui such a suitable life partner. Zhai Yaohui thought that he would be able to do what his father had. That was why he had chosen Qiu Chenxi for Zhai Sheng.

    Of course, what happened after showed Zhai Yaohui that Old Master Zhai¡¯s sess couldn¡¯t be replicated. Besides, he didn¡¯t have as good judgment and foresight as Old Master Zhai did.

    In short, when it came to matchmaking their sons, he wasn¡¯t as good as his father. It was as simple as that.

    If Zhai Yaohui were to have another chance, he would still choose to listen to Old Master Zhai, and get married to Miao Jing. That would never change no matter what.

    Because Zhai Sheng was too clear of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s feelings for Miao Jing that he used their rtionship as aparison. ¡°Dad, if Grandpa acknowledged Mom as a goddaughter instead and didn¡¯t stop you from dating Qi Min, would you have married Qi Min in the end?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t know that Miao Jing happened to have woken up out of thirst and had overheard the conversation between the father and son. As such, her hand remained on the doorknob without moving.

    Miao Jing awaited Zhai Yaohui¡¯s answer nervously. She was sure that Zhai Yaohui had feelings for her. But if not for her father-inw interfering at that time, would Zhai Yaohui have married her?

    Yes, Miao Jing was already a mother and was even a grandmother in her old age. But as a woman, she still wondered whether she was the most precious woman in her husband¡¯s heart.

    Otherwise¡­

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t even want to consider that situation. It wasn¡¯t something she could bear.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help butugh bitterly. If given a chance, perhaps, she would have given up on this rtionship first and begged Old Master Zhai to help her out in another way.

    It had been love at first sight for her, and nothing made Miao Jing happier than knowing that she would be marrying Zhai Yaohui.

    It was only after joining the Zhai family and getting to know Zhai Yaohui that Miao Jing started to feel inferior. Not only was she not worthy of Zhai Yaohui, but he also had another woman in his heart.

    Most importantly, neither Zhai Yaohui nor Miao Jing knew that Old Master Zhai had never intended to sacrifice his son¡¯s marriage to repay his benefactor.

    But when he wanted to repay his gratitude and take care of his benefactor¡¯s daughter by giving her another identity, Old Master Zhai felt that Miao Jing was a very suitable partner for his son, someone whom his son would like.

    Based on that feeling, Old Master Zhai changed his mind at that moment and decided to get Miao Jing to marry Zhai Yaohui.

    Thankfully, the birth of Zhai Sheng and Zhai Hua proved to Old Master Zhai that his sudden inspiration had been right. Miao Jing was indeed the right daughter-inw for the Zhai family.

    Even until his death, Old Master Zhai had not mentioned this to anyone. Even the two parties concerned knew nothing about how the situation had changed just like that at that time.

    Miao Jing held her breath in, waiting for Zhai Yaohui¡¯s answer.

    ¡°No.¡± There had been a long pause before this answer, so long that Miao Jing felt as though she couldn¡¯t wait for the answer any longer. But Zhai Yaohui replied to Zhai Sheng firmly. The answer was no, even without Old Master Zhai¡¯s arrangement or Old Master Zhai stopping him from meeting Qi Min.

    Unless he had not met Miao Jing and didn¡¯t know anything about Miao Jing¡¯s existence, he would never get together with Qi Min no matter who interfered in the matter.

    ¡°You might not believe me, but it was love at first sight when I met your mother. No, it¡¯s not just you who won¡¯t believe me. Even I couldn¡¯t believe it either.¡±

    If he had believed it, Qi Min wouldn¡¯t have visited so often, and Qiu Chenxi would never have gotten the chance to cheat on his son. ¡°While your grandpa was alive, he always said that I was a fool. I never admitted to it until¡­¡±

    Up until the old master passed away, his children had always had a distant rtionship with the couple. In the end, when Qiu Chenxi¡¯s scandal broke out, Zhai Yaohui finally understood that the old master hadn¡¯t been wrong calling him a fool.

    Zhai Yaohui was worried about Miao Jing and was even ming Zhai Sheng for getting marriedte, causing her to worry about not being able to see her grandchildren grow up. It was all because he felt that his mistake had caused him to lose many years with Miao Jing.

    By the time he decided to cherish Miao Jing and treat her well, they were already advanced in age.

    Just like how Miao Jing was worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to watch the three children grow up, Zhai Yaohui was often worried that he wouldn¡¯t have enough time to treat Miao Jing well to make up for whatever time they had missed.

    In essence, the couple was no different from each other. The difference was that Miao Jing ced her focus on her three grandchildren, while Zhai Yaohui focused on Miao Jing.

 Chapter 2467 - Panicked (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2467 - Panicked (2)</h4>

    ¡°We¡¯re father and son. Don¡¯t ask such stupid questions in the future. Our family doesn¡¯t have a history of Alzheimer¡¯s disease. When the old master left, he might have been in poor health, but his mind was still clear. You¡¯d better not embarrass him.¡±

    When it came to rtionship matters, Zhai Sheng didn¡¯t think that it was necessary to respect his elders. After all, Zhai Yaohui had not made a good start for his children. How could he ask for anything from them?

    In the end, Zhai Hua lived in Ping Cheng while his son¡¯s family lived with him and his wife. But Zhai Sheng never listened to him and always did as he pleased. Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t tame that wild nature of his.

    Thankfully, both Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were fine with it. Since they couldn¡¯t control him, they wouldn¡¯t try to do so. They were assured by the fact that there was, in fact, someone who could control Zhai Sheng by his side. She would stay by Zhai Sheng¡¯s side and take care of him for them. Because of that, there was nothing for them to worry about.

    ¡°Alright. You take care of your wife, and I¡¯ll take care of mine. We won¡¯t talk about this.¡± It was rare for the father and son to be chatting, but they separated upon the mention of their wives. ¡°I¡¯ll go back to apany your mom.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take care of my wife.¡±

    Usually, others would return home to find their moms.

    But with the men of the Zhai family, it became finding their wives.

    ¡°Da Bao, Er Bao, San Bao.¡±

    It was a holiday and they heard a female voice shouting out for the Zhai family¡¯s children as though she was taking their attendance. ¡°Sister Jiajia¡¯s here to visit you guys!¡±

    The moment they heard Jiajia¡¯s voice, the one with thergest reaction was naturally San Bao. There were times she would keep secrets from Da Bao, Er Bao, and even her mom, Qiao Nan. But she would definitely tell her sister, Jiajia, those secrets.

    It was only natural that Jiajia treated San Bao as a precious daughter and cherished her deeply. They shared a close rtionship, and even Qiao Nan was jealous of it.

    ¡°Sister Jiajia!¡± San Bao yelped out and rushed out of the room toward Jiajia. ¡°Sister Jiajia, how many days of holiday do you have this time?¡±

    Jiajia had gotten quite a decent score for her college entrance examination and had managed to enter a school in the capital. As such, Jiajia immediately registered for a school in the capital for the sake of her younger siblings, angering Zhai Hua in the process.

    It was only because of her bad karma from her previous life that she had given birth to such a daughter.

    If Jiajia had decided to go to the capital to study for the sake of her siblings, would she even return to Ping Cheng for work?

    Given the Zhai family¡¯s status, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for them to help Jiajia find a job in the capital for her to settle down there.

    Zhai Hua had no other choice. Wherever her daughter was, was where she would be. As such, she had no choice but to move over to the capital as well.

    To be honest, even without the Zhai family¡¯s help, Jiajia was already a second-generation heir thanks to her mother, Zhai Hua. She had nock of money.

    Jiajia, who had once thought of going down the same path as her mother by entering the military to join Shi Qing, had changed her mind in the past few years.

    As Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter, Jiajia did indeed have some desire for the army. But she wasn¡¯t as stubborn as Zhai Hua, and neither was she as obsessed about being an official like her father was.

    It was only because Jiajia had met an impressive female soldier, Shi Qing, that she had wanted to be one.

    Besides, there was something Jiajia had never mentioned, but Qiao Nan had felt it. Jiajia wanted to be a soldier because she felt that Zhai Hua had given up her passion and had be a full-time housewife after marrying Wei De to take care of her.

    To a certain extent, Jiajia wanted to use her life to make up for Zhai Hua¡¯s regrets by being a soldier.

    Zhai Hua hadn¡¯t been able to go through with her ns and dreams because of her marriage to Wei De. As Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter, it was only right for her to help her mother fulfill these dreams.

    Zhai Hua had opposed the idea at that time, but Jiajia, who had only been in her second year of school, was headstrong and insisted on going into the military.

    But now that two or three years had passed, Jiajia had calmed down and had even be hesitant. She wasn¡¯t too sure about bing a female soldier anymore.

    Having sensed that, Qiao Nan decided to have a chat with Jiajia. Afterward, Jiajia no longer insisted on going into the military and had changed her aspirations.

    Qiao Nan had managed to convince Jiajia out of it and Zhai Hua had initially been grateful toward her for that. But after learning about the major that Jiajia had applied for, Zhai Hua had almost died from anger.

    Since she ran a business, Jiajia would be able to inherit herpany in the future if she studied something like economics.

    But what did Jiajia apply for? What kind of job was Jiajia nning on getting after graduating?

    After learning that Jiajia was trying to follow in Qiao Nan¡¯s footsteps by leaving the job of earning money to others while she only spent money and did charitable work, Zhai Hua scolded Qiao Nan. ¡°It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have a daughter. You even have two more sons! You have three children, so why are you trying to snatch my daughter away from me? Jiajia should inherit mypany!¡± She hadn¡¯t even tried to snatch Qiao Nan¡¯s children, so why was Qiao Nan trying to snatch hers?

    Qiao Nan wiped Sister Zhai Hua¡¯s saliva off her face. ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, let¡¯s be reasonable. When did I try to snatch your daughter away?¡±

    At the mention of this, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t know whether tough or to cry.

    Sister Zhai Hua was right. She was a mother to three. Her own children already worried her enough every day. Why would she try to snatch Jiajia away?

    ¡°Are you still angry that Jiajia applied for a university in the capital? Don¡¯t Dad and Mom agree that universities in the capital are good? Even if she doesn¡¯t go to the best universities, she can study in top-tier universities. Sister Zhai Hua, what are you worried about?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t possibly neglect Jiajia¡¯s future just because she wanted to keep her daughter by her side.

    ¡°That¡¯s over. I¡¯m not talking about that.¡±

    Indeed, Jiajia had done well in her exams, and although she had not been a valedictorian, her scores had not been low at all. It would be foolish to forgo top schools like Peking University and Tsinghua University with that score. She would never allow Jiajia to do such a foolish thing.

    ¡°Then?¡±

    Qiao Nan was utterly confused. The most important matter at home recently was undoubtedly Jiajia applying to universities.

 Chapter 2468 - Panicked (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2468 - Panicked (3)</h4>

    Jiajia had already be a student of Peking University. That was already set in stone. So, why was Sister Zhai Hua still angry at her, iming that she was trying to snatch her daughter away? She was being maligned!

    ¡°You still dare to say¡­¡±

    Zhai Hua couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes. ¡°Did you forget what you brought Jiajia to do during her holidays after her college entrance examination?¡±

    At the mention of this, Zhai Hua felt even more regretful and annoyed than after finding out that Jiajia had registered for a university in the capital.

    If she had known that this would happen, she would have prevented it from happening in the first ce.

    Even though Qiao Nan was doing good deeds, Qiao Nan¡¯s existence alone was a poison. That was why Jiajia had been poisoned and her mind was filled with her auntie, Qiao Nan. She hadpletely forgotten about her own mother.

    ¡°Holidays?¡±

    Qiao Nan gave it some thought. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring Jiajia to do anything bad.¡±

    Whether it was caring for lonely elderly residents or helping the children in the mountains, she had never stopped with her charitable actions.

    Qiao Nan gave no thought to how much she spent on it since it was wealth she had gotten from the Zhu family. There was no need to scrimp on it.

    It was just as well that Jiajia could use her holidays to rx after her college entrance examination.

    Zhai Hua had initially intended on bringing Jiajia for a holiday overseas so that she could rx.

    That had been Jiajia¡¯s intention too. Several of her ssmates had asked her out on a holiday. Of course, as students, they settled for touring the country instead of going overseas.

    With both her ssmates and mom trying to get her time, Jiajia couldn¡¯t make up her mind as to where to go.

    Then, it had coincidentally been time for one of Qiao Nan¡¯s nned charitable activities. Jiajia was on her vacation, and so were the three children in the nursery.

    The three children were already used to following their mom into the mountains. Initially, they had been unused to it and even afraid. But as time went by, they became like monkeys in their own territories. Not only were the triplets especially receptive to their mom bringing them out to y, but they even enjoyed it very much.

    After all, Zhai Sheng had started to send the three children to the military for training from time to time. Because the children had undergone scouts training with increasing intensity, the children¡¯s bodies had gotten firmer and stronger. Of course, that also meant that their personalities had gotten stronger as well.

    The three children were no strangers to climbing mountains and swimming while in the military.

    In the past, the three children still had baby fat on them, and holding them was no different from holding cotton candy. They felt chubby and fluffy.

    But ever since the children followed their father to the military, Qiao Nan realized that her three children had turned from chubby kids to kids with firm muscles.

    Although they were still slightly rotund, they were no longer chubby and soft but a little firm.

    Qiao Nan had been rather upset as a result and was furious the moment she saw Zhai Sheng.

    The three children hadn¡¯t even turned five. Everyone else¡¯s children were still soft and tender at that age. Which other child would have muscles as firm as her children?

    Qiao Nan could still hold it in and not argue with Zhai Sheng when it came to Da Bao and Er Bao. It was alright for boys to be strong. After all, they not only had to protect themselves but their younger sister as well.

    But San Bao was a youngdy.

    Was Zhai Sheng nning on raising an ironwoman by training San Bao in this manner?

    As the only youngdy, Qiao Nan thought that it was necessary for San Bao to learn some martial arts.

    There had been too many articles about this topic being published online recently. Even though it was unlikely that anyone would dare to bully San Bao given their family background, it was better to be safe than sorry.

    What would they do if someone wanted to mess around with the Zhai family, or if someone tried to mess around with San Bao not knowing that San Bao was the Zhai family¡¯s daughter?

    At a time like that, it would be crucial for San Bao to have self-defense skills.

    But there had to be a limit to that too. They couldn¡¯t possibly train their daughter like they did their sons.

    Her fair and tender children, who resembled fresh dumplings, had turned into pickled ducks after only seven days in the military with Zhai Sheng.

    Qiao Nan was on the verge of a breakdown from seeing the drastic change in her three children.

    Not only had they gotten tan, but they had also lost much of their baby fat! Zhai Sheng was such a great father!

    Thankfully, the triplets had been in a great mental state when they returned. They had neverined or aired any grievances to Qiao Nan. Instead, they had even excitedly told Qiao Nan all about what they had learned throughout the week, and they had grown. They even proudly dered that they would be able to protect their mother very soon!

    To better protect their mother, they would have to return to the military with their father again so that they could undergo more training.

    The children¡¯s happiness was the most important.

    And their feelings determined Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude toward Zhai Sheng. If the children had returned crying, Zhai Sheng would definitely be sent to sleep in the study.

    Because Zhai Sheng had started throwing the three children into the military, they no longer needed Qiao Nan to take care of them every time they entered the mountains. Not only were they fast in climbing the mountains, but they even often handed Qiao Nan sticks to aid her or gave her a helping hand.

    At night, even San Bao was no longer afraid of those strange noises they heard in the mountains.

    At the age of five, the children had even started to sleep in their own separate rooms.

    But in the mountains, the children had no choice but to sleep with Qiao Nan given the limitations there.

    San Bao felt that she was all grown up and dared to sleep alone. With her mom, Da Bao, and Er Bao around her, there was no way she would be scared by all those sounds made by animals at night.

    San Bao was no longer a baby. She was a young adult!

    As such, it went without question that the three children naturally tagged alongside Qiao Nan and wanted to help her out when she was preparing for this activity.

    After arriving in the capital, Jiajia put all her efforts and focus on her younger siblings. Since her college entrance examination was over, Jiajia had no pressure on her for the time being. She could do whatever she liked without making any ns.

    There were two groups of people who had invited her out. It didn¡¯t seem right to reject her ssmates, and rejecting her mother was even worse.

    Jiajia gave it some thought and turned to her younger siblings, wanting them toe up with an idea for her.

    Jiajia had been in such a panic, or perhaps it was because she had been bewitched by her younger siblings. She couldn¡¯t even make up her own mind. How had shee up with the idea of getting her younger siblings to make a decision for her?

 Chapter 2469 - Ascertaining the Truth (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2469 - Ascertaining the Truth (1)</h4>

    Thankfully, the triplets weren¡¯t ordinary children, especially Da Bao. He looked at Sister Jiajia, who was in university, helplessly. ¡°Sister Jiajia, do you want to go to the mountains with us and our mom? There are a lot of older brothers and sisters in the mountains. Mom even said that we can do a lot of meaningful things.¡±

    As he said this, Da Bao sighed. ¡°Sister Jiajia, you¡¯re already a university student. Why are you still so childish and yful, always thinking about where to go? The three of us are five years old, but we are unlike you.¡±

    The three of them were still young. Why were they unlike Sister Jiajia, who was worried about where to have fun during the summer vacation?

    They were busy. After apanying their mom to deliver things to those older brothers and sisters, they even had to follow their dad to the army to train their bodies once they reached home.

    Coupled with the school assignments and tasks that their mom assigned them, they were so busy. How would they have the time to think about where to have fun?

    Sister Jiajia was already an adult. What should she do in the future if she was still yful?

    After being berated by Da Bao, not only was Jiajia not angry, but she evenughed. ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ve really broken Da Bao¡¯s heart. Since Da Bao invited me, shall I go and do good deeds with you?¡±

    Oh, her younger brothers and sister were so ¡®motivated¡¯. She only knew where to travel. Byparison, she was really useless.

    Alright, since there was such a rare chance, she would follow her younger brothers and sister to do some meaningful things that wouldn¡¯t be a waste of time this summer vacation.

    ¡°Oh, right. Sister Jiajia, Mom said before that while we are doing good deeds, it¡¯s best not to say too much. We should do more and say less. Otherwise, those older brothers and sisters would feel ufortable in their hearts.¡±

    Da Bao added a reminder.

    Jiajiaughed out loud. Da Bao was really worried about how unreliable she was.

    No matter what, she was someone who was at their age once. Would she not understand how they would feel?

    There was no need for Da Bao to say that. She knew her limits. ¡°Little Da Bao, is there anything else you would like to remind me about or get me to pay attention to? Don¡¯t worry. I will definitely remember the words you said and try my best not to do anything wrong. Of course, if I really do anything wrong, please feel free to correct me anytime. Is this alright?¡±

    The little Da Bao was happy to be trusted by Sister Jiajia. He puffed his chest and quietly said, ¡°Sister Jiajia, don¡¯t worry. I will definitely take care of you well and not let you make any mistakes.¡±

    Under the three children¡¯s lead, Jiajia began to follow Qiao Nan around.

    At first, Jiajia didn¡¯t feel much.

    It was onlyter when Jiajia saw many thank-you letters sent to Qiao Nan from the children in the mountains who received Qiao Nan¡¯s help did Jiajia feel that what she had done was meaningful.

    Then, such a feeling escted when Jiajia received a thank-you letter directed to her.

    Initially, Jiajia felt that she had lost her goal after the college entrance examinations and didn¡¯t know what she wanted to do in the future.

    However, after reading that letter, Jiajia had a preliminary idea in her heart. Then, she moved step by step in this direction.

    As said before, Jiajia was not a three-year-old child. She had her own judgment and decision-making power.

    When Zhai Hua realized her daughter¡¯s n, it was toote. She could only watch helplessly as Qiao Nan ¡®abducted¡¯ Jiajia away.

    She had worked so hard to create everything for Jiajia, but Jiajia didn¡¯t cherish it.

    Jiajia was more willing to stay by Qiao Nan¡¯s side and learn how to do charity. Jiajia had considered it well. After she graduated from university, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t be young anymore. She also had to be concerned about the triplets¡¯ high school entrance examinations and college entrance examinations.

    By then, she could be her aunt¡¯s right-hand man and help her manage everything. That way, her aunt¡¯s charity wouldn¡¯t be disturbed by anyone or anything and could go on.

    In short, Jiajia decided to be Qiao Nan¡¯s sessor. She wanted to uphold Qiao Nan¡¯s attitude as a human being and make small contributions to society and the people.

    She wasn¡¯t going after status or profits. She would just do her best.

    It was because of this that Zhai Hua looked at Qiao Nan as if she was an enemy. Yes, an enemy. She was the enemy who snatched her daughter away. She was the enemy who snatched her sessor away.

    Every time Zhai Hua used this topic to use her, Qiao Nan could neitherugh nor cry. She didn¡¯t know how she should respond to Zhai Hua.

    Could she say that she didn¡¯t do anything? Da Bao was the one who ¡®did a good deed¡¯ by introducing this to her. She didn¡¯t mention anything to Jiajia or influence her with any words.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, I still think that your usation of me is untrue. I¡¯m innocent. I didn¡¯t do anything. If there¡¯s really no other way, snatch Jiajia back?¡±

    She was not willing to be the scapegoat.

    It was really hard for her to say in a few words how Sister Zhai Hua looked at her every day.

    Zhai Hua snorted proudly. ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying this now? You know Jiajia¡¯s temper as well. She won¡¯t listen to me. She only listens to you. Furthermore, didn¡¯t you give birth to Da Bao? Aren¡¯t the words that Da Bao said to Jiajia the same words that you said to Da Bao? You¡¯re still the culprit.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was speechless. She really couldn¡¯t say anything about Zhai Hua¡¯s usation. She even felt that Zhai Hua¡¯s words weren¡¯t wrong at all.

    Could it be that she really snatched Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter away?

    ¡°Don¡¯t struggle. Da Bao¡¯s your son. As his aunt, I can¡¯t settle scores with him. I would naturally settle scores with you, his biological mother. A mother should pay a son¡¯s debt. Have you heard of this before?¡±

    Zhai Hua was very happy since it was rare that Qiao Nan was speechless.

    Didn¡¯t Qiao Nan snatch her daughter away? So what if she was bullying Qiao Nan? She had to save herself some face in this family.

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. You made this up, right?¡± Qiao Nan¡¯s lips twitched. She wasn¡¯t well-educated, but that didn¡¯t mean that she had a low IQ. Zhai Hua was bullying others based on her high educational qualifications. That was distasteful.

    ¡°Hua Hua, are you bullying Nan Nan again because of Jiajia?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Zhai Hua rolled her eyes and threw Qiao Nan a look as if asking, ¡°Is this old woman my biological mother or your biological mother?¡±

    Qiao Nan smiled in return as if saying, ¡°Even if she is your biological mother, she is my mother-inw. There¡¯s the word ¡®mother¡¯ either way. What is the difference?¡±

    It¡¯s confirmed. Zhai Hua was the one her own biological mother picked up, whereas Qiao Nan was the biological daughter.

    ¡°Mom, why are you up? Have you rested enough?¡±

 Chapter 2470 - Ascertaining the Truth (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2470 - Ascertaining the Truth (2)</h4>

    Zhai Hua walked over to help Miao Jing, but thetter avoided her impatiently. ¡°Although I¡¯m already in my seventies, I can still walk on my own.¡±

    The older one was, the more one behaved like children.

    Following Jiajia¡¯s enrollment into a university in the capital, the Zhai family¡¯s reunion happened in the capital.

    Such a life wasplete for Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui, and both of them had no other demands.

    Besides, there was something that the entire Zhai family didn¡¯t know about, but only Miao Jing did.

    Two years ago, after overhearing the conversation between Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng, thest shackle in Miao Jing¡¯s heart fell to the ground, giving Miao Jing a different mood and feeling.

    After calming down, Miao Jing was no longer as restless as before. She also no longer had an inexplicable sense of urgency in her heart.

    In the blink of an eye, two years had passed. Although her body wasn¡¯t particrly strong, it wasn¡¯t weak either. She didn¡¯t go to the hospital and rarely took medicine.

    Now, Miao Jing was no longer anxious. Like before, she still loved the triplets and Jiajia and wanted to see the growth of these four children as much as possible.

    She no longer insisted on things and became happy-go-lucky.

    She would live as long as she could and look at these four children as much as possible. Take it that she earned it.

    She wasn¡¯t making a loss but earning instead. In that case, why did she have to struggle so much and be at odds with herself?

    Aside from the four children, Miao Jing ced importance on Zhai Yaohui in her heart once again.

    As a woman who valued her husband, the time spent by his side naturally couldn¡¯t be short.

    Her grandchildren were obedient, and her husband was caring and considerate. He even wanted to make up for the lost time in their youth. Miao Jing suddenly realized that her life couldn¡¯t be more blessed.

    As for Qi Min whom she was once so jealous of, looking back today, she was also a pitiful person.

    Even though the Zhai family didn¡¯t pay attention to the Qiu family¡¯s matters, news would still travel to the Zhai family through various channels.

    The person who knew about everything the earliest was always Zhai Hua.

    There was no choice. Among so many people in the Zhai family, only Zhai Hua had ¡®mingled¡¯ well. She had all kinds of friends around her, and they were well-informed. As long as Zhai Hua wanted to know about something, they could find out for her.

    A few years ago, Qiu Qin was shameless. He brought the son his mistress gave birth to to find a job and said that he was Zhai Sheng¡¯s nephew.

    Back then, Zhai Hua was still in Ping Cheng. How would she allow Qiu Qin to be so presumptuous?

    Among the people in this circle, only quite a few in Ping Cheng didn¡¯t know why Zhai Sheng would divorce Qiu Chenxi.

    Based on this situation, only Qiu Qin, who was at his wits¡¯ end, and the son his mistress gave birth to, who was extremely thick-skinned to say that Zhai Sheng was his uncle, would do such a thing.

    Without Zhai Hua making a move, how would this son of Qiu Qin be able to find a good job, let alone be an official again?

    Thankfully, Qiu Qin really liked his son. He spent quite a lot of money on him since he was young to groom him.

    This person was slightly capable. However, he was unlucky to have Qiu Qin, a father who only knew how to do his son in.

    He didn¡¯t need to think about being a national civil servant or official. However, as long as it wasn¡¯t a state-owned enterprise and he wasn¡¯t picky about his career, this person would still be able to find a job and earn money so that he could survive.

    However, this also meant that Qiu Qin¡¯s family would leave the national political sphere forever and could only lead an honest life in the future.

    When his dream of being an official was broken, how would Qiu Qin be happy even though he had both a son and a grandson? He missed the days when he had not yet gotten a divorce with Qi Min and Qiu Chenxi was still a daughter he was proud of.

    Qiu Qin finally realized that no matter how good a son was, he wasn¡¯t as good as being an official.

    He wasn¡¯t an emperor who had to pass his throne to his son and grandson. As long as the Qiu family could return to its original state and he could continue being an official, he¡¯d rather not have a son or a grandson.

    Having Qiu Chenxi as a daughter alone wasn¡¯t a bad thing.

    If he was given another chance, he would definitely not take this old path again. He would cherish Qi Min and work together to raise Qiu Chenxi well so that she could grab hold of Zhai Sheng as his son-inw.

    No one could understand how Qiu Qin died.

    Qiu Qin wasn¡¯t ill, so it was impossible that he died from an illness. However, no one harmed him either.

    If it was said that he passed away because of old age, then there were a lot of people older than him who were living well.

    In this lifetime, Qiu Qin had slept with Qi Min on the same bed but had different dreams. However, when it came to death, it was as if the couple had discussed prior that they were going to leave on the same night.

    Different from Qiu Qin, no one was surprised that Qi Min died.

    Before Qi Min got a divorce from Qiu Qin, she wasn¡¯t very well and was always ill.

    It was because of her poor health condition that she didn¡¯t hesitate and promised to divorce Qiu Qin and give her position to the mistress when he showed up with her and his son.

    There was no other reason. She was in poor health and didn¡¯t have the energy or physical strength to kick up a fuss.

    Qiu Chenxi was already in her forties. She was divorced once and didn¡¯t have a child by her side. She also didn¡¯t have a new boyfriend, so it was very likely that she wouldn¡¯t have a child of her own in the future.

    This daughter was simply someone that Qi Min couldn¡¯t bear to let go of.

    In order to take care of Qiu Chenxi, Qi Min wanted to live for a few more days and arrange the days of her daughter well so that even when she wasn¡¯t around, she could still lead a good life. Only then would Qi Min feel at ease and leave this world peacefully.

    They were really sisters.

    Shi Qing was in good health. It was just that she didn¡¯t want to get married. She was tired of people calcting against her and didn¡¯t want to ce her feelings on a man at this age. Thus, she adopted a child.

    After knowing that Shi Qing did so, Qi Min thought for a while and also encouraged Qiu Chenxi to adopt a child who was still drinking milk.

    If she raised such a child up, and as long as the child wasn¡¯t told that he or she was adopted, he or she would treat Qiu Chenxi as his or her biological mother.

    Under Qi Min¡¯s support, Qiu Chenxi adopted a daughter.

    Why a daughter and not a son?

    It was because Qiu Qin liked sons. Because of this, he drove her, the daughter, out of the house for his mistress¡¯ son.

    Since this was the case, she wanted to raise a daughter more than a son. She wanted to be apletely different person from Qiu Qin.

 Chapter 2471 - Seeing Is Believing (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2471 - Seeing Is Believing (3)</h4>

    In the blink of an eye, Qiu Chenxi had raised the child such that she could run around and even call Qiu Chenxi ¡®mom¡¯ and Qi Min ¡®grandma¡¯.

    Seeing that her daughter had truly put her past behind her and that Qiu Chenxi wouldn¡¯t be too sad even if she were to leave because she had thepany of this child, Qi Min very quickly lost her will to live and left on the very same night as Qiu Qin.

    Upon finding out about this situation, Qiu Chenxi had no response at all. She simply said that it was such a coincidence that both of them had passed away on the same night.

    Yes, it had truly been a coincidence.

    But there were some who wanted to watch a good show and thus stirred up rumors, making it seem as though it had been more than a coincidence.

    However, Qiu Chenxi denied and ignored everything and simply conducted a funeral for Qi Min.

    Even though Qiu Qin was her father, Qiu Chenxi did not attend his funeral.

    Why?

    Qiu Qin was Qiu Chenxi¡¯s father, but wasn¡¯t Qi Min Qiu Chenxi¡¯s mother?

    Even if she didn¡¯t return to Ping Cheng to help out, Qiu Qin would still have his son and grandson to mourn for him, at the very least. If Qiu Chenxi didn¡¯t care about Qi Min, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone who would conduct Qi Min¡¯s funeral.

    Besides, hadn¡¯t Qiu Qin always favored his son and grandson instead of his daughter?

    What was the point of Qiu Chenxi going then? Should Qiu Qin have to see his most hated daughter even in death? Not turning up was being filial to him.

    No one could rebuke Qiu Chenxi when she put it in this way. After all, Qiu Chenxi had only spoken the truth.

    Qiu Chenxi had not even turned up for Qiu Qin¡¯s funeral. Of course, there was no way Qiu Chenxi would treat his mistress¡¯ family like her kin after his death either.

    Qiu Qin had been broke, but Qi Min had left behind quite a substantial sum of money for Qiu Chenxi.

    In the end, Qiu Chenxi had taken both her child and money and left Mo Du. No one knew where Qiu Chenxi had moved to. That was why the mistress¡¯ family couldn¡¯t even contact her stepdaughter, Qiu Chenxi, for help when she ran out of money since she had no idea where to find Qiu Chenxi.

    After learning of the situation, Zhai Hua still maintained her silence and never mentioned Qiu Chenxi in front of Qiao Nan.

    Even though nothing had happened in the three years while Zhai Sheng had been married to Qiu Chenxi, it remained a fact that Qiu Chenxi was Zhai Sheng¡¯s first wife.

    However, as Zhai Sheng¡¯s sister, Zhai Hua was pleased that Qiu Chenxi was smart enough not to disrupt Zhai Sheng¡¯s life now after learning that nothing good woulde after cheating on Zhai Sheng.

    Although she was concerned about Zhai Sheng¡¯s matters, Zhai Hua could not care less about Wei De, who had had no choice but to give up on settling down in Ping Cheng and had returned to his hometown.

    She only cared about two points. Firstly, Wei De would never get to appear in front of her in the future. Secondly, Wei De would never have the chance to harass Jiajia again.

    Whether Wei De was living well or not was none of the Zhai family¡¯s business. The Wei family had to deal with it themselves.

    At the thought of that, Zhai Hua¡¯s expression stiffened and her tone was no longer as light as before.

    ¡°Sister Zhai Hua, what¡¯s wrong? Are you really angry at me because of Jiajia¡¯s matters?¡± Qiao Nan had known all along that Zhai Hua¡¯s so-called anger was no more than a joke. That was why she had not treated her seriously.

    But the moment Zhai Hua¡¯s expression changed, Qiao Nan could sense that something was amiss.

    Zhai Hua brushed her hair back. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just thought of a problem in my business and was out of it for a while. Since Jiajia has already decided to go down your path, I¡¯ll need to make more money, much more than the Zhu family¡¯s wealth. Otherwise, how else will she be able to continue with her charitable actions? It¡¯s really difficult being a good mom.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Qiao Nan was too embarrassed to tell her that Jiajia meant to help her out. That included managing the finances for the charitable activities.

    In other words, if Jiajia needed any money, she could simply let her know. As a mother, Zhai Hua wouldn¡¯t even have a chance to act as an ATM to her daughter.

    Thinking about Zhai Hua¡¯s temper, Qiao Nan wisely chose not to let Zhai Hua know about this at that moment. She would eventually realize that sooner orter.

    Even letting her know a few dayster would mean a few more days of peace for Zhai Hua.

    ¡°Oh right, have you guys picked out a primary school for the triplets? Don¡¯t dy it too much. Otherwise, you guys might not even make a decision before school starts.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Qiao Nan felt more assured talking about her own children. ¡°We still have two years to pick one out. They¡¯ll still have to sit for a test after that. It¡¯s not so easy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy!¡± Miao Jing disagreed. ¡°Our triplets are so smart. If they can¡¯t even get into a school of their choice, other children had better not think of entering. Nan Nan, being excessively humble is also prideful.¡±

    Miao Jing wasn¡¯t being proud, but not only were their three children smart and inquisitive, but they also grew up in a different environment with a mom like Qiao Nan.

    With the country¡¯s development, it was no longer umon to see foreigners with blue eyes and blonde hair all over the country.

    Of course, central areas like the capital were not spared.

    Every time they met foreigners on the streets, the three children were especially bold and would run up to them to chat with them. They were so fluent that it stunned even passersby.

    They were all grown up, but they couldn¡¯t even understand what a five-year-old was saying. How embarrassing!

    That was when a lot of people realized that the Zhai family¡¯s three children were just as fluent in English as they were in Mandarin. They had no difficultiesmunicating with foreigners!

    No one doubted that the three children would be able to find their way around even if they were left on the streets overseas.

    They were impressive indeed.

    It was even more apparent since they were in awe of a five-year-old child.

    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but ask Miao Jing whom the Zhai family had hired to teach their three children. It seemed like the teacher had high standards and was much better than average ones.

    At that time, Miao Jing had proudly announced to her neighbors that they hadn¡¯t even hired a foreignnguage teacher. It was their mother, Qiao Nan, who had taught the children English.

    In fact, when the triplets had met foreigners asking for directions when they were only three, they had already been able to use their chubby little hands to point them in the right direction.

    At that time, the triplets had still been young and no one had witnessed that, so Miao Jing hadn¡¯t bothered to exin to her neighbors just how smart and excellent her three grandchildren were.

 Chapter 2472 - Unable To Say (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2472 - Unable To Say (1)</h4>

    After all, seeing was believing.

    Now that they had personally witnessed it, Miao Jing finally proved to everyone just how outstanding the three children were. There was not a single school that wouldn¡¯t admit their children, not even international kindergartens.

    In fact, there were two international kindergartens that had been desperate for the triplets to be their students because of how outstanding they were when they were just three years old.

    While others fought to get into top schools, her grandchildren could simply take their pick.

    Humph. Did they finally understand why the Zhai family was humble and never liked to brag?

    All credit went to the children¡¯s mother for bringing up such outstanding children. Apart from inheriting the Zhu family¡¯s assets, Nan Nan had many good points of her own. They had never needed the Zhu family¡¯s assets to reflect Qiao Nan¡¯s worth.

    What was Miao Jing most proud of in the past few years?

    There were two things.

    Firstly, boasting about how outstanding and excellent the four children of the Zhai family were. After talking about the three children, she had to talk about Jiajia, who was a student of Peking University.

    Secondly, it was all thanks to her daughter-inw, Qiao Nan, that her four grandchildren were all so smart and intelligent.

    Even Jiajia, the Peking University student, was nurtured by her daughter-inw.

    Although Jiajia had note up top in her cohort, she had stille in second and had even scored full marks in English. It was her daughter-inw, Qiao Nan, who had guided her.

    Her daughter-inw was truly a great English teacher!

    Her four grandchildren were proof of that!

    Amazing!

    The audience was also helpless at how Miao Jing praised her daughter-inw endlessly.

    Initially, no one had taken Miao Jing¡¯s words to heart when she had first praised her daughter-inw in this manner. After all, everyone knew that kids could grow up astray no matter how well-behaved they were while they were still young.

    But now, not only had the triplets not gone astray, but Jiajia, who had gained entry to Peking University, hadn¡¯t either.

    Alright, was Qiao Nan the one who had raised these four brilliant children? She was amazing!

    So, could Qiao Nan help teach their children as well? Their children weren¡¯t doing very well in English.

    Miao Jingughed. She was sorry but her grandchildren were only five. They were still young and couldn¡¯t be apart from their mother. Nan Nan was still busy. Her neighbors had better get foreignnguage teachers. After all, they had much higher educational qualifications.

    If they were topare their husbands, she would win.

    If they were topare their sons, she would win.

    If they were topare their grandsons, she would win.

    If they wanted topare their daughters-inw?

    She was sorry, but she would still win.

    As the biggest winner in life, Miao Jing felt as though she was getting more energetic by the day.

    Initially, no one had believed that Qiao Nan was as good as Miao Jing had described her to be. But even if Jiajia¡¯s college entrance examination results had been a coincidence, it couldn¡¯t be a coincidence that the triplets were so outstanding as well. It was impossible that the school teachers alone had nurtured them in this way.

    It wasn¡¯t as though the Zhai family¡¯s three children were the only ones in that school. But there were no other students who were as brilliant as the triplets!

    Since there was no difference in the school they attended and the teachers they had, the only difference had to be having a father like Zhai Sheng and a mother like Qiao Nan.

    Everyone could see the situations of the four children as clear as day. If they still denied it, they would probably beughingstocks.

    In other words, if Qiao Nan was truly capable, they could simply pay Qiao Nan to teach their own children as well.

    To be honest, it was their money, so why couldn¡¯t they give it to Qiao Nan? What mattered was that the person who took their money would be able to help their children.

    Unfortunately, no matter how much they wanted Qiao Nan to help their children, Miao Jing didn¡¯t even have any intention of asking Qiao Nan on their behalf. In fact, Miao Jing had even rejected them outright.

    In the very beginning, who hadughed at the Zhai family for being foolish for getting a daughter-inw like Qiao Nan?

    They had been the ones!

    Now that they knew how good Qiao Nan was, they acted like bees attracted to honey and rushed over. But the Zhai family couldn¡¯t care less. There was no room for discussion on this matter.

    No matter how rich their families were, or how much power they wielded, they had better just look elsewhere. Qiao Nan was a mother of three. She had enough on her hands just taking care of her own children, much less other children.

    Qiao Nan never wanted to take on the responsibility of teaching other families¡¯ children. She only taught her own children out of care and concern for them. Who would be so noble to neglect their own children to take care of other families¡¯ children? Only a fool would do so.

    Since Qiao Nan was not a teacher, no one could do anything no matter how much they wanted her to be one. They couldn¡¯t possibly kidnap Qiao Nan and force her into submission.

    But one day, Qiao Nan suddenly received a letter. Seeing the unfamiliar handwriting on the envelope, Qiao Nan had no idea who would have sent her such a letter.

    More importantly, in a technologically advanced society, there were many other ways ofmunication. No one really used such an old-fashioned way ofmunicating through snail mail anymore.

    Even though she had no idea who had sent her the letter, Qiao Nan couldn¡¯t help but open it to see who had contacted her through such an old-fashioned method.

    When she saw how the person addressed her, Qiao Nan realized that it was from another child whom she had once taken care of, Chen Feng.

    There was only one child in the world who addressed Qiao Nan as ¡®younger auntie¡¯. That was Chen Feng.

    After reading through Chen Feng¡¯s letter, Qiao Nan took out her phone and sent a message to the number on the letter.

    Within seconds, Qiao Nan received a reply, asking to meet Qiao Nan at a specific location and time.

    When Qiao Nan thought about Chen Feng, she no longer felt much. She had already let go of her grudges toward Ding Jiayi, let alone Chen Feng, who was innocent.

    When she arrived at the cafe, she caught sight of a young man who bore some resemnce to Chen Jun. Qiao Nan felt a little uneasy. Of course, that was because of Chen Jun, and not Chen Feng.

    ¡°Younger Auntie.¡± Chen Feng hadn¡¯t met Qiao Nan in a few years, but he had managed to recognize his favorite auntie in just one nce. ¡°Younger Auntie, take a look at the menu and see what you would like to drink.¡±

    Qiao Nan sighed and ordered a random drink after sitting down. ¡°Xiao Feng, congrattions on getting into a university in the capital. It¡¯s a rare opportunity. I hope you¡¯ll cherish it.¡±

 Chapter 2473 - Unable To Say (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2473 - Unable To Say (2)</h4>

    ¡°I understand.¡± Chen Feng smiled bitterly. His grandparents had told him all about the resentment and grudges between those of the previous generation before he had left to live with his mom.

    Chen Feng knew the elderly couple had told him about their son¡¯s disgraceful past not to ruin their son¡¯s image in their grandson¡¯s heart, but because they hoped that their grandson would understand Qiao Zijin and not be led astray or cheated by Qiao Zijin.

    They had always felt that Qiao Zijin would never harm Chen Feng since he was her only son.

    But as Qiao Zijin¡¯s ex-parents-inw, they were even clearer that Qiao Zijin was filled with warped ideas.

    Sometimes, she didn¡¯t even realize that she was leading Chen Feng astray and that her teaching would eventually harm him.

    To prevent that from happening, Father and Mother Chen had no choice but to let their grandson handle everything at such a young age.

    They had no other choice. They didn¡¯t have much more time to spend with their grandson, and this was the only thing they could do for him before he left.

    There was another thing that Father and Mother Chen were worried about.

    After Qiao Nan married Zhai Sheng, she became the chief¡¯s wife.

    Even though Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had never tried to take revenge on them, the Chen family was still afraid that it was bound to happen one day.

    It was the Chen family that had wronged Qiao Nan in the first ce, but Chen Feng might very well try to deal with Qiao Nan under Qiao Zijin¡¯s guidance.

    Even a saint wouldn¡¯t be able to bear with it, much less Qiao Nan.

    To protect their only grandson, Father and Mother Chen had no choice but to be brutally honest with Chen Feng about the truth, even if that meant that Chen Jun¡¯s image would be entirely ruined in Chen Feng¡¯s mind.

    They had no other choice. Since they hadn¡¯t managed to protect their son, they had to protect their grandson, at the very least. They couldn¡¯t possibly watch their grandson dig his own grave by trying to deal with Qiao Nan.

    What Father and Mother Chen didn¡¯t know was that Chen Feng had always had special feelings for Qiao Nan. He felt that mothers should be like Qiao Nan and not treat him the way Qiao Zijin treated him.

    When he saw Qiao Nan, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t hide the envy and regret in his eyes. Why was his mother Qiao Zijin and not Qiao Nan?

    ¡°Auntie, thank you. You don¡¯t have to worry about me. I¡¯m all grown up and can take care of myself well.¡± No matter what his mother told him, he would never be influenced by her or look upon his auntie as the bad guy.

    Chen Feng was utterly grateful that his grandparents had been truthful with him before he had left.

    In these two years, Chen Feng had realized that his grandparents¡¯ worries weren¡¯t unfounded. As long as he was at home and not studying, the conversation between him and his mom would never stray from his auntie. But his mom had never once praised his auntie.

    Thankfully, he already knew about the truth. Otherwise, given his distant memories of his auntie from the past, as well as his mother¡¯s constant brainwashing, he would have started hating his auntie, feeling as though his auntie had ruined their family¡¯s happiness.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan could only reply curtly.

    Qiao Nan had no idea why Chen Feng wanted to meet her today, but it didn¡¯t feel right for her to speak up first. As such, she simply waited for Chen Feng to do so.

    Chen Feng smiled bitterly. Was his auntie really afraid of his family because of his parents? ¡°Auntie, my mom is in Ping Cheng. She won¡¯te to the capital. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t lived with Qiao Zijin for a long time. After all, he lived in the high school dormitory. They had probably lived together for no more than three months altogether.

    Perhaps, one might ask why it wouldn¡¯t even be three months since there were summer and winter vacations.

    But Chen Jun was still well and alive, and Father and Mother Chen were still taking care of Chen Jun. On weekends, Chen Feng usually didn¡¯t have the time or energy to visit them.

    But when it came to long vacations, he naturally headed home to visit them.

    Qiao Zijin had tried to stop Chen Feng from going, but Chen Feng was all grown up and was even taller and more muscr than Qiao Zijin. There was no way she could stop him.

    Thankfully, Chen Feng knew his limits. Besides, Father and Mother Chen had reluctantly allowed Qiao Zijin to take Chen Feng away so that he could be shielded from the rumors and grow up in a new environment without Chen Jun¡¯s influence.

    Father and Mother Chen were already ted that their grandson was filial enough to visit them during his holidays.

    Father and Mother Chen weren¡¯t even certain how long more Chen Jun would be able to live, or whether they would have good fortune and wouldn¡¯t need to send their own son off.

    Even when Chen Feng came to visit, Father and Mother Chen would always ask Chen Feng to watch Chen Jun from afar, not allowing him to get near.

    They had to take all precautions.

    All of the Chen family¡¯s hopes were on Chen Feng alone. Father and Mother Chen wouldn¡¯t allow anything to go wrong with their grandson. They couldn¡¯t take such a blow.

    Knowing that Father and Mother Chen took care of Chen Feng and took all precautions so that Chen Jun wouldn¡¯t spread that dirty disease to Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to let Chen Feng visit them no matter how displeased she was.

    But every time Chen Feng returned from visiting Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin would confirm several times that Chen Feng had indeed not touched Chen Jun or any of his things.

    Chen Feng knew what Qiao Zijin was afraid of. He wasn¡¯t going to gamble his youth away either. Every time he visited, Chen Feng took care of his grandparents and tried to lessen their load.

    Father and Mother Chen had never had any intention of letting Chen Feng touch any of Chen Jun¡¯s things.

    Hearing Chen Feng say that, Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude eventually softened.

    As long as the Chen family didn¡¯t harm Chen Feng and he wouldn¡¯t bring anything dirty back to drag her down, there was no need for her to stop Chen Feng from being a filial son.

    Even while Chen Jun was in this state, Chen Feng was still willing to acknowledge Chen Jun as his father. Because of that, Qiao Zijin had all reason to believe that Chen Feng would never abandon her even when she grew old and was no longer able to take care of herself.

    Based on that logic, Qiao Zijin no longer tried to stop Chen Feng. After all, Chen Feng was Chen Jun¡¯s son too.

    The more filial Chen Feng was, the more reassured Qiao Zijin was. She no longer had to worry about her old age.

 Chapter 2474 - Unable To Say (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2474 - Unable To Say (3)</h4>

    That was why Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t put any effort into improving her rtionship with her son. They had already been living together for two years, but their rtionship was just like when Qiao Zijin had first brought Chen Feng back. In fact, they shared a rather distant rtionship.

    Feeling that his rtionship with Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t like one between a mother and her son, Chen Feng felt depressed. He wondered if he or Qiao Zijin was more miserable.

    To be honest, neither of their situations was better than the other¡¯s.

    Even though two years had passed, their rtionship had not improved for the better. In fact, Chen Feng had probably applied for a university in the capital to keep a distance from Qiao Zijin.

    Based on this alone, there was no way Chen Feng would have allowed Qiao Zijin to follow him to the capital.

    As a student, Chen Feng could stay in the school dormitory, which would be much cheaper than renting an apartment for himself.

    If Qiao Zijin were to follow him, Qiao Zijin¡¯s amodation would be a problem in itself.

    Upon hearing this problem, Qiao Zijin¡¯s first response was to look for Qiao Nan.

    Qiao Nan had already been living in the capital for so many years. Not only was she the daughter-inw of the Zhai family, but she also owned many properties under her name. There was nothing Qiao Nancked, especially not money.

    It was right to look for Qiao Nan as long as the problem could be settled with money.

    Hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s words, Chen Feng remained silent but stared straight at Qiao Zijin, so much so that Qiao Zijin felt guilt creeping up. ¡°Mom, it looks like it¡¯s quite useful to have a younger brother or sister around. Why didn¡¯t you and Dad give me a younger sibling? Actually, you¡¯re in quite good health now. You still have time to give birth to one now.¡±

    Based on what his mom was saying, he wouldn¡¯t even need to attend university as long as he had a younger sibling. He could simply wait for his younger sibling to grow up and leech onto him or her for the rest of his life.

    ¡°Feng Feng, how could you say that? I¡¯m your mom. Qiao Nan¡¯s just an outsider to you. How could you favor an outsider instead of someone on your side?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t she only trying to save her son money by mentioning Qiao Nan when it came to money?

    If she spent Qiao Nan¡¯s money, Feng Feng would be able to save his money.

    She wholeheartedly thought about her son, but why couldn¡¯t he see that?

    She was his mom. Everything she did was for his good. Feng Feng was still young and didn¡¯t understand how miserable it was to be without money.

    ¡°Feng Feng, you have to listen to Mom on this matter. Your younger auntie¡¯s conditions are exceptionally good. She won¡¯t ever be able to finish spending her money in this lifetime. That little bit of money we take from her won¡¯t impact her in the slightest bit. Do you think your mom would ask for something beyond her capabilities? I won¡¯t ask her to die just so I can live.¡±

    She thought that Chen Feng had no understanding of Qiao Nan¡¯s situation and didn¡¯t know that Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t even blink with that sum of money gone.

    So, why should she help Qiao Nan save money?

    She couldn¡¯t bring this wealth with her when she died. It was better to spend it all while she was still alive.

    If she helped Qiao Nan spend it, Qiao Nan would be at less of a loss and could live a better life in her next lifetime. What was wrong with that?

    ¡°I¡¯m living in the dormitory.¡± Chen Feng didn¡¯t try to rebuke her. He knew that his mom¡¯s mind would never change even though he had all the reasons.

    That was what his grandparents had told him. In the past years, Chen Feng had personally witnessed several times just how ¡®special¡¯ his mom, Qiao Zijin, was.

    ¡°Do as you wish. Just settle your own matters if you really want to go to the capital.¡±

    ¡°Are you really agreeing to let me follow you to the capital?¡±

    Although Qiao Zijin hardly spent any time with her son over the past two years, she was no longer willing to be apart from him.

    To put it bluntly, Chen Feng was going to the capital for his studies. But what if he decided that he no longer wanted to return to Ping Cheng after graduating?

    To her, her home was wherever her son was.

    Of course, she would simply follow her son back if he decided that he no longer wanted to live in the capital, even if it would be harder for her.

    This matter was easy to resolve.

    ¡°I already said that you¡¯re a grown person. No one can stop you from doing what you want. Suit yourself. You know my situation. Mom, if you think that you¡¯ll be able to survive in the capital, you can go ahead. I¡¯ll visit you during my vacations.¡±

    Moving to the capital and settling there wasn¡¯t something one could do just through talk alone.

    Chen Feng had repeatedly heard about how difficult it was to be a Beijing drifter.

    His mother might have an average family background, but she had good fortune. She had never needed to work hard in her whole life. Everything hade to her so easily and naturally. That was why she never ever stopped to think that it wouldn¡¯t be so easy to do so.

    His grandparents had already told him that his younger auntie was no longer the same person as before.

    His mom¡¯s ideas meant nothing. What was important was his younger auntie¡¯s attitude.

    She had married an impressive husband and had even given the Zhai family two sons and a daughter. In that way, Qiao Nan had much better fortune than Qiao Zijin.

    Even a fool had toe to his senses one day.

    With her three children, Qiao Nan had the entire world. There was no need for her to even consider the existence of a mere Qiao Zijin.

    That was why the rtionship between Qiao Zijin and Qiao Nan had changed a long time ago.

    No matter how much of a fuss Qiao Zijin kicked up, that would be her own business. Chen Feng wasn¡¯t going to join in and dig a grave for her. That way, Qiao Nan wouldn¡¯t me him for Qiao Zijin¡¯s nonsense either.

    After understanding that, Father and Mother Chen told Chen Feng that no one would be able to stop Qiao Zijin if she wanted to cause trouble for Qiao Nan and dig her own grave.

    All Chen Feng needed to do was to express his attitude that he would never stand on Qiao Zijin¡¯s side to bully Qiao Nan. Then, Chen Feng only had to live his own life while Qiao Zijin did whatever she wanted to Qiao Nan.

    Father and Mother Chen had been absolutely right about their ex-daughter-inw, Qiao Zijin. This meant that her image in Chen Feng¡¯s mind was utterly destroyed.

 Chapter 2475 - Mushy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2475 - Mushy (1)</h4>

    As such, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t even be bothered to waste his breath on Qiao Zijin. She could do whatever she wanted. He wouldn¡¯t try to stop her.

    But now that Chen Feng was no longer trying to stop her, Qiao Zijin felt a little uneasy. Since when had Feng Feng been this way?

    Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t suffer from Alzheimer¡¯s and knew that Chen Feng preferred his aunt, Qiao Nan, to his own mother.

    It was obvious that she wanted Qiao Nan to support her if she were to live in the capital. But Chen Feng had shown no response at all. What did that mean? Something seemed amiss.

    Not caring about how Qiao Zijin was now in a dilemma, Chen Feng returned to his room and packed his belongings, getting ready to move to the capital for his studies.

    It was only at thest minute when Chen Feng was about to purchase two tickets that Qiao Zijin suddenly regretted it. ¡°Feng Feng, you don¡¯t have to buy my ticket. I won¡¯t be going to the capital. Actually, I think it¡¯ll be better for me to remain here. I¡¯m familiar with the surroundings here. But Feng Feng, are you going to remain in the capital to establish your career, or¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll return to Ping Cheng.¡± If his grandparents were still alive at that time, he would bring them over and live with them.

    Of course, given his father¡¯s situation, it seemed like his father would no longer be around by the time he graduated.

    That was why Chen Feng could tell Qiao Zijin with certainty that he would return to Ping Cheng and that she had no reason to worry.

    ¡°Alright then. Feng Feng, remember to give me a call once you reach your school safely. And remember to study hard. Only with good results will you be able to find a good job in Ping Cheng. Mom will be waiting for you at home.¡±

    Thankfully, Qiao Zijin seemed to have regained her senses because of her son, Chen Feng, and could even sensibly remind Chen Feng to study hard to prove his worth.

    If she were in his position, Qiao Zijin would definitely say that it was useless to work hard. Anyway, she had an impressive sister like Qiao Nan.

    With Qiao Nan around, she could simply lie around and wait to be fed since Qiao Nan was so capable.

    ¡°Oh right, you won¡¯t have to worry about having any trouble finding a job after graduating. We have your younger auntie. There¡¯s nothing we won¡¯t be able to resolve.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Chen Feng had just thought of praising Qiao Zijin for being clear-headed.

    Who would have known that Qiao Zijin¡¯s next words would strike like lightning?

    Chen Feng, who had just been provoked by Qiao Zijin, couldn¡¯t help but admit that this woman in front of him was his mom indeed. He had no other choice.

    There were some things he should just let go of after hearing. It would be too tiring responding to everything she said.

    Aftering to a consensus, Chen Feng got on the bus to the capital with his admission notice. After a long day of travel, he finally arrived in the capital.

    Chen Feng had not met Qiao Nan, and neither had he had any contact with her throughout the past two years.

    But when Chen Feng arrived in the capital, he couldn¡¯t help but want to meet Qiao Nan since they were living in the same city.

    Thankfully, although Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t have Qiao Nan¡¯s address and couldn¡¯t contact Qiao Nan, she knew Qiao Nan¡¯s address at the very least.

    Chen Feng hadn¡¯t even needed to ask Qiao Zijin before he received Qiao Nan¡¯s address. ¡°Feng Feng, remember to find your younger auntie here if you have any problems you can¡¯t solve.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had been to the capital.

    It wasn¡¯t Qiao Zijin¡¯s first time trying to leech on Qiao Nan to stay in the capital.

    She still remembered how she had been to the capital before the Zhu family¡¯swsuit hade to an end.

    Although this had happened several years ago, there was no way she would forget about this matter no matter how bad her memory was.

    As such, the moment she finished speaking to Chen Feng, Qiao Zijin chose to have some time to herself. But the thought of the past upset her.

    Previous incidents proved that her younger sister, Qiao Nan, was exceptionally vicious.

    Even when she had been critically ill and had been hospitalized, Qiao Nan had never even visited her, much less footed the bill for her.

    Every time Qiao Zijin went to the capital, she intended to take advantage of Qiao Nan. Then, she would return home with a sum of money to spend.

    If not for the fifty thousand yuan that Wang Yang had given her, Qiao Zijin would have returned home even poorer. Not only had she not earned any money, but she had even spent her own money.

    Would Qiao Nan really agree to fork out money for her to rent an apartment or give her a living allowance if she were to go to the capital?

    It was too dangerous.

    What if Qiao Nan decided to get revenge on them if she were to kick up a fuss at the Zhai family¡¯s house and force Qiao Nan to agree to her terms?

    It didn¡¯t matter to her. She didn¡¯t think she stood to lose anything no matter how much Qiao Nan tried to get back at her.

    But Qiao Zijin had a weakness: her son, Chen Feng.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of what Qiao Nan would do to her, but if Qiao Nan were to try to deal with Chen Feng, his future might very well be ruined.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had to consider the dire consequences before acting rashly.

    Then, Qiao Zijin thought about how Ding Jiayi had never contacted her in the two years since moving away from the Qiao family¡¯s courtyard. Qiao Dongliang, who had moved out earlier, was no different from a dead person and had not contacted her either.

    Without the elderly couple with her, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t have to worry about giving them a living allowance since Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t be able to take a single cent of that.

    Qiao Nan knew that she was jobless and was living off her savings. Even in such a pitiful state, Qiao Nan had never been concerned about her, much less provided her with a living allowance. The moment Ding Jiayi moved away, Qiao Nan seemed to have disappeared from her world too.

    Qiao Nan never tried to contact her, and neither was she ever able to reach Qiao Nan again.

    It could be said that Qiao Zijin had lost all three closed ones at the same time, and only her son, Chen Feng, was left by her side.

    Otherwise, Qiao Zijin wouldn¡¯t have felt so insecure to insist on going to the capital with Chen Feng.

    Thankfully, Qiao Zijin finally calmed down. She couldn¡¯t afford to act rashly and provoke Qiao Nan for the sake of her son.

    Forget it. She would keep the peace. She didn¡¯t dare to touch Qiao Nan¡¯s money.

 Chapter 2476 - Mushy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2476 - Mushy (2)</h4>

    If she were to go to the capital with her son, it would cost her money to rent an apartment. Her meals incur expenses too. When added together, it was a significant sum.

    Qiao Nan wasn¡¯t willing to fork out money, and she couldn¡¯t possibly ask Chen Feng to pay for it. As a mother, she couldn¡¯t possibly ask her schooling son to pay for her expenses while shezed around at home.

    In front of Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi, Qiao Zijincked any sort of shame and normal worldviews.

    But Chen Feng was special. As long as it concerned Chen Feng and his money, Qiao Zijin¡¯s worldviews seemed to be much more normal.

    She couldn¡¯t spend Qiao Nan¡¯s money, wasn¡¯t willing to spend Chen Feng¡¯s money, and was reluctant to spend her own money.

    After giving it some thought, it seemed better for her to remain in Ping Cheng. At the very least, she had a roof over her head that belonged to Chen Feng. He wouldn¡¯t demand rent from his own mother.

    As for her meals, the cost of living in Ping Cheng was much lower than in the capital.

    Ever since Ding Jiayi moved away, Qiao Zijin had no choice but to learn to be independent, not just for her own sake but also for her son¡¯s. Over the past two years, Qiao Zijin had learned to cook and was no longer the same Qiao Zijin who relied solely on takeout.

    Indeed, Qiao Zijin had been living toofortably in the past. If forced into a corner, there was nothing Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t learn or do.

    Buying ingredients and whipping up meals at home saved a great deal of money.

    After making careful calctions, Qiao Zijin came to the conclusion of allowing Chen Feng to study alone in the capital after getting that promise from him.

    Even if Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t tired from her own antics, her son, Chen Feng, couldn¡¯t help but feel exhausted on her behalf.

    Money was impressive indeed. It had changed Qiao Zijin¡¯s mind entirely.

    Leaving Qiao Zijin behind, Chen Feng had headed to the capital alone and had written Qiao Nan a letter using the address he had gotten from Qiao Zijin. He had even included his own number in the letter so that it would be easier for Qiao Nan to contact him.

    What made Chen Feng feel bitter was that the first thing that came out of his mouth wasn¡¯t asking how his auntie, Qiao Nan, was. Instead, he had to reassure Qiao Nan that his mom wouldn¡¯t make her way to the capital.

    Chen Feng sighed. He didn¡¯t have any words for his mother anymore.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Nan replied with only a word. ¡°Your grandparents are intelligent.¡±

    Of course, Qiao Nan knew that it was all thanks to Father and Mother Chen that Chen Feng had lived with Qiao Zijin for the past two years and was still able to face her so calmly.

    As for whether the grateful one was Qiao Nan or Chen Feng, it was hard to say.

    ¡°Auntie, I¡¯m here to thank you. Thank you for giving me so much love and care while I was younger. And I¡¯m sorry for all the hurt that people around me caused you. Of course, you don¡¯t have to reply to me. It¡¯s just that I¡¯d feel bad not saying sorry. Lastly, you must live well and be happy.¡±

    That was Chen Feng¡¯s obsession.

    Up until today, Chen Feng felt that it was entirely Qiao Nan¡¯s credit that he hadn¡¯t grown up astray even with his parents¡¯ influence.

    It was because Qiao Nan had given him sufficient love and care and had guided him to the right path that he hadn¡¯t been negatively influenced by his parents.

    Qiao Nan smiled coldly. ¡°Xiao Feng, you¡¯re a good kid. I hope you¡¯ll remain this way and not go astray. It hasn¡¯t been easy persisting until today. Since you¡¯re all grown up and have your own ideas and beliefs, remember to hold firm to them. Don¡¯t be easily swayed by others.¡±

    By ¡®others¡¯, there was no doubt that it referred to Qiao Zijin, Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother.

    Apart from being excessively ambitious, Chen Jun was still rtively normal. Amongst everyone around Chen Feng, the most abnormal person was undoubtedly Qiao Zijin.

    It had truly not been easy for Chen Feng to grow up into the person he was today.

    It would be a pity for Chen Feng to be brought down by a rotten worm after blossoming into a healthy tree.

    Chen Feng was the first child that Qiao Nan had raised, after all, and Qiao Nan still had some feelings for him. ¡°You have my phone number. Keep it well and look for me if you face any problems in the capital.¡±

    Chen Feng should have looked for Chen Jun instead, but ever since he had caught that illness, he was no longer able to fulfill his duties as a father.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to do so butcked the brains and capabilities.

    If Chen Feng encountered any problems and sought advice from Qiao Zijin, it would probably make the situation even worse than how it started.

    In that way, the only one Chen Feng could depend on in case of trouble was his younger auntie, Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Auntie, I know you have three children. How do they look like?¡± Chen Feng had been trying to hold his curiosity in but could no longer do so. He wanted to meet the triplets.

    A few years ago, Chen Feng had been overjoyed when Chen Jun said that he was going to marry Qiao Nan.

    He was waiting for his younger auntie to give him a younger sibling after bing his mother once she married his father.

    Whether it was a boy or a girl, he would cherish them and take good care of them as an elder brother.

    In the end, he had indeed gotten younger brothers and a younger sister. Unfortunately, they were not Chens and were only his cousins.

    The blow of not having been an elder brother had been quite a heavy one to Chen Feng.

    Even if they weren¡¯t his biological siblings, they were still his cousins.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Thankfully, Qiao Nan was a good mother. She had no shortage of photos and videos of her three children on her phone.

    Whenever she ran out of storage on her phone, Qiao Nan would meticulously archive them ording to the years and transfer them onto herputer.

    That way, Qiao Nan had even more storage avable, so she could continue taking more photos and videos.

    ¡°They¡¯re all grown up! Are they in primary school?¡± Chen Feng was full of disbelief at the sight of the triplets¡¯ chubby faces. How could his younger siblings have grown up so quickly? He hadn¡¯t even seen them as babies sucking on milk!

    Chen Feng was full of regrets.

    While the triplets were still young, Chen Feng had been helpless and Chen Jun hadn¡¯t gotten into trouble yet. Even if Chen Feng wanted to, he had no way of getting in contact with Qiao Nan.

    Besides, because he had heard Father and Mother Chen talking about Qiao Nan, he had developed his own thoughts about her too.

 Chapter 2477 - Mushy (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2477 - Mushy (3)</h4>

    It wouldn¡¯t have been too good for him to have gotten in touch with Qiao Nan at that time. She would surely have gotten upset.

    Sigh. He had always thought that he would have plenty of time to do so after growing up. He had never expected his younger siblings to have grown up so quickly.

    ¡°They¡¯re still in kindergarten. After another year there, they¡¯ll be entering primary school.¡±

    At the mention of her three children, Qiao Nan¡¯s gaze and tone became exceptionally tender and loving.

    Stroking San Bao¡¯s face through the phone, Chen Feng let out a delighted smile. ¡°She looks exactly like you. She¡¯s just as pretty.¡± Her smile was as warm as the sunlight.

    Qiao Nan replied in annoyance, ¡°I gave birth to three children, but both Da Bao and Er Bao look just like their father, especially Da Bao. Er Bao resembled me while he was younger, but as he grew older, his face started to resemble his father¡¯s! Only San Bao¡¯s left now tofort me a little.¡±

    Qiao Nan was truly mad.

    She was the one who had carried the triplets for ten months and was the one who had given birth to them.

    After giving birth to them, she had spent much more time with them than Zhai Sheng had. The three children had practically seen her face all the time while growing up.

    But both her sons resembled Zhai Sheng, and only her daughter, San Bao, resembled her.

    Qiao Nan felt like she had been taken advantage of.

    With Er Bao as an example, Qiao Nan was afraid that San Bao would follow in Er Bao¡¯s footsteps as she grew older and would start to resemble her father as well.

    If that was the case, Qiao Nan felt that she would probably vomit blood.

    She knew that the Zhai family was strong and powerful. But did their genes have to be so domineering as well? Couldn¡¯t they leave a path for her too?

    At the mention of the triplets, Qiao Nan seemed to havepletely let herself go. Not only did she talk to Chen Feng about how obedient the triplets were but also about times when they angered her.

    As a mother, it was only natural for her to be full of praise for her children in front of others. She could probably go on for three days and three nights.

    Thankfully, Chen Feng was no ordinary young man and was especially patient at times like this.

    What pleased Qiao Nan was that Chen Feng was truly concerned about the triplets and wanted to know more about them. That was why he listened especially intently.

    One spoke with exhration while the other listened intently. They made a good pair together.

    Who would believe that this auntie and nephew hadn¡¯t met each other in six to seven years?

    By the time Qiao Nan finished and nced at her watch, two hours had already passed!

    Qiao Nan picked up her cup and took a sip of water. ¡°Feng Feng, it¡¯s time for me to pick your younger siblings up. If we have a chance in the future, we can meet up again, or you can bring your siblings to the park to y.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t trust Chen Jun or Qiao Zijin, much less Mother and Father Chen.

    But she was still willing to let Chen Feng interact with her three children. After all, she believed that a child whom she brought up wouldn¡¯t be anything like Chen Jun or Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Nan hoped that her decision wouldn¡¯t be wrong.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Chen Feng¡¯s eyes glimmered and he couldn¡¯t hide his excitement. ¡°Auntie, I should give my siblings something when I first meet them, right? Can you tell me what they like?¡±

    As the inheritor and owner of all of the Chen family¡¯s assets, Chen Feng had never revealed any of this in front of Qiao Zijin. He lived simply as though the Chen family had not left much to him.

    But Chen Feng was clear about how much money he actually had.

    To be honest, even if he didn¡¯t study or work, he had enough to support him throughout his life.

    It was just that Chen Feng didn¡¯t fancy a life like that. He preferred earning his keep through his own hard work. Only a life like that would be meaningful and worth living. Even if it was hard, it would be worth it.

    Besides, only when one went through hardships would one cherish good times.

    Chen Feng had chosen an entirely different path from the one Qiao Zijin wanted. He had never exposed himself in front of Qiao Zijin, but now that he was in front of Qiao Nan, he had no intention of hiding it.

    He had money and could afford to buy many toys for his younger siblings.

    ¡°Da Bao and Er Bao like guns while San Bao likes cars and pretty skirts.¡± San Bao was all grown up and wanted to act like a youngdy and wear dresses.

    After San Bao had learned to express her own thoughts, Qiao Nan had started to fill San Bao¡¯s closet with more pretty little skirts.

    Under Qiao Nan¡¯s guidance, San Bao understood that she had to act moredylike when she wore skirts and couldn¡¯t act too wildly. Otherwise, those skirts wouldn¡¯t look good on her.

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    It would be easy to purchase toys for Da Bao and Er Bao, but he would have to spend some effort on pleasing Lady San Bao.

    Thankfully, Chen Feng had seen San Bao¡¯s outfits in Qiao Nan¡¯s videos and took it to heart.

    Chen Feng felt that he wouldn¡¯t stray too far off and would be able to get his little sister to like him as long as he bought a present ording to San Bao¡¯s dressing in the video.

    Chen Feng had thorough ns, but reality threw him a curveball.

    It wasn¡¯t that the three children disliked the present that Chen Feng prepared for them. It was just that the three children only knew that they had an elder sister. They had no idea of the existence of an elder brother.

    The three children were extremely curious and interested in this elder brother, and they continuously pestered Qiao Nan with questions about how he looked like, whether he had a good temper, and whether he would like them.

    This was just like dering war on Jiajia.

    Where had this rascale from? How dare he steal her brothers¡¯ and sister¡¯s attention away from her?

    Jiajia was always kind to the triplets, and even Zhai Hua felt jealous at the mention of it. Now that there was Chen Feng vying for her younger siblings¡¯ attention, Jiajia pretty much treated the triplets like her ancestors so as to win their hearts.

    She had only toned down slightly because Qiao Nan had gotten angry over it.

    One was an elder brother whom they had never met, while the other was an elder sister who had watched them grow up and always yed with them and bought them things.

    Between the two, it went without saying that the three children rushed to Jiajia without any hesitation. The four children were so close that it seemed excessively mushy.

 Chapter 2478 - Wedding Things (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2478 - Wedding Things (1)</h4>

    In an instant, Jiajia was surrounded by three bundles of joy who were shouting out her name and hugging her. She was over the moon, so much so that Zhai Hua felt like punching her.

    Jiajia felt uneasy knowing that Qiao Nan was bringing the three children out to meet their elder brother, Chen Feng. The children hadn¡¯t even met him, and yet, they were already so curious about him. If she didn¡¯t do something, she would surely lose her position in the triplets¡¯ hearts.

    Her younger siblings meant the world to her. Nothing was more important in this world!

    Besides, they were both university students in the capital and had simr vacation schedules.

    Since Chen Feng was free, that meant that Jiajia was too.

    They both lived in the capital, and of course, the moment she heard that there was an ¡®event¡¯, Jiajia unhesitatingly rushed her mother off to work. Then, she stayed by Qiao Nan¡¯s side to meet this new ¡®elder brother¡¯ with Qiao Nan.

    ¡°Auntie!¡± Chen Feng¡¯s eyes lit up warmly the moment he saw Qiao Nan.

    When Chen Feng saw the three children carrying their backpacks walking over, his eyes lit up once again. Were these his younger auntie¡¯s children?

    They were adorable, especially his younger sister! She looked exactly like his auntie.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Chen Feng rushed up to the three children and greeted them while bending down to their eye level.

    Da Bao and Er Bao loved ying with older children, especially since Chen Feng was tall and muscr. Apart from their dad, Zhai Sheng, Chen Feng was the tallest man they had seen. As such, Da Bao and Er Bao were especially keen on getting to know this new elder brother.

    Da Bao was silent, but Er Bao let go of Da Bao¡¯s hand and walked up to Chen Feng. ¡°You¡¯re as tall as my dad. He can lift me very high. Can you?¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Chen Feng had been young too, so he knew exactly what that meant.

    Thankfully, Chen Feng was not weak.

    Quite on the contrary, with a father like Chen Jun, Chen Feng had always ced emphasis on training his muscles. Not only did he have muscr arms, but he also had abs. It was rare to see a young person as toned as him.

    So, even though Er Bao was a little chubby and muscr, Chen Feng managed to lift Er Bao up over his own head.

    Er Bao kicked around in glee having been raised so high up. ¡°It¡¯s really high! Brother, you¡¯re really amazing!¡±

    Da Bao blinked and ran to Chen Feng¡¯s side. He tugged on Chen Feng¡¯s pants, wanting to have a go too.

    After throwing Er Bao up and down several times, Chen Feng put Er Bao down before raising Da Bao up. He was really giving all he had to please his younger siblings and to gain their favor.

    San Bao was in a hurry and she stomped her foot. ¡°Mom, I want it too! I want it too!¡±

    A frown appeared on Qiao Nan¡¯s face. From time to time, her daughter made her feel as though she had raised three boys instead.

    Qiao Nan had agreed to San Bao¡¯s request to dress up in a pretty dress to meet her elder brother, but just in case, Qiao Nan had San Bao wear safety shorts under her dress.

    ¡°If you want to be raised high up, you won¡¯t be able to wear dresses when you go out in the future.¡± Qiao Nan looked at San Bao seriously.

    San Bao felt that it wasn¡¯t too good to be ying around while wearing a dress and could only nod obediently. She wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake again.

    After that discussion, Qiao Nan finally let go of San Bao¡¯s hand. San Bao shouted excitedly as she rushed up to Chen Feng, asking him to raise her up as well.

    Having lifted all three children up, Chen Feng felt especially sore in his arms.

    But that was nothing as long as he could make his younger siblings happy and like him.

    What Chen Feng was thankful for was that he trained his body well regrly. His ssmates and roommates could probably lift one child, but lifting three would probably kill them.

    ¡°Auntie¡­¡±

    Having pacified his younger siblings, Chen Feng didn¡¯t forget his younger auntie whom he loved and respected. He held the hands of his younger siblings and was about to ask when they could y until when he saw a pretty youngdy with a sour face standing by his auntie¡¯s side. She red at him with hatred in her eyes.

    Chen Feng wrecked his brains to think if he had ever offended her.

    But Chen Feng couldn¡¯t bear to let go of his brother¡¯s soft hands and thus simply asked, ¡°Do we know each other?¡±

    Jiajia¡¯s eyes grew even wider. Who wanted to get to know a person who was trying to snatch her siblings away from her?

    ¡°I¡¯m their elder sister!¡± Jiajia immediately made her status known.

    ¡°Elder sister?¡± Chen Feng nced at Qiao Nan. He had never known that his auntie had given birth to two daughters. Besides, she looked about the same age as him. She couldn¡¯t possibly be his auntie¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°She¡¯s Jiajia, my sister-inw¡¯s daughter. I think she¡¯s two years older than you. You can call her Sister Jiajia.¡±

    Knowing that Chen Feng didn¡¯t recognize Jiajia, Qiao Nan quickly identified Jiajia.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± It was slightly difficult for him to address a youngdy who was shorter than him as an ¡®elder sister¡¯.

    But as long as it would give him more chances to see his younger siblings, Chen Feng didn¡¯t mind doing so. ¡°Hello, Sister Jiajia. I¡¯m Chen Feng. I¡¯m my auntie¡¯s nephew.¡±

    ¡°Humph!¡± Jiajia harrumphed. She knew that this rascal¡¯s mom wasn¡¯t any good. All she knew to do was bully her aunt.

    That was why Jiajia couldn¡¯t understand why Qiao Nan would let Chen Feng get in touch with the triplets. What if this boy was just as bad as his mom?

    She trusted her aunt, but not outsiders.

    ¡°Brother, are you calling her elder sister too?¡± Er Bao looked curiously at Jiajia and Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng replied, ¡°Yes, because Sister Jiajia¡¯s older than me. I¡¯ll address her as my elder sister, just like you guys do.¡±

    Er Baoughed. ¡°Brother, carry me!¡±

    His brother was tall, and when he carried him, he could see far into the distance.

    ¡°No, carry me.¡± San Bao was upset. She wanted her brother to carry her too. How could Er Bao snatch her elder brother away from her? She was ady.

    Jiajia walked up. ¡°San Bao, shall I carry you?¡±

    Without waiting for San Bao¡¯s rejection, Qiao Nan interjected her children¡¯s childish demands. ¡°What did I tell you before we left the house? You¡¯re already five years old. You¡¯re grown up and no longer little children. It¡¯s tiring to y with you, especially since you¡¯re all so heavy.¡±

 Chapter 2479 - Wedding Things (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2479 - Wedding Things (2)</h4>

    ¡°If you still insist on having someone carry you, I won¡¯t bring you out in the future.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t indulge them in this habit all the time.

    The three children hadn¡¯t even started to y, and yet, they were already gettingzy and wanted others to carry them. Once they got tired, they would ask to be carried too.

    Of course, neither Jiajia nor Chen Feng would reject them. But she was the one taking care of the children most of the time. In order to lessen her own burden, she wouldn¡¯t allow the children to be carried while they were still able to walk.

    Er Bao and San Bao pouted, not daring to kick up a fuss.

    They knew that their mom would be true to her words. If they went on with their antics, their mom would surely not bring them out to y in the future.

    Because something like that had happened before.

    It was exactly because they had suffered and learned their lessons that they knew that Qiao Nan was not joking. No matter how much they screamed and cried, Qiao Nan would never soften her heart. She would follow through with her words.

    For their own benefits, the three children dared not make any more noise. They would simply do as their mom said.

    ¡°Auntie, they¡¯re so obedient.¡± Chen Feng was stunned when he saw that the three children stopped messing around after Qiao Nan said only one sentence to them. They held each other¡¯s hands and stopped running around.

    Were all children as obedient as his younger siblings?

    He remembered that he wasn¡¯t as well-behaved as a child.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s bring them to the carousel first. Then, we can each take one of them and head over to the bumper cars.¡±

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t give any further exnation. After all, every child was different, and so were every parent¡¯s methods of raising their children. Qiao Nan didn¡¯t want to give a generalized answer to Chen Feng just because of the triplet¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°Humph! It¡¯s all your fault that my younger siblings angered my auntie.¡±

    When Qiao Nan took the children and walked slightly away, Jiajia walked over to Chen Feng and criticized him. ¡°They¡¯re still young and don¡¯t know what¡¯s right or wrong. You can¡¯t always blindly coax them. You¡¯ll lead them astray. If you don¡¯t know how to be an elder brother, you¡¯d better just stand by the side and observe how I behave as an elder sister.¡±

    Her younger siblings lived in fear of her aunt. No one dared to go against her aunt.

    Even up until now, Jiajia couldn¡¯t understand why her siblings were so afraid of her aunt and why they were so obedient to her aunt.

    Her aunt was clearly the most reasonable and kindest person she had ever met. Her mom couldn¡¯t evenpare to her aunt.

    Chen Feng, who had been criticized by Jiajia, didn¡¯t dare to rebuke her and guiltily stroked his nose. ¡°What did I do wrong?¡± He didn¡¯t even realize that he had gotten his younger siblings in trouble.

    ¡°Auntie doesn¡¯t like them being too pampered. If one of them wants to be carried, then all three of them will want to be carried. Usually, she takes care of the three of them alone. If you inculcate this bad habit now, what would she do when you¡¯re not around?¡±

    Jiajia had spent much more time around Qiao Nan than Chen Feng, so she could guess what Qiao Nan was worried about.

    Chen Feng felt remorseful. ¡°Thank you for telling me, Sister Jiajia. Otherwise, I really wouldn¡¯t have known where I went wrong. Thank you!¡±

    When they had first met, Jiajia had already been fierce and unfriendly toward him.

    But what he remembered was Jiajia being willing to let him know of his mistakes so that he could correct them before his younger siblings made a habit of it and burdened his aunt in the future.

    Because of that, Chen Feng was especially sincere when thanking Jiajia. When he smiled, his handsome face looked simple and honest, angering Jiajia.

    ¡°Why are you smiling? Are you trying to show off your sparkling teeth? Hurry and catch up. We can take care of one each today. We don¡¯t have to fight with each other.¡± Jiajia lightly kicked Chen Feng in the leg before jogging over to Qiao Nan¡¯s side to buy tickets for the carousel.

    Seeing how Chen Feng was still foolishly standing there, Jiajia couldn¡¯t help but wave him over.

    Chen Feng let out a wide smile and ran toward Jiajia and his younger siblings. That was a smile Jiajia remembered clearly even yearster.

    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± In the blink of an eye, another five years had passed, and the triplets had grown from little pumpkins into young adults. In another two years¡¯ time, they would graduate from primary school.

    After Qiao Nan returned, Zhai Sheng helped massage Qiao Nan¡¯s shoulders so that she wouldn¡¯t feel so tense. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say that I could apany you if you can¡¯t handle it on your own?¡±

    Qiao Nan was already a fifty-year-old woman, and her strength had indeed deteriorated. ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s not like I have a choice since everything is happening together. Oh right, how are the children?¡±

    Even adults couldn¡¯t stand consecutive blows, let alone the young and emotional triplets.

    No matter how good Zhai Yaohui¡¯s and Miao Jing¡¯s mentalities were, they couldn¡¯t change the facts of nature. But what shocked everyone was how her father-inw, Zhai Yaohui, had passed on even earlier than Miao Jing.

    When Zhai Yaohui had passed away, Miao Jing hadn¡¯t even shed a single tear. It was the three children who sobbed their eyes out.

    Perhaps, Zhai Yaohui had said something to the three children before his death. That was why they surrounded her and constantly said, ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be said. We¡¯ll spend more time with you in the future. Don¡¯t cry. We¡¯ll cry on your behalf.¡±

    Miao Jing hadn¡¯t been in good health to begin with and couldn¡¯t withstand such drastic changes in her emotions. As such, the three children tried to spend as much time as possible with her tofort her.

    Although Miao Jing had not cried, everyone could imagine Miao Jing¡¯s sadness in her heart. After all, her life partner had left her.

    After Zhai Yaohui¡¯s funeral, everyone in the Zhai family seemed to have lost weight. Even the triplets, who had never been able to lose their baby fats, seemed to have gotten much slimmer after the funeral.

    Not only had they lost weight, but Miao Jing had even started to fall ill more easily. After Zhai Yaohui left, Miao Jing seemed to have lost all will and spirit. Even when she saw her most beloved grandchildren, Miao Jing could no longer lift her spirits.

    Because of that, Zhai Hua was in a panic and tried to think of several different ways of raising her spirits, almost recalling Jiajia, who had been abroad on exchange.

    Because she had been overseas, Jiajia hadn¡¯t been able to attend Zhai Yaohui¡¯s funeral.

    If Miao Jing couldn¡¯t hold on any longer, Zhai Hua was afraid that Jiajia would miss both her grandparents¡¯ funerals. She would me herself for her whole life for that!

 Chapter 2480 - Wedding Things (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2480: Wedding Things (3)</h4>

    Thankfully, Qiao Nan had managed to persuade her otherwise in the end.

    It was normal for her mother-inw to feel uneasy and fall ill because her father-inw had passed on.

    None of them had regained their senses from the incident, so how could they expect her mother-inw to suddenly lift her spirits and live just as she had had in the past? How could she possibly care for her grandchildren?

    Thankfully, Miao Jing¡¯s health improved over the span of a year. Only then did the three children finally start to feel assured.

    In the past, Miao Jing had spent all her free time with the three children. Now, it was different. Whenever the children had some time, they would spend it with their grandmother, Miao Jing, and think of ways of cheering her up.

    But this didn¡¯tst too long. In the second year after Zhai Yaohui¡¯s death, Miao Jing¡¯s body could no longer take the strain, and she followed Zhai Yaohui and left as well.

    The three children had sobbed their hearts out the day Miao Jing passed away.

    They knew that they would never get to see their grandma and grandpa who loved them so dearly ever again.

    Even the introverted Da Bao¡¯s eyes had welled up with tears. Because of his character, he was unwilling to speak and simply stood silently in a corner. It was a pitiful sight.

    Logically speaking, the Zhai family should have wholeheartedly arranged for Miao Jing¡¯s funeral. But the very next day after Miao Jing¡¯s death, Qiao Dongliang had passed on too.

    The moment Qiao Nan received the news, she hurried down to Qingshui Town to arrange for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral.

    Although it was important to settle Miao Jing¡¯s matters, they couldn¡¯t neglect Qiao Dongliang¡¯s either. In the end, the couple had no choice but to split the work between the two of them with Zhai Sheng handling Miao Jing¡¯s funeral and Qiao Nan heading over to Qingshui Town to handle Qiao Dongliang¡¯s.

    It didn¡¯t seem right for Qiao Nan to be going alone since their grandfather had passed away, after all. As such, Qiao Nan decided to bring Da Bao along with her.

    Jiajia and Chen Feng, who had both returned from studying abroad, were unable to regain their senses for a long time.

    Jiajia stayed in the capital to send her grandmother, Miao Jing, off, while Chen Feng naturally followed Qiao Dongliang to take care of Da Bao and send Qiao Dongliang off in Qingshui Town.

    Because Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral had shed with Miao Jing¡¯s, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had been exceptionally busy.

    As a result, the couple had been apart for almost half a year. By the time Qiao Nan returned to the capital with Chen Feng, Zhai Sheng felt that Qiao Nan had lost even more weight, and his heart ached.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just talk about me. You don¡¯t seem to be in a much better ce than me. Mom and Dad aren¡¯t around anymore. It¡¯s just the children and us now. We have to live well.¡±

    She was fifty, and Brother Zhai was fifty-five.

    The problem was that their children were only ten years old this year.

    Qiao Nan finally experienced the panic and worry that Miao Jing had at that time.

    As parents, they were already at retirement age, but their children were still in primary school. Would she and Zhai Sheng still have the ability to stand up for their children in the future when they ran into any trouble?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Our children are doing very well. It seems a little irresponsible to say that as parents, but it¡¯s true. Our children are indeed outstanding and can take good care of themselves. There¡¯s no need to stress yourself. None of us are wrong about it. If we were wrong, our children wouldn¡¯t have grown into the people they are today.¡±

    Zhai Shengforted Qiao Nan as he hugged her. Probably all women worried about this when they reached a certain age.

    Zhai Sheng had never seemed to have such worries.

    Zhai Sheng was all too clear about his children¡¯s temper and abilities.

    Although they were still young, they were very sensible.

    If not for the fact that he had been holding them back, the children could very well have started middle school given their abilities.

    Zhai Sheng had only stopped his children from expressing their true abilities for the sake of the elderly couple.

    Once they entered middle school, they would have much more homework to handle. Besides, most of the top middle schools in the capital were boarding schools.

    If the three children entered middle school too early, they would have less time to spend at home during the week.

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui had left and Miao Jing had only the three children left by her side. If the three children had all gone to a boarding school, they would have spent much less time with Miao Jing. Zhai Sheng wasn¡¯t sure how long more Miao Jing would be able to live for if that were to happen.

    Thankfully, Da Bao had already talked to Zhai Sheng about this.

    The three children were intelligent and their abilities surpassed those of their peers.

    Given that situation, as well as the children¡¯s family background, their teachers had suggested the triplets skip grades and not waste time in the early grades.

    Da Bao knew what woulde if they were to move to middle school and thus rejected his teacher¡¯s suggestion. Then, he had even let his father know of his thoughts. ¡°Dad, after Grandpa left, Grandma has only us by her side. We want to spend more time with Grandma, so we don¡¯t want to skip grades. Is that okay?¡±

    Since that had been Zhai Sheng¡¯s initial n, there was no reason for him to stand in the way if Da Bao felt the same way too. ¡°If that¡¯s what Er Bao and San Bao want too, Dad and Mom will respect your decision. It¡¯s alright even if you grow up slowly.¡±

    Da Bao was the eldest brother. As such, Er Bao and San Bao had immediately agreed to his suggestion.

    But now that Miao Jing was no longer around, Da Bao took up his responsibility as the eldest brother and told Er Bao and San Bao. ¡°Grandma¡¯s no longer around, and Dad and Mom aren¡¯t young either. We have to grow up quickly. Only then will we be able to take care of them. I¡¯ve decided to skip grades and enter middle school. What about you guys?¡±

    Without hesitation, Er Bao and San Bao did just as Da Bao said.

    Havinge to a consensus, Da Bao let Zhai Sheng know of their decision and asked for Zhai Sheng¡¯s help to arrange for the test for them to skip grades.

    Zhai Sheng knew of this matter, whereas Qiao Nan remained unaware of it.

    Initially, Zhai Sheng had intended to let Qiao Nan know about it. But because Qiao Nan felt too secure in Zhai Sheng¡¯s embrace, they hadn¡¯t even chatted for long before Qiao Nan fell asleep in Zhai Sheng¡¯s arms.

    Zhai Sheng lovingly nted a kiss on Qiao Nan¡¯s lips before hugging her to sleep.

    The married couple was fast asleep, but there was another young couple who couldn¡¯t fall asleep and was even in the middle of a heated discussion.

    Jiajia stared wide-eyed at Chen Feng in anger. ¡°So, why don¡¯t you give me an answer? With your mom¡¯s nonsense, are you nning on returning to Ping Cheng, or are you going to bring your mom over?¡±

 Chapter 2481 - Personally Raised (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2481: Personally Raised (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Jiajia truly disliked her future mother-inw, Qiao Zijin. Even though she had been dating Chen Feng for a few years, Jiajia had never once intended on visiting Qiao Zijin.

    From Zhai Hua¡¯s description, Jiajia had already gotten a clear idea of the kind of person Qiao Zijin was.

    It could be said that Qiao Nan was the person Jiajia liked most apart from her mother, Zhai Hua.

    Knowing that Qiao Zijin had bullied her favorite auntie endlessly in the past, Jiajia couldn¡¯t bring herself to like her future mother-inw, much less address her as ¡®mom¡¯.

    But Jiajia hadn¡¯t broken up with Chen Feng just because of Qiao Zijin.

    The person she liked was Chen Feng, and the one she would marry was also Chen Feng, not Qiao Zijin. As such, before Chen Feng did anything wrong, there was no reason for her to give up on the person she liked just because of a person she hated.

    Chen Feng was rather grateful for Jiajia¡¯s rationality.

    It was fate that had brought them together.

    Chen Feng and Jiajia were both crazy over their younger siblings and doted on them. In this aspect, they resembled each other.

    Most importantly, Chen Feng had been raised by Qiao Nan. He was a positive, warm, and upright child.

    Besides, Chen Feng was intelligent and had good grades. He had even be Jiajia¡¯s junior in school. Of course, because of the Zhai family, Chen Feng had gotten even more interactions with Jiajia.

    Jiajia was Zhai Hua and Wei De¡¯s daughter, after all. Aspared to a weak and studious nerd, Jiajia preferred men with toned and muscr bodies, although not those of bodybuilders.

    In that way, the toned Chen Feng with abs stood out amongst the boys who were no stronger than females in their school.

    Of course, Jiajia couldn¡¯t deny that because of how obsessed she was with her younger siblings, the only male she had constant interaction with was Chen Feng. She knew no other males with better bodies, and neither was she willing to interact with them.

    They were both young and unmarried, and she was pretty while he was handsome. It was impossible for them not to have developed feelings for each other over time.

    But unlike Jiajia¡¯s enthusiasm, Chen Feng was rather timid. He remembered just how much Jiajia had hated him the first time they had met. Jiajia had only grown to show him a little kindness afterward because of their younger siblings and aunt.

    As such, Chen Feng had never dared to confess his feelings to Jiajia because he had no idea whether Jiajia liked him too. He was afraid that he would be rejected and wouldn¡¯t even get the chance to meet Jiajia in the future if he were to confess.

    Jiajia was a girl and had her own convictions too. It was better for boys to confess first. That was why she had held it in all along.

    They had already developed feelings for each other while they were still in China, but they had remained nothing more than friends even until their exchange abroad.

    Because of those feelings, both of them had chosen the same school without any discussion.

    Jiajia had done it on purpose, but Chen Feng had thought that his careful ns had seeded and was joyful that they could still be schoolmates.

    While living abroad, Jiajia and Chen Feng had shared an apartment in order to take care of each other.

    Initially, Zhai Hua had disagreed.

    She disliked Qiao Zijin as well as Qiao Zijin¡¯s son, Chen Feng.

    It wasn¡¯t appropriate for a single man and a single woman to be living together. What if Qiao Zijin¡¯s son took advantage of her daughter?

    Of course, she wanted her daughter to get married so that she would be a grandmother. But if that person was Chen Feng, Zhai Hua would never allow it.

    The thought of bing inws with Qiao Zijin disgusted her.

    Initially, when Qiao Nan had first married Zhai Sheng and settled down in the capital, Qiao Zijin had tried to enter the southern quad and tried to address her as ¡®elder sister¡¯, even asking her for countless favors.

    Zhai Hua had never forgotten just how shameless Qiao Zijin had been at that time.

    Ever since Jiajia started having feelings for Chen Feng, Zhai Hua¡¯s impression of those memories deepened.

    When she was young, Zhai Hua had never listened to her parents. Like mother, like daughter. Jiajia was no different.

    So what if Zhai Hua disagreed? She was already far away from her mother. Besides, both she and Chen Feng were overseas and living together while her mother was still in China. If her mother was so capable, she could simply fly abroad and keep a close eye on her so that she wouldn¡¯t be able to rent an apartment with Chen Feng.

    So why had Zhai Hua finally given in?

    Because she was her mother!

    Jiajia was different from Chen Feng. After Zhai Hua¡¯s divorce, she had led afortable life. This meant that Jiajia was no different from Zhai Hua. The food she whipped up could probably poison herself.

    But Chen Feng was different.

    Qiao Zijin was unreliable. As such, even though Chen Feng was a man, he had to rely on himself most of the time.

    Although Chen Feng¡¯s culinary skills were not fantastic, they were much better inparison to Jiajia¡¯s deathly cuisine.

    Most students abroad weren¡¯t used to western cuisine and still preferred their own Chinese cuisine.

    Jiajia didn¡¯t like eating western cuisine but didn¡¯t know how to cook either. If she didn¡¯t get a roommate who knew how to whip up Chinese dishes, she would either die of starvation or develop gastric problems.

    Who had raised such a pampered child?

    There was only one answer. Zhai Hua had personally raised her.

    Aspared to her own preferences, it was obvious that her daughter¡¯s health mattered much more.

    Since ancient times, children had always won in battles against their parents.

    The moment Zhai Hua gave in, Jiajia and Chen Feng went from being roommates to cohabitating.

    Chen Feng was handsome. It wasn¡¯t just Chinese girls who thought so. Even foreigners thought so too.

    Chen Feng was tall, and even amongst foreign men, he didn¡¯t appear short. Besides, he was well-built and attractive to women.

    Both of them hadn¡¯t even been overseas for a month before Chen Feng started receiving confessions.

    Children abroad lived freely. It wasmon to see students dating in high school, let alone university. Besides, once they started dating, they would engage in all sorts of intimate activities.

    Even if they couldn¡¯t be in a proper rtionship, having a one-night stand was alright too as long as they were interested in each other.

    There were many who confessed to Chen Feng, even asking him out for a one-night stand.. Jiajia had even witnessed these confessions, making her fly into a fury.

 Chapter 2482 - Personally Raised (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2482: Personally Raised (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In the end, Jiajia was no longer able to hold it in and directly said to the girl who was confessing to Chen Feng, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, he¡¯s my boyfriend. We¡¯re already cohabitating. It doesn¡¯t matter how open-minded you are, but please don¡¯t cross the line by snatching someone else¡¯s boyfriend.¡±

    Thankfully, that girl hadn¡¯t gotten angry. The moment she heard that Chen Feng had a girlfriend, she immediately apologized to Jiajia and even wished them the best.

    That was how the couple had gotten into a rtionship.

    They had already been dating for more than three years, but even up until today, Jiajia was still upset about how they had only gotten together because she had been forced to take the initiative.

    At the mention of Qiao Zijin today, Jiajia had almost blown her top off.

    Seeing his girlfriend in such a rage, Chen Feng was stuck between a hard ce and a rock.

    It wasn¡¯t his choice to have a mother like Qiao Zijin.

    Although he had not spent much time with his mother, Chen Feng could feel that Qiao Zijin treated her son exceptionally wellpared to how she treated everyone else.

    Qiao Zijin was his biological mother, after all. No matter how bad she was, she still treated him well. Besides, he couldn¡¯t possibly choose who his mother was.

    He couldn¡¯t possibly give up his own biological mother for the sake of a girlfriend.

    Of course, Jiajia¡¯s conflict with Chen Feng had started from Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral.

    At that time, Qiao Nan had taken Da Bao and Chen Feng along with her to settle Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral. Even when he had still been alive, Qiao Dongliang had not contacted Ding Jiayi up until his death. It was as though they were no longer husband and wife.

    The problem was that Qiao Nan could no longer ask for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s opinion on whether he wanted Ding Jiayi to know about his death since he was already gone.

    When Ding Jiayi found out that Qiao Dongliang had passed on, she wailed miserably but continuouslymbasted Qiao Dongliang for being a heartless man.

    She had been married to Qiao Dongliang for half her life. How could Qiao Dongliang be so vicious as to leave without even talking to her once more?

    Initially, Ding Jiayi had already grown used to living apart from Qiao Dongliang. Sometimes, she was even able to calm herself down because she knew that Qiao Dongliang was living somewhere not too far away from her.

    But Ding Jiayi had never imagined that such a lowly request would be an extravagant wish now that Qiao Dongliang was gone.

    Because of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s death, Ding Jiayi felt that her whole world hade crashing down.

    It went without question that Qiao Nan ced more emphasis on her father, Qiao Dongliang, than her mother.

    Ding Jiayi was depressed that Qiao Dongliang had left alone, leaving her behind. But at the same time, she was also afraid that Qiao Nan would no longer support her now that Qiao Dongliang was no longer around.

    Ever since moving out of the quad, Ding Jiayi had gotten a clearer understanding of the world.

    Perhaps it was because of the influence of the quad, but none of the children who grew up there were particrly unfilial.

    Ever since moving into therge apartment that Qiao Nan had arranged for her, those news articles that she saw would never happen to her.

    Those on unfilial children taking advantage of their parents.

    Especially that of the couple who had a son with a gambling addiction. Not only had he lost several millions of the family¡¯s savings, but he had even mortgaged the house behind his family¡¯s back to borrow more money for gambling.

    Because he had lost all his money and was unable to repay his debts, the bank had naturally gone to repossess the house.

    Rumor had it that the elderly couple had put in a lot of hard work into their business, rising early and working into the night to get to where they were today. Who would have expected their most beloved son to have ruined everything?

    They had worked hard their whole lives but didn¡¯t even have a roof over their heads in their old age. That elderly couple sobbed and regretted their actions. If they had known that this would happen, they would never have sent their elder daughter away just to have their son.

    Because they had sent their elder daughter away, they were now facing their retribution in their old age. Not only had their son lost all of their savings, but they also had nowhere to live.

    Seeing the miserable state the couple was in made Ding Jiayi realize that there were such unreasonable children and pitiful elderly in this world.

    Then, she thought about her own situation. What had she given Qiao Nan?

    As a mother, she had never given Qiao Nan anything. All along, she had thought that it was good enough as long as she demanded less from Qiao Nan.

    Although she had never given Qiao Nan anything, Qiao Nan had repaid her with kindness and had taken good care of her.

    Perhaps it was because of this, as well as Qiao Zijin as an example, that Ding Jiayi knew that she would only have Qiao Zijin left as a daughter if she ever angered Qiao Nan.

    Then, she would have to rely on Qiao Zijin alone. That would be when she would face the same downfall as that elderly couple.

    That was why Ding Jiayi lived peacefully ever since moving to therge apartment. No matter how much Qiao Nan gave her, she simply epted it. She had neverined that it was insufficient.

    From then on, Ding Jiayi also stopped trying to make trouble for Qiao Nan from time to time.

    It could be said that her new neighbors moved Ding Jiayi and educated her well. She couldn¡¯t have been any more obedient.

    Perhaps it was because of this that Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan had managed to live peacefully for five more years up until Qiao Dongliang¡¯s death.

    When Qiao Dongliang passed away, not only had Qiao Nan gone over, but she had also asked Ding Jiayi along. Of course, as one of Qiao Dongliang¡¯s only two daughters, Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t miss it either.

    Unlike Ding Jiayi, who was sobbing her heart out, and Qiao Nan, who was grieving silently, Qiao Zijin remained silent but didn¡¯t seem in the least bit sad about Qiao Dongliang¡¯s passing.

    To Qiao Zijin, Qiao Dongliang was biased toward Qiao Nan and had never treated her well.

    She had never gotten remarried. Logically speaking, she should have remained at home for her parents to take care of her. But what had her dad done? It didn¡¯t even matter that he was biased toward Qiao Nan, but he had even moved out of the family home eight or nine years ago.

    To be honest, she hadn¡¯t even met her dad in eight to nine years.

    Since they hadn¡¯t met in such a long time, there were no feelings to speak of. They were no different from strangers. Why would she cry for a stranger?

    Three years ago, Chen Jun had no longer been able to hold on and had passed on. Even then, she hadn¡¯t shed a tear for Chen Jun either.

    He was someone who had betrayed her. Given her attitude toward Chen Jun, it was obvious that Qiao Zijin didn¡¯t feel much better toward Qiao Dongliang.

    The only reason Qiao Zijin had been willing to attend Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral was not for Qiao Dongliang himself but for her son, Chen Feng.

 Chapter 2483 - Personally Raised (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2483: Personally Raised (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Ever since Chen Feng had gone to the capital for his studies, Qiao Zijin had gotten few chances to meet her son. Although Qiao Zijin had been proud that her son had gotten the opportunity to study abroad, she was heartbroken at the same time. Wouldn¡¯t that mean that she wouldn¡¯t be able to meet her son for a long time?

    Even though her son hadn¡¯t been able to return during the summer vacation while he was studying in the capital, he would always return during the winter vacation to spend time with her.

    But she couldn¡¯t possibly ask her son to rush back from abroad just to spend time with her during the new year period.

    It hadn¡¯t been easy on her, and she had finally waited until the day her son returned. But not only had she not been able to meet her son immediately, but she had even seen her son tag alongside Qiao Nan like her grandson, catering to Qiao Nan¡¯s needs. That infuriated her.

    Seeing how well Chen Feng treated Qiao Nan, Qiao Zijin saw a glimpse of Chen Jun in Chen Feng.

    When Chen Jun had been dating Qiao Nan, he had been just as considerate toward her, taking care of her every need. But once she became Chen Jun¡¯s wife, he underwent aplete transformation, never caring about her.

    They were all like that. Even her son was like that! Qiao Zijin¡¯s expression twisted into an ugly one.

    She didn¡¯t understand why her father, her husband, and even her son didn¡¯t like her but were closer to Qiao Nan!

    At that moment, Qiao Zijin had the urge to rush up to Chen Feng and question him about whom he felt was his mother.

    Fortunately, Qiao Zijin had resisted that urge.

    It was good to have self-awareness, and thankfully, Qiao Zijin had grown to have a little after all this time.

    She knew that she was Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother, and she had given birth to Chen Feng. But there were so many women in the world. She wasn¡¯t the only one who could give birth to children.

    She had seen a perfect example of this with Ding Jiayi and Qiao Nan.

    She couldn¡¯t expect Chen Feng to keep providing her with things and demand that he listened to her and fulfill her desires when she had done nothing for him except giving birth to him.

    Apart from giving birth to Chen Feng, she had never done anything for him. Even her son¡¯s living allowance and school fees were either from the inheritance that the Chen family had left to Chen Feng or from his own pockets.

    Of course, Qiao Zijin had the ability to give Chen Feng money if she wanted to, but she couldn¡¯t bear to do so.

    Qiao Zijin was still hoping that Chen Feng would use the Chen family¡¯s money to support her. So, there was no way she would ever use her measly one million yuan on Chen Feng. From what she saw, one million wouldn¡¯t even be enough for Chen Feng.

    Since it was insufficient, and Chen Feng had money in his own pockets, she had better keep the money for herself.

    Only if she was living well would Chen Feng rest assured and not need to worry about her while he was studying abroad.

    After finding herself a lot of excuses, Qiao Zijin decided that she wouldn¡¯t spend a single cent of her money on Chen Feng.

    At the thought of this, Qiao Zijin no longer dared to demand anything of Chen Feng. She was afraid that her rtionship with her son would be one like the rtionship between Qiao Nan and Ding Jiayi.

    If that were the case, what was the point of having a son like Chen Feng?

    If not for the fact that Chen Feng was attending Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral, Qiao Zijin probably wouldn¡¯t have attended it either. She didn¡¯t want to have to face the gazes of others, just like how her own mother was ring at her as though she was an enemy.

    When her father had still been alive, her mom had often angered her dad too. Besides, her dad had died a natural death, not because of an illness, much less because he had been angered. Why was her mom looking at her in this way?

    Qiao Zijin was particrly upset about that.

    But no matter how annoyed she was, she couldn¡¯t do anything because they were at Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral. All she could do was to remain silent and wait for a suitable opportunity to talk to Chen Feng privately.

    Chen Feng had already graduated, and based on their previous agreement, Chen Feng should have returned to Ping Cheng to get a job so that he could support her.

    Up until now, Chen Feng seemed to have no intention of doing so. That was why she had to get a sense of when Chen Feng would return and what kind of job he intended to get.

    In order to let her son return to her side to support her in her old age, Qiao Zijin had already thought it through. She had not made any effort in finding herself a job, but she was prepared to help Chen Feng get a job through some connections.

    As long as her son was willing to return, her hard work meant nothing to her.

    ¡°Feng Feng,e over. Mom has something to ask you.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had finally found a chance to pull Chen Feng to the side, causing Chen Feng to frown. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mom?¡±

    Chen Feng was highly displeased that Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t even shed a single tear, nor shown any sign of sadness throughout the funeral.

    Chen Feng knew that his mom hadn¡¯t even cried when his father had died. In fact, she had probably rejoiced that his father was finally dead.

    Chen Feng was helpless in the face of such a heartless mother. How had his mother grown up?

    The strangest thing was that his auntie, who was his mother¡¯s younger sister, was nothing like her!

    Could it be that his grandparents had been right? The biggest culprit who had caused his mother to turn out in this way was his grandmother, who was currently wailing and sobbing outside?

    ¡°When are you returning to Ping Cheng? Have you thought about what job you¡¯re going to get? If you have any ns, you can tell me. I¡¯ll help take a look around so that you¡¯ll have choices to choose from when you¡¯re back.¡±

    Qiao Zijin said that with confidence.

    Chen Feng had attended one of the best schools in the country and had even gone abroad to study. He had returned in glory.

    It was only right for her brilliant son to be able to pick and choose thepany he wanted to work for.

    Actually, Chen Feng had already guessed what Qiao Zijin was going to say before she had even spoken. But Chen Feng couldn¡¯t answer Qiao Zijin during such an asion.

    Because of his grandparents and father, he had intended to return to Ping Cheng.

    After his father had left, he had called his grandparents to seek their opinions. The elderly couple nned to return to Ping Cheng since that was their hometown, after all.

    But they didn¡¯t agree with Chen Feng being cooped up in such a small city like Ping Cheng for their sakes, ruining his career progression in the future when he had such great opportunities in the capital.

    They were all too clear about how hard they had tried to settle the Chen family in the capital in the past to no avail.

 Chapter 2484 - Persistence (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2484: Persistence (1)</h4>

    It hadn¡¯t been easy for his grandson to have finally achieved it, and Father Chen wasn¡¯t going to let Chen Feng give up a good future for the sake of personal feelings.

    As long as Chen Feng could settle down in the capital, they wouldn¡¯t even me him even if he couldn¡¯t make it back to Ping Cheng in order to send them off.

    Father Chen even said that if Chen Feng dared to agree to Qiao Zijin¡¯s selfish requests, they would disown him, and he could dream on about acknowledging them as his grandparents in the future.

    Father Chen was truly enraged by Qiao Zijin. She was still as selfish as ever in front of her only son.

    Although she imed that she would never harm Chen Feng, she always put herself in top priority, demanding Chen Feng to do whatever would benefit her the most.

    Father Chen regretted allowing Chen Jun to marry Qiao Zijin for his grandson¡¯s sake at that time. The best solution would have been for Chen Jun to marry Qiao Nan instead.

    Of course, Father Chen¡¯s n was not much better than Qiao Zijin¡¯s. But because of Father Chen¡¯s vicious threats and firm attitude, there was no room for any discussion.

    Aspared to Qiao Zijin, Chen Feng naturally had much deeper feelings for Father and Mother Chen.

    With his grandparents¡¯ advice, adding on to the fact that his girlfriend was in the capital, it was impossible for him to return to Ping Cheng. It was an obvious choice for him.

    ¡°Mom, I may be staying in the capital to establish my career. I¡¯m not returning to Ping Cheng. Also, I¡¯ve already gotten a job.¡±

    He was going to have to break the news to her eventually. Besides, Chen Feng¡¯s patience with Qiao Zijin had run dry.

    If not for the fact that he wanted to settle his grandfather¡¯s funeral peacefully, Chen Feng would have told Qiao Zijin about this a long time ago. He couldn¡¯t understand how Qiao Zijin could still be so willful at her age.

    Chen Feng was once again grateful that he hadn¡¯t grown up by Qiao Zijin¡¯s side. Otherwise, he couldn¡¯t even be sure that he would have grown up with such proper worldviews and morals.

    ¡°What?¡± Qiao Zijin had heard the most dreaded answer from her son, and her face flushed red. ¡°No, I disagree. What will happen to me if you stay in the capital? Feng Feng, aren¡¯t you going to support me?¡±

    True enough¡­

    Chen Feng¡¯s heart felt bitter as he heard Qiao Zijin¡¯s words. He had simply said that he was going to establish his career in the capital. When had he ever said that he wasn¡¯t going to support his mother?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯ll definitely support you in your old age. I came to this decision after much deliberation. I think it¡¯s better for me this way.¡±

    Chen Feng had withheld the information that he had gotten himself a girlfriend, who was not only older than him but was also Qiao Nan¡¯s niece, Jiajia.

    He was afraid that his mom would kick up an even greater fuss if he were to let her know of that situation.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. You promised me that you would return to Ping Cheng after graduating even though you were going to the capital to study. You¡¯ve been lying to me. I don¡¯t trust you anymore.¡±

    Chen Feng had gotten several marks in Qiao Zijin¡¯s books.

    Initially, he had agreed to choose a university close to Ping Cheng, but he had eventually gone to the capital instead.

    But it benefitted Qiao Zijin that her son had been outstanding enough to get into such a prestigious school. So, she had held it in but had discussed the matter of where Chen Feng would work after graduation.

    But now, Chen Feng had gone back on his word again.

    This time, Qiao Zijin was no longer willing to speak nicely to Chen Feng and demanded Chen Feng to change his mind. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that your dad¡¯s gone. You¡¯re your grandparents¡¯ only grandson. What will they do without you here? Have you ever thought about that?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    At the mention of Father and Mother Chen, Chen Feng grew silent. It was exactly because of his grandparents¡¯ orders that he wasn¡¯t returning to Ping Cheng.

    Seeing Chen Feng¡¯s expression, Qiao Zijin¡¯s eyes were on fire. Her son, Feng Feng, had always been an obedient child. Why had he lied to her time and again?

    It must have been those two old foggies from the Chen family who were trying to tear the mother and son apart. Were they uneasy seeing how good their rtionship was?

    Qiao Zijin lovedpeting with others. ¡°Alright, I understand. Feng Feng, let me ask you. Who¡¯s more important to you? Your grandparents or your mother?¡±

    In other words, if Chen Feng felt that his mother was more important, he had better return to Ping Cheng and support her in her old age.

    Chen Feng rubbed his forehead, not understanding where his mother¡¯s confidence hade from. The answer to this question was painfully obvious.

    How could his mompare herself to his grandparents? There were two of them and only one of her. Besides, even if they were topare feelings, he had deeper feelings for even just one grandparent than his mother!

    Chen Feng could give Qiao Zijin an answer without any hesitation.

    But Chen Feng was a softhearted kid, after all. He knew that his mother was muddleheaded, and even if he were to give that answer, his mother would only feel hurt but still not understand the situation.

    Sometimes, silence was the best answer.

    If his answer could please Qiao Zijin, there was no need for him to face her with silence.

    But Qiao Zijin had no self-awareness at all. ¡°Don¡¯t keep mum and don¡¯t think of running away from this question. It¡¯s cruel to make you make this decision, but I¡¯m your biological mother. Don¡¯t you think that your grandparents went over the line? I know you pity them, but have they ever thought of our rtionship? Call your grandparents now and tell them that you want to return to Ping Cheng and that you¡¯ll be staying with your mom.¡±

    How could he be closer to his grandparents than his own mom?

    All children were closest to their mothers. Their grandparents came muchter.

    Since those two old foggies of the Chen family had no self-awareness and wanted to torture themselves, there was no need for her to be kind to them either. They had brought this upon themselves.

    Besides, those two old foggies had never been good to her even though she still addressed them as her parents up until now. Qiao Zijin felt that there was no need to go easy on them.

    Qiao Zijin had asked a very foolish question and had very little self-awareness. Chen Feng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the incredulity of the situation. This was his mother.

    ¡°Mom, I spent my childhood growing up with Grandma and Grandpa.¡± Chen Feng reminded Qiao Zijin.

    Qiao Zijin was stunned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Mom, there are some things that will still be there even if we don¡¯t talk about it. When I was very young, Auntie was the one who raised me. After you got divorced from my dad, it was Grandma and Grandpa who raised me. Before Dad got into trouble, you didn¡¯t even visit me once.¡±

 Chapter 2485 - Persistence (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2485: Persistence (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Because he was already past the age where he longed for his mother¡¯s love, Chen Feng no longer felt sad when talking about the past and could deal with it calmly.

    Qiao Zijin rebuked him. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t want to visit you, but your grandparents didn¡¯t allow me to.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Grandma and Grandpa didn¡¯t let you visit me, so you didn¡¯t even try to look for me.¡±

    If his mom was sincere, would his grandparents¡¯ attitudes have mattered?

    Besides, he had not been a three-year-old toddler at that time. As long as his mother had tried to visit him, he would have gotten in contact with her behind his grandparents¡¯ backs.

    Unfortunately, his mother had never even tried to contact him once, much less visit him.

    If not for his father running into his own trouble and his grandparents needing to hand him over to his mom so that he could leave that environment, he probably wouldn¡¯t have met his mother, Qiao Zijin, up until now.

    ¡°Are you trying to settle old ounts now? Do you mean that your feelings for your grandparents are deeper because they spent more time with you? Is that why you¡¯re not close to me?¡± Qiao Zijin looked at Chen Feng in disbelief.

    What kind of child was closer to their grandparents than their own mother?

    Chen Feng had not nned on saying that, but since Qiao Zijin insisted on going down this path, Chen Feng could only reply with a nod. ¡°Yes, in my heart, Grandma and Grandpa are more important than you. But you¡¯re my mom, so I¡¯ll still support you in your old age. Grandpa and Grandma asked me to stay in the capital to establish my career, and I¡¯ve decided to listen to their advice and not to return to Ping Cheng.¡±

    It was good that he had cleared the air too. It would have been more troublesome if they hadn¡¯t resolved their differences.

    ¡°I have your card, but I¡¯ve never used your money even at my age. Apart from giving birth to me, you¡¯ve done nothing for me. I¡¯ll do what I¡¯m obliged to do and support you. You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    Chen Feng felt helpless at the mention of his rtionship with Qiao Zijin.

    He didn¡¯t understand how he had gotten a mother like that.

    His grandmother had been amazing, treating his mother well even though she had bullied his aunt. But his mom wasn¡¯t even as good to him as his grandmother had been to his mom.

    Because of that, Chen Feng wondered who had led Qiao Zijin astray, so much so that she didn¡¯t know how to be a good daughter nor a good sister. Now that she was a mother, she was still a mess of a mother.

    Chen Feng wondered whether the only sessful identity she had in life was as Qiao Zijin herself. There was no other identity that she yed well.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear. No matter how much you try to change my mind in the future, I won¡¯t return to Ping Cheng. I¡¯ve already found myself a job in the capital. I¡¯ll wire you two thousand yuan a month first. Once my job gets more stable, I¡¯ll see if I can give you two thousand five hundred or three thousand yuan instead.¡±

    That was the most Chen Feng was willing to do to help Qiao Zijin livefortably.

    Actually, Qiao Zijin had never needed to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother.

    While Chen Feng was still unweaned, it had been Mother Chen and Ding Jiayi taking care of her child. When Chen Feng learned to walk, it had been Qiao Nan guiding and raising him.

    After her divorce from Chen Jun, Chen Feng had ended up in the hands of Father and Mother Chen.

    In the blink of an eye, Chen Feng had grown up into an adult and could now provide for Qiao Zijin. But Qiao Zijin had never even done anything for him.

    Qiao Zijin would probably only realize whether she had been an utter failure as a mother at thest moment of her life.

    Qiao Zijin¡¯s face paled. ¡°So, you¡¯re going to listen to those two and chase me away by giving me some money every month?¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t make it sound so bad. You weren¡¯t even willing to spend this sum of money on me and simply chased me away. But did I ever say anything like that to you?¡±

    Everyone had their limits. If Qiao Zijin continued being so unaware and insisted on attacking Chen Feng, there woulde a day he would no longer be able to tolerate it anymore. ¡°We¡¯re conducting Grandpa¡¯s funeral and I don¡¯t have time to waste on you. I have to head back.¡±

    After the mourning, it was time for Qiao Dongliang¡¯s kin to send his body to the crematorium to be cremated. Then, they could bury Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ashes in the urn they had previously purchased.

    Da Bao wasn¡¯t old enough, and only Chen Feng had the strength to help with carrying Qiao Dongliang¡¯s coffin to send him off as his grandson.

    ¡°Wait a minute¡­¡± Qiao Zijin tried to stop Chen Feng from going to lift the coffin.

    She was dissatisfied with Chen Feng¡¯s answer. How could Chen Feng make such a huge decision alone? She was Chen Feng¡¯s mother, and he had to respect her opinions and base his decisions on them.

    Ding Jiayi walked up and grabbed hold of Qiao Zijin¡¯s hand, flinging Qiao Zijin aside. ¡°Can¡¯t you take a look around you? Have you done anything for your dad at this age? Your dad didn¡¯t even me you for it. Now that your dad¡¯s gone, can you act sensibly at the very least and let your dad leave peacefully?¡±

    Ding Jiayi felt heartbroken when she saw her daughter, Qiao Zijin.

    She had realized how much of a failure she was. Qiao Zijin behaved terribly as though she wasn¡¯t even Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter. This all meant that she had raised Qiao Zijin wrongly in the past.

    She and Qiao Dongliang were finally getting their retribution for having raised their daughter, who hadn¡¯t gotten remarried, badly.

    They hadn¡¯t educated their daughter well and had destroyed another family. In the end, it hade back to haunt them too.

    In the moment that Ding Jiayi flung her aside, Qiao Zijin was utterly stunned.

    Qiao Zijin already knew that Ding Jiayi no longer liked her five years ago. If her mother still liked her, there was no way she wouldn¡¯t have gotten in touch over the past five years after secretly moving away.

    It was only when Chen Feng left to study abroad, not even returning to spend the new year with Qiao Zijin, that Qiao Zijin felt a tinge of regret for not having treated Ding Jiayi better before she had moved away.

    If Ding Jiayi hadn¡¯t been angry with her and hadn¡¯t moved away, she would have been able to spend the new year with Ding Jiayi.

    There was nothing to celebrate when one was alone during the new year period.

    However, she thought that Ding Jiayi¡¯s feelings toward her were simply that of dislike. But now, Ding Jiayi was ring at her with hatred!

    Qiao Zijin nearly red up and acted out because of Ding Jiayi¡¯s gaze.

    Thankfully, Qiao Zijin finally calmed down upon seeing Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ck-and-white portrait.. Otherwise, she would have kicked up a huge fuss to let everyone know about just how much she had suffered at the hands of the Qiao family.

 Chapter 2486 - Persistence (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2486: Persistence (3)</h4>

    Whether it was her own family or her inws, no one had been good to her!

    ¡°Mom, I know you don¡¯t like me, but I wasn¡¯t the one who caused Dad¡¯s death. Why are you directing all your anger toward me?¡± Qiao Zijin felt aggrieved. There was no reason for her to receive the hate she was receiving. She had to stand up for herself and let everyone know that she was innocent.

    She wasn¡¯t Qiao Nan and would never bear the responsibility of something she had never done.

    Ding Jiayi was exhausted and sneered. ¡°It¡¯s true that your dad¡¯s death had nothing to do with you. When I¡¯m gone, you¡¯ll only care about whether it has something to do with you. It¡¯s my fault that you grew up in this way, and your dad¡­ is probably at fault too. So, it¡¯s your dad¡¯s and my retribution. Qiao Zijin, I¡¯m really curious if you would turn out this way if you had other people as your parents.¡±

    Ding Jiayi had never thought that it was entirely Qiao Dongliang and her responsibility that Qiao Zijin had turned out this way. Qiao Zijin had to bear some responsibility too.

    She wasn¡¯t a three-year-old kid. Even though some of her worldviews had already been formed, Qiao Zijin could very well have changed them once she understood what was going on around her.

    But had Qiao Zijin been willing to do so?

    Of course not.

    Qiao Zijin was all too clear that her life would never be as easy-going andfortable if she were to change her personality.

    Qiao Zijin wanted to lead a good life but didn¡¯t want to work hard for it. All she wanted to do was to enjoy life and reap the benefits others had gleaned.

    That was Qiao Zijin¡¯s nature. She had not caused Qiao Zijin to develop such a personality.

    She had always taught Qiao Zijin to study hard and get good results so that she could enter a good university and have a bright future.

    But ever since entering school, Qiao Zijin had never scored well. Every time, Qiao Zijin would coax her by saying that she hadn¡¯t released her full potential, that there had been something wrong with her pen, or that there had been other unexpected situations.

    In short, all the unexpected problems with Qiao Zijin¡¯s stationery led to her faring badly in every single one of her exams.

    Qiao Zijin had no responsibility over her bad results. It was all due to her bad stationery and Qiao Nan, who was always distracting her.

    Was that what she had taught her?

    No, she had never taught Qiao Zijin that.

    Ding Jiayi thought about it again. Actually, their family of four had to bear some responsibility for Qiao Zijin turning out this way.

    The difference was that Qiao Nan had chosen to withdraw herself from the mess early on. She no longer tolerated Qiao Zijin¡¯sziness as she had done in the past and had instead chosen to leave to start a new life afresh.

    Both she and Old Qiao had been foolish and unlucky for being Qiao Zijin¡¯s parents.

    As such, they couldn¡¯t abandon Qiao Zijin and had no choice but to endure the pain that Qiao Zijin brought upon them time and again.

    Ding Jiayi took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t want to listen to you or talk to you. If you still want to acknowledge your dad and me as your parents, please maintain your silence and let your dad leave peacefully. If you don¡¯t treat us as your parents anymore, that¡¯s fine too. You can leave straightaway and not disturb our family. Alright?¡±

    Ding Jiayi had no more energy to throw a tantrum or get angry at Qiao Zijin.

    If possible, she wanted to end this as soon as possible, return to her apartment, and live peacefully for the rest of her life.

    She had already gone down the wrong path for half her life anyway. It was toote to make any amends now.

    It could be said that Ding Jiayi¡¯s heart had died alongside Qiao Dongliang.

    Ding Jiayi had already made herself clear. The deceased had to be respected. Moreover, Qiao Dongliang was Qiao Zijin¡¯s father. She couldn¡¯t possibly throw a tantrum and leave at that moment.

    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to, but she couldn¡¯t.

    Qiao Zijin knew that Chen Feng would definitely have a worse opinion of her if she were to leave at that moment.

    Her son was all grown up. As long as her son was willing to support her, she would definitely be able to live afortable life in her old age, just like her parents had. She could offend anyone but her son.

    Very quickly, Qiao Zijin calmed down. Even though she didn¡¯t help out, she maintained her silence and followed the others as Qiao Dongliang¡¯s daughter.

    Before the cremation, Ding Jiayi had requested three minutes alone with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body.

    Everyone had agreed to it.

    Up until Qiao Dongliang¡¯s death, Qiao Dongliang had still been legally married to Ding Jiayi. No one could take thatst opportunity away from the married couple.

    After everyone left, Ding Jiayi looked at the icy-cold and wrinkled Qiao Dongliang, whoseplexion was filled with pigmentation spots. She wept.

    Ding Jiayi knew that she had grown old too. All that was left of her were bones. There was no fat to be found, and her whole body seemed saggy and especially ugly.

    She walked over and held Qiao Dongliang¡¯s icy-cold hands. ¡°Old Qiao, I know that I wasn¡¯t good enough in this lifetime and disappointed you, but can you give me another chance to be your wife in our next lifetime? I¡¯ll definitely be a good wife and mother so that this won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Qiao Dongliang, who was already dead, was naturally unable to answer Ding Jiayi and simplyy there lifelessly.

    ¡°Old Qiao, since you¡¯re not answering me, I¡¯ll treat that as an agreement.¡±

    With that, Ding Jiayi took out a small purse from a pocket that contained hair that Ding Jiayi had cut off.

    Ding Jiayi was afraid that her agreement with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body wouldn¡¯t mean anything, so she had to leave something with him.

    That was when Ding Jiayi had thought of her own hair. She had specially cut off a long strand and ced it into a small purse to be burned into ashes along with Qiao Dongliang¡¯s body.

    With that, Ding Jiayi finally wiped away her tears and allowed everyone else to enter and watch Qiao Dongliang leave.

    Everything finally came to an end after Qiao Dongliang¡¯s ashes were ced into the urn.

    Qiao Nan, who had already lost a significant amount of weight, wasn¡¯t just physically exhausted but mentally exhausted as well. She wanted nothing more than to return to Zhai Sheng¡¯s side.

    As such, as soon as Qiao Dongliang¡¯s funeral ended, Qiao Nan didn¡¯t even greet Ding Jiayi before flying back to the capital with Da Bao. She simply transferred twenty thousand yuan into Ding Jiayi¡¯s card.

    To Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang¡¯s death meant that she had lost half of her familial rtions.

    Once Ding Jiayi left as well, Qiao Nan would finally be free of her family and would never need to face Qiao Zijin ever again.

    But now that Qiao Nan was finally free, Jiajia bitterly eximed that she was about to be her aunt¡¯s sessor. Was she going to have to deal with a nasty mother-inw like Qiao Zijin?

 Chapter 2487 - Dadâ€™s So Fierce (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2487: Dad¡¯s So Fierce (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Chen Feng had already decided to work in the capital and to set up a family in the capital with Jiajia.

    Qiao Zijin knew only about the former situation, not about thetter. Knowing that her son had already made a decision and that she had no way of changing his mind, Qiao Zijin came up with a n.

    She would go to the capital. It didn¡¯t mean much to her. Hadn¡¯t she yearned to settle down in the capital while she was younger?

    At that time, she didn¡¯t have the capabilities or the money to do so and could only return to Ping Cheng in shame.

    But now, things were different. Even if she didn¡¯t have the ability to do so, she had a son who did.

    Her son had already graduated, and it was a society for the young now. It was better to leave the hard work to the young people.

    As Chen Feng¡¯s mother, she would stay at home and take good care of herself. When Chen Feng returned home, he would also have a meal ready for him. In that way, she would be helping Chen Feng.

    With that thought, Qiao Zijin could no longer hold it in and told Chen Feng that she was going to move to the capital to take care of him.

    The moment he heard that Qiao Zijin wanted to go to the capital to take care of him, Chen Feng didn¡¯t know whether tough or to cry. Who was the one taking care of the other?

    To be honest, even when he was with Jiajia, Chen Feng was the one taking care of Jiajia. Since he could take care of an ¡®outsider¡¯ like Jiajia, it was only right for him to take care of his own mother.

    Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin was not an average person, and it didn¡¯t make sense to use average logic in her situation.

    Chen Feng was utterly annoyed with how Qiao Zijin always stirred up trouble, and he was actually afraid when he heard that Qiao Zijin wanted to live with him.

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Chen Feng rejected it. Qiao Zijin had better remain in Ping Cheng. After all, he already had a house in Ping Cheng.

    If Qiao Zijin were to go to the capital, she would have to stay with him in a small and cramped rented apartment. There was no way it would be asfortable as living in therge apartment in Ping Cheng.

    The moment Qiao Zijin heard that she would have to suffer, she hesitated. ¡°Feng Feng, you¡¯re an overseas returnee. You¡¯re so brilliant. Your job must pay you well. I think that you¡¯ll definitely be able to buy a house in another few years. Besides, no youngdy will agree to marry you if you don¡¯t have a house. Once you buy a house, will I be able to live there with you?¡±

    Qiao Zijin was willing to wait it out since she would have to suffer if she were to head over now. She was in no hurry.

    She would simply wait for her son to settle down in the capital and purchase a house of his own before she moved over.

    Chen Feng was speechless at how shameless Qiao Zijin was.

    His mom knew that it would be terribly hard on him, even financially, when he first moved to the capital. So, his mom had simply chosen not to share that burden with him and was not moving over now.

    But his mom was no fool either. She knew that he wouldn¡¯t remain in such dire circumstances forever. Once his situation improved and stabilized, she would definitely move over to enjoy the benefits andfort that her son would be able to provide.

    Enjoying the fruits of others¡¯bor. How had his mom thought of that?

    Didn¡¯t his mom feel the least bit embarrassed to show such a shameless side to her son?

    Did she?

    Of course not.

    Most importantly, Qiao Zijin had seen Ding Jiayi use such tactics against Qiao Nan too many times, and every time, Qiao Nan had always satisfied Ding Jiayi.

    In Qiao Zijin¡¯s view, this was allowed and was also amon situation in their family.

    Once again confirming that his mother wasn¡¯t an ¡®ordinary¡¯ mother, Chen Feng no longer wished to say anything. ¡°Mom, the environment in the capital is bad, and the traffic is congested. It¡¯s quite troublesome. It¡¯ll be better for you to remain in Ping Cheng. I¡¯ll continue giving you a living allowance every month. If you need any more money for other expenses, you can just let me know. I¡¯ll transfer more money to you.¡±

    Chen Feng had never wanted Qiao Zijin to move over, and besides, Qiao Zijin¡¯s performance wasn¡¯t just ordinarily poor. It would be strange if Chen Feng agreed to allow his mother to stay by his side.

    ¡°Feng Feng, are you abandoning your mother?¡±

    Qiao Zijin couldn¡¯t help but ask sourly, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m going to the capital for myself? It¡¯s all for you. Your dad¡¯s gone and you only have me left. If I¡¯m not by your side, who will help you once you get married?¡±

    Besides, wouldn¡¯t Chen Feng have to rely on his mother to raise his child once his wife gave birth?

    Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t explicitly said all these, but Chen Feng already understood her thoughts.

    Chen Feng felt a shiver run down his spine. If he were to have a child with Jiajia, he would much rather hire a nanny than let his mother raise the child.

    What if his child turned out just like his mom? In that case, he would rather not have any children with Jiajia at all. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t have to worry about that. I¡¯ll resolve those problems myself.¡±

    Qiao Zijin had better forget about going to the capital. There was no room for discussion in this matter.

    After all, Chen Feng was still settling down in the capital and didn¡¯t have much himself.

    A ¡®smart¡¯ person like Qiao Zijin understood that it was still too early for her to move over. Why would she fall out with her son over something that would happen in the future?

    It was better for her to simply agree now. Once her son¡¯s career took off, she would have a house there once she moved over.

    She didn¡¯t believe that Chen Feng would chase her out if she were to move over.

    Chen Feng could tell that Qiao Zijin had not truly agreed to stay in Ping Chen instead of moving to the capital.

    In the future, he wouldn¡¯t be alone. There would still be Jiajia. As such, Chen Feng hid nothing from Jiajia and told her everything about what had happened in Ping Cheng. He was whipped for Jiajia.

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin¡¯s ns and attitude, Jiajia red up.

    Not only did Jiajia feel bad for Qiao Nan but also her boyfriend.

    How could Qiao Zijin be so selfish? She had never even done anything for her son, and yet, she was waiting to enjoy the fruits of hisbor. It was infuriating!

    ¡°Chen Feng, I¡¯ll make myself clear. You know very well about the rtionship between me and my auntie. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll ever stay in the same house as her. And your mom had better not think of even touching my child in the future. I¡¯ll hate you if our child turns out like your mom.¡±

    As she said that, Jiajia nearly brought up the topic of a breakup.

    Zhai Hua had never agreed to this rtionship to begin with. No matter how outstanding or considerate Chen Feng was, he wasn¡¯t a good choice as a husband.

    A good husband didn¡¯t stop a mother-inw from stirring up trouble.

    Often, couples split up not because of differences between them but irreconcble differences between daughter-inw and mother-inw.

    Qiao Zijin wasn¡¯t a good daughter-inw, and she definitely wouldn¡¯t be a good mother-inw.

 Chapter 2488 - Dadâ€™s So Fierce (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2488: Dad¡¯s So Fierce (2)</h4>

    Zhai Hua had suffered at the hands of her mother-inw and was not willing for Jiajia to go down the same path. Besides, it was obvious that Qiao Zijin was much more difficult to handle than Mother Wei.

    ¡°Jiajia, don¡¯t be upset. I didn¡¯t agree to her demands.¡± Chen Feng quickly tried to coax Jiajia, knowing that she was truly incensed.

    Jiajia¡¯s anger subsided slightly. ¡°You know the kind of person your mom is. What will you do if she insists on it? You¡¯re quite softhearted to your mom. My auntie was finally able to get away from her because she had gotten married. Do you think you¡¯ll be able to escape as her son?¡±

    Given how ¡®amazing¡¯ Qiao Zijin was, Chen Feng was truly the most pitiful one as her son. This meant that whoever married Chen Feng and became Qiao Zijin¡¯s daughter-inw would be the second-most pitiful person.

    In the past, Jiajia had simply watched on from the sidelines. But now, Jiajia couldn¡¯t seem to control her emotions since she was about to be the second-most pitiful person.

    Jiajia finally understood that it didn¡¯t matter whether she broke up with Chen Feng now. As long as Qiao Zijin was around, Chen Feng¡¯s marriage would definitely end in divorce no matter whom he married.

    Qiao Zijin was truly a jinx. She harmed one person after another, and it was soon to be her son¡¯s turn.

    But Chen Feng had been raised by Qiao Nan, after all, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to be vicious to Qiao Zijin. ¡°It¡¯s not that she can¡¯te to the capital. It¡¯s true that my conditions aren¡¯t that good, but I¡¯ll work hard. I¡¯d rather have it a little harder and rent a small room for my mom than let her live with us.¡±

    After all, Chen Feng had Qiao Nan as a role model to learn from.

    He had to support his parents, but he had control over how he would do that.

    He would provide a roof over Qiao Zijin¡¯s head and provide her with meals and a living allowance. That way, Qiao Zijin would live like a worm that could livefortably without even doing anything.

    He felt that he had already fulfilled his responsibilities as a son by going this far.

    Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to wage a cold war against his mother.

    After all, everyone had their limits. He would soon have his own wife, and he would have to work to support his family as well as Qiao Zijin.

    As such, he didn¡¯t have any time or energy to try to right his mother¡¯s wed character.

    To put it bluntly, educating children well was the responsibility of their parents. Teaching a wife was a husband¡¯s duty. He had never heard of a son needing to teach his mother well.

    The ones who should have educated Qiao Zijin hadn¡¯t done so, and he still had to take care of so many other people. He couldn¡¯t possibly take care of her too.

    ¡°Are you sure? Are you just trying to appease me by saying that you¡¯ll rent a ce for her but let her move inter?¡±

    If Chen Feng dared to do that, Jiajia was sure that she would definitely take her children and return to her family with her children until Qiao Zijin moved out of their house.

    Even if she had to go to the extent of getting a divorce, she wouldn¡¯t give in to Qiao Zijin.

    She liked Chen Feng, and Chen Feng treated her well too.

    She would get married because of love and would get a divorce because of how much she valued respect and freedom. She didn¡¯t care so much about marriage or divorce. She simply wanted the best things.

    But she wondered how Qiao Zijin would respond if she caused her son to get a divorce. She probably wouldn¡¯t even reflect on herself even then.

    ¡°No, definitely not.¡± Chen Fengughed bitterly. ¡°If I wanted my mom to do that, do you think I would havee to the capital to study or gone abroad?¡±

    Chen Feng had chosen a faraway ce just to avoid Qiao Zijin.

    When he had just started to live with Qiao Zijin, Chen Feng had still been a minor and needed a guardian.

    No one else in the Chen family was suitable, and Qiao Zijin naturally became the first choice.

    Even though Chen Feng didn¡¯t need Qiao Zijin¡¯s care, neither the Chen family nor Chen Feng could change thew that required minors to have a guardian.

    Because they had lived together, Chen Feng was the clearest about how he had been taking care of himself and how Qiao Zijin had never taken care of him.

    To be honest, Qiao Zijin had done nothing for her son, Chen Feng, apart from giving birth to him.

    No matter how much Chen Feng had yearned for motherly love in the past, that desire had all faded away in the face of a mother like Qiao Zijin.

    Chen Feng had never enjoyed motherly love, and Qiao Zijin had never fulfilled her obligation as a mother. He felt that he was already going above and beyond by being willing to support her in this way.

    If Qiao Zijin had any more demands than that, he wasn¡¯t going to ede to them.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll believe you this once. But I¡¯ve already made myself clear. I¡¯m not joking. If you can¡¯t do as you said, don¡¯t me me for being heartless.¡±

    Jiajia had learned something from Zhai Hua, and that was to not put herself at a disadvantage.

    Sometimes, that wouldn¡¯t bring peace and happiness to the family and would only make others go overboard.

    Because the young couple had finallye to a consensus, Jiajia did not break up with Chen Feng in the end.

    After their favorite elder sister and brother had gotten together, some were against it, some were happy, and some were confused.

    Once, San Bao asked Qiao Nan privately, ¡°Mom, when Sister gets married to Brother, should I address him as ¡®brother-inw¡¯ or address her as ¡®sister-inw¡¯?¡±

    Besides, could their elder siblings get married to each other?

    Although Jiajia and Chen Feng were considered to be rtives, they didn¡¯t have any blood rtions and weren¡¯t considered close rtives. There would be no problem for them to get married.

    Such was fate.

    Who would have thought that the two of them would develop feelings for each other and start dating even after Jiajia had gotten such a bad first impression of Chen Feng and had even been so nasty to him? They had never fought or gotten close to a breakup over the years.

    The only conflict that they had gotten into was all due to Qiao Zijin.

    It could be said that Jiajia and Chen Feng were exceptionally loving aspared to their peers who were always squabbling.

    But after they had been dating for almost seven years and had been working for three, there were some topics that were inevitable.

    Although Qiao Nan¡¯s triplets were only fourteen, they had already finished their middle school examination because they had skipped grades. They had even been epted by a top high school in the capital and were now first-year students.

 Chapter 2489 - Dadâ€™s So Fierce (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2489: Dad¡¯s So Fierce (3)</h4>

    Thankfully, the Zhai family¡¯s genes were good, and even among the older children, the three children didn¡¯t appear short.

    San Bao was a girl and matured rtively earlier and was now the tallest amongst the three children.

    Although Da Bao and Er Bao hadn¡¯t undergone puberty, they were still considered tall among their peers.

    Seeing that their younger sister was taller than them, Da Bao and Er Bao secretly tried to win against theirpetition. Every time, they made sure to finish the fresh milk that Qiao Nan gave them.

    How could they be shorter than their younger sister?

    The Zhai family was tall to begin with, and because they had not let all that milk go to waste, Da Bao and Er Bao finally grew tall and slender and were now the same height as San Bao.

    The triplets were now high school students, and San Bao was like a flower about to blossom, whereas Da Bao and Er Bao were like young and tender trees. The three children were extremely eye-catching.

    But as the children aged, so did their parents.

    Now that she was at the age of wanting a grandchild, Zhai Hua started to pressure Jiajia and Chen Feng to get married. They had already been dating for five to six years. That was more than enough.

    Did they really want to get past the seven-year itch before getting married?

    Thankfully, Chen Feng and Jiajia had already made their ns to get married a month after the National Day holidays.

    The sudden bomb threw all the adults into a frenzy.

    Was getting married just a matter of talk?

    They had to take wedding photos, prepare their wedding invitations, think of who to invite, where to hold the banquet, what to prepare for the banquet, and so on. It was terriblyplicated.

    Fine.

    As long as Jiajia was willing to get married to Chen Feng, Zhai Hua didn¡¯t mind getting busy. After all, she could always pull her brother and sister-inw along to help her out.

    Of course, the Zhai family¡¯s triplets naturally became the flower boys and girl since Jiajia and Chen Feng were getting married.

    Da Bao didn¡¯t feel much for being a flower boy and eventually decided to let Er Bao and San Bao take on that responsibility instead.

    San Bao was already in high school and was capable of analyzing situations. That was why she had asked such an embarrassing question about whether to address them as brother-inw or sister-inw.

    Time had been kind on Qiao Nan, who was nearly fifty-four. Not only did she still look like a youngdy, but her face was also still tender and soft and didn¡¯t look dry or wrinkled at all.

    Qiao Nan didn¡¯t look any older than a woman in her forties.

    In the face of her daughter¡¯s question, Qiao Nanughed. ¡°You can call them whatever you like, as long as all three of you address them the same way. Why don¡¯t you ask Jiajia this question and see how she replies and what she prefers?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± San Bao¡¯s eyes lit up. That was the best solution.

    San Bao quickly ran over to find Jiajia, who was in the midst of her wedding photoshoot with Chen Feng. ¡°Sister, after you get married to Brother, should I address you as ¡®sister¡¯ or ¡®sister-inw¡¯?¡±

    The moment Jiajia, who had been trying on her veil, heard that question, she decisively answered, ¡°Address me as ¡®sister¡¯. Your brother will be your brother-inw.¡±

    Although they were about to get married, there was no way she was going to let Chen Feng have her younger siblings.

    Chen Feng, who had just finished wearing his suit, didn¡¯t know how to react upon hearing that.

    Alright, he loved his younger siblings, and Jiajia was going to be his wife and the mother of his future children. If Chen Feng didn¡¯t give in to her, who would? ¡°Yes, you can address me as

    ¡®brother¡¯ or ¡®brother-inw¡¯.¡±

    San Bao clung onto Jiajia. ¡°Sister, Brother-inw treats you so well.¡±

    When she grew up, she wanted to find a boyfriend who would treat her just as well, take care of her, and give in to her whenever conflicts arose.

    Why was her father, Zhai Sheng, not the perfect husband in San Bao¡¯s eyes? Well, perhaps only her mother would be able to stand a man like her dad in this entire world.

    Thinking about how their parents were always together and couldn¡¯t be separated, San Bao always felt like the three of them were redundant.

    No matter the situation, her dad was always on her mom¡¯s side.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of angering her father. After all, she would simply be sent to the military for more training. But she was doomed if she ever angered her mom. Her dad would then be a devil and torture all three of them to death.

    Understanding that their mom was the true boss at home, the three children never caused any trouble for Qiao Nan, and neither did they go through a rebellious period to worry Qiao Nan.

    Between Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng, San Bao felt that the three siblings had little room to breathe.

    Yes, if she was going to find a boyfriend, she had better find one like her brother-inw. Her father¡­ was better off staying with her mom.

    Jiajia pinched San Bao¡¯s nose without saying anything. In her opinion, San Bao was still young. Dating and marriage were far in the future for San Bao.

    She didn¡¯t want to tell San Bao too much as that would cause her to get into an early rtionship. That would only worry her aunt.

    Jiajia knew that she was crazy for her younger siblings, but her uncle was crazy for his wife. She couldn¡¯t afford to offend him.

    If San Bao were to get into an early rtionship because of her¡­

    Jiajia shivered, not daring to even consider the consequences.

    Her mom had already told her a long time ago that her aunt had the highest position in the Zhai family, but the one she had to watch out for was her uncle.

    ¡°Sister, you look beautiful in your wedding gown.¡± San Bao looked dreamily at Jiajia¡¯s wedding gown.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? Don¡¯t you have one too?¡± The difference was that San Bao was wearing a mini wedding gown while she was wearing an extravagant one. ¡°Alright, you¡¯ll get your chance in the future. Listen to me. You can¡¯t afford to hurry such things. If you get anxious, your mom will get anxious as well. Then, your dad will get you even more anxious.¡±

    It sounded like a tongue twister, but both Jiajia and San Bao understood what she meant.

    San Bao stuck her tongue out. ¡°Sister, can we not mention my dad at such a time?¡±

    Jiajia smiled. ¡°San Bao, do you dislike my uncle because he¡¯s too fierce to you guys, or because he¡¯s always snatching my auntie away?¡±

    ¡°Both.¡± San Bao thought about it for a while. ¡°Dad is really fierce. Besides, it¡¯s really not good that he¡¯s always snatching Mom from us.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t understand why a grown man was always trying to snatch her mom from his children.

    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Jiajia couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. Jiajia had personally witnessed her younger siblings try to snatch their mom from their dad many times to no avail. She had heard her mom talk about it often too.

    Jiajia wasn¡¯t even sure whether she should express sympathy for her three younger siblings.

 Chapter 2490 - No Longer Staying With You (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2490: No Longer Staying with You (1)</h4>

    Her younger siblings truly had it hard having a father who was crazy for his wife. ¡°Alright, don¡¯tin about it. I heard my mom saying that Uncle treated you guys very well when you were young. He always yed with you guys and always got Auntie to coax you guys to sleep. Every time your family went out, Uncle and Auntie always let you sleep in the middle while they slept by the sides. My mom often says that she had never thought that Uncle would have such a tender and considerate side to him.¡±

    Her mom even said that she thought that her younger brother was made of ice. Any time he warmed up and the ice melted, he would disappear from this earth.

    ¡°Are you serious? Why do I have no impression of that?¡± San Bao cupped her face in disbelief.

    Every time they asked their mother to put them to bed, their dad would say that there was no need for their mother to coax them to sleep since they were all grown up. If they couldn¡¯t fall asleep, it was better to put on a luby so that they could fall asleep themselves.

    Thinking about how her father had even slept by her side, San Bao thought that it was incredulous.

    Jiajia helped San Bao tidy her hair. ¡°It¡¯s not strange that you don¡¯t remember it. That all happened before you turned three. After you guys turned five, Uncle¡­¡±

    Got much stricter.

    But her younger siblings had better memories of everything that had happened after turning five. On the other hand, they seemed to have no memories of the times before they were five.

    ¡°Are you guys ready?¡± Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but remind the two sisters of their main objective of the day.

    They had already finished their outdoor photoshoot that morning and were here to take some additional indoor photos.

    ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll return my sister to you. Sigh. You were so nice to us in the past. Now that you¡¯re my brother-inw, you¡¯re just like my dad and not friendly to us at all!¡±

    San Bao pouted, expressing her unhappiness.

    It was indeed true that men changed after marriage.

    Her brother would never have hurried her like that in the past. Now that he was getting married, his younger siblings were being cast aside.

    Sigh. Men were all the same. Even if she found a man like her brother, he would eventually end up like her father.

    San Bao was disappointed. Why couldn¡¯t she get a perfect man?

    Thankfully, she was still young and only fourteen years old. She still had at least ten years to find that ideal man in her heart.

    With that thought, San Bao felt much more at ease and didn¡¯t take issue with how her brother had cast his sister aside now that he had a wife.

    Of course, Chen Feng could not hide the fact that he was getting married to Jiajia from his mother, Qiao Zijin.

    Mother and Father Chen had left over the past five to six years, but the one who was the greatest troublemaker, Ding Jiayi, was still well and alive.

    The elderly in Jiajia¡¯s family were all gone too.

    That was why Jiajia hesitated, not knowing whether to let Ding Jiayi attend the wedding. She wasn¡¯t particrly interested in inviting her, but it didn¡¯t seem right not to do so either. After all, Chen Feng was Ding Jiayi¡¯s eldest grandson.

    Thinking about how Ding Jiayi was so old, and how they had already invited Qiao Zijin, they seemed to be left with no other choice than to invite Ding Jiayi since she was his ¡®grandmother¡¯.

    Forget it. They would invite both of them.

    It was such a joyful asion that her son was getting married, but when Qiao Zijin learned of the news, she couldn¡¯t even let out a smile. In fact, her heart was full of hatred.

    If her son was going to marry Jiajia, she would rather her son not get married at all.

    So many years had passed. Qiao Zijin would be a fool if she couldn¡¯t sense how Chen Feng had a closer rtionship with Qiao Nan than herself.

    But she was Chen Feng¡¯s biological mother, after all, and she was still alive. How could Chen Feng be filial to Qiao Nan instead of her? Who was the one who had given birth to Chen Feng?

    Qiao Zijin was already unable to tolerate how her son didn¡¯t have much feelings for her and was biased toward Qiao Nan.

    Now, her son was going to marry Qiao Nan¡¯s inw¡¯s niece! This made Qiao Zijin even more upset, and she wanted to prevent this marriage at all costs.

    She clearly knew just how much Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter liked Qiao Nan. While she had been in Ping Cheng, she had always talked sweetly about her auntie, so much so that it was disgusting to hear.

    Jiajia shared a close rtionship with Qiao Nan, and Chen Feng liked Qiao Nan too.

    If she were to let the two of them get married, she would be cast aside.

    Besides, it had been a long time since Chen Feng had started dating Jiajia, but he had never once mentioned Jiajia to her. He had been trying to protect her!

    That wasn¡¯t wrong since she didn¡¯t like Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter and would never let Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter be her daughter-inw. She had to let her son marry another woman!

    Qiao Zijin knew just how impressive Zhai Hua was.

    Considering Jiajia and Zhai Hua had a simr temper, Qiao Zijin was sure that Jiajia would never let her have it good if Chen Feng were to marry Jiajia.

    Daughters-inw suffered for years before bing mothers-inw themselves. She had finally been able to be a mother-inw, but not only would she not be able to assert her position as one, but she would even have to live ording to her daughter-inw¡¯s whims and fancy. That made absolutely no sense!

    Her son could marry anyone but Zhai Hua¡¯s daughter!

    She would not agree!

    Seeming to have guessed Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude, Chen Feng made a call to her. ¡°I¡¯ve bought you a ticket to the capital. If you want toe, you can just bring your identity card along. It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t want toe. It¡¯s quite tiring toe to the capital from Ping Cheng anyway. My wedding with Jiajia will be recorded. You can watch it on video next time if you¡¯re interested.¡±

    If Qiao Zijin didn¡¯te, Chen Feng would feel even more relieved.

    But Chen Feng knew that Qiao Zijin wanted to attend her son¡¯s wedding. She simply didn¡¯t want him to marry Jiajia.

    Of course, because she had not achieved her goal, there was no way Qiao Zijin would give up. She had to go to the capital.

    But Chen Feng held on to that sliver of hope. He felt that Qiao Zijin noting to the capital to attend his wedding would be the best wedding present she could ever give him.

    Every son hoped to receive a present from his mother when getting married. The thought of how he wanted such a present made Chen Feng feel that he shared this misery with Qiao Zijin.

    Thankfully, all of his other rtives were very normal and treated him well apart from Qiao Zijin.

    Now that he was getting married, his auntie had taken over the duties of his parents and had helped him settle everything. This had lessened the burden on him and Jiajia.

    In this way, he had quite a good fortune. Although his mom was unreliable, he had a reliable younger auntie, with whom he shared an even closer bond. There was nothing he couldin about.

    After hanging up the call, Chen Feng continued with his preparations.

 Chapter 2491 - No Longer Staying With You (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2491: No Longer Staying with You (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The only thing that Chen Feng needed to prepare alone was naturally an arrangement for Qiao Zijin.

    A son understood his mother the most.

    Chen Feng had no doubt. Although Qiao Zijin said what she did, he would definitely not waste money on this ne ticket.

    Before this, he didn¡¯t buy a house or get married. He didn¡¯t have a wife or children. His mom had always wanted toe over but held back. However, every time she called, she would ask when he was buying a house, when he was getting married, and when he could fetch her over.

    He had bought a house and gotten married. Chen Feng knew that after his mom came over this time, even if Jiajia wasn¡¯t the daughter-inw she was satisfied with and liked, she wouldn¡¯t leave so easily.

    Chen Feng didn¡¯t need to think too much about anything else. However, he had to solve the issue of Qiao Zijin¡¯s amodation after she arrived at the capital.

    There was a consensus between Chen Feng and Jiajia on this. Jiajia wouldn¡¯t reject the idea of bringing Qiao Zijin over to the capital and providing for her. However, she must not stay with them.

    Chen Feng had also promised to rent a house for Qiao Zijin outside.

    ording to the original agreement, Chen Feng really did help Qiao Zijin secure a house. It just depended on whether Qiao Zijin would board the ne.

    Speaking of which, Chen Feng had a fairly urate view of Qiao Zijin.

    He was worried that Qiao Zijin would arrive too early and create trouble at his and Jiajia¡¯s wedding. Thus, he manipted the date of the ne ticket quite well.

    Chen Feng had a plot, but Qiao Zijin had a strategy. She didn¡¯t live in vain for the past fifty years such that she was going to be controlled by her son.

    Knowing that Chen Feng had booked the ne ticket for her, Qiao Zijin wanted to change the date immediately so that she could arrive at the capital earlier, have a chance to ruin this wedding, and change a wife for Chen Feng.

    It was alright that Chen Feng booked ate date for her. She could change the time.

    Speaking of which, Qiao Zijin was really a person who wasn¡¯t willing to spend money. She knew that ticket prices would change.

    As such, Qiao Zijin kept looking until she saw a cheaper fare than what Chen Feng had booked for her. She said to change to this flight and didn¡¯t care that the flight took off at midnight.

    With such efforts, three days before Chen Feng¡¯s wedding, Qiao Zijin arrived at the capital at four in the morning. After taking an hour¡¯s train ride, she reached the vicinity of Chen Feng¡¯s house and gave him a call.

    Chen Feng took a look. It was not yet six. Why was his mom calling him at this time? ¡°Mom, what happened?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already at the gate of your house in the neighborhood. Come out and pick me up. Let¡¯s discuss your marriage.¡±

    Upon hearing that Qiao Zijin had already arrived, Chen Feng nearly fell out of bed. Out of helplessness, Chen Feng put on his clothes and hurriedly fetched Qiao Zijin home.

    Upon seeing that her son¡¯s house in the capital wasn¡¯t small and was well-decorated, Qiao Zijin became particrly unhappy. ¡°You¡¯ve already bought a house and renovated it well, yet you didn¡¯t fetch me over to the capital. Do you treat me as dead? Also, I object to the two of you. You two are not allowed to get married. You have good conditions and can definitely find a prettier and younger woman.¡±

    Most importantly, she wanted to find an obedient daughter-inw. She didn¡¯t want a girl like Jiajia, who had big ideas.

    Chen Feng had long expected Qiao Zijin¡¯s attitude and didn¡¯t have much reaction. ¡°Mom, Jiajia and I have already registered our marriage. From a legal perspective, we are legal husband and wife. Also, I bought this house together with Jiajia. If we get a separation, half of the house will belong to Jiajia.¡±

    Qiao Zijin was extremely angry. ¡°Their family is already so wealthy. Would they still need the money for this half of the house? Aren¡¯t they shameless?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Chen Feng wanted to say that the shameless person was her.

    It was Jiajia¡¯s family¡¯s matter that they were wealthy. No matter how rich they were, they had earned the money themselves.

    On what basis was it that after breaking up, Jiajia couldn¡¯t get back half of the house that she had forked out money for? Only his mom could say it so righteously that she was greedy.

    ¡°Three dayster, I¡¯ll hold a banquet with Jiajia. Mom, if you¡¯re willing, you can attend it. If not, you can stay at home.¡±

    ¡°Why? With your Aunt Qiao Nan around, you no longer need me, the biological mother? Did you get Qiao Nan to help you with everything?¡± Qiao Zijin was extremely angry. Her son was getting married. How could she be absent? Was Feng Feng crazy?

    Forget it that Chen Feng was woken up early this morning. He still had to handle Qiao Zijin¡¯s unreasonableness. Apologies, but even his wife, Jiajia, wasn¡¯t that difficult to coax. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m very thankful that I have such an aunt. You probably don¡¯t know this, but since I was young, I¡¯ve regarded her as my mom. Now that I¡¯ve grown up and am getting married, I still feel that she is like my biological mother.¡±

    His aunt had done everything that his mom should have done. His aunt didn¡¯t find it tough and didn¡¯t ask him for credit. However, his mom was vying for status here.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Qiao Zijin was really so angry that she was speechless.

    ¡°If Qiao Nan¡¯s so good, why didn¡¯t you call her your mom?¡± In the end, Qiao Zijin shot her mouth off to hurt herself and Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng rubbed his eyes. ¡°I want to, but Aunt¡¯s happiness is more important than anything else. Although she is my aunt, I know what her status is in my heart. This wouldn¡¯t change just because of a title. Mom, as a human, you have to be self-conscious. I realized that your biggest weakness and shoring in this lifetime is that you are not self-conscious. Looking at you like this, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re not going to return to Ping Cheng?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Qiao Zijin mmed the table. ¡°If I return to Ping Cheng again, I really don¡¯t know if I had given birth to my son for myself or for Qiao Nan. Now that I¡¯m in front of you, you have to remember clearly that your biological mother is still alive. If you really want to be a filial son, be filial toward me. Don¡¯t get it wrong.¡±

    Chen Fengughed. He picked up his car keys and dragged Qiao Zijin¡¯s luggage outside.

    Qiao Zijin panicked and hurriedly followed Chen Feng out of the door. ¡°What do you want to do?¡± She didn¡¯t think it was safe to put the one-million-yuan bank card on her, so she had put it in the luggage and was thus very agitated.

    After closing his door, Chen Feng said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning not to return to Ping Cheng but stay in the capital? Jiajia and I have discussed this. If you have such thoughts, sure. I¡¯ve already rented a house for you outside. Mom, I¡¯d rather be more tired and work harder than to make you suffer. Don¡¯t worry..¡± However, I would definitely not stay with you.

 Chapter 2492 - Different (1)

    Qiao Zijin was old but Chen Feng was young. Even if Qiao Zijin was unwilling, how would she be able to win against Chen Feng?

    It was only when she and her luggage were thrown into the small suite that Qiao Zijin cried sadly.

    Her son really didn''t want her anymore. Did she want to acknowledge Qiao Nan as his biological mother?

    As such, when she saw Qiao Nan attend Jiajia''s and Chen Feng''s wedding, Qiao Zijin started to shoot arrows at her immediately, with a look that spelled ''you had snatched my son away''. "Qiao Nan, you''re ruthless. Are you taking revenge against me? When we were young, I snatched a lot of things away from you. Now that we''re old, you want to take revenge and let me have a taste of what you had suffered, huh?"

    Qiao Zijin was envious of Qiao Nan.

    Under such an environment, Qiao Nan managed to marry such a good man like Zhai Sheng when she didn''t even graduate from junior high school. Until now, the couple was still very loving.

    She had seen it just now. Zhai Sheng took a piece of cake and didn''t allow Qiao Nan to take it. He even insisted on feeding Qiao Nan.

    They were already in their fifties and sixties. Qiao Nan was shameless to do such a mushy and disgusting thing.

    Upon thinking that she was obviously a university student but had gotten a divorce after marrying Chen Jun for less than ten years, Qiao Zijin expressed that the person she hated the most in this lifetime was Qiao Nan.

    Why was Qiao Nan so hateful? When she snatched Qiao Nan''s things, she had nothing. She only attained happiness through the things she had snatched from Qiao Nan.

    But Qiao Nan?

    Qiao Nan had everything now. She even snatched her son away from her!

    It was only recently that Qiao Zijin knew that the big house she had sold to pay for her kidney transnt was bought by Zhai Sheng. He had given it to Qiao Nan, and Ding Jiayi had been living in it recently.

    "Qiao Nan, you''re already so blessed. It''s not as if you don''t have a son. I only have one but you have two. Why are you so ruthless, snatching away my only son? How far will you go in your revenge before stopping? You even let Wei Jiajia marry Feng Feng. Are you trying to torment me to death?"

    In Qiao Zijin''s view, Qiao Nan must have brought about Chen Feng''s and Jiajia''s union.

    Jiajia already had such a good rtionship with Qiao Nan. After their marriage, would Jiajia treat her, the mother-inw, well?

    What worried Qiao Zijin the most was that Jiajia might want to seek revenge for Qiao Nan. As such, she would keep sowing discord between Chen Feng and her and let Chen Feng abuse her.

    Just thinking about this alone, Qiao Zijin felt that she wouldn''t be able to live on.

    Upon hearing Qiao Zijin''s words, Qiao Nanughed. "Qiao Zijin, you have really treated others as yourself. You think it''s good to snatch things away. I don''t. You''re right. I have two sons. Do I still need to snatch your only son? Feng Feng''s my nephew, not my son. You have thought too much. Of course, as for how Feng Feng treats me, both you and I have no right to control his thoughts. Isn''t that right?"

    Qiao Zijin was so angry that her facial features were contorted. "Qiao Nan, admit it. You''re taking revenge. You obviously know that Feng Feng''s my only hope, yet you still treat him so well such that he doesn''t acknowledge me as a mother. Qiao Nan, you''re wicked. You''re a demon."

    It was a pity that no one else but her could see Qiao Nan''s true colors. Why? Why did it have to be like this?

    Qiao Nan was such a bad person. Why were there still so many people by her side and treating her well?

    As for her?

    Her life had been ruined by Qiao Nan. However, no one sympathized with her or pitied her. They even always said that she deserved this.

    Qiao Nan snatched her parents'' love from her. Her husband''s heart belonged to Qiao Nan. Even her son couldn''t wait for Qiao Nan to be his biological mother instead of her.

    How much did Qiao Nan resent and hate her such that she had to destroy her life to this extent?

    She hated it. She hated that aside from her, no one else could see Qiao Nan''s true ugly face hidden under that pretentious mask.

    Were those people blind? Were their eyes covered by ghosts? Why did they treat Qiao Nan so well?

    "¡­" Qiao Nan couldn''t understand why Qiao Zijin looked at her as if she was an enemy. "I think it''s better for you to calm down. Feng Feng and Jiajia are getting married today."

    If Qiao Zijin were to create trouble, Feng Feng would be the most embarrassed person.

    If Feng Feng lost face, would he still respect Qiao Zijin, his biological mother?

    Qiao Nan didn''t understand why Qiao Zijin couldn''t understand such simple logic.

    "Qiao Zijin, let me advise you again. Don''t keep thinking that people should treat you well and that if they don''t, they are letting you down. You should be thinking about your life and those people who are very important to you. Think carefully about how well you should treat these important people in your limited life. Sacrifice is mutual. No rtionship can be maintained if only one party keeps sacrificing."

    This was the case between couples and parents and children.

    When Qiao Zijin was a daughter, she kept asking her parents for things.

    When she became a mother, on the premise that she didn''t sacrifice anything, she felt that it was time for her child to repay her.

    Regarding Qiao Zijin''s abnormal psychology, Qiao Nan didn''t know if Qiao Nan should take more responsibility for this, or if the Ding Jiayi who raised Qiao Zijin up should.

    Qiao Zijin was here. Ding Jiayi was naturally here as well.

    Ding Jiayi sat quietly by the side. She was as silent as a wooden sculpture.

    After Qiao Dongliang''s death, Ding Jiayi''s temper became like this. Her emotions no longer fluctuated.

    Even if today was the day that her grandson got married, Ding Jiayi couldn''t even smile.

    She was like this when she faced Chen Feng. She was also like this when she saw Qiao Nan''s triplets.

    Since Ding Jiayi was like this, the children naturally weren''t willing to get close to her, their grandma. After addressing her, they ran away.

    Today, Er Bao and San Bao were the flower boy and flower girl. They had their things to do and couldn''t possibly be around their grandma.

    "Mom''s there. Aren''t you going to see her?" Qiao Nan pointed in the direction of Ding Jiayi.

    Qiao Zijinughed when she heard this. "How rare. You''re still willing to address that woman as your mom? When did this start? You haven''t called her like this for years, right?"

    Qiao Nan was like this. Qiao Zijin was also like this. The mother-daughter pair didn''t meet and didn''t call each other. How would Qiao Zijin still treat her as her mom?

    In the face of such an extreme Qiao Zijin, Qiao Nan felt that she had seen the Qiao Zijin who had died under her own car in her dream.

    Qiao Nan sighed and no longer wanted to talk to Qiao Zijin.. She was afraid that the more she spoke, the crazier Qiao Zijin would behave.

 Chapter 2493 - Different (2)

    It was a big trouble for Jiajia to have Qiao Zijin as a mother-inw and Chen Feng to have her as a mother.

    It wasn''t only Qiao Nan who thought this way. Zhai Hua simrly felt the same.

    After knowing that Qiao Zijin had arrived at the capital in advance and even forced Chen Feng to get a divorce with Jiajia and that they were not allowed to hold a wedding banquet, Zhai Hua was so angry that she wanted to tear Qiao Zijin apart.

    Why did Qiao Zijin have so many matters? They didn''t stop at all.

    They were already at this age. However insensible they were, they should be sensible by now. Who knew that not only was Qiao Zijin the same as before, but she even seemed to be getting worse?

    Thankfully, Chen Feng remembered his promise and knew how to arrange another amodation for Qiao Zijin.

    Otherwise, it wasn''t that Qiao Zijin would disagree to this but she would. She wouldn''t let her daughter marry into the Chen family and meet a mother-inw like Qiao Zijin.

    "Alright, don''t be angry. Your daughter''s getting married today. Be happier." Seeing Zhai Hua so angry, Qiao Nan couldn''t help butugh.

    Sister Zhai Hua and Qiao Zijin became inws. Once these two old women met each other, Feng Feng''s and Jiajia''s days were definitely going to be ''exciting''.

    Qiao Nan couldn''t help but look sadly at Da Bao, who was in a suit.

    Qiao Zijin only had Chen Feng as a son. She was already like this when he was getting married. She? She had three children.

    She didn''t know what kind of daughter-inw Da Bao and Er Bao would find for her in the future. She also didn''t know what kind of man San Bao would get married to.

    Oh no, she couldn''t think of this. The more she thought about it, the more panicked she felt.

    "Mom?" Da Bao looked at Qiao Nan in confusion. "Mom, what''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Or is the air conditioner too strong and you''re feeling cold?"

    Da Bao knew that the way his mom looked at him was a little strange. He didn''t know that his mom was thinking about what kind of a daughter-inw he would find for her in the future.

    The fourteen-year-old Da Bao was already very tall. He was going to be taller than Qiao Nan soon.

    However, Qiao Nan wasn''t that tall to begin with. She was only around 1.6 meters.

    The Zhai family''s genes were good. Zhai Hua was over 1.7 meters while Zhai Sheng was over 1.8 meters.

    If the three children grew up well, they would definitely be taller than Qiao Nan. Even San Bao would be taller than her, let alone Da Bao and Er Bao.

    Seeing that the three children still looked young and tender but were already taller than her, Qiao Nan was deeply moved.

    She often felt that she had given birth to the three children at an old age and didn''t know how long she could apany them for.

    She didn''t expect that in the blink of an eye, the three children were already taller than her. "Mom''s fine. I''m not cold. Are you hungry?"

    The three children were growing again. Qiao Nan often had to prepare five meals a day for them.

    With such a way of eating, the three children seemed to grow only vertically but not horizontally.

    Every time she saw how skinny Da Bao and Er Bao were, Qiao Nan couldn''t help but worry. "Da Bao, if you''re hungry, I''ll get someone to prepare something for you first. You are growing now and can''t go hungry. Look at how skinny you are¡­"

    Every time she thought of how Da Bao and Er Bao didn''t have much meat on them, Qiao Nan would feel anxious.

    Da Bao blushed, but he didn''t hide from Qiao Nan''s hand which was squeezing his elbow. "Mom, don''t worry. Er Bao and I are growing well. We don''t look fat because our bodies are firm. You can feel how skinny I am, but can''t you feel how hard my muscles are?"

    "Not as hard as your dad''s."

    Speaking of this, Qiao Nan became even sadder. When the three children were young, their bodies were soft and fragrant. It was sofortable to hug them.

    Who knew that as they started to grow up, their baby fat disappeared and their bodies even became hard?

    Qiao Nan had already experienced for herself how hard her husband''s body was.

    Who knew that her three children were bing like their dad? Qiao Nan only felt terrible in her heart.

    Da Bao consoled Qiao Nan. "Mom, I''m still young. We have only trained for a short time. Wait and see. Within three years, our bodies will be firmer than our dad''s."

    No matter what, he couldn''t lose to his own father.

    Only if he and Er Bao became stronger could they protect their mom and San Bao in the future.

    However, upon thinking about San Bao''s performance in the army, Da Bao expressed that it was better for them to just protect their mom. San Bao looked like a sweet girl, but once she made a move, even boys would have to address her as ''dad''. How would she need his and Er Bao''s protection?

    San Bao put on a beautiful wedding dress as she wished. Her nose became itchy and she couldn''t help but sneeze.

    As someone obsessed with her younger siblings, Jiajia hurriedly said when she heard San Bao sneeze, "Hello, can you turn down the air conditioner a little? My younger sister''s cold."

    "Alright." The staff quickly adjusted the temperature to be higher. "Bride, you really dote on your sister. Both of you are so beautiful."

    "Thank you." Upon hearing that the staffplimented San Bao for being pretty, Jiajia was happy. As for her beingplimented, Jiajia didn''t take it to heart. "My younger sister''s pretty, right?"

    The staff was speechless.

    She was going to get married. Shouldn''t the prettiest person today be the bride herself?

    "Sister Jiajia, don''t worry about me. I''m good. It''s about time. We should head out. Where''s Aunt?"

    Jiajia and Chen Feng were doing a Western-style wedding. ording to logic, the bride''s or groom''s father should hold Jiajia and deliver her to the groom''s hand.

    It was unknown where Jiajia''s father was. Chen Feng''s father was no longer around.

    That said, there was no longer any male elder in the newlyweds'' families.

    In the end, Zhai Hua said that since she was marrying her daughter away, she would hold her daughter''s hand and deliver her to her son-inw.

    Zhai Hua felt that this was something easy when she said it. However, under certain lights, music, and atmosphere, Zhai Hua''s eyes turned red. "Chen Feng, I only have Jiajia as a daughter. You have to treat her well."

    "Mom, don''t worry. I will. You can monitor me by the side." Chen Feng agreed solemnly and firmly grasped Jiajia''s hand. Their fingers interlocked tightly.

    Qiao Zijin, who was sitting below, saw that Zhai Hua could go on stage. With so many people watching and her being the groom''s biological mother, how could she not go up?

    Qiao Zijin wanted to go up. However, Chen Feng knew her temper too clearly. As such, he had long said to her, "Mom, aside from giving birth to me, you''ve never raised me up, taken care of me, or doted on me before. If you didn''t have the ability, I wouldn''t have other thoughts. However, you had that ability, but you just couldn''t bear to.. Mom, as your son, do you think my heart has turned cold? Mom, you''re different from other moms."

 Chapter 2494 - A Childâ€™s Happiness (1)

    "Mom, I like Jiajia a lot. I would definitely marry her and not get a divorce from her. You have never done your duty as a mother. I will try my best to fulfill my obligations as a son. However, I have to remind you. If you ruin my wedding with Jiajia and cause her to be unhappy, I don''t mind you saying that I''ve forgotten about my mom after having a wife. The money''s in my pockets. It''s up to me how I want to provide for your old age. Mom, don''t force me."

    What was Qiao Zijin most afraid of?

    She was most afraid that her son wouldn''t provide for her old age and she couldn''t lead a good life.

    Qiao Zijin didn''t dare to treat Chen Feng''s words to be just scaring herself and that they were untrue.

    Qiao Zijin knew too clearly that Chen Feng''s feelings for Jiajia were much deeper than his feelings for her. Chen Feng could really abandon her because of Jiajia.

    Even without Chen Feng''s reminder, Qiao Zijin knew how much she had sacrificed for him.

    Chen Feng had her fate in his hands. How would Qiao Zijin dare to make a din? She could only watch as Zhai Hua received more attention than her, the groom''s biological mother. Under everyone''s blessings but hers, the wedding ceremony ended.

    Now, not only had Chen Feng registered his marriage with Jiajia, but they had also held a wedding banquet. Jiajia was Chen Feng''s wife. She couldn''t run away from this status.

    Chen Feng and Jiajia were married. To Qiao Nan, she only needed to be busy once for the marriage between the two children whom she liked. Speaking of which, that saved her a lot of effort.

    She didn''t know if the three weddings she would help her three children organize after they grew up would be as smooth-sailing as today.

    "Grandaunt, let me help you."

    "Just walk. You''re so short. Why are you helping Grandaunt? Don''t cause her to fall instead."

    "¡­Brother''s bad. You bully me. I''ll tell Dad!"

    A daughter was her father''s lover in his previous life. Once she was bullied, she immediately thought ofining to the father whom she loved the most.

    "Chen Xinxin, can you be more promising? You''re already a big kid. Why are you alwaysining to Dad?" Once Chen Xinxinined, he would suffer a beating.

    Chen Xinxin was not willing to take this lying down. "Chen Pengpeng, if you don''t bully me, how would Iin to Dad? Is there a brother like you?"

    The Chen family''s siblings started to argue and Qiao Nanughed. "Alright, Pengpeng has to take care of his sister. Xinxin has to dote on her brother as well. Aren''t the both of you sick of arguing?"

    "She''s in the wrong."

    "Brother''s bad for bullying me."

    The siblings started to argue again.

    Chen Peng and Chen Xin were Chen Feng''s and Jiajia''s son and daughter. Chen Peng was seven years old this year. He was conceived in the couple''s third year of marriage.

    Chen Xin was the second child. She was four years old this year. It was no wonder that Chen Peng, who was at the height of Qiao Nan''s chest, scolded his sister for overestimating her capabilities when he heard that Chen Xin was going to help her.

    It was unknown if they were influenced by their parents, but once Chen Peng and Chen Xin were born, their paternal grandma didn''t like them. Their maternal grandma was alright and could y with them for a while. However, their favorite was still Qiao Nan, their grandaunt.

    Especially when the young couple first gave birth to Chen Peng, they didn''t know how to raise a child. No matter how much they loved him, they were still clumsy.

    There was nothing much to expect from Zhai Hua. Qiao Zijin? Stop scaring people.

    In the end, the novice parents took their son to Qiao Nan and got her to teach them how to raise him up.

    As the novice parents had jobs, Qiao Nan pretty much raised Chen Peng up until he was three years old.

    Qiao Nan expressed that she didn''t have a choice. She handed her foundation over to Jiajia to manage as she was her sessor.

    She was old and couldn''t run around anymore. She had to let Jiajia run the different activities and take care of things.

    Jiajia was her sessor to deliver warmth to this society. Qiao Nan naturally had to help Jiajia and Chen Feng bring up Chen Peng, her grandnephew.

    As such, Chen Peng was sent to kindergarten after Qiao Nan brought him up to three years old. Then, it was Chen Xin''s turn. Sorry, but Chen Feng and Jiajia didn''t umte any experience of bringing up a child during the process of raising Chen Peng, so¡­

    Four years after the triplets graduated, Qiao Nan could be said to have brought up two ''grandchildren''.

    Even though her own children were already twenty-five years old, Qiao Nan had no intention to urge them to get married.

    Their dad, Zhai Sheng, was the best example. He was urged to get married and got a divorce after three years of marriage in the end.

    With them as examples, Qiao Nan expressed that she''d rather her three children take it slow and find someone they really loved before talking about marriage and children.

    It was just that Qiao Nan was already sixty-five years old this year.

    Just like Miao Jing back then, Qiao Nan was a little sad that although she would have the chance to see her three children married, she didn''t know how long more she could take care of her grandchildren.

    Upon hearing that Chen Feng''s and Jiajia''s son and daughter were arguing, Zhai Sheng felt a headache.

    These two brats only knew how to create children but not raise them. What time was it already? Why weren''t they bringing their children home?

    In the past, Zhai Sheng still felt that both Jiajia and Chen Feng were alright. Now, he hated this couple very much. When Zhai Sheng saw Chen Feng and Jiajiae to pick their children up, Zhai Sheng''s face was dark.

    Jiajia held her son''s hand and Chen Feng held Xinxin in his arms. After greeting Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan, they hurriedly brought their children away.

    In the car, Jiajia couldn''t help but ask, "Did the two of you pester Grandaunt to apany you again?"

    She really didn''t understand. Her uncle was already an old man in his seventies. Why was he still so full of jealousy? He couldn''t leave her aunt''s side at all.

    She had a toothache seeing the old couple.

    What angered Jiajia the most was that because of this, her uncle gave them dirty looks every day.

    Her uncle still had the cheek to me Pengpeng and Xinxin for clinging to her aunt. The person who clung to her aunt the most was her uncle, alright?

    How would Jiajia know that in Zhai Sheng''s heart, Qiao Nan was his wife? As such, it was only natural for him to be together with her. He wasn''t being clingy. They were a couple.

    On the contrary, those ''outsiders'' who had repeatedly upied their couple time together reallycked self-consciousness.

    Xinxin smiled like a flower. "Yes, Grandaunt told me a story today and coaxed me to sleep. She even yed puzzles with me. Mom, I want to go to Grandaunt''s house again tomorrow."

    "¡­" Indeed. "Pengpeng, what did you y today?"

    "Grandaunt took out the toys that Uncle and Aunt yed with when they were young. The bullet shell model is so cool. Mom, look at this tank. It''s a gift from Grandaunt. Dududu. Whoosh, bang!"

    Without a doubt, regardless of whether it was her son or daughter, they were happy to be by her aunt''s side.

 Chapter 2495 - A Childâ€™s Happiness (2)

    Even though her aunt was getting older and rarely went out, her two children still yed well with her and didn''t feel bored at all.

    "Aunt''s formidable. Pengpeng and Xinxin like her," Jiajia said.

    Chen Feng, who was driving, said, "You don''t like her?"

    Without thinking, Jiajia replied, "You don''t like her?"

    In the end, the coupleughed. They were family and had the same temper. They also liked the same people. No one couldugh at one another.

    They were happy, but Zhai Sheng wasn''t. "Nan Nan, let''s go out tomorrow." So that Jiajia and Chen Feng wouldn''t send their children to our home. How noisy.

    Leaning in Zhai Sheng''s arms, Qiao Nan, who was watching the evening news together with him, smiled. "Don''t worry. It''s Monday tomorrow. Xinxin and Pengpeng have to go to school. At least for the next five days, no one would disturb us."

    Qiao Nan was already used to her husband being someone full of jealousy.

    Unlike the sourness in Zhai Sheng''s heart, Qiao Nan only felt that her life in theter years was so sweet that even if she didn''t eat any sweets, she would soon be sick.

    They were seventy years old and sixty-five years old. Zhai Sheng still liked to call her Nan Nan.

    "What about the weekend?" Zhai Sheng really didn''t quite like other people''s children. It wasn''t easy for them to finally raise their children up and set them free so that he could have his wife all to himself. Who knew that Chen Peng and Chen Xin, these two troublemakers, would be sent over?

    Especially when Chen Peng was sent over, the angry Zhai Sheng nearly threw him into Chen Feng''s arms and asked their family to get lost with a cold face.

    They didn''t know how to raise their children after giving birth to them. Why did they give birth in the first ce then?!

    Qiao Nan smiled. "Brother Zhai, shall we go back to Qingshui Town for our old age?"

    The older she got, the more Qiao Nan wanted to return to Qingshui Town, the ce where she met Zhai Sheng and they decided to be together. "The three children have grown up. Let''s leave this house to them."

    Pengpeng was already seven years old and in primary school. Xinxin was four years old and in kindergarten.

    After both children went to school, the time Chen Feng and Jiajia needed to take care of them was greatly reduced.

    Furthermore, Jiajia''s working hours were more flexible. It wouldn''t be a problem for her to take care of both children.

    Zhai Sheng''s eyes shone. "For real?"

    If they returned to Qingshui Town, they would really be depending on each other for the rest of their lives.

    Qiao Nan smiled. "Since when did I go back on my words? Why would I joke with you about this? I''m serious. Let''s go back to Qingshui Town for our old age."

    Initially, Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui also had this same n. However, in order to spend more time with their grandchildren, they didn''t return to Qingshui Town for their old age in the end. They were in the capital when they passed away.

    Then, Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng took their ashes back and buried them beside the graves of Old Master Zhai and his wife.

    "Alright, I''ll get someone to buy our ne tickets now."

    Before the ne took off, he would definitely not let those children know about this, lest Nan Nan became entangled with them and couldn''t bear to leave again.

    It was only when the ne took off and he saw those flulent white clouds did Zhai Sheng feel relieved. This time, those children wouldn''t be able to catch up to them.

    With Qiao Nan''s hand in his and their fingers interlocked affectionately together, Zhai Sheng thought happily that their two-people world was finally going to begin.

    Qiao Nan leaned her head against Zhai Sheng''s shoulders and smiled happily. Yes, they could live in their two-people world now. Even if he was seventy years old and she was sixty-five, happiness would never bete because of age¡­

    After Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan arrived at Qingshui Town, they led a rxed life of their own.

    It was a pity that the children they gave birth to couldn''t be abandoned just like that.

    Within a year, the triplets dropped three ''bombs'' at the same time, nearly causing Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng to be in a daze.

    "What? All of you are getting married? Why the use of ''all''?" Zhai Sheng was confused. Why couldn''t he seem to understand his son''s words?

    "Dad, Er Bao, San Bao, and I are getting married."

    Perhaps Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng were older now than in her dream. In her dream, when the triplets were in primary school, they no longer allowed their family members to address them by Da Bao, Er Bao, and San Bao anymore.

    However, in this lifetime, the three children were about to get married but they had not requested any rtives around them to stop addressing them by these nicknames.

    "The three of you are getting married? With whom?"

    Married?

    Sure, they could get married. But there had to be marriage partners, right?

    Were the three children dating? Who were their partners? Why didn''t he or Nan Nan hear anything?

    "I''m warning you. Marriage is a big deal. Even if it isn''t as conservative as before now, and marriage and divorce are like having a meal, what your mom and I want is for you to treat this matter seriously. If you have a partner, you don''t have to rush to get married. Spend a few more years to get to know each other."

    Zhai Sheng was a divorcee. He didn''t wish for his three children to be like him.

    Until now, he felt that Qiao Nan had suffered as it was her first marriage but it was his second, even though his first wasn''t a de facto marriage.

    If you loved someone, you naturally hoped to be the best self for your other half.

    Zhai Yi said, "Dad, you and Mom don''t have to worry. The three of us have thought it through carefully that we have found the right ones before mentioning to you that we want to get married. Actually, we have already graduated four years ago. However, we have been with our partners together for three years."

    How would the three children not know their parents'' attitudes toward their marriages?

    They didn''t treat marriage lightly. After three years of understanding, it was only today that they finally told their parents that they were ready to get married.

    "Three years?"

    Zhai Sheng was shocked. He didn''t expect this answer at all. They had been together for three years. Indeed, this wasn''t a short period of time. "You''ve thought through it?"

    "Yes."

    "Alright, let me share this situation with your mom. We''ll see when we return to the capital."

    Their children were getting married. It was unknown if they had arranged for their weddings to be held together.

    "Dad, you can share this with Mom. However, you don''t have to return to the capital. We''ve thought about this. We''ll return to Qingshui Town to hold the wedding."

    "¡­Have you asked your partners'' opinions yet?"

    Zhai Sheng could understand why the three children would make such a decision after thinking for a while.

    The children didn''t want him and Nan Nan to be too tired. Also, Old Master Zhai, his grandma, and his parents were buried in Qingshui Town.

    It could be said that two generations of the Zhai family had longed for these three children.

    Whether the children would be happy in the future was thest concern of these elders.

 Chapter 2496 - A Visit From The In-Laws (1)

    "Yes," Zhai Yi replied without any guilty conscience. Marriage wasn''t something done for fun. He naturally had to find someone suitable and whom he liked before getting married.

    Actually, Zhai Yi yed a word game with his father.

    He said that they had been together for three years. However, he actually dated more than one person during this period.

    It wasn''t that Zhai Yi was disrespectful to his girlfriend and chose to desert her as his conditions were good.

    They knew their family situation. The three children had long discussed in private that they felt that it was good for Chen Feng and Jiajia to get married like that back then. Two weddings became one, and this could save their mom a lot of trouble.

    There were three of them. For something as troublesome as weddings, they didn''t want their mom to be tired after organizing it thrice. Not only would their dad feel heartache and get angry, but they, as children, wouldn''t feelfortable in their hearts as well.

    As such, the three of them agreed to work hard to find their partners. When they found the right one, they would hold their weddings together.

    The three of them nned it this way so that they could save their parents'' efforts. Although they were willing, they also had to see if their other halves were willing or not.

    Indeed, San Bao was San Bao. She had been bad-tempered since she was young. After she grew up, she was capable and found a boyfriend whom she could control easily.

    The boyfriend said that as long as San Bao was willing to marry him, it didn''t matter where they were getting married or if it was a Chinese-style or Western-style wedding. He would listen to San Bao''s viewspletely.

    As such, the only person who really dated the same partner for three years was only San Bao.

    Da Bao and Er Bao were boys. Their partners were girls. Which girl wouldn''t want to have an unforgettable wedding and be the person everyone paid most attention to on that special day?

    When they heard their boyfriends say that there were potentially three couples holding their weddings together, Da Bao''s and Er Bao''s girlfriends hardly agreed.

    Their girlfriends thought of a few ideas. They said that they would try to create less trouble for both parties'' parents. If there was anything, they, the younger generation, could just handle it so that it wouldn''t be tough on both parties'' parents. As such, the wedding of the three couples did not need to be held on the same day.

    Da Bao and Er Bao had seen how the situation was like when Chen Feng and Jiajia got married.

    There were a lot of things that they didn''t understand and had to be done by adults.

    Furthermore, if three weddings were held, no matter how effortless they were, their parents had to go through the formalities thrice. No, that would tire them out.

    Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin were born well. They were good-looking as well.

    Both girls were proud to have boyfriends like Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin. They thought that since their partners were the chief''s sons and they had achieved very outstanding performances and results in the army, their weddings couldn''t be sloppy. It was definitely a no to have three couples together on the same day.

    When Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin expressed this idea, both parties had not reached the stage of discussing marriage. The brothers were just giving their girlfriends a heads-up to see their attitudes.

    Then, they realized that their first girlfriends were unwilling to ept this. They''d rather think of other solutions than to agree to them.

    Alright, since their feelings for each other weren''t deep yet, they should break up quickly and not dy each other since their mindsets differed.

    After the breakup, the two girls were shocked. Weren''t they still dating yesterday? Why did they suddenly break up today?

    The girls wanted to cry and kick up a fuss. They refused to break up. After breaking up with such an outstanding person, where would they go to find a better partner?

    To be honest, in terms of family background, it was really difficult to find girls like Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin.

    Thankfully, the Zhai family never had sectarian views. As long as they were suitable and liked each other, they weren''t particr about this.

    As brothers, after experiencing a breakup once, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin became more careful when looking for girlfriends again.

    Love was important as well. As such, the brothers ranked both love and suitability at the top.

    It wasn''t enough if there was love. They had to be suitable for each other as well. It wasn''t enough if they were suitable. It was important that they loved each other too.

    When the brothers were still looking for their partners, San Bao had already settled down with her boyfriend. San Bao said, "The both of you can just decide what to do. My boyfriend and I have already decided. He will follow my viewspletely. There won''t be any issues. When the both of you have confirmed your partners, let''s hurry up and get married."

    Their younger sister had surpassed them. As brothers, Zhai Yi and Zhai Xin felt that they had lost face.

    In the second year, Zhai Xin could be said to have found a girl whom he liked and found suitable. They started dating. Thus, only the eldest, Zhai Yi, was left.

    Even after beingughed at by his younger brother and sister, Zhai Yi wasn''t anxious. Who asked him to be the older brother? His requirements for finding a partner had to be higher than Zhai Xin''s.

    The eldest brother was like a father while the eldest sister-inw was like a mother.

    Based on Zhai Sheng''s and Qiao Nan''s age, the person who had to take care of this family more and work harder in the future would definitely be Zhai Yi''s other half.

    As such, if the girl Zhai Yi was looking for wasn''t generous or considerate enough to take care of others, their marriage would be gone sooner orter.

    After all, the rtionship between the three siblings had always been very good. He was prepared to keep it that way.

    One could imagine how serious Da Bao naturally was when choosing his partner. He didn''t dare to be sloppy at all.

    Thankfully, what Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng kept teaching Zhai Yi finally came true.

    Don''t be anxious. There would always be someone who could give you happiness waiting for you.

    Two yearster, Zhai Yi found the girl he wanted. She was cheerful and generous. She was especially gentle and could take care of others well.

    What satisfied Zhai Yi was that this girl didn''t have a mother. After her father married her stepmother, the two gave birth to another son.

    This son was brought up by his girlfriend, who was the older sister. There was a stepmother, after all. As time passed, his girlfriend''s rtionship with her biological father naturally became distant. She was also neutral toward this half-brother.

    It wasn''t that Zhai Yi was biased. Under such circumstances, he believed that after this girl married him, she would naturally take care of his rtives more and be closer with them.

    Facts had proven that Zhai Yi didn''t find a wrong partner.

    After knowing Zhai Yi''s conditions, the girl hesitated for a while as she felt her background wasn''tpatible with his. It was when Zhai Yi told her that they didn''t have sectarian views and that his mom was nice did the girl decide to give it a shot.

    No matter if she was being genuine or hypocritical, she was quite concerned about the situation of Zhai Yi''s parents when they were dating. Sometimes, when they were out on a date and she saw something good, she would say that it was suitable to get it for the elders.

    As such, the things that Zhai Yi gave to his parents for the past year were actually selected by his girlfriend or suggested by her.

 Chapter 2497 - A Visit From The In-Laws (2)

    Zhai Yi observed silently, and upon realizing that his girlfriend had indeed chosen things that were suitable for the elderly for his parents, his confidence in his rtionship grew.

    That girl had even said that it was only right for Zhai Yi to treat Zhai Xin and Zhai Yu well since they shared the same parents, unlike her who had a half-brother.

    She felt that her boyfriend''s family felt like a family because he treated his younger siblings well.

    In her own family, she felt that kinship seemed unimportant. That was why she yearned to marry a man who felt strongly for his family.

    She was the one Zhai Yi was looking for, and Zhai Yi was the one she was looking for.

    Zhai Yi''s enviable family background was simply a bonus to her.

    Zhai Yi had taken the longest time to confirm his rtionship with his girlfriend and had spent a whole year getting to know her. That was why he was sure that she was the one, and that had led to this call.

    "All three of them are getting married on the same day? They''re evening to Qingshui Town?"

    Upon hearing Zhai Sheng''s words, Qiao Nan didn''t even know how to respond. "When did this happen? Why don''t I know anything about it? Have they really found partners?"

    "Yes." Zhai Shengughed. "They''re all grown up and have ideas of their own. Da Bao said that they''ve already been dating for three years."

    Three years was not a short time, and it wouldn''t be too soon for marriage.

    "They''ve been dating for three years?" Qiao Nan was even more surprised and felt a little sour. "Then, I guess marriage is on the cards." Forget it that Da Bao and Er Bao hadn''t told her about it. But even San Bao had not told her about getting a boyfriend.

    "Brother Zhai, they''re all getting married. Our children are getting snatched away."

    "That''s alright. You still have me." He was the most important one anyway.

    Qiao Nan sniffled and leaned into Zhai Sheng''s embrace, not saying a word. Even if her children were to get married, they were still her children whom she had painstakingly raised. She couldn''t seem to let them go.

    Zhai Yi''s call to his parents was the best chance for a discussion.

    After that call, the three children brought their partners and their partners'' parents to Qingshui Town the very next day for a meeting.

    The Zhai family''s old vi had been peaceful and quiet with only the two of them the previous day. But today, it was packed with people. Qiao Nan couldn''t help but feel a little awkward.

    Compared to Zhai Sheng and herself, her three sets of inws were almost ten to twenty years younger than them. That was almost a full generation away. Qiao Nan felt a little out of ce.

    But unlike the uneasy Qiao Nan, Zhai Sheng was quietly observing these six people.

    From the surface, Zhai Sheng could tell that these six people were rather honest and wouldn''t try to fight or snatch others'' things.

    He couldn''t deny that such inws would be much more suitable given their family background.

    The children of the Zhai family didn''t need to find partners with good family backgrounds. All their partners needed to do was to hold the fort so that they could continue to work hard outside.

    Sometimes, people who were too ambitious would instead drag the Zhai family down.

    Based on this alone, Zhai Sheng was rather satisfied with his children''s judgments. He only hoped that his first impression wouldn''t be proven wrong.

    How his children lived in the future would depend entirely on them.

    Zhai Sheng had already made several drafts in his mind, and the three sets of parents were especially nervous.

    After all, they had never met such an impressive figure in their entire lives. Who would have expected their son or daughters to have found such outstanding inws?

    Although Zhai Sheng hadn''t made many appearances on television, everyone knew that Zhai Sheng was a chief. As such, everyone sat up straight, especially the fathers.

    Which man had never had a dream of being a soldier? The man in front of them was the head of the army!

    As for the mothers, they turned their attention to the smiling and kind Qiao Nan.

    Even without relying on her husband, Zhai Sheng, or her status as the Zhai family''s daughter-inw, Qiao Nan had made a name for herself as a generous phnthropist.

    Someone had done the math and there were tens of thousands of children who were being sponsored by Qiao Nan and also a significant number of elderly who were being supported by Qiao Nan''s foundation until their deaths.

    Based on these two aspects alone, Qiao Nan must have spent more than tens of millions of yuan.

    Other than that, Qiao Nan had also provided aid to poverty-stricken areas. The money spent was in billions!

    It could be said that Qiao Nan had spent all her money on charitable acts, but she had never been materialistic her whole life.

    Qiao Nan had never worn any branded clothes, nor carried any expensive bags.

    People always saw Qiao Nan carrying bags worth only two to three hundred yuan, and she would carry that same bag for ten years.

    That was how it was with her bags, clothes, and shoes.

    Because of Qiao Nan''s age, someone had even joked that it was good that Qiao Nan had maintained herself well. Otherwise, Qiao Nan would seem very out of ce with her simple style once she gained weight.

    With Qiao Nan leading the way, many other women had followed in her footsteps, whether they thought that it was truly good to do so, or whether they were simply following the trend. After all, fashion came and went.

    Women usually loved branded goods but were sometimes unable to afford them because of their statuses.

    It was miserable to see everyone around them having one when they didn''t.

    With Qiao Nan leading the way, such a phenomenon was no longer asmon.

    As such, even though most women had never met Qiao Nan, she had be their favorite female idol.

    Although these three mothers were quite old, they still idolized Qiao Nan.

    They had always relied on news reports on the television or newspaper to learn about their idol. But now, she was sitting right in front of them and was even smiling at them. She was even going to be their inw! The three mothers couldn''t help but pinch themselves. It all seemed like a dream.

    Had Qiao Nan exhausted all the hardships of her life before she turned forty?

    After all, every family had ''impressive'' characters. As the three children grew up to be of marriageable age, Qiao Nan had already prepared herself to meet someone like Ding Jiayi or Qiao Zijin.

    But the heavens were on her side. All three families were good!

 Chapter 2498 - Exhausted (Finale) (1)

    The fathers respected Zhai Sheng and didn''t dare to make a noise as long as Zhai Sheng remained silent.

    As for the mothers, they were just like the fathers and stared at their idol, Qiao Nan, like fans. Whatever their idol said was right. If their son or daughters'' opinions differed from their idol''s, it was definitely their children who were in the wrong.

    With such a harmonious atmosphere, the meeting undoubtedly went smoothly and sessfully.

    Besides, the three young couples had alreadye up with aprehensive n for their wedding. Seeing that Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan had agreed to it, the other three sets of parents immediately nodded in agreement.

    The wedding of the Zhai family''s triplets went especially smoothly.

    The three young couples had already taken their wedding photos and had also gotten the hard copies.

    Although the triplets didn''t want to put too much burden on their parents, they also wished to leave a good memory for their partners, and there was a need to pay attention to the process and details.

    They would rather work harder and allow their parents to rx, but the memories had to be perfect.

    It was because of this attitude of the Zhai family''s triplets that their partners were absolutely sure of their decisions to marry them.

    What mattered most was how much they cared and respected their partners.

    On the day the three children got married, Qiao Nan hugged Zhai Sheng''s arm and cried while smiling. "Brother Zhai, it''s really just you and me in the future. You have to stay by my side."

    Her sons and daughter had gotten married to start their own families with their own children.

    As expected, the only one who would stay with her until the end was her husband, Zhai Sheng.

    "Why? Am I not enough?" Zhai Sheng wanted tofort Qiao Nan but was sour about how Qiao Nan had said such a thing.

    "You''re enough." Qiao Nan wiped away her tears and nodded. Without Zhai Sheng, she would never have been able to give birth to three adorable and obedient children.

    "Brother Zhai, do you think our children will be as blissful as us after they get married?"

    Zhai Sheng frowned. "We''re the most blissful."

    Qiao Nan responded after a moment of silence. "Do you think they''ll have just a fraction of our bliss?"

    "That''s possible." He was a father, after all, and wouldn''t be so vicious to his children. "Since they''ve already gotten their own families, you can stop worrying about them. You can pay more attention to me now. We''re the ones who will stay blissful even into our old age."

    As a grandpa of seventy years old and a grandma of sixty-five years old, Zhai Sheng''s words evoked mixed feelings.

    She hugged Zhai Sheng''s arm tightly. "Yes, we''ll remain blissful into our old age." Till death do us part¡­

    Zhai Sheng could sense that Qiao Nan shared his thoughts. "Yes, we''ll remain blissful." Even death wouldn''t be able to part them¡­

    "Qiao Zijin''s Freedom"

    Ever since Qiao Zijin had gained an understanding of her surroundings, she realized that she hated her younger sister, Qiao Nan. Even her parents hadn''t liked her younger sister very much. In fact, after Qiao Nan''s birth, her mother''s attitude toward her had improved.

    Knowing that her father was no longer a soldier and that her family''s conditions wouldn''t be as good as they had been, Qiao Zijin often thought that it would have been better if her younger sister, Qiao Nan, had never been born.

    If Qiao Nan suddenly died, they would probably be able to return to their normal lives.

    As such, even before entering high school, the thought that was constantly on Qiao Zijin''s mind was why Qiao Nan was still not dead yet.

    It was only after she entered high school did Qiao Zijin realize how good it was to have Qiao Nan as her younger sister.

    Her results weren''t as good as Qiao Nan''s, but her mother was still willing to fund her education.

    Compared to working and getting a job, studying was naturally easier. Anyway, her parents had never made her sign any documents nor forced her to achieve certain grades to continue studying. Had that been the case, she would definitely have been out working just like Qiao Nan.

    Without the need to work, Qiao Zijin livedfortably and freely.

    She wanted whatever her ssmates had and could simply ask her mom for money. Then, her mother would ask Qiao Nan for money to buy whatever she wanted for her.

    Could life get any morefortable?

    Of course not!

    That was how she had spent a few years of her life in school. In the blink of an eye, it was time for her to graduate and find a job.

    Qiao Zijin hadn''t paid attention in school, and neither did she have any special talents. As such, there was no way for her to find a good job or a well-paying one.

    Qiao Zijin gave it some thought. It didn''t matter that she couldn''t earn her keep. Anyway, Qiao Nan was good at earning money. She had heard that Qiao Nan could earn ten to twenty thousand yuan a month from her trantion job.

    That was great! With Qiao Nan around, Qiao Zijin could afford to find a rxing job.

    Now that she had settled the matter of her job, it was time to find herself a boyfriend and a marriage partner.

    No one met her criteria. They were either too ugly or had poor family backgrounds.

    Qiao Zijin hadn''t even met a partner before Qiao Nan, who had not even graduated from junior high school, brought a handsome and rich man home, saying that he was her boyfriend and that they were getting married.

    Qiao Zijin was in shock. He was truly a handsome man.

    And not only did that handsome guy''s father work in the government sector, but he was even amissioner! Qiao Zijin couldn''t help but think about how good it would be if that guy was her boyfriend instead.

    Qiao Zijin had never spent much effort in her studies, but she spared no efforts in her marriage.

    Having tried to seduce Chen Jun a few times, Qiao Zijin discovered to her delight that Chen Jun wasn''t very ''loyal'' to Qiao Nan even though he liked her.

    As expected, after feeding Chen Jun a few sses of alcohol once, Chen Jun went to bed with her!

    Upon seeing the bright red blood on the bed, Qiao Zijin was over the moon. She had snatched this man from Qiao Nan and had slept with him. This handsome and rich man was hers!

    Just as Qiao Zijin was celebrating her victory, Chen Jun coldly threw five thousand yuan at her to pay for her first time. "The woman I like is Qiao Nan. I''m sure you know whyst night happened. It''s fine to y around a little, but the person I''m marrying is Qiao Nan. It doesn''t matter how much trouble you''re going to stir up. I''m never going to change my mind."

    After hearing Chen Jun''s words, Qiao Zijin had cried for an entire day on the hotel bed that they had shared the previous night.

 Chapter 2499 - Exhausted (Finale) (2)

    Chen Jun''s words echoed in Qiao Zijin''s ears. She had thought that there was no chance of her ever getting together with Chen Jun. So what if she had slept with Chen Jun? He wasn''t owning up to it.

    But two monthster, the depressed Qiao Zijin found that she hadn''t been getting her period.

    Qiao Zijin had gone to the gynecologist to test her urine uneasily. When she received the news that she was pregnant, she was over the moon. She was pregnant with Chen Jun''s child!

    When Qiao Zijin had told Ding Jiayi about this, Ding Jiayi had chosen to stand on Qiao Zijin''s side without any hesitation.

    Ding Jiayi had already beenining about how such a good man like Chen Jun should have been Qiao Zijin''s instead of Qiao Nan''s to begin with.

    Now, everything was falling into ce! Chen Jun was going to be her elder son-inw instead of her younger son-inw!

    Upon hearing that Chen Jun had refused to admit to sleeping with her, Ding Jiayi used Qiao Zijin''s pregnancy to force Qiao Nan to back down. Then, she contacted Chen Jun''s parents to let them know that Qiao Zijin was pregnant with a son.

    They were both adults, and Ding Jiayi didn''t think that the Chen family would ce more importance on their daughter-inw than their grandson.

    Just as Ding Jiayi had expected, the Chen family insisted on Chen Jun breaking up with Qiao Nan and marrying Qiao Zijin for the sake of that child.

    The day she married Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin felt like she was the most blissful woman in the whole world.

    But when Chen Jun refused to hold a grand wedding, Qiao Zijin gradually realized that her marriage with Chen Jun would never be as blissful as she had imagined.

    In their ten years of marriage, Chen Jun had gradually started spending less time at home and was spending more time sleeping outside instead.

    The scratches on Chen Jun''s back, the hickeys on his neck, and perfume that didn''t belong to her constantly reminded Qiao Zijin of what Chen Jun was doing outside.

    What annoyed Qiao Zijin the most was the smell of perfume on Chen Jun that would always change from time to time.

    Qiao Zijin understood that this change meant that Chen Jun''s mistress had changed again.

    Under such torment, Qiao Zijin had been unable to hold it in and had followed in Chen Jun''s footsteps. Unfortunately, Qiao Zijin had been caught red-handed by Chen Jun on her second time, and they had quickly gotten a divorce.

    From then on, Qiao Zijin felt that Qiao Nan had found a shaman. Qiao Zijin''s life was going downhill, while Qiao Nan''s life was only getting better and better.

    While she had gotten a divorce, Qiao Nan had gotten married.

    Her dad had be biased toward Qiao Nan, and she had lost a supporter.

    In the end, she hadn''t even managed to keep her mom, Ding Jiayi, and she had even be the woman whom Ding Jiayi hated the most because she had driven her husband to death.

    Hahaha.

    But nothing mattered to her. So what if her father died? So what if her husband got a divorce from her? She had nothing to fear. She had a son, after all!

    What brought Qiao Zijin to her ends was that it seemed like she wouldn''t even be able to hold on to her son. Her son gravitated toward Qiao Nan, treating Qiao Nan like his biological mother.

    Qiao Zijin felt aggrieved. She didn''t believe that the heavens would be so unfair to let Qiao Nan suppress her for her whole life.

    Qiao Zijin had waited and waited. And finally, Ding Jiayi died.

    It was just as well. After her death, Ding Jiayi could finally reunite with her father. At the very least, Ding Jiayi would no longer me her for her father''s death.

    And then Qiao Zijin waited and waited. When she heard that Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had passed away on the same night, she hadughed so much that her stomach hurt.

    Hahaha! Reality proved that she was the final victor. Qiao Nan had died before her, and she was the one who had won!

    Because of how hard she hadughed, Qiao Zijin had been sent to the hospital.

    After doing a full-body checkup on Qiao Zijin, the doctor diagnosed her with end-stage cancer. There was no cure. If Qiao Zijin wanted to undergo chemotherapy, it would be a great burden on her body.

    Even if they could prolong Qiao Zijin''s life, they wouldn''t be able to cure her.

    It wasn''t that Chen Feng and Jiajia didn''t have the money to pay for the chemotherapy. They could help Qiao Zijin prolong her life.

    Qiao Zijin would probably have kicked up a fuss if they hadn''t been willing to fork out that sum of money.

    Besides, the couple had lost the mood to do anything after attending Qiao Nan''s and Zhai Sheng''s funerals. They simply wanted to solve Qiao Zijin''s problems as soon as possible without any trouble.

    To Chen Feng and Jiajia''s surprise, Qiao Zijin decided not to treat her illness.

    She didn''t have much longer to live anyway. It was much better to die in peace andfort than live in torture.

    Within a month of being discharged, Qiao Zijin passed away. To be honest, Qiao Zijin felt that she had lived a sufficiently long life. Especially after knowing that Qiao Nan had passed away, Qiao Zijin felt that there was no meaning to her life anymore.

    Before taking herst breath, Qiao Zijin couldn''t help but think about how Qiao Nan and Zhai Sheng had died while holding each other''s hands. It went without question that their ashes had been ced together and that they would be together even after death.

    As for her mom¡­

    No matter how much conflict they had had while they had been alive, her parents'' ashes had been ced next to each other after their deaths.

    As for Chen Jun?

    That man who had been dead for decades wasn''t lonely either. He had his parents, at the very least.

    What about her?

    Her son?

    Qiao Zijin didn''t even dare to think about it. Qiao Nan''s three children and Zhai Sheng practically treated Qiao Nan like a princess and pampered her endlessly.

    Apart from transferring a monthly allowance to her, her only son would visit her only once a year during the new year.

    Worse still, they lived in the same city.

    While Qiao Nan was still alive, Chen Feng almost visited her every day with her granddaughter and grandson. Yet, she had never even met her grandchildren.

    Her son was closer to Qiao Nan than her! Could Qiao Zijin possibly count on her grandchildren, whom she had never even met, to ce more emphasis on their biological grandmother than Qiao Nan?

    In fact, the two children might not even know of her existence!

    As Qiao Zijin felt her breathing getting morebored and that she was getting more tired, she knew that she was about to die. Qiao Zijin''s lips had been curled upward even after her death. She had finally been able to escape this life.

    But as she smiled, she shed an especially bitter tear.

    All of Qiao Zijin''sst thoughts could be summarized into a sentence. If she had a next life, she didn''t want to meet Qiao Dongliang, Ding Jiayi, or Qiao Nan. All she wanted were normal parents and to grow up in a normal environment¡­

    She had lived an exhausting life!

 Chapter 2500 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (1)

    <h4>Chapter 2500: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (1)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Miao family had always said that Miao Jing didn¡¯t have good fortune. But it wasn¡¯t that she would have a hard life. It was that she would be a jinx and bring harm to others.

    But at that time, the new republic had just been founded. The chairman had said to believe in science instead of superstitions. They had to eradicate the four old beliefs.

    That was why the Miao family didn¡¯t dare to let outsiders know about how they truly felt. However, no one in the Miao family treated Miao Jing well even though she was the only child of Father and Mother Miao.

    Father Miao was the eldest in the Miao family. Ever since his childhood, he had been responsible for taking care of his younger siblings. He was no different from a father to them.

    That was why the Miao family had been reliant on Father Miao and felt that he was a good elder brother.

    But why did the Miao family despise Miao Jing and think that she was a jinx? That story began from the time before the new China had been established.

    Everyone knew that Father Miao was bold and Father Miao had met Old Zhai more than once.

    The first time, Father Miao and Old Zhai had still been young and impulsive youths.

    At that time, there had been many internal wars within the country. Because of his many younger siblings, Father Miao had no choice but to give up his passion for defending the country and take care of his family instead.

    But Old Zhai was different. He had already been engaged in the war of resistance and fought to bring peace to the country for the sake of his wife and son. Every time he went to the frontlines, Old Zhai was never softhearted to his enemies.

    Before long, Old Zhai had made a name for himself in the military as a sniper. Not only was he urate, but he was also almost twice as fast as other snipers. Given his uracy, Old Zhai had almost twice the killing rate of hisrades.

    His performance was so outstanding that he didn¡¯t even need to promote himself. His superiors were extremely impressed and wanted to groom Old Zhai and give him the chance to further his career.

    But as this happened more often, it was inevitable that others tried to bring him down.

    Once, Old Zhai had fallen into a trap set up by the Japanese.

    Old Zhai had been injured and had been so weak that he couldn¡¯t even drag himself back to the base for treatment. It was Father Miao who had picked him up along the way.

    When Old Zhai awoke, his first reaction was gratefulness that he had not died. He hadn¡¯t made his wife into a widow, and his son into an orphan. But when he took a look at his surroundings, he realized that he had been hidden in a civilian¡¯s home.

    During their second encounter, Old Zhai asked Father Miao, ¡°Why are you so bold? To be honest, the Japanese look pretty much the same as our people. No one would know if the Japanese wear our uniform and try to act as one of us. Weren¡¯t you afraid of saving the wrong side after I was shot and was bleeding so severely?¡±

    Father Miao was upset. ¡°What do you mean that the Japanese look like us? They¡¯re much shorter than us. Besides, I knew at once that you¡¯re Chinese. You won¡¯t be able to fool me.¡±

    That was Father Miao and Old Zhai¡¯s first encounter.

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui had already been born but was still unweaned.

    Because Father Miao hadn¡¯t met Mother Miao at that time, Miao Jing still did not exist.

    Even after ten years of war, it wasn¡¯t so easy to establish a new country, and an internal war arose again.

    Because of the battle between factions, Old Zhai had been injured again. And once again, he had been saved by Father Miao.

    This time, they were like old acquaintances and Old Zhai treated Father Miao like his own brother. ¡°Oh, you moved?¡±

    Father Miaoughed. ¡°I¡¯m married now. We have too many family members but too few rooms. My younger siblings aren¡¯t young anymore, so I decided to move out with my wife so that my siblings can live morefortably.¡±

    ¡°Fool!¡± Old Zhai had been rebellious as a youth too, but his heart was good. Nheless, his words and tone were not ttering. ¡°You¡¯re the eldest in the family, right? You went through so much to raise your younger siblings. You¡¯ve already done your duty as an elder brother, and you even gave up a good house for your younger siblings to live morefortably? What a fool! Your younger siblings should be grateful that they have such a good elder brother. All I can say is that your wife and children are really pitiful for having you.¡±

    This house was obviously not as good as the previous one. A strong st of wind would probably blow this house down.

    Old Zhai was sure that water would leak through the roof when it rained even without personally witnessing it.

    Even with Old Zhai¡¯s tone, Father Miao hadn¡¯t gotten angry, and he even had an expression full of respect. ¡°It¡¯s not that bad. I¡¯ll fix itter. It¡¯s only this way because I just recently moved here with my wife.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a child?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s still in my wife¡¯s tummy.¡± Father Miao let out a fatherly smile at the mention of his child.

    Father Miao treated his younger siblings well, and it was only natural that he would treat his own child even better.

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t given birth yet?¡± Old Zhai gave it some thought. ¡°My son is already a few years old. Since you saved me twice, if your wife gives birth to a son, he¡¯ll be brothers with mine. If she gives birth to a daughter, how about you marry her off to my son?¡±

    Father Miao refused. ¡°No, my son will definitely be a wild child. If it¡¯s a girl¡­ I want her close to me.¡±

    Even though Father Miao had never asked about Old Zhai¡¯s situation, he knew that Old Zhai would definitely be an impressive figure in the future from the times he had saved him.

    He didn¡¯t know how far Old Zhai would progress, but he knew that he didn¡¯t amount to much.

    Father Miao was self-aware. He had saved others out of his own volition and felt that he had fulfilled his dreams of being a soldier and protecting his country and people by protecting his fellow countrymen even though he had not been able to join the military himself.

    As such, Father Miao had no intentions of leeching off Old Zhai. He simply wanted to live his own simple life.

    Old Zhai had been pretty upset that Father Miao had refused his suggestion. Because of his temper, he had refused to chat with Father Miao afterward.

    Father Miao paid no attention to that, thinking that Old Zhai was simply tired because of his injury. Then, he gave up his room to Old Zhai so that he could rest well.

    In the face of such an honest and sincere Father Miao, Old Zhai couldn¡¯t vent his temper.

    Thankfully, that anger subsided within a day.

 Chapter 2501 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2501: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (2)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As a sniper, not only did Old Zhai have fantastic eyesight, but his hearing was also good.

    In the past, he had not observed carefully, but after hearing some rumors, Old Zhai realized that Father Miao seemed to be limping. Even though Father Miao had tried his best to hide it, a careful observer would still notice it.

    Old Zhai was sure that Father Miao had been fine the first time they had met. So, why was Father Miao limping now?

    It turned out that a Japanese soldier had followed the bloody trail to the Miao family¡¯s house when Father Miao had brought Old Zhai at that time.

    Thankfully, Father Miao was a smart young chap. Otherwise, Old Zhai would probably have had to face Father Miao¡¯s gravestone instead of seeing him limp around.

    Because he had been afraid that the Japanese would find them, Father Miao had stripped Old Zhai of his clothes and had thrown them down the cliff after transporting him home behind his family¡¯s backs.

    When the Japanese came to their door and interrogated Father Miao, he timidly replied, ¡°I-I saw that that man had two yuan on him and I couldn¡¯t resist taking it, but¡­ That man was already dead. I was afraid that someone would find him, so I threw his body off the cliff. Sir, I can swear to you that I didn¡¯t do anything more than take the two yuan. I didn¡¯t kill that man. By the time I found him, he was already brutally beaten up and full of injuries. He was bleeding so severely that he wouldn¡¯t have survived anyway.¡±

    Of course, the Japanese soldiers were not so easily taken in and naturally suspected Father Miao¡¯s words.

    At that time, the Eighth Route Army already had quite a high status amongst civilians, and even normal civilians had been protective of them. The Eighth Route Army had practically be a belief in people¡¯s hearts.

    The Japanese had encountered too many civilians who would much rather die than expose the Eighth Route Army. That was why they did not believe Father Miao¡¯s words.

    Thankfully, the Miao family had young girls around the age of ten at that time.

    Giving it some thought, the Japanese simply shot Father Miao in the leg. The pain was so excruciating that Father Miao hugged his leg and rolled around in pain.

    The Japanese soldiers threatened to shoot Father Miao in his other leg if he didn¡¯t confess the truth.

    Even under such a threat, Father Miao did not change his statement. Because the soldiers had indeed seen some bloodied clothes at the bottom of the cliff, they finally retreated.

    To Father Miao, that shot in the leg wasn¡¯t the end of his disaster but the beginning.

    The only ones whom the Japanese soldiers hunted relentlessly were the Eighth Route Army.

    Hearing that Father Miao had killed an Eighth Route Army soldier and had even relented in front of the Japanese soldiers for the sake of two yuan, the Miao family had faced the brunt of relentless criticism from the whole vige.

    Even under such duress, Father Miao had not exposed Old Zhai¡¯s whereabouts. He had chosen to remain hungry so that he could leave some food for Old Zhai. Then, he would send the injured Old Zhai off once the Eighth Route Army got news of this situation.

    Father Miao had no other choice. He didn¡¯t know whether he could trust everyone else in the vige. If the Japanese soldiers had not believed him and had even ced spies among them, he would not only be unable to protect the Eighth Route Army in the end, but the Japanese would probably even kill off his entire family if he were to tell the truth.

    It was all because of protecting the Eighth Route Army that Father Miao¡¯s life had gone downhill.

    Because of how important Old Zhai was to them, the Eighth Route Army had repeatedly thanked Father Miao for his care and for saving such a goodrade.

    Thanks to the Eighth Route Army¡¯s attitudes, anyone who dared to speak ill of Father Miao was deemed to be pro-Japanese.

    Although Father Miao and the Miao family¡¯s names had been restored, Father Miao hadn¡¯t been able to save his leg because he hadn¡¯t gotten treatment in the nick of time.

    Apart from that, Father Miao¡¯s position in his family was no longer the same as it had been in the past.

    Father Miao¡¯s father had died at the hands of Japanese soldiers long ago, and the whole Miao family depended on Father Miao to support them.

    Before that incident, the whole Miao family loved Father Miao. It was only because of Father Miao that their family was able to survive through such a tumultuous period and have food to eat.

    But ever since that incident, Father Miao was handicapped and was no longer able to do as much for the family as he had in the past.

    The Miao family was already used to Father Miao¡¯s endless contributions and sacrifices. And of course, they were full ofints toward Father Miao now.

    Because of that, the family had gotten even more upset when Father Miao had married a bride without any betrothal gifts and even more so after she had gotten pregnant. ¡°Our house is as big as a bird¡¯s nest. It isn¡¯t even big enough for all of us. How will we stay here once you have a child? It¡¯ll be terribly noisy! Besides, my second brother isn¡¯t young anymore. He¡¯ll be getting married soon too. Where will my second brother and his wife stay then?¡±

    With such disagreements within the family, Father Miao remained silent for a long while. After getting Mother Miao¡¯s approval, the couple eventually moved out of the family home and moved into an abandoned hut in the vige. That was the one that Old Zhai had seen.

    After learning about the whole incident, Old Zhai was even more silent than Father Miao had been the day before he moved out.

    He touched the gun in his pocket and told himself to hold it in. Those heartless people of the Miao family were still people of their country.

    His gun was only for defeating his enemies, not his own people.

    Even afterforting himself in that way, Old Zhai still felt the need to release his pent-up anger and scold the Miao family. They weren¡¯t worth Father Miao¡¯s sacrifices!

    If not for the fact that he was injured and his enemies were looking for him, he would definitely run straight to the Miao family¡¯s house to beat up all those heartless people. Unfortunately, his appearance would only cause more trouble for Father Miao, just like the previous time.

    Were people like that still considered family?

    When he was useful to them, Father Miao was their brother. Now that he was useless, they heartlessly kicked him out!

    Old Zhai couldn¡¯t swallow such a situation.

    Old Zhai held it in for a long time beforeing to a conclusion. ¡°Brother Miao, I¡¯ve thought it through. If your wife gives birth to a son, name him Miao An. If it¡¯s a girl, she¡¯ll be Miao Jing. Miao An will be my son¡¯s brother, and naturally, little Miao Jing will be my son¡¯s wife. That¡¯s a deal. You can¡¯t refuse. If you refuse, I¡¯ll take it that you¡¯re looking down on me!¡±

    Hearing Old Zhai¡¯s words, Father Miao didn¡¯t know whether tough or to cry.

    Someone else had named his son or daughter for him! What was he to do as a father?

 Chapter 2502 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (3)

    <h4>Chapter 2502: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (3)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Alright. Alright. If it¡¯s a boy, he¡¯ll be called Miao An. If it¡¯s a girl, she¡¯ll be called Miao Jing.¡± Anyway, both these names sounded pleasant and his child wouldn¡¯t be at a loss with such a name.

    Father Miao was even thinking about how he would have a son, Miao An, this time and a daughter, Miao Jing, next. It would be fine if they had a little Miao Jing first too. They would simply have a little Miao An next time.

    In any case, he wouldn¡¯t let any of these two names go to waste. He would surely put them to good use with his children.

    Upon hearing Father Miao¡¯s agreement, Old Zhai finally felt relieved. He believed that with Father Miao and the child¡¯s names, he would definitely be able to find the Miao family in the future.

    Old Zhai knew clearly that he would have to return after recuperating and report the situation to the organization, just like he had done the previous time.

    After about three days, Old Zhai left without leaving anything behind.

    After Old Zhai¡¯s departure, Father Miao thought nothing more about these two chance encounters and simply lived his own life.

    Father Miao had worked hard for the Miao family for many years, but when he had brought Mother Miao out from the Miao family¡¯s house, he had taken nothing with him. Not the money that he had earned nor any of his things.

    Now that Mother Miao was pregnant and they needed money for childbirth and to raise the child, Father Miao had to wrack his brains to find a way to put food on the table and to nourish Mother Miao. Otherwise, Mother Miao would not even have enough milk for the child even if she were to give birth.

    As such, Father Miao always headed into the mountains, intending on hunting animals to sell or to nourish Mother Miao.

    But idents often happened without any warnings.

    At that time, when Father Miao had been shot by the Japanese soldiers while saving Old Zhai, his conditions had been so poor that he hadn¡¯t even been able to visit the vige¡¯s doctor, let alone a hospital.

    All Father Miao thought about was how he didn¡¯t even know when he would be able to get back to work because of his injury. If he were to spend the family¡¯s funds on treating his injury, what would his family live off?

    With that thought, Father Miao didn¡¯t visit the doctor to treat his injury and simply applied ointment on it.

    Because of that, the bullet had remained lodged in Father Miao¡¯s calf for two years. Every time the weather changed, Father Miao would feel the injury acting up, reminding him of its existence.

    Once, Father Miao insisted on going into the mountains to hunt despite his injury acting up. Along the way, he spotted a ginseng on a steep slope.

    Although Father Miao didn¡¯t know much about it, he knew that ginseng was an expensive product. Perhaps, he would even be able to use it when Mother Miao gave birth.

    If he could dig that ginseng up, their family wouldn¡¯t have to worry about finances for a good period of time.

    Because that slope was really steep, Father Miao had been very careful while going over. But right at that moment, Father Miao¡¯s injury acted up. Not only did his calf hurt, but it also caused Father Miao to lose sensation in his whole lower body.

    As soon as that happened, Father Miao rolled down the steep slope, hitting his head on a hard rock.

    By the time someone spotted Father Miao, he was almost drawing hisst breaths. Naturally, the ones who found Father Miao spotted the ginseng nearby and knew that Father Miao had gotten into an ident because of it.

    The vigers were kind, and knowing that Mother Miao and her child would lead a difficult life once Father Miao was gone, they dug up the ginseng and sent it to Mother Miao so that she would be able to pay for Father Miao¡¯s funeral rites.

    Because she was pregnant, Mother Miao couldn¡¯t withstand the shock from the news that Father Miao was gone. She felt like her whole world hade crashing down.

    It was just a ginseng. How could thatpare to her husbanding back alive and well?

    The greatly shocked Mother Miao immediately started bleeding, and after struggling for a full day and night, she finally gave birth to a daughter.

    No matter how upset Mother Miao was, she remembered her husband smiling and telling her that they would at least have two children, a son and a daughter. Their son would be named Miao An, and their daughter would be named Miao Jing.

    Now that she had given birth to a daughter, her name was naturally Miao Jing.

    After naming her child, Mother Miao quickly followed Father Miao and passed on.

    With both Father and Mother Miao gone, Miao Jing¡¯s uncles and aunties had a heated discussion about who was going to raise Miao Jing on the ount of the ginseng. In the end, Grandma Miao¡¯s favorite second son, or Miao Jing¡¯s second uncle, gained custody of her.

    Because of taking care of the family, Father Miao had gotten marriedte in life and had given birth to Miao Jingte as well.

    But Miao Jing¡¯s second uncle was different. After all, his elder brother, Father Miao, had saved up some money for him, and he had a house ready for him too.

    The moment Father Miao moved out of the house with Mother Miao, Second Uncle Miao immediately got married and even gave that youngdy a significant amount of dowry.

    The Miao family¡¯s treatment of Second Auntie Miao and Mother Miao was as different as day and night.

    Of course, this difference in treatment was naturally a result of Grandma Miao¡¯s bias.

    After getting custody of Miao Jing, Second Uncle Miao officially started raising Miao Jing.

    ¡°Miao Jing, can¡¯t you work faster? Don¡¯t you know that your second uncle and brother are working in the fields to earn points? Remember that it¡¯s because of your uncle and brother that you¡¯re able to eat and live here. Now that you¡¯re grown up, you can¡¯t be heartless and forget how good your uncle and brother have been to you.¡±

    Second Auntie Miao kept berating Miao Jing along the way and was just short of tugging on Miao Jing¡¯s ear to ask if she already knew that.

    To be honest, Miao Jing had heard these words from a young age and could already recite them. ¡°I know. Second Auntie, let¡¯s hurry. We still have to send Uncle and Brother their meals.¡±

    Second Auntie Miao replied with a satisfied hum that Miao Jing had not retorted her.

    Second Auntie Miao¡¯s gazended on Miao Jing from time to time, and her gaze was strange.

    Second Auntie Miao had never understood this. She had never given Miao Jing anything good and had always left the delicious food for her own husband and children. If there were any leftovers after that, she would have them for herself.

    It was normal that Miao Jing had not starved to death since they had fed her, but how could Miao Jing be getting prettier by the day? She wasn¡¯t anything like other youngdies in their vige.

    Second Auntie Miao thought deeper about it and felt that Miao Jing surely resembled her mother, who had lived such a short life.

    Mother Miao had gotten married to Father Miao without a dowry because of her poor family background. Her parents had passed on, and she had been adopted.

    At that time, people normally married wives who could work hard and give birth to many children. Skinny and good-looking youngdies like Mother Miao weren¡¯t popr at all.

    Because of that, Mother Miao was pretty much the best-looking youngdy in the entire vige.

 Chapter 2503 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (4)

    <h4>Chapter 2503: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (4)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Miao Jing had inherited her mother¡¯s good looks and was rather pretty.

    Initially, Second Auntie Miao had been rather upset. Her own daughter wasn¡¯t as pretty as Miao Jing, and because Miao Jing had been doing household chores since a young age, she was already ¡®famous¡¯ in that aspect.

    Because of that, when Miao Jing turned fifteen, there were often people in the vige who turned up at Second Uncle Miao¡¯s house, asking if Miao Jing had already found a marriage partner. It didn¡¯t matter if she was still young. They could simply get engaged and wait until she was eighteen to get married.

    Second Uncle Miao and Second Auntie Miao¡¯s first child was a girl as well and was only a few months younger than Miao Jing.

    Everyone who visited Second Uncle Miao¡¯s house only talked about Miao Jing. On the contrary, no one ever mentioned Miao Lan, who was of the same age. Because of that, Second Auntie Miao hated Miao Jing, who was stealing the attention from her own daughter. As such, any scolding and hard work were all reserved for Miao Jing alone to torture her.

    Miao Jing knew about this situation as well.

    Even if she didn¡¯t, there would be people who would tell her. ¡°Miao Jing, I¡¯m your Mother Li.¡±

    ¡°Mother Li.¡± Miao Jing recognized her as the one who often matchmaked others. But the situation was different now. Arranged marriages and blind marriages were no longer allowed. As such, it was difficult to be a matchmaker as well.

    Mother Li grabbed Miao Jing¡¯s hand. ¡°Look what a good girl you are. Your hands are so thick.¡±

    Miao Jing retracted her hand. ¡°Mother Li, the chairman has said that workers are the most glorious. Since I¡¯m not at the age to produce offspring, it¡¯s only right that I love to work. Everyone¡¯s hands are full of calluses, including mine. They are my pride.¡±

    ¡°So why hasn¡¯t your Second Auntie allowed your sister, Lan, to do the same?¡± Did they think others were fools?

    If not for the fact that all three generations of the Miao family were poor, and Elder Miao had been crippled when he had been alive, the second son of the Miao family and his family would have been condemned as filthyndowners given the way they raised their children.

    Which seventeen or eighteen-year-old youngdy had never worked in the fields to earn money for the family? The daughter of the Miao familyzed around all day, waiting to be fed like a princess.

    Humph! She couldn¡¯t care less about a youngdy like that!

    Wouldn¡¯t she be bringing trouble to another family and ruining her own reputation if she were to matchmake this youngdy?

    ¡°Miao Jing, listen to me. Your second uncle¡¯s family doesn¡¯t treat you well. I¡¯ll find you a family that loves and cherishes you. I¡¯m doing this for your good.¡±

    Miao Jing smiled. ¡°I know you¡¯re doing this for my sake, but I¡¯m still young and I¡¯m in no rush to get a partner.¡± If she had the chance, she would actually want to further her studies.

    When she was younger, she never had the chance to go to school. It was always Lan attending school. Only after her chores was she able to learn a little secretly by the side.

    Afterward, schools had closed and the teachers had gone missing. As such, Miao Jing¡¯s desire to study naturally remained unfulfilled. Thankfully, Miao Jing heard that the production division was going to set up a literacy ss and invite educated youth to the countryside. Of course, Miao Jing was interested in it.

    Miao Jing knew that Mother Li was doing this for the benefits she would reap as a matchmaker, but it wasn¡¯t wrong that Mother Li cared for her too.

    But she didn¡¯t want to get married. She knew that her husband¡¯s family would definitely refuse to let her attend the literacy sses.

    Ever since the educated youth from cities arrived, the youngdies in the viges were no longer willing to get married and had raised their standards. They all wanted to get married to people from the city.

    Because of that, even married youngdies were firmly controlled by their inws so that they wouldn¡¯t get close to those educated youths and be led astray.

    Miao Jing knew about this situation.

    She didn¡¯t think that these youths from the city were any better than the men in the vige, nor did she think that the men in the vige were worse than these educated youths. But Miao Jing didn¡¯t want to get married if that meant that she wouldn¡¯t be able to attend the literacy sses.

    It was true that she lived a tough life in her second uncle¡¯s family, but apart from having more to eat once she got married, nothing would change. She would still have to work and do chores, so why would she be in a hurry to get married?

    ¡°Miao Jing, are you looking for educated young men?¡±

    ¡°No, those educated youths are different from us.¡± It wasn¡¯t just the educated young men but the educated young women as well. Whenever they looked at those from the production division, their eyeballs always rolled downward. Miao Jing hated their attitude.

    It wasn¡¯t that all of the educated youths were like that, but most were.

    Apart from attending the literacy sses, Miao Jing had never had any other interactions with them.

    ¡°Then¡­ Miao Jing, don¡¯t tell me you want to repay your second uncle? Don¡¯t you know that he is only able to livefortably like this because of your dad? Without your dad, he would never have had the money to get married and have children. Besides, your dad only died because of that ginseng. It¡¯s only right for your uncle to have raised you all these years.¡±

    In fact, Mother Li had done the calctions for Second Uncle Miao.

    Not only had he not lost out by raising his niece, Miao Jing, but he had even earned from it.

    From the time Miao Jing was adopted by him, she had started to work for him. She had started off with taking care of her younger siblings and washing all of the family¡¯s clothes.

    Apart from cooking, Miao Jing took care of all of the family¡¯s household chores.

    Of course, Second Auntie Miao never allowed Miao Jing to get anywhere near the stove. It wasn¡¯t that she was afraid that Miao Jing would get injured because she was young. It was because she was afraid that Miao Jing would poison the food or steal food for herself while cooking.

    That was why she handed all household chores over to Miao Jing, except for this one.

    Because of that, Miao Jing could do all kinds of chores, except for cooking. Even as she ved for her second uncle¡¯s family, she had never gotten the chance to learn to cook. After she got married, Grandma Zhai was still alive and Miao Jing hadn¡¯t needed to learn to cook. After Grandma Zhai passed away, the family had already hired an auntie to help around because of their status.

    In that way, Miao Jing had never dared to skive on work, nor dared to eat any more than was given to her. Apart from that ginseng, Miao Jing had earned more than enough to support herself over the years in her second uncle¡¯s house.

    That meant that there was no kindness Miao Jing needed to repay Second Uncle Miao.

    Besides, Second Uncle Miao had raised his daughter, Miao Lan, like a princess. Miao Jing, on the other hand, had be a servant to her. Even at this age, Miao Jing still washed all of Miao Lan¡¯s clothes.

    Miao Jing was obviously older, but she always only got the clothes that Miao Lan no longer wanted to wear.

    Not only had Second Uncle Miao gotten a free ginseng, but he had also gotten a free servant at home.

    It was a little blunt, but it was the truth.

 Chapter 2504 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (5)

    <h4>Chapter 2504: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (5)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Mother Li, it¡¯ste and I need to go get my work done. Otherwise, my uncle and auntie are going to get angry.¡± Miao Jing didn¡¯t deny that Mother Li¡¯s words were the truth. The problem was that she would have had nowhere to go if her second uncle hadn¡¯t taken her in.

    Because of that, no matter how tough it was in her second uncle¡¯s family, Miao Jing dared not overthink it. She could only ept her fate and work as hard as an ox but eat less than a dog.

    Miao Jing had never considered her personal issues, but others in Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family had already done so.

    ¡°How¡¯s it going? Which family are you sending your niece to? How about the one next door? All three generations of the family are poor, just like us. If you send your niece there, they¡¯re willing to give us forty-five kilograms worth of food.¡±

    ¡°That family¡¯s quite good too. They¡¯re in the production division and are in charge of ughtering pigs. If your niece marries into the family, she won¡¯t have to worry about having nothing to eat.¡± Of course, as their niece, it would be alright for her to be filial to them too. ¡°Besides, if your niece marries him, he¡¯s willing to pay fifty yuan as the bride price. To be honest, your niece is really valuable. Look at all three families I¡¯m showing you. None of them have poor conditions. She¡¯ll livefortably once she marries into their family. I think I¡¯ve done my part as her second auntie by doing this much.¡±

    Second Uncle Miao listened to Second Auntie Miao praising herself. He didn¡¯t need his wife to tell him what kind of families his wife had chosen for his niece, Miao Jing.

    Yes, all three generations of the first family were poor. The grandpa was a thug, the father was a cker, while the son was a cripple. Was a family like that good?

    It was because his son was a cripple and couldn¡¯t get married that the family was willing to fork out forty-five kilograms of food to marry his niece.

    As for the second family of butchers¡­ Sigh¡­

    The butcher was already in his twenties and almost ten years older than Miao Jing.

    A few years ago, this man had been engaged, but when he saw his fianc¨¦e talking to another man in school, he had beaten up both the man and his fianc¨¦e because of his bad temper and had even scolded the woman, saying that she was flirtatious and easy.

    In the end, the youngdy decided that she would rather stay single her whole life than get married to someone like that.

    As for the third¡­

    Second Uncle Miao didn¡¯t want to say anything. While the second man was almost ten years older than Miao Jing, the third was more than ten years older than her!

    This man was getting a second wife and already had two sons and a daughter. His first wife had died from exhaustion.

    Yes. Fifty yuan sounded like quite a lot, but there were rumors that this man was involved in illegal dealings.

    If he was caught by Little Red Soldiers, the whole family would be brought down along with him.

    As such, Second Uncle Miao felt that it had indeed been tiring for that man¡¯s first wife. She had been the only one taking care of the household while bringing home the bacon at the same time while her husband indulged himself in illegal dealings. How could she not have been exhausted?

    Thebination of fear and exhaustion would wear down the toughest of people.

    ¡°I¡¯ve talked for a long time and my mouth is getting dry. Hurry and give me a response. Miao Jing is your niece and you¡¯re closer to her as her biological uncle. Hurry and make a decision. They¡¯re waiting for us to respond.¡± Second Auntie Miao nudged Second Uncle Miao, wanting him to give her an answer.

    No matter how much the families were willing to give them, it would be free money for them.

    Since they were taking advantage of others, Second Auntie Miao didn¡¯t mind how much she would be able to get. What she cared about was marrying Miao Jing off as quickly as possible so that she could find a good partner for her own daughter, Miao Lan.

    As long as Miao Jing remained in their family, those visiting would always only mention Miao Jing. It felt like they had all forgotten about her daughter¡¯s existence.

    Second Auntie Miao might have such calctions in her mind, but Second Uncle Miao was no fool either. Otherwise, he couldn¡¯t have enjoyed the benefits of the hard work that Father Miao had put in.

    Second Uncle Miao puffed on his cigarette. ¡°None of these families is suitable. Of course, if you want to make a decision, I can¡¯t stop you either.¡±

    Miao Jing had been living with their family for so many years, and many in the production division talked about how he was like a nastyndowner for treating his own niece as a servant.

    It was his elder brother who had paid for his house and given him the money to get married.

    He was only living afortable life because of his elder brother and had even gotten hold of the ginseng that his elder brother had given up his life for. Even so, he was so harsh on Miao Jing. He was no different fromndlords who exploited theboring people¡¯s efforts and achievements.

    Second Uncle Miao remembered clearly how intense the struggle and fight had been over the past few years.

    Second Uncle Miao had no intention of getting himself and his whole family entangled in that mess just for some small benefits they could gain from Miao Jing.

    Once Little Red Soldiers caught wind of Miao Jing¡¯s situation, their lives would be even more miserable than death.

    Thinking about situations he had witnessed, Second Uncle Miao shivered and turned his back to face Second Auntie Miao, expressing his unwillingness to participate in the matter. ¡°If we don¡¯t do this well, it¡¯ll be an arranged marriage. I won¡¯t stop you from doing what you want to do. But if you ask for my opinion, I think that none of these three people is good enough for my niece.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Second Auntie Miao was frustrated and incensed that her n had not seeded. ¡°Why do I work so hard? Isn¡¯t it all for our family? As long as Miao Jing is here, no one cares about your daughter. Otherwise, do you think I would have put so much effort into looking for a partner for Miao Jing? If I have so much time, don¡¯t you think I would have spent it looking for some good families for our Lan?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re really thinking about Lan, I think you¡¯d better find Miao Jing a normal family. Don¡¯t talk about how we¡¯re letting other families get a daughter-inw for free by not getting any dowry. You know very well how much we got from that ginseng that my elder brother left behind. Don¡¯t talk about Miao Jing. Even if my elder brother left another child for us to raise, we wouldn¡¯t even need to spend a single cent of our money trying to raise them. As long as you aren¡¯t finding a family for Miao Jing based on how much you¡¯ll receive in return, I¡¯ll agree to it.¡±

    Even if it was his wife doing such a thing, Second Uncle Miao wasn¡¯t willing to bear that responsibility.

    Bearing that responsibility could mean giving up his life.. He wasn¡¯t going to let his wife take whatever he had gotten from his elder brother to another man when she got remarried.

 Chapter 2505 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (6)

    <h4>Chapter 2505: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (6)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    He wouldn¡¯t do such a foolish thing.

    In short, Second Uncle Miao would definitely try to gain as many benefits as he could for himself.

    But if that meant taking on a huge risk that involved his own life, only a fool would do it, and anyone who did deserved to die.

    ¡°But she grew up in our family. Miao Jing doesn¡¯t have parents and only has us as her uncle and auntie. Isn¡¯t it embarrassing if they don¡¯t even give us any dowry now that she¡¯s getting married?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao was reluctant to give up. She wanted to glean the benefits, but of course, her husband had to bear the risk.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made myself clear. If you really choose any of those three families, I won¡¯t stop you. You can do as you please.¡± But there was no way he was going to get involved. If anything happened, he had nothing to do with the money. He would let everyone know that he had not agreed to it. It had been Second Auntie Miao who had insisted on going through with it.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Second Auntie Miao¡¯s hand trembled. ¡°I¡¯m your wife and gave birth to two grandsons and a granddaughter for the Miao family, and this is how you treat me?¡±

    Second Uncle Miao sneered. ¡°Yes, you gave birth to two sons and a daughter for me. The problem is that my family didn¡¯t marry you for nothing. You¡¯re only thinking about the money you¡¯ll receive from marrying Miao Jing off, but have you thought about what dowry Miao Jing will bring along with her? Do you think we¡¯re still living in the past where you took my family¡¯s money but you came with nothing but the clothes on your back? If not for the fact that I knew your family would never return my family¡¯s food and money, do you think I would have proceeded with the marriage? If that happened now, I¡¯m sure you would have gotten sued!¡±

    Second Auntie Miao nearly fainted from anger. ¡°You!¡± He was bringing up the past!

    ¡°Let me tell you onest time. If you insist on marrying Miao Jing into such a family, I¡¯ll get a divorce from you if anything happens. The children and I won¡¯t go down with you for that small sum of money. There¡¯s no room for discussion on this matter!¡±

    With that said, Second Uncle Miao walked out of the door and no longer cared about Second Auntie Miao.

    ¡°It¡¯s your fault that my parents quarreled with each other. You jinx! Think about how well my mom treats you. She cares so much about you that she even picked out three families for you. If you have even just a little bit of conscience, hurry and go tell my dad that you¡¯ll marry into any one of those three families that my mom picked out.¡±

    Miao Lan shoved Miao Jing, asking Miao Jing to be the peacemaker between her parents.

    Of course, Miao Jing refused. ¡°There¡¯s no point in trying to convince Second Uncle once he¡¯s made his decision.¡±

    ¡°Then, don¡¯t try to convince him. Just pick a family and go there. That¡¯s a way of settling the matter too.¡± She hated Miao Jing¡¯s guts and felt uneasy as long as Miao Jing remained in the family.

    ¡°If I do that, Second Uncle might misunderstand that Second Auntie forced me to do that. Then, don¡¯t you think they¡¯ll get a divorce? I have no parents since I was born. Lan, you¡¯re my cousin. It¡¯s terrible not having parents. I don¡¯t want you to be in the same boat and not have parents either.¡±

    Miao Jing expressed her concern for Miao Lan, and Miao Lan, who had been pampered by Second Auntie Miao, was obviously no match for Miao Jing. After a moment of hesitation, she stopped trying to force Miao Jing to do as she said.

    After Miao Lan stopped mentioning it, Miao Jing simply acted as though she had never overheard the conversation between her uncle and auntie and simply lived as per normal.

    It wasn¡¯t that Miao Jing was exceptionally bold by doing that. It was just that she had grown up beside these two people and naturally understood their tempers.

    Her second auntie was intent on taking advantage of her now that she was of marriageable age.

    Unfortunately, her second auntie had no guts to go through with her n unless her second uncle was willing to bear the consequences for her.

    As long as her second uncle refused to do so, her second auntie would definitely not dare to go through with it. She knew that her second uncle would definitely have a way of making everyone in the production division believe that he had nothing to do with the matter and that it had been orchestrated by his wife alone.

    Miao Jing wanted tough even more when she thought about her uncle. He was a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing. He was cruel, demanding, andcked any conscience, yet he still thought that he was being humane.

    What he had retorted her auntie with was that he was afraid of getting into trouble by receiving a bridal price.

    But her uncle had never once said that she was his niece and the only bloodline of his elder brother.

    Neither had he ever said that he was willing to do his best to give his niece a good dowry and find a good family for her for the sake of his elder brother.

    Miao Jing sighed. Who cared about how her second uncle and auntie fought with each other? All she cared about was that her second auntie would never dare to decide on her marriage behind her second uncle¡¯s back.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t be bothered to think about the kind of person she would marry in the future, or whether she would even get married at all.

    It was difficult enough to get past each day.

    Miao Jing was right about the selfishness and coldness between her uncle and auntie, but what she didn¡¯t know was how her peaceful life was going to change because of the Zhai family¡¯s appearance.

    That day, Miao Jing had just returned from a day¡¯s work in the fields, smelling of sweat and was full of mud.

    She hadn¡¯t even entered the gates before Second Auntie Miao rushed out and pushed her to the side. ¡°Look how dirty and embarrassing you are. Lan, your grandma hasn¡¯t been in good healthtely and misses you terribly. I¡¯ve already applied for leave with your supervisor. Take these clothes and go to your grandma¡¯s house for a few days. I¡¯ll pick you up once your grandma¡¯s health improves in a few days¡¯ time.¡±

    As Second Auntie Miao spoke, she stuffed the clothes into Miao Jing¡¯s arms and pinched Miao Jing on the arm, warning her to cooperate.

    Miao Jing was in a daze. Lan? Was her Second Auntie Miao calling the wrong person?

    ¡°Why are you still standing here? Hurry and go to your grandma!¡± Second Auntie Miao pushed Miao Jing so hard that she nearly fell.

    ¡°No. Where¡­¡± Grandma?

    Second Auntie Miao ground her teeth and said in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯m warning you not to spout nonsense. You¡¯re Lan now. You¡¯d better not return for three days. I don¡¯t care where you go. You should be able to find somewhere now that you¡¯re grown up. If you don¡¯t listen to me, I¡¯ll do all I can to get you married out and I¡¯ll make the decision in regard to whom you marry. But if you listen to me for these three days, I¡¯ll listen to you and get your approval when you get married. I won¡¯t make a decision without your consent. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao was afraid that Miao Jing would ruin her n.

 Chapter 2506 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (7)

    <h4>Chapter 2506: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (7)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Aspared to whatever she had in mind, letting Miao Jing decide on who to marry didn¡¯t mean much anymore. Anyway, Second Auntie Miao had already gotten the best deal.

    Miao Jing was in shock. When had her second auntie ever spoken to her so nicely?

    Second Auntie Miao didn¡¯t give Miao Jing any chance to understand the situation before chasing her away.

    Miao Jing simply thought that she wouldn¡¯t be at a loss since she would be able to decide whom she would marry as long as she stayed away from the Miao family for three days. She could do that. As such, she turned and left.

    Second Auntie Miao heaved a sigh of relief and put on a goose-bumps-inducing smile after sending Miao Jing off.

    Old Zhai lifted his head to look at Second Auntie Miao. ¡°Did someone visit?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao¡¯s gaze shifted uneasily, not daring to meet Old Zhai¡¯s dark eyes. ¡°Yes, someone returned. It was my daughter, Lan. My mom hasn¡¯t been in good healthtely, and she misses her granddaughter very much. I handed her her clothes and asked her to go visit her grandma. Chief Zhai, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Your daughter, Miao Lan?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes. Chief Zhai, you have such a good memory. I only said it once, but you were able to remember it. Jingjing, what are you doing? Hurry and pour some water for your Uncle Zhai.¡±

    Miao Lan did not respond, and after zoning out for three seconds, she finally realized that the ¡®Jingjing¡¯ her mother was calling for was her.

    Miao Lan¡¯s movements were a little stiff, but she listened to her mother, poured some water for Old Zhai, and addressed him as ¡®Uncle Zhai¡¯.

    Of course, a farmer¡¯s family had no tea to serve, and it was all filled with stalks and old tea leaves.

    But Old Zhai had grown up in such a family too and was thus used to it. ¡°Can you tell me how Brother and Sister-inw Miao passed away?¡±

    Second Uncle Miao, who had remained silent, felt his legs give way. He opened his mouth but couldn¡¯t speak a word, and beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead.

    Seeing Second Uncle Miao in a fright, Second Auntie Miao was incensed. Why was her husband acting as though he had caused his brother¡¯s death?

    ¡°Chief Zhai, this was what happened. At that time, my sister-inw was already nine-month pregnant. My elder brother wanted to earn more money to raise his child, so he went into the mountains to get some ginseng but fell to his death. After my sister-inw heard about it, she went intobor but soon followed my elder brother as well. I¡¯m not trying to say anything, but in the past, no one would have dared to raise a child like Miao Jing. She was like a jinx¡ªno, Chief Zhai, that¡¯s not what I meant. I know. We believe in science. Science.¡±

    Miao Jing was a jinx, but she believed in science.

    If not for the kindness of their family that they were willing to take Miao Jing in, Miao Jing would have starved to death a long time ago.

    All credit went to their family that Miao Jing was still alive and well today. Now, she was just trying to get some benefits back from Miao Jing. That wasn¡¯t asking for too much, was it?

    To Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family, Old Zhai¡¯s appearance was like gold falling from the sky.

    When Second Auntie Miao had first heard that he was a chief, she had been so frightened that her face had turned pale.

    Then, when she learned that Father Miao had saved him not just once but twice, Second Auntie Miao immediately understood that the chief was livingfortably now and wanted to repay Father Miao.

    If Father Miao had still been alive, Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family would never have been able to be in the spotlight. Nheless, they would be able to get some benefits.

    Although Second Auntie Miao had never witnessed personally just how well Father Miao treated Second Uncle Miao, she had heard all about it.

    Unfortunately, Father Miao was no longer around. But the first thing the chief had asked upon learning about it was whether Father Miao¡¯s child was a boy or a girl.

    Second Uncle Miao replied that it was a girl.

    Old Zhai asked, ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao hurriedly responded before Second Uncle Miao had the chance to do so. ¡°Miao Lan!¡±

    Second Uncle Miao looked at Second Auntie Miao in shock, wanting to ask her what she meant. When had his daughter be his elder brother¡¯s daughter?

    Second Auntie Miao was afraid that Second Uncle Miao would ruin it for her and nudged him, wanting him to keep quiet so that she could continue speaking.

    Second Auntie Miao felt that this was the best thing that had ever happened to their family.

    Initially, she had still been worried about what kind of family to find for her precious daughter so that she would have a blissful life.

    With this chief in front of them, she didn¡¯t even need to worry about that now. If the chief had a son, it was even possible for her to marry her daughter to the chief¡¯s son based on the fact that Father Miao had saved him twice.

    After all, the chief owed the Miao family two lives.

    Old Zhaiughed. ¡°Miao Lan? Isn¡¯t she called Miao Jing?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao felt her heart almost leap out of her chest. Did the chief know Miao Jing? Then, what would she do now that she had lied?

    ¡°I was the one who gave her that name. I made a pact with Brother Miao to name his child Miao An if it was a boy, and Miao Jing if it was a girl. Did he change the name in the end?¡±

    ¡°No, no. My elder brother¡¯s daughter is named Jingjing. I was so panicked that I called out my own daughter¡¯s name. Don¡¯t misunderstand, chief. Yes, my niece is Miao Jing. So, you were the one who named her. I was wondering how my elder brother managed toe up with such a sophisticated name when he wasn¡¯t educated.¡±

    He had never met her. That was good.

    As long as no one in the vige caught wind of the situation before she sent Lan over, her daughter would have a blessed life awaiting her.

    It was all thanks to her as a smart mother that Lan could live a good life.

    Of course, if her daughter did well, she couldn¡¯t possibly forget about her parents and younger brothers who were toiling it out in the countryside back home.

    Their whole family would leadfortable lives with their daughter taking care of them in the future.

    Second Auntie Miao thought that she had seeded. Of course, if Old Zhai had been taken in by her little lies, there was no way he would have be a chief.

    Old Zhai remembered clearly that Father Miao had been crippled because of him and had even been chased out by his family.

    Old Zhai had always wanted to repay Father Miao for that but had never gotten the chance to visit his family.

    In the early days of the founding of the People¡¯s Republic of China, the Chiang Kai Shek faction that retreated to the other side of the gulf was always trying to return. Not only did Old Zhai have to manage his soldiers, but he also had to go to the frontlines of the war. His wife was exceptionally weak, and that worried Old Zhai as well. Old Zhai didn¡¯t even have the time to take care of his children, let alone visit his benefactor, Father Miao.

    Later on, the tumultuous decade further exhausted the old revolutionary, Old Zhai.

    They had finally toppled the ¡®Four Olds¡¯, and political order had finally been restored.. After putting everything in ce, Old Zhai finally had the chance to visit the Miao family to see how Father Miao was doing.

 Chapter 2507 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (8)

    <h4>Chapter 2507: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (8)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    But who would have expected that he would only have the chance to visit Father Miao¡¯s grave instead of Father Miao himself?

    Before meeting Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family, Old Zhai had already heard news of how Father Miao and his wife had passed away, and how the couple had treated Miao Jing afterward.

    He had pretended to be unaware of the situation and visited Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family just to have a sense of their attitudes.

    Twenty years ago, Old Zhai had already felt that Father Miao still had feelings for his family no matter how badly they treated him.

    If the Miao family had a conscience and treated Miao Jing well after Father Miao¡¯s death, Old Zhai didn¡¯t mind giving Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family some benefits on Father Miao¡¯s ount.

    After all, after the Miao couple passed away, Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family had taken Miao Jing in and had raised his daughter-inw.

    After giving Second Uncle Miao some money, Miao Jing would have nothing to do with Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family ever again. That sum of money would be like buying out the connection between Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family and Miao Jing.

    But now¡­

    He eyed the trembling Miao Lan. He knew that he could save himself that sum of money.

    Thinking about Miao Jing whom Second Auntie Miao had just chased away, Old Zhai stood up, not willing to waste any more time in this house. ¡°Alright. I understand. It¡¯ste and I should get going. You don¡¯t have to send me off. I¡¯ll take my own leave.¡±

    Second Auntie Miao was stunned. What? He was leaving just like that?

    They hadn¡¯t even spoken much, much less talked about her daughter, yet he was already leaving?

    Her husband¡¯s brother had saved the chief twice and the chief had merely asked about him and was going to leave without doing anything? What would happen to her Lan? Wasn¡¯t the chief going to help Lan find a good family to marry into?

    ¡°Chief, there¡¯s no hurry. Our house might be a little small, but we can offer you a room to stay. Lan¡ªno, Jingjing grew up without parents and doesn¡¯t even know how her parents were like. Since you were so close with my elder brother, why don¡¯t you chat with Jingjing and tell her more about my elder brother? Jingjing is so pitiful. I can¡¯t even answer her whenever she asks me about her parents because I married into the family toote. My heart always aches whenever I see that other children have parents while my niece doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Did he hear that? Their child was so pitiful. Since the chief was here to visit his benefactor, and he was no longer around, shouldn¡¯t he stay behind to take care of his benefactor¡¯s only daughter?

    Otherwise, why did he even return? She would rather never have known that her brother had saved such a remarkable figure.

    Old Zhai stopped in his tracks and eyed Miao Lan, giving a sinister smile just like Second Uncle Miao¡¯s. ¡°I think it isn¡¯t too difficult for this littlerade to find out about her parents. Littlerade, can you tell whether your parents are really dead?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family of three remained silent. Miao Lan didn¡¯t know how she should answer the question.

    She hoped that her mother was right and that she would lead afortable and blissful life if she were to take Miao Jing¡¯s ce and marry into a good family. But she was timid and didn¡¯t dare to do so.

    When the chief asked her if her parents were dead, she didn¡¯t know how to answer him.

    Obviously, both answers seemed unsuitable.

    It was then that Second Uncle Miao and Second Auntie Miao regained their senses. If their daughter admitted that her parents were dead, it would be cursing them.

    Second Auntie Miao was superstitious and thought that such words were too inauspicious. She was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to hide her anger if her daughter were to admit to it.

    Only Second Uncle Miao¡¯s face was ghostly pale. ¡°Chief, if you miss my brother, you can visit him anytime.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Old Zhai felt that Father Miao¡¯s younger brother was quite a cunning person. Throughout his whole visit, he had not said a word and had allowed his wife to go on with her monologue. By not participating and watching on from the sidelines, he proved that he was willing to do so too.

    As expected¡­ He was just like that heartless creature he had known back then.

    Second Auntie Miao wanted to stop Old Zhai, but she dared not go against Second Uncle Miao.

    Only after he had left did Second Auntie Miao shout at Second Uncle Miao. ¡°Look at what you did! How useless you are! It¡¯s so rare that an important figure visited us, yet you let him leave just like that? Is Lan even your daughter? Are your sons really your sons? Do you know that we could have be inws with the chief if we let Lan marry the chief¡¯s son? We wouldn¡¯t even have to worry about our lives in the future.¡±

    Her husband had ruined the whole family¡¯s happiness!

    Second Uncle Miao shoved Second Auntie Miao. ¡°What else do you know apart from picking a fight with me? That guy is a chief! Do you think he can¡¯t see through your lies? I think the chief already knows the truth regarding Lan and Miao Jing!¡±

    ¡°What? That¡¯s impossible!¡± Second Auntie Miao was in disbelief. ¡°The chief doesn¡¯t even know Miao Jing. Besides, I didn¡¯t even let the chief see Miao Jing. How could he possibly know that Lan is our daughter and that the one who left is the real Miao Jing?¡±

    Second Uncle Miao sneered. ¡°Otherwise, why would he be a chief while we¡¯re still farmers? Besides, do you think only our family knows who my elder brother¡¯s daughter is? Do you think everyone in the production division is blind?¡±

    Beforeing to their house, the chief would have been able to understand their family¡¯s situation just by asking anyone in the production division.

    ¡°Dad, what shall we do? Will I still be able to follow the chief into the city and live afortable life?¡±

    Miao Lan was disappointed. She had thought that this would be her chance of improving her life.

    ¡°If you want to live in the city and marry into a good family, it¡¯ll all depend on Miao Jing¡¯s conscience.¡± Frustrated, Second Uncle Miao took a puff of his cigarette. ¡°That chief will surely bring Miao Jing away and treat her well. If Miao Jing still treats me as her uncle, and you guys as her rtives, we might still be able to reap some benefits. Even just a little help from a chief would mean that our entire family will live well.¡±

    Second Auntie Miao was not happy. ¡°Why? Why can Miao Jing marry the chief¡¯s son but my daughter can¡¯t? What rights does she have? My daughter is much prettier than Miao Jing! It¡¯s so obvious that my daughter belongs in the city!¡±

 Chapter 2508 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (9)

    <h4>Chapter 2508: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (9)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Miao Jing is a jinx. Isn¡¯t the chief afraid that people in his family will meet with idents and die early just like your elder brother and sister-inw?¡±

    Of course, her niece wouldn¡¯t be as close to her as her daughter was.

    Thinking about how Miao Jing had been suffering in her hands all these years, Second Auntie Miao would have to coax Miao Jing and suck up to her instead once Miao Jing married the chief¡¯s son. Second Auntie Miao hated the idea of that! There was no way she would let that happen!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re overthinking it? The chief may be impressive, but he isn¡¯t a god. How could he possibly know that? In my opinion, it¡¯s better to just go with my n and let Lan take Miao Jing¡¯s ce and enjoy a good life. Apart from my own daughter, I will trust no one. Do you think Miao Jing will remember us once she gets married into a good family? Think about how we¡¯ve treated her all these years.¡±

    Second Auntie Miao finally spoke the truth at this point in time.

    To be honest, they hadn¡¯t just treated her averagely. They had treated her extremely poorly.

    It was exactly because Second Auntie Miao was clear about that that she was unwilling to let Miao Jing have such a good opportunity.

    She felt that Miao Jing would definitely ignore these poor rtives of hers once she went with the chief and had a good andfortable life to live.

    Besides, she couldn¡¯t possibly watch on as Miao Jing went to live a blissful life.

    Miao Jing was a jinx. She had better be filial to her uncle and auntie for the rest of her life. That was the attitude she ought to have.

    Second Uncle Miaoughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°I really hope I¡¯m overthinking it, but from what I see, that isn¡¯t the case. I won¡¯t talk about anything else. But the chief might very welle and deal with us once he finds out that you lied to him that Lan was Miao Jing. You¡¯re such a failure. Have you never thought about the consequences before trying to cheat others? Our three children are really going to be ruined by you!¡±

    If he had known that this was going to happen, he should have knocked this b*tch unconscious and dragged her into the room the moment she opened her mouth.

    Look at how much trouble she had caused in such a short span of time.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t scare me. I can¡¯t be frightened like that.¡± Miao Lan had already been stunned by Old Zhai¡¯s anger.

    Usually, Miao Lan was haughty and arrogant in front of Miao Jing. Even though Miao Jing was a few months older than her, she had never once addressed Miao Jing as her elder sister. In fact, she only addressed Miao Jing by her name when she was in a good mood.

    When she was in a bad mood, Miao Lan would simply call Miao Jing whatever she wanted.

    But in front of Old Zhai, Miao Lan dared not act so recklessly. She was no different from a little kitten.

    Second Auntie Miao had already said that she was Miao Jing, but Miao Lan dared not step forward to get close to Old Zhai, nor try to please him.

    Miao Lan felt that the gaze of that impressive chief alone was enough to make her legs give way.

    Miao Lan had already been in such shock, and after hearing her dad¡¯s words, she felt as though she was going to faint from fear.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Second Uncle Miao huffed. ¡°You¡¯re just like your mom. Since you¡¯re so timid, why didn¡¯t you tell him that you¡¯re Miao Lan and that you¡¯re our daughter when your mom said that you were Miao Jing? You want to take advantage of others, but you don¡¯t have the courage to actually do it! I get so frustrated looking at you two! I¡¯ve already said my piece. If the chief reallyes back to deal with you two, I¡¯m going to chase both of you out of the house.¡±

    Anyway, he still had two sons. It didn¡¯t matter if he didn¡¯t have a wife. In another few years¡¯ time, his sons would get married and he would have people to serve him all the same.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Miao Lan hugged Second Auntie Miao as she burst into tears. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m so scared. What shall we do? We didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Why would the chief try to get back at us and want our lives?¡±

    Second Auntie Miao herself was in fear too, but she couldn¡¯t show that in front of her daughter.

    Second Auntie Miao held her daughter in her arms, trying to console herself and her daughter. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Think about it. Those four olds that were so impressive have already been defeated. One of them was even Chairman Mao¡¯s wife! So what if he¡¯s a chief? Is the chief more important than the chairman? We¡¯re ordinary folks who haven¡¯t done anything against thew. We¡¯re not ve drivers or traitors. They have no right to take our lives. Don¡¯t worry. Listen to me. We¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Miao Lan sniffled. ¡°Mom, are you still sending me to the chief¡¯s side to let me have a good life? Will I marry the chief¡¯s son?¡± Besides, did the chief even have a son?

    Second Auntie Miao smiled bitterly. Did she want to?

    Of course she did. She was almost going crazy just thinking about it.

    If she seeded in doing so, she would be inws with a chief. Of course, she wanted her daughter to marry well.

    But after learning about Miao Jing¡¯s name, the chief had shown no interest in Lan at all, much less talked about bringing Lan along with him or finding a good partner for her.

    Before the chief left, he hadn¡¯t even said anything or asked them if they wanted him to help with finding Miao Jing a partner or even to treat Miao Jing well on his behalf, much less offer to give her a dowry if she were to get married.

    Now, Second Auntie Miao couldn¡¯t help but think that it was normal for a family like theirs to not be able to be inws with the chief.

    But her husband¡¯s elder brother had saved the chief twice, after all! Twice!

    How could the chief do nothing now that Miao Jing was going to get married?

    As long as the chief sent some things over to Miao Jing, Second Auntie Miao would have the final say over what she could bring with her and she had to leave at home.

    Second Auntie Miao had already thought it through. There was no way the chief would send too few things over to Miao Jing, and neither would he send cheap things over.

    Perhaps, she could even use these gifts to prepare a good dowry for her daughter and even help her two sons get married.

    But the chief had not said a word and had simply taken his leave after understanding the family¡¯s situation!

    At the thought of this, Second Auntie Miao was infuriated.

    ¡°Mom, since the chief is gone, shouldn¡¯t you get Miao Jing back? Otherwise, who¡¯s going to wash our clothes, feed the pigs, and take care of the livestock tomorrow? You¡¯d better not ask me to do all that. It¡¯s so smelly and dirty. I¡¯m not going to do it.¡±

    With her mother around and reassuring her that nothing would happen, Miao Lan, who had been sobbing just moments earlier, was back to her usual arrogant self.

    Second Auntie Miao patted her thigh. ¡°If you didn¡¯t mention it, I would really have forgotten all about all the household chores awaiting that jinx.. Since the chief is gone, I¡¯d better go get her back.¡±

 Chapter 2509 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (10)

    <h4>Chapter 2509: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (10)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°It¡¯s rare that she was finally useful for once, but who would have known that her dad had saved such a stingy chief? He didn¡¯t mention giving us anything or bringing you to the city to lead afortable life! What bad luck!¡±

    ¡°Mom, hurry and get her home. There¡¯s a hole in my clothes. I need her to mend it for me.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get her back right away.¡±

    Since that chief was so heartless, he had better not me her for treating Miao Jing as a servant. After all, Miao Jing had grown up in their family. Without her husband, Miao Jing would have starved to death a long time ago.

    Did Second Auntie Miao think that she would be able to find Miao Jing now?

    Of course not. The moment Old Zhai left Second Uncle Miao¡¯s house, he managed to catch up with Miao Jing to stop her in her tracks. ¡°Are you Miao Jing?¡±

    Miao Jing looked at the man in front of her warily. ¡°Who are you? You¡¯re not from our production division. I¡¯ve never seen you.¡± Why would she tell a stranger who she was?

    ¡°You¡­¡± Old Zhai sighed. ¡°I¡¯m your Uncle Zhai. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll call you Miao Miao.¡±

    Jingjing sounded pretty good too, but the Miao family had already addressed Miao Lan as Jingjing. Old Zhai felt uneasy using that name again.

    Could Miao Jing possibly say that she minded? Even if she did mind, that person had already addressed her as so.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not a bad person. I knew your dad. In fact, it¡¯s all thanks to your dad that I¡¯m still alive today. He saved me twice. Unfortunately, before you were born, both your parents passed on and they weren¡¯t able to tell you about me.¡±

    Miao Jing naturally had admiration for her parents. ¡°You¡­ knew my dad? And my dad saved you? That¡¯s impossible! My dad¡¯s a normal citizen. You don¡¯t look like a normal citizen.¡±

    Old Zhaiughed. ¡°What do I look like then? I¡¯ll tell you all about your dad and myself.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After hearing her father¡¯s past with Old Zhai, Miao Jing was no longer as wary of Old Zhai. ¡°I know that you¡¯re a chief now. So? My parents are no longer around. I guess you won¡¯t have the chance to repay them even if you want to.¡±

    He had such a high status while she was nothing more than an orphan. What could he possibly want from her?

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I have that chance? It¡¯s true that your parents aren¡¯t around anymore, but you¡¯re still around.¡± Old Zhai had been rather upset upon learning that Father Miao was no longer around.

    Apart from his wife, he had never owed anyone anything, and neither had he ever wanted to owe anyone anything.

    But now that Father Miao was no longer around, he would never be able to repay this debt of gratitude. ¡°Did you know that I was the one who named you? I have a son. While you were still in your mother¡¯s belly, I made a pact with your dad. If you turned out to be a boy, you would be my son¡¯s younger brother. If you turned out to be a girl, you would be my daughter-inw. Miao Miao, are you willing to go back with me?¡±

    Miao Jing gave it some thought and answered, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯ll be an arranged marriage.¡±

    Old Zhaiughed. Brother Miao had been a man of few words while he was alive, but he was very opinionated.

    He was afraid that Miao Miao¡¯s character and temperament would be dull even though she was pretty just because she had been raised by Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family. If that was the case, it would be extremely difficult to get Zhai Yaohui to marry Miao Miao. ¡°Then, what should we do so that it won¡¯t be an arranged marriage?¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t marriage be a choice? I haven¡¯t even met your son, and I don¡¯t know anything about him. How can I get married to him? If you really want to repay my dad and treat me well, that¡¯s fine. I want to leave this ce and see the outside world. I want to study and rely on my own efforts to survive in this world. Will you help me with that?¡±

    Those were Miao Jing¡¯s dreams that she would never be able to fulfill if she were to remain in Second Uncle Miao¡¯s house.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never gone to school?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯ve only attended some literacy sses for a few days. I¡¯m not lying to you. I¡¯m not cultured at all.¡± He was a prominent figure. He couldn¡¯t possibly get an illiteratedy as his daughter-inw.

    As such, Miao Jing felt that it was a little incredulous and ridiculous asking such a favor of Old Zhai.

    It was quite miserable being the son of this chief. He hadn¡¯t even met her and knew nothing about how she looked, and yet, he had almost gotten himself a wife just like that.

    ¡°You want to go to school?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± But going to school costs money and time.

    Her second uncle would never give her the money to do so. Besides, if she were to go to school, she would have less time to do household chores for them.

    All these years, Second Uncle Miao had taken good care of his two sons and had taught them all about farming, but Miao Lan had been pampered and spoiled by Second Auntie Miao.

    As for the work that Miao Jing did, it was no different from what the boys did.

    ¡°Alright, I can help you if that¡¯s what you want. If you want to go to school, I¡¯ll help you go to school. If you meet my son and think that he¡¯s a good catch, you can be my daughter-inw. If you don¡¯t like him, I won¡¯t force you. You can be his sister, and I¡¯ll be your dad.¡±

    Old Zhai had a feeling that he had something to do with Father Miao getting into an ident while picking ginseng.

    After all, Old Zhai had never forgotten about how Father Miao had be a cripple.

    Miao Jing stared at Old Zhai in shock. ¡°Are-are you serious?¡±

    Those words moved her. If she liked his son, she would be the chief¡¯s daughter-inw. Otherwise, she would simply be the chief¡¯s daughter.

    No matter what, she wouldn¡¯t be at a loss.

    Would she take advantage of this situation?

    Miao Jing pondered about it for a while beforeing to a conclusion. Of course she would take advantage of it!

    Of all the things her second auntie had said, there was one that was true. Only a fool wouldn¡¯t take advantage of a bargain.

    Miao Jing knew that Old Zhai could very well be her only chance of living the life she wanted. If she lost this opportunity, she would have no choice but to continue as part of the production division until the day her auntie decided to sell her off like a pig.

    Since Old Zhai had proposed such a great offer where she wouldn¡¯t lose out either way, Miao Jing thought that it was worth a gamble.

    She didn¡¯t think that he would be able to take advantage of an orphan like her anyway.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave with you. But I¡¯ll make myself clear. If I think that your son isn¡¯t suitable, I won¡¯t get together with him.¡±

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s a deal. If you don¡¯t take a fancy to my son, I¡¯ll acknowledge you as my daughter.¡± Old Zhai stroked his chin without saying a word. He was confident in his son¡¯s face.

    As for his character, there was no way his son would go astray with him around. If his son dared to make the slightest mistake, he would definitely beat his son until he no longer dared to do it again!

 Chapter 2510 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (11)

    <h4>Chapter 2510: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (11)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    With that deal made, Miao Jing didn¡¯t head to Miao Lan¡¯s grandma¡¯s house. Instead, she hopped on Old Zhai¡¯s vehicle and headed to the city.

    By the time Second Auntie Miao learned of the situation, Miao Jing had already arrived in the city with Old Zhai.

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui knew that his father had gone to visit his benefactor. He also knew that his father had already made a pact with the Miao family. If the Miao family had a son, he would have a younger brother. If the Miao family had a daughter, he would have a wife.

    Zhai Yaohui had no understanding of the Miao family. Besides, the one whom the Miao family had saved twice was his father and not him.

    He couldn¡¯t control how his father wanted to repay the Miao family, but there was no way he was going to let his father offer him to the Miao family as repayment.

    ¡°Yaohui, you¡¯re back? Have some water.¡± Grandma Zhai felt a little bored staying home alone. In the past, she had focused on raising her son while her husband was fighting in the war.

    Now that the war was finally over, she couldn¡¯t keep her husband at home while her son went to school every day and spent little time at home.

    Knowing that Grandma Zhai wasn¡¯t in good health, Zhai Yaohui rushed over. ¡°Mom, didn¡¯t I tell you not to take it too hard on yourself? You can always get the auntie to handle things at home. You should rest well since you¡¯re not in good health.¡±

    What the two men at home worried and cared most about was Grandma Zhai¡¯s health.

    In Zhai Yaohui¡¯s childhood memories, it was always his motherforting him with her gentle and caring voice. His father had always existed only in their conversations.

    Even though Zhai Yaohui was a son, he shared a very close rtionship with Grandma Zhai. On the other hand, Zhai Yaohui was distant from Old Zhai.

    Grandma Zhai shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just getting you a ss of water. I haven¡¯t done anything else. Besides, your dad always stops me from doing anything. It¡¯s really very boring staying at home alone every day.¡± Even if she wasn¡¯t sick, staying like this would probably make her sick.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out? Didn¡¯t some auntiese to chat with you in the past? Why haven¡¯t I seen themtely? Did they bully you?¡±

    Grandma Zhaiughed. ¡°How do you know that they bullied me? How do you know that it didn¡¯t happen because of my bad temper?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. ¡°What did they do?¡±

    His mom was such a kind person. There was no way it had happened because his mom had a bad temper. It must have been something those people had done that had angered his mom. ¡°Mom, I know the children from those families. I¡¯ll get justice for you.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was younger, and there was no way he could take revenge on the elders who had upset his mother. It was a matter of courtesy.

    But that wasn¡¯t the case for the children in those families.

    It wasmon for young people to get into fights while they were still young and feisty.

    They weren¡¯t three-year-old children who would tell on each other to their parents or teachers anymore. No matter what, he had to get justice for his mother.

    Grandma Zhai was ted by her son¡¯s concern. ¡°Don¡¯t be so reckless. Those people didn¡¯t anger me. I just feel that we can¡¯t click. Their mindsets are tooplicated.¡±

    Grandma Zhai was a simple woman. When she had first gotten married to Old Zhai, the only person in her heart was Old Zhai. After giving birth to Zhai Yaohui, she had dedicated her entire life to these two men.

    The problemy with Old Zhai¡¯s position and status. Even though Grandma Zhai was simple, it didn¡¯t prevent people with motives from getting close to her.

    If not for Old Zhai helping generations of impoverished citizens and not havingmitted any crimes in the past ten years, his enemies would have dragged him down a long time ago with different excuses.

    Because he was being watched, Old Zhai didn¡¯t dare to act recklessly. That was why he had waited for years before going to visit Father Miao although he never forgot about the Miao family.

    Because of that, there were many who dared not get close to the Zhai family before the situation settled down for fear that they would be targeted because of their associations with the Zhai family. Amongst them was Shi Peng¡¯s father. Before the situation settled, he never severed ties with Old Zhai, but neither did he ever get too close to the Zhai family. His rtionship with them remained ambiguous and was that between a stranger and a friend.

    Now that the situation had stabilized, Old Zhai¡¯s position had risen significantly in the central government.

    Because of that, there were hordes of people waiting to get into the Zhai family¡¯s good books. Of course, that included the Shi family.

    Of course, if they wanted to win favor with the Zhai family, they had to try their luck from all aspects.

    After giving it some thought, there were some who felt that their breakthrough woulde with Grandma Zhai. As long as they could handle Grandma Zhai, they would definitely be epted by the men in the Zhai family as well.

    The first few times, Grandma Zhai hadn¡¯t gotten a clear understanding of what was going on. But it started happening more frequently, and all the women startedmenting about how their lives were difficult and it would be great if someone would be able to help them before they even formed a deep rtionship with Grandma Zhai.

    It was then that Grandma Zhai understood that these so-called friends were only around because of her husband.

    Before long, Grandma Zhai lost her patience. If they visited, she was sorry but she didn¡¯t feel well and couldn¡¯t entertain guests. If they wanted to go out with her, she was sorry but she wasn¡¯t feeling well and couldn¡¯t go out. If they wanted to bring a physician, she was sorry but her husband had already brought her to the doctor. The doctor said that she would definitely get better with enough rest.

    Although Grandma Zhai had finally gotten rid of those bothersome people, she had indeed gotten more bored.

    Zhai Yaohui felt helpless upon understanding the situation. There was no way he could ask his father to step down from his position.

    Because of that, there was no way the people around them could have only pure and simple intentions.

    ¡°Mom, do you want to go out for a holiday?¡± Going back to her hometown, for instance.

    Grandma Zhai shook her head. ¡°Will I have to go alone?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was speechless. If he allowed his mother to go alone, his father would definitely skin him alive.

    ¡°I can¡¯t rest easy about the two of you. Both of you are like kids who need people to take care of them. Your dad has me, but I don¡¯t know how long more I¡¯ll be able to take care of him. As for you, hurry and get a wife for yourself so that I won¡¯t have to worry about you after I leave. Yaohui, be honest with me. How¡¯s it going with the youngdy of the Shi family?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. ¡°Mom, why are you suddenly talking about the Shi family? I thought you didn¡¯t like those people with hidden motives.¡±

    Unfortunately, no one in the Shi family, apart from Shi Peng who was rather upright, was any good.

 Chapter 2511 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (12)

    <h4>Chapter 2511: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (12)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Of course, that naturally included Qi Min, who nearly became his partner.

    Grandma Zhai sighed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether I like her. Do you like her? You¡¯re the one marrying her and will be the one living with her. Only your opinion matters. It doesn¡¯t matter whether your dad or I like her. Do you understand? Both you and that youngdy from the Shi family aren¡¯t young anymore. If you really have feelings for her, hurry and settle the matter and marry her. Don¡¯t y hard to get and dy the matter. That isn¡¯t too good.¡±

    In the past, the Shi family¡¯s attitude had been rather vague. In fact, they would always make excuses whenever the children were mentioned, saying that there was no hurry.

    But now, the Shi family was in more of a hurry than anyone else and was rushing everyone, including Grandma Zhai.

    ¡°Mom, Qi Min has quite a few boys around her. You don¡¯t have to worry about her.¡± Zhai Yaohui was annoyed at the mention of Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min were childhood sweethearts who had grown up together.

    In the early days of the founding of the country, before the war, they had lived together as neighbors and got along pretty well.

    Grandma Zhai had always had a regret of only being able to give Old Zhai a son because of her poor health. Besides, Grandma Zhai herself desired a daughter to be by her side.

    Because they were neighbors, and Qi Min was adorable and sweet as a child, Grandma Zhai took a liking to Qi Min. She always told the young Zhai Yaohui that Qi Min was his younger sister and he had to protect her well.

    Grandma Zhai was the one who had raised Zhai Yaohui, so it was only natural for him to listen to her.

    Seeing how the two children yed well together, Old Master Shi had joked that they could be inws in the future.

    Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t object, but Old Zhai replied, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯ve already found Zhai Yaohui his future wife.¡±

    Old Master Shi was in disbelief. ¡°Old Zhai, we¡¯re living in a new era. We can¡¯t arrange marriages like we did in the past. Didn¡¯t you choose your own wife too? How could you be so biased as a father? Why can¡¯t he do what you did?¡±

    Old Zhai simply told everyone that he had already found Zhai Yaohui¡¯s future wife. Apart from that, he said nothing else.

    Based on Old Zhai¡¯s attitude, no one truly believed that Zhai Yaohui had already matchmaked his son away.

    A family like theirs wouldn¡¯t make decisions on their children¡¯s marriage so flippantly.

    Besides, they had never seen anyone who fitted the bill amongst those who interacted with the Zhai family.

    As such, Old Master Shi concluded that this was simply Old Zhai¡¯s way of trying to refuse his offer.

    They were all in the same circle and had hidden motives of their own.

    Old Zhai refused to let the Shi family¡¯s daughter be his daughter-inw because he didn¡¯t like the Shi family.

    Although Old Master Shi was angry, he couldn¡¯t deny the fact that his family background was not as ster as the Zhai family¡¯s.

    He knew that he would do the same if he were in Old Zhai¡¯s ce, so Old Zhai¡¯s actions werepletely understandable.

    Nheless, Old Master Shi instructed his daughter to spend more time with Zhai Yaohui because he didn¡¯t believe in the existence of that girl.

    If Zhai Yaohui fell for his daughter and insisted on marrying her, there was no way Old Zhai would refuse and insist on Zhai Yaohui marrying the girl of his choice.

    Qi Min already understood all of this at the young age of around ten.

    As such, she listened to her dad and very cleverly spent all her time with Zhai Yaohui, relying on him in everything, and even addressing him affectionately as ¡®Brother Zhai¡¯.

    Before long, everyone thought of the two children as a couple even though they were still young.

    Everyone thought that the rtionship between Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui would progress smoothly until they grew up and got married. Who would have known that everything would have changed over the span of ten years?

    Qi Min no longer clung to Zhai Yaohui, and there were many males who started appearing by Qi Min¡¯s side.

    All these boys were Little Red Soldiers who had ¡®actively participated¡¯ in all sorts of activities in the past ten years. They were the top of the proletariat ss.

    Qi Min mixed well with these boys and had them wrapped around her finger.

    She told these boys that she had a sibling rtionship with Zhai Yaohui. It was because Zhai Yaohui was an only child and Grandma Zhai liked little girls that she had gotten close to the Zhai family.

    If not for the fact that Grandma Zhai liked girls and she pitied Grandma Zhai, she would never have had much interaction with the Zhai family.

    Chairman Mao had already said that women could hold up half the sky.

    There were many who prioritized boys over girls, but the mindset they should have was one like Grandma Zhai¡¯s.

    She was only willing to visit Grandma Zhai because she felt that Grandma Zhai had a good mindset.

    To be clear, she visited the Zhai family not for Zhai Yaohui but for Zhai Yaohui¡¯s mother.

    Qi Min had always been a sweet talker and had been able to coax Grandma Zhai since she was a child. It was a given that she was able to win over a few inexperienced boys a few years down the road.

    Apart from Qi Min, there had never been a second girl by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side.

    Compared to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s simple life, Qi Min¡¯s life seemed much more interesting and colorful.

    Zhai Yaohui was aware of this situation.

    Qi Min had already made her attitude clear, and Zhai Yaohui wasn¡¯t going to be a fool. As such, he refused without any hesitation when Grandma Zhai brought up the matter of marriage to Qi Min. ¡°Mom, I treat her as a younger sister.¡±

    Grandma Zhai sighed. She had heard about Qi Min¡¯s behavior as well.

    Grandma Zhai was traditional and respected her son¡¯s wishes. Otherwise, there was no way Grandma Zhai would have even taken a fancy to a girl like Qi Min. ¡°I¡¯m bringing this up because of your dad. You know where your dad went, right? What will you do if your dad really brings a girl back from the Miao family? I know your dad¡¯s temper, and I¡¯m sure you do too. I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t even be able to do anything then.¡±

    Grandma Zhai was worried sick about the father and son.

    She didn¡¯t want Old Zhai to get angry, and neither did she want Zhai Yaohui to marry a girl whom he didn¡¯t even like for the sake of his father.

    That wouldn¡¯t be good for her son or the girl. Neither of them would live blissfully in the future.

    Then, that wouldn¡¯t be repaying kindness but taking revenge. ¡°Since you saved me twice, I¡¯ll let my son ruin your daughter!¡± That was repaying kindness with ingratitude!

 Chapter 2512 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (13)

    <h4>Chapter 2512: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (13)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Upon thinking about this, Grandma Zhai felt that this type of situation was too terrible. The girl didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Her father was considered to have umted good karma. Why did it be bad karma in the end?

    To prevent this situation from happening, Zhai Yaohui had ns.

    Even if the Miao family had saved Old Zhai before, in Old Zhai¡¯s heart, would other people¡¯s daughter be closer to him than his biological son?

    No!

    Grandma Zhai expressed that if her son chose Qi Min, she would dote on the Miao family¡¯s daughter like she was her own. Without her son, she would think of ways to find a good match for her.

    Grandma Zhai had a good n. However, she couldn¡¯t win against a son who loved to pull the rug from under her feet. ¡°Mom, is Dading back?¡±

    ¡°Soon. I¡¯ve already said things clearly to you. While there¡¯s still time, think of something quickly. Otherwise, I can¡¯t help you either.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you really think you will have a good daughter-inw if I marry Qi Min?¡± Zhai Yaohui looked at his mom and asked, ¡°Mom, you¡¯d better speak the truth. Do you think Qi Min ispatible with me? Does she like me?¡±

    He wasn¡¯t even asking if she sincerely liked him.

    Grandma Zhai sighed loudly. ¡°Alright, it is possible not to be with Qi Min. Why don¡¯t you hurry up and find another one quickly?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui smiled. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not as if you don¡¯t know that the university I¡¯m in is famous for having mostly male students. Furthermore, I¡¯m going to graduate and join the army soon. How can I find someone?¡±

    If there were already so few female students in university, he didn¡¯t even need to think about it once he was in the army. ¡°You want me to casually find a girl to be my partner? Mom, won¡¯t you feel worried?¡±

    Grandma Zhai felt frustrated and she couldn¡¯t help but p her son on the back. ¡°This won¡¯t do, that won¡¯t do. Are you nning to listen to your dad and marry that girl surnamed Miao? If you marry her and treat her badly, even I won¡¯t let you off, let alone your dad!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui smiled again. ¡°Mom, I was taught and raised by you. How would I do something that you don¡¯t like? Don¡¯t worry. If I agree to marry a woman, I would definitely be with that woman for the rest of my life. If I don¡¯t treat a woman who is going to be with me for the rest of my life well, who else will I be good to?¡±

    Grandma Zhai touched her chest, signaling that she no longer wanted to talk to him.

    After talking for so long, her son eventually didn¡¯t give her a clear answer.

    Alright, treat it that she was being a busybody. She was no longer going to care.

    At this time, Qi Min, who was being mentioned by Grandma Zhai and Zhai Yaohui, was also talking about her and Zhai Yaohui.

    Old Master Shi said, ¡°Min, how are things between you and Yaohui? When is their familying over to propose marriage? When are you getting married to Yaohui?¡±

    Qi Min only felt annoyed. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t ask me this question. You will have the answer faster if you ask the Zhai family directly!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? The both of you haven¡¯t reconciled yet?¡± Old Master Shi frowned. ¡°You know how formidable the Zhai family is. I¡¯ve already told you how Zhai Yaohui rendered meritorious service when he was in university even without relying on Old Zhai. Your eldest brother had worked so hard in the army before getting to where he is today. Once Zhai Yaohui enters the army, he might overtake him soon.¡±

    Qi Min became unhappy. ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Brother¡¯s current position in the army isn¡¯t low. Zhai Yaohui rendered meritorious service, but so did Brother. Dad, can you notud the spirit of the enemy and belittle your son?¡±

    Old Master Shi¡¯s face hardened. ¡°You still dare to rebut me. Tell me! What¡¯s the situation now?¡±

    How would Old Master Shi not understand his biological daughter? Based on Old Zhai¡¯s current identity and status and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eye-catching and outstanding performance, how would his daughter not have good feelings toward such an excellent man and not want to be with him?

    His daughter¡¯s attitude meant that there was a situation which he didn¡¯t understand and his daughter couldn¡¯t resolve.

    Qi Min felt aggrieved. ¡°Dad, I took the initiative to find Zhai Yaohui, but he ignored me. In front of outsiders, he didn¡¯t acknowledge that I¡¯m his girlfriend. He said that I¡¯m his sister!¡±

    It was so infuriating!

    After Old Zhai got promoted to chief, coupled with Zhai Yaohui¡¯s outstanding performance, many people were vying for Zhai Yaohui to be their son-inw.

    Zhai Yaohui was tall with a height of 1.8 meters. He was good-looking and talented. Where would one be able to find such a good match?

    As such, although there were a lot of male students in Zhai Yaohui¡¯s university major, he was quite well-known in several nearby universities. A lot of girls liked him.

    If not for Zhai Yaohui¡¯s cold behavior such that it wasn¡¯t easy to get close to him and the conservative times, Zhai Yaohui would have received love letters that could fill his desk every day.

    Everyone had vanity. Upon seeing so many girls like Zhai Yaohui but couldn¡¯t get close to him, Qi Min felt that she was different.

    These people liked her boyfriend. They couldn¡¯t get close to Zhai Yaohui, but she could anytime she wanted to!

    As such, the overall situation was set. Qi Min didn¡¯t take the initiative to date Zhai Yaohui. However, she ¡®ran into¡¯ him a lot of times. ¡°Brother Zhai, what a coincidence. We can actually meet in school.¡±

    As a typical man, Zhai Yaohui naturally didn¡¯t realize that Qi Min had deliberately worn new clothes and long skirts for him, let alone her meticulouslybed and neat haircut. Of course, for the makeup and lipstick Qi Min applied to her face, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t notice them either. ¡°It¡¯s pretty coincidental. You¡¯re not busy recently?¡±

    In the past chance encounters, Qi Min always told Zhai Yaohui that she was very busy and didn¡¯t have time to chat with him for long.

    Zhai Yaohui expressed understanding of this situation every time. Today was no exception. ¡°Forget it, I shan¡¯t disturb you. You have important things to attend to. Bye.¡±

    It was a ¡®chance encounter¡¯, to begin with. Furthermore, for Qi Min, who was ustomed to being chased by boys, to take the initiative to have a ¡®chance encounter¡¯ with Zhai Yaohui was already giving him face.

    Zhai Yaohui left so coldly and didn¡¯t cherish her appearance. How would the angry Qi Min chase after Zhai Yaohui? She stomped her feet and left as well.

    In the second ¡®chance encounter¡¯, Qi Min lifted her chin and walked past Zhai Yaohui.

    Who knew that even after she had silently counted to ten in her heart, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t call or greet her?

    After Qi Min stopped and looked back at Zhai Yaohui, she realized that the distance between them had already be so long.

 Chapter 2513 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (14)

    <h4>Chapter 2513: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (14)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As Zhai Yaohui¡¯s steps were bigger than hers, Zhai Yaohui had already walked quite far after she counted to ten.

    Qi Min really became angry when Zhai Yaohui still ignored her for the third time, and this scene was witnessed by her ssmates.

    Qi Min swore that unless Zhai Yaohui realized his mistake and apologized with flowers and gifts, she was never going to bother with him.

    When she was young, Qi Min was already used to Zhai Yaohui¡¯s care. When she grew up, Qi Min was simrly used to boys taking the initiative to get close to her. In the face of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s cold reaction, how would Qi Min not lose her temper?

    However, as days passed, none of the flowers, gifts, or apology that Qi Min had in mind arrived.

    It came to the point that as long as she didn¡¯t work hard, the two of them wouldn¡¯t even be able to have a ¡®chance encounter¡¯ in school.

    Upon thinking that it had been many years since she had a good chat with Zhai Yaohui, Qi Min felt a little panicked.

    However, upon thinking how good Zhai Yaohui was to her and how Grandma Zhai treated her like she was her biological daughter, Qi Min felt that if she wanted to marry Zhai Yaohui, it would be impossible for him to reject.

    ¡°¡­¡± After knowing this situation, Old Master Shi felt speechless. ¡°Min, a girl doesn¡¯t need to endure hardship but can¡¯t be willful or pretentious. When you were giving Zhai Yaohui attitude, a lot of girls were willing to disy their gentleness to Zhai Yaohui. Don¡¯t regret it only when Zhai Yaohui marries another girl. That will be toote.¡±

    Qi Min didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Impossible. Zhai Yaohui is as cold as ice. Aside from me, when did you see other girls appearing by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side? It¡¯s either Zhai Yaohui doesn¡¯t marry, or he will definitely want to marry me. However, I¡¯m angry. He doesn¡¯t know how to coax girls at all. He doesn¡¯t know how to make me happy. Even if he wants to marry me now, I¡¯ll have to think about it. I¡¯m not prepared to get married yet.¡±

    She was still so young. There were a lot of good times ahead of her.

    Aside from her, there were no other girls by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side. However, she was different. Aside from Zhai Yaohui, she had so many pursuers.

    Aside from being not as good-looking as Zhai Yaohui, not having as good family backgrounds as Zhai Yaohui, and not as outstanding as Zhai Yaohui, these men were sweet-talkers. They knew how to coax her and make her happy every time.

    They could tell if she was wearing newly-bought clothes. They could also tell what hairstyle she had, what makeup she used, and what lipstick she put on. Then, they would keepplimenting her.

    How were they like Zhai Yaohui, who was a block of wood?

    She deliberately dressed up and wore new clothes to meet Zhai Yaohui. Only Zhai Yaohui enjoyed this special treatment.

    In the end¡­ She was infuriated!

    Qi Min expressed that if she were to get married to Zhai Yaohui, she would definitely be bored to death by his character.

    Before getting married, she had to enjoy the pursuit of other boys more.

    After all, if she were to get married to Zhai Yaohui, she could no longer be close to other men. This wasn¡¯t appropriate.

    Qi Min had such a mindset. It was obvious that she naturally wasn¡¯t in a hurry to restore her rtionship with Zhai Yaohui as a couple. She was just dissatisfied now that Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t care about her as much as other men did.

    ¡°If that¡¯s really the case, then that¡¯s great.¡± Old Master Shi also hoped that his daughter was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s only target as a marriage partner. As long as he became inws with Old Zhai, he didn¡¯t believe that he wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain benefits from him.

    Old Master Shi had long nned well. Once the two families were inws, Old Zhai would no longer refuse to give him benefits.

    However, the premise was that the person who married Zhai Yaohui must be Qi Min. Otherwise, no matter how well Old Master Shi had thought of things, they would just be thoughts in the end and wouldn¡¯t be realized.

    Life was unpredictable. Furthermore, the Shi family didn¡¯t have that good a rtionship with the Zhai family. How would the father-daughter pair guess everything correctly?

    ¡°Come in. Miao Miao, treat this as your own home in the future. Don¡¯t be polite toward Dad¡ªI mean, Uncle.¡±

    Upon hearing the sound at the door, Grandma Zhai walked over. Her man was back and there was a young girl next to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m home.¡± Upon seeing Grandma Zhai, Old Zhai¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°Did you miss me the few days that I was away?¡±

    Grandma Zhai blushed. ¡°You¡¯re still so indecent¡­¡± At their age, what was there to miss?

    One had to know that when he participated in the war of resistance, she was the only one raising Yaohui in the family. Why didn¡¯t he ask her then if she missed him or not, especially since he was away for such a long period of time?

    After knowing that Grandma Zhai was Old Zhai¡¯s wife, Miao Jing bowed to Grandma Zhai in a proper manner. ¡°Hello, Auntie. I¡¯m Miao Jing. I might have to disturb you for a while, but I will definitely work hard to move out soon.¡±

    After being used to living in a short mud house, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t adapt well to living in a tall brick house suddenly. She always felt that there was no ce she could set foot on as she wasn¡¯t sure if her shoes would dirty other people¡¯s floor.

    They were not the same kind of people, to begin with. However, Miao Jing felt that this feeling was more obvious now.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Miao Jing. I often hear my husband address you as Miao Miao. Can I address you as Miao Miao too?¡± Before seeing Miao Jing, Grandma Zhai was still quite worried.

    Her husband had made meritorious service and became the chief, so there was a bunch of people who harbored ill intentions toward them.

    If this girl from the countryside was eyeing something from their family, she was worried that there would be trouble at home since her husband would only be focused on repaying kindness.

    In reality, when Miao Jing said ¡°I will definitely work hard to move out soon¡± the first time she met Grandma Zhai, she felt that these words were a bit blunt and weren¡¯t particrly polite. It was as if the Zhai family wanted to chase her away and couldn¡¯t include her in their family.

    However, Grandma Zhai noticed the self-esteem and persistence in Miao Jing¡¯s words. How could she be unhappy?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Old Zhai felt that his partner wasn¡¯t repulsive to Miao Jing. Thus, he winked at her. ¡®How is it? My taste is not bad, right? Yaohui is my biological son. Would I be casual in finding my daughter-inw? If she wasn¡¯t a good girl, would I allow her into our family?¡¯

    Grandma Zhai ignored Old Zhai¡¯s cheekiness. She smiled and held Miao Jing¡¯s hand, where she felt some calluses. ¡°Are your parents alright at home?¡±

    Was the Miao family patriarchal? This young girl had thick calluses on her hands. The feeling of holding her hand was worse than that of holding hers, an old woman¡¯s.

    If that was really the case¡­ Grandma Zhai started to worry again.

    When she was in the countryside in the past, Grandma Zhai had seen too many cases where the married daughter would try to take as many things as she could from her inw family to give to her own family so that her younger brother at home would be taken care of.. In the end, both families didn¡¯t lead a good life.

 Chapter 2514 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (15)

    <h4>Chapter 2514: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (15)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    This was pretty troublesome, and it was not something that could be easily solved.

    Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t see a problem covering for the Miao family, but the situation was still rather tense.

    What if the Miao family caused trouble for her husband and son?

    If that happened, she wouldn¡¯t be able to provide much help.

    She didn¡¯t expect to find a daughter-inw that could benefit the Zhai family, but she didn¡¯t dare to ept one that would potentially harm the family.

    Although the Miao family had saved Old Zhai before, it didn¡¯t seem fitting as a parent to allow Old Zhai to bring his daughter into the family.

    Grandma Zhai wasn¡¯t exactly worried about Miao Jing¡¯s other rtives. She was concerned about her parents.

    Old Zhai¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Miao Miao¡¯s parents¡­ have passed away. Her father, a close friend of mine, left this world before Miao Miao was born, and his wife died not long after¡­¡±

    Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t expect that. ¡°Miao Miao, I¡¯m sorry to hear that. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you.¡±

    So that was the reason.

    Grandma Zhai looked at Miao Jing with sympathy. How did this girl live until this day without her parents?

    Old Zhai didn¡¯t want to dwell in the past. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you more next time.¡±

    He would have told Grandma Zhai everything even if she didn¡¯t ask; He didn¡¯t want Grandma Zhai to misunderstand anything.

    Grandma Zhai nodded. ¡°You must be starving. Let¡¯s eat for now.¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for all the dirty tricks that Grandma Zhai had to put up with before, she wouldn¡¯t have been so doubtful when it came to Miao Jing.

    After knowing Miao Jing¡¯s background, Grandma Zhai felt bad for asking so many questions. ¡°What are your favorite dishes? I¡¯ll prepare them for you.¡±

    Miao Jing was not a picky eater, and she knew she shouldn¡¯t be picky when she was a guest. ¡°I will have whatever you prepare, Auntie.¡± She was indeed starving.

    A simple bowl of noodles was the fastest to prepare, and Miao Jing felt like it was the most fulfilling meal she had ever had.

    Grandma Zhai was d to see Miao Miao enjoying the meal. ¡°Miao Miao, You have an older brother that ising home soon. I¡¯ll introduce him to you, and you can look for him if you need anything in the future.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s hands froze for a moment. She knew that that person was Old Zhai¡¯s son, and it was whom Old Zhai wanted her to marry.

    After pondering for a moment, Miao Jing spoke firmly. ¡°Sure, I will definitely look for my older brother if I need anything.¡± She emphasized the words ¡®older brother¡¯ as she wanted to make it clear to the elders that she didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with their son. As a child that came from the countryside, she didn¡¯t dare to think about marrying into the chief¡¯s family.

    Miao Jing knew her ce very well as she was used to being on the receiving end. She had had enough of being treated like a lowly being, so she didn¡¯t want to get too close to people that were out of her league.

    Grandma Zhai nced at Old Zhai, who raised his brows at her. ¡®Did you think that our son was every girl¡¯s dream? What about now?¡¯

    Grandma Zhai was speechless at Old Zhai¡¯s mockery. Why was he so happy about their son getting rejected?

    Was it something to be proud of?

    It wasn¡¯t Old Zhai that was rejected, so he saw nothing wrong with taking pleasure in his son¡¯s misfortune. Most importantly, he had already found the love of his life.

    Grandma Zhai was speechless¡­

    Zhai Yaohui was about to finish his work, so he was able to return home pretty early. When he arrived at the gate, the guard told him about Miao Jing. ¡°Yaohui, Chief Zhai brought a girl with him. Is she your rtive?¡± It was the guard¡¯s first time seeing her.

    Zhai Yaohui was confused for a minute before she figured out who it was.

    It seemed like she really came to his family.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s initial reaction was the same as Grandma Zhai¡¯s. He thought that the Miao family wasn¡¯t exactly credible as they handed their daughter to someone that they¡¯d only met twice.

    Therefore, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t have a good first impression of Miao Jing.

    As Zhai Yaohui stepped into the house, he saw a dark-skinned girl whom he had never met. Her big eyes were bright and sparkling like a pair of beautiful ck pearls.

    After scanning Miao Jing from head to toe, Zhai Yaohui found nothing special about the girl. If his father really wanted him to marry her, he would reject it by all means.

    While Zhai Yaohui was studying Miao Jing, thetter was doing the same.

    Zhai Yaohui was taller than most men, and his handsome face was the type that all girls would like.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but blush for a second without anyone noticing.

    However, when Miao Jing was reminded of his status, the spark in her heart was extinguished right away.

    ¡°Yaohui, this is Miao Miao. Miao Miao, this is your brother Zhai.¡± Old Zhai introduced them to each other.

    Zhai Yaohui nodded without much care, but Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare to show any disrespect and greeted Zhai Yaohui with a bow. Afterward, she stayed a distance away from Zhai Yaohui without looking at him again.

    Miao Jing kept reminding herself in her heart that he was the son of the chief. If she had any indecent ideas, she might be thrown back to the countryside to live with her uncle again.

    Soon, she cleared her mind of any ambiguity as she recognized the position she was in.

    Old Zhai red at Zhai Yaohui. He was ashamed of his son as Miao Miao wouldn¡¯t even look at him. Back in the days when Old Zhai was hitting on Grandma Zhai, she couldn¡¯t even take her eyes off him.

    It was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s turn to be speechless.

    Why did he have a father that loved to mock him so much?

    ¡°How about I take Miao Miao to shop for some new clothes?¡± Old Zhai had seen the clothes that Miao Miao brought with her. They were filled with patches here and there.

    It didn¡¯t matter when she was in the countryside, but now that she¡¯s in the Zhai family, it was a different story.

 Chapter 2515 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (16)

    <h4>Chapter 2515: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (16)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Grandma Zhai looked at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? You are going to fall sick if you keep running around at this age. Yaohui, aren¡¯t you free now? Take Miao Miao to buy some new clothes.¡±

    Grandma Zhai should have been the one for the job, but she was not fit enough to ride the car at her age. Therefore, she had to leave the job to the men.

    Old Zhai always listened to his wife.

    Moreover, he could tell what Grandma Zhai¡¯s true intention was.

    ¡°Speaking of which, I just realized that my leg has been hurting. I was shot in war years back, and that injury must have been recurringtely. I¡¯m sorry, Miao Miao. I can¡¯t be the one to follow you around today. Tell my son if you need anything and take some cash with you.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui handed a stack of cash to Miao Jing. It was at least a hundred yuan.

    Miao Jing had never had so much money before and thus avoided it subconsciously. ¡°No¡­ I¡­ I will just ask Brother Zhai if I need anything.¡± Having someone to buy it for her and receiving so much money were two different stories.

    Miao Jing felt that it was not appropriate for her to hold onto the money.

    ¡°You are a girl, so there are things that are not appropriate to ask from a guy like your Brother Zhai. Take the cash.¡±

    Grandma Zhai had nothing against Old Zhai giving her money. Since Miao Jing was already in her family, Grandma Zhai was going to treat her like her own child.

    Miao Jing didn¡¯t know what to do. ¡°I¡­ I have never had so much money. What if I lose it?¡±

    Old Zhai answered her swiftly, ¡°If the money is lost, I will bet your Brother Zhai up!¡±

    Miao Jing was at a loss for words. Why was Zhai Yaohui getting punished for her mistake?

    Old Zhai said that Zhai Yaohui was trained to be vignt, and he should be able to spot it if anyone tried to steal the money. If someone really got their hands on the cash, Zhai Yaohui deserved to be beaten up as it would mean that his years of training had gone to waste.

    Zhai Yaohui saw nothing wrong with it. ¡°Take the money with you. If you find it embarrassing, I can wait for you outside the store.¡±

    If he refused to take her out, he was worried that his father would say worse things about him.

    Miao Jing would rather figure things out on her own than have Zhai Yaohui follow her around.

    However, since Zhai Yaohui had agreed to it, Miao Jing didn¡¯t dare to say anything. She could only follow behind timidly as Zhai Yaohui ordered her to board the front passenger seat of the car.

    Zhai Yaohui was satisfied with the way Miao Jing followed his instructions religiously. ¡°I¡¯m starting the engine.¡±

    Miao Jing wore the seatbelt carefully before nodding.

    After receiving Miao Miao¡¯s acknowledgement, Zhai Yaohui stepped on the gas. The car zoomed off, giving Miao Jing a shock of her life.

    Unfortunately, Qi Min happened to see Zhai Yaohui driving off with Miao Jing when she returned from her friend¡¯s house.

    All of Qi Min¡¯s friends knew that she was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s ¡®girlfriend¡¯. ¡°Min, why is a girl sitting in your boyfriend¡¯s car? Does Zhai Yaohui have a sister? Why have you never mentioned it?¡±

    Qi Min¡¯s expression was sulky as she knew for a fact that Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t have a sister in his family.

    If the Zhai family did, Grandma Zhai wouldn¡¯t have treasured her like a daughter.

    So, where did this womane from? If Zhai Yaohui dared to do anything sorry to her, she would never forgive him!

    Watching Qi Min¡¯s expression go from bad to worse, her friends figured that that woman wasn¡¯t Zhai Yaohui¡¯s sister. ¡°She might just be a friend of his. We all know how popr Zhai Yaohui is in school. However, Zhai Yaohui hasn¡¯t allowed anyone near him except for you. However, as a friend, I do have to say that you are spending too much time with us. Zhai Yaohui is graduating soon, so he must be pretty free. Aren¡¯t the two of you spending too little time on dates?¡±

    It would have been understandable if they were in a long-distance rtionship.

    However, they lived close to each other, but she couldn¡¯t even remember thest time that Qi Min went on a date with Zhai Yaohui. No matter how much her friend believed her words, it didn¡¯t seem like what normal couples would do.

    ¡°Min, Zhai Yaohui is not a man thates by easily, and you have to grab onto that opportunity. There are plenty of women waiting to take your ce.¡± If she weren¡¯t Min¡¯s friend, she would be going after Zhai Yaohui as well.

    ¡°I know that.¡±

    Qi Min took a deep breath. ¡°I grew up together with Zhai Yaohui, and his mother sees me as a member of their family. The rtionship between us is already epted by the Zhai family. Not only am I Zhai Yaohui¡¯s girlfriend, but I¡¯m also his fianc¨¦e. Those women stand no chance. I will ask Zhai Yaohui about the woman in his car when he¡¯s back, and he¡¯d better give me a good answer.¡±

    Her friend pondered before speaking. ¡°Don¡¯t start a fight with Zhai Yaohui. If your rtionship falls apart, those women are going to have a goodugh.¡±

    Qi Min calmed down after listening to her friend¡¯s words.

    She had nothing to gain from fighting with Zhai Yaohui, and she would only be aughingstock for other girls.

    She would never do something foolish like that.

    Qi Min knew that Zhai Yaohui was not a man that wouldfort her.

    If she spoke to Zhai Yaohui calmly and logically, Zhai Yaohui would reply in the same way.

    However, if she were to throw a tantrum, Zhai Yaohui would not bother saying a single word to her.

    After so many years, Qi Min had Zhai Yaohui figured out.

    The only problem was that Qi Min couldn¡¯t control her temper.

    If Qi Min were to act like a princess around Zhai Yaohui, he would never let her have it her way.. ¡°Lan, I know that you are saying it for my sake.¡±

 Chapter 2516 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (17)

    <h4>Chapter 2516: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (17)</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t fight with Zhai Yaohui. He¡¯s already graduated and I¡¯m graduating soon. Perhaps, I¡¯ll send a wedding invitation to you soon. When that timees, will you be my bridesmaid?¡±

    Feeling her good friend¡¯s concern, Qi Min¡¯s mood improved.

    Her close friend, Lan, smiled. ¡°That¡¯s for sure. Your family¡¯s so impressive and the Zhai family¡¯s even more impressive. If I be your bridesmaid, I might even get to ride on yoururels and marry into a good family.¡±

    Qi Minughed. ¡°If you don¡¯t see anyone suitable at my wedding, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely rmend someone good to you.¡±

    Lan blushed. ¡°Alright. That¡¯s a deal. Don¡¯t forget about me when you get your happiness. Don¡¯t me me for being shameless if I have to remind you!¡±

    Lan was truly moved. She had made many calcted moves to get to know Qi Min because she had an average family background.

    But Lan¡¯s good treatment toward Qi Min wasn¡¯t entirely fake. She felt that Qi Min wouldn¡¯t shortchange her if she felt her sincerity.

    With a good friend like Qi Min, she would definitely have good opportunities lying ahead of her.

    Of course, Zhai Yaohui, who was taking Miao Jing out shopping, had no idea of this. Even if he did have an inkling of it, he would probably not care about it anyway.

    Zhai Yaohui took Miao Jing to a clothes shop, allowing Miao Jing to shop for ready-made clothes.

    It wasn¡¯t that there weren¡¯t tailors around, but Miao Jing didn¡¯t have any clothes with her. As such, she needed them in a hurry, and buying ready-made ones was naturally the best choice.

    But Miao Jing stood in front of the clothes hesitantly, so much so that Zhai Yaohui wanted to ask if there was anything wrong.

    Thinking about how Qi Min had deliberated for a long time between two dresses that looked simr during the one and only time he had gone out shopping with Qi Min, Zhai Yaohui finally spoke up. ¡°If you really like them, just buy both of them. I was already prepared to buy two to three sets of clothes for you anyway. There¡¯s no need to be in such a dilemma.¡±

    Miao Jing widened her eyes. She couldn¡¯t even bear to buy just one set of clothes, but she was going to buy two or three at a time?

    Yes, Miao Jing was troubled because she felt that they were all good and didn¡¯t know which to buy.

    To Miao Jing, who had never held money in her hands, it was daylight robbery that a piece of clothing cost more than ten yuan!

    If she were to cut some fabric and make her own clothes, she would be able to make herself two sets of clothes with the same amount of money! This store was no different from stealing her money.

    It was just that Miao Jing knew that city dwellers thought differently from people from the countryside.

    Especially since Zhai Yaohui casually said to simply buy two to three outfits when she couldn¡¯t even bear to buy one, Miao Jing was even firmer in her decision. ¡°No, let¡¯s just buy this one.¡±

    Miao Jing pointed at the cheapest outfit in the entire store.

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. ¡°You won¡¯t have enough to wear if you only buy one set.¡± Miao Jing probably wouldn¡¯t be able to wear the clothes she was currently wearing anymore.

    Otherwise, his father wouldn¡¯t have asked him to take Miao Jing out shopping.

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll just buy one outfit. After I change into it, I¡¯ll get some fabric and make my own clothes. For the same price, I¡¯ll be able to make two outfits. That way, I¡¯ll have three sets of clothes in total.¡±

    Having three sets of clothes just so that she would be able to send them forundry. Miao Jing had never dared to dream of having such a luxury in the past.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t mind Miao Jing buying whatever she wanted as long as the numbers were right. Zhai Yaohui would simply support Miao Jing no matter what.

    Apart from buying clothes, Zhai Yaohui also brought Miao Jing to a store that specialized in female lingerie. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Yes, do you have any needs?¡± Seeing that Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were of a simr age, the shopkeeper thought that they were a couple who were on a date.

    But the shopkeeper thought that it was strange that the man was well-dressed, while thedy was dressed in ragged clothes.

    The shopkeeper had probablyst seen this style of clothes quite a few years ago.

    ¡°She¡¯s my rtive, and I¡¯ve brought her here to get some clothes. She doesn¡¯t really understand some things. Do you think you can help me talk to her about it and choose some pieces for her? I¡¯ll pay for them.¡±

    The shopkeeper understood the situation at once and smiled as she brought Miao Jing to look at ¡®clothes¡¯.

    Miao Jing had to suppress the urge to ask why she had to get more clothes. After all, she had already gotten a new outfit as well as some fabric. She had everything she needed.

    It was only until the shopkeeper exined to her that women needed specialized underwear that Miao Jing blushed, noted the price down silently in her heart, and allowed Zhai Yaohui to pay for the items.

    While Zhai Yaohui made the payment, Miao Jing felt her heart bleed.

    These clothes were almost as expensive as the outfit and fabric she had bought earlier. Why were two pieces of clothing so expensive?

    Did city dwellers have too much money to spend that they didn¡¯t even know where to spend their money?

    Miao Jing¡¯s painful expression delighted Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui had few opportunities to bring women out shopping. He felt that it was tiresome. After all, Qi Min could shop all day without stopping.

    At that time, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t help but think that Qi Min was quite suitable for the military with her endurance and energy.

    Moreover, every time Qi Min couldn¡¯t choose between two to three items and he suggested that they buy all of them, Qi Min would be over the moon and stick to him, calling him affectionately.

    It was Zhai Yaohui who paid for Qi Min¡¯s purchases most of the time.

    Zhai Yaohui was only willing to do so because Grandma Zhai had instructed him as such.

    After this happened two to three times, Zhai Yaohui realized that Qi Min always chose more than two pieces of clothing because she wasn¡¯t spending her own money but the Zhai family¡¯s money.

    It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t bear to part with the money, but he was truly disgusted by Qi Min¡¯s attitude.

    As such, Zhai Yaohui never liked to apany Qi Min every time Grandma Zhai tasked him with doing so. Zhai Yaohui simply turned up to make payment and left right after that.

    Thankfully, that didn¡¯t happen often. After all, the Shi family had started to distance themselves from the Zhai family.

    At that time, even if Zhai Yaohui had been willing to spend his money on Qi Min, she wouldn¡¯t dare to spend it for fear that others would misunderstand her rtionship with Zhai Yaohui.

    The only woman Zhai Yaohui had ever interacted with was Qi Min. As such, Zhai Yaohui felt that Miao Jing¡¯s behavior was rather fresh and amusing.

    If Miao Jing felt bad, that probably meant that Miao Jing wasn¡¯t one who would spend money freely just because it wasn¡¯t her money.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s impression of Miao Jing had improved tremendously, and he felt that Miao Jing was much more pleasing to the eye now.

    ¡°Alright.. We¡¯ll take these.¡±

 Chapter 2517 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (18)

    <h4>Chapter 2517: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (18)</h4>

    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Miao Jing rushed to stop Zhai Yaohui in a panic, not allowing Zhai Yaohui to make payment. ¡°We can just buy one set.¡±

    ¡°Are you intending on making the other two sets yourself?¡± Zhai Yaohui asked.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± Wasn¡¯t it just two pieces of cloth? She had already seen them. Besides, wasn¡¯t she already buying one set? She could simply go home and analyze it. She didn¡¯t believe that she wouldn¡¯t be able to replicate it.

    It was just clothes made out of two pieces of cloth. It was daylight robbery that they were paying so much for them!

    Zhai Yaohui shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s best not to be too naive or confident.¡±

    There was definitely a reason that they were sold for such high prices. If everything could be made at home, how would such shops remain open?

    Miao Jing widened her eyes and felt upset. She could tell that Zhai Yaohui was mocking her!

    But Miao Jing didn¡¯t put up a fight with Zhai Yaohui. She made her own mental calctions. The piece of cloth that Zhai Yaohui had cut for her was quite big, and she would have some leftover after making herself two sets of clothes.

    With the leftover cloth, she would definitely be able to make this underwear thing they were talking about.

    Thankfully, the clothes sold at that time were made of cotton and not nylon or chiffon. As such, the material used to make outerwear could also be used for underwear.

    By the time Miao Jing got in the car, she had many things in her hands.

    Zhai Yaohui had wanted to help Miao Jing with them, but she insisted that she didn¡¯t need any help because she was a youngdy from the countryside and was strong.

    Thinking about how Qi Min was so weak that she looked like she was going to copse under the weight of her shopping bags, Zhai Yaohui silently agreed that youngdies from the countryside were pretty good. At the very least, they were independent.

    When they returned to the quad, Miao Jing had just gotten out of the car when she saw a very beautiful and elegant youngdy standing in front of the Zhai family¡¯s gate.

    The moment that youngdy caught sight of her, that youngdy stared at her as though they were enemies.

    Miao Jing had just arrived in the city that day. That person had probably gotten the wrong person. How could they be enemies?

    Miao Jing¡¯s calm and collected stature infuriated Qi Min, and she stomped her feet in front of Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing.

    She pointed a finger at Miao Jing. ¡°Brother Zhai, who is she? Why was she in your car? Did you buy all of this for her? Brother Zhai, I¡¯m your fianc¨¦e. Don¡¯t you think you should give me an exnation?¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s eyes widened in shock and anger.

    She had thought that the Zhai family was truly good to her. Even though she had never dared to think too far, the Zhai family had always insisted on letting her marry Zhai Yaohui. That proved just how much the Zhai family cared about repaying kindness.

    But now, Miao Jing no longer felt the same way.

    Even though she was from the countryside, was poor, and was an orphan.

    Zhai Yaohui already had a fianc¨¦e. How could she possibly be with Zhai Yaohui? What did they take her for?

    Miao Jing, who had high self-esteem but was self-conscious, would have reached out to p Zhai Yaohui¡¯s face if not for the multiple shopping bags in her hands that she couldn¡¯t bear to drop on the floor.

    Was the Zhai family trying to trick her into a marriage? They didn¡¯t even let her know that Zhai Yaohui had a fianc¨¦e!

    Although she didn¡¯t know why the Zhai family bothered to lie to a poor girl from the countryside like her, that couldn¡¯t cover up the fact that they had indeed lied to her!

    Zhai Yaohui was speechless.

    Sighing, Zhai Yaohui looked toward Miao Jing. ¡°I don¡¯t have a fianc¨¦e.¡± Then, he turned to Qi Min. ¡°Since when have we gotten engaged? When did we ever have an engagement ceremony, and when did you even be my fianc¨¦e?¡±

    Miao Jing was in disbelief. The female side seemed to be at a disadvantage in such a situation.

    If word got out, wouldn¡¯t this youngdy not be able to get married in the future?

    Qi Min¡¯s face flushed red in anger and embarrassment. ¡°Brother Zhai, how could you deny it? We grew up together. Auntie already regards me as a daughter. Haven¡¯t both our families always silently acknowledged our marriage?¡±

    ¡°Silently acknowledged?¡± Zhai Yaohui retorted. ¡°So you¡¯ve silently acknowledged it too?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Qi Min wanted to reply in the affirmative, but when she looked into Zhai Yaohui¡¯s eyes, she no longer had the courage to do so.

    ¡°Min, I know that you¡¯re an opinionated girl, and I also know that I have the same ce in your heart as Shi Peng because we grew up together. You don¡¯t have to worry about what our parents think. I¡¯ll settle this matter.¡±

    Anyway, based on his parents¡¯ attitude, there no longer seemed to be the need to settle this problem.

    Qi Min¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°You¡¯re abandoning me just because of a woman like that? We¡¯ve been together for so many years and this is how you treat me? Zhai Yaohui, you¡¯re heartless!¡±

    Qi Min had never expected to receive such a devastating answer.

    Not only had Zhai Yaohui not exined the rtionship between him and that countryside girl and that everything was just a misunderstanding, but he had even said that they were only siblings!

    He would even find a way to solve the problem since the silent acknowledgment between the two families didn¡¯t count for anything.

    Solve? What was there to solve?

    She didn¡¯t need it to be resolved in this way!

    Qi Min cupped her face and ran off in tears.

    Miao Jing was stunned and finally spoke up. ¡°Do¡­ do you want to go after her?¡± That youngdy looked really hurt, and it was true that the rtionship between that girl and Zhai Yaohui wasplicated.

    Hearing that Qi Min was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s fianc¨¦e, Miao Jing had felt a little sour.

    But logic was logic, and feelings were feelings.

    She couldn¡¯t help but sigh upon learning that an outstanding man like Zhai Yaohui already had a fianc¨¦e of around the same age. Everyone lived different lives indeed.

    Before her new life had started, it had already ended.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go after her. She lives nearby and knows the ce well. Nothing will happen to her.¡±

    Based on his past experience, it was best not to get close to Qi Min or try tofort her when she was throwing a tantrum. Doing so would only anger her even more and cause her to throw an even bigger tantrum.

    ¡°Then, shall we go back?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    They walked into the house side by side and Grandma Zhai¡¯s eyes almost welled up with tears. ¡°You guys are back! Miao Miao, what did your Brother Zhai buy for you?¡±

    She was a child who had lived such a tough life. Brother Miao had only lost his life because of her Old Zhai.

    Yaohui hadn¡¯t be an orphan because Miao Miao had be an orphan in his stead.

    Their family owed Miao Miao too much. Even if they were to repay her with their son, they would never be able to repay that debt.

    In the time that Miao Jing had gone to buy her clothes, Old Zhai had told Grandma Zhai about Miao Jing¡¯s situation, including how Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family had wanted to let their biological daughter take Miao Jing¡¯s ce.

    After learning about the whole situation, Grandma Zhai was no longer afraid, even though she knew that Miao Jing had such terrible rtives like Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family.

 Chapter 2518 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (19)

    <h4>Chapter 2518: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (19)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Grandma Zhai knew that she would definitely treat Miao Jing extremely well as long as Miao Jing became her daughter-inw.

    It didn¡¯t matter that Miao Jing had no parents since her birth. She and Old Zhai would treat Miao Jing like their biological daughter to make it up to her.

    ¡°We bought a lot and spent a lot of money,¡± Miao Jing said in a small voice in embarrassment. What she had spent was not her money but the Zhai family¡¯s.

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t a lot at all.¡±

    Grandma Zhai understood from a nce that there was no way they had bought a lot from what Miao Jing was carrying. ¡°But Miao Miao, will this be enough?¡± In her opinion, this was too little.

    Grandma Zhai turned her gaze to Zhai Yaohui. He was the one who had brought Miao Miao out. It was entirely his fault that Miao Miao hadn¡¯t bought enough.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t feel upset at being med. After all, it wasn¡¯t Miao Jing who had suggested doing this in the first ce. It had been his parents. Could he possibly settle the ounts with his parents?

    ¡°It¡¯s enough. Definitely.¡±

    Miao Jing, who had never had any new clothes to wear, had not only gotten a new outfit but also some fabric to continue making more clothes.

    Three sets of new clothes!

    Even Miao Lan would never have the chance to get three new sets of clothes in a year!

    She had never thought a day like this woulde where she would live a better life than Miao Lan!

    Grandma Zhai grabbed hold of Miao Jing¡¯s hands. ¡°Remember to let me know if you don¡¯t have enough. Don¡¯t shortchange yourself. If your dad hadn¡¯t saved Old Zhai twice, my family would be in ruins. It¡¯s only right that we¡¯re good to you. Don¡¯t think too much about it or feel burdened. Child, I know you¡¯re a good child and you¡¯ve been through a lot.¡±

    Miao Jing sniffled. She didn¡¯t want to have too drastic of a response and only nodded stiffly.

    She didn¡¯t mind the suffering she had gone through.

    The only thing she minded was never having the chance to meet her parents and not knowing how they looked like.

    She would never get the chance to do so in this lifetime.

    Although the technology of photography had been around decades ago, Father and Mother Miao had never had the means to take photographs for memory¡¯s sake.

    Knowing that she would never be able to make up for this regret, Miao Jing never mentioned it. After all, it would only add to her own as well as others¡¯ trouble. ¡°Auntie, do you have a sewing machine at home?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take you there.¡± Grandma Zhai stood up and brought Miao Jing to the sewing machine. ¡°Are you nning on making your own clothes?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Miao Jing nodded.

    ¡°Do you know how to do it? Do you need me to teach you?¡±

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°There was an elder sister who had a sewing machine back in my vige. She taught me and I know how to use it.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Take your time with it. If you need any help, you can look for me or the auntie, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    A sewing machine was expensive, and Miao Jing had not gotten many opportunities to use one back in the countryside.

    Now that she had one in front of her, Miao Jing¡¯s eyes lit up and she was eager to give it a go.

    Unfortunately, Miao Jing was dumbfounded when she finally had the chance to use it.

    She knew how to use the sewing machine, but she had no idea how to cut the fabric into a proper shape.

    It wasn¡¯t that the Miao family never made their own clothes, but simr to how they never got Miao Jing to cook, Second Auntie Miao was afraid that Miao Jing would ruin their clothes. As such, she never got Miao Jing to help make their clothes.

    It was terribly easy to cut the fabric and she could do that herself. It was better that she did it in case that jinx stole her fabric.

    Because of Second Auntie Miao¡¯s actions, Miao Jing knew only how to sew and not to cut the fabric.

    Thinking back to what Grandma Zhai had told her earlier, Miao Jing hesitated for a while before sneaking off to look for that ¡®auntie¡¯ for help.

    The Zhai family¡¯s caretaker had already gotten instructions from Old Zhai and knew not to offend Miao Jing. The Zhai family already regarded Miao Jing as part of their family.

    Although she was just a youngdy from the countryside, her status was much higher than hers since she was only a hired help.

    Without hesitation, the caretaker skillfully cut the fabric into the right shape and size for Miao Jing.

    At that time, there were many people who were already used to either buying fabric and getting someone to make their clothes or doing it themselves.

    That was undoubtedly the cheapest way. As such, many people were able to tailor their own clothes.

    After taking some measurements for Miao Jing, the caretaker cut the two outfits¡¯ worth of fabric without much wastage.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll continue from here.¡±

    The caretaker nodded and didn¡¯t ask anymore, leaving Miao Jing alone to work in the room.

    While Miao Jing was happily making her own clothes in the room, the family of three was gathered in the study to talk about Miao Jing. ¡°Yaohui, I¡¯ve already told you about the entire situation. We¡¯re not heartless people. I¡¯m sure you know how you should treat Miao Miao.¡±

    Hearing Grandma Zhai¡¯s stern tone, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°Am I not treating her well?¡±

    ¡°I want you to treat her even better. Do you understand?¡± Treating her well didn¡¯t ount for much. They wouldn¡¯t be able to return Miao Miao¡¯s parents to her that way. Neither would they be able to give Miao Miao a happy and blissful childhood by treating her well.

    They couldn¡¯t do anything!

    ¡°Yaohui, everything you have is all thanks to the Miao family and Miao Miao¡¯s sacrifice. We have to have a conscience.¡± Without the Miao family, the mother and son would be the ones living miserable lives.

    ¡°Mom, do you have to be so serious?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Old Zhai mmed the table. ¡°Tell me right now. Do you really want to get married to that youngdy from the Shi family? I¡¯m telling you that I won¡¯t agree to it. Even if you don¡¯t get married to Miao Miao, you can¡¯t get married to Qi Min from the Shi family. Your mom is softhearted and only gave birth to a son like you. That¡¯s why she foolishly treated Qi Min like a daughter. But that youngdy from the Shi family is tooplicated and ambitious. She isn¡¯t suitable for you. Your mom and I will be driven to our graves by her if you two get together.¡±

    Old Zhai had no idea that he would live a good life with his wife in their old age even though Zhai Yaohui never married Qi Min in the end, but that wouldn¡¯t stop Miao Jing from being tortured by a nightmare that was Qi Min.

    Hearing Old Zhai¡¯s words, Grandma Zhai seemed to want to speak up for Qi Min.

    She knew that Old Master Shi wasn¡¯t that great of a person, but Qi Min was pretty good. After all, she had seen Qi Min grow up.

    Even though Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t think that Qi Min was that bad, she trusted Old Zhai much more than Qi Min.

    Thus, Grandma Zhai chose to keep her mouth shut and didn¡¯t insist.

    She had no choice. She didn¡¯t think that Qi Min was a bad girl, but she did agree that Miao Jing was good too!

 Chapter 2519 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (20)

    <h4>Chapter 2519: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (20)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Grandma Zhai had grown up in the countryside too, and she liked to do many things on her own without asking for help from others.

    Grandma Zhai was reliant on herself, but Qi Min wasn¡¯t.

    In the past, Grandma Zhai alwaysforted herself by saying that Qi Min had been born in a good era and had a good father. It was understandable that she was pampered and didn¡¯t like to do things herself.

    She was different. In her younger days, she would have starved to death if she hadn¡¯t worked hard.

    They were from two different eras. It was too much to ask for if she wanted Qi Min¡¯s lifestyle and habits to be like hers.

    The problem was that the situation was different now. What changed was that Grandma Zhai had met Miao Jing, who had the same upbringing and ideals as her. Grandma Zhai felt like she had found someone who understood her!

    It didn¡¯t matter that her husband was an official and no longer an ordinary citizen.

    Didn¡¯t they say that citizens were citizens after all?

    Why were people getting more corrupt when their days had only just started getting better?

    Grandma Zhai and Miao Jing were the same kind of people, and Grandma Zhai naturally favored Miao Jing even though she had watched Qi Min grow up.

    But unlike Old Zhai, Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t think that Qi Min wasn¡¯t good. She simply felt that Miao Jing was more suitable for her son, and she liked Miao Jing more.

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that this is a personal issue. After all, I spend quite a lot of time in the military as well and there¡¯s no hurry to get married. That was why I didn¡¯t bring it up. Since we¡¯re talking about it, I¡¯ll just let you guys know. Mom, Dad, I treat Qi Min as a younger sister. Besides, Qi Min has already had quite a few boys around her in the past few years. I¡¯m not going to get together with Qi Min. Please stop talking about it. It won¡¯t be good for me or Qi Min. It might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.¡±

    Old Zhai mmed the table. ¡°Since when have I ever talked about that? I¡¯ve never said anything like that. It was that Shi guy who wanted to marry his daughter to you and made others misunderstand the situation. That¡¯s why I dislike the Shi family. Only Shi Peng is tolerable. Everyone else annoys me.¡±

    His son was engaged to Qi Min?

    Nonsense!

    No matter how blind he was, he would never let his son marry a woman like that. Besides, his eyes were perfectly fine. He would never be taken in by people like that!

    Seeing Old Zhai re up, Grandma Zhai moved her lips but remained silent.

    She liked Qi Min, but after this tantrum, Grandma Zhai epted her fate.

    Now, Grandma Zhai felt a tinge of regret. She could only hope that her past behavior wouldn¡¯t drag her husband and son down.

    Zhai Yaohui was ambitious in his career while Miao Jing was inquisitive and wanted to learn.

    Because the two young people were in no hurry to find marriage partners, Old Zhai and Grandma Zhai could do nothing butfort themselves while waiting patiently.

    What pleased the elderly couple was that these two children were indeed the Zhai family¡¯s children and were more outstanding than others.

    Miao Jing might have been limited culturally and might only have known a few words, but she was inquisitive and eager to learn.

    Zhai Yaohui had bought Miao Jing everything she needed to study, and with Old Zhai¡¯s arrangement, she started learning under a teacher and also studied hard alone.

    Of course, it was impossible to be an extremely cultured and educated person in a short span of time.

    But within the short span of a year, not only was Miao Jing able to recognize all the Chinese characters, but she had even built a strongnguage foundation.

    In the end, Miao Jing had even started to do calligraphy under Old Zhai¡¯s influence.

    While Miao Jing couldn¡¯tpare to daughters of respectable families, she could bepared to beautiful daughters from humble families.

    As for Zhai Yaohui, he had attained quite a few achievements after participating in severalrge-scale missions while still in school. There were still many achievements that were waiting to be awarded to him once he graduated and joined the military.

    As such, Zhai Yaohui was already ahead of his peers the moment he joined the military.

    Old Master Shi¡¯s worry from a year ago had finally be a reality.

    Shi Peng was two years older than Zhai Yaohui and had entered the military earlier than him. However, Zhai Yaohui had very easily caught up with Shi Peng.

    The old revolutionaries of Old Zhai¡¯s generation were no longer young, and many of them were starting to relinquish their positions and titles, creating opportunities for the younger generation.

    Because of that, it was natural that there was intensepetition and pressure on Zhai Yaohui and Shi Peng¡¯s generation.

    Ever since the previous quarrel, Qi Min had not contacted Zhai Yaohui in almost a year.

    Firstly, Zhai Yaohui had gotten much busier than he had been in school now that he was in the military. Even Miao Jing, who hadn¡¯t moved out of the Zhai family¡¯s house, hadn¡¯t even gotten the chance to meet Zhai Yaohui, much less Qi Min.

    Secondly, Qi Min had a good family background, was pretty, and was at the peak of her youth.

    Without Zhai Yaohui around, there was no way Qi Min would have a shortage of any boys around her.

    Qi Min wanted to prove to Zhai Yaohui and the Zhai family that she had other suitors apart from Zhai Yaohui.

    If Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t cherish her and the Zhai family didn¡¯t control Zhai Yaohui well or chase Miao Jing away, it would be terribly easy for her to get married to another man.

    But now that Zhai Yaohui was equal with Shi Peng in the military and waspeting with Shi Peng for the future chief¡¯s position, Qi Min started getting uneasy.

    She was outstanding, but Zhai Yaohui was not bad either. In fact, he seemed even more impressive.

    If she missed out on Zhai Yaohui, where would she get a second Zhai Yaohui or even someone who was more brilliant than Zhai Yaohui?

    Besides, she had already heard that that countryside girl living in the Zhai family was living on the Zhai family¡¯s ounts.

    Over the past year, that countryside girl had been studying hard and was no longer illiterate.

    If Qi Min were to lose to someone worse than her in every way, wouldn¡¯t she be too ashamed to go out and face others in the future?

    With that thought, Qi Min was upset. Of course, she couldn¡¯t let Miao Jing get her happiness either.

    That day, Miao Jing was on her way home to the Zhai family¡¯s house when she was stopped in her tracks by Qi Min and several other people. ¡°I heard that you¡¯re Miao Jing?¡±

    ¡°You are?¡± It had been a year since they had first met. Of course, Miao Jing, who was dedicated to her studies, had no idea who Qi Min was.

    Lan¡¯s face turned green.. ¡°You snatched Min¡¯s boyfriend and you dare to act as if you don¡¯t know Min? We¡¯re all women. How can you be so shameless? I¡¯m warning you that Zhai Yaohui is our Min¡¯s fianc¨¦!¡±

 Chapter 2520 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (21)

    <h4>Chapter 2520: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (21)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you have a bit of shame, you¡¯d better scram from the Zhai family¡¯s house. Is it very nice to spend other people¡¯s money? Is everyone from the countryside like you? Do they all like to take advantage of others and snatch other people¡¯s things?¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s face flushed red then turned pale.

    Even without Qi Min saying such things to Miao Jing, she had already had such thoughts. But Miao Jing retorted. ¡°What has it got to do with you whose money I spend? Who are you to tell me to scram? You said that I snatched other people¡¯s things? Whose things did I snatch?¡±

    Since they were already saying such nasty things, they had better be clearer with their words.

    Qi Min lifted up her chin. ¡°Since you¡¯re so shameless, I¡¯m not going to spare you either. I¡¯m Zhai Yaohui¡¯s fianc¨¦e. The Zhai family already acknowledged me a long time ago. Of course I¡¯m not happy with you living in my fianc¨¦¡¯s house! I¡¯m warning you that I¡¯ll chase you away once I get married to Zhai Yaohui anyway if you don¡¯t move away on your own ord now.¡±

    She must really have gone crazy from taking advantage of others that she dared to act innocent in front of them even though they had made themselves so clear.

    ¡°Did you hear that? Zhai Yaohui is Min¡¯s. Do you know what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re the third party in a rtionship! Thew now dictates that one man can only have one wife. Even if you¡¯re willing to be his mistress, thew won¡¯t allow it. Besides, you¡¯d better not set your sights on a family like the Zhai family!¡±

    Lan really looked down on Miao Jing.

    She had heard Min say that Miao Jing had lost both her parents, and it was only after she joined the Zhai family that she had learned to read and write.

    This girl couldn¡¯t evenpare to her! In fact, they were miles apart, and yet, she had managed to move into the Zhai family¡¯s house and get to know Zhai Yaohui! This countryside girl had good fortune indeed!

    Miao Jing clenched her fist. There were some things she could rebut, but it wouldn¡¯t make much difference.

    There were some things she could do but didn¡¯t have enough power to do yet.

    To be honest, Miao Jing had heard much nastier things growing up with Second Auntie Miao.

    But for some reason, Miao Jing felt that the words of these two girls hurt even more than her second auntie¡¯s. ¡°Are you done?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done. So, when are you going to scram?¡±

    She really had no intention of ever meeting this shameless countryside girl again.

    Miao Jing took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve never learned to scram, and neither am I going to scram. You said that you¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. But I¡¯ve lived with the Zhai family for almost a year and they have never told me of your existence. I think you don¡¯t know, but Uncle Zhai likes me very much. If I hadn¡¯t refused, Brother Zhai and I might have been engaged now.¡±

    ¡°Besides, I¡¯ll wait until you really marry Brother Zhai, bing his wife and Uncle Zhai¡¯s daughter-inw, before letting you chase me away.¡±

    With that, Miao Jing turned to leave.

    ¡°You can¡¯t leave!¡± Lan grabbed hold of Miao Jing. ¡°How can you be so shameless? We¡¯ve made ourselves very clear and Min even tried to leave you a way out. If you continue being so shameless, don¡¯t me us for being nasty!¡±

    Miao Jing looked at Lan. ¡°What are you nning to do to me? Don¡¯t you already know that I¡¯m from the countryside? I might not have anything else, but the one thing I do have is strength. Are you sure you want to fight with me? Your surname is Qi, right? Miss Qi, it doesn¡¯t matter if I fight with you today. But Uncle Zhai¡¯s family cares quite a lot about me. I¡¯ll definitely let Uncle Zhai know about today¡¯s matter. Alright, do you want to fight?¡±

    Lan was incensed. ¡°We have so many people against you alone. Do you think we¡¯ll be afraid of you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. What¡¯s the point in wasting our breath on her? Let¡¯s just beat her up until she¡¯s afraid!¡±

    Qi Min held Lan back. ¡°Wait a minute.¡±

    Qi Min didn¡¯t care about anything else, but she had to care about something Miao Jing had said. ¡°Miao Jing, we¡¯re all adults. This is between you and me. We can settle it among ourselves. Do you think you¡¯re still three years old that you¡¯re trying to tell on me to our elders?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that it¡¯s purely between you and me. Besides I feel that there¡¯s a need to tell Uncle Zhai about this. Besides, you¡¯re Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. If I¡¯m not afraid of telling them about this, why should you be afraid?¡±

    ¡°Min?¡± Lan was confused by Qi Min¡¯s behavior. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve seen it. She¡¯s from the countryside. She has nothing and that¡¯s why she¡¯s so shameless. There¡¯s no use trying to reason with her. Let¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Qi Min¡¯s face was entirely green.

    Qi Min had already thought it through. If Miao Jing chose to move away on her own ord, she wouldn¡¯t take issue with all the money that Miao Jing had spent over the past year.

    She would simply treat it as though she had thrown some money to a beggar.

    If Miao Jing wasn¡¯t self-aware, she would beat Miao Jing up until she was.

    But this girl from the countryside seemed to have gotten smarter now that she had studied a little.

    Because Miao Jing said that she was going to tattle on her, Qi Min had no other choice but to give up. After all, Miao Jing¡¯s behavior was unexpected.

    She had thought that Miao Jing would have some self-respect and not try to create any more trouble for the Zhai family because she had leeched off them for the past year.

    Even if she beat Miao Jing up, Miao Jing should endure it and tell the Zhai family that she had identally bumped into something.

    But before Qi Min could even start to beat her up, Miao Jing took the initiative to say that she would definitelyin about her. How could Qi Min go on in that case?

    Putting aside how Old Zhai would feel about this, Qi Min knew that Grandma Zhai would no longer like her as much once she learned about this.

    Besides, Zhai Yaohui hated unreasonable people who used violence to solve problems.

    ¡°Min?¡± Lan couldn¡¯t believe her ears. ¡°Min, did you say something wrongly?¡±

    They had waited for a long time before finally being able to corner her. But they hadn¡¯t even done anything, much less deal with her. She hadn¡¯t even been frightened by their words.

    And they were going to leave just like that? How embarrassing!

    ¡°Alright. Stop it. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll think of another way to deal with her.¡± She had no other choice, unless she wanted to let Miao Jing have Zhai Yaohui instead.

    Since the party concerned, Qi Min, had said so, Lan had no choice even though she was reluctant. She could only follow behind Qi Min.

    Miao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. It was true that she wouldn¡¯t be able to fight against so many people at once.

    The Zhai family had always told her that she had to let them know if anyone ever tried to bully her.

    Miao Jing felt that it was only right to let them know of today¡¯s incident.

 Chapter 2521 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (22)

    <h4>Chapter 2521: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (22)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Uncle Zhai, a woman named Qi Min cornered me today, saying that she¡¯s Brother Zhai¡¯s fianc¨¦e. She doesn¡¯t like me and wants me to move out of the Zhai family¡¯s house. Uncle Zhai, what should I do?¡±

    Old Zhai¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Who? What did Qi Min say?¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be. Miao Miao, is this a misunderstanding?¡±

    She was a child whom Grandma Zhai had doted on for years, and Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t want to believe that Qi Min was as demanding and arrogant as Miao Jing was describing her to be.

    Feeling Grandma Zhai trying to protect Qi Min, Miao Jing was no longer willing to speak any further.

    Miao Jing could feel the Zhai family¡¯s attitude toward Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s gaze toward Qi Min was the same as that toward her. They were both his younger sisters.

    Uncle Zhai clearly liked her more while Auntie Zhai liked Qi Min more.

    No wonder Qi Min dared to say that she was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s fianc¨¦e and that the elders had already approved of it.

    Since that was the case, Miao Jing wasn¡¯t going to be such a shameless person.

    The future daughter-inw of the Zhai family, Qi Min, had already clearly expressed her dislike and unwillingness to see her.

    Actually, she could understand Qi Min¡¯s mindset. She had spent the Zhai family¡¯s money, which would eventually be Qi Min¡¯s. It was only right for her to be upset.

    She had been staying here for almost a year and was almostpletely literate. It was time for her to get a job to support herself.

    Miao Jing looked at Grandma Zhai and smiled. ¡°Perhaps it was really a misunderstanding. Uncle Zhai, I¡¯m almost done with the courses you applied for on my behalf. I think that I¡¯m ready to get a job.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard work to take on a job¡­¡± There wouldn¡¯t be a need for Miao Miao to work and earn her keep once she married Yaohui.

    Grandma Zhai agreed. ¡°Miao Miao¡­¡±

    Miao Jing insisted. ¡°No, the reason I wanted to be literate was so that I could get a job and support myself. Compared to the past, I think I¡¯m in a much better ce to find a good job now. Uncle Zhai, thank you for giving me such a good opportunity. I¡¯m returning to my room to study so that I can get ready to look for a job tomorrow. Auntie Zhai, I¡¯ll return to my room.¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao¡­¡±

    Grandma Zhai felt the distance in Miao Jing¡¯s words and felt particrly uneasy. ¡°Old Zhai, I didn¡¯t mean anything else. I just think that Min is a good girl and wouldn¡¯t do such a thing.¡±

    Old Zhai huffed. ¡°That¡¯s what you think, but isn¡¯t that like saying that Miao Miao lied to us?¡±

    ¡°Then, isn¡¯t that a misunderstanding?¡±

    Old Zhai shook her head. ¡°You¡¯ve always thought that Qi Min is good, but I¡¯ve never thought so. That girl puts on an act in front of you, but she knows many other boys too. Although she¡¯s never crossed that line, she¡¯s had many ambiguous rtionships and her heart isn¡¯t for Yaohui.¡±

    If Qi Min was really a good girl, he would definitely hope that his son would marry her and live a blissful life together in the future.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Min isn¡¯t that kind of girl.¡±

    Old Zhaiughed out of anger. ¡°So, you think that I¡¯m someone who¡¯ll try to ruin the reputation of a child?¡±

    There were some things he didn¡¯t want to mention for fear of upsetting his wife.

    Since his wife liked Qi Min, he would simply y along. Anyway, Qi Min hadn¡¯t coaxed his wife for nothing. That boy from the Shi family had also benefited from him.

    Since it benefitted all of them, no one owed each other anything. There was no need to repay anyone.

    Grandma Zhai hit Old Zhai. ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant. How could I trust an outsider more than my husband?¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s exactly what you meant. I can understand Miao Miao¡¯s attitude. I think that Miao Miao told the truth. Your reaction made Miao Miao believe that you acknowledge that Miao Miao is Yaohui¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Qi Min already said that she doesn¡¯t want to see Miao Miao in our house. Given Miao Miao¡¯s personality, do you think she¡¯ll stay on for much longer?¡±

    ¡°Is that why Miao Miao is in a hurry to get a job?¡±

    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t get a job, how will she have the money to move out?¡±

    Miao Miao had always been sensitive but independent. It was hard not to be that way considering she had grown up in such circumstances.

    ¡°Do you remember the ounts book in Miao Miao¡¯s room?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Grandma Zhai had unwittinglye across it while cleaning Miao Jing¡¯s room one day.

    That book clearly recorded how much she had spent in the Zhai family over the past year.

    ¡°Once Miao Miao starts working, we¡¯ll start receiving money from Miao Miao from time to time.¡±

    Miao Miao had no parents, and even aftering to the Zhai family¡¯s house, she had never felt secure and neither had she ever dared to take their words at surface level. She had taken great care to protect herself.

    Now, Qi Min¡¯s appearance had probably confirmed Miao Miao¡¯s thoughts.

    Grandma Zhai felt upset and aggrieved. ¡°But I treat Miao Miao pretty well. Why¡­¡±

    ¡°Because she doesn¡¯t have any parents or rtives she can rely on. She has only herself. If she doesn¡¯t try to protect herself, how else will she survive in this world? It¡¯s good for her to do so. She might very well have been ¡®sold off¡¯ by her second auntie if I hadn¡¯t picked her up.¡±

    And the reason Miao Jing didn¡¯t have any parents and had such a sensitive and independent personality was due to Father Miao saving Old Zhai twice.

    Only if Grandma Zhai thought that Father Miao deserved to die for saving Old Zhai and that his death had nothing to do with the Zhai family did she have the right to say that Miao Jing¡¯s personality was bad.

    But Grandma Zhai was not such a person. ¡°Old Zhai, what should I do? Miao Miao must be angry at me. You know that Miao Miao is much more important than Min in my heart. I acknowledge Miao Miao. I just think that Min is a child too¡­¡±

    Grandma Zhai wasden with guilt.

    It was because of Old Zhai that Miao Jing had be an orphan, and yet, she had beenmenting about Miao Jing¡¯s personality. She couldn¡¯t be so shameless! ¡°Why don¡¯t I apologize to Miao Miao and exin the situation to her? I really like Miao Miao!¡±

    Over the past year, she had already identified Miao Miao as her daughter-inw.

    But why had today¡¯s incident happened? And she had even hurt Miao Miao!

    Old Zhai hugged Grandma Zhai. ¡°Don¡¯t be in such a hurry. Miao Miao won¡¯t listen to you no matter what you tell her now. The way I see it, we¡¯d better let Yaohui settle the matter. Miao Miao is his wife, not ours. It wasn¡¯t good for Qi Min to act like that today, but it should be Yaohui getting justice for Miao Miao.¡±

    After all, the root of the problem was Qi Min, and Qi Min was to be med for it all.

 Chapter 2522 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (23)

    <h4>Chapter 2522: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (23)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Although Old Zhai had no idea how Miao Jing had managed to escape the situation, he was clear that Qi Min wouldn¡¯t leave the matter lying down just like that given her temper.

    If Qi Min dared to do such a thing and dared to act like such a hooligan, she would definitely get bolder if no one taught her a lesson in time.

    In Old Zhai¡¯s opinion, Shi Peng was the only one who hadn¡¯t been brought up astray in the entire Shi family.

    He didn¡¯t have much opinion toward Shi Peng, so he definitely would not try to deal with Shi Peng.

    But it was entirely Old Master Shi¡¯s fault for bringing up a daughter like that.

    Old Zhai knew that Old Master Shi didn¡¯t have much patience but was ambitious. That was why he had tried all methods to get his daughter to marry his son. As such, Old Zhai decided to deal Old Master Shi a hard blow in his career.

    Because of Old Zhai¡¯s actions, Old Master Shi very gloriously went into ¡®retirement¡¯ without even being able to retain a desk job.

    Since he wanted to retire, it was best that he do so cleanly and leave all opportunities to the new generation. He had better prove his intentions with his actions rather than his words.

    Old Master Shi was stunned. He had been thinking of riding on Old Zhai¡¯surels and progressing even further in his career after bing inws with the Zhai family.

    Who would have known that he had been forced to retire just like that?

    Old Master Shi hid his frustration and anger behind a smile and went to look for Old Zhai. ¡°Brother Zhai, has there been a misunderstanding? If there is one, we can clear the air. Besides, our Min and Zhai Yaohui¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better not say that my son is in a rtionship with your daughter. My son has someone in mind. If my future daughter-inw misunderstands my son and breaks up with him because of your words, what will happen to my son? I¡¯ll acknowledge only one person as my daughter-inw.¡±

    Old Zhai had already guessed that Old Master Shi woulde to look for him and didn¡¯t try to hide the truth from him. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that the two of them have been in a conflicttely? It¡¯s because a shameless woman cornered my daughter-inw and imed that she was my son¡¯s fianc¨¦e. She even tried to chase my daughter-inw away. Not only was my daughter-inw angry, but even I was infuriated when I heard about it. Do you think that we as parents don¡¯t know who our son¡¯s partner is? Does she think that she, an outsider, knows better than us?¡±

    Most importantly, that had been terribly shameless!

    Over the past ten years, Qi Min had kept quite a few boys by her side. In fact, she seemed to be rather close to all of them.

    Since Qi Min was already close to other boys, how could she be so shameless as to pester his son?

    After all, ten years had gone by. Otherwise, Old Zhai would very well have charged Qi Min with having promiscuous rtionships given her behavior.

    Over the past ten years, there were many who had been charged with that. Some were true, while others weren¡¯t. But if he were to charge Qi Min with that, it would definitely not be unjustified.

    Old Master Shi was confused at first, but he slowly understood the situation. ¡°Yaohui has a partner?¡±

    And it seemed like Zhai Yaohui¡¯s partner wasn¡¯t his daughter, Min.

    Of course, Old Master Shi was not entirely unaware of the Zhai family¡¯s situation.

    Old Master Shi knew that a youngdy from the countryside had moved into the Zhai family¡¯s house and had been living there for the past year.

    But Old Master Shi trusted the Zhai family and knew that it couldn¡¯t be an ident that a youngdy had moved into their house.

    Who would have known that this trust could be broken so easily? Because he had been so trusting, something serious had happened!

    Old Master Shi thought that thatdy was just someone from the countryside who had lost all her rtives.

    Could there be any good in getting a girl who had no family to rely on and couldn¡¯t even bring any dowry when she got married?

    The Zhai family was either blind or stupid. In which way did Min lose to thatdy that the Zhai family would rather take thatdy as a daughter-inw than his Min? They had to be crazy!

    But whether Old Zhai was crazy was not the main point.

    As a scheming person, Old Master Shi knew that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude was the key.

    The one getting married was Zhai Yaohui and not Old Zhai anyway. It didn¡¯t matter whom Old Zhai liked. Only Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude mattered.

    Old Master Shi took a deep breath. ¡°Is that so? I know that Zhai Yaohui has been busy in the military and has done very well for himself. The next time he returns, I¡¯ll see if I can have a chat with him. Times are different now. There are many things that parents can¡¯t make the decision in anymore. We should listen to our children¡¯s opinions and thoughts.¡±

    Old Zhai smiled. ¡°Yes, times are different. Our children¡¯s opinions are the most important. It¡¯s just as well. My son has been in the military for almost a year now and hasn¡¯t been back since. No matter what, I think he should be returning soon. But he won¡¯t be spending much time at home. If you really have anything to tell him, you¡¯d better hurry up. Otherwise, you might have to wait for another year. My future daughter-inw has already been decided, and Yaohui is busy with his career. It¡¯s best not to have any more dys. Even a year or two is important for youngdies at the peak of their youth.¡±

    Qi Min had better get married as soon as possible so that she wouldn¡¯t cling to his son or create trouble for Miao Miao.

    Old Master Shi couldn¡¯t find it in him to even force a smile out.

    He returned home sullenly. He already had an answer in his heart as to why he had been forced to retire at his age and to hand over his position and opportunities to the younger generation.

    But that answer made him infuriated and dissatisfied. Because of that, he called his daughter back.

    ¡°Dad, why did you suddenly call me back?¡±

    Over the past year, Qi Min had remained mad at Zhai Yaohui. But she was even angrier that Zhai Yaohui had remained in the military and that she hadn¡¯t gotten the chance to meet him.

    Qi Min wasn¡¯t even sure if Zhai Yaohui was still mad at her or whether he simply had no chance to appease her.

    Qi Min was willing to coax Zhai Yaohui, but she had to have the chance to meet him to do that.

    Besides, she couldn¡¯t be sure of Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude even if she were to meet him. On the other hand, Miao Jing was livingfortably in the Zhai family¡¯s house as though she was the rightful mistress of the family.

    That was why Qi Min hadn¡¯t been able to hold it in anymore and had impulsively looked for Miao Jing, wanting to get her to leave voluntarily.

    As soon as Miao Jing left, Qi Min would no longer have to worry about Zhai Yaohui.

    Anyway, she would be the only woman by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side once Miao Jing left.. Then, Zhai Yaohui would eventually forgive her no matter how angry he was.

 Chapter 2523 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (24)

    <h4>Chapter 2523: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (24)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Let me ask you. What have you been up to?¡±

    ¡°What did I do?¡±

    Qi Min was confused. ¡°You asked me to study hard because I can¡¯tg behind Zhai Yaohui as he gets better. Otherwise, there will be people trying to drag me down.¡±

    Then, Qi Min felt a little guilty. ¡°Dad, have people been gossiping around again? Don¡¯t trust them. They want me to fail. That¡¯s why they¡¯re speaking ill of me and trying to pull me down. I¡¯m only with those boys because of my studies. If I don¡¯t try my best and study with others, how will I ever improve?¡±

    ¡°What? You¡¯re still with your male ssmates?¡± Old Master Shi had gone down that path too. It was just that it had not caused him any trouble at that time.

    As someone with experience, Old Master Shi didn¡¯t think that friendship between females and males could remain tonic.

    Studying?

    Old Master Shi didn¡¯t believe that in the least.

    She went to such a huge school with so many students. There were so many people she could discuss her studies with. Why did it have to be with those boys?

    He didn¡¯t think that there were no female students who were good at their studies in the entire school.

    If that was the case, that was a lousy university!

    ¡°Dad¡­¡± Wasn¡¯t her dad talking about this matter? ¡°Dad, you can be direct with me. Why did you call me here?¡±

    It was better to clear the air once and for all. If she continued guessing in this manner, she might very well expose herself unwittingly.

    ¡°Have you created any trouble for otherstely?¡±

    Even if Qi Min didn¡¯t admit to it, Old Master Shi was prepared to expose her.

    Why?

    He was mentally exhausted.

    Old Master Shi wasn¡¯t even sure why he had been forced out of his position, and now, his daughter had taken the initiative to admit to having secret rtionships with other men outside!

    Before he had solved the initial problem, another had appeared!

    He had a son too. If his son¡¯s fianc¨¦e even had a solo interaction with other men, he would definitely find a way to get his son another partner.

    The country was so vast, and there were so many femalerades. Would his son have to worry about not being able to find a good youngdy?

    But now that this youngdy was his own daughter while the man was another man¡¯s son, Old Master Shi couldn¡¯t care so much.

    ¡°Make trouble for others? No, I¡¯ve always been veryw-abiding. I¡­¡± No, she had indeed brought people along to corner that countryside girl.

    Qi Min eyed Old Master Shi carefully. ¡°Dad, why are you suddenly asking me that out of the blue? Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°Why? Nothing much. It¡¯s just that your dad has been fired. If you do something more, your brother might even be kicked out of the military!¡± Old Master Shi mmed the table furiously.

    As expected, the woman that Old Zhai said had gone to create trouble for his future daughter-inw was no other than his own daughter!

    Old Master Shi had been hoping that he would be able to boost his career by getting Qi Min to marry Zhai Yaohui.

    Who would have known that he would have taken a loss before even getting to take advantage of his daughter and son-inw?

    Qi Min¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Dad, what do you mean? What happened?¡±

    ¡°What happened? I¡¯m retired and can rest well at home from now on. Are you happy? I¡¯m warning you not to make trouble for anyone now. Otherwise, the one sitting here and talking to you will be your brother. If anything happens to your brother, you know very well what will happen to our family. Do you think we¡¯ll be able to live sofortably?¡±

    Old Master Shi felt aggrieved that his career had been destroyed, but no matter how he felt, he knew that there was no way of reversing the situation.

    But that didn¡¯t matter. He still had a son. As long as he protected his son, the Shi family wouldn¡¯t crumble.

    As such, Old Master Shi instructed Qi Min to behave.

    As long as no one tried to create trouble, they would count it as the Shi family¡¯s good fortune.

    Qi Min took a deep breath. ¡°I understand. But Dad, I was wronged. What rights do they have? Do you think I can¡¯t evenpare to a countryside girl? They¡¯re bullying me! It¡¯ll be embarrassing for me if word gets out.¡±

    The Zhai family no longer treated her as well as they did in the past. Even Auntie Zhai no longer invited her over to the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    She couldn¡¯t even enter the Zhai family¡¯s house while that stupid girl, Miao Jing, seemed to have nted her roots in the Zhai family¡¯s house. The Zhai family was bullying her!

    Old Master Shi agreed with Qi Min. ¡°But what can we do? They have more power than me and have a higher status. There¡¯s nothing we can do even if they bully us. We can only hope that your brother will do us proud and outshine Zhai Yaohui in the military. As long as your brother makes it, we¡¯ll be able to prove our worth and be equal with the Zhai family. Then, we won¡¯t need to live our lives depending on the Zhai family.¡±

    Qi Min clenched her fist. ¡°Yes, the Zhai family is such a bully. We have to depend on my brother now.¡±

    As long as her brother was sessful, she wouldn¡¯t even have to care about Zhai Yaohui.

    The Zhai family didn¡¯t like her, but neither did she like Zhai Yaohui.

    It wasn¡¯t as though Zhai Yaohui was the only man left in the world. When that time came, she wouldn¡¯t even wait for Zhai Yaohui to dump her. She would dissolve the engagement herself.

    Humph! Who would like Zhai Yaohui who was like a wooden block with no feelings? She didn¡¯t!

    Zhai Yaohui, who had been branded as a wooden block, had no idea about Qi Min¡¯s thoughts. After a year of training in the military, he seemed to have gotten more toned and matured.

    Seeing that her son was finally back, Grandma Zhai shed tears of joy.

    On the other hand, Miao Jing, who was at home too, was pondering about finding a job and moving out. The moment she saw Zhai Yaohui, she quickly hid in a corner.

    A year ago, Zhai Yaohui had given off the warmth and kindness of an elder brother, at the very least.

    But now, Zhai Yaohui seemed to have gotten much more aggressive and cold because of the time he had spent in the military. It felt as though he was a carnivore waiting to devour his prey.

    Miao Jing felt goose bumps all over her body the moment she eyed Zhai Yaohui.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally back. Why do you behave like your dad and forget that you have a home to return to once you go to the military? Your dad¡¯s situation was special and he was away for a few years. But you didn¡¯t evene back to visit your dad and me during the new year holidays. If not for Miao Miao, we wouldn¡¯t even have been able to celebrate it!¡±

    With that thought, Grandma Zhai¡¯s gaze toward Miao Jing grew even more regretful.

    Without her son by her side, it had been Miao Jing spending time with her, and yet, she had even suspected Miao Jing, saying that Qi Min was a good person.

    She wondered if Miao Miao was still upset at her

 Chapter 2524 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (25)

    <h4>Chapter 2524: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (25)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Zhai Yaohui sensed that the atmosphere had changed, and he could feel his mom¡¯s guilt toward Miao Jing as well as Miao Jing¡¯s distance from their family.

    It was as though they had returned to the past when Miao Jing had firste to the family and didn¡¯t know them at all.

    But it had already been a year. How could Miao Jing still have such a distant rtionship with his family?

    Zhai Yaohui wondered if something had happened.

    But Zhai Yaohui was in no hurry to satiate his curiosity for fear that he wouldplicate the situation even further because of how sensitive Miao Jing was. ¡°I just entered the military and there are too many things I have to learn. That was why I was busy. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take it slow.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui knew that time waited for no man.

    If he didn¡¯t work hard in the military, he would quicklyg behind.

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t have many memories of his father and only knew of his father¡¯s existence.

    But as he grew older and started to understand the world around him, Zhai Yaohui was rather proud of having a father like Old Zhai.

    He had once told himself that he would be just like his father once he grew up, bing a soldier and hero who protected his country and people.

    Now, Zhai Yaohui no longer thought of being a hero.

    But as a man, he was still ambitious in his career.

    He was his father¡¯s son. If his father was able to do it, why couldn¡¯t he?

    While in school, Zhai Yaohui had alwayse out as the top student. There was no one who even came close to him.

    But that changed in the military.

    Shi Peng had entered the military before him and had already attained achievements while studying. Shi Peng was even more impressive than he was, and he didn¡¯t even hesitate to risk his life toplete his mission.

    They were about the same age, and yet, Shi Peng had already been sent to the hospital for emergency rescue twice due to injuries he had sustained in missions.

    Because he had met someone who was just as hardworking and had even started earlier than him, Zhai Yaohui was even more motivated. It¡¯s as though the blood in his veins was being pumped relentlessly.

    This was the goal he had always been looking for. This was the goal he was going to surpass.

    After setting Shi Peng as his goal, Zhai Yaohui gave his all in the military and was extremely serious in his training, giving much thought to military strategies.

    Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui was still young, and his physical abilities became his biggest capital.

    In such tight arrangements, not only was he physically fitter than all his peers, but his performance was also eye-catching.

    Many praised Zhai Yaohui and even gave him more opportunities, and it wasn¡¯t just because he was Old Zhai¡¯s son.

    They all admired and acknowledged Zhai Yaohui because of his own efforts and hard work.

    In this state of madness, time was crucial to Zhai Yaohui.

    If not for the annual leave that the military granted to new recruits, and his superiors insisting on Zhai Yaohui returning home, Zhai Yaohui would have spent the new year in the military to attain even more achievements.

    After all, their enemies would never stop invading the country just because it was the new year.

    ¡°Humph!¡± Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t believe a word that her son said.

    Her husband was the first man in the Zhai family to enter the military, so Grandma Zhai already knew whaty ahead for the rest of the men in the Zhai family.

    She had been ignorant in her youth and had been taken in by her husband. But now, did her son think that he would be taken in again?

    ¡°To both of you, the military is much more important than your family. It¡¯s really bad luck to be married to you!¡± They would never be able to give their wives a normal life like other husbands.

    Somehow, the entire Zhai family¡¯s gazes fell on Miao Jing to see her attitude the moment Grandma Zhai said these words.

    The Zhai family had been chatting normally like any family would at a reunion, and Miao Jing felt incredulous that she was suddenly thrown into the spotlight. Why were they looking at her? She wasn¡¯t intending on marrying a soldier. So what if women became military spouses? That had nothing to do with her! She didn¡¯t need to know much about it, nor give any opinions on it.

    Zhai Yaohui felt embarrassed. He had clearly been led astray by his parents.

    Upon hearing his mom¡¯s words, his first reaction had been to look at his sister, Miao Jing! Had his training in the military turned him into a fool?

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll chat with youter. I have some things to talk to Dad about.¡± Zhai Yaohui retracted his gaze and looked at Old Zhai.

    Old Zhai nodded, leading Zhai Yaohui into his study. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°I heard that the military intends to choose a talent and send him for further training.¡±

    They talked about talent and training, but everyone understood that the leaders were looking for sessors to the old revolutionaries of Old Zhai¡¯s generation.

    After all, no one could climb to the top in just one day. They had to learn the ropes along the way.

    They couldn¡¯t wait until the veryst minute to choose their sessors. They had to pick them out early.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true.¡±

    It was alright for him to let his son know about this, but Old Zhai also believed that those who cared about this would have learned of this matter too.

    However, Old Zhai was definitely not going to try to use his connections to help his son into that position. All he would do was to confirm the rumors that his son had heard.

    Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui had no intention of asking his dad to do so either. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to fight for it?¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    If not for such a good opportunity, people of his generation would have to wait two to three more decades to rise into a position like his father¡¯s.

    Even if he seeded this time, he would have to wait another ten years to be in an equal position as his father.

    Compared to twenty to thirty years, ten years didn¡¯t mean much.

    ¡°Alright. You can make your own decision in this matter. I won¡¯t decide for you.¡±

    Simrly, he wasn¡¯t going to provide any help.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled confidently. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m your son. Didn¡¯t you pave the way for yourself too? If you could do it, I can do it too. I don¡¯t have to rely on your connections just because I¡¯m your son. Dad, I¡¯ll prove to you that I¡¯m your equal. Perhaps, I¡¯ll be even better than you.¡±

    Old Zhai smiled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait and see how you prove that you¡¯re better than me.¡±

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re done talking about work, shall we talk about your personal affairs?¡±¡­

 Chapter 2525 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (26)

    <h4>Chapter 2525: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (26)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s it going between you and Miao Miao? Miao Miao¡¯s a few years younger than you and you should dote on her and take care of her. Even though she¡¯s younger than you, women¡¯s time is precious. When will you give me a definite answer?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui wanted to ask what his father meant.

    It was true that Miao Jing had been with their family for a year, but the number of times he had spoken to Miao Jing could be counted with both hands. Could he possibly have any feelings for a youngdy like that?

    ¡°Do you mean that you have no feelings for Miao Miao?¡±

    After giving it some thought, Zhai Yaohui nodded hesitatingly, ignoring Miao Jing¡¯s ck and dark eyes that had appeared subconsciously in his mind.

    ¡°Alright.¡± The way Old Zhai didn¡¯t force his son but answered immediately scared Zhai Yaohui.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Old Zhai cautiously. ¡°Dad, are you trying to dig a hole for me?¡±

    Old Zhaiughed. He was his father.

    If he were to dig a hole for his son, would his son be able to avoid it even if he knew about it?

    And he even wanted to be a chief like him. How naive!

    ¡°Digging a hole for you? Listen to what I have to say and then tell me if it¡¯s a big hole.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll listen.¡±

    ¡°After the new year, you¡¯ll be twenty-six, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao¡¯s twenty.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was stunned. ¡°Do you mean Miao Miao was only neen when she came?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise? Don¡¯t tell me that you can¡¯t even count now because you¡¯ve been in the military for a year. You¡¯re my son and I treat Miao Miao like my own daughter. You can make your own decision and I won¡¯t interfere. Now, I can only try to help Miao Miao. Although she¡¯ll only be twenty after the new year, it¡¯s about time for her to get married. The most important thing in a woman¡¯s life is to find a good partner who¡¯ll treat her well for the rest of her life. I should be worried now that I¡¯m trying to marry my daughter off. I wonder if you have anyone good to rmend to me. I should have a few people to choose my son-inw from.¡±

    ¡®You don¡¯t want to marry her, right?¡¯

    ¡®You¡¯d better not regret it when someone wise enough marries her!¡¯

    Zhai Yaohui frowned. ¡°Dad, stop fooling around. Miao Miao¡¯s¡­ She isn¡¯t that old. She¡¯s still young. There¡¯s no need to hurry. Marriage is for a lifetime. If you really¡­ If you really want to choose a partner for Miao Miao, you can take a look around, but you can¡¯t hurry or rush through it. If you have someone in mind, you have to let Miao Miao interact with that person. Besides, you guys can let me know too. I¡¯m a soldier and I¡¯m quite good at reading people. If he¡¯s really good, he¡¯ll be able to be the son-inw of the Zhai family. Otherwise, we might harm Miao Miao and throw her into a fire.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Old Zhai replied. ¡°You¡¯re right. If I really find someone suitable, I¡¯ll let you know and you can help evaluate him.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhai Yaohui realized that he had started to panic when he gave his reply.

    Zhai Yaohui was confused. Was it because he was upset that he had left the military that his emotions were acting up?

    ¡°Oh right, I saw tension between Mom and Miao Miao. What happened?¡±

    Old Zhai deliberately said, ¡°What else could it be? You know how good-tempered your mom is. Your mom treated that bad girl, Qi Min, like a treasure. It must have been Miao Miao¡¯s fault that there was a conflict between the two of them. She must have angered your mom.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Miao Miao isn¡¯t such an insensible person.¡±

    ¡°Then, are you saying that your mom deliberately provoked Miao Miao?¡±

    He was such a fool. He trusted Miao Miao so much, and yet, he still insisted that he had no feelings for her and only treated her as a younger sister.

    Which man would trust his younger sister more than his mother?

    Zhai Yaohui sighed. ¡°Dad, are you doing this on purpose? You know that¡¯s not what I meant. My mom¡¯s so kind. She¡¯ll never make trouble for others. Miao Miao¡¯s quite like Mom in that sense. What I mean is that there could be a misunderstanding between the two of them.¡±

    ¡°No, there was no misunderstanding. It was really your mom¡¯s fault that she provoked Miao Miao.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±

    Old Zhai told Zhai Yaohui all about how Qi Min had cornered Miao Jing. ¡°Your mom used to dote on Qi Min like her own daughter. She always thought that Qi Min was just like her. That was why she didn¡¯t believe what Miao Miao said. But Miao Miao¡¯s headstrong and naturally felt uneasy that your mom didn¡¯t believe her. Miao Miao¡¯s already starting to look for a job. I guess that Miao Miao will probably move out of our house once she finds a job to support herself.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had never thought that the conflict between his mom and Miao Jing would be a result of Qi Min. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Miao Miao like to study? Why won¡¯t she continue for another few years?¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao said that she doesn¡¯t intend on studying for such a long time. She simply wanted to be better equipped to find a job and survive.¡±

    That was true. If Miao Miao intended to continue her studies, she would never think of moving out of the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    Zhai Yaohui asked, ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t you try to persuade Miao Miao?¡±

    His mom was kind and thought the best of everyone, especially young people.

    Based on that alone, Miao Miao¡¯s mindset was probably closer to his father¡¯s than his mother¡¯s.

    Besides, Miao Miao had been living in such dpidated conditions in the past. It was his father who had saved Miao Miao from that.

    Based on that alone, he felt that his father would definitely have a different ce in Miao Miao¡¯s heart.

    Old Zhai refused. ¡°What should I try to persuade her? She¡¯s almost twenty years old. She¡¯s not an ignorant two-year-old child. This is her life and I¡¯ll respect her decision. It¡¯s just like how your mom and I won¡¯t make decisions about your marriage for you. I won¡¯t stand in your way and I won¡¯t interfere in Miao Miao¡¯s life either. I¡¯m treating both of you fairly. Do you understand?¡±

    Understand?

    Nonsense!

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s head hurt. It didn¡¯t seem like his dad was trying to dig a hole for him by trying to matchmake him with Miao Jing.

    His dad had already said that it didn¡¯t matter if he wasn¡¯t interested in Miao Jing. His dad would simply introduce other men to Miao Jing, and he was even asking him for some rmendations.

    But it didn¡¯t seem right to say that his father wasn¡¯t trying to dig a hole for him either. His father wasplicating things!

    Zhai Yaohui regretted returning from the military. If he had known that there would be so many things for him to worry about aftering home, he would have stayed in the military to analyze more military strategies and topographic maps.

    Fighting wars was much easier than handling these matters at home.

    ¡°Are you tired? If you¡¯re tired, you¡¯d better get some rest.. There¡¯s no need to waste time with me here in the study.¡±.

 Chapter 2526 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (27)

    <h4>Chapter 2526: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (27)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was just as well. If his son left now, he might bump into Miao Miao and have a chat with her.

    He had already reminded his son of whatever he had to as a father.

    If she really moved out and found a suitable man, his son would really stand no chance at all.

    Old Zhai understood Miao Jing¡¯s temper. If she met a suitable man, she would definitely give up on the man she liked just to be with a suitable man.

    Then, it didn¡¯t matter what his son thought or felt anymore.

    Sigh. What was the point of having a son? He had to worry about everything. No wonder his wife liked daughters more. Look how little they had to worry about Miao Miao.

    Old Zhai was hoping that his son would have a chance encounter with Miao Jing and be able to strike a conversation with her once he left the study.

    With more interaction, there would be a greater chance of them falling for each other.

    What Old Zhai hadn¡¯t expected was that Miao Jing had already returned to her room a long time ago so as to avoid Zhai Yaohui. There was no chance of that ever happening.

    Of course, neither had Old Zhai expected his emotionless son to take the initiative by knocking on Miao Jing¡¯s room door.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Miao Jing kept her ounts book. ¡°Hold on.¡±

    Miao Jing ran to open the door, and when she saw that it was Zhai Yaohui, she felt a little panicked. ¡°Brother¡­ Brother Zhai, is something wrong? If something¡¯s wrong, we can talk downstairs.¡±

    She felt uneasy chatting in her room or in the corridor.

    ¡°Nothing. I just wanted to have a chat with you.¡± Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t want to chat downstairs.

    If his parents were to see him chatting alone with Miao Miao, they might have some ideas of their own.

    ¡°Oh, you can be direct.¡± As long as he didn¡¯t enter her room.

    ¡°Have you gotten used to living in our home? If anything bothers you, you can let me know.¡±

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°Uncle and Auntie are very good to me. It¡¯s not like I have anything to do with your family. The person who saved Uncle at that time was my dad, not me. I¡¯m very grateful to you guys for supporting me throughout the past year and even giving me a chance to study.¡±

    They had given her a roof over her head for free and had also given her a room of her own. What was there to nitpick about?

    She would be too heartless if she were toin about anything.

    ¡°I heard that someone caused trouble for youtely. I have to apologize for that.¡± If not for him, Qi Min wouldn¡¯t have stirred up trouble for Miao Miao either.

    But Zhai Yaohui was truly disappointed that Qi Min hadn¡¯t grown as a person over the past year. ¡°She¡¯s too pampered and spoiled, but she isn¡¯t actually a bad person.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Miao Jing tightened her grip on the door handle, forcing a smile out. ¡°Whether she¡¯s a good person or not has nothing to do with me. I don¡¯t know her. I¡¯ll let bygones be bygones. Anyway, she didn¡¯t really do anything to me. Alright, I understand.¡±

    It was true. Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui had grown up together and were childhood sweethearts.

    She was simply a person who was leeching off the Zhai family. How could theypare with each other?

    Thankfully, she had never thought ofparing herself to Qi Min, and neither had she ever believed Uncle Zhai and seen herself as Zhai Yaohui¡¯s partner.

    If she were really so self-unaware, she would truly be shameless.

    Thinking about Grandma Zhai¡¯s words and hearing Zhai Yaohui¡¯s words, Miao Jing understood that it was Qi Min who was family with the Zhai family. She was the outsider.

    Since there was someone in the family who disliked her, it was only right for her to leave the family.

    Miao Jing was thankful that she had already nned on moving out of the Zhai family¡¯s house. Otherwise, she would be so embarrassed for having dug a hole to bury herself.

    The Zhai family had been gracious with their words, unlike Qi Min who had been brutally straightforward.

    Alright, she understood. She would move out of this house as soon as possible. Actually, she felt rather embarrassed that she had disturbed them for such a long time too.

    ¡°Is there anything else, Brother Zhai?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui frowned, feeling that Miao Jing¡¯s answer sounded a little weird.

    But he couldn¡¯t pinpoint where the problem was. Zhai Yaohui, who usually excelled in the military, was clueless now. ¡°No, do you have anything you want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Miao Jing shook her head quickly. ¡°Brother Zhai, I still have other things to do. Look¡­¡±

    It wouldn¡¯t be easy to move out of the Zhai family¡¯s house. There were too many things to take care of.

    Over the past year, the Zhai family had bought several more outfits for her. Should she bring them along with her when she moved out?

    Even if she didn¡¯t bring them along with her, she had recorded the prices of these outfits and would definitely return the Zhai family whatever they had spent on her.

    Rent around the area wasn¡¯t especially expensive, but it was still unaffordable to Miao Jing, who had not yet found herself a job.

    Apart from rent, she still had to pay for her meals. She had to have some leftover cash after paying the rent to survive.

    Sigh, it was so troublesome. That wouldn¡¯t do. She would have to do her sums.

    There was still the problem of finding a job. She would have to settle that tomorrow.

    Even if she couldn¡¯t start straightaway, she had to find a way to make a living and start saving up her money.

    Miao Jing felt overwhelmed in the face of all these problems.

    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. We¡¯re a family. Miao Miao, if you have any problem, you must let us know and not handle it alone. Two heads are better than one, after all. There¡¯s no need to feel embarrassed with us.¡±

    Miao Jing nodded perfunctorily. ¡°I understand, Brother Zhai.¡±

    The Zhai family treated her well, but Brother Zhai¡¯s future wife didn¡¯t like her and didn¡¯t want to see her.

    Since the Zhai family had been so kind to her, she couldn¡¯t possibly cause tension between the Zhai family and Qi Min, right?

    They had given her a fresh start in life. It would be terrible if she were to pester them and stir up trouble for them. She would never do something like that!

    As Miao Jing closed the door, Zhai Yaohui had the urge to ask if she truly understood everything. It didn¡¯t seem like the case.

    But as her brother, Zhai Yaohui felt too embarrassed to knock on Miao Jing¡¯s door the second time now that she had already closed the door.

    If he were to do that, it would make it seem as though there was truly something going on between him and Miao Jing.

    He didn¡¯t want the others in the family to have such a misunderstanding.

    As such, Zhai Yaohui decided to return to his own room even though he felt a little uneasy.

 Chapter 2527 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (28)

    <h4>Chapter 2527: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (28)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    In and of itself, it was good that Miao Jing wanted to get a job to support herself.

    On the contrary, Old Zhai would truly have gotten upset if Miao Jing had expressed her desire for the Zhai family to support her while shezed around at home.

    As such, Old Zhai immediately helped her make arrangements the moment she expressed her desire to find a job after her course.

    With Old Zhai around, it was no trouble at all for Miao Jing to find a job with good welfare.

    People who worked in factories at that time were simr to people who worked civil service jobs in the postmodern era.

    Anyone who could get a job providing rations was impressive enough.

    And with Old Zhai¡¯s arrangements, Miao Jing became a person like that.

    In the past, Second Auntie Miao had never liked Miao Jing and always felt that Miao Jing could never create more wealth for the family nor bring any benefits to them.

    That was why she disliked Miao Jing and felt that Miao Jing was wasting their family¡¯s food.

    If someone had told Second Auntie Miao a few years ago that Miao Jing would one day be a factory worker, Second Auntie Miao would definitely have treated Miao Jing well. In fact, she would probably have treated Miao Jing only slightly worse than her own daughter, Miao Lan.

    Hearing that the factory was willing to pay her eighty yuan with rations every month, Miao Jing was over the moon.

    She had thought that it would be difficult to live in the city even though she was now literate because she was from the countryside.

    But it didn¡¯t seem that difficult, after all.

    ¡°Leader, can I ask you something?¡±

    The leader looked at Miao Jing lovingly. This was the chief¡¯s rtive!

    Even if she asked him a hundred, or even a thousand questions, he would answer them kindly with a smile, let alone just one question. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Are there any dormitories avable for workers?¡± What Miao Jing wanted to know was when she would be eligible for one.

    A roof over a head was important to her since she didn¡¯t have a home to return to.

    ¡°We do¡­¡± The leader was rather hesitant. ¡°You know that we have quite a lot of people in the factory and the dormitory isn¡¯t that big. The workers have to sleep in bunks.¡±

    This Comrade Miao in front of him was the chief¡¯s rtive and had been living in the chief¡¯s house.

    There was no way their dormitory couldpare to the chief¡¯s house.

    Would Comrade Miao be able to get used to their workers¡¯ dormitory after living in the chief¡¯s house?

    It wouldn¡¯t be easy to give Comrade Miao an individual room for herself either.

    It would be quite troublesome if other workers in the factory were to learn of it.

    But Comrade Miao would probably not request to move in now that he had told her of how average the conditions were, right?

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. As long as there is a dormitory, that¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m used to sleeping in bunks. So, can I apply to live in the dormitory?¡±

    ¡°You can¡­¡± But Comrade Miao, shouldn¡¯t you ask the chief for his opinion before I put in your application?

    But Miao Jing didn¡¯t even give the leader the chance to say that. ¡°That¡¯s good. Leader, please arrange it for me. Oh right, if you put in my application now, when will I be able to move in?¡±

    That was great! It was indeed good to be a worker. She even had a dormitory to live in!

    In this case, she wouldn¡¯t even have to worry about having nowhere to live after moving out of the Zhai family¡¯s house, or that she wouldn¡¯t be able to afford the rent.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t even be bothered about when the factory would offer her an individual room in the workers¡¯ dormitory.

    That woulde in a few years¡¯ time. She had better solve her immediate problems first.

    Now that she had solved the problem of her amodation, Miao Jing felt rxed and joyful.

    The factory leader had never expected Miao Jing to be such an impatient person.

    But Miao Jing was Old Zhai¡¯s rtive, and since she had already gotten the job, Old Zhai would probably not prevent her from staying in the workers¡¯ dormitory.

    With that thought, the leader quickly arranged a slot for Miao Jing in the workers¡¯ dormitory.

    Even up until Miao Jing received the key to the workers¡¯ dormitory, she was still in disbelief about how everything had gone so smoothly.

    She had a job and a ce to live.

    Because her two biggest problems had been solved, the unhappiness that Qi Min had caused her was no longer important.

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but think about how Qi Min didn¡¯t want to see her.

    Once she moved to the workers¡¯ dormitory and Qi Min married Zhai Yaohui, they would never have to meet each other again. That would be great!

    Now that she was moving away for sure, there was no longer the need for Qi Min to hate her or create any more trouble for her, right?

    Upon returning to the Zhai family¡¯s house, Miao Jing hummed as she packed her clothes in a good mood.

    ¡°Miao Miao, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Grandma Zhai had heard from the auntie that Miao Jing was packing her things. She rushed up, and just as expected, that girl was indeed packing up her things. ¡°Miao Miao, where are you going? Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡±

    That she was heading back to the vige and intended to live with Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family again?

    Thinking about how Old Zhai had told her that Second Auntie Miao had tried to marry Miao Jing off to the family that could bring them the most benefits, Grandma Zhai tried her best to stop Miao Jing from acting impulsively. ¡°Miao Miao, that was just a misunderstanding. No, what I meant to say was that I believe you. I think that you¡¯re better than Min. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re both gooddies¡­ No, I like you much more and I trust you more too. So, Miao Miao, don¡¯t get upset¡­¡±

    Miao Jing stopped in her actions. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ve misunderstood the situation. I understand very well what kind of people my Second Uncle Miao¡¯s family is. I have no intention of going back after getting out with much difficulty.¡±

    ¡°Then?¡±

    Miao Jingughed. ¡°Didn¡¯t Uncle Zhai help me find a job? There¡¯s a workers¡¯ dormitory in the factory and we have assigned beds. Look, I even received my key. I¡¯ve decided to move to the factory so that it¡¯ll be more convenient to get to work and concentrate on my work. Auntie, don¡¯t overthink it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve taken care of me the most over the past year. Don¡¯t worry. When I have time, I¡¯ll definitelye back to visit you.¡±

    Since she no longer cared about Qi Min, Miao Jing naturally no longer took issue with how Grandma Zhai had not believed her at that time.

 Chapter 2528 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (29)

    <h4>Chapter 2528: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (29)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Thinking back to that incident now, Miao Jing thought that her actions had beenughable.

    Qi Min was their future daughter-inw. What was wrong with Auntie not believing her? Otherwise, why would they be a family?

    But that didn¡¯t matter. She had no intention of saying anything, much less of fighting with Qi Min.

    Grandma Zhai was only reluctant to let her go because Miao Jing had spent time with Grandma Zhai over the past year, relieving her loneliness.

    Although Old Zhai imed that he was retired, he was still very busy.

    Old Zhai had no time to apany Grandma Zhai, much less Zhai Yaohui.

    It was only because of Miao Jing that Grandma Zhai was no longer as bored. When they had nothing else to do, both of them would sit together, have a chat, watch television, or discuss some problems. That was how they managed to pass their time.

    That was why Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t want Miao Jing to leave.

    If Miao Miao moved away, she would be the only one left in this huge house.

    At the thought of a life like that, Grandma Zhai thought that it would be better for her to move out along with Miao Jing.

    ¡°But the workers¡¯ dormitory will be cramped with so many people in a room. It can¡¯t be as good as staying at home. Is your factory nearby? If it is, you should just stay at home. If it¡¯s far, I¡¯ll just ask your Uncle Zhai to get you a bicycle. If you don¡¯t know how to ride a bicycle, I¡¯ll get your Brother Zhai to teach you.¡±

    No matter what, Grandma Zhai wanted Miao Jing to stay, whether it was for her husband, for her son, or for her sake.

    Miao Jing refused. ¡°It¡¯s not that cramped. I¡¯ve taken a look at it. It¡¯s actually quite good. You don¡¯t have to worry about me, Auntie. Uncle Zhai knows the living conditions I lived in before moving to your house. Compared to that, the workers¡¯ dormitory is much better and much cleaner. The walls are white and clean, and there are bunks. I¡¯ve never even slept in bunks before.¡±

    At the mention of the workers¡¯ dormitory, Miao Jing¡¯s tone was filled with excitement and anticipation.

    Miao Jing was truly delighted to be moving into the dormitory and earning her own keep.

    It was exactly because of that that Grandma Zhai was upset.

    She knew just how determined Miao Jing was about moving into the workers¡¯ dormitory, and how Miao Jing would never change her mind no matter how much she tried to persuade her.

    After packing her things, Miao Jing smiled andforted Grandma Zhai. ¡°Auntie, thank you for taking care of me for the past year. Without your help, I¡¯d never have gotten to where I am today. In the future, I¡¯ll definitely repay all of you. I¡¯ll visit you and Uncle when I have a break.¡±

    It was just as well. Once she moved to the dormitory, she would be able to avoid Zhai Yaohui.

    It was true. If she were Zhai Yaohui¡¯s fianc¨¦e and knew that her fianc¨¦ was living with another youngdy of marriageable age, she would be upset and uneasy too.

    Understanding that, Miao Jing left in a rxed state and headed to the workers¡¯ dormitory with her belongings.

    Just as she was leaving, Miao Jing bumped into Qi Min.

    Seeing the beautiful city dweller, Qi Min, Miao Jing took a deep breath and put on a smile.

    That was right. That was the kind of girl who was suitable for Zhai Yaohui, unlike her. When she stood by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side, they didn¡¯t even look like they had ever lived together.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡± Qi Min naturally recognized Miao Jing. Seeing the bag in Miao Jing¡¯s hands, she wrapped her arms around her chest. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Qi Min had already guessed the situation and her lips were already curled up, and yet, she insisted on asking that question. Miao Jing was upset but replied righteously, ¡°I¡¯m moving out of the Zhai family¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Hadn¡¯t she insisted that she wouldn¡¯t move out? Why was she suddenly willing to do so? Was it just a show? ¡°Why are you suddenly willing to move?¡±

    ¡°The Zhai family¡¯s house isn¡¯t my house. It isn¡¯t strange for me to move out.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? It isn¡¯t your house, but you still lived there for more than a year. Why have you suddenly be so self-aware? Don¡¯t tell me you were chased out by the Zhai family?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± But that wasn¡¯t far from the truth. She had already been chased away by the Zhai family¡¯s future daughter-inw. If she really waited until Uncle Zhai or Auntie Zhai chased her away, then she would be too shameless.

    She had better take the initiative to move away before that happened.

    Qi Min gave it some thought. If the Zhai family truly wanted to chase this countryside girl away, they wouldn¡¯t have allowed her to stay there for a year. ¡°Are you leaving for a month or a year? Don¡¯te back after just a few days! That¡¯ll be truly annoying!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t,¡± Miao Jing replied sincerely. ¡°I¡¯ve found a job. I¡¯ve got a ce in the workers¡¯ dormitory in the factory and can make ends meet for myself. I feel quite bad for disturbing the Zhai family for such a long time. I won¡¯t disturb your family in the future.¡±

    Our family?

    Qi Min looked strangely at Miao Jing and tested her cautiously. ¡°It seems like it isn¡¯t just me. Have those in the Zhai family started to dislike you as well?¡±

    Miao Jing shook her head. She knew that Grandma Zhai and Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t dislike her. It was just that they trusted and liked Qi Min more. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m leaving. Don¡¯t worry. Apart froming back to visit Uncle and Auntie Zhai asionally, I¡¯ll only appear to give you a red packet when you get married to Zhai Yaohui.¡±

    Since Qi Min didn¡¯t want to see her, she wouldn¡¯t make things difficult for everyone.

    Her departure would be a win-win situation for everyone.

    Seeing that her most hated enemy was leaving just like that, Qi Min was overjoyed to the point that she couldn¡¯t regain her senses. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    Could it be that Zhai Yaohui had chased this countryside girl away for her?

    Yes, that waspletely possible!

    She had heard that this countryside girl¡¯s father had saved Uncle Zhai and was Uncle Zhai¡¯s benefactor.

    A year ago, Uncle Zhai had specially gone to the vige to pick Miao Jing up and had been supporting her ever since.

    That was why Uncle Zhai probably had the most feelings for Miao Jing in the entire Zhai family.

    When she had cornered Miao Jing, Uncle Zhai had retaliated by dealing her dad a huge blow.

    Initially, she had been rather worried that this incident would cause everyone in the Zhai family to have a bad opinion of her. But it turned out that Miao Jing had only gained the favor of Uncle Zhai alone. Auntie Zhai and Zhai Yaohui still liked her the most!

    She had already said that she had grown up with Zhai Yaohui and that Auntie Zhai treated her like a daughter. There was no way she would lose out to Miao Jing, who came from the countryside!

 Chapter 2529 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (30)

    <h4>Chapter 2529: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (30)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Humph! It was good that they had chased her away!

    If Miao Jing had been more self-aware, she would have left a long time ago. Then, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten in trouble at all.

    If Miao Jing had taken the initiative to leave, she would perhaps have been willing to treat Miao Jing like a normal rtive even after her marriage to Zhai Yaohui.

    But even though Miao Jing was finally self-aware now, her father had already borne the brunt and had already been forced to retire.

    It was all toote.

    Once Miao Jing stepped out of the Zhai family¡¯s gates today, she had better not think of ever entering ever again. She would never allow it as the family¡¯s mistress.

    Thinking about how Auntie Zhai and Zhai Yaohui had gotten justice for her by chasing Miao Jing away, Qi Min returned home to take a shower and doll herself up. After putting on a beautiful dress, she headed over to the Zhai family¡¯s house to make her presence known.

    Over the past year while Zhai Yaohui had been in the military, she hardly had any chance to meet Auntie Zhai, much less spend time with her.

    Now that that annoying person was finally gone, she had to improve her rtionship with Auntie Zhai.

    Miao Jing¡¯s appearance was enough to worry Qi Min. What if another Miao Jing appeared if she didn¡¯t take the initiative now?

    Compared to other men, Zhai Yaohui was not bad. Even her elder brother had alwaysplimented Zhai Yaohui¡¯s performance.

    If she were to miss out on Zhai Yaohui, it would be hard to find someone simr.

    Before heading over to the Zhai family¡¯s house, Qi Min notified Old Master Shi of the situation.

    When Old Master Shi heard about it, he agreed with Qi Min. ¡°You¡¯re right. You have to forge stronger ties with the Zhai family, and you¡¯d better stop all those messy rtionships on the side. If your brother finds someone like that, I¡¯ll be driven to my grave from anger. I¡¯d never allow a woman like that to marry into our family.¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    Qi Min felt aggrieved that her own dad had mocked her. ¡°I¡¯m just friends with them. There¡¯s nothing going on between us. Dad, why do you think so poorly of my friendships? Do I seem like that kind of person?¡±

    ¡°Hehe¡­¡± Old Master Shi sneered. ¡°If you really dared to do something like that, do you think I would have tolerated it until now? At least, you have some self-control.¡±

    If Qi Min really went overboard, the most embarrassed one would be Old Master Shi, her father, and not the Zhai family.

    Even so, Old Master Shi could not stand Qi Min being a social butterfly and surrounding herself with so many men.

    Old Master Shi would never allow such a woman into his family.

    Initially, Old Master Shi had thought that the Zhai family had brought a countryside bumpkin to keep Qi Min and the Shi family in check because of Qi Min¡¯s situation.

    Now that he knew that the Zhai family had chased Miao Jing away for his daughter¡¯s sake, Old Master Shi couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it had all been a misunderstanding.

    That was true. Everyone was different. He minded, but that didn¡¯t mean that the Zhai family would mind.

    Min was his own daughter, and if he as a father didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it, there was no reason for him to be worried about it, especially since the Zhai family didn¡¯t take it to heart either.

    That being said, the past was the past. There was no point in bringing it up.

    But if Qi Min really wanted to get married to Zhai Yaohui, she had better end those rtionships.

    Old Master Shi might not be able to guess the Zhai family¡¯s requirements of Qi Min before marriage, but he was sure he wouldn¡¯t be wrong about their expectations after marriage.

    Unless they were crazy, they would never allow their daughter-inw to spend all her time with male friends outside.

    ¡°Alright, I know that you don¡¯t like hearing these things either. Anyway, you¡¯d better remember not to let this situation happen again. If you do it again, the Zhai family might take issue with it now even if they didn¡¯t in the past. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t a fool.

    Even without her dad¡¯s reminder, she wouldn¡¯tmit the same mistake again.

    She had been upset and furious for quite a while after learning that Uncle Zhai had forced her dad out of his position.

    Now that the situation had finally taken a turn for the better, there was no way she was going to let such a good opportunity go to waste.

    She had already thought it through. She would either get married to someone as brilliant as Zhai Yaohui or remain single her whole life.

    She was good friends with Lan, and she had already agreed to let Lan be a bridesmaid at her wedding with Zhai Yaohui and to find Lan a good partner.

    She had already made a promise. If she couldn¡¯t even keep that promise, she had better not attend any of her friends¡¯ gatherings in the future.

    ¡°Alright, go on to the Zhai family¡¯s house. You know how much Old Zhai and Zhai Yaohui care about your Auntie Zhai. When you¡¯re there, don¡¯t try to exin yourself. Just do your best to coax your Auntie Zhai.¡±

    Auntie Zhai was the Zhai family¡¯s soft spot. Coaxing her was more effective thanpleting a hundred other tasks.

    ¡°Dad, I know.¡± She wasn¡¯t a three-year-old kid. There was no need for her dad to repeat his words over and over again.

    The father and daughter chatted for a long while before Qi Min finally left and headed to the Zhai family¡¯s house joyfully to knock on their door.

    Coincidentally, the one who had opened the door was Zhai Yaohui, who had just returned.

    Even though Qi Min knew that this was only a coincidence, this made Qi Min feel like Zhai Yaohui had been waiting for her and had specially been waiting to open the door for her.

    With that thought in mind, Qi Min blushed, realizing that she liked Zhai Yaohui even more now. ¡°Brother Zhai, why didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯re back?¡±

    Actually, what Qi Min wanted to ask was why Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t look for her or ask her out on a date now that he was back.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Auntie Zhai.¡±

    Hearing that Qi Min was here to see his mom, Zhai Yaohui could only take a step back and allow her in. ¡°Mom, Qi Min is here to see you.¡±

    ¡°Brother Zhai, it hasn¡¯t been long since we met. Why are you addressing me by my full name? You can just call me Min.¡± There was no need to be that polite.

    Zhai Yaohui gave no response but simply yelled for his mom. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Have a seat and have some tea. I¡¯ll go get my mom.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I go with you? Auntie isn¡¯t in the best of health. Could she be feeling unwell? If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯d better send her to the hospital.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t going to wait there alone foolishly.

 Chapter 2530 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (31)

    <h4>Chapter 2530: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (31)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Anyway, this was her inws-to-be¡¯s home, basically her home in the future. Where could she not go?

    ¡°No, just sit there for a while.¡±

    With that, Zhai Yaohui left Qi Min behind and ran off to find his mom.

    As Zhai Yaohui entered his parents¡¯ room, he saw his mom lying on the bed and facing the window. This gave Zhai Yaohui a huge scare. ¡°Mom, why are you lying in bed at this time? Are you feeling unwell? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I¡¯ll send you to the hospital.¡±

    Qi Min had been right. His mom was lying in bed in difort.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to the hospital.¡± Grandma Zhai pushed her son¡¯s hand aside. ¡°I¡¯m not in physical pain. I feel uneasy in my heart. I need some medication for my heart. But even the doctors in the hospital won¡¯t be able to cure me of this. Don¡¯t bother me. I want some time alone.¡±

    She was still feeling upset and depressed, but someone hade to stir up even more trouble for her.

    ¡°Heart problems? What problems? Mom, since when did you have heart problems?¡± Zhai Yaohui thought for a long while but couldn¡¯t think of anything that could have caused his mother any heartache, so much so that she was lying in bed in broad daylight. This was unprecedented.

    Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t want to reply to Zhai Yaohui. The thought of Zhai Yaohui made her even more frustrated.

    What could Zhai Yaohui do other than try to coax his mom? ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you upset?¡±

    Grandma Zhai sat up and looked furiously at Zhai Yaohui. ¡°Miao Miao moved away! Ever since Miao Miao moved out, I¡¯ve been so lonely. Who will chat with me, cook with me, and apany me in the future? You and your father are always so busy. I¡¯m so frustrated staying at home. I want Miao Miao back!¡±

    As she said that, Grandma Zhai¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.

    Over the past year, Grandma Zhai had truly epted Miao Jingpletely and gotten close to her.

    When Miao Jing had still been around, Grandma Zhai had not felt such a deep bond with Miao Jing and had not thought that she needed Miao Jing that much. But it turned out that Miao Jing had been such an essential part of her life over the past year, and she had forged so many precious memories with her.

    That was why Grandma Zhai was even more regretful that she only understood that now.

    ¡°Miao Miao left? When did she leave? Where did she go? Didn¡¯t you say that Miao Miao¡¯s course is over?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t think much about it, thinking that Miao Jing had only left for a few hours. Wouldn¡¯t shee back at night? Why was his mother acting in this way?

    But thinking about it again, would his mother be so upset if that was the case?

    His mother wasn¡¯t one to make a mountain out of a molehill. ¡°Where¡¯s Miao Jing? Don¡¯t tell me she returned to her second uncle¡¯s house in the countryside?¡±

    Hadn¡¯t his dad said that Miao Miao¡¯s uncle and auntie weren¡¯t good people and even treated Miao Miao badly?

    Miao Miao had finally widened her knowledge and had the ability to settle down in the city. Wouldn¡¯t it be a waste of all her efforts and hard work if she were to move back now?

    Seeing her son¡¯s reaction, Grandma Zhai finally said, ¡°Miao Miao found a job and said that she¡¯s moving into the workers¡¯ dormitory. She won¡¯t being back other thaning to visit me from time to time.¡±

    Grandma Zhai dared not hope that Miao Jing would visit too often.

    She had already left and was no longer living with them. How could she expect Miao Jing to visit her often?

    She might not even return once a month, much less every day to spend time with her.

    Anyway, that was just about as frequent as her husband returning home. As for her son, he returned about once a year.

    ¡°Why did she suddenly move to the workers¡¯ dormitory when she can stay at home?¡±

    Grandma Zhai was infuriated. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that there¡¯s nowhere that canpare to one¡¯s home no matter how dpidated it is? Miao Miao didn¡¯t think of our home as her home. That¡¯s why she left. Miao Miao will probably find a partner for herself very soon if the people at the factory learn that she¡¯s still single.¡±

    The more she said, the angrier Grandma Zhai got. ¡°Do you believe me when I say that I¡¯ll receive Miao Miao¡¯s wedding invitation before you find yourself a partner? Do you think I should attend her wedding when that timees?¡±

    The daughter-inw she had wanted for her family would marry into another family. How could she ever be happy over that?

    In short, it was all her son¡¯s fault. Her son hadn¡¯t been able to keep such a good youngdy like Miao Miao by his side. How useless!

    Hearing that Miao Jing was going to find someone to get married to, Zhai Yaohui felt a little uneasy. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get too worried. It¡¯s not so easy to get married. Don¡¯t you think that Miao Miao will be afraid of marrying the wrong person? If-if that day everes, we¡¯re still Miao Miao¡¯s family. We¡¯ll have to look out for Miao Miao. If that man is a good man and can give Miao Miao a good andfortable life, we should support her. If that guy is a bad one, then we have to save Miao Miao from jumping into the fire. It¡¯ll be a long time before she gets married. We don¡¯t have to be so worried.¡±

    Grandma Zhai sneered. ¡°Are you prepared to give Miao Miao a dowry as her elder brother when she gets married?¡±

    ¡°I could do that¡­¡±

    Hahaha.

    Grandma Zhai sneered inwardly. She had given birth to her son and knew exactly what his tone meant.

    Although he had said it easily, his tone didn¡¯t match his words.

    It would be a joyful asion if his younger sister got married. Even if Yaohui couldn¡¯t force a smile out, he should look less murderous at the very least.

    Who was he trying to cheat?

    Did he think that his mother was a fool?

    As the mother and son continued with their chat, Qi Min, who had been waiting downstairs, got bored.

    She had waited for a long time, but neither of them hade downstairs yet.

    As the minutes ticked by, Qi Min didn¡¯t even hear any sound of anyoneing downstairs, much less a figure.

    Qi Min was extremely familiar with the Zhai family¡¯s house and wanted to head upstairs.

    The Zhai family¡¯s auntie was stuck in a dilemma. She had always thought that Qi Min was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s marriage partner, but Miao Jing had shown up a year ago.

    Seeing how Grandma Zhai had gradually taken a liking to Miao Jing over the past year, the auntie was almost sure that Miao Jing would be her future mistress.

    But just then, Miao Jing had moved away and Qi Min hade to visit the Zhai family all dressed up.

    So, was she supposed to stop Qi Min from going upstairs or not?

    In her moment of hesitation, Qi Min decisively walked up the stairs, her heels clicking against the hard floor.

 Chapter 2531 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (32)

    <h4>Chapter 2531: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (32)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    Qi Min headed straight for Grandma Zhai¡¯s room. ¡°Auntie, Brother Zhai told me that you¡¯re not feeling well. Where do you feel the difort? If you really feel unwell, I¡¯ll send you to the hospital with Brother Zhai. There are some things that shouldn¡¯t be dyed.¡±

    Qi Min interrupted the mother and son¡¯s conversation. Grandma Zhai was stunned. ¡°Why is Min in our house?¡±

    Qi Min smiled. ¡°Auntie, did Brother Zhai not tell you that I was here?¡±

    No wonder she had waited for such a long time downstairs. It turned out that Auntie Zhai didn¡¯t even know about her presence.

    Auntie Zhai liked her so much. She would immediately have gone down the moment she learned that she was here. There was no way she would have kept her waiting alone.

    ¡°Auntie, what¡¯s wrong? Do you want me to massage you?¡±

    Since they had been chatting for such a long time, Auntie Zhai¡¯s condition was probably not so bad to necessitate a visit to the hospital, right?

    It was just as well. She would use the chance to be filial to Auntie Zhai and curry favor with her.

    Seeing Qi Min¡¯s ttering smile, Grandma Zhai shivered subconsciously and moved aside. ¡°No, I feel alright now. You don¡¯t have to massage me.¡±

    Qi Min felt that it was a pity that she hadn¡¯t been able to show off. ¡°Auntie, shall I stay here and spend some time with you and Brother Zhai?¡±

    Grandma Zhai shook her head. Although she was around, it was better for Qi Min and her son not to remain in the same room.

    It would be embarrassing for her son if word were to get around.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright now. I can get off my bed. We¡¯d better go downstairs. It¡¯s more convenient to talk downstairs.¡±

    Qi Min had wanted to support Grandma Zhai, but she lifted her hand for Zhai Yaohui to support her instead, causing Qi Min¡¯s hands to remain in the air awkwardly.

    But Qi Min refused to give up. After Grandma Zhai got off the bed, she walked over to Grandma Zhai¡¯s side, wanting to help Grandma Zhai down with Zhai Yaohui.

    From that, it really did seem like Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min were a couple. That made Grandma Zhai feel even more upset.

    Although she was unwilling, she was already used to keeping the peace and had no way of rejecting Qi Min.

    With that, Grandma Zhai slowly made her way downstairs with Qi Min¡¯s help.

    When she arrived downstairs, Grandma Zhai quickly retracted her hand. After seeing Qi Min sit down, she quickly sat down on another sofa. ¡°I want to sit here.¡±

    Qi Min frowned slightly, feeling that there was something strange about Grandma Zhai today. ¡°Auntie Zhai, I¡¯ll sit with you.¡±

    Grandma Zhai reached out her hand to reject her. ¡°No need. This sofa is meant for one person.¡±

    In the past, Qi Min would definitely have taken the chance to sit with Zhai Yaohui on the two-seater sofa.

    She would have felt that Grandma Zhai was the most open-minded mother-inw, who was helping her get closer to Zhai Yaohui.

    But not today. Before leaving the house, Old Master Shi had reminded Qi Min again and again that Zhai Yaohui was no longer the most important person, but Grandma Zhai.

    Winning Grandma Zhai¡¯s heart would mean winning the entire family¡¯s heart.

    For Qi Min, Grandma Zhai was the easiest person to break through.

    But they had not kept in contact over the past year, and Qi Min did feel quite guilty in front of Grandma Zhai.

    As such, Qi Min looked shyly at Zhai Yaohui, seemingly trying tofort him before running to Grandma Zhai¡¯s side like a good daughter-inw. ¡°That¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll sit beside you. It¡¯s enough for me. Auntie, I¡¯ve been quite busy and haven¡¯t been able to visit youtely. I missed you. I want to sit with you and not with anyone else now.¡±

    The ¡®anyone else¡¯ was obviously Zhai Yaohui.

    Grandma Zhai was already trying her best to avoid Qi Min, yet Qi Min insisted on sitting with her. Grandma Zhai was on the brink of tears yet again.

    Previously, it had been tears of sadness. Now, they were tears of grievance.

    The one whom she liked hadn¡¯t stayed, while the one whom she disliked insisted on staying by her side and making a din.

    It was all her son¡¯s fault. If her son wasn¡¯t so useless and had won Miao Miao¡¯s heart, Miao Miao wouldn¡¯t have left!

    It was all because they hadn¡¯t shown their appreciation to the one they should have but liked the one they shouldn¡¯t have that had led to this situation.

    Grandma Zhai took a deep breath. ¡°Min, you¡¯re here for Yaohui, right? If the two of you need to chat, there¡¯s no need for me to be involved. The weather looks good today. I¡¯m going out to have a walk.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered about her son.

    Her son could like whomever he wanted and marry whomever he liked. Couldn¡¯t she have some space and time for herself?

    Grandma Zhai stood up and intended on leaving, but Qi Min was determined to cling to her today instead of having some time with her son. ¡°Yes, the weather looks good. Auntie, I¡¯ll follow you. Let¡¯s leave Brother Zhai alone. I¡¯ll follow you. He was the one who didn¡¯t contact me for a whole year while he was in the military.¡±

    Qi Min seemed to be throwing a tantrum at Zhai Yaohui as though they were a very close couple. Grandma Zhai nearly had a heart attack upon hearing that.

    Why did she not know about her son getting so close to Qi Min?

    This was bad.

    She wanted to get rid of Qi Min and let Zhai Yaohui handle her.

    But Qi Min was no different from superglue that Grandma Zhai couldn¡¯t get rid of today.

    Grandma Zhai had always been weak, and her emotions affected her health. Seeing that Grandma Zhai¡¯s heart ache was very well going to turn into a true ailment, Zhai Yaohui quickly stepped up. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t go into the sun. Why don¡¯t you take a nap? Qi Min, I¡¯m sorry to have to make you wait. I¡¯ll help my mom up. You can have some tea and wait here.¡±

    People with some self-awareness ought to leave when they saw that the host was not feeling well.

    But Qi Min didn¡¯t see herself as an outsider, and of course, she didn¡¯t have such self-awareness. ¡°If Auntie is feeling unwell, you should find a doctor. If you don¡¯t want to go to the hospital, we can call a doctor over. Auntie, I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui decisively refused. ¡°No need. You¡¯re a guest. It isn¡¯t right for you to help out. I think it¡¯s right that I should get a doctor over. Qi Min, I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have time to entertain you today. If you want to visit my mom, you cane over another day when my mom is feeling better.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to entertain me. I can help out.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t need help from our guests. Qi Min, please leave.¡±

    Since Qi Min didn¡¯t understand his words earlier, Zhai Yaohui could only be more explicit and straightforward.

 Chapter 2532 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (33)

    <h4>Chapter 2532: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (33)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°If you want to take care of my mom, leaving would be the greatest help you can give.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Both Qi Min and Grandma Zhai were a little stunned. Grandma Zhai had never thought that Zhai Yaohui would be capable of saying such blunt words, and neither had Qi Min expected that Zhai Yaohui had stopped her from taking care of Grandma Zhai not because he was afraid that she would get tired from taking care of her, but because he treated her as an outsider and was trying to chase her out!

    Qi Min¡¯s face paled. ¡°Brother Zhai, what did you say? I-I didn¡¯t get that. Did I misunderstand you?¡±

    That was impossible.

    If Zhai Yaohui treated her in this way, how could he have chased that countryside girl away even when knowing that Chief Zhai liked that girl?

    Hadn¡¯t Zhai Yaohui done that for her sake?

    Besides, she couldn¡¯t have overthought it, right?

    Otherwise, why had that countryside girl lived here for such a long time but had suddenly moved out once Zhai Yaohui returned? That didn¡¯t make any sense.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure whether there has been a misunderstanding. What I know is that there must have been one in the past. Qi Min, please leave. Although we¡¯re not together alone in a room, it¡¯s hard for people not to misunderstand us. It wouldn¡¯t be good if this leads to a fight between you and your boyfriend. We grew up together and I¡¯m your elder brother. If anyone bullies you, you can find me. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    ¡°Elder brother? Boyfriend?¡± At the mention of these two words, Qi Min felt dizzy as though the whole world was spinning around her. She nearly lost her bnce. ¡°Brother Zhai, what do you mean? Since-since when have I ever had a boyfriend?¡±

    Qi Min quickly exined herself. ¡°It¡¯s true that I have some male friends, but my boyfriend¡­¡± Is you!

    Qi Min was intelligent and understood that the Zhai family¡¯s position might have been threatened over the past ten years, but they had never toppled.

    As such, Qi Min had never severed her ties with Zhai Yaohui so that she would still have a backup n.

    Even though she had always had men around her, Qi Min had always maintained a distance from them and had never allowed herself to go all the way with them.

    In fact, they were all good friends. None of the men had ever been able to call themselves Qi Min¡¯s boyfriend.

    That was why Qi Min had managed to answer Zhai Yaohui in a breeze.

    It was just that such a rapid answer sometimes revealed one¡¯s guilt even more.

    This was the seventies. Unless men and women were prepared to get married, it was rare for men and women to go out together, much less hold hands. When one man and woman¡¯s hands identally touched, they would inevitably blush.

    Often, men didn¡¯t even dare to look openly at women even when they fell for them. Instead, they had to visit their houses.

    Although they spoke of gender equality, it wasn¡¯t good for male and femalerades to get too close. It was especially easy for females to get misunderstood as immoral.

    Thankfully, the Shi family¡¯s background was good, and Zhai Yaohui was outstanding.

    Otherwise, rumors would have been all around.

    Since such a brilliant man like Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t even mind his fianc¨¦e, Qi Min, having so many male friends, it was best that bystanders notment too much about it.

    After all, it was better to destroy ten temples than destroy a marriage.

    Perhaps, it was because of the environment that Qi Minforted herself and thought of it as reality. She had never done anything that wronged Zhai Yaohui.

    She and her male friends only had normal conversations, just like any friends would. There was only one man she was intimate with, and that was her fianc¨¦, Zhai Yaohui.

    Qi Min thought that she had seen through the situation perfectly, but Zhai Yaohui¡¯s reminder was a rude shock to Qi Min that everything had been a misunderstanding.

    The past? What had happened?

    Of course, it had to be their rtionship as an engaged couple.

    Since Zhai Yaohui had already made himself so clear, Qi Min had no way of lying to herself or others anymore. ¡°Brother Zhai, we grew up together. You can be direct with me. I¡¯ll go crazy trying to guess. Why don¡¯t you just tell me what you mean?¡±

    ¡°I know that you and the Shi family have been telling others that you¡¯re my fianc¨¦e. You should know very well that our families have never settled this officially, and neither have we ever held any engagement ceremonies or parties. You¡¯re just a younger sister to me.¡±

    He had no romantic feelings for Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui had not felt it in the past, but now, it felt unbearable to be with Qi Min.

    Zhai Yaohui was never one to force himself to do something against his wishes. He would even use silence to deal with things he didn¡¯t like.

    But Zhai Yaohui had already thought it through. He had to clear the air between him and Qi Min.

    ¡°Younger-younger sister?¡± Even though Qi Min had already seen thating, those words made Qi Min feel incredulous.

    Younger sister?

    Who was he trying to cheat?

    Who would have no reaction and remain silent when others said that his younger sister was his fianc¨¦e?

    Was Zhai Yaohui trying to lie to her, to others, or to himself?

    Qi Min had to pinch herself to stop herself from exploding.

    She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around the situation. She had listened to her dad and tried to improve her rtionship with Auntie Zhai. That way, she would receive Auntie Zhai¡¯s affirmation and Auntie Zhai would urge Zhai Yaohui to marry her as quickly as possible so that she would officially be the Zhai family¡¯s daughter-inw.

    She hadn¡¯t even started working on Auntie Zhai, and Zhai Yaohui had stopped her before she could even do anything!

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude had changed so quickly and he had be so firm with no room for negotiation that they were simply siblings and not an engaged couple all because of that vixen from the countryside.

    When Miao Jing left, Qi Min had happily thought that she had won.

    Qi Min had coincidentally bumped into Miao Jing while leaving, and Miao Jing had even said some congrattory words to her. At that time, Qi Min thought that she had stepped all over Miao Jing!

    But now that she looked back at it, Qi Min felt that she had been challenged.

 Chapter 2533 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (34)

    <h4>Chapter 2533: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (34)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    At that time, that vixen from the countryside had not been begging for mercy. Instead, she had been mocking her!

    Qi Min really wanted to ask Zhai Yaohui what he saw in Miao Jing. In what way was Miao Jing better than her that Zhai Yaohui would give her up for Miao Jing¡¯s sake?

    Because of a third party like Miao Jing who came from the countryside, Zhai Yaohui was going to give up on their feelings which they had developed since they were young?

    There were too many things that Qi Min wanted to ask and do.

    But she was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t be able to control her emotions once she started speaking and would explode.

    Only failures weren¡¯t able to control themselves.

    Even if Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t want to be with her, she had to have self-control and not embarrass herself in this situation.

    To do so, Qi Min nearly pierced through her palm with her fingernail.

    Her eyes brimmed with tears. ¡°Brother Zhai, you should know that I¡¯ve never treated you like a biological brother. I¡¯ve always¡­ Brother Zhai, how could you not know how I felt all these years? Brother Zhai, we were fine in the past. Can you tell me why you suddenly think of me as a sister instead of your partner or fianc¨¦e?¡±

    Zhai Yaohui felt a little guilty because of Qi Min¡¯s question.

    Why?

    Zhai Yaohui realized that he had always been rather vague toward Qi Min. His actions made it unclear whether he regarded Qi Min as a sister or a partner.

    It was only after Miao Jing¡¯s appearance that Zhai Yaohui started feeling differently.

    Especially when he returned home after a year and saw Miao Jing, Zhai Yaohui felt that he was no longer able to see Qi Min as a partner.

    Zhai Yaohui was pretty clear about this in his heart.

    He felt that it was this change in attitude that had led to the change in feelings for Qi Min.

    In that way, Qi Min was innocent. He was the one at fault.

    He wasn¡¯t afraid of admitting to his mistake so that he could correct it.

    ¡°Min, I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t rify how I truly felt in the past. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve been hurt. But I really treat you as my biological younger sister. If you have any trouble in the future, you can alwayse to look for me.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui knew that Qi Min had close male friends, but she was right. She had male friends, not boyfriends.

    Qi Min hadn¡¯t given up on her childhood sweetheart for another man. It was Zhai Yaohui who had brought up the matter of backing out.

    As a responsible man, Zhai Yaohui indeed felt that he owed Qi Min in this case.

    It wasn¡¯t overboard to return whatever he owed. He would naturally make it up to Qi Min.

    Qi Min¡¯s face paled as her hands started trembling. ¡°Brother Zhai, is it really impossible between us? Will it be possible if I try harder? Or if we give ourselves more time?¡±

    Why? What rights did Zhai Yaohui have to kick her aside and say that he only regarded her as a sister now that he had made a name for himself?

    How could Zhai Yaohui be so blind to choose a vixen from the countryside over her when she was so outstanding?

    This was unfair! Too unfair!

    Qi Min hated Zhai Yaohui for being so brutal, as well as Old Zhai and Grandma Zhai for being so heartless.

    Even when faced with the years of rtionships they had built up and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s foolish decision, neither Old Zhai nor Grandma Zhai had tried to stop Zhai Yaohui. The elderly couple had even respected Zhai Yaohui¡¯s foolish wishes!

    Qi Min hated the Zhai family to her guts.

    She wanted to see just how well the Zhai family would do in the future since they would rather have an ignorant countryside bumpkin as their daughter-inw and give up such a good daughter-inw like her!

    There woulde a day the Zhai family would regret choosing Miao Jing over her!

    She would definitely wait for such a day toe. She would use facts to prove to the Zhai family that only women like her had the right to be the mistress of a family like the Zhai family.

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible.¡± Zhai Yaohui had already thought it through. It was impossible between him and Qi Min. Of course, he couldn¡¯t give Qi Min any room for imagination.

    If he was softhearted at this point, then he would really be harming Qi Min because she would be unable to regain her senses for a long time. ¡°Min, you¡¯re a good girl. You¡¯ll definitely find someone who¡¯ll truly love you and cherish you.¡±

    ¡°But that person isn¡¯t you, right?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Hehe¡­¡± Qi Minughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°I like you but you don¡¯t like me. Is that person who¡¯ll love and cherish me important? No, of course not. Brother Zhai, I really don¡¯t understand why you would have a change of heart so quickly. Are men more heartless than women? You managed to pull yourself out, but I can¡¯t. Brother Zhai, it¡¯s best that we don¡¯t meet. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll get even more upset.¡±

    With that, Qi Min cupped her crying face and ran out of the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Yaohui took a long, deep breath. No matter what, this matter with Qi Min was finally over. ¡°Mom, now that Qi Min is gone, do you want me to send you to the hospital, or do you want me to call a doctor over? Forget it. I think I¡¯d better call a doctor over.¡±

    Grandma Zhai pushed Zhai Yaohui aside. ¡°There¡¯s no need to call a doctor or send me to the hospital. I feel much better now. Of course, if you¡¯re able to get Miao Miao back, I won¡¯t feel any difort at all. I¡¯ll probably be even more energetic and alive!¡±

    ¡°Mom, were you faking it earlier?¡±

    While Qi Min was around, his mom had been so unwell that she needed a doctor. But the moment Qi Min left, his mom¡¯s expression looked much better. Was Qi Min poison?

    ¡°Of course it was real. Why would I fake an illness at my age? Be careful about what you say!¡± Grandma Zhai rolled her eyes at Zhai Yaohui. But it was good as long as her son didn¡¯t have feelings for Min.

    How had she not realized earlier that Min didn¡¯t fit in with their family? It would only cause everyone pain if they had to live together.

 Chapter 2534 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (35)

    <h4>Chapter 2534: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (35)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    What had she been thinking? What had she even seen in Qi Min to think that she should be part of the Zhai family?

    Thinking about her past self, Grandma Zhai could only say that she must have been in an unclear state of mind.

    ¡°Mom, stop it.¡± His mom¡¯s face had been so pale earlier. How could she have gotten better just because Qi Min had left?

    ¡°I¡¯ll get the doctor over.¡±

    ¡°Do what you like. I¡¯m really feeling fine now.¡± Grandma Zhai couldn¡¯t care less. ¡°If you really want me to be healthy and live happily, get Miao Miao back. If you marry Miao Miao and give me a grandson, I can die in peace even if I die right away.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression changed. He hated his mom¡¯s analogy.

    Both he and Old Zhai hated it when Grandma Zhai said these words.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t say that word. Now, why don¡¯t you tell me when you¡¯ll bring Miao Miao back and get married? You already learned about Miao Miao¡¯s family a year ago. We really owe Miao Miao too much. Besides, I don¡¯t think that it¡¯s repaying kindness by marrying Miao Miao. You¡¯re my son. Do you think your dad and I don¡¯t understand you?¡±

    ¡°Your dad was the only one who thought that way in the past, but now, I agree with him. Yaohui, Miao Miao is really a good girl and she¡¯s suitable for you. If you¡¯re clear about how you feel, you¡¯d better grab this opportunity and not miss out on Miao Miao. If you don¡¯t cherish a good youngdy like Miao Miao, someone else who cherishes her will marry her. It¡¯ll be toote to regret it then.¡±

    Opportunities waited for no man.

    Old Zhai had wanted to visit the Miao family earlier to repay Father Miao for saving his life.

    But because of the ten years of turmoil, he was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to repay the Miao family by visiting them and might even bring trouble to the Miao family for the third time.

    Who would have known that there was no need for the Zhai family to be afraid of anyone after the situation stabilized? Miao Jing was the only one left of the Miao family anyway.

    This had always been a huge regret in Old Zhai¡¯s heart. As Old Zhai¡¯s wife, Grandma Zhai¡¯s heart ached for her husband too.

    That was why Old Zhai¡¯s and Grandma Zhai¡¯s attitudes toward Miao Jing were different. She was the only one left in the family, after all.

    In the past, Grandma Zhai might have thought that this was simply her and her husband¡¯s thoughts. But today¡¯s incidents proved that Zhai Yaohui had such thoughts too.

    ¡°Mom, what are you talking about? Didn¡¯t I say I¡¯ll call for the doctor?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. I didn¡¯t stop you from calling the doctor. Yaohui, Miao Miao is pretty and capable of doing household chores. Now, she even has a job and earns money for herself. Don¡¯t you think that the workers in the factory will soon introduce men to Miao Miao? What if Miao Miao brings her partner over to our house? Should your dad and I help out?¡±

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯ll be good if Miao Miao can find someone who will be sincere toward her and treat her well. Miao Miao¡¯s so pitiful. She lost her family at birth. I¡¯m sure she yearns for a family of her own. I¡¯m not afraid of anything, but I¡¯m afraid that Miao Miao might not see through her husband. But thankfully, she still has us. Even if she can¡¯t judge a person well, your dad and I will be here to help her.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Even if we¡¯re gone in the future, Miao Miao still has you as her brother. Yaohui, promise me that you¡¯ll take good care of Miao Miao and not let others bully her. If Miao Miao gets bullied, your dad and I won¡¯t let you go. You¡¯ll have to take responsibility for it!¡±

    Hearing Grandma Zhai¡¯s words, Zhai Yaohui wondered whether he was indeed their biological son, or whether Miao Jing was their true biological child.

    ¡°Mom, stop making such wild guesses. With our family around, no one will bully Miao Miao. Besides, Miao Miao is still young and has just started working. There¡¯s no hurry for her to get a partner. If you really want to get a grandchild, wait another year or so.¡±

    Grandma Zhai disagreed. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t need to wait for a year. You know so many people in the military. There should be good ones, right? I heard your dad say that the Shi family might not be very good, but Qi Min has a brother named Shi Peng. Yes, that chap is pretty good, isn¡¯t he? Do you two have any interactions in the military? Do you think he¡¯s suitable for Miao Miao? If we want to protect Miao Miao, we¡¯d better introduce a good man to her before others do.¡±

    He was just reluctant to admit it.

    She didn¡¯t believe that she wouldn¡¯t be able to force her son to tell her the truth.

    If Yaohui was willing to introduce a partner to Miao Miao, she wouldn¡¯t be Yaohui¡¯s mother from now on.

    Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui knew nothing about that. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t know whether to cry orugh.

    She was his mother and he was her son. Was his mom crazy?

    ¡°Shi Peng is a good man, but he isn¡¯t suitable for Miao Miao.¡±

    ¡°Not suitable?¡± See, what did she say? ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that he¡¯s a good man? Since he¡¯s good, why isn¡¯t he suitable?¡±

    ¡°His personality isn¡¯t right.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with his personality?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­ He¡¯s just unsuitable. There¡¯s no need for so many questions. It¡¯s just a feeling that I can¡¯t put into words. Of course, if you really want to know, I¡¯ll try my best to tell you why.¡±

    Thankfully, Zhai Yaohui had a quick reaction and indeed thought of several reasons why that man was unsuitable.

    Because he hadn¡¯t been able to pinpoint any specific reasons, even Zhai Yaohui himself felt a little guilty and wondered if he had any other ideas toward Miao Jing.

    ¡°Look, our family knows all about Miao Miao¡¯s situation. My dad and you are open-minded and don¡¯t mind that Miao Miao is alone. But what about the Shi family? Will the Shi family be as understanding as us and not mind her poor family background?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Zhai Yaohui looked down on Miao Jing and thought that she had poor conditions. It was the truth, and he was merely speaking for the majority.

    Any family with slightly better conditions would never pick a youngdy like Miao Jing who had no familial rtions.

    It was true that Miao Jing was pretty, but there was nock of pretty youngdies with good family backgrounds in this world.

    No matter what, Miao Jing would never stand a chance.

    Unless Miao Jing found someone with simr conditions who wouldn¡¯t pick on such problems.

    But the Shi family had good conditions, and Shi Peng was doing well for himself.. That meant the Shi family would definitely be very picky when it came to selecting Shi Peng¡¯s wife.

 Chapter 2535 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (36)

    <h4>Chapter 2535: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (36)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    The Shi family wouldn¡¯t fancy ordinary women. There was no chance at all that they would fancy someone like Miao Jing.

    ¡°Miao Miao doesn¡¯t have a strong character. However, Uncle Shi has the final say in the family. Let¡¯s not mention that Shi Peng has no feelings for Miao Miao now. If he really fancies and likes Miao Miao, but Uncle Shi has any opinions about her and despises her, Miao Miao would have no way to retaliate and Shi Peng can¡¯t protect Miao Miao. If Shi Peng were to protect her, the Shi family would definitely kick up a fuss, and Miao Miao wouldn¡¯t be left with a good reputation.¡±

    If Miao Jing were to get together with Shi Peng, Zhai Yaohui couldn¡¯t say a single reason why that would be good.

    On the contrary, if Grandma Zhai were to ask him why the two of them were inappropriate together, Zhai Yaohui felt that as long as he was given another three minutes of thinking time, he coulde up with a lot of reasons.

    ¡°Based on your words, Miao Miao can only find someone from her own factory? Alright, if Miao Miao finds someone of a simr background, our family can always protect her.¡±

    All the young men in the army, including Shi Peng, were under Zhai Yaohui¡¯s control. However, the male colleagues in Miao Miao¡¯s factory weren¡¯t.

    When Miao Miao really had a target in mind, she wanted to see if Yaohui would still be as stubborn as now.

    The mother-son pair was chatting happily andpletely forgot about Qi Min.

    Qi Min cried and left. At first, she was just pretending for the Zhai family to see.

    Qi Min came knocking on the door today. Based on Grandma Zhai¡¯s and Zhai Yaohui¡¯s sudden change of attitude, how would Qi Min really give up so easily? Don¡¯t even think about it.

    No matter what, she had to continue to put up a stiff resistance, right?

    As such, Qi Min didn¡¯t run too far away.

    As long as Grandma Zhai let Zhai Yaohui chase after her, he could reach Qi Min in a few steps.

    Qi Min¡¯s speed gave Zhai Yaohui some leeway to chase after her. Who knew that the conversation between Grandma Zhai and Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t even mean to leave her any face?

    Before she ran far, she heard Auntie Zhai told Zhai Yaohui that as long as she left, her heart felt morefortable and she no longer needed the doctor.

    Did Auntie Zhai feel ufortable because of her appearance?

    What a joke!

    When she heard how Grandma Zhai addressed Miao Jing as Miao Miao so intimately to Zhai Yaohui, Qi Min nearly vomited blood.

    What else could Qi Min not understand now? The entire Zhai family had changed, including Zhai Yaohui and Grandma Zhai.

    These people liked Miao Jing, who was from the countryside. They treated her as their treasure.

    Everything she once owned in the Zhai family now belonged to Miao Jing.

    Upon thinking that Grandma Zhai was really concerned about Miao Jing and was afraid that she would be bullied, Qi Min¡¯s eyes became bloodshot as she left with heavy footsteps.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you so angry? Who offended you?¡±

    What was rare was that Zhai Yaohui was home and Qi Min¡¯s brother, Shi Peng, was also at home.

    Upon thinking that Zhai Yaohui had returned a day earlier than him, Shi Peng asked, ¡°A conflict with Zhai Yaohui?¡±

    Speaking of Zhai Yaohui, Shi Peng really wanted to persuade his sister.

    They were family. As such, no matter how Qi Min used to y, although Shi Peng disagreed, he didn¡¯t say much. He was afraid that if he interfered too much, Qi Min would be more rebellious.

    His sister wasn¡¯t young anymore. She should grow up and be more sensible. She shouldn¡¯t do things that she shouldn¡¯t do. Wasn¡¯t it good to lead a good and honest life?

    It wasn¡¯t easy to find an outstanding man like Zhai Yaohui. It was his sister¡¯s blessing to have met Zhai Yaohui.

    However, no amount of blessing could withstand one squandering. If his sister yed too much, she might really lose Zhai Yaohui.

    Who knew that before Shi Peng could say his words of persuasion, Qi Min exploded first? ¡°Don¡¯t mention Zhai Yaohui to me again. I disallow you to say his name. Zhai Yaohui? Who is he? He actually dared to abandon me? A few years ago, I had boyfriends other than him! He didn¡¯t dump me. I didn¡¯t want him first! Brother, aren¡¯t you aiming for a promotion recently? Brother, you must win. You must be more outstanding than him and suppress him!¡±

    As long as her brother was better than Zhai Yaohui, Zhai Yaohui wouldn¡¯t be seen as outstanding.

    Shi Peng was stunned. ¡°Min, what¡¯s wrong? What happened between you and Zhai Yaohui?¡±

    It seemed that it wasn¡¯t a simple matter like throwing tantrums.

    Qi Min cried. ¡°The Zhai family hid a vixen from the countryside. They want her and no longer want me. Brother, Zhai Yaohui said it had nothing to do with me. He doesn¡¯t want me anymore. He only treats me as a sister. Brother, I¡¯m so sad. You have to help me take revenge.¡±

    ¡°Take revenge?¡± What kind of revenge?

    Indeed, Shi Peng knew that there was another person in the Zhai family. However, he never felt that this person would be an obstacle between Zhai Yaohui and his sister.

    Who would have known that¡­

    ¡°That woman snatched everything away from me. Zhai Yaohui¡¯s ungrateful. After having that vixen, he forgot about our engagement. That vixen is a third party. Zhai Yaohui abandoned me. He betrayed me. You can¡¯t watch me being bullied and not care about me. You have to help me get justice.¡±

    Shi Peng asked, ¡°Have you held a banquet with Zhai Yaohui yet?¡±

    Engagement?

    Shi Peng admitted that the parents of both families were optimistic about Min and Zhai Yaohui being together. However, it was just a tacit attitude without clear words.

    Now that Shi Peng heard Qi Min talk about an engagement, he became different.

    If his sister was really engaged with Zhai Yaohui, then what Zhai Yaohui did was indeed unkind. He had done something sorry to his sister.

    As Min¡¯s brother, he had to help seek justice from Zhai Yaohui for Min. However, why didn¡¯t he know that they were engaged?

    ¡°¡­No.¡±

    ¡°Then, did Dad and Mom talk to Old Zhai about the two of you?¡±

    ¡°¡­No.¡± Qi Min flew into a rage out of humiliation. ¡°Brother, why are you asking me about things that didn¡¯t happen before? These aren¡¯t important now. What is important is that Zhai Yaohui had another woman behind my back. He did something sorry to me! You have to help me take revenge!¡±

    Shi Peng could neitherugh nor cry. ¡°Both parties¡¯ parents didn¡¯t talk about the two of you. You didn¡¯t hold a wedding banquet either. Then, did you and Zhai Yaohui talk about marriage before?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Is that a no as well? Since these three situations didn¡¯t happen, how are you engaged with Zhai Yaohui? Since when did he do something sorry to you?¡±

    If Zhai Yaohui was really in the wrong, he wouldn¡¯t let him off.

    However, he also couldn¡¯t make Zhai Yaohui a scapegoat for something that didn¡¯t exist.

 Chapter 2536 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (37)

    <h4>Chapter 2536: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (37)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Didn¡¯t both our families know about us and silently agreed to it?¡±

    How was it that she and Zhai Yaohui were unrted? Weren¡¯t these rtions? They were rted!

    Shi Peng disagreed. ¡°Silently agreed to it? What kind of answer is this? Can things like marriage be silently agreed to? Min, let me tell you. You¡¯re losing out on this situation because of this attitude.¡±

    The so-called silent agreement couldn¡¯t even be considered a promise. There was no matchmaker and no certificate. If word of this spread, the Zhai family might have little reason, but their Shi family was even more unreliable.

    If both families really had the intention for their children to get married to each other, why didn¡¯t they say so clearly in the first ce?

    Even if the Zhai family didn¡¯t say it clearly, there¡¯s still the Shi family. Didn¡¯t the Shi family have the intention to say things clearly as well?

    Everyone knew that the Zhai family¡¯s status was higher than the Shi family¡¯s.

    How would the Shi family¡¯s attitude not make people doubt that the Shi family was interested in the power of the Zhai family? After that, they didn¡¯t dare to urge the Zhai family for fear that the marriage between Qi Min and Zhai Yaohui would be ruined if they annoyed the Zhai family.

    Shi Peng knew that his father had some thoughts. His sister had quite a lot of thoughts as well.

    He didn¡¯t expect these thoughts to be quite unreliable.

    Based on what his sister had said, he couldn¡¯t me Zhai Yaohui even if Zhai Yaohui really married another woman, let alone if Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t acknowledge his rtionship with his sister now.

    Wasn¡¯t there a saying that only an officially married woman was considered a wife?

    Those who didn¡¯t walk this clear path were not considered to be serious.

    ¡°Alright, if you and Zhai Yaohui don¡¯t have any witness in this regard, our family can only suffer this loss in private. Forget it. Zhai Yaohui¡­ It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s find another better one. There¡¯re benefits even if there¡¯s no Zhai Yaohui. Think about it. If Zhai Yaohui doesn¡¯t treat you well, based on the Zhai family¡¯s situation, it won¡¯t be as convenient for me as an older brother to help you. If you find another person, I can help you keep an eye on your man.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui was too powerful. If he really became his brother-inw, Shi Peng wouldn¡¯t have the slightest sense of being an older brother.

    For a person with a strong aura like Zhai Yaohui, and upon thinking about his sister¡¯s style, Shi Peng felt that they were not suitable.

    Based on how his sister was ying the field, she would anger and annoy Zhai Yaohui sooner orter.

    Military marriages generally couldn¡¯t be divorced. However, nothing was absolute.

    As he thought about this, Shi Peng felt that it wasn¡¯t a bad thing that Zhai Yaohui¡¯s marriage with the yful Qi Min didn¡¯t work out.

    ¡°Brother, am I your sister, or is Zhai Yaohui your brother? He bullied me like this, but you¡¯re not helping me at all. Brother, are you still my brother? Is there a brother like you?¡±

    Qi Min was unhappy and dissatisfied with Shi Peng¡¯s attitude.

    ¡°What do you want, then?¡± Shi Peng had a headache. This was the situation now. Who asked them not to prepare beforehand?

    The work done in the early phase wasn¡¯t well, thus leading to the embarrassing situation now. Why was all the responsibility and me on him now?

    ¡°Brother, go create trouble for Zhai Yaohui. Help me teach him a lesson. He entered the army two or three yearster than you. You should be better than him, right?¡±

    Since Zhai Yaohui made her feel ufortable emotionally, she was going to make him feel ufortable physically.

    He dared to abandon her. Zhai Yaohui did not need to think about leading a peaceful life.

    ¡°¡­¡± Shi Peng didn¡¯t really want to bother himself with Qi Min, his sister.

    When Zhai Yaohui and Qi Min were together in the past, he had always abided by the rules. He never took advantage of Qi Min or became particrly close to any girls aside from her.

    Such an outstanding Zhai Yaohui had already done so well. However, Qi Min yed with a bunch of boys.

    Even if the marriage between the two didn¡¯t happen, Shi Peng couldn¡¯t go against his conscience and say that Zhai Yaohui had done something sorry to his sister. He could only hide her ugliness and say that they were not suitable for each other.

    Zhai Yaohui wasn¡¯t a scumbag to his sister. How could Shi Peng go over and hit Zhai Yaohui?

    Shi Peng wasn¡¯t willing. However, Qi Min was not willing to let things off just like this.

    Not only did Shi Peng not get a good rest and be reunited with his family after finallying home, but he even argued with Qi Min until he had a headache. ¡°Alright, stop it. I¡¯ll go and find Zhai Yaohui to settle scores, okay?¡±

    Upon knowing that if he didn¡¯t agree to Qi Min, she would definitely not let him off, Shi Peng hurriedly raised his hands up in surrender, signaling that he would listen to her.

    Qi Min smiled. ¡°Brother, I know that you treat me the best. Brother, don¡¯t be merciful when youy a hand on him. I¡¯m feeling so ufortable now that I want to die. My heart aches until I can¡¯t breathe. Think of how ufortable I am now, and you will know how heavy a hand you shouldy on Zhai Yaohui then.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

    Shi Peng stood up, picked up his clothes, and left.

    Qi Min kept following Shi Peng, which made him more speechless.

    Qi Min smiled only when she saw Shi Peng walk in the direction of the Zhai family with her own eyes. ¡°Zhai Yaohui, you abandoned me. Don¡¯t think that it¡¯s so easy to bully me, Qi Min. You want to marry a girl from the countryside? We¡¯ll see how embarrassing you and your Zhai family are in the future!¡±

    Even if Zhai Yaohui was regretful for not marrying her back then, she definitely would not show him any good looks.

    Her brother was right. Without Zhai Yaohui, she could still find someone else.

    There were so many men in this world. Why did she have to be so fixated on Zhai Yaohui?

    Zhai Yaohui would definitely be making a wrong decision by marrying Miao Jing. However, she was going to marry the right person and show Zhai Yaohui how happy she was.

    Qi Min walked over to the Zhai family slowly since Shi Peng had not yet returned after an hour.

    Qi Min knew that there was a small empty house behind the Zhai family¡¯s house. Although it was said to be a small house, it wasn¡¯t small at all.

    Old Zhai had trained Zhai Yaohui¡¯s skills in this small house.

    Sometimes, Shi Peng woulde over here to train as well. As such, Qi Min was quite familiar with this small house.

    Knock! Knock!

    ¡°Please enter.¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s rapid breathing could be heard from inside.

    Qi Min pushed open the door and entered. She saw Zhai Yaohui in a sorry state. His clothes seemed to be tattered, and he was sitting on the ground, wiping his sweat profusely.

    Qi Min¡¯s eyes shone first. Then, she looked nervous. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you alright? How can my brother do this?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Zhai Yaohui remained silent and didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Brother Zhai, don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯ve already persuaded my brother. Since you feel that we aren¡¯t suitable for each other and you only treat me as a sister, I¡¯ll respect your decision no matter how much I like you. We¡¯ve already decided on this. Perhaps I looked too upset when I returned. My brother got angry and¡­ I¡¯ve already persuaded my brother. Really, I couldn¡¯t hold him back. I don¡¯t know what happened to him.. He became so bad-tempered.¡±

 Chapter 2537 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (38)

    <h4>Chapter 2537: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (38)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Brother Zhai, I apologize to you on behalf of my brother. Really, he¡¯s just feeling heartache for me. He didn¡¯t hit you deliberately. I hope you can forgive my brother. If you really want to me someone, me me. My brother did this for me. I will try my best to control my emotions in the future and not look so sad or ufortable so that my brother wouldn¡¯t find you trouble in the future anymore.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    After a long while, Zhai Yaohui replied indifferently.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Qi Min couldn¡¯t help but repeat his words. What kind of answer was this?

    She was hurt so badly by Zhai Yaohui and had suffered so many grievances. She didn¡¯t allow her brother to take revenge, and Zhai Yaohui only gave her an ¡®oh¡¯?

    Where was Zhai Yaohui¡¯s conscience? Where were his guilt and remorse?

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Zhai Yaohui stood up. He wiped his face and neck with a towel.

    She had to say that the physique of a man who was a soldier was really attractive. He was like a walking hormonal machine.

    Even women who didn¡¯t know how to appreciate muscled men could not help but blush when they witnessed this scene.

    Qi Min¡¯s eyes floated for a while. She didn¡¯t look at Zhai Yaohui¡¯s looming and well-defined chest muscles. ¡°Nothing else.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, go back. I have to take a shower.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Qi Min took a breath. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you angry at me because of my brother?¡±

    Her brother wanted to hit Zhai Yaohui. What did this have to do with her? Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t right. Was his conscience really eaten by a dog?

    ¡°No.¡± Zhai Yaohui hung the towel on his neck. ¡°I really have something to attend to.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I¡¯ll head back then.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui¡¯s attitude was quite infuriating. Was Zhai Yaohui angry as he had fought with Shi Peng? Qi Min couldn¡¯t tell from Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expressionless face if he was angry, and even if he was, she also couldn¡¯t tell if he was angry at Shi Peng or her.

    Out of helplessness, Qi Min could only leave solemnly once again.

    Once Qi Min left, Shi Peng walked over from the small room next to him. Afterughing at himself, he sat next to Zhai Yaohui and said nothing.

    Zhai Yaohui looked at Shi Peng pitifully. Shi Peng was quite unlucky to have such a sister.

    Shi Peng wasn¡¯t an unreasonable person. Even if Qi Min cried and kicked up a fuss, it was impossible for Shi Peng to find Zhai Yaohui and beat him up.

    Both of them had the habit of exchanging blows with each other. In order to pacify Qi Min, Shi Peng came over to exchange blows with Zhai Yaohui after promising her verbally.

    Actually, Qi Min wasn¡¯t very observant.

    It was never an overwhelming victory for either Zhai Yaohui or Shi Peng. If the two of them really fought hand-to-hand, it was impossible for Zhai Yaohui to just have tattered clothes and sweat profusely.

    No matter what, his face would be bruised and swollen, and there would be blood at the corners of his mouth, right?

    Based on Zhai Yaohui¡¯s look just now, it could only be proven that Zhai Yaohui was engaged in rigorous exercise, not a fight.

    Shi Peng didn¡¯t say anything after he arrived. He just said that he wanted to practice with Zhai Yaohui.

    Coincidentally, after Grandma Zhai kicked up a fuss, Zhai Yaohui felt troubled in his heart, and exchanging blows with Shi Peng could allow him to vent his frustration.

    Who knew that Qi Min woulde knocking on the door at this time and separately make her presence known in front of Zhai Yaohui and Shi Peng respectively?

    After hearing Qi Min¡¯s words, how would Zhai Yaohui not understand that Shi Peng was forced over by her?

    Qi Min was obviously the one who forced Shi Peng over to teach Zhai Yaohui a lesson. In the blink of an eye, Qi Min confused right and wrong and pushed all the me and responsibility to Shi Peng alone.

    Zhai Yaohui was very happy that he really only regarded Qi Min as a sister.

    Otherwise, based on Qi Min¡¯s character, there would never be a peaceful day at home.

    ¡°Get lost. What kind of look is that?¡± Shi Peng was feeling ufortable in his heart. The truest side of his sister was finally shown to Zhai Yaohui. However, after bing the betrayed person, Shi Peng didn¡¯t feel good in his heart.

    Zhai Yaohui patted Shi Peng¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If you¡¯re feeling ufortable, don¡¯t hold it back. You can practice with me. This matter more or less has something to do with me.¡±

    Shi Peng flung Zhai Yaohui¡¯s hand away. ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui knew that his sister, Qi Min, had a lot of thoughts. Could it be that Shi Peng felt this the first time today?

    Shi Peng had long realized that ever since Qi Min knew why she was surnamed Qi and not Shi, she became weird and her character wasn¡¯t as likable as before.

    It was just that he became the party concerned today and deeply experienced this again.

    ¡°However, I still have to congratte you that the marriage with my sister didn¡¯t work out. Otherwise, you would have plenty to worry about at home in the future.¡±

    Even though she was his biological sister, Shi Peng had to admit that Qi Min was trouble.

    Zhai Yaohui smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll no longer need to have a headache over your sister, but you do.¡±

    Things between him and Qi Min didn¡¯t work out and they were now brother and sister. This meant the two of them wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with each other in the future.

    However, Qi Min was going to be Shi Peng¡¯s sister this lifetime. Could Shi Peng continue to not be involved in her matters?

    Shi Peng¡¯s face fell and hey on the ground, not wanting to move. ¡°Thank you. I still remember this. I don¡¯t need you to remind me.¡±

    After Shi Peng returned to the Shi family, Qi Min acted as if nothing had happened in front of Shi Peng. She surrounded him and kept addressing him as her good brother.

    The more passionate she was, the colder Shi Peng¡¯s heart was as he listened by the side.

    While they were having a meal, Elder Shi suddenly said, ¡°Shi Peng, how¡¯s yourpetition with Zhai Yaohui? Is the possibility of you getting a promotion higher than Zhai Yaohui?¡±

    Shi Peng paused in his action of eating. Initially, he didn¡¯t n to share this matter with his father.

    He didn¡¯t expect him to actually find out about it through other means.

    Whoever won in thispetition would mean that he had a high chance of bing the sessor of Chief Zhai, an old revolutionary.

    Qi Min¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°Brother, will you be the next chief candidate if you win?¡±

    If that was really the case, what was the point of her trying every means to be with Zhai Yaohui?

    Although being the chief¡¯s sister didn¡¯t sound as nice as being the chief¡¯s wife, at least she had something to do with the chief!

    ¡°¡­¡± Upon seeing how concerned his father and sister were, Shi Peng felt ufortable in his heart. None of these two rtives considered for his good.

    In the face of such selfish concern, Shi Peng felt cold in his heart. ¡°Indeed, there is this matter.¡±

    ¡°Are you confident?¡±

    Old Master Shi¡¯s hand trembled and he became agitated. He no longer touched his favorite dishes.

    Wasn¡¯t that the position that Old Master Shi had been persevering for all this while?

 Chapter 2538 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (39)

    <h4>Chapter 2538: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (39)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    It was fine if he wasn¡¯t in that position. He still had his son and grandson. As long as his descendants could do it, it simrly meant that their Shi family was no worse than others!

    The opportunity that Old Master Shi had been yearning for had finally arrived.

    As such, Old Master Shi didn¡¯t allow Shi Peng to make any mistakes in this matter. He had to win against Zhai Yaohui and get that position.

    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re so formidable. Furthermore, you entered the army three years earlier than Zhai Yaohui. Brother, I believe that you can definitely do it.¡±

    Shi Peng wondered. Was that so? It was only today that he found out how high a position he held in his sister¡¯s heart.

    It was just that the matter his sister asked him to do was really difficult.

    She was confident in him, but he wasn¡¯t. Would that do?

    After what had happened today, Shi Peng¡¯s mentality for Qi Min had undergone great changes.

    Shi Peng was very unwilling to believe that his biological sister acted differently in public and in private.

    However, the truth told him that Qi Min was indeed such a person.

    The saddest thing was that he was the target of her double-crossing. He could not help but feel upset.

    When she was making use of him, she discredited him in front of Zhai Yaohui without even thinking about him. When she needed him, she addressed him as her brother with so much affection.

    Seeing how Qi Min ran around like a butterfly among the flowers and the more affectionate Qi Min was to him, the more ufortable Shi Peng felt in his heart.

    Such a person was his only biological sister.

    Shi Pengughed and didn¡¯t dare to think too much. He was afraid that the more he thought about it, the more he would suffer.

    As Shi Peng waspeting with Zhai Yaohui now, even if Zhai Yaohui had already told Qi Min that it was impossible between them and that he only treated her like a biological sister, Qi Min was still in a good mood every day.

    Previously, Qi Min still kept a distance from the other boys she was dating, but from then on, Qi Min could be said to have simply let herself go.

    Qi Min revealed to others, either intentionally or unintentionally, that she was now single and could ept other people¡¯s pursuits.

    Upon hearing the news, Lan was undoubtedly the most depressed. ¡°Min, isn¡¯t that woman already gone? Why did you¡­ Did you break up with Zhai Yaohui? It couldn¡¯t be, right? Aren¡¯t the two of you engaged? You actually gave up such a good man like Zhai Yaohui. Won¡¯t that woman from the countryside benefit from this then?¡±

    How good was Zhai Yaohui? He was good-looking and had a good family background.

    If Qi Min didn¡¯t want Zhai Yaohui, she would definitely regret it in the future.

    No matter if she had little knowledge or not, Zhai Yaohui was the most outstanding man out of everyone she saw.

    If she were Qi Min, she would definitely stay by Zhai Yaohui¡¯s side and not leave him. She would also not let Zhai Yaohui have the opportunity to break up with her.

    Was Min a fool for losing such a good boyfriend and then finding someone who was worse?

    ¡°What benefits are there?¡± Qi Min was stubborn. ¡°I, Qi Min, have such good conditions. Plenty of people would want me. Lan, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely do the things that I¡¯ve promised you. Even if I and Zhai Yaohui broke up, I will definitely introduce you to a good match in the future. It¡¯s a pity that my dad is quite old-fashioned. Otherwise, I would have just introduced you to my brother and let you be my sister-inw.¡±

    Lan blushed. ¡°Min, what nonsense are you uttering?¡±

    She knew how high Uncle Shi¡¯s standards were.

    Uncle Shi didn¡¯t agree to let her be friends with Min at the start. Had she dared to have unrealistic ideas about being Uncle Shi¡¯s daughter-inw, she would have long disappeared from Min¡¯s side.

    ¡°Lan, I¡¯m telling you this as you¡¯re my best friend. I¡¯m not going to tell anyone else. My brother ispeting with Zhai Yaohui. As long as my brother wins, he should be the next chief in the future. Even if Zhai Yaohui is capable, he would just be basking in his dad¡¯s glory. What does he have? A man like him isn¡¯t as good as you think he is. My brother relied on his abilities to be the chief. That¡¯s what I call capable!¡±

    Qi Min was really quite proud of this.

    Lan frowned and didn¡¯t want to say anything to agitate Qi Min.

    However, she really wanted to ask, ¡°Aren¡¯t theypeting? The results aren¡¯t out yet.¡±

    Why was Qi Min so certain that the winner would definitely be Brother Shi instead of Zhai Yaohui?

    Everyone in school had heard about how formidable Zhai Yaohui was.

    If the eventual winner was really Zhai Yaohui, Qi Min would really be left with nothing.

    ¡°Min, don¡¯t you want to be well-prepared? Even if Zhai Yaohui really lost to your brother, he¡¯s pretty good as well. If, and I say if, Zhai Yaohui won, what will you do? If you continue to be together with Zhai Yaohui, you¡¯re not the future chief¡¯s sister but the future chief¡¯s wife. You will still gain in the end. Isn¡¯t that good?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t this more secure?

    Could it be that Qi Min didn¡¯t understand this?

    However, the current situation didn¡¯t allow her to make such a decision. ¡°You don¡¯t know that my brother entered the army a few years earlier than Zhai Yaohui. He has performed well. Zhai Yaohui is only in the army for a year. On what basis is hepeting with my brother? I¡¯m certain that my brother will win. Zhai Yaohui is so bad-tempered. Isn¡¯t he ignoring me because his father is the chief? When my brother bes the chief, I¡¯ll see if he still treats me coldly like before.¡±

    Even if she really still wanted to be together with Zhai Yaohui as she thought he was the best, she had to wait until her brother defeated Zhai Yaohui and became the chief.

    Qi Min believed that by then, she didn¡¯t need to take the initiative to find Zhai Yaohui. Zhai Yaohui would repent and seek her forgiveness.

    Didn¡¯t Qi Min ¡®like¡¯ Zhai Yaohui because he was Chief Zhai¡¯s son?

    If Qi Min was such a person, she naturally felt that others were the same.

    Seeing how confident Qi Min was, Lan could only swallow her words of persuasion so that the two of them wouldn¡¯t argue.

    Miao Jing naturally didn¡¯t know about the Zhai family¡¯s matters.

    After leaving the Zhai family, Miao Jing didn¡¯t adapt well for a period of time at the start.

    After all, the Zhai family¡¯s conditions were too good.

    Thankfully, Miao Jing had led an extremely miserable life at Second Uncle Miao¡¯s house. As such, she had already trained her adaptability.

    After Miao Jing got used to working life, she looked better every day and there were more smiles on her face.

    ¡°Are you counting money again? Haven¡¯t I told you that if you have money, don¡¯t always take it out? You have to keep it well. If you lose it, there¡¯s no point crying then.¡±

    Miao Jing¡¯s colleague saw Miao Jing counting money and couldn¡¯t help but remind her.

 Chapter 2539 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (40)

    <h4>Chapter 2539: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (40)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    As colleagues, everyone appeared kind and friendly on the surface. However, when it came to money, nothing was certain.

    Even if they stayed in the same dormitory, who knew what kind of person the roommates were?

    ¡°I won¡¯t lose it,¡± Miao Jing answered confidently. ¡°I¡¯ve already umted a hundred yuan. I¡¯m going to return this to someone.¡±

    She had earned this sum of money with her hard work. She could finally repay the favors of the Zhai family.

    Even if there wasn¡¯t enough money and it was far less than what the Zhai family had spent on her, it was fine. She was still young.

    She would return a hundred yuan this time and another hundred yuan the next. A few years down the road, she could naturally clear her debt.

    ¡°That rtive of yours?¡±

    Her colleague had heard of Miao Jing¡¯s situation.

    There was no choice. Miao Jing¡¯s monthly sry was fifty to sixty yuan. That was quite a lot.

    However, Miao Jing was always reluctant to spend it on food or clothes. When the sry was paid, she always kept it well. She had never seen her spend a single cent.

    Based on this, couldn¡¯t Miao Jing save a hundred yuan after two months?

    ¡°Speaking of which, that rtive of yours treats you well.¡±

    Upon thinking that Miao Jing had no parents but her rtive was willing to fetch her over to stay and groom her to study, she felt that it was really rare to have such honest rtives nowadays.

    ¡°Yes, I will definitely repay them well in the future.¡±

    Miao Jing was well-liked in the factory as she felt grateful to others and was seeking ways to return their kindness.

    Even if Miao Jing rarely mentioned this rtive¡¯s situation and didn¡¯t share much content other than she was full of gratitude, anyone could guess that Miao Jing¡¯s rtive was in good condition.

    Why was that the case?

    Miao Jing¡¯s job was not bad, right?

    Being a worker at a factory was a good job that many people yearned for.

    One had to know that everyone knew how many workers were needed in each factory. Under normal circumstances, newbies couldn¡¯t get in.

    Only if the parents working as workers gave up their positions to their children would there be slight changes to personnel in the factory.

    When Miao Jing got in, no one in the factory had given up their position for her. That said, Miao Jing¡¯s rtive was really capable.

    Secondly, look at Miao Jing¡¯s dressing.

    Miao Jing¡¯s clothes weren¡¯t bad, and they were fifty to sixty percent new.

    Miao Jing had said before that she didn¡¯t have parents. So, where did these new clothese from? They must have been bought by that rtive.

    Miao Jing had such a capable and wealthy rtive. As long as Miao Jing was more thick-skinned and stayed close to them, Miao Jing could rely on them for a living forever without having to work.

    However, Miao Jing didn¡¯t. Not only did she take the initiative to work, but she even saved all her sry so that she could pay the rtive back.

    Based on Miao Jing¡¯s actions, the elders in the factory thought highly of her. They felt that she was a rare good girl.

    Really, based on Miao Jing¡¯s good character, a lot of people would have gone to the Miao family and wanted them to be their inws if not for Miao Jing having no parents and there was no one left in her family.

    However, even if that was the case, it wasn¡¯t that no one had developed a sharp eye for discovering capable people.

    On the contrary, people who fancied Miao Jing and wanted to find a chance to interact with her might not be the best-rounded, but their conditions weren¡¯t bad.

    ¡°Miao Jing, are you really not joining us for the movie the night after tomorrow? Don¡¯t worry about it being toote. A lot of male colleagues from our factory will be going as well. It¡¯s definitely safe. If it wasn¡¯t safe, I wouldn¡¯t have dared to go myself.¡± Her colleague blinked and said to Miao Jing, ¡°You¡¯re going to your rtive¡¯s house tomorrow. You can watch a movie the day after tomorrow. Isn¡¯t this schedule great? There won¡¯t be any dy at all.¡±

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not going. Watching a movie costs money.¡±

    Rather than spending money on boring things like watching movies, she¡¯d rather save it so that she could return it to the Zhai family sooner.

    Her colleague became anxious. ¡°How much does it cost for a movie ticket? Furthermore, you don¡¯t have to spend a single cent. Someone¡¯s treating you!¡±

    Most importantly, the person treating her was a male colleague!

    Miao Jing insisted. ¡°If someone¡¯s treating, then all the more I¡¯m not going. It¡¯s not easy for me to earn money. It isn¡¯t easy for anyone to earn money. How would I have the cheek to take advantage of people like that? How can I go just because someone¡¯s willing to treat me? I¡¯m not going.¡±

    She was really not used to spending other people¡¯s money. ¡°It¡¯ste. I¡¯m tired. I shall sleep first.¡±

    As she said this, Miao Jing packed up her things and removed her clothes. Shey on the bed and fell asleep quickly.

    Upon seeing Miao Jing like this, her colleague sighed. Did Miao Jing understand? If male and female colleagues went to watch a movie together, it was equivalent to going on a date.

    Miao Jing had already moved out of her rtive¡¯s house. She had to find a marriage partner and give birth to children, right?

    Seeing that they were still young and could afford to be picky, Miao Jing should look around more.

    Don¡¯t casually find someone to marry only after they became old. That would be suffering a loss.

    Her colleague had the heart to persuade her, but Miao Jing was already asleep. Out of helplessness, her colleague could only sleep as well. She was thinking of how to exin to that male colleague who fancied Miao Jing the day after tomorrow so that he wouldn¡¯t misunderstand her.

    It was fine that they didn¡¯t make it to the movies this time. There was always another time.

    The times were different now. The movies in the cinema yed at an increased frequency.

    ¡°Miao Miao, you¡¯re here to visit Aunt?¡±

    Once Miao Jing returned to the Zhai family, the sick Grandma Zhai immediately regained her spirits. She held Miao Jing¡¯s hand and sat down. When they chatted, she looked alive. ¡°How were you at the factory for the past two months? Have you adapted well? Are you getting along well with your colleagues? Did anyone bully you?¡±

    Grandma Zhai¡¯s nervous look was as if her daughter who had just joined the workforce was finally home. Grandma Zhai was afraid that her precious daughter would be bullied outside and wouldn¡¯t tell her that she was suffering.

    Miao Jing understood that Grandma Zhai was concerned about her. As such, she shared some details with her. ¡°Aunt, don¡¯t worry. My colleagues treat me well. They even invited me to watch a movie tomorrow. There would be a lot of people.¡±

    ¡°A lot of people?!¡± Grandma Zhai became alert. ¡°Are they all female colleagues?¡±

    ¡°No, there are male colleagues as well. They invited me to a movie and even said that I don¡¯t need to pay as they¡¯ll be treating me. You really don¡¯t have to worry about me. I¡¯m good outside.¡±

    The speaker had no particr intention of mentioning something, but the listener read too much into it.

    There were male colleagues, and they even wanted to pay for Miao Jing¡¯s movie ticket. If nothing was brewing, Grandma Zhai expressed that she would have lived for years in vain. ¡°A male colleague invited you to a movie? Is it during the day or night?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a male colleague who invited me but my female colleague who lives in the same dormitory as me. It¡¯s at night. It¡¯s because it¡¯s at night that male colleagues are joining us.. It¡¯s safer for everyone to stay together.¡±

 Chapter 2540 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (41)

    <h4>Chapter 2540: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (41)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t ept the invitation. It¡¯s quite tiring working every day. If I have free time, it would be better to read some books or get more rest.¡±

    That was truly how Miao Jing felt.

    The factory didn¡¯t allow her to do it, and she had to remain in the dormitory.

    Otherwise, Miao Jing would definitely have spent her time doing some handicraft instead of watching a movie.

    It was true that her pay was low, but it was money nheless.

    The Zhai family had spent quite a lot of money on her. All she thought about was how she could earn more money to repay the Zhai family as soon as possible.

    Since the factory didn¡¯t allow her to start her own small business, she would much rather remain in the dormitory to read than watch a movie with a bunch of people.

    Grandma Zhai grabbed hold of Miao Jing¡¯s hand and smiled. ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s tiring to work and run around when you have the free time.¡±

    She had a sense of whether others had feelings for Miao Miao.

    But she was also sure that Miao Miao had no feelings for the other party.

    If Miao Miao felt that the other party was good, Yaohui would stand no chance.

    ¡°Miao Miao, after you left, I had no one to chat with. Since you guys have the time for a movie tomorrow night, why don¡¯t you stay here with me instead tonight?¡±

    Miao Jing shook her head. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I still have to work tomorrow. I just end an hour and a half earlier than usual tomorrow.¡±

    It would be much more convenient to stay in the dormitory so that she would be able to get to work on time.

    If she were to stay in the Zhai family¡¯s house, she would surely bete unless she woke up exceptionally early.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t want Miao Jing to lose sleep just to spend time with her. ¡°Then, can you visit me again tomorrow? Look, I¡¯m the only one in such a big house. Sometimes, I feel that there¡¯s no point in living such a life anymore.¡±

    Her son was all grown up and was of marriageable age, but he had dyed his ns time and again and had even rejected his only marriage partner a month ago.

    Grandma Zhai didn¡¯t know when Zhai Yaohui would finally be willing to get married and give her a grandchild.

    She was home alone and had nothing to do. This loneliness was driving her crazy.

    Miao Jing felt a little embarrassed but could feel Grandma Zhai¡¯s loneliness. Thus, she had no choice but to nod. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll visit you again tomorrow. Auntie, it isn¡¯t early anymore. I¡¯ll head back first.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see you again tomorrow.¡±

    Grandma Zhai was over the moon, and even when Old Zhai returned, she was still smiling widely.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why are you in such a good mood?¡±

    ¡°Miao Miao came to visit me and said that she¡¯lle again tomorrow. Oh right, Miao Miao brought me a present. I haven¡¯t opened it yet. Oh, it¡¯s a scarf. It¡¯s beautiful and warm. I¡­¡±

    As Grandma Zhai took the scarf up and wrapped it around her neck, a few notes fell to the ground. ¡°Miao Miao¡­¡±

    It turned out that Miao Miao hadn¡¯te to visit her but to return her money today.

    In the short span of two months, not only had Miao Jing earned enough to buy a present for Grandma Zhai, but she had even returned them a hundred yuan. Old Zhai was impressed. ¡°Alright, Miao Miao is being filial to you. Just ept it. Once Miao Miao and Yaohui get married in the future, the money will still be theirs eventually. It doesn¡¯t matter who keeps the money for now. Just treat it as though you¡¯re safekeeping it for the children.¡±

    It was no big deal.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried that Miao Miao isn¡¯t eating well or taking care of herself just to save this sum of money. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°No, Miao Miao knows that her health is her capital. You¡¯re underestimating Miao Miao.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m underestimating Miao Miao? Then, do you think very highly of your son?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Old Zhai stopped in his tracks and walked over to sit down next to Grandma Zhai.

    Grandma Zhai sighed. ¡°Miao Miao told me today that a male worker invited her to watch a movie for free tomorrow night. What do you think that male worker means? Do you think he has too much money to spare that he¡¯s treating Miao Miao to a movie at night? Thankfully, Miao Miao didn¡¯t agree to it. Otherwise¡­ No, I feel so panicked.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Old Zhai couldn¡¯t ignore the matter either. ¡°Wait a minute. Let me make a call to Yaohui.¡±

    Old Zhai had already guessed that someone would surely fall for a good youngdy like Miao Jing. What he had not expected was his son¡¯s love rival to appear so quickly! It had only been two months since Miao Jing had started working.

    Wasn¡¯t this a little too fast?

    ¡°Hello, Dad. What¡¯s the matter?¡± In order to prove himself and show that he was outstanding in and of himself, and not just because he was his father¡¯s son, Zhai Yaohui didn¡¯t have much rest each day.

    Zhai Yaohui had only taken a break a month ago because his leader had forced him to do so along with Shi Peng.

    ¡°A male worker invited Miao Miao for a movie tomorrow night. He¡¯s paying for her.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui, who had a fountain pen in his hand, was stunned. Not only had he ruined his writing, but he had even pierced a hole through several pieces of paper because of how hard he was pressing down on the pen.

    Looking at the pen, Zhai Yaohui knew that he had ruined his pen.

    As such, Zhai Yaohui took out a new pen from his drawer, pulled out the cap, and tried to fill the pen with ink.

    But even after a long time, he had not been able to fill it properly.

    Zhai Yaohui took a deep breath and gave up on the pen. ¡°Is Miao Miao going?¡±

    ¡°Do you think Miao Miao should go?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Why was this even a question? ¡°It¡¯s too unsafe for her to be going out alone with a man at night. It will be bad for her reputation as well. If that malerade has feelings for Miao Miao, he shoulde to our house and visit us. He¡¯s too frivolous, not suitable for Miao Miao!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui had just stopped short of saying that the other party might be a beast that was waiting to take advantage of Miao Miao. What would they do then?

    ¡°You spend all your time in the military and don¡¯t even get to see any girls. What do you know? We¡¯re in a free society. Young people are free to date whoever they like. What¡¯s wrong with them trying to get to know each other through watching a movie together? I think Miao Miao should go. Miao Miao¡¯s greatest wish in her whole life is to have a family of her own¡­¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t our family her family? She already has one!¡±

    Zhai Yaohui raised his voice as anger bubbled up within him.

    Wasn¡¯t she being too greedy to desire another family when she already had one?

    ¡°That¡¯s her extended family. Miao Miao should have a small family of her own. But it doesn¡¯t matter even if you think that Miao Miao¡¯s male colleague isn¡¯t good.. I already said that it will be easy for us to rmend a good malerade to Miao Miao given our family¡¯s status.¡±

 Chapter 2541End - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (42)

    <h4>Chapter 2541: Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (42)</h4>

    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios

    ¡°Anyway, you don¡¯t have a partner and aren¡¯t thinking of getting married yet. Why don¡¯t we rmend a partner to Miao Miao and let her get married first? Miao Miao¡¯s child will be no different from a biological grandchild to your mom and me. In that way, we will definitely stop urging you to get married as soon as possible. It¡¯ll be a way out for you too, and you¡¯ll be able to focus on your career in the military.¡±

    It was the perfect solution. He was truly considerate of his son as a father, or rather, he couldn¡¯t go easy on his son as a father.

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Zhai Yaohui¡¯s expression was dark and he no longer wanted to talk to his father. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going to hang up.¡±

    ¡°Okay, go on. By the time you return the next time, you might have a little nephew! Do you think Miao Miao¡¯s first child will be a girl or a boy?¡±

    Before Old Zhai could finish his words, he heard a muffled yet amusing sounding from the other end of the call. ¡°You ingrate! Wait and see what I¡¯ll do to you!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Grandma Zhai asked worriedly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That rascal will definitely find a way toe back as soon as possible to marry Miao Miao. Having grandchildren? I want to have my own biological grandchildren!¡±

    Grandma Zhai was ted. ¡°Are you serious? But Yaohui has only been back in the military for a month. Is it right for us to call him back for Miao Miao¡¯s sake when it¡¯s such a critical period for him now? We¡¯ll be wronging Miao Miao if Yaohui mes her for having failed to be promoted this time.¡±

    ¡°My son isn¡¯t the kind of irresponsible man who will push the me to women. Only by solving his personal matters will he be able to serve the country and people better. It isn¡¯t too good to remain single for his whole life either. Then, the organization would eventually have to step in and help resolve his personal matters.¡±

    If his son were to return and get married, his leaders would no longer have to worry about his son¡¯s marriage. What was wrong with that?

    ¡°Will Yaohui really be able to return?¡± That sounded incredulous! Was her son really the kind of man who would give up everything else for a woman?

    ¡°Of course!¡± Old Zhai answered with absolute confidence.

    Like father, like son.

    He had joined the army to fight against the Japanese soldiers so as to protect his wife and son.

    If Yaohui was no longer able to get promoted just because he returned to hold a wedding and get married, that simply meant that he was not capable enough.

    Anyway, throughout his long career in the military, he had never heard of anyone ever being passed over for a promotion just because he got married.

    On the other hand, the leaders in the military grew even more concerned about one¡¯s personal matters if they were talented.

    A father should know his son best.

    Not only did Zhai Yaohui return after three days, but Old Zhai had even received a call from the military before Zhai Yaohui returned. ¡°This? Oh, alright. I understand. Of course, how could I not know that my son¡¯s getting married? My daughter-inw is my close friend¡¯s daughter. That femalerade is outstanding and good. It¡¯s the Zhai family¡¯s blessing that Yaohui is able to marry her. It¡¯s true that her family background is average, but she¡¯s a gooddy. Yes, that¡¯s the case. You can just approve it.¡±

    ¡°Getting married?¡± Grandma Zhai asked.

    ¡°Yaohui submitted a marriage report to the military.¡±

    Grandma Zhai was in a panic. ¡°He submitted it? No, how could I as a mother not know that Yaohui is getting married? Besides, who is he marrying?¡± She was in a daze.

    ¡°Who? Who else? Of course, it¡¯s Miao Miao! Miao Miao¡¯s name was on the report. I already said that that rascal was only putting on an act. Now that he knows that another malerade likes Miao Miao, he can¡¯t continue pretending anymore!¡±

    A bast*rd like that should be stimted at times too.

    The first person who had been provoked in this matter was Zhai Yaohui. Of course, the second was naturally Miao Jing.

    Miao Jing widened her eyes and stared at the solemn man in a military uniform in front of her. ¡°Brother Zhai, what did you say? The wind was blowing too strongly and I didn¡¯t hear you clearly.¡±

    Zhai Yaohui unbuttoned his top button. ¡°I¡¯ve already submitted the marriage report. Take your identity card. Let¡¯s go get our marriage certificate now.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡± Miao Jing forced a smile out. ¡°Brother Zhai, are you kidding? You have a fianc¨¦e.¡±

    A joke like that wasn¡¯t funny at all. It was mean.

    ¡°Firstly, military marriages are protected. Secondly, it¡¯s illegal to get remarried. Thirdly, I don¡¯t have a fianc¨¦e.¡±

    What Zhai Yaohui was trying to say was that he didn¡¯t have a fianc¨¦e, much less any history of ever getting married.

    If there was something wrong, the person who would be punished due to this marriage would be him.

    Since he had already made the decision to get married to Miao Jing, he would naturally take full responsibility.

    Miao Jing could rest assured since military marriages were protected and it was against thew to get divorced.

    Miao Jing¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Brother Zhai, I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re suddenly telling me all this. But since you¡¯ve asked me, I have to give you an answer. I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t marry you.¡±

    No one but Miao Jing could understand howplicated and painful it had been for Miao Jing to decide to move out of the Zhai family¡¯s house.

    The Zhai family was the first that ever treated Miao Jing sincerely and kindly.

    As such, all three members of the Zhai family held special ces in Miao Jing¡¯s heart.

    Old Zhai always mentioned her getting together with Zhai Yaohui. As a normal youngdy, Miao Jing could only constantly remind herself that it was impossible between her and Zhai Yaohui since he was so outstanding and that she had better not hold Old Zhai ountable for his words. Otherwise, she would eventually embarrass herself.

    Even though she maintained a cool expression on the surface, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but think of the thousands of possibilities and waver. What if¡­

    It was only when she left the Zhai family¡¯s house that Miao Jing stopped thinking about all these hypothetical scenarios.

    Only Miao Jing herself understood just how moved she was when Zhai Yaohui suddenly showed up in front of her, saying that he wanted to get married to her, because she had been maintaining her distance from him.

    Zhai Yaohui wouldn¡¯t ept Miao Jing¡¯s rejection.

    But at the same time, Zhai Yaohui wanted to protect his dignity and refused to admit that he had feelings for Miao Jing. With just one nce, he knew that Miao Jing felt the same way as he did and had feelings for him too.

    Instead of wasting time by arguing with each other, Zhai Yaohui strode forward and lifted Miao Jing. Then, he exined to Miao Jing¡¯s colleagues. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for disturbing all of you. I¡¯m Miao Miao¡¯s partner, and I¡¯ve been busy in the military. I¡¯ve finally gotten the time recently to submit my marriage report. I¡¯m going to get my marriage certificate with Miao Miao now. We¡¯ll treat you to wedding candies another day.¡±

    Yearster, even after her three grandchildren had been born, Miao Jing never forgot how Zhai Yaohui had lifted her up with her stomach on his shoulder. It had felt awful as the blood rushed to her head.

    At the thought of this, Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but p Zhai Yaohui who was lying beside her. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you were too much? I didn¡¯t even need you to be as romantic as young people nowadays or to give me a romantic proposal. But you were no different from a robber at that time. I refused to marry you but you carried me away!¡±

    Miao Jing couldn¡¯t help but suspect that she had only signed her name on the certificate because of how dazed she had been.

    By the time she received the certificate, it was toote to regret anything.

    Zhai Yaohui was confused. Their grandchildren were already in university. Why was Miao Jing suddenly bringing up the past?

    He hugged Miao Jing and flipped over. ¡°Your son has been asking me if I have been half-heartedtely. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve been turning your attention to his wife and children. Since you can¡¯t fall asleep, let¡¯s do something that will improve our rtionship as a couple.¡±

    He didn¡¯t even give Miao Jing the chance to refuse, acting just as domineering as he had been when he had carried Miao Jing to get their marriage certificate. They were an old couple, but they were still loving and sweet.

    Miao Jing, who was being pressed under him, thought that this was not bad, after all. Her happiness might havee a littleter in life, but at least, it had eventuallye.

    ¡®Zhai Yaohui, do you think you can be gentler and tell me earlier that you like me in our next lifetime?¡¯

    ¡®Miao Miao, if we have a next lifetime, I¡¯ll definitely tell you that I like you and want you to be my wife earlier.¡¯

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